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No courtroom fireworks detonate in Denial, a sober, methodical recounting of a 1996 libel suit brought by David Irving, a discredited British historian, against Deborah E. Lipstadt, author of the 1993 book Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory.

The absence of an emotional catharsis in the film, efficiently directed by Mick Jackson (The Bodyguard, Temple Grandin) from a screenplay by the British playwright David Hare, leaves a frustrating emptiness at its center. You wonder if the material would have been more effective as a courtroom procedural adapted for the stage. All of the trial testimony comes from court transcripts.

Denial begins with Mr. Irving loudly interrupting one of Ms. Lipstadts lectures at Emory University in Atlanta, where she teaches history, by offering $1,000 to anyone who can prove the Nazis gassed Jews at Auschwitz. Its a tense moment for Ms. Lipstadt, who has vowed never to debate with anyone like Mr. Irving, a notorious gadfly who has built a lucrative career by claiming the Holocaust didnt happen.
The movies have long made room for phantasmagoric visionaries, the strange ones, the different ones, who like to peek under rocks (or peel back the skin) to peer at what squirms beneath. Fitting their deliriums into bright, shiny, commercially palatable vehicles can be difficult, as Tim Burtons career attests. Time and again, Mr. Burton has tried to smooth down his singular art, rather like one of Cinderellas stepsisters sawing off a bit of her foot to squeeze into a happily-ever-after slipper. Mr. Burton should never hack off his strange bits; they can be glorious.

Ah, but he slips beautifully into his latest, Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children. Based on the book of the same title in the young-adult series by Ransom Riggs, it follows the curious and curiouser adventures of Jake (Asa Butterfield), a Florida adolescent whos begun to wither in all that tedious sunshine. The only beguiling shadow in an otherwise terrifyingly pastel life is his grandfather, Abe (Terence Stamp). Raconteur or fabulist, Abe likes to amble down a twisting memory lane, telling tales about the monsters he fought in the war or the childrens home in Wales where bees buzzed in a boys head and a girl named Emma (Ella Purnell) floated as light as a leaf on the wind.
Early in The Rolling Stones Ole, Ole, Ole!, Mick Jagger notes that several Latin American nations in the 1960s and 70s censored rock music. The Rolling Stones, being part of this rebellious movement, he adds, was anathema to a lot of these regimes.

Wait a second: The Stones have never been all that political, much less associated with any movement. But try telling that to fans on the Ole tour of Latin America. To those like the cultish rolingas of Argentina, the Stones embody not just the music but a way of life.
New Jersey Transit has a trip planner that lets you type in a destination and tells you how to get there by bus. But it shows only New Jersey Transit buses, not private lines. There is no comprehensive guide to private bus service in New Jersey.

Expect delays and congestion wherever you go. Josh Crandall, the founder of Clever Commute, an online information service for suburban commuters, said despite the challenges, he was optimistic that tonights commute is not going to be terrible because of the redundancies built into the transit system.

Weve been tested over again, with strikes and storms and snow, and we are like ants marching, Mr. Crandall said. We just find a way.

 To and From Hoboken

PATH is now running in both directions. The New Jersey Transit 126 bus is also running extra service, but it starts and ends at Hoboken City Hall instead of Hoboken Terminal.

 For Commuters Who Usually Take a Train From Hoboken Terminal

Take the subway or PATH to Pennsylvania Station in New York and catch a New Jersey Transit train to Secaucus Junction instead. All of New Jersey Transits main train lines run through that hub. Use New Jersey Transits trip planner to find a way home from Secaucus Junction.

You can also take PATH to Hoboken and catch a free shuttle bus to Secaucus, but capacity will be limited.

Another option is to take the subway to Port Authority Bus Terminal and catch a bus home. Try New Jersey Transits trip planner. Much of North Jersey is also served by private bus lines that run from the Port Authority.
AMMAN, Jordan  In January 2015, King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan marched in Paris with other world leaders to pay tribute to the murdered cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo and to stand up for freedom of expression. Less than two years later, when Nahed Hattar, a 56-year-old Jordanian writer from a Christian family, shared a cartoon on his Facebook page that some perceived to be mocking God, the Jordanian government swiftly ordered his arrest and charged him with insulting religious belief and sentiment.

Mr. Hattar deleted the cartoon and clarified that he meant to mock only how the Islamic States followers viewed God. When the police went to arrest him and did not find him at home, the governor of Amman called him a fugitive from justice before he turned himself in. He was detained for 25 days before being released on bail in early September.

Knowingly or not, the government contributed to a wave of incitement and public outrage against Mr. Hattar. That culminated on Sunday, when he was shot dead in front of a courthouse here in Amman, in an unprecedented assassination that sent shock waves throughout a kingdom that boasts about its security and stability above all else.

But perhaps people shouldnt be surprised. Public death threats against Mr. Hattar  including calls for his execution  had spread across social media since his arrest. The charges against him gave further legitimacy to the public anger. Some wrote that if the judiciary was lenient with Mr. Hattar, they would take matters into their own hands. None of this prompted the government to take action against those making the threats. The suspect in the killing is a 49-year-old man who preached at a neighborhood mosque and, in 2011, was arrested for beating up a 15-year-old boy who insulted God.
To the Editor:

In his effort to defend his fellow conservatives, J. D. Vance (When Good People Say Bad Things, Op-Ed, Sept. 22) misses the point. Hillary Clinton may have overspoken when she talked about what percentage of people were in the basket of deplorables, but if one looks at the entirety of her speech, and her entire campaign, one will see that she recognizes that good and bad can and do usually coexist. Indeed, most of us on the left do.

Most people, of all stripes, are good-hearted and want to do whats right. That said, the dilemma for Republicans this year is that they have nominated a candidate who has built a campaign based on demonizing people who are different. He has used images of hate, refused to distance himself from self-avowed racists, incited violence and spoken in all kinds of thinly veiled bigoted code.

Say what you will about Hillary Clinton, she has led a campaign that has mostly tried to appeal to peoples better instincts. Mr. Trump has gone low, then lower, at nearly every turn. I have tried to understand his supporters, and I empathize with their frustration and pain. And, despite what Mr. Vance may think, I have absolutely no illusions about my own shortcomings.

But at the end of the day I think its most respectful to hold everyone to the same high standard of decency and kindness and responsibility; as such, I think that supporting a hatemonger like Donald Trump is  no matter how good a person you are  deplorable.
To the Editor:

Re Trump? How Could We?, by Thomas L. Friedman (column, Sept. 28):

Well said. I think Hillary Clinton missed a great opportunity in the debate when Donald Trump was asked his opinion about President Obamas considering a change in our nuclear first-strike position.

First, it was clear to me that he didnt know what our current position is, so he obviously had no opinion on whether it should be changed.

Second, he mumbled something about not being in favor of first strike, but then said I cant take anything off the table, two entirely contradictory statements.

Probably the single most awesome responsibility a president has is his or her finger on the button. Our nuclear first-strike policy is a key element of our foreign policy. What are people in the rest of the world supposed to think when they hear such babbling about such an important issue?
With the death of Shimon Peres and the passing of the last of the giants of Israels foundation a void fills the soul  in part because the peace of which he dreamed has proved elusive, in part because the search for Israeli-Palestinian compromise has reached a low point of repetitive sterility, but above all because statesmanship has now given way among the leaders of Israel to barren tactical maneuver.

Think what you will of Peres  and he was an early supporter during the 1970s of settlements in the West Bank as well as a politician who never won a clear mandate from Israelis to be their leader  he was a man of restless creativity. He thought big about Middle Eastern peace. He dreamed big of prosperity allied to security for Israelis and Palestinians. He lived big, unrequited to the end.

His convictions evolved. In response to the wave of messianic religious Zionism with its claim to the entire biblical Land of Israel, he arrived at the utter certainty that, on the contrary, land had to be given up for peace. Holding the West Bank ad infinitum was untenable. The Oslo Accord of 1993, which he helped negotiate, was testament to his boldness. As he declared at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv almost two years ago: Israel will be giving up its future if it sees the status quo as its desire.

In all this he stands in stark contrast to his nemesis of 1996, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who denounced the second Oslo Accord as the surrender agreement and made an art of kicking the can down the road. Netanyahus thinking  such as it has existed beyond the adroit practice of public relations  never really evolved beyond its starting point: that all the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea belongs to Israel and that Arabs want to drive Israelis into said sea. Yes, there has been lip service under American pressure to a two-state peace, but from Netanyahu it was never more than that.
Cites is an international trade agreement signed by 183 countries, including the United States. While the commercial sale of pangolins across international borders will no longer be permitted under the agreement, enforcement is lacking in many countries. The vast majority of pangolin trade already violates Cites and the laws of many nations.

Elusive and shy, pangolins have not earned the sort of attention from conservation groups given to elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses and lions. But pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world: More than one million have been illegally traded since 2000, mostly for their meat, considered a delicacy in some Asian countries, and for their scales, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Image A young male pangolin eating red ants from a leaf. Credit... Luc Forsyth for The New York Times

Poachers who take ivory are increasingly getting caught with pangolin scales as well, said Aurelie Flore Koumba Pambo, scientific coordinator at Gabons national parks. If we continue to postpone strengthening of pangolin protection, we will find ourselves in a position where all African pangolin species disappear from our ecosystems forever.

India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Vietnam, Nigeria and Senegal  along with a few co-sponsoring countries, including the United States  put forward proposals at the treaty meeting to increase protections for pangolin species.
Microsoft outmuscled its rival Salesforce.com this year to buy LinkedIn, the professional social network, for $26.2 billion.

Now, Salesforce.com, an internet software company that also showed interest in acquiring Twitter, has raised concerns with Europes antitrust authorities about the potential takeover, according to three people with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.

The competition questions have focused on whether Microsofts proposed deal would hinder access by people and companies to the vast collection of data held by LinkedIn. Salesforce.com has also suggested that the deal would give Microsoft an unfair advantage over rivals by combining its own software services with the information held by the social network, two of the people said.

The comments came in response to a questionnaire sent by the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, a step that allows interested third-party companies, including competitors, to comment on prospective takeovers.
The King Lear evoked in Songs of Lear shares so little with Shakespeares tragedy that the shows director, Grzegorz Bral, delivers an explanatory introduction onstage. This is doubly helpful because Songs of Lear also shares little with traditional, linear storytelling, and large parts of it are in untranslated Latin and Polish  in other words, its hard to tell whats going on. While you dont need to know King Lear to appreciate the show, it certainly helps.

But then this is an impression of the play, not a staging of it, and much of the material extrapolates on the famous tale.

The hourlong production, from the Wroclaw company Song of the Goat Theater and playing a short run at BAM, is structured as a series of vignettes that Mr. Bral calls paintings though they rely entirely on singing, much of it a cappella. The dominant character here turns out to be Cordelia (played by various actors), who drives the most intense paintings. An especially striking one imagines her pain and anger as a child. In another, she warns her father of his impending doom, backed by a violin and a mournful harmonium.

Some of the lyrics are lifted from the play, but the rest will be mystifying to those not versed in Latin or Polish. Yet choral singing, even when incomprehensible, has a way of casting a spell  there is a reason Gregorian chants remain popular and the eerily beautiful Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares records were hits in the late 1980s.
The reports to the police had one thing in common with the circus act involving an improbable number of clowns emerging from a small car.

They just kept coming, and coming, and coming, across multiple states. Clowns in vans. Clowns in the woods. Clowns lurking in the shadows. Clowns chasing people or doing crimes.

But in recent weeks, steady police work has turned the news around, with 12 people facing charges of making false reports or threats, or chasing people, the authorities said. Other cases seem attributable to children with overactive imaginations, teenagers pulling pranks and others with their own reasons for adding to the hysteria. At least one death has been linked to a clown hoax.

On Friday, schools in Reading, Ohio, were closed out of concern for the safety of students after a woman said she was attacked by a man dressed as a clown, the school district announced. A youth was arrested the day before in connection with a clown threat to harm students at a school in Colerain Township, the police said on Facebook.
It all flipped, so fast, said Mr. Odgaard, a patrician 70-year-old who favors khakis and boat shoes. Suddenly, we were in the minority. That was kind of a scary feeling. It makes you wonder where the Christians went.

The beginning of the end of the Odgaards familiar life came Aug. 3, 2013, when Lee Stafford and Jared Ellars arrived at the Odgaards gallery, Gortz Haus. The couple were in a panic because the hotel they had booked for their wedding had gone bankrupt two months before the date, and they had already sent the invitations out. Mr. Odgaard spent about 45 minutes showing them the property and figuring out seating, flowers and how many guests needed gluten-free meals. It was only when Mr. Odgaard asked if it was a same-sex wedding that his tone changed, they said.

Ill remember these words for the rest of my life, said Mr. Ellars, 35, a database administrator. He looked at us and he said, I cant take your money, and we dont do anything for free.

The couple, together for 13 years, say they never wanted the Odgaards to go out of business. They say they wanted them to stop discriminating against gay people and never put another gay couple through the rejection they experienced. The case was settled in arbitration, and the Odgaards had to pay $5,000 to Mr. Stafford and Mr. Ellars, which they donated to an anti-bullying program for gay students.

Their wedding was held in a barn, officiated by a minister with the Disciples of Christ church that Mr. Stafford attends. To this day, Mr. Stafford, who is 43 and a business systems analyst, is troubled that the debate over religious liberty appears to be so one-sided, he said.

Their religious beliefs say they dont approve of gay marriage, but my religious beliefs say that we can, he said. Why does their religion trump mine?
Bruce Springsteen is often called the troubadour of white, working-class America, a landscape he explores in his autobiography released this week. But this election, the Republican presidential nominee, Donald J. Trump, has captured many of those blue-collar voters hearts, with his denunciation of trade deals and promises to bring back manufacturing.

Take a tour of signature Springsteen spots to see which are turning toward Mr. Trump.

Youngstown, Ohio

Song: Youngstown

Album: The Ghost of Tom Joad

State of the race: Northeastern Ohio favors Mrs. Clinton

Youngstown traces the long history of steel and iron production that has defined this working-class city.
ATHENS, Ohio  After decades as one of Americas most reliable political bellwethers, an inevitable presidential battleground that closely mirrored the mood and makeup of the country, Ohio is suddenly fading in importance this year.

Hillary Clinton has not been to the state since Labor Day, and her aides said Thursday that she would not be back until next week, after a monthlong absence, effectively acknowledging how difficult they think it will be to defeat Donald J. Trump here. Ohio has not fallen into step with the demographic changes transforming the United States, growing older, whiter and less educated than the nation at large.

And the two parties have made strikingly different wagers about how to win the White House in this election: Mr. Trump, the Republican nominee, is relying on a demographic coalition that, while well tailored for Ohio even in the states Democratic strongholds, leaves him vulnerable in the more diverse parts of the country where Mrs. Clinton is spending most of her time.

It is a jarring change for political veterans here, who relish being at the center of the countrys presidential races: Because of newer battleground states, Mrs. Clinton can amass the 270 electoral votes required to win even if she loses Ohio.
Neither is a full-time cowboy. Ammon Bundy started a company that provides repairs for car fleets in Arizona before moving to Idaho shortly before the occupation, and Ryan Bundy has run a construction company in Utah. They both head large families: Ammon has five children, and Ryan has eight. The brothers are two of Cliven Bundys 14 children, and both were active participants in the 2014 standoff in Nevada between Clivens supporters and the federal authorities.

Shawna Cox | Kanab, Utah

Ms. Cox has a long history of protesting federal involvement on Western lands, including President Bill Clintons decision in the 1990s to turn a vast area of Utah into a national monument called Grand Staircase-Escalante. She has become a close friend of the Bundys, and in 2014 she published a book about the first standoff, Last Rancher Standing: The Cliven Bundy Saga, a Close-Up View. In her writings, she has said she believes that the environmental movement and the nations federal lands policy are controlled by the Chinese. She has 12 children.

Jeff Banta | Yerington, Nev.

Mr. Banta was one of the last holdouts at the refuge. His father told The Associated Press that his sons distrust of the government came from him.

Kenneth Medenbach | Crescent, Ore.

Mr. Medenbach has been protesting federal power for at least two decades. He is a woodworker by profession.

David Lee Fry | Blanchester, Ohio



At the refuge, Mr. Fry seemed out a place in the band of older Westerners. He was a skinny, longhaired 27-year-old from Ohio who had connected with leaders over the internet. Back at home, he had worked at a dental practice with his parents. During the takeover, he became increasingly erratic, and he was among the last participants to leave the refuge. In a tense negotiation with the authorities that was streamed live on YouTube, he threatened to kill himself before giving up his freedom. I will not go another day as a slave to this system, he said. Im a free man. I will die a free man. He has been jailed since the occupation. While in custody, he has said that he has gender dysphoria and is concerned about alien visits.

Neil Wampler | Los Osos, Calif.

Mr. Wampler was a familiar face at the refuge, and in an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting during the occupation, he called himself a 68-year-old hippie. Here I am, out doing this marvelous, fantastic stuff, he told reporters. Its just fantastic. Mr. Wampler is also a felon, having killed his father with a steel rod in 1977 while the man slept. He was convicted of second-degree murder and spent four years in prison.
A family lawyer said that Mr. Olango had been having an emotional breakdown over the recent death of his best friend.

Mr. Olango arrived as a refugee from Uganda in 1991 and was ordered to be deported in 2002 after being convicted on drug charges. He was released under a Supreme Court ruling banning the detention of foreign nationals after six months if deportation is unlikely.

The immigration authorities took Mr. Olango into custody in 2009 after a firearms conviction in Colorado, but were unable to deport him then because of a lack of documents.

A former agency director, John Sandweg, said Mr. Olango could not be held for more than six months on suspicion of not reporting to the immigration authorities last year because failing to do so is not a crime.

The officers knew that they were not going to be able to hold this guy, Mr. Sandweg said.

Since coming to the United States, Mr. Olango ran afoul of the law several times: He was arrested on charges of selling cocaine and driving drunk, and of illegally possessing a 9-millimeter semiautomatic handgun when he was arrested in Colorado in 2005 with marijuana and the drug ecstasy in his car, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to nearly four years in jail for being a felon in possession of a gun.
The story out of El Cajon, Calif., a San Diego suburb, had an eerie familiarity: The police respond to a person exhibiting some kind of disturbing behavior, but the subject  perhaps lost in his own, altered world  does not comply with the usual commands, does not heed the standard warnings, acts in a way that seems to invite danger, and ends up dead.

An officer in El Cajon fatally shot a man identified as Alfred Olango on Tuesday, after Mr. Olangos sister called 911 for help because he was acting erratically. The police released a still frame from a bystanders video showing Mr. Olango mirroring the shooting stance of the officer facing him  feet apart, hands clasped and pointed at the officer. But one man had a gun, and the other, it turned out, did not.

I called for help; I didnt call you guys to kill him, the sister wailed on a Facebook video recorded by a bystander.

Far too little is known about what happened in El Cajon to judge the officers conduct, law enforcement experts and advocates for mentally ill people say. But the police use of force  sometimes lethal  against those with diminished mental capacity is distressingly common. The experts and advocates say that while training and practices have improved in the last generation, officers in many agencies still receive little or no education in how to recognize and deal with people who may not behave rationally.
The court is very much a court of opportunity, he added. Its a court with very little power, little resources to investigate and very few tools to collect evidence. Is cultural heritage something the court will now focus on? Now that theyve done one case, a second, similar case is unlikely.

Limiting the ability of the court to pursue similar charges is its jurisdiction, which became effective in 2002. The court can pursue cases only in countries that are party to the treaty that oversees it, or cases that have been referred to it by the United Nations Security Council.

The Timbuktu shrines, brick and mud structures built from the 15th to 17th centuries atop the graves of Muslim scholars, are modest in comparison with the massive Buddha statues destroyed in Afghanistan or the Roman ruins demolished by the Islamic State in Syria.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban dynamited the 1,500-year-old Buddha sculptures in Bamian in 2001, calling the massive monuments gods of the infidels.
Until the change, the United States had been allowing Haitians without visas to enter under a temporary humanitarian parole, a special concession owing to the social, economic and political troubles facing Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. But on Sept. 22, amid a surge in Haitians from Brazil, the Obama administration said it was resuming the deportation of Haitians who presented themselves at border crossings without immigration documentation.

The policy change effectively shut the door on newly arriving undocumented Haitians, including men whose partners and children had already been admitted.

Immigrant advocates in San Diego said they had identified more than 50 families in that city alone who had been separated by the policy change, and they have appealed to Homeland Security officials to help reunite the families in the United States.

The bottom line is that this was not a well-conceived policy, said Andrea Guerrero, executive director of Alliance San Diego, a group that has been helping Haitians who have arrived from Brazil in recent months. It seemed to have come down from one day to the next without a clear understanding of what was going on and what kind of impact it would have.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately reply to written questions about the effect of the policy change.
KABUL, Afghanistan  The United Nations mission in Afghanistan on Thursday condemned an American airstrike it said had killed at least 15 civilians in eastern Afghanistan, a day after American and Afghan officials said they had targeted a gathering of Islamic State affiliates.

Information about the strike, which occurred early on Wednesday morning in the Islamic State stronghold of Achin district, in Nangarhar Province, has been contradictory, with the remoteness of the area making reports hard to verify.

Groups of fighters claiming allegiance to the Islamic State have been gaining ground in small pockets of eastern Afghanistan since 2015, drawing attention from Afghan and coalition operations. Although the extent of the militants contact with the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria remains unclear, they have nevertheless caused havoc in the area with brutal methods.

From the onset of Wednesdays strike, which the United Nations statement said was carried out by a remotely piloted drone, local elders said the victims were civilians. But even as a United States military spokesman said the military was investigating reports of civilian casualties, Afghan officials late into Wednesday night insisted the victims of the strike were members of the Islamic State.
BEIJING  They may be the most reviled public servants in China. A Chinese Academy of Social Sciences report on the popularity of government officials two years ago ranked the chengguan, or urban management officers, dead last. Unarmed but charged with enforcing order on city streets, they have been scorned as bullies who brutalize beggars, smash unlicensed fruit vendors carts, kill unregistered pets and assist in the forced demolition of peoples homes. Scuffles are common, sometimes ending in injury or even death.

Needless to say, it is a high-stress job.

In recognition of the pressures, Chinas first Psychological Crisis Intervention Center for Chengguan opened in Nanjing this week, offering counseling and other support services for chengguan. And perhaps not too soon. The opening came just days after a chengguan in Nanjing was stabbed to death by a street vendor he was trying to discipline.

Zhang Chun, one of 18 psychologists at the center, said that it would not only provide counseling for individual chengguan, but that it was conducting a survey of about 2,000 such officials to assess their needs. The center plans to issue a handbook of legal and safety guidelines for their work.

Chengguan have a very bad reputation, Mr. Zhang said in an interview. No matter what they do, their work is never recognized as something positive. Chengguan need a place like this to ease their stress.
MANILA  Military and diplomatic officials in the Philippines were facing a quandary on Thursday after President Rodrigo Duterte distanced the country further from the United States, its biggest defense ally, by saying he would end joint military exercises like one scheduled for next week and would pursue closer ties to China and Russia.

Speaking to Filipinos in Vietnam late Wednesday, Mr. Duterte said that although he was preserving the 65-year military partnership between Manila and Washington, he was eager to strengthen relations with powers closer to home.

He said that Russia, where Philippine diplomats recently held embassy-level talks on procuring military hardware, had invited him to visit.

So, I am serving notice now to the Americans and those who are allies, he said. This will be the last military exercise. Jointly, Philippines-U.S., the last one.
They think that the escalation ceiling, beyond which Pakistan will be forced to respond, is higher than previously assessed, and therefore they are willing to do more than India has done previously, said Ashok Malik, a senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a policy organization based in New Delhi.

India was exercising cross-L.O.C. options that were very close to doing nothing, he said, referring to the Line of Control. It is willing to go a little further.

What we consider before using anonymous sources. Do the sources know the information? Whats their motivation for telling us? Have they proved reliable in the past? Can we corroborate the information? Even with these questions satisfied, The Times uses anonymous sources as a last resort. The reporter and at least one editor know the identity of the source. Learn more about our process.

Delhi may also be counting on intervention from Washington, which is cultivating a closer strategic relationship with India, and which could put pressure on Pakistan not to retaliate, said Myra MacDonald, the author of Defeat is an Orphan: How Pakistan Lost the Great South Asian War.

If it does turn out to be a one-off, yes, they could have set a new norm in terms of how they respond to attacks, she said. The shift, she said, reflected Indias growing confidence in its diplomatic cover.

Nobody is really going rally to support Pakistan on this, she said.

Hours before the strike was reportedly begun, the United States national security adviser, Susan E. Rice, spoke by telephone with her Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval. Ms. Rices office released a statement critical of Pakistan, saying the United States expects Islamabad to take effective action to combat terrorist groups.

The news sent tremors through Indian financial markets, with the countrys benchmark stock index, the Sensex, plunging 465 points, or around 1.6 percent. But social media erupted with congratulations for Mr. Modi.

Local residents reported heavy shelling near the Pakistani border, and villagers took shelter in underground bunkers used during previous violations of the cease-fire along the Line of Control.
SEOUL, South Korea  A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea on Thursday morning, sneaking across the countries land border, which is heavily guarded with armed sentries, minefields and barbed wire fences.

The South Korean military provided few details in a brief statement announcing the defection. It said officials were debriefing the soldier to determine his motive for leaving the North.
He did admit that it is good that this plan did not happen, the younger Mr. Harmatz said in a telephone interview. He knew at the back of his heart that it would have damaged the prospects for a state of Israel, then being advocated, and that they would have compared the Jews to the German people.

Still, he said, Mr. Harmatz was sorry that the plan to fatally poison the SS officers had not been as successful as he had hoped.

The conspirators claimed that the poisoned bread killed several hundred prisoners at Stalag 13 in Langwasser, a district of Nuremberg. That was never confirmed, but Army investigators found enough arsenic at the bakery to kill tens of thousands.

Was he sorry? He was sorry that it didnt work, Ronel Harmatz said. He wanted to do more.

The conspirators were made up of 50 or so former guerrillas who had fought the Germans from the sewers of the Vilnius ghetto and from the Rodniki forest south of the city. (Vilnius, now the capital of Lithuania, was also known then as Vilna. During the war, its Jewish population plunged from about 40,000 to a few hundred.)

After the war, in 1945, the guerrillas reconstituted themselves in Bucharest and become known as the Nakam, Hebrew for avengers.
He said that, in contrast to the anything-goes, risk-taking ethos that dominated Moscow in the 1990s, people dont want to take risks anymore at crosswalks because they understand that everyone is better off if rules are respected.

It is a view that chimes with Mr. Putins repeated calls for greater discipline and order. Soon after taking power, he vowed to introduce a dictatorship of law that he said would apply to everyone and put an end to the disorder that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

But many are highly skeptical about whether Mr. Putin has delivered  or even has any real interest in delivering  on that promise. Law enforcement agencies and the courts routinely hound government critics over minor or invented offenses but show little desire to punish the more serious misdeeds of well-connected insiders.

Leon Kosals, a sociologist who teaches in the law department of Moscows Higher School of Economics, said Muscovites know that they cannot get access to justice, that it is not a fair game. But he said they increasingly try to follow traffic and other rules because they want to live in a modern country, not because they think the system is now fair.

Rather than an endorsement of the Kremlin, Mr. Kosals added, such behavior is in some ways a form of silent protest, a defiant display of a desire to enjoy the modernity of the West, a political and cultural zone constantly vilified by state-run news media as a sinkhole of decadent misery rife with Russophobes and homosexuals.

The Moscow city authorities, Mr. Kosals said, deserve credit for curbing the once brazenly corrupt traffic police and investing heavily to beautify the city. But a more important factor in changing pedestrian habits, he said, is the longing of many Muscovites for a different and more civilized life.
Saudi and gulf analysts said that the depth of the Saudi-American alliance gave the kingdom many ways to express its displeasure.

It is certain that the strategic alliance between the two countries is in a real crisis, Salman Aldossary, the editor in chief of the Saudi-owned Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper, said in an email. If it is true that Riyadh shall be harmed by the crisis, Washington also has interests in the region, and they will definitely be affected as well.

Saudi Arabia has lots of money invested in the United States, and Mr. Jubeir, the Saudi foreign minister, warned that such investments could be withdrawn if Saudi Arabia feared that its assets were in jeopardy of seizure as part of American legal proceedings. It remains unclear if Saudi Arabia will start withdrawing those assets.

The United States has a large military presence throughout the gulf, with training missions in Saudi Arabia and large bases in Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The United States also cooperates with Saudi Arabia in military operations in Yemen and elsewhere, as well as sharing intelligence for the fight against Al Qaeda and the jihadists of the Islamic State.

This situation, if exploited, would do a great deal of harm to U.S. interests, let alone Riyadhs effective cooperation in combating terrorism and the reflection of this on the war on terrorism as led by the U.S., Mr. Aldossary said.

Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a professor of political science in the United Arab Emirates, said that while the law appeared to be aimed only at Saudi Arabia, other countries in the region feared that it was only a matter of time before the United States decided, Lets go after them, too.

While 15 of the 19 hijackers who carried out the Sept. 11 attacks were from Saudi Arabia, two were from the United Arab Emirates, one from Lebanon and one from Egypt.
That Mr. Abbas would come was not a given. Already under fire from Palestinians who consider him too close to the Israelis, Mr. Abbas risked political damage at home by agreeing to attend. Hamas, the rival Palestinian group that controls Gaza, has excoriated Mr. Peres since his death this week, calling him a war criminal, not a peacemaker, and some in Mr. Abbass own Fatah party agree.

At a festival in Gaza to commemorate the anniversary of the latest wave of Palestinian attacks against Israelis, Amir Abo Al Amren, a Hamas official, said Mr. Peres was not the hero depicted in the West. Peres is a murderer and not a man of peace, he said. He deceived the entire world but did not deceive the Palestinian people.

The hostility helped explain why even leaders of Arab states with peace treaties with Israel seemed eager to stay away. While Egyptian and Jordanian leaders attended the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the other author of the Oslo Accords, after his assassination in 1995, neither countrys top leader has said he will attend Friday. But Egypt will send Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who visited Jerusalem over the summer and met with Mr. Netanyahu, illustrating a recent improvement of ties with Cairo.

Among the others who plan to attend the funeral on Friday at Mount Herzl, the national cemetery, are President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, President Francois Hollande of France and other world leaders. In addition to Mr. Obama and Mr. Clinton, speakers will include Mr. Netanyahu; Israels president, Reuven Rivlin, and parliamentary speaker, Yuli Edelstein; the author Amos Oz; and Mr. Peress three children.

Altogether, the Israeli authorities said they expected 60 major guests from around the world who would require security, including 20 presidents, 15 foreign ministers and five heads of state.

The government began flooding Jerusalem with 8,000 security officers and made plans to shut down major roads, including the highway linking Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Some schools and businesses decided to close on Friday given the expected disruption.

The 12-hour visitation on Thursday drew a cross section of Israelis, some who had known of Mr. Peres their whole lives and others born after some of his most notable accomplishments and actions.
BEIRUT, Lebanon  Russia escalated its anti-American invective Thursday in the deadlocked diplomacy over the Syrian war, dismissing a threat by Secretary of State John Kerry to halt talks and accusing his spokesman of abetting global terrorism  including against Russian military personnel in Syria.

The Russian response came as United Nations officials warned that 600 wounded civilians in the rebel-held districts of the divided northern city of Aleppo must be evacuated and that food is nearly exhausted for the 275,000 residents trapped there.

The residents have been pummeled for the past week by Syrian and Russian airstrikes, including by powerful bombs that can pulverize underground shelters. The top emergency relief official for the United Nations, Stephen OBrien, told the Security Council on Thursday that Aleppo faced a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed in Syria.

The Russians, the main military allies of President Bashar al-Assad, offered 48-hour pauses in Aleppo to permit humanitarian access, an idea that Western diplomats and United Nations officials have rejected as impractical and meaningless. Mr. Kerry has demanded a return to the cessation of hostilities agreement he negotiated with Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov on Sept. 9, which collapsed a week later.
ANTWERP, BELGIUM  For architects, or at least for Zaha Hadid, there is an afterlife. On Sept. 22, nearly six months after this British architects sudden death at 65, one of her boldest buildings, Port House, opened in a ceremony on the newly christened Zaha Hadid Square in Antwerp. Under the soaring prow of a dynamically angled glass-and-steel structure drifting like an airship over a palatial brick firehouse, a chorus and orchestra performed the Ode to Joy from Beethovens Ninth Symphony. The score and backdrop amounted to a curtain rising on the second act of Ms. Hadids career, as operatic as any since Frank Lloyd Wrights.

Ms. Hadids high-C moment signaled, with the recent opening of another building in Italy, the start of a posthumous career that promises to deliver nearly 50 more structures  as many buildings as were created in her lifetime. Ms. Hadids professional journey started late but gathered momentum, culminating with 36 projects under construction or in final drawings, and others in the pipeline. Her business partner, Patrik Schumacher, now principal of the firm, estimates it will roll out in 26 countries over the next decade. Zaha Hadid Architects will retain its name even as it evolves under his direction, but always with Zahas DNA, he said.

At the opening ceremony, Marc Van Peel, president of the Port of Antwerp, called the faceted structure, its facade erupting in a stormy field of reflective triangles, a diamond ship, referring both to the citys famous diamond trade and to the buildings site overlooking the sprawling port. Even taxi drivers had strong opinions: I like it because its by a woman and because I like science fiction, one said. Its magic.
THE FIX

How Nations Survive and Thrive in a World in Decline

By Jonathan Tepperman

307 pp. Tim Duggan Books. $28.

The timing of this book could not be better. Big Think has run into a ditch. No one appears to agree on fundamental ideas about governing anymore, and were not even sure what were arguing about. The grand ideological debates of the 20th and early 21st centuries  capitalism versus socialism, democracy versus authoritarianism  today seem too broad, tired and pointless, and little has come along to replace them. Globalization, the economic paradigm of our era, has become an epithet in the mouths of insurgent politicians exploiting middle-class discontent on both right and left (that would be you, Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders). The people in power on both sides of the aisle and the Atlantic, the so-called establishment, still seem surprised by the magnitude of the backlash  by Trump, by Sanders, by Brexit, by the deepening anger  and confused about how to respond. And with no one pointing a way through the paralysis, either in Washington or Western capitals like Brussels, democracy itself has seemed to curdle, especially with the Arab Spring degenerating into something close to civilizational collapse.

We are in other words utterly adrift, ideologically speaking. Its hardly a surprise the vacuum of ideas is being filled, in the political arena, by atavistic impulses like nationalism, racism and xenophobia.

Jonathan Teppermans smart and agile answer to this gathering darkness, as he calls it, is to take a giant step back from the larger, paralyzed debate. In The Fix: How Nations Survive and Thrive in a World in Decline, Tepperman sets aside Big Think to serve up a smorgasbord of small think: practical, microcosmic solutions to big problems in sometimes surprising places from Brazil to Botswana to New York City. Tepperman, the managing editor of Foreign Affairs, offers what he calls a data-driven case for optimism at a time when most of us have glumly concluded that our governments are broken and our domestic and international problems are insurmountable. He divides his good news book into chapters on what he describes as the Terrible Ten problems: inequality, immigration, Islamic extremism, civil war, corruption, the resource curse, energy, the middle-income trap (the difficulty countries have in making the leap from developmental success to wealthy-nation status) and two kinds of political gridlock: whats not working worldwide, and American-style. Then he travels to 10 places around the world to highlight successful local or national solutions to these problems.
In the early years of the 20th century, when the Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini was singing to adoring crowds in San Francisco and New York, some enterprising chef got the idea of making an insanely rich pasta dish and naming it for her. Chicken tetrazzini was spaghetti, heavy cream, chicken, mushrooms and Parmesan, served with two classic French sauces, chicken veloute and hollandaise, on top. This was fancy food, if hardly Italian, and within just a few years you could find tetrazzini in the dining rooms of the nations swankier hotels. In the 1930s, the actor Vincent Price used to eat it at Sardis in Manhattan, where he was a thrice-weekly regular during a run of Victoria Regina at the Broadhurst Theater across the street. He liked tetrazzini so much that he included a recipe for it in A Treasury of Great Recipes, the cookbook he wrote with his wife, Mary, in 1965.

The dish isnt so fancy now. (And its still not Italian.) Time and home cooking have stripped away many of the dishs continental flourishes, and modern recipes for tetrazzini  sometimes called chicken spaghetti  are not exactly restaurant fare. Theyre sturdier, less grand, more like something you might take to a potluck, to a church supper, to that grieving family who lost their dad.

I pulled one out of the oven recently, and a friend snorted. Thats a casserole, he said. Ill pass. I thought: Sure you will. I gave him a serving anyway. He ate it and a second one after that. Tetrazzini can be irresistible, even to those with snobby tastes.

The recipe means different things to different people in different parts of the country. Some make it with canned cream-of-mushroom soup. Others use peas, heavy cream and nutmeg on top of the chicken and pasta. The recipe that follows is built on the frame of what might be called a Mississippi-style tetrazzini, made with spaghetti, canned tomatoes, chiles and processed cheese. The chef Brad McDonald, who ate the dish regularly as a child in Yazoo City, at the top of the Delta, used to cook a bespoke version for his tasting menu at the Lockhart, a London restaurant where he ran the kitchen. He used washed-rind Irish cheese and a mixture of roasted green bell peppers and jalapenos to flavor his shredded chicken, along with porcini mushrooms and guajillo chiles. (He published a version of that recipe in his cookbook, Deep South.)
There are dozens of tiny problems that contributed to its decline, each one of them minutely nudging utopia into the grot of reality. Theres no hot water. The capsules were initially lined with a three-centimeter layer of asbestos for insulation, but within a few years, the toxicity of that substance was a matter of public knowledge and as a result, the large ventilation systems taking up a significant chunk of each living space had to be permanently disabled. Rearranging the capsules turned out to be much more expensive than originally anticipated and very rarely happened. The promise that they could be upgraded or replaced over time was never fulfilled; the original and occasionally very shoddy materials are still in place. (For instance, the paper blinds that once decorated the towers portholes have mostly rotted away. Now, some residents paste newspaper to their windows to keep the light out.) But all these swarming problems just feed into the singular, large, incontrovertible one. The idea was beautiful but unworkable; it wasnt at home in the world.

Pop culture tends to be fond of ruins, the vastness and terror of something once glorious but now in decay. Architectural failure doesnt get the same regard. It tends to be demolished as quickly as possible or blankly ignored or, if neither of those are possible, widely moaned about. More often than not, these failures are the buildings that tried to really change something, to completely rework the way we live  the collective living arrangements of the Russian Revolution, the concrete high-rise dreams of postwar Europe or American housing projects. Theyre embarrassing; they remind us of our imperfections. All these great architectural projects that could have changed the forms of human life failed for the same reasons that everything else does: We werent ready, we couldnt live up to our own hopes for ourselves. Failed architecture is our own bad conscience, realized in stone and steel.

Every city has a few of these things, great hulking monuments to the imagination, things that still dont seem to quite fit into the normal landscape of life as its lived; not just dreams but active intrusions of another world into our own. Theres a strange kind of solace to them. These failures are beautiful precisely because they dont work. Everything around us fails exactly according to plan, with each inoperability offering a glimpse of something different. As I walked away from the crumbling carcass of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, my own problems didnt seem any smaller, but they were part of a world far grander and stranger than Id ever thought. It was hard not to feel that the hope for something better was  somehow, somewhere, very far away  still alive.
A homegrown design scene is emerging in Singapore, which last year celebrated 50 years as an independent state. A smattering of 19th-century buildings from its days as a British colony conjure up images of steamy afternoons of Singapore Sling cocktails and card games at the Raffles Hotel, which its owners named after Stamford Raffles, founder of modern Singapore. But get a taste of Singapores cultural melange by delving into vibrant enclaves like Little India, Chinatown and Arab Town. Look even further and youll find local designers setting up shops across the island city-state, increasingly giving this global financial center a reputation as a design hub.

Image Credit... Lauryn Ishak for The New York Times

In Good Company

This neo-modern clothing brand doesnt follow trends or seasons. It was established online in 2013 by four Singaporean friends for whom being in good company is essential. The brands boutique opened in 2015, selling well-designed minimalistic yet classic casual lines for women and children.
Drug education is the only part of the middle school curriculum I remember  perhaps because it backfired so spectacularly. Before reaching todays legal drinking age, I was shooting cocaine and heroin.

Ive since recovered from my addiction, and researchers now are trying to develop innovative prevention programs to help children at risk take a different road than I did.

Developing a public antidrug program that really works has not been easy. Many of us grew up with antidrug programs like D.A.R.E. or the Nancy Reagan-inspired antidrug campaign Just Say No. But research shows those programs and others like them that depend on education and scare tactics were largely ineffective and did little to curb drug use by children at highest risk.

But now a new antidrug program tested in Europe, Australia and Canada is showing promise. Called Preventure, the program, developed by Patricia Conrod, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Montreal, recognizes how a childs temperament drives his or her risk for drug use  and that different traits create different pathways to addiction. Early trials show that personality testing can identify 90 percent of the highest risk children, targeting risky traits before they cause problems.
Everyone wants the little piggies, plump white buns with black sesame-seed eyes, orange snouts and slashes of ears that look more like worried brows. At Joy Luck Palace in Manhattans Chinatown, they come three to a steamer basket and harbor gooey souls of custard.

Every day hundreds of them are wheeled around a dining room that would dwarf some nations airports. Its a wonder that any make it, unsnatched, to the far side, but somehow the dim-sum cart ladies manage it, like Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes.

The piggies are cute, but a diversion. The truly great custard buns are neither ornamented nor anthropomorphized, but simply pale as ghosts, giving no hint of the lushness within: custard dark gold and voluptuous with salted duck yolk. Its salty and sweet in the eternal battle that may as well be love.
Stanislao Radikon died of cancer a few weeks ago, on Sept. 11. He was just 62, and though most casual wine consumers may never have heard of him, his wines epitomized a level of beauty and truth sought by wine lovers every time they open a bottle.

Mr. Radikon, known as Stanko, worked primarily with his son, Sasa, growing grapes and making wine around the town of Oslavia, almost as far north and east as you can go in Italy, where the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region touches Slovenia. The political border is almost meaningless.

In the low rolling hills of the Collio, as the region just north of the city of Gorizia is known, stewardship of the land has changed dozens of times over the centuries as one conquerer or another took control. Whether the local people were ruled by the Hapsburgs or by Napoleon or whomever, they took their identity from the soil.

The Radikons  along with a collection of strong-willed, relentlessly experimental neighbors like Josko Gravner, Movia and, a little to the south, Edi Kante  have operated on another borderline, making wines that wander into territory half-forgotten in an age of chemical farming and technological winemaking. Their wines astound for their purity, their distinctiveness and their almost radical evocation of a pre-modern age.
Lee County Sheriffs Office

 Third-degree burglary and third-degree theft of property were reported Wednesday at 7:46 p.m. in the 1900 block of Lee Road 117 in Opelika.

 First-degree theft of property was reported Wednesday at 4:38 p.m. in Phenix City.

 First-degree burglary, second-degree arson, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and third-degree assault were reported Wednesday at 1:12 p.m. in the 100 block of Lee Road 461 in Opelika.

 Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle and fourth-degree theft of property were reported Wednesday at 8:05 a.m. in the 300 block of Lee Road 380 in Valley.

 A second-degree theft of property and a third-degree burglary were reported Wednesday at 7:28 a.m. in the 2000 block of Lee Road 112 in Opelika.

 Third-degree burglary and third-degree theft of property were reported Wednesday at 6:01 a.m. in the 14000 block of Lee Road 379 in Valley.

Auburn Police Division

 Third-degree domestic violence was reported Wednesday afternoon.

 Third-degree domestic violence was reported Wednesday morning.

 Jadien Richard McMahon, 19, of Auburn, was arrested Wednesday and was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Opelika Police Department

 An unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle and a second-degree theft of property occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday in the 1900 block of Airport Road.

 A second-degree theft of property occurred between Sept. 24 and Wednesday in the 1600 block of Third Avenue.

Lanett Police Department

 Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle and third-degree theft of property were reported Wednesday in the 400 block of North Gilmer Avenue.

 Third-degree robbery and third-degree theft of property were reported Wednesday in the 2400 block of 16th Court Southwest.

 Third-degree domestic violence and fourth-degree theft of property were reported Wednesday.

 Third-degree burglary and third-degree theft of property were reported Wednesday in the 600 block of North 14th Avenue.

 Third-degree burglary and fourth-degree theft of property were reported Wednesday in the 800 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway.
DELONEY, Susan Lynn Riehle, age 51 of Montgomery, AL, was called to her eternal home on Monday September 26, 2016 at University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, AL, after a brief illness. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence James and Evelyn Catherine (Zimmerman) Riehle. Her husband, George O. Deloney, children, Devin, Seth, and Katy Deloney survive her. Her brother, Thomas Riehle of Opelika, Al, also survives her. Susan was born January 27, 1965 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated in 1983 from Beauregard High School in Opelika, AL. She attended Southern Union State Community College in Opelika, AL. Susan began working for Rice Banking Company in Opelika in April 1994. It was there that she met her future husband, George Deloney. They were married September 19, 1998. She continued to work for Rice Banking Company until the time of her death. Her passion was her family, but that didn't end with relatives. Every person she met, she welcomed into her home and her life with open arms. She spread her love through volunteer work with boy/girl scouts, but also through her very presence at the softball field, school events, and First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for 16 years. Visitation for friends and family will be at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home in Montgomery from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30th. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church in Montgomery on Saturday, October 1st, with burial to follow in Alabama Heritage Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her brothers in law, Dan and David R. Deloney, cousin David Deloney, and family friends Kyle Taylor, Todd Atkins, and Stephen Prestridge. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Susan's memory. To offer online condolences please visit www.alabamaheritagefh.com
The first case of nonsexual secondary Zika virus transmission has occurred in the United States, according to a research letter published by the New England Journal of Medicine.

We report a rapidly progressive, fatal [Zika virus] infection acquired outside the United States and secondary local transmission in the absence of known risk factors, wrote the authors of the report, led by Sankar Swaminathan, MD, of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

The individual infected via secondary transmission, dubbed Patient Two in the report, is suspected to have contracted the disease from Patient One, a 73-year-old man who visited the southwestern coast of Mexico  a known hotbed of Zika virus  for a 3-week trip before returning to the United States. Eight days after returning, Patient One was admitted to a Salt Lake City hospital with symptoms consistent with a flavivirus infection and told doctors that he had been bitten by mosquitoes during his trip (N Engl J Med. 2016 Sep 28. doi: 10.1056/NEJMc1610613).

After undergoing tourniquet and laboratory testing, a diagnosis of dengue shock syndrome was made, but Patient Ones condition continued to deteriorate rapidly. Patient One died 4 days after initial hospitalization; real-time PCR assay confirmed Zika virus infection shortly thereafter.

Patient Two came into contact with Patient One during the latters hospitalization, reporting that he assisted a nurse in repositioning Patient One in bed without using gloves, according to the report. Patient Two began experiencing conjunctivitis, fever, myalgia, and a maculopapular rash on his face 5 days after Patient One died. The rash resolved itself after 7 days, and while PCR analysis of Patient Twos serum was negative for Zika, his urinalysis was positive.

Because Patient Two had not traveled to a Zika-endemic area within 9 months of experiencing Zika-like symptoms and had not engaged in sexual intercourse with anyone who traveled to a Zika-endemic area, the authors conclude that he contracted the disease from contact with Patient One. The authors posit that, given the high levels of viremia in Patient One, the Zika virus could have been transmitted to Patient Two via sweat or tears, which Patient Two came into contact with while not wearing gloves. Local transmission via Aedis aegypti mosquito bite was highly unlikely to be the cause of transmission because of the lack of such mosquitoes in the Salt Lake City area.

These two cases illustrate several important points, the authors concluded. The spectrum of those at risk for fulminant [Zika virus] infection may be broader than previously recognized, and those who are not severely immunocompromised or chronically ill may nevertheless be at risk for fatal infection.

dchitnis@frontlinemedcom.com
A million-mile flyer, Mary Campos stands in line at John Wayne Airport to board a flight to Houston when her name is suddenly called out.

A man behind the United Airlines counter explains her seat has been changed because the two men who have been assigned next to her have cultural beliefs that prevent them from being near or talking to a woman.

Yes, you read that right. Women non grata.

The man hands Campos, a 47-year-old south county resident, her new seat number. The plane is getting ready to taxi. If this female wants to fly, shed better  quite literally  get on board.

It turns out, the friendly skies arent as friendly as we think.

Campos, a senior leader for an international company, isnt alone. In what appears to be a growing trend, more and more women are being bumped to other seats because of males with religions that preach males cant touch females.

Earlier this year, a woman who escaped Nazi Europe as a child went so far as to file a lawsuit against El Al, Israels national airline.

Understandably, Renee Rabinowitz said she felt minimized after being asked to move when a man said he couldnt sit next to her.

In the 21st Century, ancient customs and beliefs present vexing conundrums. But isnt that why the United States of America has gender discrimination laws?

RELIGION VS. DISCRIMINATION

Unlike some countries, this nation has all kinds of gender discrimination laws. They range from the federal 1964 Civil Rights act that bans discrimination based on sex to fair housing laws to equal pay statutes.

Yet despite Rosa Parks famous move from the back to the front of the bus, none of these laws apparently spell out that a woman  or a man for that matter  can sit anywhere they please.

At John Wayne and a bit shaken, Campos settles into her new seat and shares with the person next to her what just happened. It is Sept. 19, just after lunch. Yes, the year is 2016.

Her seating companion is outraged. And guess what? Hes a man.

Youre not, the man asks, going to take that?

Campos, who lives with her husband and helps raise six children, mulls events over as the plane climbs above Newport Beach. After seatbelt lights blink off, she visits the flight attendants. One of the crew says she was told she could not interact or serve the two male passengers.

Luckily for the two men wearing orange robes, there is a male flight attendant aboard.

Youd be surprised at some of the stuff we have to put up with, Campos recalls one of the flight attendants saying. This is pretty insulting.

The mens garb indicates they are Buddhist. Despite the Dalai Lamas comfort with hugging and shaking hands with men and women alike, some Buddhist monks adhere to age-old tenets advising they shouldnt touch women. Several other religions follow similar beliefs.

Yet there is an ancient Buddhist story that offers a lesson and goes something like this: An old monk and a young monk come upon a woman stuck on the bank of a river. The old monk offers to pick her up and carries her across.

The young monk thinks about what he saw. Finally, he asks how the senior monk could even think of touching a woman.

I set her down, the old monk explains. You are still carrying her.

BALANCING ACT

Campos lands in Houston and heads for the United counter. She asks to speak to a senior supervisor.

A woman appears and, according to Campos, agrees to help. She offers a $100 voucher.

Campos is aghast. This isnt about $100. Its about treating everyone fairly.

A Rutgers University graduate, Campos writes an email to United.

First, I do respect the religious beliefs of all groups. But I do not believe cultural beliefs should be enforced by United to discriminate against females.

We live in the United States of America where females are treated as equals, not as subordinates. As a female, mother of two daughters and a business woman, this is unacceptable.

Her statement is straightforward. Yet it also is packed with complexity.

With freedom of religion, how do we handle a religion that appears to discriminate?

To sort out these issues, I contact United to learn about the struggles airlines face every day trying to satisfy hundreds of thousands of exceptionally diverse customers. But Im only allowed a cursory statement.

Our goal is to provide safe and comfortable travel for all of our customers and we regret that Ms. Campos was unhappy, says Mary Clark, media relations. United holds our employees to the highest standards of professionalism and has zero tolerance for discrimination.

The County of Orange oversees John Wayne Airport. I contact Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, fifth district supervisor and my representative. She declines to return the call.

I contact John Wayne Airport where experts should have deep insight into balancing culture, religion and freedoms. But, again, the discussion is, ahem, limited.

This isnt something that John Wayne would be involved in, says Public Information Officer Deanne Thompson. Its completely outside of our purview.

Thompson adds, Were confident that our air carriers dont have discriminatory policies and their motivation is always to reach out to passengers and make sure that theyre happy.

STANDING UP FOR RIGHTS

Last year, according to The New York Times, Francesca Hogi, 40, was on a New York to London flight when she was asked to move after a man refused to sit next to her. The same thing happened to Laura Heywood, 40, on a flight from San Diego to London.

A few years ago, my wife was victim to seat and switch on a Virgin Airlines flight after a male passenger said he couldnt sit next to her. She was on her way to her mothers funeral.

You see a lot of weird stuff when you travel as much as I do, Campos says. Im pretty laid back about it.

But when religion runs up against tolerance, tolerance should win.

Contact the writer: dwhiting@ocregister.com
Amarjit Dhillon understands the burden of being a Sikh in America.

The president of Gurdwara Buena Park, a Sikh temple, has been called bin Laden while walking in downtown Los Angeles. And about five years ago, he helped a local Sikh family change schools for a child who was bullied for wearing a turban.

Our kids are bullied so much just for being who they are that they fall behind in their school work, he said. It affects them psychologically.

Those in the Sikh and Muslim communities who have expressed concern over bullying and harassment of students because of their religious affiliation are welcoming a bill signed into law Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown specifically designed to protect these students from bullying on Californias school campuses. The law will go into effect Jan. 1.

AB2845 requires the California Department of Education to assess whether local educational agencies have provided anti-bullying information to staff on campuses and resources for students who are being bullied based on religious affiliation, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

The bill also requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to post on its website anti-bullying resources related to affiliation with any religion, nationality, race or ethnicity.

The bill was co-sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the Sikh Coalition.

Dhillon said the bill might not resolve the overall issue but is a good start.

Well have to wait and see how much it helps, he said. What could really help is teachers and principals putting some effort into teaching kids about different religions and respecting everyone.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, Sikhs have been targets of many hate crimes, some deadly, because they are mistaken for Muslims. According to Cal State San Bernardinos Center on Hate and Extremism, anti-Muslim hate crimes increased 122 percent in California from 2014 to 2015.

More than half of the Muslim student population in California faces bullying on a regular basis, said Hussam Ayloush, CAIR-LAs executive director.

More alarming is that many of these students did not get the support they needed because the school did not have the resources, the teachers werent properly trained or in some cases themselves perpetrated the bullying, he said.

Ayloush said that in surveys CAIR conducted with local students, many reported being called a terrorist. A number of female students reported that other students pulled or attempted to pull their head scarves.

A big part of the challenge is to help students see that these types of harassing actions amount to bullying and should be reported, he said.

AB2845 allows for the assessment of whether local agencies have provided sufficient training for staff members and resources to students, Ayloush said.

Bullying is no longer just about getting beaten up for lunch money, he said.

There are other forms of bullying, and if we dont address them, it could lead to bigger problems such as anxiety, depression or even suicide, Ayloush said.

In extreme cases, such isolation could drive someone to seek refuge in radical ideology, he said.

It is also not uncommon for students to hide their religious identities because they are ashamed of who they are, Ayloush said.

Its important to create a safe environment where everyone feels accepted, he said. Bills like this one help such an environment and provide the necessary tools and resources to recognize this specific form of bullying.

When a student is bullied because he or she is Muslim, Jewish or Sikh, the psychological damage is much more, said Ron Avi Astor, professor in the School of Education and School of Social Work at USC.

Its bad enough being called names because of who you are as a person, he said. But with this type of categorical bullying, its not just you but your family, friends and community members who are targeted. It damages not just the person but how he or she feels connected with society, their peers and their school.

Astor added that any type of law that provides resources for further training, education and skill-building in this area is much needed. Not doing so could prove harmful, he said.

He said allowing such bullying on school campuses could send the wrong message to the students who are victimized  that they are not wanted in this country.

Its like telling them you are not valued, he said. That youre not part of the American story.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7909 or dbharath@scng.com
FULLERTON  The community of Southern California furries is reeling in the wake of a triple homicide in Fullerton and the subsequent arrests of two men with ties to furry culture.

This week, the La Habra Fur Bowling group canceled their regular bowling night until at least January, fearing that non-fandom people might cause them harm.

Our main goal is to keep everyone safe, the group posted on its Facebook page.

We do not want to host a meet while bloods are still running high on all sides.

The Dogpatch Press, an online news site for the furry community, said in a statement that the Sept. 24 homicides  in which at least two of the victims are either active furries or have ties to that world  have been devastating.

It really is the worst thing that ever happened with ties to this community.

Saturdays slayings of Christopher Yost, 34; his wife, Jennifer Yost, 39; and their friend Arthur Boucher, 28, are also disproportionally big for the group, the statement says.

According to a website for SoCal Furs, the furry community stretches from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.

SoCal Furs held a barbecue on Sept. 17 at Irvine Regional Park attended by many members in brightly colored costumes.

Furries have been around since the 1980s. They admire anthropomorphic animals  characters that walk on two feet and speak like humans.

Most of them are non-suiters, meaning they dont spend $1,000 to $5,000 or more on full-body animal costumes. Instead, they create characters and wear badges with their characters displayed.

The furry community comprises mostly adults under 30, although there are some older furries who were fans of Disney movies involving animals with human characteristics, such as in Robin Hood.

Jennifer Yost, her 17-year old daughter Katlynn Goodwill Yost., as well as the homicide suspects Frank Felix, 25, of Sun Valley; and Joshua Acosta, a 21-year-old solider based at Fort Irwin, were all members of the SoCal Furs.

All three victims died from shotgun blasts, the Orange County Coroners office said Wednesday. Acosta is the suspected gunman, according to prosecutors.

Police have declined to comment on a motive for the slayings or say whether there is a link to the furry community.

The Dogpatch Press urged the public not to judge furries in the wake of the killings.

They can say theres weird stuff with misfit people, but nobody did a crime while participating in one of our activities. In the end its just between regular humans.

Furries throughout Southern California are reeling from the homicides, said Melinda Giles, a friend of Jennifer Yost and a member of the furry community.

We are devastated and very angry, she said Its a really bad situation. We are canceling events out of respect to mourn and lot of outside negativity. Thats not what we are about. We very fun loving. Its not a lifestyle thats deviant.

Furries have been targeted in the past for violence.

Chlorine gas sickened several people and forced the evacuation of thousands of guests from a suburban Chicago hotel in December 2014, including many dressed in cartoonish animal costumes for an annual furries convention, according to the Associated Press.

The source of the gas was apparently chlorine powder left in a ninth-floor stairwell at the hotel, the Rosemont Public Safety Department said. Investigators believe the gas was created intentionally.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@scng.com Twitter @thechalkoutline
In California, civil asset forfeiture reforms have always elicited support from elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Two decades ago, we led the nation in ensuring that our states civil asset forfeiture laws included necessary protections against government overreach. Since then, however, those carefully crafted protections have been eroded, and this year Sacramento saw a groundswell of bipartisan support to once again strengthen our civil asset forfeiture laws through Senate Bill 443.

The bills fate now rests with Gov. Brown, who has until the end of the month to sign it. We hope he does.

Federal civil asset forfeiture laws, enacted during the height of the drug war, authorize law enforcement to seize and permanently keep a persons property, regardless of whether that person was arrested or charged with a crime, let alone convicted of one.

Seizing peoples property if theyve only been charged with a crime is un-American, and its definitely un-Californian. Democrats and Republicans passed a California law which required that, in most state cases, a person must first be convicted of a crime before that persons property can be forfeited to the government. This important protection was put in place to ensure and uphold basic due process and property rights, and to curtail potential abuse of the civil asset forfeiture process. To this day, Californias property protections remain among the strongest in the country.

Disappointingly, this wasnt sufficient to adequately protect personal property or rights.

In the two decades since California enacted these protections, state and local law enforcement agencies have turned to a federal program called equitable sharing  a loophole that permits law enforcement agencies to circumvent state protections by working with federal authorities to pursue forfeiture under federal law. Under this program, state and local law enforcement may receive up to 80 percent of a persons federally forfeited property regardless of whether the person was arrested or convicted of a crime.

As a result, state forfeiture proceeds have remained flat in California, while federal forfeiture revenues here have skyrocketed in recent years. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been federally forfeited, and countless Californians have lost their property to the federal government.

Under SB443, a majority of Californias asset forfeiture cases will require a conviction before law enforcement can permanently take and keep someones cash or property. The requirement applies even if local authorities opt to use federal forfeiture law instead of state law.

The asset forfeiture reforms the Legislature approved 20 years ago, and again this year, are a model for bipartisan collaboration and principled lawmaking. We urge Gov. Brown to sign SB443 and re-establish state limits on the governments authority to forfeit innocent Americans property. Not only does the bill live up to our cherished values of justice and due process, but it once again propels California to the forefront of the national, bipartisan forfeiture reform movement. On this, California can, and should, continue to lead.

Sen. John L. Burton (Ret.) is the California Democratic Party Chairman and the author of AB 114, one of the original bills intended to reform Californias civil asset forfeiture laws. Shawn Steel is the former California Republican Party Chairman and current Republican National Committeeman.
As many as 408 children were signed up and ready to go to a new public charter school. Those dreams were dashed earlier this month by the Orange County Board of Education when it denied the charter application of Global Business Academy, a uniformly respected charter school developed through the tireless efforts of parents and quality educators, including charter superstar Jason Watt.

Students living in the Capistrano Unified School District had this valuable asset taken away because of an electoral change at the OCBE in June and because of unconscionable behavior last March by CUSDs trustees, six of whom most recently placed a huge bond measure on the ballot to impose a parcel assessment on every homeowner in the district: John Alpay, Amy Hanacek, Gary Pritchard, Martha McNicholas, Lynn Hatton-Hodson and Gila Jones.

If approved when GBAs application was filed on February 4, or even when the CUSD board considered it at a public hearing on March 23, GBA would have opened this fall as a middle school and soon would have grown to become the only public charter high school with a campus in the district. Many parents eagerly anticipated this alternative to the declining traditional schools. GBAs application was in order in February and March; it had a funding grant and two alternative locations. The CUSD board should have approved it, but it refused because the six trustees named above are anti-charter school.

Delay, delay, delay. If the CUSD board had played fair by denying the GBA application promptly, GBA could have obtained speedy review by OCBE with its application and funding in order. Instead, the CUSD cabal poisoned GBAs prospects for OCBE review by giving GBAs charter application a fake approval. CUSD conditioned its approval upon 42 requirements that the CUSD board knew were impossible for GBA to meet. As an example, CUSD insisted that the charter school must use only one teaching method, when flexibility of teaching methods was a hallmark of GBAs innovative approach and is specifically allowed under California law. In this way, CUSD denied the application by approving it and twisted the application into a procedural pretzel.

By the time the lawyers had unraveled this mess, so much had changed due to the passage of time that when GBAs application was finally considered by OCBE on Sept. 14, it was no longer the fully integrated explanation of educational services it had been when submitted to the CUSD board in February. These details, it turned out, were the principal issues articulated by the OCBE majority when it voted to kill the charter.

An attorney representing California Policy Center filed a Public Records Act request with CUSD to obtain documents, among other things, regarding the 42 conditions and their origin. CUSD stonewalled the request, forcing this matter into litigation. To this day, no meaningful documents have been produced on this subject.

Fearing competition from non-union charter schools, the teachers union persuaded voters in June to replace Robert Hammond with its favorite, Becky Gomez, who also sits on the Tustin City Council. The district attorneys office is investigating illegal use of school property for Beckys campaign. Nevertheless, Ms. Gomez wasted no time in doing her part to preserve the mediocre status quo in our public schools, joining David L. Boyd and Jack Bedell to vote, 3-2, to deny GBAs appeal. OCBE President Linda Lindholm and Ken Williams cast votes in favor of GBAs charter.

We had hoped for more courage from Jack Bedell. The board voted only on whether to approve GBAs application conditionally in order to give GBA a chance to resolve issues with which Bedell and the other trustees were concerned. A yes vote would have saved this important asset for the kids; a no vote killed it dead.

In her remarks, Linda Lindholm pointed out that each of the technical issues under discussion had resulted from delays caused by CUSD. This was not GBAs fault. More importantly, it was not the fault of the parents and children of CUSD, who are entitled to a choice for a change.

Robert Loewen is chairman of the California Policy Center, a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to promoting public education reform and fiscal responsibility. He is a member of the board of Global Business Academy.
Rep. Darrell Issa is launching attacks on Democratic rival Doug Applegate, the latest sign that the Vista Republican has a re-election battle on his hands for the first time since winning office in 2000.

In a conservative vs. liberal contest with little middle ground, Issa is airing a TV ad blasting Applegate for backing tax increases  including a carbon tax that could increase gas costs  and for favoring free Medicare for All.

A website run by the Issa campaign portrays the retired Marine colonel from San Clemente as another left-wing extremist California just cant afford.

I think Issa is nervous, said Jodi Balma, a political scientist at Fullerton College. Its rare, she said, for incumbents to spend money attacking challengers unless the race is close.

Issa won his three-person primary with 50.8 percent of the vote, 5.3 percentage points ahead of Applegate in a district that straddles the Orange County-San Diego County line. The GOP holds an 8.2-point edge in voter registration, an advantage that has shrunk from 10.7 points since the beginning of the year.

The primary results prompted the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to do follow-up polling, which it says showed the candidates deadlocked. The DCCC has added the race to its Red to Blue program  43 targeted contests nationwide in which they will help Democratic challengers.

Issa is best known for his role as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, a post he used to investigate and rigorously criticize the Obama administration.

In an effort to woo moderates, Applegate backers point to Issas work on the committee and highlight the incumbents support of Donald Trump, which has included Issa introducing the GOP nominee at a San Diego rally and serving as a Trump delegate at the Republican National Convention.

Many of Applegates votes are anti-Issa, Balma said. They dont know Applegate, so Issa is trying to throw doubt on who he is.

Applegate firmly embraces a progressive agenda that closely mirrors that advocated by Bernie Sanders during his presidential bid.

The carbon tax is intended to reduce greenhouse gases but, according to the Issa campaign, would unnecessarily increase fuel costs at the pump.

Doug thinks its time we take climate change seriously, said Applegate campaign manager Robert Dempsey, who worked on Sanders primary campaign.

Another tax proposal supported by Applegate, dubbed the Robin Hood Tax, would levy a 0.5 percent tax on the sale or transfer of stocks for single filers making more than $50,000 and joint filers making more than $75,000. And he supports increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour, which the Issa campaign says would cost the country millions of jobs nationwide.

It would eliminate a lot of entry-level jobs and make it hard for people to get the experience they need to advance their careers and get ahead, said Calvin Moore, an Issa campaign spokesman.

Dempsey dismissed reports that the wage hike would cost jobs, saying the increase is needed to keep pace with food and housing costs.

In a questionnaire from Progressive Democrats of America, which endorsed Sanders and Applegate, Applegate said he supported all 32 bills and resolutions listed as priorities by the group. But Dempsey said the campaign was unconcerned about Applegate being seen as the extremist in the contest.

Issa has spent 16 years in Congress trying to establish himself as the lead conservative attack dog going after Democrats, Dempsey said. Now they are desperately trying to position him as a moderate. I think voters will see through that.
Until Ann Livits and her family left Belarus in 1989, she had never even heard of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.

I knew I was Jewish, because we had passports and it said nationality Jew, she told me, but we had no synagogues. My parents spoke Yiddish when they didnt want people to understand them, and they didnt mix meat and milk. For Hanukkah, my dad gave me a few cents Hanukkah gelt (money), and on Passover we would buy matzo through the underground. In Moscow they had a synagogue. When I visited my relatives there, we had to drive in circles to be sure nobody was following us.

Institutionalized anti-Semitism made life in Belarus very difficult, Livits said.

Jews always had difficulty to find a job or go for higher education, she said. I graduated high school with As, what they called gold medal, but was not able to get into first-year medical school because I am Jewish.

In the late 1980s the rigid controls of the previous decades eased a bit under Mikhail Gorbachev.

I read a book, Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman and suddenly realized the place where I lived was a lie, Livits said. Everything I was taught to believe was not true.

Then came Chernobyl, a nuclear accident in 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

I lived about 40 miles away, Livits said. The government told us everything is fine. But my sister called from the U.S. and said it was dangerous radiation. I was worried about the kids. I was the initiator for us to leave.

With the help of two Jewish agencies, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the family left Belarus.

It was a time when it was open to leave. We were in Austria seven days and then in Italy for three months, learning English, learning about the Jewish holidays, Livits said. We needed to prove we are persecuted Jews. We were given a book and told to memorize the Jewish holidays. That was my first introduction to Rosh Hashana.

Moving to Fullerton, the family joined Temple Beth Tikvah, and Livits has become one of its most active leaders. She became an adult Bat Mitzvah, joined the choir, and this year she is vice president of programming.

Livits said she still likes to cook her homelands delicacies, including these stuffed yeast buns called piroshki, a recipe she learned from her aunt, Irina Zhmodyak.

Its written in Russian with metric measurements and five times bigger than what you need, she said of her aunts recipe. She had adapted a similar version she found online.. Theyre delicious and a great comfort food.

Fullertons Judy Bart Kancigor is the author of Cooking Jewish. Her website is cookingjewish.com.
SACRAMENTO  A disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney pleaded guilty Thursday to kidnapping in a bizarre case that police in California initially dismissed as a hoax.

A shackled Matthew Muller acknowledged in federal court in Sacramento that he snatched a woman and held her for ransom.

Muller calmly told U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley that he was taking antidepressant, mood stabilizing and anti-psychotic drugs. His attorney, Thomas Johnson, later said Muller has been diagnosed as manic and depressive.

Still, Nunley said he found Muller competent to enter the guilty plea.

Muller committed a serious and violent crime that terrorized the victims in this case, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said in a statement. He violated the sanctity of their home and caused fear and panic for all those affected by the kidnapping.

Muller, 39, could face life in prison when he is sentenced, though prosecutors have agreed as part of his guilty plea to recommend a maximum term of 40 years.

Theres a tremendous amount of remorse, Johnson said in an interview outside the courtroom. He said his client has tremendous potential, and he was hopeful Muller could be rehabilitated.

Muller previously pleaded not guilty to kidnapping Denise Huskins in March 2015. Her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, said kidnappers broke into the couples Vallejo home, took Huskins and demanded $8,500 as a ransom  a figure that police have said they found small for what would have been an elaborate kidnapping.

Huskins turned up safe two days later in her hometown of Huntington Beach, where she says she was dropped off. After she reappeared, Vallejo police called the kidnapping a hoax.

Huskins sued, accusing police of wrongly likening the case to the movie Gone Girl and damaging the reputations of her and her boyfriend.

Attorneys for police have said investigators doubted Quinns account of the abduction and grew more skeptical when Huskins refused to reunite with her family soon after she reappeared.

Muller was later charged.

Muller was admitted to practice law in California in 2011, and his state bar profile says he attended Harvard Law School.

He lost his law license last year over allegations that he took a $1,250 advance from a client then failed to file a green card application for the persons son.



Thanawala reported from San Francisco.
HOBOKEN, N.J.  A rush-hour commuter train crashed through a barrier at the busy Hoboken station and lurched across the waiting area Thursday morning, killing one person and injuring more than 100 others in a grisly wreck that renewed questions about whether long-delayed automated safety technology could have prevented the tragedy.

People pulled chunks of concrete off pinned and bleeding victims, passengers kicked out windows and crawled to safety, and cries and screams could be heard in the wreckage as emergency workers rushed to reach the injured in the tangle of twisted metal and dangling wires just across the Hudson River from New York City.

The New Jersey Transit train ran off the end of the track as it was pulling in around 8:45 a.m., smashing through a concrete-and-steel bumper. As it ground to a halt in the waiting area, the train apparently knocked out pillars, collapsing part of the roof.

The train didnt stop. It just didnt stop, said Tom Spina, who was in the terminal and rushed to try to help the victims.

Ross Bauer was sitting in the third or fourth car when the train entered the historic 109-year-old station, a bustling hub for commuters heading to New York.

All of a sudden, there was an abrupt stop and a big jolt that threw people out of their seats. The lights went out, and we heard a loud crashing noise like an explosion as the roof fell, he said.

The engineer was pulled from the mangled first car and hospitalized, but officials said he had been released by evening. He was cooperating with investigators, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.

A woman standing on the platform, identified as Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, 34, of Hoboken, a former legal worker for the payroll-software company SAP in Brazil, was killed by debris, and 108 people were injured, mostly on the train, Christie said. Seventy-four of them were hospitalized, some with serious injuries that included broken bones.

The train came in at much too high rate of speed, and the question is: Why is that? Christie said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said investigators will determine whether the explanation was equipment failure, an incapacitated engineer or something else.

Some witnesses said they didnt hear or feel the brakes being applied before the crash. Authorities would not estimate how fast the train was going. But the speed limit heading into the station is 10 mph.

The National Transportation Safety Board planned to pull one of the black-box event recorders Thursday evening from the locomotive at the back of the train. The device contains information on the trains speed and braking.

Investigators will examine the engineers performance and the condition of the train, track and signals, among other things, she said.

They also plan to look into whether positive train control  a system designed to prevent accidents by overriding the engineer and automatically slowing or stopping trains that are going too fast  could have helped. None of New Jersey Transits trains is fully equipped with positive train control.

The NTSB has been pressing for some version of the technology for at least 40 years, and the industry is under government orders to install it, but regulators have repeatedly extended the deadline at railroads request. The target date is now the end of 2018.

Both Cuomo and Christie said that it is too soon to say whether such technology would have made a difference.

Over the past 20 years, the NTSB has listed the lack of positive train control as a contributing factor in 25 crashes.

Even without positive train control, there are still safeguards in place at the Hoboken terminal.

New Jersey Transit trains going into Hoboken have an in-cab system that is designed to alert engineers and stop locomotives when they go over 20 mph.

Trains like the one in Thursdays crash are also equipped with an alerter system  a sort of dead mans device  that sounds a loud alarm and eventually stops the train if the engineer goes 15 to 20 seconds without touching the controls.

It was not clear whether those mechanisms kicked in or would have made a difference if they had.
Hillary Clintons large lead over Donald Trump in California grew slightly following Mondays record-setting debate, while the race to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer has tightened somewhat, according to a new poll by the Southern California News Group and KABC/Eyewitness News.

Clinton now leads 59 percent to 33 percent among likely voters, up from 57 percent to 32 percent three weeks ago.

In the two-Democrat race for U.S. Senate, Orange County Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez has moved closer to state Attorney General Kamala Harris, but still trails 40 percent to 29 percent, according to the poll released Wednesday. Nearly a third of voters remain undecided.

Three weeks ago, the statewide poll showed Harris advantage 44 percent to 27 percent. The new results could indicate Sanchez is gaining support six weeks before Election Day while Harris is slipping. Sanchezs overall gain of 6 points is greater than the polls 3.6 percent margin of error.

Certainly, youd much rather be Harris, but the momentum is moving in Sanchezs favor, said Jay Leve, editor of SurveyUSA, which conducted the poll. We see this as genuine movement, not just statistical noise.

Proposition 64, which would legalize recreational marijuana, is leading 52 percent to 41 percent. But an analysis by Survey USA cautioned that the margin was too narrow to merit definitive conclusions.

Rarely does support for a ballot measure increase over time, reads the analysis, noting that opposition is likely to increase. This may alter the calculus on recreational marijuana Proposition 64, which today has the most fragile advantage of those measures tested.

The other three ballot measures polled:

 Proposition 56, which would increase the tax on cigarettes, is ahead 61 percent to 33 percent.

 Proposition 62, which would end the death penalty, trails 38 percent to 53 percent.

 Proposition 63, which would outlaw large-capacity magazines and require background checks to purchase bullets, is ahead 64 percent to 30 percent.

In the presidential race, 64 percent of voters have an extremely unfavorable or unfavorable view of Trump, while 41 percent feel that way about Clinton.

Clinton leads by a 2-1 margin in the greater Los Angeles area, while Trump is ahead by 24 points in the Inland Empire.

Clinton leads by 35 points among women, 14 points among white voters, 50 points among Latinos and 71 points among African Americans.

Trump leads by 5 points among gun owners.

In the Senate race, Harris leads by 23 points among Democrats and Sanchez leads by 10 points among Republicans. Harris has double digit leads with white, African American and Asian American voters. Sanchez is up by 6 points among Latino voters.

The poll surveyed 732 likely voters, 60 percent of whom were interviewed on their home phones by an automated recording. The remaining 40 percent, who could not be reached by a home phone, responded to a questionnaire sent to their smart phone, tablet or other electronic device.

Contact the writer: mwisckol@ocregister.com
ORANGE  One man was arrested Tuesday after a fight escalated into a shooting Tuesday night, police said.

Police were called to the intersection of Tustin Street and Walnut Avenue on around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday night, after a witnesses said two men were fighting and one had pulled out a gun, said Lt. Fred Lopez, an Orange Police Department spokesman.

Several shots were fired, but nobody was hit, Lopez said. The shooter, later identified as 36-year-old Ashelee Joaquin Bennett, fled before officers arrived.

Witnesses described Bennetts vehicle and he was located nearby and positively identified by the witness, Lopez said.

He was booked for violating California Penal Code 664-187, which is attempted murder. Jail records show Bennett is being held on $500,000 bail was set to appear in court Thursday.

Anybody with information about this incident can call the Orange Police Department at 714-744-7444. Anonymous tips can be made to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227).

Contact the writer: 714-796-7802 or jsudock@scng.com
EL CAJON, Calif. U.S. authorities tried twice to deport the unarmed black man fatally shot by police in a San Diego suburb, but his native Uganda refused to take him, resulting in his release.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement to The Associated Press that Alfred Olango stopped reporting to officers in February 2015. Spokeswoman Virginia Kice didnt know if officers tried to find him after that.

Olango arrived as a refugee in 1991 and was ordered deported in 2002 after being convicted on drug charges. He was released under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling barring detention of foreign nationals after six months if deportation is unlikely.

Immigration authorities took Olango into custody in 2009 after a firearms conviction in Colorado but were again unable to obtain travel documents.

Olango, 38, was shot and killed Tuesday by police in El Cajon after pulling out a large electronic cigarette, known as a vape pen, from his pocket and pointing it at the police officer who fired, while a second officer stood nearby trying to subdue him with a stun gun, according to police. A family attorney said Olango was having an emotional breakdown over the recent death of his best friend.

The investigation centers on a video taken by a bystander. Police have produced a single frame from the cellphone video to support their account, saying it shows Olango in a shooting stance.

The photo shows Olangos hands clasped together and pointed directly at an officer who had assumed a similar posture with his gun a few feet away.

The vaping device in his hands had two components, a box about the size of a cellphone and a metallic cylinder that was 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Police said the cylinder was pointed right at the officer.

Olangos relatives demanded the full video be released, according to Dan Gilleon, a lawyer who says he is representing the family.

Theyre cherry-picking part of the video, Gilleon said. This is exactly what police have said is unfair when only portions of video are released against them.

Mayor Bill Wells said he had seen the video and that it was not tremendously complicated to figure out what happened.

Wells was asked how he would feel if it was his child that had been shot.

I saw a man who was distraught, and a man acting like he was in great pain, Wells said. And I saw him get gunned down and killed. If he was my son, I would be devastated.

Olango arrived in the U.S. years ago as a refugee from Uganda. Since then he ran afoul of the law several times: selling cocaine, driving drunk, and illegally possessing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he was arrested in Colorado in 2005 with pot and ecstasy in his car, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to nearly four years for being a felon in possession of a gun.

The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where violent protests broke out.

Protests in El Cajon Wednesday night had heated moments, but remained mostly peaceful.

Scores of people gathered quietly around candles lining a curb in front of bloodstained pavement at the strip mall where Olango was shot.

More than 200 people marched in the streets near the site, yelling no justice, no peace, no racist police!

Police in riot gear, some of them with dogs, faced off with protesters occasionally, bringing some tense moments, but mostly kept their distance.

Experts said it was too early to conclude whether the California shooting was justified or could have been prevented.

Chuck Drago, a former Florida police chief who consults about police use of force, said that once Olango struck the shooting pose, officers would have had to react quickly if he drew an unknown object from his pocket.

An officer doesnt have enough time to wait to determine if thats a gun in his hand, Drago said. If a person is pointing something at an officer and he believes its a gun and it is a gun and that officer doesnt have his gun out, that officer will lose that gunfight.

Police have not named the officers involved, though Wells said both were 21-year veterans and one was Officer Richard Gonsalves.

Gonsalves was demoted last year after allegations that he sexually harassed a lesbian colleague. The City Council had to defend the move to angry citizens who had called for him to be fired.

Christopher Rice-Wilson, associate director of the civil rights group Alliance San Diego, questioned why one officer felt non-lethal force was appropriate while the other did not. Both officers have been put on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, per department policy. Officials have not revealed which officer fired the shots.

El Cajon, a city of 100,000 people about 15 miles northeast of San Diego, has become home for many refugees fleeing Iraq and, more recently, Syria.

Taxin reported from Santa Ana. Associated Press writer Brian Melley contributed to this report from Los Angeles.
A man arrested in August 2015 after breaking into the Santa Ana Zoo was sentenced to four years in state prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to unrelated felony robbery and burglary charges.

John Williams Rodenborn, 38, also pleaded guilty to making criminal threats, according to court records. Charges of using a firearm and being in possession of a controlled substance were dismissed. Misdemeanor charges of entering an animal enclosure also were dismissed.

Rodenborn gained notoriety when he was found swinging from trees claiming to be Tarzan at the Santa Ana Zoo.

Shortly after being arrested at the zoo, he was caught stealing a cellphone at a Costa Mesa art gallery. Later that day, police tracked the phone and found Rodenborn, who ran and then tried to use blue paint to camouflage himself.

Earlier that year, in April, Rodenborn robbed a Chevron gas station in Westminster, where he threatened an employee with a gun. Police arrested him after finding a cigarette at the scene with his DNA on it.

Prosecutors had filed charges in the zoo incident, where he was found shirtless and covered in mud, police said. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing and was sentenced to 32 months, which will run concurrently with his 4-year sentence.

Last November he was ordered to a mental health facility in San Bernardino County after he was found unfit to help with his own defense.

Rodenborns lawyer, Jim Sweeney, who described him as erratic during his crimes, said now the man is reasonable and rational.

Hes not Tarzan anymore, Sweeney said. He is ready to face (his crimes) and wants to put it behind him.
The excitement and anticipation surrounding this years presidential race has created a national interest in politics like weve never seen before. If you dont believe me, try walking into a Starbucks and see if you can eavesdrop on a conversation about who will make it to the World Series. Fat chance. Everywhere you go the topic is the same  Hillary versus Donald.

Youd think this sudden obsession with the Xs and Os of politics would be good for the industry as a whole, but thats not entirely true.

In fact, its made life worse for candidates running for down-ballot offices. Much, much worse.

Why? Because its now virtually impossible for these candidates to cut through the noise. To put it simply, the presidential election is sucking up all of the oxygen in the room.

Its not just the national cable news chat shows that are exclusively focused on the presidential election, so are local newspapers, talk radio and television news.

And, in their defense, you cant really blame them  thats what their customers are interested in.

But it does pose serious challenges for candidates running for office who are trying to get their ideas in the public domain, particularly for the underdogs.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, D-Orange, is a perfect example.

Sanchez, a moderate Democrat, is running against the far more liberal and partisan Democrat, California Attorney General Kamala Harris, to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Current polls show Sanchez lagging behind the two-term AG by varying margins. The most recent Field Poll has Sanchez trailing Harris by 22 points, and PPIC has the Orange County Congresswoman down by seven.

In the June primary, Harris finished on top with 40 percent, with Sanchez earning the silver medal at 19 percent.

Theres no question that if Sanchez is going to be successful at jumping from 19 percent to 50 percent plus one, she needs to generate a lot more support.

So far, her strategy appears to be cobbling together a coalition of Latinos, Republicans and voters in the Los Angeles/Orange County media market. Unfortunately for Sanchez, whatever shes doing, isnt working.

The Field Poll has Harris at 42 percent and Sanchez at 20 percent, with 26 percent undecided. The remaining 12 percent, mostly Republicans, said theyre sitting this race out.

The PPIC poll has Harris at 32 percent and Sanchez at 25 percent, with 19 percent undecided and 24 percent, mostly Republicans and independents, saying they wont vote for either one.

You have to assume that the vast majority of voters who plan to leave their ballots blank would break for Sanchez, if she gave them the right motivation.

But she hasnt.

Sanchez thinks that touting her membership on the House Armed Services Committee and earning the endorsement from high-profile Republicans would be enough.

But its not.

If Sanchez wants the support of Republicans, who have the ability to provide the necessary margin of victory, she needs to give them something significant and concrete.

I talked to a high-profile Democratic strategist who suggested that Sanchez should promise to be a reliable vote in favor of free-trade bills that come before the Senate.

I told her thats not big enough. Plus, Donald Trump won the GOP nomination running against NAFTA and TPP.

If Sanchez seriously wants Republicans to pull the lever for her this November, I think she needs to promise to vote for Donald Trumps nominees to the Supreme Court, should he be elected president.

That would cut through the noise created by the presidential campaign  and would seal the deal with Republican voters.

The only question is: Will she do it?

John Phillips is a CNN political commentator and can be heard weekdays at 3 p.m. on The Drive Home with Jillian Barberie and John Phillips on KABC/AM 790.
Consumers are cutting the cord with cable companies in favor of video streaming services with increasing regularity, but in Pasadena, and perhaps many other cities, they still will not be able to avoid the taxman.

Pasadena Finance Director Matthew Hawkesworth made a ruling last week that video games and streaming services similar to cable  such as Netflix, Hulu and HBO Go  will be subject to the citys 9.4 percent utility user tax for cable TV beginning Jan. 1.

At least 45 other cities  including San Bernardino, Glendale, Santa Monica, Culver City and Pico Rivera  have been advised by MuniServices, a company that provides revenue recovery consulting and administrative services to local governments, that they can impose their existing cable taxes on video streaming services as well. These cities UUT rates range from 4.5 to 11 percent.

About 146 California cities and four counties  which is approximately 30 percent of the states municipalities, but which cover roughly half the states population  have a UUT, according to Ballotpedia.org. UUTs are most commonly levied on telephone, electricity and gas services, a July 2015 analysis from CaliforniaCityFinance.com revealed, although a little more than half of local governments with UUTs  covering roughly 20 percent of California residents  apply them to cable television and water services as well, and a small number impose them on sewer and garbage services. These taxes generate a total of nearly $2 billion in revenue per year statewide.

The tax is very suspect, according to John Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. We will be taking a very close look at this, Coupal told the Pasadena Star-News. If we determine this is an extension of an existing tax, then under the [state] Constitution, they need voter approval. They can put as much lipstick on this pig as they want, but the pig is still a tax increase.

There was also dissent on the Pasadena City Council. Cable has been a hardship for many families and now were going to add a hardship to them, Councilman Tyron Hampton asserted to the Star-News. Next well be taxing you for streaming music on Pandora. This is ridiculous.

Perhaps he shouldnt give the city any ideas.

The city is unapologetic about its decision, however. There are a lot of things that are done through the internet that are taxed, Hawkesworth, the citys finance director, told the Star-News. Pasadena isnt unique in this. There are many, many cities considering it.

Indeed, such taxes are already imposed in Minnesota, Chicago and Canada, and Pasadena looks to set an example in California.

But, as your mother may have told you when you were young, just because others are doing something doesnt make it right.

Utility user taxes are just another excuse for local government money grabs. They are simply one more way for the government to fund services that should be financed through more traditional revenue streams. Rather than seeking more creative ways to pick taxpayers pockets, local governments should focus more on providing their core, highest-priority services at the highest quality for the lowest cost.
JALALABAD, Afghanistan  At least 13 people were killed by an airstrike in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar on Wednesday, with officials describing the victims as members of the Islamic State, while some residents claimed the dead were civilians.

A U.S. military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Charles H. Cleveland, said that a counterterrorism airstrike had taken place in the area on Wednesday but that he could not discuss details. He added that the military takes all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously and that a review of the strike was underway.

Afghan officials said the victims of the strike, in the Achin district, were members of the Islamic State. The district has long been a hotbed of Islamic State activity, one of the few in Afghanistan.

Provincial police in Nangarhar issued a statement saying that 18 Islamic State members were killed in the strike, in the Shadal Bazaar area of the Achin district, including an Islamic State judge and a local commander.

Local Afghan news organizations quoted residents and elders as saying the victims were civilians.

Obaidullah Shinwari, a provincial council member from the Achin district, said that the airstrike had destroyed the house of a tribal elder, Akhtar Muhammad, killing 13 of his relatives and visitors. Although Shinwari described the victims as civilians who were paying their respects to the elder after he returned from the hajj in Saudi Arabia, he also said that many of the relatives of Muhammad were Islamic State members, including the local Islamic State commander.

Another provincial council member, Zabiullah Zamarai, said that the Islamic State controlled the area where the strike took place but that it was possible that civilians could have been among the victims. However, no women or children were among the victims, he said.

In a news release later, the U.S. military said that Islamic State militants were systematically killing the population in Nangarhar. They continue to put innocent lives at risk by deliberately surrounding themselves with civilians and dressing in female attire, the news release said.

A spokesman for the Nangarhar police, Hazarat Hussain Masharaqiwal, said a delegation had been appointed to investigate the attack.

We are aware of some claims of Afghan casualties, and are currently reviewing all materials related to this strike, Cleveland said. We are continuing to look into these allegations and will provide additional information as appropriate.
Secretary of State John Kerry sought to raise the stakes Wednesday in the debate over the Trans-Pacific Partnership, warning that U.S. leadership and credibility in Asia would be severely damaged if Congress fails to approve the largest regional trade accord in history.

The fate of the 12-nation pact, known as the TPP, will go a long way toward determining whether the United States of America is an Asia-Pacific power or whether we are not  and the not carries with it serious consequences, Kerry said in a speech at the Wilson Center.

Kerrys impassioned defense of the agreement came two days after the two major-party nominees for president, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, criticized the impact of multilateral trade pacts on American workers and denounced the TPP in a nationally televised debate.

Though polls show that a majority of Americans favor international free trade, widespread skepticism in manufacturing-heavy swing states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, has put the future of one of President Barack Obamas top economic priorities in doubt. Republican leaders in Congress have said it is unlikely that the pact would be considered for a ratification vote before Obama leaves office in January.

Kerry called on lawmakers to approve the deal in an expected brief lame-duck congressional session after the Nov. 8 elections. Without naming Trump or Clinton, he said that trade skeptics who have warned of economic doom and gloom . . . have consistently been proven wrong.

The secretary cast the trade accord as a crucial strategic initiative underpinning the Obama administrations attempt to rebalance U.S. foreign policy away from the Middle East and Europe and toward greater attention on Asia.

The Obama administration spent five years negotiating the deal, which covers countries that account for about 36 percent of the worlds gross domestic product. The pact includes advanced economies such as Japan, Canada and Singapore as well as some of the worlds least developed, such as Malaysia and Vietnam.

We cant withdraw from the TPP and still be viewed as a central player in the Pacific Rim and an undisputed force for peace and prosperity across the globe, Kerry said. Our partners worldwide need to know they can always look to us for principled leadership, with no uncertainty and no doubt.

The TPP is a sprawling, 30-chapter accord that addresses tariff reductions for agriculture and automobiles, as well as intellectual-property rights for movies and pharmaceutical drugs, the free flow of information on the Internet, wildlife conservation, online commerce and dispute settlement practices for multinational corporations.

The debate over trade has become central to the 2016 campaign. Trumps opposition to the TPP has muted support among GOP leaders who had overwhelmingly backed legislation last year that granted Obama greater trade powers. Trump blames past trade deals for obliterating the U.S. manufacturing industry.

Clinton had been a forceful advocate for the deal while serving as secretary of state in Obamas first term. But she reversed her position during a hard-fought Democratic primary campaign against Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has vehemently opposed free-trade pacts.

During the debate Monday, Trump noted that Clinton had referred to the TPP as the gold standard of trade deals while serving in the State Department. Clinton responded that she had raised concerns over the deal in her book, Hard Choices, which was published after she left office, and formally renounced the pact after the final terms were announced last fall.

Is it President Obamas fault? Trump asked her. Because hes pushing it.

The administration has vowed to continue lobbying Congress, and Kerrys speech was the latest in a coordinated campaign to promote the deal. Obama met with a bipartisan group of political and business leaders in the Oval Office to talk about the merits of the TPP two weeks ago.

On Tuesday, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman published an editorial in the Houston Chronicle warning that the United States risked ceding ground to China. Although China is not a member of the TPP, Beijing is negotiating a separate regional trade pact in Asia that does not include the United States.

If Congress delays, China will be all too glad to fill the vacuum and even our closest allies will feel the need to move on, Froman wrote.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post.
69-year-old Santiago Sanchez, from western El Salvador, has been spending his days digging away at a tunnel ever since God told him to do it, 18 years ago. A reporter recently entered the tunnel, but had to exit before reaching the end, due to respiratory problems, so no one really knows how long it really is.

Every morning, at around 3 a.m., Santiago Sanchez goes down a hole into the tunnel he has been digging for nearly two decades and spends the whole day carving away at the rough service. When the day is done, he exits with around 90 pounds of rock and debris. He has sworn to dedicate every waking hour of his life to the bizarre project and fulfill Gods command. The pensioner says that he received a message from the Lord, 18 years ago, telling him to start digging a hole. He took it to heart and hasnt stopped since.

Photo: video screengrab

What I am doing is a spiritual revelation from God, Santiago told a local TV station. Despite having many critics who laugh at him and call him crazy, the man is determined to fulfill his mission, even though he admits he doesnt understand its purpose. Nobody knows what God is going to demand from you, he added.

He compares his work to that of Noah, described in the Genesis, in that he also received a command from God and was laughed at by people who didnt believe him and refused to help.

Photo: video screengrab

Univision journalist Ernesto Rivas recently went down into Sanchezs tunnel to see how long it had become in 18 years, but by the time he got (what he assumes was) halfway, it had become so hard to breathe that he had to turn back. That didnt surprise Santiago, who said: Only I am allowed to go to the end, because I am Gods tunnel digger. Nobody else is allowed to go there.

The mysterious hole has become known as the Tunnel of God, and people sometimes stop by to visit it. However, no one but Sanchez has reached its end, as he seems to be the only one untroubled by the low level of oxygen on the deeper levels.

So because no one but Santiago Sanchez has reached the end of the tunnel, nobody knows how long it really is. But after 18 years of constant digging, we can assume its pretty long. The digger himself says hell continue his work until he gets another message from God or until the end of his days. He claims the Lord has promised him a gift when he finally completes his task.

This epic undertaking reminds me of William Henry Burro Schmidt, a.k.a. the human mole, an eccentric man who spent 32 years single-handedly digging a 2,087-foot tunnel through Copper Mountain, in the in the Mojave Deserts El Paso range.

Source: El Salvador.com (Spanish)
Dafna Tachover, Wi-Fi healthcare advocate who was instrumental in getting Wi-Fi routers shut down in Haifa schools earlier this year, told the FCC Sept. 22 that there is an epidemic of radiation sickness.

Tachover, an attorney with offices in Israel and New York, spoke for a little over five minutes to the FCC Disability Committee, asking it to examine the issue. The Commissioners, in two brief replies to her, said they will make sure it gets to the appropriate officials. They said there was no time for further discussion of the matter.

Children and adults are being crashed and violated by excessive electro-magnetic radiation in schools and elsewhere, said Tachover, who herself had become hyper-sensitive to electro-magnetic radiation several years ago. There is an epidemic out there and we hope the FCC will not ignore this," she said.

She heads wearetheevidence.com

Tachover, who appeared on a half-hour TV documentary on Wi-Fi in Israel April 20, 2016, cited several instances of schoolchildren and others becoming sick because of such radiation and estimated that 10-20% of the population is affected.

Two hundred radiation sick children were found in six schools in Israel, she noted.

Urges FCC to Provide Safe Technology

She told the committee that she is not against technology but wants the FCC to encourage companies to find ways to make the new technology safer for everyone.

The harm caused by wireless is not only proven but is on an epidemic scale and the health effects of such radiation are "not being addressed by the FCC, she said.

Attempts to interest school administrators in the problem result in threats to have the child removed from school. One complainant was told that the affected child and her doctor were suffering from a weird set of beliefs.

Israel TV Show Probed Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi health advocates were exultant in April at news that an Israeli TV documentary titled How We are Killing OurselvesWireless Radiation won a high rating and Haifi ordered Wi-Fi removed from all schools.

The 30-minute documentary about the epidemic of Electro-Sensitivity (ES) aired at 9 p.m. April 12 and received the highest rating of the day, according to Tachover.

She provided a link to the show to Wi-Fi health advocates in other countries noting that while the video is in Hebrew there are some interviews in English.

Tachover said the director planned to do 10 minutes on ES as part of a film about the diseases of the 21st century but after working with health advocates understood the extent of the problem and the lie and how important it is to give an uncompromising warning to the public. It was then decided to do 30 minutes mainly on ES and Wi-Fi in schools.



Said Tachover: The host was a leading TV media person and his tone was uncompromising - no maybes, precautionary etc., the tone was - there is an epidemic out there. Wireless harms and it is time for us to wake up as it is late already. He started by saying that at least 800,000 people in Israel, i.e. 10% of the population already suffer from different levels of ES and twice aired parts of my interview in which I was saying that the rates are already higher and will continue to increase.



Two government "experts" admitted on the show that the thermal safety standard is irrelevant which is not what they told the Supreme Court, wrote Tachover.

Most importantly, he wrote, the movie created a lot of buzz and sent a very alarming message that radiation harms are not potential but existing, and in an epidemic scale.



Israelis participating in the show included Amir Borenstein, Yael Levin and her daughter Noa who told what it is like to be electro-sensitive. Parents who fight Wi-Fi in the school were also interviewed. Tachover was interviewed as an expert and activist and on the medical side were Prof. Richter and Dr. Yael Stein.

15-Year-Old Committed Suicide

The technical side was presented by engineer Liran Raz of the U.S. Mentioned was Jenny Fry, the 15-year-old U.K. student who committed suicide because of Wi-Fi in her school.

Tachover said Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav announced the city, third largest in Israel, is immediately removing Wi-Fi from its schools, saying "When there is a doubt, when it comes to our children, there is no doubt. Tachover said that now that one city decided to stop WI-Fi that trend will be reversed.

Said Tachover: Electro-Sensitivity is an epidemic and not three percent of the population. We are now in the double digits in terms of ES. The public must be told. Wi-Fi in schools is a disaster and as a person who spends two to four hours every day on the phone with people and children who got sick, with many contemplate committing suicide, I urge you all to be uncompromising. The truth, and all of it must be told. Continued good luck to us all and thanks to anyone out there who stands up to evil and stupidity.
The 7th annual OFFline Offaly Film Festival was officially launched recently at The Chestnut Bar in Birr, with five days of film unfolding in Birr and the surrounding region from October 12 to October 16.

The festival will open with the screening of the lauded feature film A Date for Mad Mary on Wednesday October 12, with the rest of the week made up of numerous screenings, Pocket Filmmaking workshops, mini movies, Made in Offaly short films, a Frozen singalong and dress up, and more.

One of the highlights will be the screening of the brand new Irish film The Flag starring much loved Irish comedian and actor, Pat Shortt.

Directed by Claras Declan Recks and written by Edenderrys Eugene OBrien, (the same team behind RTEs Pure Mule) it will screen at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Thursday October 13 before going on general release across the country the following day.

The ever popular 57 Hour Filmmaking Challenge is also back.

This year Irish and international filmmaking teams will descend on Birr to make their short films in a little over two days, with the winner guaranteed a spot at the prestigious 2017 Galway Film Fleadh.

Speaking at the launch, festival director Gary Hoctor said: We are delighted that OFFline continues to go from strength to strength. Weve received hundreds of short film submissions from all over the world again this year.

For more, see www.offlinefilmfestival.com.
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Its no secret that west Omaha needs more locally owned creative dining options, so when I heard about Tavern 180 opening recently near 180th Street and West Dodge Road, I was curious.

At first glance I was lukewarm on the strip mall location and the somewhat antiseptic look of the dining room. But after two dinners, I have to give the restaurant credit for serving an approachable blend of steakhouse-meets-casual food that was, for the most part, really nicely executed. And its also got a really flashy bar, if youre into such things.

Owner Brett Clure told me that hes worked for the past three years with the other owners to open the restaurant. Clure also runs the Omaha locations of Tanners Bar & Grill. He said he wanted to blend a contemporary steakhouse with a more casual bar and grill.

If you are in the mood for a prime steak, you can get one. If you are in the mood for a jalapeno BLT, you can get that, too, he said.

In a way, the two sides of the restaurant seem to reflect that. The night we dined in the more formal dining room, we went for the full-on experience, while the night we sat in the bars high-top banquette seating, we went for the more casual offerings.

The menus at Tavern 180 are on tablets similar to iPads, a feature Ive encountered before in Omaha but only for wine lists. Clure said it allows the kitchen to make changes on a more regular basis than it can with printed menus. During our visits, it also allowed the restaurant to add the Omaha Restaurant Week features into the display.

The steakhouse side of the menu has both meat and seafood offerings, and we tried two: a nicely executed, mid-rare wagyu hanger steak topped with a dollop of garlic butter and served with skin-on, sizzling-hot french fries, and an unusual scallop Benedict. This was made in the same fashion as the egg dish but with three nicely seared scallops, prosciutto and a bit of cooked spinach atop cakes made from fried grits, all topped with lemon-forward hollandaise. The grits mimicked the texture of the classic English muffin, a detail I appreciated.

Across the board, all the entrees were nicely seasoned.

That night we also tried the Caesar salad  I appreciated the anchovy in the dressing  made with fresh romaine, roasted red peppers, house-made croutons and a thin Parmesan crisp; and one of the shared side dishes, a creamed-corn dish that, for us, fell flat.

The decor in the dining room, a scheme of dark gray and black, also didnt really work for me. Instead of art on the dark walls, huge white letters spell out Tavern 180  I guess in case you forget where youre dining. The black shades in the dining room were all closed during the evening we visited. The bonus was that it blocked a parking lot view, but the drawback was that it made the room feel smaller and darker.

The bar, on the other hand, might have been taken out of a restaurant in Las Vegas. (Clure did say that the owners took inspiration for the bar from places in Vegas.) Colored bottles of liquor are lined up against a mirrored, backlit bar, and a chandelier surely inspired by the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly hangs above the horseshoe-shaped bar. I appreciate that the owners kept the television sets here instead of in the dining room.

We tried a handful of drinks, the bourbon smash being the best and most balanced of the bunch. Speaking of Vegas, I tried the Tavern Bubbles, a cocktail that comes with a little piece of dry ice tucked in the base of a martini glass so it bubbles like a tiny, hot-pink cauldron for the first few minutes. The best word for this drink? Candy.

An appetizer of the fried clam strips arrived more soggy than crispy, and though a squeeze of lemon over the top brightened their flavor, it didnt help the texture. Better was the house burger, made with Kobe beef from Imperial farms in Blair. It had great texture and flavor. We got another dish with local protein, too: the Taverns version of chicken Oscar is made with meat from Plum Creek Farms. It, too, had great flavor and texture, topped with a drizzle of hollandaise, roasted fingerling potatoes and asparagus. Chicken is usually low on my list of proteins, but here the product and the preparation both pleased.

The one dud we encountered was dessert: a creme brulee arrived looking as though it had been hit with a blowtorch, but when we cut into it, it was missing the signature crunchy brulee top. I asked Clure about it, and he said it should have been crispy.

Its worth noting that, across the board, the photos of the food on the electronic menu looked, to the letter, like what we were served.

Though I might have not been sold entirely on the restaurants atmosphere, when it comes to cuisine, Tavern 180 is doing it right in a location that needs more like this.

Tavern 180

Address: 203 N. 180th St.

Phone: 402-905-0153

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hits: a chicken Oscar made with meat from Nebraskas Plum Creek Farms; nicely cooked beef in the house burger and steak frites

Misses: a creme brulee was missing the desserts classic crunchy top, and a shared side dish of creamed corn lacked seasoning

Drinks: house cocktails  including the flashy Tavern Bubbles  and a wine list with suggested pairings

Prices: the scallop entree runs $28; the steak, $38; a burger, $14

Other things to know: The noise level is moderate, with music. The owners are still working on the interior design of the space and hope to unify the look and feel of the bar and dining room. The menus are on electronic tablets, as are the drink and wine lists.
A deal to combine the worlds two biggest beer companies cleared its last major hurdle Wednesday when the shareholders of SABMiller approved the takeover by Budweiser maker Anheuser-Busch InBev. SABMiller shareholders approved the $103 billion deal despite opposition from some investors who saw their share of the payout shrink when the pound plunged following Britains vote to the leave the European Union. The takeover is expected to be formally completed on Oct. 10, AB InBev said.

Problem with Focus hatches prompts Ford recall

Ford is recalling about 74,000 Focus hatchback cars with manual transmissions in the U.S. and Canada because the hatches can be unlatched too easily while the cars are moving. The recall covers certain Focus hatchback and RS vehicles from the 2013 through 2017 model years. The company says the hatch can be unlocked and unlatched by pushing a single button when the cars are traveling under 4 miles per hour.

Crash in Malaysia adds to fatalities tied to air bags

Honda said a driver died after a Takata air bag ruptured during a crash last week in Malaysia, lifting the number of fatalities tied to the devices to at least 16 worldwide. The drivers 2009 Honda City had been recalled in July 2015 and a repair was never completed, Hondas Malaysia unit said. Takata, the Tokyo-based supplier of auto safety devices, is seeking buyers amid global recalls that could exceed 100 million air bags, the biggest safety crisis in the industrys history.

Durable-goods orders remain steady

U.S. factories saw slightly fewer orders for big-ticket manufactured goods in August, with a decline in aircraft orders accounting for the modest slip. Orders for durable goods were nearly flat in August, with an $85 million fall from July to $226.9 billion, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. The tick down mostly stemmed from a steep 21.9 percent drop in the volatile category of commercial aircraft.
The greatest threat to U.S. national security is one with the potential to leave millions of Americans dead without a single missile ever being launched, a veteran broadcaster said in Omaha on Wednesday.

The bad actors are in place and the means are readily available to them.

In fact, theres a high likelihood youre reading about it right now on a device with such capability, journalist Ted Koppel told about 1,000 Omahans on Wednesday.

What Im talking about here is using the Internet as a weapon of mass destruction. If you can take out all or part of one of our three electrical grids, (you have) tens of millions of Americans without heat, cooling, refrigeration and running water, Koppel said. Imagine the health crisis within a matter of two or three days.

Koppel explored that very proposition at length in his book Lights Out, in which the probability, mechanisms and fallout of a cyberattack on the nations electrical infrastructure illustrate a harrowing depiction that borders on apocalyptic.

The 76-year-old former anchor and managing editor of ABCs Nightline spoke about the book, released in October 2015, to the Omaha Town Hall Lecture series at St. Andrews United Methodist Church.

Grid and cybersecurity is a priority at the Omaha Public Power District, said utility spokeswoman Jodi Baker. OPPD regularly and with partners in government practices attack scenarios at local, regional and national levels.

Still, Koppel contends that invaders have most likely already infiltrated U.S. grid infrastructure and that preparations for and discussions about a successful large-scale attack are woefully lacking.

Here we are, having just had the first of three debates between our presidential candidates, and the subject of cyberwarfare came up just a little bit. ... But thats not going to seize the imagination of the American public, Koppel said. We are focusing on personality flaws, on how much we dislike her, or dislike him, and couldnt we have come up with somebody better?

Thats largely the result of Americans demands to be entertained by the news they consume, Koppel said, and their preference to increasingly enjoy their own facts along with their own opinions.

Things have changed dramatically since the newsmans early reporting on the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis.

Koppel told The World-Herald that back then he had learned of six American diplomats escape from Iranian students who had taken over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, and that they were hiding out in the Canadian Embassy while government agencies concocted plans to rescue them.

Citing the escaped Americans safety, then-Secretary of State Cyrus Vance called and asked the reporter to kill the story.

The events around and leading up to the Americans escape were chronicled in the 2012 film Argo. Koppel said it was only after the film came out that he learned that his colleagues at NBC and CBS also had the story and received the same call from Secretary Vance.

That could not happen today, Koppel said, because the modern media landscape is so densely populated by not only journalists but bloggers, bloviators and casual observers, that containing such a story would be impossible.

Thats the only time in 53 years in this business that Ive (killed a story), so it doesnt come up very often, but the idea of being able to do something responsible  those days are gone, Koppel said. There are so many irresponsible people who are able to put out any version of a story that they want to.
Omahas CenturyLink Center will play host to two conventions this week and next that are expected together to bring an estimated 4,300 people to the area, 90 percent of whom are from outside Omaha, according to Visit Omaha, the citys tourism authority.

 SalonCentric, an online and brick-and-mortar distributor of professional salon products, will hold its fall SalonCentric L.I.V.E. show at CenturyLink. Event planners arrive today, exhibitors arrive Friday, and the stage shows, business classes and step-by-step demonstrations take place Saturday and Sunday.

The event is expected to draw 3,500 industry professionals, 90 percent from outside Omaha. Conventiongoers will be staying at three local hotels.

SalonCentric, which operates 565 stores in 48 states, hosts shows throughout the country, Rebecca Bray, a company spokeswoman, said.

SalonCentric, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, has held shows in the area for the last five years, Bray said. The show is an opportunity for beauty pros to become reinvigorated and more knowledgeable, she said. The event is closed to the public.

 Railway Supply Institute, a trade association that advocates on behalf of suppliers that support North Americas freight and passenger railroads and their 150,000 employees, will hold its convention at CenturyLink from Oct. 2-5.

The event is expected to draw an estimated 800 people, 90 percent from outside Omaha. Two hotels are expected to accommodate conventiongoers, Visit Omaha said. The convention is open to government employees, railroad officials and college students. The event is closed to the public.

The institute represents about 800 companies that provide goods to the nations railroads, including Union Pacific, said Institute President Thomas Simpson.

Two-thirds of those companies are small businesses with a handful of employees, Simpson said. We schedule meetings in cities like Omaha to bring those companies close to their customers. We hope the folks at Union Pacific will come on down.
Cass County Attorney Nathan Cox said he expects to release more information soon on the fatal shooting of a Louisville, Nebraska, man by a sheriffs deputy.

Austin M. Baier, 23, was killed in a confrontation with 25-year-old Cass County Deputy Tyler Reiff on Sept. 21.

Authorities have not released key details, including whether Baier was armed or the nature of the struggle between Reiff and Baier.

On Wednesday, Reiff gave a final interview to investigators, Cox said. The county attorney said he will release more after he has briefed both of Baiers parents.

As soon as we are able to do that, we will be issuing an additional press release, Cox said late Wednesday afternoon.

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the shooting. The patrol has described it this way:

Reiff, who had been employed by the Sheriffs Office for four years, stopped the 1992 Buick Century that Baier was driving near First and Cherry Streets in Louisville. The car matched the description of a vehicle that had been reported being driven recklessly in the area.

After Baier stopped, he drove off a short distance. Baier stopped a second time, got out of the car and confronted the deputy. An altercation ensued before Reiff shot Baier.

Reiff and medical personnel tried to save Baiers life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The deputy was not injured.

Reiff was placed on administrative leave, the State Patrol said. Under state law, a grand jury will review the death.

This week, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska released a statement on the shooting and said tough questions needed to be asked.

The ACLU statement by Danielle Conrad, executive director for the Nebraska office, reads in part:

We also renew our call for a public dialogue that includes improved training for law enforcement in threat assessment and de-escalation, the establishment of stronger mechanisms for transparency and accountability, such as independent civilian review boards with disciplinary authority, and increased oversight and data reporting on use of force incidents by law enforcement.
A 17-year-old girl who authorities allege stabbed a schoolmate inside an Omaha high school was charged Tuesday with two felony crimes.

The teen was charged in a petition filed in Douglas County Juvenile Court with first-degree assault and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.

The County Attorneys Office accuses the girl of stabbing Dominique Berry, 16, on Monday in a Northwest High School bathroom. Berry was taken in critical condition to Creighton University Medical Center. She was listed there Thursday morning in fair condition.

The suspect in Berrys stabbing was charged last year with disorderly conduct and third-degree assault in connection with a March 2015 fight among four girls outside the YMCA at 30th and R Streets. She pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. The assault charge was dismissed.

In that case, the girl was sentenced to indefinite probation that included 30 hours of community service. She did not appear for a court hearing, and on Jan. 15, a judge issued a warrant to take her into custody. The teens mother wrote then in an affidavit that the girl was missing.

The girl was taken Monday to the Douglas County Youth Center, a detention facility, after a detective interviewed her in the Northwest High stabbing. She was to have a court hearing on her detention Wednesday, but the disposition was not clear.
An unarmed 23-year-old man who was shot to death last week by a Cass County sheriffs deputy charged the officer, officials said Thursday.

Austin M. Baier of Louisville died Sept. 21 after a traffic stop in the town. Preliminary reports indicate that Baier got out of his car and charged the deputy when the deputy exited his vehicle, Cass County Attorney Nathan Cox said in a press release.

Cox said the deputy, 25-year-old Tyler Reiff, told Baier to stop, but Baier didnt comply. Reiff then fired five shots, Cox said.

The incident began when Reiff stopped a 1992 Buick Century that Baier was driving near First and Cherry Streets about 7:15 p.m. The car matched the description of a vehicle that a caller had reported was being driven recklessly in the area, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

After initially stopping, Baier drove off a short distance, the patrol said. After stopping a second time, officials said, Baier got out of the car and confronted Reiff.

After Baier was shot, Reiff and medical personnel tried to save him, but Baier was pronounced dead at the scene. Reiff was not injured.

A hunting knife was found on the dashboard of Baiers vehicle, Cox said, but it doesnt appear that Baier ever brandished the knife at the deputy.

Reiff has been employed by the Sheriffs Office for four years. He was placed on administrative leave, the State Patrol said. Under state law, a grand jury will review the circumstances of Baiers death.

Cox said Wednesday evening that investigators had interviewed Reiff a final time earlier in the day. Cox said he would release more details after he had briefed both of Baiers parents.

In the statement released Thursday, Cox said he was unable to provide additional details in order to allow the grand jury process to continue. However, the recently amended statutes involving grand juries of this type provide that at the conclusion of the grand jury proceedings, all exhibits, a transcript and the findings of the grand jury will be released to the public, so there will be full transparency in the process.

Baier did not have a criminal history in state or federal courts, according to court records.
A 27-year-old Ohio man was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of an 18-year-old Iowa woman in Glenwood, Iowa.

Mark Alan Troutman of Sylvania, Ohio, is being held on $5 million bail at the Mills County Jail. He is accused in the fatal shooting of Kathryn Lauren Weber at Linnwood Estates, an assisted living center where she worked.

A jury trial is scheduled for Dec. 20.

Around 6:35 p.m. Sept. 17, police responded to a report of a person down at the center. Medics and police found Weber outside, unresponsive and bleeding from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troutman was identified as a suspect and taken into custody at a Glenwood motel about 7:50 p.m.

Police were told that Troutman was Webers ex-boyfriend and that he was stalking her.
Longtime Ralston school board member Linda Richards says the biggest challenge facing the district today is the same as it was 21 years ago when she ran for her first term  funding.

For K-through-12 education, I think that will continue to be the case as we move forward, said Richards, who is running for what she says will be her final term. If shes re-elected, shell leave with 25 years of experience on the board.

Richards and three others are competing for three open seats.

Most of the candidates agree: the sunset of the Learning Communitys common levy will bring with it financial instability for the district, which is second in the metro area only to the Omaha Public Schools in the share of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches. About 56.3 percent of Ralstons students qualify.

Jeff Zdan, who is also on the board, said using property taxes to fund public education doesnt serve every students needs.

We hope lawmakers understand the needs of our children and work with us to create the best learning environment for all Nebraskans, he said.

The death of the common levy will hurt the districts resources, Zdan said, and he doesnt want it to affect the classroom.

Public education is the best resource we have as Nebraskans, and I believe it deserves everything we have, he said.

Mike Overkamp, who was appointed to the board in July, said that because the district is landlocked, its growth is limited. The district doesnt have a good way to generate revenue, he said. But students needs dont go away when funding goes away, he said.

My guess is there are going to have to be some hard choices made,  he said. I dont know what those look like at this time.

Heather Johnson, an accountant, is the only non-incumbent running for a seat. She said she sees it as an opportunity to serve the community.

I know its a great opportunity for anyone who wants to help out in the district, to be able to work hard and help it continue to be a wonderful community and school district, Johnson said.

Johnson said shes noticed a lack of interest in serving on the board, and she wants to do her part.

Richards said it has been an honor to serve Ralston for the past two decades, and she promises to work as hard during her final four years as she did during her first. Its important to help guide a new generation of school board members, she said.

I think its time for me to pass the baton.

* * *

Mike Overkamp

Age: 48

Party: Republican

Home: Omaha

Occupation: Senior test engineer/product owner at CGSI

Public offices held: Appointed to Ralston school board in July

Education: Bachelor of science in business administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1990; certificate of mainframe programming, Creighton Institute of Technology, 1998

Family: Married, five children

Faith: Christian

Linda Richards

Age: 44

Party: Republican

Home: Omaha

Occupation: Co-owner of PRISM Advisors

Public offices held: Ralston school board for 21 years

Education: Bachelors degree in political science, Creighton University, 1994

Family: Married, two children

Faith: Lutheran

Jeff Zdan

Age: 40

Party: Republican

Home: Ralston

Occupation: Vice president and network systems engineer at DataServ Corp.

Public offices held: President of Ralston school board

Education: Bachelors degree in management of information systems, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2005; master of science in management of information systems, UNO, 2009; Ph.D. in information technology, UNO, 2012

Family: Married, two children

Faith: Presbyterian

Heather Johnson

Age: 39

Party: Nonpartisan

Home: Ralston

Occupation: Accountant

Public offices held: None

Education: Ralston High School, 1995

Family: Married, three children

Faith: None
A 33-year-old Omaha woman was critically injured and two of three dogs in her car were killed early Wednesday in a single-vehicle crash in northwest Omaha.

Omaha police said the crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Blair High Road just west of 90th Street.

Lindsey Callaway was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center with a broken left arm, a broken right leg and several cuts and bruises, police said. Her injuries were not considered life-threatening, police said.

She was listed in fair condition at the hospital Wednesday afternoon.

An investigation found that Callaways 2010 Toyota Scion was eastbound on Blair High Road from 99th Street at high speed, police said. Callaway lost control of her Toyota and it veered off the right side of the roadway, traveled through a small wooded area and crashed into a tree, police said.

Callaway, who police said was not wearing a seat belt, was able to crawl out of the vehicle and up to the roadway, where another motorist spotted her and called 911.

Excessive speed was being investigated as a factor contributing to the crash, which remains under investigation, police said.

The surviving dog was turned over to the canines other owner, police said.
All U.S. and Nebraska flags will be flown at half-staff to honor former Israeli president and prime minister Shimon Peres, in accordance with a proclamation from President Barack Obama.

Peres, who died early Wednesday at the age of 93, was awarded the 1994 Nobel Prize after he secretly helped broker the historic Oslo interim peace accords with the Palestinians a year earlier. He shared the prize with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The flags will be flown at half-staff until sundown on Sept. 30.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
NETs program Choice Cuts: Meat in America was honored at the National Educational Telecommunications Associations annual professional development conference. The conference showcases public televisions best work in community engagement, content production and instructional media. The event took place last week in Baltimore.

Choice Cuts: Meat in America looks at trends of the American meat industry, the challenges it faces and the changing face of consumer demands. The program was a collaboration among NET, KCPT in Kansas City and Rocky Mountain PBS in Denver. It includes television, radio and digital elements to tell the story in different ways.

The judges commended the program for its production values.

Choice Cuts: Meat in America can be viewed at netNebraska.org/news.

NET operates the statewide public service network, which includes NET Television, NET Radio, NET Learning Services and NET Technology Services. For more information, visit netNebraska.org.
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May's new car show to rival Top Gear will soon be launched on Amazon Prime. Called The Grand Tour, it will see the presenters testing out new and old cars, heading off on some mad hatter adventures and having the general banter fans of theirs know so well.

It's basically going to be Top Gear with a different name, and given how the most recent season of that bombed on the BBC with new presenters Chris Evans and Matt Le Blanc, we'd imagine there will be a lot of people eager to see the three lads back together again doing their thing. A rose by any other name, and all that.

Unfortunately though, that won't be anyone in Ireland as we still don't have Amazon Prime here yet, in fact, the streaming service is currently only available in five countries - the US, UK, Germany, Austria, and Japan.

However, according to Business Insider, Amazon have a secret deal which means the show could air on televsision too, with ITV said to be one of the broadcasters trying to get the rights. The party line coming from Amazon has always been that they have 'no interest' in licensing the series to a TV channel, but it seems part of their deal with the former Top Gear hosts was that they would agree to work with talent agency IMG to license so-called "second window rights" for The Grand Tour. This means the tech giant have a right to decide when and if the show could be available on television. Amazon have previously done this with the likes of Ripper Street.

IMG was also responsible for selling hit drama The Night Manager to more than 188 countries this year, so they could help Amazon sell the show to countries that the service is not available in, like Ireland. A source told Business Insider the company has been informally sounding out interest in the UK in recent weeks, with ITV said to be particularly keen.

Executive producer Andy Wilman also told the Edinburgh International Television Festival last month that; "I'd like it to be seen by as many people as possible. How that comes, I don't care,"

However Amazon is still denying all of this, as they would naturally have to do. Although given the global appeal of the original Top Gear, which made it into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2013 as "world's most widely watched factual TV programme", we reckon it's a no-brainer for Amazon to want as many eyes as possible on their show, or else... maybe pull the finger out and let the rest of the world access their TV streaming service already
COUNCIL BLUFFS  Donald Trump is back on offense.

The combative New Yorker, who found himself playing defense in much of his first presidential debate, came out swinging Wednesday in this Iowa city, accusing Hillary Clinton of being both corrupt and incompetent and questioning how she escaped criminal charges in her email controversy.

The Republican also rejected the idea that he lost Mondays debate, saying he won in a landslide. However, he cited several online Internet polls that others  including Fox News  consider questionable.

Finally, Trump said he had some of the smartest supporters in this election.

People dont know how smart you are. These are the smart people. These are the smart people. And  I never like to say it, but I say it  Im a smart person, Trump said. We have the smartest people. We have the smartest people. And they know it.

Trump appeared at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in tow. About 1,200 people gathered for the mid-afternoon rally that was announced a day earlier, after an Ottumwa, Iowa, event was scrapped.

It was Trumps second visit to Iowa this month. Iowa is considered a key battleground state, and numerous polls have consistently given Trump a single-digit lead in the state. However, Clinton is also contesting Iowas six electoral votes, and she was set to hold her own rally today in Des Moines.

Visits by Trump and Clinton to the Hawkeye State come as early voting gets underway in Iowa. It was a fact noted by Trump, who urged his supporters to vote. He argued that if he didnt win, their movement to take back this country would essentially be meaningless.

This movement will be a wonderful thing to read about some day, but otherwise (without a win) this wont mean a damn thing, Trump said.

Trump has embarked on a series of rallies since Mondays debate, which both polls and political pundits said Clinton won. The idea that he may have lost clearly rankled Trump, who brought it up a couple of times during his 45-minute speech.

He argued that several online polls showed him winning by a landslide. However, several media organizations have questioned those unscientific polls, which allow people to vote multiple times.

Even Fox News, which is considered friendly territory for Trump, cautioned its staff members on Wednesday against relying on those online polls to bolster Trumps argument.

Im winning by massive margins in some cases. One was 80 percent to 20 percent. And then you have to sit back and you have to hear how those polls dont mean anything, said Trump, who appeared to be upset at the Fox News directive.

A traditional poll conducted by CNN showed that 62 percent thought Clinton won. And in a Reuters poll, 55 percent said Clinton won, compared with 25 percent for Trump.

As for the election itself, poll aggregator Real Clear Politics gives Clinton a 3 percent lead nationally. Poll analyst FiveThirtyEight puts Clinton's lead in the national popular vote at 2.4 percent.

Trump said he is doing well.

"I think we're leading," Trump said. "We're either tied or leading."

A good chunk of Trumps speech in the Bluffs was aimed at Clinton. He criticized her on several fronts, arguing that she was the globalist candidate who would support international trade arguments that would end up costing jobs in America.

He also noted that she failed a bar exam in Washington, D.C., as a young attorney, citing that as proof of her incompetence.

And he repeatedly questioned how she never had to face criminal charges for using a personal email server in her basement while she was secretary of state and then deleting 33,000 emails.

Im so disappointed with the people in Washington for allowing her to get away with this, Trump said. Im so disappointed when they say there is nothing they can do.

A federal investigation was launched in connection with Clintons emails. However, FBI Director James Comey later announced that no charges would be filed, saying no reasonable prosecutor would bring a criminal case based upon the facts.

Clinton wasnt the only politician who was the target of Trumps ire. He also criticized Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Clinton.

Sanders has endorsed Clinton, and he campaigned with her Wednesday. Trump suggested that many of Sanders supporters would instead support him in the Nov. 8 election. He also said Sanders decision to back Clinton would damage his legacy.

Bernie Sanders could have gone down as a great, great man. (But) when he made that deal, it was over, Trump said. If he had not made that deal, he would have been legendary.

The crowd at the event was enthusiastic. Rallygoers frequently broke into chants of lock her up, or yelled that they loved Trump.

Several said they liked that Trump speaks his mind. And for some, this was not their first Trump rally.

Wednesdays event was the third rally for Tracie DeNeui and Shawn Rorie of Council Bluffs, who are getting married next week. They said they had been hoping that Trump would run for president since the 2012 election.

Rorie, who owns BAT Logistics, a transportation company in Council Bluffs, said Trumps tax plan would allow him to hire five people or give much larger bonuses.

DeNeui questioned polls that say Trump isnt doing well with women. The women I know are for Trump ... no ones called us, she said.

Gary Hylen of Omaha likes Trump. Hes concerned about the costs of health care, particularly after Blue Cross Blue Shield pulled out of the Nebraska insurance marketplace.

He said Trumps ideas are Reaganesque in a lot of ways.

World-Herald staff writers Jeff Robb and Roseann Moring contributed to this report.

* * *

Grassley has bit of debate advice for Trump: Stick to the issues

WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, delivered a mixed review  and a simple piece of advice  when asked Wednesday about Donald Trumps debate performance.

He did very, very well when he talked about issues, Grassley said during his weekly conference call with reporters. When he didnt talk about issues, he didnt do so well. So stick to the issues.

Grassley noted the many areas Trump hit during Mondays debate with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: trade, lost manufacturing jobs, the importance of law and order and others.

The Iowa senators critique echoed what many observers have said about the businessmans showing.

Trump was at his best in the opening stages of the debate while emphasizing his core economic message and hitting Clinton on specific trade agreements.

But he seemed to go increasingly off the rails as the debate wore on, with ill-advised lines about how not paying federal income tax in the past meant that he was smart, or that profiting from the housing crisis was just business.  Joseph Morton
LINCOLN  The Nebraska Catholic Conference is launching a statewide education campaign urging voters to retain the Nebraska Legislatures 2015 repeal of the death penalty.

The conference, which represents Nebraskas three Catholic bishops on policy matters, has distributed materials to the states more than 350 parishes and filmed videos featuring the bishops outlining their position.

Its also campaigning through social media, radio and video spots, and events in Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island.

The group is making a final push before the Nov. 8 election because voters are still wrestling with the difficult and emotional issue, said Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference.

In the midst of their concerns, we want to make sure the voice of the church is present and active, he said.

The wording of the death penalty referendum has also caused confusion. On the ballot, voters will be asked to retain or repeal the Legislatures repeal of the death penalty.

The referendum is about Legislative Bill 268, which does away with capital punishment in Nebraska and replaces it with life in prison without parole for first-degree murder. The Nebraska Legislature passed the bill in 2015, overriding Gov. Pete Ricketts veto.

After the bills passage, death penalty supporters launched a petition drive to repeal LB 268. They collected enough signatures to put the question on this years general election ballot as a referendum, placing enforcement of the bill on hold.

Ricketts and his family gave $300,000 to the petition drive.

Venzor, who started as the conferences executive director Sept. 1, said the group wants to make its position clear.

The Catholic Church and Nebraska bishops oppose the death penalty because it is not necessary to protect society, he said.

The group is appealing not just to the states 375,000 Catholics, he noted. The churchs message is a message for everyone, he said.

Venzor said that Pope John Paul II stated that the government ought not go to the extreme of executing the offender except in cases of absolute necessity, meaning when it would not be possible otherwise to defend society.

As a result of steady improvement of the penal system, such cases are very rare, if not practically non-existent, Venzor said.

Supporters of the death penalty argue that life in prison does not ensure public safety because life sentences of dangerous inmates can be commuted to a period of years.

Bob Evnen, one of the founders of Nebraskans for the Death Penalty, said he believes the death penalty protects society and is a just punishment for the most heinous crimes and the most depraved killers.

There are prison guards who will tell you that the death penalty protects them every day, he said. If a prisoner has nothing to lose, because theyre already sentenced to life, why should they care?

Nebraskans for the Death Penalty is planning its own multi-faceted education campaign as the election approaches, Evnen said.
The main challenge for Donald Trump in his first debate with Hillary Clinton this week was always clear: He needed to pass the commander in chief test. And he failed.

Voters saw two candidates on the stage Monday evening: one who had done her homework and thought seriously about questions of war and peace, and another who, to all appearances, had neither cracked a book nor listened carefully at a single foreign-policy briefing.

Both candidates agreed that cyberwarfare  the growing efforts by Russia, China and others to hack American computer networks  are a top priority for the next president. It is a huge problem, Trump affirmed.

His policy, then? We have to get very, very tough, he said. I have a son. Hes 10 years old. He has computers. He is so good with these computers, its unbelievable. The security aspect of cyber is very, very tough. And maybe its hardly doable. But I will say we are not doing the job we should be doing.

When candidates cite their children as experts, its a safe bet they havent studied the issue themselves.

Nuclear weapons, then; surely Trump has thought hard about the most powerful part of the U.S. military arsenal.

Its been widely reported that President Barack Obama has considered adopting a policy of no first use, meaning the United States would promise never to use nuclear weapons first in any conflict. Its not a new or obscure issue.

Trumps view? Id like everybody to end it, just get rid of it, but I would certainly not do first strike. I think once the nuclear alternative happens, its over, he said. At the same time, we have to be prepared. I cant take anything off the table.

Oops, as a previous debater once said. In his answer, Trump took two opposing positions at the same time. I would certainly not do first strike, he said  thats no first use. But I cant take anything off the table  thats the opposite of no first use.

It sounded as if he didnt know what he was talking about.

But not all potential conflicts are nuclear. Earlier this month, after Iranian gunboats harassed U.S. Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf, Trump issued a warning to Tehran:

When they circle our beautiful destroyers with their little boats, and they make gestures at our people that they shouldnt be allowed to make, they will be shot out of the water, he declared.

At the debate, Clinton said that kind of hair-trigger reaction could start a war.

Trump didnt back down. That would not start a war, he said, without saying why. They were taunting us, he added.

Last example: To keep peace around the world  and wage war, too  the United States has long relied on military alliances with Japan, South Korea and the mostly European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance.

I havent given lots of thought to NATO, Trump admitted Monday, before sounding off anyway. We pay approximately 73 percent of the cost of NATO, he claimed. (Hes had that number wrong all year. The U.S. pays about 22 percent of NATOs direct costs.)

Were defending them, and they should at least be paying us what theyre supposed to be paying by treaty and contract, he said. We defend Japan, we defend Germany, we defend South Korea, we defend Saudi Arabia, we defend countries. They do not pay us, but they should be paying us, because we are providing tremendous service and were losing a fortune.

Theres certainly an argument that U.S. allies should spend more money on defense, including higher subsidies for U.S. bases in their countries. But do we really want to convert mutual defense treaties into contract-for-service agreements? Theres no sign that Trump has spent even a minute weighing the consequences of such a shift.

Words matter when you run for president, Clinton responded. I want to reassure our allies in Japan and South Korea and elsewhere that we have mutual defense treaties and we will honor them.

Trump has every right to criticize Clintons foreign policy positions, of course. Her support for Obamas nuclear deal with Iran, her decisions in Libya and her fruitless efforts to increase aid to rebels in Syria are all fair game.

But a presidential candidate cant just offer critiques; he has a duty to offer coherent alternatives, too. Trump hasnt.

Last year, when Trump was merely a long-shot candidate for the Republican nomination, he had a semi-plausible excuse: As a businessman, he couldnt be expected to know as much as a former secretary of state.

But hes been a de facto nominee for six months. In less than six weeks, he could be president-elect of the United States. Hes had plenty of time to learn. Hes had access to many of his partys experts, retired military officers and even CIA briefers who might be glad to fill him in on the nuances of world affairs.

Instead, he continues to recycle the bromides he once said he learned by watching the shows. He appears to have studied nothing and learned nothing.

That alone should disqualify him from the presidency.
Mitt Romney sunk his 2012 campaign by speaking the truth: that 47 percent of Americans paid no federal income tax, were dependent on government programs and therefore unlikely to support his call for lower taxes.

This boilerplate statement of an obvious truth generated weeks of relentless coverage from Democratic operatives with bylines, who used it to otherize Romney as an un-American snob.

Four years later, Hillary Clinton smeared half of Donald Trumps supporters with false statements fueled by venomous ignorance.

At a fundraiser (of course) she separated Trumps supporters into two baskets.

On one side of her chilling ledger is the basket of deplorables. These American citizens are racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic  you name it. They are, she added, irredeemable.

Thats not very Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or even atheistic.

Let that sink in. Ponder what policies she might pursue toward them as president  or toward the large number of irredeemable Democrats who also hold deplorable views.

She didnt label the other basket, but helpless losers captures her views of the lost souls who support Trump because they no longer want to see their jobs disappear, lose a kid to heroin, feel like theyre in a dead end.

Put aside the larger question of why so many Americans, not just Republicans but African-Americans marching in the streets of Charlotte and other cities, feel so hopeless after seven years of Barack Obamas presidency. Put aside the question of how her continuation of his policies could possibly turn things around.

Consider instead what these comments say about how Clinton views the people she wants to lead.

Trump has been pilloried by the press for presenting a dark vision of America. In fact, he is simply sounding the call for change trumpeted by every challenger. And, simply as a matter of rhetoric, he holds out the promise  however questionable  that our problems can be fixed through new policies.

Clinton, by contrast, is not condemning the state of our laws, but our souls. And, if Trumps comments about some illegal immigrants and Syrian refugees were beyond the pale, how do we describe Clintons harsh dismissal of so many Americans? Has any other major candidate for the presidency shown such contempt?

Even more troubling  if thats possible  is that she is not an outlier. She is echoing, for example, the views of prominent religious leaders and academics who routinely describe Republicans as evil racists intent on reimposing Jim Crow.

With shocking brazenness and profound cognitive dissonance, these same people  who slice and dice the electorate into ethnic and racial categories  then claim that Trump and the Republicans are divisive.

When I look around, I dont see Hillarys America. I do not see, as she now claims, a 50/50 race between love and hate.

I see a nation that has struggled to dismantle the barriers that have prevented every citizen from enjoying the blessings of liberty.

We are not there yet. But, as Obama has repeatedly said, we have made tremendous strides during the last half century. To pretend otherwise is to spew poison for partisan advantage.

I see a nation of flawed human beings in a world ever riven by tribalism that has tried and succeeded better than most to create an inclusive society.

I see our largely peaceful debates about contentious issues as a sharp rebuke to the religious and ethnic violence and anger roiling Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

America is not defined by hate.

We have many pressing problems, including a soaring national debt, an economy that has not adjusted to changes wrought by globalism and technology and poor leadership at almost every level of government.

For all of our challenges, we remain an exceptional land of redemption. We remain the nation others dream of coming to for hope and acceptance.

We do not greet them with jackbooted thugs. We offer them opportunity.

As we have been since our founding, Americans are an imperfect people in an imperfect world.

We are a good people who hold fast to the idea that we are a shining city on a hill and humanitys best hope.
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LEXINGTON, Neb.  A group of 24 veterans are visiting the nations capital for a patriotic tour of monuments and memorials on a Dawson County Hero Flight.

Thirteen veterans from the Army, six from the Navy, four from the Marines and one from the Air Force are part of the Dawson County Hero Flight. .

Patriot Guard Riders formed a flag line to greet the veterans and their escorts as they gathered Wednesday at the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles for a send-off.

The veterans were honored again as they boarded a bus provided by the Lexington Public Schools for the trip to Omaha, where they spent the night before flying to Washington, D.C., Thursday morning.

Members of the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department also helped with the send-off by parading a fleet of vehicles adorned with U.S. flags.

Clayton Schubert of Wilcox, Nebraska, said he was stationed outside Washington, D.C., for six weeks in 1952, and he and his buddies would hitchhike to D.C. on the weekends. He said most of the men in his company were sent to Korea, but for some reason he wasnt. He was one of six sent to Germany instead.

I want to see how much it changed, Schubert said.

The Hero Flight group will visit memorials linked to their service, including the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials and see Arlington National Cemetery. The group is to fly back to Omaha Saturday evening.

The Hero Flight is a way to thank veterans for their service to the nation, flight organizers said, and it is funded through donations. Veterans travel at no expense, and their escorts pay only $500.

This is Dawson Countys second Hero Flight in five months, but applicants for this trip werent limited to Dawson County, said Steve Zerr, veterans services officer for Dawson County. This flight was opened to veterans beyond Dawson Countys borders to accommodate some veterans who couldnt fit on previous flights launched in other areas.

Ron Leininger of Lexington, Nebraska, was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and advanced from corporal to sergeant in 28 days. He said a cease-fire was issued the day that he completed his training. He joked that it was because the enemy knew he was coming.

He said he got pneumonia a couple of times and so shuttled around training sites in the United States.

Pneumonia might have saved my life. You never can tell, Leininger said. He said he spent 16 months overseas.

He said he is looking forward to seeing all the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Ive never been in D.C. before, so it will be a new experience.

Dawson County Sheriff Gary Reiber, who joined the Marines at 17 and was sent to Vietnam at 19. He said hes looking forward to this trip even though hes been to D.C. before. His previous trip came during a partial government shutdown, so some sites were closed.

I think its a privilege to go. I look forward to going with some veterans that I know, he said of the Honor Flight.

State Sen. Matt Williams told the group that things they see in Washington might stir emotions and memories of days gone by, and that their service helped protect freedoms.

Williams said what freedom means may have changed in the minds of the veterans from the time of their enlistment to today, with the addition of children, grandchildren and communities we love dearly.

Williams said the send-off was not a day to mourn those lost. Today is a day of celebration of what you have done and what others following you will do.
Cooch Behar: EC says CISF firing absolutely necessary to save lives of voters, bans political visit for 72 hrs

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CISF DG calls on Home Minister

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Sep 29: Newly-appointed CISF chief O P Singh today called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and briefed him about the security measures undertaken by the force at various civil airports in the country and vital installations in the aerospace and nuclear domain.

Officials said Singh, who took over as the Director General (DG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on September 26, met the Home Minister at his office and briefed him about the activities of the force.

The DG later called on Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju. Singh, a 1983-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer, was till recently serving as the NDRF chief before the Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister appointed him as the new CISF DG.

The 1.47-lakh personnel strong force is tasked to secure 59 major civil airports, the Delhi Metro and sensitive installations in the aerospace, nuclear, government establishment and those in private sector.

PTI
Congress will bring back old pension scheme in Gujarat, if voted to power: Rahul Gandhi

Prez, PM Modi express grief over deaths in Gujarat bridge collapse, Cong asks party workers to extend help

Congress congratulates army on anti-terror surgical strikes

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Sep 29: Congress today hailed the surgical strikes carried out by Army against terror bases across the the Line of Control (LoC), declaring that it stood completely behind the armed forces.

"We congratulate the Indian army for undertaking surgical strikes on terror launch pads. We stand completely behind our Armed Forces," Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress President, tweeted.

Echoing similar feelings, party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "INC wholeheartedly supports the surgical strike on terror pads in PoK by Indian Army.Salute the valour of our armed forces."

India conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads last night across the Line of Control (LoC) and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damages.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army to target terrorists was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranveer Singh at a hurriedly called news conference during which External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

Gen Singh said India shared with Pak army details of the surgical strikes which followed "very specific information" that terrorists were positioning themselves in the launch pads along the LoC.

As part of government's efforts to take all political parties on board, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today informed Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab and Bihar and several opposition political leaders about the Army's surgical strike across the Line of Control.

PTI
India, Pak spar: Surgical strike or cross-border firing?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

While Indian Army DGMO Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh said the operation that India conducted on Wednesday night was a surgical strike, Pakistan has refuted that it was a surgical strike and has accused India of unprovoked firing across the border.

[Pakistan military confirms Indian strike, says 2 of its soldiers killed]

A surgical strike is a military attack that is backed by precise information of the intended military target and hits only that target, without causing unintended casualties, such as civilians and bystanders, or damage to the wider surroundings of the target.

Indian Army sources are saying that Special Forces troops were paradropped to strike the terror launch pads across the LoC. The operation began at 12.30 am and lasted for four hours, with the Special Forces hitting launch pads of multiple terror groups in an area between 500 metres to two kilometres from the LoC. The Army has said it inflicted "significant casualties" on the terrorists but suffered no casualties itself.

[India hits Pak, conducts surgical strikes on terror launch pads along LoC on Wednesday]

The Pakistan Army's propaganda arm ISPR has said India indulged in cross-border firing on its troops, beginning 2.30 am and until 8 am in the morning. Pakistan Defence minister Khwaja Asif has said two of his soldiers were killed and nine injured in the firing.

OneIndia News
India-Pakistan conflict can cause disaster: Mehbooba

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Srinagar, Sep 29: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti warned on Thursday any military confrontation between India and Pakistan could lead to a disaster of epic proportions.

"If urgent steps are not taken to bring down the tensions, confrontation between India and Pakistan would bring a disaster of epic proportions to the state," she said.

"Both New Delhi and Islamabad must open channels of communication because of the dangerous consequences of the ongoing escalation along the borders," the Chief Minister said.

Mehbooba spoke after India said it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani territory.

She said the people of the state had the highest stake in peace as many tragedies had befallen them due to violence in the last over two decades.

"For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit.

"Like siblings India and Pakistan have remained locked in rivalry, but the consequences of continued animosity will be worse."

Mehbooba said there was no alternative to talks as India and Pakistan had to return to the negotiating table to resolve their disputes even after two wars.

"I am sure that amidst the prevailing gloomy scenario in the region, the hope for peaceful means of resolving the issues will again stand the ground and political leadership of the two countries shall have to revive the peace and reconciliation with fresh resolve.

"It will be in the interest of both the countries to solve their problems through the bilateral framework as it is the only way forward given the dicey parameters of international power politics."

IANS
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From being a victim of terrorism to exploring global solutions: India praised at UN's Counter Terrorism meet

Live: Surgical Strike-Maldives urges Saarc members to create conducive environment

News

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Sept 30: Almost 24 hours have gone by since India announced that its army had successfully carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control on the terror launch pads.

Since then US has increased its support for India and asked Pakistan to help fight terrorism. However, US has also asked both the nuclear powered countries not to escalate tensions.

Get all the latest news updates here on how situation unfolds after the surgical strikes conducted by India:

11:40 pm: Maldives expressed hope that the required measures will be taken by relevant member states to convene the Summit at an early date.

11:20 pm: Government of Maldives urge the Member States of the SAARC to create an environment conducive for holding the 19th SAARC Summit.

9:30 pm: Pakistan formally announces cancellation of Saarc summit.

9:15 pm: Expect that Pakistan should take effective steps to stop activities of terrorist groups in territory of the country: Russia Foreign Ministry

8:30 pm: We are concerned with the aggravation lately of the situation along the line of control between India and Pakistan: Russia Foreign Ministry

7:30 pm: Film producer Rahul Aggarwal resigns from Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) protesting against yesterday's resolution on banning Pakistani artists.

7:10 pm: In the wake of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control by the Indian Army, fear has gripped villagers living in border areas as they apprehend that Pakistan may target civilian areas.

6:38 pm: Major cinema houses in Pakistan stopped screening Indian films to express solidarity with the armed forces in the wake of heightened tensions between the two countries.

6:10 pm: Army has fulfilled its promise made to the people of India by conducting surgical strikes on Pak territory, we appreciate this: BSP

5:56 pm: Pakistan's Army chief General Raheel Sharif has warned that any "misadventure" by India will be met with the "most befitting response".

5:36 pm: Terrorists fired upon joint patrolling party of police and CRPF in Behi Bagh of Kulgam district (J&K). More details awaited.

5:20 pm: Just by sending these artists away, I don't think terrorism is going to stop: Usha Uthup

5:11 pm: MHA advisory after IB alert to all cities to stay in state of heightened alert for next 10-15 days: Sources.

4:52 pm: Two co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have strongly condemned the Uri terror attack and said they will work within the US Congress to put pressure on Pakistan to end any association with terror groups targetting India.

4:30 pm: If we find any Pak artist working here, we will beat them up: Amey Khopkar, MNS.

Not the right time to shake hands with Pak; Pak artists dont come on work visa but tourist visas. Action should be taken: Amey Khopkar, MNS pic.twitter.com/o9O95yBbxD  ANI (@ANI_news) September 30, 2016

4.12 pm: Artists came cause they were called for some project, whats their fault? Pak Govt has nothing to do with the individuals. We are not against the people of Pakistan, nor are Pak people against people of India. It is about the Govts: Shyam Benegal

4.00 pm: They are artists not terrorists. Its the government who gives them permits and visas: Salman Khan on banning Pakistani actors

Villagers' evacuation carried out in Gurdaspur (Punjab) with help of bridge on pontoons over Ravi River at Dera Baba Nanak area pic.twitter.com/rImW2CBOGN  ANI (@ANI_news) September 30, 2016

Punjab Minister Bikram Singh Majithia visits border villages in Attari Sector,meets locals #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/L1BfhZ2EHw  ANI (@ANI_news) September 30, 2016

3.03 pm: Condemn terrorism in all forms and stress in this regard need to deal with issue of terrorism in region in decisive manner: Sri Lanka MOFA

3.02 pm: General Provisions of SAARC Charter require decisions at all levels shall be taken on the basis of unanimity and this applies to the convening of meetings of Heads of State or Government of SAARC Member States as well: Sri lanka MOFA

3.01 pm: Regret that prevailing environment in region is not conducive for holding 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad on 9th &10th Nov'16 :Sri Lanka MOFA

2.30 pm: Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has expressed concern over the possibility of Pakistan's nuclear weapons falling into the hands of jihadists, which she said was "a threatening scenario", according to a media report.

2.10 pm: Satellite images show that at least 50 terrorists were killed in the surgical strike

2.00 pm: "As a shared neighbour and friend to both India and Pakistan we are concerned about continuous confrontation and tensions between India and Pakistan," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Sheung told media briefing in Beijing today.

1.14 pm: Modi has my full support; the Congress party and entire nation is standing by him, says Rahul.

1.13 pm: In two-and-a-half years, this is the first Prime Minister-like action by Narendra Modi: Rahul Gandhi on surgical strikes.

12.50 pm: "Pakistan can't stay in a constant state of denial and cannot remain unanswered," Abdali said at the Foreign Correspondents Club.

12.45 pm: We hope no one will allow safe havens for terrorists to be used against neighbours: Afghan envoy to India Shaida Abdali.

12.43 pm: "It is time to take bold action", Afghan envoy to India Shaida Abdali.

12.40 pm: Surgical strikes by India in PoK an act of self defence: Afghanistan.

12.01 pm: Sharif said Pakistan wanted peace to pursue its development agenda "but every Pakistani is ready to defend the motherland".

12.00 pm: The entire country stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces and "we will not allow anyone to cast an evil eye on Pakistan": Nawaz Sharif

11.19 am: After India's Surgical Strikes on terrorists, Pakistan approaches United Nations Security Council

11.18 am: Uttar Pradesh on high alert, strict vigil on Indo-Nepal border

Pathankot (Punjab): Relief camps established for villagers evacuated from border areas after Indian army conducts #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/U11j8cPdy8  ANI (@ANI_news) September 30, 2016

10.06 am: For the first time Indian Army put to use ISRO's satellite images while conducting surgical strikes

10.00 am: PM Narendra Modi calls first cabinet meet over border security post surgical strike against Pakistan

9.48 am: White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, "Ambassador Rice made it clear that the United States continues to be concerned by the danger that cross-border terrorism poses to the region. The United States fully expects that Pakistan will take effective action to combat and delegitimise UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities".

9.46 am: "An attack like [this] that escalates tensions," US State Department spokesman John Kirby said, adding: "Our message to both sides is the same, to encourage them to increase communication to deal with this threat and avoid steps that escalates the tension."

8.08 am: Baloch leaders have welcomed surgical strikes, and were quoted to say that the strikes have given them 'hope'

7.15 am: We've seen those reports. We're following the situation closely: US State Dept Spox John Kirby on Surgical Strikes conducted by Indian Army

6.00 am: Reports of killing of 8 #Indian #Army personnel in section of #Pakistani media is completely false and baseless: Indian Army sources.

OneIndia News

Sept 29: Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC). These strikes have caused significant casualties.

Get all the latest news updates on surgical strikes here:

10: 30 pm: 37 Rashtriya Rifles soldier captured by Pakistan, not related surgical strike.

1 soldier from 37 RR has inadvertently crossed over to other side of LOC.Pak has been informed by DGMO on hotline: Indian Army sources  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

7:45 pm: Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale summoned by Pakistan Foreign Office.

7:11 pm: We hope that Pakistan will learn something from these surgical strikes, hope they will stop their nonsense: Dr Nirmal Singh, J&K Depy CM.

6:47 pm: Punjab: Villages in Gurdaspur being evacuated after Surgical Strike conducted by Indian Army.

6:40 pm: High alert has been sounded in Gujarat in the wake of the surgical strikes . The state shares land and sea boundary with Pakistan.

6:33 pm: Nawaz Sharif has summoned a meeting of the federal cabinet to discuss the growing tensions between India and Pakistan: Geo TV.

6:30 pm: Surgical strikes: Army used laser designation for precision targeting which help light up an area to launch strike. Intelligence gathered over a week with local help. 4 choppers were on stand by in case of evacuation: Reports.

6:22 pm: The BSF has put all its units along the International Border on "high alert" in the wake of the surgical strikes by India on terror launch pads across the LoC last night.

6:10 pm: Surgical strikes: Frustrated Pakistan violate ceasefire in Rajouri, Baramulla, sources say.

6:00 pm: Former Union minister M M Pallam Raju sais government should be prepared for possible retaliation from Pakistan.

5.52 pm: Over 100 commandos of Special Forces eliminated 35-40 terrorists in 7 camps of PoK, casualties could be over 60 - Sources

5.40 pm: Surgical strikes an operational necessity: Defence experts

5.38 pm: India has right to respond to attack on sovereignty: Bangladesh

5.35 pm: We sincerely congratulate the Central Government and our brave armed forces for the decisive action taken against terrorism: Nitish Kumar

5.32 pm: This was not just a #SurgicalStrike but a warning to Pakistan that we will not tolerate any more terror attacks: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh

5.23 pm: Indian Army carried out a preemptive strike, It was not a military operation but an anti-terror operation: Rajyavardhan Rathore,MoS I&B

5.15 pm: Cross LoC trade takes place at Uri. 26 trucks from India cross over, while 10 from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir come in - PTI

5.10 pm: Leaves of security forces deployed along the Line of Control cancelled

5.06 pm: Envoys of different nations(including P5 nations) have been briefed by MEA about India's position. #SurgicalStrike

4.56 pm: Any step by the Govt and the forces against terrorism will be supported by us: Ghulam Nabi Azad,Congress #SurgicalStrike

4.56 pm: Pakistan National Security adviser Nasir Janjua submitted a report on LoC situation to PM Nawaz Sharif: #Pakistan media #SurgicalStrike

4.55 pm: Imran Khan to Nawaz Sharif: I will show how to respond to Modi at tomorrow's rally.

Delhi: All party meeting at MHA ends ( In pic: Amit Shah and EAM Sushma Swaraj leave) #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/SGCxECJnKj  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

4.50 pm: All party meet hosted by Ministry of Home Affairs ends.

4.50 pm: Pakistan top brass in a huddle. Interior Minister briefs Nawaz Sharif.

4.45 pm: Asked Indian Govt to take responsibility of security of Pak HC members and families under Vienna convention : Pak High Commission sources

4.43 pm: Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit recieved threatning calls ,we shared details with MEA: Pak High Commission sources

4.38 pm: Whatever Indian Army did was very sensible, measured & proportionate form of retaliation: Shashi Tharoor

4.35 pm: Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal convenes emergency meeting in view of escalating situation on India-Pakistan border: CMO #SurgicalStrike

What does Pakistan mean by 'unprovoked'? Killing 18 of our soldiers is not provocation?: Shashi Tharoor #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/6mBLwTV2qw  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

4.32 pm: I am very proud of the Indian Army, the real message has been sent to Pakistan. Well done: Shashi Tharoor #SurgicalStrike

4.31 pm: 9 Pakistani army casualties during the surgical strikes - Sources

4.30 pm: 35 to 40 terrorists killed in surgical strikes - Sources.

4.25 pm: After surgical strike inside PoK, Jammu and Kashmir police has been told to go by 'War Book' and act accordingly.

4.24 pm: Before the all party meeting External Affiars Minister Sushma Swaraj met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and apprised her of the situation after the surgical strikes.

4.14 pm: All Indian missions have been advised to brief host countries that Indian Army only targeted Terror Camps on Intel Inputs. There is no intent to wage war with Pakistan - Top Sources

Punjab: Emergency ward of Civil Hospital in Pathankot being cleared in preparation for any eventuality #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/EvSfSNIxIB  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Bihar: People celebrate in Patna after Indian Army conducts surgical strikes in Pakistan territory. #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/OHaNcz0bp1  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

4.05 pm: Home Minister Rajnath Singh chairs all party meeting. DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, NSA Ajit Doval present in the meeting.

Delhi: All party meeting at MHA to begin shortly, leaders arrive for the meet. Security enhanced around the area #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/xXnmIIqgkX  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

3.53 pm: Congress expects that Pakistan will take effective action to dismantle infra of terrorism that it has supported: Congress Pres Sonia Gandhi

3.52 pm: Party hopes Pak will recognise that it bears a great responsibility in continuing cross-border terrorist attacks against India: Sonia Gandhi

3.50 pm: Congress President Sonia Gandhi says "we stand with the Govt in its actions to protect country's security" #SurgicalStrike

3.44 pm: All schools within 10 kms of India-Pak border to be closed till further orders: District Education Officer,Ferozepur(Punjab) #SurgicalStrike

Delhi: All party meeting at MHA to begin shortly, security enhanced in the area.#SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/yh0pTwdQjc  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

3.38 pm: We support the Govt and its endeavour to protect our national security: Former Defence Minister AK Antony

3.37 pm: There is a strong message in this, we fully support the action by Indian Army: Former Defence Minister AK Antony

3.35 pm: I salute bravery of Indian forces, this is a befitting reply to Pak. We support the Govt: Former Defence Minister AK Antony #SurgicalStrikes

Naushera(J&K): Villagers near International Border being evacuated after #SurgicalStrike by Indian Army pic.twitter.com/rBIvgaIyFk  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Indian Army has video proof of the surgical strike carried out on Pak soil. Also drones recorded footage. Govt mulling making images public.  Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) September 29, 2016

We have seen our DGMO briefing, saw the Pakistani reaction, besides that we have no official information: Sitaram Yechury, CPI pic.twitter.com/BivbNmjfOE  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

3.15 pm: Really happy that Indian Army took initiative and conducted these strikes: Aarti (Daughter of Uri Martyr SK Vidyarthi) on surgical strikes

3.12 pm: This (surgical strike) is very good, but had it been done before we would have been happier: Wife of #Uri martyr SK Vidyarthi (from Gaya)

2.58 pm: Pakistan Defence Minister Asif Khawaja briefs Pak PM Nawaz Sharif on surgical strikes conducted by Indian Army.

2.51 pm: Meeting of senior Congress leaders with Sonia Gandhi underway in Delhi, ahead of the all party meeting called by the Govt

2.50 pm: "Doodh maango kheer denge, Kashmir maango cheer denge" slogan raised during celebration for Indian Army's surgical strikes on Pak territory

Namaskar. Mujhe garv hai hamare veer jawano pe,hamare pradhan matri ji aur raksha mantri ji pe. Jai Hind !Vande Mataram !  Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) September 29, 2016

2.49 pm: Celebration at BJP office in Mumbai after Indian Army conduct surgical strikes on Pak territory

2.41 pm: This decisive action amply demonstrates PM Modi's iron will & commitment to safeguard India: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh on surgical strikes

2.38 pm: This was a pre-emptive and a punitive operation. Launchpad usually has 8-10 terrorists, its our work to eliminate them: Ex DGMO Vinod Bhatia

2.36 pm: We support such strikes and want Indian Army to conduct surgical strikes in Balochistan as well: Mazdak Dilshad Baloch

2.35 pm: BSF cancels beating retreat ceremony at Wagah border for today

So endearingly soldierly, DGMO Lt-Gen Ranbir Singh saluting in goodbye to media, not once but twice. Gentlemanly too pic.twitter.com/03d13FOqAf  Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) September 29, 2016

All India Baloch unity forum protest against Pakistan outside Pak High Commission in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/5YRSGdxSUH  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

2.33 pm: Any step taken by India against terrorism, is right: Mazdak Dilshad Baloch, Baloch leader on surgical strikes by Indian army

2.28 pm: Congress leader Digvijaya Singh says "Let all the facts come" on surgical strikes by Indian Army in Pakistan territory.

2.26 pm: This is a loud & clear message to Pakistan, that they will pay cost of carrying out terrorism in our nation: Ex DGMO Vinod Bhatia

2.21 pm: At least now Pakistan will stop terrorism against India: Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister on surgical strikes by Indian Army on Pak territory

2.19 pm: Country is safe in hands of PM Modi & Army, thats why people in diff parts of world are appreciating steps taken to counter terror: Venkaiah Naidu

2.16 pm: Army operation was a part of their responsibility in defending unity, safety and security of the country: Venkaiah Naidu on surgical strikes

2.15 pm: PM Modi said that befitting measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the country: Venkaiah Naidu,Union Minister

2.14 pm: After the Uri terror attack, people of India were outraged. PM has reassured nation that such acts will not be tolerated: Venkaiah Naidu

2.12 pm: Our positive gestures were only reciprocated with further encouragement to terrorists (by Pakistan): Venkaiah Naidu,Union Minister

2.10 pm: India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan that its territory should not be allowed for terror activities: Venkaiah Naidu on surgical strikes

2.08 pm: These ops are a part of the mandate of the Indian Army to foil any attempts of infiltration into our soil:Venkaiah Naidu on surgical strikes

2.06 pm: Our govt should make J&K, a bridge of peace and friendship but unfortunately we took the other way: Mustafa Kamal (NC)

2.05 pm: Jammu: If you are crossing the border, it means you are declaring a war: Mustafa Kamal (NC) on Indian Army's surgical strike in LoC

2.03 pm: Jammu: If you are crossing the border, it means you are decalring a war: Mustafa Kamal (NC) on Indian Army's surgical strike in LoC

2.00 pm: Villages in Punjab which are 10KM from International Border with Pakistan are being evacuated, additional BSF troops move in

1.44 pm: Sources clarify 7 terror launch pads destroyed

1.44 pm: We welcome this move; hopefully Pak will learn a lesson & stop its misdeeds forever:Hansraj Ahir (MoS, Home)on surgical strikes by Indian Army

1.32 pm: Pak was behaving like a terrorist state;befitting reply was needed.These strikes boosted morale of our army: Dr Nirmal Singh, J&K Depy CM

1.26 pm: Pakistan's ISPR says "Pak has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded"

1.25 pm: Pakistan Airforce says "this (by Indian Army) was not a surgical strike, we are alert for any eventuality": Pakistan Media

1.23 pm: Pak's ISPR: Notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is illusion deliberately generated by India to create false effects

1.21 pm: Our 2 soldiers died and 9 got injured :Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on surgical strikes by Indian Army in Pak territory.

1.18 pm: The special forces operation was carried out between 500 metres and 2 Km into the Line of Control. The operation took place between 12.30 and 4.30 AM

1.16 pm: Surgical strikes on Pakistani terror camps belonged to multiple terror groups, No Indian casualties: Sources

1.16 pm: If our army has taken a decision, the whole nation will support them: UP Congress President Raj Babbar

1.14 pm: Indian army Special Forces op on terror launch pads lasted from 1230am-4:30AM, location was 500meters-2Km across LOC: Sources

1.13 pm: 5 terror launch pads destroyed by Army across LOC, Indian Army special Forces were para-dropped: Army Sources

1.11 pm: Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations says "no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated by India"

1.08 pm: Government calls an all party meeting at 4pm today after Indian Army conducts surgical strikes in Pak territory.

1.01 pm: This is a lesson for all terrorists; we have the right of self-defence: BJP's Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on the surgical strikes by Indian Army

12.58 pm: Don't take desire for peace as weakness: Nawaz Sharif on strikes in Pak across Line of Control

12.50 pm: Sensex crashes 402.23 points, currently at 27890.58. Nifty at 8607.30

12.45 pm: Pak PM Sharif: Strongly condemned the unprovoked & naked aggression of Indian forces resulting in martyrdom of two Pak soldiers along LoC

12.44 pm: Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations says Indian offensive carried out in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel & Lipa sectors, on Pak's side of LoC

12.37 pm: President, Vice President, Former PM Manmohan Singh, J&K Governor, CM J&K briefed on the surgical strikes by the Indian Army.

12.34 pm: We are ready for the safety and defence of our country, says Pak PM Nawaz Sharif - Pak Media (on surgical strikes by Indian Army)

12.33 pm: We condemn this attack, our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness, says Pak PM Nawaz Sharif - Pak Media

Press Statement by DGMO https://t.co/hJCgQq0U6P  PIB India (@PIB_India) September 29, 2016

12.28 pm: No Indian casualties during surgical strikes that were carried out in Pak territory last night by the Indian Army

12.24 pm: The operation was to hit out at terrorists trying to harm India. These operations have been suspended now as the operation was aimed at neutralising the terrorists. We do not want to prolong this. But Indian army is always ready.

12.23 pm: Expect Pakistan to help eliminate the terrorist menace.

12.22 pm: DGMO reminds Pakistan of 2004 pledge to not allow its territory to be used for anti-India terrorist activities.

12.21 pm: We can't allow terrorists to operate across the LoC, there has been a surge in infiltration: DGMO.

12.20 pm: The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory: DGMO

12.16 pm: I spoke to the Pak DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night: DGMO

12.15 pm: DGMO Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh: We got concrete information yesterday that terrorists were poised to infiltrate.

12.15 pm: Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) significant casualties have been caused: DGMO

12.14 pm: Despite our persistent urging to Pak to not allow territory under its control to not be used for terrorist activities nothing was done: DGMO

12.12 pm: This is reflected in the terror attacks in Poonch and Uri on 11th and 18th September resp: DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh

12.11 pm: It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been many infiltration bids by terrorists at LoC: DGMO

12.02 pm: Director General Military Operations (DGMO) & JS (XP) Vikas Swarup to address media shortly

11.50 am: Narendra Modi chaired Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on situation on the LoC.

OneIndia News
Cable bridge collapses in Gujarat; at least 70 dead; PM takes stock of situation

PM Modi dedicates maze garden, Miyawaki forest, houseboat service near 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat

Prez, PM Modi express grief over deaths in Gujarat bridge collapse, Cong asks party workers to extend help

News flash: CM Jayalalitha is under observation and absolutely fine

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Sept 29: Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC). These strikes have caused significant casualties.

Get all the latest news updates of the day:

11:55 pm: Pakistan took up the incident with Iranian officials in Joint Pak-Iran Border Session - Pakistan media

11:20 pm: Odisha train accident: Death toll rises to 2 and injured toll rises to 30

10:50 pm: Some on social media are spreading rumours regarding CM Jayalalitha's health, appeal to them to refrain from doing so: CR Saraswathy,AIADMK

10:15 pm: CM Jayalalitha is under observation and absolutely fine.

9:45 pm: Surgical strike: Fishermen called back from sea in Somnath in Gujarat

9:15 pm: Odisha: One dead and 22 injured after a passenger train rams into a goods train at Kathajodi Railway Station.

9:00 pm: China always hopes that India and Pakistan can properly resolve relevant disputes through dialogue and consultation: China Foreign Office

8:30 pm: SUrgical strike: District Reserve Group Jawans celebrate in Jagdalpur

8:10 pm: Indian Motion Picture Producers Association(IMPPA) passes resolution banning Pakistani actors & technicians in India till normalcy returns

7:55 pm: Ex-DG, Corporate Affairs, BK Bansal suicide case: Joint Director level officer has been entrusted to probe the matter- CBI sources

7:45 pm: One dead, more than 100 injured in New Jersey train crash.

7:35 pm: Pakistan Foreign office summons Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale

7:30 pm: Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif has convened a joint session of Parliament on October 5

7:16 pm: The way surgical strikes have been conducted we are feeling a sense of pride, we are not a weak nation: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

7.02 pm: We have asked people to move to safer places but we will see what happens tonight, we are prepared for any escalation: Dr Nirmal Singh.

6.45 pm: Members of Monetary Policy Committee appointed by Centre shall hold office for a period of 4 years.

6.30 pm: Commuter train crashes into rail station in New Jersey (USA), number of injuries unclear, but images show heavy damage: AP.

6.23 pm: President Pranab Mukherjee takes part in Ganga Aarti in Haridwar (Uttarakhand).

6.15 pm: NHRC notice to the Director, CBI on the reported allegations of torture behind the suicide of B.K. Bansal and his family.

6.04 pm: Confrontation could lead to disaster of epic proportions if urgent steps not taken to bring down heightened tensions in the region: J&K CM

5.45 pm: Bhopal Court stays arrest warrant against Union Minister Uma Bharti on Digvijaya Singh Defamation case.

5.30 pm: Villages in Pathankot being evacuated on Surgical Strike.

5.20 pm: Indian Army carried out a preemptive strike, It was not a military operation but an anti-terror operation, says Rajyavardhan Rathore,MoS I&B.

5.19 pm: Envoys of different nations (including P5 nations) have been briefed by MEA about India's position on Surgical Strike.

4.30 pm: Emergency ward of Civil Hospital in Pathankot being cleared in preparation for any eventuality on Surgical Strike.

4.27 pm: Popular Pakistani singer Atif Aslam's concert, scheduled for October 15 in Gurgaon, has been called off in the wake of Uri attack.

4.17 pm: EPFO raises limit of investment in ETFs to 10% from 5% for 2016-17: Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya.

4.16 pm: Hockey U-18 Asia Cup: India defeat Pakistan 3-1 in Dhaka.

4.00 pm: Celebration in Patna after Indian Army conducts surgical strikes in Pakistan territory on Surgical Strike.

3.59 pm: All party meeting at MHA to begin shortly, leaders arrive for the meet. Security enhanced around the area.

3.54 pm: Congress President Sonia Gandhi says "we stand with the Govt in its actions to protect country's security" on Surgical Strike.

3.34 pm: We have seen our DGMO briefing, saw the Pakistani reaction, besides that we have no official information: Sitaram Yechury, CPI.

3.35 pm: Villagers near International Border being evacuated after Surgical Strike by Indian Army in J&K.

3.20 pm: Really happy that Indian Army took initiative and conducted these strikes: Aarti (Daughter of Uri Martyr SK Vidyarthi) on surgical strikes.

3.15 pm: This (surgical strike) is very good, but had it been done before we would have been happier: Wife of Uri martyr SK Vidyarthi (from Gaya).

3.02 pm: I really appreciate that both the states are trying to find some solution, we have noted their views which will be sent to SC: Uma Bharti.

3.01 pm: We have asked both the states to sit together and solve this problem outside the court and then approach the court with solution: Uma Bharti.

3.00 pm: Cauvery meet remains inconclusive- Centre to inform Supreme Court about the same tomorrow.

2.55 pm: A Bhopal court issues arrest warrant against Union Minister Uma Bharti on Digvijaya Singh Defamation case.

2.43 pm: BSF cancels beating retreat ceremony at Wagah border for today, reports ANI.

2.28 pm: Congress leader Digvijaya Singh says "Let all the facts come" on surgical strikes by Indian Army in Pakistan territory.

2.26 pm: This is a loud & clear message to Pakistan, that they will pay cost of carrying out terrorism in our nation: Ex DGMO Vinod Bhatia

2.21 pm: At least now Pakistan will stop terrorism against India: Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister on surgical strikes by Indian Army on Pak territory

2.19 pm: Country is safe in hands of PM Modi & Army, thats why people in diff parts of world are appreciating steps taken to counter terror: Venkaiah Naidu

2.16 pm: Army operation was a part of their responsibility in defending unity, safety and security of the country: Venkaiah Naidu on surgical strikes

2.15 pm: PM Modi said that befitting measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the country: Venkaiah Naidu,Union Minister

2.14 pm: After the Uri terror attack, people of India were outraged. PM has reassured nation that such acts will not be tolerated: Venkaiah Naidu

2.12 pm: Our positive gestures were only reciprocated with further encouragement to terrorists (by Pakistan): Venkaiah Naidu,Union Minister

2.10 pm: India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan that its territory should not be allowed for terror activities: Venkaiah Naidu on surgical strikes

2.08 pm: These ops are a part of the mandate of the Indian Army to foil any attempts of infiltration into our soil:Venkaiah Naidu on surgical strikes

2.06 pm: Our govt should make J&K, a bridge of peace and friendship but unfortunately we took the other way: Mustafa Kamal (NC)

2.05 pm: Jammu: If you are crossing the border, it means you are declaring a war: Mustafa Kamal (NC) on Indian Army's surgical strike in LoC

2.03 pm: Jammu: If you are crossing the border, it means you are decalring a war: Mustafa Kamal (NC) on Indian Army's surgical strike in LoC

2.00 pm: Villages in Punjab which are 10KM from International Border with Pakistan are being evacuated, additional BSF troops move in

1.44 pm: Sources clarify 7 terror launch pads destroyed

1.44 pm: We welcome this move; hopefully Pak will learn a lesson&stop its misdeeds forever:Hansraj Ahir (MoS, Home)on surgical strikes by Indian Army

1.32 pm: Pak was behaving like a terrorist state;befitting reply was needed.These strikes boosted morale of our army: Dr Nirmal Singh, J&K Depy CM

1.26 pm: Pakistan's ISPR says "Pak has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded"

1.25 pm: Pakistan Airforce says "this (by Indian Army) was not a surgical strike, we are alert for any eventuality": Pakistan Media

1.23 pm: Pak's ISPR: Notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is illusion deliberately generated by India to create false effects

1.21 pm: Our 2 soldiers died and 9 got injured :Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on surgical strikes by Indian Army in Pak territory.

1.18 pm: The special forces operation was carried out between 500 metres and 2 Km into the Line of Control. The operation took place between 12.30 and 4.30 AM

1.16 pm: Surgical strikes on Pakistani terror camps belonged to multiple terror groups, NO Indian casualties: Sources

1.16 pm: If our army has taken a decision, the whole nation will support them: UP Congress President Raj Babbar

1.14 pm: Indian army Special Forces op on terror launch pads lasted from 1230am-4:30AM, location was 500meters-2Km across LOC: Sources

1.13 pm: 5 terror launch pads destroyed by Army across LOC, Indian Army special Forces were para-dropped: Army Sources

1.11 pm: Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations says "no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated by India"

1.08 pm: Government calls an all party meeting at 4pm today after Indian Army conducts surgical strikes in Pak territory.

1.04 pm: Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti suggested that a team of experts be sent to both Karnataka & TN to asses ground situation #caveryissue

1.01 pm: This is a lesson for all terrorists; we have the right of self-defence: BJP's Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on the surgical strikes by Indian Army

12.58 pm: Don't take desire for peace as weakness: Nawaz Sharif on strikes in Pak across Line of Control

12.50 pm: Sensex crashes 402.23 points, currently at 27890.58. Nifty at 8607.30

12.45 pm: Pak PM Sharif: Strongly condemned the unprovoked & naked aggression of Indian forces resulting in martyrdom of two Pak soldiers along LoC

12.44 pm: Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations says Indian offensive carried out in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel & Lipa sectors, on Pak's side of LoC

12.37 pm: President, Vice President, Former PM Manmohan Singh, J&K Governor, CM J&K briefed on the surgical strikes by the Indian Army.

12.34 pm: We are ready for the safety and defence of our country, says Pak PM Nawaz Sharif - Pak Media (on surgical strikes by Indian Army)

12.33 pm: We condemn this attack, our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness, says Pak PM Nawaz Sharif - Pak Media

12.28 pm: Mohammad Shahabuddin bail cancellation matter: SC reserves order for tomorrow.

#WATCH: DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh says "Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC last night" pic.twitter.com/UXjVEvyLwF  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

12.28 pm: No Indian casualties during surgical strikes that were carried out in Pak territory last night by the Indian Army

12.24 pm: The operation was to hit out at terrorists trying to harm India. These operations have been suspended now as the operation was aimed at neutralising the terrorists. We do not want to prolong this. But Indian army is always ready.

12.23 pm: Expect Pakistan to help eliminate the terrorist menace.

12.22 pm: DGMO reminds Pakistan of 2004 pledge to not allow its territory to be used for anti-India terrorist activities.

12.21 pm: We can't allow terrorists to operate across the LoC, there has been a surge in infiltration: DGMO.

12.20 pm: The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory: DGMO

12.16 pm: I spoke to the Pak DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night: DGMO

12.15 pm: DGMO Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh: We got concrete information yesterday that terrorists were poised to infiltrate.

12.15 pm: Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) significant casualties have been caused: DGMO

12.14 pm: Despite our persistent urging to Pak to not allow territory under its control to not be used for terrorist activities nothing was done: DGMO

12.12 pm: This is reflected in the terror attacks in Poonch and Uri on 11th and 18th September resp: DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh

12.11 pm: It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been many infiltration bids by terrorists at LoC: DGMO

12.02 pm: Director General Military Operations (DGMO) & JS (XP) Vikas Swarup to address media shortly

11.50 am: Narendra Modi chaired Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on situation on the LoC.

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi chaired Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on situation on the LoC. pic.twitter.com/QZa2XJCjcF  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

11.40 am: Meeting in Delhi on Cauvery issue to begin shortly, Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and a rep of TN CM to attend.

Meeting in Delhi on #CauveryIssue to begin shortly,Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah & a rep of TN CM to attend pic.twitter.com/ujMmRalSx7  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

11.27 am: Narendra Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on situation on the LoC.

11.22 am: The meeting on the Most Favoured Nation Status to Pakistan which was to be chaired by the Prime Minister has been postponed to next week.

11.20 am: The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a plea by Ramkumar's father who had sought a choice of doctor to conduct the postmortem of his son. The SC said that doctors board as ordered by Chennai High Court is good enough.

11.00 am: I am against the ideology of RSS and other organisations that try to divide this nation: Rahul Gandhi in Guwahati (Assam)

I am against the ideology of RSS and other organisations that try to divide this nation: Rahul Gandhi in Guwahati (Assam) pic.twitter.com/WjE5TRC7Jw  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

10.50 am: I'm fighting against the RSS ideology that divides the country; my work is to fight poverty: Rahul Gandhi.



10.40 am: PMO seeks report on frequency of flights between India and Pakistan as part of various initiatives being considered by India to pressurize Pakistan.

10.18 am: Rahul Gandhi reaches court in Guwahati (Assam), summoned in connection with criminal defamation suit filed against him by the RSS.

10.08 am: Srinagar(J&K): Shutdowns and restrictions at various critical places continue for 83rd day; Separatists extend the protest shutdown till Oct 6.

Srinagar(J&K): Shutdowns & restrictions at various critical places continue for 83rd day;Separatists extend the protest shutdown till Oct 6. pic.twitter.com/auoXDUADxs  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

9.45 am: BJP to hold first 'Progress Panchayat' in Haryana to reach out to minorities.

9.00 am: Meeting in Delhi over Cauvery issue, Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, Siddaramaiah and a rep of TN CM to attend.

8.25 am: Fire broke out in a factory in Narela (Delhi) last evening, fire not yet under control.

Fire broke out in a factory in Narela (Delhi) last evening, fire not yet under control. pic.twitter.com/FOtYdzZrPT  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

7.57 am: Hearing on cancellation of bail plea of Mohammad Shahabuddin to continue in Supreme Court today.

7.55 am: US National Security Advisor Susan Rice calls NSA Ajit Doval, condemns the Uri terrorist attack.

OneIndia News
The politicisation of the Army explained by architect of surgical strikes

Four years on: Remembering the surgical strike that dealt a lethal blow to Pakistan

Pakistan military confirms Indian strike, says 2 of its soldiers killed

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Pakistan's Dawn newspaper confirmed the Indian Army strike but reported it as an exchange of fire between troops on either side. The paper said, quoting Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the "exchange of fire" began at 2.30 am and continued till 8 am this morning. Two Pakistani armymen were killed, the paper said.

Indian Army DGMO Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh said at the unprecedented joint Ministry of Defence-Ministry of External Affairs press conference that the strikes had been against terrorist launch pads across the LoC and had inflicted several casualties on the terrorists. Indian news reports also confirmed that Pakistani armymen were among those killed in the

strike.

The ISPR has claimed that "Pakistani troops responded befittingly to unprovoked Indian firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors.

[India hits Pak, conducts surgical strikes on terror launch pads along LoC]

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the Indian strike, saying the country was prepared to defend itself.
Home Minister Shah to address Chintan Shivir of Home Ministers with focus on internal security

Amit Shah to chair two-day 'Chintan Shivir of Home Ministers'; Mamata to skip the meet

In India terror down by 34%, civilian deaths by 90% since Art 370 scrapped: Shah

Probe Amit Shah's links with CBI officials: Kejriwal

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, Sep 29: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday demanded a probe into the alleged links of BJP President Amit Shah with CBI officers and officials named in the suicide note of senior bureaucrat B.K. Bansal.

"Read Bansal's suicide note. Unable to sleep. Sanjiv Gautam (CBI) etc should be immediately arrested. Their links with Amit Shah investigated (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted.

Corporate Affairs Ministry officer Bansal, who committed suicide along with his son at his house in Neelkanth Apartments in east Delhi on Tuesday, claimed in his suicide note that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers not only tortured him but also his wife and daughter, which drove them to suicide as well on July 19.

The suicide note, accessed by IANS, named CBI Deputy Inspector General Sanjeev Gautam, Superintendent of Police Amrita Kaur, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rekha Sangwan, Investigating Officer Harnam Singh and an unnamed Head Constable for "murdering his wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27".

The suicide note -- a copy of which was also widely circulated on Twitter -- cites DIG Gautam as claiming that he was "Amit Shah's man".

"The whole country knows (the) criminal background of Amit Shah. Can India be mute (a) spectator to CBI being turned into an agency of his henchmen," Kejriwal tweeted.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal expressed shock over the suicides of the Bansal family and said that the media should tell the full story.

"Absolutely shocking. Are we living in a democracy? More shocking is the media's reluctance to tell the full story," Kejriwal tweeted while referring to an earlier tweet that alleges "conspiracy by Amit Shah" against B.K. Bansal.

Bansal and his 31-year-old son Yogesh were found hanging in their Patparganj apartment on Tuesday morning.

Bansal's wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27, committed suicide by hanging on July 19 after Bansal was questioned by the CBI in the bribery case.

IANS


Surgical strikes on Pak- 7 terror launch pads were destroyed between 12.30 and 4.30 AM

News

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

In the surgical strikes carried out by the special forces, seven terror launch pads were destroyed. The Indian army upon receiving concrete information about terrorists infiltration and their camps carried out an operation between 12.30 and 4.30 AM.

While all the operational details are not being provided, sources say that the operation was planned only after concrete information was received. After a careful analysis, the special forces hit out at terrorist launch pads. At least 5 such launch pads were destroyed.

These strikes were carried out on the launch pads and posts in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The operation was carried by the 19, 25 and 28 Divisions located in Baramulla, Rajouri and Kupwara, sources also informed.

Further details also suggest that the operation was set carried out between 500 metres and 2 kilometres into the Line of Control. The Indian army ensured that the strike was carried out in a calculated manner. Sources also say that there was considerable damage done to the terrorist launch pads.

Earlier today the Director General Military Operations informed about the surgical strikes that were carried out last night. In a press briefing along with MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup it was said that casualties were inflicted. earlier a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security which was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held.
Sonia chose Manmohan Singh as he posed no threat to her, Rahul Gandhi: Obama

From PM Modi to ex-US Prez Obama, see Cyrus Mistry's rare pics with politicians

In pics: What made headlines across the world

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Sept 29: Three people were injured after a teenager opened fire at Townville Elementary school, South Carolina. The shooter killed his father at their home and then opened fire outside the school.

The teen was apprehended by police officials within minutes of shooting. Authorities said that he shot his 47-year-old father at their home following which he drove to the school and started firing as he got out of his vehicle and moved towards the school.

In other news, Congress overturned US President Barack Obama's veto of legislation that would allow families of those killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks to sue Saudi Arabia for any role in the plot.

Here are some pictures that made headlines across the world:

3 injured in Townville school shooting A woman talks on the phone outside Townville Elementary after a shooting at the elementary school in Townville where three people were injured. Barack Obama with NASCAR race car driver Kyle Busch President Barack Obama holds a race car helmet and poses for a photograph with NASCAR race car driver Kyle Busch and members of the Joe Gibbs Racing team during a ceremony honoring the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions. Donald Trump speaks at the Polish National Alliance Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the Polish National Alliance in Chicago. Trump ambiguous answer to a debate question on nuclear restraint raised doubts about his understanding of the issue. Flights delayed at Lombok and Bali airport due to volcano eruption Volcanic material from the eruption of Mount Barujari is seen from Bayan, Lombok Island, Indonesia. The volcano erupted without warning on Tuesday afternoon, delaying flights from airports on the islands of Lombok and Bali. PTI Hillary Clinton presents college plan in New Hampshire Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton waves as she boards her campaign plane at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York. William and Kate tour MacBride Museum of Yukon History Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, leave after touring the MacBride Museum of Yukon History in Whitehorse, Yukon.

OneIndia News
Melania, Ivanka arrive in Saudi without headscarves, Trump had slammed Michelle for the same

An ex-US prez & ex-first lady were doing something at McCains funeral and the media saw it

Michelle Obama says America 'needs an adult' in White House

International

oi-PTI

Philadelphia, Sept 29: Michelle Obama told a diverse and enthusiastic crowd in Philadelphia on Wednesday that candidates don't change once they become president and that America "needs an adult in the White House."

The first lady never mentioned Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during the rally at LaSalle University. But there was no question that she was warning voters that candidate Trump would be the same as President Trump.

"The presidency doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are," she told the cheering crowd. She referred to several comments Trump made during and after Monday's debate, including his apparent acknowledgment that he's paid no taxes some years. Trump said that makes him "smart."

"If a candidate is erratic and threatening, if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fear and lies on the campaign trail, if a candidate thinks not paying taxes makes you smart, or that it's good business when people lose their homes; if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act well, sadly, that's who that candidate really is," she said.

Also read: Hillary Clinton gains support after first presidential debate

"That is the kind of president they will be." She said the country needs a leader who is steady and measured because when making war-or-peace decisions, "the president can't just pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you."

She cast Clinton as a tough, compassionate fighter who doesn't back down and who loves her country. "Experience matters, preparation matters, temperament matters," she said.

"Hillary Clinton has it all. She's the real deal." The first lady was heading to Pittsburgh for another rally for the Democratic presidential nominee later on Wednesday.

Trump's campaign reacted to Obama's speech with a statement saying Clinton is in "panic mode" in Pennsylvania because polls show the Republican presidential nominee surging in the battleground state.

PTI
Qexit: Qatars pullout from OPEC could see deeper diplomatic ramifications in the region

OPEC members agree to freeze output

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Algiers, Sep 29 The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reached an agreement to freeze oil output after an meeting held here on Wednesday.

The Head of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said at a press conference after the meeting, during which the cartel's members agreed to cap its oil output between 32.5 and 33 million barrels a day, Xinhua news agency reported.

The OPEC official dubbed the meeting of Algiers "historical", thanking Algeria for offering such an opportunity to gather and decide on a crucial issue related to oil market.

Al-Sada noted that after a six-hour meeting, the 14 members agreed to reduce oil output, adding that a committee has been set up to consider the output share of each member nation.

A report should be drawn up by the committee, and then filed to the next OPEC meeting due in Vienna in November, the head of OPEC specified.

The official further indicated that the committee is also meant to coordinate a collective agreement between the cartel's members in a bid to accelerate the process of re-balancing the oil market "by sharing the burden of adjusting the output between both OPEC and non-OPEC producers".

IANS
Rodrigo Duterte says upcoming Philippine-US joint war games will be last

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Manila, Sep 29 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that the joint war games between the United States and the Philippine marines in October will be the last.

"So I am serving notice now to the Americans. I will maintain the military alliance, the PH-US pact which our countries signed in the early 50s. But I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce. I will serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," Xinhua news agency quoted Duterte as saying in a speech before the Filipino community in Hanoi, Vietnam where he is on an overnight working visit.

Starting Tuesday next week, about 1,400 US marines, sailors based in Okinawa, Japan will take part in the Amphibious Landing Exercise with about 500 Philippine troops on multiple locations in the Philippine main Luzon island and Palawan, the province facing the South China Sea.

Duterte said on Monday that he would open up all avenues of trade and commerce for China and Russia, adding that he is about to "cross the Rubicon between me and the United States".

"I am about to cross the Rubicon with the US It is a point of no return," he said in a speech during an oath-taking event at the Malacanang presidential palace.

On Tuesday, Duterte accused the United States of "undermining" the Philippines currency, causing the Philippine peso to tumble against the US dollar.

"The Americans are undermining us now. They are manipulating.. the peso weakened," Duterte said in a speech at the Philippine marine headquarters in Taguig.

The Philippine peso hit a seven-year low on Monday, closing at 48.25 to a dollar, the weakest since the close of 48.335 on September 15, 2009.

IANS
Modi has given another window of opportunity to Pak: Mehbooba

Jammu

oi-PTI

Jammu, Sept 28: Noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened another window of opportunity for Pakistan by calling for a joint war against poverty, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today asked the neighbouring country to understand that such opportunities do not come daily.

"The call of Modiji to Pakistan and its people for war against poverty has no answers (from them). Pakistan, its people and its leadership should understand its meaning," Mehbooba told a gathering here tonight.

"There is no answer to his remarks... Despite Pathankot, Modiji went to Lahore for peace but Uri happened," she said. Mehbooba said Pakistan should understand that Modi has given them another window of opportunity fot friendly relations, peace and normalcy in the region.

"Despite this (Uri) and huge pressure, Modiji as a statesman gave another window (of opportunity) to Pakistan... If Pakistan will not even today understand this, it will not get such opportunities daily," she said.

"Recently there was a cry for war and attack on Pakistan -- do this and do this kind of environment. But the reply came from our the PM. It was more than hydrogen or atom bomb when he (PM) declared a war against poverty," she said.

The Chief Minister said had it been former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in such a situation, he would have said the same thing. "I am hopeful that the strike, PM called for against Pakistan will definitely have results. Our biggest problem is poverty. If problems of conflicts and smaller problem would have not been faced by India, our country would much more developed and prosperous," she said.

Referring to the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, she said, "We are passing through trying times and a test. The situation is slowly improving in Kashmir."

Maintaining that war is never an option to resolve the issues, Mehbooba pitched for amicable relations between India and Pakistan to fight the poverty and economic deprivation plaguing the region while underlining the need of a bilateral dialogue to resolve the issues.

"The two nuclear armed neighbors must cooperate in the fields of social development, including eradication of poverty and with their growing economies and energy needs, and the need for newer, more diverse markets and trading opportunities, the future of the troubled region has to be defined by common economic interests instead of hostilities," she said.

"Instead of fighting wars with each other, the two countries should join hands to eradicate poverty and to address social problems plaguing the region... Modi went to Pakistan with this message on behalf of people of J&K but the Pathankote incident shattered that process," she said.

The Chief Minister said as in any violent situation, the women have suffered the most in Jammu and Kashmir.

"In Kashmir, women have become primary victims of the violent situation over the last three decades which hasn't led us anywhere. Our party became the harbinger of peace when my father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, spoke of nursing the wounds of people when the memory of Kargil war was still afresh," she said.

PTI
A desperate Pakistan may strike at Indian cities, Intelligence Bureau warns

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Sept 29: Isolating Pakistan is bound to make them desperate and the country is likely to sponsor a series of attacks on India, intelligence bureau officials have warned. While there is already heightened alert along the border areas, officials warn that Pakistan may try and engineer a strike in a major city as well.

The Intelligence Bureau has directed police officials of major cities to remain on alert as some Paksitan sponsored elements may try and strike. The alert warns against strikes by Paksitan on strategic locations and also crowded areas.

Only recently the IB had warned that some elements of the ISIS-JMB combine may orchestrate a knife attack in major cities in the country.

Officials say that Paksitan will try doing what it does best and that is to carry out a terrorist attack.

Intelligence Bureau officials point out that along the border it is the army camps and checkposts which would be on the radar of the terrorists. However, in the cities, crowded areas and major locations are likely under the radar.

The alert states that the sleeper cells of outfits which subscribe to Pakistan based terror groups should be watched. Fringe elements also could be activated to carry out a strike, intelligence bureau officials also warn.

Home Minstry officials say that a desperate Paksitan will look to hit back and hence security must be tight. Police officials must check all elements including those belonging to fringe groups in order to ensure that nothing untoward takes place, the officer also informed.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, September 29, 2016, 10:26 [IST]
India hits Pak, conducts surgical strikes on terror launch pads along LoC on Wednesday

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Sept 29: India has carried out a surgical strike on terror launch pads along the Line of Control on Wednesday night and caused severe casualties, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lt. General Ranbir Singh informed on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference jointly with the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, the DGMO said that after the surgical strikes were conducted, Pakistan was informed about the same.

The Indian army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the Line of Control (LoC). We have caused significant casualties, the DGMO said. "On Wednesday we got concrete information that terrorists had tried to infiltrate through the LoC. The operation was to hit out terrorists who were trying to cause harm to India. These operations have been suspended for now," the DGMO said.

The Indian army carried out a surgical strike on those launch pads. The operation was to hit out at terrorists trying to harm India. These operations have been suspended now.

I spoke to the Pak DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night: DGMO pic.twitter.com/s0ntc1Q5DX  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

The operation was carrried out to neutralise the terrorists and their launch pads. "We do not intend to prolong this, but let everyone be aware that the Indian army is always ready to hit terrorists who try and harm the country," the DGMO also said.

Also read: Is a review of air services arrangement with Pakistan next on the cards?

While there have been no casualties on the Indian side during this strike, the DGMO also said that he spoke with Pakistan about the strike. He informed Pakistan and told them that India will not allow terrorists enter the country through the Line of Control.

Further he also said that it is India's intention to maintain peace in the region, but it would certainly not allow terrorists to operate along the LoC, the DGMO also said.

"We expect that Pakistan will cooperate with us with a view of eradicating this menace of terrorism," the DGMO also said at the presser.

He further said that infiltration bids by terrorists at the Line of Control is a serious matter of concern. "The terrorist attacks at Poonch and Uri a serious matter of concern. Despite us urging Pakistan not to allow its territory to be allowed for terror activities, nothing is being done," he further added.

OneIndia News
Is a review of air services arrangement with Pakistan next on the cards?

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Sept 29: Is a review of the air services arrangement with Pakistan next on the agenda of the Union Government which is going all out to isolate the terrorist nation? Currently there are no Indian aircrafts that fly to Pakistan although the bi-lateral agreement permits 12 flights between the two countries.

The Pakistan International Airlines, however, operates to Mumbai and Delhi. A review of the air services arrangement is being considered by the government. The government is already reviewing the Indus Water Treaty and the Most Favoured Nation status granted to Pakistan.

Although no decision has been taken by the government in this regard, it would be under consideration in the next couple of days. The last time India had banned overflight facilities with Paksitan was in 2001 after the attack on Parliament.

Also read: A desperate Pakistan may strike at Indian cities, Intelligence Bureau warns

Before taking any decision in this regard, India would take into account all considerations to ensure that the commuters from India are not burdened. If the agreement is reviewed, this would mean that commuters would have to take a longer flight and this would include higher flying costs. Commuters would need to fly to Bangladesh and then to Pakistan if the agreement is revised.

India has decided that it would economically bleed Pakistan as the nation has been relentless when it comes to sponsoring terror against India. The Union Government is reviewing almost every agreement with Pakistan to ensure that the country bleeds economically.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, September 29, 2016, 11:21 [IST]
Surgical strikes may have prevented infiltration of 210 terrorists

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Sept 29: The terrorists who were inside the launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) were under surveillance for nearly a week now. Sources say as per their information, there were at least 25 to 30 terrorists in each of the seven camps that were targeted by the Indian army. This effectively means with this operation the army successfully prevented the infiltration of at least 200 terrorists.

Also read: Surgical strikes on Pak- 7 terror launch pads were destroyed between 12.30 and 4.30 AM

Sources say that as per their assessment and with the help of the Intelligence Bureau, the terrorists in these camps were waiting to infiltrate in batches. All these terrorists were awaiting orders from their Paksitan masters to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir.

After getting information on these terrorists, the army came up with a plan to strike at these camps. The ground forces of the 19, 25 and 28 Divisions located in Baramulla, Rajouri and Kupwara who were involved in this operation, had the assistance of the paracommandos who were oversaw the operation in a chopper.

The National Security Advisor who oversaw this operation along with the DGMO were informed that the forces entered these areas and destroyed these camps. The operation started at midnight (Sept 29) and ended before sunrise.

Also read: India hits Pak, conducts surgical strikes on terror launch pads along LoC on Wednesday

Sources say that these terrorists who were parked in these camps would have infiltrated and tried to add to the ongoing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian army is keeping an eye on more such camps and would hit if the need be. However, for now the army has said this operation has ended.

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Story first published: Thursday, September 29, 2016, 15:52 [IST]
Susan Rice calls Doval, assures support in war against terror

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Sept 29: The National Security Advisor of the United States of America, Susan Rice called her Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval and condemned the attack at Uri in which 18 soldiers were martyred. During the conversation, Susan Rice assured that efforts would be made to bring to justice terrorists and their perpetrators across the world.

The conversation between the two NSAs comes in the midst of India going all out to isolate Pakistan. India is reviewing the Indus Water Treaty and the Most Favoured Nation Status it had granted to Pakistan.

India also pulled out of the SAARC summit and got support from the entire region, except Sri Lanka.

Susan Rice further told Doval that President Barack Obama is committed to bringing to justice the perpertrators of terror to book. She further said that Pakistan is expected to take concrete action against UN designated terrorists and their entities which includes the Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Also read: Uri attack: Terrorists came from Pir Chana Sai training camp

India will make yet another move before the United Nations to designate, Jaish chief, Maulana Masood Azhar a terrorist. The last time such a move was made, China stepped in and ensured that a decision by the UN was put on hold.

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Sensex has crashed over 500 points after the news of surgical strikes by the army across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Indias director general of military operations Ranbir Singh held a press meeting today to announce that it attacked terrorist camps in Pakistan causing significant casualties. Sensex plunges 573 points to touch the day's low of 27.719.92.
Retreat ceremony between India and Pakistan on Wagah border has been cancelled for today. Villages along Punjab's border with Pakistan were put on high alert and many have been evacuated. schools along with the border have been ordered to remain close. Today morning, Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, announced that the Indian Army had conducted surgical strikes across the LoC last night.
Wait until winter, J&K separatists will realise Pak is irrelevant

Srinagar

oi-Vicky

Srinagar, Sept 29: The separatists of Kashmir have refused to budge and continue to issue fresh calendar of protests. In fact a fresh calendar was issued on Wednesday and a series of events have been planned until October 6.

However, the Union Government has decided not to bow down to these threats and says that these separatists by the turn of winter will realise how irrelevant Pakistan is.

A senior official said that Pakistan in the months to come will be too caught up cleaning their act and they will have no time for the separatists. India has also started moving at a brisk pace to make Paksitan completely irrelevant. The snub that Pakistan received by the SAARC nations was just one part of the plan.

Separatists would realise Pakistan's irrelevance soon

Home Ministry and Intelligence Bureau officials say that till date the Separatists are issuing calendar of protests at the behest of Pakistan. The Home Ministry has in fact advised security forces in the Valley to be prepared for a long battle which would go into winter as well.

Also read: Uri attack: Foreign secretary slaps Pak with proof

Indian officials feel that Pakistan is now caught on the backfoot. The attention of the world is on them and with India deciding to review the Most Favoured Nation status as well as the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan sure has a lot to think about. We will continue to push Pakistan to the wall, officials point out.

The separatists, however, are not bogged down as of now. However, by the time it is winter, a lot would change and Indian officials assess that Pakistan will gradually stop stoking passions in the Valley.

The Valley has been on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, Burhan Wani. He has become the face of the protests and even Pakistan's Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif invoked his name at his speech in the UN. IB officials say that normalcy would return to the Valley soon and Wani will be forgotten.

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GVC to Expand Presence in Regulated Markets With New iSoftBet and Microgaming Deals

Published September 29, 2016 by Ivan P

GVC Holdings, the company behind bwin.party, signs strategic deals with iSoftBet and Microgaming to improve their position in regulated European markets.

GVC Holdings, the company behind bwin.party brand, has announced two important strategic deals that will see bwin.party significantly increase their position in European regulated markets, especially in Spain, Italy, Belgium, and Bulgaria.

The company will be joining forces with two industry giants, iSoftBet and Microgaming, significantly improving their offer in the mentioned markets.

Microgaming's Quickfire Platform a Proven Winner

Microgaming's Quickfire offers some of the best, most successful games on the market. bwin.party brands have already added more than 600 Quickfire game titles to their global offering earlier this year and, drawing on the success of that partnership, they are looking to enhance their offer in Spain, Belgium, and Bulgaria.

Linor Snir, Chief Product Officer for GVC Holdings, emphasized that signing the deal with a highly established name such as Microgaming is guaranteed to boost their market position, significantly improving their casino games portfolio.

There is no lack of enthusiasm about the deal coming from Microgaming either. Loraine Schoevars, Director of Microgaming's Prima Networks, explained this was an exciting development for the network as well, and the one that really works in players' favor, as they will soon be able to access much bigger number of games via bwin.party.

iSoftBet Deal to Further Improve bwin.party Offer

Looking to really boost their position in newly regulated markets, bwin.party entered another strategic partnership with iSoftBet, highly reputable company providing online and mobile casino games.

iSoftBet will provide more than 40 slot games based on the flash and HTML5 technology, including some very popular titles like Rambo, Skulls of Legend, and Mega Boy.

The deal with iSoftBet will see bwin.party offer enhanced in a number of regulated markets, particularly in Spain and Italy. Snir explained that this was another step towards making their casino portfolio the best there is and he was particularly pleased with the fact that players from Spain and Italy will now have an easy access to many iSoftBet's mega popular games.

Michael Probert of iSoftBet echoed the feeling, emphasizing the fact that this strategic deal with GVC Holdings will help iSoftBet improve their presence in regulated markets as well. Probert was particularly satisfied about the fact that both companies share in on the same vision of delivering world-class content to players around the globe.
See original here

By Stefanie Spear



(Image by EcoWatch) Details DMCA



Though moderator Lester Holt did not ask a specific question on climate change during the first presidential debate last night, Rolling Stone said, "Trump's big debate lie on global warming" became the "most important exchange of the night."

After just 18 minutes of the debate, conversation between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump quickly transitioned to renewable energy jobs as they discussed the economy. During that exchange, Clinton slipped in the well-known fact that Trump believes climate change is "a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese." Though he has called climate change a hoax numerous times since 2012, he still interrupted Clinton to reject that claim.

Here are 11 times Donald Trump called climate change a hoax--compiled by the Sierra Club Political Committee--despite him telling 100 million people last night that he never said it:

1. Donald Trump on climate change policy on Fox News:

2. Donald Trump's interview on the O'Reilly Factor in July:

3. Tweet from December 2013:

We should be focused on magnificently clean and healthy air and not distracted by the expensive hoax that is global warming!

9:38 AM - 6 Dec 2013

4. Tweet from December 2013:

Ice storm rolls from Texas to Tennessee - I'm in Los Angeles and it's freezing. Global warming is a total, and very expensive, hoax!

9:13 AM - 6 Dec 2013

5. Tweet from December 2013:

We should be focused on clean and beautiful air-not expensive and business closing GLOBAL WARMING-a total hoax!

6:30 AM - 28 Dec 2013

6. Tweet from January 2014:

NBC News just called it the great freeze - coldest weather in years. Is our country still spending money on the GLOBAL WARMING HOAX?

5:48 PM - 25 Jan 2014

7. Tweet from January 2014:

Any and all weather events are used by the GLOBAL WARMING HOAXSTERS to justify higher taxes to save our planet! They don't believe it $$$$!

3:40 PM - 26 Jan 2014

8. Tweet from January 2014:

Snowing in Texas and Louisiana, record setting freezing temperatures throughout the country and beyond. Global warming is an expensive hoax!

12:27 AM - 29 Jan 2014

9. Tweet from January 2014:

The weather has been so cold for so long that the global warming HOAXSTERS were forced to change the name to climate change to keep $ flow!

12:36 AM - 29 Jan 2014

10. Tweet from January 2014:

Give me clean, beautiful and healthy air - not the same old climate change (global warming) bullshit! I am tired of hearing this nonsense.

12:44 AM - 29 Jan 2014

11. Tweet from February 2014:

Massive record setting snowstorm and freezing temperatures in U.S. Smart that GLOBAL WARMING hoaxsters changed name to CLIMATE CHANGE! $$$$

4:57 AM - 5 Feb 2014




RT @el_soco: Nahed Hattar: Killed for a Cartoon (David Wood) #IslamExposed https://t.co/mouavaCqt0 at https://t.co/mouavaCqt0 September 29, 2016

He was a Jordanian Journalist, a Leftist, a self-proclaimed "anti-Imperialist". He was a pro-Syria activist and a fierce supporter of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad's Government against the West's war of aggression for regime change in that country. And now he is the victim of Jordan's first ever political assassination.

Nahed Hattar, a secular Jordanian author and writer, was shot dead on September 25th, at the steps leading to the High Court Of Justice in Amman, the very court he was about to be tried in for "offending the Islamic religion" after sharing a "caricature" drawing mocking ISIS's skewed version of Islam on his personal Facebook page.

Let that mental image sink in for a second: a man shared a controversial image on an online platform (something millions around the world do on a daily basis), and now he is dead with three (maybe four) bullets to the head.

Hattar, a father of two, was an ardent advocate of the Syrian government, Hizbollah's Resistance movement, and a relentless opponent of the Muslim Brotherhood and Takfiri groups in his journalistic writings, TV appearances" and on his personal Facebook page, which evidently got him killed.

It all began on August 3rd, 2016, when Hattar shared a cartoon drawing portraying Heaven and God from the perspective of Islamic extremists (i.e. depicting a bearded man in bed, surrounded by virgins and alcohol); a maelstrom of public anger and backlash bordering on organized mob madness ensued, prompting Hattar to swiftly delete the post and apologize for unintentionally offending Muslims, lambasting at the same time those who took his post out of its strictly political context and distorted his intentions.

But it was too late; the anti-Nahed Hattar screed had already intensified and caught frenzied traction on a public level, especially among conservatives and religious groups which permeate Jordanian society. An avalanche of blind recriminations and accusations of offending Islam and Muslims coupled with numerous death threats and personalized insults were unleashed against Hattar in what now appears to have been an organized effort to take aim at the 56 year-old writer and settle scores with him due to his political stance, especially with regards to the Syrian conflict.

Many called for the man's execution, and Facebook groups calling for "avenging Islam" and "killing" Hattar popped up everywhere with hundreds of supporters and enthusiasts applauding the witch hunt, culminating in the eventual arrest of Hattar by Jordanian authorities for offending Islam and religious agitation. The "Islamic Action Front" (Jordan's branch of the Muslim Brotherhood group) joined in the incitement orgy by calling the Jordanian Government to give Hattar "the severest of punishments" for his deed.

And what was his "deed" exactly?

Sharing a satire sketch (one that he did not draw by the way!) on his personal Facebook Page, to hammer home his viewpoints as a secularist on what is currently happening in a region marred only by sectarianism and religious bloodletting.

It wasn't an anti-Islam rant or a sectarian post; it was a political one, driven primarily by Hattar's well-known positions on the Syrian War, and his avowed political enmity towards the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS, Takfiri movements and Islamic extremism, Hattar himself even titled the post with the tag: "ISIS's God".

Hattar was assassinated by a radical Islamic preacher (a lone wolf?) who decided to take matters into his own hands and "avenge Islam" on behalf of the many who called for exactly that.

I find myself wondering what thoughts were going through Nahed Hattar's mind in that split second (or what, more than a month later, turned out to be a fateful moment) when he clicked on the "share" button of a silly caricature mocking the mentality and the sexually-driven ideology of ISIS.

Maybe Hattar was thinking of Syria; and the systematic destruction wrought upon that country, which he loved and passionately defended, courtesy of the various incarnations of western funded Islamist extremists. Maybe he was thinking of all those graphic videos of beheadings, guttings, suicide bombings, and sectarian lynchings of civilians in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen. Maybe he was getting sick of the sectarianism that has engulfed the Arab World ever since the so-called Arab spring laid dreadful waste to the entirety of the Middle East region.

Or maybe he wasn't thinking anything at all really, just another harmless post on a personal Facebook page; I mean how many of us give two thoughts before publishing anything, let alone a silly cartoon, on our own social media web pages. How many of us contemplate the ramifications of an impulsive comment, "like" or share of a Facebook post before "braving through" with it.

One thing is for sure, Nahed Hattar did not foresee that sharing an anti-ISIS satire drawing, an act that he later came to apologize for, would lead to a ghastly death at the hands of a living, breathing, walking incarnation of the very caricature he had shared on his page.
North Dakota authorities have degenerated into behaving like a third world militia. Yesterday 21 unarmed water protectors were arrested at gunpoint during a peaceful prayer protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. I am reporting this off-site, nearly a thousand miles away and relying on accounts from trusted sources on the ground at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, as well as Facebook and local media accounts.



Militarization of Indian Country

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More important that my own comments, here is a plea from the Red Warrior Camp. We have all let our guards down since the Department of Justice put a halt on the DAPL. The people on the ground out there will stand firm and continue to pray, but it is time the rest of us get actively involved and call our federal representatives to protect our brothers and sisters. Prayer should not be met with guns and militarized vehicles.

Today Native ceremonies conducted along the Dakota Access Pipeline route were disrupted by militarized police. We have continued to declare ourselves to be non-violent and unarmed, the police, acting as private security and protectors of the corporations and their nefarious and destructive interests, responded in full force with armored vehicles, shotguns, assault rifles, snipers, helicopters, tear gas, resulting in 21 confirmed arrests. There are also reports coming back that the police were snatching people's phones and other recording devices, deleting pictures and video without permission and in direct violation of North Dakota laws. This response, these actions on the part of the police are clear evidence of the egregious and ongoing escalation of the violations of our Indigenous and Human Rights. We are constantly fed the narrative that the police are armed and active in the protection of the public. Are we not the public? Are the violations of our rights so easily and repeatedly acceptable? Are you paying attention? The United States of America is occupying Indigenous Land and when their occupation and ruination of our lands and waters is challenged they respond with unprecedented violence, with kidnapping our brothers and sisters protecting us and our territories. They are incarcerating our Warriors, our Women, our Youth. Today's ceremony should never have been interrupted, no arrests should have been made and certainly the military machine should not have been called in in response to our prayers.



A frightened face

(Image by Red Warrior Camp) Details DMCA



I just watched a video click here of a Lakota grandmother telling the story. She had never had a gun pointed at her in her life until yesterday. She described being in a "state of shock" in the aftermath. Someone else wrote that the "Horse Nation held the front line," protecting the women and children. The Valley News reported click here that an officer raised his gun at the horse and rider. Morton County Sheriff, Kyle Kirchmeier, claimed that he was protecting the safety of his citizens.

This is a hollow claim, considering that the combined camps of water protectors, Red Warrior, Sacred Stones and Oceti Sakowin are the 14th largest city in North Dakota. It is hard to imagine whom the Sheriff is "protecting," unless it is the interests of the big oil boys.

History is repeating itself before our eyes as we stand by, wringing our hands, while images of Wounded Knee and that encampment of unarmed women and children come to mind. This is why I am awake in the middle of the night, the darkest hours of the soul, to present this story to you.

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By Dave Lindorff



Who was really to blame for the downing of Malaysian Flt. 17?

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If the danger of the anti-Putin, anti-Russian disinformation propaganda campaign out of the Pentagon and promoted by the US corporate media weren't so serious, the effort itself might be laughable. I did laugh,

In fact, listening last night to a discussion by an NPR host with a government spokesperson about the latest propaganda effort to blame the downing of a Malaysian jumbo jet over Ukraine on July 17, 2014 on Russia. After hearing the government official, whose name I didn't catch, say that Dutch prosecutors had found "solid evidence" that it was a "Russian-made" BUK antiaircraft missile launched from "pro-Russian" rebel held territory in Eastern Ukraine by "pro-Russian rebels," who then "brought the missile launcher back to Russia, the NPR host asked, laughing, how the "Russian government media" were handling this story.

I laughed because the NPR host's report was as much a blatant piece of one-sided propaganda, replete with laughing reference to Russian media, as any "Pravda" reporting from the days of the old USSR. So thoroughtly bought into his role of propagandist was this NPR host that he didn't even realize how biased he sounded, laughing as he referred to the Russian news media. You could actually "hear" the invisible quotes he was putting around the word "news."

I'll leave it to the quite capable hands of veteran investigative journalist Robert Parry to eviscerate the "facts" presented by Dutch and Australian prosecutors, who as he points out in a recent article , were by their own admission relying on information provided by the Ukrainian secret service, though the Ukrainian military is really the most likely source of the missile that brought down Malaysian Flight 17 killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The most obvious reason to doubt claims that Russia and Russian separatists in Ukraine were the ones responsible for the downing of Flight 17 is that neither of those parties had anything to gain (and everything to lose) by such a horrific act of terror. At the time the plane was downed, Pro-Russian separatist forces were trouncing Ukrainian military forces trying to conquer the rebellious Donbass region. The last thing they or their backer, Russia, needed was to do something that would be guaranteed to turn all of Europe against them, and hand the US government a perfect justification for providing more offensive military support to Ukraine. On the other hand, Ukraine and its military had every reason to commit such a heinous act if they thought they could pin the blame on Russia, and win more support from the US.

No reporters with the US corporate media ever raise that crucial and obvious point.

Nor do they ever note that Russia was not only barred by the Dutch from being a party to the Dutch-led investigation into the plane's downing, but that its repeated offers of evidence -- communications intercepts, radar data and information about the the BUK missiles and missile launchers in the possession of Ukrainian military -- were flatly rejected.

This was no "independent" investigation, and the prosecutors from Holland and Australia were not looking for truth. They were looking for a predetermined answer: Russia was behind this. And what a surprise! They found just that!

I'm reminded of the pathetic 9-11 Commission report on the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. That Commission was lied to by the FBI and stonewalled by the Bush/Cheney administration to the point that its own co-chairs said that they were unable to do a credible investigation into the cause of the incident or even into why the entire US intelligence apparatus and the US military were unable to detect it in the planning or to prevent it as it played out. I myself reported, based upon a source in the National Transportation Safety Administration,, the unsurprising truth that the four supposedly indestructible "black boxes" of the two planes that hit the Twin Towers, said by the FBI to have never been found in the meticulously picked through rubble, had in fact all been recovered and brought to the NTSA, but that "the FBI had taken them away." (This source was backed up by a second source in the NY Police Department who told me he saw one of the boxes found in the rubble he was helping to search through and then be taken away in a government SUV.)

The US media have been willing accomplices in covering up the truth of 9-11, and astonishingly remiss in never seriously investigating that epic disaster, and now they are playing the same propagandistic role in trying to demonize Russia.

What makes this new propaganda campaign so dangerous is that we are headed into an election that, Trump campaign boasts aside, is likely to be won by Hillary Clinton, a woman who as President Obama's Secretary of State engineered, directed and funded the bloody coup in Ukraine that overthrew the elected government there and replaced it with a fascist-led government that is best described as a kleptocracy. The coup government's first act was to launch an ethnic cleansing campaign designed to drive the Russian majority population out of the eastern more industrialized part of the country. (It was that campaign that led the generations-old Russian populations of Donetsk and Lugansk to secede from Ukraine, and the 92%-Russian Crimea to ask for Russian military protection and to be re-annexed to Russia, from which it had decades ago been ceded to the Ukrainian state (soviet) by then Soviet Union Premier Khrushchev, himself a native of Ukraine.

Clinton has made no secret of her loathing of Russia, its elected leader Vladimir Putin (whom she has publicly compared to Hitler), and its foreign policy of opposing US aggression in Syria, Ukraine and other regions. It was Clinton who has been urging the aggressive forward march of NATO membership right up to Russia's western border and the placing of nuclear-tipped anti-missile missiles on Russia's borders. It is also Clinton who is proposing, if she becomes president, to establish a wholly illegal "no-fly" zone in Syria -- a move that would put the US in the position of trying to shoot down Russian aircraft that are legally defending the Syrian government against ISIS and Al Nusra rebels. Talk about war-mongering! Clinton, if she had her way, by pitting US pilots against Russian pilots, would be inviting World War III.

Such a policy can only happen if the American people, who polls show are sick and tired of American war-making in the Middle East and elsewhere, can be convinced that Russia is simply the Soviet Union Version 2.0. A neo-con cabal in the State Department and in the Pentagon, and most of the intelligence apparatus that is so integral to US national security planning, are trying to put the word out to the willing hacks in the corporate media, that Russia should be demonized at every opportunity, so that Clinton can win this election, and then move forward with her plans to increase tensions with and military pressure against Russia.

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The Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market: 2016 - 2030 Analyzes Key Strategies, Profiles Leading Players, Revenue Forecasts for Public Safety LTE infrastructure Integration Services and Management Solutions

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The Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market: 2016 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts Size and Share Published in 2016-05-23 Available for US$ 2500 at Researchmoz.usDescriptionTo Browse a Full Report at:Due to the bandwidth limitations of their traditional voice-centric LMR (Land Mobile Radio) networks, public safety agencies are keen to leverage commercial cellular network technology to support their growing broadband application needs. Considering its thriving ecosystem, spectrum flexibility and performance metrics, LTE has emerged as the leading candidate for public safety mobile broadband networks. In addition, with the recent approval of the MCPTT (Mission Critical Push to Talk) voice standard as part of 3GPP Release 13, LTE has also become an attractive substitute for providing LMR-like voice services.The Qatar Ministry of Interior made headlines when it deployed a private 800 MHz LTE network in 2012. Since then, numerous public safety LTE networks have sprung up across the globe, including the UAE, China, Laos, Turkey and Kenya. Several early adopter LTE deployments are also operational in the United States, as part of the planned FirstNet nationwide public safety broadband network. While most initial public safety LTE investments are limited to small-scale networks, nationwide rollouts in the United States and South Korea are expected to trigger significant large-scale investments throughout the globe.The European market is largely dominated by MVNO arrangements, such as the UK Home Offices ESN (Emergency Services Network) program that will use EEs commercial LTE network to deliver prioritized mission critical voice and data services for the UKs public safety agencies. As part of the program, EE is enhancing its existing network with additional sites, satellite backhaul and a dedicated mobile core for first responders, among other investments.Driven by the thriving ecosystem, SNS Research estimates that annual investments on public safety LTE infrastructure will reach $600 Million by the end of 2016. The market, which includes base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport networking gear, is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% over the next four years. By 2020, these infrastructure investments will be complemented by over 4.4 Million LTE device shipments, including smartphones, rugged handheld terminals and vehicular routers.The Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market: 2016  2030  Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts report presents an in-depth assessment of the global public safety LTE market, besides touching upon the wider LMR and mobile broadband industries. In addition to covering the business case, challenges, technology, spectrum allocation, industry roadmap, value chain, deployment case studies, vendor products, strategies, standardization initiatives and applications ecosystem for public safety LTE, the report also presents comprehensive forecasts for mobile broadband, LMR and public safety LTE subscriptions from 2016 till 2030. Also covered are public safety LTE service revenues, over both private and commercial networks. In addition, the report presents revenue forecasts for public safety LTE infrastructure, devices, integration services and management solutions.The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report, as well as a list and associated details of over 90 global public safety LTE network commitments (as of Q22016).Key Findings:The report has the following key findings:SNS Research estimates that annual investments on public safety LTE infrastructure will reach $600 Million by the end of 2016. The market, which includes base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport networking gear, is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% over the next four years.By 2020, these infrastructure investments will be complemented by over 4.4 Million LTE device shipments, including smartphones, rugged handheld terminals and vehicular routers.Following the Qatar Ministry of Interiors private 800 MHz LTE network deployment in 2012, multiple private LTE rollouts are underway by security forces throughout the oil rich GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, including the Abu Dhabi and Dubai police forces.Driven by nationwide public safety LTE network rollouts in the United States and South Korea, the North America and Asia Pacific regions will account for nearly 70% of all public safety LTE investments over the next four years.Almost all major LMR industry players are leveraging partnerships with established LTE infrastructure OEMs such as Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei and Samsung, to offer end-to-end LTE solutions.Consolidation efforts are continuing to take place throughout the industry, particularly among the largest LTE infrastructure OEMs and public safety system integrators.Get a Free Sample Copy of the Report:Topics Covered:The report covers the following topics:Business case for public safety LTE and mobile broadband services, including key benefits and challengesTechnology, economics, trends, commercial commitments and deployment case studiesList of public safety LTE engagements worldwidePublic safety LTE infrastructure, devices and applicationsIndustry roadmap, value chain and standardization initiativesSpectrum allocation, deployment models and funding strategiesProfiles and strategies of over 260 ecosystem players including public safety system integrators and LTE infrastructure/device OEMsTCO analysis of private and commercial public safety LTE deploymentsMilitary and tactical LTE deploymentsPublic safety LTE base station (eNB) form factor analysisExclusive interview transcripts from 5 key ecosystem players: Ericsson, Airbus Defence and Space, Sepura, Aricent and Parallel WirelessStrategic recommendations for vendors, system integrators, public safety agencies and mobile operatorsMarket analysis and forecasts from 2016 till 2030Forecast Segmentation:Market forecasts are provided for each of the following submarkets and their subcategories:Public Safety LTE InfrastructureSubmarketsRAN (Radio Access Network)EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and PolicyMobile Backhaul and TransportRAN Base Station (eNB) Mobility CategoriesFixed Base StationsTransportable Base StationsRAN Base Station (eNB) Cell Size CategoriesMacrocellsSmall CellsTransportable RAN Base Station (eNB) Form Factor CategoriesNIB (Network-in-a-Box)VNS (Vehicle Network System)SOW (System-on-Wheels)Airborne PlatformPublic Safety LTE Management & Integration SolutionsSubmarketsNetwork Integration & TestingDevice Management & User ServicesManaged Services, Operations & MaintenanceCybersecurityPublic Safety LTE DevicesSubmarketsPrivate LTECommercial LTEForm Factor CategoriesSmartphones & Handportable TerminalsVehicle Mount Routers & TerminalsTablets & Notebook PCsUSB Dongles & OthersPublic Safety LTE Subscriptions & Service RevenueSubmarketsPrivate LTECommercial LTEInquiry on this report:Public Safety User Subscriptions over Private Mobile BroadbandSubmarketsPrivate LTEPrivate WiMAXPublic Safety User Subscriptions over Commercial Mobile BroadbandSubmarkets3GWiMAXLTE5G & BeyondLMR SubscriptionsSubmarketsAnalogDMRdPMR, NXDN & PDTP25TETRATetrapolOthersLMR Data SubscriptionsSubmarketsP25 - Phase 1P25 - Phase 2TETRATEDSTetrapolOthersPublic Safety LTE ApplicationsSubmarketsVideo ApplicationszGIS, AVLS and MappingMobile VPN Access & SecurityCAD (Computer Aided Dispatching)Remote Database AccessTelemetry and Remote DiagnosticsBulk Multimedia/Data TransfersPTT & Voice over LTESituational Awareness ApplicationsRegional SegmentationAsia PacificEastern EuropeLatin & Central AmericaMiddle East & AfricaNorth AmericaWestern EuropeKey Questions Answered:The report provides answers to the following key questions:How big is the public safety LTE opportunity?What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?How is the ecosystem evolving by segment and region?What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?Which regions and submarkets will see the highest percentage of growth?How does standardization impact the adoption of LTE for public safety applications?When will MCPTT and proximity services see large scale proliferation?What is the status of private LTE rollouts and public safety MVNO offerings across the globe?What opportunities exist for commercial mobile operators and MVNOs in the public safety LTE market?Is there a market for 400 MHz LTE networks?What are the prospects of tactical, vehicle-mounted and airborne LTE eNB platforms?How can public safety agencies leverage unused spectrum resources to fund private LTE networks?What strategies should system integrators and vendors adopt to remain competitive?ResearchMoz 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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ bit.ly/1TBmnVG
Linerless Labels Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Trends, Forecast 2024

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The ever-evolving features in packaging of products and labels not only reflects the brand of the manufacturer but also differentiate their product packaging, offering consumers with the right information about the product. Additionally, labels not only comprises anti-counterfeiting properties but also tracing and tracking technologies in order to help manufacturers keep their track of internal processing and packaging , incoming ingredients and outgoing shipments to traders. Linerless labels are free of waste, hassle and liner and are available with a variety of adhesives to fit the exact application as per the requirement. In recent market scenario, prevention of waste, energy efficiency and preservation of natural resources are the major factors in growing importance for the label industry.Get Free Sample Report Copy :Linerless Labels Market: DynamicsIncreasing demand for consumer goods and rising flexible packaging industry offers a million dollar opportunity for the global linerless labels market to grow in the near future. Futhermore, the impressive growth of food and beverage packaging products coupled with increasing demand in logistics and consumer durables has led the manufacturers to increase the demand of global linerless labels market. Various environmental issues in terms of printing on labels and increasing raw materials cost are some factors that hinder the growth of the global linerless labels market. Lack of awareness about types of labelling technologies are a key limitation in the linerless labels market.Linerless Labels Market: SegmentationOn the basis of composition, the global linerless labels market can be segmented into,CompositionFacestockAdhesivesOthersOn the basis of printing ink, the global linerless labels market can be segmented into,Water-based inkSolvent-based inkHolt melt-based inkUV curable inkOn the basis of printing technology, the global linerless labels market can be segmented into,Digital printingFlexographic printingGravure printingLithography printingScreen printingLetterpress printingOn the basis of application, the global linerless labels market can be segmented into,Food & beveragePharmaceuticalsPersonal careConsumer productsRetailOthers (apparels & textiles, industrial lubricant & paints, gifts)Browse the Full Report at:Linerless Labels Market: Region-wise outlookIn terms of geography, the global linerless labels market has been divided into five regions including North- America, Asia- Pacific and Middle-East & Africa, Latin America and Europe. Asia-Pacific is expected to attain the largest market share in the global linerless labels market owing to increasing population and consistent economic growth. Europe and North-America are other key markets expected to witness steady growth during the forecast period. Unlike Asia Pacific, where companies have the opportunity to expand and gain market footprint; these companies are trying to strategically maintain their market share in developed region. This is mainly attributed to increased market consolidation along with presence of large number of players trying to tap the market in North America and Europe. Next, MEA and Latin America are expected to witness substantial growth in order to gain upward traction by the end of forecast period.Linerless Labels Market: Key-PlayersCompanies are focused in making business strategies such as mergers, acquisitions and expansions in order to seek to be at the forefront of innovation and mark a global footprint in the global market by investing in technology. Some of the key market players engaged in the global linerless labels market are 3M Company, Coveris Holdings S.A., CCL Industries Inc., Constantia Flexible Group GMBH, and RR Donnelley & Sons Company, Innovia films, Reflex Labels limited, and R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company.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:
MRI Compatible Patient Monitoring Systems Market is Expected to Witness the Fastest Growth in Asia-Pacific, During 2015  2020

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The global MRI compatible patient monitoring systems market is growing, due to increasing installation of MRI devices. The increase in geriatric population worldwide is resulting in the growth of the global MRI compatible patient monitoring systems market, as the geriatric population is more susceptible to diseases, sickness and syndromes, due to less regenerative abilities. According to a United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) report on the global aging population, the population of individuals aged 60 years or above is growing at a very high rate. In addition, with the increase in chronic disease cases, accurate diagnosis is needed for the prevention and treatment of such diseases; thus leading to increased usage of MRI scans for the diagnosis of chronic diseases. Moreover, the increase in prevalence of chronic diseases is likely to increase the demand for monitoring during scan, which is leading to increased demand for MRI compatible patient monitoring systems.Browse Report Description with Detailed TOC on Global MRI Compatible Patient Monitoring Systems Market at:MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio waves, in order to produce images of body structure for the diagnosis of various medical conditions. Any loose metal device in an MRI environment may get pulled towards the magnet, and could cause serious injury or damage. Hence, different countries have their respective regulatory agencies for the approval of MRI compatible devices.However, certain restraints including strict regulatory requirements for the approval of MRI compatible patient monitoring systems, and high cost of MRI compatible patient monitoring systems are hindering the growth of the global MRI compatible patient monitoring market. The increasing awareness about MRI compatible patient monitoring systems in developing countries, such as China and India, are laying opportunities for the growth of the global MRI compatible patient monitoring systems market. North America dominates the global MRI compatible patient monitoring systems market, due to the presence of developed healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare spending and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in 2001, the number of MRI units per 1 million inhabitants in Canada and the U.S. were 4.19 and 20.11 respectively, which increased to 8.83 and 35.49 respectively, in 2013.Explore Report Sample at:Europe is witnessing growth in MRI compatible patient monitoring systems market, which is attributed to increasing geriatric population, high incidences of chronic diseases and growing awareness among healthcare providers for the usage of MRI compatible patient monitoring systems. According to the European Society of Cardiology, a non-profit health association, each year four million people die in Europe due to cardiovascular diseases, which is responsible for 47% death toll in the region.Similarly, the Asia-Pacific MRI compatible patient monitoring systems market is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the period 2015  2020. According to the OECD, in 2002, the number of MRI units per million inhabitants in Japan was 35.32, which increased to 46.87 in 2011.Browse Related Research at:The key companies operating in the global MRI compatible patient monitoring systems market include Schiller AG, Bayer AG, MIPM  Mammendorfer Institut fur Physik und Medizin GmbH, General Electric Company, IRadimed Corporation, and Koninklijke Philips N.V.MRI COMPATIBLE PATIENT MONITORING SYSTEMS MARKET SEGMENTATIONGlobal MRI compatible patient monitoring systems market breakdown by geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the World (RoW)About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:DeepAssistant  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347 5th Ave. #1402- 210New York CityUnited States
North America Held Largest Share in the Global Hospital Beds Market due to Growth in Aging Population and Availability of Technologically Advanced Hospital Beds

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The global hospital beds market was valued at $5,459.1 million in 2015, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the period 2016 - 2022.The global market is increasing, due to growing geriatric population and increasing healthcare expenditure. In addition, the lifestyle changes are leading to chronic illness, due to the increased usage of caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. This has generated the demand for hospitalization, thus encouraging the growth of the global market.Explore Report with Detailed TOC on Global Hospital Beds Market at:Based on type, the general bed segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Among the treatment types, the acute care bed segment had the largest market size in the global market during 2015; however the critical care bed segment is expected to witness the fastest growth, wit at 5.1% CAGR during the period 2016  2022.According to World Health Organisation (WHO); the total healthcare expenditure is increasing globally, thus leading to the improvements in the healthcare infrastructure. This increase in healthcare expenditure leads to construction and renovation of old hospitals with installation of new medical equipment and hospital beds.Request For Sample Pages:Aging population acts as a major growth driver for the market, as this pool is more prone to falling ill due to low immunity levels and longer recovery period. Aged people require more care, as they are more susceptible to accidents, trauma, injuries due to burns, fractures, and falls that lead to an increase in the number of hospitalisation cases; which fuels the demand for hospital beds.However, the high price of hospital beds, such as fully electrical beds, critical care beds, surgical beds, birthing beds, and bariatric beds acts as major restraints in the growth of the market. In developing countries, such as China, India and Brazil, manual and semi-electrical beds are preferred, as compared to fully electrical beds, owing to their low price. The Asian market is expected to witness the fastest growth, at a CAGR of 5.2% during the period 2016  2022.Browse Related Research at:The key companies operating in the global hospital beds market include Hill-Rom Holdings Inc., Getinge AB, Stryker Corporation, Invacare Corporation, PARAMOUNT BED CO. LTD., Gendron Inc., Medline Industries Inc., Span-America Medical Systems, Inc., Savion Industries Ltd., and Linet spol. s r.o.GLOBAL HOSPITAL BEDS MARKET SEGMENTATIONBy Type General Beds Bariatric Beds Pediatric Beds Pressure Relief Beds Birthing Beds OthersBy Treatment Acute Care Beds Critical Care Beds Long Term Care BedsBy Power Manual Beds Semi-Electric Beds Electric BedsBy Geography North America- U.S., and Rest of North America Europe- Germany, France, Russia, U.K., and Rest of Europe Asia- China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Rest of the World (RoW) - Brazil and OthersAbout P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:DeepAssistant  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347 5th Ave. #1402- 210New York CityUnited States
Global Organic peroxide market segmentation includes organic peroxide classes, 2016 - 2026

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An organic compound that is having two oxygen atoms together is known as an organic peroxide. Organic peroxide undergoes self-accelerating decomposition and thus, result in rapid burning and explosive decomposition. Organic peroxide is available in various forms including solid, pastes or liquids. Few materials such as mineral spirits (odourless in nature), water and some of the phthalate esters do not react with organic peroxide. These materials are used to dilute organic peroxide. Diluted organic peroxides offer stability when exposed to physical shock or heat, as compared to the undiluted organic peroxides. Moreover, diluted organic peroxides are safer to handle, produce and use for further applications. In addition, organic peroxide is used as curing agent, high polymer initiator, cross-linking agent, accelerator, catalyst, hardener, activator and promoter. However, usage of activator and accelerator needs to be checked as these substances might result in accident, when mixed with organic peroxide.Organic peroxide application as a chemical in various industries has increased significantly in the recent past. Globally, companies are engaged in development of efficient organic peroxide solutions catering to the varied needs of consumers across different applications of organic peroxide. For instance, Arkema Inc. offers a range of organic peroxide under Luperox Solar to ensure fast crosslinking of encapsulating resins. Rubber and plastic industry are among the top users of organic peroxide. Owing to increasing research and development leading towards product development, the organic peroxide market is expected to witness significant growth in the next five to six years.Download Sample @Organic Peroxide Market Segmentation:Organic peroxide market segmentation includes organic peroxide classes, application and region. On the basis of organic peroxide classes, the segmentation includes ketone peroxides, dialkyl peroxides, diacyl peroxides, peroxyesters (peresters), hydroperoxides, peroxydicarbonates (percarbonates) and peroxyketals. Based on various applications, the organic peroxide market is segmented into paints, coatings and adhesives, construction, consumer goods, construction, cosmetics, automotive and transportation, packaging and paper, plastics and chemicals, electrical and electronics and renewable energy.Geographically, organic peroxides market is segmented into Western Europe, North America, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to witness significant growth in the near future. This is attributed to rising demand for organic peroxide in packaging and paper along with chemical industry. Also, China is anticipated to account for maximum demand for organic peroxide in Asia Pacific region. Rising demand for organic peroxides in applications such as adhesives, coatings and plastics primarily in North America is bolstering the market growth, which is expected to be dominant over the next five to six years.Organic Peroxide Market Dynamics:Increasing demand for renewable raw materials owing to demand for clean and safe environment as well as product development is fuelling the organic peroxide market growth. In addition, growing chemical industry in countries such as China, Indonesia and India is anticipated to bolster the demand for organic peroxide in the next five to six years. Advancements in processing industry are expected to fuel the organic peroxide market growth in the near future. In addition, industralisation is one of the prominent factor leading towards growing demand for paper and textiles, coating adhesives, and plastic and chemical.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Safety, handling and transportation of organic peroxide is a major concern restricting the market growth. However, companies are focused on developing varied packaging options for organic peroxide handling in order to avoid any hazardous while transportation.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
Global plasticisers market is segmented into Adipates And Sebacates & Maleates (2016 - 2026)

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A plasticiser is a chemical substance which is added to another material, usually a plastic, to make it flexible, resilient and easier to handle. There are more than 300 different types of plasticisers out of which around 50-100 are currently used commercially. The most common plasticisers are phthalates and adipates. Plasticisers are added to a polymer matrix to increase its flexibility and enhance its chemical properties in the final plastic product. Addition of a plasticizer can lower the glass transition temperature, melt viscosity and elastic modulus of the polymer. Plasticisers are additives which increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. Plasticisers also enhance the properties of materials such as concrete, clays, and other related products.Plasticisers Market: Drivers & RestraintsBio-based plasticisers are produced from vegetable raw materials and are used as an alternative of petroleum based plasticisers. In order to assure sustainability, end users are looking for safe, bio-degradable and non-phthalate-based plasticisers. Decreasing supply of harmful phthalate and increasing consumer awareness are factors limiting growth of the global market. At the same time, ban on phthalate-based plasticizers in consumer goods, food packaging material and medical products have led to the development of eco-friendly bio-based plasticizers. Higher cost of bio-plasticizers as compared to phthalate-based plasticizers is a key challenge faced by the bio-plasticizers market players.Download Sample @Plasticisers Market: SegmentationThe global plasticisers market is classified on the basis of end use, product type and region.Based on application, the global plasticisers market is segmented into the following:AutomotiveCables & WiresFlooring, Roofing & CladdingCoated FabricsFilm & SheetPackagingHealthcare & Personal CareOthers (Toys, Tubes & Hoses and Inks & Waxes)Based on product type, the global plasticisers market is segmented into the following:Dicarboxylic/tricarboxylic Ester-based PlasticizersTrimellitatesAdipates, Sebacates & MaleatesBio-based PlasticizersPlasticizers for Energetic MaterialsOther PlasticizersPlasticisers Market: OverviewPlasticisers are the most commonly used additives in the global plastic market. The global plasticiser market exceeded 8 Mn metric tons by 2014 end. The most dominant application areas of plasticisers are plastics and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Efforts are in progress by different regulatory authorities to promote environmental friendly products which have led to an increase in the demand for bio-plasticizers in developed regions. Phthalate-based plasticizer was prominent and represented more than 75% share in the global plasticisers market. However, stringent government regulations and increasing health concerns of the consumers, stimulated the demand for bio-plasticisers which is currently a significant trend in the market.Plasticisers Market: Region wise OverviewGeographically, global plasticisers market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, Middle East and Africa (MEA). By 2015 end, North America held the largest share in the global market due expanding application in flourishing industries of healthcare, chemicals and packaging. Europe all together is an established market due to stable growth in manufacturing and healthcare industry. In Western Europe countries, around 1 Mn tons of phthalates are produced annually, out of which approximately 0.9 Mn tons of phthalates are used to plasticize PVC. Overall, Western Europe, APEJ and North America are projected to hold more than 75% share in the global plasticiser market.Plasticisers Market: Key PlayersThe key research institutes in global plasticisers market are Eastman Chemical Company, BASF SE, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC, Perstorp Holding AB, Exxon Mobil Corporation, PolyOne, Supreme Plasticizers, Vertellus Specialties Inc., KLJ Group to name a few.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, accessories and applications.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
Data Center Construction spending will increase by average $2 billion every year. AECOM, DPR Construction, Holder Construction, Jacobs Engineering, and Turner  who will have the largest pie?

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Beige Market Intelligence has recently published a report titles Strategic Assessment of Worldwide Data Center Construction Market  Till 2021. The report has indicate some great analysis which will help the key players in the market.On average the data center construction market will globally add $2billion every year. The growth is good but the question is who will take the larger pie of this $2billion every year or $12 billion by 2021.There is intense competition amongst construction vendors in the global data center construction market. Many data centers are currently being operated by enterprises, including CSPs, public and private sectors organization worldwide. The count is expected to increase during the forecast period due to the growth of data and data center emerging as a backbone of the business. There will be a rapid growth in collocation facilities in the near future as well. Several stakeholders of data center such as architecture providers, engineering service providers, and construction firms are involved in the race for attaining projects. Most of the vendors are looking to construct data centers that can support varying computing and storage demands for future.Few vendors have been in a long time partnership with a particular enterprise, for its data center construction. Vendors with expertise in building green data centers are likely to be preferred. Some of the key vendors operating in different geographies are AECOM, DPR Construction, Holder Construction, Jacobs Engineering, and Turner Construction. These includes, architectural, engineering, and construction service firms.To order free sample of the report, please click hereComing back to who can be the winner, so the answer is the company which has or can immediately build its solid presence in South-East Asia, Latin America, Nordic region, GCC, and Middle-east Africa. Europe and North America will not contribute much to the growth of data center construction market. In fact, the North America will de-grow. No point for all the vendors to focus there. The Gold pot is in Nordic and South-east Asia. If the vendors want to capture the larger pie of growth then they should focus on these regions.Data Center construction spending in Nordic will double during next 5 years. South-east Asia will go spend almost $5 billion every year by 2021. GCC and Middle East will also spend more than 100 percent what they are currently doing.Demand for Tier 3 and 4 data center in Nordic, GCC, Middle-east Africa, and South-east Asia will attract more spending. The spending in all these regions will be across electrical, mechanical, and general construction.To know more about the Data Center Construction report, please click hereAbout Beige Market IntelligenceBeige Market Intelligence is a provider of competitive business intelligence, working across various industry verticals. Our expertise and knowledge ensures that the market analysis Beige provides is comprehensive, detailed and complete. The analysis helps our client organizations become aware and to make educated decisions, as far as investing or devising a marketing strategy is concerned. The actionable insights delivered through our market research provide a comprehensive market analysis for every level of market segmentation in an industry.Our team of experts ensure the analysis you receive is not just analyzed and presented, but can also be customized based on the clients requirement. Our deliverables guarantee our current global client base do not look beyond Beige when it comes to competitive intelligence.Beige Market Intelligence has an employee base present across the globe. Our analysts come with numerous years of industry experience, which ensures we not only understand our clients but deliver high quality reports as well.Beige Market IntelligenceChinnapannahalli Main Road, Bangalore- 560037contactus@beigemarketintelligence.comUS: +1 347 903 9949UK: +44 20 323 99499APAC: +91 99 012 75473
Mountain Teak Offers A Fine Selection Of Contemporary Furniture At Best Prices

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Mountain Teak is a Singapore based furniture store. It remains the first choice of people in Singapore who love the beauty of wooden furniture and want to be surrounded by it. The brainchild of a young woman with considerable likings for wood and good design, the furniture store wants to capture the top position in the Singaporean market and remain the number one destination for customers to find meticulously designed, precisely detailed and painstakingly manufactured teakwood furniture at genuine prices. No wonder, those who want the best of wooden furniture in Singapore count on Mountain Teak for all their requirements.While answering a query related to the contemporary furniture that Mountain Teak offer, one of its senior executives commented, We aim to offer customers from Singapore teakwood furniture that is aesthetically pleasing, robust, minimal in design, and highly functional at one place and highly competitive prices. Each piece of furniture is Flawless in design and never fails to impress even the most discerning customers. Since we aim to cater to the home decor aspirations of customers with the best of resources and in all ways possible, we enable them to create the elegant living and/or fabulous working areas.Mountain Teak is successful in establishing itself in the Singapore marketplace that caters to the importers, manufacturers, and suppliers, thanks to its perseverance, dedication, commitment to quality, unparalleled services, and commitment to achieve utmost customer satisfaction. Since the designer contemporary furniture that Mountain Teak offers exerts excellence, ultimate finesse, great visual appeal, and high functionality, customers can buy its products with confidence. The best part is the price offered by the furniture store does not burn a big hole in the pockets of customers.When asked about the designer teakwood furniture, the executive further stated, Our range of teakwood furniture includes exclusive designer collection by Italian brand Karpenter. Designed and manufactured using first class techniques, furniture pieces on offer are high in quality, can withstand the rough use for years and enable customers to save big which they otherwise have to spend on repairing and buying new furniture after short durations. In addition to this, customers can reach out to us to find contemporary teakwood furniture from reputable brands, including Vintage, Twist, Simply City, and Play Module that customers can buy as per their needs, aspirations, and budget.What further adds to the popularity and formidable reputation that Mountain Teak enjoys among Singaporeans is its ability to maintain the right balance between human creativity and natural influence. This enables the furniture store provide furniture that impresses customers considerably. By meticulously combining market trends with minimal design, esthetic appeal with durability, and form with the functionality, Mountain Teak offers furniture with simplicity, minimal design, flawless proportions, ultimate finesse, and great functionality. Therefore, those who are looking for the best contemporary furniture shop in Singaporethe hunt ends with Mountain Teak.Singapore based Mountain Teak is a furniture brand with a difference. As one of the leading furniture houses, it is known to offering Singaporeans visually appealing and minimalist contemporary furniture at prices that simply remain unmatchable to its customers. Following a meticulous design and painstaking manufacturing process, the store details each piece of furniture on offer to perfection. As a result, the furniture range on offer never fails to cater to the senses of even the most discerning customers. Those who want to buy furniture in Singaporecan count on Mountain Teak.Mountain Teak#07-02, 315 Outram RoadSingapore 169074Tel: + 65 6224 7176Fax: + 65 6224 7176Opening hours: 10.30 am  6.30 pm daily, including Public HolidaysEmail: sales@mountainteak.comWebsite:
Market Research on Pesticide Detection Market 2016 and Analysis to 2026

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A pesticides are natural or synthetic substance or combination of one or more substances used for the suppression or alteration of life cycle of a pest or to modify plant physiology so as to alter its natural development, productivity etc. Pesticide can be naturally derived or synthetic or a microorganism such as bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis.Types of pesticides include bactericides, herbicides, baits, fungicides, rodenticides, insecticides, lures, and repellents.With the growing need of increased global food consumption as well as environmental changes are increasing pressure on farmers and food growers to grow more crops with high profitability. As a result use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides has increased tremendously.Unfortunately, the pesticide compounds, and their by-products and metabolites, enter the foods and processed food products and are consumed by the general public, causing hazardous health effects.However with increased health conscious consumers, rising health problems from consumption of food, and government regulations on food safety, pesticide detection has become need of the hour. Among chemical hazards of food contamination, the pesticides contamination has been characterized as a significant source of many serious diseases.Apart from the availability of number of pesticide detection techniques scientists are working on development of new and efficient pesticide testing technologies.Pesticides Detection Market in Food & Beverages SegmentationPesticide detection market can be segmented on the basis of methods, technology as traditional and rapid technology, on basis of food and beverages tested, and on the basis of regions.Request Free Report Sample@Pesticides detection market is segmented on the basis of methods used as multi-residue types as (MRMs) and selective or single residue methods (SRMs). MRMs are used to detect multiple pesticide residues and SRMs are used to detect single or selective pesticide residues.Pesticide detection market is further segmented on the basis of technology as traditional technologies and rapid detection technologies. Traditional technologies are further sub segmented into gas chromatography(GC),liquid chromatography(LC),high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometer(MS),thin layer chromatography(TLC), High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography(HPTLC) .With increased regulations and rapid and safe pesticide detection techniques, now a days traditional few technologies are used in combination of new techniques, however few are now almost banished due to convenience and efficiency of newly developed. Rapid detection technologies market is sub-segmented as, electro analytical technique, electrochemical sensors chemicals and biosensors, spectroscopic techniques, flow injection analysis, spectrophotometry, capillary electrophoresis, bioassay for pesticide detection, and ELISA Enzyme linked immune absorbant assay.Electro analytical techniques market is further sub segmented into potentiometry, conductometry, voltammetry, and amperometry. Electrochemical sensors and Biosensors market is further sub-segmented into Cell based biosensors, Enzyme based biosensors, Immunosensors, Nucleic acid base biosensors, and use of nano particles in biosensors.Visit For TOC@Pesticide detection market is later segmented on the basis of food and beverages tested as, Meat & Poultry products, fruits & vegetables, dairy products, processed foods, Juice and other fruit drinks, alcoholic beverages and others ,and later the market is segmented on the basis of regions as North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa.Pesticides Detection Market in Food & Beverages Global Market Trends and market drivers:Concern related to increased disease and illness related to food and beverage consumption is major market driver for pesticides detection. As well as health conscious consumers, environmental concerns, consumer emphasis on natural and organic food trends are other major factors driving pesticide detection market. Globally increasing stringent food safety regulations are fueling demand for pesticide detection market. The food and beverage testing market is expected to see continued growth because government regulations also continue to evolve in developed as well as developing economies. However export and import testing, labeling restrictions, and residue limits, all necessitate food laboratories to come up with innovative, cost-effective new and improved pesticide detection testing techniques to keep up with ever-changing laws and regulations.In region wise outlook North America leads the food and beverage testing market, followed by Europe. In both the regions food safety is highly regulated by government. Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa are becoming more involved in international tread in food as well as making population more aware about food contamination, foodborn illness etc. And hence these regions possess high future market potential for pesticide detection in food and beverages.Full Report Analysis@Pesticides Detection Market in Food & Beverages Key Players:Key market players of service providers for pesticides detection in food and beverages includes, Agilent Technologies Inc ,SGS S.A , Bureau Veritas S.A., Intertek Group PLC Renka bio etc. The key market players of technology providers for pesticide detection in food and beverages includes Sciex, Merk, Thermo Fisher Scientific,Spensa Karlabs etc.About Us:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) Global Clinical Trials Review, H1, 2016

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"Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) Global Clinical Trials Review, H1, 2016". The Report covers current Market Trends, Analysis, Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-SummaryGlobalData's clinical trial report, Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) Global Clinical Trials Review, H1, 2016" provides an overview of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) clinical trials scenario. This report provides top line data relating to the clinical trials on Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). Report includes an overview of trial numbers and their average enrollment in top countries conducted across the globe. The report offers coverage of disease clinical trials by region, country (G7 & E7), phase, trial status, end points status and sponsor type. Report also provides prominent drugs for in-progress trials (based on number of ongoing trials). GlobalData Clinical Trial Reports are generated using GlobalDatas proprietary database - Pharma eTrack Clinical trials database. Clinical trials are collated from 80+ different clinical trial registries, conferences, journals, news etc across the globe. Clinical trials database undergoes periodic update by dynamic process.To Free Sample Report With TOC @The report enhances the decision making capabilities and helps to create an effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.*Note: Certain sections in the report may be removed or altered based on the availability and relevance of data for the indicated disease.Scope- The report provides a snapshot of the global clinical trials landscape- Report provides top level data related to the clinical trials by Region, Country (G7 & E7), Trial Status, Trial Phase, Sponsor Type and End point status- The report reviews top companies involved and enlists all trials (Trial title, Phase, and Status) pertaining to the company- The report provides all the unaccomplished trials (Terminated, Suspended and Withdrawn) with reason for unaccomplishment- The Report provides enrollment trends for the past five years- Report provides latest news for the past three monthsTo Enquire Regarding This Report @Reasons to buy- Assists in formulating key business strategies with regards to investment- Helps in identifying prominent locations for conducting clinical trials which saves time and cost- Provides top level analysis of Global Clinical Trials Market which helps in identifying key business opportunities- Supports understanding of trials count and enrollment trends by country in global therapeutics market- Aids in interpreting the success rates of clinical trials by providing a comparative scenario of completed and uncompleted (terminated, suspended or withdrawn) trials- Facilitates clinical trial assessment of the indication on a global, regional and country levelTable of ContentsTable of Contents 2List of Tables 3List of Figures 4Report Guidance 5Clinical Trials by Region 6Clinical Trials and Average Enrollment by Country 7Top Five Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Asia-Pacific 9Top Five Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Europe 10Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in North America 11Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Middle East and Africa 12Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Central and South America 13Clinical Trials by G7 Countries: Proportion of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) to Metabolic Disorders Clinical Trials 14Clinical Trials by Phase in G7 Countries 15Clinical Trials in G7 Countries by Trial Status 16Clinical Trials by E7 Countries: Proportion of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) to Metabolic Disorders Clinical Trials 17Clinical Trials by Phase in E7 Countries 18Clinical Trials in E7 Countries by Trial Status 19Clinical Trials by Phase 20In Progress Trials by Phase 21Clinical Trials by Trial Status 22Clinical Trials by End Point Status 23Subjects Recruited Over a Period of Time 24Clinical Trials by Sponsor Type 25Prominent Sponsors 26Top Companies Participating in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) Therapeutics Clinical Trials 27Prominent Drugs 29Latest Clinical Trials News on Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) 30May 08, 2016: Acucela Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial Addressing Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy 30Clinical Trial Profile Snapshots 31Appendix 88ResearchMoz 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. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesBlog -866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),+1-518-621-2074,Email to: sales@researchmoz.us,
Worldwide Analysis on Sourdough Market Strategies and Forecasts, 2016 to 2026

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Sourdough bread is made by fermenting the dough with naturally occurring lactobacilli and yeast. The yeast used in sourdough are more varied which raises the dough more slowly by providing a flossy texture and better taste to the bread. The sourdough bread contains a mild sour taste due to the presence of bakers yeast and the lactic acid produced by the lactobacilli which enhances the quality of bread. Sourdough is easier to digest as compared to standard loaves and is more nutritious. Addition of rye flour to sourdough helps in regulating the blood sugar level in case of diabetic people. With the several hours of fermentation in sourdough, the phytic acid is neutralized, that is present in the flour and thus makes the vitamins and minerals of the sourdough available to the body.Global Floral Flavors: Market SegmentationThe global sourdough market is segmented on the basis of product type, application type and region type. On the basis of product type, sourdough is segmented as sourdough product type1, sourdough product type 2 and sourdough product type 3. The sourdough product type 1 contains a ph range of 3.8 to 4.5 and is fermented at a temperature of around 20 to 30 with mainly lactobacillus sanfranciscensis microorganism and is a traditional process. The sourdough product type 2 consists of microorganism as lactobacillus pontis at a temperature of around 40 to 50 with a ph range of less than 3.5 and is industrial process. The sourdough product type 3 is artificially composed from the dried sourdoughs by spray drying process which is carried out in the industries.Request Free Report Sample@The sourdough market is segmented on the basis of application type in which sourdough is used in pancakes, waffles, desserts, muffins and piecrust.Global Sourdough Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global sourdough industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America contributed the highest share in the global sourdough market in 2015. Popularity of sourdough in European region such as in U.K., Italy and Germany has strengthened the growth of Europe market in the same year. Rising economic growth along with increasing demand and changing lifestyle especially in India and China is expected to expand the growth of Asian sourdough market over the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Global Sourdough Market: Growth DriversThe sourdough market drivers includes gluten free bread which is the most vital driver for the sourdough market due to the intolerance of gluten present in dough. Sourdough bread is used globally due to the addition of beneficial yeast that helps in breaking down the gluten, which is consumed mostly by the gluten intolerant consumers, that is anticipated to bolster the growth of sourdough market in the future. Besides this, there is an increase in the various flavors of sourdough and addition of beneficial components as antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E and anti-allergenic substances such as gluten, as one of the factor projected to expand the growth of sourdough market over the forecast period.Global Sourdough Market: PlayersSome of the key players identified across the value chain of the global Sourdough market include Puratos, Lallemand, Boudin SF, Truckee Sourdough Company, Riverside Sourdough, Gold Coast Bakeries, Morabito Baking Co. Inc, Alpha Baking Co. Inc, Bread SRSLY and Josey Baker Bread. Amongst these players, Riverside Sourdough captured the highest market share in the global sourdough market in 2015. The companies are anticipated to expand their business by enhancing their product portfolio in sourdough. The companies are expected to frame certain strategies in future in order to gain the competitive advantage in global sourdough market till 2026.Full Report Analysis@About Us:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Proteases Market size to reach USD 3 billion by 2024

Global Market Insights Inc.

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Global Proteases Market size may surpass USD 3 billion by 2024, with gains at over 6.1% CAGR. Growth in protein engineering technology coupled with favorable government initiatives may fuel global product demand.Detergent use for household purposes and cleaning lenses or dentures is likely to favor proteases market size in soaps & detergent application. Global soaps & detergents application was dominant and generated over USD 7 billion in 2015, with gains at over 7.5% CAGR.Pharmaceutical industry uses protease for preparation of medicines include ointment for effective therapeutic value. Global pharmaceutical market was generated over USD 950 billion in 2015. North America, led by the U.S. pharmaceutical production industry expansion, dominated regional industry and may surpass USD 550 billion by 2024, with significant gains at over 5.5% CAGR. Shift in focus towards consumer awareness on health benefits owing to strong outlook for medicine product usage in pharmaceutical application may favor product demand.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @Key properties such as viscosity reduction, improving flavor, providing stability and product processing advancement may favor proteases market size in food & beverage application. Increasing consumer health consciousness owing to shift towards organic food, ready-to-eat, processed and convenient foods should drive product demand.Global organic food & beverage market may generate revenues worth over USD 210 billion by 2024. Favorable regulatory support for organic farming may positively influence industry. North America accounted for over 50% of total market revenue in 2015 owing to consumer awareness to healthy lifestyle may favor organic food & beverage industry.Microbial proteases market accounted for over 45% of total market revenue in 2015 and majorly finds application in detergent industry. Investments in research and large scale production owing to low production cost and yield improvement are factors which may fuel proteases market size growth.Alkaline based products were dominant in 2015 owing to increasing application scope in microbial protease market. Increasing usage of alkaline products in high temperature conditions may favour its usage scope in soap & detergents industry. Alkaline protease market size accounted for over 55% of total enzyme market share. Key alkaline finds application in textile manufacturing, detergent industry and paper & pulp industry.North America, driven by Canada and U.S. proteases market size, comprised of over 46% of the global revenue in 2015. According to industry study, North America regional industry may surpass USD 1.5 billion revenue by 2024. Favourable regulatory policies may positively influence protease enzymes production in this region.APAC, led by China and India proteases market size, may witness significant gains at over 5.1% CAGR up to 2024. Rise in per-capita disposable income along with rapid urbanization may drive industry growth. Rising soap & detergent and pharmaceutical application demand may fuel APAC protease enzyme market growth size.Renin is a protein digesting enzyme and dominated animal based product segment. In addition, renin is used for cheese preparation & milk production. Increase in papain enzyme production due to rising health concerns owing to better digestion and improved immune system may favor industry growth.Fermentation based production technique was dominant owing its economic efficiency along with less processing time and cost effective, which may fuel proteases market sizde growth. Key application properties such as increasing product shelf life, product development and technology advancement may propel lyophilized powder formulation protease market size growth.Rising industrialization, focus on cost reduction and resource optimization should favor application in proteases market. Stringent government laws pertaining to product manufacturing and increasing raw material cost coupled with unclear transparency may hinder industry profitability and put constraint on proteases market price trend.Global proteases market share is competitive and fairly fragmented. Key industrial participants include Chr. Hansen, Associated British Food, DuPont, DSM and Novozymes. These player possess a significant growth in product development along with production expansion which may drive industry growth.Other key manufacturers include Advanced Enzyme Technologies, Dyadic International, Biocatalysts, Amano and Specialty Enzymes and Biotechnologies.Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Jack DavisCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688
Global Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring Market Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 7.11% During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.ICP monitoring is used to measure the pressure within the skull of an individual with severe head injuries to decide the type of treatment required and to track the progression of the condition during treatment. It is a vital for individuals who are under critical care in hospitals. ICP monitoring is indicated in most comatose individuals with severe head injuries. It should be used to treat an individual whose blood pressure level is above 20 mm Hg. The maintenance of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is essential, and the use of ICP monitoring reduces mortality in case of severe head injuries.Technavios analysts forecast the global intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring market to grow at a CAGR of 7.11% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of ICP monitors to hospitals and trauma centers.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEANew report, Global Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring 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 vendorsCodman & ShurtleffIntegra LifeSciencesMedtronicRAUMEDICSpiegelbergVittamedOther prominent vendorsAd-Tech Medical InstrumentCAS Medical SystemsCompumedicsElectrical GeodesicsGaeltec DevicesHaiying MedicalHeadSense MedicalNatus MedicalNeural AnalyticsNeuroDx DevelopmentOrsan Medical TechnologiesSophysaThird Eye DiagnosticsVivonicsMake an Enquiry of this report @Market driverIncrease in applications of ICP monitoringFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeCompetitive bidding processFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendEmergence of non-invasive ICP monitoringFor 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?About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
XTOUCH partners with Sharaf DG for exclusive deals at Gitex Shopper

Farhad Khan, vice president-commercial at XTOUCH

Overwhelmed with the customer response for its recently launched 4G smartphone XTOUCH A3, the company has once again joined hands with its retail partner Sharaf DG to promote, the A3 smartphone during the forthcoming edition of GITEX Shopper starting from 1st October till 8th October 2016.GITEX Shopper is the biggest consumer electronics show to be held across Middle East and Africa. The event offers barrage of amazing bargains and exclusive deals on the latest electronic products and gadgets. The much anticipated eight days event will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE.Farhad Khan, vice president-commercial at XTOUCH, said We were astonished with the overwhelming response for our bundle offer of XTOUCH A3 and VFit Smart Band, due to which, we have decided to extend this offer exclusively with Sharaf DG for this Shoppers. Visitors during the show can avail this offer, and choose from trendy color options like champagne gold, rose gold and space grey. The phone is available at a stand-alone price of AED 399, while the bundle offers comes at the price of AED 599 in a gift pack consisting of XTOUCH A3 and Vfit smart band.XTOUCH A3XTOUCH A3 is a lightweight smartphone with slim design, 5-inch HD display and dual SIM 4G LTE. This elegant and premium quality smartphone in metal body is powered by the latest fingerprint sensor located at the back.The fingerprint sensor technology enables fast and secure unlocking and captures a quick and easier selfie with its 5MP front facing camera. Supported by Quick Start Apps, the fingerprint sensor allows the users to customize their smartphone for opening applications of their choice with each finger.Moreover, the Smart Gesture Control offers more possibilities by just sliding left, right up or down to start apps such as gallery, clock, music, messaging and lot more. In addition, users can draw different letters on the lock screen in order to reach the specific applications.The 13MP back camera delivers sharp, crystal clear and detailed photos as well as videos. The XTOUCH A3 smartphone offers a unique photography capability with its Live Photos mode that brings your photographs to life.XTOUCH A3 is powered by MediaTek Quad-core processor delivering optimal performance with decreased power consumption. The1GB RAM complementing the 16GB built-in storage (can be extended up to 128GB) ensures seamless functioning of all the programs and apps installed in the phone.About XTOUCH:XTOUCH is a leading smartphone brand in EMEA region, providing high-quality and innovative products at affordable prices. XTOUCH proudly presents itself as a Dubai-based brand, with its headquarters in Dubai and sales operations across Europe, Middle East & Africa. XTOUCH is focused on building a win-win solution with our partners, and providing cost-efficient products that go beyond expectations of its end-users.No.801, Al Musalla TowerKhalid Bin Al Waleed RdDubai, U.A.E
Chinese Stem Cells Medical Industry Share, Growth, Trend and Outlook 2015-2020 | New Release

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Outlook for Chinese Stem Cells Medical Industry 2015-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.The government encourages and supports stem cells R&D, cord blood banks had become the most matured segment in the stem cells medicine industry. With governments supports, Chinese stem cells medicine industry chain which includes, upper-stream technicscells collection and storage, middle-streamR&D of drugs, downstreamstem cells treatments, was developed fast. Over the past 20 years, more than 100 companies founded and emphasized on stem cells realm technical R&D. In 2013, stem cells medicine industry has over 10 billion market cap; estimates the compound growth rate of stem cells medicine industry will stay on 50% in the future period.In this report, ASKCI analyzes the market size of stem cells medicine in China, supply and demand of stem cells medicine, competition status of stem cells medicine, major stem cells medicine companies operation, market size of product segment, etc. as well as make scientific prediction on the future development stem cells medicine industry.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @1) The Aim of this reportTo provide readers with comprehensive & in-depth understanding of Chinese stem cells medicine industry;To analyze major rivals of stem cells medicine in China;To disclose market size of Chinas stem cells medicine industry;To discuss influence of governmental regulation on stem cells medicine industry;To analyze global market demands of stem cells medicine;To understand position of Chinas stem cells medicine in the world;To predict what future of Chinas stem cells medicine industry will be;To reveal opportunities in Chinese stem cells medicine industry2) Benefit from the reportObtain latest info of stem cells medical industry, such as market size, global market, companys operation, competition status and so on;Gain vital business intelligence of Chinas stem cells medicine industry before entering competition;Figure out actual supply situation, demand, trade of stem cells medical in China to grasp commercial opportunities;Keep informed of your competitors/their activities in China;Learn about key market drivers and factors;Understand what are key factors and driving forces of stem cells medical industry;Share this information within your organization using free global intranet license.Make an Enquiry of this report @SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONThe report will investigate Chinese stem cells medical industry from the following aspects:Development status (including development environment, industry problems, etc.)Domestic stem cells Medical industrys market demandsGlobal marketMarket sizeFuture trendKey players operation situationCommercial opportunityAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Biometric Sensors Market Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 10.14% During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Biometric Sensors Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.A biometric sensor is a transducer, which converts the biometric input signal (fingerprints, voice, vein patterns, or facial traits) of its user into an electrical signal. In order to authenticate any biometric measurement, a biometric sensor is required to scan the user's fingerprint or voice or face in the hardware set.Technavios analysts forecast the global biometric sensors market to grow at a CAGR of 10.14% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global biometric sensors market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the total sales of biometric sensors (used in fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, facial recognition, hand geometry, voice recognition, and vein recognition) for end-user sectors such as government, transportation, healthcare, BFSI, and retail.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:APACEuropeNorth AmericaROWTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Recent report, Global Biometric Sensors 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 vendors3M CogentCrossmatchNECSafranOther prominent vendorsFulcrum BiometricsIDEX ASAZKTecoMake an Enquiry of this report @Market driverAvailability of cloud-based biometricsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengePaucity of biometrics standardizationFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendEmergence of touchless sensing technologyFor 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?About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Smart Home M2M Market Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 37.69% During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Smart Home M2M Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.A smart home comprises an internal network, home automation, and intelligent control. It is equipped with advanced and automated digital devices, home appliances, and equipment that are interconnected to each other, facilitating sophisticated monitoring and control over the building's functions. It performs three actions: remote status checks, remote information, and remote control to implement any action from a remote location.Technavios analysts forecast the global smart home M2M market to grow at a CAGR of 37.69% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global smart home M2M market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from solutions that have a smartphone application or a web portal for user interface.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Smart Home M2M 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 vendorsAT&TBritish GasChina MobileComcastDeutsche TelekomHoneywell InternationalSamsungVodafoneOther prominent vendorsAmdocsArris EnterprisesAugustBoschBTChina TelecomChina UnicomCHN SmartCiscoControl4Crestron ElectronicsCurrysCyber HomesDacorEEElectroluxEmerson ElectricFrigidaireFrontpointG4SGEGoogleHaierHome automation companyHome Smart HomeHomeWizardiControl NetworksIngersoll-RandKornerLGLifeShieldMivaTekMyfoxNestNETGEARPanasonicSimpliSafeSK TelecomSmartThingsSprintTeliaSoneraThermadorUK AutomationVivintWhirlpoolWithingsXfinityMake an Enquiry of this report @Market driverAdoption of cloud-based technologies for smart home applicationsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeLack of standardization and interoperability of devicesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendAmbient intelligence through IoE in tandem with big data analytics and smart 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?About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Wiper Arm Market 2016: Analysis, Growth, Size, Share, Demand & Forecast to 2022

Wiper Arm

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MRS Research Group addsGlobal Wiper Arm Market 2016 Share,Size,Trends and Forecast to 2022 Market Research Reportreports to its database.Global Wiper Arm market report is sole collaboration of the data and market research methodology to gain highest performance.Our research team has put immense efforts to make it better to understand. The report global Wiper Arm market represents recent developments, technology, raw material, restraints and opportunities in the market.Market information will includes demanding sector and opportunities, challenges and future trends.We offer our reports to small, medium and big organization.We gather information from multi-dimensional sources like primary, secondary and direct sources.We provide an experts knowledge to the client which offer solution to the client specific needs.We explore recent technology and R&D to resolve complex problems of the client.Our team is accompanied with analyst, research team, talented expert and which serves you worlds best report.It keeps belief to retain customers by providing them comprehensive analysis about market attractiveness, future forecast, recent trends and its competitors.This report offers you accurate and authentic first hand information on market that will help user to plan the organizations actions in future.Request For Free Sample Report @The report will provide you deep knowledge of historical information, market drivers and related parameters of the market.The report includes accurate and sharp information on global market which allow you to take proper decision.It handles numerous reports on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and beverages etc.The 'Global Wiper Arm Industry, 2016-2022 Market Research Report' is starts with definition, application, products, technology and others.It includes major players of the market, company profile, installed capacity, competitors strategies and others.The report will allow you to understand easily with schematic diagrams and statically data.It also represents supply and demand, production capacity, import and export and many more.Further it covers points segments on the basis of products, types, application; end users, geography whichever applicable for the competitive landscape analysis.Access Full Report @Table Of Content On Wiper Arm Market (Index) :Chapter One Introduction1.1 Brief Introduction1.2 Development of Industry1.3 Status of IndustryChapter Two Manufacturing Technology2.1 Development of Manufacturing Technology2.2 Analysis of Manufacturing Technology2.3 Trends of Manufacturing TechnologyMRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. While, expertise research specialist helps to provide strategic solution in specialists consulting. It consists of head such as, latest report, category, niche market and news. Reports published on the million of category like chemical, machinery and equipment, consumer goods, manufacturing and construction etc. Latest national, international, business News published under news portal.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Global Artificial Refrigerants Consumption Report with Detailed Analysis of Competitive Landscape 2016

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Global Artificial Refrigerants Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The global Artificial Refrigerants market has been consistently undergoing many changes. By highlighting these changes, the research study carries out a detailed analysis of the global Artificial Refrigerants market for the period from 2016 to 2021.In the report, research analysts have identified the attractiveness of the global Artificial Refrigerants market by using efficient analytical tools including investment return analysis, SWOT analysis, and market feasibility analysis. After discussing the current situation of the market, the study diverts its attention towards the future of the global Artificial Refrigerants market. Considering the results of the analysis, the future of this market is projected to be bright.The research done helps stakeholders and vendors get a complete unbiased picture of the global Artificial Refrigerants market. New project investments are also studied in the report. SWOT analysis, an industry-standard tool, is used to measure the feasibility of the new projects. Various crucial strategies used by key companies operating in the global Artificial Refrigerants market are discussed in the report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The study evaluates the competitive landscape of the global Artificial Refrigerants market. For this, company profiles of leading players are listed in the report. The market is divided into various segments and sub-segments for a detailed analysis.The research studies the Artificial Refrigerants market by considering various products, specifications, and applications. The volume of production, pricing structure, and the revenue are the key factors considered in the report to determine the performance of the global Artificial Refrigerants market. The analysts have also evaluated the sales dynamics and production chain in the report.The report provides a blueprint of the global Artificial Refrigerants market for the market participants, vendors, stakeholders, and consultants, as it supports them in taking accurate decisions and using the appropriate approaches to gain a competitive edge.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsChapter One Artificial Refrigerants Industry Overview1.1 Artificial Refrigerants Definition1.1.1 Artificial Refrigerants Product Pictures & Product Specifications1.2 Artificial Refrigerants Classification & ApplicationChapter Two Artificial Refrigerants Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 Artificial Refrigerants Raw Material & Equipments Supplier and Price Analysis2.2 Artificial Refrigerants Labor & Other Cost Analysis2.3 Artificial Refrigerants Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.4 Artificial Refrigerants Manufacturing Process AnalysisChapter Three Artificial Refrigerants Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Artificial Refrigerants Capacity and Commercial Production Date3.2 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Artificial Refrigerants Manufacturing Plants Distribution3.3 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Artificial Refrigerants R&D Status and Technology Sources3.4 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Artificial Refrigerants Raw Materials Sources AnalysisChapter Four Artificial Refrigerants Production by Regions, Technology and Applications4.1 2010-2016 Artificial Refrigerants Production by Regions(such as US, EU, China and Japan etc)4.2 2010-2016 Artificial Refrigerants Production by Product Type & Application4.3 2010-2016 Artificial Refrigerants Price by key Manufacturers4.4 2010-2016 US & China Artificial Refrigerants Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.5 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Artificial Refrigerants Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.6 2010-2016 US and China Artificial Refrigerants Supply Import Export Consumption4.7 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Artificial Refrigerants Supply Import Export ConsumptionChapter Five Artificial Refrigerants Sales and Sales Revenue by Regions5.1 2010-2016 Artificial Refrigerants Sales by Regions (such as US, EU, China & Japan etc)5.2 2010-2016 Artificial Refrigerants Sales Revenue by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.3 2010-2016 Artificial Refrigerants Sales Price by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.4 2010-2016 Artificial Refrigerants Demand by ApplicationsRead More @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Child Day Care Service Market for United States,Japan,India,Australia

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The report titled Global Child Day Care Services Market: Trends and Opportunities (2014-2019) analyzes the potential opportunities and significant trends in the global child day care service industry. The report provides detailed analysis of the global child day care service market including the country analysis of the U.S., Japan, India and Australia. It also provides specific data about the different types of child care services and large local players in the U.S., Japan, India and Australia child day care service market.View Full Report at:In depth analysis of key market growth drivers and challenges and the major observable trends in the global child day care service market are also evaluated in the report. Leading companies operating in the global child day care service market, namely G8 Education, Bright Horizons Family Solutions and JP Holdings, have been profiled with their respective business strategies and financial overview. The growth of the market has been projected taking into consideration various aspects like previous growth patterns, the current trends, the growth drivers and challenges prevailing in the child day care service market.Country CoverageUnited StatesJapanIndiaAustraliaCompany CoverageBright Horizons Family SolutionsG8 EducationJP HoldingsExecutive SummaryChild day care services are becoming a necessary expense for working parents. Over the past five years, revenue has continued to grow despite of recession, driven mostly by increasing birth rates, increase in workforce requirements and increasing women workforce. The child daycare services industry revenue is expected to increase in the long run due to increase in number of parents returning to the workforce after recession, higher female workforce participation, increase in dual income households, growth of the disposable income and increasing focus on early education and child development.The employers are also adding the child daycare facilities to their employee benefit package to attract the talented employees and also to retain the existing employee. This employer sponsored provider market is very attractive and profitable and the large players are including this segment in their business mix to gain revenues.Download Sample Copy of This Report at:In the few past years, the number of companies offering child day care services has grown globally, due to rising demand for child day care services and the industrys low barriers to entry. Increasing mergers and acquisitions among major players have led to a gradual shift toward large establishments. This acquisition trend has temporarily slowed as a result of the slow economic recovery. However, companies such as Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Goodstart Early Learning, JP Holdings and G8 Education are expected to expand their global presence quickly over the next few years.MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports.MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients.We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated researchreports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and typesof companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.bizFollow us on LinkedIn:
Adaptive Optics Technology Market - Growth, Trends, Forecast, Demand, Outlook, Market Research Report 2020

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Adaptive optics is a technology which is used for the improvement in the performance of the optical systems. Wavefront distortion is the effect in optical systems responsible for degrading the performance of the optical systems. Thus, adaptive systems reduce wavefront distortions by correcting the deformations in the wavefronts. Adaptive optics technology is mostly used in the laser communication systems and astronomical telescopes to reduce the effects of atmospheric distortion. In optical fabrications, retinal imaging systems and microscopy adaptive optics are used to remove optical aberrations. Adaptive optics works on the principle of measuring the distortions in wavefront and balancing it with a device such as liquid crystal array or deformable mirror. Astronomy and retinal imaging are the two major applications of adaptive optics technology. Whereas, use of adaptive optics is being observed in new applications such as adaptive driver assistance systems (ADAS) in automobiles, mobile displays, machine vision and near eye displays.Adaptive optics consists of atmospheric turbulence, correcting turbulence, wavefront sensors, laser guide stars and multi conjugate adaptive optics. Adaptive optics is being used in the advance display systems and smart communication operating systems. Head mounted display (HMD) and virtual retinal display (VRD) are some new applications of adaptive optics holding further scope for development in coming years. Use of adaptive optics technology is expected to increase in sectors such as logistics, communication and security. Autologous cell therapy (ACT) is new application of adaptive optics in medical industry.Get FREE Sample PDF file of Adaptive Optics Technology Market :Adaptive optics technology is finding its use in numerous new applications which is acting as a driving factor for this market. The prices of components used in adaptive optics are reducing dramatically owing to the advancements in material technology and development of other materials and electrically sensitive polymer. Thus, the reduced cost of components would lead to improved adoption of adaptive optics across dfferent end-use sectors. Advancements in the modulation and interrogation of a wavefront offer increased speed and reduced cast leading to the growth in demand for adaptive optics technology market. However, there are several regulatory issues associated with the use of lasers especially to high frequency lasers. Further, the initial cost of adaptive optics is high as compared to traditional optics. These factors are restraining the growth of global adaptive optics technology market.Global adaptive optics technology market is segmented in the basis of application, end use industry and geography. Adaptive optics technology finds its use in many applications such as atomic force microscope, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and high energy laser (HEL), battlefield applications, 3D printing application, bio-printing, retinal imaging applications and astronomy applications. Further, on the basis of end-use industry adaptive optics technology market is segmented into military and defense, medical, industrial and consumer industry.Northrop Grumman Corporation, Benchmark Electronics, Inc., HOLOEYE Photonics AG, Aplegen. Inc., Adaptive Optics Associates, Inc., Adaptica Srl, Adaptive Eyecare Ltd., Baker Adaptive Optics, Phasics Corp., Boston Micromachines Corporation, Iris AO, Inc., Synopsys Optical Solutions Group, SCHOTT North America, Inc. and Sacher Lasertechnik GmbH, among others are some of the major players in global adaptive optics market.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Chanakya IAS Academy organized workshop for Civil Services aspirants by Chandan Prakash Pandey, IRS (AIR 462, CSE 2015)

Chanakya IAS Academy, Jaipur branch, organized an Art of Success Seminar on 14th Sep 2016 from 10am to 12pm. The seminar was held at University of Rajasthan College, Jaipur. Successful candidates of CSE 2015, Chandan Prakash Pandey, IRS (AIR 462, CSE 2015) addressed the students and shared his journey to success. Manisha Bhardwaj, branch head of Chanakya IAS Academy, Jaipur, welcomed students in Art of Success seminar and encouraged them to actively participate and bring forward their queries associated with Civil Services examination.Ms. Manisha Bhardwaj also discussed about right career choices and motivated the participants to follow the path of their dreams. Chandan Prakash Pandey, while sharing his journey to success revealed right preparation strategies and success mantras to successfully get through Civil Services Examination. He also shared information about the latest changes in the UPSC, right books and methodology, level of syllabus, time required, marking scheme, medium of answering and cleared many more doubts of the participated candidates under the guidance of Success Guru AK Mishra, (Founder and Managing Director of Chanakya IAS Academy). He emphasized upon the need to think like an officer while preparing for the examination. He concluded the seminar by stressing upon the fact that civil services examination is much more than the test of knowledge, its about the application and correct inference.Truly an enlightening experience; the seminar left the audience wanting for more. Art of Success Team thanked all the attendees for an overwhelming response and promised to continue its commitment towards empowering one and all.Chanakya IAS Academy established in 1993 aims to develop amongst its students a competitive attitude along with sound academic base with quality teaching to Civil Services Aspirants. The Academy also organizes seminars and workshops with the help of civil servants and experts in soft skills to train the aspirants to think, feel and express like administrators. This comprehensive approach towards IAS preparation has received an overwhelming response and has led to the pan India presence of Chanakya IAS Academy.Chanakya IAS Acaemy124, 2nd floor, Satya Niketan,Opp. Venky College,Near : Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi - 21
Global Diatomite Market: Trends,Opportunities and Forecasts, 2015-2021

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Diatomite is also known as diatomaceous earth. Diatomite is the naturally occurring fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatomite is a sedimentary deposit which entirely consists of silica. Countries such as China, U.S., Denmark, Japan, Mexico and CIS were the major producers of diatomite in past few years. The properties such as high surface area, low density, abrasiveness, high porosity, inertness, insulating properties, high silica content, absorptive capacity and brightness makes diatomite a valuable material in the market. The mining and extraction process of diatomite is complicated. Diatomite mining and processing requires heavy earthmoving equipments and huge processing facilities. To get the desired grade of diatomite is highly energy intensive process. Diatomite can absorb liquid three times the weight of its own.Request Sample:The market for diatomite was driven by vanity of end-user industries such as water treatment, crop protection chemicals and absorbent among others. Huge demand for diatomite from filtration mediums has been the major factor for the growth of diatomite in past few years. In industrial applications, diatomite is used for transportation of nitroglycerin. In filtration, diatomite is used in filtering medium in swimming pools. In chemistry, diatomite is used as filtration aid for the filtration of fine particles in the solutions. In abrasive industry, diatomite is used as a mild abrasive in toothpaste, facial scrubs and metal polishes. In crop protection chemicals, diatomite is used in fungicides, insecticides and rodenticide among others. Diatomite is used as absorbent in various applications such as excess oil spills, ethylene gas and other toxic liquid spills. Diatomite is also used in classical thermal cookers due to its excellent thermal properties. In medical & healthcare applications, diatomite is used in DNA purification, absorbent and filtration of liquids. Moreover, diatomite is also used in agricultural applications such as hydroponics, nutrient marker in livestock and other specialty applications. However, health regulations associated with diatomite are anticipated to slower the growth of the market in next few years.Request TOC:In terms of demand, North America was the leading region in diatomite market in 2013. Increasing demand from end-users such as water treatment, industrial applications, abrasive, medical & healthcare, absorbents and crop protection chemicals has been driving the market for diatomite in this region in past few years. The U.S. had the highest demand for diatomite in this region due to huge demand from crop protection chemicals, water treatment and abrasive industry. Other countries such as Canada and Mexico are likely to exhibit higher demand for diatomite in next few years to come. North America was followed by Asia Pacific region. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing markets for diatomite due to increasing demand from crop protection chemicals, industrial applications and medical & healthcare industry in this region. China had the highest demand for diatomite in Asia Pacific region. However, other Asian countries such as India, Korea, Japan and Australia are likely to provide better opportunity for diatomite market in next few years. Europe had the third-largest demand for diatomite. Countries such as Spain, Germany, and the UK had the highest demand for diatomite due to huge demand from crop protection, water treatment and absorbent applications. Rest of the World market is anticipated to show positive outlook for the diatomite market in near future. Middle East is anticipated to be the fastest growing market in this region.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Worldwide Increasing Elderly Population Drives Industry of Rehabilitation Robots

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The robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market accounts for rehabilitation robots and assistive technology robots. A robot is a mechanical and virtual intelligent agent that is guided by a computer program. A robot is an electromechanical machine which performs a task automatically or guided by a remote control. Robotics is the branch of technology which deals with the design, construction, operation and application of robots, while the field of research devoted to extending rehabilitation through the implementation of robotic devices is called Rehabilitation Robotics. A rehabilitation robot guides movement of a disabled person or elderly person with the intention of improving sensorimotor functions like arm, hand, leg and ankle. An assistive robot performs a task for the benefit of an elderly person or a patient with disability. These robotic devices are helpful for millions of people who desire to conquer the disability.Discover more About the Industry of Rehabilitation Robots at:Robotic Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Market SegmentationThe global market for robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies, on the basis of product type, has been segmented into assistive robots, prosthetics, orthotics, therapeutic robots and exoskeleton robotic systems. The global market for robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies is also segmented as fixed base robots and mobile robots. Fixed based robots can be placed nearby a patient for medication, feeding and other tasks. Mobile robots can be used for mobility support and for fetching or carrying. During the forecast period from 2016 to 2024, worldwide market is poised to achieve significant growth as a result of growing application of robotic devices across the rehabilitation centers and healthcare facilities offering rehabilitation to patients suffering from physical disabilities such as spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis and stroke.Robotic Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Market DriversWorldwide increasing elderly population along with growing prevalence of conditions such as spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia and other age-related disabilities are playing a key role in driving the global market for robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 200,000 people are living with spinal cord injury in the U.S. and the annual incidence has been estimated at 15 to 40 new cases per million population, nearly 12,000 to 20,000 new cases in a year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in November 2013 that approximately 52.5 million U.S. adults suffer from arthritis, nearly 23% of the total adult population. According to a U.S. based website called MyChild at CerebralPalsy.org, around 764,000 children and adults have cerebral palsy in the U.S. Of which, nearly 500,000 are aged below 18 years. Globally, the prevalence of dementia was estimated around 35.6 million in 2010 that is expected to reach approximately 65.7 million by 2030 and nearly 115.4 million in 2050. More than 50% of all people with dementia lived in developing and poor economy countries in 2010 which is expected to exceed 60% by the end of 2030. Such high prevalence of conditions is expected to drive the demand for rehabilitation robots and assistive robots across rehabilitation centers, hospitals and other healthcare centers. High cost of robotic devices is one of the major factors that is restraining the market growth, especially in countries with low and medium economy.Recent Advances in Rehabilitation Robotics:In terms of geography, the global robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market has been categorized into four major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). North America and Europe represented the first and second largest markets for robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies in 2013. It was mainly due to well established healthcare infrastructure of these regions.Robotic Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Market Key PlayersIntuitive Surgical Inc., Accuray, Inc., Mazor Robotics Ltd. and Health Robotics S.R.L. are some major players of this market.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Rampant Urbanization Impels Governments to Look for Alternatives such as Bioenergy

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The bioenergy market includes products such as bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel, and others. These products are used for cooking, transportation, off-grid electricity supply, and for other purposes. The shifting focus of several countries towards green energies has put the spotlight on forms of bioenergy such as biodiesel and ethanol as suitable alternatives for operating vehicles. Furthermore, the increasing gap between depleting reserves of fossil fuels and the growing demand for energy has also forced nations to focus on the development of bioenergy as a means to reconcile the issue. Owing to these unwavering market drivers, the global bioenergy market is expected to be worth US$246.52 bn by 2024 as against US$158.39 bn in 2015. During the forecast period of 2016 and 2024, the global market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 3.40%.Q. Who are the leading players in the global bioenergy market?A. According to an extensive research report published by Transparency Market Research, the leading players in the global market are as E. I. du Pont de Numerous and Company Enerkem, Joule Unlimited, Gevo, Inc., LanzaTech, POET LLC, and Novozymes. To gain a bigger share in the global market, these companies are expected to expand their geographical reach in the coming years. Analysts also predict that these players are likely to explore vertical integration options to widen their product portfolio and win contracts for equipment and products that are required for making biofuels.Q. What will drive the global market?A. After the recent economic recession, economies across the world are grappling to earn to sustainable revenues through rapid industrialization. An obvious outcome of this is rampant urbanization, especially in the developing countries, that are witnessing a huge migration of population in search of better jobs and improved lifestyles. Both of these factors have had a cascading effect on the energy demands, creating a colossal conundrum of increasing carbon footprint. This has further complicated the issue of global warming as cities are contributing to higher pollution levels. In a bid to find sustainable solutions, governments and environmentalists are promoting the usage of bioenergy for various purposes.Get Free Sample Research Report :Q. How much will bioenergy contribute to the total energy mix?A. Adoption of bioenergy is slowly gaining momentum as several consumers are realizing its properties such as renewability, reliability, and efficiency. The burning of bioenergy forms emits lesser greenhouse gases as compared to conventional resources, which is an important factor driving the demand for bioenergy across the globe. According to research analysts, bioenergy is expected to constitute 80% of the overall renewable energy mix in the coming years.The growing inclination of government bodies towards increasing the adoption of bioenergy is projected to drive the global market in the coming years. For instance, The European Commissions steady stance on biofuel policies is expected find ways to use biofuels as a sustainable energy source all through 2040. However, the market is being restrained by the possibility of excessive cultivation of cash crops that are the main source for production of bioenergy. This could threaten the pricing of agricultural products and result in issues pertaining to food security for several nations across the globe.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Distribution Management Systems Market - Segment Forecasts Up to 2019, Research Report

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Distribution Management System (DMS) is an integrated solution of applications designed to efficiently control and monitor entire distribution network. Distribution management system increases smart grid reliability by decreasing number of outages and improves safety as well. Advanced distribution management system solutions include intelligent power and real time monitoring, system optimization and distribution management. DMS application also includes FLISR, volt/VAR control, planning function and advanced forecasting. DMS application using OMS and SCADA is considered to be advanced distribution management system.The Distribution Management Systems Market can be segmented on the basis of product type and end-users. The product type segment includes monitoring and control devices, power, quality and efficiency devices and switching & power reliability devices, while end-user segment includes industrial, commercial and residential segments.Get FREE Sample PDF file of Distribution Management Systems Market :Some of the factors that are driving this market are increase in system efficiency & reliability, smart grid rollout and reduced long term operation and maintenance cost. Some of the key restraints to this market are high initial investment, implementation timeframe and lack of standardization, which are inhibiting the growth of distribution management system.Some of the key players in the Distribution Management Systems Market are ABB Ltd, Siemens AG, General Electric Corporation, Schneider Electric SA, Alstom Group, Duke Energy Corporation, Edison Electric Institute, Cooper Power Systems, Dominion Virginia Power and American Electric Power among others.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Calcium Propionate Market to Rise at CAGR of 4.9% 2015-2023

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Perstorp Holding AB, Niacet Corporation, and Kemira were three of the key manufacturers and distributors of calcium propionate in 2015. The top players in the global calcium propionate market held a share of nearly two-thirds in value in 2014 and includes the above three names.As per a research report recently published by Transparency Market Research, the top players in the global calcium propionate market possess a very strong distribution chain across key regions of the world. Companies such as Perstorp Holding also keep a diverse product offering to remain independent of one product in terms of revenue generation. A lot of the players in this market are primarily focused towards providing calcium propionate to bakeries.Download Free exclusive Sample of this report:The global market for calcium propionate is expected to reach US$480.3 mn by the end of 2023. Its revenue is projected at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2015 to 2023 and is predicted to be valued at US$343.6 mn by the end of 2016. The function of calcium propionate as a preservative has found a massive scope of applications in bakeries. By the end of 2023, the application segment of bakery in the global calcium propionate market is expected to reach a revenue of US$270.3 mn.Europe has been the steadiest in its demand for calcium propionate over the years. By the end of 2023, Europe is expected to generate a revenue of US$175.9 mn in its demand for calcium propionate. A large part of this revenue is attributed to the growing demand for ready-to-eat foods and preserved foods in France, the U.K., and Italy. The consumption of calcium propionate in Europe has also been boosted by the restrictions on other preservatives by REACH.Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is expected to show a high demand for calcium propionate over the coming years. This region is showing a greater preference towards calcium propionate due to the ban on several antibiotics in various applications. North America is expected to show a sluggish growth in its demand for calcium propionate till 2023.Demand for Convenience Foods, Consequently Calcium Propionate, on the RiseA very common factor visible in all nations is an increasingly busy lifestyle of the working class. A large number of people are invested in this lifestyle and therefore need forms of sustenance that are primarily easy to eat. This massive demand for preserved foods, ready-to-eat foods, and canned foods is proportionately calling for a greater volume of preservatives. At the moment, calcium propionate is a solid option for most foods and especially bakery products, states a TMR analyst.Calcium propionate is great as an anti-microbial preservative and can be a solid answer to the rising concerns over food-borne illnesses and related health issues. Consumer are increasingly aware of the possibility of contracting several diseases through consumption of unsafe food, thereby creating a higher demand for preservatives and anti-microbial additives. The case falls in the favor of calcium propionate even further due to its relative cost-effectiveness in manufacturing.Browse Full Calcium Propionate Market Report At:Growing Demand for Fresh and Organic Foods Hampers Calcium Propionate DemandThere is currently a high demand for fresh foods that are devoid of preservatives and additives, owing to the health concerns linked to their consumption. Consumers are steadily shifting their preference towards fresh foods and consequently creating a fall in the demand for calcium propionate and other preservatives. This restraint is expected to have a medium level impact on the global calcium propionate till 2023.The use of calcium propionate over sodium propionate can be a key factor that helps increase the demand for the former over the coming years. Additionally, globally prominent manufacturers of calcium propionate can now look to emerging economies from the Asia Pacific for massive volumes of demand and future opportunities, adds the analyst.The information presented in this review is based on a Transparency Market Research report, titled, Calcium Propionate Market by Application (bakery, dairy, meat processing, animal feed and others) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023.Key Takeaways:The applications of calcium propionate in the bakeries is expected to reach US$270.3 mn globally by 2023.Europe is expected to continue leading the demand for calcium propionate, which is expected to reach US$140 mn by 2023 in revenue.The global market for calcium propionate is expected to achieve an overall revenue US$480.00 mn.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Report delivers insight into the Hungary Arthroscopy Devices Market forecast to 2022

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"The Report Hungary Arthroscopy Devices Market Outlook to 2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"GlobalDatas new report, Hungary Arthroscopy Devices Market Outlook to 2022, provides key market data on the Hungary Arthroscopy market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) and average price data (in US dollars), within market segments - Arthroscopes, Arthroscopy Visualization Systems, Arthroscopy Implants, Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems, Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Wands and Arthroscopic Shavers.Note: This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 2-3 business days of the purchase (excluding weekends)The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for the market category, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular category and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology and capital equipment-based models to estimate and forecast the market size. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Capital equipment-based forecasting models are done based on the installed base, replacements and new sales of a specific device/equipment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Data for average number of units per facility is used to arrive at the installed base of the capital equipment. Sales for a particular year are arrived at by calculating the replacement units and new units (additional and first-time purchases).Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Download Sample copy of this Report at :Scope- Market size for Arthroscopy market segments - Arthroscopes, Arthroscopy Visualization Systems, Arthroscopy Implants, Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems, Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Wands and Arthroscopic Shavers.- Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average selling price ($) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2008 to 2015 and forecast to 2022.- 2015 company shares and distribution shares data for Arthroscopy market.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Hungary Arthroscopy market.- Key players covered include Arthrex, Inc., Smith & Nephew Plc, DePuy Synthes, Inc., Stryker Corporation and others.Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.Follow us on LinkedIn:Table of Contents1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 41.2 List of Figures 42 Introduction 52.1 What Is This Report About? 52.2 Arthroscopy Market Segmentation 52.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report 63 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary 83.1 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 83.2 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 103.2.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 123.2.2 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 143.3 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 163.4 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 183.4.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 203.4.2 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 223.5 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary, Average Price ($), 2008-2015 243.6 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary, Average Price ($), by Segment 2008-2015 263.7 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 283.8 Arthroscopy Market, Hungary, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 294 Overview of Key Companies in Hungary, Arthroscopy Market 314.1 Arthrex, Inc. 314.1.1 Company Overview 314.2 Smith & Nephew Plc 314.2.1 Company Overview 314.3 DePuy Synthes, Inc. 314.3.1 Company Overview 314.4 Stryker Corporation 314.4.1 Company Overview 314.5 Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. 324.5.1 Company Overview 324.6 Biomet, Inc. 324.6.1 Company Overview 325 Arthroscopy Market Pipeline Products 336 Appendix 346.1 Research Methodology 356.1.1 Coverage 356.1.2 Secondary Research 356.1.3 Primary Research 366.1.4 Company Share Analysis 366.1.5 Distribution Share Analysis 366.1.6 Benchmarking 366.2 GlobalData Consulting 376.3 Contact Us 376.4 Disclaimer 38MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Hungary Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation Market Status, Opportunities, Market Forecasts Outlook to 2022

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of " Hungary Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation Market Outlook to 2022 " worldwide.GlobalDatas new report, Hungary Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market Outlook to 2022, provides key market data on the Hungary Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) and average price data (in US dollars), within market segments - Distraction Systems and Plate and Screw Fixators.Note: This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 2-3 business days of the purchase (excluding weekends)The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for the market category, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular category and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology and capital equipment-based models to estimate and forecast the market size. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Capital equipment-based forecasting models are done based on the installed base, replacements and new sales of a specific device/equipment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Data for average number of units per facility is used to arrive at the installed base of the capital equipment. Sales for a particular year are arrived at by calculating the replacement units and new units (additional and first-time purchases).Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Download Sample copy of this Report at :Scope- Market size for Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) market categories - Distraction Systems and Plate and Screw Fixators.- Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average selling price ($) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2008 to 2015 and forecast to 2022.- 2015 company shares and distribution shares data for Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation market.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Hungary Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) market.- Key players covered include DePuy Synthes, Inc., Stryker Corporation, KLS Martin, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. and others.Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 41.2 List of Figures 42 Introduction 52.1 What Is This Report About? 52.2 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market Segmentation 52.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report 63 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary 73.1 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 73.2 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 93.2.1 Distraction Systems Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 113.2.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 133.2.3 Distraction Systems Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 153.2.4 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Hungary, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 173.3 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 193.4 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 213.4.1 Distraction Systems Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 233.4.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 253.4.3 Distraction Systems Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 273.4.4 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Hungary, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 293.5 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary, Average Price ($), 2008-2015 313.6 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary, Average Price ($), by Segment 2008-2015 333.7 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 353.8 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Hungary, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 364 Overview of Key Companies in Hungary, Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market 384.1 DePuy Synthes, Inc. 384.1.1 Company Overview 384.2 Stryker Corporation 384.2.1 Company Overview 384.3 Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. 384.3.1 Company Overview 384.4 KLS Martin LP 394.4.1 Company Overview 394.5 Biomet, Inc. 394.5.1 Company Overview 394.6 OsteoMed, LLC 394.6.1 Company Overview 394.7 Medtronic plc 394.7.1 Company Overview 395 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market Pipeline Products 41MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Industrial Controls System Market : Facts, Figures and Analytical Insights 2015 - 2021

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The global market for industrial controls has been covered under the scope of this report. An industrial control network is a system of interconnected equipment used to monitor and control physical equipment in industrial environments. Industrial controls improve product quality, plant efficiency, as well as facilitate uniform production in industries. These are the main reasons for increasing investments in the industrial controls market. Increasing need of software in industrial automation, rise in infrastructure investments in emerging markets and increasing need for process automation among diverse industry verticals are the major factors responsible for the growth of the global industrial controls market globally.Read Complete Report @The global industrial controls market is segmented by region in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (RoW). North America led the global industrial controls market in 2014 and is also expected to maintain its dominance in 2021 as well in this market. The growth in North America is primarily attributed due to an increase in demand for safer and reliable process automation in different sectors, such as power plants, oil & gas and water & wastewater among others. Asia Pacific held the second largest share of the global industrial controls market in 2014 followed by Europe and RoW respectively.Enquiry For This Report @The industrial controls market is segmented on the basis of types into supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), distributed control system (DCS) and programmable logic controller (PLC). Distributed control system (DCS) is holding the maximum market revenue share in 2014 and is expected to remain so during the forecast period from 2015 to 2021. The increasing industrial infrastructure investment and expansion of power and oil & gas project activities globally is spurring the demand for this segment. In addition, by components, the global SCADA market has been segmented into a programmable logic controller (PLC), human machine interface (HMI), remote terminal unit (RTU), SCADA communication system, and others.Request a Sample Copy of the Report @The industrial controls market is further segmented by application into power, water & wastewater, oil & gas, manufacturing, chemicals, automotive, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals and others (including aerospace, defense, mining and material, etc.). The global industrial controls market is dominated by power sector segment. High gap in demand and supply of industrial control devices in developing countries such as India and China among others is expected to drive the demand of PLC, DCS and SCADA products in power sector.About MRRSEMRRSE 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.Corporate Office State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207,United States
Blood Processing Devices and Consumables Market is predicted to reach US$49.1 bn by 2019

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Transparency Market Research has published a new report on the global blood processing devices and consumables market. The report, titled Blood Processing Devices and Consumables Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019, states that the global market is predicted to progress from US$27.27 bn in 2012 to US$49.16 bn by 2019. According to the report, the global blood processing devices and consumables market is expected to expand at an 8.90% CAGR from 2013 to 2019. Factors such as automation of devices in blood processing, the rising government spending, the rising number of surgical procedures, and favorable reimbursement policies are expected to propel the global blood processing devices and consumables market in the years to come.Read Full Report:Normal blood supply can be affected by infectious illnesses such as hepatitis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Over the past few years, there has been an increase in complex surgeries such as orthopedic surgeries and open heart surgeries. A rise in infections being transmitted via blood donation is a point of concern for the global blood industry. However, manufacturers are engaged in developing advanced products to collect, store, process, and deliver blood components for surgeries. This is expected to benefit the global blood processing devices and consumables market in the near future.The global blood processing devices and consumables market is segmented on the basis of region, device, and consumables. By consumables, the global blood processing devices and consumables market is classified into blood filters, blood administration sets, blood lancets, vials, test tube racks, microscopic slides, slide strainers, coagulation reagents, and blood grouping reagents.Blood bank refrigerators, blood bank freezers, blood warmers, blood grouping analyzers, blood cell processers, and hematocrit centrifuges are some of the popularly used blood processing devices. The growing demand for innovative blood processing devices is expected to propel the global blood processing devices and consumables market in the years to come.Download Free exclusive Sample of this Report:The global blood processing devices and consumables market is geographically distributed into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World regions. At present, the global blood processing devices and consumables market is dominated by North America, followed by Asia Pacific. The development of economies and favorable reimbursement policies are expected to help North America to maintain its dominance in the years to come. Going forward, Asia Pacific is predicted to display attractive growth opportunities due to the increasing population base.Nowadays, governments of many nations are taking extra efforts to spend more money towards research and development of new drugs and medical devices. This is creating an impact on the growth of the global blood processing devices and consumables market.Further, leading players such as Terumo BCT, Immucor, Haemonetics Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, Fresenius Kabi AG, and Bio-Rad Laboratories are concentrating on introducing new blood processing devices and consumables, thus contributing towards the market growth. Even though the global blood processing devices and consumables market is expected to face certain challenges, it is anticipated to benefit from developments in cell therapy.Key Segments of Blood Processing Devices and Consumables MarketBlood Processing Devices:Blood Bank RefrigeratorsBlood Bank FreezersBlood Grouping AnalyzersBlood WarmersHematocrit CentrifugesBlood Cell ProcessorsBlood Processing ConsumablesBlood Administration SetsBlood LancetsBlood FiltersVialsTest Tube RacksMicroscopic SlidesCoagulation ReagentsBlood Grouping ReagentsSlide StainersBlood BagsBlood Collection NeedlesBlood Collection TubesHematology ReagentsSedimentation TubesMajor geographies analyzed under this research report are:EuropeNorth AmericaAsia PacificRest of the WorldTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Positive Psychologist Barbara Becker Holstein Designs Amazing All Encompassing Approach To Help Teens And Tweens Build Self Esteem

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

http://www.thetruthforgirls.com

A recent article on the New York Times website entitled 'Want to Find Fulfillment At Last? Think Like a Designer'. One premise of the article is that we can, given the right approach, actually design the kind of life we desire. This allows us to take a conscious approach to fitting all of the pieces together - a life blueprint - for building what we want from the raw materials available. At the very core of this approach lies the primary goal. That is vitally important for two reasons:a) Most people just look at their experiences and then try to make sense of the experiences after the fact. This is akin to trying to design something new and different by moving old, worn out pieces around without a plan. Designers don't do that because that does not work. And,b) most people get overwhelmed as changes occur. This can result in seeing every new thing as an obstacle, rather than an opportunity.Dr. Holstein takes the designer approach instead. Everything she produces is built around one central theme - teach kids, parents and grandparents how to build self esteem, good mental health, happiness and a sense of purpose. Her books, films, tools, videos, blogs and articles all play off those central themes. The end result is a vast collection of techniques that help people accomplish those goals. The concept is perfectly cohesive across all formats and staggering in the sheer number of ways that concept is approached from all conceivable angles. The selfie is her pet project."Most people see young people and their love of technology as a barrier to communication across generations," Dr. Holstein stated. "I see instead a real opportunity to connect. Maybe I think this way because I have been immersed for years in developing a cohesive approach to good mental health, happiness and a sense of purpose based on understanding and developing our talents, strengths and even hidden potential. We all have parts of ourselves that work well and we all have parts that are less functional or can even get us into trouble. My ENCHANTED SELF positive psychology approach takes all of these factors in account and helps us develop our talents, strengths and potential to the fullest. How? By teaching people how to focus on what is right about themselves, rather than what is wrong. How to use their memory banks to retrieve their potential, not their failures. Also I teach people how to recognize what their stumbling blocks are and how to gently and kindly start to work to get past them."The thread that ties all of the ENCHANTED SELF methods together is communicating and understanding and looking for the pearls in each of us. For example, if I can recognize and acknowledge that I have self-esteem problems then I can begin to figure out how to move forward. I can use the SEVEN GATEWAYS to HAPPINESS to realize that I have a fascinating story to tell, that I can figure out what I need to move forward, that I can find mentors, that if I feel depressed I can reach out, etc."Going back to kids, technology is not a barrier. It is just another tool to examine, figure out how to make useful and use as we learn even better techniques to communicate between generations.Some of Dr Holstein's individual approaches include:Books:The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy TweenThe Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart and I Know EverythingSecrets: Diary of a Gutsy TeenEnchanted Self: A Positive TherapyAround Every Corner, Romance & MysteryRecipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YouSeven Gateways to Happiness: Freeing Your Enchanted SelfDelightFilms:The Truth - A Short FilmThe Truth - A Short, Short FilmSecrets - (in production)Videos:Youtube - an entire series of TED style talks and various videos, including a Youtube channelStage Plays:A number of stage plays based on 'The Truth' have been performed in the NYC areaDr. Holstein's entire body of work is great for parents, grandparents, older siblings and teachers to establish lines of communication with the tweens and teens in their lives. Her books have received extremely positive reviews and numerous awards. Her short films have been chosen as Official Selections for a number of high profile film festivals.Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com. All of her books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all other online retailers. More information is available at her website.Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self , a positive psychology method for happiness. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was just included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting.She has been a contributor to Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, The Wall Street Journal, Time on line, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.170 Morris Ave.,Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
Global Automotive Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) System Market 2016 Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecasts to 2022 Examined in new Market Research Report

Automotive Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) System

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MRS Research Group new research on Global Automotive Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) System Market 2016-2022 Market Research Report' is analytical reports based on a current situation and trends of the global market. It is in-depth study of the comprehensive content which compiles statistics for the key elements of subject. The repot ensure the quality of the content and guideline which needed. It includes basic information of the company profile, products, generated revenue and future treads and various other vital data.Read Complete Report @It keeps the main focus on the priority need of the individualand provides a brief report on the annual basis. The global Automotive Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) System market report will provide significant and reliable information on the market clearly in structured format. The report will offers you a key manufacturer of the products, applications, DROS and others.Our experts team takes out key information from the various sources which include primary and secondary sources and help to provides related information of the client interest. Report will easily mold information as per client requirement which covers forecast and analysis of Automotive Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) System market on global and regional level.We generate reports on market variations across verticals like energy, chemicals, technology, food, electronics and others. It consists of a highly detailed analysis of the subject.Check Free Sample Report @We use numerous tools and techniques to collect information on various parameters. The report includes key competitors in global Automotive Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) System market. Our experts team provides forward-looking insight on market growth. It will clear you with the suitable schematics diagrams, statistical analysis and related deep insight. It will also cover value chain analysis, market attractiveness, supply-demand & import export and 2011-2016 revenue for each company.MRS Research group provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Prof Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Ceramic Tiles Market : Quantitative Market analysis, Current and future trends to 2015 - 2019

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Ceramic tiles are inorganic in nature and are made from ceramic by employing various mechanical processes that specifically include heating and instant cooling processes. Ceramic tiles find extensive applications in the construction industry in various forms such as floor tiles, wall tiles, countertops, tabletops, facade, and so on. Demand for ceramic tiles is primarily led by an increase in construction activities globally and rising demand for new residential houses in buildings. Asia Pacific dominates the global market for ceramic tiles. This report by Future Market Insights analyzes, estimates and forecasts demand for ceramic tiles on the global and regional level for a six-year period from 2013 to 2019 in terms of volume and revenue. The study also provides information on restraints, drivers and opportunities along with their impact on the overall market during the forecast period. The report segments the market based on application and region, and offers estimates and forecast of the ceramic tiles market for each segment.The study analyzes the product value chain, beginning with feed stock material up to end-use. Additionally, it evaluates the market based on Porters five forces model, which analyzes the degree of competition in the market by considering factors such as bargaining power of buyers and suppliers, threat from substitute products and new entrants. The report includes a detailed competitive landscape of the ceramic tiles market including company market share analysis and profiles of key market participants.Read Complete Report @The report provides a decisive view of the ceramic tiles market by segmenting the market based on product types and applications. Product segments analyzed in the report include floor tiles, wall tiles and other tiles. Based on applications, ceramic tiles are segmented into residential replacement, commercial, new residential and others (facades, countertops etc.). All the application segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends, and the market has been estimated from 2015 to 2019. Ceramic tiles are primarily used as floor tiles in residential replacement applications. Floor tiles accounted for approximately half the share of the total ceramic tile products consumed in 2012. In the residential replacement industry, ceramic tiles are used for many purposes such as designing, floor and wall fittings, protection from rain and moisture, and other environmental hazards. Residential replacement, besides having maximum market share, is also expected to be the fastest growing application segment of ceramic tiles during the forecast period from 2013 to 2019. Similarly, the floor tiles product category within the ceramic tiles market boasts the maximum share and is projected to register the fastest growth rate during 2013 to 2019.Enquiry For This Report @The ceramic tiles market has been segmented based on geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Rest of the World. Demand of each type of application of ceramic tiles in terms of revenue and consumption for each of these regions has been forecast in the report for the period of 2015 to 2019.Request a Sample Copy of the Report @Leading manufacturers profiled in the report include RAK Ceramics, China Ceramics, Mohawk Industries, Ceramica Saloni, Kajaria Ceramics, and Porcelanosa Grupo. These companies have been profiled in detail with features such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, SWOT analysis and recent developments.About MRRSEMRRSE 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.Corporate Office State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207,United States
Asia Pacific and Latin America Sugar Confectionery Market is Expanding at a 5.7% CAGR from 2015 to 2023

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Sugar Confectionery Market: SnapshotThe sugar confectionery market in Asia Pacific and Latin America has been expanding at a robust pace over the past few years owing to the surging demand for confectionery foods, sweet snacks, and medicated confectioneries. The scenario in the sugar confectionery market in APAC and LATAM has been changing of late as consumers in the rural areas of both regions make the most of their rising disposable income and changing lifestyle. Manufacturers of sugar confectionery products are presented with various expansion opportunities given the limited presence of major players in the market.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with free PDF Brochure:The opportunity in the Asia Pacific and Latin America sugar confectionery market was worth US$26.1 bn in 2014, which is expected to rise to US$46.1 bn by 2023 at a CAGR of 5.7%.Dominance of Local Players in China Sugar Confectioneries MarketAsia Pacific, comprising China, Japan, South Korea, and others, accounted for more than 60% of the overall market in 2014 and this region is expected to witness steady growth during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the booming retail industry and the rise in disposable income. In addition, huge capital investments by major companies in emerging markets have resulted in the gradual decrease of the prices of sugar confectioneries. This reduction in price is predicted to fuel the demand for sugar confectionery products, especially in rural areas. There has also been a rising demand for premium confectionery products, a trend that is expected to boost the APAC market over the forecast period.The sugar confectionery market in China is supported by the growing purchasing power of the consumers and the increasing use of confectionery as gifts on special occasions. Although international companies have a strong presence in China, particularly in high-end markets, domestic brands are more affordable and as a result remain popular in rural areas. The aging population, rising stress at work, and growing health consciousness have been influencing the trajectory of the Japanese sugar confectionery market at present.The Latin America sugar confectionery market, comprising Brazil, Argentina, and the rest of Latin America, has been strongly supported by the growing sugarcane industry. The innovation in sugar confectioneries has also enhanced the market in this region. The consumption of candy, pastilles, gum, and nougat is expected to increase as alternatives to chocolate and this trend has been driving local players to invest significantly in the sugar confectionary market in Latin America.Growth Opportunities in Medicated Sugar ConfectioneriesSugar confectionery comprises various products, such as boiled sweets, medicated confectionery, lollipops, mint, gums, pastilles, jellies and chews, and toffees, caramels and nougats. The toffees, caramels, and nougats segment was the key contributor to the Asia Pacific and Latin America sugar confectionery market and is likely to retain its lead throughout the forecast period. Medicated confectionery is widely used in the formulation of drugs for conditions such as cold, respiratory tract congestion, cough, and allergies. This segment is projected expand at the fastest pace by 2023 owing to its wide product range, especially in childrens medications.Browse Full Sugar Confectionery Market Report At:Mondelez International, Nestle S.A., Lindt & Sprungli, Ferrero SpA, The Hershey Company, Mars Inc., Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd., and Perfetti Van Mella SpA are the leading players in the sugar confectionery market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Corn Starch Market is Expanding at a CAGR 4.80% during 2016 to 2024, it is likely to Increase to US$32 bn by 2024

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With an increased focus on product innovation, the leading players in the global corn starch market, such as Cargill Inc., Kent Corp., Archer Daniels Midland Co., and Associated British Foods plc., are aggressively trying to enhance their visibility in this market, finds a study published by Transparency Market Research (TMR).The presence of a large pool of participants has intensified the rivalry within the market. To sustain this competition in the long run, corn starch producers will need to shift their focus on increasing their production capacity, states this report.According to TMR, the global market for corn starch presented an opportunity worth US$21.1 bn in 2015. Expanding at a CAGR of more than 4.80% during the period from 2016 to 2024, it is likely to increase to US$32 bn by 2024. Globally, sweeteners are the most preferred products that contain corn starch. The segment is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.40% over the forecast period.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :High Production of Corn to Ensure North Americas DominanceGeographically, the global market for corn starch is spread across Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. North America, supported by the high production of corn, has acquired the top position in this market. In 2015, the opportunity for corn starch reached US$7.3 bn in North America. Although the region will retain its dominance throughout the forecast period, it is Asia Pacific, where the demand for corn starch will expand at a higher rate over the forecast period. China and India are projected to lead the demand for corn starch in Asia Pacific, finds the research report.Easy Availability of Corn Starch to Reflect Positively on Markets GrowthStarch extraction from maize yields better output compared to other crops, such as wheat, barley, tapioca, potato, and sweet potato, states the author of this study. With a high production of maize, worldwide, corn starch boasts of easy availability in the global market, reflecting positively on the markets growth.The augmenting consumption of convenience foods and the considerable year-on-year growth in the paper industry are also fueling the demand for corn starch remarkably across the world. The sales of ready-to-mix foods, such as cake mixes, coffee mixes, and instant tea, is expected to double up over the next few years, leading to a significant surge in the demand for corn starch. Apart from this, the rise in the paper and paper product industry will also present a lucrative opportunity for corn starch producers in the coming years, observes TMR.Availability of Low-cost Alternatives to Impact Negatively on Sale of Corn StarchThough the global market for corn starch exhibits lucrative growth prospects, the availability of a varied range of low-cost alternatives, ranging from tapioca to wheat, may pose a threat to the growth of this market in the near future. However, the growing usage of corn starch-based products as raw materials for bio-plastics and 3D printing plastics is likely to help corn starch producers to overcome this challenge in the years to come, notes the research study.Browse Full Corn Starch Market Report At:The study presented here is based on a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) titled Corn Starch Market (Product - Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals, Textile, Paper and Corrugated; Product Base -Native Starch, Modified Starch, Sweeteners) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.The global corn starch market has been segmented as follows:By Product TypeNative StarchModified StarchSweetenersBy ApplicationFood & BeveragesAnimal FeedPharmaceuticals & ChemicalsTextilePaper and CorrugatedOthersAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Outlook the Global Anesthesia Vaporizers Market to Grow at a CAGR of 6.36% by Revenue During the Period 2016-2020

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About Anesthesia Delivery SystemAn anesthesia delivery system, which includes anesthesia machine and a breathing circuit, supports in pain management just before the surgical (pre-surgical) procedure.The anesthesia machine includes an anesthesia vaporizer, where the vaporizer mixes both anesthetic agent and oxygen together and delivers to the individual during the pre-surgical procedure through breathing circuit. Various factors such as the increasing number of surgical procedures, growing number of specialty hospitals, and hospital mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are accelerating the global anesthesia vaporizers market growth.To Get Sample Copy @Technavios analysts forecast the global anesthesia vaporizers market to grow at a CAGR of 6.36% during the period 2016-2020.CoveredThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global anesthesia vaporizers market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of various anesthesia vaporizers, which are used during the pre-surgical care that help the anesthetist to administer the anesthetic agent.Segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAGlobal Anesthesia Vaporizers 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 vendorsDrgerwerkGE HealthcarePenlonMeditec International EnglandOricareSpacelabs HealthcareOther prominent vendorsBeijing Siriusmed Medical DeviceBeijing VanbonmedBeijing Yi Shiheng Electronic TechnologyCM-CCNorVapOES MedicalDriverIncreased number of surgical proceduresFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMake an Enquiry @ChallengeDemand for MI surgical procedures owing to high cost of open surgeriesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportTrendAttracting end-users through participation in medical exhibitionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @
Floating production systems Market is likely to rise at a CAGR of 17.20% By 2019

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Boosted by the increasing oil exploration initiatives and offshore drilling, the global market for floating production systems is likely to rise at a CAGR of 17.20% between 2013 and 2019. The market, which stood at US$12.6 bn in 2012, is projected to present an opportunity worth US$38.7 bn by the end of 2019.The global market for floating production systems is studied on the basis of the product and its geographical segmentation. Based on the product, the market is categorized into floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit, tension leg platforms (TLP), SPAR, and floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) systems. Based on geography, the market is classified into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World.Get free research PDF for more Professional and Technical insights :This research study on the worldwide market for floating production systems aims at presenting an all-inclusive market assessment, taking its past as well as current performance into consideration. The key trends and growth prospects of this market have also been studied in this report in order to determine its future status.Overview of Global Floating Production Systems MarketThanks to the significant increase in offshore drilling activities, floating production systems have been witnessing remarkable demand across the world since the past few years. The deepwater discoveries in Asia Pacific and the Rest of the World have also fueled the demand for these systems substantially across the world. With the increasing preference of FPSOs for the extraction of crude oil and offshore drilling, the segment is likely to gain prominence in the coming years. The advantages offered by FPSOs, such as the reduction in operational costs to oil companies by simplifying the transportation of crude oil, are also expected to add significantly to their demand over the next few years. TLP and SPAR are also projected to witness strong demand in the near future, thanks to the upcoming offshore drilling projects.Geographically, African and South American countries, such as South Africa and Brazil, lead the global market for floating production systems market. Over the coming years, analysts expect these countries to remain dominant in terms of revenue.Europe is also expected to experience a surge in demand for these systems. The increasing number of offshore projects in the U.K. and Norway is anticipated to boost the market for floating production systems in Europe. On the other hand, the rise in the population base and the heightening industrialization will drive the markets in Asia Pacific and North America in the near future.Although the growth prospects of the global market for floating production systems are bright, the high installation and maintenance costs associated with these systems are likely to hamper the market to some extent.Companies Mentioned in the Research ReportMalaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Berhad, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Bumi Armada Berhad, Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd., SBM Offshore N.V., Technip S.A., Worley Parsons Ltd., and Teekay Corp. are some of the key manufacturers of floating production systems across the world.Key Segments of Global Floating Production Systems MarketBy ProductFPSOTLPSPARFSOContactTransparency Market ResearchTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Industrial Waste to Green CEMENT - New formula for Green Cement made out of Industrial Wastes could slash CO2 emissions and water consumption  Professional Survey & Industry Forecasts by 2024.

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Production of cement contributes around 10% of overall carbon dioxide emissions. Green cement or low-carbon cement holds the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of construction sites by 40%. The key challenge in developing greener cement is to maintain the durability and strength of the cement. Portland cement is the most common cement used at construction sites. Though economically cheap, Portland cement contains toxic ingredients such as chromium and silica. The production of Portland cement is not environmentally sustainable with higher energy consumption for mining activities and the emission of high volume of greenhouse gases. Green cement is considered as environmentally sustainable construction material as it releases less carbon dioxide and requires less water in construction activities.Get Free PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:In terms of end use, green cement is used across residential, non-residential, and infrastructure sectors. The residential sector is the largest end user of green cement owing to the increasing population density across urban regions and a surge in new residential projects. In countries such as India and China,Global Green Cement Market: OverviewThe global cement industry faces a number of challenges such as scarcity of raw materials, depleting fossil fuel reserves, ever-increasing demand for cement and concrete, and growing environmental concerns associated to climate change with increased emission of carbon dioxide during cement production. Green cement addresses these issues efficiently. Manufacturing of green cement relies on technological advances that include novel cement formulations and energy-efficient low carbon production methods. These factors have augmented the growth of the global green cement market. The increasing awareness about green buildings in the construction sector has also fuelled the demand for green cement.Extensive research activities are being carried out by cement companies to switch to greener alternatives. The Cement Sustainability Initiative started by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development has brought together the major cement producers worldwide to focus on reducing carbon dioxide emissions during cement production. Government support in form of incentives on the usage of green cement has further boosted the global green cement market.With growing environmental concerns, an interesting trend has been witnessed in the global green cement market. Wastes such as used oils, foundry sand, solid recovered fuels, sewage sludge, animal meal, filter cakes, and fly ashes are being increasingly used as alternative fuels in cement kilns. These alternative fuels help to decrease carbon dioxide emissions during the process of cement production. Cement kilns efficiently use the calorific value of these waste materials.Global Green Cement Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global green cement market has been segmented into four key regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. The rapid growth of the construction sector across Asia Pacific, especially in countries such as India and China has boosted the demand for cement. Various environmental regulations implemented by governments in these regions have stressed on the usage of green cement, thereby augmenting the growth of the overall green cement market. In the Middle East and Africa, development of new multifamily housing projects will contribute towards the global demand for green cement.Global Green Cement Market: Vendor LandscapeSome of the key players operating in the global green cement market are CEMEX, Anhui Conch Cement, Italcementi, CNBM, and LafargeHolcim. The key vendors are focussing on expanding applications of green cement. For example, CEMEX has launched a green cement, Rizal Green that can be used to construct residential structures such as ground-floor slabs, driveways, and fences. On the other hand, Ceratech, a Virginia-based cement manufacturing company has focussed on utilizing fly ash to produce green cement. Fly ash refers to the fine particles filtered out of the gases released by electricity plants running on coal. The company converts this ash into cement powder.Browse Industry Research Report with free Analysis:The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700Albany NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453E-mail: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
NEW: Sensus OrgChart app - the most personal organisation chart app

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In launching the Sensus OrgChart app for iOS, Mac OS and Windows, Sensus Process Management now offers the most innovative and personal organisation chart app. The Sensus OrgChart app ensures that users always have information readily available about the organisation and its employees and makes it easy for them to create and draw organograms. The app was created by redeveloping part of the Sensus BPM Software  which has over 100,000 users across the globe  in the form of an app. The Sensus OrgChart app is unique in that it is the only one of its kind to distinguish between departments, positions and people.Complex organisations made clear and understandable at a glanceThe Sensus OrgChart app is a useful tool that helps HR managers, project managers and other managers map organisations and project organisations. It has never been this easy to define and visualise organisation charts - complete with department names, positions, responsibilities, staff names and even staff photos. This latter feature is precisely what makes the Sensus OrgChart app so personal. The organograms can be printed, shared or placed on the intranet at the click of a button, making it easy to take changes in your organisation to a higher level. Most importantly, the app helps to optimise the organisation and create a clearer picture of everyone's responsibilities.One of a kindThe Sensus OrgChart app is the only one of its kind to distinguish between departments, positions and people, so more than one person can sometimes be linked to the same position. This is something that happens a lot in practice, but has not been possible in any organisation chart app up to now. Photos and LinkedIn profiles can also easily be linked, making the organogram a personal staff index - something which has been shown to improve teamwork!The Sensus OrgChart app for iOS and Mac OS can be downloaded from the App Stores. The Sensus OrgChart app for Windows is (currently) available from the website.About Sensus Process ManagementSensus Process Management specialises in mapping, visualising and improving processes. This provides a basis from which Sensus Process Management can support organisations in scrutinising and improving the transparency of their organisational structure and processes to facilitate the process-based way of working. For this purpose, we have developed BPM support software, various innovative apps, a uniform methodology and BPM tools in order to make processes more efficient, quicker and improved.To find out more about Sensus Process Management, please visitEileen Samsominfo@sensus-methode.nlSensus Process ManagementSchippersgracht 14, 3603 BC MaarssenThe Netherlands
Biopolymers for Smart, Green towards Sustainable Earth

Biopolymers and Bioplastics 2017

By following the successful campaign of "Biopolymers and Bioplastics 2016", Conference Series LLC Conferences is very delighted to invite all the Scientists, Researchers, Professors, research fellows, Students, Corporate personnel, professionals, institutions and Members of different physics associations to attend its 5th International Conference and Exhibition on Biopolymers and Bioplastics, to be held during October 19-21, 2017 at San Francisco, USA with a theme Novel Trends and Advances in Bioworld Innovation: Biopolymers Bioplastics.Biopolymers can be sustainable, carbon neutral and are always renewable, because they are made from plant materials which can be grown indefinitely. These plant materials come from agricultural non food crops. Therefore, the use of biopolymers would create a sustainable industry.Bioplastics are a form of plastics made entirely or almost entirely from renewable raw materials such as vegetable oil, corn starch, and biomass whereas conventional plastics are made from petroleum (oil or gas). Bioplastics can replace conventional plastics in the field of their applications also and can be used in different sectors such as food packaging, plastic plates, cups, cutlery, plastic storage bags, storage containers or other plastic or composite material items you are buying.Biopolymers and Bioplastics-2017 is an event delivering the concept of biobased world across the globe. In the present world where the use of conventional plastics, the consequences of plastic products use and the waste management of these products when they become waste, is a current and pressing issue. Concerns focus on the potential impact of conventional plastics they cause to the environment.The scientific sessions of this 5th International Conference on Biopolymers and Bioplastics 2017 has been designed on vivacious topics such as Biomaterials and Biopolymers, Green Chemicals, Industrial Biotechnology, Future and Scope for Biopolymers and Bioplastics, Biopolymer Applications, Plastic Pollution and Waste Management, Biocomposite materials, Nanopolymers, Biodegradable Polymers, New-to-the-world Biopolyesters.Biopolymers are biodegradable, and some are also compostable. Some biopolymers are biodegradable: they are broken down into CO2 and water by microorganisms. Some of these biodegradable biopolymers are compostable: they can be put into an industrial composting process and will break down by 90% within six months. Biopolymers that do this can be marked with a 'compostable' symbol, under European Standard EN 13432 (2000).Many types of packaging can be made from biopolymers: food trays, blown starch pellets for shipping fragile goods, thin films for wrapping. There is an increase of 20% (approx.) in the production of Bioplastics per year. With a market of around 1.2 million tons in 2011, there is a five-fold increase in production volumes by 2016, to almost 6 million tones. By 2020 Bioplastics production could rise to 12 million tones.Beautiful city of San Francisco is not only known for its attractive weather and popular tourist destinations but also for the major universities and research centers that are focusing on Biopolymer and Bio-plastic research. Apart from this, USA has been the largest producer of plastics and with rise in awareness on its adverse effects, North America turned as the biggest market for biopolymers, consuming more than one-third of the total global demand for biopolymers. Many institutions and departments in United States such as Department of Defense (DOD), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Department of Energy (DOE), Northwestern University, and University of Akron etc. are encouraging research on Biopolymers and Bioplastics. Various companies like Dupont, Cereplast , Metabolix , Natureworks LLC etc. are now a part of USA and their product services are entirely based on Biodegradable Plastics i.e., Bioplastics.Major Associations around the Globe such as British Plastics Federation, European Council for Plasticizers and Intermediates, American Coatings Association, American Chemical Society (Division of Polymer Chemistry), American Physical Society Division of Polymer Physics (APS DPOLY), Polymer Division of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI Polymer Division) , Belgian Polymer Group (BPG), Brazilian Polymer Association, European Polymer Federation , and Bio-Environmental Polymer Society are promoting Biopolymers.Conferenceseries LLC, an open access publisher with 300 online, peer reviewed science journals in the fields of Clinical, Medical, Engineering and technological, Pharmaceutical and Management fields. Conferenceseries LLC hosted more than 100 International conferences and events across the globe. With the help of more than 150 scientific associations, Conferenceseries LLC has been involved in providing a momentous platform for the world renowned scientists, researchers and talented student community from academic institutions to participate in the best academic conferences in the globe along with the collaboration initiatives with the leading entrepreneurs from industries.Arizona Grey2360 Corporate Circle, Suite 400 HendersonNV 89074-7722, USAPh: +1-888-843-8169Fax: +1-650-618-1417biopolymers(at)chemseries(dot)com
Golden Week won't reverse HK tourist decline Updated: 2016-09-29 07:49 By Chai Hua(China Daily)

Visitors enjoy rides at Hong Kong Disneyland. The Hong Kong Economic Times said that 60 percent of mainland individual visitors choose Macao and that Hong Kong is no longer their top choice. [Photo/China Daily]

With the National Day holiday (Oct 1-7) just around the corner, tourist industry chiefs on Wednesday voiced concerns that Hong Kong would continue to suffer from shrinking mainland visitors, after a brief rebound in July, to resume the past 12 months of dwindling numbers.

Hong Kong Travel Industry Council Chairman Jason Wong Chun-tat said the city now receives about 180 tour groups from the mainland every day. He projected that the number would slightly increase to 200 during the holiday week, down about 30 percent year-on-year.

According to the HKTIC, the daily average number of mainland group tours to Hong Kong during previous seven-day National Day holiday was 260 and 300 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As for individual tourists, booking data from Ctrip.com International Ltd, a leading online travel agency in China, indicate that Seoul has beaten Hong Kong to become the number one overseas destination for this coming golden week.

Victor Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Hotels Association, said price rates for local hotels had been reduced by 10 percent and bookings were not as good as those of last year.

However, industry insiders found Macao, on the contrary, was becoming more attractive to mainland visitors.

The Hong Kong Economic Times reported 70 percent of mainland individual tourists chose to visit Hong Kong in previous years, but this year 60 percent of them turned to Macao.

The amount of time tourists are spending in the two cities is also expected to change. One travel agency manager said that taking a five-day trip as an example, some mainland tourists who usually spent only one day in Macao are now allocating four days there.

The manager said he believes the opening of two new resort hotels in Macao was proving to be a potent lure for many tourists.

Ricky Tse, founding president and chairman of the Hong Kong Inbound Tour Operators Association, said he was concerned that Hong Kong was being increasingly left on the sidelines, as Macao connected with Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Hengqin in Guangdong province in the various package tours on offer.

Analysts have noticed the trend, saying another factor is at play. Besides Macao, more and more destinations have relaxed their visa policiesincluding the United Statesin a development that is continuing to draw mainland tourists away from Hong Kong, said Wang Yi, a Shenzhen-based analyst at Ctrip.

She said many mainlanders now asked for a few more days off to travel further afield and the United Kingdom had become a very popular destination this year, thanks to the depreciation of the pound leading to falling traveling costs and greater spending power for shopping.

Latest Ctrip data indicated that the prices of UK travel products had decreased about 20 percent compared with last National Day holidayand half of them were fully booked one month in advance.
China and European Commission work together on boosting jobs Updated: 2016-09-29 09:38 By Wang Yanfei(China Daily)

China and the European Commission should further learn from each other in boosting employment and social security under the joint Social Protection Reform Project, a senior official with the nation's top economic regulator said on Wednesday.

Wang Xiaotao, vice-minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, said that although China is on track to make the labor market more resilient, the nation faces new challenges amid its economic transformation.

The registered urban unemployment rate in China has been at 4.05 percent in recent years, Wang told a two-day, high-level forum on social protection reform that began in Beijing on Tuesday.

The Social Protection Reform Project, launched last year, aims to promote social equity and inclusiveness of economic development in China, as well as cooperation and dialogue between China and the EU in the same field.

"China lacks such a buffer zone as that in the EU, where countries have programs to help people to gain the right skills for future jobs," said Pu Yufei, director of the NDRC's Department of Employment and Income Distribution.

Pu was referring to challenges such as relocating laid-off workers in sectors with overcapacity.

"China does face a certain level of pressure in relocating laid-off workers," said Pu. "We need to enhance capacity and improve government support to help workers find new jobs."

Pu said that China hopes to learn from past experiences of the European Commission in this field.

The European Commission has a well-established system to enhance reforms to improve flexibility and security in the labor market, said Lars Gronvald, head of the Development and Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union to China.

In the meantime, the EU may have to look at how China is boosting employment at a time when the EU's member states, while adopting consumption-driven models, are facing rising pressures to generate new jobs amid mild economic recovery and a refugee crisis, Gronvald said.

Michel Servoz, director of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, said the effect of Brexit, or Britain's planned exit from the European Unionwhich is expected to lower the EU's GDP by 0.8 percent next yearis having a negative effect on the labor market.

"Lack of investment is really a problem in the EU," said Servoz. "We may have to turn to China's experience and see how China is able to improve employment amid economic transformation."

Gronvald said that despite facing different challenges, both countries are able to learn from each other under the four-year Social Protection Reform Project, which provides both sides with opportunities for mutual exchanges.
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A Chinese woman inspects shoes displayed in Clarks Museum at Street in southwest England. [Photo/Agencies]

British retailers are expecting a sharp upturn in Chinese tourist spending next week as holidaymakers head to the UK during Golden Week.

Online travel agency Ctrip reports a strong demand in the Chinese market for trips to Britain during the national holiday, which runs from Oct 1 through 7.

According to Ctrip, this is largely driven by a fall in travel, shopping and consumption costs because of the depreciation of the pound following the referendum in the UK on its membership of the European Union. A trip to the UK is now about 20 percent cheaper than it was this time last year, according to the agency, and more than half of Ctrip's routes to the UK were booked up one month ahead of Golden Week.

Xu Xiaolei, chief branding officer at travel site Aoyou.com, said the number of orders for UK travel during Golden Week is up by 10 percent on last year.

Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of New West End Company, which delivers managing and marketing services to stores on the London shopping streets of Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street, said the sales lift in the capital due to Golden Week this year is expected to significantly outperform last year.

"February's Spring Festival holiday is traditionally hailed as one of the most prosperous for the district, but this year's surprise summer uplift has shifted the spotlight to October," he said.

"This year's Golden Week is set to be a very different story to last year, when spending by Chinese visitors was down by 8 percent on the same period in 2014, following China's stock market crash."

Spending by Chinese visitors in August across London's West End was up by 65 percent on last year, to an average of 1,453 pounds per shopper, according to Tyrrell.

"These sales to Chinese visitors form a vital part of the West End's economy," he said. "As part of the UK China Visa Alliance, we support calls to make 10-year tourist visas the default offering to Chinese visitors, to ensure continued growth of this sector."

China moved into Britain's "top 10most valuable inbound visitor markets" for the first time last year, according to British tourism authority Visit Britain, with visits reaching a record-breaking 270,000. That was up by 46 percent on 2014, and spending was up by 18 percent, to 586 million pounds.

"The UK is offering great value for Chinese travelers at the moment," Visit Britain Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said.

Visit Britain began an initiative in 2014 to help British hotels, retailers and tour operators capitalize on the upturn in the number of visitors from China.The GREAT China Welcome Charter trains management in Mandarin or Cantonese and provides tips on Chinese preferences in accommodation and shopping experiences.

Many shops in London now carry catalogs with Chinese text, and more UK cash registers now accept Chinese payment systems such as UnionPay and Alipay.

Contact the writers at angus@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Foreign trade situation remains grim Updated: 2016-09-29 17:20 By Jing Shuiyu(chinadaily.com.cn)

China's foreign trade situation remained sophisticated and grim, as this year there are more uncertain and unstable factors, said an official from the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

"The Foreign trade situation is still not optimistic, and some difficulties couldn't be resolved in the short term. China needs make more effort to stabilize trade volume," said Zhang Ji, assistant minister at the Ministry of Commerce.

Zhang said the trend was mainly caused by sluggish external demand, rising costs in the domestic market, and the fact that some industries and orders are being relocated to other nations.

To meet the challenge, the organizers of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, are expanding the fair's function to meet the more diverse demands of clients.

The fair will start on Oct 15 in Guangzhou. It is held twice a year and is considered an important barometer of China's future trade activity.

"In addition to serving as a place for trade transactions, we will build the fair into an inclusive platform for companies to showcase their products, share industry information, and get connected with more potential clients," said Li Jinqi, director general of the China Foreign Trade Centre.

Li said that the volume of trade deals that were made under the help of the Canton Fair's network accounted for almost 50 percent of the amount of annual exports.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," is an Italian proverb attributed to St Ambrose, which in simple terms means when visiting a country, behave like the locals and adopt their customs.

This often happens by osmosis, particularly if it involves a social activity that is part of a country's genetic DNA, enjoyed by all generations and affordablethat of drinking tea.

In the city of Qingdao, Xiao Jun's routine involved drinking the rusty-colored green tea harvested from the Laoshan Mountains with her grandparents.The tea was taken in small cups to prevent oxidation, and made with water that had been boiled and cooled to 85C.

In 1997, Xiao arrived in the UK to study for a Master's degree in international business at London Metropolitan University.

Nineteen years later, she has adopted a British name, Sharon Wang, and also the UK's way of drinking and celebrating teadeveloping a taste for English-blended brands made with boiling water.

Chinese appear to be becoming increasingly attracted to English tea. According to HM Revenue and Customs, in the first five months of this year, UK tea exports to Hong Kong nearly tripled in value compared with two years earlier and doubled to the Chinese mainland.

Wang attributes increased Chinese consumption of English tea to the fact that it is associated with being "quintessentially British, which is what many Chinese love and aspire to".

She says it is also about food security, after a series of food-related scandals in China and concerns about the quality and authenticity of products bought and consumed.

She likes established tea brands in the UK, including PG Tips and Yorkshire Tea, as well as the more upmarket Twinings, which is sold globally.

Her tea-with-milk experience began on the flight to the UK from China. "I saw the tiny plastic carton of milk served with my in-flight meal. I poured it into my cup and drank it, not realizing it was to put into tea."

Her education continued in Putney, London, when she lived with an English family as a student and drank tea with milk served in a mug.

But on special occasions she reverts to drinking from China cups, particularly when served afternoon tea at the world renowned Fera restaurant at Claridges in London.

Afternoon tea has become popular in China through the efforts of trade delegations from the UK, and more recently through China's love for the TV series Downton Abbey.

In June, the British consulate general in Shanghai celebrated Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday by hosting a Guinness World Record-breaking "Largest Cream Tea Party Ever."

Wang now lives in Rochester, Kent, and works for Japanese commodity trading company Mitsui in London.

The writer is a freelancer for China Daily.
Dual track Updated: 2016-09-30 04:52 By Andrew Moody in Lhasa(China Daily Europe)

For Tibet to grow and prosper, it needs to embrace modernity while retaining its unique character

With the highest altitude on Earth and mountainous terrain making all but subsistence farming impossible, the Tibet autonomous region has offered the greatest challenge for the development model that has delivered spectacular results for the rest of China over the past 35 years.

Remote, with little access to modern infrastructure and having a relatively small population of just 3 million, it was never going to be a part of the Made-in-China manufacturing success story.

Qinghai-Tibet railway opened in 2006 and is the world's highest altitude rail route that links Tibet with its neighboring province. It will be extended to the border areas of Nepal by 2020. Wang Song / Xinhua left: Yang Tao, senior researcher in the Research Institute of Society and Economics at China Tibetology Research Center in Beijing. Feng Yongbin / China Daily; right: Albert Ettinger, Luxembourg-based Tibet historian. Tenzin Shiden / For China Daily

Based on developing new sectors such as hydropower, agribusinesses and, in particular, tourism; and also benefiting from both the government's strategy to develop western regions as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, the region's economic fortunes are, however, changing.

In the first half of this year - along with Chongqing, China's western industrial powerhouse city - Tibet was the country's fastest growing area with GDP rising at 10.6 percent, nearly 4 percentage points ahead of the national rate of 6.7 percent.

One of the most tangible benefits has been the 83 billion yuan ($13 billion, 11.6 billion euros) investment poured into transport infrastructure over the past 20 years.

This includes the 2,000-kilometer Qinghai-Tibet railway, which opened in 2006 and is the world's highest altitude rail route that links Tibet with its neighboring province. This is to be extended a further 540 km to the border areas of Nepal by 2020.

Work has also already begun on the even more spectacular 1,629-km Sichuan-Tibet railway that will link Chengdu and Lhasa and of which 1,000 km will be in Tibet itself. It is expected to be completed in the early 2030s.

Meanwhile, there has been a major extension of the road network, ensuring that many of Tibet's most remote areas will have some access to the main highways.

The need for connectivity as well as other challenges facing the region were the focus at the recent Forum on the Development of Tibet in Lhasa.

Representatives of academia, think tanks and the media from more than 30 countries engaged in two days of debate at the Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise Hotel.

Jim Stoopman, program coordinator at the Brussels-based European Institute for Asian Studies, who was a participant in the forum, says better infrastructure is a vital issue.

"This is of crucial importance. Enhanced connectivity in Tibet is already visibly decreasing the travel time between remote villages and the major population centers," he says.

The Chinese government's Belt and Road Initiative winds its way through Tibet. The northwest is connected with the Silk Road Economic Belt and in the south, the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming to increase greater commercial links with its South Asian neighbors, including Nepal, Pakistan and India.

"The Belt and Road project brings clear benefits to urban areas," adds Stoopman.

"The challenge for Tibet, just like other regions along its path, is to ensure that enhanced connectivity spills over and benefits rural areas."

Although the major trade opportunities for Tibet are likely to be in South Asia, transport links open up the possibility of exporting goods to Europe.

A freight train left Qinghai for Brussels on Sept 8 carrying 44 containers with products like Tibetan tapestries and goji berries. It was the first train from the Tibetan plateau (although outside the autonomous region itself) to Europe and the 12-day journey took in Kazakhstan, Russia and Poland.

Gang Ji, partner at Roland Berger Greater China who is based in Shanghai, says infrastructure is the catalyst for Tibet to upgrade its economy.

"Finding new markets is important for Tibet since its own domestic market is quite limited because the population is small and relatively poor," he says.

"It needs not just to sell raw materials but finished goods through food processing or developing agribusinesses and better transport is vital to that. The Belt and Road Initiative should enable it to exploit its unique natural resources."

One of the central issues is whether there is an inevitable conflict between the fast pace of some of the recent economic development and preserving traditional Tibetan culture.

Sonia Bressler, the French writer and author of three books on Tibet including Voyage au Coeur du Tibet (Journey to the Heart of Tibet), who spoke at the forum, says this is an issue that absorbs Westerners more than it does Tibetan people.

"For centuries, we have placed Tibet in a perfect bubble. It has become a mythical place where we can come and recharge our batteries. As Westerners, we always see development with an evil eye claiming that it will destroy Tibetan culture," she says.

"We have to ask ourselves, what exactly is Tibetan culture? Is it only Buddhism? Is it nomadism? In Tibet, there are many ethnic groups, including Zang, Nu and Dulong, as well as other religions such as muslim and it has been this way for centuries."

Bressler, who has traveled extensively in remote areas of the autonomous region and lived among local people in austere conditions, says Tibetan people want to live a modern life like anyone else.

"Access to water, electricity and education is what we regard in Western society as essential. Why should it be different in Tibet? "

Albert Ettinger, a Luxembourg-based Tibet historian who also spoke at the forum, says there a lot of myths about Tibet.

He believes the image of it being a Shangri-la paradise was inspired by the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British novelist James Hilton.

"He never actually went to Tibet. In the 1950s. It was a feudal and very unequal society, ridden like India to some extent with a complex caste systems.

"There were nine categories (status levels) of people. If you were someone of high standing and you killed someone of lower standing, the worst punishment you would have would be to pay some reparation. If you were of lower standing and stole something from someone higher up, you would have your hand amputated. Having your eyes gouged out was also a normal punishment."

The autonomous region still has major challenges. Some 700,000 of its citizens still live in absolute poverty on less than 2,300 yuan ($345; 307 euros) a year.

Without support from Beijing, its economy would collapse. Over the past 35 years, 90 percent of its fiscal expenditure has been met by central government.

"In many years, support from the central government has surpassed the autonomous region's actual GDP," says Yang Tao, senior researcher in the Research Institute of Society and Economics at China Tibetology Research Center in Beijing.

"Last year, aid from central government was nearly 100 billion yuan, exceeding the total output of the economy. The financial support goes into two main areas, infrastructure and improving people's livelihoods. So not much of it goes into economic production and the efficiency of it is not as high as one might expect."

This level of central government support has meant it has been able to pursue a different development model from the rest of China, which relied on agriculture first and then built a manufacturing base.

"Tibet cannot develop from an agricultural into an industrial society because it lacks people and, in particular, people with technical skills.

It also has high transportation costs because of its remoteness. Manufacturing relies heavily on raw materials and the transportation of raw materials is very costly," adds Yang.

"It does not need to follow the economic theory of transforming from agriculture to manufacturing and then to tertiary industries. It can move directly from basic agriculture to developing tourism."

Robbie Barnett, director of the Modern Tibet Studies Program at Weatherhead East Asia Institute at Columbia University, believes what the autonomous region needs is more people-centered development.

"I think we need to look seriously at other models apart from the GDP growth model," he says.

"You get this huge focus on materialistic results. It is all about numbers, what is being built and other quantitative achievements. You need to look more at who is benefiting from the economic shift, what kind of economic change people want and at what pace it should be."

Andrew Fischer, associate professor of social policy and development studies at the International Institute of Social Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam, says one of the challenges for Tibet's development is that if people want to get out of mainly subsistence agriculture, they have no choice but to move to the cities.

"The problem is that when you move out of agriculture, there is not a lot to do in rural areas. Unlike in neighboring Sichuan or in Xinjiang, there are not a lot of economic opportunities in rural areas. As a result, the development model of Tibet has been much more urbanization-focused."

Stoopman at the European Institute for Asian Studies believes the challenge is to give those remaining in the rural areas support, even if there is an exodus to the cities.

"It is important to ensure these farmers and herdsmen, now often living isolated lives, have better access to healthcare and education in order to provide them with new skills. This would enable them to make their own decisions as to whether or not to leave the rural areas."

Although there are large reserves of minerals and extractive industries exist in Tibet, such industries suffer from a lack of transport links to take the resources to where they are needed.

Thomas Luedi, managing partner, energy and process industries for Asia at management consultants A.T. Kearney who is based in Shanghai, suggests that the region would find it very difficult to achieve the same success as the Inner Mongolia autonomous region in this field.

"Although Tibet is one of the largest copper regions in the country, the economic case for doing extensive mining there, given its remoteness, lack of infrastructure and distance to market does not really exist. There are many other areas of China that present greater opportunities to pursue. You have to ask whether it makes sense to do greenfield development with resources prices (as low) as they currently are."

Luedi says the greatest natural resource that Tibet has is its tourism and this is what it needs to develop the most. The number of domestic tourists has increased fivefold since 2007, according to the latest figures.

"Tibet has the same potential as the European Alpine valleys, the Scandinavian fjords or Kenya with its wildlife and safaris. I think much more can be done. Much of the opportunity is for domestic tourism but it could become a major international tourism area also."

For Yang at the China Tibetology Research Center, it is the Belt and Road Initiative that could transform the fortunes of the autonomous region over the next decade and longer.

"This initiative has the potential to promote economic development, investment, trade and consumption along its routes. Tibet can develop trade in the south with Nepal, India and further afield with Bangladesh and Burma," he says.

"It can also develop transit trade and be a major hub to these destinations for goods from the west of China, including Sichuan, Shaanxi, Qinghai and Gansu."

Stoopman, whose attendance at the recent forum was his second time in the autonomous region after first visiting in 2010, says the progress is already noticeable.

"Although there are clearly some challenges ahead - which mainly pertain to tensions between tradition and modernity - visible progress has been made in terms of infrastructure, poverty alleviation and access to education."

Zhang Zhaoqing, Zheng Jinqiang and Wang Keju contributed to this story.

andrewmoody@chinadaily.com.cn

A tourist takes a rest at the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The number of domestic tourists has increased fivefold since 2007, according to the latest figures. Fuli Yuanshi / For China Daily

(China Daily European Weekly 09/30/2016 page1)
Edgar Meyer, guest soloist for the Midland Symphony Orchestras season-opening concert Saturday, says that not working across musical genres would be odd.

A 2002 MacArthur Fellow and winner of several Grammy Awards, Meyer will solo with the MSO on his own Double Bass Concerto No. 1 and Bottesinis Concerto No. 2 for Double Bass at the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Midland Center for the Arts auditorium.

Asked about collaborating across several different styles of music, including not only classical but also bluegrass and jazz, Meyer said, It strikes me that the alternative is odd, i.e. to only study music within a narrow bandwidth. Seems a little like deciding to study classical music, but only classical music between 1850 and 1880.

Meyers collaborations include The Goat Rodeo Sessions, a 2011 album with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, mandolin player Chris Thile (soon to take up his duties as the new host of the radio show A Prairie Home Companion) and bluegrass musician Stuart Duncan. That album won two Grammy Awards, including Best Folk Album.

If one thinks of music as a language, the stylistic spectrum is much closer to a range of dialects than a collection of distinct tongues, Meyer said. Learning about a range of music affords the opportunity to compare similarities and differences, which is a gateway to exploring exactly how music works.

Meyer, 55, and Thile recorded two other albums in recent years and toured together extensively.

Most of the musicians that I find most interesting across time have not been confined to easy stylistic definitions, he said.

Other collaborators have included violinist Joshua Bell, banjo superstar Bela Fleck, bluegrass mandolinist/composer David Grisman and legendary fiddler Mark OConnor.

Meyer began studying the double bass at age 5 under the tutelage of his father, who directed the string orchestra program in the Oak Ridge, Tenn., school system. Among the other instruments he plays are the piano, dobro, mandolin, violin and banjo, but the bass has always been my voice, he said.

There is still a feeling of a blank canvas when playing and writing  I am interested to see where it will take me.

He describes the two works he will play with the MSO as being written by bass players who performed them. The easy way that they fit on the instrument is unlikely to be achieved by a person who does not play the instrument, and they are informed in other practical ways by the business of playing concerts.

Meyer describes the Bottesini concerto, not published until 1925  long after the composers death  as combining virtuosic elements (a la Paganini and Liszt) with Italian operatic sensibilities (such as Verdi and Rossini.

My concerto is informed by a combination of 18th and 19th century classical music and 20th century traditions that are ongoing, bluegrass and jazz in particular, Meyer said. The opening measures have a sound that is partially inspired by the playing of my remarkable dobro playing friend Jerry Douglas, and the main melody of the third movement is something I could imagine my equally remarkable friend Sam Bush coming up with on the violin or the mandolin.

Meyers other compositions include a double concerto for double bass and violin, a double concerto for bass and cello and a violin concerto. He is currently visiting professor of double bass at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

Also on the bill for Saturday nights concert are Finlandia by Sibelius  a tone poem celebrating Finland and its history, first performed in 1900  and Elgars Enigma Variations, an 1899 work consisting of 14 variations and an extended finale.

Tickets for the concert are $34 and $43 for adults and $15 for students; a special student rush ticket (available the day of the concert only) is $5. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mcfta.org or at the MCFTA ticket office, 800-523-7649.
A local FFA chapter recently was selected to compete for national recognition in an FFA Career Development Event at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo.

The Breckenridge FFA Chapter will send members to Indianapolis as they vie for national honors in the area of prepared public speaking. National support for the Prepared Public Speaking CDE is provided by Monsanto. FFA members who will represent the chapter in the event include Clarie Laurenz. The chapter advisor is Katie Eisenberger.
The Midland Police Department has announced the death of Patrol Lt. William Eickhoff.

Eickhoff passed away Tuesday night as a result of complications from cancer, the department reported on its Facebook page.

Lt. Eickhoff will be missed by all that knew him. Please keep his family, friends and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers. Rest easy Lt. Eickhoff, WE have the watch from here, police wrote.

Eickhoff joined the Midland Police Department as a patrol officer in September 2006, and served in that capacity until October 2012. He was promoted to sergeant in 2012, and in October 2014 was promoted to patrol lieutenant.

There is not yet information regarding funeral arrangements.
Chinese ambassador predicts growing ties with UK Updated: 2016-09-28 20:31 By Li Wensha and Zhao Siyuan in London(chinadaily.com.cn)

China's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Liu Xiaoming, used an ancient Chinese phrase when praising the power of "cooperation and concerted efforts" between the two nations in a speech on Tuesday night.

Addressing all walks of people, ranging from senior British officials including Chancellor Philip Hammond and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to Chinese community representatives and businessmen, Liu made the speech at a reception to mark China's National Day in London.

It was the seventh National Day reception the ambassador has hosted in Britain's capital. Liu summed up the "remarkable achievements in China-UK relations."

At top leadership level, the "super State Visit" to the UK by President Xi Jinping last October marked a significant milestone, according to Liu.

The ambassador also said he was "pleased to see that Prime Minister May attended the G20 Summit in Hangzhou and had a successful bilateral meeting with President Xi."

At ministerial level, Hammond has so far made four visits to China this year, first as Foreign Secretary and latterly as Chancellor. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his UK counterpart

Boris Johnson held a meeting during the UN General Assembly in New York last week.

The ambassador reiterated the "golden era" of the two nations' relations, which remained unchanged after the Brexit vote and UK's cabinet reshuffle.

He particularly referred to the recent approval of Hinkley Point nuclear plant deal, in which China has a significant investment, as the example of UK's welcoming environment for Chinese businesses.

In reciprocal manner, Chinese businesses "cast their vote of confidence" with continuing investments and contracts here in the UK after the referendum on June 24, according to the ambassador.

Before analyzing the future of bilateral relations, the ambassador quoted an ancient Chinese saying:

"If two people are of the same mind, their strength can cut through metal, and their consensus-based argument is as appealing as the fragrance of orchid flowers."

A slate of high-level exchanges can be expected in the upcoming months, according to Liu, in a move to further increase political mutual trust between the two nations.

Hammond will co-host with Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai the eighth China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, while Hunt is heading to China as co-host of the fourth-meeting of the China-UK High Level People to People Dialogue.

Meanwhile Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi will come to London for a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Johnson.

To contact the reporter: zhaosiyuan@chinadaily.com.cn
"Dont Get Around Much Anymore" is a Duke Ellington tune but it also applies to trading stocks. It is not that I lack energy or interest, but it has become too expensive. I still buy, but trading is a different matter. I want to look at this from both a micro and macro point of view. Micro means essentially "what is in it for me?" and macro is "what is in it for us all."

To me, micro means making money within risk and ethical parameters that I set. On ethics, I try not to be too self-righteous. My parents had no problem with American Tobacco although Dad quit smoking after the war when cigarettes went to 15 cents a pack. Over the last century, tobacco has been an outstanding investment but it is poison and I stay away. Gambling can be addictive but so is chocolate. No real ethical problem for me, but I really dont want to be part of it.

Certain television ads predict the imminent collapse of our financial world. If that happens, those who have traded their cash for gold and silver will be the smart ones. I do own a few shiny coins but there is a need inside me for my investments to work and not sit in some vault.

The macro issues are two. A few promote policies to bring equal poverty for all but most of us go for growth. We were younger, but was it really so much better 35 years ago? Rattletrap cars, tiny TVs, what is a laptop and mobile phones the size of WW II walkie-talkies. We really want to keep moving on. Next, even conservatives in their heart want a lot of government services. We need taxes. As the song goes, you cant have one without the other. In the past, I have made money trading one stock for another and Washington has taken its share in taxes. But not much lately. Why not?

I am not smart enough to time the market for quick bucks. My investment song is "Long time passing." I bought The Home Depot (HD) 15 years ago for $26 and today it trades for $126. That $100 a share gain feels really good. That has been about a 10 percent annual increase and in addition a stream of dividends of over 2 percent. Now, suppose I think some other investment will be better; how do I proceed? The government has its hand out for what is called a capital gains tax. For me, it is 23.8 percent on my $100 gain, leaving only $102 to reinvest. That new stock had better be really hot.

A couple of years ago, my tax rate was a lower 15 percent, which would have left me with $111. Some politicians say I am not paying enough and propose a 31.8 percent rate for me. That would leave me with just $94. With those rates, Im not getting around because I am locked in, locked up.

I am probably not going to quit my job if I think taxes are too high. If capital gains taxes are too high, I avoid them by not selling. In a 25-year run, my $6 Caterpillar stock is now $83; an even better gift from Grandfather ($2 Walgreens stock) has returned off the charts. Over 30 years, it is now $81. The tax system has us in a hammerlock if we want to trade.

Now the macro. Do we want investors like me to keep trading? Money goes to the Treasury and I suppose that is good, but more importantly there are lots of ideas out there that can make a better world. Ideas to become reality need to attract capital. In the 1970s, there was a movement called "the limits of growth" which said (in words from Oklahoma) "weve gone about as fer as we can go. The capital friendly 1980s showed the technology sun was just rising. I think it still is, but counterproductive tax policies will slow things down. You have traded the walkie-talkie for the phone in your pocket. What good ideas are in the heads of the innovative that need capital to be released?

Professors are good at spinning theories. For more money for the government and more progress? Lower capital gains rates. Any data to back this up? The infamous Bush tax cuts allegedly all for the rich came in 2003. The top 1 percenters' share of taxes paid increased from 32 to 37 percent. Capital gains reported went from $310 billion to $668 billion. The rich werent really that much richer but were buying and selling more freely because the tax penalty in realizing gains was lowered. The tax rate was lowered from 20 percent to 15 percent and revenue increased from $55 to $119 billion.
BLOOMINGTON  We can never have tomb much of a good thing at the annual Evergreen Cemetery Walk.

That maxim especially holds true for the 22nd edition of the event, which will return the dead to the living at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and again on Oct. 8 and 9.

"It's kind of an unofficial theme this year," notes Candace Summers, director of education at the McLean County Museum of History, which stages the annual event with Evergreen Memorial Cemetery and actors from the Illinois Voices Theatre group.

In addition to the eight movers and shakers from McLean County's past who'll speak to us anew, "we're really trying to focus on the monuments in the cemetery."

In particular, she adds, the work of two of the revived dead, Hamer Higgins (1840-1902), portrayed by Kevin Wickart, and Jacob Jung Sr. (1850-1933), played by Nick McBurney, whose firm, Higgins, Jung & Kleinau, endured for 80 years.

"They were the big firm here, not just designing monuments locally, but in other states, and in Canada. So they really were a big deal," Summers says. "Their sculptures were not just for the who's who of McLean County, but for anybody in all shapes and sizes, and all different kinds of materials ... something for anyone at any price."

Though Summers says it would take a monumental effort to locate all of the firm's stones in Evergreen, the Museum of History got a big lending hand a couple of years ago when it was donated a record book from the Kleinau archives.

That has proved "a real treasure trove of knowledge," assisting the museum in not only figuring out what person is buried under what monument created by the company, but also an account of the materials (marble, granite) used.

"There's even a secret price code for each monument, which was used to keep the competition at bay," notes Summers. "We really do wish we knew about all their monuments, but we currently only have three books, which cover about a 20-year period of their 80 years in business."

For visitors to this year's cemetery walk, a selection of 25 of the known Higgins, Jung & Kleinau monuments will be tagged for our perusal and pointed out by tour guides for our edification.

"This is something we've never done before on the walk," she says, "and frankly I'm surprised."

In addition to the stories of Higgins, who arrived in Bloomington in 1868 with only $10 in his pocket, and Jung, who was likewise penniless when he teamed with Higgins, this year's Evergreen Cemetery Walk also feature the returns of:

The team of Samuel White (1847-1917), played by John Bowen, and Paul Moratz (1866-1939), played by John Fischer in his walk debut. Their paired performance (for the weekend tours only) will highlight White's role as the house furniture manufacturer whose crowning glory was turning a cow pasture into one of the city's most desirable areas, White Place, with its famous arched entrance bearing his name, and Moratz's role as the noted B-N architect who designed a number of White Place residences.

Ethel Murray (1917-1990), played by Claron Sharrieff, the school girl subjected to segregation "who took no guff from nobody," says Summers. "She never held back her feelings when she was confronted by an injustice ... and she always tried to see the good in everyone and everything, even when things were not so good with a lot of segregation going on in the area."

Jennie Thompson (1860-1924), played by longtime Cemetery Walk veteran Kathleen Kirk, who devoted her life to ministering to the sick and infirm, including the flu epidemic of 1918. The last 16 years of her life were spent as a field worker for the Day Nursery and Settlement Association, which endures today as the Milestones Early Learning Center.

John Jackman (1816-1896), played by J. Michael Grey in his walk debut, spent more than 40 years in railroading, arriving in Bloomington in 1864, taking a position as superintendent of machinery for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Shops. "He was also an amateur actor who loved to perform on stage to raise money for local charities," says Summers.

Richard Shipley (1903-1973), played by Jeremy Stiller, one of the walk's first circus performers without an aerialist background, notes Summers. "He was an elephant trainer, which is a unique part of the circus story here that people don't hear about, including what exactly a trainer does with elephants and the dangers that are inherent working with such large creatures."
BLOOMINGTON  Closing arguments are scheduled for next week in the bench trial of a Bloomington man accused of shooting another in a 2014 dispute over a gambling debt.

Deonte Jordan, 21, was charged with attempted murder, armed robbery and aggravated battery with a firearm in the December 2014 incident in the 900 block of West Washington Street.

Closing arguments are set for Tuesday before Judge Scott Drazewski.

In testimony Wednesday, victim Joshua Corbert identified Jordan as the man who shot him several times at his apartment after a dispute over gambling proceeds. The men had played dice earlier in the day, he said.

Bloomington Detective Todd Wolcott testified Thursday that Corbert also picked Jordan from a lineup shown to him by police as he was recovering in a Peoria hospital.

A photograph of Corbert on the witness stand, posted Wednesday on Facebook, drew the attention of the McLean County Sheriff's Department, the agency responsible for security of the McLean County Law and Justice Center.

Sheriff Jon Sandage said a woman admitted taking the photo with her cellphone and posting it on social media. She was removed from the building; a report will be sent to the state's attorney's office for review for possible intimidation and contempt of court charges, said Sandage.

Jordan's co-defendant, Herman Adair, 22, pleaded guilty last year to obstruction of justice for giving police a false name for Jordan. He is serving probation.

A public safety camera installed by Bloomington police on West Washington Street produced footage that reportedly assisted detectives with their investigation into the shooting.

Jack McQueen, supervisor of the police department's crime and intelligence analysis unit, explained his work on the video to Drazewski on Thursday.

Several segments of the video time-stamped for the two-hour period before the shooting were played in court. The video showed several men getting out of a vehicle in the 800 block of West Washington near the apartment where the victim was shot.

A passer-by found Corbert lying in a pool of blood in the street, according to police testimony.

Prosecutors Ashley Scarborough and David Spence also played portions of a videotaped police interview of Corey Jackson, a witness in the case.

In the video, Jackson became emotional when asked to identify Jordan from a photo lineup the day after the shooting. In court Wednesday, however, he identified the suspect from the lineup but did not connect him to the shooting.

The witness acknowledged during the interview that was afraid of the suspect.

Wolcott admitted under questioning by defense lawyer Ron Lewis that Jackson was shown a photo of a gun during their interview even though a weapon was never found during the investigation.
NORMAL  First Student has until Nov. 1 to sort out McLean County Unit 5's busing problems or face termination of its contract with the Normal-based school district.

That contract says Unit 5 has until Oct. 1 to tell First Student it will end the contract June 30, but school board members sent an ultimatum after press time Wednesday: push the notice until Nov. 1, or the option will be used now.

"(The extension) is not only in the best interest of First Student, its in the best interest of Unit 5, and we are going to accept it, said Bub Rutkoski, area general manager for First Student, on Thursday.

The board voted 6-1, with Joe Cleary voting "no," to extend the termination notice deadline. The board then voted unanimously that a notice be issued immediately if First Student does not accept the Nov. 1 date.

Cleary moved to issue a termination notice immediately, but the motion died when no one seconded it.

First Student asked Wednesday for a Dec. 1 deadline. Officials appeared before the board with a detailed plan to correct issues with late and missing buses that started after the district reorganized its routes this fall to cut costs.

First Student has provided buses, drivers and monitors for the district since 2013, when Unit 5 laid off its in-house transportation staff.

District staff is now preparing a request for proposals (RFP) for bus service starting 2017-18. That RFP could be issued immediately once the board decides to terminate the First Student contract, if that happens.

"That's why it's important to have a decision made no later than mid-November, allowing companies then to work on that  to bid, and to prepare for the 2017-18 school year," said Superintendent Mark Daniel.

Pressed by ongoing complaints of late and overcrowded school buses, officials from the Cincinnati-based contractor appeared Wednesday before the board and an audience of about 100 people at Normal Community West High School.

We heard you loud and clear in September and we sensed the frustration with the district and the community and at that time, we threw all of our resources at this, Rutkoski told those at the meeting.

First Student officials said they had been working on a plan involving the union that represented Unit 5 school bus drivers before First Student took over.

The district has been fielding complaints about bus service since school started last month, and officials noted they still received complaints as of Wednesday.

Board members talked with Rutkoski and First Student Senior Vice President Roger Moore for more than 90 minutes Wednesday night, asking pointed questions.

Rutkoski, in turn, apologized and then outlined a detailed plan to alleviate the problems.

One of the major components to the plan, he said, was reaching an agreement with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which was in the process of negotiating its first contract for bus drivers and monitors with Unit 5 when the district opted to hire First Student.

We couldnt fight a two-sided war, Rutkoski said. By working with them, instead of against them, we are committed to changing the culture.

The agreement has not yet been ratified by the union.

Still, Unit 5 board members had concerns Wednesday night about giving First Student too much leeway.

We have to get to the point where we can trust (First Student) to give us a quality, sustainable bus service, said board member Mike Trask. You have to show us day in and day out.

"What I am looking for is that First Student can fix the current problems and sustain that through the end of the contract," he said. "If it doesnt work out, we will strike and strike quickly.

Board members also criticized First Student about its lack of effort to fix the problems until mid-September.

Rutkoski said First Student has received 43 new applications for bus drivers in the past two weeks and believes the driver shortage will be solved in the coming weeks.

About 100 people attended the meeting, including several bus drivers. Some parents, such as Jessica Dennis of Normal, pleaded with the board to get the situation fixed quickly.

Our students are the future of this town, she said, and we have to get them to school.

Teacher contract OK'd

In another matter, the board approved a two-year contract with the Unit Five Education Association, the union representing the district's teachers.

The agreement calls for an increase in the base salary by 0.5 percent and, as in the previous contract, a delay in "steps," the teachers' movement up the seniority-based pay scale. The new deal calls a step up the scale halfway through the school year and a step freeze in the second year.

What that amounts to is a half-step increase in compensation for the year, said Curt Richardson, Unit 5's director of human resources and attorney. Its not a full step since it is halfway through the school year.

"We are paying part of the year at one amount and part of the year at another amount.

The current annual base salary for a beginning teacher with no experience and just a bachelors degree is $34,614, which represents an increase of 1.5 percent of the $34,100 under the previous contract.

In addition, health insurance contributions from the district will remain at $500 per month in the first year of the deal and increase to $525 during the second year.
By the time you are hired as a school or company administrator, you've taken  and passed  a lot of tests.

But the one test seemingly missing from the resumes of Unit 5 and First Student leaders is likely the most important: common sense.

How else do you explain firing a bus driver, but then reassigning him as a bus monitor, particularly in the midst of a community uproar about student transportation that was poorly designed and even more poorly executed?

Our criticism is aimed not at the bus driver  who unfortunately has become a rallying point for the argument  but his employers and those who signed off on the job transfer.

The driver was fired by First Student several weeks ago after the bus he was driving was involved in a three-vehicle accident. The driver was issued a ticket; turns out, he had four other tickets issued since 2008. He'd been working for First Student for two years.

To rehire or transfer an employee to another job in the same field, despite the overt kindness, is unfair to the families and other drivers with whom First Student and Unit 5 work. In the business world, if someone is unable to perform the duties for which he was hired, the lack of performance should be noted in evaluations and employers work with them to improve performance. If the person cannot meet those goals, he should taken off the payroll. And once a person is fired, he's fired.

First Student and Unit 5 seem trapped in a quagmire of an inability to find and train qualified drivers and a continued inability to get their students to and from school and school events on time and with a minimum of fuss. Perhaps those concerns overshadowed the common sense needed in this case.

According to stories written by Edith Brady-Lunny, Unit 5 attorney Curt Richardson said the district "requested the driver be removed from Unit 5 routes because we understand it was a preventable accident."

The driver "was terminated per our normal processes and protocols," First Student spokesman Chris Kemper told the newspaper, but "after a subsequent conversation with the district the decision was jointly made to rehire him as a monitor."

Unit 5 told The Pantagraph it approved a request from First Student to allow the former driver to work as bus monitor. District officials did not mislead the public about the driver's termination, which only applied to his employment as a bus driver, the district told the newspaper.

If this gobbledygook and run-around were between a student and a teacher, you can bet someone would end up in the principal's office.

In the meantime, district students and their families remain unnecessarily upset and confused by a transportation problem that never should have occurred.
Description

Chipotle Mexican Grill will host a fundraiser across all Long Island Chipotle locations for Sustainable Long Island, a non-profit dedicated to building safer, stronger, healthier and more vibrant Long Island communities. When customers dining at any of these locations mention the fundraiser at the register, Chipotle will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to support the organizations initiatives.

Date: Thursday, September 29

Time:11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m,
Troubled couples go away for the holidays with their children in an attempt to mend the marriage and reconnect with each other. A new study, however, found that these vacations tend to push troubled couples towards divorce rather than rekindling their love and commitment to each other.

According to a research published in August after being conducted by sociologists from the University of Washington, there is a "seasonal, biannual pattern" of divorce filings. After analyzing divorce filings between 2001 and 2015, the researchers found that the number of filings surged in March and August, which are months that follow winter and summer holidays.

These vacations (e.g. Christmas holidays and camping or hiking trips with the kids) appear to be highlighting couples' tensions and conflicts. Julie Brines, an associate sociology professor, said that married couples have the tendency to "face the holidays with rising expectations" even though they felt disappointments in the marriage in recent years. Holidays have an optimistic air around them and often represent periods in the year when change and new beginnings occur.

Despite the hope and merriment that the holiday spirit brings, it is also a time when couples become stressed and emotionally stretched, which then exposes the already existing cracks in the marriage. Thus, unhappy couples feel disappointment when the vacations don't live up to what they expect, pushing them to realize that their marriage is beyond repair and it's time to divorce.

Divorce filings often occur in August, which is after the family vacation and before children return to school. As for why divorce risk also increases in March (a few months after the winter holidays), Brines said that it's because some couples devote all those months to fixing the family's finances, finding a lawyer, and summoning the courage to actually push through with the divorce.

The same factors apply in the summer period, too. But the divorce peak in August can also be attributed to the start of the school year, which pushes couples with children to make haste with the proceedings.

In the United States, the divorce rate is 3.2 per 1,000 in the 45 reporting states and in the District of Columbia, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A research estimated that 40 to 50 percent of first marriages and 60 percent of second marriages in the country will be divorced. The risk factors of divorce include: marrying at a young age, low educational attainment, low income, premarital cohabitation, premarital childbearing and pregnancy, insecurity about oneself and one's self-worth, no religious affiliation, and parents' divorce.
Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton arrived in Canada on Saturday for their eight-day tour. Son and daughter, George and Charlotte, followed the prince and duchess in tow. Many are curious about how the two parents do the parenting especially during their travels.

There was one time in their way to Canada when Kate crouched down to talk to George and have him engaged by a parenting technique called active listening, Daily Mail reports. Such parenting method, however, is said to be not a priority by Queen Elizabeth, who was said to have reprimanded Prince William for squatting down to speak to George when the Colour ceremony was going on. It was when the Queen told the Prince to "stand up" as an immediate command.

Active listening is a chief skill you can use for kids, according to the Center for Parenting Education. The Duchess understands that she needed to hear the son's disappointment and frustration before she reprimands. Such parenting allows the parent to acknowledge the child's dissatisfaction especially when there is a complaint that their friends have more freedom than they do, which is a common issue for royal kids.

CDC points out that active listening is important for the Parent-Child relationship. "When you actively listen to your young child, a strong relationship develops. As your child grows, if you continue to actively listen to her, your relationship will continue to get stronger. A strong relationship with your child will make it more likely she will talk with you about her hopes and problems when she is older," according to CDC. One way to let a child feel that he or she matters (through active listening) is by repeating some important lines that they said. This way, the child knows that you are truly listening.

Parenting methods differ and as for the royal family in England, there are variations to be observed. Nonetheless, no one can question the Queen or the Duchess about their method because they are the ones who primarily know their kids well.
An Indiana woman is accused of killing her two children after the two kids were found dead inside a car. The mother of the suspect said in a recent statement that she is not surprised with what her daughter is charged of as she described her as evil and crazy.

The woman, identified as Amber Pasztor, is facing murder charges. The two children were the subject of an Amber Alert issued on Monday in Elkhart, Indiana before their dead bodies were found. Aside from the two children, a 66-year-old man was also killed. The Allen County Coroner's Office identified the man as Frank Macomber and is believed to have been traveling with Pasztor when she abducted her children. Macomber died of gunshot wounds, Komo News reported. The two children died of asphyxiation.

The children were identified as 6-year-old Rene Pasztor and 7-year-old Liliana Hernandez. Police officials were called at the home where the two children had been living with their grandparents. Hours later, Amber approached an Elkhart police officer who was leaving the police station and told him about the two bodies in her car. The two children are believed to be those in the Amber alert, but their identities are yet to be confirmed via autopsies, which were scheduled on Tuesday.

Amber is now in custody at the Elkhart County Correctional Facility. She reportedly does not have legal custody over her children and it remains unclear what prompted her to abduct and kill her two kids. She also has one more child, a 3-year-old, who was not abducted.

The father of Amber has legal custody over the children as she reportedly has battled drug addiction. In July, she was charged for criminal trespassing. In September, she was charged with invasion of privacy.

People reported that the mother of Amber said that her daughter was crazy. The mother of Amber added, "I think her thought was, 'If she can't have them, nobody can.'" The children have been with the grandparents for a year now.

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"The Exorcist" is based on a novel by William Peter Blatty in 1971. It also based on the 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin. While the story is not new to the viewers, the TV series shows a different plot and twist that makes it even more thrilling.

The thriller series kickstarted with a Chicago priest, Father Tomas (played by Alfonso Herrera), who sermonizes at St. Anthony. One of his parishioners, Angela Rance (played by Geena Davis), asked Father Tomas to come to her home because she claims that her daughter Kat (played by Brianne Howey) is being possessed by a demon.

Meanwhile in Mexico, Father Marcus (played by Ben Daniels) is performing an Exorcism to a child that he believes to be possessed by a demon. While the exorcism was happening, Father Tomas was having a vision of that same exorcism. Because of his visions, he started seeking for answers.

Father Tomas has decided to come see Father Marcus to ask if the demon is real. He told Father Marcus what he has seen in his visions and that's when he realized that it was not just a vision, it was real.

Father Tomas decided to head to Angela Rance's home to check on her daughter Kat when the ceiling to the attic has opened. Father Tomas went up to the attic and saw a possessed woman, but it was not Kat, it was Kat's sister Casey (played by Hannah Kasulka). The show ended with a terrifying twist.

The creator and executive producer Jeremy Slater said at the Television Critics Association, "There's been 40 years of inferior copies to dilute the source material. The images used too often they lost power to shock. It's a blessing and curse because it forces you to write better, to find new ways to creep people out", according to TV Guide.

Geena Davis who plays Angela Rance on the show said on an interview, "I hope people will realize that it's not a remake of the movie in any way." She also mentioned, "I think for a large percentage of the population, "The Exorcist" is the scariest movie ever and it started everything", reported by Business Insider.

"The Exorcist" is directed by Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes). The next episode is scheduled to air on Friday, 9pm on FOX.
The 93-year old comic legend will be making cameos on the upcoming Marvel movies. Stan Lee is set to make an appearance an appearance in four different films as a cameo all on one day.

Kevin Feige, the Marvel Studios president was placed in awe as he was able to witness the comic book legend on the roll. Stan Lee already appeared on 26 cameos, and it seems that he has no plans of retiring just yet as by Collider's Report.

"We do not shoot random ones. They're always specific. A couple of months ago in Atlanta, [Lee] flew down and we shot four in one day - for four various projects. They're all awesome! They're all totally different. And he was unbelievable. He was on fire. He came in, he sat here, he stood there, he stood in this window, and then he went home."

Kevin Feige then announced that his cameo roles were for "Doctor Strange," "Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2," "Spider-Man: Homecoming." The fourth film is yet to be announced, but it is most likely for "Avengers: Infinity War" according to ComicBook.

As of the latest update in regards to the upcoming Marvel films, "Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2," already wrapped. As for "Spiderman: Homecoming," it is still in production but they're almost on the wrap. "Thor: Ragnarok" is already in the works as they shoot on Australia.

Aside from these big screen cameos, Stan Lee was also spotted on a Netflix series. ComicBook highlighted that the legend was spotted in Netflix's "Luke Cage." Aside from the upcoming series, he also made an appearance on the "Agents of SHIELD."

As for Stan Lee's net worth, though it was announced that Stan Lee has $200 million in terms of his wealth, the legend slammed these claims stating that he does not have such amount. According to Playboy, Stan Lee opened up about his net worth stating that he does not have much compared to what was written on the headlines.

"My daughter was looking at the internet the other day and read that Stan Lee's net worth is $250 million," Stan Lee said. "I mean, that's ridiculous! I don't have $200 million. I don't have $150 million. I don't have $100 million or anywhere near that."
A shooting took place at a South Carolina elementary school injuring two students and a teacher and killing one man, who is said to be the father of the suspect. The perpetrator was arrested without incident.

According to reports, the father of the suspect, 47-year-old Jeffrey Osborne, was found shot to death at a home near the elementary school. The teenager, who has not been named, was armed with a pistol. The school was identified as Townville Elementary School in Townville, South Carolina at around 1:45 p.m.

The shooter, who has not been identified yet, is said to be home schooled and went to the school grounds to carry out the shooting. He shot two male students -- one was hit in the hand while the other was hit on the foot. The teacher who was shot is a female and suffering from a gunshot wound on the shoulder, the Huffington Post reported.

The sheriff's office handling the case said that the suspect has no known relationships with any of the victims at the Townville Elementary School. They are also not treating the case as an act of terrorism or racially-linked motive since all the victims are white, according to the Guardian.

The children at the school of around 300 reportedly hid in bathrooms after shots rang out. The school was evacuated after the incident in order to check if there were other perpetrators in the area. Townville Elementary School has kindergarten through sixth grade students.

A statement from South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was released in which she said they will make sure to provide the support that people need regarding the investigation of what led to the shootings. She has asked people to pray for the entire Townville Elementary School family and those affected by the tragedy, while the investigation is ongoing.
As America stayed glued to the television for the first-ever 2016 U.S. Elections presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump last Monday, Sept. 26, children were also observing how it played out. These kids might be too young to cast their votes but they sure have a lot to say about the way the candidates behaved during the debate.

Some 16 student council leaders from middle schools in New Jersey were asked about what they have seen from the debate and many said that the presidential hopefuls were not in their best behavior. Donald Trump's constant interruption of Hillary Clinton didn't escape the kids, who cited Trump was rude and disrespectful. However, some of the children also observed that Clinton seemed to be laughing at Trump's ideas and came off as arrogant.

The children thought that Hillary Clinton generally did a better job over Donald Trump in the first debate, but majority said that this election is the most frustrating. "The thing that makes me most frustrated is how they're treating each other like enemies, like they don't even respect each other, and they don't have any tolerance for each other when they're talking," seventh grader Jade Hieger told CNN.

The kids proposed that the presidential candidates should probably fight less in the next debate, which happens Oct. 9. "They should let the candidates speak and then tell what they want to do but propose a plan on stage," eighth grader Michael Usatine said.

SheKnows Media also asked another group of kids about their observation of the first presidential debate. Most of them believed that Hillary Clinton did better than Donald Trump. Watch the children discuss the debate at the end of this article.

Meanwhile, Quartz reports that some parents have deliberately not let their children watch the debate for fear that it would require explaining the candidates' behavior at great lengths. However, this can be a good teaching moment, especially for teenagers, to show them the best ways to say their opinion without being disrespectful
Hollywood is rebooting "Tomb Raider" for the big screen and it is scheduled to run in 2018. Cast as Lara Croft is the latest It Girl, Academy-award winning actress Alicia Vikander. The character was previously played by Angelina Jolie in 2001 that comparisons between the two stars cannot be avoided. But how different will Alicia Vikander's Lara Croft be different from Angelina Jolie's take?

Cinema Blend talked with Crystal Dynamics executive Rich Briggs, whose company is behind the newest "Tomb Raider" games that were revived beginning 2013. The 2018 movie is supposedly based on these games and it will be a "modern survival-action origin story timeline as opposed to the classic [Lara Croft]."

In these versions, Lara Croft is just learning and figuring out what she can do. She's not yet the "Tomb Raider" and hasn't honed her skills as an archeologist and treasure hunter. She's challenged by her limitations and lack of resources, but this will help show the viewers the origins of Lara Croft.

Lara Croft's physical appearance in "Tomb Raider" 2018 is also different from the more confident and mature Lara Croft in the earlier "Tomb Raider" movie with Angelina Jolie. In the new version, she's wearing more practical clothes. Viewers expecting to see Lara Croft in her trademark shorts won't see this in Alicia Vikander.

Alicia Vikander said that she used to play the old "Tomb Raider" games as a kid and loved it because it featured a female protagonist. Now that she's taking on the character's origin story, she hopes the movie "will bring something new and fresh that'll stand on its own two legs," the actress told Hit Fix. "You get into an emotional aspect of getting to know Lara hopefully in an in-depth way," she added.

The new "Tomb Raider" with Alicia Vikander is going to be directed by Roar Uthuag. Its official theater date is set for March 16, 2018.
"Madam Secretary" Season 3 will see Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni) try to convince President Conrad Dalton (Keith Carradine) change his views about climate change and foreign policy. This would seemingly put the President in a political dilemma.

Elizabeth herself will also face a problem to solve. Her family will purportedly face a security breach that would require her negotiation skills to peacefully turn the power over to Algeria to prevent civil war.

The Secretary of State believes that a change in the foreign policy and climate change approach would help the naval base in Bahrain to recover after it has been hardly hit by a storm. This will cause Elizabeth to convince the President to make a change in his policy. However, President Dalton knows that changing his position on such political views could risk his could jeopardize his chance to be re-elected as the President in "Madam Secretary" Season 3.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth will be seen dealing with security problems in "Madam Secretary" Season 3 as Jason's (Evan Roe) computer has been hacked. Because of this, Elizabeth will give her children their own security details. Additionally, the breach is suggested to be caused by Elizabeth's enemies so she will reportedly negotiate to carefully direct the power to the Algerian government to prevent war, Christian Post reported.

"Madam Secretary" Season 3 will also see the untimely death of the United States Ambassador Roy Curtis (Dakin Matthews). While Matthews leave the show, another actor will arrive as a series guest star.

Michael Boatman is expected to cast in Madam Secretary Season 3 as an FBI Director named Keith Doherty. He will apparently help further the investigation on Jason's computer breach.

"Madam Secretary" Season 3 is slated for an Oct. 2 release date. Morgan Freeman, who will also cast in the show as a guest star, is one of the executive producers behind the series. Freeman will also be directing the premiere episode of "Madam Secretary" Season 3, CBS reported.

Watch "Madam Secretary" Season 3 Teaser below.
Description

VetsBuild is a signature United Way of Long Island initiative dedicated to the support of veterans and their families in our community at no charge to the veteran. Participants complete their training at United Ways E3 SmartBuild Training Center, a state-of-the art facility equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide VetsBuild students with hands-on training in green construction and facility maintenance. Veterans may also qualify for advanced training scholarships at local colleges and technical schools, including assistance to start their own business. The initiative also helps veterans return to the workforce by offering job counseling and placement assistance through United Ways Business, Labor, & Employment Council.
Giving birth with the assistance of a midwife may seem to be the best option for some but studies reveal that it can actually do more harm than good. It was revealed that women who gave birth with the aid of midwives are more likely to experience a brain injury.

A study from the University of Otago revealed that there is a significant difference in terms of overall health from babies born with the assistance of a midwife and babies born with professional medical assistance. It was revealed that babies who were born with medical carers are less likely to suffer from oxygen deprivation and were 39 per cent less likely to develop a condition called neonatal encephalopathy according to Stuff.

During an interview, Sally Folley opened up about her midwife delivery experience, which ended up with a tragedy. Folley opened up stating that was lead to believe that the midwife knew what she was doing with helping Folley with her labor. Folley then added that she knew there was a problem but the midwife insisted that everything was normal.

Foley also added that during her labor, a specialist was present but she didn't assist her. She also cited that if it was the specialist who facilitated her labor, they could have saved her child as the midwife was not equipped to perform emergency procedures when it comes to child delivery.

"There was a specialist on the ward during my labor," Sally Foley said. "She was available and wasn't busy if she had been called she could have done certain things that could have saved his life. Things the midwife could never have done because she wasn't trained to do them. I feel in my heart that if she had been called he wouldn't have died. I really do believe that."

The study may seem relevant but New Zealand College of Midwives chief executive Karen Guilliland stated that the study was not fair as it did not explain the reason why the babies were unwell. Bronwen Pelvin, Ministry of Health principal advisor maternity stated that the study's result came out as a surprise, thus further investigation needs to be done.

"Essentially the study has compared midwife care with obstetrician care," Gilliland said as reported by The Guardian. "And studies have found midwives are more likely to look after poorer, sicker patients, who may register later, smoke or are Maori or Pacific. If you can afford to have an obstetrician you are not in that demographic."
Samsung just went with a dark experience with the exploding batteries of Galaxy Note 7. One thing that Samsung will surely work on is the battery for the upcoming phone Galaxy Note 8 along with the redesigned S Pen stylus with a new feature.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 had a lot of case of battery explosions and other issues. According to Khaleej Times, a total number of 27,000 Note 7 phones have been pulled off the UAE market due to battery issues - the battery limits only 60 percent charge.

Samsung has promised an update off the exchanged Galaxy Note 7 devices. "Any Galaxy Note7 device that shows a 'green' battery icon on the device notification bar, the 'Power Off' prompt screen or the Always-On Display can be assured that their device is safe for charging."

Samsung has also replaced 500,00 new Galaxy Note 7 phones with battery issues and called for replacement for the users in the United States. Samsung will surely work on the battery issues that declined the sale of Galaxy Note 7 and produce a battery for the upcoming Galaxy Note 8. Samsung fans have to wait until Samsung releases the news officially.

Apart from the battery upgrade, Samsung will also work on its pen - the S Pen Stylus making it better in the upcoming Galaxy Note 8. Although, the present pen has good features compared to its predecessor, Samsung has planned for a speaker system that would work differently depending on the position of the stylus. A report by Patently Mobile, "When the S Pen is docked, the sound will be emitted from the bottom of the stylus. When in use, the sound will come from the S Pen enclosure."

Since some years Samsung has been releasing Galaxy Note 7 phones between August and September. Galaxy Note 7 was released in August 2 to align it with Rio Olympics. Fans expect a similar date for Galaxy Note 8.
Aliens are believed to be myths but there are many sources who claim that aliens do exist. One amongst them is physicist Stephen Hawking who is very pessimist about aliens. Hawking believes that humans share the universe with aliens. And aliens are hostile and dangerous.

According to the astrophysicist, intelligent aliens may be rapacious marauders, roaming the cosmos in search of resources to plunder and planets to conquer and colonize. "One day, we might receive a signal from a planet like this," Hawking says in the documentary, referring to a potentially habitable alien world known as Gliese 832c. "But we should be wary of answering back. Meeting an advanced civilization could be like Native Americans encountering Columbus. That didn't turn out so well."

Recently, an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) over the Bristol Channel, in the island of Great Britain has been spotted and captured on thermal camera by a police helicopter. SomersetLive report suggests that it was flying 1000 ft. over the Bristol Channel around 9.30 pm on Saturday, September 24. The image captured suggests that it has the shape of a lantern. Various speculations about a crew of the errant green colored aliens have been doing rounds on the social networking site, Twitter. And what's more? The object remained invisible to the naked eye, fuelling the excitement surrounding its existence.

UFO conspiracy theorists reiterate that this documentation of the mysterious object by the South Wales police could be a definitive proof of aliens intending to visit our planet. The 7-minute footage has gone viral and the police are seeking for suggestions to resolve this mystery of the unseen life in the vast universe.

Time and again, visit of UFOs have remained controversial. While some claim to have seen UFOs and aliens, others deny their existence. Scientists, right from the time of Neil Armstrong have claimed the existence of life beyond the earth but none of these claims have gained substantial evidence to date. Reports suggest that such findings are deliberately hidden.

Amongst the numerous instances of extra-terrestrial life recorded over the years, the question remains, in the whole of the extensive universe, is it possible that earth is the only planet where life exists? The answer definitely not likely to be positive!
Apple has a bright future for London as it has agreed to lease office space at the Battersea Power Station, near the River Thames in Southwest of London. The iPhone maker will move 1,400 staff to the soon to be "Apple campus".

Apple will occupy nearly 500,000 square feet across six floors of office space for its employees at the central Boiler House, Battersea Power Station. The company will be the biggest tenant at the complex. Apple is looking forward to the opening of the new "London campus" in 2021.

Apple's main headquarters in Cork, Ireland will still remain where it employs 6,000 people. The company's soon-to-be headquarters in Battersea Power Station, London will be one of its biggest headquarters outside United States, according to Evening Standard UK.

Once the 42-acre Battersea Power Station is complete, the space is estimated at more than 8.5 million square feet. It is London's most prominent development project. The owners behind the 9 billion project are Malaysian shareholders Sime Darby, SP Setia and The Employees Provident Fund.

The chief executive of the Battersea Power Station Development Company said in an interview, "We are delighted Apple chose to make this their home in 2021." He added, "It is a testament to not only the fantastic building but the wider regeneration of the 42-acre site, which offers a carefully curated mix of homes, businesses and leisure amid extraordinary open spaces and new transport links."

Next year, Apple will open its "Apple Campus 2" in Cupertino, California with its concept as "spaceship" due to is circular-shaped design with glass details. The facility is said to have 2.8 million square feet of office space for more than 12,000 employees. Apple's Campus 2 will also be completely powered by renewable energy and will be generated by 700,000 square feet of solar panels including small fuel cells, reported by Fortune.

The new campus in Cupertino will also have more than 7,000 trees, an underground parking, new auditoriums, on-campus restaurants and 100,000 square-feet corporate fitness center for their employees. The parking structures itself will reach 2 million square-feet. Construction appears well enough to be able to move to their schedule, which is next year.
Smartphones like the LG Nexus 5X, Huawei Nexus 6P and the Pixel C tablet was first to enjoy the benefits of Google's latest Android Operating System. Motorola owners meanwhile still left in the dark and are now asking when their devices will chew the Nougat. Well, the company says "soon."

In an interview with Droid Life, a Motorola representative said that the Nougat, or more commonly known to the tech world as Android 7.0 will reach "the Moto Z family and Moto G4 beginning in Q4". This would mean that Moto Z, Moto Z Force, Moto Z Play, Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus users should have the update in the following days.

Lenovo, who acquired Motorola from Google in October 2014, has been keeping a tight lid on the issue, but Neuro Gadget said that experts believe that Motorola is the next in line to receive the new Android 7.0 Nougat update. Last year, Motorola Smartphones received the Android Marshmallow shortly after Google first released it to their Nexus lineup. If the trend follows, "there is definitely a chance" that Motorola will be getting the Nougat "anytime soon."

Neuro Gadget also listed the Moto X, Moto X Style and Moto X Force in the Nougat update list for November. Other devices such as the Moto G4 Play and the third generations of the Moto G and Moto E will be scheduled "later on, perhaps early next year."

Other models like the Moto X Pure Edition and the Moto G roster, on the other hand, are still pending, said Motorola, but they will "share upgrade plans for other products and more specific timing later." The second generation Moto X won't be included since its processor is not compatible with new Nougat update.

Sources also said that these are only "tentative schedules" and that neither Lenovo nor Google have yet to release an official statement on the update. In addition, Google will only roll out the source codes of the Nougat to Smartphone manufacturers "later this month", and it should require them a "substantial amount of time" to customize the codes.
In this weeks presidential debate, when asked to speak on race, Donald Trump endorsed New York Citys stop and frisk policy. In order to understand how completely out of place his comments felt, lets start by looking at the question he was responding to:

HOLT: Well, were well behind schedule, so I want to move to our next segment.  And lets start by talking about race. The share of Americans who say race relations are bad in this country is the highest its been in decades, much of it amplified by shootings of African-Americans by police, as weve seen recently in Charlotte and Tulsa. Race has been a big issue in this campaign, and one of you is going to have to bridge a very wide and bitter gap. So how do you heal the divide? Secretary Clinton, you get two minutes on this.

Clinton responded first, talking about restoring trust between police and communities and about criminal justice reform. She was clearly engaging with the actual questionhow we respond to the concerns raised by Black Lives Matter. Trump, though, seemed to be responding to a completely different question. That is of course sometimes how debates like this gocandidates answer the question they wish they were asked, not the question they were actually asked. Lets see if we can figure out what question Trump thought he was responding to by reading his response:

TRUMP: Well, first of all, Secretary Clinton doesnt want to use a couple of words, and thats law and order. And we need law and order. If we dont have it, were not going to have a country. And when I look at whats going on in Charlotte, a city I love, a city where I have investments, when I look at whats going on throughout various parts of our country, whether its  I mean, I can just keep naming them all day long  we need law and order in our country. I just got today the, as you know, the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, we just  just came in. We have endorsements from, I think, almost every police group, very  I mean, a large percentage of them in the United States. We have a situation where we have our inner cities, African- Americans, Hispanics are living in hell because its so dangerous. You walk down the street, you get shot. In Chicago, theyve had thousands of shootings, thousands since January 1st. Thousands of shootings. And Im saying, where is this? Is this a war-torn country? What are we doing? And we have to stop the violence. We have to bring back law and order. In a place like Chicago, where thousands of people have been killed, thousands over the last number of years, in fact, almost 4,000 have been killed since Barack Obama became president, over  almost 4,000 people in Chicago have been killed. We have to bring back law and order. Now, whether or not in a place like Chicago you do stop and frisk, which worked very well, Mayor Giuliani is here, worked very well in New York. It brought the crime rate way down. But you take the gun away from criminals that shouldnt be having it. We have gangs roaming the street. And in many cases, theyre illegally here, illegal immigrants. And they have guns. And they shoot people. And we have to be very strong. And we have to be very vigilant. We have to be  we have to know what were doing. Right now, our police, in many cases, are afraid to do anything. We have to protect our inner cities, because African-American communities are being decimated by crime, decimated.

Remember that the moderator asked about police shootings of unarmed black men, not about crime or crime rates. He asked how Trump would heal the divide. Trump had nothing on that front, apparently. Instead he responded to a different questionhow to lower crime rates in inner cities. He was talking about what many conservatives call black-on-black crime. To fix this problem, Trump called for more police, more policing, and more invasive police tactics. For a number of reasons, this makes no sense.

The homicide rate has been dropping steadily for three decades. Yes, it went up last year; criminologists arent certain why. But outside of select areas, were not seeing problems on the level Trump suggests, and even in those select areas, there are often locally specific reasons for what is happening. In Chicago, for instance, existing gangs on the south and west sides have splintered, and smaller gangs with newer alliances are fighting over turf. This is a very serious problem for the people who live in these areas, and the number of people who have been caught in the crossfire is tragic, but it is also specific to Chicago.

Is more police and more policing a good solution for a flashpoint like Chicago? Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel just pledged to add nearly a thousand new police, so he clearly thinks so. But part of the problem in Chicago is a lack of trust between residents of the heavily African American south and west side and the police. Black residents point to the death of Laquan MacDonald, or to a recent police chase that involved officers shooting at a fleeing car thief suspect through residential areas. Many African Americans on the south and west side point to discriminatory treatment by the police and express concern about excessive use of force.

In 2012, an off-duty police officer approached four individuals who had just left a party in a west side neighborhood and, without identifying himself as a police officer, remonstrated them for being so loud. He then shot and killed 22-year-old Rekia Boyd, one of the four. He claimed he mistook her cell phone for a gun, and was acquitted.

In 2014, a police officer shot and killed 17-year-old Laquan McDonald on the southwest side. Laquan had a knife and was walking away from the officer in a non-threatening manner when he was shot by an officer standing ten feet away. The officer fired 16 bullets into his body and continued shooting after Laquan had fallen to the ground. The officer was indicted on six counts of first-degree murder and is going to trial, but the mayor remains under fire for delaying the release of the tapes to protect his reelection campaign.

In 2015, an officer responding to a domestic dispute on the west side shot and killed a familys 19-year-old son and, unintentionally, a 55-year-old female neighbor. When the teens family pressed charges, racist text exchanges between the officer and a friend were unearthed. The officer has counter-sued the city for lack of training and bad information, and the city is fighting back, urging the judge to drop the countersuit. The case is not yet settled.

In 2016, two police officers repeatedly fired at a car driven by an 18-year-old suspected car thief as they chased it through a south side residential neighborhood. Ultimately, an officer shot the suspect in the back when he exited the car and attempted to flee the scene. In filling out a report afterwards, the officer claimed the suspect had fired shots, but the suspect was unarmed and authorities believe the shots were fired by other officersagain, in a residential neighborhood.

Trumps solution is to throw in more police. Im not denying that there is a problemblack community leaders on the south and west sides are no happier with the devastation created by inter-gang violence than those in any other community would be. But theres actually a second problem that Trump seems blind tothe over-willingness of police to use force and the profiling of African Americans (and especially African American youth) as criminal and dangerous. Adding police wont fix this unless we change the way policing happens; creating a blatantly unconstitutional stop-and-frisk policy would only make this problem worse.

Of course, Trump has made no secret of where his loyalties liehe constantly boasts about the support he has from police unions and praises the sacrifices of police, a clear statement against the Black Lives Matter movement. What is perhaps baffling is that Trump can be in favor of racial profiling and police use of force while simultaneously claiming to care so deeply about the safety of African American communities from gang violence and homicides. But then, Trump isnt actually speaking to black communities.

By ignoring police brutality and focusing instead on gang-related inner-city homicides, Trump has found a way to soundly reject the Black Lives Matter movement while still claiming, for the benefit of his white audience, to care about the safety and wellbeing of African Americans and other minorities. What Trump is doing is no different from the deflection that occurs when white Americans respond to Black Lives Matter by bringing up black-on-black crime. In fact, it is exactly that deflection. This deflection is dangerous because it allows individuals to ignore the concerns of African American communities while simultaneously patting themselves on the back for caring about black Americans safety and wellbeing.

These two problemspolice brutality and gang violenceare not isolated problems. Theyre inter-related, and not in the way you might thing. The term black-on-black crime actually originated within the African American community as a way to talk about racially discriminatory policing.

In December of 1970, Chicago Daily Defender columnist Warner Saunders wrote about getting invited to speak at a seminar on black-on-black crime. To prep for the talk, he caught up with a neighborhood hustler named Fast Willie and asked him why he robbed and beat up black people who are brothers. Willies response was an early indication of what we need to know about the supposed black-on-black phenomenon: We go where the business is and where the man aint looking. Can you see me going up to Deerfield, black as I am, trying to stick up? The man would be on me so fast I couldnt get a chewing gum wrapper. Out here the man is too busy whooping them Panthers and giving tickets to mess with me. Any way, he dont care if niggers get ripped off. But you can bet hes watching his thang back in his own hood. Deerfield is a north Chicago neighborhood thats historically been predominantly white, and is 96 percent white today. The rest of Willies testimony is self-explanatory: He commits crimes against other African Americans because thats who lives around himand thats what police will let him get away with.

Many black communities are both over-policed and under-policed. This summer, when a black rapper attempted to report that he had been robbed at gunpoint to the Chicago Police Department, he saw his complaint belittled by officers. And then there is the opposite issueAfrican Americans who report domestic disturbances face the very real chance that officers will shoot a loved one rather than deescalating a tense situation. This is especially the case for African Americans with mental health issues. The result is that many African Americans dont trust in the ability of police to fix problems in their communities.

What Trump and his supporters are missing is that it is not possible to effectively respond to and address crime in African American communities without also (and perhaps first) addressing racial discriminatory policing. But then, many white Americans are probably happy living in a country where the police function as an occupying force in African American communities. And its these Americans that were Trumps primary audience Monday night.
For the Christian there is an inherent danger to involving ourselves in any kind of political discussion. We are supposed to love both our political neighbor and our political enemy. Politics and love how can those things go together? I have a few ideas.

First, Christians must check our citizenship. We are first and foremost citizens of the kingdom of God, then of our particular country, and those two can never become the same thing.

Second, Christians must ask whether our primary identification is with the people of God or a political party? If we hold our identity as a Democrat or Republican more precious, or more ultimate than our membership in our church, then we have derailed and should disaffiliate with party until we get it straight.

Third, the primary Christian confession is Jesus is Lord. If Jesus is Lord, the president, the country, the flag, the party is not. We do not trust in presidents or nations or political parties for our future. We trust the Lord.

Christians must always begin any political discussion with those three confessions: My primary citizenship is with the kingdom of heaven, not a particular nation-state. My primary identification is with the church, not a party. Jesus is Lord, not the president or political leaders. Only then can we enter into political discourse.

Lets say weve got those three things in place, how do we proceed? We proceed in the mode of Jesus: with love and charity, grace and compassion. That begins by valuing one another rightly, not by rejecting our own party affiliation or point of view. Heres what I mean.

As followers of Christ we are taught to see the good in other perspectives. Jesus refused to allow division among his followers, especially over party affiliation (see Zealots, Pharisees, Sadducees, & Essenes). The body of Christ is meant to be capacious, with room for all kinds of political ideas and conversations. The truth is we need liberals and conservatives to worship together as part of the same church. We need lefties, righties, and moderates all sharing a common life together, bringing the best of their perspectives to a conversation about how we organize our common life in this society.

We need Conservatives. The root word is conserve, or conservation. Conservation is at the heart of the Christian story. The conserver cares about our history. They care about our traditions and want to see our institutions thrive, that we shouldnt go tearing down walls until weve understood why they were built in the first place. Conservers believe that our past matters, and that we cant just let go of the way things have been simply because we value progress. Conservers want to emphasize personal responsibility and require everyone to show up and do their part instead of living off the government or becoming too dependent upon others. They value individual liberty and believe that the government can sometimes become a threat to liberty if it gets to large or too powerful. They believe everyone must do their part if we are to have a bright future. They believe that we must be vigilant, and will need to limit the role of government in terms of its ability to impose its will upon people. We need to applaud these concerns as wholly compatible with the kingdom of God.

We need Liberals: The root word is liberty, or liberation. Liberation is at the heart of the Christian story. Jesus was all about liberating people from bondage to anything but love. Liberals want freedom and equality for everyone regardless of race, religion, or creed. They want to rid society of modes of governance that allow the rich and powerful to flourish, while those who are poor and powerless can only suffer. They have high sensitivity to injustice, and want everyone to have the same opportunities. Liberals emphasize the group more than the individual. They want us to recognize that we are all interconnected. Liberals remind us that we are always dependent upon others, so everything we do impacts those around us, and the only way to make things better is to work together and sacrifice. They believe everyone must work together if we are to have a bright future. Liberals recognize that a good government is absolutely essential not only for the restraint of evil, but for the flourishing of a society, especially in regards to those who are suffering. We need to applaud these concerns as wholly compatible with the kingdom of God.

There are downsides to each group as well.

Conservatives can tend toward individualism and a lack of responsibility toward our fellow human beings. Conservatives tend to privilege the rich and powerful over the poor and marginalized. In the name of conserving our past, they can end up holding onto things that need to die off, like slavery or segregation.

Liberals can tend toward permissiveness that borders on the rejection of any kind of limits. No limits on the size of government, or on what a person can do in terms of moral behaviors. They tend to privilege the poor, which is good, but often are misguided in their efforts and create dependency or a lack of personal responsibility.

The kingdom of God hopes to take the best from both camps and mitigate the worst. This is not to say that God is a moderate. God transcends the divisions between left and right. For instance, God has created all of us with the ability to do our part and take responsibility for our lives. Nobody can deny this. However, we must acknowledge that God shares a special concern for the poor and marginalized. If you dont share that concern then you are at odds with Jesus.

So liberals and conservatives we need you all. We need your voices in the same congregation. The church breathes best when it breathes with both lungs. So, dont be silent. Speak your mind from your point of view. But at the end of the day we must remain committed to the fact that we are brothers and sisters. We have to stick together and love one another, even though we disagree about political issues. We must learn to compromise, and never allow ourselves to become hateful or cruel. We need to call forth the best from each other, and admit when we are wrong or spiteful.

The rest of our society seems to have lost the ability to say that both liberals and conservatives speak the truth sometimes. They are both positions of dignity and purpose. It is a sure sign of immaturity to refuse to recognize the truth in your political adversaries position. Our national leaders have all but lost this ability. We must never lose it. Our elected officials dont want to recognize that both sides can be true at the same time, because they are blinded by their hatred for one another. This is horrible immaturity. We must never stoop to that level.

The ability to learn to worship with someone you disagree with is vital to what it means to follow Jesus. The ability to listen and seek to understand and make space for friendship with those who hold differing views is a sign of maturity. We cannot put our brothers and sisters who are members of the opposite party in the place of the enemy. We need each other far too much for that.
Patna: In yet another sign of law and order taking a backseat in Bihar, MBBS students of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (IGIMS) in Patna on Wednesday beat up a cop who was allegedly demanding bribe from those who were found riding on their two-wheelers without the use of helmet.

{gallery}newsimages2016/sept/092816_2{/gallery}The incident occurred just outside the IGIMS in Raja Bazaar when Anil Kumar, an Assistant Sub-inspector, tried to stop some scooter and motorcycle drivers for riding without helmets. As alleged by the students, Kumar was asking for bribe money to let the drivers go without a ticket or fine.

This angered some students who dragged the ASI inside the hospital campus and beat him up while tearing up his clothes.

Soon police arrived and brought the situation under control while also freeing the ASI from the angry mob.

Several students were arrested and taken to the jail.

Later, the junior doctors of various medical colleges in Patna announced their decision to launch a stir demanding the release of the arrested students. They also accused police of brutality after unconfirmed reports of students being beaten in jail surfaced.
Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, at a function held at the Adhiweshan Bhawan in Patna on Wednesday, launched two ambitious schemes that sound more like election slogans than credible, attainable goal grounded in realities.

Describing them as part of his 'Saat Nishchay', or Seven Resolves, to transform Bihar into a developed state, Kumar, at a function held at the Adhiweshan Bhawan in Patna on Wednesday, unveiled his 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' and 'Shauchalaya Nirman, Ghar ka Samman' to provide each household in Bihar water connection and indoor toilet by the year 2019.

The Janata Dal  U leader who has been in power in Bihar since 2005 with a brief gap of one year when he installed one of his trusted lieutenant to run the government while he took a sabbatical after losing big in the Parliamentary poll, said the new tap water scheme would provide water connection to roughly 1.5 million households in urban areas and more than 3,000 panchayats across the state.

To end the evil practice of outdoor defecation, Kumar said the new plan entails providing Rs. 12,000 to each household to build indoor toilet. It will also invest a large sum on building community toilets across the state, he said.

The Chief Minister who recently suggested giving 'charkhas' to former liquor shop owners after receiving tepid response on his previous suggestion of adopting dairy farming in place of selling or distributing liquor, directed state officials to fix all non-functioning hand pumps in Bihar and replace the old ones with the new ones 'as a backup to the tap water'.

Kumar then took the Center to task for allocating only Rs. 500 crore for the 'Smart City' project saying the money was nowhere enough to attain the goal of turning Patna into a 'Smart City'  a phrase popularized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and adopted by state leaders that offers some hope to those who have been living in abject misery for the last several decades under various administrations.

{gallery}newsimages2016/sept/092816_1{/gallery}"Such a paltry amount is nowhere near enough to develop a smart city," he said.

Meanwhile, a large portion of Patna continued to face severe water-logging problem with no sign of work being done by the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) that is responsible to keep Patna clean. A huge pile of garbage near Gardanibagh Hospital on Wednesday did not evoke a positive emotion either about the futuristic 'smart city' as envisioned by the Chief Minister.
Patna: With his constant foot-in-the mouth disease that has landed him in controversies many times in the past, former Supreme Court justice Markandey Katju, a day after insulting Bihar by calling it worse than Pakistan, refused to back down or issue an apology to millions of Biharis across the globe and instead, fired back at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to say that though he was not the 'mai-baap' of Bihar, he certainly was 'Mama Shakuni' of the state.

Apparently thinking it sounded funny, Katju compared himself to the conniving maternal uncle of the Kauravas in Mahabharat, Katju while reacting to Kumar saying though he was not the 'mai-baap' (mother-father) of Bihar as expressed by the Chief Minister, he was in fact Mama Shakuni.

The ex-Supreme Court Justice and former Chairperson of the Press Council of India, Katju, in a Facebook post on Monday, had mocked Bihar by saying that even Pakistan was not willing to take it when bundled with Kashmir.

As expected, Katju was slammed by leaders of all parties in Bihar and Biharis all over the world who demanded his arrest and charged for sedition.

Katju, instead of apologizing, ratcheted up his anti-Bihari rhetoric and launched a tirade on Facebook saying he was only joking and Biharis had no sense of humor.

On Tuesday, when a Janata Dal  U leader filed a case against him in Patna High Court, an even more arrogant Katju taunted the Biharis by saying that they needed to take up their case with the United Nations to file a complaint against him.

Whispers of Katju's mental health had always been rumored in the legal parlance though some who know him more intimately maintain that the former Supreme Court Justice could also be suffering from dementia as witnessed by his strange and erratic behavior in the last decade or so.

BREAKING: With the controversy growing about Katju's insensitive and hurting comments about Bihar and Biharis, the former Supreme Court Justice issued an apology of sort on his Facebook saying that he was only joking but if he hurt anyone's sentiment, then he apologizes for it.



"I had made my comments about Bihar as a joke, but it seems many people have taken it otherwise. So I apologize if I have hurt anyone's feelings. I had said in my interview to Shreya Uniyat of ABP channel (see on Youtube ) that I have great respect for Biharis, and have been misunderstood. Bihar has produced great figures like Gautam Buddha, Chandragupta Maurya, Ashok, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, etc



Long live Bihar"," Katju wrote in his apology.
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Upholding 16-Year Prison Sentence of Iranian Political Prisoner Narges Mohammadi is Indefensible

09/29/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Mother of Two Young Children Will Be Eligible for Release Only After 10 Years



Narges Mohammadi



The upholding of the 16-year prison sentence against human rights defender Narges Mohammadi by Irans Appeals Court for her peaceful work is cruel and indefensible, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said in a statement today.

Sixteen years in prison for engaging in peaceful civil activities is a blatant violation of Irans own laws as well as its international commitments guaranteeing the rights of citizens to freely express their views and work for peaceful causes within the law, said Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director of the Campaign.

Mohammadis husband, Taghi Rahmani who lives in France with their two children, said in an interview with the Campaign that lawyers had told the Appeals Court judge they were prepared to present further evidence to prove Mohammadis innocence.

But on September 27 the court refused to consider the new evidence and instead handed a verdict upholding the 16-year prison term, of which she has to serve 10 years, he added.

In cases involving convictions on multiple charges, Article 134 allows for only the longest sentence to be served.

This is a ruling based on politics, Rahmani told the Campaign. A human rights activist does not belong in prison. Were shocked that her sentence has been upheld. They want to intimidate other Iranian human rights workers. These kinds of pressures are unacceptable and irrational.

Mohammadi, winner of the 2011 Per Anger Prize for her activism in human rights, was arrested in 2009 and sentenced to 11 years in prison in October 2011 on charges of assembly and collusion against national security, membership in the [now banned] Defenders of Human Rights Center, and propaganda against the state.

The Appeals Court reduced her sentence to six years in prison, and in 2013 she was released from Zanjan Prison on 600 million toman (approximately $200,000) bail for medical reasons.

She continued her activism outside prison and in March 2014 met with the European Unions foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton at the Austrian Embassy in Tehran to discuss Irans human rights issues.

After the meeting, pressure on Mohammadi grew, and she was subjected to months of harassment and interrogations by the security establishment. Her arrest on May 5, 2015, ostensibly on the older charges, was more accurately related to Mohammadis visit with Ashton and her continued peaceful activism.

This is yet another instance demonstrating the Iranian Judiciarys lack of fairness and respect for the law, and the overwhelming influence of the security institutions over the Judiciary, said Ghaemi.

Individuals such as former Tehran Prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi walk free despite irrefutable evidence of involvement in crimes that led to the deaths of at least three people at the Kahrizak Detention Center in 2009, and the Judiciary has repeatedly postponed investigating the many complaints against him. Yet Narges Mohammadi, a civil activist who has done nothing but peacefully express her views, is being handed a 16-year prison sentence. Where is the rule of law? asked Ghaemi.

Mohammadi does not deserve a day a prison. Instead she should be respected and praised for her humanitarian work and efforts to end injustice, Ghaemi said.


Austria's OeKB raises Iran export financing

09/29/16

Source: Press TV

OeKB's export insurance cover for exports to Iran has increased to 1 billion euros from 280 million euros. The Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran (CBI) says Austrian export credit agency OeKB has raised its cover for Iran transactions to 1 billion euros, the Mehr news agency reports.



Iran President Hassan Rouhani (R) welcomes Austria President Heinz Fischer during a visit to Tehran

(September 2015 file photo by

Iran President Hassan Rouhani (R) welcomes Austria President Heinz Fischer during a visit to Tehran(September 2015 file photo by Islamic Republic News Agency



The announcement by Austrian Minister for Finance Hans Jrg Schelling came during a meeting with CBI Governor Valiollah Seif in Vienna, the report said.

"In the meeting, it was announced that OeKB's insurance cover for exports to Iran has increased to 1 billion euros from 280 million euros," Mehr said, citing a CBI statement.

Schelling also said his country is interested in "completing banking relationship" with Iran and taking measures to remove existing obstacles on its way, besides forging brokerage ties with Iranian banks, it added.

Austrian companies became the first Western firms to put down concrete stakes in the Islamic Republic when Tehran reached a nuclear accord, signing a number of agreements with Iranian partners in September 2015.

Raiffeisen Bank and Erste Bank from Austria along with banks from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey and Belgium have set up shop in Iran, handling transactions with the energy-rich country while major banks have stayed away.

However, these small banks lack the resources to finance big projects like Iran Air's deal with Airbus and Boeing for purchase of about 200 aircraft or oil and gas development schemes.

Months after nuclear sanctions on Iran were supposed to have ended, Iran's banking transactions worldwide are still facing problems, with foreign banks shying away from processing transfers to the country.

Iran says confusing signals from the US create a long doubt about the legality of doing business with the Islamic Republic. Western banks acknowledge avoiding dealings with Iran due to fears of being punished by the US government.

Iran's continued problems accessing the international financial system which severely limits the ability of Iranian banks to move money freely around the world have eroded Iranians' trust in further rapprochement with the West.

Head of Iran's atomic energy agency said on Monday that the nuclear agreement could be in jeopardy if the promised sanctions relief by the West does not materialize.

President Hassan Rouhani, who prides himself on engineering the nuclear agreement, went out of his way to criticize it during an address to the UN General Assembly in New York this month.

"As one thing they (the Americans) say 'you are free to engage with Iran in banking activity'. At other times, they ... enter the arena with threats. They frighten the big banks," he said.

On Tuesday, Seif said US threats are discouraging banks from doing business with Iran.

"The US is even scaring banks away from dealing with Iran whereas it should have done the opposite based on what it has signed," he told national television IRIB.
Foreign tourist visits fetches Iran $24B in 3.5 years: Official

09/29/16

Source: Tehran Times

TEHRAN - Some $24 billion came into Iran over the past three and a half years because of foreign tourists, the deputy director of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO), Morteza Rahmani-Movahhed, said on Monday. More than 16 million foreign tourists have visited the country during the mentioned period, ISNA quoted him as saying. Each traveler has, therefore, spent $1,500 on average in the country, Rahmani-Movahhed explained.



European tourists in Tehran in June 2015 (photo by Fars News Agency)



The official made the remarks at a ceremony to mark the World Tourism Day, which was held a day ahead of its specific date, at the IRIB International Conference Center in Tehran.

He also attached great importance to the domestic tourism industry, saying the government is making effort to expand [tourism] infrastructures for domestic travelers.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rahmani-Movahhed said that tourism is amongst the few sectors that have reflected positive effects of the nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran and the 5+1 group - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany - finalized the text of the JCPOA in Vienna in July 2015. The nuclear deal went into effect in January 2016.

Meanwhile, the official hinted at the motto of the World Tourism Day, "Tourism for All, All for Tourism," expressing hope that tourism industry in Iran would maintain its progress throughout the years ahead.

In August 2015, Iran extended visa on arrival for foreign tourists from 15 days to 30 days.

CHTHO Director Masoud Soltanifar said the easing of visa rules was opening the door for the return of foreign tourists to Iran.

In 2014, the country hosted over five million tourists, bringing in some $7.5 billion in revenue. Moreover, last year, official figures put the number of incoming tourists at more than 5.2 million, generating over $8 billion.

The undated photo above provided by Irantravelingcenter.com shows travelers visit the ruins of Persepolis adjacent to the southern Iranian city of Shiraz. The UNESCO World Heritage site was once the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC).
Iranian Kurds Bolster Anti-IS Forces in Iraq, Syria

09/29/16 By Mehdi Jedinia and Sirwan Kajjo, VOA



Iranian Amir Qobadi pictured in a YPG uniform in 2014, who died fighting IS militants.

(courtesy of YPG Media Center)



Hundreds of Iranian Kurds are bolstering Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq as volunteers in the fight against the Islamic State, according to fighters and Kurdish sources in Iraq and Syria.

I decided to come to Syria to help my Kurdish brethren fight (IS), said Iranian Kurd Zanyar Rafaat, who joined the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Unit (YPG) after IS began a major onslaught on a Kurdish enclave in northern Syria in 2014.

Rafaat, 27, still fights with YPG to combat what he calls Kurdish oppression by the Islamic State.

Thousands of volunteers from many nations - among them, Americans and Europeans - have been supplementing Kurdish forces over the past two years. Kurds train them, provide weapons and house and feed these volunteers. Several of them, including an American from Maryland, have died in battle.

The Iranian Kurds are choosing to volunteer, working outside Iran's official military involvement in the region.

A member of the Islamic State carries the militant group's signature black flag in Raqqa, Syria in 2014.

With some 8,000 elite troops in Syria, and thousands more fighters from its proxy Hezbollah, Iran has played a key military role in Syrias civil war in support of Syria, mostly against anti-government rebels. Iran also helps Iraqi forces fight against IS with training and weapons.

Ethnic Kurds make up nearly nine percent of Irans population of 80 million people. They are largely Sunni Muslims and have long desired more autonomy from Tehran's firm grip, calling for cultural and political rights. Iran has fought Kurdish rebels seeking regional autonomy for years.

Iran allows those young Kurds to take up arms as long as this does not pose any threat to its national security, explained Arash Saleh, a Kurdish affairs analyst in Washington.

A militiaman from the Kurdistan Freedom Party, an Iranian Kurdish opposition group, stands behind his truck-mounted machine gun on a section of the frontline near the Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Sept. 5, 2016.

Iranian Kurdish fighters say they generally cross porous borders into Iraq with the intent of joining Kurdish units. Some of them travel to Syria to join Kurdish forces there.

I went to Iraq with the help of Kurdish forces who control the region, said Rafaat, who says his Kurdish unit has several Iranian volunteers. I stayed there for five months before moving to Syria.

Kurdish commanders reached by VOA in Syria declined to comment on the volunteers, saying the subject was a sensitive one. Sources close to the YPG confirmed that Iranian Kurdish fighters have been fighting with the Syrian Kurdish group since 2014, and are actively recruited.

An Iranian Kurdish rebel group has reportedly received military training from U.S. and European advisers as part of the international program backing Iraqi Kurds against IS, the group's commander told The Associated Press (AP) recently.

The United States has backed Syrian and Iraqi Kurdish forces against IS fighters since 2014. In addition to air support, the Obama administration has also provided training to local Kurdish groups.

"They helped and trained us within the framework of the fight against (IS)," said Hussein Yazdanpana, a commander with the Iranian Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), who was quoted by AP.

US-backed training

28 year-old Maria Ahmadi, who joined the Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces nearly two years ago, said in an interview with VOA that while she has received no training from American advisers, many of her Iranian Kurdish colleagues were part of a U.S. training program in northern Iraq. She currently fights in an all-female unit stationed near Kirkuk in northern Iraq. She too is from the Iranian Kurdish city of Mahabad, where many volunteers come from.

With the knowledge of the region, and their shared ethnic background, Iranian Kurdish fighters have been effective in helping local Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria in their fight on IS.

Still, the presence of Iranian Kurdish fighters in Syria and Iraq may spike tensions as fighting continues between Iranian forces and Kurdish rebels in northwestern Iran.

Along with other Iranian Kurdish rebel groups, PAK has been engaged with sporadic clashes with Irans Revolutionary Guards since mid-June in some areas along the Iran-Iraq border.

The involvement of the Iranian Kurds in the fight against IS in Iraq and Syria will definitely add to the complexity of their current multifaceted situation in Iran, said Mort Anvari, a military consultant at the U.S. defense department.

But Iranian Kurdish commander Yazdanpana said the Iranian Kurdish fight against IS "was never an alternative to their struggle" against the Iranian government.

And Iranian Kurdish fighters say they believe they have Tehrans blessing to fight for the Kurds against IS.

An Iranian man takes a selfie, hoping to capture Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in his picture during a rally marking the 37th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Tehran on Feb. 11, 2016.

The Iranian government allowed a public demonstration in Irans Kurdish region in support of the Kurdish fight against Syria as major battle loomed in Kobani in 2014. A Kurdish member of the Iranian parliament at the time called on Iranian Kurds to join the Kurdish fight.

There were some rumors that [Iranian] authorities encouraged young Iranian Kurds to join Kurdish fighters in the battlefields against (IS), said Faryad Ilkhani, an Iranian Kurd, who fights with the YPG.

Iran has recently become so public about its military involvement in Syria that it has been touting its alleged battlefield successes in state-run media, and allowing public burials of dead fighters.

High-ranking Iranian officials in August participated in a memorial service for Amir Qobadi, an Iranian from Mashhad who they say was killed in a battle with IS militants in Syria.

Iranian officials praised Qobadi as a brave fighter who lost his life, defending Zeinab Shrine, a holy site for Shiite Muslims in the southern suburbs of Damascus.

The Iranian government's official line is that its fighters are in Syria protecting the shrine.

But later, the YPG released a statement on Qobadis death, saying that Tehran hijacked Qobadis legacy for the its own benefit.

He died fighting for us, the YPG statement said. He had no ties with any Iranian military force, and we dont allow any group to distort the truth about his sacrifices in Syria.
The pews of the neighborhood church were packed full of anxious, concerned faces waiting to hear from known leaders in their community about what has become the very serious issue of policing. Sharon Kyle, publisher of the LA Progressive, began her job as moderator with a PowerPoint presentation on the history of policing in the U.S.

In the 1800s, the U.S. did not have a resident domestic police forces. Due to the institution of slavery, there came a point where enslaved Africans outnumbered white Americans and slave masters. These slavers had legitimate reasons to be afraid, especially due to the multiple slave rebellions, including that of Nat Turner. Due to these fears and uprising, slave patrols were formed.

Concurrently, as a result of the industrial revolution in England, people were owning businesses and earning wages for the first time. The cyclical effect of capitalism caused an obvious distinction in the business class and the lower class. It was then that police were hired to control the state, protect the rich and reduce class conflict.

Police were never meant to protect and serve, Kyle said. It was about controlling the masses and protecting the property of the elites.

Following her presentation on Tuesday, September 13, Kyle introduced her panel for the evening, which consisted of Lloyd Wilkey of Diverse City Consulting, Adrienna Wong of the Southern California ACLU and Dr. Melina Abdullah of Black Lives Matter-LA.

The panel was called on to discuss and debate the different methods for dealing with police violence and the current state of policing in the community. Kyle began the debate by stating, what she believes, is a major part of the problem.

In the mid 1960s President Johnson signed legislation that provided funds to local police and then we see the beginnings of the militarization of police, she said. We have police departments that look like theyre occupying the nation, they look like military.

Wilkey spends once or twice a week doing diversity training with army recruits and police officers. Since the early 90s he was concerned with violence in general and wanted to do what he could to contribute to violence prevention. He then became certified as a trainer in de-escalation and arrest control techniques.

Im now a candidate for the civilian oversight commission for the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, Wilkey said. There is going to be civilian oversight for the LA county sheriffs and Ive been trying to get in where I fit in and lend my support to the movement in any way I can, by interfacing directly with police officers.

Adrienna Wong of the ACLU spoke of the organization taking an integrated approach to addressing a variety of policing issues and police abuses.

Recently Ive been involved in a bit of criminal litigation against the statute the police use to arrest people for simply challenging their authority, Wong said. You cant arrest someone simply for speaking and the goal is to get police to stop arresting people who dont represent any danger to the public safety.

Wong spoke of a pattern of sadistic hazing with tasers by police in the San Bernardino County Jail that her organization is currently filing suit over. Wong is also currently involved in a lawsuit against city of Hesperia to challenge a police program that the ACLU believes is a form of housing discrimination.

Melina Abdullah, perhaps the most outspoken member of the panel espoused her belief in the complete abolition of modern policing as we know it.

We believe not in reform, but in complete transformation of the public safety system, Abdullah said. Because if we understand policing, as a system that has been allowed to grow and evolve and operate in ways that are oppressive to our community, we cant certainly respond to each individual instance of police violence, we have to address the overarching system.

Abdullahs belief in abolishing the police stems from her personal experiences with police since joining the movement. She spoke of being involved in a 54-day occupation of city hall and criticized Mayor Eric Garcetti for only being at city hall five out of the 54 days that they encamped there. She also cited statistics that show that the LAPD kills more people every year than every other major city, including New York City, which has double the population of LA.

Weve been engaged in trying to build a sustainable movement to end this falsity of public safety and we need to be very clear that police dont make communities safer, Abdullah said.

Every major study shows that if you really want to create safe communities, you do things like create livable wage jobs, mental health resources, provide permanent housing, after school programs and those sorts of things that actually create safe communities. Police are not even in that equation.

Abdullah is in famous company, as actor Mark Ruffalo sent a tweet asking President Obama to defund police departments back in July. Wilkey commented that he agreed with most of what had been said, however he believed that policing is only a part of an entire cycle.

Policing is just a part of the big web of stuff thats oppressing us so its not just police, theres that big system that needs to be addressed, he said. I take an all of the above approach in participating in activities that are trying to work with the system, but Im also on the outside of the system to bring attention to the places where oppression is.

Kyle mentioned that community members in Oakland were developing their own strategy to deal with issues where police are usually called, because they refused to call police. Based on this, Kyle wondered how to maintain safety while touting the belief of disarming, defunding and demilitarizing police.

I dont have all the answers, but there are ideas wed like to work towards and were currently engaged in what we call Three-to-One campaigning, Abdullah said.

Community resources and workers are a much more effective way to build safe communities, than are police and studies out of Watts and South LA with peacemakers, shows that intervention workers and prevention workers are 10 times more effective at reducing crime in the areas where they work instead of police.

The campaign Abdullah cites states these strategies when used to prevent gang violence were the most effective use of funds and that they want to shift that money. Abdullah stated that they could hire three prevention and intervention workers for every one police officer, even after doubling their current salary.

We want to spend on things that are effective, spend on things that are visionary and divest from policing, she said.

Although there were many different beliefs and solutions being debated on the panel, all participants agreed that the money being spent on policing was too much and needed to be reduced.

For the 2016 LA budget, the LAPD takes up 54 percent of the city budget meaning that more than half of the entire years budget goes to policing.

Abdullah stated that this was a misuse of funds and the least effective way of keeping communities safe. She further stated that overinvesting in police actually made black and brown communities, and areas with people with mental health challenges more dangerous.

After the shootings in Dallas, the police chief there put out calls for more investments in policing and how police should be providing mental health assistance, teaching young people and getting involved in after-school programs, Abdullah said.

We say that police arent equipped to do that kind of work because theyre not even equipped to actually police right now. Theyre doing a horrible job of protecting and serving and they need to get out of the areas where some of us actually have expertise and give that money to teachers, mental health workers and interventionists and prevention workers.
There seems to be a default model for companies offering security apps. They start with a standalone antivirus utility, ranging from bare-bones to bursting with features. Next up is a security suite with additional features such as a firewall, spam filtering, parental monitoring. And in most cases a top-tier mega-suite rounds out the product line with every feature imaginable.

Keeping the feature collections in balance at the various levels is important. A company that pours tons of extras into the basic antivirus must offer even more at the suite level. Trend Micro Internet Security adds on plenty of features beyond what you get with the standalone antivirus, but they're not all effective. That and some licensing limitations weigh it down. If you want a Trend Micro suite, you're better off with the top-tier Trend Micro Maximum Security.

How Much Does Trend Micro Internet Security Cost?

Trend Micro Internet Security lists at $79.95 per year for three licenses, roughly the same as Bitdefender Internet Security and ESET. However, Trend Micro lacks the pricing flexibility exhibited by most competitors. If you want more than three licenses, you must upgrade to Trend Micro Maximum Security, which costs $89.95 (just $10 more) for five licenses. Note that the previously available 10-license subscription for Maximum Security is gone, replaced by Trend Micro Premium Security, at $129.95 for 10 licenses. Premium Security also bundled Trend Micros VPN as well as premium tech support and Dark Web monitoring.

It's Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online It's Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online

Bitdefender's $79.99 for three licenses goes up to $84.99 for five and $99.99 for tenthat ten-pack is quite a bargain. ESET starts at $59.99 for one license and simply costs $10 more for each additional one, meaning its three-license price is about the same as Trend Micros. At $159.99 per year, McAfee Total Protection seems expensive, but that price lets you install protection on every device in your household, including devices running Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

It's worth noting that Norton, like Trend Micro, is also not so flexible as far as volume licensing goes. A $149.99 subscription for Norton 360 with LifeLock Select gets you five security licenses, five no-limits VPN licenses, 100GB of storage for backups, and basic levels of monetary remediation from LifeLock. Two additional tiers each raise the price by $100 and give you more of everything, up to unlimited licenses and 500GB of storage. There's no option to, say, just get additional security licenses.

Getting Started With Trend Micro Internet Security

As with the antivirus, you can supply a serial number during installation or choose a time-limited trial. Tasks during installation include configuring the Folder Shield ransomware protection feature and adding an extension to your default browser.

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A big, round Scan button dominates the center of Trend Micro's unusual main window, while four icons across the top represent four security areas: Device, Privacy, Data, and Family. Pointing at one of those icons lights it up; clicking brings up a page of relevant features. A lightbulb icon at the top helps you explore all the products features, somewhat like Bitdefenders AutiPilot suggestions. Except for the product name at top left, the main window looks just like Trend Micro's basic antivirus.

What Does This Suite Share With the Antivirus?

To understand the core features of this suite, you should start by reading my review of Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security. I'll summarize my findings here in case you don't have time to read the antivirus review.

Trend Micro takes mixed scores from the independent testing labs that I follow, three of which include it in their latest testing. Like a dozen other products, among them G Data and Vipre Advanced Security, Trend Micro scores the maximum, 18 of 18 possible points, in the latest evaluation from AV-Test Institute(Opens in a new window). However, in three tests by AV-Comparatives(Opens in a new window), it passes two, one with an Advanced rating, but fails the third. And it's the only product to fail both tests by MRG-Effitas(Opens in a new window) in the latest tests.

Trend Micro's aggregate lab score, based on results from three labs, is 7.4 points, down from 8.4 at its previous review. That's the lowest score among recent products. Like Trend Micro, AVG and Bitdefender each have three lab scores, but they both earned a perfect 10.

Trend Micro took a very poor score in our own hands-on malware protection test. Although the sample set is completely new, it scored the same as when last tested, 7.8 of 10 possible points. Tested against current samples, Norton earns 100% detection and 9.9 points. G Data and ZoneAlarm come close behind with 9.8 points, while McAfee and Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus take 9.7 points.

Challenged to protect a test system against malware-hosting URLs collected in the last couple days, Trend Micro does vastly better, scoring a perfect 100%. McAfee, Norton, Sophos Home Premium, and ZoneAlarm also reach 100% in their latest tests.

Trend Micro also demonstrated skill at detecting phishing sitesfraudulent websites that try to dupe visitors into giving away their passwords. Along with Bitdefender, F-Secure Internet Security, McAfee, Norton, and ZoneAlarm, it scored a perfect 100%

Phishing is platform-agnosticyou can foolishly give away your login credentials on any platform that has a browser. Phishing protection, however, can vary between platforms. In our current round of testing, though, Trend Micros macOS antivirus scores 100%, the same as the Windows edition.

Shared Browser Extension

Click the browser extensions toolbar button and you get a menu with six items: Web Threat Protection, Email Defender, Ad Block, Privacy Scanner, Pay Guard, and Password Manager. Ill discuss Privacy Scanner belowthe other five also come with the antivirus.

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The browser extensions Web Threat Protection marks up links in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge. All links on social media sites, webmail sites, and search results pages get a green, yellow, or red highlight, for safe, iffy, or dangerous. It can optionally rate any link on any page when you hover over it with the mouse.

Email Defender, formerly Fraud Buster, analyzes your webmail to filter out scams and frauds. It works specifically with Gmail or Outlook webmail when theyre accessed using Chrome or Firefox. Be aware that to do so, it sends all your mail to Trend Micro for analysis. That may be a deal-breaker for some.

The Ad Blocker suppresses advertisements on the web pages you visit. When you click to open the feature, you dont get details, but you can turn blocking on and off, either for the current site or globally.

The Pay Guard component launches a hardened version of your default browser, to protect your online financial transactions. Much like the similar feature in Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and others, it isolates the browser from all meddling by other processes. Pay Guard aims to automatically offer protection when you visit a financial site; if it misses one, you can invoke it with a click.

That leaves the last item, Password Manager. PCMags Kim Key evaluated Trend Micro Password Manager and found it wanting. There are plenty of free password managers that provide better service.

Other Shared Features

Ransomware is a growing threat, and Trend Micro offers multiple layers of ransomware protection. The Folder Shield component prevents unauthorized programs from making changes in protected folders and on USB drives. A behavior monitor looks for suggestions of ransomware activity in programs that made it past the real-time antivirus. And just in case a ransomware attack does some damage before the behavior monitor terminates it, Trend Micro maintains a secure backup of files residing in the protected folders.

When possible, I test ransomware behavioral detection by turning off the regular real-time antivirus, but thats not possible with Trend Micro. I managed a limited test using hand-modified samples, four of which got past the simple-minded signature detection of the real-time antivirus. Trend Micro caught all of them, identifying two as ransomware and the other two as suspicious.

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Like the gaming mode found in many suites, this product's Mute Mode suppresses security notifications and other interruptions automatically when you go full screen, but it does more than most to smooth your gaming experience. You can set it to suppress Windows Update notifications, and even configure it to automatically kill specified programs when you turn it on. Mute Mode can end automatically after a specified time (two hours by default), or when you manually disable it.

Trend Micro relies on Windows Firewall to take care of basic network protection. It doesn't provide the program control system that augments the firewall in many competing products. However, its firewall booster attempts to prevent botnet attacks and other network threats and warn if you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot. There's also a spam filter, but since it works strictly with Microsoft Outlook, its usefulness is limited.

See How We Test Security Software

Protect More Devices, Macs Included

A little while after installation, the suite pops up a reminder that you can protect more devices using your available licenses. Of course, you don't have to wait for an invitation. You can click Protect Another Device on the main window to proactively extend protection to another PC or Mac. In an unusual move, Trend Micro also offers security for Chromebooks, but Im not equipped to test that version. Remember that you get three licenses, no more. If you want a five-license subscription, you must upgrade to Trend Micro Maximum Security, or to Trend Micro Premium Security for 10 licenses.

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac doesn't include all the features in this suite, though it goes beyond mere antivirus basics. If you have licenses left over, go ahead and use them. Just be aware that you get more bang for your buck when you install this suite on Windows.

The Mac edition earns perfect scores from both independent testing labs. Folder Shield on the Mac works just as it does on the PC, though other ransomware layers aren't present. Email Defender likewise works the same, as does markup of links in search results. Other bonus features exhibit some limitations. Parental control consists solely of content filtering, though it does now handle HTTPS sites. And the webcam privacy monitor proved so limited as to be nearly useless. This edition does include some useful new tools, though some require a separate payment for full functionality. You can read my review for a full analysis of the Mac product.

System Optimization Changes

When you click the Device icon to open the Device page, you'll find something that wasn't present in the antivirus. The PC Health Checkup aims to optimize system performance, in several ways.

On a virtual machine test system, the checkup ran quickly but found nothing to improve. It reported no security vulnerabilities, no startup programs slowing the boot process, no junk files wasting space, and no personal data exposed in browser files and such. It turns out that the optimizer doesn't worry about junk files unless they take up enough space that whisking them away would make a noticeable difference. A link promising to make optimization even better opened a page to buy Trend Micros Cleaner One Pro, or to download a feature-limited free version. This option was presented somewhat differently in the macOS antivirus, but present there as well.

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When last reviewed, this suites optimization options included cleaning up privacy data such as browser traces and recently used files. It also checked for spaced wasted on duplicate copies of large files. Those features have been subsumed into Cleaner One Pro, along with many additional privacy and optimization choices.

Privacy Scanner for Social Media

Like Trend Micro's Mac antivirus, this suite includes a privacy scanner, invoked from the main app's Privacy page or from the browser toolbar's menu. You log in to your Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts to get a report on any privacy-related configuration problems.

Note that this feature is completely distinct from the Social Networking Protection markup system. That system extends Trend Micros markup of safe, dangerous, and iffy links to popular social networks: Facebook, LinkedIn, Mixi, MySpace, Pinterest, Twitter, and Weibo. I remain puzzled at the inclusion of Mixi and MySpace and exclusion of modern sites such as Instagram and TikTok. But thats a different feature.

When I last evaluated the Privacy Scanner, it ran into some trouble with Internet Explorer. Thats no longer a problem; like Microsoft, Trend Micro has dropped support for IE. The extension worked just fine in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

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The scanner worked fine in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. As expected, it reported no concerns for my Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. As for Twitter, it gave some advice that I found strange. Like most Twitter users, I broadcast my posts to the world. In my case, its typically to announce a new review or article. Trend Micro advised that I make my tweets private, which would defeat that purpose. Likewise, I'm happy for people to find my Twitter account based on my email address, but the scanner advised I disable that ability.

The scanner also checks privacy settings in Chrome and Firefox, with no need to log in. It advised turning on phishing protection in both browsers, which would be smart for normal users. Me, I keep that feature turned off for testing purposes. It also advised sending a Do Not Track header with each web request. Doing so doesn't hurt, but sites can ignore that header, so it may not help.

Parental Control Remains Ineffective

For parents who want some control over and insight into their children's online activities, Trend Micro offers a simple parental control system. It lets parents set a schedule for online time, prevent access to inappropriate websites, and impose time limits on specific programs. It also offers detailed reports on all childrens activities. But its most important elements just dont do the job.

Clicking the Family icon on the main page starts you on the path to enabling parental controls. As soon as you do, you must define a password to protect the suite's settings. That makes sense; you don't want the kids just turning protection off. With that task complete, a wizard walks you through setting up this feature. You can configure it separately for each Windows user account or apply one configuration globally. If you choose the former, the wizard lists all user accounts and lets you identify those belonging to the kids. You can also set a nickname and photo for each child.

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First up is the content filter. Trend Micro can block access to sites matching more than 30 categories, arranged in four groups. When you select an age range (Child, Pre-teen, or Teen), it automatically configures an appropriate collection of blocked categories. Naturally, you can customize if you wish. Cautious parents can choose to block any site that Trend Micro hasn't yet analyzed, and to block finding inappropriate sites via search. There's also an option to filter out inappropriate images; more about that shortly.

Moving on, you define limits on when and for how long the kids can go online. By default, you define allowed and blocked times by dragging with the mouse on a grid of days and hours. If that seems complex, you can switch to a simple schedule for weekdays and one for weekends. You can also set a daily limit for online time, separately for weekdays and weekends.

There are times when you want the kids using their computers, say, for homework, but need to keep them focused. The Program Controls feature lets you limit or schedule access to games and other distractions. When you add a program to the list, it starts off totally blocked. Using a week/hour grid you can set times to allow access.

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For a quick check, I configured the parental control system to block access all day and logged in to an as-if child's account using Chrome. No matter what site I tried, I got a message No Web Surfing Allowed. In a test a few years ago, access blocking failed for all HTTPS pages, but now it works just fine.

The filter proved effective in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox with the Trend Micro extension installed. However, in Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi, content filtering only worked for non-secure HTTP pages. Secure HTTPS porn slipped right through. This has been a problem with Trend Micros content filter for years.

This content filter also isn't as flexible as what you get in more advanced systems like what Bitdefender and Kaspersky offer. With these two products, the filter parses each page's content, so they can, for example, allow access to a short-story website while blocking erotica. In testing, Trend Micro simply blocked the whole site, or allowed everything, including some truly raunchy stories.

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I mentioned earlier that the parental control system offers to filter out inappropriate images. Year after year I keep pointing out that this feature is not effective. When I search Google for images of unclothed girls, the images appear briefly before Trend Micro covers them up, and it doesn't cover every single image. I found that clicking on a missed image brought up the preview, and from the preview I could arrow left and right to see all the blocked pictures. In addition, this feature only works in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox with the browser extension present, not in Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, or any other browser. Dont believe the claims; this feature is useless.

The one feature that did seem to work well was program control. I set it to block Chrome and then switched to the child account. Trying to launch Chrome triggered a Program Access Blocked notification. Launching a renamed copy of the program didn't fool the system; it still blocked access.

Back in the grownup user account, I checked out the parental control report. It summarized the blocked pages by category, and it also offered a full list, with date/time stamp. However, it failed to specify which user account was involved, a major miss. HTTPS sites that were blocked showed up in that report, but naturally any missed secure sites didnt.

Theres one more problem with this system, a problem that might initially seem to be a feature. In a browser with Trend Micros extension installed, the content filter marks up results, green for fine, red for blocked, gray for unknown. So, your randy teen need only search for nude girls or something inappropriate and stick with the results marked in gray. I had no trouble reaching naughty sites using this simple technique.

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Trend Micro's parental control has been poor and porous for years. Typically, I expect such a feature to eventually get a makeover, but thats not happening here, not yet anyway.

What Bonuses Do You Get With Trend Micro?

Clicking the icons across the top of this suite's main window takes you to four secondary pages: Device, Privacy, Data, and Family. Family is the parental control system, of course. The other three pages add features not found in the standalone antivirus. I've already mentioned the PC Health Checkup on the Device page and the Privacy Scanner on the Privacy page, but these aren't the only bonus features.

On the Privacy page, you can enable Data Theft Prevention, which protects your personal data from being exfiltrated by spyware or revealed accidentally by your kids. Enabling this feature requires that you protect your settings with a password, if you haven't already done so for parental control.

Initially, the configuration page offers to save a credit card, advising you to use any seven consecutive digits rather than typing the whole thing. You can add any number of data items, which Trend Micro calls categories. For security, Trend Micro stores the data you enter in encrypted form and never displays it. You can't even edit an existing itemto make a change you need to create a new data item and delete the old one. Settings are global, not per-user, so with this feature configured correctly your kids can't give away too much information in IM, email, or web forms.

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In testing, though, this features protection proved spotty. It blocked sending data on some sites, in some browsers, but in other situations it just did nothing. Though I supplied diagnostic logs to my Trend Micro contacts, they couldnt determine the problem.

Many security suites offer some form of encryption to protect your sensitive files. And many of those fail to provide a means for securely deleting the plaintext originals of those files. Trend Micro flips that model on its head, offering secure deletion without encryption in this suite. Upgrading to Maximum Security gets you the encryption system to go with secure deletion.

The Secure Erase feature, found on the Data page, enables a right-click option to overwrite files and folders before deletion, thereby foiling attempts at forensic recovery. You can configure it to use a one-pass Quick Erase, which should foil almost any recovery attempt, or a seven-pass Permanent Erase that's completely irreversible. Unless you're the subject of a congressional investigation, the lengthy Permanent Erase is probably overkill.

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The Data page also boasts a button that launches a free trial of Trend Micro Password Manager, something you can get without even installing this suite. Note, though, that the best password managers, even the free ones, are vastly more effective than this basic utility.

Small Impact on Performance

If users perceive that security is costing them performance, they're likely to turn off said security. Fortunately, most modern security suites are designed to avoid gobbling resources or putting a drag on ordinary use of the computer. In my hands-on performance tests, Trend Micro proved to have a light touch.

My boot-time test measures the time from the beginning of the boot process until 10 seconds have passed with no more than five percent CPU usage. Averaging multiple runs before and after installing Trend Micro, I found that the boot time didnt increase at all.

You probably reboot once a day, at most, but you're working with files all day. To check whether the watchful eye of real-time antivirus protection puts a drag on file operations, I use a script that moves and copies a large collection of files between drives. Another script zips and unzips that same file collection repeatedly. As with the boot time test, I average multiple runs with and without the suite to see the impact on performance.

The file move and copy test took just 8 percent longer with Trend Micro installed, and the zip and unzip test ran 15 percent longer. That's not a lot; you're not likely to notice any drag in your day-to-day activities. However, several other products have demonstrated no drag at all in all three tests, among them ESET Internet Security, K7, and Webroot.

Choose the Upgrade Instead

Trend Micro Internet Security aced some independent lab tests but totally failed others. It reached 100% protection in our own phishing protection and malicious download blocking tests, but earned a low score in our hands-on malware protection test. Some of its many security components aren't effective, most notably the parental control system. You get just three licenses to protect your Macs or PCs. Anyone considering this suite should pay just a little more for the fully cross-platform Trend Micro Maximum Security.

Bitdefender Internet Security also offers a wide variety of security features, and all its components work well. It includes intelligent firewall protection and effective parental control, and it gets excellent scores from the labs. Bitdefender is our Editors' Choice pick for entry-level security suite.

Trend Micro Internet Security 3.5 (Opens in a new window) See It 39.95 3 PCs / 1 Year at Trend Micro Small Business (Opens in a new window) Per Year, Starts at $79.95 Pros Very good scores in our antiphishing and malicious URL blocking tests

Hardened browser for online banking

Social media privacy scanner

Many useful bonus features View More Cons Parental control ineffective

Poor score in hands-on malware protection test

Some poor scores in antivirus lab tests

Limited licensing choices

No firewall View More The Bottom Line Trend Micro Internet Security adds some components to the already rich feature set of Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, but its big brother Trend Micro Maximum Security is a better choice.
Common criminals, not state-sponsored hackers, carried out the massive 2014 data breach that exposed information about millions of Yahoo user accounts, a security firm said Wednesday.

Yahoo has blamed state actors for the attack, but it was actually elite hackers-for-hire who did it, according to InfoArmor, which claims to have some of the stolen information.

The independent security firm found the alleged data as part of its investigation into Group E, a team of five professional hackers believed to be from Eastern Europe.

According to our information, most of the groups clientele are spammers, said Andrew Komarov, InfoArmors chief intelligence officer.

InfoArmors claims dispute Yahoos contention that a state-sponsored actor was behind the data breach, in which information from 500 million user accounts was stolen. Some security experts have been skeptical of Yahoos claim and wonder why the company isnt offering more details.

The database that InfoArmor has contains only millions of accounts, but it includes the users login IDs, hashed passwords, mobile phone numbers and zip codes, Komarov said.

The security firm says it obtained the data from operative sources about a week ago and has verified that the account information is real. Komarov wouldnt say more about how InfoArmor got the data.

Group E has sold the stolen Yahoo database in three private deals, Komarov said. At one point, the Yahoo database was sold for at least $300,000, he said. His firm has been monitoring the groups activities for more than three years.

InfoArmor also claimed that Group E was behind high-profile breaches at LinkedIn, Dropbox and Tumblr. To sell that information, the team has used other hackers, such as Tessa88 and peace_of_mind, to offer the stolen goods on the digital black market.

The group is really unique, Komarov said. Theyre responsible for the largest hacks in history, in term of users affected.

However, in the case of the Yahoo database, which was taken before Dec. 2014, Group E hasnt made it generally available on the black market, according to Komarov. Group E wants to preserve the databases value. Other hackers have claimed to offer it for sale, but they were actually selling fake information, he said.

Yahoo didnt respond to a request for comment. The company hasnt offered any evidence supporting its claim that state-sponsored hackers carried out the attack.

Other security experts are split over InfoArmors findings.

Alex Holden, Chief Information Security Officer at Hold Security, said InfoArmors claims were mostly consistent with what he had found in his own investigations. However, he added, Right now we do not know with full confidence who was behind the original breach in 2014, and if there was only one breach.

Vitali Kremez, a cybercrime analyst at Flashpoint, is more skeptical of InfoArmors findings. They might have jumped the gun too early on this, he said.

He questioned discrepancies between the database that InfoArmor obtained and what Yahoo said was stolen. For example, Yahoo said passwords hashed with the bcrypt algorithm and security questions may have been lifted as part of the breach. The data InfoArmor uncovered only contains passwords hashed with the MD5 algorithm, and no mention of security questions, he said.

Yahoo said that the stolen passwords used bcrypt. Why would they lie about that? Kremez said. Its possible that InfoArmor has a different data set.

InfoArmors Komarov said his company is happy to work with law enforcement, Yahoo and other independent parties to examine the data hes recovered. A sample of the data is available in the companys findings.

IDG News Service tried some of the sample login IDs and found that Yahoo recognized some. The login IDs also didnt appear to be recycled from other leaked databases. However, Yahoo didnt recognize some of the other IDs.

Komarov said that although most of Group Es clients are spammers, they had at least one customer who was a state-sponsored actor. The stolen Yahoo database might have been used to target U.S. government officials, InfoArmor said in its report.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has found more attempts to hack the voter registration systems of states, ahead of national elections.

The agency had reportedly found evidence in August that foreign hackers had breached state election databases in Illinois and Arizona, but it appears that there have been other attempts as well, besides frequent scanning activities, which the FBI describes as preludes for possible hacking attempts.

There have been a variety of scanning activities, which is a preamble for potential intrusion activities, as well as some attempted intrusions at voter registration databases beyond those we knew about in July and August, FBI Director James Comey told the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Comey said that the systems that could be at risk were the voter registration systems that are connected to the Internet. The vote system in the U.S., in contrast, is hard to hack into because its so clunky and dispersed, he added. He advised states to get the best information they can get from the Department of Homeland Security and ensure their systems are tight as there is no doubt that some bad actors have been poking around.

We are doing an awful lot of work through our counter-intelligence investigators to understand just what mischief is Russia up to in connection with our elections, Comey said. U.S. officials have hinted that they believe Russia is behind recent attacks on servers of the Democratic National Committee, which led to the leak of embarrassing emails through whistleblowing website, WikiLeaks. But the U.S. government has not directly attributed the attacks to Russia.

Security experts and Democratic party president candidate Hillary Clinton have blamed Russia for the attack, but Republican party candidate Donald Trump said nobody knows it was the Russians, adding that the hack could have come from Russia, China or a 400-pound hacker working from his bed.

The U.S. government is not sure whether Russia, which is said to have interfered in U.S. elections since the 1960s, aims to influence the outcome of the election or try to sow seeds of doubt about the sanctity of the process, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper recently told The Washington Post in an interview.

Clapper said that theres a tradition in Russia of interfering with elections, their own and others. To ensure that hackers dont get to the electoral system, the DHS is working with state election officials on best practices on security, specially where there is any dependence on the Internet, Clapper said.

So far 18 states have requested the assistance of the DHS, said Secretary Jeh Johnson, in testimony this week before a Senate committee.
Microsoft made a splash earlier this year when it announced the largest acquisition in its history, signing an agreement to buy LinkedIn for $26.2 billion. But now, Salesforce is trying to convince the European Union to block the deal.

Salesforce Chief Legal Officer Burke Norton will argue to the EUs competition authority that Microsofts control of LinkedIns dataset following an acquisition would be anticompetitive. EU competition chief Margarethe Vestager said in January that her agency would be looking directly at whether a companys use of data is bad for competition, and these complaints seem aimed squarely at those comments.

Microsofts proposed acquisition of LinkedIn threatens the future of innovation and competition, Norton said in a statement on Thursday. By gaining ownership of LinkedIns unique dataset of over 450 million professionals in more than 200 countries, Microsoft will be able to deny competitors access to that data, and in doing so obtain an unfair competitive advantage.

The spat is part of what seems to be at least a partial unraveling of the relationship between Microsoft and Salesforce. Both companies were in a bidding war for LinkedIn earlier this year, but Microsoft won out. Since then, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has taken several shots at Microsoft over the deal.

Microsoft President Brad Smith didnt mince words when he fired back at Salesforce, citing the companys dominance in the CRM market.

The deal has already been cleared to close in the United States, Canada, and Brazil, he said. Were committed to continue working to bring price competition to a CRM market in which Salesforce is the dominant participant charging customers higher prices today.

Even if the EU doesnt block Microsofts acquisition of LinkedIn, it could opt to take a deeper look at the deal, which would drag out the process of getting the deal done, likely by a matter of several months. Microsoft and LinkedIn expected it to close this year.

Its yet another in a series of fairly rapid recent hostilities. Despite a partnership with Microsoft, Salesforce recently announced that it would be running more of its workloads in Amazons cloud. After that, Microsoft got Hewlett-Packard Enterprise to move from Salesforce to Dynamics 365. Its a far cry from 2014, when the companies forged an historic strategic partnership.
Californians with certain non-serious felonies on their records will have an additional five years to petition to have those convictions reclassified as misdemeanors after

Under Prop. 47, convicted felons had until Nov. 4, 2017, to apply to have their crimes reclassified.

Assembly Bill 2765, signed Wednesday, Sept. 28, by Gov. Jerry Brown, extends the filing deadline to Nov. 4, 2022.

Voters approved Prop. 47, titled the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, in November 2014. Convictions that are eligible to become misdemeanors are shoplifting, forgery, passing a bad check, receiving stolen property, petty theft and possession of many illegal drugs. Anyone convicted of a violent or serious crime is not eligible to have a non-serious felony reclassified.

RELATED Prop. 47: Reckless experiment or hope for criminal justice reform?

Advocates of Prop. 47 say people who get felonies removed from their records will have more opportunities in employment, housing, gaining a professional license and joining the military.

The bill was authored by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, D-San Diego.

Courts statewide had received 72,624 petitions as of March, according to the latest figures from the Judicial Council of California. Many thousands more convicts are believed to be eligible. Webers website says the 2017 deadline could create an unworkable backlog of petitions.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos said Wednesday that his office has not had much of a backlog of petitions to process and doubts the new law will have much effect on his office. Ramos brought in retired deputy district attorneys and some clerks to handle the caseload as soon as Prop. 47 was approved.

If there is a felon out there who has turned his life around and there havent been any problems since  then those are the types of people who should be able to take advantage of this new law, said Ramos, who supported Webers bill.

Riverside County Superior Court likewise said it expects little effect from the new law.

We have processed roughly 16,000 petitions. Our workload has gone from roughly 50 per day to 50 per week, Criminal Department Supervising Judge Becky L. Dugan wrote in an email. I do not anticipate any kind of last-minute rush from applicants. We did not get that with Prop. 36 (the three-strikes law change) and I do not think we will get it here.

Ramos also said he was pleased that Brown signed Senate Bill 813, which removed the 10-year statute of limitations on prosecutions of rape, child molestation and other sex crimes.

The bill, authored by Sen. Connie M. Leyva, D-Chino, was inspired by rape accusations against comedian Bill Cosby that surfaced decades after the accusers said the crimes occurred. Cosby has denied assaulting anyone.

It was a good day for victims in the state of California, Ramos said.

RELATED

POLL: Do you think Prop 47 has been successful for California?

Is Prop. 47 working? Depends whom you ask

30-plus drug citations equal zero felonies, thanks to Prop. 47

Prop. 47 giving ex-addict another shot at life

Contact the writer: brokos@scng.com or 951-368-9569
The race for Californias 47th Assembly District seat is an internecine affair, with former congressional candidate Eloise Reyes trying to unseat her fellow Democrat, Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown.

Brown, D-San Bernardino, does a fine job of representing the interests of the constituents of her low-income, blue-collar district, and we wholeheartedly endorse her for re-election.

Brown has emphasized education funding, jobs, veterans services, water supply, seniors and long-term care  things that matter greatly in her district. She is chair of the Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee and a member of the Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee.

The attempt to unseat Brown by a more liberal Democrat stems from Browns position on Senate Bill 350, which originally called for reducing Californias gasoline usage by 50 percent by the year 2030. Brown and other moderate, business-friendly Democrats wouldnt go for it, and that provision was stripped out before Sen. Pro Tem Kevin de Leons bill was passed.

Browns objection was that her district has more mega-commuters  those who have to drive 50 or 60 miles each way to get to work  than others, and they would get crunched by the gasoline price hikes that an imposed 50 percent reduction in supply would produce. That would have been terrible for the Inland region, she said. Brown voted for the amended bill that mandates 50 percent of electricity generation come from renewable sources by 2030.

Her emphasis on education and jobs for her low-income district is good for the environment, too. After all, every mega-commuter who can learn needed skills and land a job in the district will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shortening his or her daily drive to a faraway jobs center.

Brown has the support of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and the Democratic Party. Reyes is backed by some unions and environmental activists.

Our boards choice is to retain Cheryl Brown in the 47th Assembly District.
UPDATE: The story has been updated with new details from the California Highway Patrol.

Ontario police and California Highway Patrol officers are investigating an alleged case of road rage on the eastbound 10 Freeway near Archibald Avenue involving a documented Los Angeles felon and a box truck driver early Thursday morning, officials said.

Mitchell Reyes, 45, of Los Angeles was arrested and booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga for brandishing a fire arm, being a felon in possession of a fire arm and carrying a loaded fire arm, said Lt. Rill Russell with the Ontario Police Department.

Officers recovered a firearm at the scene, he said.

Initially, California Highway Patrol authorities received reports that a group of motorcyclists tried to box in a box truck and wasnt allowing it to exit the freeway, said Officer Marcelo Llerena. Through an investigation, Ontario police learned the motorcycles were inside the truck and were being transported.

The incident took place just before 3 a.m. and shut down the Archibald Avenue off-ramp. As of 5:30 a.m., it was still closed.

There were no reports of injuries.

Russell said the drivers knew each other.
As coroners officials continue to search for relatives of a homeless woman slain last week outside a Corona retail store, the hospital where she died has pledged to pay for her burial.

She was stabbed and beaten to death Thursday, Sept. 22. Stephen Loia, a 54-year-old Corona man, has been charged with the murder. The coroners office is not releasing the victims identity until family has been notified or attempts to do so have been exhausted, said Sgt. Steve Albert.

We havent found any family, Albert said. Theyve been working hard on this, but theyve been running into a lot of walls.

People knew the tall, often overly-clothed woman affixed to a bench near the 99 Cents Only Store in the 700 block of Main Street by several names. Some called her Beverly. To others, she was Laverne.

We would like to give Laverne the burial that she so deserves, Corona Regional Medical Center CEO Mark Uffer wrote. Should there be family members identified that want to take charge, we will certainly step aside. If not, wed like to  pay for a proper burial.

Sally Carlson knew Laverne about as well as anyone could have known her. Carlson, director of the Settlement House, a homeless lunch program and thrift store, has been helping the woman for eight years  taking her to the welfare office, trying to connect her with the countys homeless and mental health services, even putting her up in a hotel room when she was sick.

When Laverne first came to the charity, she presented her Maine state ID and told Carlson she was waiting on an unemployment check. Its why she always chose to stay at benches near a post office, Carlson said.

She was waiting on a check that was never going to come, Carlson said. She couldnt accept that. She got upset with me for trying to send her to Riverside for homeless services.

Laverne was often seen clutching a weather-beaten bible and talking about Jesus.

On Saturday, the Corona-Norco Interfaith Association is hosting an impromptu service at the bench Laverne called home. Rev. Karen Chavez of St. Johns Episcopal Church will officiate the prayer service starting at 10 a.m.

Thomas Miller Mortuary is expected to handle the burial services if family cannot be reached. Owner Chris Miller said the business will also accept checks and cash donations for a memorial plaque, and will issue a written receipt. Excess funds will be given to homeless nonprofits.

Jacob Acebedo, who raised more than $1,100 on a GoFundMe account he set up for Laverne, said he plans to transfer all money to Thomas Miller Mortuary.

Without the support of the hospital, Lavernes interment would have been handled by the Riverside County Public Administrators Office. Last year, the office authorized the cremation of 303 people whose family could either not be located, refused to pay for their relatives burial or could not afford to, records show. Many were homeless.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9644, poneill@scng.com, @PE_PatrickO
Whether youre seeking scares at horror-themed attractions or want to visit a pumpkin patch for the perfect family Instagram photo, heres a look at the big Halloween happenings across the Inland region.

BIG SCARES

Field of Screams

Known for a variety of terrifying mazes, the Field of Screams at the Haunted Stadium is not for the faint of heart. The Diamond at Lake Elsinore is transformed into a nightmarish experience and this year five new mazes include Hunted and Inferno. This attraction is recommended for teens and adults. Kids 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult.

7  10 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays; 7  11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 1-2, 8-9, 14-17, 20-23, 27-31; Nov. 3-7, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore. $25 VIP; $15 general admission Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays; $30 VIP; $20 general admission, Fridays and Saturdays. 951-245-4487, hauntedstadium.com.

Scandia Ontario

They dont call it the Wuss Maker without a reason. The ghastly haunted house at Scandia in Ontario has a reputation for people backing out after paying admission. And they tally up those who bail early.

8 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 28; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 29; 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27; 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 and Monday, Oct. 31; 1155 S. Wanamaker Ave., Ontario. Mazes are $12.75-$17.75; unlimited passes are $18.75-$26.75. 909-390-3092, scandiafun.com/ontario.

All Saints Lunatic Asylum

If pregnant women and children under 10 arent recommended for this scary attraction, its safe to say its a doozy. The haunted attraction is intended to replicate an insane asylum full of surprises and scream-inducing scares.

7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 29 and Oct. 30-31, 22521 Shawnee Road. Apple Valley. $8. 760-953-6730, allsaintsasylum.com.

Castle Park

The amusement park turns into Castle Dark and will feature several spooky stops including a doomed mineshaft, a haunted mansion and a Ghost Blasters ride inhabited by scary creatures. On the weekends, little ones can enjoy carving pumpkins, taking a stroll down Treat Street and costume contests.

7 p.m. to close Oct. 7-30, Friday, Saturdays and Sundays only; daytime Happy Hauntings happen Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 8-30, 3500 Polk St., Riverside. $9.99-$29.99. 951-785-3000, castlepark.com.

Ghost Walk Riverside

Select a mild scare or a more spooky experience based on age and fright level at the 25th annual Ghost Walk in Riverside. The adventures move through downtown Riverside. The walks take on a storytelling vibe with local high school performers, actors and musicians.

6  10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29. Tours depart from the Main Street Mall, Riverside. $15. 951-787-7850, crballet.com.

RC Haunt

Last year the RC Haunt took over 20,000 square feet at the Bass Pro Shops and this year the house of horrors will be held at an actual house in Rancho Cucamonga. Proceeds from the spooky abode will benefit St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton.

7 p.m.  midnight, Oct. 28-31, 12798 Camassia Court, Rancho Cucamonga. $5 donation at the door, cash only. 323-909-2486, rchaunt.org.

CORN MAZES AND PUMPKIN PATCHES

Big Horse Corn Maze

Get lost inside towering corn stalks, pick out pumpkins and enjoy a host of family-friendly activities at the Big Horse Corn Maze. Weekend attractions will include pony rides, pig races, face painting and a mini-maze.

10 a.m.  4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 1  5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday through Oct. 30. Closed on Mondays except Oct. 24; maze closed Oct. 3, 10 and 17. Big Horse Feed & Farm Supply, 33320 Temecula Parkway, Temecula. $9 for the maze and $15 for the maze plus three activities; maze is free for kids under 3. $5 for parking. 951-389-4621, bighorsecornmaze.com.

The Pumpkin Factory

The Pumpkin Factory offers two Inland locations this year with the biggest being in Live Oak Canyon in Yucaipa while Corona is home to the other spot. Both feature bountiful patches with a wealth of pumpkins to choose from. The Yucaipa location offers haunted hay rides and a corn maze but both have various family-friendly activities.

Yucaipa: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 30; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 1-31. 32335 Live Oak Canyon Road. $5 per person on Saturdays and Sundays, $3 per person on weekdays. 909-795-8733.

Corona: Various hours from Sept. 30 through Oct. 31; closed Monday, Oct. 3, and Tuesday, Oct. 4. 1545 Circle City Drive. 800-719-4420.

thepumpkinfactory.com

Peltzer Pumpkin Farm

Nestled in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country is Peltzer Farms which features a trove of not only pumpkins, but activities such as pig races, tractor and pony rides and a petting zoo. Some activities cost money while others are free.

39925 Calle Contento, Temecula. 951-695-1115; peltzerfarms.com.

Charlie Brown Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Fans of corn mazes can traverse a 4-acre corn maze which will be haunted on weekends beginning Oct. 8. There will be pony rides, paintball fun and other family activities to choose from. And of course there will be plenty of plump pumpkins to choose from.

4  9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4  10 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m.  10 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m.  9 p.m. Oct. 1  31, Corn maze opens Oct. 1; haunted corn maze and pumpkin picking opens Oct. 8. Frostys Forest and Pumpkin Patch, 14861 Ramona Ave., Chino. Prices vary for activities. 971-303-3486, frostysforest.com.

The Great Pumpkin Patch Express

Hop aboard the Peanuts Great Pumpkin Patch Express at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris. In addition to riding the train with Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy, there will be pumpkin decorating, hay rides, vintage trolly rides and plenty of family fun.

Oct. 15-16, 22-23, Orange Empire Railway Museum, Orange Empire Railway Museum, 2201 S. A St., Perris. $15 ages 2-11; $25 ages 12 and up. 951-943-3020, oerm.org.

Contact the writer: sschulte@scng.com, @Stephreally on Twitter
Prosecutors filed charges against a San Bernardino man in connection to the attempted kidnapping of a toddler.

On Sept. 9, a woman and her aunt were walking three children  including a toddler in the stroller  home from school around 4 p.m. when police said the women noticed a man acting strangely in the area.

Feeling uneasy, the women jumped over the wall of their mobile home park, Sequoia Plaza, in the 2500 block of W. Foothill Boulevard in Rialto, according to the police report.

As they were getting the children over, the man, later identified by police as 25-year-old Joaquin Alfaro, reportedly tried to grab the girl in the stroller. The victims aunt grabbed the toddler, preventing the kidnapping, according to police.

The women and children were inside the park safely and told the childs grandfather what had happened, officials said. When he went outside, Alfaro reportedly fled.

The grandfather later spotted the suspect, who reportedly climbed the wall into the community, according to a news release.

Alfaro allegedly pulled what they described as a machete out of a bag he was carrying and brandished it at the grandfather. In fear for his safety, the grandfather fled, police said.

Police searched for Alfaro only to find him a week later locked up in the Los Angeles County Jail on unrelated offenses.

Alfaro is charged with attempted kidnapping and attempted assault with a deadly weapon.

He is being held at West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $1.5 million bail.

Alfaro, who is on post-release community supervision, is also being held on a no-bail warrant for violating the terms of release. Under the PRCS program, triple non offenders  non-violent, non-serious, non-sexual  who would have been placed on parole are instead monitored by local county probation agencies as part of the California Prison Realignment Plan or Assembly Bill 109.
Two schools, one in San Bernardino and the other in Victorville, have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools, state Superintendent Tom Torlakson announced Wednesday.

Richardson Prep Hi Middle School in the San Bernardino City Unified School District and University Prep High School in the Victor Valley Union High School District are among only 14 county schools to be named National Blue Ribbon Schools in the 34 years of the program, according to a news release from Torlaksons office.

I am elated that the hard work of our students, staff, and parents is being recognized with this prestigious distinction, Richardson Prep Hi Principal Natalie Raymundo is quoted as saying in a San Bernardino City Unified news release. It is an honor to be one of four California middle schools recognized as a Blue Ribbon school this year.

Its a great honor, University Prep Principal Valerie Hatcher is quoted as saying in a Victor Valley district news release. When a national organization recognizes the hard work that staff, students and parents put in, it makes me reflect on just how important it is to give your best to students every day.

This is the third consecutive year county schools have received the honor, and both schools previously have won the distinction. They join Country Springs Elementary in Chino Valley Unified as the only San Bernardino County schools to earn the distinction as a National Blue Ribbon School more than once.

Winning this award twice puts University Prep in rare company, and it speaks to the hard work and dedication of our students, parents, teachers and staff, led by Principal Valerie Hatcher, Victor Valley Union High School District Superintendent Ron Williams is quoted as saying in the districts news release.

Richardson Prep Hi and University Prep were among 29 schools from California named as National Blue Ribbon Schools this year, according to Torlaksons news release.

The distinction is awarded to elementary and secondary schools that are both academically superior and have demonstrated dramatic gains in student achievement while serving an economically disadvantaged population of students.
Brian Regan: The clean comedian returns to Riverside with a show at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 5. Tickets are $49.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30.

Also returning to the Fox is the Dancing with the Stars live tour on Feb. 13. Tickets are $49.50-$99.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3. And Graham Nash, of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash fame, will perform at the Fox on Friday, April 7. Tickets are $46-$66 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30.

Tickets are available via livenation.com for all of the Fox shows.

YG: The rapper returns to the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, a venue he sold out on his last trip to the area, on Friday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $31 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30, via livenation.com.

Penn & Teller: The magic and comedy duo will stop at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on Friday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $45-$65 and go on sale Saturday, Oct. 1, at 8 a.m. via startickets.com.

Also on sale at that time is Styx, which heads to Agua Caliente on Saturday, Jan. 21. Tickets are $55-$85.

Experience Hendrix: The tribute tour to guitar legend Jimi Hendrix will stop at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio on Friday, March 3. The tour features Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and more. Tickets are $29-$69 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30, via fantasyspringsresortcasino.com. The tour also stops at Harrahs Resort Southern California on Saturday, March 4. Tickets are $63.50-$123.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30, via ticketmaster.com.

The Funk Show: Cameo, The Bar-Kays, Midnight Star and more are headed to Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario on Friday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $45-$150 and are available via ticketmaster.com.

Contact the writer: vfranko@pressenterprise.com or @vanessafranko
Some 1,200 Boy Scouts and adults recently converged on Glen Helen Regional Park in Devore for a weekend of shooting BB guns, canoeing, archery and other activities.

It was part of Adventure Weekend, presented by California Inland Empire Council  Boy Scouts of America, on Sept. 16-18.

A news release said the council holds the camporee every year in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Rodeo. The council serves Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com
A 70-year-old Englishman has accepted a plea bargain that includes a 13-year prison sentence in a Palm Springs child-sex case involving two brothers, ages 10 and 12, federal Justice Department officials say.

Paul Charles Wilkins pleaded guilty Wednesday, Sept. 28, in Los Angeles to transporting child pornography. Earlier this year, he also was indicted on charges of illegal sexual conduct, attempted sex trafficking of children, and possession of child pornography.

He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 11 in Los Angeles by U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee.

Wilkins lives in Littleport, East Cambridgeshire, England. He was arrested Feb. 23 in a rented apartment in Palm Springs. He has dual citizenship in the United States and United Kingdom.

In court Wednesday, Wilkins admitted that he traveled to the U.S. in January to have sex with the two pre-teen brothers, Justice Department officials said in a written statement. Wilkins also admitted that he attempted to solicit a 9-year-old boy for anal intercourse in February in exchange for $250 at the rental apartment, according to the statement.

Under the plea deal, Wilkins will draw a 13-year prison term followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
The Staff of Expresso Ghana, an African telecommunications services company, have asked their management to settle at least one-third of their accrued salaries by the first week in October, else they would advise themselves.



Expresso Ghana, also known as Kasapa Telecom Company, was wholly acquired by Expresso in 2008.



In 2016, however, 18 per cent of the company's shares were sold to an unidentifiable buyer and the remaining 82 per cent transferred to an escrow agent.



Mr Samuel Asamani Afari, the Local Chairman of the Communications Workers Union of Kasapa Telecom, addressing a media conference, in Accra, said the staff had worked for 18 months without salaries, which was hugely affecting their responsibilities at home.



He said the company, whose owners were unknown to them, had denied the workers of their entitlements under their Condition of Service.



These include the payment of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions and the releases into their Provident Fund, the non-payment of the second Tier of pension and medicare benefits.



This means becoming ill is tantamount to a death sentence, he said.



Mr Afari said the negotiations at both the Local Union and at the National levels to resolve the impasse with the management had proved futile, adding that, the day marked the end to the series of letters written, correspondence and meetings with the management to settle their unpaid salaries and benefits.



We only want management to meet us half way, by telling us what the problem really is because the situation is unbearable for us and most, especially, to the married ones in our midst, he said.



Expresso offers a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of customers and is a key player in the implementation of the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable.

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
Commercial banks have reduced the amount of money they lend to customers due to the rise in Non-Performing Loans (NPLs).



The banks said the inability of some category of customers to pay back loans has necessitated a review.



As at July 2016, NPLs made up 19.1 percent on the books of commercial banks compared to 13.0 percent recorded at the same period in 2015.



Total loans which were given out by banks in the month of July 2016 stood at GH32.2 billion.



Some debts owed Volta River Authority (VRA) and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs) by government have also contributed to high NPLs.



Government owes about 17 Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) in excess of GH500 million.



And the majority of the BDCs contracted loans from commercial banks in Ghana to facilitate their operations, but have since failed to pay back the loans due to governments indebtedness.



Recently, government entered into an agreement with some 12 local banks to pool resources together to help offset its debts.



This led to the release of some GH250 million by the Ministry of Finance to settle part of the debts, leaving about GH2.05 billion.



Central Bank Governor Dr. Abdul Nashir Issahaku, at a recent press briefing, complained about the high NPLs of banks.



Dr. Issahaku explained that the figure does not incorporate the recent payment of GH250 million VRA debt to the banks.



He expressed the belief that the figure would reduce further next month because government had paid GH250 million of VRA debt, adding that government was also in the process of paying the debt owed BDCs so they could also pay the banks.



Banks Asset



Total assets of the banking industry as at the end of July 2016 was GH67 billion, up from GH66.3 billion recorded in June, representing about 24.6 percent annual growth.



Total deposit as at the end of July 2016 was GH42.2, representing 23.7 percent growth, while total gross advances were GH32.1 billion which represented 17.2 percent growth.

Source: Daily Guide









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A former Arkansas nursing home administrator who has accused Bill Clinton of raping her nearly 40 years ago lashed out at Chelsea Clinton on Wednesday for minimizing her father Bill's past sex scandals.



'Your father was, and probably still is, a sexual predator. Your mother has always lied and covered up for him,' Juanita Broaddrick wrote on Twitter.



Chelsea said in an interview with Cosmopolitan on Tuesday that focusing on the former president's reputation as a sex abuser was a 'distraction' from issues important to voters in the November election.



Trump said after Monday's debate that he shied away from criticizing Hillary Clinton as an enabler of her husband's past infidelities because he didn't want to embarrass Chelsea, who was sitting in the front row of the audience.



Read Full Story .... dailymail.co.uk >>> :

















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It is regarded as one of the major tourist destinations in Ghana that tells the story of human slavery, and the Trans- Atlantic Slave trade, which attracts thousands of people every year; but the beauty and glamour that surrounds the Elmina Castle is losing it value due to the filth and the stench from human excreta littered at site.



Walking around the Elmina Castle makes one question the value Ghanaians attach to state assets as one can clearly see open display of human excreta at various stages of decomposition. These human wastes come in various types with different colors, shapes and sizes.



On daily basis, people are seen openly defecation on the edge of the castle in between the rocks and the narrow Sandy beach.



The Stench emanating from this human waste is too hot to contain. The head of Governance at the German international Cooperation (GIZ) in Ghana, Allan Larsey, who led a team of professionals selected from African including this reporter to the site on 11th September 2016, could not hide his feelings and disappointment about how the place has been left to deteriorate.



It looks like nobody cares about the poor management of the facility. This is sad for mother Ghana, he stated.



John Odyke, a Journalist from Uganda who was part of the team for the site visit could not understand why such a huge and attractive edifice that could generate millions of dollars to the state being taken good care of and has been left to deteriorate.



The Problem with Ghana is that you have all the resources, both natural and human. You also have the infrastructure but sanitation is very poor. It seems the laws on sanitation do not work in Ghana unlike Rwanda where the law on sanitation is really strict .Sam Ryumugabe, a participant from Rwanda noted in an interview.



An official of the Ghana National Museum and Monuments Board, Robert Kugbe, who serves as a tour guide at the castle also expressed disappointment at the turn of events. According to him several attempts by officials at the board to expel these recalcitrant nation wreckers who visit the edge of the castle to defecate has failed due to lack of support from the municipal assembly and the local government. we clean these area everyday but these people come here every day to defecate. As you can see there are no toilet facilities around so they use the beaches as the main area of convenience. . Where the toilet facilities are available, they say they cant afford due to poverty so they come here to defecate openly. It is sad but there is little we can do he stated.







Elmina Castle is a white-washed Medieval Castle on the coast of Ghana. It was the first  and for many centuries  the largest, European building constructed in tropical Africa. Yet its grandeur, as well as its picturesque surroundings with blue skies, sandy beaches, and tropical palms, disguises a dark history  Elmina Castle was the last place that thousands of African slaves would ever see of their homeland. Many horrors transpired within the walls of the fortress, which have never been erased by time.











Located on the western coast of present-day Ghana (the former gold coast), the town of Elmina is about 13 km (8 miles) from the city of Cape Coast. A region rich in gold and ivory resources, the area was home to 30 or so slave forts concentrated along the coast, and was the first European slave-trading post in sub-Saharan Africa. These fortified castles were built between 1482 and 1786 by numerous traders including the Portuguese, Swedish, English, Danish, and Dutch.



Between 1482 and 1486, the Portuguese constructed what became known as Elmina Castle, also called St Georges Castle. One of the main purposes of Elmina Castle was to give support to ship captains by providing their vessels with a secure harbor.



The outposts were heavily armed against assault from the sea, but interestingly, not so much from attacks inland. An assault from other European empires, including pirates, was deemed more likely than those by local Africans. To fend off such attacks from the sea, cannons were used, whereas light gunfire was usually enough to counter an assault from the interior.







It is said that European explorers who heard of the riches of West Africa through traders traveling through the area made several unsuccessful voyages to reach Elmina. They were either unable to pass through the sandy bars or were so scared of malaria that they did not land. However, not put off by the dangers, Portuguese explorer Diogo de Azambuja made it to the West African coast in 1471, and landed at a spot named La-Mine. It was he who would later build Elmina Castle.











Although it was originally erected to protect the gold trade, following its capture by the Dutch in 1637, Elmina Castle came to serve the Dutch slave trade with Brazil and the Caribbean. The castle later developed as a point on the infamous slave triangle transporting human cargo to America and the Caribbean, as well as raw materials, such as cotton and rubber, to Britain, and manufactured goods, such as clothing and weaponry, back to the West Coast of Africa.







Under the auspices of the Dutch West Indies Company, around 30,000 slaves a year passed through Elmina until 1814 when the Dutch slave trade was abolished. Gradually , this nice piece of historical edifice has been left to waste and its losing its value, Kwabena Adu Koranteng , reporting from the Elmina Castle .Central region of Ghana

Source: New Crusading Guide









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Professor Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), has advised the electorate not to sell their birth right to any politician but rather vote on developmental issues.



It is prudent for the electorate to listen to the policies and plans of the political parties and pray to God for direction to choose a leader to lead the country, he added.



He gave the advice in Accra in a peace message video ahead of the December 7 elections organised by the Good Luck Africa, dealers in IT appliance, in collaboration with the NPC.



Prof Asante noted that the electorate have one person to elect as a leader and urged them to avoid the use of intemperate language on people who does not support the choice of their political party.



We are not enemies, we are one people with different backgrounds and politics must not separate us, but unite us and respect each others choice, he said.



He expressed concern about the stakes of political violence in the country and call on all to stand up to ensure that peace prevails in all spheres.



Prof Asante noted that the country is blessed with natural resources hence the only way to harness it is through peace.



He said the experiences of other countries that suffered violence and conflicts are lessons for Ghanaians to learn from.



Prof Asante admonished Ghanaians to be tolerant and respect the views and choices of one another devoid of violence activities that would affect development.



He appealed to the electoral authorities to ensure fairness and transparency during the elections in a manner that every loser would accept the results of the elections in good faith.



Mr Sam V Muthu Partnering Director of Good Luck Africa said he was happy for the smooth transition of power after the death of the Professor John Evans Atta Mills.



He observed that many African countries use elections to foment violence and destabilise peace.



Mr Muthu appealed to all to do everything to sustain the peace enjoyed in the country ahead of the December 7 polls.

Source: GNA









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Veteran Actor, Kofi Adu, aka Agya Koo, has fired back at the National Organizer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr. Kofi Adams, after the latter claimed he did not know him.



The popular actor says he is not surprised by Kofi Adams' comment because "for more than three years Ghanaians had been living in the dark and so most TVs were off".



Mr. Kofi Adams was quoted to have said he did not know who Agya Koo was and when we are talking about movie stars and celebrities, it is the likes of John Dumelo he can recognize.



But the veteran local movie star, who has launched Agenda 57% to canvass votes for the flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo, said he was least perturbed by the assertion of the NDC man, stressing that there was no way Mr. Kofi Adams could recognize him since Ghana had been in darkness for so long.



"If Kofi Adams says he doesn't know me, I am not surprised because his TV was off because of Dumsor; which his government inflicted on Ghanaians," the veteran action stated in an interview with HELLO FM in Kumasi.



Agya Koo emphatically stated that not even 100 NDC ministers under the current administration can match his popularity.



"I don't like bragging but I can tell you for a fact that not even NDC ministers can match my popularity. They can sit there and deceive themselves but we are focused on what we are doing because we know what Ghanaians want and that is change," He said.



Agya Koo also confirmed rumours about how some top ranking personalities tried to talk him out of declaring his support for Nana Akufo Addo.



Few hours to the press conference to officially announce his endorsement, reports indicated that the celebrated actor received a call from the Presidency, asking him to rescind his decision but he insisted, contending that his decision was not borne out of his personal interest but that of the entire Ghanaian populace.



Agya Koo also hinted how he and his colleagues intend to take their campaign to remote parts of the country to interact with the people and explain to them the need for change in the political administration of this country.

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









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

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The wife of New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice presidential candidate, Samira Bawumia, has laughed off the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) ambitious target of securing 1 million votes in the Ashanti Region, come December 7, describing it as the biggest political hoax in the history of Ghana politics.



According to her, she has been trying very hard to understand why the NDC, led by Ogu Adwuma Mahama, would dare make such a highly impossible pronouncement, knowing very well that, even its own backyard, the Volta Region, and the three northern regions have deserted him and his party.



She contends that the only avenue the NDC can use to get closer to achieving such a target is by intimidating and rigging, warning that indeed we are adequately ready for the NDC if they try to make good their diabolic intents in any part of the region.



Mrs. Bawumia noted that if every NPP voter in the region will do Ghana and the party a favour and come out to cast their ballots, there is no way the NDC, with its many schemes, can rig this years elections.



What is the NDC saying, to get 1 million votes here in this region? Are they dreaming or joking? Let me tell you, if every party member decides to vote, protect the ballot boxes after casting their votes, the NDC has no chance here, never, she admonished party supporters at the Bantama Constituency, last Sunday.



Speaking at the campaign launch of the NPP Bantama Constituency, themed Arise for Change, and sponsored by a local radio station ASHH FM, Mrs. Bawumia charged the crowd to be bold and vigilant, as the governing party has made the Ashanti Region its priority to make sure that people in the region are subjected to constant intimidation and character assassination, in its bid to cow the people into submission.



But we should not give up. We must be bold and stand up against their atrocities, because this election is for the NPP, and nothing should stop us from winning that overwhelming landslide victory for Nana Addo and the NPP. We must tell the NDC that we cant be intimidated or be cowed into submission, Mrs. Bawumia charged the teeming crowd.



Touching on the economy and why Mahama and his NDC must be booted out, Mrs. Bawumia said: Everyone is suffering; both the rich and the poor people are suffering. The only people who are not suffering are the NDC people who are in government enjoying Ghanaians money and taking us for granted.



She noted: We need to change by teaching them a bitter and bigger lesson on December 7. Ghanaians want a government who will work for them, and not us serving the government.



Samira Bawumia appealed to the party and Ghanaians in general, to elect Nana Akufo-Addo and her husband, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the forthcoming elections, for them to deliver real socio-economic transformation to Ghanaians.



She also admonished Ghanaians to consider their future when casting the ballot for a president on December 7, stressing that this election is very serious, it is about the future. It is not about the height of somebody.



It is about someone who has the development of this country at heart, and wants to expand this economy to create jobs. Thats what Nana Addo and my husband want to do for this country, she added.



The parliamentary candidate for the Bantama Constituency, Daniel Okyem Aboagye, gave the assurance that the party would continue to work and rally the people behind them for victory in December.



He said there is no doubt that, this is the time for the return of the NPP, explaining that the desire of the youth in particular, to get the opposition party back to power, clearly shows that Ghana is not ready to do another mistake and allow the NDC steal the verdict of the nation.

Source: The Chronicle









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Mensah Walanyo Tsegah, the Suhum Municipal Electoral Officer, has been transferred to the Akuapem North District for not allowing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to bus citizens to the constituency to transfer their votes, DAILY GUIDE has gathered.



Mr Tsegahs transfer took effect last Friday and the officer in charge of AkropongNorth has been assigned to take over from him.



Sources told the paper that his transfer was instigated by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Margret Ansei, aka Magoo, who doubles as the NDC parliamentary candidate and some top party officials, who have accused him of working in the interest of the NPP MP, Fredrick Opare Ansah.



The Suhum branch of the NDC last week allegedly bused people from various places to the constituency to transfer their votes but Mr Tsegah, who wasnt happy about the move, stopped the unqualified applicants.



Subsequently, the NDC thugs attacked the EC staff and vandalized their equipment.



They also took away the printer which forced the EC to close down its office on Friday which rendered voters stranded.



Threats



Mr. Tsegah, who condemned the attack by the NDC thugs, told the media that they were scared and would not open the office until security was boosted because the NDC thugs had threatened to kill them.



He said the assailants were in an NDC branded car, adding that they took the action after the EC officials had asked an individual who could not provide certain details needed for a successful transfer of his vote to go back and bring some documents.



The Police have not been able to make any arrest.



Meanwhile, the Director of Communications of the EC, Eric Dzakpasu has called for the arrest and prosecution of the thugs.



In the case of Suhum, my colleague indicated that the people who perpetuated the act are well known in the community. They are known to the police and those around so why should they be allowed to go free?



What we are witnessing at some of these offices are now acts of criminality and once they are acts of criminality, I think law enforcement must come to play otherwise all that would be witnessed would be impunity.



NDC admits offence



After the attack, the Suhum Constituency Organiser of NDC Kofi Wayo, apologised for the attacks carried out by the NDC thugs.



As a constituency executive, the only thing I can say to the Electoral Commission (EC) is that we are sorry. Probably there must have been a miscommunication. They [EC] are there for us and we are there for them.



Earlier, a group in a statement called for the transfer of Mr Tsegah.



Its president Dove Maxwell said, We the concerned citizens of this noble and reputable constituency have recognised to our dismay that the Suhum EC Chair has failed in his ultimate quest to champion free and fair elections to people of Suhum ever since he assumed office in the constituency.



The group said in the 2012 elections the results obtained at the polling by both parliamentary candidates in the constituency were different from what the EC chair had announced.



NPP Condemns Attacks



In a press statement issued and signed by Ayensu Stephen, Communication Director, Ernest Lartey, Constituency secretary, Osei Daniel and Albert Opare, the NPP branch condemned the attack by the NDC thugs on the EC.



The NDC took the action to force the EC to have thousands of unqualified voters or persons transfer their votes to the Suhum Constituency to help it win the December polls but the committed and competent staff of the Suhum EC, led by Mr. Mensah ignored them, the NPP indicated.



The NPP also expressed dissatisfaction with Ms Ansei for the part she played in shielding the EC thugs from the police.



It alleged that the MCE accommodated the criminals at her official residence and prevented the police from arresting them.



The NPP called on the President to sack the MCE since she has now become a threat to public peace and security.

Source: Daily Guide









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President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that the countrys recent rating by Moodys is an indication that government is doing something right. According to him, the positive outcome of the bilateral talks and negotiations on his recent visit to the United Nations General Assembly and France, points to the goodwill and strong image Ghana has among her peers.

President Mahama made these comments on his return to Accra last night, from the United Nations and UNESCO meetings. Our country is respected in the international community and everybody recognizes that. Ghana is rising, Ghana is doing well. In my absence we were pleased to hear that Moodys credit rating agency has upgraded Ghana, it shows that we are doing something right and we are pleased about the way things are happening.

Let us continue to work together as one nation, lets believe in ourselves and I believe that, more than the sky is the limit, he added. Moodys revises Ghanas bond ratings International credit ratings Agency, Moodys, revised the outlook on Ghanas Long Term Bond Ratings from Negative to Stable this week.

The rating agency also affirmed the rating at B3. Moodys cited significant fiscal deficit reduction and success in implementing structural reforms over the past year, as well as reduced government liquidity risk on the external side, following the issuance of the US$750m Eurobond, the proceeds of which are earmarked for debt repayments as some of the key drivers for the stabilization.

Source: citifmonline.com









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Theres a pretty solid list of pathways for Aussie politicians whove lost office. Taking up a corporate gig? Likely. Working for a non-profit, or in an advocacy role? Seemingly even moreso. Retirement? Look, after a long enough stint in the corridors of power, itd be hard to say no to livin off that sweet parliamentary pension.

Former Liberal MP Wyatt Roy chose that final option when he was booted from office in the last Federal Election, and hes been sipping comically-large cocktails outta coconuts ever since. Wait, nope, thats not true: the man who was once Australias youngest-ever MP in the House of Reps has been on the front lines of the ISIS conflict in Iraq. Really.

Speaking to SBS, Roy said he was witness to last Thursdays deadly firefight between 15 ISIS troops and Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the Domez region, located in the northern pocket of the embattled nation. Five Islamic State militants are thought to have been killed in the incident, which reportedly ended after a Coalition airstrike attacked their position.

Via Google Maps.

According to Roy, he left the area when things started to get really hairy. The risk of a 50-cal bullet, or if they had bigger RPGs, or a mortar round hitting us understandably became too much for Roy, British political consultant Samuel Coates and a translator, who hightailed it back to the city of Sinjar after Peshmerga forces pushed the militants back.

He said the Coalition-backed forces were very adamant that we get in the car and drive as fast as we could in the other direction. Just after the trio had left, Roy reckoned the Peshmerga called in an airstrike and probably within a half an hour, forty minutes, the jets were overhead.

Counter-terrorism and radicalisation experts have raised some Qs about why the bloke saw it fit to have a gander at one of the most volatile regions on planet Earth, but Roy said he just was in the region to gain an appreciation of the conflict that he couldnt while serving in parliament.

Its not yet known when his trip to the region will come to an end, but a quick dive through his social media accounts reveals some pretty pedestrian happy-snaps that gave nothing away about his intense journey:

We fully recommend you scope out some of the images of Roy in the region right here. Baffling, baffling stuff.



Source: SBS.

Photo: Wyatt Roy / Instagram.
Combining tasty food with big retail is a genius concept that only the savviest of big retailers have cottoned on to.

In fact, of all the retailers in Australia, only two have risen to the upper echelons of glory by providing ample treats to hungry customers and thus entered the Aussie lexicon as true legends: Bunnings, with the ubiquitous snags, and IKEA, with their meatballs of glory.

And whilst ordinarily obtaining such magnificent foodstuffs involved, yknow, having to actually go to the stores and by extension having a reason to go to said stores, this weekend IKEA is changing all of that for those lucky enough to be in or near Sydney.

The Swedish company is taking their delicious, molto bene Swedish meatballs out of flatpack heaven (or flatpack hell, depending on how much of a mad snake at Meccano you were as a kid) and into the streets of the city for a handful of pop-up meatball bonanzas next week.

Better yet? The meatballs are free.

Absolutely, positively, dont-have-to-pay-a-goddamned-cent FREE.

The furniture giant/only reason the allen key industry still exists will be heading out into Chatswood Mall on Tuesday (October 4th), before shifting into the city to set up shop at First Fleet Park in The Rocks on Wednesday (October 5th) to fang out the tasty deliciousness by the ball-load.

Course there is a catch to everything (theres always a bloody catch), but luckily for you it doesnt involve testing your nerves against a Ninja Warrior-style course of furniture assembly.

The free balls are being dished up for IKEAs 2017 Catalogue launch, so in order to get your hands on the biz youve gotta download a catalogue app onto yer schmick-lookin smartphones and fling a hashtag out into the ether of social media. A minute or sos work in exchange for free meat. Honestly, youve all worked way harder for much, much less.

Mark it in your calendars, folks. Go get yoself a dang treat!

Source: Broadsheet.

Photo: Carlos Osorio/Getty.
After yesterdays reasonably surprising news that Wyatt Roy was not spending his post-Parliamentary life relaxing on some Queensland estate but was in fact caught in the crossfire between ISIS and the Kurdish resistance in Iraq, official responses are beginning to come through from the government.

Turns out that Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is actually not so keen on a former MP diving headlong into the worlds most dangerous warzone.

It is irresponsible of Wyatt Roy to travel to the front line of the conflict between ISIL and Kurdish forces in Northern Iraq, in a region regarded as very high risk, Bishop said in a statement.

He has placed himself at risk of physical harm and capture, and acted in defiance of government advice.

She recommends that despite Wyatts attempt to make travelling to the Iraq/Syria area cool we should all probably cool down and not join him in whatever harebrained spiritual journey nonsense he seems to have cooked up.

Possibly a greater crime is Roys obvious attempt to look like a hard bastard by growing some kind of rough, scraggly war beard. Mate, its not working. You were ten years old when you were elected, and you are still ten years old.

This follows Penny Wongs condemnation of the former MP, where she demanded answers from the government as to WTF is going on here. This seems a very unwise, and potentially dangerous act for a former member of Parliament, who should be expected to know better.

War zones are not places for people to act out their boyhood fantasies.

Wyatt mate. You could have just gone on a bloody Contiki trip to Southeast Asia ya bloody dill.

Source: Sky News.

Photo: SBS.
If youve ever thought your mood was a little off cos of the pill, this research may be the affirmation youve been waiting for.

me wen my mood hit

A study of a whopping one million women, conduced by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, has found a worrisome link between the use of hormonal contraception (like the pill) and an increased risk of depression.

The landmark study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry, found that females aged 15 to 34 who used hormonal contraception were found to be 23% more likely to be prescribed antidepressants than women who didnt.

Whats more, these women were most commonly prescribed anti-depressants by their doctor in the first six months of starting the pill.

The risk was even higher in women who took progestin-only hormonal methods (such as the Implanon or the shot), who had a 34% chance of being diagnosed with depression than non-pill taking women.

The implications of all this are pretty big, considering the number of women involved in the study. Researchers analysed the health registry data of the 1 million women over a long period of time  first in 2000 and then for every six years following.

But, while the findings seem alarming, experts say theres more to the story.

it may not be THAT bitter of a pill to swallow

Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Channa Jayasena, a clinical senior lecturer in reproductive endocrinology at Imperial College London, said:

This study raises important questions about the pill. In over a million Danish women, depression was associated with contraceptive pill use. The study does not prove [and does not claim] that the pill plays any role in the development of depression. However, we know hormones play a hugely important role in regulating human behaviour. Given the enormous size of this study, further work is needed to see if these results can be repeated in other populations, and to determine possible biological mechanisms which might underlie any possible link between the pill and depression. Until then, women should not be deterred from taking the pill.

Before this study was released, there were conflicting findings on the pills interaction with mood. This study, for example, suggested no change in mood for women on contraception, while this study found hormonal birth control actually improved mood for some females.

At the end of the day, the study is a reminder for those starting any medicine that alters hormones  keep checking yourself for changes in your physical or emotional states, and never be hesitant to consult your doc.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Photo:
Technology overlords Apple will be moving their UK headquarters to the iconic Battersea Power Station, a rad looking building that you may recognise from the cover art of Pink Floyds stellar 1977 album, Animals.

And look, we dont wanna draw any conclusions about the behemoth company moving into a building fit for a super villain, but it does seem a little appropriate, doesnt it? What do you think theyre planning?

To be fair, probably just more of the same  expensive iPhones and such. They have agreed to take 500,000 square feet of office space over 6 floors in the central boiler house of the building. 1,400 employees will move into their new digs in 2021, cos right now, the building is heaping pile of crap.

The power station quit doing power in 1983 and has remained empty ever since. There have been many attempts to revamp the space  including a theme park  but they all failed, which sucks because I think we can all agree that a power plant theme park would be the tits.

The 42 acres around the building will also be developed into shops, restaurants and luxury homes, with the building itself becoming office spaces, apartments and even an event space. It remains the largest brick building in Europe.

Apples offices will account for 40% of the massive buildings space and is a big leap forward for the development since it was rescued by a Malaysian consortium in 2012.

Source: The Guardian.

Photo: Pink Floyd  Animals.
Maui Whitening

Maui Whitening and Lash of Camp Hill opened earlier this month.

(Photo provided.)

Maui Whitening and Lash of Camp Hill opened earlier this month.

A company that aims to help people brighten their smile has opened in Hampden Township.

Maui Whitening and Lash of Camp Hill opened last week at 4401 Carlisle Pike.

Maui Whitening and Lash of Camp Hill offers self-administered 20-minute, 40-minute and 60-minute teeth whitening treatments. Customers purchase the teeth whitening product and are guided through the process, 20 minutes at a time for up to 60-minutes if they wish to continue with the treatment.

Rob Brenkacs, co-owner of Maui Whitening and Lash of Camp Hill says that the whitening from the treatment is pretty significant.

Brenkacs who owns Maui Whitening and Lash of Camp Hill with his wife Karyn says that the company recommends treatments every four to six months but, the success of the whitening treatment and how long it lasts varies from person to person. A 20-minute treatment costs $99.

In the future, the location will sell touch-up pens to be used between whitenings. The location at this point offers teeth whitening but, in the future will also offer lash extensions and lash refills.

Maui Whitening and Lash is located in the side of a small strip mall that includes the Philly Pretzel Factory and is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment on Sunday and Monday.

There are only two Maui Whitening locations in Pennsylvania, according to the company website. The other location is in Clinton County. The Ohio-based company has locations in more than 20 states.

Brenkacs says that he thinks that teeth whitening is going to be in demand in the area.

"[The treatment is] pretty much as good as you would get as going to a dentist but, at a fraction of the cost," Brenkacs said.
Congress Rdp_Mand (3).jpg

After many battles in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House, a deal is finally in place for funding to battle the Zika Virus.

(Alex Brandon / AP)

WASHINGTON -- Averting an election-year crisis, Congress late Wednesday sent President Barack Obama a bill to keep the government operating through Dec. 9 and provide $1.1 billion in long-delayed funding to battle the Zika virus.

The House cleared the measure by a 342-85 vote just hours after a bipartisan Senate tally. The votes came after top congressional leaders broke through a stalemate over aid to help Flint, Michigan, address its water crisis. Democratic advocates for Flint are now satisfied with renewed guarantees that Flint will get funding later this year to help rid its water system of lead.

The hybrid spending measure was Capitol Hill's last major to-do item before the election and its completion allows lawmakers to jet home to campaign to save their jobs. Congress won't return to Washington until the week after Election Day for what promises to be a difficult lame-duck session.

The bill caps months of wrangling over money to fight the mosquito-borne Zika virus. It also includes $500 million for rebuilding assistance to flood-ravaged Louisiana and other states.

The White House said Obama will sign the measure and praised the progress on Flint.

The temporary spending bill sped through the House shortly after the chamber passed a water projects bill containing the breakthrough compromise on Flint. The move to add the Flint package to the water projects bill, negotiated by top leaders in both parties and passed Wednesday by a 284-141 vote, was the key to lifting the Democratic blockade on the separate spending bill.

The deal averts a potential federal shutdown and comes just three days before deadline. It defuses a lengthy, frustrating battle over Zika spending. Democrats claimed a partial victory on Flint while the GOP-dominated Louisiana delegation won a down payment on Obama's $2.6 billion request for their state.

The politicking and power plays enormously complicated what should have been a routine measure to avoid an election-eve government shutdown.

The temporary government-wide spending bill had stalled in the Senate Tuesday over Democrats' demands that the measure include $220 million in Senate-passed funding to help Flint and other cities deal with lead-tainted water. Democrats were initially unwilling to accept promises that Flint funding would come after the election, but relented after they won stronger assurances from top GOP leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and agreed to address the city's crisis in the separate water development bill.

The Flint issue arose as the final stumbling block after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., added the flood aid for Louisiana to the spending bill.

Democrats argued it was unfair that the water crisis in Flint has gone on for more than a year with no assistance, while Louisiana and other states are getting $500 million for floods that occurred just last month. Democrats played a strong hand in the negotiations and had leverage because Republicans controlling the House and Senate were eager to avoid a politically harmful shutdown six weeks before the election.

Behind-the-scenes maneuvering and campaign-season gamesmanship between Republicans and Democrats had slowed efforts to pass the temporary spending measure, once among the most routine of Capitol Hill's annual activities. A longstanding stalemate over Zika funding spilled on to the measure, which many GOP conservatives disliked because it guarantees a lame-duck session that's likely to feature post-election compromises that they'll oppose.

McConnell has made numerous concessions in weeks of negotiations, agreeing, for instance, to drop contentious provisions tied to Zika funding that led Democrats to block prior Zika measures. A provision to make Planned Parenthood ineligible for new anti-Zika funding for Puerto Rico was dropped, as was a provision to ease pesticide regulations under the Clean Water Act. Democrats relented on a $400 million package of spending cuts.

Many House Republicans have opposed helping Flint, arguing that the city's problems are a local issue and that many cities have problems with aging water systems.

Flint's drinking water became tainted when the city, then under state control, began drawing from the Flint River in 2014 to save money. Regulators failed to ensure the water was treated properly and lead from aging pipes leached into the water supply. As many as 12,000 children have been exposed to lead in water, officials say.

Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee, Flint's congressman, had accused Republicans of ignoring the plight of the predominantly black city after Republicans initially would not permit a vote.

But Wednesday morning Kildee issued a statement that called the upcoming vote on the non-binding, $170 million promise for Flint -- an amendment in his name that's less generous than he originally asked for --"a step forward to ensuring that Flint families get the resources they need to recover from this crisis."

There were other winners and losers in the scramble to produce the legislation.

Democrats and some Republicans were thwarted in an attempt to allow the Export-Import Bank to approve export deals exceeding $10 million even though it lacks a quorum. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, failed to win a provision to block the U.S. government from transferring the Commerce Department's role in governing the internet's domain name addressing systems to a nonprofit consortium known as ICANN.

And Democrats failed to use the bill to reverse a ban engineered last year by McConnell on proposals to allow the Securities and Exchange Commission to require publicly-traded corporations to disclose political spending permitted under the Supreme Court's 2010 decision allowing unlimited political spending by businesses.

The spending bill also includes full-year funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. That measure permits veterans with war injuries to receive in vitro fertilization treatments. A longtime ban on such treatments -- demanded in the early 1990s by anti-abortion lawmakers concerned about destroyed embryos -- has been lifted.
John Stumpf

Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf arrives to testify before the Senate Banking Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 20, 2016. Stumpf, newly stripped of tens of millions of dollars in compensation in a scandal over sales practices, is scheduled to appear before the House Financial Services Committee on Thursday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

(Susan Walsh)

Wells Fargo & Co. Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf gave up $41 million to buy a reprieve from the bank's widening scandal. Then it got worse.

The company was battered anew by regulators and politicians throughout Wednesday, less than 24 hours after Stumpf agreed to forgo years of stock awards to quell public uproar over the bank's unauthorized creation of customer accounts. Lawmakers called the CEO's payment a first step. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen vowed to probe a "disturbing" pattern of misconduct at big banks. California barred the firm from handling bond deals for the state.

"Wells Fargo's venal abuse of its customers by secretly opening unauthorized, illegal accounts illegally extracted millions of dollars," California Treasurer John Chiang said in a news conference in San Francisco. "This behavior cannot be tolerated and must be denounced publicly in the strongest terms."

The worsening backlash raises the stakes for Stumpf as he prepares to testify Thursday before the House Financial Services Committee. His decision to return compensation won't affect the panel's scrutiny of the bank, said a spokesman for the committee's chairman, Texas Republican Jeb Hensarling. Senators already thrashed the CEO at a hearing last week, with Elizabeth Warren calling him a "gutless" leader and demanding he resign.

"I don't know that giving back the money saves his job," said Ralph Cole, a money manager at Portland, Oregon-based Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, which sold most of its Wells Fargo stake earlier this year and now owns about 100,000 shares. "Maybe they won't be satisfied until they have his head."

Chiang, a Democrat who's running for governor in 2018, urged other states to follow suit as he banned Wells Fargo from underwriting state debt and handling its banking transactions for 12 months. Chiang, 54, also threatened a "complete and permanent severance" of business with the firm if it doesn't change practices.

Yellen, appearing before the House committee, declined to respond to the most heated questions about Wells Fargo -- such as whether it's too large to manage -- but promised "a comprehensive look at the biggest banks."

"There are still dozens of unanswered questions," Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said in a statement after Stumpf's forfeiture was announced. "We still don't know how many customers were harmed and how long this fraud continued."

Still, the political reaction contrasts with that of investors, which analysts have said hold the greatest sway over Stumpf's fate. None of the bank's biggest shareholders has publicly asked for him to step down. Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s Warren Buffett, who controls a 10 percent stake in the bank, has said he won't comment on the situation until November.

For now, pressure from shareholders is mostly coming from public pensions and organizations such as CtW Investment Group, which speaks for a consortium of retirement funds managing more than $200 billion. It urged the board last week to reclaim pay and add more directors with expertise in employee incentives.

The two largest U.S. public pension funds -- the $304 billion California Public Employees' Retirement System and the $193 billion California State Teachers Retirement System -- said they're engaging with the bank on governance issues. Calstrs, for example, will "seek engagement on their board structure, their compensation structure including incentives and a discussion of their actions on potential clawbacks," according to spokesman Ricardo Duran. It held $1.1 billion in Wells Fargo shares and fixed-income securities as of June 30.

After guiding the firm through the financial crisis, Stumpf generated shareholder returns that were the envy of the industry. Even after ceding its crown this month as the world's most valuable bank, Wells Fargo's stock has one of the highest price-to-book values in the industry. The shares rose 0.5 percent to $45.31 on Wednesday.

The forfeiture may yet buy Stumpf more time to defuse the political uproar. The company will probably "be able to manage through the scandal with the current executive team intact," KBW analysts led by Brian Kleinhanzl wrote in a note.

During last week's Senate hearing, members of both parties scolded Stumpf for blaming the unauthorized accounts on low-wage branch workers, who have said they were struggling to meet unrealistic sales goals.

Stumpf, 63, told employees in a memo on Tuesday that he was too slow to respond to signs of misconduct. He said he voluntarily surrendered the millions in unvested stock and that the board accepted.

It equates to about one-sixth of the $249 million in compensation Stumpf has taken home since he was tapped as CEO in 2007, according to data compiled by Bloomberg from regulatory filings. That figure includes salary, bonuses and the value of vested stock awards and exercised stock options. The equity awards he's forfeiting would have come on top of it.

Former community banking chief Carrie Tolstedt will forgo about $19 million in unvested stock. And neither Stumpf nor Tolstedt will get a bonus for this year.

"These are important first steps," Warren said in a statement. "But I do not believe these actions are adequate." She asked the board to brief her office on its decisions and review.

Wells Fargo's board said its independent directors will lead a company investigation into the matter, working with the human resources committee and the law firm Shearman & Sterling LLP. The inquiry may result in further compensation changes or employment actions, the company said.

That could include evaluating whether top executives such as Stumpf should keep their posts, according to a person with knowledge of the panel's deliberations.
gavel.jpg

The Pa. Supreme Court says sex offender registration requirements can't be raised for offenders who reached plea agreements before Megan's Law expired.

(File)

Sex offender registration requirements can't be increased for people who reached deals to plead guilty to sex crimes before Pennsylvania's latest registration law took effect, the state Supreme Court has decided.

The high court reached that conclusion in an opinion Justice Max Baer issued this week on three consolidated cases involving York County sex offenders.

Wayne Shower, Gabriel Martinez and Adam Grace all pleaded guilty to sex crimes before Megan's Law was superseded by the more stringent Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act in December 2012. Shower was sentenced in 2006, Martinez in 2010 and Grace in 2011.

All three men pleaded to crimes that, under Megan's law, required them to register with state police as sex offenders for 10 years. Under SORNA, however, the crimes to which Shower and Martinez pleaded carry lifetime registration requirements, while a 25-year registration would apply in Grace's case.

The registration dispute came to the Supreme Court after the county district attorney's office appealed rulings by a York County judge and a state Superior Court panel that sided with Shower, Martinez and Grace.

Like the lower courts, Baer's court essentially agreed that a deal is a deal and that the plea agreements constituted enforceable contracts.

When Showers, Martinez and Grace reached their plea agreements with county prosecutors, the government was bound by the terms that then limited their registration periods to a decade, Baer concluded.

"In this commonwealth, when trial courts accept plea agreements, the convicted criminals...are entitled to the benefits of their bargains," he wrote.
In a Penn Waste warehouse filled with the unmistakable stench of trash, Republican Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence tried to make the Democratic platform sound like garbage.

Repeating the words of his presidential nominee Donald Trump, Pence said Hillary Clinton's goals for the country are "all talk, no action, never gonna happen."

The Indiana governor described an America suffering from the worst recovery since the Great Depression, a country led by President Barack Obama who supposedly abandoned our allies and emboldened our enemies.

He did not mention his candidate's call for charging U.S. allies for the country's support.

In this northern York County waste facility, Pence described Trump as the one and only presidential candidate who can revive a failing United States.

"Donald Trump is going to fight for you every day when he sits in the Oval Office," Pence said. "Pay-to-play politics will come to an end when Donald Trump is president. His only special interest will be you. This is change versus the status quo."

Trump, according to Pence, is the candidate who will end illegal immigration, elect Supreme Court judges who will uphold the Constitution, lower business taxes, end the war on coal and make low-cost energy available to get the economy moving again.

Those points drew loud applause from the crowd, but the loudest cheers came for the promise to end illegal immigration.

Throughout the speech, members of the crowd yelled, "Lock her up" and "She's a liar."

While Pence definitely focused on Trump as the more trustworthy candidate in the race, he was careful to avoid the issues the presidential candidate is most often criticized for: his treatment of women and minorities, his business practices and continued refusal to release his tax returns.

To anyone in the audience who may be struggling with a Trump-Pence vote for those reasons, Pence offered other reasons to support Republicans in November:

A Trump vote is a vote for appointing Supreme Court judges like the late Antonin Scalia. Voting for Trump and other Republicans will help keep Sen. Pat Toomey and other Republicans in control of the Senate and House. Republicans will get the economy moving again, while the Clinton-Kaine ticket would be disastrous for the country, he said.

Ultimately, a Trump vote is a vote for the Constitution, Pence said.

"When I think of being in Pennsylvania, I think of Philadelphia and...that hot summer in 1787," Pence said, as men in the audience pumped their fists. "That's the best document in institutional government."

The vice presidential nominee told the crowd if they care about the Constitution, the sanctity of life, freedoms of the First Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms, they need to support Trump.

A vote for Clinton is a vote for someone who doesn't have the integrity to be president, according to Pence.

In Trump, voters "can choose a leader and a truth teller," Pence said.

"I'm a B-list Republican celebrity, so the fact you came out here today is a testament to what Donald says every day," Pence said. "This is a movement and the American people are going to make America great again."
**UPDATE: Comments from Mayor Charles Wasko to the Associated Press added**

West York Mayor Charles Wasko made no effort to hide his racist, public posts on Facebook. And now he's being asked to resign because of them.

The West York Borough Council will vote to censure Wasko on Oct. 6 after he posted a number of racist images on his public Facebook account. The images -- posted over the last several months -- take aim at President Barack Obama and his family.

"Absolutely deplorable," said council President Shawn Mauck. "It makes you sick. There's no good excuse for his actions or behavior."

Calls to the mayor seeking comment were not returned Thursday afternoon.

When the York Daily Record reached out to Wasko over the phone, the mayor said it's just "bulls--- that's going on up at the borough office" and hung up.

In a brief phone interview with The Associated Press, Wasko said he would provide more details at a later date about his witch hunt claim and then hung up.

In June, Wasko posted an image with a wheelbarrow full of apes with the text "Aww ... moving day at the Whitehouse has finally arrived." In February, he posted a picture that suggests hanging the president.

Another post in February shows a smiling ape, with the words "Most think it is Obama's picture......sorry its Moochelles baby photo."

Council members and the public have urged Wasko to resign. However, there is nothing the borough council can do to force the mayor to resign. That's why the council is moving for a censure vote.

"We want to reassure the public that we don't condone it and it doesn't reflect the views of the borough council, borough government and its employees," Mauck said.

Council members will be doing community outreach in order to show that borough government is not dysfunctional and does not share Wasko's views, Mauck said.

Councilman Brian Wilson said on Facebook that he asked the mayor to "maybe remove as it was not in good taste." In response, the mayor blocked him on Facebook.

"This does not stop the post from being shown," Wilson wrote on Facebook, "and he has the right to free speech but not hate speech as a representative of West York Borough and in fact not as mayor and to uphold laws for all."

Wilson said he wants everyone to get together to ensure they can expose those that hate and let them know we are "one community, one country."

Wilson said he plans to ask the mayor to resign over his comment on Facebook.
trump-clinton

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton laughs with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump following their presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Pennsylvania doesn't always vote for the eventual president. The last time the state picked the wrong candidate was in 2000, when Pennsylvania voters supported Al Gore over former President George W. Bush.

But Pennsylvania figures heavily into any presidential-hopeful's electoral math, which largely explains the numbers of visits both Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton have been making to the state.

Pennsylvanians however, don't vote as a unified block. Regional differences make for regional voting patterns. What matters to a rural white voter in Clearfield is unlikely to resound as loudly with an African American voter in Philadelphia.

The following map shows voting patterns in Pennsylvania across the last four presidential cycles. Interestingly, in 2012 the state moved back toward the voting patterns in the 2004 presidential election, although Democrats still held a majority in the state. Which way the state swings this year remains to be seen.
There's a reason people are paying attention to Luzerne County in this year's presidential election, and it has nothing to do with the fact that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was christened at a church in neighboring Lackawanna County.

This county that spreads across mountains and valleys in the northeastern corner of the state is seen by some as a good indicator of which presidential candidate will win Pennsylvania.

Region: Northeast

Since 1932, whichever presidential hopeful won Luzerne County won the state.

While Wilkes University political science professor Thomas Baldino considers that more of a spurious relationship than a causal connection, U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, attaches some significance to it.

Still, with the Keystone State one in a handful of swing states this year, both Clinton and her GOP rival Donald Trump are looking at potential bellwethers, or important indicators, for a victory in Pennsylvania.

Given the voter registration edge in Luzerne, where Democrats hold 53 percent of the 198,000 registered voters and Republicans 37 percent, it could lead one to think Clinton has a victory all sown up there.

Not so, according to Trump's campaign. Baldino said he believes that there is at least a slim chance Luzerne could go in the win column for Trump.

Reason being, they said, Trump's message resonates with the blue-collar workers employed by the distribution centers along I-81 and I-80 - and to a far lesser extent than used to be the case when coal was king - the coal miners. He also appeals to some veterans and with Tobyhanna Army Depot nearby and the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, there are a lot of them there.

Trump also is attractive to older voters, and Luzerne is a relatively older county in terms of population, Baldino said. Before the 2010 redistricting occurred that extended the 11th congressional district that Barletta represents south to Cumberland and Dauphin counties, it was one of the oldest congressional districts in the nation, he said. He's unsure now where it ranks with its new configuration.

Barletta, the former Hazleton mayor who is co-chair of Trump's Pennsylvania campaign, said the GOP candidate's honest talk also wins favor with the folks in the congressman's home county.

"He's not a politician. He appears genuine and although he'll say things at times that makes people cringe, what they like about him is that he's not scripted and he'll say a lot of things that people think and he's not afraid," Barletta said. "That kind of talk, that kind of honesty here in northeastern Pennsylvania reminds people that he thinks like them."

Along with that, the Trump campaign's hopes of flipping Luzerne are buoyed by the fact it was the county that delivered the highest margin of victory for him in the Pennsylvania GOP primary.

Louis Pagnotti, assistant to the chairman at Atlantic Carbon Group of Hazle Twp., was among those who voted for him in the primary and he'll vote for Trump again in November.

The third-generation coal miner liked hearing Trump say he'd put coal miners back to work. Clinton, on the other hand, destroyed any chance of winning his vote when she made a comment in West Virginia about wanting to put the coal mines out of business.

"That was a startling comment," Pagnotti said, as he drove a PennLive reporter and photographer 200 feet down the bumpy makeshift road to the bottom of the company's surface mine where sat two excavators bearing "Trump Digs Coal" signs.

Even though Clinton later clarified her statement, saying her intention was to indicate her support for encouraging policies that move the nation toward renewable energy sources, Pagnotti believes she meant it when she said she wanted to put coal miners out of work. He said her political ads say as much.

"Her advertisements talk positive about solar energy, solar panels, wanting us to be the clean energy country, the leading clean energy company ahead of China. So it is kind of troubling," he said.

While the candidates' energy policies were a major concern to Pagnotti, immigration, health care, and national security were important issues cited by other residents of this county that has a growing Hispanic population in its southern end.

Barber Samuel Jimenez was taking a break while waiting for his next patron to walk through the door. Inside his 809 Barbershop in a section of Hazleton where there is a growing Latino presence, he said the presidential race has been a lively topic of conversation, particularly concerning Trump's call for building a wall between the United States and Mexico.

"Everybody is saying Trump is like a clown or something like that," said the 26-year-old barber, a registered Democrat. "Actually Mexico is not where I came from, but that's not right to do a wall."

Jimenez is going to vote for Clinton, and many of his patrons say they are too. But it's not because of what she says she'll do, it's what her husband Bill did.

"People say because he was president of the United States government and he did good so she may be good too," he said.

Over in Wilkes-Barre, Ellen Wildes manned the front desk of the Clinton headquarters. The lifelong Democrat's strong admiration for Clinton and vigorous disdain for Trump motivated her to volunteer for the first time in her life for a political campaign. She said she has never been so engrossed by a presidential campaign as this one reading all she can about the candidates.

"I think [Trump] is mentally imbalanced. I think he's corrupt," said Wildes, 66, of nearby Dallas. "If Trump gets in I'm afraid he will start a third world war. Seriously, I believe that. So that scares me."

Besides that, she believes President Obama has got the country's economy on the right track and that Clinton will continue that trend as well as do good things for the environment.

"I really like Hillary and I think she'd make a great president," Wildes said. "And I'm excited at the fact that she would be the first woman president."

Not all Democrats share her enthusiasm for Obama's track record or Clinton though.

John Thieman, 78, and Clyde Harvey, 76, both of Ashley, were among the Democrats who switched their registration to Republican before the April primary specifically to vote for Trump. They plan to back him in November as well.

"If Hillary gets in, she's going to carry on the Obama stuff," Harvey said in between bites of pizza he bought at a farmer's market held weekly on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square. "He screwed up the health care already so she can't make it worse. But the lesser of the two evils in my estimation is Donald Trump. Even though he's got a big mouth, he has to learn like everybody else. Nobody is born for this job. They have to learn. You got to give him a chance."

Thieman, who teased that his friend should run for president, said unequivocally, "I think Donald Trump is better than her."

A more ardent Trump supporter, 83-year-old Lila Hillard of Kingston, said the GOP presidential hopeful was the candidate that she felt she could most trust.

Sitting on a bench in Public Square listening to the sound of lively polka music performed by Stanky and the Coalminers on a nearby stage, Hillard said, "I could be wrong. But between the two, that's my decision."

The lifelong Republican said she is willing to vote for a Democrat if she views the candidate as the better person but that is not the case in this year's presidential race. She called Clinton an opportunist who she has no use for.

On the other hand, she likes Trump's support of Second Amendment rights and stance on cracking down on illegal immigrants as well as admires people who support him, including Ben Carson and Mike Huckabee.

Sitting on the other end of the bench was veteran William Hughes, 69, of Wilkes-Barre, who sat quietly as he heard Hillard praise the candidate who he said in no way he could support.

"I think he's dangerous," said Hughes, a registered Democrat. "Any vet that votes for him is crazy."

His dislike for Trump began when he attacked U.S. Sen. John McCain, a former prisoner of war, and said he wasn't a war hero.

"I was in Vietnam," said Hughes, whose health suffers from his exposure to Agent Orange. "Trump has no idea, absolutely no idea. He was getting out of the draft three or four years in a row while we were over there doing what we were supposed to do."

Not all of the Luzerne County voters interviewed have their minds made up though.

Manning a potato pancake and lemonade stand nearby was Shay Wilkinson. This 17-year-old is looking forward to voting for the first time in November. She only wishes that she could cast her first presidential vote for Bernie Sanders.

With him out of the race, the registered Democrat said she remains undecided about which candidate will get her vote although she does appreciate that Clinton has come around to supporting some of Sanders' policy proposals particularly as it relates to tuition-free college.

"I definitely do not want Trump though," said the high school graduate who plans to enroll in college next year. "I don't like his viewpoints. I don't like how his trying to change everything and he's all about war and discrimination."

Wilkinson said she may even look into Libertarian Gary Johnson to see what he is all about.

Barletta said the thing about Clinton that he hears from his constituents in his home county is they don't trust her. "They think that she should be in jail let alone running for president," he said. "It's a very strong opinion and a very strong mood when you talk to people here."

He said the strength of support for Trump is apparent in polls done by Republican consulting firm Axiom Strategies' selection, which identified Luzerne as one of 10 battleground counties in the nation it is monitoring that will decide the next president.

Axiom's latest poll has Trump up by 15 percentage points in Luzerne. It recently added another northeastern Pennsylvania county to its watchlist, Northampton County. Like Luzerne, it's another predominantly Democratic county that saw a surge in Republican registrations prior to the spring primary. There, its latest poll has Trump up by 8 percentage points.

But Democratic state Rep. Mike Carroll dismisses that poll as pure hogwash. While he concurs with the firm's premise that the only way Trump will win Pennsylvania is if he does extremely well in Democratic counties such as Luzerne, he considers that outcome to be unlikely given what he knows about voters there.

Unlike Trump, who mocks women, people with disabilities and veterans, which in his view disqualifies him as a presidential candidate, Clinton's candidacy appeals to Luzerne residents, Carroll said.

"Her message relates to how we're going to advance the country and have a government that works and make sure that we have policies in place in Washington that advance communities and not just engaging in a government that builds walls and discredits folks," he said. "I'll be surprised if people that pay attention to the campaign, vote for Donald Trump."

Wilkes University's Baldino, a registered Democrat who doesn't strictly vote straight party, admits he won't be voting for Trump but he's not sure he'll be voting for Clinton either.

"If there was any other Republican candidate than Trump, almost any other Republican candidate, this would be a runaway and almost any other Democratic candidate, this would not be up for debate," he said. "I'm even wondering how well Bernie Sanders would have done against Donald Trump honestly. He doesn't have the baggage that she carries."

Baldino said perhaps the most serious reason he is fearful of a Trump presidency is "that he has legitimized extremist positions. The so-called alt right. If it was just the alt right, it wouldn't be bad. But the fact that David Duke has endorsed Trump, OK now the Ku Klux Klan is going to be OK and the American Nazi party will be OK. Every far-right fringe group is going to feel empowered to come out and proclaim their positions. That will actually set us back, could be 50 or 60 years."

In all his years of studying politics, the professor said he never felt as uncomfortable about a presidential election as this one.

For Clinton to win it all, he said people are going to have to turn out to vote. But if the baggage she carries leaves voters unmotivated to do that, Trump wins. If that happens, Baldino predicts that will leave those Clinton voters who stayed home feeling a hangover on Nov. 9 and asking "'what just happened?"
Pa-cop-fired-for-racial-slur-on-snapchat-speaks-out.jpeg

Melissa Adamson, who worked as an officer in the McKeesport, Pitcairn and Versailles departments in western Pa., is speaking out after using a racial slur in a Snapchat post in which she is pictured wearing her police uniform.

(via Snapchat)

A part-time police officer with ties to three departments in Allegheny County, Pa., is now apologizing for using a racial slur in a Snapchat post in which she is pictured wearing her police uniform.

Melissa Adamson, who worked as an officer in the McKeesport, Pitcairn and Versailles departments, called the episode a 'stupid mistake' in detailed comments to WTAE in Pittsburgh on Wednesday:

"I'm not a racist. That's not how I plan on portraying myself," Adamson told WATE. "I love my job. I love what I do. It's what I want to do for the rest of my life."

"Everyone that knows me knows I don't have a racist bone in my body," Adamson continued. "And people who don't know me, I can understand why it was misconstrued to where it looks racist. But like I said, everyone who knows me knows I'm not racist."

"I don't want this to affect how I do my job. I don't want people to look at me differently, thinking that I can't build myself up to the standard of a police officer," Adamson added. "Again, it was a stupid mistake. It shouldn't have been posted in general, regardless of how my intentions were."

"I'm sorry for who I did offend. It was not my intention. I can't express how sorry I am for how I made you feel -- emotionally, physically. Again, it wasn't my intention."

However, Adamson is now out of a job in all three police departments.

In the controversial Snapchat photo, Adamson was wearing a Pitcairn police uniform, where she worked just prior to McKeesport. Pitcairn Police Chief Scott Farally told WATE the photo appears to have been taken months ago, when officers wore long-sleeved uniforms during the winter months.

For her part, Adamson blamed the flap on revenge from another police colleague:

"An altercation happened between me and a former police officer, and he's bringing up his dirt, ruining my career, which has been done," she told WTAE.

Snapchat is a social media site in which users can share images and short videos, along with their self-written captions, among their social network. Most Snapchat posts are designed to disappear after a short while. It was not immediately clear how the fired police officer's controversial post came to the attention of public officials in McKeesport.

MORE PA. BUZZ:
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Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County.

(Dan Gleiter, The Patriot-News/file)

In a move that will send the Legislature scrambling, a divided Pennsylvania Supreme Court has struck down a lucrative casino tax that benefits municipalities and counties which host gaming venues.

Recognizing the financial turmoil the decision could create, the high court is giving lawmakers 120 days fix what it claims are inequities in the casino levy.

The outcome of the Supreme Court ruling is sure to be felt statewide, including in Dauphin County and East Hanover Township, home to the Hollywood Casino. An attempt to obtain comment from Dauphin County officials on the Supreme Court decision was not immediately successful.

The high court's majority decision stems from an appeal by the owner of the Mount Airy Casino & Resort in Monroe County.

The justices agreed with Mount Airy that the local share casino tax that generated revenue for non-Philadelphia host municipalities is inequitable and must be reworked. They ruled that the casino tax channeled to counties is intertwined with the municipal levy and so must also be modified.

Taxes on casinos operating in Philadelphia fall under a different tax arrangement, but also will be affected by the Supreme Court decision. The local share casino tax rate there is 4 percent.

Mount Airy claimed on appeal that the now-stricken tax is illegal because it was based on an inequitable two-tier arrangement. That system required casinos to pay a municipal tax of 2 percent of their gross terminal revenue from slot machines or a lump sum of $10 million, whichever was greater.

That creates unconstitutionally disparate tax rates between non-Philadelphia casinos based on their income, Mount Airy argued. The Supreme Court majority agreed in an opinion issued Wednesday by Justice David N. Wecht.

Wecht's court declined a suggestion from Mount Airy to set a uniform 4 percent tax rate for all casinos. The justices also turned aside a state Revenue Department recommendation to keep the $10 million minimum in place, but eliminate any further taxes on casinos with gross terminal revenue exceeding $500 million.

Fixing the tax problem is the job of the Legislature, Wecht found.

"This court is not in the business of drafting complex tax statutes, nor are we experts on the financial condition of Pennsylvania's casinos or the financial needs of Pennsylvania's municipalities," he wrote.
Cops lights PennLive.jpg

Two western Pennsylvania women are criminally charged after allegedly inviting a 15-year-old boy over for pizza and then engaging in a three-way sex act with him.

UPDATE: This article has been updated with new details from the criminal complaints filed against both Weaver and Simms.

Two Westmoreland County women have been criminally charged after authorities say they engaged in a three-way sex act with a 15-year-old boy they had invited over for pizza.

The charges against Melissa E. Weaver, 26, and Tonia M. Simms, 37, both of Latrobe, were announced by WTAE-TV on Thursday.

They include as yet ungraded counts of statutory sex assault, corruption of a minor and indecent assault of a person under the age of 16. Plea hearings are scheduled for both women on Nov. 16 in Westmoreland County Court.

A criminal complaint filed by Greensburg State Police includes the following account of the incident, which is said to have occurred at Simms' Armstrong Drive apartment between July 8 and July 18:

* The victim says he met both Simms and Weaver through a friend who lives in the same apartment complex as the women.

* Victim said he was visiting Weaver on the night in question. He said at some point in the evening, both Weaver and he were invited over to Simms' apartment to eat pizza and drink alcohol.

* Victim said after eating, Simms went upstairs to put her children to bed. He claims Simms came back downstairs a short time later and invited both Weaver and he up to her bedroom.

* Inside Simms' bedroom, the victim said Simms and Weaver began to kiss while he watched. At that point, the victim said, Weaver looked at him and asked, "What, you never had a threesome before?"

* Victim said he went on to have sexual intercourse with both women in Simms' bedroom.

* According to the victim, both Simms and Weaver knew he was underage. Investigators point to a text message exchange between Simms and the victim's friend, the one who also lives in her apartment complex. In it, authorities allege Simms told the friend to say the male victim was 21 years of age "if anyone asked."

* Victim said he'd had sex with Simms on other occasions as well, but couldn't remember the dates.

* When confronted with the boy's allegations by police, Simms allegedly confessed to engaging in sexual activity with the underage victim, explaining "It was a big mistake" and that "she shouldn't have done it."

* Police say Simms also admitted to a sexual encounter involving her, Weaver and the child, and that she said "it started out as innocent flirting and turned into a big mistake because they all had a moment of weakness."

* When Melissa Weaver spoke with police, she allegedly told them that while she was too drunk to remember having sex with the victim, she does remember the boy having sexual contact with Simms.

It was not immediately clear how police became aware of the allegations against both women. A message left for an information officer with the Greensburg State Police was not immediately returned on Thursday.

Messages left with attorneys for Weaver and Simms were also not immediately answered.

Meanwhile, both Simms and Weaver were in a Westmoreland County magisterial district court on Wednesday, where they waived preliminary hearings on the charges against them.

Simms is charged with 5 counts of statutory sexual assault, one count of indecent sexual intercourse with a person less than 16 years of age, one count of corruption of a minor and 5 counts of indecent assault of a person under the age of 16.

Weaver is charged with one count each of statutory sexual assault, indecent sexual intercourse, corruption of a minor and indecent assault of a minor.

Weaver is currently free on $10,000 unsecured bail, while Simms remains confined to Westmoreland County Prison, unable to post the $20,000 cash bail set in her case, online court records show.

A quick online search shows no prior criminal history for either woman in Pennsylvania.
Buzzard and Ravert.JPG

Alicia Buzzard and Elliot Ravert

(Pa. State Police )

LEBANON -- The Lancaster County man accused of taking his girlfriend from a local mental health facility last month at gunpoint used a fake gun.

That detail emerged at the preliminary hearing Thursday for Elliot Ravert, 18, of Narvon, who is accused of taking Alicia Buzzard from the Philhaven facility in Cornwall on Aug. 9. The pair was found Aug. 12 when they were arrested for shoplifting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Ravert is charged with two felony counts of robbery and two counts of aggravated assault, as well as a two misdemeanor counts of making terroristic threats.

Lebanon County District Attorney David Arnold asked Cornwall police Sgt. Brett Hopkins whether the black air pistol Ravert is said to have used looked real.

"Absolutely," Hopkins replied, adding that the gun was found about 150 yards away from the hospital.

Ravert was known to Philhaven staff, who were under orders not to admit him to see Buzzard, Samantha Mertz, because he had violated rules. When he was told he couldn't see Buzzard on Aug. 9, he asked to a nurse and her assistant.

The nurse, Jocelyn Ramirez-Harrell, said Ravert asked her to see Buzzard and pulled a gun from his waist when she told him he could not see his girlfriend.

"He said, 'I'm not afraid to shoot you,'" Ramirez-Harrell testified, adding that she saw everything but the tip of the barrel of the gun and thought it was a real firearm.

Ravert then took her portable radio, got Buzzard and fled with her. Ramirez-Harrell said she didn't see if Ravert had the gun in his hands because she was concerned with calling police.

"I saw them run off towards the stairways, but I quickly closed the doors afterwards so they couldn't come back," Ramirez-Harrell testified.

Ravert's attorney, Michael Asbell, pushed to have charges dropped or reduced. Asbell unsuccessfully argued that a robbery did not occur because Ravert didn't take the nurse's portable radio for an extended period of time and was found at the hospital.

District Judge John Ditzler bound Ravert over to trial on all six counts, noting that Asbell's arguments may be appropriate for trial but are irrelevant for establishing enough cause to send the case forward.

Ditzler also declined to lower Ravert's $150,000 bail, pointing to the fact that he was arrested in South Carolina and is a flight risk. Ravert was taken back to Lebanon County Prison, where he said he had been attacked by a cellmate.

UPDATE: The spelling of John Ditzler's name was corrected.
MONESSEN -- In casual conversation, even while standing on its streets, talk of Monessen often veers toward eulogy.

It is remembered as a once thriving steel town, home to the massive Wheeling-Pittsburgh plant, downtown streets that teemed with life and blast furnaces that fired ceaselessly.

Region: Southwest

But as the tense implies, that is no longer the case.

In fact, if there was a poster-child for loss in America's post-industrial age, this might be it.

In 1986, the dominant Wheeling-Pittsburgh plant closed, and the blast furnaces fell silent.

With fewer jobs, the population dwindled, municipal debt ballooned into the millions and those once teeming streets gave way to a creeping patchwork of blight.

There are exceptions, of course, with some industry conversion taking place, and the Douglas Education Center on 7th Street now a premier destination for Hollywood special-effects make-up artists in training.

But Monessen isn't what it used to be, and for many here, this is an era marked by mourning.

And so it was with renewed optimism -- and an almost messianic fervor -- that some of them welcomed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on his visit to Monessen in June. Others came from similarly distressed towns across the region to show their support.

As he has for much of the last year, Trump spent the time lamenting globalism's impact on places like this. He denounced trade deals that he feels have squandered the country's competitive edge, at the expense of the working class. And he promised to restore the jobs and industries that vanished here so long ago.

"We are going to put American-produced steel back into the backbone of our country," Trump said during the stop. "This alone will create massive numbers of jobs."

Needless to say, that message has been well received in former manufacturing hubs from Monessen to Erie. It has also been ripped by critics who call it misleading and misinformed.

But it's the sentiment, not necessarily the details, which matters to supporters in a place like this.

And it is the underlying sense of recognition that has some in Monessen believing, for the first time in a long time, that things are looking up.

'What you remember at a better time'

By now, Trump's rapport with the white working class is well established, and on the verge of becoming a trope. In states like Pennsylvania, it was credited with helping to propel him to victory in the Republican Primary.

And now, with just weeks left before the general election, Trump continues, in large part, to hitch his presidential aspirations to them.

Proof of that came minutes into Monday's debate, with Trump returning to the subject of this city -- or rather the broader economic malaise it has come to epitomize.

He spoke of "stolen jobs," the siphoning effect of foreign markets and renewed vows to rebuild local economies through trickle-down tax cuts and restrictions on outsourcing.

This was not coincidental.

Trump's campaign is counting on the support he's received in industrial corridors like Southwestern Pennsylvania, while his opponent focuses on ensuring Democrats turn out to vote in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Whether it pays off for either remains to be seen.

But experts say Trump has as good a shot as any of winning Pennsylvania this year, or at least of keeping it close, because of the state's changing political demographics.

Much, if not all, of that change is focused here, in the Rust Belt towns where economic declines have heralded in a new age in Pennsylvania politics -- one defined by the diminished influence of Democratic labor unions and a growing tendency for voters, even Democrats, to back Republican candidates.

Salena Zito of The Atlantic writes in a Sept. 13 piece that if Trump gains 2,000 to 2,500 voters in counties like Westmoreland (home to Monessen) and nearby Washington, the race could be extremely close in Pennsylvania. And if he carries Pennsylvania, the election could be over.

It is a scenario supported, at least superficially, by voter registration data, which shows 4,249 Westmoreland County Democrats have switched their affiliation to Republican, along with 1,552 non-Democrats, so far this year. Meanwhile, in Washington County, some 2,067 Democrats have done the same.

By comparison, just 690 Westmoreland County Republicans have gone Democrat this year, joined by 1,095 non-Republicans. In Washington County, less than half as many Republicans and non-Republicans joined them.

Much of the movement is being attributed to Trump's popularity. But experts say he is only the latest catalyst in a larger trend that predates his candidacy by decades. It is a trend that built slowly over time, as the gap widened between the Democratic Party's platform and the socially and fiscally conservative Democrats found in places like this. It has also accelerated dramatically in recent years for reasons that remain highly varied and, some might argue, highly personal.

"The best answer I can give is that the Democratic party changed under Bill Clinton," said Michael Korns, chairman of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee.

"They were trying to market themselves as a more moderate party, and then Al Gore ran significantly to the left of Bill Clinton [in 2000], and they've ran that trend ever since. ... It's very clear that the Hillary [Clinton] campaign is farther to the left than the one her husband ran, and part of the Democratic Party still doesn't think that's [left] enough."

It's worth noting here that Bill Clinton was the last Democratic candidate for president to win in Westmoreland County, and that was 20 years ago.

Since then, counties like it have continued to elect Democrats in local and congressional elections, but have leaned Republican in statewide and national contests. This includes President Obama, who lost here in landslides both times he ran.

And while both John Kerry and Obama carried Pennsylvania because of their success in urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Trump has focused instead on the Rust Belt towns, like Monessen and Johnstown, that surround them.

It is a strategy dependent on the tide of Republicanism here being strong enough to matter.

"My personal theory is that the Democrats abandoned these kinds of working class voters here in Westmoreland County and places like this a long time ago," Korns said.

He added: "Trump is the first Republican in a long time who has explicitly embraced these voters and made them feel welcome. ... A direct message of 'We're going to bring back what you remember at a better time,' that has a lot of relevance in people's lives -- at least in my corner of the universe."

'The best way to lose everything'

At just an hour south of Pittsburgh, Monessen can often feel a world apart.

While Pittsburgh has enjoyed its own rust belt revival and continuing reinvention as an "eds," "meds," robotics and energy hub, river towns like Monessen struggle to stay afloat.

In fact, while Pittsburgh has gotten younger, wealthier and more Democratic, Westmoreland County, on the whole, has gotten older, poorer and more Republican. The same holds true in neighboring southwest counties like Butler and Beaver.

Following the 2014 mid-terms, the Beaver County Times seemed to marvel at the pace and breadth of political change underway there, writing, "Beaver County, long the home of labor strength and true-blue Democrats, now has two GOP state senators, two GOP state representatives, and a Tea Party-backed Republican congressman who easily won the county."

And while there continues to be a see-saw effect at work elsewhere in the region, overall an area once considered reliably Democratic is now more often than not labeled conservative.

"Western Pennsylvania as a whole is becoming, I'd use the term conservative more than Republican or Democrat," said Keith Rothfus, a Republican congressman whose 12th District includes parts of Beaver, Lawrence, Westmoreland, Cambria and Somerset counties, as well as the north hills of Pittsburgh. Rothfus won his seat in 2012 by defeating Mark Critz, an incumbent Democrat.

This year, he added, "you have Democrats who have said they're supporting both me and Trump. ... And with the right message, the GOP has the potential to win elections out here."

Even Democrats acknowledge the tide has turned, while remaining unwilling to concede the region either entirely or permanently.

"The days of Westmoreland being a Democratic powerhouse have been gone for quite some time. This is really nothing new," said Bob Rendar of the Westmoreland County Democratic Party.

But Rendar added that in response to a string of stunning defeats at the hands of Republicans, the local Democratic Party has reorganized, placing a new emphasis on social media and websites, and receiving renewed cooperation from state party leaders back east.

He said this has helped the party regain city council seats, supervisory seats, and control of the county's board of commissioners, all while helping to retain other seats that without the re-organization "more than likely would have been lost."

But despite measured local success, the party's battles at the state and federal level are increasingly uphill, with ground lost to Republicans in recent years almost sure to haunt them in the future.

"The Democrats in Westmoreland for several years were complacent and the Republicans worked hard to organize," Rendar admitted.

He added, "Just thinking that you'll always win is the best way to lose everything."

'Blind loyalty'

Despite its symbolic value to the Trump campaign, Monessen remains a majority Democratic city tucked inside a majority Democratic county. But that is changing quickly, too.

Above all else, though, the city seems to possess a deep-seated sense of political nihilism, after decades of facing-off with forces beyond its control.

"I'll tell you like this," one man said. "Democrats and Republicans are two fangs of the same snake."

Another, when asked if he preferred any candidate still in the race, quipped: "No. They're all the same."

Out of 12 people approached by PennLive, eight were undecided -- a remarkably high number at this juncture in the race.

Even one self-professed Trump supporter said he felt similarly defeated, explaining that at this point in its history, Monessen may be beyond repair.

"I don't think he [Trump] can do anything about the economy. Not here," Tom Lang said, looking around at the boarded-up buildings and abandoned homes lining Schoonmaker Avenue.

"As far rebuilding the steel mills, I worked in them for 40 years. They're old and beat up."

But first-time voter Daymian Sharp of Connellsville said he believes in Trump's vision. Or perhaps it has more to do with Trump's apparent belief in him.

The loyalty Trump inspires among white, working class voters like Lang and Sharp is what continues to fuel his campaign. It is his failure to broaden that appeal, however, which continues to hamper it.

Meanwhile, Trump's legacy is already being felt across Westmoreland County, having sped-up a shrinking of the county's registration gap that was already well underway. As a result, Republicans are expected to surpass Democrats as the majority here in a matter of years, Korns said. Additionally, the line between political parties seems increasingly permeable, with those remaining Democrats perhaps more willing to split with the party now.

It's unclear what that willingness will mean in down ballot races for U.S. Senate this fall. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), for example, has refused to endorse Trump outright, casting doubt on his ability to build off any potential Trump bump at the polls.

But Republicans are at least outwardly confident that support for Trump in places like Westmoreland County will translate more broadly. There is also hope that he will be able to attract undecided and cross-over voters who remain cool on Clinton or even him. It's a mission that his debate performance on Monday likely did little to accomplish.

"Southwestern Pennsylvania has always had a lot of Reagan Democrats that were supportive of many Republican priorities like protecting the Second Amendment and the coal industry, but our region has had thousands of people switch from Democrat to Republican or register for the first time in their lives over the last year," said Congressman Bill Shuster, a Republican whose district includes part of Washington, Greene, Cambria and Westmoreland Counties.

"Everyone has a different story," he continued. "Some are frustrated with President Obama's commitment to hurting the coal industry, others believe that the Republicans are better suited to lead this country as Radical Islamic terrorism grows across the world, and a great majority are because they believe in Donald Trump."

Across the aisle, Congressman Mike Doyle, a Democrat representing much of Allegheny County and part of Westmoreland County, said he understands the sentiment fueling faith in Trump and the campaign's regional resonance but believes there is more skepticism than might be apparent.

"The idea that he's going to bring back steel mills and coal mines is a bit of an insult to those of us who live in the region and who understand very well the changing economy and the realities of what's going on in those industries," he said.

Doyle says this as the son of a Braddock steel worker and the grandson of a steelworker from Rankin.

And while both of those towns in Allegheny County, and the county as a whole, remain Democratic stalwarts, they are no longer the norm.

Politico, in a 2014 piece about the region, described Allegheny County as a "Democratic island in a Republican sea."

Doyle knows this, and says gone are the days of "blind loyalty" to Democrats elsewhere in the region.

"I think there, they [voters] are just looking for, whether it's national or state candidates, for people who understand what it's like to be them," he added. "And when they find a candidate they think understands their struggles, and not only has empathy for those struggles but wants to do something to help them. That's where they're gonna go."

The question now is whether Pennsylvania and the nation will follow.
FILE - In this Wednesday, May 4, 2016, file photo, trader Edward Curran, right, works near the post that handles CBS Corp. on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. On Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, National Amusements, the company that controls CBS and Viacom, announced it wants the two media companies to combine again, more than a decade after they went their separate ways. CBS Corp. produces TV shows and owns its namesake network. Viacom Inc. owns cable channels MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
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A graffiti supporting Pakistan is seen on left as a Kashmiri girl walks past Indian paramilitary soldiers near a temporary check point in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
The last time he had a public playdate,

Prince George was eight months old and already a future king in the making.

Now, two years after that memorable outing Down Under, 3-year-old George and his nearly 17-month-old sister Princess Charlotte met the children of military families in Victoria, Canada, on Thursday morning as part of the royal familys week-long tour of Canada.

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George and Charlotte were the center of attention as Prince William and Princess Kate joined other parents at the special reception at Government House  where the family is based during their stay.

And Charlotte gave her parents quite the workout as she excitedly took off towards a giant balloon archway. The littlest royal couldnt get enough of the colorful balloons, she was even overheard shouting, pop pop! according to reports. Charlotte also called Prince William, Dada.

Meanwhile, George was busy getting into a little mischief of his own, reportedly squirting his little sister and dad with an orange fish-shaped bubble gun.

The royal siblings also enjoyed playing with some of the animals at the party. George sat on one of the two ponies at the party and  not to be outdone  Charlotte sat on a dog named Moose.

The Surprising Things You Wouldnt Know About How the Royal Family Travels!

A group of military families have been invited to share what should be a really lovely morning with plenty of surprises for the children, the couples spokesman explained before the tour began.

It is likely to be the only time that the royal children will be seen in public, apart from their grandstand arrival on Saturday and their departure this weekend.

Since they were introduced at the bottom of the steps of the Canadian air force jet plane on September 24 (no high-fives from George!), the children have spent most of their time in the grand old home, looked after by their nanny Maria Turrion Borrallo. Each evening, apart from when William and Kate headed to Whitehorse, Yukon overnight Tuesday, the couple returned to Victoria to see the children.

The young family will spend the rest of Thursday privately together, aides said.
The municipal building renovation project is coming along, and a cornerstone of the finished project will be the new facility for the Petersburg Police Department. Last month, steel jail cells were shipped up from Colorado, putting the facility one step closer to completion.

"It looks pretty good," says Chief Kelly Swihart. "I think we have it set up in a way

that's really going to ensure safety for inmates and employees."

Swihart classifies the old cells as "fairly secure, but I wouldn't say they were safe." The cells had exposed bars, allowing inmates the opportunity to grab department employees or officers. They also created a potential suicide risk, something that's always in the forefront of safety concerns, because of the bars running across them.

"There's a structure there that they could tie a sheet, or a cord or belt to and hang themselves," Swihart says. "All that's taken care of with the new cells."

Awhile back, a department employee fell while taking inmates food. It's not certain whether the employee slipped or tripped, but it resulted in them being within arm's reach of inmates.

"Those sorts of things have been alleviated, I hope, or at least mitigated for the most part," Swihart says.

Chief Swihart says the planning process for the design of the renovation ran into some structural constraints with load bearing walls while working with an architect and subcontractor placing some limitations on the design of the renovation because of the way the building is situated, but PPD ultimately got what they wanted.

"We wanted to maintain our current 12-bed capacity, we wanted to be able to separate males and females, and adults and juveniles," Swihart says. "Worst case scenario, we need to be able to separate male and female adults, and male and female juveniles. So we came up with a six-cell layout that would allow us to do

that."

Two of the cells are pass-through cells, which would normally be considered temporary holding cells without showers between the secure garage, also called a "sally port," and booking station. Along with the two pass-through cells, there is a larger cell compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The cell is wheelchair accessible and has enough room for an occupant with disabilities to move freely in the cell.

The three cells are in a secondary cell block, with the three remaining cells making up the main cell block. In the main cell block there's even a couple feet of space for the inmates to stretch their legs, if they are behaving, and collect their meals.

"Those will be the three cells we typically use the most often," Swihart says. "Most of our inmates are adult males, so that's where the majority of those people will be held."

In regards to prefabricated cells, Swihart says they were just easier and made sense. Swihart points out they have quickly become a new industry standard down south. According to Corey Wall, the architect on the project, the six prefabricated steel jail cells cost $220,000 all together.

Swihart says PPD employees are looking forward to having a clean, safe, professional work environment.

"I think they are really excited," he says. "This building is old and definitely outlived its useful life. I think Petersburg got its money's worth out of this current facility."

For Jay Seavy, president of Maximum Security Systems (MSS), his journey in correctional facility construction started with building small county jails from concrete in the mid-80s. During that time, the steel cell industry was less than two percent of all jails and prisons being built in the United States. Today he says, that number's closer to, if not more than half.

In the mid-90s, Seavy started to see the benefits of building steel cells, rather than precast concrete. He acquired a company already manufacturing a steel cell, improved the product and began turning out his product. Seavy's patented the design and he's been selling them ever since.

"You have to paint a concrete cell, about every, at the least, minimum every two years."

An MSS steel cell is easy to clean as well, all that is required is spraying some Lysol and grabbing a hose to wash them out. The cost of the cell is also very appealing. A steel cell is produced and shipped much cheaper than a concrete masonry unit.

Seavy was in town to oversee the cells being put in place where they'd eventually be installed. The process was quick, lasting a little over a day. But it also gave Seavy a chance to experience Southeast.

"Well, I'll tell you what, we're from Colorado," he says starting to chuckle. "And we thought this is where God took all of his vacations, but I think that he may be going up to Petersburg occasionally too."
Harbor girls claim first D4 regional since 2016; host of runners qualify in D3, D4

EAST JORDAN  The Harbor Springs girls cross country team is no stranger to the state finals and hoisting trophies over the last couple decades.
Rachel Brougham: This is why Halloween is the best
PEMEX's refinery output slides as government opens fuel market



Pemex's six refineries are operating at 51% of capacity

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld.com 09 29 2016

Mexico's refineries, already operating at barely half of capacity, are facing more headwinds in the form of competition from imported fuel and a falling maintenance budget for 2017.

Mexico opened its energy industry to outside investment and more competition in 2013 in a bid to offset a rapid decline in oil production. Petroleos Mexicanos, the state-owned oil company, is headed for its 12th consecutive year of declining output and has seen its government-controlled budget slashed for 2017. The CEO of Pemex is seeking joint-venture partners for its six refineries in Mexico.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the Mexican refineries close once they liberalize the market, Andrew Echlin, an oil products analyst at Energy Aspects Ltd., said on the phone from New York. Pemex's refineries clearly need a lot of money put into them, and Mexico is now allowing fuel imports, which definitely complicates the picture because why not just get a terminal and get it from the Gulf Coast.

Pemex processed 848,611 barrels a day of crude in August, the least since 1990 and down 20 percent from a year earlier, according to data from the Mexico Energy Information Agency. The refineries are operating at 51 percent of their capacity of 1.65 million barrels a day, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The slide is set to continue in 2017 amid government cuts to Pemex's budget. The company declined to comment.

Mexico could eliminate government-set fuel prices as soon as next year as it works to open the energy market. Other recent reforms have enabled private companies to buy stakes in Pemex's refineries and to sell and distribute fuel in Mexico.

Shrinking Budget

The Mexican government has allocated 392 billion pesos ($19.7 billion) for Pemex's 2017 budget, down 18 percent from 2016, according to documents on the Finance Ministry website, prompting Pemex to cut back on oil and gas exploration and production and refinery maintenance. The company has said for several months it plans to sell refining assets and form joint ventures with private partners to drill in Mexico's oil fields.

The maintenance cuts will affect Pemex's asset sales plans, said Andrew Shepard, a refining and oil product markets analyst at Wood Mackenzie in Houston.

Deferred maintenance spending can limit run rates and increase the cost of getting these assets to operate efficiently in the future, ultimately making them less valuable to potential investors, he said in an e-mailed response to questions.

Pemex forecasts that crude production will fall to 1.925 million barrels a day in 2017 from the current 2.2 million. Falling crude output is another side of the coin, so access to feedstock has become a challenge, Echlin said.

Pemex Chief Executive Officer Jose Antonio Gonzalez Anaya said in an April 19 interview at Bloomberg's New York office that bringing in partners may include giving up an operating interest in refineries, which he said lose 100 billion pesos a year.

In July, the state producer agreed with private equity firm First Reserve Corp. to acquire an ultra low sulfur gasoline facility at the Madero refinery to lease back to Pemex, which will continue to operate it.








It all ends at the sea. Too bad all races don't end at the sea.

It was an early start to the media recce.

Media recce train starting the day off on stage one.

Stage 1 ends with a waterfall and a swimming hole in case riders want to beat the heat and take a quick dip before pedaling back up the hill.

Humans have lived in these hills for thousands of years and you come across some truly unique features deep in the woods just above the seaside.

The highest point in Finale is a decommissioned NATO base sitting about 1000 meters above the sea

Dave found out that 360-degree burnouts are a damn good use of an e-bike.

The top of stage 4 is super wide but with only a narrow bit of trail that is clear of dried out and fallen leaves.

If you stray from the main line at the top of stage 4 things will get a bit drifty real quick.

Beautiful white rock ridges at the start of stage five.

Riding ridgelines on stage five.

After the exposed ridge line stage 5 dives into the forest for some steep and tight switchbacks, all freshly cut.

Blazing sun and dusty trails are in store all week here in Finale.

It's dry and dusty in Finale, and the trails are oh, so good.

After last year's torrential rain it's nice to find things a bit more dusty this time around in Finale Ligure.

A quick break for lunch in the middle of riding all seven of the weekend's race stages.

Caves line much of the hillside in this region, and the promoters had a bit of a surprise for us today. The EWS and Enrico sent us to the center of the earth on a caving mission midway down stage six.

We were met trail side by a few of the locals who have been exploring and mapping the caves for years, and they decided we needed to have a look for ourselves. So down we went into the rabbit hole that descended some 20 meters below the surface. It was cold, it was dark, and there were bats. Here Dave crawls his way out of a deep dark crevice.

Coming straight out of the Mediterranean Sea are mountains and more mountains.

Not the typical view you expect to see at a mountain bike race.

Meh, just your average city with a wall.

Lord Cunny dropping down to the sea on the super loose stage seven.

The seaside village of Varigotti at the base of stage 7.

Day 2 starts high on the mountains above Finale Ligure and makes its way down to the sea over four unique stages.

The iconic Finale DH will close things out on Sunday as the final stage of 2016.

The hills of Finale await, and we can't wait to get this last race of the season started.

The EWS kicked off on the sea in Chile way back in March and we will close out the season on the sea here in Italy. Six months, eight rounds, and three continents later it has been an amazing season.

We started on this adventure way back in March on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Corral, Chile and this weekend the 2016 EWS Series will draw to a close on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Finale Ligure, Italy. A season that has seen us battle epic dust in Patagonia, massive high-alpine descents in the shadow of Europe's Mont Blanc, and the oxygen-deprived heights of the Colorado Rockies, in a series that truly does take riders all over the world. It all now comes to a dramatic close in a place fittingly called Finale.Going into these final few days of racing we still have a battle on our hands in all of the classes. Sure Cecile Ravenel has locked up the overall for the women but all of the podium spots behind her are closely contested and still up for grabs. We have a dead heat between Adrien Dailly and Sebastien Claquin in the U21 race and are set up for a winner take all final round, and a pro men's field with all spots theoretically still up for grabs. Indeed with Richie Rude's season of dominance, it will be hard to deny him his second straight title barring disaster, but Damien Oton and Jerome Clementz are both under pressure from their rivals to hold on to the final podium positions. And as they say in racing "anything can happen."
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY

TO FIND A STOLEN BIKE

An archive photo of police storage after only one bike theft bust.

It was a downer to go pick it up at VPD property. They have a few thousand unclaimed bikes sitting there. - Andrew Major

These are the photos that Andrew posted to Facebook after the theft.

I assumed I'd never see them again. I know a few people who've gotten bikes back but not many. - Andrew Major

I hadn't expected to get anything back and this was huge! JL is the f*cking man! I've heard more than a few stories of guys getting calls or texts to the effect of 'dude, I saw your bike roll by today,' but JL went out of his way and go mine bike. That's huge! - Andrew Major

We weren't 100% sure it was Paris' bike until we flipped it over and saw the Long Live Chainsaw sticker on the top tube. - Eric Brown

Community is so important for combating bike theft. Without a network of people sharing information and keeping an eye out, we'd be in more trouble for sure. You've got to look out for your neighbour and friends! Andrew's was the third stolen bike I've gotten back for someone I know and it feels great! Every time it worked out because of sharing photos online and putting the word out. - JL Russell

A report released earlier this year stated that Vancouver residents alone had reported over 10,000 bike thefts in just 4.5 years. The Internet is full of statistics on bike theft  worldwide, a bike is stolen every 90 seconds and only 2.4% are returned to their owners. The question now is not so muchyour bike will be stolen, but when.According to the Vancouver Police Departments website, in the summer months an average of nine bikes are stolen every day  an average of 2000 every year. On the flipside, the VPD recovers roughly 2000 bicycles in a year. Unfortunately, the majority of them will never be returned to their owners, as their serial numbers have not been reported to police, making them untraceable. These bikes will end up at auction, but we'd rather return them to their rightful owners.What isnt included on the website is that even if you report your serial number with your stolen bike there is a of margin human error that has to be accounted for. With the variable length and alphanumeric make-up of serial numbers it can be challenging to accurately document them with the number of hands they must pass through. They first must be recorded perfectly by you, then by the officer taking your file, followed by any officer calling it when a potential stolen bike is found, and finally by the Stolen Properties clerk who logs it in. Its one big game of telephone and we all know how that usually works out  your serial number is now big purple elephant.There is, however, a human element that can also help find our bikes - our community. Earlier this year Andrew Major had both his bikes stolen from his secure storage in his building. He will tell you that it was his mistake for temporarily housing his bikes there, but the thieves hot-wired the garage door, made their way through the main steel door, and cut the locks to each of the storage units. It was the first break-in in his building in ten years. Andrew, feeling more gut-punched and shocked than pissed at first, immediately called the RCMP (police) who took his report over the phone. He then made a Facebook post noting the visually unique and identifiable parts of his bikes; including a Custom Toxik Harold paint job and Ohlins fork (not pictured). He also set up an automatic search on Craigslist  from which I continue to get emails of other peoples obviously stolen bikes every day.Meanwhile, JL Russell logged into Facebook to watch his daily selection of cat videos and saw Andrews post. It was still in the back of his mind when he spent a day downtown later that week. As I was walking into the Art Gallery I noticed a guy on a bike that immediately caught my eye. I looked at the bike and thought, nice paint job, even got the stem custom painted to match; nice touch. An Ohlins fork? I've never actually seen that in real life. Then I looked up at the dude and thought, he looks maybe a little too sketchy to be on something that thought out. That and the fact that those forks weren't even available to buy yet, I pretty much immediately knew he was on a stolen bike.After JL realized that it might be Andrews bike he started running  hard! He caught up with the guy and had another look at the bike, he checked Facebook on his phone and confirmed that it was without a doubt one of the bikes that had been stolen from Andrew. Funny enough, though, I kept really questioning myself through the whole ordeal. It really just seemed too easy. Like oh, there's Andrew's bike right there. No worries!JL followed the guy and the bike until he sat down in a park and thats when he called the police. Having undercover officers all over the downtown core, they arrived in less than three minutes.The bike had been stripped  a set of old Chris King hubs built into silver Velocity Blunt 35 rims were gone and a bunch of other parts had been replaced. The most upsetting part for Andrew was that they had been replaced with parts from at least five other stolen bikes; that was a piss off.A very similar story took place just last month in Bellingham, Washington. Paris Gore was eating lunch with a group of friends when his bike was taken out of the back of their truck. "We were sitting across the street at a diner, it couldn't have taken more than a second. Whoever did it was good because we had a pretty good eye on the truck at almost all times," said Paris. Like Andrew, Paris immediately called the police and then posted a photo and description of the stolen bike on Facebook; including the bright yellow colour and custom American flag Evil decals.Eric Brown happened to be driving home from a day of trail-building a week after seeing Paris' post on Facebook when a neon yellow bike caught his eye. He did a lap around the block to get a better look, I could tell that the Evil stickers had been taken off and some sketchy looking dude was sitting on it. Eric did a third lap around the block to triple check and called 911. He then called a friend, Chris Pascucci, to join him for support and Paris, who was out of the country, to verify details of the bike. They followed the guy and bike to an apartment building nearby while on the phone with the police. Eric then got out of his truck and confronted them, saying, That yellow bike sitting in your yard is my buddys and Im on the phone with the cops right now. When the police arrived they took the bike but were unable to press charges; the guy claimed he bought it on Craigslist for $500 and he had no idea it was stolen."I was feeling pretty ecstatic, I actually had just gotten off the phone with an insurance investigator about my bike when Eric called." Paris was in the middle of a photo shoot and had gotten reception for the first time in a few days when his phone rang; "Eric doesn't call me often, and I just had a feeling it had something to do with my bike." The only damage to the bike when Paris picked it up from the police was a disconnected seat post dropper and the peeled off custom decals. "I feel lucky to live in a good community of people who were immediately on the lookout for my bike."Paris went on to point out the importance of taking the right steps when you think you see a stolen bike. "There's actually a guy in town here that rides the same colour Evil Insurgent around town. He doesn't fit the typical mountain biker look as he usually wears his painter's clothes. Unfortunately, he gets heckled a lot because people think he stole the bike as it seems out of place, but he really does own the bike. I felt really bad when mine got stolen because more people would be on the lookout, and I'm thankful that no one did anything stupid to him; as much as people talk about assaulting thieves with stolen bikes we have to remember that there are people out there like this guy, and I can't imagine what would happen if someone threw a punch over the bike. I ended up posting a picture and description of him on his bike just so people knew not to mess with him."This in no way is a call for vigilante justice  but a reminder that we are all in this together, and we have a responsibility to our community to not to look the other way when something doesnt feel right. JL, Eric and Chris all went above and beyond and I dont advocate that anyone else should engage with a potential bike thief (because they may not be), but do your part. Keep your eyes open and call the police.
A Ugandan refugee fatally shot by police in El Cajon, Calif., on Tuesday had twice been ordered by an immigration judge to be deported because of criminal convictions but was allowed to remain in the United States when Uganda refused to accept him, officials said Thursday.

Alfred Olango, 38, arrived in the United States as a refugee with his family in 1991, according to a statement released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

An immigration judge ordered him deported in 2002 after his conviction for transporting and selling drugs. An immigration judge renewed that order in 2009, when Olango left prison after serving a sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm, the Washington Post reports.

In both instances, Uganda refused to issue travel documents that would have permitted Olango to return to his homeland, according to a statement issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Olango and his family had fled Uganda for fear of becoming victims of political violence, according to court documents.

On Tuesday afternoon, two El Cajon officers confronted Olango in a strip mall parking lot after police received a call from his sister saying that he was acting erratically. According to police, Olango refused their commands and reached into his pocket for a metallic-looking object and then assumed a shooting stance, aiming the device at an officer.

That officer fired his service weapon, fatally striking Olango. The other officer fired a Taser to disable him.
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On MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show on Wednesday, Rachel Maddow gave viewers an exclusive look at a bombshell report to be released by Newsweek magazine on Thursday.

According to the reporting by Kurt Eichenwald, which Maddows program had advance access to, a company controlled by Donald Trump secretly conducted business in communist Cuba during Fidel Castros presidency even though it was illegal at the time.

Video:

According to the report:

A company controlled by Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, secretly conducted business in communist Cuba during Fidel Castros presidency despite strict American trade bans that made such undertakings illegal, according to interviews with former Trump executives, internal company records and court filings.

Documents show that the Trump company spent a minimum of $68,000 for its 1998 foray into Cuba at a time when the corporate expenditure of even a penny in the Caribbean country was prohibited without government approval. But the company did not spend the money directly. Instead, with Trumps knowledge, executives funneled the cash for the Cuba trip through an American consulting firm called Seven Arrows Investment and Development Corporation. Once the business consultants traveled to the island and incurred the expenses for the venture, Seven Arrows instructed senior officers with Trumps company, then called Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, on how to make the venture appear legal by linking it after-the-fact to a charitable effort.

The payment by Trump Hotels came just before the New York business mogul launched his first bid for the White House by seeking the nomination of the Reform Party. On his first day of the campaign, he traveled to Miami where he spoke to a group of Cuban-Americans, a critical voting bloc in the swing state. Trump vowed to maintain the embargo and never spend his or his companies money in Cuba until Fidel Castro was removed from power. He did not disclose that, seven months earlier, Trump Hotels already had spent money sending consultants on the secret trip to conduct business in Havana.

This damning report is just the latest when it comes to Trumps shady financial dealings.

In another Newsweek report from two weeks ago, Eichenwald reported that Trumps organization has deep ties to global financiers, foreign politicians and even criminals.

Whats particularly rich about the latest report is that Trump had publicly claimed that he wouldnt do business with Cuba until Castro was gone. Behind the scenes, though, Trump was carrying out illegal business activities.

This story and all of Donald Trumps financial ties deserve a level of media scrutiny that  even with 40 days until Americans vote in the general election  they still havent gotten. It also again underscores how important it is that Trump either release his tax returns or be held accountable for not doing so.

Whos the corrupt candidate again?
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Trump supporters are at it again.

Just a day after The Arizona Republic paper endorsed its first ever Democrat for President, the paper has received death threats and countless cancellations.

The Arizona Republic says it has received death threats and countless subscription cancelations over its endorsement of Hillary Clinton  the first time in the papers 126 year history it has ever supported a Democrat for president, local 12News reported.

Phil Boas, director of the Arizona Republics editorial page said it had been crazy around there but it should have been expected as the paper had been giving Trump scathing coverage. He added, Were getting a lot of reaction both locally and national. I dont believe true readers of the editorial page are surprised by this at all, because over the past year we have been writing scathing, scalding articles about Donald Trump.

Boas explained, The things he has done, making fun of disabled people and rolling back press freedoms. You know a guy who would do that and crush our freedoms in one area will do it in others as well.

The Arizona paper endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president on Tuesday, the first time in its 125-year history it has ever endorsed a Democrat. They wrote decisively, The 2016 Republican candidate is not conservative and he is not qualified.

Instead of rethinking the choice to support Donald Trump, his supporters took yet another cue from their leader and resorted to threats of violence.

This is just one more reason why Donald Trump is a menace to this country. If Donald Trump is elected, not only will we have a crush of our freedoms as Mr. Boas explained, but we will live with this kind of violence being condoned from the highest office in the land.

Donald Trump claims hes running for law and order, but he does all that he can to incite violence and create chaos and disorder.
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In a town hall with MSNBCs Chris Matthews, Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson once again proved not only that he shouldnt be the choice of young voters in this election, but also that he isnt qualified to be president.

The former New Mexico governor, accompanied by running mate Bill Weld, discussed a wide range of issues, but it was one answer that should give young voters pause, particularly if they are thinking of casting a ballot for Johnson.

When asked by Matthews how he would address the staggering level of college debt faced by so many young adults, Johnson offered a two-pronged response: 1. Student loans are bad; 2. Students should boycott college until the cost of tuition goes down.

Yes, fellow young voters, thats his solution.

Johnson also showed (again) that he doesnt have a deep knowledge of foreign policy. When the MSNBC host asked him to name a current world leader that he respects, the Libertarian nominee couldnt do it.

Video:

Heres the video Gary Johnson says hes having an Aleppo moment when he cant name a world leader he respects: https://t.co/7oRLTW5Jep  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 28, 2016

This isnt the only time Johnson has totally blanked on a foreign policy-related question. Earlier this month, Johnson was asked about Aleppo, a Syrian city central to the refugee crisis, and his response was, What is Aleppo?

Also during the town hall, Johnson was asked by a questioner if he would protect Planned Parenthood from Republican funding cuts, and he essentially said, Nope. As president, he instead promises to slash the organizations funds by 20 percent.

Planned Parenthood, of course, provides health services to millions of people each year. Its particularly useful for young people when it comes to providing annual exams, access to contraceptives, and other vital programs.

Gary Johnson may be doing a good job of appealing to millennial voters by repeatedly emphasizing his support of marriage equality and pot legalization, but his other proposals  which arguably have more impact on young people than social issues  should make them think again.

The candidate that many young liberals are flirting with as an alternative to Hillary Clinton is a man whose understanding of foreign policy seems to be comparable to Donald Trumps; a man whose plan to relieve student loan debt amounts to youre on your own; a man whose plan to fight climate change is to ignore it; a man who wants to cut an organization on which millions of people rely.

Donald Trump certainly wont be getting the support of many young voters this fall, but neither should Gary Johnson. Every time he gets in front of a camera, he shows us why.
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Hillary Clinton is doing better in the polls than President Obama and George W. Bush at the same post-debate point in the polls.

Three days after the first presidential debate, Democrat Hillary Clinton is at +3 over Republican opponent Donald Trump in the Real Clear Politics national average of polls. Hillary Clinton leads in 8 of the past ten national poll. One poll is tied, and Trump only leads in an LA Times tracking poll.

Clintons blowout debate performance brought Democrats home, achieving her intended goal of motivating the Democratic base.

According to the Real Clear Politics average, three days after the first debate in 2004, George W. Bush was at +2.7, in 2008 Barack Obama was at +4.6, and in 2012 President Barack Obama was at +1.4.

For those who are concerned about Hillary Clintons standing in the polls, the Democratic candidate is outperforming two of the last three presidential election victors. With only President Obamas 2008 showing excepted, which was a uniquely lopsided election in an era of partisan divide outshining Clinton.

In the realm of possibilities, the potential remains greater for Donald Trump to get blown out than win the White House on Election Day. The most likely scenario is that 2016 closely mirrors the results of 2012 when President Obama won by 4 points.

Hillary Clinton may not blow Trump out, but she is on pace to make history in November.
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Leave aside for a moment questions about why such a physically unattractive man is so obsessed with looks in others. Incredibly, Donald Trump told Bill OReilly that it was a cheap shot by Hillary Clinton to criticize his cheap shot against the winner of 1996s Miss Universe Pageant, Alicia Machado.

The overweight Trump had attacked the former Miss Universe as being overweight, calling her Miss Piggy, an eating machine, and Miss Housekeeping; the latter a slur on her Venezuelan origins.

You remember now, no doubt, how much Trump says he loves Hispanics.

Hillary Clinton brought these attacks up at the debate, saying, He called her Miss Piggy. Then he called her Miss Housekeeping, because she was Latina, to which, at the time, Trump had only a childish oh yeah? response, and the bizarre claim that any insults he makes are justified.

Take a refresher:

Fox News Bill OReilly was more than willing to give Trump the opportunity to further express his displeasure at being called out by a woman for his attacks on women. His slurs against Machado were, after all, only a few out of many he has made over the years.

BILL OREILLY: Do you think that was a cheap shot by Secretary Clinton to bring [you attacking Alicia Machado] up?



DONALD TRUMP: Well, I think it was.

You would think the guy who has created for himself the reputation for someone who looks down on political correctness would not mind being factually called out as a sexist pig, but apparently Trumps laws of political correctness apply only to Donald Trump.

So he responded to Clinton by appearing on Fox News Fox & Friends and admitting Clinton maybe got under his skin before doubling down on his smears against Machado:

She was the worst we ever had. The worst. The absolute worst. She was impossible.

Machado felt the same about her experience with Trump, telling reporters, And I have been talking about this for 20 years, this really bad experience working with Mr. Donald Trump.

Trump added that, She was the winner, and you know she gained a massive amount of weight and it was a real problem.

Trump doesnt think his slurs were cheap shots, but it was a cheap shot for Hillary Clinton to throw them in his face at the debate.

Probably it did not help Trumps mood when Clinton mentioned Machado had recently become a U.S. citizen (in August), and that she planned to vote against him in November.

For her part, Alicia Machado posted a picture (above) of herself at Instagram with a little note to Donald Trump:

I so proud and inspiration to be a U.S. Citizen! Ill be Voting! All my power and my support become with my next President @hillaryclinton Miss Housekeeping and miss Piggy Can Vote.

This is a man, she said in a Clinton ad, who doesnt realize the damage he causes. He bears many grudges, and harbors a deep racism, and is convinced that there are lesser human beings than him. But now Im strong. I am an American citizen, and Im going to vote.

And she got the best revenge of all when The Washington Post reported that searches for the phrase registrarse para votar (register to vote) hit an all-time high during Mondays presidential debate.

So sad!
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Donald Trump is making headlines for his misogynistic abuse of the winner of 1996s Miss Universe Pageant, Alicia Machado.

Sadly she is hardly alone in getting the Donald Treatment. Donald Trump consistently verbally abuses women.

Jennifer Lin, a former financial correspondent in New York City for The Philadelphia Inquirer, wrote Thursday morning about the time Donald Trump called her the c word  to her editor  in retaliation for a story of hers that he never actually read. This is such typical Trump it burns.

First Trump called Lin and screamed at her, peppering her with the word sh*t to describe her writing. (It turned out he had never actually read her story so he was calling it sh*t for no reason.)

Then he called my editor in Philadelphia, Craig Stock. Now it was Craigs turn to Hold for Mr. Trump, Lin wrote in Billy Pen.

Craig was treated to the same Trumpian wordplay, but got an added treat. Trump referred to me as that c*nt.

And the gold, Craig, a calm Iowan, asked Trump what was wrong with the story. He explained that The Inquirer would run a correction if the paper had made an error. Trump snapped that he didnt read the story.

Trump told the editor that no one reads the story. He read the headline and he didnt like it. This, too, is typical Trump. He fires first and asks questions later.

Donald Trump called her boss to complain about a story he hadnt even read and yet felt entitled to call her the c word to her boss.

Trumps harassment of female journalists is nothing new. In fact, this story repeats itself so often its as if Trump were Roger Ailes, before he got busted for serial sexual harassment.

But then Donald Trump defended Ailes even when numerous women said they had been sexually harassed by the former Fox News chief, ironically claiming to do so based on what he read.

Journalist Selina Scott had to threaten Trump with a lawyer in order to get him to stop harassing her after she rebuffed his advances and had the temerity to do her job by showing footage of him bragging and then getting busted exaggerating. In other words, she told the truth about Trump and refused his advances, and so he spent years retaliating against her.

Trump aimed such hatred at NBCs Katy Tur that she had to be escorted out of a Trump rally by the Secret Service.

This is the man who claimed that his daughter wouldnt be the victim of sexual harassment at work because shes strong.

Not sure yet that Trump actually sees the women you know and love like trash to be screwed? And thats only if he deems them worthy of being arm candy, forget women who are doing their job  they are the c words of the Trumps world. I give you his own words:

WHAT PROBLEM WITH WOMEN? Page 270 of my copy of THINK BIG. https://t.co/nXT5P8bVeD pic.twitter.com/tAnS22wwd1  Michael Kruse (@michaelkruse) September 29, 2016

Trumps contempt for women means he thinks the majority of this country are trash. They are c words to be crapped on, screamed at, harassed and humiliated  and then if they complain, he will blame them for his abuse, saying they just arent strong enough.

While Trump clearly believes that treating women like garbage is part of his success model, it could be the end of his presidential aspirations. For further proof of how things have changed, he need only talk to his friend Roget Ailes. So many women have been routinely harassed by men like Trump that this kind of behavior is likely to turn off even Republican women.
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New swing state polling from PPP shows that Hillary Clinton got a big debate bounce in swing states, and now leads in North Carolina and Florida.

Here are the PPP swing state results:

Voters in each of the swing states also gave Clinton a big debate win:

The connection isnt difficult to see. Hillary Clinton did really well with the voters in the states that she most had to reach. Trumps best performance with swing state voters was in Florida where he lost to Clinton by 18 points.

Winning the first debate is a good start, but as Mitt Romney showed in 2012 coming out strong is one debate doesnt win an election. The second debate is vital for both campaigns. If Hillary Clinton wins the second debate by the same margin as the first debate, perceptions will be closer to becoming reality.

By winning the first debate, Clinton turned the trajectory back in her favor, but she needs two more strong debates to get the job done and become the next President Of The United States.
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*The following is an opinion column by R Muse*

There are two things that are relatively certain in America: there are regular mass shootings, and Donald Trump is bound to blame Muslim Americans or President Obama. However, this week there was a mass shooting in Houston Texas in which there was only one fatality; only one fatality is atypical for Americas rash of shootings. What has also been irregular is that there was a veritable vocal vacuum from Republican standard bearer and white supremacist Donald Trump. Trumps silence is no mystery. Because after law enforcement killed the gun man in a shootout, they discovered he was a Nazi sympathizer wearing combat-style attire adorned with Nazi insignias; a perfect symbol of Donald Trumps white supremacist acolytes.

The only good news in yet another mass shooting was that none of the nine shooting victims died; the Nazi wannabe wasnt so fortunate. The Nazi gun fanatic, identified as Nathan DeSai, had opened fire on commuters near a strip mall wounding nine before police finally shot and killed him. Reports in the Houston Chronicle and KTRK reported that the man was wearing military clothes with Nazi patches and emblems on display.

In his car, police discovered 2,600 rounds of live ammunition, a Thompson sub-machine gun (tommy gun), a sheathed knife, a .45-caliber handgun, a notebook with Nazi symbols, and 75 spent shell casings. The aspiring Nazi came prepared for war with firearms and ammunition purchased legally; another typical aspect of Americas mass shooting plague and exactly what the National Rifle Association pays millions to Republicans to produce.

At the mans apartment, police reported they found more Nazi military memorabilia, and military accouterments going as far back as the Civil War. Police and other authorities were flummoxed at the motivation for the shooting attack and were hesitant to speculate about what role the preponderance of Nazi emblems on the shooters military gear had in the attack. The acting Houston Police Chief, Martha Montalvo said At this point, were very open-minded in terms of the motive, But she said the shooting didnt appear to be an act of terrorism. Likely because the man wasnt from the Middle East and was sporting emblems completely in line with Aryan hero Donald Trump.

The Houston mayor, Sylvester Turner, was on a trade mission to Cuba and suggested the man, a lawyer, dressed up like a Nazi and started shooting people because he was upset about troubles at his law practice. Turner said, The motivation appears to be a lawyer whose relationship with his law firm just went bad. In a different interview Turner said Mr. DeSai was either fired or had a bad relationship with this law firm. That assertion was hotly disputed by the deceased shooters law partner, Kenneth McDaniel, who said the two had worked together for 12 years before they parted ways over six months ago.

McDaniel said that DeSai was not disgruntled with the disbanding of the law firm or that he was fired from his job. Mr. McDaniel told the Chronicle,

Thats the farthest thing from the truth. It was simply a matter of economics. We couldnt afford to operate as a partnership anymore.

The shooters father said the law firm disbanding weighed on his son, but didnt necessarily attribute it to the shooting. The elder DeSai told KTRK that he saw his son the night before the shooting, but gave no further indication of his motivation except to say that Hes upset about the law practice not going well  financial reasons.

The property manager where DeSai lived said he thought the lawyer was working out of his apartment and had been recently behaving erratically, acting as if someone was out to get him. John Elmore said that in August DeSai had pulled a firearm on construction workers doing some repairs on the apartment complexs roof, allegedly mistaking them for burglars. Elmore said, They were scared for their life. They felt like they were going to get shot.

Now, what makes this all-too-typical and regular American event an aberration is that like the aftermath of the Colorado Planned Parenthood massacre, there was no outrage or comment from Donald Trump or the typical Fox News-types using mass shooting as an opportunity to defame Muslims or President Obama. It is also likely that even commenting on, much less condemning, a white guy in Nazi regalia with a veritable armory in his vehicle would incur the wrath of white supremacists and gun zealots alike; both groups are ardent Donald Trump supporters.

Every American should be appalled at any mass shooting whether there are mass fatalities or nine injuries. And they should be screaming about why this Nazi aspirant was able to legally purchase a Thompson machine gun as well as a cache of 2,600 bullets.

There is a saying that an astute listener can discern more about an individuals mindset based on what they dont say than what they do. That there wasnt a peep out of Donald Trump over a mad man adorned in combat gear with Nazi emblems attached shooting nine Americans and at couple dozen police officers in a twenty minute gunfight, is a not-so-stunning revelation that this was no big deal to Trump because there were no people of color or Muslims involved.
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Dear Dave: Once again, I was foolish enough to think my micromanaging boss would leave me alone and let me do my job. I had some ideas that would be cost-saving and time-saving, but I was told, "Just do your job." I am not one to break the rules, or color outside the lines; I just want to work and be empowered to do my work. Please write about my struggle.  C

Dear C: How dare you try to think at work! And, how dare you try to improve things at your workplace! Obviously, I am just kidding, but I, too, have suffered the wrath of micromanaging bosses, who were experts at keeping people under their thumb and did not allow them to employ creativity and innovation in their jobs.

Psychologists will tell you that most  if not all  micromanagers have a difficult time with trusting their staff. This leads to a lack of delegation and empowerment, then results in a lack of employee engagement, eventually causing even the best employees to leave their jobs. I think micromanagers do not trust themselves and their own judgment, so they do not trust the judgment of others.

Micromanagement is not just a personality or a leadership trait that can be blamed on one's background, experiences and genes. It is a choice managers make, and I believe people choose to be micromanagers, and they choose to never delegate work to responsible people and empower them by getting out of their way.

Working for a boss that hovers over you like an annoying drone  and keeps you on a short leash  stifles your independence and autonomy and can make coming to work every day a real pain you know where. A recent survey showed micromanagement has a negative effect on employees' work and well-being. The survey showed 68 percent of the respondents said it decreased their morale, while 55 percent said it hurt their productivity. Frankly, I thought the numbers would be higher.

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From micro to empowering management

Good managers hire the best people they can find, train them, provide these talented people clear goals and responsibilities, supply them with resources and then allow these good folks to do what they do best  their jobs. And, they reward them for their hard work and achievements. That's it  it is not rocket science. Often, good leadership is just good management.

Conversely, when managers believe micromanagement is necessary and a smart leadership practice for increasing productivity, more harm is done than good. It appears research often proves what we already know to be true  micromanagement is a pathetic practice when applied to good people trying to do what they do best every day.

But don't get me wrong, there are far too many unproductive and unmotivated employees that need careful scrutiny and monitoring. I believe these folks  if they do not or will not work and improve  should be microterminated. Again, we have a hiring problem and challenge  managers must hire the best people they can find, let them get busy and be there for them when needed. If the wrong people are on the bus, punch their ticket and say, "Hasta la vista, baby!"

Anyone will tell you that they hate working for a micromanager  I never have heard anyone say, "Hey, micromanage the pejeepers out of me." Yes, micromanaging may get people hopping, but it makes them nervous and more prone to causing errors. If we believe employees crave autonomy, a chance to grow and be more effective in their work, and the opportunity to contribute to the output and success of the company, then we need to let well-intentioned and productive people just do their jobs.

Managers who trust and respect their team members will be shown trust and respect. Good leaders work to build relationships with the team, while micromanagers mistrust and pounce on individuals. If managers want to become respected leaders, they need to respect the abilities and skills of their staff. They then can focus on planning, development, training and quality, instead of making peoples' lives miserable.
Last week, a few SCORE mentors were at a state gathering where a group of small businesses CEOs (all SCORE clients) were discussing strategies to grow their business. One of these successful clients came up with the idea of adding or creating a new product line.

I shared that I had recently gotten some great ideas about this from David Schwartz, founder and president of The Water Scrooge.

"When my company launched in the United States, there were no sustainable, affordable solutions to residential water waste that we could see," Schwartz said. "Identifying a market opportunity, my team and I created a tamper-proof conservation device for home showers. We were sure the product would solve the majority of people's water-waste troubles."

But he added a lesson he learned.

"We soon realized that most building owners faced a bigger issue  leaky toilets," he said. "Customers couldn't think about addressing their shower problem until their commodes stopped running. So we decided to introduce a device that solved the issues they faced, more efficiently and for less money than any other brand."

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Sometimes, the best way to sell an initial product is to create secondary goods. The original may be the superior piece, but you need to assuage consumers' pain points before they'll hear you out.

"Once we delivered on our promise of effective, affordable toilet solutions, people became more interested in our shower line," Schwartz said.

Here is the lesson. There is a cost to adding more offerings, especially for small-business owners. It often can take years to see a return on investment with secondary products. Maybe it's something your company doesn't have but you think it could benefit in the long run and you have experienced there is nothing worse than losing target customers because you don't have what they need.

A reminder to CEOs is building secondary products isn't always the answer. For example, if I know bubble gum will lead people to buy more expensive items in my deli, I'm going to put bubble gum on the checkout counter. But if there's not a clear purpose for the secondary product, it's better to establish the company with one item and add more later.

Schwartz recalled that in his company's case, the opportunities outweighed the obstacles.

"We were meeting with prospective clients who were interested in water loss due to faulty toilets, and we didn't have a solution to offer," he said. "Addressing that need was imperative."

However, enhancing a brand by expanding the product line can be challenging. He offered some strategies small businesses can use in order to help get it right:

1. Pick your customers' brains.Speak with prospects who didn't convert. Ask whether there was something you could have done to change their minds or what products they would have liked to see. Open, honest conversations provide the most valuable insights. Without that information, you're flying blind.

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2. Don't build a house when you need an apartment.Secondary products don't have to be big and flashy. In fact, it's better if they're not. The goal is to get the product out as quickly as possible. But rushed concepts usually come laden with bugs that require a lot of money to fix. It's better to start small and scale up. There's nothing wrong with adding new features down the road.

3. Stay nimble and fluid.When building new products, it's often better to dive in and iterate as necessary than to rely on a rigid plan. Schwartz recalled that "my team and I have learned that we do best when we run with our initial ideas and figure out the details on the way. Not having strict guidelines makes it easier to pivot when problems arise. Try sketching out the general structure  and then test different parts until you find something that works."

Successful products also rely on market research. The point of launching new offerings is to attract people to your brand, so make sure you know what they want. The last thing any small business needs to do is to invest in a secondary product only to realize no one's interested in it.

The key to Schwartz's success is this:

"Before we started developing the flow regulator, my team asked prospects which products would be useful to them. When we suggested an idea that made their eyes light up, we said, 'That's the one.' Once you elicit that reaction, you've got your in. It may not be through the product you expected, but it'll be the one people need."
MINNEAPOLIS  Longtime customers of Target's pharmacies are finding a change in pill bottle design hard to swallow.

After CVS began operating Target's drugstores earlier this year, distraught customers have been asking  in some cases begging  the drugstore chain to bring back the retailer's red prescription bottles, which came with color-coded rings, labeling on the top and prescription information that was easier to read.

Some customers also took more drastic steps.

Vivian Ruth Sawyer went fishing through her trash to rescue the old Target bottles soon after opening her stapled prescription bag to find the dowdy, white-capped amber vials that are common in most medicine cabinets. She has since poured refills of her thyroid medicine into the old Target bottles, even though they don't have the right expiration dates. It's worth it, she said, because those bottles make it easier to tell her prescriptions apart when she looks in her drawer for them.

"This is really inconvenient and irritating," the Louisville, Ky., resident said.

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CVS says it is working on designing a new system for dispensing prescriptions and helping people stay on their medications, but spokeswoman Carolyn Castel declined to share details or say whether that might involve an updated bottle design.

Meanwhile, shoppers continue to mourn the loss of a bottle that was considered groundbreaking when it debuted about a decade ago and was once on display at New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Target flipped bottle design on its head in 2005 when it introduced a red container with the opening on the bottom. That allowed the label to wrap around the top so it could be seen from above. It included a flat surface that customers found easier to read than the curve of a typical pill bottle, and it came with color-coded rings for the neck to help family members quickly tell their medicines apart.

Deborah Adler devised the new approach as part of her master's thesis at New York's School of Visual Arts. She was inspired to try something different after her grandmother mistakenly took her grandfather's prescription. Adler now runs her own design business and is working with CVS on its new prescription system.

The red bottles were important to Christina Mihalek, of Cincinnati, because she accidentally took her mom's high blood pressure medicine instead of an antibiotic when she was in high school, and she passed out in the lunch line that day. Mihalek took to Twitter to voice her displeasure, telling CVS in a post with the hashtag #redbottlesrock that "perfection was at your fingertips."

Shelley Ewalt of Princeton, New Jersey, also tweeted to the drugstore chain, asking if there was any chance they might return to the "vastly superior design" of the Target bottles, which she found easier to open.

Woonsocket, R.I.-based CVS Health Corp., which runs the nation's second-largest drugstore chain, started operating Target pharmacies earlier this year as part of a $1.9 billion deal the companies announced in 2015.

CVS's Castel said the company stopped using Minneapolis-based Target Corp.'s bottles because it's more efficient to fill prescriptions with the same bottle at all of its 9,600 pharmacies.

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Customer visits to Target's in-store pharmacies slipped in the second quarter. Castel said CVS doesn't see a connection between that and the change in prescription bottles.

But the bottle switch might have influenced a small percentage of customers to shop elsewhere, according to Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst with market researcher NPD Group. He said the second quarter was tough for many retailers, but he also noted that regular customers to pharmacies don't like change.

"When you start tinkering with things ... the consumer kind of gets a little testy," he said.

Patients can buy prescription bottle caps that glow or beep when it's time to take their medicine. But Purdue University pharmacy professor Alan Zillich hasn't seen much of an evolution in the design of pill containers used by pharmacies because it just isn't worth it, financially.

"Even though drugs cost a lot, pharmacies don't make much off each individual prescription," he said.

Sawyer still holds out hope that any new system CVS adopts might include features from the old Target bottles to replace the amber bottles, which she describes as a "ghastly" leftover from the 1950s.

"Everyone else uses the same stupid bottle," she said.
On a recent fall evening, Democratic candidate Duane Sauke strode from house to house in a northwest Rochester neighborhood, passing out campaign fliers and chatting with voters.

The retired Realtor is quick to admit that he has still got a lot to learn about campaigning, even as the Nov. 8 election rapidly approaches.

"I am a newbie in the political world  just completely," Sauke said.

That is in sharp contrast to his opponent, former Republican Rep. Fran Bradley. The retired IBM engineer knows the ins and outs of state politics, having served 12 years in the Minnesota Legislature and chairing the important House Health and Human Services Committee. Bradley is fighting to return to St. Paul a decade after retiring from politics.

"It's always been public service to me. There is in my heart and soul this notion of a desire to serve because I would never had done it if it weren't for that being there," Bradley said.

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A high-stakes race

But even the political veteran said he has never experienced anything like this year's legislative race. Bradley and Sauke are battling in what many believe is one of the most competitive House races in the state this year. They are both seeking to succeed longtime Rochester DFL Rep. Kim Norton, who announced last year she would step down. The stakes are especially high as the winner of this race could help determine which party controls the Minnesota House next year.

Democrats need to pick up seven seats to regain the House gavel. To pull that off, they need to hold onto seats that are already blue  such as House District 25B. Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt lists the northern Rochester seat as a prime pickup opportunity for conservatives.

In the not-so-distant past, the district was considered reliably conservative. But in 2004, things started to change. That year Bradley narrowly won re-electon, defeating then-political newcomer Norton by 311 votes. Two years later, Norton defeated Republican candidate Rich Decker by a mere 99 votes. In recent years, voters in the district have favored Democratic candidates, voting for Obama and DFL Gov. Mark Dayton.

A 'moderate, common-sense kind of community'

Perhaps no one knows House District 25B as well as Norton. Since winning election to the Minnesota House in 2006, Norton said there has been a political shift, with the district leaning slightly to the left. Still, she predicts the race between Bradley and Sauke will be extremely competitive.

"My feelings are that Rochester still remains a pretty moderate, common-sense kind of community. So I think it does make it more competitive than other areas," Norton said.

As such, Norton said she was determined to find a political moderate to run for the seat. She zeroed in on Sauke thanks in large part to his diverse life experiences. Sauke formerly owned Re/Max Results and chaired the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors. Prior to that, Sauke worked as a public school band director.

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"I saw (Sauke) as that moderate voice that might be able to appeal to the middle," Norton said.

But local Republicans say Bradley has a lot of advantages heading into November. For starters, Bradley developed a reputation over the years as an effective lawmaker, said Republican Party of Olmsted County Chairman Aaron Miller. The GOP candidate also enjoys plenty of name recognition.

"The thoughts are very much that that's going to be a pickup seat for the Republicans, and I haven't really talked to anybody that disagrees with that," Miller said.

'They've got guns aimed at me'

On a recent weekday afternoon, Bradley invited a handful of voters to his home. Sporting a yellow campaign polo, Bradley took careful notes in a small notebook as the voters sitting around his kitchen table talked about the issues they are most concerned about. Topics mentioned included soaring health-care costs, rising property tax rates and legislative gridlock  just to name a few.

Bradley emphasized his concern about the ever-rising cost of government, telling voters that as a lawmaker he would be willing to make the tough choices necessary to cut spending.

"I've been in the middle of it. The demand for more is insatiable," he said. "If you've got a heart at all, most of it you can argue, OK, it would be nice to do that. But do we ever say it's nice to do it but we just can't do it? We can't afford it?"

Also high on his list are tackling health care challenges, including overhauling the state's health insurance exchange  MNsure  and seeking to improve access to mental health care.

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In an interview after the voter meet and greet, Bradley said he has never run in a race where there has been so much outside money pouring in. The 74-year-old said he has cataloged every campaign flier sent out in the district that he has been able to find. So far, 11 of them have been in support of his rival and three of them have backed him.

"The fact that they've got guns aimed at me  if we had a nobody candidate and they knew the Democrats were going to win, they wouldn't do this. So I suppose I can take some credit in being credible," he said.

Ignoring the political hoopla

While Sauke said he knows the race is being targeted, he said he is ignoring all the political hoopla. Instead, he said he is focused on doing what he needs to do every day to win over voters. While he doesn't have Bradley's name recognition, he does have one other advantage  Norton's endorsement.

"That's what got me out of the starting block," Sauke said.

He is also seeking to win over voters one by one at the door. He has personally knocked on nearly 6,000 doors. As the campaign fliers began hitting voters' mailboxes, more and more homeowners are recognizing him. Case in point, Sauke got a warm reception recently after knocking on a door and the homeowner recognized him.

"I know we plan to vote for you. We like that you are pro-education," she told him.

On his campaign literature, Sauke highlights his support for public schools and vows he would seek to strengthen the economy, while making sure there is affordable housing and livable wages. But when it comes to outlining specific proposals, the 67-year-old said he prefers to remain open-minded about solutions.

"I don't believe that we are served by me sitting here generating solutions because if I go there with what I think are solutions, I'm worthless," he said. "I thought this thing was supposed to be for deliberation, debate."

House District 25B spans much of northern Rochester and includes Cascade Township. Here is how voters in the district have voted in recent elections.

2014 governor's race:

49% Mark Dayton, DFL

46% Jeff Johnson, R

2012 presidential election:

53% Barack Obama, D

44% Mitt Romney, R
ST. PAUL  Millions of dollars in attack ads and mailers are pouring in ahead of an election that will determine control of the Minnesota Legislature.

With no statewide candidates on the ballot, donors have instead focused on races considered pivotal in the fight to decide which party will lead the House and Senate, campaign finance reports released Wednesday show. Republicans are aiming to keep control of the House, while Democrats are defending the Senate.

Here's a look at who's raising money, who's spending it and some of the races most affected by it:

Democrats with a cash advantage

Democratic fundraising arms of the House and Senate have outraised and outspent their Republican counterparts so far this year including Senate Democrats' $2.4 million haul, nearly four times Senate Republicans' $688,000 total. Senate Democrats head into the election homestretch with $1.3 million on hand, compared to the $300,000 in Senate GOP hands. House Democrats held a slim cash lead over Republicans in that chamber.

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That money will play a critical role as the two parties jostle over control. House Democrats need to win seven seats to regain the majority they lost in 2014. Flipping six Democratic seats in the Senate will give Republicans the majority.

Outside spending

With no gubernatorial elections or other statewide races to worry about, the money is flowing fast to legislative races.

Alliance for a Better Minnesota, a Democratic group and one of the biggest spenders in state politics, has already spent nearly $2 million on advertisements or mailers supporting DFL candidates. That's already more than it spent in all of 2014, when its attention was divided between House elections and Gov. Mark Dayton's re-election.

Republican-allied groups, meanwhile, spent less so far but have stockpiled cash. The Minnesota Action Network, formed by former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, had more than $645,000 at the ready to deploy on behalf of Republicans in key Senate races.

With more than a month to go, the numbers are sure to keep climbing. But the reports from the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board won't provide a complete picture. Some groups operate outside the traditional regulatory system and won't have to disclose donor and spending information.

Top races

All 201 legislative seats are on the ballot, but they won't be treated equally when it comes to political spending.

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Topping the list so far is a rematch in St. Cloud, where Republican Rep. Jim Knoblach defeated Democratic incumbent Zach Dorholt by 69 votes in the most expensive race of 2014. More than $200,000 in outside advertising has hit the district so far, according to the reports, dwarfing the candidates' own spending. A neighboring Republican-held seat in St. Cloud and another GOP district near Rochester are also on the radar.

In the Senate, a longtime Democrat's exit from a Republican-leaning district to run for Congress has set off an expensive election that could figure heavily into the eventual control of the chamber. The Plymouth-area seat being vacated by Sen. Terri Bonoff has already seen $173,000 in outside spending.

With scant public polling in legislative districts, the flow of outside money is one of few indicators of which seats may be factors in the legislative majorities.

The Trump effect?

The presidential election is altering the flow of money in Minnesota politics.

Bolstered by their hope that Republican nominee Donald Trump will hurt GOP candidates down the ballot, Democratic groups are turning their attention to Republican incumbents in swing districts. In Plymouth, Republican Rep. Sarah Anderson's district has rarely seen an attack ad or mailer in her five terms. This year, groups like Alliance for a Better Minnesota and the state's Democratic party have combined to fund more than $75,000 in efforts to oust Anderson.

But it cuts both ways, as Republican outfits have put a new focus on rural districts where they believe Trump may help Republican candidates  or Democrats may be hurt by Hillary Clinton. Groups like the Minnesota Jobs Coalition have funded more than $50,000 in attacks against Rep. Paul Marquart of Dilworth, one of few remaining Democrats in a district that votes Republican in presidential elections.
ELGIN  A fire three miles west of town this morning resulted in the total loss of a barn.

Reports came in around 2:45 a.m. When firefighters arrived on scene, the barn's roof had already collapsed and the structure was engulfed in flames. Elgin Fire Department firefighters contacted the Plainview Fire Department for assistance, and received additional support and water.

No one was injured. However, several chickens were killed in the blaze and several large bales of hay were destroyed, according to Ed Jacobs, Plainview Fire Chief. A damage estimate and cause of the fire were unavailable at press time.

The fire remains under investigation.
The National Labor Relations Board is coming to Rochester for another hearing about complaints that the Kahler Hospitality Group is treating union employees unfairly.

A federal administrative law judge is conducting a hearing at 9 a.m. Tuesday in a conference room in the city-county Government Center to hear testimony for five new complaints about KHG actions, since the last hearing in December.

The charges were made by the union, Unite Here Local 21. Unite represents 270 members who work for the Kahler group. The international Unite Here union represents more than 265,000 workers in the hotel, food service, casino and laundry industries in the United States and Canada.

The KHG employees represented by the union have been working at four downtown hotels, including the Kahler Grand, without an approved contract for about 19 months.

Local 21 President Brian Brandt said the biggest issue at this hearing is KHG's unilaterally putting into effect a contract it first proposed in March 2015. The company described the contract as its "last, best and final" offer. It claimed the contract negotiations with the union had reached an impasse.

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"Effective May 16, the hotels implemented their offer that had been on the bargaining table for some time and put more money in the paychecks of the Unite Here associates. This current action is a result of our implementation of those increases and the Union protesting our decision to put those increases into effect," said KHG Chief Financial Officer Leslie Hohmann on Wednesday.

Brandt acknowledges the unapproved contract did result in some more money for some hotel employees in the short run, but it means "significantly" less pay over the next five years.

"They did put a few pennies in the pockets of some of the workers," he said.

However, the contract eliminated a previous system of "step increases" for employees who reach work milestones. That means a first-year housekeeper, who received a raise, will make significantly less in five years than they would have under the previous contract.

"In the long run, the company is going to pocket millions that would have gone to the workers," said Brandt.

"The new contract did hurt the income of KHG's banquet workers. Those workers previously received 15 percent of a service charge paid by customers. While the hotels still bill that charge, KHG keeps all of that money," according to Brandt.

He said the banquet workers now take home about half the wages they did under the old contract.

This new complaint follows NLRB's decision in May that found the hotel company guilty of 16 unfair labor practices and negotiating in bad faith. The judge ruled that previous contract should be put back into effect.

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KHG appealed that decision and the case is pending. While he expects the judge to rule against the hotel group on these new charges, Brandt said he expects KHG to appeal that decision as well.

"It's a delay tactic. They are just trying to demoralize their workers," he said.
A proposed redevelopment of Rochester's Miracle Mile shopping center was delayed for a second time by the City Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday, partly because the commission was advised not to open a public hearing on the project.

The developer, Miracle Mile LLC., had proposed to redevelop a portion of the Miracle Mile shopping center with a grocery store and four stories of apartments over the store.

The commission at its Sept. 15 meeting voted to continue the developer's applications due to new information. The applicant had resubmitted plans to the city, and commission members had only a short time to review those changes prior to the Sept. 15 hearing.

When the commission met Wednesday for a second look at the plans, commission chairman Michael Walters said he had received an opinion from City Attorney Terry Adkins to not allow the public, including the developer and neighbors, to speak to the project during the meeting.

The commission had raised a potential conflict with Minnesota Open Meeting Law by its process at the previous meeting. It had voted to close the public hearing, and then later voted to continue the application. Since the public hearing was closed, the city did not advertise a public hearing for Wednesday's meeting. To hold a hearing without proper notification could be a violation of the law, Walters said.

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Some commission members were uncomfortable making a decision on the project without the opportunity for the developer and other members of the public to speak, particularly regarding new information that was not available at the previous meeting.

"I think allowing the applicant and public to respond to new information would be fair to everyone," commission member Lindsey Meek said.

Commissioner Kraig Durst said he felt nothing had changed from the last meeting, where the commission heard testimony from the developer and from the public. The plans had not been changed. Durst made a motion to recommend denial of the project based on its internal site design and general incompatibility with the site.

A motion to table Durst's action passed by a 4-3 vote, with commissioners Regina Seabrook, Brittany Wilson, Paul Sims and Meek in favor; Walters and commissioners Kraig Durst and Thomas Hill were opposed.

A motion to continue the developer's application to the commission's next meeting, with an advertised public hearing, passed by the same vote, 4-3.

The commission had previously discussed the orientation of the Miracle Mile redevelopment that, as proposed, would keep its blank back wall facing the neighborhood. Meek sought more explanation on the developer's claim that a retail frontage on 16th Avenue Southwest was not an option due to the city not allowing for on-street parking on 16th Avenue Southwest.

Meek said she had had conversation with City Engineer Richard Freese, who had told the developer on-street parking was an option. Meek asked supported the continuation in order for the applicant to address the parking situation and orientation of the development.

Another point of new information presented Wednesday was the planning staff's finding that the development should not be considered under the framework of the city's Second Street Corridor Plan. A boundary did include a portion of Miracle Mile, said Jeff Ellerbusch, but plan gave no specific guidance for the site.

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The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 12.
Officials with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District say a copper treatment to kill zebra mussels on Lake Minnewashta in the southwest metro has been successful  so far.

Zebra mussels were discovered near the lake's boat access last month. Eric Fieldseth, the watershed's aquatic invasive species program manager, said the copper treatment was applied to the entire "Little Minnie" bay  an area of about 29 acres.

"These are still pilot treatments. We're still learning on these treatments the whole rapid response approach, how effective it is," he said.

Fieldseth said he hopes the treatment works better than a similar treatment on nearby Christmas Lake. In that case, officials treated a smaller area of the lake only to see zebra mussels show up again . They have since spread in the lake.

Still, Fieldseth says he doesn't expect the population to spike from year to year because Christmas Lake has less algae, a food source for the mussels, than other lakes.

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Both Minnewashta and Christmas Lake are located south of Lake Minnetonka, which is infested with zebra mussels.

The Lake Minnewashta treatment cost about $30,000.
Congressional candidate Jim Moylan will not let truth or distortions stop him from saying anything to get elected. It is up to political analy Read morePolitical ploys at the last part of election?
FBI Director James Comey appeared on Capitol Hill for an oversight hearing held by the House Judiciary Committee today. GOP members focused their questions primarily on the FBIs handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation and Comeys ultimate decision not to recommend charges against the former secretary of state. The C-SPAN video of the hearing is posted here. I found the questioning by Reps. Sensenbrenner, Jordan, Gowdy, Franks, Ratcliffe, Trott and others to be intensely interesting.

The Washington Times succinctly delivers the good news and the bad news. The good news is that Comey made clear he has not cleared Madam Hillary of lying in the case. The bad news is that she will not be brought to justice.

Rep. Ron DeSantis represents Floridas Sixth District, but he turned his questioning to events in Minnesota (video of Rep. DeSantiss line of questions below). Law enforcement authorities in Minnesota have gone silent on the case. Thanks to Rep. DeSantis for taking it up with Comey.

Responding to Rep. DeSantiss questions about the status of the FBI investigation of Dahir Adans stabbing rampage in St. Cloud a week ago Sunday, Comey states: It does look like at least in part he was motivated by some sort of inspiration from radical Islamic groups, which groups and how were not sure of yet.

Rep. DeSantis asks whats going on in Minnesota generally. He puts the question this way: Why is Minnesota turning out so many jihadists? Comey cites Minnesotas large and concentrated Somali community. Comey, however, downplays the number involved. Again were talking about eight people [who have departed Minnesota to join terrorist groups], I think the number is, he says, and praises the cooperation of Minnesotas Somali community with law enforcement.

The Star Tribunes Stephen Montemayor covers Rep. DeSantiss questions and Comeys testimony here without noting the misleading aspects of Comeys testimony. The terrorism case that went to trial in May included a group of 10 defendants, plus one recently charged defendant who is in Syria, plus one co-conspirator turned informant who hasnt been charged. The group in that case numbers at least 12 all by itself.

Six of the 10 defendants pleaded guilty before trial. Two of the six entered into cooperation agreements with the government and testified at trial. Contrary to the gist of Comeys remarks, the informant and two cooperating defendants took a lot of abuse within the Somali community for testifying against their three colleagues who went to trial  so much that Minneapolis FBI Division Special Agent in Charge Richard Thornton made the following statement at the press conference immediately following the guilty verdicts that were returned on June 3: I find it shameful that some so-called community leaders have tried to vilify the confidential human source in this case. There is something wrong when you blame the person who did the right thing and defend those who were clearly in the wrong.
A Nigerian blogger who was arrested last week for writing a controversial blog post is still in detention without bail.

Jamil Mabai was in police custody for four days before being remanded in prison by Magistrate Court in Katsina, which declined to try him.

The court adjourned the case to September 29 because defence lawyers raised the issue of jurisdiction of the court.

Mr. Mabais lawyer, Job Israel, had filed two applications, one for his fundamental human right and another for bail.

The court is expected to rule on the applications at its sitting on Thursday.

The ruling tomorrow will determine whether the law (under which Mr. Mabai is being charged) is a dead law or an existing law, said Mr. Israel. If the case is in our favour tomorrow, that means Mr. Mabai case is terminated forever. But if not, we will have to appeal based on our submissions.

Mr. Israel says a magistrate court lacks the authority to remand or try Mr. Mabai. He said the offence his client was accused of was unknown to law.

Section 36 subsections 4 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended prohibit a court to try an offence that is unknown to law, he averred.

Mr. Mabai is currently being held at the Central Prison in Katsina.

Metal coffins

Mr. Mabai, who publishes Cliqq magazine, was arrested by officers of the Nigerian Police Force on Monday in Kaduna.

He is a known critic of the Katsina administration led by Governor Aminu Masari.

Mr. Mabais arrest is believed to have been ordered by the governor, a claim the latters spokesperson denied.

A family friend of Mr. Mabai told PREMIUM TIMES that the governor was not happy with his recent post condemning a recent purchase of 3,000 metal coffins for distribution to mosques in the state.

Mr. Mabai said by purchasing the coffins, Mr. Masari was simply saying Katsina people deserve to die.

He also questioned the rationale behind buying the coffins at N40,000 each at a time the government was unable to pay civil servants outstanding arrears of salaries.

Mr. Mabai was arrested last Monday in Kaduna where he had gone for the Eid el kabir Sallah celebration.

The police followed him from Katsina to Kaduna and arrested him there, a family source said.

When they picked him up, they first took him to Unguwan Sanusi police station before they proceeded to Kankara local government area and finally Katsina town.

Friends and relatives of the blogger were apprehensive of his whereabouts, until the police finally charged him to court.

Mr. Mabai himself posted a tweet saying, Finally they have taken us to court at GRA, including one other Social Media activist, Bishir Dauda.

He said as soon as the matter was announced, the judge said he cannot entertain the matter for lack of jurisdiction.

He said the judge ordered that the accused be taken to prison pending when he would be arraigned at a separate court.

Efforts to speak with the spokesperson of the Police in Katsina, Salisu Agaida, were unsuccessful as his phone line could not be reached.

Police Speak

However, media reports had quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Usman Abdullahi, explaining why the blogger was arrested.

Mr. Abdullahi said Mr. Mabai was detained for posting tweets to say the government bought the coffins because it wanted people to die.

The state government complained that Jamil wrote that it had bought 3,000 coffins and distributed to mosques and may be it wanted Katsina people to die.

Any reasonable person will ask one or two questions. This is why we had to invite him to assist the police, he said.

When contacted, the spokesperson to Mr. Masari, Abdu Labaran, denied that the state reported the blogger to the police.

To the best of my knowledge, the state government did not complain about any blogger to anybody. Unless it is done without my knowledge, he said.

Mr. Labaran also said he spent the whole day with the governor on Thursday and no mention was made of the arrest or arraignment of anyone on the orders of the governor.

Going after bloggers

Also arraigned alongside Mr. Mabai are Bashir Dauda and Umar Faruq. They were all accused of writing about the story with the intent to cause civil disturbance and expose Mr. Masari to public ridicule.

Their arrest and arraignment is coming on the heels of the arrest and detention two weeks ago of another blogger, Emenike Iroegbu, on the orders of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

Mr. Iroegbu who publishes Abia Facts Newspaper was accused of defaming Mr. Ikpeazu.

He allegedly published a story accusing the governor of burying a nine-year-old boy in the government House, Umuahia.

Another blogger, Abubakar Usman, was recently arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Comkission, EFCC, accused him of cyber stalking.

Mr. Usman was released after much public condemnation.
Although voting ended on Wednesday afternoon in all the 18 local governments of Edo State, delay in the collation process meant no result was officially announced by the electoral commission, INEC.

PREMIUM TIMES Ben Ezeamalu and Oluwole Josiah continue their live report of the elections by bringing you the official results as announced by INEC from its secretariat in Benin.

The result is expected to be a two-horse race between the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Godwin Obaseki, and Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Results:

8.39: Obasekis running mate creates scene at INEC, protests cancellation of results in some units

Phillip Shaibu, the running mate of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Godwin Obaseki, is now at the INEC office to protest the cancellation of results of some units in his ward in Jattu, Etsakor West Local Government Area.

The deputy governorship candidate who arrived the INEC office at about 8 a.m. was barred from entering into the office with the collation officer for Etsakor West.

He was told he could not enter nor be anywhere around the vicinity of INEC office. Only his agent could have access, he was told.

But Mr. Shaibu insisted he had a complaint to make against the collation officer whom he said had no right to cancel the units.

The argument degenerated into pushing as he forced his way through the security blockade.

He, however, managed to pull through into the hall.

We were not able to ascertain whether he was attended to as online reporters were not allowed into the collation room.

9.26: Three polling units cancelled.

450 votes cancelled due to snatched boxes and destruction of electoral material.

9.27: LGA: Owan West

Number of registered voters: 54,406

Number of accredited voters: 24,487

APC: 12,862

PDP: 10,132

Total votes cast: 23,290

Rejected votes: 1,002

9.27: LGA: Egor

Number of registered voters: 184,296

Number of accredited voters: 49,802

APC: 26,177

PDP: 19,514

Total valid votes cast: 46,728

Rejected votes: 2,811

One polling unit cancelled because of failure to use the card reader.

9.35: LGA: Esan North East

Number of registered voters: 74,293

Number of accredited voters: 27,121

APC: 9,130

PDP: 16,220

Total valid votes: 25,747

Rejected votes: 1,197

Three cancellations due to number of votes cast exceeding number of accredited voters.

9.55: Igueben

Number of registered voters: 42,655

Number of accredited voters: 16,482

APC: 7,802

PDP: 7,560

Total valid votes: 15,506

Rejected votes: 580

Two polling units cancelled.

9.56: LGA: Uhunmwode

Number of registered voters: 62,987

Number of accredited voters: 21,927

APC: 10,911

PDP: 8,667

Total valid votes: 19,971

Rejected votes: 1,759

There was cancellation of results in three polling units due to violence and discrepancy between the number of accredited voters and total votes cast.

10.09: LGA: Esan South East

Number of registered voters: 66,695

Number of accredited voters: 22,522

APC: 9,554

PDP: 11,466

Total valid votes: 21,250

Rejected votes: 806

10.21: LGA: Oredo

Number of registered voters: 273,614

Number of accredited voters: 74,076

APC: 37,612

PDP: 30,492

Total valid votes: 69,401

Rejected votes: 4,311

10.51: LGA: Orhionmwon

Number of registered voters: 102,921

Number of accredited voters: 34,270

APC: 15,262

PDP: 16,446

Total valid votes: 32,213

Rejected votes: 1,788

10.56: LGA: Esan West

Number of registered voters: 87,867

Number of accredited voters: 31,866

APC: 13,114

PDP: 16,311

Total valid votes: 29,963

Rejected votes: 1,563

11.02: The INEC officials have gone on a little recess, temporarily halting the announcement of results.

11.08: Nine local government results have been announced so far. APC wins 5, PDP wins 4.

PDP supporters besiege INEC office, protest results released so far

Supporters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party are already spoiling for violence as INEC releases results of nine of the 18 local government areas.

They have besieged the secretariat of the INEC at Ikpoba Hill in large numbers blocking the road.

11.49: Police teargas protesting PDP supporters who accused Edo Governor of rigging the results of yesterdays election.

The protesters were demanding the cancellation of the results announced so far.

INEC continues with announcement of results.

12.20: Owan East:

Total votes cast: 36,122

APC: 21, 233

PDP: 12,889

12.24: Ovia North East:

APC: 17,561

PDP: 13,141

12.27: Esan Central

Valid votes: 20,211

Rejected votes: 1153

Total votes cast: 21,364

APC: 9781

PDP: 10,180

12.30: Etsako Central LGA

Registered voters: 43,049

Accredited voters, 20,145

Valid votes: 19,358

Rejected votes: 549

Votes cast:19,907

APC: 10,373

PDP: 8,827

A KOWA party agent at the INEC venue where results are being announced called for the total cancellation of the election.

12.43: Etsako East LGA

Registered voters: 66,277

Accredited voters: 33,032

Valid votes: 30,858

Rejected votes: 1,056

Total votes cast: 31,914

APC: 18,078

PDP: 12,552

Five polling units cancelled.

12.46: PDP calls for recount of votes in Etsako East. Says own tally from agents differs from INEC votes. The agent for Action Alliance also called for recount.

12.58: Etsako West LGA

Registered voters: 136,664

Accredited voters: 45,620

Valid votes: 40,611

Rejected votes: 2,127

Total votes cast:42,738

APC: 29,199

PDP: 10,843

13.01: INEC official in Etsako West denies manipulating the results, says a partys candidate (not named) brought heavily armed men to attack them. He said police officers save him and other INEC officials.

13.15: Ikpoba Okha local government

Registered voters: 260,965

Accredited voters: 65,348

Valid votes: 61,055

Rejected: 3,826

Total votes cast: 64,881

APC: 33,469

PDP: 26,096

13.27: LGA: Akoko Edo

Number of registered voters: 110,118

Number of accredited voters: 39,945

Total valid votes: 37,946

Rejected votes: 1,684

APC: 24,545

PDP: 13,027

APC set to win Edo governorship election

With results from only one local government being awaited, the ruling All Progressives Congress has taken an unassailable lead in the Edo governorship elections.

The result of Ovia South West is yet to be announced as INEC personnel await the return of officials who supervised elections in the council.

From the results of 17 local governments announced so far, the APC has 306,663 votes while the PDP has 244,363 votes.

Already, the PDP has rejected the results. The partys chairman, Dan Orbi, alleged that the results were fabricated and predetermined.

PDP rejects Edo governorship election result

The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has rejected the results of Wednesdays elections held in the state.

The results from 17 local governments so far show the ruling APC has an unassailable lead of 306,663 votes to the PDPs 244,363 votes.

Only one local government is yet to be announced.

The News Agency of Nigeria quotes the Edo PDP State chairman, Dan Orbi, as alleging that the results were pre-determined and fabricated.

The party rejected the results at a press conference addressed by Mr. Orbih, on Thursday in Benin, NAN reports.

The press conference was also attended the partys governorship candidate in the election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The party and its candidate said they rejected the results because they were fabricated and a pre-determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Edo Government.

Mr. Orbih said the results as they were being announced by the INEC, were at a complete variance with what the party got from it agents and independent observers.

He said the two-week extension of the poll by the electoral body was to allow for more time to perfect the manipulation of the process.

You will recall that our state Publicity Secretary had briefed the press less than 48 hours to the elections on what is playing out now.

If you go by the results that were announced at the polling units and wards across the state, it shows that PDP would have won by over 30,000 votes.

What INEC is announcing is clearly different from what we got from our agents and independent observers in the 192 wards and over 2,000 units across the state.

We are rejecting these results as they were being announced by INEC and we are coming out early enough to make this known, he said.

The chairman said the cancellation of some results on the basis of failed card reader was part of a deliberate plan to also manipulate the poll.

He alleged that the areas were results were canceled were stronghold of the PDP.

I wonder what the Incident Form is for. Voters should not be made to suffer unduly for the inefficiency of card readers, he said.

On his part, the governorship candidate said he aligned himself with the position of the party.

The results are not a true reflection of what happened in the field. The INEC only played a script written by the Government of Edo, he said.

(NAN)

13.56: INEC has gone on a one hour recess. The result of the last council, Ovia South West, will be announced after the recess.

The APC candidate, Godwin Obaseki, is expected to be declared winner after the last council result is announced.

15:25: LGA: Ovia South West

Number of registered voters: 79.964

Number of accredited voters: 24,061

APC: 12,820

PDP: 8,810

Total valid votes: 22,177

Rejected votes: 1,665

Total final result

Registered voters: 1,900,223

Accredited voters: 622,039

AA = 155

ACP= 1,350

ACPN = 3,184

APC= 319,483

APGA = 876

CPC = 276

IP = 99

KOWA = 75

LP = 182

MPPP = 125

NCP = 294

NNPP = 118

PDC = 1,289

PDP = 253,173

PPA = 855

PPM = 112

SDP = 72

UPP = 431

YDP = 200

Valid votes: 582,2999

Rejected votes: 30,945

Total votes cast = 613,244

BREAKING: Its official: APCs Obaseki wins Edo Governorship Election

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Godwin Obaseki, has been declared winner of the Edo State governorship election.

The APC candidate won majority of the votes cast, getting a total of 319,483 votes, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announced.

Mr. Obasekis closest challenger, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, got 253,173 votes.

Mr. Obaseki also won majority votes in 13 of the 18 local governments in the state, losing the remaining five to the PDP candidate.

The INEC chief returning officer in the state, Professor Kayode Soremekun, who announced the final results, declared Mr. Obaseki the governor-elect of the South-South state.

However, the PDP in the state has rejected the results describing it as adulterated.

If you go by the results that were announced at the polling units and wards across the state, it shows the PDP would have won by over 30,000 votes, said Dan Orbih, the partys state chairman in a press conference.

What INEC is announcing is clearly different from what we got from our agents and independent observers in the 192 wards and over 2,000 units across the state.

The PDP agent at the collation centre also refused to sign the final result sheet.

I cannot endorse it, he told the INEC officials present. You said I should get ready for court instead of looking at it here and now. I cannot be a party to that, he said.

The agent of the Young Democratic Party also refused to sign the final result sheet.

I have the mandate of the Young Democratic Party not to append my signature on this result sheet, he said.

Thank you for joining us.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned hearing in a suit on the leadership tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, had approached the court to challenge the decision of the party to appoint Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State, as chairman of the caretaker committee.

Justice Okon Abang, who presided over the matter, had in a previous ruling decided that the Makarfi-led caretaker committee was a product of impunity and nullified the convention that produced the caretaker committee.

The faction led by Mr. Makarfi appealed the ruling and questioned the jurisdiction of Mr. Abangs court in the matter.

At the opening of session on Thursday, Mr. Abang said the court would adjourn pending the determination of the appeal in the appellate court.

He however blasted the Makarfi-led faction for going to a higher court, while its grievances had not been heard by the Federal High Court.
Disputed National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu Sheriff, has said he was not in support of Thursdays rejection of the yet-to-be-declared result of Wednesdays governorship election in Edo.

He said the rejection of the result ahead of its declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was preemptive.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PDP in Edo, at a news conference in Benin, announced its rejection of the result of the governorship poll.

The chairman of the party in the state, Dan Orbih, who addressed the media, said the outcome of the exercise had been pre-determined by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, at the time of the news conference, collation of results of the election was ongoing at INEC secretariat in Benin.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Sheriff, Deputy National Chairman of his faction of the party, Cairo Ojougboh, said, we will await the final announcement of the result, consult widely before making our decision public.

He said the national leadership was concerned about issues arising from the election, and called for restraint from members and supporters.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Dayo Adeyeye, had in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday warned that the party would reject the result of the government poll if the antics of APC continued.

He accused the Edo Government of sponsoring massive irregularities in the election.

(NAN)
A former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Anastasia Nwaobia, was not actively involved in the 2014 deadly recruitment by the Nigeria Immigration Service that claimed more than a dozen lives, a former head of the service told a court on Thursday.

Mrs. Nwaobia is facing trial alongside a former interior minister, Abba Moro.

Mr. Moro is accused of defrauding hundreds of thousands of job seekers, who paid N1, 000 each for the recruitment test.

Despite raising nearly a billion naira, the tests were poorly organised at different centres across the country, resulting in deadly stampedes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said a part of the proceeds of the recruitment fees was used for buying choice property in Abuja.

The anti-graft agency charged Mr. Moro alongside Mrs. Nwaobia; a deputy director in the ministry, Felix Alayabami; and a company, Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited.

But Mr. Paradang, who is a witness in the case, told a federal high court in Abuja on Thursday that Mrs. Nwaobia and the deputy director had left the interior ministry before the recruitment.

He said this during cross-examination by a lawyer, Frank Ikpe, representing the former permanent secretary.

Do you recall that by September 2013, it would be about three months the Permanent Secretary (second defendant) was transferred to a different Ministry? Mr. Ikpe asked the former Comptroller General.

Now I know. If she left in July, I agree that she had left the Ministry before the implementation began, he answered.

Mr. Paradang also said the second (Mrs. Nwaobia) and third defendants (the deputy director) were not signatories to the contractual agreement with Drexel Nigeria Limited, the company which conducted the recruitment.

The counsel to the fourth defendant, Sunday Ameh, however prayed the court for an adjournment to allow him put his questions in order.

Mr. Ameh explained that he had a long list of questions and that some them had been overtaken by other lawyers during previous questions and answers in court.

He therefore asked the court for time to sort his questions.

The judge, Nnamdi Dimgba, adjourned the matter till Friday.
The Federal Government has so far spent N73 billion on road projects across the country.

Babatunde Fashola, the Minister for Power, Works and Housing, disclosed this on Thursday in Katsina at the 22nd National Council of Works meeting.

The meeting has Prioritisation and Optimisation of Allocated Road Infrastructure Funds as its theme.

The minister said the expenditure had been worth it because it would enhance the socio-economic development of the country.

He added that the amount spent was part of the N266 billion appropriated in the 2016 federal budget.

He noted that the money was used to settle contractors liabilities and road rehabilitation across the country.

He, however, said that the Federal Government would henceforth hold the 36 state controllers of works responsible for poor quality job on Federal Highways in their respective areas.

He said state controllers of works are the representatives of the Federal Government in their respective states; we will give them all they need to carry out the job.

They must, however, ensure that quality job is done on our roads or be held responsible.

I am also appealing to state governments to create friendly relationship with the controllers to achieve the set goal.

The administration considers transport infrastructure as fundamental requirement of development in any nation.

This is because building roads is building connectivity of the Nigerian family; we will continue to put our roads in good shape.

Mr. Fashola then directed the controllers to identify roads that were in bad condition, restore road signs on the highways, erect kilometre indicators and properly erect sign posts of towns and villages.

In his remarks, Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State said the state government empowered its road maintenance agency for the rehabilitation of state roads.

He said over 50 per cent of vehicles plying the roads were, however, not roadworthy.

Mr. Masari urged the relevant authorities to intensify efforts in preventing motorists from overloading their vehicles to reduce accidents.

(NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended condolences to the government and people of the State of Israel over the passing on of its former President and Prime Minister, Shimon Peres.

The presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, conveyed his message in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr. Adesina said the president joined the global community and world leaders in mourning the former two-time prime minister and president of Israel.

He said the deceased, who exhibited visionary leadership, voice of wisdom and unparalleled experience of diplomacy in the Middle East, would continue to resonate in the long search for peace in the region.

Mr. Adesina credited the president as saying that as a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 alongside Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, Mr. Peres demonstrated statesmanship and patriotism in signing the Oslo Accord and the subsequent treaties for a two-state solution.

The president described the signing of the accord as most quintessential and should be followed through so that the younger generations will inherit peace and harmony.

Mr. Buhari affirmed that Peres served firmly, faithfully and dutifully in building a modern Israeli state, and also rose to the occasion when the world desperately needed a heart of love, magnanimity and understanding to heal the wounds of hostility in the region.

President Buhari joins the world in celebrating the warm memory of gentleness, goodness and kindness that Peres leaves behind for other leaders to emulate in serving their country and working for humanity, Adesina said.

He added the president prayed that Almighty God would grant Peres eternal rest and comfort members of his family. (NAN)
The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, has said the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra is no longer feasible.

He therefore requested ethnic Igbos to call the agitators to order, do a rethink and support President Muhammadu Buhari in constructing a prosperous and progressive Nigeria.

According to him, with the unwritten zoning convention for the rotation of political power in the country, the Igbo race in the South East zone would likely produce President Muhammadu Buharis successor in 2023.

Mr. Okechukwu spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a colloquium organized by the Federal Capital Territory Chapter of the Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo.

The leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is currently facing treason charges over the groups agitation for the actualization of the Republic of Biafra.

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, began the agitation some years ago.

The attempt to carve out Biafra Republic in Southern Nigeria led to 30 months civil war.

Mr. Okechukwu said the greatest indication that Biafra was impossible to actualise, was the successive national conferences in the country where the five Igbo states voted against regionalism.

If we must tell ourselves the truth, the greatest obstacle to the actualisation of Biafra, was glaringly demonstrated by successive national conferences, the Abacha Conference and Jonathan Conference, in each of the two conferences the issue of region was voted against by Enugu and Ebonyi states, he said.

The Jonathan Conference of 2014, for instance was made up of pro-Biafra elements whom a lot had assumed will support regionalism as a prelude to secession. Other states like Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River and majority of Northern States rejected regionalism. To cap it all the Jonathan Conference recommended the creation of over 50 states.

Mr. Okechukwu said Biafra agitators must sample the opinion of the people, both at home and abroad, especially the itinerant travelers if their agitation was for collective benefit.

He said, One is sure that most Ndigbo will call for ceasefire, especially when we are aware that the zoning convention of rotation of president between North and South offers the South East the greatest opportunity of producing Nigeria president of Igbo extraction.

This golden opportunity will end the issue of marginalization, will gazette the true republican nature of Ndigbo and return us to the mainstream of Nigeria.

The doubting Thomases will doubt this projection, but it is real and anchored on the truism that in the public domain is the law with its legal teeth and the convention with its moral weight, mostly unwritten. This thesis projects that in 2023 when President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, by Gods grace completes his two term tenure, it will be the turn of the South.

At this juncture, Ndigbo relying on equity and justice will make a good case, persuade and lobby Nigerians, in particular our South West and South-South brothers and sisters to support us, since they both had served eight and five years respectively in this 4th Republic. For no one ethnic group can win the presidency of this great country alone.

Mr. Okechukwu said the scenario he painted showed that if it was good for Nigeria, the Igbo ethnic nationality, which he described as the second largest in population after the original indigenes of Lagos, Kano, and 23 other states of the federation, would be one of the greatest beneficiaries.

He said, The agitation for Biafra sounds as a good music, much fun and furry as if it is the only route to Eldorado. This is false as some of us who lived in the defunct Biafra enclave can narrate.

The question one had always posed is can Biafra be achieved via democracy or by force? Most people one had discussed with had always told me it will be achieved via peaceful means, which in other words means democracy.

The VON DG said he recalled while on the entourage of Mr. Buhari to the World Igbo Congress (WIC) in the United States in 2004, papers were presented to the effect that the United Nations (UN) was processing the application of Ndigbo for an independent Biafra.

This is over a decade and the germane question remains at what stage is our application? Is their records in the UN which suites our case? If there is none, the option is home-made democratic process.

As stated earlier only very few are advocating force, and unfortunately, visible obstacles seem to taint the acclaimed democratic process.

Predicting that the Biafra agitators would disagree with his position on the issue, Mr. Okechukwu said at 61 years of age, it would be a disservice to his ancestors, Ndigbo and Nigeria for him not to say the truth.

He said, The agitators will vehemently disagree with me, call for my head and even query the existence of obstacles to the actualisation of Biafra under democracy or force.

However, at 61 years on earth it will be a great disservice to our ancestors, Ndigbo and my dear countrymen, for me to swim in muddled waters and stand truth on its head, because one wants to be hailed and idolized.

China and India with over one billion people each have shown that our large population is not a disadvantage and United States of America has shown that our diversity is not a disadvantage. What are we talking about?
The Federal Government has again failed to produce the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, before an Abuja High-Court for trial.

Mr. Dasuki is accused of money laundering and corruption.

He was charged along with five others before Justice Peter Affen, and was granted bail. He was re-arrested and kept in custody of the State Security since December 2015.

Others being prosecuted along with the former NSA include a former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former finance minister of state, Bashir Yuguda; a former Sokoto governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, the ex-governors son, Sagir Attahiru, and a firm, Dalhatu Investment.

At the resumed trial Thursday, counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Jacob, told the judge that he was surprised that Mr. Dasuki was not brought to court by his client.

Mr. Jacob said on his part he notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the trial and the need to produce Mr. Dasuki in court, but said that communication gap between the EFCC and SSS was responsible for non-production of the former NSA in court.

Mr. Jacob applied to Justice Affen to stand down the case for him to enable his client to produce Mr. Dasuki in court.

He could not give a definite period within which the EFCC would bring the ex-NSA to court.

The action of the prosecution provoked reactions from Olajide Ayodele (SAN) counsel to former Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Yuguda, who opposed the request.

The senior counsel said the failure of the prosecution to give a definite time within which Mr. Dasuki would be brought to court by either EFCC or SSS was an indication that he haD no knowledge of what was transpiring between the EFCC and DSS on the matter.

Mr. Olajide therefore pleaded with the judge to adjourn the trial.

His position was adopted by Jacob Daudu, who stood for Mr. Dasuki and regretted that the government which put the ex-NSA on trial was the one scuttling the trial.

Mr. Daudu said since June when the matter was adjourned, the EFCC which initiated the trial on behalf of the Federal Government ought to have known that it its responsibility to produce Mr. Dasuki in Court as required by the law.

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Akin Olujimi, who stood for former Sokoto Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, also opposed the request to stand down the case without a definite time.

He pleaded for an adjournment.

In his ruling, Justice Affen agreed that it would be unfair to stand down the case without a definite time within which Mr. Dasuki would be produced in court.

The judge advised the government to ensure Mr. Dasuki is in court, and adjourned the matter till October 21, 2016.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has denied quotes attributed to him on some social media platforms, which denounce President Muhamadu Buharis government and All Progressives Congress as failures.

Mr. Sanusi, in a message sent to PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning, said the said quotes were fabricated and attributed to me to create misunderstanding and disharmony between myself and the President.

My attention has been drawn to a set of quotes attributed to me attacking the government of General Buhari and his party and praising opposition party, I do not know who is behind these quotes, the monarch said.

But they seem to be part of a new and insidious strategy where quotes are attributed to individuals in order to mischievously score cheap political points and plant disaffection between persons.

These so-called reports never state exactly where my statements were made and in what forum or in whose presence, nor do the faceless cowards behind them have the courage to write their names.

Mr. Sanusi said while be believed that all intelligent and well-meaning Nigerians could immediately discern that the quotes were maliciously fabricated, it is only proper if I formally disassociate myself from them.

The emir continued: It is a well-known fact that I was illegally suspended from my position as CBN Governor precisely because of my role in exposing the massive looting of our national treasury by the last administration, and that I have since shown my total support for the war against corruption being waged by the current administration.

I am also convinced that everyone recognizes the remarkable improvement in the security situation in the North, the greatest evidence of which was the incident-free celebration of Eid el Kabir throughout the country, he said.

Mr. Sanusi said he would continue to support the government in its efforts to address pressing national problems and to offer constructive advice and criticism as and when necessary.

But this will be done in an open and transparent manner and not in the form of malicious statements on the Social Media, he said.
Femi Falana, a Nigerian lawyer, has again questioned the management of Nigerias foreign reserves by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Chukwuma Soludo.

Mr. Falana had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of criminal diversion of public funds from the Federation Account and the nations Foreign Reserves.

He also accused the CBN under Mr. Soludo of illegally transferring $7 billion to 14 commercial banks in 2006, an allegation the former CBN chief denied and described as laughable.

In denying the allegation, Mr. Soludo said Mr. Falanas outburst was based on ignorance of how the bank was run. The former CBN chief also demanded an apology.

But in another statement Wednesday, Mr. Falana said the statement issued by the CBN management on the subject matter buttressed his point.

For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to reiterate that it was the management of the CBN which claimed to have given out its own share of 7 billion dollars from the foreign reserves estimated at 38 billion dollars at the material time.

Is Professor Soludo insisting that CBN under his management was entitled to any share of the nations foreign reserves?

In any case, whether it was a deposit or its own share of the foreign reserves, did the CBN ever announce that the deposit had been paid back to the foreign reserves which belong to the three tiers of Government?

If there is nothing to hide why did the CBN ignore the request of the Civil Society Network Against Corruption for information on the deposit of 7 billion dollars? he said.

As far as Soludo is concerned, these allegations are laughable and betray a lack of knowledge of how a bank such as CBN works.

Has AMCON not been set up to recover those loans and deposits running to several trillions of Naira? For goodness sake, how does a CBN work outside the ambit of the Constitution and the Central Bank Act, 2007?,Falana asked.

Frankly speaking, I am of the strong view that the demand for an apology by Professor Soludo is a joke since it was the CBN management under him that claimed to have given its own share of $7 billion to the 14 banks.
The House of Representatives has sealed Abdulmumin Jibrins office, a day after suspending the lawmaker for allegedly breaching the privileges of other house members.

The house found Mr. Jibrin guilty of violating House ethics on Wednesday.

Mr. Jibrin, a former chairman of the house appropriation committee, drew the wrath of his colleague members after he accused the speaker, Yakubu Dogara, and three other members of budget fraud.

The allegations, followed by the lawmakers release of dozens of National Assembly internal memos, have not been investigated.

Mr. Jibrin was instead accused of denting the image of the house and failing to follow the appropriate channels to lay his complaint.

The Clerk of the House led security personnel to Mr. Jibrins office Thursday afternoon, and together, they carefully sealed it off with barricade tapes.

The suspension will last for 180 legislative days, that is, approximately one calendar year as the house sits three times weekly.

The House also resolved not to allow Mr. Jibrin hold any position of responsibility for the span of the current eigth National Assembly and also ordered him to write a formal letter of apology.

In the course of his suspension, Mr. Jibrin will not be allowed into the premises of the National Assembly, which includes the Nigerian Senate. His salaries and allowances have also been stopped.

Mr. Jibrin remained unfazed in a statement Wednesday night, describing the process that led to his suspension as flawed and vowing to reverse it in the court of law.
The Kaduna state school feeding programme is yet to begin, two weeks after resumption of schools in the state.

The feeding programme for primary school pupils was launched on January 19 by the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Since the pupils returned from the long vacation, however, they have not been provided meals under the programme.

Some cooks alleged that the delay in the resumption of the programme was due to some politicians trying to hijack the process of appointing cooks to benefit their allies.

But the state government said it was trying to expand the programme, to enhance quality of the meals and in deference to demands by more people for inclusion in providing the meals.

A cook in one of the schools, who would not be named as she was not authorised to speak, told PREMIUM TIMES that the programme went well before the long vacation. But since resumption of the schools, she said government officials had not approached them to begin preparing meals for the children.

We are hearing that the some people who are close to the seat of power are trying to hijack the process by appointing their own relations to be cooking for the school children, she said.

When the programme began last year, we were picked by some government officials who identified us because we are close to the school premises. They will access you, take your phone number, passport and fill some forms before you will be recruited.

She said the cooks were paid commission and not salary by the state government.

What we are given to use in cooking is the only money that will be given to you. After you have purchased what you need for the food, the balance is what you keep.

When we started the state government used to give us N11, 000 per cook for 221 pupils. After some time they reduced the money to N8, 500 for 167 pupils.

Although in my school, we have about 80 cooks who supply the food; 50 cooks for morning pupils and 30 cooks for afternoon pupils. The programme is arranged in such a way that every cook work once a week.

I cook yam and stew every Monday for my school, and so do others. Every cook, cooks once a week.

The cook said the state government last week asked all the old cooks and new cooks who are interested to collect a new form from the Government House in Kaduna.

I collected one from the gate of the Government House and when I asked why another form, they told us that government wanted to review the process.

But what we actually heard was that people who were not interested at the beginning of the programme now have interest and want to use their connections to also secure the cooking jobs.

She applauded Governor El-Rufai for not defaulting in paying the cooks as at when due since the beginning of the programme.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on the issue, the governors spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, said the state government was committed to the School Feeding Programme and was presently working on enhancing the scheme.

Only last week, the officials finished collecting completed application forms from thousands of prospective food vendors who expressed interest in the program. They are presently sorting out the applications, using a standardized methodology that will add quality and efficiency to the programme, he said.

You may also recall, that the extension of the exercise was to create opportunities for citizens to participate following outcry of exclusion in accessing application forms, which government noted and directed that the forms be made available on the state governments website and other locations for all citizens. The gesture was well appreciated by the citizens.

He said that immediately the exercise was completed, feeding in the schools would resume under supervision to ensure quality.

Meanwhile some intending cooks have alleged that preferential treatment was being given to some people.

Another cook faulted the process of the distribution of the forms by the state government.

We all know that the state government wants to do away with some of us to favour some of their allies. When it started people never believed in it. Now everybody wants it and the only way they can get the cooking job is to do away with some of us.

They say we have to download the forms online or visit some ministries to get it. Some of us went there and yet we cannot find it, she said.

Many parents, however, have applauded the state government for the programme.
Anselm Ojezua, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo chapter, has described the rejection of the state governorship election results by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an act of a bad loser.

Mr. Ojezua told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday that the entire process of the election had been nothing but peaceful.

This is just a case of a bad loser. It is a pity that the PDP expects to win in a state which it had run down.

Though the announcement of the results is still ongoing, I commend INEC , thus far.

The process was very peaceful. INEC was efficient in delivery of materials to ensure that they got to locations on time, he said.

The chairman advised the PDP to channel its grievances to the appropriate quarters.

The PDP had, through its chairman, had rejected the results of the election, describing it as fabricated and pre-determined.

(NAN)
A former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the partys candidate in the Edo State governorship election, Godwin Obaseki, for his victory, saying Edo people have made the choice.

He said Mr. Obaseki was a tested technocrat who was competent and experienced to take over and continue the good work done by the outgoing Governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole.

The APC leader also congratulated Mr. Oshiomhole for his achievements in Edo, which helped in retaining Edo for APC.

With the election of Obaseki, Mr. Tinubu said Edo had taken after Lagos in the continuity model, which he said has worked well for the people of Lagos State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday declared Mr. Obaseki the governor-elect.

Mr. Obaseki scored 319,483 votes to defeat Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party, who polled 253,173 votes.

Mr. Obaseki equally won in 13 out of the 18 local government area of the State.
The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has congratulated the Edo people and the All Progressives Congress over the victory of Godwin Obaseki, the partys candidate in the states governorship poll. He said the victory is further confirmation of Nigerians belief in the change agenda of the party under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Governor, who stated this through a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo, hailed the conduct of INEC, the Edo people and security agencies, who ensured a hitch-free exercise.

I salute the gallantry of the Edo people who conducted themselves peacefully throughout the election. They spoke with a united voice in support of the change agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The Independent National Electoral Commission also used the Edo poll to prove to the outside world its efficiency, ingenuity and neutrality. The security agencies, poll observers and all stakeholders who made it possible to conduct a free, fair and credible poll in Edo State.

My message to the Edo people is to believe in Obaseki. My message to Obaseki, the Governor-Elect, is to build on the solid legacies of the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole. You have spoken today. In the next four years, Edo State will be better.

Obaseki is an excellent technocrat, an administrator per excellence, a pragmatic leader. It is time to bring all these qualities to bear on the development of Edo State. As neighbours, Kogi and Edo states will continue to collaborate for development.

Governor Bello eulogized the outgoing Governor of the State, Adams Oshiomhole, for changing the face of politics in Edo State to that of development and of transformation, saying his years in Edo State heralded true change and progress.
The Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has said with the victory of the All Progressives Congress in the September 28 governorship election, he has effectively ended the era of godfatherism in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday declared Godwin Obaseki of the APC winner of the poll.

He polled 319,483 votes to defeat Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who scored 253,173 votes.

Mr. Oshiomhole told journalists after the result of the poll was declared that the victory of Mr. Obaseki, who he supported, had finally dismantled the rigging machine of political godfathers in the state.

According to the governor, the APC victory had humbled political figures like Tom Ikimi, Gabriel Igbinedion, Raymond Dokpesi, proprietor of the Africa Independent Television, all of the PDP.

We have humbled Chief Tom Ikimi even in the local government he claimed to have created. We defeated Chief Raymond Dokpesi in his polling unit, his ward and his local government, he said.

That reassures that the ruthless deployment of media machinery is not enough to distort the will of Edo people to determine their choice.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the people of Edo State made the right choice by electing Mr. Obaseki.

Mr. Ambode, who was the Chairman, APC National Campaign Committee for the election, said in a congratulatory message signed by his media aide, Habib Aruna, that the decision would ensure that the people of the state continue to receive the dividends of democracy.

He said, Like I said during the grand rally of our great party  APC, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin some few weeks back, Edo State, being the heartbeat of the South-South region, has all it takes to become another Lagos, and the decision of the people to speak with their votes in support of Obaseki is a signpost of their readiness for greatness and a testament to the monumental successes recorded in the last seven and half years by the incumbent Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

We are enjoying the dividends of democracy in Lagos today because of the decision of the people to vote for continuity of good governance and I am glad that the people of Edo have also toed that path and the result will definitely translate to improved social services and welfare of the people.

Mr. Ambode said judging by the antecedents of Mr. Obaseki, he was certain that Edo State was set for transformation and consolidation of the achievements of the outgoing administration in the state.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja congratulated the government and people of Edo State on the successful conclusion of the gubernatorial election, and the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Godwin Obaseki at the polls.

In a telephone call to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, President Buhari commended the well-articulated campaign programme of the APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, governor-elect and party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance over the years and a promise of continuity.

According to the President, the outcome of the election clearly reflected the mood of the people to sustain the pedigree of responsiveness, forthrightness and diligence that Governor Oshiomhole brought into the service of his people.

The victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and the people of Edo State, he said.

President Buhari said the victory was well-deserved as the campaign train, which he joined, worked hard to sell its people-centered manifesto.

The President also applauded the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, corps members and electorate in ensuring a peaceful election.

INEC had announced that Mr. Obaseki won the majority of the votes cast, with a total of 319,483 votes, and he was closely followed by Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who polled 253,173 votes.
TOMS RIVER  Slowed by lawsuits from beachfront property owners trying to block it, a plan to build protective sand dunes along New Jerseys entire 127-mile coastline will begin soon in a part of the coast that was hardest-hit by Hurricane Sandy.

But it will be more than four years after the storm smashed northern Ocean County before the dunes will go up.

Some of the staunchest foes of the plan vow to keep fighting it.

Bob Martin, New Jerseys environmental protection commissioner, said Thursday that his agency solicited bids for the work Monday, adding the work should begin by spring.

The 14-mile project spans from Point Pleasant Beach to Island Beach State Park and includes the northern Ocean County coast. Mantoloking, which was cut in half by Sandy and saw virtually every one of its 521 buildings damaged or destroyed, and the Ortley Beach section of Toms River, which is still struggling to recover nearly four years later, are among the towns that will get protective dunes.

The state got voluntary easements from 350 property owners to let the project begin and is suing 149 others, mostly in Bay Head and Point Pleasant Beach.

Thom Ammirato, a spokesman for a group of Bay Head homeowners fighting the plan in court, said the dunes wont be finished until after Gov. Chris Christies administration leaves office in 2018. He questioned the commitment of the federal government to keep paying to replace sand as beaches erode during the next 50 years.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  The state College Affordability Study Commission has recommended 20 ways to make it less costly for students to get a college degree in New Jersey.

State Senate President Steve Sweeney and Sen. Sandra Cunningham wasted no time in introducing a package of 11 bills to implement the recommendations.

Most will not cost the state any money. Some involve partnerships with high schools and colleges that can make the path to a degree less expensive.

The recommendations call for the expansion of the NJSTARS scholarship program to the top 20 percent of high school graduates, and a state income tax deduction for interest on student loans.

The first recommendation of the commission is to create dual enrollment opportunities so that students can earn college credits while still in high school.

Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, came to Stockton University on Thursday to promote the bills and Stocktons successful dual enrollment program. Stockton President Harvey Kesselman called dual enrollment a win for students, high schools, colleges and the state.

Stockton currently offers 19 courses at 18 area high schools. Kesselman said more than 1,400 students have received college credit in high school since the program began.

The program charges high school students $100 per credit, an 80 percent discount. Courses are free to students in the free and reduced-fee meal program, who made up about 40 percent of the students taking the courses last year, Stockton executive vice president Susan Davenport said.

Southern Regional High School assistant superintendent Daniel MacPhee said more than 250 students there have received Stockton credits.

It is an excellent bridge to college, he said. He said at first parents didnt understand it, but now they promote it.

Stockton faculty work with the high school teachers to make sure the courses are aligned.

Terry Kuhnreich, who teaches the Search for Conscience course at Vineland High School, a dual enrollment course, said she promotes the program because she attended Cumberland County College while still in high school and as a result was able to enter Rutgers as a junior right out of high school.

How could I not want this for my students, she said, citing the diversity and socio-economic challenges facing students in the city.

One of her former students, Mercedes Noble, said taking the class and getting the credits motivated her to attend college.

I always wanted to go to college, but I didnt know how I could, said Noble, who now attends Stockton. (Mrs. Kuhnreich) gave me the opportunity.

Stockton student Alyssa Royce of Edison said between Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, she entered Stockton with 41 credits and is already taking sophomore level courses in her first year.

Im taking full advantage of all opportunities, she said.

Other recommendations include encouraging four-year colleges to develop three-year degree programs, and promoting 3-plus-1 degrees that would allow students to take three years of courses at the less expensive community colleges then finish one year at a four-year college.

The 3-plus-1 recommendation is the most controversial and Kesselman said there are concerns about whether students could get the same level of rigor in a third year at the community colleges, and if they would be sufficiently prepared for the transition to the most challenging fourth year at the four-year college.

It has to be really well-aligned to make it work, he said.

He said it might not work with some specialized programs such as marine science or engineering, but could work with others.

Atlantic Cape Community College has developed a 3-plus-1 option in nursing with its on-site Rutgers Camden completion center, and Rowan is developing programs with its partner community colleges in Gloucester and Burlington counties.

Fredrick Keating, the chairman of the College Affordability Study Commission and president of Rowan College at Gloucester County, said they recognized the fiscal challenges facing the state and focused on recommendations that were realistic and attainable.

We didnt want something that would just sit out there and fail, he said.

He said many colleges are already doing some of the recommendations but the goal is to develop consistency statewide.

The report does acknowledge the dwindling role of state aid in supporting state colleges, noting that state aid has dropped 18 percent since 2008 to $863 million. Tuition now accounts for 25 percent of state college costs, up from 17 percent in 2003. State support has dropped from 32 percent to 23 percent.

Sweeney said he believes the bills can succeed because there will be bi-partisan support and because they were developed with input from the public, students and colleges.

He admitted state aid has dropped but said financial times are still tough and the solutions involve thinking more creatively.

How do you bring down the cost? Sweeney asked. A lot of it has to do with reducing the time spent in college and raising awareness of all the options.

One bill would include requiring college financial literacy for high school students and their parents to make sure they are aware of cost-saving measures and how student loans work.

The financial literacy piece is crucial, especially with the impact of student loans Sweeney said. Students dont know that they might qualify for TAG (state tuition aid grants).
AVALON  The salt marsh behind Avalon provides wildlife habitat as well as protection against flooding for the island and mainland.

So signs of degradation were not taken lightly.

The water was expanding inside and out, said Metthea Yepsen, Nature Conservancy of New Jerseys coastal restoration manager, of the erosion and breaking up of some of the marsh.

Pools inside the marsh were growing larger, she said.

We had big blowout areas where there wasnt enough grass to keep it in place, she said. It was ripping off.

The causes are complex, including rising sea levels and sinking land, as well as erosion from boat wakes and wind driving waves against the salt marsh, she said.

In some areas, water hits bulkheads on the island, then reflects back to the wetlands, causing more erosion.

Yepsen said the Nature Conservancy estimates 15 percent to 30 percent of New Jerseys tidal salt marsh could be lost to those forces by 2050, based on modeling done by Rutgers Universitys Rick Lathrop.

They would become nonvegetative habitat, or mud flats.

At the same time, it has become more difficult to find a place to put materials from dredging channels and lagoons, said Bob Allen, assistant state director for the Nature Conservancy.

So the Nature Conservancy partnered with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which owns the marshes; and the Army Corps of Engineers and state Department of Transportation, which handle dredging.

They are testing to see whether dredge sediments can help rebuild and stabilize selected marshes. If so, they will solve two problems at once.

Its paid for by a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Interiors Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resilience Competitive Grant, said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna.

Dredging partners are also helping with funding, Yepsen said.

Hajna said the state helped with facilitating permitting, and some Division of Fish and Wildlife personnel are helping with monitoring.

Our role is to make sure the project conforms to all applicable regulations while looking at innovative technologies, Hajna said.

Dredge materials were first spread over wetlands in the summer of 2014 on four acres at Ring Island in Middle Township. Two of those acres are used as bird nesting habitat, and threatened and endangered species have used it since, Yepsen said.

During the winter of 2014 to 2015, the materials were spread on two pilot areas in Avalon, and last winter on five areas of Avalon marsh totaling 44 acres, she said.

The material was also put on 10 acres of marsh in Fortescue in the Delaware Bay last winter, Yepsen said. It may get another application this winter if a dredging project can be arranged.

Each site is unique and the materials spread on each are different, with different grain sizes, she said. The materials were piped directly from dredging site to marsh and sprayed through a large nozzle on chosen areas.

Coconut coir logs, which will naturally decompose, now ring where the materials were placed to keep the sediment in place.

On Wednesday, a Nature Conservancy team took a boat ride out to the Avalon site to see how it was faring.

I did a quick calculation, and about 37 percent (of randomly selected sites marked with stakes) have some vegetation so far, said Jessie Buckner, the nonprofit organizations coastal science specialist, who was driving the boat. Thats a good number.

But Yepsen said it will likely take three years or more to really see how well it worked.

It takes three growing seasons in the Gulf of Mexico to see the full effect, she said. And the growing season there is much longer.

All three sites are showing signs of vegetation recovering and coming back, Yepsen said.

If the native grasses like Spartina alterniflora, Spartina patens and Distichlis spicata come back thickly enough, along with other plants such as sea lavender and Salicornia  also known as pickleweed or glasswort  it will mean dredge material can rebuild wetlands, she said.

Rebuilding marshes with dredge sediment is working in the Gulf of Mexico, Yepsen said.

On Thursday, the surface in some sections where sediments were distributed was cracked, and the pickleweed was among the first plants to reappear in those cracks, along with sparse growth of Spartina alterniflora  also called saltmarsh cordgrass.

The pools had been reduced in size and birds of all kinds were feeding along their banks, including egrets, herons, dunlin, killdeer, black- bellied plovers, least sandpipers and dowitchers.

We saw fewer birds before (adding the materials), Yepsen said. They are feeding on what is in the sediment.

The hope is that it will also be less expensive to spread dredge materials on wetlands rather than have to move them to islands or find other places to put them, Yepsen said. We are doing a full cost analysis now.

But because its an experimental effort, it would be surprising if the cost savings show up right away, Allen said.

He said true cost savings would likely come about after the projects can be done on a larger scale.
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Federal funding for fire departments around the nation soon will be available.

The open period for fire departments to apply for funding under the Department of Homeland Securitys Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program will begin Oct. 17. AFGP funding is used by the countrys fire and rescue departments to increase the effectiveness of firefighting and emergency response operations and to improve personnel health and safety programs, according to a statement from U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo.

Fire Department remains strong despite Atlantic City's struggles ATLANTIC CITY  The resorts financial issues have led to casino closings and high unemploym

The program will distribute $310 million to first-responder organizations across the country and will award about 2,500 grants.

The Atlantic City Fire Department was awarded a $22 million grant last year. The grant is good until September of next year and allows the department to stay fully staffed. If the city is not re-approved for the grant next year, the department could have to cut 84 firefighters.

To help ease the financial strains of having to do more with less, I strongly encourage the fire and rescue departments of South Jersey to take advantage of this critical funding source, LoBiondo wrote in a statement.
TRENTON  Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew and Senator Jim Beach urging Congress to pass legislation allowing local veterans to receive hospital care and medical services at non-VA facilities was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

In 2014, President Obama signed a bill into law creating the Veterans Choice Program, allowing veterans who have waited more than 30 days for an appointment at a VA facility and who live more than 40 miles from a hospital or clinic to seek care at non-VA facilities, paid for by the VA.

However, because of the location of local VA clinics in South Jersey, veterans in the region do not meet the program requirements. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo is sponsoring legislation (H.R.763) that would cover these veterans.

Currently, South Jersey veterans are forced to travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wilmington, Delaware or northern New Jersey VA hospitals for care, which can mean several hours of travel for these men and women  many of whom are aging or suffering with debilitating conditions.

To address this issue, the New Jersey Veterans Hospital Task Force  co-chaired by Senator Van Drew  recommended the creation of a pilot program to allow area veterans to get care at local medical centers covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The senators bill, SCR-23, was approved by a vote of 3-0. It now heads to the full Senate for a vote.
A proposed $55 million plan to protect beaches spanning the Wildwoods and coastal Lower Township for 50 years would also protect one of the areas most historic buildings, a 142-year-old lighthouse.

Tourism in the area is dependent on the beaches, so its important to protect that industry and the lighthouse, said Steve Murray, chairman of North Wildwoods Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, which was almost lost after severe erosion during a 1913 storm.

If theres no beaches, theyre not going to come, he said.

The beach-replenishment project has received the $55 million authorization from the federal government, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, announced Thursday.

However, it does not yet provide funding.

Jason Galanes, spokesman for LoBiondo, said it allows the congressman to seek the funding through the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee in a future budget.

The estimated cost of the initial construction is $22 million, which includes federal, state and local funding. It includes a 50-year commitment to renourish beaches every few years and create a new dune from North Wildwood through Diamond Beach in Lower Township.

North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello called it the most important infrastructure project in the history of this island.

Rosenello said the project provides the Wildwoods with a 50-year insurance policy from the federal government.

The mayor said the project calls for a continuous dune system from North Wildwood to Diamond Beach.

He said the Army Corps of Engineers is proposing to use a process called backpassing, in which sand is taken from the beaches in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest instead of the ocean via dredge.

Every other beachfront in New Jersey has been engineered and designed by the federal government through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rosenello said. This project has been in the works for literally decades.

According to the Army Corps fact sheet on the Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet project, these municipalities are vulnerable to storm damage all year round from a combination of hurricanes and noreasters.

North Wildwood has lost about 1,000 feet of beach during the past five to 10 years, the factsheet says. It says that, in contrast, sand accretion in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest is causing extensive maintenance problems and health hazards with their stormwater-management system.

Construction is expected to begin in 2018, the factsheet states.

In addition to the beach-replenishment authorization, the 2016 Water Resources Development Act provides for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program to create a strategy to coordinate restoration and protection activities across the basin.

The U.S. Senate passed its version of the 2016 Water Resources Development Act earlier this month. Both versions will now be reconciled for differences.
HOBOKEN  A rush-hour commuter train crashed through a barrier at the busy Hoboken station and lurched across the waiting area Thursday morning, killing one person and injuring more than 100 others in a grisly wreck that renewed questions about whether long-delayed automated safety technology could have prevented tragedy.

Kelly Chirico, who commutes from Cumberland County to New York for her job as a nurse practitioner, was unaware of the crash but sensed during her Thursday morning ride on a PATH commuter train that something was amiss. Chirico boarded the local PATH train at 8:40 a.m. from Hoboken to New York, and the NJ Transit train crash at Hoboken station happened about five minutes later.

The PATH and NJTransit have separate platforms a short distance apart.

A shaken Chirico told The Press of Atlantic City that she noticed conductors and engineers on her train moving quickly between cars.

I thought something was wrong, she said.

When her train came out of a tunnel, Chirico said, My phone blew up with text messages of people asking if I was OK. Chirico said while she texted back friends to let them know she was safe, she felt extremely sad for the person who died and others who were injured.

People pulled chunks of concrete off pinned and bleeding victims, passengers kicked out windows and crawled to safety, and cries and screams could be heard in the wreckage at the station just across the Hudson River from New York City as emergency workers rushed to reach commuters in the tangle of twisted metal and dangling wires.

The NJ Transit train ran off the end of its track as it pulled into the station, smashing through a concrete and steel bumper. It apparently knocked out pillars as it ground to a halt in the waiting area, collapsing a section of the roof onto the train.

All of a sudden, there was an abrupt stop and a big jolt that threw people out of their seats. The lights went out, and we heard a loud crashing noise like an explosion as the roof fell, said Ross Bauer, who was sitting in the third or fourth car when the train entered the historic 109-year-old station, a bustling hub for commuters heading to New York City. I heard panicked screams, and everyone was stunned.

The trains engineer was pulled from the mangled first car and hospitalized in critical condition. He was cooperating with investigators, Gov. Chris Christie said.

A woman standing on the platform  identified as Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, 34, of Hoboken  was killed by debris, and 108 others were injured, mostly on the train, Christie said. Seventy-four of them were hospitalized, some in serious condition, with injuries that included broken bones, bumps and gashes.

The train came in at much too high rate of speed, and the question is: Why is that? Christie said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said investigators will determine whether the explanation was an equipment failure, an incapacitated engineer or something else.

Some witnesses said they didnt hear or feel the brakes being applied before the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board sent investigators. Among other things, they will want to know whether the engineer was distracted or fatigued, said Bob Chipkevich, former head of the agencys train crash investigations section.

Investigators were working to extract the two black-box data recorders that would show how fast the train was going.

None of NJ Transits trains is fully equipped with positive train control, a safety system designed to prevent accidents by overriding the engineer and automatically slowing or stopping trains that are going too fast. Positive train control relies on radio and GPS signals to monitor trains positions and speed.

The NTSB has been pressing for some version of the technology since at least 1990.

And the industry is under government orders to install it, but regulators have repeatedly extended the deadline at railroads request. The target date is now the end of 2018.

While we are just beginning to learn the cause of this crash, it appears that once again an accident was not prevented because the trains our commuters were riding lacked positive train control, said U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-N.Y. The longer we fail to prioritize investing in rail safety technology, the more innocent lives we put in jeopardy.

But both Cuomo and Christie said it is too soon to say whether such technology would have made a difference in the Hoboken crash.

Over the past 20 years, the NTSB has listed the lack of positive train control as a contributing factor in 25 crashes. Those include the Amtrak wreck last year in Philadelphia in which a speeding train ran off the rails along a curve. Eight people were killed.

NJ Transit trains do have an alerter system  a sort of dead mans device  that can sound a loud alarm and then stop a train if the engineer goes about 15 to 20 seconds without adjusting the controls. But it is not clear whether that would have made a difference either.

The train was not equipped with an inward-facing camera in the cab that could give a fuller picture of the operators actions.

The train consisted of four passenger cars and a locomotive at the rear. Passengers said it was crowded, with standing room only in the typically popular first few cars, but authorities had no immediate estimate of how many were aboard.

The Hoboken terminal handles more than 50,000 train and bus riders daily, many of them headed into New York City. After arriving at Hoboken, they take ferries or PATH commuter trains across the river to the city.

NJ Transit service was suspended in and out of Hoboken, all but assuring a painful commute for many. Christie said engineers were examining the stations structural integrity and it was too soon to say when it might reopen to NJ Transit trains.

The train had left Spring Valley, New York, at 7:23 a.m. and crashed at 8:45 a.m., authorities said. NJ Transit spokeswoman Jennifer Nelson said she didnt know how fast the train was going when it crashed through the barrier.

William Blaine, an engineer for a company that runs freight trains, was inside the station and ran over to help. He said he saw the trains engineer slumped over the controls.

Jamie Weatherhead-Saul, who was standing at a door between the first and second cars, said the train didnt slow down as it entered the station. She said the impact hurled passengers against her, and one woman got her leg caught between the doors before fellow riders pulled her up.

Michael Larson, an NJ Transit employee working in the terminal about 30 feet away, said he saw the train come in fast, go over the bumper block and lift up into the air, stopping only when it hit the wall of the stations waiting room.

As the train hurtled into the depot amid concrete dust and dangling electrical wires, I couldnt believe what I was seeing, he said. Half the first car was destroyed, with some passengers crawling to try to escape, Larson said.

More than 100,000 people use NJ Transit trains to commute from New Jersey into New York City daily.

A crash at the same station on a PATH commuter train injured more than 30 people in 2011. The train slammed into bumpers at the end of the tracks on a Sunday morning.
Theres no shortage of steakhouses in Atlantic City. And there is no shortage of steakhouses with big names and brands behind them.

But for those in the know, the chef behind the simply titled The Steakhouse at Harrahs Resort can cook and design a menu as well as any of the chefs behind all of those places. His name is George Galati.

If the name rings a bell, it should. He was Big George on Chef Robert Irvines Food Network hit Dinner: Impossible, and he served as executive sous chef at casinos including Caesars and Resorts before helping launch Guy Fieris Chophouse and Gordon Ramsays Pub and Grill.

But now, he has his own kitchen at The Steakhouse, and Harrahs culinary management team has been smart enough to let him basically do what he wants. The result is the best steakhouse Harrahs has offered in years, possibly the best since the casino opened in 1980.

When they hired me, my goal was to make this an authentic steakhouse again with my twists to make it exciting, Galati says. For me, a steakhouse is about big, oversized presentations. Sure, we have some beautiful fish and vegetarian and chicken dishes, but this place is about big, hearty plates.

Galati is taking classic steakhouse dishes and putting his creative, modern spin on them. Start with the raw bar, where you can build shellfish towers by the piece including current offerings such as clams ($2) from Willis Wharf, Va., Blue Point, Rome Point and Cape May Salt oysters ($3) from Long Island, N.Y., Narragansett Bay, R.I., and Cape May, respectively; and poached chilled shrimp ($3).

Even though there are only four appetizers on the menu, good luck choosing from two classics transformed by Galati: baked clams ($19), Galatis indulgent take on clams casino featuring littlenecks shucked to order and stuffed with roasted breadcrumbs, peppers, onions and Neuskes bacon; or the Oysters Rockefeller ($21), our 50 Bites + choice this year with spinach, Pernod, Bearnaise sauce and bacon dust.

A regular appetizer special features a huge chunk of pork belly slow braised to perfection and glazed with honey cider, but if you are going to get one thing on the menu, the hands-down, undisputed champ of Galatis recent menu is the sweet soy glazed beef ribs, a bargain at $12. Consider it the best Korean-style rib you ever tasted.

Its a prime rib bone cured for two days with brown salt and special ingredients, then slow-roasted for 10 hours, coated in rice and potato flour, fried and tossed in my special soy glaze, Galati says. Its crispy but tender. People always love the outside of the prime rib because the crust is the best. Every bite of this rib has that texture and flavor.

Theres a nice array of soups, salads and an artisanal cheese plate hand-selected by Galati, but make sure you save room for the main attractions.

There are six steaks on the menu ranging from center-cut filet ($48, 8 ounces; $54, 12 ounces) to the 24-ounce prime porterhouse ($65), but Galatis steakhouse is building a reputation for the Black Angus Prime Rib ($34, 16 ounces, $48 for the bone-in, king cut), a dry-aged hunk of meat rubbed with a secret herb blend and sea salt that is slow roasted for 24 hours served with au jus. Its so popular that Galati sometimes runs out of them.

When I got here, they simply didnt have enough steaks on the menu, so I added the 24-ounce porterhouse, a 12-ounce filet, and a 22-ounce cowboy that is our biggest seller, Galati says. And the fact that these steaks are aged for 50 days brings a tremendous amount of flavor. These are big cuts of meat, and people love them. They devour them.

Still not sold? How about the Colorado rack of lamb ($63) with honey Dijon glaze and pistachio dust with watercress chimichurri; the Hawaiian Meri ($42) with rustic caper remoulade, roasted shallot and caper berry salad; or the Alaskan halibut ($57) with lobster hash, spring pea puree and ruby red microgreens?

Every fish we offer is fresh, nothing is farm raised, Galati says. Everything on the menu is the best of the best as far as quality goes.

And no good steakhouse is worth its salt without great sides. The Steakhouse has that, too, including signature lobster mac and cheese ($17) and roasted fingerling potatoes ($19) with short rib lardoons, blue cheese, onion and demiglace.

The potatoes are slow roasted then fried and put in a rich burgundy demi with sweet and sour onions, blue cheese and mozzarella curd, Galati says. Its a process. The short ribs alone are braised for seven to eight hours.

If it sounds like Galati is happy at The Steakhouse, thats because he is. And anyone who knows Galati will tell you hes always looking to evolve as a chef, which means The Steakhouse will get even better.

This is my home now; Im not going anywhere, says Galati, who will change the menu four to five times annually. Its one of the best jobs I ever had. I feel like its my restaurant. I love it here and I just want to keep making this place better and better.
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.




SHANGHAI, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The 18th China International Industry fair (CIIF 2016) is going to be staged from November 1 to 5 2016 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). After 17 years of successful operation, the 5-day event has become a global branding fair that is the optimal manufacturing platform and the must-attended exhibition for the manufacturing industry. CIIF 2016 accommodates 8 leading international shows taking place under a single umbrella. Themed as "Innovative, Intelligent and Green", the topics coverd at CIIF 2016 include metalworking and CNC machine tools, industrial automation & IT solutions, environmental protection, energy infrastructure, energy-saving vehicles and robotics.

In a recent open forum held on September 9, attendees called for efforts to propel supply-side reform and efficient implementation of the "Made in China 2025" initiative to upgrade the manufacturing industry. Intelligent manufacturing has an important role in promoting the "Made in China 2025" plan, which began in 2014.

China will continue to upgrade its manufacturing industry and boost its intelligent manufacturing. "The number of pilot projects related to intelligent manufacturing across the nation this year will reach 60, compared with 46 last year," said Feng Fei, vice-minister of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). CIIF 2016, a Chinese government-organized event, will demonstrate this year's intelligent manufacturing pilot projects authorized by MIIT. COMAC, ZTE, MengNiu and other domestic manufacturers will present their intelligent production solutions on-site.

In addition to top Chinese manufacturing leaders, global industrial magnates have also confirmed that they will display cutting-edge technologies and products. Siemens, Bosch, SAP and some Germany-based companies will show their Industry 4.0 solutions customized for Chinese manufacturers. ABB, FANUC, YASKAWA, KUKA and other leading industrial robot brands will release their new models to upgrade the productive process for end-users.

Booth sales are wrapping up and have been beyond satisfactory. According to CIIF management, this year's event will occupy over 270,000 square meters and they expect to attract 2,100 exhibitors and 130,000 trade visitors. More than 50 forums and conferences will present the hotspots of each tradeshow. For more detailed information, please visit www.ciif-expo.com/en.

For press enquiries, please contact:

Flora Hu

Communications, CIIF Branch, Shanghai East Best & LanSheng (Group) Co., Ltd

Tel: +86-21-22068386

Fax: +86-21-62790302

Email: florahu@shanghaiexpogroup.com

Related Links

http://http://www.ciif-expo.com/en



SOURCE EastBest & Lansheng International Group CIIF Branch
German based Heinlein Plastik-Technik GmbH will introduce Europe to the benefits of RFID Enabled Closures at the CPhl Pharma Event in Barcelona, Spain.

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan and ZURICH, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- eAgile Inc. (eAgile.com/eSeal), a global leader in radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, announces a partnership with Heinlein Plastik-Technik GmbH to bring RFID smart packaging solutions to the European cap and closure marketplace. eSeal is the first turnkey solution engineered to integrate the benefits of RFID into the billions of caps and closures consumed by the over-the-counter pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic and chemical manufacturers.

The introduction of partnership will be at the CPhl Pharma event held 4th-6th October, 2016 at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. eAgile's European Sales Director Rene Wyss will join Heinlein Plastik at stand 2R51 to conduct demonstrations and answer questions.

eAgile is honored to be partnered with one of Europe's most reputable cap and closure manufacturers. "We are confident in our selection of Heinlein as a European eSeal partner. By leveraging upon each other's strengths, dedication to quality and unique product offerings, we can help the European market make their products as safe as possible," stated Gary Burns, CEO of eAgile. "In today's world, consumers are demanding safety and accountability, especially with healthcare products. Similarly, brand owners want to provide safe products and comply with the demands of pharma compliance and product serialization. eSeal has proven to be a highly effective solution in the US market and we are excited to offer the same benefits to brand owners in Europe."

Working as a stand-alone or in conjunction with current security technologies, eSeal integrates a uniquely encoded RFID inlay between the closure and the seal of the product. The final deliverable is a complete cap and seal which is easily substituted into current production equipment. eAgile's Integration services complete the system by installing RFID hardware and middleware software to collect data for anti-diversion applications, product serialization compliance, supply-chain management and product availability.

eAgile is now focusing on enhancing eSeal with their innovative dual frequency tag (UHF and NFC combined onto a single chip) to bring brand interaction opportunities by linking consumers and their NFC-enabled smartphones to authentication-, expiration-, and dosing-information along with re-purchase and promotional opportunities.

About eAgile Inc.:

eAgile, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., sets the standard in RFID solutions by providing high-quality, cost-effective auto-identification products finely tuned to customer needs. eAgile has one of the broadest ISO 9001:2008 certifications covering tag production, data management software and the building of complete RFID infrastructures. Learn more about eSeal and view a product demonstration video at http://www.eAgile.com/eSeal/Heinlein.

About Heinlein Plastik-Technik GmbH:

Heinlein Plastik-Technik is a manufacturer and systems supplier of closures, containers, dosing systems and applicators. The company supplies primary packaging solutions made of plastic, glass and elastomers to approximately 60 countries on five continents. Founded in 1932 the company is located at the current headquarters in Ansbach (Germany) since 1978. The main manufacturing processes include classic injection-molding and assembly operations. The competences include development and construction; not only for primary packaging solutions, but also for the required molds and assembly-lines.

The high integration level of all functions creates synergies and makes Heinlein a high-performing partner for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries. All manufacturing, assembly and packaging processes steps are subject to global quality assurance standards as per ISO 9001, GMP 15378 and ISO 13485.

PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0929s2p-eSeal-300dpi.jpg

This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE eAgile Inc.
LONDON, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Forecasts By Manufacturing Process (Woven, Non-Woven, Knitted), By Application (Road Construction, Waste & Landfill, Water Construction, Others), By Material (Polypropylene, Polyester, Polyethylene) Analysis of Applications in Civil Engineering For Environmental Protection,Erosion Control, Roads, Subsurface Drainage, Sediment Control, Separation, Filtration, Soil Reinforcement & Stress Relieving

Geotextiles are part of the geosynthetic group of materials which include geogrids, geomembranes, geopipes, geocomposites, geosynthetic clay liners, and geonets. A wide range of sectors have used geotextiles since 1950. The first geotextiles were woven industrial fabrics. Initially, they were used for waterfront structures, then the first nonwoven geotextiles for construction purposes were developed.

Visiongain calculates the global geotextile market is worth $5.5bn in 2016. China and the US are the biggest markets, each with a significant share in 2016. These are followed by the Indian and Japanese markets.. Russia, China and Japan have the most dynamic growth among the national markets, although this varies by process and application.

Visiongain's report reveals where these market growth opportunities are, keeping you informed and ahead of your competitors. Gain that competitive advantage.

This report answers questions such as:

 How is the geotextiles market evolving?

 What are the drivers and restraints of the geotextiles market?

 What are the market shares of the materials, applications, delivery systems and products of the geotextiles market in 2016?

 How will each geotextiles submarket by material, applications and manufacturing process grow over the forecast period and how much revenue will these submarkets account for in 2026?

 Which trends and developments will prevail and how will these shifts be responded to?

 How will political factors influence the regional geotextiles markets and submarkets?

 Will leading national geotextiles markets broadly follow the macroeconomic dynamics, or will individual country sectors outperform the rest of the economy?

 How will the market shares of the geotextiles national markets change by 2026 and which geographical region will lead the market in 2026?

 Who are the leading geotextiles players and what are their prospects over the forecast period?

To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com

Reasons why you must order and read this report today:

 The report provides detailed profiles of 10 leading companies operating within the geotextile market:

- Agru America Inc.

- Amcol International Corporation (Now Mineral Technologies)

- Belton Industries Inc.

- Carthage Mills

- Contech Engineered Solutions LLC

- E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company

- Fibertex Nonwoven A/S

- Fiberweb PLC (Now Avintiv)

- Gundle/SLT Environmental Inc. (GSE)

- HOV Environment Solutions Private Limited

 The study reveals the geotextile market forecast by leading national markets from 2016 to 2026:

- Chinese Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- United States of America Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- Indian Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- Japanese Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- Russian Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- Italian Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- Denmark Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- Netherlands Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- UK Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- German Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- Brazilian Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- United Arab Emirates (UAE) Geotextile Market 2016-2026

- RoW Geotextile Market Forecast 2016-2026

 Our overview also forecasts geotextile applications from 2016 to 2026:

- Road Construction Submarket Forecast 2016-2026

- Waste and Landfill Submarket Forecast 2016-2026

- Water Construction Submarket Forecast 2016-2026

- Other Applications Submarket Forecast 2016-2026

 Our overview also forecasts geotextile manufacturing process submarkets from 2016 to 2026:

- Nonwoven Manufacturing Process Submarket Forecast 2016-2026

- Woven Manufacturing Process Submarket Forecast 2016-2026

- Knitted Manufacturing Process Submarket Forecast 2016-2026

 Our overview also forecasts geotextile material submarkets from 2016 to 2026:

- Polypropylene Submarket 2016-2026

- Polyethylene Submarket 2016-2026

- Polyester Submarket Forecast 2016-2026

How will you benefit from this report?

This comprehensive report will:

 Enhance your strategic decision making

 Full understanding and potential business opportunities in the geotextiles market

 Show which emerging market opportunities to focus upon.

 Increase your Industry knowledge and positioning in the geotextiles market

 Run a successfully a new marketing strategy

 Build new partnerships available in the geotextiles market

 Keep you up to date with crucial geotextiles market developments and issues

 Allow you to develop informed growth strategies

 Build your technical and management market insight

 Illustrate trends to develop new business opportunities

 Strengthen your analysis of competitors' innovation and its market penetration.

 Provide risk analysis, helping you avoid the pitfalls other companies could make

 Ultimately. Engage effectively your internal and external stakeholders.

Competitive advantage

This independent 153 page report guarantees you will remain better informed than your competition. With 169 tables and figures examining the geotextile market space, leading market forecasts, as well as analysis from 2016-2026, the report will help you to design an effective sales strategy.

Don't miss out

This report is essential reading for you or anyone with a desire to penetrate the geotextiles market or increase sales. Purchasing this report today will help you to recognise those important market opportunities and understand the possibilities there. We look forward to receiving your order.

To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com

To request a report overview of this report please emails Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com or call Tel: +44 (0) 20 7336 6100

Or click on https://www.visiongain.com/Report/1731/Geotextiles-Market-Report-2016-2026

Companies Mentioned in This Report

ACE Geosynthetics

ACF Environmental

Agru America Inc.

Amcol International Corporation

Apex Erosion Control Supply Inc.

Avintiv

Bareen Construction

Belton Industries Inc.

Bezaleel Consults

Bonar Geosynthetics Kft.

Bonar Technical Fabrics NV

BonTerra Weiland GmbH

Bradley Industrial Textiles, Inc.

Cahyana Styrofoam/EPS

Carthage Mills

Cascade Geotechnical Inc.

CBIE

Construction Fabrics & Materials

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC

Dinagrid Geosynthetics

E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company

Earthmate Geosynthetics

Edilfloor S.p.A.

enviro engineers

Exceed Construction Company

Fibertex Nonwoven A/S

Fontana International GmbH

FRITZ LANDOLT AG

Geolab Limited

Geoline

Geosinindo

Geosynthetic Systems

Geotextile & Gabions Limited

Geotextiles East Africa Ltd

Global Industrial Services LLC

GOLDEN GATE TECHNOLOGIES

Gundle/SLT Environmental Inc. (GSE)

HOV Environment Solutions Private Limited

HUESKER Synthetic GmbH

IMPERIAL OVERSEAS

K K Enviro Tech Pvt Ltd

KT EXPORTS INDIA PVT.LTD

L & M Supply Company

Laiwu Runjie Nonwoven Fabric Co.,Ltd

Luyuan Engineering Material Co.,ltd

Macias Gabions Inc.

Manas Geo Tech India Pvt. Ltd.

Mattex Geosynthetics

Mineral Technologies

Nordson Corporation

NOVINTISS

Panjin Yuwang Non-woven Co.,Ltd

PREMIER PONDS & WILDLIFE INC.

Process express international

PT Multibangun Rekatama Patria

Randall Manufacturing Inc.

Roofiran Mashhad Branch

Sai Geocare

Shandong taian sanyou building materialco., ltd.

Sitework, Erosion & Seeding Supply Company

Spuntex Company for engineering Textiles

Syn-Tex Geo

TenCate - Geotube

TERAGEOS

Terram Fiberweb Geosynthetics Ltd

Times Fiberfill

US Fabrics Inc

Vietnam Fibers JSC.

Vigano Pavitex

Willacoochee Industrial Fabrics, Inc.

Wolseley Waterworks Group

To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com

SOURCE Visiongain Ltd
Voted on by readers of GIT SECURITY magazine, the award recognizes the PanoVu Panoramic Camera for its simple design, superior image quality and easy installation

HOOFDDORP, Netherlands, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hikvision, the world's leading supplier of innovative video surveillance products and solutions, is proud to announce that its PanoVu 360-degree panoramic camera has been named Best CCTV and Video Security Product in the prestigious 2017 GIT SECURITY Awards. The annual GIT SECURITY awards are recognized as one of the most fiercely contested anywhere in the world, with products nominated and voted on by the 75,000 GIT SECURITY and GIT SICHERHEIT readers to produce three winning products in each category. GIT SECURITY and GIT SICHERHEIT magazines are the highest circulating security magazines in the EMEA region and Germany.

The 16MP PanoVu DS-2DP1636-D camera provides 360-degree distortion-free Ultra HD images by seamlessly integrating eight separate 1/1.9" progressive scan CMOS sensors into each camera. These eight cameras link with the PanoVu's powerful 36x optical PTZ unit and Smart tracking capabilities to ensure that no detail within the panoramic scene is missed, and capture highly-detailed high-resolution colour images down to 0.002 Lux for round-the-clock, 360-degree monitoring, which makes it ideal for public open spaces in busy city centres.

The combination in one unit of 360-degree panoramic viewing and powerful PTZ curtails costs, reduces technical complexity and simplifies installation by allowing users to replace multiple cameras with just one PanoVu. Its all-in-one design uses a single Ethernet cable and one power supply cable for quick implementation and simple configuration.

Hikvision International Marketing Director Keen Yao says the GIT SECURITY Award is a great honour and recognition of the work done by Hikvision's dedicated designers. "We are very pleased to receive this prestigious award from the knowledgeable readers of this highly-regarded magazine. The PanoVu series features a simple, clean design and compact structure that provides ultra-high-definition panoramic images, seamlessly integrating video from multiple sensors in one unit. We believe it is the best equipped high-end panoramic solution on the market."

Hikvision PanoVu Series is designed for large-scale security monitoring applications such as stadiums, city centres, airports and parking lots. The product family is available in 8 MP - 180-degree and 16 MP - 360-degree variants, allowing users to select the ideal model for their specific surveillance application.

In April 2016, Hikvision's PanoVu Series also won an iF Design Award  acknowledged as a symbol of design excellence around the world.

To find out how the award-winning PanoVu Series works out for large-scale scenario, please stop by Hikvision booth at Security Essen, # 2A34.

About Hikvision

Hikvision is the world's leading supplier of video surveillance solutions. Featuring the industry's strongest R&D workforce, Hikvision uses its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to design and develop innovative CCTV and video surveillance products for any security need. For more information, please visit Hikvision's website at www.hikvision.com.



Related Links

http://www.hikvision.com



SOURCE Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
Promontory's 600 professionals and offerings will form the foundation of new Watson Financial Services portfolio from IBM's Industry Platforms business

ARMONK, New York, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced plans to acquire Promontory Financial Group, a global market-leading risk management and regulatory compliance consulting firm. Upon close, the capabilities of Promontory combined with IBM's deep industry expertise and Watson's cognitive capabilities will directly address the massive operational effort and manual cost of escalating regulation and risk management requirements.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO

Promontory's 600 professionals are based in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific - many of them have deep and varied expertise amassed over decades as senior leaders of regulatory bodies, financial institutions and Fortune 100 corporations. Promontory is widely regarded as the firm financial institutions turned to for guidance coming out of the 2008 financial crisis. The firm's expertise and offerings directly address the standards for compliance implemented to ensure the integrity of the financial system, protect consumers and build trust through transparency.

More than 20,000 new regulatory requirements were created last year alone, and the complete catalog of regulations is projected to exceed 300 million pages by 20201, rapidly outstripping the capacity of humans to keep up. Today, the cost of managing the regulatory environment represents more than 10 percent of all operational spending of major banks, for a total of $270 billion per year2.

This is a workload ideally suited for Watson's cognitive capabilities intended to allow financial institutions to absorb the regulatory changes, understand their obligations, and close gaps in systems and practices to address compliance requirements more quickly and efficiently.

Upon close, Promontory's professionals will train Watson, which will learn by continuously ingesting regulatory information as it is created and through interaction in real-world applications.

"What Watson is doing to transform oncology by working with the world's leading oncologists, we will now do for regulation, risk and compliance," said Bridget van Kralingen, senior vice president, IBM Industry Platforms. "Promontory's experts are unsurpassed in this field. They will teach Watson and Watson, in turn, will extend and enhance their expertise. This initial offering of Watson Financial Services is emblematic of the transformative cloud-based solutions that IBM Industry Platforms will bring to clients."

Promontory will begin to accelerate IBM's development and machine training of cognitive solutions for risk and compliance. This includes solutions for tracking constantly changing regulatory obligations, expectations and control requirements, as well as solutions that address specific compliance needs, such as financial risk modeling, surveillance, anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC). In addition, Promontory professionals will extend IBM's consulting and services offerings to help clients dramatically reduce the cost of regulatory compliance.

"We believe the future of business and regulation will be driven by the need for advanced technology alongside deep subject-matter expertise," said Eugene Ludwig, Promontory's founder and CEO. "Combining Promontory's expertise with IBM's extraordinary technological capabilities such as Watson will permit us to directly address our clients' greatest challenges in innovative and powerful ways. It will enhance our mutual commitment to risk management and regulatory compliance excellence, and our results will benefit customers and the overall financial system."

Promontory will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of IBM. The planned acquisition represents the first example of new capability from IBM's Industry Platforms business, launched in August. The new business was formed to build open vertical platforms  the first comprehensive "as a service" offerings designed from the ground up for individual industries. These platforms will integrate IBM Cloud, Watson and capabilities from across digital ecosystems of specialized providers, and serve multiple clients in an industry  delivering dramatically reduced costs for outcomes spanning speed, quality, audit-ability, security and transparency.

Promontory is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has 19 offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The planned acquisition is expected to close in late 2016 and is subject to applicable regulatory review and customary closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.

For more information visit ibm.com/

IBM Media Relations

Karen Davis

karend@us.ibm.com

Tel: 917 346 4406

Promontory Media Relations

Stephanie Allen

sallen@promontory.com

Tel: 202 370 0533

1 Tech and Finance, 2016

2 McKinsey Global Banking Pools, 2016

Related Links

http://www.ibm.com



SOURCE IBM
IHRC Kenya Limited provides critical public health support for disease surveillance and information management in Kenya and the East African Region

ATLANTA, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IHRC, Inc. is pleased to announce the establishment of IHRC Kenya Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of IHRC, Inc.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160801/394488LOGO

IHRC Kenya Limited brings the robust qualifications and stellar reputation of IHRC to the East African Region. Services include program management, logistical support for public health surveillance, study design, vaccine efficacy studies, data management, and evaluation of public health programs.

While supporting work in Kenya, IHRC, Inc. identified the need for a locally based entity that could efficiently hire Kenyan nationals to provide high quality program support services for national and international public health agencies operating in Kenya and East Africa. This led to the establishment of IHRC Kenya Limited.

IHRC Kenya plays a critical role in influenza and respiratory disease sentinel surveillance throughout Kenya, working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Kenya), the Kenya Ministry of Health, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

IHRC Kenya staff are responsible for identifying patients in hospitals with severe acute respiratory infections. Patients are screened and if they meet the case definition, both laboratory samples and epidemiological data are systematically collected and forwarded to KEMRI for analysis. Weekly data reports are generated by KEMRI and shared with all team members of the surveillance program. In addition to monitoring influenza and respiratory disease burden in Kenya, the surveillance program also plays a critical role in identifying and monitoring new and emerging influenza subtypes that may facilitate the prevention of future global influenza pandemics.

With a robust portfolio of demonstrated success stories, IHRC Kenya is committed to public health excellence and creating a sustainable presence that is locally supported in Kenya and the East African Region.

About IHRC, Inc.

Founded in 2007, IHRC, Inc. is an international consulting and professional services corporation that specializes in supporting federal and state government organizations, international public health organizations, and private companies.

IHRC offers a robust profile of services spanning the areas of Science and Health, Information Management, Management Consulting, Bioinformatics, and Global Health. IHRC's largest client is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For more information about IHRC, Inc., please visit www.ihrc.com.

Media Contact

Karen Nelson

+1 678-615-3220 ext. 12

karen_nelson@ihrc.com

Related Links

http://www.ihrc.com



SOURCE IHRC, Inc.
MATTERSBURG, Austria, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

I-New Unified Mobile Solutions' Latin America MVNE track record matures with the onboarding of Colombia's premier MVNO Uff! Movil.

I-New Unified Mobile Solutions' number one awarded MVNE service model allows to aggregate multiple MVNO's to run on the same instance and to realize mobile service offerings with a maximum of convenience, competitiveness and within a record time to market. The company successfully runs MVNO enabling service hubs in Asia Pacific, in Europe, in North America and in the Latin American countries Mexico, Chile and Colombia.

Uff! Movil and I-New are proud to announce their partnership in order to fuel the MVNOs growth strategies by launching new and dynamic mobile products and services on I-New's Colombian MVNE platform during 2016. As the first MVNO in Latin America, Uff! Movil is provided with a huge and powerful subscriber base, which are among the most loyal in the market. In the near future, Uff! Movils' demanding subscribers will profit from new and contemporary products and services, enabled by I-New's unique and comprehensive portfolio which professionally supports MVNOs in the creation of compelling mobile business offerings along the complete customer journey. Uff! Movil is operated by the US based company Virtual Communications and was previously owned by Colombia's largest bank Bancocolombia.

Javier Pinzon, CEO of Uff! Movil Colombia comments: "As the Latin America market leader, I-New provides a compelling track record when it comes to MVNO enabling services. The migration to I-New's MVNE environment empowers Uff! Movil to service our subscribers with the best service quality available on the market. This will generate the next level of customer experience quality which perfectly suits to our highly demanding and loyal customer base". Helmut Reich, General Manager I-New Colombia adds: "We're truly honored to welcome Uff! Movil on our local MVNE service environment and highly motivated about this great news and opportunity to service such a strong Colombian mobile brand."



Contact:

I-New Unified Mobile Solutions AG

Global Marketing & Corporate Communication

Herbert Reinisch

+43(680)1241210

marketing@i-new.com

http://www.i-new.com

SOURCE I-New Unified Mobile Solutions AG
LONDON, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Locked In A Room, who have stormed to the #2 position of Fun and Games on TripAdvisor in only a year, have recently opened the largest escape venue Europe has to offer in London's very own ExCeL London exhibition centre.

Unlike other escape venues they are hugely targeted at larger size parties and groups with 13 rooms available to escape from, 8 being identical and the other 5 also being identical allowing teams of up to 6 to battle their wits against up to 12 other teams in a race to escape from their room.

Participants are "Locked In A Room" with a series of tests, puzzles and clues that, combined with teamwork, will allow the unlocking of the room's mystery and hopefully a successful escape, challenging them every step of the way.

The Bristol venue has had such a positive response from the public due to their heavy theming that they have been approached by many media companies including ITV looking to use their rooms as a backdrop, something they have brought to London with them.

Contact:

Oliver Pfaff

Marketing at Locked In A Room ltd

+44(0)1179-291759

SOURCE Locked In A Room Ltd
AHRENSBURG, Germany and FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Phyton Biotech, the pioneer in Plant Cell Fermentation (PCF), today announced that its international patent application PCT/EP2016/055989 "PRODUCTION OF INGENOL, INGENOL ESTERS AND/OR TIGLIAN-3-ONE DERIVATIVES BY EUPHORBIACEAE PLANT CELL CULTURE," has been published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413555LOGO

Ingenol mebutate (ingenol-3-angelate) is a plant secondary metabolite found in the sap of Euphorbia species. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have approved a gel formulation of the drug for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis under the brand Picato.

"Phyton aims to provide a plant cell culture-based technology that would allow for sustainable and scalable GMP production of ingenol mebutate, its precursor ingenol and other plant secondary metabolites with similar mode of action," said Kai Schuette, Managing Director at Phyton Biotech GmbH. "We are excited about the results so far and the development of additional IP to further enhance the value of our PCF technology."

"The invention described in the patent application provides, for the first time, suspension cell cultures suitable for mass production of ingenol mebutate offering a potential alternative for commercial scale production of this difficult-to-make molecule," stated Dr. Gilbert Gorr, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research and Development. "This approach is another exciting example for the power of plant cell cultures as a potential supply solution."

About Phyton Biotech

Phyton Biotech is the pioneer in Plant Cell Fermentation (PCF) for the development and manufacture of plant-based active ingredients and other complex molecules. Phyton Biotech's development services business is focused on harnessing plant-derived natural actives and products for use in the pharmaceutical field (API's) as well as in food ingredients, cosmetic and agricultural industries. Utilizing a proprietary PCF platform technology, Phyton offers a time, risk, and cost balanced path to commercially viable production processes, resulting in the addition of sustainability, reliability, quality and scalability to the supply chain of an API. Phyton is also the world's largest commercial provider of high quality Paclitaxel and Docetaxel API via PCF to a global customer base of sterile injectable manufacturers. The company has GMP facilities in Ahrensburg, Germany and Vancouver, Canada.

For additional information on Phyton Biotech, visit www.phytonbiotech.com

Related Links

http://www.phytonbiotech.com



SOURCE Phyton Biotech
LONDON, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Now in its third year, Quality Plumber Week will be once again celebrating the UK's dedicated and hard-working plumbing and heating engineers from 03 - 09 October 2016.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/412922-INFO )



Organised by Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), the week will be building on the success of previous years to unite the entire industry in shining a spotlight on the vital role plumbers play in our communities. The week also stresses the importance of using properly qualified, trained and accredited tradespeople in a bid to reduce the numbers of rogue traders operating in the industry.

By raising the profile of plumbing as a respected profession, it's hoped that more young people will be encouraged to consider an apprenticeship in the sector. Recent research from APHC found that attitudes towards apprenticeships appear to have shifted in recent years - 86% of people polled agree that school leavers should be encouraged to consider an apprenticeship rather than being pushed into the Higher Education route. On a positive note plumbing apprenticeships remain the most sought after with around 5,500 plumbing apprentices enrolling on a course in England and Wales in 2015.

The week will also highlight work within the industry to tighten up Building Regulations enforcement, to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for the many professional tradespeople who comply with the UK's rigorous construction standards. APHC research found that 74% of heating businesses believe that stricter enforcement would be beneficial to their businesses and 69% agree that customers are willing to breach building regulations to save time or money. A worryingly high 69% had also discovered areas of non-compliance when visiting sites.

John Thompson, Chief Executive, APHC added: "Quality Plumber Week is once again uniting plumbers to showcase the world-class professionals we have working to keep up with our demand for fresh, clean water on tap and instant heat at our fingertips. The perception of plumbers and plumbing, as well as trades in general, appear to be making positive strides and we're encouraged by the numbers of young people recognising the benefits of a career in the industry."

Plumbers are also being encouraged to get involved and win the 'Super' prize at the conclusion of the week, donated by various suppliers across the industry. Quality plumbers can support the campaign to be entered into the prize draw using #QPW16 on social media channels.

For more information on Quality Plumber Week and to learn how you can get involved visit http://www.aphc.co.uk/quality-plumber-week. You can also join the conversation and thank your plumber on social media at #QPW16.

To find a local quality plumber visit http://www.findaqualityplumber.co.uk.

Notes to Editor:

Quality Plumber Week is organised by Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC). As well as celebrating the work of its members, the week also acknowledges the skills and dedication of all plumbers.

The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is a not-for-profit trade body for the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales . They have been established since 1925 and represent large companies working on commercial projects, to sole traders working in domestic properties.

Being a member of APHC distinguishes professional businesses from the rogue traders. The association is committed to helping plumbing and heating contractors run professional and profitable businesses, whilst ensuring consumers have better standards of workmanship and service.

For further press information on APHC please contact Anna Carrington on +44(0)1379-674030 or email anna.carrington@armstrong-pr.co.uk

SOURCE Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)
This year SANHUA Automotive showcased not only its integrated R744 refrigerant hybrid thermal system with battery cooling capability but also its new R134a & R1234yf integrated thermal heat pump system.

To compliment this line-up, SANHUA Automotive has introduced the best Electronic Expansion Valve (EXV) to the world which has satisfied many global carmakers' high expectations for balanced system performance and value.

This EXV enables a number of system control strategies which ultimately lead to improved overall system efficiency, fuel economy, hybrid range and better a/c system performance.

SANHUA Automotive products offer a great contribution in environmental protection. SANHUA Automotive TXVs, EXVs and valves provide precision refrigerant control which ultimately resulting in increasing normal vehicle fuel economy and the driving range in hybrid and electric vehicles. SANHUA Automotive products are designed to be compatible with all of the more environmental friendly new global refrigerants, like R1234yf, R410a and R744

"During this IAA exhibition, SANHUA Automotive introduced innovative thermal solutions and a technology roadmap that reduce commercial vehicle CO2 emissions and support this year's IAA theme  'Driven by ideas'."

SANHUA Automotive is a leading solution provider of advanced automotive technology, systems and components for major OEMs, specializing in thermal management systems.

As experts in thermal management, SANHUA Automotive continues to develop products that offer enhanced fuel economy savings for conventional vehicles and opportunities for increased mileage range in EV and hybrid vehicles.

SOURCE SANHUA Automotive
YOKNEAM, Israel, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Sino-Lite Ltd., an Israeli corporation, has announced the acquisition of Light Instruments Ltd, a leading dental laser manufacturer, previously owned by Syneron Medical Ltd. Owning 100% of Light Instruments' unique technology, Sino-Lite Ltd. has gained access into the prosperous global dental laser market.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407648 )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407649 )

Light Instruments Ltd., the world's leading provider of next generation dental laser technology for hard and soft tissue treatments is famed for its flagship LiteTouch product. Developed by Light Instruments, LiteTouch - the Laser-in-Handpiece technology, is the world's most versatile non-fibre, Er: YAG dental laser device.

"The acquisition of Light Instruments is the first step within a sequence of acquisitions of high technology companies and innovative companies that the group intends to acquire in the Israeli market," said Adv. Eric Ben Mayor - CEO of Sino-Lite Ltd, serving also as Light Instruments Ltd. CEO.

"The new leadership will drive the LiteTouch technology brand forward and further develop its valued innovative contribution to the dentistry world," continued Ben-Mayor and added: "Sino-Lite Ltd. shall increase Light Instruments' workforce and expand the variety of high-end advanced Technology Dental Lasers offered, thus affirming its position as a worldwide global leader."

Attracted by Light Instruments' reputation for developing cutting-edge and advanced technology in the dental field, the acquisition marks the latest large investment by Chinese conglomerates in Israeli technology companies.

Light Instruments Ltd's development of a small, simple and portable laser for dental procedures is a sharp contrast from the bulky and complicated equipment common elsewhere.

The dental laser market is one of the biggest potential markets in the coming decade. There is a clear worldwide trend and a willingness from dentists to adopt painless, fast and more efficient solutions. The once-fledging market is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting developments in the healthcare industry.

About Sino-Lite Ltd

Sino-Lite Ltd specializes in the acquisitions, development and management of dental and medical companies worldwide. The company is backed by strong Chinese groups headed by Sino-Ita International Trading Company, headquartered in Beijing China, is the distributor of the Italian brand NewTom Cone Beam 3D Imaging in China and South East Asia. Sino-Ita is a whole solution provider covering the business of high end imaging equipment, high value consumable items, and high value services. Sino-Ita integrates the whole chain from research, sales to service.

For more information, visit http://www.light-inst.com

Media Contact:

Claudia Yoel

Marketing Projects Manager

+972-54-300-3429

claudiay@light-inst.com

SOURCE Light Instruments Ltd.
SHANGHAI, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- UnionPay International announced today that, QUNR, KingPower Duty Free and five well-known brand stores subordinate to Singapore Valiram Group have joined its cross-border marketing platform. Customers can get exclusive coupons via mobile phones and enjoy the highest discount available at participating merchants. The platform now covers about 300 stores across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia and will expand to the US, Australia and Japan this year, after which it will have about 1,000 participating stores.

The rapid expansion of the cross-border marketing platform is attributed to UnionPay's extensive network across 160 countries and regions, as well as its rich card-using privileges. UnionPay cards satisfy customers' diverse payment needs, from booking airline tickets and hotels, to withdrawing cash at ATMs, to spending at merchants, to taking public transportation and taxis, to claiming tax refunds. There is now a fully formed UnionPay cross-border consumer service system.

In building this system, UnionPay International has launched global privilege programs to enrich its service, including two this year that feature "100 airport duty free shops" and "50 selected travel destinations". About 100 duty free shops at over 70 airports offer up to a 10% discount for UnionPay cardholders. In the 50 selected travel destinations, over 300 merchants provide up to 15% discount for UnionPay cardholders. The "50 core commercial districts" privilege program is also about to go live.

With these three privilege programs, UnionPay International's new marketing platform offers more accurate cross-border consumer service. As the world's first open cross-border marketing platform launched by a bankcard scheme, it realizes locating, accurate marketing and instant discounts. Since its launch in July, hundreds of thousands of coupons have been downloaded, and the transaction volume of UnionPay cards at participating merchants has grown rapidly.

Participating merchants now include: Sasa, Prince Jewellery & Watch, LUKFOOK, ISA Boutique, KingPower Duty Free and all the stores of Michael Kors, Victoria Secrets, Kate Spade, TUMI and Bath&Body Works that are subordinate to Singapore Valiram Group.

Customers can enjoy the exclusive offers in two ways. First, download a QR code coupon via UPI, BOC or CMBC APPs. Second, use the CYTS, Ctrip, Spring Airlines or QUNR APPs to book airline tickets or hotels to receive the coupons. Customers can show the coupon and pay with UnionPay cards at participating merchants and can enjoy instant discounts.

SOURCE UnionPay International
LONDON, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Virtustream Helps Public Sector Organisations Take Control of their Clouds

Virtustream, the enterprise-class cloud company and a Dell Technologies business, today announced that it has been approved by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) as a UK government supplier under the G-Cloud 8 (G8) framework. This approval further differentiates Virtustream as a trusted advisor to public sector organisations within the UK who are proactively sorting through the challenges of providing new cloud-based services in light of the current political climate.

"As the UK government embraces one of the most complex administrative eras in generations, the necessity to simplify work processes, run government-critical applications and respond to dynamic demands has increased the need for cloud adoption, " said Steve Midgley, vice president, EMEA, Virtustream. "Selection to the G8 enables Virtustream to provide cloud-delivered services to UK Government departments. Virtustream's unique ability to provide application service level agreements (SLAs) in the cloud on a pay-as-you-go basis helps improve the citizen experience whilst reducing government spending."

G-Cloud was launched in 2012, and the G8 version of the framework was recently made official. This designation allows Virtustream to offer G8 approved infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and specialist cloud services to UK public sector organisations and provides Virtustream a listing in the government's Digital Marketplace.

"G-Cloud helps government departments to quickly engage with approved cloud providers who can meet the government's stringent compliance, security, cost and operational efficiency requirements," adds Midgley.

In addition to the G8 certification, Virtustream is well positioned to assist public sector entities within the UK in their cloud projects. Virtustream Enterprise Class Cloud provides consumption billing based on actual application workloads, whilst offering application performance SLAs. Virtustream delivers public and private clouds for customers, and in collaboration with other Dell Technologies businesses, also provides hybrid clouds that tether customers' on-premise private clouds to Virtustream's secure geo-specified cloud platform.

Throughout the globe, Virtustream is focused on running core business processes in the cloud. To learn more about how Virtustream transforms enterprise and public IT estates, click on the following links:

About Virtustream

Virtustream, a Dell Technologies business, is the enterprise-class cloud company trusted by enterprises worldwide to migrate and run their mission-critical applications in the cloud. For enterprises, service providers and government agencies, Virtustream's xStream management platform and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) meets the security, compliance, performance, efficiency and consumption-based billing requirements of complex production applications in the cloud - whether private, public or hybrid.



Virtustream, Virtustream Enterprise Class Cloud and xStream are trademarks or registered trademarks of Virtustream, Inc. in the United States or in other countries. All other trademarks used are the property of their respective owners.



Media Contacts

Tom Ingoldby/Michael Creane

Chameleon for Virtustream

+44(0)20-7680-5500

chameleon-virtustream@chameleon.com



Jennifer Brenner

Virtustream

+1(713)409-5627

Jennifer.Brenner@virtustream.com



SOURCE Virtustream
PORTLAND, Oregon, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Big Market Research Adds a New Report "Global Wood Pellets Industry- Size, Share, Trends, Forecast, Growth, Opportunities, Trends"

The Global Wood Pellets Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Wood Pellets industry.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141014/710132 )

Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Wood Pellets market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions' development status.

Enquire about this report: http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/report-enquiry/570093

Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.

Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumer's analysis is also carried out. What's more, the Wood Pellets industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.

Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.

In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.

Check Discount before purchasing this report @ http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/570093

Table of Contents

1 Industry Overview of Wood Pellets

2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Wood Pellets

3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Wood Pellets

4 Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Wood Pellets by Regions, Types and Manufacturers

5 Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Wood Pellets by Regions, Types and Manufacturers

6 Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Wood Pellets by Regions, Types and Applications

7 Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Wood Pellets

8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Wood Pellets

9 Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Wood Pellets

10 Industry Chain Analysis of Wood Pellets

11 Development Trend of Analysis of Wood Pellets

12 New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Wood Pellets

13 Conclusion of the Global Wood Pellets Industry 2016 Market Research Report

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North America Wood Pellets Industry 2016 Deep Market Research Report offers an in-depth insight of the market status and market estimations of major market segments along with the growth prospects in different countries. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the key drivers and restraints, current and future market trends, market profile of key vendors along with the strategies adopted by key market players to gain a stronghold in the market.

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SOURCE Big Market Research
"Permco has high reputation as a world leading hydraulic parts manufacturer, our partnerships will not only build a new bridge between our companies, but also further utilize resources to create greater values through our cooperation," said Chen Dengmin, General Manager of XCMG Hydraulics Company.

XCMG Hydraulics Company was founded in 1975 with the key mission to independently research and develop core components for construction and mining equipments, including hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic valves, metal tube assembly and hydraulic systems.

The company's cylinder product line now provides whole solution sets to all-terrain cranes, whose tonnage ranging from 55 to 1,600, and to excavators which tonnage from 1.5 to 700. Its hydraulic cylinder sets to 34-tonnage to 4,000-tonnage crawler cranes as well.

The single cylinder with bolt telescopic boom for the all-terrain crane is widely recognized by customers for its flexibility, reliability, super double locks and fast response. The company's 360t large-tonnage excavator cylinder serving in Australia has been working without trouble for 6000 hours.

XCMG Hydraulics Company's products are serving in more than 20 countries and regions including the US, Russia, Japan as core components for a broad array of machinery equipment in fields of construction, port hoisting, sanitation, mining and shipping. Despite economic downturn, the company is seeing a 99 percent year-on-year sales increase in domestic market and 15 percent increase in total exports in the first half of 2016.

The company's plan for the next decade will focus on breaking new grounds in fields of new material application, solving bottleneck problems in key technologies and achieving stricter quality assurance.

"Only when mastering the core component technologies will XCMG's machinery products have major advantages in the competitive market and avoid unhealthy competition," said Wang Min, Chairman and President of XCMG.

About XCMG:

XCMG is a multinational heavy machinery manufacturing company with a history of 73 years. It currently ranks ninth in the world's construction machinery industry. The company exports to more than 176 countries and regions around the world.

For more information, please visit: www.xcmg.com , or follow XCMG Group on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

SOURCE XCMG
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tri-Tec Industries, a precision machine shop with a 19-year history in Charlotte, NC, has officially been sold to new owners through Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, a middle market business brokerage firm. Tri-Tec was formerly owned by Ray Motley, Mike Davidson and Rick Loyd, all of whom founded the business in 1997 and have since grown it to become a leading precision shop in the Carolinas.

The sale was facilitated by Trevor Crocker, Peter T. Keretsis and Brad Offerdahl, all with Viking Mergers & Acquisitions. Tri-Tec drew an exceptional amount of interest among potential buyers, with nearly 75 inquiries and 4 full price offers within the first two weeks of listing the business. "This business generated great interest," says Peter T. Keretsis of Viking Mergers. "With strong financials and a good product, I knew we'd find a buyer quickly," he continues.

Ultimately, Tri-Tec Industries was purchased by ZP Enterprises, LLC, a private equity firm owned by father-son team, Steve and Brent Zelnak. "We could not be more thrilled with the buyers of our business," says Ray Motley, former owner of Tri-Tec. "The expansion plan laid out by ZP Enterprises is something we are extremely proud to be a part of and hope the Tri-Tec legacy can live on," Ray continues. ZP Enterprises, LLC is a repeat customer of Viking Mergers and has built an impressive portfolio of precision machine shops through the Southeast. Since acquiring Tri-Tec, they plan to further expand that portfolio through additional acquisitions.

About Viking Mergers & Acquisitions

Viking Mergers & Acquisitions was founded in 1996 by father-son team, Brad and Jay Offerdahl. For 20 years, Viking Mergers & Acquisitions has strived to provide customized exit strategies and M&A representation to the middle market business owners of the Southeast. Having closed over 500 successful business sale transactions, Viking boasts a closing rate of nearly 3x the national average and is proud to be among the top 2% of M&A brokers in the nation. Their intermediaries have over 100 years of collective experience in business transactions and nearly 75% have owned a business of their own.

To learn more about Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, please contact their office today at (704) 676-0940, or visit www.vikingmergers.com to see active business listings or request a valuation for your business.

Media Contact:

Gabrielle Ullrich

704-676-0940

Email

SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions

Related Links

http://www.vikingmergers.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Shining a new light in the neighborhood this fall is LUMA Hotel Times Square, set to open its doors later this year. Located on 41st Street between Broadway and Avenue of the Americas in the heart of New York City, the property is conveniently situated near prominent Fortune 500 companies, developing tech firms, international fashion houses and countless attractions, reflecting the ambition and allure of the city.

Designed by New York architect Peter Poon, LUMA's sleek all glass curtain wall facade illuminating the space between two classic pre-war buildings, will boast 130 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows for enjoying natural light and taking in views of Manhattan. LUMA's rooms were designed to be sleek, neutral, soothing and anticipatory of every guest demand  whether for business or leisure  every guest room will boast its own hot spot to deliver lightning fast complimentary Wi-Fi, plush beds and Nespresso coffee, ETRO bath amenities, and Frette linens, bathrobes and slippers.

James Beard Award-winning Chef Jose Garces will introduce Ortzi, a Basque-inspired tapas restaurant and bar. The street-level restaurant and bar will be a new concept from the acclaimed Chef, appealing to LUMA guests, travelers, and locals alike. The adjacent bar will offer signature cocktails and a robust wine program, as well as ample bar and cafe-style seating.

The ground floor lobby has been designed by CCS Architecture, a San Francisco and New York-based design and architecture firm headed up by Cass Calder Smith, who personally oversaw the design, drawing inspiration from the ethos of illumination.

Bright, innovative and inviting, LUMA will take a modern approach to hospitality with a fresh vision, independent spirit, intuitive service and plugged in partnerships, inspiring guests to make the most of the city.

For more information, please visit lumahotels.com.

SOURCE LUMA Hotel Times Square

Related Links

http://www.lumahotels.com


The Red Plate, the "Trump Tower," isn't shy about its size. This 'yuge' two-tiered plateau feeds any grand old party. Scallop mango ceviche, king crab, marinated mussels, shrimp cocktail, oysters and littlenecks on the half shell make dinner great again. It's priced at $55.95 and serves 4-6 people.

The Blue Plate, the "Secretary of Steak," offers a liberal helping of blackened tuna steak with jasmine rice, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts and blackberry beurre rouge. It didn't take a village to create this delicious dish, just a great chef. It's priced at $31.95.

"I refuse to pick sides  or even main courses  so we're letting our guests decide," said Legal Sea Foods President & CEO Roger Berkowitz. "I don't care where you stand on the candidates, but I want you to sit down at Legal Sea Foods and order one or both of these d-electable dishes. By doing so, your voice will be heard, literally, by our wait staff. And you'll be doing your part to help the economy."

The restaurant group will count "votes" by tracking how often each menu item is ordered, and this poll will be used to predict the winner of the race. Legal Sea Foods' extensive election coverage for these promotional dishes will be aired exclusively on its Facebook page and Twitter feed.

ABOUT LEGAL SEA FOODS:

Legal Sea Foods was founded more than 60 years ago as a small fish market in Inman Square, Cambridge. Today, President and CEO Roger Berkowitz leads the company toward continued growth and diversification. With 30+ restaurants up and down the East Coast, Legal Sea Foods has earned scores of honors and awards, and proudly carries its well-earned reputation as the nation's finest seafood restaurant. For more information about Legal Sea Foods and its locations, please visit www.legalseafoods.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413395

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413394

SOURCE Legal Sea Foods

Related Links

http://www.legalseafoods.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. today issued the following statement:

"Averting a government shutdown with only days to spare is no reason to celebrate. Congress has merely kicked the can down the road for another 10 weeks, when we will face yet another budget showdown.

"Public servants and American families deserve better. This November, we need to elect lawmakers who will lead this country forward and remove the obstructionists who are standing in the way of progress."

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 670,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Logo - https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20131120/MM21150LOGO

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

Related Links

http://www.afge.org


TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today announced that it will release its third quarter 2016 results on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, after normal trading hours.

Third Quarter 2016 Results Conference Call and Webcast

Agnico Eagle's senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 11:00 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company's financial and operating results.

Via Webcast:

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at www.agnicoeagle.com.

Via Telephone:

For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll-free 1-888-231-8191. To ensure your participation, please call approximately ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

Replay archive:

Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 38842633. The conference call replay will expire on November 24, 2016 11:59 AM (E.S.T).

The webcast, along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on the Company's website.

Investor Relations

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

145 King Street East, Suite 400

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2Y7

Telephone: 416-947-1212

Fax: 416-367-4681

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957. Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden. Agnico Eagle and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales. Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Related Links

http://www.agnico-eagle.com


MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Agon Management Group, a privately owned sales and consulting firm based in Virginia, earned prestigious honors for their outstanding second quarter results on behalf of a leading energy client. This is the third consecutive quarter for which the company was recognized with the Campaign Cup quarterly honor for noteworthy results.

Agon Management Group's CEO Tarek Beidas praised his team's exceptional results, which were measured against other offices in the country.

"I'm proud that our proactive approach and core values are translating into positive results for the client," said Beidas. "This type of recognition motivates us to continue to excel."

With a focus on personalized brand marketing, Agon Management Group's client list includes Fortune 500 companies. The firm looks to nurture enduring customer relationships while building strong leaders from within and providing high-quality results for the client.

One of Agon Management Group's core values is giving back, and the company continues to be a strong supporter of Operation Smile.

Like Agon Management Group on Facebook and check them out on Instagram.

About Agon Management Group

Headquartered in Virginia, Agon Management Group is a trusted outsourced marketing and sales firm that offers a fresh yet proven perspective on marketing. The firm works to obtain new customers and increase market share on behalf of leading companies, providing an effective, creative approach to the client's marketing goals. For more information, call 703-821-2842 or go to http://www.agonmanagementgroup.com/.

Contact: Tarek Beidas

703-821-2842

SOURCE Agon Management Group

Related Links

http://www.agonmanagementgroup.com


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Arcturus Growthstar Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "Arcturus") (CSE: AGS) (OTC Pink: AGSTF) is pleased to announce that it has engaged the services of CBO Financial, Inc. as its financial advisor with respect to New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) for a vertical farm project. The NMTC program is a $65 billion federal program designed to incentivize private investment in low-income communities. NMTCs are provided to financial institutions in exchange for equity investments that eligible businesses can use to subsidize project development costs. CBO Financial helps driven organizations, such as Arcturus, to finance facilities that will provide goods and services that benefit populations in need and revitalize communities. Arcturus' partnership with CBO Financial is both shareholder and capital structure friendly in the sense that the draw of capital is non-dilutive in nature.

"We are very pleased to have engaged CBO Financial," says Mr. William Gildea, Arcturus Growthstar Technologies, Inc.'s CEO and Chairman. "CBO Financial is an invaluable resource. We plan to work with CBO Financial to navigate the NMTC qualifying and application process as a means of bringing additional capital to our vertical farming project."

Mr. Craig Stanley, CEO and Founder of CBO Financial states, "[t]he CBO Financial team is excited to be selected by Arcturus to assist with securing New Markets Tax Credits for the vertical farm project. CBO has been involved in this program since its inception in 2004 and has received direct awards in six out of thirteen annual rounds totaling $150 million, one of a small number of groups in the U.S. to have received six or more awards. In addition CBO has secured over $500 million in NMTCs for clients. The NMTC program provides 20% to 25% of a project cost in very flexible financing for projects located in low-income communities. We hope this is the first of many projects with Arcturus. For more information see http://www.cbofinancial.com ."

On behalf of the Board,

Arcturus Growthstar Technologies Inc.

William Gildea, CEO & Chairman

About Arcturus

The Company's business model includes developing and acquiring technologies that will position it as a leader in the evolution of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) for the global production of various types of plants. Arcturus provides scalable, indoor CEA systems that utilize minimal land, water and energy regardless of climate, location or time of year and are customized to grow an abundance of crops close to consumers, therefore minimizing food miles and its impact to the environment. The Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license to use a patented vertical farming technology that, when compared to traditional plant production methods, generate yields up to 10 times greater per square foot of land. The contained system provides many other benefits including seed to sale security, scalability, consistency due to year-round production, cost control, product safety and purity by eliminating environmental variability.

The Company is also in the business of designing and distributing LED lighting solutions utilizing the COB and MCOB technology. The Company is focused on delivering cost efficient lighting to North America via advanced e-commerce sites the Company owns and operates. LEDCanada.com which caters to B2B customers is a supplier of the newest and highest demand LED solutions. The Company also owns and operates COBGrowlights.com which caters to both large and small agriculture green houses and controlled cultivation centers.

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. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

ARCTURUS GROWTHSTAR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Suite 1518, 1030 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

V6E 2Y3



Contact:

William Gildea,

Director

+1-617-834-9467



SOURCE Arcturus Growthstar Technologies Inc.
Highly regarded real estate professional becomes Principal, will lead Enterprise Solutions team

TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Mark E. Rose, Chair and CEO of Avison Young, the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm, announced today the strategic hiring of highly regarded corporate real estate professional Brian Bellew.

Effective immediately, Bellew becomes a Principal of Avison Young and Managing Director of Enterprise Solutions. Based in the firm's Chicago office, Bellew will lead the firm's enterprise solutions practice and U.S.-based consulting activities, including the enhancement and development of enterprise solutions resources, business development initiatives, and co-ordination of open-architecture market resources. Working with Keith Lipton, Avison Young's Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Operations, Bellew will also assist with the recruitment of enterprise solutions professionals and the development of other resources that support or align with Avison Young's broader global corporate strategy.

Bellew most recently led the real estate portfolio strategy team at Johnson Controls' global workplace solutions division.

"We're thrilled to welcome Brian, who is a highly regarded enterprise solutions professional, to Avison Young's corporate leadership team," comments Rose. "We have designed Brian's position specifically to accelerate the growth of our comprehensive suite of solutions for the corporate client. Brian is someone with commercial real estate business development experience, enterprise solutions skills, and a strong track record of entrepreneurship and innovation. As we continue to expand across the U.S., Canada and globally, it is critical for us to develop and expand our enterprise solutions base, ensuring that we remain connected 24/7 with our clients, business partners and Avison Young professionals."

Rose continues: "Brian will be a key resource as we complete increasingly complex and diverse assignments for our clients in a cloud-based environment. He will ensure that our enterprise solutions software offerings interact seamlessly with our clients' steadily expanding mobile offices, workplace technologies, networks and databases. His presence will also ensure that we provide ongoing strategic business development opportunities for our company, clients and business partners."

Bellew brings more than 25 years of broad-based corporate real estate experience to Avison Young with an emphasis on strategic portfolio planning, account management and operations. At Johnson Controls (JCI) (2005-2015), Bellew advised a major JCI business unit and led the successful delivery of consulting assignments for clients, including Agilent, Delta Air Lines, Hewlett Packard, IMS Health, LSG Sky Chefs, Otis Elevator, Sealed Air Diversey and Randstad.

Prior to joining JCI, Bellew was Vice-President at USI Real Estate (1991-2005), where he established the firm's Chicago office and began its tenant representation, strategic consulting and transitions/operations practices. While at USI, Bellew led the launch, improvement and augmentation of multi-million-dollar real estate alliances for clients, including American Express, Charles Schwab, Computer Sciences Corporation, Manpower, Motorola, T-Mobile, Ryder and United Technologies. Prior to joining USI, Bellew was part of Trammell Crow's corporate services group where he led a highly successful internal marketing program.

"Brian's appointment represents another milestone in our firm's corporate growth based on a collaborative culture," notes Earl Webb, Avison Young's President, U.S. Operations. "As the commercial real estate industry becomes increasingly global, we are servicing bigger and bigger companies every day. Well, big business means big data. In order to accommodate large organizations, we must be able to handle big data effectively. Perhaps more importantly, we must also create  and manage  digital disruption. Often, these challenges of managing big data and creating technological disruption are beyond a person's scope of expertise; however, Bellew understands them intuitively. Therefore, he and his team will be able to generate ongoing business growth for our company, clients and partners in today's digital age."

"I am excited to welcome someone with Brian's depth of enterprise solutions experience to Avison Young," adds Lipton. "As Brian takes on this new role, his proven leadership and corporate services expertise will complement our existing full-service platform. Brian, along with the team that he helps us recruit, will also provide our U.S.-based consulting clients with strategic advice on a variety of mission-critical topics such as transaction management, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and leveraging technology for business solutions."

Bellew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Harvard University. He is a licensed Illinois real estate broker, LEED Green Associate and Facility Management Professional (FMP). More recently, he co-edited a book on entrepreneurship. He also serves as an ambassador to the Chicago Humanities Festival.

"I'm thrilled to be joining a high-growth firm like Avison Young to expand and grow its enterprise solutions practice in order to achieve the Avison Young vision," says Bellew. "The highly collaborative, Principal-led culture at Avison Young provides a solid foundation for delivering the world-class corporate services that occupiers and owners demand. The firm is already a recognized leader in the marketplace, and its deliberate and disciplined enhancement of enterprise solutions will add to that market presence and capability set."

Over the past seven and a half 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

, Principal, Global Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young: cell: Mark Rose , Chair and CEO, Avison Young: 416.673.4028

, Chair and CEO, Avison Young: Earl Webb , President, U.S. Operations, Avison Young: 312.957.7610

, President, U.S. Operations, Avison Young: Keith Lipton , COO, U.S. Operations, Avison Young: 202.644.8683

, COO, U.S. Operations, Avison Young: Brian Bellew , Principal and Managing Director, Enterprise Solutions, Avison Young: 312.837.0448

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 Brian Bellew:

http://www.avisonyoung.com/sites/default/files/content-files/Media_Room/Temp/BrianBellew.jpg

SOURCE Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (BC)

Related Links

www.avisonyoung.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackboard Inc. ("Blackboard"), a leading education technology company for teaching, learning and student engagement, today announced the early tender results for its previously announced private offer (the "Exchange Offer") to certain eligible noteholders described below to exchange any and all of its outstanding $365,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.750% Senior Notes due 2019 (CUSIP Nos U0921Q AA3 and 091935 AB2, ISIN Nos USU0921QAA32 and US091935AB22) (the "Old Notes") for newly issued 9.750% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the "Exchange Notes").

According to information provided by Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the exchange agent and information agent for the Exchange Offer, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 28, 2016 (the "Early Deadline"), the Company had received tenders from holders of $352,950,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes, representing approximately 96.7% of the total outstanding principal amount of the Old Notes.

Accordingly, Blackboard has received consents sufficient to approve the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the Old Notes (the "Consent Solicitation"), and Blackboard and the trustee for the Old Notes have entered into a supplemental indenture containing such proposed amendments. Such amendments will not become operative, with respect to any Old Notes that remain outstanding following the settlement of the Exchange Offer, unless and until Blackboard accepts for exchange the Old Notes validly tendered in the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation.

Blackboard also announced that it has extended the date by which tenders must be received for holders to receive the "Total Exchange Consideration" of $1,038.75 in principal amount of Exchange Notes per $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 13, 2016, which is the "Expiration Time" for the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. Accordingly, all Old Notes tendered at or prior to the Expiration Time, including those tendered at or prior to the Early Deadline, will be eligible to receive the Total Exchange Consideration, plus accrued and unpaid interest in cash on Old Notes accepted for exchange through, but not including, the settlement date for the Exchange Offer. All other terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation remain unchanged.

The Withdrawal Deadline and Early Deadline have expired. Old Notes tendered for exchange may not be validly withdrawn and consents may not be revoked, unless we determine in the future in our sole discretion to permit withdrawal and revocation rights.

Available Documents and Other Details

Documents relating to the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation will only be distributed to noteholders who complete and return an eligibility form confirming that they are either a "qualified institutional buyer" under Rule 144A or not a "U.S. person" under Regulation S for purposes of applicable securities laws. Noteholders who desire to complete an eligibility form should either visit the website for this purpose at http://www.gbsc-usa.com/eligibility/blackboard or request instructions by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or calling Global Bondholder Services Corporation the information agent for the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, at 866-470-4500 (U.S. Toll-free) or 212-430-3774 (Collect).

The Exchange Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any other applicable securities laws and, unless so registered, the Exchange Notes may not be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred within the United States or to or for the account of any U.S. person, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements thereof. Accordingly, the Exchange Notes are being offered and issued only (i) to "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) and (ii) to non-"U.S. persons" who are outside the United States (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act). Non U.S.-persons may also be subject to additional eligibility criteria.

The complete terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation are set forth in the informational documents relating to the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the Exchange Notes. The Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation is only being made pursuant to the Offering Memorandum and the related letter of transmittal. The Exchange Offer is not being made to holders of Old Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information included in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking. The words "believe," "may," "will," "aim," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "expect," "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. Factors that could cause such differences in future results include, but are not limited to, the risks described in the Confidential Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement related to the Exchange Offer.

CONTACT:

D'Anthony White, Blackboard Inc.

202.303.9314 or

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160513/367654LOGO

SOURCE Blackboard Inc.

Related Links

http://www.blackboard.com


HOBOKEN, N.J., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay, The Lawsuit Settlement Funding Company, reports a severe commuter train accident at the busy Hoboken train station. Legal-Bay reps are reporting that three people have died and there are up to 100 serious injuries  some are critical - from what looks like a "runaway" train that crashed at the end of the route and caused extensive damage including a collapsing roof. The Hoboken hub is a popular commuter station that services thousands of New Jersey and New York commuters. Federal Transportation regulators are now on the scene, according to the company.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140714/126845

Unfortunately, this is not the first time for a high speed train accidents around the country. There have been several New York train accidents and one recently on an Amtrak Philadelphia and Washington D.C. line; causing severe injuries. Additionally, train accidents in California have caused severe personal injury cases and wrongful death suits.

Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay commented, "We are monitoring the serious situation at the Hoboken Commuter train station due to the proximity to our offices and are here to assist victims and their families with getting some guidance at this confusing time. Whether injured victims, or their families, are in need of an immediate cash advance or possible legal representation from personal injury from the train accident; they can contact us for help. It is at this time, that many people will be out of work and will need a pre-settlement cash advances to pay their bills. In order to qualify, for a settlement funding possible plaintiffs will need to retain a New Jersey lawyer or law firm. And Legal-Bay's services can assist with proper guidance for either or both of these needs."

To apply for Legal-Bay's services right now you can go to the company's website at: http://lawsuitssettlementfunding.com ; or call the company's toll free hotline at 877.571.0405 where agents are standing by to answer your questions.

Legal-Bay is a leader in offering immediate pre-settlement funding cash advances for families in catastrophic accidents like the Hoboken train crash. And their network of train accident lawyers, Hoboken area law firms or attorneys, are leaders in legal representation on the following mass transit lawsuits and accidents: NY MTA Bus mass transit and subway accidents; Commuter Ferry accidents, NJ Transit bus and train accidents; Penn Station Newark and NY accidents; Port Authority of NY and NJ Accidents; Bridge and Tunnel accidents; NY and Las Vegas taxi and cab accidents; any and all mass transit accidents from New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Ohio, California, Pennsylvania and most states throughout the country.

Legal-Bay is dedicated to helping victims involved in all types of personal injury accidents and catastrophic incidents, including car and truck wrecks, as well as cases involving wrongful death, sexual harassment and abuse, wrongful termination, discrimination cases, and police brutality cases and wrongful imprisonment cases with obtaining pre-settlement funding in order to help the individuals get their lives back on track. If you or a loved one is waiting for a personal injury case to settle and need funds today, feel free to apply online right now at: http://lawsuitssettlementfunding.com or by calling the company's toll free hotline at: 877.571.0405.

Disclaimer: Legal-Bay's programs are non-recourse lawsuit cash advances, also known as case funding, which means you only repay the settlement advance if you win your case. None of the programs should be considered to be a lawsuit loan, lawsuit loans, settlement loans, settlement loan, pre-settlement loans, or a pre-settlement loan. Legal-Bay is not associated with Oasis Legal Funding.

Contact: Patty Kirby, COO/Head of Client Relations

Ph. 877.571.0405 Email [email protected]

SOURCE Legal-Bay LLC
HOUSTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The BridgingApps Program of Easter Seals Greater Houston, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services. This grant will enable BridgingApps to create an online tool to assist Texas families with children who have special health care needs access information to prepare and successfully help them transition to adulthood.

Transition planning requires addressing many areas of need for a child with chronic health conditions, yet there is currently no simple method that tackles areas as wide ranging as health care to age appropriate social activities, independent living or employment in any meaningful way. This process can be overwhelming for parents and often medical providers and educators do not address transition issues until young adulthood, resulting in missed opportunities to transition successfully.

"BridgingApps is uniquely positioned to create an innovative, easy to use and sustainable online tool that will empower families to plan early, obtain assistance with the right questions to ask, and access current information to allow their children to live as fully participating members of our community," says Easter Seals Houston's CEO Elise Hough.

A focal point of the tool is connection with BridgingApps' App Search Tool, a free online tool allowing users to find a variety of smartphone/tablet applications to assist with many areas of transition, such as education, managing health information, and independent living. BridgingApps will seek input from organizations/people from around Texas to create this resource. The Transition Tool will be available in 2019 on a variety of platforms and distributed widely in Texas with partners in the areas of healthcare, education, disability advocacy and housing.

About BridgingApps

BridgingApps.org, a program of Easter Seals Houston, provides the access, education, and resources needed to effectively use mobile, touch-based devices to help people with disabilities communicate, exceed educational goals, and reach their fullest potential.

Web: www.bridgingapps.org

About Easter Seals Greater Houston

Easter Seals Greater Houston Easter Seals Greater Houston, Inc. is a non-profit corporation established to provide comprehensive services to individuals of all ages with all types of disabilities and their family members. For more information, visit www.eastersealshouston.org

SOURCE Easter Seals Greater Houston

Related Links

http://www.eastersealshouston.org/


TEMPE, Ariz., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation is pleased to host multiple upcoming career fairs at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. Following are the dates and times of the career fairs:

Wednesday, September 28 from 8 am - 6 pm

Thursday, September 29 from 2 pm - 8 pm

Saturday, October 1 from 8 am - 4 pm

Tuesday, October 4 from 8 am - 6 pm

Wednesday, October 5 from 2 pm - 8 pm

The company is looking to fill over 100 positions in Arizona by November 1, 2016. Open positions include Registered Nurse openings in Utilization Review and Case Management; Healthcare Supervisors, Managers, Coordinators and Specialists; Provider Relations and Contracting staff; Administrative Support; Analysts and more.

"Centene is proud to continue growing our team in Arizona," said Paul Barnes, president and CEO of Centene's Arizona subsidiaries (Bridgeway and Health Net). "We have served Arizona residents for the past decade and look forward to the upcoming expansion of our health insurance marketplace offerings in Maricopa and Pima counties."

Centene is proud to offer Medicare, Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace, Behavioral Health and Commercial Plans in Arizona.

To view all job opportunities, please visit our websites at:

http://www.centene.com/careers/

https://jobs.healthnet.com/

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long Term Care (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored programs, Medicare (including the Medicare prescription drug benefit commonly known as "Part D"), as well as programs with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Centene operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health management, care management software, correctional healthcare services, dental benefits management, in-home health services, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, http://www.centene.com/investors.

SOURCE Centene Corporation

Related Links

http://www.centene.com


JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wildlife cybercriminals will be under more scrutiny than ever following the commitment by all 183 Parties to CITES, to stamp out illegal online wildlife trade.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting held during the CoP17 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) being held in Johannesburg, South Africa this week.

"This decision will lead to a much more cohesive counter offensive against wildlife cybercriminals, in that it brings together enforcers, online market places and social media platforms from across the globe in a common mission to save wildlife," said Tania McCrea-Steele, Global Wildlife Cybercrime Project Lead for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, IFAW.

McCrea-Steele said IFAW welcomed the Secretariat's intention to engage with online marketplaces and social media platforms in order to crack down on wildlife cybercriminals.

Wildlife cybercrime is a serious threat to endangered species as research conducted by IFAW since 2004 has clearly established. Most recently in 2014 IFAW's Wanted: Dead or Alive  Exposing Online Wildlife Trade found more than 30,000 endangered and protected live wildlife and their parts and products available for sale over a six week period across 16 countries. The value of the items was in excess of US$10-million.

Yesterday's decision at CITES came during a meeting where Governments and NGO's gathered to consider the fast growing threat of illegal Internet trade in wildlife.

The Decision calls on INTERPOL to bring together the enforcement community in order to effectively police online wildlife crime. Parties will now also have the opportunity to convene and review their legislation by engaging in the workshop.

The document was tabled by Kenya, whose representative said the country was concerned by the threat that wildlife cybercrime poses to the survival of endangered wildlife.

"Enforcement operations and prosecutions show that criminals who seek to profit from the illegal trade in endangered wildlife are now utilising the internet to enable their criminal activities," said Kenya.

"It is essential that we have robust laws specifically addressing the unique threat posed by online wildlife crime while also increasing enforcement knowledge and intelligence on this issue. In addition, it is necessary to engage e-commerce platforms who can assist law enforcers but also improve consumer awareness."

Parties that spoke in favor of the decision were:

Syria, Guinea, Israel, India, Malaysia, Senegal, Liberia, Costa Rica, the Maldives, Nigeria, South Africa and the European Union.

About IFAW

Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Photos are available at www.ifawimages.com

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

Related Links

http://www.ifaw.org


SYDNEY, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan research commissioned by NetSuite Inc. (NYSE: N), the industry's leading provider of cloud financials / ERP and omnichannel commerce software suites, has revealed that companies in Australia are not yet capitalising on international expansion opportunities that have been made possible through cloud technology. The Frost & Sullivan study of more than 800 senior executives (CEOs, CFOs and Finance Managers, CIOs and other senior managers) from across Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Philippines and Singapore was carried out to understand how business confidence in exploring international opportunities is changing to keep pace with industry demand and how cloud technology plays a role in global expansion. The study found that companies using cloud computing are far more likely to have capitalised on international business opportunities than those that are still primarily using on-premise systems.

According to the research, 61 percent of Australian businesses currently operate domestically only. This contrasts sharply with businesses in Hong Kong and Singapore, where only 30 percent and 42 percent of businesses respectively are domestic only. Additionally, just 28 percent of Australian businesses are planning to enter additional overseas markets in the next five years, according to the research.

The findings also showed that overseas expansion is viewed as a primary growth engine for businesses in Singapore and Hong Kong (average of 70 percent), yet not for Australian companies (55 percent). Conversely, almost one fifth of Australian companies (19 percent) perceive globalisation to be a threat to their business.

"The last few years have seen a concerted effort by the Australian government to encourage international expansion, including the creation of several Free Trade Agreements, so it's surprising to see that Australian businesses are not responding to this opportunity more enthusiastically. With other markets in Asia pursuing globalisation aggressively, Australia is in danger of falling behind," said Mark Dougan, Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Frost & Sullivan. "Australian businesses need to look beyond the obvious barriers of distance and complexity, and find enabling technologies like cloud which will enable them to start taking advantage of the possibilities that internationalisation offers."

Cloud Adoption Plays Key Role in Internationalisation

Frost & Sullivan believes that there is a strong relationship between the use of the cloud to access IT resources and the degree to which a business is internationalised. According to the research, 70 percent of organisations that currently use the cloud1 are internationalised, compared to only 22 percent of non-cloud users. Furthermore, 71 percent of cloud users have entered new geographic markets in the past five years, compared to only 31 percent of non-cloud users. Lower operating costs are seen as a major benefit of deploying cloud solutions in internationalisation.

Mark Dougan added, "The research shows a clear linkage, by a factor of three, between companies using cloudbased software, and becoming international. Leveraging a cloud based business platform is a good place for all businesses to start when considering how to tackle overseas expansion."

Lee Thompson, SVP, APJ at NetSuite commented: "Many of our Australian customers have used NetSuite OneWorld as their ERP platform for international growth. NetSuite OneWorld can allow you to navigate the complexity of doing business globally without the usual barriers to entry. Numerous customers have built global success on the back of our platform, and have been surprised by how seamless the process can be."

Enabling the 'Born Global Business'

The survey also shows how the rapidly evolving business environment has paved the way for 'born global' businesses to emerge. These businesses have successfully internationalised, leapfrogging the traditional expansion stages and entering overseas markets at an extremely early stage of development.

"One distinctive feature of these businesses is their ability to leverage IT solutions and platforms to quickly scale their business into overseas markets. They typically undertake critical business functions such as accounting, order processing, taxation and statutory reporting using cloud-based software that is already adapted for international markets, instead of the earlier generation of on-premises software, which requires substantial and costly enhancements to support overseas operations," concluded Mark Dougan, Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Frost & Sullivan.

A more detailed analysis of the research can be found in the Frost and Sullivan white paper: "The Born Global Business."

About NetSuite

In 1998, NetSuite pioneered the Cloud Computing revolution, establishing the world's first company dedicated to delivering business applications over the Internet. Today, NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based financials / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and omnichannel commerce software that runs the business of more than 30,000 companies, organisations, and subsidiaries in more than 100 countries.

For more information about NetSuite, please visit www.netsuite.com.au.

Follow NetSuite's Cloud blog, NetSuite's Facebook page and @NetSuiteAPAC Twitter handle for real-time updates.

NOTE: NetSuite and the NetSuite logo are service marks of NetSuite Inc. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

1 Cloud users are defined as businesses that currently access most of their main business management software over the cloud

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SOURCE NetSuite Inc.

Related Links

http://www.netsuite.com


USO No Dough Dinners are normally served the evening before a military pay day, when funds for service members and their families may be running low and the opportunity for a hearty meal is most welcomed. All of the No Dough Dinners are funded by companies, clubs, or other organizations who then provide the volunteers to serve the food on site.

"As the number one Military Friendly Employer in the country* for the past two years, we take great pride in contributing to organizations that are dedicated to helping our nation's Veterans, military, and their families," said Melanie Lundberg, Assistant Vice President, Talent Management and Corporate Communications at Combined Insurance. "The USO No Dough Dinner gave us the opportunity to serve and give back to those who dedicate themselves to serving our country."

Many of the military service men and women that utilize the USO Great Lakes Center and come to the No Dough Dinners are Junior Sailors attending military specialty schools on Naval Station Great Lakes; however, all branches of military service are welcomeincluding Army, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.

"We would like to thank Combined Insurance for their continued support to the USO of Illinois," said Chris Miller, Director, Center Operations and Volunteer Services & Center Director, Naval Station Great Lakes. "Our No Dough Dinner events are just one of the many ways our communities are helping us fulfill our mission of making a difference in the lives of service members and their families."

Earlier this year, the USO of Illinois was the recipient of a $20,000 donation from Combined Insurance as part of the company's Operation Veteran GiveBack program.

In addition to the USO of Illinois, Combined Insurance has also provided support to other Veteran and military charities, such as the Fisher House Foundation, Snowball Express, Luke's Wings, and the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation. Combined Insurance has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, and an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating by A.M. Best, one of the world's top insurance rating firms.

* Combined Insurance was named the number one Military Friendly Employer in the country by G.I. Jobs Magazine in 2015 and 2016.

About Combined Insurance

Combined Insurance Company of America (Chicago, IL) is a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products and a Chubb company. With a tradition of more than 90 years of success, Combined Insurance is one of Ward's Top 50 Performing Life-Health Insurance Companies and was named the number one Military Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs magazine in 2015 and 2016. Combined Insurance is committed to making the world of supplemental insurance easy to understand. For more information about Combined Insurance products, career opportunities or to contact a local sales agent, call 1-800-490-1322 or visit www.combinedinsurance.com.

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CombinedIns

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CombinedInsuranceUnitedStates

Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/combined-insurance

View our videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/CombinedInsuranceUSA

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/combinedinsurance

Read more on our blog, Supplementally Speaking: www.combinedinsurance.com/blog

About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: chubb.com.

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SOURCE Combined Insurance

Related Links

http://www.combinedinsurance.com


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (Commission) approved a final order on Sept. 28, 2016 in the general rate case filing of Public Service Co. of New Mexico (PNM), a wholly owned subsidiary of PNM Resources (NYSE: PNM). PNM made the filing with the Commission on Aug. 27, 2015 for a $121.5 million non-fuel increase to its revenue requirement.

The Order adopts a non-fuel revenue requirement increase of $61 million, an average rate base of $2,263 million and is largely based on the Hearing Examiner's Aug. 4 Recommended Decision. However, the Order permits recovery of the 64 MWs of previously leased Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station (PVNGS) Unit 2 capacity at $1,306 per kW, while excluding leasehold improvements and common plant associated with this capacity. The Order also permits the recovery of the lease and property tax expenses associated with the five remaining Palo Verde leases and reduces the amount of depreciation expense from the Recommended Decision by $5 million.

"We appreciate that the Commission's Order corrects some aspects of the Hearing Examiner's recommendation related to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station," said Pat Vincent-Collawn, PNM Resources' chairman, president and CEO. "We are, however, disappointed that the Commission discounted the value of these critical carbon-free assets and did not approve recovery of the Balanced Draft technology for the San Juan Generating Station required by the New Mexico Environment Department. After completing our review of the final written Order, we will appeal these items and any other appropriate issues to the New Mexico Supreme Court."

PNM plans to implement the rates granted in the ruling in October. The Order includes the following key factors:

Commission Order: PNM's Request: 9.575% return on equity 10.5% return on equity Inclusion of the 64 MWs of previously leased PVNGS Unit 2 capacity in rate base at $1,306 per kW(1) Inclusion of the 64 MWs of previously leased PVNGS Unit 2 capacity in rate base at $2,550 per kW(2) Exclusion of leasehold improvements and common plant associated with the 64 MWs of previously leased PVNGS Unit 2 capacity Inclusion of leasehold improvements and common plant associated with the 64 MWs of previously leased PVNGS Unit 2 capacity at $26.1 million Exclusion of the San Juan Generating Station balanced draft technology in rate base Inclusion of the San Juan Generating Station balanced draft technology in rate base at $38.9 million

(1) Results in a 13-month average rate base of $54.7 million (2) Represents a September 30, 2016 ending rate base of $152.8 million

The Order is available at http://www.pnmresources.com/investors/rates-and-filings.aspx.

Although the New Mexico Supreme Court is not required to rule on an appeal by a specific date, a decision will likely be made within 18 months. If the Court rules in favor of PNM, the matter will return to the Commission for action consistent with the Court's ruling.

The Company will evaluate the accounting impacts of the Order. Any write offs that are determined to be necessary under generally accepted accounting principles will be recorded as required.

Background:

PNM Resources (NYSE: PNM) is an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, N.M., with 2015 consolidated operating revenues of $1.4 billion. Through its regulated utilities, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP), PNM Resources has approximately 2,787 megawatts of generation capacity and provides electricity to more than 760,000 homes and businesses in New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit the company's website at www.PNMResources.com.

CONTACTS:





Analysts Media Jimmie Blotter Pahl Shipley (505) 241-2227 (505) 241-2782

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Statements made in this news release that relate to future events or PNM Resources, Inc.'s ("PNMR"), Public Service Company of New Mexico's ("PNM"), or Texas-New Mexico Power Company's ("TNMP") (collectively, the "Company") expectations, projections, estimates, intentions, goals, targets, and strategies are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and estimates. PNMR, PNM, and TNMP assume no obligation to update this information. Because actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, PNMR, PNM, and TNMP caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. PNMR's, PNM's, and TNMP's business, financial condition, cash flow, and operating results are influenced by many factors, which are often beyond their control, that can cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of risk factors and other important factors affecting forward-looking statements, please see the Company's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which factors are specifically incorporated by reference herein.

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SOURCE PNM Resources, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.pnmresources.com


SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the technology industry, said today it is working with the California Department of Technology (CDT) and other tech associations to form a new Vendor Advisory Council that will be part of the CDT Governance Council.

The Vendor Advisory Council will advise the CDT on how to streamline its current IT services portfolio and discuss trending technologies that should be considered to enhance IT services. The council will also help evaluate services and propose new IT services offerings that align with the CDT's strategic plan and provide business value. In addition, the council will review current services and tools for operational improvements, best practices and how to best leverage emerging technologies.

Currently, 30 vendors are members of the council, representing a mix of large, medium and small firms; and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises. The roster includes a variety of business verticals, such as system integrators and telecom companies.

Committee members from state government include Amy Tong, Department of Technology (CDT) director and state CIO; CDT Chief Deputy Chris Cruz, and several other Department of Technology executives. Department of General Services officials also are involved, along with representatives from other state agencies and departments.

"We are thrilled that the CDT has engaged CompTIA's State and Local Government and Education Council to help form the Vendor Advisory Council," said Jennifer Saha, director, public sector councils, CompTIA.

"Our members look forward to weighing in on IT procurement, the state's services portfolio and emerging IT initiatives," Saha continued. "We believe our members can bring to the council information about what's happening on the technology front in other states, including procurement vehicles, contract negotiation tactics and lessons learned on what's been successful."

"We look forward to working with CompTIA and the Vendor Advisory Council to get feedback on policies that not only impact state departments but many local governments in the State of California. The CDT's intention is for membership of the council to represent the entire breadth of the IT vendor community," said Amy Tong, CDT's Director and State CIO.

The Vendor Advisory Council held its first meeting earlier this month in Rancho Cordova. The next meeting will take place in early 2017.

To learn more about the Vendor Advisory Council, please send an email to Jennifer Saha at [email protected].

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SOURCE CompTIA

Related Links

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REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Prader-Willi California Foundation will host its annual state conference to educate families and professionals caring for a child or adult diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare and extraordinarily complex genetic disorder. The conference will be held on Saturday, November 5 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Sacramento.

Symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome include weak muscles, growth failure, cognitive and learning challenges, delayed developmental milestones, gastroenterological issues, incomplete sexual development, slowed metabolic rate, and its hallmark symptoms: an insatiable drive to eat and behavioral symptoms similar to and often more severe than Autism.

No known medication controls or even reduces the insatiable appetite. Undiagnosed and unmanaged, PWS causes morbid obesity and premature death. But there are management strategies that save lives and improve the quality of life of all who are impacted by this complex medical disorder. A diagnosis of PWS does not have to mean morbid obesity.

This year's conference focuses on Past, Present, and Future perspectives of PWS. Experts will present on such topics as current research on PWS, updates on growth hormone and other medications in PWS, the orthopedics of PWS, and what's happening across the United States in PWS. Parents and professionals will attend breakout share sessions focusing on age specific issues: Birth to 5 Years, School Age Years, Adult Years, and Spanish Language. The simultaneous Youth and Adult Program provides persons with PWS and their siblings a fun-filled day of movement and music-themed activities including games, arts and crafts, and a dance party. There will be a Meet and Greet Mixer in the hotel's bar foyer Friday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m.

WHAT: Prader-Willi Syndrome Annual State Conference

WHEN: Saturday, November 5, 2016 - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

WHERE: Double Tree by Hilton, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA 95815

COST: PWCF Members $85 / $150 per couple; Non-Members $100

To learn more about Prader-Willi syndrome or to register for the conference visit www.pwcf.org or contact the PWCF Office (310) 372-5053 / [email protected].

Contact: Lisa Graziano, Executive Director

310-372-5053

[email protected]

SOURCE Prader-Willi California Foundation

Related Links

http://www.PWCF.org


Due to injuries ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to damage to the spinal cord, many veterans returned home from combat having lost the ability to have children naturally. While the Department of Defense offers fertility treatment for service members injured while on active duty, this benefit was not previously available to wounded veterans. Following Wednesday's action by Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be able to cover fertility treatments for veterans with service-related infertility.

Over the past several months, a broad coalition of VSOs and partners including Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), National Military Family Association (NMFA), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Bob Woodruff Foundation, Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Quality of Life Foundation, Blue Star Families, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and The Veterans Health Council joined together to fight for the men and women who sacrificed for us.

Just as our organizations have advocated that wounded veterans have their visible and invisible injuries treated with the utmost care, we joined to ensure veterans also have access to fertility treatments including in vitro fertilization (IVF) so that their injuries do not prevent them from having a family. The combined efforts of the coalition included multiple trips to Capitol Hill, a series of letters to members of Congress, as well as channeling public support in the form of an online petition, thousands of emails to lawmakers, and social media.

The coalition brought families, including Matt and Tracy Keil, to Washington, D.C., to share their personal stories with members of Congress. Matt and Tracy relied on credit cards, a second mortgage on their home, and support from friends, family, and their Colorado community to cover IVF. They are now the proud parents of 5-year-old twins. They pushed for this law to keep other families from facing the same challenges they did.

"Our nation owes these men and women every opportunity to realize the futures they had ahead of them before their injuries," said Mike Linnington, WWP chief executive officer. "Now, for so many, their future is starting a family. They answered the call to serve; we're thankful Congress has answered the call to provide benefits these wounded veterans earned."

"We are gratified Congress has approved VA coverage of IVF for wounded veterans and their families," said Joyce Raezer, NMFA executive director. "This decision not only provides needed support for wounded veterans, it sends a signal to all military families that the Nation will stand behind them in the event of service connected injury."

"The inclusion of Assistive Reproductive Technologies in this year's Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill finally starts to give the VA the resources to help wounded veterans start and grow families," said Allison Jaslow, IAVA chief of staff. "This benefit is long overdue, but this is only the first step. We look forward to continuing to work with leaders like Senator Murray to ensure veterans are not denied the right to start a family after giving so much for this country."

"Veterans have sacrificed so much of themselves to defend this nation and they deserve every opportunity to share in the American dream they helped protect," said Gerry Augustine DAV executive director Washington headquarters. "For many, that dream includes a family. We are exceptionally pleased that Congress has passed this legislation granting veterans struggling with service-connected infertility the reproductive medical coverage they require to help them restore their lives and build their families --it is simply the right thing to do."

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project

Related Links

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org


CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Dykstra, CEO of Cosmetologists Chicago - one of the largest associations of salon professionals in the U.S. - and its sub-division the American Association for Esthetics, celebrates the vote of the CIDESCO (Comite International d'Esthetique et de Cosmetologie) General Assembly in granting the American Association for Esthetics the rights to administer CIDESCO Section USA.

Dykstra comments: "CIDESCO provides international recognition of the highest standards and training in skin care service skills, making it possible for estheticians and spa professionals to achieve credentials that are recognized in more than 40 countries. Additionally CIDESCO Section USA will accredit salons and spas with the gold standard of a CIDESCO certificate.

"For the consumer this ensures that professionals with CIDESCO credentials, and salons and spas with CIDESCO accreditation, all follow the highest practices and standards in client care, safety, and product effectiveness while being the most highly skilled and knowledgeable in the world!"

CIDESCO Section USA is committed to providing education to help salon and spa professionals improve and excel in all facets of skin care and cosmetic effectiveness by offering them the opportunity to obtain the CIDESCO Diplomate designation. Therefore, CIDESCO Section USA will offer educational tracks at professional conferences in Florida, California, New York, and Illinois in the coming months.

New opportunities will be announced shortly for salons, spas, manufacturers and distributors in support of esthetics excellence in the USA. Dykstra added, "We will also assist manufacturers to both understand and to embrace the CIDESCO worldwide benchmark and if they are aligned with FDA regulations, they will be eligible to apply as CIDESCO associate members."

An extensive search will be undertaken to connect with all current USA CIDESCO Diplomates -- the highest designation in the salon and spa profession. USA salon and spa professionals who have earned the prestigious CIDESCO Diplomate honor are invited to update their profiles at AmericasBeautyShow.com/CIDESCOUSA.

National sections, as well as leading schools and colleges from around the world in over 40 countries represent CIDESCO across 5 continents, which offer the internationally acclaimed CIDESCO standards and qualifications. CIDESCO schools offer a portfolio of prestigious training programs, standards and qualifications in Beauty and Spa Therapy and Management, Aromatherapy, Epilation and Media Make-up to produce graduates and professionals of the highest level.

CONTACT: Dori Wilson Public Relations, 1-312-951-7575, [email protected]

SOURCE Cosmetologists Chicago
In an effort to find a singular "tico" flavor, the Costa Rica Craft Brewers Association began a local movement that forever changed the country's beer culture. Since 2011, the popularity of microbreweries has taken over the nation, making San Jose the center of this movement.

In celebration of Costa Rica's craft beer revolution, local and international companies will come together to celebrate Oktober Beerfest in a tropical setting. For the last four years, the festival has become one of the largest platforms for small and established breweries to showcase their unique offerings.

"We are expecting to set a new record for the festival's 4th edition with over 2,000 more attendees than last year," said Pablo Formal, coordinator of Oktober Beerfest. "We want this event to continue to bring family and friends together, as well as to bring awareness of Costa Rica's artisanal craft beer scene."

With an expected attendance of 14,000 people, the event will feature authentic German fare including brezels (Bavarian-style pretzels) and sausages, live music from national and international artists, as well as an impressive selection of more than 200 beers. The event will begin Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to midnight and continue on Sunday, Oct. 16 from noon to 10 p.m. at Viva Park in Alajuela, which is a short 20 minute drive from downtown San Jose.

For more information on Oktober Beerfest, visit www.facebook.com/OktoberBFCR. For information on Costa Rica, visit www.visitcostarica.com.

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south; it is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the west by the Pacific Ocean. With an abundance of unique wildlife, landscapes and climates this small country proudly shelters approximately five percent of the known biodiversity in the world. In order to protect and preserve its wealth of natural resources, Costa Rica has become a global leader in sustainable practices with protected areas comprising 26 percent of its land mass. With a peaceful spirit, emphasis on education and an economy based on tourism, technology and exportation, Costa Rica offers one of the highest standards of living in Latin America. Visitors to Costa Rica enjoy a highly organized tourism infrastructure among a tropical paradise of lush rainforests, mystical volcanoes and cloud forests and beaches that meet mountains filled with monkeys and macaws. Offering a broad terrain of activities and accommodations, visitors to Costa Rica will find a range of hotel options ranging from small beachside bed & breakfasts to authentic intimate boutique mountain lodges to major international business hotel brands and everything in between. Costa Rica's accommodations offer something appealing for everyone's desires. The phrase "Pura Vida" can be heard echoing throughout Costa Rica from coast to coast. Used as a greeting or expression of happiness, the phrase literally translates to "pure life," however its true meaning is "full of life," which accurately describes the adventure and wonder that await visitors.

About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)

Established in 1955, the Costa Rica Tourism Board spearheads the vital task of regulating and promoting Costa Rica's extensive of tourism offerings. The ICT and its partners in the private sector work tirelessly to garner recognition, standardize practices, provide insightful research data and foster cultural development for the country's coast to coast one-of-a-kind tourism products and resources.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413432

SOURCE Costa Rica Tourism Board

Related Links

http://www.visitcostarica.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global dental implants and prosthetics market is expected to reach USD 12.32 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2016 to 2021. Market growth can be attributed to the rapid rise in geriatric population, rising incidences of dental caries and other periodontal diseases, rising demand for cosmetic dentistry, and increasing dental care expenditure. However, the high cost of dental implants, limited reimbursements, and high risk of tooth loss associated with dental bridges are the major factors restraining market growth in the coming years. The APAC, Latin American, and the Middle East and African markets exhibit significant growth opportunities, owing to the growing dental tourism and improving dental infrastructure in these regions. Pricing pressure is one of the major challenges faced by players in the global dental implants and prosthetics market.



In this report, the dental implants and prosthetics market is segmented on the basis of dental implants, dental prosthetics, type of facility, and regions. The dental implants market is further categorized on the basis of material, procedure, and type. On the basis of material, the dental implants market is segmented into titanium and zirconium implants. By procedure, dental implants market is segmented into root-form dental implants and plate-from dental implants. By type, the dental implants market is segmented into premium, value, and discounted implants. The dental prosthetics market is subsegmented into bridges, crowns, dentures, abutments, veneers, and inlays & onlays. Dental bridges are further subsegmented into 3-unit bridges, 4-unit bridges, Maryland bridges, and cantilever bridges. By material, the dental crowns and bridges market is subsegmented into PFM, all-ceramic, and metal segments. Based on type of facility, the dental implants and prosthetics market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, dental laboratories, and other type of facility.



On the basis of region, the dental implants and prosthetics market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Europe accounted for the largest share of the global dental implants and prosthetics market in 2015. The large share of this segment is mainly due to the increase in the region's aging population, rising government expenditure on oral healthcare, and high reimbursement rate as compared to other regions. However, the Asia-pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapidly increasing geriatric population, improving dental infrastructure, and growing dental tourism industry are the major factors contributing to the high growth rate of the APAC region.



The key players in this market are Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland), DENTSPLY Sirona Inc. (U.S.), Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (U.S.), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), 3M Company (U.S.), AVINENT Implant System (Spain), CAMLOG Biotechnologies AG (Switzerland), BioHorizons IPH, Inc. (U.S.), OSSTEM IMPLANT Co., Ltd. (South Korea), and Bicon, LLC (U.S.).





Objectives of the study:

- To define, describe, and forecast the global dental implants and prosthetics market on the basis of dental implants, dental prosthetics, type of facility, and regions



- To provide detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and trends)



- To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for market leaders





- To forecast the size of the market segments with respect to main regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, along with major countries in these regions



- To profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their market shares and core competencies in the global dental implants and prosthetics market





Reasons to Buy the Report:

The report will enrich both established firms as well as new entrants/smaller firms to gauge the pulse of the market, which in turn will help firms in garnering a greater market share. Firms purchasing the report could use any one or a combination of the below-mentioned five strategies (market penetration, product development/innovation, market development, market diversification, and competitive assessment) for increasing their market shares.





The report provides insights on the following pointers:

- Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on the product portfolios offered by the top players in the dental implants and prosthetics market. The report analyzes the dental implants and prosthetics market by implant, prosthetics, type of facility, and region

- Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on the upcoming trends, research and development activities, and new product launches in the dental implants and prosthetics market

- Market Development: Comprehensive information about the lucrative emerging markets, by product and region

- Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, growing geographies, recent developments, and investments in the dental implants and prosthetics market

- Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of leading players in the dental implants and prosthetics market



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04166806-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

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SOURCE Reportlinker

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NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt Institute is proud to announce its first annual Design Symposium: Design is the New Currency. A thought provoking presentation and discussion that brings together esteemed speakers from the most diverse fields of design to talk about how, in an ever-changing world, Design has become the x-plus factor. Consumers know that they are buying Design and embrace their need to identify with products that support their sense of taste, sophistication and worth. In a world that has blurred class distinctions and fueled the consumer's need to underscore their own identity with a personal style that defines them, Design has become an important part of their DNA. If 'Design is the New Currency' then a designer's imagination is the bank from which to draw new ideas.

The symposium will take place on November 2nd at The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.

"Whether we are creating bottles for perfume, designing a building or an interior, or suggesting a lifestyle through fashion, all designers are packaging, or marketing, an experience," said Marc Rosen, Pratt Institute Trustee Emeritus and Professor of Packaging Design. "Pratt is a mecca of design education where every kind of design is taught. How appropriate for them to bring together the 'Best of the Best' to participate in this first symposium."

The panel of speakers consists of:

David Rockwell , award winning architect and designer, Fast Company's World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies, Cooper-Hewitt Design Award winner, AIANY President's Award winner, and among projects Rockwell has worked on are W Hotels, Nobu, Hudson Yards, The New Edition and many more;

, award winning architect and designer, World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies, Cooper-Hewitt Design Award winner, AIANY President's Award winner, and among projects Rockwell has worked on are W Hotels, Nobu, Hudson Yards, The New Edition and many more; Juan Montoya , internationally acclaimed interior designer, award winner, member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame, furniture designer for Biasi Catani and carpet designer for Stark Carpet;

, internationally acclaimed interior designer, award winner, member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame, furniture designer for Biasi Catani and carpet designer for Stark Carpet; James Gager , SVP and Creative Director for MAC, one of the world's leading cosmetic brands; Global Creative Director for Jo Malone and La Mer. Since Gager joined MAC, the company has become the fastest-growing Estee Lauder brand, and winner of numerous awards including a FiFi;

, SVP and Creative Director for MAC, one of the world's leading cosmetic brands; Global Creative Director for and La Mer. Since Gager joined MAC, the company has become the fastest-growing Estee Lauder brand, and winner of numerous awards including a FiFi; Michele Oka Doner , internationally renowned artist whose endeavors encompass sculpture, furniture, jewelry, public art, etc. Her artwork can be found at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs at the Louvre and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others.

, internationally renowned artist whose endeavors encompass sculpture, furniture, jewelry, public art, etc. Her artwork can be found at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs at the Louvre and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others. Moderator, Marc Rosen , award winning luxury and cosmetics packaging designer and Pratt Professor, author, philanthropist, curator and mentor, Rosen has won seven FiFi awards and worked with beauty and fashion names like Elizabeth Arden , Oscar de la Renta , Fendi, Chloe, Karl Lagerfeld and many more.

The symposium is sponsored by The Marc Rosen Educational Fund at Pratt Institute in conjunction with Juliana Curran Terain, the Terain Foundation.

Symposium Details:

Design is the New Currency

November 2nd, 5:30-7:00pm

Open to the public

Hess Family Theater and Gallery at The Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014

RSVP is required: www.pratt.edu/public-programs

About Pratt

Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is a global leader in higher education dedicated to preparing its 4,700 undergraduate and graduate students for successful careers in art, design, architecture, information, and liberal arts and sciences. Located in a cultural hub with historic campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Pratt is a living lab of craft and creativity with an esteemed faculty of accomplished professionals and scholars who challenge their talented students to transform their passion into meaningful expression.

SOURCE Pratt Institute

Related Links

http://www.pratt.edu


VANCOUVER, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Destiny Media Technologies (TSXV: DSY) (OTCQX: DSNY), today made it even easier for decision makers in radio, press, TV, and film to use the Play MPE service with a new secure streaming audio preview feature. This enhancement allows Play MPE recipients to quickly hear a short preview of a song directly from the notification email without having to login. This quick audio preview leverages Play MPE's secure infrastructure and patented watermarking features to increase recipient activity and engagement with the service. This increased activity and engagement within the system increases the value of each Play MPE release and further solidifies Play MPE as the go-to-service for promotional music distribution.

"We are committed to delivering an amazing experience for everybody who receives music via the Play MPE service, this enhancement helps people listen to even more music, on any device," said Rick Ramsay, Director of Product Management for Destiny Media. "As the trusted source for receiving music by over 81,000 industry users the Play MPE service is a vital tool for decision makers to receive and evaluate new music, we're always looking for ways to improve their experience to best showcase our customers' music."

About Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.

Destiny Media Technologies provides services that enable content owners to securely display and distribute their audio and video content digitally through the internet. The Company's two major services are Clipstream and Play MPE. Clipstream (www.clipstream.com) is an automated high availability self-serve video hosting service built around a proprietary JavaScript playback system. This approach, which is protected by two dozen pending and granted patents is much more secure and flexible than standard video approaches. Play MPE (www.plaympe.com) provides a standardized method to securely and cost effectively distributes pre-release music to radio stations and other music industry professionals, before it is ready for sale. It is protected by granted security and watermark patents. More information can be found at www.dsny.com.

SOURCE Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

www.dsny.com


Preliminary tests using D+H's global payments services hub prove that Rabobank can execute payments across borders in near real-time using blockchain technology.

NEW YORK and UTRECHT, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - DH Corporation (TSX: DH) ("D+H"), a leading provider of technology solutions to financial institutions globally, and Rabobank today announced the execution of a proof of concept that has shown that D+H's payments services hub, together with Coin Sciences' multichain blockchain solution, is able to execute cross-border payments in near real-time for the bank, using distributed ledger/blockchain technology.

The solution has been proven to successfully address three key areas:



Immediacy  The ability to complete end-to-end transactions in near-real-time. Reachability  The ability to send funds to any of the bank's closed user group members. Probability  The ability for both payer and payee bank to agree to the payment before it is committed, preventing non-settlements or rejections after payment processing.

Rabobank has been investigating blockchain since 2014 and sees this technology as a game changer for many financial use cases. In addition to cross-border payments, the bank is investigating the use of blockchain for other ongoing projects, including payments through the Internet of Things, Know-Your-Customer registration, trade finance documents, and more. Rabobank is a partner of blockchain accelerator Nexuslab, and works together with startups and corporates to find new business models to ultimately improve its customers' experience.

"Rabobank has been able to validate the processing of blockchain payments in its own environment," says Heimen Schuring, Head of Channel Support & Payment Engine, Rabobank. "We have seen meaningful results that tell us that further exploration of blockchain functionality is worthwhile."

When D+H announced that its payment hub solution was adaptable to blockchain technology in February 2016, it became the first technology vendor to apply distributed ledger technology to a global payments services hub. Financial institutions using D+H's payments hub will be able to utilize a secure, closed loop distributed ledger system to connect bank networks, move money in near real-time, and improve access to liquidity. Using the solution, cross-border payments will benefit from the immutability inherent in blockchain technology to ensure security and reduce risk. D+H's blockchain capability is based on a Closed User Group (CUG), pre-funded solution.

"Congratulations to Rabobank for undertaking this important endeavor, and experimenting with blockchain to transform its cross-border payments business," says Moti Porath, Head, Product Management, Global Payments Solutions, D+H. "Leveraging D+H's global payments hub solution, the bank recognizes that cross-border payments can be made in a more efficient way, and that D+H can execute payments across borders in near real-time, with certainty and convenience."

About D+H

D+H (TSX: DH) is a leading financial technology provider that the world's financial institutions rely on every day to help them grow and succeed. Our global payments, lending and financial solutions are trusted by nearly 8,000 banks, specialty lenders, community banks, credit unions, governments and corporations. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, D+H has more than 5,500 employees worldwide who are passionate about partnering with clients to create forward-thinking solutions that fit their needs. With annual revenues in excess of $1.5 billion, D+H is recognized as one of the world's top FinTech companies on IDC Financial Insights FinTech Rankings and American Banker's FinTech Forward rankings. For more information, visit dh.com.

About Rabobank Group

Rabobank is an international financial services provider operating on the basis of cooperative principles. It offers retail banking, wholesale banking, private banking, leasing and real estate services. As a cooperative bank, Rabobank puts customers' interests first in its services. Rabobank is committed to being a leading customer-focused cooperative bank in the Netherlands and a leading food and agri bank worldwide. Rabobank employs approximately internal and external 50,000 people. Rabobank Group is active in 40 countries.

For more information about the Rabobank Group go to www.rabobank.com.

SOURCE DH Corporation

Related Links

www.dh.com


BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DHgate.com announces enhanced B2B logistics service with faster delivery times for B2B buyers and increased convenience for sellers. In cooperation with the China Post and with last mile service provided by the US Postal Service; DHgate.com now offers international door-to-door parcel pickup service for sellers, directly from factories or any place of business, and drop off service for buyers, with a guaranteed delivery time of under 15 business days for B2B orders with full tracking services for both buyers and sellers starting from 24 hours after pickup.

Any customer service matters related to logistics regarding products purchased from sellers who use this program will be resolved by DHgate's 24/7 multilingual customer support team, with no interaction between the buyer and seller required.

In order to incentivize sellers to use this program, DHgate has made it free for them, and has extended pick-up service coverage to the top 15 major cities for e-commerce distribution in China. This program includes all order sizes including single units.

"Our international pick-up service will increase convenience for buyers and sellers, improve delivery speed, guarantee aftersales service, and provide an additional degree of protection for goods purchased off the platform," said Diane Wang, Founder and CEO of DHgate.com

ABOUT DHgate.com

DHgate.com is the first to market and the biggest transactional cross-border B2B e-commerce marketplace in China, aiming to provide global buyers with quality products at competitive prices. Founded in 2004, DHgate.com has approximately 12 million global buyers from 230 countries and regions, with 1.4 million global sellers offering 40 million products. DHgate.com's business enables buyers to directly access global manufacturers of the world's top brands with rich product selections. DHgate.com is an all-in-one platform with integrated services for international logistics, cross-border payments, internet financing, etc. DHgate.com's US, UK, Spain, and UAE product distribution warehouses allow for 24 hour delivery and convenient product returns & refunds, bringing great convenience to buyers at http://www.dhgate.com.

SOURCE DHgate.com

Related Links

http://www.dhgate.com


NORTH CANTON, Ohio and PADERBORN, Germany, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With its price-focused business model, nonfood discounter Pepco, a growing Eastern Europe-based retailer, is readying itself for the connected commerce era with Diebold Nixdorf's TP Application Suite -- enabling its customers to shop seamlessly across all channels in the future.

Beginning early in 2017, Diebold Nixdorf will install the TP Application Suite software platform in selected Pepco pilot stores in Poland. The rollout in other Eastern European stores is planned to commence in mid-2017. "We will then be using a software platform that opens up to us the whole range of options for future mobile and cross-channel applications," says Louis van Zyl, Pepco's CIO for its European retail operations. In the first phase, Pepco plans to extend its e-commerce operations and mobile services for customers, both of which are controlled via the TP.net Mobile POS application.

Pepco will then roll out TPAdmin, an application designed to manage its store network, and TPOMM, an omnichannel order and inventory management application -- the latter in a version that has been especially tailored to the Eastern European market. "We are convinced that, with its high degree of flexibility and its focus on delivering what users want, Diebold Nixdorf is the right partner for a long-term business partnership," explains van Zyl.

Pepco, part of South Africa-based investment company Pepkor, operated just 20 stores in Poland at the start of the new millennium. Now its network has grown to nearly 1,000 stores in Poland, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia  and some 200 stores are being added across the region every year. The parent company is also active in the highly competitive UK market, having acquired retail chains there.

"Our software solutions help retailers seamlessly link their brick-and-mortar outlets with the online and mobile, thus advancing connected commerce," says Philippe Dauphin, head of Retail, EMEA, at Diebold Nixdorf.

Pepkor is a South African investment and holding company with headquarters in Pretoria. The company manages a large international portfolio of retail chains, located mainly in Africa, Australia and Europe. The stores are discount-oriented and sell mainly clothing, shoes and household goods. The company's key operating subsidiaries include Pep & Ackermans in South Africa, Best & Less in Australia, and Pepco in Europe.

About Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day across the financial and retail industries. Its software-defined solutions bridge the physical and digital worlds of cash and consumer transactions conveniently, securely and efficiently. As an innovation partner for nearly all of the world's top 100 financial institutions and a majority of the top 25 global retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled services and technology that are essential to evolve in an 'always on' and changing consumer landscape.

Diebold Nixdorf has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. The organization maintains corporate offices in North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany. Shares are traded on the New York and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges under the symbol 'DBD'. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information.

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SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf

Related Links

http://www.DieboldNixdorf.com


LANDING, New Jersey, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DolCas Biotech, LLC, has taken proactive actions in the form of a successful trademark-infringement suit to ensure its customers and consumers receive only the purest, truest turmeric. The forced legal action was taken to provide security to the consumer.

DolCas takes Curcumin to the next level

Three competitors, including contract manufacturers, agreed with Dolcas to all conditions settling the infringement of its US trademark for BCM-95 turmeric extract. The infringement on the BCM-95 brand had potential to impact consumer perception and hurt BCM-95's leading position in the market.

The committee found novelty in the patented turmeric extract ingredients, also taking into consideration the Intellectual Properties ingredient is backed by more than 30 clinical research studies conducted in leading universities and institutes worldwide. The committee concluded that DolCas is entitled to protection of its brands and trademarks.

"BCM-95 and Bio Curcumin are registered trademarks of DolCas Biotech globally and we intend to protect them for the safety and security of consumers and of our brands," explains KG Rao, CEO of DolCas. "The three companies have now promised not to use our trademarks in the market and have completed the payments for the infringement. The payments will, in part, be applied to continued research into the multiple health benefits and efficacy of our line of pure turmeric extracts."

The company estimates that BCM-95 turmeric extract has a market share of 30% in the US, and it has an exclusive contract with EuroPharma to market BCM-95 at health food stores in the US/Canada. "Terry Naturally Inc.'s CuraMed brand 'Super Absorption Curcumin' with BCM-95is the No. 1 brand in health food stores, and one of six CuraMed curcumin products in the top 10 sold," notes Terry Lemerond, founder and president of EuroPharma, Inc.

"DolCas knows how to build a trusted brand. "Consumers, especially Millennials, want to know where their turmeric extract comes from, and they deserve a pure, trusted brand," contributes Lemerond.

"We identified six keys to build a trusted brand in the US market," explains Rao. "These are: a clear understanding of the ingredient advantages; an ongoing clinical research program; registered intellectual properties and trademarks; full control of the product from farm to shelf; the highest purity and safety; and long-lasting collaboration with customers. We intend to continue to invest in our clinical research program and to protect our brand from imitation products that might not be safe to sell or consume."

Visit us at Supply Side West, Las Vegas, Booth # MM176

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413253

For more information, contact:

Company contact

DolCas Biotech, LLC

Mr. Nipen Lavingia

VP of Business Development

Tel: 973-347-1958 ext. 213

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.dolcas-biotech.com

Press Contact

NutriPR

Liat Simha

Tel: +972-9-9742893

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.nutripr.com

Twitter: @LiatSimha

SOURCE DolCas Biotech, LLC

Related Links

http://www.dolcas-biotech.com


DTE has plans to build state-of-the-art natural gas turbine plants to provide approximately 1,000 megawatts of energy, enough to power 850,000 homes, and create new jobs for Michigan residents. The company will invest between $1-1.5 billion in these new generating assets, expected to be completed between 2021 and 2023. Based on preliminary site analysis, one project is expected to be located on existing DTE property adjacent to the Belle River power plant in China Township, Mich.

This new generation will provide long term reliability and will add to the company's recent acquisitions of natural gas generating capacity. In 2015, the company acquired the 732 megawatt Renaissance Power Plant in Carson City and the 350 megawatt Dean Peaker Plant in East China Township to assure adequate generating capacity for DTE customers during periods of high demand for power.

"DTE Energy is committed to providing Michigan and our customers with reliable, cleaner sources of energy," said DTE Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson. "These new energy generation investments will significantly reduce greenhouses gases by moving to cleaner technologies. Just as important, it will enable us to deliver safe, affordable and reliable energy for DTE's 2.2 million customers."

In June, DTE announced plans to retire three of its five coal plants in Michigan  River Rouge, St. Clair and Trenton Channel  by 2023 and replace that capacity with a mix of cleaner energy, including natural gas, wind and solar power. The age of these plants, as well as additional coal plants planned for retirement statewide by other energy companies, demonstrates a need for new energy sources in Michigan.

DTE has already taken steps toward transforming its energy generation and encouraging energy savings with customers:

Over the past five years, DTE has built significant renewable energy production which now accounts for 10 percent of the company's total generation. DTE's renewable generating resources provide enough clean energy to power more than 400,000 Michigan homes.

homes. In May, DTE Energy began construction on one of the largest solar arrays east of the Mississippi River located in Lapeer, Mich. ; this month the company began construction on the largest solar array on vacant land in the City of Detroit .

; this month the company began construction on the largest solar array on vacant land in the . Over the last decade, DTE Energy has cut emissions in half, and will further reduce emissions as the company retires coal plants and transitions to cleaner energy, such as wind, solar and natural gas.

DTE Energy is a founding member of the American Gas Association's Methane Challenge designed to exceed the EPA's goals to reduce methane emissions through infrastructure improvements and best management practices.

The reduction in electric use by DTE customers who have participated in energy optimization programs has avoided the need for 600 megawatts of generating capacity.

"As a company, we are always focused on doing the right thing  for our customers, our communities, our employees and our shareholders," Anderson said. "Throughout this process, we will work with the state of Michigan and the Michigan Public Service Commission to ensure affordable, reliable and cleaner energy."

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. For more information about DTE Energy, visit dteenergy.com; twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

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SOURCE DTE Energy

Related Links

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The DURABOOK rugged computers are built to stringent MIL-STD-810G guidelines for drop, shock, spill, and dust protection, with many models having an IP65 rating, ensuring they are sealed tight from damaging water and dust intrusion. Their magnesium alloy case is 20 times stronger than ABS plastic, while their C face  including keyboard, keypad, buttons, and indicators  is designed for exceptional spill protection. Many models include enhanced wireless and communication capability with 4G, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity; a daylight visible screen for bright outdoor situations; and an optional backlit keyboard for working in dark environments.

"GammaTech offers a full line of rugged computers that not only survive, but thrive on the rails and in a rail yard environment," commented Tom Wang, GammaTech president. "We offer portable and vehicle-mounted solutions to address the wide variety of needs found throughout the railroad industry. Rail car inspections and maintenance, to name a few, are ideal applications for our DURABOOK notebook and tablet computers."

Why DURABOOK Rugged Computing Devices

Access to real time information is vital to the railroad industry. Accuracy and efficiency are a must. The DURABOOK rugged notebook and tablet devices are built to operate and survive in work environments other computers can't match. The magnesium alloy casing is manufactured to resist vibration and shock, whether rumbling on a set of tracks or being manhandled out in the rail yard. The hard drive is shock mounted to protect vital data. An internal GPS feature enables pin-point location, and the multiple wireless connectivity options keep engineers and work crews in touch with their supervisors, no matter where the job takes them.

A Few Models

The DURABOOK line of rugged mobile computing devices contains the perfect solution for any of the myriad of railroad applications. Below are just a few of these products.

S15AB Rugged Notebook

An Honorable Mention recipient in the 2015 CRN Test Center's "2015 Products of the Year" listing, the S15AB is the lightest and thinnest 15.6" rugged notebook in the market. It features a generous LCD display with full high-definition resolution (1920x1080); Intel's 5th generation Broadwell U series CPU; an integrated web camera with microphone; a capacitive touch pad with L/R buttons to support multi-finger tracking and gestures; a built-in SD card reader and support for SDXC cards; and a Smart Card reader that allows the card to be fully inserted. The S15AB also comes with an assortment of wireless communications methods.

R11 Fully Rugged Tablet

The R11 rugged tablet gives rail and signal inspectors the portability they need to collect and report issues before they become problems. The R11 is the lightest and thinnest rugged tablet PC in its class at only 2.73 pounds including battery. With an optional detachable keyboard, the R11 becomes a 2-in-1 that can work as a laptop and offer a high-performance, complete mobile computing solution. The R11 features an 11.6" TFT LCD capacitive touch display and a powerful 5th generation Intel Broadwell Core processor. It is certified to stringent MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461F, ANSI ISA Standard 12.12.01, and IP65 specifications. The R11 functions for up to seven hours (optional extended battery pack provides up to 14 hours of operation), includes an M2-SATA SSD, microSD card slot, full HD camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and standard security features. The R11 is covered by DURABOOK's Peace of Mind (POM) warranty for three years.

R8300 Fully Rugged Notebook

Designed to withstand extremely harsh environments, the R8300 notebook meets a host of rugged certifications such as Military Standard 810G, 461F, IP65, ANSI ISA Standard 12.12.01, and more. This fully rugged powerhouse is equipped with Intel's latest generation processor and DDR4 system memory. It comes with a 13.3" TFT LCD display with sunlight readable feature, quick-release HDD-storage capability, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, 9 hours of battery life (with an optional hot-swappable second battery pack for up to 16 hours of operation with both packs), TPM2.0 advanced security protection, GPS module, and more. The R8300 is covered by DURABOOK's Peace of Mind (POM) warranty for three years.

SA14 Rugged Notebook

The built-tough and rugged DURABOOK SA14 notebook has been updated to better serve the needs of professions that require ultimate portability and versatility. Updates include a choice from four Intel 6th generation Skylake turbo processors, greater system memory and graphics, enhanced wireless/communications capability, more interface options, the inclusion of Microsoft Windows 10 operating system, a three-year warranty period, and more. The SA14 features 14.0" HD LCD Touchscreen, 2.5" 9.5mm SATA HDD storage with exclusive HDD quick-release feature and a 2.0MP webcam. It meets the MIL-STD- 810G and IP53 standards for drop, vibration, dust and water resistance.

Availability

GammaTech DURABOOK rugged notebook and tablet computers are available through authorized resellers nationwide and at www.GammaTechUSA.com. All GammaTech DURABOOK products may be customized to customer specifications.

About GammaTech Computer Corporation

GammaTech Computer Corporation is a leader in the design, manufacture and sales of cost-effective, high-performance mobile computing solutions throughout North America. Its award-winning line of rugged and hardened notebook and tablet computers are designed and built-to-order to increase mobile productivity for business, government, healthcare, fire, public safety and a host of other entities. GammaTech offers a complete portfolio of products that delivers power and performance needed in the most demanding work environments, resulting in increased productivity and accelerated return on investment. GammaTech is headquartered in Fremont, California, which provides the final assembly, inventory, service and technical support.

For more information, visit GammaTech at www.GammaTechUSA.com.

Media Contact:

Rita Lee

Copernio

Tel. 714-891-3660

[email protected]

All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies.

2016 GammaTech Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE GammaTech Computer Corporation

Related Links

http://www.GammaTechUSA.com


BOSTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Eaton Vance Management (Eaton Vance), a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., announced today the expansion of its Singapore-based subsidiary, Eaton Vance Management International (Asia) Pte. Ltd. ("EVMIA") with the hiring of Shivramakrishnan (Shiva Iyer), CFA, as Vice President and Senior Global Income Trader. Mr. Iyer is responsible for identifying, recommending and executing trades for Eaton Vance's global income and other strategies. His role also includes monitoring Asian financial markets and following political and economic developments in the region.

Mr. Iyer joins Eaton Vance from Goldman Sachs in Singapore, where he focused on foreign exchange and fixed income sales and trading. He was previously an Assistant Vice President and Global Trader at Eaton Vance in Boston and held positions at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), SKS Microfinance and Infosys Technologies Ltd. He graduated from University of Pune, India with a BE in chemical engineering and earned a MBA with an emphasis on finance at Texas A&M University. He has earned the Charted Financial Analyst designation.

"We are excited to have Shiva back. He has demonstrated his skill as a trader with a strong understanding of Asian markets," said Michael O'Brien, Vice President and Director of Global Trading, Eaton Vance.

"Shiva provides the global income team with a vital physical presence in the region, expanding our global trading capabilities from Boston and London to Asia," said Michael Cirami, Co-Director of Global Income, Eaton Vance.

The office in Singapore was established by Eaton Vance in 2012 to conduct fund management and pursue distribution opportunities in Asia. EVMIA is active across the region, representing a number of key Eaton Vance capabilities, including fixed and floating-rate income, absolute return and equity strategies. Eaton Vance is a leader in managing floating-rate bank loan strategies for institutional clients in Japan.

"Shiva rejoining the company bolsters Eaton Vance's positioning to manage assets and serve clients in the Asia-Pacific region," said Eric Stein, Co-Director of Global Income, Eaton Vance. "We now have global investment, trading and business development capabilities based in the region, enabling us to surface investment ideas for our clients around the world."

Eaton Vance (NYSE: EV) is a leading global asset manager whose history dates to 1924. With offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed $334.4 billion in assets as of July 31, 2016, offering institutions and individuals a broad array of investment strategies and wealth management solutions. The Company's long record of providing exemplary service, timely innovation and attractive returns through a variety of market conditions has made Eaton Vance the investment manager of choice for many of today's most discerning investors. For more information, visit eatonvance.com.

SOURCE Eaton Vance Corp.

Related Links

http://www.eatonvance.com


EMPORIA, Kan., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Emporia Realty Group is now serving the Emporia real estate market as the newest member of the Coldwell Banker global franchise network, and the firm will now do business as Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate. Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate has 12 independent sales associates and the company is co-owned by Kristi Mohn and Jamie Sauder.

QUOTES

"We were impressed with Kristi and Jamie's passion for expanding their business in concert with the Coldwell Banker brand. We are proud to have Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate join our network and look forward to increasing our brand presence in Kansas. They are a vibrant leadership team and we are especially impressed with their commitment to the continued growth of Emporia."

- Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC

"We are excited to join the Coldwell Banker brand. We believe our association with Coldwell Banker will allow us to better equip our agents as well as serve our customers and clients through the unmatched resources and marketing power offered by Coldwell Banker."

- Kristi Mohn, owner of Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate

"The Emporia job market remains healthy and strong. Our downtown is fantastic, and we are now attracting several international, national and regional events. Both are helping fuel a relatively new phenomenon of Emporia State University alumni returning to the area to retire to enjoy the lifestyle benefits Emporia has to offer. Typical of much of the nation, we are experiencing a shortage of housing inventory. Homes in good condition are selling quickly. This lack of inventory calls for new home building. The launch of sales in the Hidden Vista subdivision led by Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate should help continue to attract new buyers to our market."

- Jamie Sauder, owner of Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate

About Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate

Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate is located at: 608 Commercial St., Emporia, KS 66801. Each office is independently owned and operated. Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. Coldwell Banker Real Estate is the oldest national real estate brand and franchisor in the United States, and today has a global network of approximately 3,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 47 countries and territories with almost 85,000 affiliated sales professionals.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kristi Mohn

(620) 794-7372

[email protected]

Jamie Sauder

(620) 481-1433

[email protected]

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SOURCE Coldwell Banker
ATLANTA, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) will release its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2016, in a press release to be issued after the New York Stock Exchange closes on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. The press release will also be available at www.equifax.com.

Equifax will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 27, 2016 in which senior management will discuss financial and business results for the quarter. Please dial the appropriate number 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the call to complete registration. Name and affiliation/company are required to join the call.

Conference call numbers: U.S. and Canada: (877) 627-6590; International: (719) 325-4770.

Replay: A replay of the conference call will be available beginning October 27, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. ET and ends at 11:30 a.m. ET November 10, 2016. To access the replay: U.S.: (888) 203-1112; International: (719) 457-0820. Access code is 554096.

About Equifax

Equifax powers the financial future of individuals and organizations around the world. Using the combined strength of unique trusted data, technology and innovative analytics, Equifax has grown from a consumer credit company into a leading provider of insights and knowledge that helps its customers make informed decisions. The company organizes, assimilates and analyzes data on more than 820 million consumers and more than 91 million businesses worldwide, and its databases include employee data contributed from more than 5,000 employers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs approximately 9,200 employees worldwide.

Some noteworthy achievements for the company include: Ranked 13 on the American Banker FinTech Forward list (2015); named a Top Technology Provider on the FinTech 100 list (2004-2015); named an InformationWeek Elite 100 Winner (2014-2015); named a Top Workplace by Atlanta Journal Constitution (2013-2015); named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies (2011-2015); named one of Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies (2015). For more information, visit www.equifax.com.

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SOURCE Equifax Inc.

Related Links

http://www.equifax.com


ST. LOUIS, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Workforce Solutions, a leader in human resource, analytics and verification services, and a business unit of Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX), recently introduced its Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidy Management Service. This new solution helps employers manage the complexities of receiving, processing and appealing subsidy notifications for employees who receive a premium tax credit, or subsidy, for healthcare coverage through Federal and State Exchanges.

"Now that employers have met the ACA's reporting deadline, they are becoming increasingly concerned about how to manage the growing number of subsidy notifications hitting their mailboxes," said Kristin Lewis, senior director of Product Management for Equifax Workforce Solutions. "Our service is intended to help relieve the stress associated with these notices and the appeals process by delivering a streamlined solution that expedites the operational responsibilities and provides maximum transparency to both the company and the employee."

Full-time employees who do not receive an offer of healthcare coverage from their employers can receive subsidized coverage from the Federal or State Healthcare Exchanges. However, the receipt of a subsidy may trigger potential penalties for failure to comply with the ACA employer mandate, which requires employers to provide full-time employees with affordable coverage. To ensure all employee subsidy requests are valid, it is critical for companies to be prepared for inbound subsidy notifications and the 90-day appeal window in which they will have to respond.

With the launch of its ACA Subsidy Management Service, Equifax Workforce Solutions helps companies process subsidy notifications and appeals efficiently to manage compliance and help minimize the risk of fines. The service includes preliminary case analysis, consultation, end-to-end case management and outcome-based reporting, delivered by expert resources working with the organization to determine the best course of action for each case.

"Equifax Workforce Solutions is committed to developing the most comprehensive services and solutions to help employers maintain compliance in an increasingly shifting regulatory landscape," said Erik Trusler, senior vice president of Marketing for Equifax Workforce Solutions. "We are very pleased to introduce our ACA Subsidy Management Service, which helps simplify the often complex process of subsidy appeals. As a result, our clients can be confident that we will assist them throughout the process, helping them to determine employee eligibility, reduce risk and build a culture of compliance around the ACA. This new service is the result of our ongoing efforts to streamline how companies manage new responsibilities introduced by the ACA and help them put more focus on their people, not process."

Additional information about the ACA Subsidy Management Service can be accessed at: http://www.equifax.com/assets/WFS/aca_subsidy_appeals_service.pdf.

About Equifax

Equifax powers the financial future of individuals and organizations around the world. Using the combined strength of unique trusted data, technology and innovative analytics, Equifax has grown from a consumer credit company into a leading provider of insights and knowledge that helps its customers make informed decisions. The company organizes, assimilates and analyzes data on more than 800 million consumers and more than 88 million businesses worldwide, and its databases include employee data contributed from more than 5,000 employers. Equifax Workforce Solutions, an Equifax business unit, is a leading provider of human resource compliance, analytics and verification technology and services.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs approximately 9,200 employees worldwide.

Some noteworthy achievements for the company include: Ranked 13 on the American Banker FinTech Forward list (2015); named a Top Technology Provider on the FinTech 100 list (2004-2015); named an InformationWeek Elite 100 Winner (2014-2015); named a Top Workplace by Atlanta Journal Constitution (2013-2015); named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies (2011-2015); named one of Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies (2015). For more information, visit www.equifax.com/business or www.equifax.com.

Note to editors: Trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein remain the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Equifax Inc.

Related Links

http://www.equifax.com


MIDDLETOWN, Va., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rural towns aren't often known for their tech connections, but that's not the case for one Virginia community. Middletown, Va. is the home of Experis Data Centers, an established colocation and disaster recovery center offering the latest technological connectivity.

Experis is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built data center providing colocation, geo-diversity and disaster recovery services to large, mid-size and small enterprises including financial institutions, insurance companies, telecommunications providers and government agencies. In addition to its 30-year history of near 100 percent uptime to customers, the data center's prime location has proven a very desirable draw for companies' disaster recovery planning.

One company taking advantage of the ideal Virginia location is Telesat, a leading global satellite operator that provides reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, Telesat's state-of-the-art fleet consists of 15 satellites, plus two new satellites under construction. Telesat recently installed a 31-foot (9.4-meter) diameter satellite uplink at Experis' Middletown facility.

"Telesat's decision to go with Experis Data Centers was made after an extensive search for a diverse satellite uplink site that could significantly enhance the capabilities of Telesat's existing carrier-class teleport in Mount Jackson, Virginia," said Geoff Gaudert, Telesat's manager of procurement. "The Experis facility offers the infrastructure and fiber connections to support Telesat's stringent telecommunications requirements for availability, reliability and robustness, which enable Telesat to deliver world-class Ku-band satellite network services to end-users aboard ships, on commercial aircraft or in remote locations."

Experis' facility meets a multitude of government and enterprise security requirements, including significant public and private fiber capacity as well as the infrastructure that organizations need for proper colocation and backup.

"Historically we've primarily provided infrastructure and connectivity for companies and organizations in need of data colocation and disaster recovery," said Larry Pelletier, CEO and managing partner of Experis Data Centers. "However, as we continue adapting to the current digital landscape, Experis is excited to provide new services and create new partnerships with industry leaders like Telesat."

About Experis

Experis Data Centers provides comprehensive colocation and disaster recovery solutions to commercial enterprises as well as the federal government and its cleared contracting community. Led by a team of experts who each have more than 25 years of industry leadership and experience, Experis provides complete high-performance, highly-available computing, storage, backup, network systems and all varieties of IT infrastructure support. Experis' primary data center, a 75,000 square foot facility, is in Middletown, Va. Conveniently located less than a 90-minute drive from Washington, D.C., it is considered outside of the designated blast zone and off the DC electrical grid. Experis has additional locations in Ashburn and Falls Church, Va. For more information, visit www.experisdatacenters.com.

Contact

Larry Pelletier

CEO & Managing Partner

(781) 771-0048

[email protected]

Raymond Tuchman

President & Managing Partner

(301) 785-3745

[email protected]

Jennie Williams

Sr. Marketing & PR Mgr., Verasolve

(571) 295-7207

[email protected]

SOURCE Experis Data Centers

Related Links

http://www.experisdatacenters.com


The new MMIC IQ mixers from Fairview (also known as IQ modulators) utilize a highly reliable GaAs MESFET semiconductor process which integrates a pair of matched double balanced mixer cells, a 90-degree hybrid and a 0-degree splitter/combiner that produces exceptional amplitude and phase balance performance. This level of integration offers size and performance advantages in comparison to discrete module assemblies. With the addition of an external 90-degree IF hybrid module, these IQ mixers can be used as either a Single Sideband Up-converter Mixer or an Image Reject Down-converter Mixer. The benefit of image rejection and sideband suppression can reduce overall system cost and complexity by removing the need for pre-selection filtering. Typical applications include point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radio, VSAT, military radar, electronic warfare, satellite communications, test equipment, and sensors.

Performance as an Image Reject Mixer (IRM) includes low conversion loss that ranges from 7.5 to 10 dBm, high image rejection up to 35 dB typical, and LO to RF isolation as high as 42 dB typical. These IQ mixer designs offer excellent linearity with input 1 dB compression as high as +20 dB typical and input IP3 as high as +35 dB typical. LO drive power ranges from +15 to +19 dBm. The compact and rugged drop-in package designs are hermetically sealed with field replaceable connectors and are guaranteed to meet MIL-STD-883 test conditions for humidity and temperature cycle.

"Fairview's new IQ mixers cover popular frequency bands from 4 GHz to 38 GHz and can be configured as Image Reject or Single Sideband Mixers that utilize highly reliable GaAs MMIC semiconductors integrated into compact drop-in, hermetically sealed packages," explains Brian McCutcheon, General Manager at Fairview Microwave. "More impressive is that all 7 models are available from stock and available for immediate shipment."

Fairview's new IQ mixers are in-stock and ready to ship immediately. You can view these new components by visiting https://www.fairviewmicrowave.com/rf-products/iq-mixers.html directly. Fairview Microwave can be contacted at +1-972-649-6678.

About Fairview Microwave

A leading supplier of on-demand RF and microwave products since 1992, Fairview Microwave offers immediate delivery of RF components including attenuators, adapters, coaxial cable assemblies, connectors, terminations and much more. All products are shipped same-day from the company's ISO 9001:2008 certified production facilities in Allen, Texas.

Press Contact:

Brian McCutcheon

Fairview Microwave

1130 Junction Drive #100

Allen, Texas 75013

(972) 649-6678

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SOURCE Fairview Microwave Inc.
CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (WI-07) today announced that $500,000 in financial assistance will be available through local financial institutions to individuals and business owners in Wisconsin communities impacted by the severe storms and subsequent flooding that occurred on July 11-12, 2016. The assistance is being provided by banks, credit unions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies that are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC).

Grants of $5,000 will be available through the FHLBC's Community First Disaster Relief Program to eligible households and small businesses located in the areas declared a disaster by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA disaster declaration DR-4276), which include Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Florence, Iron, Sawyer, and Washburn counties, and the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe. U.S. Representative Sean Duffy's (WI-07) congressional district includes all of the counties that were impacted by the flooding.

The funding will be available from September 29, 2016, through March 24, 2017, on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible households or small businesses that apply for a disaster assistance grant through any FHLBC member financial institution. A list of members can be found by visiting www.fhlbc.com. Potential applicants should contact the member institution directly to see if they qualify for assistance.

"Following the severe storms and massive flooding that damaged homes, businesses, roads, and bridges in my district this July, I've been working with federal, state, and local officials to ensure that these communities have the resources they need to get back on track," said Rep. Duffy. "That's why I want to make sure area homeowners and businesses know about the FHLBC's Community First Disaster Relief Program  it's one more resource to fund their recovery."

"We are here to support the communities served by our member institutions throughout our district of Wisconsin and Illinois, and this is particularly so in times of need," said FHLBC President and CEO Matt Feldman. "We're grateful to Congressman Duffy for helping us get the word out so that we can help those most impacted by the storms."

About the Community First Disaster Relief Program

For more information about the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and the Community First Disaster Relief Program, please visit www.fhlbc.com or @FHLBC. "Community First" is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

To learn more about Rep. Duffy and his work in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, visit https://duffy.house.gov or @RepSeanDuffy.

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SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

Related Links

http://www.fhlbc.com


HONOLULU and GLENDALE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Applebee's Grill and Bar began with a single restaurant in suburban Atlanta in 1980. It has since grown to one of America's most popular restaurants with over 2,000 locations in 49 states, two U.S. territories and 17 countries, but there has never been a location in Hawaiiuntil now.

On October 3, Applebee's marks a milestone, when Hawaiithe last remaining state in the Union without an Applebee'sgets its first restaurant in Ewa Beach on Oahu.

Hawaii's first Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar opens Oct. 3, 2016. Applebee's celebrates the opening of the first Hawaii location with a ribbon cutting

The new Applebee's restaurant will feature the brand's new American-made, wood-fired grill menu which includes certified USDA Choice steaks and bone-in pork chops that are hand-cut in-house, as well as chicken, shrimp and salad entrees that benefit from the smoky fresh taste of food being grilled over American oak wood.

A second Applebee's location is already planned to open next year at the Ka Makana Alii Mall in West Oahu.

Applebee's will also bring the tradition of helping the neighborhood to Hawaii by sponsoring a month of fundraising activities for Make-A-Wish Hawaii, which grants wishes for children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. Beginning in mid-September, the restaurant will offer the charity's "Stars" for purchase in restaurant, and will contribute $1 from each sale of a designated Applebee's menu item, among other fundraising activities. These events will culminate with a ceremony where a very special surprise will be revealed to a local Wish child.

"For 36 years, Applebee's has been America's first choice neighborhood grill and bar, for guests all across the United States, and increasingly, around the worldwith one exception, our great 50th state," said Daniel del Olmo, President, International, DineEquity Inc., the parent company of Applebee's. "I am delighted that as of today, we can say 'Aloha' to our friends and neighbors in Oahu and welcome them to the first Applebee's in Hawaii."

"We are delighted and honored that we are the franchise partner who at long last, has brought this great brand to Hawaii," said Vince Espino, President, Apple Five-O LLC. "We look forward to welcoming guests to Applebee's and to being a part of the neighborhoodand through our support of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, being a great new neighbor. I know the community will be generousand in addition to the donations we receive, we plan to match their contributions dollar for dollar!"

This location is expected to bring 136 new jobs to the local economy, and is located at 91-1401 Fort Weaver Road, Ewa Beach. It seats approximately 128 guests and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to midnight, and on Friday and Saturday from 11am to 1am.

About Applebee's

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar offers a lively bar and grill experience combining hand-crafted drinks and simple, craveable American fare with flair. All Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their communities and offering the best in food and drinks with genuine, neighborly service. With more than 2,000 locations now in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and 15 countries, Applebee's is one of the world's largest casual dining brands. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of DineEquity, Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is among the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.

Follow us:

Instagram: @applebees

Twitter: @applebees

Facebook: www.facebook.com/applebees

About Make-A-Wish Hawaii

Since 1982, Make-A-Wish Hawaii has granted life-changing wishes to over 13,000 wish kids and their families. The Hawaii chapter is among the busiest in the nation as it not only grants wishes to keiki on all islands, it also coordinates and hosts the wishes of children from around the world who wish to see Hawaii.

The Make-A-Wish Hawaii chapter aims to grant the wish of each and every Hawaii child with a life-threatening medical condition, and each year the power of a wish extends beyond the children served, into communities at large. With more than 840 volunteers and more than 200 business partners statewide, wishes bring people together and spread hope, strength and joy to all involved.

To learn more about Make-A-Wish Hawaii, visit www.hawaii.wish.org or call 808-537-3118.

Follow us:

Instagram: @MakeAWishHawaii

Twitter: @HawaiiWish

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MakeAWishHawaii

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SOURCE Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sonia M. Sotomayor Early College High School in Pharr, Texas, will receive the 2016 Estela and Raul Mora Award, an honor given by award-winning children's author Pat Mora and her sister in partnership with First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise that has distributed more than 150 million books to children in need. This year, the award recognized schools that held literacy activities during the month of April in celebration of Children's Day, Book Day; also known as El dia de los ninos, El dia de los libros; or Dia. Founded by Mora in 1996, Dia is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children, from all backgrounds, and creatively links them to the gift of reading all year round to spark a lifelong love of reading, or, as Mora calls it, "bookjoy."

Sonia M. Sotomayor Early College High School, a special purpose program committed to teen mothers' success, earned this year's top honor for hosting a full week of family-oriented bilingual and multicultural activities. The week focused on preparing teen mothers for success in motherhood, literacy for children, culturally diverse learning resources, and the role of mothers in children's early cognitive and literacy development. Activities provided students with research-based methods of introducing their children to reading and each student received a free children's book.

The award will provide $1,000 in credits to the First Book Marketplace, the nonprofit's award-winning e-commerce site that offers books and educational materialsfor free or at deeply reduced ratesto schools and programs serving children in need.

"Literacy is inherently linked to a love of reading," said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. "We know that children who excel at reading, no matter where they are from, aren't motivated by a desire to achieve literacy, but by the sheer joy they find on the pages of a book. That's why we love Pat Mora's books so much, and why we are so pleased to partner with her to distribute this award. All children deserve access to brand new books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading."

Broward County Public Schools in Hollywood, Fla., and Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) Library and Media Services in Brownsville, Texas were also recognized for innovative Dia celebrations, which reached a combined 187 elementary schools and 200 early education providers. Each district will receive $500 in credit to the First Book Marketplace.

Nearly 75 schools and educational programs submitted entries to this year's award process.

"We celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day. We need kids' day too," Mora said. "By celebrating all our children and connecting them with bookjoy, the pleasure of reading, we enrich their lives and strengthen our communities."

Book ownership and a print-rich environment are leading indicators of a child's educational success, but for the 32 million children growing up in low-income families in the U.S. alone, books are scarce. Studies have found that in low-income neighborhoods there is only one book for every 300 children; whereas in more moderate income neighborhoods, there are 13 books for every one child.

About First Book

First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that has distributed more than 150 million books and educational resources to schools and programs serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada. With more than 275,000 members, First Book is the largest and fastest growing network of educators exclusively serving kids in need. By making new, high-quality books and educational resources available on an ongoing basis, First Book is transforming the lives of children in need and elevating the quality of education. Eligible educators, librarians, program leaders, and others serving children in need can sign up at firstbook.org/register. For more information, please visit firstbook.org or follow the latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

About Pat Mora

Pat Mora is an award-winning author of Book Fiesta, I Pledge Allegiance, and Water Rolls, Water Rises, among others. A literacy advocate excited about sharing what she calls "bookjoy," Pat founded Children's Day, Book Day, El dia de los ninos, El dia de los libros often known as Dia. A former teacher, university administrator, museum director, and consultant, Pat is a popular national speaker at conferences, campuses, libraries and schools. She has three adult children and a sweet Austin granddaughter. Pat is married to anthropology professor Vern Scarborough and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Contact:

Melanie Boyer

[email protected]

202-639-0114|

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SOURCE First Book

Related Links

http://www.firstbook.org


SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Givex, the proven platform for customer engagement and operational efficiency since 1999, announced today the addition of further enhancements to its WeChat integration to help brands drive customer traffic and retention using Givex loyalty programs.

In China, WeChat is the main way by which customers engage with brands outside physical stores. This Givex integration is designed to further improve the customer's experience with the brand. In the WeChat app, customers can now go to the brand's service account and access the following functions (provided the brand has chosen to make them available):

Even if they haven't enrolled before in the brand's loyalty program, the customer can start collecting points immediately by linking their WeChat account to a new loyalty account

Enroll in the program with a mobile form

Check points balances

Generate a QR code, barcode or single use number which can be scanned by the store to pay with a gift card or collect points

"Customers expect their favorite brands to communicate with them, provide offers and let them make purchases over WeChat," says Clayton Gray, Managing Director - Sales, China, Givex. "These latest enhancements enable businesses to offer their essential loyalty program functionality over WeChat, providing customers with a truly omnichannel experience."

About Givex

Givex operates in over 55 countries, having processed more than 16 billion transactions since 1999, across a wide array of industries. The Givex Platform provides the tools that drive customer engagement while also accelerating operational efficiency, through a merchant's physical, online and mobile sales channels. Using Givex, all these channels generate the valuable and actionable data, protected by the maximum PCI security standards, that is crucial to maintain a competitive advantage in today's fast moving economy.

SOURCE Givex

Related Links

http://www.givex.com


CORAL SPRINGS, Florida, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Jeff Currie, head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs, attributes part of the 20 percent rally in gold this year to uncertainty over the coming U.S. election. "We have a lot of political risk in the market right now, so gold has a strategic purpose," said Currie, explaining that investors often gravitate toward hard assets in times of uncertainty. Recent developments in the sector: GOLDCORP INC. (NYSE: GG), Bullfrog Gold Corp (OTC: BFGC), IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG), Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE: KGC) and YAMANA GOLD INC. (NYSE: AUY).

Bullfrog Gold Corp (OTCQB: BFGC) is pleased to announce that Kjeld Thygesen has joined the Company as an independent Director. Mr. Thygesen brings 46 years of international credentials in the mining research and finance sectors and joins Alan Lindsay, Chairman and David Beling, President and CEO as a member of Bullfrog's Board. Mr. Lindsay and Mr. Beling have been involved with Mr. Thygesen on many business matters for more than 24 years and very much look forward to his able contributions on behalf of the Company.

To read the full BFGC Press Release along with a complete summary of Mr. Thygesen's extensive experience, particularly in precious metals, please go to:http://financialnewsmedia.com/profiles/bfgc.html

Bullfrog Gold Corp. is focused on the further exploration and development of its flagship Bullfrog Gold Project (Project) located 120 miles NW of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company controls 2,200 acres where Barrick Bullfrog Inc. (Barrick) produced 2.3 million ounces of gold during 1989 into 1999. The Company has access to Barrick's large data base, including 157 miles of drilling in 1,298 holes, heap leach test work and much additional data that support the Project. In this regard, it would cost much more than $40 million to re-create this very large data base.

BFGC also refers readers to this link to access a recent, 11-minute audio interview with David Beling, CEO: http://thestockradio.com/dave-beling-ceo-at-bullfrog-gold-corp-bfgc-3165.html

In other mining news and developments in the sector:

GOLDCORP INC. (NYSE: GG) also recently announced an appointment of Charlie Sartain to the Company's Board of Directors, effective as of January 1, 2017. "Charlie will be a tremendous addition to our Board of Directors," said Ian Telfer , Chairman of the Board of Goldcorp. "His technical knowledge and operational experience will be invaluable as we continue to optimize our portfolio and advance our organic pipeline."

IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG) recently announced additional drilling results from its 100% owned Boto Gold Project in eastern Senegal, West Africa. The Company is reporting assay results from twenty-three diamond drill holes at the Malikoundi deposit totaling 2,217 metres, completed prior to the commencement of the rainy season, including five diamond drill holes that were deepened to target footwall mineralization and provide additional geotechnical information.

Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE: KGC) announced the signing of an agreement with GMP Securities L.P. ("GMP") pursuant to which GMP has agreed to purchase, for re-sale on a private placement basis, 5,500,000 common shares of Lundin Gold Inc. ("Lundin Gold") (the "Sale"), representing approximately 4.6% of currently outstanding common shares. GMP is purchasing the shares at a price per share of CAD$5.60, resulting in gross proceeds of CAD$30,800,000.

YAMANA GOLD INC. (NYSE: AUY) provided clarification with respect to information this week that has appeared in the public markets relating to the status of legal proceedings between its subsidiary 0805346 BC Ltd. ("0805") and Ricardo Auriemma ("Auriemma") and to recent developments in Andalgala, a municipality in the Catamarca province of Argentina located 17 kilometres from Agua Rica. Read the full release at YahooFINANCE

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DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNMG) is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNMG is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNMG and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNMG's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNMG is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNMG has been compensated two thousand five hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press release issued by Bullfrog Gold Corp by a non-affiliated third party. FNMG HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNMG undertakes no obligation to update such statements.



Contact Information:

Company: FN Media Group, LLC

Contact email: [email protected]

Phone: +1(954)345-0611





SOURCE FN Media Group LLC
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Alcohol Policy Alliance is expressing both gratitude and outrage in response to Governor Brown's inconsistent actions today on new laws dealing with alcohol policy in the state.

On the good side:

He signed into law both AB 1554 & SB 819 to ban powdered alcohol in California (the state now becomes the 34 th to proactively ban the product)

(the state now becomes the 34 to proactively ban the product) He signed into law AB 2687 making it unlawful for a person who has 0.04 BAC to drive a motor vehicle when a passenger for hire is in the vehicle  this would apply to Uber, Lyft and similar services

He signed into law SB 1046 requiring DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices

On the bad side:

He signed into law AB 1322 which will allow barbershops and beauty parlors to give away alcohol without a license

He vetoed AB 2121 which would have mandated advanced bartender training

"California has put the alcohol industry on notice that we will not tolerate dangerous, youth-oriented products like powdered alcohol now or in the future," stated Thania Balcorta, Co-Chair of California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA). "CAPA is proud to have played a roll in organizing statewide support for the ban."

AB 1554, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), and SB 819, by Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), prohibit the possession, purchase, sale, offer for sale, distribution, manufacture, or use of powdered alcohol in California and would make the violation of those provisions punishable with a fine.

"We are outraged that the Legislature and Governor through AB 1322 have failed to regulate alcohol consumption at 42,000 beauty salons and barbershops," stated Richard Zaldivar, Co-Chair of CAPA and Founder/Executive Director of the Wall / Las Memorias Project. "We now call upon cities and counties to protect the health and safety of youth by enacting local zoning restrictions and effective police enforcement on salons and barbershops."

California suffers more than $22 billion in alcohol-related harm and 10,000 alcohol-related deaths annually. Alcohol Justice has estimated that the number of venues allowed to serve alcohol in the state could now increase by 41% because the Governor signed AB 1322. Additional alcohol-related harm is inevitable with increased availability, especially when there is no license required and no enforcement of current alcohol regulations.

"It's unfortunate that Governor Brown vetoed AB 2121," stated Ruben Rodriguez, Executive Director of Pueblo y Salud and Co-Chair of Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance (L.A. DAPA). "The bill that would have addressed bad retailers, with irresponsible alcohol sales and serving practices, by requiring training to prevent harm to the public."

With regard to the signing of SB 1046 into law, "Alcohol Justice applauds MADD and Senator Hill for successfully passing this bill to create a permanent ignition interlock program in California to limit repeat drunk driving," said Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director/CEO of Alcohol Justice. "However, Governor Brown screwed up in signing AB 1322 and vetoing AB 2121. Nevertheless, the California Alcohol Policy Alliance has shown that dozens of organizations working together can make a difference through legislation controlling drunk driving and dangerous products."

CONTACT:

Michael Scippa 415 548-0492

Jorge Castillo 213 840-3336

SOURCE California Alcohol Policy Alliance
"Teachers, it's time to trade those apples for a delicious fresh baked cookie of your choice on World Teacher Day," said David Kaiser, Executive Vice President, Great American Cookies. "With both our World Teacher Day and It's Your Party promotions, we want people to take time to treat themselves and it's our way of showing how much we value and appreciate our customers. We're looking forward to thanking teachers on October 5 th and we hope everyone takes advantage of our great Cookie Cake offer on October 11."

To take advantage of the "It's Your Party Day" $6 off a Cookie Cake offer, customers may download the Great American Cookie's app via the App Store or Google Play, or signup for the Great American Cookies email list.

For more information and store locations, visit our website www.greatamericancookies.com, follow Great American Cookies national Twitter handle, @Gr8AmCookies, or become a fan of the brand on Facebook www.facebook.com/greatamericancookies.

*While supplies last. Limit one per customer during day of promotion. Counts vary by store. Valid only at participating U.S. stores. No purchase necessary. Must present valid teacher identification for the World Teacher Day promotion. Great American Cookies is managed by GFG Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Franchise Group.

About Great American Cookies www.greatamericancookies.com

Founded in 1977 on the strength of an old family chocolate chip Cookie recipe, Great American Cookies has set the standard for gourmet Cookie sales in a fun, celebratory environment. For over 35 years, Great American Cookies has maintained the heritage and integrity of its products by producing proprietary Cookie dough exclusively from its plant in Atlanta. Great American Cookies is known for its signature Cookie Cakes, trademark flavors and menu of delectable products baked fresh in store. Great American Cookies currently operates in mall-based locations across the United States, as well as internationally in Bahrain, Guam, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/413081

SOURCE Great American Cookies

Related Links

http://www.greatamericancookies.com


ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Latino leaders and civic organizations from across the Central Florida region and the nation launched "Que Vote Mi Gente," a new coalition to mobilize Puerto Rican voters, one of the newest power constituencies in American politics. Puerto Ricans moving from the island to the mainland are one of the fastest growing communities in Central Florida, thereby one of the most newly influential demographic groups in the key swing state. Yet their unique concernswith the exception of momentary national attention surrounding the debt crisis this past Summerhave often been ignored by politicians on both sides of the aisle.

But there's much more to Puerto Rican politics than the Island's economy. Nearly 40% of recent arrivals and 20% of all Puerto Ricans living in Florida lack health insurance. Unemployment among Puerto Ricans in Florida is just over 10%but is more than twice that for recent arrivals, at a devastating 28%. But Puerto Ricans are rapidly gaining political power, and in 2016, both state and national candidates must have an answer to these concerns. For the first time, Puerto Ricans living in Florida are in a position to elect one of their own to represent them in Congress. And Puerto Rican turnout will determine the I-4 corridorone of the most decisive regions in Florida, and therefore one of the most decisive regions in the presidential campaign.

The coalition will launch a series of community engagement events including candidate forums, caravanas (community rallies), PSAs, and a digital campaign around #QueVoteMiGente. By the close of voter registration, organizers in the coalition will have knocked on more than 100,000 doors in the I-4 corridor to educate and mobilize the Puerto Rican vote. And through the efforts of Organize Now, small businesses in the area have set up voter information hubs and take applications for voting by mail. Nearly a thousand voters have requested ballots through participating small businesses to date.

"At Organize Now, we've been working with the grassroots community, business owners, and everyday voters to engage on the issues of Puerto Rico and beyond, focused on ensuring each and every single voter is heard and counted," said Christina Hernandez of Organize Now. "In addition to our direct voter engagement through the caravanas, cafecitos and other community activities, we are launching a digital campaign that will profile Puerto Rican and other Latino voters across the decisive battleground state of Florida. Their faces, their stories and their reasons why this election is so critical for them and their families on the island will be shared on QueVoteMiGente.com."

"The Puerto Rican population in Florida is quickly closing the cap with Cubans as the state's biggest Hispanic group," said Beatriz Lopez, Communications Director, Center for American Progress Action Fund. Those sheer numbers combined with a clear overwhelming majority that have decided to show up to the polls is a powerful indicator of how great their impact will be in November and what issues will rise to the top of 2017, locally and nationally. If candidates and elected leaders aren't paying attention of this voting bloc now, they are making a very big mistake."

"Florida's Puerto Rican community will determine who becomes the next President of the United States," said Jose Calderon, President of the Hispanic Federation. "Through our work with Que Vote Mi Gente, Hispanic Federation is committed to registering, educating and mobilizing hundreds of thousands of voters for the General Election, while facilitating open dialogues on the issues that matter most in Central Florida and in Puerto Rico. Through the candidate forums we are organizing, the PSAs we are developing and the voter outreach we are conducting, our message is simple: Our people must get out to vote!"

Que Vote Mi Gente will live in online platforms, at the national advocacy level, on on the ground, with local grassroots organizing in Central Florida, with both voter registration and turn-out campaigns.

SOURCE Que Vote Mi Gente
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With less than two days to go before the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) could impose a ban on the coffee-like herb kratom, the Botanical Education Alliance (BEA) released data today showing the resulting economic harm ranging from at least $1.2 billion and as high as $5 billion that would be suffered by 10,000 kratom-related vendors. Also today, the American Kratom Association (AKA) revealed that its internal data indicates there are three-five million kratom users in the United States.

Available online at https://www.botanical-education.org/economic-impact-kratom/, the BEA analysis is based on a sample of 163 kratom companies with $1.13 billion in total revenues. The companies projected a loss of 18 percent of business overall if a DEA ban is imposed. Half of the respondents would suffer greater than average losses, since kratom accounts for at least 90 percent of their businesses. The $1.2 billion-$5 billion loss estimates are based on projecting the BEA survey findings to the larger universe of 10,000 kratom-related firms.

The AKA estimate of the total number of customers in the United States reflects a range of proprietary data, including tonnage of shipped kratom and consumption estimates as measured by the average cost of kratom products.

Travis Lowin, director, Botanical Education Alliance (previously the Botanical Legal Defense), said: "With the stroke of a pen, no public comment period, and a trumped-up panic about a nonexistent 'epidemic' of abuse, the DEA is poised to wipe out a legitimate multi-billion-dollar, above-ground business that pays taxes, hires thousands of people, gives to charities, and meets a bona fide consumer demand. This is the very definition of government overreach and it should send chills down the back of every American who is concerned about their right to live freely."

Susan Ash, director, American Kratom Association, said: "Kratom is not an opiate. There is no basis for the hysteria that the DEA has tried but failed to stir up. There is simply no good reason to make felons out of three to five million Americans. These are good people who are exercising their right as adults to use a legal product. There is just no justification for criminalizing their voluntary behavior that harms no one."

Other key BEA findings include the following:

Based, in part, on data published about medical marijuana, industry-wide revenue losses for kratom could range as high as $5 billion . The $1.2 billion low-end estimate included in the BEA report is characterized as "extremely conservative."

. The low-end estimate included in the BEA report is characterized as "extremely conservative." The 163 surveyed companies represent less than 2 percent of all kratom-related vendors but they still account, with $1.13 billion in revenue, for an industry that is larger than soy and almond milk production ( $905 million ) and roughly as large as online medical supplies ( $1.2 billion ).

in revenue, for an industry that is larger than soy and almond milk production ( ) and roughly as large as online medical supplies ( ). The surveyed companies employ 2426 people, of whom nearly 900 would lose their jobs under a DEA ban. When the other 98 percent of companies are factored in, the total job losses would be enormous.

The report also looks at data on tax payments, charitable contributions, and indirect economic impacts.

Under the ill-considered DEA action, the herb kratom could be placed as early as tomorrow (Friday) on an emergency basis in the same drug classification as heroin and LSD, even though (1) there is no documented evidence of a kratom "public health threat," and (2) hundreds of thousands of Americans make use of the herb with no ill effect. The latest on the health and science of kratom are at https://www.botanical-education.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Kratom-Fact-Sheet.pdf and http://www.snopes.com/kratom-banned-by-the-dea/.

Under fire for failing to make headway in the opioid epidemic, the DEA is now seeking to distract the public and lawmakers by focusing unwarranted negative attention on the natural herb kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, a tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. Kratom leaves have been used in countries like Thailand and Malaysia for over 500 years. The herb is now available in the U.S. just like other herbal supplements.

Kratom is not an opiate. Many studies have shown kratom to have positive benefits. Kratom is legal in 44 states. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released a December 2015 report that found: "Kratom does not currently constitute a significant risk to the safety and welfare of Florida residents." Nonetheless, on August 31, 2016, the DEA announced its intention to place kratom into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in order to avoid a supposed "imminent hazard to public safety," which, in reality, does not exist.

In truth, kratom has never been present alone in a single documented death and is as about as habit-forming as the coffee to which it is related. By contrast, pharmaceutical drugs are one of the leading causes of death in this country, killing one American every 19 minutes. Prescription opiate pain killers account for more than 475,000 emergency room visits annually.

ABOUT THE GROUPS

The Botanical Education Alliance is an organization dedicated to educating consumers, lawmakers, law enforcement, and the media about safe and therapeutic natural supplements including Mitragyna speciosa, also known as kratom. BEA's mission is to increase understanding in order to influence public policy and protect natural supplements. The vision of the Alliance is to create a society where every adult has the right to access safe and effective natural supplements. www.botanical-education.org/

The America Kratom Association, a consumer-based non-profit, is here to set the record straight, giving voice to the suffering and our rights to possess and consume kratom. AKA represents tens of thousands of Americans; each with a unique story to tell about the virtues of kratom and its positive effects on our lives. www.americankratom.org

SOURCE Botanical Education Alliance, Washington, D.C.; American Kratom Association

Related Links

http://www.americankratom.org


Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects was awarded this competitively sought after commission and began working with Chuck Swanson, Executive Director for Hancher and members of UI's Facilities group in 2010. According to Chuck, "Working with the project team on the design and construction of our new Hancher has been a once in a lifetime experience. Together we can celebrate the opening, and know that Hancher Auditorium and the arts at the University of Iowa, will enrich the lives of University of Iowa students and Iowans from across the state for generations to come."

Excitement has been percolating all summer. Hancher Auditorium is the first of four newly constructed campus buildings opening after the flood. Beginning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 9, Hancher Auditorium has opened its doors with great fanfare and public engagement. Principal-in-Charge/Design Mitchell Hirsch, AIA, LEED comments, after attending the event, "This was a wonderful celebration that commemorated the return of Greater Iowa City's cultural community living room."

Mr. Pelli describes the new Hancher as "a vision of beauty and a promise of extraordinary performances." With sweeping horizontal forms that echo the landscape and the curve of the river, the design draws from the building's natural surroundings. Parallel forms cantilever at the south end of the building, creating overhangs for the lobby and a second-level terrace. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls below the cantilevers offer panoramic views of the campus and the river.

ABOUT PELLI CLARKE PELLI:

Founded in 1977, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects is led by Senior Principals Cesar Pelli, Fred Clarke, and Rafael Pelli. The firm has designed some of the world's most recognizable buildings, including the World Financial Center in New York, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has been honored with critical acclaim and hundreds of design awards, including the AIA Firm Award and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

twitter.com/PCPArch

instagram.com/pcparch/

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413357

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413358

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413359

SOURCE Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Related Links

http://www.pcparch.com


HOUSTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Heath Consultants Incorporated (Heath) announced today that the company's CEO, Graham Midgley, will retire at the end of November, 2016. Graham's remarkable career spans 20 years of continuous service to the company and its employees. Jeffrey M. Tuttle, currently General Manager for Greer Commission of Public Works and current Heath Board of Directors member, will succeed Mr. Midgley as Chief Executive Officer.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/413043LOGO

"It has been a great honor to lead Heath over the last 20 years and see it grow into one of the world's leading leak detection service and manufacturing businesses," Midgley said. "It's time to hand over the reins as Chief Executive Officer to a new generation of leadership."

During Graham's tenure with Heath the company has more than tripled business in both services and products. His career has been one marked with many recognizable technological achievements to the natural gas leak detection industry.

"Graham's influence and leadership has made Heath a true leader in the gas industry. His guidance and mentorship has influenced many of us at Heath. He knows how to build a solid team and develop people. His footprint on Heath will be long lasting," said Carolyn Heath Haag, President. "The Heath board is grateful for his innumerable contributions to the company and his distinguished tenure as CEO over the past 20 years."

Mr. Tuttle was selected after an extensive search by the Heath board of directors and supported by Heath President, Carolyn Heath Haag. The company was searching for a CEO that would embrace a third generation family-owned business in addition to its new status as a nationally certified Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance.

Jeff has worked in various capacities within the utilities sector over the last 33 years. He served most recently as General Manager for Greer Commission of Public Works since 2014 where he directed the company's day-to-day operations and long-term direction of all utility operations.

Prior to joining Greer CPW Jeff was Vice President and Principal, Gas Utility Services for G2 Integrated Solutions, where he was responsible for expanding G2's presence and services provided to natural gas utilities throughout the United States. From 2002 to early 2013, Jeff worked for CPS Energy and served as the Vice President for CPS Energy's Gas Business Unit in San Antonio, Texas, serving over 330,000 customers. During his tenure, the gas unit consistently ranked among the industry leaders in gas residential customer satisfaction, safety, response times to odor complaints, and financial expense metrics. Jeff enjoyed a successful tenure with Consumers Energy and CMS Energy in Michigan from 1983 to 2002.

He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA), American Public Gas Association (APGA), Blue Ridge Scouting Council, and Greer Relief. From 2011 to 2012, he served as the Chairman of American Public Gas Association (APGA) and Texas Gas Association.

Jeff earned his Master of Science Degree in Industrial Relations from Krannert Graduate School of Management, Purdue University, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.

ABOUT HEATH CONSULTANTS INCORPORATED

Since 1933, Heath Consultants Incorporated has been the leading service provider and manufacturer offering a wide range of products and services to the various utility markets. Heath is based in Houston, Texas with over 1,200 employees across the United States. Heath partners with well-recognized research and development organizations as well as industry trade associations to provide state-of-the-art products and services to various utility markets. For more information, please visit: www.heathus.com.

CONTACT: Vivian Marinelli, Marketing Supervisor - (713) 844-1387

SOURCE Heath Consultants Incorporated

Related Links

http://www.heathus.com


DETROIT, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Ford Health System, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, has licensed its state of the art technology for the development of a new specialty care hospital in southern India. Officials from Pearl Human Care Private Limited, based in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, are planning to break ground on Naruvi Hospital in the city of Vellore as early as next spring. It will infuse a combination of clinical best practices and advanced digital technology into southern India.

"We are so proud to be part of the effort to bring Henry Ford's approach to high quality, cost-effective healthcare to India," says Mark Coticchia, Chief Innovation Officer for Henry Ford Health System. Coticchia's team managed the agreement through the international arm of Henry Ford Health System Innovations. "With the huge increase in lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease, families need access to affordable, sustainable care more than ever. With our medical expertise and innovative technology, Henry Ford is well positioned to share that knowledge and help meet that need."

Bob Riney, Chief Operating Officer for Henry Ford Health System, says the agreement will also benefit families in Michigan and beyond. "The sharing of best practices that were created by our team provides value through the growth of employment right here in Detroit. This was a significant part of our goal when we established the Innovations program and we are thrilled to see our efforts mature and to fuel our growing role in the local economy."

In its first phase, Naruvi Hospital will have 250 beds, with plans to increase that number to 400. The hospital will provide primary care as well as advanced specialty care in such fields as cardiology and orthopedics.

Chairman and Managing Director of Pearl Human Care, Mr. G.V. Sampath says, "We are delighted at the opportunity to work with Henry Ford Health System in setting up a world class health care facility at Vellore. We believe Henry Ford's experience will bring to India modern techniques and practices from the United States that will help revolutionize health care in the region."

Pearl Human Care is planning to establish a network of multi specialty hospitals in and around Vellore that will deploy cutting edge technology and globally advanced medical protocols. Architectural planning for the campus has begun. Naruvi Hospital is expected to open in 2019.

About Henry Ford Health System and Henry Ford Health System Innovations

Henry Ford Health System is a six-hospital system headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of the nation's leading comprehensive, integrated health systems, recognized for clinical excellence and innovation. Henry Ford Health System provides both health insurance and health care delivery, including acute, specialty, primary and preventive care services backed by excellence in research and education. The system is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. Visit HenryFord.com to learn more.

Established in 2011, Henry Ford Health System Innovations engineers the future of healthcare through identifying and commercializing the health system's technologies and know-how. Its main arms include Research and Education, Technology Management, Corporate Innovation, and International Programs. To learn more, visit HenryFord.com/Innovations.

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SOURCE Henry Ford Health System

Related Links

http://www.henryford.com


HILLSDALE, Mich., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillsdale College announced today that senior Eric LaRose has been named a 2016-2017 Young Scholars Award winner by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). This is the second consecutive year a Hillsdale College senior has received this award.

"I'm very excited and honored to have received this award," said LaRose. "To be the second consecutive AEI Young Scholar from Hillsdale speaks to the amazing education and supportive faculty members here. I look forward to beginning this project and sharing my research next year."

Hillsdale College Senior Eric LaRose Earns American Enterprise Institute 2016-17 Young Scholars Award

The Young Scholars Award includes a $5,000 scholarship and an opportunity for LaRose to defend his honors thesis at AEI in spring 2017 and blog at AEI's Values & Capitalism project.

LaRose's thesis, Explaining Urban Abandonment through Factors Other than Population Loss, looks to answer the question: Can free market policies combat urban blight and bring about a revival of American cities? The project will examine industrial and population decline in Detroit, Michigan, by comparing it to similar declines in Cleveland, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri; Gary, Indiana; and Youngstown, Ohio. His research will also look at cities that have counteracted urban blight to see if those policies could be implemented in other cities.

"Eric combines an inquisitive mind with a firm grasp of economics and has chosen an important topic at both the local and national levels," said Dr. Gary Wolfram, professor of economics at Hillsdale College. "I am sure his research will lead to public policy that will improve living conditions in many of our nation's cities."

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College, founded in 1844, has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an extensive educational outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 3.5 million.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413460



SOURCE Hillsdale College
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoegh LNG Partners LP (the "Partnership") today announced that it will host an investor and analyst meeting on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 12:00 P.M. ET in New York City. Institutional investors and analysts interested in attending the event should contact Bryan Degnan of The IGB Group at +1-646-673-9701 or [email protected].

A live Webcast of the presentation and slides will be available to the public on Hoegh LNG Partners' website at http://www.hoeghlngpartners.com or on the link below. Please allow extra time prior to the presentation to visit the site and download any necessary software that may be needed to listen to the Webcast. A replay of the presentation will also be available on the Partnership's website.

Webcast

https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/942/17575

About Hoegh LNG Partners LP

Hoegh LNG Partners (NYSE:HMLP) is a growth-oriented limited partnership formed by Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd. (Oslo Brs: HLNG), a leading floating LNG service provider. HMLP's strategy is to own, operate and acquire floating storage and regasification units ("FSRUs") and associated LNG infrastructure assets under long-term charters. Its FSRUs have an industry leading average remaining firm contract duration of 13.6 years plus options as of June 30, 2016.

Media contact:

Richard Tyrrell

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

+44 7919 058830

www.hoeghlngpartners.com

SOURCE Hoegh LNG Partners LP

Related Links

http://www.hoeghlngpartners.com


black lives matter protesters

Race-relations between the police and black citizens is a huge topic of conversation in America right now.

Athletes are refusing to stand for the national anthem in protest over police killings of unarmed black men, the presidential candidates were asked about the issue in their debate on Monday. And on Tuesday, police near San Diego fatally shot another unarmed black man within minutes of responding to a mental-health-related call.

With this subject in mind, we bring you this story of what an ordinary black family can face when they need the police.

Take for example this series of tweets from by Tristan Riddell, who is best known for his Nerd Party network podcasts The Senate Floor and Nerd Nuptial. For his day job, he works as a videographer/video editor at Northwestern University.

"One of my favorite students had his car stolen last night. He's a 17 year old black male. Thought it would be a good idea to call the cops.

Groceries in hand he checks his LoJack app first and can see that its moving down the road. Cops arrive and immediately frisk him.

They ask him if he's on drugs. He tries to tell them that he just wants his car back.

He shows them on his phone exactly where his car is. They don't believe him so they put him in the squad car and take him in. They process him and take his fingerprints.

He gets to call his mom and she raises hell. After a long time they let him go.

They then allow him to go get his car and the window is broken in. It was exactly where the app said.

This never would have happened to me because I'm white. He called the cops asking for help and got treated like a criminal.

Just because he's black and could afford a fancy car."

Here are the final two tweets in the story:

This is happening everywhere and everyday.  Tristan Riddell (@TheInsaneRobin) September 28, 2016

He still showed up to practice because that's the kind of person he is.  Tristan Riddell (@TheInsaneRobin) September 28, 2016

We reached out to the student who has, so far, not responded to our questions. Riddell has not revealed his identity nor said what city and police department where this occurred, except to reveal that it happened in Illinois.

Story continues

Although Riddell's tweets mention LoJack by name, if the story is true then the subject was probably using some other app instead, as LoJack does not have a consumer app for tracking stolen vehicles.

Northwestern is located in the Chicago suburb of Evanston however the Evanston police have confirmed to Business Insider that this incident did not occur in Evanston.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the first time in its history, the multinational delivery and courier services company, FedEx, has had a shareholder resolution presented at its annual meeting regarding the company's fair employment in Israel/Palestine.

On Monday, September 26 at FedEx Annual Shareholders' Meeting in its national headquarters, Memphis, TN., the company was asked to sign and implement the Holy Land Principles.

The Holy Land Principles  an 8-point corporate code of conduct for American companies doing business in Palestine/Israel are pro-Jewish, pro-Palestinian and pro-company. The Principles do not call for quotas, reverse discrimination, disinvestment/divestment or boycottsonly for fair employment by American companies. The Principles are based on the very effective Mac Bride Principles, which have powerfully advanced fair employment for Catholics in Northern Ireland. Please visit HolyLandPrinciples.org for more information. In particular, view the Animated Internet Video, which presents the issue in a very compelling way. It is the big existential question for American companies in the Holy Land that no longer can be ignored.

Fr. Sean Mc Manus President of the Capitol Hill-based Holy Land Principles. Inc. and Irish National Caucus said: "Shareholder resolutions, as we've come to know them, sprouted in 1972 and, since then, they have become almost compulsory for the Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) community, for faith-based justice and peace communities and for all those concerned with Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. We say our only modest claim is that Holy Land Principles are filling a vacuum that was crying out to be filled. FedEx proves our claim. It was founded in 1971, yet September 26 was the very first time a resolution was presented regarding their fair employment in Palestine/Israel. How extraordinary is that. Talk about the elephant in the (board) room!"

Fr. Manus continued: "But FedEx is not the only case. Indeed, that was par for the course with all the American companies doing business in the Israel/Palestine. Until we launched the Holy Land Principles on International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2012, none of the 545 American companies doing business there had ever been confronted with the issue of their fair employment. (Oxygen Biotherapeutics, now called Tenax Therapeutics has signed the Holy Land Principles on February 1, 2013).

The Resolution on FedEx received over 4 Million votes, 4,423,358 (2.63%) with 41,937,491 abstentions. At close of business on September 27th, the value of FedEx shares was $177.30. So the value of the share votes for Holy Land Principles represents $784,261,373.40. The value of abstentions was $7,435,517,154.30. Therefore, the combined total of money not supporting FedEx was over $8 Billion ($8,219,778,527.70) and, therefore, a total of 46,360,849 votes not supporting FedEx.

Fr. Mc Manus concluded: "Of course, the vote for the Holy Land Principles would have been much larger had this issue not been so flagrantly and disgracefully ignored by the American media over all these years, and neglected, too, by the American public consumers, stakeholders and shareholders, especially the faith-based and SRI communities."

Next year Holy Land Principles, Inc. will file a Resolution calling on FedEx to disclose the breakdown of its workforce, using the nine job categories which are utilized in the U.S. Department of Labor's EEO -1 Report (Equal Employment Opportunity): 1. Officials and managers; 2. Professionals; 3. Technicians; 4. Sales; 5. Office and clerical; 6. Craft Workers (skilled); 7. Operatives (semiskilled); 8. Laborers (unskilled); 9. Service workers."

Fr. Sean Mc Manus

President

Holy Land Principles, Inc.

P.O. BOX 15128

Capitol Hill

Washington, DC 20003-0849

Tel. 202-488-0107

Fax. 202-488-7537

[email protected]

SOURCE Holy Land Principles

Related Links

http://www.HolyLandPrinciples.org


CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety (PPAHS) today released preliminary results of an online survey to better understand what clinicians and the public think about how to solve the opioid epidemic.

The survey was prompted by the recent letter sent by the Surgeon General to physicians in the US urging them to take a part in combating the opioid epidemic. On the Surgeon General website, healthcare providers are encouraged to help solve the opioid epidemic - "Our nation faces an opioid crisis. Health care providers are uniquely positioned to help communities and their patients #TurnTheTide on the opioid epidemic."

"More than 85% of the survey respondents were either a doctor or other clinician," said Michael Wong, JD (Executive Director, PPAHS). "Please note that these are preliminary results of the survey. Final results may differ from these preliminary findings."

The preliminary results show that survey respondents believed that:

Physician over-prescribing of opioids is the major contributor to the opioid epidemic.

Doctors should lead the fight against the opioid epidemic.

To view the infograph, please click here.

About Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety

Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to promote safer clinical practices and standards for patients through collaboration among healthcare experts, professionals, scientific researchers, and others, in order to improve healthcare delivery. For more information, please go to www.ppahs.org.

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SOURCE Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety

Related Links

http://www.ppahs.org


FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today announced that it reached a settlement in a lawsuit the Muslim civil rights organization brought on behalf of the Michigan Islamic Academy (MIA) against Pittsfield Township for unlawfully denying the Islamic school its right to build on its property.

SEE: Justice Department Lawsuit Over Islamic School in Washtenaw County Settled

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2016/09/pittsfield_township_trustees_v.html

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan in August 2012, claimed violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), and the Establishment and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution. [NOTE: RLUIPA protects individuals, houses of worship and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws.]

The federal government intervened in the lawsuit on behalf of MIA in October 2015.

CAIR-MI said the settlement, one of the largest since RLUIPA was enacted, grants MIA the right to build a 70,000 square foot Islamic school, a residential development consisting of 22 duplex units and three single family homes, and a park. The settlement also awards MIA $1.7 million.

"We welcome the settlement with Pittsfield Township and hope the outcome of this case will serve as a deterrent to other municipalities throughout the country seeking to deny Muslim institutions the right to build or expand their facilities on the basis of religion," said CAIR-MI Legal Director Lena Masri.

"In a year when so much has gone wrong for the Muslim community, this settlement is an example of the good things that can happen when Muslim communities stand up for their rights," said Gadeir Abbas, who served as co-counsel on the case.

"This case is a reminder that our country's laws and institutions exist for the benefit of all Americans, including American Muslims," said Jamal Aref, MIA Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

In a separate consent decree reached at the same time with the federal government, Pittsfield Township agreed to post and maintain signage within sight of each public entrance to the Pittsfield Township City Office Government Building and on the first page of its Internet home page for not less than 180 days stating:

"Pittsfield Charter Township does not apply its zoning or land use laws in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of persons, including a religious assembly or institution, does not apply its zoning or land use laws in a manner that treats religious assemblies or institutions on less than equal terms than nonreligious assemblies or institutions, and does not discriminate on the basis of religion in the application of its laws, policies or procedures, including the application of its land use regulations and zoning laws."

The consent decree further requires Pittsfield Township to provide training within 90 days of entry of the consent decree to its officials, employees and contractors on the requirements of RLUIPA, as well as act on all future religious land use applications in a manner that satisfies all provisions of RLUIPA.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La mision de CAIR es mejorar la comprension del Islam, fomentar el dialogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprension mutua.

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational

Subscribe to CAIR's Email List

http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe

Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed

http://twitter.com/cairnational

Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/cairtv

CONTACT: CAIR-MI Legal Director Lena Masri, 248-390-9784, [email protected]; CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, 248-842-1418,[email protected]; Attorney Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

http://www.cair.com


TULSA, Okla., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 440 acres of land adjacent to Cross Timbers Marina and the Tall Chief Cove Recreation Area sold for $2.9 million Tuesday in an auction that attracted 39 registered bidders. Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company conducted the event at The Springs Event Venue in Tulsa.

The land, which was offered in 17 tracts ranging in size from three to 102 acres, ultimately sold to eight bidders.

"We had a great turnout, with a mix of developers, builders, individuals seeking home sites and even a charitable foundation. This isn't surprising given the wide variation in the types of land, with homesites, elevations up to 950 feet, and wooded recreational land," said Brent Wellings, Southwest manager for Schrader. "Most of the high bidders purchased just a single tract, though one buyer purchased seven tracts totaling 290 acres."

The land, much of which has views of Skiatook Lake, included areas with mature hardwoods, open meadows, ponds and creeks.

Schrader's next major auction in Oklahoma will be the offering of 1,976 acres in Pittsburgh and Haskell counties. Individuals interested in additional information on that event may visit www.schraderauction.com or call 800-451-2709.

Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, based in Columbia City, Indiana, is a leading auctioneer of agricultural land throughout the United States and is a five-time USA Today/National Auctioneers Association Auction of the Year winner.

For more information:

Carl Carter, 205-823-3273

SOURCE Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company

Related Links

http://www.schraderauction.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Postgres Vision 2016, the international conference for technology and industry visionaries to explore the future of enterprise Postgres, open source, entrepreneurship, and innovation will feature global cloud and enterprise IT brands like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Avnet, EnterpriseDB, Google, IBM, Infor, Pivotal, and Red Hat. Postgres Vision 2016 takes place October 11-13, 2016, at the iconic Innovation Hangar (iHangar) at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

TWEET: Steve Wozniak keynote @PostgresVision = Future of #Innovation #OpenSource, Oct 11-13, San Fran. Register $99. http://bit.ly/1TGMltl

Legendary entrepreneur and innovator Steve Wozniak, aka "Woz", co-founder of Apple, will deliver a keynote address about innovation and entrepreneurship. He headlines a lineup of more than 35 influential technology and business luminaries, Fortune 500 use cases, and members of the open source data management ecosystem, including an all-star lineup of Postgres community leaders. Kathleen Kennedy, President of MIT Enterprise Forum, will emcee the event.

In addition to keynote sessions, informational panels and presentations will be delivered across four tracks: business; open source community; developer; and ecosystem.

Postgres Vision will feature major figures in technology and government, such as:

Industry leaders: Frank Fanzilli , Director of The Linux Foundation, and former global CIO of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB); Pam Murphy , Chief Operating Officer, Infor; Carl Olofson , Research Vice President, Data Management Software Research, IDC; and Christopher Schroeder , former CEO, Washington Post/Newsweek Interactive; and author of the bestseller, Startup Rising: The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East





Technologists with experience transforming their organizations with open source: James Beutel , Chief Technology Officer, USTRANSCOM; Aaron Carreras , Senior Data Architect, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA); Don Gildore , Head, Systems and Database Department, Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc.; Evan Lee , Chief Technology Officer, Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Brad Peiffer , Director of Database Management Systems, Educational Testing Services; Jothi Periasamy , Chief Data Scientist, Sierra Infosys Inc., and Experfy (Harvard Innovation Lab); Thillai Raj T. Ramanathan , Chief Technology Officer, MIMOS Berhad; Joe Schuler , Vice President and Senior Business Leader, MasterCard; Scott Siu , Product Manager, Alibaba Cloud Computing; Stephen Williams , Head of Technology Architecture, Prudential Corporation Asia; and Terry Wise , Vice President, Worldwide Alliances, Channels, and Ecosystem, AWS





Executives from across the open source ecosystem: Doug Balog , General Manager, IBM Power Systems; Ed Boyajian , President and CEO, EnterpriseDB; Brad Brech , Distinguished Engineer, IBM Academy of Technology; Sachin Dabir , CEO, Ashnik Pte. Ltd.; Meghan Halley , Open Source Director, Carahsoft; Elisabeth Hendrickson , Vice President, Research and Development, Pivotal Software, Inc.; Craig Guarente , CEO and Founder, Palisade Compliance; Chris Van Tuin , Chief Technologist, Red Hat, North America Western Region; and Bram Vijfhuizen, Senior Product Manager, Infor





Leaders from the PostgreSQL Community: Oleg Bartunov, a Major Contributor; and CEO of Postgres Professional; Robert Haas , a Major Contributor and Committer; and Vice President, Chief Database Architect at EDB; Magnus Hagander , Core Team member and Major Developer of the PostgreSQL Global Development Group; and Principal Database Consultant and Open Source Expert at Redpill LinPro; Michael Meskes , Ph.D., President and CEO, credativ Group; and Committer for the Postgres project; Bruce Momjian , Co-founder of the PostgreSQL Global Development Group and Core Team Member; and Senior Database Architect at EDB; and Dave Page , Core Team Member; and Vice President, Chief Architect, Tools and Installers at EDB



For more information and to register, click here.

About Postgres Vision

Postgres Vision focuses on current and future enterprise usage of Postgres and open source data management. This unique event includes insights from technology and business luminaries, Fortune 500 use cases, a look at the Postgres ecosystem, and long-range outlooks from industry legends. The Postgres Vision conference takes place October 11-13 at the Innovation Hangar in San Francisco. Please visit www.PostgresVision.com for the latest updates.

All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

MacKenzie Mercer

+1 781.357.3205

[email protected]

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SOURCE EnterpriseDB

Related Links

http://postgresvision.com


SAN DIEGO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- This Saturday, October 1, 2016, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the Family Health Centers of San Diego present the 10th Annual Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving! San Diego at Memorial Park. The event promotes Hispanic family physical activity and good nutrition for better health and wellness for all. This FREE, open to the public event is made possible by an extraordinary group of partners and volunteers.

"Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving! This is what is all about. getting up, walking, dancing, celebrating life, having fun and incorporating physical activity and healthy behaviors into our daily lives our journey into better health, said Janet Adamian, Regional Director of the Family Health Centers of San Diego.

What:

Health Screenings: Cholesterol, Glucose, Blood Pressure, Vision, Dental

Cholesterol, Glucose, Blood Pressure, Vision, Dental Fitness : Zumba, Soccer and Tennis Clinics

: Zumba, Soccer and Tennis Clinics Health Information: Information on MediCal and Covered California, Financial Planning

Information on MediCal and Covered California, Financial Planning Nutrition: Fresh fruits and healthy snacks available, along with educational resources

Fresh fruits and healthy snacks available, along with educational resources Family fun: Music, Dancing, Raffles, Giveaways

Where: 2975 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA (next to Logan Elementary School)

When: Saturday, October 1, 2016 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Cost: FREE!

"We are celebrating a 10-year anniversary of Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving!, the nation's largest annual event series promoting healthy lifestyles in Hispanic communities," said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation's leading Hispanic health advocacy group. "Driven by a "can-do" volunteer spirit, Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving! is working neighbor-to-neighbor to support healthier environments."

"We are proud to support Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving! events across the country," said Robert Forrester, president of Newman's Own Foundation. "The Foundation places a high priority on improving nutrition access, and National Alliance for Hispanic Health is working at the community level to advance the health and wellness of individuals."

Related Links

http://www.hispanichealth.org



SOURCE National Alliance for Hispanic Health
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lithium Technologies today announced Lithium Reach and Lithium Response have full support for Twitter's newly expanded Tweet lengths. Already being used by Lithium customers, brands can immediately take advantage of the extra text and engage with their followers without photos, videos, GIF links and quoted Tweets counting towards the 140 character limit.

"Our close relationship with Twitter enables us to support new capabilities the moment they go live, giving the digital marketers and customer service pros who use our platform competitive advantage as they look to connect with people on Twitter and other channels," said Katy Keim, CMO of Lithium Technologies. "Social is moving at a lightning fast pace, and the brands that stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of new channels, capabilities and ways to engage are the ones that stand to win. It's not easy, but it's certainly exciting."

Other recent Lithium integrations include support for Twitter's ability to move public conversations to private through Direct Message for improved customer service, as well as support for Twitter's new Customer Feedback feature that allows brands to collect Net Promoter ScoresSM (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) data. Go here to learn more about Lithium Reach's social marketing capabilities, and here for Lithium Response's social customer service capabilities.

About Lithium:

Lithium builds trusted relationships between the world's best brands and their customers, helping people get answers and share their experiences. Customers in more than 34 countries rely on Lithium to help them connect, engage, and understand their total community. With more than 100 million monthly visits over all Lithium communities and 750 million online profiles scored by Klout, Lithium has one of the largest digital footprints in the world. Using that data and the company's software, Lithium customers boost sales, reduce service costs, spark innovation, and build long-term brand loyalty and advocacy. To find out how Lithium can transform your business, and to share the experience enjoyed by 300 other leading brands around the world, visit www.lithium.com, join our community at community.lithium.com, or follow us on Twitter @LithiumTech. Lithium is a privately held company headquartered in San Francisco.

The Lithium logo is a registered Service Mark of Lithium Technologies. All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160322/347129LOGO

SOURCE Lithium Technologies

Related Links

http://www.lithium.com


ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC) today announced it has been recognized by Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), as a 2016 Aon Best Employer. The Aon Best Employers program measures and recognizes employer excellence worldwide.



Marriott Vacations Worldwide has been recognized by the Aon Best Employers program in nine countries, including Australia, Aruba, France, Ireland, Spain, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"It's an honor to be recognized by the 2016 Aon Best Employers program," said Stephen P. Weisz, president and chief executive officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. "We're also proud that Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise in Australia has been added this year. We recognize our associates are the source of our greatness so having them provide positive feedback for this award is a testament to our company culture."

With more than 15 years of experience in best employer studies across the world, and backed by more than 20 years of experience in employee research, the Aon Best Employers program compares organizations to identify those that strive to create a competitive advantage through their people and become employers of choice.

To achieve recognition through the Aon Best Employers program, Marriott Vacations Worldwide was assessed at the country level on four measures:





Engagement Index: Marriott Vacation Worldwide's employees speak positively about their employer, intend to stay and are motivated by their employment experience to do their best work every day. Leadership Index: Marriott Vacation Worldwide's leaders clearly define the vision for the future, recognize employees' critical importance and lead them to success. Performance Culture Index: Marriott Vacation Worldwide's employees are aligned to company goals and are rewarded and recognized for their contributions. Employer Brand Index: Marriott Vacation Worldwide's employees are proud of the company they work for and know what makes the company distinctive as a place to work.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide's culture is the source of the company's success. Marriott Vacations Worldwide is a global family and the company's beliefs and behaviors resoundingly prove this. Marriott Vacations Worldwide celebrates the values that have been the key contributors to the company's legendary success, such as "take care of your associates," "spirit to serve" and the commitment to business integrity. Marriott Vacations Worldwide is home to approximately 10,000 associates worldwide. The company focuses on providing unforgettable vacation experiences to Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott Owners and Members around the globe.

About Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a leading global pure-play vacation ownership company, offering a diverse portfolio of quality products, programs and management expertise with over 60 resorts. Its brands include Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott. Since entering the industry in 1984 as part of Marriott International, Inc., the company earned its position as a leader and innovator in vacation ownership products. The company preserves high standards of excellence in serving its customers, investors and associates while maintaining a long-term relationship with Marriott International. For more information, please visit MarriottVacationsWorldwide.com. Follow us on Twitter at @MarriottVAC and find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MarriottVacationsWorldwide.

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SOURCE Marriott Worldwide Corporation

Related Links

http://www.marriottvacationsworldwide.com


BOSTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nurses from across the Commonwealth will attend a public hearing on Tuesday to express their concerns about patient safety regarding a proposal by the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker that could allow unlicensed people to administer medication in all Massachusetts health care settings.

A public hearing by Gov. Charlie Baker's Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) on proposed regulation changes that could open the door to the health care industry using unlicensed people to administer medication to patients in all Massachusetts health care settings, including intensive care units, acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities.

When: 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016

Where: 239 Causeway St., 4th Floor, Boston, MA

Why: Right now, except in two limited circumstances, only licensed nurses are allowed to administer medications to patients in every setting. Nurses, with years of training and practice, are not only skilled at safely administering increasingly complex medications, but are experts at accurately assessing a patient's reaction to the medications and providing appropriate follow-up care.

"At a time when medical errors are already the third leading cause of death in the United States, this proposal could make a serious health care problem even worse," said Donna Kelly-Williams, an obstetrical and neonatal registered nurse at Cambridge Hospital and president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). "Nurses have extensive education and training in physiology and anatomy, which allows them to properly administer medication to patients in all health care settings and guard against harmful outcomes."

"As frontline nurses, we have witnessed the impact of health care deregulation over the last several years and how the health care industry has used deregulation to degrade the quality and safety of patient care," Kelly-Williams said. "Experienced skepticism shows us that even small amounts of ambiguity in state regulations can open the door to industry misbehavior. In health care, that can be the difference between safe treatment and harm, between life and death."

The Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (MSNO), a non-profit representing hundreds of school nurses, school administrators, public health nurses, practitioners, consultants, educators and retired school nurses, has also expressed serious concerns about the regulations as drafted.

"As a licensed professional nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I have grave concerns if unlicensed personnel - in any health care setting - are allowed to administer certain medications," said MSNO President Carilyn Rains, M.Ed, BSN, RN. "As school nurses, we are continually advocating for the health and safety of school age children who should be receiving the highest standard of care."

The proposed changes by the Board of Registration in Nursing have prompted widespread outrage among nurses and supporters. The MNA and its allies have taken or will take the following actions:

A Change.org petition urging Gov. Baker to stop these regulations in their current form and ensure safe medication administration for all Massachusetts patients has been signed by more than 10,400 people.

patients has been signed by more than 10,400 people. Thousands of nurses, both MNA members and non-union nurses, have reached out to the MNA with concerns about the proposed regulations. Nearly 100 of these nurses are expected to attend the BORN hearing on Tuesday.

Also testifying will be MNA President Donna Kelly-Williams ; Rep. Denise Garlick , D- Needham , a registered nurse; MSNO President Carilyn Rains , M.Ed, BSN, RN; Brigham and Women's Hospital emergency department RN Stacy Brady; Carol Mallia, RN , MSN, MNA associate director of nursing.

; Rep. , D- , a registered nurse; MSNO President , M.Ed, BSN, RN; Brigham and Women's Hospital emergency department RN Stacy Brady; , MSN, MNA associate director of nursing. Ahead of the Oct. 11 deadline for public comment on the regulation proposal, the MNA will submit written testimony detailing specific wording changes that nurses have identified and wish to see incorporated in the final draft of these regulations.

"As a nurse and a mother, I know the safety risks of unlicensed medication administration," said BWH RN Stacy Brady. "My 11-year-old daughter was recently given two wrong vaccines by an unlicensed person at my doctor's office. If I had not caught the mistake, she would have been vulnerable to infection for many years. Imagine what could happen if unlicensed people administered medication in every health care setting in Massachusetts."

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest 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.

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SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.massnurses.org


"Mauricio's expertise lies in his ability to perform complex statistics and analytics within the realms of business and the sciences, often combining the two," said Troy Villarreal, president of HCA Gulf Coast Division. "In doing so, he creates clear yet concise pathways companies should take in regards to defining the healthcare programs for the communities they serve. We are excited Mauricio will now be able to provide such insights on the healthcare market in relation to HCA Gulf Coast as we continue to expand and strengthen the services we offer our customers."

Camargo was most recently an engagement manager at the Houston office of McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm that provides strategic and operational counsel to top management of global corporations and institutions. He started his career at McKinsey & Company as a business analyst, later becoming an associate and senior associate. Camargo also completed stints at Novartis, a multinational biopharmaceutical company, and bioMerieux, a biotechnology and diagnostics multinational corporation.

A native of Colombia, Camargo graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University with bachelor's degrees in physics, biological physics, and economics. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Camargo went on to earn a master's in business administration from Harvard Business School, where he completed independent research on trends and opportunities in the medical device industry and evaluated the market potential for early-stage medical devices. He completed his education by receiving a master of science in health sciences and technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology.

Camargo continues the HCA Gulf Coast tradition of community involvement, having led community service projects throughout his academic and professional tenure, including Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in New Orleans and fund-raising for cholera-affected towns in his native Colombia.

About HCA Gulf Coast Division

HCA Gulf Coast Division is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, emergency centers, and diagnostic imaging facilities. It offers a complete continuum of specialized health programs and services that meet the needs of Greater Houston and South Texas' residents and businesses. HCA affiliated facilities in the Gulf Coast Division include: 13 hospitals, 8 ambulatory centers, 7 off-campus emergency centers, and a regional transfer center that provides one-phone-call access and support for patient transfers into and out of the HCA Gulf Coast Division Affiliated Hospitals, as well as access to ground and air transportation within a 150-mile radius. For more information, visit our website at www.HCAGulfCoast.com.

Debra Burbridge

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

HCA Gulf Coast Division

713-852-1506 (office)

281-851-6275 (cell)

[email protected]

Kim Mathes

Community and Public Relations Director

HCA Gulf Coast Division

713-852-1528 (office)

831-294-1064 (cell)

[email protected]

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SOURCE HCA Gulf Coast Division

Related Links

http://hcagulfcoast.com


SAN DIEGO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Medipacs, Inc., a San Diego-based commercialization-stage medical device company, announced the appointment of industry veteran Michael J. Kamdar to the newly created position of Executive Chairman of the Board. Mr. Kamdar joins with more than 25 years of domestic and international pharmaceutical and biotechnology leadership experience as founder, Board member and Senior Executive of notable pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies such as Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Warner-Lambert, Pfizer, Anadys Pharmaceuticals, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals, Tobira Therapeutics and Ciclofilin Pharmaceuticals. In these roles, Mr. Kamdar has successfully raised hundreds of millions of dollars to fund development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products and completed numerous strategic and corporate transactions totaling more than $1 billion.

"We are very pleased to have someone of Mike's caliber on the Medipacs team," said Mark McWilliams, CEO of Medipacs. "Mike has represented some of the most successful pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the community. His leadership, commercialization and financing experience will be invaluable to Medipacs as we seek to form strategic relationships with pharmaceutical companies to develop and commercialize simple, convenient patient-use infusion devices for their biologic drugs."

"I'm very excited to join the Board of Medipacs at such a pivotal time for the company," said Mr. Kamdar, "Medipacs' technology is best in class and has the potential to revolutionize the way in which patients are treated with biologic drugs. The benefits to patients could be remarkable, and I look forward to working with the Board to realize this potential."

With the election of Mr. Kamdar, Medipacs Board of Directors now includes: Mark McWilliams, CEO, a serial medical device entrepreneur; Harry George, co-founder of Solstice Capital; Jim Utts, a 30-year veteran of infusion products sales and distribution at Baxter; Mark Banister, technology inventor and founder.

About Medipacs

Medipacs, Inc. is a San Diego-based commercialization-stage medical device company with expertise in hydrogel polymers and subcutaneous drug administration devices. The company is developing advanced infusion products based on its proprietary, expanding polymer and is now focused on its first commercial pump, a programmable, wearable, disposable infusion device. For information, please contact Mark McWilliams, CEO, at: (858) 204-6411 or visit www.medipacs.com.

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SOURCE Medipacs, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.medipacs.com


CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Are side hustles becoming the new norm? From bartender to blogger, it's not uncommon for workers to have a side job to earn a little extra money or pursue an area of interest. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, 29 percent of workers have a side hustle, a trend that is especially strong among the millennial demographic. Forty-four percent of those ages 25-34 and 39 percent of those 18-24 have a side gig, compared to 29 percent of those 35-44, 22 percent of those 45-54 and 19 percent of those ages 55 and older.

Workers of all income levels are taking on side work. Nearly 1 in 5 workers making more than $75k (18 percent) and 12 percent of those making more than $100k currently have a gig outside of their full time job. This is compared to a third of workers making below $50k (34 percent) and 34 percent earning below $35k.

Workers with side gigs are more common in the South than any other region in the U.S., at 34 percent. This compares to 29 percent of workers in the West, 27 percent in the Midwest and 23 percent in the Northeast.

Broken down by industry, leisure and hospitality (34 percent), retail (33 percent) and transportation (32 percent) workers are most likely to have a side gig, followed by:

Health care: 30 percent

Sales: 30 percent

IT: 27 percent

Financial services: 24 percent

Manufacturing: 19 percent

More than 3,200 workers in the private sector across industries and company sizes participated in the nationwide survey, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder from May 11 to June 7, 2016.

"Side hustles not only provide financial benefits to workers, but they make them more attractive candidates to employers, especially in a competitive job market," said Rosemary Haefner, Chief Human Resources Officer at CareerBuilder. "When you're applying to jobs, especially when you're at the start of your career, other applicants could have more experience in your particular field. If you bring more skill sets to the table and have a unique perspective on how things can be done, you're sure to stand out from the crowd and be seen as a valuable potential hire."

Side Hustles to the Rescue

Some workers may be taking on side hustles to help overcome the day-to-day drag of their day jobs. Eight in ten workers (80 percent) say they are not in their dream jobs, and 44 percent say they don't think they ever will be. Still, 71 percent of workers with a side hustle do not want to turn their side gig into their day job and 76 percent don't plan to own their own business in the future.

Below are the types of side hustles workers are most often doing in addition to their regular work hours:

Survey taker

Childcare

Consultant

Freelance writer

House sitter

Blogger

Bartender

Photographer/videographer

Website designer

Tutor

Some workers cited more unique side gigs:

Mystery shopper

BBQ contest official

Firewood processor

Trailer checker

Tattoo apprentice

Overall, workers who have a side hustle are more passionate about their day jobs (39 percent) than their side hustles (36 percent).

3 Ways Your Side Hustle Helps You Be a Better Employee

A smart entrepreneur  one who follows the rules at work and gets their job done while still building a side business  is a big asset to their company. Haefner recommends workers pursue opportunities outside office hours because as entrepreneurs, employees are:

Gaining skills off the clock: Building your own business in your spare time gives you real-world experience you can add to your resume and bring to your next job interview. There's no better way to learn than hands-on. What employers want: Employers are looking for innovative, proactive team members and self-starters to achieve organizational results. These characteristics best describe an entrepreneur. Boosting your creativity: Entrepreneurial employees thrive when handed something to create. At its core, entrepreneurship is about creating something  taking ideas and making them come to life.

Some employers have policies that address engaging in business endeavors that could potentially conflict with the employer's business. If you're considering a side hustle, check with your employer's policies before you spend time and money seriously pursuing your interests.

Survey Methodology

This nationwide 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 +/- 1.72 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.

About CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder is the only end-to-end human capital management company covering the entire candidate lifecycle and employee lifecycle for businesses. As the global leader in its industry, CareerBuilder specializes in cutting-edge HR software as a service to help companies with every step of talent acquisition and management. CareerBuilder works with top employers across industries, providing solutions for talent and labor market analytics, job distribution, candidate sourcing, tracking, onboarding, HRIS, benefits administration and compliance. It also operates leading job sites around the world. Owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE:TGNA), Tribune Media (NYSE:TRCO) and McClatchy (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

Michael Erwin

773.527.3637

[email protected]

http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR

SOURCE CareerBuilder

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NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global mining chemicals market is expected to reach USD 38.01 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Positive mining industry outlook in India, China, Australia, Peru, and Chile is expected to drive the market over the forecast period. The presence of abundant raw materials including rare earth metals in China, Russia, Australia, Thailand, and the U.S. is expected to facilitate exploration activities, thus propelling demand for the product.



Australia has the third largest rare earth metal reserves in the world. In Russia, companies have been investing increasingly in the development of new extraction techniques to recover uranium. These factors are likely to have a positive impact on growth. Decrease in ore quality of zinc, lead, copper, and nickel is expected to promote utilization of sophisticated technologies requiring frothers, flocculants, grinding aids, and solvent extractants.



Further key findings from the report suggest:



Grinding aids dominated the global market accounting for over 40.0% of the global market share in 2015. Grinding aids help in improvement of the extraction process and requires low maintenance. In addition, utilization of grinding aids for the mining process reduces pollution and other harmful effects on the environment. Increasing concerns regarding the cost of grinding the minerals are expected to propel utilization of grinding aids over the forecast period.



Explosives & Drilling application dominated the market in 2015 and is projected to be the fastest growing segment owing to rapid depletion of shallow surface reserves which has led to the requirement of deep surface mining activities. Moreover, mining chemicals are also utilized for the efficient breaking of rocks during mining, thereby reducing cost and saving time during mineral processing.



Asia Pacific accounted for over 40.0% market share in 2015 and is projected to witness the fastest growth on account of the rapid industrial development and increasing focus on sustainability. Market players have been investing increasingly in the mining industry in the region which is expected to have a positive impact on demand for mining chemicals.



In June 2013, BASF established its new R&D laboratory in Johannesburg, to develop new mining chemicals and product differentiation. High raw material cost coupled with high logistic cost is expected to restrain entry of new players in the industry. High capital cost is also expected to be a major restraint for the manufacturers. In addition, stringent government regulations to reduce environmental pollution are expected to have an adverse impact on the market players over the next eight years.

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Monetary Metals announces its partnership with Ashton Stewart & Co., Inc. (Ashton Stewart). Ashton Stewart will offer the Monetary Metals Gold Exponential Fund to accredited investors. Ashton Stewart is a FINRA-licensed broker-dealer headquartered in New York. Ashton Stewart will also provide compliance for Monetary Metals' growing sales team.

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The Monetary Metals Gold Exponential Fund is a managed, private investment created to meet the needs of sophisticated investors looking to put their gold to work. The Fund seeks to compound investors' physical gold, while vaulting it outside the banking system to avoid counterparty risk.

"We are looking forward to our partnership with Monetary Metals to offer accredited investors unique precious metal backed products to help them diversity their holdings," said Braun Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Ashton Stewart.

"Ashton Stewart is a forward-thinking and gold-savvy broker-dealer. We are excited to partner with them to bring our Fund to more investors who could benefit from its unique structure," said Keith Weiner, CEO of Monetary Metals.

About Monetary Metals

Monetary Metals is the pioneer in gold investments. Monetary Metals believes a prudent investment strategy utilizes assets to generate yield, not to speculate. The company's flagship offering is the Gold Exponential Fund. Monetary Metals also offers a fixed income product, with other investment vehicles under development. Monetary Metals publishes groundbreaking research to help investors understand the emerging role of gold as the ultimate measure of wealth.

CONTACT:

Arie Levy-Cohen

Email

917.692.6999

About Ashton Stewart

Ashton Stewart International Holdings is a diversified financial services holding company. ASIH companies include an independent middle-market investment bank, a registered investment advisory firm, and a corporate finance advisory services and consulting business. Capabilities of the combined entities include advisory services to corporations, partnerships, and institutions for mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings, private equity and debt placements, structuring and placing unique securities transactions, business valuation, market development, and strategic planning services, institutional asset management, as well as wealth management and financial planning services for individuals.

CONTACT:

Braun Jones

Email

866.939.1967

SOURCE Monetary Metals & Co.
"As every one of us, our families and our communities become increasingly connected, it becomes even more critical to practice good cybersecurity habits," said Michael Kaiser, NCSA's executive director. "Each October is the commencement of a new effort to help every digital citizen and business across the globe learn how to take simple security precautions to protect themselves and their personal information and share the responsibility of protecting others online."

NCSAM 2016 comes on the heels of the announcement of Lock Down Your Login, a STOP. THINK. CONNECT. initiative led by the White House and the National Cyber Security Alliance and developed by a coalition of industry leaders and like-minded organizations working in collaboration with government who understand the importance of cybersecurity awareness and education. The campaign was built upon a broad, coordinated effort to increase consumer awareness of our individual and collective roles in cybersecurity. In February 2016, President Obama issued the Cybersecurity National Action Plan (CNAP), part of which called upon NCSA to develop a campaign under STOP. THINK. CONNECT. to encourage Americans to move beyond just the password to leverage multiple factors of authentication when logging in to online accounts (see White House Fact Sheet). Usernames and passwords are not enough to secure online accounts, and Lock Down Your Login aims to promote the rapid adoption of strong authentication and secure login tools and technologies that make it easier and more convenient for everyone to use the internet with greater peace of mind. The Lock Down Your Login campaign represents how the public and private sectors can work together in collaboration with the shared goal of making the internet safer, more secure and more trusted. Visit lockdownyourlogin.com to learn more.

"A recent NCSA/Microsoft survey[1] of 13- to 17-year-old teens and parents of 13- to 17-year-olds revealed a strong interest in securing personal information  both parents and teens said that preventing identity theft is the top online safety topic they would like to learn more about," said Kaiser. "The Lock Down Your Login campaign comes at a great time, as NCSAM launches, and highlights a simple call to action that will help internet users reduce their risk of identity theft by adding extra protection to the key apps, accounts and websites they use."

It's easy to get involved and support NCSAM. Individuals, companies and organizations of all sizes are encouraged to become Champions. Currently there are more than 775 NCSAM Champions (535 organizations and 240 individuals)  corporations, governments and individuals worldwide who will play an active role in sharing important cybersecurity messages at home, in their local communities, and at work. Learn how to become a Champion here.

NCSAM 2016 is also the sixth anniversary of STOP. THINK. CONNECT., the global online safety awareness and education campaign led by NCSA and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) and with federal engagement led by DHS. STOP. THINK. CONNECT. is based on simple, actionable advice that anyone can follow to be safer online. The campaign has grown substantially since its inception, with more than 460 small and large businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and other organizations registered as STOP. THINK. CONNECT. partners, resources available in five languages and active partnerships around the world. View a list of STOP. THINK. CONNECT. partners and sign up to join the campaign here.

"Every year for the last 12 years we have seen increasing support for and engagement in NCSAM," said Kaiser. "We count on small and large businesses, schools, nonprofits and other organizations to get involved and help educate the people they reach and serve about being safer online."

NCSA recommends following these STOP. THINK. CONNECT. tips throughout October  and year-round  to help yourself and those around you be more #CyberAware:

Lock Down Your Login: Fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media.

Fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media. Keep a clean machine: Keep all software on internet-connected devices  including PCs, smartphones and tablets  up to date to reduce risk of infection from malware.

Keep all software on internet-connected devices  including PCs, smartphones and tablets  up to date to reduce risk of infection from malware. Personal information is like money. Value it. Protect it.: Information about you, such as purchase history or location, has value  just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it's collected by apps and websites.

Information about you, such as purchase history or location, has value  just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it's collected by apps and websites. When in doubt, throw it out: Cybercriminals often use links in email, social posts and texts to try to steal your personal information. Even if you know the source, if something looks suspicious, delete it.

Cybercriminals often use links in email, social posts and texts to try to steal your personal information. Even if you know the source, if something looks suspicious, delete it. Share with care: Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it could be perceived now and in the future.

Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it could be perceived now and in the future. Own your online presence: Set the privacy and security settings on websites and apps to your comfort level for information sharing. It's OK to limit how and with whom you share information.

Check out this infographic for key STOP. THINK. CONNECT. tips you can follow to be safer and more secure in your everyday online life. Download and share it on social media using the hashtag #CyberAware!

Week 1 NCSAM Resources

DHS STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Toolkit: This toolkit provides cyber resources to help you be safer online, host a cyber event or start a cyber discussion. Materials include cyber tip cards on relevant cyber topics like mobile security and social media, presentations and other resources. The toolkit was made for all audiences, including students, teachers, industry, small business, government, law enforcement and young professionals.

This toolkit provides cyber resources to help you be safer online, host a cyber event or start a cyber discussion. Materials include cyber tip cards on relevant cyber topics like mobile security and social media, presentations and other resources. The toolkit was made for all audiences, including students, teachers, industry, small business, government, law enforcement and young professionals. ConnectSafely.org Senior's Guide to Online Safety: ConnectSafely.org's guide is a detailed resource designed for older adults who are exploring the online world. This guide includes tips about communicating safely online, securing accounts, online shopping and dating, scams and much more.

ConnectSafely.org's guide is a detailed resource designed for older adults who are exploring the online world. This guide includes tips about communicating safely online, securing accounts, online shopping and dating, scams and much more. #CyberAware Newsletter: #CyberAware is a monthly newsletter  created for parents  by NCSA. Each month, the newsletter shares family online safety news and resources and the latest from the Stay Safe Online blog. Sign up to receive the newsletter here.

#CyberAware is a monthly newsletter  created for parents  by NCSA. Each month, the newsletter shares family online safety news and resources and the latest from the Stay Safe Online blog. Sign up to receive the newsletter here. LockDownYourLogin.com: Usernames and passwords are no longer enough to keep your accounts secure. Anyone with your username and password can access your account. Visit LockDownYourLogin.com to easily learn how to move beyond the password and better secure your online accounts.

Usernames and passwords are no longer enough to keep your accounts secure. Anyone with your username and password can access your account. Visit LockDownYourLogin.com to easily learn how to move beyond the password and better secure your online accounts. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Resources: The FTC's OnGuardOnline portal provides news, tips, resources, videos and more to help you, your family and the community stay safer and more secure online. WiFi hotspots, like the ones in coffee shops, airports and hotels, are convenient, but they often aren't secure. Use these tips to help you protect your personal information.

Norton by Symantec Cyberbullying eBook: In 2015, the Norton Cybersecurity Insights Report found that 27 percent of US parents felt their children were more likely to be bullied online than in the classroom. The Norton Cyberbullying eBook is a conversation guide designed to help parents understand cyberbullying, recognize the warning signs and start a conversation with their children on this sensitive issue.

In 2015, the Norton Cybersecurity Insights Report found that 27 percent of US parents felt their children were more likely to be bullied online than in the classroom. The Norton Cyberbullying eBook is a conversation guide designed to help parents understand cyberbullying, recognize the warning signs and start a conversation with their children on this sensitive issue. NSA Day of Cyber: The NSA Day of Cyber is a free, interactive web platform that enables students to test-drive and experience a day in the life of six NSA cyber professionals. The program introduces students to challenging real-life cyber scenarios while engaging them to explore the growing number of careers in computer science and cybersecurity. You can register here.

The NSA Day of Cyber is a free, interactive web platform that enables students to test-drive and experience a day in the life of six NSA cyber professionals. The program introduces students to challenging real-life cyber scenarios while engaging them to explore the growing number of careers in computer science and cybersecurity. You can register here. Rethink Cyber Safety Rules and the "Tech Talk" With Your Teens: Today more than ever, teens lead complex online lives and are faced with real-world problems online. As technology continues to become fully integrated into young people's lives, it will be difficult for parents to know everything their children do online. Based on research by NCSA and Microsoft that revealed disconnects between parents and teens on rules and the help seeking behavior of teens online. NCSA revised its recommendations one the family tech talk to help both parents and teens learn how to better recognize and resist online issues and be resilient when faced with problems.

Today more than ever, teens lead complex online lives and are faced with real-world problems online. As technology continues to become fully integrated into young people's lives, it will be difficult for parents to know everything their children do online. Based on research by NCSA and Microsoft that revealed disconnects between parents and teens on rules and the help seeking behavior of teens online. NCSA revised its recommendations one the family tech talk to help both parents and teens learn how to better recognize and resist online issues and be resilient when faced with problems. Hacksy: Hacksy is a fun, interactive security tool that can help you check your passwords, repair leaked or hacked accounts and activate strong authentication. Decoded is offering this tool for free in October in support of NCSAM.

Upcoming NCSAM Events

NCSAM European Launch, Friday, Sept. 30 , Brussels, Belgium : The European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), the European Banking Federation and Europol EC3 will host the launch of European Cyber Security Month with an event in Brussels . Learn more here.

: The European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), the European Banking Federation and Europol EC3 will host the launch of European Cyber Security Month with an event in . Learn more here. NCSAM U.S. Launch Events, Tuesday, Oct. 4  Wednesday, Oct. 5 , Bellevue and Spokane, WA : DHS leadership and NCSA will officially kick off NCSAM on Oct. 4 at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, WA , and follow the launch with events in Bellevue and Spokane on Oct. 5 focusing on education, workforce development and small and medium-sized business initiatives. Learn more about and register for the Bellevue events here. Spokane event details and registration can be found here.

DHS leadership and NCSA will officially kick off NCSAM on at the Hyatt Regency in , and follow the launch with events in and on focusing on education, workforce development and small and medium-sized business initiatives. Learn more about and register for the Bellevue events here. Spokane event details and registration can be found here. #ChatSTC Twitter Chat  STOP. THINK. CONNECT.: The Basics of Online Safety, Thursday, Oct. 6 , 3 p.m. EDT / noon PDT : This #ChatSTC Twitter chat will discuss simple ways you can protect yourself, your family and your community online, and explore how to engage young people in responsible technology use and pursue careers devoted to protecting the internet. Use #ChatSTC to join!

: This #ChatSTC Twitter chat will discuss simple ways you can protect yourself, your family and your community online, and explore how to engage young people in responsible technology use and pursue careers devoted to protecting the internet. Use #ChatSTC to join! IMCP West Coast Summit on Minority Underrepresentation in Cybersecurity, Thursday, Oct. 6 , 12-6 p.m. (PDT) , Symantec Headquarters, Mountain View, CA : Cybersecurity thought leaders will hold a series of expert panels and audience-driven discussions and examine ways to further the inclusion of underrepresented minorities in the field. Learn more and register for the event here.

: Cybersecurity thought leaders will hold a series of expert panels and audience-driven discussions and examine ways to further the inclusion of underrepresented minorities in the field. Learn more and register for the event here. The Mid-South Cyber Security Summit, Friday, Oct . 14, FedEx Institute of Technology, University of Memphis , Memphis, TN : The Cyber Security Summit is an annual event bringing together cybersecurity leaders in government, corporations and research to address the most pressing concerns and emerging trends facing our society today. The 2016 event, hosted by NCSA, the FedEx Institute of Technology Cluster for the Advancement of Cybersecurity and Testing (CAST) and the Center for Information Assurance, will focus on new cyber threats and counterintelligence. The event will be livestreamed here. Learn more and register for the Summit here.

. The Cyber Security Summit is an annual event bringing together cybersecurity leaders in government, corporations and research to address the most pressing concerns and emerging trends facing our society today. The 2016 event, hosted by NCSA, the FedEx Institute of Technology Cluster for the Advancement of Cybersecurity and Testing (CAST) and the Center for Information Assurance, will focus on new cyber threats and counterintelligence. The event will be livestreamed here. Learn more and register for the Summit here. NCSAM Week 3 Keystone Event, Wednesday, Oct. 19 , 9 a.m.  1 p.m. (PDT) , Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, Los Angeles, CA : The City and County of Los Angeles are hosting a keystone event as part of NCSAM week 3; panel discussions will address recognizing and combating cybercrime as a community and cybersecurity for small businesses. Learn more and register for the event here.

All month long, you can follow the NCSAM conversation on social media using the hashtag #CyberAware (and tagging your own posts with #CyberAware, too!). Additionally, @STOPTHNKCONNECT will host weekly Twitter chats throughout October to discuss different topics and trends in cybersecurity. Tune in each Thursday at 3 p.m. EDT to join the conversation, and visit the STOP. THINK. CONNECT., website for the full chat schedule. NCSA has created sample social media posts, infographics, posters, memes and more that encourages organizations and individuals to show their support for NCSAM and that can be downloaded and shared. You can also get the latest resources as they are available by registering as a NCSAM Champion. Finally, check out the Stay Safe Online blog for NCSAM posts from NCSA and partners during the month of October.

About National Cyber Security Awareness Month

National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online. Now in its 13th year, NCSAM is co-founded and co-led by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, the nation's leading nonprofit public-private partnership promoting the safe and secure use of the Internet and digital privacy. Recognized annually in October, NCSAM involves the participation of a multitude of industry leaders  mobilizing individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, academia, multinational corporations and governments. Encouraging digital citizens around the globe to STOP.THINK. CONNECT., NCSAM is harnessing the collective impact of its programs and resources to increase awareness about today's ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Visit the NCSAM media room to learn more.

About the National Cyber Security Alliance

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NCSA's Board of Directors, which includes representatives from ADP; AT&T Services, Inc.; Bank of America; Barclays; BlackBerry Corporation; Cisco; Comcast Corporation; ESET North America; Facebook; Google; Intel Corporation; Logical Operations; Microsoft Corp.; NXP Semiconductors; PayPal; PKWARE; Raytheon; RSA, the Security Division of EMC; Salesforce; SANS Institute; Symantec and Visa Inc. NCSA's core efforts include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October), Data Privacy Day (January 28) and STOP. THINK. CONNECT., the global online safety awareness and education campaign cofounded by NCSA and the Anti Phishing Working Group, with federal government leadership from DHS. For more information on NCSA, please visit staysafeonline.org/about-us/overview/.

About STOP. THINK. CONNECT.

STOP. THINK. CONNECT. is the global cybersecurity education and awareness campaign. The campaign was created by an unprecedented coalition of private companies, nonprofits and government organizations with leadership provided by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security leads the federal engagement in the campaign. Learn how to get involved at stopthinkconnect.org.

[1] Keeping Up With Generation App: NCSA Parent/Teen Online Safety Survey (https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/resources/research-findings-keeping-up-with-generation-app-ncsa-parent-teen-online-safety-study)

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SOURCE National Cyber Security Alliance

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National PTA and Guitar Center have teamed up to bring resources to families, schools and PTAs across the country to inspire students' creativity through the National PTA Reflections arts in education program.

"Participation in the arts enables students to explore their talents and express themselves while building their confidence and sense of accomplishment. Involvement in the arts is also closely associated with students' social and emotional development and civic engagement," said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. "National PTA is thrilled to team up with Guitar Center to provide more students the opportunity to experience the joy and important benefits that come from participating in the arts."

As part of the collaboration, Guitar Center will donate musical instruments to a number of local PTAs across the country to support their arts education efforts, inspire students to participate in the National PTA Reflections program and spark students' interest to create music. Local PTAs will also have the opportunity to tap into a wide range of support from Guitar Center locations in their areas, such as having Guitar Center instructors serve as judges for their Reflections programs. With studios in nearly 100 stores, Guitar Center Lessons provides a world-class music education in many genres for musicians of all ages and skill levels.

"Learning to play music can be an amazing, life-changing experience that can help improve a student's self-confidence, but also boost their academic performance over time," said Krista Shue, national director of Guitar Center's Lessons program. "We're excited about the opportunity to collaborate with National PTA to introduce more children to learning music and fostering the skills necessary to think creatively."

National PTA Reflections is a recognition program through which students are encouraged to explore their creativity and be involved in the artsin the classroom and at home. National PTA and PTAs nationwide urge students from preschool through grade 12 to create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choicedance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual artsthat reflect on an annual theme. The 2016-2017 National PTA Reflections theme is "What Is Your Story?"

Submissions are reviewed by visual, literary and performing art experts, and students are recognized each year at the local, state and national levels for their artistic ingenuity in bringing the theme to life. Guitar Center will make it possible for a National PTA Reflections award recipient to travel to the nation's capital in January to participate in a special ceremony at the U.S. Department of Education.

"The National PTA Reflections program has inspired millions of students to explore their talents and be involved in the arts for nearly 50 years," added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. "National PTA and Guitar Center share a commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to experience the arts, as it is essential to helping them reach their full potential and preparing them for long-term success."

About National PTA

National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth.

About Guitar Center

Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording, live sound, DJ and lighting equipment. With more than 270 stores across the U.S. and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry, Guitar Center has helped people make music for more than 50 years. Guitar Center also provides customers with an in-house, state-of-the-art lesson facility through its GC Lessons programs in more than 100 stores, where musicians of all ages and skill levels can learn to play a variety of instruments in many music genres. Additionally, Guitar Center's sister brands include Music & Arts, which operates more than 140 stores specializing in band & orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students, and Musician's Friend, a leading direct marketer of musical instruments in the United States. With an unrivalled in-store experience, an industry-leading online presence and passionate commitment to making gear easy-to-buy, Guitar Center is all about enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable joy that comes from playing an instrument.

SOURCE National PTA

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LONDON, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global natural oil polyols (NOP) market is expected to reach USD 11.30 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing demand for environment-friendly polymers on account of volatile prices of conventional plastics/polymers is expected to drive global NOP market.



Regulatory support in the form of financial incentives from European Commission for the adoption of environment-friendly polymers is estimated to augment market growth. The growing use of NOP for metallic & plastic coatings and door foams & headliners in the transportation industry coupled with its increasing acceptance for cushioning in footwear, and for concrete & wood coatings in the construction sector is also projected to drive the NOP market growth over the forecast period.



Further key findings from the report suggest:



Global natural oil polyols market demand was 1.89 million tons in 2015 and is expected to reach 3.57 million tons by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2016 to 2024



Soy oil polyols emerged as the leading product segment and accounted for 36.2% of total market volume in 2015. The ease of processing and abundant availability of raw materials on account of increasing soy acreage particularly in the U.S. and Brazil is expected to drive this segment over the forecast period.



Castor oil polyols and palm oil polyols are expected to witness above average growth rates over the forecast period. Increasing demand for high purity NOP at lower prices coupled with advancements in extraction technologies is expected to lead to the development of castor & palm oil-based polyols.



North America was the leading regional market and accounted for 44.4% of global demand in 2015. The growing demand for bio-based polyurethane coupled with the availability of key raw materials such as soy in the U.S. is expected to drive the regional market.



Asia Pacific is projected to witness the highest growth of 7.7% from 2016 to 2024. Increasing infrastructure spending in China and India coupled with the abundant availability of raw materials such as palm oil and castor oil in South East Asian countries is expected to have a positive influence on the regional market growth.



Some leading companies operating in the global natural oil polyols market include BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Cargill Inc, Huntsman Corporation, Jayant Agro Organics Ltd, BioBased Technologies LLC, Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc., Stepan Company, IFS Chemicals Group, Bayer MaterialScience, and Emery Oleochemicals.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) has approved Duke Energy's acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas. Today's order is the final regulatory approval needed to close the transaction.

The transaction is expected to close Monday, Oct. 3.

"This combination provides clear benefits to our customers and the environment as we continue to expand our use of low-cost and clean natural gas and invest in pipelines," said Lynn Good, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy. "We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Piedmont's team for years, and we are eager to welcome them to Duke Energy in the coming days."

The Tennessee Regulatory Authority and Piedmont's shareholders previously approved the transaction, and the United States Federal Trade Commission has already granted early termination of the waiting period under the federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

Duke Energy will acquire Piedmont  an energy services company primarily engaged in regulated natural gas distribution  for approximately $4.9 billion in cash and assumption of approximately $1.8 billion in Piedmont existing net debt, representing total enterprise value of approximately $6.7 billion.

The acquisition will add Piedmont's 1 million natural gas customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to Duke Energy's existing customer base of 525,000 natural gas customers and 7.4 million electric customers. Piedmont's Tennessee service territory represents a new addition to Duke Energy's footprint and includes the growing Metropolitan Nashville area and seven middle-Tennessee counties.

Piedmont will retain its name, operate as a business unit of Duke Energy and maintain its significant presence in Charlotte.

Among the benefits of the acquisition for North Carolina and South Carolina are:

To ensure Piedmont's North Carolina natural gas customers receive a benefit from the projected transaction-related cost savings, their bills collectively will decrease by approximately $10 million by Dec. 31, 2016 . Piedmont's South Carolina natural gas customer bills collectively will decrease by approximately $1.1 million .

natural gas customers receive a benefit from the projected transaction-related cost savings, their bills collectively will decrease by approximately by . natural gas customer bills collectively will decrease by approximately . The combined company has committed to make annual charitable and community support contributions of at least $17.5 million in North Carolina in 2017-2020. In South Carolina , committed annual contributions during the four-year period are expected to total $3.55 million .

in in 2017-2020. In , committed annual contributions during the four-year period are expected to total . The combined company has committed to provide $7.5 million to low-income household energy assistance and community workforce development programs in North Carolina , and $1.6 million in South Carolina , during the first year after the acquisition.

to low-income household energy assistance and community workforce development programs in , and in , during the first year after the acquisition. North Carolina and South Carolina retail and wholesale customers are expected to receive a proportional share of the anticipated $35 million in fuel-related savings (approximately $22.8 million for North Carolina customers, $6.7 million for South Carolina customers and $5.5 million for wholesale customers). This is in addition to the $687 million in savings already guaranteed in connection with Duke Energy's 2012 merger with Progress Energy.

About Duke Energy

Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.4 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 24 million people. Its Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact: Tom Williams

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) today approved Duke Energy's acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY). That action is the final regulatory approval needed to close the transaction. The transaction is expected to close on October 3, 2016.



Piedmont Natural Gas Chairman, President, and CEO, Thomas E. Skains, commented, "We look forward to completing this strategic transaction and becoming a part of Duke Energy. Piedmont's combination with Duke Energy will provide clear benefits to our customers and the communities we serve. Today's final regulatory approval reflects the culmination of much hard work and collaboration on the part of both companies and we look forward to doing great things together."



Duke Energy will acquire Piedmont for approximately $4.9 billion in cash and the assumption of approximately $1.8 billion in long term debt, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $6.7 billion.



As a wholly owned subsidiary of Duke Energy, Piedmont will retain its name and brand and will maintain its significant presence in Charlotte and the other communities it serves.

About Piedmont Natural Gas

Piedmont Natural Gas is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than one million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including customers served by municipalities who are wholesale customers. Our subsidiaries are invested in joint venture, energy-related businesses, including unregulated retail natural gas marketing, regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage, and regulated intrastate natural gas transportation businesses. More information about Piedmont Natural Gas is available on the Internet at http://www.piedmontng.com/.

SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas

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SYDNEY, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NetSuite Inc. (NYSE: N), the industry's leading provider of cloud financials / ERP and omnichannel commerce software suites, today announced a host of product enhancements to NetSuite OneWorld, delivering deep global financial capabilities designed for Australia and New Zealand-headquartered businesses and multinational companies in both countries. These new features highlight faster financial close, more flexible tax compliance tools, new payment options for both B2B and B2C businesses, and better control of audit and compliance to meet local statutory requirements.

ANZ businesses today confront emerging regulatory requirements, constantly-evolving customer expectations and increased pressures from global competition, as well as pressures to take their own businesses global. Businesses seeking to meet these challenges by gaining business efficiency, growing revenues, entering new markets and expanding globally often find themselves held back by software systems siloed by department, geography or legal entity, leaving them unable to deliver an optimal customer experience and gain insights into their operations. These software systems not only cannot scale with business growth, but also introduce excessive costs and potential errors, while also restricting businesses' ability to respond to their changing markets and the needs of their customers.

While on-premise software such as MYOB or Microsoft Dynamics GP requires costly maintenance and disrupts the business with every product upgrade forcing companies into version lock, other available cloud financial software solutions only offer basic product functionality that cannot scale and support business needs and growth. The agility, flexibility and scalability that NetSuite OneWorld provides is difficult to achieve by businesses running legacy on-premise software such as Epicor, MS Dynamics and SAP in ANZ, that may be years behind NetSuite.

NetSuite OneWorld Provides Answers

NetSuite has established a strong footprint in ANZ since its inception in 2002. NetSuite OneWorld, already in use by close to 1,600 ANZ-headquartered companies, subsidiaries and legal entities, provides a unified and cloud-based suite of software that is flexible enough to meet the needs of diverse business models, legal structures and geographies. ANZ businesses like Mons Royale, Kitchenware Direct and Seeing Machines and multinational companies such as Williams-Sonoma, Guzman y Gomez and Springfree Trampolines are realising the transformative power of NetSuite.

NetSuite OneWorld supports 190 currencies, 20 languages, automated tax calculation and reporting in more than 100 countries, and customer transactions in more than 200 countries. NetSuite OneWorld offers businesses in ANZ the leading cloud ERP system with robust global financial functionality on a single system on which they can build their business now and into the future.

The new NetSuite OneWorld features announced today include:

For ANZ-Headquartered Companies:

Enhanced support for Non-deductible Input Tax, making the process of tracking and recording either GST or VAT for indirect taxes, both in ANZ and abroad, much easier and more straightforward allowing for easier audits and compliance reporting.

Tax on Prompt Payment Discounts, allowing businesses that offer rebates or early payment discounts to automate the calculation and posting of indirect tax adjustments when their customers settle their invoices within the discount period (whether for GST in the case of Australia and New Zealand or VAT in Europe). The system will automatically create a credit memo to record the tax adjustment needed ensuring that businesses don't pay taxes over and above what is needed for compliance.

Expanded Online and In-store Payments Capabilities for Australian businesses, through a NetSuite SuitePayments integration with Paycorp, a leading Australian-based provider of enterprise payment processing solutions, ANZ businesses, particularly in retail, now have greater payment options when using the NetSuite SuiteCommerce platform and SuiteCommerce InStore. The partnership allows retail and wholesale distribution customers to deliver seamless omnichannel payment processing  within a single payment solution, improving operational efficiency, minimising the reconciliation of payment data while offering consumers a rich, interactive and intuitive shopping experience. Click here for more on Paycorp.

For Multinational Companies in Australia and New Zealand:

Enhanced Support for Statutory Chart of Accounts, provides additional flexibility when businesses set up statutory Chart of Accounts to meet their various requirements in different countries around the structure and/or presentation of their chart of accounts to meet local practices or statutory and regulatory requirements.

Quick Close Enhancement, as period closing is generally time consuming, especially in situations where there is a need to reopen old periods, make changes and then close all periods again one by one. Quick Close Enhancement speeds up the period closing process by enabling controllers to close multiple prior periods in a batch saving time and effort.

Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA) Balance Audit Report, financial controllers overseeing multi-currency transactions who want to understand how NetSuite calculates varying exchange rates to produce their Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA) balance sheet will now have an audit report to back up the calculations. The new CTA Balance Audit report enables financial controllers to monitor and audit the CTA account balances through the various tiers of OneWorld consolidation nodes. It shows the contribution to the period end CTA balance from individual accounts. The total of all accounts' net contribution in a selected period equals the net change in the CTA balance during the same period.

Advanced Revenue Management enhancements, delivering usability, revenue forecasting, and revenue reclassification enhancements to Advanced Revenue Management.

"With a strong base of innovative and rapidly-growing customers in ANZ, we continue to meet the needs of local businesses with a flexible, scalable system that can meet their needs as they grow," said Craig Sullivan, Senior Vice President, International Products at NetSuite. "Companies that run their business on NetSuite take comfort in knowing they may be running the last ERP system they will ever need."

About NetSuite

In 1998, NetSuite pioneered the Cloud Computing revolution, establishing the world's first company dedicated to delivering business applications over the Internet. Today, NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based financials / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and omnichannel commerce software that runs the business of more than 30,000 companies, organisations, and subsidiaries in more than 100 countries.

Follow NetSuite's Cloud blog, NetSuite's Facebook page and @NetSuiteAPAC Twitter handle for real-time updates.

For more information about NetSuite, please visit www.netsuite.com.au.

NOTE: NetSuite and the NetSuite logo are service marks of NetSuite Inc. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE NetSuite Inc.

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SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Neumont University President Shaun McAlmont addressed the school's accreditation this week in response to the U.S. Department of Education ruling that the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) can no longer accredit institutions of higher education.

At an assembly and in an email to students, McAlmont explained, "Neumont University began the process months ago of changing accreditors from ACICS." Neumont remains accredited through the ACICS transition period for 18 months as they transition to a new accrediting body.

But McAlmont believes that the school will be under the banner of a new accrediting body within half that time. "We're already through the first two steps of the five-step process for changing accreditors," McAlmont said.

First Neumont had to apply and be accepted to attend an initial workshop for the accreditor. The second step was attending a conference, which Neumont has already done. Steps three and four include completing the formal application for accreditation and then completing a self-evaluation. The final step is a team visit from the accrediting body. McAlmont said Neumont is currently working on steps three and four and expects a resolution within six to nine months.

"This change will not affect the qualityor valueof education that has always set Neumont apart. Regardless of our accreditor, Neumont will continue to deliver a hands-on, rigorous, project-based and results-driven computer science education for all of our students," said McAlmont.

"Neumont's outcomes are unique for an institution of higher education," said McAlmont. He pointed to the low default rate of the university's graduates and included that 97% of graduates start careers within their field within six months of graduation and earn average starting salaries of $63,000.

Neumont University is a private institution granting bachelor's degrees in computer science and related fields in only three years. More information can be found at www.neumont.edu.

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SOURCE Neumont University

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BEDFORD, Mass., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EnterpriseDB (EDB), the leading enterprise Postgres database company, congratulates the PostgreSQL Global Development Group for the newly released PostgreSQL 9.6. The new 9.6 version features parallel processing capabilities and expands scale up and scale out capacity to support more complex workloads and data infrastructures distributed across multiple or remote data sources.

"Members of EDB's staff worked as part of the PostgreSQL Community to develop performance advances for PostgreSQL 9.6 that will extract greater efficiency from today's hardware for larger and more complex workloads," said Marc Linster, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Product Development. "Based on contributions from EDB and the community at large, PostgreSQL 9.6 will benefit EDB customers that require parallel processing."

Advances in PostgreSQL 9.6 move the database deeper into analytics, addressing long-time bottlenecks that have made it difficult to run PostgreSQL on larger data sets. Enhancements to the freeze map, for example, allow PostgreSQL to scale up further than ever before, while new parallel query facilities make it possible to use multiple CPU cores to accelerate response times for queries that touch a lot of data. Expanded replication capabilities make it possible to build a truly reliable multi-node read scaling cluster based on PostgreSQL. Full-text searching enhancements help make PostgreSQL more effective with document stores and now supports the ability to search for words based on proximity, which helps lexical and forensic applications.

Scalability Enhancements

Scalability enhancements to PostgreSQL 9.6 that improve performance include:

Parallel sequential scans, joins, and aggregates: These features improve query performance on today's multi-core servers by enabling PostgreSQL to utilize multiple cores in a server. This improves query performance on today's increasingly powerful hardware, particularly for CPU-intensive queries that benefit from using all cores on a server. These vertical scalability, or scale up, features are an important advance for PostgreSQL and will support the development of more advanced parallel processing capabilities in later releases.

These features improve query performance on today's multi-core servers by enabling PostgreSQL to utilize multiple cores in a server. This improves query performance on today's increasingly powerful hardware, particularly for CPU-intensive queries that benefit from using all cores on a server. These vertical scalability, or scale up, features are an important advance for PostgreSQL and will support the development of more advanced parallel processing capabilities in later releases. Enhancement to Freeze Map using autovacuum: PostgreSQL's Freeze Map features track data blocks that do not require vacuuming, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple scans of data. This scale up enhancement saves I/O overhead and results in more efficient use of hardware for greater overall performance and scalability.

PostgreSQL's Freeze Map features track data blocks that do not require vacuuming, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple scans of data. This scale up enhancement saves I/O overhead and results in more efficient use of hardware for greater overall performance and scalability. Support for Remote Joins, Sorts, and Updates in postgres_fdw: The Foreign Data Wrapper (FDW) feature in PostgreSQL that links the database to external data sources, has been enhanced to increase query performance when it is used to connect multiple Postgres databases. postgres_fdw can now "push down" some query logic to remote servers to better distribute workloads, and use the foreign database server to perform the query operations. With this predicate push down of sorts, joins, and batch data updates, users can distribute workloads across multiple servers, and expand the database's horizontal, or scale out, capacity.

The Foreign Data Wrapper (FDW) feature in PostgreSQL that links the database to external data sources, has been enhanced to increase query performance when it is used to connect multiple Postgres databases. postgres_fdw can now "push down" some query logic to remote servers to better distribute workloads, and use the foreign database server to perform the query operations. With this predicate push down of sorts, joins, and batch data updates, users can distribute workloads across multiple servers, and expand the database's horizontal, or scale out, capacity. Synchronous replication enhancements: Synchronous replication now allows multiple synchronous standbys that have the option to wait for transactions to be applied (rather than received). This allows better consistency across database clusters and expands horizontal scalability for read-only transactions to identical replicas. This also improves disaster recovery architectures.

DBA Features

PostgreSQL 9.6 also includes several enhancements that assist developers and database administrators:

Full text search for phrases: This feature improves the text search capabilities of PostgreSQL and makes it a better alternative to dedicated text search technologies that some companies use to search the web and mine data.

This feature improves the text search capabilities of PostgreSQL and makes it a better alternative to dedicated text search technologies that some companies use to search the web and mine data. Exposed wait states: An improved pg_state_activity system view more effectively supports troubleshooting and helps DBAs diagnose problems with queries and resolve issues.

EDB Contributions

EDB engineers committed over 10,000 hours of development time to the complete rewrite of pgAdmin, the leading graphical open source management, development, and administration tool for PostgreSQL. Working under Dave Page, Vice President, Chief Architect, Tools and Installers at EDB, who is also head of the pgAdmin open source project, EDB engineers rewrote pgAdmin in Python and Javascript/jQuery. The tool can now be run as a standalone on the desktop for a single user or deployed on a web server to support multiple users. For details on changes in pgAdmin 4 and the team that was involved, please read the blog by Dave Page, The Elephant Nears the Finish Line.

EDB is bundling pgAdmin 4 with PostgreSQL 9.6 in its one-click installers of the database, which can be found here.

EDB is honored to have made code contributions to some of the major features in the PostgreSQL 9.6 release. EDB also partners with other companies that work with and use PostgreSQL to drive continual improvement of PostgreSQL, the world's most advanced open source database.



Availability

PostgreSQL 9.6 is now available. To download the free version of PostgreSQL using an easy one-click installer, click here to download, or visit the PostgreSQL community download page here. To leverage the full value of PostgreSQL for enterprise deployments, the database also is available as part of the EDB Postgres Standard subscription. To get started with the EDB Postgres Platform, download EDB Postgres Advanced Server here. For more information, contact [email protected].

To learn more about Postgres, attend Postgres Vision 2016, the preeminent event for thought leadership, collaboration, and networking with the best and brightest companies defining the future of enterprise Postgres and open source data management. This unique event includes insights from technology and business luminaries, Fortune 500 use cases, a look at the Postgres ecosystem, and long-range outlooks from press and analysts such as Gartner and IDC. Featured sponsors include Amazon Web Services (AWS), IBM, Infor, Pivotal, Google, Red Hat, Carahsoft, Avnet, Ashnik, and Shadow-Soft.

About EnterpriseDB (EDB) Corporation

EDB is the leading worldwide provider of PostgreSQL software and services that enable enterprises to reduce their reliance on costly traditional solutions and slash their database spend by up to 80% or more. With powerful performance and security enhancements for PostgreSQL, sophisticated management tools for global deployments and database compatibility with Oracle, EDB software supports mission-critical enterprise applications. More than 3,600 enterprises, governments and other organizations worldwide use EDB software, support, training and professional services to integrate PostgreSQL into their existing data infrastructures. EDB is based in Bedford, Massachusetts.

EnterpriseDB is a registered trademark of EnterpriseDB Corporation. EDB and EDB Postgres are trademarks of EnterpriseDB Corporation. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts for EDB:

Nancy Scott Cairbre Sugrue EnterpriseDB Sugrue Communications +1 781.357.3090 +44 (0)1932 429 779 [email protected] [email protected]

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SOURCE EnterpriseDB

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TOWSON, Md. and COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new partnership using community health workers (CHWs) to help chronically ill patients access care following hospitalization has cut readmission rates at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center (UMSJMC) by nearly two-thirds, according to new data from UMSJMC and Maxim Healthcare Services, a national provider of home health, medical staffing and population health and wellness services.

The program focuses on patients who are at high risk for hospital readmission due to a high degree of medical, psychological, functional and socioeconomic complexity. In its first 16 months, the program reduced readmissions among participants by more than 60 percent.

Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, former UMSJMC president and CEO and current president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center, was instrumental in initiating this partnership. "Readmissions aren't the problem  they are a symptom," said Dr. Suntha. "The real problem occurs when patients with complex medical issues and unmanaged psychological or social challenges don't receive the support they need to maintain their health."

Dr. Thomas B. Smyth, current president and CEO of UMSJMC, agrees and sees great value in continuing and expanding the program. "This partnership has allowed us to step beyond the role hospitals have traditionally played in a patient's recovery to create a measurable positive impact on the health of the population we serve," said Dr. Smyth.

Patients enrolled in the program are assessed in the hospital by a nurse practitioner; they are then reassessed by a registered nurse at their home following discharge; and finally, each patient is also assigned a CHW who is uniquely trained to mitigate barriers to care and act as a liaison to existing healthcare services. Through this program, CHWs focus on a wide range of care management issues such as transportation, housing, employment and the coordination of medical services.

Based on the program's success, UMSJMC is expanding its partnership with Maxim to engage with more patients struggling with chronic medical, socioeconomic and behavioral complexity. The partners are also establishing a new CHW role that will be dedicated to providing community-based support to patients with complex behavioral health challenges. The program expansion is part of a $1.1 million transformation grant that was awarded to UMSJMC by the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission.

"We know it's often the simple things  missed medication, poor nutrition choices or lack of reliable transportation  that can lead to big healthcare costs," said Maxim Healthcare Services CEO Bill Butz. "As a company that cares for some of the nation's most medically fragile patients at home and also employs over 53,000 caregivers across the country, Maxim is focused on advancing the community health worker profession so that we can help patients better navigate these barriers, and also help our partners improve the quality and affordability of healthcare."

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the all-cause readmission rate across all patients was about 14 per 100 patients. This varied significantly across payers, with the highest readmission rates seen in Medicare patients (17.3 per 100) and the lowest among commercially insured patients (8.6 per 100). Those numbers are even higher for patients with certain chronic conditions. For example, 24.5 percent of Medicare heart failure patients are readmitted within 30 days  negatively impacting clinical outcomes and creating unnecessary costs and penalties for hospitals.

About University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

UM St. Joseph Medical Center, which was founded in 1864 by the Sisters of St. Francis, is a 232-bed nonprofit, regional medical center in Towson, Md., and a member of the 12-hospital University of Maryland Medical System. For more information, visit www.stjosephtowson.com.

About Maxim Healthcare Services

Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. provides home healthcare, medical staffing, travel nursing, and population health and wellness services across the United States. Founded in 1988, Maxim is focused on delivering quality patient care and a commitment to employee development with an emphasis on customer service. Today, Maxim is an established partner in the healthcare industry and is constantly evolving to address the needs of our patients, caregivers, and clients. Our focus on quality patient care and compliance is the foundation for our success. Learn more about Maxim Healthcare Services, or get more information about available Maxim Healthcare positions.

SOURCE Maxim Healthcare Services
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nightsphear is a series of live open stage performances highlighting local musicians/artists. The goal is to create a Chicagoland hot music scene while fostering a vibrant musician/artist community and providing that community with opportunities to network, build their audiences and ultimately get more gigs. The Nightsphear Live Open Stage Events will take place at various Chicagoland venues including Buddy Guy's Legends, The Black Couch Studio & Gallery, Real Time Sports, Richie's Restaurant, Family Piano Co's Harbor Hall, with the series culminating showcase at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles on April 20, 2017. Final show tickets are available at www.oshows.com right now.

Nightsphear will host open stage events live at the following venues:

The Black Couch Studio & Gallery

10/6/16, 11/3/16, 12/1/16, 1/5/17, 2/2/17, 3/2/17

Richie's Restaurant 11/19/16

Buddy Guy's 1/11/17

1/11/17 Real Time Sports 2/25/17

Family Piano Co's Harbor Hall 3/18/17

Nightsphear Grand Concert Showcase 4/20/17

The kick off for the new season on October 6 at Black Couch Studio & Gallery will be hosted by the founding members of Chicago's popular Indie Band, Thadeus Project. Ted Putbress and Glenn Folwarski will share hosting duties with Nightsphear Master of Ceremonies, Ivy Ford. and they will do again on November 3 for the second Nightsphear Live Open Stage event.

For more information on Nightsphear or to register a band or artist for an upcoming appearance, call 733.337.6951. Check out Nightsphear on Facebook as well.

Nightsphear Contact:



Tminus 10 Partners Inc.

Daniel LaBelle

773.337.6951

[email protected]

Thadeus Project Publicity:

Debi Fee

FAF Media Group

310.877.9006

[email protected]

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com.

SOURCE FAF Media on behalf of Nightsphear
CONCORD, NH, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - A call for help to the American public was launched by Chief Rene Simon from the Pessamit Innu Band Council and Chief Ghislain Picard of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), during meetings with the media and public presentations in Boston, Concord and Plymouth State University.

Speaking on behalf of the Pessamit Innu community and AFNQL First Nations, Chiefs Simon and Picard denounced the "indefensible privilege" that the Quebec government has granted its subsidiary, Hydro-Quebec, to continue the destruction of the Betsiamites River in the name of commercial imperatives, including those of the Quebec-New Hampshire Interconnection Project. With the support of organizations such as the New Hampshire Sierra Club, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and the Appalachian Mountain Club, Chiefs Simon and Picard urged Americans to support them in their efforts to stop the wanton destruction of the Betsiamites River.

According to them, if nothing is done in this regard, salmon productivity in this river will be irreparably compromised by water management procedures associated with the various hydroelectric facilities there. They explained how carrying more than one million kilowatts through New Hampshire, including the famous White Mountains, will have a terminal effect on the degradation of a river far away but still closely linked to New England.

The installation of a Quebec-New Hampshire line would involve the contribution of peaking power stations, used to meet short-term demand peaks. The Bersimis-1 and Bersimis-2 stations, located on the Betsiamites River, are being used for this purpose and we can expect massive exports to the states of New England would require maintaining or even increasing the frequency of flow variations which are already unreasonable1.

According to Chief Simon, "current water management2 of the Betsiamites River has a devastating impact on salmon productivity3. This situation is incompatible with the concept of sustainable development and the underlying principle of precaution. Regarding the Betsiamites River, through Hydro-Quebec's approach and Quebec's complacency, Canada's performance stands well below its international commitments 4. "

This "indefensible privilege" was granted to Hydro-Quebec without consulting the Pessamit First Nation and without considering the cumulative effects of the Quebec-New Hampshire Interconnection As the main party involved in the purchase of more than one million kilowatts proposed by Quebec, the people in New England, and especially those of New Hampshire, are invited to say NO THANKS!"

Technical and contextual precisions

On the Betsiamites River, the frequency of flow variations is of 4 590 cu. feet /sec. to 22 954 cu. feet /sec., up to 7 times per day. The same can be said of the speed of currents and water levels that fluctuate repeatedly by 5 feet in one day, depending on energy demand. Water management of the Betsiamites River is contributing to the leaching out of the fry from rearing sites, the peeling of the eggs from the spawning grounds and the clogging of the latter by the clay banks made naked, in addition to directly affecting the survival rate of smolts. The result is a dramatic drop in the number of salmons. Between 1940 and 1950, catches were in the order of about 1,000 salmon per year. That number dropped more than half since the establishment of the dams in the early 60s. The latest statistics compiled by Pessamit indicate 32 and 84 salmon catches for the years 2014 and 2015. According to the trend curve established from 1948 to 2015, the salmon population could potentially disappear in the immediate future. To the detriment of the precautionary principle, Hydro-Quebec's impact assessment completely disregards the above concerns. It also ignores the Convention for the Conservation of Salmon in the North Atlantic Ocean and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ratified by Canada in 2003. In terms of biological resources, these agreements are based on operating sustainability, protection and restoration, and they appeal to the precautionary approach.

The Pessamit Innu First Nation

Pessamit, formerly called Bersimis, is a First Nations reservation and Innu community in the Canadian province of Quebec, located about 31 miles southwest from Baie-Comeau along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River at the mouth of the Betsiamites River. Pessamit is a very active community in such fields as culture, economic development and traditional practices (Innu Aitun). The Innu language (Innu Aimun) is spoken by a vast majority of its population. There are 3933 band members, 2862 of them living on reservation. The Chief of the Band Council is Rene Simon.

SOURCE PESSAMIT FIRST NATION
NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American cardiac output monitoring devices market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2015 to 2020. The market holds high potential for growth in future, owing to a number of factors, which include the rising incidences of cardiovascular diseases, favorable government initiatives, and increasing contribution of independent organizations towards the growth of this market. Moreover, various technological advancements taking place in cardiac output monitoring devices are also driving the growth of this market. The demand for high-end, non-invasive devices is on the rise and is moving in tandem with the increasing need for highly sophisticated technologies, which can offer reliable and quick results. However, factors such as unstable reimbursement policies and low level of accuracy with invasive cardiac output monitoring devices are expected to restrain the growth of this market during the forecast period.



In this report, the North American cardiac output monitoring devices market has been broadly classified on the basis of product type into invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive cardiac output monitoring devices. By end user, the market has been classified into hospitals and ambulatory care. Geographically, the market has been further sub segmented into the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.



The U.S. held the largest share in the North American cardiac output monitoring devices market in 2014, and accounted for a market share of 89.4%, followed by Canada. The growth of the cardiac output monitoring devices market in the U.S. is likely to be driven by the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, owing to increase in the number of people suffering from obesity in the country. Moreover, the increase in the number of corporate agreements between the leading players operating in the North American cardiac output monitoring devices market is also expected to fuel growth of this market between 2015 and 2020.

The report has profiled the leading players in this market along with the recent developments, such as new product launches, partnerships, agreements, collaborations, and joint ventures undertaken by them during the past three years. It also provides information on the strategies adopted by these market players to sustain and strengthen their position in the North American cardiac output monitoring devices market. Some of the key players operating in this market are Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (U.S.), PULSION Medical Systems SE (Germany), Deltex Medical Ltd. (U.K.), LiDCO Group plc (U.K.), and ICU Medical, Inc. (U.S.), among others.



Reasons to Buy the Report:

From the insight perspective, this research report has focused on various levels of analysisindustry analysis (industry trends and PEST analysis), market share analysis of the top players, supply chain analysis, and company profiles. These insights together comprise and discuss basic views on the competitive landscape, usage patterns, emerging ,- and high-growth segments of the North American cardiac output monitoring devices market, high-growth countries and their respective regulatory policies, government initiatives, drivers, restraints, and opportunities.

The report will enrich both established firms as well as new entrants/smaller firms to gauge the pulse of the market, which in turn will help them in garnering an increased market share. Firms purchasing the report could use any one or combination of the below mentioned five strategies (market penetration, product development/innovation, market development, market diversification, and competitive assessment) for strengthening their market shares.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:

-Product Analysis and development: Detailed insights on the upcoming technologies, research and development activities, and new product launches in the North American cardiac output monitoring devices market. Usage pattern/ penetration rate (in-depth trend analysis) of products (segment wise) and purchasing data. Comprehensive coverage of product approvals, patent analysis, pipeline products, and product recalls

-Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative emerging markets. The report analyzes the markets for cardiac output monitoring devices across geographies, new distribution channels, new clientele base, and different pricing policies

-Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investment decisions in the North American cardiac output monitoring devices market. Detailed description regarding the related and unrelated diversification pertaining to this market

-Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares and company share analysis of the key players forecast till 2020. Business strategies and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players to enhance the bottom line of the companies in the North American cardiac output monitoring devices market

-Product/ Brand Perception Analysis: Comprehensive study of customers perception and behavior through our inbuilt social connect tool (digital marketing language), checking virality and tonality of blogs



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04167878-summary/view-report.html



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Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

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VANCOUVER, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX: NDM; NYSE MKT: NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") reports that its 100%-owned US-based Pebble Limited Partnership ("Pebble Partnership" or "PLP"), owner of southwest Alaska's Pebble Project, has capped its legal fee exposure to conclude litigation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") under the Federal Advisory Committee Act ("FACA").

In September 2014, the Pebble Partnership initiated legal action in federal district court in Alaska charging that EPA violated FACA due to its close interactions with, and the undue influence of, anti-mining activists in developing the Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment ("BBWA") study and with respect to its unprecedented pre-emptive 404c regulatory action under the Clean Water Act. In November 2014, a US federal court judge granted the Pebble Partnership's request for a preliminary injunction in the case, forbidding EPA from taking any further steps to finalize its CWA 404c veto of the Pebble Project, and signalling that PLP has a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on the merits of its case.

Should PLP prevail in its FACA litigation, Northern Dynasty expects that EPA would be unable to proceed with any proposed veto of the Pebble Project that relies upon the BBWA as an administrative record.

"The significance of today's announcement is we now have certainty that Northern Dynasty will have the financial and professional resources necessary to pursue its legal case against EPA to a final conclusion," said Ron Thiessen, President and CEO.

"While it's never possible to guarantee legal outcomes, we have long held that the evidentiary basis for us to prevail in our litigation against EPA is well established. From the tens of thousands of pages of communication, memos and reports obtained under discovery and the Freedom of Information Act, and from the deposition of key government employees, it's now clear that EPA's frequent, intensive and ongoing engagement with ENGOs and anti-mining activists in planning and executing its BBWA study and CWA 404(c) strategy occurred in violation of federal laws intended to provide for open, honest and transparent decision-making."

In addition to running afoul of FACA, Thiessen said evidence compiled for the lawsuit makes it clear that EPA had determined to veto the Pebble Project before undertaking any scientific inquiry, and developed the BBWA solely for the purpose of justifying its pre-determined position.

"We have every confidence these facts will be validated at trial, and EPA's ability to use a severely flawed BBWA report to justify its pre-emptive regulatory action at Pebble will be stayed," Thiessen said

Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Partnership are represented by respected international law firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP ("Steptoe"), which for more than seven decades has been acknowledged as a leader in litigation and advocacy in Washington DC. Steptoe and PLP have agreed to cap legal fees related to the FACA suit and other ongoing legal matters at US $1 million to the point at which motions for summary judgment in the case have been fully argued to the court and are ripe for adjudication, expected to be January 2017.

Based on an agreement reached by the parties in August 2016, as well as previous agreements, Steptoe will be due a success fee payment upon prevailing in the FACA litigation or arising from other positive outcomes. Thiessen said the firm's willingness to cap its legal fees at $1 million reflects its confidence in Pebble's FACA case.

Notwithstanding the new fee arrangement, PLP remains interested in a resolution to its impasse with EPA that forestalls litigation.

"Either way, we have every confidence that we will prevail and Pebble will ultimately move forward to initiate the Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") process under the Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act unencumbered by any extraordinary development restrictions as proposed by EPA," he said.

About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset is the Pebble Project in southwest Alaska, USA, an initiative to develop one of the world's most important mineral resources.

Ronald W. Thiessen

President & CEO

Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of the ultimate size, quality or commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project or of the Company's future performance or the outcome of litigation. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward looking statements include the following: the Pebble Project will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and development of the Pebble Project will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. The likelihood of future mining at the Pebble Project is subject to a large number of risks and will require achievement of a number of technical, economic and legal objectives, including obtaining necessary mining and construction permits, approvals, licenses and title on a timely basis and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, the final outcome of any litigation, completion of prefeasibility and final feasibility studies, preparation of all necessary engineering for surface or underground mining and processing facilities as well as receipt of significant additional financing to fund these objectives as well as funding mine construction. Such funding may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms or on any terms at all. There is no known ore at the Pebble Project and there is no assurance that the mineralization at the Pebble Project will ever be classified as ore. The need for compliance with extensive environmental and socioeconomic rules and practices and the requirement for the Company to obtain government permitting can cause a delay or even abandonment of a mineral project. The Company is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Related Links

www.northerndynastyminerals.com


BROOKLYN, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Looking to advance its scope of cancer care and create further synergies between cancer-related subspecialties, NYU Lutheran recently named Ioannis "Yanni" Hatzaras, MD, to direct its Surgical Oncology Outreach Program.

Hatzaras, who officially joined NYU Lutheran on September 1, has been a member of the faculty in the Department of Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center since 2013. He is bringing his talents and expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, sarcomas, and melanoma to help NYU Lutheran better serve the increasing number of patients turning to the Sunset Park hospital for cancer care. This latest leadership appointment was announced jointly by H. Leon Pachter MD, The George David Stewart Professor of Surgery and chair of the Department of Surgery, and Kenneth M. Rifkind, MD, chief of surgery at NYU Lutheran.

"In a very short time, Hatzaras has proven to be an extremely gifted surgical oncologist," Pachter says. "In addition, he has shown to be a leader in building strong, working partnerships with other cancer-focused clinicians. He is the ideal person to advance NYU Lutheran's Surgical Oncology Outreach Program to the next level of excellence."

A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Hatzaras holds the academic title of assistant professor of surgery at NYU School of Medicine and served as an attending surgeon at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue for three years prior to his appointment at NYU Lutheran.

Hatzaras brings a wide range of clinical and research experience in surgical oncology to the Brooklyn campus of NYU Langone. He is board certified in complex general surgical oncology and specializes in surgery for cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tractfrom esophageal cancer to stomach, liver, pancreatic, bile duct, gallbladder, and colorectal cancer, as well as melanoma and other soft tissue cancers. He has particular expertise in the Whipple procedurea complicated pancreatic cancer operation to remove parts of the pancreas, the small intestine, and the gallbladder and to reattach the remaining organs in order to restore digestive function.

At NYU Lutheran, Hatzaras will work with medical and radiation oncologists to manage the multidisciplinary care for patients with cancer. "The oncology team will work together to determine the best treatment strategy and tailor a management plan for each individual patient," says Hatzaras.

Inquisitive and curious about everything science-related from an early age, Hatzaras began his professional path in medicine and research at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine in Greece. While still a medical student, he spent a rotation in GI oncology research at the Institut Jules Bordet, a major cancer center affiliated with the Universite Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.

In 2003, Hatzaras came to the United States to do research in the Department of Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, which preceded his internship in general surgery at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, CT. He completed his residency training at Ohio State University (OSU) Medical Center, where he also conducted research at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at OSU's Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus. Hatzaras also earned a master's degree in public health in the clinical investigation track from OSU. He subsequently trained in surgical oncology and hepatobiliary surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

Hatzaras is the co-author of more than 50 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and three book chapters, and has given several scientific presentations and lectures nationally and internationally.

Media Inquiries:

Neal Gorman

Phone: 718-630-8316

[email protected]

Colin DeVries

Phone: 718-630-7414

[email protected]

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE NYU Lutheran Medical Center

Related Links

http://nyulangone.org/locations/nyu-lutheran


Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton didnt agree on much during their acerbic debate faceoff earlier this week, but one of the topics on which they found common ground was nuclear weapons.

I agree with her on one thing, the GOP nominee said. The single greatest problem the world has is nuclear armament, nuclear weapons  Nuclear is the single greatest threat.

Then he went on to criticize Americas nuclear capabilities compared to those of Russia.

Related: The 10 Most Expensive Weapons in the Pentagons Arsenal

We have not been updating from the new standpoint. I look the other night, I was seeing B-52s there old enough that your father, your grandfather could be flying them, he said.

What Trump saw the other night might have been a 60 Minutes report last Sunday that suggested the risk of nuclear conflict was rising as Vladimir Putins Russia looks west, sees weakness and thinks that in a conflict with NATO, a nuclear strike might shock the alliance into submission.

But the B-52 bombers Trump mentioned remain impressive machines, even though the newest one is more than 50 years old. And as Major General Richard Clark, who commands all nuclear bombers, pointed out, each B-52 can carry 20 nuclear-armed cruise missiles. We can put this aircraft anywhere we want, anytime we want and both our allies and our adversaries take note, he said.

So is America becoming a wimp in the nuclear schoolyard, as Trump suggests?

Related: Democrats Set a Nuclear Trap for Trump

In its annual report on nuclear forces released in June, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said that while Russia has slightly more nuclear warheads than the U.S.  7,000 to 7,290  America has about 140 more deployed warheads. It defines deployed as on missiles or located on bases with operational forces.

SIPRI said that while the number of nuclear weapons globally is slowly decreasing from its current estimate of 15,395, both Russia and the U.S. have expensive and extensive modernization programs underway.

Story continues

The U.S. will spend some $348 billion upgrading its nuclear weapons over the next decade, the SIPRI report says, and it estimates that upgrades may cost as much as $1 trillion over the next 30 years.

Related: Why Is the US Spending $1 Trillion on Nuclear Weapons?

Hans M. Kristensen of Denmark, a fellow at SIPRI and director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, says in the report that the ambitious US modernization plan presented by the Obama Administration is in stark contrast to President Barack Obamas pledge to reduce the number of nuclear weapons.

The worlds seven other nuclear powers -- the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea  are pipsqueaks compared with the U.S. and Russia, which control 93 percent of the worlds stockpile. China is a distant third overall with 260 nuclear warheads.

60 Minutes said that while Russia has increased the size and frequency of its exercises, the U.S. hasnt been a shrinking violet. Kristensen, who also spoke with the CBS newsmagazine, said that about a year after Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, four unarmed B-52 Stratofortresses flew over the North Pole and North Sea in a show of strength. Fully loaded, they would have had 80 nuclear cruise missiles with a range of 1,500 miles that could have been launched into Russia.

Eighty cruise missiles in your face. Was that the message? correspondent David Martin asked General Clark.

Thats a message for sure, he said.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
HOUSTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Oasis Petroleum Inc. ("Oasis" or "the Company") (NYSE: OAS) announced today the exercise by the underwriters of the full over-allotment option of $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 2.625% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2023 (the "Notes"). The over-allotment option was granted to the underwriters by the Company in connection with the previously consummated offering of $275 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes. Settlement of the sale of additional Notes is expected to occur on September 30, 2016, subject to customary closing conditions. Oasis intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of additional Notes for general corporate purposes, which may include redemptions or repurchases of its existing senior notes.

RBC Capital Markets acted as sole structuring advisor and RBC Capital Markets and Citigroup acted as lead joint book-running managers for the offering, and Deutsche Bank Securities, Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo Securities acted as joint book-running managers for the offering. The Notes were offered and sold pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This offering was made only by means of a prospectus dated July 15, 2014 and related prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2016. A copy of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from any of the underwriters by contacting:

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Attention: Prospectus Department

Three World Financial Center, 200 Vesey Street, 8th floor

New York, New York 10281-8098

Telephone: (877) 822-4089

Email: [email protected]

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions

1155 Long Island Avenue

Edgewood, New York 11717

Telephone: (800) 831-9146

You may also obtain these documents free of charge when they are available by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include statements regarding the intended use of offering proceeds and other aspects of the Notes offering. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include changes in oil and natural gas prices, the timing of planned capital expenditures, availability of acquisitions, uncertainties in estimating proved reserves and forecasting production results, operational factors affecting the commencement or maintenance of producing wells, the condition of the capital markets generally, as well as the Company's ability to access them, the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities, and uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting the Company's business and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in the Company's reports filed with the SEC.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

About Oasis Petroleum Inc.

Oasis is an independent exploration and production company focused on the acquisition and development of unconventional oil and natural gas resources, primarily operating in the Williston Basin. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.oasispetroleum.com.

SOURCE Oasis Petroleum Inc.

Related Links

http://www.oasispetroleum.com


In an effort to simplify the process of including factory built bathrooms in the design and planning for new construction projects, Marriott has posted SurePods 3D Revit models, specifications and shop drawings on the Marriott Buzzsaw document storage platform. The objective is to streamline the process from inception to delivery of the bathrooms and allow owners to maximize the benefits of SurePods, schedule certainty, cost certainty, and better quality. SurePods brand compliant and Marriott reviewed bathroom models posted on Buzzsaw include Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.

"We have long valued our working relationship with Marriott and are honored to have been selected to offer SurePods standardized hotel bathroom models in Marriott's easily accessible online portal. We believe this will simplify the process allowing franchisees and their AEC professionals to use a plug and play approach to bathroom construction," said Bill Seery, Director of Business Development for Oldcastle SurePods. "Every bathroom pod represents 100 labor hours. When you consider taking all those hours off the site and bringing them into the factory, think about the impact on project schedules and project management and how that can improve the bottom line."

Marriott developers who wish to learn more about Oldcastle SurePods may do so by visiting Marriott's Buzzsaw Site or visiting oldcastlesurepods.com.

About Oldcastle SurePods- Oldcastle SurePods is the leading provider of prefabricated bathrooms in North America. Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and lean manufacturing technology, Oldcastle SurePods works with customers from design to installation to produce custom, ready-to-install bathroom pods for hotels and multi-unit residential projects. Replacing on-site bathroom construction, bathroom pods accelerate the construction timeline, improve overall quality and eliminate the punch list for the bathroom, the most problem-ridden part of a construction project. Oldcastle SurePods is part of Oldcastle, one of the largest manufacturers of building products in North America. www.oldcastlesurepods.com

Contact:

Janet Field

Oldcastle SurePods

Phone (407) 859-7034

[email protected]

Related Links:

https://oldcastlesurepods.com/

http://project.marriott.com/

Video- http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/Oldcastle-SurePods-Introductory.mp4

SOURCE Oldcastle SurePods

Related Links

http://www.oldcastlesurepods.com


BELLEVUE, Wash., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, is taking part in Cruise Lines International Association's "Plan a Cruise Month" campaign, October 1-31, 2016.

This multidimensional campaign is designed as a point of discovery and a way to inspire travelers to plan and book cruise vacations. The cruise industry is featuring exceptional savings, special offers, and chances to win dream vacations.

Those who book a 2016, 2017, or 2018 sailing aboard The Gauguin during "Plan a Cruise Month" will receive $100 per-person Shipboard Credit. This Shipboard Credit can be used to indulge in a spa treatment in Deep Nature Spa, purchase a souvenir in La Boutique, or book a shore excursion aboard. Paul Gauguin Cruises is also offering savings of 50% off standard all-inclusive cruise fares on all voyages, plus included airfare from Los Angeles on m/s Paul Gauguin itineraries.

To further celebrate "Plan a Cruise Month," the cruise industry is once again launching #CruiseSmile, a digital and social promotion offering the chance to win a cruise vacation each week during the month of October. For a chance to win, participants must post a photo featuring a great "Cruise Smile" on Twitter, Instagram, or the campaign page www.CruiseSmile.org, using #CruiseSmile and #sweepstakes from October 1 through 31, 2016. Participants are encouraged to come back each day to enter and discover cruise vacations corresponding with weekly themes. At the end of each theme period, a sweepstakes winner will be chosen, and winners may select one of the featured cruises to best fit vacation travel preferences including a 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands voyage from Paul Gauguin Cruises.

To learn more about cruise line deals and promotions during "Plan a Cruise Month" and locate a CLIA-certified cruise specialist, visit www.cruising.org.

For additional information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please contact a Travel Professional, call 800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

New bookings only. Please mention booking code CLIA1002016. Offer may be combined with FREE 3rd guest in stateroom offer and applicable past guest savings but is not combinable with other offers, including Two-Week Sales. On 2016 voyages, third guest in a stateroom sail FREE. On 2017 and 2018 sailings, third guest in stateroom age 17 and under sails FREE; third guests 18 and over pay $125 per day (cruise-only). Port, security, and handling charges are additional. Maximum $200 Shipboard Credit per stateroom. Shipboard Credit may be used to purchase shore excursions aboard ship but not in advance of sailing. Shipboard Credit offer expires November 18, 2016. Call for details. Visit cruisesmile.org for sweepstakes details and regulations.

About Paul Gauguin Cruises

Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., French Polynesia's leading luxury hotel and cruise operator, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 5+-star cruise ship, the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a deluxe cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises accolades include being voted #2 in the category of "Top Small Cruise Lines" in the Conde Nast Traveler 2015 Readers' Choice Awards and recognition on the publication's 2016 "Gold List." In addition, the line was voted by Travel + Leisure readers "#1 Small-Ship Cruise Line" and "#1 Small-Ship Cruise Line for Families" in the Travel + Leisure 2014 World's Best Awards. Recently, readers voted Paul Gauguin Cruises "#1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line" in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2016.

Media Contact:

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Vanessa Bloy, Director of Public Relations

(425) 440-6255

[email protected]

From Travel + Leisure, August 2016 2016 Time Inc. Affluent Media Group. Used under license. Travel + Leisure and Time Inc. Affluent Media Group are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of Paul Gauguin Cruises.

SOURCE Paul Gauguin Cruises

Related Links

http://www.pgcruises.com


HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State Department of General Services Secretary Curt Topper and Pennsylvania Capitol Police Deputy Superintendent Kevin Brown were joined by Bradley Jones, CEO and President of Harristown Enterprises Inc., to officially open a new Pennsylvania Capitol Police Substation at 333 Market Street in Harrisburg.

The new location will allow the agency to better serve the increased number of state workers in the downtown area as a result of the influx of more than 750 employees who were moved into Strawberry Square earlier this year.

"Through the relocation of more than 750 employees from the former Harrisburg State Hospital Grounds into the former Verizon Tower, the Wolf Administration solidified its commitment to helping to revitalize downtown Harrisburg and the local economy," Topper said. "The increased number of state employees brought into the downtown area also gave us the opportunity to evaluate our own operations in terms of the services the Pennsylvania Capitol Police provides. The establishment of this substation was seen as an immediate way to address that issue."

The Pennsylvania Capitol Police determined it would be in the best interests of state employees and visitors to state  occupied buildings to have a police substation located on the ground level at 333 Market Street less than 200 yards away from the three buildings  Strawberry Square, 333 Market Street and Rachel Carson  that now house 4,200 employees. The substation will enable the force to maintain a police presence, respond more quickly to calls in the area. A residual effect of that presence will ultimately result in making the surrounding community a safer place to visit, work and live.

The substation will be open on a daily basis during peak employee traffic hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and sporadically at other points throughout the day. Moving forward the Pennsylvania Capitol Police hope to have the resources to expand the hours for when the substation is staffed.

Pennsylvania Capitol Police Deputy Superintendent Kevin Brown noted the many improvements that have taken place in the agency including: the recent reaccreditation of the force through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies; the carrying of the life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug, Naloxone by officers; the expansion of the K-9 unit to a total of 4 explosive detection k-9s and one patrol/narcotics K-9 and the nearly $8 million Capitol Complex Security upgrade project.

Brown also pointed to the partnership with Harristown Enterprises Inc., as a major factor in the establishment of the substation, which Harristown Enterprises Inc., President and CEO Bradley Jones spoke about at the event.

"We at Harristown are very excited to welcome this sub-station to the downtown," Jones noted. "Our customers and visitors will be greatly benefitted by this increased Capitol Police presence and we look forward to a long partnership with the Department of General Services and the Pennsylvania Capitol Police on this wonderful new addition to downtown Harrisburg."

The Pennsylvania Capitol Police is an accredited law enforcement agency with full arrest powers that investigates all reported crimes within its jurisdiction of state-owned properties and buildings in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton. The force maintains a 24 hours a day/7 days a week presence in Harrisburg where they also provide assistance to the city of Harrisburg Police Department and other surrounding local law enforcement agencies.

MEDIA CONTACT: Troy Thompson, 717-787-3197

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of General Services

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us


HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) today announced the winners of The Community Initiative Awards. These awards recognize historic preservation efforts that are building on traditional strategies and developing innovative tactics to build stronger communities with a preservation ethic.

Inspired by this year's 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, the PA SHPO is not only looking back at past successes, but also focusing on the future. This effort presents the opportunity to promote new ideas that will influence the next phase of the preservation movement.

This year's award winners include:

Bradford Revitalization Team (Bradford, McKean County)

This team includes Bradford's Office of Economic & Community Development, the Downtown Bradford Revitalization Corporation, the Main Street Program and McKean County's Economic Development office. Bradford has become a model Certified Local Government and Main Street/Elm Street practitioner. The team clearly understands that preserving historic resources is integral to the city's economic and community development future. Their collaborative commitment to using the traditional tools within the preservation toolbox has created a community ready to integrate new ideas and approaches, build new partnerships and move into the next phase of preservation.

East Liberty Development Inc. (Pittsburgh, Allegheny County)

East Liberty Development, Inc. (ELDI) spearheaded the rapid revitalization of one of the most economically challenged and urban-renewal damaged neighborhoods in the city. The organization recognized from the beginning that a successful recovery needed to include a preservation-based design ethic. It's not perfect, but there is now a vibrant mix of preservation and new construction in the neighborhood. ELDI is not a traditional preservation advocacy organization, but it has used traditional tactics (National Register districts, tax credits) while developing new ones, including using PA's Blighted and Abandoned Property Conservatorship law to provide a future for Saints Peter and Paul Church and Rectory.

Hidden City Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Philadelphia County)

An online publication (and tour organizer) that shares no-holds-barred stories focused on raising awareness of good architecture, planning issues and urban trends in Philadelphia. Hidden City's mission is to pull back the curtain on the city's most remarkable places and connect them to new people, functions and resources. While the publication promotes the current and future needs of the city's many communities, it has also formed a community of its own, with regular columnists and guest contributors from a cross-section of the city, and a community of people who share similar vision and goals.

The Community Initiative Awards will be presented at the 2016 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards hosted by Preservation PA on Friday, October 14, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at The Yorktowne Hotel, 48 E. Market Street, York.

Under the direction the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the PA SHPO coordinates state and federal historic and preservation programs including the National Register of Historic Places, state and federal tax credits and review of state and federal projects for their impact on historic resources.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Visit PHMC online at www.phmc.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Related Links

http://www.phmc.pa.gov


NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Business Council for International Understanding held a CEO roundtable in New York with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha who outlined opportunities in the country as it transforms from a trade-based economy to a technology and innovation-based one, the backbone of the Prime Minister's "Thailand 4.0" initiative.

"Our government has laid out a master plan to usher in a new generation of development for Thailand that will enable us to escape the middle-income trap of the past decade and thrive into the 21st century," said Prime Minister Prayut at the event. "As we transition from a heavy industry and exports-based economy to a research, development and innovation-based one, we will be able to offer higher-value services to the global community and emerge as a vibrant, diversified player. For global businesses with expanding operations into growing, high-potential economies, Thailand offers robust opportunities across numerous sectors including business, education, science, technology, engineering, health and more."

"The Prime Minister was forthright in inviting investors to explore Thailand under his government's 4.0 strategy, and thanked Goodyear and others in attendance for their presence, some which spanned several decades, including our co-chairs of the forum, Citi and AIG," said Peter Tichansky, President of BCIU. "We were impressed with his specificity as he discussed plans to improve trade facilitation and the ease of doing business."

As part of its mandate to promote international understanding between businesses and governments across the globe, BCIU holds 200 programs annually including roundtable dialogues, conferences, receptions, tours and trade missions. Roundtable dialogues are typically comprised of 20 senior-level executives and are informal, off-the-record meetings with government officials that are critical to commercial and trade issues.

The roundtable discussion took place on Sept. 22, 2016 at the prestigious Plaza Athenee in New York.

About the Business Council for International Understanding

Sixty years ago, BCIU was formed at the White House Industrial Cooperation Council Conference on Nov. 10, 1955, under the leadership of President Eisenhower, as a "people-to-people" initiative. BCIU encourages international understanding by bringing together senior government officials and business leaders on issues of common concern by facilitating public-private partnerships globally, and by assisting with problem solving in turbulent situations and markets. BCIU also conducts commercial diplomacy training courses for U.S. Government personnel. For more information visit www.bciu.org.

SOURCE Business Council for International Understanding

Related Links

http://www.bciu.org


NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

"Production printer market to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2016 and 2022"

The production printer market is expected to reach USD 7.74 billion in value by 2022 at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2016 and 2022. By volume the market is expected to reach shipments of 75,087 printer units by 2022. The widespread usage of production printers in the media and advertisement sector and the growing demand from the publishing application are the major factors driving the growth of the market.



"Transactional application expected to dominate the production printer market during the forecast period"

Production printers play a key role in the transactional printing application which includes the large scale printing of bills, statements, invoices, checks, insurance policies, and other informational documents with unique content for each recipient. Production printers are widely used for printing these transactional documents with low cost. Both monochrome and color type printers are extensively used for the transactional application.

"North America expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period"

The APAC market is estimated to grow at the highest rate in the global market till 2022. The increasing demand for high-volume printing at a low cost and in less time in the publishing application is driving the production printer market in this region, especially in Japan. Currently, North America holds the largest share of the production printer market. There is heavy investment in the U.S. for the transactional and commercial application which is becoming a major hub for the adaption of production printers.



In the process of determining and verifying the market size for several segments and subsegments of the production printer market gathered through the secondary research, extensive primary interviews have been conducted with key people. The break-up of the profiles of primary participants is shown below:



- By Company Type: Tier 1  20%, Tier 2  45%, and Tier 3  35%

- By Designation: C-level  35%, Director level  25%, Others  40%

- By Region: North America  45%, Europe  20%, APAC  30%, RoW  5%



The geographic segmentation in the report covers four major regions of the world, namely, North America, Europe, APAC, and RoW. The report also profiles the major players in the production printer market, namely, Xerox Corporation (U.S.), Hewlett-Packard (U.S.), Ricoh Company Ltd. (Japan), Konica Minolta, Inc. (Japan), and Canon Inc. (Japan), Agfa and Gevaert N.V. (Belgium), EFI Electronics Corp. (U.S.), Eastman Kodak Company (U.S.), Inca Digital Printers Ltd. (U.K.), and Miyakoshi Co., Ltd (Japan).



Reasons to buy the report:

This report caters to the needs of leading companies, industries, component manufacturers, and other related stakeholders in this market. Other parties that could benefit from the report include government bodies, environmental agencies, consulting firms, business development executives, C-level employees, and VPs. This report would help analyze new opportunities and potential revenue sources and enhance the decision-making process for new business strategies. The quantitative and qualitative information in the report along with the comprehensive analysis would help the player gain an edge in the market

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Puerto Rico's leading port, the port of San Juan, posted record passenger numbers in 2015 with the arrival of 1.5 million passengers. The port is now poised to break that record in the 2017-18 season with an expected 1.6 million visitors, with increased calls from Oasis-class ships plus the maiden season of MSC's Seaside. Homeport passengers are also expected to grow, as Norwegian Cruise Line returns to homeport in San Juan, joined by other industry leaders such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises, plus several luxury cruise lines.

The high level of cruise passenger volume is a testament to Puerto Rico's appeal to some of the largest cruise lines in the world. Docking in Puerto Rico this year, include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and MSC Cruises. Puerto Rico is welcoming the arrival of Quantum-class vessels and will be a port of call for the 2016 winter season for several new ships such as the Carnival Vista and the world's largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas (6780 passengers) which is scheduled to arrive in San Juan on December 28. San Juan will also be the first Caribbean home port for the Viking Cruises, with Viking Star sailing from October to April.

Ingrid Rivera Rocafort, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company says the cruise industry has steadily continued its growth: "The cruise business, a vibrant industry sector for us, has posted 22% growth over the previous four fiscal years." She also says that the expansion of Pier 3 in Old San Juan was a key factor in luring "mega cruise ships" to Puerto Rico including the Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, the Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and soon to arrive the Harmony of the Seas.

The island is hosting the 23rd Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCAA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show in San Juan. One hundred executives representing nineteen cruise lines will be engaging in business discussions with attendees for the four-day event, plus over seven hundred and fifty delegates from tour operators and fellow Caribbean destinations

About Puerto Rico Tourism Company

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), founded in 1970, is a public corporation responsible for stimulating, promoting and regulating the development of the tourism industry. It markets Puerto Rico as a tourism destination through advertising, public relations and promotional activities; promotes tourism among visitors and local residents; provides visitor orientation and technical assistance to investors; evaluates tourism facilities and establishes standards of quality; and regulates and oversees gaming operations. PRTC has offices and representatives in the U.S. mainland, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

To find out more about what the PRTC and its partners are doing to fight Zika in Puerto Rico, visit: http://puertoriconow.seepuertorico.com/.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413430

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160426/360380LOGO

SOURCE Puerto Rico Tourism Company
NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In this report, we offer a 10-year forecast on the global solar micro inverter market between 2016 and 2026. In terms of value, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 16.6% over the forecast period. The current study reveals the market trends and market dynamics across the globe that are expected to positively affect the current market environment and future scenario of the solar micro inverter market over the forecast period.



Report Description



This report inspects the solar micro inverter market for the period 20162026. The prime objective of this report is to offer insights into developments in the global solar micro inverter landscape that are gradually helping transform global businesses associated with the same.



The global solar micro inverter market report begins with an executive summary and defining the micro inverter technology and its presence in the module level power electronics (MLPE) landscape. It is followed by market dynamics overview of the global solar micro inverter market, which includes FMI analysis of market trends, drivers, restraints, opportunities and threats that are affecting the growth of the solar micro inverter market. Impact analysis of key growth drivers and restraints based on weighted average model has also been included in this report after examining individual regions, to better equip readers with qualitative and quantitative insights on the ongoing scenario in the global solar micro inverter market. The report also covers a brief description about the solar micro inverter distribution channel and pricing trends across the globe.



Growing PV installations worldwide, owing to various government initiatives and falling PV system prices coupled with rising awareness about the benefits of module level power electronics (MLPE) are the main factors driving the demand for micro inverters. However, rising penetration of power optimisers which offers similar benefits to micro inverters is a major restraint to the growth in the market. The report also presents a competitive description between the two technologies and their estimated share in the global module level power electronics market in 2016 and 2026.



One of the key trends in the global solar micro inverter market is the increasing focus of prominent players in the micro inverter segment towards integrated module systems known as AC Modules, and the market is continuously witnessing numerous strategic partnerships regarding the same, along with many new integrated product launches lined from 2017 onwards.



Further, the global solar micro inverter market is segmented on the basis of system type, end use, and region. On the basis of system type, the market has been segmented into Stand Alone and Integrated Systems. Micro Inverters sold for integration purpose is gaining popularity and as micro inverter prices drops and more products in the segment are introduced, the segment is projected to register a significantly higher CAGR over the forecast period.



On the basis of end use type, the market has been segmented into Residential (0-20Kw), Commercial (20Kw-1Mw) and Utility (1Mw and above) scale installations. As of now, micro inverters present an economical solution for residential and small scale commercial installations, and are rarely installed in large megawatt projects. A large number of photovoltaic installations are anticipated to come from commercial scale installations, especially in China, India and Japan, leading the commercial segment to grow with the fastest CAGR.



The report covers a brief introduction about the segments being covered. Furthermore, to understand the popularity of the market segment and regions, the attractiveness index with elaborated insights on the same is provided, which will show the market's attractiveness based on the factors such as CAGR and incremental opportunity.



The next section of the report highlights the global solar micro inverter, by region, and provides the market outlook for 20162026. The study investigates the regional trends contributing to growth of the solar market and the market attractiveness regionally. Main regions assessed in this report include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East & Africa (MEA).



The above sections, by system type, by end use, and region, evaluate the present scenario and growth prospects of the solar micro inverter market for 20162026. Historically, prominent micro inverter companies have focused only on stand-alone sales, and have prominently targeted the North American residential market. Consequently, it led to the increased penetration of micro inverters in the region and became the hub for almost all micro inverter companies. In 2016, the residential segment is estimated to account for 80.7% value share in the North America solar micro inverter market, which itself accounts for 46.1% of the total global market.



To ascertain the solar micro inverter market size, we have also taken into account the revenue generated by the prominent manufacturers. The forecast presented here assesses the total revenue generated by value, across the solar micro inverter market. In order to provide an accurate forecast, we initiated by sizing up the current market in terms of Mega Watts of micro inverters deployed, which forms the basis on how the solar micro inverter market is expected to develop in the future. Given the characteristics of the market, we carved up the outcome on the basis of three different types of analysis; based on supply side, Photovoltaic industry demand, Government PV targets and economic factors.



In addition, it is imperative to note that in an ever-fluctuating global economy, we not only conduct forecasts in terms of CAGR, but also analyse the market based on key parameters, such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth rates, to understand the predictability of the solar micro inverter market and identify the right opportunities across the market.



The solar micro inverter market segments, by system type, end use and region, have been analysed in terms of basis point share (BPS) to understand the individual segment's relative contributions to market growth. This detailed level of information is important for identifying various key trends in the solar micro inverter market.



Another key feature of this report is the analysis of key segments in terms of absolute dollar opportunity. This is overlooked while forecasting the market. However, absolute dollar opportunity is critical for evaluating the scope of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve, as well as to identify potential resources from a delivery perspective of the solar micro inverter market. The overall absolute dollar opportunity along with the segmental split is mentioned in the report.



To understand key growth segments in terms of growth and adoption for solar micro inverter globally, Future Market Insights developed the solar micro inverter market 'Attractiveness Index.' The resulting index should help providers identify real market opportunities.



In the final section of the report on solar micro inverters, the 'dashboard view' of the companies is provided to compare the current industrial scenario and their contribution in total solar micro inverter market. Moreover, it is primarily designed to provide clients with an objective and detailed comparative assessment of key vendors/manufacturers specific to a market segment. Report audiences can gain segment-specific manufacturer insights to identify and evaluate key competitors based on the in-depth assessment of their capabilities, unique selling propositions and success in the solar micro inverter marketplace.



Detailed profiles of prominent players as well as budding VC funded solar micro inverter companies are also included in the report to evaluate their long and shortterm strategies, key product offerings and recent developments in the solar micro inverter market. Key market competitors covered in the report include: Enphase, APSystems, SMA, ABB, SunPower, Darfon Electronics, NEP, Sparq Systems, Chilicon Power and iEnergy



Key Segments Covered



By System Type

Stand-Alone

Integrated

By End Use Type

Residential (0-20Kw)

Commercial (20Kw-1Mw)

Utility (1Mw and above)



Key Regions/Countries Covered



North America

U.S.

Canada

Latin America

Chile

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Western Europe

Germany

Italy

France

U.K.

Spain

Belgium

Netherlands

Rest of Western Europe

Eastern Europe

Russia

Poland

Rest of Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ)

China

India

ASEAN

Australia

Rest of APEJ

Japan

Middle East & Africa

GCC

South Africa

Rest of MEA



Key Companies



Enphase Energy Inc.

Altenergy Power Systems Inc.

SMA Solar Technology AG

ABB Ltd.

SunPower Corporations

Darfon Electronics Corporation

Northern Electric and Power Co. Ltd.

Sparq Systems

Chilicon Power,LLC

iEnergy Co. Ltd.



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04180628-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

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CINCINNATI, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Schulman IRB, the industry-leading central IRB in customer service and technology, announced today that Judith Carrithers, JD, MPA, will join its Central Oncology Review (COR) division October 15, 2016, as Director of Oncology Services. Launching later in 2016, COR will provide collaborative, flexible IRB review services for oncology research centers seeking a more advanced level of partnership and service integration from a central IRB.

Ms. Carrithers previously served as Assistant Dean for Human Research Protection and Director of the Human Research Protection Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In her new role, Ms. Carrithers will work with Michele Russell-Einhorn, Vice President of Oncology Services at Schulman IRB and former Senior Director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Office for Human Research Studies, to build and lead COR.

"Ms. Carrithers and I are intimately familiar with the unique requirements of cancer research centers and institutional IRBs," said Ms. Russell-Einhorn. "COR combines our deep understanding of this environment with Schulman IRB's best-in-class customer service and compliance record, providing cancer research centers and their IRBs with unparalleled transparency and collaboration throughout the review process."

Recent regulatory activities, like NIH's single IRB policy and HHS' proposed changes to the "Common Rule," will require multicenter research studies to be overseen by a central IRB. The challenges of managing a centralized IRB review process have encouraged many research institutions to seek working relationships with external IRBs.

"We know that a one-size-fits-all approach won't work for institutions," said Michael Woods, President and CEO at Schulman IRB. "COR will customize services to meet each institution's needs, providing levels of reliable, sophisticated support far beyond what is currently available in the central IRB space."

At Johns Hopkins, Ms. Carrithers was responsible for the direct operations of 7 IRBs, and she helped develop and manage the Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Network collaboration between Johns Hopkins and 5 regional hospitals. She also coordinated with the University's General Counsel, IRB chairs and administration to develop policies and procedures for the IRBs, affiliated hospitals, and more than 20 ancillary review committees. She led initiatives to create more efficient and effective IRB processes at Johns Hopkins and also collaborated with Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, to assess and improve that university's clinical research capabilities.

About Central Oncology Review (COR)

COR provides collaborative, flexible central IRB review services for cancer research centers and their IRBs, offering an advanced level of partnership and service integration. COR's staff and IRB members include research professionals and clinicians with significant firsthand experience in contemporary oncology research and the associated unique human subject protection requirements. Powered by Schulman IRB's best-in-class customer service and technology, COR offers unmatched IRB expertise and efficiency in support of institutions at the cutting edge of oncology research. COR launches later in 2016.

About Schulman IRB

Schulman IRB has been a leader in the protection of human research participants in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada since 1983. Schulman offers thorough, timely IRB review services  including dedicated review capabilities for all phases of research across all therapeutic areas  to clinical trial sponsors, CROs, investigators and institutions. Schulman also provides global consulting services through its Provision Research Compliance Services division, offering comprehensive solutions to maximize the protection of human subjects and improve overall quality standards for clinical studies and data integrity. Fully accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), Schulman has an unparalleled clean audit history with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more information, please visit http://www.sairb.com or follow @SchulmanIRB on Twitter or on LinkedIn.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160125/325578LOGO



SOURCE Schulman IRB

Related Links

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Known for producing critically acclaimed Zinfandels and Italian varietals that honor the legacy of Sonoma County, Seghesio's history in Sonoma dates back to 1895, when Italian immigrant Edoardo Seghesio planted his first vineyard -- now known as Home Ranch -- in northern Alexander Valley. The Home Ranch site has since been recognized as one of the top Zinfandel vineyards in the United States. Now five generations deep in leadership  and known for their determination and dedication to excellence  Seghesio Family Vineyards is excited to release Defiant , named for Seghesio family matriarch Angela Seghesio. She courageously led the company from Prohibition until her death in 1957, and her fearless personality continues to inspire her family.

"Our family's defiant nature enabled us to persevere through Prohibition and the Great Depression," said Seghesio. "Our Defiant red blend is unconventional, bold and true to Seghesio."

Debuting with the 2015 vintage, Defiant is a distinctive, full-bodied red blend led by Seghesio's signature varietal  expertly crafted Zinfandel from estate-farmed vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Barbera, and Syrah round out the blend. The result is dark, savory and bold, exhibiting youthful blackberry, mocha and spicy aromas followed by flavors of black fruits, pepper and savory notes on the palate.

The 2015 Defiant will be available nationwide on October 1 for $38 per bottle.

About Seghesio Family Vineyards

Established in 1895, when Italian immigrant Edoardo Seghesio planted his first Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, Seghesio Family Vineyards produces critically acclaimed wines that honor the history of Sonoma and the Seghesio family. Collected over a century, Seghesio Family Vineyards encompasses more than 315 acres in preeminent growing regions -- the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys -- representing some of the oldest vineyards and proprietary clones. True to Edoardo's vision, the winery produces a collection of exceptional Zinfandels and Italian varietals. For more information regarding Seghesio Family Vineyards, please visit www.seghesio.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/413135

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/413136

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/413134LOGO



SOURCE Seghesio Family Vineyards

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NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP:

To: All Persons or Entities who purchased Chemtura Corporation ("Chemtura") (NYSE: CHMT) stock prior to September 25, 2016 .

You are hereby notified that Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has commenced an investigation into the fairness of the sale of Chemtura Corporation to LANXESS for $33.50 per share. To learn more about the action and your rights, go to:

http://zlk.9nl.com/chemtura-chmt

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities lawsuits and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. For more information, please feel free to contact any of the attorneys listed below. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

Eduard Korsinsky, Esq.

30 Broad Street - 24th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Tel: (212) 363-7500

Toll Free: (877) 363-5972

Fax: (212) 363-7171

www.zlk.com

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120409/MM84375LOGO

SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

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The helicopter will perform the critical mission of search and rescue operations (SAR) for all NSB residents. The aircraft was selected to provide a safe, efficient and reliable airborne response to aero medical evacuation (medevac), SAR and other emergencies. NSB is located above the Arctic Circle and experiences some of the harshest cold weather conditions in the world, with temperatures as low as -55 degrees C with the wind chill. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, NSB has a total area of 94,796 square miles of which 88,695 are land and 6,101 are water, thus the need for a long-range, all-weather capable aircraft.

"We are pleased that North Slope Borough residents have selected the S-92 helicopter to meet their critical missions in some of the harshest environments in the world," said Sikorsky Vice President, Commercial Systems & Services Dana Fiatarone. "With more than 91,000 search and rescue missions completed to date globally, the S-92 helicopter is a proven multi-mission platform that can perform in long-range, all weather operations."

In its milestone year, the fleet of over 275 aircraft has surpassed more than one million flight hours since 2004. NSB's selection of the S-92 helicopter adds to Sikorsky's product line operating "on top of the world," as NSB describes the region.

In addition to SAR, 11 nations currently fly the dual-engine, S-92 helicopter for their head of state missions. In May 2014, The U.S. Navy selected Sikorsky for the U.S. Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program, using the S-92 platform. S-92 helicopters also perform oil and gas transportation missions, and a variety of transportation missions for utility and airline passengers.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/S92

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413492

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141118/159313LOGO

SOURCE Lockheed Martin

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BRUSSELS, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a Freedom of Information request, Sinclair Davidson, Professor of Institutional Economics at RMIT University in Melbourne (Australia), will tell a meeting of the Global Tobacco & Nicotine Forum ('GTNF') in Brussels that despite what the Australian government claims, their own data simply does not support the notion that their policy on plain packaging has achieved its stated goal of further reducing smoking prevalence.

Figure 1 Figure 2

On the final day of the conference in the heart of the EU, the economist will say that the Australian Government manipulated highly selective data in its Post-Implementation Review with the work undertaken by Dr Tasneem Chipty to model smoking behavior.

Using Figure 1, he will show how Dr Chipty used the blue trend line which is constructed using data from January 2001 to September 2012 and then the green trend line which is constructed using data from December 2012 to September 2015 to make it look as if there was a structural break in the decline of smoking prevalence caused by the introduction of plain packaging.

Davidson will instead use his own single data trend line which he will argue proves in Figure 2 that the only deviation from the trend line after mid-2014  over 18 months after the introduction of the plain packaging policy  is caused by the Australian Government's massive increase in tobacco excise from AU$0.35731 to AU$0.40197 per cigarette (or from AU$446.65 to AU$502.48 per kilogram).

Figure 2

By September 2015, Dr Chipty estimated a smoking prevalence of some 16 per cent, while the Australian Government's National Drug Strategy Household Survey reported daily smoking prevalence rates to be 12.8 per cent in 2013. On this basis smokers are clearly over-represented in the Government's data.

Professor Davidson will go on to criticize Dr Chipty's use of highly selective variables for determining smoking decline which uses as a base case for a typical smoker in Australia: an unmarried, Australian born, 14  17-year-old, male, with a tertiary qualification, employed full time, but with an income less than $6000, and living in Victoria.

Sinclair Davidson, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, will comment: 'At the time of implementation, the Australian government funded a AU$3 million tracking study to measure the impact of plain packaging. Despite initial claims that it had worked, the researchers who undertook the study moved the goalposts and claimed the study was not designed to assess quitting success or changes in smoking prevalence but rather focus on peoples' perceptions of the pack. Hence the need to come up with new data, which led to Dr. Chipty's highly manipulated report.'

Davidson will go on to say that the most significant change in smoking behavior has been the switch in brands, especially following the increases in excise that occurred after December 2013. According to the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores, the sub value segment of the market (deep discount cigarettes or "cheapies") has grown 145 per cent since 2013  the first full calendar year after the introduction of plain packaging.[1]This can be seen from a breakdown of the different categories of tobacco below.



2015 % 2013 % % change Cigarettes Mainstream 42.0 50.4 -17% Cigarettes Premium 16.6 23.2 -28% Cigarettes Sub Value 28.4 11.6 145% Cigarettes Value 4.5 8.4 -46% Roll Your Own 7.5 5.4 39% Other 1.0 1.0 0%

Table 1: Tobacco Market Share.

Source AACS 2015, pg. 26.

Sinclair Davidson will conclude: 'Between the Tracking study and the Chipty analysis, there is no statistically robust evidence to support the view that smoking prevalence changed because of the plain packaging policy. Despite what the Australian government claims, their own data simply does not show any change in smoking prevalence. What we can observe from the data is that the excise increase mostly drove the change in smokers' behaviour; either reducing their consumption, motivating them to quit, or indeed downtrading to cheaper brands. But it is disingenuous to claim that is because of plain packaging.

'My message to European policymakers and other regulators from around the world is that if you're looking for proof that plain packaging works, Australia doesn't have it.'

About Sinclair Davidson

Sinclair Davidson is Professor of Institutional Economics in the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing at RMIT University, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, and an Academic Fellow at the Australian Taxpayers' Alliance. Sinclair has published in academic journals such as the European Journal of Political Economy, Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, and The Cato Journal. He is a regular contributor to public debate. His opinion pieces have been published in The Age, The Australian, Australian Financial Review, The Conversation, Daily Telegraph, The Drum, Sydney Morning Herald, and Wall Street Journal Asia. He blogs at Catallaxy Files and Tweets @SincDavidson.

About the GTNF

The GTNF (Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum), organized by Tobacco Reporter magazine, is the world's leading conference on tobacco and next-generation nicotine products. The Forum is the largest global gathering of industry leaders, politicians, think-tanks, retailers, other FMCG companies, law enforcement agencies, commentators, and journalists, all of whom meet for three days of discussions. The GTNF debuted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2008 and has subsequently been held in Bangalore, India (2010), Antwerp, Belgium (2012), Cape Town, South Africa (2013), West Virginia, USA (2014) and Bologna, Italy (2015). This year it takes place in Brussels, the Capital of the EU. For more information, visit: www.gtnf-2016.com

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413244

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413245

[1] The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores, 2015, State of the Industry Report, http://www.aacs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/AACS-report-2015.pdf.

SOURCE The GTNF (Global Tobacco & Nicotine Forum)

Related Links

http://www.gtnf-2016.com


YOKNEAM, Israel, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sino-Lite Ltd., an Israeli corporation, has announced the acquisition of Light Instruments Ltd, a leading dental laser manufacturer, previously owned by Syneron Medical Ltd. Owning 100% of Light Instruments unique technology, Sino-Lite Ltd. has gained access into the prosperous global dental laser market.

LiteTouch(TM) - the Laser-in-Handpiece technology, the world's most versatile non-fibre, Er: YAG dental laser device. Eric Ben Mayor - CEO of Sino-Lite Ltd, serving also as Light Instruments Ltd. CEO

Light Instruments Ltd., the world's leading provider of next generation dental laser technology for hard and soft tissue treatments is famed for its flagship LiteTouch product. Developed by Light Instruments, LiteTouch - the Laser-in-Handpiece technology, is the world's most versatile non-fibre, Er: YAG dental laser device.

"The acquisition of Light Instruments is the first step within a sequence of acquisitions of high technology companies and innovative companies that the group intends to acquire in the Israeli market," said Adv. Eric Ben Mayor - CEO of Sino-Lite Ltd, serving also as Light Instruments Ltd. CEO.

"The new leadership will drive the LiteTouch technology brand forward and further develop its valued innovative contribution to the dentistry world," continued Ben-Mayor and added: "Sino-Lite Ltd. shall increase Light Instruments workforce and expand the variety of high-end advanced Technology Dental Lasers offered, thus affirming its position as a worldwide global leader."

Attracted by Light Instruments' reputation for developing cutting-edge and advanced technology in the dental field, the acquisition marks the latest large investment by Chinese conglomerates in Israeli technology companies.

Light Instruments Ltd's development of a small, simple and portable laser for dental procedures is a sharp contrast from the bulky and complicated equipment common elsewhere.

The dental laser market is one of the biggest potential markets in the coming decade. There is a clear worldwide trend and a willingness from dentists to adopt painless, fast and more efficient solutions. The once-fledging market is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting developments in the healthcare industry.

About Sino-Lite Ltd

Sino-Lite Ltd specializes in the acquisitions, development and management of dental and medical companies worldwide. The company is backed by strong Chinese groups headed by Sino-Ita International Trading Company, headquartered in Beijing China, is the distributor of the Italian brand NewTom Cone Beam 3D Imaging in China and South East Asia. Sino-Ita is a whole solution provider covering the business of high end imaging equipment, high value consumable items, and high value services. Sino-Ita integrates the whole chain from research, sales to service.

For more information, visit www.light-inst.com

Media Contact:

Claudia Yoel

Marketing Projects Manager

+972-54-300-3429

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407649

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SOURCE Light Instruments Ltd.

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http://www.light-inst.com


TELTOW, Germany, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

'Digital Classroom' created as new framework for multi-station studies

Introducing Digital Classroom from SMI (PRNewsFoto/SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI))

Eye tracking technology leader SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) has launched a new framework for educational researchers that collects eye tracking and behavioral data from up to 40 students simultaneously. The innovative solution makes large scale educational research easier than ever, allowing for full operator control from a central workstation.

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The SMI Digital Classroom is aimed at researchers in Educational and Learning Sciences, Psychology, Cognitive Science and Neuroscience and is a powerful tool to help uncover the factors that deliver successful learning outcomes.

The SMI Digital Classroom is a complete solution that includes PCs, eye trackers and software in a package that is customized to the demands of the user - including the number of workstations required. It can be used with all students sitting together in a traditional classroom environment or situated in multiple locations.

Launching the product today, SMI Product Manager Dr Markus Plank said: "At what point does a student lose interest in learning or simply miss key information? This product promises a wealth of data about what works in a classroom environment and what doesn't; where and when students' attention is won and lost, and longer term, gives researchers insights that shape curriculum and learning strategies."

Dr Sascha Tamm from the Center for Applied Neuroscience at Germany's Free University successfully used an early release of the Digital Classroom to conduct reading experiments with children. He said users of the upgraded, launch product will benefit from the improved control it affords the researcher.

"In the past, multi-station experiments have meant going from PC to PC to say, start the experiment. Being able to control all aspects remotely means uniform experimental conditions and a more manageable research environment," he said.

Digital Classroom works in all five stages of the study process:

Design dynamic experiments with multi-sensory stimuli including text, images, video and dynamic websites.

dynamic experiments with multi-sensory stimuli including text, images, video and dynamic websites. Assign experiments selectively or collectively to students in the Digital Classroom.

experiments selectively or collectively to students in the Digital Classroom. Collect research-grade eye tracking and behavioral data.

research-grade eye tracking and behavioral data. Monitor in real time student's screens, visual attention, behavioral actions and live data quality.

in real time student's screens, visual attention, behavioral actions and live data quality. Analyze gaze and reading behavior using rich visualizations and comprehensive statistics.

With this 'design to analysis' functionality, Dr Plank said Digital Classroom offers an ease-of-use that has not been seen in previous multi-station eye tracking set-ups.

He said: "One operator, located at a single PC, can deploy experiments, monitor progress live, interact with a single student if required, and monitor incoming research-grade data. None of this requires deep technical or IT expertise so instead of losing time with technical issues, researchers can focus on scientific questions."

Beyond educational research, Digital Classroom will appeal to verticals including marketing research and professional training.



About SMI

SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) has been a world leader in eye tracking technology for 25 years, developing and marketing eye & gaze tracking systems for scientists and professionals, as well as OEM and medical solutions for a wide range of applications. Find out more at http://www.smivision.com. Follow @SMIeyetracking on Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter.

Media Contacts

SensoMotoric Instruments GmbH (SMI)

Tim Stott

+49-(0)-162-271-61-66

[email protected]



SOURCE SensoMotoric Instruments GmbH (SMI)
MADISON, N.J. and BANGKOK and MANILA, Philippines, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that it has signed agreements with LIST Co., LTD, which owns List Sotheby's International Realty, to expand the Sotheby's International Realty brand presence in Thailand and the Philippines.

List Sotheby's International Realty has acquired the existing Sotheby's International Realty affiliate brokerage operations in Phuket, Thailand, and the Philippines, respectively. The company will continue operations at the existing location in Taguig, Philippines and will rebrand using the List Sotheby's International Realty name. The company plans to launch a new List Sotheby's International Realty office in Bangkok, Thailand during the first half of 2017.

This agreement furthers the growth of List Sotheby's International Realty in the Asia-Pacific region. Led by Owner and Chief Executive Officer Hisashi Kitami, the firm expanded into Singapore earlier this year, building upon its existing market presence in Japan and in Oahu, Hawaii.

"Thailand and the Philippines are key gateways into the growing markets of Southeast Asia and also hold attractive properties for global investors," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "Hisashi Kitami and his team continue to exemplify our brand's core values and commitment to providing the highest levels of service in luxury real estate and we are proud of their continued growth."

"We are excited to complete our acquisition of the territory of Thailand, starting in its capital city of Bangkok, while unveiling our strategic expansion into the brand's existing market presence in the luxury residential segment in Phuket," said Kitami. "The Philippines has been one of the top destinations for investors worldwide and offers attractive opportunities for our existing clientele and has an international consumer base. The global reach of the Sotheby's International Realty network is beneficial to our clients and aligns with the mindset of our team."

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has more than 19,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 850 offices in 65 countries and territories worldwide. List Sotheby's International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm's brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby's auction house and worldwide Sotheby's International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby's International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

CONTACT

Kay Lee

Director, International Marketing, Asia Pacific

Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC

175 Park Avenue Madison, NJ 07940

+1.973.407.4953

[email protected]

For English:

Takae Suzuki

List Sotheby's International Realty

List Kannai Bldg., 4-47 Onoe-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa,

231-0015 Japan

+81 45 671 1111

[email protected]

For Japanese:

Noriaki Matsumoto

List Co. Ltd.

List Kannai Bldg., 4-47 Onoe-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa,

231-0015 Japan

+81 45 671 1134

[email protected]

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SOURCE Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC

Related Links

http://www.sothebysrealty.com


Chipotle

A teenager who formerly worked at a Chipotle in Houston, Texas, was awarded a multimillion-dollar judgment this week after suing the company for sexual harassment.

The teenager who was 16 at the time said she was harassed by her supervisors and had sexual intercourse with her 26-year-old manager more than 40 times, FOX 26 News reports. The age of consent in Texas is 17.

Following a two-week trial, Chipotle has been ordered to pay the teen $7.65 million. The victims name has not been reported because the court has classified her as a victim of sexual assault.

"It's almost like a brothel that just served food. That's the best way to characterize this restaurant," the victim's attorney Ben Hall told KPRC 2.

According to Hall, the victim's ex-manager has fled the country and is currently in Mexico.

Chipotle says that employees and the company were unaware of the relationship between the teen and her manager, which the company says took place outside of work, until the victim's parents filed the lawsuit. At the time the lawsuit was filed, Chipotle says neither the victim nor her former manager was working at the company.

"We care deeply about all of our employees, but even our rigorous policies specifically designed to protect our employees cannot prevent private relationships that happen away from the workplace during non-work hours, such as occurred in this case," Chipotle said in a statement. "We continue to offer our support for this former employee, and hope for her wellbeing."





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WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The March of Dimes released today the following statement from President Dr. Jennifer L. Howse regarding Senate passage of H.R. 5325, legislation containing funding for federal, state, tribal and local agencies to fight the Zika virus:

"The March of Dimes applauds action tonight by the House of Representatives to provide $1.1 billion in federal funding to protect pregnant women and their babies from the devastating birth defects caused by Zika virus. We are deeply thankful that Congress has finally acted to address this crisis in public health; however, the passage of Zika funding is only the first step down a very long road.

"The March of Dimes is proud to have led a coalition of almost 100 organizations since mid-March in an effort to educate Congress about the dangers of Zika and press for passage of federal funding to combat the virus. This effort included hundreds of meetings with Congressional offices, numerous letters each signed by dozens of organizations, op-eds and social media campaigns, and regular conversations with Congressional leadership. The March of Dimes is also profoundly grateful to the thousands of our volunteers and supporters who sent messages to Congress calling for a Zika package. These voices calling for aid have finally been heeded.

"At this time, there are more than 2,000 pregnant women with possible Zika infection among the 23,000 infected people in this country, and the epidemic shows no sign of slowing. Resources are desperately need to fund the elimination of Zika-carrying mosquitos, development of a vaccine, and delivery of appropriate health care to affected children and families. In the coming years, a sustained commitment will be critical to control the spread of Zika and deal with its aftermath.

"In a recent survey commissioned by the March of Dimes and NORC at the University of Chicago, more than 60 percent of Americans expressed concern that the United States will see a large number of Zika infections -- and they have good reason to worry. Although summer has given way to fall, in some parts of the nation mosquitoes are a year-round threat, so those communities need help immediately. And other areas must get to work now to put the right personnel, plans, and tools in place for next year.

"The March of Dimes #ZAPzika education campaign provides information to consumers of all ages with five essential tips in English at ZAPzika.org and in Spanish at nacersano,org/zika. We will continue working tirelessly until America's mothers and babies are protected from the dangers of Zika virus."

About March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. To participate in our annual signature fundraising event, visit marchforbabies.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. For detailed national, state and local perinatal statistics, visit persistats.org. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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SOURCE March of Dimes

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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia trial attorneys Tom Kline and Robert J. Mongeluzzi, lead co-counsel on behalf of victims in the fatal Amtrak Train No. 188 federal litigation, are calling for immediate nationwide passenger rail vehicle and system safety inspections in light of this morning's fatal New Jersey Transit (NJT) crash in Hoboken Station. And they are urging lawmakers and regulators to accelerate the delayed installation of automatic train braking safety systems.

"The American riding public has shockingly once again had its trust and confidence in passenger rail operators shattered with this latest fatal rail accident," said Mr. Kline (of Kline & Specter, P.C.) and Mr. Mongeluzzi (of Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C.). "One such accident is unacceptable, but this string of fatal tragedies underscores a new sense of urgency to ensure that, among other safeguards, automatic train braking (including Positive Train Control) systems are in place and operational ASAP on every mile of every rail corridor throughout the United States. This is another possible case where deferring safety-related spending is costing, not saving, lives." Both lawyers extended their condolences to those who lost loved ones in today's disaster, and to the more than 100 reported injured.

The two Philadelphia law firms were the first to file complaints on behalf of injured passengers in the May 12, 2015 Amtrak Train No. 188 fatal derailment, and then resulting from the April 3, 2016 Amtrak Train No. 89 crash that killed two Amtrak track workers near Chester, Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Kline & Specter, P.C. And Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Super League Gaming, the Santa Monica-based company that transforms movie theaters into interactive, multiplayer gaming arenas, today announced the fifth season of its Minecraft event series -- Metropolis Madness. Taking place in more than 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada, this 4-week league tests 6-16 year-old Minecrafters' creativity, critical thinking and teamwork for the chance to win the coveted Super Bolt trophy and a $15,000 scholarship.

"Our Minecraft series is the ultimate gaming destination for players seeking a fun, interactive and unmatched social gameplay experience only available at a Super League Gaming event," said Ann Hand, CEO, Super League Gaming. "We're so honored and thrilled to now be in our fifth season and we're confident our players will be amazed with what we have in store for this season."

Held for four consecutive Tuesdays starting October 18, Metropolis Madness is Super League Gaming's most ambitious and unique Minecraft event series yet where players can build and battle in a one-of-a-kind custom world playing a series of game modes with landmarks and attractions in a format that rewards both speed and accuracy. Featuring more game types, enhanced mods and higher quality maps, Metropolis Madness exemplifies Super League Gaming's mission to create the perfect in-person gaming experience for its passionate players.

With Metropolis Madness poised to be the largest Super League Gaming Minecraft event series, custom designed games have been added giving players the new ability to compete online afterwards and continue to build and battle at home. With this new feature, builds will be bigger and better than ever as players return to their home theaters weekly to showcase what they've built week-over-week.

For more information about Super League Gaming, Metropolis Madness, theater locations and most importantly, sign-ups, please visit www.superleague.com.

For the Super League Gaming Minecraft Metropolis Madness press kit, please visit: https://app.box.com/v/SLGMinecraftAdventure.

About Super League Gaming

Super League Gaming (www.SuperLeague.com) is the world's first and biggest interactive video game league that takes place in movie theaters worldwide. Bringing gamers of all ages together for a social, face-to-face gameplay experience on the big screen, Super League is establishing theater auditoriums as the ultimate place to play some of the world's most popular games and compete to climb the international Super League leaderboards. The phenomenon started in Santa Monica, Calif. in the summer of 2015 and now with Super League Gaming in its fifth season of Minecraft competition, it is only just getting started.

Press Contact

TriplePoint for Super League Gaming

[email protected]

(415) 955-8500

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SOURCE Super League Gaming

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TWEET THIS: Students at Highline College were surprised with gift cards from Inspirus Credit Union to help them purchase college textbooks.

The shocked shopper was among 75 Highline College students who cashed in a total of $2,500 in gift cards  part of a "Welcome back to school" surprise  courtesy of Inspirus Credit Union. The credit union set up a booth outside the college's bookstore and, as students filed in, invited them to draw for bookstore gift cards valued at $25 or $50 each.

"The look on their faces said it all," said Inspirus Vice President of Marketing Sherry Lotze. "When you're juggling work, school, and family on a tight budget, a little boost can make a huge difference."

Highline College in Des Moines ranks among the most diverse colleges in the United States, with 56% of its students identifying as Asian, Latino, or African American. The student body is evenly split between learners pursuing transfer degrees to four-year institutions and those completing technical or other programs.

On average, college students spend $1,200 a year on textbooks.

In addition to gift cards, students received other giveaways when they stopped by the Inspirus booth.

About Inspirus Credit Union

Founded in 1936 by a Seattle math and journalism teacher, Inspirus serves about 80,000 members across Washington who share a passion for education. With $1.1 billion in assets, Inspirus operates branches in Seattle, Spokane, and Lynnwood. Its philanthropy model includes education-giveback programs that allow members to direct charitable contributions to schools in their communities. Inspirus employees donate upwards of 1,000 volunteer hours each year in support of education. In addition, Community Education Representatives provide free financial seminars, professional development, and recognition to school employees statewide. For more information, visit inspirusCU.org.

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SOURCE Inspirus Credit Union

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http://www.inspiruscu.org


NUREMBERG, Germany and LEHI, Utah, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SUSE and SaltStack are expanding their partnership to offer customers automated management of virtually all data center resources at massive scale. SaltStack Enterprise and SUSE Manager 3 running on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server deliver intelligent, event-driven orchestration of heterogeneous enterprise IT systems today. SUSE and SaltStack are collaborating to further integrate and extend these capabilities through upstream Salt development to optimize cloud, container and storage resources, thus enabling digital business.

"SUSE and SaltStack are expanding their business and technical collaboration to develop and ultimately deliver advanced management and orchestration capabilities for the software-defined enterprise data center that extend from systems management to cloud, containers and storage," said Michael Miller, president of strategy, alliances and marketing at SUSE. "Enterprise IT is more complex and unruly than ever, and customers need more control and flexibility as their data centers grow and become more business critical."

SaltStack Enterprise and SUSE Manager 3 are built on Salt open source systems management software and validated on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. Building on the Salt integration SUSE delivered in SUSE Manager 3, SUSE and SaltStack will collaborate to develop and deliver new levels of automation and control for the software-defined data center.

Marc Chenn, co-founder and CEO of SaltStack, said, "Together, SUSE and SaltStack are accelerating business agility through the efficient orchestration and automation of enterprise DevOps and data center operations at scale. SUSE expertise in enterprise-grade computing is legendary, and SaltStack excels at bringing order and security to the chaos and complexity often found in the modern data center. SUSE and SaltStack are delivering efficient and flexible enterprise IT operations and agile DevOps for next-generation business."

The two companies will increase development collaboration and contributions to the Salt open source project for intelligent systems management, extending capabilities to orchestrate SUSE and third-party cloud, container and storage resources. SaltStack Enterprise and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server together are the preferred IT automation software stack recommended and supported by SUSE and SaltStack.

"Tyson Foods is an early adopter of systems management solutions from both SaltStack and SUSE," said Patrick Swartz, lead technical analyst/Linux for Tyson Foods. "Now with the integration provided by SUSE and SaltStack, we are better positioned to provide the level of automation required and system conformity needed for a fast-paced and growing datacenter infrastructure. Their combined efforts are allowing us to save time and effort in maintaining our increasingly complex and mission-critical business systems."

Mary Johnston Turner, IDC research vice president for enterprise system management software, said, "Enterprises are looking to improve not just operational efficiency and IT productivity, but also business productivity. They need to deal with scale, complexity and time-to-market pressure. This SUSE-SaltStack collaboration holds the promise of delivering a broad and sophisticated set of automation and orchestration capabilities across complex data center environments, thus providing real business value. This puts them in a strong position to demonstrate leadership in this space."

SUSE Manager is the top open source infrastructure management solution, allowing IT to reduce complexity and regain control of IT assets, ensure compliance with internal security policies and external regulations, and optimize operations while reducing costs. SaltStack Enterprise enhances the capabilities of SUSE Manager 3 by automating the management of virtually all data center resources, including cross-platform support for Linux, Windows, Mac OS X and UNIX. SaltStack Enterprise also supports large multi-master environments at massive scale, in addition to providing enterprise-grade features such as user access control, job and system audits, data persistence and dashboards, and event filtering.

For more information about SUSE's expanded collaboration with SaltStack, visit www.saltstack.com/suse.

About SUSE

SUSE, a pioneer in open source software, provides reliable, interoperable Linux, cloud infrastructure and storage solutions that give enterprises greater control and flexibility. More than 20 years of engineering excellence, exceptional service and an unrivaled partner ecosystem power the products and support that help our customers manage complexity, reduce cost, and confidently deliver mission-critical services. The lasting relationships we build allow us to adapt and deliver the smarter innovation they need to succeed  today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.suse.com.

About SaltStack

SaltStack develops the only systems management solution built on an event-driven remote execution platform. SaltStack is used by IT operators and DevOps engineers for intelligent configuration of complex data center infrastructure and applications, cloud management, container orchestration, and automated system security compliance. The SaltStack Enterprise product line is built on Salt open source and makes the power of Salt even more consumable and secure via the SaltStack Enterprise API. SaltStack won the 2014 Best of VMworld Gold Award, won an InfoWorld 2014 Technology of the Year Award, was named a Gartner 2013 Cool Vendor in DevOps, and was included on the GitHub Octoverse list for 2012 and 2013 as one of the largest, most-active open source projects in the world. For more information, please visit www.saltstack.com.

Copyright 2016 SUSE LLC. All rights reserved. SUSE and the SUSE logo are registered trademarks of SUSE LLC in the United States and other countries. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE SUSE

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CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tempus, a health-tech company focused on helping doctors personalize cancer care, and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University announced today a partnership to pursue their shared goal of providing precision medicine to cancer patients. Tempus will serve as a preferred partner to handle genomic sequencing and analysis as part of Lurie Cancer Center's new OncoSET initiative.

"We have built a platform to modernize cancer care by merging powerful analytics with cutting edge bioinformatics to empower physicians to make data-driven decisions tailored to each patient," said Eric Lefkofsky, Co-founder and CEO of Tempus. "With thousands of clinical trials opening all the time, and with advances in targeted therapies, including the emergence of immunotherapies, it is more important than ever to understand what is happening to a patient at a molecular level."

Lurie Cancer Center launched the OncoSET (Sequence, Evaluate, Treat) Program on Northwestern Medicine's Chicago campus to provide personalized care and customized treatments for patients with cancer. OncoSET's precision medicine approach to cancer care combines genomic sequencing and sophisticated molecular analysis with pathology to identify new, individually tailored treatments and clinical trials for patients whose cancers are resistant to traditional therapies.

"We are pleased to partner with Tempus to achieve our shared vision of taking precision medicine to the next level," said Leonidas Platanias, MD, PhD, Director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. "Lurie Cancer Center launched OncoSET to deliver personalized, effective cancer treatments to patients who currently have limited options. In the rapidly evolving landscape of precision medicine, our ability to leverage Tempus' expertise in bioinformatics and technology infrastructure will be a major asset in OncoSET's arsenal of targeted therapies and novel clinical trials."

"Oncologists and pathologists need modern and easy-to-use tools to keep up with the ever-increasing amount of data that is being generated during the course of a patient's treatment," said Kevin White, President of Tempus. "We have built a technology infrastructure that can gather, store and analyze large amounts of molecular data that match clinical trials and new therapeutic options. This allows physicians to make use of the most information available when making treatment decisions for their patients."

Tempus, founded in 2015, has built a technology platform that can gather large amounts of molecular data, combine it with phenotypic and therapeutic data and analyze it, looking for clinically relevant patterns. Tempus has recruited a world-class team of accomplished geneticists, computational biologists, data scientists and software engineers who have developed software and analytic tools that work within a hospital's existing infrastructure to analyze data and provide decision support for physicians whose patients are not responding to conventional therapies.

About Tempus:

Tempus is a health-tech company that enables physicians to deliver personalized cancer care through its interactive analytical and machine learning platform. Tempus provides genomic sequencing services and analyzes molecular and therapeutic data to empower physicians to make real-time, data-driven decisions. Our goal is for each patient to benefit from the treatment of others who came before by providing physicians with tools that learn as we gather more data. For more information, visit tempus.com. For more information on Eric Lefkofsky, visit lefkofsky.com.

To learn more about Tempus, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TempusLabs) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/TempusLabs).

About Lurie Cancer Center:

The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, one of only 47 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country, is committed to being a national leader in the battle to overcome cancer. To this end, the Lurie Cancer Center is dedicated to scientific discovery, advancing medical knowledge, providing compassionate, state-of-the-art cancer care, and training the next generation of clinicians and scientists. For more information, visit cancer.northwestern.edu.

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SOURCE Tempus

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LONDON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Next Generation of Cancer Therapies



Immuno-oncology is based on the premise that tumors escape detection by the immune system, contributing to their growth and progression. Checkpoint inhibitor pathways act as the checks and balances that allow T-cells to recognize foreign substances or tumors. This global study looks at the immune-oncology therapeutics pipeline for checkpoint inhibitors in the drug classes CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, LAG-3, and TIM-3, identifying companies and products in development, dollars spent at each phase (preclinical through launch), cost and reimbursement implications to payers, challenges to commercialization, and opportunities for pharmaceutical, biotech, or diagnostic companies as oncology treatment algorithms evolve. The study period is 2011 to 2020.

Market Snapshot



Immuno-oncology is based on the premise that tumors escape detection by the immune system, contributing to tumor growth and progression.

Checkpoint Inhibitor Market: Market Snapshot, Global, 2015 Checkpoint pathways constitute the "checks and balances" segment of the immune system which facilitates the recognition of foreign substances or tumor cells by the T-cells.

Approximately 245 companies globally are developing therapies in the checkpoint inhibitor area, with over xx% in the United States. GLOBOCAN reported in 20xxan estimated 14.1 million new cases of cancer per year, with the projected incidence to rise to xx million by the year 20xx

The overall checkpoint inhibitor market is over $xx billion and is set to grow at a CAGR of xx% (20xx20xx.



- Although the US dominates the market, because of the exorbitant drug development investments, new opportunities do exist in Europe and Japan where cancer incidence is increasing.

- Analysts have estimated the potential of the total immuno-oncology market peak sales to be worth $xx to $xx billion by 20xx with more product approvals and indication expansions for existing products.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4000248/



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

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WORCESTER, Mass., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) today demonstrated further commitment to supporting small businesses with significant enhancements to its business owner's policy (BOP) base form and product offerings, adding coverages and endorsements, introducing innovative equipment breakdown protection, and increasing limits to help independent insurance agents better serve their small business clients.

The company has expanded its base BOP coverage offering by adding more than 10 new coverages to reduce the need for multiple endorsements and offer more comprehensive protection. In addition, the company increased limits for more than 30 other coverages and added new optional endorsements, offering coverage for things such as emergency event management and rebuilding expenses following a disaster to help agents customize their clients' insurance programs.

"Business owners' exposures continue to evolve," said Michael R. Keane, president of small commercial at The Hanover. "By embedding these expansive new coverages and increased limits into the BOP base form, we increased the protection for business clients, while making it easier for our agent partners to do business."

Some of the new protections included in the company's base form are coverages for:

Damage to items in storage units or detached trailers

Loss of money and securities caused by the fraudulent use of a computer or instruction directing a financial institution to debit an account

Damage as a result of a specified cause of loss, other than fire or lightning

Damage to paved surfaces

Loss or damage caused by tenants to a rented building

Loss or damage of a landlord's personal property in a rented building

Theft of telephone services, telephone credit cards or telephone access cards

Damage to underground pipes, flues and drains

With these enhancements, the company has introduced an industry-leading expanded equipment breakdown coverage to better address the evolving technology risks facing small businesses. This new coverage also will be automatically included on The Hanover's BOP, helping the company's agent partners to provide state-of-the-art protection for their business clients.

These enhancements are now available for The Hanover's agent partners on policies with effective dates on or after Oct. 15. To learn more about The Hanover, please visit hanover.com.

ABOUT THE HANOVER

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. For more than 160 years, The Hanover has provided a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families, and businesses. The Hanover distributes its products through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agents, the company offers specialized coverages for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as insurance protection for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. Through its international member company, Chaucer, The Hanover also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including marine, property and energy. For more information, please visit hanover.com.

All products are underwritten by The Hanover Insurance Company or one of its insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates ("The Hanover"). Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to the company underwriting guidelines and the issued policy. This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage. For more information about The Hanover visit our website at www.hanover.com.

2016 The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

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IRVING, Texas, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TheBlaze today announced the appointment of RedState.com executive, Leon Wolf, as Managing Editor of TheBlaze. Wolf will lead TheBlaze's newly formed News Operations Team, strengthening the consistency and quality of TheBlaze's news and opinion.

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"Leon is widely recognized as one of the conservative media's strongest editorial leaders and we're thrilled to welcome him to TheBlaze," said Stewart Padveen, President of TheBlaze. "Leon will be instrumental in building our News Team as we head towards the launch of our new product later this year."

Wolf is an accomplished media personality and news editor. During his tenure with RedState, he oversaw digital content for the site and served as editor for political commentary and analysis. Prior to Redstate.com, Wolf served as a practicing attorney at premier trial firm Neal and Harwell, and was a Faculty Research Assistant while earning his J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School. He is also an ordained minister who served the same congregation for three years before finding his calling in conservative journalism.

ABOUT THEBLAZE

TheBlaze is the fastest-growing digital network for the New American Heartland. TheBlaze serves millions of fans across multiple platforms including TheBlaze.com, TheBlaze Mobile on iOS and Android, TheBlazeTV App on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV, TheBlaze Radio Network, and through leading cable and satellite providers in over 12 million television households across the USA.

PRESS CONTACT

Chris Gannett

Senior Vice President, Marketing

[email protected]

Related Links

TheBlaze

TheBlazeTV

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE TheBlaze Inc.

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Facebook Inc. FB has again landed in trouble with German authorities over its Internet-based messaging service, WhatsApp. Last month, The Federation of German Consumer Organizations had issued a warning related to data sharing with its parent company.

The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information has asked the social media service not only to stop collecting and storing data of the 35 million German users but also to wipe out any records that it has obtained from its subsidiary. Per the privacy watchdog, Facebook has neither obtained an effective approval from the WhatsApp users, nor does a legal basis for the data reception exist.

The authorities also highlighted that Facebook and WhatsApp had publicly announced that they wouldnt be sharing data in 2014. Facebook had acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion in the same year.

In its defense, Facebook said that it complies with EU data protection law and is willing to work with German authorities to address their concerns. Facebook is likely to appeal against the verdict.

In August this year, Facebook and WhatsApp announced that they will be sharing users personal data like number and usage data. Though the service offers users an option to disallow sharing, the option is hidden and not easy for an average user to find.

As Facebook hosts a huge amount of personal data, it has been under constant scrutiny from privacy groups and federal agencies. This huge database is its primary asset for attracting advertisers. As a result, the company has been criticized for allegedly selling this personal data to advertisers in order to boost its top line.

FACEBOOK INC-A Price

FACEBOOK INC-A Price | FACEBOOK INC-A Quote

Although the company has denied any wrongdoing, we believe that increasing scrutiny by regulators of its data handling practices remains a major concern, going forward. Recently, the company ran into trouble with Brazilian law enforcement agencies involving its messaging service WhatsApp and in Germany over antitrust concerns.

Story continues

Not just Facebook, of late, big U.S tech companies like Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN) and Apple Inc. (AAPL) have found themselves in troubled water after the EU tightened regulations surrounding taxation, data privacy and antitrust concerns.

Earlier this month, the European Commission asked Apple to shell out $14.5 billion in taxes to Ireland. It alleged that Apple had received undue tax benefits so far in Ireland, violating EU state aid rules. Per media reports, Apple struck a deal with Ireland twenty years back, which allowed the company to compute taxes only on its sales in the country instead of paying taxes on its worldwide sales,

At present, Facebook carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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"Barbra and her team are what every franchisor wants in place when opening a new location," said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO of Tint World. "She has extensive business experience, and has surrounded herself with some of the highest skilled installers and tinters in Central Florida. Her team has a combination of more than 65 years of industry experience. The sky is the limit for this store."

A native Central Floridian and business graduate of the University of Central Florida, Muller has spent more than 15 years in customer service management, dedicating her career to always providing complete customer satisfaction and consistently delivering on that promise. She is excited to transition her skills into managing her new store.

"My number one goal with this store is to be customer focused," said Muller. "Too many times people pull up to a shop and they feel uncomfortable or intimidated by, or afraid of weird sales tactics. We want to be a safe location with a professional atmosphere. We want everyone to feel comfortable, whether you're a busy professional dropping your car off or a parent who needs to keep your kids entertained at the shop while your car gets worked on. As a mother of two young children myself, this was very important to me."

The new location will be one of the largest Tint World locations in the nation at more than 6,000 square feet. The shop has a large showroom with beautiful hardwood floors and fully interactive displays that allow customers to touch, see and hear every product before they make their purchasing decision. A grand opening celebration will be held at the store on Saturday, October 8th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"My husband and I both have deep roots in the Orlando community," said Muller. "We spent years saving our money with the plan to eventually open our own business, but we never really knew what type of business it would be. My husband has worked in the automotive electronics industry for 20 years and was very familiar with Tint World's reputation and success in other markets. We didn't want to risk our savings to setup a business completely from scratch, so moving forward with a franchise gave us that extra security we knew would help make us successful. That's when we decided that opening the first Tint World location in the Orlando market was the right decision for us."

Muller's husband is an automotive aftermarket veteran, and has been in the industry for 20 years. "It's great having your husband be so connected to the business," said Muller. "The best part is I've been able to tap into his network to make sure that we have the best installers and window tinters in Central Florida. We believe we can offer the best quality work to our customers in Orlando and I'm really excited to start serving our community."

The all-new Tint World Longwood store is located at 2100 North Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, FL 32750 and is open Monday through Saturday. To find out more, call 321-247-TINT (321-247-8468).

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers are leading providers of automotive, marine, residential and commercial window tinting and also offer sales and installation of mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, auto accessories, custom wheels and tire packages, detailing services, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of Residential, Commercial and Marine Computerized Window Tinting and Security Film Services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

About Tint World

Founded in 1982, Tint World has grown to become an award-winning franchised provider of automotive, residential, commercial and marine window tinting and security film services. With Automotive Styling Centers in the U.S. and abroad, each franchise location houses approximately 20 profit centers, ranging from in-store accessory installations, to off-site sales and installation of residential, commercial and marine window tinting and security films. To find out more, please visit www.tintworld.com and tintworldfranchise.com.

Tint World Contact:

Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO

(800) 767-8468

[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160926/412047

SOURCE Tint World

Related Links

http://www.tintworld.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, located at 199 Chambers Street in Manhattan, will host a staged reading of The Cost written by Aquaila Shene Barnes and directed by Barbara Montgomery at 7pm on Saturday, October 22. Following the staged reading, there will be a Q&A session and donations will be accepted.

The Cost is a play that follows the behind-the-scenes drama of the Foster family as they maneuver one of the most exciting political races in Ohio history. The brain trust of the campaign is Nicole Foster, sister and campaign manager to candidate Thomas Foster, Jr. Respected as a gifted politician in her own right, Nicole must take a back seat as their father has chosen her less-talented brother as "the one" to become the youngest and first African American governor of Ohio. Race, gender, sexuality and a parent's unfulfilled promise set the direction this race will take.

The Foster Campaign goes on a roller coaster ride from underdog to potential front-runner. However, the moment comes when the family is faced with a choice that could solidify their win yet go against everything the campaign stands for. When the stakes are highwhen family secrets could potentially destroy all they have worked forwhen what they have dreamed of all their lives is virtually in sightthis story asks, "How far are you willing to go to win and prove yourself to others?"

"With this play, I wanted to explore how free someone can really be in political life," said Ms. Barnes. "We want our politicians to tell the truth, be honest, show integrity, but in reality, most don't feel they have a shot if they express how they actually feel and what is most important to them. Politics is a very public display of how choices are made out of obligation, but we all make choices that consistently challenge how true to ourselves we are willing to be."

Ms. Barnes continued, "I wrote this play to examine the choices we make and the price we are willing to pay for those choices. Politics is a perfect backdrop to explore choices made from authenticity versus choices made from obligation. Choices made from obligation often leave us to question, 'Is it worth it?' Choices made from authenticity often challenge us to ask, 'Can I be courageous enough to stand in my truth?' Nicole, Thomas, Jr. and all the characters in this story have a moment where these questions are asked. I am delighted to be working with Barbara as director in addition to the first-rate cast members who we have engaged for this staged reading on October 22."

Developed in several New York City workshops, The Cost had its most recent presentations at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, directed by Ms. Montgomery; in Woody King's New Federal Theater Playwright's Lab; and as part of the Readers' Series at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC.

Ms. Barnes has also written the critically acclaimed stage play My People, My People along with newer works such as Sisters and Hush Hush, and has performed in various venues across the U.S. In addition to her playwriting, her work encompasses poetry, short stories and documentaries. Ms. Montgomery has performed in My Sister, My Sister, The Old Settler and Raisin The Musical (as Mama), and also directed the short film Mitote.

Media Contact:

Dian Griesel International

Susan Forman

Tiffany Chen

212.825.3210

SOURCE Tribeca Performing Arts Center
The award, presented by the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation, honors "distinguished scientists for their outstanding research on biologically active molecules and systems in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry and physiology as well as their clinical importance." Previous Heinrich Wieland Prize winners have included subsequent Nobel Laureates Michael Stuart Brown, Joseph L. Goldstein, Bengt Samuelsson and James Rothman.

Schultz, who also holds the Scripps Family Chair Professor of Chemistry at TSRI, was selected for "his fundamental contributions to the biologically inspired synthesis of new molecules including his groundbreaking work on expanding the genetic code. Using his toolbox to extend the genetic code, over 100 amino acids with novel functions have been introduced site-specifically into proteins allowing to probe cellular processes in vivo in unprecedented detail. Schultz has applied this method to generate new medicines and also to create organisms with enhanced properties. In addition, he has pioneered the development of large combinatorial chemical libraries together with cell-based screens leading to drugs for degenerative diseases, cancer, autoimmune and neglected diseases."

"Peter Schultz has given us a wide array of invaluable tools which enable us to rationally design molecules and organisms to understand the processes of life and to treat medical conditions," said Professor Wolfgang Baumeister, who chairs the Selection Committee of the Heinrich Wieland Prize.

Awarded annually since 1964, the prize, which is named after 1927 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Heinrich Wieland, is endowed with 100,000 euros. Schultz will receive the prize and present the laureate's lecture at an award symposium on October 13 in Munich, Germany.

For further information on Schultz's research, visit his faculty webpage [http://www.scripps.edu/research/faculty/Schultz] and lab website [http://schultz.scripps.edu/]. For more information on the Heinrich Wieland Prize, see the award's website [http://www.heinrich-wieland-prize.de/].

About The Scripps Research Institute

The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) is one of the world's largest independent, not-for-profit organizations focusing on research in the biomedical sciences. TSRI is internationally recognized for its contributions to science and health, including its role in laying the foundation for new treatments for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, and other diseases. An institution that evolved from the Scripps Metabolic Clinic founded by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1924, the institute now employs more than 2,500 people on its campuses in La Jolla, CA, and Jupiter, FL, where its renowned scientistsincluding two Nobel laureates and 20 members of the National Academy of Science, Engineering or Medicinework toward their next discoveries. The institute's graduate program, which awards PhD degrees in biology and chemistry, ranks among the top ten of its kind in the nation. For more information, see www.scripps.edu.

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SOURCE The Scripps Research Institute

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SAO PAULO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Platts Survey of Analysts (1H September)

Cane crush: 39.93 million metric tons (mt)

million metric tons (mt) Total recoverable sugar (ATR): 144.11 kilograms per metric ton (kg/mt)

kilograms per metric ton (kg/mt) Sugar production: 2.618 million metric tons (mt)

million metric tons (mt) Total ethanol production: 1,762 million liters (ltrs)

liters (ltrs) Hydrous ethanol production: 1,008 million ltrs

million ltrs Anhydrous ethanol production: 754 million ltrs

million ltrs Sugar mix: 47.73%

Ethanol mix: 52.27%

The amount of sugarcane crushed in Brazil's Center-South in the first half of September is expected to be 39.9 million metric tons (mt), up 34.5% from same period last year and up 4% from two weeks prior, according to the latest S&P Global Platts survey of analysts.

About 1.8 days of crushing were lost to rains, the survey showed, while during 1H September 2015 more than five days were lost.

Industry association UNICA is expected to release the official production figures for the key Center-South region on Friday. The 2016-17 sugarcane season in the region began April 1st.

If the cane crushed in 1H September proves as forecasted, this season's cumulative cane crush would total 433.6 million mt, up 8% from same period last year.

The range of analysts' expectations for cane crushed in 1H September was 38.5 million-41.3 million mt and the expectations for total recoverable sugar (ATR) spanned from 141 kg/mt of cane to 149 kg/mt.

Survey respondents anticipate the ATR to be 144.11 kg/mt of cane, down 2.6% from a year earlier and 1.2 kg/mt lower than 2H August.

The percentage of cane crushed earmarked to produce sugar is expected to be 47.73%, up 7.79 percentage points from a year earlier. The balance, or 52.27%, was directed to produce ethanol.

Sugar production is expected to have reached nearly 2.62 million mt, up 57% from a year ago, while ethanol output is expected to have declined 24% on year to 1.76 billion liters. Of the total ethanol, hydrous is likely to have accounted for 57%, or 1 billion liters, and anhydrous for the balance.

In Parana state, one of Brazil's CS sugarcane producers, the amount of cane crushed in 1H September rose 10% year on a year-over-year basis to 2.41 million mt, according to local industry association Alcopar. Despite less rain, the state's ATR in 1H September dropped 10.56 kg/mt from the prior two weeks to 136.29 kg/mt.

Total ethanol sales (anhydrous and hydrous) in 1H September to the domestic market are expected to have reached roughly 1.15 billion liters, according to Platts Kingsman, an agricultural analysis unit of S&P Global Platts. This is down slightly from the same period a year ago, at 1.17 billion liters, according to Platts Kingsman forecasts.

Hydrous ethanol is used in flex-fuel vehicles, while anhydrous is mixed with gasoline at a ratio of 27%, according to a national mandate.

Visit the S&P Global Platts and Platts Kingsman websites for more information on sugar and biofuels.

Contact: Global, Americas, Asia: Kathleen Tanzy, + 1 917 331 4607, [email protected]

About S&P Global Platts

At S&P Global Platts, we provide the insights; you make better informed trading and business decisions with confidence. We're the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Customers in over 150 countries look to our expertise in news, pricing and analytics to deliver greater transparency and efficiency to markets. S&P Global Platts coverage includes oil and gas, power, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping.

S&P Global Platts is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.platts.com.

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SOURCE S&P Global Platts

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on September 29, 2016 that International Gaming Technology (IGT) agreed to pay a $500,000 penalty to settle charges of unlawfully retaliating against one of its executives who raised repeated concerns about IGT's accounting practices. According to the SEC's complaint, IGT fired the executive because he reported to senior management and the SEC that the company's financial statements might be distorted. The whistleblower, represented by Alexis Ronickher and Lisa J. Banks, partners with Katz, Marshall & Banks, LLP, a boutique D.C.-based whistleblower and employment law firm, has elected to maintain his anonymity, a right expressly granted under the Dodd-Frank Act.

This is the first time the SEC has brought an enforcement action against a company for unlawful retaliation without charging underlying securities violations. The SEC's authority to prosecute anti-retaliation violations is based on its implementing regulations of Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Act. Remarking on the significance of the SEC's enforcement action, Ms. Ronickher noted, "The SEC's willingness to take action against a publicly traded company irrespective of whether it chooses to bring an enforcement action based on the whistleblower's tip is an extremely significant development. It sends a strong message both to publicly traded companies and to their employees that the SEC is serious about protecting whistleblowers."

International Gaming Technology Wrongfully Terminated Whistleblower For Reporting Potential Securities Violations To The SEC

In the fall of 2013, the whistleblower, an IGT executive, discovered that the Company had a potential accounting problem that appeared to inflate the costs of one of the business segments, which he believed might constitute a securities violation. Over the next 10 months, he repeatedly reported the problem to his supervisor and to IGT's Chief Operating Officer (COO). By the summer of 2014, the COO was so angry about these reports that he attempted to fire the whistleblower. He failed, however, when the whistleblower learned about his imminent termination and reported both the potential securities violations and the unlawful retaliation to the Company's compliance department, as well as the SEC. The Whistleblower's compliance report triggered an internal investigation, during which the Company learned of his SEC report. Less than two months later, he met with IGT representatives who told him that the Company's investigation did not substantiate his report. Moments later, they fired him. In only three months, the whistleblower had gone from a high-performer with years of positive performance reviews to being the victim of a retaliatory termination, as the SEC expressly concluded.

The whistleblower also has a charge asserting unlawful retaliation in violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), 18 U.S.C.  1514A, under investigation before the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ms. Ronickher and Ms. Banks have represented the whistleblower throughout the SEC investigation and continue to represent him before OSHA and with all matters related to his employment claims.

According to Ms. Banks, "After a two-year investigation, the SEC felt strongly enough about the evidence in this case to pursue a landmark, standalone enforcement action charging IGT with engaging in unlawful retaliation. Our client is pleased with the outcome of the SEC's investigation and looks forward to the same conclusion being reached by OSHA on his pending SOX claim."

SOURCE Katz, Marshall & Banks, LLP

Related Links

http://www.kmblegal.com


ATLANTA, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- International management consulting firm Venetia Partners LLC announces William Hendrickson as Partner to lead the firm's sales in the chemical industry vertical. In this role, Hendrickson will be responsible for adding new high-value client engagements and continuing Venetia Partners growth in the marketplace by leveraging his many years of management consulting, industry, and operational leadership experiences.

Hendrickson brings 28 years of experience in management consulting and corporate executive management positions. He was most recently a global executive leader at Brooks International. Prior to this, Hendrickson held senior operational and sales leadership roles at Florida Power and Light, Element Materials Technology, Hitachi Consulting and Accenture. He serves on the Dean of Business Executive Advisory Board at the University of Central Florida, and is a subject matter expert at the Blackstone LaunchPad  Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Hendrickson's diversified leadership skills span commercial and operational aspects of business, with noteworthy successes of delivering double-digit revenue growth, increased operating profits and developing long-standing C-Suite relationships.

"We're thrilled to welcome William to Venetia Partners. He brings a proven track-record of success in growing the top and bottom lines of businesses along with a successful track record of delivering outcomes for global Chemicals companies," said Mark Miller, Venetia Partners CEO. "His experience builds upon our current Chemicals Industry, private equity, and large program management capabilities and expertise. Under Bill's leadership, I'm confident that he'll further develop and expand our outcomes-based consulting capabilities for our Private Equity and C-suite customers in the manufacturing and distribution industries."

"I'm proud to join the Venetia Partners team, a group of highly talented consulting and operations professionals with a stellar track record of delivering significant sustainable outcomes for clients. I look forward to growing the business and expanding our relationships across the board, and in particular expanding our global Chemicals Industry services and penetration," said William Hendrickson.

William graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and subsequently earned an MBA from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.

About Venetia Partners

Venetia Partners, an international boutique rm of operational solutions experts, drives rapid performance improvement, real outcomes and an immediate impact on the bottom line. Its' no nonsense approach to fix, build or transform operational challenges often associated with the supply chain makes it sought after by large manufacturing and distribution companies and private equity rms. Venetia Partners operates out of nine major markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Zurich. For more information on the company and its services, visit www.venetiapartners.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Venetia Partners LLC

Related Links

http://www.venetiapartners.com


PORTLAND, Oregon, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Big Market Research adds a new report "Global Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Market - Size, Share, Trends, Forecast, Growth, Opportunities, Trends"

PR NEWSWIRE INDIA- Big Market research (PRNewsFoto/Big Market Research)

The Global Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Market Professional Survey Report offers an incisive insight into market landscape, key market dynamics, profile of key market players along with detailed segmentation & and a comprehensive overview of market environment in terms of sales and production trends and business policies of major manufacturers and vendors. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the key market drivers and market challenges to be overcome by the prominent market players to gain a foothold in the market. The study offers key market status in terms of market definition, product classification and specification, recent technological developments, R&D activities which the top companies hope to capitalize on in future.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141014/710132 )



The market level strategies in major countries and the business decision made by top industry players for successful brand positioning are analyzed in detail. The study with the help of tools such as SWOT analysis discusses the potentiality of buyers and sellers along with the imminent investment pockets of the market in terms of the current and future market opportunities. Moreover, the report on Global Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Market Professional Survey Report 2016 industry. offers market share & revenue analysis of different key manufacturers in terms of their price levels

Enquire about this report: http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/report-enquiry/607707

The report analyzes in detail trader and distribution trends of the equipment and analyses the status of various marketing channels dominant across segments and geographies. Furthermore, the study covers import-export volume of the products in different countries and tracks the dominant trends. The report extensively covers development trends in terms of suppliers of Agriculture Drone industry and tracks their impact on supply and chain structure of the equipment. The report offers information on new projects and ventures and their accurate investment feasibility analysis, which will help the investors and major stakeholders to evaluate the growth prospects of the segments they would target in major regions.

This report mainly covers the following

Segment regions including (the separated region report can also be offered)

North America

Europe

Japan

China

Southeast Asia

India

Check Discount before purchasing this report: http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/607707

The players list (Partly, Players you are interested in can also be added)

Hyundai Heavy Industries

DSME

IHI Corporation

Mitsubishi

Mitsui

SANSUNG Heavy Industries

YOKOGAWA

China SWS

DSIC

...

With no less than 10 top producers.

Data including (both global and regions): Market Size (both volume - Unit and value - million USD), Market Share, Production data, Consumption data, Trade data, Price - USD/Unit, Cost, Gross margin etc.

Table of Contents

1 Industry Overview of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)

2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)

3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)

4 Global Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Overall Market Overview

5 Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Regional Market Analysis

6 Global 2011-2016E Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Segment Market Analysis (by Type)

7 Global 2011-2016E Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Segment Market Analysis (by Application)

8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)

9 Development Trend of Analysis of Market

10 Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Marketing Model Analysis

Similar reports:

Global FPSO Vessels Market Professional Survey Report 2016

This report mainly covers the following

Segment regions including (the separated region report can also be offered)

North America

Europe

Japan

China

Southeast Asia

India

Get Complete Report @ http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/global-fpso-vessels-professional-survey-report-2016-market

United States FPSO Vessels and Equipments Industry 2016 Deep Market Research Report

The report United States FPSO Vessels and Equipment's Industry 2016 Deep Market Research Report is a thorough analysis on the key industry insights and changing market dynamics, industry estimation of the key segments, market challenges, winning strategies adopted by top companies to gain a stronghold in the market. The study offers an in-depth insight on current market status and future growth trends. The report offers overview of the industry by enumerating market definition, product specification and their major applications along with recent technological innovations made by manufacturers.

Get More Details @ http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/united-states-fpso-vessels-and-equipments-industry-deep-research-report-market

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With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.

With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.

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NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The WSN business is set to become a multibillion dollar activity but only if there is major progress with standards and technology. This techno-marketing report scopes over 140 manufacturers and developers and looks closely at the impediments to rollout and how to overcome them. For example, today's power sources often stand in way of the desired 20 year life so the report looks closely at how energy harvesting can help and profiles 40 relevant power source manufacturers. Ten year WSN forecasts are made based on the very latest information.



Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) - self organising, self healing networks of small "nodes" - have huge potential across industrial, military and many other sectors. While appreciable sales have new been established, major progress depends on standards and achieving twenty year life.



The new IDTechEx report "Wireless Sensor Networks 2012-2022" draws lessons from many successful installations in the last year. It looks at the complex standards scene with particular focus on WirelessHART that is the key to applications in the process industries in the short and medium term and it shows how the alternative ISA 11.11a has some way to go but may prove useful over a wider field of application and eventually subsume WirelessHART. It examines recent successes of the various backers of ZigBee-related solutions, who is behind the alternatives and how they see the future.IDTechEx research has found that the WSN market will grow to $1.8 billion by 2024. These figures refer to WSN defined as wireless mesh networks, i.e. self-healing and self-organising. Wireless Sensor Networks will eventually enable the automatic monitoring of forest fires, avalanches, hurricanes, failure of country wide utility equipment, traffic, hospitals and much more over wide areas, something previously impossible. It has started already with more humble killer applications such as automating meter readings in buildings, and manufacture and process control.



The WSN business is set to become a multibillion dollar activity but only if there is major progress with standards and technology. This techno-marketing report scopes manufacturers and developers and looks closely at the impediments to rollout and how to overcome them. For example, today's power sources often stand in way of the desired 20 year life so the report looks closely at how energy harvesting can help and profiles the relevant power source manufacturers. Ten year WSN forecasts are made based on the very latest information.



Standards

This new report draws lessons from many successful installations in the last year. It looks at the complex standards scene with particular focus on WirelessHART that is the key to applications in the process industries in the short and medium term and it shows how the alternative ISA 11.11a has some way to go but may prove useful over a wider field of application and eventually subsume WirelessHART. It examines recent successes of the various backers of ZigBee-related solutions, who is behind the alternatives and how they see the future.



US ahead but Asia catching up

The USA dominates the development and use of WSN partly because of the heavier funding available there. US industry sits astride the computer industry thanks to companies such as Microsoft and IBM and WSN is regarded as a next wave of computing, so US industry is particularly interested to participate. Add to that the fact that the US Military, deeply interested in WSN, spends more than all other military forces combined and creating and funding start-ups is particularly easy in the USA and you can see why the US is ahead at present. IDTechEx has profiled the main players in WSN, and their location by country is shown below.



Power

The challenge of excessive power consumption of these nodes, that have to act as both tags and readers, is addressed. For example, progress has been good in getting the electronics to consume less electricity, by both improved signalling protocols and improved circuitry.



As for batteries, lithium thionyl chloride single-use versions have twenty year life in certain circumstances but, for many applications, energy harvesting supplying rechargeable batteries is more attractive. That said, where is the rechargeable battery guaranteed for 20 years in use? What are the most promising battery technologies coming available in the next ten years? What are the alternatives to batteries? Which of the favourite energy harvesting technologies should be used - photovoltaic, electrodynamic, thermoelectric or piezoelectric? When are they usable in combinations and what are the results so far? Which applicational sectors of WSN have the most potential and what lies in the way for each?



The new report addresses these issues and provides a wealth of analysis of WSN projects and development programmes including the creating of improved WSN components, plus profiles of many suppliers, governments, standards bodies and investors. Benchmark your success and failure and optimise your future approach based on measured evidence. It is all here.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04155786-summary/view-report.html



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NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Yenni Capital, a private equity investment firm, announced today that it has acquired Steven Feller P.E. ("Steven Feller" or the "Company"), an engineering design services company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Steven Feller has historically focused its operations in Southeast Florida and has completed engineering design work for many of the largest projects in the region. Over more than three decades of its existence, the Company has developed an impeccable reputation among its diversified and distinguished customer base of architectural firms, developers and general contractors, with 90% repeat business from its customers. Having successfully navigated several economic cycles, owing to its consistently healthy business backlog and pipeline of new projects, the Company has proven itself to be an acknowledged leader in its niche.

Yenni Capital's strategic partnership with Steven Feller is intended to accelerate the Company's expansion into new geographical markets and sectors, and drive efficiencies through stronger financial and project management controls. The investment was executed via Yenni Income Opportunities Fund I (the "Fund"), Yenni Capital's buyout fund vehicle, in partnership with the Company's Founder and President Steve Feller, and Braga Investment & Advisory. "We are excited about our acquisition of Steven Feller, a robust franchise with great potential to scale across geographies and sectors," said Musa Yenni, President of Yenni Capital. "Steve Feller is an excellent entrepreneur and engineer, and we are thrilled to partner with him and his experienced team to take the Company to its next level of sophistication and growth."

Steve Feller will continue in his current role as President. Mr. Feller said: "I am extremely excited and optimistic about the partnership with Yenni Capital. Together, we will be able to enter new markets and continue to serve our existing and new customers with industry leading engineering design services."

Dentons US provided legal counsel, and CohnReznick LLP provided financial and accounting due diligence to Yenni Capital for the transaction. Benchmark International served as financial advisor to the Company.

About Steven Feller P.E.

Steven Feller P.E. was founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1979 by Steve Feller as an engineering design services firm catering primarily to large-scale development projects in the Southeast. Steven Feller markets itself as a turn-key outsourced service provider to architectural firms and developers who rely upon Steven Feller's expertise in designing reliable infrastructure components to support the largest commercial and residential development projects in the nation. Over its history, Steven Feller has exhibited a 95% success rate in securing bids which utilize its entire suite of design and service capabilities (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Suppression) affording it the ability to provide an end-to-end solution for its architect and real estate developer customers. Steven Feller's expertise has been applied to new construction projects as well as to retrofit and reuse of existing and historic buildings in a wide range of industries. Steven Feller's highly qualified engineers, decades of industry experience and impeccable reputation have allowed it to successfully complete thousands of projects nationally and internationally.

Steven Feller is a member of US Green Building Council (USGBC) and also has joint venture arrangements with several established and certified women-owned and African-American owned engineering firms with minority status.

For more information about Steven Feller, visit www.fellerpe.com.

About Yenni Capital

Yenni Capital is a New York based private investment firm founded by Musa Yenni, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor in small businesses. Yenni Capital has established Yenni Income Opportunities Fund I, L.P. to acquire, in proprietary non-auctioned transactions, majority equity ownership in privately held operating companies across a variety of industries. The Fund's investment objective is to generate and distribute current income, and provide long-term capital appreciation through control investments in highly profitable, scalable and low capital expenditure requiring US companies. Yenni Capital believes that the management expertise it brings to its portfolio companies enables them to unlock value, and achieve transparency and growth. The Fund is currently accepting commitments from new investors.

For more information about Yenni Capital, visit www.yennicapital.com.

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By Tim Cocks DAKAR (Reuters) - In the heyday of former President Omar Bongo, Gabon and its oil wealth were a central pillar of "La Francafrique", a shadowy network that enabled France's troops to defend African autocrats in exchange for juicy contracts for French companies. Thanks partly to this web of diplomacy and trade backed by French firepower, Bongo stayed in office for 42 years before his death in 2009. France's energy firms, meanwhile, had undisputed claims to some of the continent's richest oil fields. But the days of France throwing its weight behind a leader for commercial favours may be numbered, which presents a challenge for French businesses in West Africa, a largely Francophone region because of its colonial past Ali Bongo, the son of the late president, was inaugurated for a second term on Tuesday after an election whose credibility EU observers seriously called into question. France's position has been clear since the Aug. 27 poll: it has "doubts" about its credibility, so it won't endorse Bongo as the winner against his main opponent Jean Ping - a clear message that Bongo's half-century family dynasty can no longer count on support from Gabon's former colonial master. Bongo denies unduly influencing the election, and Gabon's top court upheld the result. Yet his father used to win elections with so little credibility that in 1986 he got over 99 percent of the vote, and four years later, when protests erupted, French troops stepped in to quell them. France's Elf won every oil licence in a bidding round shortly after, according to British journalist Nicholas Shaxson in his 2008 book Poisoned Wells. "That period is behind us," French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told the France 2 TV channel this month. "We do not want ... to interfere in countries' internal affairs," he said, articulating a trademark policy of Socialist President Francois Hollande, who four years ago pledged that "the era of La Francafrique is over" while in Senegal. OFFICIAL CHANNELS A French diplomat told Reuters that current thinking in the French government was that Paris could no longer automatically back an ally, even when trade interests are at stake. If the leader's popularity fades, in elections or on the streets, France will distance itself. "The era of us picking someone and saying 'you're the next president' is over," another French diplomat said, even when France has "specific interests in one country or another". "France has changed quite a lot," said Paul Melly, associate fellow in the Africa Programme of London-based international affairs think-tank Chatham House. "The time when the French intervened to help Omar Bongo ... that was the old La Francafrique, looking after your chums," he said, an approach that was now "basically impossible". In Burkina Faso, where crowds ousted Blaise Compaore in 2014 as he tried to extend his 27-year rule, France backed away from its former friend, having quietly told him it was a bad idea. Socialist Hollande has shown no interest in cultivating the decades-old clandestine networks linking French businessmen and intelligence agents to African politicians that were created by France's right-wing former President Charles de Gaulle. "There really has been a shift to the idea that if there are to be negotiations with African partners they have to go through official channels," said Aline Leboeuf, a researcher at the Institute Francais. 'OTHER OPTIONS' The challenge posed to French companies present in Africa is complex, but it is clear the privileges they used to enjoy are being eroded. A 2013 Gabon oil licensing round doled out 18 blocks to companies from around the world, but French oil major Total, Elf's successor following a merger, was left empty-handed. The following year, Gabon ordered Total to pay $805 million in back taxes, which the company said was an unfounded tax adjustment. Total declined to comment for this story. Other sectors that similarly rely on good relations with African governments - like telecoms and mining, in which companies like Orange and Areva respectively operate - could also be vulnerable. Orange declined to comment. A spokesman for Areva said the company would "continue to invest in exploration and innovation to find new deposits," but did not address the question of Africa risks. Some officials and companies say the impact of the end of La Francafrique should not be overstated, since globalisation has been opening the field to competition anyway. Ali Bongo, who has lived in Los Angeles and had a son in elite English boarding school Eton, made a point of trying to expand ties beyond the Francophone world. France, meanwhile, has been diversifying its own ties. In a shift from the past, it is increasingly seeking opportunities in former British colonies like Kenya and Botswana; the French government's Africa department now has more experts in east Africa than west, according to government sources. A month ago, Total won a production licence in Uganda. "France has accepted the fact that ... it has a lot less ability to influence local politics," said historian Nathaniel Powell, who specialises in French-African relations, adding that it used to be a condition of working with an African leader that he would not allow in American companies. "They used to pretty much own the Gabonese economy," he said. "Now African elites have much more leverage, because they have the Chinese, they have other options." (Additional reporting by John Irish, Marine Pennetier, Richard Lough and Geert De Clercq in Paris; Editing by Pravin Char)
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Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 : The Kerala assembly witnessed angry scenes as verbal clashes broke out between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and opposition legislators on Tuesday.

The uproar erupted after Vijayan made a curt remark about the opposition legislators' protest over the steep hike in the professional education sector. This led to an abrupt end to the day's sitting of the assembly.

Vijayan has been well known all through his political career for his tough posturing, and while replying to an adjournment motion moved by the Congress-led opposition on the hike, he termed the ongoing Youth Congress strike against the fee hike, as being "done for TV channels".

As soon as he made this remark, angry opposition members rushed to the well of the house shouting slogans against Vijayan's statement.

To make things worse, Vijayan again taunted the opposition legislators and asked them not to pull off any tricks in the house as it won't work.

This made the opposition angrier and the slogan shouting intensified, but Vijayan stood his ground and said what needs to be said will be said.

Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala responded to Vijayan by saying that his threats won't work on the floor of the assembly.

"The tone, language and the tenor of Vijayan does not fit the post that he holds. You should not forget you are sitting on a chair where several stalwarts sat and you are speaking as if you are presiding your party meeting. A CM should not stoop so low, and should be tolerant. Perhaps what you speak may be the style of Vijayan, but it does not suit a chief minister," said Chennithala.

Chennithala then asked Speaker P.Sreeramakrishnan to ensure that either Vijayan apologises for his curt remarks or these are expunged.

With the Speaker keeping silent, the opposition members started slogan shouting and forced the Speaker to rush through the listed business as the day's sitting came to a close.
Mumbai, Sep 27 : As MNS workers protested outside filmmaker Karan Johar's office here on Tuesday over Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's presence in his film "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", industry veterans Subhash Chandra and Anupam Kher justified the MNS ban on Pakistani artistes.

But filmmaker Vikas Bahl wondered if ousting the Pakistani actors would solve any problem.

"I want to know if the step we are taking is towards solving the problem... What is the next step after they leave the country," Bahl told IANS.

His sentiment is in tune with Karan Johar's concern that banning Pakistani artistes from working in India was not a solution to terrorism. MNS workers reportedly staged a protest outside the filmmaker's office, shouting slogans against him for casting Fawad in the forthcoming drama "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil".

Fawad is one of the Pakistani actors asked by the MNS to leave the country following the September 18 terror attack in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 18 soldiers.

The actor, according to a source, had left India in July itself.

He won the heart of Indian audiences when he made inroads into the Indian TV industry through Zindagi channel, which brought syndicated content from Pakistan to the country.

"Zindagi Gulzar Hai" and "Humsafar" are shows that helped him garner a huge fan following, which then escalated when he made his Bollywood debut with "Khoobsurat".

"Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" features him with Bollywood biggies Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Ranbir preferred to be mum on the MNS directive while Karan, who directed the film, told a news channel that "this (asking Pakistani artistes to leave) is not a solution".

But Essel Group's chairman Subhash Chandra, who has announced that they will discontinue beaming Pakistani shows on Indian TV channel Zindagi in the wake of the September 18 attack, said as an Indian conglomerate, the Zee family had always extended an olive branch to Pakistan.

But now was the time to take a step back as "somewhere you have to understand your people's sensibility".

Chandra said that on their part they requested Pakistani artistes like Fawad, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, Veena Malik, Imran Abbas and more to "simply condemn the terrorist attack on sleeping soldiers".

"Nobody did it. We even said don't name Pakistan, but they didn't do it."

Apart from Fawad, Mahira is slated to be seen in Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Raees", the release of which is also under threat from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Anupam, who was denied a visa to Pakistan earlier this year, said the films that Pakistani actors have shot for must release for the sake of the investment the producers have made.

But he condemned their silence after the terror attack in Uri.

"Make us feel that we have given you so much (in your career), and you can at least do lip service and say 'I am sorry for your pain and I condemn this act of terrorism'," he said in a message to Pakistani actors.

The Indian film fraternity has been largely careful while commenting on the issue, with many choosing to keep their thoughts to themselves.

When IANS asked filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, who has touched upon the issue of terrorism in films like "Baby", he said: "I have an opinion, a strong opinion at that. But I wouldn't want to share it on a public platform."
Panaji, Sep 28 : Less than a week after British teen Scarlett Keeling's mother Fiona Mackeown blamed probe agencies and an inconsiderate system for acquitting two Goa beach shack workers in her daughter's 2008 rape-murder, a lawyer for accused Placido Carvalho wants the mother to be acted against for negligence.

Advocate Pravin Naik, who has represented Carvalho in course of the trial, has also said that action should be taken against Fiona, claiming her statement to the media on Friday (September 23), on the day Carvalho and fellow accused Samson D'Souza were acquitted, where she said that foreigners do not get justice in Goa, was blatantly incorrect.

"I will appeal to the state government that after going through the judgement and after going through the evidence on record, they should also take action against the mother of the deceased girl for being negligent towards her duty," Naik told reporters here.

He also pointed out to the sequence of events before Scarlett's death, brought on record in course of the trial, where Fiona left her 15-year-old daughter in the care of one Julio Lobo, in Siolim village, before heading for Gokarna in the neighbouring state of Karnataka with her other children.

"So how she can keep the custody of a minor girl with a stranger, very well knowing the fact that the person with whom the custody was kept was used to alcohol. So there was complete negligence on part of the mother of the deceased to take care of the custody of the child and as far as the investigation is concerned. Based on the evidence on record, there is clear evidence that the mother of the deceased girl was negligent in taking care of the child," he said.

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation probe, Scarlett was allegedly sexually assaulted by D'Souza and Carvalho, in February 2008 after plying her with drugs and left to die on Anjuna beach. Eight years after the offence was registered, the Goa Children's Court acquitted the duo last week.

Following the order, Fiona as well as her lawyer Vikram Varma alleged that it was difficult for foreigners to get justice in Goa, especially when the crime is committed by locals.

Naik now wants the state government to take cognisance of Fiona's statement.

"My submission is, let the state government look into the matter and initiate action against the mother of the victim girl, because she has made a very blatant statement to media, that there is no justice for foreign tourists in India, without even knowing the judicial system in India," Naik said.

Naik also said that Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, who on Friday said that the outcome of the trial was "unfortunate", should read the contents of the order, before making such statements.

"My appeal to the honourable Chief Minister is kindly look at the evidence on record," he said.
Algiers, Sep 29 : The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reached an agreement to freeze oil output after an meeting held here on Wednesday.

The Head of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said at a press conference after the meeting, during which the cartel's members agreed to cap its oil output between 32.5 and 33 million barrels a day, Xinhua news agency reported.

The OPEC official dubbed the meeting of Algiers "historical", thanking Algeria for offering such an opportunity to gather and decide on a crucial issue related to oil market.

Al-Sada noted that after a six-hour meeting, the 14 members agreed to reduce oil output, adding that a committee has been set up to consider the output share of each member nation.

A report should be drawn up by the committee, and then filed to the next OPEC meeting due in Vienna in November, the head of OPEC specified.

The official further indicated that the committee is also meant to coordinate a collective agreement between the cartel's members in a bid to accelerate the process of re-balancing the oil market "by sharing the burden of adjusting the output between both OPEC and non-OPEC producers".
Manila, Sep 29 : Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that the joint war games between the United States and the Philippine marines in October will be the last.

"So I am serving notice now to the Americans. I will maintain the military alliance, the PH-US pact which our countries signed in the early 50s. But I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce. I will serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," Xinhua news agency quoted Duterte as saying in a speech before the Filipino community in Hanoi, Vietnam where he is on an overnight working visit.

Starting Tuesday next week, about 1,400 US marines, sailors based in Okinawa, Japan will take part in the Amphibious Landing Exercise with about 500 Philippine troops on multiple locations in the Philippine main Luzon island and Palawan, the province facing the South China Sea.

Duterte said on Monday that he would open up all avenues of trade and commerce for China and Russia, adding that he is about to "cross the Rubicon between me and the United States".

"I am about to cross the Rubicon with the US It is a point of no return," he said in a speech during an oath-taking event at the Malacanang presidential palace.

On Tuesday, Duterte accused the United States of "undermining" the Philippines currency, causing the Philippine peso to tumble against the US dollar.

"The Americans are undermining us now. They are manipulating.. the peso weakened," Duterte said in a speech at the Philippine marine headquarters in Taguig.

The Philippine peso hit a seven-year low on Monday, closing at 48.25 to a dollar, the weakest since the close of 48.335 on September 15, 2009.
Washington, Sep 29 : Nearly 600 more US troops will be dispatched to Iraq in coming weeks to reinforce Iraqi government forces to take back the city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS), Pentagon announced on Wednesday.

Currently there are some 4,647 US soldiers authorised to deploy in Iraq. The additional forces will enhance the authorised level to about 5,200, Xinhua news agency reported.

These troops will not spearhead the attack, said Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook. Instead, they will provide logistics support, training and advice for the Iraqi forces.

The Iraqi governmental forces also got Apache attack helicopters and a HIMARS rocket system. Large amounts of funding were sent to the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, local media reported, quoting Pentagon sources as saying that an offensive in Mosul might begin in October.

Earlier this month, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met privately with US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, seeking for more logistics support from Pentagon.
Los Angeles, Sep 29 : Actor Dwayne Johnson has introduced Nick Jonas as his latest co-star on the set of "Jumanji".

The former WWE superstar is the leading actor for the upcoming sequel to Robin Williams's 1995 classic movie, and he has revealed Jonas is joining the cast alongside Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Kevin Hart, reports mirror.co.uk.

Johnson shared an image of the pair in their costumes, on Instagram.

With that, he wrote: "Officially, welcoming my guy Nick Jonas to 'Jumanji'. Great dude, great positive energy and very talented. He is going to kill this role like I kill things with my bare hands.

"The jungle awaits. The adventure continues. And ironically the one who sings the most on set is Jack Black. On location, Hawaii, Welcome To The Family Nick, 'Jumanji'."

The film is due to be released in the summer 2017.
Moscow, Sep 29 : Come October and the symbol par excellence of Russia -- the Bolshoi Theatre -- will step into its 160th year and to mark this momentous passage has been staging Italian composer Gaetano Donizettis comic opera, "Don Pasquale".

It appears to be an Italian season here as is evident from the long queues waiting to see the first exhibition in Russia of the great Italian Renaissance painter Rafaello Sanzio -- better known as Raphael.

The Bolshoi has invited director Timofei Kulyabin to stage "Don Pasquale" for his first production with them. Kulyabin's radical stage version of Richard Wagner's opera "Tannhauser" in Novosibirsk (Siberia) last year caused a major controversy following a complaint against the production by the local head of the Russian Orthodox Church. A court later dismissed the allegations.

Bolshoi means "large" or "grand" in Russian and because opera and ballet are considered nobler than drama, theatres came to be called "Maly" or "smaller" and "lesser".

The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera are amongst the oldest and most renowned companies in the world. It is also the world's biggest ballet company, with a troupe of more than 200 dancers.

This correspondent was fortunate in not needing the aid of Russian subtitles scrolling on electronic screens to follow "Don Pasquale", which premiered in Paris in 1843. Greatly popular when it was written, Kulyabin's production updates it to modern times in the 19th century setting of the Bolshoi, employing also the device of a documentary projected on to a screen on stage, that introduces the ridiculous Pasquale, showing him in the company, among others, of disgraced Italian ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi.

The opera centres on the ex-university professor and bachelor Don Pasquale and the consequences of his decision to marry as he approaches his 70th birthday. It is a comedy of errors surrounding Pasquale's intention to marry but in the end sees him remaining a bachelor.

"We decided to keep the location but change the time to move into modern times. We tried to keep the original intrigue and general merriment," Kulyabin was cited telling reporters. His description is apt for the music too, which remains entertaining throughout.

The Bolshoi opera company specialises in the classics of Russian opera, but in recent decades, works by Western composers are also being performed, especially those of Italian composers such as Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.

Meanwhile, the Pushkin Museum here is hosting a rare exhibition of 11 works by Rafael, the architect of the High Renaissance, some of which have never previously left Italy. Rafael had a great influence on Russian culture, particularly that of Russian novelists such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Alexander Pushkin.

"The hope is to continue to foster Russia's love affair with Italian art and with Raphael," wrote a commentator in the Moscow Times.

The love affair began five centuries ago, when, having built up a prestigious and powerful state, Tsar Ivan III sent his emissaries to Italy to hire the best architects of the Renaissance era to design buildings for the Kremlin palace in the centre of Moscow.

The Kremlin complex reflects the characteristics of different facets of the Italian renaissance: Venetian, Bolognese and Milanese. The Dormition Cathedral was built by Bolognese architect Aristotel Fioravanti.

Most of the Kremlin walls and towers were built by Pietro Antonio Solari and Marco Ruffo from Milan. The duo also constructed the Palace of Facets.

"After Italian architects worked in the Kremlin, Russian architecture became more joyful, more bright, more picturesque," Moscow Architectural Institute Rector Dmitry Shvidkovsky said.

It is on record that more than 60 Italian architects were invited to Moscow in the 15th and 16th centuries.

As director Kulyabin's controversial staging of Wagner's opera highlighted the divide in the country between traditionalists who see the nation as a bulwark of conservative values and the liberal urban intelligentsia that seeks a Russia firmly integrated into the Western world, the Italian autumn here provokes a revisiting of the debate around Russian identity -- is Russia an Asian or a European country?

Being a vast country, straddling different time zones and containing populations of Central Asian origin, Russian culture itself has a deep-rooted oriental component. In fact, a clue to this is provided by the nature of Russian orientalism itself as it developed through contact with the colonies. Russia's eastern colonies lay contiguous, not separated by sea, as were the colonies of France and Britiain.

(Biswajit Choudhury is in Moscow at the invitation of the Skolkovo Foundation. He can be reached at biswajit.c@ians.in)
Guwahati, Sep 29 : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday appeared before a local court in Guwahati in connection to a defamation case.

"The (RSS) want to divide the country and my fight is against them. I am not scared and my fight against poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment will continue," Gandhi said after appearing at the the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Kamrup.

A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteer had filed a defamation suit against Gandhi last year and the court of the CJM after examining different witnesses asked Gandhi to appear before the court on September 29.

"They (Bharatiya Janata Party) want to disturb my 30 day trip to UP for the farmers. That is the reason such cases are filed against me," he said while adding that his fight will continue.

The case is regarding Gandhi's visit to the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery on December 12 last year. He was supposed to enter the Satra before taking part in a road show, organised nearby, but did not do so and instead hit the road show directly.

Later in New Delhi, he told media persons that some RSS workers prevented him from entering the Satra. He also alleged that the RSS have incited the local women to prevent him from entering the Satra.

The volunteer filed the defamation suit not only denying the role of RSS into the incident but also alleging that Gandhi's statement to media in New Delhi had tarnished the image of Satra.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss the situation at the Line of Control (LOC).

The meeting was held after the Pakistani Army on Thursday violated the ceasefire agreement and resorted to indiscriminate firing at Indian positions along the LoC in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

India had on Tuesday announced that it was pulling out of the Saarc summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November after the September 18 cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / Gainey Capital Corp. (GNC.V) (GNYPF) ("Gainey" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from the first hole of the Company's ongoing, Phase 1 drill program at the near surface, La Nueva Victoria Mineralized Zone ("La Nueva Victoria") of the El Colomo property in Sierra Madre Golden Belt, Mexico. The mineralized interval commences at 5.15 meters from surface for 70.85 meters of 0.65 g/t Au and 35.31 g/t Ag (1.14 g/t Au Eq), please see Table 1 below for more details:

Table 1 - New drill results from the La Nueva Victoria Zone at El Colomo:

HOLE ID FROM TO Width Au_g/t Ag_g/t Au_Equivalent* DHEC160001 5.15 76.00 70.85 0.65 35.31 1.14 Including 5.15 44.8 39.65 0.79 43.86 1.39 and 60.50 76.00 15.50 0.73 38.54 1.27

*Au Equivalent calculated using a price of $1,300 US/oz for gold and $18 US/oz for silver.

Hole 1 targeted the center of the silicified vein breccia zone, consisting of grey quartz veining and permeable lithic tuff, of the La Victoria structure at a dip of -60 degrees. Two additional holes targeting this zone are currently being processed, and the results are anticipated shortly.

Rafael Gallardo, Senior Geologist of Minera Cascabel S.A. de C.V., who is leading the drill program, commented, "The results that we have received for the first drill hole are very encouraging and I look forward to the results from the other two holes designed to target this zone. The near-surface Au-Ag mineralization we have encountered is typical of epithermal low-sulphidation type deposits found in the area."

David Coburn, CEO of Gainey, commented, "The maiden drill results on La Nueva Victoria confirm our model for sub-surface mineralization following up on our initial detailed sampling program. Further drilling along trend and at depth has the potential to see this zone expand significantly and, in addition to future drilling at La Higuerita and El Arrayan, have the potential to support the discovery of an under-explored gold-silver mineralized system."

Story continues

El Colomo Property

El Colomo is a highly prospective, 187 km2 property with district-scale gold-silver potential located within the 'Golden Corridor' in Sierra Madre, Mexico. High-grade and bulk tonnage targets have already been identified through prior exploration and there are strong indications of continuity between La Higuerita, La Nueva Victoria and El Arrayan (at least 2 km in strike length). Please refer to Figure 1 of this release for a map showing the extent of the El Colomo property.

97% of this 18,766-hectare project has not been explored using modern concepts & technology. All 20 mineralized zones identified to date are located in the central portion of the property and within a 1.5 km radius of each other.

Figure 1 - Full Extent of the El Colomo Property

Qualified Person

David Hladky, P. Geo. is the Qualified Person with respect to NI 43-101 at El Colomo.

La Nueva Victoria Drilling and Assay QA/QC

All drill core from this release is drilled at HQ diameter and is split into equal halves near site. All samples are assayed using standard 33 element ICP and 50 gram fire assay with atomic absorption finish by ALS in Vancouver, Canada.

QA/QC programs using internal standard samples, field and lab duplicates and blanks, indicate good accuracy and precision in a large majority of standards assayed. As the mapped mineralized corridors strike N-S, the drill holes were designed to have azimuths perpendicular or as close to perpendicular to the strike as the permitted pad would allow. As this is the first drill program by Gainey at El Colomo, the dip of the main structure is not entirely known but is believed to dip steeply to the west based on mapping and historical work, and thus the intercept is estimated to represent 50-60% of the true width. No intercept was reported that averaged less than 0.4 g/t Au and/or 10.0 g/t Ag and no intercept had more than five consecutive meters of less than 0.2 g/t Au and/or 10 g/t Ag, or began or ended with values less than 0.2 g/t Au and/or 10 g/t Ag.

About Gainey Capital Corp.

Gainey Capital is a gold and silver exploration, development and mineral processing company exploring an aggregate of 187-km2 strategically located in the gold/silver-rich Sierra Madre Occidental Trend in western Mexico. The company's processing center, located outside of Huajicori, in Nayarit, Mexico, is capable of processing up to 300 tons of mineralized material per day and the company has the capability to upgrade to 600 tons per day with a low capital expenditure. Additional information on Gainey Capital, its current operations and its vision is available on the Company's website at www.gaineycapital.com or from info@gaineycapital.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"David Coburn"

David Coburn, Chief Executive Officer

For information, please contact the Company:

Phone: 480-347-8904

E-mail: info@gaineycapital.com

Website: www.gaineycapital.com

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date such statements were made. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release.

SOURCE: Gainey Capital Corp.
A view of the Naro Palace near the Hemis Monastery, some 40 km from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, where the weeklong Naropa festival concluded recently. Image Source: IANS News

The recently concluded weeklong Naropa festival that witnesses unveiling of a 60-foot-tall silk embroidery brocade of Buddha Amitabha at the newly-built Naro Palace near the Hemis Monastery, some 40 ... Image Source: IANS News

Buddhist leader and active environmentalist the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa delivers sermons at the recently concluded weeklong Naropa festival at the Naro Palace near the Hemis Monastery, some 40 km from ... Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi : Ladakh -- once the hub of the ancient Silk Route -- is aptly described as a place where Buddhist spirituality and its ancient culture reign supreme amidst virgin nature.

It's a cold desert in northern India, dotted by tiny hamlets spread over the Himalayan peaks adjoining Tibet, where one can simultaneously have a close brush with sunburn and frostbite in summer.

Leh, the headquarters of Ladakh, is connected by road -- open only five months a year due to heavy snowfall -- from Srinagar and the distance of 434 km takes two days with a night halt at Kargil town; and almost equidistant from the picturesque Manali tourist resort in Himachal Pradesh via the picturesque Lahaul Valley. The latter route is more treacherous.

Travelling by air is the most convenient way to reach Leh, available round the year.

"It's a place where spirituality and culture co-exist, where traditional life is thriving by adapting green, modern technologies. It's truly called a crown jewel," remarked British tourist Alfred Martin.

For Malaysia-born Michelle Yeoh, famous for her role in Ang Lee's Oscar-winning martial arts love story "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", visiting the "rooftop of the world" is a spiritual journey. The analogy, however, was not exactly appropriate as the expression "Roof of the World" generally refers to Tibet.

"It's a spiritual journey for me every time. This land of high mountain passes always reminds me of a stronghold of Buddhist art, culture and spirituality and this spirit of purity is rarely seen elsewhere in the world," Yeoh told IANS.

She was in Ladakh earlier this month for the week-long Naropa festival, a once-in-12-year celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Indian saint Naropa, at the famed 17th century Hemis monastery, located 40 km from Leh.

"From July till late October is the best period to explore ancient monasteries and trek to a host of mountain passes," remarked tour operator Sonam Dawa in Leh.

Ladakh reported a tourism boom in 2015, attracting 146,501 visitors, including 19,075 foreigners, up more than 25 percent from the previous year, according to the local administration.

This year, till July, it saw 161,444 tourists and a majority of the foreigners were from Israel, France, Britain and the US.

The entire Ladakh region is populated mainly by tribals. The climatic conditions are harsh as much of the land is a cold desert where the mercury remains below minus 30 degrees Celsius in winter for weeks on end.

The staple food is barley, wheat, peas, rice, rapeseed and salted tea mixed with yak butter.

From the world-acclaimed Hemis monastery to Druk Padma Karpo School, also known as "Rancho's School" after the Aamir Khan character in the film '3 Idiots', these places speak about the unique spirit of Ladakh, from an ancient past to the innovative present.

Built in 1630 by Druk Staktsang Raspa, a student of the fifth Gyalwang Drukpa, the monastery holds the Hemis Festival every year in summer in honour of Guru Padmasambhava, the eight century Indian guru revered for spreading Buddhism in the Himalayas.

The monastery's museum is a repository of an astounding 1,500 artefacts, some dating back 1,400 years.

Just an hour's steep uphill hike from the Hemis Monastery takes you to the Gotsang cave and retreat centre, a spiritual journey.

Chemdrey, one of Ladakh's greatest fortress monasteries, is 45 km from Leh, en route to the picturesque Nubra Valley and the world's highest salt water lake Panggong that freezes in winter.

The statute of Padmasambhava is the most important statue in the Chemdrey monastery.

The Shrey Palace, located 15 km south of Leh, houses a 12-foot statute of Buddha in the temple of Shakyamuni, one of the largest metal statues in Ladakh.

The palace, which boasts of a view of 108 stupas , is owned by a royal family of Ladakh. Monks of the Drukpa lineage are taking care of it.

Adventure and thrills lie west of Leh.

The mighty Indus and Zanskar rivers are popular for whitewater rafting. The place where the blue waters of the Zanskar and the green of the Indus join, some 36 km from Leh, is known for its most beautiful views.

There is also the famous Sikh shrine, Gurdwara Patar Sahib, managed by the Indian Army, 20 km from Leh.

Getting to Leh:

How to travel: In summer, by public or private transport. From Manali to Leh via Keylong; From Srinagar to Leh via Kargil.

Leh is connected by air from Delhi and Jammu.

Where to stay in Leh: Small hotels, guest houses and even homestays with local people. Interestingly, there are no houses left in Leh, only guest houses.

Buddhist leader The Gyalwang Drukpa, the spiritual head of the 1,000-year-old Drukpa Order, is promoting homestays among the locals by adopting eco-friendly ways.

(Vishal Gulati was in Leh at the invitation of the Gyalwang Drukpa. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Toronto, Sep 29 : A high level delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is attending the 3rd Annual Ministerial Dialogue here on Thursday to enhance bilateral business and commercial linkages between the two countries, an official statement said.

Considering the potential and growth of bilateral trade at a decent pace, the trade ministers of both the countries are likely to explore ways of expeditious conclusion of Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as a basis for expanding two-way trade and investment, a statement from the Commerce Ministry said.

"During the dialogue, India will also address the Temporary Foreign Workers Programmes (TWEP) of Canada which is affecting the Indian IT Industry, equivalance by Canadian Food Inspection Agency for Indian organic product exports and woo investment in different sectors of India," the statement said.

Sitharaman is also scheduled to meet some top business leaders of Canada on Friday to discuss the reforms undertaken in India and prospects for investment in various sectors.

"In addition, both the leaders are expected to discuss regarding recent commercial achievements between both countries, bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, issues relating to intellectual property, in addition to other issues relating to trade and investment," it said.

It is recognised that India and Canada have enormous scope for enhanced bilateral trade relations but the bilateral trade between the two countries has not been up to the potential.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Canada in April 2015, stressed the importance of bilateral business and commercial linkages as key drivers of India-Canada partnership.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army after troops carried out surgical strikes across the LoC.

"I congratulate Modi and Indian Army for surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir," Shah tweeted.

Shah said the Indian Army had inflicted heavy damage on terrorists. The action "reaffirms army's valour and commitment to the nation's security", he added.

He said it was for the first time in the fight against terrorism that India was feeling secure.

"I again salute the valour of the Indian Army for giving a befitting reply to those attacking innocent Indians and ensuring zero tolerance on terror," he said.
Mumbai, Sep 29 : Around 450 jail inmates of Maharashtra and 90 surrendered Maoists in Chhattisgarh will join around 1.70 lakh students to write the annual Gandhi Peace Exam to mark the 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, an official said here on Thursday.

The exams shall be conducted across the state by Mumbai Sarvodaya Mandal (MSM) to give the jail inmates and Maoists an opportunity to feel a sense of remorse by inculcating moral values, peace, truth and non-violence propounded by Mahatma Gandhi.

"Even 68 years after his assassination in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and values on non-violence are an inspiration to the ordinary people and others, who went on to become eminent personalities in different fields or world leaders," said MSM chief T. R. K. Somaiya.

As declared by the United Nations, October 2 shall be celebrated as International Non-Violence Day the world over, he said.

Explaining MSM's concept behind the examinations, Somaiya said Mahatma Gandhi believed in 'change of heart' and while inculcating his ideology among the youth, it is essential to help bring about this change of heart.

"Those who commit crimes in a moment of fury are neglected by society and they are forced to enter the world of crime. We must help make them, even if they are jail inmates, responsible citizens," Somaiya said.

This year, during the upcoming Gandhi Jayanti Week, around 450 prisoners from jails in Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Akola, Chandrapur and Bhandara, and 90 Maoists, who surrendered in neighbouring Chhattisgarh state shall write the examinations.

They will join around 1,70,000 school and college students in the state for the exams.

Another 1,200 jail inmates shall appear for the Gandhi Peace Examination during the year.

Till date, Somaiya said around 1,150 prisoners in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Jalna, Aurangabad, Nashik and Pune jails have appeared for the exams in the past few years.
Chandigarh, Sep 29 : The Punjab government has ordered the evacuation of villages in a 10-km belt along the border with Pakistan following the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the LoC.

The union home ministry on Thursday directed the Punjab government to get the border villages evacuated.

Local authorities were using loudspeakers to announce to residents in the border villages to leave their homes and villages and move to safer zones.

The authorities have ordered the closure of schools and other institutions in the border belt.

Punjab's border districts include Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Abohar and Fazilka.

Informed sources said the Border Security Force (BSF) was mobilising its troops and strengthening the security along the border belt.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called an emergency meeting of the cabinet on Thursday evening.
Singapore, Sep 29 : A court in Singapore on Thursday sentenced a 17-year-old blogger to prison for inciting religious hatred on social media.

Amos Yee was ordered to pay a fine of around $1,460, and was declared guilty of posting several offensive messages against Christianity and Islam on Facebook and Youtubey.

"(Yee) cynically set out to wound religious feelings in order to gain attention for himself, and ultimately to profit financially from such attention," Deputy Public Prosecutor Hon Yi said of the teenager, who had already been sentenced for insulting Christians last year.

Yee's lawyer N. Kanagavijayan said his client, who faces a maximum three-year prison sentence, has admitted his guilt and expressed remorse for offending Christians and Muslims with his messages on social media, Efe news reported.

However, Human Rights Watch criticised the sentence, calling it a violation of the freedom of expression.

"By prosecuting Amos Yee for his comments, no matter how outrageous they may have been, Singapore has unfortunately doubled down on a strategy that clearly violates freedom of expression," said Phil Robertson, Deputy Director of HRW's Asia division.

The sentence will only serve to increase the audience for Yee's messages, Robertson added.

Yee was also sentenced to four weeks in jail in 2015 for ridiculing in a video former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, considered the father of modern Singapore.

The sentence, however, was not effective since, Yee, then 16 years old, was locked up for 53 days before the trial in the Changi prison and subsequently was sent to a mental health institute on medical advice.
Chandigarh, Sep 29 : Punjab was on maximum alert on Thursday while villagers close to the border with Pakistan have been told to move to safer locations following Indian "surgical strikes" across the LoC.

"Punjab is in a state of maximum alert," Harcharan Bains, the advisor to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, said here.

He said appropriate steps were being taken to ensure the safety of people in the border areas with Pakistan.

Bains said the state cabinet would meet on Thursday evening, to be chaired by Badal, to take stock of the situation and take appropriate action.

The Punjab government has ordered the evacuation of villages in a 10-km belt along the border with Pakistan following the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the Line of Control.

The union Home Ministry on Thursday directed the Punjab government to get the border villages evacuated.

Local authorities used loudspeakers of gurdwaras to announce to residents in the border villages to leave their homes and villages and move to safer zones.

All schools and other institutions in the border belt have been ordered shut. All leave of Punjab Police and medical personnel in the border areas has been cancelled.

Punjab's border districts include Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Abohar and Fazilka.

Informed sources said the Border Security Force (BSF) was mobilizing its troops and strengthening the security along the border.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.

The BSF has cancelled the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border joint check-post (JCP) at Attari, 30 km from Amritsar, officials said.

The BSF and district authorities have asked visitors and tourists not to move towards Attari for the ceremony on Thursday. It is not clear when the ceremony will resume.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday urged Pakistan to "realise" its responsibility and make up for its "folly" in aiding and abetting terrorism against India.

"Pakistan should realise the folly and stop aiding and abetting terrorism," Naidu told reporters here.

The Union minister also asserted that the country is "safe" in the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army.

"The country is safe in the hands of Prime Minister and the Indian Army, and that is why, Indians from across the globe are appreciating the operation carried out last night," Naidu pointed out.

He said now that India had shown firmness in dealing with terror and made the surgical strikes, at least now "Pakistan should realise its responsibility to ensure peace in the region".

The remarks come close on the heels of announcement made by Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh that the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes against terror launch pads across the Line of Control.

The I&B Minister said the operation carried out by the Indian Army on Wednesday night was in line with the mandate the armed forces were given to "counter and foil" terror strikes against India.

"India has been urging Pakistan that its territories should not be used for terror activities," he said adding that nothing much had, however, happened on that front.

Moreover, Naidu said the promise made by Pakistan in January 2004 during the stint of Atal Behari Vajpayee that its territories would not be allowed to be misused to support terrorism was also not kept.

"They did not walk the talk and have been aiding, abetting and funding terrorism and supporting them to infiltrate into India," he said.

It is "unfortunate" that Pakistan had chosen to support terrorism, the minister said, pointing out that such actions had only threatened peace not only in the region but across the world.
Lucknow, Sep 29 : Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday said his party was in support of the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC).

He also said that he has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh after the strikes and extended his support on proactive action against the terrorist activities emanating from the Pakistani soil.

"We are with the government on this matter and endorse every decision taken by it," he said.

Yadav went a step ahead and said that time had come for India to take back PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir).

He also said by this action, Modi sent a reassuring message to the people of the country.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : India has donated $250,000 to Tanzania as part of relief measures after an earthquake rocked the east African nation earlier this month, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

"The Government of India has contributed a sum of $2,50,000 to the Tanzanian government for Kagera earthquake relief," the ministry statement said.

"This was handed over by High Commissioner of India Sandeep Arya to President of Tanzania John P. Magufuli on September 27 at the State House in Dar es Salaam," it stated.

At least 11 people were killed and over 200 injured on September 10 when an earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck northwestern Tanzania.

The earthquake jolted regions of Kagera and Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria. The quake was recorded at a depth of 10 km and located 44 km from Bukoba.

According to Thursday's statement, Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa was also present during the function on Tuesday in Dar es Salam.

"President Magufuli appreciated India's contribution and acknowledged it as reflective of the brotherly relations between the two countries and conveyed his gratitude for India's solidarity and contribution towards relief to the affected people," it stated.

In his message, which was read out by High Commissioner Arya, Modi "conveyed deep condolences and sympathies of the government and people of India on the loss of lives and damage caused by the earthquake, expressed India's solidarity with Tanzania and prayers for peace and fortitude to families and friends of those affected".
The privatization of Greek assets offer some serious investment opportunities, according to the CEO of Lamda Development, which specializes in Greek real estate, who told CNBC that foreign investors just need more confidence.

"I believe that the Greek government has understood that the creation of jobs is the number one factor, not only for the economy to work but for the psychology (towards Greece) to turn around. In order for job creation to happen, you have to believe in investments," Lamda Development's Odysseas Athanasiou told CNBC in Athens on Thursday.

"The prime indicator of this shift in the economy and growth will be the attraction of investment capital and the building of confidence for foreign investors to invest in Greece, this is the prime gap," he added.

Athanasiou stressed that the "prime thing" was for Greece to become "more extrovert" in its relationship with investors.

"(This is) how we build confidence and restore the country's credibility  this can come through privatizations but also through making people believe that we walk the talk," he said.

Greece is currently struggling to reach growth targets and reform milestones that are demanded by its creditors as part of a third, 86-billion-euro ($96-billion) bailout agreed by the Socialist Syriza-led government last summer.





The bailout program demanded that Greece make further cuts to public spending, overhaul its pensions, labor market and taxation system and implement a privatization program of Greek assets, such as its airports and ports.



Any initial government reluctance to privatize public assets seems to have dissipated, not least because Greece has such a steep hill to climb to get its debt-ridden economy back on track.

Athanasiou said the country offered investment opportunities and that progress was being made in terms of the government's privatization program.

"We believe that (returns of) 15 percent and above can be achieved and we're talking risk-weighted returns, not just absolute returns," he said.

Story continues

"We had the privatization of 14 local airports, we've had the privatization of the Port of Piraeus and lately we've had the parliament ratify the Hellinikon airport (development), so now we have to show that we believe in these privatizations and we make them happen."

Lamda Development is currently managing the development of the former Hellinikon airport in southern Athens. It will include commercial outlets, residential developments, offices, recreational space and hotel facilities, as well as a casino and marina. Lamda Developments hopes the project will contribute billions of euros to the Greek economy and attract a million tourists a year.

It is also expected to provide a significant employment boost, according to Athanasiou, who said 10,000 roles would be created initially, with that number rising to 70,000 within the first 5-7 years of the development.

Investment in the project is coming from an international consortium of investors including the Chinese conglomerate Fosun Group, Eagle Hills from Abu Dhabi and Greece's Latsis Group. Athanasiou said he believed the project was a "game changer" for Greece.

"This is not just a project, it's a game changer, it's one of the biggest urban regeneration projects in Europe and the world. It's not just a resort, it includes everything from infrastructure such as energy, waste management and water management and we're talking about the biggest coastal park in the world," he told CNBC.

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Mumbai, Sep 29 : Mumbai Duty Free Whiskey Festival, which was scheduled to be held till September 30, has been extended till October 10.

The festival, which boasts of a plethora of premium whiskeys ranging from single-malts to blended Scotch, American whiskeys to Japanese to Taiwanese whiskey, is being held at Mumbai Duty Free in Terminal 2 of the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport here. It started on September 1.

"Due to overwhelming response we have extended DFS Whiskey Festival till October 10," Manishi Sanwal, MD, DFS India, said in a statement.

Customers can select from a wide variety of 130 products in only single malts, over 95 Scotch brands and over 25 other whiskeys.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 29 : The Odisha government on Thursday approved two proposals with an investment of Rs 224 crore.

The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) met under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi and approved the proposals of Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperatives (IFFCO) and Wellspun Odisha Steel Pvt Ltd.

Under its approved project, IFFCO would set up a railway siding at new Paradeep station yard, said state-owned Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited's (Ipicol) General Manager Kalayan Mohanty.

He said the project with an envisaged investment of Rs 63.55 crore would also provide employment to around 97 persons.

It would be completed within 14 months. Around 49 acre of land required for it was identified. IFFCO would also allow other companies to use this siding, said Mohanty.

The other approved project of Welspun Odisha Steel Pvt Ltd would set up 0.27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel facility centre at Dosingha in Bhadrak district. Its investment would be around Rs 160.15 crore, said Mohanty.

The Dosingha facility would provide employment to around 915 persons and would require around 40 acres of land, he added.

The chief secretary also reviewed the progress on investment proposal made during Make in India week in Mumbai and Odisha Investors Meet in Bengaluru recently.

Notably, the Odisha government has attracted about Rs 1.61 lakh crore investment in the past two years.

While 14 companies evinced interest in investing Rs 70,956 crore at Make In India week held in Mumbai in February, the state government has got the assurance of Rs 90,670 crore investment at Invest Odisha meet in Bengaluru.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : India said on Thursday it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan and inflicted heavy casualties. Islamabad insisted there had been only cross-border clashes that left two of its soldiers dead.

Eleven days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Special Forces targeted "some terrorist teams" positioned on the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday night, the military said.

"During these counter-terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who support them," Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Director General Military Operations (DGMO), told the media.

As Indian authorities ordered a high alert along the border areas of Punjab and Gujarat and said it was ready for any retaliation by Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sounded a warning to New Delhi.

Villagers in a 10-km border belt in Punjab in India were ordered to move to safer places, while schools were shut in the entire area. Leave of police as well as medical personnel there was cancelled.

Across the border in Neelum Valley in Pakistan, authorities banned the movement of vehicles near the LoC, ordered primary schools shut and warned people not to loiter in the vicinity, according to Geo News.

Minutes after India announced the surgical strikes on Thursday, Sharif denounced what he said was "unprovoked and naked aggression" by Indian forces.

"Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness," he said. Pakistan can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan", he added.

The Pakistani military said there were no surgical strikes by India, and "instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon.

"The same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops," it said. "The notion of surgical strikes linked to alleged terrorist bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India."

Terrorists fighting Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir are known to be based in the Pakistani part of divided Kashmir and are said to enjoy the backing of both the Pakistani military and terrorist groups aligned with Pakistani intelligence.

As temperatures mounted in the region, with the Saarc summit scheduled in Islamabad in November under a shadow following a boycott by India, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, the government convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi and shared details of the overnight surgical strikes.

The Indian forces did not release details but some reports said that Indian Special Forces had gone three kilometers across the LoC and eliminated 38 terrorists before retreating.

Gen Ranbir Singh said the terrorists in the surgical strikes had planned "to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country.

"The operation was basically focussed to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country," he said.

The DGMO said the operation had since ceased. "We do not have plans of further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise."

The Indian action was based on "very specific and credible information", he added.

Thursday also saw Pakistani military shelling Indian positions across the LoC -- which divides Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries -- at Danesh and Lakshmi posts in Naugam sector, the state Police said. The Indian military retaliated.

Pakistan said the exchange of fire began at 2.30 a.m. and continued till 8.00 a.m., leaving two Pakistani soldiers dead.

"Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors," it said.

The Indian DGMO said he also spoke to his Pakistani counterpart and told him about the operation.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region but we cannot -- certainly not -- allow the terrorists to operate across the LoC with impunity and attack the citizens of the country.

"We expect the Pakistan Army to cooperate with us to erase the menace of terrorism from our region," he added.
Guwahati, Sep 29 : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi got bail after he appeared in a court here on Thursday in connection with a defamation case.

The court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Kamrup released Gandhi against a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond of Rs 50,000 and fixed November 5 as next date of hearing for the case.

The case is regarding Gandhi's visit to the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery, on December 12 last year.

Later, Gandhi addressed the party workers outside the court and said that his fight against the RSS' ideology to divide the country will continue.

"RSS wants to divide the country and my fight is against them. I am not scared and my fight against poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment will continue," Gandhi said after appearing at the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Kamrup.

A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteer had filed a defamation suit against Gandhi last year and the court of the CJM after examining various witnesses asked Gandhi to appear before the court on September 29.

"Gandhi sought relief under the PR Bond. The court with permission from the petitioner released him against a PR bond," said the petitioner's advocate Bijan Mahajan while talking to media outside the court.

"They (Bharatiya Janata Party) want to disturb my 30-day trip to Uttar Pradesh for the farmers. That is the reason such cases are filed against me," Gandhi said, adding that his fight will continue.

He was supposed to enter the Satra in December before taking part in a road show, organised nearby, but did not do so.

Later in New Delhi, he told media persons that some RSS workers prevented him from entering the Satra.

He also alleged that the RSS has incited the local women to prevent him from entering the Satra.

The volunteer filed the defamation suit, not only denying the role of the RSS into the incident but also alleging that Gandhi's statement to media in New Delhi had tarnished the image of Satra.
Srinagar, Sep 29 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti warned on Thursday any military confrontation between India and Pakistan could lead to a disaster of epic proportions.

"If urgent steps are not taken to bring down the tensions, confrontation between India and Pakistan would bring a disaster of epic proportions to the state," she said.

"Both New Delhi and Islamabad must open channels of communication because of the dangerous consequences of the ongoing escalation along the borders," the Chief Minister said.

Mehbooba spoke after India said it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani territory.

She said the people of the state had the highest stake in peace as many tragedies had befallen them due to violence in the last over two decades.

"For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit.

"Like siblings India and Pakistan have remained locked in rivalry, but the consequences of continued animosity will be worse."

Mehbooba said there was no alternative to talks as India and Pakistan had to return to the negotiating table to resolve their disputes even after two wars.

"I am sure that amidst the prevailing gloomy scenario in the region, the hope for peaceful means of resolving the issues will again stand the ground and political leadership of the two countries shall have to revive the peace and reconciliation with fresh resolve.

"It will be in the interest of both the countries to solve their problems through the bilateral framework as it is the only way forward given the dicey parameters of international power politics."
Chandigarh, Sep 29 : Army columns with artillery moved towards Punjab's border with Pakistan on Thursday amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan after New Delhi's surgical strikes across the LoC.

Army convoys could be seen moving towards the border belt in various border districts of Punjab including Fazilka, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.

Punjab was on maximum alert on Thursday while villagers close to the border with Pakistan were told to move to safer locations following the "surgical strikes" on across the Line of Control.

Residents of border villagers were moved to "safer areas".

"Punjab is in a state of maximum alert," Harcharan Bains, the advisor to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, said here.

He said appropriate steps were being taken to ensure the safety of people in the border areas.

Badal on Thursday put the entire government and political machinery on an emergency mode following developments on the India-Pakistan border.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Badal over telephone to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people in the villages falling within 10 km of the border, a Punjab government spokesman said here.

The request follow apprehensions that Pakistan could retaliate. The Punjab government has ordered the evacuation of villages in a 10-km belt.

Local authorities used loudspeakers of gurdwaras to ask residents in the border villages to leave their homes and villages.

All schools and other institutions in the border belt have been ordered shut. All leave of Punjab Police and medical personnel in the border areas has been cancelled.

Informed sources said the Border Security Force (BSF) was mobilizing its troops and strengthening the security along the border.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.

The BSF has cancelled the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border joint check-post (JCP) at Attari, 30 km from Amritsar, officials said.

The BSF and district authorities have asked visitors and tourists not to move towards Attari for the ceremony on Thursday. It is not clear when the ceremony will resume.

Badal held an emergency meeting here with senior civil and police officers and asked them to direct district officials in the border areas to oversee the evacuation process.

"The Chief Minister directed the DCs to identify suitable location for setting up camps and ensure that none of any residents being evacuated was put to any inconvenience or hardships," an official said.

The Chief Minister spoke to the concerned cabinet ministers and MLAs to camp in these border districts in which their assembly constituencies fall to liaise with the district administration to ensure the safe movement of the residents.

Badal directed the Chief Secretary to immediately release Rs 1 crore each to all the Deputy Commissioners of the six border districts to meet any exigency.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : The Congress and other opposition parties, including the CPI-M, JD-U and NCP, on Thursday backed the Narendra Modi government and the army on the 'surgical strikes' across the Line of Control (LoC).

"We are proud of the Indian Army. Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of India. It was a good operation and there will not be any diplomatic ramifications of the actions of the Indian Army," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters after an all-party meeting convened by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

At the meeting, CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal-United and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also backed the government action.

Pawar, also a former Defence Minister, made a special mention of the role of army and the meticulous operation it carried out.

Sharad Yadav said the army needed to be complimented, as conducting such raids past-midnight in difficult terrains showed their "determination" and the "will" to ensure the nation's security.

At the meeting, Rajnath Singh, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and Defence Minister Manohor Parrikar briefed the opposition leaders, but did not reveal details of the operation.

The Home Minister shared government's plan of actions about "internal security" in key states, like Punjab, and also that the government was keeping a track of possible Pakistan reactions.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, however, felt that Pakistan would not be very keen to escalate the conflict further.

The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Information & Broadcasting Minister M Vekaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who gave a brief outline of the "successful" diplomatic efforts over the last few days to "isolate" Pakistan in international fora and expose Islamabad's "double standards" on the issue of terrorism.

Naidu later said the army actions followed detailed and specific information that there were certain nefarious activities along the LoC and the international border.

"The information that terrorists were planning to attack some towns and important places prompted the army to act," Naidu said.

DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh told the meeting that seven terror launch pads were targeted across the LoC by "special forces" of the Indian Army during the 'surgical strikes' overnight, which started post-mid night and ended around 4.30 a.m., lasting about four hours.

Heliborne and ground forces were used, sources said and also that the forces could enter 3-km deep into the LoC.

"The operation was carried out based on very credible and specific information that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control," the DGMO said.

There could be 36-38 casualties among terrorists besides few soldiers of regular Pakistan Army, sources said, adding the "infiltrators" were planning to launch "terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and other metro cities".

"The general mood at the all-party meeting presided over by Home Minister Rajnath Singh at the North Block building was of consensus and everyone apparently backed the army action," a source said.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who is unwell, to brief her about the surgical strikes and diplomatic efforts being pursued by the government.

In a statement on Twitter, the Congress chief has said: "A 'strong message' has been sent with the surgical strikes by army against terror bases." She supported the "actions today to protect our country's security and deal with the menace of terrorism from across the border".

Rajnath Singh also tweeted and said: "I also congratulate the Prime Minister on taking a bold decision and showing true grit and mettle in crucial times."

"We are proud of our armed forces. They have once again exhibited exemplary courage and valour by destroying the anti-India designs," Rajnath said in one of his messages in the microbloging site.

BJP chief Amit Shah, who also attended the all-party meeting, complimented the Prime Minister for the leadership and the Indian Army for their successful operation.

"Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the government did not get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists," Shah said.
Dhaka, Sep 29 : A Dhaka court on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against Tarique Rahman, son of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in a sedition case, media reported.

Along with Tarique, who is Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP, the former ETV chairman Abdus Salam, its chief reporter Mahathir Faruqui Khan and special correspondent Kanak Sarwar were also accused in the case.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sharafuzzaman Ansari passed the order after accepting the charge sheet filed in Tejgaon police station, Dhaka Tribune reported.

The court has also asked the officer-in-charge of the police station to submit a report regarding the execution of the arrest by November 1.

On September 7, the Detective Branch pressed charges against the four in connection with the sedition case filed in January last year, the Daily Star news reported.

The case was filed against them on charges of broadcasting a "false, fabricated, and provocative" speech given by Tarique on January 5, last year.

Tarique, also the elder son of former President Ziaur Rahman, was accused in 19 other cases.
Imphal, Sep 29 : Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Anil Madhav Dave on Thursday announced that the Centre will develop the Loktak lake, the largest fresh water body in eastern India.

Talking to reporters at the conclusion of his two-day official visit to the border state, he said: "As soon as I reach Delhi I shall be in touch with all Ministries which are connected with the project. I will even take the issue to the United Nations."

On Thursday, he visited the lake and went to lake islet Pabot Ching to see the proposed developmental works. Manipur's environment Minister Irengbam Hemochandra and senior officials also accompanied the Minister.

Later women of the BJP Mandal at Thanga, an islet in the lake, accorded him a warm welcome. During his brief speech, Dave extolled the rich culture and arts of Manipur. He said funds will not be lacking for the overall development of the northeastern states.

"People of Manipur are blessed with the largest lake while there is a shortage of water at many places."
New Delhi, Sep 29 : Baloch nationalist leaders and activists across the world on Thursday welcomed the cross-border surgical strikes by India across the Line of Control and urged continuation of such operations.

"It's a great day which gives up hope. This should have been done long back... we welcome this audacious move by India. Pakistan is a haven for terrorists and has now become a cancer; and unless it's not curbed the world would continue to suffer," Sher Mohammad Bugti, spokesperson of Baloch Republican Party (BRP), told IANS over phone from Geneva.

Baloch nationalists, who are holding demonstrations outside the Chinese embassy in London against the human rights situation and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), called the strike "a right move".

"It's a right move. The whole world knows that Pakistan was behind the Uri attack, India had all the reasons to hit back. It's very important to strike those who disturb the peace," said Faiz Mohammad Baloch from Free Balochistan Movement in London.

Baloch nationalists, who held a protest in Delhi outside the Pakistan High Commission on Thursday, said India should continue such strikes till the terrorists are eliminated.

"We are very happy. We wish that such strikes happen at Rawalpindi as well where the real terrorists are. We will be pleased if India takes such action in Balochistan for the defence of the people who are struggling for the freedom of the province there," Mazdak Dilshad Baloch, a Balochistan nationalist who is campaigning in India, told IANS.

Mazdak, while leading the anti-Pakistan protest here against human rights violation in Balochistan, told IANS: "There are terrorists in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and they are without uniform. The part of Kashmir which is illegally occupied by Pakistan is an integral part of India, and carrying out a surgical strike by India on its enemies is not wrong."

He added that the Pakistan Army and its proxy Jihadi groups should quit occupied Kashmir.

Local Baloch activists in Balochistan said the surgical strike has given a new hope to the local people there.

"Common people of Balochistan are very happy. Terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi openly spit venom against India in Pakistan... India should continue such strikes and kill them too," Zamuran Baloch, an activist-journalists from Balochistan, told IANS over phone.

He added that while the Pakistan government took out an anti-India protest in Quetta on Thursday, local Baloch people stayed away from that protest.

"Pakistani media is boasting since morning that they are striking India back. Sheikh Rashid of Awami Muslim League is claiming that he would avenge India by killing a hundred Indian soldiers in Uri. These people are openly endorsing the Uri attack here on Pakistani media. It's high time India should teach them a lesson by continuing such strikes," Zamuran said.

India said on Thursday it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan and inflicted heavy casualties. Islamabad insisted there had been only cross-border clashes that left two of its soldiers dead.

The strike came 11 days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : Over one lakh tobacco growers across the country on Thursday submitted a written appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow their participation in the official Indian delegation to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Conference of Parties (FCTC COP7).

The farmers, under the banner of Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), have demanded the policy makers to promote balanced regulations to safeguard the interests and livelihood of millions of small farmers and rural workers.

According to FAIFA, the appeal is a demonstration of disappointment and resentment towards WHO-FCTC regulations.

FCTC COP 7 meeting is being hosted by India in Noida between November 7 and 12, 2016.

"It requests the government to reject the extreme FCTC proposals, which are not evidence-based. The farmers plead with the policy makers to promote balanced regulations to safeguard the interests and livelihood of millions of small farmers and rural workers and their families," said B.V. Javare Gowda, President of FAIFA.

"A democratic and participative approach in the formation of the Indian delegation to COP7 will ensure that the farmers' and the industry viewpoint on various proposals arising out of the COP7 agenda is taken cognizance of," said Gowda.

The appeal has also been submitted to various concerned ministries such as the the Health Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, Finance Ministry and the Commerce and Industry Ministry.
Chandigarh, Sep 29 : Residents of nearly 1,000 villages in Punjab districts bordering Pakistan are being evacuated following escalation of tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the LoC.

The villages being evacuated as a preventive measure include 300 in Ferozepur district, 290 in Gurdaspur, 137 in Amritsar, 135 in Tarn Taran, 65 in Pathankot and 60 in Fazilka.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.

"We are trying to evacuate residents of around 1,000 villages. Camps are being set up to accommodate people. We have made all preparations," Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal told media after an emergency meeting of the Punjab Cabinet here.

Badal said all schools falling within a distance of 10 km from the international border with Pakistan had been ordered shut. The leave of all officials in the border belt, including police, has been cancelled.

He asked people not to panic and assured that police will remain stationed in the evacuated villages to protect property.

"One additional officer has been posted in each border district to assist the deputy commissioners and local administration officials concerned."

"Though the public will be inconvenienced, we are ensuring it is minimal. People are being helped in evacuation," the Chief Minister said.

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "bold step" of ordering the surgical strikes, Badal dubbed the army operation as "kamaal da (great work)".

Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal said that schools, community centres, marriage palaces and other infrastructure were being used to accommodate evacuated people.

Badal said the Punjab government will not raise the issue of expenses incurred on the evacuation with the Centre at this juncture.

Army columns with artillery moved towards Punjab's border with Pakistan on Thursday amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the surgical strikes by special forces across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Army convoys could be seen moving towards the various Punjab districts bordering Pakistan, including Fazilka, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.

Punjab was put on maximum alert on Thursday while villagers living close to the border were told to move to safer locations.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Badal over telephone to request him to immediately start evacuation of villagers living within 10 km from the border, a Punjab government spokesman said here.

Following the Centre's request due to apprehensions that Pakistan could retaliate, the Punjab government ordered the evacuation within 10-km belt along the international border in Punjab.

The Border Security Force (BSF) was mobilising its troops and strengthening the security along the border.

The BSF has cancelled the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border joint checkpost at Attari, 30 km from Amritsar, officials said.

The BSF and district authorities asked visitors and tourists not to move towards Attari for the ceremony.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : Indian Army's "surgical strikes" on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control has sent a message to Pakistan to not take India for granted, security experts said on Thursday, and noted that there may not be escalation in the situation as Islamabad has denied there was any such military action.

The cross-border strikes were carried out on Wednesday night in retaliation for Pakistan-backed terrorist action on Indian soil, the army said.

The Pakistani military, however, said there were no such strikes by India, and "instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon."

The Army action came 11 days after the terror attack in Uri that killed 18 soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that those behind the Uri attacks will not go unpunished. Since then, there have been a series of top-level meetings to firm up government's multi-pronged response. India has blamed the Uri terror attack on militants from Pakistan.

Former Army Chief Gen V.P. Malik said that Indian Army's military action was not against Pakistan or the Pakistani army but on terrorist launch pads.

"While India is not interested in the whole situation escalating but if Pakistan does something, we will have to be prepared," Gen Malik told IANS.

The general, who was the army chief during the Kargil war, hailed the "first ever" calibrated surgical strike by the army.

"Chances of escalation may be minimal but in such a situation, you cannot rule (that) out. I don't think it is in India's interests to see an escalation but if Pakistan wants it then India will have to be prepared," he added.

C. Uday Bhaskar, security analyst and Director, Society for Policy Studies, said the surgical strike against the terrorist camps announced by the Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh, has confirmed what had been anticipated over the last few days - namely that the Modi team would 'respond' in an appropriate manner to the enormity of the Uri terror attack.

"Two aspects merit notice. India has confirmed that the attack was against terror infrastructure along the Line of Control (LoC) - and that the objective had been realized. It was further added by the Indian DGMO that he had informed his Pakistani counterpart," Uday Bhaskar said.

"With this two messages have been conveyed. One, India does not wish to escalate the military operation and the target was terror - and not the territorial integrity or sovereignty of Pakistan. Two, the onus for restraint or escalation is now on Rawalpindi - the GHQ of the Pak military," he added.

Uday Bhaskar said that the domestic political message is clear.

"PM Modi is indeed committed to defend India's security interests - and will take firm action when required - as promised during his election campaign. However, what needs to be tracked now is the response from Pakistan and the sub-continental trajectory that the post surgical strike days will follow," he said.

A former government security official, who did not want to be named, said that Pakistan has reduced its options by denying the Indian military action.

"I don't know the reason why they have denied. But by doing so, they have sort of reduced their options," the official told IANS.

He said the strikes were decisive and bold and will "teach Pakistan not to take us for granted".

Former Foreign Secretary Shashank hailed the army action and said India has adopted a comprehensive strategy in the wake of the Uri terror attack.

"There has been a comprehensive and coordinated strategy on all directions - strategic, diplomatic as also economic. This will ensure that terrorists will think twice now before infiltrating to India," Shashank told IANS.

Referring to the 2004 agreement - when he was India's Foreign Secretary - in which Pakistan had promised not to allow its territory or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India, Shashank said the onus was on Pakistan to prevent any escalation.

"The strike was on the terrorists and not on Pakistan. Since they did not take action against the terrorists, India had to," he said.

"As regards escalation, that entirely depends on how Pakistan reacts not just to the military action but also to India not attending the Saarc summit and also reviewing the Indus Waters Treaty," he added.

Brigadier S.K. Chatterjee (retd) said it was "not wise" on the part of Pakistan to deny the surgical strikes.

"I don't see the situation escalating because Pakistan has denied there has been any such surgical strike. If they escalate on their own, the international community is bound to question their motive," Brig Chatterjee told IANS.

Brig Chatterjee said India's retaliation cannot be limited to just cross border strikes "where you manage to kill just foot soldiers."

"We have to try and strike their (terrorist) leadership in Pakistan, through covert means or whatever means. Only then it will get into their heads that they cannot continue sponsoring terrorism," he said.
Chandigarh, Sep 29 : The Punjab Cabinet on Thursday hailed the "apt, timely and effective surgical operations undertaken by the Indian Army across the Line of Control in Kashmir" against terrorists and those providing them support.

At an emergency meeting of the Cabinet here, chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the Cabinet moved a resolution lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi "for decisively ordering the surgical operations to demolish the bases and camps of those acting with impunity against our citizens".

"The operation has been executed with clinical and professional precision by the brave men of the Indian Army," the resolution stated.

It further read: "Punjab, which is rightly called the sword arm of India, has suffered immensely because of the inhuman and ghastly acts of terrorism by these elements. Peace and communal harmony in the state has been one of the prime targets of these elements as was evident in the attacks on Dinanagar and Pathankot."

"The governments of India and Punjab are totally aware of the challenges posed to life and property of those residing along the border with Pakistan in view of the situation developing along the Line of Control in Kashmir and along the rest of the International border between India and Pakistan," the resolution said.

Accordingly, the Government of India has advised that the civilian population within 10 kilometers of the international border be moved to safer locations, it added.

The resolution maintained: "We deem it our sacred duty to take every step required to protect and safeguard life and property of our citizens living in these border areas. The entire state government machinery is geared up to function most sensitively and effectively round the clock to serve the people to ensure that these brave and patriotic Punjabis are put to minimum inconvenience and discomfort."

Apart from all the officials of the government of Punjab, all the ministers, the legislators and others holding official positions would remain available at all times for advice and assistance to those affected by the Government of India's advice, it stated.

"The Council of Ministers appeals to the people of Punjab to remain united and vigilant against the enemy and keep their calm and composure in the lofty traditions of patriotic fervour and selfless service," the resolution said.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : Setting aside political differences, most opposition political parties, including the Congress and the Left, on Thursday backed the Narendra Modi government on the 'surgical strikes' across the Line of Control (LoC).

The Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Nationalist Congress Party were among the parties that supported the government.

At an all-party meeting convened by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, top opposition leaders were briefed by him and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the four-hour operation carried out beginning around midnight on Wednesday till early Thursday.

The Home Minister shared the government's actions on "internal security" in key states like Punjab, and also that the government was keeping track of possible Pakistan reactions, official sources said after the meeting.

All political parties unanimously supported the army action, Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said.

Earlier in the day, immediately after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Director General of Military Operations, in the presence of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the announcement on the strikes.

The Home Minister also informed the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab, Bihar and other states about the strikes while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met ailing Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and briefed her.

Gandhi later issued a statement hailing the operation.

India's DGMO Lt. General Ranbir Singh told the meeting that seven terror launch pads were targeted across the LoC at a height of about 6,000 feet across the LoC along Kupwara and Poonch sectors by the Special Forces commandos.

"We are proud of the Indian Army. Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of India. It was a good operation and there will not be any diplomatic ramifications of the actions of the Indian Army," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters here.

At the meeting, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, also a former Defence Minister, made a special mention of the role of the army and the meticulous operation it carried out.

Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav said the army's action in difficult terrains showed their determination.

In a rather guarded statement later, the Communist Party of India-Marxist Central Committee said the party "expects that there is no further escalation of hostilities henceforth".

"The CPI(M) has all along maintained that the safety and security of our people from cross-border terrorism must be ensured. We urge the government of India to continue with the diplomatic and political moves to defuse tensions," it said.

Union Ministers Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Ram Vilas Paswan also attended the meeting.

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah, who was also present at the all-party meeting, said: "Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the government did not get cowed down by the nefarious designs of terrorists."
New Delhi, Sep 29 : A meeting here on Thursday between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery water sharing issue remained inconclusive as both states refused to budge from their respective stands on the issue.

The meeting was chaired by Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti.

The Minister said both states had been asked to jointly propose a solution to the Supreme Court and she would be willing to participate in an indefinite hunger strike if tensions rose again over the issue.

Bharti also appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to maintain peace and cordial atmosphere in their respective states.

Terming water as a "symbol of love and kindness", the Minister said that her meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Tamil Nadu PWD Minister E.K. Palaniswamy was held in a very "cordial atmosphere".

"I have noted the views expressed by both the states, which will be conveyed to the Supreme Court through the Attorney General of India," a release quoted her as saying.

She said there was a suggestion from Karnataka to send a team of experts from the Centre to both the states to study rainfall and water availability in the Cauvery basin.

The Minister also hoped that both states will show empathy to each other's need for arriving at a "mutually acceptable solution".
New Delhi, Sep 29 : A revolt seems to be brewing in the Janata Dal-United with several of its state units opposing re-election of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as its national president and demanding proper organisational polls for election of the next party president, informed sources said.

Nitish was nominated the party's president at its national executive meeting in New Delhi on April 10 this year, replacing party veteran Sharad Yadav. His nomination was later ratified by the party's national council.

"According to party constitution, Nitish Kumar can not be re-elected as party president until the organisational elections at least in half of the states gets completed. Till date no organistaional election except Bihar has taken place," one of the state presidents, who is leading the dissident group of state chiefs, told IANS.

He also said the revolt is not against any individual but for the internal democracy in the political party.

"Among many of today's political parties, it was only the JD-U which practiced internal democracy, but since Nitish Kumar has taken over, the party has been converted into a private limited company," the JD-U leader told IANS on the condition of anonymity.

The rebel JD-U leader also said that on September 20-21, at least a dozen state party chiefs met former party head Sharad Yadav in Delhi at his residence and raised their concerns but he did not adress the issue.

The dissident leaders have convened a press meet on Friday in Press Club of India to announce their further action plan. State unit chiefs of Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, West Bengal and Manipur are likely to be present in the meet.

JD-U has convened its national council at Rajgir (Bihar) on October 16 and 17.

Party sources said the national council will formally elect Nitish Kumar as its president.

JD-U, a Bihar-centric party, had two previous presidents -- George Fernandes and Sharad Yadav.
New Delhi, Sep 29 : BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should hand over Jinnah House in Mumbai to the only daughter of founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

"Now I suggest PM hand over the Jinnah House in Mumbai to Jinnah's only daughter Dina Wadia who refused to go to settle in Pakistan," Swamy tweeted.

Swamy's tweet came after India carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan and inflicted heavy casualties.

Born as Dina Jinnah, Dina Wadia's relationship with her father became strained when she expressed her desire to marry a Parsi-born Indian, Neville Wadia.

Jinnah, a Muslim, tried to dissuade her, but failed.

It is said that when Dina married Neville, Jinnah said to her that she was not his daughter any more.

After the marraiage, the Wadias lived in Mumbai and had two children, a boy and a girl.

After Jinnah returned to Mumbai from England to take charge of the Muslim League, he built himself a palatial mansion South Court (Jinnah House) in Mumbai, which became his residence during the politically momentous decade preceding the creation of Pakistan.

The house, designed by Claude Batley, a British architect, was built in 1936 and is located at 2, Bhausaheb Hirey Marg, Malabar Hill. In 1948, it was leased to the British Deputy High Commission which occupied it till 1982.

Successive Pakistani governments have often expressed deep interest in acquiring the property free of charge for sentimental reasons.

During his visit to India, then President Pervez Musharraf had renewed Pakistan's claim to the house which he had suggested to then Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee should be given to Pakistan so that it could be turned into a consulate.

However, Dina Wadia who lived in New York City, wrote to the Indian Prime Minister demanding that the house on the Malabar Hill, be handed over to her.
The umbrella, drawn here on a tent in a camp in central Hong Kong in 2014, became a symbol of the pro-democracy movement (AFP Photo/Nicolas Asfouri)

Hundreds of Hong Kong pro-democracy supporters holding yellow umbrellas held three minutes' silence outside the city's government offices Wednesday to mark the second anniversary of mass protests challenging Beijing.

The anniversary of the "Umbrella Revolution" comes as tensions remain high in the semi-autonomous city, with fears growing that China is tightening its grip.

Huge rallies in 2014 demanding fully free leadership elections and other democratic reforms for Hong Kong brought parts of the city to a standstill for more than two months.

Those demands were snubbed by Beijing, but since then former Umbrella Movement protesters have won seats as city lawmakers.

Some of them are now pushing for a complete break from China as the fledgling independence movement gains support.

Former Umbrella Movement protest leader Nathan Law, 23, became Hong Kong's youngest legislator in the recent citywide elections. He now advocates self-determination for Hong Kong.

Speaking to the crowds Wednesday, Law urged them to keep fighting.

"It's important for you to find the impulse and bravery from before to allow for an even bigger resistance next time," he said, speaking on a stage beside the "Lennon Wall" -- a staircase near the government complex that became plastered with notes of support for protesters during the 2014 rallies.

Law was joined by political ally Joshua Wong, 19, who also addressed the crowds.

In an interview with AFP Wednesday, Wong said the democracy movement was in a "long-term battle facing the largest communist regime in the world".

"We just have to show our persistence, courage and commitment," he said.

- Tear gas moment -

At 5:58 pm (0958 GMT) those gathered held three minutes' silence to mark the time two years ago when police fired tear gas at student-led pro-democracy protesters.

That galvanised tens of thousands to come onto the streets in support.

The largely peaceful demonstrations spawned sprawling protest camps, with tents and artworks set up on highways and shopping streets.

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The movement gained its name from protesters' use of umbrellas to shield them from tear gas, pepper spray, sun and rain alike.

Supporters Wednesday said they felt the rallies had changed the city for the better.

"The Umbrella Movement transformed many in the city to care about the community, so we must make an effort to remember this incident," said school student Joy Chan, 14.

Chan said she had taken part in the protests in 2014 -- many school-age protesters joined the demonstrations and makeshift classrooms were set up so they could continue their studies.

Housewife Claire Weber, 42, said she was at the site two years ago when police fired tear gas at the crowds.

"No matter what, or how messy the political environment gets, we must persist," she told AFP.

The atmosphere Wednesday was carnivalesque, with souvenirs including miniature yellow paper umbrellas -- the symbol of the movement -- handed out to those taking part.

Metres-tall signs reading "I want real universal suffrage" were displayed, an echo of the slogans of 2014.

Hong Kong was handed back to China by Britain in 1997 under a semi-autonomous "one country, two systems" deal, which guaranteed its freedoms for 50 years.

But there are deep concerns those liberties are under threat in a number of areas, from politics to education and the media.
Hyundai Motor (: ), the world's fifth-largest automaker, is no stranger to worker strikes but the current episodeits biggest everis raising alarm bells.

The company's labour union in South Korea conducted its first nationwide, full-day walkout in 12 years on Monday over demands for wage increases. The strike is expected to continue until next week depending on the company's response, a union spokesman told Reuters.

For the past three decades, Hyundai workers have gone on strike nearly every year but this year's stoppage is particularly severe, according to statistics from brokerage Kiwoom Securities.

Unionized members have gone on strike 21 times and engaged in 27 rounds of wage negotiations so far this year, a new annual record.





That's resulted in a production loss of 117,000 cars, worth more than 2.5 trillion won ($2.5 billion), Hyundai's largest strike-related output loss.





Because this week's strike is illegal, there is a "no work, no pay" policy in effect. Income loss is estimated at about 2 million won ($1,790) per worker, the highest ever recorded.

This week's events are sure to dent the company's third quarter earnings, due October 1, and while the direct impact is expected to be limited, the outlook is not rosy.



Hyundai's operating profit will likely to take a 2.5 percent hit from strike-related losses, said Daniel Yoo, head of global wealth management at Kiwoom. The relatively mild overall impact on earnings meant Hyundai does have more room to increase labour costs and end the current deadlock, he continued.

But because recent earnings growth has been poor, bosses may be wary to give into worker's demands, Yoo suggested. The company's second quarter net profit fell 2.6 percent on year, the 10th straight quarterly decline.

"Korea's overall corporate earnings peaked in 2011 and there hasn't been much earnings growth since then so you can't blame management," Yoo said.

The larger, impact, however, could be on the company's reputation.

Story continues

"Hyundai's image is currently having a hard time; there's a perception that the firm is behind the curve when it comes to electric cars so this strike is magnifying the negative image," Yoo said.





The strike "will throw a cold blanket over the slight recovery pace of the country's exports," South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy warned in a statement this week.

"The labour side should end the strike and make efforts to normalize operation, while the management should do its best to complete negotiations with the union to minimize the impact on the local and entire economy," the ministry said.

As Korea's largest carmaker, Hyundai, and its sister company Kia Motors (Korea Stock Exchange: 27-KR), dominate the domestic auto industry, which makes up around 12 percent of Korea's manufacturing industry and 14 percent of total exports. Hyundai's output losses from the strike could further weigh on the nation's already-vulnerable exports , which declined for 19 out of the past 20 months.

If left unresolved, the labor dispute could delay exports of Korean vehicles worth $1.3 billion, the Korea Herald reported, citing the government.

Labor Minister Lee Ki-kwon said on Wednesday that the government would consider all possible measures to end the strike given its impact on the broader industry and national economy, the Korea Herald reported.

Hyundai's deep-rooted issue of compensation is symptomatic of labour market challenges in South Korea, Trinh Nguyen, senior economist for emerging Asia at Natixis, explained.

Management proposed in August to increase monthly wages by 58,000 won ($52), in addition to a 350 percent bonus and a one-time cash payment of 3.3 million won ($3,000), for each worker, Yonhap News reported. But nearly 80 percent of union members rejected the deal.

Asia's fourth-largest economy is experiencing a decline in the working-age population, a factor that gave employees leverage over companies, Nguyen pointed out.

Current developments could also pose weighty consequences on the future of Korean manufacturing.

"At the moment, 40 percent of Hyundai's production is within Korea. But given the challenges the firm face regarding production and profitability, it will likely consider off-shoring more production in the future," Nguyen said.

Even outside the auto industry, workers have demanded changes to existing wage conditions. On Tuesday, the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union began an all-out strike to protest the government's merit pay system.

The country's labour unrest has pushed several firms, including Samsung Electronics (Korea Stock Exchange: 593-KR), to move factories into lower-cost countries such as Vietnam, Nguyen said. "Increasingly, other Korean firms will be pushed to do so to remain competitive globally."

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While Validation is commonly practiced in other regions of the world, we felt it was time to focus our efforts on more deliberately sharing Validation in the U.S.

After more than 30 years of existence, the Validation Training Institute (VTI) recently launched its first fundraising and advocacy campaign. The I Validate to Connect campaign (#IValidate2Connect) will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 with the goal of raising awareness and $20,000 to support the expansion of the organizations work.

The nonprofitfounded in 1984 by gerontologist Naomi Feilpromotes the use of the Validation Method, a communication practice developed by Feil that helps improve the connection between caregivers and older adults experiencing dementia. To date, individuals at more than 10,000 dementia care communities in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia practice Validation and more than 88,000 people have attended Validation workshops.

The Alzheimers Association estimates that every 66 seconds, someone develops Alzheimers disease. Approximately 39,273 people will develop Alzheimers disease between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, 2016. If every one of those people has just one caregiver, the number of people impacted by Alzheimers disease during that month jumps to 78,546.

While the Validation Method isnt a cure, it is a proven communication practice that helps improve the connection between caregivers and older adults experiencing cognitive decline. Stronger connection means less anxiety and stress; more trust and understanding, and improved quality of life for caregivers and older adults.

While Validation is commonly practiced in other regions of the world, we felt it was time to focus our efforts on more deliberately sharing Validation in the U.S., said VTI Executive Director Vicki de Klerk-Rubin. This campaign will help us do that. Caregivers everywhere need tools to best care for the rising number of older adults with dementia, and Validation can help.

For more information on the campaign, visit vfvalidation.org/ivalidate

About the Validation Training Institute, Inc.

VTI is a United States-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1984 by social worker and gerontologist Naomi Feil, one of the originators of person-centered care for older adults with various forms of dementia, also known as age-related cognitive decline or disorientation. VTIs mission is to enrich the lives of older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline and their caregivers through education and support services. The Validation Method has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and CNN.
"Real Estate, Education and Community Housing, Inc. will continue their mission to revitalization communities while support families, one property at a time. - Patricia Tracey, CEO and Founder of Real Estate, Education and Community Housing, Inc.

REAL ESTATE, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY HOUSING, INC. (R.E.A.C.H) a Florida 501(c)(3) not for profit charitable organization, and H.U.D. certified Foreclosure and Housing Counseling Agency, transfers yet another property to a First Time Home buyer in its goal to support community stabilization and revitalization.

On Monday, July 11, 2016, R.E.A.C.H. handed the keys over to another first time home buyer in Riviera Beach located in Palm Beach County, Florida. Homeowners benefiting from R.E.A.C.Hs non-profit commitment to rehabilitating blight properties an effort to make the American Dream of owning a home affordable. Since 2011, RE.A.C.H. has successfully reconstructed over 200 plus homes once considered abandoned and an eyesore. These properties have been transformed to support and increase the neighborhood vitality.

Executive Director Michael Roberts of R.E.A.C.H. says The property transformation from blight to life is very dependent on our partnerships with the banks. This particular property in Riviera Beach was initially donated by Wells Fargo, who continues to support R.E.A.C.H. with revolutionizing neighborhoods with community stabilization."

Founder and CEO of R.E.A.C.H. Patricia Tracey said, Signs of the housing crisis are still very visible in many low to moderate income area neighborhoods of South Florida. Families with children reside in neighboring empty, hazardous, uncared-for homes. Its a health and safety issue but also a quality of life issue. Its also an economic issue which affects everyone in the community. Tracey continued stating Real Estate, Education and Community Housing, Inc. will continue their mission to revitalization communities while support families, one property at a time.

For more information regarding our First Time Home Buyer Programs and class schedule, please visit our website or call 1-855-48-REACH(73224). We offer in-person and online, whichever is convenient.

Reach out - and we'll reach back. We're here to help.
American International College students and College Debate 2016 delegates Alexander Clark and Jazmine Baehr "The coolest thing was meeting people from other states and discovering what we have in common and how we are different. Whether democrat or republican, everybody was on the same page."

Last spring, American International College (AIC) students Jazmine Baehr of Torrington, CT and Alexander Clark of Mashpee, MA were awarded coveted spots in College Debate 2016. Nationally, only 137 students were selected to participate. Massachusetts had a total of only three delegates with AIC junior Baehr and senior Clark honored.

College Debate 2016: The Leaders of Today is a first of its kind initiative created by Dominican University in San Rafael, CA to provide college students throughout the country with a platform to discuss and debate the complex issues facing the nation. Dominican is a Voter Education Partner for the Commission on Presidential Debates.

In June, delegates gathered at the University for a two-day Workshop to discuss topics ranging from innovation, civility, and digital media to developing strategies to engage Millennials and increase voter turnout. Students were responsible for developing social media campaigns to reach out to as many of their peers as possible during the summer months. One million users were reached on Facebook alone through sharing.

Delegates returned to Dominican in September for a moderated town hall meeting, live-streamed to campuses across the United States. During the town hall, students were tasked with agreeing on key issues and creating very specific questions for the presidential candidates to address. These questions revolved around five key topics: civil rights, the economy, education, foreign policy, and immigration. Students were charged with respectfully debating, painstakingly crafting, and ultimately formulating six questions that would be presented to the moderators of the 2016 presidential debates.

Baehr recently learned that her teams question on the economy has been selected for one of the upcoming Presidential debates. It will be read by the moderator and asks, How would you restructure government assistance programs for unemployed or impoverished people to obtain self-sufficiency? According to Baehr, Delegates wanted to give questions that the candidates cant dance around. Questions that demanded an answer, but were open ended enough for an honest response, not a scripted answer.

When asked about his most memorable experience as part of the bipartisan effort Clark says, The coolest thing was meeting people from other states and discovering what we have in common and how we are different. Whether democrat or republican, everybody was on the same page.
A bird's eye view of a natural labyrinth in the Stone Forest, Yunnan, China (image: Philippe Semanaz) This isnt just for people who have been to China, but instead for anyone who loves photography and learning about the worlds special places

China's Yunnan province is already a national favorite in a country where tourism has grown to become something of a national obsession, with local governments now striving to generate international recognition. At one travel hotspot called the Stone Forest, officials are employing a novel approach, an interactive photography competition aimed at generating publicity outside of the country.

The Stone Forest Scenic Area in central Yunnan is a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by more than four million Chinese tourists each year. However, the 500 square-kilometer expanse of limestone caverns, spires, and scenic spots has yet to capture the imagination of an international audience, according to Wang Yongqiao, vice president of the Stone Forest Administration. In an effort to show potential visitors from across the globe what local officials bill as a "petrified land of wonders", the Stone Forest International Photography Competition was created.

The website GoKunming, which has been operating in southwest China for more than a decade, was hired to design and execute the online contest. Company CEO Yereth Jansen explained the effort as one based on accessibility, saying, We designed the contest website to be as interactive as possible. This isnt just for people who have been to China, but instead for anyone who loves photography and learning about the worlds special places.

Yunnan borders Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar and is one of the most geographically and biologically diverse locales in the world. The often overlooked section of China contains glacier-topped mountains six kilometers high, vast expanses of tropical rainforest, three of the largest rivers in the world and one of the deepest gorges on the planet. It is also home to 26 indigenous cultures, many of which are found nowhere else. Chinese scientists estimate half of the countrys total biodiversity is contained in this single region.

Simply put, Yunnan is an incredible place. It deserves to be known internationally, and the Stone Forest is one of the provinces crown jewels, Jansen explained at a press conference announcing the Stone Forest photo contest. Participation is simple, and according to Jansen, People with digital photos of the Stone Forest can upload them to the contest website, and from there anyone can vote for their favorites by simply using an integrated Facebook login.

As with many places in Yunnan province, the Stone Forest is attempting to refocus a large part of its economy on green and sustainable ecotourism, a fact administrators are keen to promote. More of an emphasis is also being put on explaining the culture and customs of the Yi people, an indigenous group native to the Stone Forest. "We want to pursue a sustainable model while also cultivating a more global appeal, says Wang. An international photography contest is a wonderful way to show the world the culture, landscapes and people of the Stone Forest, he said.

The Stone Forest International Photography Competition 2016 is well underway and will run until November 14. Both weekly and category winners are chosen by popular online vote, with a jury of five professional photographers choosing the contests overall winner. A month-long exhibition of the winning photographs will be held at the five-star hotel, Sofitel Kunming, in late November.
KickFire delivers the best results for company identification, quality of firmographic data, and API response time.

The leader in IP address intelligence and company identification technology, KickFire, today announced a partnership with Captora, the leading Top of Funnel (ToFu) Digital Marketing platform. By deploying KickFires advanced IP-to-company intelligence, Captora customers will now see a significant increase of company identification for all visitors to a Captora landing page. With the new partnership, B2B marketers will be able to drive greater personalization and increased conversion rates across search, advertising, and social channels with Captoras Top of Funnel solution.

We were very pleased with KickFires test performance during our evaluation which led to this new and exciting partnership. KickFire delivers the best results for company identification, quality of firmographic data, and API response time  all three metrics being critical components for a successful implementation of form-shortening and advanced personalization that our customers requested, said Joseph Rozenfeld, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Captora.

We are thrilled to align with Captora to be a critical part of their Top of Funnel Marketing approach. After extensive testing and evaluation, the quality and strength of our IP address intelligence data was confirmed, said Tina Bean, KickFire Co-Founder and Vice President of Strategic Business Development. Modern B2B marketers can significantly impact the opportunities, content, and channels used in account-based and top of the funnel marketing strategies.

KickFire deploys its proprietary TWIN Caching intelligence across its entire product suite of lead identification and real-time intent solutions. Optimally suited for Account Based Marketing (ABM), Predictive, Intent, and website content personalization, KickFire API provides the most accurate IP address intelligence and B2B firmographic data in the industry. KickFires B2B sales automation tool, LIVE Leads, uses TWIN Caching technology to enable companies to tap into their websites invisible pipeline by identifying anonymous web visitors showing real-time buying intent for their products and services.

About KickFire

KickFire is the leader in cloud-based B2B sales automation and IP address intelligence. The KickFire solutions are powered by TWIN Caching, an advanced, proprietary IP-to-company identification technology. TWIN Caching systematically caches and analyzes nearly four billion IP addresses, going beyond traditional IP association to uncover last-mile connectivity ownership. KickFires complete suite of solutions enables companies to tap into their websites invisible pipeline and transform anonymous visitors into actionable sales opportunities. VisiStat, Inc., doing business as KickFire, is a privately held company founded in 2005 and based in San Jose, CA.

To learn more about KickFire, visit kickfire.com, call 408-493-0456 or email sales(at)kickfire(dot)com.

About Captora

Captora was created to revolutionize digital, top-of-funnel, marketing. Captora helps marketers intelligently scale and optimize digital marketing campaigns to accelerate pipelineand capture new buyers before their competition.

With Captora, Digital Marketing Acceleration, marketing teams can:



Access real-time buyer and competitive intelligence to see content opportunities and demand gaps

Scale and optimize digital campaigns and associated content to do more across multiple channels

Report success across content, channels, and the entire funnel to win more conversions

Companies like DocuSign, Marketo, ServiceMax, Innotas, and Host Analytics are leveraging Captora to significantly boost conversion of paid and organic results.
Rebecca DeVaux, PhD, Cancer Research Center at the University at Albany; Alfredo Hidalgo-Miranda, PhD, Cancer Genomics Laboratory at the National Institute of Genomic Medicine in Mexico

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Hundreds of thousands of women worldwide lose their battle against this cancer each year, and it is estimated that one in eight US women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

The heterogeneity of breast cancer, with its unique subtypes and genetic mutation profiles, makes developing biomarkers and targeted therapies especially important. The current standard-of-care for most breast cancers is an aggressive course of therapy to prevent progression and metastasis, yet considerable overtreatment is known to occur. It is critically important to identify the underlying mechanisms driving breast cancer progression and to find novel biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, prediction of therapy response, and to better inform patient treatment options.

Long considered to be genomic junk, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently gained widespread attention as critical regulators of coding RNA and alternative splicing, and their dysregulation has been associated with tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. With only recent focus, lncRNAs represent a vast source of largely unstudied potential molecular drivers of human cancer, emerging as a new class of promising cancer biomarkers and therapeutic agents.

Affymetrix will have two speakers for this breast cancer webinar, who will address how these profiling arrays can identify lncRNA and lead to cancer biomarkers. First will be Rebecca DeVaux, PhD, a post-doctoral associate at the Cancer Research Center at the University at Albany, State University of New York. The second speaker will be Alfredo Hidalgo-Miranda, PhD, head of Cancer Genomics Laboratory at the National Institute of Genomic Medicine in Mexico.

DeVaux received her bachelor of science in biochemistry at Virginia Tech; she later earned a doctorate in pharmacology from the University of North Carolina. Her graduate training focused on understanding mechanisms of resistance to anti-mitotic targeted chemotherapeutics in lung cancer. For this work she integrated both medium and high-throughput screening platforms to discover new therapeutic entry points. In 2014 DeVaux joined the Cancer Research Center at the University of Albany, where she is investigating the role of long non-coding RNAs in promoting breast cancer progression. She is also the winner of the prestigious U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program Breakthrough Award.

Hidalgo-Miranda graduated with honors from the National University of Mexico with a bachelors degree in biology. He later received doctorate degree in biomedical sciences from the faculty of medicine from the same university. In 2004 he joined the National Institute of Genomic Medicine in Mexico City where he has participated in several projects, including the analysis of genomic diversity of the Mexican population and setting up the genomic analyses core laboratories. Since 2013 Hidalgo-Miranda has lead the Cancer Genomics Laboratory of the INMEGEN, where his main research focus is the systematic analysis of somatic alterations leading to human cancer, using high-throughput genomic analysis tools in order to identify changes in the genome and transcriptome of breast tumors.

Both speakers will be available after the presentation for a live Q&A.

LabRoots will be hosting the event, beginning at 8:00 a.m. PT, 11:00 a.m. on November 16, 2016. To register for this event, read full event details or discover future events, click here.

About Affymetrix:

Affymetrix technologies enable multiplex and simultaneous analysis of biological systems at the cell,

protein, and gene level, facilitating the rapid translation of benchtop research into clinical and routine

use for human health and wellness. Affymetrix, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, provides leadership and

support, partnering with customers in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies and

leading academic, government, and nonprofit research institutes in their quest to use biology for a better world.

About LabRoots:

LabRoots is the leading scientific social networking website and producer of educational virtual events and webinars. Contributing to the advancement of science through content sharing capabilities, LabRoots is a powerful advocate in amplifying global networks and communities. Founded in 2008, LabRoots emphasizes digital innovation in scientific collaboration and learning, and is a primary source for current scientific news, webinars, virtual conferences, and more. LabRoots has grown into the worlds largest series of virtual events within the Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics community.
Chicago | Singapore | Cape Town | Berlin MRMW 2017 will surprise you with new exciting content, interactive formats, an abundance of business opportunities and an expanded range of topics covering all aspects of innovative market research.

The Merlien Institute has announced the Call for Papers for its 2017 MRMW Market Research Conference Series. The conferences will be held again in North America, APAC, Africa and Europe. Never standing still, MRMW will surprise with new content, interactive formats, an abundance of business opportunities and an expanded range of topics covering all aspects of innovative market research.

MRMW will continue to lead the way, uncovering the latest market research technologies, client case studies and best practices not presented before. MRMW is the only market research event series where producers actively scout for technologies that have the potentials to disrupt the market research industry.

With the market research industry going through a continued transformation, MRMW is looking for exciting client case studies, best practices and new technologies to help businesses succeed in 2017 and beyond! So get your thinking caps on and become part of the MRMW family!

We look forward to accepting proposals from the global market research community to the forthcoming conferences. The dates for the 2017 MRMW events in North America, APAC, Africa and Europe are as follows:

MRMW North America 2017

April 26-27, 2017 Chicago

http://na.mrmw.net

Submission Deadline: Nov 10th, 2016

MRMW APAC 2017

June 28-29, Singapore

http://apac.mrmw.net

Submission Deadline: Dec 22nd, 2016

MRMW Africa 2017

September 2-3, 2017 Cape Town, Africa

http://africa.mrmw.net

Submission Deadline: Mar 15th, 2017

MRMW Europe 2017

November 8-9, 2017 Berlin

http://eu.mrmw.net

Submission Deadline: May 9th, 2017

To submit a paper for the above events, please visit the respective regional MRMW websites above.

Sign up for our email alerts to receive event updates and special discounts! For additional info on how to get involved or to sponsor, contact Jens Cornelissen at jens(dot)merlien(dot)org or call +49 30 4672 1028.

Hear what past delegates have to say about MRMW:

"I was absolutely glad to visit the MRMW conference! A fantastic exchange of experience and best practices. Great pleasure to learn from so many knowledgeable market research professionals" - Nadia Morozova, The Boston Consulting Group

"This is a truly industry event: not a sort of 'Red Cross Ball' where everybody needs to be seen, nor a hard selling event for companies. The feeling is that clients and agencies are really on the same side" - Roberto Cavicchioli, Tetra Pak

"This is my second time attending the MRMW conference and I found it getting better each time!" - Amir bin Mohamed, Discovery Networks
By Patricia Zengerle and Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers expressed doubts on Thursday about Sept. 11 legislation they forced on President Barack Obama, saying the new law allowing lawsuits against Saudi Arabia could be narrowed to ease concerns about its effect on Americans abroad. A day after a rare overwhelming rejection of a presidential veto, the first during Obama's eight years in the White House, the Republican leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives opened the door to fixing the law as they blamed the Democratic president for not consulting them adequately. "I do think it is worth further discussing," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters, acknowledging that there could be "potential consequences" of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, known as JASTA. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Congress might have to "fix" the legislation to protect U.S. troops in particular. Ryan did not give a time frame, but Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he thought JASTA could be addressed in Congress' "lame-duck" session after the Nov. 8 election. The law grants an exception to the legal principle of sovereign immunity in cases of terrorism on U.S. soil, clearing the way for lawsuits seeking damages from the Saudi government. Riyadh denies longstanding suspicions that it backed the hijackers who attacked the United States in 2001. Sept. 11 families lobbied intensely for the bill, getting it passed by the House days before the 15th anniversary of the 2001 attacks earlier this month after years of effort. "We have to understand the political environment were in right now and the tremendous support the 9/11 victims have in the United States," said Robert Jordan, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is one of Washington's longest-standing and most important allies in the Middle East and part of a U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. SAUDI CONDEMNATION The Saudis lobbied furiously against JASTA, and the Saudi foreign ministry condemned its passage in a statement on Thursday. "The erosion of sovereign immunity will have a negative impact on all nations, including the United States," said the statement, which was carried on state news agency SPA. Still, the new law is not expected to have a lasting effect on the two countries' strategic relationship. Saudi-U.S. ties have endured "multiple times of deep outrage" over 70 years, said Thomas Lippman of the Middle East Institute. "The two countries need each other as much today as they did before the day before yesterday," he said. White House spokesman Josh Earnest mocked lawmakers for shifting "within minutes" from overwhelmingly voting to override Obama's veto to wanting to change the law. "I think what we've seen in the United States Congress is a pretty classic case of rapid onset buyer's remorse," Earnest told a White House briefing. Corker said he had tried to work out a compromise with the White House, but Obama administration officials declined a meeting. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, who championed JASTA in the Senate, said he was open to revisiting the legislation. "I'm willing to look at any proposal they make but not any that hurt the families," he said at a news conference. He said he would oppose a suggestion that the measure be narrowed to only apply to the 2001 attacks on Washington and New York. "You know what that does? It tells the Saudis to go ahead and do it again, and we won't punish you," Schumer said. Corker said another suggestion was establishing an international tribunal so experts could determine whether there was culpability. He said the Saudis were been willing to work on a compromise, and denied they had threatened retaliation. Trent Lott, a former Republican Senate Majority Leader now at a Washington law firm lobbying for the Saudis, said attorneys would look carefully at JASTA's language. "I do feel passionately this is a mistake for a variety of reasons, in terms of threats to troops, diplomats, sovereignty, there's serious problems here. Hopefully we can find a way to change the tenor of this," Lott said. (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton, Susan Cornwell, David Morgan, Yara Bayoumy, David Alexander and Susan Heavey; editing by Grant McCool and Tom Brown)
SharePoint Performance Monitoring Our customers wanted a feature that would enable performance monitoring of their SharePoint farms. We stepped up to the challenge, and we are very proud of what we have delivered.

Acceleratio Ltd., a company that specializes in enterprise software, released a new version of SysKit, the server monitoring tool designed for sysadmins. Coming six months after its last release, SysKit 2016 R2 introduces multiple new features. The SharePoint Performance Monitoring and Monitoring Templates features enhance SysKits monitoring abilities in the server performance department. The Automated Server Documentation feature expands users control over system inventory, and the Logical Server Groups feature enforces security for group actions.

SHAREPOINT PERFORMANCE MONITORING

SysKit 2016 R2 provides in-depth SharePoint performance monitoring and analysis. A comprehensive list containing all available performance metrics is generated when servers are added to monitoring templates. Multiple SharePoint performance metrics can be compared across multiple servers. Tracking SharePoint in real time and historically allows users to compare performance metrics against a set of server baselines, thus providing insights into potential issues. SharePoint performance monitoring best practices are available on the SysKit blog. In addition to SharePoint, this feature can be used to monitor performance metrics on all server roles, including for Citrix XenApp, domain controllers, and file servers.

MONITORING TEMPLATES

Monitoring specific server roles is closely related to the SharePoint performance monitoring feature. Different server roles, such as SQL, IIS, and WFE, require monitoring for different performance metrics and services. SysKit comes with a predefined set of templates, each of which have been designed for a specific server role, and it tracks specific sets of performance metrics and services that are essential to those roles. It is possible to create custom templates, assign them to servers or logical server groups, and set custom thresholds for each added performance metric.

AUTOMATED SERVER DOCUMENTATION

With SysKit 2016 R2, it is possible to generate detailed server documentation of an entire system using PowerShell scripts. This type of server documentation enables system admins to provide support and maintain a server environment. All documentation reports can be compared over different servers and periods to audit any changes. SysKit allows users to create PowerShell scripts and generate reports on any data available through PowerShell, therefore automating repetitive tasks. Reports can be exported to Excel or PDF to create presentable server documentation.

LOGICAL SERVER GROUPS

SysKit 2016 R2 provides the ability to group servers into multiple logical server units, simultaneously splitting the system into smaller fractions for easier monitoring. With this feature, it is possible to assign each server to a custom group and perform automated tasks or generate reports only for the targeted logical server groups. That enforces security for group actions, making overall system administration less risky.

SysKit is priced per server, and there are three editions available. To preview this tool and all its new features, download the free trial, which is fully functional for 30 days.

Acceleratio Ltd. is a software development company founded in 2009 and based in Zagreb, Croatia. The company, which is known for developing popular tools such as SPDocKit, SysKit, and CloudKit 365, creates high-quality enterprise software solutions for SharePoint, Office 365, Windows Servers, Remote Desktop Services, and Citrix admins and consultants around the world.
Hendricks Commercial Properties leases 105,000 sq. foot spec building in Beloit, WI to Toledo Molding & Die, Inc.

Hendricks Commercial Properties (HCP) inked a deal with Fiat Chrysler supplier, Toledo Molding and Die, Inc. (TMD) to lease their 105,000 SF speculative industrial building currently under construction. The site is located at the northeast corner of Willowbrook and State Line Road in the Wisconsin Stateline Industrial Park in Beloit, WI. TMD will bring 118 new jobs to the area as it gears up to manufacture molded automotive parts for the hot-selling Jeep Cherokee at the Fiat Chrysler plant in Belvidere, IL.

TMD is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio and currently has nine other manufacturing plants located in North America. TMDs Chief Operations Officer, Dave Spotts, commented We are excited to be expanding our operations in the southern Wisconsin region. The Beloit community is ideally located to support our continued partnership with Fiat Chrysler in the Belvidere Assembly plant. The support we have received from the Hendricks team, as well as state, county and local officials has been outstanding and we are looking forward to the successful launch of our newest facility.

Founded in 1955 as a model and pattern shop, TMD has grown to be a global supplier of interior and air/fluid management systems. "Plastics manufacturing is a key industry driver for both the State of Wisconsin, as well as the Janesville-Beloit MSA, and we look forward to adding TMDs project to the growing list of firms that are investing in our market, said James Otterstein,Rock County Economic Development Manager.

In response to the scarce supply of Class A industrial product in the region, HCP started construction of the spec building in May with a planned completion and occupancy in November. The fact that TMD has chosen Beloit and HCP for their expansion before the building is even completed demonstrates the demand for high quality, Class A industrial buildings in the area. They are a fantastic company that brings good-paying manufacturing jobs to our community, commented Rob Gerbitz, CEO of Hendricks Commercial Properties, This building is the prototype for similar industrial development projects we are in the process of starting across the country so we are pleased to see how well it has been received here.

The 28-acre business park can accommodate multiple buildings and over 400,000 SF of industrial space with easy access and visibility to I-39/90. Chase Brieman of CBRE, Inc. initially presented the property to HCP then HCP worked with the City of Beloit to acquire and develop the newly created site.We are excited that the first phase of the development is now fully leased. The combination of a high-quality building, constructed to todays modern standards, interstate frontage and nearly immediate access to I-90, as well as a great partnership between HCP and the City of Beloit, ensured the success of the project, said Brieman. HCP plans to start another 105,000 SF building in the park as well. Corporate Contractors, Inc. is the general contractor and Angus Young Associates is the Architect for the development. Beloit City Manager, Lori Curtis Luther, added, This project is an excellent example of how public/private partnerships continue to benefit our community.

About Hendricks Commercial Properties

For more than 30 years, Hendricks Commercial Properties (HCP) of Beloit, Wis. has worked with clients to transform their commercial real estate visions into realities. Established to help communities and small businesses thrive by their commitment to helping retailers flourish and serving as an active partner in communities in which they have property. HCP offers the full spectrum of real estate development needs, including site selection, licensing and permitting, property acquisition, due diligence, construction management and financing. HCP manages and owns more than 12 million square feet of real estate property in 34 states.
Hodnett Cooper Real Estate hosted its first ever business expo to connect their family of real estate agents with over 30 local vendors in an effort to learn more about what local companies can do for their clients. The event benefitted the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia.

Agents and vendors connected with one another over breakfast at the Elizabeth Correll Teen Center on Coral Park Drive in Brunswick on Tuesday, September 27, 2016.

Pat Cooper, President and Broker of Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, and Missy Neu, Vice President of Business Development at Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, presented Brian Dolan of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia with a check for over $10,000, raised in partnership with all of the participating vendors. A full list of participants accompanies this release.

As the market leader in the Golden Isles, Hodnett Cooper Real Estate also recognizes excellent agent performance each month and conducted the monthly award ceremony during this charitable business expo. George Skarpalezos was presented with an award as the August Listing agent of the month. Evelyn Murphy received an award as the Selling Agent of the month.

We decided to create this event in order help our agents get to know many of the local vendors a little bit better. I am so thrilled that we were able to raise over $10,000 for the Boys and Girls Club and I look forward to hosting many more events like this, said Missy Neu, Vice President of Business Development. With the help of these local companies, we anticipate that this event will continue to grow each year!

To find out more about how you can participate with the Hodnett Cooper Business Expo in years to come, please contact Missy Neu at missy(at)hodnettcooper(dot)com. Learn more about how you can make a difference with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia by visiting apostiveplace.net.

ABOUT HODNETT COOPER

Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company with three offices throughout the Golden Isles, offering a full range of real estate services including real estate sales, residential rentals, property management, and commercial sales. They are the premier real estate company in southeast coastal Georgia with a professional and diverse team of over 50 Realtors.

CONTACT

Hodnett Cooper

Catherine Maybank, Director of Marketing

912.638.4750, cmaybank(at)hodnettcooper(dot)com

2016 HODNETT COOPER BUSINESS EXPO PARTICIPANTS

Arrow Exterminators

Atlantic National Bank

Biosweep Cleaning & Restoration

Brand Mortgage

Climate Contollers/Alert Alarm Co.

The Coastal Bank of Georgia

Eagle Property Inspections, LLC

Home Bridge Financial Services, Inc.

Homes & Land of SE Coastal GA

Homestar Financial Corporation

Hometeam Inspection Service

Jacobs, Coolidge & Company LLC

Jennifer L. MacMillan, P.C.

Ligon, Lindberg & Lanier, P.C.

Loehle Photography

McGinty Gordon & Associates

Nash Contractors, Inc.

Paul Davis Emergency Services of the Golden Isles

Peachtree Pest Control

Prime South Bank

Sapelo Building Solutions, Inc.

SEC Pressure Washing

Servpro

Silverton Mortgage

SunTrust Mortgage, Inc.

The News

Turner & Associates Insurance

United Community Bank

Williams, Rentz & Moulton, P.C.
As our business has changed and evolved over the years, it has been extremely reassuring to have a partner like cleverbridge that can scale and evolve with us. ~ Marcin Kleczynski, CEO, Malwarebytes

cleverbridge, a provider of global subscription billing solutions, announces Malwarebytes has signed a long-term renewal agreement with cleverbridge to continue driving recurring revenue for its anti-malware product line. Malwarebytes  whose home products include Anti-Malware, Anti-Malware for Mac, Anti-Malware Mobile and Anti-Exploit  has leveraged cleverbridges ecommerce and subscription billing solutions since its founding in 2008.

Malwarebytes decided in 2014 to move from a perpetual license model to a subscription model to increase recurring revenue streams, customer lifetime value and convenience for its customers. Although the switch presented distinct challenges from a business and marketing perspective, with cleverbridges subscription billing solutions and expertise, the transition process was seamless. Malwarebytes has been able to minimize churn by leveraging Revenue Retention Tools to increase the success rate of credit card renewals.

As our business has changed and evolved over the years, it has been extremely reassuring to have a partner like cleverbridge that can scale and evolve with us, said Marcin Kleczynski, CEO, Malwarebytes. Theyve always understood how important our customers are to us and delivered a seamless customer experience, while also providing the expertise and reporting tools that allow us to strategize for the future. Were excited to continue working together.

At cleverbridge, we place tremendous value on long-term relationships with clients like Malwarebytes, said Christian Blume, CEO, cleverbridge. Weve enjoyed growing with them over the last 8 years and enabling their success as one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. We look forward to helping Malwarebytes continue to maximize their recurring revenue streams through our unbeatable combination of technology, services and expertise.

To learn more about cleverbridge, please contact inquiry(at)cleverbridge(dot)com or visit http://www.cleverbridge.com.

About cleverbridge

cleverbridge provides global subscription billing solutions that help companies build long-term customer relationships and grow recurring revenue streams. With its flexible, cloud-based billing and monetization platform, cleverbridge integrates seamlessly with client systems, simplifies subscription business models and delivers an optimized online customer experience. Leveraging cleverbridge expertise, technology and services, clients monetize products and services more effectively, rapidly expand their global subscriber base and maximize customer lifetime value. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, cleverbridge has offices in Chicago, San Francisco and Tokyo. For more information, visit http://www.cleverbridge.com.
VOTE Button ...my thought process was to design a pin that was easily recognizable for the candidate you support in the upcoming election

PinMart is proud to announce the debut of 12 new political products on their website in the month of September. 10 new custom designed pins and 2 campaign buttons were added to PinMarts stock collection which is now well over 2,000.

PinMart is proud to announce the debut of 12 new political products on their website in the month of September. 10 new custom designed pins and 2 campaign buttons were added to PinMarts stock collection which is now well over 2,000. PinMarts Director Steve Geyer reflects back to the very beginning when PinMart started its operations in the late 1990s saying For me it feels as though time has flow by. Yet when I reflect on where we started and where we are now I am astounded. I accredit our success to the diligence of our PinMart family. Without their dedication to this company it simply wouldnt be where it is today.

Campaigns are underway and November is upon us. These custom designed political pins and campaign buttons are a great way to display your pride and party. PinMarts custom designed Trump for President 2016 and Hillary for President 2016 lapel pins are manufactured from special jewelers metal and are etched with an artistic image of the face of each presidential nominee. It includes red, white and blue patriotic colors, is nickel plated and epoxy coated for added durability. PinMarts Senior Designer, Genni Escobedo, who is behind the design of the candidates faces says As a designer I'm very visual, my thought process was to design a pin that was easily recognizable for the candidate you support in the upcoming election.

The earnestness to continue adding new stock products is a means of maintaining their standing within the industry as well as supplying customers with specially designed products that are easily accessible and still meet their needs.

About PinMart: PinMart, Inc.

PinMart, Inc. is a privately held company located in Elk Grove Village Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, specializing in the design and manufacturing of stock and custom emblems, custom lapel pins, and recognition and awareness products. PinMart sells products via its online store and offers custom design and manufacturing. PinMart has taken advantage of its well positioned internet
Barbara Marlowe, Marketing & PR Director for the NE Ohio law firm Dworken & Bernstein Co. L.P.A., has been selected to serve on the Iraqi Children's Foundation Advisory Board. Based in Church Falls, Virginia the Iraqi Children's Foundation works to assist an estimated 800,000 children who were orphaned over ten years of war. More than 1 million have been displaced by ISIS. Thousands work on the streets or in other unsafe places. Too many children are vulnerable to recruitment and exploitation by criminals or terrorists, as well as physical abuse and human trafficking. The mission of the Iraqi Children's Foundation is to assist the families and communities of Iraq by mobilizing a life-changing Surge of Love for millions of children orphaned by violence in Iraq.

On July 16, 2006, Barbara read about Teeba Furat Fadhil in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. She and her husband Tim then began an epic adventure to bring Teeba, a severely burned 5-year old girl from Iraq, to the United States for medical treatment. When Teeba was 19 months old, she sustained severe burns to her face, head and hands when an insurgent bomb tore through the back of a taxi that she was in with her 3-year old brother and father. Her brother Youseff was killed and her father sustained minor injuries. One year to the day of first reading about her in the paper, Teeba arrived. Teeba has undergone 19 surgeries to replace the skin on her face and head at University Hospital's Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Additional surgeries are yet to be scheduled. Teeba is now 14 years old and hopes to be a Pediatric Anesthesiologist one day.

In addition to her regular responsibilities for Dworken & Bernstein, Barbara oversees their Ohio Lawyers Give Back initiative and has worked with over 300 recipients of cy pres distributing more than $32 Million to charity. With her extensive background in fundraising, Barbara understands firsthand how difficult it is to continually raise money to support programs that will benefit the community and the people they serve. She is highly skilled in cultivating relationships and creating a synergy amongst charities, the business community and the public.

She has served on the board of The Gathering Place, Cornerstone of Hope and the Geauga Humane Society/Rescue Village and is currently on the Rainbow Babies & Childrens Hospital Leadership Council as well as a board member of Dogs Unlimited Rescue. She is also co-chair of an event called Save a Smile, Save a Child that has benefitted the Cranio Facial Department at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children Hospital for the past 5 years

For over 50 years, Dworken & Bernstein has offered a full range of legal services for businesses, individuals, and families. Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A. is the largest law firm in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Counties with over 30 attorneys and 35 support staff in offices located in downtown Cleveland and Lake County.
Hard-working families are negatively impacted by housing costs in California. Accessory dwelling units are an affordable solution that can quickly add thousands of low cost units to the market. -Michelle Thimesch, Founder and CEO, East Bay Revitalization

East Bay Revitalization Inc. (EBR), is hosting tours of a sustainable accessory dwelling unit (ADU) prototype on Friday, September 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 849 8th Street in Richmond, Calif.

Similar to a tiny house, this model is a small unit designed to address the housing crisis both in terms of cost, space and buildability. All the major components are manufactured in the United States.

East Bay Revitalization is a non-profit organization that is incubating small business start-ups in marginalized areas and developing co-work and living spaces.

The home on 8th Street is constructed using innovative technology that embeds steel framing within an EPS Foam core. This is the first building of its kind in the entire Bay Area. The use of this method of construction makes the home significantly more energy efficient than traditional construction methods. In addition, construction is not reliant on Portland cement, a well-known greenhouse gas producer or wood framed construction that causes massive deforestation and is vulnerable to pest infestation and dry rot.

The guided tour, open to the public provides attendees with an up-close look at an affordable solution designed to combat the high cost of housing.

Hard-working families are negatively impacted by housing costs in California, says Michelle Thimesch, founder and CEO of East Bay Revitalization. Accessory dwelling units are an affordable solution that can quickly add thousands of low cost units to the market.

With the recent passage of California State Assembly Bill 1069, which eliminates unnecessary barriers that would have prevented the construction of ADUs, there is increased opportunity for EBR to partner with Bay Area Note Group, LLC (BANG) to build high quality and sustainable housing and co-work spaces to incubate small business start-ups in marginalized areas.

"The severe scarcity of moderately priced houses in the Bay Area has left limited options for working families," says Doris Mason, incoming president of the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council. " "The best way build community is to be the change we want to see, which embodies EBR's efforts to work toward increasing the supply of affordable homes and bring economic vibrancy to the Iron Triangle."

The future expectation is that people will be able to live near their work and have time to engage in their communities. says Thimesch

To RSVP to the Sept. 30 tour, please email info(at)eastbayrevitalization(dot)org.

ABOUT EAST BAY REVITALIZATION INC.

East Bay Revitalization, Inc. is committed to revitalizing struggling communities by increasing entrepreneurship opportunities for existing residents and providing them access to quality, affordable housing. Through small business incubation that includes access to funding, and innovative and sustainable affordable housing development, EBR is working to create an environment where people can thrive.
ISI As experts in our field, with many years of international education and international insurance expertise, we want to help educate not only international students, but also equip educators with high-quality resources that were made just for them.

International Student Insurance (ISI) is proud to announce the launch of its third video, Sexual Assault Awareness for International Students. Together with its very popular US Healthcare System and Mental Health Awareness videos, these five to six minute videos are a valuable resource for schools that need to address these difficult and complex issues with international students from around the world. Sexual assault on campus has received a lot of media attention over the last few years, and although there are many good resources on the topic of sexual assault for US students, the new ISI video addresses the topic with the cultural differences and backgrounds of international students in mind.

As many as 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men will be assaulted during their college life, according to Not Alone, the White House Task Force report that was published in 2014, said Ross Mason, Vice President of International Student Insurance. Other reports have put the numbers even higher. International students in particular need to understand how to protect themselves and to be aware of the laws and ethical standards in the USA, as they can vary around the world. Our video is designed to provide them with all the important concepts so they are well armed with the facts.

Similar to the previous ISI videos, the new Sexual Assault Awareness video is designed to provide international students with the core definition of what sexual assault is, teach students about the important concept of consent, arm students with ways they can prevent an assault from happening and lastly help them understand what options they have and the obligations on their school to help if an assault does occur.

The video series we have been developing is part of a wider plan to offer our expertise to the international education market, commented Mr. Mason. As experts in our field, with many years of international education and international insurance expertise, we want to help educate not only international students, but also equip educators with high-quality resources that were made just for them. Our videos are one way in which we do this, and make a good addition to the other international student insurance resources that we have developed.

The new Sexual Assault Awareness video is available online, and schools are free to use the video at orientation or embed the video onto their website:

http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/explained/sexual-assault-awareness-video.php

You can also learn more about our comprehensive resources through our Insurance Explained and Free School Resource pages:

http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/explained/

http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/school-resources/

About Envisage International Corporation, the parent company of International Student Insurance

Envisage International Corporation (EIC) is a leader in international education marketing, running a network of internationally recognized websites and providing unique products and services that meet the needs of students and organizations from around the world. With focus purely on international education, EIC provides expert solutions for international student recruiting, student loans and student health and travel insurance.
Most of the dogs who are infected with leptospirosis are presenting with gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting or diarrhea says Jayme Hoffberg, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC, head of Emergency and Critical Care at MedVet Chicago.

MedVet Chicago is reporting an outbreak of leptospirosis in canines in the Chicagoland area. This disease is zoonotic (contagious to humans), and if left untreated, can be fatal. Since the beginning of June, the number of leptospirosis cases presenting to MedVet Chicago has been steadily rising.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is primarily transmitted by wildlife such as rats and rodents, and Chicagos rodent population may be contributing to the spread of this disease. Leptospirosis is primarily transmitted through urine, and can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, dehydration, and decreased urination. Some dogs display mild or no signs of the disease, while others develop severe illness. Patients with leptospirosis require aggressive medical treatment, which includes hospitalization, IV fluid therapy, and antibiotic treatment. If left untreated, this disease can cause kidney failure, liver failure, and in extreme cases, can be fatal.

Most of the dogs who are infected with leptospirosis are presenting with gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting or diarrhea says Jayme Hoffberg, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC, head of Emergency and Critical Care at MedVet Chicago. Many of these patients are also lethargic and dehydrated. Of the patients presented for suspected leptospirosis, bloodwork has shown kidney damage in 90%, with approximately 50% with liver damage as well. By the time their kidneys are affected, many dogs have decreased or absent urine production and are severely ill.

Dog owners are advised to seek veterinary attention if they notice any of the following signs:



Vomiting

Diarrhea

Lethargy

Fever

Shivering or muscle tenderness

Increased thirst

Decreased urination

There is a vaccination for available for Leptospirosis. I would recommend vaccinating, says Dr. Hoffberg. As with any vaccine, it is not 100% effective, but because of the drastic increase [in leptospirosis cases], at this point we believe the potential benefits outweigh the risk. The vaccination can be obtained at any primary care veterinarian.

Leptospirosis is extremely rare in cats, and does not appear to be affecting the feline population at this time. However, leptospirosis is contagious to humans, causing similar symptoms and with a potential for fatality. Canine patients who are being treated with the proper antibiotics have a lower incidence of spreading the disease, although it is still possible. Any person who may have been in contact with a dog who is suspected of having leptospirosis should seek medical attention from a physician.

About MedVet Chicago

MedVet Chicago (formerly Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center) is a 24-hour emergency, critical care, and specialty animal hospital which is part of the MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets patient care family. MedVet is employee owned, veterinary led, and is leading specialty healthcare for pets. MedVet provides specialty referral services for in-depth care and patient management, as well as emergency services, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. More than 100,000 dogs and cats are treated annually at MedVets expanding network of medical centers across the country.

For more information on MedVets network of medical centers, visit http://www.medvetforpets.com.

Contact: Eva Kaltenbach

MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets

(773) 281-7110 x1101

eva.kaltenbach(at)medvetforpets.com
YapStone: Powering Payments

Leading United States-based Fintech company, YapStone, announced the grand opening of its international headquarters at a new, 16,000 square-foot office in Drogheda, Ireland. Through a partnership with IDA Ireland, its official opening was officiated by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell OConnor TD, and attended by a roster of esteemed guests, including Lord Mayor of Drogheda, Oliver Tully.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, Minister MMOC said, This is a very exciting project and I am really pleased that we have attracted this cutting-edge financial services company to a regional location and that it has ambitious plans for its new offices in Drogheda. Ireland's strong expertise in the ICT and Financial services sector means that we can provide the requisite skills for companies like Yapstone, so that they are able to service their international activities. This company's expertise is at the forefront of the exciting world of electronic payments. I would like to wish Peter continued success in attracting great talent here in Drogheda and I am confident that the company will continue to grow here in Ireland.

Having significant U.S. and international growth in the past three years, YapStone is forecasted to process over $15 billion in electronic payments in 2016. The company has approximately 400 full-time employees in the U.S. and Ireland and is setting the stage for continued international expansion.

With the recent executive team addition of payment industry veteran, Peter Rowan, as Vice President of International Operations and Global Customer Support, YapStones Drogheda, Ireland office will serve as its International Headquarters, with a full-service offering, including engineering, product, sales, customer service, and risk operations, as well as site security and reliability. In the next year, the company forecasts 40-50 new hires in the Drogheda office.

We selected Drogheda as home to our International Headquarters because of the tremendous support weve received from IDA Ireland and of course, the incredible talent pool in this country, says Tom Villante, YapStones Chairman, Co-Founder and CEO. We are proud to partner with IDA Ireland to contribute to the sustained growth of Irelands local and regional economy and look forward to our continued success.

John Nugent, Regional Development Manager of IDA Ireland added, YapStone has ambitious plans to grow its international presence and Drogheda is central to this growth strategy. YapStone continues to hire great people in the North East region and to add new functions to its international remit here, clearly demonstrating the companys commitment to Ireland.

To learn more about YapStone, please visit http://www.YapStone.com.

About YapStone

YapStone is a global provider of online and mobile payment solutions for global marketplaces and large vertical markets. YapStone powers electronic payments for sharing economy marketplaces, such as HomeAway and VRBO, and thousands of apartment and vacation rental companies, homeowners associations, self-storage companies, hospitality establishments and non-profits. YapStone processes over $15B in payment volume annually and has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for nine consecutive years and named to the Forbes List of Americas Most Promising Companies in 2013 and 2015. YapStone has raised over $110 million from investors including Accel Partners, Meritech Capital and Bregal Sagemount. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay area, YapStone has additional offices in Santa Monica, California, and Drogheda, Ireland.

Source: YapStone
The addition of Yale School of Management as an education provider reinforces IMCAs commitment to high-quality, advanced investment and wealth management education.

EMBARGOED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

CONTACTS

IMCA: Tim Whiting

201-925-6613

twhiting(at)imca(dot)org

YALE SOM: Jim Dobbs

720.224.1530

jim(at)dobbseducation(dot)com

DENVERSeptember 29, 2016Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) announced today that Yale School of Management will begin offering an online registered education course, titled Investment Management Theory and Practice, for CIMA certification candidates, beginning in December 2016. The flexible online format will enable candidates to fit the program into their busy schedules.

Toby Moskowitz, Dean Takahashi Professor of Finance, will serve as the programs faculty advisor, along with Yale School of Management faculty: Lorenzo Caliendo, Associate Professor of Economics, X. Frank Zhang, Professor of Accounting, and Gal Zauberman, Professor of Marketing. Jim Dobbs, CIMA, CFP, CPWA, will serve as program director for the course.

IMCAs Certification Commission has approved five schools through which candidates may complete the executive education requirement of the CIMA certification process: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MIT Sloan School of Management, Yale School of Management, and in Australia, the Paul Woolley Centre at the University of Technology Sydney.

For more than 28 years, investment professionals have pursued the CIMA certification because it offers a compelling combination of Ivy-League quality and real-world application for immediate use with clients, said IMCA Executive Director and CEO Sean R. Walters, CAE. The addition of Yale School of Management as an education provider reinforces IMCAs commitment to high-quality, advanced investment and wealth management education.

To earn the prestigious CIMA certification, candidates must complete the Four Es: ExperienceExhibit three years of eligible experience in financial services; ExaminationPass two rigorous examinations; EducationComplete a registered executive education program; and EthicsAgree to adhere to IMCAs Code of Professional Responsibility and maintain all recertification requirements.

Eligible CIMA candidates who enroll in the Yale School of Management Investment Management Theory and Practice course complete an online course designed to help investment professionals better understand the concepts, calculations, and applications found in the CIMA core topics list; prepare for and pass the Yale School of Management course exam and CIMA certification exam; and take their practice to the next level. Topic coverage includes: ethics and regulation, a review of financial fundamentals (including statistics, time value of money, and economic analysis), risk management, performance measurement and analysis, traditional and alternative investments, portfolio theory and models, behavioral finance, and the investment consulting process (including client discovery, investment policy, portfolio construction and management, manager search and selection, and portfolio review). Students who complete the program receive a certificate of completion from the provider, and are eligible to sit for the CIMA certification exam.

For more information about the Yale School of Management program, visit som.yale.edu/investment-management or for more information on the other registered education providers for CIMA certification, visit http://www.imca.org/pages/registered-education-providers.

About IMCA

Established in 1985, IMCA is a nonprofit professional association and credentialing organization with more than 11,300 individual members and certificants in 37 countries around the world. IMCA members collectively manage more than $2.5 trillion, providing investment consulting and wealth management services to individual and institutional clients. Since 1988, IMCA has offered the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), which is the only financial services certification in the United States to meet international accreditation standards (ANSI/ISO 17024). The CIMA certification consistently distinguishes those who meet a global standard of competency and skills in investment management from those who do not. IMCAs Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) certification is suited for wealth management professionals working with high-net-worth clients. In 2015, IMCA conferences and education hosted nearly 4,500 attendees.

IMCA and Investment Management Consultants Association are registered trademarks of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. CIMA, Certified Investment Management Analyst, CIMC, CPWA, and Certified Private Wealth Advisor are registered certification marks of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. does not discriminate in educational opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Yale School of Management Executive Education

People and ideas move from country to country with unprecedented speed. Work teams include colleagues from varied backgroundssome or all connecting virtually from far-flung corners. And you as a leader have to see the big picture and to work across industries and sectors to tackle the challenges of an interconnected world. Yales global reach and wide-ranging understanding of markets and organizations will give you the perspective you need.

Our Integrated Approach: In any Yale Executive Education event, you benefit from the depth of expertise of our leading business faculty. Insights from economics, strategy, finance, accounting, marketing, and behavioral fields will help you raise your performance tomorrow. You will also be immersed in the Yale approachan integrated and far-looking way of approaching challenges that better prepares you to take your organization forward in a world where big issues affect everyone.

Tailored to Your Needs: We begin the process of program development (in both custom and open enrollment programs) with a granular understanding of the challenges in your company or industry. In the case of custom programs, faculty and staff work closely with company leaders to tailor a program that brings Yales expertise to bear on specific strategic questions. Our open programs arise out of deep and ongoing faculty engagement with industry leaders and top companies. This means that our sessions are always relevant to your needs as you position yourself and your organization for the future.
Plant Therapy Logo Plant Therapy is dedicated to creating the best shopping experience for every customer.

Plant Therapy, which offers 100% pure essential oils, carrier oils and accessories, was recently selected to join the Google Trusted Stores program. To help shoppers identify online merchants that offer a great shopping experience, the Google Trusted Store badge is awarded to e-commerce sites that demonstrate a track record of on-time shipping and excellent customer service. When visiting the Plant Therapy website, shoppers will see a Google Trusted Store badge and can click on it for more information.

Plant Therapy is dedicated to creating the best shopping experience for every customer, said Chris Jones, President of Plant Therapy. We work hard to ensure our website is easy to use and secure, and were proud of our fast shipping and amazing customer service team. We are so pleased to be recognized by Google for providing an outstanding online shopping experience.

As an added benefit, when a shopper makes a purchase at a Google Trusted Store, they have the option to select free purchase protection from Google. Then in the unlikely event of an issue with their purchase, they can request Googles help, and Google will work with Plant Therapy and the customer to address the issue. As part of this, Google offers up to $1,000 lifetime purchase protection for eligible purchases.

Google Trusted Stores is entirely free, both for shoppers and for online stores. The program helps online stores like Plant Therapy attract new customers, increase sales and differentiate themselves by showing off their excellent service via the badge on their websites.

Plant Therapy is the fastest-growing essential oils company in America. Their website, http://www.planttherapy.com, allows customers to easily shop for and purchase essential oils, including essential oil singles, oil synergies, Certified Organic oils and KidSafe oils. Because Plant Therapy sells essential oils directly to customers, they are able to achieve outstanding quality in our products while keeping the prices affordable. In addition to shopping a wide selection that includes hundreds of 100% pure essential oils, visitors to planttherapy.com will find expert knowledge from our staff of certified aromatherapists, plus contests, promotions and a thriving community on our blog and social media channels.

About Plant Therapy

Founded in 2011, Plant Therapy is a leading supplier of essential oils and accessories. Based in Twin Falls, Idaho, we provide the absolute highest-quality essential oils and are committed to educating our customers on their uses, safety and efficacy. Our products include organic essential oils, carrier oils, blends, KidSafe Synergies and pre-diluted roll-ons as well as accessories such as diffusers, books and natural body care. Visit us at http://www.planttherapy.com.
#cube is where people go to share real value with real people.

Think you know food? Prove it! Or at least thats what #cube wants you to do on the new mobile knowledge-sharing platform, and theyre excited enough to be offering two $300 Apple Store gift cards to the best users to do it.

Though the mobile social network is designed as a community and marketplace for all users and businesses, Cube Innovations Inc, the Boston-based tech startup behind #cube, is focusing on food and drink related content initially. Its one of the most popular topics on the system, unsurprisingly, but we also have several partnerships with small businesses in the food services industry who are helping us roll out our #cube mobile sales tools, so it seemed to make sense to tie this contest in, said Emil Burunov, one of #cubes co-founders.

In a crowded field of social apps, CEO Scott Kimball says #cube fills a fundamentally different, value-driven role in users lives. If youre looking for a job, you could post your resume on Facebook, but we all know you probably wont; people are used to using it in specific ways, and by and large, its not for job hunting. Its generally difficult to get people to change their habits in this respect. In terms of roles, #cube is where people go to share content of real value with real people, reaching way beyond their social circles.

The company has been keeping a low profile since launching #cube on the App Store back in November as the team build out the key functions. This contest marks one of the companys more outward-facing campaigns.

More information about the #cube application, Cube Innovations Inc and the contest can be found at http://www.cube.online or by contacting Scott Kimball directly at s.kimball(at)cube-innovations(dot)com.
DMJ & Co., PLLC Headquarters in Greensboro, NC Mike Gillis, DMJs managing partner says, This commitment speaks volumes about the confidence we have in the growth of our region, the development of industry and business, and the firms vision and future.

DMJ & Co., PLLC, an independent accounting and business consulting firm with headquarters in Greensboro, NC announced today that the Durham, NC firm of Hutchings & Hutchings Certified Public Accountants, PA will become DMJ & Co., PLLC. Hutchings & Hutchings will assume the DMJ name, effective November 1.

Hutchings & Hutchings, a third-generation firm, was established in the 1930s by Philip W. Hutchings, Sr. Philip Hutchings, III assumed leadership as owner in 1984 growing the practice to focus on tax compliance and tax planning, and developing strong relationships among industry leaders and individuals including physicians and healthcare professionals, professional services, hospitality and real estate, among others. The firms founder and partner, Philip Hutchings, III will continue with DMJ as principal. All staff positions will be retained.

We are very excited to join forces with DMJ, said Phil Hutchings. DMJ is a dynamic firm that shares our values and commitment to quality. People come first, and DMJ shares this sentiment. Its important that relationships remain intact. He continued, The firm and I look forward to continuing to serve our clients and further strengthen opportunities in the Triangle market.

The combined firm will now employ more than 73 people, including 10 Partners.

The Hutchings acquisition will now extend DMJs presence statewide with office locations in the Triad, the Triangle, and the Sandhills regions. Mike Gillis, DMJs managing partner says, This commitment speaks volumes about the confidence we have in the growth of our region, the development of industry and business, and the firms vision and future. DMJ also has an established office in Sanford, North Carolina for nearly thirty years.

The expansion offers experience in DMJ healthcare consulting division and wealth management (DMJ Wealth Advisors, LLC) to the Triangle marketplace. Together, the firms will continue to provide the traditional services with deeper practice areas in international tax consulting, litigation support, succession planning, audit and reviews, among others. Gillis notes, Our people, our clients, and our community continue to be our guiding principles. We continually think about how to best serve them and help them reach their goals going forward. Through this relationship, we feel we can add significant value.

DMJ was founded in 1949 and has grown, according to Inside Public Accounting, to a Top 300 firm. Gillis says, DMJs greatest strength is in our personal attention and our comprehensive reach with each and every client. The phenomenal growth speaks to the success of our relationships.

In addition, DMJ & Co., PLLC is a member firm of CPAmerica International, one of the largest associations of CPA firms in the United States offering clients the personalized service of a local firm and the knowledge and resources of a global network.

With a history of more than sixty five years, DMJs philosophypersonal attention, verifiable resultsis the cornerstone of the firms practice and client relationships often going beyond the scope of traditional accounting and auditing services. DMJ offers an array of services including certified public accounting, wealth management, and medical and dental practice consulting. It also provides a host of specialized services such as technology and international tax consulting, cost segregation, ERISA audits, and succession planning for privately-held businesses. DMJ is a member of CPAmerica International and affiliated with the Crowe Horwath International alliances of firms. For more information about DMJ, visit http://www.dmj.com.
Cruise Planners franchisees offer exclusive deals to travelers during Plan a Cruise Month Booking a cruise farther out is necessary when searching for the optimal prices and accommodations, if you play your cards right and book early, your cruise for 2017 will be smooth sailing, said Cruise Planners COO and co-owner, Vicky Garcia.

The strongest offers, value-added amenities and more cruise benefits are the rewards for travelers who book their trip during the month of October  which is Plan a Cruise Month. This year, Cruise Planners, the nations largest home-based travel agent network, is celebrating all month long with a #CPCruiseIsInTheCards campaign making it easy for cruisers to get value-added deals for cruises in 2017 and beyond. The entire Cruise Planners travel advisor network is working alongside the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to make Octobers already great national deals even more enticing.

Booking a cruise farther out is necessary when searching for the optimal prices and accommodations, if you play your cards right and book early, your cruise for 2017 will be smooth sailing, said Cruise Planners COO and co-owner, Vicky Garcia. October has proven to have great rates so it is the perfect opportunity for those looking to book a 2017 cruise to take advantage of early-bird savings and the great amenities being offered.

To celebrate Plan a Cruise Month and help promote these deals, CLIA is holding a cruise-a-week giveaway throughout the month of October. Each day from October 1 through October 31, 2016 anyone can enter for a chance to win one of 31 unique cruise vacations. Anyone can post their 'cruise smile' on Twitter or Instagram using #CruiseSmile and #Sweepstakes hashtags. Participants will have the opportunity to share their posts for more chances to win. Cruise Planners travel agents are encouraging travelers to share their excitement on social media using #CPCruiseIsInTheCards.

Using a travel agent continues to be the most popular and best way to navigate the ins and outs of planning a cruise and maximizing cruise deals and promotions. In fact, studies show that most cruisers  both first time and veterans  are more likely to use a travel agent to book their trip.

When it comes to cruising there is a boundless array of options, which we know can make it complicated for travelers, Garcia said. People planning with Cruise Planners travel advisors have an ace up their sleeve to customize the best cruise experience from pre-cruise to shore excursions, debarkation and the flight home.

This year, Cruise Planners has exclusive offerings including prepaid gratuities, shipboard credits, reduced deposits, onboard savings, air and cruise fare discounts, stateroom upgrades and Cruise Planners in-house customized Completely Packaged Vacations, to name a few.

Some of the biggest cruise lines  from ocean-going vessels to river cruise ships and even luxury yachts  are providing these exceptional deals to customers. To lock in the best rates and book a cruise using a professional Cruise Planners travel advisor, travelers should find a cruise travel advisor near them to customize their next vacation experience by visiting: http://www.cruiseplanners.com/franchises/locateAgents

About Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, is the nations largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the travel industry. Cruise Planners operates a network of more than 1,400 franchise owners who independently book amazing vacation and travel experiences for their clients. The Florida-based Home Office Team positions a nation-wide network of franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing, booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industrys top executives. The company continues to be lauded and has been named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 13 consecutive years. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, has been ranked as the #1 travel franchise by Franchise Business Review for 5 years in a row, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel since it started ranking companies.

Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla. with more than 22 years of experience, Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include numerous Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly for the past seven years, American Express Travel Representative Excellence Award for 11 consecutive years (2004-2014), American Express Agency of the Year (2010), Royal Caribbean International Chairmans Award (2015), Royal Caribbean International Presidents Award for Overall Achievement (2012 and 2014), Royal Caribbean International Home-Based Partner of the Year (2007-2013), Norwegian Cruise Line Franchise Agency of the Year (2011-2015), Celebrity Cruises Field Sales Account of the Year (2015), Celebrity Cruises Home-Based Account of the Year (2013-2014) and Celebrity Cruises Southeast Region Travel Agent Partner of the Year (2010), American Express Vacations Best of the Best Globe Award (2008-2015), Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2009-2014), Platinum Member of the 500 Club for Sales Excellence (2014), Platinum Circle Member with Viking River Cruises (2009-2012), Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Top Producer (2008-2014) and Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer. Cruise Planners is one of the Top 50 franchises for Veterans according to GI magazine, the Top Franchise Brand for Veterans according to Franchise Business Review, has been named one of the Top 25 franchises for African-Americans by Black Enterprise magazine and is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. For more information, visit http://www.cruiseplanners.com.

Stay in Touch: Media can stay up-to-date with Cruise Planners by visiting our media room, following us on Twitter @Cruisitude or on Facebook. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should locate a travel advisor near them. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit our franchise website.

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Media Contact:

Caitlin Gardner, Director of Public Relations

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative

CGardner(at)cruiseplanners(dot)com

954-344-8060
The speakers at WISC 2016 represent many important facets of allergy and clinical immunology. Its important that all these voices are heard, as WAO works toward the common goal of improving overall patient care.

Milwaukee, WI. September 29, 2016  More than 140 internationally known experts from 26 countries will present on a wide variety of topics regarding the future of patient care in allergic diseases during the WAO International Scientific Conference (WISC) 2016 in Jerusalem, Israel, 6 to 9 December 2016.

The World Allergy Organization (WAO) will host WISC 2016 in Collaboration with the Israel Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (IAACI) and the IAACIs mutually collaborating partner, Allergists for Israel (AFI). The conference expects to gather 1200 delegates from 35 countries.

We look forward to bringing together the many dedicated practitioners and researchers in allergy and clinical immunology for substantive conversation about current challenges in the understanding and management of allergic diseases, said Mario Sanchez-Borges, MD, President of the World Allergy Organization. The speakers at WISC 2016 represent many important facets of allergy and clinical immunology. Its important that all these voices are heard, as WAO works toward the common goal of improving overall patient care.

One of the most anticipated presentations is entitled, A Common Monogenic Cause for the Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, to be delivered by Joshua Milner, MD, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. Dr. Milner will present new findings on a genetic cause for a common disorder that allergists frequently encounter, said Ignacio Ansotegui, WISC 2016 Conference Chair. In this important study, we learn a number of new things about mast cell activation disorder. Compelling sessions like Dr. Milners and many others that we have lined up for the WISC 2016 program will offer delegates the chance to hear research that is currently in press.

The scientific program will include notable scientific keynote speakers: Dr. Frank Austin, MD, Brigham and Womens Hospital; Dr. Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center; Nobel Laureate Prof. Avram Hershko, MD, PhD, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology; and Dr. Martin Blazer, MD, New York University School of Medicine. Plenary sessions will offer new insights for clinical practice worldwide including mechanisms of allergenicity, clinical aspects in immunotherapy, atopic dermatitis, and food desensitization, and alternatives to oral immunotherapy. The WISC 2016 scientific program will include 39 symposia, 9 sister society symposia, 8 workshops, 4 junior member practical courses, and 3 poster sessions, providing in-depth and diverse perspectives on a wide range of current topics such as the microbiome, food allergy, asthma, mast cell disorders, environmental effects on allergy and allergic skin disorders.

About the World Allergy Organization

The World Allergy Organization (WAO) is an international alliance of 97 regional and national allergy, asthma and immunology societies. Through collaboration with its Member Societies WAO provides a wide range of educational and outreach programs, symposia and lectureships to allergists/immunologists around the world and conducts initiatives related to clinical practice, service provision, and physical training in order to better understand and address the challenges facing allergists/immunologists worldwide. (http://www.worldallergy.org)

Israel Association for Allergy and Clinical Immunology

The Israel Association for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (IAACI), founded in 1949, is a non-profit association, with a mission to promote education, good clinical practice and research in a wide spectrum of allergic and immune-mediated diseases in Israel, under the umbrella of the Israel Medical Association (IMA). The IAACI is dedicated to promoting collaborations between Allergists/Clinical Immunologists and physicians from other disciplines in Israel, aiming to expand knowledge and improve patient care. This is achieved by promoting joint meetings and producing Israeli collaborative recommendations on various topics.

Allergists for Israel

Allergists for Israel (AFI) was founded in 1984 and the evolving vision of the group is to develop camaraderie for Allergists/Immunologists and other supporters of allergy by gathering in the USA, Israel and around the world. AFI strives to establish collegial relations between America and Israel. (http://www.allergists4israel.org)

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Best Sanitizers, Inc. Celebrates Twenty Years Were very proud of what the company has accomplished over the last twenty years.

Best Sanitizers, Inc., an innovator of sanitation products for the food processing industry, celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Established in 1995, this Northern California-based company was the first to achieve an E3 rating for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and the first to achieve a D2 rating for an alcohol-based surface sanitizer. An early proponent of touchless hand soap and hand sanitizer dispensers, Best Sanitizers was one of the first companies to offer this technology to food manufacturers. These early innovations helped Best Sanitizers become established as a leading manufacturer of hand and surface hygiene products for the food processing industry.

Not long after its inception, Best Sanitizers founder and president, Hillard Witt, developed a partnership with Saraya Co., LTD, one of Japans largest manufacturers of health and hygiene products. Sarayas support and involvement has been invaluable in our ability to grow and innovateespecially in the early years stated Mr. Witt.

In 2006, Best Sanitizers cut the ribbon on a new manufacturing facility in Walton, Kentucky. The facility was expanded in 2008, and again in 2015. This cGMP, FDA and FIFRA compliant factory allows the company to develop and produce a wide range of high quality products, including their own line of Alpet, Smart-San and SoftenSure products, a catalog of private label products for some widely recognized Fortune 500 companies, and a high-level medical disinfectant for endoscope reprocessing.

More recently, Best Sanitizers has expanded its product line by adding industrial cleaning chemicals, proportioning and dispensing equipment, boot scrubbers and footwear sanitizing systems to its existing line of sanitizing hand soaps, hand sanitizers, surface sanitizers, surface sanitizing wipes and related dispensing equipment. Were very proud of what the company has accomplished over the last twenty years. remarked Ryan Witt, Best Sanitizers VP of Sales and Marketing, And now were looking forward to the next twenty.

Today, Best Sanitizers products are used in over 9,000 food processing facilities in the U.S and Canada. Its Alpet D2 Surface Sanitizer, Alpet D2 Surface Sanitizing Wipes, Alpet Sanitizing Soaps and Alpet Hand Sanitizer Sprays are staples throughout the industry. For more information on Best Sanitizers, Inc., visit http://www.bestsanitizers.com.

About Best Sanitizers, Inc.

Best Sanitizers provides the food processing industry with a full spectrum of hand and surface hygiene products, industrial chemicals, dispensing equipment, support and service. With its headquarters in Nevada City, CA and its manufacturing facility in Walton, KY, Best Sanitizers is helping the countrys food manufacturers feed the world.
We are focusing our time at the event on learning and listening.

After exhibiting at Salesforce in the past, Levementum is using Dreamforce 2016 as an opportunity to curate and develop deeper relationships with its key internal Salesforce partners and customers. Leaders of Levementums Salesforce Practice and Salesforce Marketing Cloud Practice will attend this years conference and have constructed agendas that focus on continuing to improve Levementums partnership abilities within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Dreamforce will take place in San Francisco from October 4th through October 7th. Dreamforce is the user conference for Salesforce and attracts over 150,000 attendees, this years conference is sold out. Keynote speakers for the event include Marc Benioff, Melinda Gates, Rep. John Lewis, Mark Cuban, and Captains Mark & Scott Kelly.

Michael Burton, Senior Director of the Levementum Marketing Cloud Practice, stated, Dreamforce is a must attend event for any Salesforce partner. This year we are focusing our time at the event on learning and listening. We have scheduled several one-on-one connections with internal Salesforce partners as well as our clients and prospects. We are excited about the freedom to attend more sessions as well as have the time to take these one-on-one meetings.

Customers, prospects and Salesforce employees who are looking to connect with the Levementum team at Dreamforce can email dreamforce(at)levementum(dot)com to arrange an in-person meeting at the event.

Levementum continues to focus on the growth of their Salesforce practice and implement elite cross-cloud engagement strategies for customers. Additionally, Levementum is planning to exhibit at Salesforces Connections conference in Spring 2017 which is a well-attended event focused on Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
NOVApower Analytics Business Intelligence Tool from NOVAtime Our customers will be able to transform years of data into invaluable analytical reports, charts and graphs in seconds

NOVAtime Technology, Inc. (http://www.novatime.com), a leading provider of enterprise Time and Attendance / Workforce Management solutions, announced its participation in HR Technology Conference & Exposition as it introduces a new Business Intelligence (BI) tool, NOVApower Analytics.

HR Technology Conference & Exposition will be held between October 4  7, 2016 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. HR Tech creates a space to feature all of the latest technology and trends in the human resources arena, including cloud computing, SaaS, social media, Big Data, mobile, and analytics. Technological advances invariably change the way companies execute HR functions, and HR Tech gathers all of these in one place. Since HR Tech is the largest expo of its kind, many companies choose to use this platform to unveil their latest products and offerings.

NOVAtime will be located at Booth #1648 at HR Tech where they will be demonstrating their latest innovations in workforce management. At the forefront of these demonstrations is NOVApower Analytics. This new business intelligence tool allows managers to transform years of day-to-day labor data into valuable business analytics that can alleviate labor costs. Our customers will be able to transform years of data into invaluable analytical reports, charts, and graphs in seconds said Brian Harris, Vice President of Client Services. Whether using one of the many prebuilt templates, or creating a brand new report in a few keystrokes, NOVApower Analytics brings NOVAtime's workforce management solution to a new level. NOVAtime teased the new tool with a short video, highlighting some of its unique features.

Fill out a short survey and bring it to our booth (#1648) to receive a free USB charge cable, and an opportunity to win a HP Tablet. Join one of our product demos for a complimentary patented Touchdown Comfort football blanket: 11am and 2pm on Wednesday, October 5th, and 11 am on Thursday, October 6th.

About NOVAtime

NOVAtime is headquartered in Diamond Bar, California, and has become the leader in integrating Time and Attendance Management with Human Resource and Payroll systems. Known for its scalable and leading-edge software and hardware technology, NOVAtime has been selected as the preferred Time and Attendance / Workforce Management solution provider by many of the best-managed companies in the world.
Commuter Air Technology (CAT), an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, was named the 12th fastest-growing private company in Oklahoma City at the 2016 Metro 50 Awards hosted by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. CAT has been a Metro 50 Award recipient six times.

Commuter Air Technology is delighted to be named once again as one of Oklahoma Citys fastest-growing private companies, said Darryl Wilkerson, CAT President. We appreciate our City, State, and Federal Representatives in Government and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce who all work tirelessly to preserve and enhance the business-friendly environment we enjoy in Oklahoma City and the great State of Oklahoma.

We are grateful to our customers who entrust some of their most sensitive operations into our care  with the full confidence that we will deliver, Wilkerson added. Lastly, I am personally appreciative to the employees and shareholders of Commuter Air Technology, without whom, none of the achievements for which we have been honored are possible. This recognition is in honor of their hard work and commitment to our strategies and ultimate success.

CAT was recognized along with the other honored companies at the Metro 50 Awards Banquet on September 26, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum where Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett unveiled the official rankings. The Metro 50 Award allows both emerging companies, as well as companies that have exhibited substantial history as an established business, to be recognized. Metro 50 companies demonstrate positive growth in revenues; growth in the number of employees; creativity/entrepreneurship; and business development through the expansion of facilities, customer base or markets.

The Metro 50 Awards are sponsored by Bank of Oklahoma, Cox Business, Crowe & Dunlevy, EY, Express Employment Professionals, The Journal Record Publishing Company, OGE Energy Corp. and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.

About Commuter Air Technology

Commuter Air Technology delivers certified aircraft and customized aircraft modifications for commercial and government applications around the globe. Modifications range from flight performance enhancements and high-density passenger systems to cargo conversions and corporate reconfigurations. With 30 years of experience, Commuter Air Technology offers a full line of technical support services, such as crew provision, training, program management, aircraft maintenance, engineering as well as STC process management and Airworthiness certifications. Commuter Air Technology is an AGC Aerospace & Defense company. Learn more at http://www.commuterair.com.

About AGC Aerospace & Defense

AGC Aerospace & Defense, the unifying brand of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services supporting commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: AeroComposites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services. Learn more at http://www.agcaerospace.com.
Winners of the Fourth Annual Beantown Throwdown Accept Trophy from MITEF Executive Director Katja Wald and event sponsor SevOne CMO Jim Melvin. From left to right: Simran Bimrah, AskMolly; Wald; Anders Bill, EchoMe; Courtney Wilson, DropZone for Veterans; Shivani Shah, AskMolly; Melvin. Click here for high-resolution version

CAMBRIDGE, MA--(Marketwired - Sep 29, 2016) - Eleven student teams gathered last night at Hatch Fenway to present their entrepreneurial dreams to a standing-room-only crowd of business leaders, influential media and seasoned investors at the Next Generation of Ideas, featuring the fourth annual MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) of Cambridge's Beantown Throwdown.

When the dust had finally settled, AskMolly from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science (MCPHS) was named the winner. AskMolly is a real-time, authoritative database of illicit substances that provides unique drug information resources for pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and first responders. Co-founder Shivani Shah shared that she was inspired to create AskMolly for her senior capstone business project after being overwhelmed on her clinical rotations by the number of patients who were using illicit drugs and receiving inadequate care due to the lack of reliable resources about those substances and their interactions with prescription medicines.

Second place went to Babson College's DropZone for Veterans for its online search directory connecting military veterans and families with high impact, independent benefits in areas such as healthcare, education, employment and job training, finance and business. Boston College's EchoMe took third place with its mobile and web application that turns every smart device into a personal DJ booth by enabling two or more users to play a song at the exact same time.

Assuming the role of venture investors for the night, the 300+ Beantown Throwdown audience members determined the winners by "investing" millions of dollars of MITEFMoney in the companies of their choice. Schools and their teams included:

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"Congratulations to AskMolly for capturing the audience's attention and 'money' with your mission to empower healthcare professionals with knowledge on illicit substances," said Katja Wald, Executive Director, MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge. "This promises to be an important tool for healthcare professionals and first responders dealing with rampant opioid abuse and other effects of drug use. All of the teams deserve celebration -- their hard work and creativity inspires. We encourage them to keep pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams here in Boston's innovation community."

The evening kicked off with a fireside chat about entrepreneurship moderated by Boston Globe Innovation Economy columnist Scott Kirsner and a panel of local innovation community luminaries, including Elsa Sze, Founder and CEO of Agora; Frederick Townes, Co-Founder and COO, Placester; Rebecca Liebman, Co-Founder, LearnLux; and Maia Heymann, General Partner, Converge Venture Partners.

Sponsored by SevOne and showcasing the highest number of Massachusetts colleges and universities at a single entrepreneurial student business pitch competition, the Next Generation of Ideas, featuring the Beantown Throwdown was a signature event during HUBweek. Hosted by MIT, Harvard University, The Boston Globe, and Mass General Hospital, the week-long, city-wide festival celebrates ideas and innovation in the Boston area.

The winning teams will all receive prize packages from Beantown Throwdown sponsors Morse Barnes-Brown & Pendleton, CHEN PR, .406 Ventures, Project 11, Fairhaven Capital, getfused and MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge that include in-kind legal and marketing services, and the opportunity to pitch for additional funding.

About The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge

The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge is the founding chapter and one of 25 worldwide chapters comprising the MIT Enterprise Forum, Inc. Offering more than 40 programs and events annually that inspire innovation, MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge initiatives facilitate critical one-on-one mentoring while providing team services that increase the skills and expertise necessary for entrepreneurs to succeed.

About HUBweek

HUBweek is a festival for the future. A first-of-its-kind civic collaboration between The Boston Globe, Harvard University, MIT, and Mass. General Hospital, HUBweek engages the Greater Boston community to celebrate innovation and creativity at the intersections of art, science, and technology. In 2016, over 130 organizations have come together to celebrate the future in Boston and will explore three themes at HUBweek: inclusive innovation, ideas to impact, and intersections. From hands-on workshops, full-day summits, and a massive Demo Day to open studios, film festivals, and even beer brewed from the Charles, HUBweek will showcase the most creative and inventive people making an impact in Boston and around the world.

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We are excited to partner with a nationally-renowned university on a project of this caliber."

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) is thrilled to announce a new groundbreaking collaboration with the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) to develop a signature JK5 STEM curriculum. The curriculum will be integrated across general and Judaic disciplines and cutting-edge professional development for our Lower School.

Beginning this fall, a team of three GSEHD faculty will work with CESJDS to create a world-class curriculum and enhance teaching and learning in all subject areas and, in particular, in math, science, art, and engineering, and using technology as a learning tool.

Over the course of the next three years, faculty will participate in a graduate-level STEM seminar/workshop that will focus on developing specific units and lessons for a proprietary curriculum that will be made available to other schools across the country. GSEHD faculty will engage our teachers both in the workshop and in their classrooms.

The curriculum will benefit CESJDS students for years to come and we hope to eventually make this work available to the entire field, said Rabbi Mitchel Malkus, Head of School. We are excited to partner with a nationally-renowned university on a project of this caliber, and hope that GW benefits as much as our students and faculty will.

There will be a research component to the project that will measure and document the learning results of the curriculum and professional development on our students. As GSEHD researchers spend time in classrooms and assess student learning, CESJDS will gain valuable insights into the work and our teaching, and the field will have access through articles and papers that publish the research findings.

This exciting project is being made possible by a generous donor who wanted to strengthen and expand the STEM education the school has undertaken, advance significantly the teaching of science and math, and provide a unique opportunity to students and their families at CESJDS.

"We are delighted to collaborate with CESJDS to develop an integrated, STEM-focused curriculum and look forward to becoming part of the CESJDS community," said Tiffany Sikorski, Assistant Professor, The George Washington University.

About CESJDS

CESJDS is the largest JK-12 independent Jewish day school in North America. Our mission is to engage students in an outstanding and inspiring general and Judaic education. CESJDS achieves academic excellence through an integrated curriculum that is anchored in Jewish values. For more information, visit http://www.cesjds.org.

About The George Washington University

In the heart of our nations capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from across the country and around the world.

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Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney, Charlie Ward Staying on top of judicial opinions and legislation is critical to obtaining the best possible outcome for our injury and wrongful death clients Past News Releases RSS

Ward & Ward Law Firm of Indianapolis, Indiana, announces partner, Charlie Ward, has been selected by his peers for inclusion into the 23rd annual edition of The Best Lawyers in America under the heading of Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation. Ward, a 27-year career advocate for citizens harmed by the negligent acts of individuals and entities, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude, from Butler University in Indianapolis before attending the Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1989.

Best Lawyers is regarded by members of the legal profession as a trustworthy resource for attorney-client and attorney-to-attorney referrals. Attorneys currently listed in Best Lawyers are asked to rate local nominees in like practices. Each voting attorney is asked the question: If you were unable to take a case yourself, how likely would you be to refer it to this nominee? Voters rate the candidate on a scale from 1 to 5 and are encouraged to add comments to the nominees voting form. A voter may select Do not know if they have no knowledge of the nominee. Lawyers are not allowed to vote for themselves, nor can they complete ballots for lawyers within their own firm. When the voting ballots have been received by the decision-makers at Best Lawyers, each nominee is reviewed and their standing with the bar association is verified before a final determination of inclusion is made.

Personal injury and wrongful death attorney Ward was admitted to the Indiana Bar Association in 1989. From 1990 to 1991 he clerked for the Honorable Indiana Supreme Court Justice Richard M. Givan. In August, 1992, he co-authored the article entitled "Journey's Account Statute: Litigator's Little-Known Friend," 35 Res Gestae 60 (1991), the Indiana State Bar Associations bar journal. Shortly after graduation from Indiana Universitys school of law, Ward and his father, Donald W. Ward, a former recipient of the prestigious 2015 Indiana Bar Foundations Legendary Lawyer Award and prominent wrongful death attorney in Indianapolis, formed a partnership under the name of Ward & Ward Law Firm.

Charlie Ward concentrates on earning maximum financial reparations for his clients who have been severely injured or killed by the negligence of another person or entity. Staying on top of judicial opinions and legislation is critical to obtain the best possible outcome for our injury and wrongful death clients, states Ward. His personal injury and wrongful death areas of experience include commercial trucking accident claims, car, motorcycle and bicycle accident claims, nursing home neglect and medical malpractice claims.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an accident caused by the negligence of another person or entity, call 2017 Best Lawyer recipient and Indianapolis personal injury lawyer, Charlie Ward of Ward & Ward Law Firm at 317-639-9501 or toll free at 888-639-9501 for a free analysis of your claim.
LJK5 New York Style This new fall line is a nurtured, well-balanced blend child-like aesthetics, and distinct illustration and design.

Lucky Jade launches its newest collections of baby clothes for the Fall 16 season. This seasons lines include three separate endeavours, including its famous cashmere/cotton line, Luxe, a collection of everyday playwear, Lounge, and its riskiest line yet, a fun and bi-coastal collaboration with Brooklyn artist, Joseph Ari Aloi aka JK5, called JK5 x LuckyJade (LJK5).

Luxe: This high-end line of cashmere/cotton pieces is all about clean lines and classic prints, while simultaneously envisioning a truly wildlife feel  both animal and concrete. Sweet giraffes and inquisitive owls, geometric elephants, fawns and lions can be found on a mix of coveralls, blankets, hoodies and beanies. Right next to those are where to find a love for all things NYC, with the skyline Lucky Jade is famous for, making its appearance. The entire collection can be found in an array of prints for boys and girls, in sizes zero to one year.

Lounge: Its the busy life here in the loungewear collection, with an on-the-go romp through the city in building and taxi-inspired prints for coveralls, dresses, beanies, blankets and casual tops and bottoms, for boys and girls alike. And if the active life of New York isnt enough, one can also find the roar of the jungle with a series of safari animal prints in all the same styles. The collection is available in sizes 0-4T.

LJK5: A collaboration with the Brooklyn artist, Joseph Ari Aloi aka JK5, has led to one of the most distinctive and inspired collections Lucky Jade has ever created. East Coast meets West coast in brightly colored homages to New York and California, including t-shirts and long sleeves, alongside funky, geometric-lettered dresses and rompers, casual-wear sets, and beanies. According to Aloi, JK5 x Lucky Jade is about creativity, imaginative play, finding that inner spirit, being free, expressing oneself, and letting go. A little sci-fi, mythology, fantasy, words and ideas that say, I aspire to inspire! When bringing together the casual side of Southern California with the truly artistic side of Brooklyn, NY, theres where to find something truly inspired.

Lucky Jade can be found this fall in premier retail locations, such as Saks 5th Ave, Barney's, and Neiman Marcus, as well as select luxury boutiques throughout the country. Visit Lucky Jade Kids for a complete list of store locations.
Portrait Kiosk The Portrait Touch & Motion Kiosk is a secured, all-in-one interactive display system which features a 4K Ultra HD 55 display with projected-capacitive (PCAP) touch technology from 3M.

Ideum (http://www.ideum.com) today introduced the Portrait Touch & Motion Kiosk, a secured, all-in-one interactive display system which features a 4K Ultra HD 55" display with projected-capacitive (PCAP) touch technology from 3M. It has support for 60 touch points, an optional integrated Microsoft Kinect Sensor for motion tracking, and a built-in Intel i7 quad core PC with the latest dedicated NVIDIA graphics card to handle even the most extreme graphics-intensive programs.

Standing nearly 7 feet tall, the Portrait Touch & Motion Kiosk is built out of aircraft-grade aluminum, and is a durable, secure solution for museums, tradeshows, retail settings, and other public installations. It has single push-button power, lockable power and port access, and built-in RFID.

"The Portrait Touch & Motion Kiosk is our first all-in-one standing system. It is the perfect addition to our line of multitouch tables and Presenter touch walls," said Ideum Creative Director and Founder, Jim Spadaccini. "We have brought our years of experience in creating turnkey, integrated-touch systems to the Portrait Kiosk."

The Portrait is designed as an all-in-one single standalone kiosk. It can be placed next to additional Portraits to create a giant ultra high-resolution multitouch wall. The sides of the Portrait are designed to allow the units to interconnect.

Designed and built in the USA, the Portrait Touch & Motion Kiosk is built to exacting standards with the best available components. It is designed and built in the USA. Ideum has been designing and selling large-scale, integrated touch systems since 2009. The Portrait system comes standard with Windows 10. Like all of Ideum's touch products, it is backed by a two-year manufacturers warranty from Ideum.

See the Portrait Touch & Motion Kiosk in action:

High-resolution images are available at: https://www.flickr.com/gp/ideum/3DW5DH

To learn more about Portrait Touch & Motion Kiosk, visit http://ideum.com/touch-walls/

About Ideum

Ideum is an innovative design company based in Corrales, New Mexico. The firm focuses on creating the next generation of visitor experiences that blend both the physical and digital realms. Along with its Creative Services software group, Ideum designs and produces integrated and hardened large-scale multitouch tables and touch walls for museums, educational institutions, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. It has offered multitouch tables since 2009 and has now sold them in 38 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.ideum.com or contact Esther Lombardi at (505) 792-1110 ext.1.

Ideum is a trademark of Ideum, Inc. 3M is the registered trademark of 3M Company.
We are excited that we are now able to provide Apple IT support and Apple products all in one place.

Apple Business Works, Grand Junctions Apple based IT service company, launches updated website with Apple store. The new website at http://www.applebusinessworks.com, allows Apple Business Works to sell Apple products such as iMacs, Macbooks, Apple TVs, iPads, iPods and many other accessories and software solutions directly to online customers at competitive prices.

We are excited that we are now able to provide Apple IT support and Apple products all in one place, said Michael Miller, IT Manager for Apple Business Works. This will help our customers to have a streamlined experience when installing new hardware, software or when updating their network structure. The company is excited to be providing competitive hardware and software support for businesses in the Grand Valley that use Apple products as the backbone of their IT infrastructure.

About Apple Business Works: Apple Business Works is an Apple-based IT company located in Grand Junction, Colorado. They provide IT support to businesses that use Apple products as the core of their IT infrastructure. Apple Business Works is the focused on filling the gap in Mac-based business solutions in the Grand Valley, providing service and support for Apple servers, Apple products and Apple accessories.
"The future for population health is managing the entire continuum of healthcare in one centralized place, and I know that Salesforce is the best way it can happen" - Andy Harlen, Senior Solutions Executive, Virsys12

Virsys12, an award-winning, certified Salesforce Silver Consulting Partner, continues its shift to focus on healthcare nationwide as it marks five years in business. CEO Tammy Hawes announced today a promotion and the addition of talent, including a senior solutions executive, director of consulting services, senior project manager and two consultants.

Word is spreading about Salesforces impact on healthcare, especially with the release of Health Cloud, Hawes says. The successes of our healthcare clients that are using the platform, customizing and integrating applications, and/or using one of our own V12 apps are a big part of this story. As a result, we are pleased to see our team growing with the addition of these high-caliber individuals.

Andy Harlen joins Virsys12 as Senior Solutions Executive with recent experience providing CRM solutions to healthcare providers. He was a regional account executive with Playmaker CRM and held similar positions with Ipero, Shareholder InSite and Bernard Health. He holds a BS in business administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The future for population health is managing the entire continuum of healthcare in one centralized place, and I know that Salesforce is the best way it can happen, says Harlen. When I was introduced to Virsys12, my choice was clear: I wanted to be on the team leading the charge for this game-changer technology.

Kristin Kilpatrick Johnson joined the Virsys12 team as Director, Consulting Services earlier this month with a decade of experience focused on CRM and healthcare. Johnson is a Salesforce Certified Administrator, a Six Sigma Green Belt, is certified in Prosci Change Management methodology and has completed the Harvard Program on Negotiation. She has held senior positions with Medhost and Healthcare Management Systems. Johnson received an MA in leadership and organizational change from Belmont University and a BS in journalism from Middle Tennessee State University.

I grew to love the Virsys12 team when they were in a service provider role with my previous company, Johnson says. They are true partners and have your best interests in mind. Im excited to be a part of a Salesforce A-team with so many groundbreaking projects.

Sarah McCarter joins as Senior Consultant with four Salesforce certifications, including Administrator, Advanced Administrator, Developer and Service Cloud, in addition to her ScrumMaster certification. Her experience includes positions with Eloyalty, Salesforce.com, Nelson Technology and Stream Global Services. She holds a BS in geology from the State University of New York at Fredonia.

I was introduced to Salesforce before I finished college, and it changed the course of my life, says McCarter. Ive loved technology since I was in kindergarten. Now I get to use my favorite technology to impact healthcare, and it feels right.

Sara Schroeck officially begins this week as Consultant with two Salesforce certifications including Administrator and Advanced Administrator. She has served as a business and operations analyst and in other management positions with Decision Resources Group, Relias Learning and Silverchair Learning systems. She earned a BS in management, marketing and human resources with a minor in womens studies from Boston College.

Additionally, Hannah Feeley has joined Virsys12 as Associate Consultant from her position with TechTarget in Newton, MA. Feeleys experience includes The Kraft Group and Feeley & Brown. She holds a BS in business administration from Stonehill College in Easton, MA.

A family friend works for Salesforce, Feeley says. Knowing my passion for the technology, he told me Virsys12 is the company for you. Im proud to join the team.

Tanzy Wallace, previously Technical Sales Consultant, has been promoted to Team Lead, Solutions Engineering. Wallace, who has been with Virsys12 since 2014, holds Salesforce Administrator and Service Cloud certifications.

Virsys12 continues to expand, says Vice President of Client Success Paul Peterson.

Even with a highly competitive hiring environment for technology talent, we are being selective to find candidates who have a vision for healthcare and a passion for change. If you are not content with the status quo and have the skills and passion for healthcare, give us a call. Or email careers[at]virys12[dot]com.

About Virsys12

Virsys12 is an award-winning, certified Salesforce Silver Consulting Partner focused on healthcare innovation nationwide. With success providing transformative technology for large, small, public and private enterprises, the individually certified team maintains top customer satisfaction ratings and excels in lean business process. We solve your hardest problems by making the complex simple, guaranteeing our work for implementation, integrations, applications and technology strategy. More at Virsys12.com.

Salesforce, Force.com, Service Cloud, Health Cloud and others are trademarks of salesforce.com Inc., and are used here with permission.
People are told that its very expensive to accept a credit card issued to a business and thats just not the case. - Ben Dwyer, CardFellow Founder

Noting that there are no comprehensive guides to saving money when accepting commercial credit cards, leading credit card processing resource CardFellow has published a detailed article on the subject. The guide, available to businesses at no cost, explains the intricacies of commercial credit card acceptance and lays out steps for how to save.

Ben Dwyer, CardFellows founder and president, explains, People are told that its very expensive to accept a credit card issued to a business and thats just not the case. Were offering this guide to provide business owners with the facts that will show them how to process commercial cards for about the same cost as a consumer card.

As businesses contend with rising credit card processing fees, finding ways to lower those fees without sacrificing service is paramount. Dwyer explains that in the case of B2B payments, the savings comes in at the interchange or wholesale level, by providing whats called enhanced data at the time of a transaction. Credit card processing isnt cheap, but if a business can take a simple step like providing enhanced data and end up saving 1% or more, its a no-brainer.

Dwyer says theres no magic to lowering costs. Rather, You need to know what youre looking at and how to optimize it. In the case of enhanced data, processors arent incentivized to help you set it up, because it doesnt benefit them if you save money. This guide shows you everything they dont take the time to explain.

The guide is broken into sections for easy scanning, and allows readers to skip over portions that arent relevant to them. To read or download a copy, click the link below.

B2B Transactions: Level 2 and Level 3 Credit Card Processing

CardFellow, LLC has been helping businesses find the most competitive credit card processing solutions since 2006. The companys online marketplace offers instant quotes from pre-screened credit card processors as well as personalized support to help businesses select the best option. The company also offers an extensive product directory with one-click options to add equipment to quotes, and a review system for consumers to read or post about experiences with processors or equipment. Merchants remain anonymous so they can review quotes without the pressure of sales calls. Based in Connecticut, CardFellow provides services to businesses throughout the United States.
Pelican Brewing Company introduces flagship Kiwanda Cream Ale in 12-packs Kiwanda is one of Pelicans most award-winning brews with 21 honorsincluding 13 Gold Medalsto date.

If you love Pelican Brewing Companys flagship beer Kiwanda Cream Ale, youre not aloneand now the brewerys most popular and top-selling brew will be available in 12-packs in the grocery craft beer aisle come October. Currently sold in 6-packs, 22 oz. bottles and on-draft, Kiwanda is also one of Pelicans most award-winning brews with 21 honorsincluding 13 Gold Medalsto date.

Inspired by one of America's traditional indigenous 19th century beer styles, Kiwanda Cream Ale is a nod to founding brewmaster Darron Welchs love of history and reputation for brewing beers as they are intended to be. Pelican is the first known craft brewer to honor the early American beer.

When we first started producing Kiwanda 20 years ago nobody in the US was brewing a pre-prohibition revival kind of cream aleI really wanted to imagine what cream ales from the 19th century might have been like, says Welch. I have an ongoing interest in historythe story of how things got to be the way they areand I wrote my college thesis on the pre-prohibition era in the state of Oregon. I like to go back in history and ask what was the beer like back then? What was the beers purpose? And if were going to call this pre-prohibition cream ale, it better be true to the style.

According to an Imbibe magazine article that salutes Pelicans trend-setting brew, the cream ale style gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as ale breweries in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region looked to compete with ascendant lager breweries. By fermenting ales at cooler temperatures, brewers created crisper, cleaner, less fruity beers that were more in line with pale lagers. The hybridized specialty soldiered on after Prohibition before largely falling out of favor by the 1970s and 80s.

Made of all local, hand-sourced ingredients, Kiwanda Cream Ale is pale gold with a fruity, floral hop aroma, golden color, refreshing body and clean, snappy finish. Two-row malt, flaked barley, Mt. Hood hops, CaraPils malt, pure local water and pure ale yeast combine to make Kiwanda Pelicans flagship and fastest selling brew:



ABV: 5.4%

IBU: 25

Plato: 12

Kiwanda cream ale is an example of how its possible to have an aromatic floral, flavorful beer that has great character and balance while still maintaining a real refreshing quality, a clean dry finish and a very high drinkability factor, says Welch. We are always looking for the floral aroma, clean light malt flavor, dry well- attenuated finish to provide hoppy balance and the very clean drinkability that always invites another sip.

Kiwanda has been ranked as one of the top beers in the world by both Draft magazine and Mens Journal. According to Mens Journal not long after coastal Oregon's Pelican Brewery opened in 1996, brewmaster Darron Welch decided to re-create a classic, pre-Prohibition cream alea style that was practically dead. His modern interpretation, pale gold and refreshing, lightly sweet with fine floral, fruity aromatics, has since become one of the brewery's most beloved beers, the past transformed into a modern classic.

The beauty of Kiwanda is it is so delicious you can just enjoy and not have to think about, or you can sit back and sip it slowly and savor the complex malt flavors and hop aromas, says Jim Prinzing, CEO, Pelican Brewing Company. Kiwanda is a rare beer that both craft beer aficionados and casual drinkers can enjoy equally and in many ways it is a lot like the Pelican Brewingapproachable and not pretentious, but with care given to every detail.

Born at the Beach

Pelican was born at the beach 20 years ago as a small, stand alone brewpub in a small town on the Oregon coastPacific City. Pacific City is still a small town, but with consistent growth and demand for its products, Pelican sales are up more than 500% from 3,500 barrels in 2013 to 18,000 barrels this year. The company recently doubled its brewing and bottling capacity at its Tillamook facility and opened a new brewpub in Cannon Beach. Pelican also recently won a bronze medal at the World Brew Cup and eight medals including Champion Medium International Brewery at the Australian International Beer Awards.

About Pelican Brewing Company

Pelican Brewing Company was founded in 1996 by Jeff Schons and Mary Jones in Pacific City with Oregon's only oceanfront brewpub. Celebrating its 20th year, the brewing company has created masterpieces like Kiwanda Cream Ale, India Pelican Ale, MacPelicans Scottish Ale, Tsunami Stout and Dorymans Dark. With the vision, creativity and brewing expertise of founding brewmaster Darron Welch, Pelican Brewing has won over 300 awards including the 2014 World Beer Cup Champion Small Brewing Company and Brewmaster of the Year. Pelican Brewing currently distributes 22oz bottles, 12oz bottles in 6-packs, a new mixed 12-pack, and 50 liter and 20 liter kegs via a network of distributors in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii and Vermont. The company operates brewing and brewpub facilities in Pacific City, Tillamook and Cannon Beach.

For more information, visit Pelican Brewing Company.

Contact: Claudia Johnson, Public Relations, 503-799-2220.
The team weve assembled to market and coordinate the sale of this unique property signifies the ownerships strong motivation to sell with pulling together the right advisors and experts to best serve its interests.

SVN Auction Services, a national provider of date-specific sales and special asset solutions, and SVN Walt Arnold Commercial Brokerage Inc. are coordinating the sale of an operating boutique hotel and apartments with warehouse and an additional parking lot in Las Vegas in an online-only auction scheduled for Oct. 27 through Nov. 1. Located at 500 Douglas Ave., the historic and iconic El Fidel Hotel, built in the 1920s in Spanish Colonial Revival style and designed by Henry Trost, features an opening bid of $300,000.

Leading the sale effort on behalf of SVN Auction Services are industry veterans Louis Fisher, CAI, and David Gilmore, CCIM, CAI, AARE. Rounding out the team is Albuquerque-based advisors Walt Arnold and Kelly Tero of SVN Walt Arnold Commercial Brokerage Inc., who will provide their depth of local market expertise in assisting with the transaction.

The team weve assembled to market and coordinate the sale of this unique property signifies the ownerships strong motivation to sell with pulling together the right advisors and experts to best serve its interests, Fisher said. Its why clients, such as the group were representing to sell this hospitality/commercial asset, continue to look to us for our expert guidance and serve their asset needs. We deliver.

The El Fidel property features 34 recently renovated hotel rooms and apartments, a renowned restaurant with beer and wine license, offices, retail spaces , lobby and coffee bar situated directly on Douglas Avenue with excellent frontage. It is turnkey ready for another operator or another commercial adaptation. Also included in the offering is an adjacent warehouse for storage and additional parking lot.

For information, photos and registration, visit http://www.ElFidelHotelAuction.com

About SVN Auction Services

SVN Auction Services is a provider of date-specific sales and special asset solutions. It encompasses an elite group of local and regional auction advisors throughout the United States who specialize in areas such as corporate real estate sales, tax sales, multi-properties, receiverships and bankruptcies. SVN Auction Services offers the industrys most comprehensive spectrum of auction solutionsfrom rapid asset resolution and 30-day countdown asset sales to wide area and high impact/high promotion events. As part of one of the most recognized and reputable commercial real estate firms in the industry, SVN Auction Services is supported by SVN Internationals more than 800 commercial real estate advisors throughout the nation. This relationship provides outstanding opportunities for SVN Auction Services to serve clients needing to move assets in accelerated timeframes and creates significant value for buyers and sellers. For more information on the firm, visit SVN Auction Services.

Contacts

Louis B. Fisher III, CAI

SVN Auction Services,

954.931.0592 fisherl(at)svn(dot)com

Walt Arnold

SVN Walt Arnold Commercial Brokerage Inc.

505.256.1255 walt.arnold(at)svn(dot)com
All four of our newest Board members provide key tactical and strategic direction for the continued development and implementation of Activs world-class Harmony platform.

Activ Technologies announces the appointment of four elite supply chain executives to its Board of Advisors, as well as a full slate of board members for 2017. In addition, they have named Jerry Schmidt, Founder of Cordova Ventures and Board member, as Chairman of the Advisory Board.

Joining the Board of Advisors are Tony Gorski, David Mendez, Rich Rapuano and Tom Shull. All four of our newest Board members provide key tactical and strategic direction for the continued development and implementation of Activs world-class Harmony platform," said Jerry Schmidt, Chairman. "We are enthusiastic about the thought leadership that this group will provide to clients and prospects in the supply chain space and also provide support to Activs consulting and channel partners.

Tony Gorski, Entrepreneur and Executive, has advised leadership teams of Fortune 500 and Russell 2000 Companies in cash conversion strategies and demand-driven techniques. As an award-winning speaker, published author and recognized subject matter expert, Mr. Gorski has taught thousands of people across six continents and speaks globally on leading supply chain topics.

In previous roles, Mr. Gorski co-founded My Rounding Solutions, DemandPoint, and the successful sale of its predecessor JCIT International. Mr. Gorski holds a BS from Marquette University and a MBA from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

David Mendez is the Founder of Capital A Partners CAP A, a venture capital firm he co-founded in 2013. Mr. Mendez started his career at DuPont before becoming an executive at GE Plastics, where he was involved in the early stages of GE's adoption of Six Sigma Quality initiatives. Using his experience in supply chain management from GE, Mr. Mendez co-founded Supplybase.inc (sold to i2 Technologies).

Mr. Mendez holds a degree in engineering from Clemson University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Mr. Mendez serves on the Dean's Advisory Board of Clemson Universitys School of Business and as a board member for Clemson's Spiro Institute of Entrepreneurship.

Rich Rapuano is a seasoned executive with a diverse background in supply chain, product development, and marketing. He currently works with start-up and early stage companies, supporting and developing optimized supply chain operations. Prior to his current role, Mr. Rapuano served as Senior Vice President of Global Logistics and Distribution and Senior Vice President of Global Planning for Under Armour. Previously, Mr. Rapuano held executive roles with Black & Decker.

Mr. Rapuano holds a BA from Brown University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He currently serves on the boards of the Towson University College of Business & Economics, The Y of Central Maryland and Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound.

Tom Shull is a Partner with Matteson Partners, an executive search corporation, where he leads the supply chain practice. His previous experience includes supply chain consulting expertise with several name-worthy organizations, including Ernst & Young, Price Waterhouse, and KPMG.

Mr. Shull holds a BS from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Dayton. He has been actively involved in several professional affiliations throughout his career, including the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). He holds a Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), as well as a Certification in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM).

About Activ Technologies:

Activ Technologies is at the forefront of supply network development. Since 2012, they have exclusively focused resources on the development of a SaaS collaboration and demand visibility solution called Harmony. By offering the most advanced cloud-based Supply Chain Synchronization, Harmony goes far beyond just collaboration to achieve auto-synchronization for all of the OEM, customers, and suppliers in the supply chain. The result is an unparalleled ROI. Such synchronization turns a supply chain into a powerful value chain and network.

Learn more about Activ Technologies by calling 770-390-1700 or visiting the companys website at http://www.activ-tech.com.
Midland IRA dropping off supplies to Treeline Elementary School We believe that it is important to actively give back to our community.

During the month of August, Midland IRA & 1031, a local self-directed IRA administrator and 1031 exchange qualified intermediary, held a company-wide school supply drive to benefit the students and teachers of Treeline Elementary School. The Midland staff collected over 300 school supplies.

Treeline Elementary School is a Title I school located in Fort Myers, Florida. Title I schools have the highest concentrations of poverty based on the number of students enrolled. There are currently fifty-eight Lee County schools that identify as Title I. The National Education Association published a report saying that, For the first time in recent history, more than 50 percent of all children attending public schools live in poverty, and the number of homeless children in public schools has doubled since before the recession. A survey taken by the Huffington Post noted that out-of-pocket last year teachers spent an average of $500 on school supplies. Time.com reported that, For teachers in lower-income districts, the burden can be even higher. Within the past year, Communities in Schools conducted a survey of 700 teachers and found that more than 90% have to buy school supplies to help low-income kids whose parents cant afford even basic things like pens and notebooks. Midland IRA & 1031 wanted to help relieve some of that burden from the teachers and students at Treeline Elementary school by donating school supplies.

The company collected a total of 338 supplies consisting of notebooks, rulers, crayons, folders, paper, glue sticks, and many other supplies. We believe that it is important to actively give back to our community. says Dave Owens, president and CEO of Midland IRA & 1031. That is why we try to get involved as frequently as possible.

Midland IRA & 1031 does multiple fundraisers each year. The company will be holding a Thanksgiving food drive for the Friendship Centers later this year.

About Midland IRA

Midland IRA is a self-directed IRA administrator that provides tax-deferred and tax-free investment opportunities, superior customer service, and educational tools to assist investors in realizing the maximum benefits possible within IRAs. Midland IRA makes it easy to use self-directed retirement plans to invest in assets that the individual investor knows, understands, and can control. Midland IRA is also a 1031 exchange qualified intermediary. To learn more visit www(dot)MidlandIRA(dot)com.

About Dave Owens

Dave Owens is president of Midland IRA in Chicago, Fort Myers and Miami. Owens opened the Fort Myers headquarters in 2003. His background as a certified public accountant, combined with a long history of personal retirement self-direction, provides his audiences and clients with solid advice and practical solutions to their IRA investment questions. Dave holds a BS in accounting from Purdue University. He also earned the prestigious Certified Exchange Specialist designation through the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.
Embracing innovation as a central tenet of our company identity has been key to the slew of awards and recognition we have received this year,

nuVizz Inc., an award-winning mobile logistics and workforce management solutions leader, announced today it has been selected to present at Venture Atlanta 2016, the Souths premier event for connecting technology innovation and investment capital. Venture Atlanta will be held November 2-3 at the College Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

The 32 early and venture stage companies were chosen from a large pool of applicants and will represent the regions most innovative tech businesses. nuVizz has been recognized raising the bar with their mobile visibility solution for retailers who need to know where their deliveries are in real time, especially in the final mile. Their suite of apps  nuDeliverIT and WellRyde  provide versatile functionality for a number of industries that suffer the same challenges. This year will also see them launch a new mobile app with key partners to address acute temp workforce shortages.

Embracing innovation as a central tenet of our company identity has been key to the slew of awards and recognition we have received this year, said Guru Rao, CEO, nuVizz. With 400+ partners, 100% year-over-year growth and over three million transactions processed, we are well-positioned for both present and future market leadership.

During the two-day event, presenting companies and conference attendees will engage with regional as well as national venture capitalists, investors and other key players in the current technology ecosystem. Now entering its 16th year, Venture Atlanta has helped launch more than 350 companies and raise more than $1.8 billion in funding to datea number that continues to grow. The conference provides an invaluable experience for entrepreneurs resulting in funding, national investor exposure, unparalleled relationship building and mentoring by successful technology executives.

Venture Atlanta continues to draw attention to our regions incredible start-up activity, said Melanie Leeth, vice president of Imlay Investments, and Venture Atlanta board member. The presenting companies highlight the strength of business opportunities and robust technology community here in Atlanta and the South.

To learn more about nuVizz, visit nuVizz.com. For additional information about Venture Atlanta, to register for the event or to view the conference schedule, please visit http://www.ventureatlanta.org.

About nuVizz, Inc.

nuVizz is a leading enterprise mobile application, crowd enablement and services company. Earlier this year, they were named Top 10 Most Innovative Georgia Companies in 2016. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with current offices in India, France and Colombia. For more information, visit http://www.nuvizz.com.

About Venture Atlanta

Venture Atlanta, Georgia's technology innovation event, is where the regions most promising tech companies meet the country's top-tier investors. As the South's largest investor showcase helping launch more than 350 companies and raise over $1.8 billion in funding to date, Venture Atlanta connects local entrepreneurs with local and national venture capitalists, bankers, angel investors and others in the technology ecosystem who can help them raise the capital they need to grow their businesses. The annual nonprofit event is a collaboration of three leading Georgia business organizations: Atlanta CEO Council, Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). For more information, visit http://www.ventureatlanta.org. For updates, join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Twitter, and visit our blog.
Robert Weaver In 2006, even though it doesnt seem that long ago, there were still a lot of insurance companies  in my opinion  that were very much taking advantage of tribes and their enterprises.

Robert Weaver was featured in the Indian Country Today Media Network article "Quapaw Entrepreneur and Visionary Transformed Tribal Healthcare" by Kristi Eaton. The article recounts Weaver's steadfast commitment to helping Native Americans acquire high-quality, comprehensive healthcare at a reasonable cost. A member of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, Weaver has made it his personal mission to protect his tribe, and others in Indian Country, from those looking to cash in on a lack of knowledge regarding healthcare benefits.

In 2006, even though it doesnt seem that long ago, there were still a lot of insurance companies  in my opinion  that were very much taking advantage of tribes and their enterprises, says Weaver in the article.

Several years ago, the Quapaw Tribe was in the process of opening the Downstream Casino and needed a healthcare plan for their employees. Overwhelmed by the varied options presented, they asked Weaver for assistance. This event provided an impetus for the new direction of his life's work. Weaver helped review the bids for the Quapaw Tribe. Unsatisfied with what he saw, he opted to write a bid of his own. Using his expertise, Weaver acted as a liaison between the Quapaw Tribe and numerous health insurance companies and was able to negotiate and win greater benefits at a lesser price.

One of Weaver's favorite publications is a free resource offered providing informational videos for less economically developed Indian tribes and nations. These videos can be found on the Robert Weaver Quapaw Tribe Facebook page or via the YouTube Native Health and Insurance Channel. If your organization needs assistance with any of the issues referenced, Weaver can be reached directly at 417-483-4700.

Indian Country Today Media Network, showcases talented Native writers, reporters and artists throughout the world. Designed as a national platform for Native voices and issues, the Indian Country Today website serves as a destination for the vast and growing number of people interested in Native news, culture, ideals and businesses. Each day the Indian Country Today Media Network team brings essential news and information from Indian country, entertains with new voices and cultural highlights and gives life to the most vibrant voices in the national community. For more information, visit indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com.

Since 2007, Robert Weaver has been the owner and founder of RWI Benefits, LLC. The firm specializes in all lines of insurance to include employee benefits, property and casualty, workers compensation and all other forms of insurance management consulting. The RWI Benefits home office is located in Quapaw, Oklahoma, on Tribal trust land. Additional offices are located in Joplin, Missouri, and Chickasha, Oklahoma. Weaver owns NativeCare Health, LLC, a third-party benefit administration company, as well as, MedCase, LLC, a utilization review firm. Weaver is also the consultative representative for government-to-government relations of the Quapaw Tribe, a group working in Washington, D.C., to improve healthcare access for Indian Country as a whole. Learn more at chooserobertweaver.com or rwibenefits.com.

Learn more about Weaver and his steadfast commitment to Native Americans in Eatons article Quapaw Entrepreneur and Visionary Transformed Tribal Healthcare.
Westone W80 with ALO Cable No other product on the market today has gone to the extent that Westone has with the W80 to provide the best sounding earphones, the highest quality cable, and the most luxurious carry case and accessories. Everything about the W80 is desirable.

Westone, the leader in high performance in-ear audio, announced the launch of the newest high end in-ear monitor, the Signature Series W80. Three years in the making, the Signature W80 is the quintessential achievement of industry pioneers Kris and Karl Cartwright. Every detail of the W80 was purpose built from the ground up in order to provide the most comfortable, best sounding, and luxurious experience possible. said Blake Gaiser, Director of Product and Marketing. No other product on the market today has gone to the extent that Westone has with the W80 to provide the best sounding earphones, the highest quality cable, and the most luxurious carry case and accessories. Everything about the W80 is desirable.

The Signature W80 features eight proprietary drivers impeccably tuned with a passive 3-way crossover to create an unbelievably immersive listening experience. Masterfully engineered, the W80 makes no compromises delivering reference level audio by integrating full size dual bass drivers with dual mid and quad high drivers as well as ALO Audios proven hifi Reference 8 cable. The result is the most comfortable, ergonomically designed earphone on the market with a wider, deeper and a far more holographic presentation with improved dynamic range, increased micro details, enhanced black background, expansive harmonic content with tremendous accuracy and an extensive sound stage. MSRP $1,499 Available starting October 2016 in select countries and worldwide by November 2016.

About Westone:

Established in 1959, Westone Laboratories has more than 55 years of experience delivering premium custom-fit solutions for critical listening applications. Westone is the largest manufacturer of custom ear pieces in the world and was the first to design and manufacture multi-driver, balanced armature earphones. With hearing healthcare and music specialists on our research and production teams, Westone invented the most ergonomic monitor design which provides the utmost noise isolation, comfort, and best fitting earphones on the market. The largest names in music turn to Westone in-ear monitors for on-stage use, just as U.S. Air Force fighter pilots depend on Westones ACCES in-ear communications system for mission-critical noise isolation, hearing protection and two-way communication. It is our experience, our products, and our people that make Westone The In-Ear Experts.

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Agnieszka Stankiewicz and Magdalena Zyczkowska-Jozwiak

Greenberg Traurig advised Rockcastle Global Real Estate, a property company specializing in retail centers in Central and Eastern Europe, in the acquisition of Bonarka City Center in Krakow, from TriGranit (TPG).

The value of the transaction was EUR 361 million, which makes it the largest single property transaction in Poland in 2016.

Greenberg Traurig provided Rockcastle with comprehensive legal advice with respect to the transaction, including legal due diligence and the negotiation of all transaction documents, as well as the sale agreement.

The transaction was led by Partner Agnieszka Stankiewicz and Local Partner Magdalena Zyczkowska-Jozwiak. Ms. Zyczkowska-Jozwiak was also responsible for conducting the legal due diligence, in which she was supported by Associates: Milena Medrzycka, Anna Szczepankowska, Agnieszka Gul-Czajkowska, Dobrosaw Paska, Karol Lewandowski, and Micha Niecko.

Bonarka City Center comprises ca. 91,000 sq. m. and was opened in November 2009. The investment is located in Krakow, in the Podgorze district, between Kamienskiego and Puszkarska streets. The shopping center consists of 270 units and more than 30 restaurants. The facility provides 3,200 free parking spaces.

Rockcastle is a listed entity with current market capitalization of USD 2 billion. Its investments comprise global real estate securities and a portfolio of direct property assets, which are owned and managed by the company including commercial property development projects, existing properties and real estate companies. Rockcastle has concluded eight significant property investments in Central Europe and intends to continue increasing its exposure and asset base in CEE for the foreseeable future.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

Greenberg Traurig LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 2000 attorneys serving clients from 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak sp.k. was named the 2016 Law Firm of the Year in Poland  Client Service Award by Chambers and Partners. The Warsaw office of Greenberg Traurig, LLP provides legal services to clients in Central Europe and beyond and consists of 85 lawyers. Team members are regularly recognized as leaders in numerous practice areas. Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, IFLR1000 and EMEA Legal 500 consistently rank them among the top tiers the areas of Corporate/M&A, Capital Markets, Real Estate, Private Equity, Tax, Banking and Finance, Project Finance, Energy, Dispute Resolution and TMT.

About Greenberg Traurig's Real Estate Practice

Greenberg Traurig's Global Real Estate Practice is a cornerstone of the firm and a recognized leader in the industry. The firms real estate attorneys deliver diversified and comprehensive legal solutions for property acquisition and investment, development, management and leasing, financing, restructuring, and disposition of all asset classes of real estate. The team draws upon the knowledge and experience of 400 real estate lawyers from around the world, serving clients from key markets in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. The groups clientele includes a broad range of property developers, lenders, investment managers, private equity funds, REITs, and private owners. The firms real estate team advises clients on a variety of matters across a broad spectrum of commercial, recreational, and residential real estate, including structured equity and debt and hybrids.

Greenberg Traurig's real estate team in Warsaw consists of 30 top-rated specialists who cover a broad spectrum of core real estate and additional practices. The team offers clients an unparalleled level of legal experience and service in Poland and throughout Central Europe.
With 40 percent of agents using our technology based outside their contact centres home country, this enhancement could impact around half of the worlds global agents

NewVoiceMedia, a leading provider of cloud technology which helps businesses sell more, serve better and grow faster, today announced a new, industry-leading global call routing architecture that will dramatically raise the bar on call quality for organisations running contact centres in multiple geographies. This platform enhancement will optimise contact centre management and operations, while ensuring the highest quality customer experience across the world.

NewVoiceMedia enables organisations to use a single call plan in their ContactWorld platform to control their global contact centre assets. By enabling the application to use telephony servers in remote geographies, businesses will now be able to configure and manage their global call centre more effectively through a single central touch point. This allows better management of peak periods and agent shift changes in individual regions as the intelligent overflow capability automatically routes calls to centres with spare capacity, no matter what their location.

The companys enhanced communications network ensures the highest quality customer experience and faster global implementation. It provides businesses with the ability to manage resources across the globe as a single entity, reducing customer wait times while boosting audio quality and service availability for calls in remote regions. For contact centre managers, reporting can be consolidated and simplified, giving businesses a global or local view of performance statistics and reducing administrative overheads.

NewVoiceMedia delivers a telephony agnostic cloud contact centre with global infrastructure that allows customers to operate a single call plan for all of their globally distributed sales and service agents, comments Ashley Unitt, CTO of NewVoiceMedia. And with 40 percent of agents using our technology based outside their contact centres home country, this enhancement could impact around half of the worlds global agents.

Our global network will deliver a superior customer experience through the ability to route calls more effectively across the world with better visibility of agent productivity and centralised management reporting.

"At Eventbrite, offering world-class customer support to our hundreds of thousands of event organisers around the world is critical to our success, said Jeff Stone, Head of Worldwide Customer Experience at Eventbrite. As such, we're always looking for innovative ways to better serve our customers and are happy to be one of the first to implement the global call routing architecture with NewVoiceMedia".

NewVoiceMedia's solutions, built on the Salesforce platform, not only help businesses optimise management of their global contact centres, but also ensure high-quality experiences for their customers", said Todd Surdey, SVP Independent Software Partner Sales, Salesforce. "Were pleased to work closely with NewVoiceMedia to make our joint customers even more successful.

According to Gartner, Customer experience (CX) has become a CEO priority, and many enterprises are competing more on the experience than on their products or services. Most enterprises that sell services see revenue that is a multiple of the average for their industry, and, in some cases, they enjoy profits that are orders of magnitude greater than average. The value of CX is undisputed, and CX has become the new battleground for achieving sustainable, differentiated competitive advantage.

NewVoiceMedias ContactWorld solution is a multi-tenant intelligent communications platform that enables sales and service reps to have more successful conversations with their customers. Core contact centre functionality such as omni-channel contact routing, self-service IVR, automated outbound dialling, screen pops and instantaneous CRM updates are provided with proven 99.999% platform availability. NewVoiceMedias new global call routing architecture is currently in an invitation-only Pilot and is expected to be part of its Winter Release.

For more information, visit http://www.newvoicemedia.com.

1 Gartner, How User Experience Can Make or Break Your Customer Experience, September 2, 2016, http://www.gartner.com/document/3052120?ref=solrAll&refval=173891396&qid=727c2026ceff61b3189cc0d856017242

About NewVoiceMedia

NewVoiceMedia powers customer connections that transform businesses globally. The leading vendor's award-winning cloud customer contact platform revolutionises the way organisations connect with their customers worldwide, enabling them to deliver a personalised and unique customer service experience and drive a more effective sales and marketing team. With a true cloud environment and proven 99.999% platform availability, NewVoiceMedia ensures complete flexibility, scalability and reliability.

Spanning 128 countries and six continents, NewVoiceMedia's 600+ customers include PhotoBox, MobileIron, Lumesse, JustGiving and Canadian Cancer Society. For more information, visit http://www.newvoicemedia.com or follow NewVoiceMedia on Twitter @NewVoiceMedia
Bluetooth Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT LCR-Reader Pro will be favoured due to its low price and extra accessories

Siborg Systems Inc. in Ontario, Canada, has previously worked with Van Device since 2006 in supplying Smart Tweezer LCR- and ESR-meters to Japan and surrounding areas. This distribution deal has been resigned to offer Siborgs newer products, including the LCR-Reader Pro and other tweezer-based test devices.

Van Device is a supplier of electronic components, semiconductors, peripherals, software and measuring equipment.

Van Device is happy to have newer products from Siborg to offer our customers. The previous Smart Tweezers devices were well received and we know our customers will be excited to see what new products Siborg has to offer. We know that the LCR-Reader Pro will already be favoured due to its low price and extra accessories. Says Yoshitaka Sato, the Chairman at Van Device.

Siborg offered first devices in the early 2000s, the Smart Tweezers LCR- and ESR-meter ST-1. This device combined a set of sharp, gold-plated tweezers with a lightweight multimeter that provided a more efficient alternative to testing components using conventional testers. Expanding on the notability, Siborg has begun offering more tweezer-based test devices, including LCR-Reader Pro, LCR-Reader LCR- and ESR-meter, Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth Connection, Smart Tweezers LCR- and ESR-meters, Multifunction SMD Test Tweezers, Smart LED Test Tweezers, and LCR-Reader Probe Connector

LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers LCR- and ESR-meters have become instantly recognizable for their unique design that combines a multimeter with tweezers as probes. These devices offer users fast and accurate measurements with just a touch; when the gold plated tweezers have a grasp on components to a 0201 size. They instantly recognize the component, and best test parameters before measuring with basic accuracy of 0.2%-0.5%. These devices, with their ability to test without any set-up between measurements, are efficient for any work with SMT, including maintenance and repair to production lines within the electronics industry.

 Siborgs LCR-Reader devices are based on the popular Smart Tweezers line of handheld LCR-and ESR-meters. Weighing at only 1oz. and at half the cost of Smart Tweezers, Siborg was able to create this lower-priced device by omitting features and offering a lower basic accuracy of 0.5%. One issue with LCR-Reader was the lack of calibration; Siborg created a new calibration fixture for LCR-Reader and other LCR-meter that utilize a Kelvin probe connection and were able to begin issuing NIST traceable certificates for the device.

 The best selling model in Siborgs lineup is the LCR-Reader Pro. This model is a kit that includes a pre-calibrated LCR-Reader, Traceable calibration certificate, charger and spare bent probes. Until the end of September, Siborg is offering the LCR-Reader Pro in their online store and Amazon sales channels for $216 USD.

 The Smart Tweezers LCR-meter models were the first to debut the combination of tweezers and multimeter. This is the most diverse device with the most features and functions and highest basic accuracy of 0.2%. The most current model, the ST-5S is controlled using a 4-way joystick-like navigation and comes with NIST Traceable calibration certificate, spare bent tweezer probes and charger.

With the electronics industry creating smaller and more portable devices, they require more tightly packed PCBs. Reaching these components can be an issue, thus tweezer-probes provide easier and faster testing. Siborg has broadened their product range to offer more tweezer-based devices, including:

 Multifunction SMD Test Tweezers are a $10 USD alternative to using dual wire test leads with multimeters; this device plugs into most multimeters and allows for tweezer-precision for components to a 0402 size.

 LCR-Reader Probe Connector turns any LCR-Reader or Smart Tweezers LCR-meter into a full probe station. This set comes with easy-to-use attachment heads for all sorts of job applications, including medium and long pin probes, spade connector alligator clips and multimeter jacks. The wire connects to the LCR-meter by removing one of the tweezer-probes and allows the device to measure components larger than the tweezers spacing.

 Smart LED Test Tweezers are best for testing through-hole and surface-mount LEDs; this device uses a 12 VDC output with 5, 10, and 20 mA variable current outputs. It also comes with a special connector cable that allows the device to be used as tweezer probes for most multimeters.

All of these products are available in Siborgs online sales channels and from Van Devices in Tokyo.

About Van Device Co. Ltd.:

Established in 1999, Van Device is a supplier of semiconductor and electronics components, software, computer peripherals, board products and measurement equipment.

For more information:

Yubinbango 103-2204 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo boat-cho, 9-10 Studio Nihonbashi Bill 202

Phone: 03-5652-2888

Email: sales(at)vandevice.co(dot)jp

About Siborg Systems Inc.

Established in 1994, Siborg is a source of engineering hardware and software for the semiconductor and electronics industries. Located in the city of Waterloo, Ontario, it enjoys being a part of the local world-renowned high-tech community. Please visit our updated Smart Tweezers Archive offering a wide selection of Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader spare parts and accessories.
This Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce release continues our companys commitment to developing cloud-first, mobile-first business solutions that enhance business productivity.

Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd., a leading provider of global industry solutions based on the Microsoft Cloud, is pleased to announce that the latest release of Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce is now available.

With this latest release, Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce is fully compatible with Microsoft Azure, Microsofts cloud computing platform and infrastructure. Microsoft Azure enables companies to run modern, cross-platform web and mobile applications that leverage Internet of Things (IoT) services. Microsoft Azure delivers record-breaking performance and reliability that handles business data and compute-intensive applications.

The ability to deploy Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce on Microsoft Azure enables companies to build an online sales channel on a consistent, stable cloud platform that will scale with business. By using an innovative platform to host their online business, companies benefit from the competitive advantages created from being at the forefront of business technology.

A free trial version of Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce on Microsoft Azure is available on Microsoft AppSource, Microsofts marketplace for cloud business applications provided by select partners. To access the trial, please view this link: http://bit.ly/2civo79

In addition to Microsoft Azure compatibility, Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce delivers seamless integration with the latest Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM solutions: Microsoft Dynamics AX7, Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016, and Microsoft CRM 2016.

This two-way integration ensures that customers always have the most up-to-date, accurate information at their fingertips. For instance, orders flow smoothly from the front-end store to the back-end system for processing and fulfillment, and the inventory, pricing, and product details that reside in the back-end flow back to be displayed on the online store.

With this Ecommerce update, new out-of-the-box templates are mobile-optimized with responsive web design. Responsive web design features respond to the device that the shopper is using, and the screen automatically modifies itself to the resolution, image size, and scripting abilities of the device used at the time. Fundamental responsive web design principles such as fluid grids, fluid images, and media queries have been implemented. With this capability, shoppers can switch between devices seamlessly without losing out on the user experience. New widgets also help give shoppers a fully featured shopping experience.

With a single mobile-optimized interface, businesses no longer need to create separate sites tailored to each mobile device. Merchants can reap the SEO benefits of a web store that displays the same URLs and catalog/products irrespective of the device being used.

In a recent case study, Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce customer Seventh Generation attested to the ease of use and efficiency that the system offers to their sales and order processes. Its a much smoother process now, said Jane Burdin, account management associate at Seventh Generation, in the case study. Weve improved sales and streamlined the order entry process internally. We have increased our number of customers because we have a better solution that we want our customers and B2B partners to use. To read the case study, please click here: http://bit.ly/2d3YKZB

This Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce release continues our companys commitment to developing cloud-first, mobile-first business solutions that enhance business productivity, said Ranjit Goray, Vice President of Ecommerce, Hitachi Solutions America. We are proud to offer a robust, flexible ecommerce solution that supports business innovation and profitability, and is optimized for what customers now expect from an online shopping experience.

To see Hitachi Solutions Ecommerces powerful online store features and functionality firsthand, please register for our upcoming Ecommerce for Microsoft Dynamics Webinar on Thursday, October 6th, at 11:00am PDT/1:00pm EDT. Register here: http://bit.ly/2cImoLx.

The webinar will cover how Hitachi Solutions Ecommerce helps businesses to:



Increase conversions with a user-friendly, intuitive web store interface

Save time with responsive design by no longer needing to manage different web stores for different devices

Track and understand customer behavior to better plan omni-channel marketing activities

Simplify the checkout process for customers

Please contact us at http://us.hitachi-solutions.com/contact-us/ if you have any questions.

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About Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd.

Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd. helps its customers to successfully compete with the largest global enterprises using powerful, easy-to-use, and affordable industry solutions built on Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics CRM enhanced with world class Business Analytics, and Portals and Collaboration. Recognized as the Microsoft 2014 CRM Global Partner of the Year and the 2014 Dynamics Global Outstanding Reseller of the Year, Hitachi Solutions America provides global capabilities with regional offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Japan, China, and Asia Pacific. For more information, call + 1 949.242.1300 or visit: http://us.hitachi-solutions.com.

About Hitachi Solutions, Ltd.

Hitachi Solutions, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is the core IT Companies of Hitachi Group and a recognized leader in delivering proven business and IT strategies and solutions to companies across many industries. The company provides value-driven services throughout the IT life cycle from systems planning to systems integration, operation and maintenance. Hitachi Solutions delivers products and services of superior value to customers worldwide through key subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, China, and Asia Pacific. For more information on Hitachi Solutions, please visit: http://www.hitachi-solutions.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer societys challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The companys consolidated revenues for fiscal 2015 (ended March 31, 2016) totaled 10,034 billion yen ($88.8 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the companys website at http://www.hitachi.com.
New IQ Mixers from Fairview Offer High Levels of Image Rejection and Sideband Suppression Fairviews new IQ mixers cover popular frequency bands from 4 GHz to 38 GHz and can be configured as Image Reject or Single Sideband Mixers that utilize highly reliable GaAs MMIC semiconductors integrated into compact drop-in, hermetically sealed packages

Fairview Microwave Inc., a supplier of on-demand microwave and RF components, debuts a brand new product family of seven unique models of IQ mixer models with RF and LO frequency bands ranging from 4 GHz to 38 GHz and In-Phase and Quadrature IF bandwidths that range from DC to 4.5 GHz.

The new MMIC IQ mixers from Fairview (also known as IQ modulators) utilize a highly reliable GaAs MESFET semiconductor process which integrates a pair of matched double balanced mixer cells, a 90-degree hybrid and a 0-degree splitter/combiner that produces exceptional amplitude and phase balance performance. This level of integration offers size and performance advantages in comparison to discrete module assemblies. With the addition of an external 90-degree IF hybrid module, these IQ mixers can be used as either a Single Sideband Up-converter Mixer or an Image Reject Down-converter Mixer. The benefit of image rejection and sideband suppression can reduce overall system cost and complexity by removing the need for pre-selection filtering. Typical applications include point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radio, VSAT, military radar, electronic warfare, satellite communications, test equipment, and sensors.

Performance as an Image Reject Mixer (IRM) includes low conversion loss that ranges from 7.5 to 10 dBm, high image rejection up to 35 dB typical, and LO to RF isolation as high as 42 dB typical. These IQ mixer designs offer excellent linearity with input 1 dB compression as high as +20 dB typical and input IP3 as high as +35 dB typical. LO drive power ranges from +15 to +19 dBm. The compact and rugged drop-in package designs are hermetically sealed with field replaceable connectors and are guaranteed to meet MIL-STD-883 test conditions for humidity and temperature cycle.

Fairviews new IQ mixers cover popular frequency bands from 4 GHz to 38 GHz and can be configured as Image Reject or Single Sideband Mixers that utilize highly reliable GaAs MMIC semiconductors integrated into compact drop-in, hermetically sealed packages, explains Brian McCutcheon, General Manager at Fairview Microwave. More impressive is that all 7 models are available from stock and available for immediate shipment.

Fairviews new IQ mixers are in-stock and ready to ship immediately. You can view these new components by visiting https://www.fairviewmicrowave.com/rf-products/iq-mixers.html directly. Fairview Microwave can be contacted at +1-972-649-6678.

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About Fairview Microwave

A leading supplier of on-demand RF and microwave products since 1992, Fairview Microwave offers immediate delivery of RF components including attenuators, adapters, coaxial cable assemblies, connectors, terminations and much more. All products are shipped same-day from the companys ISO 9001:2008 certified production facilities in Allen, Texas.
We liked that their solution worked seamlessly with existing user behaviors and allowed customers to control everything from their phone," Laurie Hinckley, General Partner at Varkain, said.

Varkain, a venture capital group based in Las Vegas, has contributed $25,000 toward the Seed Round for Sales Bridge, a lead management and sales conversion company.

Sales Bridge was part of the Boom Startup Spring Accelerator program. Along with eight other companies, Sales Bridge presented at the Accelerators Demo Day on July 14, 2016. Members of Varkain, as well as 125 investors, including a representative from every major venture fund in Utah, were in attendance for Demo Day.

Their demo was impressive, Laurie Hinckley, General Partner at Varkain, said. We liked that their solution worked seamlessly with existing user behaviors and allowed customers to control everything from their phone. We believe they will go far. They have an impressive list of investors and were excited to get in with them at the beginning.

When you are looking to raise funds for your company, you are always trying to find personal connections, Joe Lowry, Founder of Sales Bridge, said. Laurie and the team at Varkain are not simply a financial partner, they are interested in creating successful people, in addition to successful companies. We are so pleased to have them involved."

Sales Bridge is currently live and can be found at http://www.salesbridge.io.

ABOUT VARKAIN

Varkain is a venture capital group based in Las Vegas. They typically seek investments in Pre-Seed or Seed Round funding. For more information on Varkain, visit varkain.com.

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On Wednesday, First Lady Michelle Obama gave a tough speech against Republican candidate Donald Trump. We need an adult in the White House, she said at a Hillary Clinton event Wednesday. As she had when campaigning for Clinton earlier this month, Obama criticized Trumps negativity and his spreading of the birther falsehoods, the false notion that President Obama wasnt born in the U.S.

Below is the complete text.

OBAMA: Wow! Oh, my goodness. There is some excitement up in here, huh? I'm excited too! Oh, my goodness. Well, let's get started, because we're going to talk about some things.

But first of all, I am thrilled to be here today to support the next President and Vice President of the United States, Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine! Yes! But I'm going to start with a few thank-yous.

First of all, I want to than Ludmille. I mean, are all you students like her? She is amazing, and I know you all are too. Let's give her a round of applause. Yes!

I also want to recognize your U.S. State  U.S. Senate candidate, Katie McGinty. Katie is here. Your U.S. House of Representatives candidate, Dwight Evans. Your candidate for Attorney General, Josh Shapiro. Your State Senator, Art Haywood. And City Councilwoman, Cindy Bass. I know you all heard from them earlier today, so let's thank them for being here and let's wish them luck on the future. We're going to get a lot of things done.

But most of all, I want to thank all of you here at LaSalle University. Well, I have heard some great things about this school and about the students and staff, so I am so proud and honored to be here.

Now, it's hard to believe. I see you all over there. I love you all too. But we've got work to do here today. Because it is almost one month to Election Day, and I cannot believe it. And it's about time for my family to end our time in the White House.

It's all right. It's all right. Two terms  it's a reason. It's a good thing, it's a good thing. But I have to tell you, even though we've had a great  this is a bittersweet time for me. I mean, because we're engaged in a time of great transition  for me, for Barack, for Malia and Sasha, even Bo and Sunny. (Laughter.) I mean, what are they going to do when we leave? My husband has got to find a new job. I have to find a new job. (Laughter.) We've got to move to a new home, we're going to need to pack. We've got to pack up the old house, get it cleaned up so we can get our security deposit back. (Laughter.)

Story continues

But of course, this isn't just a time of transition for my family, but for our entire country, as we decide who our next President will be. And transitions like these can be difficult. They can involve a lot of uncertainty. We saw that back in 2008 when Barack was first elected.

I don't know if you all remember, especially that little one there  you weren't even born  (laughter)  but back then, people had all kinds of questions about what kind of President Barack would be. Things like: Does he really understand us? Will he protect us?

And then, of course, there are those who questioned -- and continued to question for the past eight years -- whether my husband was even born in this country  and let me say, hurtful, deceitful questions deliberately designed to undermine his presidency. Questions that cannot be blamed on others or swept under the rug by an insincere sentence uttered at a press conference.

Let me take a moment. (Laughter.)

But during his time in office, I think Barack has answered these questions with the example he's set and the dignity he's shown -- by going high when they go low. And he's answered those questions with the progress we've achieved together. Progress like health reform, passing health care. Creating millions of jobs. Slashing the unemployment rate. Lifting millions of people out of poverty. Expanding LGBT rights so marriage equality is now the law of the land. I could go on.

But even after all this progress, it's understandable that folks are feeling a little uncertain as we face this next transition. So the question is: How do we sort through all the negativity, all the name-calling in this election and choose the right person to lead our country forward?

Well, as someone who has seen the presidency up close and personal, let me share with you what I've learned about this job  lessons that seem even more relevant, even more critically important after watching Monday's debate.

First and foremost, this job is hard. It is the highest-stakes, most 24/7 job you can possibly imagine. The issues that cross a President's desk are never easy. And solutions to persistent, systemic challenges are never black and white. I mean, just think about the crises this President has faced these last eight years.

In his first term alone, Barack had to rescue our economy from the worst crisis since the Great Depression. He had to make the call to take out Osama bin Laden. Respond to devastating natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy. And so much more. So, when it comes to the qualifications we should demand in a President, to start with, we need someone who will take the job seriously, someone who will study and prepare so that they understand the issues better than anyone else on their team.

And we need someone with superb judgment in their own right. Because a President can hire the best advisors on Earth, but I guarantee you that five advisors will give five different opinions, and it is the President  and the President alone  who always has to make the final call. We also need someone who is steady and measured. Because when making life-or-death, war-or-peace decisions, a President just can't pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you.

And finally, we need someone who is compassionate. Someone who will be a role model for our kids. Someone who's not just in this for themselves but for the good of this entire country  all of us. See, at the end of the day, as I've said before, the presidency doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are. (Applause.) And the same is true of a presidential campaign.

U.S. presidential campaigns are very long  nearly two and a half years, or half of one presidential term. Just think about that. So if a candidate is erratic and threatening; if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fears and lies on the campaign trail; if a candidate thinks that not paying taxes makes you smart, or that it's good business when people lose their homes; if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act  well, sadly, that's who that candidate really is. That is the kind of President they will be.

And trust me, a candidate is not going to suddenly change once they're in office  just the opposite, in fact. Because the minute that individual takes that oath, they are under the hottest, harshest light there is, and there's no way to hide who they really are. But see, at that point, it's too late. They are the leader of the world's largest economy, Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful military force on Earth. With every word they utter, they can start wars, crash markets, fundamentally change the course of this planet.

So who in this election is truly ready for that job? Who do we pick? Well, for me  and I hope there are some who are still deciding here  but for me, it's very clear that there is only one person in this race who we can trust with those responsibilities, only one person with the qualifications and temperament for this job, and that person is our friend, Hillary Clinton.

So let me tell you why. We know that Hillary's the right person because we have seen her character and commitment not just during this campaign but over the course of her entire life. We've seen her dedication to public service -- how after law school, she became an advocate for kids with disabilities. She fought for children's health care as First Lady and for quality childcare as a Senator. And when she didn't become President in 2008, Hillary didn't throw in the towel. No, she once again answered the call to serve and earned sky-high approval ratings for the outstanding job she did for us as our Secretary of State.

And for those who question her stamina to be President, Hillary's resilience is more than proven. As she said on Monday night, she's the only candidate in this race who has traveled to 112 countries; who has negotiated a cease fire, a peace agreement, a release of dissidents; who's spent 11 hours testifying before a congressional committee. Hillary is tough. And when she gets knocked down, she doesn't complain. She doesn't cry foul. No, she gets back up. She comes back stronger for the people who need her most.

And here is what's also true: Hillary is one of the few people on this entire planet -- and clearly the only person in this race -- who actually has any idea what this job entails, who's seen it from every angle  the staggering stakes, the brutal hours, the overwhelming stresses. And here's the thing she still wants to do this job. (Laughter.) Because she believes that she has an obligation to use her talents. What do we teach you all? To use your talents to help as many people as possible. That's why Hillary Clinton is running.

See, now that's dedication. That's what love of country looks like. So when I hear folks saying that they don't feel inspired in this election, I have to disagree. See, because for eight years, I have seen what it takes to actually do this job. And here's what I know for sure: Right now, we have an opportunity to elect one of the most qualified people who has ever endeavored to become President. Hillary has been a lawyer, a law professor, First Lady of Arkansas, First Lady of the United States, a U.S. Senator, Secretary of State. That's why I'm inspired by Hillary.

I'm inspired by her persistence, her consistency; by her heart and by her guts. And I'm inspired by her lifelong record of public service. No one in our lifetime has ever had as much experience and exposure to the presidency  not Barack, not Bill, nobody  and, yes, she happens to be a woman. (Applause.)

So, trust me, Pennsylvania, experience matters. Preparation matters. Temperament matters. And Hillary Clinton has it all. She's the real deal. I have come to know her very well over the years, and I know that she is more than ready, more than able to be an outstanding President for all of us.

So we cannot afford to squander this opportunity, particularly given the alternative. Because we know that being President isn't anything like reality TV. It is not an apprenticeship. (Applause.) And it is not just about fiery speeches or insulting tweets. It's about whether someone can handle the awesome responsibility of leading this country.

So as you prepare to make this decision, I urge you to ignore the chatter and the noise and ask yourselves which candidate really has the experience, the maturity, the temperament to handle this job. Which candidate's words and actions speak to the values we share -- values like inclusion, opportunity, sacrifice for others. Because your answers to these questions on Election Day will determine who sits in the Oval Office after Barack Obama.

And let's be clear: Elections aren't just about who votes, but who doesn't vote. (Applause.) And that is especially true for young people like all of you. In fact, in 2012, voters under the age of 30  yay for you all  (applause)  that is not me  (laughter)  you provided the margin of victory for Barack in four key battleground states: Florida, Ohio, Virginia, and right here in Pennsylvania. You all did it. (Applause.) But hear this: Without those votes, Barack would have lost those states. He would have lost that election, period, end of story.

And for any of you who might be thinking that your one vote doesn't really matter, or that one person can't really make a difference, consider this: Back in 2012, Barack won Pennsylvania by about 300,000 votes  which sounds like a lot. But see, when you break that number down, the difference between winning and losing this state was only 17 votes per precinct. Take that in. Seventeen votes. That's how presidential elections are won and lost  on five votes, 17 votes per precinct.

So the fact is that each of you here in this auditorium, in this special place  we're in a gym, right? (Laughter.) Got confused. (Laughter.) But each of you could swing an entire precinct and win this election for Hillary just by getting yourselves, your family, your classmates out to vote. That's all you have to do. (Applause.) That's it. You can do it. You have the power. (Applause.)

But you could also help swing an entire precinct for Hillary's opponent with a protest vote or by staying home out of frustration. Because here's the truth: Either Hillary Clinton or her opponent will be elected President this year. And if you vote for someone other than Hillary, or if you don't vote at all, then you are helping to elect Hillary's opponent. And the stakes are far too high to take that chance, too high. (Applause.) Remember, it's not about voting for the perfect candidate  there is no such person. In this election, it's about making a choice between two very different candidates with very different visions for our nation.

So the question is: Do you want Hillary Clinton to be your President, or do you want her opponent to be your President? That is the choice in this election. And if you choose Hillary, like I am and have and will, then we have to get to work. And it is not enough to come to a rally and post some selfies  and that's all cute and all that. (Laughter.) My kids do that all the time. It's not enough to get angry and just speak out about the need for change. We all must take action to elect folks who will stand with us to make that change. That's your job.

So you need to get yourself and everyone you know registered to vote today. (Applause.) And we have volunteers here who will help. When this is all over, if you're feeling fired up  and even if you're not  go find them and get registered before you leave.

And then we need you to roll up your sleeves. Because voting is just part of it. We need you to make calls, knock on doors, get folks out to vote on Election Day. (Applause.) Again, you can sign up with one of the Hillary campaign folks who are here today. I want to see the numbers here go up when I leave. And as you start working your hearts out for Hillary, if you start to feel tired or discouraged by all the negativity in this election, if you just want to hide under the bed and come out when it's all over, I just want you to remember what's at stake, particularly for our young people. Because the choice you make on November 8th will determine whether you can afford your college tuition. It will determine whether you can keep your health care when you graduate.

On November 8th, you all will decide whether we have a President who believes in science and will combat climate change or not. (Applause.) A President who will honor our proud history as a nation of immigrants or not. (Applause.) A President who thinks that women deserve the right to make our own choices about our heath or not. (Applause.) That's just a taste of what's at stake.

So we can't afford to be tired or turned off. Not now. Because while this might feel like a time of uncertainty and division, let me tell you, I have never felt more hopeful about the future of this great nation. And it's because I know you all, our young people. I feel that way because for the past eight years, I've had the great honor of traveling from one end of this country to the other. I've met people from every conceivable background and walk of life. And time and again, I have seen proof of what Barack and I have always believed in our hearts  that we as Americans are fundamentally decent, good people, and we all truly want the same things.

Time and again, Barack and I have met people who disagree with just about everything we have ever said  (laughter)  but who welcome us into their communities -- folks who are open-hearted and willing to listen respectfully. And while we might not change each other's minds, we always walk away reminded that we're not all that different.

See, millions of folks in this country are working long hours to send their kids to college just like my mom and dad did for me. They're helping to raise their grandkids just like Barack's grandparents did for him. They're teaching their kids the exact same values that Barack and I are trying to teach our girls  that you work hard for what you want in life and you don't take shortcuts. That you treat people with respect, even if they don't look or think like you. That when someone is struggling, you don't turn away from them, you certainly don't take advantage of them  no, you imagine walking a mile in their shoes and you do what you can to help. That's what we're trying to teach our kids.

Because that's what we do in America  a country where a girl like me from the South Side of Chicago, whose great-great grandfather was a slave, can graduate from some of the finest universities on Earth. (Applause.) We live in a country where a biracial kid from Hawaii who was the son of a single mother can become President. (Applause.) We live in a country that has always been a beacon for people who have come to our shores and poured their hopes, and their prayers, and their backbreaking hard work into making us who we are today.

So let me tell you, especially our young people, don't let anyone ever take away your hope. Don't let them do it. That's what makes America great. (Applause.) And we deserve a President who can see those truths in us. A President who believes that each of us is part of the American story and we're always stronger together. A President who can bring out the best in us  our kindness, our decency, our courage, our determination, so that we can keep perfecting our union and passing those blessings of liberty down to our children.

Hillary Clinton will be that President. And from now until November, I am going to work as hard as I can to get her and Tim Kaine elected. We need you to do the same thing. We need you to do everything you can to close the door on this election and make it happen so we can keep moving this country forward.

So my question to you is: Are you with me? I can't hear you. Are we going to do this? We're going to need your help. We're going to need you fired up. This is on you. You all can make the difference. Can we make it happen?

Thank you all. God bless.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
Froozer Partners with Food Bank of the Rockies We believe strongly in supporting and strengthening the communities in which we operate and the Froozer Fuels Fund offers us the opportunity to address the challenging issue of childhood hunger in a meaningful way -- Froozer CEO Des Hague.

Froozer, a rapidly-growing provider of healthy frozen snacks, launched the Froozer Fuels Fund with a pledge to donate $1 million in product to Food Bank of the Rockies. The donation will support the organizations Kids Cafe Program, which provides after-school and summer meals to children at risk for hunger.

Froozer announced the pledge September 27, 2016 at the Vickers Boys & Girls Club in Denver, a Kids Cafe Program participant. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, who grew up going to the local Boys & Girls Club in Northeast Denver, welcomed the donation and thanked Froozer for its commitment to nourishing the citys youth. Thanks to the Froozer Fuels Fund, participants in the Kids Cafe Program will receive $100,000 worth of Froozer frozen fruit and vegetable snacks annually for the next decade.

"Access to healthy nutrition and smart snacking is the foundation of a successful future of our children," stated Hancock. "We thank Froozer for stepping with this very generous donation to Food Bank of the Rockies as this is an important next step to eradicate child hunger and malnutrition in Denver, in Colorado and across the country," concluded Hancock.

We believe strongly in supporting and strengthening the communities in which we operate and the Froozer Fuels Fund offers us the opportunity to address the challenging issue of childhood hunger in a meaningful way, said Froozer CEO Des Hague.

The sole purpose of the Froozer Fuels Fund is to support good nutrition for at-risk and underserved youth in Colorado and eventually, nationwide. With one in seven Coloradans worried about where they will find their next meal  and nearly half of those residents children, there is no better place to launch this initiative than in Froozers hometown of Denver, working with one of the states leading hunger relief agencies.

Food Bank of the Rockies provides free hot meals or shelf stable packaged meals to children at more than 80 sites across the state through its Kids Cafe Program. Last year, the program distributed 635,709 meals, both after-school and during the summer.

Nearly 1 in 4 kids in Colorado lives in a family struggling to put food on the table. Thanks to Froozers support, well be able to provide additional nutritious and kid-friendly food for children who dont always have enough to eat, said Food Bank of the Rockies CEO Kevin Seggelke.

Research has shown that children who suffer from food insecurity have more social and behavioral problems and are more likely to experience development impairments.

In the long term, we hope that our campaign is only the beginning of a cause that will help to eradicate childhood hunger and malnutrition, remarked Froozer President Rich Naha.

About Froozer - "simple ingredients. real nutrition."

Froozer, a rapidly growing frozen snack innovator of 100% freshly harvested fruits and veggies, picked at the peak of their ripeness, flash-frozen whole and blended for optimal taste, nutrition and digestion. Natural fruits and veggies in all their glory, nothing added or subtracted, not even a drop of water. Available in three delicious flavors - STRAWBANANA BLISS, TROPICAL SUNSET and BLUE ALOHA - in 6-pack boxes. Look for Froozer in your local grocery store freezer at select fine retail locations in the Denver Area, including Whole Foods and Alfalfa's, and various select retailers in Arizona, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington State, Rhode Island and Alaska, or place your order for a 48-count box at http://www.Froozer.com or http://www.Amazon.com to have your Froozer delivered directly to your home or office.

For more information: http://froozer.com/

Contact: Renate Siekmann, VP Marketing, Corporate Strategy and Communications, Froozer

Phone:215-539-9481, Rsiekmann(at)froozer(dot)com

Connect with Froozer on Facebook or Twitter
Electronic Verified Inspection Report for Child Check School districts across the country already use our child check configuration with EVIR to help ensure buses are checked for any remaining student onboard after each bus run.

Zonar, the leader in smart fleet management technology, today announced support for the Paul Lee School Bus Safety Law signed into effect on September 28, 2016. As a partner to many school districts in California, Zonar applauds the states leadership and resolve to further improve school bus child safety. Zonars Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting (EVIR), the only verified, visual electronic inspection system available for school bus fleets, is compliant with the Paul Lee School Bus Safety Law when configured for child check.

We have a long history and commitment to keeping student bus riders safe, said H. Kevin Mest, senior vice president of passenger services at Zonar Systems. School districts across the country already use our child check configuration with EVIR to help ensure buses are checked for any remaining student onboard after each bus run. We are ready to help other districts become compliant with the Paul Lee School Bus Safety law.

To help offset the costs of compliance with the new law, the Don Carnahan Memorial Grant opportunity of up to $50,000 in Zonar hardware technology is available. This joint grant from Zonar and the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) supports and promotes the improved safety, effectiveness and efficiency of student transportation programs, and can be used to purchase EVIR and other Zonar fleet management hardware.

About The Paul Lee School Bus Safety Law

The Paul Lee School Bus Safety Law was established in recognition of a Whittier student who passed away after being left unattended on a school bus for several hours. Under the new law, schools are required to equip all buses with a child safety alert system to ensure all students have exited the bus upon ride completion. Drivers must manually contact or scan the device at the interior back of the bus to confirm the completed visual inspection before finishing their shift. School bus drivers will also be required to complete annual inspection training to receive their renewed safety certificates.

The Path to Compliance

California schools must confirm that the child safety alert system and inspection procedures are in place on or before the start of their 2018-2019 school year. There are three main steps to put schools on the path to compliance, including:



Understanding the new law and how it will affect your school bus fleets

Working with subject matter experts to stay on the compliance path

Prepare your team and organization with the right technology and infrastructure for success

Having the right technology and infrastructure starts with the Zonar EVIR system. The Tag Once, Inspect Regularly, Know Always approach requires bus drivers performing the inspection to manually scan tags placed at the interior back of the bus and at other strategic inspection points around the vehicle. The inspection data is automatically transmitted to school administration and transportation officials, providing an electronic log to verify accurate and consistent inspections across the school bus fleet.

For more information on the Paul Lee School Bus Safety Law visit: http://www.zonarsystems.com/articles/paul-lee-school-bus-safety-law/

About Zonar

Founded in 2001, Zonar has pioneered smart fleet management technology by providing innovative technology that has changed fleet operations in the student transportation, transit, vocational and commercial trucking verticals. With a unique focus on this field, the Company offers a complete suite of solutions and specialized platforms for our customers in multiple markets. Our patented, award-winning technology keeps fleet owners and managers connected to their fleets and drivers to dispatchers. Headquartered in Seattle, Zonar also has a Technology Development Center in downtown Seattle, a regional office in Cincinnati, and a distribution center outside of Atlanta. For more information about Zonar Systems, go to http://www.zonarsystems.com
The team at Frontdoor is truly easing one of the biggest pains for anyone whos looked for an apartment  scheduling apartment tours.

Apartment hunting has always been a frustrating chore with mountains of paperwork and the headache of scheduling showings. Since 2013, agents and would-be renters have had the luxury of using Intellirent, a fully automated online application system, to streamline their apartment application process. Now the rental process has become even smoother as Intellirent announces its partnership with Frontdoor, an app that schedules apartment showings.

The partnership of these two startups represents a huge improvement in the real estate hunting process. The marriage of Frontdoors seamless apartment hunting app and our 100 percent automated leasing technology will truly create the first end-to-end leasing process, said Intellirent founder Corey Eckert. To say the least, were very excited about the partnership of two like-minded teams."

The two companies are like a one-two punch for eliminating the pain of apartment hunting, and by joining forces they are truly enhancing the leasing process for both agents and renters. Frontdoor acts as a personal assistant that schedules apartment showings for renters. The app and corresponding web site, FrontdoorApp.com, enables renters to simply input their availability and browse listings through the app. From there, renters are able to select apartments that interest them, and then Frontdoor does the rest.

"The team at Frontdoor is truly easing one of the biggest pains for anyone whos looked for an apartment  scheduling apartment tours, said Eckert. When you are busy, this process can easily become overwhelming, but Frontdoor solves that problem.

Frontdoors automated personal assistant schedules showings with property owners or agents so the renters can view properties at their convenience. Through this partnership, Intellirent is enabling renters using Frontdoor to also qualify for the apartments they are scheduling. Renters fill out a quick, one-time application through the Frontdoor app, and that application can be sent to as many agents as needed. Agents are then able to view the qualifications of renters as they receive requests for meetings. Showing that the renter is serious and qualified results in quicker appointment confirmations and an overall easier leasing process.

Both of our companies are tirelessly dedicated to improving the rental experience for renters and agents alike, said Eckert. Thanks to this exciting partnership, renting and leasing an apartment just got a whole lot easier.

About Intellirent

Intellirent is a company dedicated to saving time and money for those leasing apartments. Its revolutionary online platform is fully automated to make the leasing process smooth and easy. The service is completely free for agents to use, and is a major time saver for renters, who can bypass pages of paperwork and even apply their rental application to multiple apartments simultaneously. For more information, visit http://www.MyIntellirent.com.

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Holiday Lights makes our city brighter, both literally and figuratively.

The Saint Paul Police Foundation announced today that Holiday Lights in the Park, the Midwests largest outdoor holiday light display will illuminate St. Pauls Phalen Park for the ninth straight year. The lighted displays will shine brightly each evening from Tuesday, November 22 until January 1, 2017.

For 41 evenings Phalen Park will be lit up with a wide variety of holiday-themed displays. Visitors tour the displays in the warm confines of their vehicle, making weather a non-factor. In each of the previous years more than 20,000 cars have visited Holiday Lights in the Park, making it the areas largest nightly holiday celebration.

For new St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell Holiday Lights in the Park is a wonderful way for his department to reach out to the community.

An event with the track record of Holiday Lights is asset to our city, said Axtell. I am excited to see our officers from throughout our department interacting with visitors and residents alike. This event not only puts people in the holiday spirit, it also brings us all closer together.

Uniformed St. Paul Police Officers will be at the entrance to Holiday Lights greeting guests and thanking them for their support. In turn the officers hope that these few moments of holiday cheer and gratitude will help to strengthen the bond that is crucial to protecting and serving a city as diverse as St. Paul. Organizers hope that the opportunity for families, and especially children, to meet officers face-to-face will create new dialogues and cultivate higher levels of trust and cooperation.

The Saint Paul Police Foundation uses the proceeds from Holiday Lights to make the St. Paul area safer for citizens and law enforcement officials.

Holiday Lights has been a great resources not only for community outreach but to give additional support to our men and women in blue who protect and serve our city, said Donna Swanson, Executive Director of the Saint Paul Police Foundation. For almost a decade this event has evolved into a community celebration that gives our officers the additional resources not included in the police budget.

Through Holiday Lights the Saint Paul Police Foundation raises funds to make the St. Paul area safer for citizens and law enforcement officials. Funds support community engagement efforts, safety equipment and department outreach. In the past eight years, Holiday Lights has raised nearly $420,000 for a variety of St. Paul and East Metro nonprofits. Since its inception in 2005, the Foundation has raised nearly $5 million to help support numerous SPPD initiatives including providing lifesaving equipment, Shop with Cops, Police Activity Leagues, Cops and Kids program and community ambassadors.

Holiday Lights makes our city brighter, both literally and figuratively, said Axtell. I want to personally welcome all of our visitors who show their support each holiday season. We are so very grateful for their support and that of the Saint Paul Police Foundation.

2016 Holiday Lights in the Park at a glance:

What: More than 60 holiday-themed light displays located on a driving path

When: From 5:00 to 10 p.m. nightly from November 22th to January 1st, 2017.

Where: Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Drive East, in St. Paul

Who: Saint Paul Police Foundation, along with volunteers from St. Paul Police Department.

Cost: Tickets $10 dollars per vehicle nightly  and available online or at the parks main gate. Discounted tickets can also be purchased in advanced by visiting http://www.saintpaulpolicefoundation.com/.

About Holiday Lights:

Holiday Lights in the Park is a venture the Saint Paul Police Foundation with the sole purpose of creating a fun and affordable holiday event that raises funds to help protect the men and women who protect the residents of St. Paul. All of the net proceeds of the event will be distributed through the Saint Paul Police foundation to the St. Paul Police Department to provide enhanced safety and training to officers Holiday Lights in the Park is open nightly from November 22 to January 1, 2017 at St. Pauls Phalen Park. To purchase tickets you can visit our website: http://www.saintpaulpolicefoundation.com/, or for more information you can find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulpolicefoundation or follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StPaulPoliceFdn

CONTACTS:

Donna Swanson, executive director Holiday Lights in the Park

651.291.2820 donna.swanson(at)saintpaulpolicefoundation(dot)com

Robb Leer, media liaison Holiday Lights in the Park

612.701.0608 Robbl(at)leercommunication(dot)com

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Horizon Goodwill Partners with Allegany College of Maryland to host GED classes John McCain, CEO of Horizon Goodwill. We are in the business of helping people become successful and improving their quality of life."

Horizon Goodwill runs a host of different programs that remove barriers for adults and creates opportunities for them in employment. One of the programs is the adult basic education and GED classes given by the Allegany College of Maryland Adult Basic Education Program at Horizon Goodwills facility in Cumberland. This year in appreciation of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, Allegany College of Maryland is honoring Horizon Goodwill and recognizing their commitment to adult literacy at a reception on September 30, 2016.

Education is key to helping adults achieve a higher income and we also realize that it is the catalyst that helps many attain a college education, says John McCain, CEO of Horizon Goodwill. We are in the business of helping people become successful and improving their quality of life. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Allegany College of Maryland and continue to enhance the lives of adults in our community.

The Adult Basic Education Program in Allegany County, Maryland offers help to people who want to earn a high school diploma or high school equivalent skills. The program will continue indefinitely, and adults can enroll on any day of the class. It is a rolling enrollment so anyone who desires to continue their education can come in when it is convenient for them, says McCain. The classes are complimentary and open to the public. We want to make it as simple as possible to obtain your GED because we understand that you will earn more money in your lifetime if you have it. The program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 to noon. Subsidiary programs offered through Allegany College of Maryland are Adult Basic Education classes, GED preparation, National External Diploma Program (NEDP), Family Literacy classes, and Essential Workplace classes.

"We are here to help individuals earn their education and their Maryland high school diploma," says Deborah Miller, Instructional Specialist of the Adult Basic Education program, "Education is personal-it belongs to you." The Adult Basic Education program helps around 300 people each year. Currently, there are 8 Goodwill trainees in the program, and additional classes will take place throughout Allegany County. The Adult Basic Education program is grant funded through the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and administered locally by Allegany College of Maryland Continuing Education. There are some small fees for final testing. For more information about enrolling in the Adult Basic Education program, call 301-784-5445.

Goodwill has been rated #1 above the global brands Amazon and Google for the Brand World Value Rankings for 2016. Horizon Goodwill Industries, whose mission is Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities, is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to employment despite significant obstacles. Horizon Goodwill serves over 5,000 clients annually in a 17 county region that includes parts of the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, please call 301-784-5445 or visit http://www.horizongoodwill.org.
Alpha Flight Guru Our travel contest was a huge success.

Alpha Flight Guru, the leader in business class airfare deals at http://alphaflightguru.com/, is proud to announce the winner of its innovative 'Never Have You Ever' photo contest: Evan of London, England. Evan submitted a photo of the Hobbiton movie set located in Hinuera, Matamata, New Zealand. With the popularity of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and its incredible beauty, New Zealand is among the most popular vacation destinations among the traveling cognoscenti.

To view the post online, visit https://www.facebook.com/AlphaFlightGuru/posts/1065639896853267:0. Subscribers to the company's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AlphaFlightGuru/) can view photos from the contest, as well as be informed of interesting tips on international travel. Persons interested in discount business class or discount first class to New Zealand, should visit http://alphaflightguru.com/flight-deals/australia-and-new-zealand.

"Our travel contest was a huge success," explained Alex Scoble, Chief Marketing Officer of Alpha Flight Guru. "Our users showed innovation and passion as they shared photos from around the world, reminding us all that smart travel via business class or first class discount tickets leaves a person with even more money for fun!"

Contest Details: 'Never Have You Ever' Photo Contest Brings Fun Back into Travel

In today's economy, people fly more than ever before including to and from international destinations such as Australia, Europe, and Asia. People in the United States often travel to faraway destinations such as Sydney, Rome, or Paris, for example, and soon realize that those type of long distance flights can be very uncomfortable. Business class and first class tickets may, at first glance, seem unaffordable. Alpha Flight Guru's unique 'guru' concept means that its insider travel gurus in combination with proprietary software find the best deals in business class and first class international air travel. The 'Never Have You Ever' contest raised awareness of Alpha Flight Guru by leveraging the 'fun' side of travel, as users posted, shared, and voted on pictures from around the globe. International travel via business or first class, in other words, can be not only inexpensive but fun.

About Alpha Flight Guru

Alpha Flight Guru brings personalized guru service to those searching for cheap business class tickets and cheap first class tickets to destinations from Europe, to Asia, to Australia, and beyond. The company's expert gurus find unpublished discount fares, both business class and first class tickets, to cities like London or Paris, New York or Los Angeles, Melbourne or Sydney. Customers simply use the company's website to enter a destination, and then let a guru find discounted, cheap, unpublished business class or first class airfares to London, Paris, Sydney and beyond.

Web. http://alphaflightguru.com

Tel. 800-359-5175
International Tax Services for San Francisco Bay Area Clients With growing enforcement complexities, international tax services are increasingly important to our San Francisco Bay Area clients.

Safe Harbor LLP (http://www.safeharborcpa.com/), a San Francisco CPA firm specializing in international tax, is proud to announce a short but important blog post on how to select an accountant with expertise in international tax. With enforcement growing, both in the USA and in foreign countries, international tax is an area of growing concern to individuals and businesses, especially in cosmopolitan areas such as the San Francisco Bay Area. The post helps interested parties think through how to select the best accountant or accounting firm for their need.

With growing enforcement complexities, international tax services are increasingly important to our San Francisco Bay Area clients, explained Chun Wong, CPA, managing partner at Safe Harbor LLP. We thought it timely, therefore, to publish a short post on how to choose the best accountant. Admittedly, the best next step is to come in for a consultation as no two accountants are alike, nor are no two clients.

To read the post, visit http://www.safeharborcpa.com/choosing-an-international-tax-accountant-or-cpa-some-thoughts/. The post is organized around four common scenarios in which a taxpayer has exposure to international tax concerns. Those interested in browsing even more details on San Francisco Bay Area international tax services can visit http://www.safeharborcpa.com/international-tax/.

International Tax Compliance: Growing Publicity and Growing Enforcement

With the IRS stepping up enforcement of US tax laws vis-a-vis foreign assets and income, more and more individuals and businesses are growing concerned about compliance. Unfortunately, tax regulations are anything but simple, and the average person is not capable of deciphering how to comply. At the same time, the IRS had gone on the offensive in terms of public relations, working with the media to highlight penalties up to and including criminal penalties for non-compliance. In the San Francisco Bay Area, many individuals own stock in foreign companies, and many people often maintain ties to their home countries if they are recent immigrants. Common pain points are OVDP (Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program) compliance, FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts), and PFIC passive foreign investment company. The layperson can be baffled by the acronyms alone; the reality is that the best first step after awareness of possible exposure is to reach out to a trained accountant for an evaluation of the situation. The short blog post, in summary, is not meant to be exhaustive but only a starting point for awareness.

About Safe Harbor LLP  a Professional CPA Firm in San Francisco

Safe Harbor LLP is a CPA firm that specializes in accounting and tax services for individuals and businesses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and greater California. Safe Harbor CPAs helps both individuals and businesses with tax preparation, IRS audit defense, and audited financial statements. The firm prides itself on friendly yet professional service and utilizes state-of-the-art Internet technology to provide quality customer service.

Safe Harbor CPA

http://www.safeharborcpa.com

Tel. 415.742.4249
Roger Hammer, CM evolveIT product owner said,. At BBC 2016, developers will have a chance to see how to use different levels of software automation to actually solve these challenging problems at home.

Showcasing CM evolveIT, CM First meets with global experts on business analysis at BBC 2016 in Las Vegas, NV. http://cmevolveit.cmfirstgroup.com/ CM First Group will sponsor a booth, supported by partners Axon Ivy and Semantic Designs. Ira Baxter, CTO of Semantic Designs, will also speak at the conference, clarifying both the definition of a business rule and then how to extract them from code so they can then be utilized by Business Process and Decision Support software.

Dr. Ira Baxter will speak on Automated Extraction of Business Rules and Models from Code, on Friday November 4th from 11:30-12:30PM. This session lays the groundwork for understanding what business rules and abstractions actually are, how computer code implements extractions and how a developer can use information flow and pattern matching to support the extraction of business rules and abstractions. He ends by focusing on what kind of technology is necessary to enable the analysis of code by tracing flows through the code, and how sophisticated static analysis tools such as CM evolveIT can enable this activity for large enterprise code bases in legacy languages including COBOL. http://www.buildingbusinesscapability.com/agenda/abstracts/?PID=195

This Winning Techniques session promises to be very popular for the variety of stakeholders attending an IIBA event. The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) serves the growing field of business analysis which covers roles such as business and systems analysis, requirements analysis, project management, process improvement and development.

Once attendees have learned the value and necessity of code analysis, the next question has to be  how can this be achieved? What technology is necessary to ensure that a company can get accurate results, quickly?

Axon Ivy has long been a preferred target for organizations seeking to move to a BPM and DMP-focused approach. Gartner has just released the 2016 Magic Quadrant for Intelligent Business Process Management Suites (iBPMS) adding Axon.ivy BPM Suite to the Quadrant for the first time, denoting the solution as one of the top niche players in this space. http://www.axonivy.com/worldwide/gartner-report/

CM First Group brings the technological solution to BBC 2016 and will demonstrate the capabilities and efficiencies of CM evolveIT in the exhibit hall. CM First is a leader in automated program analysis, code migration and re-architecting projects. http://www.cmfirstgroup.com/products/cm-evolveit/

Theres theory and then theres practice, said Roger Hammer, CM evolveIT product owner. At BBC 2016, developers will have a chance to see how to use different levels of software automation to actually solve these challenging problems at home.

Register now for this exciting event at: http://www.buildingbusinesscapability.com/registration/ and make plans to learn from Dr. Baxter and the CM First technical team. Make this the year to move forward to understand legacy code and be in a position to modernize and transform it with automation that ensures success.

About CM First Group

For companies who need to enhance, update, or rewrite their legacy mainframe applications, CM First has developed software that produces an 80% reduction in project costs. Unlike the competition, CM First solutions scale to millions of lines of code and tens of thousands of compiled programs, jobs, and tables, with compiler grade accuracy. CM evolveIT uses code slicing technology to present a new way of navigating code. For system integrators with large mainframe practices who need to compete with low cost competitors, these tools increase project margins and improve project estimation accuracy. CM First software and services can save a company millions on a yearly IT budget.

CM First Contacts

EMEA Headquarters

+41 41 508 01 05

info(at)cmfirstgroup(dot)com

Americas Headquarters

+1-512-600-1484

+1-888-866-6179

infotech(at)cmfirstgroup(dot)com

France

+33 608 504 285

infofrance(at)cmfirstgroup(dot)com
International Corporate Security Experts Syria, in particular, and the Middle East, in general, are common areas of security concern for international corporations.

IMG GlobalSecur, a leading international corporate security consulting firm at http://www.theimg.com/, is proud to announce an important post to its blog on the Syria conflict. With many corporate clients interested in corporate security throughout the Middle East in countries as diverse as Saudia Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq, the company issues updates on security issues both to its blog and to its daily intelligence briefings.

"Syria, in particular, and the Middle East, in general, are common areas of security concern for international corporations," explained Chris Hagon, CEO of IMG GlobalSecur. "Among common issues are the impact on executive security as well as employee security. International meeting security is yet another touch point. Our blog post is focused on a more general analysis of the Syria conflict."

To read the post, visit http://www.imgsecurity.net/syria-war/. To learn more about international meeting security consulting, visit http://www.theimg.com/security-services/international-meeting-conference-and-event-security.php.

A Smaller World with More Security Risks

Unfortunately, it seems that not a day goes by without a new security concern for corporate officers. The conflict in Syria, for example, has had an impact on the Mideast as a whole, with Russia and the United States as well as Iran and Saudia Arabia all having keen interests in the outcome. Below the level of geopolitics, instability in the region can complicate executive travel, employee travel, and even international meetings for companies with interests in the region. Beyond Syria, the outpouring of refugees into Europe and, to a much lesser extent, North America alongside terrorist events such as the recent bombing in New York City have caused fears about international travel security for corporate executives that must still travel. The world has become smaller and yet more interconnected. IMG experts are called on more and more as the go-to experts on international security and travel. The most recent blog post is yet another example of publicly sharing their knowledge and insights. The company's Fonetrac travel safety app (http://www.fonetrac-go.com/) combines security updates with employee travel monitoring to bring together the firm's knowledge with relevant technology for today's traveling executives and employees.

About the Incident Management Group (IMG)

Incident Management Group is a leading international security consulting firm. Corporate or business organizations concerned about their need for robust travel security solutions can reach out to the IMG Group for assistance. The companys experts provide services such as executive, employee, VIP, and expatriate travel security, workplace safety, duty of care management, risk and threat assessments, workplace violence prevention, crisis management planning, and more.

Web. http://www.theimg.com

Tel. (877) 887-9914
Yellowfin: Connecting people and their data With Yellowfin, we now offer something quite unique for travel agencies with real-time interaction and insights into operational travel management data

The tramada solution holds every piece of information a travel agent has about its travellers, as well as information relating to the end-customer organisations using those travel agencies to manage their business travel. Using Yellowfins BI platform, Tramada was able to quickly and affordably deliver a rebranded BI module, in a SaaS multi-tenant environment, empowering travel agencies to quickly visualize and act on that information.

All Tramada clients can access a new comprehensive set of standard reports included with the core tramada product. Tramada clients wanting to create custom reports and dashboards can do so via Tramadas new BI module, tramada connect BI, which is also powered by Yellowfin.

To read the full Yellowfin  Tramada case study, GO HERE: https://www.yellowfinbi.com/YFCommunityNews-Tramada-Systems-leapfrogs-travel-industry-with-integrated-cloud-based-BI-solutio-240894

Yellowfins integrated BI platform delivers data-based insights to Tramadas travel agent clients, as well as the end-customers of corporate travel agencies, resulting in significant time savings, increased data integrity and improved client relations. Ultimately, Tramadas clients are able to use analytics to provide a better customer experience for less cost than their competitors.

These benefits also provide Tramada a clear point of competitive differentiation in the crowded travel automation industry, with thousands of companies now accessing tramada connect BI reports.

Immediate access to real-time business information creates a point of differentiation  just what the travel industry has been looking for, said Tramada Systems CEO, Jo OBrien. With Yellowfin, we now offer something quite unique for travel agencies with real-time interaction and insights into operational travel management data.

We needed an innovative BI solution, with a visually appealing user interface, that could be fully rebranded and integrated seamlessly with Tramadas platform, said Tramada Systems Head of Product Management, John Tran. It also needed to offer clients sophisticated visualisations, as well as personalised interactive dashboards, that could run real-time data and resolve issues around ease-of-use, customisation and scalability. Yellowfin was able to meet and exceed those requirements.

Prior to using Yellowfins BI solution to power its reporting and analytics capabilities, all client reports had to be built and managed by Tramada.

Travel agencies were also unable to independently create custom reports and dashboards to meet their specific needs, said Yellowfin APAC Sales Director, Adam Chicktong. This resulted in an incremental load on Tramada resources, with clients also engaging other third-party providers to help develop custom content.

Embedding Yellowfins BI platform into the tramada travel automation solution, while also using it to create tramada connect BI  a new BI module to meet demand for customized reports and dashboards  has empowered Tramada and its clients to eliminate those time-consuming and expensive reporting practices.

Tramadas clients now report considerable time-savings, particularly around quarterly reviews and end-of-year reporting. One travel management company (TMC) estimated that it had reduced the amount of time spent on reporting by 34 days per year.

Combining the power and availability of our data, the time savings and increased productivity of our team, and an enhanced customer experience  tramada connect BI is a real game-changer for us, said Goldman Group General Manager Corporate, Chris Cheyne.

We see benefits in improved data integrity, significant time savings with client reporting and improved client relations, said Sanford Travel Managing Director, Georgina Byrt.

The impressive performance and speed of the reports saves us time and money as well as making it easy to get the information we want, when we want it, said World Corporate Travel General Manager of, Simone King.

Yellowfins seamless real-time integration with operational data has also enabled travel agencies to maintain policy compliance, monitor costs in real-time and track the movements of travellers to fulfil duty of care requirements.

A major differentiator for travel agencies using tramada connect BI is that they can even provide insights into their clients own data, said OBrien. That is, the customers of the travel agencies that Tramada serves can also view and interact with their own reports, allowing them to manage travel expenditure in real-time and understand where a travel policy may need improving or enforcing.

Tramada hosts its solutions, including tramada connect BI, within its own SaaS environment on its private cloud infrastructure. The SaaS deployable nature and multi-tenant capabilities of Yellowfin have enabled Tramada to easily manage data and functional access for each travel agent and even the direct customers of those travel agents.

Yellowfins flexible pricing also meant that Tramada could seamlessly integrate the cost, not just the technology, into its existing business model. Yellowfins affordability was also critical, allowing Tramada to maintain its marketplace positioning as a technology accessible to small and midsized travel agencies, while also meeting the needs of larger TMCs and corporate clients.

ENDS -

About Tramada Systems

Tramada Systems is an industry leader in automation of the travel booking process realising better business performance for travel agencies of any size. Tramada Systems solutions are proven to massively increase consultant productivity, efficiency and accuracy. We manage all financial transactions, client data and document production for an agency.

tramada is the engine room powering the most successful travel businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Winner of the 2016 Cloud Awards Best SaaS solution category, tramada currently processes around three million travel bookings per year, representing about $4 billion of travel spend.

About Yellowfin

Yellowfin is a global Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics software vendor passionate about making BI easy. Founded in 2003 in response to the complexity and costs associated with implementing and using traditional BI tools, Yellowfin is a highly intuitive 100 percent Web-based reporting and analytics solution. Yellowfin is a leader in mobile, collaborative and embedded BI, as well as Location Intelligence and data visualization.

Over 10,000 organizations, and more than 2 million end-users across 70 different countries, use Yellowfin every day. For more information, visit http://www.yellowfinbi.com

For regular news and updates, follow Yellowfin on Twitter (@YellowfinBI), LinkedIn (Yellowfin Business Intelligence), YouTube (Yellowfin Team) or email pr(at)yellowfin.bi to subscribe to Yellowfins free e-newsletter.

For further media information, interviews, images or product demonstration, please contact:


Family owned and operated since 1998, Edds Towing and Recovery is built on providing fast, dependable service via skilled drivers and the best equipment. The towing company is continuing its commitment to the highest quality service with the launch of its new, responsive website that makes it easily accessible via smart phone or tablet: http://www.EddsTowing.com.

Developed and hosted by i5 web works, the home page features scrolling images and a photo gallery of Edds Towing and Recovery fleet of wreckers and equipment haulers. Information about the companys towing and transport services in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller and Roanoke are organized into primary categories:



Heavy Duty Towing: Edds Towing specializes in towing large vehicles and heavy equipment.

Light Duty Towing: From stranded motorists to transporting luxury and classic cars, Edds Towing gets the job done fast and damage-free.

Heavy Equipment Hauling: Edds Towing has more than 30 years of experience hauling heavy equipment such as cranes, bulldozers and tractors.

The custom website also includes a section to assist people if their car has been impounded and a link to the companys auto auction website. Visitors to the website can easily contact Edds Towing via telephone or email, which are prominently displayed on every page. Edds Towing is located at 708B Katy Road in Keller, Texas.

About i5 web works

Since 2001, i5 web works has been a trusted leader in providing end-to-end online marketing services to help local and national companies stake their claim in cyberland. Headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, the digital marketing agency offers both "a la carte" services and its specialized Whole Shebang package that includes SEO, site design, Internet marketing, pay-per-click advertising, social media management, hosting, ecommerce, content creation, and more. Dedicated to the company motto Be Found!, i5 web works empowers B2C and B2B companies, across a wide range of industries, to enhance visibility via outbound and inbound strategies. For more information, go to http://www.i5ww.com or call 888-367-4599.
I'm realizing that kids know more then you think, especially with so much access to information.

The Jewell Thieves, Mike & Nick Jewell, a Boston Massachusetts, independent alternative music group, are proud to announce an outstanding review of their single "Drive Alone Endless Highway" from their EP, The Back Door Was Open. They were also interviewed as part of a weekly spotlight with Boston-based Skope Magazine. To read the full article with Mike Jewell, who speaks on everything from summer vacation spots, being in a band with your son and embracing your children's passion, click here.

Decadent to its very core is the luxurious sound of "Driving Alone Endless Highway" by the Jewell Thieves. A cross between Stereolab's lush jazz-rock fusion mixed with Nite Jewel's emphasis on nostalgic atmospheres, the song is a true stunner. Everything comes together ever so elegantly: from the light bass line to the smoky, distant vocals. Lead by a lazy laid-back groove, the song sprawls into some rather lovely textures. Throughout it all what keeps it together is the light airy melody, courtesy of a rather glamorous sounding piano accompanied by light, funky guitar work.

Things start up ever so slowly. With a minimal approach at first the song recalls some of Nightmares on Wax's earliest pieces. Jazzy in nature the song's spacious, dub-like approach works wonders. A dreamy sound permeates the track as the vocals float into the air. Echo works just right in working with the rhythm to create a solid magnificent sort of creature. Lyrically the song focuses on the concept of love, of how nature appears to almost reflect one's emotions at times. Such a beautiful sentiment leads the way as the song grows in size and scope. By keeping things focused on the rhythm small details, from a slight shift in percussion to the inclusion of a long lost sample work wonderfully. Stylish and sophisticated, the Jewell Thieves creates a warm inviting track with "Driving Alone Endless Highway".

Our singles are available on the Jewell Thieves' Web site. They can also be found on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Play and many other stores.
Watch for lots of changes coming from Leland Creative Past News Releases RSS

After calling Salem, Massachusetts its home for 11 years, Leland Creative has decided to pack up and move the its offices to a better space in the thriving business/retail community of Beverly Farms, Massachusetts.

As of October 1 you can find us at:

721 Hale Street

Beverly Farms, MA 01915

Watch for lots of changes coming from Leland Creative as they also begin to update their branding to better showcase the full range of services that they provide for their clients. In addition to traditional design and creative, they now have expertise in helping businesses grow. This includes services such as: Strategy & Planning, Media Buying, Email Campaigns & Content Strategy, Web Design & SEO/SEM/PPC, Systems Integration and more.

About Leland Creative

Since 2005, Leland Creative has been connecting brands with their customers by getting to know their clients, who they are, what they sell and who they are selling to. Communication does not "just happen." An effective communication plan requires an effective marketing strategy which starts with a strategic plan involving marketing research, and developing a marketing mix to captivate prospects and customers.

At Leland Creative, they believe every company needs to have clear marketing objectives, and the best way to achieve ROI and company goals will depend on what type of strategy is put together. Creating the strategies that generate growth and awareness in sales for their clients is where things get challenging and fun!
Two years ago a Connecticut icon was removed when Magellan Midstream Partners needed to perform tank coating maintenance at one of their New Haven facilities. For approximately seventeen years a segment of Rudolph Zallingers The Age of Reptiles was painted on one of the 90,000 barrel heating oil tanks. The mural paid tribute to the wonders of the city, specifically the Yale Peabody Museum.

The city and the daily motorists who pass through New Haven on the Q Bridge should be delighted to see that Magellan and Peabody have teamed together to present a new icon.

The new mural depicts the feathered dinosaur, Deinonychus, designed by artist Bayla Arietta. The meticulous drawing is paired with the message: Yale Peabody Museum ... A New Haven Treasure. The Deinonychus was discovered in Montana in 1964 by John Ostrom, Peabodys then curator of paleontology. Deinonychus seemed a fitting choice for the mural to commemorate the Peabodys 150th year and as Peabody Director David Skelly said, an opportunity to show a 2016 concept of what a dinosaur looks like.

The Deinonychus changed the previous perceptions of dinosaurs and prompted what is known as the Dinosaur Renaissance. When Ostrom introduced the idea of dinosaurs with feathers, other paleontologists were hesitant to agree with this claim; however Skelly explained that it is clear now that many of the meat-eating dinosaurs, such as Deinonychus, were feathered.

The experts at Merritt Graphics were recruited to produce and install the 72-foot-by-36-foot mural. The Peabody provided a high-resolution scan of Ariettas drawing and the team at Merritt set to work. The image was resized and divided into 54 inch panels. Merritt digitally reproduced the image on high performance 3M Envision Print Wrap Film with the patented 3M Envision Gloss Wrap Over lamination. This material was chosen due to its environmental sustainability and its conformability for long-term outdoor applications.

Merritt Graphics used skilled in-house installers and a scissor lift to apply the graphics. Installation of the mural took several days to complete. The team had several weather conditions to contend with including condensation on the tank, rain and winds.

The Peabody along with the City of New Haven are grateful for Magellans corporate investment in the city. It is safe to say that this is the most prominent piece of public art in New Haven. Hundreds of thousands of people are regularly going to see this from the highway, Skelly said.

About Merritt Graphics:

Merritt Graphics Big Color of East Hartford, CT is the grand-format graphics division of Joseph Merritt & Company, Inc., headquartered in nearby Hartford, CT. The company currently serves national markets including: Out of Home and Transit, POP, Indoor & Retail graphics, Vehicle graphics, Event Exhibit & Venue graphics, Environmental graphics, and Custom Sign fabrication. Merritt Graphics uses advanced printing technologies and sources quality substrates to consistently deliver high-end results. Merritt is certified by 3M to offer the 3M MCS Warranty for delivering finished graphics that meet 3Ms exacting requirements. This certification demonstrates Merritts commitment to excellence.

To learn more please visit merrittgraphics.com
Starkey Mortgage is committed to the communities we serve.

Starkey Mortgage, a nationally recognized residential mortgage company, announced today its Community Connection program has donated more than $200,000 year to date to 119 different charities. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Nexus Recovery Center and the Miracle League are just a few of the numerous recipients. Starkey employees also volunteer their time as part of the Starkey Charity Challenge program.

Starkey Mortgage is committed to the communities we serve. Not only do we offer exceptional products and services, we participate in our communities by donating funds to local and national nonprofit organizations through our Community Connection program and volunteer hours through our Charity Challenge program, said Jim Clapp, president and CFO of Starkey Mortgage. We are proud of our team and their enthusiasm in helping others and look forward to doing even more in the months and years to come.

Starkeys Community Connection program provides a way for the company to contribute to charitable organizations in the communities it serves. All non-profit and not-for-profit groups that have a current 501(c)(3) status are eligible. These groups can be local, national or international and can include youth, school, education, health, environmental and animal programs. Starkey team members also volunteer in their communities as part of the Starkey Charity Challenge. Starkey employees participate in activities such as reading to Alzheimer patients, putting together Meals on Wheels friendship trays of food and volunteering at Wounded Warriors.

Through Community Connection, Starkey Mortgage has donated over $40,000 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), said Bobby Green, Starkey Mortgage loan officer and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Charleston, SC - 2016 Man of the Year. Raising money for research to help end this horrible disease is a team effort. This is the 3rd year in a row that a Starkey Mortgage Loan Officer has been named LLS Man of the Year.

About WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP.

Starkey Mortgage (WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146), is a nationally recognized residential mortgage company intent on providing exceptional, individualized service and maintaining supportive, lasting relationships with borrowers, Realtors, and builders. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Starkey Mortgage opened its doors in March 2000 and offers home purchase, refinance and renovation loans with offices throughout Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia. (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Developing a reputation for quality and excellence in the mortgage industry, Starkey Mortgage has been recognized by Mortgage Executive Magazine as a Top 100 Mortgage Company: 2011-2015 and as a Top 50 Company to Work For in America: 2014 - 2015. http://www.starkeymortgage.com
Venture Resorts, Gatlinburgs largest cabin rental agency, has announced a Last Minute Travel Deal for the October 1 weekend. This weekend only, guests can save 50% all of the companys remaining rental cabins.

"October is a good time for a weekend getaway to the Smokies," says Billy Parris, general manager of Venture Resorts, The weather is good, and you wont find large crowds at the national park.

With this weekends discounts, Parris says families can have an affordable getaway.

At press time Venture Resorts had over 100 cabins available this weekend. This weekends sale means that 1-bedroom cabins are available for as little as $128 per night, after discount. A 2-bedroom cabins are available for as little as $198 per night, after discount, and 3-bedroom cabins are renting for as little as $203 per night.

Parris notes that all rates are subject to availability. Prices for the rental cabins vary by cabin size, features, location. Guests can visit the company's web site to see rates for all available cabins, with the promotion discount applied at the time of booking.

Venture Resorts rents over 500 cabins within minutes of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cabins feature amenities such as home theaters, game rooms and gourmet kitchens, the company's cabins are a long way from the rustic cabins of yore.

"This isn't your granddaddy's log cabin," says Parris, "What we offer are really luxury log homes. You still get the porch with rocking chair and great views, but you also get the amenities you expect from a four-star resort."

About Venture Resorts

Venture Resorts is the largest luxury cabin rental agency in the Smoky Mountains, managing over 500 cabins within minutes of Great Smoky Mountain National Park and family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

For more information, call (866) 347-6659 or visit one of the companys web sites http://www.cabinsofthesmokymountains.com or http://www.cabinsofpigeonforge.com.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton reacts to her newly unveiled campaign plane before boarding for the first time at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y. , on September 5, 2016. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

Billionaire distressed-debt investor Howard Marks, the founder of Oaktree Capital Management, is backing Hillary Clinton for president because shes sane and competent.

At the Bloomberg Markets Most Influential Summit on Wednesday, Marks wasnt exactly enthused when he was asked if Clinton could tackle some of the key economic issues he had raised.

I havent heard much that convinces me, but I believe that shes, well, what did your boss [Mike Bloomberg] say? Sane and competent? And, I believe she will surround herself with good advisors. And I believe she understands the need for good advisors. And she will work tirelessly and long hours of study to come up with plans. She is not the candidate of change, and we need change.

Without mentioning Donald Trumps name, he continued: And I think the idea of change is a good one. Im not crazy about the current messenger of change. Thats the problem. And, if there were another candidate at another time who had a message of change and the competence that Mike Bloomberg is talking about, I think Id be all for it.

Marks has previously made it clear that hes not a fan of Trump. Just last month, Marks skewered Trumps economic plan in a 16-page letter to investors. Marks, who donated $2,700 to Clinton in January, didnt sing the Democratic presidential nominees praises, either.

As for my picking on Trump here: Im quick to point out that Clinton has her own shortcomings as a candidate and potential president. Her use of a private email server while Secretary of State is just one prime example. And she has embraced positions, such as opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and her promise of free public college at certain income levels, that seem intended simply to help her compete against Bernie Sanders in the primaries and win over his supporters in the general election. But I think its fair to say that she hasnt been anywhere near as guilty as Trump of defying economic reality on the campaign trail, he wrote in the letter.

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According to Marks, one of the biggest economic issues the US faces is the impact of automation, which he called a much stronger force than the job losses we hear about in this election season.

I despair about where the Americans who worked in agriculture a hundred years ago in the South and then moved to Midwest to makes cars and appliances 50 years ago  I wonder, I worry about where they are going to find jobs. And this is a question that is not easily solved, Marks said at the Bloomberg event.

Going forward, Marks expects the US to grow more slowly than in the past.

I do think that we will grow more slowly in the future than we have in the past. And I believe that  will make it harder for government to do things, he said, asking Why did we live so well 60 years ago? Why cant you do that today? Why cant you build infrastructure in this country?

He cited declining growth rate and globalization as reasons for the nations setbacks. That said, the US is in a much better situation than other parts of the world, according to Marks.

I travel a lot and its clear that the US economy is the envy of the world. And so the things Im saying are not only relevant to the US. Were in better shape than I believe Europe or Japan, for example, he said. But everything is slowing down, complicated by globalization and automation.

Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance.

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By Rania El Gamal, Alex Lawler and Vladimir Soldatkin

ALGIERS (Reuters) - OPEC agreed on Wednesday modest oil output cuts in the first such deal since 2008, with the group's leader Saudi Arabia softening its stance on arch-rival Iran amid mounting pressure from low oil prices.

"OPEC made an exceptional decision today ... After two and a half years, OPEC reached consensus to manage the market," said Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, who had repeatedly clashed with Saudi Arabia during previous meetings.

He and other ministers said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would reduce output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day. OPEC estimates its current output at 33.24 million bpd.

"We have decided to decrease the production around 700,000 bpd," Zanganeh said.

The move would effectively re-establish OPEC production ceilings abandoned a year ago.

However, how much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal OPEC meeting in November, when an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-OPEC countries such as Russia.

Oil prices (LCOc1) jumped more than 5 percent to trade above $48 per barrel as of 2015 GMT. Many traders said they were impressed OPEC had managed to reach a compromise after years of wrangling but others said they wanted to see the details.

"This is the first OPEC deal in eight years! The cartel proved that it still matters even in the age of shale! This is the end of the production war' and OPEC claims victory," said Phil Flynn, senior energy analyst at Price Futures Group.

Jeff Quigley, director of energy markets at Houston-based Stratas Advisors, said the market had yet to discover who would produce what: "I want to hear from the mouth of the Iranian oil minister that hes not going to go back to pre-sanction levels. For the Saudis, it just goes against the conventional wisdom of what theyve been saying.".

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Tuesday that Iran, Nigeria and Libya would be allowed to produce "at maximum levels that make sense" as part of any output limits.

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That represents a strategy shift for Riyadh, which had said it would reduce output to ease a global glut only if every other OPEC and non-OPEC producer followed suit. Iran has argued it should be exempt from such limits as its production recovers after the lifting of EU sanctions earlier this year.

The Saudi and Iranian economies depend heavily on oil but in a post-sanctions environment, Iran is suffering less pressure from the halving in crude prices since 2014 and its economy could expand by almost 4 percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Riyadh, on the other hand, faces a second year of budget deficits after a record gap of $98 billion last year, a stagnating economy and is being forced to cut the salaries of government employees.

OIL PRICE PRESSURES

Saudi Arabia is by far the largest OPEC producer with output of more than 10.7 million bpd, on par with Russia and the United States. Together, the three largest global producers extract a third of the world's oil.

Iran's production has been stagnant at 3.6 million bpd in the past three months, close to pre-sanctions levels although Tehran says it wants to ramp up output to more than 4 million bpd when foreign investments in its fields kick in.

Saudi oil revenue has halved over the past two years, forcing Riyadh to liquidate billions of dollars of overseas assets every month to pay bills and cut domestic fuel and utility subsidies last year.

"The Iranians have lived with a very tough macro backdrop for many years..." said Raza Agha, chief Middle East economist at investment bank VTB Capital. "So a sustained drop in oil prices has a more difficult social impact on Saudi."

However, with unemployment in double digits, Tehran is also facing calls to maximise oil revenues and President Hassan Rouhani is under pressure from conservative opponents to deliver a faster economic recovery.

Oil prices are well below the budget requirements of most OPEC nations. But attempts to reach an output deal have also been complicated by political rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which are fighting several proxy-wars in the Middle East, including in Syria and Yemen.

OPEC sources have said Saudi Arabia offered to reduce its output from summer peaks of 10.7 million bpd to around 10.2 million if Iran agreed to freeze production at around current levels of 3.6-3.7 million bpd.

Riyadh has raised production in recent years to compete for market share while Iran's output was limited by sanctions. Minister Zanganeh has said Iran wanted an output cap of close to 4 million bpd. Saudi output drops in winter when it needs less fuel than during summer, when cooling requirements spike.

(Additional reporting by Patrick Markey and Lamine Chikhi in Algiers, Andrew Torchia in Dubai; Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson)
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to curb production for the first time since 2008 on Wednesday, but just a day later, energy market analysts are questioning the meaning of the deal.

OPEC minted a preliminary plan to cut production to as little as 32.5 million barrels a day, from about 33.2 million barrels in August, sources told Reuters. But output quotas for each of the cartel's 14 members would be left undecided until its annual meeting Nov. 30.

A lack of concrete detail has left some questioning whether the agreement is any deal at all  and wondering what might potentially derail things between now and November.

"I think what this really is is an agreement to agree at some point two months from now, and there are big questions around the allocations. Is this a freeze or a cut? What's the real deal with Iran going to be?" energy analyst and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dan Yergin told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday.

Ahead of Wednesday's meeting of producers in Algeria, Saudi Arabia reportedly offered to reduce its production if regional rival Iran agreed to cap its output at the current level of 3.6 million barrels per day. Tehran has said it wants to produce 4 million barrels a day following the lifting of sanctions in January.

On Tuesday, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that Iran, Libya and Nigeria may be allowed to pump "at maximum levels that make sense," Reuters reported.

The treatment for those three countries, which are all seeking to significantly ramp up production , remains an uncertainty, said Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Markit. Iran's output in particular will be a source of conflict over the next two months, he said.

A question mark is also hanging over Russian cooperation, Yergin added, noting that Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak did not take part in the informal OPEC meeting, having departed Algeria when producers failed to agree to a firm plan. Russia is not a member of OPEC.

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The Russians "were actually the original advocates of the freeze, and to mix metaphors, they got burned when there was no freeze," he said.





Again Capital founding partner John Kilduff said Thursday that the numbers behind the deal don't work, because Russia recently boosted output by as much as 400,000 barrels to 10.7 million a day as it started new production this summer.

He also pointed to reports that Russian oil companies are aiming to increase production of hard-to-extract hydrocarbons.

On Thursday, Novak said in a statement that Russia would hold talks with OPEC in the coming months, but the country plans to maintain production at near-record levels.

Even if a deal is reached in November, the Saudis could have a tough time enforcing it, in Kilduff's view.

"OPEC's track record on adhering to production cuts to quotas is ridiculously poor  if not nonexistent. You can't believe they're going to come through on this one either," he told CNBC's "Squawk Box."

Low oil prices have produced domestic budget deficits in Saudi Arabia, forcing it to cut perks for its huge pool of public sector employees . Meanwhile, Iran's return to oil markets and sanctions relief have improved the situation in the country, whose economy struggled under the weight of international sanctions for years, Kilduff said.

"The Iranians see an opportunity to squeeze the Saudis, the way the Saudis saw an opportunity to squeeze the Iranians back in 2014," he said, referring to the year Riyadh declined to cut output.

Both Kilduff and Yergin cautioned against reading too much into the plan to initially dial back production by 200,000 to 700,000 barrels a day. Top exporter Saudia Arabia would be reducing output in any case as the summer heat abates, as it experiences declining domestic demand for air conditioning, they said.



Should a deal get hammered out by Nov. 30, the oil market would enter "a new OPEC era," said Rob Thummel, a portfolio manager at Tortoise Capital with $15 billion in energy assets. An agreement would likely boost crude prices and bring stability to the market, in his view.



In that scenario, oil prices would likely move into a range of $50 to $60, a level that would keep demand for oil products strong and allow some U.S. crude producers to generate adequate returns, Thummel said.

"When OPEC freezes production, somebody will need to fill the growth in global oil demand and regions like the Permian Basin are poised to do so," he told CNBC in an email, referring to a major oil-producing area in Texas and New Mexico .



The Saudi oil policy has forced high-cost U.S. producers to cut rigs from about 1,600 two years ago to just more than 400 today, resulting in a decline of about 900,000 barrels per day of output from American fields.
Members of the Childrens Book Council came together on September 22 for the groups annual meeting and kickoff to what promises to be a busy autumn. The meeting was also a chance for members to greet the CBCs new executive director, Carl Lennertz.

Lennertz thanked the CBC and his predecessors for giving him the opportunity to serve as executive director, saying: Youve invited me into your world and I want to be worthy of your invitation. Lennertz went on to describe some of the projects the CBC has planned for future months, including new partnerships, a bigger than ever Childrens Book Week, new online materials available for educators, a new CBC staff picks feature, the launch of a graphic novel committee, and a Sister City style pairing of New York City authors and illustrators with international writers and authors.

Other plans include a newly designed website for Every Child a Reader and to make ECAR fully self-funded, while also, Lennertz joked, permanently abolishing the acronym ECAR. Lennertz also commented that, while he does have a vision (I actually have double vision... cataracts), he believes it would be presumptuous of me to have a vision before I speak to you all first. He added that he is thrilled to have all of you to learn from and promised to bring passion and joy to work every day.

Next up, Christopher Myers took the stage for a presentation called What It Means to Matter. Originally, the author-illustrator was to be joined in conversation with Jason Reynolds, but a death in Reynoldss family prevented him from attending. In his talk, Myers addressed the matter at the heart of the Black Lives Matter movement and how this notion of mattering extends to all aspects of our humanity. He opened the discussion by speaking about how he and Reynolds frequently meet over breakfast and talk. Their conversations often touch on topics of race, identity, and what it means to matter. Myers recently spent time working with refugee kids at the International Youth Library in Munich and would call Reynolds to talk about his days. Working with 1015 kids each day, Myers had the opportunity to hear brilliant, harrowing stories from children who had walked across their native countries in search of safety and traveled for days at sea on rafts, witnessing family members washed overboard.

As difficult as it was for Myers to hear of the obvious trauma the children had experienced in making their way to Germany, this was not what stood out to Myers the most: the moment of trauma is not where the story lies. Instead, it was the little details and asides, the way that children from all backgrounds focus on the parts of their lives that matter the most to them  whether the cats in Greece, a love for Michael Jackson or Drake, or being in a boat for the first time, regardless of the circumstances that brought them there. Myers said he felt privileged to bear witness to both the sadness and the joy that young people take in telling their stories.

Lamenting how we live in a Band-Aid society, Myers spoke about the tendency for people to look for quick solutions to problems  for example, via a hashtag or a Facebook post. While these may be tools for bringing greater awareness to topics, the real work takes time. We are not a hashtag industry, he said.

Though a frequent frustration among authors might be the length of time it takes for a book to be published, Myers suggested that being a slow industry is powerful and good. Authors, editors, and publishers take the time to tell a story well, he stated, and this is deeply valuable. Looking for a quick fix to a very complicated problem is no real solution, he suggested. While protecting black lives is urgent, an injustice is done if we only matter when the bullet hits us.... Our mattering has to extend into the past and future, and this provides an opportunity for those people who are the keepers of the distilled voices and experiences that are our stories.

We know something special about time in this industry, Myers concluded, and what it means to matter.
Childrens authors and illustrators along with childrens programming were deeply woven into the fabric of the 43rd annual New England Independent Booksellers Association fall conference, held at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence from September 2022. Booksellers and publishers alike gave the show high marks. Ellen Richmond, owner of Childrens Book Cellar in Waterville, Maine, said, There was really good energy, and people are looking forward to the next season. That energy made attendance seem way up, said NEIBA executive director Steve Fischer. Overall attendance was, in fact, flat with close to 400 people.

While the number of bookseller attendees was down slightly, the number of authors rose 10% to 64, including childrens author Leo Landry (Whats Up Chuck?, Charlesbridge), a former bookseller who returned to bookselling last year at Jeff Kinneys An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe in Plainville, Mass. And it was a childrens author, Brendan Wenzel (They All Saw a Cat, Chronicle), who drew the largest line at the author cocktail reception. He stayed an extra 45 minutes past closing to accommodate fans and stopped signing only when his publisher ran out of books.

Booksellers and childrens authors Peter H. Reynolds and his twin brother Paul Reynolds, who co-own the Blue Bunny Books & Toys in Dedham, Mass., also energized the show with the introduction of their national campaign to celebrate real books, [Long Live Books!] www.longlivebooks.org The pair are offering posters and unisex T-shirts to promote physical books and to provide booksellers with a source of income. The message behind Long Live Books! has become increasingly important to New England booksellers as Amazon enters the regions bookstore market. The e-tailer opened a pop-up store at the Natick Mall in Natick, Mass., and is prepping for an Amazon Books to open next year at Legacy Place, a mall in Dedham, Mass.

But the childrens author who won over the most booksellers was likely Andrea Beaty (Ada Twist, Scientist, Abrams). Although a number of authors used their talks to thank booksellers for what they do, she was the only one who wrote an ode for the occasion. Beaty compared booksellers ability to match a kid with a book to a literary Tinder or a Match.com.... Not to get mushy, but I think its true. So many books would get lost without you. In closing she said, the best thing of all, you dont even need drones.

This years educational sessions got down to basics, from how to sell more nonfiction to how to provide better customer service and how to improve bookstore operations with data from the American Booksellers Associations annual ABACUS survey. (For some specific tips, click here.) For many it was a welcome change from years past when the emphasis was on industry issues. Im glad Amazon hasnt come up, said Beth Wagner, book buyer at Phoenix Books in Essex Junction, Vt., and incoming co-chair of the New England Childrens Books Advisory Council. I dont want to talk about them. I want to talk about us.

Part of the upbeat vibe came from the fact that most bookstores have been having a good year. There hasnt been a huge book in a while, which is good because people need guidance, said Justin Ward, owner of Bridgton Books in Bridgton, Maine, who was satisfied with his summer. Im definitely bullish. Everybodys coming back to print.

Although 2015 was a standout year with many booksellers seeing double-digit increases, 2016 has been strong. As ABA CEO Oren Teicher told PW, so far in 2016 the number of books sold is up. Were still running at 5 1/2% units above last year, he said. Teicher also noted that a number of new stores continue to open. Some of those owners were at the show, including Chris Abouzeid of Belmont Books in Belmont, Mass., and Josh Christie of Print in Portland, Maine, who are both planning general bookstores with large childrens sections.

The NEIBA organization is also healthy. When people ask how were doing, said NEIBAs Fischer at the annual meeting, I tell them theyre going as well as member stores are doing. It feels like a very healthy atmosphere out there. The whole narrative has shifted.
With so many new booksellers entering the business and new store openings, NEIBA used its day and a half of educational programming to provide panels with information for newbies. The sessions also served as refreshers for long-time general and childrens booksellers alike. Below are some of the most helpful ideas culled from sessions on Selling More Nonfiction, What Reps See, and Growing a Childrens Bookseller: Demystifying Stages of Reading from Birth to YA.

 Pretty much the same things apply to selling nonfiction as fiction. I still think the most important tool is in-store merchandising. Face-outs are the most effective way of selling a book. (Dale Szczeblowski, general manager of Porter Square Books in Cambridge, Mass.)

 Dont be afraid to add more display tables.  I see carpet; youre not in the carpet business.  (Szczeblowski, quoting rep David Kitzmiller)

 Dont give away sales to Amazon. Dont forget backlist. (Debra Woodward, sales manager of Red Wheel Weiser)

 Mix fiction and nonfiction on display tables. (Woodward)

 Invite your reps to staff night. (Nikki Mutch, sales rep for Scholastic)

 Sales reps are eager to know all the booksellers at their accounts. Mutch encouraged frontline booksellers to e-mail her with galley requests.

 To get an author event, write a fantastic proposal. (Mutch)

 Although Scholastics deadline for events is firm, John Muse, sales rep for Simon & Schuster, encouraged booksellers to send in requests even if they missed the deadline. Sometimes a publisher doesnt get the requests it expected for a market it wants to reach, so its willing to consider late requests. Plus, if a proposal is really good, houses will often add to the tour. Each publisher works differently. Questions should go directly to the rep.

 Once you confirm an author event, write up a confirmation and submit it to the publicist. And make sure that you read the confirmation sent by the publicist. That way you can make sure youre both agreed on how to proceed. (Mutch)

 Order more books for an event than you think you might need. Its better not to run out. Most publishers have a policy for quick returns for event titles. (Mutch)

 Be sure to have bottled water, Sharpies, and Post-It notes for author events. (Mutch)

 Presentation is huge, said former bookseller turned Ingram sales rep Stacie Williams, who urged booksellers to pay attention to how their stores look to customers. Make sure your shelves are dust free, even the ones on the bottom.

 For photos of ways that stores add excitement to displays, Williams has collected photos of some strong displays at New England booksellers here.

 Tag books of the future on Edelweiss to create lists for preorders. (Muse)

 IndieNext nominations are vital to publishers  it gives them feedback on whether or not their marketing is effective. (Muse)

 Send your store newsletter to reps. They can get information for their call report and increase your profile in the publishing offices. These reports are read by editors, publicists, and marketing people. (Muse)

 Sort ARCs by pub month, so you can stay ahead. (Muse)

 Its important to read to babies. By 18 months, there is already a gap between babies who are read to and those who are not. (Lucille Rettino, v-p and director of marketing, Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing)

 We have seen 20% growth in board books over the last three years. (Rettino)

 Nonfiction picture books have become desirable in the school market. (Rettino)

 Early readers (for ages five to seven or eight) are different from picture books and are edited and designed with the emerging reader in mind. The subject matter is meant to appeal to them, and often concerns family or making tough decisions. (Rettino)

 Middle grade (ages 8 to 12) vary in length from 240 to 320 pages. The content focuses on friends, family, and the characters immediate world. Its a time in childrens lives when they get to make some choices. (Eileen Lawrence, director of marketing at Algonquin Young Readers)

 A good resource for MG titles is the [Nerdy Book Club] https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com. (Lawrence)

 When I read a book, Im so 14, said Katie McGarry, sales rep at HMH, who uses a kiss scale to rate YA (ages 12 and up). In addition to whether or not the teens on the front cover of the book are kissing, McGarry goes by the age of the model and the look thats used to determine the correct rating. She showed the cover of Katie Coyles Vivian Needs a Miracle, which shows Vivian being driven. The implication is that shes not old enough to drive, or cant drive.

 In response to an audience question about gender issues in recommending a book, Rettino said, You never want to say this is a boy book; this is a girl book. Always try to appeal to the broadest audience.

 PW blogger Kenny Brechner, owner of DDG Booksellers in Farmington, Maine, requested that publishers add more hi-lo books (with high interest and low reading levels) to their lists, and more clean teen titles.
Square One Publishers, best known for publishing nonfiction books in such areas as alternative medicine, is dipping its toe into the fiction market. The company has acquired the rights to five novels by James Misko, a mix of four previously published titles plus one new book.

Rudy Shur, Square One's publisher, had earlier published Miskos How to Finance Any Real Estate, Any Place, Any Time and the author kept in touch with Shur by sending copies of his novels (published by Misko's own Northwest Ventures Press). Shur was particularly impressed by Miskos most recent work, As All My Fathers Were, released earlier this year.

When Misko decided he wanted to devote his time to writing full-time, he struck a deal with Shur to take over the publication of the titles..

Shur described Miskos novels as "drawing upon the rugged spirit of independent men and women who live in rural America, where people forge their lives in the spirit of adventure."

As All My Fathers Were and the three other books released by Northwest Venture Press will be available from Square One starting November 1. The new book in the deal, The Path of the Wind, will be published in February 2017.

Shur said the acquisition of Misko's novels marks his house's start with publishing fiction. "We aim to expand our presence in this category based on what we feel are the necessities of good writing: a solid storytelling style, clever and exciting plot construction, and a fullness of voice and vision."
September 29, 2016

Purdue expands relationship with Subaru of Indiana with acquisition of 30 SIA-built vehicles

Paul Evon, vice president and general manager of Enterprise Holdings; Rob Wynkoop, Purdues director of service enterprises; and Brad Rhorer, SIA assistant senior manager of human resources, discuss the first delivery of cars to Purdue as part of a new lease program. Purdue on Thursday (Sept. 29) took possession of 30 Subaru Legacys that are being leased through Enterprise. (Purdue University photo)

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(Lafayette, IN) Purdue University took possession of 30 Subaru vehicles on Thursday (Sept. 29), demonstrating the strong relationship between Purdue and neighboring Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA). This example of partnership is just the latest in the nearly 30-year history between the two organizations.

SIA is honored to have a great relationship with Purdue University, said Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President. Choosing SIA-built Subaru vehicles for their fleet truly demonstrates Purdues commitment to support our community and is recognition of the excellent quality built into every Subaru by SIA Associates.

The 30 all-wheel-drive Subaru vehicles are the first of 78 vehicles being replaced at Purdue University by Enterprise Fleet Management, an affiliate of Enterprise Holdings Inc., which owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand. Enterprise Rent-A-Car currently supplements the Purdue rental vehicle fleet and provides vehicle rental at the Purdue Airport.

Rob Wynkoop, Purdues director of service enterprises, said the three-year lease through Enterprise will replace university fleet vehicles that have significant mileage and are used as daily rentals or long-term rentals to campus departments. He said the lease arrangement frees up approximately $1 million in up-front costs while also offering unlimited mileage. At the end of the lease, Purdue has the option to extend or acquire new vehicles. Wynkoop said additional SIA vehicles could be added to the Purdue fleet at a later date.

This lease agreement allows us to free up capital for other university needs and provides us with options while extending our partnership with a local manufacturer as well as with Enterprise, a well-known and respected name in the transportation industry  both here in Indiana and throughout North America, Wynkoop said.

SIA employs over 5,400 associates at its Lafayette manufacturing facility. All associates are eligible to earn an Associates or Bachelors Degree from Purdue Polytechnic Institute, which is on the SIA campus, with 100 percent of the tuition paid for by SIA.

The partnership with SIA has been really amazing, said Steve Shelby, director of Purdue Polytechnic Lafayette. This is a real-life example of how corporations and universities can come together to build a stronger community.

Like Purdue, it is important to Enterprise Fleet Management to support the local community, said Director of Enterprise Fleet Management in Indiana Tara Talley. We use Indiana dealers, repair shops and vendors to source and maintain the fleets we manage. Our ability to leverage Enterprises buying power combined with the decentralization of our operations puts us in a unique position to give our customers the best possible prices, while still driving business to service providers in local communities.

Purdue University is leasing the 30 Subaru Legacy vehicles through Enterprise Fleet Management. The vehicles were built at SIA, which also builds the Subaru Outback and will begin producing the Subaru Impreza later this year.

About SIA

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., is the home of North American Subaru production. Models built at the Lafayette, Indiana plant include the Subaru Legacy and Outback. SIA employs over 5,400 Associates, and is an industry leader in quality, safety and environmental stewardship. SIA was the first auto assembly plant in America to achieve zero landfill status, and SIAs entire 832-acre site has been designated a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SIAs community outreach programs include providing charitable contributions and corporate sponsorships, hosting charitable events on-site, donating vehicles and vehicle parts to educational institutions and encouraging Associate volunteerism, which supports hundreds of non-profit organizations and schools throughout Indiana annually. For more information, visit www.subaru-sia.com .

Contact:

SIA: Media Oakes, (P) 765.449.6269, Media.oakes@subaru-sia.com

Purdue: Brian Zink, (P) 765.494.2080, bzink@purdue.edu

Enterprise: Katie Bowring, Kathryn.h.bowring@ehi.com
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Sep 28, 2016) - United Nations, During the High Level week of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly where president Obama addressed world leaders for the last time, key influencers gathered in the United Nations SDG Media Zone to discuss climate action and the early adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement.

French environment minister Segolene Royal, the president of cop 22, the Moroccan Environment Minister Hakima El Haite joined UNFCCC chief Patricia Espinosa, the World Bank's John Froome in a session moderated the UN's Dan Thomas.

"This is a very special week at the UN and we wanted to take advantage of the presence of so many world leaders by creating a platform -- the SDG Media Zone -- to spread the word about the Sustainable Development Goals to people all around the world," said Dan Thomas, Communications Director for the UN President of the UN General Assembly. "This social media space and live webcast has revolutionized the way the UN approaches communications by offering the audience an opportunity to truly engage in the conversation happening at the UN."

To see full the full programme visit www.sdgmz.org or webtv.un.org for the full panel archives and more on-demand indexed content from the SDG Media Zone.

The SDG Media Zone is powered by a partnership between Office of the President of the General Assembly, Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General and the United Nations Department of Public Information and PVBLIC Foundation's Digital Media Zone platform DMZ.News.

The SDG Media Zone is a designated space hosted in parallel to High Level Meetings and Summits that works as a "live social media newsroom" where journalists, bloggers, celebrities, media influencers and high-level delegates from around the world can join the conversation, generate discussion and engage the global online community during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level week, supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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The Media Zone lounge is equipped with WiFi, workspaces, interview booths, photo booths and live stream of the various meetings happening inside the United Nations. The SDG Media Zone will act as a platform for the launch of new initiatives and partnerships as well as ongoing collaborations for the achievement of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development; providing all partners the ability to create live content, connect and celebrate the decision makers and the global delegations during this high level summit.

Official anchor partners for the SDG Media Zone include Groupe Speciale Mobile GSMA, CODE.org, Made with Code, supporting partner Every Woman Every Child EWEC, and media partner 1-800-PublicRelations "1800pr".

Some of the discussion and partnership that will be celebrated and showcased this week are; Implementing the SDGs - Universal Push to transform our world, UN Virtual Reality, Women and the SDG's, Earth To Marrakesh, SDG Advocates, CASIS and NASA, Effie Worldwide, Project Everyone & One For All.

For more information, on the SDG Media Zone visit: www.SDGMZ.org

About PVBLIC Foundation PVBLIC Foundation is an innovative non-profit media organization that harnesses the power of media to drive social change. An aggregator of media across all platforms, PVBLIC works strategically to pair media space with key non-profits at the local, national and global levels. We utilize existing and emerging technologies to increase issue awareness around important causes and help non-profits amplify their message. At PVBLIC, we believe that media is the new currency.

About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) On 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development -- adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit -- officially came into force. Over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

The SDGs build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and aim to go further to end all forms of poverty. The new Goals are unique in that they call for action by all countries, poor, rich and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and addresses a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.

While the SDGs are not legally binding, governments are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 Goals. Countries have the primary responsibility for follow-up and review of the progress made in implementing the Goals, which will require quality, accessible and timely data collection. Regional follow-up and review will be based on national-level analyses and contribute to follow-up and review at the global level.

** News, Media, PR and Content distribution provided by 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc.

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Created in response to the Arab oil embargo of 1973-74, the U.S. government created the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Deep inside underground caverns at four storage facilities along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coasts, the SPR has a max capacity of 727 million barrels of crude oil. Its purpose  to serve as an emergency stockpile of crude oil to help blunt the impact of disruptions to the flow of crude oil to the American marketplace. In theory, the SPR would prevent the use of crude oil as a potential weapon, as with the 1973-74 Arab embargo, and to mitigate the impact of global crises on the U.S. economy.
Quad-Cities area residents already are being bombarded by slick and often caustic campaign ads filling their airwaves and stuffing their mailboxes.

With just a little more than a month to go, and so much at stake, voters require more than attacks and sound bites when they go to the polls on Nov. 8 (sooner, if they take advantage of early voting which starts today).

To help provide it, in addition to our reporters coverage of the races, we are once again conducting candidate editorial boards and will share our thoughts on individual races in this space. Also, on Tuesday, we again invited candidates in contested races to submit op-eds for publication in The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus and for posting on our Quad-Cities Online website. In the past, readers have told us that they find these opportunities to learn more about the candidates in their own words, unfiltered by us, to be especially helpful in making their choices.

There are three competitive Illinois House contests in the Illinois Quad-Cities metro area and surrounding counties. The races and candidates, who were emailed those invitations, along with an invitation to visit with our editorial board, are:

-- For House District 71: Incumbent Democrat Mike Smiddy and Republican Tony McCombie.

-- For House District 72: Democrat Mike Halpin and Republican Brandi McGuire.

-- For House District 74: Democrat Bill Butts, and Republican Daniel Swanson.

As we said in that Tuesday email, we hope all six will take the opportunity to help voters learn more about them. Once again, we offered only a few basic rules and guidelines. They include that submissions be written by the candidate, not a surrogate, and that they be no longer than 600 words.

Otherwise, we said, You are free to use the column in any way you wish, though we hope that you will pay particular attention to your ideas for attacking the huge financial and political problems plaguing our state.

Finally, we asked the contenders to share with you a list of their top three priorities.

For our part, we promised that editing will be limited unless there are length problems, in which case we will try to work with you to make the necessary cuts. We reserve the right to refuse to run your submission, though we dont expect to need to exercise it.

Our plan is to run the submissions side-by-side by district. If only one of the two candidates provides a column, we will run it with an explanation saying that the other declined to take part.

We hope that isnt necessary and that all six accept our invitation.

The leadership of both parties in Illinois have worked hard to turn this election into a referendum on the future of Illinois. Voters require real information to decide what it will be.

There simply is too much riding on this election to base this important choice on attack ads that do nothing to help get Illinois back on track.
Two Davenport men have been charged after a report of shots being fired on Tuesday night.

Davenport Police were called at 10:53 p.m. Tuesday for a report of gun shots in the 700 block of East 14th Street, according to a news release from the department. When officers arrived, they found a shell casing. An investigation indicated there had been an altercation.

Arrested Tuesday night were Nicolas Banks, 22, and William Smith Jr., 22, the release states.

Mr. Banks has been accused of possession of drugs with intent to deliver, violations of Iowa's drug tax stamp law and interference with official acts, the release stated. He allegedly had nearly 200 grams of marijuana in his possession when he was arrested.

Mr. Smith also has been charged with interference with official acts and was wanted on a warrant for probation violation.

Mr. Banks was free Wednesday afternoon on $5,000 bond, according to the Scott County Jail. Mr. Smith remained in the jail, held on a $10,300 bond.
A Davenport man who engaged police in an overnight standoff on Aug. 16 pleaded guilty to multiple charges Wednesday in Scott County District Court..

Micah Timothy Mach, 30, of 3019 Harrison St., pleaded guilty to carrying a weapon without a permit, interference with official acts and public intoxication. The state, as part of a plea agreement, dismissed charges of reckless use of a firearm and littering.

Witnesses of the Aug. 16 incident said they saw Mr. Mach that evening on the sidewalk and in the street waving and pointing a handgun, according to court documents. They said they saw him discharge the gun "in a reckless manner."

Mr. Mach is then said to have barricaded himself in his house and refused to come out, despite several attempts by police to contact him. Mr. Mach was seen drinking alcohol throughout the standoff. Court documents say he later admitted he had drunk eight 16-ounce beers.

Mr. Mach finally left his house Wednesday morning after police used chemical agents to force him outside, according to a Davenport Police Department press release. Upon his arrest, Mr. Mach refused medical attention and that he "just wanted to go to jail," court documents say.

A date has not been set for Mr. Mach's sentencing.
Moline police reported Thursday afternoon that Laura Beard, 55, has been found and that her family is en route to be reunited with her.

Earlier story

The Moline Police Department is looking for Laura Beard, 55, who has not been seen since around noon Wednesday, according to the Moline Police Department's Crimestoppers page on Facebook.

She was last seen in her black 2014 Chevrolet Cruz with Illinois license plate S84 8383 near the 1800 block of 17th Ave., Moline. The vehicle has a U of I sticker on the back left window and a Chevy sticker on the front windshield, according to police.

Police ask that anyone with information about Ms. Beard's or her vehicle's whereabouts please contact them at 309-797-0401 or 911.
"Are we winning the war on drugs?"

A recovering heroin addict posed the question to a panel at Scott County's town hall meeting on prescription pain medication abuse and the heroin epidemic.

Panelist Lt. Kevin Smull of the Davenport Police Department answered that law enforcement agencies are doing all they can to come down on cases of illegal drug use, but "we can't arrest our way out of this problem ... we need to educate people."

Education was a common rallying cry across remarks at Wednesday's night meeting at St. Ambrose University. Law enforcement, legal, medical, social work and other professionals gathered to address Scott County citizens about the increasingly dangerous threat heroin and other drugs pose to the community.

Panelist Al Fear of the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative remarked, "I've talked to a lot of people with addictions, and not one of them planned it." Mr. Fear described how for many addicts, opioid use began with a doctor's prescription, be it for a nagging injury or recovery from surgery.

"Then when the prescription runs out," Mr. Fear said, "people turn to heroin because it's readily available and provides a more potent high."

Mr. Fear and others talked about what's being done to counteract the epidemic. Among local improvements discussed were two legislative measures passed in 2016, one in Iowa the other in Illinois, that make opioid reversal drugs more readily available to pharmacists and emergency medical personnel.

Panelists also alluded to a prescription pill drop box where people can properly dispose of unused medicine. "Treat your painkillers like a loaded weapon," Mr. Fear warned.

Panelist Dennis Duke, president of the Robert Young Center, told those present that "as community members, we're all stakeholders." He encouraged people to take what they learned and share it with others, promising that the combined efforts of many can make a difference.
WASHINGTON (AP)  In a resounding rebuke, Democrats joined with Republicans Wednesday to hand Barack Obama the first veto override of his presidency, voting overwhelmingly to allow families of Sept. 11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts for its alleged backing of the attackers.

Both the House and Senate voted decisively to reverse Obama's decision to scuttle the legislation. Democrats in both chambers abandoned the president in large numbers despite warnings from Obama and top national security officials that flaws in the bill could put U.S. interests, troops, and intelligence personnel at risk.

The Senate vote was 97-1, with only Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., backing the president. The House vote a few hours later was 348-77, with 123 Democrats rebuffing the president and voting to override.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois and U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos, of Moline, and Dave Loebsack, of Iowa City -- all Democrats -- joined Republican Sens. Mark Kirk of Illinois and Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, both of Iowa, in voting to override the president's veto.

Lawmakers said their priority wasn't Saudi Arabia, but the 9/11 victims and their families who continue to demand justice 15 years after attackers killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, the Washington, D.C., area, and Pennsylvania. Fifteen of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers were Saudis.

"Overriding a presidential veto is something we don't take lightly, but it was important in this case that the families of the victims of 9/11 be allowed to pursue justice, even if that pursuit causes some diplomatic discomforts," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., a chief sponsor of the bill.

Speaking at a forum in Washington, CIA Director John Brennan said he was concerned about how Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, would interpret the bill. He said the Saudis provide significant amounts of information to the U.S. to help foil extremist plots.

"It would an absolute shame if this legislation, in any way, influenced the Saudi willingness to continue to be among our best counterterrorism partners," Brennan said.

After senators acted, White House spokesman Josh Earnest called the vote the "single most embarrassing thing" the Senate has done in decades and "an abdication" of its responsibility. He accused members of the Senate Judiciary Committee of not understanding the legislation and its impact on the military.

But Republicans and Democrats said the White House had been slow to respond to the bill and miscalculated lawmakers' intent to act on the legislation along with the 15th anniversary of the terror attacks. When Obama and senior national security officials such as Defense Secretary Ash Carter finally weighed in, it was too late.

The Senate passed the bill by voice vote in May. The Obama White House then made the mistake of thinking the bill would stall in the Republican-controlled House. In August, 9/11 families pressured Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., while he was on a campaign swing in New York.

On Sept. 9, two days before the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the House passed the bill by voice vote with little debate.

Despite reversing Obama's decision, a bipartisan group of 28 senators led by Bob Corker, R-Tenn., suggested that defects in the bill could open a legal Pandora's box, triggering lawsuits from people in other countries seeking redress for injuries or deaths caused by military actions in which the U.S. may have had a role.

Corker, the chairman of Foreign Relations Committee, chided the White House for being outraged over the outcome when the administration did so little to sustain the president's veto.

"There was zero desire to sit down and talk about a way to get to a better outcome. Zero," Corker told The Associated Press. "To my knowledge, I don't know of a call from Obama to a single senator over this."

In a letter sent Tuesday to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, Obama said the bill would erode sovereign immunity principles that prevent foreign litigants "from second-guessing our counterterrorism operations and other actions that we take every day."

But proponents of the bill dismissed Obama's concerns as unpersuasive. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, and other supporters said the bill is narrowly tailored and applies only to acts of terrorism that occur on U.S. soil.

Families of the victims and their attorneys dismissed concerns over the legislation as fearmongering. "We rejoice in this triumph and look forward to our day in court and a time when we may finally get more answers regarding who was truly behind the attacks," said Terry Strada, national chair of the 9/11 Families & Survivors United for Justice Against Terrorism.

The legislation gives victims' families the right to sue in U.S. court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks. Courts would be permitted to waive a claim of foreign sovereign immunity when an act of terrorism occurred inside U.S. borders, according to the terms of the bill.

Obama vetoed the measure last week, telling lawmakers the bill would make the U.S. vulnerable to retaliatory litigation.

In a separate letter sent Monday to a senior House member, Defense Secretary Ash Carter described the potential for foreign litigants to seek classified intelligence data and analysis and sensitive operational information to establish their cases in what could be an "intrusive discovery process."
Almost 50 Illinois counties have filed lawsuits against Democratic Governor, JB Pritzker, and the ill crafted SAFE-T Act. Introduced in the General Assembly by the Illinois Black Caucus, the Act passed the Democratic-led General Assembly in the wee hours of Jan. 13, 2021. Amongst many of its weaknesses and deficiencies, the Act eliminates cash bail, emboldens criminals, and makes it even more difficult for law enforcement to keep offenders off our streets. Public Safety personnel and States Attorneys across our great State have decried the legislation, noting that it was drafted and written with very little constructive input from Public Safety leadership, from either party; potentially impacting every Illinois community with dangerous consequences. Allowing perpetrators to bail out of jail, based on their good word that they will be glad to return to court is laughable, at best, and both ludicrous and dangerous, at worst. Soon after the SAFE-T Act was passed at the State level, the Republican-led Henry County Board drafted a resolution, requesting that the General Assembly repeal and replace the SAFE-T Act with a new criminal justice bill, this time with input from professional law enforcement, States Attorneys from across the State, and other Public Safety officials. We unanimously passed our resolution on May 19, 2022, and encourage all County Boards in Illinois to follow our lead. Our Republican-led Board in Henry County believes we all, Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, deserve effective and fair law enforcement in our communities.
German officials could be about to find themselves in an uncomfortable position: Being called on to show they're ready to rescue a bank in a part of the world where such operations are considered taboo.

Deutsche Bank (XETRA:DBK-DE) came under intensified market fire Thursday, the latest salvo being a Bloomberg report that a small number of hedge funds are trimming their sails at the German bank.

In a broad perspective, the move would represent a minor dent in Deutsche's derivatives clearing business. Barry Bausano, chairman of Deutsche's hedge fund business, told CNBC on Thursday that while there have been some outflows, there have also been inflows, which he said is "part of the typical ebbs and flows" of the prime brokerage business.

But at a time when investors are fearing what the future holds for the highly leveraged institution, such news is enough to cause ripples. Shares tumbled more than 7 percent in mid-afternoon trading. The plunge took the broader market down as well.



Consequently, market talk intensified that it's becoming time for the German government step in and assure investors that it will be at the ready to stabilize both Deutsche and the broader system  much along the lines of what U.S. officials had to do during the 2008 financial crisis.



"They're going to probably have to say that they would be willing to put funds into the bank," said banking analyst Christopher Whalen, senior managing director and head of research at Kroll Bond Rating Agency. "It's exactly like what (former Treasury Secretary Henry) Paulson did with Citi ... It's a very analogous situation. Hopefully, the German government will take a page from that particular book and look at how the U.S. responded."

In a statement, Deutsche Bank pointed out that it is financially stable: "Our trading clients are amongst the world's most sophisticated investors. We are confident that the vast majority of them have a full understanding of our stable financial position, the current macro-economic environment, the litigation process in the U.S. and the progress we are making with our strategy"

Story continues

As Citigroup (NYSE:C) teetered in late-2008 and early-2009, Paulson's Treasury stepped in with two cash injections to keep the financial contagion from spreading after Lehman Brothers failed on Sept. 15, 2008. The highly unpopular bailouts kept Citi afloat as fear spread about further implosions in the financial system.

However, the European corporate culture is different, particularly when it comes to banking. Bailouts are considered anathema, and German officials in recent days have signaled an unwillingness to step in.

"The Germans have to stop talking about this publicly unless they say, 'Yep, we got 'em, there is no issue here,'" Whalen said. "The concern is that the statements they did make were not helpful."

The situation conjured dark images of the 2008 financial crisis  with the caveat that the overall risks don't appear as great now as they were then.

"After being there I am literally sitting here with chills coming down my spine because we're in a very similar dynamic," Larry McDonald, head of global strategy at ACG Analytics, said on CNBC's "Power Lunch." "Deutsche Bank is not Lehman in terms of the overall global risk, but the political situation is almost identical."

"The politicians in Germany aren't in position right now to do anything ahead of the election," he added. "The beast in the market, the serpent in the market, knows this, and the market will push and push and push until they break the politicians in Germany to come up with public funds."

In the meantime, market angst builds.

Millennium Partners, Capula Investment Management and Rokos Capital Management are among the 10 hedge funds that have pulled cash and cut positions at Deutsche, according to the Bloomberg report, which noted that most of the 200 firms that conduct derivatives clearing with Deutsche have not altered their positions. Rokos declined comment to CNBC and the other firms did not respond to requests.

Bloomberg cited a company statement in which the bank expressed confidence that most of its clients understand the path Deutsche is taking toward resolving its issues . The bank is in the midst of negotiating a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over mortgage-backed securities. Reports indicate a figure of $14 billion is on the table, which would hit Deutsche hard.

The bank has about about $16 billion in equity and some $160 billion in debt.

"The thing that people forget is the EU has very, very strict rules on the book. The whole thing is no state assistance," Kroll's Whalen said. "The Germans have let this situation with banks fester for years, and unfortunately the guys at Deutsche have waited to settle their outstanding issues. They've always been this way."

CNBC's Wilfred Frost and Patrick Allen contributed to this report.





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The lazy bums still are hanging around the neighborhood. They don't work. They have children they can't support. They go from house to house looking for handouts, here a free meal, there a spot to rest from the rigors of begging. There is some peace at night, but when morning comes they're at it again, lined up for handouts without the slightest show of gratitude.

When will the hummingbirds leave me in peace?

Their sponging season is almost over. In fact, they'd have left weeks ago but my wife insists on feeding them. I keep telling her that the only thing her free lunches do is encourage them to stick around, but she's got a soft spot for the lazy and shiftless. Look who she married.

At least I carry my weight around here. When laundry needs sorting, when the dishes need to be put away, I'm a whirlwind of industry. My wife follows the whirlwind around the house, taking socks out of the underwear drawer, pulling the plastic lids out of the silverware drawer and switching them with the spoons in the Tupperware cabinet. We work as a team around here.

This is more than you can say for the hummingbirds. The simple concepts of "pitching in" and "lending a hand" seem unknown in bird language, much less complicated phrases like "Gee, sir, you look tired; why don't you sit down while I haul that garbage can out to the street and clean the leaves out of the gutters?"

We have four of these parasites living with us this year and four feeders hanging in the yard. With a minimum of cooperation and effort, each hummingbird could be the sole proprietor of its own fountain of plenty. Each could sit in its own reserved spot and drink for free all day long. Every sailors fantasy could be the hummingbirds reality.

But these greedy buzzbombs are belligerent as well as selfish. They spend the entire summer chasing each other from feeder to feeder, from the garage to the fence to the window, for the sole purpose of preventing each other from taking a sip. They'd be a lot better off if they spent more time drinking and less time goaltending.

Certainly they'd be stronger and better prepared for their challenges ahead. These self-centered vagabonds will fly off any day now for the exhausting annual trip to their winter vacation homes in Mexico. I feel sorry for the people who live along the way. They've already got their own hummingbirds flitting around their yards and as soon as their airborne beggars leave, mine will move in. The poor people of Tennessee and Mississippi are running hummingbird pit stops.

If I seem angry, its because of the unfairness that will unfold over the next few months in Illinois. While I'm shoveling mountains of snow off the porch and scraping ice off my car windshield with a pickax, the hummingbirds will be sunning themselves on the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, sipping sweet drinks as mariachi bands stroll past the cabana. The way they desert the Midwest in winter for more tropical climes, youd think they were farmers.

The difference is that farmers work in the summer. For hummingbirds, life is a free 12-month vacation with meals included.

Well, when they return next year theyll find some major changes around here. Franks summer resort will be operating on a pay-as-you go basis and the first thing to go will be the free drinks.
"This stuff has been asked and answered time and time again and we can just get on with it which is why I'm not pulling my bill," Chloe Swarbrick said.

2 hours ago
Cross Country covers 2398km of Britains network, stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance, Bournemouth to Manchester, and Stansted Airport to Cardiff. Arriva Cross Country, a subsidiary of German Rail (DB), will pay the government a premium of 163m to operate the franchise for the next three years.

A DfT spokesman told IRJ that a direct award was chosen for the contract on this occasion because the market can only sustain a limited number of franchise competitions at one time. Bidding is currently open on the South West and West Midlands franchises, with bidding on West Coast set to begin in November, and South Eastern, East Midlands, Wales and Borders and Great Western all due to start throughout 2017.

Beyond the current franchise, expressions of interest for a tender for a new long-term franchise, which will start in October 2019, will open in March 2018, with bidding starting in July that year. The contract will be awarded in June 2019.

The new deal includes a range of benefits for passengers, including:

 39,000 more seats at peak times along the Edinburgh - Plymouth route via Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol by December 2017

 reduced journey times between Birmingham and Manchester, with a typical cut of nine minutes on weekdays and 12 minutes at weekends due to improvements to infrastructure on the route following work by infrastructure manager Network Rail

 20m government investment in more modern trains, which equates to improving access to High-Speed Trains (HST) for people with reduced mobility and installing retention toilets

 9m of this sum will be invested to provide free onboard passenger Wi-Fi services by April 2018, which will use 4G for faster download speeds

 extra services calling at Morpeth

 a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-per-week customer service centre and a new mobile app to buy tickets and check live running times

 a 91% public performance measurement target whereby long-distance trains must arrive within 10 minutes of their stated arrival time, and a less than 3% cancellation or significant lateness measure where trains are operating over 30 minutes late

 waiving the 10 change of travel fee for advance tickets from January 2017, and

 340,000 of annual funding for Community Rail Partnerships across the Cross Country network.

The DfT says Arriva Cross Country will now start work on a new timetable, with a view to introducing enhanced services in December 2017.

Satisfaction is the theme for the range of investments that we will be making, with better faster journeys, more seats and free Wi-Fi, says Mr Andy Cooper, Arriva Cross Country managing director. We will also be looking to our customers for feedback on how we can deliver them great journeys, and a strong focus on engaging with the many communities and stakeholders our trains serve across the country.

 The DfT has also announced that Metroline, which is owned by Singaporean transport operator ComfortDelGro, has secured a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) passport, enabling the company to express interest in franchise opportunities up to 2019.
The plan was presented by FS CEO Mr Renato Mazzoncini together with FS president Ms Gioia Ghezzi to a gathering of financial institutions and analysts together with Italys prime minister Mr Matteo Renzi and the minister of infrastructure and transport Mr Graziano Delrio.

The plan is designed to transform FS from a traditional national railway into an international integrated mobility provider for both passenger and freight. The plan has what Mazzoncini describes as five strategic pillars:

 greater integration with other operators to provide door-to-door passenger services

 a radical reorganisation of FS freight business to turn it into an integrated logistics operation

 integration of rail and road infrastructure

 international expansion, and

 digitisation.

The plan calls for a capital investment budget of 94bn, comprising 73bn for infrastructure, 14bn for rolling stock, and 7bn for technical development. An investment of 33bn is foreseen in the conventional rail network, 24bn for the high-speed network, and 5bn for the TEN-T corridors that cross Italy. Work has started on the 6bn Naples  Bari high-speed project.

FS says 58bn is already available of which 23bn is self-financed and 35bn has been allocated under the contract programme agreed between FS and the government.

Under the plan, FS expects revenue to grow from the 9bn forecast for this year to 17.6bn by 2026 while Ebitda will double from 2.3bn this year to 4.6bn in 2026. Mazzoncini says that more than 70% of the expected growth will be generated from existing activities coupled with the five strategic pillars, which means that business risk will remain substantially unaltered during the 10-year period.

FS wants to play a greater role in urban transport, where rail currently has a 5.2% market share. It will do this by participating in tenders for the provision of services and acquiring other operators where possible.

FS plans to introduce a journey planner so that passengers can plan their trips from door-to-door based on their personal preferences. FS says this is now possible thanks to big data and advanced analysis tools used in digital platforms, which will enable it to add additional services such as station mapping, an electronic wallet, notifications about delays, and video chatting.

The plan assumes that FS will merge with Italys state-owned road construction and management company Anas which FS says will produce savings of 400m through rationalisation. Anas has planned investments of 15.5bn, which when added to rail increases total investment to $78bn.

FS intends to spend 1.5bn on developing its freight and logistics business, with 1.1bn allocated to rolling stock, 300m for terminals and logistics, and 100m for information technology. Turnover is forecast to more than double from 1bn this year to 2.1bn by 2026.

The freight business will be restructured to avoid duplication of activities and maximise efficiency under the new name Mercitalia (Freight Italy), which will have three divisions: Mercitalia Rail, Mercitalia Logistic, and Mercitalia Terminal, together employing 4000 people.

International expansion

International revenue currently accounts for 13% of total income and FS wants to increase this to 23% by 2026 which means international revenue will double over the next decade to reach 4.2bn. Mazzoncini says this will put FS on a par with other European railways.

FS will adopt a three-pronged strategy to develop its international business. One involves building and upgrading railways in other countries particularly for high-speed, such as in Iran where two new lines are proposed. Target areas are the Middle East, the Americas and Africa.

FS also wants to become a high-speed operator abroad. One avenue will be to develop existing cross-border services to destinations in France, Switzerland and Germany through the new Gotthard Base Tunnel, and to Ljubljana, Slovenia and Belgrade, Serbia. Another strategy will be to operate services in other countries in competition with existing operators. Here FS has its sights on the Paris - Brussels, Paris - Bordeaux, Hamburg - Cologne, Athens - Thessaloniski through its acquisition of Trainose in Greece, and London - Edinburgh routes.

Finally, FS wants to increase its presence in the urban transport market outside Italy by leveraging its presence abroad and finding opportunities for road-rail integration through infrastructure projects implemented by FS.
Steve Mollenkopf qualcomm ceo

Qualcomm is in talks to buy NXP Semiconductors, according to Eyk Henning, Dana Mattioli and Dana Cimilluca at The Wall Street Journal.

Qualcomm is worth $95 billion, while NXP has a market cap of $32 billion.

A deal could happen within the next two to three months, according to the report.

A spokesperson for Netherlands-based NXP said the company does not comment on "rumors or speculation."

The deal would add to a wave of consolidation that's swept the semiconductor industry in the past few years.

There has been a frenzy of multibillion-dollar deals in the tech industry over the past 20 months, including Intel's takeover of Altera, Avago's acquisition of Broadcom, and Dell's $67 billion takeover of EMC.

Also, Analog Devices struck a $14.8 billion deal to buy Linear Technology, Dutch chip-making company ASML bought Taiwan's Hermes Microvision for $3.1 billion, and NXP sold its standard-products business to a group of Chinese investors for $2.75 billion.

NXP shares jumped by as much as 17% after the news. Trading of the stock was briefly halted for volatility.

Qualcomm shares gained 6%.

Screen Shot 2016 09 29 at 4.25.32 PM

NOW WATCH: STIGLITZ: It makes me crazy that everyone gets this wrong about the economy





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Ahead of MIPCOM 2016 next month, BBC Worldwide has sold The Great British Bake Off format to NOVA in Bulgaria and TV Azteca in Mexico.





The agreement with Mexicos second largest free-to-air (FTA) network marks the formats first sale in a Spanish-speaking Latin American country on FTA TV.The Great British Bake Off is a competition format where amateur bakers have to impress the judges with their baking skills. Produced by Love Productions for the BBC, the format has been licensed to 23 countries, including Australia, France, South Africa and Brazil. In fact, in Brazil series two of the local version Mao na Massa, aired on SBT, has become the No 1 cooking show in the country.Bake Off has proved an international hit for BBC Worldwide and continues to win new fans in every corner of the globe, commented Suzanne Kendrick, head of global format sales at BBC Worldwide Novas Bulgarian version is set to premiere in prime time later this year, while TV Aztecas adaptation will start airing in early 2017.
Vostochny Cosmodrome contractor's CEO gets 3.5 years in prison for embezzlement

MOSCOW, September 29 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  The Blagoveshchensk City Court in the Amur Region has sentenced Oleg Rodionov, CEO of the company Dobrostroy, a contractor in the Vostochny Cosmodrome project, to 3.5 years in prison for large scale embezzlement, the courts press service announces on Thursday.

Additionally, the court ordered Rodionov to pay 1.7 million rubles ($27,000) to Dalspetsstroy, the company in charge of the space center construction.

The court and investigation found that in July 2013, Director General of Dobrostroy Rodionov and Dalspetsstroy signed a construction contract for conducting a range of building and installation works at the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

According to court papers, between October and November 2013, Dalspetsstroy Construction Departments branch transferred 2.7 million rubles ($42,300) to Dobrostroy. However, the contractor has accounted for less than 1 million rubles.

The court held that Rodionov has embezzled the entrusted money and caused damage to Dalspetsstroy amounting to1.7 million rubles.

The construction of the space center, due to become Russia's main launch site, began in 2012. The facility is planned to be completed in 2016.
Russian Supreme Court upholds ban of Crimean Tatar Majlis

MOSCOW, September 29 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov)  The Supreme Court of Russia has upheld the Crimean Supreme Courts ruling over ban of Crimean Tatar Majlis, RAPSI learned in the court on Thursday.

On April 26, the Supreme Court of Crimea granted a lawsuit filed by republics Prosecutor Natalia Poklonskaya and banned the Majlis of Crimean Tatars as extremist organization.

The ruling came into force today.

Poklonskaya stated that members of the Majlis of Crimean Tatars public association are focused on anti-Russian activity. According to Prosecutor, the Majlis leaders, Refat Chubarov and Mustafa Dzhemilev, have organized food and energy blockade of the peninsula. They allegedly cooperate with various terrorist organizations as well.

After Crimea reunited with Russia in 2014, both Dzhemilev and Chubarov were banned from entering the republic for five years. The regional officials claim that the Tatar leaders activity incited inter-ethnic hatred.

In May 2015, a criminal case has been opened in Crimea against Refat Chubarov over public calls for extremist activity.

Chubarov has been president of the World Congress of Crimean Tatars since 2009. In November 2013, he replaced Mustafa Dzhemilev as head of Crimean Tatar Majlis (parliament), an organization not registered under Russian law.
Over 300 people died from medical malpractice in 2016  Russian official

ST.PETERSBURG, September 29 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  Over 300 people died in Russia because of medical errors and poor healthcare delivery in 2016, the head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, announced at the meeting of the Board of Iatrogenic Crime Investigation on Thursday.

In 2015, 888 persons were recognized as victims of iatrogenic crimes; 712 of them including 317 children died through improper medical treatment. In 2016, 142 children out of 352 victims died from medical errors, Bastrykin said.

According to the official, investigators received 2,516 reports of crimes connected with medical malpractice in the first half of 2016. As a result, 419 criminal cases were opened.

Bastrykin also pointed out that there are situations in certain Russias regions, including Republic of Bashkortostan and Ulyanovsk Oblast, when investigators passed unjustified proceeding decisions or were inactive in such cases. He demanded thorough investigation of patients death in each specific case.
At this years Insurtech Connect conference, Insider Engage spoke to Pranav Pasricha, Swiss Re's global head property and casualty solutions, Reinsurance, to discuss why the protection gap is the biggest challenge the reinsurance industry faces today and how Swiss Re is using technology to support clients to respond to new and emerging threats.
Roughly 500 years ago, Nicolaus Copernicus theorized that the Earth revolved around the sun, a fact that Galileo Galilei confirmed a century later. The breakthrough helped usher in a new era of scientific discovery, sparking numerous technological revolutions in the following centuries. The advent of the printing press and Galileo's challenges to the church represented inflection points in the advance of science and technology. From then on, technological growth was no longer incremental but exponential, as new ideas, technologies and theories emerged at an ever-increasing rate of speed.

Today, the pace of technological change continues to accelerate. Advances in areas such as nanotechnology and materials science, smart factories, additive manufacturing, autonomous cars, gene-editing techniques, and battery technology stand to alter life on Earth, not only for individuals but also for the nations they inhabit. The world's countries will experience the radical transformation that disruptive technologies bring at different times and to different extents, some more favorably than others. But technological development and diffusion do not happen at random; geopolitical factors play a determining role in the process. Recognizing which countries are best situated to take advantage of emerging technologies can help us understand what the geopolitical order will look like two decades from now.

Determining Factors

A country's geopolitical constraints and national strategy dictate what technologies it will develop or adopt. For example, as a vast territory whose major borders with Europe are largely indefensible, Russia has historically been susceptible to invasion. The country has long prioritized maintaining a large and capable military to mitigate the risk of invasion, devoting much of its efforts in science and technology development through the years to military and intelligence applications. By contrast, Japan has shifted its focus over time, gradually diverting its research and development resources from military to commercial applications to become a world leader in consumer technologies. But these factors are not immutable, nor are they the only considerations determining when and whether a country will adopt a new technology.

Geography and Infrastructure

One of the first things to consider when evaluating a country's technological trajectory is its geography and existing infrastructure. Because of its harsh geography and scarce water resources, for example, Israel has spent considerable time and resources to develop technologies that conserve, reuse and desalinate water. Today, the country is at the forefront of water technology development.

Labor Flexibility and Demographics

Labor considerations are similarly central to technological development. Over the next few decades, Japan will be one of several countries reckoning with a dwindling population, a smaller workforce and the changing demands that new technologies will make on its labor pool. But the country's inflexible labor markets are designed to protect existing workers' rights, limiting the country's ability to adapt quickly to shifting labor requirements. If Japan does not adopt new technologies  such as advanced manufacturing techniques  to compensate for its lost labor productivity, its aging population could cost the country revenue.

Capital Availability and Mobility

Capital deployment is critical in determining whether countries can adopt certain technologies, since a larger base of capital allows a country to invest in and develop a wider range of technologies. As the world's most developed market for capital, the United States can spend substantial amounts of money on research and development in several different fields. At the same time, the country's startup and venture capital culture drives innovation, particularly in the computer hardware and software sectors. Japan, on the other hand, lacks a similar venture capital environment and relies instead on corporate capital to finance startups.

Education Systems and Technological Maturity

Education systems provide the building blocks of a country's science and technology capacity. In addition, educational policies can set the course for a country's technological development, emphasizing different areas of study and cultivating the necessary knowledge and skills in future workers. The maturation of a nation's abilities in a specific technological field, meanwhile, follows sequential stages of development, such that China has progressed over time from importing semiconductors to building them in its own facilities, albeit with foreign support. Once the country has mastered indigenous production, it can then move on to competing globally to develop the world's most powerful computer chips.

Regulatory Flexibility and Proactive Policy

Emerging technologies often represent a challenge to regulatory environments. In the United States, for example, regulatory bodies have struggled to adapt existing conventions to accommodate automated vehicle technology, though the country managed quickly enough to institute a tailored policy for automated vehicles. Proactive government policies to clarify an emerging technology's regulatory environment  or to identify roadblocks to doing so  can facilitate a new advancement's development or implementation. Furthermore, a country's corporate regulatory environment plays an important role in its startup culture, determining the ease with which companies can be established.

Social Acceptance

To achieve its potential, a technology must first be accepted and adopted by society. Emerging technologies in areas such as robotics and additive manufacturing stand to transform labor markets, potentially inviting backlash from certain populations. In Japan, however, social acceptance of humanoid robots, medical robots and related technologies is high, and the country's historical aversion to immigration remains unchanged, making it more likely than other countries to adopt the technologies for use in the service sector.

The United States: At the Forefront

Only one country in the world stands at the forefront of research and development in almost all areas of science and technology: the United States. Thanks to its geographic advantages, the United States has amassed abundant capital, which has, in turn, enabled it to spend much of its history as a leader in technological innovation, development and deployment. The country boasts strong academic institutions that support its education system and attract foreign researchers, while its flexible labor markets and regulations help it quickly react to and integrate new technologies. Its national wealth, moreover, exceeds 33 percent of global wealth  more than the next five countries combined  enabling the United States to keep outspending its competitors in research and development. And unlike much of the rest of the developed world, the population of the United States is set to keep growing.

Two decades from now, these advantages will continue to underpin the United States' status as a technology leader, putting the country at the forefront of emerging technologies, including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, quantum-based technology and areas that have yet to be defined. The United States has played this role for a century now and will likely maintain it for the next several decades. Even so, the country will face competition in every area of technological development and rivalries in certain fields. Germany's chemical sector, for instance, will remain on par with that of the United States, and Japan's prowess in electronics and high technology will endure. But no other country can easily match the United States' broad reach in technology.

China: Contending With Constraints

Because of its sheer size, China comes closest to the United States in its ability to develop and integrate new technologies. But it has its limits. Beijing prioritizes internal cohesion and stability, and one of its biggest challenges is managing social unrest. Despite 40 years of economic success, the country remains relatively poor, with a nominal gross domestic product per capita of just $7,924 in 2015, according to the World Bank  a mere fraction of even South Korea's. Though China's size allows it to pool resources for national priorities, its low levels of wealth, capital and development make it hard to achieve expansive technological gains throughout society.

Besides this, China's resources are scarce relative to its population size. In predominantly private-run commercial sectors such as electronics and consumer-goods manufacturing, the country's deficiencies in capital mobility, regulatory flexibility and education are more apparent. Even in those areas where the government sets clear targets  for instance, computer hardware development  China has not advanced beyond imitating or licensing and using foreign technology.

Whether China can break its dependence on foreign technology remains to be seen. As the country develops, its fractures become all the more pronounced. China's labor surplus is beginning to dry up as wages increase domestically. To compensate, Beijing will adopt and construct (though not necessarily develop) industrial robotics, technology that could allow the country to finally overcome the geopolitical barriers that have blocked its progress in the past. But managing the population throughout these transitions will prove a difficult task. In fact, China's inflexible labor markets and education systems could leave workers more frustrated over their diminishing employment prospects if their skills do not match the demands of the job market. And though new technology will help China to correct some of its deficiencies, the country is likely to remain a step behind global leaders, impeded by its inherent limitations.

Still, for a developing nation, China is relatively advanced in technologies that support national security initiatives, including aerospace, quantum-based technologies, biotechnology and cyber security. In some of these sectors (for instance, quantum-based technologies) China is among the world's leaders, while in other areas (such as cutting-edge jet engines) the country has struggled to move beyond reverse-engineering foreign designs. Beijing will continue to prioritize military technologies in its educational systems and pour funding into research and development in those areas.

Japan: An Aging Economy

Over the next several decades, Japan will face two main challenges. China's rise as a military and economic competitor will drive Tokyo to normalize its military and force Japanese companies to adapt to new competition. Meanwhile, Japan's demographic crisis is expected to reduce the country's population by roughly 10 percent in the next 15 years, slashing its workforce.

Japan will work to develop technologies that help mitigate the economic effects of its demographic decline, an endeavor the country has the financial power and educational resources to support. This will put Japan at the forefront of the most advanced manufacturing technologies and in the vanguard of lifelike robotics, health care and medicine. Though the emphasis on steadying Japan's economy could divert funding from military and indigenous technological development, the costs of ignoring the demographic crisis are far too high for Japan. After all, falling tax revenue would reduce the country's spending capacity across the board. As long as it remains under the United States' security umbrella, Japan can afford to prioritize maintaining its economic advantage over China and South Korea.

Europe: A Rift Widens

In Europe, technological developments and the economic gains that they bring will further divide the Continent. Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the Scandinavian countries are not only Europe's economic engine, but they are also its technological powerhouse. Like Japan, however, these countries will experience demographic declines in the coming years, which may divert their attention to developing and adopting technologies to ease the burden of a shrinking workforce. The degree to which this happens depends to some extent on the future of the European Union itself. If the bloc and the Schengen zone endure, the countries may turn to cheaper labor sources  from within the European Union  freeing their research and development sectors to focus on other areas of technology.

The opposite may be true for Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal and parts of France. Relative to their northern counterparts, these countries have less access to capital and particularly inflexible labor markets. The region will likely spend much of the next decade dealing with the fallout of its continuing financial crisis, and it will not have the resources to devote to research and development or emerging technologies. Consequently, the countries' most skilled workers may decide to seek work elsewhere in the bloc, dooming Southern Europe to fall even further behind the rest of the developed world in science and technology.

A New Model for Development

As critical as emerging technologies will be in determining the developed world's trajectory, they will have an even more profound effect on developing nations. Advanced manufacturing techniques using robotics, additive manufacturing and other emerging technologies could disrupt the very process by which countries develop. For the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea and now China, manufacturing was an integral part of their economic progression. Though advanced manufacturing may not break that paradigm, it could limit the extent of development that can occur simultaneously around the world, reducing the number of countries or regions that can take advantage of the process. Furthermore, it will change the way developing countries achieve technological proficiency, altering the time-honored cycle of imitating existing technologies, modifying them and then developing them domestically.

Catching up with the developed world in science and technology is no small feat. It took Japan and South Korea several generations to complete the move from low-end to high-end manufacturing and from duplicating technologies to innovating. It is hard to imagine that any country in the developing world can cut that process short and reach even Taiwan's or China's level of technological development in the next 20 years.

The nations with the best chance of even approaching that accomplishment are those that have a wealth of human capital at their disposal  for example, India. The country will be keen to adopt technologies that help it overcome the geographic and infrastructure limitations that have hampered its manufacturing sector, though the process will be slow. At the same time, its large size and vast resources will enable India to compete with more advanced countries in areas in which its government is already focused, such as military hardware development.

Since Copernicus and Galileo helped to usher in the technological age, the world's dynamics have changed more and more with each subsequent revolution. Examining the interplay between technology and geopolitics allows us to predict how the rapid advancements on the horizon will change not only the way people live, but also the way nations interact.
A year ago, presidents Barack Obama and Xi Jinping stood next to each other and declared that neither the U.S. nor Chinese governments will conduct or knowingly support cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property, including trade secrets or other confidential business information for commercial advantage. Despite a great deal of warranted skepticism about the agreement initially, much of the heat surrounding cybersecurity in the bilateral relationship has dissipated. It is Russia, and the alleged hacks of the Democratic National Committee and World Anti Doping Agency, that now dominates the headlines and drives much of U.S. cybersecurity policy discussion.

When he announced the agreement, President Obama warned We will be watching carefully to make an assessment as to whether progress has been made in this area. The available evidence suggests that the overall level of Chinese-backed hacking has gone down. FireEye released a report in June 2016 that claimed the the number of network compromises by the China-based hacking groups it tracks dropped from 60 in February 2013 to less than 10 by May 2016. Absence of evidence is not the same thing as evidence of absence, and the Chinese may be becoming more stealthy and sophisticated in their attacks. Indeed FireEye noted that decline in number of attacks may be accompanied by a rise in the sophistication of attacks. U.S. Assistant Attorney General John Carlin confirmed the companys findings that attacks were less voluminous but more focused and calculated. Chinese hackers may have shifted their focus to other targets. Kaspersky Labs reported Chinese hacking of Russian defense, nuclear, and aviation industries rose nearly threefold in the first seven months of 2016

A month after signing the agreement with the United States, China inked a similar deal with the United Kingdom, and, in November 2015, China, Brazil, Russia, the United States, and other members of the Group of Twenty accepted the norm against conducting cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property. The United States and China have also held two round of cyber talks between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS), the first in December 2015, the second in June 2016. At these meetings, Washington and Beijing agreed on the guidelines for requesting assistance on cybercrime, discussed establishing a hotline, and conducted tabletop exercises. In August, the Ministry of Public Security reported that the hotline between DHS and MPS was up and running.

The shift in Chinese hacking seems to have been driven by external and internal forces. Over a two year span, the United States mounted an aggressive naming and shaming campaign, indicted five Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) hackers, and, in the weeks before the September summit, hinted it would sanction Chinese individuals or entities that benefited from cyber-enabled theft. Xi Jinpings anti-corruption campaign and the clamp down on criminal use of state resources as well as efforts to modernize the PLA and bring cyber operations under more centralized control may have also produced the decline in hacking.

Former National Security Agency official Dave Aitel argues that the Chinese move to a higher grade of hacking, and increased capabilities across the board, make it more likely that the United States and China will be able to cooperate in cyberspace. As Aitel puts it, You dont have to hack EVERYTHING if you can hack ANYTHING, and this allows for collaboration on areas of shared interest.

I am less optimistic. Beijing and Washington do have shared interests in cybersecuritypreventing the proliferation of capabilities to non-state actors; limiting attacks that threaten global financial networks and the integrity of the internetbut it is very difficult to convert these shared concerns into concrete cooperation. Moreover, strategic mistrust is high between the two sides, and they remain divided over many other digital issues, including the free flow of information, internet governance, data localization, and how to best secure information technology products and supply chains. But Aitel is right that cooperation would certainly be nearly impossible if the high rates of theft of intellectual property were continuing. Lets hope that the attacks on the private sector remain low, and that the United States and China can build on the agreement in other areas of cyberspace.
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Kim Kardashian has filed a complaint against Vitalii Sediuk, the man known for assaulting celebrities, after he attempted to kiss her on the backside in Paris.

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Video taken outside L'Avenue restaurant in Paris on Wednesday showed Sediuk running up behind Kardashian as she walked from her car to the restaurant.

He bent down behind her and attempted to kiss her on the backside before he was tackled by her security.

Kardashian, who had a run-in with Sediuk last year, has reached out to French authorities to file an official complaint.

In an Instagram post, Sediuk claimed the stunt was in protest to Kardashian's role in setting cultural beauty standards.

"I was protesting Kim for using fake butt implants," Sediuk said.

"I encourage her and the rest of Kardashian clan to popularise natural beauty among teenage girls who follow and defend them blindly."

"I was sitting there outside the posh restaurant to use free wifi and eating my ice-cream. When all of a sudden, the pack of paparazzi came out and the car with Kim Kardashian," he added.

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"I swear I didn't know she was going to be there. So I had to come out with an idea very fast. Does it mean if I don't go to celebrities, they come to me?"

Sediuk is also behind a recent attack on model Gigi Hadid as she was leaving a fashion show in Milan recently.

Hadid, who elbowed Sediuk in the head after he ambushed her and lifted her into the air, said afterward that she "had every right to defend myself."
Former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is unapologetic, and some would say unrepentant. Unlike many of his cohort from the George W. Bush White House who have either denounced Donald Trump or have remained mum on the man, Rumsfeld is a supporter. Im Republican, Im endorsing the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, he tells me. And the former Secretary of Defense doesnt truck with those who blame him for the mess that is the Middle East right now. I simply think thats not true, he says.

When pressed about some of Trumps positions, however, it becomes slightly more complicated. He acknowledges that Trumps thinking doesnt always jibe (my word, not Rummys) with his, saying he doesnt agree with Trump on everything. Like what exactly? Building a wall with Mexico and making that country pay for it? Banning Muslims from coming into the US? Rumsfeld wouldnt comment specifically on either.

Ive never met him so I dont know him, Rumsfeld remarked. He notes that Trump has a singular way of putting things. For instance: NATO could benefit from some readjustment, Rumsfeld says. When I say it that way, peoples eyes glaze over. When he says it his way he gets the Republican nomination. As for Hillary Clinton, she has a history of not being believable, he says. She is an unacceptable choice.

What should the next president do? America needs to act like a superpower, Rumsfeld says. Weve created a leadership vacuum. Rumsfeld ticks off cyber security, ISIS, Russian aggression and says all these developments would be having different outcomes if the United States would act like a super power again. How do we do that, I asked? To be proud of what we have achieved as a nation, that we are a model that people all over the world want to replicate, that freedom does have a value. Its not an accident that this continent, North America, is the most successful continent on the face of the earth. By golly, we oughta be proud of what weve got as a nation.

Story continues

As for those who blame him for the current situation in the Middle East, he disagrees, saying, President Bush made a decision on Iraq that was the only decision he could make. The evidence was persuasive to a majority of the member of the Senate and House Democrats and Republicans it strikes me that he made the proper decision based on the facts that he had. Personally I think the worlds a better place without Saddam Hussein. Rumsfeld says the Obama administration withdrew from Iraq in a way that contributed to that instability.

I asked Rumsfeld about leaked emails that reportedly show former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice criticizing Rumsfeld in messages to former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Rumsfeld deflected his response towards Powell: Oh, Colin was an equal opportunity critic of everybody, he says. The two of them [Rice and Powell] were chatting back and forth, and if I were Colin Powell, I would be pretty embarrassed.

I noted that its kind of tough with all the hacking going on. Its not tough for me, Rumsfeld chuckles. I never used email when I was in government. We were concerned about hacking as a result  I just didnt do it.

So how does he see the election shaping up? Rumsfeld cant resist referencing his most famous trope. You have a known known on the Democratic side, he says. And a known unknown on Republican side, he says. Its going to be a very close contest I think.

Sounds like an unknown unknown to me.
In this Sept. 19, 2016 file photo, Jocelyn Moorhouse, director and co-writer of the film "The Dressmaker," poses for a portrait at Broad Green Pictures in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

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By LINDSEY BAHR, AP Film Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP)  The comeback tale of "The Dressmaker" director Jocelyn Moorhouse is a Hollywood story in its own right.

Twenty-one years ago, Moorhouse was handed the keys to the kingdom  or at least that's how it felt at the time. The young Australian director had one well-received film under her belt, "Proof," and was producing "Muriel's Wedding" for her husband, director P.J. Hogan, when she got a call from Steven Spielberg. He asked if she wanted to direct the generational drama "How to Make an American Quilt." The answer, of course, was yes.

"It was like the great hand of cinema had reached down and gone 'we'll take you now,'" Moorhouse said.

Suddenly she was rubbing elbows with Anne Bancroft, Maya Angelou and the scores of other fierce female talents of all ages in that lovely ensemble film.

She was still editing "Quilt," and seven months pregnant with her second child, by the time she was meeting with Michelle Pfeiffer and Jessica Lange about her next project, the "King Lear"-inspired drama "A Thousand Acres." That went into production soon after.

It was a meteoric rise that few in Hollywood ever get. Then she left it all behind for nearly two decades. Her 2-year-old daughter, Lily, had been diagnosed with autism.

"That changed my life and nothing else mattered," Moorhouse said. "The film industry seemed extremely trivial compared to trying to work out the mysteries of my daughter's brain."

Then, in 2005, just as she was thinking about coming back, her son, Jack, got the same diagnosis and she wasn't sure she'd ever go back to directing. All of her energy, creative and otherwise, and money were focused on the kids.

As the years went by and the kids made strides, she started wondering if she could start up her directing career again. She had continued producing for Hogan and would direct little films for her children too. She also had a fourth child who was not autistic.

And then producer Sue Maslin called. A big fan of "Proof," Maslin wanted to see if Moorhouse would be willing to direct an adaptation of Rosalie Ham's "The Dressmaker ," now playing in limited release, about a woman returning to the small town that wronged her years ago.

"Jocelyn has the rare gift to be able to successfully walk the tightrope between comedy and tragedy on screen and no matter how fantastical, make it truthful at all times," Maslin said.

For Moorhouse, it was like another hand coming down saying "we want you back now." And she was ready.

She likes to describe the story as "'Unforgiven' with a sewing machine."

Moorhouse recruited Kate Winslet for the leading role and Judy Davis to play her estranged mother.

"(Davis and Winslet) both loved that it was very funny and very sad," she said. "I would say 'that's kind of how I see my life. It's a tragicomedy!' Live long enough and most people's lives are."

She also got her "Proof" star Hugo Weaving to play a cop with a secret and cast Liam Hemsworth as a strapping local who becomes smitten with Winslet's Tilly  a relationship with an age difference that she knows makes some men wince.

"Liam didn't. He's like 'uh, she's gorgeous. Of course, my character would go after her. She's the best thing to happen to this town. Why would I not want that woman?' And I said, 'you're absolutely right, young man.'"

"The Dressmaker" breaks all the rules of what one might expect, not least because it's a story told from a female point of view.

"It a very female film and some men might find that alien. As women, we are so used to watching films from a male point of view it's almost like we speak two languages. We're bilingual and we don't even know it. They're not. And that has to change," she said. "Eventually a man will be able to see a woman's film and not call it a woman's film."

Moorhouse lights up speaking about being "back."

"I was born to do this and not able to do it for a while. As soon as I got back into it, every day was a joy on set. I just kept smiling. Even if it was a terrible day, I thought 'my god! Thank god I'm a director again!'

Moorhouse has a handful of independent projects in the works, including a script she just finished about the marriage of composers Clara Schumann and Robert Schumann  and how a 20-year-old Johannes Brahms fell in love with the 37-year-old Clara.

Moorhouse loves highlighting the quiet subversion of these romances, saying she knows a lot of older women and younger men in relationships. Even her grandmother was 10 years older than her grandfather.

"Though if you listen to most blokes, they act horrified," she laughed.

She'd happily work inside the Hollywood system again too, as long as she had creative control.

"I want to be able to keep my voice now that I've found it again," she said. "I'm not going anywhere after this."
Lively crowd at Woodys Brewing Co. in downtown Redding

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By Marc Beauchamp

I would eat here again  several times, a friend said after we introduced him to Woodys Brewing Co. on Oregon Street in downtown Redding.

We dropped in for dinner last Friday evening after a jam-packed art opening in the gallery above the antique mall next door. Woodys was busy, but we soon got a table for our party of eight.

We started with a nacho platter, which hit the spot and got raves. Among the entrees we ordered: the linguini and clams special, the spicy California chicken sandwich, a Caesar salad and the Woodys burger.

Woodys is one of my favorite places downtown and, for the record, Im not really much of a beer drinker.

Musician/writer Jim Dyar, one of our group on Friday, ordered a sample serving of the Double Nutty Imperial Brown Ale and then a glass of the popular Teachers Aide American Amber. Beers are brewed on site; several stainless steel tanks are visible behind the bar.

Among the popular appetizers are the pork wings and the house-made tots, lightly sprinkled with garlic. The latter were a big hit at our table.

It was a lively scene but Dyar noted something missing. I like the fact that they dont have a bunch of flat-screen TVs everywhere. Amen.

Desserts included the Xango, a cheesecake-stuffed flour tortilla sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with rum caramel, and the Wookie, a huge cookie baked with malted grains and topped with ice cream.

To my dismay they were sold out of the Pray for Powder Creme Brulee  made with roasted espresso beans and Woodys rich porter.

Woodys servers are first-rate. Like Joel Chase, whos waited on us several times. He makes it look easy.

On our previous visit, earlier in the summer, I chatted with Miranda Vorhis and her friend Tina Johns, who ordered hot sandwiches and were sharing a flight of beer. Woody's, Vorhis said, is one of my favorites. I come for the food. Its hard (in Redding) to find something different.

Woodys is definitely that  different, imaginative, eclectic and fun. For that we can thank the visionary owners, Pat, Andrew and Scott Wlodarczyk. (Woodys recently boasted 4.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.com.)

As we left, around 9:30, one member of our party, noting the overflow crowd at the art gallery and the happening scene at Woodys, said, Downtown Redding definitely seems to have a pulse. Yep, it did and it does.

go now 

Woodys Brewing Co.

Address: 1257 Oregon St., Redding

Phone: 768-1034

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Closed Monday

Web site: www.woodysbrewing.biz

Social media: Facebook

Owners: Pat, Andrew and Scott Wlodarczyk

Established: January 2015

Sample menu items:

Woodys pork wings $9.99

Woodys tots $7.99

Nacho platter $9.99

Cobb salad $11.99

Jalapeno burger ( lb) $12.99

Spicy California Chicken sandwich $11.99

Creme brulee $7.99
Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight

Shasta County sheriff's deputies arrest Erik Steinbeiss, of Redding, on suspicion of fleeing the scene of a fire he started after driving his car through dry grass on Wednesday in Mountain Gate Meadows.

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By Nathan Solis of the Redding Record Searchlight

About 1 acre of grass burned Wednesday afternoon after a Redding man drove his SUV through the dry grass and then tried to run away from the blaze he started, fire officials said.

Erik Steinbeiss, 33, of Redding, drove his vehicle through dry, high grass in a field in Mountain Gate Meadows, south of Shasta Lake, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Law Enforcement.

After his SUV became stuck the heat sparked the dry grass, according to fire officials.

The fire was quickly put out, but not before it burned about an acre and the vehicle.

Cal Fire's Darren Stewart said Steinbeiss was arrested on suspicion of recklessly causing a fire.

After the fire started Steinbeiss tried to run away from law enforcement, but he was caught near Wonderland Boulevard, about a mile from where he left his vehicle.

The fire was reported at 1:10 p.m. and was put out by Cal Fire and Shasta Lake Fire Protection District crews.

Steinbeiss was booked into the Shasta County Jail by Cal Fire Law Enforcement. It was not clear where Steinbeiss was going when he drove through the high grass.

There were no injuries reported.

The Shasta County Sheriff's Office also helped in Steinbeiss' arrest.

Meanwhile on Wednesday afternoon in Millville, fire crews extinguished a grass fire that burned 5 acres. That fire came close to burning a garage on Mallard Way, about eight miles southeast of Palo Cedro.

The fire was contained and there were no reported injuries, according to Cal Fire Capt. Troy Velin.

The cause of that fire was under investigation.
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By Nathan Solis of the Redding Record Searchlight

The Shasta County Clerk's Office saw an uptick in online voter registrations in the past 12 days, with 225 of those coming in on Tuesday, the day after the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Altogether, about 1,400 people have registered in the past two weeks, said Shasta County Clerk Cathy Darling Allen.

"So, that would indicate an uptick, for sure," she said.

This does not mean all those registrations are new voters, with some only changing their address and re-registering.

The last day to register to be eligible to vote in November's election is Oct. 24.

Registered voters who want to receive mail-in ballots can request them by Oct. 10.

Allen didn't have the latest breakdown on how many of those recent registrations were Republicans or Democrats, but the current numbers for the county looks like this: of the 96,904 voters in Shasta County, 46,270 are registered as Republicans and 24,575 are Democrats. There are 20,647 who registered with no party affiliation and just 5,412 fall into other political parties.

The ballot for the Nov. 8 election is large, with the presidential race, 17 state initiatives, a U.S. Senate race as well as local City Council and two county supervisor races. Redding voters will be asked whether they want to increase their local sales tax by half a percent to help fund more police officers, firefighters, jail cells and a sobering center.

Several school districts are looking for voters to pass bonds that would go to renovate campuses and repair leaky roofs and poor plumbing. And the Cottonwood Fire Protection District hopes this time the several hundred voters in its district will finally pass a long-sought $4 million bond to build a new fire station. It currently operates out of a small, outdated building never meant to be a fire station.

Turnout is expected to be higher than normal. During the June primary elections, 52 percent of voters showed up to the polls in Shasta County. About 21,400 Republican voters pulled the lever for Trump in June and Clinton lost out to Bernie Sanders, who got 9,026 voters.

Political analysists, like FiveThirtyEight and Pew Research, said primary election turnout is not always an indication of who will go to the polls in November.

Shasta County residents can register online at elections.co.shasta.ca.us or in person at 1643 Market St. in Redding, at the Market Street Promenade, 225-5730.
Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight

Fourth-graders from Turtle Bay and Buckeye schools receive an education about sheep and lambs during Farm City Day on Wednesday at the Shasta District Fair grounds in Anderson.

SHARE Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight Buckeye School fourth-graders get some exercise Wednesday during Farm City Day at the Shasta District Fair grounds.

By Staff Reports

Fourth-graders from throughout Shasta County learned about life on the farm Wednesday at the Shasta District Fair grounds in Anderson.

The annual field trip is organized by the Shasta County Farm Bureau and featured demonstrations about ranching and agriculture.

One of the presenters was Josie Rucklos, a community education specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension.

She provided yogurt snacks at her nutrition booth to teach students how dairy products contribute to healthy bones.

"We're all about educating kids and trying to make them better citizens and making them strong and healthy," Rucklos said.

Teaching children where their food comes from is one of the main goals of the Farm City Day.

"They can learn and know and grow as they get older," she said.
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A Redding man was arrested for starting several fires in Red Bluff on Tuesday.

Michael Scott Skinner, 57, from Redding admitted to starting three fires in Red Bluff, according to the Red Bluff Fire Department.

On Tuesday morning around 8:48 a.m. firefighters put out a vegetation fire on Sale Lane near Belle Mill Road

At about 9:43 p.m. firefighters put out another fire behind the Tractor Supply, at 249 South Main Street.

A third fire, around 3:15 p.m. near Shari's restaurant, near the Belle Mill Landing shopping center was also put out. The Red Bluff Police Department were on the scene and a witness said they saw a person who started the fire leave on a motorcycle.

An officer checked the area and found a Harley Davidson leaving the general area. The officer stopped the motorcyclist, Skinner, who was identified by a witness as the person who started the fire.

Skinner was arrested for driving under the influence and was taken to a hospital where he was treated.

Skinner admitted to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection investigators and law enforcement to starting the fires.

Skinner was booked for three counts of arson, possession of burglary tools and driving under the influence, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight

Winnemem Wintu Chief and spiritual leader Caleen Sisk, second from right, watches her son, Michael Preston of Davis, as he gets instruction on riding his horse, Jack, on Wednesday from Micah MacMillan of Mount Shasta. The Winnemem are nearing completion of their 300-mile prayer journey from the Bay Area to the historical spawning grounds of the winter-run salmon on the McCloud River to raise awareness for salmon and water issues.

SHARE Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight The Winnemem Wintu and supporters left the Jones Valley boat ramp in dugout canoes and a patio boat Wednesday as they finish their 300-mile prayer journey from the Bay Area to the historical spawning grounds of the winter-run salmon on the McCloud River to raise awareness for salmon and water issues. Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight Winnemem Wintu Chief and spiritual leader Caleen Sisk prays for the horses that will be riding from their village in Jones Valley to the McCloud River, on Wednesday, as Nahko Parayno of Santa Monica leads the horse he will be riding. The Winnemem are nearing completion of their 300-mile prayer journey from the Bay Area to the historical spawning grounds of the winter-run salmon on the McCloud River to raise awareness of salmon and water issues.

By Damon Arthur of the Redding Record Searchlight

Update:

Thursday's concert time and location has been changed to 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the David Marr Theater at University Preparatory School, 2200 Eureka Way in Redding.

Original story

By horseback and by dugout canoe, riders and paddlers set out on a journey Wednesday to "bring the salmon home."

It was the final leg of a journey that started 11 days ago near Vallejo and will end Saturday at the mouth of McCloud River where it flows into Lake Shasta.

The Winnemem Wintu Tribe of Shasta County has been tracing the journey that follows the spawning route of the winter-run chinook salmon to raise public awareness of the fish's plight, said Caleen Sisk, the Winemmem's chief and spiritual leader.

The Winnemem want to open a fish passage from the Sacramento River, around Shasta Dam to Lake Shasta and eventually the McCloud River, where the winter-run spawned before the dam was built.

"We want to open up a route for the salmon," Sisk told a group of about 30 people who gathered at the Winnemem village in Jones Valley on Wednesday morning. "When that changes, so do the lives of the people.

"We're carrying this prayer from the mountain to wake the people up," Sisk said before leading the group in prayers and giving blessings that included the riders and their horses.

The Winnemem want to open a fishway that would allow salmon to swim from the Sacramento River, up Cow Creek and then Dry Creek and then through a tunnel to Shasta Lake, where they would swim to the McCloud River.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and other federal agencies also want to return salmon to the McCloud. But they want to trap them at Keswick Dam and truck them to the river.

Sisk said the Winnemem proposal would be less costly and they would use salmon from New Zealand descended from fish from the McCloud transplanted years ago. She said the New Zealand fish are more closely related to the salmon that once spawned in the McCloud.

Part of the reason behind the journey this month was to raise awareness of the salmon's struggle during the drought and to promote the Winnemem plan to re-introduce New Zealand salmon to the McCloud River.

The Winnemem recruited three riders Wednesday who set out on the final leg of the 300-mile journey from Jones Valley to the McCloud River. The group is riding up Backbone Road to Fenders Ferry Road around Lake Shasta to the McCloud Bridge Campground.

Another group of 11 Winnemem and supporters left the Jones Valley boat launch Wednesday, paddling out in traditional dugout canoes to the McCloud River.

The first day they planned to paddle from Jones Valley to Bailey Cove Campground, where they expected to spend the night. On Thursday, the paddlers set out for Hirz Bay Campground and then to their final destination, McCloud Bridge Campground, by Friday.

The 300-mile trip began at Glen Cove Park in Vallejo on Sept. 17. Dozens of people walked the 24 miles to Pittsburg, where they traveled by boat to Sacramento for several events, including a ceremony, concert and news conference.

From Sacramento, the group traveled by boat again up the Sacramento River to Colusa. Bicyclists rode the next stage to Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area near Corning. Runners made the final 54 miles from Corning to the mouth of Cow Creek at the Sacramento River in Shasta County.

Along the way the Winnemem picked up support from several prominent American Indian activists, including Winona LaDuke, Ralph Nader's vice presidential running mate on the Green Party ticket in 1996 and 2000.

Also at the Winnemem village ceremony Wednesday was musician Nahko "Bear" Parayno and Pua Case, who has led the opposition to building a telescope atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Parayno was also one of the three horseback riders, along with Sisk's son Michael Preston and Micah MacMillan of Mount Shasta.

"We have become relatives," Case said of the Winnemem. "We have become family. They have stood for us. Now it is our turn to stand for them and by their side."

Yahze, a member of the Dine Nation tribe in Las Cruces, New Mexico, said he was traveling to the coast with his wife and son when he heard about the Winnemem journey for salmon.

They made a detour to the Winnemem village in Jones Valley to show support for the tribe.

"It's a good cause," Yahze said.

In addition to horseback riding and paddling to the McCloud River, the Winnemem plan to hold a concert Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Riverfront Park at the Redding Civic Auditorium, 800 Sundial Bridge Drive in Redding.
Schweizer

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By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight

A 30-year-old Redding man charged with second-degree murder in the 2015 death of an Anderson man is now a fugitive.

Shasta County Superior Court Judge Daniel Flynn issued a $750,000 bench warrant Wednesday for the arrest of Tyler Christopher Schweizer after he failed to show up to court for the setting of his trial date.

Schweizer's no-show comes after he was ordered earlier this month by Superior Court Judge Greg Gaul to stand trial on second-degree murder in connection with a Feb. 11, 2015, crash on Highway 273 that killed 77-year-old Wallace "Pete" Shelton.

"I figured he would not show up," Shelton's daughter, 54-year-old Kim Whitaker of Gault, said Wednesday.

That's because the results of a urine test that Schweizer was ordered to take immediately after his preliminary hearing earlier this month came back positive for Ecstasy, opioids and amphetamine, Deputy District Attorney Brandon Storment said.

Storment had planned to seek an increase in Schweizer's bail from $250,000 to $750,000 because he believes the Redding man, who has had a number of run-ins with law enforcement, poses a public safety risk. "He's a danger out there," he said.

Whitaker agreed.

"He's a danger to society," she said.

Schweizer's $250,000 bail was forfeited due to his failure to appear for Wednesday's court hearing.

Although he was not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the wreck, Schweizer is accused of driving nearly 100 mph down Highway 273 just before he broadsided Shelton's pickup coming out of Thomas Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Storment successfully argued at the preliminary hearing that Schweizer's "abysmal" driving history supports the second-degree murder charge, saying it was his deliberate and reckless driving without any regard for human life that caused the crash and Shelton's death.

Redding defense attorney Aaron Williams, who said Wednesday he has not spoken with Schweizer since the preliminary hearing and is no longer representing him, argued at this month's preliminary hearing that the facts of the case, as well as case law, do not support a second-degree murder charge against his client.

"This appears, legally, to be simple negligence," he said. Williams said it's uncontested that Schweizer was "cold-stone sober" at the time of the crash, even though he conceded he was speeding.

Still, he said, his client downshifted, honked his horn, braked and swerved to try to avoid the crash.

"He did everything he could do to try to avoid the collision," he said.

Gaul, however, sided with Storment, saying there never would have been a collision if Schweizer had not been excessively speeding.

In addition to second-degree murder, Schweizer is charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

Schweizer, who nearly had a bench warrant issued for his arrest after he showed up 15 minutes late to his preliminary hearing, was ordered to immediately go to the Shasta County Probation Office to take a urine test after Gaul voiced concern about his sobriety.

Gaul said Schweizer, who graduated last year from the Shasta County Superior Court's Addicted Offender Program, appeared to be droopy-eyed and "looked like he was about to nod off" during the hearing.
It's never easy to make a smart comedy, but it's that much harder when your subject is essentially rabid stupidity. It would be nice to say that's what director Jared Hess ("Napoleon Dynamite") set out to do with his latest comedy, "Masterminds," but the movie is so all over the place that you have to wonder if the moments of intelligence were intentional or completely accidental.

What happens?

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Simpleton David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of dollars for his employer, Loomis Fargo. Though he's engaged to Jandice (Kate McKinnon), he harbors a crush on his co-worker Kelly (Kristen Wiig). Her childhood friend Steve (Owen Wilson) is the half-wit criminal boss of the trailer park and convinces her to bring David in on a scheme to rob Loomis Fargo. David would do anything for Kelly, but when he escapes to Mexico following the heist, Steve and his gang pin the blame on him and begin spending the $17 million loot.

What's good?

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"Masterminds" works best when it acts as a parody of its own story. Kelly uses her sexuality to manipulate David into committing the robbery, but her tactics aren't exactly sexy. "I've got to go wash my pantyhose with my mouth," she says breathily into the phone. Leslie Jones plays a hard-talking FBI agent on the case, and a lot of her dialogue feels mockingly stolen from a cheesy cop show. When Steve sends a "pervert-looking" hit man (Jason Sudeikis) to Mexico to take David out, the two bond over the most ridiculous reason and then frolic on the beach together. It's these moments that subvert expectations that bring the best laughs to "Masterminds."

What's bad?

For every interesting moment in the film, there are two more that are unimaginative. Watching Galifianakis trip over boxes of money while pulling off the heist or have diarrhea in a Mexican pool after drinking the water might make a 5-year-old laugh, but it just feels lazy in an adult comedy. When Kelly and Jandice get into a catfight over David, Hess does nothing to satirize that very familiar trope. McKinnon is wasted, Wilson is unconvincing as a hick and the whole film takes a very condescending view of people with low incomes.

Final verdict

Good and interesting jokes are peppered throughout, but they only serve to highlight the bar that "Masterminds" couldn't hit.

2 stars (out of four)

@lchval | laurenchval@redeyechicago.com
Cross border trade between India and Pakistan remained unaffected in Jammu and Kashmir despite the surgical strikes by the army across the Line of Control, with 26 trucks crossing over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and 13 from there reaching the Indian side.

As the state administration went into a huddle with army officials discussing possible evacuation of the locals from villages on the border amid heightened tensions between the two countries, trucks carrying goods from India crossed Salamabad checkpost in Uri on way to the PoK.

Similarly, PoK authorities said 13 trucks with goods including embroidery items crossed over into Salamabad from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

After necessary documentation was completed, the cross over of trucks started at 2 pm and was completed by 4 pm, officials said.

They said Indian trucks carried chilli seeds, embroidery material, cumin seeds and black cardamom, while the trucks from PoK came with almonds, dried dates and mangoes.

Uri, located 102 km north of Srinagar, is one of the last Teshils in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.

It was in news recently after four militants of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed carried out a suicide attack on army camp killing 18 soldiers on September 18.

Tension between India and Pakistan has been increasing since then. In the wee hours of today, India said its troops had carried out surgical strikes inside PoK and destroyed terrorists launch pads located in that part of Kashmir.

The trade between the divided parts of Kashmir resumed on Tuesday after nearly two months as Pakistani traders decided to suspend the trade to protest civilian killings in the valley as a mark of "solidarity with the people of Kashmir".

At least 21 items, including eatables, garments and handicrafts, are traded on the twin routes -- Srinagar-Muzaffarabad in Kashmir and Poonch-Rawalakote in Jammu -- on which around 50 trucks ply for four days a week.

The trade between the divided parts is considered as the second major Confidence Building Measure after the launch of historic bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad on April 7, 2005.

Although agreed upon by India and Pakistan in 2004, the trade became a reality on October 21, 2008.
India Inc on Thursday rallied behind the Armys move to conduct surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control and said it was the time to act tough while ruling out any negative impact on the country's economy and trade.

Our civil n (sic) decent response in the past hasn't been met with reciprocity so it's time to act tough, Biocon CMD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw tweeted.

Recalling an earlier tweet in which he had said I trust our army. They know how to pursue & retaliate" in the wake of the Uri attack, industrialist Anand Mahindra said: "I don't need to add anything more today...

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mahesh Gupta said there will be no impact on India's trade and economy, adding that the volatility in the financial markets will also be short-lived.

Indias exports to the neighbouring country worked out to USD 2.17 billion, or 0.83 per cent, of the total Indian outward shipments while imports were less than USD 500 million, or 0.13 per cent, of the total inward shipments.

The Indian economy has a strong bandwidth to deal with any possible after effects of the current state of tensions with Pakistan, Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

The chamber said that while the reaction in the stock market to the news of Indias surgical strikes was understandable, there is no cause of concern for the countrys economy which has the capabilities to withstand any extra costs to be borne for the sake of our national security.

Industry bodies Ficci and CII declined to comment.

Exporters body FIEO Director General & CEO Ajay Sahai too ruled out any negative impact on Indias trade with other countries.

However, asked about the implications on India-Pakistan bilateral trade, Sahai said Indias move to review the most favoured nation status accorded to its neighbour has raised some uncertainty for exporters on whether trade will normalise in the future.

Reacting to the reports of surgical strikes, the Sensex plummeted 465.28 points to end at 27,827.53; whereas the Nifty nosedived 153.90 points to 8,591.25.

India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir last night, inflicting significant casualties on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.
With the governments focus on environment-friendly fuel, Indraprastha Gas, Mahanagar Gas and Suzlons earning prospects look bright

Starting October 1, the price of administered natural gas will fall from $3.06 per mmBtu (million British thermal unit) to an estimated $2.5 to $2.7, benefitting companies such as Indraprastha Gas and Mahanagar Gas as well as gas consumers. Internationally, too, gas prices have been running low, benefitting importers such as India. Prices are likely to remain soft, at least for the near future.

While this is a one near-term trigger, with rising thrust of the government on renewable and environment-friendly energy, the green energy segment is well poised to deliver strong growth in the coming years.

The Union government plans to quadruple renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by FY22 - 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydro. An enabling environment, along with incentives, is expected to help set up new capacities in the renewables space.

All these will aid the growth of companies such as Suzlon Energy, Inox Wind, NTPC, PTC India, ABB India and Ujaas Energy. PTC India Financial Services is focused on lending to the renewables sector. Hence, it is a niche player in the banking and financial services sector.

The governments thrust on environment-friendly fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) as well as on piped natural gas (PNG) augurs well for gas-distribution companies such as Indraprastha Gas and Mahanagar Gas.

While all these stocks offer good long-term investment opportunity, here is a refined list, based on companies that are likely to generate healthy earnings growth over FY16 to FY18, according to Bloomberg consensus estimates, as well as preferred picks of analysts.

Indraprastha Gas (IGL), which predominantly caters to the National Capital Region (NCR), has benefitted from the ban on diesel vehicles as well as the odd-even rule implemented in New Delhi. This has aided the companys volumes in recent quarters.

The company recently won the bid to develop city gas distribution in the Rewari district of Haryana. Along with its acquisitions, namely Maharashtra Natural Gas and Central Uttar Pradesh Gas, will boost IGLs volumes in addition to enabling it diversify beyond the NCR.

Given these strong fundamental triggers and under-penetration of both CNG and PNG, the stock could witness further re-rating. Addition of new CNG buses and adoption of green fuels in other markets are a few growth catalysts for IGL.

Mahanagar Gas is the exclusive gas distributor in Mumbai and adjoining areas. Its business model is similar to that of Indraprastha Gas with the exception of the recent acquisitions made by the latter. The company is a play on rising penetration of CNG and PNG and is also looking to bid for new cities coming up for city gas distribution.

Healthy and virtually unregulated return ratios of 30 per cent, strong free cash flow yields of four per cent and dividend payout of 50 per cent and visible volume expansion opportunity make Mahanagar Gas our preferred bet in the gas space, wrote Ritesh Gupta, analyst at Ambit Capital in a recent note on the company.

Suzlon Energy, a wind equipment and services player, has recovered some of its lost ground in recent quarters as reflected in its rising market share in high growth regions of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, amongst others.

The companys foray in new markets (Telangana) as well as new segments (solar power) will serve as additional growth engines going forward. The company has also reduced its debt meaningfully by selling off Senvion (erstwhile RE Power), and due to sizeable equity infusion which though has led to suppressed share price.

The company continues to enjoy market leadership in the wind power segment and is estimated to return to profits this fiscal after posting net losses in the preceding three fiscal years.

Fall in interest cost will drive a compounded annual growth in earnings of 52 per cent over FY17-19 for Suzlon and an ROCE of 33-37 per cent versus 29 per cent in FY16, said Deepak Agrawala, analyst at Elara Capital. ROCE or return on capital employed measures how effectively a company has utilised its funds.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com
'Much can be done by India under the provisions of the treaty to make full use of its rights it has.'

'The impact of that will be felt downstream,' explains former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal.

Despite the military conflicts of 1965, 1971 and 1999 (Kargil), Pakistan's abetment of terrorism in Punjab in the 1980s, in Kashmir from end-1989 onwards and against cities, financial and religious targets all over India in the last 26 years, India has not threatened Pakistan with a review of the Indus Waters Treaty, IWT.

We have treated the Treaty as sacrosanct, outside the purview of any retaliatory action by India despite major provocations by Pakistan.

We have carried the burden of being 'responsible' and honouring our commitments beyond what would be reasonable in a context such as the one of Pakistan's undeclared and unremitting war against us.

The ugly reality is that Pakistan treats India as an enemy, uses terrorism as State policy towards us, nourishes openly jihadi groups targeting India, refuses to try those responsible for unspeakable acts of terror against India such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, targets even our Parliament, continues to foment violence in Kashmir, openly supports the separatists in the Kashmir valley, seeks to ignite communal tensions in India, violates the Simla Agreement and threatens India with the use of nuclear weapons.

Should we in this circumstances accommodate it on the waters issue more than we need to?

The IWT is based on the premise of friendship and goodwill between the two countries and not a policy of inflicting a thousand cuts by one country (Pakistan) on another (India).

The IWT is highly favourable to Pakistan by any standards. Possibly no other upper riparian anywhere in the world has been so considerate to a lower riparian as India has been to Pakistan.

80% of the waters of the Indus basin were allocated to Pakistan and 20% to India, with the three eastern rivers reserved exclusively for India and the three western rivers for Pakistan with some rights listed in detail provided to India.

India's act in agreeing to the IWT contrasts with that of China, Pakistan's all-weather friend. China does not recognise any obligation to a lower riparian. It controls several major rivers that flow from Tibet to the subcontinent as well as Southeast countries.

The international law on riparian rights on transnational rivers is not sufficiently well developed and China exploits that situation.

China is implementing power projects on the Brahmaputra in Tibet, but does not share its plans with us. As a lower riparian we want China to share data on water flows with us, but its receptivity is minimal.

While its technical experts have planned projects for diverting the Brahmaputra waters northwards we have no room for a dialogue with China to obtain an insight officially into these plans.

The standard Chinese response to expression of concerns about their projects is that China would not do anything that would harm downstream countries. In other words, China will unilaterally decide on water projects upstream and assessment of any impact downstream will be theirs and not a joint exercise.

Turkey too has disregarded the rights of lower riparians like Iraq and Syria with its massive GAP in the Tigris/Euphrates basin. Its argument has been that the Arab countries have oil and Turkey has water, and because the former do not share oil with it, it has no obligation to share its water resources with them.

Our inexperience in water mattered in the 1950s when this Treaty was negotiated, our financial needs, and the pressures of the moment made us amenable to the US and UK manoeuvring through the World Bank a highly advantageous deal for Pakistan that also included payment of 60 million pounds sterling by us to it to build irrigation structures on its territory necessitated by the division of the waters under the Treaty.

Climate change issues and the threat of glaciers melting in the Himalayas were not known when a water stressed country like our agreed to such a lop-sided deal with Pakistan brokered by external interests for geopolitical reasons.

Despite the highly favourable deal it obtained Pakistan has been putting us on the defensive on IWT issues, claiming that India is denying it its allocated share of water and is building projects on the western rivers that would interrupt the flow of water downstream.

In recent years Pakistani governments have expanded core issues with India by adding the water issue to that of Kashmir. Because Pakistan has been losing traction on the Kashmir issue with the international community it needed to invent another issue that would be emotive and justify Pakistan's continued hostility towards India.

Cartoons have appeared in the Pakistani press showing a starving Pakistani peasant seated on parched land looking at a fat Indian guzzling down a huge container of water. Muhamed Saeed has been threatening jihad against India on this issue.

The propaganda war against India that was unleashed a few years ago because of declining water availability in Pakistan reached a point that obliged the Pakistani IWT commissioner to remark publicly that India was not in violation of the IWT and the then Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mohammed Qureshi to acknowledge that the blame lay with Pakistan's own wasteful water policies and not Indias actions.

Major floods in Pakistan between 2010 and 2014 exposed the bogus claims of Pakistani lobbies about India being guilty of squeezing Pakistan on water availability.

Yet, elements in Pakistan continue to believe that a review of the Treaty is required so that basin management and other joint efforts to augment the flow of water in it -- which are outside the purview of the Treaty -- are undertaken in a spirit of cooperation.

This would mean enlarging the scope of the Treaty beyond the partitioning waters, as was done in the case of land in 1947.

Pakistan has systematically obstructed construction of power projects on the western rivers as expressly allowed under the Treaty by dragging India into protracted arbitration proceedings and causing delays in project implementation as a result.

This is the case with the Baglihar and Kishenganga projects. Pakistan has abused the dispute settlement mechanism in the Treaty to make sure that Kashmir continues to suffer from power shortages which, in turn, feed negative public sentiments against India.

Under the Treaty, India is obliged to allow the waters of the western rivers allocated to Pakistan flow except for defined domestic, non-consumptive and agricultural use as well as power generation.

We can construct storage facilities on these rivers upto 3.6 MAF for various purposes, but no storage has been developed so far.

We have been permitted an additional agricultural use of 701,000 acres, of which only 270,000 can be developed till storages are constructed.

Under the Treaty, India and Pakistan have appointed their respective commissioners for the Indus waters who meet annually as the Permanent Indus Commission.

While no official announcement has been made, sources have indicated that the review meeting taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to suspend the meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission, which would be a serious step as it would mean that the commissioners will not meet on normal implementation issues, the procedure for dispute settlement would be blocked.

India apparently intends to restart the Tulbul project on the Jhelum which was suspended by India in 1987 because of Pakistani objections, but has formed a part of the Composite Dialogue agenda for years without, however, any progress.

An inter-ministerial task force has been set up to examine India's permitted usage of the waters from the western rivers.

Of the potential for power production of 18,600 MWs from these rivers, only 3,034 MWs is being produced so far.

Projects to produce 2,526 MWs are under construction, whereas an additional 5,846 MWs of capacity is in an advanced stage of planning.

India is also forced to release 3 MAF of Sutlej and Ravi water which is entirely India's because of incomplete water works on our side.

Much can therefore be done by India under the provisions of the Treaty to make full use of its rights it has. The impact of that will be felt downstream.

Our default in this regard has been to Pakistan's advantage, over and above the inherent advantages it gained from the Treaty per se in 1960.

India is not thinking of abrogating the Treaty though if Pakistan's behaviour remains unchanged, it could.

It is worth remembering that the US abrogated the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the Soviet Union in 2002 even though the Cold War had ended and conditions for strengthening international peace and cooperation had been created as never before since World War II. And there was no provocation from the Russian side that justified this action.
'I feel that any terror strike at this juncture is not on the cards.'

'The reaction would most likely be military in nature and possibly using their special forces or attack helicopters,' says Group Captain Murli Menon (retd), who spent four years at our embassy in Islamabad.

Today is a red letter day in India's strategic landscape.

Criticised over the years -- and even recently -- for lacking the national will to use its military capability in anger, the near perfect special operations effort by our army para-commandos, statedly after an insertion on foot, has put paid to decades of strategic paralysis.

Indeed, the ongoing diplomatic offensive at the United Nations and India's threat to Pakistan over the Most Favoured Nation status and the Indus Water Treaty has been given a tremendous fillip by the dramatic surgical strike.

Videos of the entire operation taken by a suitably positioned drone are already streaming on national media. More details about the exact modus operandi would emerge soon. These are, of course, not really of much relevance at this juncture.

The most important piece of good news is that the Indian politico-military combine has finally crossed the Rubicon!

What next is a question many, especially the uninitiated, would ask.

Having seen and studied the mind of the Pakistani military up close for four years during my assignment at our embassy in Islamabad in the early 2000s, I am quite certain that there would be some retaliation from Pakistan. Now what form exactly it would take is debatable.

Some analysts feel we should expect Mumbai-like attacks to happen. I, for one, feel that any terror strike at this juncture is not on the cards. The reaction would most likely be military in nature and possibly using their special forces or attack helicopters.

India has to be prepared for this, especially with respect to the defence of our forward bases such as vulnerable border airfields. Airfields such as Naliya, Bhuj, Utarlai, Nal (Bikaner), Jaisalmer, Udhampur, Jammu and Pathankot come to mind.

Pathankot perhaps is less vulnerable now post the last strike as defences have perhaps been beefed up there.

But all the other forward airfields can be targeted by Pakistani special forces. Army protection needs to be called in at all these airfields and the IAF/army air defence network optimised in terms of radar cover and terminal defence weapons.

Indeed there was a book written a while ago by a Pakistani army officer which talked of a fictional commando raid on the Bhuj airfield.

Any nation that can seriously talk of a tactical nuclear response is absolutely nutty. Pakistan and North Korea are classic examples.So I say again we should be prepared for a military retaliation.

Some analysts say we need to take advantage of the window that has been opened in the counter-terror campaign and take out other targets like Muhamed Sayeed. This may be a bit premature at this stage and could invite out of proportion escalation.

We would need to continue with counter-terror surgical strikes in PoK, possibly gravitating to attack helicopter strikes or even fighter strikes on terror launch pads.

Special forces operations may not be possible in all scenarios and hence the other options advocated.

The biggest challenge for our decision makers and military planners to consider is the control of the escalation ladder.

We have to maintain the advantage in this respect having made the first move. We should -- especially the higher government and military functionaries -- be careful not to indulge in unnecessary jingoism and bravado on what we propose to do militarily.

We should think things through deliberately, do what we have to do and make sure the political signalling goes through to the adversary.

Another aspect that needs factoring is the expected panic in India's corporate world. One learns from sources that even during the mobilisation post the Parliament attack it was the business lobby that got Atal Bihari Vajpayee to back off.

One does see government functionaries reassuring the public at large and investors in particular -- this is important for the much touted 'government for all' approach.

The key aspect which needs consideration in controlling escalation is our targeting.

While choosing our targets at each stage we need to ensure that our operation are relevant, proportionately lethal and can achieve a high degree of success.

Our targeteers, especially for air power employment, need to do their homework carefully for target-weapon matching and collateral damage.

Having got the international community on our side so far, we should not sacrifice that by wanton targeting or uncalled for collateral damage.

I was reading a report in the Los Angeles Times asking what the point was of India having such a massive military wherewithal if it was not willing to employ it during such security challenges.

Well, we seem to be turning the corner here. The nation needs to stand stolidly behind the armed forces now.

You will then see them deliver and help our country achieve its political objectives. Especially when our potent 'airpower' starts its act in earnest!
'The participants and organisers have rejected their own political leadership and shown the door to leaders who have tried to claim power at these rallies.'

'Instead, the Maratha masses have reclaimed their power and stakes in the larger scheme of things,' says N Suresh.

All the political parties in Maharashtra have been alarmed by the discipline and determination of the #MarathaMorcha where lakhs of youth and women have participated.

The root of the unrest may lie in the Kopardi gang-rape and murder of a Maratha girl by three Dalit youth, which sent shock waves through the state. That incident was the breaking point.

The Marathas have long been isolated in Maharashtra -- politically, socially and culturally. They are a formidable vote bank of 32 per cent in the state, mostly tillers, small land holding farmers and manual workers.

A far cry from the perception of a powerful community, thanks to the 135 odd Maratha families who have ruled the state.

These powerful families also run educational institutions, own/run sugar and bank cooperatives ensuring the poor remain indebted, fixing the prices for sugar and short changing labourers employed in cutting sugarcane.

A majority of Marathas has remained deprived, poor and away from the benefits of development. A simple school education is a luxury for the majority of Marathas.

In such a scenario, when people allege that the Marathas have enjoyed the benefits of power -- especially political power -- and ask why they are upset and demanding reservation in education and jobs, the Marathas get very angry.

Most people don't understand the extreme disparities within the Maratha caste group and society at large.

The Kopardi incident triggered intense introspection within the community.

The youth, especially the educated, decided to shed the false perceptions of their community. They would not pick up swords, but instead follow Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent ideology. 'Be the change that you want to see' was the initiative.

They realised that even their caste has been patriarchal. And now was the time to bring about change.

Their strategy is simple: Reach out to all, first the Marathas, and then any other caste, community or people who are empathetic and want to be part of this change.

Never before has Maharashtra witnessed such large rallies in every district. The rallies held since July have seen on average 500,000 to 800,000 people.

In Pune, the crowd of Marathas was reported to have exceeded 20 lakh (2 million). Now, even Muslims have joined these rallies.

These rallies are extremely well organised with girls and women in the forefront, followed by young men, then others, political leaders and cleaning volunteers last.

At every rally volunteers distribute food and water packets, which are disposed off in a disciplined manner.

When news of these initial rallies began surfacing, the reactions of politicians and media houses were on expected lines. They thought this would soon die down.

The next predictable reaction was that Sharad Pawar may be behind this because he did initially say that the Prevention of Atrocities Act was being misused, but true to his style he withdrew.

Interestingly, even Pawar was shocked by the continuous large rallies. People need to respect the common man more and stop giving Pawar or any other Maratha politician undue credit for this mass strength. These are different Maratha organisations who have garnered confidence from their community.

It is a typical reaction that when there is a mass upsurge, there has to be a political force or leader to guide them. There are now demands that the organisers and funders of these rallies to come forward. The mindset is that there has to be a conspiracy for such mass turnout and protest.

People who have been deprived, face atrocities and are abused can come together without outside money or leadership. The pooling of resources is always from within, because the minute you turn outwards you have lost the plot and the advantage of holding power.

This is the first rule in Saul Alinsky's book, Rules for Radicals, wherein he says, 'Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have. Power is derived from two main sources -- money and people.'

The enemy here includes their own leadership, the upper castes and the eroded system that has made them vulnerable. It is amusing that the enemy predictably underestimates the power of the Maratha people and the resources they have.

The participants and organisers have rejected their own political leadership and shown the door to leaders who have tried to claim power at these rallies. Instead, the Maratha masses have reclaimed their power and stakes in the larger scheme of things.

This obviously makes everyone uncomfortable -- politicians, the media, the upper castes and society. Hence, we are seeing counter-rallies being organised and attempts to break the current force. But these have been in vain.

Which brings us to Alinsky's Rule 6: 'A good tactic is one your people enjoy. They'll keep doing it without urging and come back to do more. They're doing their thing, and will even suggest better ones.'

The predictable reactions are giving the Marathas ample opportunity to do a lot more using the fun element.

Wait for more and expect more upheaval.

IMAGE: The huge Maratha rally in Pune, September 26, 2016. Photograph: PTI
'The call to isolate Pakistan on the ground of sponsoring and supporting terrorism, particularly when the UN has not even defined terrorism, is a wild goose chase.'

'The responses of various countries to the Uri attack provides testimony to this fact.'

'No country, not even Russia, was willing to condemn Pakistan for this dastardly act,' says Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, the minister of external affairs, Mrs Sushma Swaraj suggested, for the first time, that Pakistan should be isolated for not joining the fight against international terrorism.

This was more an emotional and rhetorical call than a thought out proposal for action by the other member States.

Isolation of any member State by the others is an action taken only in exceptional circumstances as every State has the right to pursue its own policy, with the option not to join any international arrangement.

Isolation of Pakistan, on account of not joining the consensus, even if there is one, is not a practical proposition.

In reality, the minister admitted that the Indian proposal for a Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism has not gained traction. It is stuck on the question of the definition of terrorism because one man's terrorist is often another man's freedom fighter.

In the absence of a consensus on this issue, there is no ground for isolating Pakistan.

On the other hand, Pakistan repeatedly claims that it is a victim of terrorism and that it is willing to fight terror. It was even a partner of the United States in the war against terror at least in name.

The history of the United Nations shows that some kind of isolation was imposed only on South Africa on account of apartheid. India was the first country to raise the issue of apartheid and it took us many years to persuade other countries to impose sanctions.

Many had argued for many years that apartheid was an internal matter of South Africa even after the liberation struggle assumed the proportions of a civil war. An arms embargo and sanctions came much later.

Isolation of South Africa was never complete even after a majority of States wanted South Africa to be isolated. Several neighbours of South Africa, even while supporting the sanctions in principle, continued to have trade and other dealings with the apartheid regime for the sake of survival. South Africa, even with a despicable regime, was necessary for them.

In the case of Israel, there is near universal consensus that it is guilty of defying the United Nations by occupying Palestinian territory and there is a body of resolutions, demanding that Israel should withdraw to its 1967 borders.

The Israeli settlements on Palestinian territories were universally condemned, but no isolation was possible even when violence broke out in Gaza. No sanctions were possible except those imposed by individual countries.

After the normalisation of relations by Egypt following the Camp David Accords, Israel became more and more acceptable even without any change in policy on its part.

When it comes to non-proliferation, the shoe is on India's foot. India, Pakistan and Israel became virtually isolated when all other countries joined the NPT, which was considered a grand bargain between the Nuclear Weapon States and non-nuclear weapon States.

There were several occasions when countries like Canada and Australia called for isolation of those countries which did not sign the treaty. After the NPT was declared a perpetual treaty without any possibility of modification, it was stated by some that those who did not sign the treaty were not entitled to be responsible members of the international community. But such rhetorical statements were not taken seriously and we ourselves fought tooth and nail any effort to isolate us.

We stuck to our position that the treaty was discriminatory and we had every reason to remain out of it. When any isolation or sanction was not possible even in the case of a near universal treaty, it is unthinkable that Pakistan can be isolated on the ground of violating an anti-terrorism regime that has no legal sanction in the United Nations.

The worst case of pressure applied on India to comply with an international treaty was at the time of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Contrary to the established international practice, India was threatened with sanctions if we did not sign and ratify the CTBT. India was among the designated countries, without whose signature the CTBT would not come into force.

But despite all those pressures, India was not isolated in any manner. We tested in 1998, faced US sanctions and came to an understanding with the international community through a set of measures, such as a moratorium on testing, a non-first use of nuclear weapons principle and a continuing commitment to disarmament.

The case of North Korea is another one in which the worst form of defiance of international public opinion did not result in its total isolation.

In fact, the United States used a mix of punitive measures and incentives to bring North Korea back into civilised behavior. With powerful backing of China, North Korea has continued in the UN. Its request to withdraw from the NPT was never accepted by the UN Security Council, but it continues to test nuclear devices and missiles.

A review of the efforts to isolate nations will thus reveal that it is not easy to ostracise them. The criteria for membership of the UN are so general that punitive measures are not easy to take.

All members have to be peace loving States, but who is going to define which countries are peace loving?

The call to isolate Pakistan on the ground of sponsoring and supporting terrorism, particularly when the UN has not even defined terrorism, is a wild goose chase.

The responses of the various countries to the Uri attack provides testimony to this fact. No country, not even Russia, was willing to condemn Pakistan for this dastardly act.

India-Pakistan exchanges have become, over the years, a ritual. The points we score over Pakistan in these debates are illusory at best.

Is there anything else that India can do to isolate Pakistan?

All the measures, such as surprise attacks, suspension of the water treaty, withdrawal of MFN status, trade sanctions etc will be purely bilateral in nature and will not affect others.

No follow-up action can be expected from other nations. The only silver lining is that Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have decided to keep away from the SAARC summit, following our lead. But it is far from certain that they have done it in protest against the Uri attack.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 26, 2016. Photograph: Paresh Gandhi/India Abroad

Ambassador T P Sreenivasan is a former Ambassador of India and Governor for India of the IAEA. He is currently Director, NSS Academy of Civil Services and Director General, Kerala International Centre.
It also said that one India soldier 'inadvertently' crossed the LoC with his weapon.

The Indian Army on Thursday rejected as false and baseless reports in a section of Pakistani media that eight Indian soldiers were killed and one captured by Pakistani military in retaliatory fire.

Indian Army sources said, As regard (to the) report of killing of eight Indian Army personnel reported in sections of Pakistan media, the report is completely false and baseless.

Army's reaction came after Dawn News reported that Pakistani military has claimed that it has killed eight Indian soldiers and captured one while retaliating to India's firing at the first line of defence at the Line of Control at Tatta Pani.

The report was taken off from its website in the night.

Earlier, Dawn had also reported that an Indian soldier had been captured and was identified as 22-year-old Chandu Babulal Chohan son of Bashan Chohan from Maharashtra.

Indian Army sources, however, said, One soldier from 37 RR (Rashtriya Rifles) with weapon has inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control. Pakistan has been informed by the DGMO on the hotline.

The sources said his crossing over was not related to the surgical strikes.

Such inadvertent crossing by Army and civilians are not unusual on either side. They are returned through existing mechanisms, they said.

A source in the Northern Command also indicated that Chohan was an army deserter.

The Dawn report said he has been shifted to an undisclosed location.

It also said the dead bodies of the Indian soldiers are still to be recovered by the Indian forces as they lay unattended at the LoC.

IMAGE: Director General Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh arrives to attend an all-party meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo
Tearing into Karnataka for treating the Supreme Court orders on release of Cauvery water with "utter contempt", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday said such "deliberate defiance" goes against the spirit of the Constitution and amounts to "contempt" of the court.

In her speech, read out by Chief Secretary P Ramamohana Rao, at the meeting of the chief ministers of two states convened by the Water Resources Ministry, she said her state has "scrupulously" adhered to every Apex Court order.

"By contrast, the State of Karnataka has treated the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court with utter contempt. Successive orders of the Honourable Supreme Court have been deliberately and systematically defied," by the neighbouring state, she said.

Jayalalithaa, recuperating at a corporate hospital in Chennai, said she could not attend the meeting as she was hospitalised.

She said she participated in the discussions "with the hope Tamil Nadu would get its legitimate share in Cauvery water".

The chief minister said that as of August 31, 2016, Tamil Nadu had a shortfall of 60.983 tmc ft of water as per the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

It was in this context of such a "huge shortfall" and with the intention of saving at least a single samba crop in the Cauvery delta that her state was "forced" to approach the Supreme Court for interim directions, she said.

She recalled the Apex Court directions to Karnataka to initially release 15,000 cusecs and later modify it to 12,000 cusecs per day up to September 20, totalling 17.366 tmc ft.

"But "Karnataka failed to release the requisite quantity of water," she said.

The Apex Court had later modified the quantum of water to be released to 6,000 cusecs, she said.

"In utter disregard and in complete contempt of the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court, Karnataka failed to release the stipulated quantity of water to Tamil Nadu and in addition, failed to make good the shortfall," as per its earlier orders, she said.

"This deliberate defiance goes against the spirit of the Constitution itself and amounts to contempt of the Apex Court. Karnataka has not followed the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court and has on the other hand permitted unruly elements to create law and order issues," she said.

Jayalalithaa said it "is very unfortunate" that not only was water not released as stipulated, but ever since Supreme Court gave its first interim directions on September 5, "an orchestrated spate of arson and violence was unleashed, directed at Tamils living in Karnataka".

She said many large and small properties and establishments owned by Tamils were systematically targeted, ransacked and burnt.

Also a large number of vehicles bearing Tamil Nadu registration number plates were burnt and vandalised.

"Tamils had been persecuted and attacked with impunity by frenzied mobs with little or no effective restraint or action by the Karnataka authorities. We are led to believe that many of these instances of mob violence were deliberately fanned by various political formations and high level instigators charged with maintaining law and order, who watched the incidents with glee," she charged.

"In contrast", her government ensured law and order was "maintained" in Tamil Nadu and no "person from Karnataka or institutions, commercial establishments, educational bodies, properties belonging to persons from Karnataka were affected in Tamil Nadu in any way," she said.

"Absolute restraint was observed by all sections in Tamil Nadu, including farmers. Even one or two very minor incidents were acted on promptly, cases registered and the miscreants arrested. On the other hand, in Karnataka the situation was grave," she said.

She recalled that in 1991 the Tribunal had issued interim order on water release, but Karnataka did not honour it and had promulgated an ordinance nullifying it.

The Supreme Court had, however, struck it down, she said.

"Even in 1991, when the interim order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was passed, a reign of terror was unleashed and Tamils in Karnataka were targeted.

"Tamil people living in Karnataka have been living in fear whenever Tamil Nadu has claimed its rightful share of water in judicial forums, though all judicial forums have seen merit and justice in our case," she said.

Jayalalithaa said Karnataka never honoured the Tribunal's interim order and had only allowed surplus waters which its reservoirs could not hold, to flow to Tamil Nadu.

Jayalalithaa said the tribunal allocated 419 TMC ft. of water to Tamil Nadu, of which an annual quantity of 192 TMC ft. has to be ensured at the Inter-State border.

"But this quantum was far below the actual requirement of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has not released that in any of the ears except when its reservoirs could not hold the surplus lows," she said.

She recalled her "vigorous and spirited efforts to get the Tribunal's final order notified," which was done in 2013 following a Supreme Court direction to the Centre.

She said it must not be forgotten the final order now has the status of a Supreme Court decree and therefore is law of the land and mandates formation of Cauvery Management Board.

She urged the forum to recognise Karnataka's pattern of "arrogating" to itself waters of the inter-State Cauvery river "in defiance" of the apex court.

She recalled the court's observation in 1991 that though the inter-State river pass through territories of riparian states, such waters cannot be said to be located in any one state.

Tamil Nadu is a lower riparian state with long established irrigation systems based on unhindered water flow in Cauvery river. But agricultural patterns had been adversely affected by systematic actions by Karnataka to deprive Tamil Nadu of its legitimate share of water, she said.

The state "had no option" but knock the SC's doors for water release after its pleas to Karnataka and to the Centre "fell on deaf ears", she said. "The Honourable Supreme Court has been very magnanimous in its latest directions to direct that a meeting may be held at the level of Executive Heads of the two State Governments to find a way out of the present impasse.

"However, as Karnataka continues to take a defiant stance, I wonder whether the meeting would serve its intended purpose unless Karnataka can be prevailed upon to honour the Honble Supreme Court's directions," she said.

Stating that Tamil Nadu is in dire need of water,she said that in the spirit of the Supreme Court order, she was urging Government of India to ensure Karnataka complies and releases water to Tamil Nadu forthwith.

They should also release the stipulated quantity of water as per the Tribunal's final order, including backlog of 76.042 TMC ft, she said.
Pakistan on Thursday dismissed as "fabrication of truth" India's claim that it has conducted a military operation across the Line of Control to target terrorist launching pads, terming it as a "quest" by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon," Pakistan army said in a statement.

"As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops.

"The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by Indian to create false effects. This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth," it said.

Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded, the statement said.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that India's claim was not true.

"India violated LoC last night and only used light weapons in the firing," he said, adding Pakistan forces gave befitting reply to Indian firing.

Pakistan Air Force has also rejected India's claim of surgical strikes.

"Pakistan is ready to respond to any such strikes," PAF said in a statement.

Earlier Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the "unprovoked and naked aggression" by India along the LoC and said Pakistan's armed forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Sharif also warned that Pakistan's intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness.

"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces resulting in martyrdom of two Pakistani soldiers along the LoC," the statement said.

"Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as out weakness and our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of country and can thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan," it said.

In New Delhi, India said it has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads in the wee hours of Thursday across the LoC and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damages.

DGMO Lt Gen Ranveer Singh said India shared with Pakistan army details of the surgical strikes which followed very specific information that terrorists were positioning themselves in the launch pads along the LoC.

Details of duration of the surgical strikes or when it was conducted or the place was not immediately given.

Pakistani troops had on Wednesday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the Line of Control in Poonch district.
Pakistan on Thursday summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale over 'unprovoked firing by India in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed'.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry 'condemned the unprovoked firing by' Indian forces on the Line of Control in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed, Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.

'These incidents are a continuation of a pattern of ceasefire violations committed by India. He (Chaudhry) conveyed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan will continue to give a befitting response to any act of aggression,' the statement said.

While summoning Bambawale at the Foreign Office, the foreign secretary claimed that India has 'deliberately escalated tensions' at the LoC in order to 'divert the attention of the international community from the grave situation' in Kashmir.

'The foreign secretary condemned Indias baseless accusation against Pakistan for the Uri attack, within a few hours after the incident. He recalled that it has been a practice in India to blame Pakistan for every such incident but later investigations prove otherwise,' the Foreign Office said.

Chaudhry claimed that Pakistan remains a 'victim of interference' and 'state-sponsored terrorism'.

In this regard, he referred to the 'confession statement of serving Indian Naval Officer, Kulbushan Jadhav', whom Pakistan has accused of 'carrying out terrorist and subversive activities, especially in Balochistan and Karachi'.

The foreign secretary also expressed Pakistans deep disappointment at Indias decision not to participate in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit.

For its part, Pakistan is committed to the objective of regional cooperation, envisaged in the SAARC charter, he said.

Chaudhry also conveyed to Bambawale, Pakistans deep concerns over life threats to Pakistans high commissioner in New Delhi and urged the Indian government to ensure his safety and security and that of other officials and their families, in accordance with the Vienna Convention.

IMAGE: Indian army soldiers keep guard along a highway on the outskirts of Srinagar on Thursday. Photograph: Danish Ismail/Reuters
Gen Singh said the operations were basically focused to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country.

India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Thursday, inflicting significant casualties on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army was made on Thursday by the director general military operations Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the terror strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go unpunished and that the sacrifice of 19 jawans will not go in vain.

Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads, Gen Singh told a news conference during which external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

The strikes were carried out across the LoC, he said.

Seven terror launch pads were targeted across the LoC by special forces of the Indian Army during the 'surgical strike' overnight in which heliborne and ground forces were used, defence sources said.

The sources said the operation began at around Wednesday mid-night and ended at around 4:30 AM on Thursday morning.

The terror launch pads targeted were in the range of 2 to 3km from the Line of Control and were under surveillance for over one week, the sources said.

They said the operation was a combination of heliborne and ground forces.

Pakistan, however, dismissed as fabrication of truth Indias claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC to target terrorist launching pads, terming it as a quest by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike.

There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon, Pakistan army said in a statement in Islamabad.

The announcement of the strikes by the Indian Army was made soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security.

Prime Minister Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former PM Mahmohan Singh among others on the surgical strikes.

Sharing details, Gen Singh said the operations were basically focused to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country.

During these counter terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

The operations aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise, he said.

The DGMO said he had spoken to the Pakistani director general of military operations and explained Indias concerns and also shared with him details of the operation.

It is Indias intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country.

In line with Pakistans commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region.

Shortly after the strikes, Pakistani newspaper The Dawn, citing the Inter Services Public Relations, said that two of their army men had been killed when Indian army troops indugled in crossborder firing in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel, and Lipa sectors.

The announcement of the strikes was made soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security which was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and DGMO Singh.

-- With inputs from Agencies
Kashmir was once again curfew-free as authorities did not impose curbs in any area on Thursday, but restrictions on the assembly of people remained in force throughout the Valley.

"There is no curfew anywhere in Kashmir today," a police official said in Srinagar.

He, however, said the restrictions on the assembly of people under section 144 CrPc were in place throughout the Valley as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

After the Valley remained curfew-free for three days, the authorities had on Wednesday imposed the curbs on the movement of people in Koimoh town of south Kashmir's Kulgam district in view of the separatists call for a march to various tehsil headquarters.

However, the curbs were lifted on Thursday morning in view of the improvement in the situation.

Meanwhile, normal life continued to remain affected in Kashmir for the 83rd straight day on Thursday due to the separatists' call for shut down, but there was increased movement of private vehicles in the city, indicating mass fatigue among the populace due to the prolonged unrest.

Shops, petrol pumps and other business establishments remained closed, while public transport remained off the roads.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions also remained closed across the Valley.

The separatist groups have been announcing weekly protest programmes with periodic relaxation on some days and have extended the strike till October 6.

As many as 82 persons, including two cops, have been killed and thousands of others injured in the ongoing unrest.

IMAGE: Students organised a protest rally to postponed their examinations in Srinagar. Photograph: Umar Ganie
Amidst heightened tension with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the situation along the Line of Control.

The meeting is understood to have discussed various options related to the LoC in the wake of the Uri attack.

The meeting is also understood to have taken stock of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.

Four terrorists had stormed an army camp in Uri on September 18 and killed 18 soldiers.

Pakistani troops have also twice violated the ceasefire along the LoC since Wednesday.

The meeting came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi postponed the meeting during which the Most Favoured Nation status granted to Pakistan was to be reviewed.

The meeting regarding MFN and related logistics scheduled for today is postponed to next week, official sources said.

The decision to review the MFN, which was granted by India unilaterally in 1996, was taken in the wake of the Uri attack over which India is weighing options to respond.
Top leaders of political parties were on Thursday briefed by the government about the surgical strike carried out by the army on terror launching pads across the Line of Control to foil plans of terrorists to target some Indian towns.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said after the hour-long meeting that all political parties unanimously supported the army action, which was carried at 5-6 important places across LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 6,000 feet and some of these terror launch pads were destroyed.

"The home minister explained the all-party meeting about the surgical strike which was carried out by the army to foil attempts by terrorists to carry out attack not only in Jammu and Kashmir but some other important towns," he told reporters.

The army action came in the aftermath of terror attack in Uri on September 18 in which 19 soldiers were killed.

Naidu said the terrorists had carried out strike from these launching pads and they had plans to do the same in future too.

"The government and the army had reports that the terrorists had plans to infiltrate again and create havoc in Jammu and Kashmir and some other places," he said.

After the successful operation, the Army personnel had returned to their respective bases without suffering any casualty, he said adding further details would be available later.

The minister said Representatives of the Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party, the Communist Party of India-Marxist, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Shiv Sena, the Lok Janshakti Party and Telugu Desam Party complimented the Indian Army action and assured the government of their support in any action in future.

Those who attended the meeting include Ghulam Nabi Azad from the Congress, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Sitaram Yechury of the CPI-M, Satish Chandra Mishra of the BSP and LJP Chief Ram Vilas Paswan.

Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar besides Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Naidu attended

the meeting.

Naidu said the surgical strike was carried out as Pakistan was not mending its ways and testing India's patience. Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh briefed the all-party meeting.

The all-party meeting was convened to inform political parties across the board of the action taken by the army.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had briefed President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the surgical strikes.

Chief Ministers of various states, including Jammu and Kashmir, were also briefed about the latest development. Just before the all-party meeting, Swaraj had met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on the development.

With Thursday's action, Naidu said Pakistan should realise that India would no longer tolerate incidents like Uri in future.

"Our neighbour is aiding, abetting and funding terrorism," the minister said.

He also said the entire country is very happy with today's action undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Responding to a question on Pakistan denial of Indian action in PoK, Naidu said "what else can they say."

In a series of tweets, Rajnath Singh, who chaired the all-party meeting, congratulated the army on successful counter terrorism operations against terror groups and their launching pads.

"We are proud of our armed forces. They have once again exhibited exemplary courage and valour by destroying the anti India designs. I also congratulate the Prime Minister on taking a bold decision and showing true grit and mettle in crucial times," he said.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad that they congratulated the army for the "very good, successful operation".

"We have been told that there were heavy casualties on the other side and there was no harm to our soldiers and they returned back safe. We will support all action of the security forces so that terrorism comes to an end and Pakistan does not support any terror activity from its soil," he said.

Yechury said that his party supported the Army action but felt that military action is not the answer and talks should resume between the two neighbours.

IMAGE: Home Minister Rajnath Singh chairs an all party meet to brief about surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terrorists launch pads along the LoC, in New Delhi. Photograph: PIB
Residents near the border have been asked to switch off lights at night.

Farmers whose agriculture land is beyond the fencing wire were ordered not to visit their fields.

IMAGE: Villagers leave after the government asked people to vacate villages located within 10 km of the international border with Pakistan as a precautionary measure following India's surgical strikes in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. All Photographs: PTI Photo

Panic gripped the residents of villages in many border districts of Punjab, while a high alert was sounded in Rajasthan and Gujarat on Thursday, September 29, after reports of escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan spread, following a surgical strike by the Indian Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The authorities began evacuating people living in villages located within 10 kilometres of the international border. Heads of local gurdwaras and temples with the help of village sarpanches asked the people to evacuate at the earliest.

The Border Security Force has put the international border on further alert after the Indian Army's surgical strike.

Punjab shares a 553 km border with Pakistan. It has six districts which lie close to the international border. Some 135 villages lie very close to the border.

In Rajasthan, four districts -- Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Sriganganagar -- share over a 1,000 km-long border with Pakistan, while Gujarat shares a land and sea boundary with it.

Inhabitants of border villages in Amritsar district -- Rasoolpur, Bhania, Doekey, Bheropal, Hardo Rattan, Dhariwal Udhar, Dhaoney, Rajatal, Mahawa, Bachiwnd, Shahura, Kiralgarh, Chak Allahbaksh, Kakar Rania, Ajnala, Ramdas -- have begun evacuation.

A similar situation prevailed in the border villages of Patti, Khemkaran, Gazal, Khalra, Nausher Dhalla, Mehndipur, Ratokey, Chhina, Muthiawall in Amritsar's adjoining Tarn Taran district.

The emergency wing at the Pathankot civil hospital has been vacated. Patients undergoing treatment there have been shifted to other wards.

"Eight beds will remain vacant for any war-like emergency," Pathankot's Senior Medical Officer Dr Bhupinder Singh said.

Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee President Avtar Singh Makkar directed the heads of all the gurdwaras in villages to accommodate people leaving their homes.

IMAGE: As news about the evacuation spread in Dera Baba Nanak town, there was panic and chaos.

People in Naushehra Dhalla village in Amritsar, which is very close to the international border, said they are unhappy about being displaced again. They said the village faced tough times in the 1965 and 1971 wars.

"Human beings can be moved, but what about our crops and animals," asked Angrez Singh.

People in villages in Ferozepur district close to the border were asked to evacuate their homes at the earliest. Schools within a 10 km radius of the border were shut down for an indefinite period.

The Ferozepur district administration is working on contingency plans to set up relief camps in schools and community centres. The health department has been directed to keep adequate stock of medicines and emergency drugs.

"We are in a state of panic and are scared," Kulwant Singh, a resident of Kamalewala village, said, adding that following the announcement of an evacuation he packed his baggage and left home.

Jaspal Singh, a youth from village Hastewala, who along with his wife and two children left the village, said he is scared and will stay with relatives in Ferozepur city.

After getting orders about the evacuation of residents from all the 32 villages that fall under the Dera Baba Nanak sector, Batala Senior Superintendent of Police Daljinder Singh dispatched police parties to these villages, appealing to the villagers for immediate evacuation.

Farmers whose agriculture land was beyond the fencing wire were ordered not to visit their fields.

Residents in places near the border have been asked to switch off lights at night. The authorities also made arrangements to disconnect power supply to the border villages at night.

IMAGE: Long queues at a petrol pump in the R S Pura sector close to the border in Jammu. Most petrol pumps and ATMs in border villages witnessed long queues.

In Rajasthan, inspector generals of police, district collectors and superintendents of police have been asked to take stock of the situation.

BSF spokesperson Ravi Gandhi said patrolling in the border areas has intensified. "The force was already alert and the vigilance has been further enhanced," he said.

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, the state chief secretary and home secretary held a video conference with the officers and issued directions.

No village has been evacuated in the border areas, Rajastan Chief Secretary O P Meena said.

Amid the heightened tension between the two nations, Mayo College in Ajmer has called off a scheduled event which featured a Pakistani delegation. 38 students and teachers from Pakistan were scheduled to arrive at Mayo College between October 2 and 5.

A high alert has been sounded in Gujarat, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said.

Three districts of the state -- Kutch, Banaskantha and Patan -- share a boundary with Pakistan.

"Our officers are in constant touch with the BSF and Coast Guard. The police in the border districts have stepped up patrolling," Patel said.

The coastal police has been asked to vigilantly monitor movement on the high seas, Patel added.

"The Centre has given us a directive to evacuate people from villages within a 10 km area of the border with Pakistan. But none of our villages are located in a 10 km range from the border. Our villages are almost 25 km away from the border," Patel said.

IMAGE: Border Security Force personnel asked visitors to return after the beating the retreat ceremony was suspended at the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani reviewed security arrangements in the state, especially in the districts bordering Pakistan.

The state government, Rupani said, has instructed the administration in the districts bordering Pakistan to provide all necessary assistance to the BSF, Coast Guard, navy and army.

The state Anti Terrorist Squad and Quick Response Team along with the Gujarat police have been put on high alert for the Navratri festival, Rupani added. Special security arrangements are being made to protect vital installations in the state, especially ports and refineries located in the border districts.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state police to remain alert and take the required security measures.

"I have reviewed the security measures two days ago," Fadnavis, who is also the state's home minister, said, adding, "Today we sensitised and alerted all (police) commissioners, inspector generals of police and superintendents of police to take all measures."
The issue whether controversial Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Shahabuddin would remain free or go back to jail will be decided on Friday with the Supreme Court on Thursday reserving its verdict on two appeals challenging the grant of bail to him by the Patna high court in a murder case.

The apex court also rebuked Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, which has the RJD as its coalition partner, for its lax approach in opposing bail granted to the RJD strongman in various cases at different judicial forums including the high court.

The Bihar government, which drew flak from the court since the beginning of the hearing on appeals, was on Thursday again questioned for not providing a copy of the chargesheet to him for 17 months in the murder case of Rajiv Roshan.

Roshan, the eye witness to the gruesome killings of two of his younger siblings, was also killed few days before his proposed testimony in the murder case of his brothers.

A bench comprising Justices P C Ghose and Amitava Roy, which heard the parties for nearly three days, referred to the trial court records and said it cannot simply go by "inferences" drawn from various happenings in lower courts, as the order sheets revealed that police records were not provided to the accused.

"We have to act as per records. We have an onerous duty to perform. What kind of prosecution is this that for one-and-half years the trial court kept on saying: provide the police records. You (Government) can't say the prosecution has no role in the proceedings. It can't be a one-sided affair," the bench said.

Dissatisfied with the response of the state government, the bench said, "It is not that the trial court proceedings are alien to us."

Lawyer Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Siwan-based Chandrakeshwar Prasad who lost his three sons in two separate crimes, vehemently opposed the contention of Shahabuddin that he was not provided the case records including chargesheet for 17 months after it was filed in the trial court.

"It is a cock-and-bull story which has been told in the Supreme Court for first time, that too orally without any affidavit," Bhushan said adding that Shahabuddin had challenged the trial court order taking cognizance of the offence in the sessions court.

There was not "even a whisper" that Shahabuddin was not supplied with the copy of chargesheet, he said.

Bhushan also mentioned that the revision plea of the RJD leader had details of the chargesheet and hence, the plea of non-supply of records was "unsustainable and cannot be taken note of".

He cited the high court order by which his bail plea was dismissed in February this year and said that too recorded the submission of Shahabuddin having details of the chargehsheet.

"This makes crystal clear that Shahabuddin had the chargesheet and the case diary or else how can he cites the paragraphs of the chargesheet," Bhushan said.

Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for the controversial leader, said there was concerted efforts to delay the trial and for that reason, the chargesheet was not provided to him.

Moreover, the prosecution did not have evidence to prove Shahabuddin's involvement in the conspiracy to murder, he said.

"This is perversity writ large. The charge is that I was involved in the killing of Rajiv Roshan but how can I do that when evidence suggests that I was in judicial custody," Naphade said.

He said it is for the Bihar government to specify its stand on the allegation that an undertrial prisoner went out of jail and took part in the killing.

The senior advocate further alleged that shifting Shahabuddin to Bhagalpur jail from Siwan was another effort to delay the trial and said the administrative order to transfer him was "illegal", "void" and "contrary to law".

"I have the fundamental right to have speedy trial but by shifting me to another jail, they had made concerted efforts to delay it," he said.

"We in Bihar know how to follow law and also know how not to follow the law," Naphade said while taking a pot shot at Bihar government.

Naphade said there was "much more than what meets the eye" and claimed concerted efforts have been made from the start to delay the trial and that was why "I was shifted to Bhagalpur by an administrative order which was 'void'".

Shahabuddin's counsel referred to his shifting from Siwan to Bhagalpur jail without any order of the court, saying "an undertrial prisoner is in the custody of court. In this case, we do not know whether any order was passed by the court from one jail to another".

Delay in trial is an extremely relevant material for grant of bail, Naphade said, adding that Shahabuddin should not be sent back to jail.

Senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, representing Bihar government, said every factor should be taken into account and court should not "unleash this man to the society" as "liberty is not absolute" and only one eye witness remained.

To this, one of the judges of the bench said, "everything depends on what inference we draw tomorrow".

Shahabuddin, who was granted bail by the Patna high court on September 7, was released from Bhagalpur jail on September 10. He was in jail for 11 years in connection with dozens of cases against him.

On September 19, the apex court had sought a response from Shahabuddin on a separate plea filed by Siwan resident Chandrakeshwar Prasad, challenging the bail granted to him by Patna high court, in the murder case of his third son.

The apex court is also hearing a separate plea filed by the widow of journalist Rajdev Ranjan, who was murdered in Siwan allegedly at the instance of Shahabuddin, seeking transfer of the case to Delhi.

Kalawati Devi, wife of Chandrakeshwar Prasad and the mother of three youths who were brutally killed by henchmen of the controversial politician, had also moved the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of bail granted to him in the case in which he has already been sentenced to life.
In a blog post, popular music streaming platform Spotify announced at a press event in Tokyo that it has launched its services in Japan, albeit on an invite-only basis.

In Japan, Spotify will be the first music streaming service to offer a free, ad-supported music service, as well as its ad-free, subscription service. Spotify Premium will be available to users for only 980 yen (or $9.60) a month.

Were incredibly excited to launch Spotify with a uniquely Japanese music experience, says Spotifys CEO and Founder, Daniel Ek. With Spotifys revolutionary discovery and personalization features that fit your every mood, we aim to help people enjoy more music and connect more artists with fans than ever before.

But reaching new customers in Japan may prove to be difficult for Spotify, as Japanese consumers still prefer to purchase music physicallythink CDs and recordsrather than digitally, according to TechCrunch. However, its free-tier option will likely work in its favor. It is the only mainstream music streaming service in Japan that offers this option, allowing consumers to try out Spotify, see if they even like it, before shelling out a monthly subscription fee.

Spotify is now available in 60 markets worldwide, with over 100 million users. Its push into Japan follows Spotifys expansion into Indonesia back in March. The company first entered Asia in 2013, launching in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.

SoundCloud Acquisition

On Wednesday, the Financial Times reported that Spotify is in talks to acquire SoundCloud, a platform that allows artists to upload their music and share it with fans on blogs and across social media.

German-based SoundCloud has over 125 million songsit also launched its own paid service earlier this yearand if the deal goes through, Spotify would eliminate a strong player in the music streaming industry.

As Spotify eyes an IPO next year, SoundCloud and its investors stand to benefit; Twitter Inc. TWTR is a notable investor, having put $70 million into the company this past June. SoundClouds valuation stands at about $700 million, the same value it saw in 2014.

Story continues

Spotifys current valuation is roughly $8.5 billion, and the company just reached 40 million paying subscribers, still well above Apple AAPL Musics 17 million paying subscribers.

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A 14-year-old boy shot and killed his father then drove to an elementary school in South Carolina and opened fire with a handgun, wounding two children and a teacher.

The teen was apprehended within minutes as he was stopped by a longtime volunteer firefighter, authorities said.

IMAGE: Anderson County sheriff's deputies and investigators gather outside of Townville Elementary School after the shooting. Photograph: Reuters

One of the students was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, Captain Garland Major with the Anderson County sheriffs office said. Both students were male. The female teacher was hit in the shoulder.

According to reports, before the shooting at Townville Elementary school, the teenager gunned down his father, Jeffrey Osbourne, at their home.

Officials said the teen called his grandmother from his fathers house crying on the phone on Wednesday.

He did not tell her what was wrong or what happened, before the call ended. She went to her sons house and found him inside dead with a gunshot wound, as the teen had already left the home.

IMAGE: Anderson County sheriff's deputies and investigators walk out of Townville Elementary School after a shooting in Townville, South Carolina. Photograph: Nathan Grey/Reuters

A student was quoted as saying that she saw the shooter jump a fence and fire several rounds into the air while yelling I hate my life! I hate my life! I hate my life!

We are heartbroken about this senseless act of violence, said Joanne Avery, superintendent of Anderson County School District 4. She cancelled classes for the rest of the week.

Governor Nikki Haley released a statement shortly after the shooting. As we work together with law enforcement to make sure they have the support they need to investigate what happened in Townville, Michael and I ask that everyone across South Carolina join us in praying for the entire Townville Elementary School family and those touched by todays tragedy.
A packed commuter train ploughed into a station in New Jersey during the morning rush hour on Thursday, with three people reported killed and more than 100 injured, many of them in critical condition.

IMAGE: NJ Police officers and NJ firefighters arrive to the train terminal after a New Jersey Transit train crashed into the platform at Hoboken Terminal during morning rush hour. Photograph: Pancho Bernasconi/Getty Images

The train failed to stop as it pulled into Hoboken station at speed, went up over the blocks at the end of the track and rammed into a wall a few meters away, a New Jersey transit official told AFP at the scene.

Michael Larson, another transit employee, told CNN he heard a "bomb-like explosion" as the train hit the bumpers with such force that it went airborne -- hitting the station's roof and causing it to partly collapse.

"It was going considerably faster than it should have normally been at the terminal," he said. "It went up and over the bumper block, through the depot... and came to rest at the wall by the waiting room."

Video and photos posted on social media showed major damage to the transit hub just over the Hudson river from Manhattan, with the train tangled in wires and debris from what appeared to be caved in portions of the roof.

Train #1614 was arriving from Spring Valley when it struck the Hoboken terminal building at around 8.45 am (6.15 pm), New Jersey Transit said in a statement, adding that all services were currently suspended in and out of the station.

IMAGE: The roof collapse after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

Passengers quoted by US media described the train ramming at full speed into the bumper at the end of the track.

"We never slowed down," Jim Finan, a commuter from New Jersey, told Fox News. "We ploughed, I mean, right through the bumper."

NBC and CBS reported three fatalities from the early morning accident. No official toll was immediately available.

"We have 100 plus injuries," Jennifer Nelson, a New Jersey transit spokeswoman, told reporters at the scene, adding that there were "multiple critical injuries."

Nelson said there were around 250 passengers on board at the time of the crash, and that it was not known if there were still people trapped on the train.

Finan said it was an unusually crowded morning.

IMAGE: A NJ Transit train seen through the wreckage after it crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal. Photograph: Pancho Bernasconi/Getty Images

"Afterwards there was some panic. People were trying to smash some windows out."

"Everyone who was standing kind of went flying," he said. "I saw a lot of head injuries and kind of people with cuts."

Nelson told reporters it was not known how fast the train was travelling as it entered the station, and that an investigation was ongoing.

"We're looking at all things that could have caused this accident," she said.

Emergency vehicles converged on the scene in response to the crash.
'These cases are filed against me to prevent me from working for the weaker and deprived sections of the country.'

K Anurag reports from Guwahati.

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi paused his Uttar Pradesh road show and turned up in an Assam court on Thursday, September 29, for a defamation case filed against him by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteer.

After appearing in the court in Guwahati, Gandhi told the media that such cases would not deter him from his ongoing fight for the interests of the downtrodden and suppressed people of the country.

The chief judicial magistrate's court in Guwahati released Gandhi on a bond of Rs 50,000.

The court fixed November 5 as the next date for hearing in the case.

Gandhi appeared in court at 10 am and emerged at 10.45 am. The hearing was conducted amid tight security in and around the court.

"I work for the suppressed, downtrodden, unemployed, poor farmers of the country," Gandhi told the media after the hearing concluded.

"These cases are filed against me to prevent me from working for the weaker and deprived sections of the country. But I will not be deterred by such design. The country is now being ruled for only 12 to 15 people."

The criminal defamation suit concerns Gandhi's visit to the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery on December 12 last year. He was supposed to enter the Satra before taking part in a road show, but did not visit the shrine and instead hit the road show.

In New Delhi later, he alleged that some RSS workers had prevented him from entering the Satra, after which one RSS worker filed the defamation suit against Gandhi.
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.
Central Bank Crisis Risks Famine in Yemen

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 29 September 2016 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Central Bank Crisis Risks Famine in Yemen, 29 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ecfd9a4.html [accessed 31 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.

Efforts to move Yemen's Central Bank will likely add to risks of insolvency and starvation, while complicating and deepening civil war divisions. Regional and international powers should rally round this critical institution and help revive UN-brokered peace talks.

The collapse of UN-mediated peace talks in August is sending Yemen's war into a new phase, potentially with even more devastating consequences. During eighteen months of fighting between a Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally- recognised government of President Abed-Rabbo Mansour Hadi and Huthi (Zaydi/Shiite) rebels aligned with forces under the previous president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, the population has been the primary victim, sustaining air bombardments, rocket attacks, and economic blockades. Over 10,000 people, approximately 4,000 of them civilians, have been killed, the majority in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes. Both sides stand accused of repeated violations of international humanitarian law, actions that make the conflict increasingly difficult to resolve. Over 3.2 million Yemenis are internally displaced. Fourteen of 26 million are food insecure, and 370,000 children under age five risk severe, acute malnutrition. Now the situation is about to get worse.

On 19 September, President Hadi fired the Central Bank governor and announced he would move the bank from the Huthi/Saleh-controlled capital, Sanaa, to the government's temporary base in the port city of Aden. The decree could mark a turn toward economic warfare aimed at strangling the Huthi/Saleh alliance financially in its northern strongholds. Yet, ordinary Yemenis would suffer the most.

The move appears to have no well-thought-out implementation plan and opens a host of uncertainties, including a breakdown of the banking system and continued inability to pay salaries that would accelerate economic collapse and could tip large parts of the country into famine. It will also vastly complicate prospects for a negotiated settlement and almost certainly encourage the Huthi/Saleh forces to escalate, including attacks inside Saudi territory. Not least, it will deepen the north-south political divide, making more difficult future efforts to negotiate a peaceful solution to the troubled relationship between these areas.

The economy has long been a weapon in the war. Huthi/Saleh forces enforce, with occasional loosening, a crippling blockade on the second largest city, Taiz, which has been fought over for more than a year, with disastrous humanitarian consequences. The Saudi-led coalition imposed a tight air/sea blockade on Huthi/Saleh-controlled areas early in the war, ostensibly to prevent Iranian weapons from entering. While that situation has gradually improved since May under a UN verification mechanism, the cumulative humanitarian impact has been calamitous.

There had been a tacit agreement between the sides to allow the Central Bank, run by veteran technocrat Mohammed Awad bin Humam, to perform its functions relatively free of interference. Diplomats and international economists agree that, under increasingly adverse circumstances, the bank has remained largely impartial, guaranteeing import of basic commodities, protecting the riyal's value and paying public-sector salaries nationally. Without revenue from interrupted hydrocarbon exports, formerly approximately 70 per cent of the government's budget, or donor support, however, the bank is rapidly approaching insolvency. Acute riyal shortages are interfering with its ability to pay salaries, and the Hadi government has blocked bin Humam from printing additional currency through a Russian company.

The bank's looming insolvency coincides with a military stalemate and the breakdown of peace talks. In three months of negotiations in Kuwait, the parties came closer to a negotiated settlement than ever before. Both realised they were mired in a costly war of attrition, in which the Saudi-led coalition failed repeatedly to dislodge Huthi/Saleh forces from their northern positions, and the latter defended their area at great human cost without making headway in Taiz and further south. They sensibly entered into discussions on force withdrawals, general disarmament and formation of a national unity government, though the Huthis were unwilling to go into details on withdrawals. The talks faltered on sequencing security and political steps, however, and both sides have redoubled efforts to make decisive battlefield gains.

Even before peace talks ended, the Huthi/Saleh alliance had begun to entrench its political control of the north, highlighting the Hadi's government's lack of influence there, by forming a high political council as a first step toward a rival government. It also escalated attacks inside Saudi Arabia and is attempting to hold territory there. The Saudi-led coalition has pummelled Huthi/Saleh-controlled areas with airstrikes, and its Yemeni allies have tried, and again failed, to enter Sanaa from the north east. Possibly seeing it has limited military options in the northern highlands, Saudi Arabia and its main partner, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), now appear to be shifting the fight to the economic front, where they have significant leverage.

During the Kuwait talks, the Hadi government and its Gulf Cooperation Council backers turned increasingly critical of the Central Bank, accusing its governor of allowing the Huthi/Saleh forces to pilfer state coffers to fund their war effort. The heart of the issue is the monthly disbursal of 25 billion riyals (approximately $100 million) to the Huthi-controlled defence ministry. This notoriously opaque line item in the 2014 budget, which bin Humam has continued to implement absent a new budget, benefits the Huthis disproportionately, as they, like every group in Yemen before them, have likely stacked the ministry payroll with their loyalists.

Though Saudi Arabia intervened in the past to prop up the economy (and still has a $1 billion Central Bank deposit), it is no longer prepared to put cash into a bank it reasonably views as being used to finance a war against it and seems less concerned the bank's demise in Sanaa could precipitate a total economic collapse that arguably would not be in its long-term interest. The Huthi/Saleh alliance has been unwilling to negotiate guarantees to address Saudi concerns, while Hadi and his supporters expect Saudi Arabia and the UAE to replenish the bank's cash once it is in Aden. Faced with the prospect of a collapsing bank in Sanaa and a move to Aden that could inject much-needed liquidity even as it raises the possibility of economic warfare, the U.S., UK, UN and other international players have not opposed the move.

Paradoxically, Hadi issued his decree on the heels of a push by his international backers to revive the peace talks. On 25 August, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the "quad" (U.S., UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE) had agreed with the UN special envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, to renew negotiations for a comprehensive settlement that would move simultaneously on political and security tracks to achieve a Huthi/Saleh withdrawal from Sanaa, their handing over of heavy weapons to a third party and formation of a unity government. The plan brings together many elements the UN envoy proposed in Kuwait, while meeting the Huthi/Saleh demand that political and security compromises be signed as part of a package. It also closely sequences those compromises in a way that would give wins - and the perception of these - to both parties.

The proposal might force the Huthis, in particular, to show their cards, requiring them to either accept a plan that accommodates their demands or reject it, thus indicating unwillingness to make concessions to which they had previously committed in principle. But the promising initiative could be stillborn. None of its supposed backers, save Kerry, has strongly championed it. The UN has yet to officially submit a revised roadmap to the sides incorporating its ideas. And now the bank announcement undermines and complicates diplomatic prospects.

Yemen cannot bear the demise of yet another opportunity to end the war. It has become a failed and divided state and soon could also be a starving one. One of its last functioning, technocratically-run institutions, the Central Bank, is in peril. Pulling back from what threatens to be even more severe fragmentation and suffering requires urgent steps:

1. A UN-brokered plan for effective Central Bank functioning and a ceasefire to allow immediate resumption of talks.

- As part of this, the Hadi government would commit to resume paying civil servants throughout the country, suspending plans to move the bank to Aden and continuing to rely on the bank's infrastructure and staff in Sanaa. Both sides would agree to a plan for collaboration between the bank's Aden branch and Sanaa headquarters until a peace agreement.

- To ensure civil-servant salaries will be paid nationally and the liquidity problem is addressed, the sides would agree to support immediate printing of additional riyals, which are essential for resumption of salary payments and should be delivered to Central Bank offices in Sanaa, Aden and elsewhere, according to a plan based on the 2014 budget's salary stipulations. Ideally, defence ministry salaries would be paid nationally according to the 2014 budget and personnel lists, which include combatants on all sides but exclude Huthi fighters added since 2015.

2. Resumption, immediately following a ceasefire, of UN-mediated talks based on a new roadmap in line with the quad initiative.

- The UN envoy should present the revised roadmap to the belligerents, preferably in writing, including a framework for political and security compromises moving simultaneously to result in phased withdrawals, disarmament and quick formation of a unity government.

- The Huthi/Saleh delegation should, in response, propose a withdrawal plan to become part of the comprehensive agreement. Concluding an agreement would be contingent on negotiation of the plan's details.

- To complete the comprehensive settlement, the envoy should add a mechanism to the settlement package for addressing regional autonomy demands, including the possibility of southern independence.

A devastating economic war of attrition may still be avoided, but only if the sides agree to an immediate ceasefire and return to peace talks. If a settlement cannot be reached based on the quad initiative, at least the ceasefire would give humanitarian agencies and governments time to put in place mechanisms to mitigate the impact on average citizens during the next phase of conflict.
A settlement to Cypriot dispute 'closer than ever before, but there's still a way to go'  UN Special Adviser

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 28 September 2016 Cite as UN News Service, A settlement to Cypriot dispute 'closer than ever before, but there's still a way to go'  UN Special Adviser, 28 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ecff1440e.html [accessed 31 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.

28 September 2016 - On 22 August 2014, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that he had appointed Mr. Espen Barth Eide of Norway as his new Special Adviser on Cyprus, replacing Mr. Alexander Downer of Australia, who had stepped down four months earlier, in April.

In the statement that announced the appointment, the Secretary-General described Mr. Eide as a seasoned diplomat who would bring to the position "a deep understanding of peace processes and peacemaking."

Mr. Eide has since been working to assist two sides - the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots - in search for a comprehensive and mutually acceptable settlement to the Cyprus problem.

On 25 September2016, the UN Secretary-General held - on the margins of the UN General Assembly's general debate - what he described to reporters as a "productive" meeting , with Mustafa Akyncy, Turkish Cypriot leader, and Nicos Anastasiades, Greek Cypriot leader.

Mr. Ban also said that in the meeting with the two leaders, they had discussed the state of play in the ongoing negotiations to reach a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, and welcomed their joint commitment to intensify efforts even further, in order to achieve that settlement in 2016.

In an interview with the UN News Centre, Mr. Eide began by explaining the protracted and extremely complex history of the long running dispute in Cyprus.

"UN has a role" in Cyprus now and in future - UN Special Advisor. Credit: UN News Centre

Espen Barth Eide: The United Nations has been in Cyprus for 52 years. It so happens that I'm also 52 years old, and we were born in the same week - the [UN Peacekeeping Force, known as UNFICYP] and myself - and the UN came there because of the inter-communal strife in the early days of the independent Republic of Cyprus. And then 10 years later, there was a military coup, supported by the then military regime in Athens, and just after that, the Turkish invasion, and the de-facto division of the country into two parts.

And what we're trying to do is to help the leaders - the Turkish-Cypriot and the Greek-Cypriot leader - to re-unify the country, under a federal-structure for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike, and we have actually come quite far in that process. And I would strongly say, as the Secretary-General said yesterday, much further than any previous pair of leaders in all these years has come. So we are now approaching the final stretch and the make-or-break moment in the Cyprus process.

UN News Centre: So what is the current situation, and how has it evolved over the past 50 years?

Espen Barth Eide: Well, that's a very long story. Of course there was a major attempt in 2004 - the so-called 'Annan Plan,' from former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan - which was presented to a referendum, and it got 'yes' in the North of Cyprus, but it lost quite significantly in the South. However, at that time, the final version of the plan was written by the UN, and neither leader on either side actually endorsed it.

... the current situation is unacceptable and must be overcome ... losing this opportunity is not good for you; neither for Cypriots nor for somebody trying to be helpful in the neighbourhood. So the region needs this and it is so close that to miss this opportunity would be a historic failure.

So maybe, with hindsight, it was not that surprising that we got the outcome it gave. In this phase, which has lasted basically the last 16 months, since the current two leaders - Mr Mustafa Akyncy in the North, and Nicos Anastasiades in the South - started they have moved on all issues, and they have discussed all issues inter-dependently. And of the six chapters that encompass the negotiation track, four are largely done. And the two last ones, which are widely seen to be the more difficult ones, have been open for discussion even if we haven't finally negotiated them. So we're in a very advanced stage.

At the same time, I need to be honest saying that there're outstanding issues. And what I detect now is [that] I recognize typical nervousness of the 'last mile,' because in any peace process, particularly those that worked, we have the experience that when you come to the crux of the matter, the really important accommodations that have to be made, both sides feel the pressure of time. And from the UN side, we're insisting that we will not put pressure on them. It is not our problem; it is their problem, and we're there to assist in overcoming their issue.

The process has to be leader-led; it has to be owned by the Cypriots themselves. But our job is to help them, to facilitate and, I would also say, coordinate the overall international effort, because it is not only us, the United Nations, it's also the European Union, of which the future united Cyprus will be a member state, for instance. It's the neighboring States - Greece and Turkey - who have a stake in this, because they're, together with the United Kingdom, guarantors. So the international effort is coordinated through the UN, and my job now, together with the Secretary-General, is to orchestrate all these different pieces, so that we can achieve the noble goal of a settlement soon.

UN News Centre: There has been a breakthrough in the last couple of years - you've been in this job for two years - what broke the logjam to get us to where we're now, which you say is really quite close to a final deal?

Espen Barth Eide: It's closer than ever before, but there's still a way to go. And I don't want to leave the impression that a deal is around the corner, because we still have to settle a few, but important issues. Numerically speaking, most issues are behind us; they are done and settled. So we have a big body of agreement already there. Volume-wise, most of the deal is written down. However, per usual, the most difficult issues are not those you take first, so of course we need to create the space, and I don't necessarily mean the physical space, but the framework in which we're able to deal with those final issues, in an expedited but also efficient and proper manner. That's what we're looking for right now.

Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Mustafa Akyncy arrives at the UN's Good Offices in Nicosia on 7 January ahead of the first leaders' meeting of 2016 under the auspices of the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus, Mr. Espen Barth Eide. Elected in April 2015, Mr. Akyncy won 60.5% of the vote upon the strength of his promise to bring the tragic division of the island to an end. Photo: UNFICYP/Robert Szakszon

But I want to say that the main answer - there's one main answer and then there are many smaller answers to the big question - why does it look like it is working? It is the leadership of the two leaders we currently have: Mr. Anastasiades, who was elected the President of Cyprus - which also means the leader of the Greek Cypriot community - and we work with him as the leader of the Greek Cypriot community. He was elected in 2013, on a pro-settlement mandate - he ran for his post arguing that he would use the post to try to arrive at a settlement; Mr. Mustafa Akyncy, who was elected in the South in April 2015, likewise got a very solid mandate - 60.5 percent - on running for one main course, which is to bring this tragic division of the island to an end.

So we have two leaders who, actually, are declared settlement supporters and who are working in honesty with each other as partners, to solve this. Their challenge is that on both sides, there are a number of people who are, to put it very diplomatically, less enthusiastic about the prospect of the settlement. So it's not enough for these two leaders to agree with each other; they also have to bring along a majority of each side. And in my daily interaction with the leaders, I also recognize and empathize with their constant sense that, I have to be able to convince my community to vote yes, because there was a referendum last time, and there will be a referendum again, and history has proven that you can't know the outcome of a referendum, and they want to be secure.

So the leadership and the trust that have been developed between the leaders is the main answer. Then there are a number of secondary answers, and they're normally around the argument that in a region where a lot of things are going terribly wrong; remember, this is 100 kilometers from Syria. We are in Europe, but we're at the very far east of Europe; and way into the Eastern Mediterranean, in a neighborhood where most things are on the downward spiral.

The international circumstance has almost paradoxically come up with a benign situation for Cyprus because all relevant players in the neighborhood actively want to contribute to a solution. Basically speaking, the great Powers have, in their perspective, bigger fish to fry, and would rather see this issue off the table, and hence I'm one of those envoys of the Secretary-General that has a united Security Council behind me. That's no small feat, and that's something I also impress on my Cypriot friends, that this is a value that we want to use when we have it. And we also have very constructive openings from the guarantor powers that they're ready to discuss, when time has come, to agree on what their role will be, or rather, what it will not be - depending on whom you ask - in the future settlement.

UN News Centre: Is there still an important role for the UN to play here?

Espen Barth Eide: Absolutely.

UN News Centre: What would happen if the UN simply withdrew?

Espen Barth Eide: Well, of course this is a question that we should ask the Cypriots, and I do ask the Cypriots, and we consistently get the message that they want us; they need us to be the facilitator. They don't need us to run the show, and I'm extremely adamant to communicate and behave as somebody who is there to assist the leaders in their process. But the UN controls the buffer zone; we have meetings in the buffer zone. We facilitate, not only the meetings between the leaders and the negotiating teams, but a vast array of 16 working groups, five technical committees, and all possible issues. So basically almost all the formal communication between the North and South happens through the UN.

Greek Cypriot leader Mr. Nicos Anastasiades arrives at the UN's Good Offices in Nicosia on 7 January ahead of the first leaders' meeting of 2016 under the auspices of the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus, Mr. Espen Barth Eide. Mr. Anastasiades won a solid mandate in the 2013 election, on a pro-settlement card, arguing that he would use his leadership post to try to arrive at a settlement to the protracted Cypriot dispute. The UN Special Adviser regards that stance as crucial. Photo: UNFICYP/Robert Szakszon

Not only in the search for a settlement, but also on the daily basis. For instance, the only police cooperation that exists between the two sides goes via the United Nations, so you can imagine what would happen on a small and de-facto, heavily integrated island, if there was no contact on this issue. So both in the current and in the future, I think the UN has a role.

UN News Centre: The Cypriot President told the General Assembly at the UN recently that he thought the deal could be done by the end of the year. Is that realistic?

Espen Barth Eide: Absolutely, it's ambitious but feasible. And what I mean by that is: ambitious as a sportsman ready to win the race. He can win; he just has to put his efforts or her efforts into winning, and it's the same thing here. The main issue is a sustained will and that we manage to use the next months in order to orchestrate the sequence of things, so that that goal can be held. I have to underline that what Anastasiades said in that speech here - which was a very a good speech in my view - echoes what his counterpart, Mr. Akyncy says.

They have actually repeatedly and jointly said that their aim is to achieve a settlement by the end of 2016. The first time they said that, was in Davos this year. At that time there was 11-and-a-half months to go, as that was in the middle of January; they said that again on the 15th of May, which was one year anniversary of their meeting; they said it again a week before we went to New York, in a joint statement, and now they have said it individually. So this is clearly a shared commitment.

I think, to be as transparent as possible, we don't know that it will work. It is an ambitious goal. It's possible, but it will only work if we have this leader-led dedication toward the end.

UN News Centre: Is there any more constructive pressure that the UN can apply; and that you can apply in your role?

Espen Barth Eide: We should be constructive but we should not use pressure, because the pressure itself can create the sense that somebody else wants to define the terms. We tried that in Cyprus and it did not work particularly well with the Annan plan in 2004, and we tried it in other places. But constructive, yes, so we are now looking for ways, and this was very much the essence of the Secretary-General's own message of the leaders yesterday.

On 25 September 2016, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets at UN Headquarters with Nicos Anastasiades, Leader of the Greek Cypriot Community and Mustafa Akyncy, Leader of the Turkish Cypriot Community. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

In the meeting - which was a long, substantive meeting on Sunday, the 25th of September - he said that he personally, and the whole UN system, including myself; all of us are fully dedicated to doing whatever we can to coordinate between them, but also with other players, and to look for the physical and the mental space, and to provide that so that the most difficult issues can be solved. Because the challenge we have now - I said a vast array of issues are done, even very difficult ones - we're moving into the most difficult phase but these issues are connected. So you cannot do an issue one day and then three weeks later do another one, because these issues need a simultaneous accommodation, and that's the space we are looking for now.

UN News Centre: So these issues need to be sequenced very carefully and choreographed, and will the UN be playing a role in that?

Espen Barth Eide: Very much so, but always under the guidance of the Cypriots because, and I repeat that, because it is very important that they know we are there to help them. We - the Secretary-General, the Security Council, the European Union, the whole world basically - would warmly welcome a positive breakthrough along the lines that the leaders are seeking, but I would also say a settlement in Cyprus will be a source of inspiration for the neighbourhood and for the world.

Our Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has said repeatedly that he sees Colombia and Cyprus as two of the very few opportunities to see that age-old conflicts are overcome. Interestingly at the end of the meeting on the 25th of September, the Secretary-General flew to Cartagena to be present at the signing of the Colombia peace accord, and obviously he would like to see he could do something similar in the near future also in Cyprus.

UN News Centre: Is there a real danger that the last 50 years could be for nothing and that we could face going back to the status quo, as it was in 1974 - a position of conflict between the two communities?

Espen Barth Eide: On the first part of that question, I would say yes, there is definitely a risk that we lose what we now have achieved because we have, in a sense, arrived at a plateau, from which you can either go to a solution or a downward spiral. I wouldn't say conflict as in the violent, physical conflict, but I think it is clear for all of us - and that is not only me saying it, but it is also well known to other people who are dealing with it on both sides - that the alternative is not any longer just the status quo; it's not just a stable, safe status quo that will continue forever, in the sense that, the Cypriots have been living in a state of exception.

SASG Espen Barth Eide and SRSG Lisa Buttenheim visited Kormakitis village on 7 August 2015, where they had the opportunity to speak and listen to Maronite residents. They had a walk around the village and visited the Kormakitis' Cultural Center and Folklore Museum. Photo: UNFICYP

They have quite correctly stated - both the North and the South - that the current situation is unacceptable and must be overcome, and I would be very worried if people think that they can just cool down this and there will be a new chance in five or ten years. This is in no way to suggest that I know what the future will look like, but my sense and my own experience with international relations, suggest that losing this opportunity is not good for you; neither for Cypriots nor for somebody trying to be helpful in the neighbourhood. So the region needs this and it is so close that to miss this opportunity would be a historic failure.
Republic of Korea: UN rights expert calls for probe in death of 69-year old protester

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 28 September 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Republic of Korea: UN rights expert calls for probe in death of 69-year old protester, 28 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ecff3540c.html [accessed 31 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.

28 September 2016 - Expressing dismay over the death of a protestor who was injured by the police use of a water cannon on a peaceful rally last year in the country, a United Nations human rights expert has called for a full investigation into the incident and to ensure that such a "tragedy" is never repeated.

"I call for a full and independent investigation into the police's use of water cannon during the rally of November 2015 that unambiguously led to Mr. Baek [Nam-gi]'s death according to video footage available," United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Maina Kiai said in a news release issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"The perpetrators should be held accountable and the family of Mr. Baek receive appropriate compensation; in addition, adequate measures must be taken to prevent a similar tragedy from happening in the future," he added.

On 14 November 2015, Mr. Baek, a 69-year-old farmer, was injured by the use of water cannon while taking part in a peaceful rally in the country's capital, Seoul, and remained in a coma until his passing on 25 September this year.

The Special Rapporteur also reiterated his recommendation made to the authorities in his country report of June this year to "review tactics used for the management of assemblies -including the use of water cannons and bus barricades - to ensure that they are not applied indiscriminately or against peaceful protestors, they do not result in escalation of tensions, and are directed at facilitating rather than preventing the exercise of assembly rights."

He also echoed similar recommendations made in his joint report with the former Special Rapporteur on the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns, on the proper management of public assemblies presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March this year.

In the news release, the UN rights expert expressed his condolences to the relatives and friends of Mr. Baek, and called on the authorities respect the will of the family not to have the body of Mr. Baek taken for autopsy.

According to OHCHR, the police and the Prosecutor's Office had requested a warrant from the Seoul Central District Court to proceed with an autopsy as the cause of death is allegedly not clear, but it was denied by the court. They have reportedly filed another request.

Mr. Kiai's call has been endorsed by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mr. Michel Forst; the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Mr. Juan Mendez; and the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, Mr. Baskut Tuncak.

Independent Experts and Special Rapporteurs, are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
Ban calls on UN Security Council for decisive steps to end attacks on hospitals, medical staff

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 28 September 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Ban calls on UN Security Council for decisive steps to end attacks on hospitals, medical staff, 28 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ecff6240c.html [accessed 31 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.

28 September 2016 - Denouncing a surge in "horrific attacks" on hospitals, clinics and medical staff, most recently in the war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Security Council today to take decisive steps to end such obvious war crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable.

"Failure to act is an affront to our shared humanity. It undermines States' legal obligations and the multilateral system as a whole," he told the 15-member body at the start of a debate on the protection and health care facilities caught in armed conflict, noting that nearly 600 such attacks between 2014 and 2015 killed 959 people and injured more than 1,500.

"Most heinously, such attacks are often deliberate, to aggravate suffering and force people from contested territory," he said, stressing that international law is clear that medical workers, facilities and transports must be protected and the wounded and sick, civilians and fighters alike, must be spared.

"I urge you to overcome your divisions and meet your responsibilities to prevent and reduce conflict and to build peace and stability," he added, listing attacks just from this May including one on a hospital in Hajjah, Yemen, where 19 people died, and a suicide bombing in Pakistan on Sandeman Provincial hospital which killed over 70, both last month.

In Syria, Aleppo now faces the most sustained and intense bombardment in the more than five years of conflict with hospitals, clinics, ambulances and medical staff under attack around the clock, and 95 per cent of medical personnel who were in the city before the war reported to have fled, been detained or killed.

"Failure to act is an affront to our shared humanity. It undermines States' legal obligations and the multilateral system as a whole," Mr. Ban declared.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer told the Council that States must strengthen domestic legislation to protect access to health care and ensure attacks are punished.

"Much stronger engagement is needed to turn your commitment into a reality on the ground, to make a real difference for people suffering in wars. I urge you to continue to push," he said, referring to a Council resolution in May calling for enhanced protection for health care workers, the sick and wounded, hospitals and clinics in war zones.

"Just a few hours ago, the two largest hospitals in Aleppo were reportedly attacked. Patients were killed. Medical staff were injured. And all across the country, many hospitals are no longer functional, leaving injured people with little hope of getting life-saving medical assistance. The violence, the disruption of electricity and water supplies and the lack of medicines have severely jeopardized access to health care," he warned.
Sudan: Credible evidence of the use of chemical weapons to kill and maim hundreds of civilians including children in Darfur revealed

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 29 September 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Sudan: Credible evidence of the use of chemical weapons to kill and maim hundreds of civilians including children in Darfur revealed, 29 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ecffcd4.html [accessed 31 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 Amnesty International investigation has gathered horrific evidence of the repeated use of what are believed to be chemical weapons against civilians, including very young children, by Sudanese government forces in one of the most remote regions of Darfur over the past eight months.

Using satellite imagery, more than 200 in-depth interviews with survivors and expert analysis of dozens of appalling images showing babies and young children with terrible injuries, the investigation indicates that at least 30 likely chemical attacks have taken place in the Jebel Marra area of Darfur since January 2016. The most recent was on 9 September 2016.

"The scale and brutality of these attacks is hard to put into words. The images and videos we have seen in the course of our research are truly shocking; in one a young child is screaming with pain before dying; many photos show young children covered in lesions and blisters. Some were unable to breathe and vomiting blood," said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International's Director of Crisis Research.

"It is hard to exaggerate just how cruel the effects of these chemicals are when they come into contact with the human body. Chemical weapons have been banned for decades in recognition of the fact that the level of suffering they cause can never be justified. The fact that Sudan's government is now repeatedly using them against their own people simply cannot be ignored and demands action."

Based on testimony from caregivers and survivors, Amnesty International estimates that between 200 and 250 people may have died as a result of exposure to the chemical weapons agents, with many - or most - being children.

Hundreds more survived attacks but in the hours and days after exposure to the chemicals developed symptoms including severe gastrointestinal conditions involving bloody vomiting and diarrhoea; blistering and rashes on skin which reportedly hardened, changed colour and fell off; eye problems including complete loss of vision; and respiratory problems which were reported to be the most common cause of death.

One woman in her twenties was injured by shrapnel when a bomb which emitted a toxic cloud of smoke fell inside her village. She and her baby became sick and six months later they are still suffering from the effects.

"When [the bomb] landed there was some flames and then dark smokeImmediately it caused vomiting and dizzyingMy skin is not normal. I still have headaches, even after I took the medicineThe baby is not recoveringhe is swollenhe has blisters and woundsthey said he would get betterbut it is not working."

Another woman in her thirties was at home with her children in the village of Burro when it was attacked. She told Amnesty International that she saw several bombs discharge black smoke which then turned blue.

"Several bombs fell around the village and in the hillsMost of my kids are sick from the smoke of the bombardmentThey got sick on the day of the attackThey vomited and they had diarrhoeaThey were coughing a lotTheir skin turned dark like it was burned."

Many of the victims told Amnesty International that they had no access to medicine and were being treated using a combination of salt, limes and local herbs.

One man helped to care for many people in his village and neighbouring villages who he believed had been exposed to chemicals. He told Amnesty International that he had been helping to care for victims of the conflict in Jebel Marra since it began in 2003 and had never seen anything like these ailments before.

Nineteen of those who he cared for died, including children, within a month of exposure. He said that all those who died experienced major changes to the skin. About half had wounds that turned green and the other half had skin fall off and weeping blisters appear.

The chemical weapons agents were reportedly delivered by bombs dropped from planes and rockets. The vast majority of survivors reported that the smoke released when the bomb or rocket exploded changed colour between five and 20 minutes after release. Most witnesses said it started very dark and then became lighter. Every survivor said that the smoke smelled noxious.

Amnesty International presented its findings to two independent chemical weapons experts. Both concluded that the evidence strongly suggested exposure to vesicants, or blister agents, such as the chemical warfare agents sulfur mustard, lewisite or nitrogen mustard.

"This suspected use of chemical weapons represents not only a new low in the catalogue of crimes under international law by the Sudanese military against civilians in Darfur, but also a new level of hubris by the government towards the international community," said Tirana Hassan.

"The use of chemical weapons is a war crime. The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution."

The suspected chemical attacks come amid a large-scale military offensive launched in January 2016 by Sudanese forces in Jebel Marra against the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) who they accuse of ambushing military convoys and attacking civilians.

In the eight months since the offensive was launched, Amnesty International has documented scores of instances where government forces deliberately targeted civilians and civilian property.

Survivors and local human rights monitors provided the names of 367 civilians, including 95 children who were killed in Jebel Marra by government forces in the first six months of this year. Many people, including children, also died as a result of starvation, dehydration or a lack of medical care in the aftermath of attacks.

Using satellite imagery, Amnesty International can confirm that 171 villages have been destroyed or damaged in the last eight months of the military campaign. The overwhelming majority of these had no formal armed opposition presence at the time they were attacked.

The attacks were also characterized by gross human rights violations including the systematic bombing of civilians, killings of men, women and children, the abduction and rape of women, forced displacement of civilians and looting.

The evidence documenting all these attacks has been organized and presented via an interactive digital platform designed by SITU Research in collaboration with Amnesty International.

"Scorched earth, mass rapes, killings and bombs - these are the same war crimes being committed in Darfur as in 2004 when the world first woke up to what was happening. This region has been stuck in a catastrophic cycle of violence for more than 13 years, nothing has changed except that the world has stopped watching," said Tirana Hassan.

"Absolutely no effective measures have ever been put in place to protect civilians despite being under the watch of a joint AU and UN peacekeeping mission. Peace talks and agreements have brought no security or respite for the Darfuri people. So far, the international community's response has been deplorable. It cannot continue to avert its eyes in the face of such horrific and endless abuses."

Background
Nigeria: Crackdown on journalists and assault on protests shrinking civic space

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 28 September 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Nigeria: Crackdown on journalists and assault on protests shrinking civic space, 28 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ed00df4.html [accessed 31 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 continuing spate of arrests and detentions of journalists and bloggers amid the security forces' violent disruption of peaceful protests underscores how the Nigerian government appears determined to crush dissent and suffocate freedom of expression, said Amnesty International today.

The organization is calling for the authorities to ensure the rights of Nigerians to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as guaranteed by international human rights law and the Nigerian Constitution.

"The escalation in the intimidation of journalists and bloggers over recent months seems to be little more than a barefaced attempt by the Nigerian government to muzzle dissenting voices in the country," said Makmid Kamara, Interim Country Director at Amnesty International Nigeria.

"Alongside the security forces' violent assault on peaceful protesters, this crackdown constitutes a growing threat to human rights enshrined in international law and the Nigerian constitution."

Violent repression of protests

On 22 September police blocked a peaceful protest by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in the capital Abuja. The demonstration called for the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky, who has been in detention without trial since December 2015. Police fired tear gas canisters to disperse the peaceful protest, resulting in some minor injuries.

About two weeks earlier, on 6 September, police stopped members of the Bring Back Our Girls Movement gathering to march to Aso Rock Presidential Villa to demand that the government do more to secure the release of Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram over two years ago. The police had been duly notified of the protest march. Since the abduction of the Chibok girls in April 2014, the movement has been gathering peacefully at Unity Fountain, where recently there has been a continuing police presence apparently aimed at preventing any form of civil assembly.

Scores of supporters of Biafran independence are in detention - many of them since late January - for attempting to hold or participating in peaceful assemblies. On several occasions security forces have used excessive force against pro-Biafran activists who have attended protest marches across south-eastern Nigeria, or who have attempted to do so. Amnesty International has documented cases of arrest, enforced disappearance, and often killing of supporters and members of various pro-Biafran groups in the region.

Intimidation and arrests of journalists and bloggers

There has also been an increase in recent months in arrests of journalists and their subsequent detention without trial.

In the first week of September the publisher Emenike Iroegbu was arrested in the presence of his family over alleged defamation. In August, Abubakar Usman, a prominent blogger, was dragged from his home by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency claimed that he was detained for activities that contravened the Cyber Crimes Act even though EFCC could not point out the provisions of the Act the blogger contravened.

Across Nigeria people, especially journalists and bloggers, are being arrested merely for expressing critical opinions on both conventional and social media platforms. One recent example is the detention of Jamil Mabai, accused of posting comments on Facebook and Twitter critical of the Katsina state government.

Also, on 5 September, Ahmed Salkida, a Nigerian journalist based in the United Arab Emirates was declared wanted by the military and later arrested by the state security services on arrival in Nigeria. He was among three people arrested and briefly detained for alleged links to Boko Haram and for facilitating the release of a Boko Haram video on the abducted Chibok girls.

"Taken together, these are worrying signs of growing violations of the rights of people in Nigeria to peacefully assemble freely and express their views without the fear of being detained or harassed," said Makmid Kamara.

"Amnesty International Nigeria is therefore calling on the Nigerian government to comply with its obligations under international human rights law and the fundamental rights provisions in the Nigerian Constitution which guarantee freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. Everyone must be able to express his or her opinion, including through peaceful protest."

Amnesty International Nigeria is also calling on the Nigerian government to take urgent steps to bring an end to detention without trial and intimidation and harassment of journalists and bloggers, and the security forces' excessive use of force to disperse peaceful protests.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
DR Congo: US Imposes Sanctions on 2 Officials

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 28 September 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, DR Congo: US Imposes Sanctions on 2 Officials, 28 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ed014f4.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United States government on September 28, 2016, imposed targeted sanctions against two senior security force officers in the Democratic Republic of Congo who have long been implicated in serious abuses, Human Rights Watch said today. The officials are Gabriel Amisi (known as "Tango Four"), army commander of the country's western region, and John Numbi, a former national police inspector.

"The US announcement of targeted sanctions against two senior Congolese security force officers sends a powerful message that there are consequences for the government's violent repression of political demonstrations and other serious abuses," said Ida Sawyer, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. "For the greatest impact, the US should expand sanctions to include other senior government, security, and intelligence officials responsible for brutal repression over the past two years."

In a statement to announce the new designations, the acting director of the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), John E. Smith, said that Amisi and Numbi "have engaged in actions that undermine democratic processes in the DRC and repress the political rights and freedoms of the Congolese people, risking further and more widespread instability in the DRC, and the broader Great Lakes region." He noted that the "action is not directed at the people of DRC," but "is intended to alter the behavior of the targeted individuals."

On June 23, the US announced targeted sanctions against Gen. Celestin Kanyama, the police commissioner for the capital, Kinshasa.

Since January 2015, Congolese government officials and security forces have carried out a brutal campaign of repression against people who opposed attempts to extend President Joseph Kabila's presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit, which ends on December 19. The officials arrested scores of activists and opposition leaders and supporters, repeatedly banned opposition demonstrations, shut down media outlets, prevented opposition leaders from moving freely around the country, and fired on peaceful protesters.

Government repression reached new heights during the week of September 18, when Congolese across the country took to the streets to protest election delays. In Kinshasa, security forces fatally shot at least 50 people and detained scores of others. The security forces took away some of the bodies, witnesses reported, in an apparent effort to hide the evidence and prevent families from organizing funerals.

In an apparent attempt to block independent observers from documenting government repression, security forces detained several international and Congolese journalists and a Congolese human rights activist soon after the protests began. The offices of a prominent human rights organization and a civil society organization were also vandalized. Some of the protesters also turned violent, beating or burning to death several police officers.

"The European Union and the United Nations Security Council should urgently adopt similar sanctions as the US," Sawyer said. "Taking strong action now could put further pressure on President Kabila to abide by the constitutional requirement to step down at the end of his term, and help prevent a broader crisis, with potentially volatile repercussions throughout the region."

For brief biographies of Amisi and Numbi, please see below.



Gabriel Amisi

Gen. Amisi has a long record of involvement in serious human rights abuses in Congo. An officer in then-President Joseph Mobutu's army, Amisi joined the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL) rebellion, backed by Rwanda, which ousted Mobutu in 1997. Amisi later joined another Rwanda-backed rebellion, the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD)-Goma, and in May 2002, was among the commanders responsible for widespread killings, summary executions, rapes, and pillage during the suppression of a mutiny in Kisangani, Human Rights Watch research at the time showed.

The UN Group of Experts on Congo reported that Amisi was later allegedly involved in the trafficking of minerals, including tin and gold, while he was commander of the Congolese army's land forces. Amisi was suspended in November 2012, following accusations made by the Group of Experts that he was overseeing a network distributing ammunition for poachers and armed groups. Congolese authorities cleared him of all charges in July 2014.

Amisi is currently the commander of the First Defense Zone, which covers the capital, Kinshasa, and other western provinces. Troops under his command have been involved in the violent repression of political demonstrations over the past two years and the excessive and unlawful use of force.

John Numbi

John Numbi is the former national inspector for the Congolese National Police. In 2008, he was involved in deploying about 600 police officers to repress the political-religious group Bundu Dia Kongo (BDK), based in Bas Congo. Human Rights Watch research at the time showed that during three weeks of police operations, the police fired at protesting BDK adherents, some of them violent, without adequate warning, killing over 200 and injuring scores of others. The police used excessive and lethal force and in some cases deliberately killed people who were wounded, including people who were seeking medical treatment at health centers, running away, or otherwise in no position to threaten the police. The police systematically burned meeting places, homes, and other buildings belonging to BDK adherents. The police arrested over 150 suspected BDK followers, including those who had not participated in any actions against the police, and tortured or ill-treated some of them.

On June 1, 2010, the prominent human rights defender Floribert Chebeya, who had documented police abuses against the BDK, visited the police headquarters in Kinshasa following a telephone call requesting his presence at Numbi's office. His body was found soon afterward. Chebeya's driver, Fidele Bazana, remains missing. Following widespread indignation in Congo and internationally about the apparent double murder that implicated Numbi, he was suspended as national police inspector on June 5, 2010. A high military court in 2012 refused to examine Numbi's alleged role in the murder.

The US government statement announcing the sanctions says that Numbi is still an influential adviser to President Kabila even though he no longer has an official function. During gubernatorial elections in March, the statement says, he used "violent intimidation to secure victories for candidates affiliated with President Kabila's MP [majorite presidentielle] coalition" and "threatened to kill opposition candidates who did not voluntarily withdraw from the race."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Witnessing Colombia's Peace

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Author Mark Schneider Publication Date 29 September 2016 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Witnessing Colombia's Peace, 29 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ed0ecf4.html [accessed 31 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.

Colombia's 52 years of brutal civil combat ended with two signatures made with a pen fashioned from a single bullet. I felt privileged, sitting a few rows from the stage in the Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias on 26 September, to witness the moment when the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) Commander "Timochenko" and President Juan Manuel Santos each in turn picked up the bullet and formally committed to their peace treaty.

Perhaps the most dramatic moment, however, came when Timochenko broke an at times ideological speech to ask for forgiveness from the men, women and children who had been victims of FARC violence. That public request for pardon drew a standing ovation from guests including fourteen heads of state, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Organisation for American States (OAS) Secretary General Luis Almagro, Secretary of State John Kerry, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the European Union's Federica Mogherini, a host of other dignitaries and thousands of Colombians stretching back as far as the eye could see.

President Santos gave an emotional speech, tears welling up in his eyes at times. The crowd gave its second loudest applause when he thanked the negotiating teams who had labored in Havana for four years to produce the consensual document that would persuade the FARC to come down from the mountains, disarm and demobilise. That six-month process is to begin on 1 October, a day before the Colombian people will vote "yes" or "no" to the deal in a nationwide referendum. Santos praised peace deal's guarantors Cuba and Norway, the first of which hosted the talks, as well as Chile and Venezuela, which act as witnesses to the peace process.

As I sat there wearing a Guayabera, the traditional white Caribbean long-sleeve shirt worn instead of suits on formal occasions when the tropical heat hovers around 40 degrees centigrade, it was a moving experience to be together with and greet so many Colombians and others who had worked for peace for so many years. I had been invited by President Santos, whom I had met when he was a minister under three presidents, including former President Uribe, whom he succeeded and who now has become his most vitriolic critic.

I couldn't help thinking back to earlier visits to Colombia going back decades, first with the State Department's human rights bureau, then the Pan-American Health Organization, as head of USAID's Latin America work during the Clinton years, with the Peace Corps and, for the past fifteen years, representing International Crisis Group.

One of my first experiences was in 1985, when Colombia's President Belisario Betancur was a key mover in the Contadora movement to try to end Central America's conflicts. I came to meet with Colombian officials to talk about peace there and in the region. Just days later, however, guerrillas blasted their way into the country's Palace of Justice. The attack put an end to the Betancur peace process with the FARC and the M-19 for several years.

Another visit to Bogota came in the late 1990s shortly after President Andres Pastrana's first trip to Washington. Pastrana wanted an urgent joint effort to find an answer to the FARC's very real military threat to Colombia's democracy, and our U.S. delegation agreed. This gave birth to Plan Colombia, which was focused at least as much on rural development, strengthening the justice system and addressing inequality, as military aid. The U.S. Congress did shift what would ultimately become $10 billion in aid over the past decade more toward stopping cocaine trafficking or counterinsurgency. But key lines of action aimed at improving justice were kept open.

In January 2003, visiting with our Crisis Group Latin America team, events took a frightening turn. While meeting with President Uribe's Vice President "Pacho" Santos, bombs went off at a parking garage close to a nearby police station. It shook the windows in his wood-panelled office. We were all startled and shaken. A few weeks later, the horrendous FARC bombing in the parking garage of the El Nogal Club killed some 36 and wounded 200.

On nearly every trip to Colombia with Crisis Group, we met together with Catholic Church leaders and human rights groups, especially during Uribe's first term, when the worst of the paramilitary violence took place. We discussed and reported on ways to make their offices secure and how to build an early warning system for human rights activists. Donors and the Colombian government have financed some protection schemes now for several thousand people under threat, but even this year dozens of activists and journalists have been killed. The message from these meetings was always the same: please press all parties to pursue peace.

Now that we have a peace treaty, everyone should be cognisant that implementing it won't be easy. In 2007 and 2010, I travelled with Crisis Group to villages and towns after the paramilitaries supposedly had demobilised. Each time, community leaders told us the "paras" were still extorting and killing activists. They just had changed their name and now were loosely termed criminal gangs, known as BACRIM. Those same BACRIM will have to be confronted, or rural communities will once again become victims, and keeping the former FARC guerrillas demobilised - and protected - will be even more difficult.

That made me remember that for me and so many other outsiders, our experiences of a conflict could not compare to those of Colombians, who have lost 274,000 of their fellow country people killed in the conflict. On the stage in Cartagena was a group of women from the town of Bojoya, one having lost a leg and all having suffered other injuries during the FARC massacre in the town in 2002 when 79 people were killed. They sang of a future of peace. I thought of all of the sad memories of Colombians whose families had been massacred or displaced, whose sisters, mothers and wives had been assaulted, whose children had lost limbs to land mines. The perpetrators were the FARC, the paramilitary, and, at times, such as in the case of "falsos positivos", the security forces.

I also thought of our own efforts on Colombia for Crisis Group. We've been working for this moment since 2002, through 35 analytical reports and hundreds of meetings. In 2012, we met in Crisis Group HQ in Brussels with Colombia's High Commissioner for Peace Sergio Jaramillo on his return from making the Oslo announcement that real peace talks finally would begin in Havana. He asked for our continued reporting on challenges facing peace, from transitional justice to disarmament, and for international support for the peace talks.

Santos himself mentioned our work in his speech to Colombians in 2015, seeking to bolster the case for a system of transitional justice that does not provide a blanket amnesty for crimes against humanity but instead offers a balance that recognises the requirements of both justice and peace. On the FARC side, Timochenko chose to make his public plea for forgiveness. But it was also one of the central recommendations in Crisis Group's most recent report on 7 September, Colombia's Final Steps to the End of the War.

The strongest argument for the peace accord was that it will end those losses for the next generation of Colombians. That should be the deciding factor in the 2 October referendum, even for those who say the accord is not perfect. It could never please everyone, since it was negotiated between two sides with divergent ideologies, narratives and interests. Luckily, they both shared one objective: to end the war.

The deal is better than most. When compared to the peace agreements where there has not been a military defeat of the insurgency - for instance in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Nepal, or Angola - more FARC guerrillas and more security forces who committed crimes against humanity will face criminal prosecutions, will be required to admit their crimes to a special tribunal, and then will face sanctions including restrictions of liberty of up to eight years. They have pledged to not merely halt but combat drug trafficking. And if they lie - including on whether they know of hidden illicit drug monies, or hostage ransoms - then the alternative sentences they might receive disappear and they go to jail for fifteen or twenty years.

Santos and the state have their own challenges, chiefly bringing the benefits of peace fast to high-risk communities, implementing land reform, and ending discrimination against Afro and indigenous Colombians. The experienced Jean Arnault, the new UN Secretary-General's special representative, is well equipped to supervise the UN's role of monitoring and supervising the six-month process of cantonment and disarmament. The UN will then have a follow-on political task of monitoring the other chapters of the accord.

The next phase of implementing the 297-page deal, assuming a now likely yes vote in the referendum, will test every ounce of the peacemakers' managerial, political and leadership capabilities. I walked away from the ceremony with Rafael Pardo, who has served in the cabinets of many presidents, and will now be the minister in charge of the conflict's aftermath. We stopped for a glass of rum and a cigar, confidently celebrating what he felt was a remarkable moment. While Pardo had no doubts about the incredibly difficult task ahead, we chatted with a high police officer with direct responsibility for security who argued that - unlike previous post-conflict failures in the 1980s - this time Colombia could protect the guerrillas after they disarmed and FARC is reborn as a political party.

The international community has stayed with the Colombian government through the last fifteen years of war. After sharing the 26 September's thrilling moments in Cartagena, I hope that all of those heads of state and foreign leaders will return home and formally commit the funds and the energy to accompany the Colombian people for however much time it takes to complete their journey to peace. And that journey only truly begins with a "yes" vote this coming Sunday.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sep 27, 2016) - Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation (TNX.TO)(NYSE MKT:TRX) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the second tranche of a $5 million private placement of securities with Crede CG III, Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crede Capital Group, LLC, a long-only family office that invests in emerging growth companies. Funds will be used by the Company's to expand its production team necessary to bolster development of the Company's Buckreef gold mine in Tanzania.

In the second round of the financing, which closed yesterday, the Company privately placed convertible notes and warrants for US$3.75 million. On September 1, 2016, the Company placed common stock and warrants for US$1.25 million.

Mr. James E. Sinclair, CEO of the Company, stated: "This financing is the next important step in our ability to mine the Buckreef region of Tanzania. As with the first round, the Company will use the additional funds to add the people necessary to operate Gravity CIL production circuit for our Buckreef mine."

The convertible notes were issued in the principal amount of US$3.75 million, carried a coupon of 2.0% and matured on September 26, 2046. The Company immediately exercised its right to cause the conversion of the convertible notes, resulting in the cancellation of the notes and the issuance of 5,357,143 shares of common stock to the investor. The investor also received five-year warrants to purchase 4,017,857 shares of common stock at an exercise price of US$1.10 per share. The closing of the second tranche of the financing was conditioned upon a valid registration statement for the common stock issued or issuable to the investor upon exercise of warrants being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Commission declared the Company's Form F-3 Registration Statement registering the stock effective on September 23, 2016.

In the first tranche of the financing, which closed on September 1, 2016, investor was issued 1,840,400 shares of common stock and 5-year warrants to purchase 1,840,000 shares at a exercise price of US$0.8291 per share.

Story continues

Wellington Shields & Co. acted as placement agent in connection with the financing.

The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE MKT have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors - The United States Securities and Exchange Commission limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms on this news release, such as "reserves", "resources", "geologic resources", "proven", "probable", "measured", "indicated", or "inferred" which may not be consistent with the reserve definitions established by the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosures in our SEC filings. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information 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 the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time-to-time with the British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario provincial securities regulatory authorities.

Certain information presented in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are referred to our description of the risk factors affecting the Company, as contained in our SEC filings, including our annual report on Form 20-F and Registration Statement on Form F-10, as amended, for more information concerning these risks, uncertainties, and other factors.
RSF relieved by German journalist's release in Syria

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 29 September 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF relieved by German journalist's release in Syria, 29 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ed108f4.html [accessed 31 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) welcomes the release of Janina Findeisen, a German freelance journalist who had been held hostage in Syria since October 2015 and who gave birth while in captivity. She and her baby arrived in Turkey yesterday.

"We are delighted to learn that this German journalist has been finally been freed almost a year after being abducted by an armed group in Syria," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk.

"Although we do not yet know the identity of her kidnappers or the exact circumstances of her release, we remind all parties to the conflict in Syria of their duty to protect civilians, including journalists. Syria continues to be the world's deadliest countries for media personnel."

The German foreign ministry issued a statement yesterday evening announcing that the journalist and her baby had been freed and had arrived safe and sound in Turkey. She was already pregnant when captured by unidentified individuals in Syria in October 2015.

The foreign ministry thanked the Turkish government for its cooperation. It also thanked its international partners for their efforts.

Jabhat Fatah Al-Sham, the armed group formerly known as Al-Nusra Front, issued a statement claiming that it helped to free the journalist from captivity by a small armed group, which it did not name. RSF is not in a position to confirm the accuracy of Jabhat Fatah Al-Sham's claim.

The head of RSF's German section, Christian Mihr, said: "We owe thanks and appreciation to the German authorities who have managed to avert an end like James Foley's for this abduction."

Mihr added: "We hope that those responsible for crimes like these will be held accountable sooner rather than later. This will be the only way to break the cycle of impunity encouraging others to commit ever new crimes against journalists."

Last year, RSF asked the United Nations Security Council to refer the situation in Syria and Iraq, where war crimes are being committed against journalists, to the International Criminal Court.

According to RSF's tally, around 200 journalists and citizen journalists have been killed since the start of the conflict in Syria in March 2011, 14 of them in 2016. Syria is ranked 177th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Has Algeria taken an anti-IS vaccine?

Publisher IRIN Author Jenny Gustafsson Publication Date 28 September 2016 Cite as IRIN, Has Algeria taken an anti-IS vaccine?, 28 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ed118e4.html [accessed 31 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.

As so-called Islamic State recruits members from across the world, one Muslim country has set itself apart. Despite its geographic proximity to extremist-prone regions and a chequered past of militancy, Algeria, on the southern shores of the Mediterranean, has fewer recruits than many others, including next-door neighbours Morocco and Tunisia.

At first, it seems surprising. Algeria, the largest country in Africa and home to 40 million people, knows extremism well. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Algerians were among the first to join the newly formed mujahideen. Then, during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s  known locally as the "black decade"  Islamist groups established a presence across the country.

Attacks and bombings, followed by counter-offensives from the government, led to the deaths of more than 150,000 people and the disappearances of another 7,000. Only in 2001 was the conflict finally brought to an end.

Fifteen years later, radicalism appears to hold relatively little appeal in Algeria. There could, of course, be a spectacular attack tomorrow and statistics don't tell the whole story, but in terms of IS's recent recruitment of foreign fighters, Algeria lags far behind other countries in North Africa.

In numbers published in December, Tunisia, Algeria's much smaller neighbour, tops the list with 6,000-7000 recruits to extremist groups (mostly IS) in Syra and Iraq; Morocco, bordering on the other side, had between 1,200 and 1,500 recruits. Algeria, in comparison, was the origin of only about 200 fighters.

Dalia Ghanem-Yazbeck, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Middle East Center who is also Algerian, has spent the past 10 years studying radicalisation but was still taken aback by the low numbers.

"I was very surprised [at] first," she told IRIN. "How come a land like Tunisia, the happy child of the Arab Spring, has higher numbers than us?"

The main explanation, she believes, is Algeria's own legacy of conflict. The experience of living with extremism remains fresh in the country's collective memory and works as a form of psychological deterrent.

"The war was a massive trauma for the Algerian population," Ghanem-Yazbeck explained. "People are still scared and absolutely do not want to repeat it. When images come from Libya and Syria today, they are daily reminders of what millions of Algerians have lived through."

Akram Kharief, an Algerian journalist and expert on security issues, agrees. Looking at Algeria today, he sees it as proof that the "jihadist promise" can fail.

"It can [fail], because it has already done so here. Interestingly, when you look at those who have committed terrorist crimes in Algeria in the past 10 years, the average age is 39 years. That is people coming from what remains [of radical groups], not new recruits."

The role of the state

This does not mean terrorism has become a non-issue in Algeria. There have been a number of incidents in the past years, including the deadly hostage taking at a gas facility in In Amenas in 2013 and the killing of a French tourist by an IS-aligned group in northern Algeria in 2014. The regional branch of al-Qaeda, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, continues to retain its standing and reputation.

But IS has been less successful. The group that killed the French tourist Jund al-Khalifa was eliminated less than three months after the killing; a replacement group was also finished off within a few days. The reason, Ghanem-Yazbeck believes, is Algeria's investment in its security forces.

With a vast and largely uninhabited desert, and long borders with countries including Mali and Libya, maintaining control is a formidable task but one that Algeria has poured resources into.

The country is the largest importer of weapons in Africa, and is alone on the continent in spending more than $10 billion on its military every year. Its police force also far exceeds that of others: 209,000 people were employed in Algeria's national security service in 2014, in comparison to Morocco's 46,000 or the 143,000 in France, which has 65 million inhabitants  25 million more than Algeria.

"[The army] has become a massive force," said Ghanem-Yazbeck. "If you add to that the police, gendarmerie, and intelligence branches, it has avoided many Algerians from reaching out [to groups like IS]."

Countering extremism

The years of conflict in the 1990s gave the government valuable expertise in heading off extremism before it has time to flourish, even if the methods it uses are sometimes questionable.

A source who works on anti-radicalisation in Algiers described to IRIN, on condition of anonymity, what happened to a young man whose friend was recruited by IS.

"When [the IS recruit] arrived in Syria, he shared a photo on Facebook. The friend in Algiers saw this and pressed 'like', that's all. Next morning, the security service came knocking on his door."

And while questions remain about the effectiveness of strategies that fall under the umbrella of "Countering Violent Extremism", Tarek Hadjoudj, a physician and civil society activist who works with youth projects across the country, says Algeria's experience with conflict makes even informal programmes more effective.

As part of a reconciliation process after the civil war, many former fighters were granted amnesty and reintegrated into their communities.

"They are now talking to youths, telling them that violence leads to nothing," he explained, mentioning the case of a long-time fighter who lives in Jiel, a conservative northern area of the country.

Today, Hadjoudj said, that fighter is "actively reaching out and discouraging youth from joining [IS]".

He added that in his conversations with young people who sympathise with Islamist extremism, they don't tend to mention a desire to go abroad and fight. "There is a consciousness today, especially in many low-income neighbourhoods, that what happened during our years of terrorism led to nothing."

Government buy-in

The Algerian regime, led by 79-year-old president Abdelaziz Bouteflika from the National Liberation Front (FLN) has an interest in fighting radicalisation not only to keep the peace  the issue has become one of its best instruments for remaining in power.

"The state is capitalising on the fact that Algerians are fed up with violence. It was very enlightening to see that the FLN's latest slogan was 'stability and continuity'," said Ghanem-Yazbeck.

She describes a government that is trying to leave the traumatic years of the 1990s behind, but not willing to actually resolve what happened.

"There was a reconciliation after the war which was good, but we still haven't talked about those years. We need to do that in order to really move on."

One thing the government has done, she explained, is control the Algerian religious sphere. Radical preachers were shut out from the mosques after the 1990s, and the government has since kept them under its authority. A national union to unite the country's imams was formed in 2013 to act as a "bulwark against imported religious ideas". There are also plans for the launch of a university programme to train imams.

Ghanem-Yazbeck points to another reason why IS has little appeal in Algeria: Dawa Salafiya, or "quiet Salafism", as it is sometimes called. This alternative Islamic movement, which spreads its messages through a number of media channels, has gained ground in Algeria since the end of the civil war.

"Being very disappointed with the Islamist parties in the 1990s, people increasingly started turning to Dawa Salafiya, which doesn't have any involvement in politics. In fact, it believes that politics has a damaging effect on Muslims. In that sense, they are an alternative to jihadism," she said.

Ghanem-Yazbeck thinks Algerians may be "vaccinated" against this kind of radicalisation for now, but the vaccine won't last forever.

"The memory of what happened in the 1990s is fading away a bit with every year, and new generations are growing up who did not experience the war, and violence will return. It is only a question of when."
Tampa, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/29/2016 --Ed4Online is delighted to announce that it has formed a partnership with UFM Community Learning Center, an extended learning institution located in Manhattan, KS. Through this new collaboration UFM Community Learning Center will now have the ability to provide its students and community members with access to an expansive range of Ed4Online's digital education courses.



Among the online courses now available to local community members and students of UFM Community Learning Center are a depth of professional development and personal enrichment opportunities. Enrollees will have the ability to educate themselves on the fundamentals of critical skills such as writing, accounting and finance, computer applications, and more, as well as professionally-oriented focuses that include customer service.



Because access to Ed4Online courses can be achieved nearly anywhere an Internet connection is available, without the need for a physical classroom, UFM Community Learning Center will seek to leverage distance learning as a way to better accommodate students and community members who may not have the time or the means to attend a physical class. The institution strives to be an accessible resource for education and will rely on Ed4Online's digital courses to help it continue upholding this mission.



"Digital learning opportunities like those presented through Ed4Online's courses are a wonderful way to extend education to just about anyone, no matter where they might be located or what their schedule is. In this way, we're able to offer learning options to more people than ever before," said Linda Inlow Teener, Executive Director at UFM Community Learning Center. "We're excited about this new partnership and the opportunities it provides us. Providing a quality education continues to be our foremost mission, and this partnership serves to strengthen that vision."



UFM Community Learning Center a non-profit campus and community education program serving Kansas State University (KSU), the greater Manhattan, KS area and communities across the state. The program was founded in 1968 by KSU students and faculty, as a way to bridge communication between the University and the local Manhattan community, and has since evolved into an educational resource for citizens.



For more information about Ed4Online's partnership with UFM Community Learning Center or to inquire about the company's full catalog of online course options, please visit https://ed4online.com.



About Ed4Online

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Ed4Online is committed to providing high-quality online training in four distinct areas of online education including career training, personal enrichment, professional development and behavioral health training. Ed4Online's curriculum is designed to teach courses based on best practices, allowing individuals to gain knowledge and experience on a wide variety of topics.
Woodland Park, CO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/29/2016 --Park State Bank & Trust announced today that Marcie Zurek was promoted to Vice President, Trust Officer at the bank. Marcie formerly held the position of Vice President Cashier, Chief Operations Officer for 10 years.



"Marcie takes over management of the Trust Department bringing 28 years of banking knowledge, and a proven track record of sustaining a high level of performance," stated Tony Perry, President and CEO of Park State Bank & Trust. "She will provide service to our current trust clients and shareholders and create new client relationships."



In her new position with the Trust department, Marcie will manage a variety of services available to Bank customers including:



- Personal Trust Administration

- Investment Management

- Mutual Funds, Stocks and Bonds

- Financial Planning

- IRA's & Roth IRA's

- 401K's

- Estate Planning & Administration

- Power of Attorney



"I look forward to leading the Bank's Trust department, and building on the excellent reputation and track record of an already high performing Trust division," stated Marcie. "As an agile Financial Institution, the needs of our clients drive our efforts and strategic initiatives."



"We are a full service community bank that excels in customer service. We do not believe that one box fits all and therefore we listen to each customer and design a custom tailored solution based on the client's goals," concluded Marcie.



About Marcie

Marcie is a Woodland Park native and graduate of the University of Colorado Graduate School of Banking.



If you are interested in meeting Marcie she can be reached at 719-687-9234 or you can stop by Park State Bank & Trust, located at 710 U.S. Hwy 24, Woodland Park, CO. Marcie is available during bank hours.



About Park State Bank & Trust

Park State Bank & Trust has served customers and the community since 1965.



"We have always been agile and responsive and our superior service is recognized as we listen and we serve. We are community bank proud," Perry said.



Visit http://www.psbtrust.com for more Park State Bank & Trust information. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#684265
Shania Twain coming to Indianapolis on first tour in nearly five years
DEAR ABBY: My husband recently disclosed to me that he was sexually abused by his cousin, who was the same age, when he was in high school. She blackmailed him by threatening to tell everyone he had raped her. She used this power over him to coax sexual favors but never intercourse.

After a year of looking for help, he confided in his mother, but she ended up getting drunk and telling the whole family about the situation. Luckily, he was able to convince most of them it was 'just the alcohol talking.' At that point, his cousin finally found a boyfriend and stopped blackmailing him.

This all happened five years ago. He hasn't lived in the same state as his mom or the abuser in three years. I can tell that by confiding in me he feels much better, but I'm worried that he blames himself for his mother's alcoholism and his ruined relationships with his close friends in high school. I'm also not sure whether or not we can bring his abuser to justice.  CONCERNED SPOUSE

DEAR CONCERNED SPOUSE: Encourage your husband to talk to a licensed psychotherapist about what was done to him. Victims sometimes blame themselves. I seriously doubt that his mother's alcohol abuse had anything to do with him. That she betrayed his confidence instead of helping him was terrible. A therapist can explain all this to him, and help him to see things clearly.

DEAR ABBY: I'm planning on getting married this year, but I have cold feet. One day I want to be married; the next day I don't. My fiancee is my best friend, and we have been dating for more than four years. Is there any way to get over wedding jitters and live life to the fullest?  COLD FEET IN OKLAHOMA

DEAR COLD FEET: An intelligent way to work through your jitters would be to talk them through. Consider premarital counseling with your fiancee. A number of subjects will be raised during the sessions, including both of your feelings regarding handling money, having children (and raising them).

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 15-year-old bisexual girl, and I have a big problem with relationships. They make me feel awkward. I don't like holding hands and the mushy-gushy stuff hurts my soul. I'm asking for help to come out to my parents and also what I should do about not liking relationships. Am I the only one like this?  AWKWARD TEEN IN TEXAS

DEAR AWKWARD: I do not think you should come out to your family until you are sure of exactly who you are. From the tone of your letter, you appear to be still trying to figure that out  which is completely normal for someone your age.
Cowboys offense clicks in rout of Bears

Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, Micah Parsons returned a fumble for his first NFL score in Dallas Cowboys win.
AUSTIN  Changing the way Texas funds its public schools would have huge ripple effects through the state's economy because the tax structure can affect where people live and how business is conducted, experts told a panel of lawmakers.

The discussion before a joint hearing Wednesday of the House Public Education and Appropriations committees opened what could be a major push by state leaders to tackle complicated finance system. But, because the Texas Supreme Court this summer ruled that the current system passes constitutional muster, they could also choose to leave the system as it is.

'Now that the court case is over, we have free range to do what we think is best,' said state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, a Killeen Republican who chairs the education panel.

His remark drew some chuckles in the hearing room because both he and Appropriations Chairman John Otto, R-Dayton, are retiring after the November elections, meaning they won't be around for any political battle on the subject.

But the impetus to address school finance is fueled by the fact that the high court also cited the need for 'transformational, top-to-bottom reforms' to ensure that all Texas school children have access to an equitable K-12 education. The two committees are expected to make some sort of school finance recommendation to the full Legislature when the 2017 session starts in January.

But the process carries political risks because of the the amount of tax money needed to pay for schools.

Dale Craymer, president of an Austin think-tank called the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, said the local property tax that pays for roughly half the state's education-related expenses, generates about $30 billion a year from homeowners and businesses.

'The property tax is the most harmful tax to economic development and homeownership,' Craymer told the lawmakers.

But significant changes could be just as bad, he added.

If the local school property tax was abolished, it would probably require a doubling of the sales rate, Craymer said. But that would likely transform the shopping habits of ordinary Texas, he added. And no elected leader has seriously floated the idea of a state income tax in a generation because of the expected voter backlash.

The current system has no shortage of critics, both in the Legislature and in local communities. Because property wealth varies from school district to school district, the state skims revenues from rich regions and transfers it to those less well off.

Then there's the complicating factor that a district might be property rich because heavy industry or oil and gas resources, but most of its school children come from families of modest means, Otto pointed out.

'When you start looking at changes, there's winners and losers,' he said. 'And the losers aren't going to voter for it.'

Twitter: JohnnieMo

The history of Texas school finance

For a short course in Texas' ongoing effort to craft a system to finance public schools in a manner mandated by the state Constitution, there's a report published Tuesday by the Texas House Research Organization. Find it at www.hro.state.tx.us.
Taylor County Commissioners approved an agreement Thursday with Fisher County to house overflow female inmates in the Fisher County Jail.

Overflow inmates can be housed in Fisher's jail if space is available, as determined by the Fisher County sheriff's office in compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. The rate to house the prisoners will be $45 per day, per prisoner.

Taylor County will be billed on a monthly basis if the service is used, according to the agreement.

'We still have a high female inmate population, and we're still housing inmates in Burnet and Nolan counties right now,' said Taylor County Sheriff Ricky Bishop. 'Fisher County has a new sheriff, and he's called and asked if they could house prisoners  if we need to.'

The plan, Bishop said, is to pull inmates from Burnet  which is three hours away  to help with logistics.

'We're trying to cut down on some man-hours and travel time,' he said. 'If one of those females from, say, Fisher County has to go to court, we can be over there early in the morning, pick them up, bring them in to court and take them right back to Fisher County.'

Currently, there are seven female inmates in Burnet, at one point there were 20, he said. Taylor still has 'a few' inmates in Nolan County, he said.

'And we're fixing to ship a few more because we've got 100 in jail right now,' he said, a population that needs to be reduced to around 90.

The maximum number of female inmates that could be transferred to Fisher County is 15, he said.

'We've only got 118 beds for females, currently we're staffed for 96 females,' Bishop said of Taylor County's jail.

'We were budgeted to add some more female positions after Oct. 1, but it's going to take time to get them hired and get them trained,' he said. 'Once that gets done, we'll be able to house the full 118. But if you have all your beds full and you have a big weekend, you have them sitting in holding. So we've got to put them somewhere.'

Taylor County will be responsible for hospital, health care, prescription and over-the-counter drug costs for its inmates, according to the agreement.

The county is also responsible for any indigent defense issues, including appointment of attorneys.

The decision will help Taylor County in a variety of ways, said County Judge Downing Bolls.

'It's not a case where it will take two or three days down, (we'll) be able to do it in a matter of hours,' Bolls said. 'So it's a lot closer for us, and the costs are pretty much the same as the other counties we go under contract with.

In other business, commissioners interviewed four out of about a dozen candidates for law librarian but did not announce a final choice.

'This was our first opportunity to sit down with the applicants and talk to them,' said County Judge Downing Bolls.

Jill Henderson, who is presently in the position, has 23 years of experience with Taylor County. She has been director of the law library since 1993.

The law library is set up for litigants representing themselves in a court case or for attorneys seeking legal opinions, etc, Bolls said.
The Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health opened an office in Abilene Wednesday at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center campus here, and announced a new partnership with Hendrick Health System.

The institute was established in August 2007 as a progressive, multi-campus organization promoting research specific to women's health, providing advanced education to health care professionals and enriching the lives of women and girls through community programs and cancer screening.

Dr. Pearl Merritt, the institute's regional director, said the Abilene office provides opportunities for Tech, the institute and Hendrick to 'work together as partners in town to make life better for women and children.' Merritt will remain dean of the Tech nursing program in Abilene and dean of Cisco College's nursing program.

Elyse Lewis, coordinator of Women's Services and Community Initiatives at Hendrick Medical Center, will be the institute's director of community outreach.

In addition to Abilene, the institute has active communities and offices in San Angelo, Amarillo, Lubbock, Dallas-Fort Worth, and a presence in Corpus Christi.

Abilene's Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center campus had representation from four different schools  nursing, pharmacy, biomedical sciences and health professions, said Tedd Mitchell, Health Sciences Center president.

A new school of public health is the most recent addition, Mitchell said, and the university's presence has grown in Abilene to the point that it now must expand 'university-related' programs, one of the most important being the Institute for Women's Health.

'The focus of the Bush institute is to provide funding for researchers and to provide educational opportunities for both students as well as current practitioners about issues related to women's health,' Mitchell said.

The institute also explores differences in illnesses between men and women, such as medications, treatment and diagnostics, he said.

'It allows us to expand formally our ability to service our own faculty members, but for the community, it also gives us the capacity to expand our service products,' he said.

An example of such community impact can be found at the Bush institute office in Amarillo, which has looked at underutilization of mammography in women in rural areas, including funding to extend mammography services to women in that area.

'So what you're doing  and it ties in well with the School of Public Health initiatives  (is) you're going into the community and trying to assess the needs of the population in the community, and looking for direct ways to impact those population needs,' Mitchell said.

Tim Lancaster, president and chief executive officer of Hendrick Health System, noted that Dr. Robert Casanova, sex- and gender-based curriculum co-director at the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health, presented a program to more than 100 physicians during a luncheon Wednesday.

'We introduced (the institute) to the medical staff today to show them what the benefit is going to be for them,' Lancaster said. ' It's going to be a great continuing education opportunity for people here in our medical community.'

Connie Tyne, executive director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health, said that the Abilene office allows the entity to expand its promotion of personalized medicine, community outreach, and health care services.

Hendrick supported the entity even before it came to Abilene, she said, as has Larry Gill, who is on the institute's national board.

Partnering with Hendrick means that the hospital system's community programs will be 'amplified and enriched,' Tyne said, as the two organizations combine resources and talent to support both new and ongoing programs, with a further goal of not competing with existing agencies, programs and nonprofits.

'This has been a dream for us for a long time,' she said of the institute ultimately coming to Abilene  adding that Laura Bush herself is expected to come to Abilene April 20 for a special event.
Hillary Clinton confirmed that she's a bit imperious. Donald Trump confirmed that the emperor has no clothes.

Clinton made clear that she knows her stuff. Trump made clear that even when he's touching on the truth, he's unfit to occupy the White House.

The task was simple, really. Clinton had to appear trustworthy and honest. Oh, and be likable, a woman's unending burden, but that continues to be a challenge for her.

Trump had to, well, given his strengthening poll numbers, keep on doing what's worked for him so far: Ignore anything close to a fact, lie, and put on a great show. Surprisingly, for the first 30 minutes or so, Trump was low-key, for him, and appeared to be a capable debater. But then, he became unmoored, rambled, got into the weeds about finances and his support of the Iraq War and NATO's role in the world.

Trump did a decent job bringing up issues where Clinton is vulnerable  ISIS, emails  but none of that made up for his own weaknesses. Do Americans really believe that we're 'losing on everything?'

Moderator Lester Holt had a difficult task Monday night. Unfortunately, he blended into the background, without strongly challenging Trump's serial mendacity or Clinton's blithe blowoff of the email scandal or her wrong assertions about Trump's taxes. The only time he really made a stand was in assuring the backpedaling Trump that he did, indeed, support the Iraq War.

Both candidates had to reach out and touch skeptics. But the undecideds still might be scratching their heads. There was no knockout punch, but Clinton won on points.

But given the bizarre dynamic of this presidential race, it's not a matter of who won, it is a matter of who showed the audience the clearest ability to lead this country forward, push it toward prosperity and peace and do it in a grounded, sober and thoughtful manner. After all, the debate was not a tryout for 'The Apprentice,' though that's pretty much how pre-debate buzz pitched it.

Trump branded his Democratic opponent part and parcel of the political establishment. No argument there. He conceded that she had experience, but labeled it 'bad experience.' But given his restrained, but enduring bragadaccio, willful ignorance of the facts, walking back ridiculous statements without any sense of reflection and those simple, declarative sentences that any 3-year-old is beyond  'It's not a nice thing she's done'  Clinton clearly looked, and sounded, not just presidential, but also capable and tough. Still, she didn't build upon her usual aura of competence.

But as we said, she knows her stuff: She knows what NATO's Article 5 mandates  Trump was clueless; she knows that stop-and-frisk has been judged unconstitutional and that violent crime, despite the plague of Chicago shootings, is down. Trump kept flogging law and order. It plays to the crowd, but is no solution to racial animus; she knows that President George W. Bush set the timetable for our pulling out of Iraq. Trump insisted, wrongly, that it was President Barack Obama's decision. And don't get us started on birtherism.

Then, at the end we saw vintage Donald, the bully. When Clinton reminded viewers that Trump had a habit of calling women 'pigs' and 'slobs,' he retorted that he had planned to 'say something rough' about Clinton and her family.

But he, like the gentleman he is, thought better of it: 'I said to myself, 'It's not nice.''

Like we said, unfit.

Miami Herald
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Barack Obama

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest on Wednesday called the Senate's override vote on legislation that would allow the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia the "most embarrassing thing" the legislative body has done in decades.

It's "the single most embarrassing thing the United States Senate has done possibly since 1983," he told reporters after news broke of the Senate's 97-to-1 vote.

Earnest was answering a question about the size of the override, which was the largest margin since the Senate voted 95 to 0 in 1983 to override a veto by former President Ronald Reagan.

The House overturned the veto later Wednesday afternoon, which put the measure into law.

"I look forward to the opportunity for Congress to override the president's veto, provide these families with the chance to seek the justice they deserve, and send a clear message that we will not tolerate those who finance terrorism in the United States," Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas said in a statement Friday after President Barack Obama vetoed the bill.

The override marked the first time that Congress overruled one of Obama's vetoes.

"This is a decision I do not take lightly," said Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, one of the authors of the legislation. "This bill is near and dear to my heart as a New Yorker because it would allow the victims of 9/11 to pursue some small measure of justice, finally giving them a legal avenue to pursue foreign sponsors of the terrorist attack that took from them the lives of their loved ones."

The legislation amends a 1976 law that granted other countries immunity from US lawsuits. With the veto overturned, foreign countries could be sued in federal court if they are found to have played any role in terror attacks that killed Americans within the US.

Obama vetoed the legislation because he feared that foreign countries could then take similar actions against Americans overseas, such as members of the military.

Story continues

NOW WATCH: 'What in the hell is he talking about?'  Biden attacks Trump for saying not paying taxes is 'smart'





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The Cambodian government agreed to raise the minimum wage for clothing and footwear workers by about 9 percent in a move that failed to satisfy either the garment workers unions or the manufacturers.

On Thursday the Ministry of Labor, Vocational and Training announced that the minimum wage for the crucial sector of Cambodias economy would rise to U.S. $153 per month beginning next year. Currently the minimum wage of workers is $140.

While the increase falls short of the $171-a-month wage proposal pushed by the unions, the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) fears that the increase will damage their ability to compete with other lower-wage countries. Manufactures wanted a $147-per-month,

I think the increase is a bit higher than what we are able to pay, GMAC Deputy General Secretary Kaing Monika told RFAs Khmer Service. But it is within the governments discretionary rights to make the decision. The factory side will wait and see the reality in 2017 after the increase.

While the GMAC frets that the increase is too much, the President of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Unions (C.CAWDU), Ath Thon told RFA that they will stick to their $171-per-month demand.

For us as the workers union representatives, we are not satisfied with the result, he told RFA.

Wages in Cambodia remain low by international standards, largely because of pressures to compete with other low-cost production centers such as Bangladesh and Vietnam.

In 2015, the Southeast Asian country shipped nearly $7 billion worth of products to the United States and Europe, according to the Associated Press. About 700,000 people work in the more than 700 garment and shoe factories located in Cambodia.

The labor ministrys statement said the decision was made after six days of tense negotiations by a commission representing employers, workers and the government.

According to local media reports, Prime Minister Hun Sen stepped in at the last minute to push the figure up by $5.

The result of our voting today is overwhelmingly in support of $148 and the head of the governmentdecided to add $5 more, so the minimum wage in 2017 is $153, said Labor Minister Ith Sam Heng, according to a report in The Cambodia Daily.

The move comes as elections in Cambodia loom and labor usually allies with Hun Sens opposition.

Labors ability to mobilize protestors has long been a concern for Hun Sen and the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.

Four years ago, a union campaign to double the then-minimum wage of $80 resulted in clashes with police and a crackdown on public protests. In early 2014, at least four people were killed and more than 20 injured when police in the outskirts of Phnom Penh opened fire to break up a protest by striking garment workers.

Reported by Vuthy Tha for RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Yanny Hin. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
A truck with timbers inside on the road to the Phouluckham border checkpoint in Namore district, Sept. 2016.

The Lao governments attempt to strangle the illicit lumber trade is forcing smugglers to become more creative as they play a cat-and-mouse game with the authorities, RFAs Lao Service has learned.

With the governments ban on the export of logs and timber now in full force, smugglers are shunning the big border checkpoints where they used to openly move their cargo, according to sources in Laos.

The Chinese smugglers used to transport the wood through the Boten-Bohen Lao-Chinese border checkpoint, which is an international border checkpoint, a truck driver told RFAs Lao Service.

But after the prime ministers ban on timber was issued, the officials there took strict measures against the smuggling, the driver said. So the smugglers are now transporting the timber through the small border checkpoint in the Namore district instead of the Boten-Bohen border checkpoint.

Not only are smugglers using out-of-the-way check points to spirit the valuable hardwood across the border, but they are taking pains to cover up their activities by hiding their loads in farm produce and paying off the border guards.

Hidden in the corn

The timbers transported to the border were hidden in corn-carrying trucks with help from the officials at the checkpoints, the driver told RFA.

Laos has long suffered from the rampant smuggling of logs and timber to neighbors such as China and Vietnam, where the wood is used to make high-end furniture.

Deforestation has been a major problem in the last two decades for Laos, whose forests now cover less than 40 percent of the country's land, according to the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Laos forest sector shifted away from the export of mainly unfinished wood products to managed plantations and export-based forest production, according to a report issued last October by the London-based NGO Chatham House, with logs shipped primarily to Vietnam, Thailand and China, often through illegal sales.

But Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and the Lao government are trying to crack down on deforestation and the government banned the export of logs and timber earlier this year in a bid to reduce rampant and widespread illegal wood shipments outside the small Southeast Asian nations borders.

A report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) leaked online last October revealed huge increases in illegal logging in Laos and suggested government collusion. The report prompted some Lao officials to examine discrepancies in timber export and import figures with China and Vietnam.

The report found that the value of Lao wood product imports reported by China and Vietnam exceeded that of reported Lao exports more than tenfold, based on an analysis of Lao customs data.

It focused on conversion forestrylogging in areas marked for the development of infrastructure projects such as hydropower dams, road building, and mining operationswhich is used as an excuse for large-scale logging that otherwise would not be permitted under Lao law.

That trend appears to be continuing even as the government attempts to stop the timber harvest.

Iron mine owners target valuable trees

Much of the timber that is being smuggled across the border in the Namore district is cut near the iron mines that are controlled by Chinese investors, who see a valuable tree and then harvest it under the loophole.

The timber was cut down in the mountains where iron mines are operated by Chinese investors, according to the driver. The timber is then transported to China even though the mine has not operated since last year.

Officials at the Phouluckham border checkpoint denied to RFA that they are allowing the smugglers to use it as their new pass-through.

No officials here are involved in illegal log shipments, and we do not have information for you, an official told RFA. Any questions you can contact the customs department.

In August, Thai police confiscated 20 containers of rosewood from Laos after the rare wood was transported through the checkpoint between Laos Vientiane and Thailands Nongkhai provinces.

Chalermkiat Srivorakan, deputy commissioner general of Thailand, told RFA that they were waiting on the final report from the Thai customs department before taking action.

The investigation of illegal rosewood from Laos is not developed because [Thailands] customs department has not reported, he said.

Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Ounkeo Souksavanh. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
A Tibetan monk detained in June by police in southwestern Chinas Sichuan province has vanished in custody, with authorities refusing to provide details of his whereabouts or any charges made against him, sources say.



Lodroe, a monk enrolled at the Jonang monastery in Dzamthang (in Chinese, Rangtang) county, was seized by police on June 14 while walking with friends to buy food in neighboring Barkham (Ma'erkang) county, a Tibetan living in exile told RFAs Tibetan Service on Tuesday.



He was taken away in handcuffs without explanation and has been held in custody ever since, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity and citing contacts in the region.



His monastery and family and relatives have repeatedly asked the authorities for information about him, but have never received any answers, the source said.



Three months later, his whereabouts remain unknown, he said.



News of Lodroes detention was delayed in reaching outside contacts owing to communication blocks imposed by Chinese authorities in the area.



Lodroe, 36, is a native of Ngatoe Tsida village in Sichuans Ngaba (Aba) county, RFAs source said.



His fathers name is Tsikthok and his mothers name is Dzokre.



This is a very frustrating situation, and his family and relatives are deeply concerned about his welfare and current condition, he said.



Chinese authorities last year banned a two-week religious assembly at Dzamthangs Jonang monastery during which the monasterys 3,000 monks would have hosted formal debates on religious topics, sources told RFA in an earlier report.



Jonang monastery had previously been the site of several self-immolation protests challenging Beijings rule in Tibetan areas, which led to increasingly severe restrictions by the Chinese authorities, one source said.



Reported by Lhuboom for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney.




Ukrainian prankster Vitaliy Sedyuk has struck again, this time targeting American celebrity Kim Kardashian's derriere as she was entering an exclusive restaurant in Paris.

Kardashian's makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic caught the incident on video on September 28 and posted it to his Instagram account.

It showed the reality television star negotiating her way through a crowd of paparazzi as Sedyuk, a former Ukrainian television reporter from Boryspil, swooped in and attempted to kiss Kardashian's posterior.

Kardashian's security detail is seen to react immediately and pull him to the ground amid cries from the crowd.

It's the second time Sedyuk, 27, has targeted Kardashian. She was accosted two years ago outside a Paris fashion show.

Sedyuk last week told The Associated Press, which calls him a "serial celebrity accoster," that he objected to the Kardashians being featured in Vogue magazine.

Sedyuk in 2014 spent two days in jail after jostling with movie star Brad Pitt at a Los Angeles film premiere.

He also accosted model Gigi Hadid at Milan Fashion Week last week.

Based on reporting by AP and Entertainment Tonight
A senior U.S. official says an international conference scheduled for next week in Brussels is expected to bring pledges totaling more than $3 billion in development support for Afghanistan through the year 2020.

Richard Olson, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, made the remarks on September 29 at a forum in Washington.

Olson said the U.S. government would seek through Congress to maintain U.S. assistance to Afghanistan at, or near current levels during the next four years.

The European Union and Afghanistan are hosting the donor conference on October 4-5 in Brussels to seek support for reforms needed to develop and stabilize the country.

Representatives from some 70 countries and 30 international organizations and agencies are scheduled to attend the donors conference.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Critics of a peace deal between the Afghan government and a militant group led by a notorious warlord accused of atrocities are protesting the agreement by changing their Facebook profile pictures to black.

The peace deal with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the exiled leader of the Hezb-e Islami militant group nicknamed the "Butcher of Kabul" for rocket attacks that killed scores of civilians during the 1990s civil war, was signed on September 29 in a ceremony broadcast live on television.

Under the agreement, Hekmatyar will be granted amnesty for past offenses and the government will press for international sanctions against him to be lifted.

Critics blasted the deal in numerous posts on social media.

"Hekmatyar will come to Kabul and we've rolled out the black carpet for him," wrote a Facebook user who called the peace deal "shameful" and changed his profile picture to a black void.

Hekmatyar, who addressed the signing ceremony via a video recording, has been accused of a long list of rights abuses, including indiscriminate shelling of civilians in the capital in the 1990s, the forced disappearance of political opponents, and torture.

Some referred to him on social media as a "criminal" and said that instead of granting him amnesty, the Afghan authorities should put him on trial.

"Go to the roof of the Arg palace and look at the cemeteries remaining from his crimes," a user who had joined the protest wrote on Facebook, referring to Afghanistan's presidential palace.

"Another dark day added to an already massive collection of dark days, as #Hekmatyar completes a group of criminals ruling #Afghanistan," Twitter user Ramin Anwari wrote.

Some said that the victims of Hekmatyar's alleged crimes have been ignored in the deal. "Yes, we have to mourn for the people, for the victims who have been forgotten," said a comment on Facebook.

However, there were also those who suggested that any peace deal that would put an end to violence and death of civilians should be welcomed. "Confrontation would mean the continuation of the current situation and the killings of the nation's children," a user commented on Facebook.

Human Rights Watch has called the deal "an affront to victims of grave abuses."

"[Hekmatyar's] return will compound the culture of impunity that the Afghan government and its foreign donors have fostered by not pursuing accountability for the many victims of forces commanded by Hekmatyar and other warlords that laid waste to much of the country in the 1990s," senior HRW Afghanistan researcher Patricia Gossman wrote earlier this month.
Notorious Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has called for peace as he appeared by video to sign an accord with President Ashraf Ghani.

Ghani signed the peace deal at Kabul's presidential palace during a ceremony broadcast live on television on September 29.

Hekmatyar, the exiled leader of the Hezb-e Islami militant group, was not present and addressed the gathering in Kabul in a recorded video message, appearing by himself to sign the document in a small room.

He offered his congratulations to "all those Afghans who want peace and stability in the region," adding, "I pray that our country be independent and sovereign, and our innocent and war-weary nation end the fighting and ongoing insecurity, and that unity prevails."

"Now is the time for the Taliban to think about whether they want to continue the war or come for peace," Ghani said.

Under the agreement, Hekmatyar will be granted amnesty for past offenses and certain Hezb-e Islami prisoners will be released by the government. The Afghan government also agreed to press for the lifting of international sanctions on Hekmatyar. The deal also includes provisions for his security at government expense.

Negotiations with the group have been going on for months, with some in the government suspicious of bringing one of the most radical militants in Afghanistan into the fold.

Rights activists have expressed concerns about human rights abuses committed by Hekmatyar, who was responsible for some of the worst atrocities committed during the civil war in the 1990s.

Hezb-e Islami has also carried out deadly attacks against U.S. and Afghan forces since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.

Kabul hopes a deal with Hezb-e Islami can convince the Taliban to end its insurgency and join the political process.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP
The Ministry of Justice in Republika Srpska, the Bosnian Serb entity of Bosnia-Herzegovina, is planning to stage what it calls a "reconstruction" of two tragic episodes of Bosnia's 1992-95 war that furthered the international isolation of Serbian forces at the time and spurred Western resolve to intervene militarily.

Officials in Banja Luka say the effort is part of an investigation aimed at establishing "the truth" about who fired the shells that killed 111 people and wounded 219 more in two separate bombardments of Sarajevo's Markale market in 1994 and 1995.

Critics, however, accuse the Bosnian Serb authorities of trying to whitewash terrible wartime crimes and justify other atrocities at the expense of "digging into the wounds" of the families of victims.

The event will not be staged at the scene of the massacres, in the Bosnian capital, or even in Bosnia.

RFE/RL's Balkan Service has learned that the Defense Ministry in Belgrade has given its approval for Bosnia's predominantly ethnic Serbian ministate to carry out its plans on Serbia's territory, at the village of Vojvodina Nikinci.

Milorad Kojic, the head of the Republika Srpska Justice Ministry's Center for Research on War, War Crimes, and Missing Persons in Banja Luka, told RFE/RL that the activity will be reviewed by a panel of "international experts" -- including experts from the United States.

Kojic would not identify the experts involved nor reveal exactly when the "reconstruction of the crime" would be carried out.

"An investigation will be conducted based on documents that show how it really happened, and, in this way, the scene will be set up in an authentic way," Kojic said. "The shells will go off and then the investigation will take place."

It was a single 120-millimeter mortar shell fired into Sarajevo's historic city center on February 5, 1994, that killed 68 people and wounded 144.

Eighteen months later, on August 28, 1995, five shells fired into Markale market killed 43 people and wounded 75.

With television crews from around the world already positioned in Sarajevo at the time of both bombardments, the massacres focused international attention on the toll Bosnia's war was taking on civilians.

In fact, the August 28 attack was the reason given by NATO for launching air strikes against Bosnian Serb forces -- an international military intervention that changed the course of Bosnia's war, eventually leading to the defeat of the Bosnian Serbs and the signing of the Dayton peace accords.

Hague Convictions

Based on evidence compiled by United Nations monitors, The Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) ruled in 2003 during the trial of Bosnian Serb commander Stanislav Galic that his forces were responsible for both attacks on Markale market.

Galic was sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity over his role in the siege and shelling of Sarajevo.

Although the first international investigators to arrive at Markale market after the February shelling told RFE/RL that the projectile clearly came from Bosnian Serb-controlled territory, later reports by international investigators did not lead to unambiguous conclusions.

Belgrade state-run television, along with Bosnian Serb leaders at the time, immediately pinned the blame on Bosnian Muslim forces -- spreading the narrative that Bosnian Muslim troops targeted their own people at the market in order to provoke Western intervention on their side.

Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic tried to use the claims of Bosnian Muslim responsibility for the market shellings during his defense against war crimes charges, but his attempt was rejected by the ICTY.

In March 2016, the ICTY found Karadzic guilty of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity -- including responsibility for the Srebrenica massacre in which around 8,000 Muslim men and boys were massacred in a corner of what is now Republika Srpska -- and sentenced him to 40 years in prison.

'Digging Into The Wounds'

Kojic told RFE/RL that the "the primary objective" of staging a "reconstruction of the crime" was "to show the truth, because it is these events that burden the Serbian people and show a distorted picture of the nature of the war."

Kojic also suggested that the material produced by his office in Banja Luka "can be made accessible to the defense teams" in war crimes cases and used as "new facts and proof" in order to launch new proceedings.

But Senida Karovic, head of the Sarajevo-based Union for Civil Victims of War, told RFE/RL the effort was an attempt by the Bosnian Serb authorities to deny the crimes committed by Bosnian Serb forces during the war.

"This is a provocation, and it is digging into the wounds of the victims after 20 some years," Karovic said. "I think that behind this action are bad intentions on the part of the Serbian leadership and denial of what they did."

Karovic added, "It may be that they are trying to justify the crimes committed by their compatriots."

Berko Zecevic, an expert witness who testified in connection with the Markale shellings, said Banja Luka's new initiative was founded in politics, not science or even the pursuit of truth.

Denying Guilt?

Zecevic said any doubts about the conclusions of the ICTY and international investigators were ridiculous.

"Essentially there are some differences," Zecevic told RFE/RL, "but it does not play a role" in altering the conclusion that Bosnian Serb forces were responsible.

Natasha Kanic, a coordinator in an effort to create a regional truth-seeking commission called REKOM for the former Yugoslavia, accused Belgrade of sending a negative message to neighboring countries and international institutions by allowing the Bosnian Serbs to stage the event in Serbia.

"It's a message that says a lot about what Serbia thinks of the international institutions -- I mean the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, [and the ICTY]," Kanic told RFE/RL.

"The fact is that Serbia is siding with those who say that everything proven at The Hague -- and this implies the crimes committed by the Bosnian Serb Army -- is not true," Kanic said.

Belgrade's Defense Ministry would not comment on its decision to allow the event to be staged in Serbia.

But Kojic defended the idea of trying to recreate the Markale shellings outside of Bosnia. "It is impossible to do the reconstruction at the authentic locations, because the places look differently than they did in the 1990s," he said.

"The place is not the same anymore, so how can any investigation take place [in Sarajevo]," he said. "On the other hand, the scene will be portrayed in an authentic way [in Vojvodina Nikinci] and a shell will be launched. In any case, it's not feasible to do this in the place where these events really did happen."

Written by Ron Synovitz in Prague with reporting by Dusan Komarcevic in Belgrade

*This article has been amended to correct the dates of the two bombings.
FBI Director James Comey told Congress there have been more "attempted intrusions" in U.S. voter registration databases, and the agency is looking "very, very hard" at Russian hackers who may be trying to disrupt the U.S. election.

The FBI in August warned the 50 U.S. states to boost their election security in light of evidence that hackers targeted online data systems in at least two states, Illinois and Arizona.

"There have been a variety of scanning activities, which is a preamble for potential intrusion activities, as well as some attempted intrusions at voter registration databases beyond those we knew about in July and August," Comey told the House Judiciary Committee on September 28. "There's no doubt that some bad actors have been poking around."

Comey did not say where the latest intrusions were found or provide further details. Unidentified U.S. law enforcement officials told CNN that they have discovered attempted hacks of voter registration sites in more than a dozen states and they believe Russia was behind them.

Comey was more explicit than ever in fingering Russia for trying to interfere in the U.S. electoral system. He said the FBI is "investigating to try to understand exactly what mischief the Russians might be up to in connection with our political institutions and the election system more broadly."

The FBI in a recent bulletin disclosed that in late June, an "unknown actor scanned a state's Board of Election website for vulnerabilities" and, after identifying a security gap, exploited the vulnerability to conduct a "data exfiltration," or unauthorized data transfer.

Then in August, the FBI said hackers used the same vulnerability in an "attempted intrusion activities into another state's Board of Election system."

The FBI has stressed that no information in the system was changed by the hackers and none of the intrusions put state voting systems were at risk.

"We are urging the states just to make sure that their deadbolts are thrown and their locks are on and to get the best information they can from [the Department of Homeland Security], just to make sure their systems are secure," Comey said.

So far, some 18 states have sought help from the department to fend off potential cyberintrusions, officials said.

At a separate hearing on September 28, a Homeland Security official sought to assuage concerns among lawmakers about Russian interference in the election.

Homeland assistant secretary Andy Ozment said the U.S. government has confidence in the overall integrity of the nation's electoral system, which he said cannot easily be breached by cyberspies.

"Our voting infrastructure is diverse, subject to local control, and has many checks and balances built in," Ozment said.

He noted that states use a wide variety of voting machines and registration systems. They are not all connected to one another, and most aren't connected to the internet, he said.

Because of this, Ozment said he doubted a cyberattack could change the outcome of the national election on November 8.

Comey also stressed that because the U.S. voting system is highly decentralized and controlled by the states, a broad hacking of the U.S. election would be nearly impossible to carry out.

"The vote system in the United States is very, very hard for someone to hack into because it's so clunky and dispersed," he said.

With reporting by AP, CNN.com, and ABCNews.com


Mohammad Nayeb-Zehi was among the hundreds of worshippers who gathered on September 30 at the Great Mosalla, a religious site in Iran's southeastern city of Zahedan, for Friday Prayers.

Just hours later, the 16-year-old's family learned he was dead.

Nayeb-Zehi was among the scores of people gunned down by security forces in a brutal crackdown following anti-government protests in Zahedan, the provincial capital of Sistan-Baluchistan Province, which is home to the country's Baluch minority.

"He was a simple laborer and not political," Nayeb-Zehi's brother, Ahmad, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda in a telephone interview from Zahedan, adding that his sibling had been shot in the heart. "We're in pain, and we cannot accept it."

The crackdown in Zahedan came amid weeks-long nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died on September 16, days after she was detained by Iran's morality police.

In Sistan-Baluchistan, public anger at the authorities escalated amid reports that a 15-year-old Baluch girl had been raped by a police official in the province's southern port city of Chabahar.

The violence erupted soon after protesters gathered outside a police station near the central mosque in Zahedan. Members of the crowd chanted anti-government slogans, and some threw rocks. Security forces responded with deadly force by firing on the crowd from the station, according to witnesses.

Security forces also raided the central mosque and the nearby Great Mosalla and opened fire on worshippers using live ammunition, rights groups said, adding that many were shot in the head, heart, neck, or torso, revealing a clear intent to kill or seriously wound.

At least 94 people were killed and 350 wounded on that day, referred to as "Bloody Friday," according to the U.S.-based Iran Human Rights Documentation Center. At least 13 minors were among those killed, including Nayeb-Zehi.

The victims were overwhelmingly Baluch -- a mostly Sunni ethnic group that has long faced disproportionate discrimination at the hands of the Iranian authorities.

"He was martyred inside the Mosalla while holding his prayer mat," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi.

Nayeb-Zehi's family first visited Zahedan's Khatam al-Anbia hospital, hoping he was among the wounded. They later found his body in a seminary at the Great Mosalla.

"We entered a room there and saw about 10 bodies," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi. "[Mohammad] was among them."

He said the authorities prevented the family from filming the scene. "I told them this has to be documented, it has to be published by international media," he said, adding that footage later emerged on social media showing the gruesome scene at the seminary.

The family refused to send Nayeb-Zehi's body to the morgue. Instead, his body lay in the living room for around 24 hours before he was buried.

"We said he was martyred and there was no need for an autopsy," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi.

The authorities accused Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant group, of attacking the police station. The group is recognized as a terrorist organization by both Iran and the United States and has previously claimed deadly attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan targeting Iranian security forces.

But local and independent sources have rejected the authorities' claims.

The authorities have also reported a much lower number of fatalities, announcing that only 19 people, including several members of the security forces, were killed.

Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi said the authorities were "rubbing salt into the wounds of the people" by claiming "terrorists" were involved.

He said he witnessed a military helicopter shooting at civilians near the Great Mosalla. "I haven't even seen such scenes in Hollywood movies," he said. "A helicopter was shooting at people. A lady was shot in front of my eyes."

RFE/RL could not verify his account. But activists have accused security forces of shooting at protestors from helicopters.

"I don't know what the intention of this crime was," he said. "Our only demand from the establishment is for the murderers of our [family members] to be punished."

The killings have led to widespread anger in Sistan-Baluchistan, one of Iran's poorest provinces.

Anti-establishment protests have been reported in Zahedan since the crackdown, including on October 14 and October 21, when protesters took to the streets after Friday Prayers and chanted "Death to the dictator."

During his Friday Prayers sermon on October 21, influential Sunni cleric Molavi Abdolhamid Ismaeelzahi said senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were "responsible" for the September 30 killings.

"We are surprised by the silence of the high-ranking officials," he said in his sermon, which was posted on his website.

"Scores were killed here without any reason. I don't have the exact number. Some have reported 90, some say less, some say more," Ismaeelzahi added.

He also said people will not be satisfied until "those who killed the people" are brought to justice.

The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center said the events of September 30 amounted to "a massacre of protesters by security forces."

"The government's total denial of responsibility for the massacring of citizens by its security apparatus is consistent with similar past denials and is evidence that internal calls for investigation of such crimes are insufficient," said the rights group, which documents human rights violations in Iran.
A court in Kyrgyzstan's southern city of Osh has jailed four men after convicting them of membership in the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

The State Committee for National Security (UKMK) said on September 29 that two Kyrgyz nationals and two Uzbek citizens, all in their 20s, were sentenced to prison terms of between 10 and 18 years.

The four men, whose names were not disclosed, were found guilty of planning a series of terrorist attacks in Kyrgyzstan.

All four were recruited by the IS group via the Internet while they were working as migrant workers abroad, the UKMK said.

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian states say hundreds of their citizens have joined IS militants in Syria and Iraq in recent years.


A man killed in a weekend shooting at a Starbucks coffee shop in Las Vegas was a former Georgian soldier who had become a U.S. citizen, officials and friends said on September 28.

Aleksandr Khutsishvili enlisted in the army after his country broke from the Soviet Union, and he served a stint in a unit protecting then-Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, David Shtromberg, a friend who grew up with Khutsishvili in Tbilisi, told AP.

Khutsishvili, 41, known to friends as "Sasha," was shot after getting into an argument with a gunman whose credit card payment for coffee was rejected, police said. Khutsishvili was unarmed.

Police have charged the gunman, Petro Garcia, with murder.

A twice-divorced father of three, Khutsishvili worked as a plumber, longshoreman, construction worker, and car wash worker. He became a U.S. citizen in 2004, Shtromberg said.

"Because he was military, he would react," Shtromberg said. "He's not the type of person to walk away from a fight...or someone else's fight."

Based on reporting by AP and KSNV News3
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Reaction from Moscow and Kyiv, as an international probe says that Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down with a Russian missile system, brought from Russia into a separatist-held part of Ukraine. What's the view on the street?
Protesters have entered Moldova's parliament building, shortly after lawmakers voted in a new pro-EU government.

Live footage showed demonstrators, some waving Moldovan flags just inside the building's entrance as darkness fell. They were blocked from gaining further access by riot police.

Ten people were reported injured in the incident, including seven police officers. Among those injured was Liberal Party chairman and former interim President Mihai Ghimpu and a leader of the Dignity and Truth (DA) platform, Chiril Motpan.

Before and during the vote, hundreds of protesters calling for early elections had faced off with riot police outside the building.

The new cabinet approved by legislators is led by Pavel Filip, 49, a deputy chairman of the ruling Democratic Party who has served as minister of telecommunications in several governments since 2011.

Fifty-seven out of the 101 deputies -- six more than needed -- voted in favor of the new cabinet in an attempt to bring a three-month-old political crisis to an end. After the previous government led by Valeriu Stretlet was ousted in October amid a banking scandal, two attempts to name a new prime minister had failed.

The third try was held amid protests by the pro-Russian opposition Socialists, who attempted to postpone the vote and heckled lawmakers during the parliament session.

Several opposition lawmakers briefly interrupted the proceedings, displaying banners demanding "early elections."

According to opinion polls, snap elections could be won by pro-Russian parties that want to renegotiate Moldova's Association Agreement with the EU and develop stronger ties with Moscow.

While the rally outside parliament was organized by pro-Russia opposition groups, a pro-EU movement also took part, building on similar actions at the end of last week.

Both camps are calling for early elections, saying a new cabinet, based on the same ruling parties, will not break with the corrupt practices of previous governments.

On January 16, thousands of people attended three separate rallies in Chisinau, two organized by pro-Russian political forces, while a third was held by the Dignity and Truth (DA) anticorruption civic group.

The protests came after President Nicolae Timofti on January 15 nominated Filip to be the country's prime minister, after two previous nominees failed to gain the office.

The first was Vlad Plahotniuc -- a controversial oligarch with close ties to the ruling Democrat Party. His candidacy was rejected by Timofti.

The second, presidential office staffer Ion Paduraru, withdrew his name shortly after he was nominated by Timofti.

If parliament had not managed to approve a government by January 29, Timofti would have had to dissolve the legislature and call early elections.

Moldova, which lies between Romania and Ukraine, has been effectively rudderless since a no-confidence vote toppled the Stretlet government in October after $1 billion -- one-eighth of the country's gross domestic product -- disappeared from Moldova's banking system.

Billionaire Plahotniuc, a former legislator, has been a main target of the mass protests against the banking fraud that shook Europe's poorest country.

The delay in appointing a new prime minister and apparent deadlock over potential candidates had prompted the pro-Russia opposition to call for snap elections.

Ahead of the January 20 vote, media controlled by Plahotniuc last week broadcast reports that pro-Moscow opposition leaders and Russian security forces were planning a coup in Moldova.

But businessman Renato Usatii, who heads the pro-Russia Our Party and is also mayor of Balti -- Moldova's second-largest city -- on January 16 denied the reports, labeling them as "nonsense."

With reporting by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service correspondent Alexandru Eftode
OPEC members have reached a preliminary deal to curb production for the first time in eight years, sending oil prices soaring.

Officials said September 28 that the oil cartel will agree to specific production levels for each member country at a meeting in Vienna on November 30. The group will also seek support from non-member oil producers to further ease the global glut.

Oil prices have more than halved from highs above $100 a barrel in mid-2014 as a result of surging production from U.S. shale oil combined with other global oversupplies and OPEC output.

News of the preliminary deal sent prices up more than 5 prices on September 28.

The surprise output move came after Algeria's energy minister pressed demands for action on an oil supply glut to stabilize the market.

The 14-nation cartel controls around 40 percent of global crude supply.

But major producers like Russia are outside the bloc, and so-called shale revolution in the United States helped drive prices down.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP
A senior police official says gunmen have kidnapped the executive director of Pakistan's main media group.

Mushtaq Khan said on September 29 that Abid Abdullah of the Jang media group was abducted overnight in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

The motive behind the kidnapping was not clear.

The Jang group publishes Pakistan's top-selling Urdu and English-language newspapers, and runs the country's most popular television station, Geo.

It has been vocal in criticizing militants, politicians, and the military establishment.

In the last 15 years, more than 50 journalists have been killed in Pakistan, making the country one of the most dangerous countries for reporters.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa


Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has protested a ruling by Russia's Supreme Court that upheld a ban on the Mejlis, the self-governing body of Crimean Tatars in Ukraine's occupied territory of Crimea.

The ministry said in a statement that "the ban against the activities of the supreme representative and executive body of the Crimean Tatar people" was "openly blasphemous" and was done under "a far-fetched pretext of 'fighting extremism'."

The statement demanded that Russia immediately lift its ban and end what it called "the oppression of the Crimean Tatar community in Crimea."

Russia's Supreme Court ruling on September 29 upheld the decision of a Moscow-backed Crimean court to ban the Mejlis.

Mejlis' lawyer Kirill Koroteyev said the Russian court ruling will be appealed at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

On April 26, more than two years after Russia seized and illegally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, Crimea's pro-Russian Supreme Court branded the Mejlis as an extremist organization and officially banned it.

The Mejlis had been legalized by the Ukrainian government in 1999.

Crimea's indigenous Tatars make up about 12 percent of Crimea's population of 2.5 million people.

Many Crimean Tatars fled the territory after it was seized by Russian military forces in February 2014 and illegally annexed by Moscow in March 2014.

Crimean Tatars who have remained in the occupied territory complain of harassment and enforced disappearances under the Moscow-backed authorities there.

Russia has been severely criticized by international rights groups and Western governments for its treatment of the Turkic-speaking Muslim minority since the annexation.

With reporting by Interfax and TASS
A pro-democracy group founded by exiled Kremlin critic and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky has launched a project to fund online media startups.

Open Russia said on September 29 that the goal of the project was "to create communication channels within the part of the Russian society that considers itself independent from the government's support."

Selected online media startups are to receive 30 million rubles ($470,000) each to begin their activities as of December this year.

Khodorkovsky told RBK television channel that the startups should focus on investigative journalism.

Once Russia's richest man as the chief executive of its most important oil firm, Yukos, Khodorkovsky spent 10 years in a Siberian prison on tax evasion and embezzlement charges, which he says were politically motivated.

He left Russia for Europe after Putin pardoned him in December 2013. He lives mainly in Switzerland and Britain.

With reporting by RBK
MOSCOW -- A series of denials by Russian officials and state-media allegations of bias and foul play present a view that is starkly discrepant with international criminal investigators' findings, announced this week, over the downing of a Malaysian airliner over eastern Ukraine in 2014.

The Joint Investigation Team's (JIT) interim conclusions were that the passenger jet was shot down by a Russian-made missile system smuggled into separatist territory then spirited back over the border into Russia.

The Russian counternarrative after the release of the JIT report also introduces at least one new conspiracy theory and was decried by liberal opposition voices and the independent newspaper Vedomosti, which criticized the Kremlins perceived politics of denial, saying they would increase Russias international isolation.

Russia has consistently rejected considerable evidence -- including recovered pieces of shrapnel, phone chatter among Moscow-backed separatists, and the geolocation of telltale photographs, among other things -- that points to the involvement of anti-Kyiv forces in eastern Ukraine in the shoot-down, which killed all 298 people aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in July 2014.

Pro-Kremlin media focused on a chorus of countercharges made by officials, Russian missile maker Almaz Antey, and politicians, who claimed primarily that Russian evidence had been deliberately ignored by the JIT in order to reach a political verdict.

Missile maker Almaz-Antey called a news conference immediately after the announcement of the JIT findings, challenging the probe in comments widely carried by online and traditional media. The defense manufacturer's chief engineer, Mikhail Malyshevsky, said for instance that the JIT had ignored "technical" aspects of the investigation and analyzed the wrong type of missile, adding that Almaz-Antey's tests showed the rocket was fired from territory controlled by Ukrainian government forces.

Journalists and experts pointed out one strange detail, said the newscaster on state TV channel Vesti, which led its September 28 evening news with a report on the MH17 report. There are considerably more facts that the international investigators ignored than that they took into account. That is to say, the conclusions were drawn first and then backed up with fragmentary evidence.

State news agency RIA Novosti, meanwhile, published an opinion piece late on September 28 titled Investigation On Track Without Veering Off Course, in which it casts doubt on the findings because they appear similar to those initially expressed by the Ukrainian and Western governments soon after the downing of the plane.

It hasnt changed despite the fact that two years have passed since the moment of the catastrophe and that since that time one side" -- a reference to Russia -- "has presented lots of new facts and materials, while from the other side fairly important information remains hidden from international investigators.



In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov also criticized the findings, claiming they were based on two sources: the Internet and Ukrainian security services. He also denied that any missile system crossed the border between Ukraine and Russia, as investigators concluded.



'Dutch Fog'



Pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia on September 29 published what appeared to be an elaborate conspiracy theory in a piece titled Dutch Fog, in which the author also said the results were predetermined.



Calling the Dutch loyal vassals of the United States, author Oleg Matveychev, who was cited as a political expert, alleged that Washington rigged the results of the investigation to help Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton beat Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.



During the election campaign of Hillary Clinton, who is banking on confrontation with Russia, the conclusions [of the JIT] could scarcely have turned out differently," Matveychev argued.



Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told the BBC's HARDtalk program that Russia would neither confirm nor deny the findings because they are preliminary.



Asked by HARDtalk's host whether or not Russia "accepts the truth" of the JIT findings, Peskov said that there was nothing to accept or deny because this report is not the final truth. Peskov continued: We know the devil is inside those details, and unfortunately we are still missing lots of the details.

Aleksei Navalny, an anticorruption activist and leading opposition figure, compared Peskovs response to the Soviet Unions initial denials after it shot down Korean Air Lines Flight 007 over the Sea of Japan in 1983. Navalny wrote that the Kremlin is driving itself into the [same] situation and said Moscow was trying to deflect the accusations with the same propaganda playbook.

Politics Of Denial

An editorial in the independent Vedomosti business daily on September 29 chided Russia for what it described as its politics of denial. By changing its explanations and denying in advance the conclusions of the investigative group," the paper wrote, "Russia itself is working toward the gradual strengthening of its own isolation."



It said the denials are painting Russia into a corner: Each new explanation has worked against Russia even more, forcing [the explanations] to be seen as deliberate attempts to confuse the investigation."



An informal street survey by RFE/RLs Russian Service suggested that Muscovites hold a range of views on who was responsible for MH17's downing.

There is a war between Russia and Ukraine. The Russian Army unfortunately shot down this Dutch Boeing -- unfortunately, said one.

The fact that [the missile] was Russian manufactured proves nothing and says nothing," said another, adding, Our government agencies...published their report in which they, citing objective information, entirely denied this information.

"Well most likely never know whose fault it was and who was to blame," concluded another.

But the JIT and other investigators are less ambiguous, according to Wilbert Pualissen, the head of the Dutch police investigation: "On [the] basis of the criminal investigation, we can conclude that Flight MH17 was downed on July 17, 2014, by a rocket of the 9-M-83-38 series, fired from a Buk trailer, and that this Buk trailer came from the territory of the Russian Federation and returned to the territory of the Russian Federation after the launch."
"He crossed the finish line and, as he crossed, he looked at the crowd with a big smile and, about 20 meters further, the horse stumbled probably on a soft spot in the sand and went down on his knees and, of course, stopped at that point. And so the president who was going quite fast moved on and fell in the sand."

The crowd is ecstatic, clapping in sync with the music as the announcers voice reverberates through the stadium. Everyone's attention is focused on the jockeys riding Turkmenistans prized Akhal-Teke horses.Unbeknownst to outsiders, one of the riders is Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, and his horse, Berkarar, (Turkmen for "Mighty") is in the lead.But as soon as he gallops across the finishing line of the one-kilometer race, Berkarars front legs buckle underneath him.Clara de Vos van Steenwijk, president of the Akhal-Teke Association, a nonprofit organization based in Luxembourg, was in the crowd and takes up the story.As the Turkmen leader lies motionless, an announcer says, Our beloved president was able to finish the race in first place. But any pride Berdymukhammedov had in his victory is followed by a pretty spectacular fall."[Berdymukhammedov] was winded, of course," van Steenwijk says. "If you fall at that speed, then of course the air goes out of your lungs and you have to lie for a minute to get your breath back. But of course it was a big shock for the public. There were thousands of people there and you could hear a pin drop."To be sure, it's impossible to confirm that the unfortunate rider is Berdymukhammedov. But the panicked reactions of security and the lengths to which Turkmen officials sought to confiscate spectators' recordings and photos of the event, suggest the jockey is the Turkmen leader.In an instant, dozens of security officials in black suits run over to the scene of the incident, jumping over the fence separating the spectators from the track.Moments later, the crowd begins clapping and cheering as an ambulance arrives, and then the same throng of black-suited security officials crowd around the falled rider as he is put into the ambulance.All this is missing, however, from thethat was shown on Turkmen state TV on April 29.The segment cuts off at the precise moment that the winning rider crosses the finish line, a split-second before his fall. RFE/RLs Turkmen Service reports that a number of people have contacted them asking if it is true that the president was injured during the race.In a separate segment, Berdymukhammedov can be seen accepting the announced prize of $11 million -- which would make it the world's richest horse race -- that he announced he will distribute to the countrys massive horse industry.The whole, uncut scene described above can be seen in aor a(below):Eurasianet reports that the crowd waited an hour for Berdymukhammedov to make an appearance wearing the traditional "telpek" hat made of white sheepskin, modestly waving to the crowd of journalists and representatives from international horse-racing clubs.Two foreign attendees contacted by RFE/RL said foreigners in the crowd were asked by the presidential apparatus to delete or hand over all electronic media that could have recorded the tumble. In addition, they said a Lufthansa flight from Ashgabat was delayed while officials conducted extra checks for flash sticks and camera memory disks.The April 28 horse race in Ashgabat was part of four days of celebrations marking Horse Day, a national holiday that celebrates the symbolic importance of the Akhal-Teke, a Turkmen breed of horse that is known and cross-bred for its characteristic speed and stamina.The Turkmen leaders fondness for the Akhal-Teke horses is. He has published several books in English about the Akhal-Teke, invested millions of dollars in the equine industry, and launched an official government website in honor of the Akhal-Teke.As of 2011, Berdymukhammedov signed a decree ordering that beauty contests be held every year for the Akhal-Teke.-- Written by Deana Kjuka with reporting by RFE/RL's Turkmen and Kazakh services
U.S. historian Timothy Snyder says there are several lessons to draw from Babi Yar, where more than 30,000 Jews were killed by the Nazis on September 29-30, 1941. One is that it was a tragedy for all Ukraine. Another is that we must stop thinking about people in terms of ethnic categories or be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Snyder, a professor at Yale University and an expert on the history of Central and Eastern Europe and the Holocaust, spoke with RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service correspondent Natalia Churikova in Kyiv, in Ukrainian. The following is a translation:

RFE/RL: Seventy-five years ago on the outskirts of Kyiv at Babi Yar ravine, 33,771 Jews were shot in just two days. Babi Yar has become a symbol of the destruction of Ukrainian Jews just as Auschwitz has become a symbol of the destruction of the Jews throughout Europe. Why is it not only a Jewish tragedy, but a Ukrainian one, too?

Timothy Snyder: First of all, we have to remember that Ukrainian Jews lived on the territory of Ukraine hundreds of years before the Soviets and before the war.

Secondly, Jews along with all other Ukrainians lived through, for instance, the Holodomor [the mass famine of the 1930s]. Some Ukrainians have said that Holodomor is our tragedy and the Holocaust is the tragedy of Jews. That is not completely true, because during the Holodomor, many who lived on Ukrainian territory, including Jews, Russians, Poles, and others, were annihilated.

It seems to me that in order to understand the link between the experiences before the war and during the war, it is necessary, first of all, to understand that the war brought radical changes, then the Soviet system collapsed and those who lived before the war changed their relations with others.

RFE/RL: Some local residents came together with Nazi troops and took part in organizing the mass killings in Ukraine, assisted in those killings. How do you explain that?

Snyder: First of all, we have to note that the Babi Yar killings were organized by [the Nazi] Einsatzgruppe 4A along with two groups of police.

However, from the very beginning, and that is true, some local residents, Ukrainians -- not only ethnic Ukrainians but also Russians, Tatars, and others -- collaborated. Some people from each ethnic group collaborated. The situation was that the German initiative [against the Jews] became possible because not only the SS, but the German Army, the German administration, as well as the German police cooperated with each other. And gradually, the Germans realized that there were also people among local organizations that were ready to cooperate.

RFE/RL: Why did the Stalin regime decide to wipe out from memory the fact that it was mostly Jews killed at Babi Yar?

Snyder: To be precise, the majority of those killed in Babi Yar were Jews. The truth is that some 100,000 people were murdered there. The majority of them were Jews. That is what historians say.

For the Soviet authorities the memory of the Holocaust was not useful. Because it would reveal the fact that Nazism is not just a form of fascism against communism, but also a force against Jews. Therefore, for the Soviet authorities, it was inconvenient to confirm that Jews had suffered more than other parts of Soviet society. That is why, from the very beginning and later, the Soviet authorities did not portray the Babi Yar massacre as mainly a tragedy of Jews.

That is very necessary to understand. Not just to understand that there was the Holocaust, but in order to fully understand what happened on Ukrainian territory. Because memory is not just about history, it is about the future. If Ukrainian society does not understand what sort of place [Babi Yar] is, the Ukrainian people will not be able to understand themselves. Memory is not just a matter of what happened. It is a matter of what kind of people you will be.

RFE/RL: Do you think Ukrainians will be able to accept the Holocaust as their own tragedy in the future?

Snyder: Yes, I agree with that. I think it is necessary. If people look at their history and understand it only in terms of ethnic categories, then they will not be able to see others as fellow members of their nation, either now or in the future.

Translated from the Ukrainian by Merhat Sharipzhan
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Mountain Province Diamonds announces 3Q 2022 production and sales results Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. has announced production and sales results for the third quarter ended September 30, from the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine. According to the company, 1,451,455 carats recovered, 7% lower than Q3 2021, and a 15% increase...

Hong Kongs jewellery export dips 17.6% in September Hong Kongs government data revealed that exports of jewellery, goldsmiths and silversmiths wares were down 23.1 per cent year on year to HK$18.24 bn which is around $2.32 bn during September 2022.

Diamcor more than doubles Q2 revenue Diamcor generated gross revenues of about $3 million from its operations in the interim period ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1,4 million for the same period in the previous year. The company is still conducting trial mining exercises at its...

IBJA commits to Declaration of Responsibility & Sustainability Principles The Indian gold industry has signed a Declaration of Responsibility and Sustainability Principles, convened by the LBMA and the World Gold Council, which expresses a commitment to operate responsibly and sustainably, based on a clear set of shared goals...
The UAE KP Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem has announced the program and speakers for the upcoming KP Chair 2016 Special Forum on Rough Diamond Valuation, which will be held in Antwerp on 30th September in collaboration with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, says a press note from the organisation.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: Rough diamond valuation is a challenge that is not limited to one country, one diamond centre, or the Kimberley Process  it is a critical challenge for the entire diamond industry. In particular, it is a top priority for the diamond exporting countries in Africa, which are looking to get the best value from their mineral resource wealth.

The Special Forum will take the format of a closed workshop, which will allow in-depth consultation with stakeholders and industry leaders. Four dedicated panels will debate on specific topics related to rough diamond valuation.

While Dan Devlin, Senior Economist, Natural Resource Taxation of the OECD will open the Forum with his speech on Challenges in Rough Diamond Valuation - Update on OECD Work into Understanding Valuation Practices, the First session will discuss rough diamond valuation and challenges from a producer's perspective, where the panelists would be Feriel Zerouki (De Beers), Dorothee Gizenga (Diamond Development Initiative), Frederik Degryse (Dominion Diamond Corporation), Alexey Genkin (Grib Diamonds) and Andrey Polyakov (ALROSA).

The Second session will hear the experiences from polished price list experts, for which the panelists would be Ehud Cohen (Idex Online), Richard Platt (PolishedPrices.com)

The Third session will be professional valuators' and industry experts' approach, where Benjamin Marriott (Diamond Counsellor International), Menachem Pelleg (Diamond Marketing Consultants) AJ Eiseb (Global Diamond Valuators Namibia (Pty) Ltd. ,), Frank Govic (GTD Consulting), Lieve Peeters (Infinity Diamonds and Dr. Casper Fithen (Martello Risk) will be among the panelists.

The Fourth session will discuss tender & auction experts' approach to valuation, and the panelists consists of Didier Backaert (Bonas Group), David Kuchler (Hennig Belgium), Adam Schulman(Koin International), Avner Sofiov (Tzoffey's Diamonds).

Peter Meeus, workshop coordinator said: At this second edition we will try to elaborate on the specific challenges for artisanal mining; study how reference polished price valuation lists and price books could contribute; how auction and tender houses evaluate price discrepancies and see if we can come to a first set of best valuation practices for rough diamond exporting and importing centres.



Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished




India has signed a fifteen year MoU with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a move that will give New Delhi the exclusive rights to exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Indian Ocean. ISA is an institution set up under the Convention on Law of the Sea to which India is a party, says a PTI report.

This contract will enhance India's presence in the Indian Ocean, where other players like China, Korea and Germany are active.

The contract was signed by Nair Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Nii Allotey Odunton, Secretary General, ISA.

The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the participation of various national institutes and research laboratories and organisations.

The ISA earlier approved an application submitted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences for allotment of 10,000 sq. km area along with 15-year plan of work for exploration of PMS along Central Indian Ridge (CIR) and Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) region of the Indian Ocean.

Polymetallic Sulphides, containing iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum in variable constitutions, are precipitates of hot fluids from upwelling hot magma from deep interior of the oceanic crust. PMS in the ocean ridges have attracted worldwide attention for their long term commercial as well as strategic value.



Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished




Editors Pick

Oil major Exxon Mobil Corp. reported Friday a profit for the third quarter that soared from last year, reflecting sharply higher upstream and energy product earnings. Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter topped analysts' expectations, while quarterly revenues missed them.

Seattle, Washington-based Amazon.com Services LLC is recalling Amazon Basics Executive Desk Chairs, citing fall and injury risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The recall involves about 11,400 units of the Amazon Basics Executive Desk Chair.

Shares of Swiss Re AG were losing around 3 percent in the morning trading in Switzerland after the reinsurer reported Friday a net loss in its third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2022. The results were hurt mainly by weakness in Property & Casualty Reinsurance or P&C Re segment. Going ahead, the company still expects it is unlikely to reach its Group ROE target of 10 percent in 2022.
Donald Trump intensified his attack on his Democratic opponent Wednesday by saying that Hillary Clinton would put the Oval Office up for sale if she becomes America's President.

"She put the office of Secretary of State up for sale - and if she ever got the chance, she'd put the Oval Office up for sale too," the GOP Presidential nominee told a rally of nearly 2,000 people in Waukesha, the most important conservative area of Wisconsin.

He began the speech by claiming that a new post-debate Google poll has him leading Hillary Clinton by 2 points nationwide.

"She is a globalist who has made a career taking jobs from our country and giving them to other countries," Trump said.

"Follow The Money" is Clinton's motto, he said, adding that she's there for only one reason, to protect her donors and collect their money.

Trump vowed to disrupt the collusion between the wealthy donors, the large corporations, and the media executives, and also fight for every neglected part of the nation.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
With Election Day a little over a month away, lawmakers are headed home to campaign after narrowly averting another government shutdown.

The House and Senate adjourned late Wednesday night after passing a short-term government funding bill that sets up another potential fight over spending in the lame-duck session.

The Senate voted 72 to 26 in favor of the stopgap spending measure Wednesday afternoon, and the House followed suit with a 342 to 85 vote later that night.

The spending bill was allowed to move forward after House leaders agreed to allow a vote on an amendment to add funding to address the drinking water contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, to a water infrastructure bill.

The votes in favor of the continuing resolution came as lawmakers faced a September 30th deadline to pass a government spending bill and avoid a shutdown.

The bill will fund the government through December 9th and includes funding to combat the Zika virus, address the heroin and prescription opioid crisis and provide aid to victims of flooding in Louisiana, West Virginia and Maryland.

Lawmakers are now headed back home after spending just over three weeks in Washington following an unprecedented seven-week summer recess.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., criticized Republicans for taking an "unearned" recess, reiterating his attacks on the GOP for failing to take up Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court.

"We just finished a break. We're going to take 10 more weeks," Reid said, according to The Hill. "I think we should have had a hearing on Merrick Garland."

Both houses of Congress are scheduled to return on November 14th, when lawmakers will look to negotiate a long-term spending bill and potentially address other issues.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
A company controlled by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump once violated the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba by secretly conducting on the communist island, according to a report from Newsweek.

The article published on Newsweek.com on Thursday cited interviews with former Trump executives, internal company records and court filings.

Newsweek said documents show the company, then known as Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, spent a minimum of $68,000 for its 1998 foray into Cuba by funneling the cash through an American consulting firm.

The consulting firm subsequently instructed senior officers with Trump's company how to make the transaction appear legal by linking it to an after-the-fact charitable endeavor, Newsweek said.

The weekly news magazine said the payment by Trump Hotels came just before the real estate tycoon delivered a speech to a group of Cuban-Americans vowing to maintain the embargo and never spend his or his companies' money in Cuba until Fidel Castro was removed from power.

While the statute of limitations ran out long ago, preventing any potential criminal charges, the report could affect Trump's support among Cuban-Americans in the crucial swing state of Florida.

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Larkburger has appointed former Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer Todd Coerver as its new CEO.

Coerver replaces Founder Adam Baker, who resigned in June but remained interim CEO while the company searched for a replacement.

Larkburger expects Coerver to turn around the Denver-based fine fast-casual burger chain and accelerate its growth.

Additionally, Ned Grace, Larkburger Board Member and founder of The Capital Grille, will serve as new Chairman of the Board.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Qualcomm Inc. is reportedly in talks to buy NXP Semiconductors NV, in a deal that is valued at over $30 billion, as the semiconductor industry continues to consolidate.

According to a WSJ report, the companies could ink a deal in the next two to three months. Qualcomm is also exploring other deal options.

Netherlands-based NXP has a market capitalization of about $28 billion. It supplies chip for the auto industry. Qualcomm will benefit greatly from this deal as the company looks to cars, data center as the future growth market.

According to the report, there has been more than $75 billion of semiconductor mergers this year, citing to Dealogic.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
By SA Commercial Prop News

Gauteng E-tolling- A fair share of controversy.



A decision on when to roll-out of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) will be made very soon, says acting Minister for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Richard Baloyi.

Addressing reporters during a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Baloyi said following the stakeholder engagement processes, which are currently taking place, an announcement will be made.



The Constitutional Court opened the way for the GFIP system to be implemented when it set aside a Pretoria High Court ruling made in April that prevented the system from going ahead, pending a judicial review in November.



This means SANRAL and the Department of Transport are legally entitled to begin rolling out the system.



The final rounds of talks between government and stakeholders on the GFIP are expected to be concluded soon.



The inter-ministerial task team has already consulted labour federation Cosatu and the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, and will end with a meeting with the Road Freight Association.

Other parties had expressed their opposition to the e-tolling system. In response to the Constitutional Court ruling, Congress of South African Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said: "We are going to resist it with every power we have."
A first-of-its-kind journey along India and Pakistan border

What binds the two most talked about nations - India and Pakistan together? What makes the
$25K in Gannett Foundation grants go to central Kansas organizations

Four local organizations are receiving a total of $25,000 as the Gannett Foundation invests in community-building initiatives in north-central Kansas.
BOULDER, Colo. (AP)  John Morales was interning for Bernie Sanders' campaign when the longshot Democratic candidate's hopes started to fade in the spring. That's when Libertarian Gary Johnson caught his interest.

In many ways Johnson and Sanders are ideological opposites. The Vermont senator is an opponent of foreign trade deals and won over many younger voters in the primaries by calling for enormous government spending to guarantee universal health care and free college tuition. Johnson, the former New Mexico governor, supports smaller government and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

But he shares Sanders' outsider, tell-it-like-it-is style, social liberalism and skepticism about military intervention overseas  attributes that have won over enough Sanders supporters to worry Democrats he could jeopardize Hillary Clinton's chances in November.

Morales, a 22-year-old community college student and Army Reservist, is one of those converts  he's now interning for Johnson.

"He agrees with about 70 percent of what Bernie was saying," Morales said, adding that many of his friends who liked Sanders now are also drawn to Johnson. "I do believe that he's got better ideas than Hillary and Trump," Morales says.

With roughly a month until Election Day, Clinton is still struggling to win over young voters who twice helped elect Barack Obama.

"They're not brand loyal to either party  they're loyal to ideology and disruption of the status quo," said Jill Hanauer, a Denver-based Democratic strategist whose firm has polled the age group known as millennials. She said many don't remember how protest votes for Green Party candidate Ralph Nader helped elect George W. Bush in 2000.

Clinton's challenge with younger voters is part of what's keeping the race close. A recent AP-GfK poll found Johnson pulling 14 percent of voters under 30, Green Party nominee Jill Stein with 3 percent and "other" with 6 percent. Clinton had the backing of 48 percent of young voters, compared with the 60 percent Obama notched in 2012. Trump had 27 percent in the poll.

"Most of the supporters and volunteers who come in here are former Bernie people," said Woodrow Johnston, the Las Vegas-based deputy director of youth outreach for the candidate.

"I think that for the most part people buy more into themes -- or character -- than issues."

Clinton's campaign plans to have popular surrogates, including Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Sanders make her case. Their arguments to young people won't directly target Johnson but instead will focus on the potential consequences of voting for a third-party candidate.

"If you don't vote, that's a vote for Trump," Obama declared this week on the Steve Harvey radio show. "If you vote for a third-party candidate who's got no chance to win, that's a vote for Trump."

Johnson's support among younger voters has roiled the campaign, especially in Colorado, though he's hurt himself with recent gaffes. This week he's being mocked for being unable, in a television appearance, to name a single world leader he admired. That awkward moment drew a comparison by Johnson himself to his "Aleppo moment" this month, when he didn't recognize the besieged city in Syria.

Still, Clinton has struggled to win over supporters of Sanders, who handily won the Democratic primary here.

A CNN poll this week suggested third-party candidates could make a difference in Colorado: The poll found a nominal one-point lead for Trump when Johnson and Stein were included in the survey, while Clinton had a two-point lead when they were not.

Clinton's challenges are obvious in the liberal college town of Boulder. Some young voters at the University of Colorado are still pining for Sanders and unwilling to embrace her.

Payton Smith, a 21-year-old business major, had backed Sanders even though he disagreed with some of the Vermont senator's proposals. "It was something different," he said. Now he's shifted to Johnson. "I'd rather put my name behind someone who's not a liar or a thug."

At the Innisfree poetry bookshop and coffee house, a Sanders sign and an etching of the senator still hang in the window. On the patio, Dani Ballard, 21, and Cal Hoffman, 22, pondered their options. They'll probably vote for Stein and can't bring themselves to support Clinton. "I just feel like she's untrustworthy," Ballard said.

"I find the choices of both major parties so depressing," said Hoffman.

Some Sanders supporters have no problem with Clinton. "Bernie is the leader I'd like in an ideal world, but Hillary is the leader I want for America today," said Shruti Kaul, 18.

And plenty of ex-Sanders voters are willing to temper their feelings.

Brooke Long, a 23-year-old geography major, tells pollsters she supports Johnson in hopes the Libertarian candidate reaches the 15 percent polling threshold to let him into presidential debates.

"If my options were Gary Johnson, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, in a reasonable situation where Donald Trump couldn't win, I'd go with Gary Johnson," Long said.

But she knows she doesn't live in that world and is voting for Clinton. "I'm in a swing state," she. "I have a responsibility. I don't want to have a Nader problem again."
BEIJING (AP)  A massive typhoon left one person dead in eastern China on Wednesday, a day after killing four and injuring more than 600 in Taiwan, where authorities remained on alert for the possibility of a landslide.

Typhoon Megi caused more than $10 million in damage as it swept across Taiwan before weakening into a tropical storm after hitting the coastal city of Quanzhou in China's Fujian province before dawn, Taiwan's weather service said. At its height, it was packing winds of up to 118 kilometers (74 miles) per hour, China's National Meteorological Center said.

One person died after several structures collapsed in Quanzhou, the official China News Service reported. Schools were closed and dozens of flights were canceled.

In Fuzhou, Fujian's capital, people were shown on state television walking through knee-deep waters that had swamped major roads. Rescue workers were seen pulling stranded residents through the streets on inflatable boats.

The storm was forecast to move northwest Wednesday and gradually fade away.

In Taiwan, nearly 4 million homes lost power and 10 provincial highways remained closed Wednesday, one day after heavy rain and sustained winds of 160 kilometers (100 miles) per hour blanketed the island, Taiwan's official Central News Agency reported. More than 4,800 people remained in emergency shelters Wednesday afternoon.

Taiwan's Central Emergency Operations Center reported that the 625 injured included eight Japanese tourists traveling in a tour bus that turned on its side in central Taiwan. Three people suffered fatal falls and a fourth person died in a truck crash, Taiwan's Central Emergency Operations Center said.

Many of the injuries were from falling and wind-blown objects. Three state utility workers were injured when their truck tumbled into a valley while they were trying to restore power in a mountainous area, the Central News Agency reported.

A spokesman for the center said Wednesday that emergency officials were closely monitoring Taiwan's mountain regions for possible landslides. They were also working to restore power and water.

Megi was 500 kilometers (310 miles) in diameter at its largest, and rainfall had topped 300 millimeters (12 inches) in the south and eastern mountains of Taiwan.

More than 8,000 people were evacuated, mostly from mountainous areas at risk of landslides or floods. The weather forced the cancellation of 224 flights at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport. Authorities had closed schools, offices and most of Taiwan's railway system Tuesday.

Megi was the fourth typhoon of the year to hit Taiwan and third in the last two weeks.

On the Chinese coast, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Taiwan at its nearest point, fishing boats were ordered back to port, China's official Xinhua News Agency said.
All roads lead to China. That is the aim of the new belt and road initiative announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Three Samoans were lucky enough to sample some of the latest ideas at the U.N.E.S.C.O. Asia Pacific Youth Dialogue in Chengdu last week.

Lusia Sului Solo, of Vaimoso, Motootua and Fugalei, Wilberforce Tupua, of Alafua and Fale Lesa of Saanapu, Sapapalii and Salesatele dusted off their passports and traded forks for chopsticks before the long-haul flight to the middle kingdom.

Once there, they met with over 100 young leaders from the region, and set out to shape policies on peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution.

The diversity was overwhelming, but it is important for Samoa to make a valuable contribution, Ms. Solo said.

The Pacific delegates joined forces to highlight the protection of indigenous culture, climate change, good governance and economic development.

They called for initiatives that cater exclusively to children and young people in order to maximise tomorrows prospects.

Culture is at the centre of Chinas development strategy, and it is here that Small Island Developing States can learn the most.

Sixty percent of all young people live in the Asia Pacific.

The recommendations are on their way to UN offices and stakeholders all over the world, but the three youth leaders are adamant that this is just the beginning.

We must build on the momentum and go forward together, Mr. Tupua said.

Fale Lesa added that China is a formidable force in the international community, and projects like this one draw the region closer together.

Poasa Timothy Baice from the University of Auckland was representing New Zealand.

According to acting director of U.N.E.S.C.O Beijing, Shen Yubiao, Samoas Ambassador in China, Tapusalaia Terry Toomata was pleased to see such strong representation from the Pacific, and conveyed his gratitude to the government and people of China.
For the first time in eight years, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) came to an agreement to cut production, instantly boosting oil prices and offering some hope that the global oil glut that has racked the industry for nearly two years may be nearing an end.

However, only the framework of a deal has been hammered out, with OPEC ministers meeting in Algeria saying Wednesday that the details will not be finalized until the cartel members meet again in November.

And the proposed cut is considered to be modest  trimming OPEC production from 33.2 million barrels a day to between 32.5 million and 33 million.

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Nonetheless, the news surprised many energy analysts who had grown skeptical of rumored cuts that never materialized in the wake of oil prices falling from more than $100 a barrel in the summer of 2014 to as low as $26 a barrel in February.

Today, an exceptional decision was made at OPEC, Irans oil minister Bjian Zanganeh, told reporters outside the meeting in Algiers. OPEC reached consensus to manage the market.

The price of West Texas Intermediate  the benchmark price for crude in the United States  jumped more than 5 percent after initial reports of the price cut came out. Brent crude  the international benchmark price  spiked 6 percent in trading. Closing price for WTI on Wednesday was $47.05 and Brent, $48.69.

Near-record supplies of crude have translated into sustained lower gasoline and energy prices for U.S. consumers but has also led to a drag on the economy as some domestic oil producers were driven to bankruptcy and many others laid off employees.

In California, for example, the number of active oil rigs plummeted from 44 in the fall of 2014 to just four earlier this year, according to the oilfield services company Baker Hughes. Thats the lowest number for the state since Baker Hughes began compiling figures in 1992.

My attitude is wait and see, about the news from OPEC, said Les Clark, executive vice president of the Independent Oil Producers Agency, a group that represents smaller mom and pop oil producers in Kern County, the hub of Californias Oil Patch.

Some people have a delayed five-year plan or maybe a one-year plan to potentially get production back up and running, Clark said. But they have to have the assurance that this is not just a knee-jerk freeze for now and then in another six months, no freeze.

Over the last year and a half, its been estimated that oil producers in Kern County have lost about 3,000 employees.

Its been pretty bad, Clark said. Were just looking for a home for our oil at a reasonable price.

Prior to the glut, U.S. oil producers experienced what was called an energy renaissance that saw vast amounts of oil and natural gas extracted from shale formations, in large part due to hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.

But OPEC at its 2014 meeting in Vienna, Austria, surprised energy markets by spurning an expected production cut and essentially allowing its members to pump as much oil as they pleased.

The move was backed by OPECs dominant member, Saudi Arabia, and perceived by many as a tactic to knock out U.S. shale producers, something the Saudis have denied.

But the oil glut has also hammered some OPEC members such as Venezuela and Libya, whose economies are almost entirely dependent on high oil prices.

RBC Capital Markets estimates the break-even oil price for Venezuela is $121.06 a barrel. Libya, according to estimates from the International Monetary Fund, needs prices at almost $200 a barrel.

Even Saudi Arabia has been feeling the pain. Although production costs in Saudi Arabia are among the lowest in the world, its break-even price for 2015 was estimated by the IMF at $94.80 a barrel.

The downturn has forced U.S. producers to come up with more creative and cost-efficient ways to extract oil. The break-even cost for some of the biggest shale fields vary widely, from $40 to $70 a barrel.

Chris Hall, president of Drilling & Production Co., which has wells in Kern County, said his company needs oil at about $50 a barrel to get his small company of eight employees back up to where it was before the glut.

But others need the price to go higher so Hall, like Clark, was guarded about the news coming out of OPEC on Wednesday.

Anything that would bring the prices up would certainly be welcome relief, Hall said. I am skeptical because in the past this hasnt really worked. The price goes up and down on every little bit of news  This is largely driven by speculation and I operate on the bigger picture of what we can do to survive.
Petco has announced a new top dog as longtime chairman and CEO Jim Myers prepares to retire.

Brad Weston, Petcos president and chief merchant, will take over as CEO in February next year, the company said.

I couldnt be more excited about the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for Petco and our more than 25,000 Petco Partners across the company, Weston said in a statement Tuesday.

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Weston has been responsible for Petcos business strategy, operations and merchandising activities, marketing and e-commerce. He had previously held leadership roles at Dicks Sporting Goods and Robinsons-May before starting at the pet retailer in 2011. Petco did not say what his salary as CEO would be.

The leadership shift happens after a year of major changes for the San Diego-based company.

Last year at this time the company moved into a new multimillion dollar corporate headquarters in Rancho Bernardo, buoyed by $2.6 million in California tax incentives. Then, in November private equity firm CVC Capital Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board bought the company for about $4.6 billion.

Myers started with the company in 1990 and was with it as it grew into a national chain, now with more than 1,470 stores.

I am tremendously proud of the entire Petco team and all weve accomplished during the last 26 years, he said in a statement.

The company said Myers would continue to serve as an adviser and board member.

Petco started in San Diego 51 years ago as a mail-order veterinary supply business and its first store was in La Mesa. In 2010, it was able to build a support center in San Antonio, Texas, after getting $3.1 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund.

phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar
After more than three decades serving up authentic Thai food, Saffron owner Su-Mei Yu has sold her restaurant on India Street, but fans of her grilled chicken, peanut sauce and salad rolls need not despair. Shes teamed up with a new owner to expand her brand throughout the county.

Karinas, a fast-growing homegrown chain of Mexican seafood restaurants, had heard Yu was not sure about how much longer she could run her restaurant operation and seized on the opportunity to buy the business  but only if Yu stayed on as a consulting partner.

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As of last month, the business is now owned by Karinas but in addition to the proceeds she received from the sale, Yu will continue to get a stream of income from the restaurant and whatever new locations are developed.

Now in her 70s but still passionate about Thai cooking and recipe development, Yu knew she didnt have the capital, energy or inclination to grow her business, much less renovate the existing Saffron, so she sees the deal forged with Karinas as an ideal marriage.

I thought, how many more years am I going to do this? said Yu, already a prolific cookbook author and host of a food show on KPBS. I put out the word that maybe I dont want to do this anymore, or maybe in a different manner and within a week, I got a call. I asked (Karinas) to promise me they wouldnt change the recipes. Im the creator of all the recipes and my ideas will be translated into the restructuring of Saffron. The philosophy of Saffron is me.

Thats just fine with Armulfo Contreras, co-owner of Karinas, who has plans to substantially renovate Saffron and open at least three more locations in the next five years. Karinas also wants to transform the tiny storefront next door where the chickens are cooked into a fast casual outlet offering a variety of ceviches, seafood tacos and shrimp tacos.

We love her food and the casual dining is something different than what we do, so we figure it will be a great partnership for us to continue her legacy and bring it to a different level with different locations, said Contreras, whose family operates five Karinas locations from Chula Vista to Encinitas, plus Savoie, an Italian restaurant. I think there is a need for other locations in other neighborhoods because people travel from long distances to eat her food. And its a great opportunity to grow our company with something different that I probably would never have done were it not for Su-Mei.

Contreras said plans for the remodel are still a work in progress and for that reason cant say how much the project will end up costing. Hes hoping to start the renovation work later this year, although it could drift into next year. It will likely take a couple of months to complete, so hes thinking of using the next-door kitchen to keep serving Saffron food while the remodel is under way.

This restaurant has been open for a very long time and we want to accommodate everyone used to coming five days a week, so were taking our time, he added. We talked to a couple of customers and just the thought of losing the space, they raised their eyebrows.

Ideally, the Karinas operation would like to open one new Saffron a year over the next five years, but Contreras said they will take their time finding the appropriate location. As much as they would like to have a location in North County, they dont want to go too far north while theyre still in the early stages of expansion, he added. The family does not plan to seek investors for the Saffron expansion, choosing instead to finance it themselves.

Thats the part of the business that Yu always said made her squeamish, which is why she resisted opening any new restaurants, although she does have a Saffron outlet at the San Diego International Airport.

While Yu wont be spending hours in the restaurant kitchen anymore, she does plan to stop in from time to time, just to remind customers she still is involved in the essence of the food.

Running a restaurant is really, really hard, it takes so much mental patience. Thats why I became a Buddhist, she said. Now Im feeling like how it was when I sent my kid off to college. You feel good you did a great job sending her off to college but you miss having her near you. So I will show up ocasionally to make sure the food is OK and the customers know I didnt disappear completely.

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
Just moments after an African American man was shot and killed by El Cajon police Tuesday, his sister was captured in an eyewitness video as she wept and screamed at officers, saying she told authorities her brother was mentally ill.

In the video posted on YouTube (some explicit language), the mans sister said she told officers he was sick and needed help. She said she called police three times but instead should have called a crisis communication team.

Dont you guys have a crisis communication team to talk to somebody mentally sick? she asked an officer.

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Why couldnt you tase him? she asked officers. Why, why, why, why?

At one point, the woman yelled, Oh, my God, you killed my brother! several times.

I called for help. I didnt call you guys to kill him, she told officers as she shrieked.

Amid outrage and protests over the death of the man  identified as Alfred Okwera Olango  El Cajons mayor vowed a full investigation and said the FBI has joined the probe of the incident.

The most important thing to take away from this meeting today is a tragedy occurred In El Cajon yesterday. We lost a life. Nobody wants to see the loss of a life, Mayor Bill Wells said at a Wednesday afternoon press conference. The family is devastated. The person who lost his life is devastated. Even the police officers involved in the shooting are devastated, and certainly the community is devastated.

Wells also spoke of the death in personal terms. I saw a man who was distraught, a man who was acting out like he was in great pain. I saw him get gunned down and killed. If it was my son, I would be devastated.

Relatives had given Olangos age as 30, but in confirming his identity Wednesday, police gave a birth date that put his age at 38.

Police Chief Jeff Davis on Tuesday urged the public to let the investigation unfold before making any judgments about the shooting.

Now is the time for calm, he said. Now is the time to allow the investigation to shed light on this event and we plan to be open and transparent within the rules of the law.

Davis said Olangos sister called police and indicated that her brother was not acting like himself. He had allegedly been walking in traffic in the 800 block of Broadway before a pair of officers arrived at 2:11 p.m. Tuesday and found him behind a restaurant, Davis said.

He ignored multiple instructions from an officer and concealed his hand in his pants pockets, Davis said. Olango paced back and forth as the officers talked to him, then rapidly drew an object from his front pants pockets, placed both hands together on it and extended it rapidly toward [one] officer, taking what appeared to be a shooting stance, the chief said.

Olango, he said, pointed the object at the officers face. Police said Wednesday evening that the object was a vape smoking device, which officers have recovered.

The vape has an allsilver cylinder that is approximately 1 diameter and 3 long that was pointed toward the officer, police said in a statement.

At that point, the other officer fired a Taser and the officer who had the object pointed at him fired his handgun, striking Olango. Davis declined to say the number of shots that were fired. No firearm was found at the scene.

After the shooting, officers provided first aid until paramedics arrived and took Olango to a hospital.

A witness to the incident made a cellphone video, which was voluntarily turned over to police. The department has so far declined to release the video to the public.

A Facebook page for Alfred Olango identifies him as a head cook at a Hooters restaurant and that he is originally from Uganda. It says he went to San Diego High School and studied at San Diego Mesa College.

Hours after the shooting, protests erupted in the San Diego County city, with friends of the mans family saying he suffers from a mental illness and did not pose a threat to the officers.

Most of the demonstrators voiced concerns that the shooting was racially motivated.

Angry crowd grows after man is shot by police in El Cajon.

By 1 p.m. Wednesday, a crowd of roughly 100 demonstrators had marched from the police station to the scene of the shooting several blocks away, as a cordon of roughly 25 San Diego County Sheriffs deputies stood nearby. The deputies wore riot helmets and held long wooden batons at port arms.

During the march, protesters momentarily blocked traffic at the intersection of Magnolia and Main streets downtown. As car horns honked, either in protest or frustration, the demonstrators chanted black lives matter and thrust their fists in the air.

Their foreheads dripping sweat under an unrelenting sun, activists held signs that read release the 911 call and No justice, no peace!  a rallying cry heard at similar protests throughout the nation.

This stuff has been going on around the country for two years, said JJ Balancier, 27. Now, its finally hitting home. You see it in Ferguson, but now its in our city.

We are now at the scene of the shooting, where people are chanting "black power" and police are lined up in riot gear. pic.twitter.com/nK8WyjBgI4  Sarah Parvini  () (@sarahparvini) September 28, 2016

Earlier in the day, community activists held a news conference at the police station and called on the chief to release any videos of the shooting.

The Rev. Shane Harris, president of the National Action Network in San Diego, said his organization met with family members who have called for a federal investigation into the shooting.

We do not trust local prosecutors to investigate local police, he said.

Bishop Cornelius Bowser, a gang interventionist at Pastor of Charity Apostolic Church, said residents are looking for procedural justice because relations between the black community and police has been ruined already.

We dont want to see a still picture, he said. We want to see the whole story.

The community, he said, wants transparency.

Activists claimed that the city has a history of racism and targeting young men.

Residents are afraid, said Christopher Rice-Wilson, associate director at Alliance San Diego.

The El Cajon shooting comes amid growing national anguish over police shootings of blacks. Charlotte, N.C., was rocked by days of protests last week after police fatally shot 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott.

The San Diego County district attorneys office and the El Cajon Police Department are investigating the shooting.

All videos taken of the incident so far coincide with the officers statements, Davis said.

Police later released a still image from a video showing Olango in a shooting stance as he is confronted by officers.

Its important that the facts come out right now, Davis said. We are investigating facts as we know them and implore the community to be patient with us, work with us, look at the facts at hand before making a judgment.

Pastor Miles McPherson, who joined the chief Tuesday at a news conference, urged peace because we all want the right thing to happen,  he said. He said the truth must come out, but in a peaceful way.

This is very painful to me. Its very personal, said McPherson, who leads the Rock Church in San Diego. I am black man and feel the pain on both sides every time this happens in our country.

At the news conference Wednesday morning, Agnes Hassan, a relative, said she and Olango were in a refugee camp together before they came to the U.S. to make a better life for themselves and their children.

We suffered too much with the war in Africa  we come here, to suffer again, she said.

Hassan said she was heartbroken.

What happened yesterday, it wasnt right, she said.

On Twitter, the department disputed some of the claims made by protesters: The investigation just started, but based on the video voluntarily provided by a witness, the subject did NOT have his hands up in the air.

Michael Ray Rodriguez said he was driving away from the apartment building when he said he saw a shirtless black man with his hands in the air. In a matter of seconds, he said, an officer opened fire.

The officer shot him again and again, Rodriguez said, adding he heard five shots.

El Cajon police officers are not equipped with body-worn cameras. The department recently completed a pilot program to test the cameras and ordered some. The equipment has not been delivered, Ransweiler said.

Both officers involved in the shooting have been working in law enforcement for more than 21 years, the police chief said.

As officials continued to investigate the incident, at least one use-of-force expert said that that Olangos shooting stance complicated matters.

Ed Obayashi, a Plumas County, Calif., sheriffs deputy and legal advisor, said that mental health training for officers may have been of limited value in the situation.

When those hands come up in a shooting stance, the officer wouldnt have time to assess whether what is in the hands is a gun, Obayashi said. Almost immediately, the officer sees the hands flash up into a shooting stance, he must react. A second will be too late if its a firearm.

Times staff writer Parvini reported from El Cajon, Calif.; Rocha and Winton, from Los Angeles.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

sarah.parvini@latimes.com

richard.winton@latimes.com

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UPDATES:

8:20 p.m.: Updated with information about Olangos age.

6:33 p.m. Updated with information about vape smoking device.

4:19 p.m. Updated with more from mayor.

3:50 p.m. Updated with FBI joining probe and mayor quotes.

1:10 p.m.: This article was updated with protest details.

12:20 p.m.: This article has been updated with protest details.

10:50 a.m.: This article has been updated with comments from a news conference and a use-of-force expert.

9:05 a.m.: This article has been updated with details on evidence at the scene.

8:35 a.m.: This article has been updated with the identification of the deceased man by relatives and details from his Facebook page, and with statements by his sister that she had told police he was mentally ill.

This article was originally published at 7:25 a.m.
Last-minute concerns about safety and the loss of a favorite childrens play area failed to derail plans this week to build Carlsbads third off-leash dog park.

The fenced-off area, with separate spaces for large and small dogs, is on a list of improvements expected to cost about $4 million at Poinsettia Park, including a multi-sport arena, a larger childrens playground and the citys first outdoor public pickleball courts.

However, a group of neighborhood residents, many with young children present, told the City Council at a meeting Tuesday that theyd only recently learned details of the location within the park, and that for them its a poor choice.

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The area going to the dogs is a grassy bowl at the heart of the park thats often used for picnics, play dates and special events, said Amy Livingston, a mother who lives nearby.

Please dont take away an area that weve grown to love, Livingston said.

She and several other residents said the dog park should go in a different location at Poinsettia, perhaps on the area proposed for pickleball courts near the intersection of Hidden Valley and Turnstone roads. That spot would let people go straight to the dog park without taking their rowdy pets past the childrens playground, which could be hazardous, they said.

At least one resident spoke in favor of the grassy location, saying nearby residents in apartments and condos have no place to exercise their pets.

City staffers said extensive planning, public meetings and opportunities for residents input led to the location. The pickleball courts site is too small, too close to the street and to houses where people would be disturbed by the noise of barking dogs

The city has other off-leash dog parks along Carlsbad Village Drive east of El Camino Real, and at Alga Norte Community Park.

The Poinsettia improvements were on the Tuesday meetings consent calendar, which is generally approved without comments. However, it was pulled for discussion at the residents request.

Council members said they sympathized with the residents concerns, but that a lot of work had been done and the proposed location would best suit the majority of people. They unanimously approved the plans and authorized the city staff to seek construction bids.

Earlier research showed a surprising number of people want another dog park, Councilman Mark Packard said. Hundreds of people signed a petition requesting the park in 2014.

We did agree two years ago that this is the best location, Packard said. Theres going to have to be a trade-off here.

Councilman Keith Blackburn agreed.

I have people constantly complaining that this quadrant of the city does not have a dog park, Blackburn said, adding that the park is well designed, and its unfortunate that theres not enough space to make everybody happy.
Since its inception 10 years ago, the San Diego Italian Film Festival has actually grown a little younger.

The older crowd  between 44 and 65 years old  used to be the dominant part of our audience, said Victor Laruccia, the festivals executive director. But now it makes up less than a third of our audience.

The festival begins Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Museum of Photographic Arts and continues there, and at La Paloma Theater in Encinitas, through Oct. 16.

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Laruccia said its not just the audience thats younger. So is much of the festivals volunteer staff.

We have an incredible group. These are people who are involved in culture and art, said the 70-something executive director. Their lives are here in San Diego, so their commitment is to tie San Diegans to Italian culture.

Witnessing the high level of professional input  they have amazing connections  keeps me young.

San Diego Italian Film Festival

When: Various times, Oct. 5-16

Where: Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park; La Paloma Theater, 471 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas

Tickets: Individual films $8 to $10; festival passes $95 to $150

Phone: (619) 548-4729

Online: sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com

Laruccia is also energized by the festivals community partnership program. This year, the organization worked closely with the San Diego Jewish Film Festival to secure Shores of Light, directed by Israeli filmmaker Yael Katzir.

Katzirs documentary is one of four festival films helmed by women. Shores of Light takes place in Puglia, a region at the tip of the heel of the Italian boot, immediately after the end of World War II.

Its the centerpiece of this years festival, Laruccia said. After the war, a large number of Northern European Jews were placed in Mediterranean towns. Two entirely different communities not only learned to live together, but brought Puglia back to life.

To honor Puglia and its cuisine, four local chefs will cook for the festivals gala at MOPA. It will be held Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m., preceding the screening of Shores of Light.

The magic number



The 2016 festival will feature 10 films, including Lo Chiamavano Jeeg Robot (They Call Me Jeeg Robot), which follows an Italian superhero based on the Japanese manga character Steel Jeeg. Another film, The Art of Happiness, is animation for adults, while Latin Lover is a comedy.

The festival will also pay homage to Italys Ettore Scola, the Oscar-nominated writer/director who died this year.

For the festival, its not just 10 movies for its 10th anniversary. Laruccia explained another reason the number is significant.

Our tenure matches that of Deborah Klochko, MOPAs director, he said, noting that the photography museum has hosted the festival since its first year. Were saying, Happy 10th anniversary, Deborah! MOPA is a wonderful group of people and a precious San Diego resource.

The film festival has found an enthusiastic response in North County as well. For the past four years, La Paloma has welcomed an average of 250 people to each of the films. Total attendance for the festival was 7,000 last year, Laruccia said. Beyond the upcoming festival lineup, the organization also hosts monthly film showings at both theaters, which brings annual average attendance to nearly 15,000.

Laruccia and his family have dual Italian/U.S. citizenship. His passion is to share the many facets of Italian culture with fellow San Diegans.

Weve put a huge focus on quality films, he said. Italian movies have very small budgets; most have less money than the food budgets for Hollywood blockbusters. Theres a lot of creativity involved.

Wood is a San Diego freelance writer.
When Beirut-born Nemr Abou Nassar told his parents he wanted to be a comedian, his father barked accusations that were seeped in sarcasm.

You are going to be a clown?

Im going to do stand-up.

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You are going to stand up and be a clown?

Two years ago, Dads perspective changed when Abou Nassar, aka the Lebanese King of Comedy, was featured in the Middle East edition of Rolling Stone.

My son was on the cover of Throwing Stones, his father bragged.

Thats the ISIS publication, Dad, deadpanned Nemr, who uses only his first name and brings his stand-up show to the Balboa Theatre on Friday.

Nemr

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30

Where: Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown

Tickets: $17.50-$67.50 (recommended for mature audiences)

Phone: (619) 570-1100

Online: sandiegotheatres.org

When asked how he pronounces Nemr, the comic shares a comment from a devoted female fan.

She said, It sounds like simmer, but hotter,  he says. Im definitely going to use that.

The fact is, Nemr is hot in the Middle East, performing sold-out shows in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

His popularity began to soar in 2008 when he starred in a record-breaking promotional tour of Lebanese universities.

He succeeded at arranging for the different political parties that supported college-based clubs to work together and raise money for the Childrens Cancer Center of Lebanon.

Nemr went on to produce the televised show A Stand Up Comedy Revolution and movie releases of two of his comedy specials, Epic and Victorious Secret.

At Fridays show, Nemr expects to see seats filled with old friends and family from San Diego.

Thats because his parents immigrated to Del Mar to escape the civil war in Lebanon when he was 2 years old.

Nemr attended Del Mar Heights Elementary School and became a U.S. citizen.

I grew up in America, and when I think, I think in English, he says.

Your formative years happen when you are a kid, and my love for reading and for comedy came from my childhood. I told everyone, when I grow up, Im going to be a Ninja Turtle or a stand-up comic. Dana Carvey had the biggest initial influence on me, and I memorized his set.

Nemrs family, including a younger sister, returned to Lebanon in the 1990s, where the comedian went on to graduate from the American University of Beirut with a degree in finance.

In Lebanon, Nemr studied Comedy Central specials on the Internet and honed his observational humor by watching Bill Hicks, Dave Chappelle and other American comedians.

Much of Nemrs comedy is based on the dichotomies that exist between American and Arab culture, between old-school ways and modern attitudes.

But Nemr doesnt just want to be funny; he wants to use humor and the knowledge he gained from living in two countries to make the point that we are different on the surface but share many of the same goals.

Im from two different parts of the world that have more in common than anyone knows, he says.

The American dream is having that entrepreneurial spirit ingrained in you  and knowing that opportunity awaits anywhere you go. If you can hold yourself to an ideal, you can change the world. The Lebanese are the same.

A proud Arab from a Christian family, Nemr is quick to point out the contributions of beloved Lebanese comic Danny Thomas, founder and benefactor of the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

And the famous line Ask not what your country can do for you, from Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibrans The New Frontier, he reminds us, inspired John F. Kennedys 1961 inaugural address.

One day, Nemr says, he hopes to buy the Del Mar home where he was raised. And when he has children, hell teach them to be good citizens of the world.

Manna is a freelance arts writer.
A man was arrested late Wednesday hours after surveillance video showed him dragging a clerk from a convenience store and shoving her into his car as he struck her with a hammer, police said.

The mid-day abduction triggered an intense manhunt. Officers responded about 2:50 p.m. to a silent alarm at the store in the 3900 block of Denker Avenue, in Exposition Park, and discovered that the 28-year-old woman had just been kidnapped, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police say that Jose Eduardo Gaxiola Caro, 29, was armed with a hammer when he grabbed the woman and dragged her out of the store to his idling car.

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Video shows the man tugging the woman by her arms as she tries to pull away. A postal worker was shown walking into the store at the same time, stepping over the womans foot and then setting down letters on a store counter.

Outside the store, the woman fights back as he tries to shove her into his red Honda Civic.

The man manages to open the car door and push her into the passenger seat. Police say he hit her several times.

After forcing the woman into his Honda, he drove off south on Denker Avenue, police said.

But the woman, who did not know her abductor, managed to escape. She was found at a cemetery in North Hollywood and taken to an area hospital for medical evaluation, KCBS-TV reported.

Police still were looking for Gaxiola Caro, who reportedly had been stalking the clerk, when she was found.

Officers later spotted his car in North Hollywood, police spokeswoman Liliana Preciado said. When he failed to stop, a police pursuit began and ended when the driver crashed.

Gaxiola Caro resisted arrest, and officers used a Taser to take him into custody, police said.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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Chelsea Nunnenkamp is the kind of party loyalist who bleeds Republican red.

She started walking precincts and stuffing envelopes for GOP candidates at age 15. During high school, she kept a poster of Ronald Reagan above her bed.

But come November, for the first time ever, she may vote for a third-party presidential candidate or, possibly, skip that line on her ballot altogether. She is terrified, she said, by Donald Trump and his egocentric campaign.

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I just feel with such strong conviction that I do not want to be associated with that, said Nunnenkamp, 28, who works in Denvers oil and gas industry. I joke with my friends, I dont want to tell my grandkids that I voted for him. I wont do it.

Colorado, with its recent history of swinging between parties, was expected to be one of the main battlegrounds this presidential election, its sprawling Denver suburbs the front line of door-to-door political combat.

Instead, the intersection of mountain and plains has become something of an afterthought.

While recent polls suggest a tightening race, Republican and Democratic strategists alike agree that Colorado is Hillary Clintons to lose, in good part because of voters like Nunnenkamp  women who might otherwise vote Republican but plan to stay home, vote independent or even cross party lines and support the Democratic nominee.

The gender gap, the difference in voting preferences between men and women, has been a constant of presidential politics since 1980. When President Clinton sought reelection in 1996, his support among women was 11 points higher than among men, a record.

Polls have shown Trump facing an even wider gender gap, with some showing a nearly 20-point difference  and that was before Monday nights debate when he repeatedly talked over Hillary Clinton, revived a feud with Rosie ODonnell and was confronted with statements disparaging a former Miss Universe for gaining weight.

Dorian Hillegas, 34, voted twice for President Obama and, before that, Republican George W. Bush. She has no great affection for Clinton but plans to back the former secretary of State because personally I think Trumps kind of a ticking time bomb.

In times of chaos shes a little more composed and a little more professional than Donald Trump, the stay-at-home mom said as she paused between errands in this close-in Denver suburb, with her 2-year-old Maggie in tow. He reminds me a lot of a 7th-grade bully. I cant support that.

Few states have undergone as rapid a political transformation as Colorado, which as recently as 2004 was written off by Democrats who saw no point competing for its nine electoral votes. At that point Republicans had carried the state in eight of the previous nine presidential contests.

Since then, Obama has won Colorado twice and now it is Republicans who, while not ready to give up, are having to make the case for Trump to fight on.

Were happy in Colorado. And its not because of marijuana.  Jill Hanauer, a Democratic strategist in Denver

The rising influence of Latino voters, which has made states throughout the West more friendly to Democrats, accounts for part of the political change.

More significant has been Colorados rapid population growth, driven by a thriving tech industry and the seduction of the states outdoorsy lifestyle. More than 100,000 people moved here last year alone, the overwhelming majority settling in a ribbon of urban development skirting the Rocky Mountains.

The result has been horrendous traffic, a super-heated Denver housing market and a moderation of the states traditional Western conservatism as the state absorbs a flood of younger, more left-leaning transplants.

In many ways, Colorado could not be a worse political fit for Trump.

In addition to having one of the youngest populations in the country, Colorado has one of the most highly educated; the real estate mogul and reality TV star has fared poorly among both groups.

Apart from some pockets of anxiety, there is also little of the economic dislocation and discontent that has fueled support for the GOP nominee elsewhere, especially in the industrial Rust Belt.

Thanks to a much more diversified economy, the latest downturn in the energy industry has caused nothing close to the devastation it wrought in the 1980s.

Were happy in Colorado, said Jill Hanauer, a Democratic strategist in Denver. And its not because of marijuana, she added, referring to the states booming legal-cannabis industry.

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Colorado has also shifted politically in response to changes at the national level, as the Republican Party has grown older, whiter and more Southern in orientation.

Fairly or not, many see the party and its leaders as intolerant on social issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, and obtuse when it comes to the environment  which is deeply cherished here  by denying the reality of climate change.

That is particularly true among women voters, who not only tend to hold more moderate views than men but also care more, surveys show, about accepting others and getting along.

These days it takes a certain kind of Republican to prevail in a high-profile statewide race, said Dick Wadhams, a former state party chairman. The model, he suggested, was freshman Sen. Cory Gardner, who blended conservatism with a cheery, nonthreatening demeanor to eke out victory in 2014.

Trump, he said dryly, has been something less than an ideal candidate.

It is not so much his positions, which have proved changeable, but his sexist and uncouth statements that many women find objectionable.

Hes racist, said Rhonda Rispoli, a Denver bus driver. Misogynistic, fascist, narcissistic.

Hes such a hothead, you could practically see the steam coming out of his ears and his nostrils, she said after Monday nights debate.

Rispoli, who gave her age as early 50s, said shell do anything to keep Trump out of the White House, including voting for Clinton  it would be only the second time in her life she voted for a Democrat in any election. (The first was former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb.)

He doesnt have the Christian values I raised my kids to hold onto, said Rispoli, who cited the dynastic Bush family as a model of decorum. I love those men.

Debbie Brown, a GOP strategist who specializes in womens issues, is herself no great fan of Trump.

But, she insisted, winning Colorado is not yet beyond his reach. Her advice was simple, if telling: Dont call people names. Dont tell people theyre ugly.

She called the debate a missed opportunity. He seemed to be on the defensive and distracted from his target audience, she said, suggesting, Trump should have been talking to suburban women in a way that was credible and solutions-oriented.

But for Helen Migchelbrink, its already too late.

Im basically a conservative, but not a racist and not a sexist and not a xenophobe and all those things I think Trump is, said the 55-year-old Republican, an engineer in Fort Collins, who suggested the Manhattan business mogul isnt even fit to serve as a small-town mayor.

She plans to vote for Clinton. And after that, Ill probably register as an independent, Migchelbrink added, just to show how disgusted I am.

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Two Democrats will be on Californias U.S. Senate ballot this November, but only one has the state Democratic Partys blessing  and money.

The California Democratic Party has provided more than $560,000 to state Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris campaign, spending close to $100,000 on mailers, window signs, campaign handout cards and door nob hangers prominently featuring Harris as the partys recommended Senate candidate in November.

But the other candidate on the ballot, Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez, hasnt received a dime from the California Democratic Party. And with outside groups all but dormant when it comes to spending on the race, Sanchez is mostly on her own when it comes to fundraising.

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Harris won the California Democratic Partys support in February when delegates at its annual convention voted overwhelmingly to endorse her for Senate, a major snub to the Sanchez campaign. With that endorsement came the spoils of partisan victory: bragging rights, a troop of Democratic campaign volunteers and, most notably, cash.

Kamala won the support of nearly 80% of our grassroots activists. So were all in for her, said Shawnda Westly, senior strategist for the California Democratic Party. Were going to do what we need to win.

The partys contributions could have a major impact on the outcome of a Senate race in which many voters remain undecided and both candidates are strapped for money.

Two recent polls found that up to half of likely California voters remain undecided or will not vote in November, and that Harris lead over Sanchez hovers anywhere from seven to 22 percentage points. Republican voters appear to be the most frustrated because, no matter who wins in November, California will send a Democrat to Washington.

As of June 30, neither candidate had the tens of millions of dollars needed to pay for a statewide media campaign  Harris had just $2.6 million and Sanchez had less than a million in the bank. The race also failed to attract outside money from super PACs, unlike other hot Senate contests across the nation where ads from special interest groups have flooded the airwaves.

Sanchez for months has said that Harris, who served as San Franciscos district attorney before she was elected attorney general, has been the darling of the states Bay Area-based Democratic establishment from the outset of the Senate campaign. Sanchezs campaign spokesman said this week that the stream of state party money going to Harris just adds to the evidence.

With more than $600,000 spent on Kamala Harris campaign, it is without a doubt that she is the political establishment insider, Sanchez campaign spokesman Luis Vizcaino said in an email. But all the money in the world cant change the stark difference between Kamala Harris failed record as Attorney General who is always campaigning for her next job and Loretta Sanchez who for 20 years has taken the tough votes and can work across party lines to get things done.

The money started rolling into the Harris campaign just weeks after the California Democrats endorsement. The state party has picked up the tab for the rent on Harris campaign office in Los Angeles and the salaries of most of her staff, including campaign manager Juan Rodiguez. Campaign phone bills, state and federal payroll taxes, legal fees, the alarm service, copier rental and staff health and dental insurance have also been paid by the state party, which provided Harris with fundraising and political consultants, not to mention $1,560 for parking.

Three million political mailers featuring Harris, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and a slate of the partys endorsed candidates for Congress and the state Legislature have been sent out to the county parties and should soon arrive in voters mailboxes. Volunteers are working telephone banks hawking the partys candidates, including Harris, to voters.

Our campaign is proud to have earned the support of the California Democratic Party after the overwhelming endorsement vote of grassroots activists, Harris campaign spokesman Nathan Click said. From Day One of this race our campaign has said we arent going to take anything for granted, and were continuing to work hard for every vote between now and Election Day.

The support might not end there. Westly added that so far she doesnt see any need for the party to launch negative attacks against Sanchez. But she didnt rule it out.

We havent shied away from going negative in the past, Westly said.

With her mother, Maria Macias, left, and her husband Jack Einwechter behind her, Rep. Loretta Sanchez announces that she will run for Barbara Boxers seat in the U.S. Senate in May, 2015. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times )

The family fight between two Democrat Senate contenders is a byproduct of the states top-two primary system, which sends the two candidates who received the most votes in the primary into a November election run-off  regardless of their political party.

Among the 34 candidates on the June 7 primary ballot, Harris received 40% of the vote and Sanchez came in second with 19%. That set the stage for Californias highest profile intra-party race since the top-two primary was approved by voters in 2010.

The Harris-Sanchez race has been a sedate affair compared with Californias last hotly contested Senate campaign. The 2010 election between Republican Carly Fiorina and Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer attracted millions of dollars from the national political parties and interest groups.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee each spent the maximum allowed amount of $4.8 million in coordinated expenditures on their respective candidates, money that was primarily spent on ads.

An additional $7.4 million was spent by outside groups. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce poured more than $3.7 million into ads opposing Boxer. Other outside groups spent more than $2 million on independent expenditures either supporting Boxer or opposing Fiorina.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has thus far decided to sit out the Democratic match-up between Sanchez and Harris, a spokeswoman said.

With political control over the U.S. Senate hanging in the balance this election, super PACs have poured tens of millions of dollars into some of the nations most hotly contested U.S. Senate races. All but a few have ignored Californias race.

The largest super PAC that jumped in thus far is backing Harris. The political organization, Standing Up for Californias Middle Class, has raised about $1.3 million, said Doug Herman, the Democratic political consultant working with the PAC.

The group is backed primarily by organized labor, including $100,000 from the Service Employees International Unions United Healthcare Workers and another $100,000 from the International Assn. of Fire Fighters. Stephen Cloobeck of Las Vegas, the chief executive of a vacation time-share and resorts company, also gave $100,000 to the PAC, as well as $2,700 to Harris Senate campaign and $10,000 to a joint fundraising committee formed by Harris and the California Democratic Party.

Herman said the super PAC has not engaged in any campaign activity so far, but action is expected soon. He said fundraising picked up substantially after Sanchez was backed by a right-leaning super PAC and she received the endorsements of some well-known Republicans, including Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista.

Democrats dont want to see a Democrat elected with Republican support, he said.

The committee backing Sanchez, the Jobs, Opportunity and Freedom PAC, has raised only $25,000 as of June 30, according to its most report report filed with the Federal Election Commission. Last June, Sacramento political consultant Dave Gilliard said the PACs pro-Sanchez campaign would be focused on Republican voters because no GOP candidate would be on the November ballot. Gilliard was not available for comment.

Another super PAC supporting Sanchez, Orange County-based group Californias New Frontier, has support from Democratic donors as well as Republicans, including members of the areas business community. The PAC had raised $99,000 as of June 30, according to Federal Election Commission reports.

Election 2016 | California politics news feed | Sign up for the newsletter

phil.willon@latimes.com

Twitter: @philwillon

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Updates on California politics
The president has endorsed a candidate. The seat hasnt been open since 1992. Its one of the most expensive states from which to run for Congress. Either person on the ballot would make history.

Californias U.S. Senate race has all the makings of a contest that would attract national attention, huge fundraising and a flood of high-profile appearances from out-of-state friends trying to help their nominee win.

Except this year, there are two Democrats on the ballot.

Its clear the national party favors one  Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris  but given she faces someone from her own party, the traditional machinery that comes along with a campaign like this one has gone by the wayside.

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That means no volunteers on the ground sent from Washington. Elizabeth Warren appears in television ads for Harris, but none of the major players so far has shown up in the Golden State. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which is investing resources in swing Senate contests, is staying out of it.

We are thrilled that a Democrat will be replacing Barbara Boxer in the Senate to continue her legacy of fighting for middle class families, is all Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokeswoman Sadie Weiner said in a statement. The committee has spent over $500,000 helping 11 candidates, and zero on Californias race.

To be fair, the national partys not the only one: The contest between Harris and U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, both female minorities, has attracted little attention nationally and the candidates have struggled to build interest at home.

Thad Kousser, a UC San Diego political science professor, said it shouldnt be a surprise: The partys priority is to elect the most Democrats, not particular ones.

Its going to get the seat one way or another, he said. Its dangerous for the party to be seen playing favorites unless theres a real strong reason to.

Nothing like Californias Senate contest has happened anywhere in the country in more than 100 years but intra-party fights for Senate seats were once common. States like Florida, Tennessee and Washington had a single dominant political party and state legislators would pick U.S. senators from within their ranks.

All that changed in 1913 with the passage of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which called for voters to directly elect senators. After that, nearly every states elections system led to members of opposing parties competing for seats.

And, now with Californias system and Californias political disposition, they are always going to send Democrats, said Wendy Schiller, a Brown University political science professor.

That means the national Democratic Partys laissez faire approach may be the new normal for general election Senate campaigns in California.

Even though the Senate Democrats campaign arm is remaining hands off, the state Democratic Party didnt feel such compunction: it endorsed Harris at their convention in February and has actively supported her. And 19 of 44 sitting senators have picked a side.

All donated to Harris in the year and a half since she entered the race. Just one sitting senator, Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, has also financially backed U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez.

Harris donors include well-known Senate leaders like Warren (Mass.), Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), and Patrick Leahy (Vermont) as well as up and comers like Cory Booker (N.J.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.)

In total, the 19 sitting senators, and three recently retired senators have donated more than $124,000 to Harris campaign. Stabenow gave Sanchez $2,500.

The contributions all come through leadership PACs, the political action committees that current and former politicians create to contribute to other political candidates.

In addition to the donations, several senators havent hidden the fact that they have a preference. Schumer has held fundraisers for Harris, and four senators have endorsed her.

No senator has endorsed Sanchez, according to her campaign website, but Sanchez leads in contributions and endorsements from her House colleagues.

Californias sitting senators have studiously avoided taking a stance. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Boxer havent contributed to or endorsed either.

Things have changed a lot since California since Boxer and Feinstein last won back-to-back open Senate seats in the early 1990s.

When the senators faced contentious re-election bids, like Boxers fight with Republican Carly Fiorina in 2010, the national party helped. (That race cost the campaigns nearly $30 million.) Now, California only sees the partys Senate campaign committee when people come to raise money for other states candidates, said Harris consultant, Sean Clegg. His firm, SCN Strategies, also advised Boxers campaigns.

Those races were truly on the national map and I think theres a tendency among some of the national players just to color the state in blue, Clegg said.

The Senate campaign committees absence hasnt seemed to hurt Harris fundraising. Her last campaign finance report showed shed raised $12 million for her race as of June 30, just $1 million less than Boxer did in her entire 2010 race or Feinstein did in her entire 2012 race. Sanchez had raised $3.8 million by June 30.

Sanchez campaign consultant Bill Carrick, who spent decades advising Feinstein, thinks it makes sense that the national party doesnt want to spend money to influence the election in a big, expensive race when a Democrat will definitely win.

Democrats are saying, well were going to have a Democratic senator so Im going to give my money to Hillary, he said. Any reason they can come up with not to be involved, particularly financially, they choose not to do it.

sarah.wire@latimes.com

Follow @sarahdwire on Twitter

Read more about the 55 members of Californias delegation at latimes.com/politics

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Meet the men plotting strategy for Californias U.S. Senate candidates

Loretta Sanchez has gone negative. Now shes risking fallout for a future in the Democratic Party

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On Saturday morning, Scott Salter will be walking the walk for his daughter, Lauren  and for the nearly 10,000 other San Diego families affected by autism  at the Autism Speaks annual fundraising walk.

Lauren, 23, is on the low-functioning scale of the autism spectrum. She doesnt speak and is prone to behavioral problems. She also has obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania, an impulse disorder that causes her to pull out her hair.

Since his divorce two years ago and the loss of his job, Salter has been Laurens primary caregiver. He said organizations like Autism Speaks  for which he helped organize the walk at Liberty Station  offer a lifeline of support to families like his own facing a lifetime of care.

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In one sense, its a real gift to get to keep one of your kids at home, he said. But its a lot of work and research estimates the cost of caring for a child with autism can run as much as $2.5 million. One of the four pillars of Autism Speaks is to build awareness. Another is to find a cure. Thats what Im focused on, because this is severely impacting my life and those of many others.

The Salter family  which includes Laurens 24-year-old sister, Ryan  were living in Ventura County when Lauren was diagnosed with severe autism as a small child. The local school district wasnt equipped to serve her needs, so the family moved to Sabre Springs to be within the boundaries of the Poway school district, which is widely recognized for its special needs education programs. Besides offering innovative teaching for children on the spectrum in K-12 grades, Poway also has a transition school for young adults with autism, ages 18 to 22.

Scott Salter of Sabre Springs tickles his daughter Lauren, who has autism. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune )

Last year Lauren aged out of the transition program, like many other children of families who moved to the Poway area for its schools. Salter said he knows many parents like himself who are struggling to find solutions for their adult children with autism. Although there are some subsidized day programs, many dont accept adults with severe behavior problems like Lauren, who can lash out and occasionally injure herself or those around her.

When she has a tantrum, she can be very physical. Its like having a terrible 2 for 22 years, he said. Most of the time shes very happy and Im proud of her, but when things arent right for her she can have a bad day.

Autism Speaks was founded in 2005 by NBC television president Bob Wright and his late wife, Suzanne, whose grandson has autism. The organizations four pillars are to raise money for research, awareness, advocacy and family service programs, according to Larissa Kerstetter, manager of field development in San Diego for Autism Speaks Southern California.

Autism Speaks Walk San Diego

Registration: Begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 (online registration preferred)

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 1

Where: 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station, San Diego

Admission: Free but donations are strongly encouraged

Info: autismspeakswalk.org/sandiego

Kerstetter said annual 5-kilometer walk is the chapters biggest fundraiser of the year. She is expecting as many as 2,500 walkers, who will raise a combined $150,000. Since 2006, Autism Speaks has raised more than $1.5 million locally for science and research grants. Another $268,000 has been raised for grants to local support programs. These include iPads for people with nonverbal autism, training for teachers and first responders on working with the autistic, one-time grants for families with financial hardship, family counseling and swimming safety lessons.

Kerstetter also has a child on the autism spectrum. She said her family was lucky. Her 19-year-old son is high-functioning, and thanks to early diagnosis and education, he graduated from high school last year and is doing well. But she said she understands the challenges faced by parents like Salter, whose adult children no longer qualify for free educational services and are not able to care for themselves, work or live alone.

Because this population of dependent adults with autism is growing, Kerstetter said Autism Speaks is dedicating more resources nationwide to adult support, residential and job-training programs. One such local program is the National Foundation for Autism Researchs Technical Training Program, which recently graduated its first class of high-functioning adults whove been trained to test software. Studies have shown that just 15 percent of adults with autism are employed.

Laurens autism has been a shaping force in the Salter family. After caring for her sister for most of her life, Ryan Salter now works in special education as a full-time school aide for an autistic student in San Diego.

Scott Salter said Ryan has been a great help in caring for Lauren, but he said looking down the road is stressful. He hasnt been able to find a job in his sales and marketing field, so now hes looking outside San Diego, even though he knows removing Lauren from her comfortable environment could be traumatic. Then theres the challenge of her later years.

Its pretty daunting, he said. I worry about her long-term care and what happens after Im gone? How do I financially plan and prepare to make sure she has quality of life? Thats what I worry about.
This is the latest in an occasional series providing answers to commonly asked questions about the homeless.

Q: Why dont police arrest homeless people camping on the street?

Being homeless isnt a crime, but there are laws specifically focused on people living on the street.

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Officially, its illegal to pitch a tent on a sidewalk or other places that encroach on public property. Anyone who has driven down certain streets of downtown San Diego, however, know there must be a gray area to that law.

Its also illegal to sleep in cars in San Diego, but enforcement of that law also can be murky.

While being homeless is not a crime, many kinds of public conduct are illegal and should be reported to the SDPD, reads a City of San Diego web page called Dealing With Homeless People.

Those activities include being intoxicated,fighting, trespassing, camping or sleeping in public parks, littering, living in a vehicle on a public street, disturbing the peace, and behaving in a threatening manner.

Most of the bad behavior cited in the list arent unique to homeless people. The laws about where somebody can sleep,however, are another matter.

Bardis Vakili, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties, said laws against people sleeping on sidewalks have been called a violation of the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

We generally take the position that the Eighth Amendment forbids the criminalization of basic human necessity, he said. The act of sleeping is something every human being needs to do to survive. We take the position that its cruel and unusual to ticket someone from sleeping outside if you dont provide a lawful place for them to sleep.

In 2004, two attorneys sued the city to allow homeless people to sleep outside. That resulted in a settlement that allows people to sleep in certain public spaces from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

In 2005 the ACLU sued San Diego to stop police from arresting homeless people for sleeping outside, and a court ordered the arrests to stop in 2007. The order was amended that year to allow police to arrest people sleeping outdoors if they turn down the offer for a bed in a shelter..

Police finally had that option in July 2015 when, under an agreement with the San Diego Housing Commission, Father Joes Village aside 50 beds for use by the Police Departments Homeless Outreach Team.

That didnt result in police randomly arresting homeless people who refused to go to the shelter. The available beds simply arent enough to accommodate the roughly 1,000 homeless people downtown.

Instead, police offer the beds as an alternative to arrest only when there has been a complaint against a homeless person, and only if that person is uncooperative.

While arrests are infrequent, more homeless people are getting tickets for encroaching on public property, according to a Voice of San Diego review of police logs in August.

The review found 232 encroachment violations were issued downtown and other surrounding areas in 2010, but that number increased to 1,234 in 2013 and 1,600 in 2014. The number of citations was at 624 in the first six months of 2016, according to the review.

Encroachment violations can be penalized as either infractions or misdemeanors, with the later carrying a higher penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for first offenses.

The city also can enforce a state code against illegal lodging, also a misdemeanor. Voice of San Diego found the number of those citations had been around 3,000 in 2004, the year the city was sued for arresting homeless people, and the number has dropped significantly since then.

In a new strategy, police officers have been using a different law to cite against homeless people sleeping outdoors, said the ACLUs Vakili.

The law, municipal code 54.0110, states it is illegal to place any vegetation or object on any public right-of-way, an ordinance Vakili said was intended to keep dumpsters and large planters off sidewalk.

In 2011, however, it was used against Occupy San Diego participants who put up tents at the Civic Center.

Theyre using it now to ticket people from placing their tents and property on the public right of way, he said. But it raises the same issue: If they cant put it down, what are they supposed to do with their stuff?

Vakili said the right to have property and the right to have a place to keep it is, like sleeping, a fundamental right.

The Voice of San Diego review found 64 people had been arrested for violating the code this year by August.

Tristia Bauman, a senior attorney with the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, said there has been an increase nationwide in the enforcement of encroachment laws.

Those laws are harder to challenge on Eighth Amendment grounds because they are not about the status of a homeless person but about public safety, she said, speculating on why they are being used more.

Bauman also said there was a nationwide 119 percent increase in laws prohibiting people from sleeping in vehicles between 2011 and 2014.

A state Assembly bill that would have allowed people to sleep in cars was rejected by the state Senate last year, and the U.S. 9th Circuit Appeals Court struck down a Los Angeles law that prohibited people from living in cars.

Cities use different regulations to get around this decision, said Teresa Smith, founder of Dreams of Change, a nonprofit that organizes safe private parking lots for homeless people to use.

A San Diego municipal code prohibits using a vehicle on any street as either temporary or permanent living quarters, and a law enacted two years ago specifically prohibits RVs from parking on city streets or in public parking lots between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Just as the City of San Diego has a website to help residents understand the laws that can be enforced against homeless people, other websites have been set up to help homeless people understand laws effecting them.

One, www.homelesslaw.wordpress.com, is a blog that includes information on pets, children, bathing, food, employment and other legal issues affecting homeless people.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

760-529-4939

@GaryWarthUT

Have questions about homelessness? Send them go gary.warth@sduniontribune.com
In a sweeping Thursday morning address from the flight deck of the supercarrier Carl Vinson, Defense Secretary Ash Carter vowed to protect a burgeoning network of Asian allies against an increasingly powerful and assertive China.

China is rising, which is fine. But sometimes its behaving aggressively, which is not, Carter said aboard the warship, which was docked at North Island Naval Air Station.

Although his tone often turned tough when talking about Beijing during his half-hour speech, Carter suggested that American military, economic and diplomatic efforts in Asia will be more like congenial containment than armed rollback.

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The rebalance is about the future. Were not trying to stop or rewind the clock in the Pacific, he said.

Carter, 62, delivered his words about Americas strategic pivot to the Pacific just yards from the Vinsons bomb farm, which supplies vital munitions to jets launched from the Coronado-based carrier. He did not take questions from sailors or reporters in the audience.

Both the setting and Carters address consciously mirrored a scene from 1945 in Tokyo Bay, when Douglas MacArthur stood aboard the battleship Missouri to accept Imperial Japans surrender. In his speech, Carter repeated the World War II Army generals prayer that peace now be restored to the world, and that God will preserve it always.

Carters speech arrived on the eve of a weekend summit of Asian defense ministers in Hawaii. The leaders are expected to hash out commitments made during President Barack Obamas visit to a similar meeting in Laos earlier this month with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Asian leaders are reacting to what defense analysts term a salami-slicing strategy by Beijing  incremental changes that benefit China and extend its power into the Pacific but are unlikely to suddenly spark a war with America.

Beijing continues to rapidly develop long-range missiles, advanced air defenses, silent submarines and a growing blue-water fleet designed to deny American access to the South China Sea and other vital sea lanes in the region.

Although Beijing asserts territorial rights to many thousands of miles of the Pacific contested by neighboring states and threatens to declare an Air-Defense Identification Zone barring foreign flights over the South China Sea, Carter on Thursday vowed to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.

To back up his pledge, the Pentagon plans to deploy 321 warships worldwide by 2028  a surface force that would be about a fifth larger than it is today. The Navy also wants to station its newest, stealthiest and most lethal vessels in the region.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon plans to hike funding for underwater drones and new torpedoes while tripling the arsenal of Tomahawk cruise missiles for the Navys Virginia-class submarines.

Carter said $68 billion has been earmarked to buy B-21 bombers and F-35 fighters, plus an additional $16 billion to deploy aerial tankers to refuel them over the vast expanses of Asia.

Americas 25th Secretary of Defense, Ashton B. Carter, spoke to sailors on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson dockside at North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune )

He also hinted at some very creative ways to use advanced missiles that will be unexpected by potential foes, but did not elaborate on these leap-ahead investments.

Although Rodrigo Duterte, the new president of the Philippines, recently vowed to end joint exercises with American forces and pursue closer ties with China, Carter on Thursday called Washingtons alliance with Manila ironclad and pledged to keep up financial support to modernize that nations military.

Carter continued to champion the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, commonly called TPP, as an opportunity the United States cant afford to miss, arguing that it will boost American exports and create jobs while knitting strong ties between America and 11 Pacific powers.

But during the past year of presidential campaigning, the trade pact has become political fodder for candidates such as Republican Donald Trump, who threatens to scrap it.

Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who helped to negotiate the deal, now disowns it. And there is little indication that Congress will ratify TPP before Obamas lame-duck term ends in January.

Although Carters public statements often echo Clintons policy pronouncements and he had served as a top Pentagon official during her husbands administration, she has not telegraphed whether she would retain him as secretary of defense.

Top security experts interviewed by The San Diego Union-Tribune consider Carters leadership of the Pentagon during the past 1  years as a success but said more needs to be done to cement the gains he made in the Pacific.

Amy Searight, the Defense Departments deputy assistant secretary for South and Southeast Asia before joining the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in June, said TPP is a vital pillar for security in that area of the world.

Abandoning TPP would be a disaster, Searight said. It would be a blow to our broader strategy in the region and it would hurt our leadership in the world.

James Hasik, senior fellow for defense at the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank, said the Pacific realignment is not much of a pivot so far. He blamed domestic politics  not Carter  for some of that stagnancy.

If you look at the 1920s, the bulk of the Navy was realigning in California, not Virginia, because we realized that preparing for a war against the Brits or Russia was ridiculous, Hasik said. We saw that the real threat was a rising Japan. Today the threat is China. So why are we stationing so many ships in Virginia?

Lobbying by Virginias congressional delegation ensured that Norfolk in late 2016 will become the home port for Americas newest and most advanced carrier, the $13 billion Gerald R. Ford.

Hillary Clintons vice presidential running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine, praised the Pentagons decision to station the Ford in Norfolk as a boost to his states economy, especially Virginia shipyards that benefit greatly from the opportunity to take on more projects in support of our nations naval forces.

cprine@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1371
The El Cajon police shooting protest is a poignant reminder of demonstrations prevalent in the late 60s and early 70s.

On May 4, 1972, San Diego photographer Fred Lonidier put faces on Vietnam War protesters when the UC San Diego grad student took pictures of some of the arrested demonstrators as police led them, one-by-one, to a bus bound for jail. They were taking part in a sit-in at the entrance of San Diegos 11th Naval District headquarters downtown by Harbor Drive.

Those photos  amalgamated into an artwork, simply titled 29 Arrests  have become a prime example of activist photography. The piece was included in a new show at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego focusing on UCSDs influence on photography in that era. Surprisingly, two of those arrested appeared at the exhibition opening on Friday.

Linda Blair Forth and Sierra Knight, known as Lori then, both stood to be recognized. They had been contacted by a third protester, Cindy OHara of Oakland, who was unable to attend. While doing an online search, she spotted herself pictured in an exhibit of Lonidiers work in Geneva, Switzerland. She tracked him down, then started re-connecting with some of the other demonstrators pictured.

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I didnt know about that photo. It brought back a lot of memories, said Forth, who 30 years ago founded and still runs a nonprofit vocational job training service in San Diego. Her programs focus on ex-offenders and those who are under-educated or physically challenged.

I stayed true to my beliefs in a more positive way, she said. Forth, then a Mexican-American studies major at San Diego State University who went on to get her masters degree, has no regrets about her student activism days. She says she also was arrested the following week in another anti-war protest in Del Mar and would absolutely do it again. In more recent years, she attended a Balboa Park demonstration against U.S. involvement in Iraq.

Knight, who roomed with Forth in college, became a teacher and continued to support activist causes. She now lives in Hawaii and fights for water rights and against big agri-chemical companies. Upon learning her photo would be included in a signature exhibition piece, her friends chipped in to buy her a round-trip plane ticket so she could attend the opening.

Now Lonidier, who retired from teaching at UC San Diego three years ago, is planning to re-photograph as many of those protesters as possible at an Oct. 11 reunion at the museum exhibit.

Leslie Odom, Jr. surprised philanthropist Darlene Marcos Shiley with a special song in her honor and a kiss at the Old Globe gala Sept. 24. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images )

Happy Burr-day: Leslie Odom, Jr., who just won a Tony Award for his former role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway hit Hamilton, strayed from his set list at Saturdays Old Globe gala.

Near the end of his performance, he approached Darlene Marcos Shiley, honorary chair of the gala, and led the audience in singing Happy Birthday to her. Then he serenaded her with an impromptu, a cappella version of Bob Dylans Forever Young.

I was totally blown away, Shiley said. It was such a sweet moment when, holding my hand, he kissed my cheek at the end.

Shiley, who recently turned 70, had tears streaming down her face. She called it a magical and heart-tugging moment because the Broadway star was singing from the stage named for her and late husband, Donald.

Ironically, it was Rain that brought Odom to San Diego  as in the musical by that name starring Eden Espinosa. Her husband, Joseph Abate, is Odoms manager. When the Globe reached out to Odom through him, the actor was quick to say yes.

Elephant in the room: Razzing was pretty heavy for San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman, guest speaker here Thursday at a University of Michigan alumni event. After all, she attended Michigans arch rival, Ohio State.

Before her talk, the Michigan alumni mischievously presented her with a stuffed elephant wearing a U. of Michigan sweater.

Zimmerman had the last word, though. Before speaking, she removed the groups mounted Forever Go Blue Michigan poster. Because she was the elephant in the room, Michigan alumni could do nothing. After all, she is the chief of police.

diane.bell@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1518

Twitter: dianebellSD

Facebook: dianebell.news

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A fugitive suspected in a May fatal shooting in Valencia Park was arrested in Las Vegas, San Diego police said Thursday.

Aaron Griffin, 28, was booked Wednesday on a murder charge in the death of Jamar Johnson, who was shot in his car with his infant son in the back seat, homicide Lt. Manny Del Toro said.

Johnson was hit several times and one round hit the 6-month-old boys car seat, Del Toro said. The child was not injured.

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The shooting happened about 1 p.m. on May 27 while Johnson was stopped at a red light on Euclid Avenue at Market Street.

Del Toro said the shooter in a Jeep SUV leaned out of a window and opened fire at Johnsons vehicle.

Johnson died later at a hospital.

Investigators identified Griffin as the shooting suspect and a warrant for his arrest was issued on June 10, Del Toro said.

Members of fugitive task forces from San Diego and Nevada found Griffin on South Maryland Parkway in Las Vegas about 4:45 p.m .Wednesday and took him into custody, Del Toro said.

He said Griffin was jailed in Las Vegas to await extradition to San Diego.
San Diego police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left three men injured in Pacific Beach last month.

Omar Gutierrez is accused of driving the vehicle involved in the Aug. 5 crash that left one victim, a Chargers intern, in a comma for three weeks, police said.

Gutierrez was taken into custody about 5:20 p.m. Tuesday at his workplace, which was not disclosed. He was booked into jail on three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of destruction of evidence, police Lt. Scott Wahl said. He did not elaborate on the last count.

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Gutierrez was one of two people police had considered persons of interests. Wahl said police were still investigating whether the woman police were looking for played a role in the crime.

Investigators believe the couple were involved in some sort of altercation before the hit-and-run, leading them to believe the crash was intentional, Wahl said.

Police previously released a still image of the couple from surveillance footage, as well as video that showed a sedan speed past a Jeep and taxi seconds after the crash.

The pedestrians, three men, were struck on Garnet Avenue near Beynard Street shortly after 1 a.m., police said.

One of the victims, Chargers intern JRon Erby, 23, suffered major brain injuries. He was removed from sedation on Aug. 23, his sister wrote on a GoFundMe page, which raised more than $26,000.

Erbys two friends suffered less serious cuts, scrapes and fractures.

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
One of the El Cajon police officers involved in the fatal shooting Tuesday of an unarmed black man is a 21-year department veteran who was demoted last year after a fellow officer sued him and the city alleging sexual harassment.

Mayor Bill Wells identified the officer Wednesday afternoon as Richard Gonsalves, who was accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward a female officer.

Dan Gilleon, the lawyer representing Officer Christine Greer in the lawsuit, is now representing the family of Alfred Olango, who died Tuesday in the police shooting.

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Wells declined to say whether Gonsalves was the officer who deployed a stun gun or the one who fired a handgun in the deadly altercation behind Los Panchos taco shop on Broadway.

Police Chief Jeff Davis said Olango pulled an object from a pants pocket, grasped it with both hands and aimed it at officers who responded to several calls about a man who was acting erratically. One officer deployed a stun gun while another fired a handgun.

Olango was grasping a vape smoking device after all, police said Wednesday evening.

Olangos death sparked demonstrations and rallies throughout Wednesday, with protesters demanding police release a cellphone video of the shooting.

1 / 53 Protestors peacefully sat on Broadway in El Cajon stopping traffic in both directions. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 53 One of the protestors tries to regain control of the group on Broadway in El Cajon after others began to throw full water bottles at police officers. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 53 Protestors peacefully sat on Broadway in El Cajon stopping traffic in both directions for the death of Alfred Olango. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 53 Khadijah Neely (right) and Sabrina Crawford (right) hold a candle during the cable light vigil held in El Cajon for the death of Alfred Olango. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 53 Protestors peacefully protested on Broadway in El Cajon stopping traffic in both directions for the death of Alfred Olango. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 53 A sign and a picture of Alfred Olango, the man shot and killed by an El Cajon police officer, is placed at a memorial for him where he was shot on Tuesday in El Cajon. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 53 A woman carries a sign as she and a large crowd of people protesting the police shooting of a black man march down Broadway in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV/San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 53 A man, who went into the crowd of protesters wearing a Donald Trump campaign cap, takes a video of himself as the crowd angered by his cap comes toward him in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV/San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 53 The man who taunted the crowd is knocked down on the ground and surrounded by protesters. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 53 The man who taunted the crowd pleads with protesters that he just wants to leave. He was chased but police intervened and took him away from the protesters. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 53 Protesters angered by the police showing up confront the police as other protesters try to calm the situation. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 53 Protest organizers try to move the crowd away from police and back to where they were planning to do a candlelight vigil for Alfred Olango, who was shot and killed by an El Cajon police officer, in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 53 A memorial with candles for Alfred Olango sits next to where an emotional crowd gathered to protest their frustration with El Cajon Police. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 53 Pastor Carroll Nutria became overcome with emotions after leading the protest group in prayer at sunset in El Cajon. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 53 The emotional crowd chanted during their protest in the parking lot in El Cajon. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. This group formed what they called a peace wall to keep the group separated from the police. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 53 Rachel Watson (left) and Samantha Boyd (right) watch the crowd from the carport of their apartment as the crowd became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 53 One man attempts to communicate with police officers in El Cajon after the crowd became agitated. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 53 A memorial with candles for Alfred Olango sits next to where an emotional crowd gathered to protest their frustration with El Cajon Police. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 24 / 53 Ebonay Lee holds up her fist toward a line of Sheriffs deputies as she and other people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man confront the deputies under the Highway 67 bridge on Broadway in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 25 / 53 San Diego sheriffs deputies block a protester carrying a sign in El Cajon Wednesday as a crowd marches to protest the death of Alfred Olango, a black man shot by El Cajon police on Tuesday afternoon. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 26 / 53 Protesters upset at the shooting of an unarmed black man by El Cajon police gather at Main and Mollison in El Cajon Wednesday and block traffic. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 27 / 53 San Diego sheriffs deputies and El Cajon police face off with protesters over the shooting death of Alfred Olango. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 28 / 53 A man saying the police know what theyre doing was confronted by protesters and asked to leave the protest area in front of the El Cajon police department. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 29 / 53 Protesters gathered in front of the El Cajon Police Department Wednesday to demand the police release the entire cell phone video of the shooting of Alfred Olango. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 30 / 53 Protestors confront the police line blocking their progress up Magnolia Avenue below the I-8 freeway Wednesday afternoon. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 31 / 53 A group of men gather in prayer after a press conference at the El Cajon Police Department Wednesday in the wake of a police shooting that left Alfred Olango dead on Tuesday. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 32 / 53 While under the Highway 67 bridge, people protesting the police shooting of a black man hold their arms up as they confront Sheriffs deputies as they march on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 33 / 53 At the El Cajon police department, protesters usher out a man who came to the protest, supportive of the police. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 34 / 53 El Cajon resident Laren Littlefield said I used to be prideful in saying this is Americas finest city, and today I dont believe it any more. Protesters gathered in front of the El Cajon Police Department Wednesday to demand police release the entire video related to the shooting of Alfred Olango. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 35 / 53 William Gustin rides atop a car with friends in the protest march through El Cajon Wednesday between police blockades. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 36 / 53 Christopher Rice-Wilson addresses the crowd outside the Police Department in El Cajon Wednesday, as Mallory Webb is comforted by Eddie Price after the two of them spoke against the shooting of Alfred Olango. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 37 / 53 Agnes Hassan, a fellow refugee and friend of the family of police shooting victim Alfred Olango, said the police would never shoot a mentally ill man in need of help in her former country of South Sudan. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 38 / 53 Dwayne Harvey asks Sheriffs deputies to be courageous and change police policy during a protest against the police shooting of a black man on Broadway in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 39 / 53 A woman yells at Sheriffs deputies as she and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man confront the deputies under the Highway 67 bridge on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 40 / 53 While under the Highway 67 bridge, people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man confront Sheriffs deputies as they march on Broadway in El Cajon. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 41 / 53 Ebonay Lee, center, and another woman holds up their fists toward a line of Sheriffs deputies as they and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man confront the deputies under the Highway 67 bridge on Broadway in El Cajon. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 42 / 53 Dominick Smith holds a sign as he and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man march down Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 43 / 53 Sheriffs deputies stage on Broadway in preparation for people protesting the police shooting of a black man march down Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 44 / 53 People protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man march down Broadway in El Cajon on Wednesday. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 45 / 53 San Diego State student Marissa Simmons, left, holds her fist up as a motorist does the same in support as she and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man march on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 46 / 53 A man looks for support from motorists as he and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man march down Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 47 / 53 A protester talks to Sheriffs deputies as the deputies stand in a line to stop people protesting the police shooting of a black man from marching in the middle of the street on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 48 / 53 A deputy yells at protesters to back up as he and several sheriffs deputies stand in a line to prevent them from marching in the middle of Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 49 / 53 A woman yells at police officers as she and other people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man march on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 50 / 53 People protesting the police shooting of a black man march on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 51 / 53 A man repeatedly outstretched his arm, at what appeared to be a Nazi salute, toward people protesting the shooting of a black man in El Cajon. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 52 / 53 While under the Highway 67 bridge, people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man confront Sheriffs deputies as they march on Broadway in El Cajon. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 53 / 53 Ebonay Lee holds up her fist toward a line of Sheriffs deputies as she and other people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man confront the deputies under the Highway 67 bridge on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Gilleon said he is advising Olangos family on how to move forward legally. He said he believes police should release the cellphone video, particularly because they already released a still image from the footage.

They shouldnt release anything unless they release the whole video, he said. Thats an image thats great for their case.

Gilleon said he is also interested in hearing the 911 calls.

In the harassment lawsuit, Greer claimed Gonsalves made unwanted sexual advances toward her and sent her cellphone photographs of his genitals. On another occasion, the lawsuit contended, Gonsalves sent her text messages saying he was drunk and wanted to have three-way sex with Greer and her wife.

Other women were also harassed by Gonsalves, according to the lawsuit.

Greer settled her lawsuit against Gonsalves and the city. In August, she filed a new one, saying Gonsalves has retaliated against her.

Gonsalves was demoted from sergeant to officer in March 2015.

The name of the second officer involved Tuesdays deadly altercation has not been released.

El Cajon Shooting On Now Dumanis rules El Cajon police shooting of Alfred Olango justified 2:09 On Now Justice for Alfred Olango 1:33 On Now Video: Protests in the weeks following Olango shooting 1:43 On Now El Cajon City Council Meeting 10.11.2016 1:49 On Now Protest still present after El Cajon Shooting 2:49 On Now Video: Faith leaders, demonstrators rally in El Cajon 3:32 On Now Video: Rally after El Cajon shooting 1:45 On Now Video: Prayer vigil draws crowd in El Cajon 1:12 On Now RAW: Full video of Alfred Olango officer involved shooting 1:46 On Now Angry crowd grows after man is shot by police in El Cajon 1:15

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
A 59-year-old woman who was struck by a car while crossing a street in Little Italy a week ago has died, authorities said.

Meifeng Trainham was hospitalized with major head injuries and died on Tuesday, according to the county Medical Examiners Office.

Trainham was hit by a Toyota Prius while she was walking south along Kettner Boulevard at West Date Street about 8:10 p.m. on Sept. 22, the agency said. The Prius driver, a 55-year-old man, was heading west on Date.

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Police initially described her injuries, with a broken pelvis, as not life-threatening.

Investigators did not list a city of residence for Trainham. A Facebook page of a woman with her name shows numerous friends in the San Diego area.
Alfred Olango survived refugee camps and prison. Friends say he had overcome that past but was struggling with a personal loss when an El Cajon police officer shot and killed him Tuesday.

Some have said mental illness played a role in that tragic encounter, noting that Olango had been behaving in an erratic manner immediately before the shooting.

Yet others insist he was a happy, well-adjusted man who  despite earlier legal problems  was forging a new, law-abiding life.

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Then on Friday, 31-year-old Bereket Demsse, a boyhood friend and fellow African refugee, suddenly died.

He was just so depressed, said Vicky Ellis, Olangos former girlfriend, who spoke with him last weekend. Id never heard him so upset.

Demsse was buried Wednesday afternoon  less than 24 hours after Olangos death.

Out of control

Olango claimed to be 38, with a birth date of July 17, 1978. Yet Ellis said those may have been estimates. Due to the chaotic conditions of his early life, she noted, he lacked a birth certificate.

He was born into a Uganda ruled by Idi Amin, whose bloody reign led to a period of guerrilla warfare.

Seeking a better life, the family fled their native land and endured privations and horrors in refugee camps.

We saw dead bodies, atrocities, and it built character, one of Olangos brothers told the Rev. Shane Harris, a San Diego pastor who interviewed the sibling Wednesday. It made us want something better and acquire the American dream together.

One lasting souvenir of the camps: Olangos feet were scarred from years of walking across rugged terrain without shoes.

The family settled in San Diego more than 20 years ago, said Walter Lam, executive director of the Alliance for African Assistance, a City Heights non-profit.

The children went to the Catholic school on 56th Street, Lam said, referring to Blessed Sacrament Parish School. Then the family moved to Golden Hill.

Soon, though, Alfreds life spun out of control. His juvenile record included several misdemeanor charges. He dropped out of San Diego High School. In 1999, he was convicted of receiving stolen property. A 336-day sentence was waived, thanks to time he had spent in jail awaiting trial.

Two years later, he was sentenced to 364 days in jail for peddling cocaine.

Olango moved to the Denver area, where his brushes with the law continued. He was driving through Aurora, Colo., on New Years Eve 2005 when police pulled him over. At his feet was a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

A felon in possession of a firearm, Olango was sent to federal prison. He was released in August 2009, moving to La Mesa and spending the next three years on probation.

Over the next seven years, he racked up a few traffic tickets, appeared in a small claims case that was dismissed and was named in two civil cases.

Friends, though, say he had settled down. He was polishing his culinary skills as a chef for the Saddle Ranch Chophouse in Glendale, Ariz., and a series of Hooters restaurants in the Phoenix area and San Diego County.

His last Facebook post, June 17, shows the 5-foot-6 man on the beach in Coronado. The page identifies him as Former Gods Servant at Jesus Daily.

He was just so happy, said Ellis, the former girlfriend. They called him Little Kevin Hart because he was always making people laugh.

Wrong paintbrush

The Olangos are a tight-knit family, said Ellis, who dated Alfred for five months. They were living together in Chula Vista when the couple underwent an amicable breakup in January.

He comes from a good family, she said. His mother was his queen. He loved her to death.

The father of two girls, Olango was good with children, said Anna Diaz, Ellis 24-year-old daughter.

1 / 53 Protestors peacefully sat on Broadway in El Cajon stopping traffic in both directions. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 53 One of the protestors tries to regain control of the group on Broadway in El Cajon after others began to throw full water bottles at police officers. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 53 Protestors peacefully sat on Broadway in El Cajon stopping traffic in both directions for the death of Alfred Olango. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 53 Khadijah Neely (right) and Sabrina Crawford (right) hold a candle during the cable light vigil held in El Cajon for the death of Alfred Olango. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 53 Protestors peacefully protested on Broadway in El Cajon stopping traffic in both directions for the death of Alfred Olango. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 53 A sign and a picture of Alfred Olango, the man shot and killed by an El Cajon police officer, is placed at a memorial for him where he was shot on Tuesday in El Cajon. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 53 A woman carries a sign as she and a large crowd of people protesting the police shooting of a black man march down Broadway in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV/San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 53 A man, who went into the crowd of protesters wearing a Donald Trump campaign cap, takes a video of himself as the crowd angered by his cap comes toward him in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV/San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 53 The man who taunted the crowd is knocked down on the ground and surrounded by protesters. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 53 The man who taunted the crowd pleads with protesters that he just wants to leave. He was chased but police intervened and took him away from the protesters. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 53 Protesters angered by the police showing up confront the police as other protesters try to calm the situation. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 53 Protest organizers try to move the crowd away from police and back to where they were planning to do a candlelight vigil for Alfred Olango, who was shot and killed by an El Cajon police officer, in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 53 A memorial with candles for Alfred Olango sits next to where an emotional crowd gathered to protest their frustration with El Cajon Police. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 53 Pastor Carroll Nutria became overcome with emotions after leading the protest group in prayer at sunset in El Cajon. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 53 The emotional crowd chanted during their protest in the parking lot in El Cajon. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. This group formed what they called a peace wall to keep the group separated from the police. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 53 Police officers respond when protesters gathered in El Cajon Wednesday became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 53 Rachel Watson (left) and Samantha Boyd (right) watch the crowd from the carport of their apartment as the crowd became agitated when a man not part of the group appeared to provoke the crowd. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 53 One man attempts to communicate with police officers in El Cajon after the crowd became agitated. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 53 A memorial with candles for Alfred Olango sits next to where an emotional crowd gathered to protest their frustration with El Cajon Police. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 24 / 53 Ebonay Lee holds up her fist toward a line of Sheriffs deputies as she and other people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man confront the deputies under the Highway 67 bridge on Broadway in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 25 / 53 San Diego sheriffs deputies block a protester carrying a sign in El Cajon Wednesday as a crowd marches to protest the death of Alfred Olango, a black man shot by El Cajon police on Tuesday afternoon. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 26 / 53 Protesters upset at the shooting of an unarmed black man by El Cajon police gather at Main and Mollison in El Cajon Wednesday and block traffic. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 27 / 53 San Diego sheriffs deputies and El Cajon police face off with protesters over the shooting death of Alfred Olango. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 28 / 53 A man saying the police know what theyre doing was confronted by protesters and asked to leave the protest area in front of the El Cajon police department. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 29 / 53 Protesters gathered in front of the El Cajon Police Department Wednesday to demand the police release the entire cell phone video of the shooting of Alfred Olango. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 30 / 53 Protestors confront the police line blocking their progress up Magnolia Avenue below the I-8 freeway Wednesday afternoon. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 31 / 53 A group of men gather in prayer after a press conference at the El Cajon Police Department Wednesday in the wake of a police shooting that left Alfred Olango dead on Tuesday. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 32 / 53 While under the Highway 67 bridge, people protesting the police shooting of a black man hold their arms up as they confront Sheriffs deputies as they march on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 33 / 53 At the El Cajon police department, protesters usher out a man who came to the protest, supportive of the police. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 34 / 53 El Cajon resident Laren Littlefield said I used to be prideful in saying this is Americas finest city, and today I dont believe it any more. Protesters gathered in front of the El Cajon Police Department Wednesday to demand police release the entire video related to the shooting of Alfred Olango. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 35 / 53 William Gustin rides atop a car with friends in the protest march through El Cajon Wednesday between police blockades. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 36 / 53 Christopher Rice-Wilson addresses the crowd outside the Police Department in El Cajon Wednesday, as Mallory Webb is comforted by Eddie Price after the two of them spoke against the shooting of Alfred Olango. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 37 / 53 Agnes Hassan, a fellow refugee and friend of the family of police shooting victim Alfred Olango, said the police would never shoot a mentally ill man in need of help in her former country of South Sudan. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 38 / 53 Dwayne Harvey asks Sheriffs deputies to be courageous and change police policy during a protest against the police shooting of a black man on Broadway in El Cajon on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 39 / 53 A woman yells at Sheriffs deputies as she and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man confront the deputies under the Highway 67 bridge on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 40 / 53 While under the Highway 67 bridge, people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man confront Sheriffs deputies as they march on Broadway in El Cajon. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 41 / 53 Ebonay Lee, center, and another woman holds up their fists toward a line of Sheriffs deputies as they and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man confront the deputies under the Highway 67 bridge on Broadway in El Cajon. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 42 / 53 Dominick Smith holds a sign as he and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man march down Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 43 / 53 Sheriffs deputies stage on Broadway in preparation for people protesting the police shooting of a black man march down Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 44 / 53 People protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man march down Broadway in El Cajon on Wednesday. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 45 / 53 San Diego State student Marissa Simmons, left, holds her fist up as a motorist does the same in support as she and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man march on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 46 / 53 A man looks for support from motorists as he and other people protesting the police shooting of a black man march down Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 47 / 53 A protester talks to Sheriffs deputies as the deputies stand in a line to stop people protesting the police shooting of a black man from marching in the middle of the street on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 48 / 53 A deputy yells at protesters to back up as he and several sheriffs deputies stand in a line to prevent them from marching in the middle of Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 49 / 53 A woman yells at police officers as she and other people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man march on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 50 / 53 People protesting the police shooting of a black man march on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 51 / 53 A man repeatedly outstretched his arm, at what appeared to be a Nazi salute, toward people protesting the shooting of a black man in El Cajon. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 52 / 53 While under the Highway 67 bridge, people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man confront Sheriffs deputies as they march on Broadway in El Cajon. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 53 / 53 Ebonay Lee holds up her fist toward a line of Sheriffs deputies as she and other people protesting Tuesdays police shooting of a black man confront the deputies under the Highway 67 bridge on Broadway. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

I have two little ones of my own and he loved to be around kids, she said.

Ellis and Diaz insisted that Olango was not mentally unstable.

He was not mentally disabled, Ellis said. But one of his best friends had just died and he was going through a lot of pain with that.

Lam, who last saw Olango three months ago at a funeral for another refugee, agreed.

He was a healthy man, Lam said.

Olangos brother told told Harris online radio program, Get on Up, Alfred wanted to do right, wanted to do good. His ambitions included one day serving African specialties in his own restaurant.

The brother told Harris that he spoke with Alfred on his last day. Alfred, who had agreed to drive his brother to the airport, noted that he was short of gas money.

Soon after, spectators called police and reported a man walking in the middle of a street, behaving erratically. The ensuing confrontation ended when Olango assumed what police describe as a shooting position, pointing an object at one of the officers.

Both officers fired simultaneously, one with a firearm, the other a Taser. Olango died of his wounds.

This is one of the most brutal pains Ive ever had to deal with in my life, said the brother, who was never identified by name in the interview. I hope to God no one else has to go through it.

He added that the family encourages protesters to be peaceful, demanding police reforms and accountability.

The image of Olango that many saw this week is taken from a single frame from a video, showing a tense and ultimately tragic showdown with police. The dead mans brother cautioned against mistaking this snapshot for the complete picture.

They dont have the right paintbrush, he said. You cant paint the right painting without the right paintbrush. They havent spoken with anyone who knows him, anyone who knows his journeys.

Staff librarian Merrie Monteagudo and staff writers Kristina Davis, David Hernandez, John Wilkens and Lyndsay Winkley contributed to this story.
Proposed legislation aimed at cracking down on mini-dorms near San Diego State would also quadruple maximum fines for all municipal code violations across the city.

In addition to helping San Diego regulate minidorms and fight construction of them, the new legislation would also aid efforts to shut down illegal medical marijuana dispensaries, prevent illegal grading of land and many other code violations.

The legislation, which was approved Wednesday by the City Councils Rules Committee, is expected to be considered by the full council later this fall.

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Many residents living near the campus called the legislation long overdue and said it would be a significant step in the right direction in fighting minidorms, which are converted single-family homes known for late-night student parties and other disruptive behavior.

Some minidorm owners and students said the new laws would only worsen the housing shortage near the university, contending residents need to accept that they live near a bustling college campus of 30,000 students.

The legislation includes two separate ordinances: one placing new restrictions on the construction and operation of minidorms, and another increasing the maximum fine for code violations from $2,500 to $10,000 per day.

The proposed new laws are tied together because stiffer penalties for violating minidorm regulations could help the city deter developers from converting homes illegally.

The new restrictions on minidorms, which apply only to properties within the College Area Community Plan, limit the percentage of a new building that can be bedrooms, the maximum number of bedrooms a house can have and where parking spots can be located.

A maximum of 60 percent of a new building could be devoted to bedrooms, which is triple the nationwide average, and parking spots would have to be located at least 30 feet from the front of a lot.

The maximum number of bedrooms for housing built on lots smaller than 10,000 square feet would be reduced from six to five, and the number of bedrooms on lots larger than 10,000 square feet would be limited to six.

The regulations wouldnt apply to existing minidorms, but would prevent future construction of them and conversions of additional single-family homes.

The College Area Community Plan area is bordered on the north by Interstate 8, on the east by La Mesa, and on the south by El Cajon Boulevard, Collwood Boulevard, Montezuma Road and Fairmount Avenue.

Community leaders in nearby areas, including Rolando and El Cerrito, lobbied Wednesday to have the new restrictions also cover their neighborhoods.

Members of the Rules Committee, which approved both ordinances in a 3-0 vote with Councilmen Mark Kersey and Chris Cate absent, directed the full council to consider potentially expanding the neighborhoods where the new rules would apply.

The new restrictions on minidorms come after many years of public outcry from residents near SDSU.

The residents said Wednesday that minidorms bring parking problems, excessive trash, late-night noise and downgraded aesthetics, partly because many minidorm operators pave over yards to create additional parking spots.

City data shows that 813 of the roughly 4,000 dwelling units in the College Area are minidorms, and that 135 of them have been built in the last three years.

This is unsustainable, said resident Rhea Kuhlman. We cant continue to supersize the housing stock through commercial activity at this rate.

Resident Ann Cottrell said the minidorms have permanently damaged the College Area, because it would be too expensive to convert them back into single-family homes even if demand for student housing ever goes down.

Keith Henderson, who owns two properties where students live, said the new legislation wouldnt solve the problem and would further spike rents near SDSU.

This ordinance will only increase the cost of living for students that want to live close to campus, Henderson said. The average bedroom on campus is around $1,200 a month. The average bedroom off campus is around $800 a month. Thats why students choose to live off campus.

Henderson said most students prefer to live near campus, making the College Area necessarily an area that will have a high concentration of young people.

If you dont want the students to live in the neighborhood, where do you want them to live? he asked.

Dylan Colliflower, a member of the universitys student government, said the solution is more affordable housing for students, not new rules.

This ordinance does not solve the problem of student housing, he said.

Councilwoman Marti Emerald, whose district includes the College Area, said shes optimistic that a series of zoning changes being contemplated for the area will include allowing more high-rise housing on Montezuma Road and College Avenue.

Two city laws approved in 2008  a rooming house ordinance and a residential high-occupancy ordinance  have done almost nothing to stem the proliferation of mini-dorms.

City officials say those laws were flawed, but the new legislation will be more effective.

Molly Kirkland, a spokeswoman for the San Diego Apartment Association, said the city shouldnt add more regulations on top of existing rules that have been a failure.

The increase in fines for code violations would also raise the maximum fines that could be accumulated from $250,000 to $400,000.

The citys fine structure for code violations hasnt been updated since 2003, officials said.

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 @UTDavidGarrick
The city of Montreal has enacted a controversial new law banning the adoption and purchase of pit bulls while also requiring strict new regulations on the breed. If the requirements are not met, the dogs can be seized and euthanized.

The measure, which goes into effect Monday, comes in the wake of the death of a woman who was killed in attack in June by a dog described as a pit bull.

The breed-specific law requires that owners of American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and American pit bull terriers  as well as pit bull mixes and any dog with similar characteristics  must apply for a special permit by the end of the year in order to keep the animal, according to the Montreal Gazette.

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The dogs must also be sterilized, vaccinated for rabies, and microchipped and they will have to be muzzled while on the streets and be kept on a leash no longer than four feet. Additionally, their owners must prove they do not have a criminal record that includes violence.

A city inspector will determine if the animal is a pit bull type.

I have a responsibility as the mayor of Montreal to protect all Montrealers and to ensure they feel secure, said Mayor Denis Coderre to the Gazette. The vast majority of them want me to take concrete measures.

The law was spurred by the attack of 55-year-old Christiane Vadnais who was mauled to death in her back yard by a dog residents said was new to the neighborhood. Its believed the large animal came through a hole in the fence. A criminal investigation into the attack is ongoing.

Police at the time described the dog, which was shot and killed, as a pit bull but now officials are saying they are not entirely sure if that was the case. The animals registration said it was a boxer. The city is awaiting DNA tests.

People opposed to the law say the discrepancy points to they call a long-standing bias against the breed. Humane Society International spokeswoman Ewa Demianowicz said that although five people had been killed by husky dogs over the years, no one ever called for the breed to be banned.

Opponents also say that the city should go after irresponsible owners of dangerous dogs and that those who want to own an intimidating animal will only find another breed to fit the bill.

One city official said the new law will result in the euthanization of animals not based on their behavior, but on their appearances.

It also means death for pit bulls already in city shelters that do not have homes before the ban goes into effect, according the Montreal SPCA which has filed a lawsuit against the ban. The organization says that healthy, adoptable dogs and puppies that have no behavior issues will be killed.

The mayor, however, said he was confident the ban would be upheld in court.

The Montreal Gazette reported that pit bulls were involved in 38 percent of dog bites in just the last 21 months. The new law will affect some 7,000 canines.
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Huey Longs radical ideas about government were popular enough in Louisiana to take him from Baton Rouge to Washington, D.C., but federal-level politicians saw him as a threat.

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The 2016 presidential campaign season doesnt have a monopoly on charismatic, polarizing candidates with unconventional political ideas. Although this election cycle is legitimately unprecedented in a number of ways, the presentation of radical policies isnt one of them.

One such presidential hopeful with radical ideas appeared in the 1930s. Louisiana senator and former governor Huey The Kingfish Long felt President Roosevelt hadnt gone far enough to address income inequality. Claiming that 2 percent of Americans owned 60 percent of the wealth, he proposed a Share Our Wealth program to put more money into the hands of the poor.

Long argued that no family should earn more than 300 times the average income nor hold more than 300 times the wealth of the average American fortune. Under his program, the government would tax all incomes over $1 million on a rising scale, so that any income greater than $8 million would be taxed at 100 percent. The program also guaranteed every family a homestead valued no less than $5,000 and an annual income of $2,000 (one-third the average family income, according to Long).

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Long, whom The Washington Post called the most entertaining tyrant in American history, came up with this plan in 1934 while weighing a run for the White House. To gauge voter support, he sent Rev. Gerald Smith across the south to start Share Our Wealth clubs. The response was so enthusiastic that by 1935, 27,000 clubs had been formed and 4.6 million members had signed up.

Though he was solidly supported by impoverished Southern voters, who felt they had a champion in the senator, Republican and Democratic politicians, alarmed by his dictatorial style as governor and his growing popularity, considered Long a threat.

The threat was removed on September 10, 1935, when Huey Long was killed by an assassins bullet.

In a biographical sketch written for the Post, and excerpted below, Hermann B. Deutsch detailed several of Longs bolder political maneuvers, some of which skirted the law. The author conceded that Long brought improvements to the state and redistributed some of his states wealth, but Deutsch still considered him a benevolent despot.

Huey Long  The Last Phase

By Hermann B. Deutsch

Excerpted from an article originally published on October 12, 1935

The political history of Huey P. Long embraced three cycles which, though interlocking, preserve separate identities in time and space. For convenience they may be labeled: Louisiana, Washington, and Share the Wealth. Each had its share in making the others possible. Each contributed toward the absolute control his laws gave him over Louisiana, just as this control made it possible for all three to continue to function.

In all three cycles, Huey Long exacted unquestioned recognition of his authority.

The only kind of a band in which Huey Long can play, Marshall Ballard, editor of The Item, once observed, is a one-man band.

From top to bottom, the Long political machine was composed of those who acknowledged his absolute leadership and would dance to any tune of his piping. He asked no more of them and would accept no less. For those who refused, he passed this year the amazing series of laws in seven special sessions of his legislature which constitute what has been termed his Putsch-Over.

The rank and file of the Huey Long political army in Louisiana was content to let him run the whole show because he won battles, and thus led them to the Promised Land of Patronage. The followers of Long the Apostle were content to overlook the practical manifestations of the sublimated precinct politician.

Touching Off a Bombshell

When Huey Long became governor of Louisiana in 1928, the two principal proposals of his program were an increase in the severance tax on natural resources to provide free textbooks for all school children, and an increase of the gasoline tax from one to two cents a gallon  it is seven cents a gallon today  the additional cent to be funded into bonds for the purpose of paving the main highways of the state.

Both proposals were bitterly attacked by the anti-Long politicians; the former on the ground that the states money was being dedicated to private institutions in supplying free textbooks to private and parochial schools; the latter because there was no guarantee that the bond money would be expended in actual road construction and not merely in swelling the payrolls of the highway commission for political purposes.

The schoolbook law was validated by the Supreme Court of the United States. The gasoline-tax bond issue was validated by an overwhelming vote of the people, who were heartily sick of gravel highways, and who turned a deaf ear to the sound argument that the fulfillment of so ambitious a plan on the money available was a physical impossibility. Each community hoped that its roads would be paved, and devil take the hindmost.

However, it soon became evident that more money must be provided for the state treasury. Thus, 10 or 11 months after his inauguration, Governor Long called the legislature into special session to levy a tax of five cents a barrel on the business of refining petroleum products, to enable us to take care of the sick, the halt, and the blind in our state institutions, and of the children in our schools.

The target of this tax was Mr. Longs ancient bete noire, the Standard Oil Company, which maintained a huge refinery just outside of Baton Rouge, an industry which at that time maintained a payroll numbering some 7,000 persons. The company promptly announced that the imposition of such a tax would force them to close their Louisiana plant, and immediately began to curtail operations. Along with this there was a roar of protest from all sections of the state. Manufacturers, accustomed to special inducements to bring payrolls and industries into a state, rose up in arms. It became evident almost at once that Mr. Long would not be able to muster a legislative majority for his tax, and, alarmed by a rising tide of personal opposition, he decided to adjourn the session. Anti-administration leaders, on the other hand, insisted there be no adjournment until the legislature had gone on record as opposing any tax on industry.

In order to shut off all such debate, Speaker John Fournet, of the House, had been instructed to recognize only the administration floor leader when the House met, and put the question of adjournment at once. When the chamber convened, the roll was called for a record of those present. This was done by an electrical voting machine which automatically locked until photostatic copies of the vote had been made. During this interval, the chaplain intoned a brief prayer. The moment the final Amen! was uttered, all bedlam broke loose. Amid the din, the Speaker put the adjournment motion, which no human being could hear in the hubbub, and the electrical voting machine was once more opened. The whole thing occurred so quickly, however, that the machine was still in the position of the present vote of a few moments before, and consequently, regardless of whether members voted yes or no, the machine flashed yes.

That fired the powder train. The house went into a riot. Half a dozen fist fights broke out. Members charged the Speakers dais. One of them was knocked down and his scalp laid open by a blow. At the height of the tumult, Representative Mason Spencer, of Tallulah, made his way to the front of the House and bellowed:

In the name of sanity and common sense!

Legislative Hairsplitting

The rioting was momentarily checked. In the lull, Spencer called on the Speaker to take another vote of adjournment, but the latter refused, declaring the House was already adjourned. Before this could bring on a fresh outburst, Spencer declared he would call the roll himself. He did so, and the vote stood 72 to 7 against adjournment. All but that handful of administration adherents hastened to disclaim any connection with what was then assumed to have been some sort of fraudulent vote-machine operation. Further action was deferred until the following day, when a resolution of impeachment, setting forth 19 specific counts, was filed with the House. A committee of inquiry was appointed, a series of hearings was conducted, and in the end, eight impeachment counts were adopted and sent to the Senate for trial.

The special legislative session had been called for but 15 days, and only one count was voted before the expiration of that period. Over the protest of the Long floor leaders, and on the theory that once it became a court of impeachment, the Assembly was no longer bound by legislative limitations, the lawmakers continued in session until the remaining counts were disposed of.

A New Word in Louisiana

The one passed on before the expiration of the original session limit was voted down by the Senate, where graver charges were still to be taken up. On the following day, however, a remarkable document was laid before that body: A round robin signed by 15 senators  two more than enough to block a two-thirds conviction  to the effect that since all charges voted after the expiration of the legislative time limit were, in the opinion of the signers, illegal, they would refuse to vote conviction on any of them, regardless of evidence. That ended the impeachment proceeding between clock ticks and added the word Robineer to Louisianas political vocabulary.

Far from being chastened by this experience, Mr. Long immediately announced he intended to grow me a new crop of legislators. To this end he initiated recall proceedings against those who had opposed him. Anti-Long leaders from all parts of the state delivered a counter to this thrust by meeting in New Orleans to organize the Constitutional League, dedicated to the restoration of constitutional government. Mr. Long promptly labeled it the Constipational League, and declared it was composed of those who sought to sacrifice the schoolchildren, the halt, the sick, and the blind on the altars of the Standard Oil Company.

Nonetheless, the courts ultimately upheld the Leagues contention that the recall provisions of the constitution did not apply to legislators. The League further brought suit to compel those pro-Long legislators who held highly remunerative places on the state payroll, such as special attorney for the highway commission or warden of the state penitentiary, to vacate either the positions or their legislative seats. This, too, was upheld by the Supreme Court. The following day, 18 pro-Long legislators resigned state jobs.

Ultimately the business interests of the state stepped in to insist upon a political truce. One of its terms was a pledge by Governor Long to impose no manufacturers license tax during his term. In return, the business interests were to cooperate with him in a survey on how to raise money for the more effective conduct of state institutions.

Mr. Longs idea of what the state needed was a great program of public expenditures. This was early in 1930. Pundits still declared oracularly that prosperity was just around the corner. Mr. Longs position was that all effects of the depression could be fended off from Louisiana if $100,000,000 or so were devoted to permanent public improvements.

The requisite funds were to be raised by adding three cents a gallon to the gasoline tax, dedicating one cent for division between the port of New Orleans and the public-school system of the state, and funding the remaining two cents a gallon, and certain other taxes, into bonds.

The opposition immediately protested that this would do no more than place at the disposal of Huey Long a $100,000,000 fund with which so accomplished a spoilsman might well consolidate his political machine for the state elections of 1932, and thus perpetuate himself in power. Once again the demand was for safeguards to keep the money from being politicalized.

The legislature met in May 1930; and a nagging, dragging session it was. Governor Long had won over to his standard, after the impeachment of the preceding spring, a majority of the members, but not a two-thirds majority. Yet the bond issues he contemplated could not be put into effect without constitutional amendments, which required a two-thirds vote of both legislative houses. Since no constitutional amendment could be passed, His Excellency shrewdly hit upon the amazingly simple expedient of calling a constitutional convention, which could be done by a simple majority, to rewrite the entire organic law so as to include the desired amendments. Under the terms of the proposed call, he would control a majority of the delegates.

The opposition could not block a majority vote. So the anti-Long leaders began a sort of strike on the job, arguing endlessly among themselves over unimportant pending measures, to keep what was by that time dubbed the con-con bill from coming to a vote; but it was finally passed and sent to the Senate for action, with just about enough time left to get it through that body before the expiration of the session.

The Senatorial Toga

In the Senate, however, matters were on a different footing. Here the presiding officer was Lieutenant Governor Paul Cyr, a dentist, who, though elected on the Long ticket, was now one of Huey Longs bitterest foes. Doctor Cyr made it possible for a filibuster to keep the con-con bill from coming up for consideration in the upper chamber, so that it died on the calendar. The day the legislature adjourned, Mr. Long announced his candidacy for the United States Senate.

My platform, he said in effect, will be the public-improvement program that the people want, but that the legislature killed. If I am elected, that will mean the people approve my program. If I am defeated, that will mean they approve the action of my enemies. But  when I am elected I will not go to the Senate until after my term as governor is finished. I will not permit Paul Cyr to serve as governor of Louisiana for one holy minute. This will mean that one Senate seat from Louisiana will be vacant for two years, but that will make no difference. It has been vacant ever since the man who now holds it was elected.

And so the issue was fought out. The Constitutional League supported Senator Joseph Ransdell for reelection, and rallied the anti-Long forces to the cause. Mr. Long jeered at the efforts of the Constipational League, spoke of its candidate as Feather Duster  a reference to the latters neat little brush of a white beard  and said that the elements trying to defeat me and keep me from paving your roads and building up the prosperity of this state are the same old Standard Oil crowd that tried to keep me from giving your children free schoolbooks, and improving the hospitals, the insane asylums, and the other state institutions.

A St. Bernard Count

The campaign was different from the gubernatorial race of two years before. At that time, Huey Long had had no political organization; only a personal following. The city machine had been aligned with one of his opponents and the state machine with the other. Now he had his own state machine, a vastly improved model of power and efficiency.

Long defeated Ransdell for the Senate by the overwhelming tally of 149,640 to 111,451. One rather unusual feature was the vote of St. Bernard Parish, which adjoins New Orleans on the downstream side. Mr. Long received 3,979 votes there, as against Senator Ransdells total of 9. This was the year 1930. A census had just been completed. Yet one ward in St. Bernard Parish, where the census listed a total population of 912  men, women, and babies, nonvoting Negroes as well as whites  counted 913 votes, all of them for Mr. Long. This added still another expression to Louisianas political vocabulary. It is: A St. Bernard count. However, Huey Long would have been overwhelmingly elected even if every St. Bernard ballot had been thrown out. Thus, none of the reformers who later clamored for other election investigations raised their voices at this time. There was also a general feeling that the people have spoken. At any rate, all opposition to the Long proposals was withdrawn.

A special session of the legislature was called at once, and in a shrewdly worded opening message, the governor suggested that if we must fight, lets all fight for only 30 days on full stomachs 15 months hence, instead of starving ourselves while we fight for 16 months between now and the next election. As an earnest of his readiness to let bygones be bygones, he stood by his original proposals to finance a Mississippi River bridge and aid the New Orleans port authority out of new gasoline taxes, and to give Baton Rouge a $5,000,000 new capitol. The only condition he made was that the impeachment charges, still technically pending against him, be withdrawn. Some 20 die-hards in the House refused to accede to this, but the overwhelming majority did, and thus one stormy chapter was closed.

The legislative program went over with scarcely a hitch, and the era of construction began. There was considerable eagerness to get some of the bond money into circulation, for 1931 was a dreadful cotton year, marked by a 10,000,000-bale carry-over, a record crop, and a price of five and six cents a pound for staple that had cost eight cents a pound by the time it left the gin. Proposals for acreage reduction, for plowing under every third row of the current crop, and similar curative measures were suggested. While the agitation was at its height, Governor Long proposed a law forbidding the growing or ginning of any cotton at all during 1932, the law to become effective when enacted by states representing three-fourths of the countrys cotton production.

At a conference of delegates from cotton states, Senator-Governor Long explained that acreage-reduction laws could be invalidated by the no-cotton law, if enacted as a measure to control the boll weevil or check the spread of root rot would be maintained. Texas, representing one-third of the countrys cotton production, was called upon to be the first to enact the holiday plan, since, if Texas rejected it, there would be no possibility of securing the requisite three-fourths concurrence.

However, Texas refused concurrence, which evoked from Louisianas executive the public statement that Texas legislators were bought to kill the cotton-holiday plan like youd buy a slot machine. Mississippi likewise refused. Both passed acreage-reduction laws which came to nothing.

Two Men in One Chair

Meanwhile, Mr. Long found other fish to fry in Doctor Cyrs sudden move to seize the governors chair, on the allegation that Huey Long had vacated it when he forwarded the credentials of his election to the United States Senate. To lend point to this contention, Doctor Cyr took oath as governor before the clerk of court of Caddo Parish, October 13, 1931.

The Statehouse immediately became an armed camp under constant highway police and militia guard, to keep Doctor Cyr from taking physical possession. For the rest, Huey Long chuckled joyously and said: Were going to send the Doc back to his tooth shop in Jeanerette now. By taking oath as governor, he vacated the office of lieutenant governor. That means I can go to Washington as soon as the courts settle him.

The amused regard of the entire nation was focused on Louisiana during the legalistic marches and countermarches that followed. Unemployed men in parks and along water fronts whiled away the tedium of waiting for prosperity by administering to one another the oath of office as governor of Louisiana. Alvin O. King, president pro tempore of the state Senate, was sworn in by the Long administration as lieutenant governor; and the moment the Supreme Court upheld this step, Mr. Long hastened to Washington to take his seat in the Senate, just 17 months after his election to that body. On the same day, in a Statehouse surrounded by militiamen, Lieutenant Governor King became governor. Doctor Cyr continued his protests, and went so far as to open executive offices in a Baton Rouge hotel, from which point he issued a proclamation calling upon Mr. King forthwith to abandon the armed insurrection he was maintaining at the statehouse. But the move was little more than a gesture, for by that time the entire Long ticket had been elected by something very like a landslide, and was awaiting inauguration in May.

The First Step in Wealth-Sharing

The new governor was Oscar Kelley Allen, boyhood friend of Senator Long. John D. Fournet, the speaker who had sought to adjourn the House of Representatives during the riot of 1929, was lieutenant governor. They had headed what was known as the Complete-the-Work ticket; with both state and city machines solidly behind them, they polled a majority of something like 56,000 votes. St. Bernard Parish, chafing under the stigma of having counted 9 votes out of 3,988 against Senator Long in 1930, set a new high by tallying exactly 3,152 votes for every candidate on Mr. Longs Complete-the-Work ticket, and not one single solitary ballot for any one of the 23 opposition candidates.

As always when confronting a new audience, antics were expected of Senator Long when he reached Washington, but none developed. Washington began to wonder whether, after all, this stuff about pot likker and green pajamas and them birds had been anything more than highly colored publicity. Then Mr. Long took the first step toward what he called redistribution of our national wealth by proposing a resolution to limit individual incomes to $1,000,000 a year, and bequests to not more than $5,000,000 to any one child, the balance of all incomes or fortunes in excess of those figures to go to the national treasury. The Democratic leader, Senator Joe Robinson, of Arkansas, rejected the resolution. Then and there Washington learned about Huey Long, for his response was an immediate resignation from all Senate committees, with the explanation that he would take no further assignments or honors from a party leadership he refused any longer to follow.

I met myself very quickly on the proposition of Robinson for President, he stated. Right now Im for Robinson to be Hoovers running mate, since they both stand for the same thing.

But it was a cartoon in the Chicago Tribune, showing Joe Robinson beneath an American flag and Huey Long under the red banner of Communism, which really set off his ire.

That was the prelude to the delivery of the speech which has since been reprinted by the millions, under the title of The Doom of Americas Dream. It was the first official utterance in behalf of what is now the Share-the-Wealth program.

The Steam Roller at Work

With the Choctaws and the Long organization still solidly welded, Overton was elected to the Senate, in the primary election, by a vote of 181,464 to 124,935. Broussard and a newly organized Honest Election League  Every time I beat em in a campaign, they go get em up a new league!  attacked the validity of the primary, not on the ground that Broussard could or would have won, but on the allegation that enough corruption had been practiced by the Overton supporters to taint the title of their candidate to a seat in the Senate. There were three public hearings by senatorial subcommittees, and the record of the proceedings covers 3,886 closely printed pages. While condemning such things as Louisianas lack of a Corrupt Practices Act and the use of dummy candidates to get control of polling-booth commissioners, the committee refused to unseat Senator Overton.

Flushed with this success, the state and city machine coalition pitched in to put over a series of constitutional amendments at the same election at which Franklin Roosevelt defeated Herbert Hoover for the presidency of the United States. The casual count of votes on these amendments brought on a probe by District Attorney Eugene Stanley, of New Orleans, and ended in the indictment of some 513 polling-booth commissioners, whom the state administration freed from their predicament by a new law which halted all further prosecutions.

Within a month, the city and state organizations broke the entente that had linked them for more than two years. Senator Long demanded that District Attorney Stanley be not endorsed for reelection in the approaching municipal primary. By a vote of 12 to 5, the Choctaw caucus rejected his demand. He immediately put out a city ticket of his own to oppose the regulars and the reform ticket as well, but his slate was soundly trounced and the regulars won.

Voters in Revolt

Prior to this time, however, an even more serious blow had been struck against his prestige in the Sixth Congressional District. Bolivar Kemp, congressman, had died in June, and because of the disaffection of the voters in that region, the Long organization had sought to evade the test of strength there by refusing to call an election to fill the vacancy. In November, a mass meeting of indignant citizens in Baton Rouge called an unofficial primary of their own and announced the winner would be given credentials to represent the district in Congress.

The state administration swung into action at once, through a district Democratic committee on which the Long forces held a majority. After refusing for six months to call an election, Governor Allen now called one for a date only a week hence. On the plea that this allowed no time to hold a primary, the district Democratic committee then arbitrarily named Mrs. Bolivar Kemp, the late congressmans widow, as Democratic nominee. In Louisiana, Democratic nomination is tantamount to election. Usually, in such a contest as this, there is not even a Republican candidate in the race. Throughout the district citizens went into literal  not figurative  revolt.

Never before has such a scoundrelly attempt been made to defeat the expression of the peoples will, wrote Hodding Carter, editor and publisher of the Hammond Daily Courier. If our stern protest is not answered, let us read our histories again. They will tell us with what weapons we earned the rights of free men. Then, by Gods help, lets use them.

In Amite, in St. Francisville, in Denham Springs and other parish seats throughout the district, ballots, tally sheets, and other election paraphernalia were seized by force and publicly burned. In the three parishes of Tangipahoa, St. Helena, and Livingston, District Judge Nat Tycer issued an injunction forbidding the election. Adding that its a poor court that cant enforce its orders, he began to swear in and arm deputies, his own 82-year-old father being the first to take the oath. He instructed these deputies to go out and deputize others to help enforce the courts ruling. A truck that sought to bring election supplies into the district was driven off by gunfire. In Hammond and in Plaquemine, Senator Long was hanged and burned in effigy.

Something less than 5,000 votes were cast for Mrs. Kemp in a district ordinarily polling more than 42,000, although she was the only candidate. Hers was the only name on the ballots. Three times as many votes were cast a fortnight or so later in the citizens election, at which J.Y. Sanders Jr. was the only candidate. However, the House of Representatives at Washington refused to recognize either election as valid. A new election was called, close upon the defeat of the Long ticket in New Orleans. Once more J.Y. Sanders Jr. was victorious.

That succession of victories over the redoubtable Huey sent the anti-Long contingent into full cry. Achilles really did have a vulnerable heel apparently. They began to rally their forces and confected a new sort of round robin, a pledge to oust Speaker Allen Ellender when the legislature convened in May, with the idea that this would be followed by removing Fournet, and later, perhaps, by the impeachment of Governor Allen. With the legislative machinery in their hands, the opposition would soon be in control of the state.

Of the 51 signatures needed to show a pledged majority in the House of Representatives, 48 were secured. The fact that the other three could not be gained was due primarily to the personal popularity of Ellender. Once it became definitely known, however, that the Long forces would remain in power, there was a regular stampede from the opposition to the administration. The Long political fortunes swung upward as swiftly as they had plummeted toward the depths. From a position where not more than three legislative votes stood between him and political extinction, Huey Long rose to a more complete absolutism than ever, and the Putsch-Over of 19341935 was begun.

From all parts of the state had come a demand for a reduction of automobile-license fees. Very well. The Long forces acceded to that demand, but coupled with it a proviso that would take away from New Orleans and its anti-Long city administration $700,000 a year in highway revenues. In order to reduce their auto taxes, the country members had to deprive New Orleans of this income, which gave them no pause whatever. Similarly, a bill authorizing New Orleans to regulate private boathouses along Bayou St. John was changed by amendment to take away, in addition, all control by the city authorities over the local police force.

A Law Mill in High Gear

At this point the Putsch-Over was abandoned for the time being, because the Long-Allen administration had its own legislative grist to grind in the way of a promised tax-relief program, under whose terms the first $2,000 of the assessed value of all owner-occupied homesteads was to be exempted from property taxes. To make this possible, it was further proposed that the revenue thus lost be made up by levying six new taxes  an income tax, an insurance-premium tax, a tax on stock-exchange and cotton-exchange transfers, a tax on newspaper advertising, and the like  thus shifting a portion of the burden of government from real estate. Much of this legislation required a two-thirds majority. Not until it had been securely consolidated was the real Putsch-Over begun.

Special session followed special session; half a dozen in the space of less than a twelvemonth. No need to mince matters now. Forty or more laws would be shoveled in a few minutes before midnight of the opening day of each session. Without regard to subject matter, all would be referred at once to the ways-and-means committee, where the Long forces had a majority of 15 to 2. Following a consideration which averaged two and a fraction minutes per new law, this committee then reported all administration bills favorably, after which the House would enact them and rush them over to the Senate, where the same procedure was followed. In this fashion, a law was passed giving the state supervision over the appointment of every nonelective employee of every parish, city, or village in Louisiana. In this way a law was passed providing that the governor would henceforth have the right to appoint all polling-booth commissioners in every primary election. Thus the law was passed providing for the appointment of an unlimited number of state police, permitting the governor to call out the militia at pleasure, ousting hostile local administrations, giving a state board control of the appointment of every schoolteacher in Louisiana.

Bills Passed in a Few Seconds

As a matter of cold record, even this procedure was speeded up during one session after the legislature was thoroughly broken to the idea of unquestioning enactment of any bill proposed by the Long administration. Laws were passed with only a few seconds of total consideration, under regular rules of procedure, by doing something no one else had ever thought of doing before. A bill may be amended at any time before the moment of its final passage. Thus an innocuous codification of existing laws would be introduced. After this had been passed by the House, and a moment or two before the Senate was to take final action, the Long floor leader would introduce an amendment which was the real new law. In one case such an amendment was 200 pages long and was adopted in less than a minute of elapsed time. It was then rushed to the House for concurrence, and was laid on Governor Allens desk for his signature within a matter of minutes after its first appearance in the legislative assembly. In precisely this way the manufacturers license tax, which had brought on the impeachment proceedings of 1929, was enacted in 1934; the only difference was that it had now been made more far-reaching, since it no longer applied merely to the refining of petroleum but to every other manufacturing industry except the processing of bread, milk, and ice.

This kindled the flame of revolt once more; not among the members of the legislature but among the employees of the Standard Oil Company, 1,000 of whom were laid off within the week; the great refinery cutting its operation to a minimum as a prelude to shutting down. Along with a number of sympathizers, they finally armed themselves and seized the courthouse at Baton Rouge, which had just been annexed to the Long organization by the simple process of enacting a law authorizing the governor to appoint enough additional police jurors  the Louisiana name for county commissioners  to give the Long side a majority over the elected commissioners. Short shrift was made of this rebellion. Baton Rouge was put under martial law, a number of leaders were charged with conspiring to assassinate Senator Long, and a number of others, who armed themselves and gathered at the Baton Rouge airport for action, were dispersed by militiamen without a single shot being fired save for the discharge of one shotgun, which was not in the hands of a uniformed soldier, but severely wounded one of the revolters. The situation was eased off when the five-cents-a-barrel tax was compromised for one cent a barrel.

Plot and Counterplot

Another murder plot was bared in the summer of 1935 by Senator Long, and laid to a group of five anti-Long congressmen, who met in New Orleans several months ago to confect an anti-Long ticket for the approaching state and congressional primaries. Two members of the Long organization moved into the hotel room adjoining that of the congressmen and recorded the conversation through a concealed listening device. Gossip has it that the records thus made were to have been reproduced over the loudspeakers of the Long fleet of sound trucks, during the campaign this winter. The senatorial primary had been moved up from early autumn, the usual date, to January, 1936. Senator Long planned to have his senatorial campaign nicely out of the way before the presidential conventions of next year, with every municipal employee, every state employee, every schoolteacher, and every polling-booth commissioner in Louisiana a part of his state machine; with the militia, the state police, and an unlimited number of special polling-place deputies at his beck and call.

It was just before the past years Putsch-Over, which made all this possible by law, that the Share-the-Wealth cycle of Mr. Longs political history had its inception. The Reverend Gerald Smith had just quit his pastorate in a Shreveport church over differences with his board concerning social liberalisms advocated from the pulpit. Struck by the tenor of Huey Longs speeches for the redistribution of wealth, he sought out the senator, and the two spent some time together. Doctor Smith was with Mr. Long on the fateful January night in 1934 when the returns of the city election spelled such decisive defeat for the Long municipal ticket. The throng that had milled about campaign headquarters early in the evening, cheering, jostling for a chance to shake hands with Huey Long, melted away as the returns were tabulated. By the time victory for the opposition was conceded, the rooms were almost deserted.

Doctor Smith remained with Huey Long that night, endeavoring to comfort him. He accompanied him to the national capital a day or so later, and, indeed, was mistakenly assumed by Washington reporters to be a new bodyguard. Early one morning, about three oclock according to some versions of the incident, Huey Long summoned his secretary, Earl Christenberry, and the Reverend Smith to his rooms, and excitedly explained that he had just thought of a national organization, without dues of any sort, to be known as the Share-the-Wealth Society; something to be welded into a national Huey Long political unit on the basis of a platform whose principal plank was the decentralization of fortunes.

A Political Jack-of-All-Trades

He gave Louisiana good roads  miles and miles of them. He succeeded in providing funds for building bridges, equipping hospitals and other eleemosynary institutions, enlarging a university, founding new colleges in conjunction with it, and, in short, putting into physical effect a construction program of vast expenditures at a time of general financial depression. He succeeded in raising the states revenues to figures of previously undreamed-of scope by adding new taxes and increasing old ones, but apparently without incurring the hostility of a voting majority of his electorate thereby. His Putsch-Over deprived Louisiana communities of any semblance of local self-government, but in the main he was a benevolent despot to all who acknowledged his autocracy.

And finally, he managed to crystallize about his genius for political evangelism the general feeling of worldwide unrest, the vague discontent evoked by the thought: Why does the fact that we produce more than ever at less effort than heretofore mean that we must have less to enjoy? He did this through his Share-the-Wealth movement, whose principal organizer said that this movement consciously deified him to ensure the success of a new economic and social philosophy.

On August 30, 1935, the man who manifested himself on the national stage as a sublimated precinct politician, as a notable Washington personage, and as a nascent apostle was 42 years old.

Less than a month later, he was shot and killed by Dr. Carl A. Weiss, Jr., in one of the ornamental marbled hallways of the lavish state capitol he had built as governor of Louisiana.

Senator Long had just convened another of his amazing special legislative sessions. The New Orleans Choctaws had surrendered at discretion. Money withheld from the city treasury for months was now to be made available. Along with this, bills virtually depriving two anti-Long district judges of places on the bench were tossed into the legislative hopper. One of the judges, gerrymandered into a district where, as a practical matter, he could never have been reelected, was the father of Doctor Weiss young wife. Friends and foes alike flout the idea, however, that this could have aroused the studious 30-year-old physician to the pitch of homicidal vengeance.

A Legislative Tribute

By agreement among his supporters, the legislative program of the session he had initiated was carried out just as if Huey was still here with us, this being held a deeper tribute of respect and affection than any formal adjournment. The only impromptu feature added to the assemblys program was the joint resolution authorizing the interment of Huey Longs body in the spacious grounds of the Capitol his administration had built.

A week after this article was published, the Post published the editorial The End of a Chapter. While remarking on Longs remarkable qualities of wit and outspokenness, together with rare showmanship and roundly denouncing political assassination, the editors relief that the Share-the-Wealth movement had come to an end is almost palpable.
Lewes, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/29/2016 -- Did you know?



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The reboot of the Europe-Africa clinical trials alliance could make Africa invest in health R&D, writes Linda Nordling.



In 2010 in Malis capital Bamako, representatives from over two dozen African health ministries signed a call for action urging their governments to allocate at least two per cent of health ministry budgets to research. [1]



The aim of the call was for African governments to take ownership of the research agenda, which at the time was viewed as too driven by international donor priorities.



Nearly a decade on, many people argue that donors influence over health research agendas in Africa remains too strong. And the two per cent goal is still a pipe dream.



There is no doubt that African countries have seen increased investment in health research. But with most of this increase coming from international donors, the question of who sets the research agenda remains.



Mechanisms matter



In 2008, after the Bamako meeting, critics condemned the lack of mechanisms in the call of action for its proposed implementation. [2]



But for countries looking for a way to fulfil their two per cent ambition, a reinvented Europe-Africa clinical trials programme offers a vehicle for doing so and for directing international funding towards national priorities.

Many people argue that donors influence over health research agendas in Africa remains too strong. Linda Nordling



The first European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) was launched in 2003 as a European response to the health crises caused by three poverty-related diseases: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.



Between its launch and 2014, when the programme ended, EDCTP funded 254 collaborative research projects between Africa and Europe to the tune of 378 million (about US$425 million, focusing on phase II and III clinical trials, according to the EDCTP.



A second programme  EDCTP2  was launched in December 2014. So far the ten-year programme has secured almost US$115 million for calls for proposals launched in 2014 and 2015. Another round of calls for proposals are expected later this year.



The European Union has approved about US$767 million for EDCTP2 provided that additional member country and private sector contributions materialise as expected.



Restructured partnerships



The need for clinical research capacity development and project funding remains immense despite the large investments made to date through EDCTP, says the programmes executive director, Michael Makanga.



The disease burden in Africa remains enormous, he says. There are natural differences between populations  how they respond to diseases and treatments  which are still poorly understood, and drug resistance is an emerging threat.



EDCTP2 has an expanded scope. Both in terms of diseases  in addition to the big three in the first programme, it addresses neglected infectious diseases  and the type of clinical research it funds. Whereas the first EDCTP focused on phase II and III clinical trials (efficacy studies), EDCTP2 funds phase I (human safety studies) and phase IV (monitoring interventions that have reached the market).

There simply are no short cuts to taking back control of their continents health research agenda. Linda Nordling



Another innovation in EDCTP2 is the closer involvement and ownership of African participating countries. The 14 African member countries  Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia  now have representation and equal voting rights on the governance and implementation mechanisms of the programme, whereas in the first instalment the project was driven from Europe.



This reflects a widespread conviction in the development community that development cannot be done through one-sided action or aid, says Makanga. But while it gives African countries more power to influence the programme, it also places an expectation on them to pull more weight in investing in their health care systems and research, he adds.



Africas opportunity



The EDCTP2 African member countries have already committed to pay 200,000 each as a membership investment in the programme. While this may be a small contribution compared to the entire project budget, it is nevertheless significant for the countries involved.



But in order to fully exploit the opportunity offered them by the programme, African countries should invest more. They should use their EDCTP2 projects as catalysts for strengthening domestic health research.



History shows that scientifically at least, EDCTP funding can bring a lot of bang for its buck. A bibliometric evaluation published last year of clinical research papers in Europe and Africa found that between 2003 and 2011, EDCTP-associated papers related to HIV, tuberculosis and HIV-TB co-infection involving authors from Africa were cited around five times more than the world average. [3]



As with all other health research programmes targeting Africa, the challenge with EDCTP and its successor is making sure that investments are sustainable. In other words, that once the programme funding runs out, the gains made in terms of capacity building on the ground in Africa persist into the future.

The only way for this to happen is for African governments to take ownership of the capacity and view it as something for them to sustain, not for donors to keep fuelling. There simply are no short cuts to taking back control of their continents health research agenda.Journalist Linda Nordling, based in Cape Town, South Africa, specialises in African science policy, education and development. She was the founding editor of Research Africa and writes for SciDev.Net, Nature and others.This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Uber announced its plan of expansion of UberEats to three new metropolises: Amsterdam, Dubai and Johannesburg starting this Thursday. The food delivery network operated by the ride-sharing organization is already functional in 27 cities across the US and another six cities across the globe.

"UberEats has proved hugely popular in Europe," the company said in a statement. "We're excited about delivering food to people across the region as seamlessly as they can book a ride."

According to Reuters, Uber aims at expanding vigorously in the international market and will soon set foot in cities including Brussels, Stockholm, Moscow, Madrid, Hong Kong, Tokyo and other yet-undisclosed cities.

The expansion in the food delivery network is being backed by several job listings and mass recruitment ranging from managers to salespersons. Uber executives indicated earlier that UberEats' international diversification were an ordinary extension of its core business of transportation. However, the recruitment efforts being put in by the officials suggest that the company is preparing for its wider footprint beyond boundaries.

"UberEats is one (business) we feel incredibly confident is resonating across the world and resonating across the footprint of the cities in which Uber operates the transport business," Jambu Palaniappan, who was recently named the head of UberEats for Europe, Middle East and Africa, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.

UberEats received investments of nearly $10 billion(8.9 billion Euros) into 421 food delivery deals since the start of 2014 but the funding dropped by more than half in the first six months of 2016.

The global restaurant takeaway market is projected to grow by 10 percent between 2015 and 2020 to reach $93.4 billion. "The problem for many of the local players is that they are sub-scale: They can't compete without superior co-ordinations," said Neil Campling, Northern Trust Capital Markets' head of global research for the tech industry.

UberEats gains an edge over the local rivals by cutting its delivery time to within a 30-minute window, with no minimum order size or extra delivery charges. On the contrary, the local players say that orders will be delivered in a time window of 30 minutes to 60 minutes, while requiring minimum orders and charging customer an extra delivery fees. UberEats also benefits by being promoted through Uber's existing, very popular car hire app.
Honey has always been known for its health benefits. And now, researchers discovered that a type of honey from New Zealand has a potential of beating bacteria. If this benefit is proven effective, the honey could potentially lower the risk of infections especially those that need to use medical devices such as catheters.

According to Indian Express, the new study found that diluted Manuka honey may be a powerful cure against bacterial growth, especially in medical devices. This may also be used to lower down the risk of infections in hospital patients. Manuka honey is a monofloral honey produced in Australia and New Zealand from the nectar of the Manuka tree.

It has also been found that Manuka honey has been used as a natural remedy for a long time, and has also been shown its antibacterial and anti-inflammation effects. The new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, revealed that researchers observed if the honey could also prevent bacteria build up on surfaces.

Time reported that medical instrument that goes inside a patient's body such as catheters can develop biofilms, which is a layer of bacteria that can cling on to surfaces. However, the problem can happen when these biofilms turn into infection reservoirs, and can later cause health complications. According to statistics, there are about 100 million catheters sold around the world every year and these catheters are often connected with health risks like urinary tract infections.

To check Manuka honey's potential ability reduce this risk, the researchers tested its effect on two different types of bacteria which usually causes UTIs from catheter use. These are Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Proteus mirabilis. Study authors explained that 80%-85% of urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli, the Daily Star reported.

Researchers diluted the honey with distilled water and added the medium to give different 'strengths', 3.3 percent, 6.6 percent, 10 percent, 13.3 percent, and 16.7 percent. Findings showed that the honey prevented the bacteria's ability to develop into a biofilm even when exposed to the lowest concentration levels. However, researchers pointed out that more research will need to be conducted to determine if honey could actually prevent bacteria build up in people with catheters.

Meanwhile, Professor Bashir Lwaleed, associate professor of health sciences at the University of Southampton, said: "We have been able to demonstrate that diluted honey is potentially a useful agent for reducing biofilm formation on indwelling plastic devices such as urinary catheters." Lwaleed also explained that catheter infection rates can take up a large portion of hospital acquired infections. "It is an area of clinical practice that needs addressing."

It is also important to point out that researchers also said there might be an extra bonus for Manuka honey. The study has so far suggested that bacteria do not develop a resistance to honey. Antibiotic resistance is already causing major problems worldwide. Experts say that bacteria can naturally become resistant to medications used to treat it, and the widespread use of antibiotics as time pass in the field of medicine and agriculture have greatly contributed to the problem.
Smoking has been one of the main causes of health problems for the longest time. But now, researchers have good news: Smoking rates are currently at 'all-time lows'. The number of smokers have declined during the past years and it continues to decrease. What could be the cause?

According to ABC News, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) did a research on people's smoking patterns. From there, researchers have found less than 13 percent of Australians comprise the daily smokers. Tim Beard, AIHW spokesman, said that 11 out of 14 indicators that measure smoking rates are moving to a positive direction. Beard added that the current rate is one of the lowest in the world.

Beard said that since 2010, the rate has decreased by three percentage points. Compared to the rates two decades ago that were 21 to 22 percent, the current data show that the number of smokers decreased by almost 50 percent. Apparently, it is a huge drop especially when compared to some international rates.

Researchers have also found that fewer young people were experimenting with cigarettes. Apart from the high school students taking up at a lower rate, they are actually taking it up at a later time.

Among the possible causes of the improvements are the more restrictive laws, high prices, and plain packaging. Beard said that at present, it is still hard to determine the exact cause.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported that England is likewise experiencing a dramatic decline in smoking rates. According to research, one out of six adults are smokers at present. This has led to the recent collapse in cigarette sales. Reports also indicate that the number of smokers in England is at its lowest level. Health campaigners claim that the decline is due to tough measures and media campaigns against smoking. Among the said tough measures are plain packaging and price rises which are noticeably as the said possible causes of the smoking rate decline in Australia.

As of writing, the exact causes of the dramatic decrease in smoking rates in both countries are not yet clear. What is definite is that numerous people are on their way to a better health.
Archaeologists and historians alike have uncovered many aspects of the history of the ancient world and learned a lot about the life of the first empires. However, there are still some discoveries that surprise scientists, and that there is a link between the Ancient Roman and Japanese empires is one of them.

According to Japan Times, coins issued in ancient Rome were evacuated from the ruins of a castle in Okinawa Prefecture - the first time that these artifacts have been discovered in the Land of the Rising Sun. The Board of Education in Uruma City said that the four copper coins found were believed to date back to the third and fourth centuries of the Roman Empire - but the Katsuren Castle where it was found, existed from the 12th to the 15th centuries.

Designs on the coins have been difficult to decipher, but according to The Independent UK, x-ray analysis revealed that several of the relics had the image of Emperor Constantine I on them - and since the excavation on site began in 2013, six other coins dating back to the Ottoman Empire in the late 17th century have also been uncovered.

Katsuren Castle had been knownt o be the focal point in trading with china and other Asian countries, but scientists said its ties to Europe had not been evident. How these coins arrived in Japan, as far as the Board of Education is concerned, is still shrouded in doubt and mystery. Masaki Yokou, the education spokesman, told CNN, "It is a strange and interesting find. We don't think that there is a direct link between the Roman Empire and Katsuren Castle, but the discovery confirms how this region had trade relations with the rest of Asia."

The coins will be displated at the Uruma City Yonagusuku Historical Museum in Okinawa until November 25.
While, Samsung's highly anticipated Galaxy S8 is still months away from its rumored April 2017 release date, rumors about the handset's specs, features and pricing details have been floating ablaze. It is believed that after the Galaxy Note 7 phablets explosion issue, Samsung will leave no stone unturned to make the upcoming Galaxy S8 a fan favorite. If new reports are to be believed, Samsung's highly anticipated Galaxy S8 will come with a massive 30 mega pixel main camera.

According to TechRadar, a leaked Samsung Galaxy S8 specs list suggest that the handset will feature a 5.2-inch 4K display intended for use with VR, a 3.2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 6GB of RAM coupled with 64GB or 128GB of storage memory, a 30-megapixel rear camera, a 9-megapixel front camera, a massive 4,200 mAh battery, a mini projector, dual micro SD card support, retina and fingerprint scanners as well as wireless and fast charging features.

Another report coming from SamMobile claims that the Samsung Galaxy S8 could come running an Exynos 8895 processor with ARM's new Mali-G71 GPU. If the report turns out to be true then the purported Galaxy S8 smartphone with the new GPU will be almost 1.8 times powerful than its popular predecessor Galaxy S7 which uses the Mali-T880 MP12 GPU. There are reports which claim the smartphone maker might include dual-lens cameras in its next phone and also its foldable display technology.

Previous rumors suggested that the handset will feature a new kind of triple-camera system, improved iris scanning technology, Android 7.1 Nougat and a USB Type-C port for reversible, fast charging and quicker data transfers. Samsung is expected to release two Galaxy S8 variants same like "Galaxy S7" and "Galaxy S7 Edge". The handsets have been internally codenamed Dream and Dream2 and bear model numbers SM-G950 and SMG955 respectively.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is rumored to get a whopping $850 price tag. As far as Samsung Galaxy S8 release date is concerned, the smartphone is likely to get announced at the Mobile World Congress February 2017 event. Readers are advised to take the information with a big grain of salt as nothing yet has been officially announced by the makers.

Don't forget to check with SWR for more updates and latest news on Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs and pricing details.
The United Nations (UN) will reportedly launch its first space mission on Sierra Nevada Corporations's Dream Chaser space plane in 2021. The aim of the mission is to give a chance to developing nations, with no space programs of their own, to fly payloads in microgravity and access space.

Though the mission is focused on giving developing countries the first chance, it will also be open to all the member states of UN. The payloads will be chosen by United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in 2018, and subsequently launched into low Earth orbit, i.e. approximately 1,200 miles above our planet, in 2021.

"One of UNOOSA's main responsibilities is to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space," said Simonetta Di Pippo, UNOOSA Director. "I am proud to say that one of the ways UNOOSA will achieve this, in cooperation with our partner Sierra Nevada Corporation, is by dedicating an entire microgravity mission to United Nations Member States, many of which do not have the infrastructure or financial backing to have a standalone space program."

The Dream Chaser, measuring 30 feet in length, is a reusable spacecraft with small wings that was designed to make smooth landings on the runway. Sierra Nevada Corporation, the company behind the Dream Chaser, was awarded a contract from NASA, as well as SpaceX and Orbital ATK recently to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) from 2019 to 2024.

At present, UNOOSA is looking for sponsors to fund the mission. As per a report, the countries that will send payloads with the Dream Chaser will have to bear some of the costs, depending on how much they can afford. The UN mission is embarking on the mission with the ultimate goal of making space an important environment for carrying out science experiments, especially for nations that have the means but not the money to take on such projects.
HARTSVILLE, S.C.  The Hartsville Police Department responded to a call of a bomb threat at CareSouth Clinic in the 1200 block of South Fourth Street Thursday afternoon, according to Lt. Mark Blair of the Hartsville Police Department.

In response, all staff and patients were evacuated without incident, Blair said.

According to a CareSouth spokesperson, about 50 staff, physicians and patients were walked to the east side of the property.

In an email sent out to employees, CareSouth commended its staff for their professionalism.

At a little after 1 p.m. today, the Suite A Pediatric front office received a call on the back line, the email read. The medical assistant in the front office received the call and handled the event perfectly, staying calm, getting as much information as possible, letting other staff know what was happening and ensuring that the police were called. She was outstanding.

A bomb-detecting dog and handler from Florence County assisted with conducting a thorough search of the building.

The police response was extraordinary, the email said. They were kind, considerate, efficient and their reassuring presence was greatly appreciated. They inspected the building and called in a bomb-sniffing dog.

Nothing was found, and the staff and patients returned to the building safely. The investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information which may lead to the arrest and prosecution of the caller, please contact the Hartsville Police Department at 843-383-3029.
HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Two extraordinary teachers, one a first-year teacher and the other with several years of experience, received Darlington County School District honors last week at the 2016 Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet held at Black Creek Arts Center in Hartsville.

Hanna Hanlin, a second-grade teacher at Pate Elementary School in Darlington, was chosen District Teacher of the Year, while first-year teacher Andrew Walters of Carolina Elementary School in Hartsville was named Outstanding First Year Teacher for 2016-17. He teaches third grade.

Hanlin received her master's of arts in educational technology from Lesley University and is continuing her education in educational technology to become an education specialist.

She began her teaching career with the 2012-13 school term as a fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Thornwell Elementary School in Hartsville. She joined the faculty at Pate in 2014.

I have always had a passion for learning and discovering new ways to learn, Hanlin wrote in her application for Teacher of the Year, which also included personal interviews and a video of her teaching in her classroom.

My favorite part of every day is being able to see the ah-ha moment! with my students, she said.

Hanlins principal, Emily Lunn, praises her for her knowledge of technology, use of it in the classroom and willingness to help others work it into their classrooms.

Hanlin is a teacher ready to lead her students into 21st century citizenship, Lunn said.

Im excited for what the year is going to bring for me as Teacher of the Year, Hanlin said after the announcement.

Im overly excited. I think she deserves this and has worked hard for this, said her mother, Julie Hanlin, who is also a teacher, and attended the banquet with her daughter. She gives long hours and is dedicated to her young students.

I am extremely proud of her, and I know she will do a great job the year, said Lunn, who represented two teachers at the banquet. Her first-year teacher Ashleigh Chaplin was a finalist for Outstanding First Year Teacher.

I am proud of them both, she said. They are outstanding teachers.

Other finalists for Teacher of the Year were Jessie Addison, St. Johns Elementary School; Kimberly Edgerton, Cain Elementary School; Michelle Greene, Lamar High School; and Ellen Oldland, Thornwell School for the Arts.

Walters earned his degree in early childhood and elementary education form Coker College. He also has a degree in religious studies from the University of South Carolina.

Walters said in his application, Enthusiasm for reading, lifelong learning, self-reflection, self-control, teamwork and empathy are just a few of the areas in which students rely heavily on their teachers for guidance.

His principal, Donna Barrett, in her recommendation said, He wants to help students make the right choices and become the best student that he or she can be He tries to make learning an adventure that everyone can enjoy.

Other finalists for Outstanding First Year Teacher were Kristen Johnson, Darlington High School, and Chaplin, Pate Elementary School.

Superintendent Eddie Ingram praised all the teachers attending the banquet who were chosen from their schools as Teachers of the Year and Outstanding First Year Teachers. He said they are all teachers who believe in their students every day and are real heroes.

Also on the program was Jamie Horton, 2015-16 District Teacher of the Year. She told about her year and what opportunities the distinction brought her way.

I am a changed educator because of the journey as Teacher of the Year, Horton said.

She said it gave her confidence and the ability to step out of her comfort zone.

She said it afforded her the opportunity to travel to Virginia to visit a 21st Century School.

Others participating on the program were teachers Tajuana James, Chenethia Brown Paulette Lunn, Michelle Baltz, Jarriel Jacobs, Kaywanna Bradley and Connell Delaine, chairman of the Darlington County Board of Education. And Warren Jeffords, vice chairman o the Darlington County Board of Education.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Bright and early Wednesday morning Valerie Pedraza and Jordan McFadden were in the media center at Lester Elementary School. The two were practicing their lines for the schools morning show.

Its fun, Valerie said.

We get to tell people about important stuff, Jordan said. And we get to be funny and joke around.

Valerie and Jordan are part of a three-person team, along with Lincoln Howard who was absent. They do the morning show every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Another group of students does it on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Media specialist Jan Chatlosh said the morning show is a reincarnation of something that the school did years ago.

We used to do a live morning show every day and then we kind of got away from it, Chatlosh said. We figured out how to hook it up so we are going back to it again.

The three main student reporters were chosen on the basis of recommendations from teachers, she said.

When I decided that I want to do it again, I asked teachers for recommendations, Chatlosh said. We wanted a variety. Jordan and Lincoln are in fifth grade; Valerie is in fourth grade.

The show is meant to be a reward, of sorts, but is also meant to help the students.

Jordan has had a lisp, Chatlosh said. I can already tell that there is an improvement from her doing this. Valerie is still like a little sponge. Jordan and Lincoln are both REACH students and we dont have a lot of them (at Lester).

Each show features items like daily announcements and the lunch menu.

We find out stuff before other people, Jordan said. One day we were having nachos; we had never had nachos and cheese here before and I was so surprised and we got to tell everyone.

Wednesday morning students were reminded to "smile" because it was picture day and they had two options for lunch.

Both girls said they were surprised to be chosen.

I thought I was in trouble, Valerie said. Ms. Chatlosh came and told me to meet her in the library. She asked me what time I got to school in the morning. Then she told me I was going to do the morning show. I was excited.

Jordan said she was nervous at first but she has gotten more comfortable.

There is always fun going on behind the scenes that no one sees, though occasionally they do.

One day the sound cut off and we started dancing around and the camera was still live, Valerie said. I didnt know it.
I dunno I thought it had to be a cyber ruse but many outlets, some respected, reported it.Justin feels he is canuck royalty so why doesn't he implement a top down deficit battle plan. We know however no matter how deep our red ink pubic sector entitlements will never be in jeopardy, can you imagine the angst of senior bureaucrats if trudough enlisted them to join in the debt battle.
CHARLOTTE, N.C.  New details show Keith Lamont Scott had a violent past.A domestic violence protective order was filed against Scott by his wife, Rakeyia Scott, in 2004 in Mecklenburg County. Rakeyia claims Scott stabbed her in the back, almost puncturing her lungs. She also claims he sliced me [sic] ear and bruised my body.Officials in Texas tell WCCB that Scott spent seven years in prison for shooting a man in San Antonio.Officials say he shot and injured a known acquaintance in 2005. Court records show Scott was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Scott fired more than 10 rounds from a 9mm pistol, according to court records. He was released from prison in 2011.In 2015, Scotts wife filed another domestic violence protective order against him in Gaston County. She claims he hit their 8-year-old child three times with his fists and kicked her, according to court records. She also says he threatened to kill them with a gun, claiming he said he is a killer and that they should know that.Scott was shot and killed by a CMPD officer on September 20th. Police claim Scott had a handgun and marijuana on him during the shooting. Violent protests broke out in Charlotte for several days following the deadly shooting. The officer has been placed on administrative leave. The SBI is now investigating the shooting.Sweet guy.Murdered by the police.Yeah, right.
SAAM is paying $48.5m for a 51% stake in Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera (SPC) and of Sociedad Portuaria Granelera de Caldera (SPGC).

The two companies jointly reported revenues for $46.6m last year and the second busiest cargo terminals in the country. The deal requires regulatory approval from the authorities.

Last year, Puerto Caldera handled more than 4.9m tonnes of cargo comprising 238,000 teu and bulk commodities, such as cereals, fertilisers, raw materials, and flour.

This investment is a good reflection of the growth strategy that we are implementing in the region and this is a very well-managed enterprise, to which we can add value, stated Macario Valdes, ceo of SAAM. In addition, it allows us to join forces with partners who have knowledge of and experience in the local market, he added.

With this acquisition, SAAM continues advancing in its diversification and globalisation strategy and strengthens its position as one of the leading operators in Latin American ports, adding Puerto Caldera to the 10 terminals it already operates in six countries in Latin America and one in Florida, USA.

The Chilean company was carved out from CSAV in 2012, and provides port services, tugboats, and logistics services, with operations in 15 countries in North, Central and South America.

It has strategic partners in the various markets and business divisions in which it participates, among which are the Romero Group from Peru, Seattle-based SSA Marine with a significant presence in the global port industry, American Airlines and Royal Boskalis.
The issue, which the ITF describes as a denial of human rights, was flagged up by ITF inspector Jeff Engels after boarding the vessel Hanjin Marine in Seattle. While the crew of vessel had been paid and had enough food for two months they had been denied shore leave.

I phoned them (CBP) several times, Engels explained, and had others phone them but they still insisted that the crew was a possible threat to try and jump ship due to the Hanjin situation. I countered with the fact that shore leave was a human right and that the seafarers should not be made to suffer due to the Hanjin situation, which had nothing to do with their simple desire to walk around, smell a tree and visit the local seafarers center. They still did not budge.

In protest the crew flew a banner on the vessels gangway saying We deserve shore leave and dock workers showed there support cheering and sounding horns.

It should be inconceivable that they are being denied that right. We hope that wiser heads at the CBP will now prevail and they will be allowed ashore, said ITF president and chair of the ITF dockers section, Paddy Crumlin.

We understand that the last three Hanjin vessels that called in Southern California all had similar issues with shore leave. This is morally and legally unacceptable. These are professional seafarers, working in a professional manner, carrying out all their tasks responsibly, and hoping that the situation with Hanjin will be rectified without the loss of jobs. Denying them an escape from their work environment is an abuse of humanity, he added.
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Xu Lirong, chairman of Cosco Shipping, ruled out the purchase of Hanjin Shippings container vessels, even when the opportunity has arisen as creditors have moved to impound the ships.

Xu told reporters at Cosco Shippings rebranding ceremony held on Wednesday that the group may, however, look at the possibility of taking over Hanjin Shippings port assets.

Hanjin Shipping operates 12 dedicated terminals and two logistics center globally, with annual handling capacity of 10m teu. Xu did not specify which of Hanjin Shippings port assets would be a acquisition target for Cosco Shipping.

Zhang Yongfeng, director at the shipping research and development department of Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI), observed that Cosco Shipping is itself struggling to utilise fleet capacity amid the severe tonnage supply glut.

The acquisition of distressed ships at possibly attractive prices is indeed a rare opportunity for Cosco Shipping, but the group has to carefully weigh the consequences of taking on more tonnage, he told Seatrade Maritime News.

Zhang believed that it might be more beneficial for Cosco Shipping to consider snapping up those better quality vessel assets from domestic shipping lines that are struggling to survive.
Formed from the merger of China Cosco Group and China Shipping Group, the new entity is now abbreviated as Cosco Shipping, ditching its previous abbreviation of Coscocs.

Xu also announced Cosco Shippings new group logo with the tagline We are Ready. The new logo shows two circles of blue and red interlocking, symbolising the logistics supply chain and the groups global presence across industries and geographical boundaries. The logo also symbolises a focus on a so-called 6+1 industrial clusters, which are shipping, logistics, finance, equipment manufacturing, shipping services, socialised industry, plus business related to the Internet Plus initiative based on business innovation.

The two interlocking circles embody the history of the group which was once Cosco and China Shipping.

Cosco Shipping was officially launched in February this year, after the central government approved the merger in December 2015.

Xu stressed that as one of the largest shipping conglomerate in the world, Cosco Shipping should not only expand in scale, but more importantly it needs to enhance its international competitiveness, capabilities of allocating global resources for sustainable development, and focus on improving customer service.

He added that the group will intensify efforts in energy saving and emission reductions, simulate a shift in corporate values with green development concepts, and place a strong emphasis on environmental protection as a development requirement.

As part of the rebranding ceremony, Cosco Shippings charity foundation donated RMB1m ($150,000) to CCICED (China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development) for research efforts in protecting the maritime environment and promoting green shipping and sustainable development.

The consolidation of Cosco and China Shipping is considered a key achievement of Chinas state-owned enterprises reform, a major initiative for implementing Chinas One Belt One Road strategic and cooperative economic development.
The deal will see CSPL, a subsidiary of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, eventually operate 1,200 m of quay wall (18m depth alongside) an adjacent yard at the historic city centre port.



Coscos Khalifa Port Container Terminal 2 (KPCT 2) will span approximately 70 hectares with 3 berths and will add 2.4m teu a year to Khalifa Ports existing capacity of 2.5m teu once the first two phases of the development are completed.



The first 800 m of quay and the corresponding yard is earmarked to be operational in the first half of 2018 with the additional 400 m to come on stream in 2020.

A further 600 m of quay length is written into the agreement and will allow for anticipated volume growth, bringing nominal annual handling capacity at KPCT 2 to 3.5m teu and creating a new overall annual capacity at Khalifa Port of up to 6m teu.



Cosco Shipping Ports Ltd is to establish a joint venture company to operate the new KPCT 2. Khalifa Port is already well established as the closest UAE rival to Dubais Jebel Ali Port as a key transhipment hub to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.



Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP) ceo, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, and Zhang Wei, vc and md of Cosco Shipping Ports, signed the landmark agreement Wednesday in another boost to Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, the UAE capitals bold framework to diversify its economy.



The signing of the concession agreement between Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Cosco Shipping Ports Limited will significantly expand trade between China, the UAE and the broader region, said H.E Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports.

With the development of Chinas One Belt One Road strategy there is boundless potential for expanding the UAE-China relationship further. We look forward to closer collaboration with China and to creating even greater economic progress for both our nations in the years ahead.

China Cosco Shipping Corporation president Wan Min said Khalifa Port provided a unique geographical advantage for the development of terminal and logistics businesses along the OBOR or New Silk Road. Besides Khalifa Port, Cosco Shipping Ports operates a global network of 46 terminals and 169 berths across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Belgium and the US.



This investment is expected to strengthen Cosco Shipping Ports sustainable growth and create value for our shareholders, he said.



With the strong support from the large container shipping fleet of Cosco, Cosco Shipping Ports will dedicate its efforts to develop KPCT 2 as a hub of the upper [Arabian] Gulf region in the Middle East for international container shipping liners. We are confident that the project will stimulate the implementation of One Belt One Road initiative, and will promote strategic cooperation between China and the UAE.

The KPCT 2 deal is part of the broader developments at the Khalifa Port which includes a new terminal booking, tracking and transaction system for sea and land based users, advanced ro ro facilities, new liner calls, the development of a regional liner hub and transhipment business to South Asia, as well as the addition of approximately 14.5m sq m now leased in the adjacent Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD).
The days of Girl Scouts learning gender-specific skills have come to an end.

On Sunday, girls from 20 counties around the state will kick-off their Girl Scout season with a bang in Nickerson at Camp Crossed Arrows as they dive into the world of STEAM  science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

In years past, the majority of these fields were thought to be specifically for men, and they are still dominated by men, however, the tides are turning as more girls and women immerse themselves in STEAM studies.

According to a Girl Scout Research Institutes study, Generation STEM, there is a distinct correlation between exposure to, and girls interest in STEM learning. While 81 percent of girls say they are interested in pursuing STEM careers, only 13 percent says its their first choice, and half feel that STEM isnt a typical career path for girls, released information shows.

The event at Camp Crossed Arrows features girls of all ages learning about STEAM disciplines through hands-on activities, such as engineering carriers that prevent eggs from breaking when dropped, and painting recreations of famous pieces of art, said Shannon Peterson, communication specialist for Girl Scout Spirit of Nebraska.

Girl Scout Spirit of Nebraska is the largest girl-serving organization in the state, comprised of more than 21,000 Girl Scouts and Girl Scout leaders/volunteers, released information says.

Peterson said acclimating young girls to STEAM principles at a young age is important.

Many are interested in STEAM, but they think that they are boy careers, she said. If we help them know at a young age that these are careers for both boys and girls, it gives them the big boost of confidence they need moving forward.

Peterson, who grew up in Minnesota, joined Girl Scouts when she was in first grade, and continued with it through her sophomore year of high school.

It helped mold her into the person she is today.

The goal of Girl Scouts is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place, she said. So we want to help the girls become better, and in-turn, they are making the world a better place. Plus its just so much fun. They make new people and they learn new things.

They learn that they can do just about everything the boys can do.

They learn that yes, they can sell those cookies, but they can also build a robot, Peterson added.
Standing around a small fire Tuesday afternoon at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, four Fremont Public Schools students prepared to go fishing.

But instead of grabbing their tackle and heading straight to the water, students extended one hand as State Lakes Naturalist Bobbi Holm placed a small earthworm on their palms.

Why? Simple.

When people have extreme difficulty seeing something they must use their other senses to gain an understanding of objects and their surroundings.

Accompanied by Mary Robinson and Mary Pat Pistillo, instructors of the visually impaired for the FPS District, students spent more than an hour at the State Lakes fishing, chatting and making smores during the first Group Home Teaching event of the year.

Starting in September and concluding in April, a group of students participate in monthly activities designed for personal enjoyment, but perhaps most importantly, purposeful learning.

The kids really love it, Robinson said. We go on field trips and students learn about so many things. We do anything recreational, we work on cooking, cleaning and this year they are going to learn how to put air in a tire. We learn about things the kids might not be aware of at this point, I mean, something like putting a battery in.

After getting their hooks baited with worms, students cast into the water. Sierra Smith, a ninth-grader, was the only student who caught a fish  one small bluegill. But that wasnt of importance. The day was about getting students out of their regular environment  and maybe their comfort zone  for an afternoon of bonding with Mother Nature.

Of the four students present, only one had been to the State Lakes. A student who hadnt was eighth-grader Yalier Matos.

Yalier, who is legally blind  vision 20/200  has been overcoming obstacles nearly his entire life. Some he doesnt even remember.

At just one year old, Yalier was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer that develops in the back of the eye.

After battling the disease, Yalier had his right eye removed when he was in kindergarten, and had other tumors removed from his left eye. The buildup of scar tissue following the procedure left him with extremely poor eyesight.

When Yalier was 5 years old, he once again was diagnosed with cancer, this time in his facial bones. After two rounds of chemotherapy, Yalier eventually went into remission.

But overcoming obstacles made Yalier one tough young man.

Hes adventurous, Robinson said. Nothing stops him.

Robinson and Pistillo currently work with 24 people with visual impairments around Fremont. Many are students, some are not. What they all have in common is that their eyesight is at least 20/70, or they have a restriction learning print, Pistillo said.

Teaching people with visual impairment isnt always the easiest task. It requires dedication, patience and a love of helping others. It also requires teaching differently that one would in a typical classroom setting.

Many students in a typical classroom are visual learners, and Robinson and Pistillos students obviously dont have that luxury.

Pistillo said about half of the people they work with  ages birth through 21  are legally blind. This means they learn to read using braille  a form of written language where characters are represented by patterns of raised dots felt by the fingertips.

While a child with normal eyesight can track letters and words with their eyes while being read to by a parent, many students Robinson and Pistillo work with cannot.

Kids learn braille right away, Robinson said. Parents move infants fingers along the words because they (infants) cant see the words themselves. We have to teach them that these dots have meaning, and eventually, they begin to associate that meaning.

Subjects like math also have to be taught hands-on  literally.

Being able to touch something is their lifeline, Pistillo said. Because with math, for instance, other kids might see a picture of four ducks and two ducks, but we have to make sure they can touch those four ducks and two ducks  its very tactile.

Of course, strong bonds are forged between instructors and students, but that bond extends to students families as well.

Robinson, for instance, specializes in teaching mobility.

You have to build that trust, she said. Trust and collaboration with families is key. They are entrusting you with their children. We cross streets  very busy ones at times. We also go on playground equipment, we do all sorts of things where somebody could get hurt, so that trust has to be there.

Prior to teaching the visually impaired, Robinson worked for Educational Service Unit 2. Wanting to obtain her masters degree, Robinson started doing some research. One day, she read a brochure discussing visual impairment and she was enthralled.

Attending the University of Nebraska, Robinson spent the next 2  years learning.

It was a God thing, she said. I fell right into this job and Ive never looked back.

So Robinson will continue teaching students, enriching their lives and helping them fulfill their goals. Sure, the people she works with werent dealt the easiest hand of cards, but through hard work and with the help of quality instructors, they are able to see the big picture.

That they will makes something of themselves.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2016-202

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the agenda for the October 5 meeting of its Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies . The committee will discuss Regulation SK disclosure requirements, research regarding corporate board diversity, and outreach to smaller companies about capital raising. It also will receive updates from the Division of Trading and Markets on equity market structure initiatives, a tick-size pilot, and the treatment of so-called finders that assist companies in capital raising activities.

The October 5 meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room at the SECs headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., and is open to the public. It will be webcast live on the SECs website and archived on the website for later viewing.

The committee provides a formal mechanism for the SEC to receive advice and recommendations on privately held small businesses and publicly traded companies with a market capitalization less than $250 million.

Members of the public who wish to provide their views on the matters to be considered by the committee may submit comments electronically or on paper. Please submit comments using one method only. Information that is submitted will become part of the public record of the meeting.

Electronic submissions:

Use the SECs Internet submission form or send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov.

Paper submissions:

Send paper submissions to Brent Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number 265-27, and the file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used.

AGENDA
Wightman & Associates, Inc. adds five new team members
Maliesha Pullano felt like she was at the end of her rope.It was almost three years ago, and the 41-year-old single mother of two was having a hard time finding work, nearly broke, and no idea where the next challenge was going to come from.We were down and out, she says. We were almost homeless.But just as her star was fading out, a spark emerged.Pullano met a woman from Uganda at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market . The woman asked Pullano what was wrong, and offered her a job, making samosas. Pullano jumped at the chance and went door-to-door selling the fried pastries with her young daughter, Lulu, on her back.She needed a change, and inspired by the kindness of that Ugandan woman, as well as her passion for food, Pullano went about devising a plan to start her own business. She thought about spaghetti sauce, then tea, but saw the burgeoning niche market of cold brew coffee as a winner. Now shes calling the shots at her own business, Mamaleelu Cold Brew Coffee , a name derived from her role as a mother, the name of her son, Lee, and her daughter.Sometimes I wake up in a sweat, thinking about the business. Its not easy doing this, she says. But I have a passion for it. Im my own boss and it lets me be flexible with my kids. Family is everything to me.On a recent afternoon, in a quiet corner of a sun-drenched kitchen on the second floor of a downtown Kalamazoo building off Water Street, Pullanos hard work is slowly being released. Drops of rich, dark, fair trade coffee make their way through filters and out of spigots on two large urns, filling up 5-gallon plastic buckets. The coffee has been soaking overnight. With a long tube, Pullano fills just-labeled glass bottles with the cold brew, being careful not to spill any, which, she will tell you, happens from time to time. Today, one bottle overflows and a pool of cold brew gathers on the work table.As you can see, Im a one-woman operation, she says, laughing. But I think there is a big growth opportunity for me, and I didnt get here by myself.In 2014, Pullano approached the Can-Do Kitchen  a local nonprofit that serves as an incubator for area small business food startups  seeking advice and start-up capital from the organization, now in its eighth year of operation. All she had was an idea, but Can-Do Kitchen Executive Director Lucy Dilley saw potential right away.She was smart and had done her research, Dilley says. Maliesha knew that cold brew coffee was up and coming and saw a need for her product. She has a knack for figuring it out, which for a small startup can be really challenging.With seed money from a small scholarship and assistance from Can-Do Kitchen staff, Pullano first utilized the organizations commercial kitchen facilities to make her cold brew before finding her way to her current location, which she shares with local kale chip business Kaleamazoo Chips. It seems her intuition about cold brews potential was spot-on.The nations coffee connoisseurs seem to be warming to cold brew. According to global marketing research firm Mintel, cold brew coffee saw retail sales rise of 115 percent from 2014 to 2015, reaching an estimated $7.9 million in sales. And although cold brew represented only 0.4 percent of sales in the ready-to-drink coffee market in 2015, the rise in its popularity is undeniable, with sales soaring 339 percent from 2010 to 2015, the firms research showed.Pullano says the reason for this recent surge in cold brew consumption is due to the unique characteristics of the brew  its less acidic than traditional coffee and the cold brewing process yields a smoother, sweeter taste.Her product comes in a concentrate, with six to eight servings in one 16.9 oz bottle. Her cold brew retails for $10.49 a bottle, making the price per serving less than most cups of coffee sold in cafes. Its versatile, too. Add hot water to a serving for a hot cup of coffee or pour the concentrate over ice and add milk for a kind of cold cappuccino.You dont want to drink the whole thing in one sitting, she says. Youd be up for days.You can find Pullano selling her coffee at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market and at several local retailers, like the Peoples Food Co-Op, Irvings Market and other health and grocery food stores. Whole Foods in East Lansing also carries her product and she is now looking to sell out of state, engaging in talks with a food co-op in South Bend, Ind. On average, shes selling eight, 12-bottle cases of cold brew per week, she says.In many ways, she is a model Can-Do Kitchen graduate, Dilley says. Shes been so good to work with. She engages with us, asks for help when she needs it. If people dont engage, we cant help them, she says.Now, its Pullano who wants to help others. She wants to see her business grow to the point she can hire more staff, especially single mothers, those in poverty and people who need encouragement. When shes ready to hire help, she wants to offer a living wage to her employees. Its a way, she says, of manifesting economic justice in the community. Shes already considering hiring a part-time employee.When I started, I didnt think I had any talent or any shot, she says. This has been a life-changer for me. I want to inspire others now.When I am most inspired is when I think about how I started, and what I overcame. I want to create a company that helps those who work for it answer the questions I had before I first started, a company that invests in its workers, that is like a family.Pullano takes a break from bottling, fills a cup with a small amount of cold brew and takes a small sip.Yep, she says. This is exactly where I need to be.Chris Killian has been a writer and journalist in the Kalamazoo area for over 10 years. His work has been published in multiple local publications, including the Kalamazoo Gazette and WMUK. You can find more about Killian, his work, and projects hes working on by visiting chriskillian.net.
Practitioners and Partners: Artspace evolves Breaking Ground Into 'Idea Lab' that celebrates artists
- Relationships between cats and their owners mirror human bonds, especially when the owner is a woman.

- Cats hold some control over when they are fed and handled, functioning very similar to human children in some households.

- While the age, sex and personality of owners affect these relationships, the sex of the cat doesn't seem to matter.

The bond between cats and their owners turns out to be far more intense than imagined, especially for cat aficionado women and their affection reciprocating felines, suggests a new study.

Cats attach to humans, and particularly women, as social partners, and it's not just for the sake of obtaining food, according to the new research, which has been accepted for publication in the journal Behavioural Processes.

The study is the first to show in detail that the dynamics underlying cat-human relationships are nearly identical to human-only bonds, with cats sometimes even becoming a furry "child" in nurturing homes.

"Food is often used as a token of affection, and the ways that cats and humans relate to food are similar in nature to the interactions seen between the human caregiver and the pre-verbal infant," co-author Jon Day, a Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition researcher, told Discovery News. "Both cat and human infant are, at least in part, in control of when and what they are fed!"

For the study, led by Kurt Kotrschal of the Konrad Lorenz Research Station and the University of Vienna, the researchers videotaped and later analyzed interactions between 41 cats and their owners over lengthy four-part periods. Each and every behavior of both the cat and owner was noted. Owner and cat personalities were also assessed in a separate test. For the cat assessment, the authors placed a stuffed owl toy with large glass eyes on a floor so the feline would encounter it by surprise.

The researchers determined that cats and their owners strongly influenced each other, such that they were each often controlling the other's behaviors. Extroverted women with young, active cats enjoyed the greatest synchronicity, with cats in these relationships only having to use subtle cues, such as a single upright tail move, to signal desire for friendly contact.

While cats have plenty of male admirers, and vice versa, this study and others reveal that women tend to interact with their cats -- be they male or female felines -- more than men do.

"In response, the cats approach female owners more frequently, and initiate contact more frequently (such as jumping on laps) than they do with male owners," co-author Manuela Wedl of the University of Vienna told Discovery News, adding that "female owners have more intense relationships with their cats than do male owners."

Cats also seem to remember kindness and return the favors later. If owners comply with their feline's wishes to interact, then the cat will often comply with the owner's wishes at other times. The cat may also "have an edge in this negotiation," since owners are usually already motivated to establish social contact.

Although there are isolated instances of non-human animals, such as gorillas, bonding with other species, it seems to be mostly unique for humans to engage in social relationships with other animals. In this case with cats, it's for very good reason. Cats could very well be man's -- and woman's -- best friend.

"A relationship between a cat and a human can involve mutual attraction, personality compatibility, ease of interaction, play, affection and social support," co-author Dorothy Gracey of the University of Vienna explained. "A human and a cat can mutually develop complex ritualized interactions that show substantial mutual understanding of each other's inclinations and preferences."

Dennis Turner, a University of Zurich-Irchel animal behaviorist, told Discovery News the he's "very impressed with this study on human-cat interactions, in that it has taken our earlier findings a step higher, using more modern analytical techniques to get at the interplay between cat and human personalities."

Turner, who is also senior editor of The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour (Cambridge University Press), added that he and his colleagues "now have a new dimension to help us understand how these relationships function."

Kotrschal's team is presently involved in a long-term study of man's other well-known animal best friend: dogs.
Seeing a great white shark up close is truly amazing, but seeing one in slow motion is even better. Watch as this determined 3,000 pound great white leaps out of the water, traveling 60 feet in just two seconds, to catch its prey.

Scientists believe that sharks learn to breach by observing other sharks, in order to catch fast moving prey. However, breaching is actually pretty rare since it uses up so much energy.

Want to see more sharks? Check out these videos:

How Sharks Repopulated This Nuclear Testing Site

Why Sharks Aren't Going To Eat You... Most Likely

Shark Files: Seal Escapes Jaws of Great White
"If in January (2017), there is a major outbreak that returns in Brazil or Puerto Rico or some eastern Asian countries or anyplace where there is an active outbreak, you may know in year or year and a half whether (a vaccine) works."

The success of the trials depends on whether researchers can find a big enough population at risk that they can test, he explained.

"We didn't get all the money we wanted, but we got enough to do the clinical trials," Fauci told Discovery News.

Congress's last-minute $1.1 billion spending measure will get these trials on track, said Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

For the past few months, the National Institutes of Health had been borrowing money from cancer, heart disease and other research programs to pay for research on the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes and sexual contact, and causes birth defects in babies born to Zika-infected mothers.

Photo: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are seen at the Laboratory of Entomology and Ecology of the Dengue Branch of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. REUTERS/Alvin Baez/File Photo Federal health officials studying how to stop Zika are breathing a bit easier today after Congress finally passed long-overdue funding for vaccine clinical trials next year. At the same time, medical researchers in California announced today they have found how the Zika virus disrupts the skull and face of developing babies.

Scientists say the only way to stop Zika from spreading is with a effective vaccine. There are few treatments for microcephaly, a birth defect that causes babies to be born with small heads and neurological problems for the remainder of the child's life.

Puerto Rico and several other nations have seen huge spikes in the number of cases of microcephaly in the past two years as Zika has spread.

A research team at Stanford University announced today that it has discovered how the Zika virus disrupts the normal development of neural cranial crest cells, which are responsible for the growth of the skull and face.

"Zika can affect development of the skull, but also disrupts the communication between the crest and the developing brain," said Catherine Blish, associate professor of medicine at Stanford University.

RELATED: Zika Mosquitoes: How to Keep the Bloodsuckers at Bay

The finding, reported today in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, offers a possible understanding of why children born with the virus can have smaller-than-average skulls and disproportionate facial features. Curing the birth defect is still a remote possibility.

"You can't undo the development that has been done, but you can treat certain symptoms if you understand the reason for the symptoms," said Rachel Greenberg, a graduate student at Stanford and a co-author on the new paper. "If you understand that multiple tissues are affected, you don't just treat as only the brain is being infected."

There are several promising vaccine candidates in the works, but each one has different potential risks for pregnant mothers, according to Fauci, who is publishing a paper in today's New England Journal of Medicine outlining a strategy for the vaccine trials.

Fauci and colleagues say that vaccinating women of childbearing age and their sexual partners is the best approach. If it works, vaccinating children could be an option in the future. Randomized controlled clinical trials are the preferred approach to Zika vaccine testing because of regional variations in Zika incidence. They are also considering so-called "challenge models" where healthy volunteers are purposely bitten by a Zika-infected mosquito (half with a vaccine and half without) and carefully monitored for their response.

"The design of the trial needs to take into account there are a lot of things we do not know about Zika," Fauci said. "We want to make sure that it's safe for a large number of normal people."
When Mary Liz Curtin and her husband Stephen opened retail mecca Leon and Lulu a decade ago, they felt a little lonely in downtown Clawson.

"There was Pizza Hut, a hairdresser, a used car lot, a Chinese restaurant, a Burger King, and a porno shop," Curtin recalls with a chuckle.

But things were about to change.

That same year,

"It's no longer a sleepy little town, and the people who are opening businesses here are enthusiastic and energetic, Susie Stec, Clawsons Economic Development Coordinator, says over lunch at Clawson Grill. Stec says there are maybe half a dozen properties available in the downtown area. She points out that the Clawson Grills facade was recently completely redone, and right next door is the brand new business, Clawson Jewelers.

The city's downtown is comprised of just a few blocks, but it's full of unique destinations including

The oldest building in downtown Clawson dates back to around 1915, and few were built in the 1920s, including those called home by Black Lotus Brewery and Da Nang Vietnamese Restaurant. Most others were constructed in the 1940s and 50s.

Leon and Lulu was once a roller skating rink. A careful look around the building reveals remnants of the buildings past

including the floor and concession stand

help to give the space a unique ambiance. Curtin says she cant imagine being in another building.

And Leon and Lulu is expanding into t

he building next door,

Rehabbing spaces in downtown Clawson has required ingenuity. Black Lotus Brewery, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, is in a building that was originally a drugstore and later became a carpet and plumbing fixtures store. The owners of

Downtown Development Authority Director Joan Horton is a Clawson native and remembers visiting the citys downtown, including the drugstore and the A&W, when she was young.

"It was a place where you came to shop and see people," Horton says, "but then like a lot of towns, the malls came and changed everything."

Policies by the Michigan Department of Transportation in the 1970s aided in the decline of Clawson, as they did in so many other traditional downtowns across the state. Road projects cut through walkable towns, making them less pedestrian-friendly. They also made it easier for people to get to the malls and forget about businesses in their own neighborhoods.

The decline and stagnation in downtown Clawson persisted through much of the 1980s and 1990s. However, in the last decade or so, the pendulum of consumer preference has swung back toward mom and pop-owned businesses, and many entrepreneurs are taking note.

"Six or seven years ago, we started seeing people," Horton says. "Before that, there was no one walking around. But now everyone is sitting on a patio. If you're walking the dog, pushing the kids, you go downtown, and that's how it used to be.

Horton credits the nonprofit

Plans for the future

Last year, the Clawson Planning Commission adopted a new Downtown Master Plan, which takes into account the city's history and aims to add greenery pedestrian areas. The previous Master Plan required that new construction had to be built up to the sidewalk with no respect to what the rest of the block looked like, and allowed for homes around the citys downtown to be torn down to make room for new commercial development.

"Residents didn't want that and they made that very clear, so the new plan says those homes around downtown can be used as an office or a salon, but it still has to be a home," Horton says.

The city of Clawson adopted a Complete Streets resolution in 2010, embracing the idea that every road should respect all users and all abilities.

"When you look at planning roads, you should consider the old, the young, pedestrians, drivers, the handicapped and cyclists, says Horton. Even though it isnt possible to do everything on every road, Horton says it's important that cities try to get as close to that ideal as possible.

Since completing the installation of several pedestrian islands on 14 Mile in Clawsons downtown in last year, Horton says many drivers are slowing down and creating a safer environment for pedestrians.

Fiscal recovery

Implementing the city's plans will require healthy city finances, and that's an area Clawson is working on.

In the tough years around the collapse of the housing market, Clawson's city manager and finance director Mark Pollock says that cities like Clawson and Berkley were hit especially hard because the majority of their tax base is residential. Cities with a significant commercial base, like Troy, were better able to weather the storm when residential markets tanked.

Pollock says the city is in pretty good shape financially these days, and is working to address some lingering debt. Progress is due in large part to the reduction in pay agreed to by Clawson employees back in 2008. Pollock says the move was a way to avoid laying people off during the lean years when the housing bubble popped and the citys tax revenue wasnt meeting its annual expenditure.

When Pollock, a Warren native who now calls Clawson home, started working for the city in 2000, there were 62 full-time employees. That number has shrunk down to 47 with some permanent part-timers filling in the gaps for previous full-time employees. For the last five years, Clawson City Hall and the Department of Public Works has closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in exchange for a ten percent reduction in employee pay.

"We are surviving, but we are all wearing a lot of hats," he says. Still, the city's commercial tax base has recovered at a rate better than expected, and the average home price is back up to somewhere between $110,000 and $120,000.

Both Pollock and Clawson Mayor Penny Luebs say that as long as things continue as they are now, the future of Clawson looks bright.

"People who live in Clawson tend to stay in Clawson," Luebs says, "they may move away, but often times they come back, or children move back to Clawson and purchase their parents home. Its a generational city."

This article is part of Metromode's City Dive series in which we go deep to find out what's next in the cities and towns in Metro Detroit. Read more in the series

which used to be a theater. The space is becoming The Show at Leon and Lulu , complete with a historically accurate marquee. Curtin says the building will serve as additional retail space and a new bakery-cafe. Woodpile BBQ, which just opened in 2015, had to get imaginative when transforming their building on the site of a former A&W built in 1957. National Main Street Center and Main Street Oakland County for aiding in the turnaround of many once-struggling downtown areas, including Clawson. The programs focus on design, organization, economic vitality and promotion to breathe life into failing downtowns and spur entrepreneurship.Now the challenge is a parking shortage in the citys downtown. In the past when there werent as many restaurants and businesses, it wasnt a problem, but now thats changed. Parking in Clawson is freea major draw for those who are all too used to emptying their change purse for an afternoon in nearby Ferndale or Royal Oak.
Still settling into its new McKinley Towne Centre digs, Ann Arbor supply chain management firm

Sharing Google's former downtown office space with an up-and-comer helps the veteran firm maintain entrepreneurial roots that are part of its corporate values, according to LLamasoft CEO Don Hicks.

"We welcome the opportunity to work closely with organizations that are offering emerging and disruptive technologies, so that we can innovate and further the field together," Hicks says.

Since launching in 1998, LLamasoft has opened offices on six continents and employs about 400 people worldwide, more than 150 of them in Ann Arbor.

Over the past three years, the company has grown by more than 130 percent. It made the move to 201 S. Division St., in June, where open and collaborative workspaces left behind by Google were a natural fit for LLamosoft's workplace philosophy.

"The new office allows us ample space to continue to grow our team, especially as LLamasoft expands our technologies and solutions throughout the remainder of 2016 and into 2017," Hicks says.

LLamasoft's software and solutions help large, complex organizations realize savings in cost, service, sustainability, and risk within their supply chain network.

Founded in 2011, Local Orbit's nine-person team offers software and solutions that help food service buyers and suppliers support their supply chains with a focus on locally-sourced and sustainable foods.

"The food and beverage industry is a key area of focus for LLamasoft, and one that, much like retail, is facing a number of changes with the evolution of customer needs," Hicks says. "By working together we expect to discover new ways to approach common challenges and foster innovation."

Upcoming collaborations between the companies include a
Six months after its first

Earlier this month,

Launched in 2009, RetroSense is developing a novel gene therapy to restore vision in patients with retinal degenerative diseases. Using technology licensed from Wayne State University, the company plans to use genes extracted from blue-green algae to regenerate photoreceptors in the human retina.

In 2014, RetroSense received orphan status for Wayne State's technology, which protects RetroSense's rights to research as it works toward commercialization. Clinical trials were launched last spring and should wrap up next year.

RetroSense CEO and founder Sean Ainsworth says the Allergan buyout allows his four-person development team to focus on preparing their technology for the market while remaining in Ann Arbor.

"My role will be much more focused on clinical development than the myriad things a startup CEO is tasked with," he says. "Allergan brings the resources to bear, which will ensure opportunity to develop our programs optimally, and I am excited to continue leading those efforts under the Allergan umbrella."

Ainsworth and his team shopped the business to "all of the major players in ophthalmology" before coming to terms with Dublin-based Allergan.

"Allergan is the world leader in the space and was a great fit for us," he says.

Ainsworth credits RetroSense's success to its team of officers, advisers, and board members, as well as support from nonprofit business incubator

"We had some of the foremost experts within RetroSense, which enabled us to secure the capital needed to develop our programs," he says.

That capital included $250,000 from the
Statement of condolence of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano

on the passing of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago

I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of our former colleague, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

I join the millions of Filipinos in the country and around the world in mourning the passing of an exemplary public servant and a fierce defender of good governance.

Senator Miriam was among the best and brightest advocates for change who, despite her own personal battles, continued to fight for the rights and welfare of our people. She will be remembered for her strong stand against corruption and for her outstanding performance as former chairperson of the Senate foreign relations committee.

I will never forget what she once said, about how she was "a staunch believer in God, and the triumph of good over evil," as she encouraged our people "to remain adamant that good will triumph over evil, and that good governance will triumph over corruption."

While we will miss her presence, let us celebrate Senator Miriam's life as a towering figure among titans of the Senate halls, including late senators Joker Arroyo, Ernesto Maceda, and Jovito Salonga.

May her legacy inspire future generations of leaders to work hard and work together in the fulfillment of our vision to create a better nation.

Paalam at Maraming Salamat, Senator Miriam. May you rest in peace. I pray for your blissful return to our Almighty Father.
Press Release

September 29, 2016 STATEMENT OF SEN. LEILA M. DE LIMA ON THE DEATH OF FORMER SENATOR MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO I am saddened by the death of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and wish to extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends. Senator Miriam is a respected institution not only in the country but also in the international community. She is known across all spectrums of society for her courage, legal expertise, and her sterling career in public service. She won the hearts and inspired the Filipino people through her spirit and fiery rhetoric-and through her ability to relate to them on a fundamental, deeply personal level. She has personified the strength of women: to be a wife and mother, a success in her career, and a powerful social force for nation-building. In the midst of the political crisis that we have been experiencing as of late, her death is a sobering reminder that while our time on earth is fleeting, our service to our countrymen is eternal. Kailanman ay hindi natin malilimutan ang isang Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Mananatili kang idolo at inspirasyon sa napakaraming Pilipino. Sa ngalan ng sambayanan, maraming maraming salamat sa paglilingkod, Senadora Miriam. Mabuhay ang iyong gunita at mabubuting halimbawa.
STATEMENT OF SENATOR CHIZ ESCUDERO ON THE

DEATH OF SENATOR MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO

Our family, especially Heart and I, express our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of our very good friend, former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Today, we join the Filipino people in mourning the loss of one of the finest leaders of our country, a pillar of Philippine politics, the Iron Lady of Asia, a public servant, and a friend.

She may have left us, but with a great legacy that will challenge the nation to become better for the future of the coming generations, something that Senator Miriam has long been fighting for.
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO

"I send my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. With her passing, the Philippines has lost one of its most accomplished and venerable stateswomen.

"For more than three decades, Senator Santiago served our country with integrity, dedication, and ferocious brilliance sui generis in the storied tradition of Philippine public service.

"Owning the distinction of having served as a senior officer of all three branches of government, Miriam will nevertheless be best remembered as an institution within the Senate, where she imposed her intelligence and biting wit on the great debates that captivated the Nation during her illustrious 18-year career as Senator of the Republic.

"During these politically charged times, when once again Senate debates are in the headlines almost daily, one can only imagine how these debates would have been enriched if Senator Miriam were still with us, raining fire and brimstone upon her hapless opponents from the Senate rostrum.

"Senator Miriam is now gone, but her indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of leaders inspired by her legacy to hold themselves to a higher standard of public service."
STATEMENT OF SENATOR RICHARD J. GORDON ON THE

DEATH OF SENATOR MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO

"It is with great sorrow that I learned this morning of the demise of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

My wife Kate and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and will pray for her. Senator Santiago was a woman who spoke out with great vigor on the issues that were of importance to the country.

She was a model - through her intelligence, hard work and integrity - to emulate for young Filipinos aspiring for leadership positions. Her passing away is a great loss to the Philippines."
Press Release

September 29, 2016 STATEMENT OF SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS TO THE

PASSING OF SENATOR MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO I join the nation in mourning the passing of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. The Filipino people lost a champion of women rights and defender of the country's sovereignty. I send my prayers and thoughts to her loved ones during this time of grief. My party, Akbayan, had the chance of working with Senator Santiago on several important issues. In 1999, she and Rep. Etta Rosales filed the Anti-discrimination bill to protect the rights of each and every citizen regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Senator Miriam, a fellow Ilongga, is also one of our staunchest champions of the Reproductive Health Law. With her, reproductive health and women's rights advocates weathered enormous obstacles to the law's passage. With the broader movement for reproductive health, we share the victory of having given ordinary Filipino women the right over our own bodies and the power to determine the welfare of our families. We also had the privilege of working with her in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and national interests. We thank her for joining us in filing a joint resolution that sought to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). I am saddened that we didn't have the opportunity to work together in the senate. With her passing, I will continue to find inspiration from her tireless advocacies and her work in public office to pursue legislation for the welfare of ordinary citizens and the sovereignty of our nation. This would serve as a fitting tribute to her memory.
Press Release

September 29, 2016 COMPULSORY INSURANCE FOR PALAY AND OTHER CROPS ESSENTIAL FOR FOOD SECURITY: PANGILINAN MANILA - With the country in the middle of typhoon season that destroys palay (unhusked rice) and other major crops essential for food security, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan is seeking compulsory insurance for all farmers of Filipinos' staple food. "Mahirap na ang kalagayan ng ating mga magsasaka. Mas pinapahirap pa tuwing may mga bagyo. Ang kwento ng pagkabaon ng ating mga magsasaka sa utang ay singluma ng kuwento ni Jose Rizal sa El Filibusterismo (Our farmers are in a difficult situation which typhoons worsen. The story of our deeply indebted farmers is as old as the story of Jose Rizal in El Filibusterismo)," Pangilinan said. In Rizal's sequel to Noli Me Tangere, the story of Cabesang Tales and his family depicts the hard work of a toiling farmer, and how the powerful elite easily usurped their land. This unjust agrarian question has been a source of discontent and violence in the country. "Kailangan nating tulungan ang ating mga magsasaka na masiguro na ang kanilang mga pinaghirapan ay hindi mawawala ng ganun-ganun lang, lalo na sa panahon ng mga bagyo (We should help our farmers ensure that their sacrifices are not for naught, especially during typhoon season)," Pangilinan said. In Senate Bill 1171, or the Expanded Crop Insurance Bill, the head of the Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture said that for farmers who are not financially capable, the National Food Authority shall "secure the crop insurance for them, pay the insurance premium, and become at least 50% beneficiary of the insurance proceeds or claim." "Crop insurance shall be compulsory for those with loans for palay under supervised credit program and optional for self-financed farmers provided they agree to place themselves under the supervision of agricultural production technicians," reads the bill. The legislative measure seeks to ensure food security, alleviate the financial burden of farmers during calamities, and help banks in their lending capabilities. In the explanatory note attached to the bill, Pangilinan noted that while agriculture remains the backbone of the Philippine economy, poverty incidence among farmers is 40.7%. In 2014, agriculture accounted for 11.3% of the country's GDP and 30.5% (11.8 million people) of the total employment. About two-thirds of the population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. Citing the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., Pangilinan said only 3% (P333.93 million) of almost P10 billion worth of crops, mostly palay, were insured in 30 provinces.
Press Release

September 29, 2016 STATEMENT OF SEN. FRANCIS 'KIKO' PANGILINAN ON PASSING OF SEN. MIRIAM SANTIAGO "Nakikiramay kami sa mga iniwan ni Sen. Miriam. She was my constitution law professor in UP College of Law. The Senate was blessed to have had her, providing both excitement and education on law, vocabulary, and humor. She will be missed."
JOINT STATEMENT OF SENATORS PANGILINAN, DRILON, AND AQUINO

LOWER HOUSE PLAN TO SHOW VIDEO IS ILLEGAL: DE LIMA'S FELLOW LIBERAL PARTY SENATORS

We vehemently oppose the plan of the House of Representatives to show the alleged videos as disrespectful, deplorable, and illegal.

Regardless of the authenticity of the alleged videos, viewing it is disrespectful to a sitting senator, to her person, and to the office she holds, and is violative of the law.

The following laws may apply:

- Anti-Voyeurism Law (RA 9995) prohibits the recording or broadcast of videos of a sexual act, among others, with or without the consent of the persons featured in the material. Such recordings are also inadmissible even in legislative hearings.

- Anti Wiretapping Law (RA 4200) prohibits and penalizes the playing of recordings of any private communication without the consent of those involved. Such recordings are also inadmissible as evidence even in legislative hearings.

- Revised Penal Code on Crimes against Honor:

* Slander by Deed which is by performing an act intended to cast dishonor, disrespect, or contempt upon a person, OR

* Incriminatory machinations which may either be:

(i) Incriminating an innocent person in the commission of a crime by planting evidence;

(ii) Intriguing against honor by resorting to any scheme, plot, design, but not by direct spoken words, to destroy the reputation of another.

We appeal to the members of House of Representatives to be more circumspect of our larger roles as legislators: safekeepers of governance traditions and examples to our children.
Press Release

September 29, 2016 Transcript of Sen. Grace Poe's call for a moment of silence for Sen. Miriam

At the FOI Hearing I would like to ask that we take a moment of silence to pray for the soul of an esteemed and a respected, courageous colleague. A woman who had helped us in the past to also pass the Freedom of Information Bill. May we pray for Senator Santiago, she passed a few minutes ago. So maybe I should also use this time to speak a little about her. As a junior senator, as a young, well not the youngest but one of the youngest in the chamber at that time and a new Senator, I was already defending the Freedom of Information Bill. It was the first bill that I defended on the floor and I was quite scared to be interpellated then by Senator Santiago. I remember having sleepless nights preparing for that particular time when she would actually interpellate me. So at that time when I was finally given that opportunity, what she said was, before interpellating she said, Senator Poe I feel very maternal towards you. And so instead of actually interpellating me, she lectured me on the importance of having a Freedom of Information Bill and I will never forget her for that. She stressed that the Presidential communications privilege should not be abused by any sitting President and I think that's a valid point that we really took into consideration and so this bill is also dedicated to her and hopefully we pass it also in her memory.
Press Release

September 29, 2016 On the Passing of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago To borrow Kennedy, Senator Miriam's mastery of the Constitution was awesome that when constitutional experts will be summoned to the Senate in the future, it can only be regarded as the greatest gathering of legal minds in one room, second only to the times when Senator Miriam read alone in her office. She was such an intellectual giant that those who will come after her will be reduced as students forever parsing what she had said as beacons that will light their way and illuminate their minds. Senator Miriam not only set the benchmark in clarity of thought and convincing discourse, but also in courage which she showed whether in pursuit of her advocacies for the people or the latter's enemies. She was brains, beauty and balls. She rarely cursed, never had invectives in her debating arsenal, but she was able to demolish her opponents using language that was devastating yet most elegant. On her worst day when cancer had already invaded her brain, she was still sharper than any of us, displaying an acumen that was hard to defeat. Senator Miriam was one of a kind. And we are lucky that like a meteor that streaks across our skies once every century, we were able to witness her dazzling brilliance during our lifetime.
Villar welcomes Inauguration of Coastal Service Road in Las Pinas

Sen. Cynthia Villar led today the inauguration of the completed construction of the C5 Road South Extension project spanning the Las Pinas City and Paranaque City segment.

Villar, who hails from Las Pinas, expressed confidence the project would help ease traffic for commuters plying the Coastal Road-South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) route.

The road construction project, which started in 2006, has been delayed due to Right of Way problems faced by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with private residents and business establishments that were affected by the expansion.

The 15-kilometer project covers the construction of the C5 service road, including 10 bridges and a flyover. It spans the cities of Las Pinas, Pasay and Paranaque, and affected the streets in MIAA, Kenko, Radar Area, RSG, Areas 5, 6 and 7, Kaingin Road, SM Warehouse AMVEL, SM Sucat and properties in the Las Pinas area.

The C5 Road is a network of roads and bridges that serves as a beltway around the city of Manila. It serves as an alternate route for travelers headed to the southern side of the National Capital Region.

"This project has always been envisioned to be a part of government's solution to the terrible traffic woes of motorists and commuters. With the completion of the project in the Las Pinas - Paranaque area, travel from the Coastal Road to SLEX and vice versa passing through the cities will be faster," Villar said.

She added: "As a resident who uses this route on a regular basis, I am happy that the government has pushed through with this project despite the difficulties that it faced during the initial phase of the undertaking."
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In the days since Emma Zhou was hit by a 100-pound tree branch in a North Beach park, her husband, Tony Tan, has struggled not to come undone.

He has temporarily moved out of the couples two-bedroom home in San Pablo, preferring to sleep in a reclining armchair next to Zhous hospital bed. With each surgery and procedure Zhou has undergone, Tan has signed a flurry of consent forms without stopping to read the fine print. When the couples 5-year-old daughter started kindergarten last week, her grandmother had to accompany her into the classroom.

Life is never going to be normal for us again, Tan said.

Zhou suffered a fractured skull and broken spine when the branch from a city-maintained pine tree fell 50 feet and landed on her in Washington Square Park on Aug. 12. Doctors tell the family she faces up to 16 more months of hospital rehabilitation and will probably never walk again.

Tan said Mayor Ed Lee, who visited the couple privately, has promised him that the city will pay all his wifes medical expenses, but officials wont confirm that.

Gabrielle Lurie/Special to The Chronicle

The city is in the process of investigating the matter, said Matt Dorsey, a spokesman for City Attorney Dennis Herrera. In general terms, whenever the city is responsible for a harm, we do everything we can to work in good faith with claimants. Its always our hope to reach a fair resolution amicably and without the need for litigation.

How you can help In the days since Emma Zhou was hit by a 100-pound tree branch in a North Beach park, her husband, Tony Tan, has struggled not to come undone. While the city is still investigating the incident, the family is worried about mounting medical expenses. A GoFundMe page launched by a family member has raised more than half its $50,000 goal for Zhou and is still seeking donations. See More Collapse

Deirdre Hussey, a spokeswoman for the mayor, declined to say whether Lee promised the citys help or what that might entail.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page launched by a family member has raised more than half its $50,000 goal for Zhou.

Recreation and Park Director Phil Ginsburg, whose department is responsible for maintaining the trees in Washington Square Park, tweeted a link to the fundraising page last week. In a statement, he called what happened to Zhou a freak accident that touched us all on a very human level.

Lee visited the couple Tuesday night. In a photo taken by the family, Zhou, 36, wears a neck brace and peers up from her hospital bed, her dark hair feathered across the pillow. Tan holds her forearm. Lee is the only one smiling.

I spent time with them discussing the impact of this tragedy and how we can help this young family, Lee said in a statement. Emma seemed in good spirits. ... They also asked for some additional support that we are working on.

Lee said he was helping the couple transfer their two daughters, ages 5 and 9, into the San Francisco Unified School District so they can be closer to their parents and Tans mother, who lives in Visitacion Valley. The girls, who are enrolled in a public school in San Pablo, are being cared for by their grandmother.

The girls were playing in the sandbox at the park at Columbus Avenue and Filbert Street before a dental appointment when Zhou was hit by the limb from a Canary Island pine tree. Rec and Park officials say the tree was last pruned in 2013, through a gift from a neighborhood group. It had last been inspected by city workers in 2010, when Rec and Park found it in good condition  giving it four out of five stars on an assessment scale.

Arborists for the city have examined the tree twice since Zhou was hit and say it is healthy, according to the mayor.

Rec and Park has long suffered a shortage of money to maintain trees, according to a report by the Parks Alliance, a nonprofit that supports the citys parks. Each of the 177,000 trees on Rec and Park land is scheduled to be serviced only once every 105 years, and the agency often relies on neighborhood groups to pick up the slack  as was the case with the Washington Square Park tree.

Michael Macor/The Chronicle

About 2 percent of the departments $168.5 million budget is set aside this year for urban forestry, a category that includes tree maintenance. An additional $750,000 is allotted for forestry in the citys general fund for fiscal year 2016.

Tragedy and accidents happen, said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, whose district includes Washington Square Park. The real question is, is the city doing everything it can to reduce hazards, whether that means inspecting trees or building intersections that are safe.

Tan, 46, has taken a leave from his job as a computer repair technician at Central Computers on Howard Street. He said he has trouble believing a healthy tree would drop a 100-pound branch on a breezy but otherwise unremarkable afternoon.

Why would it drop like that if it was healthy? Tan said. If they are healthy, would a branch fall?

Matthew Quinlan, a personal injury lawyer who worked on a lawsuit involving a woman whose car was hit by a tree in Golden Gate Park, said the city probably has an obligation to help Zhou with medical bills.

The Rec and Park Department is going to say that they did everything properly, Quinlan said. But things like this dont happen absent a condition that was present over time. The tree did not fall in the middle of hurricane-force winds.

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.

Canary Island pines are typically stable compared with other trees in the city, said Larry Costello, a tree expert and former member of the Urban Forestry Council, which provides tree-management advice to the city. But even healthy trees can be structurally unsafe, he said.

In a database run by the International Society of Arboriculture, only 23 of 6,000 tree failures in California involved Canary Island pine trees. Of those, eight had branch failures. That is a very low number, Costello said.

The tree looked to me like it broke off where it attached at the trunk, not in the middle of the limb, Costello said. It is an unusual type of failure for that species.

The Recreation and Park Department has already been at the center of one high-profile legal case this year, a lawsuit filed by a 26-year-old woman who fell 10 feet from a planter at the Palace of Fine Arts and is now unable to walk. The city settled the case in May for $2.25 million.

Tan hasnt retained a lawyer or filed a claim with the city, a precursor to any lawsuit. He says hes waiting for officials to make good on covering the familys bills.

His wife is focusing on rehabilitation, Tan said. A recent X-ray showed her spinal column severed into two pieces, and she has no feeling from her waist down.

Everything has changed, Tan said. We dropped from heaven down to hell.

Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear a Bay Area case over whether a federal law requiring deportation for noncitizens convicted of felonies involving a substantial risk of violence is unconstitutionally vague.

On the opening day of their 2016-17 term, the justices granted review of the governments appeal of a ruling by the federal appeals court in San Francisco that declared the law didnt define its terms clearly.

The ruling, due by June, will affect thousands of immigrants. Many are legal U.S. residents, like James Dimaya of Hayward, who emigrated from the Philippines as a child in 1992 and faces possible deportation in the case.

Dimaya was convicted of first-degree residential burglaries, of a homes garage in 2007 and an uninhabited house in 2009, and was sentenced to two years in prison on each. The government then began deportation proceedings.

Dimaya, who challenged the order, spent nearly five more years behind bars before being released on bond in March 2015, his lawyers said. They said no one had been injured in either burglary.

At issue in the case is a 1996 law that requires deportation for noncitizens, including legal residents, who are convicted of aggravated felonies  those involving a substantial risk that force may be used against another person or someone elses property.

In a 2-1 ruling in Dimayas case in October, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the law failed to define substantial risk or give judges adequate guidance on which crimes qualified for automatic deportation.

The majority opinion by Judge Stephen Reinhardt cited a 2010 government study that found only 7 percent of burglaries nationwide resulted in violence. Although home burglaries may create a risk of violence, Reinhardt said, the law requires immigration judges to speculate about whether the typical burglary creates a substantial risk of violence.

He also cited a Supreme Court ruling in June 2015 that found another federal law unconstitutionally vague. That law required a 15-year sentence for a felon who possesses a gun and has three previous convictions for felonies posing a serious potential risk of violence.

In dissent, Judge Consuelo Callahan said anyone who plans a burglary inherently contemplates the risk of using force should his nefarious schemes be detected.

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 seeking Supreme Court review, the Justice Department said deportation proceedings are civil cases and are not subject to the same vagueness standard as criminal prosecutions, the subject of the June 2015 ruling.

Andrew Knapp, a Southwestern University law professor who represents Dimaya, said his client welcomed the high courts announcement even though it put his legal victory on hold.

Hes excited that maybe his case will serve some greater good and create a uniform nationwide standard, Knapp said. Even if the Supreme Court upholds the federal law, he said, the appeals court will still have to decide whether first-degree burglary in California, which does not require a forcible entry, poses a substantial risk of violence.

The case is Lynch vs. Dimaya, 15-1498.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Residents of the tiny San Mateo County town of Brisbane are being asked for their opinion on the proposed Baylands project, a huge mixed-use development that could more than triple the citys population over the next 30 years.

The plan, which has been in the works for more than a decade, calls for putting as many as 4,434 homes, condos and apartments and about 7.5 million square feet of office/industrial/retail space on 684 acres of bay fill and abandoned rail yards that sprawl from the Brisbane Lagoon north to the San Francisco city limits.

The citywide survey is the latest step on a long trek that likely will continue until at least November 2016, when city voters could have a chance to weigh in officially on the project.

The City Council ordered the survey to get a look at where voters stand on the major issues facing the project, said John Swiecki, the citys community development director.

Its no secret that many of the concerns surrounding the project center on what the surge of growth from the development would mean to a town thats long been comfortable as one of the Bay Areas smallest communities. The project would more than triple the 2,000 or so homes now in Brisbane.

The survey hits on that question directly, asking voters to decide whether I worry that too much is changing too fast in Brisbane and were losing our small-town character, or I feel were maintaining Brisbanes small-town character even as we change and grow as a community.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

That small-town feel

Its a concern recognized by Universal Paragon Corp., the California company that owns most of the Baylands site and put together the development plan.

We understand Brisbane is a small town and looks to retain that small-town feel, said Jonathan Scharfman, the companys development director. Thats something that has to be wrestled with.

The final environmental impact report, which is expected to go before the citys Planning Commission before the end of the year, looks not only at Universal Paragons proposals, but also at plans put together by a citizens group that call for a similar amount of commercial, retail and industrial development, but no housing at all.

Thats a flashing red light to housing advocates long worried about the willingness of cities to eagerly embrace commercial development, which brings in sales tax money and other revenue, but quickly reject residential developments, which require expensive public services.

Every community has an incentive to say yes to jobs and no to housing, said Gabriel Metcalf, president of SPUR, a nonprofit urban planning think tank. Were in a terrible housing crisis, and its no longer ethical for communities in the Bay Area to say no to housing.

New housing necessary

That goes double for the Baylands site, he said. Its not only a huge development along the jobs-rich, high-tech corridor that extends from San Francisco to Silicon Valley, but also a place where new housing can rise within walking distance of the developments up to 20,000 anticipated new jobs, as well as transit alternatives that include buses, streetcars and Caltrain.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

Building a huge commercial development without providing homes for the people who would work there is not fair and not workable, Metcalf said.

Then theres the question of money. Almost all of the Baylands project, bordered by Bayshore Boulevard on the west and Highway 101 on the east, is built on bay fill, dating back to when debris from the 1906 earthquake and fire was dumped in and around Brisbane. Part of the site is the old Brisbane dump, where San Francisco sent its trash until 1967, and most of the rest is the old Southern Pacific train yard, used into the 1980s.

Huge cost of cleanup

The battered shell of the railroad roundhouse, dating to 1907, is one of the few remaining buildings on the largely deserted site, covered in graffiti and surrounded by open fields of weeds.

The whole site is a brownfield, and any land use  parks, housing, commercial  triggers a requirement for lots of remediation and cleanup, said Swiecki, the citys development chief.

Capping the dump and cleaning up the contamination from decades of industrial uses is a pricey proposition. Universal Paragon estimates it will cost $1 billion to do the required cleanup and horizontal development  streets, sidewalks, sewers and other utilities  needed before any of the real construction can start, Scharfman said.

Its a job that can be done, he added, noting that the former train yard in Mission Bay, less than half the size of the Baylands, has been transformed into a fast-growing neighborhood of public buildings, research and development sites, businesses, condos and apartments.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

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.

Universal Paragon also has finished the cleanup of San Franciscos former Schlage Lock site, which snugs up against the Baylands at the citys southern border.

Its a $350 million project, and were starting construction this fall of the first 574 units and a community grocery store, Scharfman said. That project ultimately plans for 1,679 housing units.

While theres no money behind the no housing alternatives studied in the environmental report, it does provide a guideline for future commercial and industrial growth if city planners, the City Council and Brisbane voters decide thats the way they want to go, Swiecki said.

Wide-ranging survey

Results of the survey, which are expected to be presented to the council by the end of the month, will give both the city and developers a snapshot of where Brisbane residents stand. Questions in the poll touch on every aspect of development concerns, from potential traffic congestion and environmental woes to the use of any new revenue and worries that the 10,000 people projected to move into the new homes could have more influence in local elections than current, long-term residents.

The poll and upcoming plans for public hearings on the environmental report show the city is moving in the right direction, Scharfman said.

The studies have been exhaustive, he said. Now its really time for some pragmatic decisions.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth

Baylands workshop

A city workshop on the Baylands project and its environmental review process will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Brisbane City Hall, 50 Park Place, Brisbane. A full schedule of upcoming workshops and public hearings on the project is available at:

http://brisbaneca.org/baylands-planning-commission-schedule-hearings
Suddenly Brisbane, a tiny hillside town with few more than 4,000 residents, has become the center of a rip-roaring Bay Area controversy.

The Brisbane City Council is meeting Thursday night to vote on a proposal to develop the long-dormant 684-acre Baylands open space. Thats the simple part.

Conventional wisdom is that the council will approve the community alternative plan, which calls for over 8 million square feet of commercial-industrial construction and not a single unit of housing.

With the Bay Area in the midst of a housing crisis, the no-housing option has set off howls of protest. A caravan of San Francisco housing advocates will travel to the meeting to complain, and there are now threats of a lawsuit from the Bay Area Council.

The residents of Brisbane, however, appear unmoved. Theyve fought off attempts at development before and dont intend to let outsiders dictate housing policy.

As Mayor Cliff Lentz said earlier this week: Local land-use policy is just that. It is local. Its going to be up to Brisbane to decide if housing should go up.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

Meanwhile, this week, San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim suggested annexing the property and making it part of San Francisco. That was not well received in San Mateo County, where Brisbane is located.

Adrienne Tissier, who represents Brisbane on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, noted that Kim is running for state Senate in District 11, which includes part of San Mateo County, though not Brisbane.

I have to say it was pretty disingenuous, Tissier said. Shes running to represent San Mateo County and now shes going to dismantle it.

Tissier would like to explore another idea, in which San Mateo County annexes the site and develops it with a mix of commercial and residential properties without Brisbane.

And Jim Lazarus, senior vice president of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, says the state Constitution supports the idea of two governing bodies  like the San Francisco and San Mateo County boards of supervisors  redrawing the county boundaries.

So if the Baylands site was given over to San Mateo County, there could be a mutual agreement between the two bodies to make Baylands part of San Francisco County.

Whew. Thats a lot of moving parts. But there is one undeniable truth  nothing will happen unless Brisbane agrees. And dont hold your breath.

Jim Wunderman, president of the Bay Area Council, dealt with the town back in the 90s, when he was trying to help the 49ers find a spot for a new stadium. The Baylands looked perfect: close to Highway 101, a Caltrain station already in place and near the city.

It was the option that made the most sense, he said. But it quickly became clear there was no way. Brisbane would block it.

This, critics say, is even less defensible. Brisbane is apparently happy to accept the industrial and commercial development  and all the tax revenue  but doesnt want the less-profitable housing.

The City Council knows that residents will vigorously oppose a development plan proposed by Universal Paragon Corp., which owns most of Baylands. It would include 4,434 homes, condos and apartments next to the commercial buildings.

Granted, it would more than double the amount of housing in the city, but Tissier, and others, say it doesnt make sense to build a huge commercial center and expect employees to commute in and out.

Brisbane wants to take all the gravy and none of the responsibility, she said. Youre depending on people taking public transit, which they wont. You know what 101 is like any time of the day. You just create gridlock.

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.

Lazarus said he doesnt understand why Brisbane officials think housing would be worse than an influx of thousands of workers.

This is bad public land policy for political reasons, he said. They need to fix it.

But how? If Brisbane wont play ball, how can they be compelled to do the right thing?

Ive asked a couple of land-use lawyers to see if we have standing to file a lawsuit, Wunderman said. Were definitely looking at it. It is such a blatant dereliction of public responsibility that something has to give.

Theres talk that the state Legislature should step in and enact guidelines that would require a certain amount of housing  at all income levels  for any commercial development. Of course, that could take years.

So here we stand, a huge tract of developable land standing idle, skyrocketing housing costs and little Brisbane in the center of it all.

It seems odd that something so small can stand in the way of something so big, Wunderman said. This is a great example of what is not working in the Bay Area.

C.W. Nevius is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. His columns appear Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Email: cwnevius@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @cwnevius
In his essay The Ecstasy of Influence, Jonathan Lethem claims that, to be a writer, one must first be a lover of other writers: Finding ones voice isnt just an emptying and purifying oneself of the words of others but an adopting and embracing of filiations, communities, and discourses. The true writer, Lethem suggests, experiences the world in and through the language of previous writers.

Like Lethem, the novelist Rabih Alameddine imagines that our stockpile of previous voices and quotations might not obscure our vision of things but illuminate them. The plot of Alameddines previous novel, An Unnecessary Woman, centered on literary translation, but it more generally explored how literature might, to borrow from Marianne Moore, create a place for the genuine  and, perhaps, provide an escape from the barbarism of modernity.

Alameddines excellent, lissome new novel, The Angel of History, likewise concerns itself with the borders between literature and life. Its main character, Jacob, is a Yemeni American poet who has suffered many losses: the loss of his lover, Doc  and, indeed, much of San Franciscos gay community  to AIDS in the 1980s; the loss of home, as Jacob, a congenital immigrant, moves from Sanaa to Cairo to Beirut to, eventually, California; the possible loss of his sanity. (As the novel opens in the present, Jacob checks himself into a Crisis Psych Clinic, hoping to escape from his memory of all that is gone.)

To master loss, Elizabeth Bishop declared, we must write it  lines that resonate with Jacobs loss- and poetry-filled life. Jacobs poetic vocation arrived at an early age. As a child living in a Cairo brothel, he was told that poetry would correct whatever was wrong, that rhyme and structure might order that which seemed chaotic.

While in school in Lebanon, his classmates wanted to be the next Pele or Charles Bronson, but he idolized Baudelaire and Rimbaud. Later, he came to hate the poetry of nostalgia, trading implausible angst for a distanced, Hardy or Auden-like birds-eye view of the world.

By the narrative present, Jacob has lost faith in poetry itself. It doesnt, contra Bishop, allow him to master loss. Rather, it forces him to live with it, and he wants out of the poetry and memory game altogether: My muse needs an enema. I want a replacement, a trade-in.

Hardly a page of The Angel of History goes by without an allusion or quotation, sometimes loud but often quiet, to a literary antecedent: Jacob walks down the street and he thinks of Borges; he considers his life and quotes from Milosz. While Ive been describing the novel as a relatively straightforward narrative about poetry and loss, it also contains a fanciful (and not entirely successful) structural frame.

Alameddine intersperses Jacobs narration with an ongoing conversation between Satan and Death  two supernatural and, in Alameddines telling, campy figures who debate whether Jacob should remember or forget his painful past. Even this fantastic conceit comes trailing clouds of literary glory: Why might Satan and Death chat? At least in part because Milton in Paradise Lost imagined Death as Satans child.

Lest this sound overly academic, let me say that Alameddine is able to make this intertextuality sexy. Take the first meeting of Jacob and Doc. One day in San Francisco, Doc stands on Castro Street, strategically holding Joan Didions Slouching Towards Bethlehem because he suspected that Jacob was just the kind of boy who might be a devotee.

Jacob stops to talk; the two exchange bawdy puns about Yeats The Second Coming; Jacob is turned on and then willingly dragged to bed. Didion as a honeypot? Yeats as a pick-up line? The whole thing is smart and funny and, because of Docs future loss, elegiac.

To be clear, The Angel of History isnt just about literature. Its also about the war on terror. In one chapter, Jacob, haunted by recent news from Yemen, writes a story from the perspective of a drone.

More importantly, the novel is a work of social and cultural memorialization, attempting to reconstruct what gay existence was like at the height of the AIDS crisis. Jacob describes the new, queer forms of family and community that flourished at the time only to be broken apart by disease. As Jacob puts it, We were hothouse flowers, we bloomed and perished, wild, exuberantly colorful, attention-grabbing, out of season, out of place, out of context.

Jacob feels out of place in contemporary San Francisco (this drippy city that brimmed with self-congratulation), in a world where Didion isnt bait for cruisers but has written memoirs for Oprah.

Yet The Angel of History suggests that to be alienated  from past love and from the past itself  is to open the door to memory and creation. To dwell within Jacobs mind and to read Alameddines prose is to see loss, if not mastered, then at least made into lively and living art.

Anthony Domesticos reviews have appeared in Commonweal, the Harvard Review and the Critical Flame. Email: books@sfchronicle.com

The Angel of History

By Rabih Alameddine

(Atlantic Monthly Press; 294 pages; $26)
Facebook may be mired in controversy for its role in manipulating the news stories people see, but its position as one of the most valuable online tools for marketers is indisputable.

The social media company reached a milestone this week with 4 million advertisers and said Wednesday it will add tools to help outside developers understand who users are and how they behave, with the help of Facebooks far-reaching demographic data and tracking across devices.

The new developer tools were introduced as part of Facebooks free-to-use Analytics for Apps, which the company started during its F8 conference last year. Analytics for Apps allows companies to track user behavior, trends, interests and demographics by cross-referencing a companys data with Facebooks bevy of user information.

The new version will move away from a focus on mobile behavior to tracking users as they switch between devices. This, said Facebook Analytics Product Manager Josh Twist, will give developers insights about consumer behavior such as how users may use their smartphones to browse but are more likely to purchase something on a computer.

On the shuttle on the way to work this morning, I used three devices, Twist said. Its very important to use user behavior if youre going to make smart business decisions. You have to think in terms of people, not devices.

The new tools also include ways to track customers emotions by charting user feedback to ads, articles or content by collecting data from Facebooks new tool that allows users to express a range of feelings beyond the familiar like.

Facebook has faced criticism for the extent of its data collection. On Tuesday, a German regulator in Hamburg ordered Facebooks WhatsApp subsidiary to stop collecting and sharing data. The company said it complied with European data-privacy rules.

While Facebook users can opt out of some ad targeting, they cant control Facebook sharing their demographic information  beyond not providing it in the first place. If you dont list your relationship status, for example, Facebook and its advertisers wont know if youre single or married.

Though the analytics tool is available to any business, whether it advertises with Facebook or not, theres probably significant crossover, as the number of advertisers on Facebook continues to climb.

Facebook attributed this weeks announcement that it hit 4 million advertisers  an increase of 33 percent in the past seven months  to a rise in small-business advertising and Facebooks ability to turn a simple Facebook post into an ad with so-called boosted posts and promoted pages that increase exposure for a fee.

Users spend a lot more time on Facebook, and they are extremely engaged, said Optimal.com CEO Rob Leathern, a board member of the nonprofit ChangeAdvertising.org. They interact with a lot of different types of content and spend a lot more time doing that than users on other social networks do.

Facebook recorded $6.4 billion in revenue in the most recent quarter, almost all of it from advertising. It has a long way to go in matching Googles tens of billions in ad sales. Yet Facebook is skyrocketing past other social media companies, like Twitter, Leathern said.

Twitter, by contrast, missed Wall Street projections on revenue last quarter and has struggled to attract new users and customers.

This, Leathern said, is partially because neither Twitter nor any other social media network has the depth of user demographic data that Facebook does.

Most people are truthful about basic demographic information on Facebook, which makes it not only reliable but thorough, he said. For example, gender. Most people are truthful about their gender on Facebook. So the best way to target women online has really become through Facebook.

Twitter, whose main lure has been its capacity to quickly broadcast reactions to live events and breaking news, does not require users to provide their real names, much less other identifying information. That limits its ability to share insights with advertisers about who theyre reaching on the platform, Leathern said.

Facebook, meanwhile, has implemented a real-name policy and actively solicits other identifying information and statuses, including users location, gender, relationship status, work information and so on. Facebook has been using these insights to offer developers demographic information on their users via the Analytics for Apps tool for more than a year.

Twist said the company protects individual privacy and will not disclose information about a companys customer base if it is smaller than 100 people so as to ensure no individuals can be singled out.

But data across large sets of customers on relationship status, lifestyle and family size have helped organizations evaluate how best to serve them.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

It lets you really see who this product is resonating with, Twist said. People will do that zoom-in having a notion of the product they were building, then see who is actually using the product and have to re-evaluate. Weve seen products targeted toward families that take off with single people. Why?

By increasing Facebooks capacity to show companies how users move seamlessly from mobile device to computer and back again may help corporations understand where theyre losing customers interest  or wallets  along the way.

Facebooks insights also include information on how users arrive at a certain page or product and allow businesses to send users mobile reminders when they have left a task unfinished.

The Analytics for Apps expansion will also offer other new insights including the ability to filter customers based on tier or status  such as premium subscribers or gold-level customers  to better understand who they are and how they behave both on- and offline.

For media companies and content producers, Facebook has rolled out an update that provides insight on how users share items, which will show developers trends and demographics about how  and why  something is being shared or going viral on the social media site.

It allows companies to see in real time when a link is being shared, what quotes are being cited and what the reactions seem to be.

It helps you really see the complete picture, the complete customer journey, Twist said. Its exciting to help businesses see that and take them along the way.

Marissa Lang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Marissa_Jae
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Every time Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf opens his mouth, it seems to cost him and his company money.

On Wednesday, California State Treasurer John Chiang announced that Stumpfs testimony at a Senate committee last week had angered him so much that the state was suspending Wells Fargo from underwriting bonds and purchasing other investments on behalf of taxpayers for a year.

So Stumpfs testimony before the House Financial Services Committee on Thursday about the banks fraudulent sales practices will hold far more importance than usual.

Recent revelations that employees had created as many as 2 million fake accounts in the names of real customers without their knowledge or consent have angered officials and consumers across the country.

Chiang signaled that he will ask other states to take similar steps to cut their business with the San Francisco bank, given what he called Stumpfs poor response to the crisis. He said Stumpfs testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, in which he tried to walk the line between accepting responsibility and saying that the problem lay with rogue employees rather than the banks overall culture or top executives, was the deciding factor in punishing Wells.

Critics have long said Wells Fargo created an aggressive sales culture that forces employees to sell products to consumers that they dont need. Of the 5,300 employees the company has fired in connection to the scandal, over 95 percent were lower-level branch workers like tellers.

We want actors to act with humility, Chiang told reporters during a news conference at City Hall in San Francisco. Stumpfs Senate testimony, he said, was incredibly disheartening. He also called for Stumpfs resignation.

Wells Fargo has diligently and professionally worked with the state for the past 17 years to support the government and people of California, the company said in a statement. We certainly understand the concerns that have been raised.

We are very sorry and take full responsibility for the incidents in our retail bank, it continued. We have already taken important steps, and will continue to do so, to address these issues and rebuild your trust.

Stumpfs appearance before the House committee may offer him a second chance to soothe public anger and head off other states from following Californias lead. Stumpf is expected to announce Thursday that Wells will eliminate the practice of establishing retail sales goals as of Oct. 1. The company previously said it would do so by January.

But theres only so much Stumpf can say, given the banks myriad of regulatory and legal troubles, said Richard Bove, an analyst with Rafferty Capital Markets.

Federal prosecutors in New York and San Francisco have opened criminal inquiries, a person familiar with the matter has said. Wells Fargo also faces a raft of lawsuits by fired or demoted workers, customers and investors. Congress is also pushing Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen to punish the bank, perhaps forcing it to break up.

Anything that Stumpf says during his congressional testimony will be fodder for regulators and prosecutors, Bove said.

Its high-risk, Bove said. John Stumpf knows every aspect of the situation. But he cannot answer the questions they will probably ask him.

And yet theres an awful lot riding on it, he said. Hes walking down the center lane with people shooting at him from both sides.

San Francisco last week removed Wells Fargo from a banking program for low-income residents. Authorities including the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fined Wells Fargo $185 million on Sept. 8 for the false accounts. On Tuesday, the bank said Stumpf would forfeit $41 million in pay.

Though Chiang declined to disclose how much money his actions will cost Wells Fargo, he said the impact will be significant. The state, which manages about $75 billion in investments, is the largest issuer of public debt in the nation.

I think it does hurt Wells Fargo, Bove said.

More important, California has opened up another worrisome front for Wells Fargo. In the past, major banks that faced possible sanctions from state regulators have successfully argued that federal agencies like the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency held proper jurisdiction over cases, Bove said.

Californias willingness to use its financial leverage over Wells Fargo shows it means business this time, he said.

Chiang also said he would use his board seat on the California Public Employees Retirement System and the California State Teachers Retirement System to push for Wells Fargo to change its corporate governance practices. The pension funds hold about $2.3 billion in Wells Fargo stock.

He also wants the company to make sure the posts of CEO and board chairman are held by different people (Stumpf is both), appoint an independent ombudsman, create a whistle-blower program and review the way the bank pays executives.

We dont want to see a decline in Wells Fargo, Chiang said. We want Wells Fargo to return to its storied history of serving customers. This is an enormous opportunity to effect change.

In acting against Wells Fargo, Chiang is seizing an opportunity himself, politically. Bashing a big bank could help jump-start his fledgling 2018 California gubernatorial campaign.

While Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is the favorite in early polls and name recognition  and is fronting high-profile ballot measures in November to legalize marijuana and restrict the sale of ammunition and firearms  this kind of populist stance could help position Chiang as an alternative to Newsom, said David McCuan, a professor of political science at Sonoma State University.

Going after big banks and income inequality resonates with voters, McCuan said Wednesday. This is smart politics  and smart populist politics.

Nothing plays better in a Democratic primary to the Bernie Sanders types than standing up to big business, said Thad Kousser, a professor of political science at UC San Diego.

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Additionally, by using his office to get attention, Kousser said, the move against Wells Fargo enables Chiang to do something to compete against the star power of a Gavin Newsom and other potential 2018 candidates like former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and billionaire San Francisco environmentalist Tom Steyer without spending any campaign money.

Chronicle senior political writer Joe Garofoli and Bloomberg News contributed to this report.

Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@ByTomLee

Timeline of Wells Fargo scandal

2013: A Los Angeles Times investigation finds that employees created fake accounts for customers as they tried to meet sales quotas.

2011-16: Wells Fargo fires about 1 percent of its employees annually due to the sales-related misconduct, according to CEO John Stumpf.

Sept. 8: Wells Fargo is fined $185 million by federal authorities, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and officials in Los Angeles.

Sept. 13: Wells Fargo says it will end sales goals in its retail banking system by January (Wells now plans to end them Oct. 1).

Sept. 14: Federal prosecutors are reported to have launched investigations.

Sept. 20: Stumpf testifies before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

Tuesday: Stumpf will give up $41 million in stock and salary, the bank announces.

Wednesday: California State Treasurer John Chiang suspends many business relationships with Wells Fargo.

Thursday: Stumpf will testify before the House Financial Services Committee.
In 1929, my paternal grandfather set sail for the Royal Naval College in Greenwich, England, where he would study for three years as an attache. After his return to China, he married my grandmother, a poet and English teacher. During World War II, they moved frequently, caught up in the Chinese strategy of trading space for time  the home front retreating west from the Japanese advance. At the close of the civil war against the Communists, they fled to the island of Taiwan.

In the 1960s, my father landed a graduate school fellowship in the Midwest, where he met my mother, who was also studying abroad  both far from home, learning how to survive with a new language, new customs, new foods, new weather.

They married and started a family. In time, their brothers and sisters would follow, and my grandparents settled in Texas. They both died when I was young. In my memories, my grandfather was a tall, elegant man who took me to the park across the street and bought me a Mylar balloon that I kept as a deflated souvenir. My grandmother was a tiny woman with tiny feet.

I didnt know my grandparents had once spoken English; they might have forgotten how in the years since. Later on in college, after I pieced together a few bits of their history, I felt a sense of loss. I walked along the Thames River, walking where my grandfather had once walked, and ached for the connection that might have been, yearning for what Id never know.

I decided to probe the mystery of my mothers family, determined not to let that history slip from my fingers. I knew almost nothing about my maternal grandmothers past, even though the cheerful, loving woman helped raise me.

Over dim sum, I asked her if she had any siblings. As carts clanked by, piloted by ladies hawking their wares, my aunt and my mother leaned in, apprehensive but curious. Maybe they didnt know, either, or maybe theyd believed such grief should remain on the other side of the ocean. Immigrants leave behind everything familiar to make a new life in their adopted homelands.

A brother and sister, my grandmother said. Lost in the war.

She didnt volunteer more, and we returned to eating our shrimp dumplings. So much left unsaid, so much that seemed impossible to translate.

Ive been thinking about how my writing emerges out of my desire to narrow the vast spaces between us. By reading fiction, I learned how to interpret life outside my own immigrant family. From books, I learned about habits and family dynamics unlike my own. Studies suggest that literary fiction  narratives that focus on in-depth portrayals of a characters thoughts and feelings  can foster empathy and understanding among readers (the sort of empathy and understanding we could all use more of in these turbulent times).

By writing fiction, Im still trying to make sense of the world. On Friday, Sept. 30, Deceit and Other Possibilities, a collection of short stories I spent more than a decade writing, will be published. The stories are not autobiographical, not in the way you might think  I never faked my way into Stanford, never got caught in a campground battle, never fled from a Hong Kong scandal  but they reflect my interest in writing about immigration and identity. Again and again, I revisit strangers in a strange land, making their way in the world. Its the most American of stories.

My parents had practical careers  my father a structural engineer, my mother a scientist  yet they never questioned my dreams of becoming a journalist, then a writer. Their determination has long inspired me.

Edwidge Danticat, a novelist born in Haiti who moved to the United States when she was 12 years old, wrote about how an immigrants reinvention is on par with the greatest works of literature. Her words resonate:

That experience of touching down in a totally foreign place is like having a blank canvas: You begin with nothing, but stroke by stroke you build a life. This process requires everything great art requires  risk-taking, hope, a great deal of imagination, all the qualities that are the building blocks of art. You must be able to dream something nearly impossible and toil to bring it into existence.  It makes me honor, through the prism of art, the way other immigrants have lived their lives, all the difficult choices they have made.  It makes me look at my work differently, and I see my parents in a different way.
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WASHINGTON  Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf did himself few favors in testifying before the House Financial Services Committee on Thursday, as members of both parties accused the company of criminal activity ranging from racketeering to identity theft in opening as many as 2 million phony accounts without customers knowledge.

The committees top-ranking Democrat, Rep. Maxine Waters of Los Angeles, said she would pursue the breakup of the San Francisco-based bank, calling it too big to manage. Wells Fargo is the nations second-largest bank, and its 164-year history is rooted in the American West.

Several Republicans called for Stumpfs resignation, saying he had undermined their efforts to support free markets and ease bank regulation. The scandal has erased billions of dollars from Wells Fargos stock value and sent fears through the banking industry of a political backlash.

The committees chairman, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, accused Wells Fargo of breaking numerous laws and promised that the hearing was just the beginning of his investigation. He said he was asking for thousands of pages of Wells Fargo documents, in part to determine when executives first learned of the fraud.

Millions of Americans were ripped off by their bank, Hensarling said. Fraud is fraud and theft is theft, and what happened at Wells Fargo over the years cannot be described in any other way.

The committee found that the bank has paid hundreds of millions of dollars in fines over the past few years and that the pattern of fake account creation may have begun as early as 2007, the year Stumpf became chief executive. Members expressed disbelief that none of the banks top executives had noticed anything awry, even as Wells Fargo fired, by its count, 5,300 mostly branch-level employees and managers.

Why didnt it stop after first 1,000 employees were fired? asked Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J.

No question we should have done more, sooner, said Stumpf, who insisted he didnt learn of the problem until 2013  the year the Los Angeles Times first reported that Wells Fargo employees were creating fake accounts in response to a high-pressure corporate culture.

Following a similar grilling by the Senate Banking Committee last week, Stumpf forfeited $41 million in unvested stock payouts. But Wells Fargos board, which he chairs, has not called for his resignation and has fired no top executives. Stumpf said he is forgoing his salary and bonuses  which provided him with $19.3 million last year  as he attempts to fix the problems.

The banks board also revoked the $19 million in stock awards it gave to former retail banking executive Carrie Tolstedt when she retired, with an estimated $77 million in stock awards, after the scandal broke.

Stumpf said he is eliminating sales goals for bank employees as of this weekend.

He repeatedly apologized through more than four hours of testimony, but generally attributed the blame for the accounts to low-level employees. I didnt set up any of these accounts, Stumpf said at one point. I led the company with courage, he said at another.

Stumpf argued that the fake accounts were not in Wells Fargos financial interest because they cost the bank money, even though executives had boasted to stock analysts of their success in cross-selling new accounts to existing customers.

After congratulating Stumpf on his success in uniting Democrats and Republicans, Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Mass., asked why someone accused of robbing a Wells Fargo branch shouldnt be let off with an apology. Stumpf replied, Being dishonest and breaking the law is something very different.

The House hearing came one day after California Treasurer John Chiang said the state was suspending Wells Fargo from underwriting bonds and purchasing other investments on behalf of taxpayers for a year.

Chiang said he was motivated by Stumpfs appearance last week before the Senate Banking Committee, where Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and former Harvard Law professor, sought to dismantle his assertions that neither he nor the bank had profited from the fake accounts.

Rep. Mick Mulvaney, R-SC., said Thursday that Stumpf had undermined the free-market arguments Republicans had been making to oppose stricter bank regulation.

To have you essentially validate everything the other side says, Mulvaney said, the damage you have done to the market and to the industry far exceeds the damage you have done to your own business.

Wells Fargo has spent lavishly on philanthropic activities throughout California to enhance its public image and its support in Congress. The bank has also made $2.7 million in campaign contributions in just the past two years, according to OpenSecrets, a group that tracks campaign contributions.

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, has said he would rip up his Wells Fargo credit card and send the pieces, along with the banks $1,000 contribution to his campaign, back to Stumpf.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, said Wednesday that he has donated his $4,000 campaign contribution from the bank to Abode Services, a nonprofit in Fremont that secures permanent housing for homeless people in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties.

Carolyn Lochhead is the San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
It was a short respite during the march to war.

The Chronicles front page from Sept. 29, 1938, covers Germanys agreement to a peace meeting pushed for by Britain and the United States, calming fears of bloodshed across Europe.

Adolf Hitler suddenly opened the door to peace today, the story read, at almost the exact hour he had set to send his armies smashing into Czechoslovakia, by acceding to requests that Europes big four meet in Munich tomorrow for a showdown between the dictators and the democracies.

Under Hitler, Nazi Germany had been growing ever bolder, and the intention to take the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia  which had alliances with France and the Soviet Union  was the most daring move yet.

The world watched as a showdown with France and other European powers loomed. Then Hitler reversed course and agreed to negotiations in Munich, leading many to believe that another war in Europe would be avoided.

Those hopes would soon be dashed.

Twitters roots? A small comic with a short weather story near the bottom of the page features a top-hatted fat cat and an actual cat. Says the man in the top hat: Im goin tweet! The felines response: Dont eat too much. Yeah, we dont get it, either.

See more front pages: Go to SFChronicle.com/covers to search a database of hundreds of Chronicle Covers articles that showcase the newspapers history.

Chronicle Covers highlights one classic Chronicle newspaper page from our archive for 366 days. Library director Bill Van Niekerken and producers Kimberly Chua, Michelle Devera and Jillian Sullivan contributed to the project. Tim O'Rourke is the executive producer of SFChronicle.com. Email: torourke@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TimothyORourke

More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond.

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The Harvard Law School grad who orchestrated a terrifying kidnapping for ransom last year on Vallejos Mare Island admitted to the abduction Thursday morning in a federal courtroom in Sacramento.

But while 39-year-old Matthew Mullers guilty plea to one count of kidnapping may begin to resolve part of the criminal matter, the victims, Denise Huskins, 30, and Aaron Quinn, 31, want to see the investigators who initially dismissed the crime as a hoax held accountable.

Muller, a disbarred San Francisco immigration attorney who served in the Marines, on Thursday agreed to take responsibility for the crime, as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, his attorney, Tom Johnson, said.

In exchange for the guilty plea, the U.S. Attorneys Office will not recommend Muller be sentenced to a prison term longer than 40 years.

Muller committed a serious and violent crime that terrorized the victims in this case, said acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. He violated the sanctity of their home and caused fear and panic for all those affected by the kidnapping.

The prosecutors sentencing recommendation, though, is only one factor U.S. District Court Judge Troy Nunley will consider when handing down punishment during a hearing scheduled for Jan. 19.

Nunley will also consider federal sentencing guidelines, a presentencing report from the federal probation department and impact statements from the victims. Huskins and Quinn will speak during the sentencing hearing, family members said.

Following Mullers guilty plea, the couple made a rare public appearance with Huskins San Francisco attorney, Doug Rappaport, who implored the judge to issue a life sentence while blasting investigators in the case. Quinn and a teary-eyed Huskins remained silent, holding hands.

They said within hours of her release that she and Aaron had perpetrated a hoax and turned them into public pariahs, Rappaport said. How is it that in such an important case, you have such a poor investigation?

He went on to reveal that the lead FBI agent investigating the crime, David Sesma, had a personal relationship with Quinns ex-fiancee, who was the intended target of the kidnapping, not Huskins.

Rappaport was initially hired as Huskins defense attorney when police became suspicious of her story.

Huskins turned up safe at her fathers home in Huntington Beach (Orange County), two days after being taken from Quinns residence in the early-morning hours of March 23, 2015.

It was deplorable the torment she had to go through after the inhuman conduct she went through during the course of the kidnapping, Rappaport said.

Detectives first suspected Quinn in the disappearance after he called police saying he had been drugged, and Huskins kidnapper was demanding a seemingly small $8,500 ransom.

A day after the disappearance, The Chronicle received a proof of life statement from Huskins. The next day when she turned up safe and told police she had been sexually assaulted, investigators called the episode bogus.

Sesma took me aside and said, I bet you 99 percent shes lying, and I intend to prosecute her, Rappaport said.

When Vallejo police publicly called the episode an orchestrated event, The Chronicle began receiving emails from a person claiming to be the kidnapper.

The writer, believed to be Muller, said he was part of a group of Oceans Eleven, gentlemen criminals, who ran an auto-theft ring on Mare Island. In one message, he said he intended to kidnap Quinns ex-fiancee, who he mistakenly thought was in the house, but took Huskins.

Muller, a stranger to Huskins and Quinn, has never revealed why he targeted the couple.

He is suspected in several similar home invasions around the Bay Area.

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In June 2015, Muller was captured after he left his cell phone behind during a Dublin break-in. Authorities used the phone to track him to his parents vacation home in South Lake Tahoe, where police uncovered evidence linking him to the Vallejo kidnapping.

He pleaded no contest to the Dublin crime in September 2015 in Alameda Superior Court and still awaits sentencing, which he will serve concurrently with any federal prison time.

Johnson on Thursday said he hopes to get Muller out one day.

Since being jailed, Muller has been taking mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medication and antidepressants.

Once he got into a controlled environment, the reality of this situation became clear, Steve Reed, a retired member of the Sacramento Police Department and family friend of Muller said outside court.

After months of anguish, Thursdays guilty plea brought some relief to the family members of the victims.

I feel pretty good about the agreement, Quinns mother, Marianne Quinn, said outside court. Muller is a dangerous guy, and Aaron and Denise are relieved they wont have to testify.

Still frustrated at law enforcement, she added, There wont be real justice until the people who botched this whole thing are held accountable.

Huskins and Aaron Quinn have filed a federal civil lawsuit against the city of Vallejo and its police department for civil rights violations. Thursdays guilty plea will pave the way for that case to move forward.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
The head of Yosemite National Park has resigned, a week after a heated congressional oversight hearing into allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and other misconduct at Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and other national parks.

Superintendent Don Neubacher, who had led Yosemite for seven years, said Wednesday that he would step down in the wake of allegations from 20 employees. Yosemite officials revealed the move Thursday while offering little explanation.

I regret leaving at this time, but want to do whats best for Yosemite National Park, Neubacher, whose resignation is effective Nov. 1, said in a statement. It is an iconic area that is world renowned and deserves special attention.

Park Service spokesman Andrew Munoz said investigators looking into the staff allegations at Yosemite persuaded the Park Service that it did need to make a change in leadership at the park.

Last week, after taking testimony on the situation at Yosemite and the other parks, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform called for a change at Yosemite.

Of the 21 people the investigators interviewed, every single one of them, with one exception, described Yosemite as a hostile work environment as a result of the behavior and conduct of the parks superintendent, said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah. Why isnt there immediate relief?

Chaffetz said ignoring complaints from women seemed to be a long-standing pattern at the park.

During the hearing, the chief of fire management at the park, Kelly Martin, told the committee that she and others had been subjected to hostility and discrimination against women  and that she had been the victim of a Peeping Tom incident by a park ranger while working at Grand Canyon National Park in 1987.

She said the Park Service discouraged female park rangers and other employees from coming forward with complaints.

In Yosemite National Park today, dozens of people  the majority of whom are women  are being bullied, belittled, disenfranchised and marginalized from their roles as dedicated professionals, Martin testified. You are likely to find accounts of women (and men) being publicly humiliated by the superintendent, intimidated in front of colleagues, and having their professional credibility and integrity minimized or questioned.

The committee heard similar complaints from rangers and staff at Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.

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.

After the hearing, Neubacher sent an apology email to park employes, referring to serious staff concerns related to Yosemites workplace environment.

Spokesman Munoz said Park Service staff began looking into complaints at Yosemite in July. A month later, the investigation was turned over to the inspector general of the Department of the Interior.

Neubacher, 63, a native of Vallejo, served as superintendent at Point Reyes National Seashore from 1995 until his appointment to the Yosemite post in 2010. At Point Reyes, he was known for his opposition to a renewal of the lease for an oyster farm on Drakes Bay and for his program to control non-native deer.

He will be on paid leave until his official departure Nov. 1, Munoz said. The current superintendent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Woody Smeck, will serve as temporary superintendent at Yosemite for four months.

Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com
Score one for public shaming.

Following widespread outrage and a blistering Senate Banking Committee hearing last week, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf has said hell forfeit his outstanding stock awards of about $41 million. Wells Fargos former retail-banking head, Carrie Tolstedt, has agreed to forfeit outstanding stock awards of about $19 million. Neither executive will receive a bonus for this year, the bank said.

The givebacks are being done in response to charges that the bank opened some 2 million fraudulent deposit and credit card accounts in its customers names.

Stumpf needs to take the next step: resign. If he doesnt, he should be fired.

Wells Fargo had already agreed to pay $185 million to settle those charges with regulators, but, clearly, that wasnt enough. California Treasurer John Chiang announced a sweeping set of sanctions for Wells Fargo on Wednesday; the state wont be conducting its standard business with the bank for a full year.

The public is worn out by Wall Streets bad behavior  and its also tired of watching low-level employees be scapegoated while top executives get off scot-free.

Wells had fired more than 5,000 employees connected to the illegal sales practices, but done nothing to punish senior executives.

No one is buying the story that a scandal this large was the work of rogue employees at the bottom of the totem pole  especially while the bank is under investigation by the U.S. Labor Department.

The complaint is that part of the reason for the alleged unauthorized accounts was employees were pressured to meet unachievable sales goals. Wells has also pledged to end the controversial sales goal program for employees in the retail banking division.

The financial meltdown of 2008 was devastating to average homeowners all over the country and the world. Unfortunately, the meltdown resulted out of extreme complexity  most politicians and citizens cant parse a credit default swap. Opening a bank account in someone elses name without their permission, however, is a wrong that everyone can understand.

Wells Fargo has promised to rebuild the publics trust, for the sake of its many honorable employees and for the reputation of a company that was once an industry paragon. It needs to start at the top.
JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Since Israels creation nearly 70 years ago, Shimon Peres held nearly every top office as the nation moved from frequent war toward elusive peace. In American terms, it would be as if soldier-statesman Dwight Eisenhower, who served as U.S. president in the 1950s, never left the scene to this day.

Peres was a generational link to Israels beginnings. He was a Polish-born Zionist who arrived in the 1930s and rose to power as a military organizer, building the young nations defense and steering it through a series of wars with Arab neighbors. Among his tasks was building the nations secretive nuclear weapons research facilities. Another achievement was the commando-led rescue of Israeli hostages at the Entebbe airport in Uganda in 1976.
Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia is a Swahili proverb that, roughly translated, says: When elephants battle, the grass gets trampled.

Sitting in the San Francisco Board of Supervisors hearing on the sinking Millennium Tower Sept. 22, I couldnt help but feel like the trampled grass beneath the behemoths of the city of San Francisco and Millennium Partners Development Group.

On the one hand, the Board of Supervisors, in an effort initiated by Supervisor Aaron Peskin, is seeking to discover how it is possible that a building of the magnitude and stature of the Millennium Tower could be permitted and constructed without the requirement to anchor in bedrock.

On the other hand, Millennium Partners, a multibillion-dollar development enterprise, continues construction in San Francisco and in other U.S. cities, while failing miserably to step up to the plate, acknowledge its culpability and move aggressively to rectify this egregious and potentially disastrous mistake.

Meanwhile, we who live in the Millennium Tower are faced with the daunting prospect of losing of our homes, years of litigation and millions of dollars in fees for lawyers and expert witnesses, in an effort to hold accountable those responsible for this untenable situation. While Millennium Partners continues to enrich itself with new and potentially flawed buildings, and the city looks to us to understand where it failed and where new policy will guide future construction, we at the Millennium Tower remain trampled in the grass.

The first we learned that the building was both settling at an alarmingly greater rate than was projected and additionally was tilting was at a specially convened homeowners association meeting in May. Since then, many of us have started doing our own research.

What we have learned:

Millennium Partners was aware prior to the completion of the building in 2008 that the tower was sinking at a greater-than-projected rate. No disclosures of the sinking or tilting were made either orally through real estate agents or in documents presented at closing.

The city also knew as much as six years ago that the building was sinking much more than anticipated, and also failed to disclose this to the public or to the more than 400 individuals, families and entities that purchased units.

The city needs to make Millennium Partners accountable, even if it means halting construction on other Millennium Partners projects in the city. Who will pay for the fix and who is at fault can be resolved by the elephants in the inevitable legal and insurance battles that will follow.

The city needs to accept responsibility as well. It has engaged in wholesale building and construction on land reclaimed from the bay without having proper procedural standards and policies that assure the integrity of these buildings and the safety of their inhabitants and those surrounding them.

In the meantime, the Millennium Tower needs an immediate fix  before the building sinks below some unknown threshold that will trigger widespread failure of elevators, electrical and sewage systems and ultimately, building condemnation.

Nina Agabian lives in the Millennium Tower.
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The northeastern tip of San Franciscos Mission Street is known for tech startups, pricey restaurants and the Millennium Tower, the sinking high-rise full of multimillion-dollar condos.

If thats San Francisco circa 2016, the southwestern section along Mission Street might as well be another town in another decade. There, in the Excelsior and OMI neighborhoods, rundown mom-and-pop stores and old-school cafes still in operation are the lucky ones. Others have shut down altogether because of high rents and sit boarded up with graffiti-covered plywood.

The five candidates on the November ballot for District 11 supervisor are seeking to replace termed-out Supervisor John Avalos. All of them repeat the same themes: Its time for City Hall to pay attention to the oft-neglected, working-class part of San Francisco where the booming economy has brought higher rents and home prices, but not much else.

Gerson Chavez, who works at Mission TV Watch and Jewelry Repair on the Excelsiors main drag, said city workers seem to appear in a snap if a customers parking meter runs out, but dont wipe down graffiti. And theres not enough police presence either, he said. Still, the rent on the worn little shop keeps climbing.

The owner already said if it keeps going up, hell close it in three years, he said, noting the owner is already paying $3,000 a month. Ill be out of a job.

Two longtime District 11 residents, Kimberly Alvarenga and Ahsha Safai, are the front-runners in the race and say theyll tackle the affordability crisis that is making life in the district increasingly out of reach for its longtime residents and business owners.

On paper, the two share a lot in common. They both have young children. Theyre both political directors for unions within the Service Employees International Union, although Alvarenga is on leave to run for office.

They both have long ties to the citys political establishment. Alvarengas previous job was district director for then-Assemblyman Tom Ammiano.

Safai previously worked in the Public Works Department and the Mayors Office of Community Development and held a seat on the Housing Authority Commission before Mayor Ed Lee remade the commission because of its ineffectiveness in overseeing the severely troubled public housing agency.

But the candidates also have differences. Alvarenga, a staunch progressive who talks a lot about equity, points to Ammiano and Rep. Barbara Lee, for whom she interned, as her role models. Raised by a single mother from El Salvador in the Holly Courts public housing development in Bernal Heights, she attended City College and boasts endorsements from the local Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club and teachers union.

Safai has a more moderate political bent and counts former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, a professor of his in college, as his mentor. Dukakis officiated Safais wedding. Safai was born in Iran and moved to the United States with his mother when he was 6. His father, a planner and architect, still lives in Iran. Safai attended Northeastern University and MIT, worked in the administrations of former Mayors Willie Brown and Gavin Newsom, and has endorsements from U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Newsom and Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Both front-runners want to help District 11 residents economically. Alvarenga said City Hall has helped families qualify for first-time home loans, but housing prices have become so far out of reach the loans dont help. She wants to make the loans bigger, as well as extend park clubhouse hours, start a community benefit district along Mission Street and open a district office so residents dont have to travel to City Hall.

I will have an approach thats new, collaborative and independent, she said.

Safai said his biggest recent accomplishment was helping to secure funding so the Mission Child Care Consortium, which serves 250 low-income families, could buy its building. He wants to focus on kids and families and extend child care and preschool opportunities.

When I tell people about things Ive done directly for their district, thats what seems to resonate really well, Safai said.

Interviews with several residents and workers in District 11 found complaints about the nuts-and-bolts of any neighborhood: a growing problem with homelessness, overflowing trash cans and illegal dumping, too little police presence, too little parking.

It smells so bad, said Mirtha Baltodano, a mother of three boys who was eating tamales at Yo Soy Cafe Guatemalteco on Mission Street in the Excelsior. She said homeless people sleep in doorways and leave behind feces and puddles of urine.

I had to call the police to pick up a guy who was sleeping and drunk. I have kids, you know? she said. They didnt come. They pay no attention to it.

Renard Monroe is the program director and founder of Youth First, an after-school tutoring program. Hes lived in the OMI  the Ocean View, Merced Heights and Ingleside neighborhoods  since 1994 and is raising three children.

This is the most underserved community in San Francisco, he said, noting hed like to see more money for education, job training and senior services. Were not in the heart of the Financial District, but we are in the heart of San Francisco.

Heather Knight is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf

District 11

Kimberly Alvarenga

Age: 46

Occupation: on leave as political director of Service Employees International Union Local 1021

No. 1 goal: bring equity, including more money and services, to the district

Magdalena de Guzman

Age: 59

Occupation: teacher at Bessie Carmichael Elementary School

No. 1 goal: Cleaner city streets

Berta Hernandez

Age: 53

Occupation: community health educator for Instituto Familiar de la Raza

No. 1 goal: declare housing emergency to ban evictions, lower rents and legalize homeless tent encampments

Francisco Herrera

Age: 54

Occupation: musician educator

No. 1 goal: curb unjust evictions and produce more affordable housing

Ahsha Safai

Age: 43

Occupation: political director for Service Employees International Union Local 87, the janitors union

No. 1 goal: secure more funding for early child care and universal preschool for 4-year-olds
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SACRAMENTO  Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Wednesday that eliminates the 10-year statute of limitations on rape  a concern that emerged last year as dozens of women stepped forward to accuse actor Bill Cosby of rape but were unable to pursue criminal charges.

The new law will not help the women in the Cosby case, however, because it applies to rapes and sexual assaults committed after the legislation takes effect Jan. 1.

Victims groups praised Brown for signing the bill, which they said will ensure that those who need more time to report their crimes are still able to seek justice.

California is telling victims of rape we stand behind you and there is no timeline for justice, said state Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino (San Bernardino County), who authored the bill, SB813.

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents dozens of the women accusing Cosby, pushed for the legislation to end what she called an arbitrary timeline to report sexual assaults.

There is no statute of limitations on the devastating effects I have endured for two decades, said one of Cosbys accusers, Casey, who joined her attorney, Allred, at a hearing in April at the state Capitol. She did not give her real name.

Allred said she hopes other states will follow California in eliminating their statute of limitations.

The passage of this new law means that the courthouse doors will no longer be slammed shut in the face of rape victims, Allred said in a statement Wednesday. It puts sexual predators on notice that the passage of time may no longer protect them from serious criminal consequences for their acts of sexual violence.

But opponents of the bill, including law professors, public defenders and the American Civil Liberties Union, warned that the change threatens a justice system that ensures that people accused of crimes have the ability to defend themselves.

The statute of limitations on the prosecution of criminal charges has been a bedrock protection in our legal system since the founding of our nation  and for good reason, a group of 62 current and former criminal law professors wrote to the governor to ask him to veto the bill.

The professors, including Ty Alper, associate dean at the UC Berkeley School of Law, wrote that eliminating the statute of limitations could lead to wrongful convictions or slow the prosecution of sex crimes by removing an incentive for law enforcement and prosecutors to act quickly.

Criminal statutes of limitations date back to colonial times, the professors wrote, to ensure people accused of crimes have the ability to mount a defense by collecting evidence and finding alibis.

Natasha Minsker, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Sacramento office, said state law already allowed for extending the statute of limitation in cases where DNA evidence became available. She said she worries prosecutors will pursue cases based on a witness memory in a decades-old case.

We know memories change over time, Minsker said. Thats how people are wrongfully convicted.

Supporters, like San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, said the bill does not change the burden of proof needed for a conviction, but instead allows prosecutors to pursue cases they can prove. The state Senate and Assembly unanimously approved the bill last month.

We think this will aid in allowing sexual assault survivors to come forward and report their crimes to police, said Christine Ward, executive director of Crime Victims Action Alliance in Sacramento. There are so many reasons a victim of sexual assault doesnt come forward at the time or soon after. This allows for justice to prevail.

Brown signed the bill ahead of Fridays deadline to act on legislation. Brown also signed a bill by state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, that creates a new standard of proof for proving a wrongful conviction, which supporters said will help those seeking a new trial to prove their innocence.

Other bills signed Wednesday allow people who are serving sentences in county jails for low-level felonies to vote and require ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to do comprehensive background checks on their drivers.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
Volta, the highly regarded Scandinavian restaurant at Fifth and Mission streets from the backers of Perbacco and Barbacco, has closed.

According to partner Umberto Gibin, Saturday was the quiet finale for Volta, which premiered in December and was one of the highest-profile San Francisco restaurants to open in the past 12 months. With two stories, a stylish design from architect Cass Calder Smith and Swedish-French cooking from chef-partner Staffan Terje, Volta earned positive reviews for both its food and its drinks right out of the gates.

But this month, Volta discontinued lunch service. At the time, the SoMa restaurant had just emerged from a month of slow business. So Gibin and Terje shifted course and doubled down on dinner service, hoping that September would see an uptick. However, things didnt improve.

We experienced a tremendous downturn in sales beginning in August, Gibin said. All of a sudden our sales dropped 30, 50 and then 70 percent.

The owners said they asked their landlord, the Westfield San Francisco Centre, for help, but it didnt come through. We had the support of our partners for more investment, but I looked at our crystal ball and didnt see it turning around, Gibin said.

The mall operator said it did try to assist. Our tenants are important to us and we often work with them if they need help, including this instance, the company said. Were disappointed about this circumstance and well be actively seeking a new tenant.

Volta isnt the first notable restaurant to shut down recently in the immediate area. Just across Fifth Street, Jason Foxs Mint Plaza restaurant, Oro, closed in June. Farther west, some new Mid-Market restaurants have faced many challenges, and several ambitious ones  such as Cadence and Bon Marche Brasserie  have already shuttered after less than a year of business.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

We did everything that we could to ensure the success of the restaurant  service, food, ambience, Gibin said. But I dont think we can fight a neighborhood that is still in transition, and who knows when its coming around.

Some of the Volta staff will relocate to Financial District sister restaurants Perbacco and Barbacco, which remain open as usual. All staffers were paid, Gibin said.

Its really heartbreaking, all the effort we put into it, and all the hard work, he said. In a way, I feel relieved that we can go back and take care of our babies (Perbacco and Barbacco). But its sad. We couldnt win the neighborhood.

Paolo Lucchesi is the food editor of The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: plucchesi@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @lucchesi
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear a Bay Area case over whether a federal law requiring deportation for noncitizens convicted of felonies involving a substantial risk of violence is unconstitutionally vague.

On the opening day of their 2016-17 term, the justices granted review of the governments appeal of a ruling by the federal appeals court in San Francisco that declared the law didnt define its terms clearly.

The ruling, due by June, will affect thousands of immigrants. Many are legal U.S. residents, like James Dimaya of Hayward, who emigrated from the Philippines as a child in 1992 and faces possible deportation in the case.

Dimaya was convicted of first-degree residential burglaries, of a homes garage in 2007 and an uninhabited house in 2009, and was sentenced to two years in prison on each. The government then began deportation proceedings.

Dimaya, who challenged the order, spent nearly five more years behind bars before being released on bond in March 2015, his lawyers said. They said no one had been injured in either burglary.

At issue in the case is a 1996 law that requires deportation for noncitizens, including legal residents, who are convicted of aggravated felonies  those involving a substantial risk that force may be used against another person or someone elses property.

In a 2-1 ruling in Dimayas case in October, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the law failed to define substantial risk or give judges adequate guidance on which crimes qualified for automatic deportation.

The majority opinion by Judge Stephen Reinhardt cited a 2010 government study that found only 7 percent of burglaries nationwide resulted in violence. Although home burglaries may create a risk of violence, Reinhardt said, the law requires immigration judges to speculate about whether the typical burglary creates a substantial risk of violence.

He also cited a Supreme Court ruling in June 2015 that found another federal law unconstitutionally vague. That law required a 15-year sentence for a felon who possesses a gun and has three previous convictions for felonies posing a serious potential risk of violence.

In dissent, Judge Consuelo Callahan said anyone who plans a burglary inherently contemplates the risk of using force should his nefarious schemes be detected.

In seeking Supreme Court review, the Justice Department said deportation proceedings are civil cases and are not subject to the same vagueness standard as criminal prosecutions, the subject of the June 2015 ruling.

Andrew Knapp, a Southwestern University law professor who represents Dimaya, said his client welcomed the high courts announcement even though it put his legal victory on hold.

Hes excited that maybe his case will serve some greater good and create a uniform nationwide standard, Knapp said. Even if the Supreme Court upholds the federal law, he said, the appeals court will still have to decide whether first-degree burglary in California, which does not require a forcible entry, poses a substantial risk of violence.

The case is Lynch vs. Dimaya, 15-1498.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
HP Inc. has apologized to customers for cutting them off from ink cartridges from other companies and says it will fix the problem.

The troubles occurred when the Palo Alto printer maker issued a software update that made some of its printers incompatible with ink cartridges that came from competitors.

It says it was trying to protect customers from counterfeit or unauthorized cartridges that might affect printing quality.

But the update led to complaints that HP was interfering with its customers right to choose ink suppliers. Critics also warned that customers would be less likely to trust future security updates.

HP apologized Wednesday for not explaining what it was doing. It promises another software update that again lets customers use non-HP inks.

Services

Apple, Deloitte

in partnership

Apple is extending its push into selling business technology by forging a partnership with the Deloitte consulting firm to advise companies on using iPhones, iPads and Apple software in the workplace.

Apple is confronting a global slowdown in consumer demand for smartphones and tablets. Thats spurred the Cupertino company to announce business-focused partnerships with companies that sell technology to corporate customers. These include IBM, SAP and Cisco.

Apple says it sold $25 billion worth of products and services to businesses in the 12 months through September 2015. That was a 40 percent increase, but just a slice of its $233 billion in total sales. CEO Tim Cook told the Associated Press that Apple will soon announce figures that show more growth. Apple reports its quarterly earnings on Oct. 27.

Analysts say businesses are using more Apple devices after years of relying on computers running Microsoft programs like Windows, Office and Exchange. As mobile devices have become more popular, some companies found gadgets running Googles Android software to be cheaper and easily adapted to run specialized apps.

Investing

Och-Ziff may

settle probe

Hedge fund giant Och-Ziff Capital Management is expected to have an overseas subsidiary enter a guilty plea to bribery charges as soon as Thursday, according to two people briefed on the matter.

Och-Ziff, a $39 billion hedge fund founded by Daniel Och, is also expected to enter into a deferred-prosecution agreement and pay a fine as it nears the end of a multiyear investigation, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The firm is being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well the Justice Department, over whether it bribed officials in countries including Zimbabwe, Libya and Congo. It has set aside more than $400 million to pay penalties related to the investigations, the company disclosed this year.

Medicine

Diabetes

device OKd

Federal regulators have approved a first-of-a-kind artificial pancreas, a device that can help some diabetes patients manage their disease by constantly monitoring their blood sugar and delivering insulin as needed.

The device from Medtronic was approved Wednesday for patients with Type 1 diabetes, the kind usually diagnosed during childhood. About 5 percent of the nations 29 million Americans with diabetes have this type.

Type 1 patients now have to manage insulin through multiple injections throughout the day or a drug pump that delivers it through a tube. Their own pancreas doesnt make insulin, a hormone needed to turn food into energy. They face increased risks of dangerously high blood-sugar levels, heart disease and many other health problems.

The new MiniMed 670G consists of a drug pump, a sensor that measures blood sugar and a tube that delivers the insulin. The sensor measures sugar levels every five minutes, infusing or withholding insulin as needed. Patients still have to manually increase insulin before meals.

Older pumps simply deliver a baseline level of insulin, and patients must monitor their sugar levels and give themselves more insulin to keep their blood sugar from getting too high. A big danger is having too much insulin in the body overnight, when blood-sugar levels naturally fall. People can go into comas, suffer seizures and even die.

The Food and Drug Administration said it approved the device based on a three-month study of more than 120 patients. The study reported no major adverse events, such as dangerously low blood sugar, showing that the device is safe for those 14 years and up, regulators said in a release.

The pump is about the size of a cell phone and can be worn on a belt.

Media

Tribune sells

key buildings

Tribune Media has completed the sale of several real estate assets, including the Tribune Tower in Chicago and Los Angeles Times Square and Olympic Plant.

The sales are part of Tribune Media Co.'s ongoing efforts to sell its entire $1 billion real estate portfolio.

Tribune Media has now sold nine properties this year for gross proceeds of $519 million.

Chronicle News Services
A pair of robbers threatened to shoot two tourists from China and forced them to hand over their cameras in a broad-daylight mugging on San Franciscos Russian Hill, near the famed crooked section of Lombard Street, police said Thursday.

The victims  a 36-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman  were robbed around 1:43 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwich and Leavenworth streets, about a block south of Lombard, said Officer Giselle Talkoff, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco Police Department.
A 39-year-old man suspected of starting Northern Californias fatal Bully Fire in 2014 was arrested in Indiana, two years after he was released from jail and never showed in court to face felony charges stemming from the massive blaze.

Freddie Alexander Smoke III was found Tuesday at a home in Hammond, Indiana, where a SWAT team and other local authorities took him into custody on a $1 million felony arrest warrant.

I believe he was on the run for about two years, said U.S. Postal Inspector Mary Johnson, whose agency had Smoke under investigation for allegedly shipping marijuana into Northwestern Indiana.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection had been searching for Smoke since he failed to appear in court on Aug. 22, 2014, for an arraignment on several felony charges connected to the 12,661-acre Bully Fire that ravaged Shasta County.

He was initially arrested by Cal Fire law enforcement officers shortly after the July 11, 2014 blaze ignited. He was initially booked on suspicion of recklessly causing a fire and illegally cultivating marijuana, but was released after posting bail.

Shasta County District Attorneys Office added involuntary manslaughter to the list of charges on July 22, 2014, days after officials learned 35-year-old Jesus Arellano Garcia of Michoacan, Mexico, had died in the fire.

Cal Fire officials said the blaze destroyed 20 structures and injured 21 people.

Investigators determined the Bully Fire was sparked by the exhaust from a rented truck that Smoke, then a Sacramento resident, had allegedly been driving while delivering supplies to an illegal marijuana growing site near Ono in Shasta County.

The Shasta County Marijuana Eradication Team seized more than 180 marijuana plants at the grow site in the area of Roaring Creek and Sargent roads.

Smoke might have kept up his marijuana business as a fugitive. Johnson said authorities in Indiana had been investigating him for two years after suspecting he was shipping marijuana from California into Northwestern Indiana. Cal Fire officials joined the investigation and authorities were able to confirm his location and set up the arrest Tuesday.

The investigation into his alleged interstate marijuana shipping was ongoing, Johnson said. Smoke was awaiting extradition to Shasta County.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
A Washington man who used a cardboard cutout of Donald Trump's head in the headrest of his passenger seat had a speedy commute until a police officer pulled him over.

According to Rick Johnson, spokesman for the Washington Sate Patrol District 2, a trooper pulled the unidentified driver over for using the HOV lane. He did not have a passenger, as required for the high-occupancy-vehicle lane.
A Bay Area federal judge is suggesting she intends to rule that a transgender employee can sue his employer under sex-discrimination law for denying insurance coverage for sex-reassignment surgery.

This is a sex-based procedure. It couldnt be more sex-based, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of Oakland said Tuesday to a lawyer defending the refusal of Dignity Health of San Francisco and one of its out-of-state hospitals to cover the employees operation.

The lawyer, Barry Landsberg, replied that the hospitals policy was gender-neutral because it applies equally to men and women. Federal law, he argued, prohibits discrimination against males or females, but there is not a third sex.

The exchange took place during a hearing over the employees lawsuit against the health care chain. Dignity Health contends the suit should be dismissed because federal law does not require equal treatment of transgender employees. Gonzalez Rogers will decide later whether the suit can proceed.

Federal courts have granted some workplace protections to transgender workers, ruling that they cannot be punished for failing to conform to sex stereotypes. But the courts have not resolved the question of whether the 1964 law forbidding employment discrimination based on race and sex also applies to gender identity.

The Obama administration has relied on sex-discrimination laws to adopt regulations requiring health care providers to offer equal treatment to transgender patients  and to their employees  and directing schools to let students use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

Republican-led states have challenged both sets of regulations in a Texas federal court, and a judge has blocked the restroom rule from taking effect. The administrations regulations on employee health coverage, which would apply to suits like the one against Dignity Health, have not yet taken effect.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission contends antitransgender job discrimination is illegal and has filed arguments supporting the employee in the case before Gonzales Rogers. California law  which expressly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in employment, education, health care and housing  does not apply to the case because the employee and the hospital are in Arizona.

Dignity Health is the largest private hospital chain in California and the fifth largest in the United States. Founded as Catholic Healthcare West and originally an arm of the Catholic Church, it owns 39 hospitals, 24 of them church-affiliated.

A separate suit in California courts is challenging the refusal of one of Dignitys Catholic hospitals to allow a woman to undergo tubal ligation surgery because of the churchs opposition to sterilization procedures.

Tuesdays case involves a non-church hospital, Chandler Regional Medical Center, where Josef Robinson, 51, has worked as a nurse since January 2014. Born female, he identifies as male and has sought medical treatment but has been denied insurance coverage because the hospitals insurance plan excludes coverage related to sex transformation surgery.

Robinson has paid for hormone therapy and $7,450 for a double mastectomy he underwent in August 2015, his lawyers said. They said his doctors recommended sex-reassignment surgery, which was scheduled for March 2016, but Robinson had to cancel the operation because he couldnt afford it, and forfeited his cash deposit.

His fiancee, also a hospital employee, wrote to Dignity Health last year asking for a change in the policy. After a meeting of company human resources staff and other personnel in San Francisco, a company official told the woman by email that they had considered the exclusion through the lens of our values, our internal policy and our ethical & religious directives and concluded it was not discriminatory.

Later, Dignity Health told the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that it did not provide health benefits for personality disorders.

Robinsons lawyer, Joshua Block of the American Civil Liberties Union, argued that he was covered by well-established rulings protecting employees who fail to conform to sex stereotypes.

Discrimination based on transgender status is inherently discrimination based on gender nonconformity, he told Gonzalez Rogers.

But Landsberg said the hospital never mistreated Robinson in the workplace. The suit seeks to sidestep Congress and grant to transgender status a type of protection that does not exist under the law, he said.

Gender is protected, Gonzalez Rogers replied. Isnt this really a gender issue?

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Seven out of ten American voters feel that the 2016 presidential contest has brought out the worst in people with a majority giving thumbs down to the campaign's nastiness, according to a new national Monmouth University poll.

The survey found that 7 percent of voters report having lost or terminated a friendship because of this year's race for the White House.

The agreement that the campaign is bringing out the worst in us is bipartisan -- 78 percent of Democrats, 65 percent of Republicans and 66 percent of Independents agree -- but with one key parting of ways.

Just 30 percent of voters agree that harsh language used in the 2016 campaign is justified given the current state of the nation: 65 percent say it is unjustified.

But . . .

Nearly half of Donald Trump's voters (47 percent) say the mean language is justified, compared to just 17 percent of those voting for Hillary Clinton, and 21 percent of those undecided or voting for third party candidates.

"Half of Trump supporters seem to be saying, 'Let the expletives fly,' but many voters blame both sides equally for the negative tone of this year's campaign," said Patrick Murray, who directs the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

When asked who delivers more harsh language, 50 percent gave a plague-on-both-houses response giving equal blame to Trump and Clinton supporters.

But 37 percent said more such language is coming from Trump, with just 11 percent putting the onus on the Clinton camp.

The banal talking heads of Cable TV have talked endlessly about the "angry" voters of 2016 and the anger building up in America, mainly to describe how Trump triumphed over 16 other candidates to win the Republican nomination.

Not so, Monmouth found, doing something those talking heads rarely do -- talking to voters.

Just 20 percent of those polled said they are "angry" with Washington, D.C. A far higher percentage simply voiced disappointment, with 66 percent saying "dissatisfied" is a better way of describing how they feel.

There is one exception. President Obama gets a 53 percent job approval rating, with 43 percent disapproving of the job that the 44th President is doing.

Congress gets a thumbs-up rating of just 15 percent, with 77 percent disapproving of the job that lawmakers are doing.

The poll has also recorded a learning experience by Americans on terrorism.

A 53 percent majority now agree that homegrown terrorists now pose a bigger threat to the United States than terrorists from overseas who inflitrate the country (32 percent).

The poll contains bad news for Donald Trump on immigration.

Only 32 percent of those surveyed back a blanket ban on immigration from countries with a history of terrorist acts against the West, and only 17 percent would ban all Muslims from entering the United States.

The Monmouth University Poll interviewed 802 registered voters between September 22 and 25. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent.
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Unfolding like a John le Carre thriller, The Lovers and the Despot tells the true story of two of South Koreas brightest filmmaking talents, actress Choi Eun-hee and director Shin Sang-ok, who were kidnapped in 1978 by North Korean agents on the orders of dictator Kim Jong Il and forced to make movies to boost the North Korean film industry.

Directors Ross Adam and Robert Cannans documentary is told masterfully through archival material, film clips, spot-on re-enactments and interviews with those involved, including Choi herself, her children and U.S. intelligence agents and embassy officials who aided their escape (no spoiler there; the film opens with their news conference announcing their asylum in the United States).

The films and real-life romance of Choi and Shin captivated South Korean movie audiences in the 1950s and 60s, but by the 1970s they were divorced and their clout was severely diminished. In 1978, Choi, then 41, was summoned to Hong Kong, ostensibly for a movie job. Instead, she was kidnapped by North Korean agents and smuggled on a boat to Pyongyang.

Chois disappearance made headlines across Asia, and though they were divorced, Shin went to Hong Kong to look for her  and he was grabbed, too. And that was the plan.

After years of re-education  he in prison, and she under the watchful eye of Kim Jong Il (Kim Il Sung was the supreme ruler of North Korea at the time, but son Kim Jong Il held much power, even though he didnt take over as supreme leader until after his fathers death in 1994), they began to revitalize the North Korean film industry.

They made 17 films in a 2-year period in the early 1980s  pretty good films, it looks like; Choi even won an acting prize at an international festival in Moscow. All the while, they were planning their escape. They secretly taped meetings with Kim Jong Il so that they could prove they were kidnapped, as opposed to defecting, and quietly waited for the right moment.

And they rekindled their love  getting remarried in 1983, a marriage that lasted until Shins death in 2006.

Shin never achieved the success in Hollywood that he achieved in North Korea. But he did cash in as a writer-producer of Disneys successful 3 Ninjas series, under the pseudonym Simon Sheen.

Sounds like a great Hollywood ending to one of film historys most unusual stories.

G. Allen Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BRfilmsAllen

The Lovers

and the Despot

Documentary. Directed by Ross Adam, Robert Cannan. (Not rated. 98 minutes.)

To see a trailer, go to: https://youtu.be/NNRhk2Q5s4Q
MONTGOMERY, Ala.  Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore should be removed from office for defying the U.S. Supreme Court on same-sex marriage, a lawyer for a disciplinary commission argued on Wednesday.

R. Ashby Pate, a lawyer for the Judicial Inquiry Commission, said marriage equality was settled law in all 50 states when Moore told Alabamas 68 probate judges in January that they remained bound by his courts order to refuse the licenses to same-sex couples.

A federal judge had already clarified this for Alabamas judges, citing the Obergefell vs. Hodges ruling in an injunction telling them to drop the states ban, Pate said.

His order sowed confusion. It did not clear it up. He urged defiance, not compliance, Pate told the Alabama Court of the Judiciary. He ordered each and every subordinate probate judge to defy a federal injunction.

The outspoken Republican jurist could be removed from office for the second time in 13 years if found to have violated the states canons of judicial ethics. He was ousted in 2003 for refusing to remove a Ten Commandments statue from the states judicial building, but was later re-elected in a popular vote.

Testifying under oath before the court on Wednesday, Moore called the latest charges ridiculous.

He said his January memo simply provided a status update to judges who had questions because the Alabama Supreme Court had not acted to reverse the state ban, even after the federal rulings.

I dont encourage anyone to defy a federal court or state court order, Moore said. I gave them a status in the case, a status of the facts that these orders exist. That is all I did.

Moore did acknowledge in a testy cross-examination, however, that he told probate judges to follow the very same state court order that a federal judge specifically said they could no longer enforce.

The nine-member court has 10 days to rule on whether Moore violated judicial ethics, and what punishment he should face if so. A decision to remove him from the bench must be unanimous.

Moore stands accused during a season of political upheaval Alabama. The house speaker was removed from office this summer for ethics violations, and a legislative committee will decide if evidence supports impeaching Gov. Robert Bentley after he was accused of having an affair with a top staffer.
FORT LEE, Va.  In a farewell visit of sorts, President Obama on Wednesday told Virginia-based service members that the U.S. military is setting a good example for the rest of the country during a heated and divisive political campaign season.

The outgoing commander in chief thanked them for serving and said the U.S. military is the worlds best because weve got the best people.

Sometimes, especially during election season, the country seems divided, Obama told about 550 troops at Fort Lee, without elaborating further on the heated presidential contest between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.

He praised the troops for setting a good example.

Youre unified in your mission. You do your job. You look out for each other, said Obama, who will leave office in January. You remind us were one team, were one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thats what you stand for.

Obama reflected on his nearly eight years as president, saying that of all the privileges of the Oval Office, theres none greater than serving as commander in chief of the finest military in the world.

We have the strongest military because we have the best people. You inspire me and Michelle and the American people, he said. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Obama occasionally makes such thank-you visits, meeting mostly recently with troops at Naval Station Rota during a July trip to Spain.

Similar stops have taken place over the years at bases in Texas, California and New Jersey, among others, where he meets with soldiers he has sent into harms way, most notably in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The U.S. leads a coalition of 60-plus nations working to defeat the Islamic State, which has footholds in Syria, Iraq and Libya.
WASHINGTON  Contrary to Donald Trumps characterization of the North American Free Trade Agreement as the worst trade deal maybe ever, the pact with Canada and Mexico has been a success when measured by increased commerce across the three nations.

Trump savaged NAFTA during Monday nights debate, and Hillary Clinton didnt defend the deal. It was negotiated by Republican President George H.W. Bush, passed with Republicans support and signed by Clintons husband, President Bill Clinton, after side deals on labor and the environment were added.

Trump argued that NAFTA, which took effect in 1994, cost Rust Belt states like Ohio and Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs. He vows to bring back these sorts of low-skill jobs.

Thats a highly misleading metric because the evidence shows that trade agreements, over a period of time, make little or no difference to the total number of jobs, said Gary Hufbauer, a leading researcher for the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a nonpartisan but pro-trade think tank. Trump doesnt get this. A lot of people dont get this. What trade agreements do is change the composition of jobs, the kind of industries theyre in.

In other words, U.S. manufacturing jobs might have declined, but the decrease was offset by warehousing jobs, trucking jobs, banking jobs in trade finance and in other areas that feed into international commerce.

Exact numbers are in dispute. The more liberal Economic Policy Institute says NAFTA led to the loss of 700,000 U.S. jobs over its first two decades. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said in a 20-year report on NAFTA that it helped create 5 million jobs through trade and increased competitiveness.

When trade is measured more broadly, it has led to numerous changes in the U.S. economy, such as expansion in the Washington state seaports of Seattle and Tacoma, the creation of a rail and truck hub in California for trade with China, Miamis evolution into a hub city for all things Latin America and even a Europe-focused container port in Charleston, S.C. All are significant changes that corresponded with the surge in global trade.

A McClatchy analysis of trade data shows that two-way trade between the United States and Mexico rose by 391 percent from 1995  the second full year of NAFTA  to the end of 2015. Trade with NAFTA partner Canada grew by 112.4 percent in the same period, a slower rate which reflects that a U.S.-Canada free trade agreement had been in effect since 1987.
1 DEA sources: A government watchdog says the Drug Enforcement Administration does a poor job of overseeing payments to the confidential sources it uses. The Justice Departments inspector general issued a critical report Thursday of the DEAs use of confidential informants. The report says the DEA had paid nearly $500,000 to a confidential source who was no longer supposed to be used as a source after being found to have given false testimony in trials and depositions. The report says the DEA paid an estimated $26.8 million to tipsters who operate with minimal supervision and without direction from the agency.

2 Freezer death: Federal regulators and hotel employees are calling for new safety measures after a worker was found dead inside a walk-in freezer at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta. Investigators believe Carolyn Mangham,61, spent about 13 hours at temperatures below minus 10 Fahrenheit. Her frozen body was found after her husband called the hotel to report her missing. Devices should be placed inside the large freezers so that anyone trapped or injured inside could send an alarm directly to hotel security or emergency services, union leaders say. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing about $12,500 in penalties for a serious safety violation in the death of Mangham.
A man who found out his 15-year-old sister had died in a car crash was stunned when a state trooper offered to drive him over 100 miles to be with family.

Mark Ross found out about the news of his sister at 3 a.m. on Sunday. Ross was in Indiana at the time, and his family lived in Detroit. Ross didn't have a car, but convinced a friend to drive him, according to Inside Edition.

When the two reached Ohio, however, they were caught speeding by a state trooper. The friend had a suspended driver's license and a warrant, while Ross apparently had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant.

The driver was arrested and his car impounded, however, in a Facebook post recounting the story, Ross said that the county that had issued his warrant did not want to pick him up because of the distance.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant David Robison arrived on scene, and when Ross told him the story of his sister, Robison offered to drive him over 100 miles to Detroit.

"I explained to the officer that my sister had died and that I needed to get to my mother asap," Ross wrote on his Facebook page. "I broke down crying and he saw the sincerity in my cry. He reaches over, and began praying over me and my family."

Robison drove Ross to a coffee shop where a family member came to pick him up.

"Everybody knows how much I dislike cops, but I am truly grateful for this guy," Ross said at the end of his story, which included a photo of himself with Robison. "He gave me hope."

The story has since gone viral on the Internet and has been shared more than 130,000 times as of this writing. Robison has since been invited to attend the funeral of Ross' sister for his kind gesture, and will be in attendance.
Geekologie has shut down.

Thank you to everybody.

Now go be happy.
Malcolm Lucas, who as Californias chief justice led the state Supreme Courts conservative turnabout after voters removed its liberal majority in 1986, died Wednesday at age 89.

Mr. Lucas, a federal judge and former law partner of Gov. George Deukmejian, was appointed to the states high court by Deukmejian in 1984 and became a dissenting voice on a court that had been controlled by liberals for nearly three decades. But two years later, for the first time in the courts history, the voters denied retention to three of its members  Chief Justice Rose Bird and Justices Joseph Grodin and Cruz Reynoso, all appointees of Gov. Jerry Brown  after a campaign that focused on their reversals of death sentences.

Deukmejian elevated Mr. Lucas to chief justice in January 1987 and named two more new justices, giving the tribunal a Republican-appointed majority that it still retains. The new court started upholding death sentences  eventually reaching an affirmance rate of more than 90 percent, the highest in the nation  and also rolled back some long-standing liberal precedents.

Mr. Lucas, joined by his colleagues, narrowed consumers ability to sue insurance companies and other businesses for damages. The court interpreted Proposition 13, the 1978 tax-cut initiative, to require two-thirds voter approval for many local tax increases. Another ruling virtually eliminated legal challenges to decisions by private arbitrators. In criminal law, the new majority removed barriers to evidence from some illegal police searches and illegally obtained confessions.

When Mr. Lucas wrote a ruling in 1991 that upheld an initiative limiting legislators terms, his language  referring to new curbs on an entrenched, dynastic legislative bureaucracy  so infuriated lawmakers that they canceled the chief justices annual address to the Legislature.

But the court did not toss out past precedents wholesale, and often acted with restraint. In 1990, Mr. Lucas wrote a majority opinion upholding most of a prosecution-sponsored voter initiative but overturning a provision of a voter-approved initiative that would have barred California courts from relying on the state Constitution to protect individual rights. A 1994 ruling by Mr. Lucas declared that Californians right of privacy protected them against intrusions by businesses and other private entities as well as government agencies, while also upholding random drug testing of college athletes.

The Lucas court also won public approval, with justices once again gaining retention by overwhelming voter majorities. The chief justice improved morale on a court that had been racked with internal conflict, and had an appearance that fit the public perception of his office  tall, silver-haired and deep-voiced.

Someone described him to me as a chief out of central casting, the current chief justice, Tani Cantil-Sakauye, said late Wednesday. He came in during a time of turmoil and he brought leadership. He brought peace. He brought the family together again.

Chief Justice Lucas led Californias highest court with a steady hand and a probing mind, Gov. Jerry Brown said in a statement.

Deukmejian, in a statement reported by the Sacramento Bee, said, Malcolm was a wonderful colleague, a man of great integrity and principle, a wise judge, and a valued personal friend.

Mr. Lucas retired from the court in 1996 and was succeeded by Ronald George. His departure had the unintended effect of enabling his successors to nullify one of his courts last rulings, which had not yet become final, and strike down a law requiring parental consent for minors abortions. He served as an arbitrator and also practiced law after leaving the court.

Malcolm M. Lucas was born in Berkeley in 1927 and grew up in Long Beach. He attended the University of Southern California and its law school, then practiced law in Long Beach from 1954 to 1967, when Gov. Ronald Reagan appointed him to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. President Richard Nixon named him to the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles four years later.

He is survived by his wife, Fiorenza Cartwright Lucas; two children, California State Librarian and former Chronicle reporter Greg Lucas, and Lisa Lucas Mooney; and six stepchildren.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
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The Harvard Law School grad who orchestrated a terrifying kidnapping for ransom last year on Vallejos Mare Island admitted to the abduction Thursday morning in a federal courtroom in Sacramento.

But while 39-year-old Matthew Mullers guilty plea to one count of kidnapping may begin to resolve part of the criminal matter, the victims, Denise Huskins, 30, and Aaron Quinn, 31, want to see the investigators who initially dismissed the crime as a hoax held accountable.

Muller, a disbarred San Francisco immigration attorney who served in the Marines, on Thursday agreed to take responsibility for the crime, as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, his attorney, Tom Johnson, said.

In exchange for the guilty plea, the U.S. Attorneys Office will not recommend Muller be sentenced to a prison term longer than 40 years.

Muller committed a serious and violent crime that terrorized the victims in this case, said acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. He violated the sanctity of their home and caused fear and panic for all those affected by the kidnapping.

The prosecutors sentencing recommendation, though, is only one factor U.S. District Court Judge Troy Nunley will consider when handing down punishment during a hearing scheduled for Jan. 19.

Nunley will also consider federal sentencing guidelines, a presentencing report from the federal probation department and impact statements from the victims. Huskins and Quinn will speak during the sentencing hearing, family members said.

Following Mullers guilty plea, the couple made a rare public appearance with Huskins San Francisco attorney, Doug Rappaport, who implored the judge to issue a life sentence while blasting investigators in the case. Quinn and a teary-eyed Huskins remained silent, holding hands.

They said within hours of her release that she and Aaron had perpetrated a hoax and turned them into public pariahs, Rappaport said. How is it that in such an important case, you have such a poor investigation?

He went on to reveal that the lead FBI agent investigating the crime, David Sesma, had a personal relationship with Quinns ex-fiancee, who was the intended target of the kidnapping, not Huskins.

Rappaport was initially hired as Huskins defense attorney when police became suspicious of her story.

Huskins turned up safe at her fathers home in Huntington Beach (Orange County), two days after being taken from Quinns residence in the early-morning hours of March 23, 2015.

It was deplorable the torment she had to go through after the inhuman conduct she went through during the course of the kidnapping, Rappaport said.

Detectives first suspected Quinn in the disappearance after he called police saying he had been drugged, and Huskins kidnapper was demanding a seemingly small $8,500 ransom.

A day after the disappearance, The Chronicle received a proof of life statement from Huskins. The next day when she turned up safe and told police she had been sexually assaulted, investigators called the episode bogus.

Sesma took me aside and said, I bet you 99 percent shes lying, and I intend to prosecute her, Rappaport said.

When Vallejo police publicly called the episode an orchestrated event, The Chronicle began receiving emails from a person claiming to be the kidnapper.

The writer, believed to be Muller, said he was part of a group of Oceans Eleven, gentlemen criminals, who ran an auto-theft ring on Mare Island. In one message, he said he intended to kidnap Quinns ex-fiancee, who he mistakenly thought was in the house, but took Huskins.

Muller, a stranger to Huskins and Quinn, has never revealed why he targeted the couple.

He is suspected in several similar home invasions around the Bay Area.

In June 2015, Muller was captured after he left his cell phone behind during a Dublin break-in. Authorities used the phone to track him to his parents vacation home in South Lake Tahoe, where police uncovered evidence linking him to the Vallejo kidnapping.

He pleaded no contest to the Dublin crime in September 2015 in Alameda Superior Court and still awaits sentencing, which he will serve concurrently with any federal prison time.

Johnson on Thursday said he hopes to get Muller out one day.

Since being jailed, Muller has been taking mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medication and antidepressants.

Once he got into a controlled environment, the reality of this situation became clear, Steve Reed, a retired member of the Sacramento Police Department and family friend of Muller said outside court.

After months of anguish, Thursdays guilty plea brought some relief to the family members of the victims.

I feel pretty good about the agreement, Quinns mother, Marianne Quinn, said outside court. Muller is a dangerous guy, and Aaron and Denise are relieved they wont have to testify.

Still frustrated at law enforcement, she added, There wont be real justice until the people who botched this whole thing are held accountable.

Huskins and Aaron Quinn have filed a federal civil lawsuit against the city of Vallejo and its police department for civil rights violations. Thursdays guilty plea will pave the way for that case to move forward.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
A roundup of state government and Capitol news items of interest for Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016:

ETHANOL INCENTIVES: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said Wednesday about $350,000 in uncommitted funds are now available to interested retailers in Iowa seeking cost-share funding to help buy and install blender pumps and underground storage tank infrastructure for higher blends of ethanol.

Applications must be received at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardships office by 4 p.m. Oct. 14. Pumps and tanks funded through this round of funding are required to be operational by the end of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2017.

Through this program we have supported the installation of more than 200 blender pumps and 16 underground storage tanks and now have some additional funds to add even more, Northey said.

Iowa received a $5 million competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership program to support the initiative, with $2.5 million in matching funds from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program.

The fueling sites applying for assistance will also be required to provide a minimum of $2.5 million.

Pumps and tanks funded through this program are required to be in operations for the intended purpose of dispensing higher blends of ethanol for at least five years from the date they enter service.

BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS: Five Iowa schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education for their overall academic excellence or for their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

The schools are:

 Westside Junior-Senior High School, Ar-We-Va Community School District;

 Helen A. Hansen Elementary School, Cedar Falls Community School District;

 Franklin Elementary School, Le Mars Community School District;

 Indian Creek Elementary School, Linn-Mar Community School District;

 West Union Elementary School, North Fayette Community School District.

U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. announced the 329 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2016 on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of Education will formally recognize 279 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony on Nov. 7-8 in Washington, D.C.

GAS PRICES HOLD STEADY: Prices Iowans are paying at service station pumps were generally unchanged since last week, according to the state Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship.

The price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.19 per gallon across Iowa, according to AAAs Tuesday survey, which was unchanged from one week ago but was 12 cents lower than one year ago. The national average on Tuesday also was unchanged at $2.21 per gallon.

Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were the same as last week with a statewide average of $2.36 a gallon compared to $2.44 one year ago. For heating fuels, natural gas prices fell by a nickel to $3.03/MMbtu.
ALGONA  An Algona man accused of sexually exploiting a child for pornographic purposes is due in federal court next week.

Adam Perry, 44, was indicted on charges of sexual exploitation of a child and possessing child pornography.

A hearing to discuss conditions of his incarceration will be held Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Sioux City

Perry is accused of using a juvenile on May 14 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the activity, according to the indictment.

The indictment also accuses him of possessing child pornography on May 16.

The Algona Police Department searched Perrys home in Algona earlier this year.

Perry was being held without bond Thursday at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City.

 Molly Montag.
The head of Yosemite National Park has resigned, a week after a heated congressional oversight hearing into allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and other misconduct at Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and other national parks.

Superintendent Don Neubacher, who had led Yosemite for seven years, said Wednesday that he would step down in the wake of allegations from 20 employees. Yosemite officials revealed the move Thursday while offering little explanation.

I regret leaving at this time, but want to do whats best for Yosemite National Park, Neubacher, whose resignation is effective Nov. 1, said in a statement. It is an iconic area that is world renowned and deserves special attention.

Park Service spokesman Andrew Munoz said investigators looking into the staff allegations at Yosemite persuaded the Park Service that it did need to make a change in leadership at the park.

Last week, after taking testimony on the situation at Yosemite and the other parks, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform called for a change at Yosemite.

Of the 21 people the investigators interviewed, every single one of them, with one exception, described Yosemite as a hostile work environment as a result of the behavior and conduct of the parks superintendent, said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah. Why isnt there immediate relief?

Chaffetz said ignoring complaints from women seemed to be a long-standing pattern at the park.

During the hearing, the chief of fire management at the park, Kelly Martin, told the committee that she and others had been subjected to hostility and discrimination against women  and that she had been the victim of a Peeping Tom incident by a park ranger while working at Grand Canyon National Park in 1987.

She said the Park Service discouraged female park rangers and other employees from coming forward with complaints.

In Yosemite National Park today, dozens of people  the majority of whom are women  are being bullied, belittled, disenfranchised and marginalized from their roles as dedicated professionals, Martin testified. You are likely to find accounts of women (and men) being publicly humiliated by the superintendent, intimidated in front of colleagues, and having their professional credibility and integrity minimized or questioned.

The committee heard similar complaints from rangers and staff at Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.

After the hearing, Neubacher sent an apology email to park employes, referring to serious staff concerns related to Yosemites workplace environment.

Spokesman Munoz said Park Service staff began looking into complaints at Yosemite in July. A month later, the investigation was turned over to the inspector general of the Department of the Interior.

Neubacher, 63, a native of Vallejo, served as superintendent at Point Reyes National Seashore from 1995 until his appointment to the Yosemite post in 2010. At Point Reyes, he was known for his opposition to a renewal of the lease for an oyster farm on Drakes Bay and for his program to control non-native deer.

He will be on paid leave until his official departure Nov. 1, Munoz said. The current superintendent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Woody Smeck, will serve as temporary superintendent at Yosemite for four months.

Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com
MASON CITY  Absentee ballots are now available for the Nov. 8, 2016, general elections.

Races on the ballot include president/vice president, U.S. Senate and House and state and county offices.

The early voting does not include the Mason City Council runoff election of Dec. 6. Early voting for that election will take place later.

An eligible voter may cast an absentee ballot at the county auditors office or submit a written request for a ballot to be mailed to the voter.

Requests should be addressed to the County Auditor, 220 N. Washington Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, and must include the voters name, date of birth, address, signature, and the name or date of the election.

Regular weekday courthouse hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office will be also open on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 5.

Persons with questions can call the auditors office at 641-421-3041, or visit the county website at www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us.
Lawrence Shorty Ray Hansen

CLEAR LAKE  Lawrence Shorty Ray Hansen, 75, of Webster City, died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, at Southfield Wellness Community Assisted Living in Webster City.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Pastor Peter Mueller officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake.

Family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Hansen Memorial Fund.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.
MASON CITY  A suit filed against the city by a real estate company was dismissed last week after a settlement was reached.

The suit claimed city officials wrongfully labeled a house a dangerous building and demolished it.

The city agreed to pay $6,500 as its part of the settlement. City Administrator Brent Trout said the money will come from the citys insurance deductible.

Alliance Capital LLC, the Delaware-based company that filed the suit over a house at 320 E. State St. that was demolished on March 14, 2014, agreed to donate the property where the house stood to Community Benefit-Mason City.

This organization planned the move of the Egloff House and three other homes from the 2008 flood-ravaged Park Place neighborhood to the 300 block of East State, which is undergoing revitalization.

Alliance had claimed the city did not give notice of its intention to demolish the house.

As part of its answer to the suit, the city enclosed a copy of the notice officials say was sent to Alliance and the law firm representing the company informing them that the house had been inspected and was determined to be dangerous according to city code, as well as certified return receipts for the notice.

Alliance was in the process of foreclosing on the owners of the house on State Street when city officials had it demolished, according to the suit.

Alliance bought the land the house stood on after it was demolished.

Alliance, through its attorney, dismissed the suit with prejudice, which means it cannot be filed again based on the same claims.
I have been blessed to have had a career in which I have crossed paths with a wide cross-section of interesting individuals, from paupers to presidents to prime ministers.

I rarely have had the feeling of being in the presence of greatness, but an exception to that occurred on Feb. 18, 1999, when Shimon Peres, former president and prime minister of Israel, who died Wednesday at the age of 93, spoke at North Iowa Area Community College.

Standing between two armed guards on stage that night, wisdom poured out of him. I dont think Im alone in saying, for those of us in the audience, it was a secular moment of grace.

For a man who spent most of his adult life in a country embroiled in war and other turmoil, his words that night were compelling.

I still have my notes from reporting on his speech and I share them today not only as a tribute to him but as a lesson for us.

The younger generation, he said, doesnt want to kill and doesnt want to be killed. We dont have the right to tell them to fight  to lose even if you win, he said.

He added, Instead of asking how many policemen you have, the proper question is, How many universities do you have?

Peres, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994, said, World economic growth is the result of our ability to think rather than fight. Because of the economy of brains, we have a global economy.

Money doesnt produce ideas. Ideas produce money, he said.

Peres said the world economy, with American companies becoming multi-national, has built-in dangers. Instead of just insuring your companies against fire, you have to insure them against political fire, he said.

Peres said the world would be better off if countries worked to make their neighbors stronger, not weaker. It doesnt make sense to help them become poor. It makes sense to help them become rich, he said.

He offered this caution that seems especially timely today: Whether we have a first-class ticket or a third-class ticket, were all on the same ship. Terrorists on the ship are as dangerous as the seas. So keep an eye on the passengers.

He ended his talk at NIACC that night with an illustration. He told of a rabbi and two students discussing how to determine when night turns to day.

One student said it is when you can look out into a field and determine whether an animal you see is a lamb or a goat.

The other student said it is when you can determine whether a tree in the distance is a fig tree or an olive tree.

The old rabbi shook his head and told them they were both wrong.

You can tell that night has turned to day, he said, when a white man sees a black man and a rich man sees a poor man and when a powerful man sees a weak man  and can call him brother.
In her first debate with Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton delivered one of her more memorable one-liners when she quipped, I think Donald just criticized me for preparing for this debate. You know what else I prepared for? I prepared to be president.

Debate rules be damned, Clintons supporters in the room cheered loudly, and the line quickly ricocheted across social media.

Indeed, Clinton was well prepared, especially compared to her blustery rival. Yet on one issue  trade  she seemed surprisingly caught off-guard.

Early on, when Clinton praised her husbands economic record, Trump shot back that Bill Clinton had signed the North American Free Trade Agreement  NAFTA, for short  which the GOP candidate called the single worst trade deal ever approved in this country.

It was a serious charge, since Hillary has often embraced Bills business-friendly trade policies. So it was disappointing when the best response she could offer was, Well, thats your opinion.

Seriously?

Trumps not known for his factual precision, but worthier critics have tallied up NAFTAs extensive failures since it became law two decades ago.

The first Clinton administration promised that NAFTA would create hundreds of thousands of jobs. In fact, the consumer rights group Public Citizen noted in a 2014 report that the deal killed a million U.S. jobs in its first decade alone and created strong downward pressure on wages for what jobs remained.

Rust Belt states like Ohio and Michigan were especially devastated. Trade deals liquidated over half a million manufacturing jobs in those two states alone between 1994 and 2015. No wonder Trump mentioned the pair twice.

NAFTA also uprooted over a million Mexican workers, leading to an immigration crisis that seemed to pit low-wage Americans and low-wage Mexicans against each other. Meanwhile, it won big corporations some $360 million in judgments against public interest regulations like labor laws.

In short, deals like NAFTA accelerated the job losses, immigration tensions and spiraling inequality that created the social rot Trump is exploiting today. Yet Clinton still defends the pacts legacy.

Pressing his advantage, Trump turned to the Trans Pacific Partnership, or TPP  a 12-country trade pact negotiated by the Obama administration that critics have called NAFTA on steroids. Consumer groups and labor unions are lobbying hard against it.

And, as he courts blue-collar voters, so is Trump.

You were totally in favor of it, Trump accused Clinton  correctly. Though she denied it at the debate, Clinton once called the TPP the gold standard in trade agreements, even as rights groups raised serious concerns about the power it would give corporations over everything from drug prices to food safety laws.

Mysteriously, the former secretary of state changed her mind about the TPP during the Democratic primary, announcing last year that she could no longer support it. Had she become a skeptic of corporate-friendly trade deals or was she buckling under pressure from Bernie Sanders, whod been hammering away at the TPP for years?

Nothing Clinton said in the debate gives any clue. But when Trump promised to renegotiate NAFTA, Clinton refused to follow suit.

If she still supports NAFTA, though, how can anyone trust her to block NAFTA on steroids?

For many of Clintons supporters, its enough that she simply isnt Donald Trump. But if she fends him off, shell need to think long and hard about whether deals like these have any place in the broad-based, inclusive growth she says she wants for our country.

If she gets it wrong, the social cancers of job loss and xenophobia will only continue to fester. And we may yet see a Trump on steroids rise from the ashes.
All signs point to the 2017 Iowa legislative session shaping up just like 2016  with not enough money appropriated for education.

Such shortfalls concern us greatly. And one area, one which could set the tone for learning from an early age on, is particularly bothersome.

Gov. Terry Branstad said last week that state revenue growth may not be strong enough to support the statewide summer reading initiative designed to make sure third-graders meet proficiency standards that are considered key educational building blocks.

Many legislators consider the issue important, but given the governor did not include funding for the program in his two-year state budget plan, they grudgingly agreed last session to move implementation of the statewide literacy law from spring 2017 to 2018.

We understanding problems facing the state. In a story by our Globe Gazette Des Moines Bureau, the governor, looking at fiscal 2018 budget prospects, said revenue growth is being hampered by farm prices below production costs and bird flu after-effects. Add to that complications of the wet weather on crops and the harvest plus the costs of battling flooding, and the state could be looking at a major financial pinch unless state revenues make a major jump.

A key, said Branstad, will be the December meeting of the state Revenue Estimating Conference which will determine how much tax money will be available to budget for the next fiscal year or the possibility of a supplemental appropriation that would get the reading program back on track.

Branstad is not optimistic and says the state has to be realistic about financial circumstance.

Again, we understand. But time and again, as Iowas education proficiency scores slip  the state earned a C and No. 24 ranking from Education Week (edweek.org)  concern heightens among state educators charged with trying to reverse that trend. Helping young children gain proficiency has been identified as a major factor in the ability to learn and to establish good learning habits.

Some schools are tackling the problem head-on, relying on what state funding they can find, sometimes supplemented with private funding and parental involvement. We agree with Branstad who says parents reading to their children and supporting teachers make for a good partnership to guide literacy development.

But we still urge Branstad and lawmakers to not casually sweep this program under the budget shortfall rug, as convenient as it may seem when dealing with other, bigger funding areas. Iowans agree that a well-educated work force is sorely needed to fill many high-tech jobs available now and which will develop in coming years. Helping kids learn to read can play a big role in doing just that.

We hope funding can be found for the early reading initiative  and that per-pupil school aid, which in our opinion has been sorely lacking, can be increased significantly. Lawmakers should make both priorities and the governor should help them do so.
I am writing today to ask you, the good citizens of North Iowa, to give to our United Way.

I was privileged to participate in this year's Community Impact panel. There I saw dedicated champions provide impassioned descriptions of the needs in our communities and their hard work in meeting those challenges.

One such program, Latinas/Latinos Al Exito Inc. in Hampton, talked about the challenge to move young Latinos from high school to college.

Al Exito is committed to motivate and prepare middle-school Latinas/Latinos for post-high school education and the potential for economic security, civic engagement and a stable family life. This program, through engaging student's entire family, is successfully doing just that.

I'm proud of North Iowa's culture of caring and ask that you consider giving to our United Way. You will positively impact the lives of your neighbors and continue making North Iowa a great place to live.

Jim Collins, United Way board member, Mason City
Donald Trump's campaign manager denied Thursday that one of the GOP nominee's businesses violated the U.S.-Cuban embargo in 1998, dismissing an investigative report that accused Trump of knowingly spending $68,000 staking out an investment on the island.

"Read the entire story. It starts out with a screaming headline, as it usually does, that he did business in Cuba. And it turns out that he decided not to invest there. I think they paid money, as I understand from the story, in 1998 - and we're not supposed to talk about years ago when it comes to the Clintons," Trump's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, said on ABC's "The View" Thursday, amid cross talk.
I am writing you on behalf of the United Way of North Central Iowa during its 2016 campaign Season.

As the One on One Mentoring coordinator for the Mason City Youth Task Force, our organization has worked with United Way of North Central Iowa as a partner agency for many years. The difference that United Way Funding has made to our program and the youth and adults we serve has been immeasurable.

United Way of North Central Iowa funding is essential to the Cerro Gordo One on One Mentoring Program. Currently, we have 18 youth waiting to be matched with a caring adult in our community.

Our goal is to match youth and adults and provide them with the tools to create great friendships. Mentoring promotes relationship building and social skill development, and research has shown that these relationships can reduce youth substance use and other high-risk behaviors while increasing developmental assets.

The United Way of North Central Iowa provides our program funds to support our Clear Lake coordinator as well as supporting our large-group activities and recruitment supplies.

Our United Way of North Central Iowa partners with 24 local nonprofits to facilitate 29 programs designed to help community members achieve their best lives. Among many things, money donated to United Way helps feed the hungry, move people from homelessness to financial stability, mentor children, support reading education and provide much needed assistance to victims of physical and sexual abuse, all within in our north central Iowa region.

I encourage you to join me in supporting our United Way of North Central Iowa. Together, we can continue to build our community and Live United.

Jessica Prazak, One on One Mentoring Coordinator, Mason City Youth Task Force
A federal judge denied motions by congressional candidate Ro Khannas campaign that a court hearing on South Bay Rep. Mike Hondas cybertheft charges against his opponent be delayed until after the Nov. 8 election.

The request for a continuance by Khanna, a Fremont attorney running against Honda, argued that The Honda campaign is hiding behind the litigation privilege to tell lies for political ends and that the court need only defer this matter by less than a month to prevent such abuse.

Edward J. Davila, a judge with United States District Court for the Northern District, denied the request for a continuance, and a hearing on the case is now scheduled for Oct. 11 in a San Jose federal court.

The request for a continuance was little more than an effort by Khanna to avoid answering the charges against him, said Vedant Patel, a spokesman for the Honda campaign.

Khanna and his campaign shamelessly seek to distract the court with red herrings and innuendo, Hondas legal team said in a legal response to Khannas motion. Time is of the essence.

Last week, Hondas campaign charged in a civil suit that Khannas campaign manager illegally broke into the private computer system of his former employer and downloaded the personal information of more than 10,000 of Hondas donors.

Khanna and his campaign manager, Brian Parvizshahi, conspired to intentionally access Mike Honda for Congress confidential, proprietary information that contained trade secret data regarding past, current and potential donors, according to the suits, which were filed under the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Economic Espionage Act.

The information was used by Khanna to solicit Hondas supporters and provide them with information suggesting they shift their support to Khanna, the Honda campaign said.

Parvizshahi resigned at his own request a few hours after the suits were announced.

Theres no argument that Honda, a San Jose resident who has held the congressional seat since 2000, is using the suits, and the nations growing concern about high-tech cybercrime, to attack Khannas credibility as someone who will represent the Silicon Valley.

Khanna is unfit to represent this district, Honda said in a statement released Tuesday.

Silicon Valley is the epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the tech community, the congressman said. Mr. Khannas illegal activity sends a chilling message to all businesses, innovators and residents across this country who cherish their privacy.

Honda, who narrowly defeated Khanna in 2014 and finished second to his challenger in Junes primary election, is widely seen as trailing in his re-election bid. A high-profile court case in the days before the election could be a boost for his campaign.

The request for a continuance sought to delay this litigation  by gravely prejudicing Mike Honda for Congress right to a prompt, pre-election hearing, Hondas attorney, Gautam Dutta, said in the response to Khannas request. Their motion must be swiftly denied.

The motion by Khanna argued that his legal team needs more information before it can respond directly to Hondas charges. It also complains that Honda found out about the computer breach on May 31 and then sat on that information until he could use it as a pre-election bombshell.

You cant credibly argue that this isnt political, said Hari Sevugan, a spokesman for the Khanna campaign. It took (Honda) 41/2 months to file the damn thing.

The time was needed to investigate the situation and determine exactly what had been taken and how the campaign had been affected, Patel said.

The motion Khanna filed Wednesday also was plenty political.

Honda makes flimsy accusations that he was harmed by the data breach and his contentions that his reputation was affected is a hollow claim, noting that only now, as Honda is facing defeat in the general election, did the Honda campaign file this suit.

But the continuance request also said that the suits should be moot because Parvizshahi has resigned and the campaign is creating a new email contact list only from sources it can immediately verify and will only use that new contact list for the remainder of the campaign.

Thats wasnt enough for Honda.

Khanna and his campaign team are talking out of both sides of their mouths, Patel said. How can they say that there is no problem and at the same time that theyre working to solve the problem?

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
Imagine there are two versions of yourself. One that feels these things and asks these questions, and one thats safe. Which would you rather be?

Thats the fundamental question asked in the very brainy but thoroughly gripping sci-fi series Westworld, based on Michael Crichtons 1973 film and premiering Sunday, Oct. 2, on HBO.

The update, developed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, and co-produced by J.J. Abrams, is set in a futuristic theme park where people can live out their darkest fantasies. We dont necessarily know much about the actual lives of the towns guests, but they are able to interact with any number of hosts who are, in fact, extremely lifelike robots, programmed to participate in scripted scenarios with their visitors.

Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood), a young woman in cornflower blue, leaves the general store and attaches her parcel to the saddle of her horse. A single can drops to the dusty street and rolls away. A man stoops to retrieve it and approaches her to give it back.

We see the scene multiple times. Often, the man is the gunslinger known as Teddy Flood (James Marsden). Other times, he is someone else. The scenario involves the man accompanying Dolores back home, where she finds her father shot to death.

There are similar scenes in the four episodes sent to critics for review. But as they are repeated, we begin to notice variations  slight at first, but more obvious with repetition.

Perhaps the one image that grounds the whole series is a player piano in the saloon known as the Mariposa. We see the piano roll start to move and hear a tune. Later, we see the image again; the roll starts to move, but another tune is played. The same, yet different  thats what Westworld is all about.

Behind the scenes, there is concern that some of the hosts are beginning to demonstrate aberrant behavior. In stark contrast to the old-fashioned Western town, the operations for Westworld are housed in a dark, futuristic structure overseen by the creator of the theme park, Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins). Its probably not accidental that the character is named for the man who killed Jesse James, one of the best-known characters of the real Old West.

Ford is deceptively genial, almost doddering at times, but he has a clear vision of what he wants Westworld to be. The organization is a corporation, though, and the engineers are always wary of the people in charge of the narrative division.

Bernard Lowe (Jeffrey Wright) oversees the division that programs the hosts. He of all people should know that his creations are not human, and that its a mistake to treat them as such. But he cant help seeing the emerging flaws in Dolores programming as a suggestion that she may be capable of evolving beyond being merely a mechanical creation.

Elsie Hughes (Shannon Woodward) has her work cut out for her trying to correct the increasing number of flaws in the parks artificial population. Theresa Cullen (Sidse Babett Knudsen) is the no-nonsense operations chief, who is increasingly worried about her own position in the company. Lee Sizemore (Simon Quarterman) is the temperamental head of the narrative division, responsible for creating the backstories and the scenarios for all the hosts.

Guests like Logan (Ben Barnes), a return visitor, and his friend, William (Jimmi Simpson), a first-timer, get to do whatever they want. Logan has sex with any available male or female host, and dispatches them at will when his trigger finger starts itching. His friend is reluctant to bed down with one of the dance-hall girls working at the Mariposa, and hes not interested in killing any hosts at first. But eventually, the towns pervasive atmosphere of wanton sex and brutality liberates him from his own moral code.

And thats really the thematic core of Westworld, the exploration of how common values influence us to do things we might not otherwise do on the one hand, but also impose societal rules were obligated to obey at the same time. Its the concept explored notably by William Golding in Lord of the Flies.

As the series explores the nature of the human mind, we contemplate the dualism of existence itself  good and evil, spirit and flesh, hope and heartbreak. Presumably, the guests at Westworld lead what we would call ordinary lives in civilized society, whose rules they more or less follow. As visitors to Westworld, they are free to break any rule they wish. And if they feel like killing a host, it doesnt matter: Theyre just machines anyway.

Structurally, though, breaking the rules is exactly what the mechanical hosts are doing. They are not living, of course, and their actions and reactions are dictated by programs. Yet something is prompting deviations in their behavior. Could it be the repeated association with living guests? Are they beginning to mimic feelings of concern, love, dislike, sorrow and longing that they observe in Westworld visitors?

We return to the touchstone image of the piano roll, beginning to turn once again, but playing a different tune each time.

Westworld isnt easy to understand at first, but you will be hooked nonetheless by unusually intelligent storytelling, powerful visuals and exceptionally nuanced performances. Several major characters, from both the host and guest categories, display conflicts that reflect the series overall theme of exploring the dualism of human nature.

That includes Ed Harris as the Gunslinger, who has visited Westworld more often than any other guest, and Thandie Newton as Maeve, the madam of the Mariposa, who is beginning to doubt her own existence as a host because of apparent memories from a previous life.

Crichtons original film was a hit back in the 70s, but in some ways, perhaps he  and the film  were ahead of their time. The new Westworld makes a different kind of sense within the context of 21st century life, when so much of our interaction with each other is carried out through machines  computers, smartphones and the like. How are our true emotions homogenized and altered by those devices? Think about how well we have learned to compartmentalize our emotions through little cartoon emojis.

Have we, in our world today, become the guests transmitting our thoughts, feelings and secrets through little handheld hosts? If so, do you ever wonder which version of ourselves is real?

David Wiegand is an assistant managing editor and the TV critic of The San Francisco Chronicle and co-host of The Do List every Friday morning at 6:22 and 8:22 on KQED FM, 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento. Follow him on Facebook. Email:dwiegand@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @WaitWhat_TV

Westworld: Science fiction drama. 75-minute premiere, 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, on HBO.
NEW DELHI  India said Thursday it carried out surgical strikes against militants across the highly militarized frontier that divides the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan, in an exchange that escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Pakistan dismissed the reports that Indias military had targeted terrorist launch pads inside the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir. Islamabad said instead that two of its soldiers were killed in unprovoked firing by India across the border.

Tensions, which are always simmering between India and Pakistan, spiked after an attack this month on an Indian military base in Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of sending militants belonging to the outlawed Jaish-e-Mohammed group, headquartered in Pakistan, to carry out the attack. Pakistan denied the charge.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been under heavy pressure to respond to the attack on the military base.

Significant casualties were caused to the terrorists and those who support them, Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, director general of military operations for the Indian army, said in New Delhi. Singh said the operations were over, and India has no plans for more strikes. He said he shared details of the strikes with his Pakistani counterpart.

Indian soldiers traveling on foot crossed the Line of Control into the Pakistani-controlled portion to attack several targets based on intelligence about imminent attacks, said a high-ranking Indian official who would only brief reporters on condition of anonymity. He said the Indian forces killed at least 10 people before retreating into Indian-controlled territory. The Indian soldiers suffered no losses, he said.

The Pakistani military flatly denied any surgical strikes had occurred.

Pakistani officials said two of their soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded in the exchanges at five different places along the disputed border.

Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both.

Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favor independence or a merger with Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over control of Kashmir since winning independence from British colonialists in 1947.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the insurgents and pushing them into the Indian portion of Kashmir to attack government forces and other targets. Pakistan says it provides only political and diplomatic support to the insurgents, who have been fighting since 1989.
JERUSALEM  Thousands of Israelis flocked to parliament Thursday to view the casket of Shimon Peres, paying final respects to the former president and prime minister whose life story mirrored that of his country.

Dignitaries began arriving for a funeral that is expected to be Israels largest since that of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Peres partner in peace who was slain by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.

Peres office said more than 90 delegations from 70 countries have confirmed their participation, including President Obama, French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck, Prince Charles of Britain and King Felipe VI of Spain.

After an initial hesitation due to the collapse of peace efforts, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also confirmed his participation, as did representatives from Egypt and Jordan  the two Arab countries at peace with Israel. That was a testament to the wide reach of Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who was his countrys strongest advocate for ending the conflict in the Middle East.

In contrast to an outpouring of grief from Western leaders, Arab leaders have remained largely silent over Peres death. Abbas was one of the few to express sorrow. A representative said he wanted to attend the funeral to send a message to Israeli society that despite the current stalemate, Palestinians still believe in peace and appreciate men of peace like Peres.

A spokesman for Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, urged Abbas to cancel.

Many in the Arab world are deeply critical of Peres because of his role in building Israels defense arsenal, his early support for West Bank settlements and for waging war in Lebanon while prime minister. Israeli Arab leaders, whose community Peres championed, were also conspicuously quiet.

However, Khalid al-Khalifa, the foreign minister of Bahrain, issued a rare Arab tribute.

Rest in peace President Shimon Peres, a man of war and a man of the still elusive peace in the Middle East, he tweeted.

Peres casket lay in state in the plaza outside the Knesset, or parliament, as soldiers in uniform, teenagers from youth movements and Israelis from all walks of life lined up on a warm September day to pay their respects. They were joined by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the first foreign dignitary to arrive.

Clinton, escorted by President Reuven Rivlin and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, stopped by later, staring solemnly at the casket without commenting.

Peres died Wednesday at the age of 93, two weeks after suffering a stroke
1 Refugee tragedy: Turkeys state-run news agency says the coast guard has rescued four people and recovered four bodies after an inflatable raft carrying 31 foreign nationals sank off the southwestern resort town of Bodrum. The incident occurred Thursday, with Anadolu Agency reporting several boats, a helicopter and a jet conducting search and rescue operations for the 23 missing passengers. None of the bodies which were recovered wore life vests. More than a million people reached Europe in 2015, with nearly 3,800 refugees losing their lives in the Mediterranean after their overcrowded boats sunk.

2 Garment workers: The Cambodian government has agreed to raise the minimum wage for clothing and footwear workers, a move that could help placate workers in the countrys biggest export industry. The Ministry of Labor said Thursday that the minimum wage would be raised by 9.2 percent to $153 a month, effective at the beginning of 2017. The clothing and footwear industry is Cambodias biggest export earner, employing about 700,000 people in more than 700 garment and shoe factories. In 2015, the Southeast Asian country shipped nearly $7 billion worth of products to the United States and Europe.
MANILA  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte raised his bloody anti-crime war rhetoric to a new level Friday, comparing it to how Hitler massacred millions of Jews and saying how he would be happy to slaughter 3 million addicts.

Duterte issued his latest threat against drug dealers and users early Friday on returning to his home in southern Davao city after visiting Vietnam, where he discussed his anti-drug campaign with Vietnamese leaders and compared notes on battling the problem.
BEIRUT  Syrian government forces continued their push into rebel-held districts of Aleppo Thursday as international officials issued dire warnings of an ongoing humanitarian disaster in Syrias largest city.

The U.N.s humanitarian chief Stephen OBrien told the Security Council that the conditions in eastern Aleppo, which is besieged and assaulted on all sides by government forces, had descended into the merciless abyss of humanitarian catastrophe.

Speaking to the Security Council via video link from Geneva, OBrien painted a grim picture of the conditions in the war-wracked eastern part of the city, where at least 320 civilians including 100 children have been killed in the past week. An additional 765 have been wounded.

OBriens report noted that the U.N. now calculates that 861,200 Syrians are trapped in sieges  a nearly 50 percent increase from the last estimate of 586,200. The new figure reflects the governments protracted blockade around eastern Aleppo, where an estimated 250,000 people or more live.

Most of the besieged citizens, divided across at least 18 locations around the country, are trapped by government forces, and international observers are beginning to accuse both Damascus and its close ally Moscow of war crimes.

The U.N. embarked on an ambitious plan early this year to establish regular humanitarian access to Syrians living under various sieges but was reportedly stymied by the government as well as a restrictive covenant between rebels and the government to limit assistance to 60,000 of the most distressed, divided among four towns. At that time, a total of 487,000 Syrians were estimated to be living under siege.

OBrien said certain Security Council members bore responsibility for global inaction on Syria and ended his address saying it was time to place the blame.

In Aleppo, rescue crews were working for the third straight day to clear the rubble and search for survivors of presumed Russian or Syrian government air strikes on the eastern al-Shaar and al-Mashhad neighborhoods that flattened residential buildings and killed at least 23 civilians, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Germany and Turkey condemned what they called blatant breaches of international humanitarian law and renewed calls for a cease-fire.

Meanwhile, air strikes destroyed the last remaining bakery in Anadan, an opposition town north of Aleppo, activists said.
Special Session Set for Friday

Lawmakers are headed back to Santa Fe on Friday for a special session to

and to consider the governors crime legislation, including a proposal to reinstate the death penalty in New Mexico.

Funding Cutbacks

Santa Fe Community College, like other higher education institutions, is

up to $750,000.

Insurance Firms on Hook for Back Taxes

John Franchini, the state insurance superintendent, told lawmakers on Wednesday that he

of the $193 million insurance companies owe in back taxes, which would go a long way toward lowering the state budget deficit.

PRC Approves PNM Rate Increase

On Wednesday, Public Regulation Commissioners

for the Public Service Company of New Mexico. The approved rate hike was a little more than half of PNMs requested increase of $123.5 million in annual revenue, but higher than the $41.3 million recommended by a PRC hearing officer. Parties on both sides of the issue say theyll appeal the decision. PNM says it will file another rate increase request at the PRC by the end of the year.

State Drug Spending Increases

The Associated Press reports that state agencies

on prescription medication for everyone from prison inmates to retired state workers, a 54 percent increase from two years ago.

Happy Talk 'Encourages Complacency'

New Mexico Political Report editor Matthew Reichbach has inked a commentary and says that state leaders and economic development executives

and should stop the happy talk about New Mexicos economy, saying it encourages complacency and fails to deal with things like New Mexicos high unemployment, small hourly wage increases and lack of private sector development.

Defense Secretary Praises Lab Workers During Tour

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter toured Los Alamos National Laboratory on Wednesday and

, the plutonium core of a nuclear weapon. A strong plutonium science and manufacturing capability is essential to the US nuclear deterrent and cannot be underestimated," Carter said. "I want to express my sincere appreciation for the difficult and vitally important work done at Los Alamos to help assure the development, assessment and security of the nuclear triad.

APD Officers Still Face Murder Charges

State District Judge Alisa Hadfield on Wednesday

was presented during the prosecutions eight days of testimony to support the third-degree felony charge of voluntary manslaughter against two former Albuquerque police officers on trial in the on-duty shooting death of a homeless camper in 2014, reports Colleen Heild. While Hadfield decided to throw out the manslaughter charge on a defense motion, she found 'enough evidence' to support the charge of second-degree murder and continue the trial."

Santa Fe Reporter
The New Zealand branch of Singapore Airlines lifted annual profit by 63 percent as cheap jet fuel helped the airline fatten margins while reaping smaller passenger revenues.

Net profit rose to $7.9 million in the 12 months ended March 31, from $4.8 million a year earlier, Singapore Airlines NZ's financial statements lodged with the Companies Office show. Revenue, which is almost entirely attributable to passengers, dropped 12 percent to $175.8 million, while expenditure fell 14 percent to $168 million.

The NZ company's fuel bill dropped 25 percent in 2016 to $53.6 million as the price of crude oil fell, reaching 12-year lows in February. A global glut of oil, driven by increased supply from the US, Canada, Iraq and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and slower demand from China drove the price of crude 75 percent down from its levels of mid-2014.

OPEC talks at the time failed to come up with a deal to stem the overproduction, though members this week agreed to cut output, with a formal meeting to set production limits held in November.

Earlier this year, Singapore Airlines announced the first direct flight from Wellington to Canberra and then on to Singapore with its Capital Express Route, with the first plane landing in New Zealand's capital last week. Wellington City Council has come under fire for subsidies extended to Singapore Airlines to operate the route.

A document released this week suggests the subsidy could be worth $800,000 per year over 10 years, the Dominion Post has reported. The council's chief executive, Kevin Lavery, has refused to quantify the subsidy, citing commercial sensitivity. The subsidy comes from the council's tourism fund, "Destination Wellington", which has $1.8 million to spend each year.

The accounts show Singapore Airlines cut "other operating expenses" in New Zealand such as depreciation, handling charges, aircraft rentals, parking charges and the cost of in-flight meals to $89.8 million from $95 million in 2015. The airline's landing, parking and over-flying charges shrank to $8.8 million from $9.5 million.

Singapore Airlines doesn't pay income tax in New Zealand under the 2009 Double Taxation Agreement between the New Zealand and Singaporean governments.

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Intueri Education Group plans to merge six training schools in New Zealand into a single entity in an amalgamation that it says will simplify its relationship with the Tertiary Education Commission and the NZ Qualifications Authority and reduce administration, phasing out the name of a school being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office.

The changes are detailed in a memo today to staff and were confirmed by acting chief executive Rod Marvin, who was busy in a meeting and asked for emailed questions. Academy New Zealand, IT Training, Quantum ES, Design and Arts College, Elite International School of Beauty and Spa Therapies and Cut Above Academy will continue to have their own directors but will answer to the director of the new entity to be known as Intueri Education New Zealand.

Labour's tertiary education spokesman David Cunliffe said New Zealand's education authorities need to scrutinise the proposed amalgamation.

"I would want to see the TEC make a very clear statement that they are going to be monitoring the implications of this merger, especially because it includes some things that are being investigated by the SFO," Cunliffe said.

Intueri shares rose 20 percent to 12 cents today on the NZX, having shed 80 percent of their value on Tuesday after the company said there was a risk that an Australian government audit of its subsidiaries across the Tasman could threaten the viability of the company.

"Each school will continue to operate and be marketed as it is currently and under its existing brand," Andy Walker, Intueri general manager for organisational capability, said in the memo. "However it is planned to phase out the Quantum brand, and from 2017 new intakes will be under the Academy NZ brand."

The company is under siege from regulators and educational authorities. Audits by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) found that Online Courses Australia (OCA) and Conwal & Associates weren't compliant with its standards. Intueri has until Oct. 21 to respond before the ASQA makes a decision, with possible outcomes ranging from a directive to correct areas of non-compliance through to the full cancellation of OCA and Conwal's registrations as registered training organisations (RTOs).

Cancellation of the registration for Conwal, which generates some 95 percent of OCA's revenue, "would place serious doubt on OCA Groups ability to continue to operate, and also significantly impact Intueris ability to remain a going concern as it would be unlikely to meet its future banking covenants," Intueri said on Tuesday. OCA accounted for 35 percent of Intueri's $50.1 million of revenue in the six months ended June 30.

In New Zealand, the company's Quantum school is under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office and has attracted the interest of the Financial Markets Authority over its prospectus. The TEC has also reviewed funding for two of its schools.

The merger doesn't involve the company's NSIA, NZ Institute of Sport, NZ College of Massage and NZ Scool of Commercial Diving, Walker's memo said.

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Simon Mackenzie, chief executive of Auckland lines company Vector, says there has been early interest from both buyers and sellers in the peer-to-peer energy trading platform that its trialling in New Zealand from December with Perth start-up Power Ledger.

Vector has signed a deal with Power Ledger to use its platform to enable people and businesses to buy or sell surplus electricity to each other. The trial of 500 solar households, schools and community groups in Auckland will be the first commercial deployment of the platform, which uses the same blockchain technology that underpins virtual currencies like bitcoin.

Mackenzie said solar households with excess energy were getting only around 5 cents per kilowatt hour when selling it back to electricity retailers and this will give them other options.

Those interested in buying the excess energy include those who want to achieve objectives relating to their carbon footprint and brand, he said. Even people without solar can buy from their neighbours and Vector will act as a buyer of last resort to ensure no seller lacks a buyer.

If the trial goes well, Vector could partner with Power Ledger in taking the platform to other markets, he said, but wouldnt be drawn on where.

Vector is leading change in the energy sector with technological advances such as smart meters, solar panels, batteries, electric vehicle charging, and drones, in order to get well ahead of the disruption new technologies are starting to cause to traditional business models in the sector", chairman Michael Stiassny told shareholders at the companys annual meeting in Auckland today.

One shareholder questioned the value to shareholders in being at the forefront, which Stiassny admitted was always a risk.

It would be exceedingly arrogant and stupid to say we will get everything right, especially when you are at the forefront of change, he said. Its incumbent on you to move forward and incumbent on you if you do get it wrong, to fail fast.

The companys strategy was endorsed by Karen Sherry, who was re-elected today as a director on behalf of Entrust, Vectors majority shareholder, which manages the stake on behalf of the company's consumer beneficiaries. It will ensure Vector retains and controls its own destiny and is not left behind, she said.

Vector has expanded its smart metering fleet to 1.13 million meters, up nearly 18 percent from the prior year, and expects to deploy up to another 160,000 to complete the New Zealand roll-out. The main growth is now expected from Australia, where it has already rolled out around 4,000 meters in New South Wales in the past two months, although Mackenzie admitted to some teething problems similar to those experienced at the outset in New Zealand.

The company has deployed New Zealands first-ever Tesla Powerpack network battery in the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes and more than 100 Tesla Powerwall home energy systems across its network. The Powerwall batteries are selling for about $21,000 with a household solar system, which is comparable with others on the market, Mackenzie said. Vector is looking to add lease options to buyers in the near future.

Its sold some batteries to another lines company and is working with Tesla on selling Powerpack in Australia to utilities and large companies.

It is also trialling drones equipped with light detection and ranging (LIDAR) scanning technology to produce 3D models for its network, which could potentially better target preventative maintenance and drive efficiencies in network spending, Mackenzie said.

Vector, whose returns on its monopoly network operations are regulated, is going to spend an estimated $2 billion upgrading its network infrastructure over the next decade along with on-going maintenance to cope with population growth in Auckland. It has added 11,849 connections in the past year, up 11 percent on the prior year.

With that level of capital investment, the right regulatory and policy settings were vital to evolve with technological change and promote the rapid innovation taking place in the sector, Mackenzie said.

After booking a $164 million gain on the sale of Vector Gas during the financial year, the company plans to spend some on those proceeds on reducing debt and the rest on investing in new technologies.

It had to ensure that it wasnt pouring money into investments that have a 40-year life and where the regulator loads higher returns towards the end of that life cycle and risk not being able to get a return because of disruption to the sector over the next five-to-10 years, Mackenzie said.

The Glen Innes substation was a good example, where it could put in a battery that delivered the same network service and reliability at half the cost of a traditional substation, he said.

Vector is on the board of the Hawaii-based Energy Excelerator, which has US government and venture capital funding to help start-ups solve the worlds energy challenges.

Mackenzie said it was like the Silicon Valley of energy tech and allowed Vector to see what new technology was on the horizon and potentially invest in some of the more promising start-ups.

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Albany - NY, Sept. 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research has released a new market report titled Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023. The report defines and segments the wind turbine O&M market, providing analysis and forecasts of the global revenue. According to the report, the global wind turbine O&M market stood at US$9.3 bn in 2014 and is likely to reach US$20.6 bn by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of 8.8% between 2015 and 2023.

Wind turbine O&M services include operations, maintenance, asset administration, remote monitoring, and repair of wind turbines installed at wind farms. Wind turbine O&M services can be scheduled maintenance services or unscheduled maintenance services. Scheduled maintenance services are carried out at regular intervals. Unscheduled maintenance services are carried out in event of sudden breakdown of a wind turbine or its components. Different components of a wind turbine such as gearbox, rotor blade, generator, inverter, brake, and tower require regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Gearbox assembly, rotor blades, and brakes are some of the components which are more susceptible to breakdown and require monitoring and maintenance at regular intervals.

Browse Research Report: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/wind-turbine-operations-maintenance-market.html

The global wind turbine O&M market has been segmented on the basis of application into onshore wind turbine O&M and offshore wind turbine O&M. Onshore wind turbine O&M was the largest application segment of the global wind turbine O&M market, accounting for more than 90% of the market share in 2014. However, demand for offshore wind turbine O&M services has been increasing owing to rising number of offshore wind farms and the complexity involved in servicing offshore wind turbines. Increasing number of aging wind turbines, and rising number of gearbox failures and generator assembly failures have augmented the global wind turbine O&M market. Additionally, increased presence of financial institutions and private investors as owners of wind farms has boosted the demand for wind turbine O&M services. Moreover, growing share of offshore turbines in the wind energy mix has also boosted the demand for wind turbine O&M services. Increased cost of logistics and lack of skilled workforce are anticipated to hamper the global wind turbine O&M market in the near future.

In terms of geography, the global market for wind turbine O&M has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World (RoW). Europe accounted for around 40% of the global wind turbine O&M market share in 2014. However, the wind turbine O&M market in RoW is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the second-fastest growing market for wind turbine O&M during the forecast period. Some of the leading companies in the global wind turbine O&M market include Enercon GmbH, Gamesa Corporacion Tecnologica, GE Wind Energy, Nordex SE, Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Siemens Wind Power GmbH, Suzlon Group, Guodian United Power Technology Company Ltd., and UpWind Solutions Inc.

The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial revenues (on availability), business strategies, and recent developments. The global wind turbine O&M market has been segmented as follows:

Global Wind Turbine Operation and Maintenance Market: By Application

Onshore



Offshore



Global Wind Turbine Operation and Maintenance Market: By Region

North America



Europe



Asia Pacific



Rest of World (RoW)



Sample of Research Report: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=7904

About Us

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.

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Diebold, Inc. / Third country release according to Article 30e Para. 1, No. 3 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] 29.09.2016 03:50 Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 30e Para. 1 No. 3 WpHG, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 26, 2016 Diebold, Incorporated (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) <pre> Ohio 1-4879 34-0183970 (State or other (Commission (IRS Employer jurisdiction File Number) Identification No.) of incorporation) </pre> <pre> 5995 Mayfair Road, P.O. Box 3077, 44720-8077 North Canton, Ohio (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) </pre> Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (330) 490-4000 Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On September 26, 2016, Diebold Holding Germany Inc. & Co. KGaA, a German partnership limited by shares ('Diebold KGaA') and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diebold, Incorporated ('Diebold' or the 'Company') entered into a domination and profit and loss transfer agreement (the 'Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement'), as the controlling company, with Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft, a German public stock corporation ('Wincor Nixdorf'), as the controlled company. Effectiveness of the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement remains subject to registration with the commercial register (Handelsregister) of the local court (Amtsgericht) at the registered offices of Wincor Nixdorf. While the Company plans to apply for registration of the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement without undue delay (but no earlier than October 1, 2016), registration may be delayed considerably pending potential shareholder litigation, if any, in Germany. As previously disclosed, the board of directors of Diebold and the management and supervisory boards of Wincor Nixdorf approved the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement on August 16, 2016. Under the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement, when effective and subject to certain limitations pursuant to applicable law, (i) Diebold KGaA will be entitled to issue binding instructions to the management board of Wincor Nixdorf, (ii) Wincor Nixdorf will transfer all of its annual profits to Diebold KGaA, subject to, among other things, the creation or dissolution of certain reserves, and (iii) Diebold KGaA will generally absorb all annual losses incurred by Wincor Nixdorf. In addition, when effective and subject to certain limitations pursuant to applicable law, the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement will provide that Wincor Nixdorf shareholders be offered, at their election, (i) to put their Wincor Nixdorf shares to Diebold KGaA in exchange for a compensation in cash of EUR55.02 per Wincor Nixdorf Share, and (ii) to remain Wincor Nixdorf shareholders and receive a recurring compensation in cash of EUR3.13 (EUR2.82 net under the current taxation regime) for each full fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf and for each Wincor Nixdorf Share (based on the risk-free rate of 0.5%, which takes into account the current interest rates as well as interest structure data published by the German Federal Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank)). The foregoing description of the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement, an English translation of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. Item 8.01 Other Events. At an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on September 26, 2016, the shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf approved the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. (d) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed with this report: 10.1 Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement, dated September 26, 2016, by and among Diebold Holding Germany Inc. & Co. KGaA and Wincor Nixdorf AG (English translation). CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this document regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These include statements regarding management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or forecasts for the future including, without limitation, the business combination with Wincor Nixdorf, the entry into and consummation of the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement and related transactions. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of Diebold and involve risks and uncertainties because such statements relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Such forward-looking statements may include statements about the effects of transactions on the businesses and financial conditions of Diebold or Wincor Nixdorf, including synergies, pro forma revenue, targeted operating margin, net debt to EBITDA ratios, accretion to earnings and other financial or operating measures. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. In addition, risks and uncertainties related to the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement include, but are not limited to, the risk that its effectiveness be delayed as a result of litigation or otherwise or may not occur, and risks associated with any appraisal proceedings. Risks and uncertainties may also include, but are not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement, the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any governmental and regulatory approvals relating to the business combination with Wincor Nixdorf that could reduce anticipated benefits of the business combination, and risks associated with the impact the business combination and the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement and any related litigation may have on the business and operations of the combined company, including on the ability of the combined company to retain and hire key personnel, and maintain relationships with its suppliers and customers. These risks, as well as other risks are more fully discussed in Diebold's reports filed with the SEC and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Any forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this document. Except as required by applicable law, neither Diebold nor Wincor Nixdorf undertakes any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Diebold, Incorporated Date: September 28, 2016 By: [/s/ Jonathan B. Leiken] Name: Jonathan B. Leiken Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description 10.1 Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement, dated September 26, 2016, by and among Diebold Holding Germany Inc. & Co. KGaA and Wincor Nixdorf AG (English translation). Exhibit 10.1 Domination and Profit-and-Loss Transfer Agreement between Diebold Holding Germany Inc. & Co. KGaA, Mergenthalerallee 10-12, 65760 Eschborn, Germany, registered in the commercial register (Handelsregister) at the Local Court (Amtsgericht) Frankfurt am Main (HRB 104287) - 'Diebold KGaA' - and Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft, Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring 1, 33106 Paderborn, Germany, registered in the commercial register (Handelsregister) at the Local Court (Amtsgericht) Paderborn (HRB 6846) - 'Wincor Nixdorf AG' -  1 Managerial Control (1) Wincor Nixdorf AG submits the managerial control (Leitung) of its company to Diebold KGaA. Diebold KGaA is accordingly entitled to issue instructions (Weisungen) to the management board of Wincor Nixdorf AG with regard to the managerial control of the company, generally and with regard to individual cases. Diebold KGaA is not entitled to issue the instruction to the management board of Wincor Nixdorf AG to amend, maintain or terminate this agreement. (2) The management board of Wincor Nixdorf AG is required to comply with the instructions of Diebold KGaA as specified in Article 1 para. 1 and in accordance with Section 308 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz - 'AktG'). (3) Any instructions require text form (Textform) or, if the instructions are issued orally, they shall be confirmed in text form without undue delay.  2 Transfer of Profit (1) Wincor Nixdorf AG undertakes to transfer its entire annual profit (Gewinnabfuhrung) to Diebold KGaA. Subject to establishing or dissolving reserves in accordance with Article 2 para. 2 of this agreement below, the maximum amount permissible under Section 301 AktG, as amended from time to time, shall be transferred. (2) Wincor Nixdorf AG may, with consent of Diebold KGaA, allocate parts of its annual profit to other profit reserves if and to the extent permissible under commercial law and as economically justified by reasonable commercial judgement. If amounts are allocated to other profit reserves during the course of this agreement, these amounts may be withdrawn from the other profit reserves upon request of Diebold KGaA in text form and transferred as profit. Other reserves or profits carried forward from the period prior to the term of this agreement may neither be transferred as profit nor be used to compensate for any annual deficit. (3) The obligation to transfer the annual profit applies for the first time to the entire profits generated in the fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG in which this agreement becomes effective according to Article 7 para. 2 of this agreement, and is in each case due upon approval of the respective annual financial statement of Wincor Nixdorf AG.  3 Assumption of Losses (1) Diebold KGaA is obliged towards Wincor Nixdorf AG to assume any losses (Verlustubernahme) in accordance with the provisions of Section 302 AktG in their entirety as amended from time to time. (2) The obligation to assume any losses applies for the first time to the entire fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG in which this agreement becomes effective according to Article 7 para. 2 of this agreement, and is in each case due at the end of the respective fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG. (3) In the event that this agreement is ended during a fiscal year, and specifically in the event of termination for cause (wichtiger Grund), Diebold KGaA is required to assume the deficit by Wincor Nixdorf AG, as shown in the balance sheet to be drawn up for the date of effectiveness of the termination.  4 Compensation (1) Diebold KGaA guarantees that it will pay to outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf AG as adequate compensation a recurring cash compensation ('Recurring Compensation Payment' or 'Recurring Compensation') (Ausgleichszahlung or Ausgleich) for the term of this agreement. (2) The Recurring Compensation Payment amounts for each full fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG for each no-par value bearer share in Wincor Nixdorf AG (Aktien ohne Nennbetrag), each with a notional value of EUR1.00, (each a 'Wincor Nixdorf Share' and when taken together the 'Wincor Nixdorf Shares') to EUR3.13 gross ('Gross Compensation Amount') less any amount of corporate income tax (Korperschaftsteuer) and solidarity surcharge (Solidaritatszuschlag) at the prevailing rate of these taxes for the relevant fiscal year ('Net Compensation Amount'), whereby this deduction is to be effected only on any portion of the Gross Compensation Amount from profits which are subject to German corporate income tax. When rounded to a full cent-amount in accordance with commercial practices, this portion amounts to EUR1.97 per Wincor Nixdorf Share. Based on the circumstances at the time of the conclusion of this agreement, this results in a Recurring Compensation of EUR2.82 for each Wincor Nixdorf Share for an entire fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG. For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that any withholding tax (such as capital gains tax plus solidarity surcharge thereon) shall be withheld from the Net Compensation Amount to the extent required by statute. The Recurring Compensation Payment is due on the first banking day following the ordinary general shareholders' meeting of Wincor Nixdorf AG for the respective preceding fiscal year but in any event within eight months following expiration of this fiscal year. (3) The Recurring Compensation Payment is first granted for the fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG in which this agreement becomes effective according to Article 7 para. 2. (4) If this agreement ends during a fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG or if Wincor Nixdorf AG establishes a short fiscal year (Rumpfgeschaftsjahr) during the effectiveness of this agreement, the Recurring Compensation is reduced to pro rata temporis for the relevant fiscal year. (5) If the share capital of Wincor Nixdorf AG is increased from the company's own funds in exchange for the issuance of new shares, the Gross Compensation Amount per Wincor Nixdorf Share changes to such an extent that the total amount of the Gross Compensation Amount remains unchanged. If the share capital is increased by cash contributions and/or by contributions in kind, the rights under this Article 4 also apply for the shares subscribed to by outside shareholders for such capital increase. The beginning of each entitlement of new shares pursuant to this Article 4 follows the dividend entitlement set by Wincor Nixdorf AG when issuing new shares. (6) If appraisal proceedings are initiated pursuant to the German Act on Appraisal Proceedings (Spruchverfahrensgesetz - 'SpruchG') and the adjudicating court sets a legally binding higher Recurring Compensation Payment, the shareholders, even if they have already been compensated in accordance with Article 5, are entitled to demand a corresponding payment in addition to already received Recurring Compensation Payment. Likewise, all other outside shareholders will be treated in the same way if Diebold KGaA commits to a higher Recurring Compensation vis-a-vis an outside shareholder of Wincor Nixdorf AG in a court settlement to avoid or end appraisal proceedings.  5 Exit Compensation (1) Diebold KGaA undertakes upon demand of any outside shareholder of Wincor Nixdorf AG to purchase such shareholder's Wincor Nixdorf Shares in exchange for a cash compensation ('Exit Compensation') (Abfindung) in the amount of EUR55.02 for each Wincor Nixdorf Share. (2) The obligation of Diebold KGaA to acquire Wincor Nixdorf Shares is for a limited time. The time limitation period ends two months after the date on which the entry of the existence of this agreement in the commercial register at the registered seat of Wincor Nixdorf AG has been announced pursuant to Section 10 of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch - HGB). An extension of the time limitation period pursuant to Section 305 para. 4 sentence 3 AktG as a result of a motion for determination of the adequate Recurring Compensation or Exit Compensation by a court pursuant to Section 2 SpruchG remains unaffected; in this event, the time limitation period ends two months after the date on which the decision on the last motion ruled on has been announced in the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger). (3) If the share capital of Wincor Nixdorf AG is increased from the company's own funds in exchange for the issuance of new shares prior to the expiration of the time limitation period set forth in Article 5 para. 2 of this agreement, the Exit Compensation for each Wincor Nixdorf Share is reduced to such an extent that the total amount of the Exit Compensation remains unchanged. If the share capital of Wincor Nixdorf AG is increased prior to expiration of the time limitation period set forth in Article 5 para. 2 of this agreement by means of cash contributions and/or contributions in kind, the rights under this Article 5 also apply for the shares subscribed to by outside shareholders in such capital increase. (4) If proceedings are initiated pursuant to Section 1 number 1 SpruchG and the court adjudicates a higher Exit Compensation, shareholders who have already received Exit Compensation can also require a corresponding supplement to the Exit Compensation already received. Similarly, all other outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf AG will be treated in the same way if Diebold KGaA commits to a higher Exit Compensation vis-a-vis a shareholder of Wincor Nixdorf AG in a settlement to avoid or end proceedings pursuant to Section 1 number 1 SpruchG. (5) The transfer of Wincor Nixdorf Shares in exchange for Exit Compensation is without charge to outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf AG, provided that they have a domestic securities deposit account.  6 Right to Information Diebold KGaA is entitled to inspect the books and records of Wincor Nixdorf AG at any time. The management board of Wincor Nixdorf AG is required to supply Diebold KGaA at any time with all requested information on all matters relating to Wincor Nixdorf AG. Notwithstanding the rights agreed to above, Wincor Nixdorf AG is required to keep Diebold KGaA continuously informed on the business development, and, specifically, on material transactions.  7 Effectiveness and Term of this Agreement (1) This agreement requires for its effectiveness the consent of the general shareholders' meeting of Wincor Nixdorf AG and the general shareholders' meeting of Diebold KGaA as well as the consent of Diebold, Incorporated as general partner (personlich haftende Gesellschafterin) of Diebold KGaA. (2) This agreement becomes effective upon registration of its existence in the commercial register at the registered seat of Wincor Nixdorf AG. (3) This agreement is concluded for an indefinite period of time. It can be terminated with a notice period of six months prior to the end of the fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG. Subject to the provisions in Article 7 para. 4, this agreement can be ordinarily terminated for the first time as of the end of the fiscal year of Wincor Nixdorf AG that ends at least five years (Zeitjahre) (60 months) after the beginning of the fiscal year in which this agreement becomes effective. (4) Each party can terminate this agreement for cause (wichtiger Grund) without compliance with any notice period. Cause exists in particular if Diebold KGaA disposes of or contributes (Einbringung) its participation in Wincor Nixdorf AG, or in case of a merger (Verschmelzung), spin-off (Spaltung) or liquidation of Diebold KGaA or Wincor Nixdorf AG. (5) In the event of termination for cause (wichtiger Grund) without notice, this agreement lapses at the end of the date stated in the notice of termination provided that this is no earlier than the day on which notice of termination is served. (6) If the agreement ends, Diebold KGaA must furnish security to the creditors of Wincor Nixdorf AG pursuant to Section 303 AktG. (7) Any notice of termination must be in writing.  8 Guarantee Diebold, Incorporated with its seat in North Canton, Ohio, USA ('Diebold Inc.') directly holds 100% of the limited partnership shares and therewith all shares in Diebold KGaA. Diebold Inc., in its capacity as personally liable partner (personlich haftende Gesellschafterin) of Diebold KGaA, is not required to deposit contributions to Diebold KGaA. Diebold Inc. in its capacity as direct shareholder, has, without joining the agreement as a party, provided the guarantee attached for information purposes to this agreement as an annex. This guarantee is not part of this agreement. In this guarantee Diebold Inc. undertakes, without limitation and irrevocably, to ensure that Diebold KGaA will be financially equipped in a way that Diebold KGaA is at all times able to fulfil all its obligations arising from or in connection with this agreement completely and in time. This applies in particular to the obligation to assume losses pursuant to Section 302 AktG as amended. The contractual obligation assumed by Diebold Inc. pursuant to the two preceding sentences will only result in a payment obligation when and to the extent it is specifically foreseeable that Diebold KGaA will not be able to fully meet its obligations under or in connection with the Agreement when due. According to this guarantee, Diebold Inc. also undertakes towards the outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf AG irrevocably and in principle without limitation that Diebold KGaA fulfils all its obligations towards them arising from or in connection with this agreement completely and in time, in particular with respect to the payment of a Recurring Compensation Payment and the Exit Compensation. To that extent, the outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf AG have an own claim according to Section 328 para. 1 of the German Civil Code (Burgerliches Gesetzbuch - 'BGB') directed at payment to Diebold KGaA under the guarantee. The liability of Diebold Inc. pursuant to the two aforementioned sentences under the guarantee shall only apply to the extent that Diebold KGaA does not fulfil its obligations towards the outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf AG arising from or in connection with this agreement completely and in time and Diebold Inc. does not comply with the obligation to equip Diebold KGaA described above.  9 Miscellaneous (1) To the extent a provision of this agreement is or becomes invalid or impracticable in full or in part, or if this agreement does not contain a necessary provision, the validity of the remaining provisions of this agreement shall not be affected. In place of the invalid or impracticable provision, or in order to remedy an omission in this agreement, an appropriate provision shall apply which corresponds as far as legally permissible to what the parties intended or would have intended in accordance with the intent and purpose of this agreement if they had been aware of the provision. Furthermore, when interpreting this agreement, the income tax provisions for recognition of a fiscal unity, especially Sections 14 to 19 of the German Corporate Income Tax Act (Korperschaftsteuergesetz) as amended shall be taken into account. (2) The parties explicitly declare that the present agreement is not intended to form a legal unity (Section 139 BGB) with the guarantee attached to this agreement as annex for information purposes only and other legal transactions or agreements effected or concluded between the parties or between Wincor Nixdorf AG and Diebold Inc. in the past or which may be effected or concluded between the parties or Wincor Nixdorf AG and Diebold Inc. in the future. (3) Amendments and supplements to this agreement must be in writing to be effective. This specifically also applies to this clause requiring written form. The provisions of Section 295 AktG apply. (4) As far as legally permissible, Paderborn is the place of performance for reciprocal obligations and the exclusive legal venue. BY MUTUAL CONSENT TO THE DOMINATION AND PROFIT-AND-LOSS TRANSFER AGREEMENT: On behalf of Diebold Holding Germany Inc. & Co. KGaA Place: Paderborn Date: September 26, 2016 signed Christopher A. Chapman as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Diebold, Incorporated in its capacity as General Partner of Diebold Holding Germany Inc. & Co. KGaA BY MUTUAL CONSENT TO THE DOMINATION AND PROFIT-AND-LOSS TRANSFER AGREEMENT: On behalf of Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft: Place: Paderborn Date: September 26, 2016 signed Eckard Heidloff signed Dr. Jurgen Wunram President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft Member of the Management Board and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft signed Olaf Heyden signed Dr. Ulrich Naher Member of the Management Board of Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft Member of the Management Board of Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft Annex: Guarantee by Diebold, Incorporated North Canton, August 16, 2016 Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring 1 33106 Paderborn Germany Guarantee (Patronatserklarung) Diebold Holding Germany Inc. & Co. KGaA, Mergenthalerallee 10-12, 65760 Eschborn, Germany, registered in the commercial register (Handelsregister) at the Local Court (Amtsgericht) Frankfurt am Main under company number HRB 104287 ('Diebold KGaA'), intends to enter into a domination and profit-and-loss transfer agreement ('Agreement') (Beherrschungs- und Gewinnabfuhrungsvertrag) with Wincor Nixdorf Aktiengesellschaft, Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring 1, 33106 Paderborn, Germany, registered in the commercial register at the Local Court Paderborn under company number HRB 6846 ('Wincor Nixdorf'), with Wincor Nixdorf as the controlled and profit transferring company. Diebold, Incorporated, a stock corporation incorporated and operating under the laws of Ohio, USA, with its registered office in North Canton, Ohio, USA ('Diebold Inc.'), directly holds 100% of the limited partnership shares and therewith all shares in Diebold KGaA. Diebold Inc. in its capacity as general partner (personlich haftende Gesellschafterin) of Diebold KGaA, is not required to deposit contributions to Diebold KGaA. Diebold Inc. hereby makes the following declarations without joining the Agreement as a party: 1. Diebold Inc. irrevocably undertakes without limitation to procure that Diebold KGaA will have sufficient financial means which enable Diebold KGaA at any time to meet all of its obligations arising from or in connection with the Agreement in full when they become due. This applies in particular to the obligation to assume losses pursuant to Section 302 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz - AktG) as amended. The contractual obligation assumed by Diebold Inc. pursuant to the two preceding sentences will only result in a payment obligation when and to the extent it is specifically foreseeable that Diebold KGaA will not be able to fully meet its obligations under or in connection with the Agreement when due. 2. Diebold Inc. irrevocably guarantees without limitation vis-a-vis the outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf that Diebold KGaA will fulfill all its obligations towards them arising from or in connection with the Agreement in full when they become due, in particular with respect to a recurring compensation payment (Ausgleichszahlung) and the cash exit compensation (Abfindung). To this extent, outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf have an own right pursuant to Section 328 para. 1 of the German Civil Code (Burgerliches Gesetzbuch - BGB) to demand payment to Diebold KGaA. The liability of Diebold Inc. pursuant to the two preceding sentences does, however, only apply to the extent Diebold KGaA does not fulfil its obligations toward the outside shareholders of Wincor Nixdorf arising from or in connection with the Agreement in full when they become due and to the extent Diebold Inc. does not comply with its obligation to procure Diebold KGaA with sufficient financial means pursuant to Section 1 of this Guarantee. 3. This Guarantee is subject to the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. To the extent legally possible, Diebold Inc. hereby subjects itself with regard to any disputes and claims under or in connection with this Guarantee to the jurisdiction of German courts with the courts of Paderborn having regional jurisdiction. In this context, Diebold Inc. acknowledges the enforceability of legally binding (rechtskraftig) decisions of German courts. Diebold KGaA, Att. the Management, Mergenthalerallee 10-12, 65760 Eschborn, Germany shall be the agent for services of process (Zustellungsbevollmachtigte) in Germany for all proceedings under or in connection with this Guarantee. SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE GUARANTEE (PATRONATSERKLARUNG): On behalf of Diebold, Incorporated: Place: North Canton, Ohio Date: August 16, 2016 signed Christopher A. Chapman as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Diebold, Incorporated 29.09.2016 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Diebold, Inc. 5995 Mayfair Road 44720 North Canton, OH United States Internet: www.diebold.com End of Announcement DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of today all Seqr users in Europe can pay with Seqr all over the world using NFC (contactless) technology. The Seqr user simply holds the phone near the contactless card terminal to pay in shops everywhere where contactless card terminals are installed. The new Seqr contactless technology increases the freedom and independence for our users from old and inefficient technologies and financial services. Contactless technology makes Seqr into a truly global service and also increases the safety for users as a lost or stolen wallet doesnt have to ruin a vacation or a business trip anymore. Seqr now is a fully global, fully functioning payment alternative wherever you are.  Seqr is solidifying its position as the standard for mobile payments with the most versatile technology and the largest physical acceptance network of any of our competitors in the global mobile payments market. At the same time our consumer uptake area is by far the largest with 16 countries where the Seqr app can be downloaded, says Peter Fredell, CEO of Seamless. Payments with Seqr via contactless technology is supported on telephones with Android operative system, currently approximately 80 % of the smartphone market globally. The number of contactless payment terminals is increasing fast and it has been planned and projected by the card networks that all card terminals globally should accept contactless payments by 2020. According to card network rules no terminals without contactless technology can be sold or installed in Europe after 2018. Seqr can today be downloaded by consumers in Sweden, Romania, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, Great Britain, Austria, Ireland, Malta, Luxembourg, Italy and the USA. For more information, please contact: Peter Fredell, CEO Seamless, tel. +46 8 564 878 00 About Seqr Seqr, the standard way to pay, developed by Seamless, is a safe, fast and easy way to pay by mobile. The only thing the user needs is the Seqr app to scan a QR code or tap on the NFC terminal. Globally, over 30 million contactless card terminals now accept Seqr. The low investment and transaction fees for merchants and among others ensure that Seqr is the most widely used mobile payment solution in Europe. About Seamless Seamless is one of the worlds largest suppliers of payment systems for mobile phones. Founded in 2001 and active in 35 countries, Seamless handles more than 3,7 billion transactions annually through 575 000 active sales outlets. Seamless has three main business areas including the transaction switch, the technology provider for the distribution of e-products and the mobile payment platform SEQR. www.seamless.se
STRATA+HADOOP WORLD NEW YORK, NY, Sept. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cloudera, the global provider of the fastest, easiest, and most secure data management and analytics platform built on Apache Hadoop and the latest open source technologies, today announced its release built on the Apache Spark 2.0 (Beta), with enhancements to the API experience, performance improvements, and enhanced machine learning capabilities. In addition, Cloudera is working with the community to continue developing Apache Kudu 1.0, recently released by the Apache Software Foundation. Clouderas latest contributions to these open source projects, alongside deeper integration for its platform, recognize the growing need for streaming and analyzing real-time data in high-demand workloads, including machine learning models deployed in production by Clouderas enterprise customers.

Apache Spark

Clouderas commitment to open source innovation is evidenced by its strong leadership to drive the features and capabilities that enterprises demand, particularly around security, stability, and broad integration. These capabilities are critical to making projects a reality for enterprise adoption. Cloudera was the first Hadoop big data analytics vendor to deliver a commercially supported version of Spark, and has participated actively in the open source community to enhance Spark for the enterprise through its One Platform Initiative. With Spark 2.0, organizations are better able to take advantage of streaming data, develop richer machine learning models, and deploy them in real time, enabling more workloads to go into production.

Spark 2.0 features include:

Better performance and enhanced usability with the new Dataset API

Structured Steaming for better performance and easier ingest of traditional structured data for time series, tabular, and Internet of Things (IoT) data

Compile-time type safety for user-defined functions for improved reliability in mission-critical applications

Machine learning model, pipeline persistence, and newly supported machine learning libraries to take on new data sets and analytic applications

"Cloudera was the first vendor to offer a commercially supported version of Apache Spark in our big data platform. In the years since then, Spark has become a standard for stream processing and machine learning workloads across the industry," said Mike Olson, founder and chief strategy officer at Cloudera. "As a component of a Cloudera enterprise data hub, Spark benefits from the security, manageability, data governance, and compliance services that customers demand. It can handle high-scale, high-performance workloads reliably. Being a part of the global Spark community, and committed to continued enhancements for demanding enterprises."

Apache Kudu

In September of 2015, Cloudera announced the public beta release of Apache Kudu, its high performance columnar store for Hadoop that enabled the powerful combination of fast analytics on fast data. Two months later, Cloudera donated Kudu to the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) to open it to the broader developer community to expand the type and variety of fast analytic use cases. While Spark 2.0 will give businesses better access to streaming data, Kudu 1.0 will enable enterprises to adopt real-time use cases at a greater pace.

Kudu is a response to the increase in prevalence of real-time analytic use cases in the market, said Charles Zedlewski, vice president, Products at Cloudera. As far back as 2012, Cloudera recognized the analytic gap in the Hadoop ecosystem that was leading architects to create complex hybrid architectures for real-time analytics. With the Apache Kudu 1.0 launch, the original vision is coming to fruition as users can now rely on a single, simplified project for fast analytics on fast data. Weve seen the community quickly adopt Kudu and apply it to numerous high-scale, real-time analytic use cases.

Kudu offers fast scans across data for analytics, and instant read/write capabilities for frequent updates and searches. Kudu also enables enterprises to adopt real-time use cases at a greater rate. Along with its integration with Spark, Kudu 1.0 is also tightly integrated with MapReduce and Impala to enable best-in-class processing.

Kudu 1.0 features include:

A simplified architecture that enables very fast batch and stream processing

Fault tolerance and scalability into the hundreds of nodes

A columnar structure that enables analytic analysis on the latest data, for real-time use cases such as time series data, machine data analytics and online reporting

Additional information

About Cloudera

Cloudera delivers the modern data management and analytics platform built on Apache Hadoop and the latest open source technologies. The worlds leading organizations trust Cloudera to help solve their most challenging business problems with Cloudera Enterprise, the fastest, easiest and most secure data platform available for the modern world. Our customers efficiently capture, store, process and analyze vast amounts of data, empowering them to use advanced analytics to drive business decisions quickly, flexibly and at lower cost than has been possible before. To ensure our customers are successful, we offer comprehensive support, training and professional services. Learn more at http://cloudera.com.

Connect with Cloudera

About Cloudera: cloudera.com/about-cloudera.html

Read our blogs: cloudera.com/blog and vision.cloudera.com

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cloudera

Visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/cloudera

Join the Cloudera Community: cloudera.com/community

Cloudera, Cloudera's Platform for Big Data, Cloudera Enterprise Data Hub Edition, Cloudera Enterprise Flex Edition, Cloudera Enterprise Basic Edition, Cloudera Navigator Optimizer and CDH are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera Inc. in the United States, and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Ship Finance International Limited ("Ship Finance" or the "Company") (NYSE: SFL) today announced that it, subject to market and other conditions, intends to offer $200 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the "Notes"). The Notes will pay interest quarterly in arrears, have a term of five years, and will be convertible into the Company's common shares. Upon conversion, Ship Finance will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, our common shares, or a combination of cash and our common shares, at the Company's election, as further described in the offering prospectus.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds received from the offering of the Notes for general corporate purposes, including working capital and the repurchase of all or a portion of its existing 3.25% convertible notes.

In connection with the Company's offering of the Notes, a subsidiary of the Company will enter into a share lending agreement with affiliates of Jefferies LLC, one of the underwriters of the Notes offering, (the "Share Borrower"), under which it will lend to the Share Borrower up to 8 million of the Company's common shares. None of the borrowed shares are newly-issued common shares. Instead, the shares are provided by way of a loan from one of Ship Finance's largest shareholders, which is an affiliate of the Company.

Purchasers of the Notes may separately sell up to 8 million of the Company's common shares that they may borrow through the Share Borrower. The Company expects that the selling shareholders will use the short position created by such sale to hedge their respective investments in the Notes. Neither the Company, nor its subsidiaries, nor its shareholders will receive any proceeds from the sale of the borrowed shares.

Jefferies LLC, ABG Sundal Collier, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC will act as underwriters, Seaport Global Securities LLC and Clarksons Platou Securities, Inc. will act as co-managers, for the offering of the Notes.

The offering of the Notes and the offering of the Common Shares will be made under separate prospectus supplements under the Company's existing shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 26, 2016.

The offering of the Notes and the offering of the Common Shares will be made by means of separate prospectus supplements to the prospectus forming a part of the Company's shelf registration statement and other related documents. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement may be obtained from Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY, 10022, by email at Prospectus_Department@Jefferies.com or by phone at +1 877-821-7388, ABG Sundal Collier Inc., Douglas Miller, 850 Third Avenue, Suite 9-C, New York, New York 10022, douglas.miller@abgsc.com, +1 212-605-3827, or Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus supplements and accompanying base prospectus along with other documents that the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for more complete information about the Company and these offerings.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the Notes, common shares or any other securities, nor will there be any sale of convertible notes, common shares or any other securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.



September 29, 2016

The Board of Directors

Ship Finance International Limited

Hamilton, Bermuda

Investor and Analyst Contact:

Harald Gurvin, Chief Financial Officer: +47 23114009

Andre Reppen, Senior Vice President: +47 23114055

Media Contact:

Ole B. Hjertaker, Chief Executive Officer: +47 23114011

About Ship Finance

Ship Finance International Limited (NYSE: SFL) has an unprecedented track record in the maritime industry, being consistently profitable and paying dividends every quarter since 2004. The Company's fleet of more than 70 vessels is split between tankers, bulkers, container vessels and offshore assets, and Ship Finance's long term distribution capacity is supported by a portfolio of long term charters and significant growth in the asset base over time.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward looking statements. These statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including Ship Finance management's examination of historical operating trends. Although Ship Finance believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, Ship Finance cannot give assurance that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions. Important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this presentation include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market as a result of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in the Company's operating expenses including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2015 Parents and the High Cost of Child Care report released today by Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA) shows a continued trend of child care costs that put a strain on families, rivaling what the average family pays for one year of college tuition at a four year institution. Further, the cost of full-time, center-based care for two children is the highest single household expense in most parts of the country.



While families continue to struggle with child care costs and finding affordable, quality care solutions, U.S. businesses also pay the price for employee absenteeism due to child care breakdowns.



The latest report finds that the average child care can cost as much as $17,062 annually for an infant, or $12,781 annually for a four-year-old. The cost of child care is especially difficult for families living at or below the federal poverty level. For these families, full-time, center-based care for an infant ranges from 24 percent of family income in Mississippi, to 85 percent of family income in Massachusetts. For single parents the costs can be overwhelming  in every state annual costs of center-based infant care averaged over 40 percent of the state median income for single mothers.



Child care providers with strong professional preparation are essential to providing a high-quality early learning program, and the quality of adult-child interactions is one of the most powerful predictors of children's development and learning. However, in every state, child care workers would need to spend nearly 50 percent of their income in order to afford child care for their own children. In 6 states plus Washington, D.C., over 100 percent of the median child care worker's income is required to put two children in center-based care.



The 2015 Parents and High Cost of Child Care report took a look at five urban counties for the cost of care for infants and four-year-olds. The study found that these areas had higher costs for child care than the statewide average.



"Quality, affordable child care is one of the most important investments we can make," said Child Care Aware of America Executive Director, Lynette Fraga, Ph.D. "Investments made when children are very young will generate returns that accrue over a child's entire life," she continued. "Research has shown that high-quality early childhood programs contribute to stronger families, greater economic development, and more-livable communities. Child care is a workforce support and an early learning program, and we need to ensure quality, affordable, accessible child care is a reality for all working families."



Child Care Aware of America, the nation's leading voice for child care, advocates for a quality, safe child care system that supports families' education and overall economic advancement. With the release of the 2015 Parents and the High Cost of Child Care report, CCAoA recommends three areas to work on as a country to improve the child care system:

empower providers with a living wage and affordable professional development opportunities;

help families make good child care decisions with reliable and accessible information; and

create a seamless, affordable child care system that works for families, which will require an investment from businesses, families, and state and local governments.



Copies of the 2015 Parents and High Cost of Child Care may be downloaded at http://usa.childcareaware.org/costofcare.



This year's report also includes an interactive map that allows users to quickly access a variety of cost data for each state.



Find out child care costs in your state here: http://usa.childcareaware.org/costofcare.



Follow the conversation on Twitter: @USAChildCare #CostofCare

About Child Care Aware  of America

Child Care Aware of America is our nation's leading voice for child care. CCAoA works with state and local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) and other community partners to ensure that all families have access to quality, affordable child care. CCAoA leads projects that increase the quality and availability of child care, offer comprehensive training to child care professionals, undertake research, and advocate for child care policies that improve the lives of children and families. To learn more, visit usa.childcareaware.org. Follow them on Twitter @USAChildCare and on Facebook at facebook.com/usachildcare.


NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC (NYSE:OZM) today announced that it has reached settlements with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), resolving their investigations into the Firms former private investment business in Africa and a 2007 investment by the Libyan Investment Authority in certain of the Firms funds.

As part of the settlements, the Firms parent company, Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC, has entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the DOJ. A subsidiary, OZ Africa Management GP, LLC, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The Firm has also agreed to settle an administrative proceeding with the SEC involving violations of the FCPA and the Investment Advisers Act. The Firm will pay a penalty of $213 million to the DOJ and disgorgement of $199 million to the SEC, totaling $412 million. The Firm has previously reserved for these amounts. This amount will be paid using cash on hand and an investment of up to $400 million made by certain of the Firms partners through a perpetual preferred stock offering (for more information on this offering, see Exhibit A). The settlement clears the way for Och-Ziff to continue investing on behalf of its clients.

As described in the settlements, two former employees knowingly participated in a bribery scheme and other violations of the law. These two former employees deliberately concealed their misconduct from other employees at the Firm. Also as described in the settlement documents, Och-Ziffs internal controls were insufficient to detect and prevent this misconduct. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Och and Chief Financial Officer Joel Frank have agreed to SEC orders finding they contributed to Och-Ziffs violation of the books and records provisions of the FCPA, and, in Mr. Franks case, the internal controls provision of the FCPA. Both individuals settled these matters without admitting or denying wrongdoing, and the settlements carry no restrictions or limitations on them.

Och-Ziff has significantly strengthened its anti-corruption program and controls. The Firm has made a substantial investment to enhance its compliance personnel and infrastructure. The Firm has also bolstered its system of checks and balances by forming a Business Risk Committee. Recently, former U.S. Attorney General William Barr was appointed to the Och-Ziff Board of Directors and chairs the new Committee on Corporate Responsibility and Compliance.

Daniel Och, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Och-Ziff, said: This has been a deeply disappointing episode. This conduct is inconsistent with our core values and not representative of our hundreds of employees worldwide, who are dedicated to serving our clients with the utmost integrity. We have learned from this experience and taken significant steps to strengthen Och-Ziff. We are pleased to bring this matter to a conclusion and remain focused on generating returns in our funds.

About Och-Ziff

Och-Ziff is one of the largest institutional alternative asset managers in the world, with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Beijing, Dubai, Shanghai and Houston. Och-Ziff provides asset management services to investors globally through its multi-strategy funds, dedicated credit funds, including opportunistic credit funds and Institutional Credit Strategies products, real estate funds and other alternative investment vehicles. Och-Ziff seeks to generate consistent, positive, absolute returns across market cycles, with low volatility compared to the broader markets, and with an emphasis on preservation of capital. Och-Ziffs funds invest across multiple strategies and geographies, consistent with the investment objectives of each fund. The global investment strategies Och-Ziff employs include convertible and derivative arbitrage, corporate credit, long/short equity special situations, merger arbitrage, private investments, real estate and structured credit. As of September 1, 2016, Och-Ziff had approximately $39.2 billion in assets under management. For more information, please visit Och-Ziffs website (www.ozcap.com).

Investor Relations Contact Media Relations Contact Tina Madon Joe Snodgrass +1-212-719-7381 +1-212-887-4821 tina.madon@ozcap.com joseph.snodgrass@ozcap.com

Exhibit A  Preferred Equity Investment Summary Term Sheet

Issuers OZ Management LP, OZ Advisors LP and OZ Advisors II LP (collectively, the Issuers or

the Operating Partnerships) Securities Class A Cumulative Preferred Units representing preferred equity interests in each of the

Operating Partnerships (the  Preferred Units ) Size Up to $400 million in the aggregate ($250 million on the Initial Closing Date and up to

$150 million on the Subsequent Closing Date) Purchasers Certain Executive Managing Directors of the Operating Partnerships Initial Closing Date The 6th calendar day following the settlement of the SEC and DOJ investigations

(collectively, the  Investigation ) Subsequent Closing

Date The 5th calendar day following the date (on or after January 2, 2017 and on or prior to

January 31, 2017) on which each Purchaser shall have received redemption proceeds from

Och-Ziff funds in which such Purchaser is an investor in an adequate amount to

consummate the purchase Maturity Perpetual Liquidation Preference $1,000 per Preferred Unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, allocated among the

Operating Partnerships Distribution Rate * 0% prior to February 19, 2020 (the  Step Up Date )

* 6% from February 19, 2020 through February 18, 2026

* 8% from February 19, 2026 through February 18, 2027

* 9% from February 19, 2027 through February 18, 2028

* 10% from February 19, 2028 and thereafter Change of Control

Event * Upon the occurrence of a change of control, the Operating Partnerships will be required

to redeem all outstanding Preferred Units

* Such redemption will not occur until after the earlier of the maturity or termination of

the revolving credit facility; however, the distribution rate will increase by 7%,

commencing on the 31st day following such change of control until the Operating

Partnerships redeem all of the outstanding Preferred Units Optional Redemption Redeemable at the Issuers option at a price equal to: (i) 105% of the Liquidation

Preference until the day immediately prior to the Step Up Date, (ii) 103% of the

Liquidation Preference thereafter until the day immediately prior to the first anniversary of

the Step Up Date; (iii) 101% of the Liquidation Preference thereafter until the day

immediately prior to the second anniversary of the Step Up Date; and (iv) on and thereafter

at a price equal to the Liquidation Preference Mandatory

Redemption * From after March 31, 2020, 20% of distributions over $100 million (other than tax

distributions) for the preceding fiscal year must be used to redeem Preferred Units

* From and after the Initial Closing Date, if the average closing price of OZMs Class A

Shares for the previous 20 trading days exceeds $15, the Issuers will use their

reasonable best efforts to redeem the Preferred Units (subject to lender consent prior to

the Step Up Date) Use of Proceeds To pay settlement amounts incurred in connection with the Investigation and for working

capital and general corporate purposes




TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that Education Savings Accounts (ESA) are constitutional. Nevada's ESA program is the most expansive educational choice program in the nation.



Specifically, the court agreed with the state that the primary constitutional arguments brought by plaintiffs against ESAs are without merit. Although the court ruled against the state on a funding issue, it laid out a clear blueprint for addressing the funding technicality so that the 8,000 parents who have applied for an ESA are able to take advantage of greater educational opportunities for their children.



"The court's ruling that ESAs are constitutional is a significant victory for Nevada families,'' said Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd) CEO Patricia Levesque.



"I look forward to Governor Brian Sandoval and the legislature addressing the funding mechanism for the state's ESA program so that all Nevada parents have the right, as well as the resources, to choose the best education option for their children."



ExcelinEd filed an amicus brief in the Nevada Supreme Court in support of the state's position in the Duncan vs. State of Nevada case. The amicus curiae was prepared by Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP.



Learn more about Education Savings Accounts:

Nevada's Education Savings Account (ESA) legislation, which passed in 2015, provides parents of up to 450,000 eligible students in the state with the funding to select schools, tutors and other approved education services for their children, including necessary therapies for students with disabilities.

Since the first Education Savings Account (ESA) program was introduced in 2011 in Arizona, this policy has been changing education as we know it.

ESAs place state dollars designated for a child's education into an account that parents can direct in a manner that is best for a child's unique needs.

Account funds can cover multiple education options, including private school tuition, online education, tutoring and dual enrollment, and unused funds can be saved for future K-12 or higher education costs.

ESAs create an entirely flexible approach to education, where the ultimate goal is maximizing each child's natural learning abilities.
Gaurav9588 wrote:





I have gone through end-to-end details about this Program, as available on ISB Official Website.

BUT there is no information about placements ! Requesting you to please address the below queries:



1. As the fee structure is almost same (Infact higher for PGPpro ), Will this program provide any placements through ISB, after successful completion ???

2. What are the other placement opportunities available for a candidate, aspiring for this program ?



[ Profile Background : Joined a leading IT MNC 5 years back, as a BTech Fresher. Average Acads but strong extra-curricular. Experience of leading initiatives through multiple Org-level, State (Hyd-AP-Telangana)/National-level forums. This extra-C helped me to get an internal job movement into core-HR role, 2 years back, and currently handling the recruitment for entire North India region]





Wish if ISB can bring a Info-session for this programs as well...



Thanks in advance. Dear ISBeacon,I have gone through end-to-end details about this Program, as available on ISB Official Website.BUT there is no information about placements ! Requesting you to please address the below queries:1. As the fee structure is almost same (Infact higher for PGPpro), Will this program provide any placements through ISB, after successful completion ???2. What are the other placement opportunities available for a candidate, aspiring for this program ?: Joined a leading IT MNC 5 years back, as a BTech Fresher. Average Acads but strong extra-curricular. Experience of leading initiatives through multiple Org-level, State (Hyd-AP-Telangana)/National-level forums. This extra-C helped me to get an internal job movement into core-HR role, 2 years back, and currently handling the recruitment for entire North India region]Wish if ISB can bring afor this programs as well...Thanks in advance.

Hi there. Let me try to answer some of your queries.1. The fee for both programs is indeed very similar but the point you are missing is that the opportunity cost associated with each program carries a significant difference. PGP students leave their jobs for a year while PGPpro allows you to 'Learn & Earn'. Irrespective of that, a comparison should not be made between the two programs as they cater to different audiences. Please do keep in mind, that ISB would ensure that students/prospective alums are happy when they graduate so expect ISB to leverage its resources to make sure you have career progression. After all you will be their brand ambassadors as FOUNDING students of PGPpro.Another thing, is that no Executive MBA programs offer placement services. It is a bit counter intuitive because prospects who apply to the program are seeking to transition in to senior management roles within their company. Ask yourself this question - how many companies come to campuses to hire senior management roles? - Not many. IMO that number should be zero.2. ISB is a platform. You have to make most of the opportunity. If you expect a job to come on a silver platter just because you have an ISB degree then you need to wake up to reality. I'd advise you to look for a placement agency rather than take up a valuable seat in the program.Cheers!
THE SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD

The Hypothetical Subjunctive

The Command Subjunctive

So this is basically used in two special situations:- Unlikely or unreal conditions (usually after 'if' or a similar word)- Proposals, desires, and requests formed with certain verbs and the word thatThese two uses correspond to two forms of the subjunctive mood: The Hypothetical Subjunctive and the Command Subjunctive, respectivelyWe use it in a few circumstances to indicate unlikely or unreal conditions. Principally, this form occurs after 'if', 'as if', or 'as though'Now the basic form of the Hypothetical Subjuctive is equivalent to the Simple Past of every Verb, with one exception. For the verb 'to be' . For the verb 'to be' the form were is always used.Eg. To overcome my fear of germs, I will think about disease as though it WERE harmlessThe other form of the subjunctive mood is the Command Subjunctive, which is much more important on the GMAT than the Hypotethical SubjunctiveThe command subjunctive is used with certain BOSSY VERBS such as require or propose. Bossy Verbs tell people to do thingsThis form is also known as the Bare Form of the verb: the infinitive without the 'to'.The subjunctive construction with a Bossy Verb is always as follows: Bossy Verb + THAT + subject + Command SubjunctiveHowever, there are some common Bossy Verbs, such as WANT, you cannot use the Command Subjunctive with but rather an infinitive (to + the bare form)- Common Verbs that take ONLY the Command Subjunctive when indicating desire: demand, dictate, insist, mandate, propose, recommend, request, stipulate, suggestNote: Propose can take an infinitive when there's no second subject (Eg. The attorneys PROPOSED TO MEET the following day)- Verbs that take ONLY the infinitive: advice, allow, forbid, persuade, want- Verbs that take EITHER the Command Subjunctive OR the infitinive: ask, beg, intend, order, prefer, urge, requireAlso, you should keep in mind that few bossy words, most notably prohibit, take other constructions alltogether (Prohibit FROM)The Command subjunctive can also be used with nouns derived from Bossy Verbs, such as a demand or a request.Also the Command subjunctive is possible with 'It is X', in which X is an adjective, such as essential, that conveys urgency. It is X is not commonly tested on the GMAT (Eg. It is essential THAT Gary BE ready before noon)Other adjectives conveying urgency include: advisable, crucial, desirable, fitting, imperative, important, mandatory, necessary, preferable, urgent and vital.Note also that you can use an infinitive in these constructions (Eg. It is essential for Gary to be ready before noon)Avoid the use of the Command Subjunctive 'whether'. This usage is old fashioned (Eg. I like Ice cream, , whether it BE choclolate, vanilla, or any other flavor)Oh and by the way, a few Bossy Verbs can be used in non-Bossy ways: Her presence SUGGESTS that she IS happy. In this context, suggests means "probably means"; it is not acting Bossy. As always, pay close attention to the meaning!Hope it helps you outMake some Kudos rain if you like it. I really need them for my GMAT testsTake it easy ok?CheersP.S. Oh, and BTW will some clarify what's wrong with Choice (B) in the question above? Let me knowThanks
mr7183 wrote:

Demographic: White male, will be 29 upon matriculation



GPA: 3.6, top-ish liberal arts school (Lehigh, Lafayette, Colgate)



GMAT: 760. Q 49, V 45, IR 7, AWA 6.0



Work Experience: Started my career at a regional boutique IB; left after a year and, after a work gap of a few months, I have spent the last 3+ years in Corp. Dev. / Strategy group at a S&P500, highly acquisitive industrial conglomerate. Great experience -- highly strategic work with significant direct exposure to lead executives. I've shown a lot of leadership in the org, but the company is going through an industrial recession and hasn't handed out promotions for almost 2 years. Should have great recs.



ECs: Not a ton there. There are a few things in college I can leverage and I am an active member in a few professional development organizations. I have a hobby I am very passionate about, but it's primarily an individual sport so I can only point to a few volunteer opportunities.



MBA Goal: I'd like to transition into a LDP or marketing rotational role and then hopefully an executive role long-term; I don't have an engineering background which prevents me from doing so at my current company. Industry preference is a consumer facing company, CPG or consumer products, where an engineering background is not necessary at executive level.



Targets: HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, Tuck, Darden, Ross

Well. with a 760 and 3.6 at a good school, and your work you are for sure in the running. Meaning Top 15 for sure. The only question is: is it top5, top 10 or top 15?Right now I'll be honest, it's a biiiiit hard to tell (it does SEEM awesome though), but I don't yet have a clear idea of what you are actually doing, what sort of projects you are working on, what your greatest achievements are, what kind of leadership you have etc. I also don't know what company, not even what your job title is!Also when you write about your goals - what's not clear is how it is linked to your current work/function/industry (probably because you haven't exactly told me what they areso basically, in sum - it looks great! I need more detail!So, feel free to drop us a line for a free consultation Best,JF
NEW DELHI: The government today approved signing an MoU with Singapore to give boost to innovation, creativity and technological advancement in both countries.



"The MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation activities in the arena of industrial property rights of patents, trademarks and industrial designs," an official statement said.

It is intended to give a boost to innovation, creativity and technological advancement in both regions, it said.



"The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given approval to the MoU in the field of industrial property cooperation between DIPP and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore," it said.



The MoU will be signed at the upcoming visit of Singapore's Prime Minister to India from October 4-7.



The priority initiatives under the pact would be exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge on intellectual property awareness among the public, businesses and educational institutions of both countries.



Both sides would also exchange experts in the field of intellectual property; dissemination of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP with the industry and universities.



The MoU will enable India to exchange experiences in the innovation and IP ecosystems that will substantially benefit entrepreneurs, investors and businesses on both sides.



"The exchange of best practices between the two countries will lead to improved protection and awareness about India's range of Intellectual creations," it added.



It will be a landmark step forward in India's journey towards becoming a major player in global innovation and will further the objectives of the National IPR Policy, it said.

Read Also:

India to Meet WTO to Withdraw MFN status from Pakistan

'Facebook At Work' To Be Launched Globally Soon: Report
BENGALURU: The conflict between India and Pakistan has turned into a cliche since the partition. As reported by the Times of India, the latest news that has surfaced is that PM Narendra Modi will drag Pakistan to the World Trade Organizations (WTO) dispute resolution body for not imparting the most favored nation status for 20 years. In contrast, New Delhi might not consider the withdrawal of Pakistans status.

Looking at the concept of most favored nation as a whole; the World Trade Organization agreement do not allow countries to discriminate among their trading partners. If any country allows special privilege to another country including lower customs duty on imports, the same offer should be equally favorable to all the WTO members.

The benefit of MFN status is only applicable to WTO members. Moreover, countries can even enter into trade agreements over and above MDN. The MFN status was granted to Pakistan in 1996 and from then the trade agreements between the countries was minimal. However, Pakistan is yet to reciprocate- where the annual official trade among the countries in the year 2015-16 was $2.5 billion where as the unofficial trade is estimated to be $ 15 billion. A section of Pakistan also stated that the Indian goods may swamp Pakistan if MFN is granted.

The plan of India to withdraw MFN status from Pakistan is on the move, with India requesting WTO for citing breach of security. According to article 21(b) (III), the agreement cannot prevent any WTO member for taking necessary action for protecting its security interest during war or other emergency international relations.

In addition, if India withdraws MFN status, it directly impacts consumers in some sectors, especially affecting the Attari-Wagah border. In contrast, importing from India through direct sales channels has even contributed to cut down the steel costs by 55 pct, engineering goods by 26 pct, and bicycles by 20 pct and pharmaceuticals by 35 pct.

Read Also:

'Facebook At Work' To Be Launched Globally Soon: Report

Jaitley Flays Protectionist Policies Of Developed World
BENGALURU: The Narendra Modi government will be reviewing the plea of Baloch separatist leader Brahamdagh Bugti for getting political asylum in India. Now his application is forwarded to intelligence agencies for security review. As reported by The Times of India, Bugti currently living in Geneva applied to the Government of India for getting political asylum.

An official from home ministry of India said that, after examining Bugtis application, the government has sent it to the intelligence bureau for in-depth review. Intelligence bureau will now examine all security clearances and it is expected that they will submit a report within a week. After getting report from the security agencies, it will be discussed by the cabinet.

India currently has no policy to provide political asylums therefore after all security clearances cabinet will make a final call. The Union home ministry is in favor of providing Bugti a long-term visa as given to the Bangladeshi author, Taslima Nasreen. In 1959, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and some of his followers got political asylum in India, which was provided by the former PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

Brahamdagh Bugti is the separatist leader of Baluchistan, who is in an exile since 2006 when Pakistani army killed his father and tried to capture him. Till 2010, he stayed in Afghanistan and later shifted to Geneva, Switzerland. Last week, he applied for asylum in India at the Indian embassy Geneva. Later, the ministry of external affairs received his application and sent it to the home ministry.

According to a report by the UN, in India, there are about 6,500 asylum seekers, but Indian government doesnt recognize any of them. The officials are now digging records of 1959 to examine the asylum granting process in India. The term refugee is not even mentioned in any Indian law. India refused to sign the 1951 convention proposed by the UN on the status of refugees and a 1967 protocol that specifies the services and rights a host country must provide to the refugees.

Read Also:

India to Meet WTO to Withdraw MFN status from Pakistan

A Salesman with Meager 1,200 Pay Is a Crorepati in M.P
NEW DELHI: Leading industrialist Ratan Tata today commended the government's decision to boycott the SAARC Summit in the wake of Uri attacks.



"So proud of Indian govt's firm stand on bycot of SARC mtg & overwhelming support by member nations (sic)," Tata tweeted.

The tweet by Tata Group Chairman Emeritus received over 3,200 likes and was re-tweeted more than 2,000 times.



Amid heightened tension with Pakistan over Uri terror attack in which 18 jawans were killed, India had announced its decision of pulling out of the Summit late last night citing increased "cross-border" attacks.



Apart from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have also pulled out of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November, indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an environment which is not right for the successful holding of the meet, resulting in its collapse.

Read Also:

India to Meet WTO to Withdraw MFN status from Pakistan

A Salesman with Meager 1,200 Pay Is a Crorepati in M.P
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- You don't have to be a fan of MTV reruns to know that Sweet 16s are the lifeblood of Staten Island teendom.

Perhaps that's why scores of concerned parents turned out for Partners in Sound's annual Sweet 16 Showcase Thursday night at the historic Old Bermuda Inn.

Emcee Mike Gregorio manned the mic as guests entered the ballrooms and browsed from table to table as vendors displayed their wares. Representatives spoke with each guest as they showed off services -- some even booked parties on the spot.

DJs and dancers from Partners In Sound staged a mock Sweet 16 -- complete with pop-and-lock dancing and clubby light shows.

Jackie's Cake Boutique, Beansie Cakes and Cutest Cookies strutted their sweet stuff while the VOTO Photo Booth snapped pics. Plus, stylist Kristina Fish of Lady Boss demo'd formal 'dos while makeup artist Emanula Fuda painted faces.

There also were a number of different performers, fashions and menus on hand for attendees to choose from to ensure the chemistry is just right for their little gal's rite of party passage.

Check out Hilton Flores' gallery and video for a little taste of this fabulosity.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The search continues for a 20-year-old man sought for questioning in connection with a robbery who also allegedly injured parole officers who attempted to arrest him.

Giovanni Donegan, 20, sparked a massive manhunt Wednesday on the North Shore after authorities allege he escaped while officers tried to take him into custody during his regularly scheduled parole meeting at the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision at 146 Bay St. in Tompkinsville.

He pushed past parole officers and ran from the location, authorities said. Several parole officers and an institution safety officer were injured during the struggle. The wounded were taken to Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton, and were later released.

After Donegan's escape, police canvassed the area in and around the St. George Ferry Terminal as NYPD helicopters were called to assist.

Authorities thought they tracked Donegan to the 200 block of Benzinger Avenue, but police took a different man into custody in relation to a separate criminal trespassing incident, police said.

On Wednesday evening, the NYPD asked for the public's help in locating Donegan, who is wanted for questioning in connection with an armed robbery the night of Aug. 31 in front of 155 Norway Ave. in South Beach. Police said two suspects robbed a 21-year-old woman at gunpoint.

Police arrested Isaiah Black, 18, of Elm Park, on Tuesday in connection with the robbery.

Police described Donegan as standing 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing about 165 pounds.

He is known to frequent locations on the North Shore, police said. Advance records indicate that Donegan lives on Hatfield Place in Port Richmond.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
nws Castorina

Assemblyman Ron Castorina Jr. is sponsoring a bill that would allow parents to claim 25 percent of child care costs in a tax credit. He speaks Thursday at Small World Preschool in Pleasant Plains. (Staten Island Advance/Rachel Shapiro)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- To help alleviate the high cost of child care in New York, Assemblyman Ron Castorina Jr. is sponsoring a bill that would allow parents to claim up to 25 percent of their child care costs in a tax credit.

The existing state child and dependent care credit is limited, allowing a small tax credit that decreases as income increases.

Castorina (R-South Shore) argues that on Staten Island and the city in general, middle income parents pay a lot for child care but see little from a tax credit.

With the average cost of child care for one child in New York around $15,000 annually, it's a burden for families.

His bill would have no income cap for eligibility and no cap on the credit, up to 25 percent of child care costs.

"This will allow families to reinvest the money in their community," Castorina said during a press conference Thursday held at Small World Preschool in Pleasant Plains. He stood inside one of the classrooms as children played in the background.

He plans to introduce the bill after the new session begins in January, and is working to get co-sponsors, both Democrats and Republicans.

While he anticipates push back from opponents who will cite loss of state income, the assemblyman argues the state will make up the revenue in other ways, like increased sales tax, as families will likely spend the money on other goods and services.

This will allow parents to "seek out reputable child care" they can afford, he said.

It will also allow people to re-enter the workforce if they left it because of the high cost of child care, he argued.

Like the existing child care credit, this could be used to offset expenses for child care for children up to age 13.

"There are really good, solid, reputable child care places in our community," Castorina said. "This is one of those places."

Maria Schraidt, owner of Small World Preschool, has had the business since 1993, and has been in the location on Bloomingdale Road since 1999.

She understands child care is costly, so she works with parents to make it affordable, offering multi-child discounts and city employee discounts.

"You need two working parents, especially on the South Shore," she said, adding she expects more parents would enroll their students if they had a 25 percent tax credit.

"Child care is an expensive thing," she said.
HOBOKEN, N.J. -- A crowded commuter train crashed into the bustling Hoboken station during the morning rush hour Thursday, killing at least one person and injuring 108 others, in a tangle of broken concrete, twisted metal and dangling cables, authorities said.

People pulled concrete off bleeding victims and passengers kicked out windows and crawled out amid crying and screaming after the arriving New Jersey Transit train smashed through a barrier at the end of its track and ground to a halt in a covered waiting area. It apparently knocked out pillars, collapsing a section of the roof onto the first car.

Ross Bauer, an IT specialist who was heading to his Manhattan job from his home in Hackensack, was sitting in the third or fourth car when the train plowed into the historic 109-year-old station.

"All of a sudden, there was an abrupt stop and a big jolt that threw people out of their seats. The lights went out, and we heard a loud crashing noise -- like an explosion -- that turned out to be the roof of the terminal," he said. "I heard panicked screams, and everyone was stunned."

The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known. The National Transportation Safety Board sent investigators.

Investigators will want to know what the operator was doing before the crash and whether the person was distracted, said Bob Chipkevich, who formerly headed the NTSB train crash investigations section.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says most of the injuries in the Hoboken train crash came from people aboard the train, not standing on the platform.

However, Christie noted at at a 2 p.m. news conference that the one person who died was a woman who was standing on the platform and was struck by debris.

Christie says there is no reason to believe there will be any more fatalities.

He and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo say the New Jersey Transit train was going too fast when it came into the station Thursday morning, but it's unclear why.

Christie says there's no indication so far that the crash was anything but a "tragic accident," but he noted it was too early to make assumptions.

Christie said the engineer involved in the train crash in Hoboken is in critical condition. He also said the engineer was cooperating with investigators.

Cuomo said a large number of New Yorkers were on the train when it crashed into the station in Hoboken.

He says New York State Police are assisting in the response to the crash, along with officials from other local, state and federal agencies.

Cuomo says the crash will likely cause "major delays" into New York City.

The Hoboken Terminal, which handles more than 50,000 train and bus riders daily, is just across the Hudson River from New York City. It is the final stop for several train lines and a transfer point for many commuters on their way to New York City. Many passengers get off at Hoboken and take ferries or a PATH commuter train to New York.

None of NJ Transit's trains are fully equipped with positive train control, a safety system designed to prevent accidents by automatically slowing or stopping trains that are going too fast. The industry is under government orders to install PTC, but the deadline has been repeatedly extended by regulators at the request of the railroads. The deadline is now the end of 2018.

Jennifer Nelson, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit, said she didn't know how fast the train was going when it crashed through the bumper. Rail service was suspended in and out of Hoboken.

Passenger Bhagyesh Shah said the train was crowded, particularly the first two cars, because they make for an easy exit into the Hoboken station. Passengers in the second car broke the emergency windows to get out.

"I saw a woman pinned under concrete," Shah told WNBC-TV in New York. "A lot of people were bleeding; one guy was crying."

Brian Klein, whose train arrived at the station after the crash, told The Wall Street Journal that transit police ushered everyone aboard his train into a waiting room, "then quickly started yelling, 'Just get out! We don't know if the building is going to hold.'"

The train had left Spring Valley, New York, at 7:23 a.m. and crashed at 8:45 a.m., said NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder.

More than 100,000 people use NJ Transit trains to commute from New Jersey into New York City daily.

A crash at the same station on a different train line injured more than 30 people in 2011. The PATH commuter train crashed into bumpers at the end of the tracks on a Sunday morning.

The Hoboken Terminal, which was built in 1907 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has undergone waves of restoration, including a major project launched by NJ Transit in April 2004 that largely restored the building to its original condition. The station was extensively damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and underwent major repairs.
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System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f027bb50)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0308590)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f027bb50)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0308590)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f0283f20)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0308590)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0308590)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e820d710)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f02f0010)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f02f0010)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f0264298)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f02e82b0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f0264298)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f02e82b0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f0258e48)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f02e82b0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f02e82b0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e820ddc8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f033e1a8)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f033e1a8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f02528e0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0505010)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f02528e0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0505010)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f0252e98)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0505010)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0505010)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e820d518)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f040eca8)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f040eca8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



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The Liberals have outlined plans to hand $500,000 a year in grants to general practitioner clinics, if elected.

But Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson has again been forced to defend a proposal to set up emergency departments in Gungahlin and Tuggeranong, after paramedics said it was dangerously misleading and would unnecessarily tie up ambulance resources.

Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson has announced $2.1 million over four years in grants to GPs. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Mr Hanson announced his $2.1 million grants scheme while opening a new GP clinic in Higgins on Thursday morning, owned by not-for-profit National Health Co-op.
The Liberals have slammed Labor for what it describes as the "cynical" announcement of reforms to the Land Development Agency the day before a long-awaited auditor-general's report into its conduct is published.

The audit of the agency's controversial purchase of Glebe Park land is expected to be released on Friday, a potential headache for Labor two weeks out from the election.

A map showing the Glebe Park section bought by the ACT government for $4.2 million.

The LDA bought the Glebe Park block from developers Barry Morris and Graham Potts for $4.2 million, a price four times the first of two wildly different valuations.

The deal was struck to give the government parkland it wanted to build a stormwater pond, although part of the land is also sought by the casino for its expansion.
A network of grow houses dismantled by ACT Policing helped the territory's cops clinch one of the largest hauls of cannabis in Australia last year.

More than 1000 kilograms of the drug was seized in the ACT in 2014-15, almost three times as much as the year before.

More than $6 million of cannabis was pulled off the street when ACT Policing raided eight rental properties dotted across the city last year

Almost one-fifth of the total cannabis seized across Australia was from the ACT, with more marijuana confiscated here than in most of the larger states, including Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, according to the Illicit Drug Data Report.

Only NSW and South Australia topped the ACT for cannabis seizures by weight and the ACT reported the greatest percentage increase in the weight of cannabis seized.
A massive overhaul of the ACT's health system is in the works, after the health directorate awarded more than $700,000 worth of contracts to consultancy firm Ernst and Young to review the territory's clinical services and examine community health programs.

Signed in the weeks before the ACT government went into caretaker mode, the two contracts were for a $565,810 "Review of Clinical Service Needs of the ACT Community" and $225,500 to examine "Opportunities to better manage community health service provision".

ACT Health has issued two major consultancy contracts as part of a ACT-wide overhaul of the health system.

Work began on both contracts in late August, as part of a wider "System Innovation Program" being run under director-general Nicole Feely's leadership.

Fairfax Media understands that program aims to update ACT Health's Clinical Services Framework, find "efficiencies" across the health system and turn around the territory's reputation for having the most expensive hospitals in the country.
The Greens have added their voice to residents' concerns about a proposed non-recyclable plastics processing plant planned for Tuggeranong, saying consultation has been inadequate and there remain serious concerns about public and environmental safety.

The company, Foy, which wants to process 200 tonnes of plastic waste a day into fuels at Hume says residents in nearby Tuggeranong won't be able to smell or hear the workings of the factory.

Gilmore resident Reg Philip in October, concerned about Foy's plastic-to fuel factory in Hume. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide are listed as possible emissions but they would be "well below the industry standard" and, if emissions exceed the established parameters, the plant would be shut down, according to a draft Environmental Impact Statement.

But ACT Greens candidate Michael Mazengarb said residents of Fadden, MacArthur, Chisholm and Gilmore deserved to know what would happen to ash from the site, and any risks the plant might pose to their health.
Australians are being increasingly targeted for serious financial crimes by organised crime groups, the government's money watchdog has warned.

The chief executive of AUSTRAC, the federal agency responsible for tracing financial crimes, Paul Jevtovic, told a conference of Certified Fraud Examiners on Thursday that Australia's relative prosperity had made us an increasing target for financial crime.

"The fight against fraud in all its manifestations is becoming a real challenge for us," Mr Jevtovic said.

Serious financial crimes, including revenue fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft and cyber crime were now costing the Australian community $8.6 billion a year.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has bought $1.35 billion worth of home loan debt from the Western Australian government.

The purchase of the "Keystart" loans was formalised with the WA government on Thursday and will be completed by December.

Bendigo chief executive Mike Hirst. Credit:Christopher Pearce

The state-backed loans were part of an affordable housing scheme set up in the 1980s.

Bendigo chief Mike Hirst said in a statement that the loan book would boost the bank's exposure to the western state, which was dominated by Victorian and NSW loans.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's sexist and degrading remarks about women - including calling former Miss Universe winner Alicia Machado "Miss Piggy" - isn't helping the gender diversity cause, says CNN anchor Hala Gorani

But the fact that people are swiftly and fiercely reacting to his comments shows that we have come a long way. "It's not great to call a woman "Miss Piggy"," Gorani tells Fairfax Media in an interview by phone from London.

The Emmy award winning CNN correspondent is coming to Australia for the Women World Changers Summit in Melbourne and Sydney later this month where she will talk about her career and the crucial role of journalists in a changing media landscape.

As one of CNN's most experienced journalists - Gorani has led coverage of issues the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and more recently the Paris Charlie Hedbo shooting and ISIS attacks - her read of the election to date is: Trump "isn't doing himself any favours".
When I first heard Elon Musk had asked his audience if they were willing to die in a great endeavour, I assumed he was speaking to shareholders.

That wasn't the case. The visionary founder of Tesla, SpaceX and SolarCity was actually talking about the risks participants in his planned voyage to Mars must be willing to face.

Still, "same difference," as they say back home in Chicago.

"The risk of fatality will be high," Musk told a space conference on Tuesday in Guadalajara, Mexico, speaking of a hoped-for SpaceX mission to Mars by 2025. "There's no way around it. It would be basically, 'Are you prepared to die?' If that's OK, you're a candidate for going."
Right now if I look at Google Maps, I can tell you that three streets away there is a bank up of traffic leading from the city to the western suburbs. Of course Google knows everything but this ingenious bit of software began as a start-up by an Israeli army officer with an engineering degree.

It was sold to Google for $US1.3 billion and the deal ensured that each of the start-up's 100 employees would receive an average of $1.2 million

That's the work of Uri Levine, the co-founder of WAZE, who is in Australia from Tel Aviv to tell his story. Uri is responsible for two to three start-ups a year, yet has his feet on the ground. He's got five kids and all the usual concerns of a modern family man. So instead of being swallowed up in the new corporate world of Google, Uri decided to start a new venture to expose the hidden fees of financial institutions. It's called FeeX and Uri has moved his new company to the US to launch it globally.

My recent trip to the US confirmed that this trend is also on for Australians. A week ago I spent time with a dozen or so young Australians who have moved to New York to invent and disrupt to make the world a better place. And they are not doing it just for the money. They are genuinely excited about making a positive difference.
Sydney's skyline is set to have another 775 apartments, following the lodgement of development plans by Lendlease for its Renzo Piano-designed residential towers at Barangaroo South, to be known as One Sydney Harbour.

They will be some of the last part of the $6 billion development, which also includes three office towers and the low-rise residential near Kings Street Wharf.

Artist's impressions of Barangaroo plans proposing 775 apartments in three towers, collectively called One Sydney Harbour.

Lendlease's Barangaroo South managing director, Andrew Wilson, said One Sydney Harbour would become an iconic Australian address to "complement the Sydney skyline".

"With the latest three development applications, we're proposing to build 775 residences split across three tower structures, plus retail space on the ground floor. These three buildings collectively form One Sydney Harbour, which will be located just to the north of Barangaroo's commercial buildings," Mr Wilson said.
China's bubble trouble risks missing lessons from Japan's crash. That's the increasingly held view of observers comparing China's frenzied real-estate market with the epic bust that more than two decades ago hobbled one of its biggest economic rivals.

While the two scenarios aren't a carbon copy, similarities between China's record credit boom in recent years and Japan's bubble era have been made at various times by a number of economists and investors. Now, those voices are being heard more often  even within China. Huang Yiping, a Peking University professor who advises China's central bank, warned on Saturday about leverage that continues to climb, saying that the top risk is more and more investment generates less growth. "That's exactly the story that unfolded in Japan."

Weeds growing among abandoned apartments at a beachside development in Nanshan village, Shandong Province, China. Credit:Angus Grigg

The worry is that China repeats Japan's mistake of not reining in excess credit and shutting down insolvent borrowers quickly enough, exacting longer-term damage to growth in the world's No. 2 economy. With potential expansion rates coming down across developed nations, the global pain would be magnified.

"What really troubles me is that this extended real-estate bull market has gone hand in hand with an extended period of rapid credit growth, debt accumulation, and some questionable practices on the part of both lenders and borrowers," said Russell Jones, who had a front-row seat working as an analyst in 1990s' Japan during that country's demise.
If you're toying with the idea of quitting social media, there's a simple question that can help you decide:

Are you a victim of the "any-benefit" mindset?

That's a term coined by Cal Newport, an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University and the bestselling author of books including, most recently, "Deep Work."

On a recent episode of The James Altucher Show, Newport discussed the perils of the any-benefit approach and how it can sabotage your career.
The item on the (lack of) news re the governor, reminded me of Monty Python's "Here is the news for parrots: No parrots were involved in an accident on the M1 today when a lorry carrying..." John Christie, of Oatley.

"Protocol" is also rife in the workplace (C8 corp jargon). Protocol is unquestionably the present people-control word being parroted about. It causes, controls and justifies everything. Joy Cooksey, of Harrington.

Trailers on ABC 24 TV running across the screen: "SA power networks says the entire state of South Australia is without power", followed by: "South Australians are urged to tune in to ABC 891 local radio." On transistor radios?" Garrett Naumann, of Cammeray.

Energy Australia's latest letter to thousands of customers is about "new fees that will not apply to your energy rates". In other words they are sending us a letter to tell us that this letter is irrelevant to us. Why send it?" asks Barry Arnold, Epping.

The recent blackout in Adelaide calls to mind the time when my regiment, the 1st Argylls, was on field training in Norfolk, England, writes Keith Ridler-Dutton, Killara. "One Saturday morning the Drum Major was practising tossing the mace, when some idiot yelled: "Hey Drummy, bet ye couldna' toss it ower yon power lines". Ever up for a challenge, Tommy gave a mighty heave and up went the mace. Unfortunately, instead of clearing the power lines it tottered between them. The chain caused a short circuit, and with an almighty flash, the whole district was blacked out. The subsequent court of inquiry failed to establish the cause of the outage."
Cory Bernardi has been spending time at the United Nations HQ in New York on secondment. Instead of learning about the UN and Australia's role therein, Bernardi has been pontificating on his own party's performance in the opinion polls.

In the past few days Bernardi has spent much of his time extolling the praises of Donald Trump and Pauline Hanson. In the case of Hanson, Bernardi has even argued: "One Nation  are saying the things that I think the Liberal Party should be saying, with a bit more nuance and maybe a little bit more delicacy."

Bernardi believes his party has "got to start talking about things that matter to individuals".

And exactly what are those things? Bernardi's checklist focuses on immigration, culture, jobs and manufacturing. Certainly jobs matter. Hence the Liberal mantra of "jobs and growth". Manufacturing matters, though it is an issue Hanson has barely touched.
"There will be no more birthday celebrations, birthday cakes, levity or celebrations of any kind within the office," the boss wrote in 1978. "This is a business office. If you have to celebrate, do it after office hours on your own time."

The employees of Tiger Oil Company probably weren't surprised. They had seen worse. "Do not speak to me when you see me," the man had ordered in a memo the month before. "If I want to speak to you, I will do so. I want to save my throat. I don't want to ruin it by saying hello to all of you."

Mike Davis in 1967 when he purchased a million acres in oil leases. Credit:Ed Maker/Getty

The boss was Mike Davis, otherwise known as, tellingly, Tiger Mike. A former chauffeur, he had become a Houston oil and gas magnate. But he earned an even greater measure of notoriety as the author of blunt and widely circulated office memos that earned him the unofficial title "world's grumpiest boss."

Davis died at 85 on September 18 at his home in Las Vegas due to complications of prostate cancer.
Illustration: Cathy Wilcox Renata Bali Strathfield South Turns out Tony Abbott was right all along; South Australia's black out was due to those naughty Renewables. But hey, where were all those highly paid regulators, engineers, grid kids, whizz kids, who are always lecturing us and whose job it is to foresee these problems and plan ahead. Where are they after just one electrical storm. When they front up to the television to explain I will mute my TV and let the "signer " tell it all. Joe Whitcombe Bronte This is a very good reason for not selling off any of our utilities to overseas countries, including power, communication, airports and ports,water and sewerage! If they control these, Australia comes to a stand still overnight.Take note politicians before it is too late and we don't own anything.

Ziggy Koenigseder Coffs Harbour Thursday morning I awoke to hear the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce laying the blame for the South Australian power outage on an over reliance on renewable energy. Yet again Barnaby is launching into ill-informed political point scoring and he is showing he is not the responsible national leader we need in times of crisis. The climatic reality is that more extreme weather events are going to impact on our lives. Barnaby and his colleagues are not investing sufficient effort to convert our energy economy away from its carbon base. Nor are they investing in infrastructure able to sustain more damaging weather. Stop grand standing mate and get on with the job of shifting our society towards a more sustainable future! Then you might get my vote as a suitable person to hold your high office. Peter Hull Hat Head

Surely to improve our resilience to big electrical blackouts, Coal-ition need to compel MetBureau to manage and protect, not just observe, us against this kind of wild weather? If only wind turbines were big enough is this simple and obvious for neo libs? How about making us less dependent on grid by reducing subsidy for fossil fuels and shifting it, sooner rather than later, to affordability for electric vehicles? Bernie McComb Cowes Adelaide might be a bit dull and boring at times, but it seems to me they turned out the lights prematurely. Stephen Driscoll Castle Hill We've had massive storms in the southern states of Australia and shark problems on the northern NSW coast.

Maybe a portent of things to come this Sunday at ANZ Stadium when the Storm and theSharks clash in the Grand Final? Martin Jaffe Lilli Pilli WHMs should be excluded from superannuation guarantee regime Treasurer Scott Morrison has announced new rules for taxing backpackers  now called "working holidaymakers" (or "WHMs"). One of Mr Morrison's justifications for the changes is that WHMs should pay a fair rate of tax. Buried in the new rules is a proposal to impose a departure tax of 95 per cent on a WHM's superannuation entitlement. In essence, that is really a tax on family businesses and it is unclear why superannuation should be compulsory for WHMs. Having acknowledged that the contributions are inconsistent with the objectives of superannuation, the right approach should be to exclude WHMs from the superannuation guarantee regime.

The proposals will create further inequities in the tax system, although they may be in breach of certain treaties we are party to which have clauses that deny us the right to discriminate in tax matters. It seems incongruous that well-off businesspeople who come to Australia as temporary residents, just like WHMs, are allowed massive tax benefits  they are not taxed on offshore income and benefit from the tax-free threshold and are often excluded from the superannuation guarantee rules  yet young and often poorer individuals are being asked to bear a greater tax burden when they provide little drain on our resources and make a positive contribution to our economy. John Balazs Randwick Responsibility comes with school choice Australia cannot afford two parallel systems of school education but two parallel universes of school education exist in Australia today. ("Private schools' windfall exposed", September 29.) One is a constantly marginalised public education system and the other is a private/independent system that relies heavily on public funds to survive. The private school lobby is one of the most powerful lobbies that exists in Australia. Parents choose to send their children to private/independent schools and with that choice comes the responsibility to fund their choice. If they don't want their child to have to mix with the kids of the vast majority of Australians either because they believe this will disadvantage their child socially or because of some mistaken belief their child will do better academically (wrong!) that is their choice, not the choice of the Australian people or governments. And please, none of the old "we pay our taxes" rubbish. Taxpayers without children or whose children no longer attend school do not get a refund equal to the per capita funding of private/independent school students.

This whole area is all about greed. Envy only emerges when the already endowed demand and get more and more. Schools with arts and sporting centres and heated swimming pools getting millions every year while local public schools play on concrete outdoor courts? When did we stop being a "fair" country? Kevin Farrell National Convenor, Public Education Party of Australia, Beelbangera In looking at the five most over-funded schools, I noticed that they were all Christian-ethos-based. Surely they must realise that for them to have more than they need or are entitled to, it has to be at the expense of schools more in need than them. Not a good lesson in ethics or Christian charity. Then I noticed that one of the schools was the alma mater of the former Prime Minister while the top two were in the electorate of the former Treasurer  you know, the one who told us that "the age of entitlement" was over. Brian Collins Cronulla As a septuagenarian who spent much of the first three decades of his life under the rule of Ming the Merciless, as a retired school teacher and advocate of public education, the saddest thing about the inequities in education funding revealed is that systemic Catholic schools remain equally as underfunded as their public counterparts. After all, the introduction of funding for non-government schools was a very clever political ploy to keep the Liberal-Country Party coalition in power. It worked well, but I doubt even Menzies foresaw how the Catholic system would become a convenient stalking horse for wealthy independent schools to hide behind while raking in their extortionate funding.

Arthur Cooper Alstonville Wouldn't it be nice if those private schools named on the Herald front page could offer financial help to those schools genuinely in need as an ethical gesture. They obviously have not been able to make an offer out of Christian principles. Peter Fuller Narrabeen I find the arguments for special and private schools completely ignores the Finnish example where neither exist, enforced by legislation. With children beginning formal class at age seven, not four or five, there is also a telling difference further along in higher schooling. Unlike Australia, teachers and teachers aides are highly qualified, well paid, with smaller class sizes, and most importantly, highly respected. Zuzu Burford Heathcote

To private schools Loreto Kirribilli, Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College, Saint Ignatius' College Riverview, Brigidine College, St Ives and Northern Beaches Christian School, Terry Hills: You are unconscionable. Lois Katz Glebe Name change confuses I'm with you Diana Simmonds (Letters, September 29.) I am forever looking to buy tickets to an event only to discover I have never heard of the venue. Why do I then need to go online to discover that this venue has a new name, that replaced the last new name that replaced the name before that. I understand that there is a great deal of cash involved in naming rights, but let's leave it as Sydney Olympic Stadium sponsored by "insert name here" rather than this constant silliness. The same applies to all those other venues that think constant change is somehow a good thing. Roger Clark Five Dock

Whatever the official name of a home ground, the nickname gives it its feel. Consider Brisbane's The Cauldron or Dunedin's House of Pain. With Sydney's Olympic Stadium built on the site of an old abattoir, what could be better than telling the opposition, "See you next week at The Slaughterhouse". Chris Mangan Bracken Ridge Degree ill-deserved Congratulations to the group academics from the University of Sydney who are protesting about a honorary doctorate being bestowed on John Howard. ("Howard uni protest", September 29.) I feel that the taking of Australia into Iraq, as the third partner of the Coalition of the Willing, will live on as our greatest blot of shame and should never be condoned by the handing out of a doctorate as in this instance.

Jim Banks Pottsville Beach What is the fuss if Mr Howard joins the honorary doctorates club of Shane Warne, Muammar Gaddafi, Mike Tyson and Kermit the Frog. Steve Ngeow Chatswood Plebiscite could clear things up for PM John Byrne is on the right track (Letters, September 29). What we really need is a plebiscite on who is to lead the government and make decisions and meaningful announcements, the Prime Minister or the ultra right?

Doug McLaughlin Bonnet Bay Corbyn's rise The course of action for the 80 per cent of British Labour MPs who do not support Jeremy Corbyn and the choice of the majority of Labour Party members is clear  resignation ("Britain's opposition split on strategy", September 29). John Croker Woonona Budgie's go right in more ways than one

Research shows that, when faced with conflict, budgies invariably veer to the right ("Veer right: a Drongo will tell you that", September 29). This phenomenon may go some way to explaining the political behaviour observed among prominent wearers of budgie smugglers. Doug Walker Baulkham Hills Maybe the birdbrain insult is on the other foot. Budgerigars are smart enough to avoid collisions by always veering right. So how come humans cannot work out that keeping left on footpaths confers the same benefit? Bob Liddelow Avalon Camping fun
For those of us watching his New York appearance last week, Malcolm Turnbull showed a fresh Australian face to the world. Gone was Tony Abbott's sneer  his declaration that Aussies were "sick of being lectured to" by the UN. Instead, Turnbull aligned his country with the global body, declaring particular support for the "pivotal change" represented by the Paris climate accords. Diplomats applauded with gusto  but for Turnbull the problem is that, even as he was speaking, hard new numbers were emerging about that climate fight. And they make his talk ring hollow. There's a new math of climate change, and that math defies even the avuncular Turnbull charm. The new study that emerged late last week from a Washington think tank draws on data from all the world's energy producing countries, and it demonstrates something stark: the methane and carbon in the coal mines and oil and gas fields already in production will take us past the two degrees of global warming that all nations pledged to avoid in Paris last year  never mind the 1.5-degree target that Australia signed up for at those talks. It's not the next coal mine that will break the planet's climate: it's the ones we're already mining. That is to say: we've already built as much fossil fuel infrastructure as we can possibly tolerate. Or, to put it more bluntly, if Australia explores for new oil in the Great Australian Bight, or if it opens up a dozen new coal mines in the Hunter Valley, then it's clearly not serious about its Paris commitments. As Steve Kretzmann, head of the think tank that produced the study said, "Living up to the Paris Agreement means we must start a managed decline in the fossil fuel industry immediately  and manage that decline as quickly as possible."

If we want a hope of keeping warming within limits, we can't build any more fossil fuel infrastructure. "Managed decline" means we don't have to grind everything to a halt tomorrow; we can keep extracting fuel from existing oil wells and gas fields and coal mines. "If you let current fields begin their natural decline," says Kretzmann, "you'll be using 50 per cent less oil by 2033." That gives us 17 years, as the wells we've already drilled slowly run dry, to replace all that oil with renewable energy. That's enough time to replace gas guzzlers with electric cars  Teslas come down in cost every year, and wind and solar power gets cheaper with each passing month. It's enough time, if we take the courageous steps needed to retrain workers and rebuild communities for new, low-carbon industries. But the one thing we can't do is keep expanding. The first rule of holes is, when you're stuck in one, stop digging  in this case literally. That means no coal-mine "expansions" in NSW. It means even the reconfigured smaller version of the proposed Carmichael Mine that Indian company Adani has begun to tout in Australia's Galilee Basin is out of bounds. The new math means that, from this point on, anyone proposing a new fracking field, coal mine or oil well is, in effect, a climate denier. No politician likes to hear this. The play book is the same around the world: sophisticated leaders like Turnbull decry the vulgar denialism, insist with due gravitas that they are quite concerned about the great danger of climate change, and then proceed largely as before. In America, running for re-election in 2012, United States President Barack Obama boasted that he'd "directed my administration to open up millions of acres for gas and oil exploration across 23 different states. We're opening up more than 75 per cent of our potential oil resources offshore. We've quadrupled the number of operating rigs to a record high. We've added enough new oil and gas pipeline to encircle the Earth and then some." Drill, baby, drill. Happily, there's a movement to stand up to that kind of hypocrisy, and it's increasingly succeeding. In the US, Obama was forced to cancel the Keystone pipeline due to massive public protest; earlier this month he halted work on another oil project after native Americans staged powerful peaceful demonstrations and were met by attack dogs hired by the oil company. China has stopped expanding its coal mines; Shell has agreed to leave the Arctic; in Australia's Victoria, the world has hailed a state-wide ban on fracking and applauds the news that the Hazelwood plant will finally end its long, smoke-belching career of environmental ruination. We could do this  remember, the price of a solar panel has dropped 80 per cent in the past eight years.
The university administration's justification of the award does not withstand even the most rudimentary scrutiny. Along with contributions to economic management and Australian relations with China and Indonesia, the Chancellor, Belinda Hutchinson, has cited Howard's gun law reform and leadership in East Timor as the reasons for the doctorate.

Along with many of our colleagues, we are appalled by the actions of the University Senate in making this award. That is why we are boycotting the graduation ceremony on Friday at which the doctorate will be conferred, and joining staff and students outside the University's Great Hall in protest.

Sydney University's choice to award an honorary doctorate to John Howard is a decision to celebrate racism, bigotry and militarism. The award is unjustifiable in an institution claiming to serve the public good that says it is committed to rigorous standards of analysis and deliberation.

What Howard will be remembered for in these fields is hardly his gun control measures or Australia's role in East Timor. The latter, in any case, arguably had more to do with Timor's gas reserves than it did with peacekeeping. Far more significant, both internationally and at home, was Howard's crucial support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This illegal and unjustified war cost the lives of almost 25.000 civilians in its first two years alone. The recent Chilcot report puts the number of Iraqi deaths at 150,000 by 2009. Awarding Howard for his contribution to international relations is like awarding BP for its contributions to green energy. In honouring him, the University of Sydney does its bit to dampen the pressure for a Chilcot-style enquiry in Australia.

What will Howard say in his address at the graduation to the audience of students and researchers? That instinct is a better guide than science to public policy, or that politicians must not be "browbeaten by the alleged views" of climate scientists, as he told a London conference in 2013? That professional historians have got it wrong about the past and that he, without specialist training, is better placed to decide what should be taught? It is a singular irony that a politician contemptuous of science, whose government regularly attacked academics and researchers, should be accepting an honorary doctorate. It says even more that he is being offered one.

Sydney's administrators have tried to deflect criticism by pointing to the frequency with which honorary degrees are conferred on former prime ministers. Exactly. It is the very regularity of the practice that is objectionable. The customary granting of honorary degrees to former politicians degrades academic distinction for political purposes. It says that political power, not an outstanding contribution to the advancement of society, is the determinant of the university's recognition. Universities should be institutions that provide ongoing challenge to the terms of institutional power. Through the routine award of honorary degrees to prime ministers no matter what their record in office, they end up courting it.

Granting doctorates to ex-PMs sends a clear message: no matter what you have done in office, you can expect, as a former PM, to be feted by the academy. Follow the US to war on confected and untested evidence, plunging Iraq and the wider Middle East into chaos: honorary doctorate. Militarise social policy in the Northern Territory: honorary doctorate. Obstruct the UN declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, refuse to apologise to the Stolen Generation and exacerbate racial tensions: honorary doctorate. Ban same-sex marriage: honorary doctorate. Wage class-warfare against the union movement: honorary doctorate.

Universities' responsibility to provide a source of rigorous independent analysis and expertise can only be discharged if they stand above the horse-trading of political influence and favour. This was exactly the principle at stake when La Trobe University tried to appease politicians by suspending Roz Ward, the Safe Schools program co-founder, earlier this year. In normalising honorary degrees for former PMs, universities signal they have no interest in maintaining a critical independence from political power.
More polar bears are being shot dead on Norway's remote Arctic islands, where dangerous encounters with humans are getting more frequent as visitors increase and global warming melts the sea ice on which the creatures roam.

Halfway between the northern tip of Europe and the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago of snow-capped mountains and glaciers is home to 2654 people and 975 polar bears, according to a 2015 tally by the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Threatened: Polar bears in the Arctic.

"Four polar bears have been shot so far this year," Vidar Arnesen, a chief police inspector for the governor of Svalbard, told Reuters. "In a normal year, one or two would be shot."

"There are more contacts between humans and the animals," he said aboard the Polarsyssel, the governor's ship, used for inspections and rescue operations.
A mammoth mop-up is under way in South Australia after a second day of cyclonic weather lashed the state on Thursday.

Synoptic maps show the incredible ring-like low pressure system that has smashed the southern and eastern parts of Australia since Wednesday, pushing unprecedented winds up into South Australia and across to NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.

South Australia faced more rain and some of the strongest winds it had ever seen overnight with 120km/h winds on the Neptune Islands in the Spencer Gulf and 115km/h gusts recorded in Cummins on the Eyre Peninsula.

There are fears of flooding with many rivers expected to peak later on Friday.
The National Broadband Network has dumped its plan to use Optus cables to deliver high-speed broadband less than a year after rubbishing reports the $800 million network was in a dire state and may be unusable.

Leaked internal NBN documents, published by Fairfax Media last year, revealed the company was considering moving to a "Plan B" for the Optus Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) network, rather than upgrading it as had originally been planned.

The documents stated the Optus network was "not fully fit for purpose" and some equipment was "arriving at the end of life" and would need to be replaced.

At the time NBN dismissed the scenario outlined in the documents as "purely a theoretical exercise as part of our risk mitigation approach".
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has issued a scathing criticism of former Liberal MP Wyatt Roy's trip to Iraq, branding it "irresponsible", "very high risk" and suggesting he could have been captured by hostile forces while there.

On Thursday, Mr Roy - who lost his seat of Longman in the federal election - revealed to SBS that he travelled last week to a region west of Mosul in northern Iraq, a stronghold of Islamic State.

He said he witnessed a firefight between IS militants and Kurdish fighters before he was told to jump into his car and speed in the opposite direction.

"The danger of a 50-cal bullet, or if they had bigger RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades], or a mortar round hitting us was pretty serious," Mr Roy told SBS.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has slammed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for promulgating "ignorant rubbish" in the South Australian energy debate, as Labor states and territories rejected the PM's pitch for a standardised renewable energy target.

Mr Turnbull, once known as the Coalition's strongest advocate for redressing climate change, used Wednesday evening's statewide blackout to condemn "extremely aggressive, extremely unrealistic" renewable energy targets set by Labor state governments.

It followed comments from Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg and South Australian senator Nick Xenophon that conflated the power outage with the state's heavy reliance on wind power - an explanation rejected by energy experts, who said the blackout was due to the destruction caused by wild weather.

The PM singled out Victoria and Queensland as other states he said had "paid little or no attention to energy security" in their pursuit of cleaner energy. But on Friday, Mr Andrews accused Mr Turnbull of spouting "anti-climate change, anti-fact nonsense" and of resembling his predecessor Tony Abbott, a climate change sceptic.
Labor is calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to sack embattled Coalition MP Stuart Robert from a committee position that pays him an extra $30,000 a year amid controversy over his links to property developers.

The call comes after Mr Robert broke his silence on the Sunland affair, saying any suggestion that he supported the Gold Coast company in exchange for donations are "incorrect and scurrilous".

But Mr Robert has not denied the speech he delivered to Parliament defending Sunland in a legal dispute was substantially written by company lobbyist Simone Holzapfel, saying it was important to be "precise" with his language.

"Four years ago I stood up as a local member and gave a short speech in Parliament because I felt Sunland were receiving one-sided criticism in the media. Following two earlier speeches delivered by a Senator colleague that I also felt were one-sided, I believed that if one side of the issue could be aired in Parliament, the other side could be as well. That is only fair," he said in a statement on Thursday.



"I was informed by various sources.
1. Morrison's anti-Trump message

Migrants are good for the budget bottom line and former Immigration Minister and now Treasurer Scott Morrison wants more in the country, along with more free trade and foreign investment. [James Massola/Fairfax] [Michelle Grattan/The Conversation] [Laura Tingle/Financial Review]

It's a bold, not exactly nuanced speech that Morrison is due to deliver on Friday, at a time when migration and globalisation are fuelling anxiety in the middle classes.

Forget that Morrison once took some of the hardest stances against refugees, including denying children taxpayers flights to bury their parents. Forget also, that in 2011, the Member for Cook, the electorate that hosted the Cronulla riots, urged shadow cabinet to exploit growing anxiety about Muslims in Australia, because that was then and this is now and he is now launching a defence of migrants not seen since...Jeremy Corbyn's passionate defence at the UK Labour Party conference on Wednesday.
Teenagers cursed with acne may have the last laugh over their peers with perfect skin, new research suggests.

Their cells have a built-in protection against ageing that is likely to make them look better in later life, a study has found.

There's an upside to acne, according to science. Credit:Stocksy

Experts had already noted that signs of ageing such as wrinkles and thinning skin often appear much later in people who have experienced acne.

Now, scientists believe they may have discovered why.
If only every first day on the job involved balloons and a petting zoo.

Princess Charlotte has completed her first royal engagement, attending a party for military families at British Columbia's Government House, in Canada.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrive for a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada. Credit:Getty

The 16-month-old was accompanied by her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and older brother Prince George, three, at the event held on day six of the family's Canadian visit.

The royal toddler siblings were certainly enthusiastic guests, accepting balloon flowers and playing with dogs and miniature horses alongside the children of some of Canada's military families, and providing the Mirror with enough cute content to live-blog the event.
Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, has upped her style game for the royal tour of Canada with husband Prince William and children Prince George and Prince Charlotte.

Two looks caught the eye of style critics, in particular a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress and a Thornton Bregazzi for Preen stretch-crepe gown - both in red as a tribute to the host country.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave a ceremony in Victoria, British Columbia on Monday. Credit:AP

The $1700 Preen lady-in-red look was a bold move for a usually demure Kate Middleton and featured a rare asymmetric neckline.
An alleged high-level people smuggler extradited from Indonesia to Australia to face 43 criminal charges intends to plead not guilty, his lawyer said.

Iranian national Mohammad Naghi Karimi Azar is accused of being involved in extensive people smuggling operations, facilitating the passage of more than 70 men and women to Australia over a nearly two-year period between 2011 and 2013.

Mr Karimi Azar's lawyer Sayar Dehsabzi said his client told him that he had fled persecution in Iran and had registered as a refugee with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Indonesia.

Mr Dehsabzi said his client, who arrived in Australia on Wednesday night and is in custody, was a Faili Kurd and he had a wife and children still living in Iran.

Mr Karimi Azar, he said, had not given him formal legal instructions but at this stage denied the allegations and had indicated he would plead not guilty.
Neil Bone, of Wastech Engineering, became fascinated by the death of Ms Handsjuk after her grandfather, Lorne Campbell, approached him to help investigate.

In 30 years in the waste game, Neil Bone had never heard of anybody falling to their death down a garbage chute until Phoebe Handsjuk died.

Ms Handsjuk fell feet-first 40m down the chute from the 12th floor of the luxury Balencea apartment building in December, 2010. Investigating police quickly wrote off the death as a suicide. A coroner later ruled it a bizarre accident, fuelled by alcohol and the sleeping drug, Stilnox.

But Ms Handsjuk's family believes the 24-year-old was the victim of foul play.

The garbage chute - how it works and the theories about how Ms Handsjuk came to be inside it - make up Episode two of the Fairfax investigative podcast, Phoebe's Fall.

Ms Handsjuk's grandfather, Mr Campbell was a retired police detective of 28 years, and wanted to test if it was possible for a young woman of Ms Handsjuk's size and fitness to fit into the spring-loaded opening of the chute, which measures just over 40cm wide - slightly wider than a standard laptop.
There are fears patients' sensitive medical information could have been made public in a Medicare data breach by the health department.

Health Minister Sussan Ley insists the data, which was loaded onto the internet, does not identify patients.

The Health Department says no patient privacy was compromised in a recent data breach. Credit:Andrew Quilty

But Dr Nathan Pinskier, the chair of the RACGP expert committee for e-health, said it was possible patients could be distinguished amongst the data and such a breach could be could be "devastating".

"There is a possibility individual consumers could be identified," he said. "...if you can identify data in a remote part of Australia where there's only a few consumers you'll be able to work out who they are pretty quickly."
The federal bureaucracy is openly breaking the law by turning away job seekers who don't hold security clearances.

The Public Service Commission is investigating more than 50 job advertisements that allegedly breach the Public Service Act.

Government agencies repeatedly break the law by excluding candidates who lack security clearances.

The list of online ads, which Fairfax Media compiled earlier this month, involved 17 recruitment firms offering work in Commonwealth agencies across Australia.
More than 300,000 litres of milk destined for supermarket shelves has been tipped out by farmers in central-western NSW as trucks struggle to get through to some of the country's largest dairy farms in a natural disaster zone.

Flooding across highways that are set to be closed for up to six weeks has crippled some farmers who say they are already doing it tough after supermarket price wars brought milk down to as little as $1 a litre.

Colin Thompson, whose farm Silvermere Holsteins sits just north of Cowra, had to tip out 12,000 litres in a single day after floods cut off all access to his property.

"There are guys down there who are going to lose a week's production, that is a big cost, we are talking many thousands of dollars," Mr Thompson said on Wednesday.
Jordan Duffy's girlfriend died in June several hours after taking a dose of MDMA that he gave her, police say.

Now he has been charged with supplying the drug.

Jordan Duffy, 19, has been charged with drug supply following the death of his girlfriend, Janie Panton Roberts, who allegedly took MDMA. Credit:Facebook

Police say Janie Panton Roberts, 21, and Mr Duffy, 19, a bartender from the Central Coast, went to a music event at the Petersham Inn in Sydney's west on June 4.

Police allege that, at some point, Mr Duffy bought three to four capsules of MDMA.
Premier Mike Baird has given the strongest indication yet that a decision to ban greyhound racing in NSW will not be reversed, declaring the date the industry will end next year "is locked in".

Amid speculation the government will consider shifting its position on the greyhound racing ban in the face of fierce criticism and a plunge in popularity in opinion polls, Mr Baird reiterated that it was "the right decision".

"As I have said, the date has been locked in," he said of the July 1, 2017, deadline.

"That is firm. What we have asked John Keniry to do is make some recommendations in relation to the transition."
Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis was willing to jettison his girlfriend by manipulating her to carry out the ritualistic murder of his former wife, a court has heard.

Monis' partner Amirah Droudis is on trial for murder, accused of stabbing his ex-wife 18 times, dousing her body in petrol and setting it on fire in a western Sydney apartment block in 2013.

Amirah Droudis is on trial, charged with murdering Man Haron Monis' former wife.

In his closing address in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, Crown prosecutor Mark Tedeschi, QC, said Monis "saw himself as the instrument of God" and convinced Droudis of the same.

"He had the grandiose delusion of a narcissist that his actions were God's actions and he had the sanction of God to commit this murder," Mr Tedeschi said.
Almost half of the 130 trees along a restaurant and pub-lined street in Sydney's inner-city suburb of Surry Hills will begin to be felled over the next few weeks to allow for construction of the $2.1 billion light rail line between the CBD and the south-east.

To ease concerns about the removal of 60 trees, the government has promised to replant 68 trees along Devonshire Street and in four new so-called pocket parks  public spaces at the end of streets closed to traffic. A further 270 trees will be planted in the surrounding area.

The felling of trees  especially century-old Moreton Bay figs along Anzac Parade  to make way for the 12-kilometre line has been controversial.

However, Transport Minister Andrew Constance emphasised that more trees between 3 and 4 metres high would be planted along Devonshire Street than would be removed.
An investigation into water resources at a fire in Paddington that destroyed two homes has concluded there was enough resources and water pressure available to firefighters.

Fire broke out in a Warmington Street home in the early hours of September 4 before a neighbouring house also caught fire.

Witnesses at the scene said Firefighters ran out of water at one stage and that the pressure was inadequate to fight the initial fire and the secondary fire later.

But an investigation by Queensland Urban Utilities, the statutory body responsible for delivering water, has found the water flow at the scene of the fire exceeded requirements.
After discovering 750 different species in a career spanning 50 years, one would think environmental scientist Gunther Theischinger had seen it all.



But then came the fly with a forked penis.

It was a morning of "atrocious" weather conditions in May last year when Professor Theischinger came across the crane fly in a creek in Kosciuszko National Park "by accident".

"We do a lot of sampling and you try to get in your net what you can. Usually flies are not caught in the water...but when we returned to the lab in Jindabyne it was still alive in the net with all the sand and gravel."

Professor Theischinger has described the insect as one of the most intriguing he has discovered.
Free Wi-Fi is to be rolled out across Melbourne's CBD, including City Loop train stations.

The state government announced the launch of the Wi-Fi network on Thursday, following trials run in Bendigo and Ballarat since December 2015.

Hot spots across the city will include Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market and South Wharf Promenade at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. More access points will be switched on in coming months.

This Victoria government map shows the current and future access points across the CBD.
Prestigious private school Geelong Grammar has paid compensation to four former students who were sexually abused by ex-housemaster and convicted paedophile John Buckley in the 1980s.

Buckley, now 75, was convicted last year of sexually abusing six boys aged between 10 and 13 while he was a teacher and housemaster at Geelong Grammar's junior school, Glamorgan, in Toorak.

John Buckley was a teacher and housemaster at Geelong Grammar's Glamorgan primary school campus in Toorak. Credit:Michael Clayton-Jones

Among his victims were two brothers, a boy who was indecently assaulted while in the sick bay and another who was told to pretend that Buckley was Bo Derek and "make love" to him.

At Buckley's trial, the court heard the school had been notified about his conduct by the parents of one of the victims in 1982, but nothing came of the complaint.
Sidchrome tools, the family business of one-time Democrat Senator John Siddons, is a household name for many Australians. Many still have its advertising ditty, 'you canna hand a man a grander spanner' imprinted on their memories.

John Siddons died last week at the age of 88 and with his passing, the sun has set on the life of one of Australian politics' most unusual and enigmatic characters.

Former businessman and politician John Siddons at his beloved Shoreham Beach. Credit:John Woudstra

As a Democrat Senator for Victoria, he was a passionate and courageous advocate for outlying and progressive ideas, some of which for their times were just plain unfashionable. I knew John well and admired his qualities as I served as his Parliamentary research assistant in the mid-1980s.

Always unhappy with mainstream politics, he was attracted to small parties where he felt his unconventional ideas could gain traction.
A man was attacked with an axe when up to five men broke into his Malvern East house late Thursday morning.

Police have confirmed that the victim, a 24-year-old man, was transported to hospital with significant injuries following the attack around 11.30am in Capon Street, across the road from Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Police are investigating an attack on a man in Malvern East. Credit:Cathryn Tremain

A police media spokesperson said it was believed between three to five men had broken into the house, before taking off in a vehicle parked nearby. Late on Thursday afternoon, police were still patrolling the area, trying to locate the offenders.

Police confirmed that the attackers are known to their victim, and that nothing was stolen from the house.
A new strain of the virus that causes gastro has been identified in Victoria, and the researchers behind the discovery warn it could soon become an epidemic, or even a pandemic.

This strain of norovirus - the most common cause of gastroenteritis - was first detected at a very low frequency in Victoria in August last year but reappeared slightly altered in June. Experts fear this slight change means it could skip around herd immunity.

It is believed to have been responsible for most gastro outbreaks in the state since, sparking a health department warning earlier this month.

Using 14 years of surveillance data from Victoria, the scientists who made the discovery say this strain has the potential to become a pandemic in two to seven months.
Police are seeking help to find three missing siblings last seen in Melbourne's west.

The siblings, 17-year-old Ilili, 15-year-old Darara and 12-year-old Amarti Adugna, were last seen in Tarneit on September 20.

Police believe they may be with a relative, and possibly staying in the city.

Investigators have released photos of the trio in the hope that someone will recognise them.
Trains across Melbourne's network were delayed on Thursday night, after a trespasser on the tracks forced Flinders Street Station to grind to a standstill.

Metro Trains had to suspend all lines to and from the station between 7.40pm and 8.10pm, while police dealt with a female trespasser.

Trains across Melbourne were delayed on Thursday night due to a trespasser at Flinders Street Station. Credit:Scott Barbour

Just after 8.45pm, a Metro spokesperson said all lines had resumed, with only slight residual delays.
A bag belonging to a crab fisherman has been found on the shore of WA's Pilbara coast, five days after he went missing.

There have been no sightings of Norman Leslie Bale, 52, despite extensive searches on Wednesday.

Hopes of finding Norman Leslie Bale alive are dwindling. Credit:WA Police

The dinghy he used was found on Tuesday near Dixon Island, about 20 kilometres from where he left.

He set off alone on Friday about 5pm from Back Beach boat ramp, 5km east of Karratha.
An historic property near Margaret River will get a new lease on life thanks to funding from Lotterywest.

The 19th Century Ellensbrook homestead has a strong Aboriginal history and a lot could be learned about the relationships with Aboriginal people during that time.

Lotterywest funding will restore the historic poperty Credit:The National Trust of Australia (WA)

The homestead was build by Western Australian pioneer Alfred Bussell in 1857 out of crushed shell and limestone. Bussel and his wife Ellen lived in the house until 1865 when they moved to Walcliffe house at the mouth of Margaret River.

The family is the namesake for Busselton and Bussell Highway in the South West.
Police are hunting a man after he and a woman allegedly abandoned a two-year-old child in Mandurah to evade police.

Officer followed Edward Walley, 34, and Anain Victoria Whitehead, 30, after they spotted the pair riding a bicycle on Forrest Street on Wednesday with a child.

Edward Walley. Credit:WA Police

When Mr Walley and Ms Whitehead spotted the police, the pair bolted, with police alleging they left the two-year-old boy behind.

Ms Whitehead, was taken into custody a short time later.
One of Perth's biggest shopping malls  Carillon City  is on the verge of being sold for $140 million after a highly contested bidding war.

The Australian Financial Review reports that DEXUS Property Group is in the box seat to buy the mall after beating other major investors such as Singapore's Starhill REIT and superfund developer ISPT.

Carillon City is a prime retail location in Perth. Credit:Urban Angles

Carillon City was put on the market in July by Canadian property giant Brookfield Property Partners, and its co-owner private Perth company Hawaiian Investments.



The appeal of Carillon is its location and underutilised floor space besides its connectivity to Perth's most popular retail precinct Forrest chase and the proximity to big department stores Myer and David Jones and popular overseas fashion shops H&M and Uniqlo which are due to open shops nearby.

The centre consists of a four-level retail arcade, running between the two malls, along with a 14-level office tower. Within the CBD complex is the flagship Topshop Topman store, three mini major tenancies, and 104 specialty shops and kiosks. The office tower has 47 tenancies.
Police around Australia are marking national Police Remembrance Day to remember officers who died in the line of duty.

WA Police will hold a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Police Academy in Joondalup starting at 9:00am.

National Police Remembrance Day services will he held across Australia. Credit:National Police Memorial Canberra

To show support, members of the public are encouraged to add blue ribbons to their social media.
An unsolved death. Assault with a deadly weapon. Lots of alcohol-fuelled misbehaviour. It's quite a rap sheet for a continent where almost nobody lives.

Antarctica is a vast place, nearly twice the size of Australia, but it has no permanent population, other than a few thousand scientists and support staff members from dozens of countries who are sent temporarily to conduct research.

Still, anywhere there are humans, there are bound to be violent acts and petty offences, and that raises the question: How are criminal cases handled where sovereignty is a muddle and there are no permanent courts, prisons or police forces?

Under the terms of the 53-nation Antarctic Treaty, workers accused of serious crimes at a research base are subject to the jurisdiction of their home country.
Manila: He is the popular president of a nation of 100 million people that for decades has been a key ally in an American-led alliance seeking to counter an increasingly assertive China.

But can you believe a word Rodrigo Duterte says?

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte scratches his head as he addresses marines in Taguig, east of Manila, on Tuesday. Credit:AP

In his latest speech, on Thursday to a crowd in Hanoi, Vietnam, the 71-year-old president declared that upcoming US-Philippine military exercises would be "the last" and ruled out any further joint patrols.

"I am serving notice now to the Americans, this will be the last military exercise jointly Philippines-US: the last one," declared the Philippine military's commander in-chief.
Miami: Donald Trump's hotel and casino company secretly spent money trying to do business in Cuba in violation of the US trade embargo, Newsweek has reported in a story that could endanger the Republican presidential nominee's Cuban-American support in South Florida.

Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts paid at least $US68,000 ($89,000) to a consulting firm in late 1998 in an attempt to give Trump's business a head start in Cuba if the US loosened or lifted trade sanctions, according to the front-page Newsweek report, titled The Castro Connection published on Thursday. The consulting firm, Seven Arrows Investment and Development, later instructed the casino company on how to make it look like legal spending for charity.

The following year, Trump flirted with a Reform Party presidential run, giving a November 1999 speech to the Cuban American National Foundation in Miami where he cast himself as a pro-embargo hard-liner who refused to do potentially lucrative business on the communist island until Fidel Castro was gone.

Neither Trump nor Richard Fields, the head of Seven Arrows consulting, responded to Newsweek's requests for comment. Trump later sued Fields, and former Trump adviser Roger Stone suggested to Politico Florida that Fields might have acted on his own, without Trump's approval, in exploring doing business in Cuba. Newsweek cited an anonymous former Trump executive who claimed that Trump had participated in discussions about the Cuba trip and knew it had taken place. Trump hired the same consulting firm to try to develop a Florida casino with the Seminole Tribe.
WAUKESHA, Wisconsin: While seeking to publicise his success in unscientific online polls after the presidential debate on Monday, Donald Trump on Wednesday promoted an unsubstantiated and debunked conspiracy theory about Google's suppressing negative news in search results about his opponent.

"The Google poll has us leading Hillary Clinton by 2 points nationwide, and that's despite the fact that Google search engine was suppressing the bad news about Hillary Clinton," Trump told a crowd here, referring to an Independent Journal Review-Google Consumer Surveys poll. "How about that?"

The conspiracy theory began with a video from conservative outlet SourceFed that went viral this year and quickly garnered headlines on conservative news sites like Breitbart and Infowars.

The video featured someone selectively testing Google's autocomplete feature, claiming that it was not showing results like "Hillary Clinton criminal" when "Hillary Clinton cr," was typed in, while other search engines, like Bing, returned different results.
Former US ambassador Kim Beazley has described as "terrifying" that Donald Trump might win the US election saying he 'lies virtually every time he puts out a presentation on anything".

A Trump victory at the November poll would be an immense challenge to the Australia government of the day, Mr Beazley said.

US presidential candidate Donald Trump is frequently to the left of Hillary Clinton. Credit:AP

Speaking at a Sydney Morning Herald subscriber panel discussion on the US presidential race, he said the Republican party was "incredibly deft at defining the opponent" and then having defined the weakness driven the advantage home.

In turn, Mr Beazley said "Donald Trump has a scandal a month and has had it for most of his life but the Democrats are not very good at defining their opponent".
The City Council is trying to figure out who is covered by Mayor de Blasio's new paid parental leave plan for non-union city employees, which went into effect in December 2015.

The Committee on Civil Service, Labor, and Economic Development held its first hearing on the parental leave policy on Tuesday, with testimony presented by Dawn Pinnock and Stella Shu from the Department of Administrative Citywide Services, Kenneth Godiner from the Office of Management and Budget, and Paul Rodriguez from the Office of the Mayor.

Councilmembers Dan Garodnick and I. Daneek Miller, who presided over the hearing, questioned the agency representatives about the leave plan's funding mechanism and how many city employees are actually taking advantage of the new policy. Roughly 20,000 non-union city employees are eligible for leave through the plan.

The leave policy, which was implemented through a personnel order, was designed to bolster already-existing options for family leave. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. Under the new de Blasio policy, covered employees are eligible for six weeks of paid leave after the birth of a child or during adoption or foster care proceedings.

Pinnock, deputy commissioner for human capital at DCAS, testified that between the time the order was signed in January and August 31, 164 employees across 35 city agencies have taken advantage of the leave benefit. The median number of days taken was 30 work days, or 6 weeks.

According to Pinnock, the benefit is revenue neutral. The city has spent $1.6 million on paid leave under the program as of August 31; this cost is supposed to be offset by the elimination of a .47 percent across-the-board salary increase originally scheduled for July 2017 and by lowering the cap on annual leave accruals from 27 to 25 days. The accrual cap is already in effect, but savings from the cap make up only a quarter of the cost of the leave program. The remaining 75 percent is being paid upfront by the city; it expects to break even when July 2017 rolls around.

"If the raise wasn't set to go into place until July 2017, the $1.6 million was actually a cost we spent right now," said Councilmember Dromm. "We have spent $1.6 million on paid family leave to date under this program? And we will continue to pay until such time as that raise is foregone in July 2017?"

Councilmember Inez Barron hit the city hard on the cuts. "So, from my understanding, we took from Peter to pay Paul?" she said. Barron asked whether employees had been given a say in the changes to their compensation and benefits. "Those were two days they've earned or expected. Did the employees agree to that?" she asked. She also suggested that the policy was forced upon the employees because of their non-union status.

Kenneth Godiner, deputy director for labor contract analysis, miscellaneous budget, and pension analysis at OMB, said the city had followed standard protocols when creating the new policy. "The decision was ours, whether we thought that was the best way to provide benefits," he said. "We make trades all the time."

Barron asked what the city is doing for employees who aren't new parents and therefore cannot use the leave. "It's no different than most bargaining agreements with unions," Godiner said. "Not everyone's going to use everything. We felt this was a better mixture of benefits."

In May, a group of managerial employees filed suit against the city challenging the cancellation of the wage increase. Godiner declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The city estimates that 5 percent of employees covered under the plan will use it each year. If that number exceeds 5 percent, the program will run a deficit. The 164 employees currently using these benefits account for only 1 percent of eligible employees.

The citys 280,000 unionized employees are not covered by the personnel order. Like all benefits for unionized employees, paid parental leave has to be negotiated in collective bargaining, a process that Godiner said is in its preliminary stages.
GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Dr. Virginia Asin, Head of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department from the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is currently attending the 55th Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Directing Council meeting currently taking place Washington, DC.

The Region of the Americas is the first in the world to have eliminated measles, a viral disease that can cause severe health problems, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and even death.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and affects primarily children. It is transmitted by airborne droplets or via direct contact with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat of infected individuals.

The announcement came during the 55th Directing Council meeting, which is underway and is being attended by ministers of Health from throughout the Americas.

This achievement culminates a 22-year effort involving mass vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella throughout the Americas.

The declaration of measles elimination was made by the International Expert Committee for Documenting and Verifying Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination in the Americas.

Measles is the fifth vaccine-preventable disease to be eliminated from the Americas, after the regional eradication of smallpox in 1971, poliomyelitis in 1994, and rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in 2015.

Before mass vaccination was initiated in 1980, measles caused nearly 2.6 million annual deaths worldwide. In the Americas, 101,800 deaths were attributable to measles between 1971 and 1979.

A cost-effectiveness study on measles elimination in Latin America and the Caribbean has estimated that with vaccination, 3.2 million measles cases will have been prevented in the Region and 16,000 deaths between 2000 and 2020.

The Directing Council meeting is part of the 68th Session of the Regional Committee of WHO for the Americas, and is taking place from 26 to 30 September.
China Keli Announces FY 2016 Results with Revenue Decline of 11.6% and a Loss Recorded of $7,679,201

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA  (Marketwired)  09/28/16  China Keli Electric Co., Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: ZKL) (Keli or the Company) today announced the financial and operating results for the year ended April 30, 2016.

For the year ended April 30, 2016 (FY2016), total revenue was $17,394,467 a decrease of 11.6% over FY2015 of $19,669,339, which was attributable to the decrease in sales of products and installation revenue. Gross profit in FY2016 was $3,876,701 representing 22.3% of revenue and increased 2.8% over FY2015 of $3,772,247, which was 19.2% of revenue. Operating expenses were $10,532,505 in FY2016, a decrease of $427,723 from $10,960,228 in FY2015, mainly caused by the decrease of sales commission and sales related expenses, a decrease in inventory provision, offset by the increase of provision for doubtful debt allowance and office expenses. The increased financing costs of $1,251,904 in FY2016 (FY2015: $1,109,554) due to the increased short-term bank loans, further increased the total expenses. As a result, the Company recorded a net loss of $7,679,201 in FY2016, compared with a net loss of $7,999,688 in FY2015. Basic and diluted losses per share (EPS) were -$0.085 in FY2016, compared with -$0.088 in FY2015. EBITDA was -$5,080,707 in FY2016, compared with -$5,680,238 in FY2015. After accounting for an unrealized foreign exchange translation gain of $349,796 the Company reported a total comprehensive loss of $7,329,405 in FY2016, compared with a total comprehensive loss of $$6,459,560 in FY2015. The Companys unrealized foreign exchange income on translation of the Companys functional currency to its reporting currency is subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the RMB and the Canadian dollar in each reporting period.

As of April 30, 2016, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents of $462,107 compared with $405,240 as of April 30, 2015. Accounts receivable was $14,962,003 as at April 30, 2016, a decrease of 13.2% compared with $17,237,759 as at April 30, 2015. The Companys working capital deficit further decreased to -$8,439,892 as at April 30, 2016 from -$2,389,539 as at April 30, 2015, mainly because of a further increase in provision for doubtful debt allowance.

The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is Chinese Yuan (also known as Renminbi or RMB). The financial and operating results of the relevant periods have been translated into Canadian dollars. Depending on the magnitude of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the impact on the financial and operating results may or may not be material.

Full audited financial results of the Company for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 are available on SEDAR at .

About China Keli Electric Company Ltd.

China Keli Electric Company Ltd. specializes in the manufacturing and installation of electrical components and equipment, including pre-assembled mini substations, electrical controllers, pressurized and vacuumed switchgears and circuit breakers.

For further company information please access our website:

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.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations. These forward-looking statements entail various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties about Kelis business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless noted otherwise.

Contacts:

CHINA KELI ELECTRIC COMPANY LTD.

Philip Lo, Chief Financial Officer

(86) 13632 173732
Panasonic Partners with FusionPipe to Offer Authentication Software as part of Toughbook and Toughpad Mobility Solutions

Bracknell, UK. 29 September 2016  Computer Products Solutions, a division of Panasonic System Communications Europe (PSCEU) (Panasonic), and FusionPipe Software Solutions Inc. (FusionPipe), a Vancouver-based developer of authentication & data security solutions for enterprises, today announced a new partnership through which Panasonic will sell and support FusionPipes patented QuikID authentication solutions to its European customers, resellers and distributors.

QuikID is patented software, engineered to improve end-user authentication (lock/unlock) for ruggedised PCs, laptops, tablets and VPN networks. It eliminates the need for username / password combinations, tokens, smartcards, OTPs (one-time passwords) or USBs, offering a superior user experience while increasing work force productivity without compromising data and network security.

Fusionpipe is one of the latest Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to become officially certified and approved for use with Toughbook or Toughpad devices, under Panasonics new Certified ISV Programme.

John Harris, Head of Engineering at Panasonic Computer Products Solutions, said I have been working with the FusionPipe team since I first met them at Mobile World Congress 2015 to evaluate QuikIDs technical merits, security provisions and the potential of their authentication technology. I have not only been impressed with the FusionPipe team and their technology, but also the opportunity that this innovative solution brings to our existing customer base, prospects and distribution channel.

FusionPipes CEO & Chairman David Snell said: We are honoured and excited to have Panasonic become one of our major Value Added Resellers for our ground-breaking authentication technology. As the titan in the ruggedized device marketplace, their vision, market strategy and growing user base for their popular devices is key to the success of our mutually advantageous business partnership.

Panasonic will sell FusionPipes QuikID software as part of its ProServices range of offerings within its existing line of distribution channels across the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Turkey .

For details of Panasonic Toughbook and Toughpad solutions visit www.toughbook.eu
Information Builders Publishes New Book on How Companies Can Raise Organizational Intelligence to Become More Competitive and Profitable

NEW YORK, NY  (Marketwired)  09/29/16  Information Builders, a leader in (BI) and analytics, data integrity, and integration solutions, today announced that its new book, Organizational Intelligence: How Smart Companies Use Information to Become More Competitive and Profitable, is now available in print and digital download through Amazon. Featuring the best practices from some of the worlds most recognized brands, the book provides executives and BI practitioners sage advice on how to skillfully navigate todays BI and analytics landscape. Organizational Intelligence is co-authored by Information Builders President and CEO Gerald D. Cohen and Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Rado Kotorov, Ph.D., who together have more than four decades of experience in the industry.

: .@infobldrs new book #OrgIntel features #BI & #analytics best practices of worlds most recognized brands!

The demand for information has steadily increased over the years as organizations invest in capturing and processing more data to improve decision-making and efficiency. The goal of BI and analytics has always been to empower organizations to make decisions based on facts, and thats still a fundamental objective today. However, Information Builders believes to truly capitalize on data assets, organizations must give every employee access to the information needed to make fact-based decisions on the job.

Based on this premise, the companys experts have published Organizational Intelligence, which explains how improving the decision-making process through information dissemination can raise organizational intelligence and market performance. Through an examination of the evolution of enterprise data access and technologies, as well as detailed case studies, the book outlines how organizations can build an overall strategy for organizational intelligence, and how to tailor the approach for different constituencies to maximize adoption and value.

Despite advances in the field and cutting-edge technologies like WebFOCUS that support decision-making, studies show that BI and analytics have only achieved about 22 percent penetration within organizations. In this book, we examine why adoption isnt more pervasive and reveal how organizations can engage the remaining 78 percent. Senior executives, data practitioners, and business analysts can expect to get practical advice on leveraging information as a business asset. This is crucial for enabling the fact-based decision-making necessary for everything from data monetization, process enhancements and better customer experience, to business growth.

Visit Amazon to order a copy of . To hear research and learn more about the case studies in the book, join the authors for a special webcast on October 6, 2016 at 2 p.m. ET, .

Information Builders provides solutions for business intelligence (BI), analytics, data integration, and data quality that help drive performance improvements, innovation, and value. Through one set of powerful products, we enable organizations to serve everyone  analysts, non-technical users, even partners, customers, and citizens  with better data and analytics. Our dedication to customer success is unmatched with thousands of organizations relying on us as their trusted partner. Founded in 1975, Information Builders is headquartered in New York, NY, with global offices, and remains one of the largest independent, privately held companies in the industry. Visit us at , follow us on Twitter at , like us on , and visit our page.

Kathleen Moran

Information Builders

(917) 339-6313

Kate Finigan

LEWIS

(781) 761-4500
Nordic markets positioning as European Data Hub with massive renewable power resources

London  September 29 2016  New research from BroadGroup suggests that the Nordic markets are positioning as a giant European Data Hub based on the abundance of green power available supported by low energy taxation, increased connectivity and a stable economic environment.

In the new report, Datacentre Nordic II (www.broad-group.com/reports/data-center-nordics-ii) the research consultancy reviewed current data center developments revealing a changing picture over the past twelve months and suggests that m2 space across the region will increase by more than 34% by the end of this year. Available power  all based on renewable resources  will increase by a similar level across the period.

Norway in particular promises several very large scale developments, one of which includes potential access to 2.2 GW of power, although the country still requires more investment in international connectivity to take a competitive lead. Data Center facilities in the Nordic Region are able to make use of the low average temperatures to provide external free cooling.

Users are also attracted by the capability to provision a typical request for 1 MW of power in a matter of days  where power rich regions such as Iceland, Norway and the Node Pole region of Sweden  have an abundance of power which can be made available quickly.

Sweden remains the largest market in installed capacity with more than 35% of m2 space, but new builds in Norway will challenge this position in the coming years.

The presence of webscales in the region has also highlighted the opportunity for international enterprises to collocate or invest in the build of new infrastructure.

The report found that Data centers are responding to the perceived international hub opportunity and assembling a mix of credentials including proven low-PUE, internationally recognized certification, data protection compliance, an expanded cloud services portfolio and increased connectivity.

Collectively the Nordic region is presenting a strong argument to enterprise end users for lower costs, carbon neutral performance, and high service value locations, commented Philip Low of BroadGroup.

Datacenter Nordics II is the second annual report from BroadGroup covering 6 markets in the region: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Denmark and Estonia.

Many of the topics covered in the report will be discussed at Datacloud Nordic (http://www.datacloudnordic.com/) which takes place in Stockholm October 20th.

More Information: http://www.broad-group.com/reports/data-center-nordics-ii
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Whether you're shopping for a classic Japanese sleeve or a small, tongue-in-cheek symbol, New York affords you the chance to get inked by some of the best artists in the world. We've put together a new list of 11 of the city's very best tattoo shopsaltogether, these offer you a wide array of stylistic options, from classic Americana to mind-bending original imagery. Here are our favorites; be sure to leave yours in the comments.



NY Adorned (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

NY ADORNED: Years ago, when I still lived in Minneapolis, I told my roommate I wanted a Japanese sleeve tattoo. She told me, "You've got to get it at New York Adorned." The point is, Adorned's quality work is known throughout the country, and no roundup of local ink shops would be complete without it. The Second Avenue shop is bright and beautiful, with a front room filled with flash, official merch, and jewelry hand-picked by Adorned's founder, Lori Leven (Leven opened Adorned in a back room in 1996, using a jewelry store as a front). The roster of top-caliber artists constantly changes, and sessions often need to be booked months in advance, but their new policy of staffing 1-2 artists strictly for walk-ins on weekends means that even visitors on a tight schedule can get work done. Not to be missed are the Tibetan designs of Yoni Zilber, who studies under a master thangka painter.

NY Adorned is located at 47 2nd Avenue between East 2nd and 3rd Streets in the East Village (212-473-0007, nyadorned.com).





East River Tattoo (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

EAST RIVER TATTOO: With an aesthetic that's half hunting lodge, half outlaw hideout, East River Tattoo is a first-rate shop staffed by artists who look like they'll beat your ass in a whiskey-drinking contest just as soon as you're bandaged up. Prolific artist Duke Riley runs the place, and when he's not controlling 2000 pigeons or staging a Roman-style food fight on a Queens beachfront, you can find him at work on one of his classic scrimshaw-style tattoos, which turn customers' limbs and ribcages into detailed woodcuts. Appointments will need to be booked a few weeks out but, in keeping with classic tattoo tradition, weekends are always open for walk-ins. Even if you're not looking to get inked, it's worth sticking your head in. The shop's decor is incredible and the vibe is always friendly.

East River Tattoo is located at 1047 Manhattan Avenue between Freeman and Eagle Streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (718-532-8282, eastrivertattoo.com).



Kings Avenue Tattoo (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

KINGS AVENUE TATTOO: The first time I walked into Kings Avenue Tattoo "SpottieOttieDopaliscious" was playing on the shop speakers and you could see the sunset streaming in through the windowswhich is to say, the vibe here is just right. Their second-floor loft boasts 10 tattoo stations, and the staff has held itself to high standards of kindness and expertise ever since their Manhattan location opened in 2011. Mike Rubendall, famous for his Japanese full bodysuit work, is the marquee artist here, but no matter who's tattooing you at Kings, you'll walk out with a beautiful new work. Plus, the shop's windows look out on the famous 190 Bowery, so you'll be able to ponder the buffing of decades of graffiti history as you add a little ink to your own skin.

Kings Avenue is located at 188 Bowery between Spring and Kenmare Streets in Nolita, (212-431-5464, kingsavenuetattoo.com).



Daredevil Tattoo (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

DAREDEVIL TATTOO: Michelle Myles began tattooing illegally in 1991, when tattooing was still against the law in New York City. When the ban was struck down in 1997, she opened Daredevil Tattoo with her business partner Brad Fink, and the two have since created a place that's brimming with local history. Part shop, part museum, Daredevil's walls are covered with priceless hand-drawn flash from legends like Bert Grimm, Cap Coleman, and Charlie Wagner, and Myles's team of artists will happily replicate them with keen precision. A case in Daredevil's lobby holds one of the first twin coil tattoo machines ever used in Manhattan, along with photos of early ink enthusiasts that date back to the 1860s. These relics of tattooing's past makes it a must-visit for classicists, but the artists on staff can handle just about anything, from Asian symbology to jaw-dropping bio-mechanical designs. Be sure to check out Ozzy, who does fantastic Polynesian and Maori black work.

Daredevil Tattoo is located at 141 Division Street between Ludlow and Orchard Streets on the Lower East Side (212-533-8303, daredeviltattoo.com).



Todd Woodz at work after hours at Magic Cobra Society Tattoo (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

MAGIC COBRA TATTOO SOCIETY: Ink artist Todd Woodz has worked at Magic Cobra Tattoo Society since the day it opened in 2009. This past April, he bought the place, and in only a few short months their quality of work has skyrocketed. Tucked into the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge, Magic Cobra is a no-bullshit temple of classic tattooing where nothing is forced and everything feels homegrown. Woodz leads a team of seven staff artists and specializes in traditional Japanese and Americana work, and the shop is covered with his flash work, along with designs donated by his tattoo buddies from all over the world. Also on the team is Christian Cervantes, who excels at the black-and-grey Cholo portraiture rarely seen on the East Coast. "We're a true street shop, and we're proud to cater to everybody. It's more about the quality of the work going out than the money coming in" Woodz told Gothamist. Walk-ins are available seven days a week, and if you keep an eye out you should be able to spot multiple Woodz murals in the surrounding neighborhood.

Magic Cobra Tattoo Society is located at 775 Driggs Avenue between South 3rd and 4th Streets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-782-8287, magiccobratattoo.com).



Mike Bakaty's vintage flash art at Fine Line Tattoo (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

FINELINE TATTOO: Plenty of local tattoo shops trace their origins back to the '90s, before the end of the tattoo ban. Few, however, can boast a lineage that dates back to the days of Gerald Ford. The East Village's Fineline Tattoo was founded in 1976 by Mike Bakaty, and its inventory of his personal, decades-old flash is one of its greatest assets. There, you'll see gnarled dragons, beautiful birds of paradise, demons, angels, eagles, and more. Bakaty's son Mehai now runs Fineline, and has kept tradition at the heart of the shop's operation. If you're looking for a tattoo that exudes vintage East Village cool, this is your go-to shop.

Fineline Tattoo is located at 21 1st Avenue between East 1st and 2nd Streets in the East Village (212-673-5154, finelinetattoo.com).



Three Kings Tattoo's Greenpoint storefront (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

THREE KINGS TATTOO: There's a reason why Three Kings has one of the largest staffs of any tattoo shop in the world. For its 20-plus artists, it's a great place to work, and for its thousands of customers, it's a perfect place to get new ink. Co-owners Matt Marcus and Alex McWatt have fostered an atmosphere that reassures tattoo rookies and veterans alike, and pride themselves on their unorthodox scheduling. Every artist at Three Kings Artist is required to set aside shift time for walk-ins, meaning that it's possible to get work from a tattooer who would otherwise be booked solid for months. People from all walks of life end up at their two locations, whether they're getting a Japanese half-sleeve from Adam Machin or an ornate geometric design courtesy of Ellie Thompson.

Three Kings Tattoo is located at 572 Manhattan Avenue between Driggs and Nassau in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and 181 Avenue B between East 11th and 12th Streets in Alphabet City (Brooklyn shop 718-349-7755, Manhattan shop 212-505-8287, www.threekingstattoo.com).





Inside Fun City Tattoo (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

FUN CITY TATTOO: It's true that St. Mark's Place isn't nearly as gritty today as it once was. But amid all the bubble tea and frozen yogurt counters you can still find a decent ink shop, and Fun City is our favorite. In its earliest days, founder Jonathan Shaw ran the company out of an apartment, and customers had to call from a nearby payphone before being buzzed in. Nowadays there's less secrecy: it's impossible to miss Fun City's circus-style signage near the corner 1st Avenue, and the shop's list of high-profile clientele includes Johnny Depp, Tupac, Mike Tyson, and the cast of The Lord of The Rings. Not to be missed among the staff is Amanda Wachob, whose beautiful, fluid watercolor style produces tattoos that defy all conventions. As owner Steve Pedone told me, "We're not a flea market tattoo shop."

Fun City Tattoo is located at 94 St Marks Place between 1st Avenue and Avenue A in the East Village, Manhattan (212-353-8282, funcitytattoo.com).



Invisible Tattoo (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

INVISIBLE NYC: Invisible founder Troy Denning describes his shop in three words: "layered, ambitious, aggressive." This Lower East Side basement parlor specializes in Japanese tattooing, and while you might be able to get a walk-in appointment on a weekend, their expert artists are usually fully booked months in advance. The good news is, the wait is worth it. Invisible's connections to Japan's contemporary ink scene run deep. With a staff that draws upon Japanese natives, their tattoos are the genuine articlenot a "close enough" recreation. Denning himself is constantly traveling back and forth over the Pacific, keeping a keen eye on the work of his Tokyo contemporaries. "Japanese tattooing requires more homework, it doesn't lend itself to spontaneity," he said. Think hard on what you want, book an appointment, and have patience. Great tattoos aren't quick, and quick tattoos aren't great.

Invisible Tattoo is located at 148 Orchard Street between Rivington and Stanton Streets on the Lower East Side (212-228-1358, invisiblenyc.com)





John O'Hara, Anka Lavriv, and Eve Steuer of Black Iris Tattoo (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

BLACK IRIS TATTOO: Black Iris is the collaborative project of Anka Lavriv, John O'Hara, and Eve Steuerthree genre-defying artists who make strictly original work. Shop hours are by appointment only. Inside, there's no old-school flash, no binders, no feel-good Pinterest print-outs, and nothing that resembles Americana. The tattoos coming out of Black Iris tend to be illustrative and finely detailed, with plenty of black line work, natural forms, and occult imagery. Lavriv, O'Hara, and Steuer see each tattoo as a new opportunity of expression, and their work has stunning results. The clientele at Black Iris skews artsy, irreverent, and female. If you've got black nails and The Cure records, you'll feel right at home.

Black Iris Tattoo is located at 630 Humboldt Street between between Nassau and Driggs Avenues in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Open by appointment only, email information here)



Flyrite Tattoo's Metropolitan Avenue storefront (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

FLYRITE TATTOO: Having logged over 20 years of tattooing on Metropolitan Avenue, Flyrite is a no-frills, starkly-lit parlor that can handle everything from the quickest walk-in session to a full Japanese bodysuit (the latter is a specialty of resident artist Steven Huie). Above all, it's a neighborhood joint: Williamsburg locals make up much of Flyrite's clientele, and multiple generations of neighborhood families have been inked there. But visitors needn't be intimidatedwith an open walk-in policy and wide array of staff talent, anyone will feel comfortable stepping in for a little permanent body modification.



Flyrite Tattoo is located at 492 Metropolitan Avenue between Meeker and Union Avenues in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-599-9443, flyritetattoo.nyc).

Honorable Mentions: Smith Street Tattoo Parlour, Hand of Glory, Grit N Glory, Rose Tattoo, and Leathernecks Tattoo.
We've had two seasons of Daredevil and one of Jessica Jones, and starting Friday, the forever expanding Glenn Beck chalkboard-sized Marvel Cinematic Universe gets its newest addition with Luke Cage.

Like Daredevil and Jessica Jones, Luke Cage's story doesn't appear to be about threats facing the world, but instead about threats facing the neighborhood. In this case though, Luke Cage takes the Marvel Netflix universe out of Hell's Kitchen and drops its eponymous hero with unbreakable skin in Harlem, where Luke tries to hide out after his bar was blown up and his life was generally turned upside down during the events of Jessica Jones.

The overarching plot of the series will see Cage (played by Mike Colter) fight with gangster Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes (Mahershala Ali) and his politician cousin Mariah Dillard (Alfre Woodward) in a struggle for the soul of Harlem. Cage will be aided in this by his previously mentioned unbreakable skin, the origin of which it appears we'll learn, as well as Misty Knight (Simone Missick), a NYPD detective who believes in his cause. Rosario Dawson's will be reprising her role from Daredevil and Jessica Jones as Claire Temple, aka Night Nurse, who just can't seem to escape being wrapped up in the lives of New York City's most extraordinary citizens (not counting Tony Stark, I guess).

While Luke Cage will have the usual bone crunching action of your average Marvel event, the series will also have an emphasis on music that has largely not been a factor in most Marvel properties. For starters, A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad is the co-composer of the series' hip-hop and jazz-inspired soundtrack. Further connecting the series to New York City, each episode of the show is named after a different Gang Starr track. Luke Cage will also be the first Marvel cinematic property in which the N-word is dropped, which creator Cheo Hodari Coker ascribes to the dialogue being written to mimic what it's like "when you eavesdrop on black people talking to each other."

Early reviews of theseries are positive, with Variety calling it a crowd pleaser and ComicsBeat calling it Netflix's best Marvel's show yet, but HitFix warned that it sometimes has the same issues and drag as previous Netflix superhero shows because it relies on stringing a single narrative across 13 hours.

A familiarity with Jessica Jones and Daredevil will no doubt be useful for Luke Cage, as this is just the third show in a planned quartet of Marvel Netflix shows to be completed with next year's Iron Fist. Those four shows then feed into a larger team up series that will see Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist star as The Defenders. Also now there's going to be a Punisher series, in case you didn't have enough glowering anti-heroes in your life.
Photo by Via Governor Cuomo's Flickr

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5 seats up for election on St. Joseph County Council, majority at stake

Five of the nine seats on the St. Joseph County Council are up for election
Residents of the Upper West Side co-op cluster Lincoln Towers are angry that the Department of Education's latest elementary school rezoning proposal draws a line through their complex, zoning children at 165 and 186 West End avenues to PS 191, a school with historically low test scores and, until recently, a contested "persistently dangerous" state ranking. Lincoln Towers has long been zoned in its entirety to PS 199one of the most coveted elementary schools in the city, about a block from their homes.

"We have 2,600 signatures on petitions," Leah Savitt, a resident of 165 West End Avenue, told DOE officials on Wednesday, when the plan was unveiled. "We have continually asked you to respect our community, and so far you have not acknowledged that."

The DOE has said that rezoning is crucial in Manhattan's District 3, which extends from 59th Street to 122nd Street on the West side, in order to alleviate overcrowding at some schools, increase enrollment at others, and increase diversity overall.

But State Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal predicted the Lincoln Towers community would accept nothing less than PS 199, particularly in the absence of detailed demographic data to back up the rezoning lines. "You know this is one of the most educated, active parent bodies in the entire city," she said, adding, "You know what, DOE, you work for them."

Lincoln Tower residents are the third group of Upper West Siders to dominate the school rezoning conversation in the last 18 months, weighing in heavily at public hearings on an evolving plan. Over the weekend, hundreds of them rallied in protest.

Last November, the DOE scrapped a proposal that would have shrunk the PS 199 zone, sending some students to PS 191. And this past summer, parents at PS 452 came out in force to protest a plan to move their crowded West 77th Street campus sixteen blocks south to PS 191's building. Concerns included the longer commute, the impact of new zoning lines on their property values, and safety in a building adjacent to the NYCHA-run Amsterdam Houses.

PS 191 Principal Lauren Keville stood up Wednesday following several critical assessments of her school. "I urge you to actually come see our school and see the wonderful things that are happening for our kids," she said. "There's a lot of misconceptions and I think it's important that you actually come and talk to our parents and see the success that we're having."



Lincoln Towers residents protesting the rezoning proposal this month (Josh Keefe/Gothamist).

PS 452 and PS 199 are less racially and socioeconomically diverse than the rest of the cityabout two thirds of the student body is white at each school, and only about 10% of students qualify for free lunch. For comparison, black and Latino students make up 81% of PS 191, where 73% of students qualify for free lunch.

Two out of three rezoning proposals for District 3 leave PS 452 in its current location. The latest proposal shrinks the zone slightly to create more room for out-of-zone students, which the DOE hopes would increase its diversity. Two extend into Harlem, but still exclude the portion of the northern district west of Morningside Park.

Maia Gelman, a parent at PS 75 on 96th Street, argued that zoning fights disenfranchise low-income families. She is in favor of "controlled choice," which would ensure an even distribution of high and low income, special needs, and English language-learning students across all uptown schools.

"People who are bound to their zones are the people who do not have the resources, the English, the bureaucratic skills, the time, or the money to get out of their zones," Gelman said.

"We were led to believe a year ago that the scenarios that we were going to vote on... could have a full-district, holistic plan," said Community Education Council (CEC) member Zoe Foundotos on Wednesday (the council will ultimately vote on the DOE's proposals). "And we're back to the same part of our district, and we haven't seen anything from north of 110th Street."

The DOE said that it is "hoping to be able to include" those northern district schools in the debateamong them is PS 241, which the CEC says has struggled to maintain even 20 students in each gradeand is just now "starting to schedule those engagement meetings with the community."

"That seems to me that it could be a lengthy process, and it's an important process that most of the southern half of the community has been engaged in for the last 18 months," worried CEC member Kristin Berger.



PS 199 and the Lincoln Towers. (Josh Keefe/Gothamist)

"We were up in Harlem and the local school was not doing so well," said Ziv Arazi, a parent of two. Arazi moved to Trump Place at 200 Riverside Boulevard this year, one of the buildings now in zone-limbo, along with Lincoln Towers. "We bought our apartment specifically because it was zoned to 199."

"It seems that the people living closest to 199 are being punished by being sent to another school just because they want to somehow diversify the student body," he added.

Matt Unterman lives at 303 West 66th Street, and also has a child who may be rezoned into PS 191. "We hold ourselves up as the Upper West Side," he admonished the crowd. "Politically progressive, intellectual thinkers. But this is not progressive. We are arguing about zone lines and passing up an opportunity to set up a precedent to be followed. I think we need to be brave."

Unterman called for a more drastic rezoning plan, like a super zone that would fill clusters of schools within walking distance of each other through a lottery system. "Any statistics you wanted to level you could: in terms of racial background, or special needs," he said. "The real issue is that we're not having that conversation, and there's no way we're going to have uniformly successful schools if we don't."

CEC President Joe Fiordaliso insisted on Wednesday that fairness is his goal. "I am not viewing this as the group that screams the loudest gets what it wants," he said. He added that he predicts the final plan will not be radically different from the hackle-raising scenarios already presented.

"I would hazard to guess that we're going to go back to DOE with some sort of a proposal that incorporates elements of all three and that we think we can get through the council," he said. "Otherwise it's a theoretical exercise."
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Here's how this free app turned amateurs into UAE's top professional stock market traders

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On Tuesday (Sept. 27), SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk unveiled the company's plans for colonizing Mars.

SpaceX aims to help establish a permanent, self-sustaining city on the Red Planet using the company's proposed Interplanetary Transport System (ITS), which will pair the most powerful rocket ever built with a big, crew-carrying spaceship, Musk said.

Here's a look at the ITS, and SpaceX's broader Red Planet plans, by the numbers. [SpaceX's Interplanetary Transport for Mars in Images]

A cutaway look at SpaceX's Interplanetary Transport System spaceship to ferry humans to Mars and beyond. (Image credit: SpaceX)

10 billion: The amount, in dollars, that it would cost per seat to send people to Mars using currently available technology, according to Musk. He said the ITS could lower that ticket price to $200,000, and perhaps all the way down to $100,000. ($10 billion is also the total amount that SpaceX expects to spend on its Mars-colonization efforts in the coming years.)

1 million: The number of people SpaceX hopes to transport to Mars using the ITS over the next 50 to 100 years.

13,033: Liftoff thrust, in tons, that the ITS booster will generate. That's 3.6 times more thrust than NASA's iconic Saturn V moon rocket the most powerful booster ever to fly  was able to produce, Musk said.

2024: The year in which ITS could begin crewed flights to Mars, if everything goes perfectly. But SpaceX's first Red Planet mission should come sooner; the company aims to launch one of its uncrewed Dragon capsules toward Mars in 2018, to test out technology ahead of the human missions. This "Red Dragon" mission will use SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket, not the ITS booster.

SpaceX also plans to mount Mars missions every 26 months after Red Dragon takes off, regardless of when ITS comes online, to establish a regular cargo route that takes scientific experiments to the Red Planet. (Earth and Mars align favorably, allowing interplanetary missions, just once every 26 months.)

1,000: The minimum number of ships SpaceX aims to send to Mars at every opportunity, once the ITS is fully up and running.

400: The height of the stacked ITS duo, in feet (equivalent to 122 meters). The Saturn V topped out at 365 feet (111 m). Separately, the ITS booster and the interplanetary ship that launches atop it will be 254 feet (77 m) and 162 feet (50 m) tall, respectively.

300: The amount, in tons, that the reusable ITS booster will be able to launch to low Earth orbit (LEO). The Saturn V could loft 135 tons to LEO, Musk said. (An expendable version of the ITS would have a 550-ton LEO capacity, he added, but SpaceX's Mars-colonization architecture calls for repeated reuse of the ITS booster and spaceship.)

115: The initial average length, in days, of the trip from Earth to Mars aboard the ITS ship. These ships would be launched to Earth orbit atop the ITS booster and then zoom to Mars under their power when the time was right. The trip could be as short as 80 days depending on exactly where Earth and Mars were at the time of departure, said Musk, who added that he envisions eventually slashing the trip time to just 30 days or so.

100: The minimum number of passengers carried aboard each ITS ship, meaning it could take 10,000 flights to get 1 million people to Mars. But the ships may end up transporting about 200 people apiece, Musk said.

51: The total number of Raptor engines used by each ITS stack. The rocket will carry 42 Raptors, while nine will power the ship. (Raptor, the next-generation engine SpaceX is developing, is about the same size as the company's workhorse Merlin engine but three times more powerful, Musk said.)

20: The maximum amount of time, in minutes, between the launch and landing of each ITS booster. These rockets will touch down softly at their launchpad  currently envisioned to be Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida  and will be quickly readied for another liftoff.

12: Number of people who have set foot on a world beyond Earth to date. All 12, of course, were Apollo astronauts who walked on the moon between 1969 and 1972.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
As the Rosetta spacecraft closes out its historic mission with a descent to the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko tomorrow morning (Sept. 30), the European orbiter joins a long list of cometary and small-body missions that have helped scientists learn more about the early solar system.

Rosetta's last moments will be broadcast live early tomorrow via several European Space Agency (ESA) channels, and NASA will air its own landing webcast as well. You can follow the action live here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV.

Here's a brief look back at the Rosetta mission and other spacecraft that blazed, or are currently blazing, trails to asteroids and comets around the solar system. [Rosetta Probe's 'Death Dive' Into Comet 67P Visualized (Video)]

The two-part Rosetta spacecraft is designed to orbit and land on the Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in November 2014. See how the Rosetta spacecraft works in this Space.com infographic (Image credit: by Karl Tate, Infographics Artist)

Rosetta and Philae

The Rosetta orbiter and its piggyback lander, Philae, launched in March 2004, embarking on a decade-long journey to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Rosetta arrived at 67P in August 2014, becoming the first mission ever to orbit a comet.

In November 2014, the washing-machine-size Philae made its descent to 67P's surface. Things did not go as planned; Philae's securing harpoons failed to fire, and the lander bounced twice, spending several hours drifting above the surface.

When Philae finally came down for good, the area it landed in was so shady that its batteries could not recharge. Philae performed about 60 hours of work on the surface and made only sporadic contact with the Rosetta orbiter thereafter. The mothership, meanwhile, moved between different orbits above the comet and took high-resolution pictures of the surface. (Philae's landing site remained unknown until Rosetta descended closer to the surface in early September and captured the lander in a photo.)

The two spacecraft made several key discoveries at 67P. The type of water on the comet is different than that found on Earth, suggesting that asteroids, or at least comets unlike 67P, may have brought most of the water to our planet. The Rosetta team also found organic compounds  the carbon-containing building blocks of life  on 67P's surface.

Furthermore, Rosetta also provided an unprecedented close-up view of a comet's changing activity as it drew closest to the sun, and then pulled away. Such observations can help researchers improve their predictions of cometary activity in the future, mission team members have said. [Rosetta's Amazing Comet Mission in Pictures]

OSIRIS-REx

NASA launched an asteroid-sampling mission earlier this month, just three weeks before Rosetta's grand finale.

The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx, spacecraft lifted off on Sept. 8 and is now journeying toward a near-Earth asteroid called Bennu. If all goes according to plan, OSIRIS-REx will arrive at Bennu in 2018, nab a sample of asteroid material in 2020 and return that sample to Earth in September 2023.

The mission should help scientists better understand the role asteroids may have played in bringing life's building blocks to Earth, NASA officials have said.

Deep Impact

NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft launched in January 2005 for Comet Tempel 1, with the aim of sending an impactor probe into the comet to learn more about its interior structure. The impactor was successfully fired on July 4, 2005, and Deep Impact took images from above.

The resulting crater showed that the comet contained more dust than previously expected (especially because the impact itself created a large dust cloud, which came as a surprise). Deep Impact was the first spacecraft ever to excavate material from a comet.

After its primary mission was complete, Deep Impact was redesignated EPOXI (Extrasolar Planet Observation and Deep Impact Extended Investigation) and began an extended mission. At first, investigators tried to fly the probe by Comet Boethin, but when it came time to refine EPOXI's trajectory, the comet vanished  presumably because it had broken up into smaller pieces. So, instead, EPOXI flew by Comet Hartley 2 in November 2010 and did long-range observations of Comet Garradd and Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON).

NASA lost contact with the probe in September 2013, likely because of a software malfunction. When EPOXI was lost, it was en route to asteroid 163249 2002GT, with a scheduled 2020 rendezvous.

Stardust

This NASA probe launched in February 1999 to collect samples from the coma of Comet Wild 2 and send them back to Earth. While flying to the comet, the spacecraft also passed by asteroid 5535 Annefrank.

Stardust's return capsule arrived safely on Earth in 2006, while the probe continued operations in space. Its mission extension, called NExT (New Exploration of Tempel 1), passed by Comet Tempel 1 in February 2011. This extended the observations previously done by Deep Impact in 2005. NExT, low on fuel, had its transmitter switched off in March 2011, ending the mission.

The particles from Stardust have been analyzed repeatedly over the past decade. This work yielded a surprising find in 2014: Some of the particles that were collected were possibly bits of interstellar dust.

Missions to Halley's Comet

The Giotto and Vega missions, which were mounted by Europe and the Soviet Union, respectively, were the first to perform up-close observations of a comet: Comet Halley, which passes by the Earth every 75 or 76 years.

Giotto launched in July 1985 and made a close pass of Halley in March 1986. While it was in the comet's neighborhood, Giotto was pummeled by debris  including one piece that knocked the spacecraft so it temporarily was not pointing its antenna at Earth. The camera was also lost due to debris strikes, but it managed to take pictures beforehand.

The Soviet Union redirected its Vega 1 and Vega 2 spacecraft toward Halley after both spacecraft had sent probes to Venus' surface. While the spacecraft passed several thousand miles away from Halley in March 1986, they were still able to take pictures and perform other measurements of the comet's environment.

Hayabusa and Hayabusa2

These two Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) missions are both asteroid sample-return efforts, like OSIRIS-REx.

Hayabusa launched in May 2003 and arrived at asteroid Itokawa in September 2005. It spent a couple of months at the asteroid studying its composition, then did a touch-and-go operation in November of that year to pick up some grains for analysis. (It also sent a small lander to the surface, MINERVA, which failed.) The Itokawa samples were returned to Earth in June 2010.

Hayabusa2 launched in December 2014 and is currently en route to the asteroid Ryugu. The spacecraft is expected to arrive in July 2018 for a 1.5-year mission, during which it will deploy several landers to the space rock's surface. After picking up an asteroid sample itself, Hayabusa2 is expected to return to Earth in December 2020.

Follow Elizabeth Howell @howellspace, or Space.com @Spacedotcom. We're also on Facebookand Google+.Originally published on Space.com.
NASA astronaut Bob Behnken uses one of Boeing's two new CST-100 Starliner Crew Part Task Trainers in the Mission Simulator and Training Facility at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Sept. 28, 2016.

HOUSTON  For the past 50 years, the Mission Simulator and Training Facility at Johnson Space Center in Houston has been used to prepare astronauts and Mission Control support teams to fly NASA spacecraft to orbit and beyond.

Now, after being home to Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle simulators, the building is again ready to support the next generation of spacecraft. But this time, the vehicles do not belong to NASA.

The Boeing Company on Wednesday (Sep. 28) debuted to the media the installation of its first two simulators that will support training astronauts for flights on board its CST-100 Starliner commercial crew spacecraft. [Boeing Starliner's 'Last Room on Earth' for Astronauts  Photo Tour]

"It's a big responsibility for Boeing to train astronauts," said Chris Ferguson, Boeing commercial crew program deputy manager and director of crew and mission operations, who previously trained in the same facility as a NASA astronaut and commander of the final space shuttle mission in 2011.

"This 'plan, train, fly' task is something that formerly NASA had exclusive ownership of, but as part of our contract to provide services back and forth between the space station, we not only provide the service  the taxi, if you will  but we also have to train the flight controllers, the crew, and have everybody ready to go," Ferguson said.

In 2014, NASA awarded contracts to Boeing and SpaceX to provide commercial launch services to the International Space Station. The agency awarded a total of $6.8 billion, including $4.2 billion to Boeing for it to complete and certify the Starliner for flight.

The capsule, which is designed to fly atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, is slated to make its first uncrewed test flight in late 2017, followed by a crewed test flight and then the first of at least two operational missions by mid- to late-2018.

Unlike SpaceX, which has selected to build and operate its own mission control and simulators at its headquarters in California, Boeing contracted with NASA to provide ground support for its Starliner missions.

"We have kind of a unique relationship with Boeing," Ellen Ochoa, director of Johnson Space Center, stated. "Boeing has a contract with us to deliver transportation services but we also have people here at Johnson Space Center, in our flight ops organization, who are essentially subcontractors to Boeing for operational products."

Now up and running in the Mission Simulator and Training Facility (also known as Building 5 or since 1992, the Jake Garn Facility, named for the former Utah senator who flew aboard a 1985 shuttle mission) are Boeing's two Crew Part Task Trainers (CPTT), large touch screen displays that can replicate the layout of the Starliner controls so astronauts can practice flying the different mission phases on a trip to and from the space station.

One of the instructor stations for Boeing's Starliner trainers in the Mission Simulator and Training Facility at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. (Image credit: collectSPACE.com)

"Where these trainers are ... is right where we spent a lot of time training for the shuttle," said Ochoa, who was also an astronaut. "It's handy for our astronauts because all the offices are right across the way, so that makes it also very attractive in terms of being able to come here and use the part task trainers at any time they want to, but certainly as we get into full mission simulators, it will be very easy for our folks to do the training here."

In 2015, NASA named its first "cadre" of commercial crew astronauts to train for flights on both Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Dragon. Bob Behnken, Eric Boe, Douglas Hurley and Sunita Williams all made trips to St. Louis, where the crew part task trainers were designed and built by Boeing, to offer their input and gain their first use of the simulators as they were developed.

"Bob, myself, Eric and Doug are really excited that they're here," said Williams. "It is sort of like Ellen said, it is pretty nice to be able to go from your office and walk over here to use the trainers and try to understand the systems."

"It's a critical part of our development to understand how to operate and fly the vehicle, so we're really looking to using them on a daily basis as we get ready," she said.

Behnken, who is a former chief of the astronaut office, said the part task trainers' installation was a milestone.

"We've been doing a lot of work where we have sat down with paper products and tried to walk through what ascent into rendezvous or entry would actually look like," he said. "To actually have a simulator where we can actually get a little bit more dynamic data and understand what I would be seeing or what somebody else would be seeing on the ground and figure out how best we would interact, that is the kind of milestone that needed to be accomplished."

"We are ready for and it is great to see the hardware here so we can jump into that next phase and get on to flying," Behnken said.

In addition to the crew part task trainers, Boeing is also in the final stages of developing in St. Louis a full-scale, high-fidelity simulator that will provide the same environment as astronauts will find inside the Starliner. The Boeing Mission Simulator (BMS) is expected to be delivered to the Mission Simulator and Training Facility in early 2017, where it will be installed in the same room earlier used for the motion-base shuttle mission simulator.

See more photos of Boeings CST-100 Starliner crew part task trainers at collectSPACE.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2016 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
The young star Elias 2-27 exhibits unusual spiral arms in its protoplanetary disk, the first time such a structure has been spotted around a newborn star.

For the first time, spiral arms much like those of the Milky Way galaxy have been found embracing a young star.

This finding may shed light on the mystery of how planets can form far away from their parent stars, the researchers behind the new study said.

When new stars form, the clouds of gas and dust around them collapse to form disks. Previous research suggested that planets originate within these "protoplanetary disks" as gravity pulls clumps of matter together into larger masses. In this case, though, researchers have spotted unusual spiral arms forming in the debris. [Birth of Planets! Formation of Alien Worlds Photographed for 1st Time]

Until now, astronomers usually detected spiral arms around stars only during the later stages of protoplanetary disks, such as when planets had already formed, and in hazy disks that were difficult to understand the structure of.

This new work is the first time researchers have detected such spiral arms around a very young star, caused by pile-ups of material researchers call density waves.

"These results are the first detection of spiral density waves in the reservoir of gas and dust that surrounds a newborn star," study lead author Laura Perez, an astronomer at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany, told Space.com. "Density waves are what cause the spiral arms observed in spiral galaxies, and it is remarkable that we observe the same phenomena but in physical scales related to planet formation, [which are] much, much smaller than galaxy scales."

To understand how spiral arms might form in protoplanetary disks, imagine traffic jams occurring within these disks, with faster-moving chunks of matter caught behind slower-moving material. Prior work suggested that such congestion leads to alternating regions of greater and lesser density, the so-called "density waves," akin to how water can bunch up and spread apart to form ripples on a pond. Since protoplanetary disks spin, the previous research suggested that those waves of density curve, taking on the shape of spiral arms. Researchers think similar activity on a larger scale created the Milky Way's spiral arms.

This young star, named Elias 2-27, is located about 450 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Ophiuchus. The star is at least 1 million years old and about half the mass of the sun, and it possesses an unusually massive protoplanetary disk, up to about one-seventh the sun's mass, the astronomers said.

A picture of the spiral arms of Elias 2-27 in the constellation Opiuchus. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/WISE and B. Saxton (NRAO/AUI/NSF); ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO); and L. Perez (MPlfR))

Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an enormous radio telescope in northern Chile, the researchers detected a flattened disk of dust around Elias 2-27 that reaches out to what would be about the orbit of Neptune in the solar system. Beyond that point, in a region analogous to the solar system's Kuiper Belt, the scientists found a narrow band with significantly less dust, which they said may be evidence of a planet in the process of forming. Emerging from the outer edge of this band are two spiral arms that extend more than 6.2 billion miles (10 billion kilometers) away from their host star.

That configuration paints an unusual picture, Perez said: The spiral arms may be concentrating material that goes on to form planets far from the star. That the spiral arms seen around Elias 2-27 are quite far from their star provides evidence "for the first time of a different process than the standard picture of planet formation," Perez said.

"The standard theory of planet formation is called 'core accretion,' where a planet core grows out of smaller particles and planetesimals," Perez said. "Once the core is large enough, it quickly accretes gas from the disk and forms a planet with an atmosphere  think of Jupiter, with its massive inner core and then its massive atmosphere. However, this standard picture fails at large distances from the star. There are not enough dust particles and gas for core accretion to be proceed."

Previous research suggested that instabilities within protoplanetary disks could produce planets far from stars, "at the locations where core accretion fails," Perez said, but researchers were uncertain about the mechanisms behind such planets' formation. "Our detection of spiral density waves in Elias 2-27 is the first time we have any evidence of a different process than core accretion, and these data may help explain the puzzling observations of extrasolar planets at similar faraway locations."

Future research with ALMA will analyze Elias 2-27's protoplanetary disks and similar formations, which may help shed light on the origin of these spiral arms and the role they might play in planet formation, Perez said.

The scientists detailed their findings online today (Sept. 29) in the journal Science.

Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
DARMSTADT, Germany  Investigators for the European Space Agency's (ESA) Rosetta mission have learned to expect surprises.

When their comet-chasing probe launched 12 years ago, they were looking for a potato-shaped dirty snowball in outer space. When Rosetta arrived at Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the scientists found something more like fluffy dustball shaped like a rubber duck.

And when Rosetta's lander Philae got to the surface of Comet 67P, the craft didn't anchor but instead bounced away from its intended landing zone, ending up in the shadow of a cliff. [Photos: Europe's Rosetta Comet Mission in Pictures]

On Friday morning (Sept. 30), project scientists will be looking for some final revelations, as Rosetta ends its mission with a crash landing. The spacecraft will also get its closest-yet look at the surface of the comet, an artifact from the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago.

A cosmic landing pad

Rosetta, which launched in March 2004, has been circling Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko for the last two years. Around midnight local time (6 p.m. EDT; 2200 GMT) tonight (Sept. 29), the spacecraft will perform its last maneuver to descend to the surface from a distance of about 12 miles (20 kilometers).

It takes about 40 minutes for a signal from the spacecraft to reach Earth, and ESA managers said they expect to receive confirmation of impact here at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) around 13:20 local time (7:20 a.m. EDT; 1120 GMT) on Friday. ESA will begin broadcasting coverage of the mission finale at 12:30 p.m. local time (6:30 a.m. EDT; 1030 GMT). You can watch the coverage live on Space.com.

Rosetta's targeted landing pad is a smooth 2,300-foot x 1,640-foot (700x 500meters) ellipse on the "head" of the double-lobed comet, in the so-called Ma'at region. (The mission has used the names of Egyptian deities to describe the comet's diverse geological regions.)

ESA managers chose this spot because it has several active pits. These dust-spewing cometary craters span about 330 feet (100 m) across and 165 feet (50 m)deep, and the walls of these pits appear dotted with intriguing "goose bumps" that could shed light on the primordial makeup of the comet.

Some of the last pieces of data that Rosetta collects, including images, could be released to the public as early as Friday. But even if everything goes as planned for the landing, the fate of the spacecraft itself will remain a mystery; data transmission will end as soon as Rosetta hits the comet, so the project managers won't know if the craft bounced like Philae or sank deep into the comet's dust. [How Harrowing Comet Landing by Philae Nearly Failed (Infographic)]

"Once we know the impact point tomorrow, I'm sure everyone will speculate what the subsequent journey will be," Matt Taylor, Rosetta project scientist, told Space.com. "It could be that Rosetta just sits there and nestles in the dust. We won't know. That will be something to discuss for maybe the next 500 years, until we do comet tours or Elon Musk wants to take us on a bus to the comet to see where it swallowed Rosetta."

Mission highlights

Rosetta was the first space mission ever to rendezvous with a comet, escort the object around the sun and drop a lander on the comet's surface. (That November 2014 landing didn't go as planned; Philae ended up in a shadowed spot and therefore couldn't charge its main batteries with solar energy. The lander operated for just 60 hours on the comet's surface, then went into hibernation.)

For the past two years, Rosetta has observed the comet's structure and surface features, and has detected the gases leaving the comet'snucleus. These observations have allowed the Rosetta team to paint an intimate portrait of Comet 67P, and to better understand how the solar system formed from a starless core to a place where life exists.

Scientists don't think life can exist on comets, but Rosetta researchers have found chemicals like organic molecules and amino acids, a discovery that suggests comets played an important role in delivering some of life's ingredients to Earth. Rosetta data also showed that molecular oxygen is in the gas that's streaming off the comet.

"When I saw it the first time, I didn't believe it," Kathrin Altwegg, of the Center forSpace and Habitability at the University of Bern in Switzerland, told reporters at ESOC today, noting that molecular oxygen was long thought to be too reactive to exist in the early solar system. "But we have it, and we have it quite abundantly."

The Rosetta team has learned that this comet's nucleus is a very porous mixture of dust and ice. It's so porous that its consistency could be compared to fresh, powdery snow on Earth, said Valerie Ciarletti, co-investigator of Rosetta's CONSERT instrument, of the Universite Paris- Saclay. "It's very fluffy material," Ciarletti told reporters.

And yet Rosetta's observations have also revealed a surprising cometary landscape, with "a rich textural diversity which we have never seen before," said Mohamed El-Maarry, a postdoctoral researcher with Rosetta's OSIRIS team, from the University of Bern in Switzerland. Some regions of the comet even have dunes and ripples that resemble desert features on Earth, Mars and Venus. This is surprising, because the 2.5-mile-wide (4 km) comet has very low gravity, and its geological processes should be quite different, researchers said.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions about comets. For instance, scientists want to know how frequently these cosmic objects collided with each other in the early solar system. If there's evidence that comets had a violent past, then that might be a good sign that they are large in number, which would, in turn, mean that more of them were around to transport water and organics to Earth, said Bjorn Davidsson, a scientist with the Asteroids, Comets, and Satellites Group at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

Scientists will be busy analyzing Rosetta's two years of observations from Comet 67P for many years to come. By some estimates, the team has so far analyzed only 5 percent of the Rosetta data.

"We have mixed feelings today, but we have all of this work still to do," Taylor said. "The operations are about to end, but science continues."

Follow Megan Gannon @meganigannon, or Space.com @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
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A Connecticut Mormon temple is opening, and the general public is invited to the big moment. Thousands are rejoicing that 18 years after they were promised a place of worship in Connecticut, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as LDS, finally have one.

The newly built Hartford temple can be toured via an appointment from September 30 to October 22 for people to educate themselves on Mormonism, according to Hartford Stake President William Elwell.

However, after its dedication on November 20, only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be accepted. Elwell said he hopes that the general public will not be offended, but a temple is a sacred place reserved for the next stage after a member joins Mormonism. It is for those, who sincerely believe in the church and its teachings.

While there are 155 temples across the globe, the Hartford Connecticut Temple is only the second to open in New England. More than 27,000 Mormons from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York are expected to travel to the new temple several times a week to pray.

It has been a long time coming for Mormons living in that area. In 1992, Gordon B. Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency, announced plans for a temple in Connecticut, but in 1995, the plans were changed.

Instead, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints decided to build temples in Boston and New York. In late 2010, 18 years after the original announcement, Thomas S. Monson revealed that this time around the construction was really going to take place.

The temple, which covers 25,000 sq. ft., sits on 11 acres (4.5 hectares) and is 117 feet high. It is topped with a gold-plated statue. It was completed with 10,000 pieces of granite. The majestic temple features one-of-a-kind details such as mahogany, ornate decorations, and even an exquisite chandelier with 9,500 Swarovski crystals.

Mormon Elder Larry Wilson said the temple was built to be perfect in every way. The interior of the temple is a collection of eight rooms, featuring a baptismal room, a sealing room for a marriage ceremony, and the celestial room, a space for contemplation.

Each room makes it possible for church members to move closer to God. Elwell explained:

They tried back then to put the best of the best in the temple because it was dedicated to God, and thats the same thing we do. Its a gorgeous building, and we put the best of the best in there. We want people to know were dedicated to God and to Jesus Christ. The temple is one of the symbols of our worship and our belief that life goes on after [this] life.

Wilson added:

Its built to a higher standard than almost any building in the world today. We expect this building is going to be here and maintained in pristine condition for all the decades and centuries to come.

Kevin Starr, the chair of the temple open house and dedication committees, said a large group of people have been working extra hours for the dedication of the temple. Starr revealed:

Its just a thrill that this beautiful temple is able to be in the wonderful town of Farmington. Its an absolute thrill. We are grateful to have this beautiful building as our own community of faith. Were grateful that prior to its dedication, were able to share it with the community  and share the special spirit of that building with the community.

Patrick Beta, who became a Mormon at the age of 14, told local media:

A lot of people in my area, even my family didnt see why I was joining the church. Why Im really here, why Im doing all these things such as going to school, building up all these relationships and eventually having kids.

Drucila Maldonado, a member of the church, who lives in Bridgeport, said that she is happy she no longer has to drive to the Boston temple every Saturday. She stated:

Now Im very excited that there is a temple right here. Its so much closer for me and my three children, compared to the two-and-a-half hour drive to Boston.

Some members of the Farmington community were opposed to the construction of the temple.
STAMFORDMike Battinelli, president of the fledgling Stamford Neighborhood Coalition, urged a crowd of residents on Wednesday at Union Memorial Church to block the accelerating pace of development in Glenbrook and Springdale by attending upcoming zoning board meetings.

About 40 people attended the meeting of the new group, which Battinelli hopes will become a wider coalition encompassing all city neighborhoods concerned about over-development and loss of character.

I hope that this group becomes something wider, Battinelli said.

Residents complained at the meeting about a pending application to extend a village commercial district in Glenbrook. The proposal would allow Nicks Pizza owner Joe Criscuolo to convert a mixed-use building at 45 Church St. into 30 residential units. The district now allows 10 units.

Criscuolo said many of the groups objections about development dont apply to his property. The hypothetical development would have 80 parking spaces available to tenants of the 30 units.

The apartments are really high end, Criscuolo said. Were making some of the nicest apartments in Stamford, and it will be something that will really be such a positive for Glenbrook.

Robert Jackson, a resident of Springdale for 22 years, said its difficult to imagine creating the type of infrastructure like schools and increased road capacity needed to accommodate more development.

Goody Clancy, a Boston consultant, conducted an 18-month study of transit-oriented development in the area and suggested as many as 280 new units could be created in Springdale over a seven-year period and up to 800 units over two decades.

According to the report, as many as 190 new units could be added over seven years in Glenbrook and 575 units in the next 20 years if the village commercial district is expanded.

The volume and pressure on the system without the system changing to accommodate it is problematic, Jackson said. Things are going to change, and Im not one to advocate stagnation, but you have to have an infrastructure in place to support it.

The Stamford Zoning Board will continue to consider Criscuolos proposal at its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 in the fourth-floor cafeteria of the Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd.
Sep 29, 2016 1:00 AM

Author: Libby Mitchell

Kidney stones are a painful condition that affects more than 300,000 Americans a year. Now a new study suggests a fun day at the amusement park may help relieve them. Looking at anecdotal research doctors at Michigan State found that patients who rode roller coasters were able to dislodge small kidney stones. However, this does not mean patients with kidney stones should book a trip to Disneyland, according to Gary Faerber, MD, a urologist with University of Utah Health.

Its an interesting study, but it could have been better designed, he says. They have no acceleration/deceleration data, which would have been very helpful in understanding the effects of specific G-forces required to dislodge the stones. A discussion about the effects of G-force and what is needed to dislodge a stone are needed to flesh out the findings.

The study also lacked a control arm, meaning the researchers couldnt compare results from the roller coaster to other interventions or, perhaps, no intervention at all, according to Faerber. Who knows, maybe just walking around the park or taking the monorail to the park also resulted in migration of stones. Unfortunately, the study didnt answer this question.

Kidney stones are formed by a number of causes including dehydration, excessive sodium, and metabolic factors. Once they form, the stones must make their way out of the kidney, through the ureter, and into the bladder to be passed. The roller coaster G-forces may play a part in making this migration happen. Both positive and negative G-forces might play roles in freeing up the stone fragments, says Faerber. Positive (downward) motion might accelerate the fragments down the ureter portion and negative (upward) motion would help lift the fragments from the lower part of the kidney up and over the lip into the pelvis.

While that sounds technical, you can recreate a similar situation at home. You dont even need a rollercoaster or 3-D printed kidney. Simply put some M&Ms in a bottle and start shaking. Ultimately the more you shake, the more likely youll be to get them out, says Faerber. Or think of a piggy bankshaking it to get all of the coins out. Maybe a vigorous percussion massage might do the very same thing and might be a bit cheaper than a one-day ticket to Disney.

Of course, a kidney is very different from a bottle of candy or a bank full of coins. The human kidney is adhered to other structures inside the body. Also, the ureter isnt simply a hollow tube. A better experimental design would be to take measurements of the forces on the ride and then simulate the up and down surges in an animal model using a real kidney and ureter.

Right now all that they have shown is that if you rattle a container with little rocks forcefully enough you can get some to tumble out of an opening, says Faerber. Its probably not really translatable but it makes for good copy.
Snowden

At the Cinemark (Thursday only)

(PG-13)

Grade: B

The little camera at the top of my laptop screen looks a little more ominous after seeing Snowden.

Whos out there staring at me? Maybe I shouldve shaved? Maybe Ill be discovered!

Oliver Stones latest exploration of conspiracy recounts the life of Edward Snowden, the former government computer spy who released confidential government records to the London press. Those records documented widespread cyber-spying by the United States on other countries as well as on our own citizens.

Snowden has simultaneously been praised for blowing the lid on the CIA for spying on US citizens and condemned for seriously jeopardizing our intelligence program. Some critics claim American lives have been lost because of Snowdens breach of security.

Supporters are calling upon Obama to pardon Snowden. Critics are demanding he be tried for treason -- if he ever leaves Moscow. Some enraged critics have even suggested that all films portraying Snowden as a hero should be liable to prosecution under the treason laws.

Seems nobodys neutral about Edward Snowden.

One critic called the film a fawning portrait of Snowden, but thats a bit too harsh. But it is fair to say that Oliver Stones Snowden falls much closer to Snowden-as-hero than to Snowden-as-traitor.

Setting aside the political debate over Snowden, the film does a remarkably effective job of reminding us that cyber warfare is being waged daily -- and that every cellphone call, every computer keystroke and every click of our mouse is capable of being observed.

And, obviously, if high-paid geeks can hack our ways into foreign accounts they can also hack their way into our own secrets -- and, of course, our enemies have their hackers, too. The safest security system may be pencil and paper.

We best be respectful of nerds: They are likely the heroes and villains of the next World War.

Snowden also does a good job of sharing the stress inside the life of our intelligence forces. In one haunting scene, agents are watching screens showing a drone strike against a truck in a war zone. The clear implication is that officers sitting at a computer may be directing fatal strikes.

An operative with a conscience seems guaranteed to suffer some sleepless nights. Taking lives during war should never be without emotional and spiritual consequence, no matter how venomous the villain.

Snowden is portrayed as an agent with a conscience. The voyeuristic work of the intelligence forces upsets him, especially the spying on Americans.

And so he takes action to blow the whistle.

Stone sees this as entirely noble. But to others, Snowdens morality is murky, at best.

Moviegoers wanting to see a less flattering side of Snowden might read the Slate article that assaults Snowden and the film. The Leaky Myths of Snowden contends exposing these intercepts is not whistleblowing: Its an attempt to blow U.S. intelligence operations. The article details dozens of factual inaccuracies that go far beyond dramatic license to distort, even falsify, the picture.

For me, Oliver Stones cinematic tendency to distort history is a known fact. JFK anyone? He also tends to ratchet up emotion to near hysteria to get our attention.

Ironically, Stone actually tones down the mood in Snowden. The film moves slowly, and there are few emotional payoffs. The focus is internal -- a portrait of an intelligence agent being torn apart by what he learns while doing his job. That stress spills over to his relationships, too.

And the portrayal of cyber spying made me nervous. The paranoia was palpable as the story unfolded. Were not paranoid if the threats are real.

Its clear that the spying Snowden uncovered was unethical and illegal. New laws have been written, based on his findings. But Snowden also released lots of intelligence data that blew the cover on legal CIA operations. And Snowdens ethical credentials are stained by NSA charges that he stole answers to qualifying tests to gain promotion -- a charge Snowden adamantly denies, suggesting NSA character assassination is a decoy to avoid talking about domestic spying.

The governments defense that Snowden is a disloyal spy suggests that we should shut up and remain silent no matter what sins we observe at work. Thats the road to moral bankruptcy. The solution is for the government to act ethically. Care to bet on that?

Yes, Oliver Stone, did adjust the rheostat surrounding Snowden to get the halo to shine more brightly, but he also blew the whistle on illegal American cyber-spying -- and for that we can all be thankful, no matter what our view of Snowdens actions.
I t is pretty pointless to say that business does not like uncertainty. It has to live with it all the time, so what is really interesting is how it deals with it.

The UKs future relationship with the European Union is a major uncertainty. There is an assumption in political circles that business will just have to wait with as much patience as it can muster while the relevant ministers work out what on earth they plan to do, and then embark on a journey to discover if what they would like is remotely achievable.

However, the idea that business sits on its hands and waits while all this is going on is simply not credible. If the whole thing could be sorted by Christmas, then that might be possible. But it obviously wont be  or by the Christmas after, and most likely not the one after that either.

Boris Johnson has said that Article 50, the trigger for the beginning of talks on formal separation of Britain from the EU, will be activated in the new year. It is not his decision, but we will let that pass. What Boris failed to clarify was whom we might begin to talk to.

This is not a semantic point. There is a view that Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, will front up the talks, and that may turn out to be true. But it does not tell us very much because power in the EU rests not with Juncker and his unfairly reviled Brussels bureaucrats but with the Council of Ministers, which is where the leaders of each individual country meet and where the real decisions are taken.

However, next year is an election year in several of the major countries in Europe, and the significant powers inside the council  the leaders of Germany, France, Italy and probably Spain  are going to have their minds on other things.

This matters because Britain needs the engagement of both power groupings. While Juncker might be allowed to decide how much is paid in pensions, when agricultural subsidies stop and when the funding to British universities is cut off, anything remotely resembling a future trade deal  even a patched-together interim one  will require the attention and the approval or otherwise of the members of this body.

At a seminar in the City this week that was organised by TSL Research  the product of the recent merger of Lombard Street Research with Trusted Sources  a succession of European political analysts spelled out how little time can be spared for the UK and its demands as Europe gears up for elections.

Even more startling was how long it will all take. The German election is 12 months from now but David Marsh  head of another think-tank, the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum  said he thought there was unlikely to be a new German government before January.

The is because the rise of a new Right-wing party and a falling-away of support for Chancellor Angela Merkel means the political balance could shift significantly enough to require a deal with new coalition partners in order to form a government, and it is even possible that Merkel will fail. In that case, Germanys next chancellor would be most likely to be the leader of the left-of-centre Social Democratic Party.

Before that, we will have a May election in France, where the action has already started with the fight between Alain Juppe, a former prime minister and current Mayor of Bordeaux, and previous president Nicolas Sarkozy. They will go head-to-head before Christmas in a primary to select the right-of-centre challenger to run against the incumbent, President Francois Hollande, next May

Hollandes support has crumbled, and it is widely expected that he will lose in the first round, and that the run-off in the second-round election will be between the National Front candidate Marine Le Pen and the winner of the Juppe-Sarkozy duel.

Upset is unlikely, but possible. Le Pen is expected to top in the first round but then the voters for the other defeated candidates may unite against her in the run-off  which is what happened regularly to her father. But there is enough possibility of a major upset to ensure that the French are unlikely to give much time to Brexit in the first half of next year.

Nor does it stop there. There is a referendum on constitutional reform in Italy in December which, if it goes the wrong way, could easily lead to the resignation of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. That would leave Italy without a government for who-knows-how-many months if it leads to another general election.

Meanwhile in Spain, despite several elections, no one has a clear mandate, so they may also have to go back to the polls again.

So are financial firms in the City, and particularly American-owned businesses, going to sit around to see how all this unfolds? Of course not. They will solve the uncertainty by moving whatever they have to move to the mainland to retain their passporting and access rights to the single market and get on with their business.

By the time the politicians decide anything, the key businesses will be long gone.
A LMOST 2 billion was wiped off outsourcing giant Capita today after delays to a TfL contract bounced it into a shock profit warning.

The group said a botched IT upgrade to Londons congestion charging system meant it had to pay TfL for delaying the job, putting a hole in profit forecasts and sending shares crashing 28%.

Our delivery wasnt up to the standard expected, chief executive Andy Parker said. We incurred a significant ramp up in penalties. It was quite a rapid escalation.

Shares tanked 258.58p to 693.50p, a three-year low for the beleagured group, wiping 1.7 billion off its value. The IT overhaul was meant to be completed in August but only went live last weekend after workers found the task more difficult than anticipated.

The longer the delay lasted, the more Capita had to pay. The penalty will be now between 20 million and 25 million subject to negotiations between TfL and Capita.

This, plus a dramatic slowdown in its computer and printer re-seller business, has forced the group to drastically lower full year profit forecasts by up to 80 million to 535 million.

The FTSE 100 giant promised to slash costs at the re-selling business and recruitment division to cushion the shortfall.

Sluggish growth in both units mean their profits will be off by about 30 million. The outsourcers woes mirror similar catastrophe for rival Mitie, which also issued a profit warning this year sending shares crashing 30%.

Like Mitie, Capita said customers were sitting on their hands more.

Parker said there was slippage in inking new contracts, with one large defence deal and another big German contract being delayed until next year.

The company also missed out on a large pensions outsourcing deal.

More alarming for investors, Capita revealed it might sue one of its clients, the Co-op Bank, over a mortgage outsourcing contract dispute.

Capita agreed to upgrade the banks creaking IT systems for its mortgage business and said the bank had refused to pay for work completed.

The client is refusing to sign that off for one reason only. If they sign it off, they have to pay us and they dont want to pay us. People can read into that what they like, Parker said.

The team working on the project will be disbanded within days if Co-op Bank doesnt pay. Capita has also approached the Co-op Banks regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, over the non-payment.

Were early in the dispute. We have had a few run-ins with them previously and when push comes to shove they have written us cheques, so Im hopeful, Parker said.

Co-op Bank said it "strongly refutes" Capita's claims and added: "there are amounts which the Bank regards as owing to it by Capita".
B usinesses must be more open about how they use the personal data they gather from consumers, Britains new Information Commissioner will say today.

In her first public speech since being appointed in July, Elizabeth Denham was to tell a London audience that as Britain prepares to leave the European Union, tech innovation must be underpinned by privacy and data protection.

The Information Commissioners Office is investigating changes that messaging app WhatsApp has made to the way it shares data with parent company Facebook, to determine if it is illegal in the UK.

This comes after Yahoo said it was hacked by a state-sponsored group which stole information on at least 500 million accounts. The breach happened two years ago but only came to light last week.

Consumers have the right to know whats happening with their information, combined with business transparency and accountability, Ms Denham will say today.

Last Friday we stepped in to ask questions about the Yahoo data breach involving eight million UK accounts. We are currently reviewing data sharing between WhatsApp and other Facebook companies.

She will add: No regulator has enough resources for all audits and systemic investigations  our office has to look at investigations that have the largest impact on the privacy rights of individuals. As technology is reaching critical mass and the sophisticated uses for data increase, the ICO will undoubtedly be delving deeper into the workings of your sector.

Whatever data protection law we have post-Brexit, I expect to see organisations taking responsibility for their actions, no matter how quick the technological change.

Its your job, its your companys job, to understand the risks youre creating for others and to mitigate them.

Ms Denham was giving her speech at the Personal Information Economy 2016 conference in Kings Cross, organised by business consultancy Ctrl-Shift. An ICO survey earlier this year showed only one in four UK adults trusted businesses with their personal data. Ms Denham will say: At the end of my five-year term my wish is that we are at a place where citizens and consumers have much more confidence in organisations use of personal data.

The regulator has powers to impose fines of up to 500,000 for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act.

Ms Denham thinks Brexit will make the ICOs job more challenging when EU data rules no longer apply here and there must be new rules to ensure cross-border commerce and the privacy protections citizens and consumers expect.

She will add : Wed all like a concrete answer about the specific outlines of post-Brexit data protection law. Being open for business means more than just saying you are. It means having a digital economy, being digitally enabled. 

Ms Denham was to warn her audience: When the UK leaves the EU, a new data protection law will need to be in force. Im having active discussions with ministers and senior officials in government and have transmit- ted our view on the future of data protection law.

We can  and must  have privacy and innovation.
A case of alleged share ramping on AIM has been passed to the FCA in the latest scandal for Londons junior market.

A fake article was created and circulated on Twitter to inflate a companys share price by a private trader, whose username on the social media site was Kevin Galliard.

The trader posted a picture of an article, purportedly by trade magazine Recruiter, claiming recruitment firm RTC Group was in talks with Swiss giant Adecco over a 21 million takeover  three times RTCs value.

It caused the thinly-traded RTC shares to jump 6% amid unusually large volumes before they settled lower as word spread on the social media site that the article, which was littered with spelling and grammar mistakes, was bogus.

The trader has since shut down his Twitter account.

The Recruiters editor DeeDee Doke confirmed the article was a fake and said she had contacted the FCA.

A spokesman for the FCA could not confirm whether it was investigating the case due to its public disclosure rules, but a legal source said it was likely the watchdog would probe the matter, adding that it looked like a classic ramping exercise.

A spokeswoman for RTC said it was aware of the fake article, but would not comment on whether it had informed the FCA.

Adecco, or Addeco as it was mis-spelt in the opening line of the fake article, declined to comment.

It is the latest scandal on AIM following fraud investigations into Globo and Quindell and a string of scandals involving Chinese companies.

The fake article was retweeted by another trader operating under the pseudonym The AIM Casino, who denied knowing Kevin Galliard or having a part in the creation of the article. I retweeted that's all not my tweet, he said. He later deleted the retweet.

The AIM Casino, who did not give his real name, said he bought shares just before he retweeted the fake article, but said he ended up making a loss on the trade.
L ONDONS blue-chip index pushed close to its highs for the year today as the prospect of oil cartel Opecs first production cut in eight years sent the City rushing to bet on black gold.

Divisions between Saudi Arabia and Iran  which is now free of sanctions and keen to keep pumping oil  had been seen as too wide to bridge at this weeks meeting in Algiers.

However, an initial agreement which caught the market off-guard should see output cut to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day from current levels of 33.2 million barrels per day.

Goldman Sachs analysts said the cuts could add as much as $10 a barrel to the oil price.

Although the final agreement has to be made at Opecs next meeting in Vienna in November, the proposed cut was enough to send Brent crude up more than 5% to above $48 a barrel overnight.

Heavyweights Royal Dutch Shell and BP led the way, up 103p or 5.4% to 1998.5p and 19.45p or 4.5% to 451.7p respectively, helping push the FTSE 100 index more than 1% to 6,922.73, within 20 points of its highest close of the year.

Meanwhile, other stocks that benefited from the Opec dividend included Tullow Oil which rose 7%, as well as oil and gas engineers Amec Foster Wheeler, Wood Group and Weir, which all enjoyed gains of up to 8%.

Opec is due to meet in Vienna at the end of November this year.
B eleaguered Twitter might be looking for a buyer to end its misery, but it could cash in on a sale of SoundCloud, another start-up struggling to turn a profit.

The micro-blogging company  which is in talks with suitors including Google, Salesforce and Disney over a buyout  paid $70 million (54 million) for a 10% stake in the German music streaming company in June.

Reports now suggest Spotify is in takeover talks with its smaller rival. Twitter will make a profit on its investment if the Swedish firm pays more than $700 million.

SoundCloud began life as an online platform for unsigned musicians to upload songs but branched into music streaming earlier this year in its search for revenues. The move put stars such as Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber on the platform.

Tech giants Apple and Amazon recently launched music streaming services, putting pressure on players such as SoundCloud.
V itol, the worlds biggest oil trader, faces a potential scandal over claims it ripped off the people of impoverished Mozambique for critical fuel by at least $80 million (62 million) last year, the Standard can reveal.

The claims  strenuously denied by Vitol  add further controversy to the largely London-based company. Chief executive Ian Taylor turned down a potential knighthood from outgoing prime minister David Cameron after critical media reports about its dealings with unsavoury regimes.

Vitol is in a standoff with Mozambiques state-controlled fuel import monopoly Imopetro over claims the company used highly complicated pricing methods to bamboozle the country into overpaying.

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world and affordable fuel is crucial to its attempts to develop its economy.

When a new government came to power last year, it is said to have raised questions about the prices the country was paying Vitol and Imopetro shifted the supply contract to Vitols rival Trafigura.

Imopetro is now thought to be demanding Taylors company refund it $80 million in alleged excess charges. Vitol counters that Mozambique actually owes it money for breach of contract. If no agreement is reached, senior players at Imopetro are planning to take Vitol to court.

A report this month by CIP, a Mozambique anti-corruption NGO, alleged overcharging for fuel was rife by multinational traders. It claimed illicit profits may have been shared in the past with officials in the country.

Vitol strongly refutes that the CIP allegations reflect its practices. It said it had zero tolerance of corruption, that it was upfront about its contracts and had explained the pricing to the Mozambiquans.

Separately, the CIP report claimed Vitol had won extensions to supply contracts in the country twice between 2013 and 2014 despite being eliminated in the tender process after rivals beat them on price. The CIP claimed senior politicians had intervened. Vitol denied any knowledge of this.

An Imopetro document for the supply of unleaded petrol, jet fuel and gasoil (diesel) in 2013 shows Vitol quoting as much as 28% more than Glencore and 32% more than Trafigura. Despite that, Vitol was still chosen to supply the contract.

Vitol said Imopetro did not always award contracts to the lowest bidder: Vitol performed the contract reliably. We can only assume this was an influencing factor.

Invoices from Vitols gasoil deliveries appear to show it converting metric tons to barrels at a ratio of 8.2 barrels per ton rather than the 7.45 which had apparently been agreed. Using the lower conversion rate would have saved Mozambique $2 million on one gasoil shipment alone, Vitols critics say. Vitol denies using the higher ratio, saying it only looks higher because of various specifics in the contract terms which had been agreed by the Mozambiquans.

Vitol still hopes to resolve this dispute amicably, said a spokesman.
M y parents have been married for 40 years this week. That means theyve totted up 20 times Brad and Angelina, 200 times Kim and Kris, and 6,400 times Britney and Jason. In another five years theyll hit three life sentences. Theyve also spawned three children, the last of whom they may re-evaluate as the mistake her elder siblings always told her she was after reading this column.

Even, or perhaps especially, in our era of the ephemeral  Tinder, one-night stands, a deluge of claims that monogamy is unnatural  we value longevity in relationships. Most of us still aspire to be that elderly couple holding hands in the street. I often presumptuously imagine a back-story there: a half-century of laughter, of simultaneously rolled eyes at ghastly guests at parties, of being each others social and emotional lifeboat.

I dont believe the only path to happiness involves a trip to H Samuel but it strikes me that the lure of long-term love is actually growing. Once we skip past youth into decrepitude  GP trips and bottles of pills by the bedside  we need a loyal friend more than we need hurly-burly on the chaise-longue.

A colleague whose parents divorced when she was young asked me yesterday what Ive learned from observing my parents. The answer is that they chose each other well. Most marriages, like most other relationships that fail, do so because theyre the wrong combination of people.

When you ask people how to make a marriage work, most answers are obvious, yet often ignored. Feel lucky to have each other. Pick someone kind. Dont let anger fester. Treat your partner as you do your closest friend. Be tolerant, my mother says. Keep having sex! someone who thankfully isnt my mother says. Talk!

I like the more practical recommendations. My father suggests discounting anything said while the two of you are wallpapering. Ditto putting up the Christmas tree. These are not activities that bring out the best in humanity. Another friend proposed always having a phrase ready for when your partner asks What are you thinking? Her favourite? How remarkably unlike your mother you are! Another says sod compromise: you should take turns to win  a happy marriage isnt one where neither of you ever gets your way with a decision. And always blame the dog or a child for any flatulence.

Thinking about my parents, the most powerful statement their relationship makes is of collaboration. Beavers are mostly monogamous animals because they are burdened with housework: dam-making, tidying, neighbourhood theft prevention. Adulthood can feel like an unending to-do list and a partner to share that workload with costs a lot less than a PA.

Children, of course, are the ultimate collaboration  a DNA merger  though no one should have them to plaster over problems. In my familys case dogs have been the best glue: even when we couldnt bear each other we were always united in love for the hounds.

But in a long-term relationship you also create something that only you two can share: a way of life, a language. A widower friend once told me about the words he had shared with his wife  the nicknames, the daft rebrandings of objects  now a dead language because no one else speaks it.

The family lawyer Fiona Shackleton told a friend of mine that people behave at least 25 per cent worse in a divorce than normal. Awful sex is more likely to occur between strangers. So having a one and only? Given the alternatives, it doesnt seem so bad.

The goalposts are shifting for binge viewers

In the new ABC series Designated Survivor, Kiefer Sutherland is back saving America  except this time as the President. He plays Tom Kirkman, a bookish low-ranking minister propelled to the Oval Office after a bombing of the Capitol kills all his superiors. You can tell Sutherland has gone intellectual, since hes now wearing glasses.

The series is on Netflix here, with episodes drip-fed weekly  a strange sensation for us subscribers now used to binge-watching. The first episode was so gripping that when the second didnt simply load, I felt Id been left hanging.

When I interviewed Dominic Cooper last week, he said acting on stage and screen required different forms of memory: you have to learn swathes of script for TV then scrape it out of your mind. Its then hard to switch back to memorising a play to be performed night after night. I wonder if something similar happens to us binge-watchers: its harder to remember details of plot-lines because were used to a show being all-consuming, then swiftly forgotten.

Incidentally, the designated survivor is a real Washington protocol: someone is sequestered to take over if all senior officials perish. Imagine if we had that here, with Ben Gummer addressing the nation as Prime Minister.

One of the best quirks of British democracy is that almost anyone can get on the ballot paper and lose their deposit. And they do. Candidates in the by-election in Witney  the seat vacated by David Cameron  include Mad Hatter from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, Lord Toby Jug of the Eccentric Party and David Bishop of the Bus-Pass Elvis Party.

I used to think that this was a notable difference between British and American democracy; that in the US, the loons wouldnt even been allowed in the room, let alone standing next to future leaders come the declarations. Only watching the presidential debate on Monday night, I realised one has slipped through the net: the Republican nominee.

The pangolin  an Afro-Asian mammal with scales like an artichoke  has been given the highest level of protection from poachers as numbers plummet. It faces the same threat as local conservationists have told me Namibias rhinos and Madagascars tortoises do: trafficking to the Far East. It isnt enough to try to halt supply: we must educate consumers and destroy demand.
T he artist who created the new Fourth Plinth sculpture told today how he initially intended it as a joke  but now thinks Londoners could do with a positive message.

David Shrigleys work Really Good, a giant thumbs-up, is the 11th modern art piece to go on display at the Trafalgar Square site. The artist told the Standard it is intended to be satirical and sincere but said he is happy for the public to draw their own interpretation.

Shrigley, who has backed Mayor Sadiq Khans #LondonIsOpen campaign by designing Everyone Welcome posters for the Underground, told how his view of the piece had changed since he first envisaged it.

When I proposed it four years ago I never thought I would get the commission, he said.

Sadiq Khan unveils a giant thumb in Trafalgar Square

At the time, I was thinking of political satire, a public artwork making a positive comment about the worst kind of social ills that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Then I got the commission and started looking at this ridiculous statement. As an artist you have to think art can make the world a better place even if youre dealing with dark subject matter.

He added: I was rather dispirited by the vote to leave the EU. It has happened and we must abide by it.

But when the Mayors office got in touch saying they wanted to do something positive (with #LondonIsOpen) to celebrate the citys diversity as an accepting place for anyone and everyone, I thought perhaps that positive message needs to be said.

Mr Khan unveiled the sculpture today and made clear he sees it as sincere rather than satirical. The giant thumbs-up is wonderfully optimistic, he said. It shows that London is open to the world and that we remain full of creativity and positivity.

Shrigleys distinct talent is his ability to capture the imaginations of people of all ages and backgrounds and I know this will be an incredibly successful commission, adding to Londons status as a cultural powerhouse.

Deputy mayor for culture and creative industries Justine Simons, who masterminded the Fourth Plinth commission, said: For 17 years, the plinth has brought the art critic out in us all.

David Shrigleys Really Good is the 11th sculpture on the plinth and Im delighted to see it in all its glory.

Putting world-class art into the heart of London for free is what the Fourth Plinth is all about. Im sure that, over coming months, hundreds and thousands of Londoners and visitors will be captivated by Shrigleys big thumbs-up to the greatest city on the planet.

The pieces witty message of simple optimism will show that London is open to ideas, to creativity, to innovation and that our doors are open to the world. It really is really good.

The Fourth Plinth - in pictures 1 /10 The Fourth Plinth - in pictures Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Positive impact: Really Good by David Shrigley PA Philip Toscano/PA The Fourth Plinth - in pictures The most recent Fourth Plinth design, Gift Horse by Haans Hacke Philip Toscano/PA The Fourth Plinth - in pictures 2013's Fourth Plinth, Hahn/Cock by Katharina Fritsch The Fourth Plinth - in pictures David Shrigley with the design The Fourth Plinth - in pictures A maquette of David Shrigley's Really Good design

@RashidRazaq

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T he duo behind Ritas in Hackney, Missy Flynn and Gabriel Pryce, will launch a canteen-style restaurant in the Docklands next month.

Quilombero will open in the workspace campus Republic and serve a menu that merges Argentine and Italian food, incorporating both an outdoor grill and a wood-fired oven.

It takes its name from a phrase meaning trouble maker or rowdy which is commonly used in the Lunfardo dialect created as a result of migration from Italy to Argentina in the 1800s.

The space will run as a cafe, coffee and juice bar by day, with fresh breads and focaccia, and pastries for breakfast. Of an evening, it will be transformed into a fully-fledged restaurant, with grilled meats and fish central to the food offering along with homemade pasta, empanada and tostada.

30 must-try dishes in London restaurants 1 /41 30 must-try dishes in London restaurants Bone marrow on toast with parsley salad at St John Not only has this dish kicked off countless wonderful meals over the course of St Johns 25 years, but it also gets credit for putting British cooking back on the global culinary map. Roasted bone marrow, coaxed out onto toast, cut perfectly with salad of parsley, shallots and capers. A nose-to-tail revolution, and utterly divine. Whole turbot at Brat Tomos Parrys talents with a turbot first came to feverish acclaim at Mayfair restaurant Kitty Fishers, but they are now the star attraction at his Michelin-starred solo spot. This whole fish  grilled Basque-style, over hot coals and in a specially designed cage  softens as if it has melted, and is basted at the table in an emulsion made with its own juices. Benjamin McMahon Marinara at 50 Kalo di Ciro Salvo Superlatives should be used in moderation  but heck it, this might just be Londons best pizza. This under-the-radar London iteration of a Naples pizzeria serves an unrivalled marinara: just tomato sauce, oil, garlic and oregano. No need for any more  with a sauce this good and a base so fine and perfectly charred, you can stop mourning your cancelled Italian holiday at first bite. Luciano Furia Clay pot baked pork and crab glass noodles at Kiln When we say Kiln is one of the hottest spots in town, we mean it  hang over the counter at the Thai barbecue and youre not far out of range for the odd flame. Baking in the heart of the swirling heat is this must order: shimmering glass noodles, coated with a silky sauce enriched with fatty slicks of Tamworth pork belly and improbably unctuous crab meat. Lamb chops, Melabes Perhaps because its quietly tucked in among its unassuming neighbours down on the wrong end of High Street Kensington, Melabes is often overlooked by Londons food lovers. An unwarranted shame, as this partly Middle Eastern, partly Mediterranean set-up is really very good; it is somewhere to pick and choose from bits and pieces, and put a meal together yourself. The lamb chops, which come all smokey and burnished from the grill, are perfect; pink as a Vegas sign inside, but the fat all soft and dripping and delicious. A must, whatever the order. Steak tartare imperial at Bob Bob Ricard Theres Press For Champagne buttons, lobster in your mac and cheese and anything that stays still long enough gets gilded  there is no point in going small at Bob Bob Ricard. Steak tartare is a luxurious pick at the best of times, but the Imperial upgrade here comes with a dollop of caviar  even without the finishing touch, the tartare itself is one of the best in the capital. Bacon naan at Dishoom Londoners spent decades believing bacon in a bap with some ketchup (or brown sauce, but lets not have that argument now) couldnt be beaten  and then Dishoom came along. This breakfast sandwich fills a fresh naan with bacon, a slathering of cream cheese, a luxurious tomato and chilli chutney, coriander and an oozing fried egg if you feel so inclined. Hangover be gone. Cacio e pepe at Padella Five years ago, you would have thought anyone queuing for pasta in London to have lost their minds  this dish changed that. The starlet of Padellas much coveted is this plate of pici  hand-rolled fat worms of eggless pasta  with a mirror-shine sauce of parmesan cheese and pasta. Simple but unrivalled  and itll set you back just 6. Jamon croquetas at Barrafina A dish like this should be elusive  it is far too easy to eat seven portions of croquetas in a single sitting, which is why we presume Barrafina makes you queue. Very sensible. As the crunchy coating gives way to the oozing centre, enriched with the flavour of Spanish jamon (the best ham in the business), were already planning our next visit. Biang biang noodles at Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles There are oodles of noodles in the capital, but Guirong Weis triumphant take is one of the finest. First finding followers at her north London restaurant Xian Impression (soon to reopen for dine-in, but not yet), the dish of has inspired a whole spin-off restaurant in Spitalfields. Thick, hand-pulled, chewy noodles soak up all the spice and zing of the special sauce they swim in  very special indeed. Souffle Suissesse, Le Gavroche Le Gavroche  the street urchin  is perhaps not for everyone. It is a Mayfair time machine, a reminder of how things were done once upon a time. Fortunately, it happens that how things were once done was very well indeed, and lunch or supper here is a masterclass in traditional French luxury (and often, happily, includes very large glasses of wine). Staff make the place, anyone who has been gently teased by the twins pretending to be each other will know. A tendency towards the old ways does mean the cooking offers little in the way of evolution or revolution, but new, after all, isnt always better. Michel Roux Jrs cheese souffle, baked on double cream, stuns, so overwhelmingly tasty, utter decadence that clings to the taste buds. Buttermilk Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Around the Cluck / 12:51 James Cochran found his signature dish early on, but its good it should stay with him for the rest of his career. While he has chops, and can do more beyond, theres something special in the way he works with his chicken; hotly spiced, gorgeously crispy, beautifully soft on the inside. A long-standing favourite and, though 12:51 cant operate as it did before, there are tables at his new project Around the Cluck, which is operating out of the same site. Breakfast at Hawksmoor Guildhall Your Full English is not full in comparison to the Hawksmoor breakfast at the steak connoisseurs Guildhall restaurant. The mind-boggling two-person spread swaps bacon rashers for an entire smoked chop, serves its bubble and squeak with short rib, puts trotter meat into its baked beans, and adds grilled bone marrow to all the usual trimmings. Cauliflower shawarma at Berber & Q Its not often that the main event at a barbecue restaurant is the veg, but Berber & Q have achieved just that. The cauliflower shawarma here is cooked on their flaming grill until softened and charred, before being doused liberally in tahini, pomegranate molasses, coriander, pomegranate seeds and a scattering of dried rose petals. BBQ Butter Chicken Wings at Brigadiers Brigadiers is a bold, boisterous sort of place: a labyrinthine City dining room, packed to the rafters with beer and Indian food that is indisputably gutsy. But arguably its finest moment comes in one of its smallest packages  these chicken wings may be diminutive, but are mightily spiced, deftly charred and dripping with ghee-fuelled succulence. Beef brisket bun at Smokestak David Carters Shoreditch restaurant occupies itself by giving the entirety of Kansas City a run for its money on a daily basis. The star turn at this lauded barbecue restaurant is its beef brisket bun  the meat is soft and juicy, riddled with its fats in the centre, while charred and treacle-like on the outside, paired perfectly with pickled chillies. To remember it is to salivate, we assure you. Snails, LEscargot LEscargot is one of Sohos old aristocrats and in its grand, beret red dining room there is always a mischievous sense of fun  perhaps because it is still such a smart, suited, chandeliered place, and people are often drinking themselves rather silly. The clue to good eating is in the name; the snails come still clinging to their shells and submerged in their butter and parsley sauce. Dive in; you will emerge stinking gloriously of garlic. It wont matter a jot; roll on the red wine and settle in for a long, comforting night. Confit potatoes at Quality Chop House Yes, there are some high quality chops on offer at this 150-year-old Clerkenwell restaurant but blimey, leave room for the chips. Fine slices of potato are stacked into architecturally sound wedges, and confited until shatteringly crispy on the outside and devastatingly soft in the centre. They have been much imitated in recent years, but never bettered. Smoked eel sandwich at Quo Vadis Jeremy Lee cooks many things to a legendary level at Quo Vadis  his pies could so easily have also made this list  but he gets the nod here for his unrivalled take on the fancy sandwich. Smoked eel, horseradish cream and Dijon mustard, served with red onion pickle  a combination so popular Lee says he nearly ran out of eel on post-lockdown reopening. Classic bao at Bao London has buns in abundance, but we still bow down to the fluffy superiority of Bao. The Taiwanese restaurant has become a cross-town favourite, thanks to its pleasingly pert rice buns (they are genuinely very pert, no crassness intended) and carefully considered fillings. The classic order comes filled with braised pork, fermented veg, coriander and a dusting of peanut powder. Carol Sachs Potato and roe, Core by Clare Smyth Clare Smyth has a knack that must infuriate other chefs; she is able to take the simplest of ingredients  say, a single carrot and a smattering of lamb mince  do something devilish with it and charge rather a lot for it; so good are the results, though, that few mind. Smyths sorcery is perhaps best witnessed with her signature, the potato and roe. It is simply a potato on a plate in a little sauce, but then it is also perhaps the best potato dish in the world; it has this wonderful salty richness, a certain seaside intenseness. It is glorious; so too is the smoked chicken that tends to come as an amuse bouche. Youll be treated here. Omelette Arnold Bennett Dont worry, no Arnolds were harmed in the making of this dish. Alongside impeccable service and an arguably perfect dining room, you could add another highlight to your breakfast at The Wolseley by ordering this creamy, haddock-filled dish, named for the writer who inspired its creation while staying at the Savoy. Fish pie, J Sheekey Long an actors favourite, J Sheekeys glamour has never lost its lustre. Its kept its regulars and charmed newcomers with a menu that plays the greatest hits of fine dining favourites. Seafood is Sheekeys thing; simply done sole is beautiful here, crab comes three ways, brill brushed in butter has a meatiness thats beyond satisfying. The fish pie is famous though, and rightly so; beneath the flaking pastry is a sea of cream, mustard and white wine, in it bobbing cod, haddock and salmon. It is simple but never fails; it does on its own for lunch, but is a failsafe at supper, too. John Carey The Ari Gold at Patty & Bun Theres a cheeseburger on every high street in the capital  but not all of them are created equal. Patty & Bun has got the classic combination down to a tee with its curiously named Ari Gold burger: a fat, 35-day aged patty is served medium rare, and topped with gooey American cheese, smokey house mayo and tangy pickled red onions. Xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung Few dishes in the capital have been known to cause queues of four hours. Thats exactly what the world-famous xiao long bao dumplings did when top Taiwanese restaurant group Din Tai Fung first opened in Covent Garden. An intricately folded out layer (made by chefs trained for at least 18 months) gives way to succulent meat and a broth you could take on by the bowlful. Pig's trotter, the French House Upstairs in the Soho local, Neil Borthwick is quietly running one of the areas best kitchens. He orders in particularly good oysters, does brilliant things with brill and with his pigs trotter, has a dish that is rich and fatty, but with a beautiful salty cut that makes it madly moreish. The menu tends to change often upstairs in the French, but have this if its on. That little dining room is somewhere to go in early for lunch and stay until late, eventually spilling down into the pub below, to drink pints  they do pints now, not just halfs  all while merrily reliving the joys upstairs. Peter Clark Dover sole with crab butter at Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill There are so many delights at Bentleys, its tricky to pick a single one. This could so easily have been a plate of rigorously sourced oysters, the fish pie, the decadent Royal seafood platter (pictured). It is however, the Dover sole that wins. A sublime piece of fish always, expertly cooked without fail  choose it either filleted with beautiful crab butter, or grilled and whole for a simple pleasure. Over in the City, Corrigan does similarly brilliant things with lobster at Daffodil Mulligan. Ragu, Lina Stores Sohos Lina Stores  the pasta bar, not the longstanding Italian deli it comes from  is the sort of restaurant one longs for; small, fun, friendly, not too pricey. They do small plates of near perfect pasta; their ragu, whether lamb or veal, is a gem. A good ragu is hard to find  too often theres too little meat, or meat not cooked for long enough  but here, they spend the time over it, cooking slowly, carefully. No restaurant can compare with a Nonna, but Lina gets gratifyingly close. Porterhouse steak, the Guinea Grill London is not short of steakhouses, but the Guinea does not number among them. A pub  a proper one  it is tucked down a Mayfair sidestreet, away from everything and yet still perpetually busy. Besides the small bar is a dining room that looks much as it must have done when the likes of Sinatra was in (or Bette Midler, or Kylie, or Regan, or, or, or), where theyve served prime Aberdeen Angus cooked on a smoking hot grill. The Guinea is all about having a good time  pints, red wine, brandies, the lot  but they cook beautifully, and their handling of a good piece of beef is second to none. Puree de pommes de terre, Le Comptoir Robuchon The late Joel Robuchon may have been the most decorated chef of his and perhaps any other era, but his signature stayed humble  mashed potato. Until youve had it, it is hard to believe it could be quite so good; mash, after all, is mash. No matter the scepticism, it will always surprise; it is almost silly that so little could taste of so much. A side, it will match almost everything on the menu; of which, the lamb with aubergine on the menu of classics is extraordinarily good.

Among the signature dishes there will be burrata with salsa nero, made in a similar way to salsa verde but with roasted aubergine, squid ink and black salt.

A list of predominantly natural Italian wines will be joined by a short, juice-heavy cocktail list while the setting will be bright and colourful with communal tables and large windows overlooking the water.

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H ayley Squires may only be a pocket-sized 5ft 2in but, as she approaches the glass door of our designated meeting point in Shoreditchs M Hotel, her walk  the harried stomp of the unmistakably pissed-off  means I spot her instantly. Oh my God, I just had the worst taxi driver ever, she announces in her old-fashioned south London accent. He turned up late and made me walk from up the road, so I just called him a wanker. She claps a hand over her mouth, seemingly confusing me with an easily offended local vicar. Sorry, she says, smiling. I hate being late. I should have just got the Tube.

Pretty soon, more people than that unfortunate cabbie will be forcefully acquainted with just what makes this 28-year-old actor and playwright such a formidable proposition. Next month, after four years building a well-regarded but threadbare screen CV, Squires arrives in a big way as the star of Ken Loachs fearsome new film, I, Daniel Blake.

Set in Newcastle, the movie is the Palme dOr-winning tale of a 59-year-old joiner (played by Geordie comic Dave Johns) who  hobbled by a recent heart attack and threatened with the loss of his incapacity payments  strikes up a tender friendship with a recently rehoused Londoner and single mum-of-two called Katie (Squires). Intimate, blackly funny and unforgiving when it comes to the bureaucratic cruelty of the modern benefits system, its a film with the power to take your breath away: a furious, vital message delivered at low volume.

And Squires  all haunted eyes, shaking hands and slow-crumbling bolshy exterior  is a revelation as a woman trammelled by her circumstances. Its unquestionably a career-making role. So its a surprise to learn that she didnt even think she was going to get it.

Hayley Squires: in pictures 1 /6 Hayley Squires: in pictures A scene from I, Daniel Blake. Right, Acting alongside Joe Dempsie in Channel 4s Southcliffe (2013) Victoria Beckham skirt, 1,150 and top, 550, harveynichols.com. Hair and make-up: Justine Jenkins using Inika cosmetics and Moroccanoil. Roksanda dress, 795, harveynichols.com

I got a call from the lady who was looking after me to say that Ken Loach was casting, says Squires, now installed in a window seat and cradling a cup of mint tea. Then after an initial meeting with Ken, I got asked to come up to Newcastle, because I was down to the final four. When I came out of the audition, I got to the station and I remember I rang my friend and said: I dont think I gave it enough welly. Basically, because the audition process had gone on for over a month, Id said to all my mates: If this doesnt go my way, its going to feel like a shot to the heart. I felt really invested.

Thats no understatement. Before I even have to ask if her political fires were stoked by the experience, Squires is talking about the necessary social shitstorm that she hopes the film will kick up, especially in the wake of the EU referendum decision. When the Brexit vote came through, I remember watching it and feeling a level of political fear that I never had before, she says. I felt sick with it. Then in the days and weeks afterwards youre just going: Is there anyone in charge? Where has everybody gone? And then I was looking at the things people my age were putting on Facebook. Id actually come off it but I went back on and wrote this rant saying: Listen to me. Your kids education is going to suffer, youre not going to be able to get a mortgage, the price of your petrol is going to skyrocket. I hope the film resonates with working-class audiences and helps them understand that compassion and unity is needed. Without that, no kind of change can happen.

Sweary, direct and hugely opinionated, Squires can be bracing company. Dressed down before todays photoshoot in a grey hoodie, black jeans and trainers  with her thick brown hair framing big Pixar eyes  she isnt afraid to rage about everything from Theresa May (I kind of feel like shes invisible at the moment) to the problem with non-West End theatre crowds (The majority of audiences will be actors, producers and directors there to critique rather than watch).

Sorry, she laughs at one point. I always feel like Im chewing someones ear off in interviews. Whether or not thats the case, her appetite for tackling issues head on clearly aided her portrayal of Katie. She fasted for four days to simulate her characters cash-strapped hunger and threw herself into research. She spent time with women in homeless hostels and visited a food bank in Newcastle to prepare for a pivotal scene where, without wishing to give too much away, Katies desperation comes to a head in shocking fashion.

Victoria Beckham skirt, 1,150 and top, 550, harveynichols.com. / Stephanie Sian-Smith

Born in Forest Hill (Before it got a coffee shop and became trendy, she notes drily), Squires is one of two siblings (she has an older brother called Sean). Shes the daughter of Theresa, a student support manager, and Frank, an ex-video shop manager and gangster movie connoisseur who she credits with fostering her love of film. At 14, her parents moved the family to Sittingbourne and it was here that Squires, weaned on age-inappropriate mob thrillers, first got a taste for performing. I was quite shy at school until I got to about Year 11 and discovered my mouth, she notes. Her parents split when she was 16 but she eventually got into Sidcups Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance (alma mater of Gary Oldman and incubator for multiple EastEnders stars) and scored a one-off role in the very first episode of Call The Midwife.

A brief move to Streatham and gritty supporting work followed, but Squires is characteristically frank about the meagre crumbs that she feels are swept her way by casting agents. Yes, its a cliche for me to sit here and say it but there arent enough parts for working-class women, she says. And the ones that are out there, youre either playing the girlfriend of a drug dealer, a heroin addict or a mother who cant look after her kids.

A scene from I, Daniel Blake

Does she really not see any change filtering through actings famous poshocracy? It is still a problem, she says. But I get it. She also feels her physical proportions are a problem. When theyve got 20 English Roses that are 6ft tall and a size 6, why would they see me for it? I always know Im not going to get a part when I walk into a room and they go: OK, were just going to do a full body shot. How tall are you? Im 5ft 2in and a size 10 so youre not going to put me in that Hollywood film, are you? Its frustrating because I know I could do something different with those roles. She tells me about missing out on a few big Star Wars-y type things and being pipped to a dream role on the London stage  that, incidentally, would have clashed with I, Daniel Blake  by an actress who went to RADA. Of course she did, notes Squires, ruefully.

Admirably, rather than just gripe about her perceived status as an underdog, she added another weapon to her arsenal and started writing scripts after she graduated from Rose Bruford. I wrote my first play after leaving drama school and thinking I was going to struggle [to get parts], she explains. In 2012, her first theatrical work  a fizzing, fierce, war-inspired drama called Vera Vera Vera  opened to warm reviews as part of The Royal Courts Young Writers Festival. She has written more theatre since and is working on her first screenplay (The lead part is a woman of my age and Id love to play it if it ever got made) but laughingly describes her writing process as a kick-bollock scramble where she hammers her laptop in a panic and a fury four days before a deadline.

Away from film sets, she splits her time between her mums house in Sittingbourne and her boyfriend Kyles place nearby. Kyle, she sweetly explains, is a motorbike shop manager she has known since she was at school. Me and him have been friends since we were 14, and there was always a bit of a thing, but we got together in February, she says. Its really lovely.

Elsewhere, shes fond of dirty nights out in Soho with her friends and is hopeful for an on-pitch revolution at her beloved Chelsea. Its hard to watch Mourinho in a Man United suit, to be honest, she smiles. Its like seeing your ex on the arm of someone else while also being quite glad hes not your boyfriend any more.

Mostly though, shes still on a high after I, Daniel Blakes triumphant trip to Cannes. She wore Amanda Wakeley and YSL, took her mum along for the four-day whirlwind (Telling Juliette Binoche that we both loved her was our only uncool moment) and, with competition veteran Ken Loach never far from her side, approached the glitz, pomp and frothing crowds with good humour. You had to keep a sense of irony, she says. In a way, it was ridiculous that I walked the red carpet wearing a nearly three-grand dress, given the film that it was. But, at the same time, how cool that we had that platform?

So where was she when she found out they had won one of the most prestigious prizes in film? I was at my boyfriends house, with an Indian takeaway, watching the live stream, she says, grinning. As is customary, only those being personally awarded  in this case Ken Loach and his production team  were invited back to Cannes. When it was announced, I was there in my jumper and leggings screaming at [Kyle]. I just thought: This is the most surreal moment ever.

Whatever happens now, I got to do a film with Ken Loach that won the Palme dOr. Shes not wrong. Although, this role feels like a starting point rather than a career epitaph. And its safe to say it makes up for missing out on that play. Ha! Exactly, she laughs. You can keep your RADA actress.

I, Daniel Blake is released in cinemas on 21 October

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Y ou can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes, quoth Christian Dior. Too many women think they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet. I wonder what he would have made of the Christopher Kane show. Kane shod his models feet in Crocs, those rubber clog aberrations so beloved of nurses, Prince George and the terminally tasteless. To paraphrase Karl Lagerfeld, Crocs are a sign of defeat  unless you are a three-year-old, in which case theyre forgiven. Just. And even then, only if theyre navy.

Thats the snitty point of view, at least. I loved that Kane showed Crocs, and that they came in strange, non primary-coloured shades of marbled bronze and anthracite studded with quartz stones. The internet was less convinced. You cant polish a turd, it said. Crocs are ugly and they always will be.

When Kane shows Crocs, Preen collaborates with Ugg and Anna Sui puts her models in FitFlops and flatforms, you have to ask whats going on. Threes a trend, and all that. Already weve had Fashion Birkenstocks, Fashion Dr Martens and Fashion Wellies, not to mention Fashion Clogs, Fashion Tevas and Fashion Trainers. If you were being pretentious, youd say designers obsession with populist, utilitarian footwear is symbolic of the changing nature of fashion itself. No longer are catwalk shows for the elite: theyre live-streamed, available to everyone and critiqued on social media  whether designers like it or not. Whats most likely to provide those all-important talking points: a mutton-sleeved dress festooned with jewels and lemurs or a pimped-up Croc?

High fashion can be hard to decipher and digest. Maybe next seasons rash of Uggs, FitFlops and Crocs are fashions way of being relatable (at least until we see the price tags). Or maybe theyre just an admission that, whatever trend is in the ascendant, you just cant beat a pair of comfy shoes.

Feeling the love

When Tom Ford left Gucci, it all went pear-shaped, a bit like myself. Thanks to Michele injecting energy, colour and passion into the house, now you have to fight your way into Gucci, said Elton John, presenting Alessandro Michele with his design gong at the recent GQ Awards (right). It seems that the feeling is mutual. Nul points to those who thought Deirdre Barlow was Micheles key inspiration: turns out it was the Rocket Man all along. Hes like a firework, Michele enthused backstage after last weeks Gucci show in Milan. Hes the god of music, but also very sophisticated. Righto. Shame the dimly lit, smoky presentation meant people couldnt see this shining tribute to Elton too well on social media.

Chain reaction

It wasnt the challenges of raising six kids in eight different houses while holding down a day job as an actor, filmmaker and humanitarian that sounded the death knell for Brangelinas marriage. It was the curse of the portmanteau. It did for Bennifer. It did for TomKat. It did for Billary. The reason Mr and Mrs Beckham are still together after 17 years of marriage? You might think its because they love, respect and adore each other, but the answer is more prosaic: its because nobody ever managed to successfully combine their names. No couple could go by the name Dictoria, and Vavid just didnt have the right ring to it. Mark me, tis why theyre still wearing theirs. Be careful, Kimye. Be careful.

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T he number of young women who self-harm and experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic mental illness has skyrocketed in the last decade, according to a new NHS survey.

The proportion of young women in England with PTSD has risen rapidly in recent years.

One in eight women (12.6 per cent) aged 16 to 24 now has the disorder  a threefold increase since 2007, the last time a similar survey was conducted, when 4.2 per cent said they had it.

Rates of self-harm among this group have also soared. Almost a fifth (19.7%) of young women self-harmed in 2014  up from 11.7% in 2007 and three times the number who did in 2000 (6.5%), the survey showed.

However, the true extent of self-harming is likely to be even higher at around a quarter of young women and girls, the researchers said. Around 25 per cent of respondents said they self-harmed in a written survey, while just a fifth said they did so in face-to-face interviews.

Most of those who reported self-harm hadn't sought help and the researchers warned that people who start at a young age might end up using it as "a long-term strategy for coping".

The report added: "There is a risk that the behaviour will spread to others, and also that greater engagement with the behaviour may lead in time to a higher suicide rate."

The research, Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey: Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, England, 2014, also found that rates of common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are higher among young women than any other demographic.

Of those surveyed, 28.2 per cent of young women said they had a mental health condition, compared with just 10 per cent of young men.

Best books on mindfulness 1 /14 Best books on mindfulness Find your inner peace with our pick of the best mindfulness and meditation books... Mindfulness: a practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world This bestseller will get you in the right frame of mind for 2016. Based on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)  a successful form of brief meditation this book's success relies on the way in which authors Mark Williams and Danny Penman optimistically focus on adding joy to your life as opposed to ridding it of unhappiness. 10.50, Amazon, Buy it now Anti-Stress Dot-to-Dot Always thought that dot-to-dots were an activity for children? Apprently you're wrong be wrong  the pictures in this book, featuring elegant buildings and nature scenes, will relax and focus your mind in a way you never thought a dot-to-dot book could. 5, Amazon, Buy it now I Am Here Now This will help enhance both your observation and creativity; with an audio track (featuring musings from mindfulness teacher Tara Brach) and a field notes page for recording purposes, I Am Here Now will enable your thoughts and emotions to take on a new lease of life. 7, Amazon, Buy it now The Mindful Workplace What better time to deploy the theories of mindfulness than at work? This book, filled with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques, provides an eight-week training course to keep your workplace attitude at its peak. 30.50, Amazon, Buy it now Get some headspace This book from Andy Puddicombe, founder of popular digital health platform Headspace, attempts to get people to take ten minutes out of their day for meditation purposes. Once the technique's been learned, these skills will stay with you for the rest of your life. 10, Amazon, Buy it now The Mindfulness Colouring Book Much like the dot-to-dot book above, this pocket-sized adult colouring book is the perfect activity for a 10-minute breather. Consider your stress and anxiety soothed. 4, Amazon, Buy it now The Little Book of Mindfulness In this day and age, it's more important to be in the moment than ever  this book will help you with that. From Dr Patrizia Collard, these brief practices will rid your day of stress and have you feeling more optimistic. 4, Amazon, Buy it now Body Calm The saying mind over matter derives from the idea that our minds have the power to control our bodies if we really want them to. Equally, mental stress can have a damaging effect on our bodies. Newbigging teaches us a new self-healing meditation technique to help keep our bodies healthy and to understand the source of common stress and anxiety triggers. 11, Amazon, Buy it now The Power of Now The Power of Now has become one of the most famous mindfulness books out there. Helping us to tap into our innermost Being, Tolle guides us through various techniques to help us understand that the present moment is all that really matters. 8, Amazon, Buy it now A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled An ambassador for mental health awareness, Ruby Wax OBE has helped to make mindfulness accessible to all. Having suffered from depression herself, in this book she explores how modern living is causing us more stress and anxiety than ever as we know and see too much. Included are mindfulness exercises and tips for everyone from babies to adults; all with sound underlying scientific reasoning. 4, Amazon, Buy it now

The apparent increase in PTSD could be attributed to violence and abuse, including rape, near-death-experiences, and a loved one being killed or killing themselves, experts said.

We know that there are things like violence and abuse that are strongly associated with mental illness, said Sally McManus, who led the research, as reported The Guardian.

However, she added that technology, particularly mobile phones, may also play a role. This is also the age of social media ubiquity. This is the context that they [young women] are coming into and it warrants further research.

Professor Sir Simon Wessely, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said the rate of mental illness among young women, as well as middle-aged adults and ethnic minorities, is concerning.

"We need to step back and consider what social and cultural factors might be behind these trends, but with just one in three people with a mental illness receiving treatment, the need for mental health services is far outstripped by the demand, he said.

Wessely called for greater investment in research and mental health services.

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B ritish police searching for Ben Needham, the toddler who disappeared 25 years ago on a Greek island, have found an area of decomposition, they revealed today.

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins, from South Yorkshire police, said the decomposing matter, which has yet to be identified, has been found.

Forensic scientists in Aberdeen, who are analysing the decomposed samples, have reportedly been unable to rule out whether they were human remains.

A search of land around the farmhouse on Kos where Ben was last seen alive has also found a fig tree that historic photographs show was not there in July 1991  the month he went missing

Search for missing toddler Ben Needham in Kos

New line of inquiry: Officers sift through piles of earth taken from an olive grove near the scene where toddler Ben went missing. / PA

There were signs of some decomposition, DI Cousins said. We have found a number of patches that are of interest to us. What I want to do is discount that they may be human waste from the farmhouse itself.

It is groundbreaking work, we are able to narrow down the decomposed matter to specific animals. One of the samples have been revealed to be canine remains and another is a specific species of bat.

Team: Forensics, police and archaeologists are working together. / PA

He added: There are nutrients in the soil that are consistent with the decomposition of something. The scientists have been unable to determine what it is.

Ben went missing aged 21 months on July 24, 1991, and has never been seen since. His family had moved from Sheffield to Kos in search of a new life.

He was being looked after by his grandparents Eddie and Christine Needham at the time while his mother Kerry was at work at a nearby hotel. She has fought a long campaign to get the case reinvestigated. Last year the Home Office granted extra funding weeks after she threatened to sue then Home Secretary Theresa May.

Officers began a fresh search earlier this month after a witness came forward to claim that Ben may have been accidentally run over by a digger and buried.

Todays breakthrough comes four days into the dig at the farmhouse, near the village of Iraklis. DI Cousins said the search, with assistance from Greek officials, was benefiting from advances in forensic science.
A n online dealer was today spared jail after she was caught trying to auction off rugs made from endangered tigers.

Dovile Vaitkeviciute, 31 was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, for trading in endangered species without certification at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.

Vaitkeviciute was fined 685 and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

She pleaded guilty to the offence in September after officers from the Mets Wildlife Crime Unit found an advert for a Javan tiger skin rug on an auction website.

Sentenced: Vaitkeviciute was sent to prison for six months suspended for two years / Met Police

For the rug to be an antique, and therefore saleable without a certificate, the tiger used to make it would need to be killed before 1947.

But suspicions were raised when the rug appeared to be in a better than expected condition.

In May 2014, a warrant was executed to raid Vaitkeviciute's home in Mark Road, Haringey where several skins were seized and examined by a wildlife inspector.

Experts determined the tiger used to make the rug had been killed in the 1970s, more than a quarter of a century beyond the acceptable time boundary for trade in endangered animal skins.

Illegal: Detectives said Vaitkeviciute made a false statement to authorities to import a "Bali" tiger rug / Met Police

During the investigation, Vaitkeviciute offered a further tiger skin rug for sale online and suggested it may be a 'Bali' Tiger.

She claimed the skin was a gift from someone in Italy and that it was made before 1947 but this was ruled out by a wildlife inspector.

Detectives discovered that Vaitkeviciute had in fact paid 2,500 for the skin and had therefore provided false information to authorities in relation to the import of the item.

She was also charged with making a false statement in order to obtain a certificate.

Detective Constable Sarah Bailey of the Met's Wildlife Crime Unit said: "There are guidelines for dealers in endangered species and in some cases it is clear that the dealers are aware of the regulations but take the decision to disregard them for financial gain.
S ir Bernard Hogan-Howe today announced he is stepping down as Met Police Commissioner months before his contract expires.

Britain's most senior police officer will retire in February after a fractious start to his relationship with new Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Mr Khan expressed doubts over Sir Bernard's decision-making and suggested he wanted to pick his own Commissioner.

Sir Bernard's contract had been due to run out in September next year, but he announced today he would be stepping down seven months before that date.

The Mayor issued a luke-warm statement thanking Sir Bernard for his service and pledging to "work closely" with Home Secretary Amber Rudd to find a replacement.

Announcing his retirement, Sir Bernard said: "I am so proud of the remarkable men and women who serve Londoners as police officers and staff and make this such a safe place for people to live, work or visit.

"I want to thank all of them for what they do, and the risks they take each day to protect the public.

"I want to thank all the partners we work with in government, in City Hall and across London. And I want to thank the public for the support they show the Met, and have shown me personally, as we do our difficult jobs.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe 1 /26 Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe Standing down: Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is retiring after five years as Met Commissioner Sir Bernard was made London's top cop in 2011 Sir Bernard thanked his police force, saying: "I want to thank all of them for what they do, and the risks they take each day to protect the public." The commissioner said it had been a "great privilege" to carry out his role Sir Bernard said: "It's the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys." The commissioner had been expected to stand down in September 2017, but will retire early Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is Britain's most senior police officer During the mayoral election campaign, Mr Khan hinted he may want to find a replacement for Sir Bernard Doreen Lawrence, mother of murdered Stephen, meets Sir Bernard In 2015, the BBC cameras were allowed to follow the force for a documentary called The Met: Policing London New Mayor of London Sadiq Khan appears to have had a strained relationship with the outgoing chief Sir Bernard helped deliver a safe and successful 2012 Olympics The hunt is now on for Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe's replacement Sir Bernard said: "It's the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys." Mr Khan thanked Sir Bernard for "his years of service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe" Sir Bernard has overseen the Met's response to terrorism, including rolling out 600 heavily-armed officers Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "He has shown remarkable and consistent dedication to public service." In the latter part of his tenure, Sir Bernard has faced questions about his force's handling of inquiries into historical abuse allegations. One of his first major challenges in the job was leading the response to the London riots Gone: Sir Bernard is leaving after five years

"I came into this job determined to fight crime and make the MPS the best, most professional police service. I wish my successor well as they take on this amazing responsibility.

"It has been a great privilege to be the Met's Commissioner. I have loved my time in the role and I have loved being a police officer.

"It's the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys."

Top cop: Home Secretary Amber Rudd with Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe (Reuters) / REUTERS

During the mayoral election campaign, Mr Khan hinted he may want to replace Sir Bernard, saying: "Its for the Mayor of London to have a big say in who the commissioner of the Metropolitan police is."

And in September, Mr Khan publicly rebuked the Commissioner three times during the course of one meeting as tensions between the pair were exposed.

In the most recent clash between the pair, Mr Khan said he was disappointed not to have been consulted on plans - which were later scrapped - for the Met to start using "spit hoods" to restrain suspects.

He also distanced himself from the Met's show of strength after stabbings in Hyde Park when heavily armed counter-terror officers were put on display.

In a statement today, the Mayor said: "I would like to thank Bernard for his years of service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe - I have enjoyed working closely together with him over the past five months.

"Bernard oversaw the excellent policing of the 2012 Olympic Games and has taken big steps towards making our police service more representative of London.

"I will work closely with the Home Secretary to ensure we find the best possible candidate to appoint as the new Commissioner, so that we can continue to keep Londoners safe."

Sadiq Khan rebuked Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe / Reuters

Home Secretary Amber Rudd added: "I want to thank Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe for the leadership he has shown as Commissioner, and his work to keep the communities of London safe and the United Kingdom secure against the backdrop of a heightened terror threat.

"Sir Bernard has had a long and distinguished career as a determined crimefighter and an inspirational senior officer. He has shown remarkable and consistent dedication to public service.

"Among his many achievements in London was the delivery of a safe and successful 2012 Olympics.

"I am grateful to Sir Bernard for his dedication and support, and look forward to working closely with him until his retirement next year."

TODO: define component type apester

Sir Bernard first joined the Met as Assistant Commissioner in July 2001 before eventually becoming the forces chief in September 2011.

One of his first major challenges in the job was leading the response to the London riots, sparked by the police shooting of Mark Duggan in Tottenham.

Those riots saw Londons worst violence for years, with officers in some parts of the capital hugely outnumbered as shops and businesses were ransacked.

He also led the capitals response to the threat posed by terrorism, including the launch of 600 new heavily-armed officers on to Londons streets last month.

And as commissioner he was also tasked with policing Londons hugely successful 2012 Olympic Games.

In the latter part of his tenure, Sir Bernard has faced questions about his force's handling of inquiries into historical abuse allegations.

The Met was engulfed in a storm of controversy over Operation Midland, its doomed investigation into VIP paedophile claims.

That 16-month probe was launched after claims that boys were sexually abused by public figures more than 30 years ago - but it closed in March without a single arrest.

Sir Bernard called in a former High Court judge to examine the handling of a number of investigations involving historical abuse claims, with the report expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.
A young woman today said standing up to catcallers nearly cost her life after she was mown down by two thugs on a moped when she rejected their advances.

Pagan Lilley Motlagh-Phillips, 19, was badly injured after ignoring two louts who were harassing her as she walked home with her younger brother.

She said the men pulled out of an alleyway and the driver shouted: You alright, darling? When she refused to respond she says the man demanded an an-swer and threatened them, before reversing back up the road and deliberately driving at them on the pavement.

Miss Motlagh-Phillips, of East Ham, pushed her brother Trojan, 18, out of the way but was thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. She alleges the bike then reversed over her.

The incident took place in Cherry Tree Walk, Rainham, at 9.30pm on June 6, after a trip to Lakeside. Miss Motlagh-Phillips, a housing benefit officer at Newham council and who is planning a career in social law, said: I do not believe a woman should have to put up with being catcalled on the street so I took a stand but it nearly cost me my life.

Pagan Lilley Motlagh-Phillips said she was attacked while walking with her brother / Twitter

I could have been killed but I believe in social justice and more must be done to catch those committing such crimes against women. By standing up and being counted Im hoping other women come forward and more pressure will be put on the police and things will change for the better.

'Cat calls': Pagan-Lilley Motlagh-Phillips criticised the police after the alleged incident

After the incident Ms Motlagh-Phillips was taken to Queens hospital in Romford where doctors found internal bruising. She said she had to take two weeks off from her job because of her injuries: I ended up battered in hospital. The tyre had shredded my clothes and torn into my skin, it was so painful.

The incident had left her traumatised and fearful that she might be struck down again, she added: After what happened I couldnt go out  I was just too scared. I had very long distinctive hair which I felt was like a sign on my back for my attackers to recognise me in the street so I cut it short. No one should have to do that but it was the only way I could regain the confidence to get on with my life.

She said she had been too scared to make her ordeal public until almost three months later. Police need to do more and take more seriously crimes against women  we are being seriously let down, she said. People need to know this intimidation must stop.

Scotland Yard said a 21-year-old man was arrested but no further action was taken because there was not enough evidence. A Met spokesman said: Officers from Havering CID investigated and CCTV footage was obtained but it was not possible to identify the suspects. All possible leads have been explored. Should additional information come to light this will be reviewed. Anyone with information should call 101 using reference number 5409597/1.

A survey by ActionAid found three quarters of women have suffered public harassment or violence in cities.

Anyone with information about this incident should call 101 using the reference number 5409597/16.
I t is 8.45am and a line of hungry children eagerly await breakfast outside a classroom at Hazelbury primary school in Edmonton. Moments later a handful burst in, running over to a table adorned with cereals, bagels, spreads, milk and juice. A few grab cheeky mouthfuls as they pose for pictures, before dashing off to finish a satisfying, healthy breakfast.

This is a familiar scene for Carmel McConnell, founder of The Magic Breakfast, a charity that delivers morning meals to children who would otherwise go without.

Ms McConnell was stunned into creating her organisation 16 years ago after hearing from school staff that they were having to feed their pupils before lessons started, as many were hungry.

Teachers were saying that kids would run to the door of the classroom when they smelt the food being made for lunch at 11am, she says. Today, we are hearing from headteachers, We cannot teach these children. Our children have to sleep in class as they are so hungry. This is in London.

Nine-year-old Asia enjoys her breakfast / Alex Lentati

The Magic Breakfast has a simple mission: to eradicate child hunger in the mornings in London by 2020. It gives free breakfasts to pupils comprising cereals (zero salt and sugar) donated by Tesco, porridge from Quaker Oats, bagels from Bagel Nash, and juice from Tropicana. It is an example of one of many organisations using fresh produce to tackle food poverty that could benefit from a grant of up to 20,000 from the Standards Food For London 320,000 open grants programme.

The charity has 200 partner schools in the capital and another 280 across the rest of England. There are 60 London schools on the waiting list  with 17 per cent of those in Tower Hamlets, where half of children are classified as poor. On average, 49 pupils receive breakfast in each school, meaning the charity helps 9,800 young people in London every day.

At Hazelbury, 48 per cent of the 1,200 pupils are eligible for free school meals under government rules. The school signed up to Magic Breakfast two years ago when its Key Stage 2 results were deemed below the floor, meaning that less than 65 per cent of pupils had reached the national standard in reading, writing and maths.

Associate head Laura Taylor says the Magic Breakfast had made a transformational impact: Every morning pupils come in, eat breakfast and socialise with one another. In terms of their academic development, they are sharper, more awake. There is no drooping at about 10am. A nine-year-old girl, tucking in to a bagel, says: At home I dont get time to eat breakfast. Having breakfast here means I have the energy to get me through the day and to learn.

Asia, also nine, adds: Its so much better for you to have something good for you.

After breakfast, Ms McConnell talks numbers. It costs the charity about 2,100  just 22p a child  to deliver breakfast to London pupils. Multiply that by 190 days in a school year, and the annual cost comes to 400,000.

Innovative: Magic Breakfast founder Carmel McConnell / Alex Lentati

When asked how much she thought it would cost to eradicate child hunger in the mornings nationally by 2020, Ms McConnell predicts 13 million to 18 million a year. The big thing we need, quite simply, is cash, she says.

But is it not the responsibility of the Government to support them? My team are divided on this. If the Government pays for lunches, then maybe they pay for breakfasts. We have successfully lobbied for breakfast clubs to be beneficiaries of the sugar tax scheme. But we need more.

She adds: I want Theresa May, who is talking about life chances, [Education Secretary] Justine Greening, who is talking about social mobility driven by education, not to miss this way of providing these objectives.

The upshot of child hunger is that they will fail at school and we will be dealing with the fallout. Feeding hungry children so they can learn is a no-brainer. Breakfast is the silver bullet.

She adds: There is a role the private sector and corporates can play. We are investing in the future workforce in the country. These kids are a smart investment. As well as cash, the charity is looking for firms to donate food. Its priorities are fruit, milk and protein. It recently started to work with FareShare, a charity that helps deliver surplus fresh food to those in need. But their relationship is minimal, Ms McConnell says.

They cannot get constancy of supply and schools need that. They are fabulous and are doing an excellent thing but it is tricky.

How can we eradicate hunger? Ms McConnell sighs. My great hope is that people will read this and say, We should be feeding hungry children. Id love for people to support us. And for us to proudly say we have sorted this issue out.

magicbreakfast.com
A n American who sparked a backlash by handing out badges encouraging Londoners to talk to strangers on the Tube today said: "Haters gonna hate".

NHS worker Jonathan Dunne made and handed out 500 badges designed to be worn by commuters who wanted to strike up a conversation on the Underground.

But the badges, which carried the question 'Tube chat?', sparked outrage on social media from Londoners who considered solitude on their commute sacrosanct.

The 42-year-old responsible for them hit back, though, telling sceptics the badges are for lonely people who want some company.

'Haters gonna hate': Jonathan Dunne / Facebook

"Haters gonna hate," Mr Dunne told the Standard. "Who cares if thats what theyre writing about? If people are really upset by 500 tube chat badges then they need to get a life.

After the Tube chat badges were handed out this morning at Old Street, Londoners took to social media in their swathes to condemn the idea of talking to a stranger during their commute.

Some Twitter users even chose to make their own mock badges, telling people not to talk to them.

One of the spoof designs spawned by the badges (Buzzfeed)

And Mr Dunne, who is from Colorado and now lives in Green Lanes, revealed that he had difficulty handing out the 500 badges before making it into work.

He said: "It's rush hour so it's sort of running the gauntlet.

"The reaction to the badges was about 80/20, 80 percent really negative and 20 per cent positive but it's completely voluntary.

"I thought it would be a fun thing to do, handing out the flyers and chatting to people but it didn't go so well.

"People wouldn't take one, saying they might end up talking to a psychopath."

Mr Dunne added that the idea behind the badges came from an activity he organised as an administrator at the NHS and from his Colorado upbringing.

He said: "I organised an activity at the NHS to coincide with the Olympics and to get people involved but no one came.

"My wife and I both come from small towns in America and locally we know everyone.

"If you go to the supermarket there you know everyone at least by their face, but as soon as you walk out of the door in London you're anonymous."

Despite wearing a badge on his commute home yesterday, Mr Dunne said nobody tried to speak to him on the Tube.

But he added that he would be wearing one home tonight and that "hope springs eternal"

He also revealed that he was planning on making more badges to hand out, despite criticism from Londoners and his wife.

He said: When I do it again Im not going to do it at a station, being somewhere different will bring up a completely different reaction.

At a station people put a guard up and I think I could have been holding anything and people would have told me to go away.

Im thinking about doing another hundred but my wife isnt too keen."
Several months ago, when Travis Lewis decided to move to Montana, a place he'd never previously been, he didn't see anything resembling his home state of Virginia. That was until he went to the Helena Farmers' Market over the summer, where he saw a table for a familiar child-advocate organization called CASA.

"Everything else is different, but the one thing that was familiar was CASA," the 19-year-old said.

He decided to support the court-appointed advocate program by buying a $10 raffle ticket for a car. It paid off.

On Wednesday, after winning the raffle, he drove off the Chevrolet of Helena lot in his new red Suzuki.

"I'm really excited," said Lewis, who moved to Helena about seven months ago and works for TruGreen lawn care.

"It's a little overwhelming. It's very generous."

After being introduced to the program by CASA advocates, Chevrolet of Helena employees decided to donate the car to be raffled. Brian Sundelius, general manager of the dealership, said this is one of four donated cars this year.

About $2,500 was made to support the organization, which serves children in Lewis and Clark and Broadwater Counties who have experienced abuse and neglect and are in the district court system.

"We lucked out," said Dennis Molnar, executive director of CASA of Lewis and Clark and Broadwater counties.

The money will bolster the other fundraisers, which include an annual April banquet.

"We look for whatever we can to be able to expand the financial piece," Molnar said of the nonprofit. "It's all fundraising."

"It was a real plus for us to be able to do this," he added.

The timing of the giveaway is also important, Molnar said, as the state CASA office has been in the news for financial woes and potential closure. This will not impact the local offices, he said.

The Helena office, like the other 14 in the state, works directly with the children and their cases while the state office serves as support. Statewide last year, 620 active volunteers served more than 2,000 abused and neglected children in Montana, a 28 percent increase over 2014.

Locally, more than 200 children in the child-protection system have been served by a CASA advocate. So far in 2016, the Helena group has taken on 74 new cases.

Currently, about 25 local children are without advocates. Molnar said the raffle also assisted in raising awareness and enlisting potential volunteers.

"It got us not just donation dollars, but people," he said.

For more information, visit www.helenacasa.org.
A Met police officer was sacked today after he was convicted of attacking his girlfriend and sending her a string of hateful Whatsapp messages.

PC Bobby Cooper, based at Harrow police station, was dismissed after subjecting his girlfriend to a torrent of abuse as their 10-month relationship deteriorated last year.

The former Royal Marine had sent her a series of offensive messages, including one in which he branded her a "n***** loving c***", while she was still living with him in a flat in Islington, north London.

The 30-year-old also smashed up her iPhone 5 by hurling it against a wall when she returned home late from a night out and assaulted her.

PC Cooper was earlier convicted at Westminster magistrates' court of two counts of common assault against his partner between July and October last year and causing criminal damage to her phone.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of malicious communications relating to the Whatsapp messages.

PC Cooper was dismissed without notice following a misconduct hearing today in which Panel Chairman assistant commissioner Helen King said he had "undermined the hard work of his colleagues" in domestic violence cases.

He faced allegations his behaviour breached the Mets guidelines in respect of "discreditable conduct'.

He was not present or represented at the hearing.

Detective Sergeant Tony Evans told the hearing numerous attempts had been made to contact PC Cooper but he made it clear he did not wish to attend or engage with the misconduct process.

Concluding, AC King said: "PC Cooper has been convicted of four criminal offences including violence in a domestic relationship.

"The case against him is proven and is very clearly one that amounts to gross misconduct.

"Any one of these offences is serious enough to amount to dismissal.

"PC's Cooper's actions undermined the hard work of his colleagues across the Met that give domestic abuse victims the confidence to speak out."

After he was found guilty of the criminal charges in June, he was handed a 12-month community order, ordered to take 180 hours unpaid work and handed an indefinite restraining order banning any direct or indirect contact with his former girlfriend.

He was also told to attend a Building Better Relationship programme for 40 days and a rehabilitative activity requirement for up to 35 days as well as pay 600 towards prosecution costs and an 80 surcharge.
A female police officer was rushed to hospital after her vehicle crashed into a car in south east London last night.

She was responding to an emergency call in a marked police car when the incident happened on Bexleyheath Broadway just before 7pm.

The other driver, a man believed to be in his 70s, had to be cut free by the London Fire Brigade after becoming trapped in his car.

A Met Police spokeswoman said: The driver of the car, a male believed to be in his 70s, has been taken to a south London hospital.

"His injuries are not life threatening.

A female police officer from the marked police car involved in the collision has been taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries.

No arrests were made as a result of the incident, police said.

Smashed: The police car was pictured with heavy damage to the front / @DollyRotten

The incident has been referred to the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards.

Local road closures were put in place while the incident was being dealt with.
A teenager has been seriously injured after being hit by a car in Mile End in the early hours of this morning.

Police were called to Mile End Road at the junction with Burdett Road at 12.13am to reports of a pedestrian being hit by a car.

A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital after being found with serious injuries at the scene, a notorious accident blackspot.

Mile End Road was closed for several hours this morning while the man was being treated.

A Met Police spokesman said: A male pedestrian was taken to an East London hospital where he remains in a serious, non-life threatening condition.

The driver stopped at the scene and there have been no arrests.
M et Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has denied he is stepping down from the role because of a strained relationship with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Britain's most senior police officer today announced his retirement months before his contract expires, leading to speculation over the fractious relationship between him and Mr Khan.

But today the commissioner denied that the mayor, who took over from Boris Johnson in May, was the reason for him leaving the job.

In an interview on LBC Radio, he said his decision was not at all based on his relationship with the mayor.

He said: I have a close relationship both with the mayor and with the deputy mayor, and I would be quite happy for that to continue.

Great relationship: The Commissioner refuted claims his retirement was due to the election of the new Mayor / Nigel Howard

Just like I had a great relationship with Boris and his deputy - both different people with different political persuasions.

The thing that joins whoever I work with has been that you have a common thing, which is genuinely to keep the place we live in and protect safe. That is a common bond."

In the past Mr Khan has suggested he has doubts over Sir Bernard's decision-making and hinted that he would want to pick his own commissioner.

During the mayoral election campaign, Mr Khan said: "Its for the Mayor of London to have a big say in who the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police is."

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe 1 /26 Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe Standing down: Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is retiring after five years as Met Commissioner Sir Bernard was made London's top cop in 2011 Sir Bernard thanked his police force, saying: "I want to thank all of them for what they do, and the risks they take each day to protect the public." The commissioner said it had been a "great privilege" to carry out his role Sir Bernard said: "It's the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys." The commissioner had been expected to stand down in September 2017, but will retire early Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is Britain's most senior police officer During the mayoral election campaign, Mr Khan hinted he may want to find a replacement for Sir Bernard Doreen Lawrence, mother of murdered Stephen, meets Sir Bernard In 2015, the BBC cameras were allowed to follow the force for a documentary called The Met: Policing London New Mayor of London Sadiq Khan appears to have had a strained relationship with the outgoing chief Sir Bernard helped deliver a safe and successful 2012 Olympics The hunt is now on for Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe's replacement Sir Bernard said: "It's the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys." Mr Khan thanked Sir Bernard for "his years of service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe" Sir Bernard has overseen the Met's response to terrorism, including rolling out 600 heavily-armed officers Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "He has shown remarkable and consistent dedication to public service." In the latter part of his tenure, Sir Bernard has faced questions about his force's handling of inquiries into historical abuse allegations. One of his first major challenges in the job was leading the response to the London riots Gone: Sir Bernard is leaving after five years

And in the most recent disagreement between the pair, Mr Khan said he was disappointed not to have been consulted on plans - which were later scrapped - for the Met to start using "spit hoods" to restrain suspects.

He also distanced himself from the Met's show of strength after stabbings in Hyde Park when heavily armed counter-terror officers were sent out into the streets.

Former Mayor: The Commissioner reportedly had a 'close and cordial' relationship with Boris Johnson / Jeremy Selwyn

When pushed by LBC interviewer Nick Ferrari on his relationship with the mayor, the commissioner said: "Nobody wants to play politics with the police. It is a really bad idea to do that.

You want to keep that trusting relationship and that is usually how it works."

But he added that his successor would need to be prepared for a lot of changes under Mr Khan's mayoral term.

"You have to acknowledge that the mayor is going to be here for another four years and there are some big changes coming - partly because we have less money," he said.

TODO: define component type apester

"So whoever leads this organisation next needs to be really thinking about the next five years."

Mr Khan today issued a statement thanking Sir Bernard for his service and pledging to "work closely" with Home Secretary Amber Rudd to find a replacement.
A London mosque is being investigated by the charities watchdog following allegations it promoted the killing of Muslims from a minority sect.

The Charity Commission announced the inquiry into Stockwell Green mosque today after reports that leaflets were found suggesting Ahmadis who did not convert to mainstream Islam within three days should face capital punishment  the death penalty.

Mosque leaders previously denied the leaflets were found at the premises.

Ahmadis are banned from referring to themselves as Muslims in Pakistan because they believe their founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, was a prophet  something perceived as blasphemous by many Muslims.

The commission first visited the mosque  also known as Aalami Majlise Tahaffuze Khatme Nubuwwat, a registered charity  in May and launched the statutory inquiry this month.

It will probe suspicions of poor governance, financial management and trustees carrying out activities outside the charitys stated objects.

A mosque spokesman could not be reached for comment.

The probe comes after the killing of Ahmadi shopkeeper Asad Shah in Glasgow last March in a sectarian attack.
S adiq Khan today launched a new curriculum for London to give pupils at up to 1,800 primary schools an insight into the history and culture of their capital.

The new Going Underground unit on the London curriculum, which was first brought in by former mayor Boris Johnson for secondary schools, will be available for the first time to all primary head teachers to run alongside the national one.

Pupils will be able to explore the secrets of the London Underground, hidden rivers, dungeons, wartime bunkers and Roman houses, as well as the Tubes art and poetry programmes.

Schools signed up to the curriculum, backed by the Mayors Fund charity and the BeOpen Foundation, will also be given access to trips to the Houses of Parliament, the Natural History Museum and Guildhall Art Gallery and Amphitheatre.

The Mayor said: London has been shaped throughout time by people who have come from around the world to make this city their home  from the Romans onwards. Our history and culture is a truly global one, so what better way for primary school children to learn than directly from Londons museums, art galleries and other fascinating institutions?

Since its launch by Mr Johnson in 2014, a total of 321 secondary schools have signed up to the programme.

Mr Khan has appointed his offi- cial deputy, Joanne McCartney, to oversee education in the capital, even though the Mayor has no formal responsibilities.
T he suspension of the leading lawyer handling the national inquiry into child sex abuse has been described as a blow for justice by a London MP.

Ben Emmerson QC was suspended from his post as the probe had become very concerned about aspects of his leadership, a spokeswoman for the inquiry said. Mr Emmerson, 53, said he learned of the move via the internet and no allegations had been put to him.

The inquiry will cover the abuse of children in care in Lambeth, and Streatham MP Chuka Umunna, who has constituents who are Lambeth abuse survivors, said: , said: As an MP to the principal survivors group Im extremely concerned about Mr Emmersons suspension.

"Yet another blow to the search for justice.

It is the latest setback for the 100 million inquiry, which is on to its fourth chairwoman in two years.

The inquiry was criticised for being too large in scope by former chairwoman Lowell Goddard, who quit last month, and Mr Emmerson is said to have been concerned about its direction.

The Home Office said the inquirys terms of reference, which are set by the Home Secretary in consultation with the inquiry chairwoman  now Professor Alexis Jay  would not be changed.
H eathrow bosses today controversially proposed raising the cap on flights at Heathrow to around 500,000 a year.

They made the bid as they argued that a bigger Heathrow was needed to boost global trade after the Brexit vote.

Currently, the number of flight movements at the west London airport is capped at 480,000 a year.

But Heathrow chiefs proposed a further 25,000 flights a year on current operational levels, which is just below the cap.

John Stewart, chair of anti-third runway campaign group HACAN, said: The cap on flights on flights has always been regarded as sacrosanct by residents.

If it is to be lifted in advance of a third runway, it is essential that measures such as a tougher night flight regime are in place.

He believes the new proposals from Heathrow have been rushed out as rival plans for a second runway at Gatwick or extending the northern runway at the west London airport could be delivered more quickly and cheaply to respond to the new post-Brexit world.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is understood to have put pressure on Heathrow, Gatwick and the Heathrow Hub consortium behind the plans to extend the northern runway, to examine if their proposals could be delivered more quickly and more cheaply.

He is said to be seeking a quicker timetable so there is more capacity as quickly as possible post-Brexit and to limit the costs of flying to and from London which come from the bill for a new runway.

Gatwick says it can deliver an extra runway by the end of 2024, start of 2025, for 7.8 billion.

Heathrows proposals were due to cost 16.8 billion, and for a third runway to open in 2025, but it recently suggested 3 billion could be saved including by no longer tunnelling the M25.

With the Government set to decide within weeks whether to back another runway at Heathrow or Gatwick, the west London airport published new research claiming that a third runway could unlock nearly 60 billion of growth in the first 15 years after Brexit.

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The airports chief executive John Holland-Kaye claimed: Heathrows third runway is the only option that can help every nation and region of Britain realise the opportunities of Brexit.

Heathrow is also suggesting that a night flight ban from 11pm to 5.30am could come in from 2021, dependent on planning permission for a third runway and changes to airspace arrangements.

But Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith, who has vowed to resign as MP for Richmond Park sparking a by-election if the Government backs a third runway, criticised the proposed lifting of the cap which he argued would cause more noise pollution for local residents.

This is a last ditch effort to build up Heathrows coffers at the expense of hundreds of thousands of residents, because unlike the alternatives, Heathrows proposals come with catastrophic financial risk, he added.

Meanwhile, an exclusive BMG Research poll for The Standard also showed that a majority of the public, 56 per cent, believe a third runway is a price worth paying as part of efforts to ensure Britain can trade globally, particularly after Brexit.

However, 44 per cent of adults say it would be too high a price to pay given the noise and pollution impact on people near the airport, regardless of any supposed economic benefit.

Gatwick said Heathrows changing plans were a last minute and desperate attempt to meet its very compelling promises on costs and delivery of a second runway.
J ewish Labour members today vowed to continue their fight to ensure that tackling anti-Semitism is written into the party rulebook as disciplinary action was expected against a Jeremy Corbyn-supporting activist who reportedly criticised Holocaust Memorial Day.

Footage of Jackie Walker, vice chair of the Momentum movement which supports the party leader, shows her asking at a Labour party conference fringe event: Wouldnt it be wonderful if Holocaust day was open to all peoples whove experienced Holocaust?

She was then told the day was for all post-Second World War genocides.

Ms Walker also said she had not heard a definition of anti-Semitism she could work with.

It is understood a complaint will be made to the partys compliance unit, and disciplinary action could follow.

The Jewish Labour Movement has called for the activist to resign from Momentum, and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust said it was shocked and saddened by the remarks.

Ms Walker was readmitted to the party in May after a suspension for alleged anti-Semitic comments about the slave trade. The Labour party said it did not comment on individual members.

Today a renewed push began to ensure action on anti-Semitism is written into Labours rulebook, following fury from Jewish members that it was not discussed at the conference.

Vice-chair of the Jewish Labour Movement Mike Katz today said he was disappointed the issue had not been prioritised by the partys National Executive Committee. He said: Weve heard strong words from Jeremy Corbyn in his speech but as we saw in the response from the entire conference, the party wants action to be taken. The party wants something to be done now and its a shame that we do not have a rulebook that is as well equipped to deal with this issues as it could be.

The Jewish Labour Movement and the Finchley, Streatham and Chipping Barnet constituency parties want Labours constitution to include disciplinary action for those who express anti-Semitism. Unless there is a special constitutional conference during the year, the change will not be formalised at the 2017 conference.
F ormer head of the Crown Prosecution Service Sir Keir Starmer is being tipped to replace Andy Burnham as shadow home secretary.

The barrister and Holborn & St Pancras MP had been working as a junior shadow Home Office Minister under Mr Burnham, though quit in June in the mass resignations over Jeremy Corbyns leadership.

However he is now expected to return to the shadow front bench and his legal background and work on Labours immigration policy is said to make him a good fit for Mr Corbyn, despite him only being an MP for just over a year.

Mr Burnham resigned yesterday at party conference to focus full-time on his campaign to become the elected mayor of Greater Manchester.

Today the New Statesman reported that Shami Chakrabarti, who recently became a Labour peer and chaired the partys anti-Semitism inquiry, is set to become shadow attorney general.

The barrister and former Liberty director would move into the position occupied previously by Karl Turner, who resigned in June.

It was also speculated at the Labour Party conference that former shadow housing minister John Healey will make a return to the shadow front bench.

He also resigned from Jeremy Corbyns team as part of the mass walkouts staged after the sacking of Hilary Benn.

Labour challenger Owen Smith, former shadow work and pensions secretary, has ruled out working under Mr Corbyn again.
MISSOULA -- The speaker of the Montana House says he will ask state Attorney General Tim Fox to weigh in on the validity of the private-gun-sale background check ordinance passed by the Missoula City Council on Monday.

In a post on his Facebook page, Speaker Austin Knudsen, R-Culbertson, wrote that he believes the new ordinance violates state and federal laws and wants a legal opinion from Fox.

The new ordinance mandates background checks prior to the private transfer of firearms in Missoula city limits.

Knudsen, a graduate of the University of Montana law school, said he will be asking for Foxs interpretation of how the ordinance meshes with a Montana law (MCA 45-8-351) that says local government cannot "prohibit, register, tax, license, or regulate the purchase, sale or other transfer'' of "any weapon.''

The legislator said he believes the ordinance is also a violation of the right to bear arms under the Montana Constitution.

As an elected official and a member of the leadership of the Montana Legislature, Knudsen said he has the authority to request that Fox prepare an opinion.

He will need to write a formal request, including background research and the matters of law he is seeking clarification on. Knudsen said Wednesday his goal is to have the request submitted by the end of the week.

This is an issue in particular that Montanans are very passionate about, he said, adding that he wants to stay on top of local legislation that could encroach on constitutional rights.

***

City attorney Jim Nugent, who had issued an opinion in September 2015 that the council used as legal justification for the ordinance, cited another section of the same law Knudsen is seeking clarification on. It gives local governments the power to prevent and suppress...the possession of firearms by convicted felons, adjudicated mental incompetents, illegal aliens and minors.

In October 2015, Fox issued a one-sentence statement regarding the then proposed ordinance, but did not provide a legal opinion.

Contrary to the opinion of the city attorney, whom I respect, I believe that Missoulas proposed gun control ordinance is prohibited by state law and likely violates our constitutional right to keep and bear arms, he wrote at the time.

A legal opinion authored by the attorney general supersedes one issued by a city or county attorney unless overruled by a state district court or the Montana Supreme Court.

The Missoula ordinance, set to take effect 30 days after its passage on Sept. 26, does not include guidance on where or how gun owners should obtain background checks. Some firearm dealers have told Councilman Bryan von Lossberg, who drafted the measure, that they wont conduct such checks.
T heresa May was accused today by former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan of a lack of a plan on how to tackle Brexit.

The sacked Cabinet minister, who has already led Tory opposition on grammar schools, urged the Prime Minister to hurry up and explain what she wants or risk deepening government divisions.

At the moment there has been a lack of a plan from our government about the negotiating, the process, whats going to happen, what we are going to ask for, she said. The longer that gap is left, the more likely it is that, as we are beginning to see, people are taking up positions whether its hard Brexit or soft Brexit. Her comments come after Brexit Secretary David Davis suggested Britain would quit the single market to gain control over its borders.

Mrs Morgan said it was a mistake to let some senior ministers who are keen on a hard Brexit take the lead in the debate. Hopes of a deal allowing Britain privileged access to European markets while also curbing migration took a series of blows from other European leaders this morning.

Italys prime minister Matteo Renzi joined a chorus of leaders warning that it will be impossible for Mrs May to obtain greater advantages for British businesses and citizens than they would get in countries like Australia or Canada which are not members of the EU. It will be impossible to give to British people more rights than other people outside the EU, Mr Renzi told the BBC.

He branded the June referendum vote a bad decision and criticised David Cameron for promising it to help the Conservative party, saying: We cannot use foreign affairs to solve internal problems.

A survey of the other 27 EU countries by the Bloomberg finance agency revealed a majority against allowing the UK to remain a member of the European single market of 500 million people if it refuses to accept freedom of movement.

In addition, the leader of Germanys main business group, Markus Kerber, shot down claims by Brexit-backers that German firms would demand a free trade deal because Britain imports so many of their cars and other goods.

Mr Kerber called for a clean break and said: I do agree with those commentators who say its better to have a hard Brexit that works than to have a fudge in the middle that may need to be renegotiated or just doesnt politically work and you have uncertainty lingering on.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox is expected to say in a speech that Britain has a rosy future outside the EU, seizing free trade deals around the world.

But one report said the cost of negotiating will be aboutd 65 million a year  and more if there is in-fighting between Mr Davis and Mr Fox and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Tory grandee Ken Clarke said Mrs May was running a government with no policies and had no idea how to carry out Brexit.
A n award-winning hairdresser is locked in a bitter dispute with a major salon chain after being accused of poaching customers and staff for her fledgling business.

Hayley Gibson-Forbes, 34, struck a 50,000 deal with Rush Hair last year to end her franchise deal with them and open her own independent hairdressing business.

But she claims she was forced into signing a restrictive deal, including a ban on opening a salon within two miles of her old business and conditions on staff recruitment, by Rush bosses who refused to budge in their negotiations.

Rush has now taken her to the High Court, claiming she broke the terms of the deal and seeking an injunction which would force Ms Gibson-Forbes to shut down her newly-opened salon. At a hearing this week Ms Gibson-Forbes, a three-time finalist at the British Hairdressing Business Awards, denied poaching staff and said she believed she had waited a reasonable 16 months before opening up near her former business.

I didnt set out to say yeah, lets screw Rush, she said. I was offered a salon which I took. Ms Gibson-Forbes, who had been a franchisee with Rush since 2008, said the company withheld 15,000 of the 50,000 buy-out of her old salon because two staff had defected to her. When I left Rush, I was told if I wanted to take this further I could, but I would need a lot of money and a lot of spirit, she claimed.

The fact I didnt agree with the terms and conditions didnt matter, I didnt have the money to keep fighting. She left her Rush franchise in Windsor in March last year to open a new salon in Egham, Surrey.

She told the court she was then offered the chance to open a second salon, 300m from her old business in the same street in Windsor, in July this year.

Andreas Panteli, chief financial officer of Rush Hair, said he struck the deal with Ms Gibson-Forbes as we didnt want a similar salon opening nearby, taking our clients and staff with her.

She insisted in court that the two staff members had approached her for a job rather than being poached. The hearing was told restrictions on her were extended from a year to two years during negotiations, and an original offer to buy her out for 100,000 was slashed in half by Mr Panteli, who said she could avoided any curbs on her future business if she had not sought a payout from Rush, which operates 70 salons.

The High Court has reserved judgement until a later date.
V ineyard owners in one of Frances most famous winemaking regions have launched night time patrols after a series of high profile grape thefts.

Burgundy winemakers are accusing their competitors of stealing grapes after adverse winters battered vine supplies in the region.

Competition has become so fierce that winemakers in Givry have set up patrols from midnight to 6am to deter thieves,

Owner of the Domaine Latour Giraud vineyard Jean-Pierre Latour lost the equivalent of 1,200 bottles of wine due to grape thieves striking on Saturday night.

The Meursault winemaker told The Times: For a wine-maker, its worse than having your home burgled. A whole years work is wiped out. There are no words to describe.

Mr Latour added that police had told him they believe winemakers had stolen his grapes

Mr Pierre Latour added: For some people maybe it is tempting to get grapes from someone else. It doesnt tempt me though, I think it is disgusting.

Anyone caught stealing grapes in France could face a three year prison sentence and a 39,000 fine, French police have warned.
M ost people alive today will witness the "dangerous" effects of global warming in their lifetimes, a group of leading scientists have warned.

The earth is on track to warm up by 2C by 2050 unless governments at least double their efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions, their report claims.

Titled the truth about climate change, the report states that plans by almost 200 governments to cut greenhouse gases are not strong enough.

The Paris Climate Summit last December saw global leaders agree to try to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Before that, a 2C increase had been viewed by scientists as the point at which global warming becomes dangerous.

However, this new report warns that the 1.5C target is already unrealistic.

Robert Watson, a British-American scientist who was one of the studys seven authors, told the Independent: "While the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is an important step in the right direction, what is needed is a doubling or tripling of efforts.

Without additional efforts by all major emitters, the 2C target could be reached even sooner.

This means that the majority of those alive today will be alive when global warming reaches this perceived dangerous level.
A boy of six was fighting for his life today after a teenage gunman opened fire at a primary school, injuring him, another classmate and a teacher.

Jacob Hall was in a critical condition after emergency surgery in South Carolina.

First grade teacher Meghan Hollingsworth and another six-year-old boy were wounded in the playground shooting spree but were allowed home after being treated for their injuries.

Volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock, 30, was praised today for tackling the 14-year-old gunman, who has not been named, minutes after the shooting started at Townville Elementary School yesterday lunchtime.

Police said the bloodshed began at the teenagers house about two miles from the school where the boy shot dead his father, Jeffrey Osbourne, 47, at about 1.40pm. Sobbing, he called his grandmothers mobile phone but by the time she arrived at the house he was gone.

Minutes later, the boy drove a car into the schools car park and immediately started firing a handgun, walking towards the school in a rural area about 100 miles from Atlanta.

Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said of Mr Brock: I think he just took him down.

Shooting: Police at the scene in Townville Elementary School / AP

Firefighter Brock is absolutely a hero, added Scott Stoller, of Anderson County Emergency Medical Services.

He said Mr Brock wants to remain humble and quiet about it as he believes he did nothing any of the other volunteer firefighters wouldnt have done.

Jamie Meredith, a students mother, said some of the children went to hide in a toilet during the shooting. The authorities did not release a motive for the shooting and said they were not sure if the pupils and teacher were targeted.

Gunman: A distraught woman talks on the phone after the school shooting / AP

The teenager had been home educated and it was unclear if he had ever attended the elementary school. His mother was at work at the time of the attack.

The teacher was hit in the shoulder and the second boy suffered a foot wound. Jacob, who was in intensive care today, was shot in the leg.

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In 2012, 20 children aged between six and seven, as well as six adult staff were shot dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut by 20-year-old Adam Lanza, who killed his mother before the massacre.
A Syrian refugee came to the rescue after a Canadian bride-to-be's wedding dress broke hours before she was due to walk down the aisle.

The zip on Jo Dus wedding dress broke as she was preparing for her big day at a rented house in Ontario - sparking panic among her bridal party who were unable to fix it.

However, her special occasion was saved when a bridesmaid asked neighbour David Hobson for a pair of pliers.

She was then told that an experienced tailor who fled from war-torn Aleppo had moved in four days before.

Mr Hobson took in a family of Syrian refugees including Ibrahim Halil Dudu, who worked as a tailor in wartorn Aleppo for nearly 30 years, earlier that week.

The family were one of 50 being sponsored to live in Canada by Guelph businessman Jim Estill.

Mr Halil Dudu, who cannot speak English, immediately repaired the dress using his sewing kit the big day went on without a sartorial hitch.

Speaking through a translator, he said: I was so excited and so happy. I like to help Canadian people from my heart.

Photos of the impromptu rescue have been shared more than 8,000 times since they were posted on wedding photographer Lindsay Coulters Facebook page.

She wrote: Every weekend I take photos of people on the happiest days of their lives, and today one man who has seen some of the worst things our world has to offer came to the rescue.

The post triggered a series of feelgood responses as one Syrian wrote: Reading these kind and heartwarming words prove to me that there are still good hearted humans out there, especially the Canadian community.

One commenter offered Mr Halil Dudu a five thread table sewing machine for free so that he could continue his work in Canada

Groom Earl Lee told CTV Kitchener: Were so lucky that happened to us, and so grateful.
T he temperature has dropped quickly over the last few days, leaving us bracing ourselves for the cold months ahead. Despite the moniker, snowsuits dont have to be confined to blizzards.

Theyre a great alternative to a blanket if youre using a pram and a hassle-free way to keep toddlers dry and clean during the mucky, wet weather this Christmas .

1. John Lewis Wadded Snowsuit

Worn by the adorable Princess Charlotte on the Cambridge family trip to the French Alps last winter, this comes with cute little ears and a faux fur trim. The mittens are attached by a string, so theres no need to worry about them getting lost.

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2. John Lewis Bunny Snowsuit

From newborn to three years, this bunny themed suit can be worn by boys or girls and comes with a super-soft lining for extra comfort. If youve ever felt like dressing a wriggly child is like playing a game of whac-a-mole, fear no more: this suit has a full length zip, meaning you can lay your baby directly into it.

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3. Jojo Maman Bebe All-In-One

Jojo Maman Bebe offers a range of prints for this all-in-one. The fleece lining will protect your child from the cold and the waterproof outer has taped seams. It even has a peaked cap to keep raindrops or puddle splashes off the face.

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4. Mothercare Red Quilted Snowsuit

Perfect for babys first snow day, this bright red suit comes with a plush navy chenille lining and two full length zips. Both the booties and mittens are detachable, so it can be worn when the weather is a little milder.

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5. Petit Bateau Printed Snowsuit

Printed with stars, this would suit any infant boy or girl up to the age of eighteen months. The body is fully lined with micro-fleece, whilst the sleeves are lined with nylon (no more ruched up sleeves).

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6. Baker by Ted Baker Floral Snowsuit

This beautiful printed suit is available for girls up to two years and includes a downy snow white lining. If you have any winter weddings or other celebrations to attend with the family, this is smart but still practical.

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7. Ecru Cat Snowsuit

For something a little different, this quirky cat print is a great choice. Elasticated cuffs and ankles will keep the drafts out but still allow you to put on shoes, if your child is at the walking stage.

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8. 7 A.M. Enfant Doudoune

With its poppers between the legs, this suit can be converted from bunting to snowsuit and back again with ease. The front has zips on both sides, meaning you can completely open it up to life your little one in with no fuss- perfect if the baby is sleeping.

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9. George Faux Fur Trim Hooded Snowsuit

A deep blue, this is an excellent choice for boys or girls. It has mittens, pockets, a furry lining and hood. And its only 14.

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10. Marks and Spencer Dinosaur Snowsuit

Turn your kid into a little monster with this dinosaur snowsuit. The lining is fleecy, so is suitable even when the sun comes out and its machine washable. If youre so included, a penguin is also available.

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Follow us on Twitter @ESLifeandStyle and on Facebook
G ordon Ramsay has been banned from his own daughters parents evening after asking the headmaster for a selfie.

The celebrity chef might be a high profile name, but he has now been asked to refrain from attending the school meetings because of his behaviour.

I failed at turning up for parents evening at my kids' school, he said in an interview with Vegas magazine.

And then when I went to the next one with my youngest, Tilly, I asked the headmaster for a selfie, after which I got kicked out, and so I really f***** that one up.

Ramsay then received a personal email from the school, asking him not to attend any more parents evenings.

The following day I received an email saying: 'Can you please refrain from the next parents evening - we do not need the presence of Mr Ramsay'.

The British chef, whose family now reside in Los Angeles, has four children, Megan, 17, Jack and Holly, 16 and Tilly, 14.

He recently broke the sad news to fans that his wife Tana had suffered a miscarriage with their fifth child five months into her pregnancy.

He wrote on Twitter and Facebook: Hi guys, Tana and I want to thank you so much for your support over the past couple of weeks. We had a devastating weekend as Tana has sadly miscarried our son at five months. Were together healing as a family, but we want to thank everyone again for all your amazing support and well wishes.

Id especially like to send a big thank you to the amazing team at Portland Hospital for everything theyve done. Gx.
N icole Scherzinger has hit out at rumours that she enjoyed a romance with Calvin Harris while filming The X Factor.

The former Pussycat Doll, who is looking after the boys category this year, has slammed speculation that she cheated on boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov with the Scottish DJ.

After being spotted linking arms with Harris while leaving a London nightclub back in July, Scherzinger has decided to address the claims.

It was all: "Shes the biggest cheater", Im like, excuse me? I was walking on cobblestones, almost fell, grabbed him, two frames and that was it. Its ridiculous," she told Glamour Magazine.

Awkward moment Nicole Scherzinger dodges Cheryl question

I am happy. Im in a really good, solid, more balanced place in my life. Ive grown a lot as a woman.

The 38-year-old added: My grandma always used to say, to find the person you wanna marry, you have to find the person you wanna work on your relationship with for the rest of your life. Thats the key word: work.

Harris, who split from Taylor Swift earlier this year, joins Scherzinger as a guest mentor at this years judges houses.

The X Factor 2016 - Wildcards 1 /12 The X Factor 2016 - Wildcards Samantha Lavery The 16-year-old was called back by Louis Walsh Dymond/Syco/Thames Saara Aalto The Finnish hopeful was booed off at Six Chair Challenge but was saved by Nicole Scherzinger Dymond/Syco/Thames Yes Lad Sharon Osbourne loved the five piece group so much she called them back Dymond/Syco/Thames Ryan Lawrie The 20-year-old singer was saved as Simon Cowell's widcard ITV Honey G Honey G is fresh out of 'North Weezy' and heading to LA for Judges' Houses Thames/Syco The Overs Sharon Osbourne with her chosen six Dymond/Syco/Thames The Groups Louis Walsh with his chosen six The Girls Simon Cowell with his chosen six Thames / Syco Entertainment The Boys Nicole Scherzinger with her chosen six Thames / Syco Entertainment

Talking about her choice, Scherzinger recently said: He really knows his stuff. I asked Calvin to come on the show and he's at the top of his game. I couldn't have asked for a better guest judge, she said.

"He's honest, he tells everything straightforward, he sees the pros & cons, but it's so relevant that he's here because he knows the business better than anyone right now, she added.

When asked about what she was looking for in her final contestants, she said: I don't know.

"I definitely respect and admire Calvin's opinions, so I'll deliberate with him.
R eggie Yates likes to make journalists play a game. He asks them to name five black faces on UK television who arent newsreader Trevor McDonald and arent in a soap. You cant, because there are only two or three of us, he says.

The TV presenter-turned-documentary maker, 33, was initially reluctant to accept being seen as a role model but upon evaluating his industry he decided that his only option was to embrace it.

Im very aware of my heritage, that Im a young black man and that there are no other young black men like me on the telly, he says, abruptly switching from affable TV-ready patter to earnest straight talk.

Im not under any impression that Im f****** Gandhi or anything. I have a long way to go but the minute you can help one person, that programme has value. So I have no choice but to do more of that.

Hes here to talk about Yatess latest project, a BBC Three film, Reggie Yates: Life and Death in Chicago, about gun violence in the city. In it he takes a frank look at black-on-black shootings and community relations with the police.

There are moments where Yates cannot continue talking on camera and asks for a few minutes to himself. For a man who we have watched confront neo-Nazis in Russia, immerse himself in the daily life of a Texan jail and, perhaps most terrifyingly of all, present live weekend childrens TV, it is disconcerting to see him thrown off his game. He admits: Those moments are real and its important that theyre in the film; good, bad and ugly needs to be included.

Yates grew up on a council estate in Holloway and went to Central Foundation School in Old Street, which he describes as a mixed bag of wealth and background. He has been on screen since he was eight, when he was in the Channel 4 comedy Desmonds, and to millennials he is a familiar face and voice. They have grown up as his career graduated from venerable childrens TV institutions such as the Disney Club and CITV to voicing the cartoon Rastamouse and hosting Top of the Pops and the Radio 1 Chart Show with Fearne Cotton.

Since he moved into documentaries, his Extreme Russia series that aired last year on BBC Three has picked him up a Best Presenter award from the Royal Television Society, among other accolades. Yates acknowledges that the channel targets what he calls the YooF, with a capital F, but he doesnt like to be characterised as a youth documentary maker.

Best TV dramas 2016 1 /38 Best TV dramas 2016 The Missing The addictive and twisty second series of the BBC's crime anthology series BBC/New Pictures/Robert Viglasky Dark Angel Joanne Froggatt stared as Victorian mass murderer Mary Ann Cotton in this ITV drama ITV Close to the Enemy Stephen Poliakoff's post-war drama thriller BBC/Little Island Pictures Ordinary Lies The BBC anthology drama returns with more twisted tales BBC/Red Productions/Adrian Rogers The Night Of Riz Ahmed stars in HBO's critically acclaimed crime mini-series HBO Cold Feet The classic ITV comedy-drama returns - and it's just as good as it ever was ITV Victoria ITV have given Poldark some stiff competition with this period drama about a young Queen Victoria ITV Poldark The BBC's hit drama returns with more brooding, and less naked scything BBC/Robert Viglasky One of Us The BBC kept everyone guessing with this claustrophobic four-part whodunit Ripper Street The fan-favourite Victorian police drama returned for Series 4 BBC/Tiger Aspect 2016/Bernard Walsh The Secret Agent Toby Jones led the cast in the BBC's Joseph Conrad adaptation BBC/World Productions/Mark Mainz/Matt Burlem The Living and the Dead The BBC's gothic romance debuted in full on iPlayer BBC Preacher AMC's adaptation of Garth Ennis' cult comic book is available week-by-week on Amazon Prime Amazon / AMC Versailles A raunchy royal romp around the court of King Louis XIV, spicing up Wednesdays on BBC Two Canal +/ BBC Locked Up The Spanish prison drama came to the UK thanks to Channel 4's Walter Presents series Channel 4 / Global Series Peaky Blinders The Birmingham-set gangster thriller was more popular than ever in its third series BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/Robert Viglasky The A Word The BBC gave us a nuanced and emotional take on autism BBC/Fifty Fathoms Marcella Anna Friel stars in ITV's British take on the Scandi-noir thriller ITV Grantchester James Norton is back as the crime-solving vicar ITV / Lovely Day Stag The comedy-thriller from the team behind The Wrong Mans is both hilarious and chilling BBC/Des Willie/Hal Shinnie/Matt Burlem Vinyl Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger present a glossy drama about the Seventies music industry HBO American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson Cuba Gooding Jr leads an all-star cast in a dramatic re-telling of the 'trial of century' BBC/Fox Happy Valley Sarah Lancashire returned as Sgt Catherine Cawood for a second series of the gritty crime thriller BBC/Red Productions/Ben Blackall The X Files Mulder and Scully return for a brand new set of mysteries War and Peace The BBC's epic adaptation of the Russian literary classic BBC/Mitch Jenkins Call the Midwife The BBC period drama moved into the Sixties for Series 5 BBC/Neal Street Productions/Sophie Mutevelian Dickensian Charles Dickens' most famous characters collide in this historical soap BBC Jericho ITV's British western set in the wilds of Yorkshire Silent Witness The hugely popular detective drama returns for a 19th series

The Russia programme resonated not because it was made for young people by a young person but because it was good, he says. I feel I can say that without sounding like a bighead. Youre conscious that its for BBC Three but that doesnt mean you have to wear a pair of big trainers and act like an idiot. The films are accessible to everyone.

In the Chicago film Yates mentions his experiences with the police as a young black man in London.

He is clearly troubled by the limits of an hour-long film touching on such big issues. Its a tough one because a film will always be edited ... what I did say is that Ive had a lot of bad experiences with the police but Ive also had some good ones.

Those experiences relate to driving a series of increasingly flashy cars around the city (I was a kid  I put big spoilers on a BMW, all this crap, big soundsystem) and getting the hard stop when police would pull over suddenly in front of him. Once he nearly threw up when he gagged on a breathalyser rammed down his throat. Now he still notices police cars behind him running his plates and pulling alongside to check its him  it happens to me every day. It happened on my way here.

Im not under any illusions that racism doesnt exist because it f****** does

But despite this, Yates is earnest in his praise of the diverse capital: I breathe a sigh of relief when I come back to London because Ive been spoilt being raised in a city like this. But Im not under any illusions that racism doesnt exist because it f****** does. The black experience isnt one that you can bottle. And its tough.

His time filming in Chicago inevitably led him to make comparisons to his home city. One section sees him tag along with a journalist who follows police radio transmissions to sites of potential gun incidents. Although the ride-a-long is tense, it is the conversation afterwards which is most compelling, and Yates agrees.

We spoke about how [in Chicago] street corners arent street corners anymore. Its like a treasure map of murders and the map is muddied with pain and crime. I cant imagine feeling that way about London. I was born and raised here and to see some of my favourite streets become flashpoints for horrific things, I cant imagine anything worse.

Yates sees himself as the eyes and ears of the audience rather than a journalist or presenter. I feel like I speak for them. I go into a situation cold and I react in the way the man on the couch will.

His idol is Louis Theroux, admitting that he dropped his phone when he realised that the film-maker had followed him on Twitter. Recently they met and Yates spent 25 minutes just thanking him. He gets out his phone to show me a T-shirt that his friends have ordered for him with a picture of Theroux on it  Im gonna be sporting that on my Christmas holiday.

His work schedule is relentless: he made two documentaries in Australia this summer before flying straight to Rio for a stint interviewing Olympic athletes and the day after our interview hes off to LA.

He also drops in mentions of scripts hes writing, directing projects, a mentorship scheme and a new house hes renovating in south-east London.

One subject hes burning to explore is identity and the mixed-race experience in the UK  his background is Ghanaian but his great-grandfather was white.

Yates is clear that his role is to coax stories out of other people, to listen and react as an audience might, but the closer his subject matter gets to home, the more apparent it is that he has plenty to say himself.

There are more and more children who appear to be racially ambiguous, he tells me. A friend has this game called School Gate Roulette where whenever she brings someone new to the gates with her, she says guess what parent goes with what child  its impossible to know now. That is something Id really love to explore and unpack.

He acknowledges that the topic is especially relevant to todays teenagers. Yates might not be chasing that youth audience but if he continues to tackle subjects which resonate so forcefully with them, theyll keep watching.

Reggie Yates: Life and Death in Chicago will be on BBC iPlayer from October 4.

Follow @littlewondering or @StandardEnts for more news.
Thumbs down

Montanas local Court Appointed Special Advocates offices need all the help they can get. Unfortunately, they may get much of that from their state organization for much longer.

When children are taken from an unsafe home environment, CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to research the situation and advocate for the childs best interest during court proceedings.

Though the National CASA Association is looking for ways to keep CASA of Montana afloat, the state organization's board of directors has already voted to close at the end of next month because of a lack of funding.

The statewide office provides training and assistance to local organizations, such as CASA of Lewis and Clark and Broadwater Counties. And while all 15 local offices in the state plan to forge ahead no matter what, they certainly dont need the additional hurdle of losing their state organization.

Last time our editorial board spoke with representatives from Helenas CASA office, the growing number of local child abuse and neglect cases was outpacing the amount of advocates available.

And although CASA of Montana may soon cease to exist, the need for the efforts of this vital organization will not.

***

Thumbs up

Considering CASA of Montanas uncertain future, however, it was particularly encouraging to hear of a local car dealers generous donation to the organizations Helena office.

On Wednesday, Chevrolet of Helena gave away a Suzuki that it had raffled off to benefit CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties. The raffle generated about $2,500 to support the organization.

Local CASA representatives say the local organization is dependent on fundraising, which make donations like this vital to the organizations survival. And we encourage anyone else in the area with time, money or products available to consider donating to this worthwhile organization as well.

Visit www.helenacasa.org to learn more.
T aylor Swift has reportedly been back in contact with her ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris since her split from Tom Hiddleston.

The pop superstar, who called time on her short-lived romance with the British actor earlier this month, is thought to have been talking to the DJ over text message.

According to TMZ,the couple are thought to have to buried the hatchet after their break-up and falling out over hit track This Is What You Came For.

While they might be back in contact, sources suggest that they arent planning on rekindling their romance any time soon.

Taylor Swift And Calvin Harris Destroy Twitter In Celebrity Feud

Despite describing their break-up as amicable, Swift and Calvin publically fell out on Twitter over a song writing credit on his number one song.

Following rumours that Swift had helped to write his summer smash under a pseudonym, Harris wrote on Twitter:

Tom Hiddleston & Taylor Swift - In pictures 1 /10 Tom Hiddleston & Taylor Swift - In pictures Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport on 06 July 2016 Broadimage/Rex Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift leave 'Gemelli Italian' restaurant in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia on 10 July 2016 Jerad Williams/Newspix/Rex Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston disembark their plane at Gold Coast Airport on 08 July 2016 Jerad Williams/Newspix/Rex Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston go out for breakfast near Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy on 28 June 2016 Agostino Fabio/Splash News Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Benefit Celebrating the Opening of Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology on 02 May 2016 Schildhorn/BFA/Rex Actors Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston are seen coming out of Ann Wintour's home ahead of Taylor Swift on 01 May 2016 in New York City GC Images Cara Delevingne posts this image of Taylor Swift holding onto Tom Hiddllestion down a water slide from her 4th July celebration party Cara Delevingne/Instagram Brittany Maack posts this image of Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston making their Instagram debut Brittany Maack/Instagram

I wrote the music, produced the song, arranged it and cut the vocals though. And initially she wanted it kept secret, hence the pseudonym.

Hurtful to me at this point that her and her team would go so far out of their way to try and make ME look bad at this stage though.

I know you're off tour and you need someone new to try and bury like Katy ETC but I'm not that guy, sorry. I won't allow it.

Swift has now split from British actor Hiddleston, who she started dating just a matter of weeks after her break up with Harris.
I'm a Montanan, and believe that when Montanans come together we do better by one another.

We come together when people in our communities need a helping hand. We bring casseroles, throw benefits, mow their lawns, and drive them to their doctor's appointment.

Montanans show up for one another when needed, regardless of who you are, where you come from or your political party. Taking care of our families, neighbors and communities is a Montana value.

It's who we are. It's who I am.

As the daughter of a truck driver and a waitress, I was raised in Eastern Montana, graduated from Shepherd High School and attended college at MSU Billings. Upon graduation, I started one of Montana's first and largest Internet Service Providers with family and friends.

When I first ran and was elected to the Legislature in 1998, I did it because I wanted to do my part to care for our families, neighbors and communities. I wanted to make sure that our senior citizens had the care they deserved, our veterans were appreciated for the service they provided, and that moms and dads had good paying jobs to give their children a bright future.

During my four terms in the Montana State Legislature, I led the way to create the economic development trust fund and workforce training program that have helped create thousands of good-paying jobs in Montana. I also led the committees that reformed the funding of our public education system and created the definition of quality education.

In 2008, you elected me as your State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. I have made it my mission to protect consumers over the past eight years and have worked to return over $385 million to Montana families and business. As a member of the state Land Board, I also helped to generate over $750 million through responsible leasing of our oil, gas, coal and timber resources.

Now I want to be your next Secretary of State.

Serving as your next Secretary of State gives me the opportunity to continue my work of taking care of our families, neighbors, and communities.

I believe that all Montanans voices matter and that every eligible person should have the opportunity and access to vote on election day. As your next Secretary of State, I will work to modernize our election system while ensuring it is secure, fair and transparent.

I will work to cut red tape so small businesses can focus on growing our economy and creating jobs. I will continue my work on the state Land Board to help generate millions of dollars for education while also protecting our cherished public lands. As your next Secretary of State I will always do my part to grow Montanas economy.

And as your Secretary of State I will continue to show up for our families, neighbors, and communities. It's a Montana value. It's who we are. It's who I am.

I would appreciate your vote on November 8th.

Monica Lindeen is a candidate for Montana secretary of state.
Im Terry Murphy, former senator who represented East Helena and the upper east side of Helena. I am asking you to support Steve Gibson for House District 84.

I served with Steve in the 2011 and 2013 Legislative sessions. Steve Gibson was a legislator who listened to his constituents and served the people of Montana well.

In 2013 Steve Gibson sponsored and helped pass HB13, TSEP, which provided $50 million in grants to local communities for infrastructure projects, including water, sewer, and bridges, without increasing taxes. The bill passed both houses with a vote of 140-10. In 2011, Steve also helped obtain grant funding for the East Helena water and wastewater project.

Steve also sponsored and passed legislation to ensure that the Montana Highway Patrol retirement system was fiscally sound without increasing taxes or adding additional state funds. The bill passed both houses 1453.

Steve Gibson has the experience that will bring back common sense solutions for the people of Montana.

Vote for Steve Gibson, HD84

Terry Murphy, former senator for SD39

Cardwell
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Court records show Brett Bernard Lombardi, 35, is accused of operating an illicit business between December 2013 and July 2014 of providing illegal items including a cell phone, tobacco, alcohol and marijuana to inmates in exchange for money. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct.

He could be sentenced to 10 years in prison on each of three counts of transfer of marijuana. The five charges of transfer of the other items carry a maximum penalty of up to 13 months in jail and $1,500 fine each. Official misconduct has a maximum of six months and up to $500 fine.
In the last years in Romania justice has become more mature, more independent, said on Wednesday in Kiel, Germany the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, adding that the bodies with relevant attributions fight decisively and consistently against corruption.

The president said that on the occasion of being awarded the 'Hermann Ehlers' 2016 of which he stated it is an honour both to him and to those who have contributed to Romania's path's strengthening towards democracy and rule of law.He recalled that at the beginning of his tenure as head of state he had announced he wished that the corruption phenomenon won't be any more an issue of the public agenda."As a president, I have strongly assumed to strengthen the rule of law and the consolidation of the democratic gears, so that Romania becomes a state where its citizens feel safe in front of abuses, where the European, international partners see a predictable, trustworthy counterpart. (...) I believe that the president should be not only the warrantor, but also the first to promote the rule of law. I'm happy to find, at almost two years from that moment, that significant progress has been made. The bodies with relevant attributions are fighting a decisive, consistent battle against corruption, which is the free competition's main enemy, generating the true professionals' demobilization, hampering the foreign investments, the civic development, initiative and innovation," said Iohannis.The head of state stressed that Romanians wish a 'cleaner, with more integrity" politics, which is proven by the highly public support to the effort of the bodies involved.""I'll always back strongly, this strategic objective, in my capacity as president, the long of my tenure," he added.Iohannis said that one could say that Romania has become one of the European examples in this field."The strengthening of the rule of law and the independence of justice have become irreversible phenomena," pointed Klaus Iohannis.He specified, in this context, that it is high time for the CVM (Co-operation and Verification Mechanism) to have a closure by internalizing its mechanisms at the Romanian authorities' level.President Klaus Iohannis has been awarded the 'Hermann Ehlers' Prize for 2016 on behalf of the homonymous German foundation, in Kiel, Germany, at the seat of the Schleswig-Holstein's Parliament."Thank you on behalf of the honest, brave people with the Romanian judiciary and of the other state bodies that are committed actively in the support of the rule of law and with Romania's modernization," the head of state concluded. AGERPRES
DECATUR  Millikin University student Trinity Thomas auditioned for a part in the upcoming production Headshot without any knowledge of the play. The actors were not given a reference other than a few character descriptions.

We didn't have a script which was both terrifying and exciting at the same time, Thomas said. We had to adapt as actors.

Headshot is an original production designed by Kari Margolis, director and co-artistic director of M.B. Adaptors Company. Millikin actors will have five performances of the new play Thursday, Sept. 29, through Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Albert Taylor Theater in Shilling Hall.

Whoever comes to this play will be the only ones who are going to see it, Margolis said. It won't be like anything they have seen before.

Margolis and co-artistic director Tony Brown created the concept of the show with just an idea for a plot. The story follows a group of actors who create an image they feel they are supposed to look and act like in order to be successful. Although the characters relate to her career, Margolis believes the struggles can fit anyone's lifestyle.

Eight actors arrive for an audition they think is the break of a lifetime. They arrive at an old factory with no one there to tell them what to do. Their imaginations run wild and the craziness starts to unfold.

Other characters include the spirits of the factory, or the Motley Crew, who are a contrast of the living actors. They no longer have dreams of their own and their job is to manifest the dreams of others, Margolis said.

Another added element to the production is the cast of Mission Control. They are a stylized version of a stage manager, lighting and a sound operator, Margolis said. They remind us we are in a fantasy world.

The group also takes on dual roles as the band.

Margolis describes the end of the show as hilarious, touching, inspiring and entertaining as well as educational. We can either wait to make our dreams come true or we can take the reins ourselves, she said.

Brown and Margolis have worked to merge all of the personalities into a reality, but they didn't do it alone.

Headshot has toured for two years. The seeds for this project started at Millikin one year before. M.B. Adaptors Company has been creating all original productions since 1984. We travel taking themes of the show and creating different versions with different groups of artists, Margolis said.

Headshot is their 18th production. The show has been performed in Barcelona and New York. With each performance, the new group explores new information from ideas and characters of the current performers.

The Millikin actors and directors added music and a multimedia aspect to this weekend's show. We've also added nine characters, Margolis said. We will continue to develop it as it moves on.

Jarod Hanson, core ensemble member and assistant director, has performed in all productions of the play. We have the beginning, he said. But they bring their own dimensionalities to the characters until there are completely different characters.

The directors watch the evolution of the play knowing it will continue to grow. They also understand it is their responsibility to educate and help the students expand their knowledge with new tools and skill sets.

Actor Jake Wagner felt he was given a major role in developing the view of the characters while learning about his future career. They have sculpted us, but did not reject any of our ideas, he said. We are taught that the best theater comes from true collaboration and responsiveness.
Scottrade, the big discount brokerage, has hung out the for-sale sign and a potential buyer from Nebraska is already sniffing around, Bloomberg News reported Thursday.

The news is cause for worry for 2,000 employees at Scottrades Town and Country headquarters. Scottrade has reportedly drawn interest from rivals, including Omaha, Neb.-based TD Ameritrade, a discounter three times Scottrades size.

No final decision has been made with regards to the sale, Bloomberg reported, quoting unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

Representatives at Scottrade did not reply to requests for comment, and TD Ameritrade declined to comment.

Scottrade, which is privately held, is based at 700 Maryville Centre Drive. The company also is expanding its office space at 13075 Manchester Road in Des Peres. In addition to brokerage, its divisions include Scottrade Advisor Services, Scottrade Bank and Scottrade Investment Management.

Companywide, Scottrade had 3,800 employees and $1.11 billion in annual revenue as of the end of 2015.

Scottrade CEO and founder Rodger Riney, 70, last fall announced he was suffering from multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

Rodger is dealing with some health issues, and Rodger is almost solely responsible for where Scottrade is today. The question becomes where does Scottrade go without Rodger? said Michael Flanagan, an independent brokerage consultant in the Philadelphia area.

The decision comes at a time of much change in the brokerage industry, driven by demands for new technology and a big change in how brokers must deal with retirement clients, a huge part of the business.

He and his company are looking forward and seeing a lot of industry challenges, Flanagan said. Wall Street continues to be assaulted by the regulators, so the compliance issues are never ending.  Theyre spending more money on technology and legal issues.

New federal rules will require firms to act in clients best interest when advising on retirement accounts, which could affect both the advice they give and how brokerages are paid. Discount brokers such as Scottrade cater mainly to do-it-yourself investors, although Scottrade has been moving toward offering more investment advice in recent years.

Scottrade relies heavily on fees charged each time clients trade stocks and bonds. In March, credit rating agency Fitch said Scottrade was trying to move away from that and toward flat-fee models that dont rise and fall with trading volume.

TD Ameritrade is the biggest discount broker measured by trading volume. Its operation is similar to Scottrade, although TD Ameritrade is three times the size with revenue of $3.25 billion last year and earnings of $813 million. Scottrade, as a private company, doesnt publicly report financial results.

Both firms have big branch networks. They cater to individual investors who usually make decisions without professional advice. The firms also handle trades for hundreds of registered investment advisors with clients of their own.

Combining those firms would produce significant redundancies and significant risk of job losses, Flanagan said. The jobs at risk would probably be mainly in the St. Louis area, he said.

However, that has not always been the case with local brokerage buyouts. When North Carolina-based Wachovia bought A.G. Edwards in 2008, it moved Wachovias own brokerage operation to St. Louis.

A purchase by TD Ameritrade could lead to a conflict of baseball allegiance in Town and Country. Chicago Cubs owner Thomas Ricketts is a board member at TD Ameritrade and the son of the companys founder.

Buying Scottrade could enable TD Ameritrade to reduce costs by eliminating redundant back-office systems, while bringing in new customers, said David Ritter, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, as quoted by Bloomberg.

This is a way of acquiring the accounts, and the assets that come with it, in one fell swoop, Ritter said.

Flanagan thinks Scottrade may draw interest from another discount giant, Charles Schwab. Full-service brokers and large banks, who have their own brokerage arms, are unlikely to want a discounter, he said, although private equity firms might make a bid.

Riney founded Scottrade Securities in Arizona in 1980. He relocated the headquarters to St. Louis County in 1985. When it launched its website in 1996, the company was among the first to offer online trading.

TD Ameritrade traces its roots to 1975, when brokerage commissions were deregulated, allowing First Omaha Securities to offer discount stock trades.

Shares of TD Ameritrade rose 5 percent to close at $34.47.

Lisa Brown and Jim Gallagher of the Post-Dispatch and Reuters contributed to this report.
DECATUR  After a successful first year, the Illinois Trappers Association Convention is returning to Decatur on Friday and Saturday.

According to convention coordinator Kent Weil, the Macon County Fairground could eventually become the event's permanent home.

We used to bounce all over the state, but Im a numbers guy, and I started watching how things were going in other states, and the ones that seemed to have success were the ones staying in the same location, Weil said.

Because of Decaturs central location, more than 50 percent of the ITAs membership is within a two-hour drive.

The ITA will host the National Trappers Association Convention in Pecatonica, near Rockford, next year, but Weil said he expects to return to Decatur in 2018.

We had a successful convention last year, the venue works out well for us and the fairgrounds people have been great, Weil said. The plan is to enter into a multiyear contract.

For trappers, the convention is basically Heaven on Earth. There will be more than 100 vendors from 10 different states, with low prices for top-of-the-line merchandise.

Anything you need trappingwise, you can get at the convention, Weil said. "And for some things, the person selling it is also the one making it. Who better to ask about form or function? And it gives you chance to compare side-by-side, instead of trying to do it online or in a catalog.

There were also be several trapping demonstrations, a fish and chicken dinner for all attendees Friday night and free chili dogs Saturday. Closing out Friday night will the the Legal Defense Fund Auction, which helped enable the Illinois Department of Natural Resources new bobcat season. The Convention will wrap up Saturday with the general membership meeting, which the public is welcome to attend.

Theres also plenty at the convention for those who arent trappers, or arent trappers yet. The Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will provide shuttle transportation, and the ITA will cover the cost of admission at the Mueller and Staley museums from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Preregistration is required by noon Saturday. Call Deb Weil at (217) 522-2338, email debweil4ita@comcast.net or visit the ITA Booth prior to noon Saturday.

Nontrapping vendors include Scentsy (flameless scented candles), Kreations by Koree (wreaths), NYO Organics, Young Living Essential Oils and Bee My Honey.

For children, theres a full schedule both days, including games for younger kids, a beginning trapping seminar, workshops on how to make mink boxes and wet fur hangers, a ball toss and a kids trap-setting contest.
UPDATED at 11:30 a.m. Thursday with new detail about his job with the state

ST. LOUIS COUNTY  A state maintenance worker from Hazelwood was killed Wednesday afternoon in an ATV accident off Bellefontaine Road in north St. Louis County.

David Summers, 40 was thrown off an ATV he was driving off-road around 12:45 p.m. near the 13300 block of Bellefontaine. His injuries from the single-vehicle accident were fatal and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Summers, of the 200 block of Connolly Drive in Hazelwood, was in the course of his job duties as a maintenance worker at the Division of Youth Services' Missouri Hills campus when the accident happened, according to police.

The St. Louis County Police Department's Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction was investigating the accident Wednesday night.

Ryan Burns , director of communications for the State of Missouri Office of Administration, said Summers worked for the state for more than 15 years. He spent his entire career working at the Missouri Hills campus, which offers treatment and rehabilitation services to youth committed to the Division of Youth Services. Burns said Summers' duties included grounds keeping.

"We were incredibly saddened to hear of yesterdays tragic accident," Burns said in an email Thursday. "David Summers worked an honorable career with the State of Missouri for more than 15 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect hometown for the victim.
Donald Trump just got roughed up, and badly, by a girl. On Monday night, at the first presidential debate, Hillary Clinton made her opponent look ignorant, unprepared, egotistical, childish, petulant, impatient and at times totally incoherent.

How bad did it get? At one point, as Trump was groping blindly across the minefields of foreign policy, losing a foot here and a leg there, he announced, apropos of nothing, that "I think my strongest asset, maybe by far, is my temperament." Clinton smiled sweetly and exclaimed, "Whew, OK!" The audience at Hofstra University, sternly instructed to remain silent throughout the debate, ignored the rules and burst into laughter.

They were laughing at you, Donald, not with you.

Clinton then patiently explained the importance of honoring international agreements, such as the NATO treaty, to a man who seemed not to grasp the concept of the nation's word being its bond. One hopes her reassurances were enough to coax allies in Berlin, Tokyo, Seoul and other capitals down from the ceiling.

The 90-minute encounter, moderated by NBC's Lester Holt, was less a debate than a beat-down. Clinton obviously had put in many hours of preparation. Trump apparently decided to wing it -- and while this approach worked well during the Republican primaries, when nobody got much time to speak and pithy one-liners could win the day, it bombed in a one-on-one clash where there was no place to hide.

Trump's biggest vulnerability is that he so rarely knows what he's talking about. Minutes before his hilarious temperament declaration, he had been boasting that his criticism of NATO a few months ago caused the alliance to begin focusing on terrorism. "I think we have to get NATO to go into the Middle East with us, in addition to surrounding nations," he said.

Clinton coolly reminded him -- "informed him" would probably be more accurate -- of some pertinent facts. "You know, NATO as a military alliance has something called Article 5, and basically it says this: An attack on one is an attack on all," she said. "And you know the only time it's ever been invoked? After 9/11, when the 28 nations of NATO said that they would go to Afghanistan with us to fight terrorism, something that they still are doing by our side."

That's pretty much the way the evening went, especially toward the end. Trump visibly ran out of gas, poor thing. His answers became increasingly scattered and elliptical. Pressed to defend his contention (long since disproved) that he was against the Iraq War, he complained repeatedly that "everybody refuses to call Sean Hannity." Even Hannity, the Fox News host, must have been perplexed.

This was after he charged that Clinton "doesn't have the stamina" to be president. But she looked fresh as a daisy throughout, while Trump wilted before our eyes.

One of Trump's worst moments, at least to my eyes and ears, came when Clinton alleged that he paid no federal income taxes at all in at least some recent years. Trump offered no protest, instead interjecting, "That makes me smart." Seriously? No one wants to pay more in taxes than required, but the idea of a self-proclaimed billionaire getting a free pass will be hard for many voters to swallow.

Throughout the debate, the split-screen showed Trump mugging, fidgeting, shrugging, grimacing, offering an array of exaggerated smiles and frowns. He interrupted Clinton frequently, but she didn't complain. She may have calculated that it benefited her cause for Trump to have the floor.

Clinton also may have tried to bait Trump by suggesting he only succeeded in business because of his father's help -- and might not be as wealthy as he claims. If so, the tactic worked. Trump was unable to let anything pass. For reasons I can't begin to understand, he even renewed his long-running feud with comedian Rosie O'Donnell.

I am under no illusion that Trump's abysmal performance will cause his most dedicated supporters to have second thoughts. They heard his central argument, which is that "politicians like Secretary Clinton" have failed -- and it's time to try something new.

But while the race has tightened to the point where Trump could actually win, Monday night vividly demonstrated why he should not -- why he must not. Whether you like Clinton or not, it's obvious that she can do the job. The debate had to make undecided voters question whether Trump even has a clue.
CHICAGO (AP)  A federal judge has denied an Illinois attorney general's office request for him to reverse his own decision halting same-day voter registration at polling stations.

A Thursday hearing in Chicago federal court lasted just minutes as Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan told lawyers the request is denied.

He ruled earlier this week that the same-day registration option as written benefited Democratic strongholds, like Chicago, and disadvantaged rural regions

Lisa Madigan's office argued that yanking the option so close to the Nov. 8 election would unfairly deny some citizens voting rights. But in a two-page written explanation Thursday explaining his latest ruling, Der-Yeghiayan says, "This court did not restrict the rights of any voters. The legislation did."

Madigan's office will appeal next to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois voters who arent quite sure what to make of the current election season arent alone.

They have good company in former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar, whos no stranger to political campaigns, having been first elected to the Illinois House in 1976 before going on to win four statewide races for secretary of state and governor.

But whether its the race for the White House or races for the statehouse, there are factors at play this year that havent been seen in anyones lifetime, Edgar said Tuesday during a luncheon discussion in Springfield hosted by the nonpartisan Better Government Association.

The event, which also featured Christopher Kennedy, a former chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees whos been mentioned as a potential 2018 Democratic candidate for governor, was titled Elections 2016: Candidates, Chaos and Consequences.

I wish we could have this after the election; I would sound much more intelligent about how the election was going to go, Edgar said, drawing a laugh from the crowd in a downtown hotel banquet room.

On the presidential level, Republican candidate Donald Trump, whom Edgar said wont receive his vote, has thrown out the rules of political decorum in his campaign against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, the former governor said.

In Illinois, Edgar added, current Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has changed the political landscape by pumping more than $20 million into the state GOP. And that total is likely to grow, with contribution limits now lifted in the comptrollers race thanks to a $260,000 loan from the husband of Rauner appointee Leslie Munger to her campaign.

Munger faces Democratic Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza.

Gov. Rauner has provided more money than Ive ever dreamed would be in Illinois politics, Edgar said. Now the Democrats, (Illinois House Speaker Michael) Madigans always been pretty good with raising money. Nothing compared to what Rauners injecting into this election. And what impact thats going to have, I dont think we know yet.

Edgar said the money his party is spending to defeat downstate Democrats might not be money well spent, noting that Republicans have tried for years, unsuccessfully, to use Madigans unpopularity against them.

For his part, Kennedy agreed with that assessment.

I think people like (state Sen.) Gary Forby (D-Benton) and (state Rep.) Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) are so well known there, Kennedy said. They have a personal relationship with voters. (Its) really difficult to move on that.

Forby is facing Harrisburg Mayor Dale Fowler, and Phelps is up against Jason Kasiar of Eldorado.

With voters more likely to cast straight party ballots than in the past, Edgar and Kennedy also agreed that having Trump at the top of the ticket could hurt Republicans chances of winning the support of women in the Chicago suburbs, whose votes would be crucial to the GOP picking up legislative seats in that area.

If voters do split their tickets, however, Rauners money may provide a boost to Republican candidates for state House and Senate seats in the suburbs, where Rauner is more popular than he is downstate, Edgar said.

Its going to be kind of Rauners money versus Rauners record, he said.

Without a full state budget in place nearly two years into Rauners term, neither Edgar nor Kennedy had much positive to say about his record.

As he has for the past year, Edgar criticized Rauner for not making balancing the state budget his top priority and instead tying budget discussions to changes in workers compensation laws, term limits for elected officials, redistricting reform and other items on his turnaround agenda.

The most important thing facing the state of Illinois is to get a balanced budget, Edgar said. Everything else pales compared to that.

The governors office did not respond to a request for comment. In response to similar comments in the past, Rauner has said hes focused on the future and reforming the state, not critiques from former officeholders.

While Rauner talks of the need for reforms to give businesses confidence to invest in the state, Kennedy said hes seen the ongoing budget turmoil have the opposite effect.

Hes overseeing his familys development of a piece of land along the Chicago River known as Wolf Point.

Investors often ask, Why should we invest in the only state that doesnt have a budget? Kennedy said.

Its rattling people, he said. Its taking a state budget problem  and turning it into a statewide economic crisis.

As for his own political ambitions, Kennedy said its too early to talk about 2018. He said hes focused on helping Democrats win across the state this year.
Assured Guaranty Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries, Assured Guaranty), the leading financial guaranty insurance company, announced that its subsidiary Assured Guaranty Corp. (AGC) has entered into an agreement to acquire MBIA UK Insurance Limited (MBIA UK), the European operating subsidiary of MBIA Insurance Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, MBIA). The parties expect the transaction to close in early January 2017, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that regulatory approvals will be obtained.

Under the agreement, AGC will deliver to MBIA all of the notes issued in the Zohar II 2005-1 transaction that AGC holds, and the seller, MBIA UK (Holdings) Limited, will transfer to AGC all of the outstanding shares of MBIA UK plus $23 million (18 million) in cash. The Zohar notes to be transferred had, as of June 30, 2016, a total outstanding principal of approximately $347 million (261 million). MBIA Insurance Corporation insures all of the notes issued in the Zohar II 2005-1 transaction.

This agreement furthers our strategy of acquiring legacy financial guaranty companies, said Dominic Frederico, President and CEO of Assured Guaranty. In this case, we will be acquiring a seasoned insured portfolio of almost exclusively European transactions and the capital resources to support those exposures. We expect this transaction to be accretive to Assured Guarantys earnings per share, operating shareholders equity and adjusted book value.

Nick Proud, CEO of Assured Guaranty (Europe) Ltd. (AGE), said, This is a landmark transaction that will significantly increase the size of Assured Guarantys European insured portfolio, creating a total non-U.S. portfolio of approximately $45 billion (34 billion). It also sends a strong message to the market that the monoline model  and Assured Guaranty specifically  is an active source of infrastructure funding solutions. AGE is currently mandated on a number of primary UK transactions, and we expect this acquisition to add further momentum to our expanding European opportunities.

As of June 30, 2016, MBIA UK had an insured portfolio of approximately $13 billion (10 billion) of net par and approximately $500 million (374 million) of GAAP book value. At this point, Assured Guaranty plans to maintain MBIA UK as a stand-alone entity but could combine it with other European affiliates in the future.

BofA Merrill Lynch is acting as financial advisor to Assured Guaranty, and Mayer Brown LLP is acting as its legal advisor.
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced several leadership appointments. James M. Splinter has been appointed to the position of group vice president, corporate strategy. In this new role, Splinter will have responsibility for leading the companys strategic growth areas including innovation, corporate development and strategy, consumer insights and building the companys digital and e-commerce capabilities across the enterprise. Splinter will report to James P. Snee, president and chief operating officer who will assume the post of chief executive officer on October 31.

The growth of Hormel Foods is a product of our continued focus on our formula for success as we grow our portfolio of leading consumer brands, accelerate innovation, complete evolutionary acquisitions and build our balanced portfolio," said Snee.

Jim Splinter has led impressive growth in our Grocery Products segment by expanding our legacy product portfolio, heading up the recent acquisitions of the SKIPPY and Justins brands and overseeing our MegaMex Foods joint venture. In this new role, Jim will be focused on enhancing our business model, both organically and through strategic acquisitions, across our entire portfolio. He will also provide visionary leadership for our e-commerce capabilities, working closely with our customers to ensure that consumers have access to our products around the world, right from their devices.

In addition to Splinters appointment, the company also announced that Luis G. Marconi will be elevated to group vice president, grocery products. Marconi will be responsible for the leadership of the companys grocery business and will oversee its vast portfolio of branded grocery products including the SPAM family of products, SKIPPY peanut butter products, Hormel chili, the MegaMex portfolio and Justins nut butters. Marconi has provided extensive leadership over the companys strategic product pillars of global, multicultural, healthy/holistic and on-the-go products. Marconi will report to Steven G. Binder, executive vice president and president, Hormel business units.

Steven J. Venenga was named vice president, grocery products marketing. Venenga will work closely with Marconi to elevate the companys Grocery Products portfolio. Working closely with the brand managers, Venenga will oversee the extensive and growing portfolio of grocery products brands. He will be responsible for driving the segments marketing efforts, setting brand strategy and leading the brand and marketing teams. Venenga will report to Marconi.

Swen Neufeldt has been named vice president, meat products marketing. In this role, Neufeldt will lead the strategic marketing efforts for the companys growing meat products business, including Hormel Black Label bacon, Hormel Natural Choice products, Hormel REV wraps and new Hormel REV Bites. Neufeldt most recently held the post of president, Hormel Foods International, Asia Pacific, where he led the companys international expansion in China.

Congratulations to Jim, Luis, Steve and Swen on their appointments, said Snee. Each of these individuals brings significant leadership experience, unparalleled business acumen and a focused dedication to our customers and consumers. I look forward to working with them in their new roles as we continue to bring enhanced growth and success to the company.

James M. SplinterSplinter has more than thirty years of experience with Hormel Foods. He joined the company in 1984 with Dubuque Foods, becoming product manager for retail sausage products in 1990. In 1995, he joined Hormel Foods as product manager for the meat products group in Austin, Minn., managing the marketing activities of Hormel pepperoni, which earned a Best Print Media Campaign award from Food and Beverage magazine. In 1997, he joined the Grocery Products division as group product manager for the recipe ingredient group and oversaw the brand revitalization efforts for the SPAM family of products. In 1999, Splinter was promoted to senior vice president, sales and marketing of the retail division at Jennie-O Turkey Store. In 2003, he assumed the role of vice president of marketing for consumer products, refrigerated foods. He was promoted to group vice president, grocery products in 2010, successfully leading the segment to achieve strong growth, both organically and through acquisitions.

Luis G. MarconiMarconi began his career with Hormel Foods in 2000 as the manager of international sales and marketing in the international division. He advanced in 2006 to a senior role in the Grocery Products division as manager of international joint ventures. In 2009, when the MegaMex Foods joint venture was formed, Marconi was appointed managing director by the board of managers. He was appointed vice president of marketing for grocery products at Hormel Foods in 2012.

Steven J. VenengaVenenga joined the company in 1996 as a Jennie-O Turkey Store product marketing manager. He subsequently held several marketing positions within the company. With more than 20 years of combined experience in food product marketing at both Hormel Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store, Venenga was involved with the brand integration of the Jennie-O Turkey Store brand and a number of retail product launches, including Jennie-O Oven Ready turkeys and Jennie-O turkey burgers. In 2013, Venenga oversaw the successful launch of Hormel REV wraps. Venenga is a member of the board of directors for Jennie-O Turkey Store. Venenga was appointed to his current role as vice president of marketing for meat products for Hormel Foods in 2011.

Swen NeufeldtNeufeldt began his career in 1996 as a grocery products sales representative in Birmingham, Ala. And, a year later, became territory manager. That same year he became a grocery products category management specialist at the Corporate Office then became an associate product manager, Grocery Products. In 1999, he became a product and category development manager, International, at the Corporate Office. In 2002, he became senior product manager, International, in England and then general manager of Europe in 2005. In 2006, he came back to the Corporate Office to be a group product manager, grocery products, and in 2010, became the director of business development  Asia and vice president of International in Shanghai, China, and general manager the following year. Two years later he assumed the role of president Hormel Foods International  Asia Pacific. In his role in China, Neufeldt brought robust growth to the companys operations in China, including a new plant scheduled to open in 2017.
Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE: LAD) has acquired Greiner Ford Lincoln of Casper, Wyoming. The store will add an additional $75 million in estimated annual revenues.

Bryan DeBoer, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to welcome the newest members to the Lithia family. As the largest standalone dealership in Wyoming, Greiner is a quintessential example of our Lithia exclusive market strategy. Their proven leadership will serve as a generator of operational talent to expand beyond our current footprint of 152 stores. The addition of Greiner Ford brings our 2016 acquisition activity to a cumulative revenue total of nearly $1 billion. We believe that considerable acquisition opportunities remain and that our entrepreneurial driven model can continue to deliver industry leading returns on these investments."
The following is an open letter penned by Arsinee Khanjian, urging Armenians worldwide to re-examining the nature of the Armenian Diasporas engagement with its homeland.

I was detained by Armenian police, in the capital city of Yerevan on July 27, 2016, while photographing a rally for democratic rights and social and political reforms. This random, unjustifiable arrest made me realize that as an artist and human rights activist, it is my responsibility to speak out about issues essential to the stability, unity and perpetual sustainability of the Armenian homeland. I also realized we are overdue in re-examining the nature of the Armenian Diasporas engagement with its homeland.

On this 25th anniversary of independence, there are huge social, political and economic obstacles deeply challenging and taxing the livelihood of the Republic of Armenia.

The country has major internal problems due to systemic corruption, nepotism and an oligarchic economy, where power and wealth remains in the hands of a few. Absence of equitable rule of law and upward social mobility combined with the suppression of freedom of speech and thought as well as civil liberties and rights, have all further exacerbated an already intolerable situation in the Republic.

There are other alarming factors fomenting Armenias domestic and foreign problems. Lack of natural resources, an economic blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan, geopolitics of superpowers in the region, adversarial neighbours, a no war no peace situation at its border with impending and continued international pressure in the peace negotiations for NagornoKarabakh Republic, have all thwarted international interest in the twin Armenian republics. These circumstances have created an existential impasse where public mistrust, resentment and fear coupled with inadequate economic and social welfare, have resulted into desperate acts of defiance and outrage.

This deadlocked situation and the sudden incursion of Azeri forces beginning of April, 2016, that caused the death of over one hundred soldiers along with the loss of some 800 hectares of land to Azerbaijan, led to a group of gunmen to take over a police station in Yerevan on July 17, 2016, as an act of last resort after exhausted attempts at promoting change through political movements.

The subsequent _expression_ of public support for the groups extreme measures illustrated the level of the frustration that has been percolating in Armenian society in the face of governmental indifference and negligence towards the plight of the people. In short, the citizens of Armenia have widespread misgivings about their government and have ceased to believe that their children and grandchildren can have sustainable and dependable living conditions or a future in their ancestral homeland.

Hundreds of thousands are leery about the ruling elite and the questionable, constitutional legitimacy of those in power. Over a million people or one third of the population, have opted quietly, for an exit strategy from the country causing massive depopulation and brain drain of the cream of the crop of our homeland. The preservation and the security of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh is alarmingly threatened as a consequence.

See full text HERE
MBIA Insurance Corporation (NYSE: MBI) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, MBIA UK (Holdings) Limited (MBIA UK Holdings), has entered into an agreement to sell MBIA UK Insurance Limited (MBIA UK) to Assured Guaranty Corp. (Assured), a subsidiary of Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE: AGO). The purchase price consists of the transfer to MBIA UK Holdings of notes issued by Zohar II 2005-1 CLO (Zohar II Notes) with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of approximately $347 million (Assured Zohar II Notes) and a cash payment by MBIA UK Holdings to Assured of $23 million. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions including the receipt of regulatory approvals from the Prudential Regulation Authority of the United Kingdom, the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS) and the Maryland Insurance Administration. The sale of MBIA UK, effectively in exchange for the Assured Zohar II Notes, is part of MBIA Corp.s strategy to address the maturity of the Zohar II Notes on January 20, 2017, which had approximately $772 million of gross par outstanding as of June 30, 2016. MBIA Corp. does not currently expect that the Zohar II CLO will have sufficient cash flow to repay all of the Zohar II Notes at maturity. There is no assurance that the transaction will be completed or that MBIA Corp.s strategies will be successful. The transaction is scheduled to close in early January of 2017.

Anthony McKiernan, Chief Financial Officer and President of MBIA Insurance Corp., noted, As we have previously stated, the sale of MBIA UK is one of the elements of our plan to enable MBIA Corp. to address its insurance obligations regarding the Zohar II Notes. The acquisition of the Assured Zohar II Notes reduces MBIA Corp.s liability under its Zohar II policy and may facilitate our ability to address the remaining Zohar II Notes on or before their maturity. He added, While the sale of MBIA UK, if completed, will be an important and meaningful accomplishment, MBIA Corp. still has substantially more to do.

MBIA Corp. is in the process of exploring a variety of additional strategies to address its obligations with respect to the Zohar II Notes. These strategies may involve the restructuring or repurchase of certain Zohar II Notes that may require substantial third party financing, which MBIA Corp. is seeking to arrange. Its ability to do so, however, is constrained and there is no assurance that it will be able to secure a financing on acceptable terms. If, notwithstanding the transaction announced today, MBIA Corp. is unable to successfully implement its strategies for restructuring or otherwise satisfying its obligations under the Zohar II Notes, it does not expect to have a sufficient amount of liquid assets to pay all claims in respect to the Zohar II Notes at maturity (irrespective of whether the sale of MBIA UK is completed). MBIA Corp. anticipates that the approval by the NYSDFS of the sale of MBIA UK, if granted, would be based on (among other things) the NYSDFS concluding that MBIA Corp. will successfully execute its strategies to meet and/or restructure its obligations on the Zohar II Notes in a manner acceptable to the NYSDFS.

MBIA Corp. believes that if the NYSDFS concludes at any time that MBIA Corp. will not be able to restructure or otherwise satisfy its obligations under the Zohar II Notes on terms satisfactory to the NYSDFS, while maintaining sufficient assets to readily pay other policyholder claims, the NYSDFS would likely put MBIA Corp. into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding under Article 74 of the New York Insurance Law and/or take such other actions as the NYSDFS may deem necessary to protect the interests of MBIA Corp.s policyholders. The determination to commence such a proceeding or take other such actions is within the exclusive control of the NYSDFS. The NYSDFS enjoys broad discretion in this regard, and any determination they may make would not be limited to consideration of the matters described above. No assurance is given as to what action, if any, the NYSDFS may take.

Barclays Capital is acting as financial advisor, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is acting as legal advisor, on the sale of MBIA UK.
Taco Bell is taking Glen Bells vision of sharing Mexican-inspired food to one of the worlds largest markets: Sao Paulo, Brazil.

On Friday, September 23rd, Taco Bell entered the Brazilian marketplace alongside Sforza Holding, founded by Carlos Wizard Martins. Sforza acts as a private investment company focusing on high growth potential businesses, and operates in the retail segment with Mundo Verde, the largest retail brand specialized in natural products in Latin America. In 2016, Martins expanded his investments into the Quick Service Restaurant market by bringing Taco Bell to Brazil. Martins is passionate about Taco Bells immense potential for growth, as well as the delicious food fans crave.

Brazil is a natural step forward as we continue to expand globally and bring our craveable, Mexican-inspired food to the world, said Melissa Lora, President of Taco Bell International. Sforza is an amazing franchisee who is great at operating consumer focused businesses and Carlos Martins has a track record of growth plus the vision and resources to grow with us.

Taco Bell is continuing to set the standard for restaurant design at QSR, and the first Sao Paulo location is no exception. The newest Taco Bell, located in Brascan Mall, has a relaxed lounge atmosphere inspired by the brands California based heritage. Guests can sit back and plug in with free wifi and charging stations located throughout the restaurant. Anheuser-Busch InBevs Brahma is partnering to offer their famous Brazilian beers, which guests can enjoy inside the urban space or on the outdoor patio.

Customers will experience an open kitchen layout that showcases 100 percent Brazilian sourced ingredients such as marinated steak, grilled all white meat chicken, Mexican spiced seasoned beef, freshly-prepared pico de gallo and guacamole made with local avocados. Classics like the Crunchy Taco, Burrito Supreme, Crunchwraps and Quesadillas are all made to order, alongside unique Mexican-inspired dessert items including churros filled with dulce de leche, paletas frozen fruit bars and Taco Bells local Chocodilla  a grilled tortilla filled with delicious melted Ovomaltine chocolate.

On grand opening day, hundreds of fans waited in line for hours to have their first taste of Taco Bell in Brazil. The first 100 Taco Lovers in line received limited edition numbered t-shirts commemorating the event, which will grant them exclusive access to future Taco Bell openings in Sao Paulo.

Taco Bell is the perfect fit for Brazil because we have a passionate fan base of Taco Lovers who have been asking for us to bring our iconic tacos and burritos to Sao Paulo, said Shivram Vaideeswaran, Director of Marketing for Taco Bell International. Our super fans are spreading the word across the city, and Fridays amazing grand opening shows how excited they are for Taco Bell.

Poised for Growth

Taco Bell is sharing Glen Bells legacy by taking the beloved Crunchy Taco he introduced to America and sharing it with the world. Along with the Brascan Mall location, Taco Bell and Sforza are planning an aggressive growth track by expanding their reach in Brazil. Taco Lovers can expect four more locations to open throughout Sao Paulo by the end of 2016, and at least 25 by 2019.

Currently, Taco Bell has more than 300 restaurants in 26 countries outside of the United States. Taco Bells first restaurant in Brazil will be the latest addition to the brands global growth strategy of reaching 1,000 restaurants internationally by 2022. At the same time, Taco Bell is rapidly expanding domestically, aiming to be a 15 billion dollar brand by 2022.

For more information about the new Brazilian restaurant, visit:

Website: tacobellbrasil.com.brLike: Facebook.com/tacobellbrasilFollow: @tacobellbrasil (Twitter) and @tacobellbrasil (Instagram)
In testimony today before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, Wells Fargo & Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf reiterated the companys commitment to addressing improper sales practices within its retail bank, including actions the Independent members of the Board of Directors have taken to ensure executive accountability. Stumpf also reviewed changes and improvements made by the bank to date, and provided an update on its customer remediation program.

On Tuesday, September 27, the Independent members of the Board of Directors of Wells Fargo announced steps to promote accountability for unethical sales practices in the companys retail bank, including conducting an independent investigation. As part of these actions, Stumpf will forfeit all of his outstanding unvested equity awards, valued at approximately $41 million based on the closing share price on September 27th. He will also not receive a bonus for 2016, and forego his salary while the Independent Directors conduct their investigation. Former head of the community bank Carrie Tolstedt has left the company, and she will receive no severance or bonus for 2016. She has forfeited all outstanding unvested equity awards valued at approximately $19 million based on the closing share price on September 27th and has agreed not to exercise any of her outstanding stock options while the Independent Directors investigation is ongoing.

During his opening remarks, Stumpf said I respect and accept the Boards decisions. He also highlighted that we have new leadership in our retail banking business focused on ensuring that our team members provide the best service to our customers.

Stumpf also provided an update on key actions the company is taking to reinforce that its culture is wholly aligned with the interests of customers. This included announcing that the company is accelerating the process for the elimination of product sales goals for retail banking team members from January 1, 2017 to October 1, 2016. He said the reason for the action is that, We want to make sure nothing gets in the way of doing what is right for customers.

Another change Stumpf emphasized was that the company now sends customers a confirmation email approximately one hour after opening any retail deposit account and an acknowledgement letter after submitting a credit card application.

Stumpf reported that as part of its effort to ensure that customers have only products they want and need, the company has begun contacting those with open credit card accounts identified by PricewaterhouseCoopers as possibly being unauthorized. For retail deposit account customers, the company has refunded fees and is contacting every single one of them across the country in order to ensure a full understanding of every customer affected by this problem. Stumpf emphasized that We should have done more sooner, but we will not stop working until we get this right.

I am fully accountable for all unethical sales practices in our retail banking business, and I am fully committed to fixing this issue, strengthening our culture, and taking the necessary steps and actions to restore our customers trust, Stumpf said.

For more information, please go to www.wellsfargo.com/commitment.
Onlookers view a New Jersey Transit train that derailed and crashed through the station in Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S. in this picture courtesy of Chris Lantero taken September 29, 2016. Courtesy of Chris Lantero via REUTERS

By Frank McGurty and Amy Tennery

HOBOKEN, N.J. (Reuters) - A commuter train plowed into a station in New Jersey at the height of Thursday's morning rush hour, killing a woman on the platform and injuring more than 100 people as it brought down part of the roof and scattered debris over the concourse.

Witnesses described terrifying scenes as the front of the train smashed through the track stop at high speed and into the Hoboken terminal, toppling support columns and creating chaos at one of the busiest transit hubs in the New York City area.

"We have no indication that this is anything other than a tragic accident but ... we're going to let the law enforcement professionals pursue the facts," New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said at a news conference in Hoboken alongside New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Train #1614 originated in the town of Spring Valley in New York state and was at the end of its hour-long journey when it crashed.

The train's engineer, or driver, was injured and taken to hospital but later released, officials said, without providing details.

Media identified the engineer as Thomas Gallagher, citing unnamed sources, and said he was cooperating with investigators.

U.S. National Transportation Safety Board vice chairman Bella Dinh-Zarr told a separate news conference in Hoboken that investigators would retrieve the event recorder, which tracks speed, braking and other data, from the rear of the train on Thursday night.

She said the train was operating in a "push-pull configuration" in which locomotive-hauled trains can be driven from either end. The train had an engine that was pushing four cars including the controlling, or cab, car in front, officials said.

"Our investigation will continue here on scene for seven to 10 days," Dinh-Zarr said.

The train was on track five when it hit the Hoboken terminal building at about 08:45 a.m. (1245 GMT).

The New Jersey medical examiner's office identified the victim as Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, 34, of Hoboken. The woman was a former employee in the Brazilian legal department of SAP, the technology company said in a statement. Her LinkedIn page said she was a corporate lawyer who attended Florida International University.

Broadcaster NBC New York reported de Kroon had recently moved from Brazil to New Jersey with her husband and child.

Christie told CNN 114 people were injured. The Chinese Consulate General in New York told Xinhua news service at least one of the injured was Chinese.

Cuomo said it was obvious the train came into the station too fast, but it was unclear why. The cause could be human error or technical failure, Cuomo said. He added that it was too early to say whether an anti-collision system known as positive train control (PTC) could have prevented the crash.

PTC is designed to halt a train if the driver misses a stop signal and advocates cite it for helping to combat human error.

The crash renews focus on the mandatory anti-collision system that has been plagued with lengthy, contentious delays. According to a report by NJ Transit to the Federal Railroad Administration for the first half of 2016, the public transport system does not have PTC in operation on its 326-mile network.

New Jersey Transit ranked second for the most train accident reports nationwide for commuter railroads from January 2007 through June 2016, behind Amtrak.

New Jersey Transit had 271 accidents, or 18 percent of the total, compared with Amtraks 44 percent, according to data from the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis.

Mike Larson, who works as a machinist for NJ Transit, was 30 feet away from the train just before it slammed into the platform. He told The Journal News of Westchester County, New York, that the train's speed appeared to be about 30 mph (48 kph).

The speed limit in the station is 10 mph (16 km) per hour, the NTSB's Dinh-Zarr told reporters.

The terminal, listed on the New Jersey Registry of Historic Places, was designed in the Beaux Arts style and construction finished in 1907. It is on the Hudson River's west bank across from New York City. Its station is used by commuters traveling into Manhattan from New Jersey and New York state.

Hoboken is the last stop on the lines it serves.

A couple of hundred emergency workers spent the morning shuttling in and out of the station, some carrying the injured on stretchers to ambulances. Federal investigators later began examining the wreckage.

Linda Albelli, 62, from Closter, New Jersey, was sitting in one of the train's rear cars and described how she had felt something was wrong a moment before the impact.

"I thought to myself, 'Oh my God, he's not slowing up, and this is where we usually stop'," Albelli said. "'We're going too fast,' and with that there was this tremendous crash."

'RUNAWAY TRAIN'

As investigators searched for clues to the cause of the accident, some said it could have been prevented.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a Democrat on a senate committee that includes transportation matters, said the crash was "hauntingly similar" to past tragedies involving insufficient or unsafe practices or equipment. Blumenthal has advocated for the roll out of the anti-collision system.

"This catastrophe was caused by a runaway train  traveling too fast and out of control. There is no excuse," Blumenthal said in a statement. He said there was an urgent need for better safety technology, new equipment and improved training.

The historic green-roofed Hoboken Station is served by NJ Transit commuter trains connecting much of New Jersey with the country's largest city, as well as the Port Authority Trans-Hudson subway-like system known as PATH, a light rail service and ferry service to New York.

In May 2011, a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey train crashed at Hoboken station, injuring more than 30 people. An investigation by the NTSB determined excessive speed was the main cause of the accident.

An NTSB official said the agency would look at similarities between that crash and Thursday's.

The crash was the latest in a string of fatal train crashes in the United States. The worst in recent years involved an Amtrak train that crashed in Philadelphia in May 2015, killing eight people and injuring more than 200.

(Reporting by Frank McGurty, Amy Tennery and Robert MacMillan; Additional reporting by Laila Kearney, David Ingram and Joseph Ax in New York, Catherine Ngai in Jersey City, Curtis Skinner in San Francisco, and Susan Heavey, Tim Ahmann and David Shepardson in Washington; Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Grant McCool, Frances Kerry, Bill Rigby, Toni Reinhold)
Jeffrey Gundlach, Chief Executive Officer, DoubleLine Capital LP., speaks at the Sohn Investment Conference in New York City, U.S. May 4, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

By Jennifer Ablan

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jeffrey Gundlach, chief executive of DoubleLine Capital, said on Thursday that investors should tread carefully when trading Deutsche Bank AG shares because a government bailout is not out of the question.

Earlier on Thursday, the bank's U.S.-traded shares hit a record low.

"I would just stay away. It's un-analyzable," Gundlach told Reuters by phone about Deutsche Bank shares and debt. "It's too binary. The market is going to push down Deutsche Bank until there is some recognition of support. They will get assistance, if need be."

Gundlach, who oversees more than $100 billion at Los Angeles-based DoubleLine, said investors who are betting against shares in Deutsche Bank might find it futile.

"One day, Deutsche Bank shares will go up 40 percent. And it will be the day the government bails them out. That jump will happen in a minute," Gundlach said. "It is about an event which is completely out of your control."

Concerns over the stability of Germany's largest bank pushed its U.S-listed shares down as much as 9.1 percent to a record low of $11.185. Daily volume was also at a record, with more than 43 million shares changing hands.

The latest fall came after Bloomberg reported that a number of funds that clear derivatives trades with Deutsche had withdrawn some excess cash and adjusted positions held at the lender because of its problems.

Gundlach, known on Wall Street as the "Bond King," said financials and banks have been poor relative performers all year.

"Something has been hurting the banks," he said. "It is not a coincidence that increased regulation and bizarre monetary policies have coincided with relatively poor performance from the banking sector. They have been very poor relative performers, particularly for the last five quarters at the onset of negative interest rate policies."

Gundlach said investors should continue to stay defensive. About recent market weakness, Gundlach said: "It doesnt feel like it's over."

In July, Gundlach told Reuters said stock investors had entered a world of uber complacency, as the S&P 500 had been hitting fresh record highs almost daily.

The artist Christopher Wool has a word painting, 'Sell the house, sell the car, sell the kids.' Thats exactly how I feel  sell everything. Nothing here looks good, Gundlach said.

The Dow Jones Industrials Average closed down on Thursday by more than 195 points, or 1.07 percent, while the S&P 500 closed down by over 20 points, or 0.93 percent.

(Reporting by Jennifer Ablan; Editing by Alan Crosby and Meredith Mazzilli)
(Updated - September 29, 2016 12:24 PM EDT)

Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) said to face U.S. DOJ sanction on seizing soldiers' cars, according to Bloomberg.

UPDATE - The report has federal regulators and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency looking to come down on Wells Fargo over alleged violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

The OCC may levy a penalty of as much as $20 million, an unusually large one for the law.
SINGAPORE, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company, today strengthened its manufacturing capabilities by opening the small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility of its Singapore manufacturing site. This facility supports the growth of AbbVie's oncology and women's health pipeline and reflects progress from AbbVie's two previous announcements for manufacturing investment in Asia in 2014.

The new 120,000 square-meter site  located in the Tuas Biomedical Park  is AbbVie's first manufacturing facility in Asia and will also include a biologics manufacturing facility that is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2018. Combined, the API and biologics facilities represent a $320 million (more than S$400 million) investment in Singapore that will employ more than 250 new employees, the majority of whom will be hired locally in Singapore, including skilled positions across manufacturing, technical operations, administration, quality, information technology and supply chain.

"Our goal as AbbVie is to assure patients around the world have access to new and innovative medicines when they need them and where they need them," said Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, Ph.D., senior vice president, operations, AbbVie. "Today, with the opening of the first phase of our Singapore facility, we will further strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and continue to enhance our support of AbbVie's pipeline in the therapeutic areas of oncology and women's health for patients around the world."

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Site Director Marc O'Donoghue, Ph.D., added, "Singapore is recognized as a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry and AbbVie is excited to open its facility and begin operations. Singapore has a robust infrastructure, a highly educated and skilled workforce and provides a supportive environment for manufacturing. Our presence in Singapore establishes AbbVie's footprint in Asia and provides geographic balance in AbbVie's manufacturing network to ensure continuity of supply."

"AbbVie's choice of Singapore for its first in Asia manufacturing facility is testament to our capabilities as a high-quality, global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub. Given our track record of providing a world-class business environment and skilled talent pool to companies, we enable companies such as AbbVie to develop and manufacture innovative products to deliver value for patients worldwide," said Ms. Weng Si Ho, director, biomedical sciences, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). "EDB will continue to commit strong investments in talent, infrastructure and technology to support the strong growth in the biopharmaceutical industry."

AbbVie's manufacturing network now includes 13 locations across the United States, Europe, Asia and Puerto Rico, as well as strategic partnerships with third-party manufacturers.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott Laboratories. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases. Together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmacyclics, AbbVie employs more than 28,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries. For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, and changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160706/386913LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-opens-first-phase-of-its-global-manufacturing-facility-in-singapore-to-support-the-growth-of-its-pipeline-300336056.html

SOURCE AbbVie
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Life Insurance Awareness Month, Austin Allstate agency owners are thanking those who help protect lives every day. On Sept. 29 Allstate agency owners will deliver pizzas as a thank you to the medical professionals at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, part of Ascension, the nation's largest Catholic and nonprofit health care system. "As we encourage Texans to schedule life insurance check-ups to make sure they're protecting their families, we want to say thank you to those who help protect lives every day," said Chris Lewis, a local Allstate agency owner in Austin. "Dell Children's is a major part of our community. We're providing a small token of gratitude to its medical professionals for their role in saving lives."

Austin Allstate agency owners ask Texans to join them in saying thank you to those who help protect lives  and to start the important conversation about life insurance with their loved ones.

About Life Insurance Life insurance is particularly important if you have a spouse and/or children who depend on you. Most obviously, the insurance death benefit can help to cover unpaid medical bills or replace lost income, providing financial assistance during difficult times. Some life insurance products are used to accumulate savings or as a source of retirement income.

Advice from Allstate

Keep important papers in a place that's readily accessible to family members. For example, you might want to designate a drawer in your desk at home for copies of insurance policies, wills and other important papers. A safety deposit box is safer for the original documents, but it's less readily accessible to your beneficiaries. Check your life insurance beneficiaries  and update names if needed  by contacting your insurance agent or insurance company. You can find the agent's and insurance company's contact information on the life insurance policy or premium notices. Make sure your beneficiaries know they are named on your policy. Schedule a visit with your insurance agent to determine if you need life insurance, and if so, how much. As part of September's Life Insurance Awareness Month, Allstate agents and financial professionals are offering complimentary insurance check-ups to help you assess your current insurance coverage based on your long-term financial needs. This information can help you make important decisions about life insurance and how it can fit into your budget.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Now celebrating its 85th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate." Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America. In 2015, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $36 million to support local communities.

Life insurance is issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, Ill.; Allstate Assurance Company, Northbrook, Ill.; American Heritage Life, Jacksonville, Fla.; and in New York, by Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, N.Y.

Securities offered by personal financial representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727. Check the background of this firm on FINRA's BrokerCheck website.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allstate-agency-owners-honor-life-insurance-awareness-month-by-saying-thank-you-to-nurses-who-help-protect-lives-every-day-300335999.html

SOURCE Allstate Corporation
VANCOUVER, BC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Bayhorse Silver Inc. (TSX VENTURE: BHS) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") reports that a diamond drill program is currently underway on its Bridging The Gap ("BTG") silver-lead-zinc project in the highly prolific silver producing district of the "Silver Valley", in northern Idaho, USA.

Diamond drill hole BTG-1B was at 705 feet on September 27th and is targeted for a total depth of 1,400 feet. Drill hole BTG-1A was terminated early at 109 feet in highly fractured rock following technical problems.

The Company's entire team of senior geological and mining consultants recently visited the BTG Project. These included: Dr. Clay Conway, P.Geol., and a director of the Company; Dr. Gerry Ray, P.Geol.; Dr. Stewart Jackson, P.Geo.; and Mr. Todd Johnson, P.E., M.S Geology and Geological Engineering; along with other geological and engineering consultants.

A detailed presentation of the Project was provided by Ron Krusemark, M.E. of HRB Mining Services, prior to a site visit to review drilling progress and diamond drill core.

Bayhorse Silver CEO Graeme O'Neill comments that "having the senior geological and engineering consultants visit the project at the same time the drilling program is underway is a significant event for the Company as it allows for a better understanding of the project."

The diamond drill is targeting a pair of parallel silver/lead/zinc structures and veins that are projected to extend east-west for approximately 1,400 feet in length and over 1,000 feet in vertical extent. The structural vein targets include those at the historic Crown Point/Silver King Mines, and the parallel Shea structure located 300 feet to the south.

The Shea structure was extensively mined at the adjacent Bunker Hill Mine, whose claims abut the eastern side of the BTG claims. Historical Bunker Hill mining records from 1936 report a 30 foot highly mineralized intersection in the Shea structure from an underground drill hole in the Silver King workings at the 200 foot level. The Shea zone mineralized drill hole intersection was never followed up based on the Company's historical mine data digital compilation.

Bayhorse Silver Inc., a junior exploration company, is earning a 75% interest in the past producing Bridging the Gap Project, consisting of ASARCO's historic Crown Point, Silver King, Ranger, Wyoming, Curlew, and Blackhawk silver/lead/zinc mines in Idaho's Silver Valley. Bayhorse is also earning an 80% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine, Oregon, USA. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive exploration expertise. This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its contents.

Dr. Clay Conway, P.Geol., a Qualified Person and Director of the Company has prepared, supervised the preparation of, or approved the technical content of this press release.

On Behalf of the Board

Graeme O'Neill, President

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.



BHS2016-016

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/9/29/11G116166/Images/BGTDrill-6a8fec47296da615a7426bdfc418e868.jpg

Bayhorse Silver Inc.Graeme O'NeillPresident604-684-3394888 684 0586 (FAX) [email protected]

Source: Bayhorse Silver Inc.
TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- dynaCERT Inc. (TSX VENTURE: DYA) (OTC: DYFSF) ("dynaCERT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that certain major shareholders including directors of the company have entered into a formal strategic Voluntary Lock-Up Agreement for a total of over 55,000,000 shares for a term of 180 days.

The Voluntary Lock-Up Agreement stipulates that these shareholders shall not assign, deal in, pledge, sell, trade or transfer in any manner whatsoever, or agree to do so in the future, any of the shares or any beneficial interest in them, on or before March 31, 2017 (the "Expiry Date"). This undertaking will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable in Ontario.

dynaCERT's President and CEO, Jim Payne, states, "Given the significant progress that has been achieved in recent months, we felt a Voluntary Lock-Up Agreement would demonstrate to shareholders and potential investors the commitment and confidence that management, directors and certain major shareholders have in the future of dynaCERT.

Third Party Testing and Validation

As announced August 25th, 2016 an extensive schedule of third party testing was undertaken to validate and determine proper flow rates of its flagship HydraGen product for Class 8 trucks. These tests were completed at the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology; a facility deemed an "Automotive Centre of Excellence" for both fuel savings and Carbon Emission Reductions. Two different Class 8 trucks with HydraGen units were placed on a Chassis dynamometer which produced extensive readings for various emissions and fuel efficacy. These tests provided over 550 pages of valuable data.

The Company, along with third party engineers, have now completed reviewing and analyzing the data and a formal report is forthcoming.

Lease Expansion

On October 1, 2016, dynaCERT will take possession of the newly built out approximately 8,000 square foot expansion. This expansion is designed for a monthly capacity of 2,000 units per eight-hour shift for the assembly of the HydraGen units.

Options Grant

dynaCERT also announces that on September 1, 2016 it has granted an aggregate of 750,000 stock options under the Company's Stock Option Plan. Of the total stock options granted, 500,000 stock options were granted to the newly appointed COO Mr. David Bridge. Options vest immediately and entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Corporation at an exercise price of $ 0.10 each, on or before September 1, 2021.

About dynaCERT Inc.

dynaCERT Inc. manufactures, distributes, and installs Carbon Emission Reduction Technology for use with internal combustion engines. Our patent-pending technology creates hydrogen and oxygen on-demand through electrolysis and supplies these additives through the air intake to enhance combustion, resulting in lower carbon emissions and greater fuel efficiency. Our technology is currently in use with on-road applications. More information can be found at www.dynaCERT.com.

READER ADVISORY

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to periodic updates of results, testing programs and results, negotiations with third parties concerning potential business transactions, and the timing of certain going forward projects. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; the uncertainty of the emerging hydrogen economy; including the hydrogen economy moving at a pace not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.

On Behalf of the Board

Murray James Payne, CEO

For more information, please contact:Jim Payne CEO & PresidentdynaCERT Inc.(416) 766-9691 [email protected] Investor RelationsdynaCERT Inc.(416) 766-9691 [email protected]

Source: dynaCERT Inc.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This Friday, a young woman photographer and writer from Los Angeles, California will be releasing a poetry/photography book titled Escapism: Words + Photos. The book's author, Candice Lee, also a UCLA alumni, turns 28 years old on the date of the book's release. For the last three years, she's been visiting national parks on her own, with plans to visit all 58 parks in the United States. Her most recent trip, this past winter, was in Glacier National Park (Montana, CA), where she slipped off an icy bridge and fell into the river, midst freezing temperatures. Luckily she only suffered a minor wrist fracture. This hiking accident was one of several catalysts to the completion of this book upon her return home to Los Angeles. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/413183 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/413184

Escapism: Words + Photos by Candice Lee.Published by LYC MediaPublication date: September 30, 2016Available in hardcover and paperback format from Amazon, B&N, other online retailers, or from the author's website: candiceleephoto.com/bookISBN: 978-0997948806 (Paperback)ISBN: 978-0997948813 (Hardcover)

About the book: This is a story about love and loss. This full-color book is a collection of poems and landscape photographs--all written, shot, and arranged by the author.

Composed in the style of a memoir, she shares her experiences through words and photos. This window into her emotions reveals the dark side of love as it narrates the journey through relationships, friendships, it's-complicated-ships, and self-identity. But really, it's a story about finding beauty in pain, through growth.

From the author:"Everybody hurts. But not everyone is willing to share their pain from weak moments. It's difficult to put it all out there. I believe, these are the moments that mark beginnings of transformation. I hope this book helps people feel a little less lonely and a little more inspired. We all feel it."

Photographs include: Yosemite NP; Antelope Island SP; Anza-Borrego Desert SP; Death Valley NP; Glacier NP; Grand Teton NP; Lake Tahoe, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Olympic NP; Pacific NW beaches; Provincetown, MA; Saguaro NP; Saratoga Springs, UT; Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP; Sierra Nevadas; White Sands NM; Yellowstone NP; and more.

All proceeds from the first year of publication through Sep 2017 will be donated to the National Parks Conservation Association and the National YoungArts Foundation.

For further inquiries, or to submit a request for a review copy, please email: [email protected].

Contact: Rob McCormackEmail (424) 229-2163

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/escapism-words--photos-book-release-of-photographers-poetryphotos-and-her-solo-wilderness-reflections-300336374.html

SOURCE LYC Media
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fitch Ratings has affirmed six classes of Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. (CSFB), series 2003-C3 commercial mortgage pass-through certificates. A full list of rating actions follows at the end of this ratings action commentary.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

The affirmations of the distressed ratings are based on the concentrated nature of the pool, with only 11 loans remaining and the high percentage of specially serviced loans (63% of the current balance). As of the September 2016 distribution date, the pool's aggregate principal balance has been reduced by 98.5% to $23.4 million from $1.76 billion at issuance. Per the servicer reporting, two loans (5.1%) are defeased with scheduled maturities in the first half of 2018. The non-specially serviced and non-defeased loans mature in 2018 (6.9%), 2021 (5.1%) and 2023 (19.6%). Interest shortfalls are currently affecting classes K, O, and P.

The largest specially serviced asset (26.2% of the pool) is a 163,393 square foot (sf) suburban office building located in Colorado Springs, CO. The single tenant property is 100% occupied by Honeywell International (rated 'A', Outlook Stable by Fitch as of April 21, 2016). The loan transferred to special servicing in February 2013 due to maturity default and became real estate owned (REO) in May 2014. Honeywell has indicated that they will not be renewing their lease expiring in November 2016. Per servicer reporting, the property is currently under contract.

The next largest specially serviced loan (18.5%) is secured by a 176,508 sf regional mall located in Las Vegas, NV. The property is encumbered by a master ground lease and revenue is derived from a combination of three tenants sub-letting space and the rental revenue from 31,845 sf of retail space. The loan transferred to the special servicer in July 2014 due to non-monetary default. The asset was 70% occupied as of the November 2015 rent roll. A court receiver was appointed in September 2014 and the servicer is currently pursuing foreclosure.

The third specially serviced loan (17.7%) is secured by a 64,665 sf suburban office building located in Elmsford, NY. The loan transferred to the special servicer in January 2015 due to payment and maturity default. A receiver took possession of the property in October 2015 and the servicer is currently pursuing foreclosure. As of the second quarter of 2016, REIS reported a market vacancy of 18.5% for the Westchester, NY metropolitan area, while the last reported occupancy in 2014 was 57% at the subject property.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

Paydown to class J is reliant on proceeds from the specially serviced loans. Upgrades to class J may be possible if the REO asset is disposed with limited realized losses. Downgrades are possible if losses are higher than currently anticipated.

USE OF THIRD-PARTY DUE DILIGENCE PURSUANT TO SEC RULE 17G-10

No third-party due diligence was provided or reviewed in relation to this rating action.

Fitch has affirmed the following ratings:

--$17 million class J notes at 'CCCsf'; RE 100%

--$6.3 million class K notes at 'Dsf'; RE 5%;

--$0 million class L notes at 'Dsf'; RE 0%;

--$0 million class M notes at 'Dsf'; RE 0%;

--$0 million class N notes at 'Dsf'; RE 0%;

--$0 million class O notes at 'Dsf'; RE 0%;

The class A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, ASP, 622A, 622B, 622C, 622D, 622E, and 622F certificates have paid in full. Fitch does not rate the class P certificates. Fitch previously withdrew the ratings on the interest-only class A-X and A-Y certificates.

Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com.

Applicable Criteria

Counterparty Criteria for Structured Finance and Covered Bonds (pub. 01 Sep 2016)https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/886006

Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria (pub. 27 Jun 2016)https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/883130

U.S. and Canadian Fixed-Rate Multiborrower CMBS Surveillance and U.S. Re-REMIC Criteria (pub. 13 Nov 2015)https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/873395

Additional Disclosures

Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Formhttps://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1012370

Solicitation Statushttps://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1012370

Endorsement Policyhttps://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31

ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE.

Copyright  2016 by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. 33 Whitehall Street, NY, NY 10004. Telephone: 1-800-753-4824, (212) 908-0500. Fax: (212) 480-4435. Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. In issuing and maintaining its ratings and in making other reports (including forecast information), Fitch relies on factual information it receives from issuers and underwriters and from other sources Fitch believes to be credible. Fitch conducts a reasonable investigation of the factual information relied upon by it in accordance with its ratings methodology, and obtains reasonable verification of that information from independent sources, to the extent such sources are available for a given security or in a given jurisdiction. The manner of Fitch's factual investigation and the scope of the third-party verification it obtains will vary depending on the nature of the rated security and its issuer, the requirements and practices in the jurisdiction in which the rated security is offered and sold and/or the issuer is located, the availability and nature of relevant public information, access to the management of the issuer and its advisers, the availability of pre-existing third-party verifications such as audit reports, agreed-upon procedures letters, appraisals, actuarial reports, engineering reports, legal opinions and other reports provided by third parties, the availability of independent and competent third- party verification sources with respect to the particular security or in the particular jurisdiction of the issuer, and a variety of other factors. Users of Fitch's ratings and reports should understand that neither an enhanced factual investigation nor any third-party verification can ensure that all of the information Fitch relies on in connection with a rating or a report will be accurate and complete. Ultimately, the issuer and its advisers are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide to Fitch and to the market in offering documents and other reports. In issuing its ratings and its reports, Fitch must rely on the work of experts, including independent auditors with respect to financial statements and attorneys with respect to legal and tax matters. Further, ratings and forecasts of financial and other information are inherently forward-looking and embody assumptions and predictions about future events that by their nature cannot be verified as facts. As a result, despite any verification of current facts, ratings and forecasts can be affected by future events or conditions that were not anticipated at the time a rating or forecast was issued or affirmed.

The information in this report is provided "as is" without any representation or warranty of any kind, and Fitch does not represent or warrant that the report or any of its contents will meet any of the requirements of a recipient of the report. A Fitch rating is an opinion as to the creditworthiness of a security. This opinion and reports made by Fitch are based on established criteria and methodologies that Fitch is continuously evaluating and updating. Therefore, ratings and reports are the collective work product of Fitch and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating or a report. The rating does not address the risk of loss due to risks other than credit risk, unless such risk is specifically mentioned. Fitch is not engaged in the offer or sale of any security. All Fitch reports have shared authorship. Individuals identified in a Fitch report were involved in, but are not solely responsible for, the opinions stated therein. The individuals are named for contact purposes only. A report providing a Fitch rating is neither a prospectus nor a substitute for the information assembled, verified and presented to investors by the issuer and its agents in connection with the sale of the securities. Ratings may be changed or withdrawn at any time for any reason in the sole discretion of Fitch. Fitch does not provide investment advice of any sort. Ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of payments made in respect to any security. Fitch receives fees from issuers, insurers, guarantors, other obligors, and underwriters for rating securities. Such fees generally vary from US$1,000 to US$750,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent) per issue. In certain cases, Fitch will rate all or a number of issues issued by a particular issuer, or insured or guaranteed by a particular insurer or guarantor, for a single annual fee. Such fees are expected to vary from US$10,000 to US$1,500,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent). The assignment, publication, or dissemination of a rating by Fitch shall not constitute a consent by Fitch to use its name as an expert in connection with any registration statement filed under the United States securities laws, the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 of the United Kingdom, or the securities laws of any particular jurisdiction. Due to the relative efficiency of electronic publishing and distribution, Fitch research may be available to electronic subscribers up to three days earlier than to print subscribers.

For Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea only: Fitch Australia Pty Ltd holds an Australian financial services license (AFS license no. 337123) which authorizes it to provide credit ratings to wholesale clients only. Credit ratings information published by Fitch is not intended to be used by persons who are retail clients within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005965/en/

Fitch Ratings

Primary Analyst:

Zachary Johnson, +1-646-582-4815

Associate Director

Fitch Ratings, Inc.

33 Whitehall Street

New York, NY 10004

or

Committee Chairperson:

Mary MacNeill, +1-212-908-0785

Managing Director

or

Media Relations:

Sandro Scenga, +1-212-908-0278

New York

[email protected]

Source: Fitch Ratings
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, Hiland Dairy is helping to raise awareness and funds to support families impacted by breast cancer.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413251 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413252

Through the "Hiland for Pink" campaign, Hiland Dairy is donating five cents for each YoPhoria Smoothie, Lactose Free Milk and Iced Coffee, and 20 cents for every four-quart pail of Hiland Ice Cream sold, to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) from July 1 through September 30, 2016. Additionally, Hiland Dairy is giving $1 to the organization for every new Facebook fan on the company's fan page for the duration of the promotion.

"We all have friends or family members who have been affected by breast cancer," said Gary Aggus, president/general manager of Hiland Dairy. "We continue our support of this great organization by raising awareness and funds to help alleviate the immense physical, emotional and financial strain on not only the victims, but also their friends and family. We hope our support helps to reduce those burdens on those affected, while providing assistance, awareness and education for early detection and prevention."

This is the sixth year that Hiland Dairy will donate up to $25,000 total to the BCFO, adding to the $150,000 donated over the past five years. The BCFO provides support and resources for individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. Along with community education, mentoring programs and support groups, the BCFO assists with free mammograms, and it is the only local organization providing non-medical financial support for those facing hardships as a result of breast cancer. For more information, visit www.bcfo.org.

For more information about Hiland for Pink, please visit http://hilanddairy.com/pink.

About Hiland DairyHiland Dairy Foods Company is a processor and distributor of dairy foods and other beverages. Founded in 1938, the company is based in Springfield, Missouri and operates processing facilities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. In addition, Hiland Dairy Foods has distribution in 12 states throughout the Midwest. For more information visit HilandDairy.com.

Contact:Kathy BronieckiHiland DairyO: (402) 558-0637C: (402) 740-2254Email

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hiland-for-pink-raising-up-to-25000-for-families-and-victims-of-breast-cancer-300336384.html

SOURCE Hiland Dairy
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) has approved Duke Energy's acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas. Today's order is the final regulatory approval needed to close the transaction.

The transaction is expected to close Monday, Oct. 3.

"This combination provides clear benefits to our customers and the environment as we continue to expand our use of low-cost and clean natural gas and invest in pipelines," said Lynn Good, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy. "We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Piedmont's team for years, and we are eager to welcome them to Duke Energy in the coming days."

The Tennessee Regulatory Authority and Piedmont's shareholders previously approved the transaction, and the United States Federal Trade Commission has already granted early termination of the waiting period under the federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

Duke Energy will acquire Piedmont  an energy services company primarily engaged in regulated natural gas distribution  for approximately $4.9 billion in cash and assumption of approximately $1.8 billion in Piedmont existing net debt, representing total enterprise value of approximately $6.7 billion.

The acquisition will add Piedmont's 1 million natural gas customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to Duke Energy's existing customer base of 525,000 natural gas customers and 7.4 million electric customers. Piedmont's Tennessee service territory represents a new addition to Duke Energy's footprint and includes the growing Metropolitan Nashville area and seven middle-Tennessee counties.

Piedmont will retain its name, operate as a business unit of Duke Energy and maintain its significant presence in Charlotte.

Among the benefits of the acquisition for North Carolina and South Carolina are:

To ensure Piedmont's North Carolina natural gas customers receive a benefit from the projected transaction-related cost savings, their bills collectively will decrease by approximately $10 million by Dec. 31, 2016. Piedmont's South Carolina natural gas customer bills collectively will decrease by approximately $1.1 million.

The combined company has committed to make annual charitable and community support contributions of at least $17.5 million in North Carolina in 2017-2020. In South Carolina, committed annual contributions during the four-year period are expected to total $3.55 million.

The combined company has committed to provide $7.5 million to low-income household energy assistance and community workforce development programs in North Carolina, and $1.6 million in South Carolina, during the first year after the acquisition.

North Carolina and South Carolina retail and wholesale customers are expected to receive a proportional share of the anticipated $35 million in fuel-related savings (approximately $22.8 million for North Carolina customers, $6.7 million for South Carolina customers and $5.5 million for wholesale customers). This is in addition to the $687 million in savings already guaranteed in connection with Duke Energy's 2012 merger with Progress Energy.

About Duke Energy Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.4 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 24 million people. Its Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact: Tom Williams 24-Hour: 800.559.3853

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130322/CL81938LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nc-utilities-commission-approves-duke-energys-acquisition-of-piedmont-natural-gas-300336774.html

SOURCE Duke Energy
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- NewVoiceMedia, a leading provider of cloud technology which helps businesses sell more, serve better and grow faster, today announced a new, industry-leading global call routing architecture that will dramatically raise the bar on call quality for organisations running contact centres in multiple geographies. This platform enhancement will optimise contact centre management and operations, while ensuring the highest quality customer experience across the world.

NewVoiceMedia enables organisations to use a single call plan in their ContactWorld platform to control their global contact centre assets. By enabling the application to use telephony servers in remote geographies, businesses will now be able to configure and manage their global call centre more effectively through a single central touch point. This allows better management of peak periods and agent shift changes in individual regions as the intelligent overflow capability automatically routes calls to centres with spare capacity, no matter what their location.

The company's enhanced communications network ensures the highest quality customer experience and faster global implementation. It provides businesses with the ability to manage resources across the globe as a single entity, reducing customer wait times while boosting audio quality and service availability for calls in remote regions. For contact centre managers, reporting can be consolidated and simplified, giving businesses a global or local view of performance statistics and reducing administrative overheads.

"NewVoiceMedia delivers a telephony agnostic cloud contact centre with global infrastructure that allows customers to operate a single call plan for all of their globally distributed sales and service agents", comments Ashley Unitt, CTO of NewVoiceMedia. "And with 40 percent of agents using our technology based outside their contact centre's home country, this enhancement could impact around half of the world's global agents.

"Our global network will deliver a superior customer experience through the ability to route calls more effectively across the world with better visibility of agent productivity and centralised management reporting".

"At Eventbrite, offering world-class customer support to our hundreds of thousands of event organisers around the world is critical to our success", said Jeff Stone, Head of Worldwide Customer Experience at Eventbrite. "As such, we're always looking for innovative ways to better serve our customers and are happy to be one of the first to implement the global call routing architecture with NewVoiceMedia".

According to Gartner, "Customer experience (CX) has become a CEO priority, and many enterprises are competing more on the experience than on their products or services. Most enterprises that sell services see revenue that is a multiple of the average for their industry, and, in some cases, they enjoy profits that are orders of magnitude greater than average. The value of CX is undisputed, and CX has become the new battleground for achieving sustainable, differentiated competitive advantage(1)".

NewVoiceMedia's ContactWorld solution is a multi-tenant intelligent communications platform that enables sales and service reps to have more successful conversations with their customers. Core contact centre functionality such as omni-channel contact routing, self-service IVR, automated outbound dialling, screen pops and instantaneous CRM updates are provided with proven 99.999% platform availability. NewVoiceMedia's new global call routing architecture is currently in an invitation-only Pilot and is expected to be part of its Winter Release.

For more information, visit www.newvoicemedia.com.

(1) Gartner, How User Experience Can Make or Break Your Customer Experience, September 2, 2016, http://www.gartner.com/document/3052120?ref=solrAll&refval=173891396&qid=727c2026ceff61b3189cc0d856017242

About NewVoiceMedia NewVoiceMedia powers customer connections that transform businesses globally. The leading vendor's award-winning cloud customer contact platform revolutionises the way organisations connect with their customers worldwide, enabling them to deliver a personalised and unique customer service experience and drive a more effective sales and marketing team. With a true cloud environment and proven 99.999% platform availability, NewVoiceMedia ensures complete flexibility, scalability and reliability.

Spanning 128 countries and six continents, NewVoiceMedia's 600+ customers include PhotoBox, MobileIron, Lumesse, JustGiving and Canadian Cancer Society. For more information, visit www.newvoicemedia.com or follow NewVoiceMedia on Twitter @NewVoiceMedia

NewVoiceMedia PR contact Nicola Brookes NewVoiceMedia Tel: +44 (0)7500 006 458 Email: Email Contact

Source: NewVoiceMedia
Results enable initiation of additional hypertension studies for lead candidate

Company to conduct a U.S. Phase II trial in targeted patient population based on FDA advice

PARIS and NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quantum Genomics (Alternext - FR0011648971 - ALQGC), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new therapies for unmet medical needs in the field of cardiovascular diseases, today announced positive top-line results from its Phase IIa trial of lead candidate QGC001 in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure).

The data show positive signals on several endpoints, in particular on the primary endpoint of the study, specifically a drop in daytime systolic blood pressure measured as ambulatory pressure in hypertensive patients, treated with QGC001 as compared with placebo. This positive result is confirmed by an in-depth multivariate analysis.

In this double-blind crossover study, a total of 34 patients with moderate Grade I to II hypertension were randomized, and received two 28-day sequences alternating the investigational product QGC001 versus placebo, separated by a 14-day washout (no treatment) period.

Dr. Olivier Madonna, Quantum Genomics Chief Medical Officer, said:"It is very encouraging for the lead product candidate in our new class of anti-hypertensive therapeutics to obtain these results in its first Phase II clinical trial. This study, which evaluated general hypertensive patients reflective of a major patient population in the EU and U.S., reinforces our QGC001 development strategy and allows us now to initiate a new Phase II trial in hypertensive patients requiring new treatment options to effectively control their high blood pressure.

The full results of the study will be presented at a major medical meeting. In this respect, the Company is targeting the next European Society of Hypertension meeting which will take place in June 2017 in Milan.

In addition, Quantum Genomics announced that a Pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) meeting took place with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Washington. The FDA has reviewed and analyzed the entire QGC001 documentation, including all preclinical and clinical data available to date, particularly the Phase IIa trial methodology and efficacy and tolerance data. Based on the information, the FDA has advised the Company on the design of a Phase II trial to be conducted in the United States to evaluate QGC001 in a targeted population of hypertensive patients. Quantum Genomics plans to submit an IND application for the trial in the first half of 2017.

The Company is also evaluating the possibility of further clinical trials in Europe and Asia.

Lionel Segard, Chairman & CEO of Quantum Genomics, commented:"The FDA's encouraging feedback and insights are significant for Quantum Genomics, and represent excellent news for patients with inadequately controlled hypertension or for whom treatment has failed. The Phase IIa results and ongoing discussions with the FDA reinforce our commitment to developing QGC001 as a new anti-hypertensive drug candidate for a targeted patient population, while continuing our parallel development for the treatment of heart failure."

ABOUT QUANTUM GENOMICS

Quantum Genomics is a biopharmaceutical company with the mission of developing new therapies for unmet medical needs in the field of cardiovascular diseases, especially high blood pressure and heart failure.

Quantum Genomics is developing a new therapeutic approach based on BAPAI (Brain Aminopeptidase A Inhibition). This is the result of more than 20 years of academic research in the laboratories of the College de France, INSERM, CNRS and the University of Paris Descartes.

Quantum Genomics is listed on the Alternext market in Paris (ISIN code FR0011648971, Ticker ALQGC).

The Company has offices in Paris, France and New York, NY, USA. For more information, please visit www.quantum-genomics.com.

Twitter: @ALQGC_EN

LinkedIn: Quantum Genomics

CONTACTS

Quantum GenomicsLionel SegardChairman & Chief Executive Officer+33 1 85 34 77 77

Quantum GenomicsMarc KarakoCFO  Investor Relations+33 1 85 34 77 75[email protected]

ACTUS finance et communication (Europe)Jean-Michel MarmillonPress Relations+33 1 53 67 36 73[email protected]

The Ruth Group (U.S.)Lee Roth / Kirsten ThomasInvestor / Public Relations+1 646-536-7012 / +1 508-280-6592

Source: Quantum Genomics
By Olivia Oran

(Reuters) - Michael Bitton, the global head of delta one and head of North American prime finance at Citigroup Inc (NYSE: C), has left the firm, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Bitton, who joined Citi in 2012 from UniCredit, departed Citi in June, the person said. A spokesman for Citi declined to comment.

Citi has been looking to strengthen its equities franchise by hiring talent from other banks and building up its prime brokerage and bespoke equity derivatives businesses to cater more to hedge fund clients. Equities trading chief Derek Bandeen, who had been helping to spearhead Citi's equities push, retired from the bank in April.

(Reporting by Olivia Oran in New York; Editing by Bill Rigby)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrives at the military's Camp Tecson to talk to soldiers in San Miguel, Bulacan in northern Philippines September 15, 2016. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

By Martin Petty

HANOI (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte plunged one of the United States' most important Asian alliances deeper into uncertainty on Wednesday by declaring upcoming U.S.-Philippines military exercises "the last," and ruling out any joint navy patrols.

The firebrand Duterte pledged to honor a longstanding security treaty with the United States, but said China opposed joint marine drills in the Philippines starting next week and there would be no more war games with Washington after that.

"I am serving notice now to the Americans, this will be the last military exercise," Duterte said during a visit to Vietnam. "Jointly, Philippines-U.S.: the last one."

Duterte's remarks gave one of the strongest signs yet of fissures in a historic alliance that Washington has relied upon as it tries to cement its influence in Asia to counterbalance China's rapid rise. Duterte's foreign minister later said his comments had been taken out of context.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said he was not aware of any official notification from the Philippines about ending joint exercises.

"Our focus is on the relationship today and moving it forward," Kirby told a regular news briefing. "We continue to believe that that's possible. ... (W)e have significant security commitments with the Philippines. We're committed to meeting those commitments and to furthering this relationship."

The Philippines military and U.S. Marines are to hold annual amphibious landing exercises from Oct. 4 to 12. Military leaders from the countries have also started preparing for a new set of exercises next year.

Duterte said he would establish "new alliances for trade and commerce" with Russia and China, but would maintain security agreements with Washington.

His near-daily outbursts against the United States began in earnest last month, when he spoke of alleged atrocities a century ago by the United States when it was the Philippines' colonial ruler.

He has called President Barack Obama a "son of a bitch" and said he would order the pullout of the remaining U.S. special forces stationed in the Philippines' restive south.

Duterte told a gathering of the Filipino community in Hanoi there would be no chance of naval patrols with Washington because they risked dragging the Philippines into conflict with China.

The Philippines and China have long sparred over sovereignty in the South China Sea, and Manila and Washington have shared concerns about China's military clout and pursuit of broad maritime claims.

WHAT DUTERTE "CLEARLY MEANT"

Asked if Duterte was serious about ending military exercises with the United States, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said he was misunderstood and his remarks taken out of context.

The only thing Duterte had ruled out were joint patrols beyond the Philippines' 12-nautical mile territorial waters, Yasay said.

"Our agreement, that will be respected and this is what the president clearly meant," Yasay told a scrum of reporters, referring to a 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty.

Despite Yasay's words, Duterte's latest comments add to uncertainty about what his end game is and whether Manila's next moves could complicate regional diplomacy or alter the status quo in the South China Sea.

A U.S. defense official said he had not seen the Philippines make a formal request to stop sea patrols and added that the bar for a "joint patrol" with the Philippines was low.

"If the joint patrols stop, will this have any sort of major impact on the situation in the South China Sea? Most likely not," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He added that in a sign things were continuing as usual, the landing ship USS Germantown would be making a port call in Manila from Wednesday.

Richard Jacobson, an American security expert, said Duterte's posturing could embolden China to exploit a testy relationship between two old allies.

"The U.S.-Philippines relationship might become strained and even shaken," Jacobson said.

"The U.S. geopolitical stakes in the region are much too high to react to his hyperbole. The current attitude in Washington is mature - more of patience than feeling provoked."

The Philippines has not formally committed to joining the United States in patrols beyond its territorial waters in the South China Sea. It has carried out at least two patrols with the United States this year that remained within 12 nautical miles of the Philippine coast.

(Additional reporting by Karen Lema and Manuel Mogato in Manila and David Brunnstrom and Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Alex Richardson and Leslie Adler)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A computer hacker sympathetic to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government pleaded guilty for his role as a middleman in an extortion scheme targeting U.S. media outlets and governments, the U.S. Department of Justice said on Wednesday.

It said in a statement that Peter Romar, 37, was a member of the Syrian Electronic Army hacking group and had joined an operation to infiltrate computers of Assad's "perceived detractors" in the media, U.S. government and other governments.

Romar's guilty plea was entered in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Romar, who was extradited from Germany in May, faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced, the statement said.

At the time of the indictment, Justice Department officials said the hackers used a tactic known as "spear-phishing," to target computers. CNN, National Public Radio, the Associated Press, Reuters, Microsoft Corp, Harvard University and Human Rights Watch were among the targets.

"If a victim could not make extortion payments to the conspiracys Syrian bank accounts due to sanctions targeting Syria, Romar acted as an intermediary in Germany to evade those sanctions," the Justice Department said in Wednesday's statement.

A co-defendant remains at large and is believed to be in Syria, where a 5-1/2 year civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and forced millions to flee.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; editing by Grant McCool)
Exchange-Listed Equities via Stock Connect Program. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program and the recently proposed Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs ("Stock Connect") allow non-Chinese investors (such as a Portfolio) to purchase certain listed equities via brokers in Hong Kong. Final rules to implement the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program are still pending, but are expected to be issued in 2016. Although Stock Connect allows non-Chinese investors to trade Chinese equities without a license, purchases of securities through Stock Connect are subject to daily market-wide quota limitations, which may prevent a Portfolio from purchasing Stock Connect securities when it is otherwise advantageous to do so. An investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same

trading day, which may restrict a Portfolio's ability to invest in China A-shares through Stock Connect and to enter into or exit trades where it is advantageous to do so on the same trading day. Because Stock Connect trades are routed through Hong Kong brokers and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Stock Connect is affected by trading holidays in either China or Hong Kong, and there are trading days in China when Stock Connect investors will not be able to trade. As a result, prices of securities purchased through Stock Connect may fluctuate at times when a Portfolio is unable to add to or exit its position.

Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through Stock Connect. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through Stock Connect. Because Stock Connect is relatively new, its effects on the market for trading China A-shares are uncertain. In addition, the trading, settlement and IT systems required to operate Stock Connect are relatively new and continuing to evolve. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through Stock Connect could be disrupted.

Stock Connect is subject to regulation by both Hong Kong and China. There can be no assurance that further regulations will not affect the availability of securities in the program, the frequency of redemptions or other limitations. Stock Connect transactions are not covered by investor protection programs of either the Hong Kong or Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, although any default by a Hong Kong broker should be subject to established Hong Kong law. In China, Stock Connect securities are held on behalf of ultimate investors (such as a Portfolio) by the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited ("HKSCC") as nominee. While Chinese regulators have affirmed that the ultimate investors hold a beneficial interest in Stock Connect securities, the law surrounding such rights is in its early stages and the mechanisms that beneficial owners may use to enforce their rights are untested and therefore pose uncertain risks. Further, courts in China have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership and the law surrounding beneficial ownership will continue to evolve as they do so. There is accordingly a risk that as the law is tested and developed, a Portfolio's ability to enforce its ownership rights may be negatively impacted. A Portfolio may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting Stock Connect securities due to time constraints or for other operational reasons. Similarly, a Portfolio will not be able to vote in shareholders' meetings except through HKSCC and will not be able to attend shareholders' meetings. Stock Connect trades are settled in Renminbi (RMB), the Chinese currency, and investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB in Hong Kong, which cannot be guaranteed.
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

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Aberdeen Global Natural Resources Fund

(GGNAX | GGNCX | GGNRX | GGNIX | GGNSX)

IMPORTANT FUND INFORMATION FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Dear Investor:

As you may or not know, the Board of Trustees of Aberdeen Global Natural Resources Fund, (the Fund) recently unanimously approved the reorganization of the Fund with and into the Aberdeen Global Equity Fund (GLLAX | GLLCX | GLLRX | GLLIX | GLLSX). The reasons for this merger are to deal with the relatively small size of the Fund and the benefits of operational efficiencies when combining the two funds.

Here is a summary of the reorganization and its benefits to you:

WHY REORGANIZE THE FUND? BENEFITS OF REORGANIZATION? 1 Small asset size makes it difficult to operate the Fund 1 Both Funds have the same investment objective 2 Limited Marketability 2 Similar investment strategies 3 Lack of investor demand 3 Lower gross expenses 4 No foreseeable future for growing assets 4 Generally better performance

In order to conduct this reorganization, we must solicit approval from the shareholders of the Fund. Therefore the Fund has scheduled a Special Meeting of Shareholders to ask for your vote on a transaction. The Special Meeting is scheduled to be held on October 17, 2016 (at 11:00 AM Eastern Time), at the offices of Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., 1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.

More detailed information about the Special Meeting and this proposal can be found in the proxy statement. To view the proxy material electronically, please go to:

www.proxyonline.com/docs/AberdeenGlobalNaturalResources

For your convenience, we have included a copy of the proxy card for your review. If you have any questions about the proposal, please call 1 (866) 828-6951.

THE FUNDS RECORDS INDICATE THAT YOU HAVE NOT YET VOTED. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT NOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE SO THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.

Voting is easy. Please take a moment now to cast your vote using one of the options listed below:

1. Vote by Mail. Cast your vote by signing, dating and mailing the enclosed proxy card in the postage-prepaid return envelope provided. 2. Vote via the Internet. Visit the website indicated on the enclosed proxy card. 3. Vote by Phone with a live operator . Dial toll-free 1 (866) 828-6951. Please have the proxy card available at the time of the call.
A suspected United States drone strike against the militant Daesh group in Afghanistan killed 18 people on Wednesday, including a majority of militants but possibly civilians, as well, Afghan officials reported.

The drone strike occurred in the Daesh-stronghold Achin district of Nangarhar province, which lies near the Pak-Afghan border, killing 15 militants and three civilians, according to Mohammed Ali, police chief of Achin district.

"They were in a house to visit someone who had just come from the Haj pilgrimage," Ali said. "A drone targeted the house and killed most of them."

According to provincial police spokesperson Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal, several Daesh leaders had been killed. However, he has denied that there were any noncombatants among the victims.

A spokesman for the US military command in Kabul has confirmed that US forces conducted a "counter-terrorism" air strike in Achin, but chose to keep the details of the target classified.

"US Forces in Afghanistan take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously," said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland.

"We are aware of some claims of Afghan casualties, and are currently reviewing all materials related to this strike. We are continuing to look into these allegations."

In order to determine which victims of the strike were militant and which were civilians, a complete investigation has to be carried out first, said Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor.

Civilian casualties resulting from US airstrikes have been a source of tension between the two allies as they have been fighting against militant opposition to the Afghan government since 2001.

Thousands of US troops remain in Afghanistan to help the government combat the Taliban, the dominant militant group in the country, and are conducting operations against S in Nangarhar.

According to US military reports, between January and August this year, American aircraft released more than 800 weapons and flew more than 3,500 close air support missions in Afghanistan.
The US Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to override Barack Obama's veto of a bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia, the first such rebuke of his eight-year presidency.

In a landmark 97-1 vote backing the override, only outgoing Obama ally, Nevada Democrat Harry Reid, voted against it, teeing up a similar vote in the House of Representatives later Wednesday.

The rare act of bipartisanship is a severe blow to Obama, who lobbied hard against the bill, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

The rebuke marks Obama's last months in office and shows the White House to be much weakened.

Obama has issued 12 vetoes during his presidency. Until now none have been overridden, a rare feat given Republicans' longstanding control of Congress.

His Republican predecessor George W Bush also issued 12 vetoes and four were overriden. The last president to avoid an override was legendary Democratic congressional dealmaker  and former senator and congressman  Lyndon Johnson.

Read more: Obama vetoes 9/11 bill targeting Saudi Arabia

The White House argued the 9/11 bill would undermine the principle of sovereign immunity and open up the United States itself to lawsuits.

In a letter to Republican and Democratic Senate leaders obtained by AFP, Obama said: I strongly believe that enacting JASTA into law would be detrimental to US national interests.

Obama warned of devastating consequences for the Pentagon, service members, diplomats and the intelligence services.

It would neither protect Americans from terrorist attacks, nor improve the effectiveness of our response to such attacks, he warned.

The United States relies on principles of immunity to prevent foreign litigants and foreign courts from second-guessing our counter-terrorism operations and other actions that we take every day.

Families of 9/11 victims have campaigned for the law  convinced that the Saudi government had a hand in the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens, but no link to the government has been proven. The Saudi government denies any links to the plotters.

Also read: US Senate passes bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia

Declassified documents showed US intelligence had multiple suspicions about links between the Saudi government and the attackers.

While in the United States, some of the 9/11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi government, a finding read.

The bill's cosponsor, New York Democrat Chuck Schumer, told senators it would allow the victims of 9/11 to pursue some small measure of justice. Behind the scenes, Riyadh has been lobbying furiously for the bill to be scrapped.

Read more: Obama, Salman meet in Riyadh amid 9/11 controversy

A senior Saudi prince reportedly threatened to pull billions of dollars out of US assets if it becomes law, but Saudi officials now distance themselves from that claim.

The US-Saudi relationship had already been strained by Obama's engagement with Saudi's Shia foe Iran and the July release of a secret report on Saudi involvement in the attacks.

Obama had rejected the bill last week. He said that the legislation could leave American troops and diplomats vulnerable to lawsuits in foreign courts from people seeking redress for actions taken by armed groups that are backed or trained by the United States.
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.
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby bowed out of the seat he has held for 12 years on Thursday.

In his valedictory speech, Stuart says hes enjoyed working with all the councillors over the years.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has expressed his appreciation for the thorough work of the independent investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, saying it is an important step towards accountability.

The downing of the flight cost 298 lives, including a New Zealand citizen and a New Zealand resident. We remain committed to ensuring there is accountability for this tragic incident, Mr McCully says.

This report, which is based on a painstaking, impartial and careful investigation, raises some very serious questions.

The Joint Investigation Teams release of its preliminary findings is an important step towards accountability. New Zealand continues to urge all countries to fully cooperate with this investigation, as required under Security Council resolution 2166.

The victims of this tragedy and their families deserve this much.

The Joint Investigation Team, which comprises investigative authorities from The Netherlands, Ukraine, Malaysia, Australia and Belgium, released its interim report into the MH17 disaster on 28 September in The Hague.

The report found that the plane was brought down by a surface to air missile brought into Ukraine from Russia and fired from an area under the control of pro-Russian separatists at the time. An investigation into criminal accountability continues.

Source: Office of Murray McCully.
Vacant Crown land in Auckland will be turned into a 51-home development to provide transitional housing for families before they move into permanent accommodation.

The 1.6ha site at Luke St, Otahuhu, has been earmarked by its owner the Ministry of Education for a future school, but in the meantime will be developed into 27 two-bedroom, seven three-bedroom and 17 four-bedroom homes for families on the social housing register.
Speaking to Superyachts.com at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show, Carsten Michaelis, Regional Vice President for Eastern Europe and Germany at NetJets, told us more about this new aircraft, as well as elaborating on the companys continued success.

Business is fairly good for us, we had a good 2015 and an even better 2016 actually. While the market itself is rather flat, not really growing strongly, over the past couple of years weve had increased market share at NetJets," he said.

Its a fantastic place to be, the Monaco Yacht Show, its really fantastic because many of our clients and owners are here and many people who own a yacht may also have an aircraft or the potential to have one, so thats why its very good place for us. Weve had a stand for two years which is working very good and we do owner events on-site as well.

Discussing the new Latitude, he added: Its a fantastic mid-sized aircraft which actually has large cabin amenities. We just flew in, had a presentation flight with some of our guests and they were all impressed by the aircraft.

I have never seen such a big mid-sized aircraft, it has a stand-up cabin of 1 metre 83, large windows, Internet on-board, WiFi, 8 seats,7 hours flight time so you can cross Europe and beyond.

You can watch the full interview in the video above this article and also keep up to date with all of our Monaco Yacht Show news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A champion of sustainability and conservation, the way in which H.R.H Prince Albert II runs the Principality is an outstanding example of progressive civil thinking. Speaking with us about the marine conservation and scientific advancements across the state.

We have had different initiatives, explains H.R.H Prince Albert II, but mostly what weve concentrated on of course is meeting and trying to meet the targets Ive set for the future in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, and we do want to cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by the year 2030 and to reach carbon neutrality by the year 2050. These are pretty ambitious goals for a city state of our size.

The Principality of Monaco is nothing short of progressive, and the initiatives and cutting edge research underway across the region, combined with the tradition of oceanography, matches perfectly with the superyacht community, the advancements currently underway and its push to better the underwater world such as the London to Monaco cycle event.

An important point of the year for the Principality is the Monaco Yacht Show, now in its 26th year. The Monaco Yacht Show has evolved into an outstanding event, its considered by most as the second biggest event in Monaco, not only in terms of attendance, last year some 35,000 people came to visit the show, and we have a lot of premiers this year.

But I think its the quality of people it attracts to Monaco that makes it outstanding, its not only the size of the yachts and the quality of the yachts and all the special features it has, I think its really the amazing people from all over the world that now come to Monaco specifically for this event. And so Im really happy and I think everybody else in Monaco is as well that this event has blossomed into an outstanding, world class event.

To summarise a region of beauty, tradition, heritage, style and gravity such as Monaco in a brief article would be a truly difficult task indeed. So, we implore you, watch the full video for more information on the incredible initiatives surrounding sustainability and the advancement of the Principality above for a full in-depth insight from His Serene Highness himself.
The man attempting to become the first to travel by stand-up paddle board the entirety of the Wisconsin River stopped in Portage on Saturday  for a Taco Bell run.

Considering his experiences farther up river last week, adventurer and film producer Jesse Hieb probably deserved the fast-food respite.

He survived last Wednesday nights thunderstorms and downpour at the rivers edge by taking shelter for eight hours in the mens restroom at Castle Rock State Park. Then, a couple days later after storms had passed but the river had swelled, he he narrowly avoided the whirlpools around the Devils Elbow in the Upper Dells. (He paddled to the right of Blackhawk Island.)

By early afternoon Saturday, when Hieb arrived in Portage along the river where Highway 33 crosses, he was ready for something perhaps more tasty, if less healthy, than the snacks and foodstuffs he had packed for his two weeks-plus journey upon his trusty paddle board.

After searching fruitlessly in nearby downtown Portage for somewhere to eat downtown, he caught a ride to Taco Bell on Highway 51 and dug into a Queserito and two Chicken-Loaded Grillers.

While he was thinking outside the bun, Hieb discussed his multiple inspirations for the unprecedented paddle board trip, which is scheduled to conclude later this week where the Wisconsin meets the Mississippi at the Iowa border.

A self-avowed adventure seeker who once attempted to paddle board across Lake Michigan, Hieb was already planning the trip when he learned, via the Wisconsin River Alliance, the story of how the river was cleaned up by its residents.

I just found it so interesting, and such an incredible story  of how thousands of people came together and agreed to make a decision that was going to cost them a whole lot of money and a lot of stress, and take care of the river that had been taking care of them, he said. My hope is that with telling this story, people around the world who are having freshwater issues are able to look at Wisconsin and the river and say, OK, it is possible.

Hiebs goal, besides making it to the end of the river by paddle board, is to increase the awareness of the river and its success story, in concert with the Wisconsin River Alliance.

In addition to the hefty orange, water-proof suitcase, a hammock and down blanket and other supplies needed for the journey, Hieb brought along two cameras, one mounted to the bow of the board.

When Hieb set off from the rivers headwaters in Lac Vieux Desert on Sept. 9, he did not bargain for the weather that greeted as he paddled north of the Dells and Lyndon Station on Tuesday.

He spent one night in a hammock with a rainfly pulled over it, then, after only making it a mile down river Wednesday only to survive a nearby lightning strike in the midst of Wednesday nights storms, he spent the night in the Castle Rock Park restroom.

By Friday night he had made it through The Narrows above the Dells, around the Devils Elbow and then the portage around Kilbourn Dam. He also spent that night in his hammock, tied between two trees offered up by a river-side homeowner up river from Portage.

Hieb did not appear worse for the wear, considering the harrowing adventure hed just experienced. But, hed been through trying times before  his aborted Lake Michigan crossing was followed by an all-night storm on his support teams boat, with 13-foot seas crashing around him.

Hieb said he expected to make it all the way to the Mississippi River before weeks end, he hoped in time to return to Portage on his way back to Milwaukee to recount his adventure to the students of Bartels Middle School science teacher Jenny Karpelenia  and, ultimately, turn the experience into a documentary or three-part series.

Im in this to tell the story, he said, and I would love for people to see what I actually got on camera.
Apple iPhone 7

A customer sets up his new iPhone 7 Plus, right, as he switches from the iPhone 6 at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue during the release of the Apple iPhone 7 and the latest Apple Watches, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, in Chicago.

(Kiichiro Sato | AP)

Earlier this year, Apple opposed a court order to help the FBI hack into an iPhone used by a gunman in a mass shooting in California. A month later, officials said they successfully hacked the smartphone without Apple's help, but wouldn't say how.

Apple says iMessages -- text messages sent from Apple devices to other Apple devices -- are encrypted and cannot be viewed by the company. CEO Tim Cook said building software to break the encryption would just invite "criminals, terrorists and hackers... to go to considerable lengths to steal it."

A new report, however, says some data in iMessages is tracked by Apple -- and can be shared with the police.

The Intercept obtained a document from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Electronic Surveillance Support Team that shows the iPhone and iPad maker keeps a log of which phone numbers users are contacting and potentially other metadata, including location. The document, titled "iMessage FAQ for Law Enforcement," reveals Apple servers record a check of contact information to determine if texts, photos and videos are being sent to other devices via standard SMS text messaging or through Apple's iMessages

The encrypted iMessages are not visible to Apple and cannot be turned over to authorities, but the log of contacts can be shared with law enforcement when the company is compelled to do so by a court order.

Mashable reports the log also includes the date and time that a user entered the phone number, along with their IP address. Apple said in 2013 it does "not store data related to customers' location," but the IP addresses can help authorities determine where someone was when they attempted to contact another person.

Apple confirmed to The Intercept that it does retain those logs, but only for a period of 30 days.

According to Mashable, the logs, known as Pen Registers, are common on smartphones. Court orders for the data, known as Trip and Trace requests, may be extended in additional 30-day periods and police could determine phone numbers entered by Apple users over several months.

The messages are still encrypted and can only be viewed by senders and recipients. Authorities also cannot determine whether messages were actually sent to the recipients in the Pen Registers.

"When law enforcement presents us with a valid subpoena or court order, we provide the requested information if it is in our possession. Because iMessage is encrypted end-to-end, we do not have access to the contents of those communications. In some cases, we are able to provide data from server logs that are generated from customers accessing certain apps on their devices," Apple said in a statement. "We work closely with law enforcement to help them understand what we can provide and make clear these query logs don't contain the contents of conversations or prove that any communication actually took place."

It still remains unclear how the FBI hacked the iPhone used by Syed Farook when he and his wife died in a gun battle with police after shooting and killing 14 people in San Bernardino, Calif. in December. The U.S. Justice Department said in March it was reviewing information on the phone in its investigation.
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From left: Ian P. Fleming, Lamar K. Fitch, and Ronald K. Jones

(Syracuse Police Department)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Three Syracuse men have been charged with sex crimes involving three victims who were less than 17 years old, according to Syracuse police.

Detectives with the police department's abused persons unit were notified Sept. 4 of a sex offense that happened the night before involving the three victims, police said.

After an investigation, police arrested the following:

Ian P. Fleming, 20, of 713 Hickory St.: First-degree unlawfully dealing with a child, endangering the welfare of a child, promoting sexual performance by a child, and second-degree criminal sex act.

Lamar K. Fitch, 26, of 713 Hickory St.: Third-degree criminal sex act and third-degree rape.

Ronald K. Jones, 47, of 713 Hickory St.: Third-degree criminal sex act and third-degree rape.

The residence is owned by Syracuse Brick House, Inc., a social services organization that provides aid to those dealing with substance abuse, according to Onondaga County property records.

The investigation consisted of multiple interviews and reviewing photos and videos that were posted on several social media websites, police said.

All three men are being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center.

Fitch and Jones are also being held on parole violation charges for the New York State Police, and Fleming is also being held on a parole violation charge for the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office.

Reporter Kira Maddox covers crime for syracuse.com. She can be reached anytime: Email | Facebook | Twitter
The political arm of U.S. Senate Democrats is delaying the launch of its advertising in Wisconsins U.S. Senate race, billing it as a show of confidence that Democrat Russ Feingold will best Republican Sen. Ron Johnson on Nov. 8.

Not everyone is writing off the race, though. A new super PAC on Wednesday announced a six-figure ad buy that slams Feingold for voting to allow partial-birth abortion.

Lauren Passalacqua, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, confirmed Wednesday that it is canceling the first week of a multi-week advertising blitz in Wisconsin. DSCC officials say the committees independent expenditure arm had planned to air TV ads in Wisconsin starting in early October, but that start date now is being delayed.

Feingold is running an incredibly strong campaign focused on the best interests of Wisconsin families, Passalacqua said. We feel confident about our chances here.

Heading into the campaign, the Johnson-Feingold race had been seen as one of about a half-dozen that would decide which party controls the U.S. Senate in 2017.

Since then, polls consistently have shown Feingold leading the race. He led Johnson 44 percent to 39 percent in the latest Marquette law School poll, with Libertarian Phil Anderson getting 7 percent.

The Johnson campaign downplayed the significance of the DSCC decision, saying in a statement that this race remains as tight as ever.

The super PAC airing the anti-Feingold TV ads is Reform Wisconsin Fund. The ads blast Feingold for abortion votes he cast during his three terms in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2011.

Russ Feingold voted eight times to allow partial-birth abortions as late as the ninth month of pregnancy. Unimaginable? Thats Russ Feingold, the ads narrator says.

Reform Wisconsin Fund spokesman Chris Martin said the ad buy is about $365,000 for its first week and will air in the Milwaukee, Green Bay, Wausau and Eau Claire-La Crosse media markets.

Reform Wisconsin Fund, created earlier this month, is a separate entity from the similarly named Reform America Fund, which rolled out ads earlier this month hammering Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The funds share the same spokesman in Martin and treasurer in Lorri Pickens and are registered to the same address in Black Creek.

Martin declined to disclose the donors to Reform Wisconsin Fund. He said they will be disclosed, as is legally required, when the group files reports with the Federal Election Commission next month.
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A human skull that was found by roofers last year in a dumpster behind the Wegmans at 4722 Onondaga Blvd., in Syracuse. Police investigated to find out where the skull came from.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- When a human skull was found in a dumpster behind a Wegmans store last year Syracuse police sprang into action, carefully investigating the mystery as they would any criminal case.

Police said little. Eventually Syracuse police indicated a crime had not been committed but revealed little else.

But whose skull was it and how had it ended up in a dumpster behind the West Side grocery store in the first place?

Some answers to these questions can be found in police documents obtained by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard through a Freedom of Information Law request. The detective who worked on the case declined through a spokesman to be interviewed.

Roofers working at the Wegmans at 4722 Onondaga Blvd. on June 18, 2015, noticed what appeared to be a skull in a bag in a nearby dumpster. They checked it out and then called 911.

Police officers and detectives responded. Evidence technicians arrived. Supervisors were notified. Officers photographed the scene and took videos. A member of the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office arrived and examined the skull before removing it.

The skull was eventually examined by a forensic anthropologist, Ann Bunch. She teaches at the State University College at Brockport and works as a consultant on skeletal remains for the medical examiner. The skull posed several challenges.

"Rule number one when you're digging at an archaeology site is you don't pick something up and move it," Bunch said in an interview with Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

"What we want to do is find things in context," she said.

In addition to the skull having been moved, Bunch didn't have a full skeleton. It's not unusual for people to find human remains on their property she said. It's important to contact authorities, Bunch said, so experts can figure out if the remains have any forensic significance or if they are merely archaeological remains.

Bunch found that the skull probably belonged to an older man due to the wear on the teeth. He was likely white. There were no signs of trauma and the skull had extensive soil staining indicating soil contact for a long time.

She also could tell the man likely died at least 100 years ago.

Police still needed to figure out how the skull had gotten into that dumpster. A detective began the process of collecting any useful video from surveillance cameras at the Wegmans, a nearby bank and several other businesses.

Officers picked through the dumpster where the skull was found and then sifted through five more dumpsters in the immediate area. They also searched the parking lot.

The Wegmans grocery store at 4722 Onondaga Blvd. in Syracuse. In 2015 roofers discovered a human skull in the dumpster behind the Wegmans.

Talking to Waste Management, which owned the dumpster, police found it had been emptied and returned to Wegmans on June 17, a day before the skull was discovered. That should've meant the skull was placed in the dumpster on June 17 or 18.

The dumpster with the skull was meant for construction debris, but inside officers found several cardboard boxes and pieces of paper. They found a partial checkbook with a name and several boxes with addresses.

Among the contents of the dumpster were a dry cleaning receipt, a receipt from LeMoyne College dated Dec. 16, 1993, a picture of gingivitis, and a VHS tape about calcium phosphate, a family of minerals common in bones and teeth.

Detectives began using the contents of the dumpster to track down people who might have known something about the skull. (The city blacked out names, addresses and other identifying information from the records they released to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard, so it's not clear who officers contacted.)



Police talked to several people before eventually speaking with a woman living at one of the addresses found in the dumpster.

She told police that she and her husband were recently married. When she moved into her husband's house she'd wanted to clean and organize the basement. Her husband, a dentist, still had old patient files from his practice and memorabilia from his adult daughters, the woman told police.

So the woman got several friends, one of whom was a professional organizer, to help her clean the basement.

They began by sorting through boxes and having the woman's husband look through them. But after a week of work, they were throwing out boxes without completely looking through them. Patient files were shredded. They took several boxes of items to the Goodwill shop next door to the Onondaga Boulevard Wegmans.

Anything Goodwill did not want the woman threw in the dumpster behind the building, according to police reports.

The Goodwill on Onondaga Boulevard in Syracuse. The store is in the same plaza as Wegmans and was part of the reasons a human skull ended up in a dumpster behind the Wegmans last year.

The woman told police she didn't know the dumpster was for construction debris and thought it belonged to Goodwill.

But detectives remained stumped about the skull's origin. They eventually talked to the woman's 62-year-old husband. (City lawyers blacked out identifying information about the man other than his age.)

On Sept. 18, 2015, the dentist came downtown to the police department's Criminal Investigation Division and gave a written statement explaining the origin of the skull.

The man, who said he worked in periodontics, told police he was a sophomore in dental school in the Midwest when he worked at the free dental clinic run by the school. They cleaned patients' teeth. One day a man came in for a cleaning.

"He said he noticed we were studying on skulls and then handed me one," the man wrote in his statement to police.

But the dental student examined the skull and determined he could not use it for study purposes. He put it in his locker and took it with him to his apartment when he graduated. The skull went with him several times when he moved ending up in Central New York in his basement.

"I forgot I had the skull," he said.

Although it was clear how the skull ended up in a dumpster, detectives never did discover where the man who gave the dentist the skull had obtained the skull in the first place.

"At the time the patient gave me the skull I thought it was odd but I never questioned him as to where he obtained the skull from," the 62-year-old wrote.

Contact Ken Sturtz: 315-766-7833 | Email | Twitter | Facebook | Google+
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The number of Central New Yorkers seeking treatment for drug addiction has more than doubled at one hospital's treatment program, going from 157 people in 2013 to more than 320 forecasted for the end of this year.

More than 550 times this year medical personnel have called a CNY poison control center to report patients who were extremely ill as a result of opiate addiction. That's up from 355 calls in 2014.

Those are just two of many signs of the steady and dramatic increase in opioid and heroin abuse in Central New York, according to experts who spoke at Thursday Morning Roundtable, a program sponsored by University College of Syracuse University to educate the public about community issues.

"We're dealing with a radical problem, and we need some radical solutions," said Erin Bortel, director of prevention services at ACR Health, a not-for-profit, community-based organization that works with people facing chronic diseases including drug addiction.

One solution under consideration in a few communities are supervised drug use facilities, where people with addictions can use drugs under the eye of a medical physician.

Tompkins County made national headlines when Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick proposed opening such a facility. If approved, Ithaca would be the first U.S. city to have a supervised injection facility, and only the second in North America. The other is in Vancouver, Canada.

Bortel said there is a meeting this week to discuss such supervised drug use facilities in New York state.

Bortel also said there is a need to increase access to medical-assisted therapy.

Crouse Hospital's opioid treatment center is the hospital program where the number of patients seeking addiction help has more than double since 2013.

Mark Raymond, manager of Crouse's treatment program, said the statistics of successful addiction recovery without medical-assisted therapy are extremely low. He said trying to quit without the use of medications can more easily lead to overdose if a person relapses.

The three drugs most commonly used to curb opioid drug addiction are methadone, Suboxone (a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone) and Vivitrol (naltrexone). Contrary to popular belief, using these drugs does not give a person the feeling of being high, as they block the body's receptors to opioids, Raymond said.

"It's a treatment treating a drug, not a drug treating a drug," he said.

The panelists also expressed wanting to change the public's outlook on opioid addiction.

Addiction is classified as a medical problem known as opioid substance use disorder, a condition that patients need to monitor for the rest of their lives, Raymond said.

Drugs are used as a coping mechanism, with many users having past trauma or mental health issues they have yet to come to terms with, Bortel said.

Addiction is also not specific to a certain area or group of people, but blankets socioeconomic and geographic lines, said Michele Caliva, administrative director of the Upstate New York Poison Center, which has seen a spike in overdose calls.

"What is important to know is that this is not a problem in the suburbs, it is not a problem in the cities, it is not a problem in rural New York state," Caliva said. "It's across the board."
BELOIT - Toledo Molding & Die, an auto industry supplier, is establishing operations in Beloit and is expected to create 118 jobs.

The company's first Wisconsin plant will be located at the Wisconsin Stateline Industrial Park, where it will manufacture molded automotive parts for Jeep Cherokees that will be produced at the Fiat Chrysler Automotive plant in Belvidere, Illinois, in early 2017, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation said in a statement. Toledo Molding & Die is investing more than $14 million in the project that will occupy a 105,000-square-foot industrial building at the industrial park, according to the release.

The Toledo Molding & Die website lists that address for the facility as 2401 Stateline Road, Beloit.

"TMD had several location options in northern Illinois as well as Wisconsin, and I'm pleased that the company will soon be a part of the Rock County business community," Gov. Scott Walker said, according to the release. "More and more companies are realizing that the state's pro-business climate, skilled workforce and world-class education system make Wisconsin an ideal location to expand or relocate."

"TMD is excited to partner with the great state of Wisconsin and the outstanding people of Beloit and Rock County as we expand our operations in support of Fiat Chrysler's Jeep Cherokee program," said TMD President Steve Ciucci, according to the release. "TMD selected Beloit because of its proximity to our customer, the availability and quality of the workforce, the high quality of life the region offers our employees, and the pro-business environment in the state."

The WEDC is providing the company with up to $750,000 in business development tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of credits the company will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created over that time, according to the release.
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CEO Brian Roberts on Tuesday announced that Comcast will enter the wireless phone market by mid-2017 as a mobile virtual network operator.

A 150-strong Comcast Wireless team, headed by Greg Butz, is getting ready next year  to launch a WiFi and MVNO-integrated product, Roberts said at the Goldman Sachs Annual Communacopia Conference in New York.

The idea is to sell Comcasts very best customers  28 million of them  some sort of multi-package bundle that will let the company sell them more products, he remarked.

Comcast will use the Verizon Wireless service combined with its 15 million WiFi hotspots.

If the company can offer good value to customers, we believe there will be a big payback with reduced churn, with more stickiness, with better satisfaction, [and with] more product purchasing from us, Roberts said.

The move will be cost-effective, he added, because the MVNO agreement with Verizon Wireless means Comcast wont have to make the kind of investment that you would if you were just doing something else on the Verizon network.

Starts Making Sense

Comcast is aiming to become a leading converged fixed and mobile multiplay content and service provider, said Sue Rudd, a research director at Strategy Analytics.

There is strong evidence that multiplay providers do in fact experience lower churn, and so this makes good business sense in addition to meeting broader strategic goals, she told the E-Commerce Times.

Wireless players should be concerned about Comcasts invasion of their market, Strategy Analytics said, for a number of reasons:

It has been successful in selling to segments with skinny bundles and at enabling ad targeting;

It has had success with content mashups from sports and the Internet, notably during the Rio Olympics;

It has the platform and digital rights for mobile content play; and

It has last-mile fiber and 15 million WiFi hotspots.

However, building a national WiFi-centric wireless business would take time, which means competitors will be able to build strong responses, Strategy Analytics noted.

Do-or-Die Moment?

Comcast is betting that the trend toward one-stop shopping will persist.

One of the things Comcast discovered, like most of the major carriers, is that, given a choice, a consumer will go with a communications service bundle rather than getting services a la carte from different providers, noted Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

Theyre just reading the tea leaves, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The long-term consequences of Comcasts move might not be so easy to read, however.

This will be a targeted offering from a massive cable provider, observed Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, and it has the potential to massively change the cellular landscape.

Most Comcast users should find this offering interesting, he told the E-Commerce Times.

However, Comcast doesnt exactly have the best customer satisfaction, Enderle pointed out, so it might run into some difficulty selling a new service.

Comcast will need to overcome bad perceptions between them and their customers, he suggested, and provide a service thats better than other cellular providers with regard to content access for their customers.

The stakes are high, because the market is moving away from the cable model, said Enderle, and failure would put Comcast on the path to becoming extinct.

There likely will be challenges ahead for the company in executing its new strategy, but theres something to be said for having settled on one.

In order to remain competitive with AT&T and Verizon, Comcast have to offer something other than cable TV and broadband data, Frosts Jude said. Comcast has been wringing its hands and running here and there, and it looks like theyve finally put a stake in the ground.
Social media has sharpened humans age-old appetite for public shaming, providing a stage and unlimited seating for a seemingly unending stream of immorality plays. Those who share even the simplest identifying details about themselves are vulnerable to being pushed into the glare of the spotlight.

The anonymity the Internet provides frees many individuals of the consequences they might face offline for being abusive to other people. Perhaps appearing to their friends, family and connections as ordinary people in the real world, these Jekyll-and-Hyde netizens transform into trolls to carry out their online assaults.

Anonymity has been a hot button issue for just about the entire life of the Internet, and although there is no 100 percent solution in sight, the situation is not entirely hopeless, according to Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

So long as public sites enable user anonymity, pathological behavior will continue, because it thrives in the shadows, he told TechNewsWorld. Forcing abusers into the sunlight may be difficult or impossible  but changes in rules, laws and enforcement practices could make their lives more complicated and less comfortable.

Deep Dive Into Dirt

We know what the problem looks like, thanks to big data and analytics.

Arecent analysis identified more than17,000 tweets related to body shaming, for example, and ranked the most common terms Twitter users lobbed at others to shame them for their weight.

Artificial intelligence soon might be able to catch and moderate cruel posts mere moments after publication, suggested a University of Lisbon team of researchers who have leveraged machine learning to teach AI to suss out sarcasm.

For now, the moderation and reporting tools available arent set up to prevent or discourage online abuse, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Reputation protection services can be used, but that doesnt scale well  they target one person at a time  and it can be really expensive if you have to litigate and your attacker has no money, he told TechNewsWorld.

What to Do?

It appears Reddit currently has the best system in place, in Enderles view, as its shadow-blocking tools shield users from whomever they wish to block, while allowing offenders to keep their accounts. Offenders are none the wiser, barring some detective work.

Of course, publicizing shamers so they lose their jobs, gym memberships, and get attacked themselves does work, he acknowledged, and if it is done enough, that should change behavior.

However, that approach so far hasnt been used enough to make a difference, Enderle said.

That could change if social media sites and other forums were willing to make some changes.

They could take proactive steps that might make a difference, noted King, who pointed to a list of suggestions for Twitter, posted online by Randi Lee Harper, founder of the Online Abuse Prevention Initiative.

Those changes might result in a significant decrease in the prevalence of abuse on Twitter, but what will it take to inspire websites and their parent companies to intercede?

Many, if not most, technology vendors bend over backward to avoid favoritism and maintain level playing fields for users of all stripes, King pointed out. I respect that attitude, but its often subject to being gamed by some users  and in some circumstances has resulted in online environments that amplify abusive behavior.

Societal Shift

Machine learning tools one day might be capable of rejecting abusive comments before their intended targets ever see them. However, even if the companies running social networks work strenuously to stomp out online abuse, its ultimately up to humans to ensure that humanity prevails.

The best line of defense against social shaming starts at home, suggested counselor Scott A. Spackey.

Family validation and bonding, and personal achievement with sports, school work and personal goals is the antidote to ANY source of social shaming, he told TechNewsWorld.

People are more immune to criticism from outsiders when they have evidence to the contrary, provided by self knowledge and by those in their inner circles, Spackey said. For example, its easier to brush off being called stupid when ones grades indicate otherwise.

We all need to remember theres no law against unfriending a social network contact at any time, he noted. Virtual life has same rules as non-virtual life: You get to have the final say on who you interact with and what you are exposed to.

While its ideal to teach those lessons in the home, its never too late to improve oneself with education and re-education.

Pity the Fool?

When Playboy Playmate Dani Mathers snapchatted an image of an older woman nude in a locker room, that was an opportunity for education, according to relationship and etiquette expert April Masini.

It was a moment to talk about what happens, naturally, to our bodies, she told TechNewsWorld.

There is a lesson for Ms. Mathers to learn that bodies age and they dont look the same at 20 as they do at 60 or 70 or 80, and that its important to celebrate the changes of a healthy and aging human being, Masini said, instead of mocking the change that is often difficult to endure because its a signal life is slipping away  as it should.

Mathers undoubtedly was afraid of what she saw to some degree, she suggested, and might not even be conscious of the aging of her own body.

The impetus for body shamers and bullies is usually fear, Masini said. We see bravado and mean-spirited posts  we dont acknowledge the fear behind the person posting.
John Burke, president of Trek Bicycle Corp., invoked a famous speech by former President John F. Kennedy and the words of his own parents as he called on Madison-area business leaders Wednesday night to give back to their community.

One of the things my parents told me was to make a difference, said Burke, the keynote speaker at the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerces annual dinner.

Burke shared memories, with affection, about his childhood and the values his family life instilled in him  delivering meals to senior citizens with his mother and saving cans and newspapers to recycle, riding in the familys yellow, gas-guzzling Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser station wagon and driving 25 miles to drop those newspapers off.

His father, Richard Burke, was generous in his contributions to local causes, including to a youth arts center in Milwaukees inner city. He was a lot better at giving money away than spending money, John Burke said.

Chris Kegel, founder of the Wheel & Sprocket chain of bike shops based in the Milwaukee area, was among his heroes, too, John Burke said, for his philosophy of being a positive force in his world.

The lesson from Burkes parents and Kegel was: They put the community before they put themselves, he said.

Kennedys 1961 inaugural address affected him similarly, Burke said, when the president said Ask not what your country can do for you  ask what you can do for your country.

Burke said the nation doesnt seem to have that motivation anymore.

In those 55 years, weve lost some of that, he said. We focus too much on ourselves.

Trek is a global company with sales estimated of around $1 billion and 1,800 employees  still headquartered in Waterloo where Burkes father began manufacturing bicycles in a red barn in 1976.

But Burke said much of its success comes from treating its employees well. Trek has the largest share of employee ownership in the state, he said, with 27 percent of the company owned by its workers. College scholarships to the children of employees average about $4,000 a year, he said. And, in addition to an awesome cafe, there are 15 miles of the best mountain bike trails near the headquarters buildings and an extensive employee health program.

Burke said Trek plans to add a second DreamBikes program in Madison on the East Side. The first DreamBikes used-bike shop, run by youths, began in the Allied Drive neighborhood in 2008.

He also said Madison will host a national conference next June on how to transform cities into biking communities.

Burke, whose sister Mary ran for governor against Scott Walker in 2014, has ideas go beyond biking. In his book, Twelve Simple Solutions to Save America, he offered thoughts for solving problems that range from fixing Congress to reducing gun deaths.

I hope you do something in your community, he told about 1,000 event attendees at Monona Terrace.

Lands End CEO Federica Marchionni also had been scheduled to give a keynote address but Marchionni and Lands End parted ways earlier this week. Instead, Lands End senior vice president Kelly Ritchie addressed the crowd.

Were all very excited about the future of Lands End, Ritchie said. It has become a global lifestyle brand.

She said about 300 Madison-area businesses buy their uniforms and work wear from Lands End. The companys interim CEOs, Joseph Boitano and James Gooch, were among those at the Chamber of Commerce event, and each attendee received a canvas Lands End tote bag.

The theme of the night was: Make Madison: Make a career; make a life; make a difference. Chamber president Zach Brandon said the organization, which sold its building at 615 E. Washington Ave. to Dane County for a homeless day center, will move to offices at 17 S. Fairchild Street.

With membership up 22 percent over last year, Brandon said, We have no intention of slowing down.
Sony's PlayStation VR headset is scheduled to arrive in just a couple of weeks. Looking to cater to those that absolutely can't wait any longer than humanly possible, Best Buy on Thursday said it will be hosting midnight launch events at around 350 of its stores across the country.

Shane Kitzman, Best Buy's media relations leader, said in a post on the company's corporate website that select stores will open their doors at 12:01 a.m. EDT on October 13. This trickles down across time zones moving from east to west, meaning stores in the Central time zone will open at 11:01 p.m., 10:01 p.m. for Mountain Time and 9:01 p.m. on the West Coast.

This seems like the best approach versus each time zone opening their stores at 12:01 local time, resulting in people on the East Coast getting the peripheral three hours ahead of gamers on the West Coast.

You can check out Best Buy's Gaming Events page to find a store near you. As I quickly discovered, 350 stores sounds like a lot but depending on where you live, you may be out of luck. The closest late-night opening in my area, for example, is more than four hours and two states away.

Kitzman said there will be limited quantities of its VR gaming accessory at each Best Buy store nationwide the next day in the event you can't get to an early opening. Of course, there's also the far more convenient option of ordering online and having it delivered on launch day.
The new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is finally ready to go on sale in Europe next month, promising a high-end experience and non-exploding batteries.

With all the commotion surrounding the defective Galaxy Note 7 units with exploding batteries, Europe is still yet to see the new Galaxy Note 7 go on sale.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was supposed to relaunch in European markets on Sept. 2, but the whole recall fiasco delayed the process. Eager customers in Europe can now rejoice, however, because the device is finally launching in late October.

Samsung says that it has fixed the issue that caused some Galaxy Note 7 batteries to overheat and explode, and is putting the device back on sale. Moreover, 26 reports of exploding Galaxy Note 7 units were reportedly false.

The false reports that did not in fact involve exploding Galaxy Note 7 batteries came from the United States, South Korea, France, the UK, Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, Turkey, Vietnam, Croatia, Romania, Iraq, Lebanon, the Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates.

Alarmed by the multitude of worrying reports, consumers have been patiently waiting for the new Galaxy Note 7 to arrive.

Samsung, for its part, has been urging users worldwide to exchange their Galaxy Note 7 and wait for the new unit to launch. Because not all users were eager to comply with the recall and exchange their devices, Samsung eventually came up with a quick fix that limited the Galaxy Note 7's charging capacity to only 60 percent to avoid overheating. The charging limit applies only to original Galaxy Note 7 models, not the new ones released after the recall.

"Every Note 7 customer in Europe has received a series of safety messages, from Samsung asking them to exchange, and a software update rolling out across Europe to all existing Note 7 devices has reset the maximum battery charge of existing Note 7 devices to 60 percent," says Samsung.

Samsung now plans to formally launch the new Galaxy Note 7 phablet in Europe on Oct. 28. Considering the entire controversy surrounding the device, however, would you still buy one?

Recent reports pointed out that even brand new Galaxy Note 7 units released after the recall have their own share of issues. While their batteries may no longer explode, the Galaxy Note 7 replacements reportedly experience overheating and battery drain while charging.

Nevertheless, Samsung is confident in customer loyalty and says that 90 percent of Galaxy Note 7 users in Europe have chosen a new Galaxy Note 7 since the new device became available. The company also revealed that 57 percent of Galaxy Note 7 units in Europe have been exchanged, and it expects the program to complete by early October.

With all things considered, will you be buying a new Galaxy Note 7 when it's released in your market? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Well, it was bound to happen eventually: BlackBerry has announced it will stop designing its own phones and focus exclusively on software - a move that comes following a $372 million loss last quarter.

It's hard to imagine nowadays, but back in the early 2000s, BlackBerry reigned as king in the smartphone world with its QWERTY-equipped handsets powered by the in-house BlackBerry OS. However, things began to take a dive after Apple and Google entered the fray with the iOS and Android. Over the last half-decade, the company has tried to adapt by building a more advanced and touch-friendly operating system, even going so far as to adopt the Android OS last year, but it was of little avail and mainstream consumers ignored the phones.

Now, BlackBerry exists as a mere shadow of its former self. In 2009, a time when it was already stagnating, it controlled a fifth of the phone market. Now, according to estimates from Gartner, the company claimed a paltry 0.1 percent of the last market in the second quarter, equating to about 400,400 sales.

And it is with that in mind that CEO John Chen decided to stop producing phones (that task will be outsourced) so it could focus exclusively on software.

"The company plans to end all internal hardware development and will outsource that function to partners," he said in a statement. "We are reaching an inflection point with our strategy. Our financial foundation is strong, and our pivot to software is taking hold."

It's a smart move on BlackBerry's part - in contrast to the $372 million loss in the second quarter, the company is actually on track to deliver 30 percent revenue growth in software and services for the full fiscal year.

To be clear, however, the news that BlackBerry will cease producing hardware does not mean that the company will no longer be a consumer tech company. Why? Because that already happened years ago. For the past several years, BlackBerry has been marketing its phones toward businesses and governments while bolstering its reputation for security.

For example, the company's most recent phone, the DTEK50, was really just a clone of Alcatel's Idol 4 with BlackBerry branding, but it also featured DTEK software, which provided protection from malware and other security issues that Android-powered phones are susceptible to. It also came with the DTEK app, which allows users to get a quick overview of the security status of their device and address any potential issues before they become actual problems.

So what's next for BlackBerry?

Before it moves on to software, the company has the DTEK60, which features a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 GB of RAM. Afterward, it has a few things planned, such as BlackBerry Radar, which provides "end-to-end asset tracking" for the internet of things, and BlackBerry Hub+, a productivity suite for Android.

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Apple is already in full swing with the development of its upcoming smartphone, which sources say is referred to as "iPhone 8" by the employees of the company.

The anonymous tipper adds that a part of the handset's hardware will be made in Israel, at the OEM's offices in Herzliya.

Sources familiar with the matter are touting that next year's flagship model from Apple will look substantially different from the iPhone 7, which backs previous rumors about revamping of the current iPhone design.

Speculation roams free about the naming of the 2017 iPhone. Following the trend of former years, the smartphone should sport the name "iPhone 7s," but seeing how many changes will be in store for the upcoming device, this seems unlikely.

Business Insider reports that its source from Apple's manufacturing line divulged "in broken English" that the next year's smartphone will be packing an even better camera than the one found in the iPhone 7. This seems credible, as Apple has strived to overpass its former phones in terms of technical specs, camera included.

The Apple employee, which solders components for Apple, hinted that staff in Israel is working hard on the next handset from the company, and even made a clear mention of "iPhone 8."

"The worker used the term "iPhone 8" unprompted in our conversation," reads Business Insider.

The publication notes that the logical step in phone's naming would be iPhone 7s, with the iPhone 8 scheduled for 2018.

Rumors about the purported iPhone 8 claim that the device will feature an all-glass body and edge-to-edge display, and for the first time in Apple history, the camera and Touch ID will be integrated in the display. Taking a leaf out of iPhone 7, Apple will renounce the physical Home Button. Reports from September this year show that the iPhone 8 will be wireless charging-friendly.

There is an additional reason to believe that Apple will opt for a number in its 2017 smartphone, instead of an "s." The first iPhone rolled out in 2007, meaning that next year the company will celebrate 10 years of smartphone success.

In 2015, Tim Cook, the helm of Apple made an official visit to the Herzliya offices, which he labeled as his company's second largest R&D facility.

Seeing how Apple's R&D offices in Herzliya are removed from the marketing and branding arms of the enterprise, and since it is still too soon to make final statements about next year's gadget, take the iPhone 8 report with a mandatory grain of salt.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
One sip of this soup is like getting wrapped in your warmest, coziest sweater. Between the thick chunks of vegetables, tender cubes of potato, juicy shreds of chicken (take your pick of boneless breasts or thighs), and thick, creamy broth, it truly doesnt get more comforting than chicken potato soup.

As the temps begin to dip, this is a family-friendly soup to keep on repeat all through fall and winter.
Some of the most notable names in the auto industry won't make an appearance at the upcoming Paris Motor Show 2016.

The list includes Ford, Mazda and Volvo as well as luxury brands Rolls Royce and Aston Martin. Bentley and Lamborghini, both Volkswagen-subsidiaries, will also opt out together.

The biennial event, which is held for 16 days in October, is regarded as one of the most important shows in the motor industry where new concepts and production models are unveiled. In 2014, more than 1.2 million people attended the Paris Motor Show, making it the most visited auto show at the time.

Salon de l'Automobile, as it was originally known, has had an illustrious history, which started with its first event in 1918. Since then, it has become a stage for carmakers to showcase their brands and upcoming offerings.

For Paris Motor Show 2016, which will commence on Oct. 1, a number of industry big names will be absent.

The Cost Of Putting On A Show

Those elevated and spinning platforms certainly don't come cheap. Car companies spend millions to participate in prestigious auto shows, especially with competing brands seeking to best them left and right.

The competition extends to who can grab the most attention-grabbing headlines. This prompts companies to host special events for the media at key places within Paris, instead of just holding the conventional press conference.

Volkswagen's decision to pull the Bentley and Lamborghini out of Paris Motor Show 2016 came earlier this month. The German car manufacturer is not in a good financial position in the aftermath of the emissions scandal. The company needed to set aside $18 billion to either repurchase or fix the affected vehicles.

Jobs were lost as a result of VW's effort to reduce spending, and the Paris Motor Show was definitely an expense it could do without.

Marketing through Other Channels

While the Paris Motor Show is indeed prestigious, there are still other alternative channels through which the latest and greatest automobiles can be showcased.

And as the line between the auto and consumer tech industries are blurred, newer vehicles are finding their way into tech and electronics events. Earlier this month, for instance, Toyota presented its new Prius model at Disrupt SF 16, a gathering of tech startups hosted by Tech Crunch.

Ford may also be looking to break away from the marketing hype of the Paris Motor Show. It may be drumming up support for its brand in a motor show of its own, according to the BBC. Ford will host its own event to launch a new model in November at its Cologne HQ.

The American car manufacturer is focusing more on its driverless car technology, and redefining itself as an innovator.

Volvo, which has also opted out of the car show, will mount its own media events to market its newer lineup.

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The United Nations will launch its first ever mission to space five years from now.

The intergovernmental organization has announced that it intends to send Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser for a space mission in 2021 albeit the spacecraft is still currently in its testing phase.

The 30-foot long Dream Chaser is like the smaller version of NASA's space shuttle orbiter. Just like the U.S. space agency's now retired space shuttle, the Dream Chaser is reusable, launches vertically and lands horizontally on the runway. It can also carry up to seven passengers per flight.

Sierra Nevada's partnership with the UN was signed in June but the target date for the low-Earth orbit mission was only announced on Sept. 27 at the International Astronautical Congress held at the Mexican city of Guadalajara, where SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also presented his space company's plan to help humans colonize planet Mars within 40 to 100 years.

The exact objective of the UN space mission remains vague albeit it is targeted for countries that have no space program of their own. While countries such as the United States, Russia, China and India have resources to explore and conduct studies in space, many nations across the world do not have such opportunity.

United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) said the UN space mission will make space more affordable to nations that cannot otherwise have access to it.

The statement released by Sierra Nevada on Tuesday said that the dedicated Dream Chaser mission aims to provide developing nations the chance to develop and fly microgravity payload for an extended period in orbit. It added the all member states of the UN will also have the opportunity to propose payloads for the 2-week space mission.

UNOOSA director Simonetta Di Pippo said that one of the organization's main responsibilities is to promote cooperation among nations in the peaceful use of outer space.

"We will continue to work closely with SNC to define the parameters of this mission ," Di Pippo said.

Di Pippo said that multiple sources will fund the mission. Countries that send payloads to space will also cover some of the expenses since they will be asked to pay a pro-rated portion of the mission cost based on the resources that will be required to host their payload and how much they can afford.

Large portions of the expenses, however, will be covered by major sponsors. The UNOOSA said that it is currently looking for sponsors to help fund the mission.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
T-Mobile started an exciting plan for its subscribers during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, where it was offering free LTE data to postpaid customers traveling to Brazil.

The network operator later extended it till the Paralympics and most of the offers, including for people traveling to Europe, or those whose subscription has expired or are about to in end September. However, T-Mobile is set to change that and has revealed that it will be extending access to free unlimited high-speed data to Dec. 31, 2016 for those traveling overseas.

On Sept. 28, T-Mobile announced its new plans for customers traveling to 19 European and 14 South American countries.

"Starting October 1, the Un-carrier is giving customers unlimited high-speed data throughout South America and 19 European countries until 2017. T-Mobile postpaid customers get the fastest available data roaming speeds up to 4G LTE at no extra cost," notes the carrier.

So thanks to this offer, all postpaid customers of T-Mobile will be able to take advantage of LTE on roaming at no additional charge. The European countries where travelers can benefit from this scheme include Denmark, Iceland, Germany, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Russia, Portugal and more.

While previously, the T-Mobile offer only included Brazil, it has now added several South American countries to the list, such as Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay and more.

So come Oct. 1, if a T-Mobile postpaid customer is traveling to any of the destinations then there will be no extra charge for their data usage. What's more, while normally T-Mobile offers 2G speeds as part of its free roaming deal, this offer gives subscribers access to faster 4G LTE speeds.

The carrier's CEO and President John Legere has revealed that this is what set the network operator's Un-carrier apart from rivals.

"I've always thought roaming limits were nuts. So when we found a way to expand our free summer data offer, I said 'Hell yeah!'" says Legere.

Subscribers to T-Mobile will not only get free data access, but also unlimited texting thanks to the carrier's Simple Global initiative. For those looking to make phone calls, be prepared to shell out 20 cents per minute as part of the Simple Global. This pricing is valid in more than 140 countries worldwide.

So when traveling for business or leisure to any of these destinations, getting hold of a T-Mobile SIM would be the wise thing to do  at least till Dec. 31, 2016.

Photo: Mike Mozart | Flickr

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Many have been anticipating the release of Android Wear 2.0 ever since it was announced during Googles I/O conference back in May.

The upcoming operating system update for wearables packs in a ton of new features such as Play Store for Android Wear, apps that can run independently on the watch as opposed to being tethered to a smartphone, an onscreen keyboard and new fitness apps.

However, users will have to wait a bit longer since Google will not be rolling out 2.0 this year. The release has been pushed back to 2017.

Note that only the developer preview version of Android Wear 2.0 is out at the moment. Google is extending the developer preview until early 2017, which is also the timeframe that the tech giant has set for the first smartwatches to receive the Android Wear 2.0 update.

"Weve gotten tons of great feedback from the developer community about Android Wear 2.0thank you! Weve decided to continue the preview program into early 2017, at which point the first watches will receive Android Wear 2.0," says Google in a blog post.

Why Is The Release Delayed?

The OS version is not yet ready for prime time. Google wants to iron out bugs and encourages its developer community to keep spotting more.

Bear in mind that Android Wear 2.0 Developer Preview is only available on a couple of devices. One is the Huawei Watch and the other is the LTE-equipped LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition. Both are running on the same processor, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 clocked at 1,200 MHz.

LG, Huawei and Motorola made it clear that they will be releasing Android Wear devices for the remainder of 2016.

The Wearable Market

According to data gathered by the IDC, the demand for wearables has increased by more than 67 percent in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the previous year. Total shipment volumes reached 19.7 million units for Q1 2016, which is quite the jump from Q1 2015s 11.8 million units.

"The good news is that the wearables market continues to mature and expand," says Ramon Llamas, research manager for IDC's Wearables team. "The wearables that we see today are several steps ahead of what we saw when this market began, increasingly taking their cues from form, function, and fashion.

The IDC data also shows that Fitbit dominates the wearable market and claims more than a quarter of it. It is followed by Xiaomi, Apple, Garmin, Samsung and BBK.

Photo: Uncalno Tekno | Flickr

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Google Allo Gets Over 5 Million Downloads | TechTree.com

While it has just been a week since Google launched its messaging app Allo along with the Google Assistant, the app seems to be gaining some attention, as it recently crossed 5 million downloads while being in 8th rank in the free app listing on the Google Play Store. In-fact, the app reached over 1 million download within two or three days since its launch and four days ago, we even noticed the app ranking in the first spot on the free app listings.

So, what's making the app get such huge downloads in just a week? Well, we pretty much know the answer! It's the preview edition of the Google Assistant, which seems to be quite smart at answering your questions. The Google Assistant which is actually a bot comes backed with the company's search capabilities.

We can also subscribe to get free information pertaining to weather updates, daily happenings, and much more! In-fact, in the near future, we can clearly see a whole new integration level through which Google Assistant can even book your favorite movie in your nearest cinema hall.

However, as we clearly know, the competition is difficult, especially with WhatsApp having over a billion download, and Facebook Messenger with over 800 million active users, will this Chat bot stand a chance to make it big?

While time can definitely answer this question, we expect the search giant to polish the chat assistant a little bit more and take her the way she is destined!

TAGS: Google Allo
California is looking to the tech-driven future, as Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law this week a bill that could be a first step toward having computer sciences classes in every school.



The bill, AB 2329, authored by Assemblymember Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, and co-sponsored by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, directs a new advisory panel to develop a long-term strategic implementation plan for computer science education in K-12 and higher ed. A statement from Newsom's office says the bill aims to ensure that all students will have access to computer science education.



According to the release, only a quarter of California's high schools offer any computer science courses, a disparity punctuated by striking gender and racial gaps. Of Californias 3,525 computer science graduates in 2014, only 15 percent were female. In 2015, of the approximately 8,700 high school students in California who took the AP Computer Science exam, just 26 percent were female, 973 were Hispanic, and only 148 were black.



One of the main complaints with computer science education in secondary school is the lack of a designation by CSU and UC colleges to recognize computer science courses as a core mathematics or science course. Currently the university systems only accept those as an elective course.



In December 2015, the release said, Lieutenant Governor Newsom spearheaded a letter signed by dozens of key political, business and nonprofit leaders to the Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS), the UC committee armed with the ability to reclassify the course. The letter is currently under consideration at the CSU Academic Senate.



AB 2329 is parallel to President Obamas "Computer Science for All" initiative, and was supported by dozens of businesses and advocacy organizations, such as TechNet (a co-sponsor of the bill) Microsoft, Facebook, the California Chamber of Commerce, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, LA Area Chamber of Commerce, ACCESS, Code.org, and the superintendents of the Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland and San Francisco unified school districts, among many others.



"We applaud the Governors leadership in signing AB 2329, which will engage multiple stakeholders to develop a strategic computer science education plan," said Julie Flapan, executive director of ACCESS, in the release, "Ensuring all students, especially underrepresented students in computer science  girls, low-income students and students of color  have access to meaningful and high-quality computer science education in schools across California.




SpaceX CEO and nerd-god Elon Musk put forth his architecture for mankind to colonize Mars and potentially other bodies in our solar system on Tuesday, September 27. As Musk stood in the spotlight describing a huge rocket to transport up to 100 people at a time to Mars, Blue Origin started talking about its own potential to move beyond the Earth.

Musk unveiled his plans at the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico before a packed ballroom of hundreds, along with thousands of others watching through a live stream of his talk.

In his opening remarks, Musk said that it cost around $10 billion to put a person on the Moon. To colonize Mars, an Interplanetary Transport System (ITS) would have to lower the cost per person to the range of a U.S. house, around $200,000. The four keys to dropping the cost of transport to Mars significantly downward, said Musk, are full reusability, refilling in orbit, propellant generation on Mars, and the right propellant.

A launch to Mars would consist of a booster putting a 100 person spacecraft into orbit. The booster would fly back and return to its launch pad, get refueled, and have a tanker spaceship mounted on top, with a second launch putting the tanker into orbit. One or more tanker runs would fill up the spacecraft's empty tanks, followed by an 80 to 140 day trip from Earth orbit to Mars landing. At Mars, the spacecraft would land on its tail, off-load people and cargo, then be refueled for the trip home. Fuel for the spacecraft's trip back to Earth  because you are reusing everything thing to keep costs reasonable  would be super-chilled liquid oxygen and methane, plentiful here on Earth and obtainable easily enough from Mars ice and its carbon monoxide atmosphere.

The ICT is a massive piece of hardware. Launching from the Kennedy Space Center, it will stand longer than a football field, at 122 meters. The first stage booster has a diameter of 12 meters while the spaceship and companion Earth-only tanker have a diameter of 17 meters. We're talking about new hardware that can be compared to the size of Earth ocean sea vessels, rather than the current generation of spacecraft that are closer in size to cars and trucks when they reach orbit.

Musk outlined plans to reuse and build a 1,000 ship Mars fleet over decades to transport up to one million people to Mars, taking 40 to 100 years to build a fully self-sustaining civilization. If nothing else, Elon has crunched the numbers for colonizing the Red Planet, something few have done and none with such great attention.

If building a new civilization on Mars wasn't enough excitement, Musk said that the ITS would be capable of reaching anywhere in the immediate solar system if you set up refilling stops along the way. Tantalizing images of the SpaceX craft were shown on the surfaces of Jupiter's and Saturn's moons, including Europa.

To get from YouTube video and Powerpoint slides to actual hardware will cost around $10 billion over the next decade, Musk believes, plus more money to build a fleet of ships over the decades to come. Who will foot the bill is an open question, with Musk suggesting a public/private partnership along with a pledge of his own personal wealth. Currently, SpaceX is putting in $300 million a year of its own R&D budget, but it will have to find more money and sustainable cash flow to build a fleet of ships. If memory serves, some of SpaceX's engine R&D is being underwritten by the U.S. Air Force.

But some hardware progress has already been made. Musk showed off video from the first test of the Raptor engine and pictures of a huge composite cryogenic fuel tank SpaceX has built in-house, commenting he was amazed the high-power engine didn't blow up on its first firing. Both hardware pieces are long-lead items required for the construction of the all-composite ITS first stage.

Musk isn't the only billionaire with his sights on Mars. Blue Origin dropped some hints about the need for its larger New Armstrong rocket to reach destinations beyond low Earth orbit down in Mexico, reports GeekWire's Alan Boyle, but offered no details. More details on the New Glenn, primarily designed to put payloads and people into low Earth orbit, are expected to be released in the first quarter of 2016.

Blue Origin, founded by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, tends to be more tight-lipped than SpaceX. The factory for New Glenn is currently being built in Florida next to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and is expected to start operations before the end of the decade, according to company officials. Bezos, however, has made no secret of his vision to build space infrastructure to ultimately improve the quality of life for humanity. Whether or not this translates into a commercial race for Mars is a question only the future can answer.

Edited by Alicia Young
Larger Heads Triggered Massive Size in Dinosaurs

By Ana Verayo, | September 28, 2016

Theropod dinosaur skulls showing unornamented (Acrocanthosaurus NCMS 14345, left) and ornamented (Cryolophosaurus FMNH PR 1821, right) styles.

How did dinosaurs become so massive? Blame it on their heads. A new research has revealed that the ornamented heads of dinosaurs apparently caused a rapid growth in body mass of these Jurassic creatures.



A team from North Carolina State University examined the body sizes of theropods and how they evolved, revealing lineages of ornamented heads. Thereopods usually have large heads with crests, horns and similar protrusions that have grown faster and larger than their body size.



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Among the 22 theropod species, 20 of them possessed large ornamented heads that manifested bony bumps and crests, and these include the most iconic predators, the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Allosaurus.



After analyzing a total of 111 ornamented and unadorned theropod species, researchers suggest that head ornamentation triggered this species to evolve into bigger proportions through time as opposed to unornamented species which possessed heads that remained small or regular in size.



According to Terry Gates of North Carolina State University, it was surprising to discover a strong link between ornaments and large body sizes in theropods. This offers a glimpse into the Jurassic period that dinosaurs which are bigger have more favorable chances of survival.



However, this link does not apply to every theropod species. Those that are closely related to modern birds like the Velociraptor, the Falcarius, and the Ornithomimus were all massive. But they did not possess head ornamentation. In this case, feathers replaced skull ornamentation.



Gates added that the new study also suggests that vaned feathers are also communication tools that may have helped larger bird-like theropods not to bother anymore with larger heads.



This new study has been published in the journal Nature Communications.


The winner of the Brazilian presidential elections on Sunday, former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2011), assured that he would work to put his country back on the international... | Read More
Authorities are searching for three men who jumped from a crashed stolen SUV on the Southeast Side early Thursday morning, with one other man detained after being injured in the crash.

The crash happened at about 4:15 a.m. at the westbound exit from the Beltline to South Towne Drive and Broadway, the Dane County Sheriff's Office said.

Spokeswoman Elise Schaffer said a deputy initiated a traffic stop on a Ford Explorer on the Beltline near the Interstate, but the SUV didn't stop and was chased by the deputy.

"The SUV took the Broadway off ramp, lost control and crashed through a fence," Schaffer said. "Four people fled on foot, with one taken into custody by the deputy."

The suspect in custody, Eugene Crosby, 21, was taken to a local hospital.

The vehicle was stolen from Sun Prairie. Crosby will be tentatively charged with being party to the crime of operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent.

The search concentrated in the South Towne Drive and Industrial Drive area south of the Beltline, with Dane County deputies, Madison police, town of Madison police and Monona police involved in the search. Police dogs had been used earlier but were pulled off the search.

No description of the suspects being searched for was given.
Madison police are following "strong leads" on Thursday in the search for a suspect or suspects involved in the shooting of a man on the South Side Wednesday morning, the victim in critical condition with a bullet wound to the head.

Police believe the unidentified victim, who is in his 20s, was targeted in the shooting, but it was too early to tell if the shooting was gang related.

The shooting happened at about 9:45 a.m. in the 2700 block of McDivitt Road, with the victim outside and the suspect or suspects believed to be in a car or several cars.

Police spokesman Joel DeSpain told the State Journal on Thursday that there is a concern for retaliation following this shooting, but no general threat to the community.

"We don't believe there is a general threat," DeSpain said. "We believe the specific target is the guy who got shot."

Even without a general threat to the community, the public could still be in danger if gunfire erupts, mainly because of errant bullets that can go just about anywhere.

In the Wednesday shooting, police recovered at least 25 shell casings at the scene, the bullets fired from more than one gun. At least two of those bullets hit an apartment building.

"The victim was targeted, but innocent, uninvolved people had their residences shot at," DeSpain said. "There may have been a target but a lot of the bullets were not hitting the target."

The Violent Crimes Unit and the Gang Unit of the police department are taking part in the investigation, but that doesn't mean the shooting is gang related, DeSpain said.

"We've had very good cooperation from the community and we are following strong leads," DeSpain said.
A man who allegedly shoplifted at a Sun Prairie grocery store Wednesday night was found hiding behind the store and arrested, with his gun discovered nearby.

Michael Hartman, 35, of Sun Prairie, was taken into custody on tentative charges of retail theft, obstruction and being a felon in possession of a firearm, police said.

The incident happened at about 7:10 p.m. at Copps, 640 E. Main St.

Hartman was confronted by store staff and fled, but was located along railroad tracks running next to the north side of the store.

"The suspect did not comply with officers' commands initially, and hid in the bushes," Sun Prairie police said. "He was taken into custody without incident."

Police recovered a .38 Special revolver in a holster, which had been discarded and belonged to the suspect, and an item allegedly stolen from the store.
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...

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Damage to roads and bridges from the strong rains and flooding in western and southwestern Wisconsin last week is now estimated at $12 million, with 32 homes destroyed, the states Emergency Operations Center said Wednesday.

Vernon County accounts for $5.1 million in damages, while 11 other counties share the remainder. Some areas saw up to 10 inches of rain last week.

The storms also resulted in about $6.5 million in damage to homes and businesses in 11 counties.

Vernon County also reported the brunt of homes damaged, with 28 destroyed.

The estimates were reported Wednesday afternoon and had risen from previous estimates released by the emergency center on Tuesday.

The affected counties also include Adams, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland and Wood, which reported damage to roads but not to homes and businesses.

The monthly rainfall amount for La Crosse is more than 7 inches above the average for September, the National Weather Service said.

Some roads remain closed, including Highway 131 between Highway S and Highway U, the emergency center said. The Kickapoo River runs alongside that stretch of highway.
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CONVENT  A day after a grand jury indicted him and two parish administrators on public corruption charges, St. James Parish President Timothy Roussel and his employees were back at work Thursday and Roussel vowed to fight allegations he misused more than $70,000 in parish funds, materials and labor.

Brandon Keller, parish government spokesman, said Thursday that Roussel was "still making decisions and operating the parish government, so he is the head of parish government" while his administrators employment status remains the same" at present.

"We will vigorously fight these allegations and are confident that we will win this," Roussel added in a statement. He has hired a lawyer and has been advised not to comment further, he said.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry and District Attorney Ricky Babin have conducted a joint probe since January and accused Roussel and his director of operations, Blaise Gravois, in separate indictments of using parish employees, equipment, materials and cash to benefit private companies and landowners.

St. James Parish president indicted on public corruption charges St. James Parish President Timothy Roussel and two parish administration officials indicted 

Though brought separately by the two agencies, the indictments against Roussel and Gravois largely match one another as Gravois is accused of seeing through the donations of public materials and work for private ends at Roussel's direction.

The charges against Assistant Financial Director Ashley Poche are unrelated to the schemes alleged against Gravois and Roussel but she allegedly misused a parish cellphone to the tune of $700 for excessive or non-governmental purposes.

She is also accused of doing the campaign finance reports for Parish Councilman Ralph Patin on the job and using a parish fax machine to submit the reports last fall. Patin paid her $100 to do the work, her indictment says.

The indictments come several months after Roussel and the district attorney had a public spat over funding for his office and funding for Parish Attorney Bruce Mohon amid claims that Roussel was punishing Mohon over last years election. Mohon says he stayed out of the race at Babins direction but is a longtime friend of the Democrat Roussels principal election opponent last year, Pete Dufresne.

Babin said Wednesday that allegations in the indictment have nothing to do with the funding dispute with Roussel and noted his office referred Roussels case to Landry, who is a Republican.

Babins office continues to handle the probes against Gravois and Poche.

By late Thursday morning, Roussel, Gravois and Poche took the walk downstairs at the Parish Courthouse to the parish jail to be booked. Col. Sid Berthelot, chief deputy for Sheriff Willy Martin Jr., said the three were released about an hour and half later after posting bail.

Roussel faces six counts of malfeasance in office. Gravois has been indicted on five counts of malfeasance. Poche has been charged with two counts of malfeasance.

Berthelot said the officials had pre-set bail amounts of $10,000 per count of malfeasance in office: $60,000 for Roussel, $50,000 for Gravois and $20,000 for Poche.

Though the indictments dont specifically raise last years election as an issue, the allegations mostly happened last fall when Roussel was in a hotly contested re-election bid.

One of the allegations involves a major galvanizing company that relocated to the parish earlier this year, but the other claims against Roussel and Gravois involve small-scale improvements or clearing of individuals homes and property in the Convent and Paulina areas.

For instance, the indictments allege Roussel authorized Gravois to use public employees and equipment to do work on three private properties in Convent between Sept. 11 and Oct. 6, 2015: remove a shed, demolish a private mobile home, and remove a playhouse and debris.

Roussel narrowly led the Oct. 24 primary and won a second term Nov. 21 in a close runoff with Dufresne.

A spokeswoman for Landry declined to address what role the election played in the allegations against Roussel.

I dont want to speculate as to why he allegedly committed the crimes, said Ruth Wisher, Attorney General Landrys spokeswoman.

The indictment against Gravois alleges that Trudy Carnaggio, owner of Belmont Lumber and Supply Co. in St. James Parish, asked for a shed on private property down the street from her lumber business to be removed between Sept. 11 and Oct. 6, 2015. The work cost $2,384.63.

The indictment against Roussel raises the same allegation but does not name Carnaggio. Carnaggio, whose connection to the property with the shed is unclear based on land records, disputed the claim when asked if it is true Thursday.

No, its not, bye, Carnaggio said before hanging up.

Roussel and Gravois also are accused of giving Millennium Galvanizing of Convent 4,500 feet of gas line, a 10,000-unit gas meter and other supplies and then using public employees to install the equipment on private property at a cost of $33,000 to parish.

John Doggett, chief administrative officer for Crest Industries, the holding company for Millennium, said his company has cooperated with the state attorney general and district attorney for months and was surprised to see Millennium Galvanizing identified in the indictments.

Doggett said he viewed the gas line and equipment as part of a straightforward economic development inducement to bring his company to St. James Parish. His company has invested $20 million and hired more than 70 employees for the new plant that opened in March.

In exchange for parish installation for gas and water lines and equipment, the company was supposed to buy gas from the parish but the company and the parish never signed a contract, Doggett said.

Doggett, who says he has a letter from Roussel outlining the deal, said that once the parish quoted a price for gas, it was too high and Millennium went with another company in the absence of a contract.

He said Millennium is buying water from the parish and his company and the parish reached an agreement in the summer to pay for the gas equipment. The parish has invoiced his company.

It was never our intention not to pay for the line, Doggett said.

Roussel also is accused of having Gravois hire Sealevel Construction Inc. to drive 24 piles on private property in Paulina owned by Calvin J. Forsythe. The work was done between October and Dec. 18, 2015, at a cost of $9,100, which was paid out of the parish treasury, the indictments say.

The piles were apparently for a bulkhead built along a parish drainage canal.

Forsythe could not be reached for comment on his telephone nor at his home. A man answering the telephone at Sealevel in Thibodaux took a message but no one had called back by deadline.

Other aspects of the allegations against Roussel remained unclear Thursday. His indictment accuses him of authorizing the use of unnamed public employees and public equipment to improve private property for the owner at a cost of $25,000 over a nearly four-year period, between Oct. 1, 2012, and Aug. 31.
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi is proposing initiatives to reduce homelessness next year, including funds for a consultant to explore better coordination and organization of all community efforts.

Parisis proposal includes $300,000 in new operations funding, including $55,000 to match money from the city of Madison for the consultant, who would explore operations of the city and county, the Dane County Homeless Services Consortium and other efforts.

The initiatives also expand the communitys housing resource line, fund new housing locators, double the eviction prevention fund, deliver $3 million for affordable housing, allow the county to join the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness and open a new homeless day resource center in mid-2017.

The moves build on existing efforts and introduce some new strategies, Parisi said.

This is a logical next step in our ongoing and growing effort to address homelessness, he said Wednesday. Were learning as we go. We need a comprehensive solution.

Renee Moe, president of United Way of Dane County, applauded the moves and looks forward to getting more detail. Im really excited by all of these things, in particular, extra funding for affordable housing, she said.

Kristin Rucinski, executive director of The Road Home Dane County, said that more operations funding is definitely in the right direction, and that she supports efforts to strengthen the communitys new coordinated intake system for shelters.

But shes hoping that some entity will deliver more resources for case management. Theres a huge need, she said. I dont know who that falls upon.

A key proposal, although not the most costly, is hiring the consultant to look at better organization of community efforts to help the homeless.

Currently, the city and county each fund agencies, housing initiatives and programs, and the Homeless Services Consortium, a group of service providers that has grown over the decades, is overseen by a board of directors that is responding to federal mandates but lacks political clout.

Many advocates and providers say the consortium board must be strengthened and that better organization, such as a city-county office to end homelessness, is needed.

The timing is right, Parisi said. There are a lot of people doing a lot of good work. (But) someone from the outside can come in and assess what we need as a community. Im open to someone from the outside taking a look at our entire system.

Josh Wescott, Parisis chief of staff, said hes confident Mayor Paul Soglin will support the effort with matching funds. Its critical, Wescott said, to get buy-in from everyone at the start of a process.

Parisi said he has no preconceptions of what a new structure might look like.

Other initiatives would deliver:

$90,000 for two additional housing resource line staff who would work out of the day resource center.

$80,000 to partner with the YWCA and United Way of Dane County to expand the number of housing locators working to connect case managers with landlords willing to rent units. Currently, United Way funds a housing locator at the YWCA to work with families, and the YWCA has received state funding for a three-quarter-time locator to work with singles. Money in Parisis proposal would make the latter position full time and add another locator to work with singles and families.

$50,000 to double the countys eviction prevention fund to $100,000. This year, the program is on track to stabilize living situations of more than 200 families with more than 400 children.

$3 million for affordable housing partnerships. Of the total, $2 million would be targeted to fulfill the third year of Parisis program to direct $8 million over four years. The additional $1 million is for a third joint project with the city.

$3,000 for the county to join the fledgling Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness. Working with the coalition, the county hopes to influence change in state law and advocate for more money and resources, Parisi said.

Funds to open the day resource center. The county estimates it will spend $3.4 million to buy and remodel the former Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Building on the Near East Side into the resource center. The county also is contributing to its operations.

The county executives proposals follow an ongoing series about homelessness by the State Journal, which concluded Sept. 25. Parisi said the series helped the community understand complexities of the issue and that it inspired his proposal to explore a new structure for the communitys response to homelessness.

Parisi will introduce the full county budget on Thursday.

This is a logical next step in our ongoing and growing effort to address homelessness. Were learning as we go. We need a comprehensive solution. County Executive Joe Parisi
The ACT government has defended its commitment to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2020 and dismissed attacks on the sector as reckless knee-jerk reactions lacking evidence.

The whole of South Australia was left without power for several hours on Wednesday after one of the most extreme storms in 50 years battered key energy infrastructure.

At least 80,000 lightning strikes hit the state during the wild weather, which knocked over 22 transmission poles.

Politicians and climate scientists spent much of Thursday blaming the outage on an apparent over-reliance on renewable energy or a failure to adequately respond to climate change.
Democrats filed a complaint Thursday with the Dane County district attorney alleging Gov. Scott Walker violated state law in raising millions of dollars, including corporate donations, for the Wisconsin Club for Growth.

The complaint, signed by 16 Democratic legislators, asks Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne to investigate whether Walker violated a ban on corporate contributions to political candidates, an ethics code prohibition on elected officials using their position to raise money for a nonprofit with which they are associated, and an ethics code prohibition on promising to take certain actions in exchange for something of value.

That last allegation relates to a statement Walker made last week in which he told reporters that many people would question the need for additional resources for district attorneys if Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm continued to pursue the John Doe investigation into his recall campaign after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the matter.

Democrats said its a potential felony for an elected official to refrain from taking action, such as funding district attorney positions, in exchange for something of value, such as not being under investigation.

It appears to be retribution of some sort, Rep. Dana Wachs, D-Eau Claire, said of Walkers comments.

Walker said last week he did not violate the state ethics law and that courts had already deemed the investigation baseless. Democrats said the Supreme Court did not address the corporate contributions or the ethics issues.

This is a frivolous complaint that fails to acknowledge the facts, said Walker campaign spokesman Joe Fadness. Several courts shut down the baseless investigation on multiple occasions, and there is absolutely no evidence of any wrongdoing.

Ozanne is among the district attorneys who participated in the John Doe investigation. He said Thursday morning he received the letter but has not had time to review it.

Michele LaVigne, a UW-Madison Law School professor and expert on legal ethics, said she doesnt see a problem with Ozanne pursuing an investigation into issues not addressed by the state Supreme Court because they would be based on a different legal theory.

The truth is it is a legitimate argument to say the Supreme Court didnt address this, LaVigne said. If that were my client I would say its not foreclosed.

The Democrats complaint comes after a British newspaper released hundreds of pages of leaked documents from the halted investigation.

The investigation found Walkers top political adviser coordinated fundraising, advertising, messaging, voter mobilization and other campaign-related activity through the supposedly independent Wisconsin Club for Growth. Walker raised millions of dollars for the group, which was distributed to other conservative organizations to help Walker and Senate Republicans fend off recalls in 2011 and 2012.

No charges were filed in the case. Those under investigation successfully challenged subpoenas issued three years ago.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court shut down the investigation last summer with the 4-2 conservative majority saying the coordinated activity was protected by the First Amendment. Three Democratic district attorneys, including Ozanne and Chisholm, have appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The nations highest court could announce any day whether it will hear the case. If it takes the case, a final resolution could be dragged out through next spring. If it rejects the case, it remains unclear what next steps prosecutors will take.
A year ago David and Elizabeth Cusack were at Canberra Hospital, Mr Cusack stricken with pneumonia and his wife suffering chest pains.

The pair, struck by the professionalism and skill of critical care staff at the hospital, wanted to give something back  something more than just a donation for infrastructure or technical equipment.

ANU Deputy Dean of Medical School Imogen Mitchell is pleased the Medical School will be geting an endowment to help train young doctors in critical care by Elizabeth and David Cusack and their family. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

"We wanted to thank the highly trained and professional staff in critical care at the hospital for their care and inspire a new generation to go into the field," Mr Cusack said.

Since their joint experience of one of the busiest wards at the hospital, and that of another family member in August last year, the Cusack family have given a generous endowment to ANU Medical School to help train future generations of promising students in critical care.
AFL grand finals teams 2016: Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans

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The principle that positions of public office are positions of public trust is one of the cornerstones of parliamentary democracy and cannot be repeated too often. It means lawmakers have a duty to put the national interest above vested and personal interests. It means the tenets of public policy  transparency and accountability  need to be assiduously applied to political donations and political conduct.

These are unassailable notions. Eminently assailable, though, are the rules surrounding political donations and the consequent behaviour of politicians and those seeking, almost always out of self-interest, to influence legislation and regulation.

Stuart Robert should keep on walking - and not come back. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Fresh revelations about the behaviour of Queensland Coalition backbencher Stuart Robert should outrage all those who value probity. Mr Robert has truly poor form. He was sacked from the ministry by the Prime Minister earlier this year after the public became aware of the then human services minister's dubious use of his position of public trust to support a friend who was a Liberal Party donor and in whose company Mr Robert had a financial interest.

Now it has been shown Mr Robert delivered a speech in Parliament in support of a Queensland property developer  a firm called Sunland  that contained chunks written by the firm's lobbyist, a former member of Tony Abbott's staff, and that Sunland subsequently donated $25,000 to the Queensland Liberal National Party. Further, the lobbyist, Simone Holzapfel, gave more than $100,000 to the party and to Mr Robert's own fundraising outfit, the Fadden Forum, which in turn gave $30,000 each to two of Mr Robert's staff to cover costs of their local government candidacies.
The lights were hardly out in South Australia before politicians and lobby groups were staking out their ground in the argument over climate change and renewable energy.

Within hours of a massive storm that triggered a statewide power blackout, the Climate Council was blaming global warming for the wild weather.

It was a "disturbing preview of what's likely to come if Australia fails to act on climate change", council member Will Steffen claimed.

Renewable energy sceptics inside the federal government didn't quite say "We told you so," but the message was none too subtle.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull both raised concerns with South Australia's energy infrastructure. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Bruce Mountain, director of carbon and energy markets at consultants CME said the state's power supply dipped by 40 per cent after the weather knocked out transmission lines from interstate and gas-fired generators close to Adelaide could not increase production quickly enough to make up the demand. "The loss of so much capacity led quite quickly to the automatic disconnection of the interconnectors and hence the cascading failure of the South Australian power system," he said. A transmission tower in South Australia is damaged following severe winds. By Thursday evening there was still 75,000 properties without power in SA and numerous roads closed as 120km/h winds continued to batter the state.

The unanimous expert view of the causes of the blackout did not prevent Mr Turnbull and senior colleagues focusing on renewable energy Australia-wide, with Energy and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg directed by the Prime Minister to gather state energy ministers to discuss the supply issue. The storm that hit Adelaide on Wednesday. Credit:Bureau of Meteorology Mr Joyce blamed South Australia's rush to renewables for the blackout, saying: "The question has to be asked, is [South Australia's] over-reliance on renewable energies exacerbating their problems and their capacity to have a secure power supply?" Forty per cent of SA's electricity generation is from wind turbines. The storm passing through Woomera in SA's north on Wednesday. Credit:Bureau of Meteorology

Mr Turnbull criticised Labor governments in multiple states for setting "unrealistic" renewable energy targets. "I regret to say that a number of the state Labor governments have over the years set priorities and renewable targets that are extremely aggressive, extremely unrealistic, and have paid little or no attention to energy security," he said. "This is not just focused on SA but the same observation can be made about Queensland or indeed Victoria." Illustration: Cathy Wilcox Opposition Leader Bill Shorten hit back, saying it was "disgraceful" that Mr Turnbull and his team were playing politics over a natural disaster and that Mr Joyce would be all over the Greens "like a rash" if they used a bushfire, for example, to talk about climate change. "The fact that 20 transmission towers were blown down by almost cyclonic winds is not due to a renewable energy target, it's due to the weather," he said.

Greens energy spokesman Adam Bandt described Mr Turnbull's position as "reprehensible". "We need more renewable energy to tackle climate change, not less," he said. "Using a severe storm to attack renewables is a reprehensible act from a Prime Minister who should know better. Senator Xenophon, a long-time critic of wind power, also suggested a failure of wind energy was to blame for the blackout in SA. "Generators don't work when the wind is blowing too hard," he said.

It is understood the wind turbines were shut down after the transmission lines failed. Fellow South Australian, Penny Wong, branded Senator Xenophon's comments as "tacky". "We all know Nick loves publicity but yesterday he crossed the line. To talk about hospitals shutting down was irresponsible," she said. Mr Frydenberg said advice to him from the Australian Energy Market Operator was that the blackout was due to a "weather event". "The weather event led to those transmission towers being bowled over, led to the lightning strike in the power station and led to the interconnector being shut down. So there was a cascading effect across the network. That was a weather event," he said.

But he also stressed that the "other side of the coin" was SA's reliance on what he described as the "intermittent" power supply from wind farms. An angry SA Premier Jay Weatherill denied renewables were to blame, describing the incident as a "catastrophic failure of infrastructure which brought down our network". "There will [always] be somebody who will use a crisis to pull out their real agenda, which is they don't like renewable energy," he said. Muddying the picture around SA's electricity supply is a current debate around the price of power in that state when the wind is low and more energy needs to be imported from Victoria. A Grattan Institute report released on Sunday argued that there is a disconnect between climate change policy and the realities of the Australian energy market.

Business weighed in quickly on Thursday, with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for the coming investigation to include the energy mix in SA. "We will need to ask serious questions about how an entire state lost access to power, which is unacceptable for business and the rest of the community. We need to understand the role unique weather events played in the blackout and what network changes in South Australia and beyond can protect against future outages," said James Pearson, chief executive of ACCI. "The South Australian business community, represented by Business SA, has previously called for an independent inquiry to assess all options to transition the state's electricity network to a low-carbon future that promotes the interests of consumers with respect to price, quality, reliability and safety." Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox described the blackout as a "sobering new dimension to SA's power woes, which have been undermining confidence and causing major price spikes for some time". "It is hard to accept that the entire state is vulnerable to shutdown in a critical incident. Dealing with this situation needs to be a national priority and we are talking to all concerned to ensure future disruptions are minimised.
An Australian man who spent five years trapped in a legal nightmare in the Middle East says Turnbull government MP Stuart Robert put his life at risk by making a controversial speech defending a property developer.

Breaking years of silence about his ordeal, Marcus Lee has waded into the debate about Mr Robert's links to development firm Sunland, as Labor called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to "back or sack" the embattled MP.

An angry Mr Lee took aim at Mr Robert after the backbencher attempted to justify a November 2012 speech which Fairfax Media this week revealed was partly written by Sunland lobbyist and Liberal Party donor Simone Holzapfel.

"While Mr Robert states he spoke with multiple sources before giving his speeches under parliamentary privilege at no time did he contact me or my representatives to get a balanced view," Mr Lee told Fairfax Media.



"Given the gravity of my situation in the Middle East, and as an Australian citizen, you would think he would have done this at a minimum.



"In making his speeches in parliament Mr Robert not only denied me the presumption of innocence, while a serious criminal case was before Middle East courts, but in doing so he also put me and my wife's life at risk with total disregard."
Overall, doctors consider antidepressants a safe treatment. They often bring fast relief, and millions of people have been using them for 30-plus years, without evidence of serious harm, Swartz said. Though research on long-term use is scarce, "generally, studies show that there are no side effects of using antidepressants for an extended duration," said Dr. Renee Binder, immediate past president of the American Psychiatric Association. However, there can be short-term side effects, including weight gain and insomnia. So "no one wants to be on a medication they don't need," Swartz said. These three women are sharing their stories to spur dialogue around the subject and to encourage others to speak out. Their message: You are not alone. Barb Patrick, 46, experienced postpartum depression At least 1 in 7 women suffer from postpartum depression following the birth of a child - Patrick was diagnosed after her second baby in 2000. "I couldn't sleep at all because of my anxiety. People tell you to relax, but if I could relax, I would!" "I manage it all and just accept that medication is a part of my life." Photo: iStock

Patrick, who now runs a quilting business, worried she couldn't take care of her newborn and 20-month-old toddler, so she called her OB-GYN office. At first, they didn't offer any helpful solutions, Patrick said. After five sleepless nights, she called the office again and the on-call nurse midwife answered. "She changed my life. She said, 'Oh, honey, you have postpartum. Come in, and we'll take care of it.'" The midwife referred her to a psychiatrist, who put her on Zoloft and Ativan to quell anxiety. Patrick stopped the medication about a year later, but as soon as she gave birth to her third baby in 2003, the symptoms returned and worsened. She went back on her medications and began to feel better. Since she assumed the depression was specific to childbirth, she tried to go off again several times. On every occasion, the symptoms returned. Today, 13 years later, she remains on antidepressants. "I had to go through this process to realise this is something I cannot control. My mother said to me, if you had a heart problem, you would take medicine. You can't control it, so take the medicine. I function perfectly, I have a family and run a business, I have three great kids, I have a house. I manage it all and just accept that medication is part of my life." What you should know: Some women are able to come off antidepressants when their children get older, while others stay on. "Postpartum depression is often traumatic enough to an entire family that it takes a while for them to even consider going off," said Swartz. Tonja Myles, 51, has had multiple depressive episodes

Myles was not dealt an easy hand. She experienced years of childhood trauma and at the age of 18, she was hospitalised for depression and a suicide attempt. She started taking an antidepressant but soon stopped because she felt ashamed. "Some people in the faith community frown upon it because they think you should just pray and ask God, and He will heal you from depression," said Myles, who is an ordained minister. "I pray, but there are days when I have trouble getting out of bed, and that's the truth." Eventually, at 45, after several episodes of major depression, Myles grew tired of the emotional roller coaster. She went to see a therapist, who recommended again that she take medication. This time, she agreed. "I have to do what's best for myself," she said. It took a long time for Myles' doctor to find the right combination of drugs, but she ended up on a medication called Lexapro, then transitioned to Lamictal (taken as a mood stabiliser) and a pill to help with insomnia. For Myles, taking antidepressants has become a part of her life, along with her faith, exercise, healthy eating and therapy. Today, she counsels others with mental health issues and speaks publicly to reduce prejudice against depression; she also hosts her own community radio show. What you should know: Doctors recommend that women who have three or more episodes of depression stay on antidepressants. "If you stop using antidepressants even after you get well, the risk of relapse is very high - between 50 per cent to 75 per cent within six months," said Dr. Lee Cohen, director of the Centre for Women's Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital. Kieley Parker, 30, went through a big life change

When Parker first became ill, even asking for help seemed like more than she could manage. But she gathered her courage and told her mother she was struggling. Right away, her mum was supportive. She scheduled an appointment with a psychiatrist for Parker and drove her there. Parker, a typically bubbly person, was immediately diagnosed with depression, brought on by her move and all the other transitions in her life. The psychiatrist put her on Zoloft, an antidepressant, and Valium for her anxiety. "I felt better almost instantly," she said. "Every day it got a little bit easier and I could feel myself slowly coming back to the person I was before this rocky transition." She stayed on antidepressants for two years, as she built her new life. Parker tried to go off them briefly, but recently went back on at a lower dose when her anxiety began to creep back in. What you should know: If you were put on antidepressants because of symptoms related to a specific stressor like a divorce and you're feeling better a year or so later, you can talk to your physician about whether you still need to be on them, said Binder.
Wisconsin Democrats smell opportunities for statehouse gains thanks to the same candidate that Republicans insist is giving their state legislative candidates a boost: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

The controversial Republican standard-bearer once was viewed by his own party as a potential albatross for GOP candidates in down-ballot races in Wisconsin.

But in the last week, state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald have said Trump is helping Republican statehouse candidates. They also cite what they say is the strength of their legislative candidates and the popularity of their statehouse actions since 2011 to predict Republicans will retain control of the Legislature in 2017.

All 99 Assembly seats and 16 of 33 Senate seats will be on the ballot in the Nov. 8 election.

Wisconsin Democrats see things differently. They highlight how GOP legislative leaders have waffled in their public remarks about Trump, while forecasting that Democratic legislative candidates will benefit from a presidential race they say is tilting toward their nominee, Hillary Clinton.

For Vos, R-Rochester, the recent Trump-friendly rhetoric is a big shift. Just last month, Vos wrote of Trump that Im embarrassed that hes leading our ticket and his lack of judgement has got to concern even the most ardent Trump supporters.

But at a WisPolitics luncheon in Madison on Thursday, Vos said I am proud to support Trump.

Vos, speaking to reporters after the event, said Trumps embrace of U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville  after Trump initially declined to support Ryans bid to stave off a GOP primary challenger  enabled him to get behind his partys White House nominee.

Vos acknowledged during the event that he would have never predicted Trumps presence on the ballot would help GOP Assembly candidates. But in some of the rural districts in which Democrats are eyeing legislative pickups, Trump is running ahead of Clinton in polls. Thats especially true in northwestern Wisconsin, said Jenny Toftness, executive director of the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee.

We see that all across the state, in every region, Donald Trump is actually a benefit to our candidates, Vos said.

Democratic Assembly Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, seated next to Vos at the WisPolitics event, grinned broadly at that assertion.

I dont know what polling theyre getting, Barca said of his Republican colleagues. In the seats that are most competitive, Hillarys winning.

Barca also predicted a win for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Russ Feingold  who consistently has led in polls against incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson  would give Democratic legislative candidates an edge on Nov. 8.

Trump is picking

up support

Democrats had envisioned a best-case scenario in this election in which they would gain control of the state Senate while making a significant dent in Republicans overwhelming majority in the state Assembly. They hoped an unpopular Republican nominee in Trump would aid their cause.

That scenario now seems less likely than just after the two parties national conventions, when Clinton enjoyed a double-digit lead over Trump in polls of Wisconsin.

Since then, Trump has closed the gap on Clinton  trailing her by just 2 percentage points in the Badger State, within the margin of error, in the latest Marquette Law School Poll. That poll was conducted before the first presidential debate on Monday.

Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, recently told reporters he feels increasingly confident about Senate Republicans prospects this fall. Thats due in part, he said, to the presidential race.

The good thing is that weve seen Trump is picking up support, Fitzgerald said. As a result of that, were hoping the top of the ticket is kind of solidifying and will help us in those races.

Beyond Trump, Democrats also say voter discontent with one-party GOP rule in Wisconsin gives them an opening. Their message criticizes statehouse Republicans for expanding voucher school programs, what they describe as a failure to fix crumbling roads, overhauling election and ethics laws in a way that they say helps Republican politicians and interest groups, and attempting to curtail state open records laws.

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, said shes not surprised by the recent fluctuations in polls of the presidential race in Wisconsin.

I never thought it was a slam dunk for Clinton, Shilling said. A lot could change between now and Nov. 8.

Even if Trump carries Wisconsin, its unlikely that Republicans will make significant gains in the Legislature.

The GOP has been at or near a high-water mark in the statehouse since the 2014 elections and has far more competitive seats to defend than potential seats to gain. Thats especially true this year, in a presidential election, when electorates tend to skew more Democratic than in midterms.

Shillings path to gaining Senate seats starts in Senate District 18 in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. There, an open seat left by the departure of Republican Sen. Rick Gudex is viewed by both parties as a battleground. Democrat and Winnebago County executive Mark Harris is running against Republican activist Dan Feyen.

Olsen, Tiffany, Harsdorf are GOP senators targeted

From there the going gets tougher for Democrats to reverse Republicans 19-14 advantage in the Senate.

Incumbent GOP senators targeted by Democrats this year include Sens. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, and Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls.

Meanwhile Shilling, seen by some as a possible gubernatorial candidate for Democrats in 2018, faces a real challenge in her own backyard. Republican Dan Kapanke, a prominent La Crosse businessman and former state senator whom Shilling beat in a recall election in 2011, is running to reclaim the seat.

Republicans also hope to unseat Democratic Sens. Julie Lassa of Stevens Point and Dave Hansen of Green Bay.

In the state Assembly, even the most optimistic Democrat has no illusions of regaining the majority next year. In that chamber, the advantage of a Republican-drawn redistricting plan, implemented in 2011, has proven durable. Republicans own a 63-36 margin in the Assembly, the largest GOP majority in the chamber since 1957.

In hopes of narrowing that majority, Assembly Democrats have designated 10 seats as top-tier pickup targets. They include open seats being vacated by outgoing Reps. Dave Heaton, R-Wausau, and Tom Larson, R-Colfax.

Republican incumbents targeted include Reps. Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville; Kathleen Bernier, R-Chippewa Falls; Ed Brooks, R-Reedsburg; Keith Ripp, R-Lodi; Romaine Quinn, R-Chetek; Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa; Mary Czaja, R-Irma; and Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay.

Though theres disagreement on who hell help, theres no disputing Trumps influence in down-ballot races. It even is seen in campaign messages being co-opted by Democrats.

George Aldrich, who directs the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee, said his candidates want to address voters concerns that the political and economic systems are rigged against them.

Its a message, he said, that was successfully employed by the two biggest surprise candidates of this campaign  Trump and former Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Aldrich said the theme applies to Wisconsin state government, too. Here, he said, Republicans are the system.

People understand that whats happening in Madison under the leadership of Republicans is that they have done more to protect themselves than to address the issues that the public cares about, Aldrich said.
A serial paedophile and former Geelong Grammar teacher who Victoria Police was set to charge with abusing students at the elite school is free in Ireland after being deported in an extraordinary inter-agency bungle.

The man had served time in a Queensland prison on child abuse charges, but was deported on his release after Victoria Police failed to flag their investigation with Immigration.

Geelong Grammar has been accused of valuing its reputation of the welfare of students in damning findings by the Royal Commission's counsel assisting into the prestigious school.

The Irish citizen was accused in last year's federal child abuse royal commission of fondling the penis of a pre-teen Geelong Grammar boy while masturbating in church, stroking a six-year-old student's penis in bed, and instructing senior students to perform sexual acts in underground rooms.

The man, a former Geelong Grammar student, has been convicted of child abuse offences on four separate occasions, and was set to face new charges over alleged abuse at the prestigious school between the late 1960s and mid-1970s, and in 1980.
Brisbane buses have gone back to the future, with livery from the 1960s and 1980s making a comeback as the council's bus services mark 90 years.

Brisbane City Council's first bus services left the city's depots in 1926 and the fleet has grown to be one of the largest in Australia.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk in one of the 'panther' buses, reflecting Brisbane's 1960s fleet. Credit:Cameron Atfield

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said four buses had been decked out, using decals, to reflect the 1980s' Cityxpress bus and the old 1960s chassis.

"A couple of those buses will reflect the city express services of the 1980s and a couple of others will show the 'panthers', the old style of buses that we had back in that 1960s period," he said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has rated her government's performance so far, after 20 months at the helm.

Delivering her State of the State address at a CEDA lunch, Ms Palaszczuk said out of 553 election commitments, the government had delivered 336.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Credit:Glenn Hunt

Ms Palaszczuk took aim at critics who said her government was slow to act.

"It has often amused me that much of the commentary over the last 18 months seemed to suggest that a new government's agenda should be implemented in the first five minutes, and the results of that should be apparent immediately," she said.
The Queensland government needs to lead the way with solar energy and privatisation of state-owned assets should never be on the table, an international trade union and energy advocate says.

It comes as the solar debate in Queensland was ignited following severe storms in South Australia that left the entire state without power.

The government needs to take a leading role in solar, an advocate says, as the storms in South Australia put the issue on the agenda. Credit:AP

Professor Sean Sweeney, who is touring the country and will speak to Electrical Trade Union (ETU) members in Brisbane on Friday, said governments could not afford to not ditch fossil fuels for renewable energy due to climate change.

The ETU has vocally opposed privatisation under both the Bligh and Newman governments.
A Supreme Court judge has told a would-be foreign fighter that he wouldn't have "lasted long" if he achieved his goal of joining the conflict in war-torn Syria.

Judge Lex Lasry made the dire prediction on Thursday as he sentenced Amin Mohamed, 26, to more than five years jail for preparing to join the Syrian fighting.

Amin Mohamed, jailed for attempting to join the war in Syria. Supreme Court judge Lex Lasry told him he wouln't have "lasted long" there.

Australian Federal Police stopped Mohamed from boarding a plane to Syria at Brisbane Airport in 2013.

While Mohamed had not declared exactly what he intended to do when he reached Syria beyond going to the "front line", Justice Lasry on Thursday doubted he would have led the activities.
In her two years running Saba's Ethiopian restaurant in Fitzroy, Saba Alemayoh has often felt like a point of contact for the entire continent of Africa.

"People used to ask us things like, 'Where can I get Tanzanian beer?'" Ms Alemayoh says. "And I was like, 'I don't know, I'm Ethiopian.' I barely know where Tanzania is."

Saba Alemayoh with her mother, Tekebash Gebre. Credit:Justin McManus

Her point is that there is no single African culture. Botswana is as different from Nigeria as Denmark is from Italy.

It has spurred Ms Alemayoh, 27, to open a second business, Afro Hub, a cultural centre in a cafe/bar-cum-performance space and gallery, in a former bank in Nicholson Street, Carlton North.
Victoria has become the nation's murder capital after a crime surge that saw the number of murders increase by nearly a third in the past year, the first large jump in five years.

The state has recorded more murders than NSW and Queensland in the past 12 months.

There were 66 murders in Victoria last year, according to the latest crime statistics, while NSW recorded 57 in the same period and Queensland had 51.

The murder rate had remained relatively stable in Victoria since 2011/12, with the number of killings hovering between 49 and 54 until the spike in 2015/16.

Victoria has been struggling with an escalation in gun violence in the past year but Police Minister Lisa Neville said deaths from firearms had decreased in the most recent figures.
Metro Trains and Yarra Trams have been given the green light to run Melbourne's train and tram networks for another seven years, provided they accept a series of tougher performance targets.

The Andrews government has chosen to reward the two incumbent public transport operators for their performance running the city's trains and trams during the past eight years, by offering them the right to bid for a seven-year contract extension, to the exclusion of other would-be competitors.

Metro is contracted to keep Melbourne's rail network in good condition. 13th September 2016. Credit:Jason South

But it has also sought to address widespread public dissatisfaction with the system's unreliability, by proposing more stringent punctuality targets that give greater weight to on-time running during the peak.

Currently, flat monthly targets for compensation do not distinguish between the peak, when most passengers are travelling and it is more challenging to run an on-time service, and the quieter off-peak when it is relatively easy to run a reliable service.
The mother of slain six-year-old Kylie Maybury will be cross-examined in court over whether her daughter could have taken the drug Valium before she died.

Kylie Maybury was allegedly kidnapped when she was walking home from a corner shop in Preston where she had been sent to buy sugar on Melbourne Cup Day, November 6, 1984.

Julie Maybury, mother of Kylie, outside Melbourne Magistrates court in June. Credit:Tammy Mills

Her body was found in a gutter the next day.

Gregory Davies was in June charged with murder, rape and false imprisonment. He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Kym Brett Curnow, Thomas Leslie Butcher, Anna Sashohova Winther and Julia Kohrs-Lichte were killed in the Esperance fires in December 2015. Esperance farmer Kym Curnow, who was described as an "icon of the community", was driving was driving door-to-door trying to warn his neighbours to evacuate their homes when he got trapped in the blaze and was killed. Three backpackers, Briton Thomas Leslie Butcher, German Anna Sashohova Winther and Norwegian Julia Kohrs-Lichte, died at Karranga Station in Scaddan after they attempted to save a horse and the truck they were using to tow a horse float rolled, trapping them inside. Les Taylor, 77, was one of two men killed in the Yarloop bushfire. Meanwhile, fire authorities have admitted Yarloop residents were only mentioned in an emergency alert 25 minutes before a firestorm tore through their tiny town, killing 77-year-old Les "Squizzy" Taylor and 73-year-old Malcolm Taylor.

Yarloop resident Dave Phillips, who lost sheds and cars in the fire and whose son's home was destroyed, told of his desperate but failed attempt to save Les Taylor from the deadly blaze. The Esperance fires burnt through more than 300,000 hectares "He got got hold of me and said his verandah on fire, 'can you came and help me?' I did my best to go and help but couldn't do it...the fire came through that quick," Mr Phillips said as he joined the chorus of people questioning whether the mill town was sufficiently warned. The DPAW report reveals that the average area subject to annual controlled burns in the South West has decreased more than 70 per cent in the past 50 years, due to weather and population growth near burn areas. A bushfire burnt through 71,000 hectares of land, destroyed 143 properties and razed the township of Yarloop in January. Credit:Bunbury Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

In the same time, uncontrolled fires have burnt nearly as much land. WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob told ABC Radio on Tuesday the failure to meet prescribed burn targets was due to weather and population growth near burn areas. The bushfire left Yarloop in ruins. Credit:Jason Bloxsidge "If it is a wet autumn or if it is a wet spring, you're limited in the burning you can do," "That window of opportunity is lessening every year, that's a direct result of the changing climate here, it's a direct result of the declining rainfall within the South West as well," he said.

Exhausted firefighters kip on the lawn outside Harvey fire station during the Yarloop bushfire disaster. Credit:Michael Reynolds The Department of Parks and Wildlife report also highlighted the fact employees in frontline fire management had reduced from 530 in the mid-1980s to 290 in 2015. Australian Worker's Union secretary Mike Zoetbrood said that the biggest issue for frontline firefighters was the length of their shifts, which can be up to 24-30 hours as there were no staff to take over. The clean-up in Yarloop is underway. Credit:Richard Polden "This is unheard of in other industries and is a recipe for disaster," Mr Zoetbrood said.

"There are not enough people. While volunteers do a great job, we're finding it happens more and more often. Waroona and Preston Beach were threatened by the Yarloop fire, which was started by lightning. Credit:Annemarie Bell This became evident during the Yarloop bushfires when a photos emerged of exhausted firefighters sleeping on the ground outside the Harvey fire station. "People were falling asleep where they stand ... they started bringing mattresses. Eventually we couldn't get the fire engine in because of all the mattresses," Harvey Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service lieutenant Scott Britza told WAtoday in January. The Labor opposition's emergency services spokeswoman Margaret Quirk said that with lower staff numbers there must be a succession plan to ensure that knowledge of habitats where fires occur remains with employees.

"As more experienced staff go ... that knowledge and that experience is leaving the department," she said. Government to establish rural fire service The WA government announced on Thursday it would establish a rural fire service in response to January's deadly bushfires at Yarloop, but it won't be ready in time for this summer. The state government said it would accept all 17 recommendations from Euan Ferguson's report into the lightning-sparked blaze, which killed two men and almost wiped out the historic town south of Perth. The former Victorian and South Australian Country Fire Service chief advised WA to follow those two states and NSW in having a specialist country fire service to improve rural fire management and bushfire risk management.

But when the report was released in June, the Association of Volunteer Bushfire Brigades indicated they would only accept being part of a completely independent entity, with vice-president Dave Gossage saying unpaid firefighters "do what works" whereas career firefighters "do what they're told". "They don't speak for all volunteers," Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis told reporters. "Every brigade ... have mixed opinions." Among volunteer complaints were not being allowed onto a fire ground because they didn't have appropriate proof of identification at a control point, which would be arranged as part of the changes, Mr Francis said. Safety was paramount but local knowledge had to be listened to, he said.

"It's not that many years ago when three truck drivers lost their lives in Boorabbin because they argued their way through a road block - we don't want to see that again," he said. "But having said that, if you have the ability to combat a fire, you're a local resident, if you've left quickly for whatever reason, there is argument that says you should be allowed back in." The decision on how to structure the new fire service would not be rushed, Mr Francis said, even though all signs pointed to catastrophic bushfire season conditions again this summer. Loading "We should take our time to get it right - it's a significant change."
The former husband and daughter of "body-in-the-suitcase" victim Annabelle Chen have been charged with her murder.

Police released a statement on Wednesday afternoon saying the 65-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been charged with Mosman Park woman's death.

The 57-year-old, whose body was found stuffed inside a suitcase in the Swan River on July 2, was understood to have been estranged from her two step-children, one who lived in Perth.

She was reported missing by her biological daughter, Tiffany Wan, who lives in Melbourne, two months after her death following an extensive public appeal from police to help identify her.
The WA premier has described shark nets as "killing machines", saying that his government does not favour their use.

"They don't enclose the bay, they don't create a safe swimming area, they just simply kill marine life," he told ABC radio.

Shark nets have been introduced in NSW and Queesnland but the WA Premier has labelled them killing machines.

"They certainly kill sharks, but they also kill dolphins and turtles."

Mr Barnett said the government will continue to use nets that create swimming enclosures but do not catch marine life.
New Delhi: India's military has claimed it hit suspected militant camps in the Pakistan-controlled region of disputed Kashmir, marking a steep rise in tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

Both sides offered sharply conflicting accounts, however, underscoring the heightened suspicions and volatility in an area that has been at the heart of India-Pakistan friction for decades.

A Kashmiri protester holds a brick before throwing it at Indian police in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Credit:AP

In Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the "unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces" that resulted in the death of at least two Pakistani soldiers. India however, insisted that suspected militants were killed, numbering in the "double digits".

A senior Pakistani military official, meanwhile, further rejected India's assertion of carrying out a "surgical strike" by army troops on several militant sites, and suggested India had waged cross-border shelling.
U.S. Army Awards $409 Million FMTV Contract to Oshkosh Defense

OSHKOSH, Wis. September 29, 2016; The U.S. Army has awarded Oshkosh Defense, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation company, a $409 million contract to produce 1,661 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV) trucks and 31 trailers, under Order Year 7 of the current FMTV contract. Deliveries will continue through July 2018.

Oshkosh is pleased to continue delivering highly reliable Medium and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles to the U.S. Army, said Patrick Williams, Oshkosh Corporation vice president and general manager of Army programs. Since 2009, Oshkosh has achieved record quality performance on the FMTV program, while far exceeding vehicle quantities during the initial years of the contract. Together with TACOM, we have successfully integrated more than 1,000 engineering changes (ECPs) that have improved the quality, reliability and manufacturability of the MTVs and LMTVs.

The current generation FMTV A1P2 is comprised of 17 models ranging from 2.5-ton to 10-ton payloads, enabling the vehicle to perform a wide range of missions, and to support combat missions, relief efforts and logistics and supply operations. The Oshkosh FMTV seamlessly integrates technologies needed on the battlefield and in support of Homeland Security. The vehicles feature a parts commonality of more than 80 percent, resulting in streamlined maintenance, training, sustainment and overall cost efficiency for the U.S. Army, Army Reserves, National Guard and U.S. Air Force.

Oshkosh Defense was first awarded the FMTV contract in 2009 and to date, has delivered more than 35,000 FMTV trucks and trailers while saving U.S. taxpayers more than $2 billion. During its seven years of FMTV production, the U.S. Department of Defense recognized Oshkosh Defense with the Value Engineering Achievement Award (in the Contractor category) for reducing product life-cycle costs while improving performance and reliability. The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) nominated its Industry partner for the award based on Oshkosh-proposed improvements that resulted in $10.7 million of cost savings for the U.S. Army.

About Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh Defense is a leading provider of tactical wheeled vehicles and life cycle sustainment services. For decades Oshkosh has been mobilizing military and security forces around the globe by offering a full portfolio of heavy, medium, light and highly protected military vehicles to support our customers missions. In addition, Oshkosh offers advanced technologies and vehicle components such as TAK-4 independent suspension systems, TerraMax unmanned ground vehicle solutions, Command Zone integrated control and diagnostics system, and ProPulse diesel electric and on-board vehicle power solutions, to provide our customers with a technical edge as they fulfill their missions. Every Oshkosh vehicle is backed by a team of defense industry experts and complete range of sustainment and training services to optimize fleet readiness and performance. Oshkosh Defense, LLC is an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE: OSK].

To learn more about Oshkosh Defense, please visit us at www.oshkoshdefense.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency, military and specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh, JLG, Pierce, McNeilus, Jerr-Dan, Frontline, CON-E-CO, London and IMT. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide by rental companies, concrete placement and refuse collection businesses, fire & emergency departments, municipal and airport services and defense forces, where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, please visit www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
INFINITI VC-Turbo: The worlds first production-ready variable compression ratio engine

All-new four-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline VC-Turbo establishes new benchmarks for the internal combustion engine

Combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain

Advanced engineering delivers efficient packaging

Innovative powertrains will drive INFINITI's global growth ambitions and product portfolio expansion

PARIS September 29, 2016; INFINITI today unveils the all-new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) gasoline engine, the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. Shown for the first time at the 2016 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, the four-cylinder VC-Turbo promises to be one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created.

With the ability to continuously transform, INFINITI's VC-Turbo technology uses an advanced multi-link system to seamlessly raise or lower the stroke of the pistons, detecting the car's driving condition and driver inputs, and instantly selecting the most suitable compression ratio.

The engine is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (typical for high performance engines) and 14:1 (used by many manufacturers for high efficiency).

The result is an engine that combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain  without the equivalent emissions  offering a compelling alternative to similarly-powered four-cylinder diesel engines. The VC-Turbo engine will be comparable to certain six-cylinder gasoline powertrains for performance, while significantly outperforming them in efficiency.

The four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine achieves lower levels of noise and vibration than conventional internal combustion engines, particularly diesel, and is lighter and more compact than V6 units with comparable power outputs.

INFINITI's VC-Turbo technology marks a significant leap forward for the internal combustion engine, joining other renowned powertrain innovations such as liquid-cooling, fuel injection, catalytic convertors, and turbocharging. The arrival of the variable compression ratio engine will establish new benchmarks for power, efficiency and emissions.

Vehicle engineers believe that a breakthrough in internal combustion technology would come from mastering the variable compression ratio. INFINITI will be the first to bring this technology to the market in 2018. This new generation of powertrains will help our global growth and expansion of the INFINITI product portfolio.

Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI

The world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine

Two decades in development, and on-sale in 2018

Technology enhances future prospects for the gasoline engine

Fixed compression ratio engines have been in existence throughout the 130-year history of the motor car. Throughout this time, other manufacturers have taken on the challenge of developing a variable compression ratio engine. INFINITI will be the first to bring the technology to market, with an engine that continuously transforms according to driver behavior.

A truly historic challenge, INFINITI has worked on this technology for more than 20 years. The first major breakthrough was the invention by INFINITI of a new multi-link technology in 1998, which held the key to a true variable compression ratio.

INFINITI has tested and developed more than 100 engine prototypes in perfecting the technology, covering over three million kilometers of equivalent road testing and spending over 30,000 hours on the test bed (equal to five million kilometers of on-road testing). The engine is now in its final stages of development on real roads.

The advanced new VC-Turbo engine is the latest driver-focused technology from INFINITI. The company has introduced a series of world-first technologies since 1989, such as 'steer-by-wire' Direct Adaptive Steering and predictive forward collision warning.

Understanding compression ratios  fixed vs. variable

Higher compression ratios offer greater efficiency; lower ratios enable greater performance

Variable compression provides both power and efficiency within one engine for greater flexibility

VC-Turbo can shift to any compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1

The compression ratio is the ratio of the combustion chamber's volume from its greatest capacity (when the piston is at bottom-dead-center within the cylinder)  to its smallest capacity (when the piston is at top-dead-center).

A higher compression ratio is able to achieve greater efficiency and improved fuel consumption; lower compression ratios offer greater power and torque, particularly in turbocharged engines, but are known for reduced fuel efficiency.

Until now, in every production engine ever built, this ratio has been fixed as a result of the dimensions, components and engine layout.

INFINITI's VC-Turbo engine uses an advanced multi-link system to change the compression ratio seamlessly, actively raising or lowering the height of the pistons' stroke. Offering any compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1, the VC-Turbo engine offers both power and efficiency within the same engine.

As well as offering the benefits of true flexibility, VC-Turbo technology negates the downsides posed by fixed compression. INFINITI's engine neatly sidesteps the problem of 'knocking', a process of inefficiency which can occur in higher compression ratio engines when the air-fuel mixture combusts prematurely in the cylinder, potentially resulting in damage to the engine. INFINITI's VC-Turbo engine avoids this with direct injection fuel delivery, and by constantly optimizing the compression ratio. This latter characteristic ensures greater efficiency than many high performance engines with a fixed, low compression ratio.

High performance, high efficiency

INFINITI engineers targeting 27% greater fuel efficiency over similarly-powered V6 gasoline engines

Dramatic reduction in harmful emissions compared to diesel

Development teams targeting 200 kW power output with 390 Nm torque

Due to the advantages of the engine's variable compression ratio, as well as the multitude of other innovations applied to the four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, INFINITI engineers are targeting up to a 27% improvement in fuel efficiency over V6 engines of a similar power output, depending on its vehicle application.

In addition, gasoline VC-Turbo technology offers a dramatic reduction in emissions over diesel powertrains, such as particulate matter and NOx.

Development teams behind the VC-Turbo engine are targeting a power output of around 200 kW (268 bhp, 272 ps), and approximately 390 Nm torque. This impressive specific power output is higher than many four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engines. In terms of performance, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine will offer similar performance to some gasoline V6 powertrains, and with the potential for greater fuel efficiency.

VC-Turbo: a driver-focused powertrain

Compression ratio adapts according to driving conditions and driver inputs

Wide-range, single-scroll turbocharger for instant acceleration

Engine able to transform instantaneously, offering maximum efficiency and immediate acceleration

INFINITI has created an engine that adapts to conditions, and empowers drivers with the engine they want, when they want it. This is the world's first truly driver-focused powertrain. Shinichi Kiga, Chief Powertrain Engineer, Gasoline Engine Project Group

INFINITI seeks to deliver empowering performance in everything the company creates, and the new VC-Turbo engine is no exception. Variable compression ratio technology provides drivers with an engine that makes an intelligent choice between performance and efficiency.

The engine moves seamlessly between compression ratios, detecting the car's driving condition and driver inputs, and instantly selecting the most suitable compression ratio.

Under hard acceleration or heavier engine loads  for instance, when overtaking another vehicle or driving up a hill  the engine shifts to a lower compression ratio. This results in higher performance from the engine, offering a compression ratio that can be compared with the highest-performing turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines to appear in a production vehicle.

At steady highway speeds, under slowing driving conditions, at idle, and at low speeds in stop-start traffic, the engine defaults to a higher compression ratio to maximize efficiency.

A wide-range single-scroll turbocharger provides seamless access to the engine's power and torque reserves and enables immediate acceleration. Combined with a unique ability to vary its compression ratio according to driver behavior, INFINITI's 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine delivers the maximum possible efficiency in all conditions, with exhilarating performance just a throttle-opening away.

Revolutionary multi-link technology

More than 300 technologies patented

Multi-link technology raises and lowers the piston height seamlessly to vary the compression ratio

New engine produces a third of the vibrations of a conventional four-in-line engine, and requires no balance shafts

VC-Turbo switches between Atkinson and regular combustion cycles

The VC-Turbo engine represents a new breed of engine which can transform continuously, and will establish new benchmarks for future internal combustion engines. Shinichi Kiga, Chief Powertrain Engineer, Gasoline Engine Project Group

INFINITI has patented more than 300 new technologies specifically designed for application in the new four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine. Among these is the world's first multi-link system and an electric motor actuator with Harmonic Drive reduction gear, which together enable the engine to transform its compression ratio continuously.

INFINITI has created an electric motor, connected to the Harmonic Drive reduction gear with a connecting control arm. The Harmonic Drive rotates according to the compression ratio required, which then rotates the control shaft at the base of the engine and, in turn, moves the multi-link mechanism. Changing the multi-link angle adjusts the height of the top-dead-center of the pistons, varying the compression ratio. An eccentric control shaft varies the piston stroke position for all four cylinders at the same time.

The layout of the multi-link mechanism makes the VC-Turbo engine smoother than conventional in-line engines, boasting low noise and vibrations levels similar to those of a V6 engine. The multi-link system means the piston connecting rods are almost vertical during the combustion cycle, rather than moving wider laterally as in a traditional crankshaft rotation.

In addition, the multi-link design operates the ideal reciprocating motion when compared with the traditional connecting rod and crankshaft system. The smooth-running VC-Turbo therefore benefits from uncommonly low levels of vibration and does not require any balance shafts. Conventional four-cylinder engines require a pair of balance shafts to reduce second-order vibrations.

INFINITI benchmarked the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo's vibration characteristics against other four-cylinder turbocharged engines. In the VC-Turbo, engine vibration noise was reduced from a benchmark average of approximately 30 dB to just 10 dB. Such a low level of vibration makes the VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine almost as smooth and refined as a V6. INFINITI's benchmark V6 engine for the latter stages of VC-Turbo development  the manufacturer's 3.5-liter 'VQ' engine  produces 3 dB of vibration noise, only slightly lower than the new engine.

With a variable compression ratio, the VC-Turbo engine is able to switch between both Atkinson and regular combustion cycles, without interruption. Each cycle enables greater combustion efficiency and optimal engine performance as the combustion ratio transforms.

Under the Atkinson combustion cycle, air intake overlaps with the compression cycle in the cylinder, allowing combustion gas to expand to a larger volume for greater efficiency. The VC-Turbo engine employs the Atkinson cycle under higher compression ratios, where the stroke of the pistons is longer. The modern Atkinson cycle  employed in many advanced hybrid engines  allows the intake valves to be open for a short time as the compression stroke starts.

As the compression ratio lowers, to enable greater engine performance, the engine is able to operate a regular combustion cycle: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust, each stage taking place in distinct, separate phases, resulting in greater performance.

Renault Sport Formula 1 expertise

Renault Sport Formula 1 involved in latter-stage testing

Advanced analysis by Formula 1 engineers ensures durability

INFINITI's partnership with the Renault Sport Formula 1 team has proved instrumental in accelerating the VC-Turbo's prototype testing in the latter stages of its development program.

As part of the natural development process for the engine, testing of earlier prototypes saw INFINITI addressing the challenge of component material development and durability.

One such instance revolved around the engine's bearings. Thanks to its advanced multi-link system, the VC-Turbo engine features around three times as many bearings as a conventional internal combustion engine. VC-Turbo engineers identified a small bearing vibration which manifested at the highest engine speeds under certain conditions.

INFINITI's VC-Turbo project engineers worked with the Renault Sport Formula 1 team to identify and isolate the vibration, using the team's expertise in dynamic motion analysis in conditions of up to 20,000 rpm  far higher than any production engine. The team's experience in movement behavior, and the use of bearing technology in a Formula 1 application, provided valuable insight into developing the engine. This stage of testing has confirmed the durability of the VC-Turbo engine under particularly challenging conditions.

Flagship engine with INFINITI's latest engine technologies

VC-Turbo employs both direct and multi-point injection

Single-scroll turbocharger and integrated exhaust manifold

Mirror bore coating technology reduces piston friction

The flagship VC-Turbo engine has been engineered to accommodate the latest of INFINITI's production engine technologies in order to realize  and enhance  its variable nature.

The gasoline VC-Turbo engine employs a combination of both multi-point injection (MPI) and direct injection (DIG), further improving the engine's ability to balance efficiency and power in all driving conditions. The DIG system improves combustion efficiency and performance due to the heat-absorbing effect of fuel vaporization  which aids cylinder cooling  and allows the engine to avoid 'knocking' at higher compression ratios. MPI allows for earlier mixing of air and fuel to increase engine efficiency at low loads. Like the compression ratio, the engine can switch instantly between GDI or MPI at regular engine speeds, while both sets of injectors work in conjunction under a combination of high engine speeds and load.

While the VC-Turbo engine's multi-link system limits the lateral movement of the connecting rods within the engine  a cause of piston friction  INFINITI's 'mirror bore coating' technology further reduces cylinder friction by 44%. Mirror bore coating technology is a process in which the cylinder walls are sprayed by a special plasma jet. The coating is then hardened and honed, resulting in an ultra-smooth cylinder wall to allow the engine to rotate more smoothly. Mirror bore coating technology has recently been used in INFINITI's new VR30DDT 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine.

As the engine shifts to allow greater performance or efficiency, a wide-range, single-scroll turbocharger works in conjunction with the VC-Turbo system to maximize acceleration response at any engine speed or compression ratio. For instance, if the driver is cruising at a steady speed but needs to accelerate to overtake, the turbocharger reacts instantly to boost acceleration as the engine shifts seamlessly to a lower compression ratio. The turbocharger enables the four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine to benefit from greater efficiency than a larger, naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine, yet ensures equivalent performance. The single-scroll turbocharger improves the loss of thermal energy and exhaust pressure, and keeps weight and cost low.

An integrated exhaust manifold is built into the engine's aluminum cylinder head to further improve packaging, performance and efficiency. The compact size and neater packaging of the cylinder head enables engineers to position the catalytic converter next to the turbo. This reduces the length of the flow path for hot exhaust gases, allowing the catalytic converter to heat up quickly and start the emissions control process sooner. The close proximity to the turbo facilitates the VC-Turbo engine's immediate accelerative responses.

An electronically-controlled wastegate actuator maintains boost pressure by closely controlling the flow of exhaust gases through the turbocharger. This ensures fuel efficiency and performance under all conditions, even as the compression ratio and engine speeds change.

As the turbocharger recirculates hot exhaust gases back into the engine, the VC-Turbo's high capacity intercooler lowers the temperature  and therefore the density  of the air, further enhancing the efficiency of the forced induction system.

The four-cylinder VC-Turbo's high specific power results in greater lubrication and cooling requirements than conventional four-cylinder turbo engines. Development teams addressed this with a two-stage variable displacement oil pump, which enables low-pressure oil distribution at engine speeds below 3,000 rpm. The engine automatically increases oil flow pressure as engine speeds or loads rise (and the compression ratio lowers), ensuring optimum running temperatures at all times.

A multi-way flow control valve (MCV) provides further thermal management. The MCV optimizes the distribution of coolant to the radiator, cabin heater, and oil cooler depending on current conditions and compression ratio. The MCV's 'zero flow' coolant flow mode cuts coolant distribution during a cold start to reduce frictional loses while the engine warms up.

Innovative engineering delivers efficient packaging

Weight-saving measures contribute to a 25 kg reduction over earlier INFINITI V6 engines

Advanced multi-link layout ensures efficient packaging in relation to other four-cylinder in-line engines

INFINITI's downsized 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine benefits from more compact packaging and weight-saving measures compared with the company's award-winning 3.5-liter 'VQ' V6 engine.

The new engine's block and cylinder are made from lightweight aluminum alloys, with the multi-link components manufactured in a high-carbon steel alloy. Compared to the 'VQ' V6 engine, the VC-Turbo engine weighs 25 kg less, and occupies a smaller engine bay footprint.

In addition to its downsized nature compared to the larger, naturally-aspirated V6, the layout and design contributes to improved packaging and weight savings throughout the powertrain.

The cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold is compact in size and enables more intelligent integration with the turbocharger and catalytic converter. Cast in aluminum, the cylinder head and manifold union contributes to the engine's overall reduction in weight. The mirror bore cylinder coating technology also negates the need for cast iron cylinder liners.

With the multi-link system's minimal lateral movement, development teams were able to do away with the pair of balance shafts that conventional four-cylinder engines require in order to minimize vibrations. With efficient packaging of its new multi-link components, the VC-Turbo engine will therefore occupy a similar space under the bonnet in relation to other four-cylinder in-line engines.

VC-Turbo will drive INFINITI's next stage of growth

Innovative powertrains will drive INFINITI's global expansion

INFINITI offers a compelling alternative to diesel during a period of global scrutiny into powertrain emissions

Year-on-year global sales increase of 16% in 2016

In future, new INFINITI products will benefit from the application of downsized, high-efficiency engines, such as VC-Turbo, which do not compromise performance. INFINITI's progressive customer base is receptive to new technology, and the VC-Turbo engine is designed to meet this desire to buy innovative products. Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI

Innovative powertrains such as the VC-Turbo engine will drive INFINITI's global growth ambitions, and sustain the ongoing expansion of its product portfolio. With VC-Turbo technology, INFINITI has enhanced the prospects of the very idea of the gasoline engine, at a time when the sustainability of diesel combustion is under question.

Significant powertrain innovations will drive INFINITI's next phase of growth. The new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine is the latest  and most momentous  of these innovations. INFINITI has improved corporate average fuel economy by 36% from 2005 to 2014, and future powertrain innovations will see the company improve efficiency further.

INFINITI continues to lay strong foundations for the continued growth of the company in every market around the world. New products have formed the basis of INFINITI's recent sales momentum. The company sold a record 215,249 vehicles globally in 2015  a year-on-year rise of 16%. INFINITI sold over 110,000 vehicles during the first half of 2016, a 7% year-on-year rise and another sales record for the company.

Technical specifications  INFINITI 'MR20 DDT' 2.0-liter VC-Turbo

Fuel type Gasoline Construction Aluminum block with arc-sprayed mirror coating to cylinder bores, aluminum cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, single-scroll turbo with intercooler Compression ratio 8.0:1 ~ 14.0:1 Capacity 2.0-liters, 1,997 ~ 1,970 cc (8.0:1 ~ 14.0:1) Bore x Stroke 84.0 x 94.1 Cylinders 4 Valves 16 (four per cylinder) Valve control Intake: Electronic Variable Valve Timing Control

Exhaust: Hydraulic Variable Valve Timing Control Turbo Single-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate actuator Turbo cooling Intercooler Fuel system Gasoline direct injection (DIG) and/or multi-point injection (MPI) Max power 200 kW (268 hp / 272 ps)* Max torque 390 Nm (288 lb ft)*

*Approx.

About INFINITI Motor Company Ltd.

INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.

INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.

INFINITI is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies.

From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.
Kia At 2016 Paris Auto Show

- World premiere for all-new Rio

- Upgrades to the Soul range include design and technology enhancements

- Kia launches powerful new 204 ps Soul SX

- New exterior and interior design for Carens with new technologies

Paris September 29, 2016; The new Kia Rio made its world debut today in Paris at the 2016 Mondial de l'Automobile. Alongside the Rio, Kia will also introduce the latest upgraded versions of two of its cars, the Carens compact MPV and Soul urban crossover, as well as a new high-powered 'SX' version of the Soul.

World premiere for all-new Kia Rio

The Rio is the Korean manufacturer's global best-selling model, with more than 473,000 sold around the world in 2015, accounting for 16% of Kia's annual sales. Now entering its fourth generation, the new Rio will offer B-segment buyers a compelling package  designed and engineered to appeal to more people than ever before. The new Rio will build on the outgoing model's key strengths  design, low running costs and a practical nature  with higher desirability, a more enjoyable drive and some of the most advanced safety features in its class.

The Rio's progressive new exterior and interior design was led by Kia's design centers in Germany and California, in close collaboration with the company's domestic design base in Namyang, Korea. The exterior appearance of the new Rio is defined by straight lines and smooth surfacing, giving the car a distinctive new look and more mature character than its predecessor. Its driver-oriented cabin is also the most spacious in its class, and  with larger, 325-liter cargo capacity (VDA)  it is more practical than ever before.

The new model will be the most technologically-advanced Rio ever produced, and is equipped with new cabin technologies, safety systems, and connectivity features. The Rio will offer both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and will be the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition.

The new will be powered by a range of gasoline and diesel engines. In particular, the Rio features Kia's latest three-cylinder 1.0-liter T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engines, offering high efficiency and low emissions. The lightweight nature of the new downsized T-GDI engines means the Rio benefits from keen front-end handling, with less mass and inertia for the car to work against under cornering.

The new Rio will be manufactured at Kia's Sohari manufacturing facility in Korea and the company's new Pesqueria manufacturing base in Mexico, which was officially opened earlier this month. The fourth-generation Rio will go on sale globally during the first quarter of 2017.

Kia upgrades the Soul range

Kia has introduced a series of upgrades to the Soul compact SUV, to further enhance its appeal to global buyers with a modernized exterior and interior design, and new safety and infotainment technologies.

The upgraded Soul boasts remodelled front and rear bumpers with a metallic skid plate for a more robust appearance, optional bi-function HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights with LED daytime running lights, and an updated finish to Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille. Three new metallic exterior paint finishes are available  Mysterious Blue, Russet Brown, and Wild Orange  with white contrast roof and door mirror caps available with Mysterious Blue and Russet Brown. Buyers can specify optional new 10-spoke 16- and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheel designs.

In the cabin, the upgraded Soul receives unique new cloth upholstery, available with a single or two-tone color scheme (black, black and grey, black and brown). New gloss black and metallic highlights and switchgear add to the interior's quality ambience. More customizable than ever, the Soul is available with a new Orange design pack, with orange-and-grey upholstery, grey stitching and orange highlights throughout the cabin. Existing design packs have been enhanced, with Urban Active emphasizing the car's compact SUV credentials, with a series of cosmetic enhancements including a gloss black finish to front and rear wheel arches, and a body kit for front and rear bumpers and side sills. The Red Zone pack provides owners with a set of red highlights to the grille, front and rear bumpers and sills, a red roof, and a small red rear spoiler

Buyers can choose from Kia's latest 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment HMI (human-machine interface). The new HMI systems provide smartphone-style touchscreen control over the audio-visual navigation system, and is available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for full smartphone integration. A new USB port has been added to the rear of the cabin, allowing back-seat passengers to charge mobile devices, and drivers can benefit from new rain-sensing windscreen wipers. In models equipped with 7DCT, a new Drive Mode Selector provides varying levels of steering assistance depending on driver preference. The Soul adopts Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), for better all-round visibility and safety

The upgraded Soul is now available to order worldwide.

Kia launches new 204 ps Soul SX

Alongside the updates to the Soul Range, Kia has launched a powerful new Soul 'SX' variant, with a 204 ps 1.6-liter T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine  making it the most powerful Soul ever engineered by the Korean brand.

With the new T-GDI engine, the car will accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 7.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 200 kph. The engine transmits its power to the front wheels through Kia's advanced new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (7DCT), only available on the SX model, providing instant gear changes and decisive acceleration at all speeds.

The Soul SX features a unique new design, with bolder front bumper and air intake grille design, twin exhaust pipes at the rear, wider side sills and its own 10-spoke 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel design. The model features the T-GDI engine badge on the tailgate, as well as a unique red Soul model logo and red highlights to the front bumper and side sills.

The SX features its own distinctive cabin color scheme, with black cloth and leather upholstery paired with orange stitching, a D-shaped steering wheel and orange highlights throughout the cabin. The Soul SX is now available to order worldwide.

Enhanced design and technology for 2017 Kia Carens

Kia has announced details of a range of upgrades to the Carens MPV, to refresh the appearance and functionality of the Carens, improve in-cabin ambience, and update the safety and connectivity features on offer to buyers.

Kia's designers have introduced a series of changes to the upgraded Carens, including revised front and rear bumpers, new rear light signature, and an updated 'tiger-nose' grille. Buyers can specify a new exterior paint color, Mysterious Blue, as well as three new designs for 16-, 17- and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, the Carens' seven-seat cabin adopts new seat upholstery and new metallic and gloss-black accents for a more high-quality interior environment.

The latest version of the Carens is available with Kia's 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) with navigation, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for full smartphone integration. The Carens adopts a pair of new DRiVE WISE advanced driver assistance systems: Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; and a Speed Limit Information Function. Buyers can also specify a new JBL Premium Sound system for greater audio quality throughout the cabin.

The upgraded Kia Carens is now available to order from Kia dealers worldwide.
In an effort to stop thieves from installing illegal credit card skimmers on Madison gas pumps, a city alderman is proposing a requirement that station owners improve the locks on their pumps or face fines.

Ald. Mike Verveers proposed ordinance, which he plans to introduce at Tuesdays City Council meeting, comes after a sixth skimming device was found in Madison inside a gas pump at a BP station at 699 S. Gammon Road on Sept. 23, the second time a skimmer was found at that station.

This is common-sense consumer protection, Verveer said.

Kyle Bunnow, supervisor of Weights and Measures for the citys Building Inspection Division, said inspectors are spending a lot of time checking on gas pumps in the city because of the rash of card skimmer discoveries.

The devices, which can be placed over the slot in an automatic credit card reader on the outside or hardwired into the inside of a pump, copy account details from magnetic strips of credit and debit cards.

All of the pumps in the city have been looked at twice already, Bunnow said. This ordinance would allow us to resume a normal inspection schedule.

The city has about 2,000 gas pumps, Bunnow said.

Verveer said much of the problem stems from the fact that pumps from the same manufacturer have similar locks, which can be opened with a universal key.

Most of the pumps are built by one company, Gilbarco, and they are all keyed alike, Verveer said. That key can be purchased on the internet for about $4.

A thief could open a gas pump and install a card skimming device in less than two minutes, Verveer said.

Verveers proposal would require all gas station owners to install unique locks on each pump at a cost of about $20 per pump.

Bunnow said some stations in Madison already have changed their locks.

At least one owner, Kelley-Williamson, already did it, Verveer said. Kelley-Williamson has a half-dozen Mobil stations around the city.

Fines for failure to swap out the locks would run to $187 for a first violation and $313 for a second.

Verveer said he hoped the full council could act on the ordinance at its Nov. 1 meeting.

It would be appropriate to have a measure in place to prevent easy access to the pumps, Bunnow said. Stations that are already doing it are getting a lot of positive feedback.

The Wisconsin State Journal contacted several gas stations in Madison Thursday but all declined to comment.

Some gas stations place security seals on the pump, covering the gap between the pump and door; if the seals been broken, someones been inside.

But there is no security seal requirement in Madison, Bunnow said.

Weights and Measures does place an accuracy seal on each pump each year, next to the gallons display, to assure consumers that a gallon of gasoline being purchased is an actual gallon of gasoline, he said.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A hearing on a plan for more row housing on Rue Principale in La Broquerie drew a full house in the municipal council chambers on Wednesday night.

By the end of the discussion a group hug might have been warranted.

Council approved a request by Elmer Toews to add four additional units to his latest project, increasing its scope from seven to 11 units, but not before a heated exchange between councillor Larry Tetrault and LUD member Rheal Gagnon.

Earlier in the meeting concerns had been raised by others about how the creation of low-income housing is transforming the character of the community without consideration of long term planning.

Among them, RM resident David Dawson spoke of the British experience and warned against the proliferation of this type of housing.

It all turned into slums, said Dawson, Im afraid thats what is going to happen in La Broquerie.

As the public hearing was closed and council deliberations began, Tetrault noted when theres changes in the community theres always some conflicting ideas. He suggested the project had strong support from the business community.

He also defended the need for low-income properties and challenged Dawsons earlier slums comments.

We all start somewhere, Tetrault said, recalling his own modest first home.

Im glad that the people here that were rich allowed me to live in La Broquerie even though I was poor, he said.

Then when I had a better wage, which you guys were paying, I bought a bigger house, the former La Broquerie chief administrative officer continued.

Tetraults comments were too much for Gagnon, who shook his head repeatedly as the councillor rationalized his support for the project.

Though the public hearing was closed, Gagnon insisted he be allowed to speak. Reeve Lewis Weiss allowed it and things quickly devolved into a shouting match between Tetrault and Gagnon, who took issue with Tetrault stating the LUD wasnt represented at the meeting.

Gagnon told The Carillon the disagreement was fuelled in part by the fact the project was not brought up for discussion at a prior LUD meeting. He said LUD members had first expressed opposition to the initial seven unit project and the same concerns remain.

We think it should not be on Main Street, he said, adding he would prefer to see the existing homes be maintained. He also expressed worry about the increased traffic that will be created near Arborgate School.

Tetrault expressed regret about how differences were aired on Wednesday night.

Were not supposed to lose our cool in a council meeting and Ive apologized to my council. Im going to be talking to Rheal and were going to iron this out and I think theres better ways to discuss our community than what we did tonight, Tetrault told The Carillon.

Tetrault, along with Weiss and councillors Wilfred Chabot and Cameron Peters, voted in favour of the projects approval. Councillors Alvin Derksen and Ivan Normandeau voted against the plan.

The reeve maintained his previous position that this is a good location for the project but admitted he considered voting against it in light of opposition. Some three dozen individuals had indicated objections to the plan.

I like to vote with the people and felt that I was going to vote against it, even though I felt personally it was a good location, but when I read a lot of the things I didnt really think they had a good foundation for not allowing it, said Weiss.

The reeve chalked it up to a fear of the unknown but agreed that community consultation is valuable as long people participate, something that hasnt always happened in the past.

Maybe due to this occurring now it will spark interest with the community, he said.
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In one of the last town-hall style meetings of his presidency, Barack Obama challenged the man who may yet be elected to succeed him: Donald Trump.

Asked by a Gold Star mother Wednesday evening why he didnt use the term radical Islamic terrorism, the president said he didnt want to validate the viewpoints of extremists.

If you had an organization that was going around killing and blowing people up and said, Were on the vanguard of Christianity as a Christian, Im not going to let them claim my religion and say youre killing for Christ I would say thats ridiculous, Obama said. Thats not what my religion stands for. Call these folks what they are, which is killers and terrorists.

He also had some choice words for the Republican presidential nominee and those who think like him.

There are dangers where we get loose in this language, particularly when a president or people aspiring to become president get loose with this language. You can see in some of the language that we usein talking about Muslim Americans here and the notion that somehow wed start having religious tests, Obama said.

The president also took the opportunity to defend some of the most controversial national security decisions he has made over nearly eight years in the White House.

In a Q&A with military service members and Gold Star families at Fort Lee, Virginia, broadcast by CNN, Obama was challenged about the Syrian civil war, which has cost nearly half a million lives and precipitated a refugee crisis.

The president said his focus was to be judicious in the use of Americas military might and to prevent the United States from being drawn into a conflict where Russia and Iran might escalate.

There is not a scenario in which, absent us deploying large numbers of troops, we can stop a civil war in which both sides are deeply dug in, he said.

Obama also addressed the issue of women in combatadding that he would be proud if his daughters decided they wanted to sign up for military service.

As the president who is overseeing the militarys ongoing transition to allow women to serve in all combat positions, he was questioned by a female Marine over a study that showed mixed-gender units performed less efficiently than male-only units. The Marine was concerned about what gender integration would mean for her safety and that of her husband, who is also a Marine.

I agree with you that we cant just out of some ideological notion make it more dangerous for your husband. But I dont want a military, an institution that starts with the premise that women cant do something, Obama said.

He ended with what seemed another oblique rejoinder to Trump, who has run a campaign of pessimism about the current state of the military.

When I hear anybody say that America is somehow weaker now than it used to be, blah blah, its nonsense. This is the greatest military on earth. Nobody even comes close. Our personnel are better, better trained and more focused and exhibit excellence every day, Obama said. We need to take great pride, but we also need to cherish it, not be careless with it. My hope is that my successor, and any one of my successors in the future, always understands this is something you dont take lightly.
Before Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon get their chance to parody the first presidential debate on Saturday Night Lives season premiere this week, South Park beat them to it.

The third episode of the shows 20th season found Donald Trump stand-in Mr. Garrison going up against Hillary Clinton for a debate moderated by NBC Newss Lester Holt. In South Parks premiere two weeks ago, Garrison admitted his fears that if elected, he would look like a jackass because he does not have an actual platform or a plan. His scheme to throw the election by sitting out the national anthem backfired, so now he had to take things a step further.

But unfortunately, the giant douche is up against a turd sandwich whose campaign gives her the advice to respond to whatever Trump says with, My opponent is a liar and he cannot be trusted.

But when Mr. Garrison comes clean in the debate, delivering the following speech, that approach lets her down.

I dont know what the fuck Im doing, he says, speaking from the heart. I had no idea I would get this far, but the fact of the matter is, I should not be president, OK? I will fuck this country up beyond repair. I am a sick, angry little man. Please, if you care at all about the future of our country, vote for her. Shes the one who at least has some experience. Shes not as bad as you think, I promise. And unlike me, shes actually capable of running this country.

My opponent is a liar and he cannot be trusted, Clinton says in response.

I am giving you this, lady. What the fuck are you doing? Garrison asks.

After the debate, Randy Marsh, who previously expressed his allegiance for the turd sandwich, cant believe that even more people now say they are voting for the giant douche (so far, the real-life polls have not swung that way, but its still early). Youre telling me that after that debate, you still want to vote for that guy? he asks some Garrison supporters. More than ever, they respond. At least he doesnt sound like a politician, they reason.

Meanwhile, at his post-debate rally, Mr. Garrison gets cheers when he tells the crowd, America, please listen to me, I have no idea how to be president. I am a complete jackass and I have made a giant mistake here. Even when he admits that he once scissored with another woman when I had a sex change, his supporters are undeterred. Im not the guy you want going to Russia to negotiate with Putin! he shouts at them Ill probably end up getting drunk and trying to suck his dick!

Later in the episode, Mr. Garrison starts telling his fans how much contempt he has for them, adding, If you vote me in as president, Ill seriously throw up and have lost all faith in humanity.

Watching from his couch at home, Randy finds himself saying, Shit, Im starting to really like this guy.
Alicia Machado, the former Miss Universe whom Donald Trump repeatedly attacked for her weight both in 1996 and this week, is a Venezuelan porn actress with a history of violence and palling around with shady characters running drug cartels. Thats how some of Trumps closest media allies and his armada of alt-right internet trolls are trying to frame the beauty queens life on Wednesday, at least.

At Monday nights presidential debate, Machado received a round of national media attention when Hillary Clinton mentioned her myriad interactions with Trumpwhich included the real-estate mogul forcing Machado, who he called an eating machine, to do sit-ups in front of a rowdy pool of reporters.

Trumps past nicknames for her reportedly included Miss Housekeeping and Miss Piggy. (For her part, Machados nickname for Trump is Nazi rat.)

She has become a U.S. citizen and you can bet she is going to vote this November, Clinton said. (Machado has been working and coordinating with the Clinton campaign for weeks now, having campaigned for Hillary and shot a video for her.)

Trump took the bait, and began bashing Machado all over again this week.

She was the [Miss Universe] winner and, you know, she gained a massive amount of weight and it was a real problemwe had a real problem, Trump said on Fox News Tuesday morning, in defense of his past actions, which Machado claims caused her to have anorexia and bulimia for five years.

Not only that, her attitude, and we had a real problem with her, so Hillary went back into the years and she found this girl and talked about her like she was Mother Teresa, he continued.

On Wednesday, the Trump campaign sent out talking points regarding Machado, stating that her claims were totally baseless and unsubstantiated, and that she was trying to gain notoriety at the expense of Mr. Trumps name and reputation. But when The New York Times asked Trump about those claims in May, he simply replied: To that, I will plead guity.

Less than a day after Clinton namechecked the former beauty queen at the presidential debate, Cosmopolitan and The Guardian both dropped largely positive profiles on Machado. (In Cosmos case, one with a photo spread, too.) Neither profile mentioned Machados tabloid-heavy past controversies, like when she was accused of driving the getaway car from the scene of a shooting in 1998. (A Venezuelan judge concluded that there was insufficient evidence to arrest her as a suspected accomplice in the attempted homicide. Her boyfriend at the time was indicted.)

On Tuesday, the pro-Trump backlash against Machado kicked off, with stories from her past taking center stage.

Miss Universe fat-shamed by Donald Trump was accused of threatening to kill a judge and being an accomplice to a MURDER bid in her native Venezuela, the Daily Mail reported on Tuesday, noting that it was unknown if [the] Clinton campaign vetted Machado.

Infowars, the conspiracy-theory-mongering website run by the Trump-supporting radio host Alex Jones, declared Machado a PORN STAR who did anal porn scenes for cash, and was also reportedly the incubus for the child of a notorious Mexican drug kingpin.

Other right-wing sites, including The Daily Caller, ran with the porn-star rumors. Outlets such as far right birther website WorldNetDaily and Fox News regurgitated the death-threat allegation and the murder-conspiracy angle. Tuesday evening on CNN, Trump surrogate Scottie Nell Hughes knocked Machado for appearing in Playboy magazine. And BreitbartTrumps staunchest media ally and defender, and whose honcho is currently the CEO of the Trump campaignwent all-in with the cartel lovechild accusation.

Conservative talk-radio icon Rush Limbaugh boldly dubbed her the porn-star Miss Piggy.

Who would have believed that, whether or not, a former Miss Universe became a Miss Piggy and a porn star would become such a big deal in the campaignbut it has, he opined on Wednesday. Its the biggest stack [of papers] I got. Ive got stacks of stuff here and the porn-star Miss Piggy whos now campaigning with Hillarya former porn star is campaigning for Hillary against Trump.

A former porn actress this year did star in an ad for a presidential candidatebut it wasnt Machado. It was an actress named Amy Lindsay, who starred in an ad for Ted Cruz.

Contrary to Infowarss in-depth reporting, there does not appear to be any evidence suggesting the existence of professionally made pornography starring Machado.

Hoax-debunking website Snopes determined that some of the hardcore clips circulating online this week under Machados name are in fact from the 2004 feature Apprentass 4, starring Angel Dark. The Daily Beast reviewed the pornographic videos (for journalism!) posted under her name, and didnt see much resemblance to the former beauty queen and current Trump foe.

Machado did pose topless for Playboy, however, and participated in some rather risque reality TVfacts that many of those conservative news outlets were quick to highlight.

(Trump, himself, has appeared on the cover of Playboy, and once talked to a woman on The Apprentice, his NBC reality series, about dropping to [her] knees and how that must be a pretty picture. His wife, Melania, has also modeled nude in the past.)

No arrest was ever made regarding Machados alleged complicity in a failed homicide, and no charges were ever filed against the outspoken Venezuelan celebrity.

Machado has also repeatedly denied the gossip and news articles promoting claims that her daughters biological father was a notorious drug kingpin.

In the local press, Machado has named Mexican businessman Rafael Hernandez as her childs father, not Jose Gerardo Alvarez, who was arrested for drug trafficking in 2010. That same year, a romantic relationship between Machado and Alvarez was alleged by a protected witness in a testimony to Mexican authorities.

Machado does indeed have a colorful, controversy-laden past worth reexamining in her newfound spotlight. The former Miss Universe doesnt claim to be an angel of any sort, herself, and she said as much when CNN host Anderson Cooper asked her on Tuesday night about these reports [about you] that the Trump surrogates are talking about this week.

[Trump] can say whatever he wants to say, I dont care, she responded. You know, I have my past. Of course, everybody has a past. Im not a saint girl. But that is not the point now.

But to Trump campaign surrogates and the GOP nominees friends in conservative media, stories from her past very much areand will continue to bethe point, whether any of it happened or not.

Machados publicist and the Clinton campaign did not respond to requests for an interview.
Before he mastered boneless buffalo-wing and chili-fry orders as a Hooters line cook, Alfred Olango escaped war-torn Uganda.

You know he was a refugee, Tunda Braxton, who through tears and by her husband Charless side spoke to The Daily Beast about their daughters fiance, who was unarmed when he was slain Tuesday in yet another deadly cop-involved shooting of an unarmed black man.

In a 30-minute video of the killings aftermath shot by a bystander, Olangos sister Sarah, who had repeatedly called 911 to ask them to help her brother, cries and convulses as she describes watching helplessly as the cops who finally showed up almost immediately drew their guns on him.

The confrontation ended with one cop firing his taser at Olango while another used his duty firearm to shoot him down in broad daylight.

I said Dont kill him, please. He needs help. Hes sick and needs help, Sarah says in the video.

I called for help, not for you guys to kill him, she said. You killed my brother. You will pay for this.

Sarah says in the video that despite calling 911 three times, nobody came or cared for almost an hour. I didnt record but I called three times for them to come help me.

Nobody came and they said Not priority.

It actually took cops 50 minutes to arrive to the Broadway Village Shopping Center behind Los Panchos Tacos after her calls, in which she described her brother as not acting like himself.

When officers arrived, El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis told reporters, they saw Olango walking in traffic, not only endangering himself, but motorists.

He continued: At one point, the subject rapidly drew an object from his front pants pocket, placed both hands together and extended them rapidly toward the officer taking up what appeared to be a shooting stance. That object, the police said later, was in fact a vaping device.

And Davis confirmed that there was a long delayalmost 50 minutes in answering the sisters request for help. It did take us that long to clear officers to get out there.

Still non compliant, one cop is heard saying on the recorded 911 dispatch moments before the deadly shots rang out. Still wont get his hand out of his pocket. Still walking all over the parking lot.

The officer continues commanding Olango to show hes not a threat.

Get your hand out of your pocket, the cop orders. Were behind the taco shop now. Still non-comply The same cop then calls out: Shots fired. Send me an ambulance.

A womans cries are heard blending with the sirens.

Later in the video, Sarah is seen wandering around and sits on a rock or leans on the Los Panchos Tacos marquis trying to get answers as to whether or not her brother is still alive. At one point, a uniformed El Cajon cop carrying a wheel of yellow police tape tells Sarah to move back.

Maam, could you just step on that side for a second, he asks her.

Sarah again shrieks in pain: Oh my god you killed my brother. I just called for help and you came and killed him.

In the same video, a female witness who doesnt identify herself tells the woman who was filming that I was here for the whole thing.

I was telling him to take his hand out of his pockets. I said Take your hands out of your pockets or they are going to shoot you! and he said, No, no, no.  When he lifted his hand out he did have something in his hand but it wasnt no gun; and thats when they shot him.

While there have been no reports of officer body or dash-cam footage of the shooting itself, it was apparently captured by a quick thinking Los Panchos Tacos employee on her mobile phone. She turned that critical footage over to the investigating authorities, who have yet to publicly release it.

Its considered evidence, Chief Davis said during Tuesdays briefing.

Multiple attempts to reach the El Cajon Police Department for comment were unsuccessful. A San Diego County spokeswoman confirmed that the video could remain out of public view, citing what he called an amendment passed last year that gives the district attorney great autonomy on when and if videos are released.

The legal rights of all parties involved must be protected, but balanced with the publics desire to view this kind of video, according to San Diego countys first-of-its-kind protocol on the release of videos from officer-involved shootings.

Such videos will not be released until after the DAs independent review of the incident has been completed, the document states. Which means that if criminal charges are brought against the officer who killed Olango, the video would only become public when its entered into evidence. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave for the time being, Davis said.

We believe were dealing with a shooting committed by an officer and that the public has a very strong interest in full transparency to learn what happened when a police officer uses deadly force or kills somebody, said David Loy, legal director of San Diegos chapter of the ACLU. We see no reason why the video should not be released to the public immediately.

Noting that El Cajon cops published a still photo taken from the video showing Olangos standoff with the cops, Loy said: If they are going to release a single, selective frame from the video we think the public has an even more compelling right and interest in seeing the video because they cant have it both ways.

Police stressed in a statement that the phone that captured the shooting was voluntarily provided to them and that the witness gave written consent for the officers to view the video.

The worker who shot the killing indeed gave it to the officer, said a co-worker, person, who asked to remain anonymous. She volunteered it to him.

The co-worker added that the woman who forfeited her phone is now living in fear. She didnt want to come to work today because shes scared to come to work, the person said. All because of the video she recorded.

The worker said that there isnt another copy of the video beyond the clip stored in the womans mobile phone. Its just on her phone. No, she doesnt have a copy.

The Braxtons believe Olango experienced some sort of an episode in front of the officers after failing to take his medication to treat a serious mental illness.

Tunda Braxton said she wasnt certain what kind of pills Olango had been prescribed, but that she knew her late future son-in-law was deeply disturbed.

I dont know what kind of medicine there is to deal that kind of hell of being a refugee from Africa, she said. Thats enough to make anyone crazy.

Federal court records show that a hint of that hell, as Olango fled first to a refugee camp and then to the United States from Uganda as a child along with his family in 1991 because his father had worked for the former president of the east African country and the next president had threatened to kill them. According to a Reuters report, court documents from 2006 show that he was granted permanent U.S. residency but lost that status in 2001 after being convicted of drug charges. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to a separate charge of illegal possession of a firearm and was sentenced to three years in a federal prison.

Olango, who said he was 38 but came to the U.S. without a birth certificate, was the father of two girls. Less than 24 hours before his breakdown, The San Diego Tribune reported, a boyhood friend and fellow African refugee had unexpectedly died.

His fiances family told the Beast they received the horrific news from Olangos distraught mother.

His mama called and told us that Tashias fiance was dead, said Charles Braxton.

Their daughter remains inconsolable.

She cant talk right now at all, her mother said.

She did post on Facebook the words Rest in peace Alfred, along with the video showing the aftermath of his fatal encounter.

In another post, she wrote: Alfred was a good man a great father to my son may he rest in peace taj and i will miss you. We love you so much.
The Army has overturned a decision that would have kicked quadriplegic Green Beret Timothy Brumit out of the military and stripped him of benefits, on charges of being drunk and drugged when he injured himself, U.S. officials tell The Daily Beast.

I feel blessed, and so thankful to so many people, starting with my dad, who is my caregiver, and stayed by my side to use any means necessary to right this wrong, a relieved Brumit told The Daily Beast on Thursday.

An injustice has been corrected, added his father, former Green Beret Randy Brumit, after receiving the news.

The decision against Brumit was reversed after the head of U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, Lt. Gen. Ken Tovo, wrote a letter in support of the injured soldierand after Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley heard of the case.

They took a look at it and said, Hey, this isnt right, said Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), a former Marine who has championed many similar special operators cases.

They are going to give him an honorable discharge, and theyve dropped punitive legal action to strip Brumit of his Green Beret designation, Hunter told The Daily Beast.

Brumit was paralyzed in July 2015 when he dove off a boat in stormy waters to save what he thought was a drowning girl. Instead, he hit a sandbar, instantly breaking his neck. The missing girl was found later on shore.

An Army investigation ruled he was reckless because of alcohol intoxication and alleged traces of cocaine, prompting Brumit to tell his story to The Daily Beast . The investigation also dismissed more than two years worth of Brumits pleas for help treating his PTSD after eight combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He drank himself to sleep every night to drown out nightmares, but military psychologists insisted he did not have PTSD. He eventually enrolled himself in a military alcohol and substance abuse program, but 7th Special Forces Group kept pulling him out of counseling for missions.

Six weeks after being pulled out of the addiction program, he fell off the wagon and made the disastrous decision to jump into that stormy sea.

The Army broke me. I believe they owe me an honorable discharge, my record clean, and a lifetime of medical care that Im going to require to live a normal life, he said.

U.S. Army Special Operations commander Tovo wrote that it was unclear whether Brumits substance abuse stems from post-traumatic stress or even if he truly has PTSD, and pointed out hed gone through 20 medical, psychological, and substance abuse-related meetingswhich Tovo said was proof Brumits commanders were making help available to him.

Still its undisputed that SFC Brumit served multiple combat tours and the negative aspects of his multiple deployments created stressors at home and likely contributed to his substance abuse, Tovo wrote in his Sept. 13 letter, first shared by Hunter on Fox News. Erring on the side of the soldier and presuming that his head-first dive was not an act of willful negligence adds an element of empathy to this case.

The top brass responded to Tovos letter, Brumits public plea, and multiple congressional inquiries about the case by changing a single word in its ruling: from willful to simple negligence. That means Brumit can now begin the process of medically retiring from the Army with his neck injuries included in his future care, and an honorable discharge assured, according to Randy Brumit and congressional staff briefed on the case.

The only question remaining is what will become of Tim Brumits security clearance. After Brumit went public with his story to The Daily Beast, his 7th Special Forces Group commander, Col. Michael Ball, sent him a notice that Brumit would be stripped of both his Green Beret designation and his clearance, a document viewed by The Daily Beast. Ball sent notice to Brumit on Wednesday that hell keep his Special Forces certification but offered no update on the clearance issue. The Brumits say Ball has never called to check on the health of the injured soldier since his injury.

Hunters office and Brumits lawyer Will Helixon are still working to protect his clearance, which will determine what kind of work he can get as a disabled veteran.

The Brumit case highlights the difficulty faced by the military in diagnosing and treating the invisible injuries of combat, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Special Operations Command has worked to expand the number of counselors available and to destigmatize seeking helpand officials say theres been an overall drop in suicides within the force. But troops often dont want to admit they have those issues because they believe going for counseling means theyd be pulled off their elite teams, and also because once such treatment is listed on their military medical record, they wont be able to apply for post-military jobs with the CIA or other intelligence agencies. The military doesnt strip anyone of their top secret clearance if theyve been treated for PTSD, thanks to an initiative championed by Adm. Bill McRaven, then head of special operations.

But the intelligence community, where many special operators seek to work post-retirement, hasnt followed suit.

So operators often cope with alcohol or even illegal drugs, eventually ending up in trouble at work and at home, and often only admitting to PTSD or TBI symptoms after they are facing disciplinary action. Senior special operations officers tell The Daily Beast this practice has led some commanders and clinicians to believe that special operators are faking it to get out of trouble. Its also resulted in a trend where clinicians are reluctant to diagnose PTSD and more likely lump bad behavior under the catchall diagnosis adjustment disorder.

Multiple special operators told The Daily Beast that such a scenario happened to them when they sought help, just as it did to Tim Brumit.

While some soldiers may try to take advantage of the system, in my experience, that is probably an extremely small number, Lt. Gen. Tovo wrote to The Daily Beast on Thursday evening. What is likely more prevalent is that soldiers do not report medical issues or ask for help because they believe they will be pulled from their team, be pulled from a deployment, or be viewed as weak.

He added that the Army as a whole, and USASOC specifically, has made a concerted effort to allay these fears and reduce the stigma of reporting medical conditions, especially PTSD.

As for the moves to strip Brumit of his clearance, Tovo reiterated that soldiers cannot lose their clearance based solely on a PTSD diagnosis but can lose it because of misconduct such as drug- and alcohol-related incidents.

California Republican Hunter blamed the controversy on toxic leaders at 7th Special Forces Group, rather than seeing a wider pattern of neglect by the Army.

You have little spheres of influence with bad leadership in those spheres, and once it gets exposed, you can fix them, he said, crediting Secretary of the Army Fanning and Army Chief of Staff Milley for fixing this case.

But he said hes asking the Army to tell him how many troops who saw combat were dishonorably discharged since the attacks on New York and Washington of 9/11, including how many of them were diagnosed with adjustment disorder rather than PTSD.

What if the numbers are big? Then we may have a problem, he said.

Lt. Gen. Tovo defended the harsh calls made by 7th Group commander Ball, saying, I am committed to supporting subordinate commanders who have to make the difficult decisions in their units. They continually have to balance the requirement to maintain good order and discipline in their ranks with an individual soldiers specific circumstances.

Randy Brumit said his phone has been ringing off the hook with calls from other troops.

I have a database of special operators who have almost the same stories, the coping, the hiding, not being treated for PTSD, and then being punished for bad behavior stemming from their injury, he said.

His paralyzed son said he plans to finish the university degree hed started before dropping out to join the Army after the attacks of 9/11. He already volunteers at Walk Rite Ministry, an evangelical nonprofit he hopes can help others.

Even though my hands and my legs arent working, my heart is, he said. I can help change other lives.

Brumit says he has some tough lessons to share with other troubled vets, like how he pushed away his now ex-wife and turned to alcohol and illicit drugs to cope with the numbness from post-traumatic stress and suicidal thoughts.

I was unable to change because I was focused tunnel vision on the job, he said.

He had a message to other troops who might be suffering in silence.

If you dont get help, youre going to lose everything anyway because you are going to go off the deep end, he said. Dont wait until its too late, like me.
Its lucky that Donald Trump loves to look at women in pageant sashes so much, because he and other Republicans on the ballot, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, are about to get an eyeful.

Starting Friday, Miss Piggy, Miss Housekeeping, Miss Eating Machine, and a half dozen other women in pageant sashes are scheduled show up at Republican offices in five battleground states to target Trump and Republicans who have endorsed him, including Ryan, Sen. Rob Portman in Ohio, Sen. Marco Rubio in Florida, and Rep. Joe Heck in Nevada. The sashes are based on names Trump has used to describe women, including Miss Piece of Ass, Miss Gold Digger, Miss Flat Chested, Miss Bimbo, and Miss Disgusting Animal.

The Democratic super PAC For Our Future had the sashes made after Monday nights debate, when Hillary Clinton brought up Trumps treatment of former a Miss Universe, Alicia Machado, who said Trump called her Miss Housekeeping and Miss Piggy after she gained weight as Miss Universe. Instead of denying Clintons accusation during the debate, Trump asked Where did you get that? The super PAC is coordinating the events in five states around the country, according to details of the plan obtained by The Daily Beast.

Clintons comment during the debate was part of a coordinated plan to hit Trump for what Clinton said is his treatment of women over the course of his career, including during his ownership of the Miss Universe Pageant. Immediately after the debate, Clintons campaign released a Spanish-language video featuring Machado, who said Trump treated her like a piece of garbage.

Instead of denying or ignoring the allegations, Trump and his team have doubled down on attacking Machado and her weight gain. Trump called into Fox & Friends Tuesday morning to say Machado had gained a massive amount of weight after she won the Miss Universe title. Later, he told Bill OReilly that he was just trying to help Machado keep her job by inviting dozens of reporters to watch the then-18 year old to work out after her weight spiked to 160 pounds.

Trump has struggled throughout the campaign to improve his standing his support from women, especially independents. His debate performance, including his warning that he might mention Bill Clintons infidelity at the next debate, did not win many over. Eighty percent of independent women polled said Trump does not have the temperament or personality to serve as president.

Trumps obsession with womens weight over the years is well documented. But his standards for own fitness are less clear. A recent physical by his doctor showed that Trump himself is five pounds shy of being defined as obese. He could lose a few pounds, his doctor said.
ROME  There has never been any question about how some Danes really feel when it comes to refugees and migrants. After all, Denmark is a country where the parliament actually voted to seize certain high-value items from them to help offset the costs of their housing and health care. It is also a country where it is legal to bounce migrants and refugees out of nightclubs just for being migrants and refugees.

Now some Danes have taken things a step further by handing out a special pepper spray that is meant to keep refugees away. The refugee-repellent product, Asyl Spray (presumably playing on the word asylum), was distributed in the southeast port city of Haderslev last weekend by the right-wing Danskernes Parti political group.

The purse-size spray can features the promise to repel refugees in a legal and effective way.

Party leader Daniel Carlsen, who says he came up with the idea, rebuffed outrage by claiming that most pepper spray is illegal in Denmark, and the anti-refugee spray provided a legal alternative.

I cannot see how it is racist, he told CNN. Pepper spray is illegal here so we wanted to figure out a way for Danish people, in particular women, to protect themselves. Its obviously not the ideal situation.

He said he knew that while the spray could not stop migrants and refugees from trying to reach Denmark, it might act as a deterrent for those that have arrived. In the long run we want to repatriate the migrants, we want to repatriate non-Westerners in general, that is in the long run, he said. In the short run we want to provide solutions to make life better and safer for the Danish people.

Not surprisingly, the Danish approach to migration has raised eyebrows among those concerned about the tens of thousands attempting to reach Europe. The United Nations agency on refugees issued a statement of sheer disgust about the produce, stating that it strongly regrets that this kind of incident is taking place in Denmark against asylum seekers and refugees, people who have already suffered so much.

Carlsen doesnt seem to care. We are tackling an actual problem in our society, where many Danes feel unsafe, he told local Danish television station SYD. It is a disgrace to Denmark and Europe as a whole that an organization like this is promoting mass immigration to Europe, and it will destroy Europe. We are not saying that migrants are all rapists, but the problem with mass migration is the mass, and because of the mass it will in time replace the indigenous people of Europe.

A year ago, Denmark started placing advertisements in English and Arabic in Lebanese newspapers warning potential refugees to Europe to stay put, or at least not to set their sights on Denmark as their promised land. One ad stated that the country had cut benefits to new refugees by half. Another warned there were new quotas that might limit their chances of asylum.

Norway and Hungary have also used traditional advertisements as well as social media to warn potential migrants and refugees to stay away. A television ad campaign in Hungary features scary-looking men on motorcycles hunting down refugees in a forest to the tune of dramatic music. Dont come here, says the mayor, who is also featured on horseback in the advertisement, apparently hunting refugees and warning that trespassers who enter the country illegally could go to prison, his voice intoning over pictures of high electric fences and police cars.

Sweden, which welcomed refugees until public housing and refugee centers reached capacity, has also started using social media and even videos with techno beats to warn refugees that the utopia they dream of is gone. Instead, they will be housed in tents and forced to endure cold Swedish winters, which are depicted by a snowy fields and warnings of 12-month-long winters. If you plan to come to Sweden, bring your own tent, the advertisement suggests.

Since January, more than 300,000 people have made the sea crossing to Europe. Clearly the threat of refugee repellent sprays and negative advertisement about cold winters has done little to stop the flow of migrants into Europe. Thats undoubtedly because as unwelcoming as Europe is becoming, it still sounds better than where they are coming from.
Donald Trumps regressive law enforcement views may be the last best hope for private prison companies.

And given the past five weeks, they could use a lifeline.

Their stock prices have been brutalized. A host of law firms have started putting together class action lawsuits against them on behalf of their investors. And one company even announced layoffs.

Thats why Trump could be their saving grace. While Hillary Clinton is making opposition to private prison companies a campaign issue, the Republican nominee has praised prison privatization. And he has been loath to criticize anyone or anything associated with the American criminal justice system, instead making tough-on-crime rhetoric a key part of his brand. So a Trump victory could be a much-needed lifeline for the industrywhile a Clinton win could cripple the businesses that contract with the feds to house prisoners.

Several federal agencies contract with private companiesin particular, GEO Group and Corrections Corporation of America, both of which are publicly tradedto handle incarceration and immigrant detention. Its a lucrative industry. Last year CCA brought in $1.79 billion, according to its annual shareholder letter, and GEO Group reported $1.84 billion in revenue. Both companies saw revenue growth over 2014.

But that trend might be changing. On Aug. 18, the Department of Justice announced that the Bureau of Prisons would phase out its contracts with private prison companies. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates said in a statement that the move was designed to ensure that inmates are in the safest facilities and receiving the best rehabilitative servicesimplying that the Department of Justice shares the concerns of a host of activists, who have argued for years that private facilities treat prisoners worse to save money.

A GEO spokesperson disputed that implication.

We are and have always been a partner with the government as well as the communities we serve, working every day to be a part of the solution to societys correctional needs," said Pablo Paez, the companys vice president of corporate relations. Our profit motivation has not and will never compromise what we believe. We are most effective and at our best when those we care for re-enter society as productive and employable citizens.

Steve Owens, a spokesman for CCA, said eliminating contracts with private corrections facilities would be costly and would result in more overcrowding and less re-entry programming.

This is a political season, and we all recognize that rhetoric can get heated, he added. We hope that when the dust settles after the election that policymakers will come together and focus on real solutions. There is a lot that we agree on. For example, our company has stood up and made firm commitments to supporting and expanding re-entry programs that reduce recidivism. Thats the kind of leadership that is needed, and that has unfortunately been lacking from our political discourse. We look forward to working with the next administration to play a positive, problem-solving role.

Though Yates didnt mention any specific reports that prompted the change, it came shortly after Mother Jones published a lengthy and gut-churning investigative report by Shane Bauer, who worked for four months as a private prison guard.

The stock prices for GEO Group and CCA both took a nosedive on Aug. 18, and they have yet to recover. Things got worse the morning of Sept. 27. The night before, Clinton ripped into private prison companies at the debate.

Im glad that were ending private prisons in the federal system, she said. I want to see them ended in the state system. You shouldnt have a profit motivation to fill prison cells with young Americans.

The comment didnt get much media coverage the next day (though it played extremely well in Pennsylvania, a key swing state). But it did a number on private prison companies stock prices. By the time the markets closed Tuesday, CCAs stock had dropped by 8 percent and GEOs was down 4 percent.

Both GEO and CCA are facing lawsuits. As often happens when a companys stock takes a surprising dive, a bevy of law firms that specialize in representing allegedly jilted stockholders have filed class action suits against them.

In addition, CCA announced on Tuesday that it will eliminate upward of 55 jobs at its Nashville headquarters as part of an effort to cut costs. Its CEO also said he will give up a block of stock shares he got in February of this year. At the time, the stock was worth $2 million. Currently: not so much.

Despite all this, the corrections industry still has one bright, shining star: Donald J. Trump. In an interview with Chris Matthews in June, the Republican nominee praised the industry.

I do think we can do a lot of privatizations and private prisons, he said. It seems to work a lot better.

The line didnt get much attention at the time because in that same interview Trump called for punishing women who get abortions. Trumps campaign didnt respond to a query about whether he still holds this view on the corrections industry.

Still, mealy-mouthed, months-old praise is still praise. And when youre facing angry shareholders and a presidential candidate who loves to hate you, you take what you can get.

Updated 9/29/16, to add comment from GEO and CCA.
There are few places where collective silence is the preferred mode of communication.

Our theaters and cinemas have become hideously noise-polluted places where the thoughtless and cretinous indulge in talking and rustling of paper and bags, while jabbing away at their mobile phones.

The London Underground system, aka the Tube, has for many years been a haven of peacea long-suffering, slightly tense peace perhaps with everyone in their particular moods coming to and from work, and notwithstanding the occasional loud, drunken asshole--but peace nonetheless and one that is cherished.

No longer.

Today, badges and a little pieces of paper appeared across the Underground, inscribedusing the familiar typography of London Underground itself--with Tube Chat?

The little pieces of card read: Have a chat with your fellow travelers. Wear this badge to let others know youre interested. Youll benefit from a daily chat. Start using it today.

With Tube Chat Twitter and Facebook accounts set up, and a trending hashtag #tube_chat, a phenomenon was born.

Would Londoners take the bait, and service their own and their fellow travelers long-buried need for connection and conversation by talking to one another? Would British reserve be atomized? Would London encircle itself in a big, friendly group hug?

No, by the iciest of Maggie Smith stares, it would not.

The headline in freesheet Metro summed up brilliantly the askance reaction: Panic Across London as People On Tubes are Actually Asked To Talk.

Even worse for transatlantic relations: the originator of the Tube Chat initiative is American. Jonathan Dunne, who works for the NHS, is originally from Colorado. The 42-year-old had 500 badges made (for 100/$130), and started handing them out at Old Street station on Wednesday morning.

However, this being London on a typical weekday morning, his efforts were not met with cheer and thanks.

It's been wild, Dunne told the Daily Beast. I handed them out yesterday. This morning, there were two tweets about it, mocking me, and then I went to a meeting, got back and the world had gone crazy. He was not surprised by the negative response. You're so compartmentalized here, you sort of go into a trance on your way to work. It's not the same as in New York. New Yorkers, even though they have a reputation of being brusque, tend to be a bit friendlier.

The online response to Dunne's desire to connect was fairly immediate, with one bright spark crafting a badge that simply read Nope.

And: Wake me up if a dog gets on.

Another person showed what they would do if someone approached with a Tube Chat badge.

Somebody else mocked up a badge saying simply of the new initiative: Weirdo Magnet.

Somebody else noted the vexing grammar of the #tube_chat hashtag:

There was this emphatic refusal:

And this even more emphatic refusal:

Dunne told the Daily Beast: I thought this would be a laugh, it wasnt terribly well thought out. I thought there would be more interaction when I was handing out the badges. I dont walk around talking to people on the train, but I thought it would be fun to talk to people when handing out the badges. But that part was really tough. Making eye contact with people on the street: some people dont like that. People leave the station and go to work, theyre not in the mood for itit was much harder than I thought it was going to be.

Most people looked down and scurried away from him, said Dunne. Others took something just because it was free, and 20 per cent of people acknowledged him, in a fleeting, move-away-quickly kind of a way.

Dunne, who described himself to the Daily Beast as a pretty laid-back sort of person, is from the rural town of Durango. Colorado, he said, was the sort of place where you can wear jeans to a funeral.

He has lived in London, on and off, since 1996, so must be aware of the prevailing atmosphere of public transport, a reporter suggested. But the prevailing atmosphere sort of sucks, he told a reporter forcefully. Everyone should just lighten up a bit. What drove me to this was getting annoyed by my colleagues at work ignoring me, and me them, on the street and on the Tube. The whole situation is ridiculous. Why cant we be like, Hey, and nod at each other? Being in the same carriage and pretending we dont see each other really irritates me.

Given the online and media conflagration today, he was briefly transformed into the office celebrity, although his colleagues joined my wife (Tia, also American), in giving me a liittle bit of an eye-roll. She is definitely not the type to hand out badges or talk to people on the train.

"People are worried about crazy people on the Tube, he added. But people should be really worried about crazy people on the internet. The guy making crazy YouTube videos of me is much crazier than someone saying hello on the Tube.

London can be an isolating place, so regardless of the snarky tweets aimed against him, there were others who welcomed Dunnes desire to get people to connect.

But these positive responses were few and far between, and Dunne seems to have realized that the predominantly negative reaction to his scheme simultaneously proves his pointpeople dont talk to each other on the Tubeand disproved it, in the sense that, for now at least, they would like to keep it that way.

Somebody proposed a new badge for anyone wishing to participate in a chattier Tube, with a colorful flourish of particularly English name-calling.

Another headache for Dunne presented itself in the shape of Transport for London, whose typography his badges emulated.

A TfL spokeswoman told the Guardian: Its definitely not something we have created. We are trying to get in touch with the people behind them as we never allow people to use our branding unless they have our permission. This sort of stuff is quite dangerous; we dont want people to get confused. While it is an interesting idea, we dont want people using our branding.

Presently, TfL gives out Baby on board badges for expectant mothers to wield when wanting a seatpresumably because people are so rude or in their own worlds they fail to notice pregnant women needing a seat. Badges for disabled and less able travelers are also being trialed, said the Guardian.

Dunne told the Daily Beast that he had so far handed out 495 out of 500 badges. A second batch of 500 badges is about to be delivered. He has decided to target a more convivial Tube station next timepossibly Russell Square, assuming TfL doesnt destroy me for copyright infringement, he said quietly. This whole thing hasnt been thought out that well, he added for a second time. Still, he said, brightening, someone had called and said they had somehow bought 5000 badges, so I have a fan.

As to the to the future of his campaign, Dunne noted soberly that its here today gone tomorrow. Im sure people will move on to the next thing. But I would be happy if it caught on. Well see.

Not all the response to Tube Chat had been negative. Somebody wittily noted the confusion the scheme could cause in France.

Dunne is certainly brave: by Thursday night there was a rather menacing-sounding plan to meet at Embankment tube station to mobilize against his innocent, if flawed, initiative.

Perhaps Dunne has been successful after all: he has finally roused London commuters to collective action and protesteven if it is to maintain silence on the Tube.
Russia and Syria appeared to attack two more hospitals and a bakery in the already besieged eastern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, in an aggressive push to seize and starve the cityhome to as many as 100,000 childrenback into regime control.

So how will the Obama administration respond to an increasingly provocative Russia? For now, it wont.

There is an unspoken understanding within the administration that despite the many provocations Russia has carried out in Syria, there will be no major American response, a position that increasingly is drawing the ire of top national security officials, three U.S. officials told The Daily Beast.

Adding to these officials frustration is that Russias aggression isnt just contained to Syria. There is mounting evidence that Russia has been behind a series of computer hacks that intelligence officials believe are designed to meddle with U.S. elections in November.

Officials said they feared that the White Houses inaction could devolve into acquiescence in Syria, in Ukraine, and in cyberspace. On Wednesday, Syrias ambassador to the United Nations reportedly laughed when asked about the hospital attack.

Of course we are concerned about how far Russia will go, one U.S. official explained to The Daily Beast. And just as worrisome is what this is doing to U.S. credibility.

Even members of the presidents party are speaking out on Capitol Hill about Russias seemingly unchecked aggression.

On one side of the divided national security community is the State Department and intelligence agencies, which are pushing for a greater response in Syria, especially to the ongoing Russian-led assault in eastern Aleppo, the officials said.

In the last 10 days, since the collapse of the latest ceasefire in Syria, Russia and Syria have mounted what residents call their most aggressive air campaign to date to reclaim Aleppo from opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Should the regime, with Russian help, take the city, it would be a major psychological and tactical victory for the Assad regime.

Members of the U.S. intelligence community are concerned about the implications of seemingly abandoning the opposition forces it backed in Syria, these officials said.

The State Department feels it has exhausted diplomatic negotiations with Russia over Syria and that the administration has given up on any chance of them bearing fruit, according to the officials. Even Secretary of State John Kerry, the eternal optimist that a deal with Russia is imminent, reached a point of extreme frustration, as one official put it Wednesday.

On the other side is a Pentagon arguing that any kind of intervention is too risky, backed by a White House that embraces any argument for not escalating U.S. involvement in Syria during the remaining four months of the administration. What if the U.S. set up a no-fly zone inside Syria and Russia violated it? Would the U.S. will be willing to go to war with Russia over that?

In a call Wednesday with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Kerry informed the Foreign Minister that the United States is making preparations to suspend U.S.-Russia bilateral engagement on Syriaunless Russia takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo and restore the cessation of hostilities, according to a State Department readout of the call.

In other words: Kerry closed the door on talking with the Russians.

Stuck in the middle of the U.S. government divide is half of Syrias largest city, Aleppo, besieged in an assault that has appalled even those accustomed to the savagery of war. Syrian regime and Russian strikes have hit hospitals, aid workers, food supplies, and civilians. According to one report, at least 96 children have been killed in eastern Aleppo since Friday.

Regardless, the U.S. should focus on defeating the self-proclaimed Islamic State, the administration has concluded.

It is arguably the continuation of the lessons learned by the Obama administration after its 2011 intervention in Libyato intervene is to own the outcome of a military campaign. The president has said he is committed to getting the United States out of wars in the Middle East and not becoming entangled in another countrys civil war.

Many inside the Pentagon do not believe the outcome in Aleppo affects the war against ISIS, which is the only mission the president has assigned to the military. Notably, no one inside the Pentagon leadership is urging for an expanded U.S. mission in Syria.

Russias intervention in Syria is not affecting our war on ISIL, but it is contributing to a prolongation of the Syrian civil war, which is a tragic thing, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter told U.S. troops Tuesday, using the governments preferred acronym for the terror group.

But others said the ongoing conflict is fertile ground for both ISIS and al Qaeda, which has gained ground in Syria during the civil war.

Anyone who thinks ISIS can be defeated without solving the failed state in Syria is ignoring the last 25 years of American foreign policy, a fourth U.S. official told The Daily Beast.

As the war rages in Syria, top members of Congress have vented their frustration with the White House for not publicly challenging Russia for another type of provocative act: the hacking of emails from the Democratic National Committee, which were subsequently given to WikiLeaks, as well as computer intrusions at other political organizations and the email accounts of prominent officials.

Its not for lack of evidence that the White House hasnt called out Russian President Vladimir Putin, Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told The Daily Beast. I think the evidence is very clear. Schiff and his fellow committee members, as well as the members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, have been briefed by U.S. intelligence officials on the suspected Russian cyber operations.

Behind the scenes, there is little doubt that Russia was behind the operations. Two U.S. intelligence officials told The Daily Beast that there is effectively a consensus on the issue and has been since the hack was revealed last summer, but that the administration has been reluctant to call out Russia for a reason: What comes next.

I think they are both weighing the policy implications of naming Russia as well as considering whether theyd take additional steps beyond naming and shaming, Schiff said. When President Obama called out North Korea for hacking Sony Pictures over the release of a satirical film, those additional steps included sanctioning North Korean officials and launching limited cyber attacks on the countrys computer networks.

There was little consequence for those actions. North Korea is already sanctioned to the hilt, and the cyber attacks were designed to send a message, not start a new conflict.

But poking the Russian bear could prompt Putin to respond. What starts as retaliation for politically motivated hacking could escalate into a more dangerous confrontation between Russia and the United States.

A former U.S. official who has remained close to the issue of election security in light of the Russian hacks said there has not been a fundamental shift in the administrations position. There is little doubt that Russia is to blame, but coming out and saying that would risk igniting a new conflict, the former official said.

The administration is always mindful of the downside consequences, Schiff said. But, he cautioned, if the United States doesnt send a forceful signal that interfering with its elections wont be tolerated, the Russians will take that as an open door inviting them to engage in further mischief.

Law enforcement and intelligence officials have been studying the attacks and are providing information to the White House so that the president can craft a response.

On Wednesday, FBI Director James Comey testified that the suspected Russian hacking was something we take extremely seriously and is something that the FBI is spending a lot of time on right now to understand so that Obama is equipped with the right information to make the appropriate response.

Comey also signaled that the threat to the U.S. election system may not be diminishing. There have been some attempted intrusions beyond those we knew about in July and August against state voter registration systems, Comey told the House Judiciary Committee, referring to an earlier alert from the FBI that hackers had penetrated the registration systems in Arizona and Illinois. Comey and others have stressed that this isnt the same as hacking into voting machines and manipulating ballot counts but that nevertheless such operations represent a threat to the security of the election system and could undermine public confidence in the legitimacy of the results.

Should Obama publicly point the finger at Putin, the administration will almost certainly have to release some of the technical evidence that led to its conclusion. Thats what happened with the Sony hack, when Comey was compelled to present some forensic details in order to bolster the administrations claims, which technical experts initially greeted with skepticism.

In July, Schiff and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democratic member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, urged Obama in a letter to consider declassifying and releasing any Intelligence Community assessments regarding the incident, including any that might illuminate potential Russian motivations for what would be an unprecedented interference in a U.S. Presidential race

Last week, they took their concerns a step further in a joint statement, which said that based on briefings we have received, we have concluded that the Russian intelligence agencies are making a serious and concerted effort to influence the U.S. election. The lawmakers said the Russian operation was designed to sow doubt about the security of our election and may well be intended to influence the outcomes of the election and that orders for the Russian intelligence agencies to conduct such actions could come only from very senior levels of the Russian government.

On Tuesday, BuzzFeed News reported that the White House asked Schiff and Feinstein to delay the release of their statement, which amounted to a high-level accusation against Russia by the United States, if not by the Obama administration directly.

Asked if there was a point at which Obama would have no choice but to publicly respond to the Russian hacking, Schiff told The Daily Beast, I think were already at that point.

But, he added, certainly if the meddling becomes even more pronounced and even more severe, theyll be forced to act.
She was willing to kill for her dream house.

An Ohio dog groomer was collared last week for allegedly hiring a hitman to zap her estranged husband in the middle of their divorce.

Shelly Ann Carter, 42, offered an assassin $1,000 and a car to slay her 44-year-old hubby but the hitman had a change of heart, police say.

Carters 23-year-old boyfriend, Ryan Stark, was also arrested in the plot.

According to Middletown cops, the hired killer was close to doing the deed until learning that Carters sons, ages 7 and 11, would also be endangered. The man, yet to be publicly identified, then went to police.

A search warrant revealed the mother of two wanted the hitman to off her spouse in a fatal car crash, WLWT reported. She allegedly told the man where and when to commit the crime and that she didnt care if he killed her kids too.

Its a totally bizarre case, Lt. Jim Cunningham told The Daily Beast. Typically we dont have a hitman get a conscience.

Its just good that the guy came forward, Cunningham said. Obviously for the husband, but especially for the children, because she [Shelly Carter] didnt care that the kids were in harms way or not.

On Saturday, Carters target spoke to reporters outside the city hall of Middletown, about 40 miles north of Cincinnati.

You never expect something like this to happen to you, said the visibly-shaken husband, Christian Tony Carter. You see it on TV and in the movies, but would never expect it to happen to yourselves.

Ive truly gone through about every emotion one could think of: anger, to scared, to confused and everything else in between, Tony Carter added, before thanking police and the man who was hired to kill him.

Cops havent released a motive but Shelly Carterwho uses the last name Fryman on social mediawas desperate to keep her home, relatives say.

Just before the plot was foiled, a judge in the ex-couples divorce ruled theyd have to sell their new house, one family friend said.

She wanted the house. It was her dream house. They bought the land 11 years ago and they finally started building it last year, said Amy Wray, a friend of Tony Carter.

She decided she wanted the house no matter how she could get it, Wray told The Daily Beast. But luckily, that didnt go through.

Shelly Carter even designed the home on Browns Run Road. She wanted something that was rustic, Wray said on Wednesday. She said she wanted a haunted castle. It had dark tones. Its a gorgeous house.

It was her dream, its what she wanted, and Tony built it so she could have her dream.

Carter, who police say confessed to the setup, is charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated murderone each for her husband and her two children.

Her bond was set at $750,000, and shes slated to appear in court Friday.

The dog groomer first met the unnamed hitman, who is not facing charges, on Sept. 16 and paid him $500, Local 12 reported. She planned to pony up another $500 and an SUV once the job was done, according to police.

The day before the meet-and-greet, Carters attorney filed a motion for exclusive occupancy, online court records show. (When reached by The Daily Beast, the lawyer declined to comment on Carters divorce proceedings.)

Cops executed a search warrant on Carters home on Sept. 21, before finding her and Stark inside the Madison Inn restaurant.

The much-younger boyfriend, who has a prior felony conviction, was allegedly carrying a .22 caliber handgun. Hes charged with having weapons under disability and possessing a firearm in a liquor establishment.

Carters half-brother, Casey Fryman, 32, and his wife Sarah Fryman, 21, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder. The couple introduced Carter to the would-be hitman, authorities say.

Its not the first time cops were called to Carters residence.

According to the Journal-News, Butler County deputies visited the former couples home several times for domestic disputes.

During one February incident, Shelly Carter allegedly slapped her father-in-law and smashed the windshield and taillights on her ex-husbands car.

In April, Tony Carter dialed cops because he was concerned about his childrens welfare, the Journal-News reported.

The following month, sheriffs deputies were called when Tony Carter and his new girlfriend were at the home and Shelly Carter appeared.

On Sept. 17, Shelly Carter allegedly let air out of the tires of the new couples car, the Journal-News revealed.

Friends took to social media to express shock over the allegations against Carter, who owned Dog Daze Grooming Studio.

We knew she was crazy but I didnt think she was that crazy, one acquaintance wrote on Facebook, before adding, smh poor tony.

Another friend of the couple added, She used to be an awesome, nice person. She got hooked up with the wrong person. Wow.

Its unclear how Carter met her 20-something beau. According to her Facebook profile, theyve been in a relationship since March 2016.

Tony Carters Facebook profile states he got married in 2011. That year on Christmas Day, Shelly Carter wrote in a post, Thank you Lord for blessing me when meeting the Carter family!!! You gave me the gift I have needed for all my life.

Carter presented herself as a dog groomer and also sold puppies, according to a review of Facebook posts.

She was also a Buckeye State Martha Stewart, posting pictures of craft holiday displays and furniture remodeling projects.

Wray told The Daily Beast that Carter was just an average woman.

From the outside, she had everything a woman would want, Wray said. Two kids, a husband, a gorgeous house, her own businessthen it just went horribly wrong.
What are you drinking these days? Im a Margarita, Mojito, fine wine guy. Thats what I drink. I dont drink beer. Very seldom. Just to chill the heat from eating a jalapeno or something.

No Scotch? No whiskey? God, no! Thats rough stuff.

Do you ever drink while you play? On stage, a lot of times, because I want the energy, Ill drink a Dr Pepper with white rum. Its my drink on the drum riser. Take a big swig and get a little boost and a bump all at the same time. I call it a Pepper Upper. And theres also no acid in it and acid is not good for singing.

All serious tequila drinkers have their own Margarita recipe. What is yours? I like the juice of a whole lime. I try to double that with a sweetener, which will be half Cointreau and half damiana tequila liqueur. Damiana is that herb, which grows wild in Baha. Its a freaking aphrodisiac. The bottle is a pregnant woman and its true. The stuff is for real. You mix that together. If you dont have Cointreau, then I like to use some fresh orange juice, but just a splash. Orange really goes good with tequila. If you want it a little sweeter you put in a little squeeze of agave syrup.

Any other advice for making a Margarita? I like serving it straight up. I dont like leaving it on the rocks because it starts getting diluted. And once any drink is diluted past the way it was made, it doesnt taste as good to me. The only problem is that it gets warm and then it doesnt taste as good either. So you got to have a small amount and you have to drink it fast. So you make small batches. You dont make a big one.

Do you like your Margarita with salt on the rim? Im a salt guy. Not a lot. Not all the way around. But you got to put a little salt on your tongue before you drink tequila. I think its very necessary if you really want to taste the sweetness and it brings the true agave right out.

Are you particular about the type of salt you use? Im so particular that I make my own salt in Cabo from the ocean right in front of my house. I serve it at the Cabo Wabo Cantina with our Margaritas and I bring it home with me. I have my own plane, so I fly privately. But they bring the customs guys on the plane and if you dont think when they see a couple gallons of freaking white flakey stuff they dont get a little nervous and start asking questions. So I just write salt on my bucket. I go Here, this is salt. You want to taste it? Theyre used to me now. Its all good. But the first couple of times it was a little fishy. Bringing the dogs up.

I can only imagine. Some beach bumlooking dude riding around in a beautiful private plane. Somethings up here!

What do you usually keep in your liquor cabinets at your various homes? In Mexico, I probably got more tequila. And then, of course, my Sammys Beach Bum Rum I have everywhere. In Hawaii, in Maui, I have my biggest collection of rum. I not only have my rum, but I get rum from everywhere.

Over the years youve had some long nights and seen some great parties. Do you have a favorite hangover cure? Sleep in. Lots of water and stay in bed as long as you can. If you wake up at six in the morning and you went to bed at two and you over drank, youre going to feel like shit the whole day.

Next month, Sammy Hagar will host his 25th-annual Birthday Bash at his Cabo Wabo Cantina, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and will also join NBCs The Voice as a mentor on Adam Levines team during the Battle Rounds airing the weeks of October 10th and October 17th.

Find the Drinking Rules of other famous tipplers.

Interview has been condensed and edited.
Donald Trump is, without question, the most misogynistic presidential candidate in modern American history. He views women as mere objectseven his own baby daughter. He possesses a pathological need to project his own body insecurities onto women, grading and ridiculing their figures while he himself has been considerably overweight for the last 20 years. And it came to a head during Monday nights presidential debate when his opponent, Hillary Clinton, confronted Trump with his past fat-shaming of former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, whom the ex-reality-TV show host branded Miss Piggy.

If that werent enough, Trump doubled down on Tuesdays edition of Fox & Friends, saying of Machado, She was the [Miss Universe] winner, and she gained a massive amount of weight, and it was a real problem.

Branding him the Master of Sexism, host Trevor Noah went off on Trumps mistreatment of women on Wednesdays edition of The Daily Show.

This beauty standard of Trumps isnt just a personal thing with him. He applies these principles to his professional life as well. Here he is onstage explaining his hiring policy to a young woman who has just asked for a job, said Noah.

The comedian then threw to a clip of Trump from March 2007 at The Learning Annex in San Francisco. He is onstage delivering a speech. To his left is a striking woman. His arm is around her.

I had a case, its very interesting, a beautiful girl who was 17 or 18, and applied to be a waitress. So beautiful. Shes like a world-class beauty, said Trump. My people came, they said, Mr. Trump, she has no experience. So I interviewed her anyway because she was so pretty. And I said, Let me ask you, do you have any experience? She goes, No sir. I said, When can you start?

Yes, this is video of Trump admitting that, as Noah put it, Experience doesnt matter. If Trump thinks youre hot, youre hired.

But that wasnt the only clip The Daily Show host and his team of researchers presented.

There is no context in which Trump will not zero in on a womans looks. And we discovered a clip the other day that exemplifies that perfectly, said Noah. Its December 2004, and America is in a tizzy over a sex scandal in which a 23-year-old middle-school teacher was arrested for having sex with a 14-year-old studentaka a sex crime. And in an appearance on a morning radio show, Donald Trump was kind enough to share some of his thoughts.

The incident Noah is referring to is the case of 23-year-old teacher Debra Lafave, a middle-school teacher in Temple Terrace, Florida, who was charged withand later pleaded guilty tolewd and lascivious battery for having sexual intercourse with one of her 14-year-old students on four separate occasions.

Trump, as is his wont, weighed in on the case on the radio program Imus in the Morning back on Dec. 2, 2004. And the interview was dug up for the first time by The Daily Show.

How would you like to be the husband of the wife who was playing around with a 14-year-old kid? Unbelievable, Trump said of the Lafave case.

By the way, did you see what she looked like? asked Trump.

Not bad, replied host Don Imus.

Not bad? Yeah, Id say so, said Trump. I know a lot of guys who are trying to date her right now, Don.

And then the kicker: So do you think this 14-year-old kid is scarred forever? He might have put the moves on her. It might have given him confidence, actually, Trump added.

You know, for a man whos so pessimistic about America, about the world, about humanity as a whole, Donald Trump has a surprisingly glass-half-full perspective on adults banging middle-schoolers, remarked Noah. I mean, wow, is there anything that Donald Trump doesnt judge by how hot the woman is?

Noah later delivered a kicker of his own: Lets be honest here, folks: Theres only one pig in this whole story, and its the one that got slaughtered at the debate on Monday.
The unflappable Kellyanne Conway has become an expert at spinning all things Donald Trump, as she has ably proved in appearances over the past fews weeks on Real Time With Bill Maher, Meet the Press, and elsewhere.

But that shiny veneer showed signs of cracking after what has been widely viewed by pundits and likely voters as a loss by Trump in the first presidential debate. Appearing on Fox News with Trumps one-time foe Megyn Kelly on Wednesday night, Conway seemed as flustered as shes ever been on television as the host grilled her about the candidates treatment of women over the years.

When Conway accused Hillary Clinton of running not nice attacks ads against Trump, Kelly shot back, Kellyanne, come on. Its not nice? They are running for president! Of course she going to hit him with negative ads. Plus, she added, The ads that she is running about him, when it comes to his comments about women, use his words.

There wasnt much Conway could do to spin that. So did she have time to collect herself and get back on track before sitting down with the hosts of The View on Thursday morning after canceling on them at the last minute earlier this month? Apparently not.

Donald Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway is getting in the hot seat in Hot Topics and nothings off the table, the shows announcer promised at the top of the hour. The New Jersey Transit crash in Hoboken meant that the show was preempted in the New York area, but it still aired in other major markets across the country.

The interview began with a compliment from right-leaning host Jedediah Bila, who gave Conway credit where credit is due for helping create some positive moments for the Trump campaign since she came on board this summer. But Bilas first question concerned whether Trump lost his nerve while confronting Clinton during the debate.

I thought he was a complete gentleman to her and he hasn't gotten a lot of credit for that, Conway replied, citing Trump asking if he could call his opponent Secretary Clinton and saying I want you to be happy, along with his decision not to bring up her husbands infidelities as proof.

On the substance side of things, Conway promised that Trump will show up next time on issues like Obamacare, Benghazi, and the Clinton Foundation, all of which went unmentioned Monday night. He obviously knows all those issues, had prepared all those issues, she said, but he actually was answering the questions asked of him, unlike Clinton, who deftly pivoted to the points she needed to hitin other words, debating.

Whoopi Goldberg, meanwhile, challenged Conway to get Trump to appear on The View instead of sticking to his friends at Fox News, as he has done in recent weeks. It would have been nice if he had shown up because I noticed he goes to all the shows where the guys are, she said. When Conway explained that hes not in New York, Goldberg shot back, Kellyanne, honey, Im a New Yorker. Don't B.S. a B.S.-er.

Throughout the segment, Conway was adept at naming the specifics of Trumps policy positions but could not explain why he was unable to lay out those same details during the debate. When she repeatedly tried to pivot to Clintons record, Goldberg interrupted her with, No, were talking about Donald, baby, dont change the subject.

The hosts also pressed Conway to explain why Trump thinks bringing up Bill Clintons extramarital affairs is fair game when he clearly has had his own problems in that department. I'm not advising him to go there, Conway said of the next debate. But, she added, It's fair game to think about how Hillary Clinton treated those women after the fact. When she talked about being raised in a family of women, Goldberg replied, Thats why were so shocked that youre supporting him.

Things only got more uncomfortable when the name Alicia Machado came up. Asked for her thoughts on Trumps past comments about the Miss Universe winners weight, Conway simply said, I dont discuss peoples weights and their looks. Im sure that on your Twitter feed right now you have viewers discussing my looks and my intelligence. She said she did reprimand Trump for those comments, but at the same time she defended him by saying he gave Machado a second chance when the Miss Universe company wanted her fired.

So what? It has nothing to do with her being fat or skinny, Joy Behar said when Conway started to bring up Machados troubled history.

Later in the show, the hosts continued to press Conway to explain what was up with Trumps sniffles and water drinking during the debate, questioning his health just as he had called Clintons into question. I guess he was thirsty, Conway said, trying to laugh away the issue. Once again, Conway tried to change to the subject to Clintons emails and they wouldnt let her.

Where are his damn tax returns and why dont we know what he spent? Goldberg asked, calling the transparency discrepancies between the two candidates insane. When she finally got Conway to repeat Trumps excuse about being under audit, Goldberg shouted, Its bull! Its bull! What is he hiding?

Conway got out of that exchange without having to give up anything else, but soon it was on to the latest scandal over Trumps reported violations of the Cuba embargo. She insisted that there was nothing treasonous about her candidates activities, but she couldnt quite deny the facts this time.

Before the interview was over, Conway got in some final talking points about how she did not hear any aspirational, uplifting message from Clinton during the first debate.

You need to rewatch it because I think you missed something, Goldberg told her to applause from the audience.

The interview ended with one last plea for Trump to come on the show before Election Day. After Thursday morning, those chances grew even slimmer.
Icelands capital city, Reykjavik, had an amazing view of the Northern Lights Wednesday night, largely because it turned its own lights off.

The Reykjavik City Council decided this week to turn off all streetlights in many parts of the city on Wednesday from 10 to 11 p.m., and encouraged residents to switch off the lights in their homes as well. The result was minimal light pollution during a particularly spectacular display of the aurora borealis. Here you can watch what many saw overhead in Reykjavik that nightthe Northern Lights, with the lights out.
Fox News host Sean Hannitys pro bono work for the Donald Trump campaign now includes smearing a former beauty queen as a porn star, and defying Fox Newss in-house orders regarding on-air standards.

On Wednesday, Hannity took to his radio show to assail Alicia Machado (the former Miss Universe whom Trump has repeatedly attacked and whom Hillary Clinton has embraced as part of her campaign) as a pornographic film star.

She may have starred in an adult film, and available apparently on multiple free porn websites, according to The Daily Caller, Hannity reported, before mentioning that she also appeared topless in Playboy magazine. He then said during an interview with Eric Trump (while discussing how mean Clinton had been to his dad during Mondays presidential debate) that Machado is featured in all these porn videos.

Claims that Machado has appeared in hardcore porn (claims that have been floated as fact by other conservative icons such as Rush Limbaugh) are demonstrably false.

(Machado did pose topless for Playboy, however, and participated in some rather risque reality TV. But Trump, himself, has appeared on the cover of Playboy, and once talked to a woman on his own reality-TV series The Apprentice about dropping to [her] knees and how that must be a pretty picture. His wife, Melania, has also modeled nude in the past.)

During his primetime Fox News program, Hannity (of course) had more of his nightly Trump-boosting to do. But this time, it wasnt about nonexistent pornoit was about nonexistent polling success.

Even after Fox Newss vice president of public-opinion research Dana Blanton blasted out on Tuesday a company-wide memo instructing producers and reporters to abstain from citing online polls because they do not meet our editorial standards, Hannity continued to cite them as a measure of Trumps recent campaign successes.

If you look all the online polls, The Hill, Time.com, Slate, I mean, the list is really long, Trump won the debate in these online polls, Hannity told Trump adviser Newt Gingrich on Wednesday evening. Everyones gonna say, Hannity theyre not scientific, he added, nodding to his own companys editorial standards, but this is the question: the punditry class has been wrong about Trump in the previous 12 debates he had with Republicans. and I thought he did well during the debate.

Later in the episode, Hannity again boosted the Trump-favoring online polling, despite Blantons warning that they do not actually represent the voting populace.

Listen to people in the pollsI know online polls arent scientificbut when they are all across the boardTimes magazine and Slate and local CBS and all these mainstream media outletspeople vote Trump, he said.

Post-debate online polls are easily gamedand Hannitys employer knows this. But in the name of promoting Trump, the conservative star willfully disregards that reality.

The fact that Hannity would do everything he can to promote the narrative that Trumps detractors are flawed and that the Republican presidential nominee is winning (even if it involves going against a Fox News VPs directive) isnt actually a surprise.

If anything, its a part of an ongoing pattern. Hannity has made no mystery of his mission to help Trump become the next leader of the free world.

Behind the scenes, he has advised The Donald and his campaign on messaging and strategy. Multiple sources even told The New York Times last month that they believe Hannity might be gunning for a role in a Trumps administration. This week, the Times reported that a Trump confidant spoke of at least one instance when Hannity personally drafted an unsolicited memo detailing the message Trump should deliver in the wake of the Orlando Pulse gay-nightclub massacre in June.

Earlier this month, Hannity got into hot water at Fox after his superiors discovered that he had participated in an official Trump campaign ad that also starred Ted Nugent and other, minor conservative celebs.

Im supporting Donald Trump this year, he said, wearing jeans and a sport shirt in the cell-phone footage that he shot for the ad. Hes gonna put originalists on the Supreme Court who believe in fidelity to the Constitution, separation of powers, co-equal branches of government. Hes a guy who vet refugees to keep Americans safe.

Apparently, Hannity didnt obtain permission for appearing in the Trump videoan act that would be considered a breach of ethics at most news outlets.

We were not aware of Sean Hannity participating in a promotional video, a Fox News spokesperson told The Daily Beast after the ad was discovered, and he will not be doing anything along these lines for the remainder of the election season.

And the Machado porno claim is hardly the only false rumor or conspiracy theory Hannity has promoted in his unpaid service of Team Trump.

Last month, Hannity faced strong criticism for entertaining Trumps assertion that the election could be rigged in favor of Clinton, and thus stolen from him.

In May, when Trump and Ted Cruz were still locked in a bitter primary fight, Hannity egged on, and did not push back on, Trump when the real-estate mogul repeated the (completely unsubstantiated and fringe) conspiracy theory that Cruzs father, Rafael Cruz, was with Lee Harvey Oswald shortly before the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The National Enquirera supermarket tabloid with close ties to Trump, openly supporting his White House runhad just published a report and a photo suggesting the elder Cruz was in New Orleans passing out pro-Castro pamphlets with JFKs assassin.

When Trump went on Hannitys radio show, the host meekly allowed Trump to give yet more oxygen to the Enquirers supposed scoop.

At the time, when asked by The Daily Beast if he would comment furtherand if he felt not pushing back bolstered criticism that he is too deferential to TrumpHannity emailed back: I was saying that photo was not verified.

Asked if he believed the Enquirer (famous for printing unsubstantiated gossip and wild tales) is a reliable news source, the Fox host said, If [you] want to interview me, contact Fox PR. Hannity subsequently emailed The Daily Beast, So is the picture authentic or not? You dont have a clue either. Lol."

(We do have a clue: Rafael Cruz did not play a role in JFKs death.)

Hannitys unwavering loyalty to Trump has made him an enemy of large chunks of the Republican Party. In his support for the campaign, he has escalated his on-air assaults on Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, John McCain, Kelly Ayotte, and other GOP establishment figures who Hannity has deemed insufficiently enthusiastic for a Trump candidacy and presidency.

Time to name namesIf you call yourself a conservative and a Republican, its actually immoral not to vote for Donald Trump, the host said on Fox News in August in a rant that bashed #NeverTrump conservatives as disgusting, and as effectively pro-Hillary crybabies.

Hannity, Fox News public relations, and Blanton did not respond to requests for comment on this story.

However, one thing is abundantly clear: Hannity doesnt really answer to Fox News anymore, though he may receive annual salary from the network. He doesnt even answer to the GOP anymore, the party to which he has for decades sworn allegiance. Sean Hannity seemingly works on behalf of Donald J. Trumpas a spokesman, as a relentless advocate, as an informal strategist, as a close and trusted friend.

Count on that trend to continue, in one form or another, whether or not Trump moves into the White House this coming January.
By now, youve seen Gary Johnsons second Aleppo moment, from Wednesday nights Hardball.

Its embarrassing even to watch, like seeing someone who genuinely thinks he can sing butcher a song. As we know, its the second time Johnson has had such a moment, the first coming three weeks ago, when he obviously had no idea of what was happening in, or even likely the very existence of, the worlds most tragic city. Although both of those might still rank as less embarrassing than the MSNBC clip in which he quite literally bites his tongue to make...some point or other about the debates.

Ten days ago, I wrote a column that was an attempt to persuade swing voters that whatever their reservations about Hillary Clinton, her flaws paled in comparison to those of Donald Trump. I said then that I would write more such letters to swing voters, so lets consider this column a second one: Please, dont vote for Gary Johnson or Jill Stein. Lets start with Johnson.

I might think that the above two episodes are in themselves disqualifying. The man is putting himself forward to be president of the United States. He ought to know a little something about the world.

But maybe you think a president with a competent staff can get up to speed on such things. Fine. Theres more to think about here with regard to Johnson specifically and libertarianism generally.

Libertarianism in recent years has developed a kind of hipster cred. It seems to be against the man. Libertarians are anti-war, usually (the cred narrative started with Ron Pauls scathing attacks on the Bush/Cheney crowd). They support abortion rights and gay rights. Live and let live. And most of all, libertarians want to legalize pot. I think thats the big one, for young people especially. I readily concede it would have seemed pretty appealing to the me of 30 years ago.

But heres the catch. The libertarian live-and-let-live credo doesnt apply just to young people whod like to blow a doob in a public park (thats how we put it back in my day, sonny, and Im not going to make any phony attempt to be hip). It applies to polluting corporations. It applies to corporations and individuals who want to make unlimited dark money contributions to political campaigns. It applies to the forces pushing free trade. It applies to employers who dont want to be nickel-and-dimed over paying their workers a minimum wage. It applies to gun manufacturers, and to the National Rifle Association.

Still hip?

These are libertarian beliefs, and Gary Johnson adheres to them, as Eric Zorn just laid out in a crushing column in the Chicago Tribune, which is backed up by my own research and that of others. Theres also a ton of chapter and verse in this great Rolling Stone piece by Tessa Stuart. Johnson shrugs his shoulders at climate change and doesnt think the government has any business addressing it. He supports the Citizens United decision and thinks donors should be able to spend as much money as they want. He backs the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which I would think most young people oppose strongly, after listening to Bernie Sanders inveigh against it for a year. Speaking of Bernie, Johnson opposes tuition-free college. Hes against a federal minimum wagethats right, any federal minimum wage (although sometimes his answers are so wandering and circumlocutory that it can be hard to tell). And as for guns, he told Slate in 2011: I dont believe there should be any restrictions when it comes to firearms. None.

Go back over the above paragraph and think about the country and world wed have if a President Johnson got his way on all these mattersthe unchecked carbon emissions, the people sweating away in hard jobs for the least amount of money their employers can get away with paying them, the mass shootings that would surely result after President Johnson and a giddy GOP Congress wipe away the scant existing federal gun legislation that remains on the books. I submit to you its not the world youre looking for.

The temptation among some folks is strong to swim against the tide and thumb ones nose at the establishment, and obviously Ill grant that no one is more establishment than Clinton. Its a vote that is chiefly against somethingin this case, her pro-corporate sail-trimming and all the rest. But a protest vote is never solely a protest vote. Youre also voting for something. And even if you rationalize that away by saying to yourself, Ah, hes not gonna win, Im just having my jollies, Id urge you to bear in mind that jollies can have consequences, too.

This brings us to the Green Partys Jill Stein. About 90,000 voters in Florida in 2000 thought they were just having their jollies. Instead, those Ralph Nader voters did end up doing their part in helping to give us George W. Bush, which in turn gave us Iraq and the Great Recession and all the rest of it. I really hope that people in swing states figured out post-2000 that all that did end up having consequences.

But I would extend the argument against Stein beyond swing states. Again, a protest vote is also a vote for something. So what is Stein for? A few progressive things. And a few things that sound progressive but arentnotably, forgiveness of all existing college debt. This sounds progressive, but as Jordan Weissman explained at Slate, its actually a huge giveaway to the upper middle class, who hold a disproportionate share of that debt.

But the weirdest thing about Stein is her apparent affinity for Vladimir Putin. You read that right. She went to Moscow and met with Putin, and was even seated at his table. Russian Green Party activists rebuked her for not even mentioning human rights and LGBT rights when she met with Putin.

I dont know Stein, so I cant say why, but I can tell you that in general terms, there is within the far left of Steins generation (shes 66) an idea inherited from the Cold War that holds that to be too critical of Russia is on some level to endorse the presumptions and priorities of the American war machine. Its for reasons related to this that you see a fair amount of quasi-apologetics for Putin on the American far left. Her own website boastsactually boaststhat after Putin listened to her speech in Moscow, he responded: What I would like to say, something really unexpected, when I was watching this material. When I was listening to your comments, politicians from other countries, you know what I caught myself thinking about? I agree with them, on many issues.

Imagine the oily smile that lit across her face as Putin spoke these words, and please give some thought to the question of this being your progressive alternative.

A vote is not for a person. A vote is cast for a coalition of forces and interests that have a realistic chance of moving the country and world in the direction you prefer, even when the candidate is imperfect. If you make yourself a part of that coalition, you can be a part of a movement that can influence the imperfect candidate in a better direction.

Thats serious politics. Everything else just isnt.
Chivas Brothers unveils Royal Salute exclusive

Chivas Brothers has unveiled Royal Salute 32 Year Old Union of the Crowns, a travel retail exclusive blend that unites single malt and grain Scotch whiskies aged for a minimum of 32 years.

The aged whiskies have been selected from Scottish distilleries including: Longmorn, Glen Keith, Tormore, and Braeval, as well as long-since closed distilleries - Lochside and Caperdonich.

Celebrating the creation of the modern British Monarchy, Royal Salute 32 Year Old Union of the Crowns is presented in an elegant porcelain flagon embossed with a hand-hammered silver plaque. A black stone set on a silver crown tops the bottle. Each bottle is unique, with the glaze giving every flagon an individual patina, the result of a special firing process.

The story of the Union of the Crowns is brought elegantly to life through the flagons long neck, which is decorated with a rose, a thistle and a shamrock, paying tribute to the events of 1603, when King James VI fused three mighty kingdoms to create the modern British Monarchy.

Peter Moore, prestige brand director at Chivas Brothers, comments: We are very pleased to present Royal Salute 32 Year Old Union of the Crowns, a truly precious blend of aged whiskies. This unique Scotch unites the timeless tradition of our skills and history with a contemporary understanding of the whisky experience preferred by todays discerning spirits drinkers. The British Monarchy has been at the heart of the brand since its foundation in 1953 and, as a true representation of the exquisite craft of the Royal Salute blending team, we expect this new expression to become a sought-after collectors item for international travellers.

Royal Salute 32 Year Old Union of the Crowns will be available in global travel retail from September 2016 at an RRP of US$380 or local equivalent.

29 September 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor
January 24, 1914 - September 25, 2016

"I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls." --Audrey Hepburn

Always shining with life and laughter, Uell Hunter passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at one-hundred-two-and-a-half years young.

Born January 24, 1914, in Madison County, Texas, Uell was welcomed by her parents Jay Hugh Woods and Bessie Marie (Miller) Woods, a couple who farmed everything from cotton to corn together. In total, Uell had eight siblings, including Bryan Woods, Ruby Woods Beirwirth, Ethel Woods Vetuski, Eileen Woods Beck, Carson Woods, R.C. Woodsall now deceasedas well as Patti Woods Chenoweth (of Bryan), who survives her family. As children raised during the Depression, Uell and her brothers and sisters helped with farm chores and did their share of the harvesting, including collecting pecans when they were in season. In her youth, Uell loved attending musicals and dancesevery Saturday nightand although she remained in general education classes until the sixth grade, she went on to pursue beauty school in Houston and eventually owned and operated her own beauty shop.

One day in Houston near her shop, Uell met Robert Lee Hunter, an oilfield worker for Humble Oil who was originally from Iola. They later married in Oklahoma City, and when Robert passed away in 1992, their union had spanned more than five decades. While they were never blessed with children, Uell and Robert were indeed caretakers for their own parents for many years, keeping their family close as they laughed together and loved one another.

Uell was blessed with a firecracker personality. (She was the kind of woman who could say anything, since she had enough charm to get away with it.) Likewise, she loved telling jokes and being the life of the party. Her friendsand especially her church family at Enon First Missionary Church in Iolaremember her laughter and good humor. Uell was also a vivacious and vibrant member of The Order of the Eastern Star, easy to spot in her favorite colors, pink or plaid and denim. She enjoyed taking care of her home and reaching out to those around her, happy to serve others. She loved simple thingslike spending time with her good friends, Pat & Betty Webb, while eating homemade foods such as macaroni and cheese or chicken and dressing, with mustard greens. Her favorite treats included peanuts and frosted Coke.

Remembering Uell now are her surviving sister (Patti Chenoweth), her good friends (the Webbs) and her Enon Church family. She was predeceased by her parents, seven siblings, her in-laws and her sweetheart, Robert. At this time, Uell's loved ones wish to express their gratitude to the ladies of Broadmoor Placeparticularly Charla, Lisa, and the gangfor their exceptional care and compassion, but more importantly, their warm-hearted friendship.

Please dress in plaid and jeans, then come join with us in celebrating the remarkable life of Uell Hunter, beginning with Visitation at 9am on Friday, September 30, 2016, at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, with services following at 11am. Interment will then be held at 2pm the same day (Friday, September 30th) at Zion Cemetery in Iola. At Uell's request, memorial contributions may be directed to Enon First Missionary Church in Iola.

Share memories of Uell's energetic life and enduring friendship at www.hillierfuneralhome.com.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk made a splash at the International Astronautical Conference in Mexico with his plans for an Interplanetary Transport System, along with a disturbingly inspirational ultimatum:

"There are really two fundamental paths. One path is we stay on Earth forever and there will be some eventual extinction event. . . . The alternative is to become a space-faring civilization and a multi-planet species, which, I hope you would agree, that is the right way to go."

Unless we slip the surly bonds of Earth, humankind is doomed. The only alternative -- the right thing to do -- is to colonize Mars. Manifest destiny!

Musk's plans for a giant 42-engine rocket leave little doubt that we will one day have the technology to send humans to the red planet. But throughout the hour-long presentation, Musk did not exactly specify how the first interplanetary settlers will survive the harsh environment on Mars.

Artistic renderings of space colonies depict plexiglass domes full of green plants and grow lights. But even if we develop the technology to build pressurized hamster balls, it needs to be recreated on Mars. The first settlers won't have the luxury of towing a climate-controlled terrarium in the cargo hold of a SpaceX rocket. They'll have to work the earth and figure out how to live off the fat of the Martian land.

Mars is not exactly prime real estate. The average temperature is negative 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Even during the warmest part of the year, temperatures reach a high of 68 near the equator and still fall to negative 100 at night. Without the dense atmosphere of Earth, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, causing powerful dust storms that shroud the entire planet.

Also unlike Earth, Mars doesn't have a global magnetic field. Combined with the thin atmosphere, there isn't much to shield its inhabitants from the gigantic nuclear reactor that is our sun. Surface conditions on Mars are comparable to life near Chernobyl in the late 80s, and no amount of Coppertone will protect humans from the deep-space radiation burn. For the most part, we should plan for life on Mars the same way we might plan for life after a nuclear apocalypse. That is, we can expect to live in underground burrows, like rabbits or prairie dogs. The first Martian settlers will be busy building fallout shelters.

The expected price for a ticket to paradise? Early trips might go for as much as $10 billion per seat, but Elon Musk envisions an eventual one-way fare of $200,000 after reaching economies of scale. Why on Earth would anyone pay the median cost of an American home to launch themselves into a post-apocalyptic climate?

"I think that Mars is gonna be a great place to go," Musk says. "It will be the planet of opportunity."

There was a time when people called America the land of opportunity. But it hasn't always been that way for everyone. For the early settlers, the New World tended to be the place to go only if you were completely out of luck at home.

During the Age of Exploration, a large portion of immigrants to Colonial America were dragged there as convicts or slaves. During the 1700s, only a quarter of American immigrants arrived with their freedom. Those who came voluntarily did so largely to escape religious persecution. After the American Revolution, the story repeated itself in Australia.

Undeveloped settlements tend not to be luxury destinations for the rich. Most early colonists in the New World died of disease or starvation in the foreign climate. Conditions on Mars will be far tougher, and we can be pretty sure that there won't be a native Martian Squanto standing by to lend a helping hand.

Those who can afford a ticket to Mars are the least likely to want to move there. At best, Mars will be the destination of the tired, the poor and the marginalized. Which means SpaceX will need to drastically reduce the ticket price or come up with a financing program more palatable than indentured servitude. Maybe after a few centuries of development and inevitable lost lives, the planet can plausibly become a destination for wealthy libertarians.
"The testing and inspection regime currently underway by Areva and EDF is incapable of detecting the extent and severity of the carbon problem and, moreover, it cannot ensure against the risk of rapid component failure. It is most certain that the IRSN finding will equally applies to replacement steam generators exported by Areva to overseas nuclear power plants around the world."

EDF reactors face protracted closure, credit rating falls

EDF stated yesterday that it will carry out further tests on 12 nuclear reactors during their planned outages in the coming months - and that extended periods of outage are to be expected. "There are outages that could take longer than planned", an EDF spokesman told Reuters.

"In 2015, we discovered the phenomenon of carbon segregation in the Flammanville EPR reactor. We decided to verify other equipments in the French nuclear park to make sure that other components are not impacted by the phenomenon."

In anticipation of the nuclear closures, year-ahead electricity prices rose in the French wholesale power market, forcing power rises across Europe up to a one-year high.

Meanwhile Moody's has downgraded EDF credit ratings across a spectrum of credit instruments. EDF's long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings fell from A2 to A3 while perpetual junior subordinated debt ratings fell to Baa3 from Baa2. Moody's also downgraded the group's short-term ratings to Prime-2 from Prime-1.

According to Moody's, "the rating downgrade reflects its view that the action plan announced by EDF in April 2016, which includes government support, will not be sufficient to fully offset the adverse impact of the incremental risks associated the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project on the group's credit profile.

"Moody's believes that the significant scale and complexity of the HPC project will affect the group's business and financial risk profiles. This is because the HPC project will expose EDF and its partner China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN, A3 negative) to significant construction risk as the plant will use the same European Pressurised reactor (EPR) technology that has been linked with material cost overruns and delays at Flamanville in France and Olkiluoto 3 in Finland. In addition, none of the four plants using the EPR technology currently constructed globally is operational yet."

Once rating agencies have had time to evaluate the seriousness of EDF's current problems with reactors packed with unsafe crirical components, further downgrades may follow. "The ratings could be downgraded if (1) credit metrics fall below Moody's guidance for the A3 rating; or (2) EDF were to be significantly exposed to AREVA NP's liabilities", the agency warns.

Flamanville EPR heading for the scrapheap

The Review also shows that the reactor pressure vessel of the Flamanville EPR, which is already installed, does not have a Certificate of Conformity issued by ASN. This means that it does not comply with the European Directive on Pressure Equipment, nor does it meet the mandatory requirement of the ASN, which since 2008, stipulates that any new nuclear reactor coolant circuit component has to have a Certificate of Conformity before its production commences.

"Without a Certificate of Conformity the reactor pressure vessel and steam generators currently installed in Flamanville 3 will almost certainly have to be scrapped", said Roger Spautz, responsible for nuclear campaign at Greenpeace France.

The review, he added, "reveals evidence that at the Creusot Forge plant, Areva did not have the technical qualifications required to meet exacting nuclear safety standards. The plant was not under effective control and therefore had not mastered the necessary procedures for maintaining the exacting standards for quality control in the manufacture of safety-critical nuclear components."

Areva has now acknowledged that ineffective quality controls at le Creusot Forge were mainly responsible not only for the flaws in the Flamanvile 3 EPR, but across other operational nuclear power plans - and that the technical failures date back to 1965.

Moreover, ASN has indicated that in the nuclear components supply chain three examples of Counterfeit, Fraudulent and Substandard Items (CFSI) have occurred in the year ending 2015.

The recent ASN publication (24th September 2016) of a list of the NPPs affected by the AREVA anomalies and irregularities demonstrates that the phenomenon not only has reached alarming proportions but is continuing to grow under scrutiny.

The number of components affected by irregularities and installed in NPPs in operation increased by 50 in April 2016 from 33 to 83 by 24th September this year. Irregularities affecting the Flamanville EPR increased from two to 20 over the same period.

Also at risk: Sizewell B, Hinkley C finance, Taishan EPRs

LA's Review also relates these developments in France to the UK, specifically: the currently operating Sizewell B NPP in Suffolk; and the now contracted construction programme for the Hinkley Point C NPP.

Sizewell B which includes a number of components sourced from Le Creusot which need urgent examination and / or replacement in order to prevent unsafe operation. The fact that this could escape the UK's nuclear regulators also indicates, says Large, that "the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) did not delve deep enough into the situation as now revealed by ASN."

As for For Hinkley Point C, it now appears inevitable that the Flamanville reactor will not be completeted by its target date of the end of 2020, indeed it may very well never be completed at all. Under the terms of agreement for the plant's construction accepted by the European Commission, this would render the UK government unable to extend promised credit guarantees to HPC's financial backers.

"Now that ASN has deprioritized efforts on the under-construction Flamanville 3 NPP because of its pressing urgency to evaluate the risk situation for the operating NPPs", says Large, "there is a greater likelihood that Flamanville 3 will not reach the deadline for operation and validation of its technology by the UK Credit Guarantee cut-off date of December 2020."

Also at risk are the two EPRs that Areva and EDF are currently constructing at Taishan in China. These are now at the most advanced stage of any EPR projects in the world, however there are increasing fears that they contain faulty components.

The vessels and domes at Taishan were also supplied by Areva, and manufactured by the same process as that utilised by Le Creusot. It is suspected that Chinese nuclear regulators may have decided to overlook this problem and hope for the best. However if they discover that the steam generators, which along with the reactor vessels have already been installed, are also at risk of catastrophic failure, that might prove a risk too far - even for China.

The danger for EDF and Areva is that the massive commercial liabilities they may be accruing for faulty reactors supplied to third parties, together with the tens of billions of euros of capital write-downs for projects they have to abandon, and the loss of generation revenues due to plant outages, could easily exceed their entire market capitalisation.

In other words: for EDF, Areva, their shareholders and the entire French nuclear industry, the end really could be nigh.

Oliver Tickell is contributing editor at The Ecologist.

The report: 'Irregularities and Anomalies Relating to the Forged Components of le Creusot Forge'.

The report (French): 'Irregularites Et Anomalies Relatives Aux Composants Forges De Creusot Forge'.
Plan your week ahead in SE Iowa with these local events: music, art, more

Your guide to getting off the couch and out the door this week in Southeast Iowa.
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With the holiday season approaching, it's time to start looking for flight plans to visit family, friends, or just escape winter in Connecticut for a while. And yes, now is the time to start scoping out flights.

Check out the gallery above for a look at some flight fare ranges currently available for America's top cities during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Using Google Flights, we've grouped together flights in November and December leaving New York's JFK and La Guardia airports, New Jersey's Newark airport, and Connecticut's Bradley International Airport.

Since Tuesday is statistically the cheapest day to fly, we've picked dates that are Tuesday to Tuesday over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

In some instances, there are some great deals on roundtrip flights across the country. Travelers can make off with a roundtrip flight to Chicago for less than $200 this season, or Orlando or Nashville for just over $200.

There are, of course, some caveats to certain flights, like flights that travel the entire length of the country. Those typically run travelers more, such as the case with Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Fransisco. Still, these may be among the cheapest fares that appear this season.

Keep an eye out to spot the best deals and check some of the many travel deal websites out there for options. And around the holiday season, where almost 100 percent of long-distance travel is domestic, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, these fares can fluctuate dramatically.

While many flights are available on Delta or American Airlines in the gallery above, if you're really looking for a deal you may have to do with less desirable airlines, such as Frontier or Spirit.

A recent study named Spirit to most undesirable airline, followed by Frontier.
A Guatemalan man in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) died of an apparent heart attack on Tuesday at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, according to a press release from ICE.

Moises Tino-Lopez, 23, had been detained by ICE at the Hall County Jail pending reinstatement of a previous removal order.

After he showed signs of a possible seizure on Sept. 12, Tino-Lopez was taken off a scheduled removal flight for further medical evaluation at the recommendation of the ICE Health Service Corps, the press release says. He was taken to a private medical facility for further evaluation and given a CT scan. He was returned to ICE detention after being cleared by medical personnel.

Tino-Lopez suffered a seizure on Sept. 19 and was treated by the facilitys medical staff. Medical staff immediately started CPR after he was found unresponsive, and he was transported to St. Francis, according to the press release.

At 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, St. Francis staff declared Tino-Lopez deceased.

On Aug. 30, 2012, an immigration judge ordered Tino-Lopez removed to Guatemala. ICE carried out the order on Sept. 26, 2012. Tino-Lopez illegally re-entered the United States in 2014 and was arrested by ICE officers in August 2016.

ICE has notified the Guatemalan consulate in Denver. Consistent with ICE protocols, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed.

Tino-Lopez is the 10th detainee to die in ICE custody in the United States in fiscal year 2016.
Jeremy Muir of Grand Island, who pleaded no contest in July to charges involving stolen firearms, was sentenced on Wednesday to 36 months probation by Hall County District Judge Teresa Luther.

Muir was given 36 months probation for each charge of attempt of a Class 2 felony and 24 months for theft by unlawful taking of $500 to $1,500. The probation sentences will be served at the same time. Attempt of a Class 2 felony is a Class 3A felony. The theft by unlawful taking offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Muir was initially charged with robbery, which is a Class 2 felony, and two charges of possessing or receiving a stolen firearm, which is a Class 2A felony.

Muir and Shaelyn Earley of Hastings were arrested following a car break-in on Jan. 18 in Grand Island. Items belonging to Franklin Hiser were taken from a car in the 1200 block of North Boggs Avenue.

Before Muir was sentenced on Wednesday, Deputy Hall County Attorney Gail VerMaas said that, looking at the defendants presentence investigation, the main thing Muir has going for him is his age. He is 19. The state recommended probation, but recommended he attend classes recommended by his probation officer.

Defense attorney Jon Hendrix noted that Muir did get into trouble as a juvenile, but he has no criminal history as an adult. The last time Muir had legal trouble was in 2012.

Hendrix said Muir had a difficult upbringing, including time in foster care. His father and sister are both in prison.

In Muirs defense, Hendrix offered details about the two criminal cases. He said Muir and his friends gave Hiser money to buy marijuana. Hiser went out and spent the money on something else.

He basically stole it, Hendrix said. Muirs friends later harassed Hiser and took things from him. Muir drove off with those items in his car, but he wasnt involved in the harassment.

In the case involving weapons, Muir was only trying to impress Earley, Hendrix said.

After she received a phone call, Muir retrieved the weapons because he wanted to prove to her he was a dependable guy, Hendrix said. He put the guns under his bed but never used them for any purpose.

Hendrix admitted that Muir struggled on probation as a juvenile. But hes now working at Pizza Hut and looking for a second job and he would like obtaining his GED to be made a condition of his probation.

In remarks to the judge, Muir said hes sorry for all this and really wants to prove himself.

In handing down the sentence, Luther pointed out that this is the first time he has been charged with a felony. As part of the conditions of probation, she required Muir to attend adult basic education classes for four hours a week and get his GED within 18 months. She also ordered that he attend five classes  peer relations, moral recognition therapy group, victim empathy, self-control and responsible thinking. Muir will also have to pay a $900 probation fee.

This is your chance, Luther said, noting that Muir is 19. This is a fork in the road for you.

Because he dropped out of school in the ninth grade, he has a lot of schooling ahead of him, she said.

You can do it if you set your mind to it, Luther said. Work hard. Good luck.

Earley, 19, was sentenced on Aug. 9. She was given 60 months probation for attempt of a Class 2 felony, which is a Class 2A felony, and attempt of a Class 2A felony, which is a Class 3A felony. The initial charges against Earley were robbery and possessing or receiving a stolen firearm.
Porter is getting to umpire his second World Series

Alan Porter is working his second World Series as an umpire. He'll be behind home plate if the Phillies and Astros need a Game 7.
It was an unusual yet powerful sight that caught students attention as 1,100 empty backpacks laid scattered across the Stratton Quad and West Lawn of SIUEs Morris University Center on Sept. 12.

This emotionally powerful exhibit, Send Silence Packing, represented the 1,100 college students who die by suicide each year.

The traveling exhibit was presented by Active Minds, a national non-profit that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage help-seeking. The exhibit annually visits approximately 20 colleges and universites, and it was sponsored locally by SIUE iCARE, a campus suicide prevention initiative.

Each of the backpacks had a personal story and photograph attached to them highlighting a student who had died from suicide. Those who passed by the exhibit were encouraged to walk among and read the messages on the backpacks, many of which were donated by families who had lost a student to suicide. Active Minds staff, student representatives, and university counselors were on hand to provide information and resources.

The Active Minds organization was founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon, then a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, after tragically losing her only sibling, her 22-year-old brother Brian Malmon, to suicide. The stigma that surrounds mental illness is the reason why many students dont seek the help they need, Malmon, now the executive director of Active Minds, said in a release. Send Silence Packing is a highly visible way to combat that stigma, increase openness, and inspire action for suicide prevention.

Send Silence Packing was first unveiled in 2008 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Since then, more than 320,000 people in more than 100 cities throughout the country have experienced this moving exhibit.

Evaluation data attests to the exhibits impact - most visitors leave wanting to learn more about mental health. The majority tell three or more people about the exhibit, and many reach out to a friend in need or seek help for themselves as a result of experiencing it.

Active Minds continues to collect backpacks in honor of loved ones. Those who have been impacted by suicide can send their story to www.activeminds.org/shareyourstory. More information about Send Silence Packing is available at www.activeminds.org/sendsilencepacking.
During the month of October, the 1820 Col Benjamin Stephenson House offers visitors the opportunity to experience the stark reality of medicine and mourning in the early 19th century. A special month-long exhibit, Mourning Col. Stephenson, commemorates the untimely passing of the historic homes patriarch on October 10, 1822. Exhibits in each room of the house represent the final days in Stephensons life and the period immediately following his death. In addition to the mourning exhibit, Medical Practices of the 18th Century will be presented by John Murphy on October 8 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Mourning Col. Stephenson

Probate records of medicine purchased days before Stephensons death indicate the Colonel was treated for malaria. The main bedchamber of the house is set as a sick room, where the attending physician and family would have cared for Stephenson in his final days.

Immediately following his passing, Stephensons body would have been prepared for respectful display and burial. Modern embalming had not been invented, and no funeral businesses are known to have existed in the Edwardsville area at the time. In the common practice of the day, family and servants would have prepared the body, a coffin order from a locate cabinet maker and the deceased laid-out for visitation in the home. The parlor of Stephenson House has been staged to show this ritual.

Deep mourning followed the death of a family member, involving both the appearance and the public behavior of the family. Items in the main bedchamber, the childrens bedroom, and the servants quarters show the familys participation in this elaborate rite, parts of which could last more than a year.

Finally, as part of the harsh economic reality of Stephensons death, assessors intruded on the family home and conducted an exhaustive inventory of his possessions, preparing for a public auction only weeks after Stephensons passing. The dining room is staged to show this process, which occurred November 25, 1822.

Both medical and funerary practices in the 1820s varied greatly from what we would recognize. Civilian hospitals as such did not exist. On October 8, French barber surgeon, Joseph la Bolle (John Murphy) discusses in detail Medical Practices of the 18th Century. Two talks are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Common medical treatments known to our fore fathers (and mothers) are to be examined in detail. "John has one of the most extensive collections of medical instruments in the country, rivaling Historic Deerfield and Colonial Williamsburg." stated RoxAnn Raisner, site director. "His passion for reenacting spans over 30 years and has allowed him to develop a truly authentic interpretation of an early Illinois surgeon."

An Authentic Portrayal of an 18th Century Physician

The Stephenson House's 18th century physician portrayal is of Joseph La Bolle, a French barber-surgeon living in 1758 in the village of Kaskaskia. He was commissioned by the King of France to minister medical aid to La Compagnies Franche de la Marine at Fort de Chartres and to the civilian living in the surrounding Illinois Country.

Included in the portrayal are authentic medical instruments and associated paraphernalia (medical herbs, spices, leeches, etc.) An ongoing discussion of the uses of the instruments and other common medical practices of the time will take place. Specific areas of discussion include surgery, bloodletting, purging, blistering, and other forms of treatments prevalent in the 18th century.

Dental treatments and practices of the time are also discussed and associated tools are displayed.

Questions and comments as well as hearty discussions are encouraged.

***

Travel back in time during Mourning Col Stephenson and Medical Practices of the 18th Century. The mourning exhibit is open Thursday thru Saturday, 10 a.m.-3p.m. and Sunday, 12-3 p.m. (gift shop is open until 4 p.m.) Admission fees are $6 Adults, $3 children, and Free for children under 6 years old.
On Sept. 9, Edwardsville police arrested Alexander Phelps of Edwardsville in the 1500 block of Weber Drive.

Soon he was charged with five counts of criminal damage to property, two counts of damage to state supported property, and one count of burglary to a building on North Main St. where the former Rustys Restaurant once operated.

The latter charge alleges Phelps entered the building on North Main Street and walked out with a fire extinguisher.

When police arrested Phelps he was behind the wheel of a 2011 Subaru Legacy.

Now they are seeking to have the Legacy forfeited to the Edwardsville Police Department.

In paper work filed at the Madison County Courthouse, officers say they found a fire extinguisher in the trunk and that they developed evidence confirming that they believe Phelps was the one who stole it from Rustys.

Phelps has been released from the Madison County Jail after posting bond, and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The alleged incidents took place at seven locations in downtown Edwardsville.

On June 17 Edwardsville police began investigating after they received calls from several downtown businesses who said they had been victimized by graffiti.

Two of the charges are for Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property.

Those charges pertain to graffiti found at the Illinois Department of Transportation rest stop building off northbound Interstate 55 at mile marker 24, and for graffiti found on a bridge in the 1100 block of St. Louis Street in Edwardsville.

In a news release, Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons said that Edwardsville detectives located a social media account that had posted images documenting the various pieces of graffiti.

After learning that Phelps was allegedly involved, Edwardsville police searched his cell phone and reportedly were able to confirm his culpability, according to the release.

Maximum penalties for the burglary charge is 3 to 7 years in prison. The maximum for Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property charges is 2 to 5 years. The maximum for Criminal Damage to Property Over $300 is 1 to 3 years.
The biggest township event of the year takes place Saturday at Edwardsville Township Park. The Third Annual Touch-A-Truck event begins at 10 a.m. and ends six hours later.

Nearly 6,000 people came through the gate last year, and Township Supervisor Frank Miles says he expects even more people to show up on Saturday.

More than 35 different vehicles are registered to show up at the park, at 6368 Center Grove Road in Edwardsville

They include a garbage truck, a KMOV news truck, a concrete mixer, military vehicles from the Illinois National Guard and Scott Air Force Base, a moving truck, a milk truck, and vehicles from the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon police departments and fire departments.

One of the most popular vehicles last year, Miles said, was a Madison County Transit District bus. Other registered vehicles include a school bus, tow trucks, dump trucks and a boom truck.

Two helicopters are scheduled to make an appearance, from ARCH Air Medical Services and from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital.

This year we have received more than $3,700 in sponsorships to help us pay for the event, Miles said Tuesday at the townships monthly meeting.

Last year we received great support from area businesses, and this year we have surpassed our expectations, Miles said in a news release. We are excited to partner with the Edwardsville Arts Center and the Edwardsville Childrens Museum to offer free activities as well as dig site and photo booth. These activities are made possible by the generous sponsors of the event.

The Edwardsville Arts Center will have ceramic cars and trucks for kids to paint, Miles said. The Edwardsville Childrens Museum will also be providing wheel art for children.

Three food trucks will be on hand to sell barbecue, pizza pie and Italian ice. New this year will be a first aid tent, staffed by Cardinal Glennon.

The township is making an extra effort to focus on childrens activities this year with various truck-themed activities.

Last year the holiday food drive at Touch-a-Truck was successful, and it will happen again on Saturday. The township will partner with local organizations to create baskets for local families during the Thanksgiving holiday. Donation bins will be set up near the Township tent. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items such as stuffing mix, canned peas, boxed potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned green beans, gravy mix, canned corn, canned sweet potatoes, desserts, cake mix and icing and canned pumpkin.

Donations will be accepted but are not required.

Parking lots open at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Limited parking is available at the park on a first-come first served basis. Handicapped parking is available inside the park near Shelter No. 1. There will be designated signage.

Off-site parking with a shuttle service will be available at Edwardsville High School, Metro East Lutheran High School, and Leclaire Christian Church.

Parking and vehicle attendant volunteers will assist with any parking concerns, according to a news release from the township.

This event has exceeded our expectations for the past two years, Miles said in the release. Its a great way to give children the opportunity to interact with things that normally would be out of reach.
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School will host its annual Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The event will consist of two identical sessions: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. in the Morris University Centers Meridian Ballroom.

Prospective graduate students will receive information on SIUEs more than 40 masters programs, post-baccalaureate certificates, specialist degrees, doctoral degrees and cooperative doctoral programs. Information will also be available on graduate admission requirements and financial support, including graduate assistantships and competitive graduate awards.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from each of the graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Schools of Nursing, Business, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Education, Health and Human Behavior.

Whether you are a full-time student coming back for an advanced degree or a working student who needs to attend part-time, we have options for you, said Jerry Weinberg, Graduate School dean and associate provost for research. We have online programs, traditional programs and courses available during the daytime, evening and on weekends.

The SIUE Graduate School challenges and inspires students to hone their skills and develop new ones. It facilitates excellence in research and creative activities, and ranks first among all Emerging Research Institutions in the Midwest for research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation (NSF).

SIUE is an active research community where faculty members obtain funded grants from major agencies, such as the NSF, the National Institutes of Health, NASA, the National Endowment for Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Masters level graduate students from the regional states of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Wisconsin will pay the same in-state tuition rate as those students from Illinois.

An offer that is exclusive to the Graduate School Open House, the graduate school application fee will be waived for prospective graduate students who apply at the event - a savings of $40.

Parking will be free and available in Lot B, which is located behind the Morris University Center.

For additional information or to pre-register for the event, please visit siue.edu/graduate-admissions. Interested students may also call (618) 650-2741 or email graduateadmissions@siue.edu.
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Linkedin Deviana Wijaya Dewi and Inka Barnett (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

For the first time since Indonesia has recorded health policies, the grand launch of the Evidence Summit on Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Project to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Indonesia took place on Aug. 18.



Led by the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) together with USAID and URCs Translating Research into Action (TRAction), the project aims to gather all existing evidence relevant to maternal and neonatal mortality in Indonesia, manage evidence in a framework that allows clear understanding of current evidence and prioritization for action and to build consensus among relevant stakeholders on the interpretation of existing evidence and priorities for action.



The evidence summit will culminate by February 2017, when a bibliography of evidence will be available to the public online, leaving only six months for the process of assembling available research and studies on what works and what does not work in tackling Indonesias maternal and neonatal mortality issues.



Time-wise, it is an ambitious project. However, this is a promising approach to mainstream evidence-based policies and programs. In addition, through the enormous grant provided by the Indonesian Science Fund (DIPI), research funding will no longer be an obstacle.



Yet, the use of data to establish policies and programs in Indonesia is still somewhat inconsistent and diverse from one sector to another.



According to a survey in 15 districts/municipalities throughout six provinces, Sutmuller and Setiono ( 2011 ) found that the local health and education agencies were more familiar with using data and were thirstiest for more data, compared to other regional government working entities (SKPD).



While data is crucial for informed decision-making, it is naive to think that data is the only determinant in the decision-making process to establish a policy.



In fact, decision-making is influenced by many factors: the priorities of the local government; the relationship between the local government and other parties; the local leaders vision and mission; and the regulations of the Finance Ministry, Home Ministry in the policy-making process with regard to resource or budget allocation. Indeed, research data is important but it still has to compete with other factors in shaping any policy or program.



For researchers, it is worth flagging that research evidence has been shown to be more likely to be taken up if it is co-constructed with actual users from the beginning.



A recent study on the use of mobile phone technology for nutrition service delivery through the community-based Posyandu system led by Dr. Inka Barnett from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) from the UK together with Wahana Visi Indonesia and the Indonesian Health Ministry is a good example of this.



From the start of the study, researchers, implementers and the ministries worked together, with each contributing according to their roles and need for evidence.



The study was very successful as it provided valuable data and learning for all three parties. The mobile phone application is currently being rolled out to areas across Indonesia.



The real task now is to create demand for research and data from policymakers and those making decisions, not only for the health sector but also for broader sectors.



To do this, the most feasible next step for the Indonesian government is to develop a scheme whereby regular evaluation is conducted to examine how well the policies and programs have worked  not merely how well the budget has been used in any given program.



Highlighting Indonesias decentralized system, an incentive for the local governments also needs to be built to promote fair competition in making good policies and programs that actually work.



The lack of incentive for local governments to make evidence-based policies can result in low utilization of data as input for policies and programs.



Thus, when the impact of policies and programs receives deserved recognition, research evidence will be more desirable for both policymakers and program implementers.

***

Deviana Dewi works at the Centre for Indonesias Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), while Inka Barnett is a research fellow at the UK-based Institute of Development Studies. The opinions expressed are their own.

---------------

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Budi Hernawan Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

In an unprecedented move, seven UN member states from the Pacific raised their concerted voices on Papua during the prestigious 71st session of the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

Nauru started the intervention by highlighting the issue of human rights violations in Papua, followed by a newcomer in the discourse of Papua: the Marshall Islands.

Vanuatu, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands followed suit and went one step further by specifically highlighting the issue of the right to self-determination for Papuans. Tonga emphasised the gravity of the problem and Palau, another novice, called for constructive dialogue with Indonesia to solve the Papua issue.

This was a historic moment for us as we have never had such unified high-profile intervention when it comes to the issue of Papua at the UN. Perhaps the only lone ranger used to be Vanuatu, which tried to break the silence of the UN fora.

This weeks debate at the UN General Assembly might remind us of a similar but much more colorful debate on Papua at the assembly in 1969, when the forum decided to close the chapter on Papua by accepting the result of the Act of Free Choice.

If in 1969 some African countries expressed opposition to the assemblys decision to adopt the result of the 1969 Act of Free Choice for Papuans, today the Pacific nations are taking the lead.

Indonesias response, however, was highly predictable. Repeating the slogan of territorial integrity and sovereignty, the governments response unfortunately does not provide us with facts and evidence of the improvement in the human rights situation in Papua.

It may be remembered that President Joko Jokowi Widodo promised to solve the killing of four high-school students in Paniai on Dec. 8, 2014. The investigation into the case has been delayed for almost two years and we have not seen much progress.

The families of the victims recall that at least eight government institutions sent their respective fact-finding team to interview victims on the ground and personnel of the Army, the Papua Police, the National Police, the Air Force, the Papua Legislative Council, the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), the Office of Coordinating Security, Political and Legal Affairs Minister, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). None of these teams, however, has ever published their report for public consumption.

Similarly, the dossiers on the Wasior killings of 2001 and the Wamena case of 2003 have been pending for more than a decade at the Attorney General once Komnas HAM finished its investigation. These were not ordinary crimes but crimes against humanity, one of the most serious crimes punishable by Indonesian and international law. Unfortunately, both Komnas HAM and the Attorney Generals Office have argued over evidence and procedure for years.

Komnas HAM insists that it has provided conclusive evidence and has followed proper procedure. On the other hand, the Attorney Generals Office has argued that Komnas HAM has not met the requirement of a pro-justice investigation as investigators did not take an oath as required by the Criminal Law Procedures Code. Both institutions have overlooked the fact that victims continue to suffer.

Memories are still fresh on the surge in the arrests of Papuan youth when they took to the streets to express their opinions in public despite a constitutional guarantee of the right to do so.

The Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) documented that at least 4,587 individuals, men and women, were arrested by the police for expressing their political views in 13 cities, namely Dekai, Fakfak, Jakarta, Jayapura, Kaimana, Makassar, Malang, Manado Manokwari, Merauke, Sentani, Wamena and Yogyakarta.

While most of the arrestees were released within 24 hours, the deployment of police in 13 jurisdictions across the country would not have been possible without the blessing of the National Police top brass.

While we were grappling with human rights conditions in Papua, we were shocked by the Presidents decision to appoint Gen. (ret) Wiranto as the coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister.

In February 2003, the UN-sponsored Special Panels for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court, Timor Leste, indicted Gen. Wiranto, then the Indonesian defense and security minister and Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) commander for crimes against humanity in connection with the events in Timor Leste in 1999.

As we were yet to recover from the Presidents unfathomable choice, we were presented with another unprecedented decision when the Indonesian Military TNI chief named Maj. Gen. Hartomo to lead the militarys Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS).

Hartomo was the commander of the Armys Special Forces (Kopassus) Tribuana X unit assigned to Papua when Theys Eluay was murdered. Hartomo and six other Kopassus officers were charged with Theys murder on National Heroes Day in 2001. He and his team were found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison by the Surabaya Military Court and discharged from the Army.

These all are simple facts that tell us the way our government commits to human rights in Papua and elsewhere, which the Indonesian delegation to the UN General Assembly describes as robust and active.

______________________________

The writer, who obtained his PhD from the Australian National University, lectures in international relations at the Paramadina Graduate School of Diplomacy, Jakarta.
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Linkedin Inforial (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Indonesia  Thu, September 29, 2016

Online shopping has become a part of life that many people have embraced in Indonesia, thanks in part to its time-saving and efficient nature. The trend of online sales is growing, especially in big cities like Jakarta where traffic jams are an acute problem.

In line with the increase in online shopping, a global survey noted that 81 percent of consumers used online discount vouchers on a regular basis.

Consumers are certainly eager to get their desired goods at the best prices. Moreover, internal survey data from picodi.com showed an increasing trend in Indonesian online merchants accepting the use of discount coupons as part of their appreciation for loyal customers.

Picodi is a global brand that tries to help consumers save more money when shopping online through an enormous amount of discount codes and promotions from top e-commerce websites.

Basically, Picodi is a website where you can search for discount coupons and great deals from online merchants such as local player Matahari Mall. When visiting the site, you can easily find a wide range of attractive offers sourced from online merchant partner Picodi.

The advantage is that consumers can save time simply by comparing offers on Picodis site, which is integrated and user-friendly. Online merchants also benefit in terms of increasing their volume of sales, thereby realizing a mutually beneficial relationship.

In general, Picodis mission is to provide consumers with the best offers for a particular product that they are searching for. Also, the companys orientation is to provide a pleasant shopping experience for everyone. Picodi wants to be number one in the future in the field of discount aggregator sites among consumers in Indonesia.

Picodi is a technology company from Poland, and at first its website was available only in English and Polish. But after seeing promising market potential in various countries, the team decided to localize the website in several countries, including Indonesia.

The decision to penetrate Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, was a particular challenge for the company in terms of providing quality local content.

Competition with competitors already in the market was unavoidable. Picodi, however, remains optimistic that it can attract consumers in Indonesia to use the service given that Southeast Asian markets, especially Indonesia, are yet to have as many options in the field of discount coupon sites as condensed markets such as the United Kingdom or India.

To date, the Picodi group is present in more than 35 countries and in the first quarter managed to record a wide range of successes in increasing sales volume of the companys e-commerce partners, with total sales worth US$150 million, supported by a total of 20 million visitors.

How does Picodi work?

Four reasons why picodi.com is the best online coupon and discount aggregator

Picodi(-/-)

In a world of rising prices and economic uncertainty, consumers are more determined than ever before to find the best deals on the goods and services they need. To save money, many have turned to online shopping to take advantage of some of the hottest deals available today  as well as the many discounts and coupons that online companies offer. Of course, to take full advantage of those potential savings, consumers need to be able to locate those deals. A great coupon and discount aggregator can certainly help them accomplish that goal. Here are four reasons why picodi.com should be their first choice:

Picodi has a global reach

To get the best deals, you need to rely on a company that has the broadest possible access to top coupons and discounts. Picodi.com is an international brand with a presence in more than 30 countries around the world, and 26 global markets. That gives the company tremendous access to the best deals around the world, and the ability to provide its more than 20 million customers with the best prices available anywhere online.

Picodi is expanding throughout Asia

Picodi has been experiencing unprecedented growth throughout the Southeast Asian marketplace, including rapidly increasing markets like Indonesia. The expansion in Indonesia is helping to leverage an ecommerce market with incredible potential for growth now and in the future. As Picodi grows and expands its reach, its customers can expect to continue to reap the benefits.

Picodi has relationships with top stores and brands

For a coupon and discount aggregator to be successful, the company has to maintain strong relationships with all of the top brands and stores around the world. Picodi has those relationships, cooperating with one of Indonesias biggest stores, Matahari Mall, and many other top brands. As a result, the company has the broadest possible access to the best deals offered by companies and brands around the world.

Picodi has a proven record of connecting consumers to the best deals

Of course, the top reason for relying on picodi.com for your discounts and coupons is that the company has a proven history of delivering results for its customers. When you rely on the best, you can rest assured you will get the best results. With top promo deals and coupons and discounts that often have extremely generous benefits, Picodi customers can enjoy the lowest prices anywhere.

So, with the great advantages on offer, why not use Picodi when shopping online?
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Linkedin Anick Jesdanun (Associated Press) Mountain View, California, United States  Thu, September 29, 2016

Nougat, Google's latest update of its Android smartphone software, isn't particularly flashy; you might not even notice what's different about it at first. But it offers a number of practical time-saving features, plus a few that could save money  and perhaps even your life.

You'll be able to switch between apps more easily and do more without opening apps at all. New settings also let you block apps from eating up cellular data in the background.

Nougat is starting to appear on phones, including new ones expected from Google next week.

Some of these features may seem familiar because individual manufacturers such as Samsung and LG have built them on their own. But now they are officially part of Android, which means they should work with a greater range of apps and phones.

___

MULTITASKING

To switch apps in the past, you had to tap a small square at the bottom and scroll through your open apps. Now, just double tap that square to go directly to your most recently used app. Keep double tapping to toggle between them  for example, if you want to switch back and forth between email and map.

Or just have both of them open at the same time, one on top of the other. Instead of double tapping that square, press and hold it until the app you have open moves to the top half of the screen. You can then choose another app for the bottom. But some apps won't work properly  or at all  in split screen, at least until their makers update them to support the feature.

___

GOING APPLESS

Nougat will let you reply to messages directly from a notification; for chats, you can also see recent sent and received messages from both sides, not just the most recent incoming note. And when apps such as Gmail group multiple notifications into one, just slide down the notification center from the top to see more on each item rather than an unhelpful "5 new messages."

Coming soon is a feature called Instant Apps. You no longer need to download and install an app you might use just once. Instant Apps run on Google's servers instead of your phone, and only the parts you need get sent to your phone temporarily. Though it's not formally part of Nougat, it is part of Google's effort to reduce app clutter.

(Read also: Google serves a 'Nougat' to fans of its Android software)

___

SAVE MONEY ...

A data-saver feature blocks apps from using cellular data while running in the background. Google says that even if an app is active, images and other data-hungry elements might not load until you tap them. You can still choose to have specific apps override that  for example, if you absolutely must have your Facebook app check for updates around the clock. Even if you have a generous data plan, this feature is still useful when travelling abroad, where data charges get expensive. You can turn data saver on in the settings.

___

... AND PERHAPS YOUR LIFE

Enter your name, blood type, allergies, emergency contacts and other crucial data in the settings. Emergency personnel can access the information by tapping "emergency" from the lock screen; they don't need your passcode.

___

PERSONALIZATION

To control what notifications you receive, just tap and hold a notification. You can choose to block notifications from that app or silence them as they come in. Or prioritize them by having notifications still appear when you set "Do Not Disturb" to "Priority only." (This option still requires going to the settings, but it's just one tap away from the notification.)

You also have more control over the quick-settings menu, which you get by sliding down from the top edge twice (the first slide just yields five frequently used settings icons above your notifications). This menu gives you quick access to settings and tools such as Wi-Fi, flashlight and battery indicator. Hit "Edit" to add or remove some. Not every setting is available as a shortcut, though.

___

HOW TO GET NOUGAT

You're in luck if you have one of Google's recent Nexus phones, as Nougat is already available. LG's new V20 phone ships with Nougat, starting this week in South Korea, while new phones expected from Google next week should also come with it. As is typical in the Android world, some phones might not have all of the new features, and some features might work differently.

Everyone else should expect to wait awhile . Android updates have to get tweaked and approved by both phone manufacturers and wireless carriers. Because of the time it takes, older phones might never get the update, even if the phone meets all the minimum technical requirements
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Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Indonesia is currently in the middle of an identity crisis, said activist and writer Julia Suryakusuma on Tuesday.

"Indonesia is fraught with complexities, contradictions and ironies. We are still in search of who we are," she said during an evening-lecture series titled "Indonesia's Curious Identity Crisis" held by the Indonesian Heritage Society at the Erasmus Huis in South Jakarta, referring the country as a "bundle of contradictions".

Julia described the nation as democratic and authoritarian, moderate and extreme, tolerant and bigoted, open and closed. She cited several current issues in Indonesia to back her arguments, including the recent idea of outlawing casual sex, how pro-democracy, anti-democracy and the market push against each other in Indonesia's political scene, as well as the persecution of minorities. To Julia, Indonesia's democracy may be going backward as the nation has the tendency to "shoot ourselves in the foot, not using the amazing resources the country has, and being our own worst enemy".

(Read also: Why American tourists should come to Indonesia)

She questioned whether Indonesia's size really mattered, because as a country that is number 15 in terms of area size and the fourth largest country in terms of population is still an "unknown country". "Indonesia has everything and is everything. But despite its size and all its amazing characteristics, Indonesia is still an unknown giant. Why?" Julia asked.

"We want desperately to be recognized and taken seriously, but we haven't really earned a prominent place in the world and our insecurity sometimes causes us to lash out at the world in almost childish fits," she added.

However, despite the problems, the Indian-born Indonesian scholar stated that she would still line up with those who sought to make Indonesia better. Before closing her lecture, Julia quoted the example of Sacha Stevenson, who is famous for her YouTube series "How to Act Indonesian". Although she is a Canadian, Stevenson stated that Indonesia had made her open-minded. "She's a Canadian. Then how come Indonesia doesn't make Indonesians more open-minded?" Julia said, as she hoped Indonesia would become more open minded and "great again". (kes)
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Linkedin Hello Sehat (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

A childs intellect does descend from their parents, but is it true that it primarily descends from the mother? What about the father?

In China, many pondered to find the answer after an article appeared on microblogging site Sina Weibo, which stated that genetics from the mother had three times more influence in determining the childs intellectuality than from the father. The article said, To determine the intellectuality of a child, we can refer to the mother. For men who consider themselves unintellectual, it is recommended for them to find a smarter wife.

However, is it really true? Lets take a look at the explanation.

The link between the X chromosome and intelligence

Explanation given by the article mentioned above is that the intellectuality traits are carried on by the X chromosome (female chromosome genetic carrier). However, it does not quote any scientific references or sources for every statement it makes. In the article, Satoshi Kanazawa said general intellectuality was known to be inherited and the genes that affected common intellectuality were suspected to be carried by the X chromosome. This means that boys inherit their intelligence only from the mother, while girls inherit their general intelligence from both mom and dad. Therefore, women should be more of an influence on intelligence compared to men.

Si Dayong, a lecturer on Evolution at Jilin University, refutes the claims made in the Weibo article, Descendants from a certain gender have nothing to do with X and Y chromosomes, but some sort of epigenetic traits [traits that are not caused by changes in DNA sequence, but more on changes in the genes expression], he said. I havent yet found a certain trait that can be dominant from either the mother of father.

Research on derived intellectuality

A study published in an academic journal of Behavior Science in 1982 sees a correlation between parent and child. It has come to attention that IQ correlation between mother and child is a little higher at 0.464 compared to father and child at 0.423.

I dont think this small difference is considered statistically significant, said Si. Other than that, genetic inheritance is something random and complicated, out of a mans imagination.

Although it has been long believed that heredity contribute to a childs intellectual, yet newer study found that it actually lacks contribution than predicted before.

A study in 2013 done by researchers from University of Queensland conducted a DNA analysis and IQ test results from more than 18,000 children from Australia, Netherlands, UK and US. As a result, they found that heredity contributed around 20-40 percent from childrens various IQ, lower than expected before. Researchers later conclude that there is no single gen variant that can strongly predict childs intellectuality, and that intellectuality that is inherited genetically is a cumulative effect from different variation of genes.

(Read also: Dear parents, here's how to deal with tantrums in public)

Zhao Bowen, a researcher at Shenzhen Huada Gene Research Institute, elaborates a finding in a 2014 article at knowgene.com. To this very day, no DNA sites directly determines the origin of human intelligence, he said. Parents Genetic influence on children's intelligence could be more or less, and a childs intellectuality tends to have a normal distribution curve, with parents inherited intellectuality as a median."

Xu Gelin, a doctor of neurology at Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, emphasized in Jinling Evening News Report published in November 2014, that genetic heredity random and complex, and that both parents had various level of influence on the childs genetics. For instance, if the mother has higher IQ, and the father has lower IQ, chances are their children will fall in between, said Xu.

This statement caused a contradiction with what said by Weibo, stating that to determine the intellectuality of a child, we can refer to the mother. Of course, it is well approved that a child with both high IQ parents will be pretty smart in general.

Other factors affecting a childs intellectuality

Dr. Rachel Brouwer from the Psychiatric Department of Utrecht University Medical Center in the Netherlands states that its true that you can predict a childs IQ, but it's based more on the parents IQ rather than changes in their brain on a group level. So in general, brilliant parents will produce brilliant children as well. However, this is not absolute, it could be that low intellectual parents turn out to have children with high IQ and vice versa. Dr. Brouwer also emphasized that the environment contribute an impact to intellectuality, even though it will lessen as the child grows.

Senior lecturer at Melbourne Universitys Graduate School of Education Catherine Scott puts a stronger emphasis to the environment and history. Children dont only share genes with the parents, she said. They also share family and environment. This also links closely with their food and their mothers food." (kes)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Peter Jankowitsch (The Jakarta Post) Vienna  Wed, September 28 2016

The narrow result of the UK referendum to leave the European Union was not the catalyst for the increasingly pressing question of whether the concept and practice of European integration, which has defined the course of European history since the end of the World War II as well as enabled prosperity, security and the advancement of the continent, are now exhausted and should be replaced by other models.

Ever since France and the Netherlands voted against a European constitution, there have been more and more signs of Europe becoming less appealing in its current form. This is also evident in the growing number of election victories of Eurosceptics to anti-European parties within the founding states of the Union.

Some of these factions have already managed to gain seats in the European Parliament. Public support of the EU, regularly recorded by the Eurobarometer, is falling in nearly all 28 member states (MS). It has only remained high in a few candidate countries such as those of the Western Balkans.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 28 2016

The South Jakarta Population and Civil Registration Agency is using a cellular phone application system to help speed up the verification process for electronic identity card (e-KTP) issuance.

Agency head Sapto Wibowo said on Tuesday that he decided to go beyond formality and created a phone application chat system to improve the performance of his personnel.

We made a Whatsapp chat group with our officers in each subdistrict, he said as quoted by beritajakarta.com.

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Linkedin Lita Aruperes (The Jakarta Post) Manado, North Sulawesi  Wed, September 28, 2016

North Sulawesi Police have arrested a man from Langowan Barat district in Minahasa regency for allegedly repeatedly raping his daughter over a six-year period.

The man, identified as Sam, was arrested at his home.

North Sulawesi Police general crimes unit head Sr. Comr. Pitra Ratulangi said Wednesday that his team had followed up on a report filed by the victim and her mother.

Pitra said the victim had been raped since she was a third grader. She is now 14 and in high school.

The last time he forced himself on her was on Sept. 23, Pitra said, adding that she had refused but he slapped her and threatened to beat her up.

The victim reportedly told police that her father had raped her several times in the last six years, carrying out the attacks when his wife went to work.

The police said the mother had suspected something was wrong but the father convinced her everything was fine.

After some counseling, the victim and her mother decided to file the police report.

The head of the National Commission for Child Protections (Komnas PA) North Sulawesi branch, Jull Takaliuang, said she appreciated the polices swift action and she hoped the prosecutors and court would be equally firm.

Jull said the victim had told her that if she refused her fathers advances he would beat her up with a broom, a chair, pull her hair and bang her head against a wall.

He should receive multiple charges for his crime. Rape and battery, she said. (evi)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 28 2016

State-owned diversified mining firm Aneka Tambang (Antam) sees rosy business ahead as it predicts its newly launched jewelry brand will win the hearts of conventional investors.



Jakarta-based private employee Erna, 42, has been keeping gold bars at home for the past five years. For her, gold has proven to be a stable alternative asset that can provide an easy way out when dealing with tough times.



So whenever I really need to get additional money to counter unexpected spending, I can just pawn it for cash, she said on Monday. Its still a better investment than saving money at banks, especially considering banks low deposit rates.



Peoples love affair with gold, which is traditionally considered a safe investment instrument, is exactly what Antam seeks to leverage, especially with the launch of its new jewelry brand LM on Monday.



Under the brand, the company offers limited necklace and bezel products, which complement its previous gold bar series embellished with batik motifs  kawung, mega mendung, parang barong and sido mukti  that were launched late last year.



Since launch of the batik gold bars, Antam has sold about 6,000 pieces and expects to sell at least 1,500 of its new jewelry products within the next two or three months.



Previously, we just sold gold products to our customers as investments; then we thought that we should sell fashion products too, Dodi Martimbang, general manager of Antams gold unit, Logam Mulia, said during the LM launch.



Antam has sold about 7 tons of gold since the beginning of the year and aims to sell 10 tons by year-end. The launch of its batik jewelry series is expected to boost, or even surpass, the sales target.



Antam hopes the surge in gold sales would eventually benefit the companys gold-depository service called Gold Safety Management Planning (Brankas), which was officially launched in April.



Dodi said peoples growing appetite for gold had to be balanced with the presence of a safe storage place. Thats why many people are enthusiastic about Brankas. Even our staff members have often been called to arisan [social gatherings] to present information about the Brankas services, he said.



Antam currently produces from 2 to 2.5 tons of gold per year. Apart from the guaranteed pure fine gold, the companys fine gold bars are also certified by the London Bullion Market Association.



Data from the firm show that the biggest demand for gold still comes from its boutiques in Jakarta, followed by others in Bali and Yogyakarta.



However, gold demand in rural and suburban areas has been growing rapidly. Jakarta-based assisted e-commerce startup Kudo, which relies on its 100,000 agents nationwide to attract people in those areas to make online purchases, has made a fortune from gold sales, especially in East Java.



Lots of people, like those in East Java, buy gold as a long-term investment, Kudo chief operating officer Agung Nugroho told The Jakarta Post.



Indonesia currently accounts for about 4 percent of global gold production, half of which originates from the giant Grasberg mine in Papua.



The countrys annual gold production reached 109.9 tons in 2014, less than a fourth of Chinas production of 465.7 tons, according to Thomson Reuters GFMS metals research team.



GFMS has predicted early in 2016 that global production of gold will fall 3 percent by year-end, ending a seven-year period of rising output. Last year alone, global gold mine production stood at 3,155 tons.



Meanwhile, Antams first-half financial report revealed that it booked Rp 4.16 trillion (US$321.45 million) in revenues, down by almost 50 percent compared to the same period of 2015. Its bottom line, however, ended in the black with Rp 11.03 billion in net profits, overturning last years result of Rp 395.99 billion in net losses.



Antam had Rp 29.69 trillion in total assets by the end of June. Its liabilities amounted to Rp 11.38 trillion and its equities stood at Rp 18.31 trillion. Its shares  sold under the ANTM code  surged to Rp 770 apiece on Tuesday from Rp 645 apiece the day before. (vps)

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

The government must prioritize eco-friendly tourism to engage local people in developing the tourism industry and at the same time preserve the nature of the biggest archipelagic country.

Indriani Setiawati, a communication and network development manager of the Indonesian Eco Tourism Network, said conventional tourism usually ended up being a threat to natural conservation, while environmentally-friendly tourism was seeing growing demand worldwide.

Economic, environmental and social relations will affect each other in a positive way in ecotourism []. Surveys show that many travelers prefer eco-friendly tourism, she said in a seminar entitled Eco-tourism: Globalizing Local Communities without Impacting the Environment in Jakarta, Wednesday.

Indriani cited a survey of more than 700 American travelers conducted by travel website TripAdvisor in 2012, which found that 71 percent of the travelers plan to make more eco-friendly choices.

Indriani said Indonesia required a massive campaign on the business potential of ecotourism, as it usually took about two years to change the mindset of local people and to make them see the potential in their region to generate income from ecotourism.

She noted that illegal loggers in forest areas of Tangkahan, North Sumatra, had turned to conservation after realizing that chopping down trees would not secure them long-lasting income.

Therefore, they had become tour guides and were taking care of plants and wildlife, supported by the local administration that had given them access to inviting tourists to the Leuser National Park, she added. (wnd)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Incumbent gubernatorial hopeful Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama has accused his political rival Sandiaga Uno of hiding wealth abroad in response to the latters call for Ahok to take part in the tax amnesty program.

Ahok said he would not avail of the program because he never kept wealth abroad. I am different from Sandiaga, who is rich [and] hides wealth abroad, said Ahok with a laugh in Jakarta on Thursday as reported by kompas.com.

Ahok said he had always stressed the importance of applying a reverse burden of proof on all gubernatorial candidates, as well as those who hold public positions.

Since I entered politics, I have stressed the importance of a reverse burden of proof. I have reported all my wealth, Ahok added.

On Thursday, running mates Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga visited the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters to report their wealth. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Sandiaga, who is a businessman, visited the tax office to take part in the tax amnesty program both for his companies and his private wealth.

Sandiaga is listed in the Panama Papers, a series of leaked documents containing information about wealthy individuals with wealth parked in offshore company structures. He said none of his offshore companies was set up to hide illegal activities. (bbn)
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Linkedin Agnes Anya and Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

In a move that has drawn both praise and sharp criticism, Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama on Wednesday carried out his controversial plan to evict the people living on the banks of the Ciliwung River in Bukit Duri, South Jakarta.



Critics, including one of his rivals in the gubernatorial race, have accused the governor of ignoring the human aspects of urban development and departing from the policy of his predecessor, Joko Jokowi Widodo, who won the hearts of many Jakartans in 2012 for his ability to engage residents in dialogue and refrained from carrying out forced evictions.



But the governor, who seeks to extend his term through the 2017 election, insisted the evictions had to go on and could not be postponed.



The Ciliwung River restoration program is a project under the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry. It uses the 2016 state budget for the project. So the normalization has to start immediately, he said.



The remaining residents, showing no violent resistance, could only protect themselves with face masks as a green backhoe moved relentlessly from one house to another to complete the demolitions, which has been the citys plan since 2014.



The evictions were carried out to pave way for the rivers normalization program, as the city considered that the residents were occupying state land and the houses were among the main causes of severe floods.



The residents dismissed the citys rationale, saying that they had solid evidence to prove their ownership of the land, which included girik (customary land appointments) and Eigendom Verponding, a proof of property ownership issued by the Dutch administration before the nations independence.



This was not the first clearance carried out under Ahoks administration. In 2015, the governor forcefully evicted residents of the flood-prone Kampung Pulo in East Jakarta, which led to a violent clash between city officials and the defiant residents.



Ahok said he did not care about the impact of his policy on his electability, saying that what mattered was that he could leave a legacy that people would remember.



If I dont get elected, people will know that I am the person who addressed the problems of Kampung Pulo and Bukit Duri, he said.



However, many consider that Ahok had no choice but to press ahead with his eviction plan, as he would lose face if he decided to back out.



[He] shows firmness and consistency by going ahead with the evictions despite the election. That makes his voters more confident with their choice, said University of Pelita Harapan political analyst Emrus Sihombing.



Bukit Duri was initially occupied by 379 families, who claimed 460 plots of land on the riverbank, before the eviction plan was resurrected two years ago. Three hundred and thirteen families relented in their resistance and decided to move to a low-cost rental apartment in Rawa Bebek in East Jakarta, while the rest refused the offer to be relocated. They declined to move as they would only get an apartment free of charge for the first three months and afterwards would have to pay a rental fee of Rp 300,000 (US$23.15) per month.



The residents advocate, Sandyawan Sumardi, said that of the 66 families, 20 had moved to a rented communal house at Poncol in Senen, Central Jakarta, while the other 46 families were renting houses in other areas, including in Bukit Duri and Kebon Pala, East Jakarta.



We moved to Poncol because it is near the Central Jakarta District Court. We are going to fight for our rights in the court, Sandyawan said, referring to their legal effort to challenge the citys policy.



One of Ahoks rivals, Anies Baswedan, criticized the governor for failing to listen to the peoples demands. We dont only manage a city, but also its people. Peoples aspirations must be heard, he said as quoted by Antara news agency on Wednesday.



Citra Referendum, a public attorney with LBH Jakarta, said the evictions in Bukit Duri were not carried out in line with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as the administration had never engaged in discussions with residents regarding the plan.



Ahok had departed from Jokowis policy concerning the matter, which was to move the Bukit Duri residents to a kampung deret (elevated village) near the area to pave the way for the rivers restoration. Residents said that they remembered Jokowi had promised he would not evict them and he would build humane housing for them. (adt)

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

In connection with World Contraception Day on Sept. 26, DKT International, a social marketing pioneer that sells the Sutra brand of condoms, says that the use of contraceptives in Indonesia is still below the target set out in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Currently, the percentage of married women using modern contraception in Indonesia still does not meet the target of the Sustainable Development Goals -- which is 60 percent [instead] of the target of 65 percent -- while the maternal mortality rate is still high: 126 cases [instead] of the target of 102, the director of DKT International, Juan Enrique Garcia, said in a press statement released on Thursday.

Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world with 259.4 million people. It is estimated that in 2050 Indonesia would experience a population surge of as much as 40 percent, which is to about 360 million people, the statement said.

Garcia said the number of unmet needs for family planning is still 8.5 percent, above the 5 percent target. One of the main causes of Indonesia not achieving the SDG targets in terms of contraception is a myth that birth control has an effect on women's health, he said.

Through its organization, DKT International, which has been present in Indonesia since 1996, has helped change the paradigm of family planning by using social marketing, the release claimed.

Besides Sutra, DKT International also markets Andalan and Fiesta condoms. (evi)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

The Supreme Court has collaborated with the European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to involve the general public in watching the country's judiciary through a new whistleblowing platform.

A new application, called Information System Monitoring (SIWAS), was introduced on Thursday and enables people to report any abuse of power, improper manners, or ethical violations they witness being committed by the judicial apparatus in the national and local courts to the Supreme Court, the court's chief justice, Hatta Ali, said on Thursday

People would be able to make reports through the SIWAS website, text messages, e-mails, telephone calls and letters, as explained on the website page, he added.

"In the previous mechanism, only parties internal to the judicial branch [could report such issues], but now we accommodate citizens to also report to us," Hatta said.

The SIWAS platform also guaranteed a high degree of confidentiality to whistleblowers who submit reports since they would remain anonymous, Hatta said, adding that any report of an alleged violation would be taken seriously and dealt with in a transparent manner.

If the reports were proven true, the Supreme Court would impose ethical sanctions on the parties, Hatta said.

UNDP director for Indonesia Christophe Bahuet said SIWAS was an important breakthrough for the Supreme Court to improve its transparency, accountability and efforts in eradicating corruption, which in turn would restore the public trust that in the recent years has kept decreasing because of a judiciary that was continually implicated in corruption cases. (bbn)
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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi  Thu, September 29 2016

Denmark has granted Rp 160 billion (US$12.32 million) in funds for the restoration of Harapan rainforest in Jambi.

The Danish and Indonesian governments signed on Wednesday an agreement that would seal the cooperation between the two countries until 2018.

Denmark Ambassador to Indonesia Casper Klynge, who co-signed the MoU with Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar, said the grant came from taxpayers in his country.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

In response to criticism of his eviction policy, Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama has said the policy was a part of efforts to resolve annual flooding in the capital city, as he had promised during the 2012 gubernatorial election campaign.

You elected me as deputy governor together with Pak Jokowi because you wanted me to mitigate the annual problem, he told journalists at City Hall on Wednesday.

He stressed that one part of mitigating flooding was expanding rivers, including the Ciliwung River. Hundreds of people were evicted from their houses on the Ciliwung riverbank in Bukit Duri, South Jakarta, on Wednesday.

There was no physical resistance to the eviction in Bukit Duri as hundreds of joint security force members from the Jakarta Police, the military and Jakarta public order agency accompanied workers, who used backhoes to dismantle residents houses.

Sandyawan, founder of Sanggar Ciliwung Merdeka, an organization that advocates on behalf of residents, said his organization and residents would sue the administration for the eviction, which they considered illegal as legal processes were still underway.

Ahok claimed the eviction of residents living near the Pluit reservoir in North Jakarta to allow for the expansion of the reservoir and the eviction in Kampung Pulo to allow for the expansion of Ciliwung River had eased flooding in the capital.

Therefore, he expressed hopes that people would support his eviction of people living on the riverbanks and state-owned land. (bbn)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Activists from 70 civil organizations nationwide grouped under Gema Demokrasi (Democratic Resonance) expressed their solidarity with Bukit Duri evictees, saying that the forced evictions were inhumane and against the law.

Dhyta Caturani, spokesperson of Gema Demokrasi, said activists would assist the residents until justice was served.

"We will stand together with the residents and support their decisions regarding the legal, social and political aspects of this case," Dhyta said in Bukit Duri, South Jakarta, on Thursday.

Following hot debate on social media between those who oppose and support the evictions, Dhyta urged the public to further examine the Jakarta administration's eviction plan.

"The public should look at the situation fairly and not just buy the administrations version of the story. The residents in Bukit Duri were blamed for flooding, but other factors have caused flooding," she said.

She believed disorganized spatial planning in the city had exacerbated flooding. As an example, the administration kept issuing permits for the construction of malls and high buildings. Those buildings have eliminated the absorption area in the city, she said.

She also hoped the public would not let the forced evictions occur despite the administration offering low-cost housing. Aside from a place to live, residents need to maintain their livelihoods, she said. (bbn)
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Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29 2016

The South Jakarta Immigration Office arrested Fulbright researcher Frank Sedlar during the eviction

in Bukit Duri, Tebet, South Jakarta on Wednesday for an alleged visa violation.

Sedlar, a civil engineer from the University of Michigan, the US, reportedly aroused officials suspicion as he had come to the eviction site with advanced photography equipment, such as tripods and a high-tech camera, like a professional journalist.

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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

The government is set to introduce legal reform packages that are expected to improve law enforcement and the justice system, says Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto.

The reform packages are necessary as the justice system, which covers legal instruments, law enforcers, as well as legal culture, was still problematic and thus should be refined to present more effective law enforcement, the minister said.

"[The legal reform packages] are expected to construct a new legal culture that can guarantee legal certainty for all people," Wiranto told journalists on Wednesday in Jakarta.

Some laws might be scrapped or revised, he said, but not without going through a comprehensive study. The reform aims to simplify and mend legal instruments, both in national and local legislation, that often overlap, resulting in unclear law enforcement.

By improving the justice system, the legal reform packages also aim to improve legal culture. With clearer regulations, Indonesians are expected to be more attentive in obeying and upholding laws, which will directly strengthen law and order, Wiranto said.

While the date of introduction for the legal reform packages has yet to be set, the ministry is intensifying coordination with relevant institutions, including the Law and Human Rights Ministry, the Attorney General's Office, and the National Police to discuss issues. (ags)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

The Tourism Ministry is poised to adopt the concept of a floating hotel, a ship converted into a 200-room hotel and lying off shore, to boost maritime tourism spots across the archipelago next year.

Last year, the ministry and state-owned ship operator Pelni launched a pilot project by modifying six of Pelni's passenger ships into cozy floating hotels, equipped with hotel-standard rooms. Next year, the project will be expanded by involving other state-owned enterprises.

"But that is not enough, we have a lot of maritime tourism destinations. Aside from Pelni, were also pushing state-run port operator Pelindo to contribute. The market is captive and high end," Tourism Minister Arief Yahya told The Jakarta Post during Hotel Indonesia Groups (HIG) launch ceremony in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Indonesia is short of 220,000 hotel rooms at 222 tourism spots. Along with the floating hotels, the ministry is also encouraging more homestays to fill the accommodation need in many thriving tourism spots.

"It takes five years to build a star-rated hotel. State-owned developer Perumnas can build the homestays and state-owned banks can provide the loans," he said, adding that the government was in the process of drafting a regulation on homestays, which is expected to be complete in 2018. (ags)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29 2016

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, in cooperation with Indonesia Fisheries Public Company, is set to revitalize Muara Baru fishing harbor in North Jakarta.

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said on Wednesday that the ministry was now preparing the plan in order to modernize the harbor.

It will have a new name, the National Fisheries Center of Muara Baru. The vendors will have uniforms and the space will be tidy, he said, as quoted by tribunnews.com.

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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

In the interest of national security, the House of Representatives and the government have agreed to purchase the countrys very own military communication satellite, with procurement targeted for 2018, a lawmaker says.

House Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs deputy chairman Asril Tanjung said Indonesia had been using satellites facilitated by foreign countries such as Australia and the US, posing a risk to national security.

Indonesia also used a Garuda 1 communication satellite operated by Asia Cellular Satellite and constructed by US-based Lockheed Martin, however the permit to use the satellite orbit expired in 2015 and thus the empty slot should be immediately replaced so that Indonesia does not lose the slot, Asril said.

"Indonesia could secure the country's interests since the satellite would be operated independently by the Defense Ministry. The procurement is important since other countries already have their own satellite, which is ideal since [military communication] is secretive in nature," Asril said on Wednesday.

The decision to acquire the satellite was made following a series of discussions held by Commission I with relevant stakeholders, including the Defense Ministry and Finance Ministry, which approved the budget, as well as the Communications and Information Ministry, which regulates patent rights.

From the previous budget of US$ 849.3 million, the House and the Finance Ministry have approved a request for funding from the Defense Ministry to acquire a military communication satellite from Airbus Defense and Space for US$ 699 million. (dmr)
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Indonesia plans to ratify the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), an official has confirmed.

"The bill is in the process of harmonization [with national laws], because this will become law, of which the focal point at the moment is the Law and Human Rights Ministry," Foreign Ministry ASEAN cooperation director general Jose Tavares told reporters on Thursday.

So when it is ready, it will be brought to the House of Representatives, Jose added.

The convention will be a legally binding law enforcement mechanism for all 10 member states who are expected to ratify it, Jose said. Coordination and cooperation across the whole region is crucial in the handling of human trafficking, he added.

Jose stressed the importance of international cooperation due to the nature of the crime. Transnational crime cannot be handled alone and efforts will be more effective when all bodies are closely coordinated, he said.

"This is a crime which has claimed many victims, especially women and children, and cannot be tolerated," Jose said.

Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore have ratified the ACTIP, which was adopted by ASEAN in 2015. (bbn)
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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

For many years, Andri Syarifudin, cofounder of garment maker CV Dago Agung, has had an obsession about marketing his clothing products worldwide.

The Bandung-based entrepreneur, however, has seen his dreams fade as he struggles with a less-than adequate domestic supply of quality raw materials for his medium-sized business.

We want to compete in the international stage but theres not enough quality fabric and fashion accessories to begin production with so were still playing in the vast local market for now, he said recently.

Shipping goods from Indonesia, particularly Java, to foreign markets is easy in terms of logistics and duty procedures, Andri said. Problems, however, occur when exporters cannot meet demand from overseas because of a lack of quality materials.

Such a domestic challenge, along with the global economic slowdown, has inevitably hindered Indonesian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in taking a bigger slice of the international market, leaving Southeast Asias largest economy with a declining trade surplus.

Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data shows the trade surplus for January to August this year was down by 48.2 percent to US$290 million from $430 million in the corresponding period last year. Total exports last year, meanwhile, stood at $150.25 billion, creating a surplus of $7.51 billion for the first time after three straight years of deficit.

To maintain healthy trade margins as well as boosting exports, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has set an ambitious goal to see local business players exporting $750 billion worth of goods by 2030, a fivefold increase on last years figures.

This [target] is not too high. We will achieve it gradually for the next 15 years with the right steps, said Kadin vice chairman for trade Benny Soetrisno during a public discussion on Tuesday.

The chamber has set five strategies for achieving the goal: increasing the number of exporters, diversifying export products, expansion of markets, increasing product value and price and creating a more conducive export ecosystem in the country.

Benny said that today only about 2,000 SMEs and 300 local big firms were involved in international trade. Some 84 percent of total exports is also still dominated by the big companies, data from the Cooperatives and SME Ministry shows.

Earlier this week, the World Trade Organization predicted that growth in international trade would fall to 1.7 percent this year, the slowest pace since the 2008 financial crisis, amid a slowing global economy.

Suyanto, head of the Entrepreneurship Movement for Jakartas private universities, meanwhile, said there were many potential startups established by students but which faced challenges mostly in funding and registering their business, although some had succeeded.

In response to such concerns, Benny said Kadin had teamed up with the Trade Ministrys export development centers and Cooperative and SME Ministrys SME gallery and export consultation center in Jakarta to assist local businesses eyeing overseas markets.

If you have good products or services, dont hesitate to contact us. Well help you match with customer demand abroad and help you attain intellectual property rights for free, said Arlinda Imbang Jaya, the Trade Ministrys director general for export development, during the conference.

Arlinda cited an example of an SME that successfully exported diapers for pregnant woman to Africa through consultation with the ministrys export center.

Officials and businesspeople also urged an equal spread of exports from regions in the country through revamping regional ports. Last year, Jakarta, East Kalimantan and East Java contributed 53.8 percent of the national export value.

Processed goods accounted for 76.68 percent of total exports in the first eight months of the year, with vegetable oil, jewelry, vehicles and spare parts being the top products.
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Linkedin Corry Elyda and Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29 2016

Ranto Poltak Tambunan, a 48-year-old resident of Bukit Duri, South Jakarta, looked dazed as an excavator escorted by 550 personnel from the Jakarta Police and Public Order Agency tore down his and his neighbors houses brick by brick on Wednesday morning.

Sadness struck him that sunny morning as he realized that his home and neighborhood where he was born, raised and lived were now only ruins. I was born here in 1968, I have spent all of my life here, he told The Jakarta Post.

Ranto, who has moved his belongings to a boarding house in Senen, Central Jakarta, recalled some of the most precious memories he had with other residents. The social bond within the neighborhood was really strong, especially when we got together for gotong-royong [communal self-help], he said.

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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

From her seat, Jessica Kumala Wongso listened to the prosecution team fire an endless number of accusations and questions at her. However, on this day the murder defendant calmly maintained that she had nothing to do with her friends death.

During Wednesdays hearing in a packed courtroom at the Central Jakarta District Court, Jessica denied the charge that she had poisoned her friend, Mirna Salihin.

No, I didnt do that, Jessica asserted, answering a question from prosecutor Wahyu Oktaviandi about whether she had laced Mirnas Vietnamese iced coffee with sodium cyanide.

I see from the CCTV footage that there was something moved on your table, what was that? Did you tremble at that moment, Wahyu asked rapidly.

Please try to understand my position at that time, people have decided that I was the one who killed Mirna since I ordered the coffee, Jessica said in a shaky voice.

Jessica portrayed herself as a good friend who kept in touch with Mirna, despite their living on two different continents, and said they occasionally shared secrets with each other.

It happened very fast, from the time Mirna and Hani arrived at the restaurant to the moment Mirna took a sip of the coffee and collapsed on the floor. It happened very fast and I cannot remember the details, Jessica said softly when pressed to describe the incident in detail.

If found guilty, Jessica could face a maximum sentence of the death penalty as she is being charged with premeditated murder. Mirna died shortly after drinking an allegedly cyanide-laced coffee during the friends gathering at an upscale Central Jakarta restaurant on Jan. 6.

For the last two months experts and witnesses have been presented by both prosecution and defense teams to shed light on the allegations. Some psychologists said Jessica was a very calm and confident woman who was able to answer any question even though she was under severe pressure as a murder defendant. Other experts, presented by the prosecution team, have portrayed her as cold-blooded.

Testifying for the first time in the case that has made her the countrys most famous murder defendant, Jessica refuted the testimony of Mirnas father and husband, who said they did not really know her. Jessica claimed Mirna and her had been good friends since they met at a college in Australia back in 2007.

Jessica, dressed in a long, white shirt and black trousers, described her friendly relationship with the victim while they were in Australia, saying they had gone to restaurants with other Indonesian students and Mirna had shared private parts of her life with her.

When she was going to get married, she came to Australia and told me that she had started to have doubts as her boyfriend was a very quiet person, she told the panel of judges when Prosecutor Shandy Handika pressed her on how close they were.

Holding the microphone with her left hand and gesturing with her right as she talked, Jessica showed no signs of losing her temper when prosecutors repeatedly accused her of making inconsistent statements.

She said that she had made inconsistent statements because during her interrogation she was under pressure by police officers who would not take I dont know as an answer.
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has demanded the elimination of its ad hoc status so that it becomes a permanent state institution in order to strengthen the countrys efforts to eradicate corruption, said KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo.

"[The KPK] is needed by this nation. Therefore, if we want to make corrupt practices a target [of legal reform], the [KPK's legal standing] might need to be revised," Agus told journalists on Thursday.

He said such an amendment should be included in the government's plan to formulate legal reform packages because as an ad hoc institution as stipulated in the 2002 KPK Law, the KPK is susceptible to being disbanded according to the will of the President.

Agus also demanded immunity for KPK commissioners and investigators when they worked on certain cases, especially to avoid the types of prosecution that have happened in the past.

The immunity should be similar to the mechanism given to the commissioners of the Indonesian Ombudsman when they monitor services provided by the government and state-owned or private companies, Agus said.

Former KPK commissioners Abraham Samad and Bambang Widjajanto, along with KPK investigator Novel Baswedan, were arrested by the police for alleged breaches of the law after the KPK named Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan a graft suspect.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo appointed Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto to lead the reform of the legal system and law enforcement in July. The date the legal reform packages are to be issued has not been set. (bbn)
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Linkedin Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

State-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina has signed a cooperation agreement with its Algerian counterpart to support its efforts to increase production from overseas oil and gas fields.

The company signed an agreement on upstream and downstream activities with Sonatrach, an oil and gas firm owned by the government of oil-rich Algeria, which is currently listed as the second-largest contributor to Pertaminas production from overseas assets.

The signing was conducted on Tuesday evening on the sidelines of the 15th International Energy Forum (IEF) held by the Algerian government in its capital city of Algiers, which was attended by state delegations, energy practitioners and experts from 72 countries.

Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Bouterfa, the Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministrys oil and gas director general IGN Wiratmaja Puja as well as Indonesian Ambassador to Algeria Safira Machrusah witnessed the signing.

Pertamina president director Dwi Soetjipto said the deal, which follows up on an agreement from 2012, would help the two companies develop their capacity and build a partnership in the North African country and other parts of the world.

We will conduct an analysis and evaluation regarding opportunities for exploration as well as participation in upstream and downstream [activities] and oil and gas services in Algeria, Indonesia and other countries, he said.

The deal allows the two companies to exchange information on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and its downstream products and to team up and trade in the oil, gas and petrochemical sector. They can also conduct joint research and human resource development.

Dwi said the partnership in the upstream segment was the first step, as Pertamina sought to demonstrate its ability as operator in Algerias Menzel Lejmat North (MLN) oil field  which it acquired from American giant ConocoPhillips  and in two other Algerian blocks owned by Pertamina, namely El Merk (EMK) and Ourhoud.

Slamet Riady, president director of Pertamina International Exploration Production (PIEP), which is Pertaminas upstream business unit, said the company had been importing 6 million barrels of oil per year from Algeria and expected to increase that number through capacity development.

Oil fields in Iraq are still Pertaminas largest overseas assets with 43,700 boepd, while Malaysia is in third position with 35,770 boepd, after Algeria.

The Energy Ministrys Wiratmaja said the government was also in talks with Sonatrach about the companys investment plan in Indonesia, particularly in developing the countrys strategic petroleum reserve (SPR), in a bid to strengthen Indonesias position in the regional market.
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Linkedin Nani Afrida (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

fter purchasing two Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV) warships from PT PAL Indonesia, the Philippine government is considering putting in another order for a medical support vessel from Indonesias state-owned shipbuilder.

During the 2016 Asian Defense & Security (ADAS) exhibition in Manila, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana held a discussion with Brig. Gen. Jan Pieter Ate from the Indonesian ADAS delegation on Indonesian defense products.

The Secretary of National Defense and the Philippines Navy chief of staff are impressed with the medical support vessel that will be fit for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, Jan Pieter, the Defense Ministrys director of the defense industry and technology, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

According to Jan Pieter, the Philippine secretary of defense had shown a deep interest in the 123-meter vessel and spent a lot of time looking at the vessels mock-up.

It was reported that the Philippines had also put in an order for the CN235-200 and N212i aircraft from state-owned airplane maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia in 2015.

The three-day ADAS 2016 exhibition ends on Friday.

According to its official website, ADAS 2016 attracts exhibitors from around the world and works closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). (evi)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Jessica Kumala Wongso shed tears during a hearing on Wednesday evening as she recalled her experience while in custody of the Jakarta Police, saying that it was an inhumane and scary experience.

Starting Jan. 30, Jessica was detained for four months after the police named her a suspect in the murder of Wayan Mirna Salihin. Jessica was detained in a private room.

"The room was so small and had no ventilation. The lighting was so strong and the lights could not be turned off. When it rained, the room would get inundated and there were a lot of cockroaches there," Jessica said, as she cried before the judges.

She also spoke of her conversation with former Jakarta Police general crimes director Sr. Comr. Krishna Murti during the investigation. She claimed Krishna told her that he had put his career at stake by arresting Jessica.

"Krishna pressured me to confess in exchange for seven years imprisonment instead of death or a life sentence. He said the maximum punishment for me would only be seven years and I could receive remission," she said.

She said police put her under hypnosis during questioning. Jessica said she lost consciousness during the hypnosis and could not recall what happened during the session. (evi)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Property mogul Ciputra registered for the tax amnesty program in the offices of the Directorate General of Taxation on Wednesday.

Ciputra, along with his son Candra Ciputra and son-in-law Harun Hajadi, went to the tax office only to confirm his participation. He had already filed the documents, submissions and fee payment on Tuesday.

"This is a really good program from the government to stimulate the economy. You can see the rupiah is strengthening and stock prices are going up," he told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

The exchange rate between the rupiah and the US dollar moved to Rp 12,000 per dollar in the past two days and it closed at Rp 12,926 per dollar on Wednesday, according to Bank Indonesia. The tycoon also said he thinks the property market will be rejuvenated by the tax amnesty program.

"People can buy property without worry after following this program, but it will take time because some of their money has already been spent to pay the fees," he said. (evi)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Businessmen Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno and Rachmat Gobel will dissolve their special purpose vehicles (SPVs) as part of the tax amnesty program.

According to the SPV rule, which was revised recently, tax amnesty participants no longer have to dissolve all SPVs. They have to dissolve them only if they want to repatriate assets from a particular SPV, while the remaining SPVs will be charged with the declaration tariff (4 percent in the first period) instead of the repatriation tariff (2 percent).

"I already talked with my team, if the SPVs are not being used anymore, they will be dissolved," Sandiaga told The Jakarta Post after completing his tax amnesty application in Sudirman tax office, South Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to International Consortium of Investigative Journalist (ICIJ) data, Sandiaga is affiliated with at least eight SPVs, while Rachmat is affiliated with two SPVs. However Gobel said he already dissolved one SPV two years ago.

"Owning a SPV does not always mean tax avoidance. Those SPVs were created officially by our company during a crisis few years ago to secure funding," Gobel said. (evi)
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Linkedin Esther Samboh and Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

After traveling around the world to witness development in poor regions many would not think of visiting during her stint as World Bank managing director, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has learned two things: humility and optimism.

In an interview with The Jakarta Post, she tells the story of how she was touched by her trips to countries few would care to go to such as Mali and Niger to observe dam projects in the middle of the vast savanna, and see what kind of impact they in supplying electricity to millions of people. She said her experiences in resource-rich Congo showed her how ethnic conflict could make human life disposable.

It touched me a lot. I think that it affected me, I hope in a positive way, said the mother of three, who likes to read to her two grandchildren, holding back her emotions through a wide grin.

Such encounters seem to have played a part in shaping her ultimate goal as finance minister of Southeast Asias largest economy: to use fiscal tools to create equitable growth through targeted spending and a tax regime that can bring prosperity to those in the bottom 40 percent wealth bracket.

Our dream is a world without poverty is a slogan Sri Mulyani saw every day of the six years she spent at the World Banks headquarters in Washington, DC. She knows it is a lofty ideal, considering that even rich states have poor residents, but it changed her in a way.

One would imagine that one of the worlds most powerful women, according to Forbes magazine, keeps her chin up and is authoritative. At the outset Sri Mulyani may look so, but her years at the World Bank taught her humility and optimism.

Humility in the sense that we cannot solve all the problems in a period, or even in a generation, but we are optimistic that humankind has the ability to collect evidence and learn from history, which enables us to continue to do better, she said.

Sri Mulyani earned her reputation as a tough reformist, and even an iron lady, during her years as finance minister from 2005 to 2010, when she helped the nation transition from the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis and sail through the US-led 2008-2009 global crisis. The tough code of ethics and sanctions she applied on the tax office during the period were lauded by many.

Expectations are high for a repeat, at least those coming from the market.

Knowing her credentials and experiences, the market is generally encouraged by what she can bring to the table for Indonesias economic growth, said Singapore-based DBS Bank economist Gundy Cahyadi, who expects her to push for reforms in solving structural problems that have hindered the nations economy.

At the Finance Ministry, Sri Mulyani, a former economist with the University of Indonesias renowned think thank, the Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM UI), will be responsible for billions of dollars of state assets, including funds for the countrys development programs.

Sri Mulyani said she would not take for granted the opportunity to lead the ministry for a second time, and that just because she was familiar with the issues and institution, she did not assume that she knew everything.

It can be a recipe for disaster if you feel like a smart aleck, said the former lecturer, whose father and mother were both professors at the Semarang National University.

That attitude might have helped her overcome the tough months of grilling by lawmakers at the House of Representatives on the Bank Century bailout from 2009 to 2010, for which she was accused of causing huge state losses for saving an ailing bank using state funds, prior to her departure to the US.

I tell myself almost every morning and every night that I still have the energy to learn, to listen and then to design and define. I hope I still have those kinds of capacities, she said, ending the 75 minutes interview with a beaming smile.
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Linkedin Rini Winati (Bareksa) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

The establishment of a holding company for mining state-owned enterprises (SOEs) will potentially bulk up corporate assets worth Rp270 trillion (US$20.83 billion), skyrocketing from existing assets worth Rp65.6 trillion scattered among separated SOEs.

The SOE Ministry is expected to finish the establishment of six holding companies in pivotal sectors, namely mining, oil and gas, food, financial service, toll road, as well as housing and construction, by the end of this year.

The existence of a holding company for mining SOEs is crucial amid mineral price fluctuations and the global economic slow down. Rising non-performing loans, 6.8 percent as of July, double that of July last year, signals mining business sluggishness.

The holding company will also play a pivotal role in changing the grim reality that most Indonesian mining products are exported as raw materials with low added value.

Source: SOE Ministry(Bareksa/Chart)

According to SOE Ministry data, four mining SOEs namely Aneka Tambang (ANTM), Bukit Asam (PTBA), Timah (TINS) and Inalum will be incorporated into a holding company called the Indonesia Resource Corporation (IRC), with Inalum as the parent company.

The government, through Inalum, will hold 65 percent in each SOE mining company. The holding company will also control the 9.36 percent minority shares the government owns in Freeport Indonesia, which may increase in the future as stipulated in the contract.

Leverage & efficiency

The holding company is expected to book Rp 182 trillion in assets, a significant increase compared to the previous Rp 65.6 trillion.

The additional assets of Rp116 trillion came from the increase in debt leverage worth Rp 114 trillion and the efficiency as well as synergy amounting Rp 2 trillion.

Source: SOE Ministry(Bareksa/Chart)

After the establishment of IRC, the leveragea technical term used to estimate a companys ability to raise external debts based on the debt-to-equity ratio (DER)will increase three times.

Currently, mining SOEs have Rp 42.8 trillion in total equity, with Rp 14.1 trillion in outstanding debts

Aside from the increasing debt-raising capacity, the IRC will also get two additional benefits. First, from the lower cost of fund, saving at least Rp 1.3 trillion per year, and second from the operational efficiency that may reach Rp 1.1 trillion per annum.

In the next five years after the establishment, the holding company has the potential to quadruple assets to Rp 270.5 trillion on the back of Rp 44.3 trillion in earnings increment. (ags)

Source: Bareksa.com
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Linkedin Ruth Ninajanty (The Jakarta Post)  Thu, September 29 2016

Good accommodation is almost as important as the trip itself, but it can be hard to find the perfect fit especially if youre traveling to a destination as diverse as Bali. A stay by the beach is surely different from a room up in Ubud. So how do you choose the right place for you?

First is of course location. Bali may seem small but different parts of the island offer different atmospheres for different kinds of tourists. Those aiming for a lively night and beach should choose Kuta, while those arriving for greenery and serenity may want to stay in Ubud.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti has expressed concern over the fate of hundreds of thousands of Indonesian crewmen that she said lived in slave-like conditions in waters across the globe.

"We predict there are around 300,000 Indonesian crewmen, who are not officially registered [as sailors]," she said on Thursday, as reported by news agency Antara.

Those unregistered crewmen were enslaved and forced to work hard in the global fishing industry, Susi said, adding that they faced threats of being thrown overboard if they refused to comply.

Most of the Indonesian sailors are working in the Bering Sea of the Pacific Ocean and in African waters, according to the ministry.

Furthermore, ministry data showed that some 700,000 crewmen were involved in illegal fishing activities across the globe, Susi said, adding that she believed most of them came from Indonesia.

Susi has pledged to eradicate illegal employment or slavery in the fishing sector and has urged private companies to help prevent such practices.

"This is dangerous for [the global image of] Indonesian fisheries. This issue receives worldwide attention [following] the slavery case in Benjina," she said, referring to a case of human trafficking and slavery in Benjina of Aru Islands in Maluku last year.

According to a report by the Associated Press, thousands of migrant fishermen, mostly from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, were recruited in Thailand and brought to Indonesia to work for now-closed fishing company Pusaka Benjina Resources. The fishermen were tortured and locked up in prison-like cells. (rin)
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Hanoi, Vietnam  Thu, September 29, 2016

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he was giving notice to the United States, his country's long-standing ally, that joint exercises of Filipino and American troops next week will be the last such drills.

He told the Filipino community in Hanoi late Wednesday night that he will maintain the military alliance with the US because of the countries' 1951 defense treaty. But he added next week's exercises will proceed only because he did not want to embarrass his defense secretary.

Duterte said during a two-day visit to meet Vietnam's leaders that he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia, and that the war games were something Beijing does not want.

"I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," he said. "Jointly, Philippines-US, the last one."

"I will maintain the military alliance because there is an RP-US pact which our countries signed in the early '50s," he said, referring to the Republic of the Philippines. "I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce and you are scheduled to hold war games again, which China does not want."

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr., however, told reporters in Hanoi that the joint military exercises as agreed upon by the previous administration will continue until 2017, and that the two sides will review whether there is a need for them to continue beyond 2017.

"He simply said based on the reality there does not seem to be a need for the joint military exercise, but the 2017 joint military exercise that has already agreed upon will continue," Yasay said.

Yasay said there will no longer be joint patrols by Philippine and U.S. forces in the disputed South China Sea as they do not want to further increase tensions.

"What the president was emphasizing were only joint patrols in the area of South China Sea, the disputed area. He said there will be none, this is not covered by any military agreement or treaty with the Philippines," he said.

"But we will certainly respect all of our agreements especially with the United States," he said.

Yasay said the Philippines pursues an independent foreign policy that serves its national interests and that his country will strengthen its relationship with China, while not alienating its traditional friendship with the United States and other allies.

Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the United States since he won a presidential election in May. He says he is charting a foreign policy not dependent on the US, and has taken steps to revive ties with China, which had been strained under his predecessor over longstanding territorial conflicts in the South China Sea.

Earlier this month, he said he would not allow government forces to conduct joint patrols of disputed waters near the South China Sea with foreign powers, apparently scrapping a deal his predecessor reached with the US military earlier this year.

He has said he wants US military forces out of the southern Philippines and blamed America for inflaming local Muslim insurgencies there.

Duterte has said he was considering acquiring military equipment from Russia and China.
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Linkedin Amir Hussain (Strait Times) Singapore  Thu, September 29, 2016

Fifteen months after he was given a prison sentence for intending to wounding religious feelings, teenage blogger Amos Yee on Thursday (Sept 29) was again given a jail term for the same crime.

The 17-year-old was sentenced to six weeks' jail and a $2,000 fine in total for eight charges - two for failing to turn up at a police station and six for intending to wound the feelings of Muslims and/or Christians.

Principal District Judge Ong Hian Sun said Yee is not lacking in his mental capacity to make rational choices in the way he conducts himself, adding that he has the capability to do good or harm with what he does and says.

"He has, on several occasions, deliberately elected to do harm by using offensive and insulting words and profane gestures to hurt the feelings of Christians and Muslims. His contemptuous and irreverent remarks have the tendency to generate social unrest and undermine the religious harmony in our society," the judge said.

"It is therefore in the public interest that such conduct by (Yee) should not be condoned or tolerated by this court."

If Yee does not pay the fine, he will have to spend another 10 days in jail. He will start his sentence on Oct 13.

The prosecution had sought six weeks' jail and a $2,000 fine in total, while Yee's lawyer asked for four weeks' jail and a $1,000 fine, in default five days' jail.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Hon Yi said: "This case is about an accused person who, even after a previous brush with the law for a similar offence, deliberately upped the ante by escalating the offensiveness of the material which he created. (Yee) cynically set out to wound religious feelings in order to gain attention for himself, and ultimately to profit financially from such attention."

DPP Hon said that although Yee is young, he is not immature, and "he knows full well the implications of his action".

"A viewing of his videos, laden with strong language and rife with comments aimed at insulting key aspects of the Christian and Muslim faiths easily bears this out. In sentencing (Yee), this court should send a clear message that acts which impugn the racial and religious harmony of this country will not be tolerated," DPP Hon added.

Defence lawyer N. Kanagavijayan said Yee is "deeply remorseful for all his acts".

"He admits that all his acts were grossly offensive and provocative to the Christian faith and to Islam. He admits that his acts were premeditated."

Mr Kanagavijayan said: "(Yee) admits that he does not possess any religious, scholastic and/or intellectual ability to discuss religion. No religious leaders of the Christian and Muslim faiths have come forward to say that their religious feelings have been affected.

"(Yee) admits that his contemptuous and vituperative language that he had used ... shows his shallowness of his thoughts in respect of both Christianity and Islam."

On Wednesday (Sept 28), Yee threw in the towel on his three remaining counts of wounding religious feelings, pleading guilty to uploading one photo and two videos online, between April 17 and May 19, with the intention of wounding Muslim feelings.

The admission of guilt marked the end of his trial, which began in August. Yee's defence had yet to be called during the four-day trial.

Yee pleaded guilty to two charges on the third day of the trial on Aug 23. He failed to show up at Jurong Police Division at 9am on Dec 14, 2015, despite a police officer's notice. He also did not turn up at the same place at 9am on May 10, in spite of a magistrate's order.

He admitted to three more charges on the fourth day of the trial, on Aug 24. He made one Facebook post and one blog post, which intended to wound Muslim feelings. He also admitted to posting one video online, which intended to wound Christian feelings. These crimes were committed between November last year and April this year.

Yee first came to the attention of the authorities when he uploaded an expletive-laden video on March 27, 2015, four days after the death of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Yee later also posted an obscene image on his blog.

He was convicted on May 12, 2015, and sentenced on July 6 to four weeks' jail. He was released the same day as the punishment was backdated to include his time in remand. He had spent about 50 days in prison after repeatedly breaching bail conditions.

For his two counts of failing to turn up at Jurong Police Division, Yee could have been jailed for one month and fined $1,500 per charge.

For his six counts of intending to wound religious feelings, he could have been jailed for three years and fined for each charge.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Foster Gultom has said there is a difficulty in promoting Indonesian tourism in Kazakhstan due to a lack of direct flights.

According to data in the Indonesian Embassy in Astana, only 10,000 Kazakhtan tourists visited Indonesia in 2015, a low number compared with the 75,000 who visited Thailand and the 15,000 visiting Malaysia in the same year.

To even try increasing this figure by as few as 1,000 is very difficult, Foster said upon receiving a delegation from the Tourism Ministry to the embassy in Astana on Tuesday, September 28. There is no direct flight yet, he emphasized.

(Read also: State set to run biggest hotel chain in Indonesia)

As quoted by kompas.com, Foster explained that currently Kazakhstans national carrier, Air Astana, only operates direct flights to Malaysia and Thailand, and Indonesian flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, has yet to open direct flights to Kazahstan. The lack of direct flights, said Foster, made Kazakhstan tourists consider other destinations.

Where will we fly through? How many hours? They say that going to Nice or Venice is closer to Kazakhstan. So these people are monitoring European travel destinations. They also like Dubai, a lot of locals travel to Dubai, he said.

Foster hopes Garuda Indonesia will have the courage to open direct flights to and from Kazakhstan. The ambassador, who has been in office since 2012, is hopeful about reaching the 12 million tourists target in 2016, as well as the 20 million target in 2019. (asw)
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Linkedin Liu Zhihua (China Daily/Asia News Network)  Thu, September 29, 2016

Qinglianggu Valley, which is in a Beijing suburb, has built a glass-bottom path to attract more visitors, especially those interested in outdoor thrills.

At an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level, the path, with corners and even steps, looks ready to reach the clouds.

It will open to the public during the National Day holiday week, beginning Oct. 1, and will not charge ticket fees for that period.

(Read also: World's longest, highest glass bridge opens in Hunan)

The glass path seen from above. (China Daily/Jiang Dong)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 29, 2016

The government plans to consolidate all hotel businesses owned by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) under one entity, the Hotel Indonesia Group (HIG).

The move was announced in a ceremony led by SOE Minister Rini M. Soemarno on Wednesday.

In addition to introducing HIG's new portal and logo, the event also saw the signing of a cooperation agreement between HIG and 16 other SOEs to support supply chains, human resources and hotel management.

The first stage of consolidation move is to develop synergies between hotels owned by PT Hotel Indonesia Natour, PT Patrajasa, a subsidiary of state oil and gas company PT Pertamina, and PT Aero Wisata, a subsidiary of national flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia.

(Read also: State-owned hotels synergize before forming holding)

Aiming to become the biggest hotel chain in the country and eyeing an increasing number of tourists from within and outside of the country, HIG currently comprises 26 hotels, including 7 hotels owned by PT Aero Wisata, 12 hotels owned by PT Hotel Indonesia Natour and seven hotels owned by PT Patrajasa. The hotels are in different star categories and spread out across the country.

At the ceremony, it was announced that nine Pesona Hotels owned by state-owned pawnbroker PT Pegadaian and one hotel owned by PT Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) would join HIG. "Hopefully other state-owned hotels will follow suit and join HIG," said Rini, as quoted by the Antara news agency. Rini added the group would highlight Indonesian hospitality in line with international standards, delivered by well-trained human resources. (kes)
Its tough to walk anywhere on the Lower East Side these days without running into construction barricades and passing under scaffolding. Buildings are popping up from one end of the neighborhood to the other. By our count, there are at least six new luxury condo developers actively marketing apartments. Recently we stopped by the sales office for one high profile project: the condominiums on the former site of the Streits Matzo Factory. Heres what we were told by the development team.

After 90 years on the Lower East Side, the Streit family sold four adjacent tenements last year to Cogswell Lee Development for $30.5 million. We met with Arthur Stern, the firms CEO; architect Charlie Kaplan of Gluck+; and Millie Perry of Stribling Associates, the brokerage handling sales at 150 Rivington St.

Theyre obviously very much aware that the Streits Matzo Factory was a beloved institution on the Lower East Side and that many longtime residents feel strong emotional ties to the site. The character of the Lower East Side is important to us, said Stern. Members of the Streit family struggled with their own powerful emotions about the old neighborhood before deciding to sell. Stern explained, we worked very closely with the family. Were still in contact with them. Were going to their opening up in Rockland County when they open their new matzo factory. Stern suggested that the development team intended to, preserve the character of what was there (photos of the factory will be hung in the new lobby), at the same time realizing that things change.

The change will be stark. The new seven story building will be glassy, interspersed with specially designed cast panels. Kaplan, a principal of Gluck+, said, the whole facade looks like its shimmering in the breeze (adding a) vibrancy that we think really fits in with the neighborhood in an interesting and new way.

We have been studying this neighborhood for some time, said Kaplan. What you find is that theres just an amazing mix of different kinds of buildings from different periods thats exciting. It goes hand-in-hand with the kind of business establishments that are here, restaurants and bars and galleries. Theres a real mix of things down here. In designing the building, we really wanted to pick up on that kind of vibrancy and eclectic quality.

There will be 45 apartments at 150 Rivington when the building opens in the first part of 2018. A ground floor commercial space covers just under 9,000 square feet. No commercial tenants have been lined up as of yet. Sales kicked off weeks ago for the apartments, which range in price from about $1 million to $4 million for penthouse units.

Stern called the response from prospective buyers steady.

When you look at the overall real estate market, he added, its not 2014 (when the New York market experienced an unprecedented residential real estate boom). I dont think anyone would try to pretend that it is. But the response to our product has been fantastic. Were selling units. It may not have been at the pace of 2013 or 2014, but its at a pace were happy with.

As mentioned above, 150 Rivington is competing for buyers with several other Lower East Side projects. The Broome Street condos in the big Essex Crossing project hit the market this week. Other developments in the immediate area include: 100 Norfolk St., 50 Clinton St., 196 Orchard St. and 287 East Houston St.

Are there concerns that the market is over-saturated? While Stern conceded that the Lower East Side is certainly on everyones radar screen, he added that the overall number of condo units becoming available in the neighborhood is still small. When you look at a city this size, he explained, and you look at the overall demand, its not like we have a five year oversupply of condos coming to the Lower East Side. The interest is going to far outstrip the supply that is being produced. [The six projects referenced in this story are adding about 250 condo units to the the neighborhood.]

Millie Perry said brokers are seeing a lot of potential buyers who either live downtown now, or are familiar with the area. There are some investors looking to snap up a condo unit or two, as well as parents of New York University students eyeing apartments for their kids. From a perspective of locals understanding what change is happening in their world, said Perry, interest has been strong from people who, really love the Lower East Side for its authenticity, for its culture, for what it is. Theyre not looking to change it. Theyre just looking to immerse with it and find a home here.

Twelve units at 150 Rivington St. are currently listed on StreetEasy. Five are under contract, including a 2 bed/2 bath apartment on the sixth floor for $2.260,000. The cheapest unit listed in a 543 square foot 1-bedroom for $1,030,000.
Former Israeli President Shimon Peres has died aged 93. Peres, who served twice as Prime Minister and later as President, suffered from a stroke two weeks ago and had been in intensive care until a sudden deterioration yesterday. He passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Peres was one of the worlds longest-serving politicians, with a career spanning 60 years in which he filled nearly every position in Israeli government, working in 12 different administrations. At the time of his retirement from the Presidential office in 2014 he was the oldest head of state in the world.

Born in 1923 what is now Vishnyeva, Belarus, Peres immigrated with his family to Mandatory Palestine under British administration when he was 11. There he attended agriculture school and quickly began participating in youth politics, becoming secretary of Labour Zionist movement Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed at 18 years old.

Shimons involvement in politics grew and by the time Israel declared independence in 1948 he was working as a governmental aide, leading many today to hail him as the last surviving link to the nations founding fathers. Peres was then appointed to head the naval service of the newly autonomous state.

Despite his political career being as illustrious as it was lengthy, theres no doubt as to its crowning moment. In 1995, following years of conflict between Israel and Palestine, Peres alongside Bill Clinton and other prominent international figures formed part of the team who finalised the signing of the Oslo Accords, a set of arrangements which were to provide for peace between the two states. The agreement, while not creating a Palestinian state, did resolve issues of border location, military presence, and the status of Jerusalem.

Although ultimately unsuccessful, this process was hugely important for the region, and did bring about a period of peace to the middle east, however short-lived.

Shimon won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Oslo Accords, and throughout his political career maintained a desire for peace in the region, once stating that the Palestinians were Israel's "closest neighbours" and might become its "closest friends".

Although often viewed with scepticism in his own country Peres was highly regarded across the globe, and the news of his death has triggered tributes from mainly world leaders and senior political figures. Messages of grief and respect have poured in from the likes of Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and Barack Obama, who called Mr Peres a "dear friend" and "the essence of Israel itself".

The loss of such an important figure in the formation of Israel will be felt deeply. Despite arguably his most important achievement being eventually unsuccessful, Peres lived in hope of peace between Israel and Palestine. As his memory lives on, so too may the possibility of realising this dream.
From depression and anxiety to coming out as gay  the issues many of us have to deal with are complex, and take a huge amount of inner strength and determination to overcome.

Often though, university can offer a fresh start  and whilst not solving deeply-seated issues or societys prejudices entirely, can often give us a new way to look at the world.

Sometimes, a fresh start can be what is needed to change your life.

Here two students tell us how they dealt with their biggest challenges, and how their lives have been different since.

Bruno, from Southampton

For me moving to university was a very important part of my life. Back at college I'd never been able to come out as gay. This was partly because I was lacking confidence in myself and how others would take it, but also because I didn't feel like I was in an accepting environment.

Sadly, though, this did cause me anxiety and to feel down a lot: I couldn't be who I really wanted to be. That's why university was so life-changing for me: not just gaining independence but getting the confidence to openly admit my sexuality to both myself and others. University gave me a new community; a new family in a way, and one in which I felt I'd be accepted for who I was.

Now I'm able to be myself and have become so much happier and more confident as a result. University has certainly changed my life for the better as it gave me the strength to find and admit my true identity and live the life I want to lead.

Lucy, from Liverpool

Since around the age of 13 Id been aware that my mental health wasnt quite right, as a result of bullying in my first couple of years of secondary school - but also just the way that my mind seemed to work.

Too scared to go to a doctor, and not thinking I was sick enough, I spent perhaps four years diagnosing myself with various illnesses based on online symptom checkers until, after one particular meltdown, I booked into the doctors and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Everything is always a big deal. I get worried over the smallest of things, particularly if it involves interacting with people. Im constantly scared of what other people think of me and rely on their thoughts of me for my own self validation. My panic attacks became so bad I was having them whilst driving, whilst on nights out, in shops - anytime, anywhere.

Nervous and emotional breakdowns were becoming all too common, and coming to university last year was terrifying for me. Meeting new people isnt my strongest skill; I often waffle and babble, or just dont interact with anyone at all.

Realising that everybody else on my course, too, had to meet new people and make new friends was a relief to me. I was determined to be sure I made friends and didnt stay alone in a corner the whole year whilst everybody else flourished and developed friendship groups. I basically had a harsh word with myself (and maybe a few cries), went into uni, and simply said hi - and thats genuinely something to be proud of.

A fresh start somewhere new was exactly what I needed, and though I still struggle with anxiety in different aspects of my life, I can say that Im happy and I dont feel it holds me back from opportunities and progressing in life as it once did. Im proud of that.
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DNA results help Phuket police solve case of missing hotel worker

PHUKET: Police have confirmed that the case of a Patong hotel worker who was reported missing on May 7 has been solved after DNA taken from a body found floating in a Kathu pond on May 9 matched that of family members of the missing man.

patongdeathpolice

By The Phuket News

Thursday 29 September 2016, 09:58AM

Muhammad Hakiki, 24, from Indonesia, was reported as missing on May 7. Photo: Thanin Promrungsri / Facebook

Lt Sawanya Eidthrong of the Kathu Police told The Phuket News yesterday (Sept 27) that the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Surat Thani has confirmed that DNA samples taken from family members of the missing man matched with DNA samples taken from the body found in the pond in Kathu.

I can confirm that the DNA samples taken from the missing mans family and that of the man found floating in the pond matched. However, we are still waiting on confirmation of the cause of death before we conclude our investigation, he said.

Muhammad Hakiki, 24, from Indonesia was reported missing on May 7. He was staying at accommodation in Kathu provided by the hotel which was not far from where the body was found in the pond. (See story here.)

A toothbrush and some hair samples collected from Mr Hakikis room were sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Surat Thani for DNA comparison with DNA taken from the body in May. (See story here.)

However, results from that comparison where inconclusive, therefore DNA samples were taken from Mr Hakikis family in Indonesia and transported to Thailand. The results showed that the DNA samples were a match.

Lt Sawanya went on to explain that the police investigation cannot be concluded just yet, but murder has been ruled out.

After questioning people from the area where the body was found including friends, co-workers and family there appears to be only two possible causes of death, suicide or drowning.

Mr Hakikis parents also believe that these two possibilities may be the cause of death. They believe that their son was having some personal issues at the time, Lt Sawanya said.

The last person to see Mr Hakiki alive was a guard at the accommodation. He told us that he saw Mr Hakiki walking towards the pond wearing only a towel, the one we found in the area. It is possible that he was walking in the area and slipped and fell into the water. We dont really know.

We are waiting for confirmation on the cause of death and then we will close this case, he added.
MQDC scoops eight honours at Thailand Property Awards

BANGKOK: MQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation collected a total of eight awards to waltz away with the years highest honour for Best Developer at the 11th annual Thailand Property Awards 2016, an international event presented by Hansgrohe and organised by PropertyGuru, Asias leading online property group.

propertyconstructioneconomics

By Sponsored

Thursday 29 September 2016, 12:04PM

Liam Aran Barnes, Brand Director and Editor-In-Chief-of Property Report Presenting The Real Estate Personality of the year award to Dr Suriya Poolvoralaks of Major Development.

VIPs on the red carpet of the 11th annual Thailand Property Awards 2016, held at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok: (L-R) Real Estate Personality of the Year Dr Suriya Poolvoralaks, Managing Director, Major Development PCL; Jani Rautiainen, Co-Founder and Executive Director, PropertyGuru Group; Russ Downing, Managing Director, Hot Hua Hin Co Ltd, and judge; VIP guest and speaker Khun Suwat Liptapanlop, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand; Terry Blackburn, Dounder and Managing Director of Asia Property Awards a

MQDCs CEO Visit Malaisirirat collected the Best Developer (Thailand) award from Suphin Mechuchep of JLL Thailand, chairwoman of the judges.

Winners of the 11th Thailand Property Awards 2016, which were announced on Sept 22 at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok (a Royal Meridien hotel).

The awards are the Kingdoms biggest and longest-running annual real estate event, attended by more than 600 guests and leading figures including VIP guest and speaker former Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop.

Top winner MQDCs mega-developments along the Chao Phraya River won several gongs, including Best Ultra Luxury Condo Development (Bangkok) for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, and Best Luxury Condo Development (Bangkok) for Magnolias Waterfront Residences at ICONSIAM. The former also received the Best Condo Development (Thailand) award.

According to the judging panel presided by Dr Manop Bongsadadt, renowned professor of architecture at Bangkoks Chulalongkorn University, MQDCs riverfront ventures will forever change waterfront living in the capital.

A few more accolades went to other Chao Phraya River-based projects, proving once again that the super prime location is among the top draws for Bangkoks luxury real estate segment. Menam Residences received the Best High-Rise High End Condo Development (Bangkok) trophy, while Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel by multiple nominee Minor Hotels made a clean sweep with four gongs, including three awards for design and one for Best Hotel Development  a category which had no other contenders.

Elsewhere, PACE Developments MahaSamutr, which features the largest man-made crystalline lagoon in Thailand, took home three awards for Best Residential Architectural Design, Best Luxury Villa Development (Hua Hin) and Best Villa Development (Thailand).

MahaSamutr has brought a level of luxury living to Hua Hin unlike the city has ever seen before, the judges noted.

Suphin Mechuchep, managing director at Jones Lang LaSalle (Thailand) and chairperson of the judging panel, said that the 2016 Winners  whether land-based or located near a body of water  received the judges approval because they understood what the market expects from quality real estate.

These award-winning developments help raise the bar and set an example of standards for future developments to follow, Ms Suphin said.

The second decade of the Thailand Property Awards introduced eight new categories, reflecting the resilience and continued growth of the Thai real estate market. Among the new awards was a Special Recognition in Sustainable Development, which was presented to Best Developer winner MQDC.

The companys Sustainnovation campaign clearly has made sustainability both a cornerstone and a unique selling point not only in the development and design of their projects but in changing customers attitudes, behaviours and practices to ensure a project remains sustainable for many generations to come, said the judges.

MQDC also earned the Best Green Development accolade for the Whizdom Avenue Ratchada  Ladprao high-end project, a two-time winner this year.

Official supervisor BDO, one of the worlds largest accountancy and auditing firms, supervised the Thailand Property Awards 2016s entire nomination and judging process to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility. The BDO team was led by co-managing partner Paul Ashburn.

A total of 33 award categories were presented at the black-tie gala last Thursday (Sept 22_ at Plaza Athenee Bangkok  a Royal Meridien hotel  to the Kingdoms best developers and developments, plus one special award for the Real Estate Personality of the Year, Dr Suriya Poolvoralaks, managing director of Best Ultra Luxury Condo Development (Bangkok) finalist Major Development, who was chosen by the editors of Property Report for leading one of the countrys top names in the luxury segment.

Vision without action is just a dream. I dedicate this prestigious Real Estate Personality award to all the young men and women at Major Development who have contributed their efforts to the MJD brand and for making our collective vision come true, he said.

Thailands top winners are now eligible to compete in the 6th South East Asia Property Awards 2016 grand finals to be held in Singapore on November 24 for the Best of the Best honours in South East Asia.

They will be facing national winners from seven other Asean countries.

Congratulations to all the Winners and Highly Commended companies at the industrys biggest annual event, the Thailand Property Awards, which now celebrates its second decade, making it the longest-running and most recognised international real estate awards programme in the country, said Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the Asia Property Awards.

As always we are delighted to reward the finest boutique and up-and-coming developers in Thailand along with the Kingdoms biggest and established developers for the 11th consecutive year, he added.

Their efforts to elevate the standards of the Thai property industry have been recognised and are admired around the Asean region.

The 11th Thailand Property Awards 2016 was presented by title sponsor Hansgrohe and supported by gold sponsors Kuppersbusch and JLL Thailand, the countrys top media and business associations including Thailands No. 1 property portal, DDproperty.com, and official media partner Property Report, Asias leading luxury real estate, architecture and design magazine.

Property Report earlier hosted the high-level real estate networking conference Property Report Congress Thailand 2016, which debuted in Bangkok right before the annual Gala Dinner featuring local and international experts such as JLLs Mechuchep, iconic designer Thomas Leeser of LEESER Architecture, and Thailand Property Awards returning judge Clayton Wade, managing director of Premier Homes, who served as the conference chairman.

For more information about Thailands biggest real estate event, contact info@asiapropertyawards.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com/thailandpropertyawards/
Outward bound: British Ambassador sheds light on UKs post-Brexit future

PHUKET: Those looking for a clearer answer as to what the British government is aiming to achieve in international trade and political relations post-Brexit were treated to some valuable insights by British Ambassador to Thailand Brian Davidson during his visit to Phuket last week.

economicspolitics

By The Phuket News

Thursday 29 September 2016, 02:29PM

British Ambassador to Thailand Brian Davidson has a very positive vision for British business in Thailand.

The unfolding post-Brexit scenario was an anchor of Amb Davidsons presentation at the British Chamber of Commerce of Thailand (BCCT) Business Dinner held at the Amari Patong on Sept 22.

I think the situation is still a little unclear as to what the final parameters of the negotiations will be, but my expectation  and this is my thoughts only  is that by early next year we will have a reasonable sense of what the Cabinet feels are the parameters for negotiations that will take us forward, Amd Davidson said.

Mr Davidson noted that wide speculation in the press about Britains position post-Brexit ran the full spectrum from full self-regulation to a disguised re-entry into the EU market, but noted that UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had made very clear what Amb Davidsons role in Thailand is.

Boris Johnson, who was one of the key supporters of the Leave campaign, has very strong vision of where Britain should be in the world, and I think it is very helpful that he has been very clear, Amb Davidson said.

The UK is not looking back in on itself, we are looking more outward. The instructions I have for the mission (UK Embassy) is to look at the opportunities, particularly in Thailand and Southeast Asia, for the UK to expand its presence, to solidify some of the relationships we have, and to see what additional advantage we can gain before we Brexit finally becomes a reality, he explained.

To this, Amb Davidosn pointed to the formation of the Thai-UK Business Leadership Council as crucial step in developing UK-Thailand trade relations.

We have been talking to very senior business people in Thailand, and there is very strong support from the Thai side, he said, praising the achievements of both Prime Ministers Special Envoy Virasakdi Futrakul and UK Prime Ministers Trade Envoy to Thailand Mark Garnier.

This is a very strong development in providing British businesses the best opportunity to enter the market here in Thailand, he said.

We are close to making recommendations, but we need to make sure that what we present to the Thai government is what British business needs to support the development of industries in Thailand  and we need to represent the interests of SMEs (small- to medium-sized enterprises), he said.

Noting from his experience in China, where he served for the better part of 25 years, Amb Davidson said it was important for people to keep in mind that Chinas economic growth was not an overnight miracle.

The assumption seems to be that the growth was a straight line of continuous development, but actually it was a process of peaks and troughs, he said.

Most countries move forward through this same process of peaks and troughs, and with Thailand I think we should focus less on the immediate and more on the long-term development.

Not only should we look at what Thailand is doing for its own development, but also how its exploiting the developments within Southeast Asia and growth within the Asean community.

We should see how the UK can support Thailand to take advantage of the developments within Asean and how the country is working towards moving up the value chain; to become a hub for the digital industry in Southeast Asia, and use the support we can give bringing in British expertise through businesses to help Thailand achieve its stated ambitions in these areas to create opportunities for British business interests in Thailand, he explained.

I think theres a very positive vision for British business in Thailand, Amb Davidson concluded.
Phang Nga police officer charged with drunk driving

PHUKET: The Phang Nga police officer who landed six people in a hospital in Phang Nga on the night of Sept 9 when drunk at the wheel of his pickup truck has been charged with drunk driving after results of his BAC test confirmed that his alcohol level was over the limit.

accidentscrimepolicetransportalcohol

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Thursday 29 September 2016, 05:44PM

Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit caused outrage among Phang Nga Town locals after leaving six people when he plowed his pickup truck into them while drunk at the wheel. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Lt Dusit Phongphan, an inspector with the Phang Nga Muang District Police, told The Phuket News today (Sept 29), We have finally received the BAC test results from Phang Nga Hospital after waiting for more than two weeks, and they confirm that the officers alcohol level was more than 50mg at the time of the incident. The officer has now been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, he said. Lt Dusit declined to elaborate further as to whether the officer, Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit, will face a prison sentence. His case has been handed over to the court and a disciplinary committee, and he will be punished accordingly by them, he said. Initial reports on the incident stated that Sub Lt Thanom was reeking of alcohol when he left six people injured after his pickup truck crossed Phetkasem Rd and crashed into them  before he fled the scene. The incident sparked outrage among local residents in Phang Nga Town.(See story here.) Sub Lt Thanom of Phang Nga Muang Police Station was released on bail of B20,000 after he was charged with reckless driving causing injury and fleeing the scene. (See story here.)
Ying Kai pleads not guilty to lese majeste charge

BANGKOK: Alleged fraudster Monta Ying Kai Yokrattanakan entered a not guilty plea in the Criminal Court today (Sept 29) to a lese majeste charge.

crimepolice

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 29 September 2016, 04:18PM

Warders escort Ying Kai into a prison van to be taken to the Central Womens Correctional Institution on July 7. Photo: Bangkok Post file photo

The court set Nov 21 for a preliminary hearing to examine evidence and witness lists after the 56-year-old affirmed her innocence and said she would defend herself in court.

Ms Monta was arraigned yesterday (Sept 28) for insulting the royal institution in allegedly telling other people she was a khunying, a title bestowed by His Majesty the King, and was close to the royal institution. The false claim was used to seek undue favours and benefits.

The offence was committed between May 2012 and August 2013 in Bangkoks Chatuchak district, the prosecution alleged.

Ms Monta appeared calm and was wearing a surgical face mask when she was taken from the Central Womens Correctional Institution to the court this morning. She has been detained at the institution since July 7 after the court rejected her bail request.

The woman has also been charged with lodging false complaints, human trafficking and defamation, all of them currently still under police investigation.

Ms Monta made headlines earlier this year after her former housekeepers accused her of lodging false complaints of theft against them. The complaints were said to have been filed in retaliation for the womens refusal to accept Ms Montas offers of highly-paid employment, said to be related to prostitution.

Read original story here.
11AAA semis will be awesome and more from HS football quarterfinals
A woman hugs a boy following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)
Organisation: Zoe

Recruitment

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About US:

Zoe Recruitment is an HR consultancy company that exists to contribute

to the transformation of productivity and work ethic, by linking talent to

business/organizations, and placing people right. At Zoe we believe this then

forms the foundation for sustainable business and on a larger scale, economic

growth. Zoe would like to recruit for a valuable client in the architectural

industry.



Key Duties and Responsibilities:

General office organisation and

cleanliness

In charge of preparing and maintaining basic

books of accounts and payroll

Assist in preparing and monitoring of the

annual budget of the business;

Ensure that clients are billed on time and

ensure timely follow up collecting on invoices sent to clients;

Ensure compliance with all tax filing

deadlines and submissions;

In charge of the maintenance of

registration files of the firm and ensuring that all annual registration

requirements required of the Directors and firm are complied with in good

time e.g. with KCCA, URA, etc.

Prepare expense reports  e.g. telephone

reports, claims summaries, advance claims prior to payroll date of 25th of

each month. Stationery reports, etc by billing date of 1st of every month;

Keenly review and process advance and claim

forms timely. Ensure that out of pocket policy is complied with by staff;

Prepare IT reports usage. Provide a

monthly report on IT matters and ensure staff IT problems are resolved

quickly;

Manage all petty cash matters;

Track all WHT tax deductions suffered by

the firm and maintain an accurate record for these for inclusion and

posting in the financial records of the company;

Handle all procurement of the business.

Admin checklist compliance. Report to be

given to Director on a monthly basis;

Maintenance of staff annual leave

management worksheet;

In charge of the maintenance of property

and equipment register which is submitted to director on a quarterly basis

for review;

The Administrator will manage reception

area



Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:

The applicant should preferably hold a Bachelors

degree in a finance field;

Professional accounting qualifications i.e.

ACCA/CPA level an added advantage;

A minimum of four to five years experience

working in a busy Admin and Finance role

Computer literacy i.e. hands-on experience

using Tally and QuickBooks.

Highly organized and detailed oriented;

Must have an analytical and questioning

mind;

Excellent verbal and written communication

skills;

Good working knowledge of the URA portal

with particular emphasis on tax filings including VAT, income tax, WHT,

PAYE;

Excellent presentation skills;

Good team player and understands that

their role is there to support the professional staff in achieving a

collective objective.

Is a self starter and works with little

supervision

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to

apply online through Zoes e-recruitment portal at the link below together

with:

Attached copies of all academic

qualifications (transcripts and certificates);

Detailed CVs and daytime mobile telephone

numbers;

Three work references and or/academic

references;

th October,

2016 Deadline: 7October,2016
All eyes are on a high-level meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to review the 'Most Favoured Nation' granted to Pakistan. The meeting comes amid speculations that India may withdraw the MFS status to Pakistan in the wake of a terror attack on an army camp in Uri on September 18.

Officials from the external affairs ministry and commerce ministry are expected to attend the meeting.

The MFN status was accorded in 1996 as per India's commitments as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). According to the MFN principle of the WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)to which India is a signatory/contracting partyeach of the WTO member countries (including India and Pakistan in this case), should "treat all the other members equally as 'most-favoured' trading partners."

Tension between India and Pakistan escalated after terrorists, believed to be from Pakistan, stormed the army camp in Uri and killed 28 soldiers. Four militants were also killed in the ensuing gun battle.

India has already launched a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan aiming at globally isolating the neighbouring country over its alleged support of cross-border terrorism. India has decided to pull out of the Saarc summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November. Three other countriesAfghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutanalso have joined India to boycott the summit.

Meanwhile, New Delhi is reviewing the Indus Waters Treaty and looking for ways of increasing its use of waters. In a high-level meeting, Modi said water and blood cant flow at the same time. The meeting decided to suspend further water talks with Pakistan and increase the utilisation of rivers flowing through Kashmir to maximise Indias share.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West wants to get a restraining order against Vitalii Sediuk, the prankster who has allegedly attacked her twice in two years.

During the latest incident, the prankster tried to kiss Kim's posterior | AP

The 35-year-old star was attacked by Ukrainian former TV presenter Sediuk recently at the Paris Fashion Week, and she is said to want some serious action taken against him, reported TMZ.

Sources close to the Kardashian clan have said that Kim is planning to file a police report over the incident, which occurred as she was attending the Balmain fashion show.

She is calling in her lawyers and wants a restraining order against Vitalii, who attacked Gigi Hadid at Milan Fashion Week last week, after he also targeted her at Paris Fashion Week in 2014.

During the latest incident, the prankster tried to kiss the raven-haired beauty's posterior but her security team managed to wrestle him to the ground just beforehand.

Sediuk has targeted Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in the past.
Indian army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir on Wednesday night causing significant casualties on terrorists, said Director General Military Operations Lt Gen. Ranbir Singh.

Talking to media soon after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DGMO said he had informed his Pakistani counterpart about the operation.

"The strikes were carried out based on specific and credible information," he said.

The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory, said Singh. No Indian casualties have been reported during the operation.

It is a matter of serious concern that there has been many infiltration bids by terrorists at LoC, he told a hurriedly called press briefing where External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

Despite our persistent urging to Pakistan to not allow their territory for terrorist activities, nothing was done, Singh said.

The DGMO said the operation had since ceased. "We do not have plans of further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrived."

The surgical strikes came 11 days after a terror attack on an Indian army camp in Uri on September 18 killing 18 soldiers. The attack had escalated the tension between India and Pakistan with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of facilitating infiltration of terrorists across the LoC.

Pakistan, however, denied any surgical strike by India but admitted to the death of two soldiers in cross-LoC firing by Indian troops.

"The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by Indian to create false effects," a military statement said.

"This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth. Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded," the statement said, according to the Dawn.com.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minisrer Nawaz Sharif warned India not to take Pakistan's peaceful intent as "our weakness".

Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying that the Indian operation led to the death of two Pakistani soldiers.

"Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of our country," the prime minister said. He said Pakistan can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan".
In a decisive blow to terror camps operating across the border, the Modi government on Thursday sent a stern message to Pakistan, with the Indian armed forces attacking seven terror camps, 2-3 kms from the LoC, killing several terrorists. In the process, it has been made clear to the Pakistan military and the civilian government that 'terror havens' on its soil will not be allowed to continue their nefarious designs in Indian territory. The forces who went into PoK to dismantle the terror camps and foil possible attacks in coming days are returning to the headquarters.

The attack comes days after terrorists from across the border in Pakistan entered Indian territory and launched an audacious strike on an army camp in Uri, killing 18 soldiers and wounding several others. The Home Minister, who congratulated the Indian army, did not waste any time in garnering political support for its covert strike. Before an all-party meet was convened, he spoke to senior political figures like Nitish Kumar, former PM Deve Gowda, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sitaram Yechury and Prakash Singh Badal.

The assault on terror infrastructure has been coupled with India's claim and assertion that its forces entered the PoK which is a 'part of India' and technically not 'Pakistan territory'. This was explained by the home minister to the leaders of various political parties, sources said, adding that the government has been able to win support of the opposition for its retaliation .

Meanwhile, security sources have cautioned that any terror strike in the coming days could escalate tension further and security agencies have been directed to maintain tight vigil as they expect a strong retaliation by the ISI-backed terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba .

The border guarding forces are aware that heavy shelling can cause severe damage and casualties among the population living in border areas and state governments in Rajastan , Punjab and Gujarat, among others, have been asked to take precautionary measures .

In the diplomatic front , India has been able to muster support of the international community which is watching the developments carefully .

The fact that India has targeted only terrorist infrastructure and not civilians or Pakistan military targets across the LoC is seen as a step in the right direction .

Speaking to the media after the all party meet , Venkaiah Naidu said, The Government wanted to inform about surgical ops conducted by Army to foil attempts of terrorist launching pads from Pakistan. DGMO has already provided the details . Five important places from Kupwara to Poonch along the border have been used by the terrorists to infiltrate and create havoc in JK and also other parts of the country. Army has conducted the surgical operations successfully. "

Earlier, the DGMO Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh said, "Significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those trying to shield them. We dont have a plan to further conduct such strikes. India has spoken to Pakistan."

Naidu further said that all political parties are happy with the Army taking this initiative because the 'other side has been testing our patience'.

This coordinated effort was appreciated by one and all. Everyone acknowledges that Pakistan now understands that we have reached the limit of our tolerance. This step has been taken in the interest of national security and we remain united."

Sources in the BSF said that it has only restricted the movement of farmers who go across the border fence to observe the reaction of Pakistani forces today. There is no withdrawal of the retreat ceremony from the BSF side. But the Civil Administration is restricting the movement of civilians in these areas. Officials also said that there was no evacuation or army deployment on the International Border manned by the BSF.
The Punjab government has ordered the evacuation of villages in a 10-km belt along the border with Pakistan following the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the LoC.



The union home ministry on Thursday directed the Punjab government to get the border villages evacuated.

Local authorities were using loudspeakers to announce to residents in the border villages to leave their homes and villages and move to safer zones.



The authorities have ordered the closure of schools and other institutions in the border belt.



Punjab's border districts include Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Abohar and Fazilka.



Informed sources said the Border Security Force (BSF) was mobilising its troops and strengthening the security along the border belt.



Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.



Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called an emergency meeting of the cabinet on Thursday evening.
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Derech HaTorah is Rochesters Torah elementary school. Its the school that leaves visitors wishing they lived in Rochester. Its the school that makes parents whisper a silent tefilla of thanks when they think about how their children spend their days. Its the school where you hear laughter and joy in the halls. Its the school that focuses on skills and has the communitys Rosh HaYeshiva marveling at the level of the talmidim.

Its the school where secular studies are taken seriously and students ace regents exams in 7th and 8th grade. Its the school where bullying is never tolerated. Its the school that you wish you could have attended as a child. When children grow up in a warm environment where they are loved and appreciated, they thrive and usually become very productive, successful adults.

When childrens talents are recognized and encouraged, they explore and develop them and creatively contribute to klal Yisrael. When childrens learning styles are met and they experience success in academics, their potential is limitless. When children live out-of-town, they are excited about life and new experiences and are eager to make new friends. When children attend Derech HaTorah of Rochester, they are treasured, challenged and eager to learn.

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Hadassah Ein Kerem spokesperson Hadar Elboim reports that in light of the erev Shabbos levaya for former President Shimon Peres, the hospital is moving to heightened alert status.

The hospital announced states the hospital/trauma center will move to heightened alert for the levaya which will bring thousands including Israeli elected officials and VIPs from Israel and around the world.

The hospital has notified relevant departments to move to heightened alert ahead of the funeral, including emergency services and the trauma unit.

On-call personnel from all departments have been informed to remain on hospital grounds until the completion of the funeral.

Hospital administration has informed the Jerusalem Police Chief of the facilitys heightened alert status.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Former head of the National Religious Party Rabbi Yitzchak Levy, spoke with the dati leumi Kippa website following the petira of former President Shimon Peres.

My last meeting with him was after he stepped down as president explains Rabbi Levy. We met at a tourism event arranged by the Tourism Ministry. Before entering we spoke about the Pollard affair

He was Prime Minister during Pollard. He told me a number of things that I do not think I would like to share at present, regarding what occurred on that fatal night, but I saw the deep pain he had and his total satisfaction that Pollard was released. Indeed, he identified with the great pain that Pollard was in prison. This was the last time we spoke and it was the last time we met, discussing the night Pollard was arrested.

Rav Levy then spoke of the early stage of the settlement movement in the Shomron, which enjoyed total support from Peres. I was on the council of the first core group in Elon Moreh. Rabin and Peres were Prime Minister and Defense Minister. We went to speak with them about moving to the Shomron and to my great surprise, Shimon Peres supported the idea and Rabin joined later on. If there is someone who was the first in the political echelon to support the first days of settlement in Elon Moreh in the Shomron it was Shimon Peres.

I remember the first meeting very well, in Tel Aviv, as we sat and talked with Peres who gave the okay for the first group to move onto what is Elon Moreh, the first yishuv, which was then in Kedumim, but called Elon Moreh.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Israels Shimon Peres was widely admired around the world as a peacemaker and visionary, but the view in the Arab world was more complex: Memories linger of another Peres, who built up Israels military might, waged war in Lebanon and promoted policies seen as harmful to the Palestinians.

In a reflection of this sentiment, Peres death on Wednesday was greeted with official silence across the Arab world  in sharp contrast to the emotional tributes that poured in from the West.

While a long list of Western dignitaries prepared to descend upon Jerusalem for Peres funeral on Friday, no Arab leaders are yet scheduled to come. Even Egypt and Jordan, the two countries that have peace accords with Israel, had no official reaction Wednesday.

Arad Nir, the foreign affairs commentator for Channel 2 TV, said it would be very sad if the people who Peres negotiated with did not attend the funeral. It puts a question mark on Shimon Peres vision, his lifes mission: Peace, he said.

The silence reflects the animosity toward Israel in the Arab world, particularly at a time when the peace process Peres helped launch has collapsed and Arab anger is high at the hard-line policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli-Palestinian issue is not high on the regions agenda these days, amid other wars and crises, noted Michael W. Hanna, a Middle East expert at the New York-based Century Foundation.

Besides, Peres left behind a complicated legacy, he said.

Peres gained worldwide fame  and a Nobel Peace Prize  as the architect of the historic Oslo interim peace accords with the Palestinians in the mid-1990s. Late in life, he established a peace center in Tel Aviv that promoted coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, and as the nations president he used the global stage to call for peace.

But in the Arab world, especially among Palestinians, many saw Peres vision of peace as all talk.

He often presented himself as a man of peace, but no one in the Arab world really believed him, said Abdullah el-Sennawy, a prominent Egyptian columnist. Whenever there was war, he was there.

As one of Israels founding fathers, Peres was associated with the naqba, or catastrophe, that befell the Palestinians in the war surrounding Israels creation, when hundreds of thousands fled or were forced from their homes.

Peres was a significant contributor to the historic injustice that occurred to the Palestinian people, Ghassan Khatib, a former Palestinian government spokesman in the West Bank, wrote on his Facebook page.

As a Defense Ministry official during the 1950s, he helped turn Israel into a regional military power and played a central role in secretly developing what is widely believed to be a sizable nuclear arsenal. And after Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, Peres was an early defender of efforts to build Jewish settlements in the occupied territory  a position he would later abandon.

Even after spearheading the interim accords with the Palestinians, Peres led or defended tough military actions by Israel. While Peres was caretaker prime minister in 1996, Israel assassinated the Hamas militant groups chief bomb maker in the Gaza Strip  prompting a wave of bloody revenge suicide bombings that are seen as a chief reason for his subsequent election loss to Netanyahu.

Under Peres that same year, an Israeli military operation in Lebanon included a deadly artillery strike on a U.N. compound in the village of Qana that killed dozens of civilians who had fled fighting to take refuge there.

Real peace is implemented on the ground, not by killing women, children and the elderly, then taking the Nobel prize, said Mohammad Jaafar, who was among the survivors of the Qana bombardment.

The incident is a key part of Peres legacy across the region. Announcing Peres death on Wednesday, Irans state television called him the butcher of Qana.

He will stand in front of God and defend himself for his heinous crimes against humanity, said Hamad al-Qahtani, a Kuwaiti government employee. He killed refugees, orphaned children and destroyed families. May he get what he deserves.

More recently, during his presidency, Peres defended Israeli offensives against Hamas in Gaza in 2009, 2012 and 2014 in which hundreds of civilians were killed.

In one famous encounter at the 2009 World Economic Forum in Davos, Peres clashed with Turkeys then-prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, about the Israeli offensive in Gaza. You kill people, Erdogan said, rejecting Peres argument that the invasion was an act of self-defense because Hamas had launched rockets at Israel.

In Gaza on Wednesday, Hamas expressed joy over Peres death, and in Iran, local media reported that students distributed candies at Imam Sadegh University to celebrate.

Shimon Peres was an example of how the world can forget someones crimes if they only live long enough, Sultan Saoud al-Qassemi, a popular commentator in the United Arab Emirates, wrote on his Twitter feed.

Not all the reaction in the Arab world was negative. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a negotiator in the Oslo process, expressed sorrow and sadness over Peres passing. Officials said Abbas was considering attending the funeral on Friday.

And in Iraq, Iyad Jamal al-Din, a Shiite cleric and former politician, praised Peres as a wise leader who helped his people.

What have Arab leaders done for their people? Peres turned Israel from a militia to a state. Today, the last wise man of the Israelis has passed, he said.

Iranian political analyst Hassan Hanizadeh said Peres had been a moderating force in the region and helped prevent conflict. Netanyahu and other hard-liners will now have a more free hand in implementing their hard-line policies in the region and world, he said.

(AP)
German prosecutors have opened an investigation into allegations of vote-rigging in an election for Berlins Jewish community parliament.

A spokesman for the prosecutors office, Martin Steltner, said they are looking into alleged forging of documents in connection with the 2011 election.

Opposition members within the Jewish community have alleged for years that the top leadership was involved in voting fraud  something the leadership has denied.

Ilan Kiesling, a spokesman for community head Gideon Joffe, denied the new allegations on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the Central Council of Jews in Germany advised members of Berlins community parliament to suspend their functions until clarity had been reached regarding the accusations.

(AP)
[by Hannah Levin

On Thursday, September 22, a prominent delegation of Jewish leaders from across the nation, who comprise the United States  Israel Security Alliance  an initiative dedicated to strengthening the U.S.-Israeli relationship, gathered on Capitol Hill to thank leading and influential members of both the Senate and the House for supporting legislation to combat the anti-Israel BDS movement.

The mission was organized by Ezra Friedlander, CEO of The Friedlander Group, and chaired by Joseph Stamm, CEO of Med Review; Stanley Treitel; Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro College; Nathan Herzog, President of Royal Wine Corp. and Kedem Food Products; Andrew Friedman, Esq.; Duvi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce; and Mark M. Appel of The Bridge Multicultural & Advocacy Project; Bob Levi of The National Council of Young Israel.

The delegation met with over a dozen members of congress including: Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine); Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana); Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas); Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah); Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland); and Senator Richard Burr (R-North Carolina).

On the House side, the group was joined in discussion by Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas); Rep. Billy Long (R-Missouri); Rep. Tom McClintock (R-California); Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio); Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Florida); Rep. Andy Barr (R-Kentucky); Rep. Brad Sherman (D-California); and Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Colorado).

As BDS continues to advocate for the boycotting of Israeli products and goods, this mission came at a critical time. These boycotts have come in many forms, including, but not limited to: anti-Israel protests calling for boycotts, calls for divestment from certain Israeli products, and resolutions for universities to divest from Israeli companies. The anti-Israel BDS sentiment is seeping into corporate boardrooms and trade unions, with a growing trend in Europe to ban or label products made in Israeli settlements. Due to this movement, there have been disruptions of Israeli cultural events, pressure to cancel events with cultural figures in Israel, as well as strong efforts to gain support for BDS from important religious institutions. The BDS movement, while claiming peace, will not stop until Israel is on her knees.

Senator Cruz summed up the danger of the BDS movement by stating, BDS is like a plague  of anti-Israel and anti-SemitismIn my view, we should be using every tool we have to stand up with Israel, to stand against BDS. He continued, U.S. support for Israel isnt benevolence, our interests are intertwined. It is in the United States national-security interests to have a strong Israel fighting the same enemies we are fighting in the United States.

Missions like this one convey a clear message to the United States Congress that it is imperative to condemn the BDS movement and limit its ability to continue its effort to delegitimize Israel. A key way of doing so is by passing legislation, both on the federal and state level.

Coming on the heels of successful efforts by a number of state legislatures to pass or consider such legislation, the significance of this mission was increased. As Senator Susan Collins stated after hearing from members of the delegation, If federal legislation could be passed, then you dont have to fight the same battles over and over again in all 50 states.
President Shimon Peres on Thursday morning visited Maran HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita in his Meah Shearim sukka, discussing a number of issues. Accompanying the president was Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rav of the Kosel and holy places.

Needless to say, security in the area was extremely heavy. The president arrived prior to Maran finishing davening. The meeting lasted for about 20 minutes. HaRav Yosef Efrati was also present.

Rav Elyashiv called on the president to prevent Jews from visiting Har HaBayis, stating it is an act that that is viewed as extremely provocative by the goyim. Maran stated everything possible must be done to avoid a religious war, and the provocateurs are playing with fire.

Maran is quoted as explaining to the president that halacha forbids going onto Har HaBayis but today, it is more than this, it is an act that may lead to a religious war and bloodshed.

Mr. Peres stated at Mt. Sinai we recited Shema Yisrael and were are instructed to listen, calling on the gadol hador to make his voice heard. You are regarded in high esteem by the public and must make your opinion heard the president urged.

The Rav gave Peres a bracha, stating he has been a good shaliach for Am Yisrael, wishing him continued good health.

(Yechiel Spira  YWN Israel)
Among all the Brussels-based bureaucracies, the EU's anti-trust team stands alone as a fearless defender of competition and free markets.

The Danish Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager is not fazed by corporate bullies  be they the mighty Apple, recently fined 12billion over alleged tax avoidance, or Europe's two biggest stock markets Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange.

Over the next four months the EU will examine whether the unwanted 21billion 'merger of equals' between Deutsche and the LSE can be of benefit to anyone other than the shareholders and the option-laden executives in the two exchanges.

Crunch time: Over the next four months the EU will examine whether the 21bn 'merger of equals' between Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange should go ahead

The concerns of the competition regulators could change the whole economics of the transaction.

The regulator fears that the deal will sharply reduce competition in Germany's equity trading and create a monopoly in stock futures and options based on Italian shares.

But the most central objection raised is the reduced competition in the largest clearing market in the world, worth 115billion.

Both Deutsche and the LSE have said the clearing operations will be run separately and in parallel in Frankfurt and London.

Maybe, but they will be under common ownership and will certainly be using a compatible IT platform, so will be separate only in name.

There is also the equally troubling question of whether concentrating such a large amount of risk in one institution can be sensible in prudential terms when it could be very capital hungry.

The Bank of England, the Bundesbank and the European Central Bank might well be cautious about that.

The EU also notes that financial markets are an essential feature of the infrastructure of Europe's economy, and it is in the interest of the region they operate on competitive terms.

We can expect the LSE and Deutsche to come up with remedies designed to meet Vestager's concerns.

Deal proponents worry that the adjustments might be inadequate or undermine the premise of the deal, which is to create a European champion to take on the Americans.

Advisers and executives should not be heading to the Ferrari showrooms just yet.

Casino royal

Amid denials from the German authorities that they have drawn up contingency plan to take a 25 per cent stake in Germany's largest bank, one was reminded of Humphrey Bogart chucking a Deutsche Bank employee out of his casino in the film Casablanca.

It is hard to be very confident about the future of the bank on the basis of the 935million of cash it will get from the sale of posh insurer Abbey Life to Britain's Phoenix Group.

The deal will lead to a pre-tax loss of 672million as a result of a write-down.

Nor can the German lender draw much comfort from the Royal Bank of Scotland's payment of 850million or so to America's credit unions over sub-prime mortgage sales as a guide to its eventual settlement with US regulators after they demanded a 14billion fine for similar activities.

The RBS penalty is only a partial settlement and the big battle with the Department of Justice over Fred Goodwin's toxic legacy is still to come.

DB needs a rich fairy godfather. It is unlikely to be Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase, who has his hands more than full supplying rescue funds for the Italian banks.

Swallows and amazons

It may not be the best of times to be one of Britain's top shopkeepers, as many on the High Street  not least Mike Ashley and Sir Philip Green, could testify.

Nevertheless, J Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe maintains a cheery demeanour.

He may lack the showbiz factor of his perma-tanned predecessor Justin King but he is not letting Sainsbury stand still. Admittedly, same store sales in the quarter to September 24 fell 1.1pc but mostly Sainsbury is holding its market share.

Indeed, Coupe goes as far to argue that despite some unpleasant comparisons on price made by upstart Aldi, his own company could come up with a basket of selected goodies of equally low cost.

As for Brexit and the threat of higher food prices, Coupe is clear it is largely a non-event. A

t any one time wheat prices might be low and that would, for instance, offset the higher price for imported avocados. It is a case of swings and roundabouts.

Usefully, for Sainsbury the bits of the enterprise that look to the future  convenience stores, online, non-food and especially its stylish Tu brand, are still growing.

It is too soon to know how its biggest bet on the future, the 1.4billion purchase of Home Retail Group, the owner of Argos, is going. But the sales numbers are looking healthy.

Sainsbury is implementing plans to make online more cost-effective by using computerised route planning maps for staff doing the picking for online baskets. Digital click and collect counters at many of its stores, together with Argos outlets in superstores, are also on the agenda.
Reserved: Newly-appointed Tory treasurer Sir Mick Davis

Don't expect newly-appointed Tory treasurer Sir Mick Davis to throw any lavish celebrations at next week's conference. I'm advised the bearded, 80million former Xstrata boss, 58  aka 'Mick the Miner'  is a reserved sort, and not prone to unbridled extravagance.

How honourable members must long for those halcyon days of former treasurers Lords McAlpine and Hesketh, who threw uproarious beanos with ice-filled hotel baths brimming with native oysters and premier cru champagne.

Lawyers at City firm Macfarlanes' private client division, which advises filthy rich customers on tax, have been banned from taking holiday between January and April next year.

The firm is expecting a frantic start to 2017 due to the change in the non-dom laws. Staff are moping as the fatwa wipes out the ski season. Cue the world's smallest violin, maestro!

Hammy Metro Bank founder Vernon Hill doesn't understand why we put cashpoints outside. He says: 'In the US we have them inside the foyers.

Not only do you Brits like to queue, you like to queue in the rain.' Fair point. Yankee doodle Vern, 71, worth 400million, is a stickler for customer relations. New account holders at Metro are entitled to a free doggie from Battersea dogs home.

Boisterous Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary's decision, announced yesterday, to sack champion trainer Willie Mullins is being blamed on a dust-up over fees.

Others wonder if he had grown tired of playing second fiddle to Mullins' other multi-millionaire owner, the fat cat-in-the-hat, former Barclays executive Rich Ricci, 52. Behind 3million-a-year O'Loudmouth's bluster, some say that there lurks a frail, delicate ego.

The next Lord Mayor of London is tipped to be Andrew Parmley, 60, the principal of senior school at London's 20,000-a-year Harrodian School, who will succeed shipbroker Lord Mountevans, 68, next autumn.
Fines: RBS is being called to account for toxic bundles of US mortgage debt

Taxpayer-Royal Bank of Scotland could face another 8billion of fines as it continues to battle the fallout from the financial crisis.

The bank earlier this week agreed to pay an 846million fine over toxic bundles of US mortgage debt.

This will come from a 4.3billion pot which is also intended to cover a separate, multi-billion pound settlement with the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

But analysts believe there are potentially another 4.8billion of costs to come on top of that when the Department for Justice weighs in on mortgages.

It could take the total outstanding to 8billion.

No money has yet been set aside to pay the DoJ bill because there is no way to guess how much it will be.
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and Other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, prime brokerage, and data analytics. This segment also provides trustee, paying agency, fiduciary, escrow and other financial, issuer, and support services for brokers and investors. The Market and Wealth Services segment offers clearing and custody, investment, wealth and retirement solutions, technology and enterprise data management, trading, and prime brokerage services; and clearance and collateral management services. This segment also provides integrated cash management solutions, including payments, foreign exchange, liquidity management, receivables processing and payables management, and trade finance and processing services. The Investment and Wealth Management segment offers investment management strategies and distribution of investment products, investment management, custody, wealth and estate planning, private banking, investment, and information management services. The Other segment engages in the provision of leasing, corporate treasury, derivative and other trading, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, renewable energy investment, and business exit services. It serves central banks and sovereigns, financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, corporations, local authorities and high net-worth individuals, and family offices. The company was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
CarMax, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles in the United States. The company operates through two segments, CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. It offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; and extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale, as well as sells vehicles that are approximately 10 years old and has more than 100,000 miles through wholesale auctions. The company also provides reconditioning and vehicle repair services; and financing alternatives for retail customers across a range of credit spectrum through its CarMax Auto Finance and arrangements with various financial institutions. As of February 28, 2022, it operated approximately 230 used car stores. CarMax, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, Virginia.
The following companies are subsidiares of CIT Group: 1143986 Ontario Limited, 1244771 Ontario Limited, 3918041 Canada Inc., 544211 Alberta Ltd., 555565 Alberta Ltd., 555566 Alberta Ltd., Baliardo Limited, C.I.T. Leasing Corporation, C2 Aviation Capital LLC, CBG LJB 21 LLC, CCERU Finance LP, CFHE Funding Company LLC, CIT Aerospace (Australia) Pty Ltd, CIT Aerospace Asia Pte Ltd., CIT Aerospace Belgium Sprl, CIT Aerospace Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, CIT Aerospace Holdings (France) SAS, CIT Aerospace International, CIT Aerospace International (Aruba) A.V.V., CIT Aerospace International (Australia) Pty Ltd., CIT Aerospace International (Bermuda) Limited, CIT Aerospace International (France) Sarl, CIT Aerospace International Leasing II, CIT Aerospace LLC, CIT Aerospace Sweden AB, CIT Asset Management LLC, CIT Aviation Finance I (France) Sarl, CIT Aviation Finance I (Ireland) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance I (UK) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance I Ltd., CIT Aviation Finance II (France) Sarl, CIT Aviation Finance II (Ireland) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance II (UK) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance II Ltd., CIT Aviation Finance III Ltd., CIT Bank N.A., CIT CBK Funding Company LLC, CIT CBK Funding Inc., CIT CLO Holding Corporation, CIT CLO I Blocker Inc., CIT CLO I LLC, CIT CLO I Ltd., CIT Canada Finance LP, CIT Canada Finance ULC, CIT Capital Aviation (UK) Limited, CIT Capital Finance (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Capital Securities LLC, CIT Capital USA Inc., CIT Cayman Coconut Palm Leasing Ltd., CIT Cayman Sandy Keys Leasing Ltd., CIT Communications Finance Corporation, CIT Credit Group USA Inc., CIT Equipment Finance (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT FSC Eighteen Ltd., CIT FSC Nineteen Ltd., CIT Finance & Leasing (Tianjin) Corporation, CIT Finance & Leasing Corporation, CIT Finance LLC, CIT Financial (Alberta) ULC / Services Financiers CIT (Alberta) ULC, CIT Financial (Barbados) SRL, CIT Financial (Hong Kong) Limited, CIT Financial II (Barbados) Srl, CIT Financial Ltd./Services Financiers CIT Ltee., CIT Financial USA Inc., CIT Funding (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Funding Company LLC, CIT Funding LLC, CIT Funds LLC, CIT Group (Hungary) Financial Servicing Limited Liability Company "under voluntary dissolution", CIT Group (NFL) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group (NJ) LLC, CIT Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (In Members' Voluntary Liquidation), CIT Group (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group Finance (Ireland), CIT Group Holding (Germany) GmbH i.L., CIT Group Holdings (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group Holdings B.V., CIT Group Inc., CIT Group Italy Srl in liquidazione, CIT Group SF Holding Co. Inc., CIT Healthcare LLC, CIT Holdings (Barbados) SRL, CIT Holdings B.V., CIT Holdings Canada ULC, CIT Home Lending Securitization Company LLC, CIT Insurance Agency Inc., CIT Leasing (Bermuda) Ltd., CIT Leasing (Germany) GmbH i.L., CIT Lending Services Corporation, CIT Lending Services Corporation (Illinois), CIT Loan Corporation, CIT Malaysia One Inc., CIT Maritime Leasing LLC, CIT Mezzanine Partners of Canada Limited, CIT Millbury Inc., CIT Rail Holdings (Europe) SAS, CIT Rail LLC, CIT Railcar Funding Company LLC, CIT Small Business Lending Corporation, CIT Strategic Finance Inc., CIT TRS Funding B.V., CIT TRS Holdings B.V., CIT TRS Subsidiary B.V., CIT Technology Financing Services Inc., CIT Trade Finance Funding Company LLC, CIT Transportation Holdings B.V., CRE CT 21 OTHER LLC, CRE CT 27 OTHER LLC, CRE FFBC LLC, CRE LJ 21 OTHER LLC, CRE LJ 27 OTHER LLC, CRE LJ 4800 Riverside LLC, CRE LJ CA 2 LLC, CRE LJ CA LLC, CRE LJ CP ESCONDIDO LLC, CRE LJ TX LLC, Canadian Income Partners I Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners II Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners III Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners IV Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners V Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VI Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VII Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VIII Limited Partnership, Capita Corporation, Capital Direct Group Inc., Centennial Aviation (Bermuda) 1 Ltd., Centennial Aviation (France) 1 SARL, Centennial Aviation (France) 2 SARL, Centennial Aviation (Ireland) 7 Limited, Direct Capital Corporation, Direct Capital Funding III Company LLC, Direct Capital Funding V LLC, Education Loan Servicing Corporation, Emerald Funding (Netherlands) C.V., Emerald Holdings C.V., Financial Freedom Acquisition LLC, IMV 11 PALM LLC, INDYMAC VENTURE LLC, Jessica Leasing Designated Activity Company, MEX CIT SERVICIOS S. de R.L. de C.V., Madeleine Leasing Designation Activity Company, Memphis Peaking Power LLC, Millennium Leasing Company I LLC, Millennium Leasing Company II LLC, NACCO (U.K.) Limited, NACCO GmbH, NACCO Rail Ireland Limited, NACCO S.A.S, Nacco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Newcourt Financial Espana S.A., North Romeo Storage Corporation, ONEWEST VENTURES HOLDINGS LLC, OWB REO LLC, OneWest Bank N.A, OneWest Investments II LLC, OneWest Investments LLC, OneWest Resources LLC, PL Servicing LLC, Rita Leasing Designated Activity Company, The CIT GP Corporation III, The CIT Group Securitization Corporation II, The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., The CIT Group/Commercial Services Inc., The CIT Group/Corporate Aviation Inc., The CIT Group/Equipment Financing Inc., The CIT Group/Equity Investments Inc., The Capita Corporation do Brasil Ltda, The Equipment Insurance Company, and Worrell Capital Limited.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Petersburg Products International" LLC, "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, 1837 LLC, Agile Pursuits Franchising Inc., Agile Pursuits Inc., Ambi Pur, Arbora & Ausonia, Arbora & Ausonia S.L.U., Avon - Giorgio Beverly Hills, Billie, Braun GmbH, Braun Shanghai Co. Ltd., Celtic Insurance Company Inc., Charlie Banana USA LLC, Corporativo Procter & Gamble S. de R.L. de C.V., DDFSkincare, Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery Shanghai Co. Ltd., Fameccanica North America Inc., Farmacy Beauty, Fater Central Europe SRL, Fater Eastern Europe LLC, Fater Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Fater S.p.A., Fater Temizlik Urunleri Ltd STI, First Aid Beauty, First Aid Beauty Limited, Folgers Coffee, Fountain Square Music Publishing Co. Inc., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette China Limited, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Shanghai Ltd., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay S.A., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, Inversiones Plaza LLC, LLC "Procter & Gamble - Novomoskovsk", LLC "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", LLC Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, Laboratoire Mediflor S.A.S., Laboratorios Vicks S.L.U., Lamberts Healthcare Ltd., Liberty Street Music Publishing Company Inc., Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones C.A., Merck Consumer Healthcare, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, Native, Nature's Best Health Products Ltd., New Chapter Canada Inc., New Chapter Inc., Nioxin Research Laboratories, Noxell Corporation, OUAI, Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Consumer Health Germany GmbH, P&G Distribution East Africa Limited, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding Inc., P&G Health Austria GmbH & Co. OG, P&G Health France S.A.S., P&G Health Germany GmbH, P&G Healthcare Zhejiang Limited, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Investment Management Ltd., P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G Japan G.K., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G South African Trading Pty. Ltd., P&G-Clairol, PG13 Launchpad Alpha Inc., PG13 Launchpad Beta Inc., PG13 Launchpad Gamma Inc., PGT Healthcare LLP, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Pressbox, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chengdu Ltd., Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble China Ltd., Procter & Gamble China Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent Beijing Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deutschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distributing Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Distribution Company Europe BV, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe LLC, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana S.A.U., Procter & Gamble Far East Inc., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finance U.K. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble Ghana Trading Limited, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Ltd., Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Technology Innovation Co. LTD., Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care LLC, Procter & Gamble Health & Beauty Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Health Belgium BV, Procter & Gamble Health Limited, Procter & Gamble Health Ltd., Procter & Gamble Health Poland Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Hellas Single Member Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holding Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Holdings UK Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Honduras S de RL, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership KKT, Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings Inc., Procter & Gamble Indochina Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica Limitada, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala Limitada, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama S. de R.L., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International Sarl, Procter & Gamble Investment Company UK Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Italia S.p.A., Procter & Gamble Jiangsu Ltd., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea Inc., Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble L&CP Limited, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA Pty Ltd, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Tianjin Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Mataro S.L.U., Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Philippines Business Services Inc., Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo Higiene e Saude S.A., Procter & Gamble Product Supply U.K. Limited, Procter & Gamble Productions Inc., Procter & Gamble RHD Inc., Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services Sarl, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Switzerland SA, Procter & Gamble Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology Beijing Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Trading Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Vietnam Company Limited, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil Ltda., Procter & Gamble do Brazil LLC, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble doo Beograd, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Procter and Gamble Lanka Private Limited, Procter and Gamble SA Pty Ltd., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Recovery Engineering, Redmond Products Inc., Richardson-Vicks, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Riverfront Music Publishing Co. Inc., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Series Acquisition B.V., Seven Seas Limited, Shulton Inc., Snowberry, Snowberry New Zealand Limited, Sunflower Distributing LLC, TAOS - FL LLC, TAOS Retail LLC, THIS IS L, TULA, Tambrands, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving, The Art of Shaving - FL LLC, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Iams Company Inc., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company LLC, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., This is L. Inc., Thomas Hedley Co, US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon Shanghai Academy, VitaminHaus Pty Ltd, Walker & Co. Brands Inc., Walker & Company Brands, Wella AG, Zenlen Inc., Zirh, and iMFLUX Inc..

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Flowserve Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, distributes, and services industrial flow management equipment in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Flowserve Pump Division (FPD) and Flow Control Division (FCD). The FPD segment offers custom and pre-configured pumps and pump systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems, replacement parts, upgrades, and related aftermarket services, including installation and commissioning services, seal systems spare parts, repairs, advanced diagnostics, re-rate and upgrade solutions, retrofit programs, and machining and asset management solutions, as well as manufactures a gas-lubricated mechanical seal for use in high-speed compressors for gas pipelines. The FCD segment provides engineered and industrial valve and automation solutions, including isolation and control valves, actuation, controls, and related equipment, as well as equipment maintenance services for flow control systems, including advanced diagnostics, repair, installation, commissioning, retrofit programs, and field machining capabilities. This segment's products are used to control, direct, and manage the flow of liquids, gases, and fluids. The company primarily serves oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceuticals, power generation, and water management markets, as well as general industries, including mining and ore processing, pulp and paper, food and beverage, and other smaller applications. The company distributes its products through direct sales, distributors, and sales representatives. Flowserve Corporation was incorporated in 1912 and is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Imperial Oil Limited engages in exploration, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas in Canada. The company operates through three segments: Upstream, Downstream and Chemical segments. The Upstream segment explores for, and produces crude oil, natural gas, synthetic oil, and bitumen. As of December 31, 2021, this segment had 386 million oil-equivalent barrels of proved undeveloped reserves. The Downstream segment is involved in the transportation and refining of crude oil, blending of refined products and the distribution, and marketing of refined products. It also transports crude oil to refineries by contracted pipelines, common carrier pipelines, and rail; maintains a distribution system to move petroleum products to market by pipeline, tanker, rail, and road transport; and owns and operates fuel terminals, natural gas liquids, and products pipelines in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. In addition, this segment markets and supplies petroleum products to motoring public through approximately 2,400 Esso and Mobil-branded sites. Further, it sells petroleum products, including fuel, asphalt, and lubricants for industrial and transportation customers, independent marketers, and resellers, as well as other refiners serving the agriculture, residential heating, and commercial markets through branded fuel and lubricant resellers. The Chemical segment manufactures and markets various petrochemicals, benzene, aromatic and aliphatic solvents, plasticizer intermediates, and polyethylene resin. Imperial Oil Limited has a strategic agreement with E3 Metals Corp. to advance a lithium-extraction pilot in Alberta. The company was incorporated in 1880 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Imperial Oil Limited is a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation.
Daimler AG, together its subsidiaries, develops and manufactures passenger cars, trucks, vans, and buses in Germany and internationally. It operates through Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans, Daimler Trucks and Buses, and Daimler Mobility segments. The Mercedes-Benz Cars segment offers premium and luxury vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz brand, including the Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and Mercedes-EQ brands; small cars under the smart brand name; and ecosystem of Mercedes-Benz under the Mercedes me brand, as well as vans and related services under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands. Daimler Trucks and Buses segment offers its trucks and special vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Western Star, FUSO, and BharatBenz brands; and buses under the Mercedes-Benz, Setra, Thomas Built Buses, and FU brands, as well as bus chassis. The Daimler Mobility segment provides financing and leasing packages for end-customers and dealers; and automotive insurance brokerage, banking, investment, and fleet management services under the Athlon brand. It also sells vehicle related spare parts and accessories. Daimler AG was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany
Targa Resources Corp., together with its subsidiary, Targa Resources Partners LP, owns, operates, acquires, and develops a portfolio of midstream energy assets in North America. The company operates in two segments, Gathering and Processing, and Logistics and Transportation. It engages in gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and selling natural gas; storing, fractionating, treating, transporting, and selling natural gas liquids (NGL) and NGL products, including services to liquefied petroleum gas exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, purchasing, and selling crude oil. The company is also involved in the purchase and resale of NGL products; and wholesale of propane, as well as provision of related logistics services to multi-state retailers, independent retailers, and other end-users. In addition, it offers NGL balancing services; and transportation services to refineries and petrochemical companies in the Gulf Coast area, as well as purchases, markets, and resells natural gas. The company operates approximately 28,400 miles of natural gas pipelines, including 42 owned and operated processing plants; and owns or operates a total of 34 storage wells with a gross storage capacity of approximately 76 million barrels. As of December 31, 2021, it leased and managed approximately 648 railcars; 119 transport tractors; and two company-owned pressurized NGL barges. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.; Alector, Inc.; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. The company was formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc and changed its name to GSK plc in May 2022. GSK plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams. It also develops, manufactures, and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition, it focuses on the central nervous system, pain, respiratory, and oncology areas. Its products in the central nervous system include Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; AJOVY for the preventive treatment of migraine; and AUSTEDO for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. The company's products in the respiratory market comprise ProAir, QVAR, ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler, BRALTUS, CINQAIR/CINQAERO, DuoResp Spiromax, and AirDuo RespiClick/ArmonAir RespiClick for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its products in the oncology market include Bendeka, Treanda, Granix, Trisenox, Lonquex, and Tevagrastim/Ratiograstim. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a collaboration MedinCell for the development and commercialization of multiple long-acting injectable products, a risperidone suspension for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
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By Bill Parry

"How do you explain to children why angry adults are out in front of the place theyare living and want to throw them into the streets?a pic.twitter.com/LfvyoSYYMG  NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) September 25, 2016

Did the de Blasio administration go a tweet too far?

An organizer of the ongoing Maspeth homeless shelter protests believes so after a slick video appeared on the mayors social media accounts after more than 200 protesters appeared at rallies outside hotels that house homeless families in Bellrose and Floral Park, Long Island.

Juniper Park Civic Association President Bob Holden said the protesters, who were exhausted after nearly seven weeks of rallies at the Holiday Inn Express on 55th Road, have been rejuvenated by the video and more neighborhoods are planning to join them after they were vilified on social media.

Hes fanned the flames, for sure, and the mayor is making us stronger Holden said. Were on the move, Sunset Park, Rosedale and Woodside, and were planning to take this fight to the steps of City Hall. Its a revolution now, and the mayor is feeling the pressure or else he wouldnt be making videos to sway public opinion.

This comes just over a week after 300 residents boarded three buses for a road trip to Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, where they protested at the home of Human Resources Administration Commissioner Steven Banks, who oversees the Department of Homeless Services, drawing the ire of Mayor Bill de Blasio, who said the city will not be intimidated by the angry residents. On Saturday, nearly 200 made the bus trip to protest at two hotels owned by Harshad Patel that have been converted to shelters.

When the city got wind of the protesters plans, DHS transported dozens of children and their families from the two shelters to spend the day at the Childrens Museum in Manhattan rather than being subjected to angry protesters on their doorstep. The administration dispatched camera crews to both the shelters and museum and the video they produced, which featured Banks, appeared on social media Sunday.

How do you explain to children why angry adults are out in front of they place theyre living and want to throw them into the streets? Banks asks. So we thought today we would take the children and their families to some place nice where they can experience a helping hand from adults rather than the back of the hand.

Holden called the video reminiscent of communist propaganda.

Stalin would be proud, he said. These tactics should not be tolerated by the taxpayers. Maybe that money should have gone to the homeless themselves. To spend city resources like that is shameful and disgraceful.

The anger was compounded by de Blasio spokeswoman Aja Worthy-Davis who said, Opponents of our efforts to house the homeless have now trained their sights on homeless toddlers. Its disgusting and dangerous, and our city must stand up against it.

Holden claims the protesters didnt even know there were children in the two shelters.

They clearly had a plan going in to make it look like were attacking kids, Holden said. They tried to make us into villains and racists because were mostly white, and thats not right, because the homeless come in all different colors and ethnicities.

Just two nights before the protest, organizer Mike Papa implored the crowd at a Juniper Park Civic Association to keep the focus of their rally on the de Blasio administration.

We dont want to aim this at the homeless, they are the victims here too, Papa said. We are aiming at the de Blasio administration and DHS.

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (DHoward Beach) was at that meeting last Thursday, and he spoke at the Bellrose Inn rally Saturday.

This kind of genuine anger among my constituents was cased by the mayor. If the administration had come to us asking for help instead of dictating, all this could have been avoided had we worked on this together, Addabbo said. Theres no question its spreading to other neighborhoods in Queens. Ive heard from Leroy Comrie in Jamaica where they already have homeless in a brand-new hotel, and Ive heard from Jose Peralta about discovering homeless living in a Corona hotel. In all my years of public service, Ive never seen neighborhoods so angry. What the city is doing is not working.

As Holden and the Maspeth protesters plan more rallies at shelters around the borough, he is drafting letters to the Department of Investigation and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.

Bloomberg would have just ignored us, Holden said. And here you have de Blasio spending taxpayer money on a communist propaganda operation. Im asking DOI and Bharara to look into the mayors conduct and his spending and his dealings with Patel, who has admitted to bribing a government official in the past. Meanwhile, I spoke with Patel last week and he reaffirmed that he will not go through with converting his Maspeth hotel into a shelter and that there is no agreement while the city says negotiations continue. This is all very strange.
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By Bill Parry

Nearly 1,000 protesters demanded the closing of Rikers Island during a march through Astoria on their way to a rally at the base of the bridge to the notorious prison complex. Glenn E. Martin, founder and president of JustLeadershipUSA, which organized the event that drew celebrity speakers such as Russell Simmons and John Legend and a host of former prisoners, advocates and elected officials, marvelled at the turnout.

It was everything I imagined and more, Martin said. On Saturday evening our hashtag #CLOSErikers trended No. 3 on Twitter around the world. Our message is clear. Closing Rikers is not just a local issue, we find it representative of the jail problem in America.

JustLeadershipUSAs mission is to cut the U.S. prison population in half by 2030. Martin was VP of the Fortune Society, the Long Island City-based non-profit that helps former prisoners re-enter society, before starting the organization in 2014.

I was sent to Rikers on a shoplifting charge when I was just 16 and within two days I was stabbed in a fight, Martin said. Mayor de Blasio often lists the reforms his administration has introduced to improve some of the most egregious conditions on Rikers Island. While his efforts are noble, to us it is like lipstick on a pig.

Martin is part of a high-profile commission chaired by former New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman that is studying the logistics of closing Rikers and Governor Andrew Cuomo has expressed openness to the idea. The mayor has explored the issue and found it would take years and cost billions, so he embarked on a 14-point reform movement.

Creating a culture of safety in our jails is our top prioritytoday, not a year from now, de Blasio spokeswoman Natalie Grybauskas said. While the City continues to examine whether Rikers Islands closure is feasible and to work with Lippmans Commission, our focus today remains on reform of the correctional system that will make our jails safer now.

Martin calls the reforms necessary and important but the growing citywide coalition of more than 100 organizations that marched Saturday vowed to work as speedily as possible toward the ultimate goal of shuttering the facility.

Piecemeal improvements cannot address the root of the problem with Rikers, which is Rikers itself, he said. It is a place where thousands of New Yorkers, including children, are robbed of their sanity, their dignity, their families, their communities and sometimes their lives. It is a broken institution that cannot be fixed.

In 2014, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara issued a report that highlighted the culture of violence endemic to the facility. City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) told the crowd that the complex is a hell hole.

It needs to be shut down immediately. Every time Ive been there Ive seen horrible conditions wherever they took me, Dromm said. While the citys efforts to curb violence and injustice on Rikers Island are admirable they fall very short of solving what is a decades-old problem. Our resources can and must be put to better use.

On Tuesday, the city agreed to pay $5.75 million in a settlement in the 2013 death of a mentally ill inmate, Bradley Ballard, who was discovered covered in human waste after he was locked in his cell for six days without medication for his schizophrenia and diabetes.

Across that bridge, thousands of my brothers and sisters are held in dangerous and isolated cells. They all suffer and some even feel forgotten, Bianey Garcia, LGBT organizer at Make the Road New York, who served 18 months on Rikers, said. The violence and corruption in Rikers makes it a place no one should see. It is a broken system that tried to break me. On Saturday I marched to raise their stories. Closing Rikers will not be easy, but it is possible and necessary.

Many of the protesters carried posters of Kalief Browder, whose brother Akeem spoke at the rally. Browder was sent to Rikers on a shoplifting charge at age 16 and held for three years without a trial or conviction, two of them in solitary confinement, because his family could not raise $3,000 bail. Browder committed suicide after his release in June 2015.

Martin said 80 percent of the current population of 7,600 are imprisoned on the island because they are too poor to afford bail and 40 percent of the population should be in a mental health facility instead. While he is hopeful that training guards in de-escalation techniques will bring about a sustained reduction in the savagery, Martin is skeptical that training alone can eradicate the culture of violence that is embedded in Rikers DNA.

It is a human grist mill and an ugly stain on our citys reputation for being progressive and compassionate, Martin said. Rikers cannot be fixed. It is time for Mayor de Blasio to close this disastrous jail once and for all, and instead build our communities.
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By Lenore Skenazy

Religiously observant Muslims and Jews convened in lower Manhattan last week to discuss an item of vital interest to both:

Head scarves.

And long skirts. And high collars. And how much arm one can expose.

And whatever tension may or may not exist between the faiths on a political level vanished at a symposium on dressing modestly yet fashionably, organized by Daniel Cole of the NYU Costume Studies department and opened by Nancy Deihl, the director of the program.

To give you an idea of how this topic cuts across religious lines, try to guess which of these statements was made by a Jewish woman, and which by a Muslim woman:

I dress modestly because God commanded me to, as a way to focus on my value as a person.

Why do women cover? Sexuality is something that belongs in the home.

Answer: Jew, Muslim. But they were both nodding along with each other.

The Jewish woman here is Michelle Honig, a fashion journalist who often writes about the intersection of fashion and modesty. She was wearing a green striped sweater with a white long-sleeve shirt underneath, a slim dark skirt, and long blonde haira wig that mostly, but not totally (she admitted) covers her hair. Her shoes looked straight out of Vogue.

Admittedly, she said, the idea of a religiously observant Muslim, Jewish or even Christian woman doesnt bring to mind very fashionable women.

But just because they are covering more of themselves than your average secular lass doesnt mean they have to be dowdy. Honig goes shopping at popular stores, browsing through the racks, each piece going through some mental calculation of how to modest-ify it.

To do that, she usually adds layers, or maybe shell sew up the slit of a slinky skirt. Voila: a fashionable young woman in normal clothes that just happen to cover the knees and elbows.

Dian Pelangi, head designer of the Indonesian fashion company that bears her name, took the podium next, looking regal in a stunning floor-length green cape with a black hood. Hijab means to cover,  she explained to the half of the audience that wasnt already wearing one of these Muslim headcoverings.

There was a time when the hijab was considered weird, backwards and old-fashioned, Pelangi said. But now it is huge trend. Witness the fact that a Jakarta designer showed the first modest fashion line at New York Fashion Week this year. And the fact both Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY brought out a Ramadan collection. Or even the fact that Pelangi herself has 4.3 million Twitter followers who look to her for advice on modest styles.

With 23 percent of the worlds population Islamic, catering to Muslim womens fashion needs makes business sense.

For me, said Pelangi, modest fashion is the next emerging market.

And yet, for the women at this symposium, fashion meant more than just looking good.

The fashion world as it exists today is about very public sexuality, said Ann Shafer, an art historian and architect specializing in Islamic culture who teaches at the Fashion Institute of Technology. So Im trying to provide another world viewthe view that sexuality is not a sort of public phenomenon.

Shafer herself converted to Islam and was covered except for her face.

But dont think this made heror any of the women on the panelfeel second class. On the contrary, they spoke of the freedom and joy of dressing this way.

In countries like America, where women have the choice to dress any way they please, If women still choose to cover their bodies, said Honig, they are not victims who need to be saved, theyre making a statement. They take pride in their modesty because its part of who they are.

Added Shafer, It is often assumed that Muslim women who wear conservative dress dont have a relationship to their bodies. On the contrary, Islam is very open about sort of how to treat your body as a sexual phenomenonjust not in public.

The other speakers concurred. They dont want to be thought of as sexless, just maybe excess-less. Rejecting a culture that reveals too much.

Modest dress should not be the other choice, just an equal choice, said Malky Weichbrod, the observant Jew behind the website, My Therapist Told Me to Write a Fashion Blog.

And if ladies kick it up a notch by making it look great, theyve got the best of both worlds. As Lyn Bakri, founder of the modest fashion line Aneeqa, said, You dont have to show much skin to look beautiful and be confident.

The women at NYU, in their robes and scarves, wigs and heels, were evidence of that.
By Dr. Peter Jankowitsch

Revisiting and rethinking Europe recently on these very pages, prof. Anis Bajrektarevic asked:  is the EU the worlds last cosmopolitan enjoying its postmodern holiday from history? Is that possibly the lost Atlantida or mythical Arcadia a Hegelian end of history world?  a post-Hobbesian (yet, not quite a Kantian) world, in which the letzte Mensch expelled Ubermensch? Yet another take on the most critical EU debate comes from Austria, this time from the long time insider into the rocky European policy-making.

* * * *

The narrow result of the UK referendum to leave the European Union was not the catalyst for the increasingly pressing question of whether the concept and practice of European integration, which has defined the course of European history since the end of the Second World War as well as enabled prosperity, security and the advancement of the continent, are now exhausted and should be replaced by other models.

Ever since France and the Netherlands voted against a European constitution, there have been more and more signs of Europe becoming less appealing in its current form. This is also evident in the growing number of election victories of Eurosceptics to anti-European parties within the founding states of the Union. Some of these factions have already managed to gain seats in the European Parliament. Public support of the EU, regularly recorded by the Eurobarometer, is falling in nearly all 28 Member States (MS). It has only remained high in a few candidate countries such as those of the Western Balkans.

Despite all of its undeniable progress in the field of all-civic participation, in strengthening the European Parliament or the increased application of the subsidiarity principle, the Lisbon Treaty  this last attempt to create a Europe based on firm ideals, did not enable a true fresh start nor fuel enthusiasm or a positive attitude of citizenry towards the European project.

On the contrary, Europes response to major crises in the last few years, ranging from the world economic crisis, the Euro crisis to the current refuge crisis that is still unsolved, is often regarded as hesitant and has visibly shaken the citizens confidence in the EU edifice an its ability to control the fate of Europe.

The most common response by some member states was to return to policies that only serve national interest and disregard the European standards and rules of European solidarity agreed upon. This has contributed to the EU institutions such as the EU Commission and the EU Parliament losing more of their authority and ability to act.

It would probably be too simple and superficial to just regard personal factors, and in some respects an undeniably weak leadership at an EU and national level, as the prime or single cause of such a trend. Starry names, visionary personalities such as Jacques Delores, Sicco Manshold or Sir Leon Brittan no longer exist in the European theatre. Even the leadership of the German-French axis, which was predominant during the era of Conrad Adenauer and Charles De Gaulle; or Kohl and Mitterand for that matter, has grown weaker , although the collaboration of this duo has remained essential to the present day.

Yet the reasons why European ideals are fading away and the desire for unlimited national autonomy has been revived have to be analysed very carefully without reducing them to the obvious factors  for example, the growing (alienation of) Brussels bureaucracy or their unrealistic decrees. This also includes the so called democracy deficit; a not uncommon phenomenon of many EU citizens feeling powerless at a national or supranational level, no longer expecting political processes to solve their daily problems  especially those administered by Brussels. This residual feeling intensifies when populist forces, such as was the case during the Brexit campaign in the UK, blame Europe for old and new, related and unrelated, problems.

However, it is debatable whether the uneasiness many European citizens feel towards national and EU/European policies could be overcome simply by strengthening national sovereignty ab dismantling the EU (or even pan-European) bodies and institutions. Many of the causes have an authentic national origin, such as a fear of the future due to an increase in social inequality, environmental degradation or threats to public safety and security, regardless of whether they are real or only felt. Slogans such as More Europe or Less Europe are, therefore, not suitable for getting to the bottom of the causes.

In fact, a sensible combination of national and the EU/European measures is needed to be able to restore the confidence of European citizens in their joint project  for overall prosperity and safety. National and supranational measures are also necessary to secure our common social model, the European welfare state. Only a strong EU/Europe can protect its citizens from the consequences of unrestrained globalisation. Hence, MS (Member States) have to ensure social justice within their own borders. Such a deliverables have no alternative.

The call for more autonomy and civic participation requires not only national but also all-European action. Democratic deficit have not only been unveiled in the European Union, whose institutions certainly need a surge of democratic ideas and practices, but also in many of the EU 28 MS (Member States). The limitations of a dismal representative democracy come to light when they only partially and incompletely portray the will of the citizenry.

If it is possible to adopt these kind of measures in a targeted manner and fulfil the true needs and concerns of the citizens accordingly, then it is also possible and manageable to continue the promised work of the EU integration in the best interest of European family of peoples. Of course, it will have to take national particularities, diversities, which make up the firm characteristics of Europe, into account to a much higher extent then it is the case now. A reinvigorated EU will also have to exist under the banner of this diversity and it can remain the Union of the four fundamental freedoms and all other civilizational accomplishments, which defined its historical cause and will define the lives of its citizens today.

From the German original translated by the Cercle Diplomatique Austria team.

Dr. Peter Jankowitsch, ambassador:- Secretary General of the AustroFrench centre; joined the Austrian Foreign Ministry in 1957, was a close collaborator of the legendary leader of the Austrian II Republic, Bruno Kreisky for decades; countrys Foreign Minister in 1980s and the State Secretary for the EU Integration in 1990s.




Rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused Sudanese government forces of killing scores of civilians, including many children, in suspected chemical weapons attacks in a mountainous area of war-torn Darfur.

More than 30 such attacks are believed to have been carried out on several villages as part of a massive military campaign against rebels in Darfur\s Jebel Marra between January and September, Amnesty said in a report.

The group said its investigation "has gathered horrific evidence of the repeated use of what are believed to be chemical weapons against civilians, including very young children, by Sudanese government forces in one of the most remote regions of Darfur over the past eight months".

"Between 200 and 250 people may have died as a result of exposure to the chemical weapons agents, with many or most being children," the report said.

Amnesty said government forces also carried out "indiscriminate bombing of civilians unlawful killing of men, women and children and the abduction and rape of women" in Jebel Marra, home to Darfur\s most fertile land.

The nearly 100-page report contains gruesome photographs of children suffering from apparent chemical burns, satellite images of destroyed villages and displaced people, interviews with more than 200 survivors, and analysis by chemical weapons experts.

Amnesty said the attacks were part of a military operation against the rebel Sudan Liberation Army  Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) group, which Khartoum accuses of ambushing military convoys and attacking civilians.

Sudan\s ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Dahab, rejected the report as "baseless and fabricated".

"The ultimate objective of such wild accusation is to steer confusion in the ongoing processes aimed at deepening peace and stability  in Sudan," he said in a statement.

Sudan\s military also dismissed the report.

"The situation on the ground does not need intensive bombing as there is no real presence of rebels anymore," army spokesman Brigadier Ahmed Khalifa a-Shami told AFP.

Amnesty\s crisis research director Tirana Hassan said tens of thousands of people had been driven from their homes since the air and ground campaign began in January in Jebel Marra  the homeland of the ethnic Fur tribe.

"The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution," she said in a statement.

Amnesty said the attacks amount to "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity".

Sudan, which was slapped with US trade sanctions in 1997, is a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Darfur has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since 2003 when ethnic minority groups took up arms against President Omar al-Bashir\s Arab-dominated government, which launched a brutal counter-insurgency.

At least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced, the United Nations says.

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes and genocide charges related to Darfur, which he denies.

In recent months Sudan has insisted that the conflict in Darfur has ended, and it wants UN peacekeepers who have been deployed in the region the size of France since 2007 to leave.

Amnesty said there was "credible evidence" that at least 32 villages in Jebel Marra were attacked with bombs and rockets containing chemicals.

"Many photos show young children covered in lesions and blisters. Some were unable to breath and vomiting blood," Hassan said.

She added that there had been "horrific burns and skin reactions to the agents and some of the first responders and caregivers have told us that even when they touch the skin, it actually falls off in large chunks."

The rights group said experts had concluded the victims were exposed to vesicants, or blister agents, such as sulfur mustard, lewisite or nitrogen mustard.

"When (the bomb) fell there were some flames and then dark smoke," a woman who survived an attack with her baby was quoted as saying in the report.

She said the bombing had caused vomiting, dizziness, skin problems and headaches.

"The baby is not recovering he is swollen he has blisters and wounds."

Amnesty urged Sudan to allow humanitarian workers and UN forces immediate access to Jebel Marra.

Darfur "has been stuck in a catastrophic cycle of violence for more than 13 years. Nothing has changed except that the world has stopped watching," Hassan said.

SOURCE: AFP
Indian commandos carried out a series of lightning strikes Thursday along the de facto border with Pakistan in Kashmir, provoking furious charges of "naked aggression" from its nuclear-armed neighbour.

Amid anger in India over a recent deadly assault on one of its army bases in Kashmir, officials said troops had conducted "surgical strikes" several kilometres inside the Pakistan-controlled side of the disputed territory to prevent attacks being planned on major Indian cities.

The strikes aimed at "neutralising the terrorists" had caused "multiple casualties", according to the Indian officials.

Pakistan said two of its soldiers had been killed and nine more wounded in what it described as small arms fire but dismissed the claims of surgical strikes as an "illusion" designed to whip up "media hype".

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, the director-general of military operations, announced news of the strikes in New Delhi  which sent shares on the Indian stock market sliding nearly two percent.

"Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control," Singh told reporters, describing the intelligence information as "very specific and credible".

"The Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launchpads. Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

"The operations aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since ceased."

Singh said the decision to launch the strikes had been taken after the military determined the launchpads had been set up with "an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country."

A senior government source said commandos flown in by helicopter carried out the strikes some way across the unofficial border known as the Line of Control (LoC).

"The ops started sometime after midnight and ended early morning. They were conducted two-three kilometres across the LoC," the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"Seven launchpads were targeted. The defence minister himself monitored the ops and the Indian side did not suffer any casualties."

The Pakistani military however played down the scale of the strikes.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India," it said in a statement.

"As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops."

In a statement from his office, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif "strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces".

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said two Pakistani soldiers killed and nine wounded by what he characterised as "small weapon fire".

Tensions between the two arch rivals have been boiling since the Indian government accused Pakistan-based militants of launching an assault on an army base in Kashmir earlier this month that killed 18 soldiers.

India has also been on a diplomatic drive to isolate nuclear-armed Pakistan since the raid on September 18, the worst such attack in more than a decade.

On Tuesday India said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Islamabad in November, in a major snub to its neighbour.

Ashok K Mehta, a retired major general in the Indian army, said it was the first time in a decade that officials in New Delhi had acknowledged its troops had crossed into the Pakistani side of the LoC.

"We have to see whether the Pakistani army will respond in kind. Now the the ball is in Pakistan\s court if they want to escalate things."

Residents on the Pakistani side of the LoC were meanwhile hunkering down over fears that the situation could unravel further.

"I did not send my children to school today. The situation is very tense," said Tahir Iqbal, who runs a grocery shop in the town of Athmuqam.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since gaining independence from Britain seven decades ago.

The Indian-controlled part of the picturesque territory has a Muslim majority and there are a number of armed separatist groups who are fighting to break free from New Delhi.

India has said the attack on the Uri army base in Kashmir was carried out by a Pakistan-based group called Jaish-e Mohammed.

Tensions had already been high in the region since the Indian army killed a leading Kashmiri separatist in a gunfight in early July, sparking a series of protests that have been staged in defiance of curfew orders.

More than 80 people have been killed in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir since July, many of them shot by the army at the protests.

SOURCE: AFP
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.
TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Jason Mayfield of Mayfield Events programs a set of digital LED lights for a wedding reception at the Kemp at the Forum. Mayfield's company handles sound, lighting, linens, accent furniture, disc jockey services, floral and more for a wide variety of events.

SHARE TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Jason Mayfield of Mayfield Events adjusts a row of powerful LED uplighting fixtures for a wedding reception. Spotlights, projection, gobo lighting and stage lighting are just a part of their event services. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS A wedding reception at The Forum decorated by Mayfield Events including table linens, backgrounds and ceiling drapes. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Jason Mayfield holds a custom logo gobo, which is fitted into a special light fixture and projected on a wall several feet high. The personalized logo is the couple's initials and will be part of the lighting at the wedding reception. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Judy Culberson (left) and Brianna Harmon of Mayfield Events set out place settings for a wedding reception at the Kemp at the Forum. The event coordinating company has been in business since 2004 and did more than 220 events in 2015.

By John Ingle of the Times Record News

Laura Mayfield heard her husband, Jason, long before she ever met or even saw him.

Having grown up working the sound board at church, Jason had a penchant for sound systems, and he often put that on display with the windows of his third-floor dorm room at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview propped open and music blaring for the campus to hear. It was a system his father had given him from an old church.

"I would hear this loud music playing or Super Mario Bros. playing really loud from the marsh, and everybody would be like, 'Oh, yeah. That's Jason Mayfield. He's got a big sound system,'" she recalled. "Then we met and I was like, 'Oh, you're that guy.' "

The two education students finally had their chance meeting when Laura needed automobile repairs, and the two soon started dating. Marriage and side business in their garage while working as educators in Spur would unknowingly put them on a path to Mayfield Events, one of Wichita Falls' better-known event coordinating and professional DJ services.

God's plan

Jason and Laura started their teaching careers in Spur, a small town of about 1,300 roughly 2 hours southwest of Wichita Falls in Dickens County. A spot DJ opportunity opened up a day or two before the high school prom, and the Mayfields were asked if they could fill in.

"They just asked us because everybody knew we had that (sound system) because ... on the weekends we'd have a ton of cars parked around our house," Jason said. "People would just be lined up around our house because we'd have a band and they'd crash at our house all weekend and record, or some would just play music in our garage."

That didn't immediately parlay into a career as professional DJs, though. The couple moved to Wichita Falls in the early 2000s to continue their teaching careers and begin their family with daughters Ashby and Tobey. But, DJ'ing staying in their blood, and they were offered the chance to DJ some functions at local schools.

Word spread of the Mayfields, and Laura was soon asked to venture into something she really had no plan to do  weddings.

"I never intended on being a wedding planner. I never intended to be an event planner," Laura said. "I had a bride who was a friend, a co-worker at Kirby (Junior High), and she begged me and begged me and begged me to plan her wedding."

Laura said she eventually agreed to do it, but didn't want the word to get out because there were already others in Wichita Falls that offered that service. Instead, the Mayfields began their wedding planning service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which they did for two years before offering it again in their hometown.

But becoming wedding planners wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision by the couple.

"This was God's plan, not ours," Laura said. "We had totally different ambitions for our life. We love what we do. I don't think we could've chosen careers that fit us better than what God had intended for us. This is God's business every single time."

Full-service events

The Mayfields have taken on events large and small in their roughly 14 years operating Mayfield Events. From a small-school dance to the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee's massive fall event to Big Brothers Big Sisters Dancing for the Stars, lighting, sound and everything in between has become a staple of the company.

The Mayfields lived off their salaries as educators in the early years of the business so every penny made from events could be reinvested to build up their inventory of lights, stages, projectors, speakers, mixer boards, trailers and more. The goal was to be completely self-sufficient to keep costs lower for the customer.

"We are a service industry," Laura said. "So we are always making sure everyone is happy, everybody's needs are met. I would say probably more so than people realize that our industry is really about service. It's not as much about the beautification of anything as much as it is making sure that we understand what our clients are wanting, and then we're able to achieve that for them."

Jason said with anything Mayfield Events does, they want to make sure the customer and the guests to walk away "wowed" by the production and the professionalism of the crew. But most importantly, they want to do it within the budget of the customer.

Event customers are provided a book, which helps the Mayfields get an idea of what they want. They ask that the customers pick their top three priorities of the event, whatever they might be, so that employees can make sure all three of those are met. Knowing the priorities especially comes in handy when trying to stay within the budget.

"Having our own pretty large inventory, we're able to  the client might not have a light array budget, but sometimes we can bend budget items to where we provide bigger sound because we make less on that, or sometimes we can operate at a loss on that section," Jason said, "but we're making it in design or florals."

Diving in full-time

The Mayfields are full-time operators of Mayfield Events  Laura stopped teaching in 2015 and Jason in 2016. Given their recent event totals, it's understandable. Mayfield events supported more than 220 events in 2015, and they are on pace to have 300 to 350 in 2016.

The spring and the fall are typically the busiest seasons.

In January, the Mayfields added a floral section to expand their one-stop shop for customers. That's been their focus of late  finding what people are looking for in event planners and adding that to their repertoire.

"We look to see what the next trends are nationally so that we can bring them here," Jason said. "What's going on in corporate events? What's going on in weddings? Trying to see the next new thing."

Technology is one changing trend that has helped Mayfield become more efficient, whether it's LED lighting or wireless lighting, which requires less setup time.

The couple is also looking at potentially opening an office in another location as well as moving into towns around Wichita Falls. With changes in technology and new opportunities on the horizon, Laura said one thing isn't likely to change.

"Our home will always be in Wichita Falls," she said. "We've discussed that in depth. I think for a long time people thought, "Oh, y'all are going to move to DFW ... because we worked in DFW a lot. But, I do think that our goal is to always keep our business here in Wichita Falls. This is where our kids go to school. This is where our family is.

"This is an important place for us."

For more information about Mayfield Events, visit mayfieldevents.com.

Mayfield Events

Offers a full-service event planning service for any celebration at any venue, big or small.

Their services include planning, sound, lighting, set up, tear down and everything in between.

Heres what Mayfield Events can do:

 Weddings

 Corporate events

 Galas and proms

 Photo booths

 Drone photography

For more information, call 940-781-5130 or 214-205-1943, send an email to laura@MayfieldEvents.com, or visit mayfieldevents.com.
By Times Record News

When the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra opens its 2016-17 season Saturday night, it will be under the baton of conductor Darryl One, music director of the Victoria (Texas) Symphony Orchestra.

One is among three finalists vying to be the next conductor/music director of the WFSO after the retirement of Candler Schaffer.

One, who was born in Chicago, studied math before changing his major to music.

He has been the music director of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra since 1995.

Before then, he served as associate conductor of the Atlanta Symphony, National Endowment for the Arts/Affiliate Artists Resident conductor for the Rochester Philharmonic, associate conductor for the Denver and Charlotte symphonies, and music director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.

He has appeared as guest conductor with major orchestras, such as the National Symphony, Houston Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic and the Teleman Orchestra of Osaka.

Active in the operatic field as well, One has conducted with Opera Memphis and the Orlando Opera.

He also is committed to music education. He has conducted many all-state youth orchestras and was the music director for the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

The two other finalists for the WFSO conductor spot will be Daniel Black, who will lead the WFSO Nov. 12, and Fouad Fakhouri, who will helm the orchestra Feb. 18.

Each finalist will conduct one classical program during the 2016-17 season.

Before each of their respective concerts, the finalists will conduct rehearsals with the orchestra and meet with members of the community. Audience members also will have an opportunity to participate in the selection of the next conductor.

The orchestra 's next music director and conductor will assume the podium for the 2017-2018 concert season.

Saturday's symphony concert will start at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium.
CAUSING NIGHTMARES: Cowboys' offense is scary good in win over Bears

The Dallas Cowboys' offense was scary good on the eve of Halloween, blasting the Chicago Bears, 49-29.
TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS A view of Lake Kemp from the dam.

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By John Ingle of the Times Record News

An amendment passed Tuesday evening and attached to the U.S. House Water Resources Development Act of 2016 will prevent the federal government from forcing local authorities to demolish certain Lake Kemp cabins until 2025.

A Wichita Falls official said the city has had no plans to do so to begin with, but the issue had to be addressed, which stems back to a lawsuit filed in 2002 by the Army Corps of Engineers against the city and Wichita County Water Improvement District No. 2.

U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Clarendon, filed an amendment to be attached to the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 that will add five more years to a piece of legislation filed in 2007 that removed the authority of the federal government  namely the Corps of Engineers  to force the city to demolish structures in the flowage easement. The stipulation in an agreement between the city and the Corps following reconstruction of the Lake Kemp dam in the 1960s required the city, by Jan. 1, 2000, to demolish structures at the lake that were below 1,159-feet mean sea level.

The 2007 legislation pushed the date to Jan. 1, 2020.

The congressman said Wednesday the legislation doesn't change the property owner's or cabin owners' rights, nor does it absolve the city of their responsibility under the agreement. The only thing it changes is whether the federal government can force the city's hand on the issue.

"My bottom line is this has to be decided by the relevant parties, not the federal government coming in and making the city do something if it doesn't want to do it," Thornberry said, adding that an arbitrary date established at the federal level shouldn't decide a local issue.

Julia Vasquez, first assistant attorney for Wichita Falls and the city's representative during the federal lawsuit, said removing the structures would have been costly in 2000, when the estimated price tag for removing more than 300 habitable structures in the flowage easement was in the millions of dollars. While the number of structures is down to about 150, it would still be an expensive bill for the city.

"We don't want to have to do anything at Lake Kemp," she said, citing the fact that lake waters have never reached the 1,159-feet mark. The fullest the lake has gotten was 1,149.77 feet in 1995.

In May 2015, the Corps gave the water district approval to let water get up to 1,147 feet when rains returned and Kemp was nearing capacity. The normal level the Corps would allow before ordering the district to release water was 1,144 feet.

Vasquez said they tried to renegotiate the terms of the contract with the Corps before the Jan. 1, 2000, deadline, but the federal agency wouldn't budge from its black-and-white position. Then-federal Magistrate Judge Kerry Roach's summary judgment ruled in favor of the Corps, so the city turned to a legislative solution.

With the existing deadline now less than four years away, Vasquez said, they were hoping for another extension. Although they didn't get the 20 years they were wanting, the five years approved in the House amendment would provide a little more time to work on a future solution.
In this Jan, 27, 2016, file photo, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, poses with Chinese President Xi Jinping prior to their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. North Korean nuclear and rocket tests are drawing quick responses from the U.S. that will upset a supposed partner against Pyongyang's weapons development _ China. New efforts to toughen missile defense in South Korea and sanctions legislation moving swiftly through Congress could both hurt Chinese interests. The Chinese are concerned the missile defense system could be used against them, and the U.S. sanctions could hit Chinese companies that trade with North Korea. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool, Fiile)

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By Chicago Tribune

Remember when we fretted about space junk from Skylab raining from the sky? Well, spacecraft flotsam is all set for a return engagement. Only this time, blame the Chinese.

Chinese officials acknowledge that they have lost control over their first space laboratory, a 34-foot, 9-ton craft that's now orbiting the earth 200 miles overhead. Scientists expect the lab, Tiangong-1, to plummet to Earth sometime in late 2017. Much of it will burn up in the atmosphere's upper strata, but larger pieces, jagged shards weighing more than 200 pounds, could survive re-entry. Exactly when this volley from the heavens will happen  and where  no one knows.

So, will Earth's inhabitants again find themselves nervously craning necks upward now and then, watching for hunks of fiery steel? Not us.

We've always been a nation of worriers. And we've always had something seemingly cataclysmic to stoke our anxieties: killer bees in the '70s, mad cow disease in the '90s, Y2K chaos at the turn of the century. Skylab exposed our preoccupation with one of our most innate worries: something big and heavy conking our heads. As the day of landfall grew closer (July 11, 1979) scientists regularly put out forecasts on what swath of territory was in peril. The Justice Department set aside two lawyers who were prepared to jet to any spot on the planet to size up whatever damage Skylab inflicted. Maryland and Virginia's emergency preparedness officials worked up Skylab disaster plans. Washington, D.C., set up a command center.

The people with the right preparedness plan were the ones who had none at all. Instead of running for cover, they riffed. One company sold paper Skylab helmets at $2 a pop. There were T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase, "Skylab missed me." Stores sold Skylab Repellent and Skylab Impact Balm. People threw Skylab crash parties and painted huge bull's-eyes on their streets.

Where did Skylab finally land? A bit of it plopped into the Indian Ocean, but most of the wreckage fell onto a deserted stretch of Australia, where the population density was less than one person per square kilometer. No one got clobbered. Buildings and cars suffered nary a dent.

Space junk falls all the time, without any consequence. The European Space Agency estimates that there are 170 million pieces of man-made space debris a millimeter or larger orbiting the Earth, and 29,000 pieces 10 centimeters or larger. Bit by bit, that stuff falls  quietly and harmlessly.

The odds of a human getting struck by a piece of the Tiangong-1 or any other space debris are about 1 in 3,200, according to space.com. What are the odds that you will be that person? One in several trillion.

So the Chinese shouldn't necessarily wring hands over the possibility of hunks of cosmic trash felling bystanders out for their morning jogs. Losing a grip on their first space laboratory is a bit embarrassing, but overall their space program has made considerable headway since its inception in the early 1990s. China launched its first astronaut in 2003, and in 2013 it put a rover on the moon.

If nothing else, they can take solace in the meager price the U.S. was asked to pay for Skylab's fall from the sky. The Australian town that Skylab shards fell near slapped a $400 fine on the U.S. for littering. If Tiangong falls somewhere between Bangor and Fresno, we can send the summons to the Communist Party's Central Committee in Beijing.
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On the first day of fall, I sat by a window in Redding, California, looking out on a pond that mirrored a blue sky, watching squirrels and geese and clouds and trees do what they do best.

I wish you could've seen them.

I believe all God's creations are put on Earth for a purpose. If their purpose that day was simply to delight me, they knocked it out of the park.

Have you ever noticed how most things in Nature seem to know why they are here?

Humans are the exception. As soon as we can talk, someone will ask us, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When I was 6, I wanted to be a forest ranger in a lookout tower. Somedays, I still do.

Animal babies are never asked what they will be. Birds grow up to be birds. Dogs grow up to be dogs. Jack rabbits grow up to eat everything in my yard.

Humans grow up to be human. Most of us. But some of us spend our lives trying to figure out why we are here.

My reason for being in Redding was pretty clear. In three days, I spoke at three events, two of which were fundraisers for the Women's Fund of Shasta Regional Community Foundation.

Those talks were easy. I talked about some of the kindnesses I have known: As a child whose family fell on hard times; as a teenager hoping to go to college; as a wife and mother whose husband was dying with cancer.

I've had vast experience on the receiving side of kindness. I can talk about it until the cows come home. And so I did.

Kindness, I said, is love in action: The love of God. The love of family and friends. Even the love of strangers. It comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. A canned ham when you're hungry. A college scholarship when you need it. The prayers of someone's children for your children. And in countless other strange and wondrous ways.

Sometimes, I said, it's an organization like the Women's Fund, that makes hard times a little easier for women, like my mother, and families like mine, who never want a "handout," but need a helping hand.

There are many organizations like the Women's Fund, neighbors helping neighbors all around the country. Or there should be. If there's not one in your town, maybe you can start one with your friends?

At the third event, I met with some journalism students from local colleges. I told them my story of how I became a reporter (through the grace of God and the back door of a newsroom) and a few things I've learned in my 25 years as a columnist.

Like all good journalists, they asked excellent questions. I wish you could've heard them. There are days when I worry about the future of journalism. Something about the light in their eyes made me worry a little less.

For three days in Redding, I shook hands, hugged necks and met hundreds of "friends" I'd not met before and may never see again this side of heaven.

I got to know the gorgeous land they call home, the birds and trees, the mountains and the river and especially the people. They made me feel like it was my home, too.

I listened to them talk about the things they love, the hopes and fears and dreams they share for themselves, their children and their community.

For a while, I got to be one of them. What a gift. Best of all, I heard them say that my stories are their stories, too. We are all more alike than we are different.

What is your purpose, your reason for being here? After all these years, I'm still not sure of mine. But I do know what I want to be when I grow up.

I want to be kind. A truly kind wife, mama, nana, sister, auntie, cousin, neighbor, friend, writer, speaker and forest ranger in a lookout tower. If you hear of any openings, let me know.

Sharon Randall can be reached at P.O. Box 777394, Henderson NV 89077, or on her website: www.sharonrandall.com
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In August 2011, six months after Syria's Arab Spring revolt erupted, U.S. President Barack Obama put American prestige on the line and insisted Syrian dictator Bashir al-Assad cede power. "For the sake of the Syrian people," Obama said, "the time has come for President Assad to step aside."

It is September 2016. Assad remains in power. Other vicious actors have emerged in Syria's cauldron. In Spring 2014, ISIS asserted itself.

In September 2011, Syria's civilian death toll was around 3,000. In September 2016, death toll estimates (civilian and military) range from 300,000 to 450,000. Whatever the number, Syria is a slaughterhouse, so ending the conflict is a worthy goal.

Sometime in 2015, the Obama administration decided closer cooperation with Russia would help end the conflict. Russia opposes ISIS. In concept, Russia and the U.S. would become partners dedicated to ending Syria's chaotic civil war and defeating ISIS.

The conceptual partnership, however, would be a beast with two heads. Russia supports the Assad regime, the one that Obama said must "step aside."

The concept also ignored six decades of Kremlin policy. During the Cold War, Syrian dictator Hafez al-Assad's regime was a client of the Soviet Union. The post-Cold War dictatorship run by his son, Bashir, remains a Russian client. When the Assad regime failed to defeat the Arab Spring revolt, the Kremlin promised aid. There was an argument advanced at the time that Arab Spring's rapid toppling of authoritarian governments demonstrated the vulnerability of all authoritarian regimes. Russia's authoritarian regime had an interest in stopping that trend. The argument may have a kernel of truth, but the Vladimir Putin-controlled Kremlin had a definite interest in demonstrating that post-Cold War Russian support was as solid the USSR's. Operating in Syria also made Russia an active player in the Middle East.

Syria's heterogeneity, however, complicated (and still complicates) these Russian objectives. Syria is a fragile mosaic of religious and ethnic groups. The Assads' Alawite ethno-religious group provides the regime's military backbone, but it comprises 10 percent of Syria's population. Until February 2011, the minority Alawite dictatorship imposed a police state on Arabs, Kurds, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Druze and numerous Christian sects.

The dictatorship has many enemies. Though ISIS is among them, the regime may or may not regard ISIS terrorists as its most immediate threat.

Despite Pentagon warnings that military cooperation with Russia in Syria entailed risks, in July 2016 the Obama administration agreed to coordinate Russian and U.S. airstrikes against terrorist targets.

On September 9, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced a cease-fire deal. The cease fire would apply to all parties except ISIS.

However, the ceasefire quickly collapsed. In last two weeks, the "dual intervention" has disintegrated into a serious diplomatic confrontation between Washington and Moscow.

ISIS was the terrorist target the Obama administration wanted the partnership to attack. The Kremlin, however, insisted on interpreting "terrorist target" as any enemy of the Assad regime.

So the Russian airstrikes of September 24 on rebel-held Aleppo should have been no surprise. The attacks killed at least 85 people and wounded many more. They were not ISIS militants. After the attacks, American U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power told the U.N. Security Council that "What Russia is sponsoring and doing is not counterterrorism, it is barbarism. Instead of pursuing peace, Russia and Assad make war."

The Russian government quickly rejected Power's criticism. In the Kremlin's view, Russian forces in Syria are doing what they have been ordered to do.

In 2008, Candidate Obama promised to pursue "smart diplomacy." His administration's foolish Syria policy has produced a military and diplomatic quagmire that is definitely his responsibility.

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.
London

A deal worth over $100 billion to combine the world's two biggest beer companies cleared its last major hurdle Wednesday when the shareholders of SABMiller approved the takeover by Budweiser maker Anheuser-Busch InBev.

SABMiller shareholders approved the 79 billion pound ($103 billion) deal  dubbed Megabrew  despite opposition from some investors who saw their share of the payout shrink when the pound plunged following Britain's vote to the leave the European Union. AB InBev shareholders also backed the transaction.

"We are committed to driving long-term growth and creating value for all our stakeholders," Carlos Brito, CEO of AB InBev, said in a statement.

Regulators around the world have already approved the deal, which AB InBev says will create "the first truly global brewer." The takeover is expected to be formally completed on Oct. 10, AB InBev said.

Acquiring SABMiller, which makes Fosters and Miller and traces its roots to the former South African Breweries, gives AB InBev a large presence in Africa while increasing its business in South America and Europe. The combined company will control almost a third of the global beer market.

The complicated deal was nearly derailed by the currency havoc caused by Britain's vote to leave the EU.

In order to win approval from SABMiller's two largest shareholders, AB InBev offered the U.S. tobacco company Altria and BevCo, an investment vehicle of the Santo Domingo family, a cash-and-stock deal that allows them to remain invested in the beer industry while avoiding taxes on a large cash payout. Other shareholders will receive a cash payment for their shares in British pounds.

The value of the cash offer declined in relation to the cash-and-stock deal as the pound weakened against the euro after the EU vote.

A group of smaller investors led by Aberdeen Asset Management opposed the deal, saying it undervalued SABMiller and left them at a disadvantage to Altria and BevCo, which together own about 40 percent of the company. In response, SABMiller agreed to recognize two classes of investors, with the deal requiring approval from 75 percent of smaller shareholders.

A British court must still approve the measure next week, but the hearing is largely considered uncontentious.
Anne Taylor via Brenda Lee Cooper

"See something, say something," police say, even if it is clown who appears out of place.

Saratoga County authorities this week responded to two clown-related calls. On Thursday, Amsterdam police said they fielded four complaints, one of which included harassment of school children in the Henry Street area. No arrests have been made, city police said Thursday.
Washington

Senators are asking the Justice Department to investigate whether pharmaceutical company Mylan acted illegally when it classified its life-saving EpiPen as a generic drug and qualified for lower rebate payments to states.

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Democratic Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Wednesday and suggested the company may have gamed the system to divert millions of dollars from taxpayers.

Mylan CEO Heather Bresch has come under fire in Congress as the price of the emergency allergy shots has skyrocketed in recent years. The list price of EpiPens has grown to $608 for a two-pack, an increase of more than 500 percent since 2007.

At a House hearing last week, Bresch said her company, with sales in excess of $11 billion, doesn't make much profit off each pen and she signaled that Mylan has no plans to lower prices. Republicans and Democrats criticized her for being vague about the company's finances and profits.

In the letter, the senators said that Mylan "may have knowingly misclassified EpiPens, potentially in violation of the False Claims Act and other statutes."

Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program created by Congress, drug companies pay a percentage of their revenues to states  known as rebates  to try and help protect states from high drug prices. The drug companies themselves are responsible for deciding whether their products should be classified as non-innovator drugs, which pay smaller rebates to the states, or innovator drugs, which pay larger rebates.

Mylan has classified the EpiPen as a non-innovator multiple source drug. That classification usually is reserved for older drugs available from multiple sellers. That means the company is paying lower rebates, even though there is currently no direct competitor to the EpiPen.
Paris

Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller says the company is cooperating with U.S. authorities and hopes to reach a settlement on a fine with the Justice Department for equipping diesel vehicles to cheat on emissions tests.

Mueller said the company admits it "made a big mistake" and that "we have worked on a very cooperative basis with the authorities in Germany, Europe, and the U.S. and we hope, especially in the United States, the results of the investigation are pronounced by the Justice Department with a settlement and a corresponding fine."

Mueller told The Associated Press on Wednesday that possible fines reported in different news media were "pure speculation."

Asked if a fine could threaten the company's credit rating or financial solidity, he said Volkswagen was a "financially very robust organzation" but added that "I can only answer that question when I know the amount of the fine."

Volkswagen has admitted wrongdoing in equipping cars with software to evade emissions testing and has agreed on a $15 billion civil settlement with environmental authorities, state governments and vehicle owners in a federal court in San Francisco. The deal, which still has to be approved by a federal judge, requires the company to spend up to $10 billion buying back or fixing about 475,000 2-liter diesel vehicles involved in the scandal and paying owners an additional $5,100 to $10,000 each.

One Volkswagen engineer has pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges in the United States and agreed to cooperate with federal authorities in the investigation. Volkswagen has brought in a law firm to conduct its own probe. Mueller said the Jones Day law firm had put 13 million documents in a database made available to the Department of Justice and that "they will certainly identify the people who were involved."

Volkswagen showed a new electric drive small car at the Paris auto show, part of its effort to emphasize low-emissions vehicles and its embracing of new technology and ways of doing business, including autonomous driving, rental car-sharing and ride-hailing.
Washington D.C.

FBI Director James Comey told Congress on Wednesday there have been additional "attempted intrusions" in voter registration databases beyond what was previously known, and that the agency is looking "very, very hard" at Russian hackers who may try to disrupt the U.S. election.

Comey's comments come amid concern about the ability of hackers from Russia or other nations to breach voting systems. The FBI last month warned state elections officials to boost their election security in light of evidence that hackers targeted related data systems in at least two states.

Comey did not say where the intrusions were or give any additional details. But he told the House Judiciary Committee that the agency is "investigating to try to understand exactly what mischief the Russians might be up to in connection with our political institutions and the election system more broadly."

Comey said the FBI had also detected a variety of "scanning activities," which he said are an early indication of hacking.

"We are urging the states just to make sure that their deadbolts are thrown and their locks are on and to get the best information they can from DHS, just to make sure their systems are secure," he said, referring to the Department of Homeland Security.

At a separate hearing Wednesday, a Homeland Security official attempted to assuage concerns.

Andy Ozment, assistant secretary of cybersecurity and communications for the department, said the government has confidence in the overall integrity of the U.S. electoral system. He stressed that the federal government is working with states to ensure that the system is not breached, but that federal authorities have no intention of taking over state election systems.

Ozment said a cyberattack could not change the outcome of the national election. He noted that there's a wide variety of machines in use in different states, and they are not all connected to one another. There are other physical controls in place, and most aren't connected to the Internet.

Lawmakers expressed concern that the Homeland Security Department may eventually designate election systems as critical infrastructure, a classification that would give the issue priority within the department. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, the chairman of the House Oversight and Goverment Reform subcommittee that held the hearing, said some state officials have worried about a federal takeover of election systems since the department has floated the idea.
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Jerusalem

Israel on Wednesday mourned the death of Shimon Peres, a former president and prime minister whose life story mirrored that of the Jewish state, as the government began preparations for a funeral that is expected to bring together world leaders and dignitaries.

Peres, celebrated around the world as a Nobel Prize-winning visionary who pushed his country toward peace during a remarkable seven-decade career, died early Wednesday from complications from a stroke. He was 93.

News of Peres' death was met with an outpouring of tributes from around the world.

"There are few people who we share this world with, who change the course of human history, not just through their role in human events, but because they expand our moral imagination and force us to expect more of ourselves. My friend Shimon was one of those people," said President Barack Obama.

The White House said Wednesday night that Obama will lead a U.S. delegation to Jerusalem to attend Peres' funeral on Friday.

Obama is among a high-powered group of world leaders, including Bill Clinton and French President Francois Hollande, attending what is expected to be the largest such gathering in Israel since the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated by a Jewish ultranationalist in 1995.

Hillary Clinton is not attending, a campaign aide said on condition of anonymity, as the aide was not authorized to discuss scheduling issues.

Officials said Peres' body would lie in state at the Knesset, or parliament, on Thursday to allow the public to pay final respects.

On Friday morning, the casket will be taken from the Knesset to Mount Herzl, the country's national cemetery, in Jerusalem, the government said. The ceremony will include eulogies and a procession to the cemetery's VIP section for burial alongside most of the country's past leaders. It said large screens would be set up around the cemetery to allow the expected huge crowd to watch.

The government ordered that flags be flown at half-mast at all government institutions, military bases and police stations. It said helipads would be set up near Mount Herzl to allow easier access for visiting dignitaries and to prevent traffic jams.

Peres' son, Chemi, confirmed his death Wednesday morning to reporters gathered at the hospital where Peres had been treated since suffering a stroke on Sept. 13.

"Our father's legacy has always been to look to tomorrow," he said. "We were privileged to be part of his private family, but today we sense that the entire nation of Israel and the global community share this great loss. We share this pain together."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his Cabinet for a special meeting, where he praised Peres despite their deep ideological differences. "Shimon devoted his life to our nation and to the pursuit of peace," he said. "As Israel's president, Shimon did so much to unite the nation. And the nation loved him for it."

Bill Clinton and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said they "lost a true and treasured friend." Clinton was president when Peres helped negotiate a historic interim peace agreement with the Palestinians in 1993.

Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush also issued statements of mourning.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement expressing his "sorrow and sadness" over Peres' death.

He called Peres "a partner in making the peace of the brave" with the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Rabin. All three men shared the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the Oslo interim peace accord, which Abbas helped negotiate.

"He exerted persistent efforts to reach a just peace from the Oslo agreement until the final moments of his life," Abbas said.

While Western leaders lionized Peres, he had a mixed legacy with the Palestinians, who appreciated his stated commitment to peace but held him responsible for a deadly artillery strike that killed dozens of civilians in Lebanon while he was prime minister.
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Washington

Although Congress voted Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of legislation that allows relatives of 9/11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia for their deaths, it's unclear how soon they can expect to make their case in court.

Legal experts say the families still face hurdles  procedural and political  before they see a U.S. court decide whether Riyadh played a role in the deadly terrorist attacks of 2001, in spite of overwhelming support in both the Senate, where Obama's veto was rejected 97-1, and the House of Representatives, where the tally was 348-77.

It could take months for the families' attorneys to gather documents and conduct interviews to back their claim of Saudi official involvement  not a small feat considering that no previous inquiry has uncovered a smoking gun.

"It's unclear what the legislation ultimately will allow, and what the costs will be and whether it will really allow the families to get any sort of closure or not," said Michael Gerhardt, constitutional law professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law. "Lawsuits can be very difficult avenues to try and settle acts of terror."

Congress, however, was willing to let the families try, handing Obama the first veto override of his administration by margins that left little doubt where the sympathies lay. Only Harry Reid of Nevada, the top Senate Democrat, voted to sustain the president's veto in the Senate.

"Our administration was dead wrong on this issue," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who ordinarily would be among the president's biggest supporters in Congress.

"I've never been shy about voting against the president when I disagree with him, and this bill is no exception," said Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri.

McCaskill voted in 2015 to override Obama's veto of a bill that would have authorized construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, but that override failed.

The override drew praise from the campaign of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, which distributed a statement by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani calling Obama's veto "an insult to those we lost on 9/11."

Family members said they knew that even with the enactment of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, their day in court was distant.

"I think there's probably a long road ahead. There was a hope that things would happen really fast, but it doesn't seem to be working that way," said Lorie Van Auken, whose husband, Kenneth Van Auken, died in the World Trade Center.

Still, she added, Wednesday's vote "means we're one step closer to justice."

Embarking on a lobbying blitz, Saudi Arabia tried to stop the legislation, a sign of the increasing tensions between Riyadh and Washington over the Saudis' roles in conflicts in Yemen, Syria and elsewhere. Saudi officials had warned they'd sell off billions of dollars in U.S. assets if the so-called "9/11 bill" became law.

Saudi representatives in Washington declined to comment, but they have steered journalists to the public remarks of U.S. officials who support the president's veto.

Speaking before the House vote, White House spokesman Josh Earnest called the Senate vote "embarrassing" and "an abdication of their basic responsibilities as elected representatives of the American people."

In July, Congress released a long-withheld 28-page section of what had been the first U.S. report on the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. The section had been declared classified for national security reasons and withheld when the report was released in June 2003.

The suppressed chapter spelled out a series of possible links between the hijackers and Saudi officials that the congressional investigators said they thought deserved more attention. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers, all of whom died in the attacks, were Saudis who had lived in Florida, California, Virginia and New Jersey.

It also described what the investigators said was an "unacceptable" lack of awareness by the CIA and the FBI of Saudi activities inside the United States. It blamed that lack of awareness on the FBI's part prior to the Sept. 11 attacks on "Saudi Arabia's status as an American 'ally.' "

However, there was no bombshell revelation in the 28 pages that tied the hijackers directly to the Saudi government. Instead, the section urged more thorough investigation.
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Colonie

The marble and dark paneling of Pioneer Bank's former Troy headquarters have been replaced by large windows and brightly colored furnishings.

The fourth-floor offices and boardroom offer expansive views of the Colonie landscape, while one floor below are amenities for employees that include an exercise room, training center and lunch area.

The newly completed $15 million building at one of the busiest intersections in the Capital Region accomplishes what Pioneer President and CEO Thomas Amell set out to accomplish four years ago: dusting off the brand and making it much more visible.

The brightly lighted Pioneer signs that top the building are especially visible. Visitors arriving at Albany International Airport will see them as they head to the nearby Northway.

The Northway also has made the commute for many of the 130 employees who now work in the recently completed building at Wolf and Albany Shaker roads much easier, Amell said during a tour Wednesday.

Pioneer occupies the top three floors of the 60,000-square-foot building, and will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its 2,200-square-foot first-floor headquarters branch at 6 p.m. Thursday.

The new branch does away with teller windows, replacing them with pods where employees and customers can conduct business. Customers also buy stamps and ship packages domestically, and purchase bank-logo items ranging from caps to coffee cups.

"All the proceeds we receive from merchandise sales are donated to charity," Amell said.

Pioneer, a mutual savings bank, has no plans to go public, Amell said.

But it does have plans to grow.

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It recently acquired two bank branches in Greene County, and is negotiating to purchase some branches following the First Niagara/KeyBank merger.

Amell said Pioneer, which has a branch in Malta, would like to add branches as far north as Queensbury, fill in branches between here and Greene County, and expand west to Amsterdam.

But it doesn't plan to expand into neighboring states.

"Right now we're chartered to operate just in New York state," Amell said. "Our success has been knowing our customers, knowing our markets, and knowing our communities."

eanderson@timesunion.com  518-454-5323
Author Imbolo Mbue, a native of Cameroon, got the idea for her debut novel "Behold the Dreamers" (Random House, 382 pages, $28) in 2008 when she saw chauffeurs waiting in front of the Time Warner Building in New York City.

"I was intrigued by these two very different worlds," said Mbue. "I could tell from their look that some of the drivers were from Africa like me, and I began to imagine what it would be like for them to drive these very wealthy people around."

Mbue was unemployed at the time. "I had time to write a bit and create these two very different families and explore who they were and what America meant to me as an immigrant. I wanted to explore the fear of losing your job and your dream and how you could still move forward."

The novel takes place during the years of 2007-2009 when the housing bubble had burst, the auto industry was crashing and unemployment was over 10 percent. This was the world that Cameroonian immigrant Jende Jonga faces when he arrives in New York with a visitor's visa.

More Information If you go What: A discussion of the recent immigrant experience in fiction, nonfiction and film and a reading by author Imbolo Mbue and literary agent Susan Golomb. When: 8 p.m. Thursday Where: Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany's uptown campus. (There will be an afternoon seminar at 4:15 p.m. in the Assembly Hall located in the Campus Center.) Note: The events are free and open to the public. See More Collapse

"I had him get a job as a driver for Clark Edwards, an executive at Lehman Brothers, and eventually he even begins driving for Clark's wife and his two children," said Mbue.

After getting settled, Jende brings over his wife, Neni, and his young son. They settle down in an apartment in Harlem in hopes of living their dream of a much better life only to encounter the financial collapse of some of our largest financial institutions.

The book includes some of the best and worst aspects of America. "America is a wonderful place, and a wonderful idea," said Mbue. "It's also a difficult place for immigrants. It's very competitive, but if you're like Jende and Neni and you don't have the education to enjoy the country's opportunities, then you need some luck."

Mbue also feels that America is a class society. "Wealthy families like the Edwards are desperately trying to hold on to their lifestyle. Neni understands the opportunity that she has been given in America, and she will not let anything or anyone stand in her way. She is willing to go as far as possible to protect and help her family."

As a writer, Mbue wanted to avoid the stereotype of the suffering African immigrants in conflict with the bad white wealthy family. "We're all flawed. No one is perfect, and I hope readers will like and dislike equally all the characters I've created."

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One of the things she set out to do in this book was to write a sort of love letter to New York City, America and also to her native country. "This is very much a New York City book. I love the city. It was the first place I felt truly at home in America. When I left Cameroon at a young age I was very homesick, but coming to New York City, despite the crowds and the noise, I loved all the diversity and the people that helped me finally belong."

Mbue's characters Jende and Neni are from the same city in Cameroon  Limbe  where the author grew up. "I had my childhood there. Something happens when you leave your homeland, something gets lost. You find yourself thinking of all the wonderful things back home, the food, the friends, the ocean. I lived a simple life in Limbe. I lived in poverty, but I never felt poor because everyone was living the same way."

She said that friends and family would help you if you were in need. "There was a strong sense of community. In America when you're poor, you're really poor. It can be so isolating."

It is quite an amazing story that Imbolo Mbue, who has only lived in this country for a decade, is now a successful writer being represented by a powerful literary agent, Susan Golomb, who has also discovered such famous authors as Jonathan Franzen and William Vollman.

"It was a very long journey to get this book published. A lot of editing and re-writing went into this. It took me five years to write the book and three years to find my agent. Susan read my book and liked it, but said it needed more work. Together we made it a better book, and I was so lucky to find her."
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If you're a fan of theater, it pretty much goes without saying that you believe in magic, especially the power of good storytelling. The consummate show for creating something from almost nothing is "Peter and the Starcatcher," which opens Saturday at Hubbard Hall.

A prequel to J.M. Barrie's classic "Peter Pan," it features the boy who wouldn't grow up (before his flying days) plus the Lost Boys and a band of pirates riding aboard the H.M.S. Neverland. An essential part of realizing the 2009 script by Rick Elise is that the scenery and props be made by the actors onstage from simple stuff, like rope and fabric.

"It starts with that spirit of 'Once upon a time,'" says director David Snider. "There are 13 actors and they create ships out of trunks, and whole landscapes and oceans out of tarps."

Comparing it to the inventiveness that's often a part of Shakespeare, Snider quotes a line from "Henry V": "'Tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings." But Snider makes an easier comparison as well  to how kids can build a fort from a blanket and a card table.

More Information If you go "Peter and the Starcatcher" When: Opens 7:30 p.m. Saturday and continues for nine more performances through Oct. 23. Where: Hubbard Hall, 25 E. Main St., Cambridge Tickets: $10-$20. Call 677-2495 or visit: http://www.hubbardhall.org See More Collapse

Now in his third season as executive and artistic director at Hubbard Hall, Snider's administrative duties are certainly more complicated than building a fort. Besides the upstairs theater, the complex of buildings in the heart of the village of Cambridge includes studios for dance and visual art plus an art gallery. The recently shuttered general store has been converted into a community center.

Snider likes to stay close to the performing side of things. Just last spring, he had a prominent role in the company's production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."

"The artistic process feeds me," says Snider. "Being in the room during rehearsals is essential. Even if it's another five hours a day of work, it doesn't feel like work."

When he's not staging or acting in a new show, Snider still seems to be applying a theater artist's ability to conjure up activity where it did not previously exist. As evidence, there are a variety of new initiatives underway at the organization, including a mapping of the Washington County cultural scene, which will be compiled into a directory of galleries, studios and the like, and which should, in turn, help out with regional tourism.

Snider also says that Hubbard Hall's staff has grown to three full-time and three-part time employees.

Involving young people with the arts has also become an important focus under Snider's leadership and "Peter and the Starcatcher" is an example. According to Snider, the show's cast is made up of performers between the ages of 15 and 25. A few are professionals, but many are local high school students, who have already been involved with the company through its summer Shakespeare program.

In a lucky confluence of forces, construction currently under way at Cambridge High School has necessitated the drama club temporarily relocating to Hubbard Hall.

"We have a contract from the school for this year," explains Snider. "If it works out, we'll see if it can continue and grow. Our space is better than the cafetorium in their school. Since they don't need microphones in our space, it's better for their natural talent."

The lead role in "Peter and the Starcatcher" is being played by Christiana Roewer, who is a senior at Cambridge High. She's an example of how Hubbard Hall's summer arts program and the school's drama club have served as feeders to the theater company.

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But her first spark of interest came from seeing a show.

"I went to 'Of Mice and Men,' and it was really emotional," she says. "Usually I don't cry or get upset, but I was tearing up at the end."

The sense of discovery has continued for Roewer. First, it's a part of her character's journey. "Peter's very cynical, he keeps to himself and doesn't have friends," she says. "But he meets Molly, who helps him open up and become Peter Pan."

After listing some of Peter's dangerous adventures, Roewer adds, "It's weird to think that a 15-year-old kid could cause this much trouble!"

As for Roewer herself, participation in drama has resulted in an unfolding of her talents. Hardly giving it a thought, she describes it in a way that's appropriate for someone portraying a boy who learns to fly.

"It has helped me spread my wings," she says.

Joseph Dalton is a freelance writer based in Troy.
Newseum CEO Gene Policinski (left) was introduced by Barry Cressman, retired pastor of Titusville First Presbyterian Church, as the keynote speaker for the plenary that opened Wednesdays Symposium on Investigative Journalism, Past & Present: Ida Tarbell and Modern Muckrakers. The plenary was held in Henne Auditorium on the UPT campus.
[September 29, 2016] Aegex Technologies Launches New IoT Platform for Hazardous Industries

Atlanta, Ga., USA, Sept. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aegex Technologies LLC has launched the worlds first IoT Platform built specifically for regulated hazardous locations, where explosive atmospheres require Internet of Things equipment that is certified intrinsically safe, or incapable of causing an explosion. The new Aegex IoT Platform for Hazardous Locations includes Aegexs universally certified intrinsically safe Windows 10 enterprise tablet, an array of intrinsically safe sensors, and other hardware and software components that, together, capture, transmit and analyze big data in oil & gas refineries, chemical manufacturing plants and other meta-scale industrial facilities to help improve operations for better safety and productivity. Aegex CEO Thomas P. Ventulett announced the new platform during a Sept. 28 reception at its world headquarters hosted by the Microsoft Innovation Center and the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 group at the FlatironCity building in Atlanta, Ga., USA. In attendance were hundreds of guests and attendees of the Microsoft Ignite global conference. The Aegex IoT Platform is the next major component in the companys portfolio of Internet of Everything (IoE) solutions for hazardous and explosive industrial environments. Aegexs flagship IoE product is the Aegex10 Intrinsically Safe Tablet, the worlds first Windows 10 tablet globally certified for hazardous locations where high concentrations of flammable gases, vapors or dusts are likely to occur in normal operation, such as in oil & gas, petrochemical, and other industries with explosive atmospheres. The Aegex IoT Platform for Hazardous Locations includes: the Aegex10 IS Tablet; industrial applications and APIs that make the tablet a powerful communications and data management tool; intrinsically safe sensors that detect gases, temperatures, wind speeds and other facility data; intrinsically safe wearables that monitor worker health and ability; and user interface and analytics systems that manage and interpret data captured by the Aegex devces. Aegex is testing this IoT Platform for Hazardous Locations in cooperation with Microsoft and other technology partners in a smart city at the Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga. We have learned that to manage a meta-scale IoT platform, particularly one where hazardous or explosive materials are present, you have to consider multiple, constantly changing factors that make these expansive operations unique, Ventulett said. The only test facility that meets hazardous industries unique challenges is the worlds largest privately held city for training first responders, special forces and other teams for disaster planning and recovery: The Guardian Centers. Aegex has installed at the Guardian Centers more than 80 IS sensors of 30+ different types that feed data to a central hub for processing and analysis. A Microsoft Power BI dashboard displays the test data to turn it into useable information, which is shared via the cloud with Microsoft Azure. Through this realistic testing process at the Guardian Centers, Aegex expects to perfect its IoT for Hazardous Locations and provide proof of concept for customers in the oil & gas, aerospace, chemical manufacturing, logistics, mining, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, public safety, utilities, and other global industries with hazardous location environments. Contact Aegex for more information. About Aegex Technologies, LLC Aegex Technologies provides intrinsically safe mobile and IoT solutions for hazardous locations in the oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, public safety and utilities industries. Aegexs unified mobile platform enables enterprises to customize our Windows 10 intrinsically safe 10.1-inch tablets with enterprise-class software and industry-specific applications to meet the mobility needs of all personnel in multiple zones of hazardous locations. Aegexs world headquarters is in the Flatiron Building in Atlanta, Ga., USA. It also has a European headquarters in Rotterdam, The Netherlands; engineering and production facilities in Hungary; and sales offices in Southampton, United Kingdom, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The companys flagship IoT product, the Aegex10 Intrinsically Safe Tablet, is the first Windows 10 tablet to gain certifications for ATEX and IECEx Zone 1, UL 913 Class I, II, III Division 1 and CSA 22.2 areas of hazardous locations. These approvals made the Aegex10 the worlds first Windows 10 tablet globally certified for HazLoc operations where high concentrations of flammable gases, vapors or dusts are likely to occur in normal operation, such as in oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and other industries with highly explosive environments. While most mobile devices are not permitted in highly volatile zones of hazardous locations because they could cause a spark, Aegexs 10.1-inch tablets are certified intrinsically safe, or incapable of igniting an explosion. With full roaming capabilities, the Aegex10 4G LTE version is the only truly universal device for hazardous environments. Its Microsoft operating system and Intel architecture give the Aegex tablet unsurpassed Cloud, software and hardware support worldwide. Aegex10 intrinsically safe tablets synchronize with an organizations Internet of Things to allow users to transmit real-time data from within the most hazardous zones of their operations. Such cloud-based connectivity improves safety, efficiency and compliance and lowers risk, resulting in decreased downtime and optimized operations. Aegex tablets bring certified enterprise mobility solutions to HazLoc environments. With a uniform platform, the devices are customizable for any team member in a HazLoc operation, from personnel in explosive zones to their managers who are off-site. In addition to running enterprise programs such as Microsoft Azure, Office and Outlook, customers can select task-specific applications and accessories from the Aegex portfolio to tailor the tablets for their particular workforce needs. Watch the latest Aegex video to learn more. [email protected] www.aegex.com LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Google+ Instagram Media inquiries to: Leigh Villegas Manager, Corporate Communications [email protected] 229.220.9660

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[September 29, 2016] Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE Platform Reaches 10,000 Users at Renault

Regulatory News: Dassault Systemes (Paris:DSY) Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced that its 3DEXPERIENCE platform has now reached its 10,000th production user at Groupe Renault, global manufacturer of three million vehicles annually, for seamless, collaborative new product development across all geographies and for all brands-Renault, Dacia and Renault Samsung (News - Alert) Motors. This marks a milestone in Groupe Renault's "NewPDM" program based on Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, to transform its engineering division to make it global and collaborative, with "right the first time" product development. For this, Groupe Renault has deployed Dassault Systemes' (News - Alert) virtual collaborative design and simulation applications across all of its engineering centers worldwide to bring its teams together for real-time collaboration on a single, unified platform, from concept through production. These applications now form the core of Dassault Systemes' "Target Zero Defect" indstry solution experience.



Based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, "Target (News - Alert) Zero Defect" ensures right the first time vehicle design through optimized end to end development processes. Simultaneous and collaborative product and process engineering accelerates and improves early validation and manufacturing of innovations that are defining a new generation in transportation and mobility such as connectivity, autonomous driving or zero emissions. "Our 'NewPDM' program is key for engineering digital acceleration of Groupe Renault. This huge business transformation, driven with Dassault Systemes' support, represents a clear performance breakthrough for the development of the future range of our three brands, Renault, Dacia and Renault Samsung Motors. It brings us real benefits in the digital phases of our projects and even more during physical phases," said Gaspar Gascon Abellan, Executive Vice President Engineering, Groupe Renault. "Thanks to 'NewPDM', we can ensure very soon the quality of our products and bring innovative concepts to customers with robustness. More than 10 000 users are now connected to a unique configurable powertrain-platform-vehicle structure, in a collaborative environment, shared within our global engineering organization in France, Romania, India, Korea, Brazil, Spain, and Russia."

"The 3DEXPERIENCE platform has been adopted by Groupe Renault and its use has been expanded worldwide to thousands of users and domains including process manufacturing, demonstrating the scalability of our platform and industry solution experiences," said Olivier Sappin, Vice President, Transportation & Mobility Industry, Dassault Systemes. "New vehicle technologies require increasingly complex development processes. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform helps global manufacturers such as Groupe Renault lower the risks and costs associated with introducing new products." For more information on Dassault Systemes' industry solution experiences for the transportation & mobility industry, please visit http://www.3ds.com/industries/transportation-mobility/. About Dassault Systemes Dassault Systemes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systemes' collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 210,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com. 3DEXPERIENCE, the Compass (News - Alert) logo and the 3DS logo, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, ENOVIA, DELMIA, SIMULIA, GEOVIA, EXALEAD, 3D VIA, BIOVIA, NETVIBES and 3DEXCITE are registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160928006541/en/

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[September 29, 2016] Healthcare Workforce Management Company ShiftWizard Announces $3 Million in Funding and New CEO

ShiftWizard, a leading healthcare workforce management solution provider, today announced the close of a $3 million round from Rolling Hills Ventures and Resolute Venture Partners. The company will use the funding to further product development and invest in customer acquisition through sales, training and implementation efforts. Nashville-based Rolling Hills Ventures and Houston-based Resolute Venture Partners are part of Clayton Associates, an investment firm founded in 1996 by R. Clayton McWhorter, former founder of HealthTrust, Inc. and Chairman of Hospital Corporation of America (NYSE:HCA). This investment in ShiftWizard is the first North Carolina-based investment for Rolling Hills Ventures and Resolute Venture Partners. Rolling Hills Ventures Managing Partner Richard Bovender and his team of senior healthcare advisors recognized ShiftWizard's innovation and leadership opportunity in the healthcare industry. "The fact that the company was founded by healthcare professionals was the first thing that caught our attention. But, it was easy to see the value in ShiftWizard's SaaS (News - Alert) healthcare workforce solution, and to understand the benefits hospitals could achieve, including major cost savings," said Bovender. "For us, finding the right investment partners had to be about more than just the money itself. It was very important for us to find investors with the right expertise and the right relationships, to help ShiftWizard expand our reach even further into the healthcare industry," explained Christian Pardue, co-founder, ShiftWizard. The company also announced the addition of Joe Velk as CEO. Velk has more than 25 years of investment and company building experience with information technology companies. Prior to ShiftWizard, he spent the past 16 years managing Contender Capital. He also co-managed The North Carolina Enterprise Fund for 13 years and spent five years with Intersouth Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm located in North Carolina's Researc Triangle Park area.



Velk and Bovender will both join ShiftWizard's board of directors along with Jay Zeidman, managing partner at Resolute Venture Partners, and company founders Christian Pardue and Shane Parker. Landon Gibbs, a partner with Clayton Associates, will serve as a company advisor. "We are proud of the organic growth and success we have already experienced, but we are excited to leverage this funding and our new leadership team to help even more healthcare organizations manage their workforce successfully, while ultimately improving patient care," added Shane Parker, co-founder, ShiftWizard.

ShiftWizard is a leading workforce management solution developed by nurses for healthcare organizations. Introduced in 2007, ShiftWizard was the first 100 percent web-based workforce scheduling solution on the market that was focused specifically for healthcare. Today, the company's SaaS solution supports the workforce management needs of both direct-patient-care personnel and non-patient personnel with scheduling, productivity and forecasting capabilities. The company's solution is ideally suited to meet the workforce management needs of healthcare organizations, including: Acute care hospitals

Long-term care facilities

Long-term acute care (LTAC)

Outpatient clinics (e.g., surgical centers, urgent care clinics)

Critical access hospitals

Correctional healthcare facilities

Mental health facilities

Military/veteran hospitals and clinics About ShiftWizard With more than 50 years of combined nursing experience and more than 24 years of direct patient care experience, ShiftWizard founders Shane Parker, RN, and Christian Pardue, RN, set out to create a solution to address the scheduling challenges and frustrations they directly experienced throughout their careers. They were industry pioneers, introducing the first 100 percent web-based scheduling solution for the healthcare industry in 2007. They have since expanded the solution's workforce automation capabilities to include scheduling, point of care productivity and forecasting and have grown their customer base to more than 100,000 users today. Their dedication to developing innovative technology and delivering unmatched customer service has paid off, earning them a nearly 100 percent customer retention rate and 98 percent customer support satisfaction rate. They are so confident in their solution that they are the only one in the industry to offer a free on-site trial for qualified healthcare organizations, which has resulted in a near 100 percent close rate. For more information, visit www.shiftwizard.com. About Clayton Associates Clayton Associates is a Tennessee-based investment firm founded in 1996 by R. Clayton McWhorter, former founder of HealthTrust, Inc. and Chairman of Hospital Corporation of America (NYSE:HCA). The firm has built on its extensive operating experience and relationships to partner with entrepreneurs and help build successful businesses. Clayton Associates makes seed, angel, and venture stage investments in healthcare IT and technology companies. Since inception, Clayton Associates and its affiliates have invested in over 100 companies, representing greater than $7B in annualized revenue and the creation of over 20,000 jobs. For more information, visit www.claytonassociates.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005823/en/

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[September 29, 2016] Merck Congratulates Guatemala as Fourth Country in Latin America to Achieve WHO Verification of Elimination of River Blindness

Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, commends the government of Guatemala on being the fourth country in Latin America to receive World Health Organization (WHO) verification of the elimination of river blindness (onchocerciasis). This announcement comes one year after the international coalition, formed by The Carter Center, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), WHO and Merck's MECTIZAN Donation Program, urged for the final push to eliminate onchocerciasis from the Americas. The government of Guatemala worked in partnership with the MECTIZAN Donation Program, PAHO, WHO and The Carter Center's Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA), to eliminate onchocerciasis - one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide - using MECTIZAN (ivermectin), donated by Merck. With this verification, four of the six countries in the Americas historically at-risk for river blindness have verified elimination of the disease. "We celebrate this important achievement with the people of Guatemala. River blindness is a debilitating disease that affects individuals and their families, as well as the larger health care system and the economy," said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck. "Until river blindness is entirely eliminated around the world, we remain committed to working with our partners in the fight against this preventable disease." For more information, please read the following: PAHO/WHO Announcement

The Carter Center Announcement About the MECTIZAN Donation Program In October 1987, Merck announced it would donate the medication MECTIZAN to all who need it for as long as necessary until river blindness is eliminated as a public health prblem. The MECTIZAN Donation Program reaches more than 100 million people annually for river blindness. In Latin America, since 1989, more than 11 million treatments of donated MECTIZAN have been delivered by community health workers and non-governmental organizations. Learn more at www.mectizan.org.



About Merck For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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). View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929006148/en/

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[September 28, 2016] Webit.APAC 2016 Proved To Be a Huge Success

SOFIA, Bulgaria, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 450 attendees from all over the world were part of the hugely successfulWebit.APAC conference, part of SWITCH (Singapore Week of Technology and Innovation). The event, hosted by the Vice Prime Minister of Singapore, took place at the Resorts World Convention Centre on the 20th of September. The event itself presented star-studded cast of speakers - all major advertisers in Southeast Asia, retailers, media, publishers, agencies, top executives from most innovative companies in the region and C level executives and leaders from the rest of the world.



Webit.APAC started with an opening address from Plamen Russev, Chairman of Webit.Foundation and serial entrepreneur. Mr Russev expressed his desire to use the event for the start of a new big community in the digital world. He welcomed all the attendees and speakers to the event with a great opening speech. Next in line was Arshant Saha, VP South & Southeast Asia, Xaxis. He addressed the audience with the subject of using data and technology for a powerful content marketing relevant for contextual marketing. Talking about content marketing, he said: "This is the use of data and technology to identify brief opportunities to put the right message in front of the right consumer". Jason Jercinovic was the next on stage, a very interesting topic "The Cognitive User Experience", as part of the Digital Transformation and Innovation track. The Global Brand Director of Havas Worldwide talked about using cognitive technlogy for brand development. "No one knows what will happen next. Success will come to those who are more adaptable. Respond to change and opportunity by knowing your user's pain and needs. Cognitive is the competitive advantage enabling partnership between people and computers," he said. Ward van Duffel, VP Direct to Consumer, Lego, used the notebook of a child to give examples for the use of customer feedback to embed in strategy on value creation to enhance customer experience. His topic was "How to use customer feedback to build memorable experiences in an omni-channel context".



Mark Tipper, Executive Creative Director for APAC, R/GA, inspired a lot of tweets in the audience with his talk on collaborative innovation at speed. He spoke about fostering innovation within organisations, pointing that collaborative innovation is the new theme of value creation to solve problems. "Innovation equals marginal gains. Accumulated marginal gains areas we are not doing well makes a big difference," he concluded. Rohit Tripathi, GM and Head of Products, SAP Mobile Services, took part in the Digital Advertising and Data Track. "Delivering impactful and efficient customer experiences in the Digital Economy using mobile" was the topic he commented on. His most powerful message was "When we talk about digital efficiency, don't throw out the things that work. Build on them!"

You can see the whole agenda of the event here. The list with speakers can be found here. In conclusion, Webit.APAC 2016 presented a selected number of high-profile speakers and proved to be a great event for networking in the region. Xaxis is the gold partner of the event. Among other partners are SWITCH, National Research Foundation, PR Newswire and CMO Asia.



Webit stands for a global community of over 120 000 members and series of digital and tech events gathering from 1 000 to 10 000 attendees from over 110 countries at different location in the world like Sofia, Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore and New Delhi.

The event in Singapore (Webit.APAC) brought together a very selected number of 450 attendees of the major digital and tech experts from Singapore, SouthEast Asia and rest of the world.

The Global Webit Series puts a special focus on the content of the conference and the knowledge transfer while building unparalleled business opportunities and networking. Over 70% of all Webit speakers are global leaders. Contact us:

Aniela Russeva

SVP Business Development

+359 8888 06419

[email protected]

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[September 28, 2016] Sino-Lite Ltd. Announces Acquisition of Light Instruments Ltd.

YOKNEAM, Israel, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sino-Lite Ltd., an Israeli corporation, has announced the acquisition of Light Instruments Ltd, a leading dental laser manufacturer, previously owned by Syneron Medical Ltd. Owning 100% of Light Instruments' unique technology, Sino-Lite Ltd. has gained access into the prosperous global dental laser market. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407648 ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407649 ) Light Instruments Ltd., the world's leading provider of next generation dental laser technology for hard and soft tissue treatments is famed for its flagship LiteTouch product. Developed by Light Instruments, LiteTouch - the Laser-in-Handpiece technology, is the world's most versatile non-fibre, Er: YAG dental laser device. "The acquisition of Light Instruments is the first step within a sequece of acquisitions of high technology companies and innovative companies that the group intends to acquire in the Israeli market," said Adv. Eric Ben Mayor - CEO of Sino-Lite Ltd, serving also as Light Instruments Ltd. CEO.



"The new leadership will drive the LiteTouch technology brand forward and further develop its valued innovative contribution to the dentistry world," continued Ben-Mayor and added: "Sino-Lite Ltd. shall increase Light Instruments' workforce and expand the variety of high-end advanced Technology Dental Lasers offered, thus affirming its position as a worldwide global leader." Attracted by Light Instruments' reputation for developing cutting-edge and advanced technology in the dental field, the acquisition marks the latest large investment by Chinese conglomerates in Israeli technology companies.

Light Instruments Ltd's development of a small, simple and portable laser for dental procedures is a sharp contrast from the bulky and complicated equipment common elsewhere. The dental laser market is one of the biggest potential markets in the coming decade. There is a clear worldwide trend and a willingness from dentists to adopt painless, fast and more efficient solutions. The once-fledging market is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting developments in the healthcare industry. About Sino-Lite Ltd Sino-Lite Ltd specializes in the acquisitions, development and management of dental and medical companies worldwide. The company is backed by strong Chinese groups headed by Sino-Ita International Trading Company, headquartered in Beijing China, is the distributor of the Italian brand NewTom Cone Beam 3D Imaging in China and South East Asia. Sino-Ita is a whole solution provider covering the business of high end imaging equipment, high value consumable items, and high value services. Sino-Ita integrates the whole chain from research, sales to service. For more information, visit http://www.light-inst.com Media Contact: Claudia Yoel

Marketing Projects Manager

+972-54-300-3429

[email protected]

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[September 28, 2016] Emma & Tom's Achieves 30 Percent Revenue Since Implementing NetSuite

SYDNEY, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NetSuite Inc. (NYSE: N), the industry's leading provider of cloud financials / ERP and omnichannel commerce software suites, today announced that Emma & Tom's, a leading Australian producer of healthy drinks and snacks, has replaced its previous MYOB system and implemented the JCurve edition* of NetSuite to manage its mission critical business operations across its entire distribution supply chain, financials, financial reporting, customer relationship management (CRM), sales and marketing, order management and warehouse and inventory management. Since going live on NetSuite, Emma and Tom's has achieved 30 percent revenue growth year-over-year and has been able to gain the scalability needed to manage its fast growing business, which today has 40 distribution vans delivering to more than 3,000 cafe and retail customers around Australia. Established in 2004, Emma & Tom's adopted the names of its founders as part of its start-up mentality and ethos around genuinely personal customer service. That same ethos informed Emma & Tom's decision to take its entire distribution process in-house, ensuring utmost quality control for its healthy products  including smoothies, juices, and snack bars  while also building stronger relationships with its over 3,000 customers around Australia. Doing so, however, required a business and supply chain management platform that could not only track and monitor these high-volume, high-complexity operations in real-time, but also scale up to accommodate Emma & Tom's ambitions to expand operations. Emma & Tom's chose NetSuite based on its breadth of functionality and scalability  both of which exceeded those of other platforms while remaining extremely affordable. Emma Welsh, CEO of Emma & Tom's, said, "NetSuite differs from other cloud-based ERP and accounting platforms because its performance simply overshadows the rest. The platform not only gives us extremely high flexibility in how we optimise, integrate, and expand our operations nationally, but does so with a finesse that ensures the quality of our personal customer service. We have gone rom small start-up to now having 60 people  and we're excited to fuel further growth through NetSuite."



Graeme Burt, Channel Sales Director, Asia Pacific and Japan, NetSuite commented, "Given the current political focus on innovation, there has never been a better time for Australian businesses of all sizes to rethink about how they can effectively scale their business through technology. Cloud ERP solutions enable local brands like Emma & Tom's to scale and expand rapidly to stay ahead of the competition, whilst also staying true to their core values and strengths." NetSuite can deliver the following features and benefits to Emma and Tom's:

Track sales and inventory in real-time , minimising delays and ensuring customers receive the freshest products available. Via an Android app, drivers of Emma & Tom's 40 mobile distribution vans input fulfilment updates at every delivery, which NetSuite then converts into real-time updates of inventory, stock movements, and profit and loss visibility. These updates can be viewed by Emma & Tom's five-person management team via any device  particularly useful given the team's frequent movements between their four distribution centres in Melbourne , Perth , Brisbane , and Sydney .

, minimising delays and ensuring customers receive the freshest products available. Via an Android app, drivers of Emma & Tom's 40 mobile distribution vans input fulfilment updates at every delivery, which NetSuite then converts into real-time updates of inventory, stock movements, and profit and loss visibility. These updates can be viewed by Emma & Tom's five-person management team via any device  particularly useful given the team's frequent movements between their four distribution centres in , , , and . Expand product range without increasing operational complexity. NetSuite tracks multiple inventory locations and stock lines through a single, integrated viewpoint for Emma & Tom's staff. As a result, Emma & Tom's has experienced year-on-year revenue growth of 30 percent since 2013  a strong result that has given the company the ability to dedicate more resources to plan the company's national and global expansion.

NetSuite tracks multiple inventory locations and stock lines through a single, integrated viewpoint for Emma & Tom's staff. As a result, Emma & Tom's has experienced year-on-year revenue growth of 30 percent since 2013  a strong result that has given the company the ability to dedicate more resources to plan the company's national and global expansion. Multiple warehouse management. NetSuite allows Emma and Tom's to seamlessly track not just its fleet of mobile distribution vans, but also consolidate and monitor inventory levels across multiple warehouse locations across Australia .

NetSuite allows Emma and Tom's to seamlessly track not just its fleet of mobile distribution vans, but also consolidate and monitor inventory levels across multiple warehouse locations across . Real-time financial reporting speeds up the financial close.

speeds up the financial close. Built-in business intelligence that provides real-time insights into key business performance indicators for a unified view of the organisation and delivers a single version of truth.

that provides real-time insights into key business performance indicators for a unified view of the organisation and delivers a single version of truth. A flexible and agile platform. The NetSuite platform enables Emma and Tom's to customise their requirements by easily capturing data from new resources like vans and warehouses as and when these are added to the distribution network. Stephen Canning, Chief Executive Officer for JCurve, said, "The JCurve edition of NetSuite lends itself uniquely to emerging and growing businesses that have high growth potential and whose operations might otherwise suffer from added complexity as they expand. For Emma & Tom's, the quality of those operations directly correlates to how customers experience the brand. Thanks to NetSuite, Emma & Tom's steadfast commitment to personal customer service can effectively scale across new product lines and markets, without any compromise whatsoever to the product quality that the business has built its reputation on." *JCurve edition of NetSuite allows emerging and growing businesses to run their entire business on an all-in-one cloud ERP, bringing together inventory management, financials, CRM, sales and more. About NetSuite

In 1998, NetSuite pioneered the Cloud Computing revolution, establishing the world's first company dedicated to delivering business applications over the Internet. Today, NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based financials / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and omnichannel commerce software that runs the business of more than 30,000 companies, organisations, and subsidiaries in more than 100 countries. For more information about NetSuite please visit www.netsuite.com.au. Follow NetSuite's Cloud blog, NetSuite's Facebook page and @NetSuiteAPAC Twitter handle for real-time updates. NOTE: NetSuite and the NetSuite logo are service marks of NetSuite Inc. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090924/SF81218LOGO-b To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emma--toms-achieves-30-percent-revenue-since-implementing-netsuite-300335466.html SOURCE NetSuite Inc.

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[September 29, 2016] eAgile Announces partnership with Heinlein Plastik to bring eSeal RFID Solution to Europe



German based Heinlein Plastik-Technik GmbH will introduce Europe to the benefits of RFID Enabled Closures at the CPhl Pharma Event in Barcelona, Spain. GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan and ZURICH, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- eAgile Inc. (eAgile.com/eSeal), a global leader in radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, announces a partnership with Heinlein Plastik-Technik GmbH to bring RFID smart packaging solutions to the European cap and closure marketplace. eSeal is the first turnkey solution engineered to integrate the benefits of RFID into the billions of caps and closures consumed by the over-the-counter pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic and chemical manufacturers. The introduction of partnership will be at the CPhl Pharma event held 4th-6th October, 2016 at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. eAgile's European Sales Director Rene Wyss will join Heinlein Plastik at stand 2R51 to conduct demonstrations and answer questions. eAgile is honored to be partnered with one of Europe's most reputable cap and closure manufacturers. "We are confident in our selection of Heinlein as a European eSeal partner. By leveraging upon each other's strengths, dedication to quality and unique product offerings, we can help the European market make their products as safe as possible," stated Gary Burns, CEO of eAgile. "In today's world, consumers are demandng safety and accountability, especially with healthcare products. Similarly, brand owners want to provide safe products and comply with the demands of pharma compliance and product serialization. eSeal has proven to be a highly effective solution in the US market and we are excited to offer the same benefits to brand owners in Europe."



Working as a stand-alone or in conjunction with current security technologies, eSeal integrates a uniquely encoded RFID inlay between the closure and the seal of the product. The final deliverable is a complete cap and seal which is easily substituted into current production equipment. eAgile's Integration services complete the system by installing RFID hardware and middleware software to collect data for anti-diversion applications, product serialization compliance, supply-chain management and product availability. eAgile is now focusing on enhancing eSeal with their innovative dual frequency tag (UHF and NFC combined onto a single chip) to bring brand interaction opportunities by linking consumers and their NFC-enabled smartphones to authentication-, expiration-, and dosing-information along with re-purchase and promotional opportunities.

About eAgile Inc.: eAgile, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., sets the standard in RFID solutions by providing high-quality, cost-effective auto-identification products finely tuned to customer needs. eAgile has one of the broadest ISO 9001:2008 certifications covering tag production, data management software and the building of complete RFID infrastructures. Learn more about eSeal and view a product demonstration video at http://www.eAgile.com/eSeal/Heinlein. About Heinlein Plastik-Technik GmbH:

Heinlein Plastik-Technik is a manufacturer and systems supplier of closures, containers, dosing systems and applicators. The company supplies primary packaging solutions made of plastic, glass and elastomers to approximately 60 countries on five continents. Founded in 1932 the company is located at the current headquarters in Ansbach (Germany) since 1978. The main manufacturing processes include classic injection-molding and assembly operations. The competences include development and construction; not only for primary packaging solutions, but also for the required molds and assembly-lines. The high integration level of all functions creates synergies and makes Heinlein a high-performing partner for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries. All manufacturing, assembly and packaging processes steps are subject to global quality assurance standards as per ISO 9001, GMP 15378 and ISO 13485. PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0929s2p-eSeal-300dpi.jpg This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

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[September 29, 2016] Yext Integrates Uber API to Help Businesses Drive Customer Engagement

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Yext, the global Location Data Management leader, today unveiled a new integration with the Uber API, which enables businesses to drive customers directly from their websites to their doorsteps. The integration also offers businesses the ability to engage with those customers by providing branded in-app experiences while they are en route. This integration offers three unique features for businesses: 'Ride With Uber' Buttons: One-click ride-booking available directly from the business's website, email campaigns, and more.

One-click ride-booking available directly from the business's website, email campaigns, and more. Trip Branding: In the Uber app businesses can drive customers to a special offer  or other information, such as food menus or product sales  to enhance the customer experience while they're en route.

In the Uber app businesses can drive customers to a special offer  or other information, such as food menus or product sales  to enhance the customer experience while they're en route. Drop-Off Points: Specify the precise drop-off point so the customer arrives at precisely the right entrance, and not the mailing address or parking lot. "Uber and Yext share the same mission  to help people go places," said Marc Ferrentino, Yext EVP Strategy & Product. "That's why we integrated with Uber to create a new, immersive experience where stores, restaurants, and other businesses can bring consumers directly to their doors and increase customer engagement through Trip Branding. We're closing the loop so that businesses can provide a great exprience all the way from search results to checkout  which includes actually getting to the location."



Yext's Uber integration makes getting to a participating business more convenient, creating an incentive for customers to visit it over a nearby competitor. Restaurants can then display their menus during the ride, getting customers excited about the meal to come. Merchandise repair shops can now help their customers get heavy items right to the door thanks to precise drop-off locations for Uber drivers. Cole Haan, the iconic American lifestyle accessories brand and retailer of premium men's and women's footwear and accessories, beta tested the integration to highlight their Fall 2016 collection. And Guitar Center, the world's largest retailer of guitars and related music equipment, piloted the beta version of the integration to help customers demo its products in store after researching online.

"We're very excited to be one of the first companies launching the 'Ride with Uber' feature, which will make the Guitar Center shopping experience even more convenient for our customers," said Jeff Wisot, Vice President of Marketing & E-commerce at Guitar Center. "We're using Yext's Uber integration to be innovative in our hiring process," said Richard Ortiz of BAYADA Home Health Care. "We can now bring job seekers directly from our website to our front door and brief them about our organization during the ride." "Time will tell exactly how businesses will make this tool their own," said Ferrentino. "We're pleased we've been able to give them another adaptable tool to serve and delight their customers." For more information and to set up a demo today, visit yext.com/uber. About Yext

Yext puts business on the map with the award-winning Location Cloud. We enable companies of all sizes to manage location data across their websites, mobile apps, internal systems, and the industry's largest ecosystem of maps, apps, social networks, directories, and search engines including Google, Apple, Facebook, Bing, and Yahoo. Our products  Listings and Pages  enable the world's million of businesses to drive face-to-face and digital interactions that boost brand awareness, drive foot traffic, and increase sales. Based in the heart of New York City with a growing team of over 550 employees worldwide, Yext has been recognized as one of America's fastest-growing companies by the Inc. 5000 (2015 & 2016), one of Forbes' Most Promising Companies (2014 & 2015) and one of Fortune's Best Places to Work (2014 & 2015). Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/413097

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150223/177279LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yext-integrates-uber-api-to-help-businesses-drive-customer-engagement-300336136.html SOURCE Yext

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[September 29, 2016] CafeMedia Acquires AdThrive, Leading Women's Lifestyle Publishing Network

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CafeMedia today announced the acquisition of AdThrive, a leading lifestyle digital publishing and ad monetization network covering food, home, parenting, and DIY. The companies' combined traffic is expected to exceed 73 million unduplicated monthly unique visitors on comScore[i] along with 290 million social media fans across platforms. The acquisition more than doubles CafeMedia's audience reach, surpassing Refinery29, BabyCenter, Bustle, PopSugar, Meredith Digital and Vox Media[ii]. "The addition of AdThrive to the CafeMedia family enables us to deliver scale for our advertising partners. AdThrive's strength in food, home, and DIY will complement and turbocharge our long-standing leadership position with moms, Latinas, and millennials," said CafeMedia CEO and Co-Founder, Michael Sanchez. "Most importantly, we are thrilled to join forces with the amazing team at AdThrive to pursue an even deeper mission: to support the individual voices who create the internet, allowing them to make more money, grow their audience and live their passions." AdThrive, cofounded by Andy and Kelly Marzka in 2013, is a complete ad optimization and management service used by more than 1,200 bloggers to manage and optimize their digital advertising. AdThrive's ad optimization and management, LightningLoad ads, benefits as a Google Certified Publishing Partner and custom video channel services are provided at zero cost to bloggers, helping moms, creatives, makers and writers earn an average of 123% more money per pageview. Per comScore, AdThrive has grown from 2 million monthly unique visitors to 63 million in less than a year[iii]. "AdThrive offers the most personalized service and highest-paying ads to our community of bloggers," said Andy Marzka, CEO and Founder, AdThrive. "Together with CafeMedia, we will help even more content creators earn more money, increase their traffic and make their lives easier - it's a win for all involved." Sanchez added that last week's Mode Media shutdown is a reflection of the lack of genuine support that bloggers, smaller publishers, and content creators often receive from larger media companies. "Along with the whole AdThrive team, we are deeply committed to helping these individual voices succeed in every way. We will put thir needs first."



Recently, CafeMedia has enjoyed significant success connecting with millennials, moms and Latinas through its owned and operated properties including CafeMom, MamasLatinas, Vivala, and Revelist. CafeMedia Studios, the company's full-service premium digital video production studio, supports each brand's multi-platform video strategy, delivering more than 250 million video views in August, up from 12 million views six months earlier. ABRY Partners provided funding for the acquisition. "We are delighted to be part of such a compelling story. The combination of CafeMedia and AdThrive will immediately become a scaled leader in the women's media space and together they have a tremendous opportunity to empower bloggers and content creators everywhere," said ABRY Partners', Tyler Wick, who will be joining the Company's Board of Directors.

About AdThrive: AdThrive helps leading online publishers make the most money possible by optimizing the ads on their site. Founded in 2013, AdThrive provides the latest technology and high-quality, hands-on customer service to help its clients live their passions. AdThrive was created when founder Andy Marzka, a math teacher, brought his data-driven mindset to helping his wife Kelly's blog improve its revenue, substantially growing its revenue after some initial testing. It was clear there was an opportunity to help more people in the blogging community, and AdThrive was born. Since that day in 2013, the personal attention, hard work, and data-minded results AdThrive offers has made it the leading ad optimization company for publishers looking to earn more money with less work. About CafeMedia: CafeMedia is a rapidly growing digital media company that delivers content that reflects the experience of every woman, no matter where she is, where she's coming from, or where she's going. Before closing this acquisition, the company reaches 90 million monthly users across its owned and operated properties, blogger network, and social platforms. CafeMedia develops custom content marketing, native advertising, and word-of-mouth influencer programs that help brands add value to users' lives and activate word of mouth. CafeMedia is also a leader in helping advertisers reach the right users and generate results through premium programmatic solutions. CafeMedia was founded by Michael Sanchez and Andrew Shue, with Highland Capital Partners, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and ABRY Partners as lead investors. For more information, please visit www.cafemedia.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. About ABRY Partners: Founded in 1989, ABRY Partners is one of the most experienced and successful media, communications, business and information services focused private equity investment firms in North America. Since its founding, ABRY has completed over $61 billion of transactions, representing investments in over 550 properties. The firm is managing approximately $4.9 billion of total capital and investing out of a $1.9 billion private equity fund, $950 million senior equity fund, a $1.5 billion senior debt fund and a $525 million lower middle market private equity fund. [i] comScore, Media Metrix, Multi-platform Audience Duplication Report, CafeMedia Network and AdThrive Sites, August 2016, U.S. [ii] comScore, Media Metrix, Multi-platform Top-1000 Internet Properties Ranking Report, August 2016, U.S. [iii] comScore, Media Metrix, Multi-platform Key Measures Report, AdThrive Sites, August 2016, U.S. and comScore, Media Metrix, Multi-platform Key Measures Report, AdThrive Sites, December 2015, U.S. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150921/NY07123LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cafemedia-acquires-adthrive-leading-womens-lifestyle-publishing-network-300336555.html SOURCE CafeMedia

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[September 29, 2016] Socionext Develops World's First Demodulator IC Compatible with Both ISDB-S3 Satellite Broadcasting and ITU-T J.183 Based Channel Bonding Technology

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ -- Socionext Inc., a leading provider of advanced SoC solutions for digital TV, has developed the world's first demodulator IC that is compatible both with the Advanced Wide-Band Digital Satellite Broadcasting (ISDB-S3) and ITU-T Recommendation J.183 based channel bonding technology. The new SC1501A can receive both the direct signals from the satellites and the retransmission of satellite signals through cable systems (IF pass-through, transmodulation) for 4K and 8K broadcasting. Socionext has also developed prototype receiver systems equipped with the SC1501A, one of which will be used in the experimental retransmission of Advanced Wide-Band Digital Satellite Broadcasting thorough the cable TV system, jointly conducted by Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), KDDI Corporation (KDDI), Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (J:COM), and Japan Digital Serve Corporation (JDS). Socionext is a leading provider of digital TV solutions based on its long-time expertise on video signal processing technologies. The company recently developed the world's first single-chip 8K HEVC video decoder. In Japan, test broadcastings of 4K and 8K have started, and the full services are scheduled in 2018. Testing and prototyping is underway across the industry, aiming for the popularization of the broadcasting formats by 2020. A digital receiver system that can handle various kinds of transmission schemes is essential to promote the wider use of 4K and 8K broadcasting. Socionext has developed SC1501A, a demodulator IC that is compatible both with the Advanced Wide-Band Satellite Broadcasting (ISDB-S3), and channel bonding technology based on ITU-T J.183. The chip is capable of receiving various form of signals including direct signals from the satellites, as well as retransmission through cables such as IF pass through and transmodulation. Equipment makers can utilize the SC1501A in combination with Socionext's codec and digital TV SoC products to easily develop receiver systems such as TVs, recorders, and et-top-boxes.



The experimental retransmission of Advanced Wide-Band Digital Satellite Broadcasting through the cable TV system will be jointly conducted by Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), KDDI Corporation (KDDI), Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (J:COM), and Japan Digital Serve Corporation (JDS). Socionext has developed a prototype of receiver equipped with the SC1501A, to be used in the cable retransmission experiment. In addition to the prototype receiver used for the experiment by the four companies, Socionext has developed another prototype designed only for direct satellite signal. These two prototype receivers, for "ISDB-S3 (satellite) and ITU-T J.183-based channel bonding" and for "ISDB-S3-only", are to be used as the reference models for equipment makers, to help expand Socionext's visual systems businesses.

Socionext will showcase the SC1501A and the prototype receiver systems at CEATEC Japan, held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from Tuesday, October 4th.

For more information about CEATEC Japan, visit: http://www.ceatec.com/ja Click here for high-resolution images SC1501A Chip Image

SC1501A and the Receiver System

Outline of the Experimental Retransmission

Prototype Receiver for ISDB-S3 Satellite Broadcasting & ITU-T J.183 Channel Bonding

Prototype Receiver for ISDB-S3 Only About Socionext Inc. Socionext is a new, innovative enterprise that designs, develops and delivers System-on-Chip products to customers worldwide. The company is focused on imaging, networking, computing and other dynamic technologies that drive today's leading-edge applications. Founded in 2015, Socionext Inc. is headquartered in Yokohama, and has offices in Japan, Asia, United States and Europe to lead its product development and sales activities. For more information, visit www.socionextus.com. For product information, visit the company's website at http://www.socionextus.com, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-844-680-3453. For company news and updates, connect with us on Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/socionextus) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/socionextus) Company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and subject to change without advance notice. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150402/196435LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/socionext-develops-worlds-first-demodulator-ic-compatible-with-both-isdb-s3-satellite-broadcasting-and-itu-t-j183-based-channel-bonding-technology-300336262.html SOURCE Socionext Inc.

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[September 29, 2016] Mind Genomics Advisors Among Technology Innovators Selected to Debut at IBM World of Watson 2016

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In four weeks, leaders in big data, analytics and cognitive science will converge in Las Vegas to discover how these new frontiers are driving business outcomes across all industries. Among those selected to present at World of Watson 2016 are Dr. Howard Moskowitz and Dr. Ken Rotondo of Mind Genomics Advisors, a consumer insight analytics firm based out of upstate New York using experimentation and big data to identify stated and unstated consumer preferences. "We're seeing more organizations come to grips with the fact that not all customers respond to the same stimuli," says Dr. Rotondo. "But the problem is that most don't know how to translate that realization into actionable business practices. Now, we have the capability to empirically and statistically identify consumer motivators. With this evidence, the client is armed with exactly what to say, how to say it ad to whom  a truly actionable, scalable solution."



Mind Genomics views recent big data advancements as a watershed moment for modern communications and expects to share the cross-industry applications of their research findings with many of the 20,000 conference attendees. "Traditional surveys and focus groups are tools of the past," explains Dr. Moskowitz. "For us, the big picture is what we call 'Big Mind,' the understanding of a person's mind and motivators as far more complex and multi-dimensional than how most regard it today. Big data layered onto this 'Big Mind' framework cuts through old-fashioned segmentation methods, delivering a deeper, more personalized understanding of people and markets. We're eager to share some of the science and math behind our successes with other early adopters joining us at World of Watson."

Dr. Moskowitz explains further that with the introduction of cognitive intelligence, the potential applications of this algorithm are being introduced to medicine, education and governance, in terms of recommended communications. The Mind Genomics team will present at World of Watson 2016 on Monday, October 24th at 2:00PM in Session #2438. Among the event's headlining speakers are Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman, U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr., and IBM CEO Ginni Rometty. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mind-genomics-advisors-among-technology-innovators-selected-to-debut-at-ibm-world-of-watson-2016-300336755.html SOURCE Mind Genomics Advisors

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Action cameras might be more commonly associated with extreme athletes (or wannabe extreme athletes) than with data geeks, but the $349 Olympus Tough TG-Tracker will appeal to both. While some other action cams have GPS and maybe an accelerometer, the Olympus tracks a wider range of metrics: temperature, elevation, depth, latitude/longitude, distance traveled, barometric pressure and speed. But ultimately, it all comes down to picture quality, and on this count, the TG-Tracker largely succeeds. For all of our top picks, be sure to check out our best action cams page.

Design: like a mini camcorder

If you're used to a diminutive action cam such as the GoPro Hero4 Black, the first thing you will notice about the Olympus TG-Tracker is its size and heft. At just 6.35 ounces, the Olympus is more than twice as heavy as the GoPro, and (when the GoPro is out of its rugged case) about double its size.

But there are a number of benefits that come with the Olympus' size. For one, the camera's casing is ruggedized, which means it can withstand a 7-foot fall, up to 220 pounds of force and temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also waterproof to 98 feet (for up to 1 hour). And aside from a special lens cover (included), there is no special equipment needed to go underwater.

Also, unlike the GoPro Hero4 Black, the Olympus has a foldout display enabling two key features: video or image playback on the device, and the ability to watch what is being recorded.

Combined with the included (removable) pistol grip, the TG-Tracker looks more like a mini camcorder than a device meant for action sports.

MORE: Top-Rated Waterproof and Rugged Cameras

When I first removed the camera from its box, I mistook the bulbous lens cover for a fish-eye lens. I removed it, thinking the resulting video would make for a better comparison with the GoPro, only to find out  after taking a tumble when mountain biking and scratching the exposed lens  that it was actually just a lens protector. So don't be like me.

Wide field of view

That lens protector has to be bulbous in order to accommodate the camera's very wide 204-degree field of view (FOV). A wide FOV is a big selling point for action cameras, but I found it to be a bit much. (The GoPro maxes out at 170 degrees.)

For one thing, it's hard to not accidentally get a hand or other body part in the frame while shooting. For another, it makes some features at the periphery appear rounded. Fortunately, you can narrow the FOV to 156 degrees while you shoot in the underwater mode, but changing this setting is far from intuitive. Also, the GoPro offers more FOV options for shooting at 2.7Kp, 1080p or 720p resolution.

Also, because the record/shutter location on TG-Tracker is so close to the lens, its wide field of view meant that a number of clips showed my hand reaching for the button.

I found that the lens protector fogged a bit when I was on a run along the Pacific coast (though not in particularly muggy weather), and it picked up image-distorting fingerprints pretty easily.

Image quality: excellent

Like the GoPro Hero4 Black, the Olympus Tough TG-Tracker can shoot video at 4K at 30 frames per second. I took both cameras out mountain biking and found that the Olympus footage was a bit sharper. When I moved from bright sun to shade, the Olympus video had a higher contrast; the GoPro was flatter.

Underwater

Here's an underwater clip taken in Russian River, California, in brackish water near the Pacific. Because I'm holding the camera (using the included pistol grip) and I'm right at the shore in very shallow water, the movement of the water makes the video rather unstable even with image stabilization turned on.

I did have the light turned on while shooting underwater, but I never went deep enough for it to make any perceptible difference when compared to the lightless GoPro. In fact, the underwater video quality seemed very similar from both cameras. Scuba divers, however, would likely find the integrated light to be a boon. That said, most divers already carry flashlights anyway, and the GoPro (with its case) is rated to work at greater depth: up to 131 feet.

MORE: Camera Recommendations for All Kinds of Photographers

Whereas the GoPro's case makes audio nearly impossible to pick up on land, there is basically zero audio underwater. Though it's nice to be able to hear sounds underwater with the Olympus, the air holes in the pistol grip do generate a bubbling sound that can be a bit distracting.

Still life

To take still photos, you must change a setting, and unfortunately, stills cannot be captured while the camera is recording a video (as you can with the GoPro). However, the images are decent, especially in low light, and especially compared to those taken by the GoPro.

The Olympus camera uses a backscatter illumination (BSI) CMOS sensor, which captures more light than a CMOS sensor like the one found in the GoPro. This could explain the differences here in both the stills and the video output of the two cameras.

Here is a still taken with the GoPro Hero4 Black, and although it was taken earlier (and, therefore, with a bit more ambient light) than the Olympus shot, it is definitely flatter and rather washed out:

However, the 204-degree FOV does complicate near-field images. Note how the edges on this close shot of seaweed  on a flat beach  are warped:

Night ride

In this clip, the Olympus camera is handlebar-mounted and records a nighttime ride, with an almost-full moon that did not make any perceptible illuminative impact on the video.

Image stabilization: helpful

You can turn the TG-Tracker's five-axis image-stabilization feature on or off. When we compared images taken on a mountain bike ride from this camera to those taken with a GoPro Hero4 Black, which does not offer image stabilization, there was not a great deal of difference between the image stability on the two cameras. It is worth noting, however, that the Olympus was moving laterally much more than the GoPro, because the former was mounted on the handlebar (really the only option, due to its size and wide FOV), whereas the GoPro was mounted on the fork. This result implies that the Olympus' stabilization feature did, in fact, make the video output more stable than the video from the GoPro.

However, during a run on a short section of a trail with and without the TG-Tracker's image stabilization, the limitation of this feature became obvious. With stabilization on, the center of the video  but not the periphery of the camera's 204-degree field of view  was far more stable than when the feature was turned off. You will see what I mean in the following video. The first part of this clip shows no stabilization, and the second (starts at 0:26) shows the stabilization on.

App

As sensors continue to become more affordable, compact and power-efficient, it's likely that we'll see more action cameras sporting all of these advanced features. Until that happens, however, there will be few options for digesting and using all of that data. So, for now, there's no way to pair that rich environmental data with a video or image viewed through a third party, such as YouTube. You can, however, view video paired with the sensor data in the OI.Track app.

MORE: Best Action Cameras

Battery life: pretty long

I shot about 18 short videos (about half a minute to 4 minutes in length) over the course of a weekend, with and without the light turned on; took roughly two dozen images; and spent a fair amount of time monkeying with the settings. That exhausted roughly half of the camera's 1,350-mAh lithium-ion battery.

But then I did a more formal test of battery life and found I could shoot 1 hour and 38 minutes of 4K video on a full charge. Once the camera triggers a low-battery warning, you'll have about 10 minutes of 4K recording left. (The camera will record only about 7 minutes of video at 4K before shutting off because the camera caps file sizes to 4GB. However, you can start a new video automatically by using the looping setting.)

That's impressive battery life compared to the Hero4 Black's stated 1 hour and 5 minutes of recording at 4K  especially when you consider that the Olympus also tracks all of that sensor data, which is another pull on the battery.

Bottom line

The Olympus Stylus TG-Tracker is a great action cam for outdoor athletes who live the quantified life and track as much data as possible. But although its image quality is good, I found that it takes some time to get used to some of the camera's features and functions. Though the 204-degree field of view might make for great action shots, it would have been nicefor the camera to have more options for changing the FOV. I'm not particularly bothered by the mini-cam feel of using the pistol-grip mount, but it would be nice to have an integrated record/shutter button on the grip for better ergonomics.

With those gripes in mind, this $349 camera is a good alternative to the GoPro Hero4 Black not to mention $50 less than the new GoPro Hero5 Black  as long as you don't mind its larger size.
Its not like the Byron Bay Bluesfest 2017 lineup wasnt already huge, but organisers have just made it that much bigger by adding the legendary likes of Santana and The Doobie Brothers to the bill  it doesnt get much bigger than that.

Folks heading down to the iconic Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm this Easter were already set to be treated to performances from the likes of R&B legend Mary J Blige, punk rock icon Patti Smith, the immortal Buddy Guy, and the timeless Jethro Tull.

When you hear the first note of Black Magic Woman by Santana  you KNOW who it is you are hearing and the same with dozens of other songs. His signature guitar sound is unlike any other, it simply is his and his alone, said festival founder Peter Noble.

Its the same with everything he creates. Santana is music royalty  one of the greats. A hero to Latin people worldwide, and everyone else who loves his music too. Santana last played Bluesfest in 2013, this performance now legendary.

The Doobie Brothers blitzed when they last played Bluesfest. They are simply a brilliant live band. They perform hit after hit, leaving their fans both old and new in raptures.

This is the announcement, along with those which came before, which shows that Bluesfest is serious about 2017 being its best line up yet. And there is plenty more to come. It is not a year to hold back on buying tickets. We have gone all out to present our best festival yet..come join us.

Best of all, this is only the third of many lineup announcements. Theres still plenty more acts to be announced in the upcoming months and organisers are once again promising a five day Easter extravaganza delivering 12 hours of music daily across multiple stages.

Bluesfest 2017

Santana

The Doobie Brothers

joining

Mary J Blige

Corinne Bailey Rae

Michael Kiwanuka

Nako and Medicine For The People

Gallant

The Suffers

Zac Brown Band

Patti Smith And Her Band Perform Horses

The Lumineers

Buddy Guy (Exclusive)

Bonnie Raitt

Mavis Staples (Exclusive)

Billy Bragg

Jethro Tull

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Gregory Porter

Snarky Puppy

St. Paul & The Broken Bones

Beth Hart (Exclusive)

Laura Mvula

Roy Ayers

Booker T Presents The Stax Records Revue

Andrew Bird

Rickie Lee Jones

Joan Osborne

Turin Brakes

The Strumbellas

Jake Shimabukuro

Dumpstaphunk

Nikki Hill

Irish Mythen

Thursday 13th, April  Monday, 17th April 2017

Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm NSW

Tickets: Bluesfest
The Libertines co-frontman and UK indie icon Pete Doherty is set to drop his second solo album this December. Entitled Hamburg Demonstrations, its release is preceded by the shimmering first single I Dont Love Anyone (But Youre Not Just Anyone).

Hamburg Demonstrations is another showcase of Dohertys poetic songwriting prowess and features more of the laments for wasted youth that saw him billed as the voice of a new generation during his heyday with The Libertines.

Hell To Pay At The Gates Of Heaven was written after last Novembers terror attacks in Paris and meditates on the sad fact that young people seem to be picking up guns instead of guitars and turning to extremism.

Hamburg Demonstrations was produced, recorded, and mixed by Johann Scheerer at Clouds Hill Recordings in Hamburg, Germany. Doherty, who always wanted to record in Hamburg, turned up at the studio unannounced one day and based himself there for the next six months.

The album is out 2nd December and you can hear the single I Dont Love Anyone (But Youre Not Just Anyone) in the embed below.
Richie Sambora is touring the country at the moment, but hes not made too many friends after his Melbourne show on Tuesday night.

Currently touring with girlfriend Orianthi and The Superjesus frontwoman Sarah McLeod, one would think the ex-Bon Jovi guitarist would probably put on a good show. Well, according to fans in Melbourne, that reasoning can cause a boatload of disappointment.

Taking to the stage at almost an hour late, Sambora kicked off his set with the Bon Jovi classic Livin On A Prayer which, according to The Music reviewer Bryget Chrisfield felt sounded like karaoke with a sick live band for backing. Fans didnt stick around to see if it improved, with some fans leaving the show only a few songs in, hurling insults at Sambora as they did so.

The rest of the crowd in the half-full Margaret Court Arena took to Facebook later to express their true feelings. Paul Crea told Sambora that Im pretty sure that your singing and guitar playing GAVE MY EARS CANCER!!!, while Wesley Edwards stated that the RSO logo on the back of the stage was a give away on how this show would turn out  amateur at best. That thing was designed by a year 7 design student.

Even the Sambora apologists couldnt help but agree with the negativity, with Connie Barberis agreeing with a lot of the comments, and adding that I cant help feeling bad for a man who is truly in need of help.

By stark contrast though, Samboras Adelaide show was well-recieved by the crows. Whether they tried extra hard due to it being a hometown show for both Orianthi and Sarah McLeod is unclear, but it certainly seems like Sambora wasnt at his peak on Tuesday.

Richie Sambora continues his tour in Sydney tonight, before rolling into Brisbane tomorrow night.
"Even though he has failed to lift a finger to vote for our children's schools, Liberal Jay Sidie is shockingly asking the voters of the Third District to trust him with their vote in Washington. In fact, of the 37 total elections Sidie has been eligible to vote in since moving to Kansas, he's only participated in nine, giving him a 24% overall voting percentage and a 0% when it comes to schools. Notably, Sidie did not vote in the 2014 general election for governor. "

The reality is that this contest isn't even close butwhen he isn't calling for "civility" in politics . . . And counting hisbank roll that will deliver all the votes he needs to beat this nobody offered up by typically lackadaisical Kansas Democrats.From a Yoder presser on the topic . . .Meanwhile, both Republicans and Democrats lament the education debate in Kansas given that is mostly creates hard feelings among a few Johnson County denizens but hasn't seemed to move the dial in terms of voting for more than a decade . . . The so-called "revolt" against lame duck Gov. Brownback doesn't count given that "moderate" Republican is just a code word for a suburbanite who over-explains their mostly reactionary voting record.You decide . . .
A South Carolina teenager is suspected of opening fire at an elementary school playground, wounding two students and a teacher -- just one minute after placing a teary phone call that led to the discovery of his father's body at a nearby home.

As the shooting unfolded on Wednesday afternoon behind Townville Elementary School, the teenager, who was not identified because of his age, was taken to the ground by a volunteer firefighter and taken into custody by deputies, authorities said.

The father of the suspected shooter was found dead after being shot, Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore told reporters. Shore identified him as Jeffrey Osborne, 47, who was found at a house about three kilometres from the school.

TIMELINE

The teenager called his grandmother at 1:44pm (local time), sobbing and speaking unintelligibly, Shore said at a second news conference. The grandparents went to the boy's house next door to check on the father and the boy. The couple found the father but not the boy.

"He did die at the scene from gunshot wounds," commented Shore about the father.

About 1:45pm, a teacher at the school called 911 to report a shooting.

WOUNDED

One male student was critically injured with a gunshot to the leg and another boy was struck in a foot. A female teacher was wounded in a shoulder, sheriff's Captain Garland Major said.

It is unclear whether the alleged shooter knew any of the school victims. Major stated that the motive is unclear, but terrorism has been ruled out.

Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said the boy started firing after getting out of his vehicle in the parking lot near the playground.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 29 (PTI) Delhi Police today claimed to have busted an inter-state syndicate of illegal arms suppliers with arrest of two persons and recovery of 20 country-made pistols and six live cartridges from them.

Prem Pal Singh (62) and Avnesh Babu (20) have been arrested and a case under relevant sections of the Arms Act has been registered against them, Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police (Crime), said.

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With the rise in the use of illegal firearms by criminals, the Crime Branch has been taking action against the gangs supplying illegal arms in Delhi, he said.

Yesterday, police received information that Prem Pal, leader of one of the syndicates operating in Uttar Pradesh, will be coming to deliver a huge consignment of arms to one of his contacts near Ganda Nala in Najafgarh, Yadav said.

A trap was laid and he was arrested with a rucksack bag that contained 20 firearms and six live cartridges, said the officer.

He said Singh led them to Avnesh Babu, who was supposed to receive the consignment. Babu was arrested today from Kakrolla village in Dwarka, he said.

During interrogation, Pal said he had made contacts with arms suppliers in Madhya Pradesh and in Uttar Pradesh.

"Pal had been arrested in 2014 in Delhi along with two other persons with eight illegal pistols. He used to get the weapons at Rs 10,000 per pistol from suppliers in UP and MP and sell them around Rs 15,000 per piece through Babu thus earning around Rs 5,000 on each transaction," said Yadav. PTI SLB TIR

--- ENDS ---
Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) will lay the foundation stone for construction work at Liwa Plastic project on October 10, a report said.



The project - the EPC contracts of which cost $4.5 billion - will be operational by 2020, Musab bin Abdullah Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Orpic, was quoted as saying in the Oman Observer report.



Liwa Plastics Industries Complex (LPIC) in Sohar is the biggest industrial project in the sultanate.



Al Mahrouqi said that the contractor is getting ready to start work and Orpic engineers are in Seoul, Milano, and The Hague to finalise the maps of the final engineering works of the project with the consultants of the contractor.



About 95 per cent of the engineering, procurement and construction works of Sohar Refinery Improvement Project (SRIP) have been completed and hopefully the works will be completed in full before the end of 2016, he said.



SRIP project includes five stages, the first of which will become operational next February 2017. Other units will become operational one after one and the last (5th) unit will become operational in November 2017.



When operational, SRIP project will increase the companys production from 798 tonnes of polypropylene per day to 1,246 tonnes, he added.
Indian and Omani investors will set up a major joint venture project aimed at producing 30,000 tonnes of Sebacic acid per annum in Omans Duqm free zone, which will be commissioned by the end of 2017, said a report.



The state-of-the-art export-oriented project will have a capital expenditure of $62.7 million, added the Times of Oman report.



The company plans to float an initial public offering towards the end of 2019, it said.



Pradeepkumar Nair, CEO of Sebacic Oman, said that 40 per cent of the construction work for the plant in Duqm has been completed, and it will be a 100 per cent export-oriented unit.



He also added that the company will offer 40 per cent of its equity capital to the investing public through an initial public issue on the Muscat Securities Market.



The company recently received an approval from the bourse authorities to list its shares in the third market, which is for closely held companies.



Additionally, the CEO also noted that the entire production will be exported to the US, Europe, Japan and China.



He added that this is the first project to manufacture Sebacic acid in the entire Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.



Sebacic acid, which is used for making high performance engine oil and lubricants, adhesives, engine coolants, bio-degradable packaging, sub-sea pipe/cable coatings, aerospace polymers, anti-corrosion applications and bio-plastics, is manufactured from castor oil (vegetable oil).
Leading global suppliers, traders and buyers will discuss latest developments in the marine industry at the 19th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (Sibcon), to be held in October, in Singapore.



The event will take place from October 4 to 7, at the Resorts World Sentosa.



The conference, organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, will include new formats, cutting edge presentations, innovative exhibition hall features and opportunities to do business, said a statement.



Global suppliers will share insight on energy markets, oil economics and a longer term view of the marine fuels industry.



Ship owners will share their perspectives on the balance shifting in trade routes, the impact on buyers demand for fuel, and expectations from the bunker industry.



Additionally, senior decision makers from suppliers, traders and buyers will debate the latest trends in fuel segment outlook, LNG and other alternative fuel update shape the future of your business by staying on top of demand trends and market opportunities.  TradeArabia News Service
India has conducted "surgical strikes" on suspected militants in Pakistan it suspects of preparing to infiltrate into the part of Kashmir it controls, the army's director general of military operations said on Thursday.



Lt General Ranbir Singh told reporters the strikes were launched on Wednesday based on "very specific and credible information that some terrorist units had positioned themselves to infiltrate".



Singh said the strikes had caused significant casualties, and that he had called his Pakistani counterpart to inform him of the operation.



An army source said that the strikes were launched across the Line of Control, or de facto border between the two countries.

However, Pakistan said India's claim of a "surgical strike" across the countries' de facto border was an illusion, saying that the incident was "cross-border fire".



"The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists' bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects," the military said in a statement.



It was released shortly after the senior Indian military officer said India had hit suspected militants preparing to infiltrate into Indian-administered Kashmir along the Pakistani side of the border.



Pakistan's military confirmed that two of its soldiers had been killed in the exchange of fire across the Line of Control, which serves as the de facto border.



The exchange of fire took place in the Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and lasted about six hours, the Pakistani military's press wing said in a statement.



An Indian army officer said that there had been shelling from the Pakistani side of the border into the Nowgam district of Indian-administered Kashmir.



"Pakistan troops fired at Indian posts in Nowgam sector of North Kashmir at midnight. They also fired mortars. Army at the LoC fired back and intermittent firing is going on," the army officer said on condition of anonymity, referring to the Line of Control, or heavily militarised de facto border.



There were no casualties or damage reported on the Indian side of the LoC.



Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in full, but govern separate parts, and have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over Kashmir.



Tension between the South Asian rivals has been high since an Indian crackdown on dissent in Kashmir following the killing by security forces of Burhan Wani, a young separatist leader, in July.



They rose even further when New Delhi blamed a September 18 attack on an Indian army camp in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which killed 18 soldiers, on Pakistan.



A senior Indian police officer said that the army had begun searching for possible infiltration of militants in the Nowgam area after Thursday's firing.



Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of his cabinet committee on security after the Indian army accused Pakistan of breaching a 2003 ceasefire in Kashmir. - Reuters
The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia's air force would press ahead with its operations in Syria and dismissed a US statement on the conflict there as unhelpful and clumsy.



US. Secretary of State John Kerry has called on Moscow to ground its planes over Syrian battle zones, including over Aleppo.



But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters on Thursday that the Russian air force would continue to support Syrian government troops and that what he called the "war on terror" would continue.



Peskov urged Washington to deliver on a pledge to separate moderate Syrian opposition fighters from "terrorists" and called the latest US statement on Syria clumsy and unhelpful.



He was referring to a statement by US State Department spokesman John Kirby who said on Wednesday that Russia had an interest in stopping the violence in Syria because extremists could exploit the vacuum there and launch attacks "against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities."



Despite growing U.S.-Russia tensions, Peskov said Russia remained interested in cooperating with the United States to try to resolve the Syria crisis.  Reuters
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 29 (PTI) Only two per cent of Indians are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a basic life-saving technique used to revive a person in emergency situations like heart attack, a major cause of deaths in the country, according to a survey.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally, leading to more deaths annually than from any other cause.

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"Even as CVDs in India have become the leading cause of deaths, 98 per cent of the countrys population is not trained in technique of CPR, which is the most crucial and basic procedure to save a life in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)," the survey says.

The survey, conducted by Lybrate, an online doctor consultation platform, included people from 20 cities in the age group of 25-50.

"Less than 2 per cent of the 1,00,000 surveyed agreed to be knowing the technique (CPR), while only 0.1 per cent said they have ever performed it on someone in case of an emergency," it said.

CPR is a life-saving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning situation, in which someones breathing or heartbeat has stopped.

Administering it in the event of someone becoming unresponsive, including when a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, in the initial 5-6 minutes helps revive the heart and saves the brain from a permanent damage.

"Notwithstanding the fact that people in metropolitan and tier-I cities are more pro-active about their health, the knowledge of CPR is dismal even among them, with 95 per cent of the people claiming to have no knowledge about administration of the procedure," the study claims.

India has over 30 million heart patients, and about 1.7 million Indian hearts stop beating every year, as per World Health Organisation. Studies have estimated that CVDs will account for one-third of all deaths in the country by 2020.

Countries like the US, Europe, Japan and Singapore have mandated hands-only CPR in their school curriculum, but in India such a policy is still a long way.

SCA is a major cause of death due to CVD, shockingly 60 per cent of the people who suffer it, succumb to it even before they reach hospital, according to Lybrate.

"10 per cent of the people surveyed were from Delhi (60 per cent male and 40 per cent female). Out of that, 6 per cent of the people knew about CPR," it said.

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Besides Delhi, the survey was carried out in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.

"In 90 per cent of the cases, people suffer an SCA outside hospital. It is thus extremely important that Indian population are trained in CPR," said Dr Vanita Arora, Cardiac Electrophysiologist and Interventional Cardiologist with Max Super Specialty Hospital here. PTI KND SMJ

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The US on Wednesday began notifying lawmakers that it has approved $7 billion in long-stalled sales of Boeing Co fighter jets to Kuwait and Qatar, and more than $1 billion in Lockheed Martin Corp jets to Bahrain, sources familiar with the decision said.



The sales had been pending for more than two years amid concerns raised by Israel, Washington's closest Middle East ally, that arms sold to Gulf Arab states could be used against it, and criticism of Qatar for alleged ties to armed Islamist groups.



US officials began notifying lawmakers informally about the sale of 36 Boeing F-15 fighter jets to Qatar valued at around $4 billion, and 28 F/A- 18E/F Super Hornets, plus options for 12 more, to Kuwait for around $3 billion, the sources said.



They also told lawmakers about plans to sell 17 Lockheed F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain, plus upgrades of up to 20 additional aircraft.



The deals will be formally announced once the 40-day informal notification process has ended. Then lawmakers will have 30 days to block the sales, although such action is rare.



Reuters reported earlier this month that the US government was poised to approve the long-delayed sales to Kuwait and Qatar.



The State Department said it could not comment on any ongoing government-to-government arms sales.



Delays in the process had caused frustration among US defense officials and industry executives, who warned that Washington's foot-dragging could cost them billions of dollars of business if buyers grew impatient and sought other suppliers.



The approval of the fighter jet sales comes as the White House tries to bolster relations with Gulf Arab allies who want to upgrade their military capabilities. They fear the United States is drawing closer to Iran, their arch-rival, after Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers last year.



Sources said officials at both the State Department and Pentagon had largely agreed to the deals some time ago, but had been awaiting final approval from the White House.



Qatar, home to the largest US air base in the Middle East, and Kuwait have ramped up military spending after uprisings across the Arab world and amid rising tensions between Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states and Iran, the region's Shi'ite power.



Both Qatar and Kuwait are part of a 34-nation alliance announced by Saudi Arabia in December aimed at countering Islamic State and al Qaeda militants in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.



The sales will boost fighter production for both companies.



Boeing's F-15 line is set to close in 2019 after Boeing completes work on a large order for Saudi Arabia, unless a follow-on order is approved.



As orders slow, Boeing is increasingly relying on technology upgrades and services sales to maintain its revenue stream from fighter jets, Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing's military aircraft division, said in an interview.



The company is adding new technology to the F-15 and F/A-18 and other aircraft, and is refurbishing them on the same assembly lines use to build new aircraft, she said.



When the current fighter jet lines end, that loss of revenue will be offset by upgrade efforts. "We're blurring the traditional lines of new aircraft builds and sustainment," Lavender said.



Boeing's broad portfolio from commercial derivatives rotocraft, autonomous vehicles, fighters and weapons "will allow us to remain healthy for the decades to come," she said.



Byron Callan with Capital Alpha Partner said he expected all three sales to be approved.  Reuters
Nissan unveiled its latest product line-up, including the rebirth of the iconic Nissan Micra at the Paris Motor Show.



The company also highlighted its Intelligent Mobility vision, announced at the Geneva Motor Show, with the 100 per cent electric LEAF not only on display but used as a mobile energy source to power exhibits on Nissans stand using vehicle-to-grid technology.



Paul Willcox, chairman, Nissan Europe, said: Were delivering on our commitment of innovation and excitement for everyone with the launch of the new Micra  a modern car for modern city living that reinforces our position as a leader in automotive design and style.



This year we have continued to strengthen our product line up, not only with the rebirth of the Nissan Micra but with the new, more brazen Nissan GT-R supercar and the Nissan Murano crossover in Russia. Were also keeping one eye firmly on the future with our Intelligent Mobility vision, redefining how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society, and the Micra itself features many of the building-blocks of this vision.



Nissans Intelligent Mobility vision, a framework to move customers around the world towards a safer and more sustainable future, is already being realised right here today.



 Intelligent Drive: Hot on the heels of the debut of Nissans ProPILOT autonomous drive technology in the Nissan Serena minivan in Japan, Nissan is set to premiere the technology in Europe in the new Nissan Qashqai next year.



 Intelligent Power: Starting with producing the worlds best-selling electric vehicle (EV), the Nissan LEAF, Nissan is always testing cutting-edge applications for EV technologies.



 Intelligent Integration: EV battery technology has moved to a whole new level as Nissan partners with Eaton on a residential home energy storage unit called xStorage and joins forces with Enel on trials of vehicle-to-grid technology in Denmark and the UK. As a showcase of this cutting-edge technology, the Nissan stand at Paris is powered in part by the Nissan LEAF, using its pioneering bio-directional charging to deliver energy from the car to the show.



The company has also beaten its previous European sales figures, recording double-digit growth in a number of markets and countering economic headwinds with strong sales of its market-leading crossovers and EVs.



In Western Europe sales at the end of FY15 (March 2016) were up 9.4 per cent versus FY14, a record-breaking year, with major markets including Spain (+19.3 per cent), Germany (+13.2 per cent), Italy (+8.8 per cent), UK (+4.2 per cent) and France (+3.9 per cent) seeing significant increases. Sales in Europe of Nissans crossovers were more than 432,000 in FY15, making the companys range the best-selling in the category.



Willcox added: Our product line-up has never been as strong or more cohesive  showing that were unafraid to reinvent ourselves across all segments and disrupt the status quo. While others take a cautious view, we continue to invest in our vision of the future, right now.



This year also marks two important manufacturing milestones for Nissan  30 years in Sunderland, UK, and 10 years in St Petersburg, Russia.  TradeArabia News Service
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority has announced that it will host a Sea Festival next month with an aim to celebrate the kingdoms rich link to the sea.



The Sea Festival, held from October 20 to 29 at Bahrain Bay, is part of the activities organised for the Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism calendar of events.



The festival is in line with our overall strategy to promote and preserve the kingdoms heritage to the residents and tourists. The event will include a series of activities to suit the entire family, chief executive of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa told reporters yesterday during a press conference held to announce the details pertaining to the festival.



The press conference was also attended by the director of Tourism Marketing & Promotions at Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Yousif Al Khan and CEO of Bahrain Bay, Gagan Suri.



The Sea Festival is the ideal platform to promote the history of the sea, how it evolved over the years, in order to educate tourists and the new generation. We will be blending the past with the present in order to highlight the rich history of Bahrains sea industry, added Shaikh Khalid.



The festival will include a series of activities including an underwater photography exhibition, 3D virtual tour, simulator, interactive fish tank, live performances and a food and beverages area. The public will also have the opportunity to purchase Bahraini pearls from merchants.



The event, held over a period of 10 days, aims to promote the various elements related to the sea industry including pearl diving in order to preserve it for the next generation.



The aim of the Sea Festival is to attract tourists from neighboring Gulf countries and we look forward to welcoming them to Bahrain to enjoy the festival and other attractions, said Al Khan.



Further commenting on the event, Suri said: We are more than happy to cooperate with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority in order to host such a unique event that revives a Bahraini legacy and offers exciting events for the entire family.



The Sea Festival will be held every day, between October 20 and 29, from 5pm to 11pm. Entrance is BD2 ($5.2). - TradeArabia News Service


Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait's idyllic resort, has welcomed three new memebers to its executive team.



Behiye Salk has been named the Executive Assistant Manager  Rooms Division. Promoted to her new role, Salk will leverage her extensive experience acquired in different countries starting from Turkey where she initially began her career, moving after to Canada and finally joining the team in Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa in Kuwait. She is passionate about the Jumeirah Stay Different promise, the guest experience in Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, as well as leading and inspiring her team to deliver truly unique experiences to the guests. In her new role, Salk will lead the rooms operations while maintaining Jumeirahs focus on product and service differentiation.



Mohammed Al Khatib has been promoted to Executive Assistant Manager Food & Beverage Division. The new senior position will bolster the development of the F&B offerings, whilst playing an instrumental role in the short and long term planning of the hotels revenues and profitability. Al Khatib has a proven track record in developing concepts, creativity and ensuring that the F&B team provides an unique experience to guests with the Jumeirah Brand Standards.



Claire Martin has been appointed as the new Manager of Talise Spa. With a Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management, Catering and Tourism Management from Ecole Internationale De Savignac- France, Martin will take charge of the award-winning Spa. Her overall responsibility includes team organisation and supervision, recruitment, revenue growth and of course maintaining the comfort, relaxation and tranquility that Talise Spa promises. - TradeArabia News Service
Como Hotels and Resorts has appointed Ron Cusiter as its new vice president of sales and marketing.



Cusiter is based at the companys head-office on Orange Grove Road in Singapore and will lead the groups global marketing and sales strategy.



With 25 years in the luxury hospitality industry, British national Cusiter  who graduated from Aberdeen College  joins Como from Zurich, Switzerland, where he was vice president of sales operations for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southwest Asia for Hyatt International.



Throughout his career as a sales and marketing professional, Cusiter has worked for some of the most sought-after brands in the industry in a diverse range of regional and corporate roles where he successfully led the sales and marketing strategy and managed global teams.



Hans Jorg Meier, chief operating officer of Como Hotels and Resorts, said: "I am delighted that Ron is joining our executive team and very confident that his wealth of experience in luxury hospitality and leadership acumen will elevate our sales and marketing initiatives and strengthen our groups performance." - TradeArabia News Service
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By PTI: From Zafri Mudasser Nofil

Bamako, Sep 29 (PTI) Vice President Hamid Ansari today arrived in Bamako from Nigeria on the second leg of his two- nation African tour, the first high-level visit to Mali by any Indian leader.

Ansari was received at the airport by Prime Minister Modibo Keita and was given a ceremonial reception. He will hold talks with Prime Minister Keita later in the day.

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He will tomorrow address the Malian National Assembly, meet CEOs of Indian origin and Indian companies in the West African country and also Indians posted in Mali under United Nations Mission.

He will also meet President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita before leaving for home late night.

Ansari arrived here after concluding his four-day visit to Nigeria where he met with senior government and business leaders and members of the large Indian diaspora in the West African country.

In Nigerian capital Abuja, Ansari held talks with President Muhammadu Buhari and his counterpart Yemi Osinbajo, addressed members of the Nigerian and Indian industry and also the Indian community besides delivering a speech at the National College of Defence.

From Abuja, he reached Lagos where he met members of the Indian community and also delivered a speech at the University of Lagos. PTI ZMN ZH

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Dear Pablo: I have been wondering for some time what a life cycle analysis would show is the "greenest" way to ship milk. Plastic containers are light, but are not reusable and don't biodegrade; cardboard containers are less light, are not reusable, and don't biodegrade either. Glass bottles are reusable, but are really, really heavy--and so, of course, use much more fuel to ship. My local coop carries all three, and I am conflicted every time I shop. What should I do?

You are right that glass bottles are heavy and you are right to question their use. In a paper that I wrote about the greenhouse gas emissions from wine production and distribution my co-author, Tyler Coleman of DrVino.com, and I determined that transportation emissions can be a very significant part of the product's overall life cycle emissions. But, unlike milk, wine is typically transported over very far distances. So the question is do the heavier glass bottles make a significant difference to greenhouse gas emissions over the much shorter distances that milk is usually shipped?

Milk Container Weights and Materials

Hitoshi Nishimura / Getty Images

I went to the store and picked up some organic milk in a glass bottle, a plastic jug, and a TetraPak carton. The glass bottle holds 1 liter and weighs 410 grams, the plastic jug holds a quart (or 0.94 liters, so we will round up to 1 liter) and weighs 51 grams, and the TetraPak also holds 1 liter and weighs 57 grams (including the closure and secondary and tertiary packaging).According to the EcoInvent life cycle analysis database, the emissions from glass production are 0.559 grams of greenhouse gases per gram of glass. For the plastic, HDPE, I turned to a report from the Plastics Devision of the American Chemistry Council and found that the emissions for producing the plastic are 1.478 grams per gram of plastic. Finally I looked up the emission factor for the TetraPak in a life cycle inventory report from TetraPak Inc. Those emissions are 0.136 grams of greenhouse gases per gram of TetraPak.

Manufacturing Milk Containers

pia_ch / Getty Images

By multiplying the container weight by the emissions factor for each material, we can obtain the greenhouse gas emissions from producing the container. For glass, it's 229 grams, for the plastic jug it's 75 grams, and for the TetraPak it's 8 grams of greenhouse gas emissions. It's not surprising that glass creates more emissions because it weighs more and there are higher raw material transportation emissions. Glass also has a higher melting point, requiring more energy to melt it. Most surprising is that the emissions from producing the TetraPak are so low, but this benefit is counteracted by the fact that the packaging material is much less easily recyclable.

Transporting Milk containers

Mike Harrington / Getty Images

Each type of containers is transported by truck, and we can fairly make the assumption that the distance each travels to get to your local store is roughly the same as well, probably about 60 miles (100 km). Milk homogenized at 50 degrees Fahrenheit has a density of 1,032 grams per liter, so the weight of each filled container is simply the package weight plus 1,032 grams. So the weight as-transported for the glass bottle is 1,442 grams, the plastic jug is 1,083 grams, and the TetraPak is 1,067 grams. Transportation emissions are measured in grams of greenhouse gases per ton per kilometer (t-km) and for a semi tractor-trailer truck, the emissions are 242 g/t-km.So, by doing the math, I found that the greenhouse gas emissions for transporting the milk is 35 grams for the glass, 26 grams for the plastic jug, and 26 grams for the TetraPak. The total greenhouse gas emissions for the manufacture of the packaging and the transportation, all other things being assumed equal, are 265 grams for the glass, 101 grams for the plastic jug, and 32 for the TetraPak. So, while the TetraPak is questionable due to limited recycling capabilities in the US, it does have the lowest greenhouse gas emissions. What is clear is that the glass creates the most greenhouse gas emissions, even if it is reusable (and indeed gets reused instead of tossed or recycled), mainly due to the higher transportation weight.

Is Home Milk-Delivery Making a Comeback?

Historical / Contributor / Getty Images

Back in the day, milk was delivered to our doorsteps early in the morning by a milkman. With an increase in farmer's markets and "buy local" campaigns, it is only natural to expect a resurgence in home milk delivery. Besides being a nostalgic throwback and great way to support local dairies, is home milk delivery also more green? The beauty of home delivery, whether it's mail-order shopping, a cloth-diaper service, or grocery delivery, is that it can combine multiple deliveries in a single trip and help you avoid using your personal car.If you compare home delivery of milk with a personal vehicle trip to the store, then the home delivery is much more efficient (particularly when you consider that home-delivered milk would probably come from a local dairy closer than the 60-mile distant creamery used in the math above). But, if you have to go to the store for other groceries anyway, getting milk there is a negligible addition to your greenhouse gas emissions. Of course, there are other factors involved in addition to the greenhouse gas emissions. Locally-produced milk might be more natural, taste better, and certainly supports your local economy more than buying your milk from a supermarket chain that sources its milk from a factory farm.

Further Resources on Milk Containers

Milk in a bag?

TetraPak Environment
After World Health Organization rated Delhi as the second most polluted city, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal directed Environment Department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to review the situation.

Delhi Government today decided to launch an awareness campaign to highlight the adverse impact of fire crackers on the air quality during the Diwali season, and will take action against the sale and use of Chinese crackers.

After World Health Organization rated Delhi as the second most polluted city, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal directed Environment Department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to review the situation.

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Consequently, a review meeting was chaired by Environment minister Imran Hussain along with the senior officers of Environment, Forest Department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

CRACKER-LESS DIWALI

During the meeting, Imran Hussain directed the Environment Department to take all necessary measures for launching the campaign drive to emphasize on the need to control air and noise pollution during the Diwali season.

Hussain stated that Chinese crackers are a health and safety hazard and their use is also a major source of air and noise pollution.

"Chinese crackers are a health and safety hazard. The use of Chinese crackers increases manifold in the festive season and is a major source of air and noise pollution, causing respiratory problems particularly among the elderly and children," Hussain said.

The minister directed the department to hold regular meetings with land-owning agencies, including municipal bodies, for review of action taken against those indulged in burning of dry leaves, waste and plastic material in open.

He said the violators of dust control norms -- the owners, builders and vehicles -- should be effectively punished so that the air quality can be improved.

During the meeting it was also pointed out that as lower layers of atmosphere get cooler during the winters, one sees rise in air pollution in the city. The situation gets further aggravated on the eve of Diwali festival with the bursting of fire crackers.

ALSO READ:

India accounts for 75% of casualties due to air pollution: WHO

Delhi pollution crisis is the new capital punishment



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Tollywood star Prabhas, who is currently wrapping up the shoot of Baahubali: The Conclusion, is likely to play a cameo in actor Suriya's upcoming actioner Singam 3, say reports.

By India Today Web Desk: Prabhas, who is currently shooting for SS Rajamouli's epic fantasy drama Baahubali: The Conclusion, is likely to play a cameo in Suirya's Singam 3, the third part of the Singam franchise.

According to Indiaglitz, Prabhas will be seen in Khaki in the film. Also, it is said that the news is kept under wraps and will be a surprise for the fans of both the stars.

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ALSO READ: Ranveer Singh heaps praise on Suriya, says he's THE original Singam

ALSO READ: After Rajinikanth's Kabali, Sivakarthikeyan's Remo to release in Japan

Directed by Hari, the film will mark the return of Suriya donning Khaki and will see him on an international mission this time.

Popular television actor Thakur Anoop Singh, has been roped in to play the antagonist, while Shruti Haasan and Anushka Shetty are playing the leading ladies.

The film has music by Harris Jayaraj and slated to release worldwide on December 16 as a Christmas treat.

Meanwhile, Suriya has a bundle of projects lined up. He has signed his next titled Thaana Serntha Koottam with director Vignesh Shivan.

According to Kollywood grapevine, Suriya has also signed a film with director Raju Murugan, who is basking in the success of Joker.





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Pakistani forces abducted and killed Zafar Bugti, a rebel outfit leader, and then dumped his body in the Notal area of Naseerabad in Balochistan today.

By Mayank Pratap Singh: Pakistani forces abducted and killed Zafar Bugti, a rebel outfit leader, and then dumped his body in the Notal area of Naseerabad in Balochistan today. The mutilated corpse of Zafar Bugti was found in Notal. He was picked up from his home in Jafarabad by the forces on 25th September, family members alleged.

JOINT ACTION

Commandant Sibi Scouts Colonel Zulfiqar, in a press conference addressed jointly with police officials, said that police and Frontier Cops (FC) launched a joint action near Notal and killed Zafar Bugti yesterday.



Also read: Baloch rebels attack Dudher project site, 2 Chinese engineers killed, many hurt

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The killing was carried out by FC and the police, when they abducted slain leader from their home and tortured him for more than 28 hours. They finally dumped his bullet-riddled body in Notal area.

BUGTI KILLED HER FAMILY

Police brought to the press conference a girl, six members of whose family were allegedly killed by Bugti. She narrated her ordeal during the press conference.



Also read: All those burning Pakistan flag deserve to be butchered, says Pervez Musharraf on Baloch rebels



--- ENDS ---
Politicians in the city have hailed the surgical strikes by the Indian forces on terrorist launch pads across the LoC, saying that it will send a strong message to Pakistan. While some suggest that news channels should not show old footage, which can escalate tension on both sides, several others are of the view that the Centre should immediately release special funds for border villages. Chandigarh Tribune spoke to them.

"It was long overdue. The surgical strikes on terrorist camps speak volumes about the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar towards national security. It is not an attack on any country but against terrorism. Our Army is the best and it has once again proved it."  Kirron Kher, MP

"The action was much awaited and it is a befitting reply to Pakistan. This determined action demonstrates Prime Minister Narendra Modis will to safeguard the country and teach Pakistan a lesson. The country is in the safe hands of the Prime Minister and he has proved his 56 inch ka seena." Arun Sood, Mayor

"The Indian military, government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserve praise for teaching Pakistan a lesson. Now our neighbouring country has realised that there is a government in India which will not tolerate terrorist activities and will strike back. The entire nation is with the government and our armed forces."  Satya Pal Jain, former MP

"The armed forces deserve praise from the entire nation for carrying out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC. It is not that such action has been taken for the first time, but at times it is not made public. News channels should not show old footage and leave it to Army to release videos when necessary. The preparedness shown by government in evacuating border villages is good." Pawan Kumar Bansal, former Railway Minister

"Though killing of any human being is unfortunate, the way terrorist activities had increased, resulting in the killing of Indian soldiers, such action was the only option left. The Centre should immediately release special funds for villages situated in the border areas."  Harjinder Kaur, ex-Mayor and SAD councillor

"We support the surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in the POK by the Indian Army. At last, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started following former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis style of functioning. We are with the Army"  Pardeep Chhabra, city Cong president
Charu Chhibber

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

This evening, while television sets across the nation were incessantly flashing headlines regarding the heightened tension between India and Pakistan, families of a 20-member delegation from Pakistan that is in the city were making frantic phone calls to know the well-being of their wards.

The delegation was pulled out of all public appearances lined up for the day and was camping at Peoples Convention Centre, Sector 36  their place of stay in the city  since their return this afternoon from Gurukul Global Schoool, Mani majra, where they had an interaction with students.

The delegation is in the city to participate in the ongoing 11th edition of the annual Global Youth Peace Fest (GYPF).

Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Pramod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta, the NGO organising the event, said ever since the news regarding the tension between the two neighbouring countries was flashed, he had been flooded with calls from parents of the 20-member Pakistani delegation.

Everyone is worried about the safety of their wards, especially since 19 of the 20 members are girls. The parents are worried that if their wards venture out, their security would be at risk. So, as a security measure, we have cancelled their public meetings, Sharma said. He said he had received directions not to allow any interaction with the Pakistan delegation.

Aliya Harir, a peace activist from Pakistan who is spearheading the friendship initiative, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, confirmed that the delegation had been at the convention centre since it returned from Gurukul Global School. We are going to Shimla tomorrow as per the itinerary of the GYPF, she said.

Sharma said he had called a meeting of the delegates and volunteers of Yuvsatta late this evening to share the details of the happenings of the day between India and Pakistan with them.

Security lapse?

Despite the ongoing tension between the two countries, the resultant panic among the families of the 20-member Pakistan delegation and directions to Yuvsatta members for restricting all interaction of the delegates with the media, the security around Peoples Convention Centre, Sector 36, was not tightened. Apart from a PCR van outside, there were just a handful of security personnel on the premises. A team of Chandigarh Tribune managed to enter the centre and interact with the delegates for over 25 minutes without being questioned. The delegates were seen having their dinner in the dining hall of the centre and engaging in casual conversation.
Kulwinder Sangha

Mohali, September 29

The youth of today is facing the challenge of livelihood with unemployability dominating the scene. They are not satisfied with jobs offered to them as these are not compatible with their education, said Markandey Rai, Senior Advisor, United Nations Human Settlements Programme, who co-chaired a plenary session of the third SAARC Youth Leadership Summit on Social Entrepreneurship at the Indian School of Business (ISB) here today.

The plenary session was part of the 11th Global Youth Peace Fest, organised by the Yuvsatta, an NGO, at the ISB.

While talking to The Tribune, Markandey said the major issue that surfaced during discussions was the decay set in the education and health sectors. One-fourth of the population in the country is illiterate. Those who studied in ordinary schools are not provided any kind of counselling regarding career opportunities, he said.

Rai further added that the problem of child marriage, especially in Nepal, was a big challenge. Education is the key to end such problems. Political leaders talk of big development projects but the inequality in society is on the rise, he said.

Dr SN Subba Rao, well-known Gandhian and social worker, who chaired the session, said a number of ideas were exchanged by participants from various countries during discussions. He spoke on the topic Jaya Jagat- Victory to the World.

Earlier, a delegate from Bangladesh, Al Mamun Rasel, said during the discussion that people of South Asian were not united and enmity between the nations was increasing by the day. We were not born as Bangladeshis, Nepalese or capitalists. We were born as human beings and must fight for the welfare of humanity.

Rasel, who headed the Bangladesh Debate Association, said his organisation was trying to build a relationship between the South Asian youth.

Milan from Nepal said children in her country walked for hours to school and back home. NGOs generally provided food and other materials but asked whether this type of help was really effective. Many small children left their homes in search of jobs. She wanted to know what help the youth could provide in such circumstances.

A delegate from Mauritius said the island was facing issues related to drugs. Drug consumption starts at an early age. There was a need to check the growth of the menace. I want to know how can this be done, the delegate from Mauritius said.

A person from Afghanistan said people suffered from the lack of vision, which was important for achieving results. He suggested that people should work on the contact and critical thinking theories for bringing about a change.

Three other plenary sessions also went on simultaneously at the ISB on various sub-themes like the Asia-level regional meet on Educate Girls - Empower World, Green Citizens-Sustainability Thinking and Action and Global Citizenship Education.

Later in the evening the One World Fashion Show was held in which delegates walked the ramp wearing traditional dresses of their respective countries. Dr Jaishree Sharma, a social activist, philanthropist and daughter of former President Shankar Dayal Sharma, was the chief guest for the cultural evening.
Charu Chhibber

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 28

Aap Pakistan se hain? Are you from Lahore? Oh! My grandparents are from there, too.

This is the reaction that Sarah, a 20-something college student from Lahore, Pakistan, has been getting ever since she first set foot on the Indian soil late last night. It is my first visit to India, and this reaction from almost every second person I have met here has stopped surprising me. This outpouring of warmth and generosity from Indians, especially Chandigarh residents, has charmed me. I wish I could live here, says the chirpy young girl. Her friend Khadija, too, is overwhelmed with the love and affection displayed by city residents to her and her 19 friends. They are ordinary students from Pakistan. And just like any young adult from this side of the sub-continent, they have curiosity in their eyes and love in their hearts for their neighbours. What separates them from college-goers from India is just a piece of no-mans land, commonly known as the Indo-Pak border and the warring governments of the two neighbouring countries. The 19-member Girls for Peace Group from Pakistan that arrived in the city last night to be part of the 11th edition of the Global Youth Peace Festival is the voice of its nation and talks openly about the bitter relationship between India and Pakistan.

We all are upset because of the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. The perpetual fight between the two nations is due to lack of sincere and sensible leadership in both countries. We, the youth, only have love in our hearts which has grown deeper and stronger with this visit, remark Alveena and Syeda, students from Lahore.

Syeda Shiwal Raza from Lahore says, Coming to India is like coming to a second home. There is no hatred at all in the hearts of general public of the two countries. I wonder why the governments cant stop fighting.

Aliya Harir, young peace activist from Pakistan, who is spearheading friendship initiative Aaghaz-e-Dosti, sums it up aptly. Unfortunately, to hate each other is how we define our nationalism in both India and Pakistan. People fail to realise that I will not become any less of a Pakistani by loving Indians. What will make me anti-Pakistani is supporting the Indo-Pak war, she says, before signing off.

We cant agree more!
Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 29

War veterans and politicians here today gave a thumbs-up to Indias stern response to the Uri attack by attacking terrorists training camps situated in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) with surgical strikes.

Speaking to The Tribune, Lt-Gen Surjit Singh (retd), former Army Commander who had fought the 1971 war against Pakistan, said the Indian Army had given a long-pending response to the neighbouring nation, which is supporting a global terrorist movement for the past 51 years.

Pakistan had set up these militant training camps or launch pads in 1965 along the Line of Control (LoC) for the purpose of infiltration into India. The militants are given complete military training under a well-planned module and only then they were sent inside the Indian territory to strike. I congratulate the Indian army for carrying out the much-needed action in Pakistans territory successfully, said General Sangra.

However, ruling out any chances of having a full-fledged war between India and Pakistan, General Sangra said though Pakistan wanted to bring the situation to a nuclear threshold, India was capable enough to downplay it and maintain peace in the region.

Though it is a proud moment for every Indian, it is a crucial time for the armed forces. These strikes will be considered successful only after India prevents any further retaliation by Pakistan, said Gen Sangra.

He, however, said that in the prevailing scenario, Pakistan would strike along the LoC in near future. Let them decide the date and time of yet another attack against us. This time, Indias response will be far more devastating, said Gen Sangra.

Also, appreciating the action Lt-Gen AS Bahia (retd), PVSM, AVSM, former Quarter Master General (QMG) said India had earlier also carried out such strikes on militant camps situated in the Pakistan territory. Only this time, they have shown their capability to the world, said Gen Bahia.

Brigadier AS Minhas, vice-president, District Sainik Welfare Board, calling it a liberation moment for the Indian armed forces, said the action had proved that if given liberty to perform at their own level, the forces had tremendous capabilities.

Many political leaders, including Mayor Sunil Jyoti, District BJP president Ramesh Sharma, MLAs Manoranjan Kalia and KD Bhandari also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modis action.
It is a befitting reply to Pakistan Defence Minister for his statements Nestnabood kar denge and we have a special bomb for India. Indias action is clearly a courageous step. Prof Hardeep Singh, college teacher

Surgery comes into play as the last resort when all medicines have failed and surgery is left as the only alternative. We had been delaying the surgery for a long time. Of course, for a successful surgery and a positive outcome of surgery, one needs a lions heart, eagles eyes and meticulous planning and has to leave the comfort zone to stand and do it. It involves some flesh to be cut and blood to flow. Post-operative, we have to be alert to prevent complications. Sometimes, we have to go in again to finish the leftover job. Well, India needs to put all its efforts to strengthen its external security. India was left with no other option. Wolves and rabbits cannot be friends. Friendship is only possible between equals. In this world of wolves, you can be a good wolf but you cannot be a rabbit. In addition to semi-covert actions, there is a need for 100 per cent covert actions. Dr Narottam Dewan, surgeon

The surgical strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) by the Indian Army at midnight is a very good step to teach a lesson to Pakistan. It will give a lot of strength to the Indian Army as well as Indians. This kind of attack was long overdue. Finally, India is showing some teeth. Sanjay Goel, Chairman, IIACPC

The surgical strike is a good step by the Indian forces. Terrorist groups must know in future that they dare not enter India to kill innocent people. This will be the most apt answer to the terrorist groups supported or controlled by the Pakistan government. India can collect the evidence against Pakistan and can show these to the world, how Pakistan is disturbing peace not only in India but also in other countries of the world. I am sure that the people of Pakistan will also appreciate and support this most-needed decision of the Indian forces, to maintain peace in their country too. Tripat Dua, educationist

The surgical strike has conveyed to Pakistan the sentiments of our countrymen and women. Pakistan must stop sponsoring terror. India should snap all diplomatic ties with Pakistan till it continues to sponsor terror in our country. Maulana Habib-ur-Rehman Sani Ludhianvi, Shahi Imam of Punjab

Pakistan, as a part of its state policy, has been aiding, abetting and training terrorists for the past more than three decades. These terrorists are working round-the-clock to hurt our country by targeting innocent people and also vital installations, particularly in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. We have defeated them in Punjab. We will defeat them in J&K now. Our brave soldiers are capable of keeping a check on the evil designs of Pakistan. Having seen our resolve not to allow terrorists to operate any more from across the LoC, Pakistan will now see reason and start behaving like a good neighbour. Ravneet Singh Bittu, Ludhiana MP

The surgical strike conducted on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) is a befitting reply to Pakistan for its deeds. Pakistan should understand that we mean business when it comes to safeguarding our nation. A salute to the Indian Army! Such an action should have been taken a long time back. Major AS Batth
S. Subramanian

It is customary to employ an income criterion as a way of distinguishing the poor segment of a population from its non-poor segment. The distinguishing criterion is usually specified in terms of a threshold level of income, typically called the poverty line, such that those with incomes below this level are certified as being poor, and the rest as non-poor. These sets of people are those that have been famously labeled, by the Government of India, as being, respectively, BPL (Below Poverty Line) and APL (Above Poverty Line). Typically, poverty alleviation schemes are directed at the BPL segment of the population. For a government which does not have the means  and this usually comes from not having the political will or electoral incentive to tax the rich in order to subsidise the poor - there is a powerful motivation for pitching the official poverty line as low as it is possible to get away with.

The lower the poverty line, the smaller the number of the officially recognised poor population that have to be accommodated in anti-poverty policy, and therefore the smaller the strain on budgetary provisions and resource-mobilisation effort. This is almost always the case when anti-poverty programmes are targeted to the poor, rather than made available as universal benefits that do not require means-testing. The tendency to understate the poverty line, under targeted schemes, in order to downscale budgetary intervention on behalf of the poor is a reason why some commentators have recommended that officially stipulated poverty lines should be delinked from means-tested targeting exercises.

Naturally, one would endorse this suggestion, but it is not at all clear why an unrealistically low poverty line is acceptable for other purposes, such as monitoring the trend in the poverty rate! After all, it turns out, empirically, to be the case that it is not only levels but also trends in poverty rates that tend to be more flattering the lower the poverty line is. Experts sometimes assume apparently stern positions only to end up being lenient with officially orchestrated misrepresentations, including - as in this instance - the poverty line.

When resort is had to means-tested targeting, there are potentially two kinds of error that could occur. These have been referred to by Frances Stewart and Andrea Cornia, two economists, as Type-1 and Type-2 errors respectively. A Type-1 error is one in which a poor person is wrongly excluded from a benefit, while a Type-2 error is one in which a non-poor person is wrongly included within the ambit of a benefit. In analogy with a problem in jurisprudence, a Type-1 error is rather like hanging an innocent person, while a Type-2 error is rather like letting a guilty person go free. Most of us would, I think, agree that the first error is the graver of the two types of error.

And yet, stringent means-tested targeting is addressed to the problem of minimising a Type-2 rather than a Type-1 error. This becomes particularly apparent when we note that the headcount ratio of rural poverty employing the Tendulkar Committee's rural poverty line for 2004-05 was less than 40 per cent, whereas the headcount ratio, with a far more reasonably liberal poverty line of Rs 20 per person per day at 2004-05 prices, was close to 80 per cent. The moral of the story is quite straightforward. In a society like our own, in which most people are more-or-less poor, there is a case in favour of universal provisioning over targeted assistance.

However that may be, when resort is had to targeting, the policy-maker must resolve the problem of who among the poor will benefit from the assistance, and to what extent. There are different types of anti-poverty policy that one can think of, such as direct income transfers, commodity subsidies, and wage-employment public works programmes. For specificity, and in order to clarify some of the principles of targeting that must be reckoned with, let us consider the case of direct income transfers.

Typically, and to put the problem in simple terms, the Government will have a budget of fixed size which is not large enough to lift all the poor out of poverty; and the policy-maker must decide how much income to transfer to which of the eligible persons constituting the set of poor individuals. It is assumed that the policy-maker has, at best, access to information on the distribution of income (that is, on the proportion of the population at each income level) without access to data on who has what income.

The solution to the above planning problem will depend considerably on how we choose to measure poverty. If we measure poverty by the headcount ratio, then the obvious procedure to follow would be to start with the richest of the poor and to work one's way downward, bridging each person's shortfall from the poverty line, until the budget is exhausted. The non-poor and the poorest of the poor will be excluded from the ambit of assistance in such an approach. In a more egalitarian approach, one could simply divide the budget equally amongst all the poor, excluding the non-poor. In an even more egalitarian approach, one could distribute the budget in proportion to each poor person's shortfall from the poverty line, while again excluding the non-poor.

The most egalitarian scheme one could think of is to start with the poorest of the poor and to raise her income to the level of the next poorest person's income; then to raise the incomes of the two poorest persons' incomes to the level of the third poorest person's income;.; and so on, until we reach that marginal poor person with whom the budget is exhausted. Under this approach, the richer among the poor, and the non-poor, are excluded from assistance, while the poorest of the poor are all raised to a common level of income below the poverty line. The headcount ratio thus recommends a budgetary allocation that is compatible with a sort of Social Darwinism (in which it is the ablest or least poor, who benefit), while an equality-sensitive poverty measure will support a maximin principle of allocation as would be endorsed by a Rawlsian principle of justice or Mahatma Gandhis Antyodaya principle, whereby the worst-off person is made as well off as possible.

We see thus that there is a fair amount of moral philosophy that is (or should be) involved in targeting exercises!

From a practical point of view, and no matter how we choose to measure poverty, it turns out that targeting presumes the ability to identify which poor person needs how much income to be transferred to her. But obtaining this information is costly (and sometimes impossible). If we factor this cost of information-collection into our calculations, then it is no longer absolutely clear that targeting assistance to the poor is an invariably less expensive proposition than universal provisioning. Universalism may thus not only be morally indicated but also supported by considerations of practicality  except, of course, when targeting errors are readily tolerated, for reasons of either negligence or (worse) design. The problem of limited, private, and dispersed information requires careful attention.

The writer is a retired Professor of Economics
Tribune News Service

New Delhi September 28

The sleuths of Anti-Auto Theft Squad of the West District have arrested a notorious auto-lifter of Mangol Puri police station.

A Bajaj Platina motorcycle and one Maruti Esteem car have been recovered from him.

Information was received by a head constable Sudama, posted in West District, that the accused would come to Rohini Courts, on a stolen motorcycle. A team laid a trap at a strategic point and on the signal of the informer; the accused was arrested with the motorcycle.

In yet another auto-lifting case, an auto-lifter-cum-receiver of stolen vehicles, Arshad, 23, was arrested by the police of South District . Seven stolen vehicles recivered from him.

On a tip-off, a trap was laid near Chandan Holla vilage. A motorcyclist was stopped for checking. He was identified as Arshad. When he was asked to produce the documents of the motorcycle, he failed to produce the same. On verification, the vehicle was found to have been stolen from Mehrauli.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

The police today registered a case in connection with the June 11 Rajya Sabha elections that courted ink controversy. The BJP-supported Subhash Chandra had defeated Congress-backed RK Anand after 12 votes of MLAs were rejected because a wrong pen was used to cast vote.

Ram Gopal, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Central), Chandigarh Police, confirmed a case was registered in the Sector 3 police station against unidentified persons on a complaint by the Haryana Chief Electoral Officer.

The FIR was registered under Sections 129 (influencing voting), 134 (breach of official duty in connection with elections), 136 (1)(b), 136 (1)(f) and 136 (1)(g) (fraudulently defacing ballot papers) of the Representation of Peoples Act, and Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 171-C, 171-F (interference in free and fair polls), 378, 379 (theft), 415 (cheating), 425, 426 (mischief), 463, 464, 465, 467 and 468 (forgery) of the IPC.

The DSP said Sub-Inspector Mohan Lal would investigate the matter.

Several reports are attached with the complaint. The police will study these reports and proceed with the investigation accordingly, he said.

Sources said the police would take all ballot papers in their custody, as these were now a case property.

Anand had lodged a complaint with the Chandigarh Police immediately after the elections. He had moved the Election Commission as well, leading to an inquiry that culminated in registration of a case today. Those responsible should be arrested soon, Anand told The Tribune.

The case warrants custodial investigation. The police must arrest Returning Officer RK Nandal, his deputies, Independent MLA Jai Parkash and BJP MLA Aseem Goyal, and interrogate them. The truth will come out, he said.

On the fairness of the police investigation in the light of their inaction on his July 11 complaint, Anand said he would give the police a little margin. If the investigation is not fair, I will request for a CBI probe.
Santoshi Bai and her daughter-in-law Latha were gruesomely murdered on September 26 by three men who had pawned gold jewellery with Latha's husband Dinesh.

By Rohini Swamy: The Bangalore Police have cracked a double murder case in 48 hours. Santoshi Bai and her daughter-in-law Latha were gruesomely murdered on September 26 by three men who had pawned gold jewellery with Latha's husband Dinesh.

The accused walked away with 3.5 kg of gold ornaments and Rs 9 lakh in cash after murdering the two women.

All the three accused Manish, Mahendra singh and Devaram were known to the family due to their business relationship.

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Bangalore Police commissioner NS Megharikh said that the murder was committed as one of the accused Munish was running into losses and had to pay one of his customers cash for the gold that was pawned. The victims family and the accused were pawnbrokers who would pawn jewellery at exorbitant rates and later pledge the same at a cheaper rate with Dinesh to make a profit.



How did the murder take place Munish and Mahendra reached the victim's house at around 10 am and parked their scooter a little away from the house. As soon as Dinesh left for work, Munish asked Mahendra to wait near the scooter. Munish, who is better known to the family, entered the house and demanded his jewellery back from Santoshi. Santoshi refused to give the pawned jewellery back after which Munish slashed her throat with a knife. Santoshi's daughter-in-law Latha rushed down after hearing her scream after which Munish overpowered her and slashed her throat also. Both the women died of excessive bleeding. Munish walked into the bedroom and took away gold valuables and cash. At around 10.40 am, the duo handed over the bag of valuables and cash to Devaram at Shivajinagar. The accused were caught based on CCTV footage which showed Munish walking out with a blood stained shirt and Mahendra waiting by the scooter before they fled the scene.

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--- ENDS ---
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 28

The Election Commission has indicted Haryana Legislative Assembly secretary RK Nandal, who was the Returning Officer for the June 11 Rajya Sabha election that witnessed the ink controversy, leading to rejection of 12 legislators votes.

It has recommended disciplinary action against him in a communication sent to the Chief Secretary.

The commission has also directed the Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, to lodge an FIR against persons on election duty or otherwise, whose conduct resulted in the change of pen/ink.

The commission said an FIR should be registered under sections 129 (influencing voting), 134 (breach of official duty in connection with elections) and 136 (1) (b), 136 (1) (f) and 136 (1) (g) [fraudulently defacing ballot papers] of the Representation of Peoples Act and sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 171C, 171F (interference in free and fair polls), 378, 379 (theft), 415 (cheating), 425, 426 (mischief), 463, 464, 465, 467 and 468 (forgery) of the IPC.

The votes of 12 Congress MLAs were declared invalid for marking their preferences with a pen having a different colour ink than the one officially supplied.

Both the INLD, whose candidate RK Anand lost to BJP-supported Subhash Chandra, and the Congress had accused the ruling party as well as the poll officials of foul play. The commission has now held Nandal guilty of concealment of material facts from it, wilful non-compliance of its lawful directions and written to the Haryana Chief Secretary for disciplinary action against him.

The EC order said it was a serious case of lack of supervisory control and negligence in performance of duty that an unauthorised pen was found inside the voting compartment and another was surreptitiously used for marking ballot papers. The disciplinary proceedings have to be completed within six months.
I heartily congratulate our brave armed forces for carrying out surgical strikes on the terrorist launch pads in PoK. This was required to teach the terrorists and their harbourers a lesson.  Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister

The Indian Army should continue such actions to prevent terror attacks in future. We should identify all terror camps in Pakistan and destroy them by such sudden strikes. India should immediately withdraw its High Commissioner from Pakistan.  Col Raghbir Singh Chhillar, Former INLD MLA

Some forces want to disturb peace. We are giving them a benefitting reply. Support us and say, "Narendra Modi tum aage badho, desh tumhare saath hai. (March forward Narendra Modi, the country supports you)" .  Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi , Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs
Tribune News Service

Mewat, September 29

Out to clear misconceptions on the districts communal harmony in light of beef biryani episode, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today announced sadbhavna mandaps (goodwill pavilions) in Mewat.

The reformed form of chaupals will be set up in every block of the district to bring together people of all communities to participate in programmes of communal harmony, skill development, education and sports.

People have been ridiculing us, trying to push forth their communal agenda. But all we (the BJP) talk about is vikas (development), Naqvi said at the launch of progress panchayat in the districts Bichhore village.

He laid the foundation stone of Mewat Model School in Chilawali village.

Mewat is an integral part of the state. We dream of a developed Mewat. Our efforts are not directed at vote politics. We will not only bring communal harmony, but also district specific employment as we will set up a big International level Driving School in Mewat as Meos are inclined to driving, the minister said.

It is for the first time that Mewat, notorious for several things, will be known for grass-root level development through progress panchayat, Naqvi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said we have to take up the development agenda among people and discuss with them how schemes can be beneficial for them. Thats why we have come out with the agenda of development through progress panchayat. Such panchayats will be organised in 100 villages across the country, he added. Union Minister of State for Planning, Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Rao Inderjit Singh, Haryana PWD (B&R) Minister Rao Narbir Singh and former minister Harsh Kumar were present.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

The Haryana Government today suspended 11 Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs), proceeded against 48 others under Rule 8 of Services Rules and charge-sheeted yet 100 others for participating in the strike declared illegal by it.

The agitating ADOs, who have been protesting against the assignment to carry out crop cutting experiments (CCE), a procedure to determine crop yield under Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), without providing them basic infrastructure, have, however, refused to relent despite government action.

Confirming the state governments action, Jagraj Dandi, Joint Director (Statistics) in the Haryana Agriculture Department, said the 11 ADOs suspended by the government would be proceeded against under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services Rules that attracts major punishments.

He said 48 others would be proceeded against under Rule 8 that warrants minor punishments and chargesheets had been issued against yet other 100 ADOs.

Their strike is totally unjustified. This is not for the first time that the government has asked them to conduct CCEs since this is a routine programme of the Government of India to determine the crop yield. The only difference is that earlier we used to carry out about 11,000 CCEs in the state, but this time the number will be about 45,000 due to the PMFBY, he said.

The government had yesterday banned the strike by invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

Under the CCE, the agriculture officials have to harvest four plots measuring 5-m long and 5-m wide of each crop in each of the 7,000-odd villages of the state to figure out the average yield of crops, he said.

Sushil Goyat, president of ADOs association Krishi Vikas Adhikari Sangthan, however, alleged that the CCEs were not only ill-timed and impossible to carry out for them, but also not in the interest of farmers.

The government wants them to carry out CCEs when most of the crops have either been harvested or are in the process of it. No wherewithal like android phones needed to run its App, ropes, tapes, weighing machines and other items needed for the procedure have been supplied. Even labour cost has not been provided by the government, Goyat alleged.

He said their strike would continue even if the government terminated the services of all 600-odd ADOs working in the state.

Stir continues despite imposition of ESMA

Jhajjar: Undeterred by the ban imposed by the state government on strike by invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs), Block Agriculture Officers (BAOs) and Technical Assistants (TAs) with the Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department not only continued their dharna for the third day at the mini-secretariat here but also took out a protest march in the city on Thursday. The march was also attended by farmers from nearby villages, representatives of Sarv Karamchari Sangh and other employees' organisations. As the protesters had a plan to hold a demonstration outside the local residence of Agriculture Minister Om Prakash Dhankar, adequate police force was deputed there to avert any untoward incident. TNS
Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 29

Taking a serious note of contaminating of water tank in Government Senior Secondary School, Kakkadhatti in Solan by some mischievous elements, Irrigation and Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes called a meeting of senior officers of I&PH, Home and Police departments here today. The minister directed the officers to strictly monitor water tanks and no such untoward incidents should happen.

The minister also asked the officers to ensure regular cleaning of the tanks to maintain the quality of drinking water. The minister also directed the police department to investigate the matter speedily and take strict action against the guilty.

Sanjay Kumar, DGP, informed the minister that an FIR had been lodged and investigation was going on in the matter.
Srinagar, September 29

Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire twice along the Line of Control (LoC) by opening fire in Nawgam sector and Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the third ceasefire violation by Pakistan in two days.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

"Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts in Naugam sector around 7 am," an Army official said in Srinagar.

He said the Pakistani troops used small fire arms and mortars, but there were no reports of any casualty. The troops exercised restraint and have not retaliated so far, he added.

The second ceasefire violation took place in Mendhar sector today.

A senior police officer in Jammu said, "There was firing from across the border on forward areas along the LoC in Balnoie belt of Mendhar in the district around 4.30 am."

There were no casualties, he added.

On Wednesday, Pakistani troops had targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Sabzian belt of Poonch district.

On September 20, two days after the terror attack in Uri, Pakistani troops had violated ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian Army positions with small firearms.

On September 6, the Pakistani Army pounded Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the LoC in Poonch district.

On September 2, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district. PTI
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 29

Expressing grave concern over the escalation of tension along the border, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said confrontation could lead to a disaster of epic proportions if urgent steps were not taken to bring down the heightened tension in the region.

New Delhi and Islamabad must open channels of communication, realising the dangerous consequences of any escalation of the ongoing confrontation along the border, she said while reacting to the situation unfolding in the region. Calling for restraint, Mehbooba said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had the greatest stake in peace as they had undergone enormous tragedies because of blood-spattered violence.

We in J&K have suffered immensely because of the violence and know very well its dangers and consequences, she said. She called upon the political leadership of India and Pakistan to de-escalate the war-like situation in the region.

For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the border and within the heartland is of immense significance. I hope the political leadership of the two countries will treat it with the same spirit, she said.

Mehbooba said India and Pakistan had bickered for well over six decades like siblings locked in an endless rivalry and transforming that rivalry into a mature, productive relationship would be difficult. The consequences of continued animosity will be much worse, she said. She added that the necessity of dialogue had assumed more significance in the post-nuclear phase.

Maintaining that war was never an option to resolve issues, the Chief Minister said India and Pakistan should instead together fight poverty and economic deprivation plaguing the region.

The two nuclear armed neighbours must cooperate in the fields of social development, including eradication of poverty, she said.

With growing economies and energy needs and need for newer, more diverse markets and trading opportunities, the future of the region has to be defined by common economic interests instead of hostilities, she said.

The Chief Minister called for reviving the spirit of the joint statement issued in Islamabad on December 9 last year. In the joint statement, both sides had agreed to begin a comprehensive bilateral dialogue on peace and security, confidence-building measures, J&K, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wular barrage, economic and commercial cooperation, counter-terrorism, narcotics control, humanitarian issues, people-to-people exchange and religious tourism.

Asserting that there was no alternative to talks, Mehbooba said history was witness to the fact that even after fighting wars, India and Pakistan had to time and again come back to the negotiating table.

I am sure that amid the gloomy scenario prevailing in the region, hope for peaceful means of resolving issues will again stand ground and political leadership of the two countries will revive peace and reconciliation with a fresh resolve, she said.

It will be in the interest of both countries to solve their problems through the bilateral framework as it is the only way forward given the dicey parameters of international power politics, she said.
Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 29

As tension mounts in the wake of surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), residents of border areas in Kashmir, particularly Uri, are fearing worse times ahead.

Panic has gripped villages along the LoC in Uri, scene of the deadly militant attack on an Army base on September 18 in which 18 soldiers were killed.

A majority of underground bunkers in the Uri sector and other villages along the LoC in Kashmir had been destroyed during the devastating 2005 earthquake and never repaired or rebuilt in the backdrop of the 2003 Indo-Pak ceasefire.

The situation in Uri and other villages along the LoC is normal, but there is

concern and our fingers are crossed, said Showkat Ahmed Rather, Sub-

Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Uri.

The local administration had reviewed the evacuation plan in case there was cross-LoC shelling targeting civilian areas during a meeting a few days ago.

It was a routine meeting during which the evacuation plan, already on paper, was reviewed. There is no underground bunker or shelter available in villages near the LoC or the town right now as all those were destroyed during the 2005 earthquake, the SDM said.

He said in case of any eventuality, particularly small arms fire, the first priority would be to shift residents to schools identified as per plan. If the other side resorts to artillery fire, the entire Uri area has to be evacuated. Right now, everything is normal,

he added.

On the other hand, residents living in villages along the LoC were already feeling the jitters with concern growing about possible shelling by Pakistan.

Before the 2003 ceasefire, whenever there was shelling, we would immediately rush into underground bunkers to save ourselves. But now, those are now gone. There are fears that shelling may resume now, said Lal Din Ganai of Tillawadi, a village in the Haji Pir sector.

From my house, the Pakistani armys posts are just 500 metres away. I can see activities on the other side of the LoC. We have left it to God to save us if there is firing or shelling along the LoC, he said. He added that many residents along the LoC planned to shift to safer places.

Residents of Uri close to the Army base and brigade headquarters were concerned as shells fired by Pakistan had landed in the town in the past.

All of us are concerned. There were worries in the aftermath of the September 18 attack. The concern has grown with the news of surgical strikes across LoC, said Abdul Waheed of Uri.

He said he had seen shells landing in the area before the 2003 ceasefire. This night is critical. Residents of villages close to the LoC are more worried and are fleeing, he added.
Nonika Singh

It all started with a simple yet profound question why did Sahiba break the arrows? But today as acclaimed director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is ready to share his labour of love, an epic love story Mirzya, he seems to have all the answers.

Why the director, who claims to share an umbilical chord with Punjab, decided to play out this greatest love story of Punjabs folklore in Rajasthan, why he chose debutant actors to play such intense parts and why no one else but Daler Mehndi seemed right for singing in a film which he calls the first true blue Indian musical.

But then Mirza Sahiban is a story that has stayed with him ever since he first saw its rendering on stage as a student in year 1982. The seed that lay dormant within him germinated when chai pe charcha with creative neighbour Gulzar led to a silent pact for greater understanding of Sahibas psyche.

Gulzar by the way, he reminds you, has written a story for a film after 17 years and for another director the time line moves even further backwards. The story interestingly is set in modern times and the need to place it in a contemporary world too arose from yet another query that he threw at Gulzarare there Mirza Sahibans in todays world too.

Mehra, who professes to have read every conceivable book on love from its history to psychology to mythology, feels that the Mirza Sahiban tale is an unparalleled romantic tragedy.

Indeed, its his first love story and yes his previous two films were more inspirational than lovey-dovey tales. Love, too he insists is inspirational. But his take on love is as modern as the times in which the film is steeped. Of course, even in times when relationships make and break at the twitter handle when people fall in love on Facebook pages he believes sacrifice is the biggest emotion in love. And few moments of love that we get to live are greater than a lifetime.

Isnt he taking a big chance with an intense love story, talking of love that is the stuff legends are made of? But then the director, who has delivered blockbusters (Rang De Basanti and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag) with rather unusual subjects previously, too doesnt view cinema through the prism of commerce alone. Rather he lets the idea grow in him to a point where it becomes an obsession, a story that he cant help but tell. And will he tell why Sahiba broke the arrows. Most certainly, only it will be my interpretation. His re-imagining of the legend has already found an entry into several prestigious festivals. Besides, Busan Film Festival, London Film Festival, it will also be shown in Chicago festival in a section called Musicals of the World. Mehra saw Mirzya as a musical, for isnt the folktale always sung? Making a musical in a country where the common understanding of a musical is a film with a dozen songs... isnt that an insurmountable challenge? But then like Sahiban, Mehra doesnt believe in easy choices. Only his dilemmas invariably end up as cinema that excites and motivates.

Sincerely yours

See him as Anil Kapoors son or fashionista Sonam Kapoors brother, Harshvardhan Kapoor stands his own ground. And he believes that the only way to silence detractors is by playing the character with sincerity. So, you think star sons have it easy. After all what else can explain his bagging three prestigious projects, even as we await the first release?

He says, Vikramaditya Motwane and Sriram Raghavan chose me after seeing the rushes of Mirzya. Being an insider might have been a blessing few years ago but today he thinks thanks to Netflix and Torrent, the talent pool has become so wide that no one will back you unless you can deliver.

How well the debutant pair has delivered...? Well, the biggest nod of approval comes from none other than the director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra himself who dares,

Five minutes into the film and you will forget they are newcomers.

Debutant is a term that Mehra doesnt quite like, for camera only knows and understands actors.

Higher and higher

A dream debut and one that has spoilt her rotten. Thats how the light-eyed beauty Sayaimi Kher puts her launch vehicle Mirzya. To be directed by Mehra whose Rang De Basanti is a cult film for her generation is the greatest privilege ever. Her next one could be with ace director Mani Ratnam.

nonikasingh@tribunemail.com
Nagpur, September 29

A 12-year-old student from Chandrapur district in Maharashtra is all set to stage an agitation here to highlight the plight of thousands of children like him who carry a load of five-seven kg on their shoulders daily to attend classes.

Rugved Raikwar from Vidyaniketan School will be holding a sit-in at the RBI square here on October 2, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti to draw the attention of the state administration towards the hardships and health hazards, which the students face due to the cumbersome bags.

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"Reducing the weight (burden) is the core remedy," Rugved told reporters here yesterday ahead of the agitation, which he says is "the first tiny step in the direction" of resolving this issue.

Earlier, Rugved had written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in this regard.

"A 15-day time would have been sufficient for the government to formulate norms on reducing burden of school bags and thus fulfill my demand. But nothing has been done so far. This apathy has forced me to battle it out with them at the RBI square. And Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) is the best day to wage a war against the bag burden of students," he said.

Rugved has applied to the local police for a formal permission for his proposed day-long dharna.

However, he has not received a nod in this regard, considering his age.

"I will go ahead with the agitation for the sake of thousands of students like me. After all, it is the question of health as well as the future of students," he said.

Last month, Rugved, along with one of his classmates held a press conference in Chandrapur on the issue and offered some alternatives to resolve this problem, which they said failed to strike a chord with the school principal when they approached him.

They suggested that the authorities make arrangements for keeping their daily work books in school or reduce the number of periods per day.

As per directives of Bombay High Court, the state government had earlier this year issued circular underlining guidelines on reduction of weight of school bags carried by students on the recommendations of a committee.

The state had informed the HC that it had also fixed the responsibility on principals and school management to follow the circular and would take action against those not obeying this rule.

According to government pleader, there are 1.06 lakh schools in the state and the circular is binding on them. PTI
The I-T department is said to have recovered crores of cash from one of the trustees of Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre.

By Rohini Swamy: One of the biggest recoveries in a raid by the Income Tax department might have exposed the murky underbelly of capitation fee in medical colleges.

The I-T department is said to have recovered crores of cash from one of the trustees of Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre. The amount is suspected to be the money collected as capitation fee from students for medical seats.

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RAID AFTER A TIP OFF



The medical college run by Srinivas Trust has reportedly admitted to unaccounted income of Rs 265 crore. The raid is said to have been a result of a tip-off and further investigation. The 3-day search started on September 23 and search was carried at associated institutions in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. Incriminating documents too have been seized.

"We have been conducting raids on various medical institutions and we have found black money worth Rs 14 crore," said Nutan Wadiyar, Special Commissioner, Income-Tax.

Also read:

Income tax raids at AIADMK leaders houses and 40 other locations in Tamil Nadu

Despite raid, child trafficking racket going strong at GB Road



--- ENDS ---
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

All political parties on Thursday supported the Indian Army's surgical strikes across the Line of Control to destroy terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the government said after an all-party meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The leaders of political parties representing Parliament were briefed about the surgical strikes across the LoC by senior security officials.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said all parties supported the government action.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad who attended the meeting said the government briefed us about the surgical strikes and we congratulate the forces for being successful in the operation.

Naidu said the surgical strikes targeted 5-6 places across LoC along Kupwara and Poonch. There was no casualty on the Indian side.

Information that these terrorists were planning to attack some towns and important places prompted the Army to act, Naidu said.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and NSA Ajit Doval were present at the meet attended by BJP chief Amit Shah, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, Union minister and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan and NCP leader Sharad Pawar among others.

BSP's Satish Mishra and RJD's Prem Chand Gupta also attended the meet.  With agencies
Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

With the Opposition parties supporting Indias surgical strike across the borders, the BJP is soaking up the political gains of the message they have sent to the peoplewho were angry and upset over repeated offences from across the borders.

Party leaders congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi but they were careful enough to not let the focus shift from the armed forces.

It is for the first time, in this frontal fight against terrorism, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi is feeling secure, Shah tweeted. But the Army remained at the centre of the official statement he issued.

The Army has shown great valour and bravery by destroying launching pads and training camps of terrorists in PoK in its surgical strike, he said

Army has launched a successful surgical strike and damaged terrorists in a big way without suffering any casualty. This is a proof of our Armys bravery, capacity and patriotism. In this long war against terrorism a clear response has been given to terrorists by destroying their breeding centre for the first time, he added.

Sources say party spokespersons have been asked to keep the narrative focussed around the Indian Army.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley termed the surgical strikes a pre-emptive action. India is capable of repelling all forces that subvert peace in the region. We are proud of #IndianArmy & leadership of @narendamodiji, Jaitley tweeted.
Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

Just a few hours after India announced it had carried out surgical strikes across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir to eliminate terrorists, Punjab on Thursday started the exercise of evacuating thousands of villagers residing near the Pakistan border and shut down schools as a precaution in case of any retaliation.

About 1,000 villages up to 10 km from the International Border were asked to be evacuated and Punjab Police were deployed in the border districts to assist the paramilitary forces and the Army in the second line of defence. DGP (Law and Order) Hardeep Dhillon, besides senior bureaucrats, would camp at Amritsar.

Though there was no exchange of fireor visible Army build-up, for the civilians it was akin to a warlike situation.

Reports from Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Fazilka said hundreds of villagers had moved to relief camps set up in the district headquarters. People were seen transporting household goods and livestock in scenes reminiscent of the 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars. The Retreat ceremonies at Wagah, Hussainiwala and Sadiqi were held without public presence.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said these were precautionary steps to prevent civilian loss in case of any misadventure from across the border. He said the Centre had asked for the safety of villagers. Badal has released Rs 1 crore for each border district.
Syed Ali Ahmed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

The CBI has arrested a senior judge of Tis Hazari court and her husband here while allegedly receiving a bribe of Rs 4 lakh from a lawyer, who was appointed as local commissioner in a case adjudicated by her.

Rachna Tiwari Lakhanpal, Senior Civil Judge, Tis Hazari court, was arrested last night while allegedly accepting Rs 4-lakh bribe from advocate Vishal Mehan, who has also been arrested, at her residence in Gulabi Bagh. Rachnas husband Alok Lakhanpal has also been arrested in the case.

The accused were produced before a court in Tis Hazari, which remanded Rachna in judicial custody, while Alok and Vishal in two-day police custody.

The CBI said the agency registered a complaint under sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the advocate on a complaint alleging that in a matter of property dispute, an advocate was appointed as a local commissioner by Justice Rachna Tiwari. The case was being heard by the same judge.

She had appointed the advocate as local commissioner for conducting an inspection of the disputed property and submitting his report.

According to the CBI, the advocate (appointed as local commissioner) allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 2 lakh for himself and Rs 20 lakh for the senior Civil Judge for deciding the matter in the favour of the complainant.

After due verification of the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and the accused advocate acting as local commissioner was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 5 Lakh as bribe on behalf of the Judge, it said.

The advocate admitted that the bribe amount was meant to be handed over to the judge. Subsequently, the bribe money was delivered by the advocate to the judge at her residence, out of which she kept Rs 4 lakh and gave Rs 1 lakh to the advocate.

The alleged bribe money of Rs 5 lakh was recovered by the CBI. During investigation, the involvement of the husband of the judge was also found and he was also arrested.

Searches conducted at the premises of the judge led to the recovery of Rs 94 lakh in cash, two locker keys and other incriminating material and documents, the CBI said.
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

It was around noon on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned the military strike across the Line of Control (LoC) to destroy terrorist camps located in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Unconfirmed reports said around 40 terrorists present at seven launch pads across LoC and they may have been killed in the Indian Armys surgical strikes. However, there was no official word on it.

Troops from the 4 and 9 para special forces were used in the operations.

Over the next 16-17 hours, the dynamics kept changing and ended when the Indian Army team reported back successful around 4.30 am on Thursday. The top brass of the political establishment was informed that the operation was a success.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Though cross-LoC military action has been done in the past, the first public announcement of such move came on Thursday morning when Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh announced this at a press conference.

Top sources explained to The Tribune that a military move was ordered in two parts that would be spread across an arc of 250 km. The targets were seven terrorist launch pads at seven locations across the LoC that included the Lepa valley, Tatta Pani and Bimber.

The first was to fire artillery guns across the LoC, including from a location near Uriclose to the same place where terrorists had killed 18 Army soldiers on September 18. The second was to use the confusion caused by the artillery fire to sneak in troops from pre-decided spots across the LoC by using the several ingress routes.

As the artillery opened up, three separate teams of heavily armed soldiers of the Indian Army crossed over to the PoK, they were backed by UAVs providing live footage to the Northern command in Udhampur, the tactical headquarters of the three Army divisions at Baramulla, Kupwara and Poonch.

The orders were clear just shoot to killdont leave behind any injured soldierbe quick and destroy everything. The troops needed to surprise the terrorists in these camps.

The actual operation lasted four hours that is it commenced around 12.30 am on Thursday and ended at 4.30 am on Thursday. Around 2 pm on Wednesday, the special teams had been asked to move forward. Helicopters dropped teams at advanced pre-decided locations.

From afternoon till nightfall on Wednesday, briefings were conducted, and troop leaders given clear instructions. The go-ahead to cross the LoC was for midnight; in the meantime, the artillery fire had distracted the Pakistani troops.

The Indian Army troops were carrying heavy firing capability that included shoulder-fired weapons.

Around 5 am on Thursday, the Pakistan Army retaliated with artillery fire and around 7.30 am US National Security Adviser Susan Rice called up Indian NSA Ajit Doval.  With agencies
Lagos, September 29

Vice-President Hamid Ansari has asked Indians living in Nigeria not to get disheartened by an incident here or there following some instances of attacks and kidnappings in the African country.

Talking to members of the Indian community at a reception here last night, he said, Small and sporadic incidents take place. Dont be disheartened by an incident here or there.

He also said that these problems are not the making of the government.

Some Indians have been affected by criminal incidents especially kidnappings and armed robberies in various parts of Nigeria.

Apart from kidnapping of Indian nationals from time to time, there was an incident of sea piracy off Nigerian coast in February when 18 crew members of a merchant vessel including 11 Indian nationals were taken hostage by pirates.

However, all of them later got released with the help of Nigerian Navy.

There is an approximate 35,000-strong Indian community in Nigeria.

Ansari lauded the role of Indians, particularly teachers and doctors, saying they have been contributing immensely to the national developmental work.

There is a CBSE-affiliated Indian language school here with 2,500 students.

Over 100 Indian companies have made Nigeria their base to operate in West Africa, employing the largest number of Nigerians after the Federal Government, and covering diverse sectors of the economy.

It is estimated that the Indian investments have exceeded $10 billion so far, and another $5 billion are committed. Indian investments are in diverse sectors such as communications, power, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, automotive sector and oil, among others.

The Vice-President and his wife Salma Ansari also interacted with the members of the Indian community and posed for photographs.

Ansari had attended a similar event in Abuja. He inaugurated the High Commission of India Chancery complex, the foundation stone of which had been laid by the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003.  PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

Mounting a swift counter-terror operation across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army today announced it had neutralised terrorists waiting to infiltrate. The brave military manoeuvre was hailed across the country.

The surgical strikes was a resolute action by India 11 days after 18 soldiers were killed in the Uri sector in an attack by Jaish terrorists from across the border. The action came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that the blood of the jawans will not go in vain and the Army, asserting it will act at a place and time of its choosing, did so from midnight to dawn at five places and six launch pads.

Based on specific and credible inputs that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the LoC to carry out infiltration and conduct terrorist strikes inside J&K and in various metros, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes at several of these launch pads. The operations were focussed on ensuring that these terrorists do not succeed in their design to endanger the lives of our citizens, the Director General of Military Operations, Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh, said at a joint briefing with the Ministry of External Affairs.

He said he had shared the information with his Pakistani counterpart.

Pakistan rejected across-LoC strikes as a fabrication of truth, suggesting it was a move to cater to the domestic media and public. There has been no surgical strike by India; instead, there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is an existential phenomenon, the Pakistan army said. It admitted the loss of two soldiers and injuries to nine.

Stating that significant casualties were caused to terrorists and those providing support, the DGMO said while India does not have any further plans to continue, it was fully prepared for any contingency that may arise.

An immediate fallout was that border residents of Punjab were asked to move to safer locations and India stepped up its international outreach with Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar briefing envoys from 25 countries. Earlier, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval spoke to his counterpart in the US.

Prior to the announcement on the successful conduct of the operation, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security that was briefed about it. He later briefed President Pranab Mukherjee and spoke to Vice-President Hamid Ansari and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

On his part, Home Minister Rajnath Singh briefed several chief ministers and leaders of various political parties, all of whom came out in support of the action against terrorists.

DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh addressing the media (MEA video):
Islamabad, September 29

Pakistan on Thursday summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale over "unprovoked firing" by India in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry "condemned the unprovoked firing by" Indian forces on the Line of Control (LoC) in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed, Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.

"These incidents are a continuation of a pattern of ceasefire violations committed by India. He (Chaudhry) conveyed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan will continue to give a befitting response to any act of aggression," the statement said.

Earlier, Pakistan rejected as "baseless" the Indian Army's claim that it had carried out "surgical strikes" inside the country.

While summoning Bambawale at the Foreign Office, the Foreign Secretary claimed that India has "deliberately escalated tensions" at the LoC in order to "divert the attention of the international community from the grave situation" in Kashmir.

"The Foreign Secretary condemned India's baseless accusation against Pakistan for the Uri attack, within a few hours after the incident. He recalled that it has been a practice in India to blame Pakistan for every such incident but later investigations prove otherwise," the Foreign Office said.

Chaudhry claimed that Pakistan remains a "victim of interference" and "state-sponsored terrorism".

In this regard, he referred to the "confession statement of serving Indian Naval Officer, Kulbushan Jadhav", whom Pakistan has accused of "carrying out terrorist and subversive activities, especially in Balochistan and Karachi".

The Foreign Secretary also expressed Pakistan's deep disappointment at India's decision not to participate in the SAARC Summit.

For its part, Pakistan is committed to the objective of regional cooperation, envisaged in the SAARC charter, he said.

Chaudhry also conveyed to Bambawale, Pakistan's deep concerns over "life threats to Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi" and urged the Indian government to ensure his safety and security and that of other officials and their families, in accordance with the Vienna Convention.  PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

Pakistan has admitted to incidents of firing across the LoC, and the killing of two of its soldiers, but denied there was any surgical strike.

A statement issued by Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations in Rawalpindi in the morning claimed Pakistani troops had responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel, and Lipa sectors. The exchange of fire, which started at 0230 hrs after midnight continued till 0800 hrs, the statement said, adding that two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

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Soon after it issued a second statement that said: There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India, which is existential phenomenon. As per rules of engagement, same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops.

The statement giving the Pakistani view of the developments read: The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by Indian to create false effects. This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth. Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded. (sic)

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reviewed the defence preparedness, holding talks with army chief Raheel Sharif and other top aides after India carried out surgical strikes against terror bases across the LoC.

Sharif and Raheel had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed situation at the Line of Control (LoC), The News reported, citing sources.

Raheel apprised the premier over the firing incidents at the LoC, the sources said, adding that the army chief told him that Indian claims of surgical strikes were "baseless".

Earlier, Sharif strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression by India along the LoC and said Pakistans armed forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Sharif also warned that Pakistans intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces resulting in martyrdom of two Pakistani soldiers along the LoC, a statement said.

Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as out weakness and our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of country and can thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan, it said.(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi, September 29

Pakistan today refuted Indias claims of surgical strikes and instead said India had indulged in cross-border fire.

Many pointed out that Pakistans attempt to play down the surgical strikes serves a purpose. The domestic pressure in Pakistan to retaliate after the surgical strikes would be high. Instead, by downgrading the strikes to a cross-border skirmish, Pakistan hopes to avoid escalating the situation. Sources familiar with the situation said even the Pakistan army did not want a war, hence this downgrading.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistans intent for a peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness.

Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the Pakistan army gave a befitting response to the Indian Army. He went on to add that the Indian Army opened up small fire last night on five sectors across LoC. He accused India of doing this to please the media and the Indian public.  TNS


:    9         

         2013 .         9          .    .
The protests by BJP workers over disorderly state of law and order in Tamil Nadu has been thwarted, causing a lot of commotion in the region

By Pramod Madhav: Bharatiya Janata Party unsuccessfully attempted to hold a protest in Chennai condemning the lawlessness in the state, adding to the state's agitation. BJP claimed that Hindu leaders are being targeted and the state government seems to stay mum about it.

SASIKUMAR'S MURDER FUELED UNREST

With the recent murder of Sasikumar, who was a PRO of Hindu Munnani a pro-Hindu organization raised a storm in Coimbatore. Sasikumar was killed by four men on 22nd September late night when he was traveling back from work to his home. Following his death, Coimbatore city was engulfed in violence. Hindu Munnani leaders called for a bandh the very next day. Miscreants ended up damaging public private and public properties and many targeted Muslim hamlets.

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ALSO READ: Coimbatore unrest: Tamil Nadu will become another Gujarat, warns Hindu Munani leader



BJP leaders held Tamil Nadu police responsible for the death of Sasikumar and said that law and order has failed in the state. Close to 500 BJP cadres gathered at Chennai to show the condemnation against Tamil Nadu government. Already a huge contingent of cops were stationed at the vicinity and even before They could initiate the protest, Police officers intervened and told them that no permission was given to hold the protest and asked them to leave the area.



SPAT BETWEEN BJP LEADERS AND POLICE



An argument broke out between BJP leaders Tamilisai Sounderrajan, H Raja and the police over not being able to protest. Unable to persuade the cops, Tamilisai Sounderrajan said,''we asked permission to hold the protest at Valluvarkottam but denied and then acquired permission to conduct the protest here but at the last moment, cops are not allowing us''.

ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu civic polls: DMK cries foul, unrest within AIADMK



H Raja, National Secretary for BJP said,''Tamil Nadu police are not protecting Hindus. They are unable to stop the atrocities, Hindu people are facing''. He argued that police is not ready to take action against Muslims.

BJP workers attempted to conduct protest all over Tamil Nadu but after the break of violence in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu police have denied permission.

In Chennai, BJP cadres held a 'sit-in' protest as they were not given any permission for protest and the police had to detain them.

Further more, on 27th September, Tamil Nadu DGP TK Rajendran transferred the case to CBCID for investigation.

--- ENDS ---
Ravi Dhaliwal &

Anirudh Gupta

Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur/Ferozepur, Sept 29

The Gurdaspur district administration has got people evacuated from villages located up to 10 km from the international border.

Although BSF and police officers maintained there was nothing to worry about, there was palpable tension in the air as villagers were asked to move to safer places by the administration.

All private and government educational institutions have been closed till further orders. Those living near the border have been asked to switch off lights in the night. The power authorities were making arrangements to disconnect power supply to border villages at night.

Repeated announcements were being made from gurdwara loudspeakers asking people to leave their houses and spend the night with their relatives and friends in other areas. Police vehicles were also being ustilised to make the announcement.

A disaster management plan chalked out to deal with flood situations came in handy for the authorities today. Schools, colleges, panchayat ghars, community halls and religious places were got vacated in villages already identified under the plan so that people could be provided shelter there.

Around 100 villages in Dorangla, Dera Baba Nanak and Behrampur blocks (Gurdaspur), Narot Jaimal Singh and Bamial blocks (Pathankot) were got vacated within hours of the police receiving verbal instructions from the state government.

Initially, residents were wary of moving to new places, but administration officials managed to convince them that it was in their interest to shift to safer places.

Many villagers said since neither the Army nor the BSF had asked them to vacate their villages, they would not leave their homes.

BSF DIG (Gurdaspur) A Sreenivasan and some Army officers camped at the Dera Baba Nanak border throughout the day.

Batala SSP Daljinder Singh Dhillon and Gurdaspur SSP Jasdeep Singh took command of the evacuation operations in Gurdaspur district, while Pathankot SSP Rakesh Kaushal rushed to the Narot Jaimal Singh border. Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar was supervising operations in Bamial and Narot Jaimal Singh.

The authorities of Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot civil hospitals have been asked to remain prepared for any eventuality. The security around these places was being beefed up and health officials told to stay put at PHCs and CHCs round-the-clock. Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner DPS Kharbanda said those residing in villages within 10 km of the international border had been asked to move to safer places. He issued orders for the cancellation leave of all civil staff. Any kind of strike or union activity has also been banned.

The health authorities have been asked to maintain adequate stock of medicines. The Food and Supplies Department has been told to arrange at least 75,000 packets of food and emergency supplies. Owners of marriage palaces, dharamshalas and community centres have been asked to keep their premises vacant to set up more relief camps as and when required.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

The meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan has been postponed till next week.

"The meeting regarding MFN and related logistics scheduled for today is postponed to next week," official sources said here.

Meanwhile, amidst heightened tension with Pakistan, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the situation along the LoC today.

The meeting is understood to have discussed various options related to the Line of Control (LoC) in the wake of the Uri attack.

The meeting is also understood to have taken stock of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.

Pakistani troops have also twice violated the ceasefire along the LoC since Wednesday. Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Nawgam sector of Kashmir by opening indiscriminate fire towards Indian Army posts.

Pakistani troops had on Wednesday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Poonch district.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The decision to review the MFN, which was granted by India unilaterally in 1996, was taken in the wake of the Uri attack over which India is weighing options to respond.

The MFN status was accorded in 1996 under WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Both India and Pakistan are signatories to this which means they have to treat each other and rest of WTO member countries as favoured trading partners.

According to Assocham, out of India's total merchandise trade of US$ 641 billion in 2015-16, Pakistan accounted for a meagre US$ 2.67 billion.

India's exports to the neighbouring country worked out to US$ 2.17 billion, or 0.83 per cent, of the total Indian outward shipments while imports were less than US$ 500 million, or 0.13 per cent, of the total inward shipments.  With PTI inputs
Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday threw her weight behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the surgical strikes on terror camps in POK and said the Congress stood behind the government in its action to protect the countrys security.

We hope Pakistan will now take effective steps to dismantle infrastructure on terror that it has supported, Sonia said after chairing a high-level party meeting on the issue of the governments response post the Uri attack.

Leading the Congresss position on the development moments after the Director General Military Operations announced Indias strikes across the LoC was Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Sonia, who is still not fully recovered from her shoulder dislocation, chaired the Congress meeting ahead of the all-party meeting called by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The meeting was attended by former prime minister Manmohan singh, former defence minister AK Antony, Sonias political secretary Ahmed Patel and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad. Since the Uri attack the Congress had been calling for a response that would deter Pakistan from indulging in further attacks of the nature of Uri and Pathankot. On Wednesday, the Congress officially criticised Indias decision to boycott the Saarc meet, asking for the Saarc meeting sans Pakistan.

But on Thursday, all Congress leaders hailed the military response which signals a shift in Indias oft-practised policy of strategic restraint.

We congratulate the Indian Army for undertaking surgical strikes on terror launch pads. We stand completely behind our Armed Forces, Ahmed Patel said.

Randeep Singh Surjewala, chief spokesperson of the Congress, said, The Congress wholeheartedly supports the surgical strike on terror pads in PoK by the Indian Army. Salute the valour of our armed forces.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was yet to comment on the strikes and tweeted only against the RSS accusing it of preventing him from addressing Congress workers in Guwahati where on Thursday he appeared before a court in a case of defamation of the Sangh.

Top Congress leaders, meanwhile, remained huddled in a meeting chaired by Sonia to discuss the partys position should the government seek a national political consensus on further relatiation against Pakistan.

Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel earlier held a long conversation before Manmohan Singh and AK Antony arrived at Sonias residence for a formal meeting on the subject.

The Congress had been arguing that the governments recent responses against the Uri attack swung between the sublime and the ridiculous and were not tough enough.

Congress leader Manish Tewari on Wednesday said, Response has to be such as deters Pakistans deep state from staging further terror attacks in India. So far Indias responses--the stated review of the Indus Water Treaty, Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan and boycott of Saarc summit in Islamabad have only been from sublime to ridiculous in nature. The Indus response is long-term. The MFN status must be immediately withdrawn and boycott of Saarc is no answer. The government should in fact work to amend the Saarc charter which prohibits change in summit venue to see that the summit is held but without Pakistan. Most of all, we are yet to see evidence of the muscularity PM Narendra Modi had flaunted on the eve of the 2014 General Elections.
Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

India's answer to the killing of its 18 Army men in the form of surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) has received an overwhelming response from the social media and people across the country, providing a much-needed relief and respite to the Narendra Modi government battling negative perceptions in the medium following the Uri terror strike.

Salute to Indian Army.

The boys have played really well.

Jai Hind.#SurgicalStrike  Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 29, 2016

Soon after the announcement at a joint press conference by the external affair and Defence ministries, messages started shooting across the social media congratulating the India armed forces and the country and the way India distracted the attention using issues like the Indus Water treaty and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan.

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As per BJP leaders, the indication that Pakistan's repeated offences against India would not go unanswered had already been given by the Prime Minister in his speech at the Calicut beach last Saturday.

Speaking at a public rally in Kozhikode, the Prime Minister had warned Pakistan that India would never forget the sacrifices made by its 18 soldiers.

Thnx Indian army for the action against terrorism.V should all pray for safety & well being of our Indian soldiers. pic.twitter.com/7gltoNP937  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) September 29, 2016

Battling a sense of deep anger and impatience post-Uri, the BJP and its government was having to deal with another issuejibes against its leadership, especially the Prime Minister on the social media.

Looks like we did it. #surgicalstrike Salute to our Army who took on a dangerous mission to make a point. Don't mess with us. #JaiHind  Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) September 29, 2016

The below-the-belt digs, leveraging statements by top leaders, including the Prime Minister, when the BJP was not in power, had become a big cause of concern for the ruling party.

While Opposition parties had been criticising the BJP government for practicing an incoherent policy on Pakistan, the Uri attack put the Prime Ministers personal credibility on stake.

Some old tweets and statements of the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj were being pulled out to make fun of the party and its leadership.
Chandigarh, September 29

With their money and personal belongings thrown in a hurry in their trunks and rucksacks, residents of several villages in border district of Gurdaspur are heading towards safe destinations, not sure whether they would get to return to their homes left behind.

Residents of Chavkran, Marada, Chebe, Mammiyan, Shahpur Afghana, Nandala, Dorangla, Deolan and Kukar Shod villages have evacuated their homes.

Navv Sogi, 25, from Dorangla is moving in her relatives place, though she plans to eventually move in with her relatives in Faridkot. Out of all things, you would find villagers asking each other about the extra taalas (locks). We want to lock all rooms and trunks before leaving, she says, sounding worried.

For the elderly, its a matter of weeks before the war would erupt and eventually Pakistanis will cross the border and loot their homes. We did the same, shares 61-year-old Baldev Mann, remembering the 1971 war, when they entered Pakistani border villages and looted their belongings.  TNS
Washington, September 28

US wants Pakistan to combat and delegitimise UN-designated terrorist entities, including the LeT and JeM, National Security Adviser Susan Rice told her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval amidst the war of words between India and Pakistan after the cross-border Uri terror attack leading to India pulling out of the SAARC Summit.

Rice spoke to Doval on Wednesday and strongly condemned the September 18 cross-border attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters in Uri and offered condolences to the victims and their families, US National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price said in a press statement.

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Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that Pakistan take effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates, Price said.

She affirmed President (Barack) Obamas commitment to redouble Americas efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world, Price said.

Ambassador Rice discussed our shared commitment with India to pursue regional peace and stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations, Price added.

India has blamed Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM for the attack in Uri. In the backdrop of the heightened tension with Pakistan over the Uri terror attack, India on Tuesday announced its decision to not participate in the SAARC Summit, citing increased cross-border attacks.

Other Pakistan-based terror group LeT has been accused by India of attacking military and civilian targets in the country, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attack.

India wants UN to impose sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar. Hafiz Saeed, a co-founder of LeT and the chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, carries a bounty of $10 million on his head for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 persons, including six Americans, were killed.  PTI
Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 29

As tension mounted on the border after India conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday night, the J&K Government this afternoon asked people living in the vulnerable places on the international border (IB) and the LoC to move to safer zones.

According to official data, 48,543 families, which live close to the LoC and the IB, had to be given shelter in the wake of shelling from across the border in 2013 and 2015. A total of 457 villages covering 4,51,856 people are located at the IB and the LoC in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Poonch and Rajouri districts of the Jammu region. Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Simranjeet Singh said 40 to 45 vulnerable hamlets along the IB had been identified in Jammu district only. We have informed the inhabitants of these villages to move to safer places, the Jammu Deputy Commissioner said, adding that the residents of these villages always bear the brunt of border tension.

Kathua Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Kumar also confirmed that the evacuation of the people living in vulnerable areas had been started. We have already identified vulnerable villages and the residents have been asked to move to safer places, said Kumar. Around 50 vulnerable villages have been identified in Kathua district. Kumar said the authorities had already prepared a plan to evacuate other villagers to safer places within 30 minutes in case the situation worsened further.

Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Sheetal Nanda said the authorities were keeping a strict vigil on the situation. We have already prepared a contingency plan to evacuate the people at the time of the crisis, Nanda said. Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Haroon Malik, while confirming that a contingency plan was already in place, said the authorities had initially asked people living within the radius of 2 km of the LoC to remain alert. We have already formulated a plan to evacuate people within no time in case of any eventuality, Malik said.

Although an eerie silence prevailed all along the (IB) from Kathua to Akhnoor and on the LoC, fear has gripped the residents of the border areas because there is an apprehension that the Pakistan army may target civilian areas in retaliation.

Reports from the Samba, Ramgarh, Arnia, Hiranagar, RS Pura, Suchetgarh, Akhnoor, Nowshera and Rajouri sectors said the security forces guarding the borders had been put on high alert.

The BSF has intensified patrolling on the IB to keep a strict vigil on the activities from across the border.

Reports from Kathua and Samba districts said tension was high in the villages situated along the IB because these villages have always bore the brunt of the firing from across the border.
GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 29

Panic gripped the border belt of Amritsar district sharing boundaries with Pakistan following the evacuation orders announced through public address system today.

Situated just between 700 and 1,000 metre from the Indo-Pak Border, the residents of Ranian, Daoke, Kakkar, Dharial, Chak, Dharia, Pandhori, Bachiwind, Kawe and Manj villages said the existing situation reminded them of the wars of 1965, 1971 and Kargil.

Amritsar DC Varun Roojam met the police and administrative officials to discuss further plan of action following orders of evacuation within 10 km radius of the international border. All schools have been shut and residents have been asked to move to safer places.

Bir Kaur, 75, said: "We had been uprooted thrice in the past. Now, that our families are hardly self-reliant, the same 'unpleasant' evacuation orders have been issued to displace us."

Ranian village sarpanch Kehar Singh said: "I have received no information from the administration about the alternative arrangements made to take care of the families of my village. After it was announced that the village should be vacated, people started feeling terrorised and I am helplessness."

Harbhej Singh, member in charge of Kakkar village, said the youth had decided to stay back. "This is sheer injustice. Whenever any border area development scheme is announced, we are ignored but when there's a crisis we are the first ones to be displaced," he said.
Former bureaucrat and his son BK Bansal has blamed five CBI officers and a neighbour in his suicide letter for his and his son's death.

By Ankur Sharma: A former bureaucrat and his son who committed suicide along with their entire family have named and blamed five CBI officers and a neighbour for harassment, abuse and torture, prompting the agency to announce a probe.

Ex-director general in the corporate affairs ministry Bal Kishan Bansal and his son have held a deputy inspector general, a superintendent of police and a deputy superintendent of police from the bureau and others responsible for the extreme step taken by the four members of the family.

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Also Read: BK Bansal suicide case raises questions on CBI

BK BANSAL'S DEATH LETTER



The 60-year-old said in his death letter that he was very upset as his wife and daughter were "murdered" by the CBI and he had no reason to live.

"In the second raid, lady officers told my wife and daughter that they would chop me and my son into bits and feed us to dogs," he wrote. "They tortured them so much that they committed suicide. The CBI director should imitate a probe regarding that."

BK Bansal and his son, Yogesh, were found dead in their east Delhi apartment this week, nearly two months after the former bureaucrat's wife and daughter committed suicide following a raid by the Central Bureau of Investigation at their house. "We have examined the matter and decided to probe the allegations," the agency said in a statement. "CBI is fully committed to conduct investigation in a fair and professional manner without harassment to any one and strictly within the parameters of law. If any violation is established during the probe, strict action will be taken against the CBI officials concerned."

Also Read: In suicide notes, Bansals accused CBI of abuse, harassment and torture

WHAT HAPPENED

The agency arrested Bansal in July for allegedly accepting a Rs 9-lakh bribe from a prominent pharmaceutical firm to "scuttle a probe" against the Mumbai-based company. He belonged to the Indian Corporate Law Services and was promoted to the post of director general of corporate affairs last year.

"Even if I was guilty, why torture my wife and daughter?" Bansal wrote. "This was murder of two women; it can't be called suicide. I want a lie-detector test of all these officers."

According to the suicide notes of Bansal and Yogesh, DIG Sanjeev Gautam, SP Amrita Kaur, Dy SP Rekha Sangwan, IO Harnam Singh and one other person tortured them "mentally and physically", forcing the family to commit suicide.

Yogesh has also accused a neighbour of mentally harassing the family. "My mother and sister's death is not actually suicide; it is murder," he wrote. "These five CBI officers and one of our neighbours living in same building in flat number 4-D, Bimal Singla, harassed us and made fun of us."

Bansal's suicide note says DIG Gautam boasted of his proximity to a top BJP leader. The issue has given Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ammunition to attack the rival party and he has demanded an explanation. AAP supporters pointed out on social media that the officer named in the letter also led the raids against a top aide of the CM, who has been accused of corruption.

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A special CBI court gave Bansal interim bail from July 20 to August 21 so he could attend the last rites of his wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27. He had then told the judge, "My son is sitting like a statue. I fear he too will do what his mother and sister did." He later got regular bail on August 30. The investigating body will also verify the authenticity of the suicide notes even as Bansal and his son were cremated in their native Hisar district in Haryana on Wednesday. The men were found hanging by their maid in the three-bedroom flat at Neelkanth Apartments in Patparganj.



While Bansal's body was in the drawing room, his son's body was in one of the bedrooms. Delhi Police officials though stayed mum on the matter. "Sorry, I would not like to speak about this. The matter is with the CBI," said special commissioner, law and order (north), SBK Singh.

--- ENDS ---

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Ropar, September 29

A blackout was declared at the Bhakra dam as well as the Nangal dam as part of the internal security mechanism developed for the dam- a vital installation in the border state. Sources say that a meeting of top officials was held today, and as is customary. The BBMB management decided to observe a complete blackout at the dam. Police officers visited Bhakra to assess the security there, the sources said.

BBMB chairman SK Sharma said the security arrangements at all dams were being reviewed considering the threat perception due to the tension with Pakistan.  TNS
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday welcomed the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to smash terrorist training and launching camps there.

In a statement issued here today, he said it was highly required since Pakistan had failed to take measures that would stop attacks on Indian soil and installations and was rather continuously in a denial mode.

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He also cautioned against evacuating people from the border areas without any proper arrangements. Please don't try to create war refugees without, or at least, before the actual war, he warned.

The former chief minister said India was left with no option but to resort to the surgical operations against the terrorists. The strikes have proved India's charge beyond any doubt that the terrorists were being trained in and launched from Pakistan or PoK with the help of the Pakistan army.

Capt Amarinder congratulated the Indian Army for the cleanly executed strikes which have left many terrorists dead. More than that, he added, it has exposed Pakistan's complicity which otherwise it has been denying so far.

At the same time, the PCC president cautioned against creating panic along the border belt in Punjab by asking people living within 10 km of international border to move out.

He said such measures are not really required at this stage. Rather we did not evacuate people, up to 10 km of international border, during the 1965 War, he said, adding this was absolutely uncalled for.

Speaking from his personal experience in the 1965 War, Amarinder said he has seen people harvesting their crops while shelling was going on between two armies. He said asking people to move out was wrong as it will lead to their unnecessary harassment and misery.

Besides, Capt Amarinder added, the harvesting season was already on as the paddy had ripened. He said, it is an ill-advised move on part of the government, whether the state or the Centre, to ask the villagers to vacate their places at this time and that too when there are no arrangements in place for their stay. "Where will they go, where will they live, what will they eat and what will happen to their crops," he asked.
Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, September 29

Evacuation has started in villages along the India-Pakistan border here as people were told to vacate their houses by Thursday evening.

Schools within 10-km radius of the border have been asked to shut down for an indefinite period till further orders. The situation became tense after India launched surgical strikes targeting terror launch pads across the LoC.

Deputy Commissioner DPS Kharbanda has cancelled the leave of all civil staff and has asked those on leave to report back immediately. All kinds of strikes or union activity have been banned. The DC said they had asked the people residing in villages within 10 km of the border to evacuate to safer places by evening as a precautionary measure.

The administration has also gone into an overdrive to work on the contingency plans and process has been started to set up relief camps. The health department has been asked to keep adequate stock of medicine and other emergency drugs.

The revenue department has also been asked to arrange stock of food and emergency supplies. Meanwhile, the build-up can be witnessed along the borders as bunkers have sprung up. A lot of movement of army vehicles and other equipment was witnessed on Wednesday night. The owners of marriage place owners, dharamshalas and community places have been asked to keep their premises vacant to set up relief camps. Intelligence agencies are keeping an eye on every movement along the border. Surveillance has been spruced up along the entire stretch of zero line.

The BSF officials said the Retreat ceremony had not been cancelled but they were silent when asked whether the people would be allowed to witness the drill.

Kulwant Singh of Kamalewala village said they had no choice but to shift to their relatives place. We have not been given time to collect our belongings as the administration has asked us to vacate by 5 pm, he said.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

Following instructions from the Centre, Punjab has ordered the evacuation of people from villages falling within 10 km of the border with Pakistan after India conducted surgical strikes across the LoC on Wednesday night.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said nearly 987 border area villages are being evacuated.

Earlier, on Thursday Badal put the entire government and political machinery in an emergency mode following reports of developments on the India-Pakistan border.

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Badal on phone in the morning to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of people residing in villages falling within 10 km of the international border in view of the escalating situation.

After chairing a Cabinet meeting to review the situation in the wake of the Centres advisory, Badal congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for taking the bold step.

In border districts one additional officer from Chandigarh has been sent to assist Deputy Commissioners, Badal said, adding that DCs have been sanctioned Rs 1 crore each to meet out any exigency arising out of the prevailing situation.

I have personally called all MLAs in border districts and asked them to help in evacuation. While all schools in border areas have been closed, officers on leave have been recalled, the CM said.

Depending on the situation people will have to remain out of the border area villages, he said.

Chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal said among the affected villages 135 are in Taran Taran, 65 in Pathankot and 16 in Fazilka.

Nearly 1,500 police and PAP jawans have been deployed as the second line of defence in the border areas.

Earlier, during an emergency meeting convened at his official residence, Badal directed the Chief Secretary and DGP, who were present, to ask deputy commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.

The Chief Minister directed the DCs to identify suitable locations for setting up camps and ensure that none of the residents being evacuated were put to any inconvenience.

Meanwhile, district administrations have been arranging buses for people to move away from villages along the border. Medical staff has been asked to remain on duty. Civil surgeons have been told to put things in place in emergency wards.

Marriage palace owners have been asked to keep their palaces vacant. In case of need, people moving out of the border belt can be put there. All government employees who were on leave asked to report back in the border district. Revenue officials asked to make arrangements to set up relief camps.
Varinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, September 29

Cancer patients from Rajasthan have started heading to Bathinda for treatment at the Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute (ACDTRI).

Before the opening of the institute in July, cancer-afflicted patients from Malwa were boarding an evening train, known as Cancer Express, to Rajasthan to avail cheaper treatment at the cancer facility in Bikaner.

A number of patients from Rajasthan, particularly from Hanumangarh district, have now started flocking to Bathinda for treatment. The proximity factor had forced poor people to choose Bikaner, Dr MK Mahajan, Director of ACDTRI, told The Tribune.

People in Malwa hardly had any cancer facilities except those in faraway places like Chandigarh or Ludhiana. The poor had to head to Bikaner for cheaper treatment. Also, Railways gave them 50 per cent concession on their travel to Rajasthan for treatment, said Dr Mahajan.

Dr Deepak Arora, Medical Superintendent of ACDTRI, said though the centre was formally opened in July, it started treating patients before that.

We have treated 990 patients here. The first surgery was performed on May 12. Patients are not only coming from Rajasthan, but also Haryana, said Dr Mahajan. He said that the institute was receiving 10-12 such patients on a daily basis.

Dr Mahajan and Dr Arora blamed groundwater and air pollution for the spread of cancer in the state.
Amaninder Pal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today sanctioned a cash credit limit (CCL) of Rs 22,403 crore for the purchase of paddy in the state. The RBIs sanction has come two days before the start of procurement.

Five state-run procurement agencies will use the money to purchase about 113 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in October.

For this kharif marketing season, the state has sought Rs 26,089 crore as the CCL. The remaining amount is expected to be sanctioned by the RBI in the last week of October. After getting the go-ahead from the Union Finance Ministry, the state will approach the consortium of banks, which will release the money.

Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, Director, Department of Food and Civil Supplies, said around 160 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was expected to arrive in the states grain markets this year.

About 1,830 procurement centres have been set up across the state.
Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said here tonight that residents of 987 border villages were being evacuated following Indias surgical strike.

These villages include 300 in Ferozepur district, 290 (Gurdaspur), 137 (Amritsar), 135 (Tarn Taran), 60 (Fazilka) and 65 (Pathankot). The evacuees have been shifted to the villages of their relatives or friends or are being put up in makeshift relief camps in gurdwaras, deras, schools, marriage palaces and community halls.

The CM said adequate food, power backup, medical care and other amenities had been provided by the deputy commissioners of these districts in the camps. All schools in these villages have been closed and the government employees posted in the border districts  who had proceeded on leave  have been recalled.

"We have sanctioned Rs 1 crore each to the deputy commissioners in the border districts to ensure adequate relief material, including food," Badal said.

The state police have requisitioned 1,500 personnel from the reserve forces in the districts and the Punjab Armed Police to the border districts, said DGP Suresh Arora.

The evacuation was initiated early in the morning after Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal got a call from the Union Home Ministry. Badal said he then spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who asked him to immediately start the process to evacuate the border residents. A meeting of the state disaster response team was held early in the morning. Senior officers - one each from the civil administration and the police -- were despatched to the border districts to oversee the evacuation. DGP (Law and Order) HS Dhillon and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Jagpal Sandhu have been stationed in Amritsar.

Badal said he had spoken to the MLAs in the constituencies in these districts to help shift villagers to the relief camps. An emergency meeting of the Cabinet was held late in the evening, where the ministers were given a briefing on the developments. The Cabinet passed a resolution lauding the PM for "giving a befitting reply" to Pakistan.

Asking the people of Punjab not to panic, the CM said the evacuation was a precautionary measure, adding that no time frame had been fixed for the villagers return.

Schools in border villages shut

Abohar: The government has ordered the closure of schools falling within 10 km of the Indo-Pak border in six districts  Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka and Pathankot. The staff members have been directed to mark their presence in the respective block primary education office. The DEO said the schools which would be used for relief camps for border area families would also remain closed till further orders. OC

IB puts Railways on alert

Patiala: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has told the railways authorities to be wary of phone calls seeking information regarding the deployment and movement of Army trains. Sources said the IB had mentioned that Pakistan intelligence operatives (PIOs) were trying to obtain security-related information from railway officials through phone calls made by persons posing as defence officers - using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and other methods. It was in July 2012 that the IB had first detected the PIOs' modus operandi to extract vital information related to the defence forces. TNS

Muktsar residents distribute sweets

Muktsar: Though the Army action across the LoC has created fear among people along the Indo-Pak border, residents of Muktsar town have taken it as a reason to celebrate. Some elderly people distributed sweets on streets and main roads. Deepak Pal Sharma, a senior member of the Brahman Sabha, Muktsar, said, "This is good news for the nation that we have avenged the killing of our soldiers who recently attained martyrdom in Kashmir. Our government will have to give a befitting reply to Pakistan to teach them a lesson." They praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking this step and urged people not to panic and impose faith in both Centre and state governments. Meanwhile, locals have started amassing grocery items and making queues at fuel stations. TNS
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 29

The Dehradun Ex-Services League has hailed the surgical strike conducted by special Army commandos on seven terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Destruction of terrorist camps and elimination of several terrorists is heartening. We congratulate the Army and the Union Government for the bold action, said Brig KG Behl (retd), patron of the Dehradun Ex-Services League, in a press release here today.

He said Army officials had been exhorting after the Uri attack that they would definitely avenge this attack but would do so at appropriate time. This is termed a surgical attack because all precautions before and after the action had been taken. A launch pad of terrorists has totally been wiped out, killing terrorists, he said.

The entire country is rejoicing the successful strike where no casualties took place from our side, he added.

Upadhyay praises Army

Uttarakhand Congress president Kishore Upadhyay has showered praises on the Army for destroying terrorists camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, barely 3 km from the border.

Upadhyay, in a statement issued here on Thursday, said that he, along with a delegation of state Congress leaders met President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday. He had asserted that the party was backing the Centre on the issues related to national security.

People of Uttarakhand have always contributed to safeguarding the nations frontiers, Upadhyay added.
ISLAMABAD, September 29

The elusive leader of a major rebel group fighting for independence in Pakistan's Balochistan province said he would welcome cash and other help from India, words likely to alarm Islamabad which accuses New Delhi of stirring trouble there.

In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the ethnic Baloch group Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), also vowed further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province.

The planned $46-billion trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistan's Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines.

"We wish that not only India, but the entire world supports the Baloch national struggle diplomatically and financially," said Baloch, a doctor-turned-guerrilla believed to be about 50.

Baloch, leader of one of three main armed groups fighting for Balochistan's independence, said while he wanted support from India, the BLF had not received funding from the Narendra Modi government, or India's spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Baloch is the only leader of a sizeable separatist group who is believed to be waging a guerrilla war from inside Balochistan; the other two leaders are in exile in Europe.

Brahamdagh Bugti, the Switzerland-based leader of the Balochistan Republican Party, another major separatist outfit, last week moved an application seeking "political asylum" in India.

Domestic news coverage of the Balochistan conflict is rare and foreign journalists are broadly forbidden from visiting the province.

Baloch answered questions in a video recording, which was sent electronically.

Chronic instability in the province, which has experienced waves of revolt by Baloch nationalists since it was formally incorporated into Pakistan in 1948, is a source of concern for China, which has appealed to Pakistan to improve security.

Baloch and other separatists fear that indigenous Baloch people, who are estimated to number about 70 lakh out of Pakistan's 19 crore population, will become an ethnic minority in their ancestral lands if other groups flock to the region to work on exploiting its natural resources. The rebel leader alleged that 1.5 lakh people had been evicted from the route of the trade corridor by security forces to clear the way for roads and other infrastructure. Charges of abuse have been levelled against rebel groups, including the BLF, which are accused of targeting non-Baloch citizens as part of their rebellion.

Baloch denied BLF killed civilians, but said his group did go after "traitors".

Asked if he would be open to negotiations with the Pakistani state, the rebel chief was clear: there would be no dialogue with what he considered "the biggest terrorist country". "There will be no negotiations with Pakistan without national independence and without the presence of the United Nations," he said. "Our destination is independence."  Reuters
Durham, N.H., September 29

US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton shared a stage with former rival Senator Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to appeal for youth votes in the November 8 election as opinion polls show a close race with Republican Donald Trump.

Clinton told an audience at the University of New Hampshire that she would make college affordable if she wins the White House, the kind of promise that won Sanders many young supporters during the Democratic nominating contest.

We should and we will make public colleges tuition-free for families earning less than $1,25,000 a year, Clinton said. She vowed to help those who already have student debt to refinance.

Clintons campaign is worried that some polls show voters under the age of 30 might not turn out in great numbers at polling stations in November, potentially giving an advantage to Trump.

Members of the crowd on Wednesday waved signs that read: I will vote.

Recent opinion polls have shown the race tightening between Clinton, a former secretary of state, US senator and first lady, and Trump, a New York real estate magnate.

A majority of Americans say Clinton won Monday nights presidential debate, but her performance does not appear to have boosted support among likely voters, according to a Reuters/Ipsos national tracking poll released on Wednesday.

The online poll found that 56 per cent of American adults felt Clinton did a better job, compared with 26 per cent who believed the Republican did better.

Even so, Clintons performance seemed to have little impact on her support. The poll showed 42 per cent supported her, while 38 percent backed Trump.

Trump, often described as racist by Clinton, tried to turn the tables at a rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

He pointed to the Democrats remark that implicit bias is a problem for everyone, not just the police, when asked at the debate whether she believed police are implicitly biased against black people.

She accuses the entire country, including all of law enforcement, of implicit bias, essentially suggesting that everyone, including our police, are basically racist and prejudiced, Trump said.

Praising Sanders

Clintons event with Sanders took place on a university campus, but it was not open to students without an invitation, according to attendees, many of whom were middle-aged and said they were members of local Democratic organizations or invited by the campaign.

Clinton praised Sanders, a US Senator from Vermont who was her opponent in the hard-fought struggle for the Democratic nomination earlier this year.

He is one of the most passionate champions for equality and justice that I have ever seen and someone that I am looking forward to working with, Clinton said of Sanders, who introduced her on Wednesday.

Although Sanders lost to Clinton, he consistently drew younger voters to his side with promises to take on Wall Street, make college less expensive and close the income gap.

He called on young people in New Hampshire, a swing state in the presidential election, to get behind Clinton.

Get your uncles, your aunts, get your friends to vote for Hillary Clinton, he said.

Clintons campaign said it hoped to get Sanders to make more appearances on Clintons behalf before the election.  Reuters
Legal experts said that its unfair to let CBI investigate the case keeping in mind that officials from the agency have been named in BK Bansal's suicide letter.

By Ankur Sharma: The CBI officers involved with the investigation of BK Bansal's case should be called for investigation and a case should be registered by the Delhi Police, say legal experts. According to these experts, it would be a travesty of justice if the agency itself investigates the suicide of the Bansal family where allegations have been levelled against CBI sleuths over high-handedness.

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"Delhi Police should register a case under appropriate sections, it may be section 302 of the Indian Penal Code or any other appropriate section but case needs investigation," senior lawyer KK Manan told Mail Today. "It is weird that the agency whose officers are facing serious allegations will probe the allegation," Manan said, adding that the suicide notes are basically dying declaration, and can be an important evidence in the case.

Also Read: In suicide notes, Bansals accused CBI of abuse, harassment and torture

FOLLOW THE BASIC LAW

Lawyer MS Khan said that the Delhi Police have forgotten the basics of law and required a refresher's course. "If a normal crime has been committed, it is the prerogative of the local police to investigate the case unless and until investigation is referred to the CBI or any other agency. But the police have forgotten the duties and power. Police are bound to register a case," Khan said.

The CBI has also been questioned by the political parties. The Congress on Wednesday alleged the suicide of BK Bansal and his son, who had accused CBI officials of torture, raises doubts over the working of the investigating agency. The party demanded a court-monitored probe into its affairs. Congress spokesman Manish Tewari also made a strong pitch for the CBI to stop taking up further cases till its legality is adjudicated. He said that the Gauhati High Court through an order on November 6, 2016 had declared CBI as an illegal organisation. He said the CBI comes under the administrative control of a department under the Prime Minister, and suicide of BK Bansal and his son needed to be probed to reveal whether they were privy to some deep secrets. He said the suicides have raised questions over the investigative techniques of the investigative agency.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police said there is no reason to investigate the case to probe the reasons which forced the Bansals to kill themselves. "There is no point of registering an FIR in the case," DCP East, Rishi Pal said.

Also Read

BK Bansal suicide case: Former bureaucrat names CBI officers, neighbour in suicide note





--- ENDS ---

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Oslo, September 29

A Colombian peace accord ending a half-century of war is widely tipped for the Nobel Peace Prize next week, returning the award to its roots after a run of wins for organisations including the EU.

The prize might be shared by President Juan Manuel Santos and Marxist FARC rebel leader Timochenko - the nom de guerre of Rodrigo Londono - after they signed a deal on Sept. 26 to end a war that killed a quarter of a million people.

"The agreement ... is one of the most obvious peace prize candidates I've ever seen," said Asle Sveen, a historian who tracks the awards. Still, he said a prize may hinge on a "Yes" to the agreement in a referendum in Colombia on Sunday. It would be the first award for Latin America since Guatemalan human rights activist Rigoberta Menchu won in 1992.

Other candidates for the 8.0 million Swedish crown ($934,000) prize include Svetlana Gannushkina, a Russia campaigner for human rights and refugees, Syria's White Helmets, a civilian group that seeks to rescue victims of air strikes, or Greek islanders who have aided Syrian refugees.

Others tips include negotiators of a deal over Iran's nuclear programme or former US spy contractor Edward Snowden who leaked details of US surveillance.  Reuters
Melbourne, September 29

A record number of Indian-origin candidates will contest local council elections next month in Victoria, home to Australia's largest Indian population.

According to official figures, Victorian Electoral Commission received total nominations from 2,135 candidates for 637 councillor posts across 78 councils in the state.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

In the upcoming elections, over 50 Indian-origin candidates will contest the election, the largest representation by the community for the first time.

Whyndam city council, the western region of the state, recorded the highest number of over 14 Indian-origin candidates as compared to other councils.

Whyndam, which had elected its first two Indian origin councillors in 2012, Gautam Gupta and Intaj Khan, received the highest nominations of total 95 candidates, including of Indian background.

Gupta, councillor and the first Indian-origin acting mayor of Whyndam, stressed that for any community to have representation in Australia politics was imperative in a bid to show the community integration into wider community.

Though his agendas as a politician would revolve around several local issues like hospitals and infrastructure, for Indian community he said it would be working on an Indian precinct in his council.

"We started several campaigns, including 'Racism: it stops with me', multicultural business awards, Diwali and Holi Fest in Whyndam, which were well recognised by both community and government and I will continue to work towards better infrastructure and multicultural issues if re elected," Gupta, who is again running from Chaffey ward this year, said.

For Pathankot-born Monica Raizada, it was her first time as a candidate and her work which she had been doing in domestic violence area prompted her to contest the local elections.

From Whyndam, one of the fastest emerging council in the state that holds 10 per cent of its total population from India, other nominees who will fight the elections include Satnam Singh, Kamal Ahmud, J S Aashat, Nirmal Singh, Dinesh Gourisetty, Himanshu Manocha, Sahil Gupta, Jagrutiben Dave, R J Singh, Rishi Prabhakar and a high profile entrepreneur and millionaire Intaj Khan.

A candidate of Casey council in south eastern region, Sid Banerjee said Indian community was the fastest growing community across the state and thus a higher representation.

"Migration from India has grown over the years and also that Indians love politics," Banerjee, who migrated from Kolkata 11 years ago and works as a bank manager here, said.

Gary Verma, an IT professional who is running from Melton council said his aim was to bring more schools and solve local issues like high tax rate on real estate in the council.

Other Indian-origin candidates from Melton council are Deepika Singla, Dilpreet Singh and Meen Solanki.

Indian-born population has trippled since 2004 in Australia with Victoria recording the largest number of over 111,000 Indians apart from New South Wales. PTI
Washington, September 29

The Pentagon has said a US air strike targeted and killed nine al-Shabab militants in Somalia.

Navy Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said Somali forces, who were going after a bomb-making network in the Puntland region, came under small arms fire from enemy fighters.

Davis said there were US military advisers with the Somali forces, and the US launched a defensive air strike to protect them.

The military is looking into reports that the people killed in the strike may not have been enemy fighters, he said, adding no US forces were injured.

This is the second airstrike this week that the US carried out against al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militants in Somalia.  AP
Albuquerque, September 29

The US will send around 600 new troops to Iraq to assist local forces in the battle to retake Mosul from Islamic State that is expected later this year, US and Iraqi officials said on Wednesday.

The new deployment is the third such boost in US troop levels in Iraq since April, underscoring the difficulties President Barack Obama has had in extracting the US military from the country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement that his government asked for more US military trainers and advisers. Obama called it a "somber decision." "I've always been very mindful that when I send any of our outstanding men and women in uniform into a war theater, they're taking a risk that they might not come back," Obama said during a town hall event at a military base in Fort Lee, Virginia, televised on CNN.

The new troops will train and advise Iraqi security forces and Kurdish peshmerga forces, primarily in the Mosul fight, but also serve "to protect and expand Iraqi security forces' gains elsewhere in Iraq," US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said.

Some of the 615 new service members will be based at Qayara air base, about 60 km from Mosul, Carter said. Iraqi forces recaptured the base from Islamic State militants in July and have been building it into a logistics hub to support their offensive into the northern city.

Other US troops will go to Ain al Asad air base in western Iraq, where hundreds of US personnel have been training Iraqi army forces.

Mosul is Islamic State's de facto Iraqi capital. In Washington, Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said the troops would be deployed to Iraq in the coming weeks.

Iraqi forces, including Kurdish peshmerga forces and mostly Iranian-backed Shia militias, have retaken around half of that territory over the past two years, but Mosul, the largest city under the ultra-hardline group's control, is likely to be the biggest battle yet.  Reuters
This was the third time that the agency was seeking an extension of time. The court has now given them six weeks more to get the forensic evidence.

By Vidya : Bombay high court today gave six weeks to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to get the ballistic report from Scotland yard in connection with the murders of communist leader Govind Pansari, rationalist Narendra Dabholkar and MA Kalburgi.

This was the third time that the agency was seeking an extension of time. The court has now given them six weeks more to get the forensic evidence.

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"We have given you enough time since May 2016 to obtain forensic lab reports of Scotland Yard and no more time will be given after the next hearing,"

said justice SC Dharmadhikari.

LOOKING FOR THE SUSPECTED LINKS

CBI is Investigating the Dabholkar murder case while a special Investigating team (SIT) is looking into the murder of Pansare. Kalburgi murder case is being investigated by Karnataka police.

However CBI had started looking into the case to find if these murders were connected in some way. Subsequently, the ballistic evidence in all three cases were sent to Scotland Yard to find out the suspected links in the three murders.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh informed the court that all the necessary permissions and clearances had been obtained from the authorities for going to Scotland Yard. He also said an officer would personally go abroad along with the documents and obtain reports from the foreign lab.

The SIT too got it's fare share of reproach from the court with justice Dharmadhikari pointing to a newspaper article in which the investigating officer of the case had been quoted. Justice Dharmadhikari went on say that the court will 'disband the SIT if they don't stop over enthusiasm by divulging probe details to media'.

Abhay Nevagi, the advocate representing the families of Pansare and Dabholkar in court asked for fast conclusion of the probe.

The court too said, "If the investigations do not conclude fast, it might give an impression to the people at large that you do not want to arrest certain people."

ALSO READ:

Dabholkar murder case: CBI names Virendra Tawde as key conspirator, victim's son blames Kolhapur Police

Dabholkar killing: CBI names Dr Tawade as key conspirator in rationalist's murder



--- ENDS ---
According to CAG report civic bodies spent more than Rs 150 crore to buy chemicals to control mosquito building, but no proper measures were taken.

By Shashank Shekhar: At a time when Delhi is reeling under vector-borne diseases and political parties are busy in a blame game, a report by the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) punches holes in measures taken by municipal bodies and says funds were not a hindrance.

The CAG findings also show that more than Rs 150 crore was spent by civic agencies in 2013-2015 to buy chemicals to control mosquito breeding and hire breeding checkers, but no concrete measure was taken to check their effectiveness.

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Also Read: Fight against dengue, chikunguniya becomes political: AAP starts poster campaign against BJP

LOOPHOLES IN CAG REPORT

The yet-to-be-tabled CAG report covering January 2013 to December 2015 was conducted to assess whether steps taken by government agencies to control the menace was adequate and effective, but it found several loopholes and wastage of funds.

According to the findings, a critical element of dengue prevention is effective surveillance that could provide early warning of an impending outbreak. But the civic bodies had neither developed a standard operating procedure for epidemiological and entomological surveillance, nor had any laboratory facilities for the purpose.

The CAG report also highlighted that environmental modification, including solid waste management and proper sanitation, is a key element in sustainable vector control, but was not given due emphasis as civic agencies largely relied on chemical insecticides to control mosquito population.

While extensive spraying and fogging operations for control of adult mosquitoes and other chemical measures for control of larvae were undertaken by all municipal corporations at an overall cost of Rs 43.65 crore, the techniques adopted and formulations used differed from that recommended in the programme guidelines raising questions to their effectiveness.

The CAG found lack of supervision at various levels and highlights that despite spending Rs 109.43 crore on hiring breeding checkers, no monitoring or assessment was done.

Also Read: Delhi: Dengue-chikungunya outbreak worries shoo away tourists



WHAT HAPPENED

The MCD deployed domestic breeding checkers to target larvae in houses. While the NDMC deployed anti-malaria gangmen, the MCD engaged 3,358 unskilled people incurring an expenditure of Rs 109.43 crore.

The federal auditor also found that from April 2013 to March 2016, an expenditure of Rs 88.26 crore was incurred on procurement of insecticides, diluents and equipment for control of adult mosquitoes.

Absence of a policy for chemical use, susceptibility tests of insecticides, impact study on techniques to control mosquito population and adoption of non-prescript methods to control mosquito population indicated the absence of an informed decision-making process in civic agencies.

The CAG findings also reveal that a total of 83.63 lakh houses were treated with six different types of insecticides. Of these more than 86 per cent (72.07 lakh houses) were treated adopting chemical formulations that are not prescribed by either the Directorate of National Vector Borne Diseases Control Program or the programme guidelines for containment of chikungunya and dengue epidemic. The expenditure incurred on such treatment was Rs 2.55 crore. There was no assessment to the effectiveness of the methods adopted in vector control either.

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Also Read: Expert attested: Chikungunya or dengue or plain fever, giloy is the superfood you should have every single day

UNUTILISED FUNDS

According to the CAG audit, the Delhi Cantonment Board could not utilise 74 per cent of the funds totaling Rs 1.80 crore allotted for anti-mosquito operations from 2013-14 to 2015-16. No action plan was prepared for fogging and spraying areas under its jurisdiction nor was there any record of work actually done.

Malaria circles, which are the primary units for field operations, suffered from an almost debilitating shortage of basic infrastructure and facility. Over 67 per cent of such circles lacked basic infrastructure facilities like water connection while 22 per cent lacked electricity and 88 per cent lacked a landline phone. The CAG report on steps taken by the govt to check vector-borne diseases found several loopholes and wastage of funds.

--- ENDS ---

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By PTI: Mumbai, Sep 28 (PTI) Carbon-spewing industries may have to pay more on loans as higher risk weights could be attached to them, which would also lead to higher provisioning for the banks, Reserve Bank Deputy Governor S S Mundra said today.

"There is a possibility that the industries which are adding to the carbon emission and financed by the banking system, (the) banking system may be asked to assign more risk weight to them which will translate into requirement for more capital," Mundra said at an event here.

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The increase in risk weight will lead to higher provisioning and the borrowers will have to pay for it through higher lending rates, thus acting as a disincentive.

Mundra was, however, quick to add that this idea being discussed as part of the climate change protocol is very nascent and may also sound to be "abstract" at present.

The deputy governor included the increase in risk weights among a slew of other factors which will lead to higher provisioning in the future, that will have a bearing on the banks capital requirements.

With the banks continuing to be affected by asset quality troubles, it is unlikely for the provisions to go down unless the recoveries and upgrades increase, he said, adding a bulk 59 per cent of the NPAs are classified as doubtful, 36 per cent were sub-standard and 5 per cent were categorised as a loss.

"As the migration happens from sub-standard to doubtful the provisioning requirement would go up," he said.

Mundra also said there is a move to have some risk weights on exposures to sovereigns. The RBI is opposing it at international fora, but if a 5 per cent risk weight for state bond holdings and 2 per cent for central government ones comes in, banks provisions will go up by up to Rs 7,000 crore.

Further, the large exposure framework to be introduced soon may also entail an increase in provisions as borrowers get classified differently, he said.

Mundra also flagged the issue of pensions, saying it is something which the banks have overlooked till now and requires attention.

He said the migration to the IFRS system of accounting may also lead to a jump in provisioning, thus increasing the capital requirements.

An increase in provisioning due to such factors will put a further stress on the banks, which are anyways adding to their buffers as part of the migration to the Basel-III framework. Global ratings agency Fitch estimates Indian banks requirements at USD 90 billion of fresh capital till March 2019 as part of the migration.

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Mundra today said the overall capital adequacy of the system is "adequate" even though the state-run lenders have lower buffers. PTI AA HV NRB BAL RDS

--- ENDS ---
The CatalIST SuperTruck Image courtesy of Navistar

Navistar has revealed that its SuperTruck program demonstration vehicle, CatalIST, exceeded the improvement goals set by the Department of Energy for the SuperTruck program.

CatalIST achieved a freight efficiency improvement of 104% compared to the DOEs control vehicle, sipping diesel at 13 mpg. The vehicle also demonstrated 50.5% Brake Thermal Efficiency and Navistar said it is on the path towards 55% BTE.

"The CatalIST's significant improvements in freight efficiency, achieved with the support of DOE's SuperTruck program, demonstrate tremendous potential for reduction in the trucking industry's consumption of energy," said Mark Stasell, vice president, product development. "In addition, a number of the technology innovations we have achieved through the program are already being implemented in production vehicles today."

The vehicle was named CatalIST because it will serve as the catalyst for significant improvements in future commercial trucks. The last three letters of CatalIST stand for International SuperTruck, referencing the vehicles International Trucks branding.

Through the program, the company was able to make improvements to its own vehicle technology. One innovation from the program was Navistars predictive cruise control, which looks ahead of the vehicle and recognizes terrain, continuously calculating the most efficient speed and gear for better fuel economy in real time.

Other improvements included:

Advanced integration of Navistar N13 Engine utilizing proprietary intelligent controls and high-efficiency combustion.

Reduction in aerodynamic drag through replacement of cab- and hood-mounted mirrors with a series of cameras and interior-mounted monitors, which also yield equal or better indirect vision for the driver.

A new LED headlamp system that reduces lamp size for a more aerodynamic shape and cuts electrical power requirements by greater than 80%, while improving luminous output and light color for improved night-time direct driver vision and reduced driver fatigue.

An all-new shape with a sloped windshield and wedged cab for improved aerodynamics. Innovative use of lighter-weight carbon-fiber panels in the upper body, roof headers, back panel, and dash panel.

A hybrid front suspension and lightweight rear suspension that leverages lightweight alloys with composite materials, reducing weight and enabling an electronic ride height management system, which provides dynamic ride height and pitch control for improved aerodynamics.

Aerodynamic improvements that reduce the trailer's drag coefficient by more than 30%.

The vehicle is part of the DOEs SuperTruck program  a five-year research and development initiative aimed at improving freight efficiency, based in the measure of the payload carried while burning less fuel.

Its objective is to develop and demonstrate a 50% improvement in overall freight efficiency on a Class 8 tractor-trailer vehicle as measured in ton-miles per gallon of diesel fuel.
DMK leader Karunanidhi stated that the Prime Minister should chair the Chief Ministers meeting for resolving the Cauvery issue and not the Minister of Water Resources Uma Bharti.

By Pramod Madhav: As per Supreme Court's directions, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers are supposed to meet today and discuss about the Cauvery water dispute.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has decided to attend the meeting. However, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha, due to her ill health, will not be attending the meeting. Instead, PWD minister Edapadi Palanisamy, Tamil Nadu Chief secretary Rama Mohan will attend the meeting with other officials. Jayalalithaa has already drafted her speech which will be read to the audience by the other ministers representing the state.

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READ: Centre intervenes to settle Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu



Meanwhile, DMK leader Karunanidhi stated that the Prime Minister should chair the Chief Ministers meeting for resolving the Cauvery issue and not the Minister of Water Resources Uma Bharti.

He said Bharti had recently aired views "fully supporting" Karnataka over the impasse on release of Cauvery water by that state to Tamil Nadu and doubts would arise about the outcome of the meeting if she chaired the deliberations.

READ| Cauvery crisis: Karnataka opposition says don't release water to Tamil Nadu



"Instead of the participation of the Union Minister, the meet should be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself so that an amicable solution arises from it," he said recalling the reported remarks of Bharti.

Karunanidhi said reports in a section of media opined that Uma Bharti is backing Karnataka's cause and stated that Center has the responsibility to see that Karnataka follows the rule of law and it should also take steps to make sure that Karnataka obeys Supreme Court's orders.

Also Read:

Cauvery water row: After Supreme Court order, Karnataka has these options before it

Cauvery row: Karnataka welcomes Supreme Court's directive to hold talks with Tamil Nadu

Supreme Court to Karnataka: Release Cauvery water for 3 more days



--- ENDS ---
Russia and the Syrian regime know they are committing war crimes, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday.

This morning, we awoke to reports of strikes on two more hospitals in Aleppo, Ban told a debate at the global body on the protection of civilians.

Let us be clear. Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing. They know they are committing war crimes, he said.

Imagine the destruction, Ban said. People with limbs blown off. Children in terrible pain with no relief. Infected. Suffering. Dying, with nowhere to go and no end in sight.

Imagine a slaughterhouse. This is worse. Even a slaughterhouse is more humane, he said.

Ban said the war in Syria has led to the fleeing or killing of 95 percent of the medical staff in Aleppo, where nearly 275,000 civilians are under siege.

This is a war against Syrias health workers, he said.

Since Sept. 19, when the Syrian regime ended a week-long cease-fire brokered by U.S. and Russia, almost 500 civilians have been killed and hundreds injured in attacks on the war-battered city.

Anadolu Agency
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu could not reach and agreement on Thursday during their meeting with union water resource minister Uma Bharti over the Cauvery water dispute. A team of experts will now assess the ground situation in the two states.

No agreement could be reached at during Cauvery water meet in New Delhi on Thursday.

By India Today Web Desk: Union water resource minister Uma Bharti on Thursday said that a team of experts would be sent to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to assess the ground situation in the two states. She chaired a meeting over Cauvery water dispute after Karnataka refused to comply with the supreme court order to release 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.

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The union minister also said that the 'deliberations over the Cauvery issue is on'. It means that no solution could be reached at during the Centre-states meet in New Delhi as the two states stuck to their stated position on Cauvery water sharing issue.

READ: Cauvery row: Karnataka delays release of water by a day as Siddaramaiah to meet Uma Bharati tomorrow

CAUVERY CONFRONTATION

The two southern states have been in direct confrontation over sharing of Cauvery water. While Tamil Nadu moved the apex court to get a favourable verdict in accordance with the Cauvery water agreement, Karnataka maintained that due to poor monsoon, it did not have enough water to share with the neighbouring state.

Tamil Nadu has maintained that due to acute shortage of water, the farmers of the state are in distress. It also exhorts Karnataka to honour the Cauvery accord as well as the recent pronouncements by the supreme court on the river water sharing.



READ: Cauvery row: Prohibitory orders extended in Bengaluru till September 30

CENTRE INTERVENES

With Karnataka and Tamil Nadu locked horns over Cauvery water and the SC ruling not being complied with, the Centre intervened in the matter. Following a meeting with the prime minister Narendra Modi, Uma Bharti held discussion with the two states.

While Karnataka chief minister, Siddaramaiah attended the Thursday's meeting, Tamil Nadu CM skipped the meet citing ill health. Tamil Nadu PWD minister Edapadi Palanisamy and chief secretary Rama Mohan attend the meeting with other officials.

DMK PROTESTS AGAINST UMA BHARTI

DMK leader M Karunanidhi stated that the Prime Minister should have chaired the chief ministers' meet. "How can union water resource minister Uma Bharti chair the meeting, when she had remarked earlier supporting Karnataka's claim," asked Karunanidhi.

"Some media reports state that Uma Bharti is backing Karnataka's cause," he asserted.

The former Tamil Nadu CM said that it was the Centre's responsibility to see that Karnataka followed the rule of law. The Centre should take steps making sure that Karnataka obeyed the supreme court's orders, Karunanidhi stated.



ALSO READ:Cauvery water row: PM Modi, not Uma Bharti should chair meeting of chief ministers, says Karunanidhi



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--- ENDS ---
Sandra Oh returns to screens in the trailer for Netflix's The Chair, a series that comes from Amanda Peet, as well as the creators of Game of Thrones.

Killing Eve may not be returning for its final season this year, but at least we will have Sandra Oh gracing our screens! Get all the details right here.

Sandra Oh has opened up about a potential return to Grey's Anatomy, and she's not fond of the idea. Get all the details right here via TV Fanatic.

Sandra Oh has revealed she pushed back against the writers and creator of Grey's Anatomy, and we have all the details you need to know on the matter.

Grey's Anatomy has easily surpassed the years and episodes any medical drama has been on TV, but it has unfortunately surpassed its expiration date as well.

The Emmy Awards are fast approaching, and we have our dream wish list of nominations for lead actress in a drama series. Join the conversation inside!

Sandra Oh made history on three occasions on Sunday night, and her Grey's Anatomy co-stars had a lot to say about it. Get all the details right here.

Killing Eve launches on BBC America later this year and we have the first footage from the new thriller. Oh yes, Sandra Oh is back! Read on!

Grey's Anatomy veteran, Sandra Oh has a new TV show coming and it sounds like the show we've been waiting on! Get the premiere date and first look right here.

Sandra Oh has booked a return visit to ABC, but will she be stopping by Grey's Anatomy, or a new show entirely? We have all the details you need!

These Grey's Anatomy stars talked to TV Fanatic about their long-running characters and Oh leaving the series. Watch now!

Sandra Oh is leaving Grey's Anatomy. She has confirmed that Season 10 will be her last.

Sandra was born July 20, 1971, in Nepean, Ontario, a suburb of Ottawa. She is of Korean descent. Her interest in performing began at an early age as a ballet dancer, then later an actor, while attending Sir Robert Borden High School in her hometown. She acted in school plays and was a member of the drama club before moving on to study drama at the National Theatre School in Montreal, Quebec.

In her native Canada, Oh is best know for her lead performance in the Canadian film Double Happiness -- she won the Genie Award (Canada's Oscar equivalent) for Best Actress. She also appeared in the Canadian films Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity, and Last Night. The latter garnered her a second Best Actress Genie for. Oh also won an award for Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival for her role in The Diary of Evelyn Lau.

In the United States, Sandra is best known for Grey's Anatomy, but gained recognition for two recent film roles. In Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), she played a lesbian whose girlfriend was none other than Grey's co-star Kate Walsh. In 2004's critically-acclaimed Sideways, she played the scorned lover of soon-to-be-married Jack.

Her now ex-husband, Alexander Payne, directed the film. The two had a five year relationship (including two years of marriage), but divorced early in 2005. An upcoming film of Oh's is The Night Listener, where she will star along with Robin Williams and Toni Collette. But luckily for us, Grey's Anatomy remains her primary occupation.

She also starred as Rita Wu on the HBO series Arli$$, a personal favorite of some of our staff members.
That was quick.

Aussie Aden Young (Rectify) has departed USA Networks drama pilot Damnation only a week after he was announced as the lead, and just days before filming was to begin.

According to media speculation, it was due to creative differences.

Damnation is described as an epic saga of the secret history of the 1930s American heartland, chronicling the mythic conflict and bloody struggle between big money and the downtrodden, God and greed, charlatans and prophets. Young was to play a man masquerading as a small town Iowa preacher in the hopes of starting a full-blown insurrection against the status quo.

The plan is now for production on the pilot to start on Monday as scheduled, with recasting currently underway.

Source: Deadline
Truth be told 2016 has been very light on for local police dramas.

Aside from Wanted and The Doctor Blake Mysteries its been almost absent from our Free to Air screens. Next week two will enter the building with Deep Water on SBS and Hyde & Seek on Nine.

Hyde & Seek is created by NZ writers Rachel Lang (Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune, The Almighty Johnsons) and Gavin Strawhan (Nothing Trivial, Step Dave, Go Girls) with Episode 1 directed by Peter Andrikidis.

If youre missing a bit of procedural from our local dramas then this is probably one for you.

Matt Nable plays Sydney homicide detective Gary Hyde who attends a murder scene that goes pear-shaped when his partner and best friend is blown up by a booby trap. As a family man, married to Sonya (Zoe Ventoura), he feels accountable to his friends widow, and this crime becomes personal.

On the hunt for clues with colleagues Tanya (Claire Lovering) and Kevin Soga (Tai Hara) life gets more complicated when he is ambushed by Australian Federal Police and later ASIO. It seems his initial victim was wanted for a Madrid bombing and had dark plans for an upcoming Asia Pacific Security Forum. AFP Agent Jackie Walters (Mandy McElhinney) crosses swords with Hyde over control of the case.

Meanwhile NZ immigration lawyer Claire McKenzie (Emma Hamilton) was also pursuing the dead man and wedges her way into the investigation, despite Hyde unwelcome of her input.

Also featuring are Jeremy Lindsay Taylor as a dour ASIO agent and Andrew McFarlane as a police sergeant.

A sullen-face but dependable Matt Nable (who was outstanding in Barracuda) is in almost every scene here. But he never looks to upstage the plot-driven material. In this very serious outing, Nables performance helps us to overlook some elements that are a bit of a stretch. I wasnt entirely convinced of Hydes pairing with a NZ lawyer -but at least her surname wasnt Seek.

Its good to see Mandy McElhinney out of period costume as an AFP Agent. She is again a woman giving orders, so I hope some vulnerability makes its way into upcoming episodes. Pleasingly there were some diverse faces amongst the wider ensemble -no sign as yet of Deborra-lee Furness.

The idea of homicide police at odds with with federal police is an interesting premise and is hopefully explored for its political dilemmas.

The action scenes are stock stuff, if anything this could have benefitted from more surprises and jeopardy, but that may come once the set-up is out of the way.

Nable is the glue that holds this together so on that point alone this gets the tick.

Hyde & Seek premieres 8:45pm Monday on Nine.
Ahead of his series Martin Clunes: Islands of Australia, the Doc Martin star will chat with Kerri-Anne Kennerley on Sunday Night.

Hunted

It was a Tuesday morning a little over two years ago when Glen Turner left home for work. He would never return, the victim of a brutal act of revenge and murder. On an isolated road in the Australian bush, the father-of-two was killed simply for doing his job. On that day, Glen was investigating a wealthy and powerful farmer who had been caught continually breaking the law. In doing so, he made a very dangerous enemy. For the first time on Sunday Night, Glens colleague and the sole witness to the senseless murder recounts the last terrifying moments of his mates life  a bloody showdown thats left an entire community shattered.

True Blue Doc

Hes become the worlds most popular television doctor, a role based on his dislike for children, animals and even his patients. He is of course Doc Martin. But the man who has turned the grouchy medico into an international star is nothing like his TV persona. In real life, Martin Clunes is a generous and caring family man who overcame bullying in school to eventually find his true purpose  making people laugh. And as Kerri-Anne Kennerley discovers, Martin found plenty of new material on a recent trip down under.

Sunday at 8.00pm on Seven.
Sometimes it seems like Dr. Chris Brown is on a perpetual world trip, lucky fella. Hope those Bondi pets are not awaiting imminent surgery!

This week for The Living Room he is in Las Vegas heading off to Area 51. Danger, danger

De-clutter with Peter Walsh

Chaos, clutter and kids are the perfect recipe for stress. Since the birth of Vaneeta and Pauls second child, the clutter and never-ending accumulation of kids stuff has taken over and it is starting to take a toll on their marriage and social life. De-clutter expert Peter Walsh is called in to try to help the couple prioritise what is important and transform their house from a storeroom, into a family home.

Travel with Chris Brown

The city of Las Vegas has everything from the noise and lights of the Las Vegas neon strip to the silence and beauty of the desert. Chris takes a road trip to find out what happens when you leave the city limits and encounters the incredible red rock canyon, before venturing onto the Extraterrestrial Highway, past Area 51, to visit the Little ALeInn, a small motel where alien spotting is part of everyday life.

Food with Miguel Maestre

Miguel wants to master his favourite Thai dish, the green chicken curry, but to do that he must first learn from the master, Chef Arte from Village People Hawker Food in Melbourne. After spending a morning cooking up a storm, they compete against each other to see who can create the perfect green chicken curry. Who will win?

Quickie with James Treble

The office chair is usually one of the most boring pieces of furniture in the home, but James Treble is on a mission to reinvent it and brighten up your study. Incorporating the newest designs and features available, James successfully brings the everyday office chair to life.

7:30pm Friday on TEN.
By Shivendra Srivastava: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today arrested a senior Civil Judge of Delhi's Tis Hazari Courts in bribery case.

Rachna Tewari Lakhanpal, civil judge, Tis Hazari court, and her husband Alok Lakhanpal were arrested while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4 lakh from advocate Vishal Mehan who was appointed as local commissioner by her in a case she was adjudicating.

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LAWYER ARRESTED



The advocate allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 2 Lakh for himself as well as Rs 20 lakh for the accused judge for deciding the matter in the favour of complainant.

After due verification of the complaint and compliance to necessary legal procedure, CBI laid a trap wherein the said advocate was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 5 Lakh as bribe on behalf of the judge. The advocate disclosed that the alleged bribe amount was meant to be handed over to the judge.

BRIBE MONEY RECOVERED



Subsequently, the bribe money was delivered by the advocate to the said judge at her residence, out of which the judge kept Rs 4 lakh and gave Rs 1 lakh to the advocate. The alleged bribe money of Rs 5 lakh was recovered by the CBI. During investigation, the involvement of the husband of the said Judge was found and he has also been arrested.

Searches conducted at the premises of the said Judge led to recovery of Rs 94 lakh (approx) in cash; two locker keys and other incriminating material & documents.

Fourteen days police custody given to lady judge and 2 days each police custody to advocate and husband of civil judge.

ALSO READ:

Unfair that CBI is investigating BK Bansal's case: Experts



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Only Ajax, APOEL, Krasnodar, Schalke, Shakhtar Donetsk and Zenit have a perfect record two games into this seasons UEFA Europa League group stage.

Matchday two results (click individual games for video highlights)

Ajax 1-0 Standard Liege

Astana 0-0 Young Boys

Athletic Club 1-0 Rapid Wien

Austria Wien 0-0 Viktoria Plzen

Celta Vigo 2-0 Panathinaikos

Dundalk 1-0 Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Fenerbahce 1-0 Feyenoord

Fiorentina 5-1 Qarabag

Gabala 2-3 Mainz

Genk 3-1 Sassolo

Gent 2-0 Konyaspor

Hapoel Beer-Sheva 0-0 Southampton

Krasnodar 5-2 Nice

Slovan Liberec 1-2 PAOK

Manchester United 1-0 Zorya Luhansk

Olympiacos 0-1 APOEL

Roma 4-0 Astra Giurgiu

Schalke 3-1 Salzburg

Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 Braga

Sparta Praha 3-1 Internazionale Milano

Steaua Bucuresti 1-1 Villarreal

St-Etienne 1-1 Anderlecht

Zenit 5-0 AZ Almaar

Zurich 2-1 Osmanlspor

While Fiorentina, Krasnodar and Zenit all scored five, Roma were not far behind on four thanks to a virtuoso display from talisman Francesco Totti in the week of his 40th birthday.

Another of the competition's stellar names, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, scored the only goal as Manchester United got off the mark in Group A with victory over debutants Zorya. Fellow newcomers Dundalk fared better, beating Maccabi Tel-Aviv to become the first team from the Republic of Ireland to win in the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League proper.

Slovan Liberec lost to PAOK but they are making a name for themselves as fast starters nonetheless. Jan Sykora, who struck the quickest goal in UEFA Europa League history  10.69 seconds  on matchday one, teed up Nikolai Komlichenko on this occasion with just over 40 seconds on the clock.

Another Czech club, Sparta Praha, felled Inter 3-1 to condemn the Serie A outfit to a second successive Group K defeat.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 29 (PTI) Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadakri has said the work on Chabahar Port will begin soon once the tender process is over and hoped the project will open a new gateway for development of India, Iran and Afghanistan by boosting regional connectivity and trade.

All the three nations are keen on expediting tripartite transit agreement on Chabahar port, Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari told PTI after holding a meeting with delegations from Iran and Afghanistan.

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"We are keen on expanding scope of cooperation to cover development of entire Chabahar Port...This port is going to open a new gateway not only for the development of India but at the same time development of Afghanistan and Iran. This is a win-win situation," Gadkari said.

Gadkari along with Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi and Afghans Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamadullah Batash held discussions on expediting trilateral agreement on establishment of International Transport and Transit Corridor i.e. Chabahar Agreement signed on May this year in Tehran in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Presidents of Iran and Afghanistan...

Gadkari said India is committed to developing the Chabahar Port in Iran and the work would commence soon after the completion of the tender process.

Yesterdays meeting was held barely a fortnight after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, during their talks here, had stressed that expediting the trilateral pact would augment connectivity among the three nations.

Gadkari said, "We will try to complete the project within the time schedule. We are also finding out what are the new things for which we will have opportunity for development and investment. The Iranian Minister has given lots of innovative suggestions regarding the development of business."

"We are in the process and our Prime Minister is very keen on the project...The distance between Kandla to Chabahar is less than the distance between Delhi and Mumbai. So there are lots of opportunities. Gas and petroleum products in Iran are available. We will get the market of Afghanistan also and the material from Afghanistan to Chabahar will be accessible to India," he added.

He said the problems in the project have been sorted out and the nations are looking on building up on this friendship and creating more business opportunities.

A "milestone" pact on the strategic Chabahar port in southern Iran, which will give India access to Afghanistan and Europe bypassing Pakistan, was inked by India and Iran in May this year after detailed discussions between Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

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Besides the bilateral pact to develop the Chabahar port, for which India will invest USD 500 million, a trilateral agreement on Transport and Transit Corridor was also signed by India, Afghanistan and Iran, which Prime Minister Modi has said could "alter the course of the history of the region". MORE PTI NAM MKJ

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Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it.





I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends.





More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it.





The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity.





About me:

I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS.

Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line).

Age: 42

Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed.





I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it).
Russian-backed militants launched 25 attacks on the Ukrainian positions in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

The ATO press center posted this on Facebook.

Nine ceasefire violations were recorded in Luhansk direction. Terrorists shelled Novooleksandrivka, Novozvanivka and Stanitsa Luhanska using grenade launchers and small arms.

In Mariupol direction, eight ceasefire violations were recorded. Militants used small arms, grenade launchers and mortars to shell Marinka, Vodiane, Shyrokyno, Talakovka, and Pavlopil.

In Donetsk direction, terrorists violated ceasefire eight times. Militants used 82-mm and 120-mm mortars, small arms, machine guns and mortars to shell Avdiivka.

ish
One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, and two soldiers were wounded in ATO area in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

Spokesman for the Presidential Administration on the ATO Andriy Lysenko said this at a briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, and two soldiers were wounded as a result of armed hostilities in ATO area over the past day, he said.

ish
In January-August 2016, fish and seafood products worth $77 million were imported from Norway to Ukraine, which makes 78% of total imports from Norway.

This has been posted on the website of the State Fiscal Service.

In January-August 2016, fish and seafood products worth $77 million were imported to Ukraine from Norway, which makes 78% of total imports from Norway, reads the statement.

According to acting State Fiscal Service Deputy Head Myroslav Prodan, there are no systemic problems with the customs valuation of fish and seafood products from Norway, and thus the positive trend is seen regarding customs clearance of these goods compared with the previous year.

iy
Turkey is interested in agrarian products and research institutions in the agricultural sector.

This has been said by Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food on European Integration Olha Trofimtseva after the third meeting of the Ukrainian-Turkish working group on agriculture, which took place in Kyiv on September 27.

"Ukraine is interested in export of vegetable oils, including sunflower, as well as meat and dairy products, poultry, eggs, fish and honey, fur raw materials, cereals, tobacco and its products. It is also interested in trade of new seed varieties with Turkey," she said.

The parties agreed to hold bilateral consultations at the level of profile experts regarding opportunities to expand trade volumes, taking into account the large export-import potential of partner countries in agriculture industry.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the possibility of providing a platform for more active contacts of the Turkish and Ukrainian business in the fields of trade and investment through the organization of the Turkish-Ukrainian Agrarian Business Forum in Kyiv until the end of this year.

ish
On October 7, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine is hosting the 2016 MFA Open Air.

This has been reported by Governments portal.

Having succeeded with the last year event, when hundreds of people gathered within the atrium of the Foreign Ministry building in order to give support to the illegally imprisoned Ukrainians in Russia, this year we dedicate Open Air again to the topical issue  veterans physical rehabilitation and psychosocial adaptation.

"Implementing this project, we aim at attracting more attention to the importance of the initiatives that support the rehabilitation and adaptation of our soldiers. We also want to use this event to express appreciation to our foreign friends and partners  the representatives of diplomatic missions in Ukraine  for their support and assistance in the treatment of our heroes abroad, Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said.

ish
Ukraine and the United States can successfully deepen cooperation in international trade, agro-industrial sector, aerospace, defense and energy industries.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has stated this during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Deepening our relations in international trade, agro-industrial sector, aerospace, defense and energy industries can be used for further successful cooperation, Groysman said.

He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for financial assistance and support related to cooperation with the International Monetary Fund.

I would like to thank the U.S. government for loan guarantees worth $1 billion, and especially - for support related to our cooperation with the International Monetary Fund. Borrowing is like an hourglass. The time we have got for loan repayment should be used for reforms to provide macroeconomic stability for Ukraine and increase the growth rate of the national economy, Groysman noted.

mk
The Council of Europe intends to extend sanctions against the Russian Federation in December.

This was stated by President of the European Council Donald Tusk during a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"I offered my colleagues to discuss a common strategy of our approach to this situation in October. I hope that in December we will continue our consistent policy regarding introduction and maintenance of sanctions," Tusk said.

According to him, Europe continues discussing ways on how to provide assistance to Ukraine for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements in order to achieve a real cease-fire and peace.

ish
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has called on citizens of Ukraine never to forget the victims of the Babiy Yar tragedy.

The Prime Minister wrote on his Facebook account on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Babiy Yar massacre.

"There were Jews, Roma people, Soviet prisoners of war and fighters of the Ukrainian liberation movement among those executed by firing squads. We remember each of them," he wrote, Interfax reported.

ish
German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has stated that Germany is ready to provide assistance in treatment of Deputy Head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis Ilmi Umerov.

This has been reported by the presidents press service.

The President called for enhancing international efforts for the release of all Ukrainian hostages. The Federal Chancellor noted that Germany was ready to assist in treatment of Deputy Head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis Ilmi Umerov, reads the report.

The sides also discussed the situation in Donbas. President Poroshenko informed on the shelling by Russian militants despite the agreement on ceasefire and emphasized the importance of unhindered access of the OSCE to all districts of the occupied territory.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, in turn, once again confirmed that Ukraine had fulfilled all the criteria necessary for the introduction of a visa-free regime with the EU.

She also expressed condolences over the 75th anniversary of the Babi Yar tragedy. We are with you today, Angela Merkel said.

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China said it hopes that New Delhi and Islamabad resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and consultation to 'safeguard' peace and stability in the region.

China said it "attaches importance" to Pakistan's stand on Kashmir. (Photo: Reuters)

By PTI: China today said it "attaches importance" to Pakistan's stand on Kashmir but hoped that New Delhi and Islamabad resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation to "safeguard" peace and stability in the region.

China's Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said China wants "relevant parties" to resolve the issue through consultation.

Liu said this during an interaction with a special Pakistani delegation on Kashmir in Beijing.

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READ: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan back out. Will Pakistan cancel SAARC summit?



A brief statement posted on the Foreign Ministry's website in Mandarin said Liu "listened" to the briefing by the special envoys on Pakistan's position on the Kashmir situation.

Liu "emphasised that China pays attention to the recent situation in Kashmir and attaches importance to Pakistan's relevant position", the statement said.

READ: India holds key counter-terror dialogue with China amid tensions with Pakistan



"China believes that Kashmir issue is an issue left over from history and should be resolved by relevant parties through dialogue and consultation. China hopes that India and Pakistan can strengthen their communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, improve relations and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region," it said.

The delegation was reportedly part of a move by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to send special envoys to brief foreign countries on the situation in Kashmir.

READ: China distances itself from Pakistan on Kashmir issue



Significantly, the delegation had to meet the Chinese vice minister and not the Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Liu's comments follow earlier remarks by Foreign Ministry officials here urging India and Pakistan to peacefully resolve their differences, declining to back reports from Islamabad about Beijing expressing its support to Pakistan.

On September 26, China had snubbed Pakistan by declining to back the well-publicised reports in Islamabad that claimed Beijing's support in the event of any aggression and for its stand on Kashmir.

ALSO READ:



J&K has suffered due to Indus Water Treaty: Mehbooba

Pakistan in talks with China over NSG entry after India's failed bid



SAARC summit in Islamabad likely to be cancelled after 4 members boycott Pakistan



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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said that Beijing hopes "India and Pakistan can enhance communication and properly deal with differences, and work jointly to maintain peace and security of the region."

By Ananth Krishnan: China said on Thursday it was in frequent communication with both India and Pakistan at different levels and hoped for a reduction in tensions.

Opinion: Indian Army's surgical strikes should make Pakistan think twice before trying another Uri



Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told reporters that Beijing hopes "India and Pakistan can enhance communication and properly deal with differences, and work jointly to maintain peace and security of the region."

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CHINA IN TOUCH WITH BOTH INDIA AND PAKISTAN

"As for the tension between Pakistan and India, recently the Chinese side has been in communication with both sides through different channels," he said in response to questions at a press briefing.

Underlining China's continuing careful diplomatic balancing act in the wake of the Uri attacks, he said China was "a friendly neighbour to India and Pakistan".

"China hopes that India and Pakistan could properly deal with their differences and improve their bilateral relationship, strengthen cooperation in different fields and work jointly for regional peace and development and stability," he said, adding that Beijing "maintains frequent engagement at different levels with both India and Pakistan."

China has this past week walked a fine line in its diplomacy to India and Pakistan.

CHINA SUPPORTS PAKISTAN ON K-ISSUE, SLAMS URI ATTACK

Beijing has rejected on two occasions statements from its all-weather ally Pakistan claiming it was supporting Islamabad on the Kashmir issue, maintaining its stance of 'neutrality' was 'consistent'.

At the same time, while it strongly condemned the Uri attacks, it didn't do so unequivocally, making clear that not only Pakistan but India too had the responsibility to maintain stability, suggesting a careful diplomatic balancing act aimed at ensuring neither side was displeased.

Separately on Thursday, Islamabad dispatched two parliamentarians as special envoys on Kashmir to meet with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin in Beijing.

A brief Foreign Ministry statement said China "attached importance to Pakistan's stand", and listened to the envoys' briefing.

The statement repeated Beijing's officials stand that has been reiterated on several occasions this past week, that Kashmir was a historical issue for India and Pakistan to address through dialogue.

ALSO READ:

War with Pakistan imminent? Punjab villages close to border being evacuated

Indian Army commandos cross LoC, conduct surgical strikes in Pakistani territory, kill 38



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By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 29 (PTI) Industry body CII has launched an India Business Forum (IBF) for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, to promote Indian businesses and identify challenges and opportunities there.

The CII IBF, a group of 25 Indian companies operating in the LAC region, also proposes to have regular dialogues with all stakeholders in the region and in India raise pertinent issues related to the industry.

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Anita Praveen, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for the LAC Region, officially launched the India Business Forum on September 28 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

India-LAC commercial ties have steadily increased from approximately USD 2 billion in 2001 to around USD 50 billion in 2015.

India has become a key trading partner for countries in the region like Venezuela, which is presently its largest source of oil after Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

"Indian exports to Brazil, the largest export market in LAC, stood at USD 5.96 billion in 2014-15, more than Indias exports to France or Japan. Similarly, Mexico has become a key partner for the Indian automobile sector, and in 2014-15, was the single largest destination of Indias automobile exports," CII said.

India exports pharmaceutical products, automobiles and auto parts, chemical fertilisers, etc to LAC. PTI RSN ABI

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UNICEF/UN028423/Esiebo

ABUJA/DAKAR/NEW YORK, 29 September 2016  UNICEF has revised its humanitarian appeal for Nigeria from US$ 55 million to US$ 115 million to assist an additional 750,000 people who can now be reached across conflict-affected areas in the northeast of the country.



As new areas open up to humanitarian assistance, the true scale of the Boko Haram related crisis and its impact on children is being revealed.



An estimated 400,000 children under five will suffer from severe acute malnutrition in three states across the northeast this year. More than 4 million people are facing severe food shortages and 65,000 people are living in famine-like conditions, mostly in Borno, the worst affected state.



Childrens lives are literally hanging by a thread, said Afshan Khan, UNICEFs Director of Emergency Programmes. We are reaching new areas to provide critical humanitarian assistance but we need greater international support to further scale up and reach all children in dire need, she added.



The destruction of whole towns and villages further complicates the response. Sixty percent of health clinics have been partially or completely destroyed and 75 percent of water and sanitation facilities require rehabilitation in Borno state.



Nearly one million children are now displaced across the northeast, a million are out of school and hundreds of thousands psychologically affected from the horrors they have lived through.



The conflict-related lack of access to children has also lead to an outbreak of polio in Borno state, where three cases of wild polio virus were confirmed in August and September. UNICEFs funding appeal comes as a series of massive coordinated emergency polio immunisation and nutrition campaigns in northeast Nigeria and neighbouring countries is underway, targeting 1.8 million children in Borno state alone. The immunisation campaign is also identifying and treating children with severe malnutrition.



UNICEF has increased its response in the areas worst-affected by the Boko Haram conflict since April, supporting basic health care and nutrition for children and mothers, and helping provide safe water and sanitation, child protection services and learning opportunities.



Since the beginning of 2016, 2.6 million conflicted-affected people have been given access to UNICEF-supported preventative healthcare services and nearly 75,000 children have been treated for severe acute malnutrition in northeast Nigeria. The construction and rehabilitation of boreholes has provided nearly half a million people with improved access to safe water. Safe learning spaces, teacher training and educational supplies have helped over 72,000 children to restart their education and some 133,000 children have been provided with psychosocial support.



To date, just US$ 28 million of the US$ 115 million appeal has been received and this presents a serious obstacle to UNICEFs scale up plan.



###
Arpit Ranka and his wife Nidhi have become parents for the first time.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Arpit Ranka, the Indian actor popular for his onscreen character Duryodhan in Star Plus magnum opus Mahabharat, is now father of a son.

Arpit's wife Nidhi gave birth to a boy on Tuesday at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals here. It was a normal delivery and this is the couple's first baby, said a statement.

"We're reading books, imagining, dreaming out loud and really happy and excited. Through our son, I see the world with new eyes. We've completely fallen in love. We are thankful that the baby is healthy," said Arpit.

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Also read: Exclusive: 'Chandra' Rajat Tokas opens up about his character in the upcoming Ekta Kapoor show

Arpit was also seen along with his wife Nidhi in popular celebrity dance show Nach Baliye 7. He was also seen in the Tamil sports-action film Bhooloham and the much talked about MSG 2.

He will soon be seen in the much awaited historical drama Chandra Nandini. He is also prepping up for his next Telegu film Rey.

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Barack Obama used his veto to reject the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act that seeks to sue Saudi Arab for support provided to the 9/11 terror strikes, but Congress overrides it.

By Smita Sharma: In a surprise move, for the first time in the eight years of Obama's presidential history, both the Houses of US Congress today over ruled a Presidential veto.

Barack Obama used his veto to reject the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) that seeks to sue Saudi Arab for support provided to the 9/11 terror strikes. The upper house voted 97-1, and House of Representatives gave the legislation the two thirds majority needed for it to sail through. This is being seen as a big blow to Saudi, the crucial ally of the US in Middle East and West Asia, as families of 9/11 victims can now sue the kingdom legally.

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But it has also raised questions if this will lead to a Pandora's box for Americans with several countries passing similar legislations to sue US for acts of aggression, invasion and civilians killed in drone attacks.

Since taking over as President, Obama has used his veto power 11 times that have been sustained. But this is the first and the last time that even his strongest supporters in Congress have over ruled his veto, just weeks before he finally exits White House.



Also Read

Obama vetoes bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi



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Social business is an area of entrepreneurship that's constantly growing. Social businesses aims to provide basic and beneficial services in education, healthcare, sanitation and energy and businesses like these often face big challenges in terms of scaling growth.

A study recently published in the Journal for Cleaner Production suggests 2 methods for social businesses to scale up and identified 4 strategies to help these types of business grow, especially in developing countries and their emerging markets from people can benefit the most.

The study was done by researchers from the University of Cambridge and identified these 4 key strategies of growth for social businesses: market penetration, market development, product development and diversification. The 2 methods are identified as increasing revenue per stream and diversifying revenue streams.

The main challenges social businesses face in developing countries include the lack of electricity and infrastructure like roads as well as property rights and well-functioning courts.

However emerging technologies and social initiatives like public-private partnerships are making the future brighter for social businesses.

Professor Jaideep Pradhu from Cambridge Judge Business School said, "Social businesses have enormous potential to provide important services to billions of people around the world - but they need to scale up in order to meet these needs. This study is a first step to greater understanding in this area, but we need a lot more work to support the development and growth of such businesses."

Dr. Shawn Carraher, clinical professor of organizations, strategy and international management at the Naveen Jindal School of Management at University of Texas at Dallas recently published a study in the European Journal of International Management wherein he laid down an eleven-part scale for social businesses to gauge their performance and progress. The paper also specified differences between traditional and social businesses.

"In traditional entrepreneurship, you're trying to do something that will help a specific group of individuals, and ideally, it should bring compensation to the entrepreneur. In social entrepreneurship, you tend to look more at the general good than at the good of the entrepreneur." Carraher said.

Social business is considered an important asset in terms of development and advancing the needs of those in developing areas. Their objective of providing services over earning marginal profit is what makes these types enterprises stand out.

Last year governments of the world united and declared 17 Social Development Goals (SGDs) designed by the United Nations to "end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and tackle climate change by 2030."
Violence and atrocities all over the world have left more than 57 million children out of school and without access to education. In response to this, former NYU President John Sexton announced the creation of the Catalyst Trust for Universal Education in his speech at the Institute of International Education (IIE).

The Catalyst Trust works to "expand access to high-quality education for children and youth around the world." The trust provides funding for educational projects to ensure that children are able to go to school and receive meaningful education. Catalyst also helps in the creation of materials and structures necessary to achieve its goals.

In a report issued by the Malala Fund, education activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai called for world leaders to support education for children displaced by the crisis in Syria. She also appealed for donors to support the "Education Cannot Wait Fund". The fund is spearheaded by former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Mr. Brown is also part of the Catalyst Trust's initial project PEER or the Platform for Education in Emergencies Response. PEER, according to PR Newswire will be "a new global clearinghouse to identify scholarships and opportunities and connect displaced and refugee students with resources they can use, anywhere in the world."

PEER will serve as an over all educational resource offering a global database of scholarships and other education opportunities, offer support services such as credential evaluation, language courses and mentoring mentoring opportunities and advising and counselling to help students identify opportunities and make sound decisions.

A staunch advocate of higher education, Mr. Sexton has a vision for a global university and believes that, "If they have school, the displaced students can turn their lives around. Many in the higher education community have indicated that they are willing to accept refugee students. We aim to provide them with the education they deserve."

The proponents of this project also believe that apart from advancing the children's chances for getting the education they deserve, they are also making it easier for those who would like to help - donor countries, not-for-profit organizations and other entities will now have a place to go to and offer their help instead of starting from scratch.

American actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney, a London-raised human rights lawyer who was born in Lebanon are also doing their share of the work to educate young Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Internet giant Google have committed $1 million to the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

The Clooneys are starting with Lebanon where more than 1.5 million Syrians have relocated to since 2011. "Let's not lose an entire generation of people because they happened to be born in the wrong place at the wrong time." Mr. Clooney told USA Today.

Al Jazeera also called for education of Syria's children who were forced to leave their homes and are missing out on school. As Bassam Khawaja wrote, "The costs of failure - child labour, early marriage, and a lost generation - are just too high."
A lot of Social Studies majors and teachers might not have realized it but newspapers can be a very effective tool to make their class more engaging and fun. Sarah Hartman, an assistant professor of teacher education at College of Coastal Georgia, believes so and requires her students to use newspapers during her class made up of middle school education majors.

Hartman teaches Social Studies Methods class and the requirement is to make a point to her class that newspapers can be an effective tool to teach Social Studies to middle school students. She understands how it can be challenging to Social Studies teacher to engage young students in studying Social Studies; thus, instead of depending on textbooks, newspapers and other alternative teaching tools to enhance their classes.

"We've looked at how to interpret different forms of the media and use that to teach social studies with, and we've prepared old newspapers for primary documents and teaching with those compared to a new newspaper,"

Hartman's class uses both old and new newspapers to evaluate and compare both current and past events in search of other effective teaching methods that is related to the topic being taught.

For example, the class is going to conduct a 'tour' for eight-grade students to a local cemetery and use the dates on the gravestone to teach local history to these kids. Hartman assigned her students to research the dates and the person indicated on the gravestone by using newspapers and other research tools.

The results of the search are interesting. One student who was researching the gravestone of a man who died in the 19th century said she saw how real and prevalent racial biases were in those days that they were worthy of mention in local newspapers.

Various research has been made on the impact of newspapers as a learning tool for students. Not only do they improve the child's reading skills but their spelling and vocabulary as well. A research conducted by Dr. Dan Sullivan of the University of Minnesota showed that students who read newspapers have higher test scores than those who don't.

For Charile Postell, a senior in Hartman's class, newspapers provide students with a more enriching study experience.

"In a lot of ways, it's more effective than looking it up on the internet, because you can use it to show students that information isn't all online or in a book," she said.
One of Hillary Clinton's policy plans on education if she wins the presidential race is to make college debt-free or affordable. As much as it sounds music to the ears, there are some concerns raised about the issue, one of which is its impact on national defense.

Some people think that a debt-free college can jeopardize the country's national defense. One argument presented by Benjamin Luxemberg saying that it can decrease the marginal benefit of various educational aide programs for the military, such as the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, the Yellow Ribbon program, and ROTC scholarships.

The Post 9/11 G.I Bill provides up to $20,000 tuition per year for those in the military service while the Yellow Ribbon program provides tuition for those who have already served. Then, there are the ROTC scholarships, which gives tuition aid to aspiring officers. These college assistance programs from the military are some of the reasons why a lot of people enlist for military service. Not only it is the surest way to earn a college degree, but a majority of people believes that military service is also the path to middle class.

A Pew Research Survey conducted in 2011 revealed that 75 percent of those who signed up for military service said that they did for the education benefits the military provides. That was a 20 percent surge compared ti the pre-9/11 survey which is 55 percent. Another poll made by the Washington Post in 2014 revealed that 48 percent of those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan were utilizing the G.I Bill and 59 percent of that demographic are females.

With that said, it is clear that education has become a critical factor in the military's success to recruit and if that advantage is taken away because of Clinton's policy can decrease the numbers. If that happens, the military will lack new personnel and, eventually, that lack can also affect the national defense.

Making college more affordable and accessible is a magnanimous move. However, Clinton should give it serious thought and consider the negative impacts it has not only in the military but other sectors of the government and society.
During this presidential elections, the millenials are usually leaning towards Hillary Clinton while Trump has the majority of the older generation. However, a recent debate in Hofstra University in New York revealed that there are young liberals who support Trump.

Recent surveys have revealed Clinton's popularity among the 35 and below age bracket is 56 percent compared to Trump who only got 20%. In this upcoming elections, millenials upset baby boomers in terms of numbers. In fact, millenials are the largest generation in the US today.

Shannon Thomas, a 19-year old women's studies and criminology major at Hofstra University is among those who are in favor of a Clinton presidency. She believes that Clinton will do a good job in 'bringing equality' to the United States.

"That's the only way we can get ourselves back to being great - as opposed to what other candidates think to make America great," she added as a reference to Trump's selling of baseball hats that carries the slogan 'Make America Great Again.' In view of that, she thinks that Trump's candidacy has a hint of business to it.

Despite students, like Thomas, who support Clinton, there are also those like Kyle Hover, an 18-year old computer engineering major at Hofstra, who expresses his support for Trump. Hover is an example that Trump's reach also extends to the liberals.

"Right now I'm thinking that I will be voting for Donald Trump. The idea of the Democratic party is more what I don't really fit along with. Yeah, we do need social programs to help the people that need help, but they're just running rampant in this country right now," Hover said. Hover, however, was quick to add that he was not a rabid Trump supporter. And added that he doesn't agree with Trump's series of offensive litanies against women and ethnic minorities. Aside from that, he doesn't have any other issues with Trump.
The holidays are just around the corner which means a lot of people are looking for other ways to generate income in time for the holidays. It seems that they won't have a hard time looking for it because there are already companies who are opening their doors to those who want a job these holiday season.

Challenger, Gray & Christian, outplacement consulting firm, said that retail companies are expected to hire around 700,000 workers during the holiday season this year. That might be less than the 738,000 hires last year but it's not a bad number at all.

According to Challenger CEO John A. Challenger, the sector that will have an increase in hiring this year will be the transportation and warehousing sectors because more and more people are turning to online shopping during the holidays as it is more convenient and comfortable than traditional shopping. With this in mind, he also said that there will be a decrease in the employment of cash registers. He added that UPS, FedEx, and Amazon are expected to increase their manpower as well.

Flexjobs CEO Sara Sutton Fell said that the idea that only retail stores are hiring for the holidays is a myth. She also added that aside from giving professionals extra income, these jobs are also a great way to build your skills, experience, and portfolio. It might even lead to someone else's dream job.

"seasonal jobs can also be a great way to gain experience and skills, build upon your resume, provide a foot in the door with a company to a permanent position," Sutton said.

Meanwhile, for those who are looking to snag a job during the holiday seasons, here are some of the companies who are looking to hire for extra people:
By PTI: From Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Sep 29 (PTI) Nepal has asked all SAARC members to create a conducive environment to ensure participation of all members in the next summit of the grouping in Pakistan, after four countries, including India, pulled out of the summit indirectly blaming Islamabad.

Nepal said it "has received communications" from four member-states - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India - in which they conveyed their inability to participate in the 19th SAARC summit on November 9-10 stating that the current regional environment is "not conducive" for the successful holding of the Summit.

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"We have taken this development seriously," it said in a statement posted on its Foreign Ministrys website.

Nepal "strongly urges that a conducive environment be created soon to ensure the participation of all member states in the 19th SAARC summit in line with the spirit of the SAARC Charter," the statement said.

Under the SAARC Charter, the summit is automatically postponed or cancelled even if one member country skips the event.

The four countries have pulled out of the summit, indirectly blaming Pakistan for "creating an environment which is not right for the successful holding" of the meet.

That development came after tensions ran high between India and Pakistan after militants stormed an Indian Army base in Uri on September 18, killing 18 soldiers. The militants belonged to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group.

Founded in 1985, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) currently has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka as its members. PTI SBP NSA

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Several for-profit colleges have been shut down by the Department of Education for not putting its students' best interests first. Corinthian College and ITT Tech are two of the most high-profile closure in the nation.

Recently, the U.S. Education Department has officially stripped the authority of the largest for-profit accreditor, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). It will no longer recognize the organization as an official accrediting agency. This is the final blow for concerns over the council's ability to be a watchdog for students and taxpayers.

"I am terminating the department's recognition of ACICS as a national recognized accrediting agency," Emma Vadehra, chief of staff to the education secretary, wrote in a letter to the institution. "ACICS's track record does not inspire confidence that it can address all of the problems effectively."

A lot of students have been affected by the closure. CNN reported that ITT Tech's shut down left 35,000 students without their degrees. USA Today College shared things that affected students can do to be able to continue their tertiary studies.

First, students should obtain their educational and financial records early so that when the school closes, you will have the documents you need. For those who have federal loans, you can apply for a closed school loan discharge to dismiss your outstanding loans. This option will not be available if the school only loses accreditation but does not close down.

Students can also receive relief under a provision named borrower defense to repayment. With this, you would have to show in court how your school violated laws when it came to educational services or loans. The Department of Education is said to be releasing guidelines about this since a lot of people have been affected.

Another solution would be to transfer to another school or teach-out. Transferring may be a bit difficult, though, since credits obtained under the school may not be accredited with another institution. Your school may also offer a teach-out program that allows students to finish their coursework at another institution.
11 Rhodes University students were arrested for allegedly violating court interdict on campus protests. This comes after students at the South African school have spoken up against the proposed tuition fee increase.

It was previously reported that Rhodes University has continued the suspension of lectures amidst fees protests by the students. The school's management has already met with some students, the Student Representative Council (SRC), and staff to discuss several issues.

The protests at several tertiary institutions came after Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande announced that tuition fee hike decisions will be left to the schools. Rhodes University management warned that a collapse of the higher education system is imminent if the current fees issue is not addressed well.

According to News24, Rhodes University have been arrested for purportedly violating a court interdict. The order supposedly barred them from participating in protests on campus.

"Anyone who threatens, intimidates or prohibits lectures from taking place is breaking that interdict," Captain Luvuyo Mjekula said. "Today the students were found to be disrupting lectures. That was basically threatening other people. Police had to respond on the basis of that."

On Wednesday morning, students were said to have had a peaceful protest on campus. Afterwards, they reportedly went around the campus, singing and urging others to join them.

A source revealed that police officers entered the Rhodes University campus and arrested four students during a law lecture at around 10:30 a.m. After news of the students' arrest was circulated, students boycotted their lectures and protested inside the campus.

Mjekula noted that five students were arrested on campus after the police were called to take them out for disrupting the lecture.

A video from campus publication Oppidan Press showed the police firing rubber bullets at students who were several meters away from them. Apparently, when asked why they were firing at students, a police officer said that some of the protesters were carrying rocks and bottles which may harm others and that they are only trying to protect the public.
Stanford University is deemed as the best college in the United States. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Times Higher Education (THE) has released its Top College Rankings.

According to WSJ, students who want a school that will engage their minds, with a diverse student body and a school that has plenty of resources for their education should head to Stanford University. The school is described as having "deep pockets, intellectually engaged students and solid student outcomes."

It is followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in second place while Columbia University placed third. Stanford has overtaken Bringham Young University, The City University of New York's City College as well as Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Yale.

Stanford University and MIT were also included in the top universities list by Times Higher Education in second and third place, respectively, as previously reported. CalTech nabbed the top spot.

The WSJ/THE rankings are based on 15 factors across four categories. 40 percent of each college's overall score came from student outcomes, which included how they did after leaving the school. 30 percent was based on the school's resources while 20 percent was taken from how well the institution engages with its students. 10 percent of the score came from the learning environment or diversity.

Another factor that influenced the WSJ/THE rankings was from the results of a survey of 100,000 college students. The survey had seven questions, including the students' experience with professors, how they collaborated on projects, how they were pushed to think critically as well as whether they would recommend their school to others.

This ranking, according to Phil Baty, rankings editor at Times Higher Education, "is driven entirely by what matters most to students and families." "The survey gets to the heart of what good teaching really is and how much a university is capable of stimulating and engaging students," he added.

TIME noted that Stanford University was also its top-ranked college last year. It was also Forbes' top college in 2016.
The University of Michigan has recently announced that it is allowing students to indicate their preferred gender pronoun on class rosters. This is for the use of the professors.

Michigan Daily reported that provost Martha Pollack and E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life, confirmed to the campus community on Tuesday that a pronoun committee, composed of faculty and staff members, has developed this process since last year. A petition, which gained close to 800 signatures, was created by Wolverines for Preferred Pronouns last March. It urged the school to put pronoun preferences on class rosters.

A preferred pronoun is a gender pronoun which is used to identify an individual. Other people are also expected to use it when referring to the person.

"Students can designate pronouns in Wolverine Access through the new Gender Identity tab within the Campus Personal Information section," Pollack and Harper wrote. "This page will be used to enter/update and/or delete pronoun information with the University."

This recent development is part of the University of Michigan's efforts to make the campus more welcoming to minority students. Its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative will be launched on Oct. 6.

"The plan has to work towards the goal of making the University community look like the public it serves," University President Mark Schlissel said about the program last February. "It sounds simplistic: There aren't numerical quotas - that's not either legal or desirable - there's a shared ambition and we're trying to release the creativity of all of our different units."

According to Fox News, professors are expected to use the students' preferred pronouns in class. Mistakenly addressing someone with the wrong gender pronoun is acceptable once or twice. However, continued failure to comply with the initiative would be seen as a "performance matter."

Cameron Breither, a Collaborative Learning Coordinator, wrote in a Nov. 2012 alumni newsletter that beginning his transition from female to male at the school was "one of the best decisions of [his] collegiate career." Breither noted that everyone in the university was affirming with his transition and the institution also provided him with the services and accommodations that he needed.
Taye Diggs, who is known for his work in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" and other television shows has one mission in mind. And that is to talk to his congressman about something important to him.

The 45 year old actor has a seven year old son and has written to children's books titled "Mixed Me" and "Chocolate Me." And he is also the ambassador for the National Head Start Association. He may be nervous but he is adamant to get his point across.

He champions better access and funding for quality early childhood education, according to the Washington Post. Clearly, being a father himself, this is something close to his heart.

Taye Diggs sits with dozens of other preschool teachers at the Cannon Caucus Room at 9:00 AM the other day. They all have one thing on their mind, how to get "access" to convince legislators to invest in early learning.

Early childhood learning is essential and it is something, not only preschool teachers insist on, but parents see as a must. They hope that the system can also see this. In the conversation, Ivette Galarza, the board chairwoman of the NHSA, leads the group. She then called Diggs to the podium to talk about the lack of affordable quality early education. He calls it a "national shame."

Afterwards, he would sit down with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), his congressman, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif), Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

He encourages both the crowd and the representatives to invest in early education. He even cited himself as an example. Saying that if he had not "received the opportunity to learn and to be educated without the barriers low-income families face, I would have never developed into the actor, the man, the parent I am today."

Watch the interview of Taye below about his book "Mixed Me."
By PTI: Bhopal, Sep 29 (PTI) A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against Union Minister Uma Bharti by a local court today for not appearing before it in connection with a 13-year-old defamation case filed against her by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Bhubhaskar Yadav said senior police officers should execute the arrest warrant, while dismissing the Union Water Resources Ministers application, moved by her lawyer Harish Mehta, seeking exemption from appearance during court hearing today due to an important engagement.

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Mehta pleaded that his client be exempted from the hearing on ground that she was engaged in a meeting regarding the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in view of Supreme Courts order.

CJM Yadav dismissed the plea saying that Bharti is not turning up to record her statement in connection with the defamation case since October 2015 and enough time has been given to her in the 13-year-old case.

Earlier in February, the then CJM Pankaj Singh Maheshwari had asked Bharti and Digvijaya Singh to be present at a mediation centre on its premises along with their lawyers to resolve their differences, but it didnt work.

The senior Congress leader had filed the case against the then BJP chief ministerial candidate Bharti in the run-up to the 2003 Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls after she alleged that a scam running in crores of rupees had taken place during Singhs tenure as the states chief minister between 1993 and 2003. PTI CORR LAL MAS GK KRK RT

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Oct. 26, 2022

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.  Cadets got the unique experience of interacting with and learning from the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Sept. 27-29. The National Character and Leadership Symposium sponsored the visit and three days of activities.The 12
In 2003, in the run up to the MP assembly elections Uma Bharti who was leading the BJP campaign had alleged that Digvijaya Singh as CM had amassed Rs 15,000 crore.

By Rahul Noronha: A Bhopal court has on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti after she repeatedly desisted from appearing in court in connection with a defamation case filed against her by former CM Digvijaya Singh in 2003.

In 2003, in the run up to the MP assembly elections Uma Bharti who was leading the BJP campaign had alleged that Digvijaya Singh as CM had amassed Rs 15,000 crore. Subsequently, Digvijaya Singh had filed a defamation case against Uma Bharti in November 2003. The case has been in court since then.

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UMA TO BE PRESENT BEFORE COURT ON OCT 19



The court has ordered the warrant be executed through the SSP Bhopal and has demanded that the union minister be presented before the court on October 19, 2016.

CJM Bhu Bhaskar issued the warrant after Harish Mehta, counsel for the Union Minister moved an application in court seeking a trial without the presence of the accused. Earlier in February, the court had asked Digvijaya Singh and Uma Bharti to be present in court to record their statements as there were chances of a mediation and closure of the case. Digvijaya Singh recorded his statement in court while Uma Bharti repeatedly failed to appear in court.

On Thursday when Bharti's counsel yet again demanded her exemption from presence, the CJM refused to do so and issued the warrant.

Digvijaya Singh had earlier said that he would withdraw the case if Uma Bhatia apologizes to him in court.

ALSO READ:

Yes, Minister! Dolphins get blind because of pollution



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UTSA earns leadership role in multi-million dollar research project

(Sept. 29, 2016) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has been chosen to act as a member of the network coordination office strategic committee for the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) grant. The National Science Foundation is investing $62 million over the next five years into the NHERI grant, which will explore how to limit the damage done to engineering structures by natural disasters.

JoAnn Browning, dean of the UTSA College of Engineering, expressed pride in UTSA being chosen for a leadership role in such a large-scale grant.

The competition is fierce for these large grants, Browning said. Everyone who is a player in the earthquake engineering and now the wind engineering community wants to be a part of one of these leading grants. To be chosen means that there is confidence in UTSA from the community.

UTSA is a leader in the team overseeing all of the universities involved in the grant while working to promote the grants mission. The other universities working on the NHERI grant are The University of California at Davis, Florida International University, The University of Florida, Lehigh University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The University of California at San Diego, The University of Texas at Austin, The University of California at Berkeley, and the University of Washington.

Dean Browning says the impact the NHERI grant will have on UTSA as a whole will be tremendous.

This grant puts UTSA forward as a leader of one of the largest civil engineering grants in the country, Browning said. It examines our nations infrastructure and how we can make it resilient to natural hazards. Having the name of UTSA associated with that large of a grant makes other institutions realize that UTSA is now a player.

Karina Vielma-Cumpian, research fellow and education specialist at UTSA, utilizes her role within NHERI to connect the research to those outside of academia.

My role in NHERI is to facilitate the coordination and communication of education and community outreach efforts across the NHERI network, Vielma-Cumpian said. These activities are especially important because they connect the research work with the practical applications and educational opportunities for those outside academia.

In addition to the worldwide implications of the research itself, the NHERI grant will also give UTSA an opportunity to host a summer institute that will bring educators and students of all levels together.

Since we are leading the education and community outreach component we will be bringing people from all around the country to UTSA for a summer institute, from K-12 teachers to world-renowned researchers, Browning said. We will be able to contribute things to the San Antonio community and help figure out how to get engineering concepts into classrooms of all levels.

Each university will serve a unique purpose to NHERI. At Florida International University a wall of wind has been constructed in order to help better understand the impact that hurricane force winds have on structures. At The University of California at Davis, the campus geotechnical modeling center is being used in combination with centrifuges and shake tables to gain new understanding into the effects of earthquakes on a variety of structures.

The research completed at the individual universities will be examined by the UTSA-coordinated technology transfer team, which includes experts across the nation who will promote the findings for a variety of purposes including writing building codes and determining directives for how certain structures are built.

The University of Texas at Austin will utilize five large-scale shakers that are used to simulate earthquakes. It will also be the site for handling the cyber infrastructure side of the grant. The data from the experiments and research being performed at all the universities involved in NHERI will be stored for future use by the University of Texas at Austin in a cloud storage format

Browning noted that the research will have far-reaching implications on the way society is able to respond to and handle natural disasters.

The primary objective is to reduce hazards so that we are saving lives, Browning said. As we make our infrastructure more resilient, that makes it safe for the inhabitants during those events.

While the NHERI grant focuses primarily on engineering studies, the data gathered can be applicable to many elements of natural disaster response.

Its not just infrastructure, Browning said. Its public policy. Its how we reach out to society and make people aware of how to stay safe in these events. Its how can we structure our reaction time and responses to be more effective. There are a lot of pieces that come together.

Working with top-notch universities from around the country on a grant of this scale shows the continuous growth of UTSA on the journey to becoming a Tier One institution.

The visibility alone gives us credibility, Browning said. It opens a lot of doors for us to be able to be successful on a national scale. As we recruit graduate students they are looking to be a part of these types of projects.

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Defence Ministry today approved a proposal of Rs 1,900 crore for the acquisition of low intensity warfare.

By Mail Today Bureau: The defence ministry has approved acquisition worth Rs 1,900 crore which including augmenting equipment for low intensity warfare in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Among the proposals cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Wednesday includes Rs 330 crore electronic warfare systems for Jammu and Kashmir. The decision comes days after attack on the army camp killing 18 soldiers.



WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENTS

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The warfare system comprise surveillance devices, jammers and other equipment.

The army's proposal to get more anti-tank munitions for practice fire was also approved. These ammunition will cost Rs 405 crore.

A repair facility will be setup for the new submarine Scorpene in the Naval dockyard. The facility will come up at a cost of Rs 725 crore. Six Scorpene submarines are under various stages of construction.

A second weapon repair facility will come up in Port Blair for the frontline warships that operation in the area. It will cost Rs 450 crore.



Also Read

Defence Minister Parrikar discusses security situation with service chiefs



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Two UW Students Finish First, Third in Rocky Mountain HPC Conference Poster Contest

Two University of Wyoming graduate students earned a trip to the International Supercomputing Conference in November by virtue of winning the poster contest at the recent Rocky Mountain Advanced Computing Consortium (RMACC) High Performance Computing (HPC) Symposium.

Pranay Reddy Kommera, a first-year doctoral student from India majoring in electrical engineering, took first prize with his poster project, titled Design and Optimization of a Distributed Memory, Multi-GPU Implementation of a 2-D Discontinuous Galerkin Atmospheric Dynamical Core. Supreeth Madapur Suresh, a second-year masters student from Bangalore, India, majoring in electrical and computer engineering, won third place with his poster project, titled An OpenACC Implementation of a Dynamical Core Component of the MPAS Atmospheric Model.

As part of their prize, both students will attend the International Supercomputing Conference in Salt Lake City (Nov. 13-18), which will expose them to cutting-edge research being performed both in HPC and extreme computing, says Suresh Muknahallipatna, a UW professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the students mentor.

Kommeras poster focused on the design and optimization of multiple graphics processing units (GPU) for a mathematical method -- called Discontinuous Galerkin -- that is used for high-resolution meteorological modeling and weather forecasting. This method is used for an atmospheric model (called a non-hydrostatic model) that uses the latest computer hardware and involves central processing units (Intel CPUs) and graphic cards (NVIDIA GPUs).

His work is designed to improve the parallel scaling efficiency using the Open Accelerators (OpenACC) Programming model.

In todays world, accurate weather and climate forecasting prediction is of high importance. Atmospheric researchers develop many models (simulations) involving mathematical equations to predict weather accurately, Kommera says. These atmospheric models are highly computational and require lot of time to execute. With the advent of sophisticated computer hardware and accelerators, or graphic cards, it was made possible to implement the models in less time than before.

Sureshs poster focused on refactoring of the existing Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) source code -- for both CPU and GPU execution -- using the OpenACC programming model. His work looks primarily at the portability between CPU and GPU, and improving performance by loop optimization.

The MPAS is a collaborative project for developing atmosphere, ocean and other earth-system simulation components for use in climate, regional climate and weather studies, Suresh says. OpenACC is a directive-based approach, which adds a few lines of code to work on both CPU and GPU. By adding OpenACC directives and performing a few basic optimization techniques, Suresh says he was able to achieve a speed-up of almost 4.5 times on CPU and eight times on GPU.

Both students presented their posters based on research connected with a summer 2016 internship at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colo., and research grant work of Muknahallipatna that also was funded by NCAR.

Sponsored by RMACC, of which UW is a member, the annual event brings together designers and users of high-performance computing systems from universities, government laboratories and industry throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Research, education and best practices will be discussed. UW hosted the conference in 2013.

RMACC is a collaboration among academic and research institutions located throughout the intermountain states. Its mission is to facilitate widespread effective use of high-performance computing throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

This years symposium -- which took place in Fort Collins -- featured sessions designed specifically for students, who had the opportunity to learn about careers in the field of high-performance computing, interview and resume skills, and strong production skills. It also featured special beginner-level tutorials for students who wish to learn how to use a variety of advanced computing skills in their research.

The symposium regularly features a series of tutorials covering many aspects of high-performance computing system design and use, nationally recognized speakers and group breakout sessions.

Both students view the upcoming supercomputing conference as a good opportunity to learn more about their chosen field and make valuable contacts.

I hope to receive good exposure to the most recent advancements in the field of high-performance computing, Kommera says. I also will be looking into work of other participants in the field of parallel computing and computer vision, as these are my Ph.D. research interests. It also will be a platform to meet many other researchers and understand the real-world problems they are trying to solve.

Suresh had similar thoughts, saying, in the field of high-performance computing, the supercomputing conference is one of the most important events.

All top companies in the field of high-performance computing will showcase their upcoming technologies, he says. This exposes me to all the cutting-edge technologies in the field. The supercomputing conference conducts workshops and training sessions by industry experts. I believe, by attending these sessions, I can improve my knowledge and keep track of all of the new innovations in the field.

Additionally, Vivaswat Shastry, a UW undergraduate research assistant, also will attend the supercomputing conference, Muknahallipatna says. Shastry was selected to attend the conference based on his HPC research work using NVIDIA Jetson for embedded computing. His attendance is fully sponsored by the supercomputing conference.
UW Religion Today: Are You the King? Jesus and Pontius Pilate

By Paul V.M. Flesher

The exchange between Jesus and Pontius Pilate contains one of the most famous questions of history. When the Jerusalem priests brought Jesus to Pilate, the first question Pilate asked was, Are you the King of the Jews? (Luke 23). All four New Testament gospels have him ask the question in these exact words, and three of them present Jesus as replying, You say so.

For centuries, the most common interpretation of Pilates question by preachers, Bible scholars and other readers is that Pilate shows his secular concerns. Confronted with a clearly religious charge against Jesus, he treats it instead as a matter of politics.

Some interpretations have Pilate worried about whether Jesus constitutes an earthly challenge to Roman rule. Will he use a claim to kingship as a basis for raising a revolt, which Pilate will then have to use his army to put down?

Other interpretations see Pilate as already under suspicion of incompetence by Roman Emperor Tiberius. Pilate thus fears a revolt in Judea led by someone claiming to be king would be blamed on him, and he would lose his position and possibly even his head.

By contrast, a historical understanding of the political world in which Pilate lived makes it clear that his question was a religious one. At this time, Romans knew of a number of people who had been identified as divine, as gods, and all of them had been kings of one kind or another. In this light, Pilates question was only natural given the charges Jesus faced.

Human kings were long identified as gods in ancient Egypt. Upon their ascension, they became filled with the divine power of kingship from the god Ra. Their role was understood as helping the gods maintain divine order (maat) on earth. Upon their death, each one became a full god, and they received worship at their mortuary temples.

More important to Pilate, however, was the deification of Roman leaders, especially Caesar Augustus, whose given name was Octavian. After becoming the sole leader of Rome and its empire in 30 B.C., Octavian was given the title Augustus in 27 B.C. This religious term means illustrious one and indicated his authority over both humanity and nature.

Augustus also adopted the title imperator caesar divi filius, which translates as Commander Caesar, son of the deified one. It refers to his adopted father, Julius Caesar, who had been deified after his murder and was worshipped at a temple in Romes Forum.

During his life, Augustus came to be worshipped as well. Indeed, in 19 B.C., some 33 years before his death in A.D. 14, the earliest temple to the living Augustus was erected. His worship spread throughout the Mediterranean lands over the next few decades. At his death, the Senate officially deified him, along with his adopted son Tiberius who had become emperor.

Emperor Tiberius had been a successful general for most of his life, and he did not seem to have wanted to rule or be considered divine. He was a stolid military man; what did he want with godly honors? So, he dealt with his new position by downplaying his divinity and emphasizing the god status of his predecessor, Caesar Augustus. His promotion of the divine Augustus caused many new temples to him to be built throughout the empire.

Furthermore, Pontius Pilate would have been quite conscious of the Emperor Augustus as a god, for, during Augustus lifetime, King Herod had built a large temple to Augustus to adorn the new harbor at Caesarea Maritima. Pilates headquarters were only a few blocks from the temple.

So, Pilates question Are you the king of the Jews? comes from a religious motive. He was daily reminded that any human of divine status also was a king. The two notions could not be separated in Roman minds. Whether the question was respectful or sarcastic, we will never know. But, it is clear that divinity and kingship went together in Pilates mind. When he later placed a plaque on the cross saying this was the King of the Jews (John 19), the gospel writer would have seen it as a proclamation of Jesus divinity.

In later centuries, Christianity would consider Jesus a king, with theologians proclaiming his divine kingship and artists clothing him with elegant robes, gold crowns and other accoutrements of royalty. In so doing, they caused the world to forget that Roman emperors once were considered gods. Today, many Christians think that Jesus is the sole human ever worshipped as divine.

Flesher is a professor in UWs Department of Religious Studies. Past columns and more information about the program can be found on the web at www.uwyo.edu/RelStds. To comment on this column, visit http://religion-today.blogspot.com.
UW Summer Program Provides Research Experience for High School Students

From left, Johanna Horn, of Sinclair; Sosie Yorki, of Sugar Land, Texas; and Emili Rosado Rodriguez, of Juncos, Puerto Rico, sample water from the Laramie River as part of UWs Summer Research Apprentice Program. (Brian Dominguez Photo)

Like many high school students, Wolf Star Duran spent part of her summer working. But, unlike most of her peers, she conducted a research project and learned about college life through a summer program at the University of Wyoming.

Duran was among 22 high school students who participated in the Summer Research Apprentice Program (SRAP) on the UW campus. SRAP, a six-week, paid research program, provides qualified students with hands-on experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.

SRAP is a wonderful program to give high school students hands-on experience in a lab on the UW campus, says Lisa Abeyta, Student Research Program coordinator. The program helps students see what life could be like in college, and it stimulates interest in science careers.

Students who have completed their sophomore year of high school by the start of the summer program, or are juniors or seniors in high school, at the time of application, are eligible for the program. In addition, underrepresented minority groups and first-generation college-bound students are encouraged to apply.

Based on their interest, students are paired with UW professors or graduate students. Research areas may include botany, chemistry, engineering, geology, mathematics, molecular biology, psychology and statistics. Most students work in laboratory settings conducting research, but some work in other locations such as libraries or in the field.

Duran, of Fort Washakie, researched prejudice and well-being with Victoria Estrada, a psychology graduate student. Duran says she enjoyed a positive experience with SRAP.

Every day, I learned something new, and I just had a blast in the program, she says. I cant express how amazing this program is. Its like I have another family.

The Lander Valley High School junior has set her sights on attending UW. Although she is still considering a major, she says she is interested in Native American studies.

SRAP is funded by the Wyoming National Science Foundations Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research through the National Science Foundation grant.

For more information about SRAP, visit the website at www.uwyo.edu/epscor/fellowships-and-student-programs/srap/.

Participating students, listed by hometowns, research projects and mentors, were:

Basin -- Macayla Stricker, Water Infiltration of Soil on Hill Slopes, Andrew Parsekian.

Cheyenne -- Cameron Miller, The Effects of Phosphorus Hydroxide, Temperature, and Organic Phosphate on the Transformation of Ferrihydrite, Mengqiang Zhu.

El Paso, Texas -- Raul Palacios, The Impact of Habitual Water Intake on the Response to Short-Term Water Restriction, Evan Johnson.

Fort Washakie -- Wolf Star Duran, Prejudice and Well-being, Victoria Estrada.

Gering, Neb. -- Allison Wilson, Motivational and Social Prospective Memory with the Presence of Material Rewards, Angel Munoz.

Gillette -- Irene Murphree, Regional Differences in Violent and Homicide Thoughts, Joshua Reynolds.

Green River -- Sam Bayles, Effect of Post Annealing on Optical Properties of Nanostructures, Jon Pikal; and Andrew Halverson, Effect of Post Annealing on Optical Properties of Nanostructures, Jon Pikal.

Houston, Texas -- Nicholas McDaniel, Birnessite Absorption, Mengqiang Zhu.

Juncos, Puerto Rico -- Emili Rosado Rodriguez, Bacterial Cellulose: Determining Fiber Properties and Surmising Application Potentials as They Relate to the Textile Industry and Inhibiting GCS Expression Using Micro RNAs, Jesse Hinshaw.

Kemmerer -- Jeremy Jones, Beetle Kill Massacre Reconstruction, Heather Speckman.

Lander -- Jacob Nichols, Fire Return Interval Change in the Beartooth Mountain Range, Robert Rust; Fiachra Rottinghaus, Factors Contributing to Errors in Prospective Memory, Angel Munoz; and Nathan Zimiga, Natural Trap Cave: Animals and Climate, Robert Rust.

Laramie -- Steven Yeoman, A Case of the Office Annex Using Performance Measurement Protocols --Basic and Intermediate Levels, Liping Wang.

Miami, Fla. -- Gabriella Gonzalez, Pathogen Threat and Attitudes Towards Immigration, Elizabeth Ferguson; and Anthony Mansur, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Assessment Using In-House IEQ Toolkit Built with Arduino and Xbee, Liping Wang.

Pinedale -- Cristina Aguinaga, The Effect of Race and Previous Arrest on Perceptions of Police Legitimacy, Karlee Provenza.

Riverton -- Steven Makin, Measurement of Soil-Water Content in Alpine Soil, Elizabeth Traver.

San Francisco, Calif. -- Jacky Chu, Bacterial Cellulose: Determining Fiber Properties and Surmising Application Potentials as They Relate to the Textile Industry and Inhibiting GCS Expression Using Micro RNAs, Jesse Hinshaw.

Sinclair -- Johanna Horn, Picky Eating Bark Beetles, Heather Speckman.

Sugar Land, Texas -- Sosie Yorki, Varying Degrees of Urbanization and Its Effects on Water Quality, Carrie Gulvin.
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For the first time, India is going to have a direct flight connectivity with Spain.

By India Today Web Desk: Looks like Delhi is going to have a happy start to this year's winter season. And it will be the globetrotters who are going to be the happiest.

For the first time, India is going to have a direct flight connectivity with Spain.

Yes, you read that right. According to a report by The Times of India, Air India is all set to launch a direct flight from Delhi to Madrid on December 1 this year.

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"This flight will be thrice a week to begin with," Air India Chairman Ashwani Lohani told TOI.

Also read: 8 things you must never eat or drink before a flight



Based on the kind of response this flight receives from travellers, Air India might increase the frequency of the route later. A good example of this is the Delhi-San Francisco flight, the frequency of which is slated to be increased to six times a week from November due to its amazing response in spite of the premium pricing.

Looks like the travellers can expect some more good news in the near future as Air India is also going to add Washington, Houston, and Boston in its list of non-stop flights to the US. The airline currently has flights to San Francisco, New York, JFK, Newark and Chicago. "We are talking to the airports in these three cities and will launch flights to one of them next year," an official told TOI.



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By PTI: Washington, Sep 28 (PTI) People with more than eight dental fillings may have 150 per cent more mercury in their blood, increasing the risk of brain, heart and kidney damage, a new study has found.

Dental surface restorationsor, commonly known as dental fillings, is composed of dental amalgam - a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and other metals.

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The research by University of Georgia in the US, analysed data from nearly 15,000 individuals and is the first to demonstrate a relationship between dental fillings and mercury exposure.

"Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. I think a majority of people have experienced dental fillings, but the kind of materials the dentist uses is not something that is really discussed," said lead author Lei Yin, a scientist at University of Georgia.

Mercury exposure from dental fillings is not a new concern, but previous studies were inconsistent and limited said Xiaozhong Yu, assistant professor at University of Georgia.

"This study is trying to provide the most accurate levels of exposure, which will form the scientific basis to make future risk assessment," said Yu.

It was the first study to control for age, education, ethnicity, race, gender, smoking and seafood consumption, which also contributes to mercury levels in the body, he said.

Researchers further analysed exposure by specific types of mercury and found a significant increase in methyl mercury, which is the most toxic form, related to dental fillings.

Yu said this result suggests the human gut microbiota, a collection of microorganisms living in the intestines, may transform different types of mercury.

Dental amalgam has been the go-to dental filling material for more than 150 years, because it is affordable and durable.

However, about half of the compound contains mercury, a heavy metal known to be toxic at high levels, causing brain, heart, kidney, lung and immune system damage.

New research suggests that methyl mercury may cause damage even at low levels.

"As toxicologists, we know that mercury is poison, but it all depends on the dose. If you have one dental filling, maybe it is ok. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher," Yu said.

People with numerous dental fillings who are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, are most at risk.

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The results show that individuals with more than eight fillings had about 150 per cent more mercury in their blood than those with none.

The study also looked at dental composite resins, a mercury-free alternative for dental fillings that can release small amounts of bisphenol A which may cause developmental or reproductive damage.

The research appears in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. PTI NKS MHN SAR MHN

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Superstar Rajinikanth, who is basking in the success of Kabali, will be shooting a song sequence with actor Amy Jackson in Chennai, say reports.

By India Today Web Desk: A Rajinikanth film needs no promotion. His last outing Kabali is a glowing example. Rajinikanth, who returned to Chennai two months before, resumed the shoot of his much-awaited flick 2.0 last month.

According to The News Minute, the Lingaa actor, who took sometime off from the sets, has once again resumed the shoot.



ALSO READ: After Rajinikanth's Kabali, Sivakarthikeyan's Remo to release in Japan

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ALSO READ: Prabhas to play a cameo in Suriya's Singam 3?

In this schedule, it is said that director Shankar will shoot a song sequence featuring Thalaivar and Amy Jackson.

Amy Jackson took to Twitter and shared a video from the sets.



The first look poster, which will be out in November, is touted to feature Thalaivar Rajinikanth locking horns with Khiladi Akshay Kumar, who plays the menacing villain in the film.



Amy Jackson will be seen playing the female lead in 2.0, which also has Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain in important roles.

Bankrolled by Lyca Productions, the film has music by Academy Award winner AR Rahman and is made on a lavish budget of Rs 350 crore.

Enthiran 2.0, the sequel to the blockbuster Tamil film Enthiran, is likely to hit the screens next year on Diwali.

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Britain is already on the peak of global competitiveness in a decade. But, the status of being the highest is recently at stake as it is reversed by the vote for Brexit, discloses the World Economic Forum. This happens when the people in Britain are asked to cast their votes on June 23, 2016. The electoral commission says there are 46.5 million people who are expected to vote, including all those who are entitled to vote in a UK parliamentary election.

As WEF report is published, simultaneously the government seriously think of a scheme to exit from the EU. Thus, Britain holds a referendum on whether to stay in the European Union on Thursday. Reuters will offer live coverage of the results throughout the night and carry UK Press Association results from each of the 382 counting areas. The ministers are divided, some favor the soft Brexit under UK that would prioritize access to the single market. Some other ministers favor a hard Brexit that would prioritize immigration control in negotiations.

The data collected before the June 23 referendum, shows that Britain had its rise in three places to rank seventh in the past year and this is data is used as the basis for its Global Competitiveness Report according to the body that runs the annual Davos event. UK is remarkably one of the most competitive economies that dominantly reign in the business world.

WEF study reveals that their report complement with the records of result from other global institutions such as International Monetary Fund and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development which state prior to the referendum that Brexit would surely make a big impact that would negatively affect UK in terms of trade and stock market investments. Brexit supporters are challenged with the result of the studies." UK will be able to forge closer trade links with countries outside the EU and will benefit from a reduction in the red tape generated in Brussels." yelled Brexit supporters as they express their sympathy.

"Today's report demonstrates our ability to sharpen our edge and improve our competitiveness. This government will build on that progress, as we demonstrate to the world that Britain continues to be highly competitive and open for business." said the chancellor of Exchequer, Philip Hammond. During the World Trade Organization in Geneva on September 27, 2016, the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, Liam Fox, said that UK should push more trade liberalization after Brexit."The decision of the British people to leave the EU is not symptomatic of looking inwards, but a people who want to take more control over our laws, our money and our borders. We are a proud and outward-looking trading nation." said Fox.

WEF states that UK relies solely on highly efficient goods and labor markets for its competitiveness in which it ranked 9th and 5th among the 138 countries assessed. It also ranked third for its technological readiness and get a higher score compared to EU as a whole in eleven of the twelve categories. Britain scored lesser than EU when it comes to macro-economic development, mainly because of its huge deficit in budget, high debt ratio and poor performance in savings. Though there is a rise in the category of 23 places, UK remains nailed as rank 85th in the world. Switzerland, Singapore and the US top the league table as the creams of crop in the investment world which remain unchanged from 2015.

Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Japan, Hong Kong and Finland are among the top ten countries which excel in global competitiveness.

Though countries which made up half of the top 10 comes from Europe, WEF said it was divided between the north and south of the continent. "For all economies in Europe, maintaining and improving prosperity levels will depend heavily on their ability to harness innovation and the talents of their workforces. Declining openness in the global economy is harming competitiveness and making it harder for leaders to drive sustainable, inclusive growth." said the WEF's founder and executive chairman, Klaus Schwab.
The world banking industries was suprised when Portugal Banks, through its finance ministry informed world trade that its state loans have changed to resolution fund. Along with this manifestation are new arrangements such as extending loan maturities and a protection for the bank against extraordinary payments for the funds.

"The revision of the terms of the contract (on the loans) is backed by the European Commission and reduces uncertainty over the yearly responsibilities of the banks in the future, independently of the contingencies that may arise for the fund," claimed the ministry.

This bank resolution fund received 3.9 billion euros for the 4.9-billion-euro rescue of indebted Banco Espirito Santo (BES) in 2014 from the government. Said bank is formally owned by Portugal's banks which pay interest of the loan.

Opting for a new beginning, Novo Banco which is a new bank was put into life out of BES and is the one which took over the old bank operation and dealings. However, as of press time, Novo Banco, eventhough expected has not yet been sold. This just means that the state is still on a gross state of its indebtedness.

This failure to sell Novo Banco has pushed the Portugal's banking sector face rising costs over the running times. If Novo Banco does not reach 3.9 billion euros, other banks would have to fill any possible shortfall in the sales price the said bank.

Thus, the culprit should be resolved as soon as possible for the longer time that no details are given for the new terms of the loans, the agreement will prolong the maturities of the loan to the resolution fund. This will cause to allow banks to continue paying what they currently pay.

"The revision of the conditions of the state loan to the resolution fund is another measure aimed at ensuring financial stability and reinforcing the capitalization of Portuguese banks," the ministry furthered.


The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, announces the addition of a temporary display: a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver with a distinctive pearl handle, once belonging to Al Capone.

Chief Richard Weber, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, joined the Museums Executive Director and CEO Jonathan Ullman in unveiling this historic artifact. The display opens to the public today, September 28, 2016.

The revolver is a .38 Hand Ejector, Military & Police Model from 1905. It was shipped from the factory in 1925 and sold by Wolf & Klar Co. of Fort Worth, Texas. Wolf & Klar was famous for installing pearl grips on the revolvers it sold It was confiscated in an arrest of Capone while he lived in Miami in 1928. After changing hands several times, the gun was finally seized and forfeited to the IRS in 2004.

The Capone gun represents a connection between CIs past and our present day mission, explained Weber. While we continue to follow the money trail as we did in the days when we brought Al Capone to justice, we are now following the money in the cyber world, bringing todays criminals to justice through innovative law enforcement techniques. The Mob Museum is the one place where you can see that history evolve in its entirety and we are very happy to once again partner with them to display this unique artifact from our 97-year history.

The Mob Museum enjoys an ongoing partnership with the IRS Criminal Investigative Division. An exhibit about Treasury Department agents, Follow the Money, was added to the Museums permanent collection in 2015. The exhibits debut coincided with a Courtroom Conversation, featuring Chief Weber as one of the panelists, about the unsung T-Men who helped put away some of historys most notorious mobsters.
By India Today Web Desk: The trailer for Abhinay Deo's Force 2 is out and it is quite the handful. A sequel to the 2011 film directed by Nishikant Kamat, the film takes place 8 years after the first in the Force universe. The sequel takes off in the spy genre as we see a new antagonist (Tahir Raj Bhasin) kill RAW agents one by one.

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ALSO SEE: Force 2's poster looks gritty and intense like the original film from 2011

From the looks of the trailer, they seek help from Mumbai police and that's where ACP Yashvardhan comes in. As he claims in the trailer after losing his wife, he's lost it. And doesn't mind indulging in breaking rib-cages, smashing skulls with his bare hands. The film also sees Sonakshi Sinha carry along her action-star image after this year's Akira.

The film is produced by John Abraham himself and is his latest attempt to establish himself as a serious physical threat in the Bollywood universe. John previously released Rocky Handsome which saw him play an assassin, and also Rohit Dhawan's Dishoom where he plays the brawny, brooding cop.

Tahir Raj Bhasin is seen doing an almost replica of his performance in Mardaani, where he looms over the film and exchanges threats with the principal characters over the phone, even letting in the occasional bad guy laughter. Force 2 will release across theatres on November 18.

Watch the trailer here:





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Television and radio host La La Vazquez was spotted indulging in the sweetest treats on the Strip Friday night as the new Mrs. Carmelo Anthony picked up her favorite confections at Sugar Factory at The Mirage in Las Vegas (Photo credit: Courtesy of Sugar Factory).

Vazquez treated herself to Sugar Factorys signature Couture Pops, which compliment her sizeable engagement ring perfectly.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Sugar Factory.
By Ajay Kumar: It's sheer fear of apes and dogs that is pushing Gurugram residents to the edge. In almost every hour, one person is being bitten or attacked by these creatures in the Millennium City of Gurugram.

According to a report of the health department, while in 2010 Gurugram reported 698 case of animal bites, the number rose up to 7,809 in 2015, with maximum falling prey to dog bites in Palam Vihar, sectors 14, 16, 18 and 5, Model Town, Krishna Colony and Shivaji Nagar. DLF city phase 1, 3, Sushant Lok Phase 2 and 3, sectors 56, 57, 58 and localities nearby the Aravalli are facing the monkey menace.

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WHAT HAPPENED

"On an average, we have been receiving 24 cases of dog or monkey bites every day. Most cases of dog bites are reported during the night. The victims are usually two-wheeler riders or pedestrians," said Gurugram civil surgeon Pushpa Bishnoi. In just last eight months this year, the health department has provided anti-rabies treatment to 6,354 persons. She added that Gurugram Civil Hospital charges Rs 100 for every anti-rabies injection. A maximum of six injections are required in case of dog or monkey bites, Bishnoi said. Health department officials said that the antidote is provided at a subsidised rate. The cost of the antidote is Rs 350 in the market. The subsidy puts a burden of Rs 15 lakh per year on the health department.

Officials also said that there is a guideline in place; 25 lakh dogs in Haryana 6,354 persons got anti-rabies treatment and Rs 30 crore spent for sterilisation of stray dogs Ape fear here under which whenever a victim seeks treatment at a private hospital following dog or monkey attack, then the Civil Hospital will have to be informed.

Also Read: Cases of animal cruelty rises in Delhi

ANIMAL BITES



As per data with the health department, 698 cases of dog and monkey bites were registered in 2010. The number reached to 5,438 in 2014 and 7,809 in 2015. Interestingly, Gurugram district administration had signed an agreement with a UK-based NGO for sterilisation of dogs as a pilot project under national rabies control programme in 2009. Since then, the Gurugram municipal corporation has sterilised 40,000 dogs. Even then, cases of dog bites are on the rise; and the administration doesn't have any concrete mechanism to protect residents from monkey attack. The latest trouble skyrocketed in Gurugram after the two NGOs that were entrusted with sterilisation of dogs stopped functioning. According to a senior civic official here, the NGOs were functioning smoothly till 2015 but after that their contract was not renewed.

"These two NGOs had stopped sterilising for about a year following a financial dispute with the Municipal Corporation Gurugram. However, new MCG commissioner TL Satya Prakash has settled the issue and the NGOs resumed their work since March this year," the official said. The official also claimed that sterilisation is a long-term project and the MCG is mulling options to monitor stray dogs by installing GPS during sterilisation. MCG commissioner TL Satya Prakash said: "The sterilisation of stray dogs is underway in each ward. It is being monitored by the sanitation department. We are expecting better results after a few months.

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"According to a survey conducted by the Human Society International, there are 25 lakh dogs in Haryana. The state government has sanctioned Rs 30 crore for sterilisation of stray dogs. "However, payment is an issue. We have sterilised and vaccinated 7,000 stray dogs," said an official of local NGO Friendisco India.

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This is the corporations third acquisition in Vietnam within 14 months, anchoring the country as its third largest market in Southeast Asia.

CapitaLand will hold a 100 per cent stake in the 0.5-hectare site which will potentially offer 302 units in a 17-storey residential tower and a 22-storey serviced residence tower. The serviced residence will be managed by CapitaLands wholly owned serviced residence arm, The Ascott Limited, under its Somerset brand.

When completed, this $106-million development will be CapitaLands ninth residential project and 19th serviced residence in the country.

Located in the bustling Cau Kho ward of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, the development is

slated for completion in 2018, and will be well-served by nearby amenities such as

shopping malls, cinemas, schools, office buildings, restaurants, and medical facilities.

Connected to downtown Ho Chi Minh City via the Vo Van Kiet Highway, it is a five-minute

drive from the Central Business District and about 10 minutes from the vibrant retail

scene at Tran Hung Dao and Nguyen Van Cu streets.

According to Chen Lian Pang, CEO of CapitaLand Vietnam, this is the corporations third

acquisition in Vietnam since June 2015, a testament to the companys confidence in Vietnams positive economic outlook.

In 2015, CapitaLand was among the top-performing foreign developers in Vietnam, with 1,321 residential units sold at a value of S$226.5 million. Our residential sales continued to perform well in the first half of 2016 with 470 units worth about S$80 million sold, which translates to an increase of about 20 per cent in the sales value and volume on a year-on-year basis. We are confident that our residential developments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will continue to attract homebuyers and investors seeking quality, well-designed, and well-located homes with good potential for appreciation in value, Pang said.

This latest site acquisition in District 1, which will potentially yield 102 residential units, will

bring CapitaLands total residential portfolio in Vietnam to about 9,100 homes.

Following Vietnams legislative changes in July 2015 authorising foreign investment and ownership of real estates, CapitaLand has launched three of its Vietnamese residential developmentsThe Vista, Vista Verde, and Seasons Avenue (Summer Suites Tower)in Singapore. These were well-received with over 130 units sold to date, while about 80 per cent of the launched units at its residential developments Mulberry Lane, Seasons Avenue, The Vista, PARCSpring, and Vista Verde have been sold.
On September 27, the Danang Hi-Tech Park Management Board handed over an area of 7.7 hectares to Danapha to develop a complex including a nano and biotechnology pharmaceutical factory and a hi-tech research and development centre, with a total investment capital of VND1.5 trillion ($67.5 million).

Earlier in June, the Danang Hi-Tech Park Management Board granted the investment certificate for the investor to start construction in January 2017. According to plans, the project will be implemented in three phases. The first phase, with an investment capital of VND500 billion ($22.5 million), will have an annual output capacity of 1 billion tablets, while the second and third phases will provide an output capacity of 100 million units of injectable drugs. The last two phases will have an investment capital of VND600 billion (427.01 million) and VND400 billion ($18.01 million), respectively.

The factory is expected to come into full capacity operation in December 2021.

Danapha also started an alternative Asian pharmaceutical manufacturing factory in Hoa Khanh industrial park in Danang in 2009, its first plant meeting GMP-WHO (good manufacturing practices as recommended by the World Health Organisation) standards.

In addition, it has completed research on a nanotechnology-based cancer injection that could lead to cheaper cancer treatment in the central region.
File photo of a remote-controlled drone. (AFP PHOTO / Robert MacPherson)

Airspace around the world's busiest airport for international flights was closed between 8:08 and 8:35 am (0408 and 0435 GMT) "due to unauthorised drone activity," Dubai Airports said on its Twitter account.

"We are working to minimise inconvenience," it added.

"Safety is our top priority and we remind all UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operators that activities are not permitted within five kilometres (three miles) of any airport or landing area."

Those found guilty of flying drones within that limit are liable to heavy fines in the United Arab Emirates.

But since the earlier incident on June 12, which forced Dubai airport to close for 69 minutes, the UAE authorities have announced their intention to tighten the rules on the purchase and use of drones and the penalties for violating them.

Around 100 airlines fly to more than 260 destinations from Dubai, which is also home to major carrier Emirates.

More than 78 million passengers travelled through the airport last year.
Sales of e-cigarettes, which heat nicotine-laced liquid into vapor, have been rising steadily since the first went on sale in 2007 in the UK. Since 2012, they have replaced nicotine patches and gum to become the most popular choice of smoking cessation aid in England.

However, public health experts have two alternative ways of looking at e-cigarettes. Negative views focus on possible side-effects and the risk that vaping could supplement rather than replace smoking and even inspire young people to take up real cigarettes. But a more positive view is gaining support.

Many public health specialists think e-cigarettes, or vapes, which do not contain tobacco, are a lower-risk alternative to smoking. Unlike nicotine chewing gum and patches, they mimic the experience of cigarette smoking because they are hand-held and generate a smoke-like vapor.

E-cigarettes may have helped about 18,000 people in England to give up smoking in 2015, according to new research by University College London (UCL) which was most recently published in the British Medical Journal, according to UCL portal. Researchers at the UCL Behaviour Research Centre analysed data from the Smoking Toolkit study  which provides the latest information on smoking and smoking cessation in England  and data on the percentage of the smokers who set a quit date with Stop Smoking Services.

The Cochrane Review, the international not-for-profit organisation preparing, maintaining and promoting the accessibility of systematic reviews of the effects of health care, also found that there were no serious side effects associated with e-cigarette use. In the second analysis, a review published by the Cochrane Library, researchers also found e-cigarettes may help people quit but said there is not yet enough evidence from the best type of studies - randomised controlled trials - to be sure.

Prof John Britton, director of the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies at Nottingham University, was quoted by the Financial Times as saying that although still controversial, there is a growing consensus among UK health organisations that e-cigarettes, by enabling smokers to consume nicotine without the lethal cocktail of toxins in tobacco smoke, could prevent a substantial proportion of otherwise inevitable premature mortality and morbidity among the nine million smokers in the UK.
Illicit fertiliser production plants dominate the market. - Photo thanhnien.vn

Corralling the rogue fertiliser market is a pressing concern for the Vietnamese government, in a country where the economy is significantly reliant on agricultural production; agriculture currently accounts for 20 per cent of economic growth.

Nguyen Hac Thuy, General Secretary of Viet Nam Fertiliser Association, said weak management of the fertiliser can be sourced to overlaps between ministries, lack of transparency and inadequate deterrence. These factors have wrought disorder from production to distribution. The prevalence of fake and poor-quality products has caused economic damages worth billions of dollars and upturned the livelihoods of farmers.

The association's investigation found many fertiliser products labeled "53 per cent nutrient content" on its package  with actual nutrient content only at 3 per cent, Thuy said. He cited assessments of the Institute of Criminal Sciences, which also found that the nutrient content of some samples was only at 1,9 per cent, and the remaining was all limestone power.

"The quality of fake fertilisers are no different to natural land in many regions," Thuy said.

He added that the association surveyed about 80 per cent of the provinces and cities and found that there were more than 800 fertiliser production plants across the country.

Thuy said that punishments for producing and trading fake and poor-quality fertilisers were not strong enough. He also questioned why many poor-quality fertilisers passed tests.

According to Dam Thanh The, Standing Office Chief of the National Steering Committee for Combating Against Smuggling, Commercial Frauds and Counterfeit Goods, the sources of disorders in the fertiliser market are varied. He specifically pointed to management overlap between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade and to a surplus of leniency toward offenders.

Nguyen Huy Cuong, Deputy Director of the Plantation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, pointed to another source of troubles. In the world, there were around 300 standard kinds of fertilisers. In Viet Nam, there are a whopping 7,000, causing confusion in differentiating genuine from fake products.

Cuong also agreed that it is not effective that two ministries managed one product. Under Decree No 202/2013/ND-CP, inorganic fertiliser is under the management of industry and trade ministry while the agriculture ministry is in charge of managing organic fertiliser. This also caused difficulties for firms, Cuong said.

Experts at the conference proposed that a single ministry should take charge of fertiliser management. In addition, fertiliser regulations should be amended towards specifying local authorities' accountability.

Additionally, punishments on violators must be sufficiently deterrent, experts said.

The association also urged checks to eliminate plants which did not meet requirements in order to reorganise the fertiliser market.
illustration photo

In September, rapidly-growing Asian property portal, Dot Property, opened an office in Ho Chi Minh City, after seeing increased traffic on its website.

Dot Property Vietnam, which began operating earlier this year, is the most recent addition to the growing Dot Property network. Dot Property sees huge potential in Vietnam, given the always-online lifestyle of the target market  which finds the Internet to be the most accessible tool when looking for property.

According to Alva Horgan, managing director for international markets at Dot Property, the growing population of young professionals in the country will be a source of future demand for residential properties.

They will be searching online in greater numbers and our platform is aiming to meet this rising demand, he said. Since arriving, Dot Property Vietnam has already signed some of the countrys leading property developers, real estate agents, and other companies, and that number continues to grow on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, TimHome.vn is the recently launched local arm of international real estate technology company Homsters.com. The firm has raised over $1 million from various Vietnamese and international investors who believe in the team, the business model, and in the potential of the Vietnamese market.

Andrew Olejnik, co-founder of Homsters.com and CEO of TimHome.vn said, We are constantly in discussion with venture capital companies and investors from around the world, attracting additional equity to fuel our growth in Vietnam.

We estimate that within the next couple of years we will invest an additional $3-5 million in development. We understand that the real estate market is a very complex one and we are ready to continue investing to create a market leader, he added.

According to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Vietnam, project information transparency has notably improved in the residential market. In recent years, numerous policies and regulations in terms of transparency have been implemented.

More recently, a list of mortgaged projects at local commercial banks has also been published, in response to the local authorities request for more clarity on project status across the second city. These steps are collectively being seen as positive actions to promote transparency in the market.

Trang Le, manager of research and consulting at JLL Vietnam, said, With the development of advanced technology and an influx of capital into the Vietnamese real estate market, transparency will need further enhancement in the future.

She noted that sophisticated technology will provide a better tool for improving market transparency, and the strong influx of capital will push the demand for transparency to a higher level than previously seen.
Central Mining and Mineral Import Export Joint Stock Company (MTM) is among 48 "black-list" stocks on the unlisted market announced by HNX on September 29.-Photo vietstock.vn

The stocks which were listed in the warning set of the investors UpCOM trading system included four stocks that were suspended from trading -- Central Mining and Mineral Import Export Joint Stock Company (MTM), Tay Bac Minerals Investment KTB Phu Thinh Metallurgy JSC, PTK Viet Hai Shipping & Real Properties Corporation VSP JSC, and Shipping and Real Estate Vietnam Customs -- showed serious violations in disclosure obligations.

Also on the warning list were 34 enterprises with no positive equity between December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2016. Compared with the previous warning list, it was an increase of five enterprises. The list included Su Pan 2 Hydroprwer JSC (SP2), Dong Nai Roofsheet And Construction Material JSC (DCT), Song Da 1 JSC (SD1) and AnViFish Joint Stock Company (AVF), as well as Bienhoa Concrete Joint Stock Company (BHC), Dong Do Marine(DDM), Giai Phong Motor Joint Stock Company (GGG) and Vietnam Sea Transport and Chartering Joint Stock Company (VST), along with Mien Trung Petroleum Construction JSC (PXM) and PetroVietnam-Nghe An Construction JSC (PVA).

There were seven businesses that refused to hand over their audited financial statement in 2015 -- BVG Investment Joint Stock Company (BVG), Song Da-Thang Long Join Stock Company (STL), Song Da 1 JSC (SD1) and AnViFish Joint Stock Company (AVF), as well as Central Petroleum Construction (PXM), Sara Vietnam JSC (SRA) and Viet Nam Construction Joint Stock Company No11 (V11).

In addition, they were also firms that showed their audited financial statement in 2014 and/or 2015, such as FBA International Group Corporation (FBA), Cement Joint Stock Company Song Lam 2 (PX1) and Viky Plastic Joint Stock Company (VKP).

Specifically, Petroleum Saigon Construction And Investment JSC (PSG), Cadovimex Seafood Import-Export & Processing JSC (CAD) and Song Da 27 SJC (S27) had negative equity and their financial statements differed from the audited ones.
By PTI: From Aditi Khanna

London, Sep 29 (PTI) The UK has witnessed a "horrible spike" in hate crimes in London following Britains referendum in favour of an exit from the European Union (EU), Scotland Yard commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said.

At a hearing at Londons City Hall yesterday, he said that hate crime was showing signs of decreasing after a sharp rise in June and July, but it had still not returned to pre-referendum levels.

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"We saw this horrible spike after Brexit," he said.

While he stressed that the spike may not be "absolutely down to Brexit" but some of them were attributed to it because of what was said at the time.

He noted: "Eastern Europeans were particularly targeted within the race-hate crime (category). So there certainly was a spike related to it. We have fortunately seen it start to come back down, but Im not sure we can say yet it is back to previous levels."

According to the Guardian, data presented at the hearing by the London mayors evidence and insight team showed a 16 per cent increase in hate crime in the 12 months to August.

It also showed that in the 38 days after the referendum there were more than 2,300 recorded race-hate offences in London, compared with 1,400 in the 38 days before the vote.

"The absolute numbers are low, but we think it is massively under-reported (crime). Sadly, people dont tell us about the harassment and the abuse that we know will go on out there," Hogan-Howe said.

Sophie Linden, Londons deputy mayor for policing, who was hosting the hearing, said she was still getting daily reports about hate crime in the capital.

"It is worrying that it does not appear to have gone back down to pre-referendum levels," she said.

Earlier, figures from the UKs National Police Chiefs Council have shown a 49 per cent rise in hate crime incidents to 1,863 in the last week of July across England, Wales and Northern Ireland compared with the previous year.

A survey had found that European embassies in Britain had logged dozens of incidents of suspected hate crimeand abuse against their citizens since the referendum on June 23. PTI AK UZM AKJ UZM

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The current Le Minh Xuan industrial zone and the digitally illustrated expansion zone to be completed by BCCI, as approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc-Photo bcci.com.vn

The expansion project, with total area of 109ha, is initiated by Viet Nam's Binh Chanh Construction Investment Shareholding (BCCI).

From December 2016 to December 2023, construction of basic infrastructure, roads, drains and sewage systems, as well as water and electricity supplies, will be completed, with focus on the construction of a waste water treatment factory from 2017 to 2023.

The project begins operation from the second quarter of 2017. Total project investment is some VND1.147 trillion (US$51.4 million).

The expansion project will take place in Tan Nhut Ward and Le Minh Xuan Ward, next to the current Le Minh Xuan industrial zone, west of HCM City.

The prime minister assigned HCM City People's Committee to directly monitor the project till its completion. Additionally, he urged relevant authorities to cooperate with BCCI to provide compensation, site clearing and relocation of households whose land has been taken for the project.
Photo: VGP

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the statement at a reception for Chairman of the RoKs GS Group Huh Myung Soo in Ha Noi on September 28.

The PM welcomed and called on GS Group to continue expanding its investment activities in Viet Nam.

He asked the parties to fully realize all commitments in investment cooperation projects in the country in a spirit of mutual benefit.

Huh Myung Soo thanked the Vietnamese government for favoring GSs operation in Viet Nam over the past years, noting that the group has engaged in many infrastructure projects in the country.

GS would make continuous contributions to Viet Nams socio-economic development and exert efforts to fulfill its investment commitments in the country, he affirmed.

On the same day, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception for Global Business Advising Director at the RoKs CJ Group, Jung Young Soo, during which the government leader emphasized Viet Nams constant efforts to improve the investment climate and create the best conditions for foreign businesses, including RoK companies.

He underlined Viet Nams attempts to maintain macroeconomic stability, a high economic growth and a peaceful and stable political environment so that foreign investors would feel assured to do business in the country.

The PM applauded CJ Groups investment expansion in Viet Nam and voiced his belief that the company would be successful as its investment fields suit Viet Nams interest.

A community of 130,000 Korean people in Viet Namwould facilitate CJ to boost food processing in the country, he said, expressing his hope that CJ would contribute to enhancing the quality of products and advertising the trademarks of Vietnamese farm produce to the world.

Jung Young Soo said he was impressed by the Vietnamese governments determination to build aconstructive government of integrity to service the people and enterprises. He affirmed that GJ Group would exert efforts to develop its investment activities in Viet Nam.
Environmental violations by many production enterprises have raised questions on consequences of unclear regulations

Early next month, the Dong Nai Peoples Committee is expected to announce the results of an investigation into Malaysias Chin Well Fasteners (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. The scrutiny comes in response to pollution in the provinces Nhon Trach 3 Industrial Park, where last month, the firm was caught discharging untreated wastewater into the surroundings.

The firm [which makes screws, nuts, and bolts] has admitted its violations. Relevant agencies are investigating to make a precise assessment, said the committees Deputy Chairman Vo Van Chanh. The firms environmental impact assessment (EIA) report will also be examined.

Chin Well Fasteners EIA report was made before the firm was licensed to invest in Vietnam.

At a recent Hanoi-based conference for reviewing Vietnams business regulations, former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Manh Hien said the Chin Well Fasteners scandal is of a type often seen in Vietnam.

One of the biggest causes behind Vietnams growing environmental pollution is the overlapping regulations on EIA in the Law on Investment (LoI) and the Law on Environmental Protection (LEP), and poor-quality EIA reports, Hien said. This overlapping, in addition to many enterprises neglect in environmental protection and failure in making sound EIA reports, has led to serious pollution.

Overlapping regulations

An EIA report consists of an analysis and prediction of a projects potential impacts on the environment. By examining this report, experts can propose measures to protect the environment when the projects are implemented.

Under the LEP, an EIA report is a mandatory legal procedure for investment projects in Vietnam. The report is appraised by managers, scientists, and representatives of localities where the projects are located.

However, in a study on Vietnams business procedures recently announced by the US Agency for International Development and the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), enterprises are finding it difficult to conduct EIA procedures, because the procedures are different in the LoI and in the LEP.

Under Point A of Clause 2 of the LEPs Article 25, the evaluation and adoption of an EIA report by environmental authorised agencies is a basis for investment-related agencies to make decisions on an investment projects approval.

In the case of Chin Well Fasteners, this meant that the EIA report had to be completed and approved before the investor could ask for investment approval from the authorised agencies.

But the regulations set forth in the LoI contradict this. This law does not require the investor to submit an official decision on a completed EIA.

In reality, it is very costly and complicated to conduct an EIA report, and for the report to be considered and approved. Thus if the investor makes the report before they are allowed to implement the project, they will face great risks, Hien said.

Also, if they make the report before being allowed to implement the project, the report will not have sufficient information about the project. Thus localities are suggesting that the report should be made and approved after the investment of the project is approved.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said that The current regulation on EIA has proved infeasible, making it hard to have high-quality EIA reports. As a result, due to many enterprises disregard of environmental protection, environmental disasters have occurred.

Aftermath

Recently, the public was shocked by the biggest environmental scandal ever reported in Vietnam - an April water pollution crisis caused by Taiwans Formosa Plastics, which operates a $10.5 billion steel and port complex in the central province of Ha Tinhs Vung Ang Economic Zone.

The firm has to pay $500 million in compensation for the deaths of over 100 tonnes of fish, and for adversely affecting the sea environment of four central coastal provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue.

Some other firms have also faced strict punishments. For instance, Taiwans Mei Sheng Textile Vietnam Company, in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, recently tallied a fine of $29,000 for its recklessness towards the environment.

Two weeks ago, the Dong Nai Peoples Committee imposed a fine of VND205 million ($9,320) on Taiwans Header Plan Co., Ltd., a mechanical product producer based in the provinces Vinh Cuu district. The firm was found to have directly discharged untreated wastewater into the environment, causing great damage to the surroundings. The pollutants exceeded permissible limits by five times.

In another case, Hong Kong-backed Lee & Man Paper Co., Ltd., the investor of a $1.2 billion paper production factory in the southern province of Hau Giang, is now facing inspection by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE).

Many associations, experts, and residents are concerned that this factory, the biggest of its type in Southeast Asia, could cause serious environmental pollution if its waste treatment system is not scrutinised before starting operation this month.

The project could annually discharge about 28,500 tonnes of toxic substances into the environment.

All these projects are said to have very poor-quality EIA reports made before their investment proposals were approved. For example, the MoNRE said the EIA report for the Formosa Plastics project is inadequate, as it lacks details.

Experts attributed Vietnams increasing environmental pollution to careless EIAs. In some cases, EIAs are even copied from one project to another. For example, the EIA reports of Song Tranh 2 and A Vuong hydropower projects in the central province of Quang Nam are almost the same.

According to a UNDP survey, under the law, Vietnams coal-fired power plants must be designed and built with measures to limit environmental impacts, as specified in EIA reports that are mandatory for such investment projects. However, the plants do not always adhere to these commitments or are slow to implement them.

In one distressing example, the $1.38 billion, 1,200 megawatt Vinh Tan 2 thermal power plant in the central province of Binh Thuan currently produces 4,400 tonnes of waste per day, which has caused widespread dust pollution of fields, settlements, and homes since January 2014.

Recommendations

Both the MoNRE and CIEM recommend that Point A of Clause 2 of the LEPs Article 25 be revised in such a manner that the procedures for approving the EIA report should be conducted only after the projects investment is approved by authorised agencies.

Currently, the EIA report is often used only as an administrative procedure for the project to be invested. So it is recommended that the report be appraised during or after the process of considering the licensing of the project, said Minister Tran Hong Ha. At this point, the investor can have full information and data to make the report.

If investors refuse to make an EIA, or if the EIA is of low quality, their projects will not be implemented, he stressed.

At a recent meeting between the MoNRE and Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung, Dung stressed that environmental pollution has worsened due to direct waste discharges into lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and seas by production factories.

Dung required the local authorities to thoroughly study EIA reports and environmental protection construction works before allowing enterprises to implement their projects.

Investment certificates should be given to projects that meet environmental requirements. All violators must be strictly punished, he said.

Experts warned that if the overlapping regulations on EIA fail to be removed, and crack-downs are not applied on polluters like Chin Well Fasteners, Formosa Plastics, Header Plan, and Mei Sheng, the number of polluters will be likely to increase.
With hub of cheap drugs around, the once-thriving Kazhipally lake in Hyderabad has become a superbug hotspot

By Reuters: Centuries ago, Indian princes would bathe in the cool Kazhipally lake in Medak. Now, even the poorest villagers here in India's baking south, point to the barren banks and frothy water and saying that they avoid going anywhere near it.

A short drive from the bustling tech hub of Hyderabad, Medak is the heart of India's antibiotics manufacturing business: a district of about 2.5 million that has become one of the world's largest suppliers of cheap drugs to most markets, including the United States.

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But community activists, researchers and some drug company employees say the presence of more than 300 drug firms, combined with lax oversight and inadequate water treatment, has left lakes and rivers laced with antibiotics, making this a giant Petri dish for anti-microbial resistance.

"Resistant bacteria are breeding here and will affect the whole world," said Kishan Rao, a doctor and activist who has been working in Patancheru, a Medak industrial zone where many drug manufacturers have bases, for more than two decades.

Drugmakers in Medak, including large Indian firms Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd and Hetero Drugs Ltd, and U.S. giant Mylan Inc, say they comply with local environmental rules and do not discharge effluent into waterways.

National and local government are divided on the scale of the problem. While the Central Pollution Control Board (PCB) in New Delhi categorizes Medak's Patancheru area as "critically polluted", the state PCB says its own monitoring shows the situation has improved.

The rise of drug-resistant "superbugs" is a growing threat to modern medicine, with the emergence in the past year of infections resistant to even last-resort antibiotics. In the United States alone, antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause 2 million serious infections and 23,000 deaths annually, according to health officials.

Thirteen leading drug makers promised last week to clean up pollution from factories making antibiotics as part of a drive to fight the rise of drug-resistant superbugs, while United Nations member countries pledged for the first time to take steps to tackle the threat.

ALSO READ: IIT Madras students invent water robot to check pollution

MAJOR EARNER

Patancheru is one of the main pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs in Telangana state, where the sector accounts for around 30 percent of GDP, according to commerce ministry data. Drug exports from state capital Hyderabad are worth around $14 billion annually.

Local doctor Rao pointed to studies by scientists from Sweden's University of Gothenburg that have found very high levels of pharmaceutical pollution in and around Kazhipally lake, along with the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes.

The scientists have been publishing research on pollution in the area for nearly a decade. Their first study, in 2007, said antibiotic concentrations in effluent from a treatment plant used by drug factories were higher than would be expected in the blood of patients undergoing a course of treatment. That effluent was discharged into local lakes and rivers, they said.

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"The polluted lakes harboured considerably higher proportions of ciprofloxacin-resistant and sulfamethoxazole-resistant bacteria than did other Indian and Swedish lakes included for comparison," said their latest report, in 2015, referring to the generic names of two widely used antibiotics. Those findings are disputed by local government officials and industry representatives.

The Hyderabad-based Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association of India (BDMAI) said the state pollution control board had found no antibiotics in its own study of water in Kazhipally lake. The state PCB did not provide a copy of this report, despite several requests from Reuters.

"I have not seen any credible report that says that the drugs are no longer there," Joakim Larsson, a professor of environmental pharmacology at the University of Gothenburg who led the first Swedish study and took part in the others, told Reuters by email. "There might very well have been improvements, but without data, I do not know."

ALSO READ: 25-year-old stuns medical community with possible solution to antibiotic-resistant superbugs



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WATER TREATMENT

Local activists and researchers say the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) built in Medak in the 1990s was ill-equipped to handle large volumes of pharmaceutical waste.

After protests and court cases brought by local villagers a 20-km (12-mile) pipeline was built to take effluent to another plant near Hyderabad. But activists say that merely diverted the problem - waste sent there, they say, mixes with domestic sewage before the treated effluent is discharged into the Musi river.

A study published this year by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, found very high levels of broad-spectrum antibiotics in the Musi, a tributary of the Krishna, one of India's longest rivers.



Local government officials responsible for the plants did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Nearly a dozen current and former officials from companies producing medicines in Patancheru told Reuters that factory staff from various firms often illegally dump untreated chemical effluent into boreholes inside plants, or even directly into local water bodies at night.

All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity and Reuters was unable to independently verify those allegations. Major manufacturers in the area, including Dr Reddy's and Mylan, said they operated so-called zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology and processed waste onsite.

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"Mylan is not dumping any effluent into the environment, borewells or the CETP," said spokeswoman Nina Devlin. Dr Reddy's said it recycled water onsite and complied with all environmental regulations.

The same industry officials who spoke to Reuters said the pollution control board rarely checked waste-treatment practices at factories, adding that penalties for breaches were meager.

The Telangana state government did not respond to requests for comment. "We are aware some companies are releasing more than the allowed effluent, but they are profit-making companies," said state PCB spokesman N. Raveendher. "We do try and take action against the offenders, but we cannot kill the industry also."

Many smaller companies also lacked the funds to install expensive machinery for treating waste, he added.

ALSO READ: Yes, Minister! Dolphins get blind because of pollution

COURT BATTLES

A series of local court cases have been filed stretching back two decades, accusing drug companies of pollution and local authorities of poor checks. In some cases, companies have been ordered to pay annual compensation to villagers, but many are still grinding through India's tortuous legal system.

Wahab Ahmed, 50, owns five acres of land near the shores of Kazhipally lake, where he grew rice until a decade ago. He says the worsening industrial pollution from several nearby pharmaceutical factories left his land barren.

"We have protested, sued, and done all sorts of things over the years ... that's how some of us are now getting around 1,700 rupees (roughly $20) a year from the companies," he said. "But what can you do with that small sum today?"

More than 200 companies were named as respondents in the case he was referring to, filed by a non-profit organization on behalf of villagers. While pollution of farmland is a serious problem for villagers who depend on it for their livelihood, the potential incubation of "superbugs" in Medak's waterways has wider implications.

The issue is particularly worrisome in India, where many waterways also contain harmful bacteria from human sewage. The more such bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, the greater the chances they will mutate and render such drugs ineffective against them.

The risk is that resistant bacteria would then infect people and be spread by travel. So far, most of the focus worldwide on antimicrobial resistance has been on over-use of drugs in human medicine and farming.

"Pollution from antibiotic factories is a third big factor in causing antimicrobial resistance," the chairman of one of the world's largest drugmakers told Reuters. "But it is largely overlooked."

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A video showing police receiving training on how to violently disburse protesters has sparked outrage among members of the opposition and political analysts, who said it was intended to intimidate voters.

The training followed a recent call for mass demonstrations by the Cambodia National Rescue Party if the authorities attempted to arrest its deputy leader, Kem Sokha, who was convicted earlier in September of failing to appear in court on another charge.

In the clip, posted online by the National Police on September 23, General Neth Savoeun, the national police chief, said it was the first such training course to prevent demonstrations.

The footage shows officers clad in riot gear advancing on people playing the part of violent demonstrators, firing stun grenades and smoke bombs at the mob.

Savoeun accused demonstrators of not remaining peaceful as promised in the aftermath of a deadly strike in 2013, when authorities shot dead at least five workers and bystanders.

The training, he added, was assisted by three advisors from Vietnams national police force.

They say that Cambodia is having a political crisis, but in fact there is no political crisis, there are only some politicians who are in jail and some non-governmental organization [workers] in prison, he said.

Following a months-long boycott of parliament by the CNRP after its members were targeted in legal cases, which are widely believed to be politically motivated, the party announced it would hold a mass demonstration in response.

Yim Sovann, a CNRP spokesman, said the party had only promised to hold a peaceful protest, adding that the training was intended to intimidate opposition supporters.

[The training] affects their [CNRP supporters] feeling and mood and makes them fearful, he said.

Meas Ny, a political analyst, agreed with Sovann that the training was intended to intimidate opposition supporters.

The forces preparation is a threat to its own people... and a waste of the government budget, he said.
Voters in the swing state of Colorado arent just going to the polls to pick a new president this November, theyll also decide if they want to abandon the Obama administration's signature health program, the so-called Obamacare, in favor of a single payer healthcare system. VOAs Katherine Gypson followed activists on both sides of this heated debate over a first-in-the-nation experiment.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has formally signed and put into force a much-touted peace pact with an ethnic Pashtun warlord who has been designated a global terrorist by the United States.

Thursdays landmark move coincided with the two-year anniversary of the coalition government which has been subject to widespread criticism of its handling of the critical economic, political and security challenges facing Afghanistan.

The fugitive warlord, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, addressed the signing ceremony held at the presidential place in Kabul through a specially arranged video link. He signed the peace treaty on behalf of his Hezb-i-Islami-Gulbuddin (HIG) faction.



President Ghani put his initials on the document as millions of Afghans watched the historic event live on television.



Ghanis election-rival-turned governing partner, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai, lawmakers, prominent jihadi commanders and foreign diplomats were among hundreds of attendees at the event.





In his speech. Hekmatyar urged the government to open peace talks with the Taliban and called on the Islamist insurgency to end fighting and join the peace process.

War is not the way out. We can reach our political goals through peace and reconciliation, said the warlord with a history of war crimes and human rights abuses allegedly committed during the civil war of the 1990s.

Ghani and Abdullah, in separate addresses to the gathering, said the agreement has ensured protection of all constitutional rights of Afghans.

The peace deal is line with and centered around the constitution of Afghanistan. There is no article in the document we have signed that is in conflict with the Afghan constitution,said the Afghan president, asserting the document was finalized with the backing of a national consensus.

It is now time for the Taliban to think about whether they want to continue the war, or come to the table for peace talks, Ghani added.

The peace deal means the immediate cessation of hostilities by Hekmatyars fighters. In exchange, the government will be obliged to grant full political rights to his group and work for the removal of U.S. and U.N. sanctions against the warlord and his companions to enable them to stage a political comeback after years in hiding.

The agreement is the first significant step towards seeking a peaceful settlement of the Afghan war, now in its 15th year.

Taliban fight goes on

However, critics see the peace deal as a largely symbolic victory for President Ghani because Hekmatyars group enjoys influence in very few of the 34 Afghan provinces as compared to the Taliban. Some of his comrades are known to have directly or indirectly joined the national politic process over the years after parting ways with the group.

Skeptics warn against attaching too much hope to peace with the insurgent warlord, who has lived in hiding in neighboring Pakistan and Iran, though his aides say Hekmatyar spoke to Thursday's ceremony from a hideout inside Afghanistan.

It is difficult to imagine that Hekmatyar, who until a few months ago was one day courting the Taliban, and another day al-Qaida, would undergo a sudden personality makeover, unless he felt that he has reached the end of the militant path he started on 40 years ago, noted Omar Samad, a former Afghan diplomat.

Apologizing to the nation for past crimes - in his case going back to a few months ago  is the most sensible minimal response for all those involved in obvious past atrocities going back to 1978.

The reconciliation with the HIG faction comes as the Taliban has intensified battlefield attacks across Afghanistan and made significant territorial gains, inflicting heavy casualties on Afghan security forces.

The Islamist insurgent group has condemned Hekmatyar for entering into the deal with Kabul and has not indicated whether it is willing to quit violence and engage in peace talks with the government.

The bottom line though is that the Taliban has utterly no incentive to join peace talks, said Michael Kugelman at Washingtons Woodrow Wilson Center.

Its scoring many battlefield achievements, so stepping off the battlefield simply doesnt make sense. The Taliban essentially has a why-quit-when-youre-ahead argument here, and its a potent one.

Human rights concerns

Human rights groups and liberal Afghans have deplored the return of Hekmatyar. They continue to blame him for mass casualties his fighters inflicted on civilians during the civil war. But some also point to the presence in the current government of warlords with similar past records who serve with impunity.

The United States designated Hekmatyar a global terrorist in 2003, accusing him of facilitating al-Qaida-plotted attacks against Americans and asked the U.N. to include him on its list of known terrorists.

The United Nations and Washington have welcomed the deal with Hekmatyar. Afghan officials insist they have been assured by their international partners they will help to remove his name from the blacklist.

Critics have called for Ghani and Abdullah to ease internal political confrontations they are currently locked to better address deteriorating security conditions in the country and encourage other armed groups, including the Taliban, to join Afghan peace efforts.

Afghan leaders, however, allege sanctuaries in neighboring Pakistan are helping sustain the Taliban insurgency, and accuse Islamabad of not helping to address the problem.

Kabul infighting

Weeks before the second anniversary of their national unity government (NUG), Abdullah and Ghani went public with their simmering disputes, accusing each other of blocking reforms, fueling political uncertainty.

Political infighting has stalled progress on the NUGs reform agenda, and increasingly were seeing the ANSF (Afghan National Security Forces) fail to take adequate measures to protect civilians," observed Patricia Gossman, senior Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch.

"No progress on the action plan on torture, continuing impunity, and little progress on womens rights. Its not what President Ghani promised, she said.

Both the leaders, however, maintain they are working together to address mutual concerns and dismiss suggestions of a political crisis griping Afghanistan.

Short of a dramatic upheaval, there is no quasi-legitimate alternative to the unity government. No other prescription can, at this juncture, deal with Afghanistans multi-prong challenges, Samad asserted.

Analyst Kugelman said that daunting security, economic and security challenges demand a close working relationship between Ghani and Abdullah.

My sense is that both leaders have made genuine efforts to tackle Afghanistans most critical challenges. Corruption is one area where Ghani has really made some progress. The problem is that both leaders havent been working together on these challenges, due to either disagreements on how to address them or to their simply not being in a position to work together, he said.

A U.S.-mediated power-sharing political deal between Ghani and Abdullah to stave off political violence after the controversial 2014 presidential vote, paved the way for the election rivals to form NUG with Ghani as the president and Abdullah as the head of the newly created office of the Chief Executive.

The political deal required the unity government to organize by its second anniversary a mandatory convention of national and provincial lawmakers to decide whether to amend the constitution to elevate Abdullah to be the executive prime minister of Afghanistan.



In the absence of promised electoral reforms, elections to national and provincial legislatures could not be held in time to convene the promised constitutional Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly) at the culmination of the second anniversary of the government.

The lack of progress has raised questions about the legitimacy of the NUG, particularly of the chief executives office and decisions taken by Abdullah.

Both the Afghan leaders and Washington in the run up to the second anniversary dismissed those concerns, saying the government will complete its five-year mandatory constitutional term regardless of whether the Loya Jirga is held or not.
The anti-free trade movement in Europe has gained momentum in the past year. It was able to mobilize hundreds of thousands of people in countries such as Germany, Austria and Belgium. This has turned free trade deals into very sensitive topics on both sides of the Atlantic and made ratification of an agreement unlikely any time soon.

Long negotiations

The Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement between the European Union and the United States has been in the discussion stage since 2013, and the 15th round of talks will start next week. Negotiations between the EU and Canada on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) have been ongoing for the past seven years.

Politicians say trade deals are important to grow the economy, improve exports, and create jobs. Economic growth has been slow in recent years, especially in the Eurozone. But even those who are said to benefit according to policymakers, such as local business owners, are voicing their opposition to the trade deals.

Guido Korber is a German entrepreneur who runs a technology company in Berlin and often does business with U.S. companies. Not only is Korber against TTIP, he is on the advisory council of a German network of business owners opposing both the proposed TTIP and CETA agreements.









He says issues such as transatlantic public procurement, will not benefit businesses such as his own: There are very few if any SMEs (small and medium size enterprises) that take part in tenders across the Atlantic. More likely they will be local subcontractors for larger public procurement projects, or direct contractors for local projects. This is threatened if the public procurement is opened internationally as this will draw in large corporations.

Difference in standards, quality

The issue of standards and certification is another big obstacle for Korber.



Technically standards for products are on eye level on both sides of the Atlantic. But the underlying standards, test procedures, and certification follow completely different rules.

BEUC is the European consumer organization advising policymakers on what parts of the deals do not pass the consumer test. Director General Monique Goyens says the movement in public opinion is not only about the content of the deals:

Its more about the secrecy and the lack of transparency. That was also one of our major criticisms. We didnt have access, we couldnt contribute to constructive debate as long as we didnt have access to the text. The EU Commission has released its proposal. We are now facing the problem that the U.S. does not want to release its proposal. This means we cant really do our advisory role.

Fears over genetically modified food, environmental protection or lower quality standards for consumer products got hundreds of thousands of citizens in Germany, Austria and Belgium demonstrating against the ongoing negotiations in recent weeks.

Protester concerns

Alain Dabi hasnt participated in a protest since he was a student. He says he had to come out during the Brussels protests in September because the issues are so important this time:

Its about the future for me and my children. I am concerned about the quality of food and the quality of life. We dont want things with less quality.

France suggested suspending the TTIP negotiations, while Germanys economy minister stated the TTIP talks had de facto failed. With elections and referenda coming up in many EU countries, anti-trade deal sentiments are likely to intensify in Europe.

Supporters

European Member of Parliament Marietje Schaake is the spokesperson on TTIP for ALDE, an alliance of liberal and democratic parties in the EU parliament. Schaake says more engagement is needed from EU member states: Those ministers now criticizing the TTIP negotiations for internal political reasons must remember that they were the ones who asked the Commission to start negotiations in the first place.

U.S. President Barack Obama hopes to finalize the TTIP agreement before leaving office, but both major U.S. presidential candidates have voiced their reservations about the deal. European leaders have admitted the unlikeliness of finalizing the pact before January.

Approval of the CETA deal needs the consent of the European Parliament and needs ratification of the national parliaments of all EU member states. A summit between Canada and the EU to sign off on CETA is scheduled for late October.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom feels that not ratifying the CETA deal with Canada undermines Europes credibility, stating earlier this month "if we can't do it with Canada, well then, with whom can we make agreements?"
Philippine officials were awaiting clarification Thursday from President Rodrigo Duterte about military exercises with U.S. forces after he promised to honor their defense treaty but declared joint war games would cease.

The maverick former Philippine mayor famous for his unpredictability and terse rhetoric, Wednesday told Filipinos in Vietnam that joint marine drills would be the last.

His remarks gave one of the clearest signs yet of his willingness to test the limits of a historic alliance that has provided important defense support for the Philippines and helped the United States further its Asia rebalance strategy in the face of an assertive China.

Visiting Vietnam's leadership Thursday, Duterte did not speak to media, but his foreign secretary, Perfecto Yasay, said longstanding treaties with the United States would be honored.

He said exercises with U.S. forces planned for 2017 would go ahead because the previous government agreed to them, while those from 2018 and beyond would be reviewed.

Yasay said the Philippines did not want a military ally and sought diversified relations and no enemies.

The United States embassy in Manila said it had not received any official notice from the Philippine government on the termination of joint exercises. Philippine foreign ministry spokesman Charles Jose said it was possible that a Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States could be abrogated, but that would be up to Duterte.

The Department of National Defense said it is seeking guidance from the president.

"The DND will await further orders from President Rodrigo R. Duterte," it said in a statement, adding its defense secretary would "seek more clarification and guidance."

"As stated earlier, all agreements and treaties with the U.S. are still in effect," it said in a statement. Yasay said Duterte's ruling out of joint maritime patrols with the United States had been misinterpreted, and he was referring only to exercises in waters disputed by the Philippines and China.

While railing at the United States, the country's biggest foreign investor, almost on a daily basis, Duterte has spoken warmly of China and the need to improve relations damaged earlier in the year by an international tribunal that rejected China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Duterte's snubbing of the United States and outreach towards China has added to uncertainty over his foreign policy, which has often been articulated via threats and expressions of a desire for peace.

His visit to Vietnam comes at a time when both countries are undergoing military modernization programs. The Southeast Asian neighbors agreed to a strategic partnership last year, in response to China's more vigorous maritime presence.

Former Philippine foreign secretary Albert del Rosario, who initiated the Philippines' successful arbitration case against China's maritime claims, said the Duterte administration should consider rethinking its approach.
The head of one of Burundi's opposition parties has been arrested and accused of collaborating with armed gangs, police said Thursday.

Gervais Niyongabo, chairman of FEDES-SANGIRA, was detained in the southern Makamba region Wednesday, police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye wrote on his Twitter account.

Niyongabo had been one of the few opposition leaders still working inside the central African nation. Many others have fled to neighboring states and Europe.

Burundi has been mired in political crisis and sporadic violence for more than a year, triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term, which he secured in a disputed election in July 2015.

Opponents accuse the president of violating the constitution and a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005. The government accuses opponents of promoting unrest and accuses them of backing rebel groups, which officials call armed gangs.

FEDES-SANGIRA was among the opposition groups to boycott the elections last year. At least 450 people have been killed in violence that first erupted during protests against Nkurunziza's re-election bid in April 2015.
Shocked by the death of his childhood friend in a road accident, K Ramesh committed suicide by jumping in front of a moving train in Hyderabad.

By Ashish Pandey: In a shocking incident from Hyderabad, a youth committed suicide after his childhood friend died in a road accident. The incident happened under Kukatpally police limit of Cyberabad when software engineer G Harikrishna and K Ramesh travelling on a bike were hit by a speeding truck in Moosapet area on Wednesday.

Pillion rider Harikrishna died on spot however Ramesh, who was riding the bike, survived the accident.

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Shocked by the accident and death of his childhood friend, Ramesh committed suicide by jumping in front of a moving train in Bharat Nagar area.

Both men, in their 20s, were native of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and were living together in a hostel in Kukatpally.

K Ramesh committed suicide by jumping in front of a moving train.

"Both were neighbors and good friends. Here also they were living together. They were school friends," said a relative.

Harikrishna was working with a software company while Ramesh was employed with a private firm.

The police has registered a case and is investigating the matter.

--- ENDS ---
Grozny's Akhmad Kadyrov Mosque, named in honor of the slain father of strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, fills up quickly for Friday prayers.

Built in 2008, the mosque is one of the largest in Europe, holding more than 10,000 worshippers on three floors.

A steady stream of boys and bearded men in Islamic dress shuffle past armed security, who patrol the park-like grounds, and are funneled into the mosque by guards who man metal detectors at the doors.

Ramzan Kadyrov seems firmly in control

Since his appointment by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the younger Kadyrov has fought a largely successful battle against Islamist insurgents who killed his father in 2004.

While occasional attacks still occur in Chechnya, including a 2014 suicide bombing in Grozny that killed five policemen, the number of casualties among security forces has dropped dramatically.

Critics say Chechnya still has a dictatorship

But rights activists argue Kadyrov's iron-fisted methods, such as collective punishment for militants' relatives, make the cure as bad as the disease.

Instead of the dictatorship of the Islamic fundamentalists we get a different dictatorship that is also spreading beyond Chechnya and is a threat to Russia similar to the one that Ramzan Kadyrov is fighting against, says Oleg Orlov with Russias Memorial Human Rights Center.

Putin and Kadyrov support each other

Kadyrov shows a fierce loyalty to Putin, who in return gives unwavering support to the Chechen leader.

Kadyrov has branded those critical of Putin, Russia's opposition leaders, as traitors. In February, he posted a video showing two of them, former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a sniper's crosshairs.

The threat came one year after Chechens connected to Kadyrov were arrested for the killing of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was gunned down just meters from the Kremlin.

Hes a brother of Putin, maybe [little] brother of Putin, says the Carnegie Moscow Centers Alexei Malashenko. And he feels, and he will feel once again after elections, hes able to do everything. Not only in Chechnya but across Russia.

Kadyrov denies having anything to do with Nemtsov's murder, though he praised the main suspect-calling him a real Russian patriot.

Kadyrov's supporters argue his loyalty to Putin ensures a high degree of autonomy, after two bloody wars failed to bring independence, while his strong arm rule maintains peace.

But Kadyrov's status has angered some in Moscows security circles and officials worry hundreds of Chechens who joined the fighting in Syria may return and recruit those disaffected to launch attacks at home.

Potential for violence still present

After the IS (Islamic State terrorist group) will be done away with, as I hope, those who had left legally or illegally, would start returning, says Memorials Orlov. They would face a lot of dissatisfied people here, susceptible to the terrorist propaganda. These people would have experience and that would be very dangerous for the future political situation in Russia, concludes Orlov.

Islamic State's claim of responsibility for an August attack on Russian police in the Moscow region, by men from the North Caucasus, raised concerns about the terrorist group's possible plans for targeting the Russian capital.

Critics warn Kadyrov's interpretation of Islam, which among other things supports Sufism while demonizing even moderate Salafists as extremists, may also drive some to take up arms.

I know that many cases have been forged, says chair of the Civic Assistance Committee Svetlana Gannushkina. And every such case of a man unfairly punished or killed results in new influxes of militants into the underground.

Other nearby governments have done things differently

Orlov cites a largely successful program for reintegrating militants into society in neighboring Ingushetia as an example that Chechnya would do well to follow.

The Commission for Adaptation to Civilian Life for Those who Decide to Cease Terrorist or Extremist Activity, known as the Commission for Adaptation, has operated since 2011.

Similar commissions were created in the troubled North Caucasus republics of Chechnya and Dagestan but quickly ceased to exist as the trend toward increasing use of force took hold, says Memorial.

Meanwhile, at Arguns Aimani Kadyrova Mosque built in 2014 and named after Kadyrov's mother, Chechens continue to pray.
Infrastructure projects designed to open the western Amazon for investment are to blame for deforestation in parts of Peru, Colombia and Bolivia  not coca production, researchers said Wednesday.

Policymakers and U.N. anti-drug officials have blamed coca farming for destroying forests in the western Amazon, but a study from Stony Brook University in New York said this was not accurate based on new analysis of satellite maps and other data.

Instead, deforestation was largely caused by new road-building programs and projects launched by South American governments in the 1960s to settle the Amazon frontier, the study published in BioScience journal said.

"We should be stabilizing the [Amazon] frontier rather than fighting against coca production," Liliana Davalos, one of the report's authors, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Deforestation and coca cluster together in the Amazon frontier, but [the deforestation problem] ... sprung from efforts to develop western Amazonia."

Farmers pushing into new areas of the Amazon where legal systems and environmental monitoring are often weak have been a primary driver of deforestation, cutting down trees to grow crops or using the land for livestock grazing, the report said.

Settlers cutting down trees in order to open lands to grow coca, a raw ingredient for cocaine production, had a negligible impact on forests, it said.

Most of the land in the western Amazon belonged to governments when settlement and infrastructure projects were first launched more than 40 years ago, Davalos said.

Today, land ownership in the region is murky and strong data on who owns different pieces of territory is not easily accessible, she said, further complicating efforts to reduce deforestation.

In the past, governments and U.N. officials said poor farmers move into the forest and grow cocaine because they lack better economic alternatives, prompting aid agencies to develop programs to encourage farmers to produce different crops.

The study argued against this model for addressing deforestation in frontier areas with high levels of cocaine production.

Creating formal protected areas was a better way of protecting the rainforest, Davalos said.

Development projects in the region, where there is often an unclear system of land ownership, should work with Amazonian farmers to set clear forest conservation goals, she said.
Colombia's Marxist ELN rebels said on Wednesday they were ready to start formal peace talks with the government and resolve issues that have so far stymied the negotiations announced in March.

The ELN's announcement comes two days after Colombia's center-right government and the Marxist FARC rebel group signed a peace deal to end a half-century war that killed a quarter of a million people and once took the Andean country to the brink of collapse.

The leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels and the government had announced peace talks in March, but the negotiations have been delayed by the rebels' continued kidnappings and infrastructure attacks.

On Tuesday, President Juan Manuel Santos called on the ELN, Colombia's second biggest rebel group with some 2,000 in its ranks, to free hostages and start the formal negotiation process. The government said the group was holding at least four hostages.

"We're ready for the public phase to continue what was decided on March 30 and find solutions to difficulties," the ELN tweeted on Wednesday.

Inspired by Cuba's 1959 revolution, the ELN has battled a dozen Colombian governments since it was founded by radical Catholic priests in 1964. The group frequently bombs pipelines and other installations linked to Colombia's oil industry.
At least one person was killed and more than 100 others were injured, some critically, when a commuter train crashed into a busy rail station Thursday in Hoboken, New Jersey, near New York City.

Hoboken city spokesman Juan Melli told VOA the train derailed and plowed through the platform during the morning rush hour.

Witnesses reported seeing one woman pinned under concrete and others bleeding after the train crashed through a barrier at the end of the track. The train stopped in a covered area between an indoor waiting area and the platform, causing the collapse of a section of the metal roof.

WATCH: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on victim, injuries

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said the train entered the station "at much too high rate of speed" and "crashed into all the barriers" before stopping.

Christie declined to offer specifics about the cause of the crash but said he thought it was "nothing more than a tragic accident."

Christie said the train's engineer was hospitalized in critical condition and was "cooperating with law enforcement officials in the investigation."

Eyewitness accounts

Passenger Ross Bauer was sitting in the third or fourth car when the crash occurred. "All of a sudden, there was an abrupt stop and a big jolt that threw people out of their seats. The lights went out and we heard a loud crashing noise, like an explosion, that turned out to be the roof of the terminal. I heard panicked screams, and everyone was stunned."

Jay Lopez heard the crash as he walked nearby. "I saw people running and say right away, 'I'm seeking safety,' thinking it was a bomb or something," he said in an interview with VOA.

A female passenger in the second car of the train said she was running late and almost missed the train Thursday morning. "I just caught it in the last minute," she said, crying, still shaken up, five hours after the accident. "It was meant to be." The woman, who wished to be identified as Mariam, said she was lucky to be alive for her two children.

WATCH: Video from the scene recorded by transit employee

Images on television and social media showed extensive damage to the rail station and the front of a train resting beyond the tracks.

Rail service was suspended in and out of Hoboken, located about seven miles (11 kilometers) outside New York City.

Rescue crews were on the scene and investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the National Railroad Administration were sent there.

None of the trains under the control of New Jersey Transit, the operator of the state-owned transit system, are fully equipped with positive train control, a safety system designed to prevent accidents by automatically slowing or stopping trains that travel too fast. The federal government has ordered the installation of the systems throughout the nation, but the deadline has been repeatedly extended at the request of the railroads.

NTSB Vice Chairperson Bella Dinh-Zarr told reporters the safety system "has been one of our priorities. We know it can prevent accidents."

Former Transporation Department Inspector General Mary Schiavo told CNN she suspected the crash was the result of problems with the engineer or the train. Shiavo said installation of positive train control would be problematic because the nation's rail system is "very old" and it would "cost a lot of money to change the system."

WATCH: Hillary Clinton comments on train accident during campaign event

The Hoboken Terminal is a crucial transfer station for thousands of people who commute daily between New Jersey and New York City. It was built in 1907 and has undergone numerous restorations. The station underwent major repairs after being extensively damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
Actor Mark Wahlberg said "the biggest responsibility" for himself and the makers of the new movie, "Deepwater Horizon," was to honor the victims of the 2010 oil rig disaster.

"The oil can ultimately be cleaned up, [but] those 11 men can't be replaced," Mike Williams, oil rig engineer and survivor of the disaster, told Reuters at the film's London premiere Monday.

Wahlberg plays Williams in the film.

"Those were fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles, cousins. We can't replace those guys, and so when they approached me about doing this film, I thought, 'What better way to promote their story,'" he added.

"Deepwater Horizon," scheduled to open in theaters Friday, focuses on the hours before and after the BP rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010, leading to the worst offshore oil disaster in U.S. history.

Eleven workers were killed and millions of barrels of oil spewed onto the shorelines of several states for nearly three months.

In the movie directed by Peter Berg, Wahlberg plays Mike Williams, one of the last people to escape from the burning rig.

Williams joined Wahlberg at the premiere. The film also stars Kurt Russell, Gina Rodriguez, John Malkovich and Kate Hudson, who did not attend the London opening.

"The focus wasn't really on who made what mistakes and who was responsible. Really, it was about the heroics of the 11 people and the inspiring things that they did to survive and help one another," Wahlberg said.

"Deepwater Horizon" examines the decisions concerning safety made by BP executives leading up to the disaster, highlighting the pressure that workers were under to save money as drilling fell behind.

In July, BP estimated the disaster will cost $62 billion.

"I never faulted BP for being a company for profit. That's what fuels our economy. We all use fuel. I get that they're a company for profit," Berg, the films director, said. "Where I think they erred was when they got behind schedule and behind budget, some of the guys from BP pushed too hard, they moved too quickly."

In October 2015, U.S. officials announced an agreement of more than $20 billion to settle federal and state claims against BP over the spill.
The European Union's executive said Wednesday that emergency border checks introduced within Europe's passport-free travel zone by countries including Germany and Sweden to stem a migrant influx are justified even though arrival numbers have eased.

In a blow to European integration, the EU partly suspended the Schengen Area arrangement as member states were overwhelmed by the arrival of 1.3 million refugees and migrants in 2015.

"The border controls have been necessary," said EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos. "The current controls remain within the conditions set by the Schengen rules."

He said, however, this did not mean the five states, which also include Norway, Denmark and Austria, would be allowed to extend the measures once they expire Nov. 12.

He said 5,651 people have been moved to other member states from Italy and Greece, the main gateways to Europe for people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

Most of those who reached the bloc last year made their way north to Germany and other wealthy EU states, triggering bitter political arguments within the union, which is struggling with weak economic growth and Britain's vote to leave.

Avramopoulos said more than 60,000 people are stuck in Greece. Although conditions there had improved, he said Athens had to upgrade reception facilities and access to asylum, and boost protection for unaccompanied children.

Vincent Cochetel, head of the European bureau of the U.N. refugee agency on Wednesday told a separate briefing in Brussels that the situation on the Greek islands was dire.

"The centers were never meant to accommodate so many people, processing has been slow ... the fact that a large number of people on the islands are not processed is creating tension on a daily basis," he said.

Flexible solidarity

The number of people relocated is far fewer than the 160,000 people meant to be shared among EU states. Poland, Hungary and other eastern members have refused to take part and even launched legal cases against the bloc's quota system.

Avramopoulos, who praised Germany and Belgium for taking people in, said he hoped some 30,000 more would be transferred from Greece within a year.

But with relocation failing to progress on a large scale and with the eastern nations refusing to budge, Brussels now says Warsaw, Budapest, Prague and Bratislava would increasingly be allowed to help the bloc's migration efforts in different ways.

They have suggested that out of "flexible solidarity," they could send more guards or equipment to protect the EU's external frontier, offsetting their refusal to accommodate refugees on their own soil.

Berlin and others are not pleased but accept that relocation has proved divisive at a time when the bloc is desperate for unity after Britain's vote to leave the EU.

"We need to bring all on board," one EU official said.

Deal with Turkey working

Avramopoulos also said a migration deal with Turkey, though heavily criticized by rights groups for undermining refugees' rights, was cutting the arrivals to an average of 85 people a day in Greece since June. That compares with more than 1,700 per day before the deal with Turkey was implemented and 7,000 per day in October 2015, he said.

The EU is working on visa liberalization for Turkey in exchange for Ankara's help on migration, but major hurdles remain. The commission said it is seeking legislative and procedural changes to Turkey's anti-terror laws.

Asked if the different EU measures to stem immigration meant there would not be a repeat of the chaos of 2015, Avramopoulos said: "Yes, we are better prepared than before. Europe will not be caught by surprise again."
Burmese Americans are a small, but growing diaspora in the United States, but among those who have become citizens and plan to vote, many say their homeland experiences will impact whom they vote for in the U.S. general election in November.

According to State Department data, nearly 160,000 refugees from Myanmar, also known as Burma, have resettled in the U.S. over the past 10 years. That represents over half of the estimated 300,000 total Burmese living in the U.S.

For many of those who have recently arrived, there are more important concerns, such as learning English or putting food on the table, than the U.S. presidential politics of Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republic Donald Trump.

Memories

When Phyu Phyu Hlaing looks at Trump, she sees more than just the man she wont vote for in November. For the Burmese American mother of two, the Republican nominee brings up painful memories from her distant past.

"Coming from a country like Burma, Donald Trump reminds me of a military-style leader," says Hlaing, who left her homeland in 1983 and watched it deteriorate under the rule of clumsy and oppressive military dictators.

He just wants to get rich, and hes out to clean house, adds Hlaing, a stay-at-home mother of two, who is active in the Bay Area of Californias small, but vibrant, Burmese community.

Nearly a year ago, in a landslide vote, Myanmar ushered in its first civilian-led government in more than five decades.

Hlaing, a U.S. citizen, last year had to reassure her fourth-grade daughter after school friends said Trump was planning to kick immigrants out of the country. Though an over-simplification of Trumps views, the event left her shaken.

The stuff he says, the things he does, it actually makes me worry that I might have to move back to Burma one day, Hlaing says with a nervous smile that suggests she is only half-joking.

Such animosity towards Trump is not uncommon among Burmese Americans, a relatively small diaspora dominated by recent arrivals.

Political reforms

Many Burmese, such as Htet Wint, a college student from Fremont, California, express warm feelings toward Trumps opponent, Democrat Clinton, who as secretary of state helped encourage political reforms in the Southeast Asian country.

"I think it would be very helpful to have an American president who really knows Burma," says Htet.

Clinton made a landmark visit to Myanmar in 2011, meeting with longtime democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who had just been released from house arrest and is now the country's de facto leader.

As the country's generals gradually became more open to democracy, Clinton was one of the main proponents of reengaging with and lifting the sanctions against them.

Clinton has occasionally touted Myanmar's progress as one of the crowning achievements from her time as secretary of state. In her 2014 memoir, she devotes an entire chapter to her diplomatic efforts there.

Though the country still faces severe human rights challenges and is far from a model democracy, conditions have vastly improved, and many Burmese attribute at least some of that success to Clinton.

"(Clinton) was very open to the fact that the Burmese government wanted to express change and open up society, says Htet. "She did play a major role in that."

An achievement for Clinton?

But while Myanmar is clearly a crucial part of Clinton's legacy as secretary of state, is it really such a clear-cut foreign policy achievement?

The reality is more complicated than that, says veteran Myanmar expert Lex Rieffel, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

"I have a serious problem attributing or giving credit to any single person, country, or factor in situations that are very, very complex," Rieffel says.

While the Clinton and Obama strategy of reengagement had a positive effect, the ultimate credit belongs "to the people of Myanmar and to some extent the military, which allowed this transition to start," he says.

In any case, Clinton's diplomatic approach to Myanmar is unlikely to weigh heavily on the minds of very many U.S. voters come election day, in Rieffel's estimation.

For Burmese Americans, though, it could be a different story, at least to the extent that anecdotal evidence matters. In interview after interview, Burmese Americans told VOA they approved of Clinton's experience with Myanmar, and especially her relationship with Aung San Suu Kyi.

Conservative roots

In reality, though, it's hard to know exactly what percentage of Burmese Americans support Trump or Clinton, since there hasn't been a poll measuring their political opinions. The closest is a study on civic participation conducted this year by the Burmese American Community Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Interestingly, the study's authors concluded the U.S. Burmese community is actually conservative on social and other domestic issues. That's partly because most Burmese in the U.S. were members of religious or other conservative ethnic minorities that were persecuted in their home country, it said.

"They are more in line with Republican ideology, says Elaisa Vahnie, BACI's executive director. "But now with Trump, it's a very difficult situation for them."
Going door to door isn't easy  and healthcare reform is hardly a quick sell especially in an election season when armies of volunteers spread out to pitch everything from presidential candidates to voter registration drives to ballot initiatives.

Two months out from Election Day, Julie Perla has the unenviable task of knocking on strangers doors in a Denver neighborhood, asking them to wait while she explains the nations complex, flawed healthcare system, a proposal to fix it and why the TV ads from opponents that run constantly on local channels are wrong.

Perla is pitching ColoradoCare, a citizen-sponsored amendment that would make Colorado the first state in the country to opt out of the Affordable Care Act in favor of an unproven experiment in a statewide, single-payer healthcare system.

Voters in the battleground state of Colorado will play a key role in swinging the Presidential election but the yes or no decision on ColoradoCare will impact the long-term financial health of their state budget and the physical health of every one of its residents.

Converting no to yes



ColoradoCare is deeply important to Perla, who experienced the struggle to insure the sick firsthand when her 19-year-old daughter developed a blood clotting disorder that made her a liability for insurers.



That experience inspired Perla to go back to school for a Masters in public health and she now devotes all of her time to the cause as a regional organizer for the Amendment 69 campaign. But even Perla acknowledges the citizen-driven effort will be an uphill battle to Election Day.

We have such opposition from corporations and billionaires who are opposing this, we are relying on grassroots efforts, she says.

Six years after President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law following a contentious national debate, Amendment 69 volunteers are targeting millennial voters using innovative efforts like a volunteer-built app and YouTube-friendly media events like flash mobs to reach voters. But the bulk of the work is still done the old-fashioned way  through door-knocking and informational meetings.

Today, Perla knocks on the door of a woman who has decided to vote no in November after seeing TV ads that raise the possibility of long waiting lines for doctors and high taxes.

By the time theyre done talking, Perla has not only changed the voters no into a yes  shes signed her up as the newest Amendment 69 volunteer.

Seven-year battle

If we speak to people  they get it, explains Colorado State Senator Irene Aguilar. She has just wrapped up a ColoradoCare presentation for a neighborhood association meeting in her district. The fight for Amendment 69 largely exists because of Aguilar, who is also a doctor and saw the costs of healthcare first-hand working at a safety net clinic.

Unfortunately, I saw people all the time who were choosing between the necessities of daily life and medical care, says Aguilar. She notes that many of those patients ultimately would end up going on Medicaid and Medicare programs once their conditions worsened, ultimately costing the government more money than early intervention and preventative care would have cost.

The problem inspired Aguilar to run for the state senate, where she led four ultimately unsuccessful attempts to pass a statewide system into law. She then joined other supporters of healthcare reform in promoting Colorados citizen ballot initiative, collecting enough signatures to get the measure up for consideration on the ballot in November.

Aguilar says ColoradoCares estimated $25 billion cost replaces the $30 billion Coloradans spend on healthcare costs now, while addressing the needs of 350,000 uninsured people and 870,000 underinsured in the state of Colorado. Opponents argue ColoradoCares cost would double the states budget and cripple small businesses with additional payroll and income taxes.

Were talking about something thats literally saving half the populations ability to live a productive life and have health, she says, and theyre just dismissing it out of hand because they dont understand the complexities of healthcare.

Imperfect plan

But in the small mountain community of Silverthorne, Colorado, Dr. Erin Sain understands the complexities of healthcare costs all too well. Shes carrying out her own form of voter education about ColoradoCare  writing editorials against the amendment for the town newspaper and talking to patients at the dental practice she started five years ago.

As one man waits for a routine checkup at her dental practice, he asks her about the ad on TV about the health insurance thing. She tells him there are many unknowns behind Amendment 69.

The problem is not so much the intention behind ColoradoCare but in its execution, says Sain. Even with a statewide system, she argues, Colorado would still run up against the realities of the overall high cost of healthcare and pharmaceuticals nationwide as well as the purchasing power of insurance companies.

Paying ColoradoCares 6.6% employee payroll tax combined with the 10% income tax, Sain would not be able to sustain her six-person business. Additionally, her dentistry could suffer under the amendments still-unclear medical reimbursement rates, a proposal she says is kind of like asking somebody to apply for a job without knowing what your compensation is going to be.

Sain says its not easy to come out in opposition to any proposal that would fix flaws in the way insurance companies do business and address concerns that have emerged since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

We all want the same thing, says Sain, We all want quality, affordable healthcare. The problem I see with ColoradoCare is that it does not address enough of the reasons why our healthcare is expensive.

Slim chance of passing



That debate is certain to continue in Colorado well past Election Day, when polls show voters will likely reject turning ColoradoCare into law. Back in the Denver neighborhood, Julie Perla acknowledges the possibility that all of her grassroots door-knocking and organizing may not translate into enough votes.

Even if were not successful in November, she says, Were moving the ball forward and were effecting change and people are going to become more and more aware of healthcare reform.
Every year India's northeastern state of Bihar is deluged by floods that submerge roads, destroy homes and wash away crops, leaving the disaster management authority struggling to monitor and assess the damage, and to distribute aid effectively.



But new satellite mapping of flood-prone areas should transform disaster response by equipping authorities with near real-time information about inundated villages, officials said.



Bihar, which borders the Himalayan nation of Nepal, is India's most flood-prone state. More than 70 percent of its total geographical area is at risk of annual floods, which put lives at risk and lead to heavy financial losses.



A major challenge for the Bihar state disaster management authority (BSDMA) has been mapping and monitoring flood-hit areas, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), which works to promote development across the Hindu Kush Himalayas.



Since floods started in the state last month, more than 200 people have died and more than 300,000 have been forced from their homes, disaster officials said.



ICOMOD has helped generate innovative flood mapping for 33 districts in Bihar and an online flood information system that is allowing faster response to a crisis, quicker damage assessment, and better risk management than with conventional methods, said officials from ICIMOD, based in Kathmandu.



"Traditionally, field teams are organized and dispatched to flooded areas to map floods. This can be time consuming and operationally difficult during a flooding event," Shahriar M. Wahid, a senior ICIMOD hydrologist, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation via email.



While "satellite-sourced flood maps alone cannot provide early warning to [the] at-risk population", he said, satellite data, in combination with flood simulations, can do this.



If flash floods triggered by torrential rain occur in Nepal, Bihar's residents can expect to see inundations about eight hours later, according to data from the BSDMA. Wahid said the new flood maps will be most useful for the distribution of relief, assessment of damages and to determine crop insurance payouts, among other benefits.



The project uses satellite technology that penetrates cloud cover, unlike optics-based satellite imagery. This is useful in the Himalayan region where monsoons bring thick clouds.



Flood maps can be generated within five to six hours after raw satellite data is received. The floods are circulated to government officials and relief agencies through a satellite communication network.



Space satellite technology is often touted by disaster relief experts as an important tool in managing the growing number of climate-linked disasters around the world.



But the cost of such technology for developing countries, even fast-growing ones like India, can be a challenge. ICIMOD is able to obtain some satellite data and images at no cost, which it then passes to the government for free, it said.



For many residents of Bihar's capital, Patna, prevention is the first step towards building resilience against floods that are increasing in intensity and frequency due to climate change.



Satellite maps can also aid prevention because they act as a template for years to come, recording rainfall patterns and data from the water department, among other factors, ICIMOD said.



"The very principles of urban planning in Bihar need a drastic review," said social worker Kumar Gaurav.



Planning "must now take into account global warming, intense and concentrated rainfall along with the construction boom that is responsible for high-rises on the Ganga's riverbed and floodplains," he said.
The size of the force left to defend the Islamic State terror group's last stronghold in Iraq has been cut by as much as two-thirds with perhaps just weeks to go until Iraqi forces launch an all-out assault to recapture the city.



U.S. military officials said Thursday IS has only 3,000 to 4,500 fighters left in Mosul, describing the force as a mix of Iraqis and foreign fighters.



"They know they don't have what it takes to stop that offensive," Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman, Col. John Dorrian told Pentagon reporters via a video link from Baghdad.



As recently as July, IS was thought to have as many as 10,000 fighters in Mosul. Since then, coalition estimates have continually revised that number downwards as intelligence indicated many top IS officials and their families had fled Mosul for the group's Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.



Iraqi militia leaders also told VOA there was evidence many of the foreign fighters who had once been based in Mosul were leaving.



Additionally, the terror group's attempt to reinforce Mosul has been "limited" due to U.S. and coalition airstrikes.



"Kind of trickling in," Dorrian said. "What you see is small formations, single digit fighters, people with backpacks and things like that."



"They can't move in large columns, formations and convoys," he said.



According to the officials, those IS fighters who do make it to Mosul are often coming from areas to the north, retreating from towns and villages that have fallen to U.S. and coalition-backed ground forces.



Still, U.S. military officials are expecting the IS fighters left in Mosul to put up a tough fight and use a variety of tactics, including oil fires and chemical weapons, to turn Iraq's second largest city into "hell on earth."



"They show no signs of trying to leave," Dorrian said. "They're fixed in place. That's a good situation for us," he added, referring to the coalition's air power adding,
The Indian Army today said it has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, causing significant casualties.

New Delhi: Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Ranbir Singh salutes after the Press Conferences along with External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup, in New Delhi on Thursday. India conducted Surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Kash

By India Today Web Desk: The Indian Army today said it has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, killing several terrorists and causing significant casualties to their hideouts.

Opinion: Indian Army's surgical strikes should make Pakistan think twice before trying another Uri



"The Army has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC and significant casualties have been caused. The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory," Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) Lt General Ranbir Singh said today in a joint press conference with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs.

India's elite para-commandos. (File photo)

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The Army said special commandos crossed the LoC last night, conducted the operation in the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and returned to the Indian side without any casualty. The Air Force was not involved in the surgical strike. The Army has claimed to have killed at least 38.

Also Read: Claims denied: How Pakistan media is treating India's surgical strike



The entire operation was monitored for the entire night by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval from the Army headquarters in New Delhi.

It was because of this operation that Parrikar and Doval had cancelled their dinner on Wednesday night with the Coast Guard commanders.

NAWAZ SHARIF REACTS



Minutes after India announced on Thursday that it carried out surgical strikes across the LoC on Wednesday night, Sharif denounced what he called was an "unprovoked and naked aggression" by Indian forces.

Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying that the Indian operation led to the death of two Pakistani soldiers.

India Today magazine listed some options for a covert operation.

"Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of our country," the Prime Minister said.

He said Pakistan can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan".

Indian Twitter celebrates 'Modi's punishment for Pakistan', Pakistani Twitter fumes



READ| Nawaz Sharif calls for peace, then praises terrorist in UN speechREAD| All you need to know about Pakistan's nastiest weapon: Tactical nukes

READ| Apocalypse alert: How India-Pakistan nuclear war will kill 12 million, destroy two countries

READ| Sushma Swaraj slams Pakistan at UNGA, says Kashmir will always be integral part of India

"I spoke to the Pakistan DGMO and shared our concerns. I told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night," Lt Gen Singh said.

The Pakistani Army has also admitted that two of its soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire with Indian forces across the LoC in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

Earlier today, India responded to unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan on LOC with punitive strikes. Two Pakistani soldiers have been killed in Indian firing.

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India had on Tuesday announced that it was pulling out of the SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November after the September 18 cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers.

PM Modi had said that the Uri attack would not go unavenged.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:



Also Read:Why India didn't strike Pakistan after 26/11



10 terrorists gunned down in Uri after Pakistan violates ceasefire again



Days after Uri attack, suspicious bag found near Army unit in Pathankot

Tension between India and Pakistan escalated since the recent attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Kashmir which left 19 soldiers dead.

Here is how Pakistan reacted to the attack by Indian Army.

Nawaz Sharif after India's surgical strike: Don't take our peaceful intent for weakness

Moments after Indian Army claimed that it has conducted surgical strikes across LoC, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was the first to condemn it. He asserted that Pakistan too is ready with its 'defence'.

Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying that the Indian operation led to the death of two Pakistani soldiers.

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"Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of our country," the Prime Minister said.

He said Pakistan can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan".

How Pakistan media is treating India's surgical strike

After the Indian Army's statement made it to the news, Pakistani media started updating their pages, showing that Pakistani army is denying the claims of Indian Army's surgical strikes.

Watch: All you need to know about the Indian Army's surgical strikes







Sushma Swaraj slammed Pakistan at UNGA

In a short but sharp rebuke to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's speech at the United Nations General Assembly, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that Kashmir belongs to India, and Pakistan must stop dreaming about claiming it.

"Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India, stop dreaming about claiming Kashmir," said Sushma Swaraj while addressing the UN General Assembly.

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"Terrorism is the biggest violation of human rights. Those criticising India for violating human rights, should first work on their own shortcomings," Swaraj said in her speech at UNGA.

Pitching the idea of working together against terrorism Swaraj said, "We will have to keep aside obligations and differences and work together to fight terrorism. We cannot win the war on terrorism with blame game. Terror strikes across the world is a reminder of where we fall short in countering terrorism."

Uri attack: India shows evidence by identifying handlers, summons Pak envoy Abdul Basit

Earlier in the week, India summoned Pakistani High Commissioner to Delhi Abdul Basit to give him proof of the cross-border origins of the Uri attackers, who killed 19 Indian soldiers earlier this month.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar termed the continuing cross-border terror attacks from Pakistan against India as unacceptable as he presented details of the "handlers" behind the Uri army camp attack.

The attackers came from Muzaffarabad, which is the capital of the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Swarup told Basit as he gave the details of the guides and handlers who helped the four terrorists, who were also killed in the Uri attack.

Modi calls Islamabad sole exporter of terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier gave a strong message to Pakistan, blaming it for exporting terrorism across the globe and impeding economic progress in Asia.

The prime minister said, "We often hear that 21st century will be the century of Asia. Every single country is striving to make 21st century the century of Asia except one. That one country is working to deny Asia this opportunity. It is conspiring to make Asia bloodied by using terrorism."

He further said, "Only one country is exporting terrorism everywhere. It's not a question about India only. This country is exporting terrorism to Afghanistan, Bangladesh and rest of the world."

Watch- Former Army Chief Bikram Singh to India Today: Surgical strikes will force Pakistan to start behaving







Also read:



NIA registers FIR in Uri terror attack, seizes GPS and ammunition from slain terrorists

India slams Pakistan at UN after Uri attack, rakes up human rights violations in Balochistan Uri attack: India to respond at multiple levels, but will the stand be aggressive?







--- ENDS ---
U.S. President Barack Obama has strongly condemned the "barbarous Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes" on civilians in eastern Aleppo.

The White House says Obama spoke by telephone Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both agreed that Russia and the Assad regime bear a "special responsibility" for stopping the fighting and letting humanitarian aid get in.

Secretary of State John Kerry said earlier the U.S. is "on the verge" of suspending diplomatic talks with Russia because of Moscow's continued bombing of rebels in eastern Aleppo.

A monitoring group said Friday Russian airstrikes across the country in the past year have killed more than 9,000 people, including many civilians. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said many more civilians were wounded by the airstrikes.

In Aleppo itself, hundreds of thousands of civilians are stuck in the city. Half of them are children.

Kerry called it irrational to keep talking and take things seriously after the Russians vowed to continue the airstrikes.

Its one of those moments where were going to have to pursue other alternatives for a period of time, said Kerry. He added he is extremely concerned about the future of the Syrian people.

Kerry's spokesman told reporters the State Department is in "active" contact with the Kremlin, but are still prepared to step away "barring some significant steps by Russia."

"We are still prepared to enact that kind of a suspension and we're in consultations right now inside our own government, and of course, with Foreign Minister Lavrov, John Kirby said Thursday.

Washington has pressed Moscow to use its influence to pressure Bashar al-Assad to honor a cessation of hostilities agreement and allow the flow of humanitarian aid to Aleppo and around Syria.

Instead, U.S. officials say the Syrian and Russian governments have intensified their air attacks on Aleppo, targeting hospitals, refugee camps, water supplies and other critical sites.

"There has been a shameful strategy implemented by the Assad regime, and aided and abetted by the Russians, to try to bomb civilians into submission," said White House press secretary Josh Earnest.

Accusations against Russia

U.S. strategy in Syria has focused on degrading and destroying Islamic State. The Obama administration said that while progress has been made in pushing back the terrorist group, more must be done to secure a sustained cease-fire and political transition to end the five-year civil war.

The United States and European Union are accusing Moscow of quashing diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting, a claim Russia has rejected.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Russia has a "special responsibility to calm violence and give a political process a chance" in Syria.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted Moscow still wants to reach a deal to renew the Sept. 9 deal on a cessation of fighting. But, he said, "We have unfortunately taken note of the rather unconstructive character of the rhetoric from Washington over the past few days."

U.N. humanitarian aid chief Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council Thursday that what is happening in Aleppo fills him with "raw grief, dismay, intense sadness, frustration and an unquenchable anger."

"Besiegement is not a weapon of war. It is a flagrant, unjustifiable breach of the law. One day there will be no hiding place for the individuals and institutions callously, cynically perpetrating these war crimes."

O'Brien also had harsh words for U.N. diplomats for their perceived inaction in Syria.

"The only remaining deterrent it seems is that there will be real accountability in the court of world opinion and disgust. Goodness knows, nothing else seems to be working to stop this deliberate and gratuitous carnage."

Russia said it supports a 48-hour cease-fire in Aleppo, but not a longer truce proposed by the U.S.

The United Nations has described the plight of Aleppo as desperate.

Officials say medical evacuations are needed and food stocks are running low. In a city of about 250,000 people, there are only 14,000 food rations remaining, according to U.N. officials.
With more than 120 million Americans expected to cast ballots for president this fall, the nation's voting process seems more convoluted than ever and rife with potential for confusion come Election Day.

Voting rules vary widely by state and sometimes by county, meaning some Americans can register the same day they vote, while others must do so weeks in advance. Some can mail in a ballot, while others must stand in line at a polling place that might be miles from home. Some who forget photo identification can simply sign affidavits and have their ballots count, while others must return with their IDs within a few days or their votes don't matter.

Fourteen states have new voting and registration rules in place for this election, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law. Legal challenges have led to a multitude of recent court rulings that have blocked or struck down some provisions and upheld or reinstated others, scrambling the picture further.

The new rules and the rapidly shifting landscape have already caused confusion, and some experts fear problems on November 8.

"You would think that by 2016 we would have gotten our act together, but in fact it seems things are as litigious and confusing as ever,Z' said Rick Hasen, an expert on election law and professor at the University of California-Irvine School of Law.

The battle over voting mirrors the larger battle for political power in the U.S.

While Democrats and Republicans have both supported efforts to expand access, particularly online registration, it's largely been Republicans who have been pushing restrictive laws, such as those requiring voters to show photo identification before casting ballots.

Supporters say such measures are aimed at preventing fraud; critics say such laws fall most heavily on the poor and minorities, who might not have driver's licenses or could find it difficult to obtain the documents needed.

Court rollbacks

Recent court decisions have rolled back some of the more far-reaching restrictions but have also created headaches for state and local officials who need to make sure they are complying with the latest rules.

In Wake County, North Carolina, election officials prepared two training manuals for their poll workers  one with the state's voter ID requirements and one without. (Voter ID was ultimately struck down over the summer.)

Advocacy groups worry that confused poll workers might, for example, demand documents that are not required. They also fear that all the publicity surrounding voter ID laws might lead some people to stay home because they mistakenly think they won't be able to vote.

"In periods of change, it can often lead to a lot of confusion for voters as to what the rules are, and for election officials, too," said Wendy Weiser with the Brennan Center, pointing to problems in 2012 in places like Pennsylvania, where the state's voter ID law was put on hold and then struck down. "There were also voters in Ohio, New Jersey who mistakenly thought  hearing the news from Pennsylvania  that they had to show ID, too."

The Supreme Court opened the way for some of these measures in 2013 when it struck down a part of the Voting Rights Act that required certain states and local jurisdictions with a history of discrimination  particularly in the South  to get Justice Department approval of any changes in their election laws.

Soon afterward, Republicans in North Carolina passed a package of measures that not only required voters to show photo ID but also reduced early voting and eliminated same-day registration during the early voting period.

Pastor protests

Moses Colbert, a black pastor from Kings Mountain, North Carolina, was among those who found himself unable to vote in 2014 as a result of the changes. Colbert had recently moved to Cleveland County from nearby Gaston County after his wedding.

Shortly after the move, he went to the local motor vehicle office to update his address and voter registration information. Yet when it came time to vote, Cleveland County officials told him he wasn't registered there and to go back to Gaston County. When he did, Gaston County officials wouldn't let him vote because the address on his driver's license no longer matched the address on his voter registration form. Before the changes, Colbert would have been able to update his registration during the early voting period.

"I was just numb, so we had to fight," said Colbert, 62, who became a plaintiff in the lawsuit challenging the North Carolina law. "I believe we are standing on the shoulders of so many who died before us for the opportunity to vote. I grew up in the 1960s. This is not something I read about in a book."

In July, a federal appeals court struck down several parts of the North Carolina law, saying they "target African-Americans with almost surgical precision." Republican officials have said discrimination was not their intent. A divided U.S. Supreme Court declined in August to take up the case.

Texas officials have agreed to spend $2.5 million on voter outreach before Election Day as part of an agreement to amend its voter ID law after a court found it discriminated against minorities and the poor.

Elsewhere, an effort by Democrats in Ohio to restore "golden week," when people could register and cast ballots at the same time, failed after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene. Earlier this week, a federal judge ordered North Dakota to return to a system it had in place before the Republican-led Legislature imposed a tougher voter ID requirement four years ago; voters there who do not have a state-required photo ID can once again sign an affidavit swearing they are a qualified voter.

Kansas battle

An ongoing Kansas court fight has focused on whether a group of as many as 50,000 residents could vote because they did not submit citizenship documents, as required under state law, when registering at motor vehicle offices or with a federal form. Federal courts had previously ordered the state to count their votes in federal elections. The secretary of state's office had sought to toss out their votes in state and local races  something a state judge has since blocked.

Confusion also persists in Wisconsin, which has been in turmoil since Republican lawmakers backed a voter ID law in 2011.

It was initially blocked by the courts, then went into effect for the presidential primary in April. In July, a federal judge left the voter ID requirement in place for the fall contest but struck down more than a dozen other election changes, including limits on early voting hours and locations.

It's been estimated that as many as 300,000 Wisconsin voters may not have the required photo ID. Molly McGrath, with the national group VoteRiders, has been working with homeless people and others to make sure they have the proper ID and are registered to vote.

"There's a tremendous amount of unawareness and confusion about the law," McGrath said. "You can't help but think: Is this confusion a bug or part of the design?"

Republicans who have pushed the various voter ID laws reject any suggestion of discrimination.

"Voters in Wisconsin support voter ID, and our administration will continue to work to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat," Governor Scott Walker said last month.
This Friday will see the rise of a black moon.

And while that might sound ominous, its perfectly normal and probably doesnt foretell the end of the world as some would say.

A black moon is simply the second new moon, or dark moon, of the lunar month. It will be so dark, in fact, that it basically will be invisible because it's not lit by the sun, particularly in the Western Hemisphere.

While you cant see the moon, it will be a great night for seeing the stars, according to private forecasting service The Weather Channel.

While they are normal, black moons are not that common, with the last one occurring in March of 2014.

For sticklers, the Western Hemispheres new moon officially begins at 12:11 a.m. UTC, according to private forecasting service AccuWeather.

For those reading in the eastern Hemisphere, fret not. Youll have your chance later in the month.

However, these areas will not miss out on a black moon, AccuWeather said. Another new moon will occur at the end of the month (of October), giving the eastern Hemisphere a black moon right around Halloween.

The term black moon is neither scientific nor recognized by NASA, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Ian ONeill, an astrophysicist and the senior producer for space at Discovery News and Seeker.com, told the Times that the black moon has become a topic of conversation thanks to social media, where there was intense interest when a supermoon and a blood moon occurred.

When you have anything that's the least bit foreboding in the night sky, the media jumps on it, he said. Social media has a huge part to play. These things go viral.
The government says Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has returned to the country's capital after a brief illness following her visit to the United States.

Government spokesman Zaw Htay said she returned Thursday to attend a regional parliamentary assembly. Suu Kyi was suffering from weakness and exhaustion after returning from two weeks of travel to the United States and Britain.



Suu Kyi's doctor, Tin Myo Win, said she is feeling better.



Suu Kyi's office earlier said her health was stable and she was resting at her home in Yangon while recovering from stomach and neck problems.



The 71-year-old Suu Kyi did not greet supporters as usual after she arrived back in Yangon on Sunday evening.
U.S. President Barack Obama has arrived in Israel where he will speak at the funeral of former Israeli leader Shimon Peres.

Obama is leading a delegation of 32 U.S. officials, including former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State John Kerry, Democratic Senator Bob Casey and Nancy Pelosi, Democratic leader in the House of Representatives.

The American leader will be joined by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. In attending the funeral, Abbas hopes to "send a strong message to Israeli society that the Palestinians are for peace, and appreciate the efforts of peaceful men like Shimon Peres," a senior Palestinian official said.

Abbas has not visited Jerusalem since 2010 and was the first Arab leader to express sorrow over Peres' death on Wednesday. Jordan's King Abdullah II expressed his condolences to Israel on Thursday. Peres' death was met with official silence in most Arab countries, reflecting their longstanding opposition to Israel.

Peres suffered a severe stroke two weeks ago and died Wednesday at the age of 93 in a hospital in Tel HaShomer.

He held nearly every major Israeli political post during his long career, including prime minister twice, the presidency, defense minister and foreign minister.

Watch video report from VOA's Zlatica Hoke:

He was the longest-serving member of parliament in Israeli history, holding a seat in the Knesset for 48 years.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Peres devoted his life to the sovereignty of the Israeli people.

"As a man of vision, his gaze was aimed to the future," Netanyahu said. "As a man of security, he fortified Israel's strength in many ways, some of which even today is still unknown. As a man of peace, he worked until his final days toward reconciling with our neighbors for a better future for our children."

Obama shared Peres' vision for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Obama awarded Peres the Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor, in 2012, saying "Shimon teaches us to never settle for the world as it is.''

In turn, Peres bestowed the Medal of Distinction on Obama, making him the first sitting U.S. president to receive Israel's highest civilian honor.
A new report lists Somalia, North Korea and Afghanistan as the most highly corrupt nations on Earth.

Transparency International released its annual Corruption Perceptions Index on Wednesday, relying on what it calls expert opinion from around the world to measure perceived levels of public sector corruption.

Low scores mean more corruption, and the report gave Somalia and North Korea an eight, while putting Afghanistan at 11.

No country scored a perfect 100, but a few came close, with Denmark at 91, and Finland and Sweden each at 90.

'Blight' across globe

Jose Ugaz, chair of Transparency International, said the report shows corruption is still a "blight" across the globe.

"But 2015 was also a year when people again took to the streets to protest corruption," he said. "People across the globe sent a strong signal to those in power: It is time to tackle grand corruption."

Transparency International said more than 6 billion people -- the vast majority of the global population -- are living in countries "with a serious corruption problem."

'Serious corruption problem'

The worst performing region is sub-Saharan Africa. Botswana ranks as one of the better countries in the world with a 63, but the report says most of those countries have a "serious corruption problem."

"In many countries, including low scorers Angola, Burundi and Uganda, we're seeing a failure to prosecute corrupt public officials on the one hand, and intimidation of citizens who speak out against corruption on the other," the report says. It calls on governments to make sure the rule of law applies to everyone.

Among the most corrupt nations are countries in the Middle East and North Africa that are dealing with the battle against the Islamic State group and persistent political instability.

Islamic State fighters seized large areas in Iraq and Syria in mid-2014 and have managed to remain in control of major cities despite international military efforts. The report gives Iraq a 16 and Syria an 18 in terms of public corruption.

"The rise of ISIS and the ensuing fight against terrorism have been used by many governments as an excuse to crack down on civil liberties and civil society," Transparency International says, using an acronym for the militant group. "Far from helping, such an approach means that entrenched corrupt networks go unchallenged, often serving as yet further financial fodder for terrorism."

Elsewhere in the region, the report scored Libya at 16, Jordan at 53 and noted improvements in Saudi Arabia, particularly with the expanded inclusion of women in politics, giving the country a 52 on the index.

European rankings

In Europe, Transparency International cited concerns about harsh restrictions on civil society and free media in low-scoring countries Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan.

It also expressed worry about "marked deterioration" in Hungary, Macedonia, Spain and Turkey, saying each once had hope for positive change but now has growing corruption and shrinking democracy.

The region has some of the least corrupt nations in the world, but the report says even leaders Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway have had major corruption cases in the past year.

Asia, the report says, is a region united by corruption, yet shows little sign of taking action against it.

"From campaign pledges to media coverage to civil society reforms, corruption dominates discussion."

Japan easily tops Asian nations with a score of 75, while the index gives China a 37, 35 for the Philippines and 21 for both Cambodia and Myanmar.

Transparency International says countries in the Americas need systemic reform, especially when it comes to making judiciaries free from political influence. It also calls for better regional cooperation to prevent corrupt individuals from hiding in another country.

Canada at 83 is the region's top scorer, with the United States close behind at 76. Uruguay and Chile also score as some of the least corrupt nations, while Haiti and Venezuela rank near the bottom with scores of 17.
Yacouba Sawadogo, a farmer who turned an area of semi-desert into a forest in Burkina Faso, fears he will lose the land of his ancestors to developers who will tear down the trees he has nurtured for some 40 years.

He devised a technique which is now used across Africa's Sahel region to help stop the spread of desertification, restore fertility to the soil and enable people to grow more food.

Sawadogo has traveled widely sharing his technique called Zai, helping people to grow food and make money from dry land.

But the ancestral plot on which he developed his technique is under threat. Investors building a housing project have annexed parts of his land, and carved it up into smaller plots, he said. One plot contains the well he built ten years ago, and another the graves where he buried his parents.

"The new owners will destroy those graves because that is not part of their tradition," he said.

Sawadogo began to plant his forest in the 1970s at a time when people were fleeing famine and drought in the countryside.

Efforts to stop the country's desert areas from expanding had failed, and people were no longer able to feed their families.

He experimented with different techniques, and eventually found one that worked. He dug holes in the soil and filled them with manure and compost. These attracted termites which built tunnels in the hard ground, helping retain the rains.

Sawadogo's community thought him mad but he persisted, and today he has a forest covering 25 hectares (62 acres).

He planted trees with medicinal properties because at the time there were no health clinics in the area. Locals still use the trees to treat illnesses, he said.

"What I love most is the land, the soil. If we take good care of our earth we can obtain anything from it," Sawadogo said, speaking through an interpreter at the Sept. 22-26 Slow Food festival in the Italy's northern city of Turin.

The festival brings together campaigners, farmers and academics seeking ways to improve the quality of food and the lives of those who produce it.

"Everything starts from the land," Sawadogo said, adding that chemicals often destroy the soil and should not be used, in his opinion.

"What we need is mobilization to ensure this vision will allow us to preserve our planet ... We must all be engaged because it is not one person alone who can stand up to this challenge, but together we can."

He hopes he will be able to keep his forest for future generations, adding that the poor need more rigorous laws to protect their land.

"All I hope for today is to be able to protect my forest ... My idea is my work will give knowledge to people, feed people and allow them to keep good health," he said.
Under a newly-signed peace deal to end Colombia's war, women who have been raped by military forces or rebel fighters may expect to have the crimes against them investigated by a special unit.

The accord between the government and rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) also pledges to improve access to land for women farmers through a land bank and subsidies.

And seeks to encourage rural women to move away from growing coca, the raw ingredient for cocaine, by providing creches and other kinds of support.

It's unlikely such provisions would be in place had women been excluded from the peace talks but their role in the process has led to an unprecedented focus on women's rights in the final deal, setting a strong example for others, analysts said.

"Colombia has raised the bar in terms of women's direct and indirect participation in a peace process," said Miriam Coronel Ferrer, the Philippine government's chief peace negotiator with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country's largest Muslim rebel group.

"It's a good model to inspire other countries. Excluding women hurts a peace process," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview.

President Juan Manuel Santos and top FARC leader Timochenko signed the peace deal on Monday, ending a 52-year conflict that has killed 200,000 people and forced millions more from their homes.

The deal will be put to Colombians in a vote on Sunday, which is expected to pass.

Power relations

Despite its reputation for having a patriarchal culture, Colombia brought women into the heart of the peace process.

The government appointed a woman to be part of its chief negotiating team for the first time in late 2013, and the FARC has had several female peace negotiators on its side.

Negotiators also heard testimony from a commission on gender issues to ensure women's voices were heard, an initiative UN Women has described as the first of its kind.

According to the U.N. agency, having women at the negotiating table increases the chance of a peace agreement lasting 15 years by 35 percent.

Morena Herrera, a former guerrilla fighter for El Salvador's Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), recalls women being excluded from the 1992 peace deal.

"We fought for the negotiations. But when we read the accord we were stunned. We realised we weren't there. Women weren't mentioned in the text," said Herrera, a women's rights activist. "[Colombia's accord] ... is an opportunity to improve the status of women in society and power relations between men and women."

Fewer than four percent of signatories to peace agreements were women between 1992 and 2011, and less than 10 percent of negotiators were women, according to UN Women.

No amnesty for rape

Olga Amparo, who took part in the gender commission and travelled to Cuba where talks were hosted, said the accord recognizes that war impacts women differently.

For example, women and girls have borne the brunt of sexual violence committed as a weapon of war.

"The peace deal makes it clear that sexual violence is not up for amnesty," said Amparo, a women's rights activist.

As part of the peace deal, around 7,000 FARC fighters will hand in their weapons and reintegrate into civilian life.

Women can help to monitor a ceasefire, watching out for outbreaks of violence and signs fighters are rearming, but they may also be victims of fresh violence, said Coronel Ferrer from the Philippines.

"There's usually an increase in domestic violence when men who have fought in war come home," she said.

Making sure women in Colombia play a role in implementing the peace deal will be a challenge, analysts said.

Obstacles include ensuring women read the 297-page accord to know their benefits, making sure funds are allocated to women's rights programs and increasing the participation of women in politics.

"The accord is a tool for us. Now we have to ensure that what is written is translated into practice," Amparo said. "The big question is if the elites of this country will open up their doors to the participation of women in politics and give female ex-combatants jobs. There's still a long way to go."
Russia said Thursday it supports a 48-hour cease-fire in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, but not a longer truce proposed by the United States.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said a week-long cease-fire would give militants time to regroup and replenish supplies.

His comments came a day after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that Washington is making preparations to suspend bilateral engagement with Russia on Syria, unless Moscow takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo and restore the cessation of hostilities agreed to by the two powers on September 9.

"The secretary made clear the United States and its partners hold Russia responsible for this situation, including the use of incendiary and bunker buster bombs in an urban environment, a drastic escalation that puts civilians at great risk," Kerrys spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

The two countries have tried at various times during Syria's five-year conflict to use their influence on the opposing sides in order to push for peace talks and cease-fire agreements. But as with the latest deal on Aleppo, those truces have broken down as the fighting continued.

Assad alliance



Kirby also suggested Wednesday that Russia's alliance with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's military raised the threat of a terror attack back home.

"The consequences are that the civil war will continue in Syria, that extremists and extremists groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there in Syria to expand their operations, which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bag," he said.

Russia's Ryabkov criticized Kirby's remark, saying it could only be interpreted as U.S. support for terrorism.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was also quoted by Russian media saying the U.S. has not lived up to its commitment in the cease-fire deal to separate moderate Syrian rebel groups from militants involved in the multi-party war.

Humanitarian aid



The halt in fighting was also meant to allow for food and medical aid to reach people in Aleppo, where on Wednesday airstrikes hit the two largest hospitals in the rebel-held eastern part of the city.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned those attacks as "war crimes."

"Let us be clear: Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing," Secretary-General Ban told a U.N. Security Council session on healthcare in conflict on Wednesday. "They know they are committing war crimes."

The U.N. chief expressed his utter frustration with the situation.

"Imagine a slaughterhouse.This is worse.Even a slaughterhouse is more humane," he said.

Damage from the strikes temporarily knocked the facilities out of service, further limiting medical care in a part of the city where more than 250,000 people are besieged by the government as it mounts a fierce military offensive to retake the rebel-controlled sector.

Shortage of doctors



According to UNICEF, the health system in eastern Aleppo is crumbling with just some 30 doctors remaining, hardly any equipment or emergency medicine to treat the injured, and an ever-increasing number of trauma cases.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attacks on the hospitals, but militaries from Syria and its ally Russia, are operating in the area.

"It is very, very clear that there are only two air forces operating over Aleppo  that is the Syrian regime and the Russians," Britains deputy U.N. Ambassador Peter Wilson told reporters. "There is a clear responsibility on the part of the Syrian regime and the Russians to stop this campaign of violence."

Russias deputy envoy, Evgeny Zagaynov, said information about attacks is often based on "unverified data" and that as a result, "falsified information is being spread." He urged a "rejection of provocative rhetoric" and for all efforts to be focused on ending the conflict, for which he said there is a "very good basis for this based in Russian-American cooperation."

Frances envoy Francois Delattre said his delegation is working on a cease-fire resolution for Aleppo. "It seems to us that it is the only way to move ahead, to move forward and to try to get a positive vote. Thats what we want at the Security Council and to leave everybody facing his/her responsibilities," he told reporters.

It was not immediately clear how a council resolution would make any impact after the collapse of the U.S.-Russian agreement.

US troops



On the issue of the wider war in Syria, President Barack Obama said Wednesday the U.S. cannot stop the fighting without sending a large number of troops, and that he has to carefully consider how to deploy the nation's military when it is already involved in places like Afghanistan.

"There are going to be challenges around the world that happen that don't directly touch on our security, where we need to help, we need to help lead, but just sending in more troops is not going to be the answer," he told a military town hall event broadcast on CNN.
Somalia's government is demanding an explanation from the United States for Wednesday's deadly airstrike in central Somalia.

The Pentagon said in news release Thursday that its forces launched a "self-defense" strike against al-Shabab near the town of Galkayo, killing at least nine militants.

However, Galmudug state vice-president Mohamed Hashi Abdi told VOA's Somali service that the U.S. airstrike killed 13 members of Galmudug forces.

After the weekly cabinet meeting in Mogadishu, ministers in the government said they want "a clear explanation on the airstrike carried out by U.S. against forces belonging to the Galmudug, a Somali federal member state."

The cabinet said it will appoint a ministerial committee to investigate the airstrike.

Abdi said the Americans were "misguided" in a request that came from officials in the semi-autonomous Puntland region.

"We fight against al-Shabab, and there is no al-Shabab presence in Galmudug area," he added.

Abdi said the Galmudug president and the U.S. deputy ambassador to Somalia met Thursday in Mogadishu to discuss the issue, and the U.S. diplomat pledged to provide clear answers.

Meanwhile, residents in Galkayo who were protesting the strike burned the U.S. flag Thursday.

The U.S. has carried out numerous airstrikes in Somalia targeting al-Shabab members, including a missile strike that killed the group's former emir, Ahmed Abdi Godane, in 2014.
Sensex tanked over 500 points this afternoon after Indian officials confirmed cross-border firing with Pakistan earlier today.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Sensex plunged today afternoon following the news of surgical strikes by the army across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Both the key indices, Sensex and Nifty, plummeted by almost one percent each. All the 19 sub-indices of the BSE were trading in the red.



READ| Indian Army commandos cross LoC, conduct surgical strikes in Pakistani territory



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The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) edged down 58.90 points, or 0.67 per cent, to 8,686.25 points.

The barometer 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 28,423.14 points, traded at 27,995.61 points (at 12.30 p.m.) - down 297.20 points or 1.05 per cent from the previous close at 28,292.81 points.

The Sensex has so far touched a high of 28,475.57 points and a low of 27,995.20 points during the intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth fell prey to the bears - with 1,524 declines and 915 advances.

READ: Nawaz Sharif condemns surgical strikes by Indian army

READ: How to punish Pakistan when a war is ruled out







--- ENDS ---
Tropical Storm Matthew strengthened to a hurricane on Thursday after triggering flooding and landslides on eastern Caribbean islands that killed one person, and was forecast to grow more powerful as it heads toward Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.

Packing winds of up to 75 mph (120 kmh), Matthew was about 150 miles (240 km) northeast of Curacao and traveling westward, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Matthew whipped through the Caribbean islands of Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday, shutting international airports, ripping down power lines and trees, and forcing residents into shelters.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves told reporters one death had been reported in connection with the storm. He said there were 350 people in shelters in his country. In St. Lucia, floods and landslides threatened villages, sending some residents into shelters.

The storm is expected to veer off its westerly path and head north to Jamaica and Haiti on Sunday, bringing winds as strong as 100 mph (160 kph), the Miami-based hurricane center said.

Some projections show Matthew reaching the U.S. Eastern seaboard next week, but forecasters warned it was difficult to predict the course so far ahead of time.
Sudan's justice minister has refuted claims by displaced persons in the Jebel Marra area of Darfur that they suffered chemical exposure at the hands of the government of Sudan.

Amnesty International reported earlier Thursday that since January, people in Jebel Marra have reported blisters and rashes, peeling skin, eye problems including total vision loss, bloody vomit, diarrhea and severe respiratory problems.

Amnesty said the symptoms are due to chemical weapons used by Sudanese authorities. As many as 250 people, including children, may have died as a result of chemical attacks, and hundreds more have been injured, according to the rights group.

But Minister of Justice Awad Hassan Elnour responded in a letter Thursday that government officials were "very astonished" to hear the allegations. He said it was the first he had heard of such events, which he said imply "a heinous humanitarian crime."

WATCH: WARNING Graphic images Amnesty International video



Elnour noted in his letter that members of a government fact-finding mission traveled to Darfur in February and met for three hours with people displaced by military operations in Jebel Marra. He said the people, who came from central Darfur villages such as Golo, Rokro and Nertiti, reported that they had left their villages to avoid the military violence and none had reported symptoms like those described by Amnesty.

Elnour also said Sudanese troops are in the area to defend against attacks by rebels. He said the armed forces are carrying out their constitutional duty in protecting the citizens and preserving the integrity, security and stability of the country and the people. He said they have had extensive training in humanitarian law.

Amnesty said the reports are new for the area.

"This is the first time, as far as we are aware of, as survivors and monitors on the ground, this is the first time that we've documented the use of chemical weapons, so it is sort of a radical departure," said Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International's regional director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.

Civilians deliberately targeted



The report released by Amnesty on Thursday states that Sudanese security forces have deliberately targeted civilians and their property, including the probable use of "blister agents"  a banned class of chemical weapons  in roughly 32 villages in the Jebel Marra area.



Reuters news agency quotes Sudan's U.N. ambassador as saying the Amnesty report was "utterly unfounded" and that Sudan does not possess any type of chemical weapons.



Magnus Taylor is the International Crisis Groups Horn of Africa analyst for Sudan and Uganda.



We already knew, prior to the release of the Amnesty report, that the Sudanese government's counter-insurgency in Jebel Marra was bad, Taylor said. But if these allegations of chemical weapon use are true, then we may be just starting to learn how bad. It's difficult to fully understand what Khartoum's motives for committing such atrocities would be, in a war they were already winning, at a time when the government is making overtures to the international community."

Later Thursday, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the agency had only recently received Amnesty's report, "But the allegation of scorched-earth tactics presented in the report, including the unlawful killing of civilians, the abduction and rape of women, the forced displacement, the looting, the use of chemical weapons -- all of that are deeply concerning."

Kirby said the U.S. "unequivocally" condemns the use of chemical weapons any time. "Sudan is a state party to the Chemical Weapons Convention," he said, "and the use of chemicals as weapons by the government would violate its obligations under that convention."

Hundreds of phone interviews

Amnesty International said it conducted 235 phone interviews for the report, because the Sudanese government did not allow them field access. The group said local intermediaries helped to identify and contact survivors.

Amnesty International has asked the U.N. Security Council and state parties to the convention on chemical weapons to conduct follow-up investigations in Darfur. It is calling on Sudan's government to stop the attacks, and also to give international aid agencies access to Jebel Marra.

"I think it's really important that this get back on the map," Wanyeki said. "I think that we have dropped attention as Africa, as the rest of the world, on Sudan, on Darfur, and the other conflict areas in the Sudan. And I think given ... this type of re-engagement, [that] can't happen until this sort of thing stops."

Over 300,000 deaths

The U.N. estimates that more than 300,000 people have died in Darfur since 2003, when rebels there launched a rebellion, citing discrimination and marginalization. The government responded by unleashing militias known as Janjaweed to cause chaos in the region. Fighting has never entirely stopped in the 13 years since.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur, but has denied the allegations and avoided arrest.
The European Union should help countries in Africa's Sahel region tackle a population boom if it wants to keep more migrants from coming to its shores, a senior U.N. official said.

Toby Lanzer, humanitarian coordinator for the Sahel, said governments there are struggling to provide jobs, schools and food to the growing numbers that, the United Nations estimates, could triple to more 300 million by 2050.

"The challenge across the region is gigantic," Lanzer said in an interview Wednesday.

"In the coming 10-20 years we will see an ever-increasing number of migrants until the countries of Europe ... have a very frank conversation  about demography," he said, adding that the EU should also discuss trade and security to curb migration.

Italian data on sea arrivals so far this year show a sharp increase in migrants from several African countries including Mali, Senegal and Nigeria.

Last year, the EU launched a $2 billion fund for Africa to combat the poverty and conflicts that are driving people to migrate to Europe. It has also proposed making development aid conditional on governments' cooperation in curbing migration.

Lanzer commended politicians like Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou for advocating what he referred to as a "demographic transition" in his re-election speech in April.

In Niger, the lowest-ranking country on the U.N. human development index, the average woman has more than seven children.

However, the question of family planning is sensitive in many parts of the Sahel, where polygamy is widely accepted.

"The conversation is starting to move in the right direction across the Sahel, but it still has some way to go," Lanzer added.
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are campaigning Thursday in the states where each won their first victory on the path to becoming the next U.S. president.

Trump has an event in New Hampshire and Clinton is speaking in Iowa, states that played a big role as the first two to hold votes during the party nominating process that began eight months ago but which will have much less influence on the outcome of the November 8 general election.

The reason is the electoral college system that give more weight in the presidential vote to more populous states such as Michigan, where Trump will be Friday, and Florida, where Clinton's Friday schedule includes two rallies. Michigan carries 16 electoral college votes and Florida 29, while Iowa and New Hampshire have 10 combined.

Clinton campaigned Wednesday in New Hampshire alongside Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, her one-time rival in the Democratic Party race, telling a crowd of students that the outcome of the election will reverberate for decades.

"The next 40 days will determine the next 40 years," Clinton said. "So I'm going to close my campaign the way I started my public service and my career, fighting for kids and families, that's been the cause of my life and it will be the mission of my presidency."

Sanders, whose own campaign promoted efforts to address income inequality, criticized Trump's economic plans that he and Clinton have said are focused on benefits for the rich.

"At a time when we have massive levels and wealth inequality, it is absurd, it is disgraceful for Donald Trump and his friends to be talking about hundreds of billions of dollars in tax breaks for the top 1 percent," Sanders said.

Trump had his own declaration about the remaining time in the race, telling supporters in Wisconsin, "We have six weeks to make every dream you've ever dreamed for your country come true."

He also criticized Clinton on Wednesday for what he said was her taking too many days off from campaigning, and accused internet search giant Google of suppressing bad news about her.

After the first presidential debate Monday, independent political analysts widely gave Clinton the edge after she kept Trump on the defensive, attacking him for not releasing his U.S. tax returns for public scrutiny, his lengthy history of slurs against women, and his years-long campaign to try to prove the debunked claim that President Obama was born in Kenya and is not a U.S. citizen.

In the immediate aftermath of the debate, watched by a record of more than 80 million Americans, political analysts suggested that Clinton, locked in a tight race with Trump, could pick up an additional two percentage points or more of support. The Politico/Morning Consult poll, which had Trump ahead by one point before the debate, said its first post-debate polling now showed Clinton with a three-point edge, a four-percentage-point gain.

Trump's advisers say they are frustrated by his debate performance and intend to try to get him to practice more before his next encounter with Clinton set for October 9, the second of three planned debates. Trump had resisted intensive preparation before the Monday matchup, the Trump aides told The New York Times.
In the month after a suicide bomber killed dozens of people attending a mostly Kurdish wedding in southeastern Turkey, the government has ramped up its military campaign against Islamic State (IS) militants, arresting 40 IS suspects in Istanbul and another two suspects in Sanliurfa, according to a Turkish official who spoke to VOA.

We are moving forward, said another high-level Turkish official. We will continue to take all necessary steps to defeat IS.



Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who imposed a state of emergency in July after a failed coup attempt, has been under increasing pressure to crackdown on terrorists.



It looks like the bloody wedding bombing act was a turning point, said Tahsin Akdogan, a street merchant in Gaziantep who lost 10 relatives in the attack that authorities blame on IS.



The city is a known hub of terrorist sleeper cells. Islamic State smugglers working the nearby border have also added to security concerns.



Turan Efendioglu, owner of the Gurme Market in Gaziantep, said illegal trafficking has recently been curbed.



Police are everywhere now, and that makes us feel safer, he said.



The decision by the Turkish government to push harder to root out IS extremists has been a controversial process.

At first, Ankara said little as IS grew in 2014  partly, analysts say, because of Islamist sympathies from Turkeys ruling party and hopes that IS militants would help oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

After IS unleashed its brutal terror regionally, including targets inside Turkey, Ankara allowed U.S.-led coalition planes on Turkish soil in 2015 to strike militants in Syria and Iraq. More IS terrorist attacks erupted inside Turkey that killed more than 200 people, including the bombing of the Istanbul airport.

Turkeys fight against IS has been complicated by the governments battle against Kurdish militants. Ankara is facing international criticism from human rights groups over its harsh crackdown on Kurds in eastern Turkey. And the Turkish incursion into Syria has targeted both IS and Kurdish factions in Syria that Turkey says has ties to Kurdish militants inside Turkey.

Adding to tensions was the imposition of the state of emergency following an aborted coup attempt in July. Since then, an estimated 100,000 workers in civil service, law enforcement, the military and the judiciary have been fired or suspended. More than 32,000 people have been detained, according to media reports.

The Turkish government has in the past mishandled the terrorist threat, according to Metehan Demir, a Turkish freelance journalist. Hes more hopeful now.

Ankara changed its policy, Demir said. More measures will come and I believe they will break the backbone of IS in Turkey."



The government claims to have expelled nearly 4,000 foreigners it says had ties to IS. More than 50,000 people suspected of possible militancy have been banned from entering the country in the last two years, according to a Turkish official in Washington.

Turkey sees IS as a major threat, said Yonah Alexander, a terrorism expert at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in Washington. Turkey will be able to demolish IS. It is in Turkeys interests to do so.

But Turkey risks a spike in terrorist attacks as Turkish forces pursue IS more vigorously, warn experts.

"IS may start to see Turkey as the real enemy, said Ilhan Tanir, a freelance journalist.

Hasan Selim Ozertem, an analyst with the International Strategic Research Institution in Turkey, said IS will likely maintain roots in extremist elements in Turkish society.

This kind of group, which has a substantial base among the people, can never be totally destroyed, he said. But it is possible to marginalize them.

But critics say it may be too late for Ankara to act effectively against IS.

I think these new security measures are cosmetic, said Mahmut Togrul, an opposition member in the Turkish Parliament from Gaziantep. I dont believe IS has been much affected by these measures.
As the United States and other nations seek new ways to sanction Pyongyang in response to its latest nuclear test, some North Korean defectors see investment in its rudimentary market economy as a way to promote change from within.

One defector living in South Korea uses a clandestine funding channel to send hundreds of thousands of dollars to help dozens of North Koreans open small businesses, such as noodle shops and grocery stores.

Last year, he shipped more than 3,000 Chinese LED desk lamps, chargeable with 12-volt solar panels, to three North Korean entrepreneurs. The defector, who escaped through China in the early 2000s, has also sent acupuncture needles, handbags, hair dye, vitamins and lingerie procured cheaply or through donations.

Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has allowed a growing number of semi-legal markets known as jangmadang, where individuals and wholesalers buy and sell goods they have produced themselves or imported from China.

The markets have improved the quality of life for many and make North Koreans less reliant on the Soviet-style economy, undermining the power of the state. The markets also ease trade of contraband foreign media through USB sticks and DVDs.

"The North Korean business owners I am helping can be an alternative group to build sound capitalism," said the defector, who is in his 40s and declined to be named fearing for his safety and that of his partners in the North.

The defector, who does not seek a profit, said he has financed several grocery stores with investments of 20,000 to 30,000 yuan ($3,000 to $4,500) in rural towns, and more in Pyongyang.

Jangmadang generation

Last year, a report commissioned by the South Korean government proposed nurturing North Koreas private businesses as a way to drive reform. The plan, which is not government policy, envisions microfinance for start-ups and partnerships with big South Korean firms.

There are hurdles, however. Contact with anyone in the South can be punishable by death in North Korea. That's because the 1950-53 Korea War ended in a truce instead of a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas in a technical state of war.

Also, South Korea forbids its citizens from trading with the North, but it does turn a blind eye to remittances estimated at $10 million a year sent to relatives by many of the nearly 30,000 defectors in the South.

Hong Soon-jick, a research fellow at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, said defector financiers can use the same funding routes.

"This can accelerate marketization and circulation of information," he said. "But there are political risks, so these transactions should be done secretly, even if South-North Korea relations improve."

In a similar vein, the U.S. State Department recently sought proposals to fund projects aimed at promoting democracy in North Korea and encourage young defectors living in the South and who grew up among the "jangmadang generation" to reach out to young North Koreans.

China banks

One such young defector, Seoul-based activist Ji Seong-ho, has been sending $300 to $500 at a time for North Koreans to open food stalls and crop-lending businesses in rural areas.

"The bigger markets grow, the weaker the regime gets, so we need to support North Korean entrepreneurs," said Ji, 34, who heads Now, Action and Unity for Human Rights, which tries to help North Korean refugees in China to defect.

Surveys of defectors by Seoul National University found that the biggest challenge for North Koreans doing business was funding, followed by bribes paid to authorities and occasional crackdowns on market activity.

The first defector, who uses a clandestine money channel, typically works with middlemen who wire money to banks in China, where it is collected by agents and carried across the border.

He vets prospects through his relatives and acquaintances.

The defector's secret project started in 2006 when he bought a used 2.5 metric-ton truck in China for 5 million won ($4,550) and sent it to a North Korean who then used it to make a living carrying goods.

In 2014, a deep-pocketed sponsor the defector declined to identify began supporting his effort.

He tells the North Koreans he helps "not to be greedy, help other poor North Koreans and gain respect," he said. "This is maybe more effective than thumb drives, because it directly supports livelihoods."
The United States said Wednesday that it had launched a "self-defense" airstrike on al-Shabab fighters in Somalia, killing at least nine militants.

The Pentagon's announcement of the strike partly confirmed a report by the Somalia government. Somali officials said the strike on the central town of Galkayo killed 22 of their soldiers and wounded 16 others.

When questioned about the report, a U.S. official said, "We do not think these allegations are in any way true."

Regional security minister Osman Isse Nur told VOA's Somali service that the strikes targeted a base outside the village of Jehdin, 30 kilometers east of Galkayo. Nur blamed intelligence forces in the neighboring Puntland administration for giving the U.S. incorrect information.

"This morning at 3:30 we believe U.S. planes bombed our base, acting on wrong information given by the Puntland intelligence," he said.

Journalists who visited the hospital in Galkayo counted the bodies of 14 soldiers and said they saw 11 others who were wounded.

Nur said Galmudug region forces were in the area to protect nomads and keep the security situation under control when the attack happened. He said four battle wagons (pickup trucks mounted with heavy machine guns) were destroyed in the attack.

While he blamed the Puntland authorities for giving the wrong information, he blamed the United States for the strike.

"U.S. planes were behind the airstrikes that killed our forces and destroyed the battle wagons," he said. "It's very clear, without a doubt, that this was carried out by the U.S."

Nur said soldiers from the Puntland administration collaborating with U.S. forces attacked the base from the ground during the strikes. Puntland officials could not be reached for comment.

Duran Said Arab, an elder in Jehdin village, told journalists that a plane had flown overhead and bombed two vehicles and a water tanker used by the Galmudug soldiers.

Galmudug authorities denied that there was al-Shabab presence in the area of the attack.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry raised concerns during a meeting this week with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro about a Utah man jailed in the South American country for three months.

Kerry called on Venezuela to respect due process and human rights in the case of Joshua Holt, 24, State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday. Kirby would not provide details about the conversation, but said the department is following the case closely.

Kerry's involvement has raised hopes for Holt's mother and members of Utah's congressional delegation.

His mother, Laurie Holt, said Thursday that she's pleased her son's case has reached the top levels of governments in both countries. State Department officials called her about the development, but said they did not know details of what Kerry and Maduro discussed, she said.

I feel like this is a step in the right direction, she said. President Maduro will see Joshua's case and the type of person he is.

U.S. diplomats visited Holt in a Caracas prison last month, but the U.S. government had previously avoided ratcheting up public pressure on Venezuela amid already strained relations between two countries that haven't swapped ambassadors since 2010.

Holt was arrested June 30 on suspicion of weapons charges after traveling to Venezuela to marry a woman he met online while looking for Spanish-speaking Mormons to help him improve his Spanish. His wife, Thamara Caleno, is also jailed as an alleged accomplice.

Venezuela authorities contend Holt was using his wife's apartment in Caracas to stockpile weapons and have suggested his case was linked to other unspecified attempts by the U.S. to undermine Maduro's rule amid deep economic and political turbulence.

His mother said she thinks an assault rifle and a grenade found in the apartment her son shared with his wife were planted.

Holt said her son is depressed, suffered from kidney stones and respiratory illness, and has lost weight, dropping from a pant size 40 to 30. She said life has come to a standstill for her, her husband and their other children as they focus on trying to free Joshua Holt and raise money to pay lawyer fees.

A court hearing on his case in Venezuela scheduled for earlier this month was canceled. A new hearing has been set for Oct. 11, she said.

Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said in a statement Thursday that he received a phone call from Vice President Joe Biden about Kerry's conversation with Maduro. Hatch said Biden is committed to working with Kerry to return Holt to his family.

U.S. Rep. Mia Love has worked on Holt's behalf, co-sponsoring a resolution that passed the House this week calling for the release of Holt and other political prisoners in Venezuela.
U.S. authorities are placing sanctions on two high-ranking Congolese officials who are considered to be close to President Joseph Kabila.

The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control on Wednesday announced the sanctions against Gabriel Amisi Kumba and John Numbi.



The U.S. says both men have used violent force to suppress political opposition in recent years.



Human Rights Watch says Amisi has long been implicated in abuses, though the Congolese military cleared him of all charges two years ago. He is now in charge of security for the region that includes the capital, Kinshasa.



The United States has been stepping up pressure against Congo amid growing political turmoil in the vast, mineral-rich nation where elections now have been delayed until next year.
Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf has told lawmakers the bank is expanding its review back to 2009 as it tries to stem a scandal over sales practices.

Stumpf reiterated that he was "deeply sorry,'' as he spoke Thursday before the House Financial Services Committee.



As at the Senate Banking Committee last week, representatives on both side of the aisle expressed outrage.



Stumpf cited the compensation he must return and noted new leadership at the retail bank business and the accelerated elimination of sales goals. He also said no executives above the branch manager level appeared to be aware of the misconduct.



Wells Fargo has agreed to pay $185 million to settle allegations that the bank's workers opened millions of accounts without customers' permission to reach aggressive sales targets.
Jubilant Indians took to Twitter to celebrate India's response to Pakistan after Uri terror attacks and to thank the Army.

By India Today Web Desk: Indian Twitter brought out its Diwali firecrackers early, after India Army announcement that it conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across Pakistan's Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

Opinion: Indian Army's surgical strikes should make Pakistan think twice before trying another Uri



Users were jubilant that India had finally responded to its terror-sponsoring neighbour, over the attack on Indian soldiers in Uri last week.



Great strike by Army!right response to a terrorist bully Pak!high moral stand by India for last 69 years have failed!@narendramodi RTMohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) September 29, 2016

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Pride was in the air

India carries out surgical strike in Pok.

Proud of you ?? #UriAttackHarsh M. Valia (@LegendofArsenal) September 29, 2016

There couldn't be any better tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh than these strikes by #IndianArmy at LoC on his b'day. #ModiPunishesPak Birender Singh (@ChBirenderSingh) September 29, 2016

From ???? ????? to ??????? ????...India has come a long way in just two years :') #56InchRocks #ModiPunishesPak Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) September 29, 2016

This Mysterious Big Smile on the faces of these retired Indian Army officials in TV debate tells us the entire story.Proud. #ModiPunishesPak Paresh Rawal (@Babu_Bhaiyaa) September 29, 2016

And some jokes too

Surgical Strike Level: Homeopathic Doctorasad (@AsNr80) September 29, 2016

Discounts were announced



Christ, I just got one of these myself! This is nuts pic.twitter.com/7SnUPO6e1o \_(?)_/ (@PranavDixit) September 29, 2016

Fawad Khan references were made

Waiting for Fawad Khan to condemn the surgical strike carried out by India. Cc: @ShivSena @MNSRajThackerayOffice of MC (@Being_Humor) September 29, 2016

And Sehwag went for gold



Salute to Indian Army.

The boys have played really well.

Jai Hind.#SurgicalStrike Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 29, 2016

People expressed gratitude to the army for protecting Indian borders

?? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ? Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 29, 2016

While we slept in the safety of our homes, our soldiers risked their all to keep us safe.To the Indian Soldier - ?? Thank you.Advaita Kala (@AdvaitaKala) September 29, 2016

And hailed Modi for coming through on promises

Those who interpreted PM @narendramodi's Kerala speech as "strategic restraint" have enough egg on their face to make an omelette Minhaz Merchant (@minhazmerchant) September 29, 2016

I think it takes 112 ' inch to do this !

Thanks PM ! #ModiPunishesPak Abhilasha Jain (@abhilasha999) September 29, 2016

Some people felt the pinch of the stock market response

Damn. The surgical strike bled my equity portfolio also. US goes to 9 wars at the same time, no effect on stock market. Losers.R (@reviewero) September 29, 2016

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And some weren't amused

If you want to understand news, read history for history is nothing but news that made it across centuries of filtering. #ModiPunishesPak pic.twitter.com/N05ch6CoD0Pallavi Prasad (@pallaviprsd) September 29, 2016

Don't celebrate. This is war. KP Krishan Partap Singh (@RaisinaSeries) September 29, 2016

On Pakistani Twitter, meanwhile, anger was in the air.

Before Army's announcement of the surgical strikes, Indian army had already killed two Pakistani soldiers, in its response to ceasefire violation by the 'rogue' neighbour.

@faujitweets why only casualties on our side?? ??????now need 20 pigs head from other sideDicktator (@PleasureSinful) September 29, 2016

indians are liars,they believe their own lies and live in the fake world that they create #psychopath #SurgicalStrike Mariam Jamali (@Mariam_Jamali) September 29, 2016

Dear @ISPR_Official you should plan secret operations in India, they need to get a real taste of their fantasy of us attacking them #ISPR

?? KaliChiriya (@KaliChiriya) September 29, 2016

This freaking country India that elected a criminal , a mass murdering terrorist modi. What do you expect from these people?#ChakDeIndia Emran Brohi (@ibrohi31) September 29, 2016

Indian army aur government ko surgical strikes nahi mental surgery ki zyada zaroorat hai. Ahsan | ???? (@aey) September 29, 2016

Surgical strike on Pakistan? My Foot!

ENDian army & Govt should come out of Bollywood fantasy.#MyanmarWaliSurgicalStrike 14.2 bloody miles (@AmnaISF) September 29, 2016

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Read:

India's surgical strike inside Pakistani territory: All you want to know

Nawaz Sharif after India's surgical strike: Don't take our peaceful intent for weakness

India's claim of surgical strikes across LoC an 'illusion', says Pakistan



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Zambian President Edgar Lungu has appointed eight women to his Cabinet in a decision that one women's group in the country has welcomed as a positive step forward.

In a statement, Lungu said there was a need to encourage more women to become involved in politics.

"Ministerial positions are not about appeasing. The appointment of ministers is a  prerogative of the president. ... It's about getting the best to deliver," said Lungu, who opens parliament Friday.

He also warned that he will not hesitate to fire disloyal and under-performing ministers. His recent comments came after he expressed concern about the low representation of women in parliament.

The portfolios for the new Cabinet appointees include higher education, agriculture, gender, community development and social welfare, and lands.

Juliet Chibuta, executive director of the advocacy group Zambia National Women's Lobby, said the inclusion of the women is an achievement worth mentioning, but added there is room for improvement.

Positive impact

In an interview with VOA, Chibuta said the women's inclusion in leadership positions will have a positive impact on Zambia's national development.

"Zambia is a signatory to many international instruments on gender, which promotes gender equality," she said. "So, when we saw that the president was making appointments and included women, for us we thought it was very progressive, because as a country, we need to adhere to the laws and policies on gender and also to the international instruments that we have ratified.

"The fact that we call ourselves a democracy, we need to ensure that we are inclusive of both men and women in the leadership of this nation. So the idea of including women in the Cabinet was not only progressive, but it also puts the country at a point whereby we all agree that it has gender equality," Chibuta added.

Some civil society groups say the appointment of Cabinet ministers should be based on qualifications and competence, rather than gender. They acknowledged, however, that Lungu has the power to appoint whomever he chooses for his Cabinet, regardless of gender or political affiliation.

Question different standards

While welcoming of the new appointments, Chibuta said a different standard applies to women.

"We have women who are well-qualified, and I think most of the women that have been appointed, they are qualified for the job in terms of educational qualification and in terms of experience," she said. "Aside from that, why is it that when it comes to the appointment of men, no one asks about the qualification, no one asks about whether they are competent or not?

"But when it comes to a woman, people would always ask whether that woman is qualified or whether the woman is able to do the work that she has been appointed to do," Chibuta said.

The Zambia National Women's Lobby also supported women who contested the August 11 presidential, parliamentary and local elections. Chibuta said the performance of some of the women at the polls was an improvement over previous elections.

"It's an achievement and also a significant step forward if you compare our 2011 results and how many women were elected and now," she said.

"In 2011 ... we had 17 women being elected, but now we have 26 women who were elected to parliament, meaning that at least we have managed to move a step forward," Chibuta said, crediting efforts such as giving support to women interested in running and urging political parties to encourage women to run for office.
At least one person has been reported dead and more than 100 injured in a commuter train crash in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The train crashed into a rail station during the Thursday morning rush hour, causing major damage.

Hoboken city spokesman Juan Melli told VOA the train derailed and plowed through the platform.

Rail service has been suspended in and out of Hoboken, located 11 kilometers outside New York City.

Rescue crews are on the scene. The cause of the crash has not been determined.

WATCH: Video from the scene recorded by transit employee

The train came to a halt in a covered area between the station's indoor waiting area and the platform. A metal structure covering the area collapsed.



"It simply did not stop," WFAN anchor John Minko, who witnessed the crash, told 1010 WINS. "It went right through the barriers and into the reception area."





The station is a hub for commuters switching from the NJ Transit system to the PATH system to head into Manhattan.



Hoboken, which is New Jersey Transit's fifth-busiest stations with 15,000 boardings per weekday, is the final stop for several train lines and a transfer point for many commuters on their way to New York City.
Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson showed his lack of knowledge about world affairs for a second time when he failed to come up with the name of a current leader of a foreign country.

In a townhall-style televised interview Wednesday night, MSNBC host Chris Matthews asked the presidential hopeful to name his favorite foreign leader. Johnson sat speechless before his running mate, former Massachusetts Governor William Weld, said his favorite was Shimon Peres, who died Wednesday.

Matthews went back to Johnson and prodded him to name a living leader from any country. "You gotta do this," Matthews said. "Anywhere. Any continent," Matthews added.

"I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment," Johnson said in reference to an interview earlier in September when he asked "What is Aleppo?" in response to a question about the Syrian city that has been a flashpoint in the more than five-year-old civil war.

"But I'm giving you the whole world," Matthews said, to which Johnson replied, "The former president of Mexico." When Matthews asked which one, Johnson said, "I'm having a brain freeze."

Weld then began naming recent Mexican presidents, prompting Johnson to say "Fox! Thank you," after hearing Weld say the name of former Mexican president Vicente Fox.

Johnson, a former governor of the southwestern U.S. state of New Mexico, is a long shot to win the White House in November, currently drawing under 10% support in national polls. He is expected, though, to receive votes from some Americans who are not supportive of either Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump.
The United States has commended Botswana for its love of peace, commitment to democracy, and steadfast leadership in environmental conservation, combating wildlife trafficking, and protecting the Okavango Delta.

In a statement to mark Botswanas 50th independence anniversary, United States Secretary of State John Kerry said, My government is also pleased to work with you in supporting human rights, empowering women and youth, and fighting epidemic disease including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

On this special day, the United States extends its best wishes to all the people of Botswana along with hopes for a safe and prosperous year to come. On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Botswana on the 50thanniversary of your nations independence.

He said the United States deeply values its friendship with your government and with all of you, a friendship based on mutual respect and responsibility.

Several world leaders, including President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, are expected to grace the independence celebrations on Friday in Gaborone.

President Ian Khama recently suggested that Mr. Mugabe should step down to pave way for a new leader saying he is now too old to lead the southern African nation.

Speaking at a media briefing in Francistown recently, principal programmes officer for the independence celebrations, Bofelo Gabothuse, said they had implementation committees in each district so as to carry out the independence preparations countrywide with every Motswana being involved.

Botswana, which was once known as Bechuanaland, gained independence from British rule on September 30, 1966.
Ever since Modi government came to power on May 26, 2014, India's relations with Pakistan can be categorised in three phases. While India had a clear-cut upper hand over Pakistan in the first and the last phase, it faltered in the middle phase.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: India conducted surgical strikes against Pakistan and Indian social media burst into joy. #ModiPunishesPak started trending on top on Twitter. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rivals started praising the government and the Indian Army's unprecedented move.

But till yesterday, Modi was being mocked by his detractors with jibes like '56-inch chest' and 'getting 10 heads for one beheading'. He was under attack from a section of intelligentsia and social media. They accused him of having formulated a flawed Pakistan policy or for not having any policy at all. Hence, when analysed minutely, it may be inferred that the BJP-led NDA government's Pakistan policy has been strategically planned, albeit with a few aberrations.

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ALSO READ: Avenging Uri: How India conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir



Ever since Modi government came to power on May 26, 2014, India's relations with Pakistan can be categorised in three phases. While India had a clear-cut upper hand over Pakistan in the first and the last phase, it faltered in the middle phase.

Modi started his relations with Pakistan on a clean slate. He ignored the turbulent past not of the previous UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh when 26/11 Mumbai terror attack took place in 2008. He also chose to leave behind Pakistan's stabbing in the back with the Kargil war soon after the then BJP prime minister AB Vajpayee's 'bus diplomacy' to Lahore in 1999.

FIRST PHASE

The first phase of NDA's Pakistan policy got off to a pleasant start on the very day Modi was sworn as Prime Minister. He invited his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif along with heads of other South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations. It remained the high point of the oath-taking ceremony and was not just discussed but praised world over.

While Modi gifted a shawl to Sharif's mother, the latter reciprocated with a sari for the Indian PM's mother. This is now being mocked as 'sari-shawl diplomacy'.

Modi received the first jolt when despite extending a hand of friendship, Pakistan indulged in more than a dozen cease fire violations on the Indo-Pak borders just two months later in July 2014.

Opinion: Indian Army's surgical strikes should make Pakistan think twice before trying another Uri



In August 2014, the Modi government received another jolt when the Pakistani High Commissioner met the Hurriyat leaders before the official talks. Pakistan had chosen to ignore a pre-condition imposed by India to talks with Pakistan. In a knee-jerk reaction, India cancelled the foreign secretary meet.

This did raise tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Modi and Sharif met in Kathmandu in November 2014 at the SAARC summit. They shook hands but did not hold any bilateral talks.

ALSO READ: Claims denied: How Pakistan media is treating India's surgical strike



The next meeting between the two leaders took place in July 2015 in the Russian town of Ufa on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. There was a step backward when Sartaj Aziz, member of Pakistan's National Security Agency, cancelled his visit to New Delhi in August 2015, blaming India's refusal to allow a meeting with the Hurriyat leaders.

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However, Modi and Sharif met again in November in Paris on the sidelines of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. This was followed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj travelling to Islamabad.

The highest point of the first phase of India's Pakistan policy came thereafter. In an unscheduled visit during his return journey from Afghanistan, Modi made a brief stopover at Lahore to personally wish Sharif on his birthday on December 25, 2015. Modi had pulled off a coup of sorts. His unprecedented gesture had taken South Asia by storm.

This 'birthday diplomacy' was again an attempt by Modi to build a personal rapport with Sharif and, through him, with the Pakistani establishment. The motive was to ease age-old tensions between the two countries and try to find a solution to the vexed Kashmir problem and the terror attacks from across the border.

However, amid this euphoria, there also was a lurking fear of Pakistan stabbing India in the back. There was a background to it. Vajpayee's bus to Lahore was reciprocated by Kargil misadventure. Coincidentally, Sharif was the PM then too. Hence, the apprehensions of Modi meeting the same fate were also quite strong.

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Modi had not paid heed to the age old adage of 'once bitten is twice shy'. He paid for it. Pakistan, and particularly Sharif, proved untrustworthy forever when, within a week of Modi's walking extra mile, the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot was attacked on January 2, 2016 allegedly by Pakistani terrorists in which six Indian military personnel were killed.

SECOND PHASE

With the Pathankot attack, the Indo-Pak relations entered the second phase. Though the bonhomie between Modi and Sharif had dissipated into thin air by then, the Indian PM still wanted to give peace one last chance.

ALSO READ: Will Pakistan hit back? Villages close to border being evacuated, leaves of soldiers cancelled



He agreed to a joint India-Pakistan investigation team to inspect the Pathankot terror attack. In March, the team visited Pathankot to investigate the incident. However, within a few days of their visit, the Pakistani media quoted the team's report as saying that India had "staged" the encounter to defame the neighbouring country.

Modi apparently got disillusioned with Pakistan's ploy. He almost lost hope. Hence, he changed tack and raked up terrorism and Pakistan's Achilles' heel - Balochistan, Gilgit, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

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THIRD PHASE

Modi's hopelessness with Pakistan got sealed with the September 18 Uri terror attack. This has taken India-Pakistan relations to the third phase. Modi has run out of patience. It is now clear that whatever India does, Pakistan will not honour them. Pakistan is now a declared untrustworthy neighbour.

Modi sensed the mood of the country and compared the anger of the people to that witnessed during the 1965 war. He tweeted the same day: "We strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Uri. I assure the nation that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished."

However, this retaliation was not to come in the form of a full scale war. Modi has embarked on an untreaded path. He will make Pakistan bleed with thousand cuts just as Pakistan has been pledged with India. The process has already got underway.

This week, the PM presided over a meeting to review the Indus Waters Treaty which is skewed in favour of Pakistan. India is unlikely to either abrogate or violate the treaty. But it will claim its share of water. This has forced Pakistan to rush to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

India had missed two opportunities to abrogate the treaty. It could have revoked it in 1965 and 1972 after the two wars. No previous government had attempted to corner Pakistan through the Indus Waters Treaty.

Modi is also likely to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan in 1996. It is likely to move WTO for action against Pakistan for not reciprocating in two decades and missing several deadlines. No other government before had even thought of it.

Just yesterday, in a major embarrassment to Pakistan, the forthcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India decided to boycott it. Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan backed India and they too decided to skip the summit. Pakistan virtually got isolated in South Asia.

ALSO READ: Drones filmed operation, 2 soldiers hurt by mines: All you need to know about the surgical strike



Pakistan was at the receiving end of nations even at the UN General Assembly meet earlier this week. Afghanistan Vice President Sarwar Danish slammed it and said that the world knew where Taliban leaders lived. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj too appealed to the world to isolate Pakistan. However, Pakistan did not find support from any country, not even from other Islamic countries or its strong ally China.

But the third phase of India-Pakistan relations touched pinnacle today when India conducted surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) reportedly killing 38 terrorists and soldiers.

The same people, such as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had been mocking Modi, were all praises for the Centre and Indian Army's move.

Barring the two wars, no previous government had overtly breached the Pakistani territory to carry out strikes. It did not happen even during the Kargil War. But today, Modi has set a new template.

The PM had given a long rope to Pakistan to call truce and mend relations. However, the neighbouring country continued with its nefarious designs. Modi could not have launched a multiple attack on Pakistan had he not started off his relations with Islamabad on a clean slate. And this is why, his overtures in the form of 'sari-shawl' and 'birthday' diplomacies stand vindicated today.

ALSO READ:

Nawaz Sharif after India's surgical strike: Don't take our peaceful intent for weakness

Double whammy for Pakistan; Iran fires mortars into Balochistan

Watch the video here:



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Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine 2

In light of accusations of child abuse, Brad Pitt has reportedly taken a drug test voluntarily and is cooperating fully with the Department of Children and Family Services, according to People. Pitt has been accused of being verbally abusive and getting physical with his son Maddox, 15, while he and wife Angelina Jolie were returning from France to their L.A. home on a private plane on September 14. The case was referred to the FBI under special aircraft jurisdiction, as the incident occurred mid-flight. An investigation into the alleged incident is being considered. He takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse of his children, a source close to Pitt told the magazine. Jolie requested sole physical custody of the couples six children when she filed for divorce in Los Angeles last week.
Steven Avery. Photo: Netflix

Steven Avery, one of the key subjects of Netflixs Making a Murderer, will discuss the murder case that put him behind bars in an interview with Dr. Phil airing on October 3 and 4. While Avery will be phoning in from prison  hes currently serving a life sentence in Wisconsin for the 2007 murder of Teresa Halbach  his new fiancee Lynn Hartman will appear in the studio. Averys nephew Brendan Dassey was also convicted of the murder in a separate trial; his conviction was overturned in August, though the state is appealing. Netflix recently renewed Making a Murderer for another season, which will follow up on both cases.
Photo: Isaac Brekken/ABC via Getty Images

Agnes Nixon, a creative powerhouse in the world of daytime soaps, died Wednesday at a senior living facility in Pennsylvania. She was 93. A major force in soaps since the 1960s, Nixon is best known for having created longtime ABC staples All My Children and One Life to Live. Having begun her career in soaps writing for CBSs Search for Tomorrow in the 1950s, Nixon also had a hand in As the World Turns, Guiding Light, and Another World before creating One Life to Live, All My Children, and the shorter-lived Loving. Nixon, who has been lauded for her introduction of socially progressive story lines to the soap world, was ahead of the jump in dealing with topics like interracial relationships, homosexuality, AIDS, child abuse, and abortion on daytime TV.

Nixon amassed a number of Daytime Emmys throughout her career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, only a few years before All My Children and One Life to Live finally left the air. Of Nixons death, Susan Lucci, who portrayed perhaps Nixons most famous creation in All My Childrens Erica Kane, wrote on Instagram: I am devastated to learn that we have lost Agnes. I adored her and admired her  and I am forever grateful to her! May this liveliest and loveliest of women rest in peace. Nixon occasionally appeared in her soaps, once popping up on One Life to Live as God. She is survived by her children, Catherine Chicos, Mary, Robert, and Emily; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.


Judith Light in All the Ways to Say I Love You, at the Lortel. Photo: Joan Marcus

Judith Light can do no wrong onstage, which isnt to say she can save a play that gets so little right. Without her, All the Ways to Say I Love You, the hour-long monologue that opened MCC Theaters new season tonight, would be very minor Neil LaBute. Not quite as minor as the similarly stunty and stunted Wrecks, performed by Ed Harris at the Public in 2006, but still too lightweight to fend for itself. Like that earlier work, which LaBute cites as a companion piece, All the Ways to Say I Love You borrows a problem  not even a theme  from Greek drama, in this case from Phaedra, of whom weve seen a bit too much lately. But whereas Wrecks (as the pun in its title suggests) was concerned rather narrowly with incest, All the Ways to Say I Love You is about a slightly larger and yet more ambiguous crime. Thats an improvement, if still a doodle; Light makes it a monument.

Both plays take the form of an exculpatory speech delivered by the perpetrator in a theatrical limbo that in some ways resembles an investigative interview (there are implied but unheard questions) and in some ways a psychological star chamber. Light plays Mrs. Johnson, a high-school English teacher and guidance counselor reflecting on a sexual relationship she had with a student some 15 years before the action. (It seems fair to reveal this plot point because LaBute, uncharacteristically, does not withhold it for long.) Though she repeatedly points out that the student, Tommy, was a second-year senior  that is, likely 18  she does not minimize the factors that made the relationship inappropriate even if it was not strictly illegal. Tommy was a struggling student from a dysfunctional family. He depended on Mrs. Johnson for college recommendations. And, like Mrs. Johnsons husband, he was black.

Here Ill stop relating the plot, because even if LaBute dispenses with the big news early, he does show his usual skill in delaying and shaping the secondary revelations. But however apt the architecture, what fills it up, its interior design, is a little tacky and heavily padded. Mrs. Johnson actually says things like I remember it like it was yesterday. But even when LaButes sentences do not indulge in such cliches they have a curiously self-underlining quality, as if to promote an urgency that the story otherwise lacks; since we dont know where we are, other than in a cinder-block school office with venetian blinds, there is no sense of consequence for Mrs. Johnsons admissions. She did the crime, she got away with it, she regrets it but not too much. And though she refers in the final underwhelming beats to the cost of my lust and my treachery and my duplicity, that cost seems to be, at worst, an ordinary humans cup of karmic rebound.

The gap between content and tone is so extreme that the play would get dangerously close to giggle-worthy were it not for Lights commitment to it. Even more than in her Tony-winning second-banana performances in Other Desert Cities and The Assembled Parties she is a marvel of heightened naturalism, all her abilities in top form and wielded together toward the same ends. That she is funny and febrile is no news; the nervous jokes pop out of her as reflexively as the tears pool in her eyes. Her gestural armamentarium is perfectly calibrated to the characters training and circumstance. Even her slimness  she passes easily at 67 for the 50-ish Mrs. Johnson  seems like a kind of instrument: In her skinny gray slacks and maroon cardigan she resembles a harp string, ready to be plucked. (That perfect costume is by Emily Rebholz.) Nor will it be surprising to followers of Transparent (less so, perhaps, than to followers of Whos the Boss?) that she is exceptionally fluent and zestful with sexually outre material. Every second of every day when that boy was fucking me  I loved it, she all but grunts.

That said, its clear that Light is working too hard to make up for whats missing in the script. Its fluidly done  she cant do anything awkwardly  but her frequent brake-jamming self-interruptions and semaphoric indications of emotional potholes eventually come to seem less like character tics than like Cliffs Notes. Leigh Silvermans production seconds the idea with its portentous effects: dramatic changes of light and sound that sometimes had me thinking a spaceship might land in the office. (Is it significant that the clock on the wall of Rachel Haucks set has only a second hand?) Im not sure what else the director and actress could have done to make an entirely retrospective script feel theatrical in the moment, and its admirable how much they succeed. But it may not be what LaBute really calls for. As he has Mrs. Johnson say about her doomed romance, I teach it but I dont believe in it: drama.

All the Ways to Say I Love You is at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, through October 23.
It was India's first major strike on Pakistan after PoK-based terrorists attacked an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri area earlier this month, killing 18 Indian soldiers.

By India Today Web Desk: India conducted "surgical strikes" across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and killed several terrorists, the Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) said today.

Opinion: Indian Army's surgical strikes should make Pakistan think twice before trying another Uri



It was India's first major strike on Pakistan after PoK-based terrorists attacked an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri area earlier this month, killing 18 Indian soldiers.

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Here is all you want to know on the surgical strikes: DGMO Lt General Ranbir Singh said the strikes were launched on Wednesday night based on "very specific and credible information that some terrorist units had positioned themselves to infiltrate" into India. The announcement followed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had vowed to avenge Uri in an earlier tweet. The operation lasted from 12.30 am to 4.30 am, with the location being 500 metres to 2 km from the LoC on the Pakistani side, sources in the Indian Army said. Seven terror launch pads were destroyed by the commandos of the Army Special Forces, who were paradropped into the Pakistani territory by ALH Dhruv choppers. The surgical strikes were recorded on cameras with drones also recording footage. 2 Indian soldiers were injured from landmines during the surgical strikes, the Army said. It also said it had no immediate plans of another such operation for now. The entire operation was monitored through the night by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval, Army Chief General DS Suhag and other top officials from the Army headquarters in Delhi. The Pakistani Army has denied any surgical strike by India but has admitted that two of its soldiers were killed by Indian forces in cross-border firing in Kashmir earlier today. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the killing of two Pakistani soldiers. Sharif warned that Pakistan's "intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness". The government had called an all-party meeting at 4 pm following the surgical strikes. Most opposition parties have welcomed India's strike on Pakistan. PM Modi has also briefed President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, former PM Manmohan Singh on the Army operation. The Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir have also been briefed.

Indian Army commandos cross LoC, conduct surgical strikes in Pakistani territory



READ| Nawaz Sharif calls for peace, then praises terrorist in UN speechREAD| All you need to know about Pakistan's nastiest weapon: Tactical nukes

READ| Apocalypse alert: How India-Pakistan nuclear war will kill 12 million, destroy two countries

READ| Sushma Swaraj slams Pakistan at UNGA, says Kashmir will always be integral part of India

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:



Also Read:Why India didn't strike Pakistan after 26/11



10 terrorists gunned down in Uri after Pakistan violates ceasefire again



Days after Uri attack, suspicious bag found near Army unit in Pathankot

NIA registers FIR in Uri terror attack, seizes GPS and ammunition from slain terrorists

India slams Pakistan at UN after Uri attack, rakes up human rights violations in Balochistan Uri attack: India to respond at multiple levels, but will the stand be aggressive?









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Moroso Wood Fired Pizzeria

4700 Bosque Blvd.

254-235-6000

On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 5-10 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: Yes

On the menu: 13 types of Neapolitan pizza (dough from 00 flour, fresh yeast, sea salt and purified water; San Marzano tomatoes; cooked at very high temperature); appetizers including aranchini (fried ravioli balls), made-from-scratch meatballs, charcuterie board; salads; desserts including cannoli, risotta cheesecake and torta al cioccolato (flourless chocolate cake).

Good to know: Tomatoes and flour are imported from Italy with Italian sausage custom-made in Texas. Pizza oven, dough mixer designed for neapolitan pizza. Many recipes are from owner Dan Morosos family.

Restaurant origin: Dan Moroso trained in restaurant and hotel service before following a career as a television production and writer. He and his wife Robyn, a Baylor University graduate with family in Waco, moved to Waco after 17 years in Miami to set up their own restaurant with an emphasis on hand-crafted food and premium ingredients. Opened Sept. 1.

Silos Baking Co.

601 Webster Ave.

254-235-6111

On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.

Price: $

Takeout: No

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Eight flavors of cupcakes; cookies (chocolate-chip and chocolate-chip/peanut-butter-chip/walnut); cinnamon rolls (with and without pecans); biscuits (bacon/cheddar and orange/cranberry); almond pastry; and blueberry muffins. Drinks include milk, lemonades and water.

Good to know: Some of the recipes are favorites of Magnolia Market co-owner/founder Joanna Gaines of HGTVs Fixer Upper. Several cupcakes carry Fixer Upper-inspired names, such as the Shiplap (vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing), Nuts & Bolts (vanilla cake with pecans and walnuts, cream cheese icing), Silobration (vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream icing) and Cup O Jo (chocolate cake with espresso buttercream icing).

Restaurant origin: Located on the Magnolia Market grounds in the shadow of the twin silos. Opened June 29.

The Provender Store

608 B Austin Ave.

254-265-4327

On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes. Catering available.

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Organic delicatessen and bakery with locally sourced foods wherever possible. Hand-cured pastrami, corned beef and chicken; homemade bread, pickles, preserves, mustards and sausage; specialty desserts.

Good to know: Menu updated every few months to reflect seasonally available produce and meats.

Restaurant origin: Owner Craig Parker came to the Waco area as a wine-making consultant, but success with his homemade jams at the Downtown Waco Farmers Market persuaded him of a need for a downtown deli. The Provender Store opened in 2013.

Georges Restaurant and Bar

1925 Speight Ave. (original location) and 1201 Hewitt Drive (Westrock)

254-753-1421 and 254-420-2060

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-midnight Mondays- Saturdays and 11 a.m.- midnight Mondays, 7 a.m.-midnight Tuesdays-Saturdays

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes. Catering available.

Alcohol: Full bar

On the menu: Mix of American, Southern and Tex-Mex with breakfast, lunch and dinner served. Recent menu additions include sandwiches The George (hamburger with bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, Swiss cheese, spinach and roasted tomatoes), the Bruiser (chicken-fried steak with grilled onions, mushrooms bacon, jalapenos and Bruiser Sauce; and the chick-queso potato (potato stuffed with chicken-fried steak and queso).

Good to know: Both Georges offer a new 15-item $5.99 menu and both have outdoor seating on the Big O Deck (original location) and the Big O Patio patio (Westrock).

Red Wagon BBQ

169 Halbert Lane

254-829-2277

Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. Brisket and ribs often sell out before closing.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Brisket, chicken, beef ribs, beef sausage; brisket and chicken plates, sandwiches. Sides of potato salad, cole slaw, beans, all organic. Salads topped with chopped beef, chicken or smoked salmon also available.

Good to know: Grass-fed beef used for sausage, which is made onsite; all-natural ribs; all-natural brisket when available. Sandwiches made with bread baked at nearby Homestead Heritage using flour from wheat milled onsite. Honey used as sweetener in cole slaw; no sugar added to sides or barbecue rubs.

What About Cupcakes?

1001 Franklin Ave.

on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturday or when cupcakes are sold out.

Price: $ (see guide below)

Takeout: Yes. Same-day calls to reserve cupcakes accepted with payment at time of call. Those with large or custom orders advised to call at least a day in advance.

On the menu: Cupcakes in mini, regular and jumbo sizes. Daily flavors of strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter and Oreo plus two or three featured cupcakes each day. Ice cream, frosted sugar cookies and tea cake cookies also available.

Good to know: Customer favorites include red velvet cupcakes as well as (non-alcoholic) strawberry and lime margarita cupcakes with sugar around the rim.

Alpha Omega Mediterranean Grill and Bakery

929 Franklin Ave.

254-732-7506

alphaomegawaco.com and on Facebook

Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Saturdays.

Price: $-$$ (see guide below)

Takeout: Yes. Catering services also available.

Alcohol: Bottled beer and wine available

On the menu: Pork, chicken, lamb gyros; salads; Greek/Mediterranean dishes such as hummus, spanakopita and baba ganoush; European-style pastries; gelato.

Good to know: Pita bread baked fresh daily; pastries and gelato made onsite.
As the Centre has decided to review the Indus Waters Treaty and called to expedite the construction of the Pakal Dul, Sawalkot power projects on river Chenab, Jammu and Kashmir govt has stepped up efforts in this direction.

By Naseer Ganai: As the Centre has decided to review the World Bank-brokered 1962 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and called to expedite the construction of the Pakal Dul, Sawalkot power projects and Bursar Dam on river Chenab, Jammu and Kashmir government has stepped up efforts in this direction.

J-K GOVT KEEN TO CONSTRUCT DAMS



J and K government has shown a desire to construct 'mini dams' on tributaries of three major rivers of J and K to encourage double crop in the state.

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"We have got no communication from the Centre about Indus Waters Treaty, but we want to construct small dams for irrigation purposes," says J and K Minister for Irrigation, Sham Lal Choudhary. He, however, said that the state government had started constructing check dams in far-off areas to store rainwater and stream water for irrigation and drinking. He said only big dams could be constructed on big rivers like Chenab. "The Central government has asked to expedite construction of the Pakal Dul, Sawalkot and Bursar dams in Jammu and Kashmir. We have started work on them", Choudhary added.

PROJECTS MUST BE EXPEDITED: OMAR



Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he would love to see these projects expedited now. "Sawalkot HEP was shelved by the PDP-Cong government and in spite of my best efforts, I couldn't get it out of cold storage," he tweeted. "Pakul Dul is being executed by Chenab Valley power company, a JV between J and K and NHPC. Would love to see it expedited now, the sooner the better," he said. Bursar is a storage dam, but has run into environment issues, Abdullah added.

Also read: Pakistan moves International Court of Justice as India reviews Indus Waters Treaty



The IWT is a water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) in September, 1960. The treaty gives India exclusive use of all of the waters of the Eastern Rivers and their tributaries before the point where the rivers enter Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistan has exclusive use of the Western Rivers.

The IWT curtails the Jammu and Kashmir's rights on Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers.

7,92,426 ACRES OF LAND BEING IRRIGATED



According to state government officials, there is permission for irrigation using waters of three western rivers Chenab, Jhelum and Indus on crop area of 13,43,477 acres in J and K, but only 7,92,426 acres of land is being irrigated.

Also read: India can't decide unilaterally on Indus Waters Treaty, says Pak PM Nawaz Sharif



The government, according to officials, is going to approach the international expertise for construction of water storage facilities, within the provisions of the IWT, on the tributaries to increase agriculture productivity in rural areas and on plateaus.

At least 36 major tributaries flow into Jhelum river, which originates in south Kashmir and flows through Srinagar before entering the Wullar Lake. Choudhary said Indus and Chenab rivers were very good to construct big dams.

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Also read: Indus Waters Treaty: Blood and water can't flow together, says PM Modi



Officials say annual loss due to the absence of water storage facilities on the rivers is worth Rs 6,000 crore.

OMAR SOUGHT COMPENSATION FOR J-K



Earlier in 2011, Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister had asked for compensation for Jammu and Kashmir from the Centre on account of losses incurred by the state due to the IWT.

As Chief Minister of J and K, Omar had accorded sanction to engage a consultant M/S Halcrow Consulting India Pvt to quantify losses suffered by the state govt due to the IWT. However, M/s Halcrow, in 2011 refused to sign the contract for the study. The consultant, instead, sought return of his bid security since the bid validity had long expired and he was under no contractual obligation to sign the contract. Thus, bureaucratic red tapism hit the first effort of the state govt to carry out scientific study to quantify the IWT losses.

In March 2003, National Conference as Opposition party, had moved a resolution in the Legislative Council of the Assembly asking the Union government to review the Indus Waters Treaty with a view to safeguarding the interests of the state. In spite of being moved by the Opposition, the Council passed the resolution.

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As the treaty has restricted the state to exploit its hydro-electric generation, officials in the State Power Ministry say estimated loss to the state due to the treaty is of Rs 800 billion, while some have estimated the figure to be Rs 200 billion.

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Srinagar, Sep 29 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir police today sanctioned an aid of Rs two crore for of 3,500 police personnel and Special Police Officers (SPOS) injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley.

Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra Kumar sanctioned the relief in favour of 3,500 police personnel and SPOs who got injured while facing hostile situation discharging their professional duties and in maintaining peace and order in the state, an official spokesman said.

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The DGP said over 4,000 state police and other security agencies personnel have been injured in different incidents of violence which include 1,369 from south Kashmir and 964 from north Kashmir.

"Welfare of personnel should be our priority to boost morale of the force. Men in khaki perform in extreme hostile situations, causing physical injuries to various jawans and officers, while safeguarding the lives and properties of the people. Keeping in view this situation, the department is providing relief to such personnel," Kumar said while addressing police officers here.

He said the organisation, realising its responsibility to help its personnel, has also introduced many schemes to provide succour to such personnel.

"The state police has suffered a lot, while ensuring rule of law and protecting life and property of people," he said.

Kumar said cops who were critically injured in the clashes have also been provided financial assistance to meet out the expenses on their medical treatment.

"The injured cops have been treated in different hospitals, including Army Base Hospital and police hospital Srinagar," Kumar said.

The police chief said many welfare schemes are in force to provide assistance to the police personnel and their families to infuse energy among them.

"The officers and jawans of the force are committed towards their spirit of public service and it is our responsibility to boost their morale," he added. PTI MIJ AQS SMJ AQS

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Ever since her hospitalisation rumours have been going around that the Tamil Nadu CM is in critical condition and she has passed away.

It has been a week since Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has been admitted in the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai after she was running high temperature and was having dehydration. Ever since her hospitalisation rumours have been going around that the CM is in critical condition and the last two days there has been rumours that she has passed away.

RUMOR-MONGERS TO BE TAKEN TO TASK



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Following this the state police has released an announcement that rumours are being monitored and people will be taken to task for doing the same.

The pressure faced by the hospital officials following the rumour that has been spreading like wild fire, Apollo has officially stated that the CM is in good health and is improving. The AIADMK official Twitter handle tweeted that the CM is doing well and will return home soon according to Apollo doctors. Apollo also said that the CM responded well to the treatment and has been advised a few days stay in the hospital for treatment.

AMMA IS FINE, SAY AIADMK WORKERS



After the CM got admitted in the hospital the situation in the state has been tensed with hundreds of party cadres coming from different parts of the state to the city to meet their beloved leader. Hundreds of party cadres have been gathering around the hospital everyday to just make sure that they are there to greet her when she exits the hospital. "Our Amma is fine, she had a meeting with officials yesterday. We are sure she will come back healthy," said a cadre waiting outside the hospital.

"Amma has sacrificed her life for the welfare of the people and she will return to serve us and take care of us," said another party worker.

ALSO READ:

Jayalalithaa meets officials in hospital, gives direction on handling Cauvery issue

CM Jayalalithaa under observation, to be discharged in few days



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A second investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Judge Walter S. Smith Jr., and whether Smith lied about the allegations, was shut down when he retired earlier this month. A federal council ruled this week Smith is no longer a judicial officer subject to disciplinary procedures.

While the plug was pulled on the second probe before hearings were held and findings could be released, the Judicial Council of the 5th Circuit concludes that the actions of Judge Smith, though serious, do not warrant a recommendation for impeachment.

Smith, 75, ended his 32-year tenure as Wacos federal judge with his retirement, effective Sept. 14. He cleaned out his chambers last week and had planned to meet with courthouse employees in his former courtroom on Sept. 22. But, Smith canceled the meeting.

Smith did not return a message Tuesday left with a former staff member.

The Judicial Council of the 5th Circuit formally reprimanded Smith in December after finding he made inappropriate and unwanted physical and nonphysical advances toward a female courthouse staff member in his court chambers in 1998.

In retirement, Smith will draw an annual annuity for the rest of his life that equals his annual salary of $203,100.

Former Dallas attorney Ty Clevenger filed the original complaint against Smith and appealed the councils initial ruling, saying Smith should have been impeached. That appeal led to the inquiry called off this week.

Smith resigned before the judicial council could complete its full inquiry, an order released Wednesday said.

As noted in the first Judicial Council order, there is evidence that there were other incidents involving Judge Smith similar to the incident that was the focus of the complaint, the order, signed by Carl E. Stewart, chief judge of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, said. After further investigation on remand, the investigators found no evidence that any such incidents have occurred in many years, despite their having interviewed all witnesses likely to have knowledge of any such conduct.

The first order also indicated that there were misrepresentations by Judge Smith that extended the proceeding, but that did not affect its outcome. Thus, the council concludes that Judge Smiths actions in neither respect warrant recommending the extraordinary step of attempting the impeachment of a judge who is no longer on the bench.

Clevenger said it is good that Smith no longer in on the federal bench but called the action too little, too late. He said Smith should have been impeached.

I think the Fifth Circuit is probably right about the consequences of Judge Smiths retirement, Clevenger said Thursday. As the law is currently written, it would be nearly impossible to divest him of his post-retirement pay. Obviously the law needs to be changed, and I will continue to press for reforms in the judicial disciplinary process. Federal judges are treated like gods, and its high time that they were held to the same standards as the rest of us.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz have established the Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee, a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas, to identify the most qualified candidates to help fill judicial vacancies, an aide in Cornyns office said.

This panel reviews applications, interviews candidates and makes recommendations to the senators. The senators then send the recommendations along to the White House for the presidents consideration, the aide said.

Federal judges are appointed by the president. With the upcoming election, it is unclear how long it could take for Smiths replacement to be named.

In addition to reprimanding Smith after its initial investigation, the 5th Circuit judicial council suspended Smith for one year from hearing any new criminal or civil cases filed after Dec. 3.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, of Austin, who had been serving as a replacement in Waco during Smiths suspension of new cases, will assume the Waco caseload until Smiths replacement is named, officials said.

After its initial reprimand and suspension, the 5th Circuit council also determined Smith allowed false assertions to be made to the council, which added to the length and expense of the initial five-month investigation that included interviews with 31 people.

The panel also concluded Smith failed to properly disclose to attorneys appearing in Smiths court his attorney-client relationship with Waco attorney Greg White, who represented Smith in the complaints while representing clients in Smiths court.
Providence Health Center is inviting the public to a one-stop Health Day on Saturday at the Waco Convention Center, where 600 volunteers will provide health services and screenings to the public at no charge.

We dont know how many people will attend, but we are hoping people who otherwise would not have access to necessary care will avail themselves of the services they need, Providence Healthcare Network spokesman Shahreen Abedin said in an email.

The convention center will become what Providence describes as a medical arena between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., when patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Doctors, nurses, technicians  more than 600 clinical and nonclinical volunteers in all  will examine people who visit the convention center and assess their needs, Abedin said.

When patients are initially examined, they will receive blood pressure checks, and there will be an on-site pharmacy to dispense medications, he said. There will also be about 450 free flu shots available for adults. An on-site lab will conduct basic blood and urine tests, and cholesterol will be checked after consultations with a doctor, he said.

Providence associates also donated hundreds of pairs of socks and shoes to distribute at the event, Abedin said.

Adults will have access to dental services, and adults and children will have access to vision screenings.

Local providers of health-related services will make themselves available to discuss options in the Greater Waco community and beyond, and volunteers will help participants take steps to enroll in health insurance coverage or link up with primary care doctors for treatment beyond what they receive Saturday, Abedin said.

McLennan County has a higher poverty rate than the Texas average, leaving thousands in our community uninsured or underinsured. We understand that access to affordable health care remains a challenge for many, Providence Health System CEO Brett Esrock said. Honoring our mission to care for the poor and vulnerable, we hope to close gaps in medical care, creating healthier families and communities.

The Health Day is part of a national commitment by Providences parent company Ascension to provide health care to those who desperately need it, said Brian Becker, senior vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Providence Healthcare Network. Ascension held its first Health Day in Texas in the Hutto community, Becker said.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District supports the event and, along with other agencies, will have representatives at the scene to help with logistics and provide information, spokeswoman Kelly Craine said.
Simenthia Evans eyes will turn yellow, indicating a deep level of pain and alerting her sister to the dangers associated with sickle cell anemia.

Alisha Evans, 29, said its a team effort to care for her older sister, who lives with a disease many people admit ignorance of. As sickle cell anemia awareness month comes to an end, Simenthia Evans continues to live with the never-ending disease, and a local organization continues to educate the community and raise funds to help people in need.

Sickle cell anemia is a life-threatening blood disorder, said the Rev. Gene Carter, executive director of the Central Texas Sickle Cell Anemia Association. Individuals with the disease are extremely vulnerable to infections; suffer from deterioration of joints, kidney infections and strokes; and have a shortened life expectancy, Carter said.

He has known Simenthia Evans since she was born. Carter said he knew her mother, who died almost 15 years ago.

Evans story is one of survival, he said.

She is a wonderful, intelligent young lady, Carter said. She is a marvelous person.

Many people dont understand that sickle cell anemia and sickle cell disease refer to the same thing, Carter said.

The local, all-volunteer association has existed for 33 years. Carter said he had retired as a preacher and one day had a revelation from God that he was called to work with people affected by sickle cell anemia. He said he began to study the topic he once was unfamiliar with.

Raising awareness

Now three decades later, the association continues to educate people about sickle cell anemia and provide referral services, counseling and supplies when needed. Carter said there continues to be a great need to educate and bring awareness about sickle cell anemia. He said when the local chapter started 33 years ago, there were six other chapters in the state.

Now the only other chapter in the state is in Austin, he said.

They all have closed for the lack of support, Carter said. We want people to see the story and to know the story that sickle cell disease is a very critical and fatal disease.

Simenthia Evans said she was diagnosed when she was 9 months old. The doctors told her mother Evans wouldnt live to see 5.

Shes now 35 years old.

Evans said she takes every chance she can to bring awareness to sickle cell anemia. Shes always seeing organizations in other states hosting walks and fundraising events for their local sickle cell anemia organization and thinks if more people understood the disease, they would be encouraged to help with supportive events, she said.

If me and Mr. Carter can get things like that here to Texas, that would be awesome. I would love that, Evans said.

Misconception

Carter said there is a misconception that sickle cell anemia affects only black people. The disease is hereditary, he said. The only way a person can get the disease is if both parents carry the sickle cell trait. Carter said if a carrier couple have four children, odds are that one child will have the disease and the other three will carry the trait.

The local association provides services to nine counties now that other resources have dried up across the state, he said.

We are blessed in Waco. We never could have lasted this long if Providence Hospital hadnt invested in us, he said about receiving building space from the hospital.

Carter said he is encouraging the community to donate to the associations gofundme account at gofundme.com/qa2c35mg and to continue to help provide services for people in need.

This years slogan is Everyone reach out, he said. Donations also can be mailed to Sickle Cell, P.O. Box 881, Waco, Texas 76703.

Evans said she cant work because the disease gave her a learning disability. She said shes thankful to have one of her sisters around all the time.

I understand, but sometimes, like, you may have to break it down to me so I can understand, she said.

Evans said her life has largely consisted of trips to and from hospitals and doctors offices where she is prodded and studied and medicated.

Evans said she had a total hip replacement at 27 because her bones had deteriorated. At 29, she caught double pneumonia after a hospital stay. At 33, she suffered another bad episode and suffered strokelike symptoms, which affected her brain, speech and ability to walk, she said.

With sickle cell patients, we have our good days and our bad days, she said. You never know when youre going to be down. I can talk to you today, and we can talk about everything now and Im doing OK; Im having a little pain right now in my knees. Tomorrow, whos going to say Im not in a full-blown crisis in the hospital?

Evans said surviving is all about having a warrior support.

Her mother, who was a strong woman and a positive motivator, died in 2002, she said. Since then, her support has come from her two sisters, Alisha Evans and Hiya Guffey, and her father, Elbert Foster.

You have to have that support behind you 100 percent. You have to have someone fight for you when youre not able to fight for yourself, she said.

Evans said she cant imagine what it was like for her sisters to have to live with her growing up and to continue to care for her while living their own lives.

I know its probably rough on them, she said. I can just imagine how it felt for them you know, growing up with me, just how hard it was for them to care for me, them being young and me being young too.

Not a burden

Alisha Evans said she prepares her sisters meals and helps her get dressed each day. Most nights they prop Simenthia Evans legs up to help with circulation and then rotate cold and hot packs throughout the night. Some days are better than others.

I cant imagine the pain that she goes through, you know, just from her whole body hurting. Im, like, bawling if my stomach and head are hurting, Alisha Evans said.

Alisha Evans said lately Simenthia Evans has been depressed and scared, though shes not sure why.

When we were growing up, anytime her birthday or Christmas and stuff would come, she would get so excited. Its like, I remember my mom literally never being able to tell us about any trips because she would get so excited that she would literally throw her body into a crisis, Alisha Evans said.

She said planning for her own wedding may have caused her sisters heightened emotions.

Simenthia Evans said she often feels like a burden to her family.

Shes not, both sisters chimed in.

Shes my sister and I love her, Guffey said.

Alisha Evans said she fears she wont always be able to keep her sister comfortable, as her tolerance for pain medications grows and more are added over the years.

I really take my hat off to my mom. She was a single mother for a while, she said. For a while it was just her, and Im, like, I dont see how she did it all those years by herself, back and forth to the doctor.

Alisha Evans said its hard to believe there are so many people who still dont know or understand what sickle cell anemia is, but she will always take the time to explain in hopes of encouraging others to support the local foundation.
For the many Texans concerned that outdated criminal justice laws are endangering public safety and ruining peoples lives, its heartening that Congress has indicated that it hopes to take up the issue during the coming weeks. But it remains unclear whether any legislation will make it to the presidents desk.

Thats why the roughly 383,000 employers who call Texas home should consider voluntarily taking action themselves.

Businesses have a powerful role to play in giving individuals with criminal records a second chance. The easiest step they can take is to ban the box.

Right now, most employers require job-seekers to check a box on an application if they have any criminal record. Too often, this can function as an automatic application denied for individuals who have any blemish in their past.

Nationwide, some 650,000 incarcerated individuals rejoin society every year, and they desperately need jobs to help them transition back into society and to provide for themselves and their families. But the criminal-record box often shuts them out of the job market before they can get a foot in the door. A 2009 study by Harvard and Princeton researchers showed individuals who checked the box reduced their chances of a callback by 50 percent, with blacks hurt twice as much as whites.

Indeed, unemployment among those with a criminal record remains staggeringly high: A third of men without jobs between the ages of 25 and 54 have a criminal record. And this lack of employment is one of the key reasons why over two-thirds are re-arrested, over half are re-convicted, and 2 in 5 are re-incarcerated within three years of release.

Ex-offender unemployment not only holds back individuals working to improve their lives, it also stifles our economy. A 2010 study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research estimated the annual lost economic value at between $57 billion and $65 billion.

These are a few of the reasons why my employer, Koch Industries, officially banned the box on our job application last year, including for applicants in Texas. Now we delay the question until later in the hiring process. This allows us to consider a candidates past record in the context of their other life experiences.

Companies big and small have made the same choice because it makes sense from a business perspective. With an estimated 1 in 3 adults in the United States having some sort of criminal record, its shortsighted for an employer to potentially eliminate one-third of the available applicant pool. We should seek the best talent period  with or without a record.

Over the years at Koch, individuals hired with a past record have been dedicated employees who have succeeded at the company. They are valuable contributors and, more importantly, they are on a path toward a productive and fulfilling life.

We recognize that banning the box may not make sense for every business, which is why a government mandate isnt the solution. Each employer needs to make his own decision on this issue. If the roughly 383,000 employers in Texas opted to ban the box, the social and economic landscape could be defined by more opportunity and prosperity, especially for the least fortunate.

Thousands of Texans with criminal records try to rejoin society every year, and they want to contribute to their communities and improve their lives. Texas businesses can help them by breaking down barriers that stand in their way. No one should be judged forever based on what they did on their worst day  and everyone deserves a second chance.

Mark Holden is general counsel and senior vice president at Koch Industries. He also serves on the board of directors of Americans for Prosperity.
Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, mused in public that the party might block Jeb Bush or John Kasich from running for the Republican presidential nomination again because they reneged on their pledge to back the nominee this year.

Its natural for an RNC chief to want his party unified in support of its presidential candidate. But its not clear that Priebuss threat is helping his party. If Donald Trump wins the election, then it is unlikely that Kasich or Bush will run in four years.

If he loses, on the other hand, Priebus or his successor at the RNC will have two interests that both cut against making good on his threat. Republicans will want to tamp down the intraparty recriminations that would follow the defeat. This is part of what promoting party unity means. Republicans also will want to win back the voters who deserted them because of Trump. Trying to punish prominent Republicans who shared these voters anti-Trump sentiments would set back that goal.

Even now, making the threat does not appear to be enhancing Republican unity. Kasich aides told Priebus to buzz off. Ted Cruz endorsed Trump, but nobody thinks it was because he feared the Republican National Committee.

But its not just Trump-supporting Republicans who are making foolish threats of punishing the Republicans with whom they disagree. Writing in USA Today, Gabriel Schoenfeld said that anti-Trump conservatives should banish everyone from the Republican Party who has endorsed Trump, including House Speaker Paul Ryan. Max Boot, an adviser to past Republican presidential candidates, said Schoenfeld speaks for him and many other #neverTrump types.

Getting rid of everyone who endorsed Trump is an ambitious goal, given that most of the partys elected officials fall into that category. Its even more ambitious when you consider that the reason so many of them endorsed him is that most Republican voters support him: 87 percent of them in one recent poll. No ambitious Republican politician, even one as solidly anti-Trump as Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, is going to repudiate all those voters.

So there would be too many people to purge and too few people interested in doing it for Schoenfelds plan to succeed. It would not even have the full support of the small faction of the party that is still dead-set against Trump. Some Republicans find Trump too odious to support but respect other Republicans reasons for reaching a different conclusion. Some of them dont think punishing Trump supporters is practical. Some of them, like leading #NeverTrumper Bill Kristol, dislike the idea of purges.

How would the strategy be executed, anyway? House Republicans are not going to dump Ryan as their leader because he endorsed Trump: Most of them endorsed the nominee, too. Primary voters in Ryans district arent going to vote him out because he endorsed Trump: They voted in large numbers to renominate him after he did it, and the opposition he faced tended to come from people who were more pro-Trump than he is.

None of this means anti-Trump Republicans should give up on influencing their party. But a realistic strategy would have to set limited objectives. In the event of a big Trump defeat, his critics should have no qualms about arguing that nominating him threw away a winnable race  and that people who played key roles in enabling his nomination, like Sarah Palin and Jeff Sessions, made a costly error of judgment that should make people less willing to follow their lead in the future.

But that wouldnt mean casting Palin or Sessions into outer darkness. And it doesnt  cant  entail repudiating the voter who picked Trump in the New Hampshire primary because he seemed like a successful businessman. Or the South Carolinian who thought he was the only candidate who took his concerns about illegal immigration seriously. Or the politician who decided after Trump won the nomination that he is preferable to Hillary Clinton.

For people with strong anti-Trump views  views with which I sympathize  that course is bound to be less emotionally satisfying than calling for purges. Perhaps the pro-Trump and anti-Trump Republicans have more in common than they realize: Both seem intent on pursuing their grievances rather than their interests.

Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist, a senior editor of National Review and the author of The Party of Death: The Democrats, the Media, the Courts and the Disregard for Human Life.
Whatever one believes concerning public education, high-stakes testing and school choice, what is now befalling Marlin Independent School District serves up a tragic cautionary lesson for parents, teachers, trustees and students old enough to grasp the consequences of long-term academic failure. Its evidence, too, that Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath wasnt kidding when he told state senators last month that the Texas Education Agency would be taking more aggressive action regarding poor-performing schools, up to and including closure.

As Trib staff writer Shelly Conlon reports, the TEA will soon be turning out Marlin ISD trustees and possibly the superintendent in favor of a state-appointed board of managers. The state has also promoted the districts TEA monitor, Rose Cameron, to district conservator. She will advise leadership, though Superintendent Michael Seabolt has raised questions about an earlier monitors advice so far, given that Marlin ISD failed its preliminary academic accountability under that monitors oversight. The new monitor only took over in June.

Seabolts point is well taken. Then again, repeated failure is what prompted state intrusion in the first place. And after four years in a row of academic failure last year, Marlin ISD signed an agreement that the state of Texas could appoint a board of managers if Marlin didnt make academic accountability ratings this year  and it didnt. While an earlier TEA monitor may or may not have fallen short in direction and competence, what of others in the district, ranging from classroom teachers to the Marlin ISD board of trustees?

Our heart goes out to individual parents who have done their part in better preparing their children for academic pursuits and to those teachers who rose above the fray and carried out their share of the burden. And our sympathies go to a new superintendent who landed in the middle of what struck us a year ago as a war zone. When Seabolt arrived as the fourth superintendent in five years, we were astonished by the amount of blame and vitriol then being leveled at one another for years of failure. Teacher turnover was frantic.

None of it bode well for Seabolts mission at hand or Marlin ISD academic results going forward.

Marlin ISD officials may have a legitimate concern about reportedly bungled administration of 2016 STAAR testing statewide  they have joined a legal effort to toss out the results as flawed  but they and state officials should also be looking for yet other reliable metrics to shape future strategies. The burden might well seem to be on the state now to make Marlin ISD succeed academically, but anyone foolish enough to assume such an attitude could soon learn that, even if the state likewise fails, its the Marlin community as a whole that will suffer  and in ways involving more than just wounded pride.
ASHLAND  Gene Floral will be the featured speaker at the Men in Mission breakfast meeting on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Riverview Community Church in Ashland. Coffee is served at 6:30 a.m. and the free-will-offering breakfast begins at 6:45 a.m.

Floral grew up in South Omaha and was in and out of jail as a gang member, thief and drug user and dealer before becoming a Christian. He was married 20 years before going through a divorce two years ago. He has seven children and is now a construction worker.

He has been on mission trips to Haiti, China and Thailand. He is part of a group that sends out Bible verses and words of encouragement by telephone.

The Men in Mission Romans Bible Study will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7 a.m. at Ashland Bible Church.
WAHOO  Howard Hanson Day was celebrated this past Sunday in Wahoo, with an emphasis put on the Famous Sons potential election into the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

State Sen. Jerry Johnson of Wahoo has been leading an effort to get the Wahoo-born music composer and Pulitzer Prize winner into the hall of fame.

The application has been submitted, Johnson said.

Johnson spoke to a crowd of about 25 at the Saunders County Museum Sunday afternoon about the process of Hansons induction into the Hall of Fame.

Now that the application has been submitted, a number of letters of recommendation need to be written by prominent people in support of induction. The deadline for these letters is Dec. 31.

Johnson said the letters of support will likely come from Luther College Alumni, the Wahoo Community Foundation, former Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman and others.

An election commission is charged with selecting the successful hall of fame nominees.

In addition to the letters of recommendation, money must be raised to pay for a bronze bust that would reside at the state capitol or other commission-approved locations.

The amount of money needed to pay for the bust is almost $35,000, Johnson said.

This is not the first year that Hanson has been nominated. He was nominated 10 years after his death in 1981.

This was allowed at the time. But Johnson said legislative action in 1998 now states that no more than one person can be added every five years and only 35 years after that persons death.

It has been 35 years since Hansons death and this is the first year he would be eligible for induction into the state hall of fame, said Mary Bergan, Saunders County Historical Society board member and museum volunteer.

If Hanson were to be inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, he would be the first linked to an expertise in music, said Dr. Larry Erickson, Wahoo native and professor of chemical engineering at Kansas State University.

As part of Howard Hanson Day activities, Erickson also gave a presentation about the musician at the museum.

Hansons boyhood home, located on the corner of 12th and Linden streets, was also opened to the public for tours Sunday afternoon. The historical house is maintained by the Saunders County Historical Society.

Hanson was born on Oct. 28, 1896. He attended Wahoo Public Schools and then enrolled at Luther College. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1944 for one of his symphonies and was the director of the famed Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.
WAHOO  The Western Nebraska Trail Riders ended their annual trot across the state on a somewhat somber note last Friday.

Were not going to Omaha, said Trail Boss Marty Kluthe.

After 33 years of riding across the state and then traveling into Omaha for the River City Roundup and then, in later years, the AKSARBEN parade, the group traveled no further east than the Saunders County Fairgrounds. AKSARBEN cancelled this years rodeo parade.

The parade used to draw over 30,000 people to watch, Kluthe said.

Allen Naprstek of Valparaiso said AKSARBEN made some changes this year to their activities and the trail riders were not included.

I hate to see it come to an end, but it might, said Naprstek, who has ridden the trail for many years.

While some of the particulars might have changed for the trail riders over the years, the impetus to ride together revolves around family.

You get to know people pretty well after riding together for a week. Were a lot like family, said nine-year trail veteran Heidi King of Cheyenne, Okla.

King said riders usually attend with a partner. Usually riding with her husband, King brought her sister, Lana Mapes, as a first-time rider on this trip.

King and company started the trip in Arnold on Sept. 16 with close to 75 riders. After departing from Arnold, the group traveled through Broken Bow, Aston, David City, Prague and Malmo, before landing in Wahoo midday Friday.

As the trip goes along, riders drop out and jump on, depending on their proximity to home and time off work, Naprstek said. Everyone that has a connection to the group does what they can to take part of the weeks festivities.

Linda and Roger Taylor of Clay Center, Kan. have a special connection to the group. They attended the trails end party this year in Wahoo, but were unable to ride along the way. The Taylors got married on the trail 30 years ago and celebrated their anniversary last Friday night.

Beverly Thies of Wyoming celebrated her 78th birthday on the trail this year.

This years riders represented the states of Missouri, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, and Wyoming, Kluthe said. In its heyday, the trail boasted close to 400 riders.

This year, the group had about 50 riders at the end of the trail. Unlike past years, there were no covered wagons or even flags waving as they paraded through town.

But, the group is not willing to let the camaraderie theyve grown fond of die with the Omaha parade.

Ive met some beautiful friends here, Naperstek said.

These beautiful friendships are what will keep the group together in many ways.

They all share Facebook posts and email to continue the nostalgia, and are working on next years gathering, hoping to continue in some way, possibly ending a trail again in Wahoo.

A spring ride in April will take place, but the details are not yet worked out, Kluthe said.

In the meantime, the group is calling it quits with AKSARBEN and made the most of this chapter of their story together.

Wahoo is a beautiful place to have an ending, Naprstek said.
Kareena wore a dress by the designer, while Aishwarya was seen sporting a jacket for a campaign. Pictures courtesy: Instagram/@tanieyakhanuja; Instagram/@tanghavri

By India Today Web Desk: Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan...some of the biggest names in Bollywood have sported the designs created by fashion designer Tanieya Khanuja.

Also read: Mom-to-be Kareena Kapoor Khan's latest look is also her hottest

And now, she's all set to showcase her latest collection at Vendome Luxury, Paris Fashion Week Summer-Spring 2017.

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The event will take place from September 30 to October 3.

Also read: Priyanka Chopra to Sunny Leone: Star-spotting at the New York Fashion Week

Vendome Luxury is the premium fashion trade show for luxury and high-end women's collection. "I am thrilled to present my collection at Vendome Luxury in Paris Fashion Week. It is one of the most celebrated soiree all around the world and to be selected along with the 20 other fantastic brands like Marc Jacobs, is just a dream come true," Khanuja said in a statement.



Also read: Babydoll singer Kanika Kapoor's at Milan Fashion Week and her pics will make you feel insanely jealous!

"I am immensely happy and thankful for they recognized my talent, words cannot express my feeling right now," she added.

Including the likes of Marc Jacobs, only 20 designers have been selected worldwide to present their collection. We are so excited to see what she'll present on the runway.

(With IANS inputs)



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WAVERLY  Standardized test results released last week by the State Department of Education showed that stu-dents from both Waverly and Raymond Central school dis-tricts continue to meet or ex-ceed expectations.

Students from both districts took the Nebraska State Ac-countability (NeSA) exams last spring. The tests assessed stu-dents proficiencies in math, reading and science. Results were embargoed until last week.

The report cards for both districts show a majority of students performed well in all subjects, with some highlights sprinkled throughout.

Reading scores in Waverly were high across all grades tested, including third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and juniors. A majority of students in all grades met or exceeded standards, with 62 percent of seventh graders exceeding state standards.

A majority of Raymond Central students across all grade levels met or exceeded state standards as well, with 50 percent of seventh graders in the district exceeding stan-dards.

Raymond Central Superin-tendent Paul Hull said the district has been focusing on those reading scores.

Reading and understand-ing content impacts all content areas, Hull said. If you struggle in reading, youre going to struggle in social sci-ence and story problems in math.

Grades five, eight and 11 received testing in science across the state.

Waverly students across those grade levels generally met or exceeded standards. Eighth graders did especially well, with 27 percent of those students exceeding the state standards, compared to the state average of 20 percent.

Eighth graders at Raymond Central also did very well on the assessment, as did fifth graders at Ceresco Elemen-tary. Twenty-five percent of fifth graders exceeded state standards. Overall, the major-ity of students tested met or exceeded standards in science.

Thats been the trend in recent years.

Our science has been pretty good, Hull said.

Math scores in Waverly were strong across all grades tested, including third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and juniors. The subject did have the fewest students ex-ceeding state standards, but a majority of students were found proficient. Seventh graders were the highlight of the assessment, with 29 per-cent exceeding standards.

The district continues to emphasize math curriculum, reported Waverly Superinten-dent Bill Heimann in a dis-trict-wide letter.

We have provided teacher training in math and hired additional, experienced math teachers as part of our process to make desired improve-ments, Heimann said. We have also increased the num-ber of students enrolled in advanced math classes at the middle school and high school levels.

A majority of students tested in Raymond Central also proved proficient in math, though that district would also like to see improvements in the subject. Third graders at Valparaiso perhaps blazed a trail, with 35 percent of those students exceeding standards, above the 28 percent state av-erage.

Hull said staff at the district continues to work on ways to emphasize math.

We want to do a little bet-ter in our math, Hull said. We need to improve some things here. Were analyzing the data to get some specific reasons of why thats happen-ing.

Scores at both schools, though, were nothing to get too concerned about, with a majority of students showing proficiency in all subjects.

Scores have increased steadily in Raymond Central over the last few years, Hull said.

When you see the trend going up, thats always a good sign, he said.

Because the assessments cover a wide range of curricu-lum, teachers basically spend the entire year prepping stu-dents for the tests.

Really the whole year, when you think about it, Hull said. Our curriculum we teach is aligned with current state standards. You have to have those embedded in your instruction all through the year. You dont just take a month and prepare for the NeSA tests.

The results dont have a huge impact on schools unless students are found to be lack-ing in proficiency, Hull said. They do give teachers an op-portunity to find what areas to focus on throughout the year.

It gives you a pretty good gauge, Hull said. If the stu-dents are mastering these standards, then obviously you had to have taught them.

Heimann in his letter urged parents not to place too much importance on NeSA scores.

NeSA information is im-portant, yet it is not our pri-mary focus, nor will we draw conclusions from just the NeSA data, he said. No sin-gle test score can tell the full story about the performance of an individual student, a school building or a district. One test cannot reflect all of the learn-ing that takes place. These tests are taken on one day out of the entire school year.

Still, the district can use those scores to help students.

There were doz-ens of perfect NeSA scores in our district, yet there were also students that scored at or below proficiency levels, Heimann said. Each year we dig deeper into the infor-mation to identify which stu-dents performed well, which did not, and determine how we are going to help every student improve, individually and collectively.
Like Mumbai, Kolkata is also set to get a monorail service of its own. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that the state govt is in the process of signing an MoU for the purpose.

By Indrajit Kundu: Like Mumbai, Kolkata is also set to get a monorail service of its own. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced that the state government was in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understating (MoU) for the purpose.

MONORAIL STOPPAGES



Addressing journalists at the state secretariat, Banerjee said, "We have decided to install monorail in the city. It will connect Budge Budge to Ruby via Taratala, New Alipore and Prince Anwar Shah Road. It is likely to cost around Rs 4,216 crore. An MoU will soon be signed between the transport department and Burn Standard Company Ltd in this regard."

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Also read: Bengal Govt ink MoU with Burn Standard Co for Kolkata monorail



"Burn Standard will be funding the project and the state government will provide land for the same", Mamata announced, adding that there would not be any problem over land acquisition as minimum land would be required to construct pillars and elevated tracks.

The 14-kilometre-long monorail route has been finalised between Budge Budge in South 24-Parganas and Ruby crossing on the eastern metropolitan bypass in south Kolkata. The new service will also connect commuters to the proposed metro rail network between New Garia to Kolkata airport.

WHY PROJECT STALLED EARLIER



Interestingly, the monorail project had been under consideration even during the previous Left government. However, the project did not take off despite the state government signing an MoU with a private firm in 2009.

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A lady bus conductor allegedly assaulted a college student and bit him on his hand, following an argument over a bus pass.

By Rohini Swamy: A lady bus conductor allegedly assaulted a college student, and bit him on his hand, following an argument over a bus pass.

The heated exchange took place today at the KG Halli bus stop in Bengaluru.

If reports are to be believed, the students were travelling on the footboard of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus. When the conductor spotted them, she asked them to come inside. At this, one of the students allegedly said they were getting down at the next stop (KG Halli).

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The lady conductor asked for his bus pass and kept it with her. She asked them to collect it from her at the bus depot. The student agreed but later tried snatching the pass from her.



An argument soon broke out and a fight ensued. According to the police, the students pushed her. This prompted the woman to bite one of the students.

ALSO READ: Did a woman ram her car into Ola cab, scooter as she was busy kissing another woman?

ALSO READ: Bengaluru: Eight children rescued from burning bus by good Samaritan



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The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force recently received the Air Force Associations (AFA) 2016 Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award in recognition of the museums outstanding contributions to aerospace education.Museum Director Lt Gen (Ret) Jack Hudson accepted the award presented by Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James during the AFAs 2016 Air, Space and Cyber Conference held in National Harbor, Maryland. Also present were U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen David L. Goldfein and Mr. Scott P. Van Cleef, AFA Chairman of the Board.

The award recognizes the museums unique exhibits and collections and its continual improvement to preserve Air Force history and honor Airmen. In announcing the award to the museum, Van Cleef said We applaud your dedication to collecting, researching, conserving, interpreting and presenting the Air Forces history, heritage, and traditions, and for the opening of the fourth hangar this year at the museum.

In June 2016, the museum opened its new $40.8 million 224,000 square ft. fourth building, which houses more than 70 aerospace vehicles in four new galleries  Presidential, Research and Development, Space and Global Reach, along with three science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Learning Nodes. It is a great honor for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to join the impressive list of Hoyt S. Vandenberg award recipients, said Hudson.The museum works hard to inspire youth toward our Air Force and STEM through our education programs and we generate more than 160,000 educational encounters annually. With our new STEM Learning Nodes, we can better accommodate student-centered, technology-enhanced learning through hands-on programs, demonstrations and lectures. And the new fourth building adds tremendously to the museums existing galleries, furthering enhancing our ability to tell the Air Force story.

The Vandenberg Award, one of AFAs highest honors, was established in 1948 and past recipients include General Carl A. Spaatz, first U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff (1951); Lt. Gen James H. Doolittle, USAF, Ret (1953); Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB (1980); and HQ Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Technical Training Division, Randolph AFB, Texas (2003).

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the worlds largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
In recognition of Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbors 10th anniversary and the upcoming 75th anniversary of the December 7th bombing of Pearl Harbor, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor presented an expanded Living History Day with a multitude of historical exhibits, presentations by award-winning authors, and hands-on demonstrations highlighting the history, bravery and heroes of WWII and the sacrifices made by both military and civilians. Living History Day saw more than 2,000 guests at the Museum on Saturday, September 24, held in partnership with Smithsonian Magazines Museum Day Live!. The Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and ranked one of the nations top 10 aviation attractions in the nation by TripAdvisor.

This years event included special tributes to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, WWII exhibits created by local high school students, and meet and greets with WWII American military veterans of Japanese ancestry. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii presented a short documentary film called Honouliuli: Hawaiis Hidden Internment Camp that sheds light on the longest operating and largest WWII internment and POW camp in Hawaii. Costumed interpreters represented Rosie the Riveter, Cornelia Fort, USCG Lieutenant Frank Erickson, Japanese AFC Shigenori Nishikaichi who bombed Pearl Harbor, and more WWII characters of history.

There were presentations and book signings by WWII authors Dorinda Nicholson (Pearl Harbor Child) and Marc Wortman (1941: Fighting the Shadow War). Nell Calloway, granddaughter of General Claire Lee Chennault who led the Flying Tigers and the Republic of China Air Force during WWII, spoke, presenting her grandfathers heroic feats. Other activities included swing dance, aircraft riveting in Lt. Ted Shealys Restoration Shop, historic aircraft modeler demonstrations, open cockpits, and meet and greet time with the WWII veterans.

About the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is located on historic Ford Island, where bombs fell during the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Visitors to the Museum can see remnants from that day of infamy, including the 158-foot tall red and white iconic Ford Island Field Control Tower still under restoration, Hangars 37 and 79, and bullet holes and battle damage in hangar 79. Through its preservation and restoration of World War II fighter planes and accompanying artifacts in the Museums historic hangars, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor shares the story of the vital role aviation played in Americas winning of World War II, and its continuing role in maintaining Americas freedom.
It could take at least a week before power is fully restored to all parts of South Australia following the unprecedented state-wide power blackout on Wednesday which was brought on by a 'one in 50-year' weather event, electricity industry sources have warned.

Much of the network around Adelaide is on line and operating normally, with power companies re-starting power generators from mid-evening Wednesday, after being forced to shut down earlier in the day.

"In the north of the state, the network companies are seeking to determine what protection equipment worked, and what didn't," one senior electricity industry figure said. "They can't just bring the network back up, since this could trigger the same failure.

"There was a similar situation in the North East of the US about a decade ago which took weeks to bring the network back up. This could be similar."
Allowing Clive Palmer to sue liquidators for not returning assets held by failed company Queensland Nickel would be a "startling affront to justice", the Supreme Court has ruled.

The former politician, through some of his other companies, had sought leave to proceed with a claim against the Townsville refinery's collapsed manager for refusing to transfer the assets to a new company he installed to run it in March.

Clive Palmer has suffered a setback in Brisbane Supreme Court. Credit:Bradley Kanaris

This was despite Queensland Nickel owing almost $300 million in debts when it was sent into liquidation in April and administrators claims the company actually owed QN more than $100 million.

A complicated agreement governed the running of the failed refinery, with Mr Palmer's wholly owned companies QNI Resources and QNI Metals operating a joint venture and Queensland Nickel named the general manager of the refinery below them.
Adelaide was bracing for some of the strongest winds the city had ever seen on Thursday night, as severe storms threatened to return with renewed ferocity across the state.

Meanwhile, farmers in central-western NSW have been hit hard by flooding, while Victoria escaped relatively unscathed.

In Adelaide, workers were told to head home early on Thursday afternoon, as fierce winds headed their way.

State Emergency Services chief officer Chris Beattie said if forecast conditions arrived, the storm would bring some of the strongest winds Adelaide has ever experienced.
Floriade was cancelled and the ACT's emergency workers kept busy on Thursday morning as a severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rain was put in place before the weather eased in the afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecast up to 40 millimetres of rain to fall, mostly in the morning, but by 6pm about 18 millimetres were recorded in the city and only about 25 millimetres had been recorded, although those totals were expected to rise with late showers forecast that night.

ACT SES at a home in Downer after repairing a leaking roof on Thursday. Credit:Rohan Thomson

A few light showers were expected late in the afternoon, but the early rain was enough to cause Floriade to close for the day and Nightfest to be cancelled on Thursday night.

The bureau issued the warning for the ACT and surrounding areas after forecasting winds averaging 50 to 70 kilometres an hour with peak gusts of more than 90 km/h for Thursday morning, coming from the far west of New South Wales.
After India's first major strike on Pakistan since Uri attacks, western border from Gujarat to Kashmir has been put on high alert.

By Manjeet Negi: In the wake of recent "surgical strikes" conducted by India across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) the leaves of Border Security Forces and army has been cancelled on the western Indian front.

After India's first major strike on Pakistan since Uri attacks, western border from Gujarat to Kashmir has been put on high alert.

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Seven terror launch pads were destroyed by the commandos of the Army Special Forces, who were para-dropped into the Pakistani territory by ALH Dhruv choppers.

Meanwhile, Punjab ordered evacuation of villages near border.



ALSO READ:

Drones filmed operation, 2 soldiers hurt by mines: All you need to know about the surgical strike





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It was murder on a grand scale.

But more than two years after 298 passengers and crew on Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 were blown out of the sky, no-one has been brought to justice.

A Dutch report released late on Wednesday night found the plane was shot down by a Russian Buk missile trucked in to rebel-held territory in Ukraine.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime appears to have escaped full scrutiny over the disaster, with a push for a UN criminal tribunal to prosecute those who shot down the plane vetoed by Russia last year. Meanwhile, a group of nations involved in the MH17 investigation - including Australia - is still "deliberating" over the best way to conduct any criminal trial.
It seems spring is still refusing to show itself in Western Australia, with parts of the South West and central Wheatbelt shivering through sub-zero temperatures on Thursday morning.

The lowest temperature was recorded at Southern Cross Airport at 5.49am, when the mercury dipped to -2.4 degrees.

Other areas to fall below freezing this morning included Bridgetown (-1.3), Katanning (-0.1), Wandering (-1.9) and Cunderdin (-1.4).

Wheatbelt farmer Mark Fowler was even able to build a snowman this morning from the frost gathered on his crops.
The rubble left in Aleppo after an air strike. Credit:White Helmets/AP "Russia and the regime are driving the radicalisation of the opposition on purpose," Casagrande said. This will unify and strengthen the opposition in the short term, but in the long term will blur any distinction between jihadis and other rebels. The United States has tried to counteract this by persuading rebels to reject jihadis, in part by promising support for the opposition and by targeting jihadi militants. But the US approach has drawn the Syrian factions closer together, because rebels like those in Aleppo need urgent support on the ground and only extremist groups are available to provide it. Heavily damaged buildings after air strikes in Aleppo. Credit:White Helmets/AP The endurance of non-jihadi rebel groups poses an even greater threat to the Syrian government than the jihadis because they challenge the Syrian government's legitimacy.

That legitimacy has been weakened by years of killing civilians, and by the government's strategy of fostering sectarianism, which leaves it with little support among the country's majority Sunni population. As long as non-jihadi Sunni Arab rebels are on the battlefield, they can credibly claim to better represent Syrians. This leaves the Syrian leadership, which is dominated by the Alawite religious minority, vulnerable to any peace deal or military intervention that would install a rebel government in its place. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Credit:AP By forcing the rebels to unite with the jihadis, Syria's government aims to deprive the world of any acceptable alternatives for leading the country. Russia has a similar weakness. Syria, its last remaining ally in the Middle East, will remain that way only as long as it is led by the Alawite religious minority. Any democratic Syrian government would prominently feature Sunni Arabs, who are unlikely to look kindly on Russia after its role in the civil war. Moscow has probably concluded it cannot force a military victory for the Syrian government. Its year-long intervention has focused heavily on Aleppo, but pro-government ground forces are too weak to retake the divided city. Radicalising the opposition, then, can ensure that there is no viable alternative to Syria's current government.

This also accomplishes a diplomatic goal for Russia: making itself crucial for any cease-fire or peace deal. Earlier in the war, it had less sway on the international stage  and perhaps with Damascus  because it played a smaller role than other countries that had intervened. Russia was unwilling to commit ground troops, making it secondary to Iran, which had sent many. Aleppo has been an opportunity because Russian warplanes are instrumental in maintaining the siege, and because that siege has become one of the war's most terrible calamities. Russia has forced itself to the negotiating table, ensuring it will have a greater say in any outcome. That is important to Moscow for image purposes  a way to convince Russians that their government is strong and capable  as well as to ensure that any negotiated deal protects Russian interests in Syria. Still, Russia and the Syrian government could have achieved these political goals without devastating the city and its population so drastically. Why go to such extremes? The answer has to do with a fundamental imbalance between insurgent groups and foreign interventions. In any civil war, indigenous forces rely on the local population, which gives them money, food, shelter, intelligence and recruits. Rebels, including Syria's, are only as strong as their local support.

But Russia has no need for local support; its warplanes keep flying whether Syrian civilians want them there or not. The Syrian government does need popular support to survive, but it draws that from elsewhere in the country and had already functionally destroyed its support in rebel-controlled eastern Aleppo. This subverts the normal dynamics of war, such that Russia and the Syrian government stand to benefit from mass killings. The destruction of Aleppo will not persuade its residents to support the government, of course. Rather, it will inhibit their ability or willingness to help the rebels, often by forcing them to flee their homes. This weakens the rebels  not necessarily enough that pro-government forces can retake eastern Aleppo, but enough that rebels there will struggle to push beyond the city if the siege ends. This parallels Russia's conduct during its second war in Chechnya, from 1999 to 2009, when it besieged and devastated entire cities. While analysts stress that Moscow deployed very different strategies in Chechnya than in Syria, both wars reflect Russia's willingness to target civilians for military gain. All this also sends a message to Syrians outside Aleppo: Opposition groups cannot keep you safe, and siding with them puts you at risk. The goal is not to galvanise Syrians in support of the government  impossible after years of sieges and barrel bombs  but to exhaust them. These dynamics have been building for years. In early 2014, as government forces besieged rebel-held areas, threatening those communities with starvation, a Syria analyst named Aron Lund warned in a brief for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace that rebel-held Aleppo could be next.
By PTI: Hyderabad, Sept 28 (PTI) Civil Service Commission (CSC) of Maldives today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) to get short term capacity development training programmes for its officials.

Maldives CSC President Aly Shameem and ASCIs Director General Prof Paramita Dasgupta inked the pact in the presence of ASCI Chairman, K Padmanabhaiah here.

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"ASCI shall assist CSC to develop training programmes and materials required by CSC and help its curriculum developers/trainers to develop new programmes and materials or adapt ASCI programmes and materials for CSC use," according to the MoU.

Prof Paramita said ASCI shall assist in organising exchange of experts and consultancy service as needed by Maldives Civil Service apart from sharing information, research publication and experiences generated by the institution.

"For being our historic friend, closest neighbour, and great development partner, Maldives always admires India. ASCI is observed as an ideal learning laboratory and encyclopedia for civil or public servants of Maldives," Shameem was quoted as saying in an ASCI statement.

"For, ASCI offers multiple scopes for talent and skill development as well as enhancement of knowledge and real-time experiences," Shameen added.

"We will also like to seek the assistance of ASCI, a rich resource centre, in locating experts and consultants in running reform and developmental projects towards modernising, strengthening and economising Maldives Civil Services," he added.

The Director of the Civil Service Training Institute, Maldives, Fathimath Habeeba, ASCI Deans --Prof Nirmalya Bagchi (Dean of Research Studies) and Prof Usha Ramachandra (Dean of Training Programmes) -- were also present. PTI RS NRB RCJ

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At the invitation of Dr Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu, President of the ICAO Council and Dr Fang Liu, ICAO Secretary General, WCO Deputy Secretary General Sergio Mujica attended the 2nd ICAO World Aviation Forum (IWAF), held in Montreal, Canada, on 26 September 2016.

The objective of the IWAF was to identify needs, facilitate financing, foster partnership and share information and best practices, with the aim to accelerate the implementation of global standards on civil aviation security and facilitation. The Forum was attended by Ministers and high-level government officials responsible for transport, infrastructure, finance, economy, tourism and sustainable development, as well as by key industry players, financial institutions and international organizations, including the WCO.

The IWAF was opened by the ICAO President, who emphasized that the implementation of global standards for air cargo security and facilitation is crucial to support the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to foster economic and social growth of all countries, but especially developing countries, including small islands and landlocked countries. The ICAO President also stressed the importance of building partnership with all stakeholders and other international organizations, such as the WCO.

In his intervention, WCO Deputy Secretary General Mujica presented the main areas in which the WCO and ICAO are cooperating, as well as the comprehensive action plan that is currently being implemented. The areas of cooperation include the creation of working groups in Montreal and Brussels, a joint brochure, and the organization of joint workshops and two-yearly conferences to offer a platform to all stakeholders to discuss and exchange information, experiences, expertise, best practices, new and emerging challenges, and potential ways forward. Mr Mujica also thanked ICAO for its continued support to WCO activities, including its participation in the newly established working group on e-commerce.

During his mission to Canada, the Deputy Secretary General also travelled to Ottawa for a bilateral meeting with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Mr. Mujica first met with Mr. Martin Buldoc, CBSA Vice-President of Programs Branch, to discuss the WCO's vision on the future of Customs and CBSAs Strategic Directions. He also met with the CBSA management team and made a presentation on the WCOs Strategic Plan and priorities; this was followed by a discussion to identify areas of opportunity for further cooperation, including trade facilitation, e-Commerce, enforcement operations and capacity building.

------------------------

Photos:

1. WCO Deputy Secretary General Sergio Mujica when he meets with Mr. Martin Bolduc, Vice-President of the programmes at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

2. Group photo of the Deputy Secretary General Mujica together with the General Directors and Directors of the Canada Border Services Agency programmes.
Under the WTO Public Forum which this year brought together more than 2000 participants, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) organized a joint session on Digital Customs for Improved Border Management and E-commerce Opportunities.

In the framework of the Forums discussions which emphasized the need to facilitate a greater role for micro, small and medium size enterprises (MSMEs) in global trade by addressing barriers such as the digital divide, the WCO/AAEI session discussed some of the actions underway to improve the e-commerce environment for both the private and the public sector and provided some recommendations for the way forward.

The round table, which attracted numerous Forum delegates, explored e-commerce firstly by trying to clearly define what e-commerce is, as well as who are the different players and what are the business models involved. Marianne Rowden, AAEI President & CEO and Co-Chairperson of the WCO Working Group on E-Commerce introduced the topic and moderated the session which brought together representatives with different roles in cross-border e-commerce.

Ana Hinojosa, Director of Compliance and Facilitation at WCO, raised some of the Customs issues and opportunities and provided more information on the newly established WCO Working Group on E-commerce. She emphasized the inclusiveness of the Group which brings both Customs and private sector together working closely with international organizations. Devising smart ways to manage e-commerce growth while ensuring that all safety and security concerns are met, without hampering cross-border movements, is a key priority of Customs.

The challenges to operating a global marketplace and complying with trade laws was addressed by Kevin Willis, Director of Global Trade Compliance at Amazon. He explained some of the existing "frictions" for users and the need to reduce them, challenges posed by national trade laws and the need for simple rules for ensuring compliance of hundreds of millions of individual consumers of low-value shipments, the new "importers" of today.

A national-level Customs perspective was presented by Sun Xiangyang, Minister Counsellor (Customs), Mission of China to the EU in Brussels. He underlined the opportunities and challenges that e-commerce poses to border management and Governments as-a-whole. He addressed the way e-commerce growth is perceived by China Customs, how it plans to allocate its resources to meet the new demands and how it can/does work with other government agencies that have a role in border management. He provided an interesting insight on how e-commerce goods are being identified and treated by China Customs.

Norm Schenk, Vice President for Global Customs Policy & Public Affairs at UPS Supply Chain Solutions, stressed that simply economic growth is the reason why countries should promote e-commerce, with the biggest benefits to be gained by MSMEs and LDCs. He presented some of the challenges facilitators face and suggested what small changes governments can make to achieve big impact, including introducing a de minimis regime to increase business activity and revenue. He welcomed the soon expected entry into force of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement stressing the relevance of the many WCO tools and guidelines available to support implementation of this agreement that will have an important impact on facilitating the growth of e-commerce.
By PTI: Pune, Sep 29 (PTI) As the Maratha community held a silent march at Baramati here, Maratha strongman and NCP chief Sharad Pawar stayed away from the event.

Pawars daughter and Baramati MP Supriya Sule and his nephew and former deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also did not take part in the march. Ajit Pawar had participated in the Maratha march in Pune on Sunday, and it was expected that Pawar family may take part in the march at Baramati, the hometwon of the NCP chief. Apart from Marathas, the town has a sizable population of Dhangars and other other backward communities. The silent march began from Kasba area at 11.30 AM. President of the Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha, Rajendra Kondhare claimed that around seven to eight lakh people participated in the event.

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The march had a sizable presence of women and youth. Later, a memorandum of demands was submitted to the local administration. The politically dominant Maratha community has been holding marches at various cities across Maharashtra. Its demands include stern action against the culprits of Kopardi rape and murder case, reservations for the community and scrapping of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The silent marches began after the alleged rape and murder of a Maratha girl by Dalits at Kopardi in Ahmednagar district in July. PTI SPK KRK SRY

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In the past 24 hours, at least two ceasefire violations have been reported along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani Army has admitted India has hit back with punitive strikes, killing two of their soldiers.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) over the situation on the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by the Pakistani Army.

In the past 24 hours, at least two ceasefire violations have been reported along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani Army has admitted India has hit back with punitive strikes, killing two of their soldiers.

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READ: Nawaz Sharif condemns surgical strikes by Indian army



READ: How to punish Pakistan when a war is ruled out



READ: 2 Pak soldiers killed as India responds to ceasefire violation by Pakistan with punitive strikes

READ: Indian Army crosses LoC, conducts surgical strikes in Pakistani territory



Here are the latest updates: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval attended the meeting, apart from the top brass from the Army and intelligence agencies. An unprecedented joint press conference addressed by the top brass of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Army will followed the CCS meeting. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire with Indian forces across the de facto border in the disputed region of Kashmir today, the Pakistani army said, as tensions between the two neighbours remain high. The exchange of fire took place in the Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors, and lasted about six hours early today, the Pakistani military's press wing said in a statement. The Indian Army has confirmed that there had been shelling from the Pakistani side of the border in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Another meeting scheduled today and to be chaired by PM Modi on the review of Pakistan's Most Favoured Nation (MFN) has been moved to next week. On Tuesday, India had announced that it was pulling out of the SAARC summit scheduled in Islamabad in November after the September 18 cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army base in Uri. India's campaign to isolate Pakistan has been backed by Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan, who have also declined to attend the SAARC summit in Islamabad. The US has also reiterated that Pakistan must "take effective action to combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorists and terror groups. US National Security Advisor Susan E Rice spoke to her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval last night and "strongly condemned" the Uri terror attack.

Also Read:

NAWAZ SHARIF REACTS



Apocalypse alert: How India-Pakistan nuclear war will kill 12 million, destroy two countries



Nawaz Sharif calls for peace, then praises terrorist in UN speech

All you need to know about Pakistan's nastiest weapon: Tactical nukes

Why India didn't strike Pakistan after 26/11



10 terrorists gunned down in Uri after Pakistan violates ceasefire again



Days after Uri attack, suspicious bag found near Army unit in Pathankot

NIA registers FIR in Uri terror attack, seizes GPS and ammunition from slain terrorists

India slams Pakistan at UN after Uri attack, rakes up human rights violations in Balochistan Uri attack: India to respond at multiple levels, but will the stand be aggressive?

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WASHINGTON (Gray DC)  After threats of a government shutdown, Congress has found a way to temporarily appease both democrats and republicans. After democrats protested a government spending bill Tuesday because it did not include Flint aid, a short term bill has been passed in the Senate that keeps the government open through December 9th.

The Senates water bill passed a few weeks ago and authorized $220 million for Flint. The Houses water bill did not include funding until late Tuesday night.

Our persistence paid off, said Congressman Dan Kildee. We did not give up, and we continued to tell the story of Flint.

Kildee, a democrat, and Republican Congressman John Moolenaar authored an amendment that would give $170 million to Flint instead of including it in the spending bill. Many of Moolenaars republican colleagues did not initially support the funding because they felt it was not of federal concern. Moolenaar says he understands the concerns but the federal government had oversight responsibility. The EPA was aware a year in advance and they dropped the ball.

The House water bill passed Wednesday evening by a vote of 399-25 and included funding for Flint. The House and Senate will meet after election recess to finalize the bill.
Noor Tagouri is being applauded for representing the contemporary Muslim woman.

The magazine has featured Noor in its Renegades series. Picture courtesy: Instagram/@ntagouri

By India Today Web Desk: With a bio that reads, "from a tribe called quest-ions," you very well get the hint that the profile you are looking at is probably that of a fireball.

A 22-year-old, Noor Tagouri is a Muslim-American journalist of Libyan origin, who'll be seen sporting a hijab in Playboy's October issue--a step ahead for a magazine that recently banned nudes after a history of publishing women's bodies in their birthday suit.

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Also read: Playboy gets ready to attract the selfie generation with its first non-nude issue

Seen wearing a top, a leather jacket and pants, Tagouri is seen posing against graffiti depicting the American flag for the magazine's Renegades series. The series focuses on people taking risks to pursue what they love and also features comedian Ali Wong, sex activist Stoya and novelist Paul Beatty.

Tagouri also shared the news on Instagram. Picture courtesy: Instagram/@ntagouri

Tagouri, who aspires to be the first hijab donning anchor on American television talks about being misrepresented in the media. "I know what it's like to have the narrative of our community be skewed and exploited in the media," she told the magazine.

Also read: Hugh Hefner's son feels Playboy magazine without nudes is no Playboy at all

Courtesy the feature the aspiring anchor's also received hate on the internet, in a sea of tweets praising her for representing today's Muslim woman.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/@jennineak

Picture courtesy: Twitter/@toobawarraich_

Picture courtesy: Twitter/@arianadelawari

Not that Noor cares about the negativity, considering her timeline's full of fist pumps!

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Issued: 0530hrs Sunday 30th October 2022

Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling

Very warm and sunny central and southern Europe, rain in the west

Sunday

Rain across the west of Spain and over Portugal gradually fizzles out through the day here. Largely dry and fine elsewhere. Staying settled across the rest of the Mediterranean with plenty of sunshine about.

Breezy along the northern French coasts with some showers about but mostly dry elsewhere across France. Possible showery rain affecting the coasts of Belgium and the Netherlands but this should soon clear off. Dry and fine with plenty of sunshine across the rest of Europe, though mist and fog is likely again today but should mostly lift through the morning.

With the ridge now extending further north much of Scandinavia will be dry and fine, though the coasts of Norway continue to be breezy with some scattered showers here.

Monday

Rain for Portugal and the west of Spain on Tuesday. Further rain and showers in northern Spain. The east and south should be dry and warm as well as sunny. Fair and very warm in the central Mediterranean with lots of sunshine afecting Italy. Greece and Turkey should be dry too with more sunshine and warm weather here.

Western France will have some showers and outbreaks of rain, whilst the east is going to be staying dry. The Low Countries will be very warm and dry with plenty of sunshine. More fine weather and sunshine as well as very warm temperatures in Germany and Poland. Hungary and Austria together with Switzerland will be dry and sunny throughout.

Very warm and dry as well as sunny in Denmark. Fine for Norway with dry weather and sunny spells. It will be staying mostly dry in the Baltic States too, although some cloud and rain affect Finland. Sweden will have some sunshine in the west, but the north will have more cloud and some rain.


Ritik aka Arjun Bijlani will be part of the first episode and Adaa Khan will be seen in a completely different avatar.

By India Today Web Desk: According to reports, Naagin 2 will start from where it left. Shivanya who conceived at the end of Season 1 is now ready to deliver. Ritik and Shivanya will be seen running to save their lives. Shivanya will give birth to a baby girl, post which the show takes a leap.

After the time leap, Mouni's daughter Shivangi will be seen all grown-up. The mother-daughter duo will be living in Dehradun and Shivanya will be seen praying that her daughter doesn't turn out to be a naagin.

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Also read: Mouni Roy begins shooting for Naagin 2; shares pic

As we have also seen in the promo, that Shivangi's truth will only be revealed to her after she turns 25. And we are guessing that Shivanya's fear might come true, as suggested by the trailer. Afterall, what's the point of a new season if there's no Naagin in the show.

Meanwhile Sesha aka Adaa Khan will be seen in a different avatar altogether. While in the previous season, she was held captive by Mahishmatis, in this season, she will be seen as Ruchika, staying with the Raheja family.

The newest addition to the show Karanvir Bohra will be seen as Ruchika's fiance. But will he fall for Shivangi later? Will Mouni and Adaa fight for the same man again?



Shesha is coming back! @adaakhann Get ready for #Naagin2 ?? A video posted by Colors TV (@colorstv) on Sep 29, 2016 at 2:12am PDT

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The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. 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Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut.
By Rohini Swamy: The ordeal of women passengers with app-based cabs shows no signs of letting up. On Monday night, a cab ride back home turned into a nightmare for a young woman lawyer in Bengaluru. The Ola cab driver allegedly asked her uncomfortable questions and nearly forced her into smoking a cigarette.

He asked her if she was married or single, whether she drank or smoked, and why was she out late at night.

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NO RED FLAGS

The woman complained about her horrifying experience on Ola's social media page. "Around 9 pm , I booked an Ola from Vittal Mallya Road to Hebbal. The ride started out as another normal ride - non intrusive and the cabbie minding the roads," she posted.

"However, once we reached the Hebbal flyover, the cabbie turned left (the roads that leads to the Outer Ring Road) instead of going straight to Kodigehalli. This did not set off any red flags as it is common to take the ORR and turn towards Kempapura near Nagwara," her post read.

ALSO READ: DU girl dies after drunk Uber driver rams into a truck in Noida



From this point, her comfortable ride started turning uncomfortable. "The cabbie from this point started asking me questions like - Do you drink? Are you a housewife? How come you are out so late? He also reiterates that he is 25 years old and I can't be much older. I was beyond stumped. He missed two left turns and ultimately turned only when I kept asking him to turn around. I messaged my mother ( who isn't in town) and a friend and sent the cab details," she said.

SMOKE ONE FULLY

At Mariyampalya, the driver abruptly stopped the car and stepped out to get two cigarettes. "When he got back, he told me that I have to smoke one fully. I kept the cigarette in my hand and gave him directions," the lawyer said.

"Finally when I reach my house, I asked him to stop, but he went a little ahead. At that point, he tells me that I have to give him a 5-star rating. I was rattled and did it simply because, to me, it meant the end of this ride and I will be home safe."

"Then he demanded that I give him my number. He said something in Kannada which I only partially understood to mean - I should call him every time at this hour if I wanted a cab. I gave him my old number and a fake name and thought that was the end of it," she said in her complaint.

LIVING IN FEAR

However, on Wednesday, she received a message on her phone from the cab driver. "I received a WhatsApp message on my phone from the cabbie on the number through which I booked the cab," she said.

"I am a lawyer but I realised that being a woman is dangerous even in a city that has been my home for 20 years. It's the worst kind of fear to think one will never reach home and something horrendous will take place," the woman said, adding that she lives in fear as the accused knows her house address and phone number.

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Meanwhile, cab aggregator Ola has assured the victim that action will be taken against the driver and he will be suspended. The victim is yet to file a police compliant.

ALSO READ: Chennai: Woman doctor narrowly escapes sexual assault by Ola driver





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OGE Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and energy services provider that offers physical delivery and related services for electricity, natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric energy. It provides retail electric service to approximately 879,000 customers, which covers a service area of approximately 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas; and owns and operates coal-fired, natural gas-fired, wind-powered, and solar-powered generating assets. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned and operated interconnected electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including 16 generating stations with an aggregate capability of 7,207 megawatts; and transmission systems comprising 54 substations and 5,122 structure miles of lines in Oklahoma, and 7 substations and 277 structure miles of lines in Arkansas. Its distribution systems included 350 substations; 29,494 structure miles of overhead lines; 3,365 miles of underground conduit; and 11,125 miles of underground conductors in Oklahoma, as well as 29 substations, 2,795 structure miles of overhead lines, 349 miles of underground conduit, and 662 miles of underground conductors in Arkansas. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Boeing Company is the worlds largest manufacturer of airplanes and commands more than 50% of the market in some channels and categories. The company and its family of subsidiaries design, develops, manufacture, sell, service, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and related services worldwide. The company operates through four segments including Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital providing products and services to end-users in 150 countries.

Boeing got its start in 1910 when William E. Boeing developed a love for aircraft. Soon after he takes his first plane ride which leads him to build a hangar and begin construction of his first plane. The onset of WWI helped spur the companys growth but business was cut drastically in its wake. The start of WWII was another milestone for the company and one that led to its current position of dominance. The company was incorporated in 1916 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Boeing employs over 140,000 people in 65 countries making it one of the most diverse employers on the planet.

The Commercial Airplanes segment is built around the iconic 7-series which includes the 737, 747, and 787. The segment provides commercial jet aircraft for passenger and cargo requirements, as well as fleet support services for regional, national, and international air carriers and logistics and freight companies. In terms of global volume, the company estimates about 90% of all air freight is carried aboard one of its jets. This segment also includes the Dreamliner family of planes. The Dreamliner is a game-changing airplane for many carriers as it opens up the potential for new one-stop destinations because of its capacity and range.

The Defense, Space & Security segment develops and manufactures a range of systems including manned and unmanned aircraft, missiles, missile defense systems, satellites, communications equipment, and intelligence systems for governments. Among the many iconic brands within this segment are the AH-64 Apache, Air Force One, B-52, C-17 Globemaster, Chinook, F/A-18, and the V-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft used by the Marines.

The Global Services segment offers a range of products and services that include supply chain and logistics management, engineering, maintenance, upgrades, conversions, spare parts, pilot and maintenance training, technical and maintenance documents, and data analytics to its commercial and defense customers.

Boeing is also a leader in innovation, leveraging its many decades and avenues of experience to further aerospace and defense technology. Among the many innovations is the MQ-25 Stingray which will be the worlds first autonomous aircraft. The Stingray is only one of many areas of research that also include drones and undersea vehicles.
India responded to unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan on LoC with punitive strikes. Two Pakistani soldiers have been killed in Indian firing.

By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan Army today violated a ceasefire agreement and resorted to indiscriminate firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

The police said the firing took place at Danesh and Lakshmi posts in Naugam sector.

READ: Nawaz Sharif condemns surgical strikes by Indian army



READ: How to punish Pakistan when a war is ruled out



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READ: Indian Army crosses LoC, conducts surgical strikes in Pakistani territory



"Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC, significant casualties have been caused," DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said in a press conference today.

India Today magazine listed some options for a covert operation. India Today magazine listed some options for a covert operation.

HIGHLIGHTS

It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been many infiltration bids by terrorists at LoC: DGMO

20 infiltration attempts by Pakistan this year, GPS and arms recovered, Pakistani terrorists captured alive: DGMO

This is reflected in the terror attacks in Poonch and Uri on September 11 and 18 respectively: DGMO

Despite our persistent urging to PakISTAN to not allow territory under its control to not be used for terrorist activities nothing was done: DGMO

I spoke to the Pakistan DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night: DGMO

READ| Nawaz Sharif calls for peace, then praises terrorist in UN speech

READ| All you need to know about Pakistan's nastiest weapon: Tactical nukes



According to sources, India responded to unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan on LoC with punitive strikes. Two Pakistani soldiers have been killed in Indian firing.

"Indian troops are effectively retaliating Pakistani firing. Exchanges are still going on in the area," the police added.

READ| Apocalypse alert: How India-Pakistan nuclear war will kill 12 million, destroy two countries

READ| Sushma Swaraj slams Pakistan at UNGA, says Kashmir will always be integral part of India



PM Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on the situation on LoC, in New Delhi.

India Today magazine listed these options for a surgical strike into Pakistan.

India had on Tuesday announced that it was pulling out of the SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November after the September 18 cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers.

Modi had said that the Uri attack would not go unavenged.



(With inputs from IANS)

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:



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Also Read:Why India didn't strike Pakistan after 26/11



10 terrorists gunned down in Uri after Pakistan violates ceasefire again



Days after Uri attack, suspicious bag found near Army unit in Pathankot

NIA registers FIR in Uri terror attack, seizes GPS and ammunition from slain terrorists

India slams Pakistan at UN after Uri attack, rakes up human rights violations in Balochistan Uri attack: India to respond at multiple levels, but will the stand be aggressive?



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Even with 5-0 lead, Verlander can't get 1st World Series win
By West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 28, 2016 | 09:27 PM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect in a theft investigation.

Deputies took a theft report on Tuesday from Food Giant on Benton Road. Management told police a woman could be seen on video surveillance concealing two Yeti cups in her purse. The woman then left the store without paying for the items, valued at almost $64.

Deputies are requesting the public's assistance in identifying the woman in the video. Anyone with information is asked to call the McCracken County Sheriffs Department at 270-444-4719 or Crime stoppers at 270-443-TELL (8355).
On a day when India carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control, Iran fired mortar shells on Pakistan's western border into Balochistan.

By India Today Web Desk: It was a double whammy for Pakistan, as on a day when India carried out a surgical strike across the Line of Control, its western border came under attack by Iranian forces. Iran Border Guards opened fire at Iran-Pakistan border on Wednesday.

The Iranian forces fired three mortars into Balochistan area of Pakistan triggering panic among the locals, who were taken by surprise.

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"Mortar shells fired by Iranian border guards landed in the district of Panjgoor," a Balochistan provincial government official said.

Two of the shells landed near Frontier Corps check-post, while the third landed at Killi Karim Dad, the Dawn quoted the official as saying.

TENSION AT IRAN-PAK BORDER



No property or human loss was reported in the shelling. Locals panicked as a result of the attack, and Frontier Corps personnel reached the site to take stock of the situation. Pakistani forces upgraded deployment of forces at its western border after the incident.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre porous border with Iran, which has accused Islamabad of letting terror outfits use its territory to carry out strikes across the border. The two forces have clashed in the past over terror attacks in Iranian territory.

Iran and Pakistan reached an agreement in 2014 to boost intelligence coordination to wipe out terrorists from the border region.



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By Tim Brockwell Sep. 29, 2016 | 01:43 PM | PADUCAH, KY





McCracken County Public Schools superintendent Quin Sutton says a new law in Kentucky requiring CPR training for students could help save lives.Governor Matt Bevin ceremonially signed Senate Bill 33 on Sept. 16. The bill requires that all students complete a minimum one-time cardiopulmonary resuscitation training before graduating.The bill does not require students to be certified in CPR, but Sutton says the training will still be a good thing that has the potential to save lives. "We're very supportive of this, Sutton said. "Anything our students can do to properly be trained to save lives we are very supportive of that."Sutton said local healthcare providers have reached out to schools, and will be providing resources necessary for the training. "Baptist Health has partnered with McCracken County Public Schools in purchasing the CPR mannequins. Not only have they done that for us, they have also teamed up with us as well as Jeremy Jeffery of Mercy Regional and have come to our high school and provided CPR training for our freshmen through our health classes. It's been a great community partnership." Sutton said.Some students had already received the training before Bevin signed the bill making it mandatory, according to Sutton. He says the new law will give more students the ability to render life saving aid in the critical moments before emergency responders arrive."Anything that students can do to perform CPR on a potential patient will enhance the ability of our emergency responders when they get there to save a life, so we feel this will be very beneficial for our students." Sutton said.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Sep. 28, 2016 | MARION, IL

By West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 28, 2016 | 04:35 PM | MARION, IL

Two people were hurt - at least one of them seriously - after an accident on Interstate 57 in Williamson County.



Illinois State Police say the crash happened just before 1 pm Wednesday near mile post 51. Police say 32-year-old Daniel Corke of St. Genevieve, Missouri was driving a Mercedes ambulance northbound, and had to stop because vehicles in front of him had stopped due to another minor accident. The ambulance was struck in the rear by a vehicle driven by 28-year-old David Smithson of Turrell, Arkansas. Both vehicles were in the right-hand lane.



Both men were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries, with police saying Smithson's injuries were serious, requiring him to be flown by helicopter to a regional hospital some time later. Two passengers in the ambulance, 39-year-old Charles Herman of Goreville, and 94-year-old Fred Moallankamp of Olmsted, were also injured. Moallankamp was flown from the scene by helicopter to a regional hospital for treatment, while Herman was taken to a local hospital by ambulance.



The northbound lanes of I-57 were closed for about 45 minutes while Moallankamp was loaded into the helicopter. The left lane of the interstate re-opened while the crash was being investigated, and normal traffic flow was restored about 2:45 pm.
By Paul Schaumburg, Graves County Schools Sep. 28, 2016 | 08:55 PM | MAYFIELD, KY

The Graves County School District has three Schools of Distinction, the highest honor awarded on the 2016 Unbridled Learning/Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress assessment. Central and Symsonia elementary schools each exceeded the benchmarks by more than ten points. Fancy Farm Elementary also earned the status of School of Distinction. Those three, Graves County High School, Sedalia Elementary and Farmington Elementary qualify as Distinguished Schools.

As a whole, the Graves County School District ranks 28th statewide, among 173 school districts. Our students, teachers, and principals have worked hard and they clearly have made significant progress. Were very proud of them, said Assistant Superintendent Carla Whitis, who also serves as district assessment coordinator and secondary instructional supervisor.

The classification of Central, Symsonia, and Fancy Farm elementaries as Schools of Distinction means each met its current annual measurable objective and student participation rate. Elementary Schools of Distinction are the highest-performing level of all elementary schools, those with overall scores at the 95th percentile or higher that met the criteria. Of course, were very happy that these schools have achieved this distinction and proud of the hard work it took to get there, said Graves County Schools elementary instructional supervisor Amanda Henson.

The district as a whole again qualified as a Distinguished District, ranking among the top 14 percent of districts statewide. This marks the third consecutive year Graves County has qualified as a Distinguished District. The Distinguished District classification means the district has met the annual measurable objectives and student participation rates.

Superintendent Kim Dublin concluded, We thank and congratulate the faculty and staff, parents, and students for their diligence, hard work, and success.
Even as the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan, the Pakistan media seemed to be in denial. This is how their print and news websites reported it.

By India Today Web Desk:

The Indian Army carried out surgical strikes in terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 27, killing several terrorists and destroying seven launch camps. It was obviously a bitter pill to swallow for Islamabad.

Also Read: India's surgical strike inside Pakistani territory: All you want to know



"The Army has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC and significant casualties have been caused. The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory," Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) Lt General Ranbir Singh said today.

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Also Read: What international media said about surgical strikes in PoK by India



After Indian Army's statement, Pakistani media started updating their pages with news of Pakistani army denying the claims.

Their newspapers weren't far behind this morning.

Also Read: India hits Pakistan back with surgical strikes across Line of Control, 38 killed



Here's how some of Pakistan's newspapers read today:

Dawn

"Escalation or brinkmanship at LoC?"



Pakistan Observer

"Pakistan captures one Indian soldier, eight others killed at LoC overnight"



The News

"'Surgical strikes' Indian delusion: Pakistan"



Daily News

"Army rubbishes Indian claim of 'surgical strike'"

And earlier, this is what Pakistan media reported on September 29:



Dawn

"Army rubbishes Indian 'surgical strikes' claim as two Pakistani soldiers killed at LoC"



Geo TV

"Pakistan denies Indian claims of surgical strike, two Pakistani soldiers embrace martyrdom: ISPR"



ARY

"Pakistan rejects Indian claim of 'surgical strikes' along LoC"



The Express Tribune

"Pakistan Army rubbishes India's claim of 'surgical strikes' along LoC"



Dunya News

"Two Pakistani soldiers martyred in Indian forces' unprovoked firing at LoC"



The News

"Nawaz condemns Indian aggression at Line of Control"

Read:

India's claim of surgical strikes across LoC an 'illusion', says Pakistan



Nawaz Sharif after India's surgical strike: Don't take our peaceful intent for weakness

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By PTI: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Sep 29 (PTI) Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale over "unprovoked firing" by India in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry "condemned the unprovoked firing by" Indian forces on the Line of Control (LoC) in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed, Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.

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"These incidents are a continuation of a pattern of ceasefire violations committed by India. He (Chaudhry) conveyed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan will continue to give a befitting response to any act of aggression," the statement said.

Earlier, Pakistan rejected as "baseless" the Indian Armys claim that it had carried out "surgical strikes" inside the country.

India carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from PoK.

While summoning Bambawale at the Foreign Office, the Foreign Secretary claimed that India has "deliberately escalated tensions" at the LoC in order to "divert the attention of the international community from the grave situation" in Kashmir.

"The Foreign Secretary condemned Indias baseless accusation against Pakistan for the Uri attack, within a few hours after the incident. He recalled that it has been a practice in India to blame Pakistan for every such incident but later investigations prove otherwise," the Foreign Office said.

Chaudhry claimed that Pakistan remains a "victim of interference" and "state sponsored terrorism".

In this regard, he referred to the "confession statement of serving Indian Naval Officer, Kulbushan Jadhav", whom Pakistan has accused of "carrying out terrorist and subversive activities, especially in Balochistan and Karachi".

The Foreign Secretary also expressed Pakistans deep disappointment at Indias decision not to participate in the SAARC Summit.

For its part, Pakistan is committed to the objective of regional cooperation, envisaged in the SAARC charter, he said.

Chaudhry also conveyed to Bambawale, Pakistans deep concerns over "life threats to Pakistans High Commissioner in New Delhi" and urged the Indian government to ensure his safety and security and that of other officials and their families, in accordance with the Vienna Convention. PTI SH ASK ZH ASK

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The evacuation of the villages comes barely hours after the Indian Army announced it has conducted surgical strikes across LoC.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has ordered to clear up to 10 km along Punjab Border, additional BSF troops have moved in. (Photo: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: The villages in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, which are 10 km from the international border with Pakistan, are being evacuated while additional Border Security Force (BSF) troops have moved in closer following India's surgical strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and keeping in view a Pakistani retaliation.



The evacuation of the villages in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir comes barely hours after the Indian Army announced it had conducted the surgical strikes inside PoK, killing 38 suspected infiltrators preparing to enter India.

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Amid heightened tension between the two countries, the BSF has also cancelled the beating retreat ceremony at Wagah border in Punjab for today. Leaves of Army soldiers and BSF jawans have also been cancelled



Eleven days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri area, Indian Special Forces targeted "some terrorist teams" positioned at launch pads on the LoC, the Army announced.

READ: India's claim of surgical strikes across LoC an 'illusion', says Pakistan



The surgical strikes have raised the possibility of a military escalation between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.

Pakistan reacts sharply



The Army's surgical operation inside PoK has triggered a sharp warning from Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who warned that Pakistan's "intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness".

Pakistan, however, has denied any surgical strike by India, but its Army has admitted to the death of two soldiers in cross-LoC firing by Indian troops earlier today.

READ: Uri martyr's family hails surgical strikes on Pakistan



India has been ratcheting up pressure on Pakistan, seeking to diplomatically isolate it at the UN General Assembly in New York and winning expressions of condemnation from the US, Britain and France over the Uri terror attack.

China, another of the permanent members of the UN Security Council and a traditional ally of Pakistan, has urged dialogue between the two antagonists.

READ: 2 Pakistan soldiers killed as India responds to ceasefire violation with punitive strikes

On Wednesday, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan backed India in boycotting Pakistan, which is supposed to host this year's edition of the SAARC summit in Islamabad in November. SAARC chair Nepal has indicated that the South Asian group summit may be called off.

Also Read:



Nawaz Sharif condemns surgical strikes by Indian army How to punish Pakistan when a war is ruled out



Indian Army crosses LoC, conducts surgical strikes in Pakistani territory



Nawaz Sharif condemns surgical strikes by Indian army



All you need to know about Pakistan's nastiest weapon: Tactical nukes

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The meeting which was to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today on the review of Pakistan MFN status has been moved to the next week.

By India Today Web Desk: The crucial meeting which was to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today on the review of Pakistan's Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status has been moved to the next week.

The meeting was called in the wake of the Uri terror attack earlier this month in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists.

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The MFN status, granted to Pakistan in 1996 and which Islamabad is yet to reciprocate, was accorded under the World Trade Organisation's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

Both India and Pakistan are signatories to GATT, which means they have to treat each other and the rest of WTO members as favoured trading partners.

India Inc has said that the MFN has made no difference to the "abysmally low" level of bilateral trade between the two countries. Official data showed that out of India's total merchandise trade of $643 billion in 2015-16, Pakistan accounted for a meagre $2.67 billion.

India's exports to Pakistan last year amounted to $2.17 billion, or 0.83 per cent of total Indian exports, while imports were 497 million, or 0.13 per cent of total inward shipments.

The review of the MFN status is a part of Modi government's multi-pronged attack, which also includes India successfully isolating Pakistan within the SAARC with four member nations boycotting the summit in Islamabad in November. Current SAARC chair Nepal has hinted at scrapping this year's summit altogether.

India's review of the Indus Waters Treaty is another diplomatic assault on Pakistan.

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By PTI: Haridwar, Sep 29 (PTI) President Pranab Mukherjee today took part in the famous Ganga Aarti along the banks of the river at Har Ki Pauri here.

Accompanied by Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul, Chief Minister Harish Rawat and family members besides Ganga Sabha office bearers and a host of officials, the President performed puja and Dugdhavishek of the holy river by making an offering of 101 kgs of milk and eleven sweet betel leaves.

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The President, who concluded his three-day visit to the state today, looked overwhelmed with the experience as he bowed to the river with folded hands several times during the ceremony which lasted around 45 minutes.

He along with everyone present there tooka pledge to make the river clean and maintain its relentless flow.

Mukherjee is the third President after Rajendra Prasad and Gyani Zail Singh to take part in a Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.

After the conclusion of the Aarti, the President was escorted to the Ganga Sabha office decorated especially in view of his visit and accorded a warm welcome by its office bearers who showered him with flower petals.

They also showed him a visitors book maintained by the Sabha containing the signatures and comments of dignitaries including former Presidents who had visited Har Ki Pauri in the past.

Mukherjee was offered a citation on a silver plaque, the holy waters of the Ganga in a silver pitcher and a photo album containing pictures and messages of dignitaries who had visited Har Ki Pauri before him.

The President was somewhat intrigued to find his own message among them from an earlier visit he had paid to the banks of the river in 1984.

Mukherjee later left for Jollygrant airport. PTI Corr ALM PMS

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains will deliver an economic lifeline to the Town of Churchill today, but is not yet prepared to commit the government to taking back ownership of the troubled port.

A new poll done for the Free Press by Probe Research shows two-thirds of Manitobans moderately or strongly support the idea that Ottawa resume ownership of the Port and the associated Hudson Bay Railway, but Bains wouldnt say whether the government has looked at the possibility yet.

Were open to any ideas and suggestions that are made for both the short- and long-term viability of the port, Bains said. Right now were focused on what ideas do they have.

ALEX DE VRIES-MAGNIFICO photo Port of Churchill

Bains will travel to Churchill toting $4.6 million for immediate economic development programs in the town and the surrounding area, the Free Press has learned. His trip will include meetings in person and by teleconference with the town council, First Nations, the union, and other interested parties to discuss options for the port.

Omnitrax acquired both the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway from the federal government in the 1990s. It announced in July it would not operate the port this season because it was not commercially viable.

In an interview with the Free Press Thursday, Bains said his immediate attention is on the short-term challenges, followed by working with local leadership, unions and others on the long-term viability of the port and rail line. Omnitrax is not part of the discussions, and Bains did not hold back from criticizing the company for being disengaged in discussing the future.

We have reached out to them, but I must confess they have not been very positive, he said. They havent really engaged. It is disappointing how they have conducted themselves in this process, so thats why Im dealing now directly with the northern delegation, and the different levels of government, both municipal and provincial.

Bains said the money he is announcing Friday is a byproduct of the conversations we have been having for weeks with people on the ground.

Were really concerned about this, we understand the importance of Churchill, not just to Manitoba but as part of our northern strategy as well.

The Canadian Wheat Board was the primary user of the port, responsible for about 90 per cent of its shipments. Since the CWB single-seller system was dismantled in 2012 and the wheat board sold to a Saudi Arabian entity, shipments through the port plummetted, despite government subsidies to encourage its use.

The port is one of the main economic drivers in Churchill and was responsible for about 10 per cent of its jobs.

It found 67 per cent of Manitobans strongly or moderately support government ownership of the port and the railway. Support was higher in Winnipeg (71 per cent) than rural Manitoba (62 per cent) and among NDP supporters (85 per cent), and Liberals (77 per cent) than Tory supporters (56 per cent).

Churchill Mayor Mike Spence said he is eagerly anticipating Ottawas help and is looking forward to raising the idea of nationalizing the port when he meets with Bains Friday.

SEAN KILPATRICK / CANADIAN PRESS FILES Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains is expected to announce several million dollars for economic development in Churchill and the surrounding area.

A port of this significance in the north should reflect the government of Canada, said Spence. Whats really important here is this is Canadas only arctic port.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada, the union representing port workers, also urged the government last week to take control of the port and make it another port authority.

John Higginbotham, head of the Arctic program at the Centre for International Governance Innovation at Carleton University, said a port authority is a legal instrument that can be used to push for new investments but it will not, by itself, save Churchill.

It doesnt guarantee youre going to have anybody making those investments, he said. Its just a mechanism that allows it.

Higginbotham said with climate change extending the arctic shipping season every year, commercializing the Port of Churchill might make sense, but he said a major study needs to happen to look at the entire northern strategy, including Churchill, before any private investors might show interest.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

wfpslideshow:395197201:wfpslideshow

About 75 Crescentwood homeowners are rallying to save a stately Wellington Crescent mansion from the wreckers ball.

A spokesman for the residents, who live in the Peanut Park area of Cresentwood, said a Winnipeg firm  Leader Equity Partners  purchased the 107-year-old, 8,000-square-foot home at 514 Wellington Cres. last April for about $1.25 million and plans to demolish it and replace it with a new condominium complex.

He (Leader Equity Partner president and CEO Jeff Thompson) came to me with the designs and said he wanted to tear the house down and put eight new condominiums up there, neighbour Nick Logan said in an interview. And I said, Well, thats not going to fly.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The 8,000-square-foot, eight-bedroom home at 514 Wellington Cres., was built in 1909. It has been home to some of Winnipegs most affluent families.

Logan, who lives nearby on Kingsway Avenue, said about 75 area homeowners had a meeting in June to discuss the fate of the house, which over the years has been home to such prominent Winnipeggers as Free Press publisher Victor Sifton and Manitoba senator Douglas Everett.

The community is unanimously opposed to what he (Thompson) is proposing, Logan added.

He said they wouldnt object to the 21/2-storey home being converted into three condo units, but theyll fight any attempt to demolish it.

Logan, who is vice-chairman of the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporations board of directors and past president and CEO of National Leasing Group, said residents have been told Leader Equity Partners plans to apply to the city this fall to have the property rezoned from single-family to multi-family residential and to seek a permit to demolish it and replace it with the new condo complex.

The application hasnt been made yet, but we understand it will be, he added. So for the past week weve been preparing our case.

Thompson did not respond Wednesday to requests for an interview.

John Orlikow, the city councillor for the area, said the developer plans to meet shortly with area residents to get their input on a revised redevelopment plan for the property. He said Thompson is hoping to get the blessing of residents before filing any formal applications with the city.

But were really just in the discussing stage, Orlikow added. He may not file an application. Who knows.

Orlikow said although he personally loves the house, that cant be the only consideration.

Is the house still viable (as a single-family home)? What kinds of upgrades does it need? There are a whole bunch of factors that go into it.

In a letter sent to Thompson explaining why area residents are opposed to the house being demolished, Logan states the house is in excellent condition. He also disputes Thompsons claim its too big to be a viable single-family home.

Throughout the city, there exists many homes of this size utilized for single-family use and indeed, new homes approaching and exceeding the size of this home continue to be built on Wellington Crescent, he writes.

He said area residents are also worried about the negative impact a multi-family development could have on the single-family neighbourhood.

Neighbourhoods like Crescentwood are fragile communities. The existing homes require extensive maintenance and upkeep. Every small zoning change that is allowed has a detrimental effect on the next-door property, he wrote. When the outside shell of this community is broken with multi-family complexes, the small jewel of the historical grouping cannot survive.

Although 514 Wellington Cres. isnt a designated heritage property, Heritage Winnipeg executive director Cindy Tugwell agrees it shouldnt be demolished.

In many cases these are beautifully, beautifully built homes that youll never, ever, see the likes of again, she said.

Tugwell noted all of the prominent families who have lived there.

So it has architectural value and history, but it has social value, also, she said.

Tugwell said the case underscores the need for some kind of additional protection for old, historically significant neighbourhoods such as Wellington Crescent and nearby Armstrong Point, which includes East Gate, West Gate and Middle Gate. She noted Armstrong Point residents are seeking a historical conservation designation for their neighbourhood, and hopefully that will encourage other historical communities to do the same.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
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The Manitoba government says it will consult with Manitoba taxpayers and business owners about a new approach to setting the minimum wage.

The announcement by Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen Thursday comes a day after Premier Brian Pallister confirmed that the province would not be increasing the minimum wage next month, as was the case in previous Octobers under the former NDP government.

Pallister did not rule out an increase in 2017.

'There is another business case that could be made for the port.' says Cliff Cullen.

Employers and workers across Manitoba are directly impacted by changes to our provinces minimum wage, Cullen said in a statement. Our government welcomes the input of all Manitobans as we consult on an approach to minimum wage in our province that will ensure we are well positioned to grow our economy, increase employment and allow Manitobans to keep more money in their pockets.

The provincial government has been provided with survey data collected by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business on minimum wage policy in Manitoba and the minister has asked the Labour Management Review Committee (LMRC) for its input. The government wants the committee to focus on recommendations on the creation of an indexing formula that would automatically adjust the minimum wage annually.

The LMRC is comprised of representatives of business and labour and provides a forum for discussion of labour and management issues. The minister said the committees mandate is to promote a harmonious labour relations climate and to foster effective labour management co-operation in support of the economic and social well-being of Manitobans.
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OTTAWA  Winnipeg philanthropist Gail Asper was serenaded with an adapted song from one of her favourite musicals Wednesday as the National Arts Centre celebrated a $5-million Asper donation to its new Creation Campaign.

Just a week after Asper and her husband, Michael Paterson, donated $2 million to the University of Manitoba Tache Arts Project, she was on the centres stage, where she was presented as the lead donor on the new campaign to fund new works of music, dance and theatre across the country.

Asper said she is driven to make such donations because of what she was taught by her father, the late Winnipeg businessman and philanthropist Israel Asper.

SUPPLIED Gail Asper (left) watches Wednesday as actress Nora McClellan performs a modified version of the song As We Stumble Along from The Drowsy Chaperone.

We should give while we live, she said was his frequent advice. We should give while we can see the benefits of our giving, the fruits of our giving.

The new Creation Campaign will be the first private capital fund to help give artists the time and money they need to develop new productions.

This opens up a lot of opportunities. I think it will stimulate a lot of new work, said National Arts Centre CEO Peter Herndorf.

He said he expects the fund, which will begin providing money next year, will make 15 to 20 major investments every year. More details of how the fund will work will be unveiled later this fall.

Many at the event, including Asper, cited The Drowsy Chaperone as a rare example of a Canadian work that was able to generate the investments and attention needed to make its way from a performance by friends at a stag party in Toronto in 1997 to Broadway, where it would win five Tony Awards.

Asper said the first time she saw the show she was in a foul mood and it lifted her out of her funk, reminding her of the power of live theatre.

She was then surprised as actress Nora McClellan escorted her to a chair  a takeoff from the Man in Chair of the musical, and performed a version of the song As We Stumble Along. Lisa Lambert, the lyricist for the Drowsy Chaperone, helped rewrite the words.

As we stumble along, we look to Gail Asper, she sang. As we stumble along, no one is blue. Cause were certain to prevail with our effervescent Gail. She will lead us to our grail and pull us through.

Asper was touched but said she was quite nervous about being serenaded.

I did not know they were doing this, she said. Trust the National Arts Centre to be the most creative and fun place ever. Its a nerve-wracking thing to be centre stage.

The National Arts Centre Foundation has been raising money for the campaign since 2014 and with the Asper donation has secured $23 million. Herndorf said the majority of the donations have come from Western Canada.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

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As one of Canadas longest elections in history crept to its conclusion almost a year ago, one of the final straws before the fall of the Harper government was Ontario Conservative MP Kellie Leitchs sinister and degrading barbaric cultural practices tip line.

Recently, the Conservative Oppositions game plan has taken on a new cause: stamping out supposed anti-Canadian values among new Canadian immigrants. Its a Herculean task, but Leitch thinks its a winner. She told Macleans magazine she is proposing to screen all prospective immigrants to Canada.

Simultaneously, party scions have been busy steeling themselves into accepting the large and growing phalanx of right-wing social conservatives apparently moving in to take over the reins of their party.

ANDREW VAUGHAN / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Conservative Party leadership candidate Kelli Leitch, MP for the riding of Simcoe-Grey.

The most prominent individual in this rebranding is Leitch, running for party leadership, who hopes her immigrant-screening proposal is a money-maker.

Leitch claimed two-thirds of Canadians and 87 per cent of Conservatives polled support this common-sense approach, citing a recent poll by Forum Research.

But, she said, her campaign needs more money. This leadership contest has nine months to go, and we need resources to make that happen.

Leitch asked for a tax-receiptable donation or help with making phone calls, selling memberships or campaigning on social media.

Together, we will stand up to those who dont want to discuss Canadian values and whose politically correct elitism remains tone-deaf to the views of most Canadians, she said. With your support, well bring the voice of hard-working Canadians back to Parliament Hill.

Conservative Sen. Nancy Ruth told the Huffington Post Canada Canadian values are ever-moving.

Nothing is ever stable in Canada, new generations, people from different countries bring different values all the time; it is one of the most wonderful gifts Canada has, and to try to define it is ridiculous, she said.

Ruth suggested Leitch is being tactical, and her polling data are likely clear. There are probably those who would like that, you know, its not in my backyard stuff. I only want people like me. Well, thats not the way the world is, and its ungenerous of Canada, its bad for the economy. Its great there has been a protest within the party about it. I think its fabulous.

As she headed into the partys caucus meetings in Halifax Wednesday morning, Leitch told reporters while others have their opinions, she plans to keep talking about a unified Canadian identity and looks forward to the debates.

Im running for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada, and I will be the leader in May of 2017, she said.

After lunch, Leitch doubled down even further: I recognize others dont want to have that conversation, and thats fine, but I will be having that conversation with Canadians.

Many of her caucus colleagues were likely to talk about tax cuts and which candidate had the biggest or most interesting one, but only talking about money and wealth, she said, is what would really distance the party from Canadians.

Only the Conservatives would be the ones to go out and protect Canadian values, she said, suggesting the Liberals couldnt be trusted to do it.

Conservative interim Leader Rona Ambrose is leaving it up to members to decide. But Leitchs proposal is already creating deep divisions.

Party leadership candidate Michael Chong is fearful if Leitch wins, the Conservatives would face the same fate as the Parti Quebecois, which lost nearly 25 per cent of its support after it introduced a values charter viewed by many as anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim.

Its perfectly fine and reasonable to have debates on immigration or security screening, but we need to select words and a context that is positive about immigration because, if not, we are playing a game that is a dangerous game, the Ontario MP said.

Conservative leadership candidate and Alberta MP Deepak Obhrai said he disagreed strongly with Leitch. His big concern is by talking in such a manner the Tories are sending an anti-immigrant message  which we do not want to do. Immigration built Canada, Obhrai said, and the bigger threat to Canadian security comes from homegrown terrorism, not from newcomers.

Ontario MP and leadership contender Tony Clement, however, seemed to side with Leitch, saying, Good for you for raising these issues. I dont think there is anything wrong with that.

A day earlier, Ambrose had appealed for party unity. Conservatives have no intention of going back to the days of political discord, she told her caucus.

But with a nine-month leadership race, that may prove difficult.

Frances Russell is a Winnipeg writer.
Opinion

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While the Winnipeg Art Gallery moves ahead with a new Inuit Art Centre, its quietly getting rid of a decades-old investment in the community.

Public and private money is advancing the WAGs planned Inuit centre. It will showcase the largest collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world, provide employment and create a space of inclusion for the Inuit.

But as plans for the Inuit centre mature, WAG administration is dismantling its 80-year-old, publicly accessible art-making program with no public disclosure.

ZACHARY PRONG / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Students paint during a class open to the public at the Winnipeg Art Gallery Studio.

Recently retired from over 20 years of teaching in these classes, I have serious concerns.

In 1995, the WAG Studio, the largest art school at a major Canadian gallery, found a home in a renovated building adjacent to the gallery. In seven studios, classes in a wide range of media and skill levels, taught by practising artists with fine arts degrees, were offered to well over 1,000 adults and children yearly.

Although the Inuit centre will rise from the demolished WAG Studio site, the administration remains publicly mute on alternative plans for classes during the three-year construction period. Planning for studios in the Inuit centre is minimal.

Studio spaces, reduced to four from seven, are touted by WAG director Stephen Borys to be state-of-the-art. Art teachers know spacious, easy-to-clean rooms that have storage and sinks are the real necessities. The existing street-level accessibility and welcoming lobby will be gone.

Meanwhile, programming is being gutted. The head of studio programs was replaced by a manager with reduced responsibilities within the Education Department. Well below half of the classes are offered, and the building is open fewer evenings.

The annual adult student show was cancelled due lack of interest and fewer classes. The 17-year-old instructors show was cancelled even though 17 artists had registered. Only instructors negotiations and volunteer work allowed one last show in the building. A poster for the show, showing a tiny studio building below the WAG, was too disrespectful. Its renowned artist replied that humour is strength.

The most telling loss is the cancellation of Through the Eyes of a Child, a yearly celebration of the creative spirit of children enrolled at the WAG. In March Borys joyfully invited people to the 30th anniversary display of the work of 680 children. In September, he axed it for good. A theme in this exhibition was the honesty of a child that emerges through art. Disclosure was in-house, not transparently public.

Excellent educational standards have been replaced by maker labs  quick craft projects taught by volunteers and business owners advertising their supplies  and paint parties  social events with how-to projects. These are entertaining and money-making but are of dubious educational value.

Children waiting in the lobby have been offered, instead of drawing supplies, pre-designed adult colouring-book pages denounced by the Canadian Society for Education through Art and its American equivalent. These materials limit childrens imaginations and their expectations of art itself.

The intent behind these reductions in standards and programming, enacted by the head of education, remain unexplained even to staff and instructors, as do the unprofessional dismissals of two long-term, successful instructors.

The board of directors, dominated by businessmen with no art educators and a single Inuit member, indicates a corporate/business operating model driving the administrative agenda. This gain/loss, dated, binary thinking could easily see the dissolution of public programming as a necessary cost of new cultural infrastructure.

More troubling to the Inuit Art Centre creation and Dr. Boryss vision of it as a site of reconciliation is how this erasing of public programming, with no transparency and accountability, contravenes the crucial ethic in indigenous beliefs that all people live in deeply interwoven communities. This spiritual matrix espouses seven sacred teachings  wisdom, truth, humility, courage, love, respect and honesty  as guiding qualities.

Which of these qualities could help Borys and his team bring more honesty and truth to their community? Would love, courage, respect or humility be beneficial? Wisdom would direct them to seek public input while planning, transparently disclose changes, commit, in public, recorded statements to preserving historic valued programming for the public who fund their endeavours.

Students, past and present, and parents of students could address their concerns to the WAG.

Nan Litchfield Hutchison is a 2016 Manitoba Affiliate Art Educator Award Winner and a member of the Canadian Society for Education through Art.
By PTI: Panaji, Sep 28 (PTI) Ahead of next months BRICS summit in Goa, NGOs and civil society groups in the state have decided to host four-day-long events to raise the issues which such big-ticket gatherings ignore.

"Various NGOs and civil society groups have formed Peoples Forum on BRICS Goa. The group will connect local voices and concerns of Goa to the global scenario and critically engage with BRICS," Albertina Almeida from Social Justice Action Committee, Goa told reporters at a press conference.

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Peoples Forum on BRICS is a group of people movements, networks and civil society from across India.

It will raise "critical voices from below on social, ecological, political and economic concerns that are often ignored at big summits such as BRICS", Almeida said.

The forum has organised programs on October 1 to 3 and 7 to 12 in Panaji.

They will include a workshop and photo-poster exhibition on Goas tribal communities, discussion on corporatisation of tourism, its impact on livelihood, among others.

On October 7, there will be a session organised by Human Rights Law Network, Goa while on October 12, Goa Bank Employees Association will organise a discussion on banking for accountability.

Annual summit of BRICS -- group of emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will be held in Goa on October 15 and 16. PTI RPS KRK ASV BAS

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Opinion

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Shimon Peres, who died Wednesday at 93 in a hospital near Tel Aviv, connected 21st-century Israel with its early years  the ideals of the founders and the struggles that assured the survival of the young country.

During 66 years of public service to the state of Israel, Mr. Peres never won election to the top post of prime minister, though he twice held the office briefly. Yet he was indispensable, always at the centre of events as arms-buyer, diplomat, cabinet minister, opposition leader and architect of political coalitions in the shifting sands of Israeli politics. The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to him jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in 1994, testified to the immense esteem he enjoyed on the world stage.

Mr. Peres knew Israel must be well-armed and militarily strong. After experiencing co-operative farming on a kibbutz as a teenager, he joined the Haganah paramilitary force to fight for independence. David Ben-Gurion, Israels first prime minister and Mr. Peres political mentor, put him in charge of the Israeli navy at age 24 when independence was achieved. In subsequent years, Mr. Peres negotiated weapons purchases from reluctant allies and helped build up the Israel Defense Forces.

Shimon Peres, the former Israeli president, in 2012.

He also knew, however, the nation must find a way to live in peace with its Arab neighbours. His message of conciliation with the Palestinians and with the surrounding Arab states found a large audience in Israel, but never large enough to propel him to a full term in power.

The Knesset voted Mr. Peres into the presidency of Israel in 2007 at 82. From that largely ceremonial post, he continued to exude the optimism that had always marked his thought and his discourse, in sharp contrast with the anger and despair that sometimes dominate political debate.

In his inaugural address as president, he said:

Israel must not only be an asset but a value. A moral, cultural and scientific call for the promotion of man, every man. It must be a good and warm home for Jews who are not Israelis, as well as for Israelis who are not Jews. And it must create equal opportunities for all, without discriminating between religion, nationality, community or sex I have seen Israel in its most difficult hours and also in moments of achievement and spiritual uplifting. My years place me at an observation point from which can be viewed the scene of our reviving nation, spread out in all its glory Permit me to remain an optimist. Permit me to be a dreamer of his people. If sometimes the atmosphere is autumnal, and also if today, the day seems suddenly grey, the president Israel has chosen will never tire of encouraging, awakening and reminding  because spring is waiting for us. The spring will definitely come.

Spring had not yet come when Shimon Peres died this week. In his absence, it may become more difficult to recall the high ideals that drove the Zionists of his generation, the huge sacrifices they made and the huge risks they took to bring Israel into being.

His death is a good moment to celebrate Israels role as a shining light of learning, freedom, astute diplomacy, the rule of law and human values.
Alonna Conrad has always struggled to read and write.

Most children learn to spell first by sound, replacing those auditory spellings with the proper ones in their first couple years of school. But Alonna, who is in fifth grade, is just now learning to do that.

Shes not alone.

Every year at Saint Marys University of Minnesota in Winona, 50 or so children from area K-12 schools attend a literacy clinic that helps them connect letters with their respective sounds.

The clinic uses something called the Initial Teaching Alphabet, a chart of 40-odd letters and symbols that correspond to certain objects. The letter a is linked to an apple, for instance, while the letter combination ae is linked to an acorn, marking the two sounds the letter a can make.

If a child doesnt know how to spell or pronounce something, they only need to look at the chart.

It was hard, because it was different from what I learned before, said Alonna, who has improved her reading ability by two grade levels since joining the clinic last summer.

I like to read and write, she said. I write stories about a marker and a pen that go on adventures.

Since 1988, the clinic at Saint Marys has helped roughly 1,000 children catch up to their peers. It runs four days a week during the school year, matching children with Saint Marys education students who work as tutors. Over the years, families have come from as far away as Iowa to attend the clinic.

I think this is one of the best-kept secrets around, said Jane Anderson, the clinics founder. We dont mean to keep it a secret  were just so busy teaching it.

In a typical lesson, tutors will read a passage to the children in their group. Then the group will read the passage together. And then the children will read the passage by themselves.

It usually doesnt take long for the children to read it without any mistakes, Anderson said, and they tend to apply the corrections they made to their general use of the language.

If they do it often enough, Anderson said, they get it.

Children who practice the Initial Teaching Alphabet three times a week for nine months typically improve their reading ability by two or three grade levels, Anderson said.

When things are working well, the clinic helps the tutors, too. It gives them experience working with children who they might otherwise be unsure how to reach.

I was skeptical of I.T.A. at first, said Michelle Wegrzyn, an elementary education major at Saint Marys. I dont know how, but it works.

When I have my own classroom, I think its going to give me a little bit of an edge.

Anderson said she has been successful teaching older children and adults to read and write with these methods, through this alphabet.

People who cant so naturally marry letters and sounds are in no way less intelligent than people who can, Anderson said. She called it more of a mechanical quirk in the way their brains work.

But since many teachers are not equipped to reach those children once they become students, many receive poor grades and become frustrated with reading and writing altogether.

We dont want kids to feel dumb when they cant read, said Carol Brewton, the clinics director. Its wonderful to see kids who dont believe in themselves, start to believe in themselves.
The rivers are receding, and the streams back in their banks, but the costs are mounting a week after record rains drenched western Wisconsin.

Damages to homes, businesses and public infrastructure from the torrential rains that fell Sept. 20-23 has surpassed $18.5 million, according to Wisconsin emergency management officials.

In an update Wednesday, the State Emergency Operations Center put the damage to homes and businesses at $6.4 million.

Damage to roads, bridges and trails has topped $12 million, including $3.4 million in Vernon County, where landslides and washouts closed roads, triggered a train derailment and devastated the community of Victory, and $1.5 million in Crawford County.

Two Vernon County residents were killed in the flooding: one whose home slid down a hillside in Victory, another who drowned when his truck jackknifed and he was trapped in rising waters.

A BNSF train derailed in Crawford County when water eroded the earth beneath the tracks. Crews continued repair work on Wednesday.

More than 500 homes and businesses in a dozen counties were damaged, including 28 in Vernon County that were destroyed.

Gregory Peterson said he watched from the road as a branch of Cooley Creek turned to a raging river overnight.

Its a wall of water, Peterson said. Its the most scary, intimidating thing youve ever seen.

The water came within inches of his home, filling his four acres of pasture with rocks, silt and downed trees, destroyed a neighbors shed and tossed a pickup truck onto its roof. Further downstream, the creek ate away embankments on Bohland Hollow Road, leaving chasms between bridge and road.

Road closures continued to mount even as repairs were underway.

A roadway embankment gave way Tuesday afternoon forcing the closure of state Hwy. 131 between Readstown and Viola, and the list of closures in Vernon County jumped to 57 on Wednesday as new problems surfaced.

These roads are undermined, said Linda Nederlo, Vernon County Public Information Officer. Its pretty soft.

In the Town of Wheatland, contractors were repairing two washed-out bridges while town road crews work to clear ditches and culverts before any more rain falls.

Theres no place for the water to go, town chairman Bob Streeter said.

Flood warnings remain in place along streams in several southwestern Wisconsin counties. The Mississippi River crested Monday morning in La Crosse at 0.04 feet above flood stage. Minor flooding continues in Genoa.

According to the National Weather Service, tropical air clashed with a stationary cold front last week, triggering a wave of storms that dumped more than 9 inches of rain in some locations. Rainfall of 3 to 7 inches was common between Tuesday night and Friday, falling on soil saturated in the last months of summer, which brought two to three times the normal amount of rain.
He probably thought himself lucky. The railing held, hed be sore in the morning, but the railing held and the car was still on the bridge. Next to him, his buddy didnt seem too much the worse for wear, but the guys in the front seat, that might be a different story. He just get out and check on them.

Dennis Lynch swung the car door open and stepped out into the night.

It was the last thing he ever did.

As the Great War drew to a close, it was becoming apparent that the High Wagon Bridge was beginning to show its age. Built when traffic consisted of horses and wagons, people questioned whether the iron span was up to the demands of the Tin Lizzy and the auto age.

The bridge itself was solid enough. Cars and trucks could still be outweighed by a hearty farm team hauling a heavy load. It wasnt the bridge that was the problem, it was the getting on, and, more seriously, getting off it that was becoming a hazard.

The problem was in the bridges design. Reaching the bridge proper, which stood more than 70 feet above the river channel, required a gradually sloping approach ramp that stretched out for at least two blocks. But the approach to Winonas bridge didnt stretch out as a straight long ramp. Instead, the bridge approach began at the intersection of Main and Second streets, climbed for about a block, then made a 90-degree turn to the west, climbed another block to where it stood 65 feet above Johnson Street, made a second 90-degree turn back toward the river, and onto the high ironwork span.

By ordinance, speed on the bridge was limited to no faster than a walk, but Minnesota drivers tenuous respect for speed limits was an attitude cultivated early.

In the fall of 1919, Dennis Lynch, 26, was still settling into the routine of civilian life. Hed gone overseas the previous September, but instead of seeing duty in the trenches in France, was shipped north and east to the Russian port of Archangel, charged with keeping allied munitions out of the hands of the Bolshevik insurrectionists. Hed been discharged in August and had bounced from job to job since returning to Winona.

The night of Oct. 2, he met his friends and fellow veterans, Percy Rollinger and Stanley Olhoff at Griesels Store early in the evening. The men had a couple of bottles of illegal beer and walked around town for a while before stopping in at the OK Soft Drink Parlor, where they were joined by John Berry, a Minneapolis real estate dealer. They drank three glasses of ginger ale, for which they paid a quarter apiece, and which, Berry admitted later, had the taste of whiskey.

The four decided it was time for a change of scene, piled into Berrys cross-country Overland, and headed across the bridge and over the river to the Gerson place. They got to Gersons about 11 p.m., Barry said later, and had several bottles of beer before leaving about 1 a.m.

With Berry at the wheel, Oloff in the seat beside him, and Lynch and Rollinger settled in the back, the men headed back across the bridge. Berry said he was going about 20 mph as he crested the span, heading for the zigzag on the Winona side.

What happened next is uncertain. Berry said there was a headlight out on the Overland and the lights of the city below caused him to misjudge the distance to the first hard left turn. He had about 30 feet when he saw the heavy timber and steel railing looming in his path. He slammed on the foot brake and jerked the emergency brake, afraid an attempt to make the turn would flip the car.

The Overlund hit the rail head-on, hard enough to snap a heavy iron light pole cleanly in half and dislodge the bridges deck planking. The rail held, bowing outward with the force of the impact as the car swung around, leaving its left wheels clinging to the bridge while the right wheel gripped nothing firmer than air.

Olhoffs face shattered the windshield. He was lacerated severely.

Berry and Olhoff slid out the drivers side door.

Lynch, followed by Rollinger, slid out the right side.

Sixty-five feet below, Lynch was dead on impact.

Rollinger, his landing cushioned by Lynch, barely clung to life.

Men working in the city water plant below the bridge heard the crash, discovered the crumpled bodies, and sent for help.

Dazed, Olhoff stumbled the dozen blocks to his home and went to bed, waking his father in the process, who summoned a physician. He would make a full recovery.

Berry was uninjured.

At the hospital, doctors, family and friends mounted the deathwatch over Rollinger and were amazed when he survived the night.

He clung to life throughout the next day, and the next, until it became clear he would live.
In the fall of 2015, Yearous published the collection of more than 70 Winona images, capturing the Mississippi River, east and West Lake Winona, Sugarloaf, downtown, the universities and more. Since, the book has sold hundreds of copies through Winona retail locations and online. Its extremely gratifying when someone contacts me to say that their mother, grandfather, or friend was thrilled to receive a copy of the book. Yearous said. Its not just a book of pretty pictures. Its about memories and personal history.
Municipal leaders from across Sauk County will gather Thursday to lobby for improved state road funding.

The Turnout for Transportation will be held at 7 p.m. in room B24 of the West Square Building in downtown Baraboo. Local leaders goal is to push state lawmakers to establish an adequate, sustainable method for funding road work.

We will be able to be heard with one voice, said Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm.

Ed Geick, Baraboos city administrator, said money has been tight both for the states own highway projects and aid to local municipalities. Its been very limited the past few years, as we all know, Geick told the City Council on Tuesday, and projects have gotten behind.

The council unanimously approved a resolution asking for improved transportation funding. The resolution notes that a report commissioned by the Local Government Institute of Wisconsin found the condition of the states highways ranks in the bottom third nationally. State funding has failed to keep up with costs, declining from $275 per capita in 2000 to $227 in 2012.

Any state reduction means an increase in the local levy, Alderman Joel Petty said. Its got to come from somewhere.

Based on wording provided by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, the resolution calls for increases to the state gas tax and vehicle registration fees, and asks the state to stop relying on borrowing as a stop-gap funding source.

Municipal leaders in all 72 counties are gathering for the Turnout for Transportation. Sauk County officials will watch an informational video, develop a list of needed highway projects and discuss a strategy for addressing transportation issues.

Those issues are evident this week in Baraboo, which is paying $500,000 to repair Highway 33 because the state couldnt  or wouldnt  take on the project. As we speak, were out spending money to get one of our major highways in driveable condition, Palm said.

Leaders plan to sign a letter to be sent to legislators and the governor, asking for highway help as the legislative session nears and the states two-year budget is written.

I dont know how much itll be listened to, Petty said, but I want to be optimistic that they will take this information and use it as part of the legislative process when theyre looking at the next biennial budget.
The Congress vice-president appeared before a Guwahati court in a criminal defamation case filed by a member of the RSS.

By India Today Web Desk: Rahul Gandhi appeared before a court in Guwahati today in a criminal defamation case filed by a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over a 2012 incident in which the Congress vice-president was prevented from entering a temple.

An RSS volunteer had filed the defamation suit against Gandhi last year and the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kamrup, after examining different witnesses, had asked Gandhi to appear before the court.

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Rahul reached Guwahati around 9 am and appeared before the court at around 10.15 am. He is expected to address a meeting of party workers later today before returning to New Delhi.

"They are pressing such cases against me so that I don't stand up for the rights of the poor. I'm fighting against the RSS ideology that divides the country. My work is to fight poverty," Rahul later told reporters.

"I will not be deterred. I am happy. Let them put as many cases as they want, Ill continue to fight for the unity of this country," he said.



WHAT IS THE CASE ABOUT?



The case is regarding Gandhi's visit to the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery, on December 12 last year. He was supposed to enter the Satra before taking part in a road show, organised nearby, but did not do so and instead hit the road show directly.

Later in New Delhi, he told media persons that some RSS workers prevented him from entering the Satra. He also alleged that the RSS have incited the local women to prevent him from entering the Satra.

An RSS volunteer filed the defamation suit against Gandhi not only denying the role of RSS into the incident, but also alleging that Gandhi's statement to media in New Delhi had tarnished the image of Satra.

Rahul is already in the crosshairs of the RSS, which is the ideological mentor of the BJP, for his allegation that its people killed Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.

Police can't probe criminal defamation case against Rahul: SC

Rahul Gandhi takes U-turn, says did not blame RSS for Mahatma Gandhi's assassination



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Some sweeping changes in Columbia County employee compensation, approved Wednesday in a special meeting of the County Boards Human Resources Committee, will mean, at first, that most employees might find just a smidgen more money in their first 2017 paycheck.

But what will happen to their paychecks in the long haul, especially with health insurance premiums, is a bit murkier.

In a 2 1/2-hour session, the HR Committee made the following decisions:

To recommend to the Finance Committee that most employees get a 1 percent across-the-board pay increase, effective Jan. 1. This would be in addition to the longevity-based increases that most county employees will get (about 2.5 percent) on the anniversary of their county employment.

To change the company providing health insurance to participating employees from Dean Care to the Wisconsin Counties Association Group Health Trust  in effect, switching back to the company that provided coverage until the county switched to Dean effective in 2012.

To increase the percentage of health insurance premiums that employees will pay from 10 percent to 15 percent, and decreasing the countys share of premium costs from 90 percent to 85 percent.

These decisions affect roughly 450 county employees.

The choice of the health insurance carrier, and the employee percentage for health coverage, are both binding decisions that the Human Resources Committee is authorized to make, said Human Resources Director Joseph Ruf. The 1 percent across-the-board increase will require approval of the Finance Committee, and eventually the full County Board, as part of the 2017 budget process.

Before the vote was taken on the insurance carrier change, Committee Chairman Bruce Rashke of the town of Wyocena suggested that his decision on the pay hike would be contingent on what the committee decided about the insurance carrier.

Insurance options

Thats because several insurance companies, in addition to Dean, want the countys business, and the offers  including the one that the committee accepted, from WCA Group Health Trust  include substantial premium savings over what the county and its employees are paying in 2016.

Breanna Hellenbrand, account executive for M3, the countys health insurance consultant, presented an array of tempting offers, including one from Dean.

Contractually, Dean could raise Columbia Countys premium in 2017 by no more than 7.9 percent. The increase that Dean proposed was substantially less than that  no increase for point-of-service coverage (which most county employees have) and a 4.5 percent increase for the few county employees that live outside of Deans service area and have preferred provider coverage. With that proposal, the total premium increase for Dean would have been $40,732.

Or, if the committee had chosen to stay with Dean and go to a health maintenance organization, there would have been a $109,979 premium savings.

WCA, on the other hand, offered a PPO option that will cost the county and participating employees a total of $336,125 less in premiums than were paid for Dean coverage in this years budget.

But, Hellenbrand noted, WCA offered a 7.5 percent rate hike cap for 2018 only.

The advantage of WCA would be that most employees covered by health insurance wouldnt have to change their primary care providers when switching from Dean. However, Hellenbrand cautioned that any switch in insurance carriers brings changes in coverage, and all covered employees would have to be issued new insurance cards.

Another company, Unity, offered an even bigger one-year savings  $928,438 for HMO and preferred provider coverage. Unity also offered two years of rate increase caps  6.9 percent in 2018 and 7 percent in 2019.

But, Hellenbrand said, this change would have required covered employees to change providers, as Unity works with UW Health.

Requiring a change of doctors would not be popular with many employees, said Committee member Barry Pufahl of Pardeeville.

For many of our people, theyre your rock, he said, referring to physicians who already know the patients.

The $336,125 savings covers, for this year only, most of the cost of the 1 percent raise.

Without a 1 percent raise, Ruf said, the Finance Committee was looking at an increase of $204,882 (factoring in the costs of Social Security and the countys share of employee retirement), which would include step raises for employees who have them coming in 2017. (Employees who are at step 6 and above on the countys pay scale get step raises every two years, not annually.)

With the 1 percent raise, the cost goes up by $393,920 with Social Security and retirement factored in.

All this is happening, Ruf noted, while the Finance Committee is seeking to close a gap of about $4.1 million between planned 2017 expenditures and available revenues.

A wash

But because the insurance costs are going down with the switch to WCA, the increased cost to employees for paying 15 percent of their health insurance premiums, instead of 10 percent, is more or less a wash, Rashke said.

Ruf said all these changes are likely to mean that most affected county employees (not including sheriffs deputies, who bargain collectively for their wages and benefits) will see, on their first 2017 paychecks, just a little more money.

But there is no guarantee  in fact, its not likely  that insurance premiums will go down again in 2018, and that is when employees are likely to start noticing the change in percentage of premiums paid.

Committee member Dan Drew of the town of Pacific said the HR Committee has talked over the years about increasing the employees share of insurance costs, to be more in line with the shares that other employers ask of their workers.

Pufahl said the time to make the change is now, since the overall premium cost will be dropping.

But, asked County Board Vice Chairwoman Mary Cupery of the town of Fort Winnebago, What about next year?
Eleanor Schulze doesnt see the surge of early voting that is sweeping the nation.

But if a resident of the town of Columbus, where shes town clerk, wants to cast an absentee ballot before the Nov. 8 election, thats fine with her. Just give her a call, and shell make it happen.

They can come and vote any time, she said of the towns approximately 450 registered voters. If they want to, they can come by my house and vote.

According to a recent National Public Radio report, one out of three votes cast in the coming presidential election will be turned in before Election Day. There are 37 states, including Wisconsin, that offer some form of early voting, without requiring voters to have an excuse for not being able to vote in their home precincts on Election Day.

But early voting is, in one sense, a misnomer. In Wisconsin, ballots cast before Election Day are absentee ballots, and theyre sealed in a specially-marked envelope that is not opened until Election Day, when the ballot is fed into tabulators along with other ballots cast on that day.

In Columbia Countys 21 towns, the town clerks have varying practices regarding the hours when residents can turn in an absentee ballot in person.

Schulze, for example, doesnt keep regular office hours. But she knows just about everybody, and if a town of Columbus resident gives her a call  at 920-623-2049  shell arrange to get them an absentee ballot (which also can be requested and submitted by mail).

But most town of Columbus residents who vote absentee, she said, do so because they cant come to the polls on Election Day.

Maybe theyll be in Kansas or Florida driving a semi, or theyre going on vacation to Timbuktu, Schulze said.

In the town of Pacific, Clerk Marlo Gustafson keeps regular office hours at the Town Hall, W7530 Highway 16, and people can come in during those hours  7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday  to cast their absentee ballots in person.

Gustafson said shes getting a trickle of early voters, but shes also fielding calls from residents who have hearing about early voting in the news and want to know how to do it.

Same process

The process of getting a ballot in person is pretty much the same as it is on Election Day, in that it requires that the voter be registered and that the voter produce approved photo ID.

A federal judge recently struck down a law, enacted by the Wisconsin Legislature, that limited in-person absentee balloting to the two weeks before Election Day. In the case of the town of Pacific, early voting could happen as soon as the ballots became available last week.

The town of Lodi is Columbia Countys most populous town, with about 2,100 registered voters.

Town Clerk April Goeske keeps regular office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and voters can come in any time during those hours to cast an absentee ballot, she said.

A lot of people dont even realize they can vote early, Goeske said.

Early voting is, for her, a mixed blessing.

On the one hand, its an additional task during her office hours in the weeks leading up to Election Day.

On the other hand, the parking lot at the Lodi Town Hall, W10919 County Highway V, is pretty small  and the more people who vote early, the less congestion there will be on Nov. 8.

Linda Henning, clerk of the town of Fountain Prairie, said early voters can come to the Town Hall at W1514 County Highway Z during regular hours, 12:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday or 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday  or, if those hours dont work, they can make an appointment.

Its a rural township, so if people ask, Ill make accommodations, she said.

When tabulated

One of the questions she hears from some early voters, however, is What are you going to do with my ballot?

As with anywhere else in Wisconsin, she said, the sealed absentee ballot envelopes arent opened, and the ballots arent tabulated, until Election Day. But some early voters have told her theyd feel more assured that their vote was being counted if they could immediately feed the ballot into the tabulator  something that isnt allowed under Wisconsin law.

Wisconsin voters wishing to vote early must go to their own municipal clerk to do so; you cant get a ballot at a municipality other than your own, or at the county clerks office.

A list of Columbia County polling places can be found online at www.co.columbia.wi.us/columbiacounty/countyclerk/ElectionInformation/ElectionPollingLocations/tabid/103/Default.aspx, although the list has not been updated to reflect the new Lodi Town Hall location.

Anyone in doubt as to where they should vote can consult myvote.wi.gov/en-us/ and click on find my polling place. Or, Columbia County residents can call the county clerks office at 608-742-9654.

For early voting hours and procedures, contact your municipal clerk.
The Killed in Action Memorial unveiled officially in Blue Star Park on Tuesday marked no small feat for Portage as other communities across the U.S. have struggled to launch similar projects, leaders said.

The city remembered its fallen soldiers in a dedication ceremony that brought together veterans and community members into a light but steady rainfall, and none of them lost sight of what led to the memorials completion.

There was no city money  no taxpayer dollars went into the project, Parks and Recreation Director Dan Kremer said before the ceremony. Kremer estimated the project cost about $20,000, most of which had been raised through various Blue Star Park Committee efforts that go all the way back to the parks first memorial, for all who served, in the mid-1990s, members confirmed.

It shows how deeply the thought goes through in Portage when it comes to supporting our veterans, said Tim Raimer, who conducted research for pre-World War I soldiers from the Portage area. The memorial  started in May and installed in July  includes names of people from within the Portage Community School District boundaries who died in combat dating back to the Civil War.

It says a lot about Portage, Portage Veterans of Foreign Wars member Dave DuVall said. Portage has always supported veterans very, very well, and has an outstanding history of service to its country.

While the KIA Memorial had been an idea for many years leading up to Tuesdays dedication, Raimer said efforts involving local veterans groups, the city and community leaders intensified in the past year. We were lucky because we have such strong VFW and (American) Legion posts. So its just about getting the local veterans involved with it.

Raimers advice for other communities that, like Portage, have experienced some delay in getting memorials off the ground boils down to getting support for and from local veterans groups.

When they do (get involved), people will say, Oh, thats my neighbor, Raimer said. So veterans really need to take the lead on this, to make it a goal. If you have strong veterans groups, its a lot easier to make it happen.

We called around to see if neighboring communities had one, and I was unable to find one, Kremer said of his involvement with the KIA Memorial. So when we started (advancing the project), the project was an unknown. So its a tribute to the veterans and the Blue Star Park Committee.

Kremer noted support from numerous businesses and individual donors, including Mark Bublitz of Bremner Granite Company in Portage. Bublitz possessed tremendous knowledge of memorial projects and hit it out of the park in his layouts for the memorial, Kremer said. Several other community businesses this year donated time and labor, a trend Kremer believes makes Portage unique.

We have so many community groups who do projects, and I dont think theres been any bigger project in my time here, for sure, than to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The memorial is largely the result of the sale of engraved bricks that are placed in front of both memorials in Blue Star Park, Raimer said. Several Portage High School classes, for example, like Raimers own class of 1974, chipped in for bricks and highlight a community that has so much respect for the ones who served and died during war. Bricks feature the names of the donors and cost $125  efforts Raimer said are ongoing.

Well continue to raise money for maintenance of the facility and, who knows, maybe down the road the VFW and Legion will do more (in the park). Its a good thing.

To purchase bricks to support veterans efforts, contact Parks and Recreation at 608-742-2178.
As per the Kollywood grapevine, Sivakarthikeyan's remontic comedy Remo, is all set for a grand release in Japan.

By India Today Web Desk: Of late, Sivakarthikeyan is doing big in the industry. Ever since the release of the first look posters of Remo, the film created quite a buzz on social media as the Maan Karate actor plays a lady character in the film.

While the film has already made a pre-business of Rs 32 crore, the latest buzz is that Remo will be released in New Minato Aeon Mall in Japan.



ALSO READ: Ilayathalapathy Vijay's next with Selvaraghavan- Dhanush to bankroll the project?

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ALSO READ: Kodi motion poster out- Dhanush's dual role ups curiosity

According to The News Minute, Remo will the first Tamil film to release in Nagoya region and the ticket cost would be 2000 yen.

Remo, which is touted to be a romantic comedy, is directed by debutant Bakkiyaraj Kannan.

The film will see Sivakarthikeyan collaborating with Keerthy Suresh for the second time after the duo's successful outing in Rajini Murugan.

Remo has music by Anirudh Ravichander and the songs are smash hit among the fans, especially the song Senjitaley.

The big-budget flick will also bring together Academy Award-winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty and ace-cinematographer PC Sreeram.

Produced by RD Raja under his banner 24AM Productions, the film is slated to release on October 7, on the occasion of Dussehra while the film will hit the screens on October 9 in Japan.

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By India Today Web Desk: Come October, Ranbir Kapoor will be seen talking about his idea of love in the promo shot for the second season of Addicted to Love on Romedy NOW.

Speaking during the exclusive promo shoot for Romedy NOW, Ranbir said, "Love is a magical addiction and a feeling beyond your control! The classics, all time romantic Hollywood movies lined up for the Addicted to Love S2 on Romedy Now will help you relieve the indefinable feeling through these love stories! My latest release, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, is one such love saga that I hope the viewers will enjoy! Being a romantic myself, I could not have got a better platform than this to talk about my upcoming release."

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See pics: Dance Plus 2 grand finale pics: Ranbir Kapoor, Sakshi Malik and all the best moments

The promo will be released on October 1. The movies that will be part of Addicted to Love S2 will be The Change Up, Hitch, Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past, My Best Friend's Wedding, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Maid In Manhattan, The Romantics, Flipped, Just Go With It, Girl Next Door and many more.



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Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, Gas Utilities and Infrastructure, and Commercial Renewables. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, renewable generation, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. It also engages in the wholesale of electricity to municipalities, electric cooperative utilities, and load-serving entities. This segment serves approximately 8.2 million customers in 6 states in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States covering a service territory of approximately 91,000 square miles; and owns approximately 50,259 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure segment distributes natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and power generation natural gas customers; and owns, operates, and invests in pipeline transmission and natural gas storage facilities. It has approximately 1.6 million customers, including 1.1 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as 550,000 customers in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky. The Commercial Renewables segment acquires, owns, develops, builds, and operates wind and solar renewable generation projects, including nonregulated renewable energy and energy storage services to utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and corporate customers. It has 23 wind, 178 solar, and 2 battery storage facilities, as well as 71 fuel cell locations with a capacity of 3,554 MW across 22 states. The company was formerly known as Duke Energy Holding Corp. and changed its name to Duke Energy Corporation in April 2005. The company was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
AutoZone, Inc. retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps, as well as tire repairs. In addition, the company offers maintenance products, such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluids; brake drums, rotors, shoes, and pads; brake and power steering fluids, and oil and fuel additives; oil and transmission fluids; oil, cabin, air, fuel, and transmission filters; oxygen sensors; paints and accessories; refrigerants and accessories; shock absorbers and struts; spark plugs and wires; and windshield wipers. Further, it provides air fresheners, cell phone accessories, drinks and snacks, floor mats and seat covers, interior and exterior accessories, mirrors, performance products, protectants and cleaners, sealants and adhesives, steering wheel covers, stereos and radios, tools, and wash and wax products, as well as towing services. Additionally, the company provides a sales program that offers commercial credit and delivery of parts and other products; sells automotive diagnostic and repair software under the ALLDATA brand through alldata.com and alldatadiy.com; and automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products through autozone.com. As of November 20, 2021, it operated 6,066 stores in the United States; 666 stores in Mexico; and 53 stores in Brazil. The company was founded in 1979 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee.
The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. 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Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. 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Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc.,      ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics.

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Russian ice cream sales are soaring in China ever since Putin gifted the frozen treat to Xi during the G20 summit held on September 4.

By India Today Web Desk: The demand for Russian ice creams has spiked in China ever since Russian president Vladimir Putin gifted a crate full of the creamy frozen delight to Chinese president Xi Jinping during the G20 summit. Xi Jinping who is a huge ice cream lover was delighted by the gift.

Turns out it's not just Xi, but the whole of China absolutely loves the creamy delicacy from its northern neighbour.

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According to a report in China Daily, 'from January to August, the Chinese border port of Manzhouli imported 271.4 tonnes of Russian ice cream worth $863,000 (Rs 5,60,00,000 approximately).'

Chinese are smitten by Russian ice cream



'The popularity of Russian ice cream in China reflects Chinese consumers' trust in its neighbour and interest in Russian food.' reports the People's Daily.



People not only love the unadulterated quality of frozen delight, but also its milky flavor and the reasonable prices. China daily quoted Xie Jinyong, a staff member with the Manzhouli Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau as saying, 'one cup of Russian ice cream usually sells at 15 yuan (Rs 150 approximately), 25 yuan or 30 yuan (Rs 300 approximately), and the top quality one sells for up to 50 yuan (Rs 500 approximately).'

Putin is the face of ice cream marketing



Chinese ice cream retailers have been endorsing their products with posters of Vladimir Putin relishing a cone of ice cream. According to Russian local media, 'image of the Russian leader eating an ice cream cone appeared on the mini-truck in the Chinese Heihe region, bordering the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk.'





Another important reason for the soaring ice cream sales in China is the fall of the Russian ruble. This has directly influenced the rapid export and growing production. Reports state that since last year, production in Primorsky region has nearly doubled.

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The Supreme Court today dismissed the plea of Swathi techie murder case accused Ramkumar's father. He had wanted a doctor of his choice to conduct the post-mortem on his son.

By Akshaya Nath: The Supreme Court today dismissed the plea of Paramasivam, father of the Infosys techie Swathi murder case accused Ramkumar, who allegedly committed suicide inside the prison on September 18.



Ramkumar's father had move the apex court, demanding a doctor of the family's choice be considered for conducting the post-mortem.

THE CASE HISTORY

Justice N Kirubakaran, the third judge appointed by the Madras High Court for the case, had rejected Paramasivam's plea on September 22. The court had also directed that the post-mortem be conducted on or before September 27. The court, however, allowed a fifth doctor from the AIIMS to do the post-mortem.

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Authorities had been instructed to preserve Ramkumar's body till September 30. Ramkumar allegedly committed suicide on September 18 by biting into a live electric wire in the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai. Ramkumar's family has alleged foul play in Ramkumar's death.

ALSO READ: Infosys techie murder: Swathi's killer Ramkumar commits suicide in prison

Ramkumar's family first moved the court on September 19 but the court turned down their plea. Next, the case was heard by a two-judge bench. The difference of opinion between the two judges led to the case being transferred to Justice Kirubakaran.

Paramasivam had requested that Sampath Kumar, the vice-principal of Ramachandra Private Medical College, be present during the post-mortem.

ALSO READ: Infosys techie Swathi murder case: Accused Ramkumar's mysterious death sparks controversy



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Fiona Mackeown, mother of murdered teen has said that it seems no one killed her daughter after the court has cleared both the accused men of all charges.

By Asian News International: Disappointed by a court's verdict to acquit the accused reportedly involved in the murder of her 15-year-old daughter Scarlett Keeling in 2008, her mother Fiona MacKeown today said that it seems as if no one had killed her.

Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho were accused of drugging and sexually abusing British teen Scarlett after a party, and left her to die in shallow sea water.

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WHY WERE THE ACCUSED ACQUITTED?



The court cleared both men of all charges due to lack of circumstantial evidence, even as MacKeown repeatedly maintained that there has been an attempt to hush up the crime.

"I wanted to know why my daughter died. I want to know every single detail of the case. Because I did not trust the police, the police have been lying from the beginning. I find it ludicrous that these points have been brought up and very, very sad that the murderers are walking free, and apparently no one killed my daughter," she said.

MOTHER WRITES TO PM, SEEKS REINVESTIGATION



Fiona Mackeown has also written a letter to PM Narendra Modi requesting his intervention in the case of death of her daughter Scarlett in Goa seeking reinvestigation by setting up a SIT.

THE TWISTS AND THE LIES TO PROTECT THE ACCUSED

Police originally said Keeling had drowned after taking drugs, but changed their story after MacKeown complained, and a second autopsy concluded she had been raped and murdered.

MacKeown has also accused the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of corruption after the accused were let off.

MacKeown now plans to move a higher court against the judgement.

"Certainly, I mean we are still examining the judgment in detail, and after a discussion and taking other opinions, we will move forward to the high court," said Vikram Varma, her lawyer.

Keeling's case has raised questions about the safety of tourists in the coastal state of Goa amid claims of police negligence.

The Indian media said at the time that there may have been an initial attempt by the police to down play the death to protect Goa's tourist industry.

READ| All you need to know about infamous Scarlett Keeling rape and murder



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VIMS receives major grant to maximize future health of Bay

Living shorelines: Living shorelines use strategic placement of plants, stone, sand, or other structural and organic materials to reduce erosion and enhance wetland habitat. They are the recommended alternative for stabilizing tidal shorelines in the Commonwealth. Photo courtesy of CCRM

Shoreline inventory: VIMS shoreline inventory characterizes every foot of Chesapeake Bays 11,684-mile shoreline in terms of shoreline type, land use, and other onshore and near-shore features. Photo courtesy of ACOE Photo - of - Hide Caption

Project will identify key social and ecological factors for sustainability

Sea level has been rising in the Chesapeake Bay region for thousands of years, since the end of the last Ice Age. The difference today is that the rate of sea-level rise is accelerating, and millions of people and billion of dollars in property occupy the bays shifting shoreline.

Now, a grant of $941,590 from the National Science Foundation to a multi-institutional team headed by researchers at William & Marys Virginia Institute of Marine Science will fund a four-year effort to identify how policymakers and coastal residents can best respond to rising seas in order to maximize human welfare and Bay health. The project also involves partners from Old Dominion University and the University of Georgia.

Carl Hershner, project lead and director of the Center for Coastal Resources Management at VIMS, says, Our research will examine the potential for achieving sustainability in coastal systems where natural resources are impacted by both climate change and human responses to climate change.

Donna Marie Bilkovic, a CCRM colleague and co-leader, adds, Were talking about managing a resource that we know is under significant pressure and probably destined to decline dramatically in the next century. The question is can we in the interim do things in our management programs that will sustain at the highest possible level the ecosystem services that coastal resources provide.

The research will proceed on two inter-related fronts: field studies and development of a suite of computer models that integrate and simulate the interplay between human decisions and the environment.

The field studies  led by Bilkovic and W&M biology professors Randy Chambers and Matthias Leu  are designed to fill gaps in scientists understanding of how marshes and living shorelines influence ecological processes  for example by trapping sediments, reducing wave action and potentially storing carbon  as well as how they affect the distribution and survival of fish, birds, turtles, and other marine species. Living shorelines are now the recommended alternative for stabilizing tidal shorelines in the Commonwealth.

On the modeling front, Hershner says, By modeling how a shoreline property owner responds to rising waterswhether they do nothing, build a bulkhead, or create a living shoreline  and then modeling the ecological consequences of their decision and the actions of policymakers, well be able to discover opportunities and options for best managing the combined human and natural system.

Leading the modeling effort are VIMS professors Jian Shen and Joseph Zhang, who have been instrumental in developing and refining two state-of-the-art computer models  HEM3D and SCHISM. These can simulate the movement of water and sediment in fine detail within Chesapeake Bay and along its highly convoluted shoreline, and have the added benefit of being open to contributions by other members of the international modeling community.

Providing insight from the social sciences are Sarah Stafford, professor and director of Public Policy Program at W&M, and Shana Jones, former director of the Virginia Coastal Policy Clinic at W&M Law School and now a faculty member in the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at UGA. Stafford says, VIMS shoreline-projects database gives us an unparalleled opportunity to examine the relationship between coastal conditions and management decisions by property owners. The database, developed through VIMS role in shoreline permitting in Virginia, provides a record of every shoreline project undertaken in the Commonwealth since 1976.

The benefits of effective management extend far beyond the shoreline. Good management decisions can allow shoreline marshes to continue to provide ecosystem services such as supporting fisheries, improving water quality, and reducing coastal erosion, says Hershner. That in turn affects the entire bay, with benefits for both marine life and coastal and inland residents.

Building on existing resources

In addition to VIMS shoreline-projects database, the newly funded project also builds on VIMS shoreline inventory, in which CCRM researchers have mapped every foot of Chesapeake Bays 11,684-mile shoreline  either by motoring along in small vessels or poring over high-resolution aerial photographs. The resulting database  available as an interactive online map  characterizes bay shorescapes in terms of shoreline type (e.g., whether natural marsh or beach, breakwater, bulkhead, jetty, riprap, or living shoreline); attributes of any shoreline banks (height, stability, and vegetative cover); land use (e.g., agricultural, forested, residential, industrial); and other onshore and near-shore features.

Says Bilkovic, One of the very exciting aspects of this cross-disciplinary project is that well be able to synthesize decades of monitoring data collected from both natural and human systems into a framework that can inform coastal sustainability. Our detailed record of shoreline-management activities, tidal-marsh distribution and change, and sea-level rise impacts on wetland resources are key to our plan to examine and model decision-making by property owners, and how those decisions affect continued provision of ecosystem services.

The results of the project will also be relevant outside the Commonwealth and Chesapeake Bay waters.

Our findings should have relevance not only in Virginia but everywhere private property owners are in a position to balance private risk reduction and environmental impacts, says Hershner.

NSF Coastal SEES

The current project is funded under NSFs Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability program, or SEES, and builds on a previous SEES incubator grant that allowed the research team to test the feasibility of their modeling approach before committing additional resources.

In our incubator project," says Hershner, we examined connections between human activities and natural systems in Chesapeake Bay, which is widely seen as the site of some of the most intense human-natural system interactions on the planet.

NSF says the Coastal SEES program seeks to identify and fund work at the frontiers of science and engineering, specifically to better understand the connections between human activities and natural systems within coastal systems, with a goal of informing societal decisions about use of these systems for economic, aesthetic, recreational, research and conservation purposes.




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By PTI: From Adit Khanna

London, Sept 29 (PTI) Scotland Yard Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe today announced he will retire from his post in February 2017 after five years in the job.

According to the Metropolitan Police, he oversaw an 18 per cent fall in London crime figures during his tenure.

Announcing the decision, the 58-year-old said: "I am so proud of the remarkable men and women who serve Londoners as police officers and staff and make this such a safe place for people to live, work or visit.

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"I want to thank all of them for what they do, and the risks they take each day to protect the public.

"I want to thank all the partners we work with in government, in City Hall and across London. And I want to thank the public for the support they show the Met, and have shown me personally, as we do our difficult jobs.

"I came into this job determined to fight crime and make the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] the best, most professional police service. I wish my successor well as they take on this amazing responsibility.

"It has been a great privilege to be the Mets Commissioner. I have loved my time in the role and I have loved being a police officer.

"Its the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys."

One of Britain?s senior-most police officers had first joined the Met ? the UK?s largest police force ? as Assistant Commissioner in July 2001.

He had been expected to remain in his current role until at least September next year after then Home Secretary Theresa May had extended his contract, which was due to expire this month.

UK home secretary Amber Rudd described Sir Bernard as a "determined crime fighter and an inspirational senior officer".

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan thanked him "for his years of service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe". PTI AK NSA

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An Interview with Patrick Phillips

W&M: Blood at the Root tells the story of a county in Georgia that drove out all African-Americans in

the early twentieth century. How did you learn about it? And what challenges did you face in writing it?

Patrick Phillips: I first heard the story of Forsyths racial cleansing when I was seven years old, from kids on the school bus. My parents had moved to Forsyth from Atlanta, Georgia, and as a new-comer to the county I asked my classmates why there were no black people anywhere. They told me that a long, long time ago a white girl had been raped and killed in the woods not far from my house, and that afterwards whites banded together and drove the entire black population out of Forsyth.

I never forgot that story, and had always wondered about the real events that lay behind it, which I have tried to finally tell in Blood at the Root. The greatest challenge I faced in writing the book was finding primary documents and first-hand accounts of something that happened more than a hundred years ago. It turns out that the truth was know-able, but to tell it I had to first assemble documents scattered all over the south, and spend many hours interviewing descendants of the Forsyth refugees. Researching the book felt like a real-life detective story, and I became obsessed with finding clues no one else had ever seen.

W&M: Youre a professor at Drew university. How do you balance writing with your university responsibilities?

Patrick Phillips: Thats a great question! I love teaching at Drew, and feel enriched by my time in the classroom. But of course, books dont write themselves, and while I sometimes wished that a new chapter would magically appear on my hard drive, it never happened.

Instead, the real magic that helped me finish the book was a sabbatical leave from my teaching duties, and a grant from the Mellon Foundations Arts and the Common Good program, which helped pay for plane tickets, rental cars, and hotel rooms in Georgia. Without the time off, and without Drew Universitys support for my work as a writer, I could never have finished the book.

W&M: You have written poetry and now your new book Blood at the Root is nonfiction. How do you determine which form you write in?

Patrick Phillips: Poetry is my first love, and Im looking forward to working on poems again soon. But for this project, the last thing I wanted to do was tell the story in poems, because I knew that then people would be able to deny that the racial cleansing really happened, and chalk it all up to poetic license. Having grown up with myths, legends, half-truths, and denials about a communal crime that happened in my home place, I knew early-on that this would need to be a work of non-fiction, with iron-clad documentation. There are truths that can best be uttered in a poem, I think, but in this case I was determined to face the facts.

W&M: Your new book BLOOD AT THE ROOT required a tremendous amount of research. What source materials did you use and how did you gain access to them?

Patrick Phillips: I spent many years researching the racial cleansing of 1912, and the century of enforcement that followed. I drew on hundreds of surviving documents, and especially contemporary newspaper articles, military reports, letters, land deeds, census records, and maps. I also conducted numerous interviews with the black and white families of old Forsyth, because I was determined to fill in some of the gaps in the historical records, which are almost inevitable given that so many of the black refugees were illiterate. As I listened to the voices of the dead, the ones I most desperately wanted to hear were also the faintest.

As far as how I gained access, I drew heavily on digital newspaper archives like ProQuest and Newspapers.com. I used Ancestry.com to make contact with surviving descendants. And many other records I found in the Georgia State Archives, the National Archives, Records of the Freedmens Bureau, the University of Georgia library, the Atlanta History Center, the Martin Luther King Center library, the New York Public Library, etc. etc.

I guess the best description of my research method is that I greedily sought out (then scanned, photographed, and digitized) every last bit of primary documentation that seemed even remotely related to race in Forsyth County, going all the way back to the Cherokee Removals that took place in the 1830s. It was impossible to know what would prove important later on, since I didnt have an accurate picture of the events of September and October 1912 until I was nearly done with my research. So along the way, I tried not to worry too much about what was or was not important. I wanted everything.

Patrick Phillips is an award-winning poet, translator, and professor. A Guggenheim and NEA Fellow, his poetry collection, Elegy for a Broken Machine, was a finalist for the National Book Award. His newest book Blood at the Root is available from Norton. Phillips lives in Brooklyn and teaches at Drew University.
Nuclear 'vital' to Sustainable Development Goals

29 September 2016

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Nuclear energy is relevant to "almost all" of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted last year by the United Nations General Assembly, World Nuclear Association Director General Agneta Rising said today. Rising spoke during the Scientific Forum of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 60th General Conference being held this week in Vienna.

Agneta Rising speaking at the IAEA's 60th General Conference (Image: WNN)

Nuclear technologies are vital to help combat hunger and disease, and a lack of access to electricity has a profoundly detrimental impact on human health and the environment, Rising said.

"Nuclear power can bring health and prosperity to the 1.1 billion people in the world who currently do not have access to electricity," she said.

In the September issue of the IAEA Bulletin, Mikhail Chudakov, the Agency's deputy director general and head of its nuclear energy department, wrote that three SDGs in particular underscore the contribution of nuclear power towards energy for the future. These are Goal 7 - access to affordable and clean energy; Goal 9 - industry, innovation and infrastructure; and Goal 13 - climate action.

Nuclear power produces about 11% of global electricity with around 450 nuclear reactors in operation in 30 countries, but this needs to increase dramatically if emissions reduction targets are to be achieved, Rising said.

The International Energy Agency's 2 Degree Scenario, in which nuclear energy "plays the largest part", is the only one of three scenarios "where the world survives", Rising said. She added: "The other low-carbon options have to do a lot - some of them have to grow 70 times, some 200 times, some 700 times. Nuclear has to double or triple. That is in fact quite doable. Nuclear is already the second largest low-carbon energy source in the world. It is very important today and it can be even more important in the future."

It is a myth, she said, that small countries cannot build nuclear power plants. Rising's home country Sweden "put ten reactors online in ten years, despite having just eight million people", she said. "Those who say, 'There aren't enough engineers; There's not enough time', Well, it's simply not true."

Like Sweden, France - where nuclear accounts for 75% of its electricity mix - has also "decarbonised its electricity" thanks to nuclear power, she said.

"We need the other low-carbon options. They are not as sustainable, or as large-scale or as reliable, but we need them all. Nuclear energy makes the low-carbon electricity puzzle possible," she said.

The nuclear power industry is experiencing the highest level of construction in 25 years, with 60 reactors under construction worldwide, she noted. In the last 12 months, 11 reactors were put online, of which China accounted for eight.

In addition, the IAEA's PRIS Database shows that "existing reactors are operating very well", she added. "In the 1980s the average capacity factor - how much electricity you get out from a plant compared to what it is designed to deliver - was around 60%. Now it's about 80%. Furthermore, a 40-year-old reactor has the same average capacity factor as a new one. That means we are managing the technology very well."

But there was a low level of nuclear power construction for 25 years, until 2014, when 5GWe of new capacity was built. This doubled in 2015.

"With an additional 1000GWe of new capacity by 2050, nuclear power could account for 25% of global electricity," Rising said. This is the global nuclear industry's goal according to the Harmony Initiative that the World Nuclear Association launched last year.

"Electricity is as important as the air we breathe and the water we drink and we need it by the second. Water you can store, air you need every minute. Electricity you need every second, so we don't want it to be interrupted," Rising said.

"New technologies are very important. We need innovation and to work to get new reactors coming online, but it does not mean that by getting new reactors online, the other types will not continue to deliver clean and reliable energy. Many reactors under construction today are Generation II designs and they will operate for 80 years," she said.

"I'm not that fond of describing new reactor designs by generation because in the future we will have all of them operating in parallel. And we will need them all. We will also need small modular reactors, but we need the large-scale reactors because global demand for clean, affordable and reliable electricity is accelerating," she said.

Asked whether the Paris Agreement of December 2015 was encouraging nations to look more favourably towards nuclear power, Rising said interest was "definitely growing". It is clear, she said, that the countries best able to decarbonise their electricity "have all used nuclear power".

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Final contracts signed for Hinkley Point C project

29 September 2016

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The final agreements enabling construction of two EPR units at Hinkley Point C to proceed were signed today in London by the UK government, EDF and China General Nuclear.

The signing of the final contracts (Image: EDF Energy)

The documents were signed by UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark, EDF chairman and CEO Jean-Bernard Levy and China General Nuclear (CGN) chairman He Yu. Attending the ceremony were French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and National Energy Administration of China administrator Nur Bektri.

The agreements signed included the Contract for Difference (CfD) and the Secretary of State Investor Agreement.

The CfD - the ratepayer-backed guaranteed price for electricity generated by Hinkley Point C - was originally agreed in October 2013 and guarantees the plant will get 92.50 per MWh for for its first 35 years of operation.

In a statement, Clark said: "Signing of the Contract for Difference for Hinkley Point C is a crucial moment in the UK's first new nuclear power station for a generation and follows new measures put in place by government to strengthen security and ownership." He added, "Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear power stations like Hinkley play an important part in ensuring our future low-carbon energy security."

Levy said, "Contracts signed today with the British Government and with our historic partner CGN are the result of years of hard work of the teams which have brought us to this point. The project is of strategic importance for EDF Group and the nuclear industry. All of the employees of EDF Group around the world can be proud of the progress we have made. Now the next phase is underway. EDF, its partners and suppliers are ready and dedicated to the successful construction of Hinkley Point C."

Hinkley Point C received a long-awaited and positive final investment decision (FID) from the EDF board on 28 July, only for the UK government to immediately postpone signing its supporting agreements. A ceremony to mark the signing of the final contracts had been planned to take place at the Hinkley Point site the following day.

Prime Minister Theresa May said a review of the deal would be carried out before the government committed its support. Under a deal agreed with EDF Energy last October, CGN will take a 33.5% stake in the project. In addition, the two companies plan to develop projects to build new plants at Sizewell in Suffolk and Bradwell in Essex, the latter using Chinese reactor technology.

On 15 September, the government announced it had signed a revised agreement in principle with EDF for the project. While the agreed CfD still stands, the government imposed what it calls "significant new safeguards for future foreign investment in critical infrastructure".

The government asked for a commitment from EDF not to sell its controlling stake in the project during the construction period without the prior approval of the government. It also requested acknowledgement by EDF that it has no intention presently to make use of the first 2.0 billion ($2.6 billion) of the UK Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) guarantee.

EDF announced yesterday its board had confirmed that the conditions set out at its 28 July meeting "are met in order to sign the project contracts". The board also noted the company will comply with the UK government's requests regarding selling its controlling stake and its use of the first tranche of the IPA guarantee.

Consisting of two European Pressurized Reactors, Hinkley Point C in Somerset, England will be the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in almost 20 years and will provide about 7% of the country's electricity. The first unit is currently expected to be commissioned in 2025-2026.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
5. Description and History -

The Preah Vihear Temple is located in the Dangrek Mountain range, which forms the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Because of its location, Cambodia and Thailand disputed ownership until 1962, when the International Court of Justice ruled that it belonged to Cambodia. This Hindu temple was built during the Khmer Empire, beginning in the 9th Century. It was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Construction continued over the following centuries, however, the majority was built during two eras. These were under King Suryavarman I from 1006 until 1050, and under King Suryavarman II from 1113 through 1150.

4. Tourism -

Despite ownership belonging to Cambodia, until 2003 visitors could only reach the temple by coming from Thailand. It was closed from 1975 to 1998 due to occupation by the Khmer Rouge, the ruling Communist party in Cambodia. In 2014, the Thai entrance was closed. Visitors are able to reach the temple by taking a combination of buses and motor taxis to the foot of the temple. Once at the bottom of the hill, the first site to tackle is a stone staircase with 162 steps which leads to 3 different pavilions called gopuras. After visiting these, tourists find the first courtyard. Walking around the temple leads to galleries, the main sanctuary, a stream, and a three-tiered waterfall. On the way up, tourists can also buy some souvenirs from vendors selling t-shirts, postcards, cognac, and cigarettes. Thailand and Cambodia have continued disputes over the area. Some of these disputes have been violent, including those in 2008, 2009, and 2011.

3. Uniqueness -

What will strike one as being most unique when seeing the Preah Vihear Temple is its orientation. Most Khmer temples were built in a rectangular plan, facing the east. The Preah Vihear, however, is on a long, 2,600-foot, north-south axis. The temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Its proposed inscription was agreed upon by both Thailand and Cambodia, and the two countries decided that it should be Cambodia that should apply for the recognition. They both declared the site to be of Outstanding Universal Value. However, Thailand withdrew its support after concerns that the map of the area could include disputed area near the temple. The site was rewarded with this distinction for its well-preserved Khmer architecture and religious function. Additionally, its carved stone decorations have been cited as being of extreme quality.

2. Natural Surroundings, Sights, and Sounds -

The temple is surrounded by the Dangrek mountains, a low elevation mountain range. The mountains are covered with dry evergreen and deciduous dipterocarp forests. Some of the wildlife in the area includes wild hogs, barking deer, gibons, civets, and the threatened white-winged duck.

1. Threats and Conservation -

The area surrounding the temple is under several threats. The first of these is deforestation from illegal logging endeavors. This practice threatens both the animals in the region and the plant species, particularly the threatened Thailand Rosewood tree. The area also experiences illegal elephant hunting. The ongoing ownership disputes have resulted in significant damage to the region surrounding the temple. Undetonated landmines continue to exist hidden near the surface of several areas within the mountains. Military fighting has also caused damage to some of the stone carvings and temple walls. Conservation of this beautiful site requires international effort. Some scholars have suggested that perhaps the area be protected as a shared-border Protected Landscape-Anthropological Reserve (IUCN Category V). This conservation status would give both governments equal responsibility in its preservation and hopefully terminate military action in the area.
Speaking about the silent protest march held by Marathas, former Deputy CM of Maharashtra and NCP leader Ajit Pawar said Shiv Sena insulted them and mocked the feelings of the community.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Attacking the Shiv Sena over the controversial cartoon in Saamana, former Deputy CM of Maharashtra and NCP leader Ajit Pawar warned the Shiv Sena that it will have to pay a huge price for it.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai today, Pawar said, "Everyone has praised the Silent Protests by the Maratha community. People from across the political spectrum agree that the demands of the Maratha community are valid. There is no political involvement in the rally. The Shiv Sena insulted them and mocked the feelings of the community. I am very sure that they will pay a very high price for doing this."

Playing with words, the cartoon has twisted the word

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Pawar also alleged that the Cartoonist was made a scapegoat. "The cartoonist was made to apologise. But everyone knows that it's the Editor of the newspaper who has to ensure that no sentiments are hurt." said Pawar.

NCP TO HOLD OBC SILENT MARCH IN NASHIK



Pawar also informed that OBC leaders from his party will be participating in the "OBC Silent March" in Nashik next week to demand the release of Chhagan Bhujbal.

On backdrop of the impending elections for 11 seats to the upper house and the upcoming local body polls, Pawar said that the NCP has not decided yet about an alliance with the Congress.

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray.

"The Congress has already announced candidates for 2 seats. Though as per the earlier seat sharing these were their seats, we were not consulted. Even if there is an alliance , We want an alliance that gives us a respectable share of seats," he said.

ALSO READ:

Saamana carries 'couple kissing' cartoon mocking Maratha's 'silent rally', draws flak

Saamana cartoon row: BJP, Opposition demand apology from Shiv Sena



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According to ATTOM Data Solutions', 24 percent of U.S. county housing markets were less affordable than their historic affordability averages in the third quarter, up from 22 percent of markets in the previous quarter and up from 19 percent of markets a year ago to the highest share of since Q3 2009 -- when 47 percent of markets were less affordable than their historic affordability averages.The report analyzed median home prices derived from publicly recorded sales deed data collected by ATTOM Data Solutions and average wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 414 U.S. counties with a combined population of more than 203 million. The affordability index is based on the percentage of average wages needed to make monthly house payments on a median-priced home with a 30-year fixed rate and a 3 percent down payment -- including property taxes and insurance.The report also breaks out county-level closing costs, using settlement service rates, transfer taxes and recording fees by ClosingCorp.Out of the 414 counties analyzed in the report, 101 counties (24 percent) had an affordability index below 100 in the third quarter of 2016, meaning that buying a median-priced home in that county was less affordable than the historic average for that county going back to the first quarter of 2005.Counties less affordable than their historic averages in Q3 2016 included Harris County (Houston), Texas; Kings County (Brooklyn), New York; Dallas County, Texas; Bexar County (San Antonio), Texas; and Alameda County, California in the San Francisco metro area."Affordability is always a challenge for buyers and with the recent appreciation we have been experiencing we are seeing a gap in the entry-level market that in past markets was met by attached dwellings (condos)," said Greg Smith, owner/broker at RE/MAX Alliance, covering the Denver market, where all five counties included in the report were less affordable than their historic norms. Smith noted that the state's condo-defect law has hobbled new construction of condos during the housing recovery. "As a result of builder's risk and some predatory practices of attorneys, builders do not feel comfortable providing this product and as a result many first time buyers are finding it hard to enter the market, which can cause some ripples across the market as a whole."Counties still affordable by historic standards included Los Angeles County, California; Cook County (Chicago), Illinois; Maricopa County (Phoenix), Arizona; Miami-Dade County, Florida; and Queens County, New York."The improving affordability trend we noted in our second quarter report reversed course in the third quarter as home price appreciation accelerated in the majority of markets and wage growth slowed in the majority of local markets as well as nationwide, where average weekly wages declined in the first quarter of this year following 13 consecutive quarters with year-over-year increases," said Daren Blomquist, senior vice president at ATTOM Data Solutions. "This unhealthy combination resulted in worsening affordability in 63 percent of markets despite mortgage rates that are down 45 basis points from a year ago."Some silver lining in this report is that affordability actually improved in some of the highest-priced markets that have been bastions of bad affordability, mostly the result of annual home price appreciation slowing to low single-digit percentages in those markets" Blomquist continued. "This is an indication that home prices are finally responding to affordability constraints -- a modicum of good news for prospective buyers who have been priced out of those high-priced markets."Affordability improved in 153 counties (37 percent) compared to a year ago, including in the bellwether high-priced markets of Marin County, California in the San Francisco Bay Area (1 percent improvement); Santa Clara County (San Jose), California (3 percent improvement); Kings County (Brooklyn), New York (5 percent improvement); Arlington County, Virginia in the DC metro area (5 percent improvement); and Maui County, Hawaii (1 percent improvement).Affordability worsened in 261 counties (63 percent) compared to a year ago, including Los Angeles County, California (2 percent worse); Harris County (Houston), Texas (3 percent worse); Maricopa County (Phoenix), Arizona (3 percent worse); Miami-Dade County, Florida (5 percent worse); Queens County, New York (1 percent worse); and King County (Seattle), Washington (2 percent worse)."While the data suggests that the counties that make up the greater Seattle area can still be considered technically 'affordable,' I believe that this offers a somewhat skewed perspective of what's really taking place in our market," said Matthew Gardner, chief economist at Windermere Real Estate, covering the Seattle housing market. "Seattle home prices correlate directly to commute times, and given the pervasive lack of transit infrastructure in our region, that means homes with reasonable access to the city are seeing aggressive price growth. Affordability remains an issue in the region, and that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future."Annual growth in median home prices outpaced annual growth in average weekly wages in 368 of the 414 counties analyzed (89 percent). That was a reversal from the trend in previous quarters, when the share of counties with home price growth outpacing wage growth dropped as low as 58 percent in Q2 2016.Counties where home price growth outpaced wage growth included Los Angeles County, California; Cook County (Chicago), Illinois; Harris County (Houston); Texas; Maricopa County (Phoenix), Arizona; and San Diego County, California.Counties where wage growth outpaced home price growth -- counter to the national trend -- included Clayton County (Atlanta), Georgia; Woodbury County (Sioux City), Iowa; Comal County (San Antonio), Texas; Stafford County (Washington, D.C.), Virginia; and Peoria County, Illinois.Across the 414 counties, the average annual change in average weekly wages was -0.1 percent while the average annual change in median home sales prices was 7 percent. Since bottoming out in Q1 2012, median home prices nationwide have risen 60 percent while average weekly wages have risen 6 percent during that same time period.On average across the 414 counties analyzed, average wage earners need to spend 36.3 percent of their income to buy a median-priced home, still below the historic average of 38.8 percent but up from 35.9 percent in the previous quarter and up from 35.8 percent a year ago.Counties that were least affordable by this absolute affordability standard were Kings County (Brooklyn), New York (123.5 percent of average wages needed to buy a median priced home); Santa Cruz County, California (111.1 percent); Marin County (San Francisco), California (109.4 percent); New York County (Manhattan), New York (96.6 percent); San Luis Obispo County, California (91.2 percent).Other counties in the top 10 least affordable were San Francisco County, California (89.6 percent); Maui County, Hawaii (89.3 percent); Napa County, California (84.1 percent); Queens County, New York (83.7 percent); and Monterey County, California (83.5 percent).Counties that were most affordable by this absolute standard were Clayton County (Atlanta), Georgia (10.1 percent of average wages needed to buy a median-priced home); Rock Island County, Illinois (13.3 percent); Trumbull County (Youngstown), Ohio (15.2 percent); Saginaw County, Michigan (15.4 percent); and Bibb County (Macon), Georgia (15.6 percent).The report analyzed closing cost data from ClosingCorp in the 414 counties. These costs included title, settlement services, appraisal, transfer taxes, recording fees and home inspection, which are common closing costs nationwide.The report found that the average closing costs across all 414 counties for sales in 2016 were $3,815, representing an average of 1.8 percent of the median sales price in each county and an average of 8.0 percent of the annual wages in each county.Markets with the highest closing costs were New York (Manhattan), New York ($48,153); Kings County (Brooklyn), New York ($20,832); Queens County, New York ($15,908); District of Columbia ($12,898) and Suffolk County (Long Island), New York ($11,794). Other counties where the average closing cost was above $10,000 were Alameda County (East Bay Area), California ($10,798) and Bronx County, New York ($10,330)."When it comes to closing costs, there are many nuances. For example, the taxes based on the purchase price in most markets are typically paid by the seller, but there is one notable exception: the so-called 'Mansion Tax,' which is prevalent throughout New York and is paid by the buyer," said Carol Crawford, senior vice president of marketing communications at ClosingCorp. "The Mansion Tax of 1 percent applies when the purchase price is $1 million or more and it applies to the entire purchase price. Thus, a price increase of one thousand dollars from $999k to $1 million triggers a $10,000 Mansion Tax, which can be a big surprise if you are not a well-informed borrower."Markets with the lowest closing costs were all in Missouri: Jasper County/Joplin ($1,720); Jackson County/Kansas City ($1,730); Greene County/Springfield ($1,738); Franklin County/St. Louis ($1,740); and Jefferson County/St. Louis ($1,745).Markets with the highest closing costs as a percentage of annual wages were all in the New York metro area: Kings/Brooklyn (47.2 percent); New York/Manhattan (42.6 percent); Queens (32.0 percent); Bronx (21.0 percent); and Suffolk (21.0 percent).Markets with the low closing costs as a percentage of annual wages were Saint Louis City, Missouri (3.1 percent); Saint Louis County, Missouri (3.2 percent); Durham County, North Carolina (3.2 percent); Jackson County (Kansas City), Missouri (3.3 percent); and Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), North Carolina (3.4 percent).
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton

By: Feng Qian

A man was warned to keep calm after neighbors called police to report a domestic dispute in progress, according to police in Wisconsin.

Waukesha police said that incident unfolded on Tuesday night, in a residential apartment building.

Neighbors called police after the man, who was not identified, was heard yelling profanities.

The concerned neighbors in the 300 block of Wisconsin Avenue, were worried that the man was assaulting his wife as his screams were heard throughout the building.

Police officers who arrived at the scene spoke with the man, who told them that there was no domestic incident in progress.

The man said that he was watching a replay of the debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and he prepared for a Trump rally set for the following day.

As Clinton spoke on TV, the man yelled profanities at the television screen. Police left the scene after confirming that Trump will appear at the Waukesha County Expo Center.

The man was advised to keep it down.
By PTI: From Gurdip Singh

Singapore, Sep 29 (PTI) A Singapore-based healthcare IT services provider is planning to reach out to hospitals in India to help them modernise and electronically manage patients health records, a senior official said.

Napier Healthcare, which markets globally specialised healthcare IT solutions engineered from its centres in Chennai and Hyderabad, is looking for partners to reach out to more hospitals in India and its rural areas, Napier chief executive officer Tirupathi Karthik said.

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"India is a key market for us," said Karthik, pointing out that "India is the brain and nerve centre for producing software and technologies" that the company has put on global markets for more than a decade.

Founded in 1995, the company built its Singapore brand Napier Hospital Information System for managing hospitals.

Touching on his firms increasing focus on the Indian market in the coming years, he said: "There are fundamentally transformative forces currently underway that will change the face of healthcare in India, and also potentially healthcare in the rest of the world.

"Napier sees itself playing a central role in carrying this reverse flow of innovation into the developed markets."

The company already has specific target areas in mind for transformation through innovation, he said.

"Almost every state government is investing a lot in technology to manage electronically healthcare administration and the health records of patients," he said.

"We are now participating in tenders called by healthcare sectors at state levels," Karthik said, adding that Napier is aiming to play an integral part in the development work in the ongoing "modernisation and automation" of hospitals across the country.

At present, Napier predominantly services private hospitals in India but the potential of the Indian market is huge, added Karthik.

He stressed that Napier is also looking to improve the healthcare of the elderly, tap on the ever-expanding mobile/cell phones network to reach out to the masses, and build databases of essential health information, as well as bring together physicians/doctors and the patients. PTI GS SUA AKJ SUA

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The Borough Assemblys Tuesday evening meeting was one for surprises.

For one, the half-dozen residents in attendance  a good turnout by the measure of most meetings  were surprised to find the first read through of proposed zoning ordinance revisions allowing for the conditional permitting of cannabis retail and cultivation had passed unanimously and with little comment from members on the Assembly. Second reading and a public hearing has been set for October 10.

But the larger surprise came as an announcement by Borough Manager Jeff Jabusch that he planned to retire in the spring. Addressing Assembly members from a prepared statement, Jabusch explained he felt the time had come where he was prepared to move on. He has worked for the city since 1977, first as its finance director, then stepping in as manager several times during the 1990s on an interim basis before succeeding Tim Rooney after his retirement in 2013.

Its just time, he said. Ive enjoyed all the hundreds of people Ive worked with, from city employees and senators to the many people who call Wrangell home. Its just been a great experience.

Since coming aboard as the citys accountant in the 1970s, Jabusch said the community has progressed a long way. The only paved stretch of road when he started spanned Front Street from Angermans to the Diamond C, and in the ensuing spread of time to the present Wrangell has transformed and diversified from a timber industry to one of shipbuilding, fishing and tourism. New projects like the boatyard, Nolan Center, Heritage Harbor and improved utilities have been a part of that progression, one which may continue with others like the Institute property and new hospital facilities.

Theres always things like that. Theres always some improvement and always something the city needs, Jabusch commented.

With his 64th birthday approaching in December and his wife, Kay Jabusch, retiring as head librarian at the end of 2014, he said he looked forward to being able to spend more time with his family. Jabusch intends to continue working within the community as a volunteer and other capacities, and said he will be meeting with departmental heads to set priorities and prepare for the transition, tentatively set for March 31, 2017.

After the meeting, colleagues on the Assembly shook his hand and wished Jabusch well. They bid farewell too to member Daniel Blake, for whom Tuesdays meeting would be the last on the Assembly before next weeks election. Declining to run for another term, Blake said the decision was due to work considerations.

Maybe one day Ill come back, Blake said. Ive enjoyed my time. I learned a lot as far as how the city works.

Departures aside, another more pleasant surprise for the Assembly Tuesday was that decontamination of the former Byford junkyard has been completed. The state Department of Environmental Conservation and contractor NRC Alaska began excavation of the site this summer, addressing hazardous levels of lead, petroleum and other contaminants leftover from around 1,500 vehicles disposed of at the former junkyard.

The DEC Division of Spill Prevention and Response on September 21 declared the site no longer unsafe, at a cost of about $6,500,000. As the city had acquired the property due to foreclosure, the federal Environmental Protection Agency and DEC had assumed responsibility in heading up and financing its decontamination. The end goal was to make the site suitable for eventual residential development.

Also a new development, Jabusch confirmed Alaska Island Community Services and Southeast Alaska Rural Health Consortium were in discussions about possible transfer or sale of the formers Wrangell clinic to the latter. Jabusch told the Assembly he had informed AICS that there were conditions in the citys transference of land to the clinic which would still remain in effect in the event of a sale or transfer to another party.

Specifically, the clinic site would automatically revert to the city should the property be used for a purpose other than primary medical, educational, social, mental health, and substance abuse services.

In other regularly scheduled business, the Assembly approved on second reading issuance of a $91,000 sewer revenue bond in order to help finance ongoing improvements to the citys sewage system, and an ordinance amending its code on building permits.

Assembly members also approved a resolution offering conditional support for the Alaska Mental Health Land Exchange Act of 2016, a proposed exchange between the AMH Trust and United States Forest Service for land spread between the Ketchikan, Juneau, Petersburg, Sitka and Wrangell areas.

The transfer would encompass nearly 37,000 acres of land between the two parties, and of the targeted lands in the Wrangell area the citys resolution requested 115 acres of developable parcels near Pats Lake and Pats Creek be considered for alternative use.

Once it goes to the Forest Service then its lost for development purposes, explained economic development director Carol Rushmore. The resolution is supportive of other transfers outlined in the proposal, as well as expedition of the process from around five years to as little as 12 months.

Its a last-ditch effort, Rushmore said of the citys request. I dont know if anything would come of it or not.
On Sept. 23, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker announced the value of the 2016 Permanent Fund Dividend would be set at $1,022.

Set for distribution

on Oct. 6, this years annual payout to the states more than 643,000 eligible residents is about half of what it might have been, after a series of budget vetoes Walker signed this summer.

Last years dividend

payment was a record $1.33 billion, which the governors office pointed out was

about $30,000,000 higher than what the state spent on

education. Were it not for the partial veto, individual PFD payments this year would have come to $2,052, for a total of $1.3 billion. The sum

exceeds what the state is projected to receive in revenue for the 2017 fiscal year, about $1.2 billion.

The Alaska Permanent Fund was initially created by

constitutional amendment in 1976, deriving from a quarter of all mineral lease rentals,

royalties, royalty sales proceeds, federal mineral

revenue-sharing payments and bonuses received by the state. Managed for the public by the APF Corporation, the fund

currently stands at $54.48 billion.

This years PFD cap

accompanied a list of items which were vetoed from the states 2017 budget.

Ultimately bringing the final budget down to $4.4 billion, Walker trimmed $1.29

billion from the draft legislators had put forward. $666,350,000 was cut from the PFD payout, with the undistributed amount to remain in its designated fund.

The next largest

savings to state spending was a veto on $430,000,000 of deposits into oil and gas tax credits, reductions to K-12 education by $58,335,600, cuts to agency budgets totaling $38,552,100, and another $95,000,000 reduced from higher education. Additional cuts to capital and miscellaneous project spending came to $21,502,000.

Speaking at a high school in Palmer, in his video address Walker explained his decision to cap the PFD as one of fiscal responsibility in light of a steep decline in revenues the state collects from its oil and gas royalties.

Over the past

two years, Alaska has lost over 80 percent of our income, resulting in an over $4 billion budget deficit, he said. While my administration presented a complete fiscal plan to the Legislature last session, legislators did not pass a single

component of that plan. We cannot continue on our current path without making significant changes. If we do, the dividend program will be gone in just a few short years.

Walker put the

years amount in perspective by comparing it to the dividend programs average. Since its start in 1982, the average PFD check has come to about $1,100.

This was an extremely difficult decision and one that I did not make lightly, he said. It was a necessary one, however, as the veto ensures the money will remain in the fund so checks will be available to future generations of Alaskans. This is about our children and grandchildren, and making sure we leave a strong and prosperous Alaska for them in the years to come.
Trade Trip Gets Canadians To Enjoy Wrexham Lager

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Sep 28th, 2016

Fourteen leading Welsh food and drink companies are preparing their goods to be part of the first Welsh food and drink trade visit to the land of the maple leaf.

The visit to Toronto this week, which is supported by the Welsh Governments Food and Drink Wales, will provide food and drink producers, ranging from brewers, bakers and meat processors, with an insight into the Canadian market and provide opportunities to meet national food and drink buyers from across the country.

Commenting ahead of the visit, the Welsh Governments Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs and local AM Lesley Griffiths, said: This is a fantastic opportunity for our producers to be able to showcase some of the most exciting Welsh products on offer while exploring new markets and building further connections with international businesses. These visits provide companies with an invaluable insight into how they can tailor and package their products accordingly.

We have a clear ambition in our Food & Drink Action Plan to grow the industry in Wales by 30% to 7 billion by the year 2020 by working in partnership with industry. The Action Plan underpins our aspirations and our continued support to Welsh producers through our commitment to high-profile overseas visits, such as this upcoming Canadian expedition. Our food and drink is world class and we are confident that the Canadian market will not be disappointed with its quality.

Wrexham Lager Beer Company, as locals has a history after being originally founded in 1882 but relaunched as a micro-brewery in 2011. The lager is the original recipe and the same ingredients using the latest technology from Kaspar-Schultz, Germany, resulting in a cracking lager.

Mark Roberts of Wrexham Lager said: We are keen to expand and start exporting our products into the Canadian export market. It is a perfect stepping stone to help us gain some experience in this field. It provides us with a wonderful opportunity to meet with key buyers and to pick-up advice along the way in order to establish solid contracts to boost confidence and sales.

Highlights of the visit will include a Meet the Buyer event which will provide companies with an opportunity to present to selected retail and foodservice buyers. The event will also provide the opportunity for a showcase of Welsh food and drink products in addition to accompanied store visits, a market briefing and a trade networking event.
By PTI: Chandigarh, Sept 29 (PTI) Six students hailing from Kashmir Valley were allegedly beaten up by some fellow students in a private college in Haryanas Jhajjar district after an altercation between the two sides.

The argument started between a student from Bihar and another from Kashmir on Tuesday evening.

The student from Bihar allegedly called the student from Kashmir a "terrorist", leading to the altercation and brawl in which more students from both sides joined in.

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The institute?s director, Aman Aggarwal today said the issue stands resolved and the student who called a Kashmiri student a terrorist, and thereby sparked the ruckus, has been rusticated, along with five others.

"Six students from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been rusticated," Aggarwal said over phone.

Kalimulla, a second year BTech student who is from Kashmir, had told reporters in Jhajjar that he was throwing water on his friends and joking around with them when a third year BBA student from Bihar who was sitting close by, also got wet.

The situation soon took ugly turn and the student allegedly abused the Kashmiri student calling him a "terrorist". Soon more students from Bihar and UP joined them and a brawl broke out between the two sides.

Seventy students from J&K are enrolled at the college.

The Kashmiri students at the college alleged that the institutes security guard on duty also got involved and beaten them up.

Yesterday, the Kashmiri students had staged a demonstration and hunger strike on the campus demanding rustication of the students who had allegedly abused them and imposition of a penalty on them. PTI SUN SG SC SG

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The British Medical Association (BMA) has unceremoniously ended the struggle by 50,000 junior doctors, employed by the National Health Service (NHS), against the Conservative governments imposition of an inferior contract.

Last Saturday the union called off a series of planned five-day strikes set for October, November and December. Earlier this month the BMA cancelled the first five-day strike that was set to begin September 12. This was the last occasion in which industrial action could have been held prior to the imposition of the contract, beginning in October. The BMA has now completed this betrayal.

The BMA has capitulated to the government without securing a single concession, despite massive popular support for the junior doctors. Its sell-out has been denounced by many junior doctors on social media, with some declaring the union to be spineless, toothless and not fit for purpose.

Over the last year the junior doctorsall those below consultant gradeheld six strikes. In the face of a relentless battery of government and media propaganda denouncing them as greedy and selfish, they took the first all-out strike, without emergency cover, in the nearly 70-year history of the NHS.

The government claims that the contract is intended to introduce a seven-day NHS to facilitate better patient care. This is a lie. With no additional funding on offer, the real aim is to clear the way for a massive assault on all health workers.

The new contract includes the reduction of unsocial payments for weekend working, with Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 9pm reclassified as normal working days and nightshift rates reduced, along with the elimination of automatic pay progression.

By imposing these terms, the ruling elite is setting a benchmark for all NHS workers and preparing the basis to press ahead with its plans for it to be dismantled and carved up between private sector providers, as set out in its 2012 Health and Social Care Act.

All the more damning, therefore, are the BMAs statements defending its decision on the grounds that the NHS is in such a perilous condition that it could not survive industrial action. The BMA statement said that the strikes were off following feedback from doctors, patients and the public, and discussions with NHS England about the ability of the NHS to maintain a safe service if industrial action planned for October, November and December were to go ahead.

Rather than mobilising working people to fight this looming social catastrophe, the BMA is enabling the government to deliver a death blow to the NHS and the principle of universal health care, free at the point of useby insisting that nothing can be done!

This has been the role of the BMA throughout.

Forced to call strikes due to widespread anger, the BMA was always ready to sign a rotten deal with the government. In May, the BMA agreed in all essentials to government demands. And when this proposed sell-out deal was rejected by doctors in July, BMA leader Dr Johann Malawana resigned.

His replacement, Dr. Ellen McCourt, was widely promoted as a left and a militant. But despite the governments unprecedented intervention against the doctors, McCourt continued the fraudulent narrative that the dispute was not political.

The isolation and defeat of the doctors was imposed first of all by the BMA, but it is ultimately a product of the collective efforts of the entire labour and trade union bureaucracy. No supportive action was taken by any other union, even those within the NHS, such as UNISON.

As for the Labour Party, the decision of the BMA to announce its sell-out on the day that Jeremy Corbyn won re-election as party leader is striking. To date, Corbyn never once sought to make an appeal for action to be taken in defence of the junior doctors during his re-election campaign, or to differentiate himself in any way from Labours position of merely urging compromise by the Tories.

The BMAs junior doctors committee (JDC) is led by several Corbyn supporters, drawn from the pseudo-left, including Yannis Gourtsoyannis and Pete Campbell. Only in July, Campbell, recently elected as McCourts deputy on the JDC, was boosting the BMA, claiming it was being transformed into a fighting organisation. He enthused, Six months ago I couldnt get the BMA to make a placard. Today we have taken 8 days of industrial action and won significant concessions from a first year Tory government. If the BMA can do this, imagine the labour movement pushing together in one direction.

As the BMAs betrayal was announced, Campbell was quoted by the Telegraph stating that the JDC was unable to continue strikes that all of the feedback said was wrong.

His remarks were in line with the BMAs own justifications, stating that this feedback from junior doctors and our colleaguesshowed their concerns about patient safety and proportionality of the [strike] plan.

There are reports of a spate of resignations from the BMA in disgust at its betrayal. But crucial lessons must be drawn by workers everywhere. There is nothing unique about the BMAs actions. They are the standard operating procedure of every trade union. Wholly committed to the defence of the capitalist profit system and led by a privileged bureaucracy that enjoys intimate ties with the employers, the unions function to regulate and suppress the class struggle. To the extent that they are occasionally forced to call strikes, as was the BMA, it is only so as to let off steam while they facilitate the attacks of government and management and prepare the way for defeat.

The BMAs own justification for calling off the disputethat the NHS could not survivemakes nonsense of its no-politics claims. The defence of every gain of the working classespecially one so fundamental as the right to free and decent health careis entirely political. Not a single step can be taken in this direction without breaking the stranglehold of the super-rich over all aspects of economic and social life.

For this new organisations of class struggle are requiredthe building of rank-and-file committees and, above all, of a genuinely socialist party. Faced with the escalation of attacks on their jobs, wages and conditions, all health workers must draw the lessons of the BMAs actions and break with the pro-capitalist perspective of the unions and the Labour Party. The defence of the NHS must be developed on this basis. To do so, junior doctors, health workers and their supporters should contact NHS Fightback and the Socialist Equality Party to discuss how to take the struggle forward.

For further information contact: www.socialequality.org.uk and www.nhsfightback.org
On Wednesday, September 27, the World Socialist Web Site held a live online Facebook interview with David North, chairman of the WSWS International Editorial Board, on his recently published book, A Quarter Century of War: The US Drive for Global Hegemony, 1990-2016.

Interview with David North on A Quarter Century of War"

The interview, hosted by WSWS reporters Andrea Peters and Andre Damon, dealt with a broad range of issues covered in the book and their relationship to contemporary politics.

The interview has been widely followed, with more than 8,000 views on Facebook as of the time of this writing. Norths comments prompted a lively discussion in the comments section and the author responded directly to a number of questions from listeners.

Peters opened by noting that the book, which deals with the expansion of US military actions since 1991, was immensely timely, as Washingtons military interventions around the world increasingly threaten a direct confrontation with Russia and China.

North began his remarks by noting that the period since 1991 both chronologically but also in fact forms a distinctive period. He pointed out that A Quarter Century of War develops arguments in his earlier book, The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished 20th Century, whose title is a reply to historian Eric Hobsbawms concept of the Short 20th Century. Hobsbawm argued that the 20th Century concluded in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, marking an end to the period of war and revolution.

North argues, by contrast, that the period following the dissolution of the USSR remains, in fundamental continuity with the preceding period, an epoch of wars and revolutions.

North noted in the interview that the end of the Soviet Union in 1991 was followed by a wave of triumphalism, based on the claim that the end of the Cold War marked a new beginning in which the conflicts of the past had been superseded.

We have the ability now, after a quarter century, to critically evaluate that claim, he said. Far from being an end of history, he continued, what we are witnessing today is the repetition on a higher scale of the very conflicts which produced the catastrophes of the 20th century.

Peters said she was struck by the fact that although the book consists of a collection of speeches, articles and correspondence written between 1990 and 2016, it stands up as an integrated whole. North wrote as far back as 1991, she pointed out, that the first Persian Gulf War marked the beginning of an explosive eruption of US military violence that would ultimately bring the US into conflict with Russia and other rival powers.

North replied that this analysis was based on the antecedent body of theoretical work carried out by the International Committee of the Fourth International, of which he has been a leading member for more than four decades.

Those who work within the traditions of Marxism and the Fourth International, North said, have the benefit of basing themselves on this enormous political, theoretical, intellectual legacy, associated above all with Leon Trotsky.

Damon asked North to comment on why, in lectures such as From Preventive War to World Domination, he placed such emphasis on the criminal character of US foreign policy, particularly in regard to the doctrine of preemptive war.

North pointed to the speech he gave at Trinity College in Dublin in 2004, in which he argued that the waging of aggressive war is illegal and was, in fact, the fundamental crime for which the leading architects of Nazi foreign policy were tried and convicted at the Nuremberg trials of 1945-46.

North also commented on the relationship between political analysis and practice. We believe there is an objective reality that can be known, that can be understood, he said. To the extent that it is possible to understand objective reality, it is possible to formulate policies upon which we can intervene in a manner that advances the interests of the working class.

In the latter half of the interview, North addressed the implications of the books analysis for contemporary politics.

Referring to the September 26 debate between US presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, North warned that behind the degrading spectacle of mudslinging, what is being prepared, no matter who is elected, is an acceleration of the drive to war.

Responding to a readers question about how the working class will be moved to take up the struggle against war, North replied, Events will play a colossal role in the reawakening of political consciousness and class consciousness. However, he added, The greatest danger today is the enormous gulf between the very real danger of war, even nuclear war, and the fact that this danger is not widely appreciated.

We are going to witness a tremendous political radicalization, and that is an objective process, he said. However, the spontaneous development of radicalization does not lead automatically to Marxist and socialist consciousness That requires a deliberate, organized struggle for the development of Marxist consciousness under conditions in which the objective situation will predispose an ever larger section of the population to take an interest in politics.

North concluded his remarks by pointing to the significance of the conference scheduled for November 5th, Socialism vs Capitalism and War. He noted that a video promoting the conference had been viewed nearly 50,000 times, pointing to the fact that there exists a broad audience for a genuine struggle against war.

A Quarter Century of War: The US Drive for Global Hegemony , 1990  2016 is available from Mehring Books.
The New Zealand Labour Party held a special conference in July to mark 100 years since its founding in 1916. In two speeches delivered to the gathering, leader Andrew Little made empty promises to address the countrys housing crisis and soaring social inequality. As well, he made a series of disjointed references to Labours history, in a half-hearted attempt to portray the party as pacifist and egalitarian and to whitewash its fundamental agreement with the conservative National Party government.

Many people rightly see no difference between the two major parties, which both represent big business and the interests of New Zealand imperialism. Labour has agreed with the governments austerity measures in response to the 2008 financial crisis, including an increase in the Goods and Services Tax, thousands of public sector redundancies, attacks on welfare recipients, cuts to education funding and tax cuts for the rich. Labour also supports spending billions on new military hardware to facilitate New Zealands participation in Washingtons preparations for war against China.

There was no public enthusiasm surrounding the centenary. In a statement, Labour Party president Nigel Hayworth said the conference was heavily oversubscribed, with hundreds of delegates travelling to Wellington. His reference to hundreds only underscores the historic collapse in Labours support in the working class. In the early 1980s it had about 50,000 members. Now, according to one estimate, there are less than 5,000. The party is nothing but a shell, composed mainly of union bureaucrats and parliamentary careerists.

Likewise, media coverage was superficial. Littles opening speech was virtually ignored, even by the trade-union funded Daily Blog and the Labor-aligned blog, the Standard. Their comments were released as a press statement and broadcast on the partys Facebook page.

Columnists speculated about whether the Labour Party could improve its standing in the polls ahead of next years election. It has suffered three landslide defeats to the conservative National Party, which has governed since late 2008. In the 2014 election, a near record one million voters abstained and Labour received its smallest share of the vote since 1922.

Little made only a cursory reference to the circumstances of the partys founding in the middle of World War I, describing the founders as an alliance of militant socialists and temperance volunteers, moderate Christian pastors and trade unionists. He expressed sympathy for Archibald Baxter, a well-known pacifist who was tortured on the Western Front for refusing to fight. The first Labour Party leader Harry Holland denounced the brutal treatment of Baxter and other conscientious objectors.

Some media commentators promoted the myth that Labour began as an anti-imperialist party and sought to encourage the illusion that it could return to its socialist roots. Sunday Star-Times editor Jonathan Milne wrote on July 3 that socialists and unionists founded the party, united by opposition to the First World War. Pro-Labour columnist Chris Trotter described the founders as opponents of the war who stood for socialism and freedom. Similar statements have been made by leaders of the pseudo-left groups Socialist Aotearoa and the International Socialist Organisation.

These claims are completely false. The leaders of the Social Democratic Party, the United Labour Party and the trade unions, who created the Labour Party, actively supported New Zealands entry into World War I. Like the social democratic parties of Europe, they betrayed the working class and supported the war aims of their own bourgeoisie.

The Labour Party was never socialist. It represented the aristocracy of the workers movement, whose privileges derived, in the final analysis, from New Zealands position as a minor imperialist power within the British Empire. Its leaders feigned sympathy for the 1917 Russian Revolution but rejected the Bolsheviks perspective of international revolution. Holland called for New Zealand to take an evolutionary path to socialism, through reforms in parliament.

From the beginning, the party was fiercely nationalist and stoked divisions in the working class by encouraging racism and xenophobia. Like its Australian counterpart, Labour supported what was widely known as the white New Zealand policy, which imposed drastic restrictions on immigration from China and other Asian countries. The restrictions remained, in one form or another, until the 1970s.

Labours founding in the middle of the first major breakdown of capitalism, served a definite purpose for the bourgeoisie, which, in 1913, had been rocked by a nationwide strike. The bitter strike lasted months and there were numerous clashes between workers and the governments special constables. In Auckland, the revolutionary-syndicalist Industrial Workers of the World gained significant support. However, the trade union leaders, who later led the Labour Party, had not wanted the strike and were instrumental in preventing it from becoming a revolutionary threat.

In 1916, Labours immediate aim was to divert the rising anti-war movement among workers into a limited campaign against conscription that would not disrupt the war effort. An anti-conscription conference organised by the labour organisations in January issued a manifesto praising New Zealands contribution to the war. It stated: The voluntary system cannot possibly fail while  [t]here are thousands of men who are ready and willing to go to the front. [Maoriland Worker, 2 February 1916, pages 4-5].

The first Labour government

Little hailed the first Labour government, elected at the height of the 1930s Great Depression. He declared: Were here to celebrate Labours creation of the welfare state, the achievements of widespread home ownership and the creation of state housing, a free health system and a free education system. In short, we celebrate the building of a nation. Labour, he said, offered hope to people that the years of depression were over and there were brighter days ahead.

The reforms of this 1935-1949 government of Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage and his successor Peter Fraser are invariably invoked by Labour and its apologists. They assert that Labour saved the country from the depression and put in place the foundations for an egalitarian society. This version of history is entirely false.

The Savage government won the 1935 election under conditions of mass social unrest. Its reforms were part of a desperate attempt to quell the upsurge of the working class produced by the social devastation caused by the depression and to save the capitalist system. Between 1928 and 1931, export prices collapsed by 40 percent. The conservative government responded with brutal cuts to spending, civil service wages and pensions. The minimum wage was abolished. About 100,000 people, including 40 percent of men of working age, became unemployed.

In 1932, tens of thousands of unemployed people rioted in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin and there were demonstrations, strikes and hunger marches throughout the country. Labour MP John Lee later said that if the Auckland rioters had not been democratically minded they would have had the government out that week. W. B. Sutch, a senior government advisor in the 1930s, wrote that the authorities felt New Zealand might be close to a social revolution. Business interests relied on the trade union bureaucracy to suppress agitation for a national strike, particularly among miners and seamen, and to corral workers behind the election of a Labour government.

The Savage government reversed previous wage cuts, broadened access to superannuation, introduced the first invalid benefits and free hospital care, expanded access to higher education and implemented an extensive public works scheme. Labour also built thousands of state houses. Unemployment dropped to 19,000 by 1939, but was not eliminated until World War II. Savage enjoyed considerable popularity. When he died in 1940, 200,000 people lined the route of his funeral procession.

Labours reforms, however, were limited and temporary, and the working class paid a terrible price for them. Labour did not socialise the banks and major industries. Instead it courted the most far-sighted members of the ruling class. One of the partys main donors was the brewer Ernest Davis, reputedly the countrys richest man in the inter-war years. Labour was also backed by the Fletcher family, whose construction business profited immensely from contracts to build state houses.

Labour did not rescue New Zealand from the depression. In 1939 the heavily-indebted government confronted a looming crisis brought about by draconian loan repayment terms imposed by London. It appeared that many social programs would have to be scrapped and unemployment would again soar to record levels. Only the outbreak of war and the resulting dramatic increase in exports to Britain prevented another financial collapse.

The Communist Party of New Zealand (CPNZ), following Stalins Popular Front policy, played a significant role by promoting illusions in the Savage government and backing Labours re-election campaign in 1938.

The CPNZ increased its influence during the depression, particularly among unemployed workers, and among writers and intellectuals inspired by the Russian Revolution. But already by 1927, when the CPNZ affiliated to the Communist International, the Comintern was in the grip of the counter-revolutionary Stalinist bureaucracy, which used it as a tool to defend its own national-based interests. After Stalins criminal policies allowed Hitler to come to power in 1933, the Communist parties forged alliances with democratic capitalist governments in the US, Europe and throughout the world from 1935, including with New Zealand Labour. In the Soviet Union, Stalin ordered the murder of thousands of members of the internationalist Left Opposition, founded by Leon Trotsky. The CPNZ supported the Stalinist regime and all its crimes.

By 1935, Labour no longer even pretended to be anti-imperialist. It had abandoned its previous opposition to the annexation of Samoa, which was seized from Germany in 1914 and remained a colony of New Zealand until 1962. The Savage government built up the countrys armed forces during the late 1930s and followed Britain into World War II. Savage declared: Where She goes, we go; where She stands, we stand.

Littles centenary address was silent on New Zealands involvement in the second imperialist world war, to which Labour deployed overseas 140,000 men and women, of whom 11,928 were killed and thousands more wounded. He absurdly presented Peter Fraser, who became prime minister after Savages death in March 1940, as a pacifist whose participation in the 1945 founding conference of the United Nations helped lay the foundations for an international order committed to ending great wars.

The government imposed conscription in mid-1940, much earlier than Australia or Canada, and used police-state measures to suppress the working class. It imprisoned 800 conscientious objectors and pacifists, censored the press, banned public opposition to the war and outlawed strikes. Fraser brought the conservative opposition leaders into his wartime cabinet and postponed the election scheduled for 1941 by two years.

The leftist magazine Tomorrow and the Stalinist CPNZs Peoples Voice were suppressed. After Hitler broke his pact with Stalin and attacked the Soviet Union in 1941, the CPNZ ditched its previous pacifism and declared everything for the war. It opposed strikes and campaigned alongside the government for increased production and war bonds. Fraser welcomed the CPNZs support, lifting the ban on Peoples Voice in 1943.

The government imposed a wage freeze, while scarcity and rationing forced prices up. Working conditions were eroded and inequality soared. From 1938-39 to 1946-47 the share of national income going to wages and salaries dropped from 55.6 percent to 46.9 percent and never recovered.

Labour after World War II

Insofar as he dealt with Labours post-war history, Little once again falsified and covered up the record. His references were all an attempt to put a progressive facade on a party whose anti-working class character has been increasingly exposed and is widely despised.

Firstly, Little praised the Labour Partys opposition to nuclear weapons testing, culminating in the David Lange governments 1987 legislation to make New Zealand nuclear free, which is frequently invoked as evidence of the partys supposed pacifism.

Secondly, Little promoted Labours embrace of identity politics based on race, gender and sexuality, through which the party built up a support base in upper middle class layers. He hailed Labour for initiating reconciliation between Maori and Pakeha [Europeans], legalising homosexuality, becoming the first major party in New Zealand to have a female leader, and creating a society made richer by difference and diversity.

The claim that Labour is in any way anti-war is utterly false. In the post-war period, Labour has continuously supported strong military and intelligence ties with the US, in exchange for Washingtons backing for New Zealands neo-colonial interests in the Pacific.

After the war, the Fraser government helped forge the military alliance with the United States and enlisted New Zealand in the Cold War, eagerly endorsing the countrys participation in the US-led war in Korea, nominally under the UN banner. This paved the way for the National Party to win the 1949 election by fomenting anti-Communist hysteria, attacking waterside workers and carpenters who demanded wage rises and preparing to reintroduce compulsory military training.

Labours anti-nuclear policy, as well as its turn to identity politics, had its roots in the political upheavals that brought the Labour government of Norman Kirk to power from 1972 to 1975. Kirk took office, like the Savage government, amid a severe economic crisis and widespread opposition in the working class to the previous National government, as well as large protests against the Vietnam War. In order to head off the growing movement, Kirk withdrew troops from Vietnam but kept the ANZUS alliance with the US and Australia, and implemented limited social reforms.

However, the unravelling of the international post-war economic boom caused a precipitous drop in export prices. Labour responded by imposing stringent caps on wage increases, while the cost of living soared by more than a third over three years. Kirk also tried to cut pensions through means-testing and mandatory employee contributions. Labour kept the previous National governments anti-strike laws and boosted police powers to suppress the working class. Pacific Island immigrants were scapegoated for rising unemployment and many were deported.

In July 1974, a dispute involving seamen and an anti-union Auckland ferry company developed into a nationwide strike wave. After the head of the National Drivers Union was imprisoned for organising a support strike, some 40,000-50,000 people stopped work. Kirk considered declaring a state of emergency. Instead his government relied on the Stalinist-led unions to ensure that the strikes were shut down.

As hostility in the working class grew, the Labour government increasingly ramped up its anti-nuclear stance, which, far from being anti-war, was rooted in New Zealands tense rivalry with French imperialism in the South Pacific. Together with Australia, it took a case in the International Court of Justice against French nuclear testing at Mururoa atoll and, when Paris ignored the courts order in June 1973 to halt the tests, sent two navy ships to the test zone area.

At the same time, Kirk stepped up Labours embrace of identity politics. In 1975, the government passed the Treaty of Waitangi Act and established the Waitangi Tribunal, which was tasked with making recommendations to address historical grievances of indigenous Maori tribes. Its real purpose was to encourage the aspirations of a narrow upper-middle class layer of Maori and to promote Maori nationalism to divide workers along racial lines.

Despite these efforts, Labour was deeply discredited and suffered a landslide defeat in the 1975 election.

The Lange government

Littles remarks on the Labour Partys recent history were dishonest and self-contradictory. He stated: For 30 years, we have been told by some that the path to prosperity was to cut taxes, cut regulations, give more money than ever to the very rich, and then wait for the wealth to trickle down. Now, we are seeing all around us the failures of this approach. Thats why Labours approach is so vital today.

Yet Labour was in power for 13 of the past 30 years and was responsible for the sweeping free market reforms that plunged hundreds of thousands of people into poverty. Like other social democratic parties throughout the world, Labour responded to the globalisation of production by ditching its national reformist program and becoming the direct instrument of big business and the financial elite.

The 1984-1990 Labour government of Prime Minister David Lange deregulated the financial sector, privatised government-owned corporations, slashed taxes for the rich and introduced the regressive Goods and Services Tax. It introduced fees for university education and charges for prescription medicines. The result was soaring social inequality and unemployment, and tens of thousands of workers responded by abandoning the Labour Party in disgust.

The 1980s was a decisive political turning point. In New Zealand, Labour imposed the program of Thatcher and Reagan on the working class, in the name of ensuring international competitiveness. Globalised production completely undermined the reformist program of social democracy and the trade unions, which had been based on national economic regulation.

As the government became increasingly unpopular, Lange turned to the same political devices as Kirk. His nuclear free legislation eventually caused a public rift with the US, which stopped naval visits to New Zealand for more than 30 years. Behind the scenes, however, the Lange government vastly expanded the spy agency, the Government Communications Security Bureau, which is a partner in the Five Eyes alliance led by the US National Security Agency.

While Maori workers were severely affected by the downsizing and job destruction in industries such as meat processing and auto assembly during the 1970s and 1980s, the Labour government increasingly promoted Maori nationalism, elevating a layer of Maori tribal leaders, politicians and entrepreneurs who have profited handsomely from multi-million dollar payments from the Waitangi Tribunal.

The National government of the 1990s continued Labours measures, imposing sweeping cuts to welfare payments. The trade unions, dominated by the Stalinist Socialist Unity Party, prevented a struggle against the Labour government in the 1980s and rejected calls from union members for a general strike against the National government in 1991. Helen Clarks Labour government of 1999-2008, which presided over a stock market boom and record levels of social inequality, failed to reverse the attacks of the 1980s and 1990s.

The Clark government joined the Bush administrations invasion of Afghanistan and the occupation of Iraq, fully restoring the alliance with Washington. The National government has followed suit, sending troops back to Iraq, expanding training exercises with the US and announcing $20 billion for military hardware. Nevertheless, Labour has attacked the government for failing to increase military spending fast enough, in order to integrate New Zealand into the US encirclement and plans for war against China. On 21 July, Labour welcomed the announcement that a US warship would visit New Zealand later this year, for the first time in three decades, effectively brushing aside the nuclear free policy.

Despite Littles claim to support difference and diversity, the Labour Partys foul nationalist tradition is currently being resurrected. Over the past four years it has joined the right-wing NZ First Party in whipping up anti-Chinese xenophobia to divide the working class and pave the way for war. On July 8, Little defended Labours scapegoating of Chinese people for the housing crisis last year, telling the New Zealand Herald: I dont resile from any of that.

The global capitalist system has not recovered from the financial crash of 2008, the most severe crisis since the Great Depression. The fundamental contradictions of capitalism that produced two World Warsbetween world economy and the restrictive borders of the nation state, and between socialised production and private ownershipare reasserting themselves.

The economic breakdown is propelling the imperialist powers, first and foremost the United States, toward another world war to seize control over markets and resources, particularly at the expense of Russia and China. To safeguard its own neo-colonial interests, the New Zealand ruling elite, behind the backs of the population, is strengthening its alliance with US imperialism and preparing to once again drag the country into a catastrophic war involving nuclear-armed powers.

Workers and youth must draw the lessons from a century of bitter experience with the Labour Party. Capitalism was able to survive the turmoil of the twentieth century, not because it possessed some inherent strength, or because of some organic incapacity of the working class to fight. In New Zealand, as elsewhere, during every period of crisis, Labour has been brought forward to head off the struggles of the working class and preserve capitalist rule, with devastating consequences.

The Socialist Equality Group of NZ calls on workers and young people to break decisively from this party of big business and war, and from all its political allies and apologists, and join the fight to build a new political leadership of the working class based on the socialist and internationalist program advanced by the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement. This is the only way to fight against the unending attacks on living standards, democratic rights and the advanced preparations for war.

The author also recommends:

New Zealand s first Labour leader was no socialist: A reply to the pseudo-left ISO

[4 February 2016]

Liberating the wealthy: the legacy of New Ze aland Labour leader David Lange

[27 September 2005]
On Saturday, September 24, Jeremy Corbyn secured a massive popular victory in his re-election as UK Labour Party leader. His triumph was secured in the face of a vicious witch-hunt by Labours right wing, which included denying a vote to more than 180,000 registered members and supporters. He won thanks to the political mobilisation of hundreds of thousands of workers and young people seeking to take on the political heirs of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and support Corbyns declared aim of committing Labour to oppose austerity, militarism and war.

Yet just four days later, Corbyns victory might well have never happened. He gave the closing speech Wednesday to a Labour Party conference at which his opponents carried the day on every single issue of substance.

Most telling of all, Corbyns shadow defence secretary, Clive Lewis, not only publicly endorsed the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system, but pledged that a Labour government would fulfil our international commitments, including those under Article 5 of NATOs constitution. This commits the UK to come to the aid of any NATO member facing attack. Given the escalating US-led provocations against Russia, involving Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states, this is a commitment to wage nuclear war against a nuclear power.

This left Deputy Leader Tom Watson to crow that Labour was reaffirming our commitment to NATOa socialist construct, as our defence spokesman, Clive Lewis, reminded us yesterdayand trying to persuade our EU colleagues to do the same.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell outlined an economic policy based on protectionist measures to ensure that British industry is globally competitive. Watson praised him for deftly explaining that Labour is a market socialist party.

He added, I dont know why weve been focusing on what was wrong with the Blair and Brown governments for the last six years... Capitalism, comrades, is not the enemy.

The hours leading up to Corbyns final appearance were monopolised by a former leadership challenger, Andy Burnham, demanding that the party oppose the free movement of labour in Europe and recognise that working people have a problem with unlimited, unfunded, unskilled migration which damages their own living standards.

After such a display, any further protest by Corbyn, any refusal to endorse this or that measure, only proves him to be a left-talking figurehead for a right-wing party of militarism and war.

Corbyn made clear how consciously he seeks to utilise left rhetoric to conceal the real character of the Labour Party and prevent the working class breaking from it. His speech was once again peppered with calls for unity with the right wing in a rebuilt Labour family.

But more revealing still was how he detailed the political concerns that animate him. The support he has won, he explained, was not unique to Britain. He stressed that across Europe, North America and elsewhere, people are fed up with a so-called free market system that has produced grotesque inequality, stagnating living standards for the many, calamitous foreign wars without end, and a political stitch-up which leaves the vast majority of people shut out of power.

He continued: Since the crash of 2008, the demand for an alternative and an end to counter-productive austerity has led to the rise of new movements and parties in one country after another.

What he had accomplished was to make sure that In Britain, its happened in the heart of traditional politics, in the Labour party, which is something we should be extremely proud of.

By preventing a break from Labour at a time of such acute crisis for British and world capitalism, Corbyn could boast that We meet this year as the largest political party in Western Europe, with over half a million members.

Making a direct appeal to his opponents, he said, Some may see that as a threat. But I see it as a vast democratic resource.

There is nothing democratic in any of this. Corbyn is steering the aspirations to genuine democracy and an end to austerity and war felt by millions of workers behind a party that he admits views its new members as a threat, and does so because it is a party of the state and the financial oligarchy.

Moreover, Corbyn wants to channel this desire for change behind policies that are wholly geared to the interests of British capitalism. His appeal was framed around calls for state investment to end the situation where Britain lags behind France, Germany, the US and China in research and development and productivity. A Labour government will never accept second-best for Britain, he declared. We will also be pressing our own Brexit agenda, he added including the freedom to intervene in our own industries...

Corbyns defence of the Labour Partys grip on the working class and his continued opposition to any struggle against the right wing is a vindication of the political stand taken by the Socialist Equality Party.

From the very beginning of his first leadership bid last year and throughout the attempts to remove him, the SEP opposed all efforts by groups such as the Socialist Party and Socialist Workers Party to portray support for Corbyn as a means of transforming the Labour Party. To cite just three examples, we wrote:

However, those looking to a Corbyn victory to provide an alternative to austerity will be cruelly disappointed. The real measure of his campaign must be judged not on stated intentions, but on the essential criterion of the class interests served by the party and the programme he defends. Labour is a right-wing bourgeois party. It is complicit in all the crimes of British imperialism and has functioned as the principal political opponent of socialism for more than a century... What does the Jeremy Corbyn phenomenon represent? (August 15, 2015)

No one can seriously propose that this partywhich, in its politics and organisation and the social composition of its apparatus, is Tory in all but namecan be transformed into an instrument of working class struggle. The British Labour Party did not begin with Blair. It is a bourgeois party of more than a centurys standing and a tried and tested instrument of British imperialism and its state machine. Whether led by Clement Attlee, James Callaghan or Jeremy Corbyn, its essence remains unaltered. The political issues posed by Corbyns election as UK Labour Party leader (September 14, 2015)

Those workers and young people who have rallied behind Corbyn in the hope that they could recapture Labour from the Blairites have been misled. It is the upper-middle class clique that constitutes the PLP [Parliamentary Labour Party]and which is accountable only to the military-intelligence state apparatusthat determines Labours class character, not its members. Lessons of Labours leadership contest (September 24, 2016)

Our appraisal was not rooted in an estimation of Corbyns subjective intentions. We based ourselves on an historically-derived understanding of the nature of the Labour Party and of a contemporary world situation in which the demands of the ruling elite for ever greater exploitation of the working class and the pursuit of a military offensive to secure control of the worlds resources mean there can be no return to a reformist past.

The crucial task placed before workers and young people is to secure their political independence from all those who seek to subordinate them to the profit system, which is the root cause of austerity and war. We urge all readers of the World Socialist Web Site to study the record of the SEP and take the decision to join us in building the new and genuinely socialist and internationalist leadership that is urgently required.
Here are a few instances when countries carried out surgical strikes, some having been successful, some not so much.

By India Today Web Desk: Special forces of the Indian Army conducted a successful surgical strike against terror camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) last night, and returned without any casualties.

Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) Lt General Ranbir Singh said in a press conference the motive of this mission was "to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory".

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Read more: Indian Army commandos cross LoC, conduct surgical strikes in Pakistani territory

WHAT IS A SURGICAL STRIKE?

A surgical strike is a precision military attack carried out by going into another country with the intention to damage a specific target. Surgical strikes are meant to avoid collateral damage to surrounding civilisations or the general public.

Here's a look at 10 famous surgical strikes:



1. INDIAN ARMY OPERATION IN MYANMAR

In June 2015, a team of some 70 Indian Army commandos carried out surgical strike inside the jungles of Myanmar. The 40-minute operation took out 38 dreaded Naga militants and left seven injured.

The strike was planned hours after the Naga militants killed 18 soldiers in an ambush in Chandel area of Manipur on June 4, 2015.







2. OSAMA BIN LADEN'S ASSASSINATION, PAKISTAN

In May 2011, the US special forces attacked an ISI safe house in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was hiding, taking him out in a contained attack.

In the CIA-led operation, code-named as Operation Neptune Spear (also Operation Geronimo), was carried out by the US Navy SEALs.







3. RAID ON ENTEBBE, UGANDA

The Israel Defense Forces' famous hostage-rescue mission in Uganda's Entebbe airport is remembered as one of the most clinical surgical strikes in history.

In June 1976, members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hijacked an Air France plane and forced it to land at Uganda's Entebbe International Airport. After the then Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin, made no attempts to rescue the hostages, the IDF stepped in.

The strike was carried out by 100 Israeli commandos, and ended with all the militants being killed, and all except three passengers being rescued.



4. BAY OF PIGS INVASION

In 1961, US President John F Kennedy ordered a CIA-led invasion of Cuba by 1,400 Cuban exiles from The Bay of Pigs.

The military mission to overthrow the Fidel Castro government met a disastrous end, with more than 100 soldiers being killed, and leading to the capture of 1,200 Cuban exiles.

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5. OPERATION EAGLE CLAW, IRAN

In November 1979, some Iranian students took 53 Americans hostage at the US Embassy in Iran's capital, Tehran. Then US President Jimmy Carter initiated a secret rescue mission.

However, the mission, Operation Eagle Claw, ended in complete disaster for the Americans with the US special forces getting stuck in sand storms, facing a fire during evacuation, and losing a helicopter in a crash.

Eventually, eight US soldiers died and none of the hostages could be rescued. The botched surgical strike may have cost Carter his presidency.



6. OPERATION NIFTY PACKAGE, PANAMA

In 1989, the US initiated a mission to capture Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega which culminated in a filmy ending.

The US Navy SEALs cornered Noriega at a Roman Catholic facility in Panama City, but after heavy crossfire and being attacked with loud music by Guns N' Roses and The Clash, Noriega surrendered.



7. BLACK HAWK DOWN, SOMALIA



In 1993, the US Special Forces' mission to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid went horribly wrong after two US Black Hawk helicopters were shot down.

This left 18 US soldiers dead, more than 70 wounded, and allowed Aidid to flee. While the operation was unsuccessful, it went on to become a popular book and movie, Black Hawk Down.

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8. THE RESCUE OF JESSICA LYNCH, IRAQ

In April 2003, US soldier Jessica Lynch was captured by Iraqi forces after her convoy was decimated in an attack in Nassiriya.

Nine days later, US Special Forces attacked the hospital where she was kept and rescued her. They also recovered the bodies of eight US soldiers.



9. THE CAPTURE OF KHALID SHEIKH MOHAMMED, PAKISTAN

In March 2003, the CIA led a surgical strike in Pakistan to capture three terror suspect, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who was believed to be one of the key planner of the 9/11.

The strike took place in Rawalpindi and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was taken to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility for "enhanced interrogation techniques".



10. ABU MUSAB AL-ZARQAWI'S ASSASSINATION, IRAQ

In June 2006, the US Air Force sent warplanes to carry out a surgical strike on the safehouse of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq.

After surviving the attack of 500-pound bombs, al-Zarqawi met his end at the hands of the US soldiers.

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Read more:

2 Pak soldiers killed as India responds to ceasefire violation by Pakistan with punitive strikes

10 terrorists gunned down in Uri after Pakistan violates ceasefire again

Apocalypse alert: How India-Pakistan nuclear war will kill 12 million, destroy two countries

All you need to know about Pakistan's nastiest weapon: Tactical nukes

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On Tuesday police in El Cajon, California, a suburb northeast of San Diego, shot and killed Alfred Olango, a 30 year-old mentally ill Ugandan immigrant who worked as a cook. Witnesses say that Olango was both Tased and shot at least five times by police in the parking lot of a small strip mall.

The mentally ill are the most vulnerable in society, and many have met a tragic fate at the hands of police. Mental illness is a factor in roughly a quarter of all police killings. According to the Washington Posts database of police killings, Olango was at least the 716th person killed by police this year and the 173rd mentally ill victim.

Olangos sister originally called the police to help rescue her brother who was walking through traffic and acting erratically. Friends and relatives described Olango as suffering from mental health issues and stated that he had recently suffered a mental breakdown.

The victims family had reportedly called the police in the past and there is no doubt that responding officers were aware of his condition.

I called you to help me, but you killed my brother, Olangos sister cried in video footage caught by bystanders in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. "You guys killed my brother in front of me.Why couldn't you guys Tase him? Why? Why? Why? Why?"

Video of the shooting was caught on a cell phone by a Los Panchos restaurant employee taken from a drive thru but was promptly confiscated by police. Maria, a Los Panchos employee told NBC San Diego that police entered the restaurant and took cell phones from employees, ordering them not to speak to anyone.

In an effort to quell protests and demonstrations which are ongoing, authorities released a single frame of the video showing an image of Olango with his arms forward and hands clasped, mimicking the stance of officers who have their guns drawn on him. Police insist that Olango did not comply when ordered and that his stance justified the deadly shots fired by the officers.

El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis told reporters, At one point, the male rapidly drew an object from his front pants pocket, placed both hands together on it and extended it rapidly towards the officer, taking what appeared to be a shooting stance, putting the object in the officers face.

Davis claimed that while another officer attempted to Tase Olango, simultaneously, the officer who had the object pointed at him, shot Olango. The police quickly admitted that the object Olango held in his hand was an electronic cigarette.

Local resident Michael Rodriguez witnessed the shooting and described Olango as scared to death.

When I saw the suspect, he had his hands up, Rodriguez said. "I saw two officers with their firearm on him.The mans hands are up. No shirt. He didnt have no shirt."

Hes jerking, hes confused, he runs this way, and as soon as he runs this way, they discharge, Rodriguez added.

Demonstrators and Olangos family are demanding answers as to why the police officers had not used non-lethal force and are calling for the entire video to be released.

Immediately following the shooting, nearly 200 locals and witnesses rallied Tuesday evening around the blood soaked pavement in the shopping center where Olango was killed and demonstrations continued Wednesday morning and into the night.

Police authorities and the political establishment are fearful that demonstrations in El Cajon will grow even as protests in Charlotte, North Carolina continue in response to the September 20 police killing of 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott.

The WSWS spoke to some of those who turned out for the protests Wednesday evening.

Theres no reason for him to be shot and killed, John told WSWS reporters. They have plenty of non lethal weapons, why didnt they use bean bags on him? He was 30 years young. I was in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Ive seen more killings here. This is not war, this is a community.

Michael another demonstrator emphasized the lack of mental health facilities and the effects of poverty. Ronald Reagan closed so many mental hospitals in the 80s. Not everybody who is mentally handicapped is a violent thug. We have a shortage of mental health professionals; the people on the lower end of the economic food chain have more psychological problems because they have no hope. They have no way to pay for their crumbling teeth when they need to be fixed. They have no way to spend $3 a gallon on gasoline, its getting expensive out there.

The corporations in this country are taking all the profits and giving them to the stockholders, trillions of dollars. Why are they targeting the people in the poor neighborhoods? Because theyre not a productive part of society, because they have psychiatric and mental health problems and there is no one there to help them, Michael remarked.

Jane told the WSWS that she has had epilepsy since the age of fourteen. My son asked me, when you have a seizure should I call the cops? and I didnt know what to tell him. Just because cops have pressures to work with doesnt mean they are not liable for their actions."

The political establishment overseen by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown are complicit in the harsh realities faced by Californias most vulnerable residents. The Brown administration has overseen millions of dollars in cuts to welfare programs and social services, which have resulted in the closing of mental health institutions. The mentally ill comprise about one third of the homeless population in the country and many in California find themselves funneled into the states vast and brutal prison system.

Governor Brown and the California legislatures 2017-2018 fiscal budget includes the allocation of $270 million to upgrade and expand prisons and well as the elimination of the Maximum Family Grant for welfare assistance established in 1994. This provision will issue a mere $136 per month and eliminate benefit increases for existing welfare recipients who have children, saving the state tens of millions per year.

El Cajon has the highest rate of poverty in San Diego County at 25.8% according to the National University System Institute for Policy Research (NUSIPR).

The report focused on areas of high concentrated poverty and found that the number of residents living in poor neighborhoods has jumped by 10 percent since 2000. It also found that concentrated pockets of poverty in San Diego County rose from 42.1 percent in 2000 to 45.6 percent in 2014.

Despite the fact that society is more racially integrated than ever before, upper middle class purveyors of a racialist narrative insist that society is seething with insurmountable racial tensions. Society is seething but it is the result of growing social inequality and efforts by the ruling class to suppress any social opposition from the working class.

The degree to which racism plays a role in any particular police killing does not distort the fact that across the board the overwhelming majority of victims of police violence are poor or working class.

Armed ever more with military training, weaponry and equipment, direct from the imperialist wars abroad, the police function as the armed thugs of the ruling elite with their crosshairs set on poor and working class communities.

The widening protests against police killings by workers and youth around the country represent an initial expression of the deserved disdain of the current social and political system and unprecedented social inequality.
At the Vienna refugee conference, where 11 countries participated along with European Union (EU) representatives, a decision was adopted to completely seal off the so-called Balkan route so as to prevent, if possible, any refugees from coming to Europe. In addition, repatriation agreements along the lines of the dirty deal with Turkey are to be concluded with North African states, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The representatives of the EUHungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Germany and Albaniawho came to the meeting were implementing the decisions taken at the EUs Bratislava summit on 16 September. There, the EU and German government abandoned all pretenses and fully exposed their inhumane refugee policies.

It is clear that German Chancellor Angela Merkels refugee policy, which insists on sealing off the EUs external borders, never had anything to do with a welcoming culture, but rather represented an extremely reactionary agenda. At the Vienna conference she complained that despite the closure of the borders along the Balkan route earlier this year, 50,000 refugees had still made it to Germany via this path. Merkel advocated completely closing off the Balkan route with a huge deployment of Frontex border police. Our goal must be to stop illegal migration as far as possible, she declared in a statement after the meeting.

EU Council President Donald Tusk already indicated his support for this course of action to Merkel prior to the conference, stating, We must ensure practically and politically that the Western Balkan route is closed to illegal migration forever. This would be enforced by the EU border agency Frontex, whose personnel would be increased.

On 6 October, the new Frontex provisions come into force, expanding the border agency into a more comprehensive border surveillance and refugee deterrence authority. It will then have a permanent force of 1,000 border police at its disposal, which can also be deployed in countries outside of the EU. The first deployment will take place within the EU, in Greece. Greece has requested Frontex to carry out a comprehensive intervention on the borders with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania, said Frontex director Fabrice Leggeri.

But the Vienna conference also confirmed plans to soon deploy Frontex forces outside of the EU. Serbia and Macedonia were both being discussed as potential sites for interventions. The EU would thus be effectively legitimizing the human rights abuses refugees have faced in Macedonia. Just at the beginning of last week, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Said Raed al-Hussein, stated, Macedonia is operating a systematic policy of persecution and internment. Close to 200 people have been confined to camps there without their individual cases being reviewed.

The issue of how to distribute the refugees arriving in Greece and Italy remained undecided. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras focused his criticism on the Eastern European EU states when he told the ANA press agency, It is unacceptable that the countries which accept the refugees first have to bear the entire burden. Hungarys right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban repeated his demand to detain all asylum seekers at a location outside of the EU, yet to be determined. He continued to vehemently oppose the German plan to distribute the refugees arriving in Greece and Italy throughout the EU.

The refugee support organization ProAsyl criticized the decision of the Vienna conference to prevent refugees from travelling along the Balkan route, thus confining them to Greece. Gunter Burkhardt, head of ProAsyl, told Die Welt, The German government, together with other states, is forcing the refugees in Greece into a desperate situation. Many of these refugees have a legal right to travel to other European countries because they have relatives there. But this could not be realized by sealing off the borders.

The EU heads of government also agreed to conclude further repatriation agreements so as to immediately deport those refugees who breach the walls of fortress Europe in spite of all of the deterrence measures. Merkel declared that it was necessary to conclude third state agreements with Africa, and also with Afghanistan and Pakistan, as quickly as possible, so that it is clear: whoever is not permitted to remain in Europe for humanitarian reasons will be sent home.

Immediately prior to the meeting in Vienna, EU Parliament President Martin Schulz in an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung called for a repatriation agreement with Egypt modeled on the Turkey deal. We must take this route, Schulz said, without even touching upon the catastrophic human rights situation. According to aid organizations, the military dictatorship of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has killed at least 2,000 people since his brutal seizure of power in June 2013 and disappeared another 40,000 into the countrys prisons where they face torture. Refugees are already systematically abused and detained in Egypt.

Political scientist Jan Volkel from the University of Cairo said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Even for the average member of the Egyptian population, the situation is extremely difficult, so there would be far fewer possibilities to provide for refugees in a country like Egypt than in Europe. With the 8 billion Egypt would receive from the EU, Cairo would focus on strengthening military units, because border protection is in the main organized by the army.

Egypt has become a focus for the EU because Frontex has determined that it is the second most important point of departure for Europe after Libya. But those travelling from Egypt to Italy are resorting to a last act of desperation. Even with good weather and a boat engine in good working order, the crossing takes ten days. The cost of the journey and the likelihood of drowning are therefore high.

Just a few days ago, a boat carrying 600 refugees capsized near Alexandria. Only 163 people could be rescued alive from the water. In April, 500 refugees who set out from Egypt drowned en route.

The situation is no better in the other states viewed by the EU as targets for repatriation agreements. Germanys foreign ministry in Berlin was even compelled to acknowledge in a situation report the precarious security situation and severe violations of human rights in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In the case of Libya, Amnesty International has warned of sustained war crimes and human rights abuses, particularly against refugees. We all had to get out and were beaten with rubber hoses and bits of wood. Then they shot a man in the foot, reported a refugee, whose boat had been intercepted by the Libyan coastguard.

In Mali and Niger, security forces arbitrarily employ violence against refugees. The EUs claim that agreements with these countries will improve conditions for refugees is grotesque and absurd.

In reality, the policy of sealing off and strengthening Europes borders is leading to ever worsening humanitarian catastrophes. As a result of this policy, more than 3,500 refugees have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea this year. Tens of thousands more live in deplorable conditions on Europes borders.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders made a joint appearance Wednesday with Hillary Clinton at the University of New Hampshire in Durham in an attempt to stanch the sharp fall in support for the Democratic presidential candidate among students and youth.

Earlier this month, a national Quinnipiac poll found that Clintons lead among voters 18 to 34 over her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, had collapsed from 24 to 5 points since early August. Sanders was dispatched on September 17 to speak at the University of Akron and Kent State University to cajole students in the swing state of Ohio to not vote for third-party candidates such as Gary Johnson of the Libertarians or Jill Stein of the Greens, and vote instead for the Democrat Clinton in order to defeat Trump.

In New Hampshire, Sanders and Clinton promoted their proposals to make public colleges tuition-free for students from families earning less than $125,000 a year and ease the burden of student debt payments. This was a calculated effort to exploit the economic difficulties of students to counter the deep and broad hostility to Clinton among young people, who for the most part see her as a corrupt representative of Wall Street and the political establishment.

As both Clinton and Sanders are well aware, there is virtually no chance of getting such measures passed by the next Congress, in which the Republicans will likely continue to control at least the House of Representatives. As for existing student debt, all they are proposing is to allow students to refinance their loans. There is no talk of canceling the massive debt burdens that are crushing an entire generation of young people.

Neither speaker made any mention of foreign policy or the war-mongering agitation against Russia that has become a centerpiece of Clintons campaign. The utterly reactionary and cynical role of Sanders, whose political revolution in the primary campaign has revealed itself to be hack work for the Democratic Party, was underscored by the fact that Wednesdays appearance came just two days after the first debate between Clinton and Trump.

In that spectacle of political reaction and mutual mud-slinging, Clinton continued to attack the fascistic billionaire Trump from the right on foreign policy, reiterating her charge that he is a dupe of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Clinton repeated her campaigns claim, once again without any substantiation, that the Putin regime is responsible for hacking into the computers of the Democratic National Committee in an effort to swing the election in Trumps favor.

She singled out Russia, China and Iran as alleged cyberwarfare perpetrators and threatened to respond militarily. She also pledged to escalate the war against ISIS and increase arms to Washingtons Islamist proxy forces in its war for regime-change against the Russian-backed regime in Damascus. This is a policy that brings ever closer a direct military conflict with Russia, the second biggest nuclear power in the world.

When asked at Mondays debate about her position on a policy of nuclear first-strikes, she ignored the question, tacitly signaling to the Pentagon and the CIA her support for the policy.

None of this prevented Sanders, who attracted broad support in his primary run against Clinton, especially from young people, by presenting himself as a democratic socialist leading a political revolution against social inequality and the billionaire class, from touting Clinton as a progressive partisan of working people and youth.

Beginning with a demagogic flourish, Sanders declared, Is everybody here ready to transform America? He continued: If we are prepared to stand up to powerful and wealthy and greedy special interests, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish

He said this while standing next to and hailing someone who has amassed tens of millions of dollars in speaking fees at Wall Street banks and has the support in the election of the bulk of Fortune 500 CEOs. The supposedly progressive Clinton has focused her campaign on winning the support of CIA and military officials and leading Republicans, including Bush administration authors of the invasion of Iraq such as Paul Wolfowitz.

Sanders evidently believes that the American people are infinitely gullible and cannot see through a political revolution that consists of supporting the favored candidate of the financial aristocracy and the CIA. In fact, his vote-hustling for Clinton has earned him the contempt and hatred of millions of his former supporters.

He concluded his brief warm-up for Clinton with a get-out-vote appeal: All of you know that New Hampshire is a battleground state. This is a very tight election. Im asking you not only to vote for Secretary Clinton, but to work hard to get your uncles and aunts and friends to voteIt is imperative that we elect Hillary Clinton as our next president.

In her remarks, Clinton for the most part touted her college tuition and student debt proposals. But she also used the occasion to once again appeal for support among Republicans and the military. We are not only electing a president, she said, were electing a commander in chief, someone who will protect our country.

She went on to boast of having obtained the endorsement of John Warner, a former Navy secretary and five-term Republican senator from Virginia. One hundred and fifty Republicans in New Hampshire are supporting my campaign, she added.

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US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov yesterday that Washington could break off all bilateral cooperation with Moscow if fighting in Syria continues.

Kerry issued the threat as forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, with the support of Russian air power, launched a major offensive against Aleppo and reportedly seized control of areas in the centre of the city. Citing Syrian state television, RT reported that rebels had fled some districts and left behind heavy weaponry, but these reports were not verified.

In a telephone call with Lavrov, Kerry demanded Russia halt its support for the Syrian governments offensive and work to reimpose the September 9 ceasefire agreement. We are working through steps that we might have to take to begin to suspend our engagement with Russia on Syria. We havent taken those steps yet, State Department spokesman John Kirby commented when asked about Kerrys statement. The message to the Foreign Minister [Russia] today was that we are perfectly willing and able to move forward on those steps that would end with the suspension of US-Russia bilateral engagement in Syria.

Although Kirby did not spell this out, the suspension of US-Russia bilateral engagement would presumably mean that not only the recently agreed ceasefire, but also the agreement reached last October to regulate safety protocols and communication between Russian aircraft and those of the US-led coalition ostensibly intervening against Islamic State would be scrapped. This would dramatically heighten the risk of a direct confrontation between Russian and US forces that could rapidly explode into all-out war.

Washingtons ultimatum comes just days after diplomats, led by the US and Britain, seized on accusations of war crimes against Russia to step up pressure and pave the way to war. United States UN ambassador Samantha Power denounced Russia for barbarism at a Security Council meeting Sunday.

According to aid organizations, at least 400 people have been killed in Aleppo over the past week, including at least 96 children, and 1,700 injured. Russian aircraft have been accused of deploying bunker buster bombs. Two hospitals were reportedly hit yesterday in the latest raids.

Approximately 250,000 civilians are trapped in eastern Aleppo, with only 30 doctors to provide medical care. While they have been subjected to daily bombings by Russia and Syrian government forces, it has also been reported that the rebel militias, which are dominated in Aleppo by the Jihadi al-Nusra Front, have been preventing civilians from fleeing.

Lavrov reacted to Kerrys threat by attacking the US for its failure to separate the so-called moderate opposition militias from the al-Nusra Front, which was until recently the Syrian branch of al-Qaida. Al-Nusra makes up the vast majority of the rebel forces fighting in eastern Aleppo.

Kirby added menacingly, Extremist groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there in Syria to expand their operations, which could include attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities. Russia will continue to send people home in body bags, and will continue to lose resources, perhaps even aircraft.

This comment, together with a statement by the State Department that non-diplomatic options had been considered to end the fighting in Aleppo, has very ominous implications. US imperialism has a long record of collaboration with Islamist terrorists stretching back to the 1980s in Afghanistan against the Soviet invasion.

The US attempt to pose as a defender of the human rights of Syrians against Russian aggression and the September 9 ceasefire agreement is utterly cynical. The Obama administration used the peace deal to give the beleaguered opposition forces some respite and prepare a major escalation of the conflict. On September 17, the US air force targeted a Syrian army outpost near Deir ez-Zor, killing at least 60 soldiers, injuring more than 100 and enabling Islamic State fighters to seize the position. There are also widespread reports that the opposition forces, including the al-Nusra Front, were rearmed during the truce.

When fighting erupted in Aleppo following an attack on an aid convoy September 19, Washington and its allies blamed Russia and the Syrian government for the assault, a claim which Moscow and Damascus have denied.

Human rights has been the pretext invariably invoked by US imperialism to justify a series of devastating military interventions over recent years. In 2011, the US and NATO used their alleged concern for the fate of Libyan civilians to legitimize a vast bombing campaign to overthrow the Gaddafi regime, culminating in the deaths of tens of thousands of Libyans, the brutal lynch-mob murder of Gaddafi and the plunging of the entire country into internecine conflicts between regional and religious groups.

The Syrian civil war, which is now more than five years old and has claimed the lives of close to half a million Syrians, was fomented by Washington and its allies, including by directly supporting Islamist extremists, to topple the Assad regime and install a pro-Western puppet in Damascus. This was part of the US broader agenda of securing its unchallenged geopolitical dominance over the energy-rich Middle East and Central Asia against its principal rivals, Russia and Chinaan agenda which has seen Washington wage one war after another for the past quarter century.

Russia responded last year with its own military intervention, aimed at propping up its main ally in the region and securing its only remaining military base outside of the former Soviet Union. The Kremlins defense of the interests of Russias wealthy oligarchy had nothing to do with a concern for the Syrian people, as the latest attacks once again demonstrate. As the World Socialist Web Site warned at the time, far from stabilizing the situation, Russias military operations and the nationalist bluster of the Putin regime only heightened the risk of a clash with US imperialism and its allies that could quickly spiral out of control and trigger a world war.

Significant sections of the political and military establishment in the US are prepared to risk all-out war with Russia in pursuit of their reckless plans for global hegemony, as indicated by the comments last week of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford. Dunford told Congress that controlling air space over Syria would require war with Russia.

The outcry over Russian war crimes is aimed at giving this aggressive war drive a veneer of humanitarian legitimacy. Pope Francis leant his voice to the campaign Wednesday, criticizing those responsible for the bombing in Aleppo in Rome. I appeal to the consciences of those responsible for the bombings, who will one day will have to account to God, he said.

At a UN Security Council meeting yesterday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon also attacked Russia and Syria, saying, Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing. They know they are committing war crimes.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault declared Wednesday that he is working towards a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Aleppo, and warned that any country opposing it would be deemed complicit in war crimes.

The outrage of US and Western politicians over human rights violations in Syria is highly selective. A report from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that rebel shelling led to the deaths of 49 children in July in western Aleppo has barely received a mention.

US imperialism has systematically stoked ethnic and religious tensions since the outset of the Syrian war with its backing for Kurdish separatist and Islamic extremist forces. In August, Washington endorsed Turkeys incursion into northern Syria to push back Kurdish control over a region on the Turkish border.

Over recent days, more information has come to light about the close relations between the US and its allies, and al-Nusra. German journalist Jurgen Todenhofer conducted an interview in Aleppo with an al-Nusra commander, Abu Al Ezz, who stated that his organization was receiving US weapons through third countries. The commander went on to allege that experts from a number of countries, including the US, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar, had been present in Syria to train al-Nusra fighters in the use of weaponry such as missile launchers.

Al-Nusra has been accused of repeated atrocities. In July, Amnesty International said it had carried out a wave of abductions, torture and summary executions in Idlib and Aleppo provinces. Other rebel groups involved in the war crimes included Ahrar al-Sham, Mureddin Zinki, the Levant Front and Division 16, some of which are backed directly by the US.
Former education minister John Dawkins, a leading figure in the Australian Labor government of 1983 to 1996, this week called for a sweeping pro-market restructuring of tertiary education, which would include allowing universities to charge unrestricted student fees.

Dawkins advocated reduced public funding of universities, cutting enrolments and unspecified efficiency measures. He also proposed the introduction of teaching-only universities. These would be second-class institutions designed to provide vocational courses online or with massive class sizes.

The ex-minister appealed for the Labor Party to seek common ground with the Liberal-National Coalition government to develop a bipartisan policy to further slash education spending and effectively deny access to higher education to working class youth.

Dawkins intervention came amid mounting pressure by the corporate elite on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government to find ways to make deep cuts to education, welfare, health and other essential social spending. So far, since barely surviving the July 2 election, the government has only passed one budget-cutting measure, a so-called Omnibus Bill to reduce spending by $6.3 billion over four years.

That bill, which relied on Labors support, contained a host of cuts to universities and students, as well as to welfare, but amounted to only a fraction of the annual budget deficit of almost $40 billion. The financial markets have demanded that the government must quickly demonstrate its capacity to eliminate the deficit by 2020-21, or Australia will be stripped of its AAA credit rating.

Dawkins call underscores the push in ruling circles for Labors agreement on the Omnibus Bill to form part of a wider bipartisan front to impose severe austerity measures, particularly targeting education, health and welfare. Many of these have remained blocked in parliament since 2014 because of intense public hostility to them.

The ex-ministers initiative was outlined in a letter to Vicki Thomson, the chief executive of Australias Group of Eight elite universities. Dawkins praised former Coalition Education Minister Christopher Pynewhose 2014 bill to lift all caps on student fees failed in the Senate. At least Christopher Pyne had a go at raising important issues such as the need for competition in the sector, he said. It is a pity that he was unable to secure political consensus for urgent problems.

Underscoring its significance, Dawkins letter was trumpeted on the front page of the Australian Financial Review on Monday. According to the article, his call was a dramatic repudiation of Labor party policy. In reality, it is yet another example of Labors role in laying the foundations for every major attack on public education.

Dawkins personifies Labors key role. As education minister in the Hawke Labor government, he imposed university fees first for overseas students in 1986, and then for domestic students in 1987. That established the framework for the ever-greater transformation of the public universities over the past three decades into money-making institutions for the government and big business at the expense of students.

Since 1987, fees have soared. Today, overseas students pay full fees of tens of thousands of dollars for degrees. They have become cash cows on which universities increasingly depend, turning tertiary education into Australias third largest source of foreign exchange income (after iron ore and coal), worth some $20 billion per year.

Domestic students, whose fees are partly subsidised via the HECS-HELP loan program pioneered by Dawkins, face a mountain of debt. According to a report by the Australian National Audit Office, the debt owed by 2.2 million students and ex-students totalled more than $44 billion by June 2015, and was expected to reach $67.6 billion by 201718.

Dawkins himself profited from that process, becoming the chairman of a large private education provider, Vocation, with 80 percent of its revenues coming from government fee subsidies. Vocation had a market capitalisation of $700 million, before it collapsed in November 2015, leaving up to 15,000 students in limbo.

The Labor government in power from 2007 to 2013 launched the next major phase in this transformation. Prime Minister Julia Gillards education revolution lifted limits on enrolments, but cut funding by more than $2 billion. This forced universities to fight each other to survive financially by grabbing market sharesigning up as many students as possiblewhile cutting costs by increasing class sizes and hiring poorly-paid casual lecturers, who now do the majority of the teaching.

In the 2014 budget, the Coalition government unveiled a plan to complete Labors restructuring by lifting restrictions on student fees, which would have meant domestic students paying full fees, and further reducing government funding. It was a blatant move to make it unaffordable for all but the most affluent students to go to university.

Aware of the widespread public opposition, Laboralong with the Greens and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU)proclaimed their opposition to $100,000 degrees. Fearing an electoral backlash, just weeks before the July 2 election, the government deferred its plan. Education Minister Simon Birmingham released a discussion paper, Driving Innovation, Fairness and Excellence in Australian Higher Education, declaring the need to explore other options to cut university enrolments.

In his letter, Dawkins suggested means for the government and Labor to work together to overcome the popular hostility. He proposed a gradual transition to higher fees, welcoming Birminghams proposal to start with flagship courses.

To bolster the case, Dawkins attacked universities for placing an enormous burden on taxpayers by enrolling too many students who failed to complete their courses. He was exploiting the fact that chronic under-funding, begun under Labor, has compelled universities to sign up students without the resources to provide them with decent courses, facilities and support programs.

Thomson, speaking on behalf of the Group of Eight, welcomed Dawkins call for bipartisanship, saying the incremental policy changes over the past three decades had produced a need to review the policy architecture. The eight self-styled leading universities have for years agitated for permission to charge unrestricted fees, which would effectively produce a two-class system, with the Group of Eight catering for the wealthiest students.

Throughout these three decades, the NTEU, the main trade union covering university staff, has helped successive governments enforce the pro-business transformation of tertiary education. It has continuously pushed its members to trade off jobs and conditions via enterprise agreements with individual universities, while falsely presenting Labor and the Greens as lesser evils to the Coalition.

For the July 2 election, the NTEU once again urged its members to put the Coalition last. The union endorsed a list of candidates dubbed Defenders of Higher Education, headed by the Labor Party. Dawkins letter, and his record, have highlighted the truth of the matter: Labor and those who fight to keep workers and youth politically subordinated to it bear the prime responsibility for the ongoing corporate assault on higher education.

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Mounting calls for Australian universities to slash enrolments

[23 August 2016]
With India pledging to punish Pakistan for the attack Islamist militants mounted on an Indian army base at Uri in the disputed Kashmir region, a concerted campaign has begun in the US media indicating support for aggressive Indian action against Pakistan. Given that India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed states that have fought four bloody wars against each other, this campaign is extraordinarily reckless.

On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal carried a column on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis policy titled Modis Restraint Toward Pakistan. It wrote, Modi is practicing restraint for now, but Islamabad cant rely on that continuing. Modis offer of cooperation, if rejected, will become part of a case for making Pakistan even more of a pariah nation than it already is.

The Journal warned, If the [Pakistani] military continues to send arms and fighters across the border, the Indian Prime Minister will have a strong justification to take action.

Similarly, the Los Angeles Times carried an article titled India has one of the worlds biggest armies, why doesnt it use it? The article noted there are growing calls inside Indianow the worlds fastest-growing large economy, with world-power aspirationsto flex its might, adding: Pakistans international standing is fraying, as is its longstanding alliance with the United States.

The Times also cited former Indian intelligence official Vikram Soods criticisms of the current policy of restraint towards Pakistan: What have we got out of this policy, besides more death and more killing?  We Indians continually say war is not an option. We have to say war is an option, however ugly it is.

These articles amount to an endorsement of the increasingly bellicose, even hysterical atmosphere that Indias politicians, national-security establishment and media have whipped up in the aftermath of the September 18 Uri attack, which killed 18 Indian soldiers.

On Tuesday, India announced that Modi will not attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, a regional meeting of eight South Asian countries, due to be held in Pakistan in November. India also announced it will maximize its water withdrawals under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty to the legal limit, thereby squeezing Pakistan, which has been plagued by drought and electricity shortages. It also signaled it could abrogate the treaty entirely. Pakistan subsequently warned it would view the water treatys abrogation as an act of war.

On Sunday, Modi compared the Uri attack to the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war and hailed the nationalist war fever he said was building in India. There is a lot of value to the anger that people of the country have. This is a symbol of the countrys awakening, he said. This anger is of the kind of do something... When the 1965 war [with Pakistan] broke out and Lal Bahadur Shastri was leading the country, similar was the feeling, anger in the country. There was fever of nationalism. Everybody was keen to do something.

Similarly, retired Indian Major General G. D. Bakshi issued a hysterical outburst, calling for India to destroy the Pakistani Punjab, apparently with nuclear weapons. Pakistan is one-fifth the size of India, Bakshi told an Indian television broadcast. If we fire even a part of our arsenal, most of it will be on the Pakistani Punjab, from where the Pakistani army comes: Not a crop will grow there for 800 years!  Lets stop self-deterring ourselves!

The American media coverage of the latest Indo-Pakistani war crisis indicates that there is a growing faction in Washington, including in the military-security establishment, willing to give India a free hand in dealing with Pakistan.

This has ominous implications for the Indo-Pakistani conflict and represents a very dangerous escalation of the imperialist war drive in Asia.

For well over a decade, Washington has been working to build up India as a counterweight to China, and since the launching of its anti-China pivot to Asia in 2011 to make it a frontline state in its drive to strategically isolate, encircle and prepare for war with China.

This is stoking not only tensions between Beijing and New Delhi, but also the strategic rivalry between India and Chinas main South Asian ally, Pakistan. This rivalry is historically rooted in the reactionary partition of British India at formal independence, in 1947-48, between an explicitly Muslim Pakistan and a Hindu-majority India. Seven decades on, this rivalry threatens to provoke an all-out war, including potentially nuclear war, between India and Pakistan that could rapidly drag in the US and China.

Since the turn of the century, Washington has sought to boost its military-strategic ties with India against China. In 2005, New Delhi and Washington signed a Defence Framework Agreement and under the 2008 Indo-US nuclear accord, India received access to advanced civilian nuclear technology and fuel, enabling it to concentrate its indigenous nuclear program on weapons development. India is purchasing advanced US weapons systems, and last month Washington and New Delhi signed a Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) giving the US military routine access to Indian bases and to forward position material on them.

One of the principal targets of the fast-developing US-Indian alliance is to the expanding Chinese-Pakistani strategic ties.

China sees Pakistan as a key partner as it steps up its ambitious One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project aimed at connecting China to Central Asia, the Middle East and in the long run Europe, challenging US hegemony over the Eurasian landmass. Beijing announced the OBOR project in 2013, shortly after Washington announced that it was drawing down its Afghan occupation force.

A key component of OBOR is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC consists of various oil, road and rail infrastructure projects linking the city of Gwadar in Pakistans southwestern Baluchistan region to Chinas northwestern region of Xinjiang. In February 2013, Pakistan awarded the operational contract for the Gwadar port to China. The CPEC has major strategic significance for China as it would enable Beijing to partially circumvent the Pentagons plans to impose an economic blockade on China by seizing Indian Ocean and South China Sea chokepoints.

Like Washington, New Delhi views the OBOR and CPEC as major threats, undermining its strategic influence in Asia. The Diplomat wrote, India greatly opposes the proposed CPEC route and development at Gwadar port mainly for two reasons. First, the planned route passes through the controversial territories of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir between India-China and India-Pakistan respectively. Second, India fears that Gwadar will double as a Chinese naval base.

With more or less explicit US backing, India is adopting a reckless policy of fomenting ethnic separatism in both China and Pakistan. In April, US officials attended a conference of US-funded Chinese separatist organisations in Dharamsala, Indiasignaling US and Indian support for separatism in both Tibet and Xinjiang.

While India has accused Islamabad of backing Pakistani militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Kashmir, Pakistan has publicly charged India with backing insurgency and terrorism in Balochistan through its consulates in Afghanistan.

Since mid-August, in what the Indian press has hailed as a strategic coup, the Modi government has been mounting an international campaign denouncing Pakistan human rights violations in Balochistan, andin a move meant to signal its readiness to work for Pakistans dismembermentit has said that it will provide Balochi separatists greater political space to operate in India.

Traditional alliance structures in Asia are rapidly breaking down. Relations between Washington and Islamabad have drastically weakened since the US decided to withdraw the bulk of US troops from Afghanistan, leaving some 10,000 US occupation troops until January 2017.

Washington continues to exert diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to break Islamabads military relations with sections of the Taliban and the Haqqani Network, which are fighting US-led NATO occupation forces and Afghanistans puppet government. Last week, two Republican lawmakers introduced legislation in the US Congress aimed at designating Pakistan as a state-sponsor of terrorism, though it is currently not expected to pass.

As relations between Washington and Islamabad deteriorate, Pakistan is also considering taking the historically unprecedented step of developing strategic ties with Russia. During the Cold War, Pakistan was traditionally backed by Washington while its rival India was allied with the Soviet Union.

On Saturday, however, Russia launched a two-week military drill with Pakistan in a mountainous area in the eastern Punjab province of Pakistan. It involved 200 troops, 70 from Russian and 130 from Pakistan. It was the first time the two countries had ever participated in a joint military exercise and follows on from Moscows recent sale of military helicopters to Islamabad.
Walmart announced on September 1 that it will be cutting about 7,000 back-office jobs in its stores across the US. The jobs to be eliminated are positions in accounting and invoicing, which will be automated or centralized going forward, according to the company. According to the Wall Street Journal, the types of jobs being cut are usually held by long-term employees at a higher pay rate than the average Walmart store employee. Most workers in these positions are earning on average $13.38 per hour and are employed full-time, compared to the average part-time Walmart sales associate who earns just $10.58 per hour in the US.

Although they earn a relatively high wage compared to the average Walmart worker, these workers in back-office positions still earn on average far less than the average hourly wage in the US of $20.43 per hour. The fact that Walmart is cutting its already low-wage jobs in order to stay on the very top of a market that is rapidly turning digital is a damning indictment of the destructive measures being taken by giant corporations to satisfy their insatiable drive for short-term profits at the expense of society as a whole. Walmart recorded gross annual profits of $131.69 billion in April, enough to pay each of its 2.2 million workers worldwide a wage of $28.78 per hour.

Employees who are losing their jobs will be given the opportunity to transition into other jobs with the company, the majority of which are lower-paying, part-time customer service positions. Though employees technically have the ability to apply for higher-paying, full-time positions in store management, those jobs are few compared to low-paying customer service jobs, and often require experience that those in accounting and invoicing positions may not have.

The so-called transitioning program paints employees into a corner: either they take a more than likely lower-paying position, without status, or they must quit and seek employment elsewhere. This strategy serves two purposes, both for the benefit of Walmart and its shareholders. First, it allows the company to manipulate its job creation statistics with the aim of increasing its share price, since it says that it will have more positions available for those losing their jobs. Second, Walmart will most likely avoid paying unemployment benefits for the workers being cut, since the company is not laying off or firing workers, but transitioning them to other roles.

The cutsor transitions, as they are being calledare expected to last through 2017. A pilot program in June of this year tested the transition program with back-office workers in 500 locations, in stores located mainly in the western US. According to a report by CNN, Walmart failed to provide exact data on how many of the affected employees chose to remain with the company after the pilot cuts.

The situation faced by Walmart workers paints a nightmarish picture of the lack of control that workers in the US have over their jobs. Accounting and invoicing is an essential part of the daily functions of all retail establishments, yet through automation even these essential jobs are rendered obsolete in the name of increasing share prices for short-term gains.

Less than two weeks before the cuts were announced, Walmart stock shares were traded at a yearly high of $74.30. The spike came after the August 8 announcement of Walmarts acquisition of online retailer Jet.com for $3.3 billion.

According to the announcement published by the Wall Street Journal on September 1, the cuts are a part of a new program aimed at putting more employees in customer-facing positions in order to provide better service to consumers. However, in light of Walmarts recent financial activity, these claims will all too soon be revealed to be false. The layoffs of higher-paid, full-time workers will also offset the costs of Walmarts decision to raise its starting pay rate, which was announced in February.

Walmart stock continued to slide in the days before the layoffs were announced, but saw a brief spike to $72.84 on September 1, the day of the announcement. Despite the spike, share prices were still well below their previous high. Since then, share prices of the retailer have been more or less on a decline. The announcement of the cuts has done little, if anything, to restore profitability after the acquisition announcement.

In addition to the Walmart announcement, Sears Holding Corp. announced on September 16 that it would shutter another 64 of its Kmart discount retail stores, on top of the 68 closings it announced in April. Macys announced in August that 100 of its stores are set to close their doors in early 2017, in addition to the 38 that it closed this spring. According to a report by Credit Suisse, a total of 37,000 US retail jobs are set to be slashed by the end of this year, more than double the amount lost last year.

The reason for mass layoffs and closings, according to many of the retailers, is the competition posed by online retailers such as Jet and Amazon.com. However, the stores are not closing because of lack of need for the products they stock, but for a lack of profitability. Online retailers do not require salespeople or merchandisers in the way that brick-and-mortar establishments do. Some online retailers, such as Amazon, have replaced workers with drones used to catalog and manage inventory in their warehouses as well as to deliver orders. Walmart announced in June that it will be testing a drone program to catalog and manage inventory in its 190 US distribution centers, and will also begin to test drones for online deliveries as well.

Walmart is the largest retailer and the largest employer in the US. It is the number-one employer in 20 states in the US and employs about 1% of the US workforce. The mass layoffs planned for the largest employer in the worlds most powerful capitalist economy are an expression of the utter state of decay of American capitalism. They point to an intensely bitter period of struggle ahead for the working class.
Pakistan military in a statement said, 'The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists' bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects'.

By Reuters: Pakistan today said India's claim of a "surgical strike" across the Line of Control (LoC) was an illusion, saying that the incident was "cross-border fire".

Opinion: Indian Army's surgical strikes should make Pakistan think twice before trying another Uri



"The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists' bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects," the military said in a statement.

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READ: Indian Army commandos cross LoC, conduct surgical strikes in Pakistani territory



"This quest by the Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth. Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded," the statement added.

Reacting strongly to reports on surgical strikes by India on Pakistan soil, the statement said: "There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon."

The statement further added, "As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops."

The statement was released shortly after DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said India had hit suspected militants preparing to infiltrate into Kashmir.

READ: Nawaz Sharif condemns surgical strikes by Indian army

Later, addressing the media, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said, "Indian claims of surgical strikes are a lie. There was an exchange of firing along the LoC which Pakistan Army responded to."



Pakistan's military has confirmed that two of its soldiers had been killed in an exchange of fire across the Line of Control.

Also Read:

2 Pakistan soldiers killed as India responds to ceasefire violation with punitive strikes



How to punish Pakistan when a war is ruled out



Sensex crashes 500 points over Army's surgical strikes inside Pakistan

Apocalypse alert: How India-Pakistan nuclear war will kill 12 million, destroy two countries

Why India didn't strike Pakistan after 26/11

India slams Pakistan at UN after Uri attack, rakes up human rights violations in Balochistan Uri attack: India to respond at multiple levels, but will the stand be aggressive?



--- ENDS ---
Sources said para commandos went 2-3 km into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in Mi-17 choppers and destroyed six terror camps, inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists and few Pakistani Army troops.

By India Today Web Desk: Ten days after the Uri terror attacks, India hit back. Indian Army commandos launched surgical strikes on terror launching pads inside Pakistan on the intervening night of September 28 and 29, leaving up to 38 terrorists and Pakistani soldiers dead.

Opinion: Indian Army's surgical strikes should make Pakistan think twice before trying another Uri



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Sources said para commandos went 2-3 km into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in Mi-17 choppers and destroyed six terror camps, inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists and few Pakistani Army troops. The Indian troops suffered no casualties in the operations.

THE STRIKES

The strikes were carried out in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel and Lipa sectors, on the Pakistani side of Line of Control (LoC), according to Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

READ: 2 Pakistan soldiers killed as India responds to ceasefire violation with punitive strikes



READ: Indian Army crosses LoC, conducts surgical strikes in Pakistani territory



India's elite para-commandos.

ISPR even admitted that two of its soldiers had been killed in the operations but according to reports those figures are from the firing across the border after ceasefire violations.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled the meeting convened to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) to Pakistan. Instead, he presided over a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the country's highest body on security.

Opinion | India hits back: 5 reasons why Army's surgical strikes were historic, by Shiv Aroor



Special forces entered two to three kilometres inside PoK for this operation.

READ: Nawaz Sharif condemns surgical strikes by Indian army

READ: How to punish Pakistan when a war is ruled out

After the operations were over, a joint briefing of the External Affairs Ministry (EAM) and the Indian Army took place on the surgical strikes. Giving details, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said the military had specific inputs that terrorist had lined up launch pads along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Indian Army conducted surgical strikes at LoC, so that these terrorists don't conduct terrorist activities and endanger lives of Indians," Lt Gen Singh said.

He said India did not have any plans for further continuance of the operations. "We spoke to DGMO of Pakistan and expressed are concerns," he added.

War with Pakistan imminent? Punjab villages close to border being evacuated



READ| Nawaz Sharif calls for peace, then praises terrorist in UN speech



He said that there have been continuous infiltrations by terrorists in Poonch and Uri. The Army has foiled 20 such attempts this year. He said GPS and other gadgets that have Pakistani markings have been recovered. Terrorists have confessed to training in Pakistan and PoK and matters have been taken to the highest level.

India Today magazine listed some options for a covert operation. India Today magazine listed some options for a covert operation.

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The DGMO said India has also given consular access to Pakistan. "We said that we were ready to give DNA samples of terrorists. We foiled attempts repeatedly, this is because we had a multi-tier grid made by soldiers of Indian Army," he said.

READ: India's claim of surgical strikes across LoC an 'illusion', says Pakistan



READ| Apocalypse alert: How India-Pakistan nuclear war will kill 12 million, destroy two countries



"We can't allow terrorists to operate across the LoC. There has been a surge in infiltration," he said and added that the operation to neutralise terrorists has since ceased and "we don't have any plans for any further operation as of now" but assured that the armed forces will not allow terrorists to carry out any attacks in Jammu and Kashmir or any major Indian cities.

BSF ON HIGH ALERT



After the surgical strikes, the Border Security Force (BSF) has been put on high alert in J&K, Gujarat and Rajasthan border areas.

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Meanwhile, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh and DGMO monitored the surgical operations which went on in PoK through the night.

Parrikar and Doval cancelled their engagement at Coast Guard headquarters last evening at commanders' conference.

PM informed President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President and former Prime Minister Mahmohan Singh on surgical strikes. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also briefed chief ministers like Mamta Banerjee, Naveen Patnaik, Jayalalithaa and others. He also briefed all top opposition political leadership.

An all-party meeting has been convened today convened by the government.

Also Read:

Why India didn't strike Pakistan after 26/11

10 terrorists gunned down in Uri after Pakistan violates ceasefire again

Uri martyr's family hails surgical strikes on Pakistan







--- ENDS ---
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Florida baby sitter is being charged with manslaughter in the death of a 17-month-old boy.

Boynton Beach police said Wednesday that they've arrested 26-year-old Jessica Amster in connection with the Aug. 20 death of Christian Bent.

Detectives say two children present at Amster's home told authorities the woman hit the child's head against the wall. According to police, one child said the woman had told Bent to stop crying.

They say Christian's mother brought the severely injured boy to the hospital on Aug. 15 and he died five days later.

Amster was being held without bond at the Palm Beach County jail.

Jail information does not indicate if she has an attorney.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - City Commissioners are expected to approve the elimination of the business license tax that would lead to a $2 million tax break for businesses in the Capitol City.

The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce came up with the idea to eliminate the tax. While the tax itself isn't huge, they said that getting rid of it is still a big deal for companies working in Tallahassee.

The group brought it up to local government as a way to encourage businesses to invest and stay in town. A couple of years ago, the chamber said that Leon County got ride of the tax and they felt like it was time for Tallahassee to follow suit.

"We've got an opportunity to send a message out to not only to our own business community, but to the rest of the state -- that we mean business here in Tallahassee and that when you come to do business here, we want you to be able to do it in as easy a manner as possible. We think that getting rid of the business license tax is very symbolic of that,"said Jay Revell with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

By eliminating the business license tax, Tallahassee would become the first city in Florida to do so.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - City commissioners are scheduled to vote to approve a settlement in the death of a man killed this year when his car collided with a city garbage truck.

Tallahassee officials said the recommended settlement of $185,000 to the family of Harry Scott would prevent a possible wrongful death lawsuit.

On April 21st, Scott was driving on Crawfordville Highway when a garbage truck backed into his driving lane as it pulled out of a driveway.

Scott's car caught on fire and while firefighters were able to pull him out the car and take him to the hospital, he died about a half an hour later.

Cassandra Jackson, the Deputy City Attorney, said that, "The driver was issued a ticket for improper backing by the Tallahassee Police Department. There were significant medical expenses. Of course, there were funeral expenses involved. We believe it is in the best interest of the city to settle at this point."

Scott was 74-years-old. He left behind a wife of 40 years, 6 children, 4 grand children, and 2 great-grandchildren.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Several Florida counties are now eligible for federal assistance with ongoing recovery from Hurricane Hermine.

Leon County estimates Hermine's impact cost $8.3 million. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides public and individual assistance.

"This was a Category 1 hurricane -- widespread damage throughout the community," said Leon County emergency management director Kevin Peters. "This is not a normal situation, so this type of assistance to help people get beyond this abnormality in life -- it's huge."

Leon County is the only local county to receive both public and individual assistance. In the days following Hermine, officials gathered info about damage in the county.

"We submitted that to the state of Florida, which was consolidated with damage impacts from homes in other counties for a cumulative total that was submitted by the governor to the president for disaster declaration," Peters said.

With public assistance, FEMA reimburses 75 percent of eligible costs. For this particular funding, the state of Florida is reimbursing half of the remaining cost for eligible counties.

"Any costs related to our debris clearance, our electric restoration, costs for overtime hours, for extra security and extra patrols in the community -- and any replacement or repair of government infrastructure that was damaged, whether that's roads or building or equipment," Peters said.

Individual assistance provides up to $33,000 of reimbursement for eligible costs -- which include temporary housing, emergency home repairs, personal property loss, and medical and funeral expenses caused by a disaster.

Peters says FEMA personnel will be visiting communities and neighborhoods with damage from Hermine.

"They'll be going door to door, so citizens can register FEMA assistance at their doorstep," Peters said. "As the FEMA personnel arrive, they'll have tablets, and they can do registrations in the field."

Counties are also eligible for "hazard mitigation" funding, which provides financial aid to local governments to find ways to reduce damage from natural disasters like Hermine.

Peters says most mitigation initiatives in the county are related to flood hazards in the community. Tallahassee and Leon County have a joint FEMA-approved local mitigation strategy (LMS), which can be found on the city's website.

"Without that FEMA-approved document, we would not be eligible for these hazard mitigation funds," Peters said, "so, things that we've identified that may make future flooding and some wind impacts less dramatic in the future, we'll be able to fund hopefully some of those projects with this hazard mitigation funding."

The last time Leon County used FEMA funds for hazard mitigation was 2008, when the county spent millions after Tropical Storm Faye.

The City of Tallahassee provided WTXL with the following statement:

"Utilizing FEMAs Public Assistance Program, the City is looking to replenish funds that were used in the response and ongoing recovery efforts related to Hurricane Hermine including infrastructure repair and debris removal. Additionally, any hazard mitigation funds received could be used to upgrade infrastructure enhancing our storm resiliency."

**To apply for FEMA assistance, visit this website. Individuals are required to enter their address and answer specific questions about their needs.
VALDOSTA, GA (WTXL) - The man shot and killed Wednesday in an officer involved shooting has been identified.

According to the man's family and the Lowndes County Coroner, Johnathan Lozano-Murillo was shot and killed when Officer Alyssa Shirey responded to a call on the 1600 block of Fresno Street.

The Valdosta Police Department said that on Wednesday around 6 p.m., Officer Shirey responded to reports of child custody issues between a man and a woman.

When she arrived at the home on Fresno Street, she spoke with Lozano-Murillo. Sometime after that, police reported that the woman involved in the incident came to the home. They said that Lozano-Murillo began attacking the woman and that Officer Shirey jumped in to protect her.

Police said that witnesses and the officer reported at some point during the encounter, Lozano-Murillo pulled out knife and started moving toward Officer Shirey. They reported that the officer tried to use a taser on Lozano-Murillo but it was ineffective.

When Lozano-Murillo kept coming toward Officer Shirey with a knife, he was shot according to police.

They said Lozano-Murillo was transported to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said that they have interviewed witnesses, processed the scene, and collected evidence. They said that they are continuing to investigate.
GADSDEN COUNTY, FL (WTXL) - The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for public's help in locating two suspects they believe hit and killed an elderly man and ran.

Troopers said that on Sunday, 62-year-old Richard Akery was hit by two different cars while walking east across Pat Thomas Parkway around 9 p.m. They said that the two cars involved in the fatal crash left the scene.

A police report said that the first car was likely a sedan with noticeable damage on its left side. The second car is a burgundy pickup truck that may have large tires, a LED light bar on the roof line, and a camper shell covering the bed of the truck.

They said the second car was pulling a flatbed trailer at the time of the crash. Troopers said the vehicle and trailer would have noticeable damage to the front and left sides and will also have scratches and scrapes from hitting a metal shopping cart.

Anyone with information regarding the cars are asked to contact Corporal Matthew Kirkland at 850-410-3070.
VALDOSTA, GA (WTXL) - Valdosta police have reported an officer involved shooting on Fresno Street.

Valdosta Police Department Chief Brian Childress said that around 6 p.m. a female officer was called to the 1600 block of Fresno Street to a domestic dispute between a man and a woman.

Police said that witnesses and the officer reported that at some point during the encounter, the man became upset with the woman and started attacking both the woman and officer. Chief Childress also said that the man pulled out a weapon.

Chief Childress said that the officer felt threatened and shot the man.

Valdosta police have turned the investigation over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
Jasper had brought them together. Nine days earlier, the 21-year-old grocery-store cook had posted on Facebook, claiming to be the victim of sexual and emotional abuse by a man named Hart Noecker.

Noecker, 34, is one of the most recognizable figures in Portland's activist community, a newsmaking leader in marches that jammed city streets to protest police violence and support progressive causes.

Noecker was not in the room, but he was in effect on trial, in absentia. When Jasper spoke, men stared at the floor and women brought their hands to their mouths. Jasper told of being beaten, choked and raped by Noecker two weeks earlier.

Most in the room had never seen anything like it: public allegations so personal, so violent.

Jasper had not yet gone to police but had detailed the allegations in Multnomah County Circuit Court, seeking a restraining order against Noecker. In the filing, Jasper described the alleged rape and a fear that Noecker posed a threat to Jasper's safety. Noecker has not been charged with a crime and is fighting the restraining order.

What happened nextand what has happened to Noecker since thenbecame an improvised sort of justice that was as swift as it was subjective. Jasper's allegations set loose a series of unexpected events that have roiled the radical groups that have become as much a part of Portland's identity as food carts, beards and bicycles.

The drama played out on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr for anyone with an Internet connection to see. Noecker's onetime allies have publicly denounced him and erased him from their movements. He has been, in the words organizers use at meetings and on Facebook, "purged" from activist circles. Noecker had used the Internet as a weapon in his activism. Now he found it turned against him.

WW asked Noecker to comment for this story. Through his attorney, Noecker tells WW he is innocent.

"He denies wrongdoing," says lawyer Jay Bodzin of Portland firm Bodzin Donnelly Mockrin & Slavin. He says Noeckergiven the allegations that circulated on the Internethas been advised not to speak out. "Someone accused of criminal conduct can't get into details in a public forum, no matter how much they may want to," Bodzin says.

At the heart of these activist movements is not only the desire to rebel against authority, but a belief that society can be just. Portland's activists protest on behalf of the powerless, women, black men and sexual minorities.

Their idealism is sometimes messy and perhaps even naive, but their refusal to accept injustices silently speaks to a quality that sets this city apart from many others.

They also distrust police and the courts. How they dealt with Noecker has become an improvised justice system of their own making, one that condemned him without getting his side of events.

Portland's protest community is grappling with an awful realization of hypocrisy: A leader may have committed exactly the kind of behavior they protest against, and others might have quietly tolerated it.

"We're reeling," says Janice Leber, a 40-year veteran of protest movements who has known Noecker for years. "We're still trying to work out how in the world to prevent this type of behavior in the future without squelching every bit of spontaneity and joy out of local activism."





In the summer of 2012, about 20 cyclists set off from the east end of the Steel Bridge on a 6-mile evening ride through Portland. Along the way, the cyclists, members of an activist group called PDX Bike Swarm, handed out fliers and stickers, stopping at surprise locales chosen by the ride's leader, Hart Noecker.

PDX Bike Swarm had grown from the Occupy Portland camps that took over two Portland parks 10 months earlier. The group, loosely organized on Facebook, attracted people who believed polluting, city-clogging cars could be defeated one person at a time.

Leber recalls the trip ended around sunset at tiny Piccolo Park near Southeast Clinton Street. Noecker told the riders this green space would have been destroyed by the proposed Mount Hood Freeway had neighborhood leaders not stopped the project in the 1970s.

"He gave a little speech about how people power stopped the highway project," Leber tells WW. "It was a pretty wonderful evening."

Few people on the ride knew Noecker well. He'd appeared around activist groups only months before. No one was sure where he'd come from.

Yet Noecker seemed a natural fit. Five-foot-8 and wiry, he showed up with a bicycle messenger's cap and a cameraa perfect way to document the spontaneous gatherings. He was proud of the body he'd honed from riding: He wore cutoffs to show off his chiseled legs.

"He had lots of energy," says Nicholas Caleb, an original member of the PDX Bike Swarm. "We didn't share a lot of personal details. He didn't offer, and I never asked."

Noecker was raised near Lansing, Mich., and went to school in nearby St. Johns. His father was a schoolteacher, and Hart showed artistic talents at an early age.

"He would draw stories first, then write them out," recalls his mother, Jane Schneider. "Most people would do it the other way around."

After graduating from high school in 1998, Noecker attended a few community college classes. He worked as a restaurant cook but dreamed of becoming a filmmaker.

In 2005, he drove a used Honda to Portland to attend the Northwest Film Center's School of Filma four-year program that would let him shoot movies on 35 mm celluloid. He released two short films. One was a video diary of his travels to mountains and deserts. The other, titled NYX, was a drama about a young woman who moonlights as a prostitute until she's blackmailed.

In Michigan, Noecker had shown little interest in activism. But his mother saw a change when Noecker told her he'd gotten rid of his Honda.

"He donated it to charity and rode a bike," Schneider says. She says Noecker now uses only bicycle and public transitboth for convenience and out of the principle of helping the environment. "When I visit him in Portland, I don't ride a car out there," she says, "I rent a bike."

Noecker had arrived at a quintessentially Portland intersection, where bicycles and social-justice campaigns meet. He plunged into bicycle culture, joining events like Pedalpalooza.

Groups such as PDX Bike Swarm rejected the notion of formal leaders, but Noecker emerged as a prominent player. He posted regularly on two blogsRebel Metropolis and Mismanaging Perceptionwhere he raged against highway projects and water fluoridation. He wrote for more mainstream sites, like BikePortland and BlueOregon, taking strong stances against the Columbia River Crossing and Portland Mayor Charlie Hales.

"He positioned himself as an important and vital part of the community," says an activist who dated Noecker last year and who asked WW to identify her only by her first and middle names, Katherine Rose. "Fantastic use of language. Massive amounts of photographs. I thought Hart was a doer, as opposed to people who talked the talk. He documented himself walking the walk."









Soon, Noecker surfaced as one of the city's highest-profile provocateurs on a range of issues. In March 2013, the establishment Oregon League of Conservation Voters held a forum to boost support for a state carbon tax, attended by then-Rep. Jules Bailey (D-Portland). Ironically, Bailey had been a backer of the Columbia River Crossing's massive freeway expansion, a project many activists believed only encouraged more driving and that the OLCV had not fought hard enough to stop.

Noecker interrupted the event, approaching the panel and handing Bailey a prank certificate called the "Cars Rejuvenating Carbon" award. The framed award cited Bailey for "courageously increasing the carbon and car capacity of the Columbia River Crossing freeway expansion mega-project." Noecker read it aloud, and asked the audience to join him in mock applause.

But other activists saw warning signs. As early as 2013, women posted on Web comment threads that Noecker allegedly was a "manarchist"a man who takes part in activist movements but doesn't take seriously the views of women. Members of PDX Bike Swarm sent him packingfor a while.

"He was pushed out of the group after about six months of involvement for manipulative behavior and disrespecting individuals," says organizer Nathan Jones. "Then he came back."

"Three members of Bike Swarm told me they felt I was no longer welcome for personal reasons," Noecker said in an email in response to WW's questions. "This was not a group decision. In 2014 after becoming dormant, Bike Swarm held a meeting and decided it wanted to continue with my involvement. I chose to again be a part of this group."

Noecker made a point of outing people he believed might be undercover police trying to spy on protest movements. In October 2013, Noecker supported the public shaming and shunning of a local activist named Vahid Brown, a 36-year-old protester who that summer had joined protests against fossil-fuel exports.

Activists learned that Browna respected author on radical jihadi movementshad once taught counterterrorism courses to FBI agents at the Combating Terrorism Center in West Point, N.Y. Based on that information alone, an anonymous blogger accused Brown of being an FBI mole ("Whack-a-Mole," WW, Oct. 23, 2013).

Brown denied being a snitch. Noecker told WW he did not write the anonymous post outing Brown, but he defended it. "There's too much of a risk to have someone around who not only worked for the FBI but trained them," he said.

Brown says people emailed him in the week after the allegations, telling him Noecker was posting a flier detailing Brown's FBI links. "Hart was active in trying to get the word out," Brown tells WW now. "But I don't know what role he had in making that flier. No one's ever claimed responsibility for it."

Noecker played a public role in Portland protests over the killing of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown by a white Ferguson, Mo., police officer, Darren Wilson.

In November, Noecker was the first activist to find and display screenshots of three Portland Police Bureau officers changing their Facebook profile pictures to a PPB badge wrapped in a bracelet reading "I am Darren Wilson." Noecker's reporting of the Facebook pageswhich the news media picked upled then-Police Chief Mike Reese to call the images "inflammatory" and order an internal investigation.

A week later, police arrested Noecker and nine other protesters during a Nov. 30 march through downtown streets. Police charged him with disorderly conduct. They later dropped the charge.

"They ran after people and were hitting people with their batons," Noecker told KGW-TV. "I was hit seven or eight times on the back myself, and I was on the sidewalk at that time."

Activists claimed thatbecause Noecker had become such a prominent critic of copspolice had targeted him.









On Dec. 9, Mayor Charlie Hales agreed to talk with leaders of the Don't Shoot Portland protests. Dozens of activists showed up, including Noecker and Byrd Jasper, a Zupan's Markets cook and caterer who had joined the demonstrations in August.

(WW does not disclose the names of victims of sexual violence. Jasper agreed to allow WW to print the name Jasper uses publicly; it's not Jasper's legal name. Born a woman, Jasper also asked WW not to use gender pronouns, because Jasper does not identify as male or female.)

Jasper, who graduated from Cleveland High School, attended a protest for the first time at age 14. At 18, Jasper got caught shoplifting clothes from Macy's, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft and had the charge dismissed after doing community service. Jasper took classes at Portland Community College and is now pursuing a cosmetology degree from Aveda Institute Portland.

Jasper had seen Noecker at previous protests, and was drawn to him.

"He spoke to me like there was so much about activism I could learn from him," Jasper says.

A day after meeting at City Hall, Jasper and Noecker met at downtown's Yamhill Pub, and Noecker invited Jasper to his apartment. They spent two nights there, watching documentaries about dam removal and graffiti, and having sex.

"I felt very comfortable," Jasper says. "He spoke a language I was very familiar with. His resume was great."

Jasper says they agreed to some elements of dominant/submissive sexual play. But on Dec. 20, Jasper says, Noecker forced Jasper to have anal sex. Still, Jasper stayed in the relationship.

"I really believed him to be a good guy who didn't realize he was enacting violence," Jasper says. "I thought if I were to tell anyone what had happened to me, I would be the odd man out."

On Dec. 27, Jasper says, Noecker choked Jasper during sex and talked about having anal sex again. "I was face-down," Jasper alleges to WW, "being choked, and afraid."

Jasper didn't go to police, but would later describe the allegations in a petition for a restraining order against Noecker.

"He anally raped me, threatened to do it again, told me he could shove a rag down my throat and duct tape it there faster than I would be able to scream," Jasper wrote in the restraining order petition. "[He] threatened to beat me until I couldn't sit, continued to call and text me after I left his house [and] physically threatened me if I did choose to leave his house."

Noecker denies Jasper's allegations. WW repeatedly asked Noecker for comment on this story, and provided him a list of allegations. He responded primarily through his attorney.

"This is not intended as any sort of rape apologism," his attorney, Jay Bodzin, tells WW. "Sexual violence is abhorrent. He contends the allegation is false."









After that final night with Jasper, Noecker the next day helped organize "Cop-Free Christmas," a police-violence protest at the Peacock Lane holiday-light display in Southeast Portland. A YouTube video shows demonstratorsmostly whitesinging parody carols, including one with the lyrics, "Deck the halls with rows of dead cops."

Angered by the stunt, Don't Shoot Portland organizers, most of whom are African-American, distanced themselves from Noecker.

But Noecker's downfall didn't really start until the next afternoon, when Jasper took a smoke break while working at Zupan's to post a Facebook update.

"This is going to be a call out," Jasper wrote Dec. 28, using the activist term for seeking to hold someone accountable.

"I have gone over the past three weeks in my head so many times trying to make sense of what happened but I know it wasn't safe[,] sane or consensual." Jasper named Noecker but wasn't specific in the allegations about his actions. "On several occasions he got me wasted and either did things I had said a hard 'no' to or told me of his intentions to do them in the future."

Four days later, Jasper repeated the charges on Tumblr, this time describing Noecker's alleged behavior as "rape, abuse, manipulation, coercion and threats."

Jasper sought the restraining order Dec. 30 but didn't pursue criminal charges. Jasper says going to the police conflicted with "my anarchist values" and says sending Noecker to jail was never Jasper's goal.

"My intention here is not to make him miserable," Jasper tells WW. "My intention is to bring to light what he's done so he can get help and be a better person."

Jasper's decision not to go to the police with the allegations set off what can be described as an improvised pursuit of justice.

Within hours, Jasper's Facebook post was shared on a PDX Bike Swarm page, and at least three women wrote about their uncomfortable experiences with him.

Some of the women agreed to meet, and they held something of a trial of Noecker at the Musicians Local 99 Union Hall on Jan. 6.

PDX Bike Swarm leaders invited anyone who had information about Noecker to attend. Jasper and eight women who had stories to tell faced each other in a small circle called the "survivors' fishbowl."

In front of 50 people gathered that night, six women told of sexual encounters with Noecker they acknowledged were consensual but talked about Noecker's alleged emotional abuse and pushy behavior regarding sex. Only Jasper described what, if true, would amount to sexual assault.

"As each person's testimony became known, the pattern became obvious and familiar," Leber, who was there that night, tells WW. "These people who did not know each other could finish each other's sentences. They pulled something really ugly out into the light and forced us all to look at it unflinchingly. It was pretty brutal, and we took our medicine."

PDX Bike Swarm members stayed late and decided that banning Noecker was necessary to make the group safe for women.

Noecker soon found himself the target of a public shaming not unlike those he had encouraged against others.

"Warn people near him, anyone you see associating with him either in person or online," Nathan Jones wrote on the PDX Bike Swarm Facebook page Jan. 7 announcing Noecker had been shunned. "Everyone needs to tell everyone that he has been purged, reinforce what has been done and why."

At a Jan. 10 meeting, leaders of Don't Shoot Portland also announced Noecker was "purged from Portland activist communities," according to a tweet. (Web update, Jan. 21: The author of the tweet, Crystal Contreras, has asked to be credited, and says the announcement at the police accountability meeting came from activists in the audience.)

The next day, the Portland Right to the City Coalitiona group organizing a slate of left-wing candidates to run for City Hall in 2016met and decided Noecker was barred there, too.



Some people wanted to go further.

On Jan. 12, PDX Bike Swarm organizer Tori Cole linked to Facebook two fliers that warned Noecker was a "sexual predator." The fliers used Noecker's mug shot from his arrest at the November police protest.

Cole asked the people making the fliers to stop.

"Absolutely continue to call Hart out, but this meme has the potential to mislead given the use of an unrelated mugshot," Cole wrote. "The truth is powerful enough without any hyperbole."









Today, members of PDX Bike Swarm say they are proud of how they dealt with Noecker, and do not regret acting outside the legal system. But many wonder why they didn't act sooner when women complained about Noecker making them uncomfortable.

"Even though I understand I didn't do anything wrong, it's hard not to feel guilt that I helped that happen in any way," Leber says. "My question remains, why did so many dudes tolerate his behavior toward women?"

Calebwho took part in the expulsion of Noeckersays he's spoken to Noecker and says he hasn't reached any conclusions about what to believe.

"Bike Swarm and Right to the City are not courts of law," Caleb says. "We have different tools at our disposal. Creating a safe space is our primary agenda."

Katherine Rose, who accused Noecker online of inappropriate behavior, says she doesn't feel sorry for him.

"My mom's horrified," Katherine Rose says. "She's like, 'You're going to get sued for libel.' But he has a lot of people he's going to have to sue for libel. And it's more every day."

On Jan. 16, Jasper says, the attorney representing Jasper called Portland police and alleged that Noecker raped his client Dec. 20. Jasper was scheduled to meet with a domestic violence detective Jan 20.

Noecker continues to deny he assaulted Jasper, and is fighting the restraining order against him requested by Jasper. "Mr. Noecker disputes the allegations against him," says Bodzin, his attorney, "and will be contesting the restraining order."

Jasper has told the court the order is necessary because, as Jasper wrote, "I have outed him as a rapist, and he is being exiled from our social circles and he is very angry with me and our friends right now."

On Jan. 15, activists from at least six groups gathered for another meeting, this time in the basement of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Southeast Portland, to talk about what to do next.

The activist groups shouldered blame for not speaking out sooner against Noecker.

One young man in a stocking cap said activists should look inside themselves and evaluate their own worst impulses.

aYou need to be killing the Hart in your head,a he concluded. aNot killing. Killing is too far. Smashing the Hart in your head.a

WW interns Gabriella Dunn and Anna Walters contributed to the reporting of this story.

WWeek 2015
Sushant Singh Rajput, who is stepping into the shoes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni for MS Dhoni The Untold Story, is the flag-bearer of this new generation of actors who believe in preparation and hard work.

By Tatsam Mukherjee: A scene in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance sees Saurabh Shukla listing out the attributes of a Bollywood hero. He says the actor romances women, makes the audience laugh, does his own action sequences, dances in a synchronised manner, rides a horse, therefore concluding that as opposed to Hollywood, men in Bollywood have a tougher time. This used to be true in the days of Govinda, which might be the late 80s and the mid 90s.



ALSO READ: Almost everything you see in the film happened in real life, says MS Dhoni producer Arun Pandey

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ALSO READ: Ranbir Kapoor to Harshvardhan Kapoor, the rise of the cinema-literate star kid

Since then, Bollywood has evolved, and so have the requirements of a Bollywood actor. An actor in Hindi films these days doesn't have to do the song and dance routine. So many star kids have walked into this profession believing the times haven't changed since their parents were acting. Hence, we have the failed careers of an Esha Deol, a Zayed Khan and a Fardeen Khan.

Sushant Singh Rajput, who made his debut in Abhishek Kapoor's Kai Po Che (2013), is the newest flag-bearer of this new wave of actors who are studious about their craft. They don't just show up on the set, read the lines and call for pack-up. This is a different breed which likes to work on the body language of a character, perfecting his diction for the character, rehearsing the lines, doing readings with co-actors. In short, preparing for everything and leaving nothing to chance.

Sushant dropped out of his course at Delhi College of Engineering to pursue his passion for dance, and then acting. Knowing no one, he landed in Mumbai. He shot to fame on the small screen with Ekta Kapoor's daily soap Pavitra Rishta. And then news broke that he would be starring in Abhishek Kapoor's adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's Three Mistakes Of My Life. He won almost everyone over with his earnest debut. Suddenly, he began being touted as the next Shah Rukh Khan, who made his transition from small screen's Fauji to Deewana on the big screen.





The interesting thing about Sushant was the way he went on to choose his projects after the success of Kai Po Che. He signed Shekhar Kapur's Paani which was lying in the cans for almost two decades, reprising the role which Aamir Khan was supposed to have done in 1994. Sushant signed Dibakar Banerjee's Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, which was more like an origin story. In spite of not being able to win over purists, Sushant left no stone un-turned to essay his young Sherlock, who is just about finding his feet as one of Bengal's smartest fictitious detectives. Director Dibakar Banerjee, known for calling a spade a spade and not being an easy person to impress, couldn't stop gushing about the dedication of his lead actor.

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Dibakar said it in more than one interview how Sushant never came to the set unprepared. In fact, for the film's motion poster, Dibakar drew an illustration of how he imagined the poster and showed it to the actor. The actor prepared to re-create the illustration as closely as possible. The director couldn't stop marvelling at it. He even conceded that Sushant was one of the few upcoming stars who would even be recognised as an actor in the near future.

For his latest role, of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sushant accepted it was 13 months of hard work before coming to the set. In more than one interview, he said how the film would fall flat if he didn't feel he was MS Dhoni on the day of the shoot. Here's an actor who understands the need for preparation for a film project. And it would be fair to say he is one of the few among his contemporaries. For way too long, Bollywood stars have sleepwalked through roles (versions of their own stardom) to make the audience sit up and take notice of the slightest of efforts in the highest regard (think Aamir Khan growing a moustache for Mangal Pandey).

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A generation that sees a Matthew McConaughey lose 21 kilos to play Ron Woodroof in Dallas Buyer's Club or Wagner Moura gain 40 pounds to play Colombian cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar, physical transformation doesn't have the same shock value like it used to. Nor does the six-pack which everyone from the new generation seems to have. We need actors who are studious about their craft. Actors who know that they need to improve by putting in the time in preparation, and not dancing at award shows.

That is why a Sushant Singh Rajput is so important in the current scheme of things. We need actors passionate about the craft, and only then will we see better performances and star kids will sink without a trace if they don't put in equal effort. Bollywood needs actors who care and evaluate themselves with each scene.



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Yup, we're living in that world now. Bid tea bags adieu, because tea sprays are here to save the day.

By India Today Web Desk: Dip dip dip, slurp slurp slurp is now set to change. In the weird world that we embody, now the 'perfect' cup of tea can come out of a can. And not just any can, a spray can.

Yup, you can now spray into a cup, add hot water and enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of tea. And that's not all--this spray tea is called No More Tea Bags and comes in your favourite tea flavours, English Breakfast, Jasmine and Earl Grey.

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The company producing the tea spray cans--Yum Cha Drinks--advertises that one can yields enough concentrate for 20 cups of tea.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/@YumChaDrinks

Guy Woodall, owner of Yum Cha Drinks, told Reuters UK that he invented the product in the hopes of making tea taste better. He chose the aerosol can because it allowed him to package the product without the use of chemical preservatives.

"Of course there's an element of convenience with this and not having a soggy tea bag to get rid of at the end of it," he adds.

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Memorandum filed by then-Yakima Police Capt. Rod Light declaring that there were no departmental policy violations in the officer-involved sho
By India Today Web Desk: Television star Karanvir Bohra recently announced on the social media that he is going to be a father soon; now his actress-wife Teejay Sidhu has shared a touching message about the same on her personal Instagram account.

Also read:Yay! Karanvir Bohra is going to be a father soon; actor shares an aww-dorable pic of wife Teejay Sidhu's baby bump



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Teejay posted a picture of herself and wrote in the description of the picture, "The countdown is on... Can't believe this is really happening! In about a month or so, I will go into the hospital and come home with a little person, who will be with me for life! It's all so overwhelming! Like my doctor said today, 'I think reality just hit the fan!' Haha! Really, it just did! When I was having my birthday coffee in January, I had no idea that before Christmas, I would be a mom! Wow! Me? I still need MY mom, I still don't feel grown-up enough to be a parent! I guess it's time to grow up real quick and get ready for the next step in life's journey. No turning back now!"

Now that is a really sweet and adorable way to welcome a child!

Congratulations, Teejay and Karanvir!



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Archaeologists in Israel have unearthed a city-gate and shrine dating to the First Temple Era. An Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) team headed by Saar Ganor discovered the ruins in the Tel Lachish National Park.

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Tel Lachish was the most important city in Judea, after Jerusalem, Ganor told Tazpit Press Service (TPS). This is the biggest city-gate we have found in the Land of Israel.

Sa'ar Ganor (Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS)

The size of the gate is consistent with historical and archaeological data that indicates Lachish was a major city and the most important one after Jerusalem, continued Ganor.

The city gate is approximately 24 by 24 meters in area and contains six chambers, three on each side of the main city street. Ganor said that the size of the gate, as well as the discovery of engraved benches, appears to match the Biblical narrative.

The city gate was the place where everything took place; City elders, judges, governors, kings and officials  everyone would sit on benches in the city gate, explained Ganor.

Researchers also discovered a plethora of smaller artifacts, including dozens of pottery jars, utensils (scoops) and ancient bowls.

On the handles of the jars we found ancient government seals written in ancient Hebrew script. One of the stamps was inscribed with the message To the King of Hebron. Another translated as to Nachum, my servant, who was a city official during the reign of King Hezekiah.

The city-gate was large enough to have included an ancient shrine as well. Archaeologists found a staircase leading to two rooms, one of which included a bench that served as a religious altar while the second was apparently a Holy of Holies.

The excavation team also discovered additional details indicating a desecration of the shrine, possibly by King Hezekiah.

Inside the Holy of Holies, we found two altars with four truncated horns, shared Ganor. King Hezekiah broke the horns when implementing religious reform as he pushed for everyone to only perform Temple rituals in the Temple in Jerusalem.

There was also a toilet in the room, he added. We know in the Bible that the sanctity of such shrines was by placing a toilet in the Holy of Holies.

Ancient toilet discovered (Photo: Hillel Maeir)

Ganor also discovered a war scene full of weaponry used in battles between King Hezekiahs forces and the Assyrian King Sennacherib invading army that managed to destroy the gate in 701 BCE.

We found arrowheads and other weapons showing that there was face-to-face fighting between Hezekiah and Sennacherib, Ganor said to TPS. Its like taking the Bible and holding it in your hands.
Israel's ninth president Shimon Peres, who passed away overnight Tuesday, lies in state outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, as hundreds of Israelis are waiting to pass by his casket and pay their respects to the last of Israel's founding fathers.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin and Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein paid their respects to the 93-year-old statesman and laid wreaths by the casket. They were followed by a procession of MKs.

Former US President Bill Clinton stands with President Reuven Rivlin (l) and Yuli Edelstein (r) as he bids his final farewell to Shimon Peres

Left to right: Knesset Speaker Edelstein, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Mrs. Rivlin, President Rivlin (Photo: Mizmor)

Prime Minister Netanyahu laying a wreath (Photo: Mizmor)

President Rivlin paying his respects (Photo: Reuters)

The casket will remain outside the Knesset until 9pm Thursday, while Peres's funeral is planned for Friday morning.

Clinton stands before Peres' casket (Reuters)

A last farewell (Photo: Mizmor)

Dozens of leaders, dignitaries and long-time friends are expected to attend Peres's funeral, including US President Barack Obama, Seceretary of State John Kerry, former President Bill Clinton, Canadin Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former British prime minister Tony Blair, British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, Prince Charles, French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck, King Felipe VI of Spain and the presidents ot Ukraine, Poland, Belgium, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Latvia and Mexico.

Peres's casket outside the Knesset (Photo: Mizmor)

It is yet unknown, however, if any dignitaries from Arab countries will be attending Peres's funeral.

Some of the dignitaries arrived in Israel on Thursday, including former US President Bill Clinton.

Clinton lands in Israel (Photo: GPO)

Peres will be buried at the Great Leaders of the Nation Plot at Mt. Herzl. His plot is located between those of former prime ministers Yitzhak Rabin and Yitzhak Shamir. Peres will be buried alone, as his late wife Sonya requested to be buried in Moshav Ben Shemen, while Shimon Peres made it clear his wish to buried at Mt. Herzl.

:   :   X

All major traffic routes leading to the Knessetnamely, Kaplan St., Zusman St. and Route 16will remain closed until the procession leaves the Knesset courtyard to Mt. Herzl Friday morning.

Several parking lots have been made available for free for the public. They are the First Train Station parking lot, the Teddy parking lot, the Ammunition Hill parking lot and the Ein Yael parking lot. A shuttle system will take those visiting from the lots to the Knesset to pay their respects.

Israelis wait their turn to pay their respects (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

On Friday at 8:30am, Peres's coffin will begin its journey to Mt. Herzl, where a funeral of some 5,000 attendees will take place in front of Theodore Herzl's tomb.

Several dignitaries will deliver their eulogies during the wide-scale ceremony, including President Obama, following which the procession will move to the Great Leaders of the Nation's Plot, where a smaller group of roughly 500 peopleincluding world heads of statewill take part in it.

In accordance with Jewish custom, Peres's shiva (mourning period) will begin two hours before sunset on Friday, and will resume after the Shabbat passes and then on Sunday, until two hours before the begining of Rosh Hashanah. The shiva will take place at the Peres Center for Peace, 132 Kedem St., Jaffa.

Peres's procession on its way to Jerusalem (Photo: Avi Mualem)

The funeral procession entering Jerusalem (Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch)

Peres's casket arriving at the Knesset (Photo: AP)

In addition to Obama, Peres will be honored by his three childrenTsvia Walden, Yoni and Chemi Peresand by President Reuven Rivlin and Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein, all of whom will be speaking at his funeral.

The Peres family asked singer David D'Or to sing the Jewish prayer Avinu Malkeinu during the funeral.
By PTI: WWF said this week representatives from more than

WWF said this week representatives from more than 180 countries meet at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and flora (CITES).

Conservationists will be urging those countries with tiger farms - including China, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos - to commit to providing a clear time frame for the phasing out and final closure of these facilities.

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In a move to combat the poaching of tigers, India is asking other governments at CoP17 to share photographic evidence of seized tiger skins for comparison with camera trap images of wild tigers held in a database.

"India remains vulnerable to tiger trade along the countrys borders in the east and north. This knowledge, based on sound analysis of past data and information, should help in optimising the resources at our command", said Shekhar Niraj, Head, TRAFFIC India.

WWF said that the report also highlighted an apparent rise in the seizures of live tigers, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam, with 17 animals seized from 2000-2004 and 186 animals in the last four years. It is widely believed the increase in live seizures is directly related to the rise in tiger farms.

Recent seizures have highlighted hot spots for trafficking in Vietnam, which has come under scrutiny at the CITES conference for its lack of progress in tackling the illegal trade in rhino horn, ivory and tigers.

"This analysis provides clear evidence that illegal trade in tigers, their parts and products, persists as an important conservation concern.

"Despite repeated government commitments to close down tiger farms in Asia, such facilities are flourishing and playing an increasing role in fuelling illegal trade," said Steven Broad, Executive Director, TRAFFIC. PTI TDS AJR SK AJR

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After being eulogized in the Presidents Residence, which he left about two years ago, and by Israels cabinet , which he led and served in for decades, the late President Shimon Peres received an emotional farewell from many people connected to the earlier stages of his life.

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Peres, who died early Wednesday at the age of 93, arrived at Kibbutz Alumot near the Sea of Galilee upon completing his studies at the Ben Shemen Youth Village and after receiving agricultural training. During that period, Peres underwent such training as part of the professional and ideological preparation for the settlement.

Shimon and Sonya Peres flying over Alumot in 1985 (Photo: Chanania Herman, GPO)

Peres always had a warm spot in his heart for Alumot. He did whatever he could to help the new kibbutz succeed, and looking around, one can definitely see that it worked, says Avraham Kalderon of Alumot.

The kibbutz was founded in the late 1930s in the Poria area in northern Israel, where Peres arrived in 1942 after training in Kvutzat Geva. There he worked as a shepherd, a dairy farmer and a treasurer, and spent many days with the sheep and goats in the pasture.

Alumot, where Peres worked as a shepherd (Photo: Ahiya Raved)

Alumot was the last kibbutz founded in the Jordan Valley, says Kalderon. There were 5,000 empty dunams (1,235 acres) on the slope which served as a pasture. Shimon would take the sheep and goats out in the morning and return them to the pen at the end of the day. In the mid 1940s, Peres assumed public positions in the Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed (Working and Studying Youth) movement, and upon the states establishment he left the kibbutz and became involved in security-related activity.

In the mid 1960s the kibbutz was dismantled, and it was reestablished in 1968 by the Hehalutz Lamerhav movement from South America. He supported the movement and the renewed settlement of Alumot, says Kalderon. Throughout the years, he returned to the kibbutz on every family and national event, and even brought along world leaders he met with. On one occasion, he came here with Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Unions leader and the person who led to its dissolution.

As far as were concerned, Kalderon concludes, Peres was, and still is, a significant personality in the kibbutz.

Where Shimon met Sonya

Peres spent his youth at the Ben Shemen Youth Village. Over the years, he often looked back at that period and said his experiences there had shaped his world. That was also where he met his wife, Sonya Gelman, whose parents were among the villages founders. The two got married in the villages internal courtyard, and Sonyas funeral was held in the same place in 2011.

Ben Shemen (Photo: Assaf Kamar)

Dr. Ilana Tishler, the youth villages director, says Peres arrived in Ben Shemen in 1939. This is where he received his education, this is where he swore allegiance to the Haganah, and as he said in the past, this is where his roots are.

This is a very difficult day, she added. Its a great loss. The villages graduates usually stay in touch. In Peres case, he was in touch with the village all these years. He mentioned the village upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, he mentioned the cowshed, and he recently donated money for the renovation of a building in Sonyas memory.

Photo: Assaf Kamar

The villages archive includes many letters and pictures of Peres from those days, as well as the original invitation to his wedding and new letters and pictures from the visits paid by the former student who wanted to be a shepherd and became a minister, a prime minister, and the State of Israels president.

Sonya and Shimon Peres on their wedding day (from the Ben Shemen archive)

The wedding invitation (from the Ben Shemen archive)

Sculpture of Peres in Ben Shemen (Photo: Assaf Kamar)

In the village stands a black sculpture of Peres head, carved by his classmate Leah Michaelson. In the old cowshed we found Gilad Gabai, a Ben Shemen graduate and the cowsheds deputy manager. He knows exactly where Peres met Sonya and says it all began in the Ben Shemen dairy.

Its very exciting to be here of all places on this day. This is the historical cowshed. According to the legend, this is the exact place where Peres met Sonya and they got to know each other while he fed the cows.

The cowshed at the Ben Shemen Youth Village. This is where it all began (Photo: Assaf Kamar)

Dan Yadin, a 16-year-old 11th grader in Ben Shemen, met Peres during one of his visits. I got to know Shimon personally. He has a great name and he evoked a lot of respect, so his death is very difficult for us. The entire village is talking about it. Although he did not have a personal connection with every student, his name is connected to the village and to all the pupils.

I know everything about Peres

As a child, Peres studied at the Balfour Elementary School in Tel Aviv. The news of the death of the student from the class of 1936 stirred mixed emotions among the students. On the one hand, the former presidents death caused great sadness, but on the other hand, the fact that he graduated from the school more than 80 years ago evoked a sense of pride.

The Balfour Elementary School, Wednesday (Photo: Barel Ephraim)

I know everything about Peres, said sixth grader Ricki Wertheim. When I woke up in the morning and heard the news, I had trouble accepting that hes dead, that hes gone.

A memorial stand with a memorial candle was placed in the corridor. Ayelet Wertheim, whose two daughters study in the school, added: Its a very sad day. Peres was an inseparable part of our history. The children know very well who he was, and his name is often mentioned in the school folklore.

The anthem of the school, which was founded in 1919, includes the following line: Between sycamore trees, for 90 years now. Israels president once studied here. At the entrance to the school there is sign detailing the educational institutions glorious history.

When Peres visited the school in 2000 (Photo: Barel Ephraim)

In 2000, Peres visited the school and posed for pictures with the teaching staff and the students. First grade teacher Dalia Tsur, who appears in one of the photos, says she remembers every moment of the visit: Peres asked the students who was Balfour, and they didnt know. He sat down and explained to them about the man and the famous declaration. Then he asked the children questions and expressed a lot of interest. He had a good time, and we were enchanted by him.

A final farewell in childhood hometown

Residents of Peress hometown of Vishnyeva in Belarus gathered Wednesday outside his childhood home to pay their respects for the biggest international figure to ever emerge from their village. The locals learned about Peres passing from Limmud FSU, which has been in constant contact with them since it held 90th birthday celebrations for the former Israeli president in Vishnyeva three years ago.

Residents of Vishnyeva gather outside of Shimon Peres childhood home to pay their respects (photo courtesy of Limmud FSU)

Shimon Peres brought pride to our village through his life and accomplishments and we felt obliged to pay our respects following his death, said Oleg Demidchik, 63, of Vishnyeva. We are humbled that he is from our town and we will never forget this.

The house that stands on the site of Peres onetime family residence (photo courtesy of Limmud FSU)

Photo courtesy of Limmud FSU

The events for Peres 90th birthday celebration, held as part of the Limmud FSU Belarus conference, included the introduction of a permanent photo exhibition showcasing Peress life in this remote Belarus village. A plaque was also dedicated to Peres at a house on the site of Peress onetime family residence. The plaque reads: In this place, Shimon Peres, son of Yitzhak and Sarah Perski, the Nobel laureate and ninth president of the State of Israel, was born on August 2, 1923.

Shimon Perski (R) with his parents and brother in Vishnyeva (Photo: Batya Dori)

The original idea for the 2013 events in Vishnyeva was first raised to the government of Belarus by Chaim Chesler, founder of Limmud FSU, and Yoram Dori, a close adviser to Peres for many years, during a meeting with officials in Belarus and the local authorities of Vishnyeva four years ago.

Shimon Peres, a Nobel laureate, is probably the most well-known and prominent individual to ever be born in Vishnyeva, and his memory and legacy honor this town, said Chaim Chesler. We are greatly moved to see how deeply the people of Vishnyeva care for Peres and that they joined together in his memory.
Bahrains Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa paid his respects to former President Shimon Peres who passed away overnight Tuesday after suffering a stroke two weeks ago.

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Rest in peace President Shimon Peres, a man of war and a man of the still elusive peace in the Middle East, Al Khalifa wrote on his Twitter account.

Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa

In the past, Al Khalifa voiced opinions condemning terror attacks against Israeli civilians. In November 2014, when a violent terror attack took place in a synagogue in Har Nof the foreign minister publicly voiced his opposition stating that it was unacceptable to attack innocent people.

This is a nefarious act and the Israeli response will only add suffering to the Palestinian people, he posted on his Twitter account at the time.

His condolences regarding Peress passing constitute the first official response from an Arab state. Hitherto, no official reaction has been published, including from Egypt and Jordan. Moreover, it is still unclear as to whether anyone will be attending his funeral on their behalf.

Kurds mourn loss of Peres

According to a report published on Wednesday in Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, an Arabic and English media forum in London, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who visited Israel in July, will represent his country during the funeral rather than the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Moreover, on Wednesday, an Iraqi news site said that a handful of Kurds erected a tent of mourning in the city of Dohuk in Iraq in order to mark Peress death. One of the people speaking to the Iraqi news site said Peres assisted the Kurdish people and that his passing was a big loss to the Kurdish people and supporters of peace in the world.
In a claim made by business and financial website Business Insider, digital powerhouse Apple was said to have secretly been working on software in Israel that will go toward the iPhone 8, which is only due to hit the market in two years.

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The iPhone 7 (Photo: Sagi Cohen)

An anonymous worker at Apple said that the company has been developing a variety of new products at the companys Herzliya office, among them software for the iPhone 8.

Without delving into specifics, the worker added that the iPhone 8 will differ both from Apples iPhone 6s, which was released in September 2015, and the iPhone 7, which was released last month.

Apple has yet to respond to the claim that it is already working on the next iPhone in Israel.
Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, who was convicted of bribery and money laundering charges, will not be released early by the Parole Board.

Pinto will serve the remaining few months of his one-year sentence in prison, following the prosecution's objection due to the severity of his crime and the potential danger supposedly entailed in his early release.

Pinto's lawyers criticized the decision, sayng that similar bribery cases did receive leniency. Hinting that racism or anti-religious sentiet may have led to the court's decision, Pinto's lawyer Avi Himi referred to a recent decision to release former judge Dan Cohen early. "I admit, the name 'Dan' sounds more Israeli than the name 'Yoshiyahu.'"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially authorized a request by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) to attend the funeral of Israel's ninth president Shimon Peres along with three other PA officials.

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The other officials are PLO Executive Committee Secretary-General and chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, Chief of General Intelligence Maj. Gen. Majid Faraj, and Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Abbas sent his condolences to Peress family, describing him as a partner in peace, together with Yasser Arafat and former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. He also noted the efforts Peres invested in forging a sustainable peace between Israel and the Palestinians since the signing of the Oslo Accords until the final moments of his life.

Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: AFP)

After the Egyptian government failed to confirm whether a representative would participate in the funeral procession, it was indicated Thursday afternoon that Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry would, indeed, attend. Until late Thursday afternoon, there had been a back-and-forth between Egypt and Israels Foreign Affairs Ministry as to whether Shoukry would be sending any representative at all.

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry with Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

According to Arabic-language Sky News, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will not be attending Peres funeral.

The Jordanian government was also slow to confirm that it would be sending any government representatives with the announcement of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Jawad Al-Anani's arrival only coming at around the same time as Egypt's and only shortly after an official had stated that neither Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki, nor any of the ministers in his government for that matter, would be attending Peress funeral.
The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia's air force would press ahead with its operations in Syria and dismissed a US statement on the conflict there as unhelpful and clumsy.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has called on Moscow to ground its planes over Syrian battle zones, including over Aleppo.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters on Thursday that the Russian air force would continue to support Syrian government troops and that what he called the "war on terror" would continue. Peskov urged Washington to deliver on a pledge to separate moderate Syrian opposition fighters from "terrorists" and called the latest US statement on Syria clumsy and unhelpful.
The Shin Bet has termed the operation to secure former President Shimon Peres's funeral as "the largest operation of its kind."

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They will not only have to protect the hundreds of thousands of mourners coming to the funeralincluding foreign heads of state and government ministersbut will also have to coordinate security arrangements with foreign security agencies who secure their leaders abroad.

The Shin Bet will be activating its VIP Protection Unit to defend the funeral. The event is a desirable target for terrorists due to the expected international coverage and the large amount of high ranking foreign officials who will be in attendance.

"This will be a very complex operation," the Shin Bet said, "with different Shin Bet units taking part to secure the event, which will both provide a physical protective seal around the mourners, along with using advanced technological means to protect against terror attacks."

Peres, Kerry, and Abbas in Jordan (Photo: AP)

Hundreds of police officers will also take part in the operation to secure Shimon Peres's funeral, and will include both uniformed and plain clothes officers who will be able to blend into the crowd. They are beginning their operations and cooperation with foreign security agencies now, and will continue to do so until after the funeral ends.

Lior Akerman, former deputy head of the Shin Bet and intelligence and terrorism expert, explained, "The Shin Bet is primarily responsible for personal protection such as the prime minister, president, and Israeli government ministers. It is also responsible for the protection other heads of states, in cooperation with foreign security services and their embassies. The Shin Bet is aware of all security arrangements, down to the exact number of body guards, and who is carrying a weapon."

Shin Bet training

The two main scenarios that the security establishment is on guard against are terrorist attacks and so-called lone wolf attacks, who may attempt to take advantage of the situation and harm an Israeli or foreign diplomat.

"We've had to evict guests turn into a fortress"

From the moment that Peres's death was announced on Wednesday morning, and it became clear that a long list of international VIPs and world leaders would be arriving for the funeral the world famous King David Hotel in Jerusalem swiftly went into high gear to prepare the hotel for the incoming guests.

Approximately 30 of the VIPs will be staying at the hotel with their entourages.

The King David Hotel CEO Haim Shkedi knew from the moment Peres fell ill that he would have to begin preparations for his high profile guests to arrive for the funeral.

"The good thing about us is that we have a lot of experience dealing with these eventsboth sad events such as the funeral for Yitzhak Rabin, and also happier occasions," Shkedi said.

The King David Hotel (Photo: Yoram Asheim)

"We are very skilled in putting together the technical preparations. The most difficult thing is determining who we will be allowing to stay with us and who we will be turning away, along with having to evict the current occupants of the rooms due to the arrival of these various heads of state."

"The hotel is going to turn into a fortress," Shkedi added. "There will be no parking at the hotel, there will be restricted access to certain areas inside the building, and there will be restricted access for deliveries and workers. All of this will take place under the watchful eyes of the Shin Bet and the security services for each head of state."

However, he clarified that "this is a situation whereby everyone is cooperating with each other, and there is no negative tension between anyone, including the people who had to be evicted from the hotel to make room for the foreign dignitaries. Most of them understand the situation. It also helps that this is Shimon Peres, a man whom everyone appreciated and admired. Everyone who cooperated with us in leaving the hotel said that they are doing it for Peres. It was really touching."
Jordan's King Abdullah II has sent his condolences to Israel over the passing of former President Shimon Peres.

A senior Jordanian minister, Jawad Anani, will represent Amman at the funeral on Friday.

The King wrote in a telegram to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Thursday that Peres's "contributions toward achieving peace and security in the region are more relevant than ever before."

The King said that "it is vital that the voices of reason prevail and the advocates of peace continue to lead the way."
Heads of state and dignitaries from all over the world will be attending the funeral of Israel's ninth president Shimon Peres on Friday. They are coming from places as diverse as Togo and Mexico, Austria and China.

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Bill Clinton visits Peres's casket

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Leading the US delegation will be US President Barack Obama, and will see Secretary of State John Kerry and Vice President Joe Biden, amongst others. Former President Bill Clinton arrived earlier Thursday morning, and has already visited Peres as he lies in state at the Knesset. The governors of New York and New Jersey confirmed their attendance before the tragedy in Hoboken, and it remains to be seen if they will still be attending. There will also be 19 Senators and Members of the US House of Representatives attending the funeral.

L-R: Reuven Rivlin, Bill Clinton and Yuli Edelstein (Photo: EPA)

The UK will be sending an especially large delegation to the funeral, which will include: the Prince of Wales, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, President of the Board of Jewish Deputies Ephraim Arkush and former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, David Cameron, and Gordon Brown.

Meanwhile, the Egyptians are sending Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the Jordanians are sending Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Jawad Al-Anani. The Palestinians are sending a four member delegation, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, PLO Executive Committee Secretary-General and chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, Chief of General Intelligence Maj. Gen. Majid Faraj, and Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh.

The former and current heads of state and government who have confirmed that they are attending Peres's funeral follow:

Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove

Austrian Doris Doris Bures and former President Heinz Fischer

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic

Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte

Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas

Finish Prime Minister Juha Sipila

French President Francois Hollande and former President Nicolas Sarkozy

German President Joachim Gauck

Greek former Prime Minister George Papandreou

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi

Ivorian President Alassane Dramanne Ouattara

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite

Luxembourgish Grand Duke Henri

Macedonian Prime Minister Emil Dimtriev

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto

Monagesque Prime Minister Serge Telle

Polish President Andrzej Duda

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico

Slovenian President Borut Pahor

Spanish King Felipe VI

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven

Swiss Federal President Johann Schneider-Ammann

Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

The countries of Portugal, Brazil, Turkey, China, Singapore, India, Australia, and Papua New Guinea have sent high ranking officials to represent their leaders at Shimon Peres's funeral.



In addition, NATO Secretary General Jens Stolenberg and European Council President Donald Tusk are to attend.
BUJUMBURA- The head of one of Burundi's opposition parties has been arrested for collaborating with "armed gangs", police said on Thursday, joining a list of activists and political figures detained since the start of a political crisis.

Gervais Niyongabo, chairman of FEDES-SANGIRA, was detained in the southern Makamba region on Wednesday, police spokseman Pierre Nkurikiye wrote on his Twitter account.

Niyongabo had been one of the few opposition leaders still working inside the central African nation - many others have fled to neighbouring states and Europe.

Burundi has been mired in political crisis and sporadic violence for more than a year, triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term in office, which he secured in a disputed election in July 2015.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 28 (PTI) A top government official, who committed suicide while being probed by CBI for alleged corruption, has accused the investigating agency of torturing him and three other members of his family, forcing them to end their lives.

In purported suicide notes dated September 26, 2016, a day before the bodies of B K Bansal and his son Yogesh were recovered from their flat here, the two accused a CBI DIG, two women officers and a "fat" havildar of the probe agency of "torture".

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In the wake of the allegations against its officials, CBI today constituted an internal inquiry to look into them.

CBI Spokesperson RK Gaur said the agency has received a communication from Delhi Police to which the suicide notes have been attached.

He said an inquiry has been ordered into the allegations and the court will be informed.

In the note purportedly signed by Bansal, former Corporate Affairs Director General, it has been alleged that his wife and daughter had shared the details of "torture" with friends and neighbours before taking the extreme step in July.

He alleged that the CBI DIG also claimed that he was close to a politician of the ruling party and dared Bansal to do whatever he wanted.

Bansal alleged that the women officers slapped his wife even as the DIG abused her over phone and threatened to torture Bansal who was then in CBI custody.

He said, "Even if I was at fault in the case, why were my wife and daughter pushed to suicide by CBI officials."

"This cannot be termed as suicide. It is a murder of two ladies," he said, adding that the DIG and the "fat" havildar should be subjected to lie detector test to ascertain the truth.

Bansal also urged the Director CBI to probe the matter as the DIG had threatened him before the suicide of his wife and daughter that "they will be subjected to such a torture that they will ask for death but wont get it".

His son Yogesh, in his purported suicide note, identified one more officer in addition to four already named by his father.

Yogesh alleged that he was "unofficially" subjected to "mental and physical" torture to an extent that he was being forced to take such a step.

He alleged that the five CBI officers including the DIG had "unofficially and off the record" tortured him, his mother and his sister.

"My mother and my sister were against suicide but they were tortured to such an extent that they took the step," he alleged, adding that they were "murdered" by CBI officers who were supported by a neighbour who made fun of their situation.

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The suicide by Bansal and his son came barely two months after his wife and daughter ended their lives following his arrest on July 16 for allegedly accepting a bribe from a pharmaceutical company. PTI ABS SKL SK SK

--- ENDS ---
GENEVA- A looming Iraqi military operation against the Islamic State group in Mosul could spark "one of the largest man-made disasters" in years, the U.N. refugee agency's top official in Iraq warned Thursday, urging the international community to keep up support for displaced Iraqis before a battle that could mark a turning point for the war-ravaged country.

Bruno Geddo of UNHCR says more than 1 million people could be displaced by the campaign to retake the largest IS-held city, which has an estimated population of 1.2 to 1.5 million. The Iraqi government has pledged to retake Mosul this year, but has not announced a date for the operation -- and has been gearing up with support from the United States and other allies.

Speaking Thursday to reporters after meetings with donors in Geneva, Geddo said UNHCR is preparing as well, but faces constraints in obtaining land for camps, erecting them in time, and winning full funding for its plans. He said UNHCR and partners are planning to provide tents, water, medical support and other services to the estimated 700,000 people who might flee Mosul.

The military operation in the city "has the potential to be one of the largest man-made disasters for many, many years."
KIEV, Ukraine  Ukraine on Thursday marked the 75th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre, one of the most infamous mass slaughters of World War II.

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Babi Yar, a ravine in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, is where nearly 34,000 Jews were killed within 48 hours in 1941 when the city was under Nazi occupation. The killing was carried out by SS troops along with local collaborators.

Ron Lauder at Babi Yar (Photo: Shahar Ezran)

Poroshenko tweeted that "we Ukrainians very well understand the grief of the Jews and take it as our own."

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder described Babi Yar as "one of the most infamous pieces of ground in the entire world."

L-R: Tali Ploskov, David Bitan & Ploskov (Photo: Shahar Ezran)

He also noted that some Ukrainians had collaborated with the Nazis in the massacre.

"While Babi Yar was organized by the Nazis, there were willing helpers in the Ukrainian militia," he said, praising others who had helped save Jews. "There were Ukrainians who risked their lives to save their Jewish neighbors."

Lauder also hailed the Jewish revival that Ukraine has seen in recent years. "We are here in Kiev for one more important reason: We are here to celebrate the rebirth of a strong Jewish community here in Ukraine," he said. "This rebirth is nothing short of a miracle."

Kiev resident Volodymyr Pogrilchuk said the tragedy of Babi Yar has haunted him ever since.

"I was almost 6 years old at that time and it was something horrible," he said "It was a nightmare. And I come here every year."

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin cut short his state visit to Ukraine before the ceremony to return to pay his respects to his deceased predecessor, Shimon Peres . Israel was instead represented by Deputy Speakers of the Knesset Tali Ploskov and Yehiel Bar and the chairman of the coalition, MK David Bitan.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The United Nations in Afghanistan said on Thursday that an airstrike in the eastern province of Nangarhar near the Pakistan border killed at least 15 civilians and injured another 13.

In a statement, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan called for an independent investigation into the incident, which took place in the Achin district early Wednesday.

It said that all the dead were men, and one of the injured is a boy. They were part of a crowd that gathered at the home of a tribal elder to welcome him back from his pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj ritual.
DUBA- A bill passed by Congress allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government has prompted reactions of outrage and ridicule among some in the Arab world. Many critics say the bill reinforces a long-held perception in the Middle East that the US only demands justice for its own victims of terrorism, despite decades of controversial US interventions around the world.

Others support the bill, but point out that the US is meanwhile backing a Saudi-led intervention in Yemen that has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians there.

Two Arabic hashtags were trending on Twitter when the bill was passed, one referring directly to the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, or JASTA, and the other simply titled: #TheAmericanTerrorism.

Some Arabic Twitter users shared a photo montage that depicted US military actions in Japan and Vietnam, as well as naked Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison being humiliated by smiling US troops. It read: "Japan, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan can't wait for JASTA to be implemented so they can, in turn, prosecute the US."
BERLIN- Germany's foreign minister urged Russia on Thursday to do more to bring about and enforce a lasting ceasefire in Syria, saying the situation there had escalated into "a humanitarian catastrophe."

Earlier on Thursday, Russia vowed to press on with its assault in Syria while US officials cast about for a tougher response to Moscow's decision to ignore the peace process and seek military victory on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke by telephone with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and called on Moscow and Washington to resume ceasefire discussions.

He said the two sides should hammer out at least a temporary truce to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to trapped civilians, Berlin's foreign ministry said in a statement.
Israel Police Commissioner Ronny Alsheikh revealed in a press conference before Shimon Peres's funeral that several people have been arrested for planning to attack the funeral procession, including Jews.

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World leaders and royalty will be participating in the funeral procession and the funeral itself.

"We are dedicating all of our efforts due to the holidays, and with no connection to the funeral. We've made preventative arrests of various people and suspects to mitigate the chances of a disruption to the funeral  including Jews," Alsheikh said.

Israel Police Commissioner Ronny Alsheikh (Photo: Gil Yochanan)

"There were a small number of arrests," he continued. "You can count them all on one hand."

He went on to say that there are no specific threats to the funeral, but are preparing for any type of incident  from terror to political provocation.

Hundreds of police officers will take part in the operation to secure Shimon Peres's funeral, and will include both uniformed and plain clothes officers who will be able to blend into the crowd.

Lior Akerman, former deputy head of the Shin Bet and intelligence and terrorism expert, explained, "The Shin Bet is primarily responsible for personal protection such as the prime minister, president, and Israeli government ministers. It is also responsible for the protection other heads of states, in cooperation with foreign security services and their embassies. The Shin Bet is aware of all security arrangements, down to the exact number of body guards, and who is carrying a weapon."
CAIRO- A car bomb exploded in an eastern suburb of Cairo on Thursday evening, wounding two people, security sources said.

It was not clear who the bomb was targeting, but the sources said it was planted in a private car parked near the home of a senior interior ministry official and a prosecutor.

Egypt is facing an Islamist insurgency led by ISIS's branch in North Sinai, where hundreds of soldiers and police have been killed. There have also been attacks in Cairo and other cities.

The country's top prosecutor was assassinated by a car bomb in June last year.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with former U.S. President Bill Clinton ahead of the funeral for former Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Netanyahu said Clinton wrote a warm message in a guest book at the meeting Thursday night. He did not elaborate.

Earlier in the day Clinton joined thousands of mourners paying respects outside Israel's parliament building in Jerusalem where Peres' casket lay in state.
WASHINGTON  Both were Nobel Prize laureates who labored for peace in the Middle East but failed to achieve it. Now, their joint efforts are at an end as President Barack Obama prepares to pay a final tribute to Shimon Peres in Jerusalem.

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Obama boarded Air Force One on Thursday afternoon local time to fly to Israel to join dozens of other world leaders at the funeral of Peres , the former prime minister, president and elder statesman who died at age 93.

The two leaders shared similar visions for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Peres' son-in-law and personal physician, Dr. Rafi Walden, said Obama had called the family overnight on Wednesday during Peres' final hours and spoke to Peres' daughter, Tzvia. "We are deeply moved," Walden said.





Obama and Peres at the Israeli President's Residence (Photo: Avi Ochion, GPO)

Obama awarded Peres the Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor, in 2012, saying "Shimon teaches us to never settle for the world as it is."

In turn, Peres bestowed the Medal of Distinction on Obama, making him the first sitting U.S. president to receive Israel's highest civilian honor.

"This award speaks to you, to your tireless work to make Israel strong, to make peace possible," Peres said in 2013. "Your presidency has given the closest ties between Israel and the United States a new height, a sense of intimacy, a vision for the future."

Those who worked with both men said they shared mutual respect and affection.

Obama awarding Peres the Medal of Freedom (Photo: AFP)

"Even a man into his 90s, Peres was always thinking about the future," said Dennis Ross, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former adviser to Obama. "I think that captured the president's imagination and added to the respect for him."

Ross, who said he spoke often with Peres during the past three decades, said the Israeli leader believed that Obama's heart was in the right place. But "he wasn't always convinced that the president fully understood the nature of Israel's predicament in the region," Ross said.

Peres bestowing on Obama the Medal of Distinction (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

Presenting the Medal of Freedom, Obama called Peres a true founding father who knew the necessity of strength. He said Peres also recognized that a nation's security also depends upon the righteousness of its deeds. "Even in the darkest moments, he's never lost hope in, as he puts it, 'a Middle East that is not a killing field but a field of creativity and growth,'" Obama said.

Obama boarding Air Force One on Thursday (Photo: AFP)

Peres used the moment to reflect on how the United State and Israel are linked in the pursuit of liberty. He also warned that Iran served as a danger to that liberty and was a nation ruled by a leadership that aimed to rule the Middle East. "They bring darkness to a world longing for light."

Obama has staked his foreign policy legacy on a deal with Iran designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Ross said that Peres supported efforts to constrain Iran's nuclear ambitions. He also saw some weaknesses in the deal, but felt the best way for Israel to influence the deal was to do so quietly rather than publicly.
By PTI: Dehradun, Sept 29 (PTI) In what is being seen as a shot in the arm for ruling Congress ahead of the Assembly polls in Uttarakhand, influential BJP leader from Ranikhet, Narendra Rautela, has joined the party along with his supporters.

Rautela who joined the party at Congress office here yesterday in the presence of PCC president Kishore Upadhyay was welcomed into the party fold by Chief Minister Harish Rawat, saying it will strengthen the party.

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Political observers here feel that Congress has made a dent into the BJP citadel of Ranikhet represented in the state assembly currently by Uttarkhand BJP president Ajay Bhatt.

However, BJP described Rautelas defection to Congress as "good riddance" for the party.

"Rautelas departure will make no difference to BJP. Even while he was with us, he worked for Congress. It is good riddance for BJP ," state BJP spokesman Munna Singh Chauhan said.

Countering the perception that Rautelas defection to Congress was a shot in the arm for the party in power ahead of assembly polls in the state, the BJP spokesman said Rautela seldom visits his area and has lost his support base.

Assembly polls in Uttarakhand are due next year. PTI ALM MNG DV MNG

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The schoolgirl who claimed to have seen five armed men near the Navy ammunition dump in Uran, has admitted to officials that it was a prank.

By India Today Web Desk: The schoolgirl who claimed to have seen five armed men near the Navy ammunition dump in Uran, has admitted to officials that it was a prank, according to multiple reports.

The girl, a student of Uran Education Society, "confessed to her prank and apologised in writing." She admitted to making up the story "for thrill" after seeing pictures of ISIS terrorists in black clothes, according to the Times of India.

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Uran police officials, however, claim they haven't been told about the confession.

"We are relying on the girl's original statement and our search is still on. The students have not said it was prank; they have not given anything in writing," an Uran police officer told the Hindustan Times.

Last week, an alert was sounded in Uran, a city 50 km from Mumbai, when two students claimed seeing suspicious men in Uran.

The 12-year-old schoolgirl had told authorities that she saw five armed men, wearing masks and black clothes, while on her way to school on September 21. A boy from the same school also said he saw an armed man with a gun in the area.

Soon after the Navy and Uran and its surrounding areas were put on high alert, and the police, anti-terrorism squad, Force 1, coast guard and navy launched search operations for possible intruders. Officials even released sketches of the two 'suspects'.

The Navi Mumbai Police have now called off the search.

Officials say there's nothing they can do about the hoax informers except letting them off with a warning, since they're minors.

The girl's school, meanwhile, cast doubts on the 'prank' claim. "If it was prank, why did the entire police force and intelligence agencies conduct search operations? It means the agencies must have received some reports," a school committee member told HT.

--- ENDS ---
Indian army carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control dismantling at least seven camps in PoK. A team of army commandos carried out the operation after getting a go ahead from the government.

By Manjeet Negi: After years of terror strikes supported by Pakistan, the Indian Army has hit back with a textbook surgical strike that caused heavy casualties including 2 Pakistani soldiers, and destroyed seven terror camps. Latest imagery suggests that the number of casualties of terrorists across the LoC is around 50.

Ghatak platoon of 6 Bihar and 10 Dogra units were made part of the surgical operations as they were familiar with the terrain. It also gave them a sense of responsibility in avenging the deaths of their fellow jawans. Both units suffered losses in the Uri terror attack on September, 18.

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Few hours after the surgical strikes in PoK, Pakistan government has released the photographs of 2 dead soldiers. They have been identified as Havildar Jumma Khan and Naik Imtiaz.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has issued a statement, saying one soldier from 37 RR with weapons inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the LoC. It has denied reports of any Indian casualties.



India Today has got exclusive details of the inside story behind the surgical strikes.

Opinion: Indian Army's surgical strikes should make Pakistan think twice before trying another Uri

It was around midnight, when the Army's Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters with 25 commandos from 4-para and 9-para crossed the LoC into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The helicopters dropped the commandos at earmarked spots and returned. They were now in enemy territory.

Commandos used Israel made Tavor assault rifles.

HOW THEY REACHED THE TARGET



The Army commandos crawled through mud, rocks and even landmines for about 3 kilometres with the threat of being caught in the Pakistan army's crosshairs. Their destinations included seven launch pads where large number of terrorists had gathered.

The launch pads were for terrorists waiting to infiltrate into the Indian side of the LoC to carry out terror attacks in the country. The terror launch pads were located in Bhimbar, Kel, Tattapani and Leepa areas.

Opinion | India hits back: 5 reasons why Army's surgical strikes were historic, by Shiv Aroor



The launch pads were under close surveillance of the Indian intelligence agencies. RAW and Military Intelligence had kept an eye on every single movement of terrorists in the target zone.

READ: Avenging Uri: How India conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

THE SURGICAL STRIKE



The surgical strike team had six targets on mind, three of which were completely destroyed during the operation. Commandos were equipped with Tavor and M-4 guns, grenades and smoke grenades. They also carried under barrel grenade launchers (UBGL) and night-vision devices. They wore camera-mounted helmets.



After reaching the target spot, the commandos used the element of surprise to mount rapid and deadly attacks on the enemy. With the terrorists taken by surprise, the crack troops added to the chaos by firing a flurry of smoke grenades into the terror camps.

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Their actions were so precise and quick that by the time terrorists and Pakistani army personnel realized what was happening, at least 50 terrorists had been killed. Two Pakistani army personnel were also killed in the action.



Two para commandos of the strike team received injuries during the mission from landmines.

The para commandos preferred M4 carbine as their most favourite weapon against the terrorists. (Screenshot: YouTube- Howcast)

READ: India hits Pakistan back with surgical strikes across Line of Control, 38 killed

REAL-TIME MONITORING

Meanwhile in Delhi, in a scene similar to the US mission to take out Osama bin Laden, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag monitored the entire operation in real time, receiving footage from the helmet cameras as well as a drone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being regularly briefed about the progress of the operation.

Parrikar congratulated the Army for its successful operation. He said that Army had "credible information about the presence of terrorists in the area and we carried out surgical attacks on those camps." PoK is part of India, Parrikar added.

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In an important diplomatic move, Doval spoke to his American counterpart Susan Rice and took her into confidence about the cross-border operation.

Commandos used Army's Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters to carry out the surgical strikes.

The operation that began at 12.30 am past midnight ended at around 4.30 am on Thursday. Army headquarters in Delhi had finished its preparation for the operation by 8 pm on Wednesday night.



On Wednesday, in fact, there was a dinner at the Coastguard Commander Conference in New Delhi. Besides Parrikar, Doval and General Suhag were expected to attend the dinner party.



However, the three skipped the dinner and held a war-room meeting at Army headquarters, where they reviewed the plan for the surgical operation and gave their final approval.



Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag said that the army had done what it said by "giving a befitting reply at the place and time of its own choice".

Watch how India carried out military operation in PoK







VIGILANT AFTER STRIKE



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After paying back Pakistan in the same coin, the Indian Army's morale is high but it has also stepped up vigil along the LoC and the border in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Punjab.



All the three armed forces and paramilitary forces have been put on the highest alert. The leaves of Army and BSF personnel have been cancelled.



Areas adjacent to border and LoC in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir are being evacuated. Additional deployment of BSF personnel is also being made. There is a high alert from Gujarat to Kashmir along the border and LoC. Coast Guard has been asked to be extra vigilant.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Army on successful counter terrorism operations.





Meanwhile, the UN has asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and encouraged them to continue their effort to resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue.

"We are obviously following the situation with great concern concerning the increase of tensions across the Line of Control," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

Disappointed to see the Pakistan PM use the @UN to praise a militant group that uses violence to promote its cause. https://t.co/FDsWOY7fhB Ted Poe (@JudgeTedPoe) September 28, 2016

Satellites, radar chains and NTRO facilities are monitoring the situation 24x7. The officers in Military Operations room are constantly analysing the inputs coming from the LoC and Indo-Pakistan border. The army has got inputs that suggest troop movement and mechanised infantry mobilisation by Pakistani army.

Highly placed sources confirmed that matching response machinery had been put in place to counter any misadventure by Pakistani army. Western air command fighter bases and platforms were on operational readiness mode.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag were in office till 11 pm on Thursday monitoring the situation.



ALSO READ:

Claims denied: How Pakistan media is treating India's surgical strike





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At midnight, 25 dauntless Indian commandos boarded a Dhruv-advanced light helicopter from Poonch and landed on a deserted terrain of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, across the LoC and carried out surgical strikes there.

By Manjeet Negi: At midnight, 25 dauntless Indian commandos boarded a Dhruv-advanced light helicopter from Poonch and landed on a deserted terrain of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, across the military Line of Control.

Danger lurked around. Pakistan's army was in a state of heightened alert.

Also read: Mehbooba says India-Pak confrontation can lead to 'disaster of epic proportions'

But the warriors of India's elite Special Forces were fearless. The indomitable commandos of the 4 and 9 Paras crawled and slithered almost 3 kilometres inside PoK, top Army sources told India Today.

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RAW and the military intelligence have been keeping a sharp eye on terror launchpads and movements of militants across the LoC for almost a week now, the sources said.

SIX CAMPS POTENTIAL TARGETS

Six camps were identified as potential targets.

Armed with M4 assault rifles, grenades, smoke bombs, UBGLs, night-vision devices and helmet cameras, Indian commandos struck the bull's eye with precision, highly-placed military officials said.

Also read: Will Pakistan hit back? Villages close to border being evacuated, leaves of soldiers cancelled

They mounted grenade attacks on target camps followed by a volley of smoke bombs and heavy firing.

Before long, as many as 38 terrorists were killed. Two Pakistani soldiers also died in Indian strikes, Indian Army sources said.

ARMY OPERATION ENDS AT 4.30 AM

The commandos wrapped up their operation by 4.30 am, according to sources.

Preparedness for the Special Forces' cross-LoC action was under way at the Army headquarters in Delhi, hours before it began from Poonch.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag supervised its strategic execution at the Army's top-secret nerve centre, also called the war room, in Delhi's South Block, most senior officials told India Today.

Also read: India's claim of surgical strikes across LoC an 'illusion', says Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was regularly briefed about the progress of the operation.

INDIA BRIEFS US

Overnight, Doval also briefed his US counterpart Susan Rice about the development, sources said.

Meanwhile, Indian security forces have been put on a high alert. Authorities have suspended leaves of BSF troopers and Army personnel.

Villages along western borders in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir are being evacuated as a precautionary measure, according to officials.

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Latest News

Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry spoke this morning via phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Secretary Kerry expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Syria, particularly for continued Russian and Syrian regime attacks on hospitals, the water supply network, and other civilian infrastructure in Aleppo. The Secretary made clear the United States and its partners hold Russia responsible for this situation, including the use of incendiary and bunker buster bombs in an urban environment, a drastic escalation that puts civilians at great risk.



The Secretary stressed that the burden remains on Russia to stop this assault and allow humanitarian access to Aleppo and other areas in need. He informed the Foreign Minister that the United States is making preparations to suspend U.S.-Russia bilateral engagement on Syria  including on the establishment of the Joint Implementation Center  unless Russia takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo and restore the cessation of hostilities.
The surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) have generally been welcomed by politicians cutting across party lines.

By India Today Web Desk: The surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) have generally been welcomed by politicians cutting across party lines. However, Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti, whose PDP is governing the state in alliance with the BJP, sounded sceptical of the government's move.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in a statement, said the party stands with the government in its actions today to protect our country's security and deal with the menace of terrorism from across the border. She congratulated the armed forces on her party's behalf and offered its support to the government in the country's continuing battle against cross-border terrorism.

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Also read: Claims denied: How Pakistan media is treating India's surgical strike



"This is a strong message that conveys our country's resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people," she said.



AMIT SHAH CONGRATULATES ARMY, PM MODI



Meanwhile, congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Army on Twitter, BJP president Amit Shah said, "Indian Army has inflicted heavy damages on terrorists, without any casualty, reaffirms Army's valour and commitment to nation's security. It is for the first time, in this frontal fight against terrorism, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi is feeling secure."



He further said, "I again salute the valour of Indian Army for giving befitting reply to those attacking innocent Indians and ensuring zero tolerance on terror. Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the GoI (Government of India) doesn't get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists."

Also read: Uri martyr's family hails surgical strikes on Pakistan



In a message for Pakistan, Sonia Gandhi said, "The party hopes that Pakistan will recognise that it bears a great responsibility in the continuing cross-border terrorist attacks against India. The party expects that Pakistan will take effective action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism that it has supported and it ensures that its territory and the territory under its control is not used for terrorist purposes against India."



SUSHMA BRIEFS SONIA



External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj briefed Sonia at the latter's official residence 10 Janpath. She is learnt to have briefed her on the surgical strikes and the current situation in the country.

Urging restraint, Mehbooba Mufti said Indo-Pak confrontation could lead to disaster of epic proportions.



Minorities Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Pakistan has been given a befitting reply. He said there should be no politics on national security. He also said the government had called an all-party meeting to brief about this strike.

Also read: Avenging Uri: How India conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir



Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: "Bharat Mata ki jai. The entire country is with the Indian Army."

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ATTACK HAS BOOSTED ARMY'S MORALE



Reacting to the surgical strikes, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said Pakistan was behaving like a terrorist state and, therefore, this reply was necessary. "This has boosted the morale of the Indians and the Indian Army. It is a very bold step. India has shown its commitment to the people of India. An appropriate reply has been given to Pakistan," he said.



Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam said the Indian Army carrying out the strikes in PoK against Pakistani terror camps is good news. "It is the best option," he said.

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Illinois: Democrat Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump Thursday of breaking the law by violating the US trade embargo with Cuba, slamming her rival as dishonest and willing to put his interests before the country.

Clinton said Trump`s business interests in Cuba in the 1990s "appear to violate US law, certainly flout American foreign policy," as she accused him of misleading American voters.

Newsweek earlier reported that Trump hotel and casino executives spent $68,000 while trying to get a foothold in Cuba during a trip in 1998.

That was well before the United States loosened its decades-old embargo and when expenditures in the Caribbean country were illegal without US government approval.

A former Trump executive who spoke to Newsweek on condition of anonymity said the company did not obtain a government license for its spending before the trip.

The issue plays into Clinton`s main line of attack against her Republican rival.

Her campaign has framed the election as an existential moment for the republic: a choice between Clinton`s safe pair of hands and the latent authoritarianism of an erratic and duplicitous mogul.

The issue could also cause Trump problems in the swing state of Florida -- where anti-communist Cuban Americans make up a vocal slice of the electorate.

Polls show the Democrat and Republican nominees running virtually neck-and-neck there.

"This adds to the long list of actions and statements that raise doubts about his temperament and qualification to be president and commander in chief," said Clinton.

She accused Trump of continuing to "stonewall the American voters" on his taxes and business interests "before they cast their votes, early or on November 8."

Facing questions about the report, Trump`s campaign manager Kellyanne Conway all but acknowledged that his company violated the embargo.

"As I understand from the story, they paid money in 1998," she said on the ABC show "The View."

However, Trump ultimately "decided not to invest there," she added, saying the real estate billionaire has remained "very critical" of Cuba and the Castro regime.

Newsweek reported that the company did not spend the money directly, opting instead to funnel the funds through a consulting firm -- Seven Arrows Investment and Development Corp -- with Trump`s knowledge to make it appear as if the spending were part of a charitable effort.

Instituted in the early 1960s, the trade embargo was designed to starve Fidel Castro`s regime of US currency. Despite the recent restoration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana, the embargo remains largely in place today.

Florida`s Republican US Senator and onetime presidential candidate Marco Rubio, whose parents fled Cuba, said he was "deeply concerned" about the report.

"I hope the Trump campaign is going to come forward and answer some questions about this," he told ABC`s "Capital Games" podcast.

"It was a violation of American law if that`s how it happened."
Punjab: Villages bordering Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being evacuated in view of India carrying out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC.

Villages in Attari sector in Jammu and Kashmir are being evacuated amongst others, as per ANI.

On the other hand, residents of nearly 1,000 villages in Punjab districts bordering Pakistan are being evacuated.

The villages being evacuated as a preventive measure include 300 in Ferozepur district, 290 in Gurdaspur, 137 in Amritsar, 135 in Tarn Taran, 65 in Pathankot and 60 in Fazilka, as per IANS.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.

Moreover, emergency ward of Civil Hospital in Pathankot has been cleared in preparation for any eventuality.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal over telephone today to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people, as per PTI.

Following this, Badal directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to ask the concerned Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts.

Security has also been tightened in Rajasthan along the country's border with Pakistan, official sources said.

"Troops in Rajasthan are in a state of high alertness and preparedness to meet any eventuality," Army sources told IANS.

A high-level meeting was called by Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria with senior security and state government officials.

India carries out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across LoC

In the first such action, India carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army saying today its special forces inflicted "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The announcement of the sudden action by the Army to prevent fresh terror attacks was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.

"Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads," General Singh told a news conference during which External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

The announcement of the strikes by the Indian army was made soon after Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS).

Prime Minister Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former Premier Mahmohan Singh among others on the surgical strikes.

Sharing details, Gen Singh said the operations were basically focused "to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country."

"During these counter terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them. The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said.

The DGMO said he had spoken to the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations and explained India's concerns and also shared with him details of the operation.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country. In line with Pakistan's commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region," he said.

(With Agency inputs)
El Cajon: Protesters yelled "murder" and demanded on Wednesday a federal investigation into the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black man in Southern California, just as racially charged anger over two similar incidents during the past two weeks had begun to subside.

Tuesday`s mid-afternoon shooting unfolded after two officers responded to several calls about a mentally unstable person walking in traffic and confronted the man behind a restaurant in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon, according to local police.

One policeman opened fire with his service pistol and his partner simultaneously fired a Taser stun gun when the man pulled an object from his pants pocket and took aim at them in a "shooting stance," according to police. No weapon from the man, however, was recovered from the scene, police said. The object he was said to be carrying was not specified.

Local activists and friends later identified the victim as Ugandan-born Alfred Olango, which Mayor Bill Wells confirmed on Wednesday. Friends and supporters said Olango, age 38, according to court records, was mentally ill and may have been suffering a seizure in the moments before his death.

Police said they obtained cellphone video of the shooting from a bystander, but authorities released only a still frame showing two officers pointing weapons at a man who was aiming an object at them.

In a separate video clip taken moments after the shooting and posted on social media, a woman who refers to herself as the victim`s sister is heard crying in anguish, "Oh my God. You killed my brother. I just called for help and ... you killed him."

Wells told a news conference that he had seen the footage obtained by police. He described it as "certainly enlightening," adding, "I dont believe that this is going to be a tremendously complicated process for people to figure out what happened."

I saw a man who was distraught, a man who was acting in ways that looked like he was in great pain, and I saw him get gunned down and killed, and it broke my heart. If it was my son I would be devastated, Wells said.

Wells said all 120 officers on El Cajon`s police force receive training from San Diego County`s Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams, or PERT, program, though no PERT-assigned officer was available for dispatch to Tuesday`s call.

CRIES FOR `JUSTICE`

The shooting came days after two black men were killed by police under questionable circumstances in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, igniting demonstrations decrying racial bias by U.S. law enforcement.

The Charlotte shooting sparked a week of sometimes violent protests, prompting authorities there to impose a state of emergency and curfew.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis appealed for calm. The predominantly white city is home to some 100,000 people, including many residents who are immigrants from the Middle East and Africa.

"I implore the community to be patient with us, work with us, look at the facts at hand before making any judgment," he said.

Civil rights activists and several hundred protesters gathered outside the police department, where they chanted "murder," "justice for Alfred Olango" and "black lives matter."

Some then marched on toward the scene of the shooting, joined by more demonstrators, as the swelling crowd stopped at times to block traffic.

"We are not going to stop until we get justice," the Reverend Shane Harris, president of the National Action Network`s San Diego chapter, said at the demonstration. "We do not trust local prosecutors to investigate local police."

Federal court records show that Olango had a troubled past, fleeing to the United States from Uganda as a child with his family in 1991 because his father had worked for the former president of the east African country and the next president had threatened to kill the family.

According to court documents from 2006, Olango, who had eight brothers and sisters, was granted permanent U.S. residency but lost that status in 2001 after being convicted of drug charges. He pleaded guilty several years later to a separate charge of illegal possession of a firearm and was sentenced to three years in prison.

As of 2006, records showed, a deportation order against him was still pending. He had two children by two different women, one of whom he married in 2001 but later separated from.

Wells said it would be up to county prosecutors who are investigating the shooting to release a video as they see fit. He said the FBI also was probing the incident.
Washington: The US Senate voted overwhelmingly today to override Barack Obama's veto of a bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia, the first such rebuke of his eight-year presidency.

In a landmark 97-1 vote backing the override, only outgoing Obama ally, Nevada Democrat Harry Reid, voted against it, teeing up a similar vote in the House of Representatives later today.

The rare act of bipartisanship is a severe blow to Obama, who lobbied hard against the bill, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

The rebuke marks Obama's last months in office and shows the White House to be much weakened.

Obama has issued 12 vetoes during his presidency. Until now none have been overridden, a rare feat given Republicans' longstanding control of Congress.

His Republican predecessor George W Bush also issued 12 vetoes and four were overriden. The last president to avoid an override was legendary Democratic congressional dealmaker -- and former senator and congressman -- Lyndon Johnson.

The White House argued the 9/11 bill would undermine the principle of sovereign immunity and open up the United States itself to lawsuits.

In a letter to Republican and Democratic Senate leaders obtained by AFP, Obama said: "I strongly believe that enacting JASTA into law would be detrimental to US national interests."

Obama warned of "devastating" consequences for the Pentagon, service members, diplomats and the intelligence services.

It would "neither protect Americans from terrorist attacks, nor improve the effectiveness of our response to such attacks," he warned.

"The United States relies on principles of immunity to prevent foreign litigants and foreign courts from second-guessing our counterterrorism operations and other actions that we take every day."

Families of 9/11 victims have campaigned for the law -- convinced that the Saudi government had a hand in the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens, but no link to the government has been proven. The Saudi government denies any links to the plotters.

Declassified documents showed US intelligence had multiple suspicions about links between the Saudi government and the attackers.

"While in the United States, some of the 9/11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi government," a finding read.
Washington: US First Lady Michelle Obama took a dig at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying America "needs an adult in the White House" and not a person who is "erratic and threatening".

"When making life-or-death, war-or-peace decisions, a president just cannot pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you," she said at an election rally in support of Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia as she made a strong pitch for the 68-year-old Democratic presidential candidate.

Michelle, without mentioning Trump, 70, said the US needs someone who is compassionate.

"Someone who will be a role model for our kids. Someone who is not just in this for themselves but for the good of this entire country - all of us. At the end of the day, the presidency does not change who you are, it reveals who you are and the same is true of a presidential campaign," she said.

US presidential campaigns, Michelle said, are very long - nearly two and a half years, or half of one presidential term.

"So if a candidate is erratic and threatening; if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fears and lies on the campaign trail; if a candidate thinks that not paying taxes makes you smart, or that it is good business when people lose their homes; if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act - well, sadly, that is who that candidate really is. That is the kind of president they will be," she said.

Michelle said a candidate is not going to suddenly change once they are in office - just the opposite, in fact.

"Because the minute that individual takes that oath, they are under the hottest, harshest light there is, and there is no way to hide who they really are. But see, at that point, it is too late. They are the leader of the world's largest economy, Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful military force on Earth.

With every word they utter, they can start wars, crash markets, fundamentally change the course of this planet," she warned.

Michelle said Clinton is the best one to be the next president of the US.

"We know that Hillary is the right person because we have seen her character and commitment not just during this campaign but over the course of her entire life. We have seen her dedication to public service ? how after law school, she became an advocate for kids with disabilities. She fought for children's health care as First Lady and for quality childcare as a Senator.

"When she did not become president in 2008, Hillary did not throw in the towel. She once again answered the call to serve and earned sky-high approval ratings for the outstanding job she did for us as our Secretary of State," Michelle said.
Guwahati: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will appear before a local court in Guwahati on Thursday to face trial in a criminal defamation case for his remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over temple entry episode in Barpeta last year.

An RSS volunteer Anjan Bora had filed the criminal defamation case against Gandhi in the CJM, Kamrup's court alleging that he had tarnished the organisation's image by saying that he was not allowed by RSS members to enter Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastry, in Assam on December 12, 2015.

A spokesman of Congress' state unit said that Rahul Gandhi will arrive in Guwahati around 9 am and will appear before the court at around 10.30 am. Later he is also expected to address a meeting of party workers before returning to New Delhi the same evening.

Bora in his case claimed that Gandhi was supposed to go to the Satra on December 12, 2015 but he did not go there and instead took part in a padayatra.

Later in New Delhi, the Congress vice president told media persons that some RSS workers prevented him from entering the Satra. He also alleged that the RSS have incited the local women to prevent him from entering the Satra.

Describing the Congress leader's assertion as a "blatant lie", Bora said in his petition that a lot of people including women and elected leaders of the Satra were waiting for Gandhi but he never visited the holy place.
In the wake of India conducting surgical strikes last night along the LoC, J-K CM Mehbooba Mufti says the confrontation could lead to a disaster of epic proportions if steps were not taken to lower heightened tensions in the region.

By Naseer Ganai: With India saying it conducted surgical strikes last night along the LoC, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, chief of BJP ally PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, today said the confrontation could lead to a disaster of epic proportions if urgent steps were not taken to bring down the heightened tensions in the region.

She expressed "grave concern" over the escalation of the situation along the borders.

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Also read: Will Pakistan hit back? Villages close to border being evacuated, leaves of soldiers cancelled



COMMUNICATE TO LOWER TENSIONS



"New Delhi and Islamabad must open the channels of communication realising the dangerous consequences of any escalation of the ongoing confrontation along the borders," the Chief Minister said while reacting to the latest situation unfolding in the region.

Calling for restraint, Mehbooba said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have the greatest stakes in peace as they have undergone enormous tragedies because of the violence in the state. "We in J and K have suffered immensely because of the violence and know very well its dangers and consequences," she said. She called upon the political leadership of India and Pakistan to deescalate the war-like situation in the region. "For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit," she said.

Also read: Decoding Modi's Pakistan policy: From shawl and birthday diplomacy to surgical strike



Mehbooba said like siblings locked in an endless rivalry, India and Pakistan had bickered for well over six decades and transforming that rivalry into a mature, productive relationship would be difficult. "But the consequences of continued animosity will be much worse," she said.

DIALOGUE IN POST-NUCLEAR PHASE NECESSARY



She said the necessity of dialogue had assumed greater significance in the post-nuclear phase.

Maintaining that war was never an option to resolve the issues, the chief minister said India and Pakistan should instead together fight the poverty and economic deprivation plaguing the region. "The two nuclear-armed neighbours must cooperate in the fields of social development, including eradication of poverty and with their growing economies and energy needs, and the need for newer, more diverse markets and trading opportunities, the future of the troubled region has to be defined by common economic interests instead of hostilities," she said.

Also read: Indian Twitter celebrates 'Modi's punishment for Pakistan', Pakistani Twitter fumes



The Chief Minister called for reviving the spirit of the Joint Statement issued in Islamabad on December 9, 2015 following the meeting of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with her Pakistani counterpart Mr Sartaj Aziz. She said in the Joint Statement that both sides had agreed to start a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue on Peace and Security, CBMs, Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project, Economic and Commercial Cooperation, Counter-Terrorism, Narcotics Control, Humanitarian Issues, People-to-People exchanges and religious tourism.

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RESOLVE ISSUES BILATERALLY



Asserting that there is simply no alternative to talks, Mehbooba said the history is witness that even after having fought two wars, India and Pakistan had to time and again come back to the negotiating table to resolve their issues. "I am sure that amidst the prevailing gloomy scenario in the region, the hope for peaceful means of resolving the issues will again stand the ground and political leadership of the two countries shall have to revive the peace and reconciliation with fresh resolve," she said.

"It will be in the interest of both the countries to solve their problems through the bilateral framework as it is the only way forward given the dicey parameters of international power politics."

--- ENDS ---
Raipur: A lower rung Naxal was today killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in a dense forest of Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said.

The skirmish took place in the morning when a joint team of security forces was out on a search operation in Konta police station area, Sukma SP Indira Kalyan Elesela told PTI.

Acting on specific input about the presence of armed Maoists in the forests near Neelamadgu and Velpochha villages, a composite team of personnel, comprising District Reserve Group (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and local police, launched a combing operation in the region, located around 500 km from here, he said.

The security personnel were advancing into Neelamadgu village, when they came under heavy fire from a squad of the Maoists. The police retaliated, killing a Maoist while the others fled using forest as cover following an hour-long gun battle, he added.

During search, the body of a Maoist, a muzzle loading gun and several other items were recovered from the spot, Elsela said.

"The killed Maoist has been identified as Madkam Hunga, a member of Konta LOS (local organisation squad)," he said.
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the suicide of senior bureaucrat BK Bansal and his family members.

According to reports, the NHRC issued notice to the CBI direction over allegations of torture of Bansal and his family members by top officials of the agency during their bribery probe against the former bureaucrat.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today demanded a probe into the alleged links of BJP President Amit Shah with CBI officers and officials named in the suicide note of senior bureaucrat BK Bansal.

"Read Bansal's suicide note. Unable to sleep. Sanjiv Gautam (CBI) etc should be immediately arrested. Their links with Amit Shah investigated (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted.

Earlier, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) also issued a notice to the CBI following the suicide by former bureaucrat B.K. Bansal, his wife and their two children.

"We are not saying whether Bansal was corrupt or not. But the fact that his entire family committed suicide is very sad. We have issued a notice to the CBI Director to ask whether he is going to take action against the (erring) officials and file an FIR," DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal said.

Maliwal also sought an independent inquiry into the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation officials alleged to be involved in the torture of the Bansals.

Bansal, a senior officer in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, was accused of corruption and was being probed by the CBI.

He and his 31-year old son Yogesh committed suicide on Tuesday by hanging themselves at their house in east Delhi. His wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27, committed suicide on July 19.

Bansal named CBI Deputy Inspector General Sanjeev Gautam, Superintendent of Police Amrita Kaur, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rekha Sangwan and Investigating Officer Harnam Singh apart from mentioning an unnamed Head Constable in his suicide note.

"These CBI officers made my family life hell. Although I heard that the CBI is tough but I never heard about such proceedings. My daughter and wife had not committed suicide, it is murder by the CBI," Bansal wrote in his suicide letter.
Patna: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) chairman Rajesh Chaturvedi on Wednesday said Class 10 board examinations would be revived from next year.

Chaturvedi yesterday visited Super 30, a programme of mathematician Anand Kumar for mentoring students from underprivileged sections of the society for IIT.

We will not be able to do it in 2017 as time is short but we will certainly like to go ahead with it from 2018 as it has become important in the context of improving quality. In any case, the state boards are continuing with the board exams, Chaturvedi was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Students need to be made to write descriptive answers and not just rely on multiple choice questions, he added.

The CBSE chairman added that the matter would be taken up with the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and state boards under the direction of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

On Wednesday, Chaturvedi said in a short speech at Super 30: "I wanted to come here to see for myself how it (Super 30) functions so that similar models could be replicated elsewhere for tapping maximum talent.

Exhorting the students to strive for real knowledge, the CBSE chief said today's education was becoming more elite-centric, though there was immense real talent in rural areas and they needed to be nurtured.

Welcoming, the CBSE chairman, Anand Kumar said Chaturvedi's visit at the academy would boost students' confidence.

Since its inception in 2002, Super 30 has helped more than 350 students hailing from poor sections of the society crack IITs.

The academy, which provides free fooding, lodging and education to 30 select students from underprivileged sections, has drawn praise within the country and abroad.
Panaji: Setting up of CCTVs will be made compulsory for Goa`s beach shacks for safety and security of tourists, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said.

Paruelkar told IANS that the 353 beach shacks will be awarded licences, only if they install CCTVs in their premises as per the newly drafted beach shack policy, which is awaiting the cabinet nod on Friday.

"Beach shacks will have to have CCTVs installed in their premises. This will increase the security for the thousands of tourists who visit the state every year," Parulekar said on Wednesday.

As against granting of annual licences for beach shacks, the new policy will see shacks allotted licences to operate for a period of three consecutive years.

Beach shacks, temporary coconut-leaf thatched eateries, are synonymous with Goa`s beaches and enormously popular with the hundreds of thousands of tourists.

The shacks have been a hub for food, drink, music and a significant value addition to beach tourism for decades, although several anti-narcotics raids in the recent past have yielded drugs and other contraband substances in some beach shacks or on the person of the employees working there.
Panaji: Disappointed by a court`s verdict to acquit the accused reportedly involved in the murder of her 15-year-old daughter Scarlett Keeling in 2008, her mother Fiona MacKeown on Thursday said that it seems as if no one had killed her.

Samson D`Souza and Placido Carvalho were accused of drugging and sexually abusing British teen Scarlett after a party, and left her to die in shallow sea water.

The court cleared both men of all charges due to lack of circumstantial evidence, even as MacKeown repeatedly maintained that there has been an attempt to hush up the crime.

"I wanted to know why my daughter died. I want to know every single detail of the case. Because I did not trust the police, the police have been lying from the beginning. I find it ludicrous that these points have been brought up and very, very sad that the murderers are walking free, and apparently no one killed my daughter," she said.

Police originally said Keeling had drowned after taking drugs, but changed their story after MacKeown complained, and a second autopsy concluded she had been raped and murdered.

MacKeown has also accused the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of corruption after the accused were let off.

MacKeown now plans to move a higher court against the judgement.

"Certainly, I mean we are still examining the judgment in detail, and after a discussion and taking other opinions, we will move forward to the high court," said Vikram Varma, her lawyer.

Keeling`s case has raised questions about the safety of tourists in the coastal state of Goa amid claims of police negligence.

The Indian media said at the time that there may have been an initial attempt by the police to down play the death to protect Goa`s tourist industry.
Nagpur: In a broad daylight dacoity, five armed assailants decamped with Rs three lakh cash and 30.9 kg of gold worth Rs 9.30 crore, from a private finance company, keeping several persons hostage here, police said today.

The assailants carrying firearms held nine persons, including staff of Manappuram Finance Limited and customers, as hostage for about 20 minutes at the firm's Bheem Chowk branch, near Jaripatka police station in northern area of the city yesterday, they said.

The five men, who spoke chaste Hindi, entered the finance company office posing as customers. The absence of a security guard only made the heist easy for them.

A woman employee of the finance company is learnt to have opened the channelled gate for one of the accused, who posed as a depositor to gain entry.

The man covered his face once he went inside the firm.

When asked to uncover his face, he whisked out a firearm taking the employees and customers hostage. He also snatched their mobile phones, police said.

The assailants damaged the CCTV cameras and wiring, but one of the modules skipped their notice which the police is now banking on to establish the identity of the dacoits.

The accused did not injure anyone, but firmly told them to quietly remain seated on floor as three of them had guns, they said.

They paraded customers towards the locker room and asked the staff to remain inside while they emptied the vault into two sacks which they had brought with them.

Police are examining the CCTV footage from nearby shops and other premises to gauge their movement in the locality, and have not ruled out the possibility of involvement of an inter-state gang.

Jaripatka Police have registered offences under relevant sections and investigation is underway, police said.
New Delhi: Retired Colonel VN Thapar, the father of Kargil martyr Captain Vijayant Thapar, on Thursday congratulated the Indian Army for carrying out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control.

Talking to a news channel, Colonel (retired) Vijendra Thapar said that coincidentally, today is the birthday of his wife. There could be no better present by the Indian Army than the operation.

Col VN Thapar is the proud father of Captain Vijayant Thapar, who was leading a Rajputana Rifles regiment when he laid down his life on June 29, 1999, during the Kargil War. He was only 22 years old.

Talking to the channel, Colonel Thapar said that as a professional, he was so proud and happy by the operation conducted by the Indian Army.

He further slammed Pakistan for denying the strikes and warned that if Islamabad continued with its antics, it will pay a heavy price.

Eleven days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Special Forces targeted "some terrorist teams" positioned at launch pads on the Line of Control (LoC) yesterday, the military announced today.

Pakistan has denied any surgical strike by India but admitted to the death of two soldiers in cross-LoC firing by Indian troops.
Jaisalmer: Weeks after Uri terror attack, Pakistan Army and Air Force have reportedly started its biggest core level joint war game exercise.

This war game exercise is taking place some 15-20km away from the international border adjoining Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, according to a report in TOI.

Interestingly, movement of vehicles and other activities of Pakistan Army near the international border have been informed too.

The exercise started on September 22 and will continue till October 30. Around 15,000 army and 300 air force personnel are expected to take part in it.

BSF heightens security

In view of this exercise, BSF has tightened its vigilance along the border.

Troops of 5 Core of Karachi, 2 Strike Core from Multan and 205 Brigade are participating in the exercise, sources said.

Pakistan Army's artillery and armed forces have jointly started a huge war game exercise across the border opposite Jaisalmer, the report added.



Noteworthy, the core level joint war game exercise by Pakistan Army has come on the heels of Uri attack.
Guwahati: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi appeared before a Guwahati court on Thursday in connection with a criminal defamation suit filed by RSS.

Speaking to media, Rahul Gandhi said, "I've been targeted as I speak for poor."

"I am fighting against RSS ideology which divides the country," he added.

Defamation suit by RSS

An RSS volunteer had filed a defamation suit against Gandhi last year and the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kamrup after examining different witnesses asked Gandhi to appear before the court on September 29.

What's the case?

The case is regarding Gandhi's visit to the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery on December 12 last year. He was supposed to enter the Satra before taking part in a road show, organised nearby, but did not do so and instead hit the road show directly.

Later in New Delhi, he told media persons that some RSS workers prevented him from entering the Satra.

He also alleged that the RSS have incited the local women to prevent him from entering the Satra.
New Delhi: India, Afghanistan and Iran participated in a trilateral meeting here on Thursday with regard to discussing the modalities for establishing an international transport and transit corridor, a. k. a. the Chabahar Agreement forward.

Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister of Afghanistan, Dr. Mohammadullah Batash and Road and Urban Development Minister of Iran, Dr. Abbas Ahmed Akhoundi participated in the meeting.

The Chabahar Agreement was signed on May 23, 2016 in Tehran in the presence of the Prime Minister of India and the Presidents of Iran and Afghanistan. During the meeting, the three ministers reiterated the importance of Chabahar as a hub for regional connectivity and their commitment to work towards this objective.

It was decided to organize a connectivity event involving all stakeholders at Chabahar within two months to increase awareness about the new opportunities offered by Chabahar Port. They expressed satisfaction that the three countries are taking prompt measures for completing internal processes for the ratification of the agreement. They also exchanged views on the next steps to be taken for an early implementation of the agreement.

It was decided to evolve protocols related to transport and transit, ports, customs procedures and consular affairs. It was also decided to convene an expert level meeting of senior officials of the three countries within one month in Chabahar.

Development of ports, road and rail connectivity will open up new opportunities leading to new jobs and prosperity in all three countries.All three agreed that trade is recognized as driving economic growth and development, and that the implementation of the agreement would provide the eco-system for the private sector to seize the business opportunities emerging due to substantial reduction of logistic costs for trade among the three countries.

Gadkari separately had a bilateral meeting with Dr. Abbas Akhoundi to review implementation of Chabahar PortAkhoundi said the agreement was a turning point in regional connectivity and it will have positive impact.

The ministers also emphasized the importance of International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).The two sides agreed to take steps for the promotion of the same. It was also decided to expedite the implementation of other projects between India and Iran including construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway and India`s investment in Chabahar Free Zone. They also discussed new projects relating to regional connectivity.
An official of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the fall of ISIS in the Middle East would mean a higher risK of ISIS-inspired attacks in US.

By Reuters: The United States is likely to face a higher risk of ISIS-inspired attacks over the next two years as the group loses land in the Middle East, a top official with the Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Wednesday.

"I'm fairly convinced that 2017 and 2018 in the homeland will be more dangerous than we've seen before, because as we shrink ISIS, they'll lash out," Michael Steinbach, executive assistant director of the FBI's national security branch, told a security conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.



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Also Read: ISIS preparing a chemical attack, warns Pentagon

US DISRUPTED 70 ISIS-INSPIRED ATTACKS IN 2015

ISIS proclaimed a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 but has lost a significant amount of territory since then to US-backed offensives, though it still controls oil wells on Syrian land.

Steinbach was quick to say that the fact that additional attacks might be planned did not mean they would be successful. He noted that US security officials disrupted some 70 ISIS-inspired planned attacks in 2015 alone.

The US has seen a spate of attacks inspired by the terrorist group, which has been fighting a long civil war in Syria. They include the June massacre of 49 people at an Orlando nightclub and the killing of 14 people at a San Bernardino, California, social services agency last December.

Also Read: ISIS wing claims responsibility for Minnesota mall attack

MILITANT ATTACKS RARE IN US?

Steinbach also noted that militant attacks remain rare in the United States, saying that 19 people were killed in the United States and 21 Americans killed overseas in attacks considered terrorism in 2015.

"There is no expectation that we will stop every homicide here in Boston or Chicago," he said. "For some reason, with terrorism, there is an expectation, a bar that is set at zero and every single attack that goes through is considered a failure."

Also Read:

ISIS plans to attack India through its bases in Bangladesh and Pakistan



ISIS inspired youth stabs man in Australia

Sharia-enforcing ISIS bans the burqa in Iraq and you wouldn't believe why





--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: Seeking to step up pressure on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called a meeting on Thursday to take a relook at the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to its immediate neighbour.

The decision to review the MFN by the Prime Minister comes in the wake of the Uri attack over which India is weighing options to respond.

The meeting follows India's decision on Monday to revisit the 56-year-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, in the wake of the September 18 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri that killed 18 soldiers.

India granted the MFN status to Pakistan in 1996 but the neighbouring country has so far not reciprocated.

The meeting, according to sources, may deliberate upon the option of dragging Pakistan in the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism for not according similar status to India.

According to obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO), member countries shall extend MFN status to each other automatically unless otherwise specified in the agreement or the schedule notified to the WTO by the member country.

In 2015-16, India's exports to Pakistan stood at USD 2.17 billion, while imports were USD 441 million.

As per the WTO rules, India can roll back the MFN status from Pakistan.

India's main exports to Pakistan include sugar, cotton, man-made filaments, chemicals, carpets, furniture fresh fruits and vegetables while its imports comprise mineral fuels, precious stones, wooden handicrafts among others.

India, which has blamed militants from Pakistan for the Uri attack, has been moving on several fronts against Pakistan as part of its response to isolate the neighbouring country diplomatically for "exporting terror".
New Delhi: Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that Uri attack would not go unpunished, India, on the intervening night of September 28 and 29, carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) with Army operations causing 'significant casualties to terrorists and those providing support to them.'

The announcement of the strikes, made by DGMO Lt General Ranbir Singh on Thursday, came 11 days after attack by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.

What the DGMO said

"It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been continuing and increasing infiltration by terrorists across Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This is reflected, amongst others, in the terrorist attacks on 11 and 18 September 16 in Punch and Uri respectively," General Singh said at a news conference during which External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

"...During these terrorist attacks and infiltration attempts, we have recovered various stores including GPS and items that clearly indicate their origins in Pakistan. Furthermore, captured terrorists hailing from Pakistan or Pakistan Occupied Kashmir have confessed to their training and arming in Pakistan or territory under its control," he added.

On the strikes carried out by the Army, the DGMO said, "Based on receiving specific and credible inputs that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along Line of Control to carry out infiltration and conduct terrorist strikes inside Jammu and Kashmir and in various metros in other states, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes at several of these launch pads to pre-empt infiltration by terrorists. The operations were focussed on ensuring that these terrorists do not succeed in their design to cause destruction and endanger the lives of our citizens."

He further said, "During these counter-terrorist operations significant casualties were caused to terrorists and those providing support to them. The operations aimed at neutralising terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for further continuation. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise."

At the same time, General Singh maintained, "It is Indias intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region. But we cannot allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack citizens of our country at will."

Statement by DGMO #IndianArmy on 29 Sep 16 pic.twitter.com/ckYOApWcHQ  ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 29, 2016

Indian Army operation against cross border https://t.co/z0E3EXOaHp is the video of the joint MEA-MOD briefing held earlier today pic.twitter.com/Oy6nxMwHEs  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 29, 2016

The announcement of the strikes by the Army was made soon after PM Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

PM Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former premier Manmohan Singh among others of the surgical strikes.

How the strikes were carried out

Sources said heavy guns were used in the operation which was carried out by army's para commandos. They said thermal imagers and high-masked lights were used during the operations to smash 7 terror launchpads, as per PTI.

Three divisions of the Army were involved in the strikes and the launch pads which were close to the LoC were chosen after the intelligence reports suggested that militants had gathered for infiltrating into India, sources said.

The four launch pads opposite to Kupwara were barely 300 metres from the LoC and the Army troops destroyed it using heavy fire, the sources said, adding no helicopter was used to ferry the troops.

The back up from Pakistani Army for these launch pads attacked during the surgical strikes was at a distance and the terrorists present at these camps were taken by surprise, the sources added.

India briefs envoys of 25 countries including P5

Meanwhile, India today briefed top envoys of 25 countries including the US, China, Russia, the UK and France on terror launch pads across the LoC.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar briefed the envoys in the South Block to convey the 'context' of carrying out the strikes, Swarup confirmed.

The FS told them that it was "a classic counter-terrorism operation more than a military one" and that it was to neutralise terrorists who were trained to carry out attacks in J&K and other major Indian cities.

They were also told that India has no plans for any further operation as of now but added the armed forces will not allow terrorists to carry out any attacks.

Pakistan denies strikes

Pakistan, however, dismissed as 'fabrication of truth' India's claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC to target, terming it as a 'quest' by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon," Pakistan Army said in a statement in Islamabad, as per PTI.

On the other hand, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today reviewed the defence preparedness, holding talks with Army Chief Raheel Sharif and other top aides.

Sharif and Raheel had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed situation at the LoC, The News reported, citing sources.

Raheel apprised the premier over the firing incidents at the LoC, the sources said, adding that the Army Chief told him that Indian claims of surgical strikes were 'baseless'.

The Pakistani PM was also briefed on the LoC situation by National Security Advisor (NSA) General Nasir Janjua

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: India said on Thursday it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan and inflicted heavy casualties.

Eleven days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Special Forces targeted "some terrorist teams" positioned on the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday night, the military said.

"During these counter-terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who support them," Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Director General Military Operations (DGMO), told the media.

The announcement of the strikes by the Indian army was made soon after Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS).

Prime Minister Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former Premier Mahmohan Singh among others on the surgical strikes.

Following is how some of the politicians cutting across party lines reacted:

India is capable of repelling all forces that subvert peace in the region. We are proud of #IndianArmy & leadership of @narendramodi ji.  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) September 29, 2016

We are proud of #IndianArmy for taking pre-emptive action & repelling terrorists' attempt to destabilise peace & tranquillity in the region.  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) September 29, 2016

Congratulations to the Indian Army on successful counter terrorism operations against terror groups and their launching pads. 1/3  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 29, 2016

We are proud of our armed forces. They have once again exhibited exemplary courage and valour by destroying the anti India designs. 2/3  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 29, 2016

I also congratulate the Prime Minister Shri @Narendramodi on taking a bold decision and showing true grit and mettle in crucial times. 3/3  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 29, 2016

I compliment the Indian Army for their surgical operations against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control. #ModipunishesPak  M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) September 29, 2016

These ops r a part of d mandate of the Army to prevent infiltration of terrorists into J&K from across the Line of Control. #ModipunishesPak  M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) September 29, 2016

Congratulations to our Rock Solid Army for the #SurgicalStrike Congratulations to our PM Shri @narendramodi he stands true to his reputation  Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) September 29, 2016

Congratulations to Sh.@narendramodi ji, Sh.@manoharparrikar ji & @adgpi for the successful operation against terrorists across the LOC.  Rajiv Pratap Rudy (@RajivPratapRudy) September 29, 2016

Salute to Indian Army for successful #SurgicalStrike on terror launch pads.A strong message sent to Terrorist,PAK&All those against humanity  Dr. Mahesh Sharma (@dr_maheshsharma) September 29, 2016

Welcoming #SurgicalStrikes carried out by the army against terrorists. Congratulating the swift response of Central Govt & our Army!  Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) September 29, 2016

Surgical strikes by Army on terror launchpads demonstrates India's strong will to fight terrorism under the leadership of PM @narendramodi.  ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) September 29, 2016

Entire country stands firmly united with our armed forces. We are proud of our armed forces.  ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) September 29, 2016

Proud of our armed forces for their heroic surgical strikes on terror launch pads.  Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) September 29, 2016

Surgical strikes were conducted when Pakistan didnt mend ways after repeated diplomatic efforts 2 check terrorism originating frm their soil  Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) September 29, 2016

This is an example of India's commitment and firm will power to fight against terrorism from across the border.  Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) September 29, 2016

Now I suggest PM hand over the Jinnah House in Mumbai to Jinnah's only daughter Dina Wadia who refused to go to settle in Pakistan  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) September 29, 2016

I congratulate Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi and Indian Army for surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016

Indian Army has inflicted heavy damage on terrorists, without any casualty, reaffirms Army's valour and commitment to nation's security.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016

It is for the first time, in this frontal fight against terrorism, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi is feeling secure.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016

I again salute the valour of Indian Army for giving befitting reply to those attacking innocent Indians & ensuring zero tolerance on terror.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016

Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the GoI doesn't get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrororists. #ModiPunishesPak  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016

Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi's statement on anti-terror operation by Indian Army pic.twitter.com/Pf3WXH9i9s  INC India (@INCIndia) September 29, 2016

All of us stand firmly united against terrorism & those who support & sponsor it (1/2)  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 29, 2016

The Congress Party and I salute the Indian Army and our jawans for acting valiantly to defend our country & our people. Jai Hind. (2/2)  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 29, 2016

We sincerely congratulate the Central Government and our brave armed forces for the decisive action taken against terrorism.  Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) September 29, 2016
Delhi: Pakistan on Thursday summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale.

PTI quoted Pakistan Foreign Office as saying that Bambawale was called in following "unprovoked cross border firing" by India.

On the other hand, ANI said Pakistan had told the Indian Envoy that they rejected the baseless Indian claim regarding 'surgical strikes'.

Meanwhile, India today briefed top envoys of 25 countries including the US, China, Russia, the UK and France after the Indian Army said it has carried a "surgical strikes" on seven terror launch pads across the LoC, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar briefed the envoys in the South Block to convey the "context" of carrying out the strikes, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup confirmed.

The FS told them that it was "a classic counter-terrorism operation more than a military one" and that it was to neutralise terrorists who were trained to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and other major Indian cities.

They were also told that India has no plans for any further operation as of now but added the armed forces will not allow terrorists to carry out any attacks.

An all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was also informed about it.

Significantly, earlier in the day American National Security Advisor Susan Rice had spoken to Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and said the US wants Pakistan to "combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorist entities, including LeT and JeM.

(With PTI inputs)
Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley on Thursday remained shut for the 83rd consecutive day with heavy security deployment in Srinagar and other parts as the separatists have issued another weekly protest calendar extending the shutdown till October 6.

However, there was no curfew anywhere in the Valley, a senior police official said.

Main markets, public transport and other businesses have remained suspended.

All educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities have remained shut since the present unrest began on July 9.

Eighty seven civilians have died and nearly 12,000 -- including civilians and security forces were injured in clashes during this period.
New Delhi: US Secretary of State John Kerry earlier this week called up External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and conveyed his condolences for those killed in the Uri terror attack and "offered full cooperation", sources said on Thursday.

Kerry called up Sushma Swaraj on September 27 in New York and welcomed her to the US as she had gone there to address the UN General Assembly.

Kerry "conveyed his condolences on the Uri terrorist attack, offered full cooperation, and complimented India for its decision to ratify the Paris Climate Change Agreement," according to sources.

The September 18 terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir left 18 Indian soldiers dead. The attack has led to a marked downslide in bilateral relations.


New Delhi: Height of Pakistan's nonsensicality! Hours after the Indian Army commandos delivered a massive blow to the terrorists across the LoC, killing scores of them, the shameless Pakistani officers are now denying that there has been surgical strikes on their territory.

In response to India's action, the Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday said that there was "No surgical strike by India, but instead There had been only cross border fire initiated by India".

The terror camps that were targeted on the Pakistani territory belonged to multiple terror groups, Indian officials said.

The special forces of the Indian Army carried out the operations on terror launch pads across the border that lasted from 12:30 am 4:30 am.

According to the Indian Army, five terror launch pads were destroyed across the LoC by the special forces which were para-dropped.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has called an all party meeting at 4 pm today after following the surgical strikes in Pakistan territory.
New Delhi: In a major blow to Congress MP Shadi Lal Batra, a case has been registered against him after a woman accused him of raping her.

Delhi Police has registered a case against Shadi Lal Batra at New Delhi's Tilak Marg police station on a complaint of a woman lawyer.

The woman lawyer has alleged that the MP "sexually assaulted" her.

"The woman, who belongs to Haryana, has accused the MP of raping her. We have registered an FIR," said a senior police officer.

Shadi Lal Batra

76-year-old Shadi Lal Batra is a Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana. He is a senior leader of Congress party.

What allegedly happened with the woman?

In her complaint, the woman has alleged that Shadi Lal Batra had invited her to his residence at Indirapuram, Ghaziabad on September 24 with the promise of a job and raped her.

Batra promised job to her?

The woman alleged that the MP had assured her that he would get her a job since he enjoyed a high stature in his party, police said.

She has said that the MP allegedly spiked her drink and then sexually assaulted her, said a police officer.

She has also accused him of "threatening her against reporting the matter to police".

The police is currently investigating the matter.
Aizawl: The Mizoram government would continue to hold peace talks with the Manipur-based terror outfit -- Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) and the second round of the bi-partite talks is scheduled on October 5, an official said here on Thursday.

The first round of talks between the government and the HPC-D was held on August 10.

"We would continue to hold talks with the HPC-D. The second round of talks between the state officials and the representatives of the outfit would be held on October 5 in Aizawl," Mizoram Home Department Additional Secretary Lalbiakzama said.

He said: "We are hopeful that a positive outcome might emerge out of the talks."

The official, however, refused to divulge the issues discussed at the first round.

An official of the Mizoram Home Department told IANS that the HPC-D delegation did not include cadres of the extremist outfit but six human rights activists and civilians from Mizoram and Manipur.

The negotiations between the state government and the HPC-D reached a standoff in 2013 on the issue of extension of the period of suspension of operations.

A six-month ceasefire between the Mizoram government and the militant outfit expired on July 31, 2013.

After the talks broke down previously over suspension of operations against the terror group, a host of leaders of the outfit were arrested.

The Manipur based militant outfit of the Hmar tribals has been triggering intermittent violent activities in Mizoram since 1994 demanding a separate autonomous district council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution by carving out areas adjoining southern Manipur, northern Mizoram and southern Assam.

On March 28, 2015, the HPC-D guerillas attcked a legislator's convoy near Zokhawthlang village in north Mizoram, leaving three policemen dead and six others seriously wounded.

Mizoram is the first and only state in India which received Rs 182.45 crore from the central government in 2000-01 as "Peace Bonus" for keeping peace after decades of insurgency.

After Mizo National Front's founder leader Laldenga, a former Indian Army official, became Chief Minister in 1986 when his group took to mainstream politics, peace and law and order had returned to the Christian-majority Mizoram.
New Delhi: In a bid to create awareness about its programmes for the welfare of religious minorities, the Centre will on Thursday launch its campaign 'Progress Panchayat'.

It will be launched by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (independent charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi from Haryana's Mewat, which witnessed tension following the murder of a couple and gang-rape of two members of the family allegedly by a cow protection group in August.

The launch of the outreach programme comes a few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for the empowerment of Muslims.

The BJP-led NDA government will inform people about developmental activities in social, educational, health and infrastructural sectors and their employment.

The ministry will also seek suggestions from locals on improving its programmes and functioning, Naqvi said.

Naqvi attributed the "sense of fear and misconceptions" among minorities about the NDA government to "disinformation campaigns" launched by its political opponents and said the panchayat will help remove those too.

"This (misconception) has been created by our political opponents who never talked about the development of minorities," the Union minister said.

He asserted the outreach programme was not aimed at securing votes but implementing government's developmental agenda.

"Earlier, people from minority communities were cheated by merchants of votes. Now, there will be no such business of votes, but an agenda of development to ensure the welfare of the communities," Naqvi claimed.

Besides holding the panchayat, he will also inaugurate a 100-bed hostel building for girls at Hathni in Palwal and staff quarters at schools in Nuh and Nagina. He will also lay the founding stone for a model school in Chilwali.

The Union minister will take part in a similar programme at Tijara in Rajasthan's Alwar district on October 3 and is expected to attend a total of 100 such Panchayats in areas which have a significant presence of minorities across the country.

(With PTI inputs)
By Press Trust of India: An influential American lawmaker has slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for using the UN platform to praise a "militant". "Disappointed to see the Pakistan PM use the UN to praise a militant group that uses violence to promote its cause," Congressman Ted Poe said in a tweet.

In his address to the UN General Assembly on September 21, Sharif described Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a "young leader".

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Poe is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee on Terrorism, Non-proliferation, and Trade last week introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to designate Pakistan as a State sponsor of terrorism. Co-sponsored by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, the bill has been sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for necessary action.

ALSO READ: Pakistan moves International Court of Justice as India reviews Indus Waters Treaty



"WE THE PEOPLE" LAUNCHED



Motivated by his bill, Indian-Americans have launched an online 'We the People' petition on the White House website urging the Obama administration to designate Pakistan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. More than 265,000 people have signed the petition, making it the most popular active petition on the White House website.

As per the guidelines of the We the People petition, the Obama administration responds within 60 days after the petitions is signed by a minimum of 100,000 people. The petition created by one RG, the person who decided to identify with this initially, has reached 100,000 signatures by 21 September.

ALSO READ: Pakistan must act against terror groups targeting its neighbours: US

In addition to Indian American groups, several other communities including Balochs, Afghans, those from Gilgit Baltistan, Sindhi and Americans too have been sending emails and campaigning on the social media, encouraging people to sign the petition.

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to review the situation along the Line of Control, hours after the Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire in Naugam sector of Kashmir by opening indiscriminate fire towards Indian Army posts.

This is the second ceasefire violation by Pakistan in as many days. Pakistani troops had yesterday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Poonch district.

The meeting is also understood to have discussed various options related to the LoC in the wake of the Uri attack.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is likely to hold a press conference and make a big announcement.

The briefing holds significance amid reports that India is likely to break the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan.

India has cornered Pakistan by pulling out of 19th SAARC Summit and adopting tough stance on Indus Waters treaty. The Modi government is likely to scrap `Most Favoured Nation` status India accorded to Pakistan.

On Wednesday, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said his country is open to using tactical devices against India should it feel threatened by its neighbouring country. The minister said this in an interview to Pakistan news channel SAMAA.

Notably, the PM is under immense pressure to give a befitting reply to Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack.

Four terrorists had stormed an Army camp in Uri on September 18 and killed 18 soldiers.
New Delhi: The meeting, earlier scheduled to be convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan on Thursday, has been postponed till next week.

"The meeting regarding MFN and related logistics scheduled for today is postponed to next week," official sources said here.

In the backdrop of Uri attack, India has decided to take a relook at the MFN status granted to Pakistan including options like withdrawing it or filing a case in WTO against them.

The decision to review the MFN by PM Modi came in the wake of the Uri attack over which India is weighing options to respond.

The meeting, earlier scheduled to be held at 11 am today, could have deliberated upon the option of dragging Pakistan in the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism for not according a similar status to India.

Among others, officials from Commerce and External Affairs ministries were expected to attend the meeting.

India granted the MFN status to Pakistan in 1996 but Pakistan is yet to reciprocate to that. The neighbouring country has missed its own deadline of December 2012 for this.

Under MFN, a WTO member country is obliged to treat other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies.

According to experts, withdrawal of the MFN status by India is likely to hurt Pakistani industries as it might stop the flow of raw materials at competitive prices.

In 2015-16, India's exports to Pakistan stood at USD 2.17 billion, while imports were USD 441 million.

As per the WTO rules, India can roll back the MFN status from Pakistan.

Earlier, the Prime Minister chaired a review meeting of 56-year-old Indus Water Treaty during which it was decided that India will "exploit to the maximum" the water of Pakistan-controlled rivers, including Jhelum, as per the water-sharing pact.

The major Indian exports to Pakistan include items like organic chemicals, vegetables, cotton, plastics and processed food waste, like fodder, while imports from Pakistan include cottons, fruits and nuts, mineral fuels, wax, sulphur, lime, cement and hides.

India, which has blamed militants from Pakistan for the Uri attack, has been moving on several fronts against Pakistan as part of its response to isolate the neighbouring country diplomatically for "exporting terror".
New Delhi: BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should hand over Jinnah House in Mumbai to the only daughter of founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

"Now I suggest PM hand over the Jinnah House in Mumbai to Jinnah's only daughter Dina Wadia who refused to go to settle in Pakistan," Swamy tweeted.

Swamy's tweet came after India carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan and inflicted heavy casualties.

Born as Dina Jinnah, Dina Wadia's relationship with her father became strained when she expressed her desire to marry a Parsi-born Indian, Neville Wadia.

Jinnah, a Muslim, tried to dissuade her, but failed.

It is said that when Dina married Neville, Jinnah said to her that she was not his daughter any more.

After the marraiage, the Wadias lived in Mumbai and had two children, a boy and a girl.

After Jinnah returned to Mumbai from England to take charge of the Muslim League, he built himself a palatial mansion South Court (Jinnah House) in Mumbai, which became his residence during the politically momentous decade preceding the creation of Pakistan.

The house, designed by Claude Batley, a British architect, was built in 1936 and is located at 2, Bhausaheb Hirey Marg, Malabar Hill. In 1948, it was leased to the British Deputy High Commission which occupied it till 1982.

Successive Pakistani governments have often expressed deep interest in acquiring the property free of charge for sentimental reasons.

During his visit to India, then president Pervez Musharraf had renewed Pakistan's claim to the house which he had suggested to then Indian prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee should be given to Pakistan so that it could be turned into a consulate.

However, Dina Wadia who lived in New York City, wrote to the Indian Prime Minister demanding that the house on the Malabar Hill, be handed over to her.
New Delhi: In a major development in the wake of surgical strikes, villages in Punjab which are 10 KM from International Border with Pakistan are being evacuated, latest reports said.

Also, additional troops of Border Security Force (BSF) have moved in.

These developments of evacuations and troop movements are extremely important as they come on the heels of surgical strikes in Pakistan's territory by Indian Army to kill Pakistan-trained terrorists.

"Punjab is in a state of maximum alert," Harcharan Bains, the advisor to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, said here.

He said appropriate steps were being taken to ensure the safety of people in the border areas with Pakistan.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called a meeting in this regard later on Thursday.

Bains said the state cabinet would meet on Thursday evening, to be chaired by Badal, to take stock of the situation and take appropriate action.

The Punjab government has ordered the evacuation of villages in a 10-km belt along the border with Pakistan following the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the Line of Control.

The BSF has cancelled the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border joint check-post (JCP) at Attari, 30 km from Amritsar, officials said.

The union Home Ministry on Thursday directed the Punjab government to get the border villages evacuated.

Local authorities used loudspeakers of gurdwaras to announce to residents in the border villages to leave their homes and villages and move to safer zones.

All schools and other institutions in the border belt have been ordered shut. All leave of Punjab Police and medical personnel in the border areas has been cancelled.

Punjab's border districts include Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Abohar and Fazilka.

Informed sources said the Border Security Force (BSF) was mobilizing its troops and strengthening the security along the border.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan that is manned by the para-military Border Security Force (BSF).

Being a frontier state, Punjab has seen most action in both the wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971.
New Delhi: They are brave! They are fit and strong! They love India and show no mercy to people who think about destroying India.

India is proud of its Para Commandos!

The para commandos of the 4th and 9th battalions, who carried out the surgical strikes in Pakistan territory on and destroyed terror camps operating from there, are a part of the Parachute Regiment of Indian Army.

These para commandos are trained for special operations like the one just concluded in Pakistan.

Army, Navy and air force have their own Para Commandos

All three wings of the armed forces have their own commando units, trained specially for operations involving direct action.

These commandos handle operations like hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, counter-proliferation, counter-insurgency, seek and destroy and personnel recovery.

Indian Army has the Parachute Regiment, popularly called the para commandos.

Birth of Army's Parachute Regiment

The Parachute Regiment was raised in 1945 but was disbanded after the World War II.

It was re-raised in 1952 and is made up of seven Special Forces, six airborne, two Territorial Army and one counter-insurgency (Rashtriya Rifles) battalions.

Played role in several operations

These commandos have played significant roles in special combat, ranging from the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, Operation Bluestar, Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka and in several anti-terror operations.

During Operation Bluestar, commandos of 1 Para (SF) were tasked to lead the attack on the Golden Temple for evicting Sikh militants hold up there.

They were a part of the India Peace-Keeping Force in Sri Lanka and were also involved in Operation Cactus in Maldives.

In 1999, nine Parachute regiment battalions were deployed for Operation Vijay in Kargil and played a significant role in the conflict.

The para commandos have also been involved in several counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states.

They have also been involved in United Nations' peacekeeping operations, including those in Korea (1950-54), Gaza (1956-58) and UNAMSIL in Sierra Leone (2000).
Delhi: Post surgical strikes carried out by Army on terror launch pads across the LoC, envoys of different nations (including P5) were briefed by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday about India's position.

The announcement of the sudden action by the Army to prevent fresh terror attacks was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on Army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the attackers would not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans would not go in vain.

"Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads," General Singh told a news conference during which MEA spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

The announcement was made soon after PM Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

PM Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former premier Mahmohan Singh among others on the surgical strikes.

Sharing details, General Singh said that the operations were basically focused "to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country."

"During these counter-terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them. The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said, as per PTI.

The DGMO said he had spoken to the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations and explained India's concerns and also shared with him details of the operation.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country. In line with Pakistan's commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region."

Statement by DGMO #IndianArmy on 29 Sep 16 pic.twitter.com/ckYOApWcHQ  ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 29, 2016

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: The 'surgical strikes' conducted by special armed forces commandos across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) during which at least seven terror launch pads were completely destroyed marks a huge departure from the policy of strategic restraint which New Delhi has shown over the last few years in its dealing with Islamabad.

The strikes conducted by special paramilitary commandos in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday are the first direct military response to terrorist attack in Uri on September 18.

India briefs envoys of 22 nations

As a preventive measure, the country has started preparing for a possible retaliation by the Pakistani forces. In a bid to isolate Pakistan further, the country has also briefed the envoys of the 22 nations, including the P5 nations, about the surgical strikes and the current situation at the Line Of Control.

To mount international pressure on Pakistan, India has already opted out of the SAARC summit, which was to be held in Islamabad. After India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also followed suit,leading to postponement of the SAARC summit.

The cross-border action that began at midnight inflicted significant casualties, Lt General Ranbir Singh, the army's head of operations said during a press briefing.

Pakistan said there had been no such targeted strikes, and military officers claimed they had returned fire across the Line of Control.

India's announcement of last night's military action followed through on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warning that those responsible "would not go unpunished" for the Uri assault.

The top spokesman for the Pakistani military slammed the Indian account of its action as "totally baseless and completely a lie".

"We deny it. There is no such thing on the ground. There is just the incident of the firing last night, which we responded to," Lt General Asim Bajwa told news channel Geo TV. Pakistan said two of its soldiers had been killed and nine wounded in firing across the Line of Control.

"The bigger message is that Pakistan is now on notice that cross-border attacks would be part of our response if there are any more terrorist attacks," said former Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur.

India's action comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, with powerful Army Chief of Staff General Raheel Sharif due to retire shortly and premier Nawaz Sharif still to decide on a successor.

PM Modi has also called for a review of key water-sharing and trade agreements with Pakistan to corner Islamabad.

High alert on international border

On the other hand, BSF has put all border units along international border on high alert

Officials said the Border Security Force (BSF) has issued orders to all its units along IB in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat to step up vigil and bolster their numbers at the posts by bringing in all personnel who are in the reserve.

People living within 10km of the border with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have been asked to shift to safer places and schools ordered to be shut till further notice in the wake of surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC).

These directions have been passed on to people living along IB in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts and along LOC in Rajouri and Poonch, officials said.

In some areas of RS Pura, the movement of the border residents to safer places has already begun.

Evacuation in border villages

Army has started evacuating people living in the adjoining areas in Noushera belt of Rajouri anticipation of a possible retaliation by Pakistani troops, officials said.

In Punjab too, people residing in villages within 10 km of the International Border were asked to shift to safer places. Six districts of the state share border with Pakistan.

The schools in the border areas have also been asked to remain shut until further orders, they said.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Badal over telephone today to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people residing in the villages falling within 10km of the international border in view of the escalating situation, the spokesman said.

Badal has directed the chief secretary and DGP to ask the concerned deputy commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.
New Delhi: Indians across the length and breadth of the country, especially the kin of the martyrs of the dastardly Uri terror attacks, on Thursday hailed the Indian Army's surgical strikes across the Line Of Control (LoC) in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, which dismantled at least seven terror launch pads, and expressed supreme satisfaction over India's appropriate response to Pakistan.

According to news agency ANI, the news that the Indian Army had carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control was received with relief by kin of the martyrs of the Uri terror attack.

Bihar: People celebrate in Patna after Indian Army conducts surgical strikes in Pakistan territory. #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/OHaNcz0bp1  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

"I'm really happy that the Indian Army took the initiative and conducted these strikes," ANI quoted Aarti - the daughter of martyred jawan SK Vidyarthi as saying.

Vidyarthi's wife also weighed in on the Army's response to the Uri attack, saying that Wednesday night's strikes were "good," but also that she would have been happier if they'd had been carried out before before.

The widow of Lance Naik Rajesh Kumar Yadav (from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh) expressed similar sentiments.

She said that if India had responded this way to previous terror attacks, her husband might still be at her side. While the news of Wednesday's strike wouldn't alleviate her pain, it did give her satisfaction, she said.

Lance Naik Rajesh's mother said the news gave her relief. Even though she wasn't going to get her son back, somebody else's son wouldn't have to face the same fate, she said.

Residents of Devpura village in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur district - the home of fallen jawan Harendra Yadav - welcomed news of the Indian Army's strikes by jubilantly crying "Bharat Mata ki Jai!" and "Jab tak Suraj chaand rahega, harendra tumhaara naam rahega!"

Harendra's father said he was relieved that his son's death had been avenged. The jawan's brother said Prime Minister Modi had responded to the Uri attack exactly as he'd been expected to, and expressed hope that Pakistan would receive the same kind of response in times to come.

Meanwhile, the Indians across the nation celebrated the development and cheered the Indian Army's befitting response to Pakistan.

Celebration at BJP office in Mumbai after Indian Army conduct surgical strikes on Pak territory pic.twitter.com/LhW8sgDje5  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Protests and sloganeering against Pakistan were also held at various places ioncluding the national capital.

"Doodh maango kheer denge, Kashmir maango cheer denge" slogan raised during celebration for Indian Army's surgical strikes on Pak territory pic.twitter.com/05nAdE9dqH  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Sending a clear message to Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack, the government declared on Thursday that the special armed forces carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control on Wednesday night, inflicting heavy casualties.

Sources said that the operation was a combination of heliborne and ground forces, and seven terror launch pads were destroyed in the strike across LoC.

The sources said the operation began at around mid-night last night and ended at around 4:30 am. The terror launch pads targeted were in the range of 2 to 3 km from the Line of Control(LoC) and were under surveillance for over one week, the sources said.

The operation by the Indian Army has left Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif rattled. Pakistan has dismissed as "fabrication of truth" India's claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC, terming it as a "quest" by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as a surgical strike.

Eleven days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Special Forces targeted "some terrorist teams" positioned at launch pads on the LoC, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Director General Military Operations (DGMO), told the media here. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present at the press conference.
New Delhi: Sending a clear message to Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack, India said on Thursday it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control on Wednesday night, inflicting heavy casualties.

Sources said that the operation was a combination of heliborne and ground forces, and seven terror launch pads were destroyed in the strike across LoC.

The sources said the operation, conducted by para commandos of the 4th and 9th battalions, began at around mid-night last night and ended at around 4:30 am. The terror launch pads targeted were in the range of 2 to 3 km from the Line of Control (LoC) and were under surveillance for over one week, the sources said.

The operation by the Indian Army has left Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif rattled. Pakistan has dismissed as "fabrication of truth" India's claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC, terming it as a "quest" by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as a surgical strike.

Eleven days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Special Forces targeted "some terrorist teams" positioned at launch pads on the LoC, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Director General Military Operations (DGMO), told the media here. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present at the press conference.

"During this counter-terrorist operation, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who support them."

"We can't allow terrorists to operate across the LoC. There has been a surge in infiltration," Gen Singh said.

He added that the operation to neutralise terrorists has since ceased and "we don't have any plans for any further operation as of now".

The DGMO said the strikes were launched after getting "very specific and credible" intelligence input that the infiltrators were being pushed to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and in some major Indian cities.

"Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads."Jammu and Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads."

The operations were basically focused on ensuring that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carry out destruction and endanger the lives of citizens of our country, the DGMO asserted.

"During these counter-terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

He further assured that the armed forces will not allow terrorists to carry out any attacks.

"The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for the continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said.

Gen Singh said the Indian forces recently foiled 20 infiltration bids on the border into India. He said there were Pakistani markings on GPS systems and on other recoveries made from them.

He said some terrorists were caught were residents of Pakistan. He said they were given training there.

"Despite our persistent urging that Pakistan respect its commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India, there have been no let up in infiltrations or terrorist actions inside our territory," he said.

Singh further said, "If the damage has been limited it has been primarily due to the efforts of soldiers of Indian Army who are deployed in a multi-tier counter infiltration grid and most of the infiltration bids have been foiled at those locations. The Indian armed forces have been extremely vigilant in the face of continuing threat."

The DGMO said he has spoken to his Pakistani counterpart and explained India's concerns and also shared with him the operations we had conducted last night.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country.

"In line with Pakistan's commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani Army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region. Thank you very much," said the DGMO.

The press conference came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) which was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and DGMO Singh.

The meeting was held after the Pakistani Army on Thursday violated the ceasefire agreement and resorted to indiscriminate firing at Indian positions along the LoC in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

After the Uri attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.
Washington: US National Security Advisor Susan E Rice on Wednesday called her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and condemned the cross-border terror attack on an Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir which took place on September 18.

During the conversation, Rice said the White House expects Pakistan to take "effective action to combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorists and terror groups.

US National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price said in a press statement: "Ambassador Rice affirmed President (Barack) Obama`s commitment to redouble our efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world".

"Highlighting the danger that cross-border terrorism poses to the region, Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that Pakistan takes effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and their affiliates."

In his statement, Price said that in the context of the strong India-US relationship, Rice, in her conversation with Doval, "discussed our shared commitment to India to pursuing peace and regional stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations."

The early morning attack on the Uri Army base on September 18 claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers.

India has blamed the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the attack.

The attack came amid large-scale violence in Jammu and Kashmir that has claimed around 90 lives following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani in July.

In a huge diplomatic blow to Pakistan, India has pulled out of the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November.

After India's announcement, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan too followed suit, citing state sponsorship of terrorism as the reason.
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Sep 28 (PTI) The White House today lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement that India would ratify the Paris agreement on climate change on October 2, saying this is another example of his courageous leadership.

"We welcome the actions from the Indian government. It is just another example of the courageous leadership that Prime Minister Modi has shown on this issue. And thats to his credit," the White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference yesterday.

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"He (Modi) recognises how important it is for India to be a leader in the international community on this issue. And hes making good on that priority, and he deserves a lot of credit for that.

"And I know that the President, when he met with Prime Minister Modi earlier this month in Laos, had an opportunity to thank him for his leadership on this issue," Earnest said.

The US President Barack Obama met the Prime Minister in Laos early this month on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.

Indias ratification of the Paris agreement on climate change is expected to bring the agreement closer to be being enforced.

It can take effect only once 55 countries, representing 55 per cent of the worlds greenhouse-gas emissions, ratify it.

So far, 60 countries have done so, including the largest emitters, the US and China, fulfilling the first condition.

Indias ratification would bring it closer to 52 per cent, World Resources Institute said.

"We have not put a firm deadline for ratification of the climate agreement, other than to say we expect the agreement to enter into force by the end of this calendar year.

I dont know if it will be done by the first week in November," he said when asked about the upcoming UN meet on climate change in Morocco in the first week of November.

"However, as important as the Paris climate agreement is, and how significant it is that this agreement is going into effect within a years time, its only a starting point.

"And the President is hopeful that the significance of this agreement is not that it solves the problem of carbon pollution once and for all, but rather it serves as a template to mobilise the international community to take coordinated, substantial steps to addressing this problem," he said.

"It sets up a mechanism whereby every five years countries consider the commitments that they can make to further fight carbon pollution.

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And the impact of this agreement is one that is likely to be seen only after its been in place for a substantial period of time.

And weve been able to see the progress the country, that the world, that the planet makes in confronting this challenge, and as the world continues to more effectively cooperate to confront this shared threat," Earnest said. PTI LKJ ARK

--- ENDS ---
Srinagar: Pakistan Army on Thursday violated a ceasefire agreement and resorted to indiscriminate firing at Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir`s Kupwara district.

The police said the firing took place at Danesh and Lakshmi posts in Naugam sector.

"Indian troops are effectively retaliating Pakistani firing. Exchanges are still going on in the area," the police added.


New Delhi: Karnataka Law Minister TB Jayachandra on Thursday said they will attend the meeting organised by the Centre and will try to convince the committee to reconsider the order to release 6,000 cusecs of water for three days to Tamil Nadu.

"We will try to plead with them about the hardship that we are facing for drinking water. We will put this before them and we are very hopeful about the decision," said Jayachandra.

He said that as drinking water is the first priority, and irrigation comes next, so efforts will be made to impress this on the government.

Yesterday, the Karnataka government deferred the release of Cauvery waters by a day, stating that it was a unanimous decision taken by all political parties in the state.

The apex court on Tuesday directed the Karnataka government to release 6,000 cusecs of water till Friday.

The court also asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to facilitate a meeting between the governments of the two states to find a solution to this long-standing problem.

The Karnataka government had said it was not in a position to release water to Tamil Nadu citing `acute shortage` of water.

The Tamil Nadu government, on the other hand, has said that Karnataka is acting as a judge in its own cause and refusing to comply with apex court orders that are sub-judice.

Over the past month, both states are fighting a legal battle in various courts over the sharing and distribution of Cauvery waters.
New Delhi: Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Tamil Nadu PWD Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy will on Thursday meet in Delhi to deliberate on Cauvery water row.

The apex court had asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to facilitate a meeting of the executive heads of the two warring riparian states with the Centre over the next two days to find a solution to the dispute.

Addressing the press CM Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said, "The Karnataka Cabinet has deferred till Thursday the decision on release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as per Supreme Court order. The state government will take any further decision after meeting Uma Bharti on September 29."

A decision to this effect was taken at a state Cabinet meeting after an all-party meeting discussed the apex court order and advised the state government not to release the water till the outcome of the meeting.

At the all-party meeting, the principal opposition parties -- Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal-Secular -- opposed the release of any more water as the state assembly had unanimously resolved to use depleted water stored in dams for drinking purpose only till the onset of the monsoon in June next.

The SC had ordered Karnataka to discharge 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu till Friday despite its Assembly resolution.

The Union minister will attempt to resolve the issue "amicably" keeping in view the series of protests and violence which erupted in the two states last month after the Supreme Court's orders on the issue, an official source said.
New Delhi: A meeting here on Thursday between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery water sharing issue remained inconclusive as both states refused to budge from their respective stands on the issue.

The meeting was chaired by Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti.

The Minister said both states had been asked to jointly propose a solution to the Supreme Court and she would be willing to participate in an indefinite hunger strike if tensions rose again over the issue.

Bharti also appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to maintain peace and cordial atmosphere in their respective states.

Terming water as a "symbol of love and kindness", the Minister said that her meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Tamil Nadu PWD Minister E.K. Palaniswamy was held in a very "cordial atmosphere".

"I have noted the views expressed by both the states, which will be conveyed to the Supreme Court through the Attorney General of India," a release quoted her as saying.

She said there was a suggestion from Karnataka to send a team of experts from the Centre to both the states to study rainfall and water availability in the Cauvery basin.

The Minister also hoped that both states will show empathy to each other's need for arriving at a "mutually acceptable solution".


Kochi: The recent decision to form a state- level committee of NDA in Kerala is seen as a deft move by the central BJP leadership, based on the realisation that a broad alliance of various communities and outfits is essential for the saffron force to move forward in a state dominated by coalitions led by CPI(M) and Congress for decade.

BJP strategists will also try to woo minority Christian community-dominated Kerala Congress(M), which has snapped its more than three-decade old ties with the Congress-led UDF.

"Our aim is to make NDA effective in Kerala. We had been carrying out political work as BJP in the state so far. Now the time is ripe to constitute a broad NDA alliance involving all sections of society," senior BJP leader V Muraleedharan said.

Claiming that people of Kerala are "fed up" with the politics and policies of LDF led by CPI(M) and Congress-led UDF, he told PTI that the BJP-led NDA is the only viable alternative force in the state to take on both the fronts.

Asked if they would welcome parties like KC-M in the NDA fold, he said the coalition's doors are open to parties willing to work for Kerala's total development and welfare of its people. "We do not believe in political untouchability," he said.

BJP decided to form NDA at an all-party meeting with which it had made tie-ups for the May 16 Assembly polls.

BJP national president Amit Shah chaired the meeting at Kozhikode on Monday, a day after concluding the BJP's national council meeting, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It elected BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan as NDA chairman and BDJS president Thushar Vellappally as the convener.

BDJS is the political offshoot of SNDP Yogam, an outfit of the numerically strong Hindu Eazhava community in Kerala.

In a bid to send positive vibes to Christian minorities in the state, Kerala Congress president and former union minister P C Thomas was made state NDA's representative in the alliance's national committee.

Enthused by the success of a huge rally organised by BJP in Kozhikode last week as part of its's?national council meet, Muraleedharan said the next move is to shape NDA as a major force at various levels, including village, taluk and district.

"As part of strengthening our alliance, we will hold three major NDA conventions very soon. Based on the decisions to be arrived at these conventions, we will organise NDA conventions at booth, panchayat, taluk and district levels," said Muraleedharan, who is also ex-president of BJP's Kerala unit.

Leader of a key NDA ally in Kerala, JSS, Ranjan Babu, said he was happy to be part of the BJP-led alliance as the Union government has a meaningful vision of development.

"The NDA government at the Centre understands sentiments of the backward sections of society, including Dalits, tribals and backwards. The government has assured us that it would not touch the reservation issues.

"The actions of BJP-led government reveal it is committed to uphold values in Indian polity and ensure gender equality in our society," said Babu, who till recently worked alongside Kerala's revolutionary icon K R Gowriyamma.
Kolkata : Home to India's first metro rail, Kolkata is all set to get its own mono-rail service, the West Bengal has announced.

The 14-kilometre route will connect Budge Budge in South 24-Parganas and Ruby More in South Kolkata. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 4,216 crore.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Burn Standard Company Ltd, a public sector undertaking.

The mono-rail link will also connect to the proposed Metro rail network between New Garia and Dum Dum airport.

Sources in the transport department said the mono-rail project will cover an area of approximately 70 km and is scheduled to be completed by 2020.
Thane: Former Maharashtra chief minister and senior Congress leader Narayan Rane said his party will fight forthcoming civic body polls in Mumbai and Thane on the issues of "rampant corruption and misrule" even as he expressed hope to win 70-75 seats here.

Addressing a meeting of party workers here yesterday Rane came down heavily on Shiv Sena saying he will at an "appropriate" time "expose rampant corruption and misrule" of the party which "ruined" both the civic bodies.

"The government has not fulfilled its promises and hence citizens are waiting for the polls. Development has come to a grinding halt, the state is bankrupt, and the government has failed to do any work. People are annoyed with this dispensation," Rane, who is the party's district in-charge said.

"If you want development and good governance, vote us to power," he said.

Talking to newsmen, he said his party was hopeful of bagging at least 70-75 seats in Thane Municipal Corporation.

The senior leader also warned those defecting from the party saying will face defeat in the polls.

The "BJP wave has ended" and the "Congress wave is at its peak", he claimed appealing partymen to do away with infighting and work for victory. Rane said his committee had recommended 16 per cent quota in government jobs and educational institutes for the Maratha community.

It had recommended the inclusion of Marathas in the socially-and economically backward class, which forms the basis of the 16 per cent reservation without infringing on the reservation in the above sectors for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other communities.

We had suggested reservation based on the formula already existing in Tamil Nadu, he said.

Sena rules the 130-member TMC with more than 58 seats while in the 227-member house in BMC, Sena has 75 corporators.

Atleast 10 municipal corporations including Mumbai, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi, Pune, Pimpari-Chinchwad, Solapur and Akola are going to polls by February 2017.
Mumbai: The report of the sighting of around five-six suspected terrorists in Uran town by a local school student had last week sent the entire security apparatus in a tizzy.

The student had described the suspicious men as masked, wearing Pathani suits and carrying weapons and were heard mentioning `school' and `ONGC'.

Multiple security agencies launched a massive search operation covering land, air, and sea to apprehend the unknown persons sighted in the town near Mumbai, and police later released sketches of two suspects. However, the combing operations by the local authorities had found nothing.

A report in The Times of India suggests that the 'terror' scare was the result of a12-year-old schoolgirl's imagination.

The agencies let off the girl with a warning and a piece of counselling about the consequences of such "pranks", reported the daily.

During the second round of questioning after the search operation failed to trace the suspects, the girl reportedly confessed that she had seen pictures of Islamic State terrorists wearing black clothes and flashing weapons, which instigated her to say that she had seen them in Uran. She did all this "for some thrill".

All agencies concerned did not take the tip-off by the student lightly in view of September 18 terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri town.

Security at all critical installations and sensitive locations in Mumbai and adjoining Raigad, Navi Mumbai, was beefed up with police road blocks and vehicle searches, fishermen were on the lookout in the Arabian Sea and aerial-surface combing operations were taken up in different parts.

Schools, colleges, shops and establishments in Uran and surroundings remained shut for two days as security officials searched the area.

A huge deployment of police was witnessed in parts of south Mumbai, road blocks and checking of select vehicles continued overnight in an efforts to detect the missing suspects.

Security was intensified at Raj Bhavan, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the BARC, DAE, Mantralaya and surrounding VVIP areas, key railway terminus and stations, prominent beaches like Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu, various oil and fertilizer companies' installations on the eastern coast of Mumbai, the naval harbour, JNPT and MbPT, etc.

The two-day operations were described by security personnel as the highest ever state of alert after the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror strikes.
Jaipur: Security has been tightened in Rajasthan along the country's border with Pakistan after India's surgical strikes across the Line of Control, official sources said on Thursday.

"Troops in Rajasthan are in a state of high alertness and preparedness to meet any eventuality," army sources told IANS.

A high-level meeting was called by Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria with senior security and state government officials on Thursday.

"The meeting was called to review the situation on the border," a state government official said, adding that villagers living near the border in Rajasthan are not being evacuated at present.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and, in case of any emergency or any eventuality, we will review it," the official added.

Patrolling has been increased along the border, especially during night hours, and police asked to step up search operations in villages and hamlets and keep an eye on suspicious persons or activities.

Eleven days after a terror attack killed 18 soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, India carried out "surgical strikes" on terrorist launch pads across the LoC, inflicting massive casualties and dramatically heightening tensions in the region.


A man in Rajasthan had an argument with his wife after which she stormed out of the home. In protest, the distraught husband channelled his inner monkey and climbed a tree.

By India Today Web Desk:

How does one solve a marital dispute? Well, if you're Raju Prabhuram Kumar, you go and climb a tree.

This is exactly what happened to a couple in Tibbi, Ganganagar in Rajasthan, when the wife stormed out of the house after an argument with her spouse. Her husband, borrowing a leaf from Dharmendra's book in Sholay, climbed a tree in protest.

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The entire drama went on for almost an hour, during which the entire village had gathered under the tree.

Also Read: Oh my goat! Viral video shows goat defy gravity, perch on top of palm tree



THE INCIDENT

Raju Prabhuram Kumar lives with his family in Tibbi and both husband and wife fail to live peacefully... at least on most days. However, on September 27, they did have an argument, prompting Kumar's better half to walk out of the house to cool down at their neighbour's.

This is when the situation took a bizarre turn. Troubled Raju decided his best option was to climb a tree and start shouting, drawing a large crowd.

He alleged that someone had eloped with his wife.

Member of panchayat and the police soon rushed to the scene and promised to find Raju's wife.

Watch the video here:



THE END

After the hour-long drama, Raju was brought down and police arrested him for creating an unnecessary ruckus. Presently he's out on bail.



--- ENDS ---
Chinsurah: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said landowners in Singur will get possession of land after Durga Puja festival.

"After Puja all land owners will get their land back. It will be fit for agriculture," Banerjee said after an administrative review meeting here in Hooghly district.

She said she was happy to be part of the fight of farmers who were getting back their land.

State minister Partha Chatterjee said they were never against industries, but against having industries on a multi-crop land.

"We were never against the Tatas. We told them you can do the factory on the other side," he said.

According to him, 1,768 land owners have so far taken cheques from the government while 10,747 'parchas' (land deeds) have been given so far.
New Delhi: The Pakistani media on Thursday dismissed India's claims of surgical strikes against terror camps on its territory and instead suggested that Indian guns were silenced in a befitting reply from Pakistan Army.

The Geo TV sought to rubbish the India's claim of 'surgical strikes' and said that Indian guns were silenced by the Pakistan Army.

It further claimed that only two Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom at the LoC during the crossfire.

Citing Pakistan's Director General Inter-service Public Relations Asim Saleem Bajwa, it reported that Pakistan has acted responsibly despite provocation by India.

Pakistan has responded to all aggressive statements by India with restraint, the Geo TV quoted him as saying. He added that Indian forces opened fire at the border at 2 am today. Bajwa denied reports of surgical strikes and said, Those are all baseless lies by the Indian DGMO told to flatter their public.

The Dawn newspaper reported that two Pak Army soldiers were killed in a firing but dismissed the Indian claim of 'surgical strikes'.

"There had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is (an) existential phenomenon," Dawn reported quoting an ISPR statement.

"Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors," the statement said.

The ISPR statement comes after India's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh confirmed about the surgical strikes.

At a media briefing, he said that surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian army on "terror launch pads along the LoC."

Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control, he said.

The Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launchpads. Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them, he told a press conference in New Delhi.

However, the Pakistan military swiftly dismissed the notion of a surgical strike.

Citing a Pakistan military statement, the Express Tribune reported, "The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by Indian to create false effects.

"This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by re-branding cross border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth.

Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded."

A statement by Pakistan Air Force said that Pakistans airspace will be safeguarded at any cost.

Pakistan Air Force is always alert and ready to issue a befitting response to foreign aggression," a spokesperson said.

Quoting Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the Tribune further said that small firearms were used during the skirmish across the LoC and Pakistani forces responded in a befitting manner.

He added that Indian forces started firing in five sectors and that he was unaware of the casualties on the other side of the border.
London: Britain must not expect to end up with more rights than other countries outside the EU following Brexit negotiations, Italy`s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi warned in an interview Thursday.

Renzi also told the BBC that he blamed Britain`s former premier David Cameron for June`s vote to leave the European Union.

His comments are the latest from a European leader to highlight the tough stance Britain is likely to face in Brexit negotiations when it triggers Article 50, the two-year process for leaving.

"It will be impossible to give to British people more rights than other people out of the EU," Renzi said, speaking in English.

"When David Cameron decided to use the referendum to solve some internal problem in the Conservative party, this was the problem," he added.

Cameron was seen as having called the referendum to try and placate eurosceptics in his party and stem the rise of the anti-EU UK Independence Party.

Renzi added that the vote to leave the EU was "a bad decision" but the result should be respected.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Government think-tank warned that planning for Brexit could cost Britain`s government 65 million (75 million euros, $85 million) a year in a new report out Thursday.

It also urged Prime Minister Theresa May to make clear when she plans to activate Article 50.

"In the absence of a clear plan, `Kremlinology` and off-the-cuff remarks are filling the void," it said.
Moscow: The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia`s air force would press ahead with its operations in Syria and dismissed a U.S. statement on the conflict there as unhelpful and clumsy.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has called on Moscow to ground its planes over Syrian battle zones, including over Aleppo.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters on Thursday that the Russian air force would continue to support Syrian government troops and that what he called the "war on terror" would continue.

Peskov urged Washington to deliver on a pledge to separate moderate Syrian opposition fighters from "terrorists" and called the latest U.S. statement on Syria clumsy and unhelpful.

He was referring to a statement by U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby who said on Wednesday that Russia had an interest in stopping the violence in Syria because extremists could exploit the vacuum there and launch attacks "against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities."

Despite growing U.S.-Russia tensions, Peskov said Russia remained interested in cooperating with the United States to try to resolve the Syria crisis.
Beijing: Rescuers have pulled 15 people alive from a landslide that slammed into a village in China`s eastern Zhejiang province after a typhoon but 32 people are still missing there and in another nearby village, state media said on Thursday.

Heavy rains brought by the remnants of Typhoon Megi caused the landslide to crash into Sucun village on Wednesday.

Pictures on the microblog of official provincial news portal Zhejiang Online showed survivors being carried out on the backs of rescuers, while others dug through rubble to find survivors.

It gave no details of the 26 still missing in Sucun other than to say one was an official who had been in the village to organise evacuations.

A mass of debris rolled down a lush mountain towards the small village, according to images posted on Zhejiang Online.

Six people in Baofeng village in the same province were also missing after their homes were destroyed by a separate landslide, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Mountainous Zhejiang, along with its neighbouring provinces, is frequently hit by typhoons at this time of year and are also highly susceptible to landslides.

Megi had already killed four people and injured more than 523 in Taiwan since it had roared in from the Pacific Ocean.
United Nations: Russia on Thursday raised questions after Bulgaria formally presented its European budget commissioner Kristalina Georgieva as its candidate to be the next UN secretary-general, diplomats said.

Russia, along with Uruguay and Malaysia, objected to language in a letter from Sofia that described Georgieva as Bulgaria`s "sole and unique candidate" for the top post and asked for clarification.

Georgieva was nominated by the Bulgarian government on Wednesday, replacing UNESCO chief Irina Bokova who failed to gain strong support during a series of straw polls at the Security Council.

The 63-year-old economist who is also the European Commission`s vice president had long been tipped as a possible candidate, but finally threw her hat in the ring following some lobbying by Germany.

Bokova has said she plans to stay in the race and there are no rules forcing her to step down, even though running without a government`s backing is seen as seriously dimming chances.

The letter formally presenting Georgieva as a candidate is expected to put the wheels in motion for her to appear at hearings before the UN General Assembly, which are tentatively set for Monday.

Those plans were on hold however until New Zealand, which holds the presidency of the Security Council, signs off a joint letter with the president of the General Assembly on her candidacy.

That letter is then circulated to all 193 UN member-states to inform them of Georgieva`s bid to be UN chief.

The Russian mission to the United Nations did not respond to AFP`s requests for information about their objections.

UN officials said it was a possible indication that Moscow was unenthusiastic about Georgieva`s bid to become the first woman to lead the United Nations.The race to replace Ban Ki-moon heads into high gear next Wednesday when the sixth straw poll will allow veto-holding council members -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- to use colored ballots.

There have been five straw polls so far during which all 15 members rated the candidates by choosing to "encourage" or "discourage" them, or expressing "no opinion."

Portugal`s former prime minister Antonio Guterres has taken the number one spot in all of the informal ballots.

Council members are facing calls to pick the first woman to be at the UN helm and to give preference to a candidate from eastern Europe, the only region that has yet to be represented in the job.

Under UN rules, member states can put forward candidates at any stage of the selection process, even at the last minute.

But Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko voiced disapproval with Georgieva`s late entry into the race.

"I think she is too late," Yelchenko told reporters. "The way it is done is not fully correct."

Nine candidates are currently vying to become the next UN chief, including four women and five men. Six candidates are from eastern Europe.

The Security Council is hoping to agree in the coming weeks on a nominee to replace Ban, who steps down on December 31 after two five-year terms.

The council`s nominee will then be presented to the General Assembly, which endorses the choice.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Thursday warned of "disastrous consequences" from a United States law allowing 9/11 victims to sue the kingdom.

A foreign ministry source called on the US Congress "to take the necessary measures to counter the disastrous and dangerous consequences" of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) on relations between states.

The unnamed spokesman, cited by the official Saudi Press Agency, said the law is "a source of great worry."

Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to override President Barack Obama`s veto of the act.

JASTA allows attack survivors and relatives of terrorism victims to pursue cases against foreign governments in US federal court and to demand compensation if such governments are proven to bear some responsibility for attacks on US soil.

This law "weakens the immunity of states", and will have a negative impact on all countries "including the United States," the Saudi spokesman said, expressing hope that "wisdom will prevail."

In opposing the law, Obama said it would harm US interests by undermining the principle of sovereign immunity, opening up the US to private lawsuits over its military missions abroad.
Bangkok: Thailand is cracking down on migrant workers from neighbouring countries, saying they are "stealing jobs from Thais", amid fears that anti-immigrant sentiment is rising as Southeast Asia`s second-largest economy stagnates.

In an operation led by the Thai labour department, police and troops on Wednesday raided a fresh produce market in Bangkok and arrested 14 people, most of them from neighbouring Myanmar. "We have received many complaints about illegal immigrants working in markets including Vietnamese and even South Asians who were stealing jobs from Thais," Thai immigration police chief Nathorn Phrosunthorn told Reuters.

"They should be doing the jobs that Thais don`t want to do like work as house cleaners," he said.

Under the terms of a 2015 memorandum of understanding Vietnamese citizens are restricted in their employment in Thailand and can work only as manual labourers in Thailand`s fishing or construction sectors.

Cambodians also have been nabbed in the raids, along with people from Myanmar and Vietnam.

More than 3 million migrants work in Thailand, the vast majority from neighbouring Myanmar, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Thailand became wealthy compared to its neighbours when its economy boasted annual growth rates of over 7 percent in the 1980s and 1990s, drawing migrant workers from across the Greater Mekong Delta region and other parts of Asia. They mostly did jobs Thais tend to spurn, including backbreaking work in the fishing and construction sectors.

But, more than two years after the military government seized power and with Thailand`s economy on shaky ground, rights groups also see rising resentment against immigrants in Thailand, mirroring such sentiment elsewhere in the world.

"There seems to be a surge of national sentiment in Thai immigration policy claiming migrants from Vietnam, for example, are taking jobs that are reserved for Thai nationals," Sunai Phasuk from Human Rights Watch told Reuters.

"We haven`t seen this kind of rise in anti-immigrant sentiment for decades. This has a lot to do economic concerns."

Sanit Choklamlert, a shop keeper in Bangkok`s Silom business district, said migrants are seen as competitors for some Thais.

"There are too many Myanmar people here now and they`re fighting for the same jobs as us," he said. "We need to send some back."

Thailand`s economy is on course to grow 3.0 percent in 2016 after expanding 2.8 percent in 2015 and only 0.7 percent in 2014.

Nathorn said the crackdown was not driven by an anti-immigrant policy. "We still need migrant labour. We just want to keep some order," he said.

The raids have targeted fresh markets, restaurants, supermarkets and shopping malls. Around 153 immigrants were rounded up between Sept. 1 and Sept. 26, according to labour department figures. Those caught face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 3,000 baht ($100) or deportation.

Migrants are often at risk of falling into the hands of human trafficking rings, who sell them into virtual slavery on plantations, timber mills and fishing boats, human rights groups say.

Thailand was removed from the bottom rung of the U.S. State Department`s annual list of worst human trafficking offenders this year despite what the department described as "widespread forced labour" in the country`s vital seafood industry.
Keiv: A sombre Ukraine on Thursday marks 75 years since the World War II slaughter of some 34,000 Jews on the outskirts of Kiev, one of the largest massacres of the Holocaust. The carnage by Nazi forces at the Babi Yar ravine has caused years of soul-searching and debate in Ukraine over the participation of local collaborators in the killings and atrocities that followed.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin was meant to attend a memorial ceremony led by Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko and the European Union`s Donald Tusk on Thursday evening. But he cut short his visit to Kiev due to the death of Israeli statesman Shimon Peres -- although not before drawing criticism for "undiplomatic" comments about Ukrainians` role in the Babi Yar slaughter.

The anniversary comes at a sensitive time for Ukraine, as a confrontation with Russia has sparked a rising tide of nationalism that has increasingly lionised some groups accused of WWII crimes against the Jews.

Members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) collaborated with Hitler`s generals in the early years of the war, because they felt the Nazis could help them win independence from the Soviet Union`s even-more-hated Stalin.

Rivlin did not shy away from telling Ukrainian lawmakers in Kiev on Tuesday that "many of the crimes were committed by Ukrainians" during the Holocaust.

"The fighters of UPA were especially prominent," said Rivlin.

"They victimised the Jews, killed them, and in many cases reported them to the Nazis."

Rivlin`s comments led the Ukrainian parliament`s deputy speaker to condemn his remarks as "undiplomatic".

"Certain statements of our esteemed guest were out of place in these days of mourning, with them spoken in the parliament of a country that today is also fighting for its independence," Iryna Gerashchenko said. Gerashchenko was referring to a 29-month pro-Russian revolt that has claimed 9,600 lives in the east of Ukraine.

Moscow denies sparking the war in reprisal for the 2014 ouster of Ukraine`s Russian-backed leader and its western neighbour`s decision to seek future membership in the European Union and NATO.The Nazis helped by local auxiliaries exterminated the Jews between September 29 and 30 of 1941 as they blitzed their way toward Moscow and captured major cities on the western flank of the former Soviet Union.

The last survivor of that carnage still alive in Kiev told AFP that Jews comprised about a quarter of the city`s 800,000-strong population at the time.

About 100,000 live in the city today out of a population of around 2.8 million and Yiddish, once widely spoken among Ashkenazi Jews, is almost never heard on the streets.

Babi Yar is now rarely mentioned by locals. But the horror of those dark days is still vividly etched in the memories of some.

"We were gathered and sent along `the path to death`," Raisa Maistrenko, 78, said in an interview at what today is a green ravine scattered with Soviet-era monuments and a Jewish Menorah candelabrum put up when the empire was crumbling in 1991.

Just 29 people managed to escape execution by either falling into the mass grave before being shot in the back or wearing crosses to hide their true religion.

Maistrenko`s 18 relatives never returned from Babi Yar.

"All the Jews decided to go because they thought they would be evacuated by train as the railway station was nearby. Nobody could possibly assume there would be a mass execution," she recalled in hushed tones.

"We heard the shooting behind us, but (my) granny -- she kept holding me -- did not look back and kept running until she fell exhausted among the graves in a nearby cemetery."

Maistrenko said they were hiding there until sunset before finding their way back home under the cover of darkness.

There -- to their relief -- no one reported them to the Nazis.

"There were two big houses in our courtyard filled with multi-national families, but all were very friendly to each other," Maistrenko said.
Seoul: A UN rights envoy has called for an independent investigation into the death of a South Korean protester, shot by police water cannon during an anti-government rally last year.

Baek Nam-Ki, a 69-year-old farmer, died Sunday after falling into a coma last November when he was hit by a water cannon used by police during a massive protest against Seoul`s labour policies.

His plight has sparked widespread outrage with the police coming under fire for what critics describe as excessive use of force during public rallies. UN Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai voiced "dismay" over Baek`s death in a statement published late Wednesday, calling for a probe to punish those responsible.

"I call for a full and independent investigation into the police`s use of water cannon during the rally ... that unambiguously led to (his) death according to video footage available," Kiai said.

"The perpetrators should be held accountable and the family of Mr. Baek receive appropriate compensation; in addition, adequate measures must be taken to prevent a similar tragedy from happening in the future," he said.

The protests on November 14 -- involving more than 60,000 people -- led to violent clashes with police, who sprayed water cannons and pepper spray at demonstrators, injuring dozens.

Baek`s family and the police have been locked in a dispute with officials pushing for an autopsy to determine cause of death.

Family members have refused, accusing the police of trying to shrug off responsibility and build the case that Baek`s death occurred due to diseases he previously suffered.

"The police already has his full medical records for (the) past 10 months ... and we don`t want his body to be touched by the police that killed him in the first place," the family said in a statement.

Police and prosecutors Wednesday received a warrant from a court, allowing them to carry out an autopsy, but family members and hundreds of supporters are staking out the hospital in Seoul to block any attempts to take the body.

Critics say freedoms have been eroded under President Park Geun-Hye, daughter of Park Chung-Hee, a general turned authoritarian leader who ruled the country for 18 years until he was assassinated in 1979.

Park`s conservative government is facing mounting resentment over a range of issues including a push to impose new history textbooks on schools and plans to reform the labour market, making it easier for firms to fire workers.
By PTI: Coimbatore, Sept 29 (PTI) Days after a Hindu Munnani functionary was hacked to death by a four-member gang, his wife attempted suicide in her house here today, police said.

30-year-old S Yamuna, wife of C Sasikumar, consumed poison and had been admitted to a private hospital, they said.

Her relatives saw her consuming the poison and falling unconscious. They rushed her to the hospital.

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Hindu Munnani State Spokesperson Mookambikai Mani said Yamunas condition was stable.

She is responding to treatment, he said.

40-year-old Sasikumar was hacked to death on September 22 here, leading to tension in the district and neighbouring Tirupur.

Sasikumar, district spokesperson of the organisation, was returning home in Subramaniampalayam, in the outskirts, on a two-wheeler when the unidentified assailants chased him on motorcycles and attacked him with sickles.

The killing had triggered protests which turned violent during the funeral procession here. Senior BJP leaders, including Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan had condemned the murder. The probe in the incident has been transferred to the Crime-Branch CID. PTI NVM VS SRY

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California: US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Thursday that America`s alliance with the Philippines was "ironclad," despite that country`s president vowing a day earlier to end joint military exercises.

"As it has been for decades, our alliance with the Philippines is ironclad," Carter said, addressing troops aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, docked in San Diego.

On Wednesday, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said he would soon end joint military exercises with the United States.

Such a move could further dampen relations with Manila`s longtime ally after the controversial leader branded US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore."

Speaking in Hanoi during a two-day visit to Vietnam, Duterte said next month`s military drills with America would be the last.

"I will serve notice to you now, that this will be the last military exercise, jointly Philippines-US, the last one," he said in a rambling speech to several hundred Vietnam-based Filipinos.

Carter was in San Diego on his way to Hawaii, where on Friday he will host a meeting for defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He did not discuss the Philippines further, except to note that the United States will continue to support the modernization of the Philippines`s armed forces, through the so-called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Carter`s trip to Hawaii comes with less than four months of the Obama administration remaining.

A key question at the meeting will be future plans for America`s "rebalance" to Asia, during which Obama has tried to shift the US focus away from Middle East quagmires and toward rapidly growing Asia.

He has mended relations with Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos, while bolstering regional blocs and providing a counterbalance to China`s regional ambitions.

Regional nations are deeply concerned by China`s rapid push to build up and militarize islets in the South China Sea and its far-ranging claims over much of the strategically and economically vital waterway.

Carter stressed, as he has repeatedly in recent months, that the US Navy would continue to ignore China`s territorial claims and sail through waters surrounding the islands.

"The US-China relationship will have elements of cooperation but also competition," he said.

"We hope that China chooses to join the rest of the region in strengthening and upholding the shared principles that have helped so many nations around the region, including China, to rise and prosper."

Carter stressed the Asia focus would continue into the future.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, in a tightened race against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton ahead of the November 8 election, has called mutual defense treaties with South Korea and Japan into question.
District of Columbia: The United States warned on Thursday that it is on the brink of ending talks with Russia over the assault on Aleppo, where the United Nations says a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding unlike any witnessed so far in Syria`s brutal five-year war.

Air strikes pounded Aleppo province while at least 11 civilians, including seven children, died during attacks on the city of Idlib, nearby Jarjanaz and central Hama province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

With no let-up in the military campaign, US Secretary of State John Kerry admitted that months of diplomacy to end the war had hit a dead-end.

"I think we are on the verge of suspending the discussion because, you know, it`s irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there, trying to take things seriously," he told a conference in the US capital.

Syria`s ally Russia said it would press ahead with the air war in support of the regime, warning that Washington`s refusal to work with Moscow on a settlement would be a "gift to terrorists."

"If Washington`s threats to halt cooperation become concrete decisions, then there is no longer any doubt that the rebels are under the White House`s protection and in the streets, terrorists will celebrate," Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said.

Russia and the United States have traded blame for last week`s collapse of a ceasefire deal that would have marked the first step in a new effort to end the war that has killed 300,000 people since 2011.International alarm is growing over the crisis in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where the Syrian army launched an offensive a week ago to retake the city.

UN aid chief Stephen O`Brien told the Security Council in New York that Aleppo is descending into a "merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed so far in Syria."

More than 100,000 children remain trapped in east Aleppo, which has come under intense bombing since the Syrian army offensive began, he said.

The siege by Syrian government forces has made food scarce and fresh water in short supply, he added, and there are mounting reports of deaths from malnutrition, disease and poisoning by those scavenging for food.

US Ambassador Samantha Power described the escalation as "the most savage week we`ve seen in an incredibly savage five-plus-year war," with more than 1,000 people killed by 1,700 air strikes on rebel-held east Aleppo alone.

France said it would push for a UN resolution to impose a ceasefire in Aleppo, but it remains unlikely that Russia would support such a measure.

Moscow maintains that a US-led coalition strike on a Syrian army base, on top of Washington`s failure to rein in opposition rebel fighters, led to the collapse of the truce.Kerry said the United States would pursue other alternatives, "barring some clear indication by the warring parties that they are prepared to consider how to approach this more effectively."

The UN envoy for Syria, meanwhile, said there was little prospect of an imminent restart of any negotiations to try to end the raging conflict as the violence continues.

"At the moment, when bombs are falling all over, it is very difficult to justify resuming talks," Staffan de Mistura told AFP after meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican.

In a sign of the desperate plight facing residents of eastern Aleppo, the United Nations warned that hundreds of people probably need medical evacuation.

Two of the largest hospitals in the city`s east were bombed on Wednesday in what UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described as a war crime.
By PTI: Jaipur, Sep 29 (PTI) A 23-year-old Yemeni student was found dead outside his hostel in Malviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) here today.

Musa Ahemad Ali, who was a student of seventh semester of Mechanical Engineering, was found dead outside the hostel this morning, police said.

The body has been shifted to the mortuary of SMS hospital and the Yemen embassy in New Delhi has been informed about the incident, they said, adding postmortem will be conducted once Alis family members arrive.

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The matter is being probed to ascertain whether it is a case of suicide or an accidental death, police said.

Registrar, MNIT, A K Solanki said the hostel warden informed the police about the incident. PTI SDA AQS SK AQS

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Top funding

FreshDirect, one of the first online grocery delivery services ever, has raised $189 million in private equity capital, 14 years since launching. J.P. Morgan Asset Management led the round, with participation from direct secondary investment firm W Capital Partners and life insurance company AARP. FreshDirect still focuses on the East Coast in the US, serving folks in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey, but with this funding will look to expand into new markets.

The funding round coincides with the launch of a new mobile app, FoodKick, which promises consumers deliveries within an hour. This answers the growing call from consumers for on-demand services that other food e-commerce companies have struggled to provide. FreshDirect claims to have about $600 million in revenues and is in competition with AmazonFresh, thats expanding across the country, and Instacart, which recently received investment from one of the retailers on its platform, Whole Foods. Instead of tapping into existing delivery infrastructure as other food e-commerce companies have done  and Amazon did with UPS  FreshDirect owns its own fleet of vans. The startup also has distribution centers to store produce ahead of time in contrast to Instacarts personal shopper model.

FreshDirect has now raised a total of $280 million, mostly from private equity-type investors, according to CrunchBase. Instacart, by comparison, has raised $274 million since launching in 2012, from a range of high-profile venture capital firms including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Andreessen Horowitz, and Sequoia Capital. After 14 years in business on the East Coast, FreshDirect cannot be accused of expanding too quickly, but it will be interesting to see how it plays, bearing in mind the challenges other food e-commerce startups have faced in the expansion phase.

European startups lead the rest

AgroSavfe, a Belgium-based biopesticide startup, raised an $8.74 million Series B from a group of new and existing investors: growth equity investor Gimv, startup financier PMV, life sciences research institute VIB, Agri Investment Fund, life sciences fund Biovest, university venture fund Qbic, and agrochemical company Globachem. The startups technology centers around antibodies that it calls Agribodies, which are protein binding domains derived from camelid antibodies targeting specific molecules. In the first instance, the company is testing its technology on fungi in fruits and vegetables.

Centaur Analytics, a Greek startup monitoring post-harvest waste, has raised a $1.3 million in seed funding from OurCrowd First, Piraeus Jeremie Technology Catalyst Fund and Avi Reichental, the founder of Xponentialworks former CEO of 3D Systems. The funding will be used to accelerate the commercialization of Centaurs proprietary wireless sensors that monitor stored post-harvest products, feeding into the companys software platform to provide cognitive analytics and prescriptions.

Cannabi-Tech, an Israeli medical cannabis company, raised funding from the Hebrew Universitys Agrinnovation Fund. The company, which originated from the Hebrew Universitys faculty of agriculture, is developing an affordable and easy-to-use non-destructive method for the analysis, detection, and automated sorting of individual medical cannabis flowers.

Agrofy, an Argentinian agribusiness marketplace, closed its second round of seed funding on $1 million. Investors in the round included NXTP Labs, an accelerator seed fund. Agrofy did not participate directly in NXTP Labs program, the regions first agtech accelerator because it was at a more advanced stage, but it did partake in some of the mentorship activities. The online marketplace taps a variety of production inputs, including machinery, inputs, infrastructure, tools, crops, cattle, insurance, loans, farmlands, jobs and vehicles. This round enables the company to reach next years Series A, when it expects to raise between $3 million and $5 million for the Brazil launch.

CMS Technology, a US food safety company developing antimicrobial solutions primarily for the poultry and produce industry, has raised over $5 million in Series A funding as part of a larger round led by institutional investment firm WP Global Partners.

Umi Kitchen, a New York home-cooked food delivery startup, closed a $1.4 million seed round with a long list of investors including boutique angel fund BoxGroup, SWTLF Ventures, early-stage SaaS and consumer internet investors Version One Ventures, Yales startup investment outfit YEI Innovation Fund, and 11 angel investors, including Barclays Investment Banks managing director Allen Cutler. The online app is designed for both aspiring cooks and hungry diners alike.

Paine & Partners, the agribusiness private equity fund, is set to acquire The Global ID Group, a food safety and food quality platform. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Headquartered in Fairfield, Iowa, with additional locations across Europe and South America, Global ID has more than 15k blue-chip customers across more than 100 countries.

Laguna Bay, an Australian farmland fund manager, has made the first investment from its recently-closed $280 million fund. Banongill Station is a 17k acre mixed farming property in Victoria, Australia, and the acquisition included 30k sheep, 2.4k Angus cattle, equipment, and 3.7k acres of winter cereal cropping land. Colliers International facilitated the sale from its private owners. The fund has a mandate to invest in a portfolio of agricultural assets in Australia and New Zealand and invests on behalf of local and offshore investors including North American pension and endowment funds.

Have funding news? Get in touch Media@AgFunderNews.com
Lockheed Martin beat out US rival Raytheon to win the contract to fit out the Aus$50 billion French-designed submarines

Canberra has chosen US defence contractor Lockheed Martin as the combat system integrator for its new fleet of 12 French-designed submarines.

The Australian arm of the American defence giant defeated US rival Raytheon to win the contract to fit out the Aus$50 billion (US$38 billion) vessels.

The contract will cover systems including sonar and torpedoes.

"By partnering with an Australian-based company with strong links to the US, we will ensure that we get the best Australian and US technology, while ensuring that our sensitive technology is protected," Defence Minister Marise Payne and Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said in a statement Thursday.

The defence ministry did not provide any costings for the combat system contract.

Australia awarded French contractor DCNS the contract last April to design and build its next generation of submarines.

The submarines are a scaled-down, conventionally powered version of France's 4,700-tonne Barracuda.

The combat systems will be fitted to the submarines in Adelaide in partnership with Australia's Department of Defence and DCNS.

"Lockheed Martin Australia?s involvement in the Future Submarine Program is likely to create around 200 skilled Australian jobs during the design and build phases of the program," Pyne said.

A total of around 2,800 jobs will be linked to the overall submarine programme.

France's Minister of Defence, Jean-Yves Le Drian, and the boss of DCNS both welcomed the decision.

Herve Guillou, DCNS CEO, said: "DCNS is looking forward to a strategic and sustainable partnership with the Commonwealth of Australia, Lockheed Martin and Australian industry."

He added: "DCNS is committed to ensuring that Australia has a regionally superior submarine constructed in Adelaide and develops a sovereign naval industry."
The Bloomberg report came as the US Department of Justice presses the Deutsche Bank for a $14 billion penalty over its sale of mortgage-backed securities prior to the 2008 financial crisis

Deutsche Bank shares sank seven percent Thursday after news that a number of hedge funds had pulled money out of the German giant amid worries over its financial strength.

The move to sell off the German giant's stock, which affected shares traded in Frankfurt, New York and elsewhere, also helped drag down the US markets overall.

Bloomberg News reported Thursday that about 10 hedge funds that clear trades with Deutsche Bank withdrew some excess cash and derivatives holdings and moved the assets to other firms this week, according to an internal bank document it saw.

Bloomberg said the "vast majority" of the bank's clients have made no changes to their exposure at the bank.

AFP sources knowledgeable of the situation confirmed that 10 hedge funds had pulled funds out, including Millennium Partners, Capula Investment, and British fund Rokos Capital Management.

But the bank said the Bloomberg report gave an overly negative view of the situation, noting it still had some 800 funds as customers who understand its "stable financial position."

But Deutsche Bank shares sank nevertheless.

Shares traded in Frankfurt were at 10.10 euros ($11.34), down 7.2 percent in after-hours trade, while New York-traded shares for the bank closed 6.7 percent lower at $11.48.

In a statement the bank sought to reassure investors.

"Our trading clients are amongst the world's most sophisticated investors," said a Deutsche Bank spokeswoman.

"We are confident that the vast majority of them have a full understanding of our stable financial position, the current macroeconomic environment, the litigation process in the US and the progress we are making with our strategy."

The Bloomberg report came as the US Department of Justice presses the German bank for a $14 billion penalty over its sale of mortgage-backed securities prior to the 2008 financial crisis.

Such a payout, analysts fear, could undermine the bank's capital foundations, already weakened in the European Union's economic woes.

Markets have been rife with talk that the bank could require a German government bailout, but Berlin and the bank have repeatedly rejected such speculation.

"The government is not preparing rescue plans. There are no grounds for such speculation," the German finance ministry said Wednesday.
Hedge fund Och-Ziff paid bribes to officials in five African countries to secure mining rights and corruptly influence government officials

Hedge fund Och-Ziff Capital Management Group will pay $413 million to settle charges it bribed officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries.

Och-Ziff paid bribes to officials in five African countries to secure mining rights and corruptly influence government officials, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced. The fund also reached a deferred prosecution agreement with the US Justice Department in a parallel criminal case.
Samsung received 733 reports of problems with the washing machines in the US

Samsung is in discussions about "potential safety issues" concerning some of its washing machines after a class-action lawsuit complained the appliances were exploding, the company said Wednesday.

The news comes after the South Korean electronics giant recalled millions of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones following a series of battery explosions.

Samsung is "in active discussions" with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission on issues with top-load washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016, a company statement said.

"In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items," it said.

Samsung recommended consumers use the "lower speed delicate cycle" when washing bedding or bulky items until it can offer additional information or remedies.

The safety commission confirmed it is in discussions with Samsung and that they are "working on a remedy for affected consumers."

A US law firm has filed suit in New Jersey "alleging that some Samsung top-loading washing machines explode in owners homes," leading to potential injury or damage, attorney Jason Lichtman said earlier on Wednesday.

"Users have reported Samsung top-load washers exploding as early as the day of installation, while other owners have seen their machines explode months or even more than a year after purchase," the firm said in a statement.

Samsung -- the world's largest maker of smartphones as well as mobile phones in general -- suffered a major blow to its prestige when it was forced to recall some 2.5 million of its flagship smartphones after some users complained that batteries had caught fire while charging.

The recall affects phones sold in 10 countries, including around one million sold in the United States.
Energy firm PetroChina's stock on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange rose more than three percent on news that the OPEC cartel had agreed to cut production

Asian and European stocks mostly rallied Thursday but failed to provide momentum to Wall Street which edged lower as traders weighed OPEC's surprise deal to limit oil output.

After initially lighting a fire under oil prices, enthusiasm for the announcement by major oil producers fizzled on questions about OPEC's ability to seriously tackle a supply glut.

Crude prices fell back as doubts set in about the deal, struck in Algiers Wednesday, but energy-linked currencies and petroleum-linked shares held on to strong share price gains.

The oil price then recovered to show small gains in the late European afternoon.

Briefing.com Patrick O'Hare said the market was sceptical of the agreement by oil producers to limit output, saying "talk is cheap without action."

However, ConocoPhillips shares made strong gains in the US Thursday, while Royal Dutch Shell and BP also rose sharply in London.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 jumped just over 1.0 percent overall.

In the eurozone, the Paris CAC 40 was 0.3 percent higher, but Frankfurt's DAX 30 reversed earlier gains, to close down by 0.3 percent.

Details of the deal remain to be agreed and analysts said markets will now wait to see whether non-OPEC producers such as Russia, the United States and Canada will make cuts of their own.

Russian shares climbed Thursday, buoyed by developments in the oil market, while the country's currency, the ruble, which lost nearly half its value in 2014, strengthened slightly.

Other energy and commodity-linked currencies, such as the Malaysian ringgit and Canadian dollar, forged higher against the greenback.

- Support for oil currencies -

"OPEC's production cut offers support for oil-related currencies," noted Lee Hardman, analyst at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.

Hardman added that the brief oil-price surge "helped to improve investor risk sentiment, lifting global equity markets, particularly shares of energy companies".

US traders also had some better-than-expected economic data to assess, as estimates for second-quarter growth were upgraded and jobless claims remained low, indicating a strong labour market.

Story continues

Wall Street was slightly in the red.

In Asia, the share price of Chinese energy giant CNOOC piled on more than five percent and PetroChina added three percent, while Sydney-listed Woodside Petroleum won more than seven percent.

Elsewhere, Germany's banking sector was again in sharp focus.

The country's second largest lender Commerzbank said it plans to cut 9,600 jobs, or one-fifth of its workforce, by 2020 and withhold dividends to pay for a 1.1-billion-euro ($1.23-billion) restructuring.

Commerzbank shares lost more than 3.0 percent.

Meanwhile, in welcome news for the European Central Bank's efforts to boost prices with a massive stimulus programme, German inflation in September jumped to its highest level since May 2015, according to data.

- Key figures at 1555 GMT -

London - FTSE 100: UP 1.0 percent at 6,919.42 points (close)

Frankfurt - DAX 30: DOWN 0.3 percent at 10,405.54 points (close)

Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.3 percent at 4,443.84 points (close)

EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.02 percent at 2,991.58

New York - DOW: DOWN 0.2 percent to 18,303.05

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.4 percent at 16,693.71 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.5 percent at 23,739.47 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 2,998.48 (close)

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1246 from $1.1217 late Wednesday

Dollar/yen: UP at 101.49 yen from 100.70 yen

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2989 from $1.3022
Telefonica, one of the world's biggest telecoms groups, had a debt pile of 52.57 billion euros at the end of June

Debt-burdened Spanish telecoms giant Telefonica said Thursday it had cancelled a listing of its infrastructure subsidiary Telxius due to weak investor demand.

The company said in a statement it would continue "to analyse strategic alternatives" for Telxius.

The subsidiary manages Telefonica's infrastructure assets, including over 31,000 kilometres (19,000 miles) of sea-floor fibre-optic cables and 15,000 telecom masts in Spain.

The company had hoped to raise up to 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion) from the listing, which was scheduled for October 3. It had planned to float up to 40 percent of Telxius.

Telefonica had set an asking price of 12 euros to 15 euros a share, thus valuing Telxius at 3.0-3.75 billion euros.

Telefonica, one of the world's biggest telecoms groups, had a debt pile of 52.57 billion euros at the end of June.

As such, it is on the hunt for cash and it is also considering a possible listing of its British unit O2, after the European Commission blocked its sale to Hong Kong group Hutchison Whampoa over fears of the impact on prices for consumers.

The group reported a net profit of 1.24 billion euros in the first half of 2016 -- a 42.1-percent drop from the same time last year -- due in part to currency fluctuations.
John Stumpf, Chairman and CEO of the Wells Fargo & Company, testifies before the House Financial Services Committee September 29, 2016 in Washington, DC

Embattled Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf was hammered Thursday by US lawmakers who questioned his fitness to serve as the bank's chief following a sham accounts scandal.

Stumpf offered renewed contrition in an appearance before the Financial Services Committee of the House of Representatives, which is investigating the bank's sales practices after it admitted this month to opening millions of credit and debit accounts without customers' knowledge.

"I am deeply sorry that we failed to fulfill our responsibility to our customers, to our team members, and to the American public," said Stumpf.

Wells Fargo, the second largest US bank by market value, this month paid $190 million in fines and restitution over the accounts.

Stumpf announced that his bank would this week end the kind of high-pressure sales goals that had driven employees to meet targets by opening the accounts. The bank had planned to do so by January 1 but was accelerating the process, he said.

Amid persistent public outrage, California's treasurer on Wednesday suspended ties with the bank, which is based in the state, citing Wells Fargo's "venal abuse" of its customers.

On Tuesday, the bank's board announced that Stumpf would forfeit $41 million in compensation and that the its former community banking head Carrie Tolstedt will also forfeit $19 million. Neither is to receive any bonus.

Stumpf is now working without pay pending the outcome of an internal review. Federal prosecutors have also opened a probe, according to The Wall Street Journal.

- 'Beyond credibility' -

During Thursday's hearing, indignant lawmakers pressed Stumpf as to whether senior management would be held to account after the bank fired 5,300 employees over the illegal sales practices.

"It's just beyond credibility that somebody up the food chain didn't either order this, condone it, or turn a blind eye to it," said Jeb Hensarling, the committee's Republican chair.

Stumpf said an internal review would examine the roles of senior management: "The board is going to be involved. Management is going to be involved."

Story continues

Committee members also noted that the sham sales tactics had spilled out into the open when the Los Angeles Times exposed them in December 2013 but that the practices had not stopped until 2015.

Stumpf said the board had gradually gained awareness of the matter between 2013 and 2015.

"It was in 2015 that we had a full report," he said. "In 2014 we were starting to get more granular information that this was a risk area for the company to focus on."

Committee members hammered Stumpf's fitness to serve as CEO. New York Democrat Gregory Meeks noted that Wells Fargo had been fined over various issues on an annual basis during Stumpf's tenure.

"You can stay being chairman and CEO, is that what you want us to believe?" asked Meeks.

"I serve at the pleasure of the board," answered Stumpf.

"If the buck stops with you, as you have come here and said... then you should be fired," said Meeks, adding that the entire board might have to be replaced as well.

Stumpf said that the bank had contacted more than 20,000 credit card holders identified by accountants to see if they wanted the accounts in their names.

He said that "fewer than 25 percent" had indicated that they either did not want those accounts or could not recall applying for them.

- Bank too big to manage? -

Critics have said that banks such as Wells Fargo, which is among the world's largest by market value, can be unmanageable due to their size.

Indiana Republican Marlin Stutzman asked Thursday whether the sales scandal at Wells Fargo meant it was "too big to manage."

Stumpf denied this.

"This was a focus problem," he said. "We know we have work to do in operational and compliance risk."

Wells Fargo's share price has lost more than 9 percent since the fines were announced on Sept 8.

Around midday Thursday the shares were trading at $44.53, down 1.7 percent.
A teen boy has been arrested in Saudi Arabia for "unethical behaviour," after he did a cute internet video chat with an American YouTube starlet.

Abu Sin (his name means "toothless") and Christina Crockett jokingly declared their love for one another in a silly YouNow stream that has since been uploaded to YouTube. They struggled through language barriers and acted like goofy young people.

Evidently, being a cute kid is a crime in Saudi Arabia, where the 19 year old internet goofball lives.

A Saudi attorney told Okaz newspaper the videos violate the country's interpretation of Sharia law and internet regulations. Abu Sin could face up to three years in prison.

This video captures the moment in which Abu Sin and his friends were pulled over by police, before they hauled the kid off to jail.

Police in Riyadh detained Abu Sin on Sunday while he was driving with two friends, with the arrest accidentally broadcast live on YouNow as he chatted with another user from Kuwait. The footage showed police pulling up behind the car and the teenager approaching officers, before friends tell the camera police have an arrest warrant, according to a translation by France24. Colonel Fawaz Al-Mayman, a spokesperson for Riyadh police, said Abu Sin was arrested for "unethical behaviour". "His videos received many comments and many of the commenters of the general public demanded for him to be punished for his actions," he added, according to the Saudi Gazette.

From France 24:

This is not the first time that a Saudi Internet user has been arrested for videos that the authorities deem immoral. In 2013, a young man was arrested by the religious police after he posted photos of himself offering "free hugs" on the streets of Riyadh.

Below, the two internet pals in happier times.
"They just kept coming, and coming, and coming, across multiple states. Clowns in vans. Clowns in the woods. Clowns lurking in the shadows. Clowns chasing people or doing crimes."

There seems to be a "Copycat Effect" moment around Creepy Clown prankster/hoaxster/harassers in the United States right now. Law enforcement agencies around the country are cracking down, and there have been a dozen arrests in multiple states over the last few weeks. The clowns are facing charges such as making false reports or threats, and chasing people."

You know it's serious when horror author Stephen King says he's creeped out.

From the New York Times, where you'll find all the Creepy Clown News That's Fit To Print:

At least one death has been linked to a clown hoax. The first reports of unusual clown sightings surfaced late in August in Greenville County, S.C., with stories that the costumed figures were offering children money to lure them into the woods or were lingering in places and giving residents the heebie-jeebies. From there, the reports became a contagion, with sightings claimed in at least six other states: Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Even as the police were unable to verify the reports, they proliferated. The drumbeat of negative publicity even prompted the Ali Ghan Shriners Club's clown unit in Maryland to withdraw from a parade planned for October in Hagerstown, said Tom Holland, a member of the group, in an interview with The Cumberland Times-News on Wednesday.

One of the clown crime cases took place in LaGrange, Georgia. From the Troup County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, a bizarre report typical of the ones highlighted in the NYT piece:
By Joe Brock and Ed Cropley JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Italian oil firm Eni has approached banks for billions of dollars to finance a huge offshore gas development in Mozambique, a significant step in getting a long-delayed project off the ground, the company and sources said. Eni confirmed it met bankers in London last week about project financing to develop the Coral field, part of the huge reserves discovered six years ago in the Area 4 concession off the Mozambican coast. "It's running into billions of dollars," one source familiar with the financing told Reuters, adding banks were also looking for credit guarantees from foreign governments, including Britain and China. Banks are likely to respond within three to four weeks with terms of loans they are willing to provide, one of the last stages before Eni can make a final investment decision (FID) on the project, two sources close to the deal said. Eni said it hoped to announce a FID by the end of this year. Some lenders may be concerned about involvement in a project in Mozambique, given recent clashes between opposition guerrillas and government forces and financial scandals. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is in Mozambique this week to try to restore trust between President Filipe Nyusi's government and international lenders after more than $2 billion in secret loans came to light this year. The IMF has suspended its own lending to the southeast African country, insisting on external scrutiny as a precursor to resuming financial aid. "The biggest challenge is Mozambique country risk," one of the sources said. Reserves discovered in Mozambique's Rovuma Basin in recent years amount to some 85 trillion cubic feet, one of the largest finds in a decade and enough to supply Germany, Britain, France and Italy for nearly two decades. The gas offers Mozambique an opportunity to transform itself from one of the world's poorest countries into a middle-income state and a major global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter. Negotiations with operators Eni and U.S. firm Anadarko have dragged on for years due to disputes over terms and concerns about falling energy prices. However, there have been several signs of significant progress in recent months. Eni has struck a deal with Samsung Heavy to provide a floating LNG platform to process the gas from the Coral field, which will be sold to BP. Eni has also wrapped up long-running talks to sell a multi-billion dollar stake in other fields in Area 4 to Exxon Mobil, sources told Reuters last month. In 2013, Eni sold 20 percent of its Area 4 licence to China's CNPC for $4.2 billion but since then oil and gas prices have come down by more than half. Anadarko's $24 billion onshore LNG project is expected to lag Eni's and its FID is unlikely this year. (Additional reporting by Stephen Jewkes in Milan; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Matthias Williams KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine should ramp up economic and anti-corruption reforms to pave the way for continued support from whoever wins the U.S. presidential election, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said on a visit to Kiev on Thursday. While acknowledging the progress Kiev's Western-backed leadership has made since taking power after a 2014 uprising, Pritzker said there was more work to be done and that the former Soviet republic had a limited window to implement reforms. Ukraine's international backers have propped up its economy with a $40 billion (30.7 billion) bailout package after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the outbreak of a pro-Russian separatist insurgency that has killed more than 9,600 people. The International Monetary Fund in September released a further tranche of aid as part of that package, which was swiftly followed by a $1 billion loan guarantee from Washington. Ukraine's new government under Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has taken some politically sensitive decisions, including hiking gas prices, but overall progress on reforms and tackling entrenched graft has been patchy. Companies such as Citigroup want to expand in Ukraine but are waiting for Kiev to tackle issues such as strengthening intellectual property rights and reforming the country's tax and customs services, Pritzker said. "There's good news, but there's more work to do. And part of our message to the government is: the intensity and urgency needs to continue and be ramped up, because this isn't going to be an opportunity for ever," Pritzker said in an interview. The prospect of Donald Trump - who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong leader -- taking over in the White House has stirred fears in Ukraine that U.S. policy could pivot away from supporting Kiev. Pritzker, a wealthy businesswoman who was the national finance chair for President Barack Obama in 2008 and his campaign co-chair in 2012, declined to comment on the U.S. presidential race directly, but said: "The point to make to the Ukrainian government is: show progress because that will be something that a new administration will want to latch on to." Ukraine has urged European leaders to keep economic sanctions on Moscow, which were imposed two years ago over the Ukraine conflict, while some European Union member states have been pushing for them to be lifted. "I think there currently is support but I think the onus is on the Ukrainian government to continue to show why that support should be sustained," Pritzker said when asked whether there was still a weight of international support for Ukraine. "It's never forever, so they need to do the hard work." Pritzker was also in Kiev to attend the commemoration of the victims of Babyn Yar, one of the biggest single massacres during the Nazi Holocaust. It has personal resonance for Pritzker, whose own family fled anti-Jewish pogroms in Ukraine in the 1880s. (Editing by Mark Heinrich)
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was the belle of the ball as she and husband Prince Frederik showed off their dance moves to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely."

An evening of dinner and dancing was on the cards for the royals, who are on a state visit to the US.

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary danced to Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely

On Wednesday night Mary and Frederik donned their finest for the gala at the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building in Washington.

Mary lit up the room in a strapless patterned number, which showed off her incredible figure. The mother-of-four completed her evening look with diamond drop earrings and had her hair twisted into an elegant up-do.

Frederik made her dapper dance partner in a navy tuxedo and bow tie.

The Crown Princess looked beautiful in a figure-hugging gown

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary walking side by side

The couple were joined at the gala by businessmen, local politicians and representatives of the Danish Embassy. Frederik gave a speech and after dinner he and his wife of 12 years took to the dance floor.

The Danish royal palace posted a video of the couple dancing, arm-in-arm with Frederik taking the lead. After a few steps they were joined by their fellow party guests.

The couple are on a four-day visit to the US

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary posing together

The Crown Prince and Princess are on a four-day visit to Washington DC and Boston, having arrived on Tuesday. The purpose of their visit is to promote Danish businesses in the US, particularly in the food, technology, healthcare and maritime industries.

Engagements on their schedule include a visit to the Harvard Kennedy School in Boston, where Frederik will meet four Danish students who have received scholarships from the Crown Prince Frederik Fund. Meanwhile Princess Mary will visit the Boston Children's Hospital.

The couple have left their four children at home  Prince Christian, ten, Princess Isabella, nine, and five-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
Learning Resources

Google Translate Update Reduces Errors Up to 85 Percent

Source: Google Research Blog.

Students who have taken or are taking foreign language courses and have used Google Translate may be familiar with the language conversion tools less than perfect translations. Yesterday, Google launched an updated system that utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to reduce translation errors by approximately 55-85 percent.

The newly launched Google Neural Machine Translation (GNMT) system delivers an end-to-end approach for automated translation, with the potential to overcome many of the weaknesses of conventional phrase-based translation systems, according to the GNMT technical report. Neural machine translation (NMT) systems, in brief, work because they consider the entire input sentence as a unit for translation. Unlike other NMT systems, however, which sometimes have trouble with rare words, GMNT provides a more accurate and speedy translation. The technology was deployed with help from TensorFlow, an open source machine learning toolkit, and Tensor Processing Units.

Using human-rated side-by-side comparison as a metric, the GNMT system produces translations that are vastly improved compared to the previous phrase-based production system, according to the Google Research Blog post announcing the update. GNMT reduces translation errors by more than 55 percent-85 percent on several major language pairs measured on sampled sentences from Wikipedia and news websites with the help of bilingual human raters.

For now, Google Translate will use the GNMT system for Chinese to English conversions only  assisting roughly 18 million translations per day worldwide  but the company plans to roll out GMNT to many more languages in the coming months.

To learn more, the full technical report is available on the Google Research Blog site.
By Kate Holton and Karolin Schaps LONDON (Reuters) - A $24-billion deal to build Britain's first new nuclear power station in decades was signed behind closed doors in London on Thursday in a private ceremony that underlined Prime Minister Theresa May's cautious approach to the Franco-Chinese project. Journalists were not invited to the event but the government said the contract had been formally signed by Britain's Business Secretary Greg Clark, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and China's National Energy Administration Director Nur Bekri. Hinkley Point C will now be built in southwest England by France's EDF with $8 billion of cash from China. "Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear power stations like Hinkley play an important part in ensuring our future low-carbon energy security," Clark said in a brief statement. The no-frills event, lacking in pomp or publicity, contrasted sharply with the approach of May's predecessor David Cameron, who secured China's involvement in the project during a lavish state visit laid on for President Xi Jinping last year. The signing ceremony also followed months of uncertainty. The French state-controlled utility EDF had to overcome a bruising boardroom battle in order to approve the deal in July, only to see Britain's new prime minister put it on hold just hours later, stunning Paris and Beijing and scuppering a planned large signing ceremony due to be held at the plant. A former colleague said May had been concerned by the security implications of the planned Chinese investment. Hinkley was finally given the green light earlier this month after the government included the proviso that it would be able to block the sale of EDF's controlling stake. The government also said it would take a more cautious approach in future over foreign investment in big infrastructure projects. "OPPORTUNITY FOR FUTURE" The EDF board confirmed its approval of the project again in a meeting on Wednesday. "It's a good deal," France's Ayrault told reporters earlier in the day. "I know it has raised questions, particularly in France, but it represents an opportunity for the future of an entire industry." The deal - in the works for more than a decade and the first in a series of new nuclear projects in Britain - is part of a recovery of the global nuclear power industry following a slump caused by the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan. The first of the two new reactors at Hinkley Point is scheduled to be running by the middle of the next decade. Hinkley Point will provide around 7 percent of Britain's electricity, helping to fill a supply gap as the country's coal plants are set to close by 2025. Critics have said the project is too expensive and does not reflect falling energy prices since the deal was drawn up, or anticipated declines in the costs of rival clean technologies like wind and solar power. At 92.5 pounds per megawatt hour, Britain has agreed to pay roughly double the current market price for electricity for 35 years. "It's no wonder the UK government has opted for a 'champagne-free' signing ceremony away from public view," Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said. According to documents released by the department of business, 64 percent of materials and services used on the plant will be British, while EDF said it would not call on a 2 billion pound loan offered by the British government. EDF said the project was of strategic importance to the French firm and the nuclear industry in general. "Hinkley Point C will kickstart Britain's nuclear revival," EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz said. "It has overcome obstacles and challenges which will benefit our next nuclear projects in Britain." China also plans to make a number of investments in British nuclear power, including the building and operating of a new station with EDF at Bradwell-on-Sea, southeast England. Bradwell would be a Chinese-led project, using Chinese reactor technology. (Additional reporting by Helen Reid in London and Geert de Clercq in Paris; editing by Stephen Addison and Gareth Jones)
Haiti's cholera epidemic started in 2010 and has and killed more than 10,000 people and affected 700,000 (AFP Photo/Hector Retamal)

United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United Nations will mobilize $181 million to shore up the emergency response to the cholera epidemic in Haiti and at least an equal amount for the victims and their families, a senior UN official says.

The financial package follows the United Nations's admission that it had a moral responsibility to help Haiti deal with the epidemic that broke out near a UN peacekeepers' base.

More than 10,000 people have been killed and 700,000 affected since the outbreak in 2010. There are still 500 new cases of cholera reported every week.

"The most immediate need is the funding for the cholera response," said David Nabarro, the UN's special adviser on sustainable development who is spearheading negotiations with Haiti and donor countries on the package.

Nabarro told AFP in an interview that the aim was to provide $181 million over three years and "at least the same amount" for the families of victims of the deadly epidemic.

Discussions are under way with the Haitian government on the details of the aid package, which UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to announce at the end of October.

While the United Nations maintains that it has a moral responsibility to help Haiti, it rejects claims that it is also legally responsible for the damages from the health emergency.

Several lawsuits filed by victims in US courts have been rejected because of the immunity from prosecution accorded to UN missions.

Studies have traced the cholera outbreak to Nepalese peacekeepers who were dispatched to Haiti by the United Nations after the massive 2010 earthquake.

The new measures are on top of a bigger 10-year plan valued at $2.2 billion to help Haiti improve its sanitation infrastructure, which the United Nations launched with the Haitian government.

- 'A lot of money' -

"It is a complicated task, you need to get all the different pieces together," said Nabarro, who insisted that donors want to make sure that the funds will yield results in Haiti, which has a long history of political instability.

Story continues

Nabarro rejected criticism that the United Nations had been slow in responding to the cholera outbreak.

"We have done an awful lot of work and spent quite a lot of money," he said.

There has been a 90 percent drop in new cases and mortality rates since the epidemic reached its peak in 2011, he said.

Cholera, a disease that is transmitted through contaminated drinking water and causes acute diarrhea, is a major challenge in a country with poor sanitary conditions.

Some 72 percent of Haitians do not have toilets at home and 42 percent do not have access to drinking water.

The United Nations must do more, said Nabarro.

"We know the big peak each year comes in October" with the rainy season, he said.

"You have to get each person with suspected cholera under treatment within 24 hours."

Nabarro said funding for rapid-reaction units was lacking, with an estimated $12 million needed this year and another $50 million by the end of 2017.
Nokia expands LTE portfolio with Cloud Packet Core solution for private mission-critical LTE networks

Lets organizations in the mining, oil & gas, transportation, and utility sectors as well governments and regional operators easily deploy a powerful LTE network

Solution supports access by up to 50,000 devices simultaneously, offering flexibility, scale and performance to support mobile broadband and IoT/MTC applications that can help enable Smart Cities.

ESPOO, Finland, Sept. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nokia has expanded its Cloud Packet Core offering with a solution tailored specifically for global enterprises, the public sector and smaller operators. Nokia Cloud Packet Core, based upon cloud native technology, will help accelerate the move to Smart Cities, improve the safety and efficiency of employees and expand mobile applications across a variety of industries.

The introduction of LTE and the move to 5G and cloud technologies provide a new and viable mechanism to more effectively support mobile broadband, IoT and machine-type communications (MTC). Private LTE networks are increasingly becoming the preferred approach to deliver business and mission-critical services in industry segments such as railways, aviation, the energy sector and with governments. Estimated by some analysts to surpass $800 million in global investment by the end of 2016, the private LTE network market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 32% by 2020*.

Nokia is expanding its offerings for private LTE networks by optimizing its innovative Cloud Packet Core solution to allow for the delivery of business and mission-critical services and applications. The solution ensures reliability and functionality for secure service delivery at a size that makes it accessible to a diversity of markets. It provides the scale and performance for MTC and mobile broadband users and devices, supporting 50,000 simultaneous access users/devices and 100 eNodeBs.

Mobile broadband and IoT/MTC applications have differing service characteristics based on their operational and business requirements. These can include bandwidth, latency, and number of endpoints, users and devices. The Packet Core must be sufficiently flexible and scalable to satisfy those criteria at all times to support private LTE applications such as:

Transportation : In railways, the new Cloud Packet Core can support operational services such as Train Control (an important safety feature) and real-time CCTV video feeds and alarm notifications, as well as passenger services such as mobile ticketing, broadband access for infotainment services and more.

: In railways, the new Cloud Packet Core can support operational services such as Train Control (an important safety feature) and real-time CCTV video feeds and alarm notifications, as well as passenger services such as mobile ticketing, broadband access for infotainment services and more. Oil and Gas : Enhance productivity with MTC for control and monitoring of oil/gas processing in the refinery, with real-time processing and relaying of rig production information to Nokia's Network Operations Center (NOC). Provide mission-critical Push-to-Talk voice, video and data services for end users. Improve safety with biometric clothing to monitor rig workers - and take advantage of a 'flotel', a floating hotel for workers - to access the same services they have at home.

: Enhance productivity with MTC for control and monitoring of oil/gas processing in the refinery, with real-time processing and relaying of rig production information to Nokia's Network Operations Center (NOC). Provide mission-critical Push-to-Talk voice, video and data services for end users. Improve safety with biometric clothing to monitor rig workers - and take advantage of a 'flotel', a floating hotel for workers - to access the same services they have at home. Mining: Provide end-to-end visibility for controllers and schedulers at the NOC. Offer a high-bandwidth, low-latency CCTV view of operational plant equipment, real-time alarm notifications and control equipment monitoring, and optimize vehicle movement throughout the mine with real-time positioning as well as automating mining operations via driverless vehicles and other measures.

Provide end-to-end visibility for controllers and schedulers at the NOC. Offer a high-bandwidth, low-latency CCTV view of operational plant equipment, real-time alarm notifications and control equipment monitoring, and optimize vehicle movement throughout the mine with real-time positioning as well as automating mining operations via driverless vehicles and other measures. Utilities: Establish Field Area Networks (FAN) to provide high-speed data links to connect sensors, sub-stations, facilities, intelligent electronic devices and other grid components; help ensure the safety, reliability and resiliency of electrical distribution grids.

This new offering leverages the Cloud Mobility Manager (CMM) and Cloud Mobile Gateway (CMG) software from Nokia's Cloud Packet Core solution, which is already deployed by the world's largest communications service providers. It delivers a comprehensive 3GPP feature set along with deployment flexibility, and enables private and regional networks to interconnect with Tier 1 operators to extend coverage and provide network operational continuity. The proven Nokia Tier 1 software and pre-integrated Nokia Airframe server help accelerate deployment and reduce the risks of operational integration.

Quotes:

Mike Sapien, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Services, Ovum: "With many enterprise customers, government agencies and smaller operators looking to create new robust business offers for their customers and end users, the ability to create a private network leveraging this solution will be very attractive. I see many large customers acting as service providers ("CaaSPs") for internal groups that would also see the opportunity to create this private network, with the key requirement of interconnecting with other service providers (wireless networks, applications, cloud providers) and larger operators being enabled with this solution."

Sri Reddy, general manager of IP routing business at Nokia, said: "Our Cloud Packet Core solution leverages a native cloud architecture to purpose-fit smaller business and critical communications networks without sacrificing the ability to scale as needs dictate. All operators - regardless of size - get the same software foundation, rich capability set, field-proven software and high reliability. This allows them to fully embrace LTE today - and 5G in the future - to assure an optimal, secure and reliable experience and fully realize new mobile broadband, IoT and MTC opportunities for their business."

*"The Private LTE Network Ecosystem: 2016 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals & Forecasts"

Key resources:

Nokia Insight Article: https://insight.nokia.com/cloud-packet-core-crucial-geps-innovation

Cloud Packet Core website:https://networks.nokia.com/solutions/packet-core

Infographic: https://resources.nokia.com/asset/200578

Images:

Cloud Packet Core demo: Available to journalists upon request (contact sarah.miller@nokia.com )

Connect with Nokia Networks:

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About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in the technologies that connect people and things. Powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs and Nokia Technologies, the company is at the forefront of creating and licensing the technologies that are increasingly at the heart of our connected lives.

With state-of-the-art software, hardware and services for any type of network, Nokia is uniquely positioned to help communication service providers, governments, and large enterprises deliver on the promise of 5G, the Cloud and the Internet of Things. http://nokia.com

Media Enquiries

Sarah Miller

IP and Optical Communications, Nokia

Phone: 613-720-9716

Email: sarah.miller@nokia.com

Twitter : @sarahjmiller2

Nokia

Communications

Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com
English Lithuanian

Telsiai, Lithuania, 2016-09-29 17:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the initiative of the shareholder of the company Algirdas Pazemeckas and by the decision of the Board of AB ZEMAITIJOS PIENAS (registered office Sedos str. 35, Telsiai, company code 180240752, hereinafter, the Company), dated 29 September 2016, the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company is being called on 28 October 2016.

Meeting place  Public company Telsiai district business incubator, meeting hall, address Sedos str. 34A, Telsiai.

Meeting starts at 2:00 PM (registration of shareholders starts at 1:00 PM, registration place  Public company Telsiai district business incubator, meeting hall, address Sedos str. 34A, Telsiai).

Accounting day of the meeting  21 October 2016 (only those persons have the right to participate and vote at the general meeting of shareholders, who will be the shareholders of the Company at the close of the accounting date of the general meeting of shareholders, or their authorized persons, or persons, with whom an agreement on transfer of voting right is concluded).

Agenda of the meeting:

Change of the par value of the shares of the Company. Increase of the number of Board members of the Company. Change of the Articles of Association of the Company. Establishment of the procedure for sale of own shares of the Company and the minimum sale price. Revocation of the member of the Supervisory Council of the Company. Election of the member of the Supervisory Council of the Company. Delisting of the shares of the Company from trading on the regulated market AB Nasdaq Vilnius and non-execution of the public offering of the shares of the Company. Granting of authorisations to the Manager of the Company.

The Company does not provide a possibility to participate and vote at the meeting by electronic means of communication.

Draft decisions regarding the meeting agenda issues (attached as Annex No. 1), documents, that are going to be presented to general meeting of shareholders and information, related to execution of shareholders rights are announced in accordance to the legislation.

The shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes may propose additions to the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders by submitting with every proposed additional item of the agenda a draft resolution of the general meeting of shareholders or, when no resolution is required, an explanation. Proposals on addition to the agenda shall be submitted in writing or sent by e-mail. Written proposals shall be submitted to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. Proposals submitted by e-mail shall be sent to the e-mail info@zpienas.lt. The agenda shall be supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 days before the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders. If the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders is supplemented, the Company shall notify on the additions no later than 10 days before the meeting in the same ways as in the case of convocation of the meeting.

The shareholders, who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes, at any time before the general meeting of shareholders or during the meeting, may propose new draft resolutions on items which are or will be included in the agenda of the meeting. The proposals may be submitted in writing or sent by e-mail. Written proposals shall be submitted to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. Proposals submitted by e-mail shall be sent to the e-mail info@zpienas.lt.

The shareholders shall have the right to submit to the Company in advance questions relating to the items on the agenda of the meeting. The shareholders may submit their written questions to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice no later than 3 business days before the meeting. The Company will reply to the questions by e-mail or in writing before the meeting, except the questions which are related to the Companys commercial (industrial) secret, confidential information or which have been submitted later than 3 business days before the meeting.

During the registration to attend the meeting, shareholders or their authorized persons shall provide an identity document. Persons authorized by shareholders shall provide a power of attorney, issued following the requirements of laws. Power of attorney granted by natural person must be approved by the notary public. Power of attorney issued in a foreign country must be translated into Lithuanian and legalized according to requirements of the laws. Authorized person can be authorized by more than one shareholder and vote differently according to each shareholders orders.

The Company does not establish a special form of power of attorney. A shareholder holding shares of the Company, acquired on its own name but on behalf of other persons, before voting at the general meeting of shareholders shall disclose to the Company final clients identity, the number of shares, which are used to vote and the content of voting instructions provided to him or any other explanation regarding participation and voting at the general meeting of shareholders agreed with the client. A shareholder may vote with the votes granted by the corresponding part of shares differently from the votes granted by other corresponding shares.

Shareholder or his authorized person can vote in advance in writing by filling in the general voting bulletin (attached as Annex No. 2). Under the request of shareholder, the Company shall send the general voting bulletin by registered mail or deliver it personally upon signature no later than 10 days before the meeting. Filled general voting bulletin shall be signed by the shareholder or his authorized person and provide the documents supporting the power of attorney. If the general voting bulletin is signed by the shareholders authorized person, the document confirming the right to vote shall be submitted along with it. Filled general voting bulletin along with supplement documents (if necessary) shall be submitted to the Company by sending registered mail to the address of the registered office of the Company, indicated hereby no later than until the meeting. Draft decisions of the general meeting of shareholders and other information were announced in accordance to the legislation.

The shareholders of the Company may familiarise with the draft resolutions of the meeting and the form of the general ballot bulletin under the procedure prescribed by laws in the registered office of the Company at Sedos str. 35, Telsiai, or on the Companys website at http://www.zpienas.lt/. The following information and documents shall be provided on the abovementioned internet website of the Company:

- the notification on convocation of the meeting;

- total number of the Companys shares and the number of shares with voting rights on the convening day of the meeting.
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All such rights, powers, liabilities, obligations and restrictions from time to time created or arising by or under the Treaties, and all such remedies and procedures from time to time provided for by or under the Treaties, as in accordance with the Treaties are without further enactment to be given legal effect or used in the United Kingdom shall be recognised and available in law, and be enforced, allowed and followed accordingly...

Subject to Schedule 2 to this Act, at any time after its passing Her Majesty may by Order in Council, and any designated Minister or department may by order, rules, regulations or scheme, make provision

(a) for the purpose of implementing any EU obligation of the United Kingdom, or enabling any such obligation to be implemented, or of enabling any rights enjoyed or to be enjoyed by the United Kingdom under or by virtue of the Treaties to be exercised; or

(b) for the purpose of dealing with matters arising out of or related to any such obligation or rights or the coming into force, or the operation from time to time, of subsection (1) above;

and in the exercise of any statutory power or duty, including any power to give directions or to legislate by means of orders, rules, regulations or other subordinate instrument, the person entrusted with the power or duty may have regard to the objects of the EU and to any such obligation or rights as aforesaid.

It was a departure from the previous general constitutional order in the UK that legislation could be made, and even primary legislation amended, by secondary legislation. The Designs Directive was implemented in this manner, wherein SI 2001 No. 3949 amended the Registered Designs Act 1949 to produce an effectively entire new act, within the shell of the original.





Some readers may recall that the constitutionality of this was challenged in the case of Oakley v Animal , reported by the IPKat here . The argument was that where the Directive allowed some latitude in the manner of its implementation, the decision as to which of several available options to adopt was a matter of legislative discretion that constituted a power not given to a Minister under Section 2(2) ECA, but required an Act of Parliament. That argument was rejected.





The Registered Designs Act has been further amended by primary legislation, for example in the IP Act 2014





It is estimated that there are 1000s of Statutory Instruments (nobody knows the precise number in force) made under s 2(2) ECA, and so it is of great concern what happens to them if the UK leaves the EU. While some commentators have argued that the ECA does not have to be repealed on departing the EU (it can remain in place but with no "rights, powers, liabilities, obligations and restrictions from time to time created or arising by or under the Treaties" to bite on), many assume that it will have to be repealed or at least amended. It was for that reason that the IPKat was keen to know what is the default position if the ECA is repealed. Scott Wortley has in response blogged an argument, that this Kat finds compelling, that the SIs will fall away if the ECA is repealed.





But in fact, whatever is the default position, before any exit from the EU, some functionary will have to scrutinise all the SIs in force and decide which should stay, which should go, and which should be retained in amended form. There are some SIs, such as SI 2001 No. 3949 amending the Registered Designs Act 1949 mentioned above, that it would be pretty catastrophic to lose. Some will be clearly in applicable or nonsensical if the UK is not in the EU, and these will need to be repealed. Others it will be probably be desirable to retain, but they may refer to an EU institution or law that no longer applies and they will need amending - the problem is that this will then probably need to be done by primary legislation, and where will the Parliamentary time come from? A blanket saving or repealing provision will not suffice - there needs to be decision taken on each individual SI.





Against this background, this Kat finds it rather surprising that the Government considers that the taking and notifying a decision to leave the EU is a prerogative power and not a Parliamentary power. Moreover, until yesterday its reasons to think this were secret. There is shortly to be heard in the Divisional Court of the Queen's Bench a legal challenge to the proposition that the Government can take a decision to leave the EU and notify this under Article 50 of the TEU without any Act of Parliament. (There is a similar challenge being heard in the High Court in Belfast). But the Government secured an order (at the hearing that this Kat reported here ) keeping the submissions secret, until yesterday when this was successfully overturned by the challengers. So now, the arguments of both the challengers and the Government can be read - see here and here





This Kat is not an expert on constitutional law or international law, although he is learning more and more about it as these events are unfolding, and so will not attempt to comment in detail on the arguments. In summary, however, the Government's legal position appears to be that signing up to international treaties is a matter for the Crown, not Parliament, and is not justiciable by the Courts. But this seems to be only partially true.





Signing up to a treaty happens in two stages. First, the treaty is signed, but at that stage it has no legal effect. Then, at least in the UK procedure, if the treaty has an effect on domestic law, Parliament must pass an Act conforming UK law to the requirements of the treaty. Then, and only then, can the treaty be ratified, whereupon (once the treaty comes into force) it becomes legally effective with respect to the UK. While the procedures of signing and ratification are Crown acts that are performed by the Government under prerogative powers, the requirement for an Act of Parliament in between effectively gives Parliament the ultimate decision as to whether the UK becomes bound by the treaty.





This process can be seen, for example, in respect of the Unified Patent Court Agreement . It was signed by a Government minister in 2013. But then in the IP Act 2014 Parliament gave the Government the legal power to enact a Statutory Instrument to give effect to the UPCA, and this was enacted as the Patents (European Patent with Unitary Effect and Unified Patent Court) Order 2016 - SI 2016 No. 388 passed on 12 March 2016. Only now can the Government deposit an Instrument of Ratification, which of course it has not done because of the intervening Referendum result. (A similar order of events happened with the Patents Act 1977, which enabled the ratification of the European Patent Convention.)





Similarly, if Parliament had not passed the ECA 1972, the UK would not have been able to join the European Communities (as they then were).





So it seems odd if the Government can take a decision under Article 50(1) and notify it under Article 50(2) TEU, which will inevitably result in the UK leaving the EU, without the equivalent intermediate step of a Parliamentary enactment.





Another way of seeing the inconsistency of the Government argument is this. If the Crown has the power to leave the EU without Act of Parliament, then it has always had it. The Referendum Act contains no provision that alters the constitutional position - it provided for a referendum on EU membership, defining the question to be asked, but without specifying what was to be done with the result. For that reason it is often referred to as "advisory". Therefore, if the Government has the power to take the UK out of the EU today, then it equally had the power one year ago. But I do not think anyone would have seriously argued before the Referendum that the Government could take the UK out of the EU under prerogative power without any Parliamentary approval.





The Government argues that Parliament will of course have a role in any repeal or amendment of the ECA 1972 and other EU-related legislation during the leaving process. But since Article 50 leads inevitably to the leaving of the EU (at least according to most commentators, and this seems the most likely correct interpretation), then once a notification of a decision to leave the EU has taken place, Parliament has no choice but to repeal or amend EU-related legislation according to the new reality. It is deprived of any genuine political decision-making power.





There are two kinds of general European Union laws . EU Regulations are directly effective in all member states. In the UK, this is recognised by Section 2(1) of the European Communities Act 1972 , which provides that:EU Directives are not directly effective, and need to be enacted in each member state in order to achieve the goal set out in the Directive. In the UK, this is sometimes done by primary legislation (Act of Parliament), which is, for example, how the Trade Marks Directive (89/104/EEC, later repealed and replaced by EU Directive 2008/95/EC and then further amended by Directive (EU) 2015/2436 ) was implemented as the Trade Marks Act 1994 But a Directive can also be implemented by secondary legislation - a Statutory Instrument in the form of an Order in Council, which receives only minimal Parliamentary scrutiny. The power to do this is set out in Section 2(2) of the ECA, which provides:This Kat will be following the Court cases with great interest. For commentators more knowledgeable than him, he suggests David Allen Green, who blogs as Jack of Kent . In the meantime, comments are warmly welcomed.
Here are some of Mehdi Fathis remarks:

Less than five months after the old and worn walls of a school (in Sistan and Baluchistan Province) collapsed on the head of the devoted teacher Hamid Reza Gangouzehi, we learned that once again in Sistan and Baluchistan the worn walls and doors of another school collapsed over a 5-year old school girl Fariba Chardivari who with high enthusiasm along with other children of her age went to school to get her books, but while riding (swinging) on the school entrance door in her childhood world experienced the dream of flying 

Even the walls of Sistan and Baluchistan schools and most deprived areas in Iran are fed up with so much educational injustice and are no longer able to bear even the weight of the doors and windows, let alone the weight of a few children hanging on the doors and playing swinging game.

The heavy iron door, which is already too much for the wall of the old and worn school, becomes heavier and collapses together with the side column on the head of the children, who are playing and dreaming, and the collapsed wall takes the life on one (child) and sends three others to hospital to let us understand that the life of these schools are over and they must be demolished and we must find a solution for these marginalized and deprived areas.

Our language falls short and we do not know how and with what language we should talk to the authorities to make them understand the dire and disastrous situation of schools to think on a fundamental solution? What other disaster should occur until the elite come to themselves and take care of these deprive children?

Even the school walls are screaming and brutally taking the life of teachers and schoolchildren in order to flip the society and those profit-driven authorities who prefer their own interest over the collective interests of the people, but thousands of accidents like these will not awaken their sleeping conscience

After these accidents how do we expect the students to be happy and spend half of the day in these schools with fear and trembling? And how do we expect the teachers who should have complete peace of mind and be in total mental calmness to educate and train students? How can they focus while the classroom ceiling may collapse on them and their students at any time?

 Here is neither Gaza, nor Iraq, nor Syria There is no war and no explosion nor suicide bombing to cause the death of schoolchildren and teachers. Here is Sistan and Baluchistan, and the walls of schools have undertaken the task of Daesh (ISIS) taking the lives of students and their teachers one after another. And we are still thinking about sophisticated military equipment to defend these people and this country.

Mehdi Fathi  Math teacher of district 1 in Sanandaj
Dr. Maleki, a pro-democracy activist, who has been arrested several times and imprisoned for speaking out against the regime, now calls for an international trial of Iranian regime, demanding justice for the 30,000 political prisoners executed during the1988 massacrein Iran.

Excerpts from his speech follow:

We are in special days; the days that for many years we were waiting for. And the poem that I wrote in my latest letter: Did you see that the unjustly spilled blood of butterfly did not give the candle the respite to live thru the night until dawn.

Those of us who experienced prisons in the 1980s know this hugely insane person, Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi, very well. In 2009 he denied everything and said it (the massacre) never happened at all. And now he says We did well, we did our religious duty (Sharia), we will do it again and we are proud of it.

I, however, as a Muslim child, a child who grew up in mosques inside the country and in churches abroad, I do not understand this Sharia law. What is this Sharia that they say they have done their religious duty (according to Sharia)?

If Sharia means killings, executions, lies, theft, looting and fancy salaries then damn this Sharia from which such things come out.

But if Sharia means justice, freedom, equality, and equal rights, then we accept it and seek justice according to this Sharia

Today the facts are clear and surely many other facts will become clear later. I particularly wrote in the letter that we demand to know the facts about the 8-year war (between Iran and Iraq) that destroyed hundreds of thousands of Iranian youth and students and according to Hashemi Rafsanjani (Iranian regimes former president) 36 thousand children who were sent to war (by the regime) were torn apart. We want the truth becomes clear.

We do not intend to execute anyone or cause violence, because we are a member of the LEGAM, The abolition of the death penalty step by step. We will not execute any one of them. We want them to tell what their crimes were, and then let them go to people if they dare.

We recommend to people not to touch them, though. Only spit on the ground when they see them (these criminals).

The Justice-Seeking movement must be expanded, as the issue is fortunately being debated by the international bodies now, so that in the future no group, no class, no party, and no organization dare to do such acts. 
Mike McCaul, the House Homeland Security Chair, introduced the resolution, and it was co-sponsored by Ed Royce, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, Eliot Engel, the Ranking Member, and Peter Sessions, the Rules Committee Chair Representative.

It came as President Hassan Rouhani was addressing the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Outside the UN thousands of demonstrators gathered, protesting Irans human rights abuses, executions, and the 1988 massacre of more than 30,000 prisoners, according to reports by the Associated Press. The speakers at the rally included former Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Joe Lieberman, and Sir Geoffrey Robertson, former Head of UN War Crimes Tribunal for Sierra Leone. Robertson wrote a report on Iran 1988 massacre published on the United Nations Arts Initiative.

The resolution condemns the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the 1988 massacre of political prisoners and [calls] for justice for the victims, and adds that over a 4-month period in 1988, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out the barbaric mass executions of thousands of political prisoners and many unrelated political groups.  [A]ccording to a report by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, the massacre was carried out pursuant to a fatwa, or religious decree, issued by then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, that targeted the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI), also known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK).

The resolution quotes one of Irans own senior former officials, the late Hussein Ali Montazeri, a grand ayatollah who served as Khomeinis chief deputy, who said the 1988 massacre was the greatest crime committed during the Islamic Republic, for which history will condemn us.

This new information comes from a recently revealed audiotape, published on a website maintained by Montazeris son, Ahmad, a moderate cleric. On it, Montazeri can be heard saying, the greatest crime committed during the Islamic Republic, for which history will condemn us, as he criticized his fellow leaders for the mass killings.

Ahmad was ordered by Intelligence to remove the audiotape.

In 1988, the Islamic Republic executed the thousands of prisoners. Accordingly, the primary targets were those affiliated with the main opposition movement Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), due to their political beliefs. The victims were buried in mass graves in Iran after they were shot or hung in matter of a few months.

According to Amnesty International, between 27 July 1988 and the end of that year, thousands of political prisoners [in Iran], including prisoners of conscience, were executed in prisons nationwide. Allegedly, the majority of those killed were supporters of the PMOI [MEK], but hundreds of members and supporters of other political groups . . . were also among the execution victims. Amnesty International concludes, there should be no impunity for human rights violations, no matter where or when they took place. The 1988 executions should be subject to an independent impartial investigation, and all those responsible should be brought to justice, and receive appropriate penalties

H.Res. 159 adds, Those personally responsible for these mass executions include senior officials serving in the current Government of Iran;  [P]risoners were reportedly brought before the commissions and briefly questioned about their political affiliation, and any prisoner who refused to renounce his or her affiliation with groups perceived as enemies by the regime was then taken away for execution,

The congressional resolution states, [P]risoners were executed in groups, some in mass hangings and others by firing squad, with their bodies disposed of in mass graves. The victims included thousands of people, including teenagers and pregnant women, imprisoned merely for participating in peaceful street protests and for possessing political reading material, many of whom had already served or were currently serving prison sentences. Additionally, according to the resolution, The later waves of executions targeted religious minorities, such as members of the Bahai faith, many of whom were often subjected to brutal torture before they were killed. Further, The families of the executed were denied information about their loved ones and were prohibited from mourning them in public.

The current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly aware of, and later publicly condoned the massacre, states the resolution.

You [Iranian officials] will be in the future etched in the annals of history as criminals. The greatest crime committed under the Islamic Republic, from the beginning of the Revolution until now, which will be condemned by history, is this crime [mass executions] committed by you, Montazeri states in the tape, but paradoxically, the people he is addressing and warning in the audio, all of whom were involved in these crimes, continue to be active in high positions currently.

Dr. Mostafa cites Pourmohammadi, who was a representative of the intelligence ministry to the notorious Evin prison, and he was appointed by the so-called moderate president Hassan Rowhani to be justice minister. He includes, Ebrahim Raeisi was a public prosecutor and is appointed to be the head of Astan Quds Razavi, which has billions of dollars in revenues.

One of Irans current officials is Rouhanis justice minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi. Recently, after the release of a tape in which the Islamic Republics no. 2 official was heard condemning the crime, Pourmohammadi defended the commission of the massacre and said he is proud to have carried out Gods commandments in killing the political opponents, Dr. Mostafa continues, adding, Hussein Ali Nayeri was a judge and is now the deputy of the Supreme Court of Iran.

Montzari writes in his memoir, that he told Nayeri to stop the executions at least in the month of Moharram religious holidays, but Nayeri said, according to BBC, We have executed so far 750 people in Tehran we get the job done with [executing] another 200 people and then we will listen to whatever you say.

Dr. Mostafa points out, What is crucial to point out is that realistically speaking, these people are only few of those who were involved in such large scale crimes against humanity. They have been awarded more senior positions, power, and money. He goes on to say, Montazeri advised the ruling politicians that Beware of 50 years from now, when people will pass judgment on the leader (Khomeini) and will say he was a bloodthirsty, brutal and murderous leader. Its worth noting that the revelation of this mass execution was pointing to only one summer of the 37-year history of the Islamic Republic. What else is hidden there that we are not aware of?

Dr. Mostafa states that, It is incumbent on human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct rigorous investigations and bring those who have committed and continue to commit these crimes  and more likely who currently serve in high positions in Iran  to justice. Calls to bring these people to justice are increasing. No individual or institution that commits crimes against humanity should live comfortably without being held accountable. Finally, it is incumbent on the Congress and everyone who wanted to be on the right side of justice to follow up with the following points mentioned in the recent Congressional resolution:

1. Condemn the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the 1988 massacre, and for denying the evidence of this manifest set of crimes against humanity;

2. Urge the Administration and United States allies to publicly condemn the massacre, and pressure the Government of Iran to provide detailed information to the families of the victims about their loved ones and their final resting places; and

3. Urge the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran and the United Nations Human Rights Council to create a Commission of Inquiry to fully investigate the massacre and to gather evidence and identify the names 15 and roles of specific perpetrators with a view towards bringing them to justice.
Davoodi, who suffers from heart and kidney problems as well as diabetes, was prevented from bringing his medication or any belongings with him.

Zabol, located in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, is often referred to as an exile-like prison because of its 2000 km distance from central Iran and its poor conditions.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran referred to it as one of the most remote and perhaps the most forgotten prison in Iran in which the prisoners have been brutally piled up on one another.

The prison is so overcrowded that it is not uncommon for more than 18 prisoners to be crammed into one cell. They are choked by air pollution, face barriers to safe drinking water and experience health problems as a result.

The atmosphere is repressive with guards doing all they can to install fear in prisoners.
The names of the victims are:

 Karim Hatamzadeh

 Hussein Karami

 Majid ganjeh Ali

 Ali Raheeli

 Adnan Amouri zadeh

 Ali Rabii

 Mehdi Alizadeh

 Mahdi Nazari

 Ali Asghar Jahantigh

On Tuesday, September 27, in yet another group execution, seven prisoners were hanged in Minab Prison Hall on alleged drug related charges.

Their names are:

 Khoda bakhsh Balouch

 Ali Balouch

 Chaker Balouch

 Mohammad Mohammad zehi

 Majid Nariman

 Mehdi Moradi

 Mohammad Ghourchi

The NCRI issued a statement on September 27, condemning the regimes mass executions, and in which they also asked the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as all human rights organizations to take immediate actions to confront the growing number of executions in Iran. The full text follows:

Iran: Execution of 17 prisoners at Vakil Abad prison in Mashhad in one day

The mullahs inhuman regime in a shocking crime on September 11th hanged 17 inmates collectively in Vakilabad prison in Mashhad. Another 400 prisoners are on death row in prison.

From September 13 to 24, 19 prisoners in the prisons of Shiraz, Gorgan, Tabas, Tabriz, Bandar Abbas, Rasht, Taybad, Orumiyeh and Neyriz were hanged.

At the same time 13 prisoners in solitary confinement in Karajs Gohardasht and Varamins Khorin prisons, and seven prisoners of 25 to 30 year-old in Minab central prison are on death row. These are in addition to the thousands of prisoners on death row in prisons around the country, especially Ghezel Hessar prison.

These executions, simultaneous with so-called moderate Rouhani participation in the United Nations General Assembly, demonstrates how hollow and deceitful the claim of moderation in the clerical regime of Velayat-e-Faqih is.

Various internal factions of religious tyranny ruling Iran dont have any dispute with each other as far as the suppression of the Iranian people is concerned.

Unable to deal with crises at home and abroad, especially while the disclosure of the new corners of the massacre of 30 thousand political prisoners in 1988 adds to the peoples anger toward the ruling regime, the clerical regime has found no other choice but to intensify repression, particularly of capital punishment. Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Minister of Interior of Rouhani, alluding to a 20 thousand-page report on the spread of social pathologies, acknowledged that the main threat is in the internal affairs (ISNA state run news agency September 26).

Iranian Resistance calls on the Iranian people, especially the courageous youth to protest against the repressive measures of the regime and calls for solidarity with the families of those executed. It also asks the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and all human rights organizations to take immediate actions to confront the growing trend of executions in Iran. The regime of Velayat-e-Faqih is a disgrace to contemporary humanity, must be rejected from the global community, its leaders must be brought in front of international tribunals for crimes against humanity and any relations with it must be conditional upon a halt to executions.

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran

September 26, 2016
News

Microsoft's Infrastructure Investments Have Given Azure Major AI Chops

Microsoft's ongoing upgrades to its public cloud infrastructure means Azure has the fastest and most AI-optimized network among cloud providers, the company said this week at its Ignite conference in Atlanta.

According to Microsoft, it has been quietly upgrading every node in Azure with software-defined network (SDN) infrastructure, developed using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The upgrades started two years ago when Microsoft began installing the FPGAs -- effectively SDN-based processors from Altera, now a part of Intel. The massive global SDN upgrade means that the Azure public cloud fabric is now built on a 25Gbps backbone -- up from 10Gbps -- with a 10x reduction in latency.

The improvements, combined with new GPU nodes that were recently made available in the Azure Portal, also mean that Azure can function as the world's fastest supercomputer, capable of running AI, cognitive computing and even neuro networking-based applications, Microsoft said.

Microsoft detailed the Azure infrastructure and network upgrades at Ignite. During his keynote session on Monday, CEO Satya Nadella demonstrated some of the AI supercomputing capabilities the newly bolstered Azure is capable of.

"We have the ability, through the magic of the fabric that we've built, to distribute your machine learning tasks and your deep neural nets to all of the silicon that is available so that you can get performance that scales," Nadella said.

Doug Burger, a networking expert from Microsoft Research, joined Nadella on stage to describe why Microsoft made a significant investment in the FPGAs and SDN architecture.

"FPGAs are programmable hardware," Burger explained. "What that means is that you get the efficiency of hardware, but you also get flexibility because you can change their functionality on the fly. And this new architecture that we've built effectively embeds an FPGA-based AI supercomputer into our global hyperscale cloud. We get awesome speed, scale and efficiency. It will change what's possible for AI."

Burger said Microsoft is using a special type of neural network called a "convolutional neural net," which can recognize the content within a collection of images. Adding a 30-watt FPGA to a server turbocharges it, allowing the CPU to recognize images significantly faster.

"It gives the server a huge boost for AI tasks," he said.

Showing a more complex task, Burger demonstrated how adding four FPGA boards to a high-end 24-CPU core configuration can translate the 1,400-page "War and Peace" from Russian to English in 2.5 seconds.

"Our accelerated cognitive services run blazingly fast," he said. "Even more importantly, we can now do accelerated AI on a global scale, at hyperscale."

Applying 50 FPGA boards to 50 nodes, the AI-based cloud supercomputer can translate 5 billion words into another language in less than a tenth of a second, according to Burger, amounting to 100 trillion operations per second.

"That crazy speed shows the raw power of what we've deployed in our intelligent cloud," he said.

In an interview, Burger described the deployment of this new network infrastructure in Azure as a major milestone and differentiator for Microsoft's public cloud.

"This architecture is disruptive," Burger said, noting it's also deployed in the fabric of the Bing search engine. "So when you do a Bing search, you're actually touching this new fabric."
Hillary Clinton campaigned Thursday in Iowa as early voting began in the pivotal swing state, seeking to pry it away from Republican Donald Trump and spur turnout that could ultimately decide the presidency. The businessman-turned-populist stumped in Iowa a day earlier, appealing to white, blue-collar workers who have helped push him into the lead in the Hawkeye State, where the latest polls put him up nearly five points. Iowa has long been an essential staging post on the path to the White House. Barack Obama's primary win in Iowa in 2008 propelled him to a thumping presidential victory that year and in 2012 that all but secured his re-election. But Clinton has seen a decade-long Democratic advantage reversed, and it now appears like one of the toughest of seven swing states for the former secretary of state to win. Her trip here coincides with the launch Thursday of non-postal early voting, which both campaigns see as a potentially critical opportunity for voters to cast ballots in person over the next several weeks. "We are starting to vote in Iowa today," Clinton told a 2,000-strong rally in Des Moines that at times struggled to drown out a small but voluble gaggle of Trump protestors. "We have 40 days to win an election that is going to affect the next 40 years of our country. "You, every one of you, can make the difference in this election," she said hitting Trump for bilking contracts in a message the campaign hopes will resonate with Iowans famed for their messianic fairness. Locking down as many as half of all votes now could help the campaign tailor time and resources as the election enters the final stretch. But more vital for Clinton will be to ensure that chunks of the electorate actually turn out to vote and reverse Trump's lead. Trump is most likely to win if the coalition of young, African American and Latino voters who voted for Obama decide to stay at home on November 8. Clinton's main tool to inoculate against that possibility is likely to be Trump himself. Her campaign has framed the election as an existential moment for the republic: a choice between Clinton's safe pair of hands and the latent authoritarianism of an erratic and duplicitous mogul. Clinton hammered away at Trump's propensity to stretch the truth, as her camp released a video highlighting several moments during the pair's first debate when Clinton pointed to past Trump statements, only for him to insist he never made them despite clear evidence. "Donald Trump may lie, but the tape doesn't," Clinton tweeted Thursday. The Clinton campaign also pointed to revelations about Trump's business ties with Cuba, despite a US embargo, as evidence of Trump's aversion to the truth. "Trump will always put his own business interest ahead of the national interest -- and has no trouble lying about it," said senior Clinton campaign official Jake Sullivan. - 'Fighting together' - After a day on the back foot, Trump resumed his attacks on his rival during a stopover in Council Bluffs, Iowa, painting her as a pawn of special interests. "Hillary Clinton is an insider, fighting for her donors and her insiders and mostly fighting for herself," Trump said. "I am an outsider fighting for you. We're fighting together." He also alluded to Iowa's early voting, and called on his supporters to demand that they and their friends "get out of bed" to go vote. "You have no choice. You have to campaign on the streets, spread the love that we have in this room," Trump said. "We have to get out there folks, otherwise this movement will be wonderful to read about someday." The brash billionaire was due to hold a rally later Thursday in New Hampshire, crisscrossing with Clinton who campaigned in the small but crucial state Wednesday. After a pneumonia-induced break that was tough for her campaign, Clinton was back on the trail, brimming with renewed confidence after experts widely declared her the winner of her showdown with Trump. On Wednesday, she appeared with one-time Democratic rival Bernie Sanders, whose improbable journey from low-profile socialist senator to serious presidential contender was made possible by enthusiasm among young voters. "This election is enormously important for the future of our country," Sanders, 75, told the New Hampshire rally. "It is imperative that we elect Hillary Clinton as our next president." The latest Quinnipiac poll showed Clinton at just 31 percent among young voters, an uncomfortably small lead over Trump's 26 percent. Third-party Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson jumped from 16 percent in August to 29 percent in September -- prompting hand-wringing among the Democrats less than six weeks before the election.
Estimated total deal value is $2.9B.

With Vietnams government proposing to sell off Saigon Beer, Alcohol, Beverage Corporation (Sabeco) and Hanoi Alcohol Beer & Beverages Corp (Habeco) for an estimated total of US$2.2b, various media outlets have revealed that Thai Beverage (Thai Bev) is one of several bidders.

According to data from Euromonitor International, Sabeco has been the leader for beer in Vietnam with a 46% market share in volume terms in 2015, underpinned by brands that include Saigon Export and 333.

Commenting on the issue, OCBC Investment Research cited two reasons why the acquisition is positive for ThaiBev, if successful. Nevertheless, it prefered to wait on the development and keep their assumptions unchanged for now.

Firstly, OCBC noted that Sabeco is set to be divested in two tranches.

Sabeco had recently filed documents to seek approval from the Ministry of Industry and Trade to join the Vietnam Stock Index (VN-

Index) as the government would want the market to determine the price and valuation of Sabeco. Following its listing, the divestment of Sabeco will be done in two tranches, whereby the government will auction 53.59% in the company this year and the remaining 36% in 2017. Articles also suggest the government is looking for the highest bidder.

Secondly, OCBC said that Vietnams beer volume is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% over 2015-2020F based on Euromonitor forecasts.

Against this backdrop, the research firm said that there are a few notable foreign brewers that have presence in Vietnam. For instance, Anheuser-Busch InBev NV has a brewery in Vietnam, while Carlsberg has a 17% stake in Habeco, which holds a smaller market share of ~18% with its Bia Ha Noi brand. Thai Bevs peer Boon Rawd Brewery (maker of Singha beer) had also agreed to invest in Masan so as to tap on its distribution network in Vietnam.





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Ukraine's maritime grain exports were halted Sunday after Russia suspended its participation in a landmark agreement that allowed the vital shipments, blaming drone attacks on its ships in Crimea. The July deal to unlock grain exports signed between Russia and Ukraine and brokered by Turkey and the UN, is critical to easing the global food crisis caused by the conflict. The agreement had already allowed more than nine million tonnes of Ukrainian grain to be exported and was due to be renewed on November 19. On Saturday, Russia said it was halting its participation after its army accused Kyiv of a "massive" drone attack on its Black Sea fleet, which Ukraine labelled a "false pretext". US President Joe Biden called the move "purely outrageous" while Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Moscow was "weaponising food". The centre coordinating the logistics of the deal said in a statement that no traffic was planned for Sunday. "A joint agreement has not been reached at the JCC for the movement of inbound and outbound vessels on 30 October," it said. "There are more than ten vessels both outbound and inbound waiting to enter the corridor." Ukraine and the UN have urged that the agreement remains in force. "I call on all states to demand that Russia stop its hunger games and recommit to fulfilling its obligations," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the Russian move "an absolutely transparent intention of Russia to return the threat of large-scale famine to Africa and Asia". "Just today, more than two million tons of food are in the sea. This means that access to food has actually worsened for more than seven million consumers," he said in his nightly address. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said: "It is vital that all parties refrain from any action that would imperil the Black Sea Grain Initiative which is a critical humanitarian effort". - 'Peddling false claims' - Sevastopol in Moscow-annexed Crimea has been targeted several times in recent months and serves as the headquarters for the Black Sea fleet and a logistical hub for operations in Ukraine. The Russian army claimed to have "destroyed" nine aerial drones and seven maritime ones in an attack on the port early Saturday. "In light of the terrorist act carried out by the Kyiv regime with the participation of British experts against ships of the Black Sea fleet and civilian vessels involved in the security of grain corridors, Russia suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports," the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram. Moscow's forces alleged British "specialists", whom they said were based in the southern Ukrainian city of Ochakiv, had helped prepare and train Kyiv to carry out the strike. In a further singling out of the UK -- which Moscow sees as one of the most unfriendly Western countries -- Russia said the same British unit was involved in explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipelines last month. Britain strongly rebutted both claims, saying "the Russian Ministry of Defence is resorting to peddling false claims of an epic scale". Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Saturday Moscow would raise the blasts and the alleged drone attack at the UN Security Council. Moscow's military said ships targeted at their Crimean base were involved in the grain deal. The United Nations Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Amir Abdulla, reported that Russia had notified him earlier Saturday of "its concerns about the safety of movements of merchant vessels" under the agreement. Russia had recently criticised the deal, saying its own grain exports have suffered due to Western sanctions. - 'Massive' attack - Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol, said Saturday's drone attack was the "most massive" the peninsula had seen. City authorities said the harbour was "temporarily" closed to boats and ferries and urged people "not to panic". Attacks on Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, have increased in recent weeks, as Kyiv presses a counter-offensive in the south to retake territory held by Moscow for months. Moscow-installed authorities in Kherson, just north of Crimea, have vowed to turn the city into a fortress, preparing for an inevitable assault. In early October, Moscow's bridge linking Crimea to the Russian mainland -- personally inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018 -- was damaged by a blast that Putin blamed on Ukraine. The Russian fleet stationed in the port had also been attacked by a drone in August. Russia's allegations Saturday came as the Ukrainian army reported fighting in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions in the east, including near Bakhmut -- the only area where Moscow's forces have advanced in recent weeks. Pro-Russian separatists fighting alongside Moscow also announced a new prisoner exchange with Kyiv, saying 50 will return home from each side. bur-gw/bfm/caw/mca-yad/dva
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Sudanese government has carried out at least 30 likely chemical attacks on civilians , including children, in the Jebel Marra area of Darfur region since January, a prominent international watchdog said in a report on Thursday.

"The use of chemical weapons is a war crime. The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution," the report issued by the Amnesty International reads.

According to the watchdog's estimates, reportedly based on satellite imagery, over 200 in-depth interviews with survivors and expert analysis of images of the victims, up to 250 people may have died as the result of the attacks, with many children among casualties.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  US forces carried out one airstrike against an Daesh resupply point near the Libyan city of Sirte on Wednesday, the US militarys Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a press release.

"Thisbrings the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, which began Aug. 1, to 176," the release stated on Thursday.

AFRICOM explained that the airstrikes, conducted in support of Libyas Government of National Accord, will help deny Daesh a safe haven in Libya from which it could attack the United States and its allies.
Held at the womens ward in Evin Prison, in late September Akbari Monfared was transferred to Ward 209 to be interrogated. Ward 209 is controlled by the Iranian regimes Ministry of Intelligence, who attempted to inspect her before she entered the ward. Akbari Monfared wouldnt accept this humiliation, and said, Ive not left the prison; you yourselves want to transfer me to another ward, then why should I be inspected? This led to a dispute between Akbari Monfared and prison officials as she continued to refuse to allow them to inspect her.

Upon her arrival, the interrogator asked Akbari Monfared what was going on in her ward. Akbari Monfared responded, Im not reporting on the ward. If you have any questions about myself, you can go ahead and ask. The Intelligence agents use ploys to try to get prisoners to spy on their fellow inmates for the regime.

Arrested in 2009 and sentenced to 15 years in prison, Maryam Akbari Monfared has three brothers and one sister who were executed in 1982, 1985, and 1988, for supporting the main opposition group, Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI or MEK). She has another brother who is being is held in Gohardasht Prison in Karaj. Her two other sisters and one other brother are members of the PMOI/ MEK.

When the mother of three wrote to Ahmad Shaheed, the UNs special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, Maryam Akbari Monfared told him that Judge Salavati had once told her, You are carrying your sisters and brothers burden.

They accused Maryam of being a Mohareb (waging war on God), whereas according to their own law, Mohareb is someone who fights against the regime with weapons, said her husband.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica will sign development projects worth 67 million euros ($75.1 million) as part of his visit to Mali on Thursday, a EU press release revealed.

"These projects are mainly financed by the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa and will directly contribute to long-term peace and development in Mali. They will focus on improving food security, local development and security, resilience of the most vulnerable people, as well as on improving access to education. These projects will support the implementation of the Peace Agreement signed in June 2015," the EU Commission said in the press release.

According to Mimica, EU support to Mali for the period between 2014 and 2018 amounts to more than 1.7 billion euros.
According to Claus Juul, a legal consultant at Amnesty Denmark, the fact that the separation decision went on a collision course with the European Convention on Human Rights proved that it was premature.

"We appear to have run on autopilot and exclusively focused on our need to combat forced marriages  to such an extent that we forgot to look at the people involved. We have, so to speak, lost sight of people," Juul said.

Remarkably, spokesmen for both the Danish People's Party and the Conservatives, who jointly co-lead the so-called blue bloc' currently in power, said that Denmark should either directly challenge the international conventions or withdraw from them.

According to hardline Conservative MP Naser Khader, who remains openly opposed the reversal, Denmark may become a magnet for child brides in the future.

"This may ultimately mean that people with underage spouses will feel encouraged to come to Denmark. When they see that we allow such couples to stay together, it would be only natural for them to come here. This is highly problematic," Naser Khader told the Danish tabloid newspaper Ekstra Bladet.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  In a statement on its website, the ISPR said the troops "befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing" across four locations, including Bhimber, between 21:30 GMT and 03:00 GMT.

Two Pak soldiers killed in firing with India across LoC https://t.co/J7RSnqsJKr #india  Work fromHome Indian (@wfhInd) 29  2016 .

The Pakistani armys media liaison office said two of its soldiers "embraced shahadat," using the Urdu and Hindi term for martyrdom.

Tensions between India and Pakistan entangled in the decades-long dispute over the Jammu and Kashmir region have escalated since July after Indian security forces killed Burhan Wani, a renowned separatist commander.
TOKYO (Sputnik)  A North Korean soldier on Thursday defected to South Korea across the demilitarized zone between the two countries, local media reported, citing a South Korean militarys statement.

"He crossed the military demarcation line (MDL) in the middle eastern sector at around 10 a.m. and defected to the South," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency.

The soldier is currently being questioned by the South on the reason behind his defection and how he managed to escape from the Hermit Kingdom.
NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  India has carried out strikes against suspected positions of terrorists in the disputed areas of Kashmir region under the Pakistani control, India's army director-general of military operations said on Thursday.

"Last night Indian Army conducted surgical strikes against the terrorist launch pads in LoC and PoK [Pakistan-occupied Kashmir] which resulted in significant causalities among terrorists," Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh said at a press conference.

He added that at least 20 militants' attempts to infiltrate India from Pakistan had been foiled recently by the army.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The authorities of the Indian state of Punjab ordered the evacuation of villages bordering Pakistan after India carried out anti-terror "surgical strikes" across the line of control in Kashmir, local media reported Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, India's army director-general of military operations, said that India carried out strikes against suspected positions of terrorists in the disputed areas of Kashmir region under the Pakistani control.

The authorities ordered to evacuate all villages located within a 10-kilometer (6-mile) distance from the 553-km-long border with Pakistan following the strikes, the Greater Kashmir newspaper said.


New Delhi (Sputnik)Despite the central Government's efforts to bring awareness about female feticide and women's empowerment, in rural India the message is slow to get through.

Police are currently on the lookout for a man in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, who is accused of assaulting his wife with a wooden stick along with other relatives for giving birth to their third female child.

The accused, Harish Chandra, was said to be drunk at time of the incident. After the victim Preeti fell unconscious, she was taken to the hospital by her husband but fearing arrest he left her there alone with her injuries while he himself fled.


New Delhi (Sputnik)India is once again eyeing top global small arms suppliers to help provide basic assault rifles for the Indian army's 1.3 million soldiers. The Indian defense ministry is initiating the process of acquiring a 7.62 mm x 51mm assault rifle to replace its existing Indian small arms system (INSAS) rifle.

India intends to acquire a total of 185,000 such rifles; it requires 65,000 rifles immediately. India cancelled a global tender for assault rifles in 2015 that had been floated in 2011. The Indian Army had pinned its hopes on finding a domestic manufacturer but failed to do so.

"The rifle should be capable of achieving accuracy better than three Minutes of Angle up to a range of minimum 500 meters. The rifle should have an integrated open sight and a multi-option telescopic sight. The rifle has to be compatible with all modern sights and accessories and provisions for mounting the same," reads the Request for Information floated by India's Ministry of Defense.
On Wednesday, local media reported that a US drone strike in the Achin district could have killed at least 13 civilians. According to the Pajhwok news agency, 18 Daesh militants including their commander, Hamza, were also killed in the strike.

"UNAMA condemns the killing of at least 15 civilian men and the injuring of at least 13 others, including at least one boy, in the strike," the mission said in a statement.
In response to the Consul Generals remarks on China supporting Pakistan in the event of conflict, IANS quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang, saying, "Chinas position on the relevant issue is consistent and clear As neighbour and friend to both Pakistan and India we hope the two countries will properly address their differences through dialogue and consultation, manage and control the situation and jointly work for peace and stability of South Asia and the growth of the region."

US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Sharif on September 19, and, according to a readout, the two discussed a "strong, long-term bilateral partnership between Washington and Islamabad, "and to build upon the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue."

Kerry praised Pakistans counter-terrorism efforts at the meeting and both he and Sharif, "expressed strong concern with recent violence in Kashmir  particularly the army base attack  and the need for all sides to reduce tensions."

The fact that President Obama was meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi just months before Kerry shored up Washingtons relationship with Sharif indicates the inclination of the US toward neutrality in the dispute.
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The nelma, a fish that is native to Arctic rivers throughout Russia's far north, from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka, is a silver, migratory predator from the Salmonidae family and is well suited to being farmed, the Natural Resources Institute of Finland ( Luke ) claims. The first nelma spawn was brought through quarantine from Russia to the Laukaa fishery about six years ago.

"The nelma is great," Petri Heinimaa from Luke told Finnish state broadcaster Yle. "It's big, tastes good and is resilient to diseases," he added.

In nature, nelmas, also known as sheefish and inconnu, can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh over 20 kilograms (44 pounds). The only drawback for industrial farming is that nelmas are slow growers and mature rather late. However, patience is rewarding, as the nelma is delicious as a salted fish, as well as both cold and hot-smoked, and would be a welcome addition to the menu of a gourmet restaurant. By Heinimaa's own admission, the high price may be well offset by the nelma's exquisite taste.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)According to The Australian, Lockheed Martin's bid to equip Canberra's subs won the one of the US Raytheon defense contractor's Australian branch.

The US company will fit 12 submarines with advanced weapons and sensors in cooperation with France's DCNS naval shipbuilder, which was chosen by Canberra to build the submarines in April, the newspaper added.

The media outlet noted that the contract would allow creating some 200 jobs in the country within the framework of the program.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Chief of London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe will leave the office in February 2017, Scotland Yard announced Thursday.

"I want to thank all the partners we work with in government, in City Hall and across London. And I want to thank the public for the support they show the Met, and have shown me personally, as we do our difficult jobs," Hogan-Howe was quoted as saying by the MPS press service.

The head of Police added that he came to this position with an aim "to fight crime and make the MPS the best, most professional police service."
BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  Belgian police identified 57 people posing potential threat to the nation's security in the Molenbeek municipality of Brussels , the country's Interior Minister Jan Jambon said on Thursday.

"We identified 57 people who pose a threat to the nation," Jambon told journalists adding that most suspects were allegedly Islamist militants that returned from Syria.

Molenbeek municipality largely populated by Muslims is dubbed "the crossroads of European jihadism" by media outlets. On March 18, Belgian police arrested a number of terror suspects, including Salah Abdeslam who allegedly was a mastermind of Paris attacks in November 2015, in the notorious district.
DONETSK (Sputnik)  Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was not shot down by militias in southeastern Ukraine, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) Alexander Zakharchenko said Thursday, adding that Kiev is to blame for the accident.

On Wednesday, international prosecutors from Joint Investigation Team (JIT) revealed a preliminary report on the investigation of the Boeing 777 crash in 2014, which claimed that plane was downed by a missile fired from Buk launcher, which had been brought from Russia and located on territory held by the militias.

"We did not shoot the Boeing. Ukraine is responsible for what had happened and for allowing the plane [to fly over the southeastern territory mired in civil war]," he said.
The latest changes to the rules make it mandatory for lobbyists dealing with all three institutions  now including the Council  to register, but contains a number of exemptions which critics claim mean that most lobbying will still go unregistered. Campaign group Transparency International described the changes as "timid and cosmetic."

"After years of running an extremely weak scheme, the Commission's revamp of the lobby transparency register had huge potential. But the new measures announced today are a disappointment. They will do little to help journalists, civil society and citizens scrutinize the corporate lobbies trying to manipulate EU policies in their favor," Corporate Europe Observatory's campaigner Margarida da Silva said.

"The proposal still limits the ban on meeting unregistered lobbyists to the top levels of the Commission, which means the vast majority of lobby meetings will still be off the radar and unregistered lobbyists can go about their business unchecked. What the Commission puts forward is still a long way from a genuinely mandatory register that really boosts transparency."

Wide Exemptions

Lobbyists are not required to register meetings about the provision of "legal and other professional advice" or where "it relates to representing clients and safeguarding their fundamental or procedural rights," which critics say leaves wide scope for not registering corporate lobbying. The European Central Banks, the Court of Justice and 40 other EU agencies are also not included.

Also exempt are political parties, religious organizations, public authorities and "intergovernmental organizations, including agencies and bodies emanating from them."

"They have missed a golden opportunity to make these channels of access by lobbyists completely transparent. Even if these proposals were adopted by the Council, it's still 'business as usual' towards the powerful lobbyists so whatever triumphs the Commission may present today are somewhat hollow," said German MEP Helmut Scholz, who sits on the Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs.
The deal is supposed to include simplified rules for granting visas, and EU support to Tunisia for protecting refugees and asylum-seekers.

However, Salhi explained that the controversial deal has not lived up to Tunisian expectations of support in the effective prevention of illegal migration.

Failed asylum seekers and migrants returned to Tunisia still suffer human rights abuses because of a lack of funds and adequate legislation to protect the rights of migrants. Like Ankara, Tunis also complains that the EU's promised financial support is not forthcoming.

"Unfortunately, Tunisia doesn't have laws about the admission of migrants and asylum seekers. A relevant bill is under discussion, and we are urging the Tunisian authorities to pass some legislation on this matter," Salhi said.

"A Tunisian delegation is visiting Germany in October under the aegis of the EuroMed Rights network, to see how Germany manages reception centers for refugees and asylum seekers, in order to develop a law for the more effective reception of refugees and asylum seekers."

Salhi complained that "there hasn't been any progress" in the control of migration between the EU and Tunisia. He said that despite the EU's stated commitment to human rights, Tunisians are starting to believe that the EU is unwilling to make the necessary financial contribution.

"Tunisians, both at the official level and in civil society, are disappointed with the transition process. Despite the declarations of love for Tunisia, the Tunisian revolution and the Tunisian people, the state treasury is still empty and the insignificant loans that Europe offers aren't enough to talk the politics of development which could restrict migratory flows and give Tunisia the chance to make a breakthrough," Salhi said.

The EU signed its refugee deal with Turkey in March, according to which the EU agreed to pay Ankara up to six billion euros (6.7 billion), to enable Turkey to provide the necessary living conditions for refugees there.

The deal also stipulates that migrants who arrive in Europe illegally across the Aegean Sea are sent back to refugee camps in Turkey, and in return the EU has agreed to take Syrian refugees from the camps on a one-for-one basis.
These soldiers' situation has only been made worse by the fact that that the financial compensation they were initially promised has been significantly more meager than expected. "Even in 2016, when the professionals were promised 7,500 hryvnia ($290 US) a month in wages, Kiev left out the part that this is only the case during hostilities. In times of calm and during exercises soldiers receive a maximum of 4,500 hryvnia ($175), and some of that figure is often subtracted for a variety of fines and other deductions."

Unfortunately, Sergeyev noted, even Rada lawmakers' proposal to allow these 'indefinite contract servicemen' to be given the option not to have their service automatically renewed was nearly enough to "give Poroshenko and his generals a heart attack."

After all, it's one thing to talk about the Ukrainian military's 'unbending fighting spirit' and 'inexhaustible mobilization potential', and quite another to actually fill the army with the needed warm bodies.

"In fact, the 7th wave of mobilization, rumors about which are circulating among social networks and Ukrainian forums, has not been announced for one simple reason: there's nobody else to take in. More precisely, there are people, but only among those who were already called up in the first waves of mobilization. And taking them in is hardly likely to cause enthusiasm"

Ultimately, Sergeyev suggested, Talalay's candid acknowledgement about Poroshenko's veto, combined with the horrible situation in the ranks of Ukraine's 'professional army', deflates any hopes Kiev might have in building up their military, even with NATO and US assistance, and crushing the Donbass militia.
The issue of the single market is crucial  as the UK currently enjoys unfettered access to it, which allows the freedom of movement of lucrative goods and services.

Mrs. May was forced to hastily contradict her Brexit Minister in the House of Commons less than 24 hours later.

According to Ken Clarke, Mrs. May should expect more of the same. He said that the feud within the Conservative Party on what a post-Brexit UK should look like, means that Prime Minister May is doomed, whatever her final decisions.

"Whatever is negotiated will be denounced by the ultra-euroskeptics as a betrayal.

"Theresa May has had the misfortune of taking over at the most impossible time. She faces an appalling problem of trying to get these 'Three Brexiteers' [Johnson, Davis and Fox] to agree with each other, and putting together a coherent policy which a united cabinet can present to a waiting Parliament and public.

"Because nobody has the foggiest notion of what they want us to do."

However, Clarke is sure that whatever the UK Government official position on Brexit, he will vote against it.

His comments on Thursday, make him the first Conservative MP to vow publicly to vote against the UK leaving the European Union.

Labeling the June 23 decision by 51% of Brits to leave the EU as "a bizarre protest vote," Clarke said:

"The idea that I'm suddenly going to change my lifelong opinions about the national interest and regard myself as instructed to vote in parliament on the basis of an opinion poll is laughable.

"My constituents voted Remain. I trust nobody will seriously suggest that I should vote in favor of leaving the European Union. I think it's going to do serious damage."

And it's not just the current Prime Minister who Clarke is critical of.

Ken Clarke: Nobody in the government has the first idea of what theyre going to do next on the Brexit front https://t.co/0BM7CH18Vr  Ian Dunt (@IanDunt) September 29, 2016

@natalieben No idea, no policies, no principles. But hey, Brexit means Brexit  Philip Davies (@pdss9) September 29, 2016

Clarke called former Prime Minster David Cameron's pledge to hold an EU referendum "a catastrophic decision."

"He will go down in history as the man who made the mistake of taking us out of the European Union, by mistake," Clarke said.

A clear road map for Britain's political future remains elusive. The closest indication on when Article 50 will be triggered  the official mechanism that starts the two year process to leave the EU  came from European Union President Donald Tusk, earlier his month.

After a Downing Street meeting with Prime Minister May, he said:

"Prime Minister May was very open and honest with me," he said.

"She declared that it's almost impossible to trigger Article 50 this year but it's quite likely that they will be ready maybe in January, maybe in February next year," Donald Tusk said.

Unfortunately for Brits, Mrs. May has yet to be open and honest on what her plans are concerning their future.
"Our primary goal is to raise awareness about the fact that a European country which is also a candidate for EU membership allows the persecution of political opponents and the use of courts to pursue political agendas," Antic said.

He also added that Montenegro's authorities have enacted a "chauvinistic policy" against the Serbs living in the country, who comprise 29 percent of the total population, according to the latest census.

Meanwhile, over 50 percent of Montenegro residents speak Serbian, despite the fact that the state language is Montenegrin. If the government recognized the cultural and political rights of all of the countrys ethnic groups, then Montenegro would become a democratic country, though most likely without Milo Djukanovic at its helm, Antic remarked.

At this time however, it appears that theres no way that Djukanovic's government can lose the upcoming October elections.

"If he loses, then he would simply falsify the results. But as soon as Montenegro joins NATO, the West will no longer have any use for Djukanovic, because every powerful state has two goals: to implement its own egotistical agenda and to promote its values. And according to one of the Western values, there should be no people like Djukanovic in Western countries. Be as it may, any Montenegro government  except for the Djukanovic administration  would have to recognize the rights of [people from all ethnic groups] inhabiting the country, finally turning Montenegro into a true multinational state. And theres no risk that the country would become a part of Serbia or some sort of new Yugoslavia, though it will be close to Serbia just like Cyprus is close to Greece and Azerbaijan to Turkey," he surmised.

Djukanovic and two associates from the Communist League effectively seized power in Montenegro in 1989, and has been either president or Prime Minister of Montenegro for most of the time since then, having retired briefly in 2006-2008 and again in 2010-2012.
Poland has been at odds with the EU for months, since its Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, who leads the Law and Justice (PiS) party in government, made changes to the country's constitutional court. In December 2015, the Polish Government added five "politically friendly" judges to the country's Constitutional Tribunal, in a move seen by critics as making it easier to push through legislation with less opposition.

The amendment meant that the tribunal would need a two-thirds majority to take a decision on constitutional matters instead of a simple majority. The minimum number of judges needed to make a decision was also raised from nine to 13, making it more difficult to convene a quorum.

Chief Justice Andrzej Rzeplinski ruled that many sections of the law passed in December 2015 were "non-compliant with the Polish Constitution."
KIEV (Sputnik)  Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman expressed hope on Thursday that the European Union would make a decision on the visa liberalization with Kiev in October

"I hope that in October, the European institutions will finally make this decision, Ukraine, for its part, has fulfilled all the requirements," Groysman said at the meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk.

Tusk arrived in Ukraine on a two-day visit on Wednesday. He welcomed Ukraine's progress on reform implementation, especially noting Ukraine's "impressive results" in the economy and cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Tahiri claimed that the EU has instructed Serbia to write to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN's agency for information and communication technologies, and articulate its agreement with the change.

In response to Tahiri, deputy head of Serbia's Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija Dusan Kozarev told Tanjug that Serbia refuses to agree to such a step.

"The ITU, not us, which is the most relevant authority on the matter, is going to announce what we have discussed for months and what has been agreed in Brussels  not a country code, but a geographic area code," Kozarev said.

"That is, a calling code for a territorial region within the Republic of Serbia, like the calling codes of Taiwan within China, or the Falklands within the UK, for example," Kozarev explained.

Dusan Prorokovic, former state secretary in Serbia's Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, told Sputnik Serbia that giving Kosovo its own calling code would set a problematic precedent for other countries such as China.

"Serbia's opening position was that it receives another code that it gives Kosovo to use. Pristina didn't want that, they want their own telephone number without any mention of Serbia. The compromise reached in Brussels is that Austria gives Kosovo the code," Prorokovic explained.

"But here what I call the China-Taiwan problem emerges. What if the US requests an area code for Taiwan and in this way legitimizes this process, which China would have a lot of objections about," he said.

Taiwan was assigned the +886 calling code by the ITU just ten years ago. After years of having a "reserved telephone number," it was finally given +886 (similar to China's +86) but registered as a region of China.
In addition to this, the Institute for Government have also said that they believe "turf wars" will develop between ministers, as PM May set up three separate departments to deal with Brexit: David Davis was appointed as Brexit minister, Liam Fox was put in charge of international trade and Boris Johnson placed in the Foreign Office. According to the report, all three are having unofficial discussions which are preventing them from getting on with the job in hand.

"In July we argued that Brexit would be best managed by a beefed-up unit in the Cabinet Office, to avoid the distraction and costs of setting up new departments, and to make it clear that the Prime Minister was in charge. Theresa May chose a different path, creating two new departments to deliver Brexit alongside the Foreign Office," the report states.

Dr. Hannah White, program director and co-author of the report, believes all of these "side conversations: will no doubt lead to wasted time and energy and Theresa May must move swiftly to avoid this.

#TheresaMay#BrexitBritain institute for government says " SILENCE IS NOT A STRATEGY" pic.twitter.com/lDMf6RNQaV  jb whitesnake (@jbwhitesnake) 29 September 2016

This is not the only stumbling block; the report also highlights the government's negotiating position and urges the politicians to bring clarity on Brexit talks.

"Silence is not a strategy. The current situation  where we are left to interpret personal musings of individual ministers  is frustrating those looking for an early exit, perplexing those with whom we have to negotiate and unsettling those looking to do business in the UK," Dr. White said in a recent statement.

"The Prime Minister has sworn she will not give a running commentary on negotiations, but she needs rapidly to clarify how and when the government intends to go about making decisions on Brexit."
Despite massive opposition in many member states, Juncker and Schulz are still arguing for the migrant policy to be imposed, because both the Greece-Italy relocation plan and the EU-Turkey migrant deal have been agreed at Brussels-level.

Speaking in Brussels in a TV program sponsored by France 24 and Radio France International, Juncker said:

"It's not the EU that's failing, some member states are failing. That's the difference. The European Commission  back in May [2015]  proposed a way to deal with the refugee crisis. The parliament backed that proposal. The Council of Ministers adopted that proposal, but some member states disagree."
Mr. Khan is reportedly looking for a range of new powers for London, including tax devolution and more control of the capital. "There's a coalition that we have formed with business leaders, businesses, the City of London Corporation, council leaders and London MPs of all parties and we all agree that London needs more control."

Hoping for good news from the Chancellor in Autumn, Mr. Khan told City AM that the government has concerns that Brexit, means brain-drain.

"Whether it's insurers or banks or tech entrepreneurs, a key concern they have got is whether losing EU membership will mean they find it more difficult to get talent to London," he said.

"We can't afford to give the impression that we are going to stop being open minded or outward looking," said Mr. Khan.

A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words, and while Sadiq Khan mentioned "Labour in power" 28 times  he only mentioned Jeremy Corbyn's name once.

And on the face of it, Sadiq Khan looks like he wanted a bit of distance from the party leader, while looking to get a little bit closer to the Chancellor.
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik)  Jose Gomes da Rocha was shot on Wednesday afternoon by a city employee who was also killed, in a shootout with the security guards, Estado de Minas said.

"Everybody thought the man was coming to shake our hands when he suddenly drew a gun and began to shoot at us," federal lawmaker Jovair Arantes, who was in the vehicle targeted by the gunman said as quoted by the newspaper on Wednesday.
MEXICO (Sputnik)  Last week, Venezuelas National Electoral Council said that a potential referendum could be held in mid-first quarter of 2017, while the opposition had hoped the vote would be held before January 10. In case the vote is held later than January 10, Maduro will remain as the leader for 2 more years, according to the countrys constitution. Otherwise, presidential elections will be held.

The Foreign Ministers expressed their concern over the decision of the National Electoral Council of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on September 21, which among other aspects stipulates the use of a particular method of collecting 20 percent of voters' signatures, which ultimately leads to the implementation of the referendum being moved to 2017 and has an effort on the very idea of the plebiscite, the statement, published on the Mexican Foreign Ministrys website on Wednesday, said.
The unusual doctor,Sergio Gallegos Castorena, is one of a small number of people who was able to survive testicular tumor. At the age of 17, Sergio was told that he would die. His parents decided to take him to America to find a special treatment that would save the boys life. And they succeeded.

After intensive chemotherapy, he was cured, but it was not just medicine that saved Sergios life.

Clowns came to visit me in the hospital. They brought joy and good humor. They helped me to forget my sufferings from chemotherapy's strong side effects, Doctor Gallegos, an oncologist and pediatrician at the Guadalajara Hospital, told Sputnik Spain.
"Moreover, before Russia's interference into the situation in Syria, the number of terrorist groups on the Syrian soil were steadily growing despite the US strikes. The current situation is still unstable but I can testify that situation in Damascus and other parts of Syria such as Homes, Tartus, Latakia and even Aleppo has improved," he pointed out.

Libya has been in crisis since the 2011 NATO-facilitated overthrow of long-term leader Muammar Gaddafi and the subsequent civil war. There are currently two governments in Libya: the internationally-recognized Council of Deputies based in Tobruk and the Tripoli-based General National Congress. The two sides came to an agreement on December 17, paving the way to the formation of the Government of National Accord.

After the 2003 US invasion toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, the country has been engulfed in ongoing violence. Large swathes of Iraq are currently controlled by the Islamic State jihadist group, outlawed in Russia.
"Before the launch of the operation on the liberation of Raqqa, all the players in the region are trying to define their own roles and positions," he told Sputnik.

"The existing tenseness around the planned operation suggests that there is a certain degree of bargaining going on between the parties," he noted.

The political scientist said that Turkey insists on drawing in the units of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) instead of the Kurdish YPG. Taking into account Ankara's current priorities, he called it "quite a natural intention."

However Ahmet Kasm Han noted that amid sharp protests of many FSA fighters against cooperation with the US military on the ground in Syria, the chances that the US will consent to replace a "convenient" Kurdish ally with a military unstable FSA are close to zilch.

Taking the above into account, the political scientist suggested that the US, regardless Ankara's displeasure, will involve the Kurds in the operation on the liberation of Raqqa.
ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkey's National Security Council chaired by Erdogan proposed on Wednesday to extend the state of emergency "to ensure effective protection of rights and freedoms of our citizens."

"We have declared the state of emergency to deal with terrorists and not to interfere with normal life. But it is clear that three months is not enough The government will consider the proposal. Extending the state of emergency will benefit Turkey. I believe that this decision will be welcomed by the Turkish people with understanding and support," Erdogan said at a meeting with regional administration leaders in Ankara.

Turkish lawmakers approved a government decree introducing the three-month state of emergency a week after the attempted insurrection. The decree gives Erdogan the ability to enact new laws bypassing the nation's legislature and restricts public gatherings.
ANKARA (Sputnik)  A total of 60,000 Russian tourists visited Turkey since a ban on charter flights was lifted earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday.

Erdogan thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the G20 summit on September 3 for restarting charter flights between the countries. The Russian government decree signed into law on August 28 went into force six days later.

"After the charter flight ban from Russia was lifted, 60,000 Russian tourists have arrived here. We have high hopes for a further increase in the tourist flow from Russia," Erdogan said at a meeting with regional administration leaders in Ankara.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)The Russian aerial campaign in Syria provided the conditions for the Syrian army to regain its strength and abilities to carry out the campaign against terrorist positions in the country, member of the French National Assembly's defense committee Nicolas Dhuicq told Sputnik.

"This operation has changed the balance of powers on the Syrian ground and globally. Before the campaign, [Syrian President Bashar] Assad's army was on the verge of being defeated, losing more ground," Dhuicq, who is a member of The Republicans party, said.

According to Dhuicq, before Russia intervened at Assad's request, Syrian troops had been lacking air support to launch an offensive.
US Department of State spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that the United States would disengage cooperation with Russia over the Syrian crisis unless Moscow took immediate steps to stop operations of the Syrian army in the city of Aleppo and reinstated a ceasefire.

"So far this is the main stumbling block. We certainly would not want to see a situation where failure to meet these obligations taken on by our colleagues from Washington would be camouflaged with absolutely unfounded accusations toward Russia of all mortal sins," Peskov told reporters.

"This is at least inappropriate, untrue, and most importantly does not help us move forward together in the fight against terrorists," he underscored.

There is no ground to treat seriously the reports of the United States considering airstrikes against the positions of the Syrian army, as they have no specific source, Kremlin spokesman said.

Earlier in the day, media reports claimed that US officials discussed increasing support for the Syrian opposition and even a US airstrike on a Syrian army air base as alternatives.

"These are reports without a specific source, hanging in mid-aid, so there is currently no reason to treat them seriously," Peskov told reporters.
"We wouldn't have been sitting here now. Probably, there wouldn't have been any Aleppo at all. It is walking distance from here to its western neighborhood," chipped in Syrian Captain Mukhannad, as he joined the two men in an underground basement of the observation facility.

"We would have been squeezed and encirlcled, I absolutely agree with you, if not for the Russian jets. They gifted us and our people with the firm hope for victory," the captain added, sipping hot mint tea and eating a piece of spinach pie.

Captain Mukhannad is serving in the Special Forces. Before the war he was a pilot flying Czech trainer aircraft L-39. The captain did not elaborate why he left it for the infantry however recalled that once he was allowed to fly a Russian SU-24.
About a thousand businesses were shut down within a short period of time, Jasem Ajaqa, a member of the Lebanese Ministry of Economy, announced.

The majority of the organizations that closed worked in the tourism field. Their expenses outstripped their gains. No wonder they pulled the plug on their business, added Ajaqa.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russia's campaign against terrorist groups in Syria showed the international community what serious threat the crisis in the Arab country poses to the world's security, Khaled Issa, Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party representative to France, told Sputnik.

"Russian intervention has had a positive role, it showed how dangerous the Syrian crisis is, and the need for international consensus in order to solve it," Issa said. "The Syrian problem has become a threat to the security and stability of the Middle East and even with repercussions that threaten the world."

Issa noted that Russia could not eradicate terrorism completely in Syria by itself, especially given it is not the only player on the Syrian arena, but international efforts were required.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russian military operations in Syria would benefit from having at least two combat-ready airbases, Russias former Air Force Commander Pyotr Deinekin said Thursday.

"This [the creation of a new airbase in Syria] wouldnt hurt. A well-developed network of airfields has always been key to infrastructure on the ground. The command requires at least two combat-ready airfields for maneuvering," Army Gen. Deinekin told RIA Novosti.

Two months into the Russian offensive, which kicked off in late September 2015, Russia was reported to be readying a second airbase in Syria, near the central town of Shayrat, to deploy more warplanes. The Russian Defense Ministry denied this. Russia is only using the Hmeymim base in the western Latakia province.
"All the ideas of the ceasefire were predicated on the idea of disengagement. Disengagement implies that the forces of the US-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) and others, like al-Nusra Front, or Jabhat Fatah al-Sham that it now calls itself, and of course al-Qaeda and Daesh (ISIL/ISIS) are mingling together. But the US policy had been only to arm the FSA because they were supposedly fighting ISIS and al-Nusra," Gordon Duff said in an interview with Iranian English language news network Press TV.

Now, the expert says, it is openly admitted that all the above groups are "totally intermingled."

The remark comes in the follow up to the recent article in the German Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper. On Monday, it published an interview with Jabhat al-Nusra unit commander Abu Al Ezz, who revealed that Washington is delivering US weapons to the group, including TOW missiles through the third countries.
The Daily Telegraph reported from Palestine:

"Palestine lives under martial law. Ordinary democratic rights are totally abrogated There are thousands of persons arrested without trial An outcry in the local Press against 'Jews being knocked about or beaten at Talbieh Military Detention Barracks,' and being most roughly handled when picked up on the streets troops, shouting, 'King David,' are alleged to have beaten prisoners and then forced them to shout in chorus: 'the English are good.' "

Catching the perpetrators was an uphill struggle.

The Jewish Agency was trying hard to place the blame for those outrages not on the Stern Gang but on its political rivals, an MI5 security summary said. The armed militia closest to the Agency was Hagana, which later formed the nucleus of the Israeli Army, and the Brits were led to believe by the Jewish Agency that it was following a moderate line and challenged the extremists of the Stern Group and IZL.

However, an MI5 source was "of the opinion that they [Stern Group] are in complete agreement with Hagana policy and fully under the control of that body."

Hagana, Stern, and IZL had a love-hate relationship throughout the British Mandate, at times fighting each other, declaring a truce, joining forces, then falling out again.

"The Irgun Zvai Leumi and the Stern Group have decided to place themselves at the disposal of Hagana," an MI5 dispatch said.

Other dispatches spoke of Hagana kidnapping and torturing members of rival groups, sometimes handing them over to the British, "blackmailing us to release their own people." MI5 officers complained that instead of apprehending real terrorists the Agency was pursuing its political opponents, while playing the "good cop."

"In order to dissociate itself from future acts of terrorism, the [Jewish] Agency is reported to have planned the setting up of a cover organization to be known as 'The Yishuv Fighting for Jewish life and Freedom in Eretz Israel,' " an MI5 telegram said.

"This new group, in which HAGANA, Irgun and Stern Group leaders will be included, will be used for the announcement of the establishment of a rebel Jewish Government."

Deep Penetration

No wonder, British security officers expressed their distrust of the entire Jewish population in Palestine.

In Aug 1944, Lt. Colonel Hunloke, a Defense Security Officer in Palestine, wrote to his superiors in Jerusalem and London, underlining that he was expressing his personal opinion:

"I consider it entirely wrong to lay the blame on any single section of the Jewish Community. By their teaching of the youth, by the speeches of their so-called leading politicians, they are all equally culpable."

Referring to a speech by Ben Gurion, Colonel Hunloke wrote:

"In my opinion, such utterances at this time is as near to high treason as may be obtained and yet no action is taken."

After an attempted assassination of the British High Commissioner, Hunloke lamented:

"We are all apt to suffer from a defeatist attitude that we cannot penetrate these Jewish illegal organizations."

No such problem existed for the opposite side.

An MI5 security review for 1944 stated:

"The murder of Lord Moyne has focused attention upon Zionist activities in Egypt and has shown up how deeply the Army and RAF are penetrated by Zionist units and personnel."

The problem was so grave that HM Ambassador to Egypt, Lord Killearn, wrote to General Sir Robert Paget, Commander-in-Chief of the Middle East Forces: "about members of [Jewish] Palestinian units who are stated to be meddling in political affairs which have, presumably, no relation to their military duties for the sake of security, as well as for political reasons, Jewish personnel should be removed from Egypt in the largest possible numbers and in the shortest possible time."

The British were concerned that the Jewish Brigade established and trained by them to fight the Nazis in Africa and Italy was an incubator for terrorists. The MI5 files contain a "top secret" request for "special attention security check of all Jews traveling to the UK," because of the security threat.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported on Thursday about hundreds of people killed in clashes in eastern outskirts of Syria's besieged city of Aleppo in the past few days.

"Update from #Syria on the situation in Eastern #Aleppo RN: Dramatic rise in death toll. Reports of hundreds in past few days," ICRC said in its Twitter blog.

The ICRC also claimed that 15 out of 21 local hospitals in Aleppo have been destroyed in heavy fighting between militants and Assad government forces.
Extremist groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there in Syria to expand their operations, which could include attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities. Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags, and will continue to lose resources, perhaps even aircraft, John Kirby, the State Department's spokesperson, threatened on Wednesday during his press briefing.

Commenting on the remark, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday that it reflects a state of "emotional breakdown."

Meanwhile Alexei Fenenko, leading researcher at the Institute of International Security Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained to RIA Novosti what's behind the rhetoric and how the US will continue arming the radical opposition in Syria.
"The only country in the world which is helping us is Russia," the general said. "Only Russia fights across the world for the rights of the oppressed. We are grateful!"

Commenting on the militants' efforts to take the besieged Citadel, Lieutenant Dahir Kosvara, a veteran defender of the fortress, explained that "since 2012, the militants have made several attempts to blow up the walls, but they couldn't get close. We endured militant shelling using heavy machine guns and artillery."

"The Citadel is a symbol of Aleppo's resistance, and that of Syria as a whole," Kosvara emphasized.
In order to receive one of the cards, customers must provide documents proving the possession of some kind of deposit, such as property, against which to secure the debt.

"There is another limitation. If somebody wants to obtain cash from the card, that would be considered misuse. It's not clear how they plan to monitor the process of obtaining cash," Rostami explained.

"It's important that the top-managers of Iran's banking system understand that there are a lot of shortcomings to this project which need to be addressed. Today, this can hardly be called revolutionary for the Iranian banking system. Perhaps this is a publicity stunt for the upcoming presidential elections."

"This project is unlikely to influence the flow of investment into Iran in the near future, it's too early for that. But of course there is potential," he said.

Iranian banking customers are currently limited in their choice of credit institutions, since no foreign banks have begun operating there since economic and financial sanctions associated with its nuclear program were lifted in January.

The US and EU announced the lifting of the sanctions following the nuclear deal reached by Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in July last year.

The move enables Iran to access previously frozen assets, use international financial messaging services such as SWIFT, and sell oil and other raw materials to EU countries. However, the country remains subject to some US economic sanctions.

In March, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the US of failing to fully lift sanctions as part of the nuclear deal.

"The Americans have not acted on their promises and (only) removed the sanctions on paper," Khamenei said.
MOSCOW(Sputnik)  The Nusra Front and Daesh fighters receive air support from Israel and the US-led coalition in Syria, Riyad Haddad, the Syrian Ambassador to Russia, told Sputnik.

"Before the US offensive on Syrian army positions in Deir ez-Zor [coincided with] the advancement of the Nusra Front towards Syrian army positions near the village of Hader and other villages which it wasn't able to control before. This twas preceded by an Israeli air cover. As Daesh [Islamic State] advancement was preceded by an air cover from the coalition planes, thus the Nusra Front and Daesh don't complain about the lack of possession of air force because Israel and US coalition planes are playing this role." Haddad said.

The Nusra Front and Daesh are banned in Russia.
"The Daesh terror group waited for the end of the bombing and then launched an offensive to seize the Al Sarda mountain. That could be a preliminary bombing to cover the Daesh so that it could seize Al Sarda That is a strategic site to observe the airport of Deir ez-Zor That is why we are sure that it was not a mistake but an intentional attempt to evade fulfilling the ceasefire agreement signed with our Russian friends," Haddad added.

On September 17, the aircraft of the US-led coalition carried out four airstrikes against positions of the Syrian government troops near Deir ez-Zor, leaving 62 personnel killed and some 100 wounded. The Pentagon said that the airstrike was a mistake and targeted Daesh militants.

The Russian Aerospace Forces have achieved most of the stated objectives during their missions in the war-torn country, Syrian Ambassador to Russia said.

"The Russian air campaign in Syria has achieved the majority of stated goals in the fight against terrorism," Haddad said.

According to Haddad, the Russian air and cruise missile strikes have crippled terrorists' military potential and "changed the rhetoric of many countries that counted on the demise of the Syrian state."

The Syrian diplomat also said the Russian strikes sent a clear signal to terrorist groups that the war against them was serious and relentless, forcing many terrorists to lose their will to fight.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  At least 30 militants from the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) terrorist group were killed and 50 more injured in Syria's southern Damascus province, media reported Thursday.

The Iranian Fars news agency reported, citing a military source, that the Syrian army had killed and injured dozens of Daesh terrorists in the clashes in the vicinity of the country's capital.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  US State Departments remarks on possible terrorist attacks on Russian cities are an intentional provocation, Konstantin Kosachev, the Russian Federation Councils Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman, said Thursday.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby said at a press briefing Wednesday that the ongoing conflict in Syria could "no question" spill over into attacks against Russia's interests and cities, and "Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags."

"Remarks by John Kirby by definition cannot be regarded as a bad figure of speech or unconsidered impromptu. This expression of either care or threat of the US State Department anyway sounds rather strange. And knowing the procedure of preparing official comments of official spokespersons, I can say that it was a well (or badly) planned provocation," Kosachev told RIA Novosti.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The US-led coalition against the Daesh has eliminated 18 leaders of the terror group in the past month in Iraq and Syria, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman John Dorrian told reporters on Thursday.

The killed terrorists include three Chechen foreign fighters who supported the Islamic States operations in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

"In the last 30 days alone, coalition strikes have taken out 18 Daesh [Islamic State] leaders who were supporting enemy operations in Iraq and Syria," Dorrian stated in a press briefing.
[September 28, 2016] Fitch Rates California Statewide Comm Dev Auth $40MM Rev Bonds, Series 2016 'AA'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'AA' rating to the following California Statewide Community Development Authority (CSCDA) bonds: --Approximately $40 million revenue bonds, series 2016 (Monterey County GO SAVERs bond program). The bonds are expected to price via negotiation in mid-October. Proceeds will be used to purchase five series of general obligation (GO) refunding bonds issued by: Alisal Union School District (Alisal), Chualar Union Elementary School District (Chualar), Mission Union Elementary School District (Mission), Salinas Union High School District (Salinas) and Santa Rita Union School District (Santa Rita, and collectively the local districts). The local districts' GO bonds are all refunding bonds being issued to refund outstanding GO bonds on a current basis for debt service savings. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY The 2016 GO revenue bonds are payable from debt service payments made by the local districts on the purchased local district refunding GO bonds on a several, but not joint basis. The local districts' unlimited tax GO (ULTGO) bonds are secured by unlimited ad valorem taxes levied in each district. KEY RATING DRIVERS WEAKEST LINK ANALYSIS: Payment of debt service on the GO revenue bonds is a several but not joint obligation of the local districts. As a result, the rating is based on Fitch's assessment of the weakest of the five school districts' ULTGO bond credits: Chualar and Mission. SPECIAL REVENUE ANALYSIS: The 'AA' rating on the revenue bonds is based on Fitch's assessment of the weakest of the local districts' ULTGO pledges (Chualar and Mission) which in turn is based on a dedicated tax analysis without regard to the local districts' financial operations. Fitch has been provided with legal opinions for each district that provide a reasonable basis for concluding that the tax revenues levied to repay the bonds would be considered 'pledged special revenues' in the event of a district bankruptcy. CONCENTRATED, STABLE AGRICULTURAL TAX BASE; LOW DEBT, TAX RATE: The economic resource bases supporting both Chualar and Mission's GOs are highly concentrated in their top 10 taxpayers at 33% and 55%, respectively. All top taxpayers for both are agricultural enterprises. Factors offsetting concentration risk include the high value and diversity of the agriculture, the relatively low tax rates and debt levels, and the positive tax base performance throughout the great recession. The Chualar and Mission assessed valuations (AV) increased each year between fiscal 2007-2017 for a compounded average annual growth rate of 5.2% and 6.1%, respectively. RATING SENSITIVITIES MATERIAL CHANGES TO TAX BASE: Economic deterioration resulting in a change in expectations for tax base and economic performance, could negatively affect the rating. CREDIT PROFILE Each of the local districts participating in the current transaction is located in the Salinas Valley in northeastern Monterey County. Monterey County's economy continues to show steady gains with a growing housing market and sustained employment growth. A healthy agricultural industry dominates the county's economy, particularly in the Salinas Valley where the local districts are located. The Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world and accounts for most of Monterey County's 2014 gross production value of $4.5 billion. Economic stability is supported by the variety of crops produced as well as the diversity of trade partners. Top crops include leaf lettuce, strawberries, head lettuce, broccoli, nursery, cauliflower, celery, wine grapes, and spinach. Top export trade partners include Canada, Taiwan, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Agricultural properties within the local districts share first rights to the Salinas water table, thereby avoiding the water issues that impact other parts of Monterey County. DEBT SERVICE LEVY VIEWED AS 'SPECIAL REVENUE' Fitch believes that taxes levied for bond repayment would be considered pledged special revenues under the U.S. bankruptcy code and therefore the lien on pledged revenues would survive and would not be subject to the automatic stay (i.e., payment interruption) in the event any of the local districts were to file for bankruptcy. Fitch has reviewed and analyzed the legal opinions provided by the districts' counsel and believes they provide a reasonable basis to conclude that these revenues would be treated as pledged special revenues due to certain provisions of the state constitution (primarily proposition 13), which limit and direct the use of pledged property tax revenues for bond repayment. As a result, Fitch analyzes the local districts' bonds as dedicated tax bonds. This analysis focuses on the districts' economy, tax base and debt burden without regard to financial operations because Fitch believes that bondholders are insulated from any operating risk of the district. Fitch typically calculates the ratio of pledged revenues in the most recently completed year to maximum annual debt service for dedicated tax bonds, but this calculation is not meaningful in this case given the unlimited nature of the tax rate pledge on the district's bonds. WEAKEST LINK ANALYSIS FOCUSES ON (News - Alert) CHUALAR AND MISSION CHUALAR UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT - GROWING BUT CONCENTRATED TAX BASE The majority of the district's 66 square miles consists of agricultural properties which account for 72% of the district's AV. The top 10 taxpayers are all agricultural concerns and represent a concentrated 33% of the district's tax base. While the focus on agriculture results in below-average wealth levels for local workers and their households, it did ensure relative AV stability during the recession. The district's tax base grew every year for an aggregate 66% between fiscal years 2007-2017 to almost $487 million. This was primarily due to the rising value of agricultural land. A number of the largest ranches in the district are under multigenerational family ownership. District tax rates are low and unlikely to rise to a level that would pressure the rating even under relatively severe stress scenarios. Under California's constitution (as established by proposition 13), the general tax rate for all overlapping governmental entities is limited to 1% of AV. The debt service tax rate (which varies automatically with debt service and AV changes) was low in fiscal 2016 at just 0.06% of AV for all taxing jurisdictions, of which 0.04% was for the district's debt. Fitch considers it very unlikely that the tax base would suffer losses of a magnitude to meaningfully erode repayment capacity. MISION UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT - GROWING BUT HIGHLY CONCENTRATED TAX BASE



The vast majority of Mission's 36 square miles is agricultural properties which account for 88% of district AV. The top 10 taxpayers are all agricultural concerns and represent a highly concentrated 55% of the district's tax base. The district's tax base was resilient through the great recession, increasing each year for an aggregate increase of 81% between fiscal 2007-2017 to $158 million. Tax rates are very low and unlikely to rise to a level that would pressure the rating even under relatively severe stress scenarios. Under California's constitution (as established by proposition 13), the general tax rate for all overlapping governmental entities is limited to 1% of AV. The debt service tax rate (which varies automatically with debt service and AV changes) was low in fiscal 2016 at just 0.05% of AV for all taxing jurisdictions, of which 0.02% was for the district's debt. Fitch considers it very unlikely that the tax base would suffer losses of a magnitude to meaningfully erode repayment capacity.

ALISAL UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT - DIVERSE TAX BASE; LOW DEBT The majority of the AV in the district's 65 square miles is composed of single family residential properties with multifamily, commercial and agricultural properties represented in the diverse top 10 taxpayers which make up 5.4% of the total tax base. The regional focus on agriculture results in below-average wealth levels for local workers and their households and the AV experienced moderate declines during the recession due to the large number of single family residential properties in the district. Following declines in fiscal 2009-2012, the district's tax base resumed growing by a solid 26% through fiscal 2016 though it remains below the fiscal 2008 peak. This volatility was primarily due to the housing market correction in Salinas. SALINAS HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT - DIVERSE TAX BASE; LOW DEBT The majority of the AV in the district's 259 square miles is comprised of single family residential properties with food processing, commercial and warehousing businesses represented in the diverse top 10 taxpayers (5.2% of the total tax base). The regional focus on agriculture results in below-average wealth levels for local workers and their households and the AV experienced moderate declines during the recession due to the large number of single family residential properties in the district. Following declines in fiscal 2009-2011, the district's tax base resumed growing by a solid 18% through fiscal 2016 and has returned to its previous fiscal 2008 peak. This volatility was primarily due to the housing market correction in Salinas. SANTA RITA SCHOOL DISTRICT - DIVERSE TAX BASE; LOW DEBT The majority of the AV in the district's 38 square miles is composed of single family residential properties with multifamily, retail, and a mining company represented in the moderately concentrated top 10 taxpayers (16.5% of total tax base). The regional focus on agriculture results in below-average wealth levels for local workers and their households and the AV experienced moderate declines during the recession due to the large number of single family residential properties in the district. Following declines in fiscal 2009-2012, the district's tax base resumed growing by a solid 19% through fiscal 2016. This volatility was primarily due to the housing market correction in Salinas. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Applicable Criteria U.S. Tax-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 18 Apr 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/879478 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1012326 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1012326 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. Copyright (c) 2016 by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. 33 Whitehall Street, NY, NY 10004. Telephone: 1-800-753-4824, (212) 908-0500. Fax: (212) 480-4435. Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. In issuing and maintaining its ratings and in making other reports (including forecast information), Fitch relies on factual information it receives from issuers and underwriters and from other sources Fitch believes to be credible. Fitch conducts a reasonable investigation of the factual information relied upon by it in accordance with its ratings methodology, and obtains reasonable verification of that information from independent sources, to the extent such sources are available for a given security or in a given jurisdiction. 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Less than a year after that the Syrian army supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces managed to liberate Palmyra. Russian specialists demined the historic center as well as residential areas of the city. Russian historians and renovators visited Palmyra in early July and prepared a report assessing the condition of the damaged sites and costs of the renovation works.

PEOPLE RETURNING TO THEIR HOMES

Samir Mahmud, the head of a local council, told Sputnik that the life was getting back to normal with people returning to their homes: streets are cleared from debris, people have access to drinking water.

"Around 400 families returned to Palmyra and we are providing them with all necessary services. Other residents will also gradually return," Mahmud said.
Soldiers manning one of the checkpoints in the Syrian capital became suspicious of a small KIA truck that was transporting a cow.

The troopers detained the truck and its driver, and upon closer examination discovered that the cow was covered in numerous hastily sewn cuts.

A source in the Syrian military told Sputnik that after the cow was slaughtered and dissected, it turned out that the cow's carcass contained scores of small packages loaded with ammo (the cows stomach alone contained over ten such packages) that the militants were apparently attempting to smuggle from Daraa.
Ultimately, Hofbauer suggested that anyone wondering how Daesh ever managed to create their so-called Islamic State should have the fortitude to admit that this was only possible with Washington's help, directly or indirectly. The US knocked down secular regimes it was uncomfortable with in Iraq and Libya, and now they are trying to do the same in Syria, the journalist noted.

The US War on Terror, declared by former President George W. Bush in 2001, has since resulted in the deaths of over a million people. It's no wonder, the commentator suggested, that among the huge number of people who lost relatives and friends to these interventions there were also those who would be be prone to violence, including terrorism.

In this way, "the terrorism that we discuss in Europe or the United States, and which we say came from the Middle East, was actually imported into the Middle East from the United States," Hofbauer concluded.

Next week, a new German-language study entitled Middle East is Burning: Between the Syrian Civil War and World War comes out in Germany. The book includes a chapter by Hofbauer entitled "War Returns to the Centers," highlighting the fact that the war which has ravaged the Middle East now threatens to go global.
ALEPPO (Syria), (Sputnik)  Damascus' forces launched an offensive in the direction of the hospital after it had regained control over the Handarat refugee camp in northwestern Aleppo.

"The Syrian army has mopped up the territory of Kindi hospital in northern Aleppo. The medical facility is fully controlled by the military."

During the operation, the government forces had been fighting with the militants of Jaish al-Fatah, Noureddin Zinki, the Nusra Front, now known as Jabhat Fateh al Sham, which is outlawed in many countries including Russia.
"In my opinion our national interest is being served by pursuing these sales; That always comes first, but a by-product of that is we are keeping production lines functioning in case we need to utilize those in the future," Corker said.

"These countries are buying equipment that is interoperable with our equipment which gives us the opportunity to deal with crises as they occur."

Part of the reason for the delay focused on Israeli objections. The United States is legally bound to ensure that Israel maintains a military edge in the region. Washington recently agreed on an historic military aid deal that provides Israel with $38 billion over the next ten years.
The government study estimated that the armed forces will require at least 4,000 newly trained soldiers in 2018 and the same number in 2019. In 2021, the number needed will increase to 6,000, until finally stabilizing at 8,000 in the period between 2022 and 2025.

The new model was described as a mixture of goodwill and duty, where the number of people obliged to serve would depend on the volume of standard recruits available. Accordingly, motivation is seen as a key factor. Therefore, better economic conditions are proposed for the draftees during the service period of 9-12 months. Today, there is widespread dissatisfaction among Swedish soldiers with the starting salary of 18,000 SEK ($2,000) per month, which is 2,000 SEK ($200) lower than that of a supermarket cashier.

According to the government plan, young men and women will fill out questionnaires for future recruitment to the Armed Forces from July 1, 2017. Young adults born between 1999 and 2000 would be the first age group affected.

Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist said that he hopes for an effective solution to the dwindling staff numbers.

"I hope we will be able to find a way to have a more stable, robust and functioning staffing system" the Social Democrat minister noted.
The new BSh 10x50 and BKS 20x50 series military binoculars, developed and manufactured by the Shvabe Holding, a Rostec subsidiary, utilize a unique stabilization mechanism which uses relies on magnetic fields instead of gyroscopes and digital matrixes.

A source in the Russian Defense Ministry told Izvestia newspaper that the new binoculars are already being supplied to the nations airborne assault and marine forces and to the navy.

"The new mechanical image-stabilizing binoculars were extensively tested during this year. They were used in all of the latest drills: in the Arctic, in the mountains. Even in the most extreme conditions, the binoculars provided a clear image," the source said.
The Russian Aerospace Forces' Syrian operation forced the opposition to launch peace talks with Syrian authorities for achieving a political settlement of the crisis. The talks began on January 29, 2016 in Geneva under UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

On February 22, Russia and the United States said they had reached agreement on the Syrian ceasefire regime.

The Syrian ceasefire regime officially entered into force at midnight February 27. It did not apply to the Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al Sham, which are banned in Russia and some other countries, as well as to other paramilitary units listed among terrorist organizations by the UN Security Council.

Russian warplanes scaled down their operations after the opposition and government forces reached a ceasefire agreement. The number of combat missions decreased three-fold, from 68 daily to 20-30. The previously established air wing therefore proved excessive.

On March 14, 2016, Putin ordered Shoigu to start withdrawing the air wing from Syria starting March 15 because it had accomplished its objectives. The decision was coordinated with Assad who supported it.

The first two Russian aviation units left Hmeimim air base on March 15.

On March 28, Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said all tactical planes, scheduled for withdrawal, had already been redeployed to Russia, and that army aviation and some logistics support units were still being withdrawn.

While redeploying its air wing from Syria, the Russian Federation did not renounce its obligations to deliver weapons and military equipment to the people of Syria. Hmeimim air base and the Russian Navys logistics support facility in Tartus also continued to operate.

On March 27, the Syrian army and militia, supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces, completely established control over the city of Palmyra the ancient ruins of which are listed among UNESCOs World Heritage Sites. The city was controlled by the Daesh militants since mid-May 2015. Later, Russian combat engineers defused about 19,000 explosive devices in Palmyra.

Over the last few months, the Russian Aerospace Forces actively supported Syrian government forces, helping them repel enemy attacks and launching selective strikes against militants. The most intense fighting raged in Aleppo governorate. In late July, Russia and Syria launched a large-scale humanitarian operation in the city and established several humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of the civilians from militant-controlled districts. Russian service personnel even para-dropped food, medications and essentials to the people of Aleppo besieged by the militants.

On August 9, Russia and Syria signed an agreement on permanent deployment of the Russian air wing in Latakia governorate.
US State Department spokesman John Kirby said at a press briefing Wednesday that the ongoing conflict in Syria could "no question" spill over into "attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags."

"Having changed the admiral's jacket for a suit, one should not forget about an officer's code of honor. One again we declare that we are fully prepared to continue dialogue with the US on joint actions to combat terrorists in Syria," Konashenkov said.
Commenting on the issue, Stanislav Tarasov, head of the Middle East Caucasus think-tank, suggested in an interview with Svobodnaya Pressa that the US-Russian ceasefire agreement had seemed "defective" since the very beginning. He repeated that Moscow had made a mistake by initially classifying the agreement.

At the same time, Tarasov reminded that Turkey and Iran are also involved in the Syrian conflict, along with Russia and the US.

"Without the participation of these two countries [Iran, Turkey] the format of the agreement has appeared to be invalid," he noted.

The Russian expert recalled that the Syrian ceasefire had been disrupted by the US' attack on the Syrian Arab Army's (SAA) positions near Deir ez-Zor with the assistance of British drones. However, the Western media sources continue to insist that it was the Monday assault against the UN humanitarian convoy that dealt a heavy blow to the US-Russia brokered agreement.

Interestingly enough, Washington admitted that it hit the SAA positions on Saturday, but called it an "accident."

According to Tarasov, the controversial situation could have been the result of a "third force" interfering in the Syrian peace process. He believes that the "third force" is the Pentagon, which stepped in to throw a wrench in the works of the US diplomatic corps.

"Despite the diplomatic battles [that continue to go on] in the UN Security Council, the US has not yet presented any credible evidence that the humanitarian convoy [near Aleppo] was attacked by Russian war planes and that the Syrian government forces were also involved in the assault," he emphasized, adding that in this light, the idea of a "third force" seems likely.
[September 28, 2016] Pall Life Sciences to Introduce Continuous Bioprocessing with Single-Use Technologies

At next week's first annual Biotech Week Boston (October 4-7, 2016), Pall Corporation, a global leader in filtration, separation and purification, will officially launch new production-scale technologies and preview upcoming technologies that enable fully continuous biopharmaceutical processing using single-use formats. These solutions will be formally introduced at the BioProcess International Conference & Exhibition (BPI), October 4 - 7, 2016 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), Booth #521. As manufacturers of biotherapies seek to incorporate continuous technologies in production to improve efficiency over batch methods, and to enable process intensification, Pall is forging ahead by offering biopharmaceutical companies an "end-to-end" continuous processing option with integrated single-use technologies. Single-use systems enable manufacturers to reduce costs by eliminating cleaning and validation requirements, as well as hardware infrastructure. Last year Pall introduced the Cadence BioSMB PD System, the first disposable flow path, continuous multi-column chromatography system that is scalable from laboratory process development to GMP manufacturing. Earlier this year, Pall introduced the Cadence Acoustic Separator (CAS)1, a groundbreaking invention that incorporates acoustic wave separation (AWS) technology to continuously harvest biologic drug substances from cell culture processes. At BPI Pall will continue to advance its pipeline of products that enable continuous manufacturing by launching production-scale continuous chromatography solutions, a new single-use stirred tank bioreactor, single-use sterile genderless connectors, and other equipment and materials. In addition, Pall will feature filtration technology for consistent and robust small virus retention. "At Pall we are helping the industry move continuous bioprocessing from theory to reality," said Michael Egholm, Ph.D., VP and General Manager, Pall BioPharmaceuticals. "Our continuous-ready products and integration expertise help manufacturers of biotherapeutics achieve high-quality products with smaller production footprints and shorter lead times." Egholm will introduce Steve Wozniak (News - Alert), Apple Co-Founder as the keynote speaker for the conference program at Biotech Week Boston on Friday, October 7, at 9:15am. Wozniak's presentation will cover innovation and customer centricity. (Please find details below) As the Presidential Sponsor of Biotech Week Boston, Pall also will host, present and participate in a number of activities at the BCEC, including the following: Tuesday, Oct. 4 - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Symposium on Continuous Processing - sponsored by Pall Life Sciences

Topics will include GMP implementation, regulatory and quality considerations, and making the business case for continuous processing. The symposium will include case studies presented by Merck, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, CMC Biologics, Biogen, Just Therapeutics and others.



Pall speakers at this daylong workshop will include: Marc Bisschops, Ph.D.,Principal Scientist, , Pall Life Sciences, Holland Mark Schofield, Ph.D., Principal R&D Engineer, Pall Life Sciences Peter Levison, Senior Marketing Director - Downstream Processing, Pall Life Sciences

Topics will include GMP implementation, regulatory and quality considerations, and making the business case for continuous processing. The symposium will include case studies presented by Merck, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, CMC Biologics, Biogen, Just Therapeutics and others. Pall speakers at this daylong workshop will include: Tuesday, Oct. 4 - 7:30pm - 10:30pm





BPI " Bio Brew " Networking Event at the Harpoon Brewery

Pall will co-sponsor this event with Kaneka Corporation. Pall and Kaneka recently entered into a collaborative agreement for Pall to supply Kaneka's Protein A chromatography resin (KANEKA KanCapA). A shuttle outside the BCEC will be available to transport attendees (pre-registration is required).

Pall will co-sponsor this event with Kaneka Corporation. Pall and Kaneka recently entered into a collaborative agreement for Pall to supply Kaneka's Protein A chromatography resin (KANEKA KanCapA). A shuttle outside the BCEC will be available to transport attendees (pre-registration is required). Wednesday, Oct. 5 - 9:30am - 10:30am

Pall Presentation

"An update on significant technology advances enabling integrated continuous bioprocessing," presented by Martin Smith, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer, Pall Corporation and Michael Egholm, Ph.D., VP and General Manager, Pall Life Sciences.

"An update on significant technology advances enabling integrated continuous bioprocessing," presented by Martin Smith, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer, Pall Corporation and Michael Egholm, Ph.D., VP and General Manager, Pall Life Sciences. Wednesday, Oct. 5 - 11:30am - 12:00pm

Pall Presentation

"End-to-End Integrated Continuous BioProcessing Platform for Biologics Manufacturing," presented by Engin Ayturk, Ph.D., Senior Manager R&D, BioPharm Applications R&D, Pall Corporation.

"End-to-End Integrated Continuous BioProcessing Platform for Biologics Manufacturing," presented by Engin Ayturk, Ph.D., Senior Manager R&D, BioPharm Applications R&D, Pall Corporation. Friday, Oct. 7 - 9:15am - 10:15am

Keynote address by Apple (News - Alert) Co-Founder Steve Wozniak

Topic: Innovation & Customer Centricity . Steve will be introduced by Pall's Michael Egholm.

Topic: . Steve will be introduced by Pall's Michael Egholm. Friday, Oct. 7 - 10:15am (Pall's Lounge, Booth #621)

Steve Wozniak Meet & Greet

Steve will be available for a brief period to meet with expo attendees. In addition to finding Pall representatives at the company's main booth (#521), show and conference attendees can also enjoy free refreshments at Pall's neighboring lounge, Booth #621 and visit Booth #1355 for Pall's technologies and services dedicated to cell and gene therapy, and vaccines. A highlight of the Cell and Gene Therapy sessions at the BPI conference will be "Achieving Large-Scale GMP Production of Adenovirus in the iCellis 500 Fixed-Bed Bioreactor." This presentation by FinVector Vision Therapies will detail the use of the Pall iCELLis single-use perfusion bioreactor system. It will take place on Wednesday, October 5, at 2:15pm in the Gene Therapy Development & Production - Manufacturing Strategies and Solutions for Gene Therapies track. About Pall Corporation

Pall Corporation is a filtration, separation and purification leader providing solutions to meet the critical fluid management needs of customers across the broad spectrum of life sciences and industry. Pall works with customers to advance health, safety and environmentally responsible technologies. The Company's engineered products enable process and product innovation and minimize emissions and waste. Pall Corporation serves customers worldwide. For more information visit www.pall.com. Or follow us on social media: Google+ YouTube LinkedIn Twitter Facebook 1 On June 15, 2015, Pall announced an exclusive licensing agreement with FloDesign Sonics for acoustic wave separation, a disruptive technology for cell culture clarification for both fed-batch and perfusion applications. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160928006492/en/

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MOSCOW (Sputnik)On Tuesday, Haddad told Sputnik Muallem would visit Moscow at earliest opportunity.

"So far no specific date for the visit has been announced, but visits by the Syrian Foreign Ministry [delegation] and meetings with Russian foreign minister are regular, and Mr. Muallem has met with Mr. [Russian Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov in New York and they have agreed on a wide range of issues, and the visit might be organized next month," Haddad said.
However, it appears that the US is merely using the North Korean issue as an excuse to lean on China, Konstantin Asmolov, a leading research associate at the Center for Korean Studies of the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Sputnik.

"This is not just an issue of a Chinese company trading with North Korea, but rather an attempt to put pressure on China by using North Korea as a pretext. How does the US Congress receive information about this particular company sending something to North Korea? Where could this information originate, considering that the US intelligence has no presence in North Korea? The Korean card is essentially a source of leverage in US-China relations. One may remember how Donald Trump recently said that China must deal with North Korea or watch its trade with the US suffer," Asmolov remarked.

It should be noted that Washington came up with the idea of imposing sanctions against Chinese companies when it became apparent that sanctions alone werent enough to put an end to the North Korean nuclear and missile programs, and it appears quite likely that this new standoff between Beijing and Washington may further complicate any attempts to resolve this issue.

"Right now, both China and the US are facing a difficult choice of how to solve the Korean issue because de facto it was never solved. And a declaration made recently by North Korea, which states that Pyongyang finished developing nuclear weapons, puts an end to the discussion. On one hand, China cooperated with the US during preparations of a UNSC resolution that followed the fourth North Korean nuclear test, though the motives behind Chinas move remain unclear. According to the most popular version, China told the US that there are many problems plaguing our relations, so as we resolve the Korean issue, why dont you start taking Chinese interests in other spheres into consideration? But afterwards the US made a decision to deploy THAAD systems in South Korea and started attacking Chinas stance on the South China Sea problem. And facing this situation, the Chinese leadership has probably learned an unpleasant lesson that the US doesnt fulfil the promises it makes," Asmolov added.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhiming, head of the Research Institute of Globalization and Chinas Modernization at the University of International Business and Economics, told Sputnik that while China doesnt oppose implementing new sanctions against North Korea, such prohibitive measures shouldnt be used without careful consideration.

"China, along with the rest of the UN, supports imposing sanctions against Korea. However, it should be noted that the goal of UN sanctions is to motivate North Korea to stop testing nuclear weapons, not to create a blockade for its people. China is against the US imposing sanctions against North Korea based on its domestic legislation alone, as this course of actions is utterly wrong. The implementation of sanctions is an international act, this is not a unilateral decision to be made by the US alone," he said.

At the same time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang declared that the North Korean nuclear issue wasnt triggered by Chinas actions, and Beijing doesnt hold a key to its resolution as the problem originated from the differences between the US and North Korea. He further added that the ongoing trade between China and North Korea in coal and other minerals is being conducted in full adherence to all existing resolutions, as well as Chinese laws.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier discussed in a phone call on Thursday the situation in Ukraine and Syria, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"Lavrov and Steinmeier exchanged views on implementation of Minsk agreements on Ukrainian crisis settlement in light of the recent agreements on separation of conflicting sides, as well as further contacts at various levels in the framework of the Normandy Four Group and the Contact Group," the ministry said in a statement.

"In addition, the ministers discussed the Syrian peace process and various aspects of Russian-German relations," the statement said.
It seems that Ivashov's concerns have solid grounds. Following Kerry's address US State Department spokesperson John Kirby told a press briefing Wednesday that the Obama administration is "working through steps that [it] might have to take to begin to suspend [its] engagement with Russia on Syria."

"We're perfectly willing and able to move forward on those kinds of steps unless we see some significant steps taken by Russia in the very near future to show that they mean what they say when they say they support a cessation of hostilities and a resumption of political talks," Kirby claimed.

But that is not all.

"The consequences are that the civil war will continue in Syria, that extremists and extremists groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there in Syria to expand their operations, which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags, and they will continue to lose resources  even, perhaps, more aircraft," US State Department spokesperson underscored.

Commenting on Kirby's last remark, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted Thursday that it reflects a state of "emotional breakdown" and added that Russia's proposal to launch a 48-hour humanitarian pause in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo is still on the table.

Meanwhile, at home, the Obama administration is pushing ahead with a propagandistic narrative aimed at oversimplifying the situation in Syria in the eyes of the US public, Johnstone emphasized. The White House continues to demonize the Assad regime and Russia ahead of the US' November election.

"An infantilized public will believe that 'geopolitics' and 'national sovereignty' are just big words that don't mean anything It will never occur to an infantilized public that the war to destroy Syria has been planned for years  even though someone like General Wesley Clark revealed this years ago," the American political writer stressed.
For example, Ermakov noted that the US plans to spend $8.1 billion to modernize its B61 nuclear bomb  via the so-called B61-12, which would replace four existing modifications, by 2024. This weapon will feature improved range and accuracy compared to its predecessors, and can be fired from both strategic and tactical aviation.

This is concerning to Moscow, the analyst explained, since the weapon's glide capability will allow it to target Russian territory without its carrier entering the zone of Russian air and missile defense. Moreover, "this type of weapon is dangerous because there is no way of knowing whether the rocket carrying it carries a nuclear or conventional warhead, thus increasing the risk of unintended escalation."

At the same time, Pentagon analysts remain confident about a qualitative and quantitative superiority in Europe over Russia in conventional armaments. "This assessment is not changing, in spite of the recent noise in Western mainstream media about the US's alleged weakened military might," Ermakov emphasized. Key US experts believe that Russia's latest weapons would make little difference  they are too few in number."

Accordingly, the analyst emphasized, a unilateral US rejection of the doctrine of first strike could be aimed only at tying Russia's hands. "Washington is talking only about giving up preemptive strike using nuclear weapons. But they retain the possibility of a pre-emptive attack by all other types of weapons, and will stand firmly on that principle."

"The result is that in accordance with the doctrine of containing Russia, the US is increasing its nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, in formally abandoning the doctrine of preemptive nuclear strike, they get an opportunity to 'play in the field', where it is more difficult for Russia's armed forces to achieve superiority over the US. Finally, an initiative rejecting preemptive nuclear strike gives the US a trump card in the information war allowing them to talk about the 'monstrous aggression of the Russian regime', and blaming Moscow for unleashing an arms race."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  In spite of numerous contacts with the German authorities since November 2014, the Commission's concerns have not been addressed, the statement outlined.

"The German legislation grants vehicles registered in Germany the benefit of a 1:1 deduction of the road charge from their annual vehicle tax bill. This would lead to a 'de facto' exemption from the charge exclusively for the cars registered in Germany. Moreover, prices for short-term vignettes (for periods of less than a year), which are intended for use by vehicles registered abroad only, are disproportionality high in some cases," the statement said.

The infringement proceedings were initiated by the European Commission in June 2015, after Germany unveiled its initiative to charge foreign drivers up to 130 euros a year to use its autobahn highways, which until now have been free.
The exchange of fire started at 2:30 a. m. local time (21:30 GMT) and continued until 8 a.m, according to media reports. The shelling resulted in the death of two Pakistani soldiers, according to the Pakistani Inter-Services Public Relations.

Kashmir has been disputed between India and Pakistan since partition of India in 1947. The two countries have gone through three wars over the region, but the conflict has not been resolved. The recent escalation of tensions is connected with the killing of Burhan Wani, the leader of a Kashmiri separatist group, outlawed in India, by Indian security forces this July.
"Trusting authoritarian regimes to ensure the continued freedom of the internet is lunacy," he said in a statement, according to Politico.

"The president does not have the authority to simply give away Americas pioneering role in ensuring that the internet remains a place where free expression can flourish."

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich argued that the transition shouldnt be rushed.

"I think, as a matter of philosophy, turning this over ultimately is maybe a great idea in the long run," he told Politico, "but I do think there are a lot of stakeholders involved, and we want to make sure no one in the future can limit or suppress access to the internet or punish people for speaking their minds."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said that the activities of the Syrian army supported by Russia's Aerospace Forces were a "gift" to the terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front, now known as Jabhat Fateh al Sham.

"If we speak about the 'gifts to terrorists,' then of course it is a convergence of the Nusra Front and 'moderate opposition,' the deliveries of humanitarian aid to the militants and the bombing of the Syrian army fighting against IS [Daesh]. However, the best gift [for jihadists] would be Washington's refusal to cooperate with Russia on Syria's settlement," Zakharova wrote on her Facebook account.
When asked if Europe is on the verge of entering a post-liberal world, Dr Jones replied: I dont think that we are living in a post-liberal world. I dont see we are witnessing a major revolt against the major tenants of liberalism. I think what we are seeing with the Brexit vote, is a political gulf between ordinary people and the political class. Politicians are retreating to closed circles, and the people are beginning to revolt against that, and that is what is giving rise to populist movements across the world. Dr Heinisch agreed, however he added that: Liberalism has swept across Europe from the UK, and the US but it never became that firmly entrenched in continental Europe, when liberalism was imposed on them, they were quite successful, and elites were quite liberal, and therefore there was great trust in the model, but that trust has been declining. The further we go towards Eastern Europe, the less history of liberalism there is, in Hungary and Poland for example. Of course Germany, Austria, and most European countries are firmly committed to liberalism, but it is becoming a harder sell, and people feel that it is not working for us as well as it used to. So I see that there is a crisis of the legitimacy of the elite to a certain extent.

Dr Jones did not agree to the suggestion that there is a split in Europe between individualism in North Western Europe and collectivism in Eastern Europe. If you look at the history of the UK, liberalism was a major force in the 19th century, but it was really broken as the dominant political force in the early 20th century, by the rise of socialism. The liberal party stopped being a ruling party with the First World War. Then there was a battle between conservatism and socialism, both of which have strong collectivist underpinnings. So there is a long history of collectivism in England we are closer, in terms of our implicit understandings of justice and society, to the continent than we are to for example, the United States, where the idea of individualism has always had strong foothold from the beginning. neoliberalism doesnt penetrate very far into the national [British] psyche.

John Harrison cited the example of the Hinkley Point nuclear powers station, as an example of the British State becoming more involved in the economy, in a rather un-liberal way. Dr Jones debated that point: Nobody knows what exactly Hinkley Point was about, that appeared just a few weeks after the government approved a takeover of the UKs largest technology firm by a Japanese company, there was not even a discussion by the government about stopping that. I think the issue was that we may be giving away potentially strategic military technology to a foreign power. However both Conservative and the Labour parties have indicated that they will reassess the role of the state but it remains to be seen how far they will go.
[September 28, 2016] Mitsubishi Electric to Standardize In-House IT Platform Globally

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it will implement a globally standardized information technology platform across worldwide Mitsubishi (News - Alert) Electric Group companies by the end of March 2018. The new platform will provide enhanced security and more efficient communication tools for some 140,000 employees of the Mitsubishi Electric Group worldwide and help to reduce annual operational costs, such as security measures, by up to 20 percent. The new platform comprises an integrated cloud service running Microsoft (News - Alert) Inc.'s Office 365, and Mitsubishi Electric's own private cloud environment. A major focus of the new platform will e a globally consistent security infrastructure offering improved protection against cyber-attacks and other security threats. It will also facilitate greater sharing of information and real-time communication among all employees in Mitsubishi Electric (News - Alert) Group companies.



Use of the company's own private cloud will assure even stricter protection and access control through automated encryption, security audit trails and other measures. The new platform will also incorporate internal social networking services and peer-to-peer conferencing facilities, offering faster, easier-to-use and more secure real-time communications for all employees globally. While Mitsubishi Electric's existing security measures have offered good protection against most cyber-attacks until now, a variety of communication protocols and other security standards had evolved in different business groups and geographical areas. The increasing volume and sophistication of security threats coupled with the company's continuing worldwide expansion demands a more uniform, secure and transparent communications infrastructure which the new global platform will provide.

Responsibility for Development, Construction and Operation Mitsubishi Electric Information Systems Corporation

Mitsubishi Electric Information Network Corporation Office 365 is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160928006559/en/

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The Joint Investigative Team's conclusion was that a BUK missile delivered from Russia was responsible for the downing of the plane, but should this now be taken as established fact? Or has the Joint Investigative Team been allowed to fabricate evidence?

The Senate has overwhelmingly overturned President Obamas veto on a bill that would allow U.S. citizens to sue foreign governments for terrorism on U.S. soil. What are the ramifications if 9/11 survivors and family members are soon able to sue Saudi Arabia? Becker is joined by Sam Sacks, co-host of Radio Sputnik's Unanimous Dissent.

Fifteen years have passed since 25,000 people joined the first major anti-war demonstration of the post-9/11 period in Washington, DC just weeks after the attacks. The protest was the first action coordinated by the newly established ANSWER Coalition and inaugurated a new, 21st century anti-war movement. Sarah Sloan of the ANSWER Coalition joins Becker to discuss the importance of the protest and the establishment of the organization.
Even in the financial services sector, the benefit to Russian business of returning Western finance will be limited, Inozemets said. The external borrowing of Russian banks and corporations decreased by $150 billion in the first year of sanctions, but this lack of foreign investment, however, has been balanced by the positive effect of a devalued ruble and an increase in domestic investment.

"Financial sanctions also had a positive effect: they put pressure on the ruble, thereby allowing the government to convert oil and gas income into rubles at a good rate, and domestic banks to extend their lending."

Sanctions which were supposed to hamper Russia's oil and gas output by limiting access to some necessary technology has also failed to have the desired effect, Inozemtsev wrote.

"Even here, the removal of sanctions wouldn't bring much benefit. In recent years Russian oil producers have succeeded in increasing the profitability of existing oilfields: in 2016 oil output is expected to be around 540-543 million (metric) tons, as opposed to 534.1 million in 2015 and 526.7 million in 2014."

The sanctions were intended to prevent Russia from attempting to extract oil from hard-to-reach areas of the Arctic Ocean and the Siberian shelf. However, a representative of Russia's Rosneft corporation confirmed on Wednesday that delays in its shelf exploration projects weren't connected to anti-Russian sanctions.

Inozemtsev pointed out that the current low price of oil is the deciding factor for extraction projects, and that the delay in extracting from these hard-to-reach regions is actually helping Russian oil and gas producers to economize.

"Returning to plans to extract oil at high latitudes would be counterproductive. It costs more than $70 a barrel to produce oil there, and $100 per cubic meter of gas, which makes production in the current environment completely unprofitable. In this situation, sanctions are probably just part of the status quo and more likely rescuing (companies) from making more pointless investments rather than causing significant harm," Inozemtsev wrote.

Producers in the EU affected by Russian counter-sanctions have made repeated calls for their removal. However, sanctions may continue to benefit the Russian economy in the longer term, since the EU and US insist on linking the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  More than 30 tons of EU sanctioned goods were prevented from import to the Russian territory in the period from 2015 to 2016, Russian Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika said Thursday.

"Over 30 tons of such [sanctioned] goods were prevented from illicit transfer to Russia from EU member states," Chaika said Thursday at a joint meeting of the Russian Prosecutor Generals Office and General Prosecutors Office of Belarus.

In August 2014, in response to the Western restrictive measures, Moscow announced a one-year food embargo on products originating in states that imposed sanctions against it. The ban has since been prolonged.
Speaking to Yahoo, Heather Conley of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggested that the outlets rely on "information warfare" techniques to "weaken [the US] from within."

"Information warfare," in this instance, is evidently shorthand for providing alternative viewpoints that the US government finds uncomfortable. In other words: free and responsible journalism.

But US intelligence has not filed secret reports on CNN, the New York Times, or the foreign government-funded BBC. The focus on RT and Sputnik seems to coincide with the recent wave of Russophobia, including baseless accusations of the Kremlins involvement in hacking the Democratic National Committee and Moscows fictional hand in tipping the election scales in favor of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Earlier this month, American journalist Julia Ioffe even attempted to use Russias recent banning of the pornography website PornHub as a warning for US-based Trump supporters.
According to an Al Jazeera report published Monday, Facebook blocked the pages of four editors from the Shehab News Agency and three editors from the Quds News Network. Representatives of both news agencies claim that the bans are a display of anti-Palestinian bias, and a direct result of an Israeli agreement with Facebook to tackle "incitement."

After widespread complaint, the social network restored access to most of the pages and apologized for the incident, claiming that it was an accident.

This is not the only case of bans and blocks placed on pro-Palestinian speech on Facebook, however, in the wake of consistent criticism that the social media giant is "biased" toward Israel. Every time a pro-Palestinian user is blocked, Facebook is accused of bias and is bombarded with statements claiming that the bans are a result of a secret pro-Israel policy.
KrebsOnSecurity hit with record DDoS attack. Akamai: Someone has a botnet with capabilities we haven't seen before https://t.co/MQketE3nWN  briankrebs (@briankrebs) September 22, 2016

Despite the shocking scale of this attack, the methods used are actually not an uncommon tool for cybercriminals. Botnets are a large number of compromised computers,which provide anonymity. These botnets are used to deliver distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, which basically means flooding a network or web server with so much traffic that it cannot cope and crashes.

if you're trying to access my site right now and getting an error, please just try the https:// version https://t.co/PIwhnFKtcE thanks.  briankrebs (@briankrebs) September 28, 2016

It's a little like a thousand calls all coming into a call center at once.

Kreb wrote in a blog post describing the attack:

"There is every indication that this attack was launched with the help of a botnet that has enslaved a large number of hacked so-called 'Internet of Things' (IoT) devices  mainly routers, IP cameras and digital video recorders (DVRs) that are exposed to the Internet and protected with weak or hard-coded passwords."

Although just one site, the consequences of such an attack are far-reaching. IoT devices are becoming increasingly popular, from baby monitors and electricity meters, to smart fridges and cars. However, while the interest in smart technology may be high among the public, smart online habits such as using different and complicated passwords to protect each device, are not.

Krebs warns that such attacks are not rare and that today's digital criminals are becoming increasingly dangerous.

"We're at a point where individual 16-year-olds can wield tremendous power. That ought to get a lot of people's attention, but I fear that it won't," Mr. Krebs said.

Also, last week, there was news of a similar attack on a French web host that peaked at a staggering 1.1 terabits per second, more than 60 percent larger. Octave Klaba, the founder and CTO of French hosting firm OVH, first highlighted the assault on Twitter.

Last days, we got lot of huge DDoS. Here, the list of "bigger that 100Gbps" only. You can see the

simultaneous DDoS are close to 1Tbps! pic.twitter.com/XmlwAU9JZ6  Octave Klaba / Oles (@olesovhcom) September 22, 2016

One of the two stages of the attack peaked at 799Gbps, which if confirmed, would make it the largest ever reported.

OVH has not spoken to the media, but Akamai, the Cambridge-based company that hosted Internet security researcher Brian Krebs' site, has.

Speaking about the massive worldwide digital attack, Josh Shaul, Akamai's vice president of web security, said:

"This is the worst denial-of-service attack we've ever seen."

Shaul added that while Akamai had the technology to fend off the attack, it did not have the resources. Such an assault would have cost "millions" to defend against, and Akamai had been providing security services to Krebs' website free of charge.

Krebs, for his part, says he holds no grudge against Akamai for being dropped.

"Let me be clear: I do not fault Akamai for their decision. I was a pro bono customer from the start, and Akamai and its sister company Prolexic have stood by me through countless attacks over the past four years.

"It just so happened that this last siege was nearly twice the size of the next-largest attack they had ever seen before. Once it became evident that the assault was beginning to cause problems for the company's paying customers, they explained that the choice to let my site go was a business decision, pure and simple."

Krebs suspects that he was targeted because of an expose he wrote earlier in September on vDOS, a company that conducts DDoS attacks on a freelance basis.

"Maybe this was an act of solidarity," generated by allies of vDOS, Krebs suggested.

Whoever is responsible, the extent to which modern society is reliant on technology and the Internet means that cybercrime is likely to increase in number and scope.

Martin McKeay, a member of Akamai's security intelligence team, told Arstechnica, a UK-based IT and technology website:

"Now that we've seen a 600 gig botnet, we have to plan that within one to two years, those are going to become common.

"They may not be every attack, but we will see a dozen of them a quarter, we'll see a couple hundred of them a year. Now that people know those are a possibility, they're going to start pushing in that direction. They're going to make it happen."
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Northrop Grumman will provide the services in support of "structural analysis modernization, testing, on-site support, nondestructive inspections, technical data revisions, and flight data recorder data processing tools and processes," the release added.

"Northrop Grumman Technology Services has been awarded a $45,852,043 task order to previously awarded contract for A-10 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program modernization engineering services," the release stated on Wednesday.

Work will be performed in the US state of Utah, according to the release.
Unsure whether local police will be agreeable to the regulation, which is currently being processed, Mendelson suggested that "the bill goes very far toward deregulating stun gunsMy view is that stun guns are not lethal in the same way firearms are. Therefore, a regulatory scheme similar to firearms is more difficult to rationalize."

"I wanted to be part of this lawsuit on principle, because I have a right to bear arms," lead plaintiff Crystal Wright told the Washington Post.

Wright and co-plaintiffs Traci Dean and Brendan Turner have claimed that they want to be able to defend themselves against assailants and would rather use a taser than a more potentially dangerous weapon like a knife or a gun.
Radio Sputnik's Loud & Clear spoke with Professor Bryan Ford, leader of the Decentralized/Distributed Systems lab at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, about the app and its potential impact on personal privacy.

Ford explained that Allo may not necessarily be "revolutionary," so much as it uses existing technology in a new way.

"The idea is theyre taking natural language processing and voice recognition technology and essentially integrating it into the chat application, so that when youre talking with your friends you have a virtual personal assistant on the line that will help you find answers to questions or help you form responses or things like that," Ford said.
 Akilah Hughes (@AkilahObviously) September 28, 2016

While authorities say Olango ignored multiple instructions from officers, witnesses contradict these claims.

"I didnt hear any command 'Halt,' 'Stop' or 'Ill shoot,'" one witness told NBC. "I didnt hear any command or yelling. I didnt hear the man say anything. Next think I see 'Pow, pow, pow, pow, pow'  five shots."

 David Hernandez (@D4VIDHernandez) September 28, 2016

Other witnesses indicated that the victim may have suffered a seizure when he was shot.
[September 29, 2016] Pariveda Solutions Achieves Amazon Web Services Mobile Competency Status

DALLAS, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Pariveda Solutions, a leading technology and management consulting firm, announced today that it has achieved the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Mobile Competency within the AWS Partner Competency Program. This competency recognizes members of the AWS Partner Network (APN) who provide solutions to support developers or have deep experience working with developers of mobile-first businesses to help build, test, analyze and monitor their mobile apps on the AWS Cloud. As an APN Premier Consulting Partner, Pariveda continues to leverage their certified technical consultants and expertise in AWS project implementation for clients. Pariveda's recognition of mobile competency with AWS highlights its commitment to a mobile practice that is able to bridge the gap between strategy and execution with its solutions. Pariveda offers a full range of mobile services including mobile strategy, U/UX and systems integration to create value, solve problems and deliver complete end-to-end solutions. Pariveda's Mobile Practice uses AWS products and services to power platforms that provide a seamless mobile experience for clients and the clients' customers.



"AWS continues to be critical in providing solutions that meet the needs of our clients," said Dbrav Dunkley, Managing Vice President of Pariveda Solutions. "We are honored to achieve the AWS Mobile Competency as it recognizes our focus on helping clients produce a mobile strategy that solves integral business problems." "We are proud to have achieved the AWS Mobile Competency by helping clients reimagine mobile for the enterprise," said Collins DeLoach, Vice President of the Mobile Practice for Pariveda Solutions. "AWS provides us with the tools necessary to solve the complex mobile challenges of our clients and is an essential element of the success of our Mobility Practice."

About Pariveda Solutions Pariveda Solutions, Inc. is a leading management consulting firm specializing in improving our clients' performance. We are complex problem solvers who provide strategic consulting services and custom application development solutions to meet the needs of our clients. Pariveda's capabilities go beyond the Mobile user interface providing end-to-end solutions and full-stack development. Pariveda helps clients discover their mobile needs through envisioning, design and implementation of solutions that accelerate business value. Pariveda efficiently builds innovative mobile solutions with an emphasis on solving the technology and business transformation challenges of its clients. Talk with us: [email protected] to engage one of nine locations across the U.S. Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Pariveda Solutions and The Business of IT are trademarks of Pariveda Solutions, Inc., Dallas, Texas, USA. Contacts: Kate King

Marketing Coordinator

972-655-4395

[email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110712/DA33032LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pariveda-solutions-achieves-amazon-web-services-mobile-competency-status-300336029.html SOURCE Pariveda Solutions, Inc.

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*WASHINGTON, September 29 (Sputnik)  Trump said that in her four years as US secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, Clinton had put her office up for sale and he noted that 22 groups paying Bill Clinton for speeches lobbied the State Department during her tenure.

"Everything that you need to know about Hillary Clinton can be found in that simple phrase  Follow the money," Trump told a rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Wednesday night. "Hillary Clinton has received $100 million from Wall Street and hedge funds."

"If she ever got the chance she'd put the Oval Office up for sale also," he said.
Mitusbishi Aircraft Company spokeswoman Miho Takahashi said as quoted by The Seattle Times that "the aircraft operated properly in flight."

Earlier this year, the flight was delayed several times amid malfunctions of the cabin air pressure and temperature control system.
Flags will also be lowered at all US embassies, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including military facilities and naval vessels, the presidential statement says.

Peres died on Wednesday at the age of 93 after suffering a stroke several weeks ago.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  A mere 26 percent of Republicans in the United States approve of the Supreme Court's work, which is almost 2.5 times less than the number of Democrats approving of it, a Gallup poll revealed on Thursday.

"Americans' views of the court remain highly partisan. Slightly more than one in four Republicans (26%) approve of the how the court is handling its job, compared with 42% of independents and 67% of Democrats." Gallup said on its website.

The huge difference in the stance on the court between the supporters of the two parties is not new. A similar poll carried out by Gallup in July 2015 showed that 76 percent of Democrats approved of the court's work, against the 18-percent approval rate among the Republicans. The 2015 poll was conducted just after the Supreme Court had legalized gay marriage, noting that one year prior to that in July 2014 there was no party difference in the approval of the court.


WASHINGTON (Sputnik)Terrorism has not been completely ruled out as a cause of the deadly commuter train crash in Hoboken, New Jersey on Thursday morning, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a press briefing.

"At this point Im not aware of any evidence that has been uncovered that would draw that kind of linkage but this is something that the National Transportation Safety Board is continuing to look at, so I think its too soon to rule that out, but at this point Im not aware of any evidence that would raise those kinds of concerns at this point," Earnest stated on Thursday.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The US Senate, in a floor vote on Wednesday, approved the short-term-funding legislation, following similar action in the House of Representatives.

"The President signed into law H.R. 5325, an Act making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2017, and for other purposes," the White House statement read.

The package will finance federal operations at 2016 levels for the next three months, thus averting a possible shutdown of the government by Republicans until after US elections in November.
In some places, the number of complaints even dropped to zero.

Researchers suggest that this is because cameras encourage good behavior on the part of both the officers and the public, as all parties are aware that they are being observed.

"Everyone is recording the police except themselves," Barak Ariel, a criminologist from Cambridge University who led the research, told the Associated Press. "Now we have something from the officer's point of view from the very beginning of the interaction."
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2021, the Defense Department said.

"Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation [of] Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $148.7 million foreign military sales contract (Taiwan) for six UH-60M uniquely configured aircraft for Taiwan National Airborne Service Corporation," the announcement stated on Wednesday.
To make room for the new sign, the other Astrological signs were forced to shift their positions.

I woke up this morning firmly believing that I was an outgoing, courageous, independent, generous Leo. However, now I have to come to grips with the fact that I am in fact a stupid, sulky, inconsiderate, pessimistic Cancer. I have gone from lion to crab, and it weighs heavily upon me, Lee Hutchinson wrote for Ars Technica.

According to Zodiac-Signs.org, Ophiuchus are happy and humorous people with a generally positive attitude. They tend to be truthful, intellectual, and clever, as well as creative and highly imaginative.

Sadly, for their romantic partners, these former Sagittarians do not respect monogamy, even though they themselves are of a jealous nature.

More negative traits of these newly reclassified Ophiuchus include being judgemental, irresponsible, restless, and temperamental, known for epic temper-tantrums, according to the website.

As NASA points out on their website, astronomy is the scientific study of everything in outer space, while astrology is not a science, but a system of beliefs.

Unfortunately, changing the 1972 hit songs title to Jesus was a Sagittarius does not make it sound quite as poetic.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  On Wednesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the United States is prepared to suspend bilateral engagement with Russia in Syria unless Moscow takes immediate steps to end Syrian operations in the city of Aleppo and reinstate a ceasefire, according to the State Department.

"The deconfliction is going to remain because its important, it's not affected, and that's important that stays," Toner said on Wednesday.
[September 29, 2016] STEM Gender Gap: Supercomputing Experts Advise Strength in Diversity, Mentorships and Open Reporting

Men still outnumber women in STEM training and employment, and engineering leaders are working to bring awareness to that diversity gap and the opportunities it presents. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005120/en/ Trish Damkroger, Acting Associate Director for Computation at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and a senior member of the SC16 leadership team. (Photo: Business Wire) According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, only 29% of STEM jobs are held by women, although women comprise more than half of the national workforce. The gender disparity has narrowed only slightly over the past two decades, and applies especially to working engineers in all STEM fields. In fact, according to the National Science Foundation's Science & Engineering 2016 report:  Only 15% of engineers in the workforce are female; only 8% of mechanical engineers, and only 11-12% of computer hardware engineers, and aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical engineers;  Only 25% of computer and mathematical scientists are female; and  Only 30% of physical scientists are female. This lack of diversity presents a unique opportunity for both organizations and women in the field. "Every organization benefits when its teams feature people with diverse and varied skill sets and sensibilities," said John West, Supercomputing 2016 (SC16) General Chair from the Texas Advanced Computing Center, and one of the main people behind SC16, the premier international conference for high performance computing, networking, storage and analysis. "Our members span across most major industries and professions, and as an organization we are leading by example in the gender diversity arena," West said. As of this year, 64% of the SC16 organizational leadership team is made up of women. "Engineers solve problems. To do that, we must look at what we study from a wide variety of vantage points. The wider the range of perspectives my teams can deliver, the better equipped they are to succeed," said Trish Damkroger, Acting Associate Director for Computation at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and one of the members of the SC16 leadership team. Damkroger leads a 1,000-employee workforce enabling scientific discovery through large-scale computational analysis, visualization, and mathematical modeling. She also leads the SC16 Diversity team for 2016.



"SC16 is making a practice of openly sharing our data on diversity in our profession, and calling upon all organizations to look at the diversity landscape and publish that data," Damkroger said. "Of course, we are supporting programs that empower more girls to study and pursue STEM degrees and careers. Getting more girls through the educational and training pipeline is a great first step, but it's just the beginning," she said. "We need leaders who place a high priority on retention of diverse talent-managers who are flexible and creative enough to cultivate workplace environments that are welcoming to people who want lucrative, rewarding, stimulating science careers but also want to have meaningful and rewarding lives outside of science." "Within the Computation's Directorate at LLNL, we have focused pipelines for both high performance computing and data science. This year we are starting Girls Who Code clubs with the local middle schools and high schools to lower the barrier of computing. Retaining employees is challenging in the Silicon Valley. We stress a family friendly work environment which is important to all employees. This includes flexible work schedules, work at home arrangements including out of state, and professional development opportunities," Damkroger said.

Adaptive work environments are one way to cultivate diversity. But an emphasis on mentorship can go a long way, too, according to Jeanine Cook, another SC16 leader who has enjoyed a long, accomplished engineering career. "We are seeing more women pursue undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in STEM fields, but so far that marginally larger pool of diverse candidates has not always translated to more employed engineers long-term," said [email protected] Chair Jeanine Cook from Sandia National Laboratories. "When my students seek advice for their career paths, I always recommend that they make a high priority of finding good mentors-people who will help them see the path forward around potential career obstacles and encourage them along the way," Cook said. "I have benefited tremendously from some accomplished and generous mentors, and now pay that forward with my own relationships with young professionals who are just getting started." In particular, the [email protected] program has a number of components aimed at introducing a diverse group of more than 200 students to HPC by serving as volunteers to support the conference, a program for helping undergrads conduct HPC research, and a Mentor-Protege Program to match students with professional staff attending SC16. Lastly, all students and post-docs attending SC16 are invited to attend a job fair, expected to feature nearly 50 industry and research organizations. About IEEE (News - Alert) Computer Society IEEE Computer Society, the computing industry's unmatched source for technology information and career development, offers a comprehensive array of industry-recognized products, services and professional opportunities. Known as the community for technology leaders, IEEE Computer Society's vast resources include membership, publications, a renowned digital library, training programs, conferences, and top-trending technology events. Visit www.computer.org for more information on all products and services. About SC16 SC16, the International Conference for High Performance Computing, sc16.supercomputing.org, sponsored by ACM and IEEE-CS offers a complete technical education program and exhibition to showcase the many ways high performance computing, networking, storage and analysis lead to advances in scientific discovery, research, education and commerce. This premier international conference includes a globally attended technical program, workshops, tutorials, a world class exhibit area, demonstrations and opportunities for hands-on learning. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005120/en/

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On Monday, the formal signing of a peace agreement between the FARC and the Colombian government took place in the Colombian city of Cartagena. Representatives of the European Union, the United Nations, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attended the ceremony.

The United Nations will monitor the disarmament and reintegration of FARC fighters.
One of the MOUs was on cooperation in the field of trade and investment. The other two were on cooperation in water resources and consumption management and on exports guarantee cooperation.

Iran began stepping up international trade and investment cooperation after reaching a historic deal on its nuclear program to ensure its peaceful nature in exchange for the suspension of international anti-Iran sanctions in July 2015.
BALI (Sputnik)  According to police, seven other people have been arrested who are thought to have helped Indonesians go to Syria to join Daesh. Some of the arrested are suspects, while others have been classified as witnesses.

"He was arrested at 8 oclock this morning in Bekasi, West Java," Amar told journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday, as quoted by Benar News, adding that the suspects "expertise is in preparing, motivating and provisioning people who want to go, and teaching them techniques for lying if they are caught."
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WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Theis planning a series of oil market stress tests and the Wednesday decision on the oil output freeze is just the start of that process, former US Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Charles McConnell told RIA Novosti.

"I believe that if there is a sustained lift in prices there may be another cut in output. This may be counter-intuitive but it is part of the experiment," McConnell, who is currently the Executive Director of the Energy and Environment Initiative at Rice University, said.

On Wednesday, the OPEC states reached an agreement to freeze daily oil output for the whole organization. The commitment date of oil output freeze will be presented at the cartel's upcoming meeting in November.
TOKYO (Sputnik)  South Korean, US and UK Air Force will carry out the first Invincible Shield joint military exercise in November to practice cooperation to counter Pyongyang in the event of war on the Korean peninsula, a spokesman for the South Korean Air Force said on Thursday.

"The 'Invincible Shield' drill is aimed at improving the allies' capabilities of attacking North Korea's major military and leadership facilities (if provoked) but also intercepting incoming fighters from the North," the spokesman said as quoted by Yonhap news agency.

According to the spokesman, the combined aerial exercises will kick off on November 4 and will last until November 10. The drills will take place at Osan Air Base in the county of Pyeongtaek, some 40 miles south of Seoul.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The United States pursues a policy of threats by warning Russia that it would pull out of existing arrangements on Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Thursday.

"It is a policy of threats and blackmail aiming to impose decisions favorable to the US and its clients," Ryabkov told RIA Novosti.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that the US is prepared to suspend bilateral engagement with Russia in Syria unless Moscow takes immediate steps to end Syrian operations in the city of Aleppo and reinstate a ceasefire, according to the State Department.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Ryabkov told RIA Novosti the long path toward reaching a deal on a cessation of hostilities announced September 9 stemmed from the need to achieve "balance and parity suitable for all."

"Now these agreements are put into question by the US. It is their political choice. This reflects heightened 'warmongering' in Washington and among those willing to continue inflicting damage to bilateral relations with Russia," he said.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that the US is prepared to suspend bilateral engagement with Russia in Syria unless Moscow takes immediate steps to end Syrian operations in the city of Aleppo and reinstate a ceasefire, according to the State Department.
"The intervention was certainly a mistake for the Americans, who suffered losses in Iraq, but it was not a mistake for those who capitalized on the three or five trillion dollars that was spent [on the Iraq War]," he said.

In this vein, he pointed the finger at the neo-conservatives, whom he described as "a group of ideologists who have been the pivot element of American power since the end of the Cold War."

"They believe that the disappearance of (America's) main rival meant that the US became the first and only world power and that [its might] should be used for effectively protecting American interests across the world," Charmelot said.

In his opinion, "the philosophy of dominance" related to the US's fight against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons which resulted in the protracted war.

"The US decided to fight countries that were involved with nuclear technology, in what would finally lead to a confrontation with Iraq or with Iran, which are seen as enemies. This fight against nuclear proliferation along with the US fight against terrorism which started in 2011 helped the neoconservatives to draw the country into a permanent war," according to him.

"As far as the US's interference in Iraq is concerned, it contributed considerably to the emergence of the extremist militants, called the Islamic State today and al-Qaeda yesterday. These extremists will long be the main actors in the Middle East's geopolitical game," he concluded.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has said that Washington is deploying an additional 615 soldiers to allegedly support Iraq's military in retaking the Daesh-held northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  US comments on a possible Daesh terrorist group threat facing Russia reflect a state of "emotional breakdown" that practically spurs the banned terrorist organization into action, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Thursday.

"Once again there was a certain emotional breakdown yesterday against the backdrop of the Obama administration's unwillingness to fulfill its part of the agreements that required great inter-agency efforts, primarily from our Ministry of Defense colleagues and of course the considerable efforts of [Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov. These poorly concealed invitations to 'apply' the terrorist weapon against Russia is a measure of the political baseness that current US administration has reached in its approach to affairs in the Middle East, and specifically to the situation in Syria," Ryabkov said.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby said at a press briefing Wednesday that the ongoing conflict in Syria could "no question" spill over into "attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags."
[September 29, 2016] New Community Version of PostgreSQL 9.6 Boosts Performance with Parallel Query and Vertical and Horizontal Scalability Features

BEDFORD, Mass., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EnterpriseDB (EDB), the leading enterprise Postgres database company, congratulates the PostgreSQL Global Development Group for the newly released PostgreSQL 9.6. The new 9.6 version features parallel processing capabilities and expands scale up and scale out capacity to support more complex workloads and data infrastructures distributed across multiple or remote data sources. "Members of EDB's staff worked as part of the PostgreSQL Community to develop performance advances for PostgreSQL 9.6 that will extract greater efficiency from today's hardware for larger and more complex workloads," said Marc Linster, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Product Development. "Based on contributions from EDB and the community at large, PostgreSQL 9.6 will benefit EDB customers that require parallel processing." Advances in PostgreSQL 9.6 move the database deeper into analytics, addressing long-time bottlenecks that have made it difficult to run PostgreSQL on larger data sets. Enhancements to the freeze map, for example, allow PostgreSQL to scale up further than ever before, while new parallel query facilities make it possible to use multiple CPU cores to accelerate response times for queries that touch a lot of data. Expanded replication capabilities make it possible to build a truly reliable multi-node read scaling cluster based on PostgreSQL. Full-text searching enhancements help make PostgreSQL more effective with document stores and now supports the ability to search for words based on proximity, which helps lexical and forensic applications. Scalability Enhancements Scalability enhancements to PostgreSQL 9.6 that improve performance include: Parallel sequential scans, joins, and aggregates: These features improve query performance on today's multi-core servers by enabling PostgreSQL to utilize multiple cores in a server. This improves query performance on today's increasingly powerful hardware, particularly for CPU-intensive queries that benefit from using all cores on a server. These vertical scalability, or scale up, features are an important advance for PostgreSQL and will support the development of more advanced parallel processing capabilities in later releases.

These features improve query performance on today's multi-core servers by enabling PostgreSQL to utilize multiple cores in a server. This improves query performance on today's increasingly powerful hardware, particularly for CPU-intensive queries that benefit from using all cores on a server. These vertical scalability, or scale up, features are an important advance for PostgreSQL and will support the development of more advanced parallel processing capabilities in later releases. Enhancement to Freeze Map using autovacuum: PostgreSQL's Freeze Map features track data blocks that do not require vacuuming, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple scans of data. This scale up enhancement saves I/O overhead and results in more efficient use of hardware for greater overall performance and scalability.

PostgreSQL's Freeze Map features track data blocks that do not require vacuuming, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple scans of data. This scale up enhancement saves I/O overhead and results in more efficient use of hardware for greater overall performance and scalability. Support for Remote Joins, Sorts, and Updates in postgres_fdw: The Foreign Data Wrapper (FDW) feature in PostgreSQL that links the database to external data sources, has been enhanced to increase query performance when it is used to connect multiple Postgres databases. postgres_fdw can now "push down" some query logic to remote servers to better distribute workloads, and use the foreign database server to perform the query operations. With this predicate push down of sorts, joins, and batch data updates, users can distribute workloads across multiple servers, and expand the database's horizontal, or scale out, capacity.

The Foreign Data Wrapper (FDW) feature in PostgreSQL that links the database to external data sources, has been enhanced to increase query performance when it is used to connect multiple Postgres databases. postgres_fdw can now "push down" some query logic to remote servers to better distribute workloads, and use the foreign database server to perform the query operations. With this predicate push down of sorts, joins, and batch data updates, users can distribute workloads across multiple servers, and expand the database's horizontal, or scale out, capacity. Synchronous replication enhancements: Synchronous replication now allows multiple synchronous standbys that have the option to wait for transactions to be applied (rather than received). This allows better consistency across database clusters and expands horizontal scalability for read-only transactions to identical replicas. This also improves disaster recovery architectures. DBA Features

PostgreSQL 9.6 also includes several enhancements that assist developers and database administrators: Full text search for phrases: This feature improves the text search capabilities of PostgreSQL and makes it a better alternative to dedicated text search technologies that some companies use to search the web and mine data.

This feature improves the text search capabilities of PostgreSQL and makes it a better alternative to dedicated text search technologies that some companies use to search the web and mine data. Exposed wait states: An improved pg_state_activity system view more effectively supports troubleshooting and helps DBAs diagnose problems with queries and resolve issues. EDB Contributions

EDB engineers committed over 10,000 hours of development time to the complete rewrite of pgAdmin, the leading graphical open source management, development, and administration tool for PostgreSQL. Working under Dave Page, Vice President, Chief Architect, Tools and Installers at EDB, who is also head of the pgAdmin open source project, EDB engineers rewrote pgAdmin in Python and Javascript/jQuery. The tool can now be run as a standalone on the desktop for a single user or deployed on a web server to support multiple users. For details on changes in pgAdmin 4 and the team that was involved, please read the blog by Dave Page, The Elephant Nears the Finish Line. EDB is bundling pgAdmin 4 with PostgreSQL 9.6 in its one-click installers of the database, which can be found here. EDB is honored to have made code contributions to some of the major features in the PostgreSQL 9.6 release. EDB also partners with other companies that work with and use PostgreSQL to drive continual improvement of PostgreSQL, the world's most advanced open source database.

Availability PostgreSQL 9.6 is now available. To download the free version of PostgreSQL using an easy one-click installer, click here to download, or visit the PostgreSQL community download page here. To leverage the full value of PostgreSQL for enterprise deployments, the database also is available as part of the EDB Postgres Standard subscription. To get started with the EDB Postgres Platform, download EDB Postgres Advanced Server here. For more information, contact [email protected]. To learn more about Postgres, attend Postgres Vision 2016, the preeminent event for thought leadership, collaboration, and networking with the best and brightest companies defining the future of enterprise Postgres and open source data management. This unique event includes insights from technology and business luminaries, Fortune 500 use cases, a look at the Postgres ecosystem, and long-range outlooks from press and analysts such as Gartner and IDC. Featured sponsors include Amazon Web Services (AWS), IBM, Infor, Pivotal, Google, Red Hat, Carahsoft, Avnet, Ashnik, and Shadow-Soft. About EnterpriseDB (EDB) Corporation

EDB is the leading worldwide provider of PostgreSQL software and services that enable enterprises to reduce their reliance on costly traditional solutions and slash their database spend by up to 80% or more. With powerful performance and security enhancements for PostgreSQL, sophisticated management tools for global deployments and database compatibility with Oracle, EDB software supports mission-critical enterprise applications. More than 3,600 enterprises, governments and other organizations worldwide use EDB software, support, training and professional services to integrate PostgreSQL into their existing data infrastructures. EDB is based in Bedford, Massachusetts. EnterpriseDB is a registered trademark of EnterpriseDB Corporation. EDB and EDB Postgres are trademarks of EnterpriseDB Corporation. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.







Media Contacts for EDB:

Nancy Scott Cairbre Sugrue EnterpriseDB Sugrue Communications +1 781.357.3090 +44 (0)1932 429 779 [email protected] [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160106/319928LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-community-version-of-postgresql-96-boosts-performance-with-parallel-query-and-vertical-and-horizontal-scalability-features-300336537.html SOURCE EnterpriseDB

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MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia's cooperation with Turkey on Syria is increasingly constructive with possible joint action in the future, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday.

"Now, after nearly a year has passed since the cooling of relations, there is a tendency that cooperation with Turkey on the Syrian track will be constructive. And the concern that we have, as well as issues on which we are far from agreement, we discuss constructively," Zakharova said in an interview with the Russia-Grece2016.ru website.

Russia and Turkey launched reconciliation efforts this summer following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's apology for the November 2015 downing of a Russian Su-24 combat aircraft over Syria.
"We have determined that the weapon arrived from Russia. Having established this, we are not making statements about the role of Russia as a state or people from Russia," Westerbeke said.

Ardayev, for his part, noted that the results of the probe, in fact, repeat allegations by the international expert and journalist group Bellingcat, which launched its own informal investigation into the MH17 crash and which used social networks data and eyewitness testimony as evidence.

"The JIT preferred not to pay attention to the arguments of the Russian side, including a detailed report provided by experts from the arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey and data provided by the Russian Defense Ministry", he said.

Ardayev quoted Almaz-Antey spokesman Mikhail Malyshevsky as saying that the JIT findings contain no references to the technical aspects of the investigation and are therefore "not quite right."

According to Malyshevsky, a meticulous study of the technical details of the disaster casts doubts on the results of the international investigation into the MH17 crash.

"We used a powerful experimental base to conduct our own probe with the help of virtual and real tests on the ground, something that fully shattered JIT allegations," he said.

Ardayev recalled that Almaz-Antey experts concluded during such tests that the MH17 plane could only have been shot down by a 9M38 missile launched from a Buk system. These missiles haven't been produced or used in Russia in a long time, but remain in service in Ukraine.

In addition, the nature of the plane's damage indicates that the real position of the angle at which the missile reached the aircraft differs from the one noted by international experts, according to Ardayev.

"And this, in turn, confirms that the missile was launched from an entirely different point, namely from the area near the village of Zaroshchenskoye, which was controlled by Ukrainian armed forces at the time," he said.

He was echoed by RT correspondent Murad Gazdiyev, who quoted Almaz-Antey experts as saying that it was the shape of the missile's fragments which helped the experts finally establish the type of the missile itself.

Ardayev said, for his part, that the primary radar data also confirm that JIT investigators failed to calculate the real trajectory of the missile that hit the MH17 plane.

"Radars did not track the missile, which means that it was flying from territory which was not mentioned by the JIT report," Ardayev quoted Viktor Meshcheryakov, chief designer of the Utes-T radar system, as saying.

Michael Malyshevsky in turn confirmed that Almaz-Antey had repeatedly handed over the results of its probe to international experts, who claimed that they allegedly received it a couple of weeks ago and have yet to study tem thoroughly.

Meanwhile, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov has expressed doubt about the impartiality of the data provided by the investigators of the MH17 crash and the conclusions made on the basis of this data.
ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkey is ready to cooperate with Russia on ceasefire and humanitarian issues in Syria , Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday.

"After normalizing relations with Russia, we hope to discuss these issues with it too. If Russia truly wants to cooperate on issues of a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, we are ready for this," Cavusoglu said.

Cavusoglu said at a press briefing his talks with Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday addressed ways to ensure a truce and deliver humanitarian aid to the conflict-torn country.
"This market quickly disappeared due to the embargo, dealing a heavy blow to the [German] milk producers," he said.

Russian customers were the third largest buyers of German dairy products, such as butter and cheese, after the German domestic market and the EU market, he added, referring to milk producers in other EU countries who were also hit by the Russian food embargo.

Feuerriegel expressed hope for an early end to the anti-Russian sanctions, saying that "we always insist on a political solution" to the problem.

At the same time, he remained downbeat about the economic situation being improved quickly after the embargo is lifted.

"We do not expect that there will be great demand for German products in Russia as it was before. Firstly, the Russian market went through a process of self-regulation, and secondly, the purchasing power of Russians has decreased due to the sanctions," he said.

Foyerrigel suggested that the milk prices will increase in 2017 as the EU currently tries to reduce the production of milk with the help of 150 million euro compensation package.

French farmers block roads in protest at huge drop in milk and pork prices following Russian trade sanctions https://t.co/dMwVcjl1gn  Farming Monthly (@FarmingMonthly) 15  2016 .

The United States, the European Union and some of their allies have imposed several rounds of restrictive anti-Moscow sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, as well as a number of individuals and entities.
"Neither side can win by military means. Even supported by powerful Russian forces, the Syrian troops still lack the potential to resolve the relevant military task, with the opposition also failing to gain the upper hand. The political process is stalled because the warring parties fail to realize the fact that they achieve nothing by referring to military means," Lukyanov said.

He also drew attention to the fact that the information war between Russia and the United States continues to be part of the common political standoff in Syria.

"Washington reacts angrily to Russia now playing a very significant role in terms of its influence on the Syrian conflict. The US was so confused about what it wants to achieve in this conflict that they already feel uneasy in Syria. As for Russia, it acts as a major factor that the Americans are unable to contain," he said.

Asked about whether one should hope the ceasefire in Syria will work against the backdrop of angry US rhetoric, Lukyanov remained downbeat about the matter.

"I am afraid that there are no prospects for a lasting truce in Syria due to the current differences on the issue between outgoing US President Barack Obama and the Pentagon, which also does not trust Russia," he said.

Lukyanov also suggested that the Syrian conflict is unlikely to expand across the region in the future, citing Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran, which he said previously were the major players of the Syrian standoff.

"The situation has changed, with the regional players already moving aside and the Syrian players coming to the fore. Now a lot depends on them," he pointed out.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The United States is weighing additional options for achieving a political transition in Syria, beyond the existing diplomatic track, US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

"At President Obamas direction, we also are actively considering other options to advance our goal of ending the civil war and starting a political transition in Syria," Blinken said in testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Assessments

PresenceLearning Introduces Live, Online Psychoeducational Assessments

Half of all special education directors say their school psychologists have trouble keeping up with the high number of psychoeducational assessments required throughout the school year, according to PresenceLearning. To solve this problem, the online clinical services provider now administers live and online psychoeducational assessments.

PresenceLearning, in partnership with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), has introduced a new service that utilizes Woodcock-Johnson IV (WJ IV) tests to help identify a students strengths and areas of concern in school. Coupled with PresenceLearnings online therapy environment, which connects students to licensed school psychologists via webcam, the WJ IV tests assist schools in conducting initial, re-evaluation and triennial assessments.

Additionally, HMH has authorized PresenceLearning as the only remote provider of WJ IV test batteries, which provide a comprehensive assessment of reading, writing and math skills, according to a news release.

Since 2009, the companys network of more than 7,000 licensed behavioral and mental health professionals have administered more than 6,000 online assessments. The psychoeducational assessments are now available for the current school year.

A video explaining the psychoeducational assessments and additional information is available on the PresenceLearning site.
Teacher Preparation

Study: Alternatively Certified Teachers More Likely to Leave

Two education researchers have found that teachers who received their training through alternative sources were likely to leave the field at higher rates than those who were trained in traditional schools of education.

Christopher Redding, a doctoral candidate at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of education and human development, and Thomas Smith, dean and professor at the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Riverside, examined data from the Schools and Staffing Survey for the years 1999 to 2012. That survey was conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) seven times between 1987 through 2012 among public and private school districts, schools, principals and teachers. (It has subsequently been replaced by the National Teacher and Principal Survey, which started up in 2015-2016.)

What Redding and Smith found was that teachers who received "alternative certification" tend to leave the profession in rates eight percentage points higher than graduates from a standard university bachelor's degree teaching program, even after controlling for factors that predict higher turnover.

Alternative certification is generally offered by programs such as Teach for America, Academy for Urban School Leadership and The New Teachers Project. While these programs require applicants to possess bachelor's degrees, they emphasize expertise in content areas over teaching skills. The organizations' goals, according to the researchers, are to recruit "less selective candidates" to accept teaching positions in hard-to-staff schools or subjects.

According to Redding, alternatively certified (AC) teachers make up about a quarter of new teachers entering the teaching workforce. "They are appealing to schools for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the racial and gender diversity they bring to the classroom," he explained in an article about the project.

However, what these educators tend to lack is on-the-job support and teacher preparation. For example, the research found that most of these teachers hadn't participated in student teaching or learned classroom management techniques. Therefore, among those who left the teaching profession, they tended to blame feeling unprepared and overwhelmed.

On the other hand, those alternatively certified teachers who did receive school supports, such as mentoring, collaboration and professional development, were less likely to leave.

"The [alternatively-certified] pipeline may be more of a stop gap than a long-term solution," Redding said. "If AC teachers don't receive the supports they need, they leave, and that could exacerbate the churn in the teacher labor market."

That churn could become its own "equity issue for economically disadvantaged schools," where alternatively certified teachers are most likely to teach, noted Redding.

The researchers' paper, "Easy in, Easy out: Are Alternatively Certified Teachers Turning Over at Increased Rates?" was published by the American Educational Research Journal.
[September 29, 2016] Reposify Launches IoT Search Engine to Become the Google for the Internet of Things

TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Reposify, a cyber-sensing company, has launched a platform to research all devices available on the Internet in real time. Reposify's platform enables enterprises and governments to gain insights about devices worldwide through a Google-like search engine. This search engine has an API that allows developers to build products based on Reposify insights. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160927/412233 Gartner estimates that 6.4 billion connected devices will be in use during 2016, and by 2020, that number will reach 20 billion. "The Internet has changed, and now our webcams, cars, coffee machines and many others devices are part of the Internet," stated Yaron Tal, founder and CEO of Reposify. "Our goal is to let cybersecurity and BI companies get answers about those devices with a few clicks. And developers can do this with a few lines of code." Reposify's team has built a scalable cluster that constantly discovers new devices connected to the public Internet. For each device, Reposify determines the type, for example, routers, webcams, and industrial devices, such as smart building sensors. The platform also finds devices' relationships with other devices and people and tries to detect what technologies exist on each device, such as an accessible database, web server, or specific operating system. Making Cybersecurity companies smarter Two weeks ago, FBI Director James Comey said he places a piece of tape over his computer's webcam. Back in June, journalists noted that Facebook's taped up his webcam and microphone. These people know that connected devices can be hacked and that this is a real threat. With Reposify, people can verify that their personal devices are not publicly exposed.



Today, many attacks are being executed through IoT devices hijacked by hackers. Cybersecurity companies face a real challenge to stopping these attacks. Moreover, when cybersecurity companies perform vulnerability assessments, they often ignore the device layer, leaving customers vulnerable to hacker attacks. By integrating with Reposify's API, cybersecurity companies can monitor their clients' networks to find misconfigured devices, such as firewalls and routers, that can be accessed from the public Internet. With Reposify, these companies also can detect devices with outdated software that makes networks vulnerable to hackers.

Next-generation business intelligence products BI companies have a hard time analyzing technology markets, quantifying market penetration, and identifying new global trends. With Reposify, however, BI companies will be able to perform smart and accurate competitive analysis. For example, businesses can use Reposify to determine how many Cisco routers are being used in each country by model and version. Governments can even use Reposify to enforce export laws by finding devices being used illegally or identifying locally manufactured devices that are being used in countries where they are banned. Free account for developers is available at no cost. To signup and get started, visit http://www.reposify.com/signup. About Reposify Reposify was founded in 2016 with the aim to research IoT devices worldwide. Reposify indexes all devices connected to the public Internet in real time and enables organizations to gain insights about these devices. Related Images image1.png image2.jpg image3.jpg Related Links Reposify Logo Reposify Logo Vector This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reposify-launches-iot-search-engine-to-become-the-google-for-the-internet-of-things-300335575.html SOURCE Reposify

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By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - A Saudi-led coalition will not accept a Yemeni peace deal unless it requires the Houthi movement to disband its armed wing, a spokesman said on Wednesday, in effect rebuffing an offer by the Iran-allied group for a truce made three days earlier. The Arab alliance has been fighting the Houthis in Yemen since March 2015 after the group took over the capital Sanaa and forced the internationally-recognised President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile. The war has killed at least 10,000 people and has pushed impoverished Yemen towards famine. On Sunday a top Houthi official offered to stop attacks on Saudi Arabia and an amnesty for Yemeni fighters opposing the group if the kingdom stopped air strikes and lifted a near blockade. But Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed al-Asseri, spokesman for the Arab coalition, told reporters in Berlin that while a political solution to the conflict was needed, Saudi Arabia would not support an agreement that allowed the Houthi movement to maintain its militias. The kingdom would not "accept an armed militia at our back door," Asseri said, without making a direct reference to the truce offer. The briefing with Asseri held at a Berlin hotel had been organised by the Saudi embassy in Germany. YEMENI ARMY NEARING CAPITAL Hadi's government says that any move toward peace can begin only when the Houthis heed a 2015 U.N. Security Council Resolution mandating that they quit Yemen's main cities and hand over weapons they had seized since 2014. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia observed a period of calm with the Houthis that had facilitated U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Kuwait. The talks ended last month without an agreement. The Houthis say they are fighting a revolution against a corrupt government and its Gulf Arab backers. U.N.-sponsored talks collapsed last month. Asked about the military situation in Yemen, Asseri said Yemeni forces loyal to Hadi's government were advancing towards the capital Sanaa, still held by the Houthis, and that he did not expect major combat once troops reached the city. "Things are going good now. Day by day, the Yemeni army gets closer to the capital," Asseri said. "We do not expect major combat in the capital because there are not a lot of (military) forces in the capital. We go slowly but surely." The general said forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh - also fighting against Hadi's troops -- were positioned mostly in the northern and eastern parts of Sanaa, and there were not a lot of pro-Houthi militias in the city. Asseri said Saudi Arabia had rebuilt the Yemeni army "from scratch" and remained committed to its support, but did not want to alienate the Yemeni population by putting large numbers of Saudi forces into the country. "We perform very limited military action in supporting the Yemeni army. We perform close air support, we target their munitions storage, we target movements from time to time, but it is a Yemeni army operation," he said. Yemen and Saudi Arabia blame Shi'ite Iran for supplying weapons to the Houthis, who belong to the Zaydi branch of Shi'ite Islam. Tehran views the Houthis as the legitimate authority in Yemen and denies it supplies them with weapons. The Saudi-led coalition has maintained a near-blockade on Yemen's ports which it says aims to prevent arms from getting to the Houthis, but has also hobbled Yemen's already struggling economy and created a humanitarian crisis. Asseri said five shipments of arms from Iran to Yemen had been intercepted by Australia, the United States, France and Saudi Arabia off the coast of Yemen. He gave no further details. The United Nations said last month that 3,799 civilians have been killed in the conflict, with air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition responsible for 60 percent of deaths. Saudi Arabia has said it is committed to international humanitarian law. Asseri said Saudi Arabia sought to avoid killing civilians by using precision weapons, but said the Houthis used civilian sites for military operations. "This is a war ... Mistakes could happen," he said. "We do what is necessary to avoid any mistakes, and if there is a mistake, we have a committee between the coalition and the Yemeni government investigate." (Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
BEIRUT  The bombings at night are the worst. There is no electricity in the rebel-held portion of eastern Aleppo, and the warplanes flying overhead target any light piercing the blackness beneath.

So families huddle together in the dark, gathered in one room so that they dont die alone, listening to the roar of the jets and waiting for the bombs to fall.

After they do, rescue workers venture out, navigating the rubble and craters left by earlier bombings, to dig out victims without headlights or lamps. They haul them to hospitals swamped with patients being treated on the floor by doctors who barely sleep, and must choose which lives to save and which to let go.

In the small hours of Wednesday morning, it was the turn of two hospitals to be hit in the dark. The hospitals, the two biggest in eastern Aleppo, were struck by bombs shortly after 3:30 a.m., killing two patients and rendering them out of use for the victims of more bombings later in the day.

Such is the tenor of life in rebel-held Aleppo, which had become accustomed to regular airstrikes in the four years since rebels seized control of the eastern portion of the city  but nothing like the intensity of the past week.

The collapse of a U.S.- and Russian-sponsored cease-fire on Sept. 19 was followed by the launch of a Syrian government offensive, backed by Russian airstrikes, to recapture the neighborhoods held by the rebels. The operation heralded what residents, doctors and medical workers describe as the most ferocious bombardments yet.

At least 1,700 bombs struck eastern Aleppo in the first week after the cease-fires collapse, according to the White Helmets civil defense group, a volunteer force funded by the United States and Europe that goes to the aid of people buried by buildings collapsed by bombs. Still, they keep raining down, with new bunker-buster bombs designed to be used against military installations blasting apartment buildings that house families.

Except that now there is no escape. The challenge of staying alive has been heightened by the complete siege imposed by government troops earlier this month, shortly before the cease-fire was announced.

Hundreds of thousands of people had already fled Aleppo, once a city of 3 million, to refugee camps further north, to Turkey and on boats to Europe. But the United Nations estimates 250,000 remain surrounded in eastern Aleppo, many of them the poorest of the poor, the families who couldnt afford the cost of transportation out of the city.

Now they couldnt leave if they wanted to. Food is scarce, prices are high and though no one really knows how much Aleppo has stockpiled over many months of fearing just such a siege, it will eventually run out. Doctors have already detected signs of malnutrition in some children, said Caroline Anning of the British charity Save the Children, which estimates that 35 to 40 percent of those trapped in Aleppo are children.

Critically wounded victims who would previously have been evacuated to Turkey must now be treated in makeshift hospitals barely equipped to handle life-threatening injuries. The bombing of the hospitals on Wednesday left just six hospitals functioning, and they are overwhelmed. Only 35 doctors remain, according to the World Health Organization, and 29 according to doctors in the city  down from 30 on Friday after a dentist died in an airstrike, said Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which runs some of the hospitals.

Only seven of those doctors are surgeons capable of treating the catastrophic wounds inflicted by heavy bombs, the medical charity Doctors Without Borders said in a statement condemning Wednesdays hospital attacks.

In the past week, the doctors have been handling hundreds of injuries a day. Photographs posted by medical workers show patients lying in pools of blood on hospital floors. Some have been left waiting for treatment on the sidewalks outside, according to Mohammed Tariq, a nurse at one of the hospitals.

The doctors are exhausted. Many of them are working until 4 or 5 a.m., and then starting again at 9. They are also scared, said Maher Saqqur, a surgeon who has been advising the doctors in Aleppo over Skype from his clinic in Canada.

We have to triage patients, we have to judge whether their cases are hopeless. If they are, it is the hardest thing, he said. Those with head injuries are being left to die. A man with both his legs blown off was judged too seriously injured to save. Five children died in one hospital on Sunday because there were insufficient resources to treat them.

We try to make sure they suffer as little as possible, but even the supplies we need to do that are running out, Saqqur said.

Anesthetics have already been used up entirely at one of the hospitals, said Sahloul, and supplies at others are running low. At the rate at which they are being used now, they could be gone within two weeks, he said, which will add pain to the misery of those being torn apart by bombs.

That hospitals and other vital facilities are being deliberately targeted is not doubted by residents. Only three locations were hit during the strikes carried out early Wednesday morning  two hospitals and a bakery, where six people were killed as they stood in line to buy increasingly scarce bread.

The White Helmets civil defense teams sometimes intercept the communications of pilots in the planes flying overhead, said Ismail Abdullah, a White Helmets volunteer in Aleppo. Sometimes we hear the pilot tell his base, we see a market for the terrorists, there is a bakery for the terrorists, is it OK to hit them? he said. They say, OK, hit them. Every time they use the adjective terrorists. 

On Sept. 21, two days after the cease-fire collapsed, the White Helmets heard a pilot send a message referring to the terrorist civil defense centers, he said. The group passed on the warnings that they might be targeted to U.S. officials in New York, where world dignitaries had gathered for the United Nations General Assembly.

Two days later, in the dark before dawn on Friday, the rescuers were struck. They have only four bases in Aleppo and three were targeted. Two were destroyed, along with five vehicles, including a firetruck and an ambulance, said Abdullah.

Those vehicles cant be replaced. Their loss means rescuers will respond to fewer bombings, save fewer people. Bodies remain buried in the rubble of buildings bombed over the weekend that rescuers couldnt reach, and now more are piling up, said Ammar al-Salma, the head of the White Helmets teams in Aleppo, who is currently in Turkey.

When teams are too busy to respond to all the bombings taking place, residents are told to write the names of buried families on the debris, so that the bodies can one day be retrieved.

It is grim work. The White Helmets have won international acclaim and prizes for their courage. Some may think what we are doing is heroic, their leader, Raed Saleh, told a forum in Washington during a visit to the United States this week.

But, in fact, it is devastating and depressing beyond belief, he said. You are pulling corpses from the rubble. You dont know if one day that body will belong to your sister, your brother or your friend.

And the rewards diminish. Salma described how White Helmets rescuers dug one family out of the rubble of a strike last week and transported them to a different neighborhood, only to respond to an airstrike in that neighborhood the following day and find that the family they had saved had been killed.

This left us without hope. They killed our work. They killed what we did for many hours, said Salma. The aircraft sent us a message: We will kill people wherever they go.

If there were a pattern or timing to the attacks, people would know when to go out to find food and when to take cover indoors, said Abdullah. They just want to kill everything in sight, so that no one can walk in the streets, so that no one can be saved. They want us all to die, he said.

As it is, they can kill you at any time, said Omar Shaban, a student who described how families cluster in the evenings on the lower floors of his apartment building to escape the bombs. Entire families sleep in one room, because they prefer to die together than to create orphans, widows or bereaved parents.

Shaban, who is 33, married two months ago and spends the evenings sitting in the dark with his new wife, listening to the bombs. They talk about their fears. I am afraid we will be hungry after two weeks. I am afraid of the airstrikes. I am afraid to lose someone close to me, he said.

She is afraid of becoming pregnant, he said, and of bringing a child into the world in which they live.



Heba Habib in Stockholm contributed to this report.

syria-aleppo-repeats
[September 29, 2016] Fitch Affirms Forrest Health, MS' Rev Bonds at 'A'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'A' rating on the following debt issued by the Mississippi Hospital Equipment & Facilities Authority on behalf of Forrest Health (FH), MS: --$70 million hospital revenue bonds (Federally Taxable - Build America Bonds - Direct Payment) series 2010; --$37.75 million hospital revenue refunding bonds series 2009. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY Debt payments are secured by a pledge of the gross revenues of the obligated group. KEY RATING DRIVERS SOLID, LEADING MARKET POSITION: FH's owes part of its strong operating results to its leading market position in the 10-county primary service area. The hospital's flagship hospital in Forrest County serves as the tertiary referral center for FH's smaller regional hospitals. FH's market share of 56.7% is significantly above the 15.4% market share for its closest competitor, Merit Health Wesley (Wesley). IMPROVED OPERATING PROFILE: FH has posted increasingly improving financial results since 2013. Operating margin and operating EBITDA margin were 6.1% and 14%, respectively, in fiscal 2015 and 7.7% and 15.3% in the first nine-months of fiscal 2016 (June 30), exceeding the medians for this rating category. SOUND BALANCE SHEET SUPPORTS RATING: The improved profitability of the past two years combined with more moderate capital budgets and decreasing debt, has resulted in strengthened balance sheet indicators. Cash-to-debt is 179.5% as of June 30, 2016 and days cash on hand (DCOH) is measured at 238.2 days for the same period. Debt coverage has improved to 5.3x with the moderating debt burden. CHALLENGING PAYOR MIX: FH's payor mix is unfavorable with almost 25% of gross revenue from Medicaid and self-pay. The state's decision not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been negative for FH as there has been a reduction in Medicare disproportionate share funding (DSH) without any benefit from reduced uncompensated care. Medicare DSH declined from $13.5 million in fiscal 2014 to $11.00 million expected for fiscal 2016. FH is also highly dependent on the supplemental payments from the Mississippi Hospital Access Program (MHAP), and the uncertainty around the future terms of this program continues to be a credit concern. RATING SENSITIVITIES CONTINUED PROFITABILITY: Absent any significant new debt or unanticipated large capital projects, if Forrest Health (FH) maintains high EBITDA margins and increases liquidity again in 2017, a positive outlook may be considered. CREDIT PROFILE Forrest Health owns and operates three hospitals including Forrest General Hospital (FGH), a 410-staffed bed, Level II trauma acute-care hospital, with an 88-bed chemical dependency and psychiatric facility, 24-bed rehabilitation unit, and 20 bed skilled nursing facility located in Hattiesburg, MS, the 30-bed Orthopedic Institute in Hattiesburg, and the 60-bed Highland Community Hospital (Highland) in Picayune, MS. FCGH also operates, but does not own, Walthall County General Hospital in Tylertown, MS, Jefferson Davis Community Hospital in Prentiss, MS, and Marion General Hospital in Columbia, MS. Total revenue in fiscal 2015 (Sept. 30 year end) was $515.8 million. MARKET DYNAMICS, HATTIESBURG CLINIC FH is the leading hospital in the service area, but it is not the main provider of healthcare services in its area. The Hattiesburg Clinic (Clinic), with 455 practitioners (291 physicians), is a large multi-specialty clinic and an important partner to FH. Management reports a good relationship with the Clinic, with the interdependence between the two organizations deepening in recent years. Fitch recognizes the importance of FH's relationship with the Clinic and the Clinic's contribution to FH's volume and financial results. However, Fitch notes FH's growing reliance on the Clinic with the Clinic accounting for approximately 85% of the volume at FGH. The Clinic is a significant smaller portion of the operations at the 211-bed Wesley competitor, with many of the Clinic specialists practicing exclusively at FH. Given Wesley's presence in Hattiesburg, there is another hospital option should the relationship between the Clinic and FH change in the future. However, FH offers higher acuity services and shares a single medical record system (Epic) with the Clinic. Additionally, FH has very few employed or aligned primary care physicians as the primary physicians in Hattiesburg are predominantly employed by the Clinic. The Clinic has its own ACO and network of physicians, which may make it harder for FH to control certain indicators and measurements for future value-based payments and penalties. FH's management participates in ACO planning and strategy discussions and there may be an opportunity for further collaboration or partnership between FH and the Clinic's ACO. HUB AND SPOKE MODEL FH benefits from its hub and spoke model, increasing referrals to the flagship from the small regional hospitals, most of which are critical access hospitals (CAH). Highland, not a CAH, has struggled to break-even; recently due to turnover in a couple of key clinical positions. Nevertheless, the contribution margin and increased referrals to FGH from that area in 2016 still make Highland accretive to FH. Recruitment to the service area continues to be an overall challenge, but FH is hoping to leverage its recent family practice residency program and retain future graduates. ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL In 2015, FH purchased the orthopedic hospital that it previously leased from an orthopedic group in the area, Southern Bone and Joint. The transaction was financially neutral in 2015 as the capital lease for the orthopedic hospital was already on FH's book, although it will generate interest cost savings over the life of the debt. The Orthopedic Institute has proven to be profitable for FH with inpatient and outpatient surgeries growing over the past years. Although Southern Bone and Joint retained some outpatient surgical capacity in the building connected to the Orthopedic Institute, the group primarily performs its surgical procedures at FH's owned orthopedic suites. The Clinic's orthopedic surgeons also operate in FH's suites at the specialty hospital. FH is projecting 2,394 inpatient and 2,110 otpatient orthopedic surgery cases in 2016 at FGH and the Orthopedic Institute.



STRONG FINANCIAL PROFILE FH's financial position has improved in recent years due to its referral base, positive relationship with the Clinic, orthopedic growth, and stable supplemental payments from the MHAP program. Operating EBITDA margins of 14% in fiscal 2015 and 15.3% in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 have facilitated robust cash flow to fund modest capital expenditures and grow liquidity. Total unrestricted cash and investments was $300.9 million at June 30, 2016, which translated to 238.2 DCOH and 179.5% cash to debt compare well to the 'A' category medians of 215.5 days and 148.6%, respectively.

FH has a conservative budget for 2017, but results are still expected to be relatively in line with 2015 and 2016. The 2017 budget contemplates funding an additional $20 million contribution to the pension to bring the funding level to 80%. The pension liability was funded at 74% at the end of fiscal 2015. MODERATING DEBT METRICS FH had total debt of $167.7 million as of June 30, 2016, which includes approximately $106 million of bonded debt, $26 million of capital leases and $35 million of bank debt. FH's debt portfolio is 100% fixed rate and includes a series of Build America Bonds (BABs). The debt service requirements on the BABs are treated net of the subsidy and interest expense is also net of the subsidy. FH also has a basis swap outstanding that has a collateral threshold requirement of $15 million. Debt service is front loaded with maximum annual debt service (MADS) of $16.3 million in fiscal 2017, which declines to $13.0 million as of fiscal 2018. MADS coverage was 5.3x through the nine months ended June 30, 2016 compared to 4.7x in fiscal 2015, 2.1x and the 'A' category median of 4.5x. FH is not planning to issue new debt, although it may convert the lease on a current administrative building into long-term bank debt if it bids successfully for ownership of the building. DISCLOSURE FH covenants to disclose quarterly and annual financial information and utilization statistics to the MSRB's EMMA system. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Applicable Criteria Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 16 Jun 2014) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/750012 U.S. Nonprofit Hospitals and Health Systems Rating Criteria (pub. 09 Jun 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/866807 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1012395 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1012395 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON (News - Alert) THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. 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Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

Its been nearly two decades since a president of the University of New Mexico has served a term lasting more than five years and questions continue to swirl around the surprise announcement that Bob Frank would join those ranks.

Its a revolving-door position, said Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, D-Albuquerque.

Rep. Larry Larranaga, R-Albuquerque, who often sponsors legislation related to higher education endowment funds, also expressed concern over another change in management.

We have not seen the continuity that would be beneficial to the university, Larranaga told the Journal earlier this week.

Others questioned why Frank would receive a new faculty position at an annual salary of $350,000, nearly the same as his base presidential compensation.

Frank announced last week that he would not seek to renew his contract to remain president of UNM. He would become the director of the Center for Innovation in Health and Education within the Health Sciences Center after his current contract expires May 31.

Larranaga pointed out that presidents who leave often retain a position working at the university, referencing David Schmidlys former role as a biology professor and Louis Caldera as a professor at the law school.

The university will launch a presidential search to find a successor. In the past, the university has hired head-hunting firms to lead a national search for a replacement.

Board of Regents President Rob Doughty has said the search should start no later than spring 2017 and that an interim would be named if needed at the conclusion of Franks contract in June.

Faculty Senate President Pamela Pyle said the university community could be proud of the universitys gains under Frank, such as increased graduation rates, many new hires and successful ties to Albuquerques economic development.

We have to see this as an opportunity to go forward with a leader who will share President Franks positive vision for UNM and bring it farther down the road, Pyle said in a statement. The Faculty stand ready to help with the process of continuing to provide quality programs and realize creative visions, and also to help pick a leader who will build on our successes while encouraging new growth.

Money woes

The presidents departure comes at a time when the university may be facing a $22.5 million budget cut and is in the middle of a staff hiring freeze.

Doughty indicated an evaluation by the regents was ongoing when Frank made his announcement. He said he couldnt say whether the board would have renewed Franks contract had the president wanted to remain in his current position.

Former regent and state lawmaker Mel Eaves echoed concerns of continuity.

We just havent had anyone who was able to bring all parts of the university together and achieve a relationship that made everyone want the president to continue, he said. I think thats really unfortunate.

Since Richard Pecks presidency concluded in 1998, UNM presidents have had short, and sometimes tumultuous, tenures.

Faculty revolted against President David Schmidly, who served from 2007 to 2012, by voting no confidence in his presidency in 2009. President Louis Caldera, who served from 2003 to 2006, stepped down after he and the regents agreed it was time to leave his post before the conclusion of his contract.

And Presidents David Harris, 2006-07, and F. Chris Garcia, 2002-03, were appointed as interims. President William Gordon, 1998-2002, took a position with another university following the completion of his contract.

Eaves, who was appointed during Gov. Bill Richardsons administration in 2003 and served until 2008, was part of the board that hired Caldera and Schmidly. He believes the current model of recruiting presidents has done a good job of producing great presidents.

But Eaves fears Frank is not qualified to hold a position at the Health Sciences Center.

Thats not his area of expertise, he said. He is under the complete control of the governor and her regent appointees. I fear that his appointment into that position is an effort to undermine the leadership at the HSC. I hope I am wrong.

Frank has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from UNM. He served as the dean of the College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida and as the interim dean of the College of Public Health at Kent State University.

Bad timing

Ortiz y Pino challenged the timing of the announcement, given the states current budget woes. He also suggested the governor might be involved in Franks decision.

Hes not an old man. Theres no reason for him to step aside, Ortiz y Pino said.

Michael Lonergan, a spokesman with the Governors Office, said Eaves is upset he wasnt reappointed as a regent and has zero credibility.

The fact is, the governor and Dr. Frank worked well together on higher education reforms, including increasing graduation rates, establishing meta majors, and Innovate ABQ, he wrote in an email to the Journal. The governor appreciates Dr. Franks service, and she wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Doughty said the governor or members of her staff did not contact him in connection with Franks future at UNM and said Franks position as a faculty member is guaranteed through the presidential contract, so it doesnt represent a new hire.

Regent Jack Fortner, who is currently the longest-sitting regent, said guaranteeing tenure is a perk of the presidents job.

And Fortner said that, while people were surprised at the announcement, no one has called me saying hurray and no one has called me crying.

Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, said its unusual to create a brand new position, pay an employee hundreds of thousands of dollars and provide him with six months of paid leave before he goes to work in the new job.

It doesnt seem like theyre being very wise with the deficit, said Stewart, a retired educator.

Frank declined to answer questions from the Journal, such as whether the decision to work at the Health Sciences Center, per an agreement with the regents, runs contrary to a recently announced hiring freeze for all staff positions.

Dianne Anderson, a spokeswoman for the university, said Frank already has spent a lot of thought on the comments he made to the campus Friday and that he wont comment further.

Frank previously said he chose to leave the presidency with mixed emotions and that he was proud of what had been accomplished since he started in 2012.

He is returning his focus to what he plans to accomplish in the remaining eight months of his presidency and doesnt plan to discuss his decision not to seek a second term any further, Anderson said Tuesday.

As part of his exit agreement, Frank and the regents agreed to refrain from disparaging one another.
SANTA FE  New Mexico lawmakers will convene at the Roundhouse today for a special legislative session to consider weighty issues  a daunting budget shortfall, the reinstatement of the death penalty and revamped child abuse laws  with Election Day looming just over a month away.

While the Republican-controlled House is expected to move quickly on the crime-related bills that Gov. Susana Martinez added to the special session agenda, top-ranking Democratic lawmakers said Thursday that the budget crunch should be the focus and the other bills can wait until the 60-day regular session in January.

The special session is supposed to be about fixing the actual deficit that (the governor) and House Republicans created, said House Minority Leader Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe. Theyre not taking the budget situation seriously.

A Martinez spokesman, however, cautioned Democratic lawmakers against ignoring crime-related issues, singling out for criticism Senate Democratic floor leader Michael Sanchez of Belen, who said earlier this week that Senate Democrats are focused on budget concerns.

A roll call vote would take two minutes, and if legislators did what people are demanding, it could mean justice for victims, fewer repeat offenders on our streets, and safer neighborhoods for our kids to grow up in, Martinez spokesman Michael Lonergan said.

Some top-ranking legislators were caught off guard by the governors special session announcement late Wednesday, as a series of budget talks had not yet led to agreement on a budget-balancing plan.

Martinez, who had earlier said she wanted an agreement before calling the special session, decided to call the session after working for more than 60 days to try to negotiate a budget deal, an aide said earlier this week.

House Speaker Don Tripp, R-Socorro, said the governors decision to move forward without a deal in place means lawmakers will be forced to take prompt action on the states budget crunch, adding, Sometimes you have to create an urgency and that did it.

He said hes hopeful the special session will last for no more than three days  such sessions can last for up to 30 days per the state Constitution  so that legislators could leave Santa Fe by the end of the weekend.

Another challenge facing lawmakers is elevated hotel room prices and low hotel vacancy rates due to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which begins Saturday.

Budget woes

The driving force behind the special session is the states precarious financial situation. New Mexico is facing a total $589 million budget shortfall for the current and just-ended fiscal years and the possibility of having its credit rating downgraded, as plummeting oil and natural gas prices have led to the state taking in far less revenue than expected over the last two years.

In budget negotiations, Martinez, the states two-term Republican governor, has stuck to a no tax increase stance she has held since taking office in 2011, while Senate Democrats have balked at cuts to public schools, which make up 44 percent of the state budget.

Some of the budget fixes being eyed by top-ranking lawmakers include taking money from various state government accounts and infrastructure projects, tapping a $220 million-plus tobacco fund created in response to a 1999 legal settlement and tightening several state tax loopholes.

Top House Democrat Egolf said one proposal recently floated by House Republicans would take money from school districts around the state and trim spending on the states film incentive program, a proposal he described as a horrible idea.

House Speaker Tripp said there will be 10 to 12 solvency-related bills in the special session, though he declined to go into detail about the specific budget-balancing measures being pushed.

Some long shot proposals could also be in the mix, as Rep. Bill McCamley, D-Mesilla Park, said Thursday he plans to introduce bills to legalize and tax recreational marijuana use and tighten the allowable capital gains tax deduction for individuals.

Those bills could be allowable for debate, as the formal special session proclamation Martinez issued Thursday opens the door to bills to reform and simplify the states tax laws.

Martinez had previously said shed like the special session to be a quick affair in order to keep taxpayer costs to a minimum. The special session will cost an estimated $50,000 per day, based on recent such sessions.

Campaigns interrupted

The special session could also have an impact on campaign activities, as state law bars both legislators and legislative candidates from soliciting campaign contributions  via fundraisers or other approaches  from the time the governor issued the special session proclamation until adjournment.

All 112 legislative seats are up for election Nov. 8, and Monday is the deadline for the second campaign finance reporting period for the general election cycle. State law also bars lobbyists from giving campaign donations during the restricted period.

While campaign fundraising efforts will soon be on pause, outside groups were busy Thursday gearing up for the special session.

A Santa Fe-based group pushing for a 25-cent per drink increase in alcohol taxes, which has been assailed by the states growing microbrewery industry, plans to launch radio ads starting today in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.

And one of the states teachers unions, the National Education Association-New Mexico, called on members to gather signatures for petitions aimed at showing opposition to any spending cuts to public schools or universities. Those petitions will be presented today to the Governors Office and the chairmen of both the House and Senate budget-writing committees.

Meanwhile, several family members of victims of violent crimes, who have formed a coalition, said Thursday they also plan to attend the special session.

Nicole Chavez of Albuquerque, whose son, Jaydon Chavez-Silver, was shot and killed while attending a house party in June 2015, said in a statement that New Mexico has become a safe haven for violent repeat offenders.

For the safety of our families and communities, we plead with our legislators to finally be a voice for the victims, Chavez said.
This November, voters in New Mexico face a very stark choice in the race for secretary of state.

I am running to restore integrity, transparency and accountability at all levels of government. I will fight for ethics reforms to hold corrupt politicians accountable, and I have proposed vital fixes to our campaign finance system to make sure that every dollar donated to and spent on campaigns or lobbying can be tracked and audited.

With corruption and abuse of power by public officials headlining the news far too often in our state, its time for a change from politics as usual.

The truth is we need a secretary of state focused on protecting our right to vote and who can restore the publics trust, not another partisan extremist tainted by corruption.

Unfortunately, its just hard for my opponent, Republican Nora Espinoza, to hear and speak the truth about not only my record, but even her own.

Most recently, Espinoza has made a series of completely false accusations in this newspaper about my campaign in a blatant attempt to distract voters from her record of extremism and ties to corruption. Her suggestion that I have evaded campaign finance laws is completely and utterly false.

Fortunately, New Mexico voters know better than to fall for tired political tricks.

After our last secretary of state, Republican Dianna Duran, went to jail for corruption, Espinoza opposed efforts to strengthen anti-corruption laws and even skipped out on a critical vote to crack down on corrupt politicians like Dianna Duran. Then Espinoza went out and hired Durans inner circle to run her own campaign.

That vote was to create a statewide, nonpartisan ethics commission for New Mexico  something all but six states in our nation have adopted to ensure accountability, transparency and integrity in government at all levels.

Sadly, Espinoza favors the current system under which very few corrupt politicians are actually held accountable. I think we can all agree that the current system is broken and its time for a change.

Additionally, from the beginning of this campaign, Espinoza has asked voters to erase any memory of her legislative record from their minds because, as she told the Santa Fe New Mexican, her record is not relevant to the choice voters face this November.

That Espinoza has even suggested that her legislative record doesnt deserve consideration is absurd, but lets take a deeper look at why she doesnt want people talking about the extremism and divisiveness that are the hallmarks of her time in Santa Fe.

Just three years ago, in response to a memorial praising the diversity in curricula in our public schools, Espinoza received national attention for her call to ban Mexican-American literature from schools.

Yes, my opponent favors banning books.

Even worse, Espinoza tried to pass one of the most extreme bills on womens health care in the nation. Her law would have required doctors to falsely tell women that having an abortion increases the chance of getting breast cancer. She even wanted to bring criminal charges against doctors who didnt provide this false information.

With a record like that, its no wonder that Espinoza is launching false, baseless attacks in the waning days of the campaign. The truth is not on her side.
Political attacks on criminal defense lawyers for doing their important and difficult job is rampant in New Mexico politics. That needs to stop.

Our Constitution requires criminal defense lawyers, and a criminal defense lawyers job is to ensure that everyones constitutional rights are upheld.

In our justice system, criminal defense lawyers are the only ones in the courtroom who stand between the overwhelming power of the government and ordinary citizens. And that is hard. And working with the accused is hard.

Accused people come to criminal defense attorneys during chaotic times looking for advice and counsel. Whether guilty or not, their defense attorney has to help them navigate a treacherous and frequently illogical system.

Often this requires attorneys to tell their clients to immediately stop their potentially illegal behavior.

And what do criminal defense lawyers get for working hard at a tough job: attacks. This doubly so if that lawyer is also in politics.

Recently, prominent defense lawyer and Republican Sen. Lisa Torraco was targeted by the Attorney Generals Office.

Torraco is defending a person being prosecuted by the Attorney Generals Office. In that case, Torracos client is accused of using the internet to commit a crime.

According to news accounts, Torraco gave her client the advice to stop using the internet and close all his accounts. In line with Torracos advice, judges routinely require people accused of internet crimes to close all their accounts and not use the internet for any purpose while their case is pending.

When a criminal defense attorney tells their client to stop the behavior that got them in trouble in the first place, that is not only good advice, but it stops criminal behavior. It is advice that contributes to safety of the community.

Based on this advice, the Attorney Generals Office, in what appears to be a politically motivated attack, has moved for Torraco to be taken off the case.

Not surprisingly, this happened right before the election. It also just so happens that as a Republican state senator, Torraco has differed with the Democrat Attorney Generals Office on legislative issues.

Last legislative session, Torraco worked hard to ensure that teenagers who sent sexts to one another could not be prosecuted for sending child pornography under a new law lobbied for by the Attorney Generals Office, which opposed this commonsense exemption.

But these attacks do not just come from one side of the aisle.

There have also been attacks on prominent Democratic state senators who work as criminal defense lawyers.

Recently Sen. Michael Sanchez was accused of being soft on crime when he advocated against expensive and ineffective measures hidden within crime bills. He and others rightfully question poorly written criminal bills that may be flashy and headline grabbing, but which will not work in the real world.

And in exchange, they get attacked for their professional work as criminal defense lawyers.

It is very troubling to see criminal defense lawyers attacked for political reasons for doing their job. It corrodes the criminal justice system when just being a criminal defense lawyer is grounds for accusing you of doing horrible things.

Playing politics at the expense of the criminal justice system is shameful. The New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association stands strongly against anyone, regardless of party affiliation, who uses the justice system for short-term political gain.

Katherine Stimpson is a paralegal in Las Cruces.
SAN DIEGO  I recently asked a newly retired cop friend, who spent 25 years on the job, whats the one thing that policemen want people to know. He said: That things go wrong sometimes.

Things went very wrong recently when 40-year-old Terence Crutcher  an unarmed African-American and father of four  was fatally shot by Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby. There were several other officers on the scene, and one of them attempted to subdue Crutcher with a Taser gun.

Crutchers death is a tragedy that should never have happened. It appears that Officer Shelby lost her cool and made a terrible mistake.

Yet, its hard to see what good, if any, will come from the decision by Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler to charge Shelby with first-degree manslaughter. If convicted, she would spend at least four years in prison  which, for an ex-cop, could be a death sentence.

To be sure, rogue cops belong in prison  i.e., those who plant evidence, use excessive force, take bribes, perjure themselves or use their power to hurt people. Im just not sure Shelby fits into one of those categories.

Apparently, her sin wasnt corruption or malice, but incompetence.

According to the arrest affidavit, Shelby acted unreasonably by escalating the situation and became emotionally involved to the point that she overreacted.

No matter what happens, Shelby will not get off easy. Her career in law enforcement is finished. Shell lose her job, maybe her pension. Shell have to find a new line of work, leave town, relocate her family. She may even have to spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder since there are people out there who might want to exact street justice.

Certainly no one is above the law, and police officers have to be held accountable.

Still, think for a moment about the age in which were living. It has never been harder to be a cop. It used to be that killing a police officer was as unthinkable as assassinating the president. Today, some criminals see it as another cost of doing business.

Naturally, police are skittish. And so those who we entrust with the thankless and increasingly impossible job of enforcing the law, and keeping us safe, must be given more latitude than average citizens as they go about protecting and serving.

As the first officer on the scene, Shelby claims that Crutcher initially ignored her commands to show his hands, and that he walked away from her and toward his vehicle. It seems that he only raised his arms when the other officers arrived. And when Shelby fired, according to the affidavit, she couldnt see Crutchers left hand.

Thats part of the problem. Some people make encounters with police overly complicated.

When a police officer tells you not to move or to show your hands, you do as youre told. You dont defy, resist, mouth off or move toward your car as if youre going to reach for something. That will likely worry the officer. Things will escalate. And you could get hurt.

Why was Crutcher moving back toward his vehicle? And what would have happened if Shelbys backup had never arrived, and she had to face off against a suspect with both a height and weight advantage? Would she have gone home that night after her shift, or wound up carried by six in a flag-draped coffin?

According to the affidavit, Shelby told investigators that, even after the other officers arrived, she had never been so scared and was in fear for her life and thought Crutcher was going to kill her.

My friend, the ex-cop, thinks that the fact that Shelby was charged at all probably means that fellow officers at the scene threw her under the bus.

In speaking with investigators, he suggested, they must have said something like: Well, we werent scared. We had the situation under control.

What if this isnt just about racism but also about sexism?

The retired police officer thinks that the male cops may be trying to expel from the force a female colleague who admitted to being afraid on the job.

After all, in most cases, male officers involved in shootings never get charged.

Besides, what did the affidavit say? That Shelby was emotionally involved at the scene? Emotional is a code word that men use to put down women.

This smells fishy.

If you care about fairness and equal treatment and want to be politically correct, where do you come down then?

Email: ruben@rubennavarrette.com. Copyright, The Washington Post Writers Group.
For the family, friends and fellow officers of slain Rio Rancho police officer Gregg Nigel Benner, the fact the jury dealt with his killer last week by delivering a guilty verdict in just three hours was likely cold comfort.

As is the fact Andrew Romero will die in prison.

And while it wont bring back Benner, a military veteran who was shot by Romero last Memorial Day during a traffic stop, reinstituting the death penalty for those who kill law enforcement officers would not only force such murderers to face the death sentences they have single-handedly delivered, but common sense and New Mexico history dictate that it would act as a deterrent. Nothing else will for this hardened class of criminal.

Back in 1980, during the infamous State Penitentiary riot, 33 inmates were gruesomely murdered, but all guards taken hostage survived. Killing a New Mexico prison employee in 1980 meant the death penalty.

In 1987, convicted mass-murderer William Wayne Gilbert led the escape of six other New Mexico inmates out of the pens maximum security unit and shot a prison guard in the shoulder. Considering his death sentence had been commuted by then-Gov. Toney Anaya the year prior, there is strong reason to believe he did not shoot to kill or finish the job because killing a prison employee in 1987 meant the death penalty.

In 2001, prisoner-for-life Matthew Griffin, aka the ninja bandit, explained that when he attacked a State Penitentiary employee, I wasnt trying to cut his throat.  I was just trying to maim him because killing a New Mexico prison employee in 2001 meant the death penalty.

And in 2002, a shank-wielding Sierra County Detention Center inmate took guard Marylyn Crawford prisoner and cut, but did not kill, her. Killing a prison employee in 2002 meant the death penalty.

In 2009, the state Legislature passed and Gov. Bill Richardson, who was a political convert while seeking the Democratic nomination for president, signed the law abolishing the death penalty in New Mexico, replacing it with a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

And Benner, along with Hatch officer Jose Chavez, Albuquerque officer Daniel Webster, Alamogordo officer Clint Corvinus, Farmington officer Victoria Chavez and Sandoval County Sgt. Joseph Harris have all been shot and killed since.

Gov. Susana Martinez is calling for lawmakers to reinstate the death penalty in New Mexico for murderers of police officers, corrections officers and children. She is correct in saying that a society that fails to adequately protect and defend those who protect all of us is a society that will be undone and unsafe.

Just ask the families, friends and fellow officers of Benner, Chavez, Webster, Corvinus, Chavez and Harris.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Pilot error  inadvertently turned off the throttle  caused an F-16 Fighting Falcon jet to crash near Salinas Peak on White Sands Missile Range last November, according to a summary of an Air Force Accident Investigation Board Report released Tuesday.

The unnamed student pilot, who was participating in his second Basic Fighting Maneuvers training flight, successfully ejected from the fighter just 440 feet from the ground and suffered minor injuries, the report states.

The pilot inadvertently turned off the throttle of the aircraft, according to an Air Force news release accompanying the report. This action initiated an engine shutdown by terminating engine ignition and fuel flow. In an attempt to restart the aircraft, the pilot did not follow the appropriate procedures, which interrupted normal engine operation and led to engine stagnation with loss of thrust.

The crash occurred about 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 25, 2015. The report also faulted the pilot, who was flying lead in a two-aircraft formation, for improperly executing the required checklist procedures in response to the emergency situation, resulting in a failed attempt to regain normal engine operation before ejection.

The $25 million aircraft crashed about 25 miles south of Trinity Site  where the worlds first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945  in northwestern Sierra County.

Both the pilot and the single-engine, supersonic multi-role fighter were assigned to the 314th Fighter Squadron, 54th Fighter Group, 56th Fighter Wing, based at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The 314th Fighter Squadron is physically located at Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo and is charged with training F-16 pilots.

All flying operations at Holloman were halted immediately after the crash, but resumed after the Thanksgiving holiday, base officials said at the time.
For months, Martin Rios was courted by the Food Network.

Not one for wanting to create attention, Rios turned down a few offers to appear on Beat Bobby Flay last year.

Then, in January, after talking to his wife, Jennifer, he decided, Why not?

Of course, I was nervous, Rios said. I tried to stay focused and tried not to lose concentration. I was nervous that I would look ridiculous on TV.

Rios and his wife co-own Restaurant Martin in Santa Fe. He is the chef and she is the general manager. The restaurant has been open for seven years and, each year, Rios has been nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award.

On Beat Bobby Flay, two talented chefs go head to head for the chance to battle the celebrity chef. The show is filmed in front of a live audience.

In Rios episode, he battles New Jersey chef Geoff Johnson. The episode airs at 8 tonight on Food Network.

The Santa Fean said he could not talk about the outcome of the show.

He was able to say that producers told him what dish hed make in advance, though he couldnt talk about it.

Youll have to watch the show, he said. The entire experience was great for me. I just wanted to do the best I could do.

Rios was featured on another Food Network series, Iron Chef America, a few years ago and made an impression on the network.

Having them seek me out makes me feel like Im a celebrity, he said. They liked my story and know my work. Its humbling.
Albuquerque Public Schools hopes more local kids will claim their share of the $150 billion in student aid available from the federal government.

In the next few weeks, APS is launching a new series of workshops on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The workshops will be offered at all district high schools, as well as the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, and continue throughout the school year.

Funding for the sessions comes from a $55,000 grant from the National College Access Network through a partnership with the Kresge Foundation.

We know many of our students and our families do not have the resources to pay for secondary education, said Yvonne Garcia, associate superintendent for high school education. They might be able to if they complete the FAFSA.

APS aims to have 63 percent of all high school seniors fill out the application, up from about 50 percent last year.

Manzano High School college and career counselor Monique Baca said she encourages families from all income levels to take part.

You dont know what you are going to get until you fill it out, she said. FAFSA looks at so many aspects of your life that you dont know what you qualify for.

University of New Mexico freshman Rachel Blea paid for her entire first year of college with federal student aid, and now she is pushing her younger cousins to complete the FAFSA.

My mom and I turned it in and I am so grateful we did, said Blea, a business major. I got a lot more than I expected.

For more information, go to fafsa.ed.gov.
Once again, Gary Johnson has drawn a blank.

Appearing on MSNBC on Wednesday night, Johnson, the Libertarian nominee for president, was repeatedly pressed by Hardball host Chris Matthews to name his favorite foreign leader, but couldnt cough up a name.

I guess Im having an Aleppo moment, Johnson said, a nod to his notorious space-out when he appeared unfamiliar with the war-torn Syrian city.

Johnson said he was grasping for the name of the former president of Mexico but was having a brain freeze.

After a helpful hint from his vice presidential pick, Bill Weld  once nominated to be ambassador to Mexico  Johnson clarified who he was thinking of: Vicente Fox, Mexicos president from 2000 to 2006.

The pair were appearing at a town hall at the University of New Hampshire, in front of an audience of younger voters with whom the third-party ticket is garnering significant support. Johnson and Weld have drawn enough millennial support to make Democrats nervous, with President Barack Obama explicitly stating Wednesday that a third-party vote is a vote for Trump.

Johnson and Weld  former GOP governors of New Mexico and Massachusetts, respectively  differed on which of their two main opponents worried them most when it comes to national security.

Weld said he was most concerned with Donald Trump having access to the nuclear codes, saying he would not trust the GOP nominee to make the high-pressure decision on how to fend off an incoming attack.

Hillary Clinton is clearly qualified to be commander in chief and president of the United States, Weld said. Donald Trump is clearly not qualified, and Id encourage him, almost with affection, to think of some other job or profession hed like. Ive suggested the laundry business.

But Johnson disagreed, saying he feared Clinton would be too hawkish.

Shes going to press the button, Johnson said, adding he believed she would more likely pick an aggressive response to provocation than Trump. Libertarians are typically non-interventionist on foreign affairs, although Johnson blanched at Matthews description of his views as dovish.
AUSTIN, Texas  Texas prison system records show the number of inmates identifying themselves as transgender is at an all-time high amid greater awareness of gender issues and criminal justice reforms.

The Dallas Morning News (http://bit.ly/2dgOf5u ) reported Wednesday that 333 inmates currently identify themselves as transgender. Texas Department of Criminal Justice records show that compares to 67 inmates identifying themselves as transgender in September 2014.

Jason Clark, a TDCJ spokesman, said Thursday in a statement that the prison system, as of Tuesday, had 145,795 offenders.

Transgender prisoners require special attention under new federal regulations to reduce inmate sexual assault. The National Inmate Survey administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that incarcerated transgender people are far more likely to be the targets of violence and rape than the average inmate in the general prison population.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act requires officials to provide special accommodations to transgender inmates, including prohibiting strip or cavity searches by a guard of the opposite gender. Administrators must also consider an inmates gender identity when deciding on housing assignments.

Attorney Terry Schuster, whos written extensively about LGBT inmates, says more people who are transgender are coming out.

Both in the free world and among people who are incarcerated, more people who are transgender are coming out, period, Schuster said. Transgender rights and transgender identity is just becoming more and more accepted.

Schuster said the cause for the increase is unknown, however Demoya Gordon, an attorney with the LGBT rights group Lambda Legal, said greater access to hormone therapy for Texas inmates could also help explain the increase.

Flor Bermudez, detention project director at the Transgender Law Center, said she worried that the spike in self-identifying inmates is explained by a spike in arrests of transgender people or because some transgender prisoners are fed up with current conditions and are now asking for special attention to avoid assault and violence.

I have seen a trend of just more people who are transgender seeking remedy for all the violations they are subject to, Bermudez said. Particularly on sexual violence, there is no improvement. If anything, things are getting worse.

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Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com
LAS CRUCES  In Dona Ana County, voter registrations have spiked the last few days in advance of an Oct. 11 deadline to sign up to vote in Novembers presidential election.

County officials attribute the influx of voter registration applications to a mix of factors, including a mass informational mailing carried out by the New Mexico Secretary of States Office, online registration being available for the first time this year, a normal rush that tends to happen in advance of general elections and efforts from volunteers and the clerks office to recruit new voters. And with Mondays Donald Trump-Hillary Clinton presidential debate, voting is at the forefront of public discussion.

Since Friday, the clerks office had received about 1,100 voter registration applications, said Deputy County Clerk Scott Krahling, who called it significantly higher than a typical week.

Its a huge amount, he said.

The spike has the 13-person staff of the Dona Ana County Clerks Office working long hours to process the applications, which entails double-checking accuracy of information, creating a paper file of any electronically received submissions and clearing up any errors  such as omissions in information or misspellings  with the person applying to vote. Krahling said the office faces a legal deadline to complete the processing of each registration.

There are working until 9 or 10 at night, he said. Its that time every four years  its the presidential election.

The Secretary of States Office recently mailed out 460,000 postcards to New Mexicans who were eligible to vote, but not registered. The mailings invited them to register, and a spike in registrations happened statewide soon after, according to the agency.

Is your voter info correct?

Oct. 11 is not only the deadline to register to vote, but its also the deadline to change party affiliation, update an address or change other pertinent registration info.

This year is the first time New Mexicans have been able to apply to register to vote online via the Secretary of States office website. In addition, New Mexicans who visit the Department of Motor Vehicles for any reason, such as to renew their drivers license, also are able to sign up to vote. Third-party voter-registration agents  people who dont work for the county but who can register residents to vote  are another avenue.

And people can visit the Dona Ana County Clerks Office, 845 N. Motel Blvd. in Las Cruces, to sign up to vote. Mesquite resident Juan Jaramillo visited the office midday Wednesday. He recently attempted to correct his mailing address after having moved from Anthony and wanted to make sure the change had been logged and there werent any problems with his registration.

Your vote is very important, he said. I just want to make sure everything goes smoothly. Every voice matters.

The nonpartisan Dona Ana County Election Advisory Council has been promoting voter registration through educational efforts, including in the schools. The goals, said member Dolores Connor, are to promote awareness about voting and to boost turnout countywide.

More than 110,000 registered

Through Wednesday, about 110,200 voters were registered in Dona Ana County, according to the clerks office. Unlike the June primary election, in which decline-to-state-a-party and minor party voters couldnt participate, the general election is open to registered voters of all parties.

The deadline to sign up as a voter is 5 p.m. Oct. 11, if a person plans to go in person to the county clerks office, or midnight Oct. 11, if someone plans to register on the Secretary of States website, according to the county clerks office. Also, people can mail in a completed voter registration application, as long as its postmarked Oct. 11.

With questions about voter registrations or the upcoming election, call the Dona Ana County Clerks Office at 575-647-7428 or visit DACelections.com.

Krahling, a Democrat whos seeking election to the county clerks seat, will take leave from his role as deputy clerk starting Oct. 25, because of a county policy that prevents clerks office employees in contested seats from remaining at their jobs during the final two weeks before an election. Krahling, whos facing Republican Maria Rodriguez, said he plans to take extra days off beyond that requirement so he also wont be involved in the official county canvass of election results.

Let the voting begin

Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins told county commissioners Tuesday that the first round of ballots  those sent to voters and military members living overseas  was mailed out late last week. And some of the first completed ballots already have been sent back by voters.

Early voting begins 8 a.m. Oct. 11 at the Dona Ana County Government Center. It will run during business hours  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Mondays through Fridays up through the final week before the Nov. 8 election. In addition, early voting take place during the final Saturday before Election Day.

A series of alternate early voting sites will open Oct. 22 across the county. Those will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through the last week before the Nov. 8 election.

Election Day voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at a dozens of voting convenience centers throughout the county.

Diana Alba Soular may be reached at 575-541-5443, dalba@lcsun-news.com or @AlbaSoular on Twitter.

Deadline looming

What: Deadline to register to vote in New Mexico

How:

by 5 p.m. Oct. 11 in-person

midnight Oct. 11 online

Where:

In-person registration at the Dona Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces

Online registration at: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/WebPages/Instructionsstep1.aspx

Info: Dona Ana County Clerks Office: 575-647-7428



2016 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.)

Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com

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LAS CRUCES  The morning after the first presidential debate, a group of psychologists, cognitive scientists and communications experts got together on the internet to discuss their observations of the candidates. Tim Ketelaar, an associate professor of psychology at New Mexico State University, was part of the four-person panel.

Ketelaar is an expert in the science of human emotions and in facial expressions and microexpressions. Ketelaar was trained by Paul Ekman, one of the leading experts on microexpressions and a chief consultant on the Fox show, Lie to Me.

Anyone watching the debate will form judgments of truthfulness largely based upon whether theyre seeing lots of negative emotion  we tend to assume that person is untrustworthy, the more negative emotion we see, Ketelaar said. And we tend to assume a person is more trustworthy the more positive emotion we see. Thats a crude simplification, but it tends to be the case.

At Monday nights debate, neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump displayed a lot of negative emotion in their facial expressions, Ketelaar said.

We saw more positive emotion in Hillary Clintons face than weve seen before, he said. She smiled a little bit more than we normally see her smile.

Ketelaar didnt observe anything in the candidates facial expressions that seemed to him to be determinative.

I dont feel like the debate was won or lost on the basis of facial expressions, he said. There was no big loser, in terms of facial displays. But I thought Clinton had a slight advantage, in terms of positive emotions such as smiling.

Ketelaar also observed a few indications of contempt  which, in Clinton, typically was expressed through a forced smile, while Trump nervously took drinks of water. However, both candidates showed they have pretty good poker faces, Ketelaar said  citing Clintons reaction when Trump alluded to Bill Clintons infidelity, as well as Trumps reaction to Clintons speculation on his tax returns.

Erik Bucy, the Marshall and Sharleen Formby Regents Professor of Strategic Communication at Texas Tech University, measured voters real-time responses to the candidates nonverbal behavior and tone of voice.

Overall, I would describe Hillary as the Happy Warrior, Bucy said. This is an archetype that Ronald Reagan really seemed to personify and used it to win over his critics or people on the fence. It seemed to soften the antagonism of people who were his opponents. Last night, we saw Hillary Clinton move in that direction; well have to see whether she can continue it in the next couple of debates.

By contrast, Bucy perceived Trumps role as the Blustering Challenger.

He never seemed to get out of that mode, Bucy said. He just doesnt seem very well-suited for the reassurance, and the positive, hope-filled expressiveness that a lot of undecided voters might be looking for. Hes stuck in a mode that works for partisans. Weve seen through research that anger/threat displays really seem to resonate with the base.

When Trump spoke, Bucy noted that he tended to show his lower teeth  indicative of aggression. Bucy said Trumps frequently boisterous or bullying mode is characteristic of challengers to power, as opposed to power-holders.

Kristine Munoz, an expert in communications, discourse analysis and persuasion at the University of Iowa, examined the candidates interruptions, intonation and gender expectations  a consideration for the first time during this years campaign.

In looking at the frequency of interruptions, Munoz examined each of the 111 times the candidates interrupted one another, or were interrupted by the moderator, Lester Holt. In total, Trump interrupted 62 times, compared to Clintons 19 interruptions. On seven occasions, the candidates engaged in what Munoz calls verbal chicken, devolving into a prolonged shouting match in which both tried to talk over the other.

Going into the debate, I believed Trump needed to avoid coming across as a bully, and Clinton needed to avoid being seen as a bossypants, Munoz said. Trump interrupted far more than Clinton or Holt. It wouldve meant something quite different if they were anywhere close. But I would say she very definitely avoided being a bossypants, but he did not avoid being a bully. There are some places in the transcript where its quite clear he bullied by interruption.

Simon DeDeo, a cognitive scientist at the Santa Fe Institute and Carnegie Mellon University, participated in the discussion from Denmark. Examining transcripts of the debate, he looked at the language the candidates used and compared it to language used in presidential debates going back 40 years.

One of the most common things that distinguished these two candidates were the pronouns they used, DeDeo said. Trump, over and over again, is talking in terms of they, them, and, interestingly, in terms of I, the first-person pronoun. Whereas Hillary Clinton is using terms like we, and the word us.'

DeDeo noted that his quantitative analysis revealed something he believes may have been clear to viewers  Trumps use of look vs. Clintons use of think  and, more frequently, I think.

However, much of the language used by the candidates was shockingly undistinguishable from one another  in terms of the words they each used. Not since the Bush/Gore debates of 2000 have candidates used language that DeDeo describes as bland, or hard to distinguish the candidates by their use of individual words.

In terms of the words they use, Id say these candidates are in a race to the center, DeDeo said.

DeDeo noted that language lacks a richness present in presidential debates from years past.

The next presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 9 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Damien Willis may be reached at 575-541-5468, dawillis@lcsun-news.com or @damienwillis on Twitter.



2016 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.)

Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WASHINGTON  Angry lawmakers heaped another round of blistering criticism on Wells Fargos CEO, pressing Thursday for details about what senior managers knew about allegedly illegal sales practices and when any concerns were disclosed.

Chief Executive John Stumpf, newly stripped of tens of millions in compensation, told the House Financial Services Committee that the bank is expanding its review of accounts and will evaluate executives roles. But as during the grilling he received last week from a Senate panel, Stumpf remained on the defensive.

Several lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, alleged that Wells Fargos sales practices may have violated federal laws, including the federal racketeering laws, which would constitute a criminal offense. Federal regulators have not said if they have referred the Wells Fargo case to the Department of Justice.

Fraud is fraud. Theft is theft, committee head Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, told Stumpf.

The panels senior Democrat, Rep. Maxine Waters of California, was adamant that the alleged abuses show that the second-largest U.S. bank is too big for senior executives to keep track of whats going on. I have come to the conclusion that Wells Fargo should be broken up, she said.

Stumpf reiterated his previous words, that he was deeply sorry. He said the bank was looking at accounts further back, to 2009, and that an inquiry by Wells Fargos outside directors will review executives roles across the board.

U.S. and California regulators have fined San Francisco-based Wells Fargo $185 million, saying bank employees trying to meet sales targets opened up to 2 million fake deposit and credit card accounts without customers knowledge. Regulators said they issued and activated debit cards, and signed people up for online banking without permission. The abuses are said to have gone on for years, unchecked by senior management.

Stumpf finally shared some basic information about the potential victims, saying those affected skewed to younger Wells customers. When questioned by lawmakers, Stumpf also gave some state-by-state breakdowns, including for Georgia, Delaware, Texas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Missouri. When asked by The Associated Press for a complete state-by-state count, a Wells spokeswoman declined to share that information.

The bank says customers already have been refunded $2.6 million in fees from unauthorized products.

Wells Fargo also was hit with more penalties Thursday. The Justice Department and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced a total of $24.1 million in civil penalties against the company for alleged violations of a law intended to protect military service members from predatory financial practices.

The OCC, a division of the Treasury Department, said its $20 million penalty is for Wells Fargos failure to honor an interest cap and other violations. In a settlement with the Justice Department, the bank is paying $4.1 million to resolve allegations it repossessed 413 cars owned by service members without obtaining court orders.

For more than five hours Thursday, Stumpf came under a sustained assault from lawmakers. He insisted that Wells Fargo had taken actions prior to 2013 to bolster its legal compliance and maintain high ethical standards. He bristled at depictions of the culture of Wells Fargo  a 164-year-old bank with origins in the California gold rush  as elevating sales and profits to lure investors at the expense of ethics.

This is the behavior of people that we found, that we did not want, Stumpf insisted.

Many of the angry lawmakers said they hold accounts with Wells Fargo or have taken out mortgages. If I could, Id pay it back, said Hensarling.

Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, who represents North Carolina  where Wells has a large presence due to its purchase of Wachovia in 2008  was particularly incensed. You have broken long-standing ethical standards inside the company, McHenry said.

Stumpf noted new leadership at the retail bank business and the accelerated elimination of sales goals. He said about 10 percent of the 5,300 fired employees were branch managers, while others terminated were above that level, supervising the branch managers.

He also cited the compensation he must return. The Wells Fargo board said it is stripping Stumpf and the executive who ran the retail banking division of millions of dollars in pay. Stumpf, who earned $19.3 million last year, will forfeit $41 million in stock awards. He also is giving up any bonuses for this year.

Members of Congress also raised question whether other banks had similar aggressive sales cultures. We have Wells Fargo before me, but I dont think you should be alone in this joyous experience, said Rep. Brad Sherman, D-California.

Stumpf insisted customers loyalty to Wells Fargo remains as strong as ever. He also defended his dual roles as chief executive and chairman, positions that some critics have suggested should be split.

Members of Congress pushed Stumpf on when he informed Wells Fargos board about the sales practice scandal, and whether Wells may have violated Securities and Exchange Commission regulations by not informing investors.

Wells Fargos largest shareholder is Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, and Stumpf said Thursday that hes had one phone conversation with Buffett since the bank was fined. Buffett has praised Stumpf in the past, but still isnt saying much publicly. Hes said he doesnt plan to until November, when he is required to file a quarterly update on its stock portfolio.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney, a New York Democrat, asked Stumpf about his personal sales of company shares at a time when she said he apparently had learned about the fake-account sales practices. Stumpf said he sold the stock with the proper ethics approvals and with no view of any misconduct at the bank.

Stumpf also said Wells did not put language in their regulatory filings until this summer, three years after a Los Angeles Times investigation and a year after a Los Angeles City Attorneys lawsuit.

The consumer banking giant, which is also the biggest U.S. mortgage lender, fired about 5,300 employees starting in 2011 in connection with the sales practices. Stumpf said all of the terminated employees were fired because of unethical conduct  not because they failed to meet sales goals.

__

This story has been corrected to reflect Stumpf said about 10 percent of the employees fired were branch managers, and others were in higher positions.
Federal investigators are assessing whether equipment failure, an incapacitated operator or other factors could have caused a packed commuter-rail train to barrel into Hoboken (New Jersey) Terminal and slam into the station in a Thursday morning rush-hour crash that killed one person and injured more than 100 others.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, said the operator of the train, who was hospitalized and later released, was cooperating with the investigation. He will be interviewed by National Transportation Safety Board officials in coming days.

Christie said the crash appeared to be accidental.

Officials declined to speculate on a cause, but one thing was clear: The train was traveling far too fast as it entered one of the busiest transportation terminals in the New York area, crashed onto the concrete platform, destroyed the metal canopy over the platform, and finally came to a rest when it crashed into the station building.

When you see the destruction up close, the silver lining is that theres only been one fatality, said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D. Because the destruction is significant. And the power of the train coming in is obviously devastating in its impact.

Bella Dinh-Zarr, vice chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said the speed limit on the track entering the station is 10 mph.

Dinh-Zarr, who is part of the NTSB team in Hoboken, said one question investigators will be examining is whether positive train control (PTC), a federally mandated technology designed to automatically apply emergency brakes to runaway trains, could have prevented the crash. The NTSB has advocated for the technology for 40 years, she said. Railroads were required to adopt PTC by last December, before Congress passed a law allowing railroads to delay installation for three to five years.

New Jersey Transit has not installed PTC on any of its trains, according to data maintained by the Federal Railroad Administration.

Safety experts said the crash also raised questions about how the trains basic safety systems functioned.

New Jersey Transit said earlier this year that its entire network is equipped with an Automatic Train Control system. Such systems are meant to slow or stop a train in certain circumstances.

People have to look and see exactly how New Jersey Transit has implemented that system on that track and how far it extends into the terminal, said Steven Ditmeyer, a former Federal Railroad Administration official.

Such Automatic Train Control systems are a blunter, and less sophisticated tool than the newer PTC systems.

Ditmeyer noted, however, that its hard to know precisely how PTC would have worked in this case. The Federal Railroad Administration rules on positive train control grant an exemption for terminals, he said, though they are notoriously complicated environments.

The train had been traveling from Spring Valley, New York, to Hoboken Terminal, a bustling transit hub that serves four different passenger rail systems, along with a water ferry.

Passengers described the moments before impact, as they looked out their trains window at around 8:45 a.m. and realized that the train  which usually slows to a crawl as it enters the stations  hurdled through the railyard and into the terminal.

Accountant Jim Finan was sitting toward the rear of the first car when he realized the train was coming in much too fast.

We were getting to the platform, but we were still at full speed, Finan, 42, said. The train didnt slow down at all.

Then, Finan recalled, there came a loud boom as he felt the train hit the barrier, burst onto the platform, blasted through the support beams holding up the platforms metal canopy and careened toward the station building.

We were just bouncing as we went across the concourse, he said. The only thing that stopped the train is the fact that it slammed into the building.

An average of 60,000 people travel through the station every day.

Alex Moaba of Millburn, New Jersey, was on a Hoboken-bound train that pulled into the terminal minutes after the crash, before emergency personnel had arrived. He said part of the ceiling was dangling  the first indication that something had gone wrong.

We were just piecing together what had happened, he said. I thought to myself maybe a display board had fallen. I looked a little closer and saw that a train was literally in the middle of the station, off the tracks.

It was kind of eerily quiet and calm, he added.

Videos and photos taken by passengers from the moments after the collision showed a nightmarish scene: The platform covered in twisted metal and debris from the collapsed roof as station staff peered into the train and passengers and bystanders began yelling and shrieking, some of them trapped under the wreckage.

People were bleeding profusely from cuts to their head, Finan said, and one man seemed to be holding his severed thumb in place. Others had cuts on their hands. Finan pulled off the rubber around an emergency-exit window and another man pushed the window out. They both helped two women crawl out of the train before New Jersey Transit workers began opening the doors.

The New Jersey State Medical Examiner identified the crash victim as Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, 34, of Hoboken. She was standing on the platform at the time of the crash and was killed by the debris that fell from the metal canopy, Cuomo said.

The NTSB dispatched a team of two dozen people, with specialties ranging from mechanics and track signal systems to train operations and survival factors. The head of the Federal Railroad Administration and New Jerseys attorney general are also investigating the crash.

Dinh-Zarr said investigators have so far been prevented from accessing the cab car at the front of the train because metal debris from the canopy has fallen onto the front part of the train. Because of the age of the building, there are also concerns about asbestos.

I want to emphasize that we will only proceed to inspect the cars when its safe to do so, Dinh-Zarr said. It may be tomorrow afternoon before we can safely do that.

Once the debris is clear, they intend to retrieve event recorders and video cameras installed in the front and the back of the train. The event recorder will provide information on the trains speed in the moments before the crash, as well as whether the operator activated the brakes.

They will also be investigating whether the alerter in the cab of the train was activated in the moments before the collision. The device automatically sets off an audible or visual alarm after a predetermined number of seconds go by with no activity detected from the trains operator.

There was a bumper at the end of the stations tracks designed to absorb the impact of a train that has overrun the tracks, but it likely would not have done much to halt the speeding train.

Even if you have an energy-absorbing system, its going to be designed for 5 to 7 miles per hour, said Allan Zarembski, director of the Railroad Engineering and Safety Program at the University of Delaware. If youre going 15 to 20 miles per hour, that would be beyond the speed capability for any end-of-track device.

Dinh-Zarr said investigators will examine similarities between this and a similar crash in May 2011 involving a PATH commuter-rail train that hit the bumpers and injured more than 30 people, including the engineer and the conductor.

After that incident, an NTSB investigation determined that the engineer failed to slow down as the train entered the station. It wasnt until two seconds prior to the collision that the engineer applied the brakes. Investigators estimated the train was going 13 mph when it hit a barrier that is intended to stop trains.

The NTSB concluded that PTC could have prevented the crash.

NTSB investigators also determined that positive train control could have prevented a May 2015 Amtrak wreck, in which eight passengers died and 159 were injured outside of Philadelphia. In that case, the technology had been installed on the train, but not yet activated.

Under the technology system, computer software can automatically apply the brakes to a train if an operator is unresponsive, or if the train exceeds the speed limit along a certain segment of the tracks. It is costly and complicated to install, which has led to feet-dragging from passenger train systems and freight railroads around the country.

PTC has been one of our priorities, Dinh-Zarr said Thursday, moments before she boarded an NTSB airplane to fly to the crash site. We know that it can prevent accidents. Whether it is involved in this accident, that is definitely one of the things that we will look at carefully.



The Washington Posts Lori Aratani, Katherine Shaver, Faiz Siddiqui and Ashley Halsey III contributed to this report.

hoboken-3rdld-repeat
Whoever kidnapped, raped and stabbed Lisa Ziegert before dumping her body in a wooded area in southern Massachusetts left a sliver of DNA on the middle school aides corpse.

For a quarter-century, that DNA was a dead-end  like all the other evidence in the case  as investigators scoured New England for Ziegerts killer.

The DNA did not match convicted felons or sex offenders in federal or state databases. It did not pan out as new investigative methods made better use of blood and tissue samples found at crime scenes. The 1992 case that shocked the town of Agamaw, Mass., has long been cold.

Now, prosecutors say, that DNA has given them a new lead in the case  and a new face.

Investigators have used a process called DNA phenotyping to paint a digital picture of Ziegerts killer, according to the Hampden District Attorneys Office.

The process uses DNA to make predictions about the suspects ancestry, eye color, hair color, skin color, freckling and face shape. The snapshot picture was produced by Parabon NanoLabs, based in Reston, Va.

DNA typically has been used as a biometric identifier, like a fingerprint, that connects a person to a crime scene. But investigators must already have the suspects DNA on hand to make a match. Phenotyping makes an educated guess about a persons bone and face structure, then produces an image that includes predictions of the suspects eye and hair color.

Ziegers killer, according to the Snapshot by Parabon, was likely a man of European descent with fair or very fair skin. He had brown or hazel eyes and brown or black hair. Theres about a 40 percent chance that he had freckles.

For the first time in 24 years, we have a face to this crime, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said in a statement released Wednesday. The technology we have put to use is at the leading edge of the industry. No expense, effort, or means will be spared to bring the person(s) to justice who killed Lisa. We will never forget her.

The image depicts what the suspect would have looked like at age 25 and with an average body-mass index. Another image details what he would look like at age 50.

The process is the first break in Ziegerts killing in decades, but investigators say it is far from perfection. Snapshot is inadmissible as evidence in court. It also cant take into account massive changes in a suspects body-mass index and cant account for a different hair color or scars.

Still, the company says its being used in more and more municipalities to breathe new life into cases that were long cold.

Police in North Carolina used the technology to get a composite of the person who killed University of North Carolina student Faith Hedgepeth in her apartment in 2012, according to Parabons Facebook page.

And authorities in Slidell, La., hope the technology helps them identify a badly decomposed body that was probably dumped near Lake Pontchartrain, according to CBS-affiliate WWL-TV.

The body was partly dismembered, missing both arms. The victim had a heart surgery scar and traces of blood-pressure medication in his blood.

In Ziegerts case, investigators had less genetic material to generate a lead on a suspect  the DNA on her body, along with DNA where her body was found four days after she disappeared.

Ziegert, who was 24, also moonlighted as a clerk at a card shop in Agawam.

She was abducted sometime in the early evening hours of April 15, 1992. Investigators noticed signs of a struggle in the card shops back room.

But Ziegerts purse and school materials were not touched. Nothing was missing from the stores cash register, and her car was still in the parking lot.

Gulluni, the prosecutor, told the Associated Press that investigators have chased down thousands of leads and looked at hundreds of possible suspects without success.



DAs office reopening Lisa Ziegert murder case:

murder-dna
If the new National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB) needs a director who has suffered the onerous process of getting permission to know Uncle Sams secrets, Charles Phalen fits the bill.

He is the first director of NBIB, announced in January to strengthen and modernize a clearance process that has suffered from backlogs, cheating by a major contractor and high-profile lapses.

Phalens resume depicts him as natural for the gig. He joined the CIA in 1981 and left 30 years later as director of security. During that period, he also had stops of about three years each at the FBI and the National Reconnaissance Office.

Personnel security has been in my blood, said Phalen, 65, by telephone. He takes office Thursday. The reality is its in my DNA. My dad spent 30 years at CIA, also at the office of security. He retired about 10 days before I came on board in 1981. . . . I think I learned a lot along the way.

Hell need that knowledge to corral a system that has taken some sharp blows in recent years.

Much of the criticism focused on USIS, a Falls Church, Virginia, contractor hired by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for the bulk of the governments background clearance investigations. The companys reputation faltered with the revelation that USIS had probed Edward Snowden, whose National Security Agency leaks led to Pulitzer Prize-winning articles in The Washington Post and the Guardian. USIS also did the background check on contractor Aaron Alexis, who killed 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard three years ago this month.

OPM canceled its contract with USIS following a lawsuit, initiated by a former company employee and later joined by the Justice Department. It said the firm dumped, or failed to do complete reviews in 665,000 investigations.

At the time, the company said the allegations were contrary to our values and blamed a small group of individuals. The lawsuit was settled. The companys troubles with OPM led to bankruptcy.

What this new bureau needs is transparency and accountability from top to bottom and someone with the management expertise to create a new organization that can help transform the dysfunctional and outdated background investigation process into one that works effectively to better secure our nations secrets and strengthen our national security, said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. I hope the agencys pick is up to that challenge.

McCaskill and Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., have pestered OPM with questions about the new bureau, warning in an August letter that without basic agency structures, it will end up on the Government Accountability Offices high-risk list due to delays and backlogs in the security clearance process. OPM told the senators the new bureau will have a staff of 8,500, almost two-thirds of them contractors.

While getting rid of USIS was a good move, it also increased the background investigations backlog, estimated at 500,000, enough to fill FedExField more than six times.

We have seen an increase in the backlog. There are timeliness standards, and for the last number of quarters we have not met them, said acting OPM Director Beth Cobert, in her usual straightforward manner. That is an issue we are actively working to address using a variety of approaches. That includes a recent increase in the number of contractors supporting field investigations, from two to four, and the hiring of 400 federal investigators.

Well continue further expansion of the federal investigative field force this coming year, she said, adding that the quality of the investigation . . . is absolutely fundamental. The background investigation process, she acknowledged, needs modernization . . . a significant amount of work. . . . We need systems for the cybersecurity environment we face in 2016 and going forward.

Phalen said addressing the backlog  the elephant in the room  will be among his first duties. It is critical to start working on that.

The backlog and gaps in the security clearance background investigation process are among the tough questions Tester said he wants to ask Phalen.

Given the shortfalls weve seen in OPMs background investigation process, it is critical that Mr. Phalen and the new Bureau prioritize national security above all else, Tester said by email. There is a lot at stake with the new Bureau  not only the safety of Americas secrets but also American lives. This job needs to be done correctly out of the gate, and anything less will be unacceptable.

investigations
KABUL  It was both a historic moment and a bizarre spectacle. There was the fugitive Afghan militia leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, with a black turban and a beard much whiter than anyone remembered, speaking Thursday via video link from a secret location and then signing a peace agreement as the camera zoomed in on his hands.

There was President Ashraf Ghani, dressed in traditional robes and a yellow turban, beaming as he watched the images on a giant screen in his palace and then ceremonially signing his copy of the accord, which he said would go fully in force immediately. This day starts the subsiding of war in Afghanistan and the beginning of rebuilding it, he said, speaking in Dari.

Seated behind him were aging, former mujahideen leaders  including allies and enemies of Hekmatyar  who fought the Soviet Union and then one another in a civil war three decades ago. Some looked uncomfortable; others periodically shouted Allahu Akbar, the Arabic phrase meaning God is great; and many applauded when one speaker called Hekmatyar the shining star of the anti-Soviet jihad.

Making his first public appearance in years, Hekmatyar, who is in his late 60s, was soft-spoken and statesmanlike but vague on details. He said that he hoped the agreement would bring an end to the crisis in this country and that no single bullet will be fired, no drop of blood shed in the transition of power. I ask all opponents of this government to join this process and pursue their goals through peaceful ways.

Hekmatyar, who has been in hiding for years, did not mention if and when he would return to Afghanistan, which would require his removal from international terrorist blacklists. But hispublic appearance seemed to put to rest rumors about whether he actually supported the deal, and his conciliatory rhetoric appeared likely to bolster Ghanis credibility as a peacemaker as he heads to a crucial conference of foreign donors in Brussels on Tuesday. Ghani and his aides have been negotiating for months with Hekmatyars representatives, hoping he can persuade Taliban insurgent leaders to lay down their arms.

The current generation of Afghans did not start this war. It is up to our older generation to finish it, Ghani said at the ceremony, using the term excellency to address Hekmatyar and some of the assembled former fighters, who are now influential elders or officials. This is a grand jihad that Afghanistan desperately needs.

But the flowery words and ritual did not impress members of the Mehrabi family, who were watching the event from their modest home several miles away. In 1993, at the peak of the civil war, Zarghona Mehrabi was in labor with her first child when the rockets came, whistling and exploding among the mud-walled houses in their west Kabul neighborhood.

The shelling came from the south, where Hekmatyar and his Hezb-i-Islami fighters were camped and waging a ferocious street battle with other militias. Mehrabi delivered her baby in the basement, listening to the sounds until night fell and her husband  since deceased  was able to get them to safety in another part of the city.

When the war was over, we went back and found our house. Only the foundations were left, said brother-in-law Madat Ali, 55, a retired police officer. Hekmatyar made soft promises today, but we have no hope for this agreement, he said. During the civil war, Hekmatyar and other militia bosses swore on the Koran that they would stop fighting, and a few days later they started again, Ali recounted. How can we trust him now?

Last week, after government officials signed a preliminary agreement with Hekmatyars representatives, other longtime Kabul residents responded with a mixture of skepticism and weary hope. Many told similar stories of fleeing bombardment, spending years as refugees, and returning after the overthrow of the Taliban regime in 2001 to find the city in ruins and many of the same brutal militia leaders enjoying positions of wealth and political power.

A few activists have openly protested the agreement, denouncing Hekmatyar as The Butcher of Kabul and calling it an insult to justice for officials to pardon a wanted terrorist who has continued to fight against the government while living in Pakistan and Iran. Other analysts worry that his return could revive old ethnic enmities rather than calming the political waters and serving as an example for the Taliban.

This is not a peace deal. It is just completing the circle of criminals in our government, said Obaid Kabir, a rights activist. Now the other warlords are pretending to favor the deal, but they have an old history of dogfights and they will start them again.

But Hezb-i-Islami, like most of the other Islamist parties that once fought one another, each other, has many officials in the Ghani government and representatives in parliament. Supporters argue that they have changed with the times, prospered under civilian rule and now have a stake in peace instead of conflict.

Gulbuddin is a charismatic leader who knows how to swim in Afghan politics, said Farooq Wardak, a senior Hezb-i-Islami leader and former education minister. If he comes back, many Taliban supporters will join him, and the other mujahideen parties will have to accommodate him. They have made a lot of money, and they want to protect their property now. They dont want to see Kabul destroyed again.

afghan
Donald Trump is the most unusual politician weve ever fact-checked, given the sheer volume of his misstatements, falsehoods and unreliable statistics.

But there is a distinctive pattern to Trumps biggest fibs. When challenged with irrefutable evidence that his statement is wrong, Trump will grasp at the flimsiest pieces of evidence to insist that he is right, even if the new evidence contradicts or undermines what he had originally claimed. But he will not back down or suggest he might have made even a minor error, creating an illusion for his supporters that his false claim is based on verifiable facts.

Lets look at three examples.



I was against the Iraq War

Trump makes this claim to suggest he has good judgment, in contrast to Hillary Clinton, who voted to authorize the 2003 invasion of Iraq when she was a U.S. senator. But no evidence has emerged to back up Trump, and, in fact, his public remarks at the time indicate he was a supporter of the war.

Few appear to remember now, but the reason reporters started to dig for evidence that Trump opposed the war is because he used to claim that he received a visit from nervous White House officials who wanted him to keep quiet.

I was visited by people from the White House asking me to sort of, could I be silenced because I seem to get a disproportionate amount of publicity. I mean, I was very strong, though: Youre going to destabilize the Middle East,  Trump told Fox News on Oct. 6, 2015. In a GOP primary debate on Sept. 16, Trump made a similar claim: A delegation was sent to my office to see me because I was so vocal about it.

So, Trumps original claim was he was getting tons of publicity with his opposition to the war. But we determined there was no White House visit. That should have been no surprise, given that in a 2000 book, Trump wrote that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, and, if an attack is needed, it is madness not to carry the mission to its conclusion.

Indeed, Trumps public comments generally were in favor of the war. Asked about whether he was in favor of the invasion, Trump told Howard Stern on Sept. 11, 2002: Yeah, I guess so. You know, I wish the first time it was done correctly. On Jan. 28, 2003, he expressed impatience in an interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox News: Either you attack or you dont attack. On March 21, 2003, the day after the invasion, Trump told Fox News: It looks like a tremendous success from a military standpoint.

As the gap between Trumps claim and the reality widened, he dropped the fib that he was visited by a White House delegation and began to rewrite the record of conversations. For instance, he recast the Cavuto interview as showing he was more interested in the economy than the war. He also has started to claim that he privately expressed his opposition to the war in conversations with Sean Hannity and others.

But this is the exact opposite of what Trump asserted from the start  that his opposition to the war was so public and so loud that the White House tried to silence him. Neither version, however, has any credibility.



Thousands of New Jersey Muslims celebrated the 9/11 attacks

Trump claimed that he watched thousands of people, in Jersey City, cheering as the World Trade Center towers collapsed. He said he saw it with his own eyes and that it was well covered at the time.

This eventually became a problem for Trump: There was no coverage at the time, because the events he described had never happened. There had been rumors that a half-dozen teenagers may have danced in front of a library in South Paterson, but that had never been confirmed.

So what did Trump do? He cited even the tiniest mention of a rumor as evidence he was right. He touted a sentence that appeared in the 15th paragraph of an article that appeared on Page 6 of The Washington Post, saying authorities had questioned a number of people who were allegedly seen celebrating the attacks. The Trump campaign also posted snippets of video clips from a local CBS newscast concerning the arrest of eight people after reports they had allegedly celebrated the attacks.

These were scattered reports, and none backed up Trumps claim of thousands of Muslims celebrating in New Jersey or that it was widely covered. It is highly doubtful Trump really rememberedor even read an inside story in The Washington Post.

Now, it is possible Trump remembered seeing television footage of a group of Palestinians celebrating  images that were in a constant loop on Fox News. Thats what presidential aspirant Ben Carson decided, after first backing up Trump. Carson apologized for the mistaken references.

But Trump held firm, claiming the scattered reports backed up his claim, even though all fell far short of his original description of what he saw.



Hillary started the birther movement

More than anyone, Trump fanned the flames of the movement that called into question the circumstances of President Barack Obamas birth. A central part of that claim was that Obamas birth certificate was a fake and that he was born in Kenya, not Hawaii.

Trump falsely claimed that Obamas grandmother said she watched his birth in Kenya, that no one knew what hospital Obama was born in, that there are no records showing Obama was born in Hawaii, that Obama did not produce a legitimate copy of his birth certificate and that notices of Obamas birth in two Hawaiian newspapers were placed as part of an apparent plot to establish he was a U.S. citizen.

Even after Obama released his long-form birth certificate, Trump tweeted constantly after 2011 that he had doubts about the document.

These statements were problematic when Trump suddenly decided this month to declare that Obama was indeed born in the United States. So rather than admit he was wrong, Trump has sought to pin the blame on Hillary Clintons 2008 campaign, saying it first raised questions about Obamas birth. During the first presidential debate on Sept. 26, Trump suggested the 2008 Clinton campaign was pressing very hard to find the birth certificate.

Again, Trump grasps at straws to deflect from his own falsehoods. Trump twisted a comment by Clintons 2008 campaign manager, Patti Solis Doyle, to suggest the Clinton campaign pressed the birther story during the long battle for the Democratic nomination. Instead, Doyle had reported that a volunteer coordinator in Iowa was fired in December 2007 after forwarding an email perpetuating the birther tale  which is the opposite of what Trump claims.

Trump also seized on a statement by James Asher, formerly of the McClatchy Washington bureau, that during the 2008 campaign longtime Clinton ally Sidney Blumenthal strongly urged him to investigate the exact place of President Obamas birth, which he suggested was in Kenya. A McClatchy reporter in Africa determined there was nothing to the claim, and no story was ever printed. Blumenthal, who at the time was not on the campaign payroll, insists that Ashers claim is false; Asher has not provided notes or other contemporaneous material that would back up his memory.

At best, these instances cited by Trump are wisps of evidence that people loosely connected to the 2008 Clinton campaign were interested in spreading gossip about the circumstances of Obamas birth. But they pale in comparison to Trumps repeated questions and statements about Obamas birth certificate.

Trump has never explained why he touted the birther tale with such fervor, or why he changed his mind after expressing doubts for so long.

trump-factcheck
A new scientific statement released Thursday  underscoring the urgency of grappling with global warming  presented a staggering contrast with the state of public discussion of the subject in the United States.

Here, in the wake of the first presidential debate, the media skewered Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for denying his prior Twitter claim that the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese  even as Trumps surrogates continued to bluntly advance positions that reject modern scientific knowledge on the subject. His campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, for instance, asserted on CNN that Trump believes the current climate swing is naturally occurring, a view amounting to yet another denial of mainstream science.

On Thursday, a group of seven distinguished climate scientists led by Robert Watson, a former chairman of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, asserted that chance of holding warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels has almost certainly already been missed. And we could very soon be on an irrevocable path to 2 degrees of warming, they continue, unless countries dramatically up their pledges to cut emissions under the Paris climate agreement  an agreement Trump has said he would cancel.

When you read the Paris agreement, it is absolutely inadequate, with the current pledges, to get on a pathway to 2 degrees Celsius, let alone a pathway to 1.5, said Watson in an interview with the Post. To be clear: The researchers are happy with the agreement itself, but not with the steps that countries are currently committing to take under it.

Watson said that as of now, on our current emissions trajectory, the world could be at 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels in 2030  less than 15 years  and at 2 degrees by 2050. But because of time lags in the climate system, the actual emissions that would result in those outcomes, and that would have to be averted in order to avoid them, would occur sooner than that.

I really think the world is definitely on a pathway, as were suggesting in that paper, past the 2 degree world, Watson said. If you want any hope of getting even close to that 2 degree world, we need to redouble our efforts.

The statement was signed by Watson and six other researchers, most of whom have previously held prominent positions with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which is considered the leading consensus body of international climate science. The co-authors are from Italy, Argentina, Austria, and Brazil, as well as the United States.

The significance of 2 degrees is this: Up until relatively recently, scientists have generally asserted that this level of planetary warming is a kind of red line, beyond which increasingly devastating impacts  such as extensive flooding, shortages of drinkable water, reduced yields of food crops  would begin to occur. However, as warming has already reached 1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and we begin to already see sharp impacts all around us  major ice loss from Greenland and West Antarctica, growing devastation of coral reefs, and much more  it is starting to look more and more as if even 2 degrees would be way too much warming.

Thus 1.5 degrees has emerged as the new red-line number  especially for small island states and developing countries. But Watson and his colleagues, like many other researchers, just dont see how 1.5 degrees can happen, given the warming momentum already unleashed and the time it will take to gradually reduce emissions. Every year, the world is adding an additional 54 or so billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions to the atmosphere, their report notes.

And the researchers reiterate, as previous analyses have done, that countries current pledges under the Paris agreement  which may soon enter into force  dont really change those kinds of numbers.

What were saying in the paper is, even if all the pledges are realized, our emissions in 2030 will be about the same as they are today, between 50 and 55 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, Watson said.

The researchers therefore assert that countries of the world must rapidly up their levels of ambition when it comes to cutting emissions  but it is not clear how fast they can really do that. For instance, a recent analysis found that even with all of the Obama administrations favored policies in place, the U.S. is still unlikely to hit its current target of a 26 to 28 percent reduction in emissions below 2005 levels by the year 2025.

All of which may make it even more clear why climate scientists are so increasingly terrified by Trump, who not only denies human-caused climate change, but would apparently try to scuttle the Paris agreement entirely.

climate
NASHVILLE, Tenn.  When a 5-year-old autistic boy came home from his Nashville public school with bruises and a bite mark, his parents sent him back with a recording device.

It captured a therapist slamming their sons head on his desk, and a teacher using a martial arts technique that made him whimper and cry.

Now these and other parents are suing over their childrens treatment, hoping a federal judge will order the state of Tennessee to hold school districts accountable for complying with disability laws.

Nearly 40 years after federal laws began requiring schools to educate disabled students alongside their non-disabled peers as much as possible, many of these children are still channeled into separate and unequal educational programs, often because of serious behavioral challenges that come along with their disabilities.

Without enough training and resources to manage these behaviors, some teachers and their aides routinely isolate and restrain children  techniques that are supposed to be reserved for emergencies and last resorts  in ways that can become violent.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office found hundreds of allegations of abuse and even deaths associated with the use of restraints and seclusion in the nations public and private schools over two decades before 2009. Seven years later, Congress has yet to approve comprehensive legislation to limit these practices, which are disproportionately used on disabled children.

The National Disability Rights Network has done its own investigations and found little change. Students are continuing to be confined, tied up, pinned down, battered and nearly killed on a regular basis, the nonprofit said in a 2012 report.

Jennifer, the mother of the 5-year-old, said they grew concerned as their sons behavior changed from excited to anxious. His autism limits his speaking ability, but he managed to say Ill die. No school, she told The Associated Press. She spoke on the condition their last name not be used, to protect her sons identity.

She decided to sew an extra pocket into his clothes to hide the recording device. The results stunned her. She said she had to stop listening after hearing the abuse. Their three days of recordings are now evidence in federal court.

The city of Nashville settled with the family, but the Tennessee Education Department hasnt conceded.

Its spokeswoman, Sara Gast, said she cant comment on the issues being litigated. She asserted in an email that the department is absolutely committed to serving all children and ensuring that every student has a safe and nurturing school environment.

The states lawyers, however, have argued in court that it cannot be held responsible for the actions of local school districts.

A senior staff attorney with the National Disability Rights Network says this is not true.

The states are supposed to act as the special education police, Ron Hager said. While they cant be aware of every single case of abuse at in a local district, they should be looking at their data to spot red flags.

If they see high use of restraints and seclusions, high segregations, low academic performance, they should be saying, This is not good. Youve got to fix it.'

The federal government, in turn, is supposed to be overseeing the states through the U.S. Education Departments Office of Special Education Programs. But while the department has the power to sue to force compliance with federal disability education law, Hager said it has never done so.

After the Houston Chronicle reported this month that Texas arbitrarily set a benchmark of providing no more than 8.5 percent of students with special education, possibly depriving about 250,000 children of needed services, the Education Department said its investigating.

And the U.S. Justice Department  not on behalf of the Education Department  is suing Georgia, alleging that the state segregates disabled students into programs where they are isolated and receive substandard educations. A Justice Department statement says its the first federal challenge to a state-run school system over segregating students with disabilities.

Three of the families in Tennessee are challenging the same issue, accusing schools in the Knoxville area of segregating their children into classrooms where the students only common bond was their disability, not their age, grade or academic ability.

This lawsuit blames Tennessees funding formula, saying the state gives districts more money separate classrooms than for keeping such students in regular classrooms with supportive services. Knox County counters that it places children based on individual needs, without any consideration given to funding.

Another case in Knox County claims two 10-year-old students with autism were subjected to numerous isolations and restraints, including a five points pinning of their arms, legs and head. Knox says in court papers that the children were disciplined appropriately and have not been harmed.

By law, restraints and isolations are permitted in emergency situations, such as when a child begins throwing chairs or runs out of the school into the street. But after the emergency is over, school officials are supposed to figure out what is causing the problem behavior and find other ways of preventing it.

The hope of the law has not really been implemented. Schools are still doing the same old, same old, Hager said. We should be so far past this right now.
WASHINGTON  For the second time in two weeks, John Stumpf, the long-time chief executive of Wells Fargo, entered into the halls of Congress to take a bipartisan beating from lawmakers over the banks role in a scandal involving the creation of hundreds of thousands of sham accounts to meet aggressive sales goals.

Fraud is fraud and theft and is theft. What happened at Wells Fargo over the course of many years cannot be described any other way, said Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., called the case some of the egregious fraud we have seen since the financial crisis. Wells Fargo has turned into a school for scoundrels, said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y.

Stumpf has repeatedly apologized for those misdeeds and agreed earlier this week to forfeit $41 million in his own personal unvested stock and go without a 2016 bonus. I am fully accountable for all unethical sales practices in our retail banking business, and I am fully committed to fixing this issue, strengthening our culture, and taking the necessary actions to restore our customers trust, he told the House Financial Services Committee.

But the hearing quickly turned hostile as some lawmakers called for Stumpf to resign and questioned whether he should be criminally prosecuted.

Why shouldnt you be in jail? Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Mass., asked. When prosecutors get hold of you, you are going to have a lot of fun.

Do you think what you did was criminal? Rep. David Scott, D-Georgia, asked. Stumpf responded that he had led the bank with courage, but was interrupted again.

Several lawmakers raised the prospect of calling executives from other banks to testify about their sales tactics, and the practice of cross sellingan effort to persuade customers to sign up for multiple products like a checking or savings accounts. Others called for a separate hearing to hear from former Wells Fargo workers, who were either fired for setting up unauthorized accounts or were fired for not meeting the companys aggressive sales goals.

These were people trying to make a living, said Rep. Al Green, D-Texas. These people deserve a fair day, not just an exit from your company. . . They deserve an opportunity to be heard.

Stumpf was repeatedly questioned about when he, and others in the banks leadership, realized there was a problem. Hensarling noted the Federal Reserve had found the bank had weak internal controls in 2011 in its mortgage lending business. If you saw the problem in one area of the business, why wouldnt you do it for the other?, he said.

For years, Stumpf has strived to separate Wells Fargo, one of the largest banks in the country, from the controversy that has typically dogged many of its biggest competitors. But now the San Francisco-based institution has become entangled in a controversy of its own after acknowledging that it fired 5,300 employees over five years for setting up unauthorized accounts customers didnt request. In some cases, customers were charged fees for accounts they didnt know they had or employees moved money from authorized accounts in order to create a fake one.

You fired 5,300 people, you took 5,300 good Americans and turned them into felons with a system that you created, benefited from and drove your stock price up by bragging about your levels of new accounts, said Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif.

In one tense exchange, Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., said Stumpf was running a criminal enterprise, noting that the bank had been penalized multiple times during the CEOs leadership, and should step down.

I serve at the pleasure of the board, Stumpf responded.

Then the entire board needs to go, Meeks said. Something is going wrong with this bank. If the bucks stops with you then you should be held responsible.

The board has that power, Stumpf said.

In another exchange, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., noted that Stumpf sold $13 million in stock around the time he learned of the problem in 2013. My question was did you dump the stock after you found out about the fraudulent accounts, Maloney said. Because it seems the timing is very very suspicious and raises a very serious question. Stumpf said the sale was unrelated.

The controversy has already blossomed with investigations being conducted by the Department of Labor and federal prosecutors. On Wednesday, California Treasurer John Chiang imposed sanctions, saying the state would not invest in the firms stock or use many of its services for a year. On Thursday, several lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Wells Fargo and senior officials violated the law by misleading investors.

Wells Fargo was fined $185 million and has returned more than $2 million to customers who were charged fees for accounts they didnt authorize. Stumpf said the banks efforts were costly even before any fines were levied or refunds paid. Just the paperwork involved in opening and closing the sham accounts cost the institution $10 million. This was not a money-making scheme, he said.

We have a culture based on ethics, and doing whats right, Stumpf said. I stand with the people who are doing the right thing.

As the hearing dragged into its third hour, Stumpf was asked about the show Undercover Boss and if he had ever served as a teller when visiting one of the banks more than 6,000 branches and experienced the pressure to sell customers more products.

Im not trained or permitted to do that, he said.

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WASHINGTON  Nearly 80,000 students of defunct for-profit giant Corinthian Colleges are facing some form of debt collection, even though the U.S. Department of Education unearthed enough evidence of fraud to forgive their student loans, according to an investigation by the staff of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

Before it shut down last year, Corinthian, which ran Everest Institute, Wyotech and Heald College, became an example of the worst practices in the for-profit education sector, including high loan defaults and dubious programs. Amid allegations of deceptive marketing and lying to the government about its graduation rates, Corinthian lost its access to federal funds in 2014, forcing the company to sell or close its schools.

On Thursday, Warren sent a letter urging Education Secretary John King to provide the immediate debt relief that Corinthian students are entitled to under federal law. The department has broad authority to cancel federal student loans when colleges violate students rights and state law, exactly what education officials accused Corinthian of doing. Yet the agency continues to collect on debt owed by tens of thousands of people eligible for forgiveness.

It is unconscionable that instead of helping these borrowers, vast numbers of Corinthian victims are currently being hounded by the departments debt collectors  many having their credit slammed, their tax refunds seized, their Social Security and Earned Income Tax Credit payments reduced, or wages garnished  all to pay fraudulent debts, Warren wrote to King.

Warrens staff asked the department for information about the outcomes of former Corinthian students with federal loans. They learned that there are 79,717 people who are eligible to apply for loan forgiveness but are being pursued by debt collectors. The government is using its extraordinary collection powers to seize the tax refunds, tax credits and other benefits of more than 30,000 of those borrowers, while garnishing the wages of another 4,000, according to department data.

All of those borrowers attended Corinthian when education officials discovered the school committed widespread fraud by lying about its job placement rates, making a clear case for their loans to be discharged under a process known as borrower defense to repayment, Warren said. Anyone who can show a school used illegal or deceptive tactics to persuade them to borrow money for college can file a defense claim. Just 23,185 former Corinthian students had filed claims as of June, and just 3,787 of them have been approved.

This suggests an obvious failure in the effort to inform students of their rights to a discharge, Warren said of the low submission numbers. It also highlights the absurdity and ineffectiveness of requiring Corinthian victims who are covered by the departments own fraud findings to actively apply for relief while at the same time subjecting them to aggressive, automatic and draconian debt collection actions.

In a statement, Education Undersecretary Ted Mitchell said the department shares Warrens commitment to former Corinthian students and has conducted ongoing, extensive direct outreach to those who may be eligible for debt relief.

This fall, we will build upon that outreach, including through a targeted effort to reach Corinthian borrowers who have loans in collections or subject to Treasury tax offsets or wage garnishment, Mitchell said.

Warrens letter arrives a day after Darnell Williams, a former student at Everest Institute in Massachusetts, filed a lawsuit against the department and Treasury for seizing his tax refund, despite evidence that the school defrauded students. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey submitted a group defense claim on behalf of students who attended the Everest campus, still Williams $10,833 student debt remains in collections, according to the complaint.

The department knows that these borrowers, who have already been cheated of an education, are entitled to relief, said Deanne Loonin, an attorney at Harvard Law Schools Project on Predatory Student Lending, who is working on the case. Williams is asking for a court decision that the widespread fraud of Corinthian is a bar to the collection of defaulted loans from former Corinthian students through the mechanism of Treasury offset.

In the wake of Corinthians collapse, Education Department officials said they would use findings from a joint investigation with state attorneys general to expedite the claims process. More than 250,000 students who attended Corinthian schools in 24 states were supposed to benefit from this effort, with education officials promising to notify people through mailers, email and partner organizations. But relief has been slow.

Education officials appointed an independent monitor to oversee and streamline the process last year, and they hired attorneys to review and analyze state laws involved in the claims received. The government is in a precarious position. Granting blanket relief could mean the loss of billions of dollars, but critics say drawing out the process betrays students trust and the spirit of the law.

For years, the Department of Education sat passively while Corinthian Colleges and other predatory for-profit institutions defrauded students and ripped off taxpayers, said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. While its good the department has finally held Corinthian accountable, it now has an obligation to provide defrauded students with complete, immediate and automatic relief.

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SALT LAKE CITY  Arizona regulators have recommended disciplinary proceedings against six police officers who patrol a polygamous community on the Utah-Arizona border.

A subcommittee of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training board voted last week to recommend that the full board discipline the marshals in Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, The Salt Lake Tribune reported (http://bit.ly/2dhrxKs ).

Hildale and Colorado City are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The investigation is related to accusations that the police force and town governments discriminate against people who are not members of the sect.

Theres not one specific allegation, said Jeff Matura, an attorney representing the marshals and Colorado Citys government who attended the subcommittee meeting. It was a hodgepodge of incidents that were presented to the subcommittee.

Matura said one of the seven accused officers is quitting and retiring, and if the other six are stripped of their police powers, it would leave only one officer on the force. That officer was hired earlier this year and was not under suspicion, said Matura.

The Arizona inquiry follows a similar investigation in Utah that apparently found no wrongdoing.

The groups recommendation also comes a month before a federal judge is set to consider a request from federal officials to disband the town marshals, who are certified as peace officers in both Utah and Arizona. That request is based on a jurys finding that the towns violated the constitutional rights of nonbelievers by denying them basic government services such as police protection, building permits and water hookups.

The towns oppose the idea, calling it a drastic first step.

The four-day federal hearing is set to begin Oct. 24 in Phoenix. A witness list submitted by the U.S. Department of Justice includes four high-ranking leaders in the Utah and Arizona counties that would assume policing duties if the town marshals are disbanded.

The Arizona investigation is thought to include some of the same accusations as those brought by the Department of Justice in a civil trial held in Phoenix last winter. During that trial, former chief marshal Helaman Barlow testified for the Justice Department that he and other marshals obstructed the FBI and altered police reports. Other witnesses said marshals failed to look into reports of vandalism, theft and child sexual abuse.

Matura said the presentation by Arizona investigators raised issues going as far back as 2002.

___

Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com
HELENA, Mont.  Montana will test 1,400 rape kits dating back to 1995 that werent submitted to the states crime lab by local law enforcement authorities, Attorney General Tim Fox said Thursday.

The state also will add personnel to track the kits, counsel victims and investigate when DNA from the kits result in rape suspects being identified.

We look forward to ensuring that unsubmitted sexual assault kits in Montana are tested, to helping bring closure to a horrific event in the lives of survivors, to serving justice to perpetrators and to protecting our citizens, Fox said.

Some of the kits, which are used to collect DNA and other evidence after a sexual assault, werent tested because the victims were not willing to come forward or couldnt be found, or else because the evidence wasnt needed.

But for one in five kits, its unknown why the kits werent submitted for testing, which Fox called troubling.

Most of the untested kits are from between 2005 to 2015, and the oldest dates back to 1995. Law enforcement agencies had not turned them over to the state crime lab in Missoula, which does all of the testing. Those submitted to the crime lab have all been tested, state officials have said.

Its unknown how many cold or closed rape cases could be reopened as a result of the new testing, Fox said.

Last year, federal officials said 70,000 untested rape kits across the U.S. would be processed using federal funds. Other states paid for the testing themselves.

In Colorado, for example, a 2013 state law required authorities to clear the states backlog of untested rape kits. The state paid $3.3 million to process 3,542 kits from 300 local police agencies.

The U.S. Department of Justice gave Montana $2 million of the $38 million it awarded to state, tribal and local governments to process sexual assault kits earlier this week. Up to half of that money will go toward testing 1,100 unprocessed kits in Montana.

The FBI will test the remaining 300, Fox said.

The testing is expected to take up to 18 months.

Four people will be hired as part of the three-year project. Grant money also will be used to produce a field guide outlining policies and procedures for sexual assault investigations.

State officials plan to examine why the kits werent submitted at the time they were collected.
RICHMOND, Va.  The FBI and local police are investigating how at least 19 dead Virginians were recently re-registered to vote in this critical swing state.

One case came to light after relatives of a deceased man received a note congratulating him for registering, Rockingham County Commonwealths Attorney Marsha Garst said Thursday.

His family members were very distraught, said Garst, who confirmed the existence of the FBI and police investigation but said she could provide few details because the case is ongoing.

All 19 were initially registered as voters in the Shenandoah Valley city of Harrisonburg, Virginia, which is roughly 130 miles from Washington, D.C., although a clerk double-checking the entries later raised questions about one. She recognized the name of Richard Allen Claybrook Sr., who died in 2014 at age 87, because his son is a well-known local judge. She happened to recall that the judges father had died.

He was a retired Fairfax County elementary school principal and had fought in World War II, said his son, retired Harrisonburg General District Court Judge Richard Allen Claybrook Jr. So our family is very disgusted that they would pick his name because he was such a law-abiding citizen devoted to public service.

All of the forms had been submitted by a private group that was working to register voters on the campus of James Madison University, according to the Harrisonburg registrars office. The group was not identified. No charges have been filed.

Republicans in the state House of Delegates, who in recent years have supported tighter voter ID laws, held a conference call with reporters to call attention to the investigation.

Oftentimes we hear our Democratic colleagues suggest that voter fraud doesnt exist in Virginia, or its a myth, House Speaker William Howell, R-Stafford, said. This is proof that voter fraud not only exists but is ongoing and is a threat to the integrity of our elections.

House Minority Leader David Toscano, D-Charlottesville, said the case was not proof of voter fraud since no one had actually managed to cast a vote in the names of the dead.

First of all, there was no voter fraud  they caught him, Toscano said. Nobody cast a vote.  Theres still no evidence of that going on in the state. But there is evidence every time you turn around that the Republicans are trying to make it more difficult for citizens to vote in elections.

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One major group directly affected by the Wells Fargo scandal- the customers who had fraudulent accounts opened in their names  may have their hands tied.

As lawmakers pointed out at congressional hearings Thursday and last week, many Wells Fargo customers are blocked from suing the company because of arbitration clauses, little-known contracts that often ban customers from taking part in class-action law suits. They are regularly included in the fine print for checking accounts, credit cards and other consumer products.

In the case of Wells Fargo, the arbitration clauses that customers agreed to when they opened their real accounts are being used to keep them from suing about the fake accounts opened in their names.

In a terse exchange during Thursdays hearing, Rep. Brad Sherman, D.-Calif., pushed the CEO on whether the bank would waive the clause for affected customers.

Stumpf defended the arbitration process, calling it fair and saying that consumers would be directed to mediators.

But Sherman asked the executive to be more direct about whether customers have the ability to challenge the company in court.

If they want to go to court are you going to let them go to court? Yes or no? Sherman asked.

No, but. . . Stumpf responded before being interrupted by Sherman, who said he understood that the answer was no.

The response led to more pressure from other lawmakers urging Stumpf to make an exception for consumers who may have been hurt by the scheme. If Wells Fargo were serious about making its customers whole, then it would allow the people who were cheated to have their day in court, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said in a statement.

Federal regulators have been drawing attention to the clauses over the past several years out of concern that consumers sent to arbitration may not receive enough relief after theyve been harmed. Under rules proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in May, banks and other financial companies would not be able to use arbitration clauses that ban customers from taking part in class action lawsuits.

Supporters of arbitration say that the process reduces costs for companies and customers by limiting legals costs. But consumer advocates argue that by banning class action lawsuits, arbitration clauses raise costs for consumers who would otherwise be able to share legal costs and information with other people in similar circumstances, consumer advocates say.

A lawsuit filed against Wells Fargo last year by the city attorney for Los Angeles Michael Feuer was not subject to the arbitration clause because it was not a class action suit filed by the banks customers. That suit was settled earlier this month when Wells Fargo was fined $185 million by state and federal regulators. As part of the settlement, the bank created a mediation system for consumers in California who were harmed by the practices.

On Thursday, lawmakers asked for more details on what the bank was doing to compensate customers hurt by the unauthorized accounts. Stumpf said that any customers who faced fees related to the fake accounts have received refunds with interest. But some representatives pointed out that some of the financial effects, such as the damage to a persons credit score if a credit card was opened in their name, are more difficult to quantify.

The grilling by House representatives was not the first time that Stumpf was questioned about the banks arbitration clause. In last weeks Senate hearing, Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass., who also demanded that Stumpf resign and give up some of his compensation, wondered if the behavior would have stopped sooner had consumers been able to file a class action lawsuit. She added that some people may have wanted to sue when they noticed the fake accounts as early as 2009.

In other words, these forced arbitration clauses make it easier for Wells to get away with scamming their customers, Warren said.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A Las Cruces man has been sentenced to more than nearly six years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a grenade.

Federal prosecutors say 37-year-old Keyton Wayne Lieber was given a 70-month sentence Thursday and will be on supervised release for two years after completing the prison term.

Lieber was arrested in January on a criminal complaint charging him with possessing a destructive device in Dona Ana County on April 21. Federal authorities safely disposed of it.

New Mexico State Police officers reported finding the grenade in Liebers residence while executing a search warrant.

Lieber pleaded guilty in June to possessing a destructive device which was not registered to him.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

The incidence of abnormal growths that can lead to cervical cancer fell by more than half among teenage girls in New Mexico from 2007 to 2014, a new study found.

The University of New Mexico study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of vaccines that target the human papilloma virus, or HPV, that causes most cervical cancers, the studys lead author said.

If you take everything combined, the vaccines are better than we ever could have imagined, said Dr. Cosette Wheeler, a researcher at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The steep declines suggest that the vaccine offers herd immunity by lowering the amount of virus in the population, offering protection to women who have not received the vaccination, Wheeler said.

The study found that the rate of moderate precancerous lesions declined by 54 percent among girls 15 to 19 in the seven years after the HPV vaccine was introduced in 2007. It also found a 39 percent decline in moderate precancers among New Mexico women ages 20 to 24.

The study was published Thursday in the journal JAMA Oncology. It looked at cervical screening and treatment data for more than 220,000 New Mexico females under 30 from 2007 to 2014.

The results predict steep declines in cervical disease as vaccinated girls and women mature, particularly if HPV vaccination rates continues to increase, Wheeler said.

If we do a good job of vaccinating, we have a chance in the next 20 years of actually eliminating cervical cancer, she said.

Nearly 12,000 U.S. women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,217 women died from the illness in 2013, the most recent year the data is available.

The study also suggests that researchers should consider scaling back cervical cancer screenings, which cost the U.S. health care system up to $8 billion a year.

Current guidelines call for women to get cervical cancer screenings every three years from ages 21 to 65. The protections offered by HPV vaccinations could allow the U.S. to safely delay of screenings to age 25 or later and reduce their frequency to a few times in a lifetime, providing huge savings and smaller risk of unnecessary treatments, Wheeler said.

We are trying to not just remove disease, but save health care dollars, she said. The goal is to remove the disease and modify the way we spend money screening, because we dont need to screen as early or as often.

The 54 percent decline in cervical precancers among teenage girls was greater than researchers had expected. The message is, 50 percent is way more than we anticipated, Wheeler said.

Researchers had expected smaller declines, because public health officials have had only modest success in persuading parents to vaccinate their children for the sexually transmitted virus.

In 2014, 40 percent of New Mexico girls ages 13 to 17 had received the recommended three doses of HPV vaccine, up from 17 percent in 2008. The three-dose vaccine is recommended for boys and girls ages 11 and 12. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that infects about 80 million males and females in the U.S.

The vaccine guards against four common strains of HPV, including two strains that cause at least 70 percent of cervical cancers.

The study also bolsters the findings of earlier studies that the vaccine offers protection to women who received only one or two doses of the vaccine, she said.
CHICAGO  The campaign of Democrat Hillary Clinton rolled out another 40 endorsements from prominent Republicans and independents Thursday, the latest play in a bid to lure voters across party lines in her race against Donald Trump.

The list includes three former congressmen, a dozen former high-ranking members of Republican administrations  including a White House ethics lawyer, a director of the Situation Room and an undersecretary of transportation  as well as an array of Capitol Hill staffers, local elected officials and fundraisers for GOP candidates.

The recruits were trumpeted in an afternoon conference call featuring John Podesta, Clintons campaign chairman, and several Republicans whove joined Together for America, a group launched by Clinton to coordinate GOP outreach.

In my view, Donald Trump may be the least qualified, least intelligent and least stable person ever nominated by a major party, said Jim Cicconi, a deputy chief of staff under former president George H.W. Bush.

Cicconi, who was among a previous group of 50 Republican endorsers, added that Mondays debate highlighted a pretty clear and pretty stark choice between Clinton and Trump.

The new endorsements came a day after former five-term Republican senator John W. Warner, Va., appeared at a news conference to voice his support for Clinton. Warner, a former U.S. Navy secretary a Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, argued that Clinton is far better prepared to lead the nation than his partys nominee.

The push to highlight GOP endorsers comes as recent polls have showed a tightening race nationally, in part because Trump has made progress in consolidating the support of Republican voters who were initially wary of him.

Some of the Republicans on Thursdays call argued that many in their party still have qualms about their nominee, and that Mondays nights debate has raised new questions about whether hes prepared for the job.

Claudine Schneider, a former GOP congresswoman from Rhode Island, said Trump has been able to exploit many vulnerable Republicans by promising job creation without having a solid plan to back up his words.

Those that know better, she said, will wind up voting for Clinton, whom Schneider called an incredible role model for working with Republicans.

The other two former Republican members of Congress who stepped forward for Clinton on Thursday were Sherwood L. Boehlert of New York and John J.H. Joe Schwarz of Michigan.

Other new names on the list include: Stuart Bernstein, a former ambassador to Denmark under former president George W. Bush; Phil Brady, a former special assistant to then-vice president George H.W. Bush and deputy counsel to former president Ronald Reagan; William A. Pierce, a former deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services; Nicholas Rostow, a former special assistant for national security to p residents Reagan and George H.W. Bush; and Roger Wallace, a former deputy undersecretary for international trade at the Commerce Department.

The Clinton campaign call featuring Republican supporters came in advance of a fundraising stop by the candidate in Chicago. Earlier in the day, she campaigned in Des Moines, seeking to shore up support in the battleground state of Iowa, where polls have shown Trump in the lead.

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A raft of new polling data on the state of the presidential race in Virginia shows Democrat Hillary Clinton still in the lead. But Republican Donald Trump may yet be able to close the gap before Election Day.

Both the Quinnipiac and Roanoke College polls released last week show the race has gotten closer in Virginia, with Clintons post convention bounce now gone. A Wason Center poll released Monday showed Clinton still ahead, but below 40 percent in a three-way race in which Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson is included.

By all public indications, Clintons campaign thinks it has the state locked down. But Trump has the most room to grow. Unfortunately for him, its among Republicans who just cant stomach his candidacy.

The CBS/YouGov poll shows Trump with just 73 percent of Republicans backing his candidacy. In 2012, Mitt Romney got 94 percent of the GOP vote. In 2008, Sen. John McCain got 92 percent.

The last time a Republican carried Virginia was 2004, when Republican George W. Bush defeated Democrat John Kerry by 8 points, and did so with 95 percent of the GOP vote.

Is there some sort of magic elixir Trump can use that will convince Republican refuseniks to come home?

On the surface, no. But there may be a way he can get enough of them to make the race much closer than it is right now.

Trumps campaign rally Saturday night in Roanoke offered some clues as to how he might soften the resistance to the idea of President Trump.

He made a concerted pitch for African American votes, lauding their contributions to American society and promising to make sure their success is protected and supported.

Trump also embraced school choice and did so by calling it the new civil rights issue of our time.

He said he would go into the nations neglected neighborhoods and unlock the potential of all our people.

Those words were pitched to minority voters  a group that isnt likely to buy anything Trump is selling, regardless of how its packaged. Recalcitrant Republicans who are embarrassed or outraged that a huckster like Trump is their partys nominee are more likely to buy his message.

For once, Trump said something that doesnt make them recoil in horror. He even gave them talking points  such as when Trump lambasted Hillary Clinton for doing nothing for the poor and instead putting her public office up for sale.

They agree with those sentiments. And Trump is actually saying them. Is it a breakthrough? Only if he plays against type and can stick to the script through the rest of the election.

That is a massively, and perhaps impossibly, tall order for Trump.

The recalcitrant Republicans do have other options, be it Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson, who remains steady at around 8 percent in the state (though the Wason poll has him at 15 percent). There is also the quixotic Never Trump candidate Evan McMullin, though hes most likely to be a rounding error in the final results.

Some few may vote for Clinton. Others will skip the presidential line on their ballots entirely.

Yet it is in those who may follow the example of Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and back Trump despite everything they have said and done in opposition to him where Trumps hope of making Virginia close rests.

Its a long shot. Its also the only one Trumps got in the commonwealth, and his supporters know it.

As Trumps Virginia campaign co-chairman, Corey Stewart, told me last month, If we lose, Ill know where to go to place the blame.

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Juan Pujol Garcia, code-named Garbo, is considered one of the heroes of D-Day. But he didnt land on the beaches of Normandy in 1944 nor fight on the front lines of World War II.

The Spaniard was a double agent, a supposed Nazi spy who was actually operating in the employ of the British. Based in London by the latter stages of the war, he presided over an illusory spy network that fed faulty intelligence to the Third Reich. Pujols most famous accomplishment: In June 1944, his missives managed to convince Hitler that the planned Allied invasion of Normandy was a trick, and that the Germans should concentrate their military strength in Pas de Calais, along the Belgian border.

That ruse may have turned the tide of battle, enabling British and American forces to establish a foothold in France while the bulk of the German divisions were 150 miles away.

The German Fifteenth Army, which, if committed to battle in June or July, might possibly have defeated [the Allies] by sheer weight of numbers, remained inoperative throughout the critical period of the campaign, wrote Supreme Allied Commander (and later U.S. President) Dwight D. Eisenhower.

But, as newly declassified British documents at Britains National Archives reveal, it could have gone horribly wrong had Pujols then-wife had her way. Reports kept by MI5, Britains domestic counterintelligence agency, indicated that, by mid-1943, Araceli Gonzalez was getting increasingly exasperated with life in London, homesick for Spain and her mother and eager to quit ol Blighty.

I dont want to live five minutes longer with my husband, she is documented shouting at Pujols MI5 case officer, Tomas Harris. Even if they kill me I am going to the Spanish Embassy. Had she done so, British authorities feared, Pujols mission would be totally compromised. Spains fascist government, while technically a nonbelligerent during World War II, had obvious ties to the Axis powers.

The newly declassified documents show how Pujol and his British handlers managed to subdue his wifes protestations through coercion and deception. The language used to describe Gonzalezs demeanor is unkind. She was 23, living in a tiny flat in gray and war-ravaged London, spoke little to no English, and was coping with a newborn while her husband was gone most hours of the day.

She is a highly emotional and neurotic woman and therefore I have never definitely disillusioned her in her hopes that she might be allowed to see her mother before the termination of the war, Harris wrote. Other documents indicate that British officials attempted to calm Gonzalez with a present of silk stockings, which were in short supply during wartime.

They placed a watch on the Spanish Embassy to intercept her if she attempted to reach it. And then they cooked up a hoax with the willing participation of her husband, who pretended to be arrested by the British as a consequence of the security threat his wife posed. He was only released after Gonzalez issued a statement under British supervision that she would not do anything in future to jeopardize the work being done by her husband or cause embarrassment to the British intelligence services.

According to notes made by Harris, she was scolded dismissively by an MI5 lawyer: He reminded her that he had no time to waste with tiresome people and that if her name was ever mentioned to him again, he would simply direct that she should be locked up, the case officer wrote. She returned home very chastened to await husbands arrival.

Seven decades later, its hard not to see the whole mini-drama as a rather pathetic series of events. A blog post on the National Archives website concurs: At the height of a bloody conflict it is easy to understand why Garbo and MI5 took such a tough line, but it is difficult not to feel sympathy for Mrs. Garbo, and admiration for her role in one of the greatest deceptions of the 20th century.

After all, she was instrumental in her husbands somewhat bizarre career in espionage. Pujol, considered by later historians to be more a con artist than an idealist, had managed to first install himself in Lisbon and get into the good graces of German military intelligence, with whom he started sharing invented information. Gonzalez was perhaps the better spy of the pair, as the National Archives blog post notes:

  

Garbo, unlike virtually all other Double Cross agents, was not originally a German spy. Instead he started out on his own, working in Lisbon, feeding the Germans information he made up from the few maps and guide books he had available. Garbos wife, Araceli, played a vital role in the setting up of this deception. She personally delivered some of Garbos earliest messages and through some excellent acting helped convince Garbos German handlers that he was spying in England, when in fact he was living quietly in Portugal.

  

Pujols capacity for dissembling was what earned him the moniker Garbo, the last name of the famous American actress Greta.

He and his wife were later removed to London once the British had brought him into their fold. Pujol and Harris set about creating a fictional network of agents supposedly aiding his snooping for the Nazis; his work was so convincing that the Third Reich even awarded its favored British operative the Iron Cross, a Nazi recognition of combat service, in July 1944.

The couples story after World War II did not have a happy ending. They divorced. Fearing Nazi vengeance, Pujol enlisted MI5 to help fake his death from malaria in 1949 in the jungles of Angola. He then disappeared for decades, only resurfacing in the public eye in 1984 in Venezuela, where had lived in relative anonymity with a second wife and three more children. Pujol died in Caracas in 1988.

dday-spouse
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump came under intense scrutiny Thursday for allegations that he knowingly violated the U.S. embargo on Cuba in the 1990s, a report that could hurt him among Cuban-Americans in the crucial state of Florida.

A story published in Newsweek said Trumps firm spent as much as $68,000 on a foray exploring business possibilities in Cuba in 1998, which would be a clear violation of the strict embargo in place at the time.

Trump spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway suggested in a television interview Wednesday that Trump had indeed spent money exploring business ventures in Cuba. But Conway later told The Washington Post that she did not say he broke the law or violated the embargo.

Trump himself denied the allegations during an interview in New Hampshire, where he campaigned Thursday, and sought to discredit the reporter who wrote the story.

I never did business in Cuba. Theres this guy who has a very bad reputation as a reporter. You see what his record is. He wrote something about me in Cuba. No, I never did anything in Cuba. I never did a deal in Cuba, he told NH1 News.

The report could become a significant political liability for Trump among Cuban Americans in Florida, a key battleground state in his fight against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The two candidates are in a virtual dead heat in the state, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average.

Susan MacManus, a nonpartisan Florida political analyst, said the issue could cause great concern among older Cuban-Americans in the state, who are firmly pro-embargo. Those voters have expressed disdain for the Obama administrations decision to open relations with Cuba.

The hard-liners in the Cuban community are very high-turnout voters. And theyre shrinking in number, she said. Trump just went down there and had a special meeting with these people to try to shore up support with them. And, so, just when Trump was making inroads and assuring that community that he was on their side, then this story comes out.

Ana Navarro, a Florida-based conservative strategist opposed to Trump, said that it is never a good thing when voters feel played and find out the candidate they are supporting is a hypocrite on an issue that carries the emotion that Cuba policy does.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a former primary challenger of Trumps who is running for reelection in November, urged the Trump campaign to address questions about the case but said he would not comment further until more information is known.

The article makes some very serious and troubling allegations. I will reserve judgment until we know all the facts and Donald has been given the opportunity to respond, Rubio said in a statement.

According to Newsweek, the fees associated with a business trip to the island by Trump representatives were paid by Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts through a consulting firm called Seven Arrows Investment and Development. The consulting firm later said the trip had been taken on behalf of a Catholic charity.

Trump blasted President Barack Obama for a one-sided deal for Cuba this month during a campaign event in Florida. He said the move to normalize relations would benefit the Castro regime. He has vowed to reverse Obamas efforts to open U.S.-Cuba relations if he is elected president, unless the Castro regime meets our demands  not my demands, our demands.

Clinton told reporters aboard her plane that Trumps business exploration in Cuba appears to violate U.S. law, certainly flout American foreign policy, and he has consistently misled people in responding to questions about whether he was attempting to do business in Cuba.

This adds to the long list of actions and statements that raise doubts about his temperament and qualification to be president, she added.

Conway, during a tense appearance on ABCs The View, appeared to say that Trump had spent money in Cuba but emphasized that he decided not to invest there.

I think they paid money, as I understand from the story, in 1998  and were not supposed to talk about years ago when it comes to the Clintons, Conway said amid crosstalk.

So the question is: Did he spend money? Hes very critical of Cuba, hes very critical of Castro, hes been critical of Cuba, she said. He gave a speech the very next year to the Cuban American National Foundation in Miami critical of those who want to do business with Castro.

In that 1999 speech, Trump denounced the Castro regime.

Ive had a lot of offers, and, sadly, its all been very recently to go into Cuba on deals, business deals, real estate and other deals. And Ive rejected them on the basis that I will go when Cuba is free, Trump said at the time, according to a video of his remarks. Putting money and investing money in Cuba right now doesnt go to the people of Cuba. It goes into the pockets of Fidel Castro. Hes a murderer; hes a killer; hes a bad guy in every respect.

Conway said several times Thursday that Trump did not ultimately invest money on the island and sought to focus attention on foreign donations to Bill and Hillary Clintons family foundation.

But again, were talking about, did his hotel invest money in 1998 in Cuba? No. Did she get money from seven foreign governments while she was secretary of state? Yes.



Sean Sullivan, Ed OKeefe and Anne Gearan contributed to this report.

trump-cuba-2ndld-writethru
Howard County Sheriff James Fitzgerald refused to resign Thursday morning amid continuing protests over allegations that he made racist, sexist and anti-Semitic remarks.

Brief but defiant during a news conference, Fitzgerald acknowledged the tense atmosphere that has gripped the community since last weeks release of a report by the countys Office of Human Rights detailing offensive remarks he is accused of making. But he did not directly address the allegations. Instead, he argued that the report was only one investigators opinion and that he would remain in office.

Although there are those that denounce and accuse and can only see the words that are in the report, I love Howard County and all it stands for, the three-term Democrat said during a prepared, seven-minute speech.

My inspiration now is: How can I better serve? How can I be part of the solution to the challenges that face our community? he said, adding that he could lend years of experience here in Howard County and in other locales to be part of the solution.

Those years of experience are now under scrutiny, however, after the 48-page report accused Fitzgerald of disparaging the intelligence of black deputies, using racist gestures and often describing African-Americans as ns. Fitzgerald also allegedly made derogatory comments about womens breasts and Jewish people, calling former county executive Ken Ulman little Kenny Jew-boy.

The report shocked many in a community renowned for its inclusiveness and its Choose Civility bumper stickers. The county consistently ranks among the wealthiest counties in the nation, and Columbia, Maryland, its largest city, was founded in the 1960s as a planned community promoting racial tolerance. This month, Money Magazine ranked Columbia the best place to live in America.

Elected officials across the political spectrum have called for Fitzgerald to step down, among them County Executive Allan Kittleman and County Council Chairman Calvin Ball. But under Maryland law, elected officials cannot be recalled and can be removed only if convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

Fitzgerald is serving his third term and manages a department of 69 people. He is paid $91,000 a year, according to a county spokeswoman.

Fitzgerald called the report humbling, hurtful and disappointing to all involved. He did not address whether he made the remarks and would not take questions from reporters.

The sheriff said he had hired 14 of the departments 19 African-American employees and promoted its first black commander. This represents my ongoing commitment to diversifying the office, he said.

In Howard, the sheriffs office primarily acts as an arm of the court system, transporting prisoners and issuing summonses. The police department handles most law enforcement.

The sheriffs refusal to step down disappointed a small group of protesters, who were not allowed to attend the news conference, held at the countys Thomas Dorsey Building in Columbia.

We didnt get a chance to see the expression on his face, said Sherman Howell, 72, a retired software engineer who stood under an umbrella in the rain outside the building. He said there is no choice but for Fitzgerald to resign. Howell, who lives in Columbia and is black, added that he had heard the sheriff joke about African-Americans, fried chicken and watermelon in the past  accusations mentioned in the Human Rights Offices report.

That is a constant thing of his, he said. You cant trust anyone who takes that kind of an attitude.

maryland-sheriff
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.
Ares Management is reportedly seeking to raise more than $45bn for its latest batch of funds.
Jesus in Love supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ) spirituality, with an emphasis on art and literature. It promotes artistic and religious freedom and teaches love for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It is based on these beliefs: God loves all people, including sexual minorities. The creative process is sacred. The queer visions, especially the gay Jesus and LGBT saints, will free people to experience the divine in new ways and lead to a more just world. Jesus in Love was founded by lesbian Christian author Kittredge Cherry as her personal project. It is her gift to the world. Many thanks to everyone who supports her vision.
Published On Sep 29, 2016 02:15 PM By Alshaar

The Delhi government finally seems to have caved in to the demands of CNG kit manufacturers as its preparing to revoke the ban on the retrofitting of these kits in in-use cars, it said on Wednesday. In line with the move, the transport department will soon launch a software that will keep records of the sold kits.

Government will revoke its ban on retrofitting of CNG kits (in-use cars) in next few days. An online system is being created for retrofitting CNG kits, the states transport minister Satyendar Jain said while addressing the media.

Members of the Association for CNG kit manufacturers, Distributors and Retro-fitment Centres have staged demonstrations outside the Delhi Secretariat demanding immediate revocation of the ban on retrofitting of these kits in in-use cars. They have protested that the ban has affected their livelihood for the last three months.

For the last three months, there is no work of retrofitting of CNG kits which is affecting our livelihood. People doing this business have the fundamental rights to earn their livelihood, and government cannot snatch the fundamental right by issuing such order, Association spokesperson Yousuf Kareem said.

The software being developed by the transport department will now require CNG kit importers, distributors and retro-fitment centres to provide all details of the sold items. They will have to upload these details on the software in order to regulate the sale of the kits.

The Delhi transport department had imposed a blanket ban on the retrofitment of CNG kits in all cars in June, in the view of some CNG kit manufactures supplying unapproved and uncertified CNG fuel kits. However, it later came to lift this ban on the registration of new CNG kit-fitted cars, last month.
Published On Sep 29, 2016 05:06 PM By Alshaar

For the ones who live or have lived in Mumbai, you dont need to be told about the traffic woes in the city. For others, simply put, its a mess! And the Mumbai High Court finally seems to be feeling sorry for the city, as it proposed measures to limit the menace on the metropolitans roads, on Wednesday.

The HC suggested the Maharashtra government to take measures such as limiting the number of vehicles per family and also proposed encouraging the use of inland water transport. These days every family has at least two carsThis should be restricted to just one car per family, it said while hearing a PIL on the shortage of designated parking spaces in the city.

Unauthorised parking due to lack of space is a very serious problem in Mumbai and is the cause of much traffic congestion.A large number of private vehicles enter the city every morning and leave in the evening, but they have no space for parking through the day. The government cannot sit on the problem anymore, it added.

The division bench, headed by Justice V M Kanade, directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, the state Urban Development Ministry and the traffic police to join forces in order to constitute a holistic policy on traffic issues.

The court also noted that despite not being the ultimate solution, inland water transport could also prove to be a major boon in the issue. While it will not solve all your problems, water transport can act as a complementary mode of transport. The state government has been asked to also brief the court about the feasibility of inland water transport at the next hearing, scheduled after four weeks from Wednesday.
Contact: Emily Staub, Emily.Staub@cartercenter.org

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Atlanta, GA Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate President Jimmy Morales and the people of Guatemala for eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness) in the nation, as verified recently by the World Health Organization (WHO). Guatemala is the world's fourth nation to receive official verification of elimination of the disease.

"Guatemala deserves enormous credit for its 100-year struggle against river blindness. It was the great Guatemalan researcher Dr. Rodolfo Robles, who discovered onchocerciasis in the Americas in 1915, said President Carter, founder of The Carter Center. "Health workers, community educators and program leaders in Guatemala deserve the credit for their unrelenting work and determination to improve the health of future generations.

The Carter Centers Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) coordinates the regional initiative to eliminate river blindness from the Americas. The OEPA office was established in Guatemala because it had been the most endemic nation in the Americas, accounting for over 40 percent of people at risk for onchocerciasis in the region.

Guatemalas minister of health, Dr. Lucrecia Hernandez Mack, made the official announcement on Sept. 29, 2016 at the Pan American Health Organizations 55th Directing Council meeting in Washington, D.C.

Guatemala is one of six countries in the Americas that have been affected by onchocerciasis and is the most recent country in the world, after Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), and Mexico (2015), to apply for and be granted verification of elimination of onchocerciasis by WHO, the only organization that can officially verify the elimination of a disease.

Today, river blindness transmission in the Americas occurs only among the indigenous Yanomami people, who live deep in the Amazon rainforest in an area that straddles the border of Venezuela and Brazil. The two countries have pledged to eliminate the disease from their shared border as soon as possible.

Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease that afflicts the rural poor. It is caused by a worm that is spread from person to person by the bites of Simulium black flies that breed in rapid-flowing rivers and streams. The disease can cause intense itching, eye damage, and irreversible blindness, reducing an individual's ability to work and learn. Worldwide, an estimated 120 million are at risk of being infected and 270,000 have been blinded by the disease, mostly in Africa. In addition to Africa and Latin America, onchocerciasis also affects Yemen.

For more than two decades, elimination efforts undertaken by the endemic Latin American countries and coordinated by the Carter Center's OEPA and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) have reduced the overall population needing treatment for onchocerciasis by 95 percent, to about 29,000 people in the Americas.

Partners in the effort to wipe out river blindness from the Americas include the ministries of health of the six endemic countries, thousands of community-based volunteers, The Carter Center, PAHO/WHO, Merck and its Mectizan Donation Program, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Carlos Slim Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lions Clubs International Foundation and local Lions Clubs from the six countries, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and formerly the Inter-American Development Bank and River Blindness Foundation, as well as several universities in Latin America and the United States, and many others.

THE GUATEMALA EXPERIENCE

Guatemalas success against onchocerciasis began in 1915 when Dr. Rodolfo Robles Valverde, a renowned Guatemalan researcher, discovered in the Americas the association between infection with the parasite Onchocerca volvulus and the ocular disease. Onchocerciasis was known as Robles disease in Guatemala.

In 1935 the Guatemalan Ministry of Health launched a national River Blindness Control Program, with a widespread campaign to surgically remove subcutaneous nodules (containing the worm parasites) in the countrys four endemic areas: Central (which includes Suchitepequez, Solola and Chimaltenango Departments), Escuintla-Guatemala, Huehuetenango, and Santa Rosa. The disease threatened more than 500 of Guatemalas poorest communities. Nodule removal remained the national programs main strategy until 1987, when Merck pledged to make a new oral medicine for onchocerciasis (ivermectin, brand name Mectizan) available to all who need it, for as long as needed. Mectizan distribution began on a pilot basis in Guatemala the following year. When pilot studies were found to be successful, Guatemalas national program adopted Mectizan mass drug administration (MDA) twice per year as its primary elimination strategy in 1991.

By 2009, the MDA program had eliminated onchocerciasis from the Santa Rosa focus, the first of the 13 onchocerciasis foci in the Americas to do so. The Escuintla-Guatemala focus followed in 2010, and Huehuetenango in 2011. The largest and final Guatemalan focus, Central, completed its elimination activities in 2014. In 2015, 100 years after Robles first discovered the disease, Guatemala submitted a request to WHO for verification of elimination.

A WHO International Verification Team made its country visit to confirm elimination in June 2016. The teams report confirmed that transmission of the onchocerciasis parasite had been successfully wiped out from all four focus areas in Guatemala, and WHO Director General Dr. Margaret Chan sent an official letter of verification to the Guatemalan government.

Today, as a result of national leadership and strong partnerships, approximately 230,000 people in Guatemalas four formerly endemic areas are no longer at risk of contracting river blindness. The long struggle and ultimate victory against this disease belongs primarily to the people of Guatemala, the nations Ministry of Health, and their partners.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

In the late 1990s, an estimated 660,000 people in the Americas were at risk of onchocerciasis in 13 foci in six countries: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. The donation of Mectizan beginning in 1987 stimulated new partnerships and opportunities to fight onchocerciasis. After PAHO declared elimination as the goal for the region using a strategy of mass drug administration, a regional partnership, the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program of the Americas (OEPA), was established to focus on reaching that objective. OEPA was launched in 1993 with funding from the former River Blindness Foundation, which The Carter Center absorbed in 1996. Both the Carter Center's OEPA and PAHO provide technical assistance to the affected national country programs. Most financing for the programs comes from the countries themselves, with supplemental financial support to the programs from other donors through The Carter Center. Elimination would not have been possible without the generous donation of Mectizan by Merck.

Thanks to the dedication of the six ministries of health and thousands of community-based health workers, today transmission of onchocerciasis has been eliminated or interrupted in all but two of the Americas' original 13 endemic foci. Progress in the Americas has provided lessons for pursuing elimination efforts in Africa, where more than 120 million people are at risk and hundreds of thousands have been blinded by the condition. The Carter Center assists governments in four countries in Africa in their efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda. Since 1986, The Carter Center has pioneered multiple disease elimination projects in Africa and Latin America, while assisting in nearly 28 million Mectizan treatments to prevent river blindness in 2015.

###

"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Another harvest is done and I am yet to decide whether I am pleased, disappointed or somewhere in between.

It was a late start to harvest here at home, with the Reflection winter wheat the first crop we cut.

Having been more prone to rust than an Austin Allegro all season, the omens werent good, but it yielded well and was an absolute pleasure to combine.

It thrashed easily, which meant I could charge along until the handbrake was firmly applied by the spring barley.

See also: Read more from our Arable Farmer Focus writers

Once you have cut one acre of barley, you have cut all 700. I would adjust this, tweak that and no matter what ingenious ideas I had to improve output, the straw losses would peg you back to 3.8km/hour.

In fields the best part of a kilometer long, progress seemed painful, especially as the slightest hint of moisture at night would leave the auger resembling a thatched cottage.

The spring beans were the biggest disappointment. Despite not being planted until nearly May, they grew to 6ft tall and podded reasonably. However, it is the size of the bean in the pod that was the problem.

They were small, but a beautiful colour with very little pest damage, so they should make human consumption quality.

Despite the headline yield being low, the reduction in herbicide spend of 77% from last year due to the late planting could well make this a more profitable approach in future.

One big success from the summer has been the 17-year-old chaser bin I bought before harvest. One quick Formula 1-style tyre change from 700s to 1050s, coupled with the trusty John Deere 6920 on dual wheels, has meant it will walk on water.

Hopefully this will aid my transition to direct drilling by being kind to the soil.

While I have been writing this article I have changed my mind  I am pleased with this season.

Yields have been lower on the whole than I am used to, but so has my cost of production. My agricultural happiness barometer is set by the levels of blackgrass seed return, and as that has been very low, I am happy!

Will Howe farms 384ha of medium to heavy land at Ewerby Thorpe Farm, near Sleaford, Lincolnshire. He mainly grows spring crops and also manages a further 200ha on contract.
Farm leaders have defended the need for direct payments funded by the UK taxpayers after a Greenpeace report revealed wealthy landowners, aristocrats and a Saudi prince were among the top recipients of CAP subsidies.

The Queen, Lord Iveagh, the Duke of Westminster, Duke of Northumberland, Saudi horse breeder Khalid Abdullah al Saud and others each received EU farm subsidies in excess of 400,000 last year.

Sandringham Farms, the 6,400ha estate owned by the Queen, received 557,706.52 and the Duke of Westminsters estate, which is farmed by Grosvenor Farms Limited, received 437,433.96.

See also: Prepare now for less support post-Brexit, farmers told

Aberdeenshire farmer Frank Smart topped the list, receiving a total payment of nearly 3m (2,963,732.77). Mr Smart farms about 34,400ha, from Aberdeenshire to the Western Isles, under his business Frank A Smart & Son.

Two large estates owned by household goods billionaire Sir James Dyson, under the business name Beeswax Farming (Rainbow) Ltd, received 1,437,706.39.

A total of 87,927,951 was paid to the top 100 in 2015. Of this, 61,194,962 was given under the now defunct single payment scheme (SPS), meaning the top 100 recipients were paid more than the bottom 55,119 combined.

National Trust and RSPB in top 20

The National Trust, Natural England and the RSPB were all in the top 20. But Greenpeace said these organisations used their subsidies for important conservation work such as managing habitats.

These same organisations are calling for a post-Brexit policy that encourages landowners to do more for the environment and rewards those who are already farming in ways that benefit nature.

Greenpeace said its report showed the CAP continues to reward major landowners and wealthy individuals on the basis of how much land they own and only minor weight was given to environmental protection and the sustaining of food supplies in the rural economy.

But farm leaders hit back at the claims, insisting that large estate owners were increasingly being paid for the good work they do for the environment.

Large-scale landowners best placed to help environment

Christopher Price, policy director at the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA), said: Managing larger tracts of land can make a significant difference to enhancing our natural world because of the scale of operations.

Vital environmental objectives such as improving water quality or increasing farmland bird populations require investment, so it is these larger landowners who are best placed to provide these benefits for future generations.

Andrew Clark, NFU director of policy, said: British farmers create a countryside that works for everyone. They are the primary food producers growing the raw ingredients for the UKs food and drink sector, worth 108bn  and supporting jobs for 3.9 million people.

The current financial support to farm businesses helps with the delivery of a secure food supply.

We must remember that the average support payment for a dairy farmer, for example, is 25,000/year while the average monthly running cost of a dairy farm is 40,000  without taking wages.

These farm businesses have roots that run through the rural community and their contribution is significant on both a local and national scale when it comes to the economy.

The Conservative government has said it will ensure the level of direct payments paid to UK farmers remains the same until 2020. However, beyond Brexit, the level of farm support has yet to be agreed.
Upset Hindus are urging for apologies from London Fashion Week (LFW), its organizer British Fashion Council (BFC), its principal sponsor Sunglass Hut and London based fashion designer Ashish Gupta for trivializing Hindu deities in one of the LFW shows in London on September 19.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that Hindu deities were meant to be worshipped in temples and home shrines and it was highly inappropriate to unnecessarily parade their likeness in fashion shows for mercantile greed.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, is urging BFCs Chief Executive Caroline Rush to issue a formal apology for such presentation, which many Hindus found disrespectful.

An organization like BFC, which aimed to further the interests of the British fashion industry and which was funded by the government including the Mayor of London, should have shown some maturity and responsibility before permitting such a show, which was insensitive and hurtful to the devotees, Rajan Zed indicated. Luxottica owned Sunglass Hut, which claimed to be the worlds leading authority on premium sun-wear, should also be not in the business of sponsoring such disrespectful shows, Zed added.

Zed further said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it was disturbing to the faithful. Hindus were for free expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more, but faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it tormented the devotees, Zed pointed out and added that businesses should be respectful to various faith traditions.

Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Rajan Zed noted.

Writing about this Ashish Guptas Bollywood Bloodbath catwalk show at LFW (September 15-20) in Londons Brewer Street; fashion website styleXstyle, calling it Downright Disrespectful, said that we couldnt help but notice how models were dressed as Hindu deities to showcase the looks and I see models faces painted to replicate that of Hindu Gods. It further asked What does Lord Shiva or Hindu Goddess Kali have to do with fashion? and added that cultural appropriation is not cool or hip or edgy. Its disrespectful.

Themuse.jezebel.com said that Ashish sent models down the runway painted like Hindu gods and goddesses. The Huffington Post UK stated that models makeup was based on the Hindu goddess Kali.

LFW is one of the key events of BFC.

Source : From Our Correspondent
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Were excited to announce that metalbulletin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com.

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Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared the governor-elect of Edo state, following the conclusion of electoral proceedings.

Edo state Governor elect, Godwin Obaseke all smiles during a press briefing at the APC campaign office in Benin City, Edo state. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

Nineteen candidates vied for the ticket to the Government House, however, the main contest was seen between Godwin Obaseki of the APC and Andrew Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party of the PDP.

There was a heightened sense of suspense in Benin, even as the final analysis of collations for the Edo election was ongoing.

Edo state Governor elect, Godwin Obaseke, during a press briefing at the APC campaign office in Benin City, Edo state. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

Edo state Governor elect, Godwin Obaseke, celebrating his victory in Benin City, Edo state. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

Edo state Governor elect, Godwin Obaseke, celebrating his victory in Benin City, Edo state. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

READ ALSO: Edo Decides: How Oshiomhole, Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu voted (photos)

After collation from 17 local governments, a final report from Ovia South West showed that the APC had 12,820 votes while the PDP had 8810, bringing the sum total of votes to 319,483 and 253,173 respectively.

According to statistics, the All Progressives Congress comes up top with a difference of 66,310 votes, however, some analysts raised fears that the election might take a new dimension if the number of votes rejected across the LGAs becomes a thing to take into consideration.

APC party agent receiving his result as the winner of the Edo state Governorship election by INEC official in INEC office, Benin City. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

Legit.ng team has been on ground in Benin to bring minute-by-minute reports regarding the election results.

Read our live coverage below. Remember to always refresh your browser for fresh updates.

In a final announcement by Professor Kayode Soremekun the returning officer, the APC had 319,483 while the PDP had 253,173.

Professor Soremekun further informed that the total valid votes was 582,299, with total votes cast at 613,244 and rejected votes at 30,945.

The ruling party wins in Edo state!

Analysis from the graph above shows that with the situation within 17 out of 18 LGAs announced, Obaseki will eventually come tops, even if he get '0' in Ovia South-West, which is not theoretically possible, as the gap is already 62,300 votes.

The official report by INEC is still awaited, and will be announced shortly.

With one more local government to go, APC has 306, 663 while PDP has 244363.

Akoko Edo

APC 24,545

PDP 13,027

Results for 16 local governments have been announced, with the APC amassing a total of 282,118 votes while PDP got 231,336 votes.

Edo state Governor elect, Godwin Obaseke, during a press briefing at the APC campaign office in Benin City, Edo state. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

Ikpoba-Okah

APC 33,469

PDP 26,096

Registered Voters: 260,965

Accredited Voters: 65,348

With the reports from Etsako West the APC now has 248,649 while PDP has 205,240 votes, the two parties separated by 43,409.

Etsako West

APC 29,199

PDP 10,843

Following reports from 14 local governments, APC has 219,450 votes while PDP has 194,397. There are 4 more local governments to go.

Etsako East

APC 18,078

PDP 12,552

Total Valid Votes: 30,858

Total Votes Cast: 31,914

Rej Votes: 1,056

After 13 local governments, the APC has come up with 201,372 votes, while PDP came up with 181,845.

APC supporters celebrate Obaseki's victory. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

APC supporters celebrate Obaseki's victory. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

APC supporters celebrate Obaseki's victory. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

APC supporters celebrate Obaseki's victory. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

Esan Central

APC 9,781

PDP 10,180

Total Valid Votes: 20,211

Total Votes Cast: 21,364

R- Votes: 1,153

After 12 local governments, APC has 191,591 votes while PDP has 171, 665

Etsako Central

APC 10,373

PDP 8,827

Total Valid Votes: 19,538

Total Votes Cast: 19,907

R-Votes 549

Owan East

APC 21,233

PDP 12,889

Out of 10 local governments, APC has 159,985 votes while PDP has 149,949 votes

Ovia North East

APC 17,561

PDP 13,141

Out of the 18 LGA's INEC announces 9 results, 9 more to go. Proceedings continue.

Police disperse protesters angry over the results obtained from Oredo local government.

Some aggrieved party members are reportedly protesting at the INEC office in Edo state.

A one hour break has been proposed by the chief returning officer. The announcement of results to be continued at noon.

Out of 9 local governments we have APC - 142,424 and PDP is 136, 808

Results for Esan West is as follows:

APC 13,114

PDP 16,311

Esan West is next.

After 8 local governments, APC has a total of 129,310 votes while the PDP has 120,497 votes.

Orhiomwon

APC 15,262

PDP 16,446

Calls for cancellation of election results in Oredo stirs debate

Commotion takes the room following some arguments about votes that were cancelled.

Sirens blaring in the background, security is at its most heightened state, some more local governments are yet to arrive.

After 7 local government, the results stands at 114,048 for APC and 104,051 for PDP

Oredo local government area is next.

APC 37,612

PDP 30,492

Total Valid Votes: 69,401

Total Votes Cast: 73,712

6 / 18 LGAs announced

APC - 76,436

PDP - 73,559

10:02am Colation officer for Esan South East takes the floor

APC 9,554

PDP 11,466

Registered voters: 66,698

Accredited voters: 22,522

After the first 5 results..... APC - 66,882, PDP - 62,093

Uhunmwonde

APC 10,911

PDP 8,667

Accredited Voters: 21,927

Igueben

APC 7,802

PDP 7,560

Total Valid Votes: 15,506

Total Vote Cast: 16,086

Egor LGA

APC 26,177

PDP 19,514

Registered Voters: 184,296

Accredited Voters: 49,802

9:35 Questions raised over cancelled vote

Esan North East

APC 9,130

PDP 16,220

Total Valid Votes: 25,747

Total Vote Cast: 26,944

Colation officer for Esan North East takes the stage

Owan West:

APC 12,862

PDP 10,132

Registered Voters: 54,406

Accredited Voters: 24,487

Official from Owan West LGA kick starts the announcement process.

9:08am: INEC begins proceedings to announce the election results.

The voting in Edo state was concluded on Wednesday, September 28, with many going all out to support their preferred candidates.

Following conclusion of voting on Wednesday, INEC has said that there are no results yet, informing that collation of results for the governorship election would begin today, September 29.

It was gathered that the decision to commence the collation today is in connection with the late arrival of results from the 18 local government areas.

The Edo election has been tagged two horse race between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), though nineteen candidates are vying for the ticket to the Government House.

Edo state has a total of 1,925,105 registered voters; 192 Registration Areas (RAs); 2,627 Polling Units (PUs); and 4,011 Voting Points (VPs).

Shortly after conclusion of elections in all parts of Edo state, some unofficial results began to trickle in, with the PDP taking an initial lead, and the APC taking over somewhere midway.

Reports suggested that after collation of 727 Polling Units out of 2,672 Units in Edo state, APC has a total of 69,196 votes while PDP has 75,088 votes; with over 13,000 rendered invalid.

A total of 25,000 police officers were deployed across the state to ensure peace and security during the polls, while 44 observer groups were accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as election monitors.

Source: Legit.ng
- Suspected Fulani herdsmen kidnapped a catholic priest in Enugu

- Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor conformed the kidnap and claimed the herdsmen asked for N2.5 million ransom

- Igbo governors were blamed for not taking proactive measures against herdsmen

Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked in Enugu leading to the kidnap of the rector of Tansi Major Seminary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Dim while Rev. Frs. Jude Chukwuneke and Jude Ezeokana who were with him managed to escape with gunshot wounds.

Vanguard reports that Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor who is the director of communication of the diocese claimed the herdsmen who kidnapped Dim had called asking for N2.5 million ransom.

READ ALSO: Amaechis kinsmen raise alarm over herdsmen invasion

He said: Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has decided and directed that ransom should not be paid for the kidnap of any of its priests and anybody that is demanding for ransom for the release of any priest kidnapped is wasting time.

If anybody or group goes ahead to pay ransom for the release of any priest, the person or the group is on his own.

In a statement issued, the church said the incident happened September 26 around 7pm along Nkpologwu/Nimbo road in Enugu.

The three Catholic priests were returning from Nsukka to Onitsha and Nnewi, after a condolence visit to Rev. Fr. Uchenna Ezeh of Nsukka Diocese who lost his mother, before they were attacked and while Rev. Fr. Dim is still being held by the herdsmen- kidnappers who are demanding a ransom of N2.5 million, Rev. Fr. Ezeokana, who lectures in both Fr. Tansi Major Seminary Onitsha and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, received treatment briefly at a hospital in Nsukka, but is now recuperating at Awka his home Diocese.

Rev. Fr. Chukwuemeka, who is the Chaplin of St Camillus de Lellis Chaplaincy, College of Health Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi ,who was shot on the head has been transferred from Memphis Specialist Hospital Enugu to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where he is currently receiving treatment.

On a separate place the same Monday 26th September, 2016, a Vincentian priest whose name is yet to be confirmed was also kidnapped with his brother along Abuja Lokoja express way, another Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ugwu was kidnapped on August 9,2014 along Ugwuogo-Nike-Opi and few weeks back a senior seminarian was killed in cold blooded in Attakwu, Enugu State, and one begins to wonder if Catholic priest have become endangered species.

Rev. Fr. Aghaulor lashed out south east governors who he accused of folding their arms while herdsmen went on rampage.

While their counterparts in the North are influencing the federal government in spending billions of naira to contain the Boko Haram insurgents, when something more worrisome and sinister than the activities of Boko Haram is being done in the South East by the Fulani Herdsmen.

The South East Governors and their Chairman have done nothing to protect the people of South East, the Enugu State Governor whose state is where the menacing activities of the of the herdsmen is worst and the state legislators have not done anything to protect the people there, they should borrow a leaf from Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State.

We are in Federalism, and each state have right to make certain law governing them, what prevents Enugu State Government from making laws that can protect the people there, Governors of South East and their State Assemblys should make laws that will protect their people.

READ ALSO: Slaughter any cow found roaming Abuja streets - Senate orders

He lamented the atrocities committed by the herdsmen and that while innocent people are left unprotected, we have seen barrage of military wares and personnel protecting the pipelines in Niger Delta, as if oil is more important than peoples life. Why should people be killed without provocation in their own traditional lands?

We are asking the government for how long would this continue, is this the type of country we all signed up for, is this part of the change, is there no rules and laws in this country , all over Nigeria women are being raped, people are intimidated, innocent Nigerians are being slaughtered and property worth billions of Naira destroyed by the suspected Fulani Herdsmen.

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 ...
- Pan Niger Delta societies groups have harshly criticised RT. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transport, for organising Niger Delta Summit

- The group described the summit as charade and accused the minister of trading out his own region -- the Niger Delta region -- for the benefit of the Northern region

- "It's an insult to the people of Niger Delta for Amaechi who is the region's number one enemy to be speaking for the people."

The joint press statement issued on Wednesday, September 28, reads in part:

"Our attention has been drawn to a summit tagged, Niger Delta Summit, organised by the minister of transport of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, RT. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Ordinarily, we ought not to react negatively to any step that is intended to bring peace to our region if such action is embalmed with genuine desire for the development of the region.

READ ALSO: Soyinka disowns Niger Delta militants, demands Nigeria restructuring

We are, however, very worried as to the rationale behind the summit and what it intends to achieve when series of summits organised in the past are gathering dust in our national archive. The charade called Niger Delta Summit is another political jamborees orchestrated by Amaechi and his paymasters to divert the real cause of the struggle.

It is an indisputable fact that Amaechi has been adopted by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) as one of their own for trading out his own region, the Niger Delta region for the benefit of the Northern region. Amaechi, therefore, cannot represent the region in any capacity. He is a northerner residing in the Niger Delta region.

Is it not this same Amaechi brazenly told the world that the Niger Delta people did not deserve educational right in Nigeria? Which political gimmick Amaechi want to organise when in the real sense he is the main architect of the present conflagration in the region?

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to quote verbatim a statement made by Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, the national publicity secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on January 26 this year.

He said: "We first took cognizance of your extreme love for the North when you courageously supported the then Jega-led INEC creation of additional 30,000 polling units, at a time that Southern Leaders were strongly against it for favouring the north against the south.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Niger Delta Avengers confront security operatives, one militant dead

You boldly and openly criticised the then president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for halting it because it favoured the North, you gladdened our hearts when you announced the cancellation of the needless NIMASA proposed Maritime University in Gbaramatu Delta state, because of the plan of this government to upgrade the Nigerian Aviation College in Zaria to a university status.

We thank you so much and may God bless you richly for everything you have done for us. Sir we are glad to inform you that, we formally adopt you as one of our own...you have earned yourself a home in the north."

To this end, Hon Rotimi Amaechi who is an adopted son of Arewa does not have the *locus standi to talk about peace, security and development in the Niger Delta.

He does not have the moral rectitude to organise that summit. It's an insult to the people of Niger Delta for Amaechi who is the region's number one enemy to be speaking for the people. The interest Amaechi has to serve is the interest of the north not the Niger Delta. Let him forget his summit."

READ ALSO: APC opens up about Amaechis political ambition for 2019, slaps Jonathan

The statement was signed by Barr. Dickson Bekederemo, the president of Niger Delta Security Watch Organization of Nigeria; Fred Brisibe, the coordinator of Ijaw Human Rights Monitors; Comr, Austin Ozobo, the president of Ijaw People Development Initiative; Alaowei Cleric Esq., the national president of Foundation for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (FHRACC).

Recall that the Chief Edwin Clark-led Pan Niger Delta Coastal States Stakeholders Consultative Forum also rejected the two-day summit in the region proposed by the federal government.

Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDJM) has bombed a major pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company. The attack was carried out on Thursday, September 29 on a delivery line in Delta state.

*In law, locus standi means the right to bring an action, to be heard in court, or to address the court on a matter before it

Source: Legit.ng
Legit.ng is #1 online trusted source of the latest news in Nigeria. We are covering Nigeria news, Niger delta, world updates, and Nigerian newspaper reviews. We guide our readers to the world of politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle and human interest stories.
It was my first day at the outpatient HemOnc clinic, and I was still learning the acronyms peculiar to this specialty. Multiple myeloma was MM; a type of antibody or disease-fighting protein called immunoglobulin was IgG; chemotherapies included R-CHOP, R-EPOCH, DCEP, CyCarD, thalidomide derivatives, many more combinations of meaningless letters. I struggled to interpret the alphabet soup.

The patient initially presented in January a year ago with right-sided headache, eye and ear pain, blurred vision, and right lip tingling. The diagnosis was plasmacytoma of the skull base, a rare tumor formed by plasma cells that was encroaching on her brain and cranial nerves, and she was treated with radiation. Two months later her disease progressed to multiple myeloma with an M-spike of IgG. She was making a component of an immunoglobulinthe lambda free light chainin excess; the normal range is 5.71-26.3. Hers was 699. She started chemotherapy, which led to Pneumocystis pneumonia and mucositis with intractable nausea and vomiting. She had a PEG tube placed for nutrition. The chemo cleaned out her bone marrow, and she underwent an autologous stem cell transplant in August; the initial response was good, and her IgG fell to 134 with lambda free light chains of 12.2. Chemo had damaged her heart muscle and given her systolic heart failure; her ejection fraction was less than 40%. At her 100-day evaluation around Thanksgiving, she was started on maintenance chemotherapy with a drug that would be less toxic to her heart, but a few days after Christmas her lambda free light chains were climbing again, to 126. The disease had relapsed. She started a new regimen of chemo after New Year's.

Today was the first day of February. I entered the examination room to take her interval history. She was only a few years older than I am, and her husband was seated by her side. Her brown hair was short with a slight curl and lay close to her head, and her blue eyes seemed large in her thin, pale face. She complained that her headaches had returned and noted that the plasmacytomas on her skull were growing again. She had two visible tumors; each protruded from her skull above her temples, like nubs of tiny antlers, and I examined them gently. She had recently started to slur her words and worried that the tumors were growing inside her skull again, pressing on her brain. Her husband said that they would take their sons to Disney World for spring break in March and asked if she would have any restrictions at the theme park. Her face brightened at the mention of the trip to the happiest place on earth. We scheduled the infusions and follow-up appointments around their travel dates. A few days later the results of her lambda free light chains came back; they had reached 1,089.6. A new chemotherapy was ordered to begin on February 8.

On February 7, she presented to the ED with acute-onset right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. According to the notes, her abdomen was visibly distended and tender. In addition to multiple lytic lesions of the thoracic and lumbar spine, CT showed a soft tissue mass involving the vertebral body which extends approximately 6 mm into the spinal canal at T7, a 3-mm nodule in the upper lobe of her right lung, and a 5.7 x 16.6 x 16.3 cm mixed density subcapsular fluid collection along the right lobe of the liver with areas of higher attenuation concerning for acute blood products. Multiple hypoattenuating lesions were noted in the liver and spleen, and a cystic lesion in the pancreas. Subcapsular hematoma of liver was diagnosed, and she was admitted to HemOnc A. Her hemoglobin trended downward to 6.9, and she was transfused.

When I came to work at the clinic on Monday, my preceptor told me about the patient's admission. That afternoon we went up to the floor to check on her, and her room was filled with family. She sat up in bed, and the sounds of conversation flowed around her. The PA explained that she had lesions in her liver that were bleeding, and she felt pain as the tough capsule around the liver stretched to contain the blood. If the bleeding stopped, her body would eventually resorb it. But if she kept bleeding and the capsule burst, it would be catastrophic. She was not a candidate for surgery. The new chemotherapy could not begin until her liver stopped bleeding. We said we would check if there might be a role for radiation therapy. And we monitored her.

By the end of the week, her hemoglobin stabilized, which suggested that she had stopped actively bleeding into the liver capsule. The PA and I visited her again on Thursday afternoon to let her know that the new chemo could start. She was sitting in a recliner near the window; her husband sat on the bed. The room was again filled with family; her parents, her teenage sons, her sister, many more I hadn't met before. There were cheerful Mylar balloons and flowers in the room. She said that her pain was managed well, and she put on a brave face as she listened intently to the PA talk about the new cycle of chemotherapy. Only toward the end did her eyes begin to well with tears, but she blinked them away. She seemed glad to proceed with more treatment. It was hard for me to look at her.

As the PA and I said our farewells, the patient's husband got up and followed us into the corridor. We have some questions that we didn't want to ask in front of everyone. The petite PA turned to face him; suddenly she looked very young to me. He asked her about the new chemo, about prognosis, about discharge, and going home. He asked about the trip in March and if she could recommend a facility in Orlando that would infuse the cell-killing chemo into his wife while they celebrated at Disney World with their sons. He said his wife had her heart set on the trip.

The PA's face was grave. We are still really touch-and-go here. If the liver capsule bursts, she won't survive. If the bleeding stops, she may have weeks ... or the chemo may buy us months. She asked if he had discussed final wishes with his wife; did they want a full code if something went wrong? They had filled out papers a year ago, he said, but never signed them. He knew his wife didn't want extraordinary measures beyond the point of hopelessness; neither of them did. He asked if that point was imminent. He noted that everything about the earlier decision seemed different, now that it was not merely an abstraction, but would soon be their reality. The PA recommended that they make an appointment with the chaplain to discuss and complete the paperwork. It would make it easier, she said. He asked about Disney, again. The PA looked at the floor. I blinked back my own tears and studied my hands. OK, he said, and went back into his wife's hospital room, closing the door behind him.

The PA and I entered the physician workroom. Another PA student, a classmate of mine, gave me a big smile from across the room. I offered a half-hearted wave; I felt sick and was still trying to blink my tears away. The PA told the residents that chemotherapy would begin, and if the patient's blood counts stayed stable, she could be discharged in a day or so. The residents were amazed that the patient would get chemo.

As we rode down in the elevator back to the outpatient clinic, the PA muttered, Why do they ask me these questions? Why don't they ask the doctors? But I knew why. This couple trusted her, and felt comfortable with her. They knew she would provide an honest assessment in language they could understand. The physicians were brilliant, but they weren't as accessible as the PA. The physicians spouted clinical trial data and statistics and spoke in acronyms. The PA, however, seemed human, and they related to her. But that didn't make it easier for the PA. She didn't want to be the one to deliver and explain bad news of the poor prognosis. She didn't want to tell a man that his wife would die before, or soon after, they could take their boys to Disney World. She didn't want to tell the couple that they were out of options. But she did it. She spoke clearly, in plain English, in terms they could understand. Her voice didn't even waver. I wondered if I could do this job.
- The governorship election in Edo state was a major battle between the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress

- Just after INEC declared Godwin Obaseki as the winner of the election, President Muhammadu Buhari called Governor Adams Oshiomhole

An elated President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, September 29, 2016, took to the telephone to speak with Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state for working for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election in Edo state.

Godwin Obaseki, the head of the economic team in Edo state, floored the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Speaking from Abuja, Nigeria's seat of power, Buhari also congratulated the government and people of Edo state on the successful conclusion of the election.

The president commended the well-articulated campaign programme of the APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, the governor-elect and party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance over the years and a promise of continuity.

READ ALSO: Lawmaker demands Oyegun's resigation for losing polling unit

The outcome of the election, according to the president, clearly reflected the mood of the people to sustain the pedigree of responsiveness, forthrightness and diligence that Governor Oshomole brought into the service of his people.

"The victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and the people of Edo state," Buhari said, adding that the victory was well-deserved as the campaign train, which he joined, worked hard to sell its people-centered manifesto.

He applauded the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, corps members and the electorate in ensuring a peaceful election in the state.

READ ALSO: Build on the legacies of Oshiomhole - Gov Bello to Obaseki

Obaseki won the majority of the votes cast, with a total of 319,483 against Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with polled 253,173 votes.

Source: Legit.ng
In Apples latest iOS 10 update theres a new feature that allows you to search GIFs in iMessage. But after realizing that using the search term butt resulted in a PG-13 version of a My Little Pony character, the company censored the search feature by hiding said images.

Apple has always had a pretty firm opposition toward anything pornographic appearing in its search results. In fact, the platform is completely porn-free and will not allow any third parties to hold pornographic images. All that being said, its a bit humorous to think that Apple made a mistake allowing those butt images to show up.

Moreover, in case you werent aware, Apple censors most search terms related to pornography and the company has a history of censoring. In 2013, the company removed 500px, a photography app, from the app store because of nude photos that were being published through it.

Apple is not the only company that censors what you can search and find on its platform. In fact, most major social media platforms, like Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, censor us in some form. Whether its banning female nipples from photos or rigging an algorithm so a particular hashtag cannot trend, censorship in the social media age is scary, especially considering more than 60% of Americans receive their news on Facebook and Twitter.

Where governments previously had control, it appears the power has shifted into the hands of private social media companies.

Take Twitter, for example. The online social networking service is often criticized for not protecting its users and allowing pretty much anything on its platform. Because it does allow anything on its platform and thats part of why people love it so much.

Twitter is also kind of like a filing cabinet that records and preserves our digital history for us. You can go to Twitter, search a hashtag and find photos, articles and all the opinions you could ever want to hear on a particular moment from (recent) history. Thats pretty cool, when you think about it. But whats not cool is finding tweets that you never saw, tweets that seemingly disappeared even though the 140-characters were typed.

Twitter has been caught removing tweets, hiding tweets and deleting trending hashtags. Such accusations have opened the doors to how such a prominent platformwhich sources the news for over half the population-gets away with censorship before our very eyes.

It was just a few months ago that Twitter was accused of censoring tweets under #DNCLeak during the WikiLeaks e-mail debacle. In this particular scenario, conservative Twitter users accused the platform of removing the hashtag from the trending bar, despite it displaying an estimated 250,000 tweets about the leaked employee e-mails from the Democratic National Committee.

On the other side of the political spectrum, of course, is the whole Milo Yiannopoulos situation, which involves permanent censorship in the form of banning. Another accusation comes from Trump supporters, which say the social platform concealed his tweets asking for campaign donations.

But is this censorship? Or is it just the work of a flawed algorithm?

Twitter, like other social platforms, works off an automated algorithm that determines what appears in your news feed and when. The information that shows up is based on an analysis of whom you interact with and what kind of tweets the algorithm thinks youll be more interested in seeing.

In some cases, you might not see a persons tweets in your timeline because of the algorithm. Then, when you go to that persons Twitter profile, there will be a slew of tweets you never saw. It could be as innocent as an algorithm only pushing certain tweets to the front of your feed-but that very fact shows the kind of power Twitter has.

If their algorithm can control what you see and when, whose to say that it cant be told to flag a particular tag or keyword and stop tweets containing that language from being noticed?

I spoke with an employee from Instagram and she mentioned that when Instagram was first released, she spent a lot of time removing dick pics from the platform.

Instagram prohibits graphic content referring to male and female body parts it wont allow users to publish photos of. However, though male nipples can be seen in images posted to the site, the mobile photography sharing service will remove any image containing female nipples.

Instagram needs to accept that we cannot live in a society that treats men and women differently, writes Silje Mari, an artist based in Norway. Men and women do not have the same rights, especially when it comes to Instagram. This is sexism, and yes I am a feminist fighting for equality. Now I worry Instagram may disable my account.

In its community guidelines, Instagram names a few rules you have to follow, like only sharing photos that you took and not spamming people for fake followers and likes. It also describes its censorship of nudity, noting, We know that there are times when people might want to share nude images that are artistic or creative in nature, but for a variety of reasons, we dont allow nudity on Instagram.

Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom revealed one of those reasons in an interview with _Business Insider. Basically, it all goes back to Apple censoring nudity and pornographic images. Remember when I mentioned that third party apps couldnt contain graphic content? Apple considers female nipples pornographic, so in order for Instagram to remain on our smartphones (and keep Apple happy) it cannot #freethenipple any time soon.

But its not just female nipples that Instagram wants to censor. In March 2013, Rupi Kaur had an image of herself removed twice by the social platform. What was so wrong about it? Well, it showed her lying in bed (clothed) with a red menstrual stain on her underwear and bed sheets. Apparently, this was a violation of Instagrams community guidelines, so the photo was removed.

This just goes to show who is sitting behind the desk. And who is controlling the show. Who is controlling the media and who is censoring us, wrote Kaur.

I recently wrote about how Facebooks Trending platform is seriously flawed. But Facebook, in general, when it comes to content curating, is incredibly defective.

Lets say you want to post something on Facebook, but youre not sure whether or not its considered controversial. Facebook has a list of things it prohibits on its platform, including, but not limited to: nudity, hate speech, fake profiles and spam. If you see someone post something on Facebook that you think breaks these rules, you can report it, and then Facebook will remove it.

But what about when Facebook itself catches you breaking its rules or posting something it doesnt like? Youll get a warning that what youre posting isnt allowed, usually followed by a suspension from your account for a set amount of time. Anyone else feel like theyre in kindergarten again?

A few weeks ago, Facebook was in hot water for removing and suspending the account of Espen Egil Hansen, CEO and editor-in-chief of Norway-based publication, Aftenposten_. Hansen posted the iconic Napalm Girl image by Nick Ut, which was a violation of Facebooks Community Guidelines since the image contains a naked child.

Not only did Facebook delete the post, but it also deleted the article Hagen penned in response, in which he accused the company of censorship. Though Facebook ultimately backed down, apologized and ceased censoring the photo, the incident is one of many censorship concerns for the social platform.

The Trending module, for example, operates off the sense of an algorithm and a few real humans. Meaning that, not only does the algorithm still make mistakes, but also theres room for a biased employee to determine what they think should be trending and what shouldnt.

A report conducted by Online Censorship, a platform what documents social media censorship from user-generated data, found that Facebook is censoring us the most compared to other social channels.

Unfortunately, since these private companies set the rules of their platforms and we blindly sign up for them, they technically arent doing anything illegal. But, thats also because social media is still so new and we havent, until now, realized how these platforms impact our right to freedom of speech.

You dont have to have an account on a social channel if you dont want to-but if you choose to, then you have to play by their rules.

If youre not happy with how one of these platforms operates, you can just delete your account and move on with your life, right? But before you do so, consider what that action would mean. It would mean that youre aware of the control a social media company has, that you dont like it, but that instead of doing anything about it, youre just going to turn your back and walk away. If we all just did that, wed win though, right?

Remember: more than half our population gets our information from Facebook and Twitter. I dont think its as easy as saying everyone just stop using Facebook but I also dont think its as easy as telling companies they cant filter our tweets and that everyone and anyone should just be able to do whatever they want on the Internet.

Instead, we should push to ask companies to be more transparent about how they determine to censor users content. If your posts are censored online, report it and ask why? Submit an appeal and get an explanation from the site instead of just clicking Okay and waiting for your time out to be over. The more we all start to do this, the more we can bring about awareness and change for how private companies regulate speech.

And then maybe, just maybe, social media will start to be fun again.
Soft-centered chocolate pralines are what most tourists with a sweet tooth hunt down when they visit Belgium. Not that its much of a hunt: outposts of Leonidas, Neuhaus, Godiva and Guylain, pop up in a continuous loop on a stroll through the area all around Brussels Grand Place  miss one boutique and never fear, youre sure to run into another just a few steps away. But if you hang out with actual Belgians for long enough, eventually one of them will introduce you to a confection youve likely never heard of: a dusty-looking purple cone called, in French, a cuberdon (neuzeke, or small nose, in Flemish).

This is a very nostalgic taste, a childhood souvenir, says Fabian, one of several actual Belgians of my acquaintance. Hes just emerged from a high-end tourist shop in Bruges with a clear cellophane bag full of the cones, which at first glance, look unpromising. They dont glitter. They dont gleam. Theyre not chocolate. I pull one out of the bag and bite off its tip, unleashing a molten purple center. The experience isodd. The outer candy has the texture of soft licorice; the inner goo is the consistency of stiff molasses. The traditional cuberdon flavorsome manufacturers have lately come up with a few dozen moreis described as raspberry. But mostly, the taste of it is indistinctly sweet.

Yes, it is sweet, says Fabian. Considering that a few hours ago I watched him wash down a sugar-dusted, chocolate-dipped waffle with a cup of hot chocolate, this is quite an admission. But sweet is what youd expect from an ingredient list that consists of little more than sugar, gum Arabic, gelatin, and that so-called raspberry flavoring. Or from a syrup base that, 150 years ago, was a failed attempt by a pharmacist in Ghent at a new form of medicine, which hardened unexpectedly overnight into a candy. Eventually, this recipe was passed on to Antoine GeldhofConfiserie Geldhof has been operating since the 1950s. And along the way, other cuberdon makers have stepped into the fray; Cuberdons Leopold is the most recent but there are others, mostly churning out small batches to sell at outdoor markets and gourmet shops. Some manufacturers, though, sell mass-produced, Arabic-less versions at supermarkets.

The cuberdon competition is fierce. For starters, artisanal cuberdons can only be made in limited batchesand the wooden molds that hold them can only be used once. It takes seven days for these cuberdons to cure. And theyve only got a shelf life of eight weeks; after that, the outer crust begins to thicken and the inner goo starts to crystalize. Not to mention, the market, for the moment, is limited to Belgium and near-by countries that can receive and process shipments before they go stalethats why youve never seen a cuberdon for sale on the ground in the States. Although you might soon. Cuberdons Leopold has plans to market them at Fancy Food Shows in San Francisco and New York in 2017, with an eye to possibly opening up a base of operations within our shores. Americans might not have a nostalgic connection to cuberdons. But we do have sweet teeth enough to appreciate them.

Lela Nargi is a cookbook author and freelance journalist who lives in Brooklyn, NY. Find her at lelanargi.com.

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Goose Island will once again release its annual, highly sought-after, OG barrel-aged imperial stout on Black Friday of 2016, on Nov. 25. Bourbon County Stout will return with four variants in this years lineup: Bourbon County Stout Original, Bourbon County Stout Barleywine, Bourbon County Stout Coffee, and Bourbon County Stout Proprietors as a Chicago-only release.

This is potentially a defining year for the Bourbon County Stout brand, as the brewery is no doubt hoping to bounce back from a rough 2015, wherein bottles in multiple batches suffered from bacterial infection and resulting, unintended lactic sourness. The brewery offered refunds on certain 2015 batches as a result, including the especially sought-after Proprietors, in what amounted to a PR black eye. The infection issues gave some ammunition to those craft beer hardliners who have been critical of the brand since the companys 2011 acquisition by Anheuser-Busch. In Gooses defense, 2015s issues were not something the brewery has ever struggled with before, and it seems reasonable to expect the 2016 batch to be a return to form.

After asking for a comment on the issue, we heard from GI brewmaster Jared Jankoski, who has the following to say: This year has been an incredible learning process and one that has made us a better brewery with a better barrel-aging program  Im immensely proud of all of our efforts and, most importantly, the final product. Jankoski also published a post for the brewerys blog describing these issues in greater detail.

The brewery has also provided additional descriptions for several of the 2016 bottles. In addition to the classic, returning Bourbon County Stout Original and the Bourbon County Stout Barleywine, we have additional information on Proprietors and Coffee.

Chicago only Bourbon County Stout Proprietors

2016 BCS Proprietors is made using chipotle peppers and cocoa nibs, aged in bourbon barrels that previously stored maple syrup.

Bourbon County Stout Coffee

Each year, BCS Coffee is made with a different roast from our next door neighbors, Intelligentsia. This year, Goose Island went on an origin trip to Costa Rica with Intelligentsia to choose Flecha Roja, a roast that blends flavors of fruit and cherry, chocolate and nuttiness and a sublime aroma.

You can see larger photos of each variants bottle below.

Bourbon County Stout Original

Bourbon County Stout Barleywine

Bourbon County Stout Coffee

Bourbon County Stout Proprietors
Photo by sugargliding CC BY NC

Travel is usually an adventurous journey through which we explore the world around usboth present and past. The stories and human legacy found in museums, ancient architecture, preserved buildings and even just the streets present a fascinating glimpse into a bygone life. At these four U.S. destinations, you can step into another era as easily as checking into a hotel.

During World War I, a soldier would return to the crowded barracks of Fort McKinley on this tiny island off the coast of Maine, after working at the underwater minefield or shipping guns off to the Western Front in France. Even before this, in the 1800s, the island was an artistic retreat visited by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Today, visitors sleep in the same roomsalbeit (thankfully) enlarged and refurbishedin this fort built during the 1890s as one of the most well-defended coastal forts in the country.

After World War II, Fort McKinley was decommissioned and sold to private interests. In 1984, revitalization efforts began to transform the entire island into a resort community, building by building, from the officers homes, which are now condos, to the barracks, which became the Inn at Diamond Cove. When the restoration of the inn was 95 percent complete, a fire burned down the entire project except for the historic brick walls with their sturdy military construction. Rebuilding began, and the inn opened in 2015defying all odds after transforming itself twice, and winning a Maine Preservation Honor award.

The car-free Great Diamond Island can be reached via a short ferry ride from Portland, or by personal boat that can be docked at the marina. The island boasts several beaches, hiking trails, a history museum, a general store, a fitness center and a yoga studio. The inn offers 44 rooms and suites with terraces, two restaurants, an outdoor pool, and most importantly, peace and serenity.

The coastal Outer Banks of North Carolina are irresistibleat once wind-swept and wild, as well as rich in a long history of human civilization that has still not fully tamed the barrier islands. Among the inlets and dunes lies the site of the first successful manned airplane flight by the Wright Brothers, in Kill Devil Hills; and the first European settlement in America, the famed Lost Colony established in 1587 at Roanoke.

Manteo (pictured at top) is a small port village a few miles from Roanoke, named after a Native American chief who was an ally to the first English colonists. The town is established along a waterfront that is also home to the reconstructed Elizabeth II, the ship that brought those first brave souls. Manteos historic preservation is rare, with the oldest family-owned movie theater in the country (the Pioneer), picturesque lighthouses and Roanoke Island Festival Park, with real-life recreations of everyday life in an early American colony.

Visitors can stay in cottages that are listed on the Manteo Historic Home Registry, such as the Neva Midgett House; or even a boat in the harbor, the Starry Banner. This award-winning vintage yacht was privately commissioned by Tiffany Yachts to cruise the Atlantic coast, and is now moored in Manteo harbor for guest stays, according to the profile.

This amazingly restored 1770s town was an important stop on the way west for many early pioneers in the 18th and 19th centuries, many of whom stopped at the county courthouse while traveling the famed Shenandoah Valley to record deeds and do business. Documents signed by Thomas Jefferson himself are kept safely in its vault. George Washington and Patrick Henry, among others, either appeared in Fincastle or sent their agents to lay claim to tracts of wilderness lands. Another man of great fame, William Clark, returned here after his epic journey with Meriwether Lewis to marry a local girl.

Surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, the entire town of Fincastle is a recognized historic district. It has been described as a virtual museum of 18th and 19th century American architecture, with some dwellings dating back to the late 1770s. All in all, there are about 100 historic buildings including the courthouse, a blacksmith shop, a jail, churches, and many beautiful homesincluding an original log cabin depicting pioneer life, outfitted with furnishings and tools of the time.

Visitors can stay in bed-and-breakfasts such as Fincastle Gallery, located in the 19th century home of furniture maker Jake Cress; or Fincastle Vineyard B&B, a newer establishment located in a 1926 farmhouse that is now a family-owned and operated farm winery.

Photo by Carl Wycoff CC BY

This reconstructed 3,000-acre farm and village occupies land and buildings that were once home to one of the largest Shaker communities in the country. Nearly 500 Shakers lived here at its peak in the 1820s, and the community thrived well past the mid-19th century. Today you can visit this incredibly unique place of living history that occupies 34 of the actual, surviving historic buildings. An hour outside Lexington, this Shaker Village is Kentuckys largest National Historic Landmark and home to the countrys largest private collection of original 19th century buildings.

Besides their spirituality, the Shakers are recognized for their iconic architecture and skilled craftsmanship. The village does a great job of both documenting their history in many exhibits with original items from the community and demonstrating the crafts that Shakers were known for, such as quilting, furniture making and weaving.

Theres a restaurant that sources much of its down-home cooking from the working farm, and overnight visitors can stay in a guest room in one of the original buildings. Day passes are also available if you dont have time to stay overnight.

Shelley Seale is a travel and lifestyle writer and author based in Austin, Texas.
We love experts. But it keeps getting us into trouble. Our world decided at some point, long before Twitter ever existed, to give some people the blue checkmark of True Expert. But like True Detective, the True Expert could not live up to his or her promise, and this explains much about our culture.

Case in point: earlier this month, a feature ran in Vanity Fair about the 2015 downfall of the Silicon Valley company Theranos and its CEO/founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Theranoswhose name in no way reminds me of Thanatos, the Greek personification of deathis a health-tech corporation from Palo Alto, and is currently under investigation by the feds for the alleged crime of gigantic lies. The company claimed it was building a machine that could do deep diagnosis on finger-prick worth of blood. No needles needed. Of course, this turned out to be impossible.

Despite that, the startup was a tech darling, which tells you a lot about tech and its darlings. In his article, Nick Bilton weaves together three separate yet equally important narratives. First, the disturbing credulity of the Valley and business press. Second, the cult world of Theranos. Third, and most memorably, Bilton recounts the backstory of the perpetually unblinking Holmes, who had her security detail call her Eagle 1, and whose entire life and persona seems to have been constructed to deliberately imitate Steve Jobs, including high-functioning narcissism and taking advantage of a genial bearded man. The most striking aspect of the comedy of errors is how much credit Holmes was given on a wing, a prayer, and a patter. When asked how the blood-test device worked, she responded:

 a chemistry is performed so that a chemical reaction occurs and generates a signal from the chemical interaction with the sample, which is translated into a result, which is then reviewed by certified laboratory personnel.

Change the world was a favorite phrase of hers, even as she struggled publicly with a limited ability to explain how it all worked. What Homes did have, according to Bilton, was a preternaturally good story  Holmes had indeed mastered the Silicon Valley game. She scored a net worth of four billion dollars.

Two days after the Bilton piece, the Washington Post published a breathtaking article about Saudi Arabias recent, not-at-all-superficial changes. The piece, by noted Beltway ornament Dennis Ross, was a long, laudatory hymn to the glory and power of the fundamentalist regime and its quirky habit of beheading its own citizens. Not everyone was pleased with Ross imagination, although it was universally admitted to be a powerful instrument, especially when paid adequately.

The Ross piece quickly became famous on the web for its nausea-inducing properties, particularly with sentences like:

When we asked how those in the bureaucracy were reacting to the new demands, we heard that not everyone is happy but that younger, junior officials now feel they are part of something important and have embraced the new reality.

Reader, imagine the corrupt editor of your local newspaper writing a long defensive editorial about the mayors jackass son, and you have the essence of the piece. What are Ross qualifications for writing this bit ad copy?

Why, President Obama brought him onboard as a special assistant, and before that he served under Bush I and Clinton I, and before that Ross cycled through any number of dreadful think tanks, clamoring for the invasion of various parts of the Middle East.

In other words, Ross is an important American, just like Elizabeth Holmes. Ross is an expert in the Middle East, just as Holmes is an expert in tech, particularly the parts of tech where you change the world with other peoples money. Even given Ross track record and longer experience, to me he is still second fiddle next to Eagle 1.

How did these people have jobs? How did they keep them for so long? What Holmes wanted was simply undoable. Ross, who co-signed two Project for a New American Century letters supporting the invasion of Iraq, has been wrong about most everything hes ever touched. And this is just from two weeks in a particularly manic period in our national life. We could pick any week at random and see similar results.

Why is this allowed?

The case of Holmes and of Ross is not their story alone, but the story of politics, and the story of science, and their role in our society. Both of these roles were altered in response to trauma. This cleared a path for the Holmes and Rosses to reign supreme. To see where the Age of the Resume really dawned, we have to go back to the Sixties.

The British documentarian Adam Curtis argues that we changed our view of science after the war. There were only about a thousand physicists in the world in 1895, wrote Richard Rhodes, in Dark Sun: The Making Of The Hydrogen Bomb. Work in the new scientific discipline was centered in Western Europe in the early years of the twentieth century. The Manhattan Project changed that. After Los Alamos and the G.I. Bill, science went from being the pursuit of weird wealthy gentlemen to a government-funded project. The whitecoats gave us the bomb, but aside from that slender buzzkill, science was widely seen as a progressive force in the world. We were on an unstoppable march to the future.

Science lives in two worlds, Curtis argues. The first is the distant, professional one where actual research is done, away from the public eye. This is the domain of people such as David Baltimore, a biologist and publisher of 680 peer-reviewed articles, who won the Nobel at age thirty-eight for discoveries relating to the interaction between tumor viruses and cell genetic materials.

The second is the immediate, day-to-day world, where science has a role in the popular imagination. It is the job of mathemagicians such as Bill Nye and Neil DeGrasse Tyson to mind the gap and assure the rest of us science isnt breeding manimals for rowdy gladiatorial combat.

However, this role, as Curtis has pointed out, has changed. Where once science was an enterprise which seemed to point at a boundless future driven by rational investigation, we have moved ever-so-smoothly into public science as an enterprise which primarily deals in risk calculation. This happened in response to certain changes in our national life.

Science differs from other kinds of human endeavor in that its knowledge is always improving, being perfected. Its a pyramid thats still being built. And so discovery is tied up in the problems of human society. Yet science became one of these problems when we discovered DDT was killing wildlife, and after our bad breakup with nuclear power at Three Mile Island. What emerged instead, Curtis writes, was a powerful distrust of the idea that science and technocratic experts could make a better world.

It happened in politics too. Nineteenth-century progressivism wanted to take politics away from Tammany Hall and have a government run by smart guys  experts. This led to an alliance of the technocrats, politicians, and business class in this country.

But the coalition fell apart in the Sixties and Seventies. Long-term shared prosperity meant mass education, and an increase in democracy across all walks of American life. This threatened the ruling order, to put it mildly. On the cultural front, this meant African-Americans, Latinos, women, and the LGBT community fighting for their place in the sun. On the economic side, this meant unions and the poor wanting an equitable slice of the pie, precisely at the time when U.S. businesses decided to shaft the American worker and move shop overseas.

The alliance fractured. Public service had been once been a career path for doughy urban operators, smooth-tongued hillbillies, bored lawyers, Eastern old money, and bland college boys. After the Seventies, with both parties funded by soft money, the landscape tipped upside down. Politics became the realm of sleek political professionals in a revolving door of corporate-backed think tanks. Wall Street and Washington got over their mutual animosity. The career path of any long-term Washington insider is a pretty standard litany of think tank to public position back to think tank, depending on whose party is in power. When Obama appointed the walking resume of Merrick Garland, he showed his faith in this system. Garland and Ross are on the same spectrum; Ross is just the more loathsome end.

Curtis also mentions Ulrich Beck, a political scientist who wrote a book, Risk Society, right before Chernobyl cut loose. Science, Beck said, had manufactured risks. No longer would our bad news come from fire, flood, and quake. Now humans were the source of existential danger to civilization. In the past, politicians had tried to create a more equitable order, and science had dreamed of alien skies, but this would all change. The society Beck foresaw was negative and defensive, less concerned with doing good than preventing bad. He wrote:

The dream of the old society is that everyone wants and ought to have a share of the pie. The utopia of the risk society is that everyone should be spared from poisoning.

And business in the risk society is very, very profitable. Calming anxiety is a growing business. Behind the most innocuous 25 Ways to Please Your Man feature lurks the sneaking anxiety that there are hundreds of ways your man will not be pleased.

We still have experts today. They didnt go away. But their role has changed. We used to give limited power to experts to do the things we couldnt, like trusting lawyers to advocate for cases on our behalf, or believing Maury to tell us who the father is. This is still practiced on the smaller scale, for doctors, lawyers, and the like.

But at a more influential level, at the level where all of society can be affected, our experts have become more like our jailers than our guides. If the expert hero of the Sixties was the astronaut, then the expert icon of the Nineties was the dot-com millionaire, who peddled hermetically-sealed consumer comfort in a black turtleneck.

The expert was no longer a voyager following knowledge like a sinking star. Rather, the expert became a kind of a paranoid uncle or aunt who wanted to keep you from rough edges. For this is exactly the kind of expert opinion we treasure nowadays, in every walk of life, from politics to our Facebook feed.

Mars stopped being a place I thought America would go to, and became a set of photographs I could see in TIME Magazine, in between full-page ads for Cialis and Roth IRAs. It was all consumable, in other words, and consumption takes the edge off anxiety. This all happened at the same time America began its slow shift from a flawed democracy to a fake meritocracy.

That these two events coincided was a happy circumstance: if nowadays the business of the expert in politics or science or finance is not to do special things, but to provide special consumption, then what is required is the illusion, not the reality, of competence. And a fake meritocracy is well-suited to provide that illusion, in great numbers, across every field. For though actual, real competence is difficult and rare, illusory competence can be manufactured: it is simple as the word resume.

Thus we arrive at Holmes. We must not view her as a mistake; she is exactly what this system is designed to create. Theranos blood-testing machine was not a failure at all. A fake meritocracy produces a fake resume with a fake Steve Jobs presenting a fake device doing a fake job. Expecting otherwise is like complaining the actor playing Hamlet doesnt really stab the actor playing Polonius: what do you expect? We built the set ourselves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Did this apple really fall far from the tree?
READ: Barry Shulman Is Auctioning Off His Penthouse

September 29, 2016 Katie Callahan

With two WSOP bracelets and both a World Poker Tour and a European Poker Tour final table appearance, Barry Shulman has made his name in the poker world.

Add to it that hes also the publisher of CardPlayer Magazine and poker is practically a family affair and that statement rings true.

Well, this poker professional who still plays at 70 years old, mind you, is auctioning off his Versailles Penthouse in Las Vegas. What could become a sweet bachelor pad last sold for $4.88 million, according to Concierge Auctions.

But what really sends this 5,467-square-foot penthouse at 360 E Desert Inn Road over the top is the fact that its 18K gold gilded with elegant French interiors, a theatre and bar, extravagant views of the city, a 2,000-square-foot wraparound deck, jacuzzi (and fountain) and, oh yeah, the concierge service.

If all that luxury doesnt meet your fancy, just wait, theres more. Maybe these photos can give you an idea.

Photos courtesy of National Post and Concierge Auctions

The three-bedroom, six-bath penthouse has been on the market for just over 19 days. According to National Post, the design and name are no accident; they were inspired by the palace they visited on their honeymoon and returned to the U.S. to create it.

As it is listed, this penthouse looks particularly Baroque with 30-plus feet ceilings, wall sconces, fixtures, lighting and Roman drapes. The kitchen, with Viking appliances, is trimmed in gold leaf and the closet looks as large as a San Diego apartment. A marble staircase brings this masterpiece together, accompanied by the chandelier imported from France.

The sale only brings the ever-important question for Mr. Shulman himself, Why sell this beaut? Baroque?

You can read the full article on National Post right here.
Executive Television Producers Deborah Von Brod and Maria Bukhonina are back with a new adrenaline-filled international docu-series .-

KatiePaul

Contact

Deborah Von Brod

***@dnafilms.tv Deborah Von Brod

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-- We have embarked on a new cool show based on the international recovery efforts of our host Super Star millennial 30-year-old Archaeologist / Anthropologist Katie Paul:Katie Paul Her day job involves combating the looting and destruction of antiquities*in nations in crisis such as Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Israel. Sleeves rolled up, digging tools in hand. She's serious about saving ancient artifacts for the sake of preserving our collective human story.She's a gorgeous, kick-ass brainiac who not only protects the ancient artifacts she digs up (quite literally) on a regular basis, she gets tomb raiders who deliberately destroy important sites across the Middle East and North Africa.She's not afraid to stick her nose into anything. Actually, one of her most memorable trips to date was her 2011 trip to Egypt after the revolution. She's also no stranger to the camera; in fact, she's co-founder and co-star of the YouTube series Archaeo Ventures.She doesn't mind a little mud on her hands and a bit of sweat running down her face, working diligently to break the stereotype that archaeologists are all middle aged men with five o' clock shadows. Her name is Katie Paul. Her alias: TOMB SAVER.Maria Bukhonina comments:This new show being directed on location by Emmy winner Mike Gatanella and written by recent Emmy Nominee Frank Kosa - Producer and writer of The Story of God staring Morgan Freeman - Follow us on Instagram www.whitereindeerproductions.com. ( http://www.whitereindeerproductions.com/
Jared Blake to perform at two locations for Biketoberfest this year

By: Jared Blake Music

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-- Back from his tragic motorcycle accident last year, NBC's "The Voice" season one contestant, Jared Blake will perform at Biketoberfest.Schedule as follows:The World Famous Iron Horse Saloon - 10/12/16 at 8:00pmThe World Famous Iron Horse Saloon - 10/13/16 at 8:00pmBroken Spoke - 10/15/16 at 7:30pmBlake's musical influences consist of Blues, Rock, and Country. His concert will host original songs and his favorite covers from these genres. Jared has played the Lone Star state's' Lone Star Rally in previous years, and has become a Texas must-see concert for fans and motorcycle enthusiasts one-in-the-same.This year has proven to be a big one for the #1-rated television show alum. His single "Stomp" made its national television debut appearance on The Today Showwith Kathie Lee and Hoda. Blake was recently visiting and performing for our troops in war-zone areas overseas, visiting schools with his anti-drugs and alcohol message on his "Live To Be" tour with www.safeprevention.org Additional information and upcoming Jared Blake performances may be located at http://jaredblakemusic.com # # #About Jared BlakeJared Blake was first introduced to the world in 2011 on Season One of NBC's "The Voice" as an original member of Team Blake. Appearing before 14 million viewers weekly, the Country Rock rebel won the enthusiasm of audiences with his Grunge Rock style and R&B flair.From 2005-2008, Blake was signed with Sony Tree Publishing through hit songwriter Bob DiPiero. He went on to sign with Lucky Diamond Music where he co-wrote Texas Country music artist Curtis Grimes' hit single "Home to Me," which made it into the Top 5 on the Texas Music Charts in 2013. Blake has shared stages with Country acts as Lee Brice, Thompson Square, The Band Perry, and Randy Houser and has been featured in publications ranging from People to Rolling Stone magazines.
Tetra Pak delegations led by Niels Hougaard , Managing Director Arabia Area & Cluster Leader, Sales Management, Greater Middle East & Africa, participated in major annual event on theme of Sustainability, Innovation and Challenges

By: TRACCS jordan

Tetra Pak Team during the event

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--Tetra Pak, the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company, was platinum sponsor of the Arab Beverages Conference and Exhibition 2016 held on the 28and 29of September at the Grand Hyatt, Amman Jordan. This year the conference theme wasSpeakers at the opening session of the conference included the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and the Minister of Investment, H.E Dr. Jawad Al Anani, and the Chairman of the Arab Beverages Association (ABA), and Niels Hougaard, Tetra Pak Managing Director of Arabia Area & Cluster Leader, Sales Management, Greater Middle East & Africa (GME&A).In session two of the first day titled "Global Beverage Security", Mr. Ziyad AlJadid, Marketing Manager Head of Marketing Department, Tetra Pak Arabia Area, delivered a presentation about Global Packaging Trends and Branding the Final Product, shedding light on the importance of marking the final product with the brand. Tetra Pak also contributed to session four of day two titled Product /Packaging Innovation to the next level and beyond with presentations about New Products and Innovative Production Technology (Digitalization), and also to the section titled Environmental Issues with a presentation about Corporate Social Responsibility in The Middle East. In addition, Tetra Pak participated in the Round Table discussions, which was held on the sidelines of the conference, about the negative outlook for the beverage industry and the ways to face it."The Arab Beverages Conference and Exhibition is a key date in our annual events calendar since Tetra Pak is the global leader in packaging for beverages", said Niels Hougaard. "We are continuously striving to develop new products and processes that meet our rigorous quality and safety standards but with a lower environmental footprint."Mr. Hougaard went to say "Our brand promise, PROTECTS WHAT'S GOOD, plays out in three key areas: protecting food, protecting people and protecting futures. These are the pillars of our brand; and they are also the chapters of our sustainability story. Building a sustainable business requires combined thinking and action on many different levels. It involves working closely also with our customers, governments, society, and NGOs likes the Arab Beverages Association as a whole to explore ways in which we can make a lasting positive difference. It requires a commitment to continuous innovation, developing technologies and materials that will drive efficiency, remove waste, lower consumption of finite resources and reduce environmental footprints, while continuing to meet the ever-widening needs of the market."In the Greater Middle East and Africa cluster (GME&A), Tetra Pak operates in 49 countries and has 9 market companies, 21 sales offices and 5 converting plants. In the Arabia area market company of the GME&A cluster, Tetra Pak is present in 12 countries, with a team of 415 employees, and has offices located in UAE (Dubai), Jordan (Amman), (Kuwait) Kuwait City, Lebanon (Beirut), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Riyadh) and Yemen (Sana'a). In addition, there is a Tetra Pak converting factory in Jeddah.The Sixth Arab Beverages Conference and Exhibition ABCE 2016 is organized by the Arab Beverages Association in cooperation with the Jordan Chamber of Industry and the Arab Union of Food Industries, with the objective of presenting the latest technologies and break-through developments in the field of beverage manufacturing and production
PolyU President Tong (left) received a souvenir from RUPP.

Contact

Margaret Ho

***@polyu.edu.hk Margaret Ho

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-- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed Memorandums of Understanding and Agreement on educational and research collaboration with The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), the national university of Cambodia, on 19 September 2016 (Monday) at the signing ceremony in Cambodia.The agreements signify a broader and deeper collaboration between the universities in the areas of Service-Learning (SL), exchange of students and staff, development of innovative academic programmes and research.PolyU has been in strong ties with Cambodia since 2010 with a group of 20 students undertaking SL projects there. This summer, the number leaped to about 150 students and staff members. Among the successful SL projects, one of which was in collaboration with RUPP. PolyU and RUPP have mutually agreed to jointly establish a Global Service-Learning and Leadership Hub in Cambodia, signifying the beginning of a new phase of SL.Under the agreement, a Global Service-Learning and Leadership Summer School will be set up, targeting committed student leaders from PolyU, RUPP as well as higher education institutions of other countries. The one-month summer school programme, featuring a wide range of educational activities, will serve as an intellectually rich, diverse and dynamic platform where students from different parts of the world will learn and research on issues together and enhance their leadership abilities through SL. Combined with other initiatives including Global Staff Attachment Programme and international symposium, the hub will scale new heights in global service-learning and leadership education.These initiatives are in line with PolyU's plan to deepen and broaden the impact of SL in three directions, namely integrating SL with leadership education; conducting research on SL pedagogy; and strengthening the internationalization of SL. In the case of Cambodia, PolyU is making a positive impact on the local community in terms of enhancing people's livelihoods and well-being, improving living environment in local areas, and promoting good governance through ongoing SL projects. Those projects are of great variety, ranging from providing hospitality management and operation training, enhancing language literacy, designing and installing zero-carbon, solar-powered learning centres, to offering basic physical assessment and health education.PolyU President Professor Timothy W. Tong remarked at the ceremony, "I am confident that with our concerted efforts, the two universities will join forces to create a vibrant and fruitful learning environment, and nurture students to become better global citizens. We look forward to working closely with our RUPP counterparts in the years to come."Dr Chealy Chet, Rector of RUPP said that the universities had been working closely previously, and the MoU was a further step to strengthen their collaboration, specifically on summer programmes, leadership training hub, service learning (in areas of science, technology, hygiene, education, solar energy), joint research activities, exchange of staff and students.
October 7 is Manufacturing Day, with Plant Tours for Students, Proclamations, Events Putting the Spotlight on Florida's Manufacturing Sector.

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-- Thousands of students and educators from schools across Florida will be taking field trips to learn about products made in Florida  and the opportunities for high skilled, high wage careers offered through Florida's approximately 19,000 manufacturing companies. Most student tour events are held on nationally celebrated MFG Day and mark October as National Manufacturing Month.Here in Florida, Manufacturing Month includes: A proclamation from Governor Rick Scott (https://www.floridamakes.com/news/news-releases/news/october-is-manufacturing-month-governor-rick-scott-issues-proclamation.stml)recognizing October 2016 as Manufacturing Month, plus similar proclamations issued by cities and communities around the state; Plant tours for students and educators at companies making products as diverse as gelato, counters made from recycled glass and stone chips, to boats and aircraft/aerospace equipment; Panel discussions featuring area manufacturers and Chambers of Commerce events; Open house events at community and technical colleges and association events.The state's Regional Manufacturers Associations ( https://www.floridamakes.com/ who-we-are/regional- manufact... ), FLATE (the Floridabased National Science Foundation Regional Center of Excellence in Manufacturing), and FloridaMakes (part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership), are working with area manufacturing companies, Florida's community and college networks and schools to support industry tours and events across the state."This is the 5year for Manufacturing Day/Month, and students, parents, educators and manufacturers all tell us that opening the door for these events is an eye-opener, heightening awareness of and interest in manufacturing as a potential career for many students," said Dr. Marilyn Barger, FLATE executive director."Most students, parents and educators don't know how diverse and robust Florida's manufacturing sector truly is," said Greg Britton, CEO of Fort Walton Machining, Inc., Fort Walton Beach, and a board member for FloridaMakes. "We need to help build awareness of the tremendous opportunities available in manufacturing so we can build a pipeline of future workers and future company owners."During October 2016, a number of special and/or ongoing events are taking place for manufacturers, including: October 6  Upper Tampa Bay Manufacturers Awards Dinner in Oldsmar October 20  FloridaMakes' free webinar for manufacturers:"Cybersecurity:What You and Your Employees Need to Know, Now." October is also National Cybersecurity Month. October 21  Manufacturers Association of Central Florida: 25Anniversary - Annual President's Dinner and Manufacturing Awards Ceremony.For information on Florida's Manufacturing Day 2016 news and events, contact your local Regional Manufacturers Association. In addition, many of Florida's events are also listed on the national MFG Day website here; you can also visit the Manufacturing Day in Florida website at www.mfgday-fl.com. Manufacturers and others will be sharing news about manufacturing month using the hashtags #MFGDay16 and #FLMfgMonth16.For information on other national manufacturing day events and tours visit www.mfgday.com.###FLATE is a National Science Foundation Regional Center of Excellence, committed to ensuring Florida has a well prepared workforce for advanced and emerging technologies. Created in 2004, FLATE is one of 42 Advanced Technological Education Centers in the United States funded by the National Science Foundation focused on improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and training to meet the needs of American advanced technology industries. For more information visit www.flate.org.FloridaMakes is a statewide service created by manufacturers, for manufacturers, and builds on the solid foundation of Florida's network of Regional Manufacturers Associations. FloridaMakes supports the growth, competitive ability and profitability of Florida's nearly 19,000 manufacturers. Services are customized to meet the needs and opportunities of individual companies based on an enterprise assessment, and include process improvement, business growth and innovation, supply chain optimization, product development, adoption of best practices and appropriate advanced technologies, sustainability, market expansion and other services. Part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), FloridaMakes provides access to national and local, public and private resources. FloridaMakes operates with support from the State of Florida, NIST and Florida's manufacturers. For more information visit http://www.floridamakes.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
CPR Cell Phone Repair, the largest and fastest growing retail mobile device repair franchise network in North America, is pleased to announce the opening of a third franchise store in Mexico.

Contact

Shari Kosec

Director, Onboarding and Franchisee Relations

skosec@cellphonerepair.com

216-674-0645 x616 Shari KosecDirector, Onboarding and Franchisee Relations216-674-0645 x616

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-- CPR Cell Phone Repair, the largest and fastest growing retail mobile device repair franchise network in North America, is pleased to announce the opening of a third franchise store in Mexico. CPR Cell Phone Repair warmly congratulates their business partners, Celex Group, on the continued expansion of the franchise brand throughout Mexico with the opening of a new store in Puebla.Josh Sevick, CPR's President stated, "We are delighted with the success of our business partners, Diego and Miguel Kuri of Celex Group, as they continue the rapid expansion of the CPR franchise system throughout Mexico. With this week's opening of their newest store located in Puebla, Celex Group is now operating three CPR franchise stores since our partnership agreement was signed earlier this year. We applaud their commitment as CPR's footprint continues to expand the brand's international presence."Puebla is both the fourth largest city in Mexico and also the fourth largest metropolitan area within Mexico. Puebla is a city of over 3 million residents located 85 miles from Mexico City.The city is noted as a major industrial center with most of the economy based on electronics, chemicals, textile manufacturing and food processing. The world's largest Volkswagen factory outside of Germany is located in Puebla. Additionally, the city draws students from throughout Mexico to study at a number of the region's prestigious universities. Puebla's size and location combined with the number of businesses, universities and manufacturing sites, make this an ideal location for the expansion of CPR's services.Celex Group is one of Mexico's largest suppliers of wireless solutions. Since 1991, Celex Group has successfully grown capacity for mobile device distribution and has expanded into a variety of commercial markets. In February 2016, Celex Group signed an agreement with CPR to expand CPR's franchise network throughout Mexico. Celex Group will continue to develop CPR stores in various franchise locations across Mexico.CPR Cell Phone Puebla is located at Boulevard Hermanos Serdan 260 Colonia, Rancho Colorado Local 361,PueblaC.P., Mexico, 72062. To learn more about the store's full range of electronic device repair services, please call (222) 224 19 58 or contact the store via email at: cprpueblaserdan@ gmail.com For all CPR franchises in Mexico, please visit the website : http://www.cellphonerepair.com/ cell-phone-repair- en-mexico/ Avenida Periferico No. 5550 Col. Pedregal de Carrasco, Del. Coyoacan, Mexico DF, CP 04700 (55) 5171-0158Av. Universidad, # 1000, Local A15 & 16, Col. Sta Cruz Atoyac, Del. Benito Juarez, Mexico City, CDMX, CP 03310 (55) 5605-8132Founded in Orlando, Fla. in 1996, CPR Cell Phone Repair is the fastest growing wireless technology franchise in North America and operates over 267 locations internationally. As a pioneer and leader in the electronics repair industry, CPR offers same-day repair and refurbishing services for cell phones, laptops, gaming systems, digital music players, tablets and other personal electronic devices. CPR was named anFranchise 500 (2016) ranking and earned top brand on the Inc. 500. For more information about CPR Cell Phone Repair and franchise opportunities, visit http://www.cellphonerepair.com/or call 877-856-5101 (about:blank)
The architecture competition for a residential project developed by STRABAG at Linke Wienzeile 278 in Vienna has been decided. The seven-member jury chaired by architect Silja Tillner unanimously chose the design by room8 architects, Johann Posch, as the winner of the competition among seven Viennese architecture firms. The winning design

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Barings Real Estate Advisers, formerly Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, has acquired the office and retail building K25 in Helsinki, acting on behalf of a German professional pension fund. The property is in a prime location in the Helsinki CBD, Kasarmikatu 25, with a direct view over the Esplanadi, Helsinki's famous

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Prologis has signed a leasing agreement for 23,660 square metres at Prologis Park Gothenburg II with Logent, a logistics company. The location by Port of Gothenburg, the largest port in the Nordics, has raised considerable interest from customers looking to decrease operating costs and increase flexibility through a state-of-the-art facility.

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Triuva Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH has acquired the Hamburg Two Towers, the future headquarters of Commerzbank in Hamburg, as part of a share deal. The seller of the core property at Lubeckertordamm is a subsidiary of Orion European Real Estate Fund IV, C.V., which is sponsored by Orion Capital Managers.

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Currently, excess body weight contributes to as many as 1 in 5 cancer-related deaths. Obesity is associated with increased risk of at least eight types of cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has identified obesity as a health risk that is "quickly overtaking tobacco as the leading preventable cause of cancer." And obesity rates tend to skew higher for people in rural communities, who account for nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population. Subsequently, this population is at higher risk for certain cancers.

What's more, a National Cancer Institute study projects that if existing obesity trends continue, they will lead to about 500,000 additional cases of cancer in the United States by 2030. The study also found that if every adult reduced their body-mass-index by 1 percent, which equals about 2.2 pounds for an adult of average weight, there would be about 100,000 fewer cancer cases.

That's why Christie Befort, PhD, co-leader of the Cancer Control and Population Health Research Program at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, is looking at different approaches to treat obesity in rural areas.

"This study is about finding effective ways for obese people to lose excess weight. Not only can we reduce their chances for certain types of cancer, but for a host of other health problems," said Befort.

The three-arm study is funded by a $10 million grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). It compares the traditional office visit/fee-for-service approach with models that coordinate services in a patient-centered medical home or through a telephone-delivered disease management. The latter models allow professionals with training in weight loss counseling to provide care with after-hours group visits, phone visits and email/text message support.

"In this study, I have learned how much family physicians truly care about their patients and want to help them. The challenge is that physicians don't always have the right tools to help patients change their behavior. As a result, they end up feeling ineffective as a provider, which can lead to avoiding the topic altogether," said Befort.

One of the three treatment methods will be used at 36 primary care practices in Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Iowa. Patients' weight loss at 24 months will be measured and then used to compare the effectiveness of the different methods. Approximately 1,400 patients will participate in the study.

The five-year-long project, called RE-POWER (Rural Engagement in Primary Care for Optimizing Weight Reduction), is in its second year. Befort worked with a patient advisory panel to define the treatment approaches. She also engaged with rural primary care providers, insurers, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Committee for Quality Assurance and state health departments.

"A lot of Kansans live in rural areas. If we can find a better way to help folks in rural communities lose weight, then we have the opportunity to reduce cancer risk for Kansans across the state," Befort said.
In regions where cancer survival is poorer, people on average have lower awareness of cancer symptoms, according to new findings published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Researchers also found that general awareness of cancer symptoms varies greatly across England.

This is the first study in England to look at whether regional variation in cancer survival might be linked to regional variation in cancer symptom awareness and barriers to seeing the GP.

On average, each additional cancer symptom recognised was associated with about a 1.6 per cent increase in 1 year overall cancer survival for patients in that region.

In this study, only breast cancer survival was associated with perceived barriers to seeing the doctor -- such as embarrassment and difficulties getting transport to the doctor's surgery.

East London had the lowest awareness of cancer symptoms and highest average number of barriers to seeking medical help among the region's residents. The highest cancer awareness was found in areas such as Peterborough, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

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Dr Maja Niksic, lead author at the London School of Hygiene & Hygiene Tropical Medicine, said: "A range of things can influence cancer survival. Stage of disease at diagnosis is one of them, and if we can ensure more people know what to look out for and see their GP if they notice any unusual or persistent changes, we may be able to reduce the numbers of patients who are diagnosed with advanced disease, where curative treatment is not often an option.

"Based on our research we think that health campaigns should focus on helping people to recognise cancer symptoms early and seek medical advice about these -- especially in socio-economically deprived areas, where cancer survival is generally lower."

"Research like this helps reinforce the value of the Government's investment in public cancer awareness campaigns, and can be used to better inform and direct efforts."

Jessica Kirby, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "It's important the public are informed about getting to know their body and what's normal for them, and spotting potential cancer signs and symptoms. And we need to ensure people feel they can go and see their GP if they notice any unusual changes.

"Many things influence cancer survival and there could be other explanations for the variation in survival across the UK. For example, risk factors like smoking could influence survival, and the way health services are set up may also play a part. The NHS should ensure that everyone can have the right information and access to services to give them the best chance of being diagnosed and treated promptly, wherever they live."

Researchers used the Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Measure and survival data from the National Cancer Registry.

This study was funded by the Policy Research Unit in Cancer Awareness, Screening, and Early Diagnosis, which in turn receives funding from the Department of Health Policy Research Programme.
The reproductive success of men in non-industrialized societies is closely tied to their social status, finds a new meta-analysis published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The analysis looked at studies of 33 non-industrial societies from around the globe, including hunter-gatherers, nomadic pastoralists and agriculturalists.

"We were surprised to learn that the correlation held up for a range of societies and their different measures for status," says Adrian Jaeggi, an anthropologist at Emory University focused on primate and human behavioral ecology. "It doesn't matter whether a man is a better hunter, owns more land or more livestock -- men with high social status had more children compared to men with low status."

Jaeggi co-authored the study with Christopher von Rueden, an anthropologist specialized in leadership studies at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia.

Their findings go against the egalitarian hypothesis, the idea that status was a relatively weak target of selection for modern humans, since most of that evolutionary period involved living as egalitarian hunter-gatherers.

The !Kung bushmen of the Kalahari serve as a classic example of the egalitarianism associated with hunter-gatherer societies. "They are not allowed to brag about their hunting success, it's not culturally acceptable," Jaeggi says. "When one of them kills a large animal, he comes back to camp and sits down quietly by the fire and he is modest about it. Their society is built on mutual help. Sometimes a hunter may only be successful one out of every 10 days. But if they all support each other and share their game, on average they eat every day."

The egalitarian hypothesis posits that it was not until humans shifted from primarily hunter-gatherer societies toward pastoralism, agriculture and industrialization that status became a key driver for male reproductive success. "Once you start acquiring property and other forms of material wealth, you have assets to transmit to your offspring, so you would expect to see status more closely tied to reproductive success," Jaeggi explains.

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In humans, these reproductive benefits of status reached their peak in pre-modern states and empires that enabled powerful rulers to have access to large numbers of women. A genetic study, for instance, found that 8 percent of men in populations spanning Asia shared nearly identical Y-chromosome sequences with Genghis Khan, the Mongolian ruler who died in 1227.

The current meta-analysis suggests that status-seeking was not just a consequence of more formal social hierarchies and the rise of greater inequalities, but an evolved trait.

While a good hunter may not have material wealth, he carries "embodied capital," measured by qualities like intelligence, skill, good health and reliable social connections, Jaeggi explains.

"Hunter-gatherer societies may actively work towards leveling any hierarchy, but at the same time people are aware of which men are better hunters and that appears to give them a reproductive edge," he says. "And the relationship between status and reproductive success is as strong for a hunter as it is for a farmer or pastoralist. That indicates a biological basis for striving for status: It's universally rewarded with the only currency that matters in biology -- children."

Wealthy men across most of the modern, industrialized world, however, tend to have fewer children than poor men. The link between male status and reproductive success is broken, due to women's rights and access to contraception.

"Women can be more independent and successful in modern society," Jaeggi says. "They get to decide if they want to continue to reward status-seeking in men by allowing them to have more children. Or whether they want to reward men who are more compliant with what women want."
Ancient artifacts found at an archeological site in Argentina suggest that humans occupied South America earlier than previously thought.

Approximately 13,000 years ago, a prehistoric group of hunter-gatherers known as the Clovis people lived in Northern America. Previous research suggests that the Clovis culture was one of the earliest cultures in the Americas. However, more recent research from the Pampas region of Argentina supports the hypothesis that early Homo sapiens arrived in the Americas earlier than the Clovis hunters did.

The evidence for earlier human arrival in the Americas comes from a rich archaeological site in southeastern South America called Arroyo Seco 2. A group of scientists led by Gustavo Politis from CONICET and the Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires present the research in a new PLOS ONE study.

At Arroyo Seco 2, the researchers excavated ancient tools, bone remains from a variety of extinct species, and broken animal bones containing fractures caused by human tools. They used radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the mammal bones and analyzed the specimens under a microscope.

The analysis revealed the presence of limb bones from extinct mammals at the site, which may indicate human activities of transporting and depositing animal carcasses for consumption at a temporary camp. The bones of some mammal species were concentrated in a specific part of the site, which could indicate designated areas for butchering activities. Microscopic examination also revealed that some bones contained fractures most likely caused by stone tools. The remains were dated between 14,064 and 13,068 years ago, and the authors hypothesize that Arroyo Seco 2 may have been occupied by humans during that time.

This timeline, along with evidence from other South American sites, indicates that humans may have arrived in southern South America prior to the Clovis people inhabiting the Americas, but after the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum, the last glacial period, which took place 19,000 to 20,000 years ago.

While the characteristics of some of these archaeological materials could be explained without human intervention, the combination of evidence strongly suggests human involvement. Humans' arrival in southern South America 14,000 years ago may represent the last step in the expansion of Homo sapiens throughout the world and the final continental colonization.
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee today announced Cabinets decision to extend New Zealands contribution to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation through to September 2018.

The United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation is the United Nations oldest peacekeeping operation, and is an important and visible mission to help preserve peace between Israel and its neighbours.

The New Zealand Defence Force has been a longstanding and respected contributor since 1954 through the monitoring role played by our military observers.

Renewing this commitment will see eight personnel continue to support conflict prevention through the mission. It is our largest current contribution to a United Nations-led peacekeeping operation.

Our personnel are serving under the experienced leadership of New Zealands former Chief of Army Major General Dave Gawn, who is the current Head of the Mission through to August 2018, Mr Brownlee says.

About the mission:

The United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation emerged from the Arab-Israeli war of 1948 through United Nations Security Council Resolution 50, to supervise the truce in Palestine.

The subsequent 1949 Armistice Agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbours  Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria  required a continued United Nations presence, which has remained to today.

The United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation mission currently comprises 151 unarmed military observers provided by 25 troop contributing countries including New Zealand. These military observers monitor the situation along the borders of Egypt, Israel, Lebanon and Syria.

New Zealands former Chief of Army Major General Dave Gawn was appointed directly by the United Nations as Head of Mission and Chief of Staff from 1 August 2015 for a three-year term.

Source: Office of Gerry Brownlee.
The Bay of Plenty is becoming an increasingly desirable destination for business and educational conferences, says the regions official tourism and marketing organisation.

Tourism BOPs head of marketing Kath Low says its an exciting opportunity for the region to play host to a number of high-profile events, like this weeks National Maori Housing Conference.
We don't know Jordan's last name, but we do know he's been having a really, really tough year (so it's hard to blame him for wanting to stay anonymous). The 21-year-old from Australia made headlines earlier this year after being bitten by a highly venomous redback spider while using a portable toilet at work. As bad as that sounds though, it gets a good deal worse. The deadly little arachnid didn't just bite him anywhere - she bit him on the penis. Here's an artistic recreation of the scene that likely followed.

The Dodo/Stephen Messenger

Thankfully, Jordan got the medical attention he needed in time. But, as it turns out, that was only round one of his penis' losing bout against redback spiders. On Tuesday - five months following the bite - it happened all over again in another Porta Potti. "I was sitting on the toilet doing my business and just felt the sting that I felt the first time," Jordan told the BBC this week. "I was like 'I can't believe it's happened again.' I looked down and I've seen a few little legs come from around the rim." By now an expert on what to do when a spider bites his penis, Jordan knew to get to the hospital, where he was treated with antivenom and released shortly thereafter. The experiences, Jordan says, have made him wary of using the facilities at work the next time nature calls, telling BBC: "I think I'll be holding on for dear life to be honest."

Flickr/Ryan Wick

Redback spiders, similar to their black widow counterparts, are easily identifiable from the scarlet markings on their bodies. While it's true they are dangerous to humans, spiders like them play an important role in an ecosystem. So, if you spot one someplace she doesn't belong, it's always a good idea to humanely relocate her to a more suitable place outdoors.
Expect a shock at the pump as OPEC cuts oil output

Canadian consumers should brace themselves for gas prices to rise come Friday.

Experts warned that prices would jump as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has reportedly agreed to cut crude oil production for the first time in eight years.

In two days of round-the-clock talks in Algiers, the group agreed to drop production to 32.5 million barrels a day, according to a delegate briefed on the matter who asked not to be named because the decision isnt yet public.

The cut would amount to nearly 750,000 barrels a day less than it pumped in August.

In reaction, global oil prices surged.

It looks like Fridays the day (for Canadians), said Dan McTeague, Canadas Gas Guru and Senior Petroleum Analyst for GasBuddy.com.

Any sneeze, rumour, innuendo or intrigue immediately sends financial speculators for the buy button, he told the Star Wednesday night. Generally speaking, the impact will be felt almost immediately Traders are giddy but motorists wont be.

He predicts Toronto will be hit with 3 cents per litre increase by Friday, while motorists in Calgary can anticipate a hit of 13 cents per litre.

This is all based on a what-if situation, said Roger McKnight, one of Canadas leading energy experts with EN-PRO International Inc. Im skeptical because the Saudis have increased production to record levels in August and now they want to cut back, he said. A 700,000-barrel cut would still leave a 500,000-barrels-a-day surplus floating around the world with nothing to do.

Its a large trial balloon the size of a Zeppelin.

The point, he added, is that the Saudis will have to revert back to flooding the market to get the sale prices back down. Its a never-ending circle.

McKnight predicted that a higher price of crude will be good for Albertas oil sands and the shale industry in Saskatchewan, and will help boost the loonie. He did not believe the OPEC deal would help Canadas eastern manufacturing operations, however.

The deal will also reverberate across the globe, say experts, brightening prospects for the energy industry, from giants like Exxon Mobil Corp. to small U.S. shale firms, and boost the economies of oil-rich countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The cut is clearly bullish, said Mike Wittner, head of oil-market research at Societe Generale SA in New York. Whats much more important is that the Saudis appear to be returning to a period of market management.

The agreement also signals a new phase in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have clashed on oil policy since 2014 and are backing opposite sides in civil wars in Syria and Yemen.

The stakes for OPEC, which pumps 40 per cent of the worlds oil, are high as the International Energy Agency has warned of a weak petroleum market next year. Ian Taylor, the head of Vitol Group BV, the worlds largest oil-trading house, said that the crude market could remain oversupplied until 2018 unless producing countries stop flooding the market.

As OPEC agreed to limit its output, Russia smashed a post-Soviet oil-supply record, pumping 11.1 million barrels a day in September, up 400,000 from August, according to preliminary estimates.

While Russia participated in the Algiers talks, it is not party to the OPEC deal.

McKnight is also curious to see how the move to cut production, which is to be finalized Nov. 8, will affect the U.S. presidential election.

That should be very interesting, he said. Im sure it will come up in the debate.

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Dan McTeague, a Senior Petroleum Analyst for Canada with GasBuddy.com predicted the following increases per litre of gas following the OPEC announcement.

Vancouver: 5 cents

Interior B.C.: 10 or 11 cents

Calgary: 13 cents

Edmonton: 12.5 cents

Regina / Saskatoon: 10 cents

Winnipeg: 9 cents

Toronto: 3 cents

With files from Bloomberg

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Canada will certainly benefit if the worlds biggest oil producing countries move to restrict production, but skepticism exists on whether they will follow through on their promises.

Assuming they stick to it, and thats a big if, it should support oil prices, said Benjamin Reitzes, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. The competition producing a little less is always good.

But many analysts noted that the deal by the 14-member Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in Algeria on Wednesday was merely an agreement to look at possibly cutting production to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels a day.

That would be down from Augusts production rate of 33.2 million barrels a day  but it would shave only 700,000 barrels a day, some 2 per cent of overall production.

Crude oil was selling for more than $100 (U.S.) a barrel in the summer of 2014, before bottoming out below $30 a barrel in January. That fall largely came from a boom in U.S. shale oil production and countries like Saudi Arabia choosing to continue to pump to hold onto market share.

Since then, a deal between Iran and world powers over its contested nuclear program has allowed it more firmly back into the global oil market  and it wants to make up for lost time by boosting its production.

Producers like Venezuela and Nigeria have faced tremendous economic pain as oil prices remain low. Even mega-producer Saudi Arabia has cut salaries for senior government officials while eating through its foreign reserves.

The economies of oil-producing provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland have suffered amid persistent low prices.

Oil producers have shuttered projects and eased off on production. Workers have been laid off, with tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs lost. Albertas current recession looks like it will be the longest and worst in the provinces history.

When the NDP government delivered its fiscal update in late summer, it warned that its deficit will rise to almost $10.9 billion this year. It expects to borrow $7 billion this year for operating expenses, almost one-third more than the original budgeted $5.4 billion.

Few in Alberta are celebrating OPECs surprise move. Thats because the members still need to hammer out details on country by country production rates at its November meeting, so any production cut wont be implemented until late this year at the earliest.

Reitzes said any rise in oil prices will help Canada, but he cautioned that if oil prices rise above $50 a barrel, then U.S. shale producers might ramp up their production, adding to supply. By contrast, Canadian oil sands companies face much higher costs to get oil out of the ground to be profitable.

Colin Cieszynski, chief market strategist at CMC Markets, said there is skepticism about whether OPEC members will hold to a commitment.

It has been eight years since the countries restricted production  and it looks like they are moving toward being on the same page, he said.

But even if they get an agreement, often times, producers cheat, Cieszynski said. Its a first stage. Its the beginning of a process, not the end.

Spencer Knipping, an oil analyst with the Ontario Ministry of Energy, said it looks like Saudi Arabia, which has the largest production capacity, is feeling the pinch from low oil prices and is ready to make a deal.

Although OPECs promises can result in a short-term boost in oil prices, the key is whether members are all committed to a production cut.

If OPEC performs as it has in the past, and not adhered to production quotas, we would expect the price would not go up, Knipping said.

That would mean little change to gasoline or diesel prices for consumers, and would provide only a small lift for the wider Canadian economy that is heavily weighted on resources.

We know the world is producing more oil than it is consuming, he said, and inventories are continuing to rise, though not at as high a rate as before.

Its the knowns that are causing people to be cautious about future price projections, he said.

He noted that the International Energy Agency believes the world oil market will not rebalance until late 2017, when supply will be in line with demand as inventories flatten out.

With files from Star wire services

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When Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo decided to open its first location in Canada, it sent Yasuhiro Hayashi to Toronto every month for nearly a year to get a read on the Canadian customer.

During each visit, Uniqlo Canadas chief operating officer would spend the week taking notes on what people wore.

I didnt expect that everyone was so unique and multicultural, said Hayashi, who previously helped launch Uniqlo in Singapore and Indonesia. That was very surprising in a very positive way.

Unlike competitors that aim for a particular demographic, Uniqlo is hoping its appeal-to-all business model will succeed in a cutthroat industry that has laid waste to some fashion retailers, such as Aeropostale and Danier Leather.

We dont have a specific target customer, said Hayashi. Thats our uniqueness. We say we are made for all.

The company is opening its first store in Canada on Friday, a 28,000-square foot space in the Toronto Eaton Centre wedged between fast-fashion rival H&M and the newly arrived luxury retailer Nordstrom. A second store opening is planned for Oct. 20 at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in north Toronto.

Founded in 1974, Uniqlo is known for its array of affordable basics  everything from parkas to khakis  in a variety of colours and sizes for children and adults.

If our clothes are not affordable to the people  the regular real people, not the fashionistas, not just the celebrities, not just the rich, but for all  then I think it defeats our philosophy and what we stand for, Hayashi said.

Even with more than 1,000 stores worldwide, Hayashi acknowledges Uniqlo may not have the same name recognition in Canada that some of its international rivals had before entering the country.

Its one of the challenges it will have to overcome if it wants to continue expanding in Canada, something Hayashi says he would like to do but is in no rush to. It also doesnt have any plans to offer e-commerce in Canada.

We want to be very cautious, he said, before alluding to the arrival of one well-known retail behemoth to Canada that went bust.

Of course, I dont want to give a name, but some other brands have a little too ambitious plans that didnt work out so we want to make sure that we serve the customers well and fine-tune the merchandise mix as well.

Last year, Target abruptly announced it was shutting down all 133 of its Canadian stores only two years after its highly anticipated arrival north of the border. Some of the criticisms levelled against the U.S. retailer were that it expanded too quickly, did not understand the Canadian customer and did not have the right product mix that it featured in its American stores.

Since then, a number of international retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Muji and Nordstrom have opened locations in Canada  albeit with a more slow and steady approach.

Retail analyst Doug Stephens said Uniqlo is priced at the right end of the fast-fashion market, which still has a lot of cachet with Canadian shoppers.

But theyll have to distinguish themselves if they want to set themselves apart from competitors and win with customers short on disposable income, he said.

Youre always living on the razor edge at that end of the market, said Stephens, the founder of Toronto-based consulting firm Retail Prophet.

Another challenge Uniqlo will face is generating customer loyalty, said retail expert Brynn Winegard.

The Target lessons that we learned is that we dont want you to come and tell us about us. We want you to be authentically and indigenously you, said Winegard of retail consultancy Winegard and Company.

So dont try to be Canadian. Be authentically Japanese.

Hayashi said the Toronto stores will largely be the same as its other locations, whether theyre in New York, London or Paris  with a few nuanced differences tailored to Canadian shoppers.

Customers can expect a bigger than usual selection of plaid and flannel shirts. Most sizing will be for a North American fit, but there will also be some smaller sizing to reflect Torontos multicultural population. Uniqlo will also sell house slippers, which is commonplace in its Asian locations.

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EDMONTONThe Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories have issued guidelines that say priests should refuse funerals for some people who have assisted suicide.

The document calls physician-assisted death a grave sin that contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church.

It says priests should weigh the circumstances of each funeral request, but those for high-profile assisted deaths should be refused.

It also says families who want to celebrate the assisted death decisions of their loved ones should be denied church funerals.

Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith says the guidelines dont rule out funerals for everyone and priests can come up with other options, such as speaking at a graveside service or at a funeral home.

Smith believes the guidelines are the first to be issued by a group of bishops in Canada.

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MONTREALIranian-Canadian university professor Homa Hoodfar has returned to Montreal, bringing an end to her detention in a Tehran prison that sparked international condemnation.

Its is wonderful to be home and united with family and friends again. Ive had a bitter seven months and the detention has really left me weak and tired, Hoodfar, 65, told reporters at the Montreal airport Thursday morning.

The Concordia University anthropology and sociology professor had been detained since June 6 in Tehrans Evin Prison, where political prisoners are normally held. She travelled to Iran in February to see family and do academic research but was arrested in March, just as she was set to return to Montreal. She was released on bail and then rearrested in early June.

It is not known what Hoodfar was suspected of having done, but her family has said they believe it was related to her research into feminism in Iran.

While she avoided answering any questions about the details or conditions of her captivity, Hoodfar said the hardest thing was being cut off from the world and from friends and family. She also suffered health problems related to a neurological disease that causes muscle weakness.

While she believed that people on the outside would be working for her release from custody, she did not know of the international campaigns by academics, human rights groups and governments to secure her release.

Even when she was told in the last few days to prepare for her release, she doubted it, she said.

In Iran, nothing is complete until it is complete.

I didnt feel I would be released until I was in the jet,

She thanked the government of Oman in particular, saying that the country was instrumental in my release. She also thanked Iranian officials who facilitated her release, adding that the process was more difficult than you can imagine.

Draped elegantly in a salmon-coloured pashmina, pearls and dark red lipstick, Hoodfar betrayed no hint of the psychological stress or physical ailments she has been coping with. She said she was sad to have missed the summer in Montreal  her favourite season  and was eager to soak in her home town before fall turns to winter.

I miss the fact that this summer I didnt have my geraniums.

It is wonderful to feel that you are in a place where you feel secure, she said, adding that she has no plans to return to her native country.

I think for a while Im going to stay in Montreal.

 With a file from Canadian Press

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At first glance, nothing stands out about the picture. A photograph like the thousands of others seen on social media, showing the prime minister smiling in the company of a voter.

Whats different is that the man posing beside Justin Trudeau is not just an average voter. He is the subject of an RCMP investigation, suspected of having participated along with other Quebecers in the kidnapping of two American journalists in Syria in 2013, an incident believed to have been orchestrated by the al-Nusra Front, a group linked to Al Qaeda.

Despite this, he was able to get close enough to Trudeau for long enough to take a selfie with the prime minister.

La Presse has chosen not to name the suspect, because it is not possible at this stage in the investigation to confirm his level of involvement in events that occurred in Syria.

The young resident of a suburb south of Montreal has not been charged with any crime. He travelled to Turkey for several months in 2012 and 2013, but there is no proof that he crossed the border into Syria.

Two sources with knowledge of the case, but who are not authorized to speak publicly, said the man no longer follows radical Islamist ideology since his return to Canada, and that his reintegration has been a success story.

He has started a family. He goes to school. He has publicly denounced extremist ideas. Everything indicates that he had no malicious intent when he took a selfie with the prime minister, someone he regularly praises on his Facebook page. It was just chance that he crossed paths with Trudeau.

But the simple fact that a person who is the subject of a terrorism investigation could find himself so close to Trudeau raises numerous questions, not only about the security of the prime minister but the level of surveillance placed on those Canadians suspected of having waged jihad in Syria.

We have a prime minister who is very open. But a guy like this should not have been able to get so close. I dont want to blame the work that was done, but it shows that there is no surveillance on this individual, that the people around the prime minister were not warned, said Paul Laurier, a former terrorism investigator with the Surete du Quebec, who has also worked with the RCMPs Integrated National Security Enforcement Team.

Laurier said that in addition to bodyguards who assure Trudeaus physical protection, there is a team of police officers specializing in intelligence who study potential threats faced by Trudeau.

The allegations against the man in the photo are serious. In June 2015, two years after his return from Turkey, the RCMP executed a search warrant at his parents home while investigating the kidnapping of two American journalists, Matthew Schrier and Theo Padnos.

The two men were held captive in Syria  one for seven months, the other for two years. Officially, the suspect was in Turkey, near the Syrian border, during part of the time they were in captivity. In the search warrant applications that are signed by a justice of the peace, the police said they believed the Quebecer committed several terrorist infractions, including having participated in the kidnapping, extortion and fraud for the profit of a terrorist group.

The accusations have not been tested before the courts.

According to sources, the suspects name is on an American no-fly list. He had great difficulty returning to Canada in 2013 because of this. Before departing for Turkey, he trained at a firing range and showed signs of radical behaviour.

Despite this, on Dec. 18, 2015, just six months after the search warrant at his parents home, he posted the picture of the selfie with Trudeau.

That day, the recently elected prime minister was giving an interview to Radio-Canada television host Patrice Roy to talk about his first months in power. The interview was conducted at a Montreal subway station, Place-des-Arts, where the Liberal leader responded to impromptu questions from the public.

At the end of the interview, Roy took Trudeau up to the street level. Thats where the young man bumped into the politician, who was surrounded by his bodyguards as he posed for selfies with people passing by.

He was accompanied by another suspect in the alleged kidnapping as well as the mans wife. The couple do not appear to have been photographed with the politician.

In a video of the interview broadcast by Radio-Canada, the man can be seen walking in the crowd and attempting to approach Trudeau. Once the interview was finished he took his photograph and left. He was not bothered by the authorities on site. No one attempted to block him.

It was only several days later, after having published the picture on his Facebook page, that he was visited by the RCMP.

Sources said the investigators wanted to know why he was spotted in the company of the prime minister.

Contacted by La Presse, the RCMP refused to respond to questions, indicating that they touch on ongoing investigations.

The Prime Ministers Office declined to comment on the incident, referring questions to the RCMP.

With files from Daniel Renaud

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OTTAWAWith more than 30,000 Syrian refugees facing serious barriers to employment and integration in Canada, the federal government is searching for fresh ideas to help newcomers join their communities and the labour force.

Documents posted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Thursday show the department is planning to spend as much as $250,000 for new studies on how best to integrate Syrian refugees into their new community.

It is well document that newcomers face a number of barriers in finding employment that is commensurate with their skills and experience. Refugees, in particular, may have more difficulty integrating into the Canadian labour market when compared to other categories of immigrants, the documents read.

Refugees face many employment barriers such as lack of Canadian or other relevant work experience, lack of professional networks, and unfamiliarity with Canadian workplace culture.

Canada had accepted 30,000 Syrian refugees by the end of July, with more expected to arrive by the end of the year.

While the Liberal government received praise for rapidly bringing in more refugees, there is growing concern that providing services and support for newcomers will be as big a logistical challenge.

Over the summer, the Senates committee on human rights warned of urgent needs facing newcomers  for language training, for mental health support after fleeing a war zone, and the financial burdens refugees face upon arrival in their new country.

Canadians are justly proud that more than 28,000 Syrian refugees have arrived here to date, wrote senators Jim Munson and Salma Ataullahjan in July.

While our committee shares in this pride we also note the challenge has barely begun.

In the documents released Thursday, the department acknowledged some of those concerns, particularly around supporting Syrian youth make a new life in Canada.

Those youth will be specifically targeted for new programs, with the government looking at how best to integrate children into a new school environment, or even a mobile app to advertise services and resources.

Syrian refugees, like many newcomers to Canada, experience barriers to information, services and supports to help with their settlement process, and a lower-barrier, mobile digital tool is an effective solution, the documents read.

Establishment newcomers and Canadians are an important source of information about local services and supports, and can offer helpful information via a mobile digital tool.

The documents suggest that the government also wants to address social integration into Canada. One study will look into how best to broach discussions with Syrian families on issues like domestic violence, gender equality, and LGBTQ rights.

The department is also interested in examining pay for performance models, where Ottawa would pay for independent language or workplace training based on agreed upon goals or milestones.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada could not immediately respond to questions when contacted by the Star Thursday.

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A system that undermines the stability of African Canadian families and can, in fact, destroy them needs sweeping reforms, says a hard-hitting report on reducing the number of black kids in the care of childrens aid.

The two-volume report, obtained by the Star ahead of its release, is called One Vision One Voice: Changing the child welfare system to better serve African Canadians. It demands that every aspect of child protection in Ontario be transformed by structures and practices that fight anti-black racism.

The report was triggered by an ongoing Star investigation, which revealed that 42 per cent of children in the care of the Childrens Aid Society of Toronto were black, in a city where only 8 per cent of children are black.

Throughout the consultations, participants reminded us of the enormous human suffering caused by the systemic racism in the child welfare system, says the report, written by a committee struck by the Ontario Association of Childrens Aid Societies and funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

We cant tinker with the system while African Canadian children and families continue to suffer.

The committee, made up of 18 African Canadian community leaders, calls for changes to provincial child protection laws, the childrens ministry, Ontarios 47 privately run childrens aid societies, and to the way educators, police and medical staff refer children suspected of being at risk of abuse or neglect.

The goal is to achieve equity in outcomes for African Canadian children and families, the report says.

The report is to be released Thursday at a daylong Toronto symposium of black community leaders and childrens aid society officials from across the province. Childrens Minister Michael Coteau, also responsible for anti-racism in Ontario, will address the gathering.

The committee, led by childrens aid diversity expert Kike Ojo, called Torontos rate of disproportionality extreme.

The report notes that black families have been complaining about their treatment by childrens aid for years, but it took the Stars coverage to bring this issue to the fore for the mainstream community and for provincial politicians.

During 16 public consultations across Ontario, the committee heard concerns about black families being over-scrutinized and over-surveilled by educators, police and medical professionals  groups that refer cases to childrens aid societies. The experience was compared to the police practice of carding, which has resulted in a disproportionate number of black people being stopped, questioned and documented.

There were also widespread complaints about childrens aid workers with no understanding of black culture making biased judgments that unnecessarily remove kids from their homes. Theyre too often placed with white foster parents living in white communities, making the development of positive racial pride impossible.

Black parents and youth involved with childrens aid are more likely to be charged by police, the report says, noting concerns about a child welfare to prison pipeline.

The reports sweeping recommendations reflect what it calls a complex web of economic and societal factors that extend far beyond what occurs within the child welfare system. It requires solutions beyond childrens aid, including tackling racist barriers in the economy that condemn many African Canadian families to poverty. Families living in poverty, the report adds, have less access to affordable housing, mental health services and other supports needed for stability.

The 18 recommendations include calls for the ministry to change the Child and Family Services Act to ensure equitable outcomes and to fund new African Canadian community service agencies focused on supporting families and reducing the need for children to be placed with foster parents or in group homes.

A disproportionality and disparity unit should be created within the ministry to make sure childrens aid societies reduce the number of black kids in care. And an independent provincial body should be set up to oversee the child welfare system.

The ministry must also ensure appropriate financial resources are allocated to support the recommendations.

Included in the report is a 17-page practice framework, detailing how childrens aid societies should change the way they interact with black families. It calls for a cultural shift  societies should focus on giving families services that keep children safe and healthy in their own homes, rather than apprehending them.

If children need to be removed, they should be placed with extended family or black foster parents. All foster and adoptive parents should get mandatory anti-racism training, the report says.

The ministry should require all societies to collect race-based data and report the numbers publicly every year. Goals should also be set to reduce the number of black kids in care.

The report calls on childrens aid societies to have boards of directors and staff that reflect the diverse communities they serve. Each society should also set up an African Canadian advisory committee that includes former youth in care and provide anti-racism training to all staff.

Its now up to Coteau and the OACAS to decide which recommendations they will implement. The OACAS has already taken some steps, including getting all childrens aid societies to agree to collect race-based data.

On average, 15,625 Ontario children were in foster or group-home care in 2014-15. The latest figures indicate that only 2 per cent of children are removed from their home due to sexual abuse and 13 per cent for physical abuse. The rest are removed because of neglect, emotional maltreatment and exposure to violence between their parents or caregivers.

Voices from One Vision One Voice

Powerful stories were heard during province-wide public consultations with advocates, black families and young people with first-hand experiences with Ontarios child protection system. Here is a selection of voices included in a draft of the report obtained by the Star.

They tell our kids to call childrens aid if you dont like what your parent is doing. . . . But they dont tell the kids what happens afterward. How they will come in and break up your family. So kids think that they will come in and help fix things, but they dont. They make things worse.

CAS sold a dream to my daughter. They stole my daughter at age 15.

Ive lost my culture. I dont know anything about my black culture because Ive only been in white homes.

One white foster parent said, You are like our chocolate chip! 

I feel like the staff are scared of us black kids, so they try to get rid of us quickly. They dont try to understand us.

Black children are being used as a means of revenue.

Our children are not the same when they come home. They are never the same again.

They should create a black-care 101 book for foster parents and group homes so they understand our culture, and our hair and our food.

Its like putting a lion, a tiger and a bunny rabbit in one room and thinking theyre going to get along. It doesnt work. Group homes should be shut down.

Ive seen how the one white kid in a house full of black youth gets treated better.

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Brian McNamara, the former head of Novartis' Consumer Health division, will take over the same role at GlaxoSmithKline

The British drug company announced Thursday that it has promoted McNamara to CEO of its Consumer Healthcare division.

McNamara takes over for Emma Walmsley, who last week was tapped to take over the company as CEO.

McNamara currently is the executive in charge of Europe and the Americas at GSK Consumer Healthcare, a role he took on when GSK and Novartis formed a consumer health joint venture last year.

The GSK plant just east of Lincoln is part of the Consumer Healthcare division.
OTTAWAPrime Minister Justin Trudeau is on his way to Jerusalem with a Canadian delegation to attend the funeral of former Israeli prime minister and president Shimon Peres, who died Wednesday at age of 93.

Trudeau, who left Ottawa early this morning, is accompanied by former prime minister Jean Chretien along with interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose and Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper is not flying with Trudeau, but taking a commercial flight instead.

Just before taking off, Chretien called Peres a friend, a great guy and a great public servant.

When I quit, he gave me hell, said winners never quit and he never quit, Chretien said.

Dion said Trudeau wanted the Canadian delegation to be non-partisan.

The whole country of Canada is supporting the whole country of Israel and the prime minister wanted that to be very clear, Dion said.

Ambrose echoed Dions message of unity ahead of the trip overseas.

When we look at Israel its really a beacon of pluralism and democracy in a very difficult part of the world, she said.

All the more important for all of us no matter what political party we come from to attend these kind of events and honour a legacy like Shimon Peres.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair couldnt attend due to a family commitment.

Peres served two terms as Israeli prime minister and was also the countrys president. He shared the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize with Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for negotiating the short lived Oslo Accords peace deal.

Other world figures planning to attend the funeral include U.S. President Barack Obama, former U.S. president Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and the presidents of France, Germany and Poland.

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Toronto Police are investigating in a residential neighbourhood near Yonge St. and Sheppard Ave. after a shooting that left one victim with non-life-threatening injuries, Wednesday evening.

At 9:05 p.m., police received a shooting call at Johnston Ave. and Botham Rd. and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds to the arm, Toronto Police said.

There is no information on suspects.

A police tow truck was seen towing a black car during the investigation.

Sheppard Ave. W. is closed at Beecroft Rd., as well as several lanes on Sheppard Ave. W. and Senlac Rd.

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Toronto police have arrested a lawyer in connection with a series of sexual assaults against teenage girls in the Yonge and Eglinton area earlier this month.

Three of the four alleged incidents happened in crowded areas on the same day. Investigators are concerned there may be more victims.

According to police, the first incident occurred on the morning of Sept. 12, when a 15-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted near Yonge St. and Eglinton Ave. at about 8 a.m.

Police allege the incident was repeated, with the same victim, on Sept. 16, as the girl was standing outside the Eglinton subway station.

I dont believe this is a coincidence, said Det.-Const. Matt Pinfold, of the sex crimes unit. I believe he targeted her.

At about 12:30 p.m. the same day, police say, a man approached and sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl in a food court near the same intersection.

That evening, at about 8:30 p.m., a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at the Bloor-Yonge subway station, as she was walking upstairs between platforms. The man fled after a witness confronted him, disappearing into a crowd of people exiting a train, police say.

This male was captured on video surveillance, Pinfold said. Photos of that surveillance footage were released on Sept. 18. One shows a brown-haired, clean-shaven man with a medium build wearing a pink dress shirt, dark trousers and dress shoes. Another depicts a similar looking man in a red polo shirt, navy blue shorts and brown sandals.

Pinfold said investigators used CCTV footage and public tips to track the man back to a business he visited over the lunch hour near Yonge and Eglinton.

Francois Lesieur, 32, a lawyer, was arrested on Sept. 25 and faces four charges of sexual assault. He is currently out on bail, with his next court appearance slated for Nov. 3.

Pinfold declined to discuss the nature of the assaults. I can tell you that the victims did not sustain any physical injuries as a result, he said.

Pinfold urged any other possible victims to call the sex crimes unit at 416-808-7474.

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Five weeks after her asylum claim was denied, Yvonne Niwahereza Jele says, she got a text from an angry uncle in Uganda who had learned  from a local newspaper  that she is gay and wanted by police.

That news story  an item about her in the July 17 edition of the Ugandan tabloid hello!, under the headline City Socialite Hunted Over Lesbo Links  came too late for the asylum seeker.

Now in Toronto, Jele, 29, believes the article may be the best proof she has to support her claim that she had been jailed, tortured and persecuted in Uganda for being gay.

But she cant introduce that new evidence. Under changes to immigration rules made by the former Conservative government, she isnt eligible to appeal the refugee boards decision.

Immigration Minister John McCallum is the only person who can grant her a reprieve from being sent back to Uganda, a country where homosexuality is outlawed and punishable by life in prison, according to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. Border enforcement officials this week denied her request to defer her deportation, scheduled for Saturday.

A judicial review application with the Federal Court of Canada on the refugee boards decision is pending. Even if the court hears the case, it can only review the decision on its legal merits  and not on new evidence such as the news article that outed Jele.

Please give me protection, Jele pleaded in an interview with the Star. I have nowhere to go. People saw me in the paper. They are going to kill me. I just want a chance to live an ordinary life and have some freedom.

Proving ones sexual orientation to a refugee judge remains a challenge for such claimants, said immigration lawyer Michael Battista, who chairs the Rainbow Railroad, a Toronto group that helps LGBTQ individuals facing persecution abroad.

The verification of someones sexual orientation and identity is so critical to their claims. Their cases stand or fall based on the decision-makers belief in their membership of the community, said Battista, who has represented thousands of gay and lesbian refugees in his 25-year career.

Unlike claimants on other grounds such as race, religion and political (affiliation), LGBTQ claimants have no membership card or physical appearance to prove (their sexual orientation). They are an invisible minority.

In her asylum claim, Jele said she had been in a nine-year closeted relationship with her high school girlfriend until 2008, when they were caught kissing by her father, who became enraged and forced her to marry a supermarket manager.

Jele said she continued her secret relationship with her girlfriend, meeting her after work and on weekends in cheap hotels. But one day in 2013, her husband caught the pair together at their house. He called police to have her arrested, she said in her asylum claim.

Jele, in her oral testimony, told her refugee hearing that she had been raped and abused by her husband, including incidents of gang rape instigated by her spouse. Yet, she said she did not seek medical attention after the alleged assaults.

The couple had two daughters together, but Jele said her parents took them away so she wouldnt turn them gay.

The refugee tribunal dismissed Jeles allegations of abuse.

The panel finds the claimants account of the years of sexual and physical abuse lacking in credibility, it said in its decision.

When reached by email in Uganda, a man who identified himself as Jeles husband, Patrick Jele, refused to comment on the abuse allegations. What I do with my wife is my business, not yours, he wrote.

I want to understand what kind of a woman just runs away without informing her husband. You, the people supporting her in her lesbian ways, should be ashamed, he told the Star.

This woman has two children and should come back and be a proper woman. I need to deal with my wife and I urge you to tell me where I can or how I can contact her.

Jele said in her claim that she was jailed and beaten with bamboo sticks for three days after her arrest in 2013 and has scars on her right shoulder and chest. The Ugandan newspaper article noted that after her release she was given a caution in an effort to correct her from her lesbian tendencies.

Earlier this year, Jele said she had the opportunity to go to a travel conference in Philadelphia for work and did not return home to her marketing job in Kampala. After a short stay at a refugee shelter in Detroit, she said, she crossed the border with the help of her brother in Canada and sought asylum.

In June, the refugee board rejected Jeles asylum bid because of inconsistencies and contradictions in her claim, including the dates when she last saw her girlfriend, and when she said her husband found out about the affair.

The board also questioned the authenticity of an arrest warrant issued by a court in Nakawa, Uganda, in March and included with her claim, noting the document contains few security features and no letterhead.

According to the arrest warrant filed with the Federal Court of Canada in the judicial review of the asylum rejection, Jele faces charges of committing unnatural offences and indecent practices against the order of nature.

The board also took issue with the fact her brother in Canada wrote her a letter of support and accompanied her to the refugee hearing but refused to testify on her behalf. Jele noted her brother is a born-again Christian and chose not to testify. Her brother did not respond to the Stars interview requests.

The panel determines that, for reasons of credibility, the claimant has not satisfied the burden of establishing a serious possibility of persecution on a Convention ground, the board concluded. The panel rejects her claim.

Jeles lawyer, Aadil Mangalji, said his client is ineligible to appeal to the refugee appeal tribunal because she came through the United States  a safe third country  for her family connection in Canada. (Under the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the U.S., refugee claimants are required to request refugee protection in the first safe country they arrive in.) That excluded her from an appeal.

Hence, she also faces a one-year bar from seeking a pre-removal risk assessment or applying for permanent residency on humanitarian grounds.

The new evidence cannot be put before the court because the record on a judicial review application is limited to what was before the board, said Mangalji.

Given all of these factors, the immigration minister is the only party that can now provide remedy and prevent this individual from being sent back to severe hardship, added the lawyer, who has written to McCallums office in a plea for leniency.

Both the ministers office and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada refused to comment on Jeles case, since it is before the federal court.

Many of the reforms to the asylum system implemented in 2012 were designed to provide faster protection to those claimants who required refugee protection while allowing for the speedier removal from Canada of claimants found not to be in need of protection, said spokesperson Lindsay Wemp.

Limiting access to the refugee appeal division for some failed claimants was designed to further Canadas objective of providing a streamlined refugee determination process.

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ROMETwo former nuns who met in a convent have been joined in a civil union in a ceremony in a small town in northern Italy.

The Italian news agency ANSA said the women, who were identified in Italian media only by first names, were supposed to have the ceremony in Pinerolo city hall Thursday, but concern there would be a media scrum after Turin newspaper La Stampa reported their plans prompted the ceremony to be held a day earlier by Mayor Luca Salvai.

Italian lawmakers earlier this year legalized civil unions, angering the Vatican. Italy doesnt have gay marriage.

ANSA said the women, one from southern Italy and the other of South American origins, fell in love while working at a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts, and renounced being nuns.

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Two of Canadas most prestigious publishing houses for medical journals have been quietly bought up by an international publisher that is being sued by the U.S. government to stop it from printing what amounts to junk science for profit, a CTV News/Toronto Star investigation has learned.

The takeovers have sent shock waves through the medical research community and put more than a dozen journals at risk of being delisted on PubMed, the gold standard for trustworthy, peer-reviewed scholarship.

Even worse, doctors worry that Canadas good name could be hijacked to lend credibility to bogus research papers, riddled with typos and inaccuracies, that have proliferated on the Internet in the age of open access academic literature.

I am scared not just for science but also genuinely scared for the whole notion that publishing should be done by credible journals run by credible associations (with) credible editors. These predatory open access journals have nothing in them that is credible or authentic, said Dr. Madhukar Pai, who holds the Canada research chair in Epidemiology and Global Health at McGill University.

OMICS Group, an online publishing house for academic journals based in Hyderabad, India, purchased the Canadian medical publisher Andrew John Publishing last winter and added a second, Pulsus Group, in June.

The companys owner, Srinubabu Gedela, says OMICS does not exert any control over the Canadian medical journals.

Most of the journals hosted by these companies are monitored by reputed medical societies of Canada, he said in an email in response to Star and CTV questions. There is no control on content and editorial practice.

```

Of the 16 Canadian journals affected by the takeover, six  including the Canadian Journal of General Internal Medicine and The Canadian Journal of Optometry  have terminated their publishing contracts with OMICS or stated their intention to do so. The 10 others did not respond to Star emails.

OMICS is being sued by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for deceptive publishing practices. Filed last month, the government lawsuit claims the company uses mass spam emails to solicit articles from academics, which are then published without any peer review by experts in their field.

While the authors pay to have their article published, a standard practice for open access academic articles available free online, OMICS attracts submissions by falsely stating that their journals are widely cited in related literature and listed in vetted academic databases, the FTC alleges in its lawsuit.

The lawsuit also claims PubMed, an index of reputable medical journals maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, does not list any OMICS publications. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Health sent OMICS a cease-and-desist letter demanding the company stop claiming its journals are listed by PubMed.

When contacted by the Star, PubMed representatives were not able to say what will happen to the Canadian medical journals now published by OMICS.

(OMICS) used false promises to convince researchers to submit articles presenting work that may have taken months or years to complete, and then held that work hostage over undisclosed publication fees ranging into the thousands of dollars, said Jessica Rich, director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a press release.

In a response filed in U.S. Federal Court, OMICS argues that the FTC has provided no evidence to prove its business practices are unfair or deceptive and has not demonstrated that anyone has suffered irreparable harm.

This act of the FTC amounts to an abuse of process of law as well as damage to the reputation of the defendant, states its submission.

In its filing, which seeks to prevent the FTCs request for a preliminary injunction of OMICS publications, OMICS says many of its journals are included in PubMed and attaches letters from numerous professors, including ones at the University of Calgary, the University of Manitoba and Dalhousie University, requesting that its journals be included in PubMed listings.

However, Dr. William Jia, an associate professor at the Brain Research Centre at University of British Columbia, who wrote a letter included in OMICS legal filing, says he has no knowledge of the companys practices.

I have no relationship with the OMICS Group at all, said Jia, who is listed on the editorial board of Surgery: Current Research, published by OMICS. Ive never reviewed any article for them.

They invited me to be an editor and there are hundreds of editors there. Its a new journal . . . and they needed editors, so I said, Oh sure, Id be happy to do that. But that doesnt mean that I give any credit to that journal.

If now theres a problem with peer review, Id like to remove my name from that editorial board, of course. I dont want to be associated with that, said Jia. In my opinion as a researcher, if they publish a paper that is not peer reviewed, then it is not legitimate.

In an interview with the Star and CTV from Hyderabad, Gedela refuted the FTCs allegations, saying that open access journals are a noble cause because they create free scientific literature.

All the allegations we are getting from western countries, and from a few publishers as well as their agents (are motivated by the fact that) we are disrupting their business by making scientific information open access, Gedela said.

Open access publications, the cost is less and maintenance is less and at the same time . . . scholars from around the world have access to scientific literature with less money, he said.

We started with just 10 journals in 2009; we have about 700-plus journals now, said Gedela. In the next three to four years, more than 50 to 60 per cent of publications are going to be (in the) open access category. And we are going to do the same in Canada.

Dr. Pai, who holds the Canada research chair at McGill, says the Canadian government should intervene.

It saddens me and upsets me that Canadian journals are being bought out by these companies and I think we need to do something so this doesnt happen, said Pai. I think the government needs to step in like the American government stepped in.

The employees of Andrew John and its affiliated medical associations were not told who had bought the publishing house. After the sale, Andrew John and Pulsus kept their brand names and their staff. The mailing addresses on their websites now point to an office in London, England.

It took an insider, who was laid off in July, to blow the whistle on the sale, after she became suspicious and Googled the new owners.

Theyre presenting themselves as a Canadian company and hoping no one will check, said Rose Simpson, the former managing editor of four medical journals at Andrew John. Theyre using our name to cover their business.

Simpson, who was already in contact with many of the medical societies whose journals are published by Andrew John, reached out to other associations, and soon realized that OMICS had purchased Pulsus Group as well. She says staff there were led to believe they were being purchased by Andrew John. Simpson made it her mission to set the record straight.

They didnt know, she said. They were duped.

The Canadian Society of Internal Medicine (CSIM) only found out that OMICS had taken over as their publisher in September.

We have moved to terminate our contract, said Dr. Stephen Hwang, president of the CSIM. The journal remains under our control and with full scientific integrity.

Hwang is concerned about the growth of predatory publishers worldwide and the negative impact this could have on scientific research.

People need to be aware that previously reputable journals could be taken over and become zombie journals. Their scientific integrity is dead but they keep shuffling along, publishing papers and they may no longer be the journals they used to be.

Dr. Ralph Chou, editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Optometry, said that the Canadian Association of Optometrists has also cancelled their contract with OMICS and will be finding a new publisher by the end of the year.

All of us in the scientific world are concerned about rogue publishers, Chou said. It seems like your name is used as bait to entice other people to submit an article or participate in a conference. . . . What would happen to our academic reputation? Its guilt by association.

Our publishing industry is not very large. To have these people coming in with bags of money and scooping things up, its generating a great deal of concern among the editors because we dont want our publications being taken advantage of and we dont want our associations being roped in either.

John Birkby, former president and publisher of Andrew John, did not respond to requests for comment.

The former owner of Pulsus, Robert Kalina, said he started up the publishing company in 1984 to provide Canadian doctors with an alternative to American journals. But the small budgets and narrow distributions of the journals meant that no one was interested in purchasing them when he decided to retire earlier this year.

We hired a broker who cast his net far and wide and could not find another publisher who would continue our noble cause, Kalina wrote in an email. OMICS realizes that they are on the predatory publishers list and had made a commitment to us to change their ways.

Predatory publishing is a relatively recent phenomenon that rides the changes brought to academic publishing by freely accessible online journals.

Jeffrey Beall, an associate professorat the University of Colorado at Denver, says when he first started compiling a list of predatory publishers in 2010, there were only 18. That list, kept up to date on his blog, now has more than 1,000 entries.

When OMICS International takes over a journal, it is basically the end of the journal as an honest scholarly journal, said Beall. I think scientists should be extremely worried. . . . They will continue, I think, to exploit people and to harm science because the articles that they do publish dont go through the proper peer review. They are not scientifically vetted and this threatens science and it threatens researchers as well.

Meanwhile, OMICS has added a dozen recently acquired titles to its roster of journals at Pulsus, including Neuropsychiatry. This journals previous publisher, Future Medicine, has posted an announcement on its website informing researchers that it no longer publishes a half dozen journals and listing their last issue.

Any subsequently published content has not been handled by Future Medicine, and we therefore cannot guarantee that the same standards were applied.

Correction  September 29, 2016: This article was edited from a previous version that misspelled Jeffrey Bealls surname.

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NEW DELHIIndia said Thursday it carried out surgical strikes against militants across the highly militarized frontier that divides the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan, in an exchange that escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan dismissed the reports that Indias military had targeted terrorist launch pads inside the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir. Islamabad said instead that two of its soldiers were killed in unprovoked firing by India across the border.

Tensions, which are always simmering between India and Pakistan, spiked after an attack earlier this month on an Indian military base in Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of sending militants belonging to the outlawed Jaish-e-Mohammed group, headquartered in Pakistan, to carry out the attack. Pakistan denied the charge.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been under heavy pressure to respond to the attack on the military base.

Indian officials gave few details about the strikes across the disputed border late Wednesday night.

Significant casualties were caused to the terrorists and those who support them, Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, director general of military operations for the Indian Army, told reporters in New Delhi. Singh said the operations were over and India has no plans for more strikes. He said he shared details of the strikes with his Pakistani counterpart.

Indian soldiers travelling on foot crossed the Line of Control into the Pakistani-controlled portion to attack several targets based on intelligence about imminent attacks, said a high-ranking Indian official who would only brief reporters on condition of anonymity. He said the Indian forces killed at least 10 people before retreating back into Indian-controlled territory. The Indian soldiers suffered no losses, he said.

The Pakistani military flatly denied any surgical strikes had occurred.

There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India, a Pakistani military statement said.

Pakistani officials said two of their soldiers were killed and nine others were injured in the exchanges at five different places along the disputed border.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces.

The Pakistan military said in a statement that it befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing  implying it returned fire  along the Kashmir border near the villages of Bhimber, Kel and Lipa.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters Thursday the U.S. expects Pakistan to combat and de-legitimize UN designated terrorists.

The U.S. is firmly committed to our partnership with India and to our joint efforts to combat terrorism and were prepared to deepen collaboration on UN terrorist designations, he said. At the same time, we continue to be in close contact with Pakistan and we continue to value the important partnership that we have formed with them on a range of issues, including security issues.

Pakistan has sharply criticized India over its heavy-handed clampdown in Indian-controlled Kashmir following the killing of a Kashmiri militant leader nearly three months ago. Some of the biggest and most violent protests in recent years have broken out against Indian rule in Kashmir since the July 8 killing of Burhan Wani by Indian soldiers. A rolling curfew has been in place and more than 80 civilians have been killed by Indian troops who have used live ammunition and shotgun pellets to quell angry crowds.

Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both.

Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favour independence or a merger with Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over control of Kashmir since winning independence from British colonialists in 1947.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the insurgents and pushing them into the Indian portion of Kashmir to attack government forces and other targets. Pakistan says it provides only political and diplomatic support to the insurgents, who have been fighting since 1989.

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EL CAJON, CALIF.An unarmed black man fatally shot by an officer in a San Diego suburb was unjustly killed and the police department and chief prosecutor are trying to sway public opinion by only releasing a single, favourable frame from video of the shooting, representatives of the mans family said Thursday in demanding the full video be shown.

After two nights of angry protests in El Cajon, Calif., where the shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon, Alfred Olangos family gathered with lawyers and religious leaders and urged people to continue demonstrating but implored them to do it peacefully to honour his memory.

Olangos anguished mother said her son was a good, joyful man who suffered a mental breakdown over the recent death of his friend and needed compassion when police encountered him. Pamela Benge said her family had escaped war-torn Uganda to come to the U.S. for safety and she asked why police didnt just shock her son with a stun gun or shoot him in the leg.

He needed someone who was going to calm him down and then take care of the situation, she said, her voice thick with emotion and dark glasses covering her eyes. Not to come and just finish his life.

Olangos sister had called police three times Tuesday to report that he was sick, not acting like himself, and was walking in traffic. It took officers more than an hour to respond. Once they arrived, the shooting took place within about a minute.

Police released a still frame from a bystanders video that showed the 38-year-old Olango with his hands together at chest level and pointed at an officer directly in front of him. Police Chief Jeff Davis said Olango refused to obey orders to remove a hand from his pants pocket and was shot after he swiftly drew an object from his front pocket and pointed at the officer in a shooting stance.

The object turned out to be a 10-centimetre electronic cigarette, known as a vape pen.

A lawyer representing Olangos family said at a news conference that authorities were misinforming the public by only showing a single image from the video that supports the El Cajon Police Departments version of events.

Its a wonderful way if youre litigating a case in the media, attorney Dan Gilleon said. It fits a perfect narrative for them.

The El Cajon mayor defended the decision to release the single frame, saying it accurately represented the situation the officers faced.

I thought it was way too incendiary to not release something, Mayor Bill Wells said.

Wells said he reached that decision with the police chief and district attorney to release the image to counter reports from people saying Olango had his hands in the air and was begging not to be shot. Wells said the video footage did not show either of those things.

The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Okla., and Charlotte, N.C., where violent protests broke out.

Police in both those cities have released videos of the shootings. A Tulsa officer was charged with manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a motorist.

Olango arrived as a refugee in 1991 and was twice ordered deported because of a 2001 conviction for selling cocaine, U.S. immigration authorities said.

But he was released from detention after his native Uganda refused to take him. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling bars detention of foreign nationals after six months if deportation is unlikely.

Immigration authorities took Olango into custody in 2009 after he served nearly four years for a federal firearms conviction in Colorado but were again unable to obtain travel documents.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Olango stopped reporting to officers in February 2015. Spokeswoman Virginia Kice did not know if officers tried to find him after that.

Olangos mother said the family came to the U.S. as refugees and she just wanted them to have a better, safer life.

I wanted the children not to be running around, being in fear every night, sleeping in the bush, she said. I thought a lovely, nice country like this would protect us.

She said she had grieved and prayed for other parents who had lost children in recent shootings by police in the U.S., but didnt know that the next time it would be me. She now understands their suffering.

There is nothing as painful, she said as family members stood nearby wiping tears from their eyes. It is so much that you cannot swallow it. You try to swallow it, but the pain overweighs you. It is so bitter.

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BEIRUTThe U.S. and Russia escalated their war of words over Syria Thursday as government forces kept up their assault on Aleppos rebel-held quarters and registered tenuous gains.

Government forces seized the Handarat neighbourhood along the contested citys northern flank, forcing rebels to withdraw further from a crucial supply route to the citys east, the Castello Road, pro-government media and observers said. A government blockade of the road has kept the opposition-run east under siege since mid-July, with the exception of a month-long period where rebels broke through the governments southern line.

But gains have proven ephemeral in the battle for Aleppo: government forces captured Handarat last Saturday, only to surrender it again Sunday.

Syrias military also released a video purporting to show a freshly captured neighbourhood in the citys historic centre.

The video shows damaged traditional buildings, with arched ceilings and stone walls, in the Farafra neighbourhood which rests at the foot of the citys towering central citadel. Soldiers and allied militants are seen walking past mounds of debris, twisted metal bars, and caved-in ceilings. The government claimed it expelled rebels from the front-line neighbourhood Tuesday.

A top Russian diplomat meanwhile called a U.S. threat to halt co-operation with Russia in the Syria conflict an emotional breakdown and said Russia is willing to support a 48-hour ceasefire around Aleppo.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Thursday rejected Washingtons calls for a seven-day pause in hostilities, but said Russia is willing to support a 48-hour truce for humanitarian purposes.

Damascus blocked assistance from reaching eastern Aleppo during a weeklong ceasefire earlier this month.

Airstrikes meanwhile hit the last remaining bakery serving a town north of the besieged city, putting it out of service, activists said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a number of airstrikes hit the town of Anadan and its bakery Thursday.

Adnan Medlej, an activist from Anadan, said the bakery was hit shortly after it distributed bread to the towns remaining 2,000 residents and others in nearby villages. After intense bombings that devastated the towns infrastructure, most residents have fled to other areas in rural Aleppo province.

A video shot by Medlej shows the bakery destroyed and a crater outside, with water leaking and walls scorched.

On Wednesday, government shelling near a bread distribution centre in Aleppo city killed six people.

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BERLINScientists began saying their final farewells to the Rosetta space probe Thursday, hours before its planned crash-landing on a comet, but said that data collected during the mission would provide discoveries for many years to come.

The spacecraft, launched in 2004, took a decade to reach comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, where it released a smaller probe called Philae that performed the first comet landing in November 2014.

With almost two dozen scientific instruments between them, Rosetta and its lander gathered a wealth of data about 67P that have already given researchers significant new insights into the composition of comets and the formation of celestial bodies.

The best thing is we still havent gone through all our data, said Mohamed El-Maarry, a researcher at the University of Bern, Switzerland.

El-Maarry said OSIRIS, the main camera on board the probe, had captured some 80,000 images, many of which have yet to be analyzed fully.

A few more will be added during Rosettas final hours, as the European Space Agency steers the probe toward the comet so it can take unprecedented close-up images before colliding with the icy surface.

Other instruments were used to sniff for molecules on the comet and examine its insides with radar. Among the key findings was the discovery of molecular oxygen on the comet, forcing scientists to reconsider previous assumptions guiding the search for alien life.

The mission also found that the type of water on 67P is different from that on Earth. This challenges the idea that the bulk of the water on our planet was delivered by comets crashing into it.

Gaining knowledge is not always about finding answers to questions, said Bjorn Davidsson, who works at the California Institute of Technologys Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. The first step of knowledge is to start to ask the right questions. So maybe that is the step we are in now, that we are finally starting to understand the problems so much that we start to ask the right questions.

However the notion that comets can serve as cosmic chemistry labs capable of creating the building blocks for life  and seeding them on Earth  received a boost from discoveries made during the Rosetta mission.

Kathrin Altwegg, who heads the team cataloguing the comets chemical composition, said scientists also expect to be able to say soon whether rare elements such as the noble gas xenon were brought to Earth by comets.

Analysis is ongoing, told an audience at the European Space Agencys mission control in Darmstadt, Germany. In the next two months, we will have the results.

By then the comet will be more than 730 million kilometres from Earth with two man-made probes on its surface  assuming that Rosettas final manoeuvre goes according to plan.

Scientists decided to crash-land the probe on the comet because its solar panels wont be able to collect enough energy to power Rosetta as it hurtles away from the Sun along 67Ps elliptical orbit.

Although the European Space Agency has promoted the mission to the public using cartoons, music and social media, it wont be dwelling on the moment that Rosetta hits the surface Friday about 6:40 a.m.

As soon as we impact we lose the signal, and thats the end of Rosetta, said Matt Taylor, the project scientist. Its all about the bit beforehand. Rosetta wasnt designed to land.

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Bob Wilke said his company would like to expand and add more employees, but it has avoided doing so because of the Affordable Care Act.

Wilke, president of Lincoln-based HobbyTown, said the company has "missed opportunities" because of its reluctance to add employees.

The reason: Once the company hits 50 full-time equivalent employees, the Affordable Care Act requires that it offer health insurance to all employees working at least 30 hours a week or face paying penalties.

"We've had to manage around (the ACA) for four years," Wilke said.

Wilke was one of about a dozen small-business owners and managers who attended a roundtable discussion Thursday morning at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting was part of the Bring Small Businesses Back Tour sponsored by the non-profit Job Creators Network, which bills itself as non-partisan but favors business-friendly policies.

Lincoln was the fifth stop on the tour, which will hit approximately 30 cities in 19 states over the next month.

Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the group started by Home Depot founder Bernie Marcus, said there are about 85 million people in the U.S. employed by small businesses, including owners.

"They are the engine that drives America," Ortiz said.

But that engine is stalling, he said, with polls done by Job Creators Network showing that only 19 percent of small businesses plan to hire more employees next year and only 27 percent think 2017 will be more successful than 2016.

Much of that is because of over-regulation, Ortiz said, including the ACA, state and local minimum wage increases and the U.S Department of Labor's new law that doubles the income threshold for employees to be exempt from overtime pay.

Nebraska is one of several states suing to stop implementation of the law, which is scheduled to go into effect Dec. 1.

Gov. Pete Ricketts, who also attended the event, said his administration has worked hard to fight against what he sees as federal overreach when it comes to business regulations.

That overreach sometimes occurs at the state level as well, with Ricketts pointing to a bill that was passed this year by the Legislature to remove a requirement that required people doing hair braiding to be licensed.

He called the licensing requirement part of the "useless complexity" of regulation.

"We're not endangering anybody's life or health through hair braiding," Ricketts said.

Ortiz said most government regulations hit small businesses much harder than large ones, which can better absorb the costs of compliance.

In fact, he said, the group's poll showed that over-regulation was the No. 1 issue for small-business owners, with two-thirds of them naming it as their top concern.
BEIRUTThe bombings at night are the worst. There is no electricity in the rebel-held portion of eastern Aleppo, and the warplanes flying overhead target any light piercing the blackness beneath.

So families huddle together in the dark, gathered in one room so that they dont die alone, listening to the roar of the jets and waiting for the bombs to fall.

After they do, rescue workers venture out, navigating the rubble and craters left by earlier bombings, to dig out victims without headlights or lamps. They haul them to hospitals swamped with patients being treated on the floor by doctors who barely sleep, and must choose which lives to save and which to let go.

In the small hours of Wednesday morning, it was the turn of two hospitals to be hit in the dark. The hospitals, the two biggest in eastern Aleppo, were struck by bombs shortly after 3:30 a.m., killing two patients and rendering the facilities out of use for the victims of more bombings later in the day.

Such is the tenor of life in rebel-held Aleppo, which had become accustomed to regular airstrikes in the four years since rebels seized control of the eastern portion of the city, but nothing like the intensity of the past week.

The collapse of a U.S.- and Russian-sponsored ceasefire on Sept. 19 was followed by the launch of a Syrian government offensive, backed by Russian airstrikes, to recapture the neighbourhoods held by the rebels. The operation heralded what residents, doctors and medical workers describe as the most ferocious bombardments yet.

At least 1,700 bombs struck eastern Aleppo in the first week after the ceasefires collapse, according to the White Helmets civil defence group, a volunteer force funded by the United States and Europe that goes to the aid of people buried by buildings collapsed by bombs. Still, they keep raining down, with new bunker-buster bombs designed to be used against military installations blasting apartment buildings that house families.

Except that now there is no escape. The challenge of staying alive has been heightened by the complete siege imposed by government troops earlier this month, shortly before the ceasefire was announced.

Hundreds of thousands of people had already fled Aleppo, once a city of 3 million, to refugee camps farther north, to Turkey and on boats to Europe. But the United Nations estimates 250,000 remain surrounded in eastern Aleppo, many of them the poorest of the poor, the families who couldnt afford the cost of transportation out of the city.

Now they couldnt leave if they wanted to. Food is scarce, prices are high and though no one really knows how much Aleppo has stockpiled over many months of fearing just such a siege, it will eventually run out. Doctors have already detected signs of malnutrition in some children, said Caroline Anning of the British charity Save the Children, which estimates that 35 to 40 per cent of those trapped in Aleppo are children.

Critically wounded victims who would previously have been evacuated to Turkey must now be treated in makeshift hospitals barely equipped to handle life-threatening injuries. The bombing of the hospitals on Wednesday left just six hospitals functioning, and they are overwhelmed. Only 35 doctors remain, according to the World Health Organization, and 29 according to doctors in the city  down from 30 on Friday after a dentist died in an airstrike, said Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which runs some of the hospitals.

Only seven of those doctors are surgeons capable of treating the catastrophic wounds inflicted by heavy bombs, the medical charity Doctors Without Borders said in a statement condemning Wednesdays hospital attacks.

In the past week, the doctors have been handling hundreds of injuries a day. Photographs posted by medical workers show patients lying in pools of blood on hospital floors. Some have been left waiting for treatment on the sidewalks outside, according to Mohammed Tariq, a nurse at one of the hospitals.

The doctors are exhausted. Many of them are working until 4 or 5 a.m., and then starting again at 9. They are also scared, said Maher Saqqur, a surgeon who has been advising the doctors in Aleppo over Skype from his clinic in Canada.

We have to triage patients, we have to judge whether their cases are hopeless. If they are, it is the hardest thing, he said. Those with head injuries are being left to die. A man with both his legs blown off was judged too seriously injured to save. Five children died in one hospital on Sunday because there were insufficient resources to treat them.

We try to make sure they suffer as little as possible, but even the supplies we need to do that are running out, Saqqur said.

Anesthetics have already been used up entirely at one of the hospitals, said Sahloul, and supplies at others are running low. At the rate at which they are being used now, they could be gone within two weeks, he said, which will add pain to the misery of those being torn apart by bombs.

That hospitals and other vital facilities are being deliberately targeted is not doubted by residents. Only three locations were hit during the strikes carried out early Wednesday morning  two hospitals and a bakery, where six people were killed as they stood in line to buy increasingly scarce bread.

The White Helmets civil defence teams sometimes intercept the communications of pilots in the planes flying overhead, said Ismail Abdullah, a White Helmets volunteer in Aleppo. Sometimes we hear the pilot tell his base, we see a market for the terrorists, there is a bakery for the terrorists, is it OK to hit them? he said. They say, OK, hit them. Every time they use the adjective terrorists. 

On Sept. 21, two days after the ceasefire collapsed, the White Helmets heard a pilot send a message referring to the terrorist civil defence centres, he said. The group passed on the warnings that they might be targeted to U.S. officials in New York, where world dignitaries had gathered for the United Nations General Assembly.

Two days later, in the dark before dawn on Friday, the rescuers were struck. They have only four bases in Aleppo and three were targeted. Two were destroyed, along with five vehicles, including a fire truck and an ambulance, said Abdullah.

Those vehicles cant be replaced. Their loss means rescuers will respond to fewer bombings, save fewer people. Bodies remain buried in the rubble of buildings bombed over the weekend that rescuers couldnt reach, and now more are piling up, said Ammar al-Salma, the head of the White Helmets teams in Aleppo, who is currently in Turkey.

When teams are too busy to respond to all the bombings taking place, residents are told to write the names of buried families on the debris, so that the bodies can one day be retrieved.

It is grim work. The White Helmets have won international acclaim and prizes for their courage. Some may think what we are doing is heroic, their leader, Raed Saleh, told a forum in Washington during a visit to the United States this week.

But, in fact, it is devastating and depressing beyond belief, he said. You are pulling corpses from the rubble. You dont know if one day that body will belong to your sister, your brother or your friend.

And the rewards diminish. Salma described how White Helmets rescuers dug one family out of the rubble of a strike last week and transported them to a different neighbourhood, only to respond to an airstrike in that neighbourhood the following day and find that the family they had saved had been killed.

This left us without hope. They killed our work. They killed what we did for many hours, said Salma. The aircraft sent us a message: We will kill people wherever they go.

If there were a pattern or timing to the attacks, people would know when to go out to find food and when to take cover indoors, said Abdullah. They just want to kill everything in sight, so that no one can walk in the streets, so that no one can be saved. They want us all to die, he said.

As it is, they can kill you at any time, said Omar Shaban, a student who described how families cluster in the evenings on the lower floors of his apartment building to escape the bombs. Entire families sleep in one room, because they prefer to die together than to create orphans, widows or bereaved parents.

Shaban, who is 33, married two months ago and spends the evenings sitting in the dark with his new wife, listening to the bombs. They talk about their fears. I am afraid we will be hungry after two weeks. I am afraid of the airstrikes. I am afraid to lose someone close to me, he said.

She is afraid of becoming pregnant, he said, and of bringing a child into the world in which they live.

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Police carding is alive and well  I just witnessed it.

On my way to a Blue Jays game on Tuesday, I saw a young black man standing on the sidewalk in Chinatown, surrounded by Toronto police, his hands held in the air. The man was backed up against a storefront window, wide-eyed and trembling. The fear in this mans face gripped me and I approached the scene to make sure he was all right.

Toronto Police tell us that carding  the arbitrary stopping and documenting of civilians in Toronto  is over, but I witnessed it yet again this week with my eyes, and through the lens of my cellphone camera. Cops say they care about good community relations, but their treatment of this man, and of me for looking out for him, proves that many officers value intimidation over dialogue. They continue detaining, searching, and documenting innocent people, especially black people, and putting our lives at risk to satisfy their own prejudices.

I couldnt determine this young mans name, but well call him Omar. When I arrived at the scene on Spadina Ave. near Dundas St. W., police were clearly running Omars name through their databases to determine his identity. As he stood flabbergasted, Omar kept asking police, Why are you making this about me? Im the one who called you!

Police were repeatedly questioning Omar about his middle name, and about his precise address, as if he may have been trying to mislead them. An officer on the scene would later tell me that Omar himself had called 911 to say hed been stabbed (I heard Omar tell police about being robbed, not stabbed  he produced some cash from a pocket to indicate what hed lost). But at that moment, Omar was being treated as a suspect, humiliated on a public street after hed called for help.

An officer was busying himself by searching through Omars bag. I watched, stunned, as the officer then began patting down Omars pockets and crotch, and reached his hands into Omars pockets, right there on the sidewalk.

The police should never search us, or put their hands on us, unless there is a very clear reason for them to do so. I called out to Omar, telling him he had the right to refuse a search if he was not under arrest. The police immediately turned their attention toward me. One of them repeatedly called me ignorant, and told me to go to a library and read about the law. The officer who had been searching Omar, who identified himself as Peters, approached me and attempted to grab my camera, which I was using to film him, out of my trembling hand.

I have written before that people who oppose carding should approach its victims and make sure theyre okay, as I did. I know why this makes people scared. They dont want to be harassed, or have their property seized by police. They dont want to be arrested. But our collective inaction leaves people like Omar at the polices mercy.

The cops eventually put Omar in the back of one of several vehicles on the scene  there were at least 10 officers present by this time. Peters, who was clearly upset about my filming and intervention, encouraged me to ask Omar where the cops were taking him. I approached Omar and asked if he was okay. Im good, he replied, and added after being urged by Peters, theyre taking me home.

In the aftermath, another officer approached me to explain that his colleagues were only there to help a man whod called in an emergency. When I repeatedly asked him why they were searching and detaining a person whod called for help, he said, through the investigation, we couldnt figure out who he was. Who he was? Should we accept that police cant help a person who calls them without doing a background check first?

This same officer told me his colleagues wanted to ensure Omar was mentally healthy, and added that police often receive calls from a nearby location of the Canadian Mental Health Association. I dont buy this explanation. You dont assess someones mental well-being by conducting a body search. If police actually thought Omar was in mental distress, they should have known that searching and interrogating him would only escalate the situation.

Police spokesperson Victor Kwong responded Wednesday to a request for comment on this incident. Regarding the running of Omars name, Kwong said there was a discrepancy with the name he gave and his true identity. Kwong says Omar was searched and subjected to questioning because stabbing calls are dynamic and we cannot take what is said at face value. He also claimed Omar was initially unco-operative with police.

Kwong also said police were authorized to search Omars bag and pat him down to get his true identity and confirm there were no weapons at a weapons call. He also said my advice to Omar, that he did not need to allow officers to search him, is the wrong advice. Officers have the right when its a weapons call.

So was this really carding? Werent police talking to Omar because they were responding to a call for help? The police want us to believe that its normal to treat someone who reports violence against them as a potential suspect, normal to search the body and belongings of alleged victim for weapons, to confirm the alleged victims name in their databases. If this is how police normally treat people who report crimes, its no wonder they have such poor relations across the city.

Needless escalations like the one I witnessed explain how black men like Andrew Loku and Jermaine Carby end up being shot and killed by police. Just last week, the Special Investigations Unit decided not to charge Toronto officers in two separate incidents, each of which involved a person in mental distress being shot three times. We are too busy watching the carnage caused by American police officers to mind our own. And even when we see these incidents on our own streets, most of us give the police the benefit of the doubt and keep walking.

In a year where gun homicides have spiked, police blame a new provincial regulation on carding for their inability to prevent and solve gun crimes. Yet Torontos police board has yet to formally adopt the provincial carding regulation, meaning that police have not yet received any formal direction to alter the practice.

I wish I could say that is why people like Omar continue to be harassed for no reason. The truth is that many of our police dont know how to do their jobs without turning the people they serve into enemies. They dont know how to help a black man who calls them without questioning his innocence and humanity.

The police board has until Jan. 1 to incorporate the carding regulation. The test of the boards proposal is whether or not it will prevent situations like the one I witnessed with Omar. Carding is alive and well, and only concrete reforms that address our polices prejudices and poor judgment can end it for good.

Desmond Cole is a Toronto-based journalist. His column appears every second Thursday.

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Novo Nordisk (NVO) took an axe to its workforce on Thursday when it announced a wave of layoffs across its global business.

The diabetes and obesity drugs manufacturer will cut 1,000 staff jobs, including 500 in Denmark. The cuts are equivalent to just more than 2% of its workforce.

"It is needed in order for us to have a sustainable balance between income and costs...we have to prioritise investments in key product launches that will bring innovation to patients and drive our future growth" said outgoing CEO Lars Rebien Sorensen.

Competition for Novo Nordisk's diabetes treatments has swollen in recent months and health insurance providers, or payors, have proven successful at using that competition to force down pricing.

Diabetes drugs account for nearly 80% of Novo's sales. But, after reaching a peak of $271 in 2014, prices for traditional treatments like basal insulin drugs have fallen by more than 20% in the U.S. to $215 per prescription in 2016.

Meanwhile, drug pricing has become a political issue, with leading Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton pledging to clamp down on pharmaceuticals companies.

Novo Nordisk stock fell by 1% to 287.30 Danish kroner ($43.26) in early European trading before paring losses.

Novo Nordisk achieved 12% revenue growth in its most recent financial year, down from the annual growth of about 20% it had achieved over the previous five years.

"We forecast a further deceleration to low-mid-single digits for 2016-2018," said the healthcare team at Berenberg in a recent note.

UnitedHealth Group's (UNH) recent decision to drop Sanofi's (SNY) Lantus, a basal insulin treatment, from its list of covered drugs for 2017 exemplifies the cut throat approach to pricing that has been adopted by payors.

Nordisk's Tresiba basal insulin treatment has also been excluded while its Levemir will be lowered to Tier 2 status next year, according to Jefferies analysts.

The U.S market for diabetes treatments is the world's largest, with more than 29 million Americans suffering from the illness, at a cost of more than $300 billion to the healthcare system.

Compounding the pressure on Novo is the risk that healthcare payors also prove successful at pulling down pricing of so called GLP-1 combinations.

These are popular treatments as, unlike the traditional pure basal insulin drugs, GLP1s are able to treat both diabetes and cardiovascular conditions at the same time.

But the appeal of a dual-use treatment has seen the GLP-1 field becoming crowded.

Eli Lilly's (LLY) Jardiance isnow expected by analysts to become the market leading treatment for diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

"We think Lilly will become the fastest growing diabetes player for the next five years at least," Berenberg noted recently.

But Novo's ability to fight back on an increasingly competitive field cannot be completely discounted. Its own GLP-1 drug, Victoza, and recent trials with injectable Semaglutide have left some analysts feeling optimistic about the future.

"We like the growth prospects for Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 franchise," said Jeffrey Holford at Jefferies, who also said that the market for GLP-1 treatments has continued to grow at an attractive rate in the U.S. during 2016.

Novo Nordisk didn't respond to questions seeking comment on whether investors should expect further restructuring measures over the coming months.
No one thought they'd live to see Sir Richard Branson, who starred in the television reality show "Rebel Billionaire," sell his vaunted Virgin America (VA) airline, but that's exactly what's in the air.

Seattle-based Alaska Air Group (ALK) in April offered to buy Virgin America for $57 a share in a deal valued at $2.6 billion, and Branson said that there was nothing he could do to stop it. The agreed-upon acquisition would give Alaska Air a larger presence in Virgin's core markets of San Francisco and Los Angeles and a foothold at heavily traveled airports in New York and Washington.

Below, we explain why this deal presents one of the most exciting and undervalued investment opportunities you're likely to find in this volatile and risky broader market.

Branson has built Burlingame, Calif.-based Virgin America into a hip, trendy brand. Alaska Air, with a market cap of $8.16 billion, is about three times the size of Virgin America (market cap: $2.75 billion). The deal would represent a full absorption of Virgin into Alaska Air Group, although Alaska Air management has indicated it might keep the Virgin brand as a "boutique" operation within the larger combined group.

Investors are fretting about a potential antitrust challenge, but that's overblown. The airline industry has rapidly consolidated in recent years, prompting federal antitrust regulators to beef up scrutiny of proposed deals that could be anticompetitive. The U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has extended its antitrust review period of the merger to Oct. 17. The extension is only prudent from the government's perspective, but it's weighing on shares of Alaska. Some investors may also be worried about a lawsuit filed earlier this month by consumers who argue that the acquisition will increase costs for the flying public.

Over the past six months, shares of Alaska Air have declined 19% while Virgin America stock has risen 40%. During the same period, the S&P 500 index has gained 5.5%. Investors have concluded that the deal would be a windfall for Branson and Virgin shareholders but a burden to Alaska Air Group. The fact is, the real long-term winner would be Alaska Air.

It's highly unlikely that regulators would scuttle the marriage of the two carriers, especially because there's so little overlap in their routes. Other than competing on the Los Angeles-Seattle route and a smattering of routes out of San Francisco, the two airlines don't compete at all. But a combined entity would dominate West Coast regional air travel, proving a moneymaking boon for already strong Alaska Air.

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, together with its partner regional airlines, serves roughly 100 cities throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Accounting for about 80% of the parent company's revenue, Alaska Airlines is the seventh-largest U.S. airline in terms of passenger traffic and it carries more passengers between Alaska and the contiguous 48 states than any other airline.

Booming passenger traffic in Alaska Airlines' highly desirable markets is lifting the company's profits, giving the airline the resources to buy new, more fuel-efficient airplanes from Boeing. These new planes will come in handy, as oil prices continue to climb this year in the wake of OPEC's new agreement Wednesday to curtail production.

Although it's by far the biggest state in the U.S., Alaska has few roads compared with the rest of the country. At the same time, flying in Alaska can be dangerous, due to frequently inclement weather and rugged topography. Founded in 1932, Alaska Airlines claims decades of proven flying expertise in the state that remains unrivaled.

Alaska Airlines has made itself indispensable to the state's lucrative fishing, tourism and logging industries. Alaskans depend on the airline to transport them into inhospitable terrain that's only accessible by aircraft. As the only commercial carrier with in-state routes, Alaksa Air serves as "mass transit" for the state's residents.

Alaska Air Group is expected to release third-quarter results during the second half of October. On average, analysts expect that the company will report adjusted earnings per share of $2.07, a dip compared with the $2.16 the company reported in the year-earlier quarter. But long-term earnings momentum lies ahead, especially if the Virgin America acquisition goes through. Adjusted EPS is projected to reach $7.05 for the full year, compared with $6.51 in 2015. Adjusted EPS for 2017 is expected to come in at $7.14. Those projections don't include the likely boost to the bottom line from the Virgin acquisition.

Now's the time to get aboard Alaska Air, while the stock's price is cheap. Shares trade at a trailing 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of only 9.2, compared with the trailing P/E of 10 for the airline industry. That's a bargain price, considering the stock's growth prospects. Before the markets opened on Thursday, Alaska Air shares traded at $66.20; the average 12-month price target from analysts is $80.85, which suggests the stock can gain 22% in the next year. That's attractive capital appreciation in a broader market that's projected to produce tepid gains this year at beat.

Here's the beauty of buying Alaska Air stock now: It's a reasonably valued growth stock, whether the Virgin America merger goes through or not.

---

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John Persinos is an editorial manager and investment analyst at Investing Daily. At the time of publication, he owned stock in Boeing. Persinos appears as a regular commentator on the financial television show "Small Cap Nation." Follow him on Twitter.
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) were slumping 5.56% to $5.95 mid-Thursday afternoon after the United Steelworkers union ratified a new labor contract for Cliffs' workers at several mines in Michigan and Minnesota, according to a company statement.

The contract covers 2,000 union workers in total. The unionized employees work at the Tilden and Empire mines in Michigan, and the United Taconite and Hibbing Taconite mines in Minnesota.

The new contract will be retroactively effective from October 1, 2015 and span until September 30, 2017.

Cliffs Natural Resources is a Cleveland-based mining and natural resources company supplying iron ore pellets to the U.S. steel industry.

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 rated this stock as a "hold" with a ratings score of C-.

The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, good cash flow from operations and solid stock price performance. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including unimpressive growth in net income and poor profit margins.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: CLF
An official website of the United States Government
Orbital Insight uses algorithms to calculate how much oil is in tanks by examining roofs, which rise and fall depending on how much oil is being stored. (Orbital Insight/ satellite imagery: DigitalGlobe/Orbital Insight/ satellite imagery: DigitalGlobe)

One of the mysteries of the oil market is the question of how much crude oil China has squirreled away in commercial and strategic stockpiles.

Now a satellite-imaging firm called Orbital Insight claims to have an answer. It says Chinese inventories in May stood at 600 million barrels, substantially more than commonly thought and nearly as much as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Chinese storage capacity, which includes working inventory, is four times widely used estimates, Orbital Insight says, adding that the firm has not only counted storage tanks but has also used imaging techniques to figure out how much oil is in the tanks.

The issue could influence expectations in oil markets. If China has built larger reserves than previously estimated, that means much of what looked like oil demand over the past couple of years was not a result of higher consumption but of strategic planning. It would make OPECs task of cutting output to drive up prices more difficult. And it could provide a buffer for China in the event of a sudden disruption in imported supplies.

The new estimate comes from a firm founded by James Crawford, who formerly worked on Googles book-scanning project. Crawford said that he recruited some NASA scientists and left Google to start Orbital Insight because the price of Earth-orbiting hardware was falling and the amount of satellite images was booming. He has received backing from the investment firms Sequoia and Google Ventures. The firm pays a percentage of its revenue to satellite-image providers.

The broad vision is to take large volumes of satellite imagery and make sense of what were doing on the Earth and what were doing to the Earth, Crawford said.

For its Chinese analysis, Crawford said the firm went back to images taken from 2010 to 2014 and counted the number of oil storage tanks built and destroyed and came up with a figure of 2,100 storage tanks, far more than the 500 tanks in the industry standard database in TankTerminals.com.

Orbital Insight also used its own algorithms to calculate how much was in the tanks by examining their roofs, which rise and fall depending on how much oil is being stored.

As the reservoirs are filled and emptied, the roofs rise and fall, reflected in the crescent moon-like shadows from the walls of the reservoir, the company said in a release.

Orbital Insight honed this technique on about 6,000 tanks in the United States, comparing its figures with those of the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Recently the firm said it could come up with statistics faster than the International Energy Agency, something that could be valuable to oil traders  customers the firm is trying hard to woo.

The firm, however, cannot discern whether there are underground storage facilities.

Orbital Insights estimate far exceeds the figure given in a rare glimpse of Chinas oil supplies by its government. On Sept. 2, the state-owned Xinhua news agency reported that China had 287 million barrels of oil in strategic storage sites in eight cities as well as in commercial facilities at the beginning of the year. Started in 2004, the Chinese strategic stockpile would be enough to cover only 36 days of oil imports, Xinhua said, based on data from the China National Petroleum Corp.s Research Institute of Economics and Technology. Chinas goal is to have large enough strategic stockpiles to cover 100 days of imports, a target the governments five-year plan said might not be completed by the 2020 goal.

The U.S. reserve is large enough to cover about 150 days of imports.

However, with low prices, China has been on a buying spree, many analysts believe.

Investment banks and other analysts have estimated that China has been importing 600,000 to 1.2 million barrels a day more than it needs for consumption. If China has just been bargain hunting, it could cut imports and help keep prices low. Or it could press ahead to reach its 100-day goal.

If Orbital Insight is right, that could be closer than anyone thought.
A group of 10 Republican members of Congress wrote Thursday that they are increasingly concerned about SpaceXs ability to safely fly NASA astronauts and national security satellites after the company recently suffered its second rocket explosion in just over a year.

In a letter to the Air Force, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration, the group said SpaceX should not be leading the investigation into its most recent failure, and that authority should be turned over to the federal government to ensure that proper investigative engineering rigor is applied.

Last year, an unmanned Falcon 9 rocket exploded a couple minutes after it launched a resupply mission to the International Space Station, destroying $118 million worth of cargo. Then, earlier this month, another Falcon 9 rocket blew up as it was being fueled ahead of an engine test. A $195 million commercial satellite sitting on top of the rocket was lost in the fireball.

[Elon Musk on mariachi bands, zero-G games, and why his Mars plan is like Battlestar Galactica.]

These failures could have spelled disaster, even loss of life, had critical national security payloads or NASA crew been aboard those rockets, wrote the members, many of whom represent states where SpaceXs chief competitor, the United Launch Alliance, has a strong presence.

SpaceX declined to comment. After the Sept. 1 explosion, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said on Twitter that the Dragon capsule would have been able to abort in time, ferrying the astronauts on board to safety.

The company has said it is narrowing down the cause of the explosion, pinpointing a breach in a second-stage helium system. Earlier this week, Musk said the investigation was vexing and difficult. He stressed that finding out what went wrong is the companys absolute top priority but said what actually caused the explosion was still unknown.

[Elon Musks SpaceX narrows in on cause of rocket explosion]

Weve eliminated all of the obvious possibilities for what occurred there, he said. So what remains are the less probable answers. He didnt say what those might be.

In the wake of the explosion, NASA has said it stands by SpaceX and the Air Force has said it shouldnt affect the companys certification.

SpaceX, which relies heavily on the federal government for revenue, holds lucrative contracts with NASA to fly cargo and eventually astronauts to the space station. It also holds a certification from the Air Force that allows it to compete for contracts to launch national security satellites against the United Launch Alliance, the Colorado-based joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The members of Congress, led by U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) questioned whether the Air Force should reconsider SpaceXs certification. And they asked NASA whether it still plans to allow SpaceX to use the Falcon 9 for its cargo and crew missions.

Since there was no loss of life or injury and no outside property was extensively damaged, federal regulations call for the launch providers to conduct the investigations with oversight from the FAA. NASA and the Air Force are also helping with the investigation.

NASA declined to comment on the matter. The Air Force said it would respond to the members of Congress directly. The FAA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This year global production is outpacing global consumption of 97 million barrels a day, while the Saudis and OPEC wait for consumption to catch up. But it is taking longer than anticipated. (Hasan Jamali/AP)

This is what the oil market looks like in 2016: Traders and investors this past week had one eye on Algiers, where the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on Wednesday vowed to cut production for the first time in eight years. And OPEC has one eye on what is happening in the bountiful shale fields from the Permian Basin in Texas to the Bakken formation on the plains of North Dakota, where exploration firms are poised to drill more.

The Algiers declaration is little more than a letter of intent. The 14 members of OPEC said they would trim output by 240,000 to 740,000 barrels a day from the current level of 33.24 million barrels a day, a message that sent crude prices soaring 5 percent. Yet they deferred implementation of this small cut until their Nov. 30 meeting  and more importantly they put off the delicate and divisive task of figuring out who is going to cut how much.

Bank analysts were not impressed. Citigroup issued a report to investors titled OPEC Kicks the Can Down the Road Yet Again. Barclays issued one titled OPEC saves face and kicks the can to November.

Meanwhile, in the United States, shale oil drillers, who reined in capital spending as prices plunged, are slowly ramping up activity again while finding new ways to make money at moderate prices. And they are poised to drill even more if prices rise in a sustained way. The drilling rig count, while only a quarter of its 2011 peak, has already clawed its way back to 511, up 107 rigs since the low point in May, according to drilling giant Baker Hughes.

Pioneer Natural Resources is one of the big shale players. Chief executive Scott Sheffield said in an email that the company is adding five new rigs now and six more in 2017 for a total of 23 rigs. He said he predicts that U.S. oil production, down 1.1 million barrels a day from its peak, would flatten in the first half of 2017 and then start growing again in the second half of next year.

In effect, the oil market now has two swing producers with the geological and financial ability to increase or lower output. The traditional swing producer, Saudi Arabia, has long propped up prices by cutting its own output. But for two years it has been pumping at high levels in an effort to hang onto market share, hoping that low prices would keep global consumption high and drive non-OPEC producers away from costly exploration projects.

The other swing producer is the U.S. shale industry. And the companies in that industry are ready to add production every time the price starts creeping up.

Shale, even though its short-term, upside potential may be overstated, continues to challenge OPEC in a deep way. The old tool kit doesnt work very well in this new reality, said Antoine Halff, former senior official at the International Energy Agency and now a fellow at Columbia Universitys Center for Global Energy Policy.

Stability and balance have never been features of oil markets. The impact of price swings is delayed because of the time it takes investment to result in production. And relatively small imbalances  of 2 to 5 percent of the global market  can generate huge price swings because consumers cant do without oil. Over the past decade, prices have bounced between lows of less than $30 a barrel to highs well over $100.

Now, however, many analysts believe that prices could stay within a $40-to-$55-a-barrel band because of adjustments made by the OPEC cartel and U.S. shale producers to effectively prop up prices at the low end and contain them at the high end. That would be good for American motorists and the trade balance of the United States, which still relies heavily on imported petroleum.

This year global production is outpacing global consumption of 97 million barrels a day, while the Saudis and OPEC wait for consumption to catch up. But it is taking longer than anticipated. The International Energy Agency said in its last monthly report that the pillars of demand growth  China and India  are wobbling and stocks of oil in OECD countries are swelling to levels never seen before.

The Algiers meeting raises a question: Has Saudi Arabia secured its market share and succeeded in driving rivals outside OPEC away from new projects?

Saudi policy since November 2014 made perfect sense and has scored some success, Halff said. The kingdom, Iraq and smaller neighbors in the Persian Gulf have regained some market share and put a floor under prices. But its success has been slow, limited and remains fragile. And the price is still half of where theyd like it to be.

The Saudis succeeded in halting U.S. shale, Pioneers Sheffield said. U.S. crude oil output has fallen from a peak of 9.6 million barrels a day in June 2015 to the current level of 8.5 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration. Earlier, after 2008 when shale drilling technology became widespread, U.S. production had soared about 4.5 million barrels a day.

Sheffield said that now U.S. oil output will grow at a slower pace. He said that as long as oil stays around $50 to $55 a barrel, new exploration projects and especially deepwater projects should not proceed.

But he said if oil prices move above $60 a barrel, then we will be back into the same cycle again.

Even at current prices, non-OPEC production is holding up well. Halff noted that Norway has reversed years of output decline and is now producing at its 2011 highs. And, he added, Russia supply is on the edge of another growth spurt.

All this makes life difficult for OPEC, which has been manipulating crude oil prices with varying degrees of success since the 1973 oil embargo.

Those who think that this is a return to the old OPEC should take more seriously the new circumstances of a world with shale and of lower demand growth, said Edward Morse, head of global commodities research at Citigroup.

If oil prices get to $55 or above wed see [shale] output growing again, he added. I think the Saudis understand that and that theres a limit as to how much OPEC can do. I dont think the Saudis are saying, Well go back to the role as the central bank of oil. If anything theyre tweaking things to maximize revenues.

He said oil prices between $50 and $60 a barrel would be enough to incentivize U.S. shale producers to rebound strongly back to a positive growth path, potentially to the point of not just growing 1 million barrels a day for one year, but seeing sustained growth for several years  and gaining market share at OPECs expense.

He added, This is the dilemma OPEC faces in the shale era: If the Saudis do take a more active role, its price impact will be limited to small plays around the margins, if it does not wish to lose much market share to shale.

The Algiers meeting also raised, then sidestepped, the question of whether OPEC can enforce its first output cut since the 2008 financial crisis when the global recession sharply reduced demand for petroleum. The cartel said it would revive country quotas, but last time it tried to impose quotas it ran into old animosities and widely different economic needs.

Saudi Arabias rival Iran, long limited by economic sanctions, wants to boost production to 4 million barrels a day or 12 percent of OPEC output, up from its current level of about 3.8 million barrels a day. Iraq, fighting the Islamic State and rebuilding its war-battered regions, also does not want to reduce output.

Libya, Nigeria and Venezuela are seeking to revive production disrupted by political strife, though there is little sign any of them can restore domestic calm.

The main prospect for cuts seems to be countries that need to adjust for other reasons. Saudi Arabias domestic oil-fired power plants do not need to work as hard in the winter to supply air conditioning. And Barclays notes that Angola needs to do field maintenance in September and October, temporarily cutting its output by as much as 200,000 barrels a day.

Look deeper and the deal becomes less and less meaningful and more and more rhetorical, Morse said.

For Saudi Arabia, all this takes place against a background of upheaval. The kingdom has been backing Syrian rebels and waging war in Yemen. It is watching warily as Iran emerges from sanctions. And it is rethinking its own domestic economy so that it becomes less dependent on oil revenue.

The kingdom is distracted, Halff said. It has launched its national reformation program. OPEC too is in need of transformation, he said. OPEC is far from dead, but needs therapy.

I think OPEC wants to reestablish some idea that they play a role in the market and, in that sense, they accomplish that goal when prices move with their announcements, said Sarah Ladislaw, a senior fellow on energy and national security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. How long that can or will last is another question and one based a great deal more on longer term fundamentals.
When President Obama came into office, one of his top priorities was laying down ethics rules restricting lobbyists from serving in the White House.

Donald J. Trump isnt likely to share that concern judging from the team of coal, oil and gas industry lobbyists who are working on his campaign and transition teams tailoring energy and environmental policies for a Trump presidency.

It raises the question of whether hes already opened the revolving door, said Norman Eisen, who as White House special counsel designed Obamas guidelines. If you have people with these industry ties, profound ties to the very industries that are going to be regulated, then how can the American people be confident that government will serve their interests and not these huge corporate interests.

Many Hillary Clinton supporters hope she will soften Obamas policy on lobbyists if she wins the election. She too is relying on longtime Washington insiders in her campaign, though they lack the formal registered lobbyist background of Trumps team.

Meredith McGehee, policy director at the Campaign Legal Center, says Trumps team stands out because Trump has railed against a system he calls rigged and now appears to be taking advice from people at the heart of that same system.

The fact that Trump has lobbyists intimately involved on key issues on which they lobby raises questions about what he means when he says the system is rigged, said McGehee, who has lobbied for non-profit organizations and says she is not opposed to lobbyists. Hes playing the same game.

The head of Trumps energy transition team is Mike Catanzaro, according to three Republican consultants familiar with the group. Catanzaro, a partner at the lobbying firm CGCN, formerly Clark Geduldig Cranford & Nielson, has a variety of industry clients, according to federal obbying records.

Those clients include oil services giant Halliburton; large independent drillers with domestic shale prospects Devon Energy, Encana Oil & Gas, Hess and Noble Energy; Talen Energy, a electric power generator recently acquired by a private investment firm; the petrochemical and refining association called the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers; and Koch Industries.

Catanzaro was a staffer at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and held senior posts at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency under President George W. Bush. Later he worked as energy policy adviser to then-Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). When he left government, he handled government relations for PPL, a large utility. Then he worked for FTI Consulting, a strategic communications firm, where he advised electric utilities, integrated oil and gas companies and major trade associations, the lobbying records show.

Also on board for Trump: Jeffrey Wood, a partner at Balch & Bingham, a law and lobbying firm. Wood served as counsel to Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), who was an early supporter of Trump. As a staff director, Wood also dealt with clean air, nuclear safety, water and wildlife issues. Wood is a registered lobbyist for the utility Alabama Power and its parent company, Southern.

Andrew R. Wheeler, a lawyer who was the chief of staff at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee when Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) was chairman, has been working on the campaign but is also involved in transition planning, other Republican lobbyists said. Wheeler currently works for FaegreBD Consulting where his leading lobbying client is Murray Energy, lobbying records show. The companys chief executive Robert Murray has been a vociferous critic of Obama; when Obama was reelected, Murray read a prayer to company staff members lamenting the countrys direction.

The Post called and emailed Wheeler, Wood and Catanzaro. Wood and Catanzaro did not reply. Wheeler referred questions to the Trump campaign; campaign spokesman Hope Hicks said the campaign would not comment or let the team members speak.

[Trumps transition team taps longtime climate skeptic to set environmental policy.]

Trump has vowed to slash environmental regulations, open up more federal lands for leasing, and unleash enough drilling to propel the United States to energy independence.

We can become the energy dominant country in the world, Stephen Moore, a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation and Trump economic adviser said Wednesday in a debate at George Washington University. We can be the next Saudi Arabia for the next century.

The fossil fuel industries have other friends in the Trump orbit, Republican lobbyists say. Some are high profile, like Continental Resources founder and billionarie Harold Hamm or Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND). Others play more of a nuts-and-bolts role.

Stephen Miller, a top Trump adviser on a range of issues including energy, came from the Sessions staff. He has worked for various lawmakers, including former House members Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and John Shadegg (R-Ariz.).

Rebecca Rosen, another member of the Trump energy team, has been the Washington representative of Devon Energy, a leading independent oil and gas drilling company. The Oklahoma-based firm is very active in shale oil and shale gas prospects. The EPA is drawing up regulations to ensure that shale drilling firms capture methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas.

In addition to the energy lobbyists, Trumps transition team for environmental issues includes Myron Ebell, head of energy and environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Ebell has been a skeptic about climate change and has called many mainstream climate studies false. He has urged the Senate to reject the Paris climate accords and he says that alternative energy sources, such as solar or wind, cost too much and will place a burden on people from poor nations.

The institutes backing comes in large part from Donors Trust, a conduit for donors who do not want their names publicized. The trust, however, is staffed largely by people who have worked for Koch Industries or a non-profit financed by the Koch brothers network.

Politico reported on Monday that Trumps transition operation has also recruited Mike McKenna, who is president of the firm MWR Strategies and who worked for both the Energy and Transportation departments. McKenna has lobbied on behalf of Dow Chemical, Koch Industries, Southern, GDF Suez and TECO Energy.

The Trump transition team for Interior Department issues also includes David Longly Bernhardt, the former solicitor general of the Interior Department under Bush and a partner at the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. He has represented a wide variety of clients on regulatory issues such as the Endangered Species Act but has not lobbied for corporations.

Eisen, the former Obama special counsel who later became U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic, says that critics of the lobbyist ties shouldnt focus on the lobbyists.

Its no knock on the individuals, he said. Their job is to influence government and what better way to do that than helping design the new administration. Its certainly fair to ask what precautions are being taken to prevent conflicts of interest.

The Trump campaign would not comment.

Alice Crites contributed to this article.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly named Mike McKennas current firm and position there, as well as his earlier government service.

Correction: An earlier version of this story also misidentified Stephen Miller. The Miller working for Trump came from the staff of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). A different Stephen Miller has worked as a lobbyist for the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity.
Deputy Platte County Attorney Elizabeth Lay appeared before senators again Wednesday to say serious problems with emergency mental health treatment has not changed in more than a year.

Lay appeared before the Task Force on Behavioral and Mental Health, chaired by Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz, to talk about the need to solve the problem of what to do for violent and dangerous people with mental illness who are picked up by police.

She gave the same speech a year ago to the Judiciary Committee.

"We're still having problems, a lot of problems, finding placement for these people who are violent and combative, that private hospitals don't want to take," she said.

To get into the Lincoln Regional Center a person has to have a mental health board commitment, she said. So counties are having to find loopholes in the system to get people off the streets, like sending them to the overcrowded (Department of Correctional Services) Diagnostic and Evaluation Center for evaluations.

Some of them end up in prisons or jails, even though that's far from the best place for them.

"We want to make sure we're doing the fairest possible thing for this person. We want to make sure we're treating the primary cause of the problem, whether it be criminal in nature or mental in nature," Lay said. "It's very important to distinguish those two things, and treat the cause of the problem."

A behavioral needs assessment, presented to the task force by Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, associate professor with the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, showed mental health disorders are widespread and chronic in the state.

But access to treatment, combined with people's willingness to seek treatment, is low.

The study showed women report poorer mental health status and experience depression more often than men. People who have lower incomes and less education have poorer mental health.

Poverty has been increasing in the state since 2010, she said. And in 2015, more than one in 10 people had no health insurance.

The study also showed one-fourth of high school students reported feeling depressed in the past year, and about 15 percent reported they considered suicide.

In 2015, 43 percent of young adult Nebraskans reported binge drinking within the past month, with the overall rate for all adults being one of the highest in the country.

Also, about half of Nebraska adults reported at least one adverse childhood experience, including abuse, neglect and a range of dysfunction in the home.

Medical issues often accompany mental illness, Watanabe-Galloway said, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

There is a severe shortage of behavioral health providers in Nebraska, she said. Only 12 counties have psychiatrists. And many of them are nearing retirement age.

Watanabe-Galloway said without enough treatment available, the wait for community-based treatment averages about 20 days. The average wait for people needing substance abuse treatment is 37 days.

Researchers and public health officials say there needs to be a campaign to raise awareness that mental health issues are as important as chronic medical issues, she said. Awareness is still low in this state, and most people don't know how to access care.

"A lot of times people who are experiencing problems in family members do not recognize the signs of mental illness," she said. "And if they do not recognize the signs of mental illness, they do not seek care."

And the issue of access to care also needs to be addressed.

"We're losing services in our community faster than we are gaining services in our community," Deputy Platte County Attorney Lay said.

Adding to the problems are low provider rates, said Annette Dubas, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations. A long-range, comprehensive review and rebuilding of rates would be a huge step in creating stability in the system, she said.

"Without adequate rates we can't build capacity. And without capacity it will impact access," Dubas said.

The task force of seven members, created this year, grew out of a Legislative Performance Audit report that found the need for additional study of ways to reduce behavioral and mental health care service gaps in the state.

A report by the task force to the Legislature is due Dec. 1.
For the most part, we read a work of nonfiction for two intertwined reasons  to learn about a particular subject and to enjoy the intellectual company of the books author. I started Grand Hotel Abyss: The Lives of the Frankfurt School  because Id long wanted to know more about the careers and thought of social theorists Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Herbert Marcuse and their loosely affiliated fellow thinker, the literary critic Walter Benjamin. I steeled myself for a hard slog  these were, after all, German theorists  but almost immediately discovered that British journalist Stuart Jeffries could summarize complex arguments so clearly that even a bear of little brain could grasp them. He was, moreover, witty, skeptical and an active presence on the page, questioning and probing each of the Frankfurt Schools various hypotheses, assertions and insights. As a result, this seemingly daunting book turned out to be an exhilarating page-turner.

[Review: Everything Explained That Is Explainable]

"Grand Hotel Abyss: The Lives of the Frankfurt School," by Stuart Jeffries (Verso)

The Institute for Social Research, as the Frankfurt School was formally called, initially came into existence in 1923 to explore why Germany failed to produce a successful socialist revolution in the years immediately following World War I. Its members were virtually all Jewish, the sons of well-off bourgeois families, and they viewed themselves as analysts rather than activists or revolutionaries. Nonetheless, they relied on Marxs ideas about class, alienation and capitalism for the tools they needed to interpret and understand contemporary society. Over time, however, this set of heterodox neo-Marxists gradually shifted its investigative focus from production to consumption, from the examination of proletarian class consciousness (or its lack) to studies of the ways advanced societies employed the culture industry as a means of social control. Their aim, however, remained the same: to awaken us from a life of illusion.

In brief, people of advanced industrial societies lived with the false consciousness that they were free agents but were, in fact, constantly manipulated by advertisements, marketing, Hollywood, new technologies and, now, social media. As a result, our identities have come to be shaped by the largely passive consumption of mass-produced goods and, in the 21st century, by an increasing addiction to mindless screen culture at the expense of genuine human interaction. In an insidious double whammy, Henry Ford perfected the dehumanization of work through the assembly line and simultaneously turned his employees into desiring-machines. Modern commodity fetishism  the compulsive desire for a new car, name-brand sneakers or the most recent smartphone  transformed the world into a gaudy phantasmagoria, what Walter Benjamin, in Jeffriess summary, would call a ring of hell in which the consumerist faithful endlessly buy and sell, eternally deluded in believing that this activity will bring fulfillment.

To analyze these pervasive forms of capitalist domination, the Frankfurt School employed what it called critical theory, a kind of deconstructionism defined by Jeffries as a radical rethinking that challenges what it considers to be the official versions of history and intellectual endeavour. Thus Walter Benjamin turned away from approved canonical literature to study the overlooked, the worthless, the trashy, the very things that didnt make sense within the official version of history but which, he maintained, encoded the dream wishes of the collective consciousness. Benjamin would go on to consider the Paris shopping arcades as an artificial paradise  a consumerist retreat that excluded the real world outside  and eventually to write what would become, with the possible exception of T.S. Eliots almost diametrically opposed Tradition and the Individual Talent, the most influential literary-critical essay of the 20th century: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.

[Piecing together the life of one of the most curious historical figures: John Aubrey]

In the opening chapters of Grand Hotel Abyss the title derives from philosopher Gyorgi Lukacss derogatory description of what he regarded as the Frankfurt Schools radical chic  Jeffries examines the Oedipal rebellion of these often mollycoddled sons against uncomprehending merchant-fathers, who had assimilated German secular culture and frankly disdained working-class East European Jews with their long beards and kaftans. (Siegfried Kracauer  remembered now as a film theorist  wittily remarked that these last were Jews who looked so authentic, you thought they must be imitations. ) Naturally, Adorno, Benjamin and their intellectual comrades refused to actually work for a living and instead blithely and incongruously relied on Daddys business profits to pay their allowances and fund their anti-capitalist projects.

After Hitler assumed power in 1933, the Institute for Social Research was forced to relocate to Switzerland and later to the United States, where it was loosely linked to Columbia University and where, to avoid trouble and help gain financing, it played down its Marxist past and emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of its sociological research. But in New York, Horkheimer and the others clashed with hard-line communist thinkers notably Sidney Hook  and, for obvious reasons, could never accept the American way of life. (While Benjamin had hoped to join his friends abroad, he was temporarily thwarted and, fearful of arrest, had committed suicide in 1940.) In due course, several of the Frankfurters moved to Los Angeles and joined a community of German exiles there that included playwright Bertolt Brecht, film director Fritz Lang and novelist Thomas Mann. Having studied with composer Alban Berg, Adorno was soon advising Mann about the musical sections of his last great novel, Doctor Faustus. After the war, many members of the school returned to Europe.

But not all. Erich Fromm stayed and produced several popular books, including The Art of Loving, which emphasized the importance of tenderness in intimate relations. His friend and eventual enemy, Herbert Marcuse, went further, rejecting Freuds theory that civilization required the repression of the libido and arguing instead for a more open, polymorphous sexualization of the world. Little surprise that in the 1960s and 70s Marcuses Eros and Civilization  and One-Dimensional Man  became bibles of the counterculture. A somewhat younger member of the school, Jurgen Habermas  still with us and the subject of a just-published biography by Robert Holub (Routledge)  later acknowledged that Marxism might now seem redundant given the Wests material prosperity, but rightly pointed out that liberation from hunger and misery does not necessarily converge with liberation from servitude and degradation.

Sigh. Theres so much more to the Frankfurt School than I can convey here  I havent even mentioned the important investigations into anti-Semitism and the authoritarian personality. Still, I hope its clear that Stuart Jeffriess Grand Hotel Abyss is an outstanding critical introduction to some of the most fertile, and still relevant, thinkers of the 20th century.

Michael Dirda reviews books on Thursdays in Style.


Comedian and actor Mike Birbiglia is bringing his show Thank God for Jokes to Strathmore. (Brian Friedman) If you dont remember the guy who tore your ticket at the DC Improv 20 years ago, you might know Mike Birbiglia, 38, from his one-man show turned book and movie, Sleepwalk With Me, or from comedy specials such as My Girlfriends Boyfriend, from bits on This American Life or from his appearances on Girls and Orange Is the New Black. It was Birbiglias movie Dont Think Twice, which he wrote, directed and produced and in which he is featured, about the improv comedy world and the nature of success, that connected with audiences nationally this summer. Birbiglia, who graduated from Georgetown University in 2000, returns to the Washington area this week with the road version of his last off-Broadway one-man show, Thank God for Jokes, which comes to the Music Center at Strathmore on Friday. We spoke recently to Birbiglia from the road about the show, which hes fine-tuning for a Netflix special hes shooting next month; how his Georgetown improv group influenced Dont Think Twice; and why he had to fail at Wiseacres in Tysons Corner before he got any good.

Q: Whats the thesis of Thank God for Jokes?

A: The show is about how jokes have the ability to bring to bring us together and also have the ability to get us in trouble. In that sense, theyre risky. Every time you tell a joke, youre taking a risk. But ultimately theyre worth it.

Q: Are you talking about your personal life or broader events in the world?

A: People often ask me to tell jokes offstage, and its hard to do, or explain. My doctor said to me once, because he didnt believe I was a comedian, Youre a comedian? How come youre not funny now? What I wanted to say was, Im going to take this conversation were having and repeat that to strangers, then thats the joke. Youre the joke, later. But I didnt say it, I just thought it.

Q: And did you do that joke in the show?

A: I did it in the show. Thats what I try to explain to people: Jokes are this odd thing where people have this impression that were all just whipping off jokes all the time. But a lot of times theyre just thoughts you have you cant really say, because it would feel socially unacceptable. Thats why onstage we accept it as a forum we accept for people saying things that might not be appropriate.

Q: Arent jokes always trying to get as close to the edge without going over?

A: Yes. I think thats why culturally, were in a tricky moment, because everything is on the Internet and everything is recorded and filmed, all that kind of stuff. With standup comedy, for example, it becomes harder and harder to find the line. Because in order to find the line, you need to cross the line. So if youre very short of the line, you need to go across the line to see what the line is. And increasingly, with everything being recorded and filmed, its harder in an art form like standup that is trial and error. We have to remember with trial and error if you get rid of the error, theres going to be less great stuff.

Q: And this doesnt have to do with political correctness or things like that, right?

A: I dont think so. I actually go out of my way to never say the term politically correct in this show. And the reason is that its become a co-opted term by the kind of Trump political movement, which I think is unfortunate.

Q: Does your show change as you go along to react to things in the news?

A: I acknowledge in the show incidents like the Charlie Hebdo incident in France and the Seth Rogen/North Korea incident where they cyberattacked Sony. I acknowledge the fact that increasingly were living in a world where people are taking jokes very seriously, primarily because the world is getting smaller. Were neighbors now with people who live in China, or neighbors with people who live in Russia, or neighbors with people who live in Texas, which to me is the most worrisome.



Mike Birbiglia and Kate Micucci in the movie Dont Think Twice, which was released this summer. (Jon Pack/The Film Arcade)

Q: How much of your life is in Dont Think Twice? Was it based on your improv experience here?

A: I was cast in an improv group at Georgetown, when I was a freshman, actually. And then my improv group moved to New York together. We had a regular show at the UCB Theatre. The group was called Littleman  Nick Kroll was in it as well  and eventually the group broke up and I veered into standup and movies, and they moved into writing and acting and different things. So, yeah, Id say it was autobiographically themed but not autobiographical in the story itself.

Q: Was D.C. was a formative place for you as a comic?

A: Absolutely. I would work the door at the Washington DC Improv. Id sell tickets and bring food to tables, and the reason I got to learn everything is basically when someone wouldnt show up, theyd throw me up onstage. . . . Id say, Im Mike Birbiglia. Some of you might recognize me from the door, and that always got a laugh. When I graduated from that job and moved to New York, actually, the person who took over for me took that line.

Similarly, if a headliner was drunk and staying out all night and couldnt wake up to do radio in the morning, they would call me. Thats how I ended up being on Jack in the Morning for the first time. Jack Diamonds show on 107.3 was the first time I ever was on the radio, ever, because the headliner who I was opening for wouldnt wake up.

Q: Did D.C. have a good comedy scene then?

A: When I was there, in 1996 to 2000, it was small. I used to go out to the Best Western in Tysons Corner  there was a club called Wiseacres. They would have an open mic every Wednesday, and I would go out and enter a lottery to perform. Eleven people would get picked out of 30 at random.

Some weeks Id drive out all that way and I wouldnt even get onstage. And some weeks I would. It was definitely where I cut my teeth. I really wasnt good. I really hadnt figured it out. As I said, comedy takes an extreme amount of trial and error. And a majority of the work I was putting onstage was error.

Q: When did that turn around for you?

A: I think it turned around a couple of years after moving to New York City. I was working at this place called Comic Strip Live on the Upper East Side. The person who booked the Comic Strip was this guy Lucien Hold, who said, You should talk about yourself onstage. Because if you write jokes about yourself, no one can steal them. And I thought that was the smartest thing I had heard about comedy.

Mike Birbiglia Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets: $20-$60. 301-581-5100. strathmore.org.
An occasional roundup of family-friendly theater around Washington. (Shows are appropriate for age 4 and older unless noted.)



Emma Hunton, left, and Heidi Blickenstaff star in Signature Theatres new adaptation of Freaky Friday. Its not just this frothy little musical, Blickenstaff said. (Signature Theatre/Christopher Mueller)

A mother and daughter switch personalities in a new musical, while sisters cling to each other through heartbreak and happiness in a Jane Austen adaptation  this pair of grown-up shows could also be a treat for many kids.

At the center of Freaky Friday, a world premiere musical at Signature Theatre, are two singer-actresses just getting to know each other: Heidi Blickenstaff, who plays the mom, Katherine, and Emma Hunton, who plays the daughter, Ellie. Both actresses are self-described belters who say their voices meld so well that they sometimes sound like one.

Created by the Next to Normal and If/Then team of composer Tom Kitt and lyricist Brian Yorkey, with a script by Bridget Carpenter, the musical is based on the 1972 book by Mary Rodgers, the 1976 movie with Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris, the 1995 television movie with Shelley Long and Gaby Hoffmann, and the 2003 movie with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis  whew! But it changes a lot of details, including character names and occupations.

We have the luxury of being able to sort of create these characters from scratch, Blickenstaff said after a recent rehearsal. And its fun to just sort of be completely 100 percent inventing every day.

In this version, Katherine is a recently widowed caterer who is about to remarry, not giving her teenage daughter much time to adjust. So when Ellie has to give up a big scavenger hunt to attend her moms rehearsal dinner, shes totally bummed.

Ellies not really great with interacting outside of her two friends . . . shes kind of a loner and a little bit more awkward than the average teenager, Hunton said. Its so important for her to be seen as normal by the rest of her class, to participate in this scavenger hunt, that when her mom just says no, its kind of like, Ugh, there goes any chance I have of fitting in. 

Thus the magical personality swap, which Blickenstaff describes as this amazing idea that Mary Rodgers had to live a day in each others shoes, and then they both develop compassion and empathy for the others life.

Before meeting on the first day of rehearsals, Blickenstaff and Hunton had Googled and YouTubed each other, so they had a sense of whom they would be harmonizing with. Both have Broadway and regional credits, and each has experience working with Yorkey and Kitt  Blickenstaff as the troubled mother in a regional production of Next to Normal, Hunton as the daughter in that shows national tour. Now, they say, theyve found magic together.

I dont even know if I want to say this out loud to you, Blickenstaff said, glancing at Hunton, but its only happened a handful of times in my career, when Ive sung with people that Im particularly synergistic with. Our voices sound like one. And there are moments in this where our voices sound like one voice and its sort of like . . . She gasps.

Even though Blickenstaff plays the mom and Hunton the daughter, for most of the show, their characters personalities are switched. Blickenstaff, with lifelong perfect posture, must remember to slouch like a teenager, and Hunton to stand up straight. Director Christopher Ashley (who just staged Come From Away at Fords Theatre) keeps reminding them, Blickenstaff said, to spend a minute in each others skin during breaks.

Both Blickenstaff and Hunton said that theyre having a blast but that the show, despite its lighthearted tone, is every bit as difficult as the psychologically complex Next to Normal, if not more so.

Its not just this frothy little musical, like Oh, thatll be fun to do a little Disney musical,  Blickenstaff said. Its a huge acting challenge.

Freaky Friday. Through Nov. 20 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington.

703-820-9771. sigtheatre.org. $40-$108. Recommended for age 8 and older.



Erin Weaver, left, and Maggie McDowell play sisters Marianne and Elinor Dashwood in a playful adaptation of Sense and Sensibility at Folger Theatre. (Teresa Wood)

Sense & Sensibility at Folger

Maggie McDowell and Erin Weaver play sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, respectively, in Folger Theatres playful and fast-moving adaptation-on-wheels of Jane Austens Sense & Sensibility , in which actors open the show dancing to rock music, then segue seamlessly into a gavotte. Elinor, the eldest, has a sweet but restrained personality, while the 17-ish Marianne wears her emotions on her puffy sleeve, ignoring the rules of English society circa 1811. Yet the sisters comfort each other when their hearts are broken, and celebrate when each, at long last, finds love.

McDowell and Weaver had never met before rehearsals, but both say theyve been simpatico from the start. This is sort of one of my first big shows, and I was like, What if the woman who plays my sister is intimidating or doesnt like me or thinks Im bad or whatever? McDowell said. I just feel so lucky that she could not be more lovely.

Elinor and Marianne anchor each other  We are really the only thing we have in this story, in this world, McDowell said, referring to the fact that the sisters lose their father quite suddenly and find themselves, their mother (Lisa Birnbaum) and much younger sibling, Margaret (Nicole Kang), nearly destitute and at the mercy of nasty relatives. Even worse, they fall in love with men who, for different reasons, cant commit. Marianne grieves loudly while Elinor suffers in silence.

Theres a lot of great moments where theyre butting heads, and then something happens and they immediately come together and theyre there for each other, Weaver said. In real life, were kind of both a mix [of Elinors and Mariannes personalities]. But even in real life, we sort of have those undertones. Shes very sort of calm and together, and Im a little bit more manic. Just like the sisters they play.

Sense & Sensibility. Through Nov. 6 at Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077.

folger.edu/theatre. $30-$75. Recommended for age 10 and older.

ALSO PLAYING OR OPENING SOON



In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a gifted teen sets out to learn who killed a neighbors dog. (Joan Marcus)

A gifted British teen named Christopher sets out to learn who killed a neighbors dog, an act that has been blamed on him, in the Tony Award-winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Although hes painfully sensitive to bright lights and loud noises, Christopher must venture out into London. Wednesday through Oct. 23 at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. kennedy-center. org. Recommended for age 10 and older. $39-$149.



Scott Harrison, left, Suzanne Lane and Emily Zickler appear in Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical. (Bruce Douglas)

Adventure Theatre MTC is reprising Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, which debuted at the Kennedy Center in 2010. Its based on the picture book by Mo Willems about a little girl named Trixie who goes to the laundromat with her dad and loses her beloved plush bunny rabbit. With music by Michael Silversher, script and lyrics by Willems, choreography by Michael J. Bobbitt and direction by Nick Olcott. Through Oct. 23 at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. 301-634-2270. adventuretheatre-mtc.org. $19.50.



Tia Shearer performs in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, about a vain toy rabbit made of china. (Shea Bartlett)

Imagination Stage will present The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, based on Kate DiCamillos 2006 book about a vain, unfeeling toy rabbit made of china who falls overboard during a transatlantic voyage, leaving his little owner bereft. He is found, lost and found again by others as he learns how to love. Adapted by Dwayne Hartford and directed by Janet Stanford. Oct. 8-30 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. 301-280-1660.

imaginationstage.org. $10-$30. Recommended for age 6 and older.

A bilingual folk tale, Volcanoes  Tales of El Salvador, by Cornelia Cody, will make its world premiere at GALA Theatre, which commissioned it for the kid-friendly GALita wing. Directed by Gustavo Ott and based on folk tales about the cadejos, or magic dogs of the volcanoes, the tale is interwoven with a story about siblings going through trying times. Oct. 8-22 at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. 202-234-7174. galatheatre. org. $10 children, $12 adults.

Hip-hop performers Paige Hernandez and Baye Harrell will apply their talents to folk tales, history, art, language, sounds and numbers in All the Way Live!, an interactive remix for kids 5 and older, set to the beats of Nick Nick the 1da Hernandez and a magical boombox. Oct. 15-16 at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600.

kennedy-center.org. $20.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that the musical Dear Evan Hansen was created by composer Tom Kitt and lyricist Brian Yorkey. Dear Evan Hansen was created by composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and book writer Steven Levenson.


All-Purpose Pizzerias Jersey-Style Eggplant Parm. (Renee Comet/For The Washington Post; styling by Bonnie S. Benwick)

This is one of the few dishes I didnt choose to gussy up, says chef Michael Friedman of All-Purpose pizzeria in the Shaw neighborhood of the District. It is what it is.

Its also Friedmans ode to the New Jersey cooking of his childhood: His mother made a style of eggplant Parm in which the main ingredient doesnt get breaded and fried. Instead, she  and now he  roasts the eggplant in a generous amount of olive oil, then layers it for baking with a long-simmered tomato sauce, garlic, basil and two cheeses. The crowning touch: toasted bread crumbs for a satisfying crunch.

Jersey-Style Eggplant Parm

4 servings

Youll need two small gratin dishes.

MAKE AHEAD: The roasted eggplant can be refrigerated for up to 5 days before assembling and baking. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months.The gratin-dish casseroles can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 5 days before baking.

For the sauce

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

One 28-ounce can no-salt-added, whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano variety imported from Italy

1 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Sicilian

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the eggplant

One 1 1/2-pound eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

For assembly

1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (4 ounces)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

8 large fresh basil leaves, torn

1/2 cup toasted plain bread crumbs

For the sauce: Pour the oil into a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until it starts to lightly brown on the edges, 2 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes and their juices, the oregano and salt. Increase the heat to medium-high, so the mixture starts to bubble, then reduce the heat to medium, so the liquid is barely bubbling around the edges. Cook for 1 hour or until the sauce has thickened, reduced and darkened slightly. Use an immersion (stick) blender or transfer to a food processor; puree until smooth. Let cool. Youll have about 3 cups of sauce; reserve half for this recipe and half for another use.

For the eggplant: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with clean dish towels, and have 2 small gratin dishes at hand.

Lay the eggplant slices on the baking sheets, then sprinkle the slices with the salt. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, then pat them with the towels to remove any excess moisture on the surface; this will help remove bitterness.

Remove the eggplant slices from the baking sheets, then drizzle each of the sheets with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Return the eggplant slices to the baking sheets, and drizzle them with the remaining oil. Roast until they have absorbed all the oil and have slightly browned, 10 to 20 minutes. Let cool.

To assemble, spread 1/4 cup of the sauce in the bottom of each gratin dish, then divide the garlic slivers between them. Add a quarter of the eggplant slices to each dish, overlapping them as needed, then top each portion with 1/4 cup of sauce. Scatter 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella over that layer of sauce in each portion, plus 1 tablespoon each Parmigiano-Reggiano and half the basil. Repeat the layers, beginning with the eggplant and ending with the Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Bake until the cheese is browned and gooey, 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Top each portion with 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs. Serve hot.

SOURCE: From chef Michael Friedman of All Purpose Pizzeria in the Districts Shaw neighborhood.

Tested by Joe Yonan; email questions to food@washpost.com

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS Per serving | 360 cals, 10 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates, 29 g fat, 6 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 500 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 8 g sugar

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I am not a handsome man. The caricature of me that generally accompanies this column, drawn by Eric Shansby, depicts a comically disheveled, mop-headed, pasty-faced, pudgy, bulb-nosed schnook, and it is actually quite flattering. In short, I am under no illusions about my appearance. Stretching mightily for kindness, a reporter who once profiled me said my hair belonged to someone with a complete lack of vanity.

But I have a small vanity problem now. It involves the photograph that accompanies the Wikipedia page about me. As I write this, it has been there for more than a year, despite my persistent and occasionally devious efforts to delete it. The photo was taken six years ago at a public event after I had been walking around for three hours in the hot sun, still feeling the effects of double knee-replacement surgery, pain etched in whatever facial features remained after swelling up from meds and bed immobility. It is not a good photograph, even for me.

I asked some of my friends to describe it. My editor, Tom the Butcher, said I resembled a wheel of overripe cheese. Pat Myers said I looked like Super Marios mug shot after the crack raid. My comic-strip collaborator Horace LaBadie instantly linked me to a photo of Siku, the runny-nosed walrus who had been cured by veterinarians of a parasitic infection that caused her to ooze quarts of snot. Rachel Manteuffel said I am a Muppet, specifically the Swedish chef after a squid-explosion mishap. (Remember these are my friends.)

I tried asking Wikipedia to change or delete this picture. No answer. So I did what any user can do, and deleted it myself, on seven occasions  which, yes, was in blatant and shameful contravention of all Wikimedia Commons policies blah, blah, blah. (One is evidently not allowed to alter ones own entry.) But my change kept getting nullified by administrators. The picture kept crawling back, indestructible, like the cockroach it is. Finally I started begging, leaving pathetic pleas for administrators in the Wiki history pages, exposing my soul to the army of earnest 17-year-old volunteer Wiki cops out there. In return, I got lectures on proper user behavior.

If I am not vain, why do I care about this photo? It is mostly because I use my Wikipedia page as a shorthand bio. Sometimes, if I am trying to coax a reluctant person to talk to me about something I am writing, I will link to my profile. Its a pretty accurate description of me, for better and worse. I dont want these people wondering if I am also a bloated corpse that has just been fished out of a lagoon. (Or Khalid Sheik Mohammed, rousted from hiding, in custody, also photographed on a bad day.)

So here we are. My last resort, in the pages of The Washington Post.

With luck, some kindly Wikipedia administrator is going to kill the photo and maybe substitute another, one in which I am merely conventionally ugly. But it is also possible that this column will serve as a clarion call to every smart aleck and wisenheimer and cyber-vandal out there. Anyone can make ephemeral changes to my Wikipedia page, any time.

I considered that before writing this column. I dont particularly want to spend a week being depicted as Yoda or Donald Trump or the Selfie Monkey or Steve Buscemis foot. But what the heck. The truth is, theyd be improvements.

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1 of 16 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Was it a CIA safe house? Perhaps. Its definitely a great house. View Photos Large retreat on Virginias Lake Jackson features walls of windows, shoreline access and a colorful history. Caption Large retreat on Virginias Lake Jackson features walls of windows, shoreline access and a colorful history. A photograph of Alvictus from the air. The large retreat on Lake Jackson is rumored to be a former CIA safe house. The original log cabin on the site was at the end of the house near the pool. Goran Kosanovic./For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Five years ago, journalists Roberta Baskin and Jim Trengrove, who built careers covering (and uncovering) fraudsters and politicians, began discussing the next stage of their lives. Trengrove was content to stay in the 2,600-square-foot Colonial in upper Northwest Washington where they had finished raising two daughters. Baskin, however, dreamed about moving to something smaller and farther downtown, in a walkable neighborhood close to a Metro station. Neither even considered relocating to a larger place outside the city.

Then they read a 2014 Washington Post story about Alvictus, a 4,654-square-foot home in a secluded location near Manassas, Va. It had spectacular views of Lake Jackson, dramatic mid-century architecture and a tantalizing Cold War pedigree as a reputed CIA safe house. They drove 40 miles to Prince William County, took a one-hour tour and signed a contract on the spot.

Journalists Roberta Baskin and Jim Trengrove bought the home in 2014. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

 CIA safe house was all we had to hear, jokes Baskin, 64, of their $740,000 retreat. The award-winning investigative reporter for local and network television is now researching Alvictus as a 20th-century stash-and-crash pad for defecting Soviet spies  despite the CIAs refusal to confirm or deny the rumors.

Please feel free to say CIA declined to comment, agency spokesman Jonathan Liu suggested in a recent email response to queries from The Washington Post.

Of course, the CIA connection was not the overriding lure for the couple. There was the dramatic modernist architecture: a great room boasting 18-foot ceilings and walls of lake-facing windows, an intricate banister and floating staircase connecting the great room to the upper level, and a parallel balcony and walls shielding private quarters from public view. Two acres of woodland offered serene seclusion, Lake Jackson promised perennial eye candy, and 100 feet of private shoreline plus a dock, 82 steps below the house, beckoned to those inclined toward fishing and boating.

Its like being on permanent vacation, says Trengrove, 63, who spent 21 years at PBS NewsHour, mostly as Capitol Hill senior producer.

Safe house or no, Alvictus comes with a deliciously checkered past. It was built by Victor Purse, a State Department official whose happiest years in Foggy Bottom were the three he spent as deputy and acting chief of protocol during President Dwight Eisenhowers first term.

Purse was charming, smart and efficient enough to have impressed Britains Queen Elizabeth II and Saudi Arabias King Saud, among others. But when Purses first wife accepted Sauds gift of a $3,000 Oldsmobile convertible in 1957 (she later refused to return it and they divorced), Purse was forced out of his protocol post. Though it was legal at the time for officials at State to accept such pricey largesse, protocol chief Wiley Buchanan resented his younger, popular deputy, whom he found brash and undiplomatic. Purse, in turn, found Eisenhowers political appointee downright stiff.

Two years later, far from the limelight but still at State  and having survived a 1958 suicide attempt  Purse, along with his second wife, Alice, bought a log cabin and 18 choice lots in Charles Alpaughs development on Lake Jackson. The reluctant seller was Luther Alpaugh, a son of the developer, who needed cash to fight a murder charge. Purse promised to sell back the trophy property should Luther Alpaugh go free but reneged after the acquittal.

It is not known how much Purse paid Alpaugh for the land and cabin, says Dwayne Moyers, a Prince William police officer turned real estate agent who co-listed Alvictus in 2014 with his wife, Maryanne. Moyers spent weeks reading old news stories and interviewing relatives and friends of the Purses.

Alice Purse, who worked for what was then the Government Printing Office , had married Victor after becoming fabulously wealthy through a record multimillion-dollar legal settlement, the result of nearly being killed in an auto accident involving a Greyhound bus. And it was that money that likely allowed the couple to turn the cabin, originally called Happy House, into their singular dream home, Moyers writes on his realty website.

The original cabin, called Happy House. (Courtesy of Alvictus)

I believe Alpaugh offered Purse up to $30,000 to buy the land back. But Purse was wise enough not to sign an agreement, informing Alpaugh he couldnt have the land back at any price, says Moyers. A nasty feud ensued.

When Purse was building the massive extension to the property, Alpaugh used heavy fireworks repeatedly to drive workers off the site by firing mortars across the water as the retaining wall was under construction, Moyers says. Purse fired back in a mini-war that lasted two weeks.

The never-modest Victor named this bucolic fiefdom Alvictus for Alice and himself, and shaped the fishpond out front into a P, for Purse, visible from the commuter helicopters he envisioned using once hed installed a helipad to beat rush-hour traffic. (Never happened.) Then he set about sharing the compounds charms.

Victor Purse built Alvictus for entertaining foreign dignitaries and government officials with influence. His lakefront home became well known for its parties and networking opportunities during weekend getaways, writes Moyers.

The Washington Star covered a 1959 party where Rep. John J. Rooney, a Brooklyn Democrat who chaired the House subcommittee that controlled the State Department budget, christened a five-ton ornamental water wheel Victor trucked from a defunct mill to the terrace below his 13-foot-deep pool.

Moyers also turned up stories from locals about Cold War-era strangers with foreign accents shopping in Manassas, lending credence to the widespread belief that Alvictus was used as a Cold War safe house.

You can consider it verified, declares Vince Houghton, the International Spy Museums historian and curator, about the rumor. Houghton, whose doctorate focused on the history of intelligence, says he discussed Alvictus with a few former Russian and American operatives, whom he declined to identify.

And consider this description of a safe house, unnamed but unmistakably Alvictus, which surfaced in a 2015 spy novel titled A Very British Ending.

Victor and Alice Purse work on the homes privacy wall. (Courtesy of Alvictus)

It was the CIAs best safe house: totally isolated in hilly woodland, but only a forty-minute drive from Langley, wrote the English author, Baltimore-born Edward Wilson. The house had a swimming pool, lake frontage and an outdoor bar and barbecue. But what Angleton  that would be James Jesus Angleton, the agencys real-life chief of counterintelligence from 1954 to 1975 liked most about it were the spectacular azaleas, which were bursting into full bloom. The house had been built in the 1950s using local stone and wood. There was nothing vulgar about it, except a water feature with Koi carp and a statue of Pan  but the overriding aesthetic style was unashamed American assertive.

Despite those spot-on details, Wilson, who now lives in England, never saw the property. My only insider source on Alvictus was my own mother, now long dead, who was absolutely mad about azaleas (and cultivated them), and told me about the place. But what she knew and how she knew it is long dead, Wilson says via email.

She lived and worked in Baltimore, so, If she ever visited, it would have been between 1965 and 1968, when I was a student at the University of Virginia. Unfortunately, she had a secretive side which she never shared.

One of the draws for Baskin and Trengrove was the tall windows that overlook Lake Jackson. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washingotn Post)

In 1960, a year after building the house, Alice and Victor divorced. He moved to Florida, where his third and fourth marriages failed. Alice was still living at Alvictus when the original cabin-turned-guest-suite was used as a safe house. Victor arranged the CIA lease, his granddaughters and another relative told Moyers, who wrote, Family [visitors] were sometimes met with men armed with rifles walking the grounds and rooftop of Alvictus between 1965-1968.

Alice retired from the GPO and moved back to her native Wisconsin. In 1983, Victor sold Alvictus to Katherine Peters, the second of its five owners. Peters lived there with daughter Eowana Jordan and son-in-law Lenny Krieg for 11 years, and saw Purse socially.

Victor told my mother and me that it was used as a CIA safe house during the JFK days, says Jordan, who describes Purse as cocky, abrupt, charming and outrageous. But he adored and loved Alvictus, she says.

So do Baskin and Trengrove. Urban and suburban amenities pale when viewed from this exurban paradise, and neither minds the hour-long car or train ride necessary when they work in the city  Baskin for the global higher-learning platform AIM2Flourish and Trengrove as a communications consultant.

Despite differences of scale and layout between their D.C. and Virginia homes, all their furniture, rugs and art fit seamlessly at Alvictus. Decorating involved little more than painting several dark rooms lighter and arranging their possessions. Their daughters, Chelsea Trengrove, 28, a neuroscientist who consults from Boston with companies on Food and Drug Administration compliance, and Vanessa Trengrove, 25, a New York City documentary film editor for Oscar-winning directors, delight in their water-view bedrooms and try to visit monthly.

Victor Purse installed a water wheel near the pool. (Goran Kosanovic./For The Washington Post)

Buying Alvictus was totally spontaneous, says Baskin. If we really thought it through, we wouldnt have done it, and we are so glad we did. Almost two years into it, we still wake up and say, Wow. 

The couple so relished the Alvictus reputation as a no-tell motel for high-value KGB turncoats that they engaged in an act of mischievous carpentry when they had a tall bookcase built into one end of a guest room. On the far left of the middle shelf stands an old clothbound copy of Basic Marketing, a Managerial Approach.

Press the spine and  voila!  the whole unit swings inward, revealing ... clothes, shoes and scarves.

The secret passageway is a sight gag: Rather than provide an escape for Kremlin defectors, it simply connects two bedrooms, via Roberta Baskins closet.

Washington journalist Annie Groer writes widely about design, politics and culture.

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.

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Reader: I work in a small office. A few months back, while working in a common area, I began to cough and felt allergy symptoms kick in. I saw a co-worker, whose desk is near the common area, eating peanut butter. I politely asked this co-worker if it would be possible to avoid eating peanut butter or peanuts at work, as I am highly allergic to them.

The co-worker began to argue: Ive brought it in other days and you havent complained. I explained that I dont always announce when I notice symptoms and asked again the co-worker not to bring in peanut butter. This occurred a couple more times over the next few months.

Then as I sat at my desk one day, I noticed my hand was bright red and began to feel other allergy symptoms: headache, throat tightening and so on.

I noticed peanut butter on the back of my hand and then discovered a large glob of it smeared on the underside of my desk.

I showed my co-worker, who of course denied putting it there. I then called the company owner to report the incident and was told, Well, I dont think [the co-worker] would do something like that and I dont think you should be able to dictate what others can eat.

So, now I have no backup and a totally awkward work environment.

Karla: I have to wonder what kind of person thinks, Huh, my co-worker has one of the two deadliest food allergies in existence. You know what would be the best prank! And I certainly wouldnt want to be the business owner explaining to a jury how I shrugged off a complaint from a worker who later ended up dead.

The first thing the employee needs to do is get a doctors note validating the allergy, and the note should spell out in no uncertain terms the serious health consequences, says employment attorney Declan Leonard, a partner at Berenzweig Leonard.

Justin Dillon, partner at Kaiser Dillon, a criminal defense and civil litigation firm, recommends documenting the incidents and sending a polite follow-up email to the owner, reiterating your concern about your well-being and urging preventive action. Avoid direct accusations; your peanut-loving co-worker may well be innocent, if insensitive.

Once youve alerted the owner, its on him to decide whether to investigate, establish a policy to limit or eliminate peanuts  or continue allowing you to be exposed to a known health hazard and his company to be exposed to any number of legal claims.

If your office atmosphere escalates from awkward to openly hostile, seek out a peanut- and malice-free workplace before taking any further action.

Ask Karla Miller about your work dramas and traumas by emailing wpmagazine@washpost.com. Read more @Work Advicecolumns.

For stories, features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine.

Follow the Magazine on Twitter.

Like us on Facebook.

Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com.
As a crisp, straightforward digest of a lurid true-crime story that sprawled over 10 years, the Netflix documentary Amanda Knox deserves credit for concision. This swift, densely economical film by Rod Blackhurst and Brian McGinn may seem redundant to those who hung on every word of the case involving the title character, an American college student who was convicted of killing her British roommate while the two were exchange students in Italy in 2007.

But even those familiar with Knoxs story are likely to come away from Amanda Knox with a deeper understanding of the young woman who became known as Foxy Knoxy, and who was accused of everything from drug-fueled orgies to coldblooded murder. Nearly a decade later, clear-eyed and reflective, she makes a compelling spokeswoman for the chaos that ensues when institutions of criminal justice and journalism favor emotion over facts.

Aside from the present-day interviews with the subject  now living in seeming normalcy in Seattle  Amanda Knox doesnt cover that much new ground. Revisiting the horrible events of Nov. 2, 2007, the film reviews how Knox arrived in Italy as an optimistic 20-year-old; how she met her roommate Meredith Kercher and boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito; how she and Sollecito discovered the crime scene; and, in part because they were inappropriately kissing and hugging each other in front of police, how they came to be accused of stabbing Kercher to death with a kitchen knife.

What is new in Amanda Knox is the grisly footage of the bloody floors and walls of Kerchers room, as well as of Kerchers foot peeking out from under a blanket. Viewers also meet some principals in the story who emerge as figures so perfect for their roles that they might have been plucked from Central Casting: Guiliano Mignini, the Italian prosecutor who derives professional inspiration from detective novels and Sherlock Holmes; and Nick Pisa, a bottom-feeding British reporter who compares the buzz derived from his suggestive front-page articles about Knox to having sex.

Part Camus, part Kafka, Amanda Knox interrogates issues that other, more ambitious documentaries have explored in recent years, from the seemingly insatiable media hunger for bad girls in Amy to the disastrous police and legal procedures of O.J.: Made in America. And the filmmakers miss an opportunity to have Knox narrate those supposedly damning images of her embracing Sollecito, so viewers can hear firsthand what she was thinking then, and how she feels about it now. Still, this is an engrossing, valuable cautionary tale that is particularly timely when the line between collective projection and reality seems more fragile  and more consequential  than ever.

This Netflix original documentary follows the story of Amanda Knox who was convicted of killing her British roommate while they were exchange students in Italy in 2007. (Netflix)

Amanda Knox, 92 minutes, will begin streaming Friday on Netflix.
Our readers share tales of their ramblings around the world.

Who: Terry Fink of Mercersburg, Pa.

Where, when, why: Poring over ancestry information for years had created such a surge of curiosity within me that I booked my most comprehensive trip to date  a 12-day tour of Ireland in May  right as I reached retirement. I traveled 1,300 miles through 22 of the 33 counties of the Emerald Isle, in both the United Kingdom of the north and the Republic of Ireland in the south. I enjoyed the coastlines of St. Georges Channel, the Irish Sea, the North Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Celtic Sea.

The author splashes around during on what she called an "uncharacteristically warm and sunny" day on Dingle Bay. (Courtesy of Terry Fink)

[Interested in sharing your own What a Trip story? Apply here.]

Highlights and high points: All the many travel shows, guide books, magazines and articles about Ireland pale in comparison to the actual experience of it. The colors are more radiant and stunning, the sound of the dialect and the folk music more endearing. Even the aromas were more appealing than I had imagined. I was never disappointed by the iconic scenery. I marveled at distinctive landmarks such as the Giants Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, the mountain of Croagh Patrick, the Dingle Peninsula and, of course, Blarney Castle.

Cultural connection or disconnect: Whenever I travel, its my desire to have random conversations with some of the local residents and merchants. Theyre usually just as content to have a chance to visit with a sincerely interested tourist. I did that often on this trip, but I was also able to connect with a friend from Belfast. We first met nearly 10 years ago, when we were both serving on a mission trip in Papua New Guinea. We had a late lunch together after my walking tour of Belfast. After lunch, we went walking together and, because my tour guide had been so thorough, I was able to show my friend things about his city that he never knew!

Biggest laugh or cry: Nothing makes a trip more memorable than pictures. We had just arrived at Queens University Belfast when I tripped and took a tumble onto the cobbled courtyard. This was my laugh-and-cry moment. Of course, I laughed at myself for tripping in the first place. There I was, torn capris, my bloody knees poking through the holes! Instinctively, I pulled out my handy repair kit and sat on the curb opening Band-Aids.

But, oh, my poor camera! When I fell, it landed on its face, and naturally the lens had been extended. It was crooked, and the camera now looked like a face with an obviously broken nose. Once I pushed hard enough, the lens finally retracted and, unbelievably, continued to work for the rest of the trip. I did have to borrow some duct tape from the bus driver to keep the battery door closed, however.

How unexpected: The most profound takeaway from my trip is a greater understanding of the enormous loss of souls during the Great Famine. Its estimated that more than 1 million men, women and children perished from 1845 to 1852. The country is filled with so many memorials and statues that document an event that seemed so unlikely to occur, yet devastated the country. These memorials are very graphic and very sad.

Fondest memento or memory: I am thrilled to have visited Ireland when I did. It was late May into June, and nature left the biggest impression. Although I was too early for the renowned heather to be blooming, I was enchanted by many other things that I hadnt expected to see. These included bright yellow fields of rapeseed and huge lavender rhododendrons; the latter are considered a major nuisance because the shrubs choke out so many of the islands native species. Gorse, another common bush, is splashed across the landscape. Smaller species of flowers were the wispy delicate bog cotton and more familiar bog iris.

The Irish climate is an amazing contrast. As far north as it is, the island is blessed with favorable warm winds, making unique locations where alpine and tropical trees thrive together, which was a truly unexpected sight!

To tell us about your own trip, go to washingtonpost.com/travel and fill out the What a Trip form with your fondest memories, finest moments and favorite photos.
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A hummingbird approaches a flower during at Soberania National Park, on the east bank of the Panama Canal. With Cunard, save up to 50 percent on October through May cruises in the canal. (Alejandro Bolivar/EPA)

This weeks best travel bargains around the globe.

Land

The Wyndham Reef Resort, on the east end of Grand Cayman, is offering two specials with savings of up to 40 percent. The Fall Only in Cayman All-Inclusive Special starts at $213 per person per night and includes beachfront accommodations; three daily meals and all-you-can-drink non-alcoholic drinks and house-brand liquor, beer and wine by the glass; daily one-hour use of kayaks, pedal boats and paddle boards; free use of snorkel gear; and taxes, gratuities and resort fees  a savings of 25 percent. The room-only Fall Only in Cayman Special starts at $125 per night, a savings of 40 percent. Book by Oct. 31; travel through Dec. 23. Info: 888-232-0541, wyndhamcayman.com.

Alexander + Roberts is offering savings of $500 per person on its new Canada by Rail, Water & Land trip. The tour through Western Canada starts at $4,299 per person double. The trip, which departs June through August, includes eight nights hotels in Prince Rupert, Prince George, Jasper and Yoho and Banff national parks; ground transportation, including a two-day rail trip; 14 meals; guided wildlife viewing, including a grizzly or whale-watching expedition; airport transfers; and taxes. Maximum of 16 participants allowed. Book and pay in full by Dec. 31. Info: 800-221-2216, alexanderroberts.com/destination/north-america/canada-by-land-water-rail.aspx.

Geckos Adventures, a tour company for travelers ages 18 to 29, has last-minute discounts on trips in October and November. For example, an 11-night Discover Laos trip departing Nov. 2 from Bangkok and traveling to Vientiane, Laos, is now $920 per person double, a savings of $230. The trip includes eight nights in guesthouse lodging, two nights in a hotel and one overnight train sleeper; transport via train, bus and boat; two breakfasts; three tours; and taxes. Info: 855-832-4853, geckosadventures.com/en-us/last-minute.

Sea

With Cunard, save up to 50 percent on October through May cruises in the Caribbean, South Pacific, Panama Canal, South America and more. For example, with the Fall Savings Event, the seven-night transatlantic crossing departing Southampton, England, on Dec. 15 starts at $599 per person double for an inside cabin, plus $94 in taxes. By comparison, the usual rate starts at $1,199. Book by Oct. 31. Info: 800-728-6273, cunard.com.

Book a Carnival cruise by Oct. 2 and receive a $50 shipboard credit. Deal applies to sailings through December in the Caribbean, Europe, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Bahamas, Hawaii and Mexico, as well as transatlantic cruises. For example, the four-day Western Caribbean cruise departing Miami on Nov. 28 starts at $289 per person double for an interior cabin, including taxes and port charges. The $50 credit is per stateroom. Info: 800-764-7419, carnival.com.

Air

With Air New Zealand, fly to Auckland and add a second New Zealand destination for $99. Flights from San Francisco or Los Angeles to Auckland start at $898, with taxes. Choose from nearly 25 domestic cities, such as Wellington, Queenstown or Dunedin. Total fare for both stops and the round-trip transpacific air: from $997. Book by Monday; travel Oct. 23 to 30 or Jan. 30 to May 31. By comparison, an itinerary featuring Auckland and Queensland typically starts at about $1,400. Info: airnewzealand.com.

Package

EL AL Israel Airlines and Leonardo by Fattal Hotels are offering a package to Israel with savings of up to $400. The Israel Winter Escape: Fly, Stay & Save starts at $1,149 per person double and includes nonstop round-trip air from New Yorks JFK Airport or Newark to Tel Aviv; six nights hotel in several cities; and taxes. Mix-and-match lodgings include: Leonardo Art/Leonardo Beach or NYX Hotel in Tel Aviv, Leonardo Jerusalem, Leonardo Tiberias, Leonardo Royal Resort in Eilat and Leonardo Suites in Bat-Yam. Depart Nov. 26 to Dec. 13 and Jan. 8 to Feb. 23. Info: 800-352-5786, elal.com/en/USA/Pages/default.aspx.

 Andrea Sachs and Carol Sottili

Prices were verified at press time Thursday, but deals sell out and availability is not guaranteed. Some restrictions may apply.
Creepy clown masks made by Jim Brown, an Evansville, Ind., artist who has molded and painted Halloween gear for more than 15 years. (Kevin Swank/Associated Press)

Turns out that people with a lot of face makeup and bizarre, billowy hair arent just frightening America from debate podiums.

Creepy clowns, the ones with squirting flowers  not flags  on their lapels, are becoming a scourge across the country.

From Virginia to Florida to Ohio, police are getting calls about threatening men dressed up as clowns luring children into the woods with money, running around with machetes, pipes, knives or even guns and generally scaring the bejesus out of everybody.

What next? A killer kitten spree?

Like America isnt scared enough this election season.

Four students, between the ages of 7 and 9, said they saw creepy clowns in parts of Annapolis, Md., in late September. Annapolis police say that after interviewing the kids, they discovered those reports were unfounded. There have been reports of creepy clown sightings in other parts of the country, in particular Greenville, S.C. (WUSA)

[Americans vacationing overseas wind up on a Donald Trump apology tour]

Sure, the scary clown trope isnt new. Horror movies and haunted houses have always been infested with blood-spattered Bozos.

Its a yearly thing for us, sighed Randy Christensen, the president of the World Clown Association. With Halloween, this happens. And we just try to stay on the positive side of things because were about bringing joy and happiness and giggles and hope.

Okay there, Mr. Sunshine. But this killer clown thing sweeping the nation is a whole other beast.

Random clowns have been popping up for months now. One school even had to go on a lockdown after reports of scary clowns harassing kids outside. This isnt trick-or-treat stuff.

No. This is something new, said Christensen, who lives in Minnesota, and I swear I could see his sad clown face over the phone. I wonder if it just doesnt have to do with the current state of our country.

This week alone, someone reported a car full of clowns, possibly armed, careening through the York College of Pennsylvania campus; police in Salisbury, Md., investigated reports of three people dressed as clowns hiding in bushes and jumping out to scare people; and a woman in Lancaster, Ohio, called police to report someone dressed as a clown holding a large kitchen knife.

These arent clowns; theyre imposters, said Christensen, who was recently honored by his association with the title master clown.

The professional clowns are serious about their credentials. And furious about all this.

The creepy clown wave began in mid-August, when there were several reports of imposters dressed as clowns trying to lure kids into the woods in South Carolina.

Those stories went viral. A flurry of staged photos of scary clowns in dark woods freaked out all of social media, and then the copycat creepy clowns came  a full-blown epidemic.

Police are getting pretty sick of this. So far, it doesnt look like major arrests have been made.

But you can imagine lots of cops are running around towns looking for clowns, furious that their work-life soundtrack is less bass and a lot more slide whistle.

The top cops in Augusta County, Va., were so fed up with scary clown reports that they issued a news release reminding people that its a class 6 felony for someone over 16 to run around with a mask on.

The police chief in Paw Paw, W.Va., was less subtle with the anti-clown notices he posted around town.

If someone sees you dressed like this they have the right to defend themselves, the posters said. It is not normal for clowns to be running around like idiots all year long. I will stand behind anyone who feels they need to protect themselves from these so-called clowns. So, to sum it all up, if you run around in a clown suit, you should probably expect for citizens to beat you (for their own protection), then get arrested by police.

So its come to this. Clown profiling.

Please, please. Do not send in the clowns.

And thus the saddest sad trombone outcome of them all: The members of the Ali Ghan Shrine Clubs clown unit in Western Maryland announced this week that they are pulling out of an annual evening parade in Hagerstown  for your safety. And theirs.

Thats not what were all about, Tom Holland, one of the Shriners clowns, told the Cumberland Times-News. Sure, some kids get scared when they see us, so we dont push that. We just keep moving on and give them space.

Theyll go to the daytime parade they usually do, though. And travel in a group, for safety.

There are people who live to make sick kids smile. And now, their entire world is being twisted into a sick joke.

Christensen said the clown community has been so unnerved by the wave of scary clown reports that hes been addressing his fellow clowns in totally unfunny blog posts and YouTube videos about overcoming clown persecution.

World Clown Association president Randy Christensen addressed the rash of "creepy clown" reports across the U.S., saying that individuals doing "this crazy stuff" are not clowns. (World Clown Association)

Anybody doing that is not a clown, Christensen said in one video. If somebody dressed up as a police officer to gain someones trust, but the person wasnt really a police officer and then tried to kidnap a child, they wouldnt say, Oh, a police officer kidnapped a child. Theyd say, Somebody impersonating a police officer. And I think thats a differentiation we need to know.

And, like with that audience member who just wont laugh, its just better not to argue at all and back off if faced with a true clown-hater, he said. (Because otherwise, that gets, um, creepy.)

His fellow clowns are deeply concerned about all this. There is much chatter in the clown community about the defiling of a centuries-old art form.

Just go out and make them laugh, the chief clown urges.

Is this a big enough concern for him to convene a creepy clown panel at the next World Clown Association convention?

The next convention is in March, and its in Bangkok, Thailand, Christensen explains. And this really isnt happening anywhere else in the world. Only in America.

Yup, only in America.

Twitter: @petulad
Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), center; Channing Phillips, U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, right; and D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine celebrate signing the agreement Thursday. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

The Justice Department will allow local D.C. prosecutors to try hundreds of misdemeanors in federal court, hoping to free up more experienced federal prosecutors to focus on convicting violent offenders of felonies, officials said Thursday.

The move, which takes effect in October, marks a new strategy for Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), who is confronting an elevated homicide rate for the second year in a row.

Bowser and the D.C. Council have agreed on almost nothing about how to respond to the uptick. The mayor proposed a package of tough-on-crime measures last year, but the council rebuffed it. The council responded with a plan to pay troubled youths to join a mentoring program, but Bowser declined to fund it.

Under the new effort, Bowser will send $1.2 million annually to the D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine, enough to cover the costs of loaning eight attorneys to the U.S. attorneys office.

The complicated personnel shift, which required approval by the Justice Department, means that, for the first time, local prosecutors will handle a significant number of crimes committed by adults in D.C.

The justice system in the nations capital has for centuries been split between local and federal control. And it has been almost entirely run by federal officials since the 1990s, when the District abdicated its authority over nearly every aspect of prosecutions and incarcerations as part of a financial bailout under Mayor Marion Barry Jr.

Bowser and outgoing Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier have criticized the structure in recent weeks, with Lanier calling the system broken and unable to keep repeat violent offenders off the streets. Bowser also characterized the federal prosecution of local crime as problematic during a news conference this month, saying, We are unique in that the prosecutors dont report to the people. They dont report to me either.

On Thursday, however, Bowser, Racine and Channing Phillips, U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, appeared together to announce the plan at an event live-streamed over the Internet. Phillips called the plan beneficial for everyone.

Its a win-win for the city; its a win-win for Mr. Racines office and a win-win for our office because we have more resources, Phillips said.

A typical federal prosecutor assigned to D.C. street crime may handle up to 150 misdemeanor cases at a time, according to the U.S. attorneys office. The office did not specify how many felony cases a single prosecutor may juggle at any one time.

The misdemeanor cases would be transferred to the attorneys from Racines office, which is now only authorized to prosecute juveniles.

Racine said he hopes its a first step to D.C. eventually regaining authority to prosecute all crime in the District.

In the long run, notwithstanding Channing Phillips being our friend, wed like to have the local attorney general prosecute local offenses, Racine said. So this is good for our lawyers to get in there and start practicing at the level of the U.S. attorneys office.


The entrance to Dunbar High School, as seen in 2013. Dunbar has seen a significant increase in its on-time graduation rate. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

The number of students finishing high school on time in D.C. Public Schools reached an all-time high with the Class of 2016, inching the school system closer to meeting an ambitious graduation goal it set nearly five years ago.

The Districts most recent graduating class saw 69 percent of seniors earn diplomas within four years, a five-point increase from the previous class. The improvement marks the second year in a row the school system has experienced a significant increase.

Outgoing Chancellor Kaya Henderson had hoped to see 75 percent of the school systems seniors graduate within four years by 2017, a goal that appears within reach if the current class sees a similar increase.

When we set these goals, people said we were crazy, Henderson said. As I walk out of here at the end this week, I want people to feel a sense of possibility.

[Outgoing D.C. schools leader wants to move out of public eye]

Graduation rates for the citys charter schools  which enroll nearly half of public school students in the District  are not yet available.

Graduation rates are seen as an important measure of how well a system is preparing its students for college and careers: Those who make it all the way to diplomas have a better chance of finding success, even if they do not go on to higher education. Most school systems set increasing graduation rates as a primary goal, and many work as early as possible to intercept students who might be going off track in their academic careers.

[Early-warning systems aim to keep students from dropping out of school]

Some school systems, including D.C. Public Schools, have programs that push those close to graduation across the finish line. The national graduation rate has been climbing steadily  rising past 80 percent in 2012 for the first time in U.S. history, a 10 percentage point jump from a decade earlier  and the national graduation rate hit an all-time high of more than 82 percent in 2013-2014, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Districts graduation rates still lag far behind national averages.

[Operation Graduation helps struggling students get diplomas]

Although graduation rates in D.C. Public Schools have increased dramatically in recent years, the school system acknowledged that achievement is still low for some schools and that reaching graduation does not necessarily mean that students are prepared for life after high school.



Four-year graduation rates in D.C. Public Schools have risen considerably in recent years and could meet departing Schools Chancellor Kaya Hendersons goal of 75 percent by 2017. (D.C. Public Schools)

At H.D. Woodson High School, for example, 76 percent of its students graduated on time, yet just 1 percent met math standards on national standardized tests linked to the Common Core academic standards. Just 4 percent met reading standards.

Henderson said the school system switched to the Common Core tests in part because some students were not prepared for future success on graduating, and officials hoped that stricter teaching standards and academic requirements would push students in the right direction. She said there will be some lag until we start seeing results.

Graduation rates are not the end-all be-all, Henderson said. We have to make sure students are graduating in a timely matter and are prepared for college and career.

John Gomperts, chief executive of Americas Promise Alliance, a coalition of groups seeking to boost graduation rates nationwide, said he is glad to see that graduation rates continue to climb because this means more students are getting high school diplomas. Without a high school diploma, its almost a guarantee that nothing good is going to happen to you, Gomperts said.

But even for students who do graduate nowadays, Gomperts said, the diploma is no guarantee of success.

It used to be that if you could just stumble across that stage and shake the principals hand, then you were good, Gomperts said. Thats not true in todays world.

In the District, most of the citys neighborhood high schools saw improved graduation rates this year. The rates dipped only at Anacostia and Roosevelt high schools. Anacostias fell to 42 percent of students graduating in 2016, compared with 46 percent the previous year. Roosevelts rate dropped three points to 59 percent.

Henderson said the two schools now have new principals, and she expects results there to improve.

Nearly every student graduated on time at most of the citys application high schools. Only Columbia Heights Educational Campus posted a graduation rate lower than 90 percent. Wilson High School had the highest rate among non-application schools, at 88 percent; Anacostias was lowest.



Madison Essig, 19, and her brother Zachary, 17, celebrate their graduation from Wilson High School together on June 14, 2016, in Washington. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

Vast gaps in graduation rates persist between white and minority students, with 67 percent of black students graduating on time, compared with 93 percent of white students. Black males, in particular, have some of the lowest graduation rates in the school system; 60 percent graduated on time in the Class of 2016.

This is, in part, why we have created strategies, particularly in this area with Ron Brown, to help break that cycle, Henderson said.

The school system this year opened Ron Brown College Preparatory High School with 110 students, all of whom are black and Latino males. The school is Hendersons attempt to focus resources on improving achievement for minority males, and getting them to graduation will be one of its most important performance measures.

[ACLU fights D.C. on its all-male high schools admission policy]

Henderson and principals gave credit for the improved citywide rates to the school systems investment in more extracurricular activities, more-challenging course offerings and increased opportunities for credit recovery. High schools also are focusing on students transition from middle school to ninth grade and on making sure that students pass English and math, two courses that researchers say are critical predictors of high school success.

If we are waiting until the 12th-grade year, we are really too late, said Abdullah Zaki, Dunbar High Schools principal.

Dunbars graduation rate surged to 74 percent for the Class of 2016, a 15-point improvement from 2012.

While Zaki is proud of the results, he said the school still struggles to ensure that all students are focused on passing each class with at least a grade of B and are thinking about their futures.

There are some students who are intentionally self-sabotaging themselves because they dont know whats next after high school, Zaki said We need to make sure we are helping students see these are the things you can do, even if going to college is not in your plans.

Below are the graduation rates for D.C. Public Schools high schools for the 2015-2016 academic year, in alphabetical order:

Neighborhood schools

Anacostia: 42 percent

Ballou: 57 percent

Cardozo: 59 percent

Coolidge: 65 percent

Dunbar: 74 percent

Eastern: 79 percent

Roosevelt: 59 percent

Wilson: 88 percent

Woodson: 76 percent

Application schools

Banneker: 100 percent

Columbia Heights: 86 percent

Ellington Schools of the Arts: 96 percent

McKinley Technology: 99 percent

Phelps ACE: 94 percent

School Without Walls: 100 percent

Alternative schools

Luke Moore Alternative: 38 percent

Washington Metropolitan: 43 percent
Ana Alvarez-Zamora, 18, adjusts her graduation cap before the commencement ceremony at Arlingtons Washington-Lee High School at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in June 2015. (Brittany Greeson/The Washington Post)

More than 90 percent of Virginias high school Class of 2016 graduated on time, the highest rate recorded since the state changed how it tracks high school graduations nearly a decade ago.

The on-time graduation rate rose from 90.5 percent last year to 91.3 percent this year, continuing an upward trend since the state started keeping more accurate data in 2008, keeping closer tabs on transfer students and dropouts who were sometimes miscategorized in state data.

The success demonstrated by our students is a testament to the resolve of teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders across the Commonwealth to ensure that every individual gets the best possible education, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) said in a statement.

The rise in Virginias graduation rate tracks with national and regional trends. This year, D.C. Public Schools posted record-high graduation rates, with 69 percent of high school seniors graduating on time. It was a five percentage-point gain over the previous year. The most recent national average was 82 percent.

[Graduation rates climb again at D.C. Public Schools, reaching an all-time high]

Graduation rates in large Northern Virginia school districts remained steady, for the most part, and above the states graduation rate. Fairfax County, Virginias largest district, saw a slight decrease  92.3 percent  in the percentage of those graduating on time. The graduation rate in Arlington County fell to 91.1 percent, down by nearly two percentage points.

Loudoun Countys graduation rate remained at 95 percent, among the states highest.

Also improving was Prince William County, going from 91.4 percent to 91.7 percent of seniors graduating on time. Thats nearly nine percentage points higher than eight years ago, when 83 percent of seniors graduated.

Rita Goss, Prince Williams associate superintendent for student learning, attributed the rise to several factors, including the expansion in the number of options for high schoolers. The district has boosted its career and technical education opportunities as well as programs for students to take classes online and at their own pace.

We have a number of things were doing in the school division that really meet the needs of students and also their interests, Goss said. When students are interested in what theyre learning, it gives them that stronger connection to stay in school.

In Alexandria City  where the lone high school is the states largest  the on-time graduation rate rose to 82.1 percent. Rates rose for all groups, including black and Hispanic students.

School districts have seen success with programs that closely track students in danger of dropping out or failing and intervening with extra help. Alexandrias Operation Graduation keeps close tabs on students who appear to be faltering, assigning them mentors who serve as their advocates and cheerleaders to ensure they meet graduation requirements.

And Prince William hosts a special Graduation Academy that helps students recover credits or make up standardized exams during the summer so they can cross the stage in a special ceremony.

[Summer Graduation Academy offers a last chance at on-time graduation]

The release of Virginias graduation rates this week comes as state education officials begin to examine how to remake high school education to make it more relevant to the workforce. Some lawmakers wonder if the states academic and testing requirements are serving students who want to take jobs immediately after high school.

[Virginias governor wants to remake high school education]

The Virginia Board of Education is considering allowing internships, apprenticeships and job experience to count toward high school graduation requirements.
About the time the Maryland legislatures longtime champion for medical cannabis joined a company looking to dispense the drug, he urged state regulators to remove a restriction on the sale of edible marijuana products.

Two months later, Del. Dan K. Morhaim (D-Baltimore County) sought feedback from regulators for his plans to introduce legislation allowing dentists, podiatrists and certain nurse practitioners to join physicians in recommending cannabis to patients.

Such interactions, detailed in emails obtained by The Washington Post, shed light on the contact the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission had with Morhaim, whose legislative colleagues are scheduled to meet Oct. 19 to decide whether to investigate the lawmakers dual roles.

[Del. Dan Morhaim faces ethics probe inquiry over dual medical marijuana roles]

One key issue could be whether Morhaim violated a prohibition on state officials using the prestige of office for private gain, according to two people who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.

Morhaim has vowed complete cooperation and maintains that he followed all rules and did nothing wrong.

He emphasizes that he has no ownership interest in Doctors Orders and says he properly filled out legislative disclosure forms in July 2015, the month he became involved with the company.

On those forms, which are required whenever there is a significant change in a lawmakers finances, Morhaim wrote that he might work as a consultant in the field of medical cannabis and had received income through a consulting firm. Maryland requires lawmakers to disclose sources of income but does not require those who work as consultants or lawyers to reveal their clients.

He has a letter from the ethics adviser to the General Assembly saying that he did not need to disclose his clients and clearing him to carry legislation expanding the types of medical professionals who can recommend medical marijuana.

Morhaims advocacy on medical marijuana dates back years, long before his business involvement. He says he is motivated by a desire to make the drug available to thousands of sick patients across the state.

As a legislator, I have not been exposed to any confidential or proprietary information, Morhaim said this week. Legislators frequently work in industries where they have developed initial expertise in a subject matter in the legislature.

But Morhaims co-sponsor on the medical cannabis legislation has called for him to be investigated, arguing that lawmakers should not be able to cash in on industries they helped create.

I would never even consider [joining a cannabis company], even if it was okay, said Del. Cheryl D. Glenn (D-Baltimore). It would lessen my integrity, and people would look at me differently: Am I doing this for personal gain, or am I really doing this because I believe in the patient ? 

In recent days, Morhaim has offered new details about his position with Doctors Orders, which was first reported by The Post in July. He said that he received modest compensation early on, for helping to write the companys medical policies and assemble a medical advisory board, but that he hasnt worked for the company or received payment while its application for a dispensary license is pending.

Doctors Orders chief executive Glenn Weinberg declined to comment on what work Morhaim has done for the company. In its dispensary applications, the company describes the veteran lawmaker and emergency room physician as a highly sought-after clinical director who would work closely with the chief executive in developing strategies and procedures.

The company received preliminary licenses in August to grow and process medical cannabis. The commission is still considering dispensary applications and has not said when they will be awarded.

Morhaim said that before applications for licenses were submitted in November, he told the commissions then-executive director, Hannah Byron, that he was involved with a cannabis company. Names and other identification were redacted from the applications, which were reviewed by a team of evaluators and by the appointed commissioners, so that each application would be judged on its merits.

Byron, who left the commission in January, said she never told the commissioners that Morhaim was affiliated with one of the applicants because she was under the impression that he had not yet formally joined the company.

Delegate Morhaim informed me that he intended to pursue an affiliation with an applicant and that he was going through the internal and external ethics review, Byron said. I anticipated a formal notification would be sent to the full Commission once those reviews were completed with detailed information.

The Post requested emails sent by the lawmaker to key commission members and staff, as well as emails from those individuals that either went to Morhaim or mentioned him or Doctors Orders by name. The commission released some emails last week, and a batch of more than 1,000 messages this week.

The emails do not show Morhaim directly pushing for any changes that appear to be tailored specifically to benefit Doctors Orders. They demonstrate the clout and influence the lawmaker carried with regulators both before and after he joined the company and suggest that his frequent involvement frustrated some commissioners.

Among the items of note:

In March 2015, the commission and the Maryland Board of Physicians were feuding over whether doctors who work in marijuana dispensaries could also recommend the drug to patients in clinical settings. Morhaim helped edit the commission directors response to the boards concerns.

In May 2015, Morhaim urged the commission to require regulators who leave their posts to wait an extended period before being able to work for medical marijuana companies. Such a rule, he said, would prevent an obvious conflict of interest.

He made suggestions to the governors office about who should be appointed to the commission. At times, he weighed in on mundane matters, including the email sign-offs from the agencys communications and what was posted on its website.

Morhaim said his access to and influence with regulators did not give him a leg up. I have no secret or inside knowledge about this legislation or regulations, he told The Post. It is very public and transparent and is there for all to see.

At least one commissioner complained about Morhaim working with Byron and other commissioners to ease strict rules.

Morhaim is legislating out many of the regulations we worked hard to put into place for patient safety, Chris Charles wrote to colleagues on March 16, 2015, as the industrys regulations were being shaped and months before Morhaim became involved in Doctors Orders. He is also influencing the Executive Committee to take out of the regs things he doesnt like.

Paul Davies, the commissions chairman, said that to his knowledge, Morhaim is no longer in close contact with regulators.

It would be unacceptable for any commissioner to have ex parte discussions with anyone associated with a potential licensee, particularly discussions that could provide unfair guidance or an advantage, he said in a statement. Safeguarding the objectivity of the Commissions regulation of this industry remains a priority.
Obituaries of residents from the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Lionel Weinstock, protective clothing designer

Lionel Weinstock, 91, a designer of protective clothing for the Navy Department, died Aug. 3 at a hospital in Olney, Md. The cause was a heart attack, said a son, Jordan Weinstock.

Mr. Weinstock, a resident of Silver Spring, Md., was born in the New York City borough of Queens. He worked for the Navy Department at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and in New Jersey before moving to the Washington area in 1966. He retired from the Navy in 1986 after 30 years of service. He was a member of Shaare Tefila Congregation in Silver Spring.

Ezra Cummings Jr., Army colonel

Ezra Cummings Jr., 78, an Army colonel who commanded paratrooper units during the Vietnam War and retired in 1987 from the Armys Adjutant General Corps, died May 7 at a hospital in Fort Belvoir, Va. The cause was cancer, said his former wife, Thelma Cummings.

Col. Cummings, who lived in Falls Church, was born in Washington. He began his Army career in 1960 and served in Korea, Okinawa, Germany, Washington and other stateside posts in addition to Vietnam. His awards included the Bronze Star Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. In retirement, he was a management consultant with Breil Worldwide Management until 2014.

Charity Thomas, nurse

Charity Thomas, 96, a nurse who worked at the National Institutes of Health in the 1960s and at the Veterans Administration hospital in Washington in the 1970s, died Aug. 24 at her home in Washington. The cause was Alzheimers disease, said a granddaughter, Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery.

Mrs. Thomas was born Charity Valentine in Spartanburg, S.C., and moved to the Washington area in 1941. She did volunteer work at the Tenth Street Baptist Church in the District, where she helped feed the homeless, served in a marriage ministry and sang in choirs.

Edgar McLean, research physicist

Edgar McLean, 89, a research physicist who spent more than 50 years working for the Naval Research Laboratory, retired in 1998 and remained on contract another decade, died Aug. 24 at his home in Oxon Hill, Md. The cause was myelodysplastic syndrome, said his wife, Anna McLean.

Mr. McLean, a native of Gastonia, N.C., settled in the Washington area in 1951. Much of his work centered on lasers and their possible use in fusion, and he helped to develop one of the worlds first X-ray lasers in the 1980s. He also served as a science fair judge in Prince Georges County for more than 50 years.

Tazuko Schmitz, real estate broker

Tazuko Schmitz, 71, a real estate broker who had owned and operated Global Estates Inc. in Bethesda, Md., for more than 30 years, died Aug. 17 at her home in Bethesda. The cause was breast cancer, said a stepdaughter, Catherine Bise.

Mrs. Schmitz was born Tazuko Omori in Japans Oita prefecture. She worked at the U.S. embassy in Tokyo in the early 1970s and lived in Panama and Germany before settling in the Washington area in 1985. That year, she worked on interior design at the Japanese embassys new chancery building. She was a former docent at the National Gallery of Art and also founded an association dedicated to the appreciation of Japanese culture, called Wa No Kai.

Jarda Wroblewski, Georgetown University professor

Jarda Wroblewski, 65, a professor of pharmacology and physiology at Georgetown University Medical Center, died Aug. 21 while on a visit to his native Warsaw. His wife, Barbara Wroblewski, quoted a Polish coroner as saying he died of pulmonary cardiovascular failure.

Dr. Wroblewski, a resident of Kensington, Md., joined the Georgetown medical faculty in 1985 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health. His research into metabotropic glutamate receptors helped advance the understanding of how the human brain works. He sailed in the Caribbean Sea and was a gourmet cook, who on occasions prepared elaborate meals for up to 80 guests.

Joseph OLeary, Army colonel

Joseph OLeary, 96, an Army colonel who served in combat roles in the Philippines, during World War II, and later in the Korean and Vietnam wars, died Sept. 9 at a military retirement facility in Washington. The cause was a stroke, said a daughter, Kathleen OLeary.

Col. OLeary, a Houston native, served almost three decades in the Army before retiring in 1971 as Army liaison officer to the Senate. Afterward, he was Republican staff director for the Senate Rules Committee, then in 1976 helped establish a Washington consulting firm where he worked for several law firms. Later he was a legislative consultant to the Winston & Strawn law firm. He continued working until he was in his early 90s.

His major avocation was square-dance calling. In 1958, he called square dances at the U.S. Pavilion at the Brussels Worlds Fair.

 From staff reports
Attorneys Billy Murphy and Jason Downs, right, hold a news conference with family members of Terrence Sterling, the Maryland motorcyclist who was fatally shot by a D.C. police officer on Sept. 11. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

An attorney for the family of a man fatally shot by D.C. police alleged Thursday that Terrence Sterling was killed unlawfully and unjustifiably and said his family wants more details about the incident.

Jason Downs, the attorney, criticized city officials for not releasing additional information about the circumstances surrounding the death of the 31-year-old motorcyclist, who police said was shot when he intentionally struck a police cruisers door as an officer was trying to get out.

Downs said the family wants to know how many times Sterling was shot, whether there are any surveillance videos that captured the shooting and whether the officer was inside his police car when he fired his gun.

Downs also noted that video viewed by Sterlings family shows a union representative arriving at the scene before paramedics did. Downs said the family wants to know how quickly emergency medical help was summoned and why the union representative apparently arrived first. A union official said representatives who were on duty would have heard the radio call.

During the news conference, Downs and attorney William Billy Murphy Jr. said the Sterling family is grateful to those who have held demonstrations in the city and asked that those remain peaceful. Sterlings family members stood with the attorneys, but his parents, sister and aunt declined to comment.

An attorney for the family of Terrence Sterling, who was fatally shot by D.C. police Sept. 11, criticized local officials on Sept. 29 for not releasing more information about the event. (WUSA)

Sterling, who had been an HVAC technician for a dozen years, was shot early the morning of Sept. 11 after police spotted a motorcyclist driving erratically, officials said.

Early this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) released police body-camera footage of the aftermath of the shooting. In a departure from police policy, she also publicly identified the officer who fired his weapon as Brian Trainer, who has been on the force for four years.

Bowser said Thursday that, other than the body-camera footage, she was not aware of any other video. The mayors office has said it is seeking to be open about the case without jeopardizing the investigation.

We understand this is a very sensitive matter, said LaToya Foster, a spokeswoman for Bowser. The mayor is always committed to transparency and accountability.

The scrutiny comes as other cities across the country, including Charlotte and Tulsa, have also been reeling after fatal shootings by police.

Attorneys for Sterlings family praised the mayor for releasing the video and identifying the officer. But they insisted that city officials are withholding too many details.

We think there is a coverup, Murphy said. His firm also represented the family of Freddie Gray, the Baltimore man who died last year after being injured in police custody.

On Sept.27, D.C. police released body camera footage showing the aftermath of the Sept. 11 fatal shooting of Terrence Sterling. Here's what they say led up to the shooting, and what happened after. (Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post)

The attorneys alleged that Trainer and his partner, who has not been publicly named, may have violated multiple D.C. police regulations. The attorneys questioned whether the police cruiser was improperly used as a barricade and whether Trainer may have improperly fired at a moving vehicle or improperly fired from within a cruiser.

Sterlings death, the attorneys said, was all too familiar.

You have another innocent, unarmed black man killed by a police officer not only in D.C. and Baltimore, but across this country, Downs said. Trainer is white, the attorneys said.

On Tuesday, the mayors office showed the Sterling family video from the body camera Trainer was wearing. They then released most of the footage to the public but said that for privacy reasons, they stopped it at the point when paramedics arrived.

The publicly released video, which lasts about five minutes, does not show the shooting because Trainer did not activate his body camera until one to three minutes after he shot Sterling, city officials said. The footage shows Sterling lying in the street as an officer performs CPR.

[City officials release police body-camera video of fatal shooting of motorcyclist]

Downs said the full body-camera video later shows the arrival of an officer who identifies herself as a union representative. He said the representative tells Trainer to turn off his body camera after he tells her it is activated.

Sgt. Matthew Mahl, chairman of the D.C. police union, said at least two union officials were on duty as officers in the area that night and would have responded to a critical incident. He said the response would have been first as a police officer until the scene was secured and medical aid was being given to the shooting victim. After that, a union official would advise the officer.

D.C. police have referred questions to the mayors office.

The incident began about 4:20 a.m. when an officer spotted a motorcycle going erratically in the Adams Morgan area. On Thursday, Bowsers office said Trainer and his partner first spotted a motorcycle at 15th and U streets Northwest.

Later, police saw a motorcycle near Third and M streets in Northwest, near the Third Street Tunnel, which is where the shooting occurred.

Officials said Trainer was trying to get out of the passengers side of a marked cruiser to stop Sterling. But at that point, according to police, Sterling drove the motorcycle into the passenger door and Trainer shot him.

Downs said the family thinks that Sterling was headed to his home in Fort Washington, Md.

The Chief Medical Examiners Office in the District said Sterling had two bullet wounds, one in his neck and another in his back. They did not say how many times he was shot.

Trainer and his partner, who was driving the police car, have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard in such cases. The investigation is being handled by a unit within the U.S. attorneys office.

After Sterlings shooting, police updated the departments policy on body cameras, and officers are now required to confirm with dispatchers that their cameras are on when they respond to calls.

Aaron C. Davis and Clarence Williams contributed to this report.
A Maryland man was stabbed to death in his home on Wednesday after an argument, police said.

At around 12 p.m., officers found 60-year-old Roy Lee Clark of Temple Hills dead in his apartment in the 3100 block of Brinkley Road, the Prince Georges County police said in a statement.

A preliminary investigation revealed Clark had a disagreement with an acquaintance, 24-year-old Kenneth Dwayne Britman, of no fixed address, which escalated into a stabbing, the statement said.

Britman admitted his role in the homicide, according to the statement, and was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder. He is being held without bond, police said.

Police asked anyone with information about this incident to call them at 301-772-4925 or submit a tip online at pgcrimesolvers.com.
The Nebraska State Patrol said a 73-year-old from Tennessee and two men in their 20s from Colorado and Imperial died in a fiery crash on Interstate 80 near Gibbon on Sept. 23.

The crash happened at 4:22 that afternoon and claimed the lives of Donald S. Cox of Columbia, Tennessee; Tanner Allen, 20, of Imperial and Christopher W. Bieber, 22, of Holyoke, Colorado.

Cox was driving an eastbound semitrailer. Allen was driving a 1989 Chevy pickup, and Bieber was a passenger in the pickup, patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins said in a news release.

Terry Purcell, 60, of Carter Lake, Iowa, was passing Cox in a 2013 Chevy Silverado when the semi blew a tire and hit the pickup, sending both truck across the median and into westbound traffic, Collins said. Cox hit the rear of a westbound semi and then the pickup Allen was driving.

The impact caused the pickup to roll into the ditch, where it burst into flames, Collins said. The semi also rolled onto its side and caught fire as well.

The pickup driven by Purcell came to rest in the westbound driving lane, and he and passenger Lisa Purcell, 55, also Carter Lake, were treated in Kearney for non-life-threatening injuries, Collins said.

The driver of the second semi, Jake Hofer, 42, of Lynden, Washington, was not injured, she said.

Collins said autopsies were needed to identify the three people who were killed.

Services for Allen, the son of Jim and Jen Harris of Imperial, are set for 10 a.m. Monday at the Berean Church in Imperial, according to an obituary in the Holyoke Enterprise.

He graduated from Chase County Schools in 2014 and loved music and the military, the paper said. He was working at Ampride in Holyoke at the time of his death and lived in Lincoln from August 2015 until this spring, working for an electrical firm.

Allen and Bieber were roommates, the newspaper said, and friends and family described Bieber as a loyal and giving friend who took in people who had nowhere to go.

The crash closed parts of the interstate for nearly 4 hours, and the patrol was assisted by the Buffalo County Sheriffs Office and Fire and Rescue units from Gibbon and Shelton.

This was a horrific accident and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of everyone involved, said patrol Capt. Chris Kolb. We want to thank our law enforcement, fire and rescue partners for their assistance."
Prince Georges County police detectives are investigating the slaying of a man who police found in his Temple Hills home Wednesday, officials said.

Officers were called to the 3200 block of Brinkley Road just before noon, where they found the man and declared a death investigation, police said on the departments Twitter account. Hours later, investigators determined the man had suffered trauma to his body and declared the investigation a homicide.

Police did not immediately release the victims name.


Wendy Uruchi Contreras, holding an American flag at far right, helped lead a 2014 immigration protest at the primary-night party of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) after he delivered a concession speech in Richmond. (Steve Helber/Associated Press)

The guard searched the line of undocumented immigrants, placing each in shackles in the basement of a Homeland Security building in Northern Virginia. Then he came to a young woman in a blouse and blue pants that July day, and he paused.

I know you, the guard told her, she remembered later. Months earlier, Wendy Uruchi Contreras had come to the same facility under much different circumstances  as an immigration rights activist.

That day, she had helped a Mexican woman bring her husband his belongings before he was deported. Uruchi and the guard had struck up a conversation, quickly realizing they lived near each other in Fredericksburg. Now she was on the other side of the plexiglass divide.

What are you doing here? the guard asked.

Im not a U.S. citizen, Uruchi answered. And I got a DUI.

I cant believe it, he said.

Uruchis sudden fall  from immigrant advocate to undocumented inmate  has stunned many who knew her. At Casa, the immigrants rights organization where Uruchi worked, colleagues were caught by surprise. Two weeks before pleading guilty to drunken driving, she had led a demonstration outside the Supreme Court urging the justices to support undocumented immigrants, but she never hinted she was one of them. She had spent three years helping others fight deportation. Now she faces that very fate.

Her arrest has exposed her husbands undocumented status and upended her childrens lives. Any day now, Uruchi, 33, could be sent back to Spain. Under Obama administration guidelines, her DUI conviction makes her a priority for deportation. And under the visa waiver program she used to enter the country 14 years ago, she forfeited her right to legal appeal. Her only chance is a plea to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials for a stay of deportation, citing her otherwise clean record, community service and two American-born kids.

These stays are not commonly granted, said Kim Propeack, communications director for Casa, which is helping Uruchi. And they are not granted without a fight.

Uruchis case comes at a time of intense national debate over immigration, including what to do about mixed-status families like hers  parents who are in the country illegally but have children who are U.S. citizens. President Obamas efforts at immigration reform, which could have opened a pathway to legal status for Uruchi and her husband, have been repeatedly blocked by Congress and the courts. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, meanwhile, has pledged to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants if elected, regardless of whether they have children born here.

Uruchis situation isnt likely to generate much public sympathy. A recent CNN-ORC poll found that 83 percent of Americans favor deporting undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a crime while living in the United States.

Uruchi knows she put everything at risk by getting into her car after drinking. Driving that night, she acknowledged, was the worst decision of my life.

In the Homeland Security complex many immigrants refer to as Prosperity after the avenue on which it sits in Fairfax, the guard waved a hand-held metal detector up and down Uruchis body. Then the man she had once befriended put her in shackles and loaded her into a van bound for jail.



Giovani Jimenez, right, brushes his daughter Lucia's hair as son Alex waits to leave their home in Fredericksburg to visit Wendy Uruchi Contreras at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Pray for me

Earlier this month, Uruchis husband, Giovani Jimenez, stood in the doorway of their small house and tried to corral his children toward the car. It was a Sunday morning, and they were late to visit Wendy in jail in Williamsburg, 100 miles away.

Youre not taking anything? Jimenez asked Alex, a quiet, gangly 13-year-old. Alex slunk inside and emerged with a thick library copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Lucia, a bubbly 7-year-old, clutched a stuffed panda in a pink dress and an iPad. She sat next to Alex in the back of the familys beige 1991 Honda Accord, its mismatched hood and Ron Jon Surf Shop window sticker vestiges of a previous owner.

Jimenez held a manila folder. Inside were printouts of the kids grades, which had plummeted since Uruchis May 28 arrest. Alex, an eighth-grader, was suddenly getting Ds in English and algebra. He had begun to talk back to his father. Lucia, in second grade, was also struggling in math. She could only fall asleep while holding on to her fathers wrist. She woke up most nights crying for her mother.

Jimenez, 37, was coping as well as he could. Along with the lawyers fees and court fines, mortgage and car payments, there was the cost of a tank of gas for every Sunday visit, 15 cents per minute for every call from jail, $30 to print and mail photos of the kids pool visits and birthday parties because the jail didnt allow Jimenez to email or hand them to Uruchi.

On Sunday night, after spending all day driving his children to see their mother, he would climb behind the wheel of a delivery truck and drive to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, hopefully returning home in time to welcome his kids from school on Monday.

His wifes arrest had been like a bomb landing in their precariously built lives. Jimenez had come to the United States in early 2001 from Bolivia. He met Uruchi online. She, too, was born in Bolivia but was raised in Madrid. She told him about her abusive stepfather in Spain. He told her to come to America. When they met at Dulles International Airport in October 2002, they had never even seen a photo of each other.

As a Spanish citizen, Uruchi entered the country under the United States visa waiver program, which allows visitors from 38 countries to stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

She and Jimenez got married, had kids and settled in Virginia. He worked as a trucker; she cleaned hotel rooms. When her back began to hurt, she took food safety courses and managed the hotels kitchen.

In 2013, Uruchi began to get involved in activism. Deportations had reached an all-time high of more than 409,000 the previous year. But Uruchis adolescence in Spain, where she saw women say and do what they wanted, had left the 4-foot-11 immigrant unafraid of speaking out. After meeting Casa employees at an event at the Salvadoran Embassy in D.C., she began attending the groups events. Soon, she was organizing them. In 2014, she was hired full time as a Virginia community organizer.

She was banging off the walls with excitement, said Propeack, her Casa co-worker. Propeack recalled Uruchi organizing a Jan. 14 event in Richmond. It was the middle of winter, but Uruchi persuaded several dozen people to show up to the state capitol to lobby for immigrants rights. Wendy got all these undocumented moms to come, Propeack recalled.

Uruchi also helped undocumented immigrants fight deportation. Liliana Mendez, a 26-year-old Salvadoran woman from Falls Church, was about to be deported after a traffic accident when she came to Casa for help. Uruchi organized a news conference with a congressman. Within days, Mendezs deportation was stayed, and her ankle monitor was removed. Wendy helped me so much, Mendez said.



Wendy Uruchi Contreras, her husband, Giovani Jimenez, and their children, Lucia and Alex, in a family photo. Uruchis looming deportation has upended their lives. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Uruchis activism took a toll on her marriage, however. She would often come home at 9 or 10 at night, only to spend more time on the phone guiding immigrants through health care sign-ups or school applications. The couple was considering a divorce when Uruchi was arrested.

She had attended a Casa event in Woodbridge, then gone to a restaurant with a colleague for dinner. They drank margaritas and discussed Uruchis marital problems. As Uruchi drove them back to Fredericksburg, a Stafford County sheriffs deputy pulled her over.

Uruchi was on the phone with Jimenez when she saw the flashing lights behind her. She knew an undocumented immigrant could be deported over something as small as a fender-bender.

Pray for me, she told her husband and hung up.

Her blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit for driving of 0.08.

On July 8, Uruchi and her husband went to Stafford County court. Their DUI attorney had negotiated a deal with the prosecutor: just one day in jail if she pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor. Only then did they tell the attorney Uruchi was undocumented. They say he told them not to worry: Stafford wouldnt alert federal officials.

Jimenez said he begged his wife not to take the deal, telling her it would be better to challenge the Breathalyzer results in court. But Uruchi pleaded guilty. She wanted it to be over, she said. I screwed up, and I needed to face it.

She prayed she would be released after a day. Instead, she was sent from Stafford to Prosperity, where ICE officials asked about her husband. He, too, was undocumented, she admitted.

They have all my information: Wendy gave it to them, Jimenez said. They might come for me now.

After two days of questioning, ICE officials told Uruchi she would be deported. The Obama administration began more aggressively deporting illegal immigrants with DUI convictions after a string of deadly, high-profile incidents. One of the most notorious occurred in 2010 in Prince William County, when Carlos A. Martinelly Montano drunkenly hit another car head on, killing Sister Denise Mosier and injuring two other nuns. Montano, an illegal immigrant from Bolivia, had been arrested for drunken driving on two earlier occasions but released.

Corey A Stewart (R-At Large), chairman of Prince Williams Board of County Supervisors, the head of Trumps Virginia campaign and a longtime critic of illegal immigration, said there was no question Uruchi should be deported.

Otherwise, eventually, people tend to graduate in the severity of their crimes, he said, citing the 2010 case. Uruchi shows how entitled illegal immigrants feel: Here is somebody who is so brazen that theyre here illegally, and they are out there as a crusader trying to keep people from being deported.

Almost 24,000 undocumented immigrants from Virginia and the District have been deported over the past 10 years, ICE figures show.

Had Uruchi not pleaded guilty, she might have been able to admit to a lesser charge and avoid ICE altogether. Had she entered the country illegally, rather than on a visa waiver, she would have been entitled to a hearing in front of an immigration judge. And had she been an American citizen, her DUI would have cost her $300 and her license for a year. Instead, she is now filing an application for a stay of deportation.

Its the one shot we have left, said her lawyer, Enid Gonzalez.

She is a woman who [has been] fighting to stop deportation and now is in danger of getting deported herself, wrote Pamela Benavides-Barahona, 12, who said in a letter of support that Uruchi drove her to school events when her mother could not. She never gives up and we should not give up on her.



Giovani Jimenez and his daughter, Lucia, walk into the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail in Williamsburg, where Wendy Uruchi Contreras is being held while she awaits deportation. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Ill be home soon

Hello, Jimenez said in English to the woman behind the desk at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail in Williamsburg. Im here to see Wendy Uruchi.

I thought I recognized you, the woman said.

As his father signed in, Alex paced back and forth in the lobby. Eventually, the woman at the desk directed them to visitation room 111.

On either side of a large plexiglass window sat a metal stool. The door opened. Lucia gasped.

Mama, she said, jumping onto the table, putting her small hand to the window and wiggling her fingers. Dressed in a dark blue jumpsuit, Uruchi put her own hand to the glass, revealing broken nails.

Como estas? she asked Alex.

Soy bien, he said into a metal speaker, botching his Spanish. While his younger sister is fluent, Alex has lost much of the language, leading his parents to worry how he will adapt if Uruchi is deported and the family has to follow her to Spain.

You look chubby, Uruchi told her daughter with a smile. Lucia, dressed in a sparkly new school outfit, now wore size 10, Jimenez said.

Had they been brushing their teeth, taking their vitamins, doing their homework, Uruchi asked. Had they been to the pool?

Its closed, Jimenez said.

I guess its not summer any longer, she replied.

She asked them what books they had been reading, scolding Lucia when Jimenez reported she had been playing games on the iPad instead. From time to time, Uruchi would say something to Alex in Spanish that he didnt understand.

I feel like there is a fly stuck inside my head, he said after one misunderstanding.

Youre my son, Uruchi told him. You are strong, Alex. This wont last. I wont be here forever. One of these days, Ill come home.

Are you going to be in here for all of second grade? Lucia asked. And third grade?

No, mi amor, Uruchi said. Ill be home soon.

She told Alex she was sorry she had missed his birthday, three days earlier.

When I get out, well celebrate it, she said.

No, its better if we dont, he replied.

A female jailer opened the door behind Uruchi, signaling the end of the visit.

Keep your head up, Alex, Uruchi told her son as he walked out of the small room.

Lucia ran back to the plexiglass. Mother and daughter kissed the window at the same time. Then Uruchi was led away.



Giovani Jimenez, daughter Lucia and son Alex head back to their car after visiting Wendy Uruchi Contreras on a Sunday in September. Uruchi could be deported any day now. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Emily Guskin and Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report.
THE DISTRICT

Man shoots 14-point

deer in Northwest

A West Virginia man shot a deer with 14 points on its antlers Tuesday evening in Northwest and is facing several charges, including cruelty to animals and having an unregistered firearm in the District, according to police.

Vernon Goyne of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., fired a handgun at the deer in the 2300 block of Chain Bridge Road NW in the Palisades area, according to a police report.

Goyne is facing five charges in the incident, including discharging a firearm and having unregistered ammunition, according to a police report.

FOX 5 was among the first to report on the incident. According to FOX 5, law enforcement officials said the man was dressed in camouflage when officers arrived.

Police said the deer had to be euthanized because of its injuries.

Scott Giacoppo, a chief community animal welfare officer for the Washington Humane Society, told FOX 5 the incident is a reminder that there is no hunting season in D.C.

 Dana Hedgpeth

Drug distributor is

sentenced to prison

A Washington man convicted of distributing drugs that caused a spate of overdoses at Wesleyan University was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, prosecutors said.

In 2013, Eric Lonergan, now 23, who pleaded guilty in November, began selling what he called MDMA, or Molly, to students from his dorm room at Wesleyan in Middletown, Conn., the U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut said in a statement.

Lonergan helped distribute what he claimed was MDMA, but was actually a combination of other controlled substances, to students who became seriously ill after ingesting the drug at parties in 2014 and 2015. At one, 10 students overdosed, and one was revived after his heart stopped.

Man is fatally

shot in Northeast

A Maryland man was fatally shot early Thursday in Northeast Washington, police said.

About 3:55 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of 10th Street NE after the report of gunshots, D.C. police said in a statement. They found 39-year-old Eugene Clarke, of Temple Hills, suffering from gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, the statement said.

Police asked anyone with information about Clarkes killing to contact them at 202-727-9099 or send a tip to the departments text tip line by messaging 50411.
The FBI and local police are investigating how at least 19 dead Virginians were recently re-registered to vote in this critical swing state.

One case came to light after relatives of a deceased man received a note congratulating him for registering, Rockingham County Commonwealths Attorney Marsha Garst said Thursday.

His family members were very distraught, said Garst, who confirmed the existence of the FBI and police investigation but said she could provide few details because the case is ongoing.

All 19 were initially registered as voters in the Shenandoah Valley city of Harrisonburg, although a clerk double-checking the entries later raised questions about one. She recognized the name of Richard Allen Claybrook Sr., who died in 2014 at age 87, because his son is a well-known local judge. She happened to recall that the judges father had died.

He was a retired Fairfax County elementary school principal and had fought in World War II, said his son, retired Harrisonburg General District Court Judge Richard Allen Claybrook Jr. So our family is very disgusted that they would pick his name, because he was such a law-abiding citizen devoted to public service.

[Amid voter ID fight and misleading mailings, voting to begin in battleground Va.]

All of the forms had been submitted by a private group that was working to register voters on the campus of James Madison University, according to the Harrisonburg registrars office. The group was not identified. No charges have been filed.

Republicans in the state House of Delegates, who in recent years have supported tighter voter ID laws, held a conference call with reporters to call attention to the investigation.

Oftentimes we hear our Democratic colleagues suggest that voter fraud doesnt exist in Virginia, or its a myth, House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) said. This is proof that voter fraud not only exists but is ongoing and is a threat to the integrity of our elections.

House Minority Leader David J. Toscano (D-Charlottesville) said the case was not proof of voter fraud because no one had actually managed to cast a vote in the names of the dead.

First of all, there was no voter fraud  they caught him, Toscano said. Nobody cast a vote. . . . Theres still no evidence of that going on in the state. But there is evidence every time you turn around that the Republicans are trying to make it more difficult for citizens to vote in elections.
The Obama administration is maneuvering to pay health insurers billions of dollars the government owes under the Affordable Care Act, through a move that could circumvent Congress and help shore up the presidents signature legislative achievement before he leaves office.

Justice Department officials have privately told several health plans suing over the unpaid money that they are eager to negotiate a broad settlement, which could end up offering payments to about 175 health plans selling coverage on ACA marketplaces, according to insurance executives and lawyers familiar with the talks.

The payments most likely would draw from an obscure Treasury Department fund intended to cover federal legal claims, the executives and lawyers said. This approach would get around a recent congressional ban on the use of Health and Human Services money to pay the insurers.

The start of negotiations came amid an exodus of health plans from the insurance exchanges that are at the heart of the law. More than 10 million Americans have gained coverage through the marketplaces since they opened in 2014.

But many insurers are losing money on their new customers, who tend to be relatively sick and expensive to treat. As a result, some smaller plans have been driven out of business and a few major ones are defecting from exchanges for the coming year.

The administrations efforts reflect the partisan thorns that still surround the sprawling law a half-dozen years after its passage. The payouts that officials want to salvage were part of an ACA strategy to help the marketplaces flourish early on. But Republican opponents in Congress branded them an insurance industry bailout and restricted the use of HHS funds.

A settlement probably would rely on Treasurys Judgment Fund, a 1950s creation that is allowed as much money as it needs to satisfy valid claims against the government. The funds website shows that it has been used for a few hundred claims against HHS in the past decade. Taken together, they amounted to about $18 million  a fraction of what the insurers are owed.

In the administrations waning months, officials are continuing their upbeat portrayal of all aspects of the law. Behind the scenes, they think that making these payments to insurers  $2.5 billion for 2014 and an as-yet-undisclosed sum for 2015  is crucial to the exchanges well-being.

Its a legacy item for the White House, said Dan Mendelson, president of the health consulting firm Avalere and an adviser on the payout effort. Its more than just a lawsuit. Its really about the future . . . and stability of these markets.

GOP lawmakers are already beginning to cry foul. Its an end run on the clear . . . intent of Congress, said Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (Va.).

The money in question involves one of three strategies to help coax insurers into the marketplaces by promising to cushion them from unexpectedly high expenses for their new customers. This particular strategy, known as risk corridors, was for the marketplaces first three years, when it was unclear how many people would sign up and how much medical care they would use.

[Uninsurance rate drops to lowest level in years]

The idea, patterned after a similar arrangement for health plans that sell Medicare drug benefits, is to balance out insurers costs by requiring those with unexpectedly low expenses to pay into a fund that would be used to compensate companies with unexpectedly high expenses. The program originally was not supposed to pay for itself, but two years ago the Republican-led Congress restricted HHS from using any of its other money for that purpose.

The risk corridors started in 2014. The crunch became apparent last fall, when federal health officials announced that they faced an enormous gap because so many more health plans incurred high expenses for their ACA customers than low ones. For that reason, HHS made less than $400 million in 2014 risk-corridor payments  just 12.6 percent of $2.9 billion it owed overall.

Beyond the 175 insurers owed money for the first year, health officials have not said how many need to be paid for 2015, how much they are due or how much money is available. But in a five-paragraph memo this month, HHSs Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said any money that is available will be put toward what the government still owes for 2014.

The risk corridor payments are an obligation of the federal government, acting administrator Andy Slavitt told a recent House hearing.

The shortfall has contributed to the collapse of most of the 23 nonprofit, consumer-oriented health plans created under the ACA, forcing several hundred thousand people to find new coverage. Just six co-ops remain. Four of them, including two that have closed, are among the seven insurers suing the government for lack of payment.

[$1.2 billion in loans to ACA co-ops may be a loss]

CMS spokesman Aaron Albright referred questions to the Justice Department. Justice spokeswoman Nicole Navas declined to confirm the settlement talks because the litigation is pending.

One health plan executive, whose attorney has spoken with Justice officials, said the department is trying to reach an agreement with suing insurers in the next two weeks on what percentage of the remaining $2.5 billion would be paid out. At that point, the same offer would be made to every other insurer owed money. A judge would need to approve the arrangement, according to the executive, who spoke about the pending litigation on the condition of anonymity.

Stephen Swedlow, a lawyer for Health Republic Insurance in Oregon, a co-op that was forced to close early this year, said he is preparing a settlement proposal to send to Justice. Said Health Republic chief executive Dawn Bonder: I dont think DOJ is making a secret that they would like [the lawsuits] to go away.
A 23-year-old Louisville man charged a Cass County deputy during a traffic stop, but he was not armed when the deputy shot and killed him, Cass County Attorney Nathan Cox said in a news release Thursday.

Preliminary information from Nebraska State Patrol investigators indicates Austin Baier got out of his car and charged Deputy Tyler Reiff as he exited his cruiser during the traffic stop.

Reiff ordered him to stop, but Baier didn't comply, Cox said.

"Five shots were fired," he said in the release.

Reiff, 25, had tried to stop Baier for reckless driving at 7:12 p.m. Sept. 21 in Louisville, Cox said. Baier stopped, then drove ahead and then stopped again and got out of his Buick Century, authorities have said.

Radio dispatches indicate no one else was nearby, and it's unclear if there were any witnesses or whether the patrol's investigation so far consists of more than an interview with the deputy.

Cass County patrol cars have cameras on their dashboards, but it's unknown whether footage of the shooting exists.

Cox said patrol investigators found a hunting knife on the dashboard of Baier's car but nothing on him. Cox said in the news release that it doesn't appear Baier used or brandished a weapon during the encounter.

Cox did not return a phone call seeking answers to follow-up questions.

Baier died at the scene, Cox said in the news release.

Reiff is on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation being done by the patrol and Cox's office.

As is required by Nebraska law, a grand jury will convene to determine whether there was any criminal wrongdoing on the part of Reiff.

"In order to allow the grand jury process to continue, I will work to ensure the process is carried out in a thorough, efficient manner," Cox said in the news release.

About 20 minutes before the shooting, a man called the sheriff's office to say a car was spinning around in circles in the front lawn of his home east of town, according to radio transmissions.

Cass County radio dispatches indicate Reiff and Baier were the only people near the intersection, which is on the edge of a neighborhood by the Louisville High School football field.

A back-up deputy, who headed to the scene moments after the shooting, told Reiff to ensure the scene was secure before rendering first aid, according to radio dispatches.

"Were the only ones out here," Reiff responded.

Forty seconds elapsed between the moment Reiff first stopped Baier and when he told dispatchers he had shot him, according to the audio.

Cox hasn't released information on how many times or where on the body Baier was hit.

Baier, 23, lived just off Main Street in Louisville, a couple of blocks southeast of the intersection where he died.

He worked as a cook and graduated from Weeping Water High School in 2011, where he ran cross country, wrestling and played baseball, according to his obituary.

His funeral was Tuesday at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Weeping Water.

His family couldn't be reached for comment Thursday.

Baier had no criminal history, according to state and federal court records.

Reiff completed an associates degree in criminal justice from Metropolitan Community College in Omaha in 2012.

In April 2013, he graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island after 14 weeks of training, according to a news release from the center.

Reiff did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

At the conclusion of the grand jury's proceedings, all exhibits, a transcript and the findings will be released to the public under a new state law, Cox said, "so there will be full transparency in this process."

"My thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident," he said.
SOMALIA

U.S. accused of killing 22 in misdirected strike

An airstrike in northern Somalia killed as many as 22 troops overnight, local officials said Wednesday, and one region said the United States had been duped into attacking its troops.

Galmudugs security minister, Osman Issa, said 22 of his regions soldiers were killed in the strike, adding that the rival neighboring region of Puntland had requested it on the pretext that the men were al-Shabab militants.

Puntland misinformed the United States and, thus, our forces were bombed, Issa said.

In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman told reporters that the United States had carried out a self-defense airstrike after Somali troops faced fire from militants as they tried to stop an explosives-making network.

Capt. Jeff Davis said that nine al-Shabab militants were killed in the strike but that the Pentagon was looking into reports that the strike could have killed others.

An Indian woman picks up the unspoilt marigold flowers to make garlands from a wasted flowers dumping site, besides a flower market in Mumbai, India. (Divyakant Solanki/EPA)

A Puntland police officer said the attack killed more than a dozen members of al-Shabab, which is waging an insurgency against Somalias Western-backed government and regional authorities.

Galmudug and Puntland have often clashed over territory.

The United States has carried out many airstrikes in Somalia, usually against al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaeda.

 Reuters

AFGHANISTAN

13 civilians reportedly killed in airstrike

An airstrike hit a residential building in eastern Afghanistan early Wednesday, killing 13 civilians, an Afghan official said.

Most airstrikes in Afghanistan are carried out by the United States, and though Afghanistan has its own warplanes, another Afghan official said it had not carried out any strikes in the area.

The U.S. military said it had conducted a counterterrorism airstrike in the area and was investigating reports of Afghan casualties.

Esmatullah Shinwari, a lawmaker from the volatile eastern province of Nangahar, said a crowd had gathered at the house in Achin district, near the border with Pakistan, to welcome home a tribal leader returning from the hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. At least 12 people were wounded, Shinwari said.

A spokesman for the provincial police chief said the airstrike targeted loyalists of the Islamic State militant group.

 Associated Press

Norwegian court says it cannot guarantee Snowden safe travel: A Norwegian appeals court dismissed a lawsuit seeking a legal guarantee to allow Edward Snowden to travel to Norway without risk of U.S. extradition. The court upheld a lower-court ruling that it cannot issue such a guarantee for someone who isnt present in Norway. An Oslo firm filed the suit on behalf of the former National Security Agency contractor and the Norwegian chapter of the literary group PEN, which had invited Snowden to receive its Ossietzky Prize. Snowden, who is in Russia, faces U.S. charges that could land him in prison for leaking details of a secret eavesdropping program.

5 militant suspects held in Spain, Belgium, Germany: Police in Spain, Belgium and Germany arrested five people suspected of forming a cell that spread propaganda and sought to recruit militants for the Islamic State, officials said. The Spanish Interior Ministry said the cell  four Spaniards and one Moroccan  posed a grave, concrete . . . threat to security in Europe. It said one suspect was arrested in Brussels and another in Wuppertal, Germany. Two arrests took place in the Spanish city of Barcelona and one in the North African Spanish enclave of Melilla.

Egypt sentences 40 Islamist State suspects: An Egyptian court sentenced 40 people to life in prison over alleged ties to the Islamic State. The court in Zagazig also convicted the defendants of helping recruit youths to join the extremist group in Syria and Iraq and plotting attacks against police and Christians. Twenty of the suspects were sentenced in absentia. Prosecutors say the groups ringleaders were arrested at Cairos airport on their way to Syria through Turkey.

Perus ex-spy chief sentenced in forced disappearances: Former Peruvian spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the forced disappearance of a professor and two students in 1993. Montesinos is already serving long sentences for crimes against humanity and arms trafficking. But activists say the latest ruling is significant because it is the first time a Peruvian court has recognized that the government of former president Alberto Fujimori burned the bodies of some victims during its decade-long crackdown on dissent.

 From news services
A handout picture released by the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur UNAMID shows internally displaced persons in Sortoni, Sudan's North Darfur state. (Stringer/AFP/Getty Images)

SUDAN

Military accused of Darfur chemical attacks

Amnesty International accused Sudans military on Thursday of using chemical weapons against civilians, including young children, in one of the most remote corners of the Darfur region over the past eight months.

The Britain-based human rights group said it had gathered horrific evidence, including satellite imagery, more than 200 in-depth interviews with survivors, and expert analysis of dozens of images, in an investigation that suggests at least 30 chemical attacks occurred in the Jebel Marra area.

Amnesty estimates the attacks may have killed 200 to 250 people.

Darfur has been witness to bloodshed since 2003, when rebels took up arms against the government in Khartoum, accusing it of discrimination and neglect. The United Nations estimates that 300,000 people have died in the conflict.

Sudans leader, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged atrocities in Darfur.

The shadows of crutches and children with special needs are seen during a party for children affected by the Syrian conflict in Syria. (Bassam Khabieh/Reuters)

 Associated Press

AFGHANISTAN

U.N. officials criticize fatal U.S. airstrike

United Nations officials on Thursday condemned an airstrike by an unmanned U.S. military aircraft a day earlier that they said killed 15 civilians and wounded at least 12 in the insurgent-plagued eastern Afghan province of Nangahar. They called for a thorough investigation.

The early morning attack targeted a residential compound in the volatile Achin district, near the border of Pakistan, which U.S. military officials said they believed was being used by fighters of the Islamic State militant group, widely known in Afghanistan as Daesh.

However, local leaders and legislators said all the victims were civilians.

Afghan police said the strike targeted Islamic State loyalists.

Officials of the U.N. Assistance Mission to Afghanistan called Thursday for a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation.

U.S. military officials confirmed Wednesday that they had conducted a counterterrorism airstrike in the area.

Yachts sail at the start of South Africa's oldest ocean race the Mossel Bay race in Cape Town, South Africa. (Nic Bothma/EPA)

In a statement, they said they take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously but added that Islamist State fighters continue to put innocent lives at risk by deliberately surrounding themselves with civilians and dressing in female attire.

The officials said they would work with Afghan officials to determine whether there was need for further investigation.

 Pamela Constable

TURKEY

Erdogan: Emergency may be extended

Turkeys president hinted Thursday that the three-month state of emergency declared after the July 15 coup attempt could be extended to more than a year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing local administrators in Ankara, dismissed criticism over plans for Turkey to prolong the state of emergency, saying no one should determine a calendar or road map for the country.

Wait, be patient. Even 12 months might not be enough, Erdogan said.

His comments came a day after the top national security body recommended that the state of emergency  instituted July 20  be extended for three months.

The body, chaired by Erdogan, said an extension is needed to take measures to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Erdogan said Thursday that the matter is so deep and complicated it looks like three months will not be enough.

The government accuses U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen of masterminding the coup attempt. The state of emergency has allowed the government to pass legislation through decrees, facilitating a massive crackdown on his movement.

 Associated Press

PHILIPPINES

Duterte says hell scrap war games with U.S.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said joint military drills between the Philippines and the United States next week will be the last such exercises, although his foreign secretary quickly said the decision was not final.

Duterte made the comments in Hanoi this week, noting that the Philippines will maintain its military alliance with the United States because of a 65-year-old mutual defense treaty.

Duterte said that he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia and that Beijing doesnt want the war games.

I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise, he said. Jointly, Philippines-U.S., the last one.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr., however, contradicted Duterte, saying joint military drills approved by the previous administration will continue until 2017, when officials can evaluate whether there is a need for them to go on.

 Associated Press
FORMER VIRGINIA senator John W. Warner, a Republican widely revered for his national security expertise during a half-century of public service, had never supported a Democrat for president before he endorsed Hillary Clinton on Wednesday. It wasnt the first time Mr. Warner, who retired in 2009, has bucked his party; famously independent-minded, he backed a Democrat to succeed him in the Senate. So it was unsurprising that some Republicans in Donald Trumps camp sniffed at Mr. Warners declaration as fresh evidence of his party disloyalty.

The real question, though, is how anyone immersed in national security could possibly endorse Mr. Trump, whose extravagant ignorance of the issues and disdain for the United States allies and commitments are hallmarks of his candidacy.

The idea of installing Mr. Trump as commander in chief has chilled many of the most respected GOP figures in international affairs. They include former secretary of state George P. Shultz, who served almost seven years in the Reagan administration  God help us, said Mr. Shultz, on the prospect of Mr. Trumps victory  and former secretary of state Colin L. Powell, who called Mr. Trump a national disgrace and an international pariah.

To Mr. Trump, of course, prominent Republican national security figures who oppose him are political hacks, as he sniped during this weeks debate about a list that includes two former homeland security secretaries, former directors of the CIA and of national intelligence, and dozens of other top officials who served GOP administrations at the Pentagon, the State Department and elsewhere.

In an open letter last month, those officials noted Mr. Trumps meager understanding of international affairs, volatile temperament, and lack of basic knowledge of American values and institutions, concluding that he would be a dangerous president who would put at risk our nations national security and well-being.

How could Republicans who have overseen the nations defense and national security apparatus acquiesce to Mr. Trumps cavalier and wildly inaccurate derision of the U.S. military (a disaster) and its personnel (rubble)? How could they endorse a draft dodger who made light of the Purple Heart and referred to the risks he faced from sexually transmitted diseases as his personal Vietnam? Mr. Warner, to his credit, would not countenance such nauseating talk.

Not so the vast majority of Republican elected officials, especially those running for reelection this year, who have meekly followed Paul D. Ryan (Wis.), the sheepish Republican speaker of the House, in kowtowing to Mr. Trump, often after having initially said they would never support him.

Against this example of cowardice on an epic scale, Mr. Warner, a World War II veteran, is a clarion voice of integrity.
Donald Trumps near-meltdown in Mondays debate surely gave queasy stomachs to Republicans who have bowed before his candidacy despite their better judgments. Trump threatens to give conservative appeasers a very bad name.

Let it be said that at least some in the party will be able to stand proudly after this god-awful election is over. Were witnessing real courage among those members of the party of Lincoln willing to say openly how genuinely dangerous a Trump presidency would be.

For those whose livelihoods depend on building big audiences among pro-Trump rank-and-file conservatives (think radio talk-show hosts and commentators of various kinds), joining the Never Trump camp carries real risks. For liberals, opposing Trump is about the easiest thing in the world, so we should honor the daring of our temporary comrades.

Unfortunately, the Never Trumpers are a minority on the right. More typical are House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), the most prominent among the GOP contortionists who are hedging their bets.

They send signals that they know how ridiculous and bigoted Trump is, calling out this or that statement when its convenient to do so. But they endorse him anyway to save their down-ticket candidates while hoping that, should he lose, they can curry favor with the now-large Trump wing of the party after November.

They have made another bet as well: They believe Trump has so little interest in policy that if he were to win he would sign whatever bills a conservative Congress put before him. Trump, they hope, would be quite content just occupying a nice piece of real estate on Pennsylvania Avenue to go with the one, as he mentioned on Monday, that hes presiding over just down the street.

Trump has encouraged this view. He may be unpresidential but he is conversant in making deals and finding the other sides weak spot. He knows the only thing many conservative politicians and interest groups truly care about are big tax cuts for the rich. So he let supply-side conservatives write him a tax plan. Buying the White House by giving away future federal revenues is classic Trump: using other peoples money to secure his own ends. Besides, hes now told us he thinks its smart for wealthy people like him not to pay taxes.

Its a cozy arrangement  and entirely rational as far as it goes. But for it to work, Trump has to keep himself under some control, becoming sufficiently conventional not to cause too much heartburn to the establishmentarians. If he did it right, he might even win. But at the least, his job is to run well enough to give the Republicans a chance to hold the Senate as well as the House.

Trump showed on Monday that he may not keep his part of the deal, either because he doesnt want to or because hes incapable of it. And the risk for the party is high. A Trump who exudes sexism, traffics in racism, exhibits a resolute indifference to facts and demonstrates an inability to do his homework will turn off better-educated suburban voters without whom Republicans cannot build their majorities. If more normal Republican politicians continue to collude with Trump, these voters could turn against the whole ticket.

Theres precedent, and Massachusetts (because its now seen as so reliably Democratic in presidential elections) is a prime example of how bad things can get for Republicans. The state was at the forefront of a long-term trend: the steady movement of moderate suburbanites, particularly in the Northeast, away from the Republican Party. For many of them, Barry Goldwaters right-wing candidacy in 1964 sealed the deal.

Take the leafy town of Lexington, similar in its voting patterns to surrounding areas. In 1956, Lexington gave 76 percent of its votes to Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1960, it resisted home-state favorite John F. Kennedy; Richard Nixon won it with 57 percent. But in 1964, Goldwater received just 31 percent of Lexingtons votes. He was simply too extreme for sober, old-fashioned Republicans. Politically, Massachusetts has never been the same since.

Trump is not yet in Goldwater territory, and he might never get there. But unless the Donald of the first debate gives way to a completely different version, he threatens to create another GOP suburban catastrophe pretty much everywhere outside the Deep South. If Trump doesnt adjust, many of the partys enablers will soon have to realize that their best survival strategy is to run as far away from him as possible.

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Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Former President George W. Bush, left, and first lady Michelle Obama, center, listen to President Obama speak at the dedication ceremony for the Museum of African American History and Culture on Sept. 24. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press)

Regarding the Sept. 23 editorial A new light on the Mall:

The National Museum of African American History and Culture will provide new light to discover the whole truth of our nations past. The editorial reflected the horrors of slavery with tangible evidence of state-sanctioned repression and the indignities that accompanied it. States legislated oppressive laws, but the private sector, including slave traders and plantation owners, were equally responsible for the inhumanity African Americans suffered. Thats the major takeaway from this museum. It augments the nations saga with the cardinal ingredient of the whole truth. It moves us beyond the deceit and denial to the benefit of discovery of accurate information. This museum represents the full spectrum of the black experience reflected in similar ways other groups are represented, revered and remembered in museums.

The slave experience and subsequent periods were viciously brutal, oppressive and cruel. African Americans were considered less than human. The new museum is a place to not only remember the shame and stain of the past but also to celebrate the full story and the contributions of black people as a part of the United States. It is a site to confront the truth.

Raymond S. Blanks, Washington

The opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture is a great moment in our nations history. One can hope it is in time to help make us whole.

I urge anyone with authority over D.C. Public Schools to make certain that every student is taken to visit the museum. In the 1950s, my Brooklyn public school classes visited many of New York Citys museums. In the 1980s and 1990s, my sons D.C. public school classes never visited any museum, although the children were routinely trucked around town to serve as cute little diversity backdrops for political media moments.

People of privilege and in power easily overlook how isolated many children are and how limited their horizons can be. Many children who live near the Mall have never been in a museum. In an elementary school on Capitol Hill, I worked with children starry-eyed over being the descendants of Egyptian kings and queens and thoroughly versed in popular culture but completely ignorant of their remarkable African and African American history and culture.

This new museum is for each one of us and should be on every visitors itinerary, but we have a special duty to make certain that the children most affected by the injustices and tragedies of U.S. history are given this opportunity to put their experiences in context and to understand their stories as both anchor and springboard.

Annlinn Kruger, Bar Harbor, Maine
IN WHAT may lead to the definitive word on President Obamas signature climate-change policy, the nations second-most prominent court heard several hours of arguments Tuesday on the Environmental Protection Agencys Clean Power Plan. Buoyed by an unexpected and unusual Supreme Court stay on the plan issued this year, opponents of the policy argued that the Obama administration stepped beyond the boundaries of the law to impose regulations of breathtaking audacity and scope, reshaping the electricity sector by executive fiat. In fact, the EPA has taken a wholly reasonable path, and the judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit should affirm it.

The underlying problem is that the EPA is attempting to apply the Clean Air Act  a law written in the 1960s, when air pollution issues involved toxic pollutants such as particulate matter and sulfur dioxide  to the climate issue, which requires different remedies. Dealing with carbon dioxide is not as easy as installing scrubbers in smokestacks. The sources of the countrys electricity must shift away from carbon-rich fuels such as coal toward cleaner ones. Citing a section of the law that allows the EPA to require the best system of emissions reduction for certain air pollutants, the agency created the Clean Power Plan, which requires states to draw up emissions-cutting strategies not plant by plant, as previous Clean Air Act rules have done, but across the whole electricity system. That might mean limiting or shutting down coal plants in favor of natural gas and renewables.

The EPAs opponents cannot reasonably argue that the agency is forbidden from using the Clean Air Act to reduce power-sector carbon dioxide emissions. The Supreme Court has already settled that dispute; greenhouse emissions are pollutants subject to Clean Air Act regulation. The only question left is how the EPA can regulate those emissions. Though there is little doubt that addressing the electricity sector as a whole is the best system for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, EPA critics argue that the laws language permits the agency only to regulate inside the fence of existing power plants, which would severely restrict the emissions-cutting options. This argument suggests that the law demands that greenhouse emissions be regulated but also requires that those regulations be ineffective. This would be a bizarre message for the courts to send.

We do not begrudge anyone, such as D.C. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh, for wishing that Congress had tailored a policy to address the novel threat of climate change instead of watching the EPA jury-rig the Clean Air Act to deal with the issue. Congress, in fact, still could pass a simple carbon tax, which would offer the cheapest route to greening the economy. But the Clean Air Act was not a temporary authorization to deal with a few toxic air pollutants; it was a comprehensive law meant to address a range of air pollution challenges, including those its writers did not anticipate. The Supreme Court has already said the EPA may apply it to greenhouse emissions. The D.C. Circuit should have a hard time rebuking the agency for attempting to do so rationally.
Looking on the bright side, perhaps this election can teach conservatives to look on the dark side. They need a talent for pessimism, recognizing the signs that whatever remains of American exceptionalism does not immunize this nation from decay, to which all regimes are susceptible.

The worlds oldest political party is an exhausted volcano, the intellectual staleness of its recycled candidate unchallenged because a generation of younger Democratic leaders barely exists. The Republican Partys candidate evidently disdains his credulous supporters who continue to swallow his mendacities. About 90 percent of presidential votes will be cast for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, refuting the theory that this is a center-right country. At the risk of taking Trumps words more seriously than he does, on some matters he is to Clintons left regarding big government powered by an unbridled presidency.

His trade policy is liberalisms industrial policy repackaged for faux conservatives comfortable with presidents dictating what Americans can import and purchase at what prices, and where U.S. corporations can operate. Trump wouldnt approve Ford manufacturing cars in Mexico. He would create a federal police force to deport 450,000 illegal immigrants a month, including 6.4 percent of Americas workforce in two years. Yet the 25 million jobs he promises to create would require more than doubling the current rate of legal immigration to fill them, according to economist Mark Zandi. Of the Supreme Courts 2005 Kelo decision diluting property rights by vastly expanding governments powers of eminent domain, Trump says, I happen to agree with it 100 percent. Even Bernie Sanders rejects Kelo.

[Dana Milbank: The Greatest Generations rebuke of Trump]

When Trump says people are not making it on Social Security, he implies that people should be able to make it on Social Security for a third or more of their lives, and that he, like Clinton, is for enriching this entitlements benefits. He will save the system by eliminating  wait for it  waste, fraud and abuse. Trump is as parsimonious with specifics regarding health care (Plans you dont even know about will be devised because were going to come up with plans  health-care plans  that will be so good) as regarding foreign policy (I would get China, and I would say, Get in [North Korea], and straighten it out. ).

Should he win the presidency, Donald Trump will have a busy day after his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

Charismatic authority, wrote Max Weber in 1915, seven years before Mussolinis march on Rome, causes the governed to submit because of their belief in the extraordinary quality of the specific person . . . . Charismatic rule thus rests upon the belief in magical powers, revelations and hero worship. A demagogues success requires a receptive demos, and Trumps ascendancy reflects progressivisms success in changing Americas social norms and national character by de-stigmatizing dependency.

Under his presidency, Trump says, government will have all the answers: I am your voice. . . . I alone can fix it. The pronoun has unlimited antecedents: I will give you everything. I will give you what youve been looking for for 50 years. Im the only one.

Urban without a trace of urbanity, Trump has surrounded himself with star-struck acolytes (Mike Pence marvels at Trumps anatomical  broad-shouldered  foreign policy) and hysterics (Rudy Giuliani: There is no next election! This is it!). When Ferdinand VII regained Spains throne in 1813, he vowed to end the disastrous mania of thinking. Trump is Americas Ferdinand.

The American project was to construct a constitutional regime whose institutional architecture would guarantee the limited government implied by the Founders philosophy: Government is instituted to secure (the Declaration of Independence) preexisting natural rights. Today, however, neither the executive nor legislative branches takes this seriously, the judiciary has forsworn enforcing it, and neither political party represents it because no substantial constituency supports it.

[E.J. Dionne: Republicans want to tame Trump, but he may be their doom]

The ease with which Trump has erased Republican conservatism matches the speed with which Republican leaders have normalized him. For the formerly conservative party, the Founders principles, although platitudes in the partys catechism, have become, as former senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan said, a kind of civic religion, avowed but not constraining.

The beginning of conservative wisdom is recognition that there is an end to everything: Nothing lasts. If Trump wins, the GOP ends as a vehicle for conservatism. And a political idea without a political party is an orphan in an indifferent world.

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Pessimism need not breed fatalism or passivity. It can define an agenda of regeneration, but only by being clear-eyed about the extent of degeneration, which a charlatans successful selling of his fabulousness exemplifies. Conservatisms recovery from his piratical capture of the conservative party will require facing unflattering facts about a country that currently is indifferent to its founding.

Read more from George F. Wills archive or follow him on Facebook.
A 63-year-old Lincoln woman lost $40,000 after sending money to a stranger through an online scam.

The woman sent $7,000 to a man claiming he had business in Nigeria, was having issues with customs and needed the money to stay in business.

The woman also sent $33,000 to a man claiming he was in Afghanistan. He told the woman his wife died and he needed assistance getting his belongings through customs so he could get to his child, Police Officer Katie Flood said Thursday.

No suspects have been identified.

"Be wary of people you meet online who quickly offer friendship or romance," Flood said. "Be skeptical if the person asks you for money to pay hospital bills, visa fees, legal expenses and/or seems to have a lot of sudden problems overseas. One request leads to another, and delays and disappointments will follow. In the end, the money will be gone, along with the person you thought you knew."

Flood offered advice for people who are contacted online for money.

* Talk to someone before sending any money or personal information. Con artists want victims to make decisions in a hurry and may make threats. Slow down. Check out the story. Do an online search, consult an expert or just tell a friend.

* Do not send money to someone overseas if you have not met in person -- especially those you have met only through the internet.

* Do not disclose personal details over the phone or online -- even in your profile on social networking sites.

* Refer anyone claiming to be a U.S. citizen in distress overseas to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
The Supreme Court will decide whether a federal law that bars the registration of disparaging trademarks violates free speech, a case with direct implications for the Washington Redskins in their fight to defend their famous team name.

The justices on Thursday announced that they will consider whether part of the 1946 Lanham Trademark Act that prohibits registration of a trademark that may disparage persons violates the First Amendment, as an appeals court has ruled.

The court did not take the Redskins case, but instead chose another that is further along in the legal process. The lawsuit was filed by Portland, Ore.-based performer Simon Shiao Tam, whose Asian American rock band is known as the Slants and who was turned down by the U.S. Office of Patent and Trademark Office when he tried to register the bands trademark in 2011.

[Federal judge agrees Redskins trademark may be canceled]

The patent office said the name was likely to disparage a significant number of Asian Americans. But Tam said the point of the bands name is just the opposite: an attempt to reclaim a slur and use it as a badge of pride.

Tam lost in the first rounds. But then a majority of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said the law, which calls for the rejection of trademarks that may disparage . . . persons, living or dead, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols, or bring them into contempt, or disrepute violates the First Amendments free speech guarantee.

The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to reverse the lower courts decision, and Tam agreed the justices should review the issue.

Simon Tam is not a bigot; he is fighting bigotry with the time-honored technique of seizing the bigots own language, Tams lawyer, John C. Connell, wrote. Only an uninformed philistine could find the bands name disparaging.

Tam, incidentally, has criticized the Redskins nickname.

[Court ruling could help Redskins in trademark fight]

The Washington football team had tried to intervene in the case, but the court did not mention the team in the order that grants review of the Slants case.

The Redskins battle is in a different legal posture. The teams trademark was canceled in 2014 after decades of use. The team asked a district judge in Virginia to overturn the cancellation and was refused. The case is now awaiting hearing in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond.

The government says that the trademark office does not have to recognize the trademark of either the band or the team. They are free to call themselves whatever they want, the government said in its brief, but the trademark office does not have to provide protection for it.

Under the sweeping ruling of the appeals court, the PTO cannot refuse registration of even the most vile racial epithet, according to the teams brief.

Registration of a trademark makes it easier for a party to legally defend the mark against others who would try to use it. But the Justice Department said it is up to the government to decide whether to provide that protection.

The law does not prevent [Tam] from promoting his band using any racial slur or image he wishes. It does not limit how respondent may advertise, what songs he may sing, or what messages he may convey, the government said in its brief.

Because it is not restricting speech, the government said, it has considerable leeway in how it provides the benefit of trademark registration.

But the band and the team in its briefs have called the law impossibly vague and said the trademark offices decisions about which trademarks to register and which to deny are opaque and capricious.

The team has listed a long list of crude and offensive names that have received trademark protection. The Slants lawyers noted conflicting decisions that they said made no sense.

The PTO denied registration to Have You Heard Satan is a Republican because it disparaged the Republican Party, the bands lawyers wrote, but it did not find the Devil Is a Democrat disparaging.

We are pleased that this matter will be reviewed by the Supreme Court of the United States, and look forward to the vindication of the First Amendment rights of Mr. Tam and the other members of The Slants, Tams lawyers said in a statement.

The court will consider Lee v. Tam later in the term, which begins next week.

The case was among eight the court announced it was taking for the coming term.

Another of those also concerns speech  commercial speech. The court will consider a New York law that bars retailers from saying they are imposing surcharges on credit-card purchases. Merchants pay a swipe fee when a customer uses a credit card and usually pass along the charge by imposing a higher cost.

But New York and nine other states dont allow retailers to say that; they require the sellers to say they offer discounts to those who pay cash.

Deepak Gupta, representing retailers challenging the law, put it this way in the petition to the court: A merchant may say the cost of a widget is $102 and that there is a $2 discount for paying in cash. But if the merchant instead says that the widget costs $100 and there is a $2 surcharge for using credit to account for the swipe fee, the merchant has committed a crime.

New Yorks law was upheld by an appeals court; Floridas similar law was struck down, and the Supreme Court will decide which was right.

The case is Expressions Hair Design v. Schneiderman.
BEATRICE -- Gage County gave two insurance providers notice in 2009 that a federal lawsuit had been filed against it after six people convicted of the 1985 rape and murder of a Beatrice woman were exonerated of the crime.

The notice was submitted by then-County Attorney Randy Ritnour and private practice attorney Patrick OBrien, and Gage County learned neither company would pay for the countys defense or for any judgment leveled against it in the upcoming civil suit.

The lack of coverage proved big when a federal jury awarded the so-called Beatrice 6 more than $28.1 million in damages this summer and said the county must pay their attorneys as well.

Attorneys for the county said Wednesday there's "little chance" insurance will cover the Beatrice 6 judgment.

The six were arrested during a cold-case investigation launched by sheriff's Deputy Burt Searcey four years after Helen Wilson was beaten to death in her downtown Beatrice apartment. One of the six, Joseph White, fought from his prison cell for DNA testing on evidence from the crime scene.

White eventually was successful, and DNA test results pinned the crime on a seventh person. All charges against White were dropped, and the other five people were pardoned.

Its not clear why the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association, which has covered the county since 1997, or private insurer Employers Mutual Companies, which covered it until then, turned down the request to cover the lawsuit or pay the damages, said Joel Nelson, an attorney specializing in interpretation of insurance policies hired by Gage County.

We focused on those two, because we think if there was coverage, it was with them, Nelson told the Gage County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday. But we think, from what we know right now, that there is little chance of coverage.

Still, he said, supervisors could, on a good-faith basis, ask both the Risk Management Association and its prior insurance carrier to reconsider their refusals to pay the cost of defending the county in court and the judgment awarded by the federal jury.

If that doesnt work and neither wants to negotiate with the county, Nelson said, the county could file a lawsuit against either or both and ask a judge to determine whether coverage was in place.

Nelson declined to speculate on the odds of the county gaining coverage for events that happened nearly 30 years ago or how much any policy might cover.

The insurance issue -- like much of the rest of the Beatrice 6 saga -- is the first of its kind in Nebraska, said Nelson, who along with fellow attorney Joel Bacon has spent more than 100 hours investigating the case.

The county board hired the two in August and OK'd paying them to spend 40 hours diving into its insurance history, at $190 an hour.

Their focus broadened as the moving parts of the insurance policies of the traditional private insurer and the county pool insurance system got harder to nail down, and with little in the way of case law to guide them, Nelson said.

There is no guidance from our Nebraska Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals on some of the key legal questions, he said.

With the Risk Management Association, he said, it is possible the county purchased some retroactive policy when it joined 81 other counties in the group in 1997.

Based on what weve seen so far, it appears NIRMA did provide retroactive coverage called nose coverage, which serves a similar purpose to tail coverage, Nelson said. Instead of extending coverage out into the future at the end of a policy, (it provides) retroactive coverage at the beginning of a policy.

The retroactive date for the law enforcement coverage purchased by the county, Nelson said, was Aug. 2, 1989. All six defendants in the Wilson murder were sentenced in 1990.

Nelson and Bacon later spoke with supervisors and O'Brien, of the county's legal team, in a 94-minute closed session.

Earlier in the meeting, two former District 30 state senators spoke on behalf of the Gage County Democrats, who are lobbying state leaders to shoulder the $28.1 million judgment in an effort to protect county taxpayers from a significant property tax increase.

The group sent a petition of surety to the state Monday and presented it formally to the county board on Wednesday.

Former Sens. Bill Burrows of Adams and Norm Wallman of Cortland are among the group of Gage County residents petitioning Gov. Pete Ricketts to prepare and submit a budget with sufficient cash reserves of at least $33 million to protect the county from the potential financial obligations.

Burrows said Gage County acted on behalf of the state in prosecuting the six and that as chief law enforcement officer for Nebraska, the state attorney general is responsible for the oversight of competent prosecution.

The state could show its responsibility by awarding and providing sufficient funds to cover the cost awarded against our county, Burrows said.

Last year, Ricketts said property tax relief was his top priority, and Burrows said protecting Gage County residents from an increase falls in that category.

As a senator, Wallman said, he championed county issues, particularly in battles for revenue between the counties and the state.

The state government balanced its books on the back of counties, taking away revenues for jail reimbursements and things like that, he said. I think, also, the state is responsible for this.

Both former senators said they also believe Gage Countys plight should be considered by Nebraska voters on Nov. 8 when they decide whether to keep the death penalty.

Burrows said he used to support the death penalty but changed his stance in the wake of the Beatrice 6 decision and a Cass County case in which a man was exonerated after being convicted of killing a family near Murdock.

We have gotten the results of it being used in a prosecution, he said.

Gage County Chairman Myron Dorn said the board will listen to the group petitioning the state to cover Beatrice's costs in the case but does not plan to endorse or take any action on the letter.

Were still in litigation, and we dont want to do something that would jeopardize that process, Dorn said.
The GOP presidential nominee is out on the trail ahead of the general election in November.

The GOP presidential nominee is out on the trail ahead of the general election in November.

What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail

What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump came under intense scrutiny Thursday for allegations that he knowingly violated the U.S. embargo on Cuba in the 1990s, a report that could hurt him among Cuban Americans in the crucial state of Florida.

A story published in Newsweek said Trumps firm spent as much as $68,000 on a foray exploring business possibilities in Cuba in 1998, which would be a clear violation of the strict embargo in place at the time.

Trump spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway suggested in a television interview Wednesday that Trump had indeed spent money exploring business ventures in Cuba. But Conway later told The Washington Post that she did not say he broke the law or violated the embargo.

Trump himself denied the allegations during an interview in New Hampshire, where he campaigned Thursday, and sought to discredit the reporter who wrote the story.

I never did business in Cuba. Theres this guy who has a very bad reputation as a reporter. You see what his record is. He wrote something about me in Cuba. No, I never did anything in Cuba. I never did a deal in Cuba, he told NH1 News.

President Obama, right, and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, wave to cheering fans as they arrive for a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban national baseball team in Havana on March 22, 2016. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

The report could become a significant political liability for Trump among Cuban Americans in Florida, a key battleground state in his fight against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The two candidates are in a virtual dead heat in the state, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average.

Susan MacManus, a nonpartisan Florida political analyst, said the issue could cause great concern among older Cuban Americans in the state, who are firmly pro-embargo. Those voters have expressed disdain for the Obama administrations decision to open relations with Cuba.

The hard-liners in the Cuban community are very high-turnout voters. And theyre shrinking in number, she said. Trump just went down there and had a special meeting with these people to try to shore up support with them. And, so, just when Trump was making inroads and assuring that community that he was on their side, then this story comes out.

Ana Navarro, a Florida-based conservative strategist opposed to Trump, said that it is never a good thing when voters feel played and find out the candidate they are supporting is a hypocrite on an issue that carries the emotion that Cuba policy does.

[Opening to Cuba is irreversible, senior Obama aide says]

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a former primary challenger of Trumps who is running for reelection in November, urged the Trump campaign to address questions about the case but said he would not comment further until more information is known.

The article makes some very serious and troubling allegations. I will reserve judgment until we know all the facts and Donald has been given the opportunity to respond, Rubio said in a statement.

According to Newsweek, the fees associated with a business trip to the island by Trump representatives were paid by Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts through a consulting firm called Seven Arrows Investment and Development. The consulting firm later said the trip had been taken on behalf of a Catholic charity.

Trump blasted President Obama for a one-sided deal for Cuba this month during a campaign event in Florida. He said the move to normalize relations would benefit the Castro regime. He has vowed to reverse Obamas efforts to open U.S.-Cuba relations if he is elected president, unless the Castro regime meets our demands  not my demands, our demands.

Clinton told reporters aboard her plane that Trumps business exploration in Cuba appears to violate U.S. law, certainly flout American foreign policy, and he has consistently misled people in responding to questions about whether he was attempting to do business in Cuba.

This adds to the long list of actions and statements that raise doubts about his temperament and qualification to be president, she added.

[Trumps newest legal problem: Cuba]

Conway, during a tense appearance on ABCs The View, appeared to say that Trump had spent money in Cuba but emphasized that he decided not to invest there.

I think they paid money, as I understand from the story, in 1998  and were not supposed to talk about years ago when it comes to the Clintons, Conway said amid cross-talk.

So the question is: Did he spend money? Hes very critical of Cuba, hes very critical of Castro, hes been critical of Cuba, she said. He gave a speech the very next year to the Cuban American National Foundation in Miami critical of those who want to do business with Castro.

In that 1999 speech, Trump denounced the Castro regime.

Ive had a lot of offers and sadly its all been very recently to go into Cuba on deals, business deals, real estate and other deals. And Ive rejected them on the basis that I will go when Cuba is free, Trump said at the time, according to a video of his remarks. Putting money and investing money in Cuba right now doesnt go to the people of Cuba. It goes into the pockets of Fidel Castro. Hes a murderer, hes a killer, hes a bad guy in every respect.

Conway said several times Thursday that Trump did not ultimately invest money on the island and sought to focus attention on foreign donations to Bill and Hillary Clintons family foundation.

But again, were talking about, did his hotel invest money in 1998 in Cuba? No. Did she get money from seven foreign governments while she was secretary of state? Yes.

Sean Sullivan, Ed OKeefe and Anne Gearan contributed to this report.
An image of Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar is displayed on a video projector screen at the presidential palace in Kabul as he signs a peace deal with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani from an undisclosed location. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images)

It was both a historic moment and a bizarre spectacle. There was the fugitive Afghan militia leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, with a black turban and a beard much whiter than anyone remembered, speaking Thursday via video link from a secret location and then signing a peace agreement as the camera zoomed in on his hands.

There was President Ashraf Ghani, dressed in traditional robes and a yellow turban, beaming as he watched the images on a giant screen in his palace and then ceremonially signed his copy of the accord, which he said would go fully in force immediately. This day starts the subsiding of war in Afghanistan and the beginning of rebuilding it, he said, speaking in Dari.

Seated behind him were aging former mujahideen leaders  including allies and enemies of Hekmatyars  who fought the Soviet Union and then one another in a civil war three decades ago. Some looked uncomfortable; others periodically shouted Allahu akbar, the Arabic phrase meaning God is great; and many applauded when one speaker called Hekmatyar the shining star of the anti-Soviet jihad.

[Afghanistan has many problems. Its president may be one of them.]

Making his first public appearance in years, Hekmatyar, who is in his late 60s, was soft-spoken and statesmanlike but vague on details. He said he hoped the agreement would bring an end to the crisis in this country and that no single bullet will be fired, no drop of blood shed in the transition of power. I ask all opponents of this government to join this process and pursue their goals through peaceful ways, he said.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signs a peace agreement with Hizb-i-Islami, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. (Omar Sobhani/Reuters)

Hekmatyar, who has been in hiding for years, did not mention whether and when he would return to Afghanistan, which would require his removal from international terrorist blacklists. But his public appearance seemed to put to rest rumors about whether he actually supported the deal, and his conciliatory rhetoric appeared likely to bolster Ghanis credibility as a peacemaker as he heads to a crucial conference of foreign donors in Brussels on Tuesday. Ghani and his aides have been negotiating for months with Hekmatyars representatives, hoping to persuade Taliban insurgent leaders to lay down their weapons.

The current generation of Afghans did not start this war. It is up to our older generation to finish it, Ghani said at the ceremony, using the term excellency to address Hekmatyar and some of the assembled former fighters, who are now influential elders or officials. This is a grand jihad that Afghanistan desperately needs.

But the flowery words and ritual did not impress members of the Mehrabi family, who were watching the event from their modest home several miles away. In 1993, at the peak of the civil war, Zarghona Mehrabi was in labor with her first child when the rockets came, whistling and exploding among the mud-walled houses in their west Kabul neighborhood.

The shelling came from the south, where Hekmatyar and his Hezb-i-Islami fighters were camped and waging a ferocious street battle with other militias. Mehrabi delivered her baby in the basement, listening to the sounds until night fell and her husband  since deceased  could get them to safety in another part of the city.

When the war was over, we went back and found our house. Only the foundations were left, said brother-in-law Madat Ali, 55, a retired police officer. Hekmatyar made soft promises today, but we have no hope for this agreement, he said. During the civil war, Hekmatyar and other militia bosses swore on the Koran that they would stop fighting, and a few days later they started again, Ali recounted. How can we trust him now?

[Young people dont see a future in Afghanistan, so theyre leaving]

Last week, after government officials signed a preliminary agreement with Hekmatyars representatives, other longtime Kabul residents responded with a mixture of skepticism and weary hope. Many told similar stories of fleeing bombardment, spending years as refugees, and returning after the overthrow of the Taliban regime in 2001 to find the city in ruins and many of the same brutal militia leaders enjoying positions of wealth and political power.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar spoke via video link from an undisclosed location as he signed a peace deal with the Afghan government. Former mujahideen leaders were among those in the presidential palace to watch him speak. (Omar Sobhani/Reuters)

A few activists have openly protested the agreement, denouncing Hekmatyar as the Butcher of Kabul and calling it an insult to justice for officials to pardon a wanted terrorist who has continued to fight against the government while living in Pakistan and Iran. Other analysts worry that his return could revive old ethnic enmities rather than calming the political waters and serving as an example for the Taliban.

This is not a peace deal. It is just completing the circle of criminals in our government, said Obaid Kabir, a rights activist. Now the other warlords are pretending to favor the deal, but they have an old history of dogfights, and they will start them again.

But Hezb-i-Islami, like most of the other Islamist parties that once fought one another, has many officials in the Ghani government and representatives in parliament. Supporters say these militia groups have changed with the times, prospered under civilian rule and now have a stake in peace instead of conflict.

Gulbuddin is a charismatic leader who knows how to swim in Afghan politics, said Farooq Wardak, a senior Hezb-i-Islami leader and former education minister. If he comes back, many Taliban supporters will join him, and the other mujahideen parties will have to accommodate him. They have made a lot of money, and they want to protect their property now. They dont want to see Kabul destroyed again.

Read more:

Kabul increasingly a target as Taliban launches shocking attacks

Afghanistans attorney general pushes justice for ordinary Afghans

U.S., European military advisers work to boost lagging Afghan combat readiness

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Plans to revitalize the neighborhoods south of Lincoln's downtown unveiled Wednesday won't sit on the shelf, officials said at a community meeting, announcing the formation of an organization to put the efforts into action.

For about a half hour, a St. Louis planning consultant highlighted recommendations to grow the area bounded by Eighth to 17th streets and O to A streets.

Expanding the F Street Community Center, developing a housing and parking strategy and improving the link between the 11th Street corridor and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln were among some of the ideas in the plan highlighted Wednesday.

But before all that, the plans need a group working full-time to lead the charge, planning consultant John Hoal of H3 Studios said.

Tom Smith of the investment firm D.A. Davidson & Co. announced the inception of an organization called the South of Downtown Community Development Organization.

"We're here to implement this plan," Smith told a crowd of about 100 renters, property owners and community officials.

Smith is one of nine founding board members, who also include three neighborhood residents.

South of Downtown's first task will be to hire a director and necessary support staff, Smith said.

The organization will be funded in part from a three-year $225,000 grant from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority.

Smith and fellow board member and Lincoln Community Foundation President Barbara Bartle will be seeking $150,000 in private donations annually in addition the grant.

The other eight members include Lincoln mayoral aide Jon Carlson, property owner Pablo Cervantes, Near South Neighborhood Association President Jim Friedman, resident representative Amanda Huckins, NeighborWorks Lincoln CEO Mike Renken, Everett Neighborhood Association President Matt Schaefer and David Schmidt of Concorde Management.

Some residents in the area remain cautious though and hope more residents will join the board.

Count Alex Russell, a renter, among them.

The best revitalization efforts hinge on good communication and involvement between neighborhood residents and the newly formed board, Russell said.

"I think the people who live here can tell you what's strong and what's wrong," he said.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is planning to attend the funeral on Friday of former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, despite stiff opposition from some Palestinians who view Peres not as a man of peace but as an enemy occupier.

The Palestinian leader sent a formal request to attend the Friday service to Israeli Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, the military chief of the occupied West Bank. After a nod of approval by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Abbas was given permission.

Social media erupted with catcalls, damning Abbas as a weakling and begging him to cancel his appearance.

After Abbas sent a public letter of condolence to the Peres family, calling the Israeli leader a brave man and expressing his sorrow, his bitter rivals in the Islamist militant movement Hamas accused Abbas of ignoring the suffering of the Palestinian people.

According to aides, Abbas was undeterred.

He wants to go, said a Palestinian official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. He thinks its the right thing to do and the right thing for the Palestinian cause.

Israel has been pressing ahead recently with quiet diplomacy to reach out to moderate Arab states that feel threatened by Iran and the rise of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State. Israel was hoping that a sizable contingent of senior Arab leaders might come to the Peres funeral, but so far the Arab attendees are diplomats and ministers  not kings and presidents.

Abbas will attend the ceremony, alongside 100 world leaders and dignitaries, including President Obama and former president Bill Clinton.

[ Shimon Peres, Israeli statesman and Nobel Peace Prize winner, dies at 93 ]

The state funeral for Peres is expected to be one of the largest in Israel since the 1995 burial of Yitzhak Rabin, the prime minister who was assassinated by a Jewish extremist who opposed the efforts of Rabin and Peres to reach an agreement with the Palestinians by giving up land for peace.

Yasser Arafat, who was the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, did not attend Rabins funeral in Jerusalem, although the two men and Peres had shared a stage to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994. Instead, Arafat met privately with the Rabin family.

More than 8,000 Israeli police officers will be the scene Friday. The main road into Jerusalem will be closed for two hours in the morning and two hours after the funeral ends to allow Obamas entourage easy and safe access to the city.

Israel police chief Roni Alsheich told reporters Thursday that security forces carried out preventative arrests of several Jewish and Arab suspects out of fear that they could cause problems at the state funeral.

On Thursday, an estimated 35,000 Israelis, alongside tourists, diplomats, political leaders and a former U.S. president, climbed the hill to the Israel parliament to pay their respects before the flag-draped casket of Peres, one of last of the original founders of the Jewish state.

[ The world mourns Shimon Peres as Israel considers his legacy ]

Clinton landed in Tel Aviv and before checking into his hotel came to the Knesset to stand quietly for a moment before Peress casket.

Obama is expected to land in Israel early Friday for the funeral. The U.S. delegation also will include Secretary of State John F. Kerry, national security adviser Susan E. Rice and a dozen members of Congress, as well as leaders of the U.S. Jewish community.

He was the man who wrote the story of Israel, said Devora Siegel, 32, a teacher in Jerusalem who brought along three students to the plaza outside the parliament.

He did a lot for our country, said one of her 13-year-old students, Sophie. He fought for us.

Nicole Herzog, 43, is from Vienna. She is Jewish and said she comes to Israel for one week every year. As she waited to view the casket, she recalled how her grandfather died in the Holocaust.

He didnt want to leave the opera houses and theaters of Vienna. He believed that this land was only a desert, she said. He died because he didnt believe that men like Peres could build a state. Now there is a country where we can always go.

The 93-year-old former prime minister, president and Nobel Peace Prize winner died at a Tel Aviv hospital before dawn Wednesday from complications of a massive stroke suffered two weeks earlier.

More than 90 delegations from 70 countries are expected at the funeral.

Jordan is sending its deputy prime minister and former chief peace negotiator Jawad Anani. Jordans King Abdullah II sent a note of condolences, but no member of the royal family is expected. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will attend, but not Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi. Turkey is sending Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz.

In addition to Obama, the Israel foreign ministry reported that the national leaders and dignitaries who are expected to attend the Friday funeral include French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and European Council President Donald Tusk.

The British delegation is led by Charles Prince of Wales, alongside former British prime ministers David Cameron and Tony Blair, and Foreign Minister Boris Johnson.

Read more:

The life of Shimon Peres, in photos

As the West pays tribute to Peres, many Arabs recall a legacy of destruction

A light has gone out: Obama, Netanyahu and others pay tribute to Peres

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Workers dig the foundations of a wall near the Jungle migrants camp along the road leading to the harbor of Calais, France, on Sept. 26. (Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)

So far, Donald Trumps plan to build a wall along the Mexican border is all talk. Last week, France and Britain actually began building one along theirs.

Construction started here on a roughly mile-long concrete barrier intended to separate a sprawling migrant camp from the tunnels that offer passage to Britain, the latest attempt in what has become a global effort to throw physical barriers in the way of historic streams of human migration.

From a razor-wire-topped border fence in Hungary to the sealed border of Macedonia and Greece to Trumps proposed wall , polarized societies across the world are finding that they can unite around keeping others at bay.

The Great Wall of Calais, as the project is informally known, is considerably shorter than Trumps proposed partition of the United States and Mexico, but its message is much the same: Keep out. The concrete wall, which will rise to 13 feet, extends a fence near the sprawling Calais migrant camp known as the Jungle, where more than 7,000 migrants have been stranded as they seek to enter Britain by all means possible. The concrete will be specially formulated to make it difficult to scale.

[French truck drivers protest in Calais, call for dismantling of Jungle migrant camp]

The camp here has become one of the most visible symbols of Europes migration crisis: a squalid no mans land nestled between London and Paris, two of Europes wealthiest cities. The victorious British campaign to leave the European Union was partly fueled by concerns over immigration, while candidates for Frances presidential election next year are already competing over being tough on migrant flows. Opponents of French President Francois Hollande have tried to turn the camp into a symbol of his weakness.

Its something scary, this resignation, this lack of authority, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy said while visiting Calais last week. Sarkozys campaign to recapture the presidency has pulled anti-immigrant rhetoric from the surging far-right National Front party, which has vowed to reestablish controls at Frances borders.

So far, the only sign of the wall is an anonymous, unmarked construction site at the edge of the highway, far from the center of this small, working-class city. Late last week, a small squadron of construction workers laid small foundation slabs into ditches cleared alongside the highway as cars and trucks sped by.

The aim is to keep migrants from stowing away on ferries and trucks. The barrier follows portions of the highway leading into the port, which passes directly in front of the encampments entrance. Britain has contributed most of the money for the project, which will cost about $2.5 million, according to leaked reports in the British media. The British Home Office refused to confirm the price tag. In total, London has pledged $22 million to France for assistance with border security.

[Britain and France to construct Great Wall of Calais to keep migrants from port]

British Prime Minister Theresa May has taken Britains exit referendum as a mandate to toughen immigration policies, working hand-in-hand with French authorities to try to discourage migrants from pooling in Calais. Both nations have taken an increasingly hard-line approach. The moves come as many European countries have pursued national policies to discourage migration, while campaigning against German-led efforts to share asylum seekers among the 28 nations of the E.U.

The wall will prevent illegals trying to get to the U.K., British Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the House of Commons in September , defending the initiative against critics who called it a waste of money.

In France, the walls construction comes at a tense political moment, as the country prepares for the 2017 presidential election. The rise of Marine Le Pen  the outspoken leader of the far-right National Front Party  has pulled the political mainstream toward her agenda, which is firmly opposed to France becoming a haven for migrants and refugees.

In the aftermath of three devastating terrorist attacks in the past two years, contenders in the forthcoming presidential election are increasingly engaged in a debate focused on immigration and Islam rather than economics or domestic policy. The camp in Calais has become a flash point.

The attacks have considerably changed the climate in France, said Bruno Cautres, a political analyst at the Center for Political Research at Pariss Sciences Po. The desire for many is to have a president who can bring security back.

Local authorities in Calais oppose Pariss decision to construct the wall, preferring instead only the dismantling of the Jungle camp, whose existence has placed considerable strain on the town of 126,000.

The beginning of the solution begins with the demolition of the Jungle, said Faustine Maliar, the chief of staff for the mayor of Calais, a Sarkozy ally. The moment the Jungle is destroyed, there is no need for a wall, she said.

Hollande, who is seeking reelection next year, has vowed to demolish the camp by the end of the year.

[Migrant flows to Europe continue as U.N. convenes summit in New York]

From now on our objectives are clear, Hollande told reporters in Calais on Monday. To guarantee the security of the people of Calais, maintain public order and ensure that conditions for the migrants and refugees are dignified.

Migrants who wish to claim asylum in France will be shipped to other shelters across the country, Hollande said. But because the vast majority of Calais migrants want to travel onward to Britain, the plans chance for success is unclear. Previous attempts to squeeze the size of the camp have failed.

From a practical perspective, the short, easily defendable French wall  combined with the formidable obstacle of the 22-mile-wide English Channel  may be more successful at preventing passage than any Trump-built wall on the long U.S.-Mexico land border, said Alexander Betts, the director of the Refugee Studies Center at the University of Oxford. But the political symbolism is more important than any practical purpose, he said.

The wall is an idea that public audiences can understand as a tool of exclusion, he said.

With both governments agreeing that they want to deter migrants from coming to Calais, they can agree on strong deterrence. So if building a wall solves that, or building an asylum center in Paris solves that, then thats fine, even if its not in the best interests of the refugees and migrants in Calais, he said.

If the wall is intended to deliver a message of deterrence, so far it does not seem to have accomplished its mission. Few migrants in the camp appear to have heard about its construction  but they were much more worried that they would soon be pushed out of their temporary home.

The wall is not important, said Tariq Shinwari, a 26-year-old business administration graduate from Afghanistan who said he had lived in the Jungle for six months. People in here do not care about the wall  they care about the demolition. We have minors in here. If they demolish the camp, where will they go?

Birnbaum reported from Brussels.

Read more:

France to open first of 12 deradicalization centers for at-risk youths

Shakespeare and Company, Pariss famous bookstore where wandering writers are welcome

Amid fears of Trump, Europe tries to make its security less dependent on the U.S.

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
A man reacts next to the Babi Yar Menorah monument during a commemorating ceremony in Kiev marking 75 years since the Nazis slaughtered 34,000 Jews during World War II. (Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images)

KIEV, Ukraine  The government on Thursday marked the 75th anniversary of the death of more than 33,000 Jews at Babi Yar, one of the single largest massacres of the Nazi Holocaust, one that for decades was papered over in Soviet accounts and remains a controversial chapter in Ukraines history.

Kiev has held a week of memorials, the largest commemoration of the atrocity in recent years, as it seeks to refocus attention on the countrys Jewish history and demonstrate to the West its adherence to European values.

Politically and symbolically its very important, said Yaroslav Hrytsak, a historian and professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. It may be that this event marks a turning point for how the tragedy is remembered by Ukrainians.

On Thursday morning, the mayor of Kiev and several wealthy Jewish oligarchs announced new plans to build a memorial center to the victims of the massacre, an initiative that has stalled several times over the past 15 years. The issue has roiled the countrys fractious Jewish community because of opposing plans and concerns about desecrating the gravesite.

On Thursday evening, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko invoked the lessons of the Holocaust while discussing the countrys current conflict with Russia over the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and war in east Ukraine.

People place candles and Israeli flags during a ceremony commemorating the victims of Babi Yar, one of the biggest single massacres of Jews during the Nazi Holocaust. (Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters)

The lesson of Babi Yar is a reminder of the frightening price of political and moral nearsightedness, Poroshenko said in remarks to a largely Jewish audience held at a temporary stadium in Kievs Babi Yar park. The site encompasses a ravine on the citys outskirts, where German SS troops systematically killed assembled Jews with machine guns on Sept. 29 and 30, 1941. Its a reminder that indulging an aggressor simply builds his appetite, the president said.

Poroshenko also highlighted Ukraines close relationship with Israel, calling for a moment of silence in memory of Shimon Peres, the former Israeli president who died Wednesday.

For decades, Moscow has supplied weapons to those countries that dream of pushing Israel into the sea, Poroshenko said.

The first monument at Babi Yar was erected in 1974 and was dedicated to the 100,000 Soviet citizens murdered at the site during the course of the war years, without noting that the vast majority of them were Jewish. Jews who attempted to pray or lay flowers at the site were arrested. Ukraines government installed the first Jewish memorial, a brass sculpture of a menorah, in 1991 as the Soviet Union was collapsing.

Read more

Dutch probe: Missile brought from Russia downed Malaysia Airlines plane

A bristly Ukraine celebrates 25 years of independence from Moscow

Netanyahu says a Palestinian gave Hitler the idea for the Holocaust

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Indian soldiers patrol the Line of Control between India and Pakistan in 2013. India said it had conducted military strikes along its de facto border with Pakistan to thwart attacks. (Tauseef Mustafa/AFP/Getty Images)

Sporadic shelling broke out along India and Pakistans disputed border in Kashmir on Thursday after India said it conducted an anti-terrorism strike inside the section controlled by Pakistan  marking a significant rise in tension between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

Indias military said its soldiers had crept over the highly militarized border in darkness and struck at about half a dozen staging areas early Thursday where it said teams of militants were gathering, preparing to launch attacks both in the disputed Kashmir region and in unspecified cities across India.

Full details have yet to emerge, but such a strike would be the most aggressive military action from India toward Pakistan in years and could mark a shift in Indias strategytoward its neighbor, which it has long accused of harboring terrorist groups.

The countries offered sharply conflicting accounts of the days events, however, underscoring the heightened suspicions and volatility in an area that has been at the heart of India-Pakistan friction for decades.

In Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces that resulted in the death of at least two Pakistani soldiers. India however, insisted that suspected militants numbering in the double digits were killed.

Pakistans military said it had captured an Indian soldier on its side of the border.

Evacuations were ordered in some villages on both sides of what is known as the Line of Control dividing Kashmir, in the shadow of the Himalayas.

Tensions have been running high between the two countries since four Pakistani militants attacked an army camp in the Indian border town of Uri on Sept. 18, killing 18 Indian soldiers. India has claimed that Pakistan supported the militants, and the director general of Indian military operations, Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, said Thursday that investigators uncovered global positioning systems and supplies that had Pakistani markings. Pakistan has denied involvement.

[Pakistans military exercises also serve as show of force]

India and Pakistan, which have fought four wars, have both long laid claim to the disputed Kashmir region, and India has accused Pakistan of supporting an armed insurgency in the part that is administered by India.

Singh said that the military had received specific and credible information that terrorist teams had positioned themselves in staging areas along the Line of Control, intending to carry out terrorist attacks in the Kashmir region and in Indian cities.

The army responded with strikes that inflicted significant casualties on the terrorists and their supporters, Singh said. Indian government officials said their soldiers carried out operations more than a half mile across the line.





We cannot allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack citizens of our country at will, Singh said.

Pakistans foreign ministry strongly denounced unprovoked cease-fire violations and warned that India has deliberately escalated tension in Kashmir.

Our intent for a peaceful neighborhood should not be mistaken as our weakness, Sharif said in a statement. Our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Abid Mir, a senior superintendent of police of Rawalakot, a city near the Line of Control, said India did not conduct a pinpoint operation against militants, and instead hit an army post with shelling. Mir accused New Delhi of lying to hoodwink its people.

Meanwhile, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged heavy fire at different points in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering widespread fear among local residents, police said. Officials said they were bracing for possible retaliation by Pakistani forces.

A retired school principal, Qazi Hamidudin  a resident of Kandi Karnah village, near the Indian side of the border  said that many of his neighbors were considering leaving their homes and relocating to safer areas.



The tensions between two countries could bring miseries for us, he said.

Indian Kashmir has been beset by violent protests since July 8, when Indian forces killed a popular young militant commander named Burhan Wani, and more than 70 people have died. Hundreds more have been blinded and injured by Indian soldiers firing pellet guns.

[A test for Indias tough-talking leader]

On Saturday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a speech that many interpreted as a call for strategic restraint, and the government has been examining other diplomatic means of isolating Pakistan in recent days.

Those options include revisiting the terms of a decades-old water treaty and revoking Pakistans most-favored nation status as a trading partner. India has already pulled out of an upcoming regional meeting that was to be held in Islamabad in November, along with leaders of Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan.

U.S. officials have urged restraint. National security adviser Susan E. Rice spoke to her Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, Wednesday to express her sympathy over the losses in the Uri attack and reiterate the U.S. expectation that Pakistan would take action to combat terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad operating on its soil. They did not discuss the counterterror operation, Indian officials said.

Friction between India and Pakistan has played out in small ways on the domestic front as well. In the past week, the producers association from Indias booming Bollywood film industry passed a resolution banning Pakistani actors and technicians from working in India until normal relations return. On the other side of the border, Pakistan has decided to not to show a new Indian movie that is a biopic of a famous Indian cricket player.

Hussain reported from Islamabad. Ishfaq Naseem in Srinagar, India, and Rama Lakshmi in New Delhi also contributed to this report.

Read more:

Pakistan prepares for possible Indian attack

Deadly attack in Indian Kashmir renews war of words with rival Pakistan

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
WASHINGTON -- Looking on the bright side, perhaps this election can teach conservatives to look on the dark side. They need a talent for pessimism, recognizing the signs that whatever remains of American exceptionalism does not immunize this nation from decay, to which all regimes are susceptible.

The world's oldest political party is an exhausted volcano, the intellectual staleness of its recycled candidate unchallenged because a generation of younger Democratic leaders barely exists. The Republican Party's candidate evidently disdains his credulous supporters who continue to swallow his mendacities. About 90 percent of presidential votes will be cast for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, refuting the theory that this is a center-right country. At the risk of taking Trump's words more seriously than he does, on some matters he is to Clinton's left regarding big government powered by an unbridled presidency.

His trade policy is liberalism's "industrial policy" repackaged for faux conservatives comfortable with presidents dictating what Americans can import and purchase at what prices, and where U.S. corporations can operate. Trump "wouldn't approve" Ford manufacturing cars in Mexico. He would create a federal police force to deport 450,000 illegal immigrants a month, including 6.4 percent of America's workforce in two years. Yet the 25 million jobs he promises to create would require more than doubling the current rate of legal immigration to fill them, according to economist Mark Zandi. Of the Supreme Court's 2005 Kelo decision diluting property rights by vastly expanding government's powers of eminent domain, Trump says, "I happen to agree with it 100 percent." Even Bernie Sanders rejects Kelo.

When Trump says "people are not making it on Social Security," he implies that people should be able to "make it" on Social Security for a third or more of their lives, and that he, like Clinton, is for enriching this entitlement's benefits. He will "save" the system by eliminating -- wait for it -- "waste, fraud and abuse." Trump is as parsimonious with specifics regarding health care ("Plans you don't even know about will be devised because we're going to come up with plans -- health care plans -- that will be so good") as regarding foreign policy ("I would get China, and I would say, 'Get in [North Korea], and straighten it out'").

"Charismatic authority," wrote Max Weber in 1915, seven years before Mussolini's march on Rome, causes the governed to submit "because of their belief in the extraordinary quality of the specific person. ... [C]harismatic rule thus rests upon the belief in magical powers, revelations and hero worship." A demagogue's success requires a receptive demos, and Trump's ascendancy reflects progressivism's success in changing America's social norms and national character by de-stigmatizing dependency.

Under his presidency, he says, government will have all the answers: "I am your voice. ... I alone can fix it." The pronoun has unlimited antecedents: "I will give you everything. I will give you what you've been looking for for 50 years. I'm the only one."

Urban without a trace of urbanity, Trump has surrounded himself with star-struck acolytes (Mike Pence marvels at Trump's anatomical -- "broad-shouldered" -- foreign policy) and hysterics (Rudy Giuliani: "There is no next election! This is it!"). When Ferdinand VII regained Spain's throne in 1813 he vowed to end "the disastrous mania of thinking." Trump is America's Ferdinand.

The ease with which Trump has erased Republican conservatism matches the speed with which Republican leaders have normalized him. For the formerly conservative party, the Founders' principles, although platitudes in the party's catechism, have become, as Daniel Patrick Moynihan said, "a kind of civic religion, avowed but not constraining."

The beginning of conservative wisdom is recognition that there is an end to everything: Nothing lasts. If Trump wins, the GOP ends as a vehicle for conservatism. And a political idea without a political party is an orphan in an indifferent world.

Pessimism need not breed fatalism or passivity. It can define an agenda of regeneration, but only by being clear-eyed about the extent of degeneration, which a charlatan's successful selling of his fabulousness exemplifies. Conservatism's recovery from his piratical capture of the conservative party will require facing unflattering facts about a country that currently is indifferent to its founding.
The Department of Justice Inspector general found significant problems in the way the DEA uses confidential informants. (Jonathan Ernst / Reuters/REUTERS)

The Drug Enforcement Administration paid confidential informants millions of dollars without appropriate oversight and used sources in ways that might run afoul of the Constitution, the Justice Department inspector general found.

Those findings were part of a withering 65-page report released Thursday that outlined serious missteps in the DEAs use of confidential informants and that recommended the agency tighten its policies and procedures.

[Read the Inspector Generals full report]

Deficient oversight led to instances of fraud and abuse, Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz found. In one, according to the report, the DEA paid more than $469,000 over a five-year period to a source who had previously been deactivated for lying in trials and depositions. In another, the DEA paid an Amtrak employee hundreds of thousands of dollars for information that was available at no cost to the government, the inspector general found.

The DEA wrote in its official response to the report that it had already made many improvements in agents use of confidential informants and would work to make even more. A DEA spokesman did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Amtrak said in a statement that employees are forbidden from sharing information for personal gain, and DEA violated federal regulations by selectively approaching and paying Amtrak employees for information that the DEA would have received for free. It also said Amtrak was working to apply what we have learned from this incident and further strengthen our procedures.

Using confidential informants to uncover illegal drug activity is a critical part of DEA agents work. According to the report, the agency had more than 18,000 active informants between October 2010 and September 2015, and more than 9,000 of those received about $237 million in payments.

The sources ranged from criminals providing information on their associates to airline, train and parcel-service employees providing tips on suspected drug traffickers movements.

The work, for all involved, can be lucrative. The inspector general found one airline employee who received more than $600,000 in less than four years, and a parcel employee who received more than $1 million in five years.

The inspector general found, though, that more money did not always come with more oversight. The DEAs Intelligence Division, for example, paid $25 million to eight sources over a five-year period and did not independently validate the credibility of these sources, or the accuracy of the information they provide, according to the inspector general. The Intelligence Division, according to the report, generally relied on DEA field offices risk assessments and determinations that confidential sources are reliable.

The inspector general found that sources who had been deactivated, sometimes because of unsatisfactory behavior, continued to take DEA money. According to the report, the agency paid about $9.4 million to more than 800 previously deactivated sources between fiscal 2011 and 2015.

The reasons for the deactivations were not always clear, but the inspector general found two examples that raise serious questions of propriety.

In one, according to the inspector generals report, the DEA paid more than $962,000 to the Amtrak employee who was the subject of an inspector general investigation. More than $44,000 of that money came after the source was deactivated, according to the inspector generals report.

In the other instance, the DEA, with the Justice Departments approval, reactivated a source who had been shut down for lying in trials and depositions.

Over the next five years, the inspector general found, 13 DEA field offices paid the source more than $400,000. The source then lied again, this time to a prosecutor during an investigation, and was deactivated a second time. But, according to the inspector generals report, the DEA kept paying the source, who would eventually make more than $469,000.

The inspector general also criticized how the DEA used transportation and parcel service employees in ways that pushed the boundaries of agency guidelines and the Constitution. Instead of using employees as tipsters, DEA agents would request sources search proprietary databases, transfer packages to the DEA, or turn over suspicious travel itineraries. In some cases, according to the inspector general, agents would ask for passenger manifests almost daily. Aside from Amtrak, no company or airline is named in the report.

From fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2015, the DEA used at least 33 Amtrak employees and eight TSA employees as sources, paying the Amtrak employees over $1.5 million and the TSA employees over $94,000, according to the report.

The use of TSA was particularly troublesome, as TSA screeners are obligated to report to law enforcement suspected criminal activity that they observe in the course of their duties, the inspector general found. And the amount of money at stake and hands-on guidance that DEA agents offered raised other questions of impropriety.

Together, these factors call into question whether the source is truly providing information independently or is acting as DEAs agent, the latter of which could have implications relating to compliance with the Fourth Amendments protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, the inspector general wrote.

Read more:

Why the DEA just said no to loosening marijuana restrictions

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For nine years, DEA withholds names of masked agents who violently raided two innocent women.
Russia dismissed U.S. threats to suspend plans for bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism operations in Syria and instead charged the Obama administration with making groundless accusations against Moscow to camouflage its own inability to comply with their Syrian cease-fire agreement.

Verbal attacks against our country and absolutely groundless accusations of all mortal sins against Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday,  . . . disagrees with reality.

Moscows response came a day after the administration warned that it would not continue with plans to implement their cooperation agreement unless Russia and Syria immediately stopped their bombing campaign in Aleppo.

Russia said it would consider a 48-hour truce to allow delivery of humanitarian aid to surrounded, rebel-occupied eastern Aleppo. But Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the seven-day cease-fire it initially agreed to with Washington was now unacceptable because it would allow terrorist groups to take necessary measures to replenish supplies, regroup forces.

[Darkness and fear in Aleppo as the bombs rain down]

Moscow has cited Washingtons inability to separate opposition forces it supports from al-Qaeda-allied terrorists fighting alongside them as a violation of the cease-fire agreement they announced Sept. 9. Washington has said that Russia and the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad are violating the agreement  and preventing the separation of forces  by continuing airstrikes.

The United Nations indicated that 48 hours was the minimum time required to deliver aid once the Assad government issues safe-passage permits. At the same time, hundreds of civilian wounded cannot be treated  with hospitals bombed and doctors killed in massive airstrikes over the past several days  and need urgent evacuation, the deputy U.N. envoy for Syria, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy said in Geneva.

In Washington, Secretary of State John F. Kerry, who negotiated the agreement with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said the ongoing Aleppo bombing was beyond the pale of any notion, strategic or otherwise, and completely against the laws of war.

Kerry, speaking at a forum sponsored by the Atlantic magazine and the Aspen Institute, said that were on the verge of suspending the discussion with Russia. Its one of those moments where were going to have to pursue other alternatives for a period of time, he said, barring some clearer indication by the warring parties that theyre prepared to consider how to approach this more effectively.

The White House declined Thursday to specify what those other alternatives are.

[U.S. accuses Russia of barbarism and war crimes in Syria]

There are a variety of contingency plans that the presidents national security team is always considering, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. In some cases, we wont discuss them . . . because were invested in trying to make the original plan work. In others, he said, the options havent been cleared for public discussion.

1 of 41 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Scenes from Aleppo View Photos The Syrian government has dropped two chlorine bombs in the past month on the besieged, rebel-held city. Caption Images from inside the Syrian city. Dec. 19, 2016 Syrians evacuated from Fuaa and Kafraya, two Shiite villages under rebel siege, are welcomed by pro-government forces as they arrive in Jibrin, on the eastern outskirts of Aleppo. George Ourfalian/AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue.

Administration officials have said that options under consideration include allowing regional partners such as Saudi Arabia and other countries to step up their weapons aid to anti-Assad opposition fighters and increasing sanctions against Syria and Russia. President Obama has long believed that U.S. military intervention in the Syrian civil war would only make the conflict worse while taking resources from his top priority, the separate fight against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

In a contentious hearing on Capitol Hill, lawmakers charged that the administration has no Plan B to use as leverage with Russia in the event diplomacy fails.

Theres no support from the White House for Kerrys diplomatic efforts, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), told Kerrys deputy, Antony Blinken.

Calling Kerry a sympathetic figure, Corker said the secretary had been left hanging by a White House unwilling to roll up sleeves and deal with the tough issues that we have to deal with. . . . Diplomatic actions cannot be backed up, because Russia and Assad realized that there is no Plan B, never has been a Plan B.

I think on all of you guys who write books after you leave, Corker told Blinken. I think its going to be a fascinating walk through what I believe to be a failed presidency as it related to foreign policy.

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (Md.), the ranking Democrat on the committee, congratulated Kerry on negotiating the agreement,but said that now, we are clearly at an inflection point.

The U.S.-Russia cease-fire agreement was based on the assumption that Russia could compel the Assad regime to ground its air force, that Russia would compel the Assad regime to allow immediate and unfettered humanitarian access, Cardin said. We have clearly seen that neither of these two objectives were achieved.

Now, he said, I look forward to hearing from you, Mr. Blinken, on what actions the United States is considering, what are our options and how can Congress be your partner.

When it was Corkers turn again, he said, Ive never seen signs of a Plan B.

Blinken embarked in a different direction. How do civil wars end? he asked rhetorically. And we know from history and experience 

I dont want a history lesson, Corker interrupted. Id like to understand what Plan B is.

Read more:

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An injured Afghan youth receives treatment at a hospital following a U.S. unmanned aircraft strike in the Achin district of Nangarhar province on September 28, 2016. (Noorullah Shirzada/AFP/Getty Images)

United Nations officials Thursday condemned an airstrike by an unmanned U.S. military aircraft a day earlier that they said killed 15 civilians and wounded at least 12 in the insurgent-plagued eastern Afghan province of Nangahar. They called for a complete investigation.

The early morning attack targeted a residential compound in the volatile Achin district, near the border of Pakistan, which U.S. military officials said they believed was being used by fighters for the Islamic State militant group, widely known in Afghanistan as Daesh.

However, local leaders and legislators said the victims were all civilians, including children and a teacher, who had gathered at a guesthouse to welcome home a tribal leader who had just returned from the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. All were said to have been sleeping when the strike hit.

Afghan police said the strike had targeted Islamic State loyalists, and U.N. officials quoted government sources as reporting that several Taliban or Daesh militants also had been killed.

[Head of Islamic State in Afghanistan killed in airstrike, Pentagon says]

In a statement Thursday, officials of the U.N. Assistance Mission to Afghanistan called for Afghan and foreign military forces to launch a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation. They also stressed the need for all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.

U.S. military officials confirmed Wednesday that they had conducted a counterterrorism airstrike in that area and were investigating reports of Afghan casualties. They did not release details but said they were reviewing all materials related to the strike.

[General: U.S. equipment captured by Islamic State was lost during gun battle]

In a statement, the U.S. officials said they take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously but added that Daesh is killing innocent Afghan men, women, and children. They continue to put innocent lives at risk by deliberately surrounding themselves with civilians and dressing in female attire.

They said they would work with Afghan officials to determine whether there was need for further investigation.

They also noted that Daesh has been active in Nangahar since 2015, particularly in Achin, and that it uses the area to train, equip, disseminate propaganda, and expand their control over innocent Afghans.

U.S. military forces have been working closely with Afghan security forces to drive Daesh from the area. A U.S. airstrike in July killed the senior Daesh leader in the region.

Read more:

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Thomas Cook still feeling terror attacks pressure despite robust summer

Thomas Cook says bookings are "significantly down" in Belgium and Germany after terrorist attacks in both countries

Tour operator Thomas Cook says its earnings are still being impacted by recent terror attacks.

The holiday giant reveals that sales were hit hard in Germany and across Continental Europe over the summer, tumbling by 9%.

It said bookings are also "significantly down" in Belgium after the terrorist attacks at Brussels airport in March.

But stripping out the impact of sharply lower demand for trips to previously popular destination Turkey, the company says bookings surged by 13% over the summer in the UK and were 8% higher overall.

Tourists choosing safer destinations

Chief executive Peter Fankhauser insists travellers still want to holiday overseas, but are switching to destinations such as the Balearic and Canary Islands and the United States, alongside smaller destinations like Bulgaria and Cuba.

The travel industry has been knocked hard by a string of terrorist attacks in Turkey, Belgium, and Paris and Nice in France, while the Brexit vote and plunging pound are also taking a toll.

Mr Fankhauser said: "Customers' desire to go abroad on holiday has remained strong, with the exception of Turkey where demand continues to be volatile."

Holiday firms suffering

Thomas Cook cut its annual earnings outlook in July, warning of the impact of the terrorist incidents.

The owner of UK airline Monarch revealed on Monday that it is in talks over a potential takeover of the carrier and is preparing to throw it a multimillion-pound lifeline.

This comes after Low Cost Holidays collapsed earlier this year, affecting more than 140,000 customers.

In its latest update, Thomas Cook says prices of UK summer bookings are 5% lower for the summer period, with the operator selling more "seat-only" flight deals alongside its package holidays.

The group says summer bookings dropped 6% in Germany, although it said it fared better than the wider weak tour operator market.

Holiday bookings over the winter season are following a similar pattern, with strong demand from the UK being offset by a weaker performance across Europe.

The group says its winter season is only 27% sold so far, in line with the previous year, with UK bookings up 8% and ongoing weak demand in Germany and Belgium.

Tourists visiting any destination should take out travel insurance.
Nine candidates are currently vying to become the next United Nations chief and the Security Council has already held five straw polls to gauge support for the contenders (AFP Photo/Emmanuel Dunand)

Bulgarian politicians Irina Bokova (left) and Kristalina Georgieva are vying to become the first female leader of the United Nations (AFP Photo/)

Sofia (AFP) - Bulgaria on Wednesday switched its candidate to be the next head of the United Nations, shaking up the race to succeed Ban Ki-moon when he steps down on December 31.

Sofia is now throwing its weight behind European Commission Vice President Kristalina Georgieva, dumping UNESCO chief Irina Bokova after she came a lowly sixth in the latest round of informal voting in New York.

"We think it will be a more successful candidacy," Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said.

Borisov said that Bokova, 64, had been given a "final chance" in the most recent vote but was jettisoned after she "fell even further and was overtaken by several other countries and other female candidates".

Bulgaria's switch to Georgieva, a 63-year-old economist, came a day after Borisov spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone.

Veto-wielding Russia wants the next UN chief to come from eastern Europe, the only region yet to be represented in the top post.

Rumours had been swirling for days that Bulgaria would drop its support for Bokova, a Harvard graduate and fluent Russian speaker backed by Moscow.

Georgieva, who is currently the EU's budget commissioner, has long been tipped as a possible contender to be the first woman to lead the United Nations.

She is "a global authority on international and humanitarian affairs, an essential component of the UN's work," the Bulgarian government said in a statement released Wednesday.

Georgieva called the nomination a "huge honour".

Bokova could in principle stay in the race without her country's backing. But observers said this was an unlikely scenario.

Late Tuesday, Bokova had still insisted she would not give up her candidacy.

"If (Bulgaria) presented another candidate at this stage, it would be a serious political error. It would not only weaken my chances, but also those of the other candidate," she told Bulgarian media.

On Wednesday, a tweet on Bokova's Twitter account for her candidacy said she was "fully committed to continue the race".

Under UN rules, member states can put forward candidates at any stage of the selection process, even at the last minute.

- Game changer -

Nine candidates are currently vying to become the next UN chief and the Security Council has already held five straw polls to gauge support for the contenders.

Portugal's former prime minister Antonio Guterres has consistently maintained a lead in each round.

But council members are facing calls to pick the first woman for the top job, after eight men.

The next informal ballot is scheduled for October 5.

That round could prove yet another game-changer, as the five veto-wielding powers -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- will be able to block any of the candidates in that vote.

Council members are hoping to agree on a nominee in the coming weeks and present that candidate to the General Assembly for approval.
Former Miss Australia Jodie Seal claims she had her own issues with Donald Trump. (Photo: Facebook)

First, there was Alicia Machado, the former Miss Universe who was mentioned by Hillary Clinton at Mondays presidential debate as just one example of women who have been bullied by her opponent Donald Trump. Machado claimed she was relentlessly shamed by then-pageant-owner Trump back in 1996 for gaining weight postpageant. His name-calling (Miss Piggy), public humiliation (he invited the press to cover her workouts), and threats to rescind her title were so much to bear that she claims she was driven to life-threatening eating disorders that took years to overcome.

Now a second contestant has come out to share her similar experience with the Republican presidential nominee. Former Miss Australia Jodie Seal, who competed with Machado, compared Trump to Benito Mussolini, the notorious fascist Italian dictator, in the way the mogul treated pageant contestants, in an interview with Inside Edition that aired Tuesday.

Seal said that Trump told her suck your stomach in, or suck your gut in, trying to recall his exact words. He was calling some girls some pretty horrible names as well, she added in the interview.



Related: Meet the Trainer Donald Trump Tasked With Helping Alicia Machado Lose Weight

The morning after the first presidential debate, in the midst of the Machado controversy, Trump called into Fox and Friends to defend his abuse of the former beauty queen.

She was the worst we ever had, he told Fox and Friends. She was a winner, and she gained a massive amount of weight, and we had a real problem. We had a real problem with her. The New York Times has also documented Trumps unapologetic ways. Mr. Trump said he had pushed her to lose weight, according to the publication. To that, I will plead guilty, he said, expressing no regret for his tactics.

Seal remembered Machado in the interview. She weighed less than I did, during the pageant, after the pageant. Theres no way she was big. I really feel for her. She was meant to be the most beautiful woman in the world  Miss Universe  and she was treated with no respect, Seal said in the interview. Allegedly, she also accused Trump of being very brash, very sexist, very scathing, and so controlling in the interview with host Megan Alexander. Hed walk by while we were eating. He put a lot of the girls down. It was supposed to be the time of our lives. He would make us exercise every day.

Story continues

Photo: Jorge Herrera/Getty Images

Related: Dissecting That Presidential Look: All the Ways Appearance Could Sway Votes to Trump or Clinton

Inside Edition did find one pageant contestant who speaks well of Trump. Former Miss Sweden Camilla Hanson said: I had a few conversations with him. A few interactions. He sort of popped up when you least expected it, during rehearsals. I thought he was a nice man. Trump campaign spokesperson Katrina Pierson also defended Trumps behavior when he owned the pageant, to The Kelly File.

We are talking about beauty pageants, Pierson said. These individuals who participated in these pageants had a weight clause in their contracts. This is organization-wide.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Gary Glasberg, NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans showrunner, died in his sleep at age 50 on Wednesday, September 28  details

Gary Glasberg, NCIS showrunner and the creator of NCIS: New Orleans, died on Wednesday, September 28. The longtime TV writer and producer passed away in his sleep of unknown causes, CBS confirmed to Variety. He was 50.

PHOTOS: Celebrity Deaths in 2016: Stars Weve Lost

Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and keen insight, the NCIS cast said in a statement via Twitter. NCIS will not be the same without him, and each of us will miss his smiling face and unwavering humor, which lifted us every day.



Glasberg worked on the award-winning series for seven years. His credits also include Crossing Jordan and The Mentalist. He is survived by his wife, screenwriter Mimi Schmir, and two sons, Dash and Eli, as well as his mother and father.

The cast of TVs most-watched drama also expressed on Twitter their shock and sadness over Glasbergs sudden passing.

PHOTOS: TV's 10 Most Shocking Deaths of the 2015-2016 Season

NCIS star Michael Weatherly, who played Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo on the hit series for 13 seasons before exiting last year, mourned his loss via a tweet on Wednesday, along with his fellow former cast members.



What sad a day this is, Weatherly shared with followers. Gary Glasberg was a gentle man and gentleman loved by so many people. Send your love to his family.

Pauley Perrette, who portrays Abby, added: "Our hearts are collectively broken. Our #NCIS show runner and boss Gary Glasberg has passed away. In shock and sadness. There are no words."



Actress Shalita Grant of NCIS: New Orleans, which Glasberg created in 2014, also expressed her condolences.

A sad day. You touched so many lives and careers. An awesome boss and a wonderful man. May you rest in peace Gary! , Grant tweeted.

Jon Cryer, who guest-starred on the hugely popular TV series, also expressed his disbelief: Gary brought me into #NCIS. I'm stunned to hear this. So grateful that I got to work with him.

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According to Variety, a memorial service is being planned for October.

Renewed Network TV Shows 2016: Read the Full List of Returning Series (Phew!)

Sign up now for the Us Weekly newsletter to get breaking celebrity news, hot pics, and more delivered straight to your inbox!

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Last session I introduced LR 567, an interim study examining the problems in Whiteclay, Nebraska. As part of this study, I made a trip to the area in May.

I was stunned by what I found. I saw mattresses scattered about the landscape. I saw abandoned buildings unsafe for habitation. I saw empty beer cans. I heard stories of trafficking. I saw empty beer cans. I saw clothes, even baby shoes, in the fields surrounding this unincorporated town - a town that sells the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of beer each year.

This is why I do not believe the Lincoln Journal Stars Editorial on 9/16 Death another reason to tackle Whiteclay issue goes far enough in its recommendations. The suggestion that we do nothing until the liquor stores close is unacceptable. We have waited decades for closure of the liquor stores, meanwhile ignoring the immediate safety, economic, and treatment needs of those effected by the predatory alcohol sales.

What we have in Whiteclay is nothing short of a public health emergency. It is an annihilation of a people. This is further reinforced by last months death of Sherry Wounded Foot, her body found beaten and unconscious behind an abandoned building in Whiteclay. Immediate action must be taken to protect Native lives. This is our problem. The cause and effects of this public health crisis are taking place right here in Nebraska.

I agree with much of what the Governors Task Force has recommended. I previously made nearly identical proposals myself after my visit to Whiteclay. Sen. Brett Lindstrom and I have proposed:

1) Establishment of a Nebraska State Patrol substation and/or enhanced patrol hours in Whiteclay to enforce laws.

2) Condemnation and removal of abandoned buildings where crime and trafficking occur.

3) Creation of a drug and alcohol detox and treatment center combined with a job training program to break the cycle of hopelessness.

4) Expansion of Economic Development opportunities in Whiteclay and Sheridan County.

5) Establishment of wireless broadband for enhanced public safety, telehealth, and distance learning opportunities.

Our call for a substation is one of the most urgent items because we need resources in the area to catch bootlegging and other violations of the Liquor Control Act, and more importantly, to keep people like Sherry Wounded Foot safe.

We must also prioritize detox and treatment options because at least 1 in 4 babies on the Reservation are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which means they are born in a bath of alcohol with significant physical and mental disabilities.

While I do not believe the four Whiteclay liquor stores should be in operation, and I support efforts to close them due to continuous reports of illegal sales, I also know those efforts must go through the legal process that is established in Nebraska statutes.

In the meantime, we have an obligation to work now to fix the myriad problems that have contributed to, and resulted from, those alcohol sales. Everyone can play a part in helping turn Whiteclay from a place of despair into a place of hope and healing.
16258537235_c26855a0a6_o

For the most part, the business world is set up to accommodate early birds.

One study found that workers who got into the office earlier were judged more favorably by their bosses than workers who got a later start  even if the early-arrivers left earlier, too.

Unfortunately, not everyone is psyched about  or biologically suited to  rising with the sun. But that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Over on Quora, more than 100 users have answered the question, "How do I become a morning person?"

Below, we've highlighted some of the most creative, and most practical, tricks. So even if you're reading this article at midnight, there's still a chance that you'll show up to work on time tomorrow.

This is an update of an article originally posted by Steven Benna.

1. Stop hitting snooze

Hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock may make you think you're getting more rest  but don't be fooled.

As Business Insider's Jessica Orwig reported, when you hit snooze and fall back asleep, you enter into another sleep cycle that you won't be able to finish. The result can be grogginess that lasts all day.

Quora user Stefano Gandinni says it starts with having the right mindset. "Before you go to bed, tell yourself that you are going to get up as soon as your alarm goes off," he writes. "You're NOT going to hit the snooze button. Visualize yourself waking up and immediately getting out of bed."

2. Think of something you're grateful for

Starting your morning with a positive attitude can help shape the remainder of your day.

"There's a direct correlation between gratitude and happiness, so start off your day by expressing gratitude," Gandinni writes.

Gandinni's insight is backed up by research. Positive psychologists advise people to take time each night to write down three good things that happened that day, along with an explanation for why they did. You can, however, easily adapt this exercise for the morning and think about three things you're grateful for in general.

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3. Use 'dark sessions' the night before

Andy Ooi says he uses "dark sessions" each night  he shuts off all forms of technology and all of the lights for 10 to 30 minutes before he plans to go to bed.

"Enjoy the darkness," he says. "You will feel very primal, like a caveman again."

Science suggests that using digital technology before bed can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. That's because the blue light emitted from the screens can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, essentially telling the body to stay awake.

Consider going caveman.

stretching

4. Get up and moving

Multiple Quora users recommend doing your daily workout in the morning. Ananya Neogi suggests simply stretching.

"It's a great way to get your body moving and blood flowing, and is especially suited for people who can't think too early in the morning," she writes.

An added bonus for those looking to shed some pounds: As Business Insider's Erin Brodwin has reported, exercising before breakfast helps with weight loss and gives you an energy boost.

5. Drink water

Every night while you sleep, you exhale water, meaning you wake up slightly dehydrated.

Neogi writes, "People wake up better if they're hydrated. Going for too long without drinking anything can make you feel unmotivated and sluggish."

Keep a glass or bottle of water next to your bed and chug it when you wake up in the morning.

6. Write something

Just as getting your body moving can help, getting your mind working can, too. You can write anything  what you're thinking, what you're grateful for, your goals  as long as it's stimulating.

Writing can help you "feel happy and motivated to get your day started," Neogi adds.

7. Get outdoors

Laszlo F. Heredy likes to get outside "about 15 minutes before the sun comes over the horizon."

If you're worried about time, he recommends you "set your shoes, shorts, t-shirt, and water bottle next to your bed. As soon as you get up, get out the door ASAP. Go earlier and earlier until you find your favorite time."

Even standing by a sunny window can do the trick, as one sleep doctor told Business Insider.

Whatever you do, don't get ready in a dark room  that will only signal to your brain that it's nighttime.

8. Meditate

Quora user David Deng suggests early-morning meditation every day. He says he learned the benefits in a retreat where they slept from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. for a week.

"In the beginning I was struggling on six hours of sleep," he writes. "But once I got better at meditating, I was able to cope and focus even with what seemed like a lack of sleep."

You'll be in good company, too: Celebs from Kobe Bryant to Jerry Seinfeld to Oprah Winfrey start their day in silence.

9. Develop a routine

"Getting your body used to a routine ... will make it easier to handle your mornings," writes Charles Kins.

Some scientists say our willpower is limited, and when we expend it early on in the day trying to decide what to do next, we have less left later in the day when we need to concentrate on work. (Other scientists disagree).

Try letting your brain run on automatic in the morning and conserve those mental resources for when you really need them  see if it helps.

10. Do deep work

This tip is less about getting out of bed and more about staying productive during early mornings at work. Nela Canovic recommends you use that time to do "deep work."

Indeed, psychologist Dan Ariely says people are generally most productive for the two hours after they become fully awake, New York Magazine reported.

"Instead of checking emails and your social media feed," Canovic writes, "block this time off for your analytical brain to perform the most complex tasks that require a lot of focus."

11. Keep it consistent on the weekends

Dean Yeong advises against sleeping in on your days off.

Sleep experts say waking up much later than usual could throw off your body's internal clock.

Here's how Yeong convinces himself to get out of bed on Saturdays and Sundays:

"I see my weekends as my days, which [do] not belong to anyone else. I love my work and my job, but weekends are days that truly belong to me. I tend to schedule some time for some thought-consuming tasks in my own business and practice my workout routine."

NOW WATCH: A sleep doctor reveals an easy trick for a better nights sleep





More From Business Insider


Mark your calendar.

Staying on top of deadlines is a crucial part of managing your money. Read on for the key money dates to watch out for each year.

January 1

Thinking of boosting your retirement savings? This day is the first to fund traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and SEP IRAs (for self-employed individuals and small business owners) for the current year.

April 15

Happy Tax Day! April 15 is typically the deadline to file the prior year's taxes. If Tax Day falls on a holiday, then deadlines are bumped to the next business day.

April 15

Want to boost your savings for the prior year? Today is the last date to fund the previous year's traditional or Roth IRAs. IRAs for small business owners must be funded by the employer's tax filing deadline, which may include an extension.

April 15

Take advantage of the last day to fund a health savings account, also called an HSA, for the prior year.

June 30

If you or your child is headed to college this year, mark down June 30 as the last day to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Without this form, students can't access federal student loans and grants.

October 1

Future students, take note. Today is the first day to file the FAFSA for college financial aid. This is earlier than in previous years, thanks to the new Prior-Prior Year FAFSA filing guidelines, which aim to give families more time to complete the form.

October 15

Did you file for an extension at tax time? Today's the new deadline to file your return if an extension was filed earlier this year.

October 15

If you filed for an extension on your taxes, today is the last day to contribute to a SEP IRA for self-employed people and small business owners.

October 1 to November 1

Keep an eye out for your employer announcing its open enrollment period to change your benefits for the upcoming year.

November 1 to January 31

This is the annual period during which people can enroll in a new health insurance plan through Healthcare.gov.

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December 31

The end of the year marks the deadline to take required minimum distributions for your IRA, 401(k) and inherited IRAs.

Three times per year

Set up a reminder once every four months or so to check your credit report for any errors or surprises, says Kathleen Campbell, of Campbell Financial Partners in Fort Myers, Florida. Head to www.annualcreditreport.com for one free annual report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus.

Your birthday

Your birthday can mark the day when you're officially kicked off your parents' insurance (age 26). It can be the day when you are finally able to work (age 14). For retirees, birthdays can open up access to Medicare and Social Security.

Four times per year

Self-employed individuals and small business owners should mark their calendars for April 15, June 15, Sept. 15 and Jan. 15 as deadlines to pay their estimated tax bills.

Susannah Snider is the Personal Finance editor at U.S. News. She previously covered paying for college and graduate school. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at ssnider@usnews.com.
Like the redesigned Audi A5 that was unveiled beside it at the 2016 Paris auto show, the all-new 2018 Audi Q5 is a model that looks a lot like its predecessor. In fact, many may confuse the new-generation Q5 as little more than a faceliftthe new cars side profile and rear-end design, in particular, look nearly identical to the current Q5s. Fortunately, touches such as a chunky, Q7-inspired grille, LED headlights, and swollen front fenders that flow into the hood help give the 2018 Q5 a fresh-faced look when viewed head-on.

Sharing its platform with both the Audi A4 and A5, the Q5 has lost as much as 198 pounds compared with the outgoing model, according to Audi, in spite of a half-inch increase in wheelbase and 1.3 inches more overall length. Most of the additional space from the wheelbases growth spurt is dedicated to rear-seat legroom, which is up by 0.4 inch. Audi claims that luggage space has grown as well.

Although Audi will offer the Q5 with several powertrains in other markets, our Q5 initially will be available with a single engine choice: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. Power will be channeled through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to all four wheels via Audis latest Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system. No longer employing a center differential, the Q5s system uses two clutches to distribute torque front-to-rear. One is located just aft of the transmission, the other within the rear axle. This setup also allows the Q5 to disengage drive to the rear wheels when it isnt needed, reducing drag and saving fuel.

Although it didnt take the stage in Paris, a higher-performing SQ5 will debut alongside the Q5 upon its market release in early 2017. Like the new S4 and S5, the SQ5 will be motivated by a 354-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine with a hot vee design, with one twin-scroll turbocharger residing between the cylinder banks.

Inside, the Q5 benefits from materials and build quality typical of the four-rings brand. An analog gauge cluster is standard, but consumers can opt for Audis 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit LCD screen. Also optional is an 8.3-inch center-mounted infotainment display and MMI Touch, the latter of which can recognize handwriting and common gestures, such as pinching to zoom.

Audi has yet to release U.S. pricing for the 2018 Q5, which will be built at a new plant in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico. The current cars base price is $41,850, and we dont expect that figure to change radically with the 2018 modeljust as its design hasnt.
In a surprise move, OPEC oil producers struck the first deal to curb production since 2008 in an informal meeting in Algeria. However, as indicated earlier, the agreement will be finalized at its formal policy meeting in November end in Vienna.

The news left global oil investors open-mouthed, though in a positive way, as the day before dark clouds were forming over the possibility of such an agreement. Iran did not agree to freeze its oil output at the level it is producing now  something over 3.6 million barrels per day (bpd) (read: Oil ETFs: Short-Term Threat, Long-Term Opportunity?).

Iran has been boosting production since the international sanctions on it were lifted in January. The country intends to reach its pre-sanction levels of over 4 million, or about 12.7% of the OPEC output, which it is likely in twothree months. But other OPEC Gulf members wanted Irans output to remain below 4 million bpd. Notably, Saudi Arabia  the OPEC biggie  ramped up its production to 10.7 million bpd from 10.2 million in recent months.

In fact, Irans apparent no to output freeze deal dragged down oil and energy stocks and ETFs on September 27. But finally, OPEC countries reached agreement on a preliminary accord on Septembers 28 to restrain oil output, which in turn should put an end to the long-standing oversupply issue and shore up long-ailing oil prices. This happened despite the difference of opinion between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Market Impact

Needless to say, oil prices  which slid over 50% since mid-2014  shot up following this news. WTI crude ETF United States Oil Fund USO and Brent crude ETF BNO tacked on over 4.9% and 5.3% gains respectively after the news. Wall Streets index of energy shares rose over 4%, representing its best single-day gain since January (see all energy ETFs here).

Falling U.S. Crude Built

Apart from the news of output curb, decline in U.S. crude inventories for four successive weeks also helped in driving oil prices higher on September 28. Crude inventories dropped 1.9 million barrels in the week ended September 23 against analysts' expectations of a rise of 3.0 million barrels.

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Inside the Expected Deal

As of now, the agreement says that OPEC will set output levels for each member country at its November meeting. OPECs present output is estimated at 33.24 million bpd while it seeks to lower it at a range of 32.533 million bpd. OPEC indicated that once the target is reached, non OPEC countries will also be called for in the mission to recover oil prices.

Investors should also note thatpre-accord says that Iran would not have the same proportional reductions as other countries, but would not cross the output limit of 3.7 million barrels a day, as per an adviser to Algerias energy minister.

Analyst View

While a group of analysts cheered this historic deal and expects oil to inch higher to $60 a barrel, there are analysts who expect some back-pedalling between now and November. Notably, U.S. crude oil presently stands at over $47 a barrel. Whatever the case, oil prices are likely to be steady in the medium term thanks to the likely output curb deal.

While oil ETFs will be the most natural gainers, along with several energy ETFs, key oil producing and exporting countries with revenues earned from oil accounting for a major share of their GDP should also see a bounce. Below we highlight three country ETFs that jumped on hopes of oil output curb:

Winning Country ETFs

Guggenheim Canadian Energy Income ETF (ENY)



Canada is also among the worlds top 10 oil producers. The oil, gas and mining sector make up about over a quarter of Canadas economy. Crude oil has been Canadas second-biggest export this year and thus the recent run up in oil prices should do good to this economy. ENY was up about 4.6% on the news.

Asthe Canadian dollar soared the most in about four weeks against the greenback on news of output curb, investors can take a look at Currency Shares Canadian Dollar ETF (FXC). FXC was up about 0.8% on September 28, while it is up 5.3% so far this year.

VanEck Vectors Russia ETF RSX

Russia is the worlds one of the largest producers of oil (14% of world output) and natural gas (18%) and thus will benefit big time if any such deal is cracked in November. RSX added over 2.4% on September 28, 2016 (read: Oil Again in Bull Market: 4 Country ETF Winners).

Global X MSCI Norway 30 ETF NORW

Norway is among the top 10 nations famous for oil exports. The Norway is the largest oil producer and exporter in Western Europe. Withits comparatively low population, oil forms the key part of the countrys GDP. NORW was up over 2% on September 28, 2016.

Other Country ETFs That Deserve a Look

iShares MSCI Brazil Capped (EWZ)

Brazil is ninth-largest liquid fuels producer in the world and even became the second-largest producer of petroleum in South America in 2014, as per EIA. The fund added about 1.8%on September 28.

iShares MSCI Mexico Capped (EWW)

This country is yet another major petroleum producer. EWW advanced about 1.1% on September 28, 2016 (read: Behind the Post Presidential Debate Surge in Mexico ETF).

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Many investors like to look for value in stocks, but this can be very tough to define. There is great debate regarding which metrics are the best to focus on in this regard, and which are not really quality indicators of future performance. Fortunately, with our new style score system we have identified the key statistics to pay close attention to and thus which stocks might be the best for value investors in the near term.

This method discovered several great candidates for value-oriented investors, but today lets focus on Telekom Austria AG TKAGY as this stock is looking especially impressive right now. And while there are numerous reasons why this is the case, we have highlighted three of the most vital reasons for TKAGYs status as a solid value stock below:

Forward PE for Telekom Austria

Easily one of the most popular readings for value investors, the forward PE ratio shows us the current price of a stock divided by the full year earnings. Generally speaking, value investors like to see this ratio below 20, though it can vary by industry.

Right now, TKAGY has a forward PE of just 12.57, which means that investors are paying $12.57 for each dollar in expected Telekom Austriaearnings this year. Compared to the industry at large this is pretty favorable as the overall space has an average PE of 15.52 in comparison.

TELEKOM AUSTRIA PE Ratio (TTM)

TELEKOM AUSTRIA PE Ratio (TTM) | TELEKOM AUSTRIA Quote

Price to Forward Sales for Telekom Austria

One of the most underrated ratios for value investors is the price/forward sales metric. This ratio shows investors how much they are paying for each dollar of revenues generated. In other words, a lower number is better here while a price to sales ratio of 1 means that you are paying one dollar for each dollar in sales.

With a P/S ratio of 0.80, TKAGY investors are paying 80 cents in stock price for each dollar of revenue generated by the company. Compare this to the industry average of 97, and it is safe to say that TKAGY is undervalued compared to many of its peers on this important metric.

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TKAGY Earnings Estimate Revisions Moving in the Right Direction

The solid value ratios outlined in the preceding paragraphs might be enough for some investors, but we should also note that the earnings estimate revisions have been trending in a positive direction as well. Analysts who follow TKAGY stock have been raising their estimates for the company lately, meaning that the EPS picture is looking a bit more favorably for Telekom Austrianow.

Over the past 30 days, 1 earnings estimate has gone higher compared to none lower for the full year, while we are also seeing that 1 estimate has move upwards with no downward revision for the next year time frame too. These revisions have helped to boost the consensus estimate as 30 days ago TKAGY was expected to post earnings of 76 cents per share for the full year though today it looks to have EPS of 89 cents for the full year.

Bottom Line

For the reasons detailed above, investors shouldnt be surprised to read that we have TKAGY as a stock with a Value Score of A and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

So if you are a value investor, definitely keep TKAGY on your short list as this looks to be a stock that is very well-positioned for gains in the near term.

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Peru, the third-largest country in South America, attracts visitors with its diverse landscapes, awe-inspiring attractions, boundary-pushing cuisine and eclectic cultures. Here, you'll find pristine coastlines, highlands, valleys, jungles, deserts and lush rainforests, not to mention dramatic vistas of Andean peaks. Aside from the country's picturesque locales and ample opportunities to take part in adrenaline-pumping adventures, Peru offers an abundance of iconic wonders, from Machu Picchu and the legendary Inca Trail to 400-year-old structures across Cusco. In fact, Machu Picchu has become so popular that the Peruvian Ministry of Culture has implemented new rules stating that all foreign visitors to the sites must hire an official guide, follow predetermined paths and adhere to time limits to prevent long-term physical damage to sacred temples and stones across the endangered UNESCO site.

[See: Best Trips for Adventure Junkies.]

So, what else should you cross off your list in Peru? Here are three top selling points for planning a visit, along with can't-miss experiences for an unforgettable trip.

Exploring the Highlights of Lima

Most travelers dismiss Lima as a gateway to other destinations across Peru. But while Lima once served as a major pilgrimage epicenter during the Inca Empire, today the city of 8 million residents is bustling with modern and pre-Hispanic architecture, vibrant cultures, a lively nightlife, world-renowned museums, world-class shopping and celebrated gastronomy. And thanks to the city's location at sea level, you'll find pleasant year-round temperatures that allow for comfortable sightseeing. In addition, there are numerous festivals taking place across the city, including National Pisco Sour Day or Dia Nacional del Pisco Sour. To celebrate the time-honored national drink, Lima celebrates with a lively festival filled with cultural dance performances, special concerts and, of course, Peruvian food.

[See: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to the Galapagos.]

Sampling Peruvian Specialties

Peruvian cuisine offers a mix of Spanish, Italian and Chinese influences. In addition to globally inspired flavors, Peruvian cuisine is characterized by its unique juxtaposition of climates and landscapes. Each region, town, city and village has its own spin on Peruvian gastronomy. However, traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine include corn, potatoes, quinoa, beans, rice, meat and fish. If you're looking to sample local delicacies, don't pass up the chance to try crowd-pleasers, such as ceviche and Lomo Saltado (a stir-fry filled with beef, red onions, tomatoes, chilies, soy sauce, vinegar and cilantro). No matter where you want to visit, rest assured, you can find excellent meals in all corners of the country.

Checking Out Huaraz and the Countryside

One of the top reasons to plan a trip to Peru is its distinctive outdoor attractions and microclimates that are well-suited for a variety of activities and interests. Instead of making the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, consider exploring Huascaran National Park, which can easily be reached via a 30-minute flight from Lima or a scenic bus ride. Huascaran National Park and the surrounding hiking trails introduce you to some of the highest tropical peaks in the world, including Huascaran Sur, the tallest in Peru at 22,205 feet above sea level. While trekking, you can marvel at the park's glaciers, 300 lagoons and snow-capped peaks. Plus, the park has numerous walking trails and climbing paths that cater to novices and experts. Just keep in mind that due to the high altitude, it is recommended that you spend a few days in Huaraz to acclimate your body.

[See: 10 Bucket-List Destinations That Don't Cost a Fortune.]

One of the most popular trails in Huascaran National Park is Laguna 69. A short, but scenic trek, Laguna 69 has been called the most magnificent glacier lake in all of Peru. Those who dare to conquer it must be well prepared. The round-trip hike takes about five or six hours, and can be spread out with an overnight camping trip. Even better, transportation to and from the start of the trail can easily be organized and is relatively inexpensive. To maximize safety, it is best to use a tour company or work with a local hotel when hiking in Huascaran National Park; before you go, make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen.
Despite the prevailing differences between arch rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reached a preliminary accord to curb oil production. Such an unprecedented move immediately sent oil prices rallying. A weekly decline in U.S. crude supply also helped oil prices gain ground.

With oil prices going through the roof, energy shares moved north. This makes investing in mutual funds with considerable exposure to the energy sector a judicious move.

OPEC to Cut Oil Output

After a six-hour gathering in the Algerian capital, members of the OPEC agreed to curtail crude output. Such a decision has been taken for the first time since 2008, aimed at addressing supply glut concerns. OPEC officials have decided to form a committee to determine how much of production each country would have to cut. The report on the same will be presented in the groups next meeting, to be held in November.

Most of the major oil producers in OPEC have been pumping oil close to the maximum capacity in recent times. They have been competing among themselves for buyers. Irans commitment to boost production has proved to be a major hindrance, especially, when Saudi Arabia refused to cut production unless Iran does.

Nevertheless, the officials took the unprecedented step, proposing to cut its collective output between 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd) and 33 million bpd, down from Augusts 33.2 million bpd. The International Energy Agency had already stated that trimming production by 200,000 bpd to 33 million bpd will bring supply more in line with demand until the second half of next year. Another 700,000 bpd cut in production will help put an end to the glut by the end of this year.

The OPEC-Saudi Arabia Pact

OPEC is responsible for over 40% of the worlds oil production and has always remained committed toward matching global supply and demand. However, the group gave in to the requests of its largest producer Saudi Arabia in Nov 2014. Saudi Arabia sought greater market share, ignoring the need for a balancing act. Rise in shale oil production was cited to be the primary reason behind the motive. Shale oil production had added around 5 million bpd of oil production in the market in just half a decades time.

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U.S. shale oil producers remained resilient at times of slump in oil prices. Some producers went bankrupt while most chose to curtail expenses and maintain production. This led to a further fall in oil prices, hurting the financials of OPEC members. Venezuela and Nigeria are in deep financial crisis and claim that production needs to be cut to boost oil prices. It seems their wishes have been answered, with OPEC agreeing to limit production levels. This in turn gave oil prices a boost on Sep 28.

Supply Falls, Crude Oil Spikes

Along with OPECs decision to cap crude-oil output, drop in domestic crude supply drove oil prices higher. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. crude production edged down by 15,000 bpd to 8.497 million bpd for the week ending Sep 23. Crude inventories also fell by 1.9 million barrels last week.

The WTI and Brent crude gained 5.1% and 5.6% to $47.05 and $48.69 a barrel, respectively. Oil prices posted their biggest gain in more than five months and continue to hover near the $47 a barrel mark for a considerable period of time. And lest we forget, oil prices had tumbled to $26 a barrel on oversupply concerns during the beginning of the year (read more: Crude Oil Spikes 4.8% on OPEC Agreement to Cut Oil Output).

5 Best Energy Mutual Funds to Buy Now

Rise in oil prices propelled energy share prices. The broader Energy Select Sector SPDR XLE gained 4.3%, the highest among the S&P 500 sectors. The energy sector also posted its largest gain since Jan 14 (read more: 5 Energy Stocks to Buy with Incredible Momentum).

Oils-Energy Sector Price Index

Oils-Energy Sector Price Index

Given such encouraging trends, investing in fundamentally solid energy mutual funds will be a prudent choice. We have picked five mutual funds that possess a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), have positive year-to-date and 1-year returns, minimum initial investments within $5000 and low expense ratios.

The question here is why should investors consider mutual funds? Reduced transaction costs and diversification of portfolios without the several commission charges that are associated with stock purchases are the primary reasons why investors should park their money in mutual funds (read more: Mutual Funds: Advantages, Disadvantages, and How They Make Investors Money).

Vanguard Energy Investor VGENX invests the majority of its assets in common stocks of companies principally engaged in activities in the energy industry. VGENXs year-to-date and 1-year returns are 19.1% and 17.1%, respectively. Annual expense ratio of 0.37% is below the category average of 1.49%. VGENX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.

Fidelity Advisor Energy A FANAX invests a large portion of its assets in securities of companies principally engaged in the energy field. FANAXs year-to-date and 1-year returns are 16.4% and 12.8%, respectively. Annual expense ratio of 1.11% is below the category average of 1.49%. FANAX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #2.

Fidelity Select Energy FSENX invests the majority of its assets in securities of companies principally engaged in the energy field, including the conventional areas of oil, gas, electricity and coal. FSENXs year-to-date and 1-year returns are 17.1% and 13.4%, respectively. Annual expense ratio of 0.79% is below the category average of 1.49%. FSENX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.

Guinness Atkinson Global Energy GAGEX invests a large portion of its net assets in equity securities of both U.S. and non-U.S. companies principally engaged in the production, exploration or discovery, or distribution of energy. GAGEXs year-to-date and 1-year returns are 9.1% and 8.3%, respectively. Annual expense ratio of 1.41% is below the category average of 1.49%. GAGEX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #2.

Columbia Global Energy & Natural Resources I CERIX invests a major portion of its assets in equity securities of U.S. and foreign companies engaged in the energy and natural resources industries. CERIXs year-to-date and 1-year returns are 12.6% and 11.4%, respectively. Annual expense ratio of 0.84% is below the category average of 1.4%. CERIX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.

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The long legal saga of Amanda Knox, the American woman who spent four years imprisoned in Italy over the murder of her British roommate, has captivated people around the world since the grisly 2007 killing.

Knox and her then-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were each convicted and acquitted twice over the death of Knoxs 21-year-old roommate Meredith Kercher, who was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death in an apartment the two shared in Perugia, Italy.

Knox and Sollecito were exonerated last year by Italys top criminal court, which blamed stunning flaws in the investigation and a lack of evidence connecting the pair to the crime.

Netflix revisits her case in a documentary that starts streaming Friday, which includes interviews with Knox, Sollecito and Italian prosecutor Giuliano Mignini. Heres what we learned from the documentary:

Knox called Sollecito immediately after news of their exoneration broke.

Footage shows Knox jumping up and down inside her Seattle home after she and her family learned last March that the Court of Cassation had vindicated the pair for Kerchers murder. She walks away from her family members to call Sollecito. Were free! How are you? she tells him. Im so happy for you. Im so happy for us. Much love and well talk soon.

Knox repeatedly smacked her own head when police made her go through a collection of kitchen knives

Knox said she became hysterical when Italian police finally allowed her to return home a couple of days after the murder and told her to look through the apartments knife drawer to see if there were any knives missing. Mignini said Knox began acting erratically. She started hitting the palms of her hands on her ears, he said, adding that it was as if she recalled hearing Kercher scream. The prosecutor said that was the first moment he suspected Knox of the crime.

Story continues

Knox contemplated killing herself in prison

I thought about suicide. I thought about all the ways I could do it, she said. Me not coming home again until Im in my 50s, until members of my family have died, I was poisoned.

Knox says she felt drastically different when she got home

Knox was freed from prison and allowed to go back to the U.S. three years after the murder following an appeals trial that found the DNA evidence, which had been crucial to her conviction, to be inconclusive. DNA collected at the crime scene was also contaminated.

Knox became emotional as she was led out of the courtroom but when she returned home, she didnt feel fully free. A diary that she kept in prison had been leaked to the media, revealing a list of all the men she had ever had sex with. Knox had written the list after authorities falsely told her she had HIV.

I really thought that I was going to be OK, but I wasnt the same person to come back to Seattle, she said. The whole world knew who I had ever had sex with, seven men, and yet I was some heinous whore, bestial and sex-obsessed and unnatural.

Kerchers mother asked permission to kiss her slain daughters body

Arline Kercher and her family traveled to Italy after learning of her daughters death in 2007. She mostly remained silent during a news conference, but when she saw Mignini, she asked the prosecutor if she could see her daughter. I remember she was absorbed in silence. And then she made a gesture, he said. She asked if she could give her a kiss.
Examples of how and why income and wealth inequality are growing in America abound in the current Wells Fargo scandal.

Until this week, those in the upper echelon of Wells Fargo management had largely escaped with fat bonus checks. Blame a system that seems powerless to hold upper management accountable for ripping off customers.

The $2 billion Wells Fargo fraud scandal worked this way. The company had such an aggressive sales culture that hard-pressed employees opened fake accounts without customers knowledge.

The customers were charged fees on the new accounts. Sometimes the fake accounts hurt customers credit ratings. As Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said, customers whose rating was downgraded would pay more in mortgage interest. A half-percent on a $500,000 mortgage could cost a customer $50,000 over 30 years.

The system finally was exposed thanks in part to investigative reporting by the Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles City Prosecutor Mike Feuer, who filed a civil suit against Wells Fargo for opening unauthorized accounts.

Many customers who were victimized in the scam found out they couldnt go to court to seek damages. The fine print in their contract with Wells Fargo required them to press their claims through individual arbitration. When a few customers tried to sue, Wells Fargo was able to block the suits with a claim that mandatory arbitration included claims against the bogus accounts.

Wells Fargo said it has fired 5,300 employees. But none of those who lost their positions were senior executives. This week, CEO John Stumpf, who regularly is paid almost $20 million a year, was asked to forfeit $41 million in unvested equity awards. Carrie Tolstedt, who ran the Community Banking Division, could turn back $19 million.

And the people who lost their jobs? The so-called junior salesmen earned about $12 a hour. Some employees who were fired for not meeting sales quotas have filed a class-action lawsuit. Thousands of employees who failed to resort to illegal tactics were either demoted or fired, the suit claims.

Wells Fargo has agreed to pay a $100 million penalty to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, plus another $85 million to other regulators and for restitution to customers.

And Stumpf received a scolding from senators. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told him he ought to resign and give back the money he took. She said he should be criminally investigated.

But Stumpf and all the other high-rollers at Wells Fargo still have their jobs and piles of cash. They arent laughing their way to the bank; theyre already there, reclining comfortably on their cushy bankrolls, apparently out of the reach of justice.
A 6-year-old boy critically wounded Wednesday during a shooting at his South Carolina elementary school is fighting for his life after a bullet pierced through a major artery in his leg, officials said.

Jacob Hall, who is in kindergarten, died twice but was revived by doctors after a teenager opened fire in a playground at Townville Elementary School during recess, South Carolina Rep. Alan Clemmons said.

The 14-year-old suspected shooter, who is in police custody but has not yet been publicly identified, injured Jacob, another student at the elementary school and a teacher, according to ABC News.

The bullet that struck Jacob severed a femoral artery, prompting chest surgery, Clemmons wrote on Facebook. The boy faces another surgery once hes in stable condition.

Its unclear why the gunman attacked the elementary school. Authorities believe the teenager, who had been home-schooled, fatally shot his own father before going to the school, which was less than two miles away from their home.

The two other victims are in good condition, according to the Associated Press.
Geneva (AFP) - The UN said Thursday it expected at least 700,000 people in Iraq's second city of Mosul would need assistance once an expected offensive on the Islamic State group stronghold begins.

"Mosul has the potential to be one the largest... disasters of many, many years," warned Bruno Geddo, the United Nation's refugee agency's main representative in Iraq.

Iraq is already facing one of the world's biggest displacement crises, with around 3.3 million people forced to flee their homes in the country since 2014.

IS seized Mosul along with other areas in June 2014, but Iraqi forces have since regained significant ground from the jihadists and are preparing a drive to retake the city by the end of the year.

In a sign the battle could happen soon, Washington said this week it would send some 600 extra troops to train local forces for the offensive.

Geddo warned that more than one million people might be displaced during that offensive.

"We are planning for at least 700,000 who will be in need of assistance, shelter food, water, everything that you need in a situation of humanitarian disaster," he told reporters in Geneva.

UNHCR has already begun building camps in anticipation of the exodus, but as it races against the clock, it is struggling to find available land and funds to build others, Geddo said.

The UN agency is hoping to have 11 camps finished by the end of the year with the capacity to hold 120,000 people, while Iraqi authorities expect to be able to house 150,000 more, he explained.

"This is the plan.... The capacity is much lower," he warned.

Even if the plan works, an estimated 430,000 displaced people would be left without accommodation.

To avoid leaving them without shelter, UNHCR is aiming to build a number of "emergency camps" located near the city and the surrounding villages where the battle is expected.

People would only stay at these sites for very short periods of time, he said, pointing out that once a village or an area was secured, people could hopefully return to their homes.

Story continues

Geddo said the UN had already begun prepositioning work. "We will pitch our tents everywhere," he said.

While there has been much recent discussion about the launch of the drive on Mosul, preparations for it began months ago, with Iraq first announcing the launch back in March.

Since then, nearly 62,000 people have fled the city and surrounding areas, according to the International Organization for Migration.
From ELLE

Charlotte, North Carolina has been in a state of unrest since Keith Lamont Scott, a Black man, was shot and killed by police last week. Following protests, the City Council held a meeting inviting members of the Black community to speak out. There, 9-year-old Zianna Oliphant stepped up to the microphone to deliver a tearful, emotional speech.

"We are black people and we shouldn't have to feel like this. We shouldn't have to protest because y'all are treating us wrong. We do this because we need to and have rights," she said, before starting to cry.

After encouragement from the crowd, she continued."I've been born and raised in Charlotte and I've never felt this way until now. I can't stand how we're treated. It is a shame that our fathers and mothers are killed and we can't even see them anymore. It's a shame that we have to go to the graveyard and bury them. And we have tears and we shouldn't have tears. We need our fathers and mothers to be by our side."

Watch the full testimony:

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(Photo: Getty Images)

In the not-so-distant past, there were two main options when it came to skin care: Things that were backed by scientific studies to prove they work and those that were natural, but unproven. Of course, you also had all the muck in the middle: formulas with a mishmash of ingredients that may work, but werent able to back up their claims with cold, hard science. Thankfully, a lot has changed with the former two options and more and more brands are taking a scientific approach to studying and harnessing natural ingredients. Leave it to the French to be on the forefront of that movement.



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Last year, French skin-care brand Caudalie launched an anti-aging line called Resveratrol Lift, rooted in science finessed in Harvards labs by esteemed life-extension scientist Dr. David Sinclair. Nicknamed the Longevity Guru for his research in reversing aging and dubbed byTime as one of 100 Most Influential People in the world, you likely know his famous quote: The first person to live to 150 has already been born.This past week, Caudalie has unveiled the newest piece to the puzzle: A soft cream that feels as luxurious as ones much higher in price that harnesses the power of the science its named for. Bonus: It also acts like a primer, blurring imperfections and leaving behind a matte finish perfect for layering under makeup. We know, we know lets get back to what makes it so great. But first, a little background.

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Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas family vineyard in Bordeaux, France.



It Started Where All Good Things Do: With Wine

To understand this story, you first need a little background on Caudalie. You probably know the brand from its addictive facial spray, skin-smoothing body scrubs, and maybe even its chain of deeply relaxing spas  but theres science behind the line that may surprise you. It all started during a wine tour in 1993 of Mathilde Thomas family vineyard in Bordeaux, France, and a chance encounter with Professor Joseph Vercauteren, who was visiting from Montpelliers University of Pharmacy in France.

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He said our wine was very good, but we were throwing away the most interesting parts: the grape seeds, Thomas says. Vercauteren was already studying the benefits of grapes on health  and the resveratrol that can be harvested from them. Say it with me: Res-ver-ah-trol. That little ingredient found in red wine is the most important part of this story.



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Fast-forward a few years: Mathilde and her husband, Bertrand, are working with the professor, as well as a team of their own, to research and create skin-care based around vineyard grapes. After all, they had the grapes. Within a few years, they had patents for their work with the anti-aging, dark spot-reducing resveratrol. Namely, finding the best resveratrol (it was hiding in the stalk and the vines) and linking that molecule with fatty acids to make it stable enough to actually do good for your skin. Think of resveratrol as your drunk friend: fun, but maybe they also need a slice of pizza at the end of the night. So a skin-care line based on science and natural ingredients was born.

Enter: The Harvard Brain Trust

Caudalie had already pushed forward the research on the power of grapes. Then, in the early 2000s, it heard about another great mind working on the cause on another continent.

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Professor Vercauteren and I had been working together for years when he told me about this professor at Harvard Medical School, Dr. David Sinclair, who was on the other side of the planet studying resveratrol, as well, she says. So she called up the good doctor and asked if they could compare notes. As expected, Dr. Sinclair is approached frequently to work with cosmetic companies, but it wasnt until now that the ethos truly aligned, he says.

Compared with all the hoopla surrounding many anti-aging products and methods, Dr. Sinclairs approach is quite simple: How do we get product we know is good for the body deep enough into the skin so it can mimic what fillers do  only without the needle? (For the record, he says injections freak him out.) Now, we doubt anyone questioned whether or not he could get product into the inner layers of the skin, but what would it do when it got there?

Weve learned vineyard stalks house the best natural resveratrol.



They wanted to create a moisturizer with two missions: strengthen the collagen fibers in the skin ("The network that keeps the skin up and prevents it from sagging, Dr. Sinclair says.) and improve hyaluronic acid levels. (Which is what keeps the water in the skin, he explains.) Read: firm, plump, and hydrate. That was the challenge, he continues, to slow this [aging process] down and try to reverse [it].



Simple, right? Well, kind of  but luckily, the principals he and his team at Harvard operate under give them the freedom to make breakthroughs at a molecular level through vigorous genetic testing. Thats what we have been doing at Harvard to try to reverse aging in the entire body, to treat diseases like cancer and heart disease and Alzheimers disease, he says. [Its the] the same technology, the things that we discovered control the aging process [in the body] are also in the skin; weve used that knowledge in this product. Our motto is that we need to teach the skin to act young again.

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After a few years of playing around with all-natural resveratrol from Caudalie and an endless supply of hyaluronic acid, researchers found something  something big. We had a breakthrough just last year, he says with a smile. The patent came soon after, filed jointly between Caudalie and Harvard.



A Brief Note On Hyaluronic Acid

So why all the talk about hyaluronic acid (or HA, for short) when the whole line is based on resveratrol? Well, its important to know that as we age, our bodies stop making as much hyaluronic acid  the natural molecules that hold onto water and make our skin look youthful and wonderfully hydrated.

Tons of products on the market are packed with hyaluronic acid, but getting it into the skin and encouraging your dermal layers to hold onto it for long enough to make a difference is the challenge many skin-care brands try to tackle. But its not just an issue with creams  hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in most dermal fillers. Even when shot into the skin with a needle, the HA is still metabolized within a few months, which is why most lip injections only last between three and six months. Translation: HA doesnt like to stick around for long  its not in its nature. The Breakthrough: Say Bonjour To The HAS2 Gene.

Remember when Dr. Sinclair said that he wanted to try to get the skin to act young again? The breakthrough that accomplished this came when he and his team started playing with RNA sequencing. The goal? To isolate genes that reacted to a unique blend of resveratrol and HA.

There are more than 20,000 genes in a cell. We used the latest in genetic technology to see which of these [reacted the most], he explains. It allowed us to measure every gene. One gene in particular, which we all have, stood out. Its name is HAS2.

Think of HAS2 as the friend whose eyes perk up when wine is passed around  this was thegene that loved resveratrol and now researchers knew exactly how to turn it on. They just had to find the right blend to do the most good. [Ed. note: Anyone else feeling like theyd be fast friends with HAS2?]

At this point in the discussion, you may be falling asleep. But know that Sinclairs eyes are lighting up and hes getting really excited  because it gets even better, so stay with us. Playing with blends and mixtures of molecules powered by Professor Vercauterens original science, Sinclair and his team found a mix of molecules that, quite literally, made the HAS2 gene tell the body to make more hyaluronic acid, something genes dont want to do under normal circumstance. Its almost like they got HAS2 drunk; in its stupor, it started making tons of hyaluronic acid.A few words on the nitty-gritty of how it goes down: The resveratrol goes in and turns on the HAS2 gene, Dr. Sinclair explains. With the right mircomolecules of hyaluronic acid mixed in, they saw more than a 200% increase in [the production of HA in] this gene.



You may be asking: How drunk was HAS2? Pretty drunk: HAS2 now makes this protein, an enzyme, that sits on the surface of skin cells and captures the micro hyaluronic acid that carries the product. Heres where it gets really wild: During this process, the HAS2 gene actually starts squashing the hyaluronic acid, which in turn, traps it in the skin. Awesome? Yes  and no one saw it coming: [The process] makes them long, and when theyre long, they get stuck down in the skin naturally, they spread out, and that holds the water in, he says. Talk about getting the blend just right.



The final challenge? To make it work outside of the lab. Getting molecules into the skin is difficult. Most will just sit on top, Dr. Sinclair explains. [But] it was formulated so we could get both of the key ingredients deep into the dermis. The results out of the lab translated: In 84 days, the test group found increased firmness and more lifted skin.







Its All In The Details

Naturally, they didnt just load the new ingredients into any old cream or serum. The French never overlook the importance of details, from the texture (Thomas describes the Soft Cream like cashmere  and shes not far off.) to packaging and scent.

I wanted this scent to be all-natural and very addictive, she explains. Many would describe it a bit like herbal tea: Its a blend of red thyme, lavender, basil, orange blossom, and sage, she says, and its also oil-free and 94% natural.

Theres a caveat for this day cream, however: it doesnt have SPF, which was a thoughtful move, since SPF could muck up the efficacy of the formula. But it was formulated so it would penetrate fast, so you can layer your SPF moisturizer over it, Thomas says.

Speaking to Thomas, its clear that the Soft Cream is her favorite, but she notes that the line's serum actually has the highest percentage of the resveratrol. The day cream, however, checks more than one box: priming for makeup and delivering soft, comfortable hydration in one easy step. They both ring in at under $100, as opposed to brands that compete with this kind of science whose creams can run double or triple that.

It was a real breakthrough, Dr. Sinclair says, "but Im sure there will be more.





By: Lexy Lesback
In a move that will benefit million of students in India, a single judge bench of the Delhi High Court has dismissed a claim by major publishers (Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Taylor and Francis, U.K. and India) that Delhi University, and a photocopy shop that was licensed to meet the needs of students, were in violation of the Copyright Act. The case (The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford & Others v. Photocopy Services & Another) revolved around the practice of study materials that students use for the courses. Students through the Association of Students for Equitable Access to Knowledge (ASEAK) and concerned academics through the Society for Promoting Educational Access and Knowledge (SPEAK) had impleaded themselves in the case.

As Delhi University, like most educational institutions in India, could afford to buy many copies of books that they prescribe for their library, parts of the materials prescribed (and sometimes whole books) are usually photocopied and distributed to students as course packs and anthologies. These readings materials form a crucial part of the students study materials, and are a way of ensuring that every student is able to have individual copies of the material that they are supposed to read.

The main legal dispute was around the interpretation of section 52(1)(i) of the Indian Copyright Act, which provided an exception to copyright based on fair use. The manner in which the law frames this exception is that the exception applies to materials used by students and teachers in the course of instruction. The publishers argued that this term refers to a narrow meaning of materials used in the classroom during the lecture. The Court, however, dismissed this argument, and instead held that the term in the course of instruction has to be interpreted broadly to mean something that the teacher tells the student to do in the course of teaching, detailed information that a student is given by the teacher to acquire knowledge. In terms of chronology it would include materials that the teacher asks students to use during the entire academic session, which includes the time from which the teacher begins to prepare for classes. This would include materials used to prepare the syllabus, textbooks that are prescribed, readings etc.

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Image Source: WikiCommons



Justice R.S. Endlaw (the judge in this case) based his decision on the fact that Indian copyright law is different from other jurisdictions. The law has been framed keeping in mind that there are much larger number of students to cater to, and that the cost of textbooks for an average student in the country works out to be much higher given the average income, and purchasing power of students. As per the Court, students simply cannot afford to buy textbooks, which makes it improbable that publishers are going to see higher profits even if the copyright law is enforced to prevent students from photocopying these materials.

The Court stressed that the right to education is a fundamental right, and that exemptions for the purposes of education, research and teaching have traditionally been exceptions to copyright law. Stressing on the way technology is evolving, the Court said that even if students today take photographs of material from textbooks, and get this printed, this would also amount to fair use and therefore be exempted from copyright restrictions.

In a remarkable statement, the Court observed, Copyright, especially in literary works, is not an inevitable, divine, or natural right that confers on authors the absolute ownership of their creations. It is designed rather to stimulate activity and progress in the arts for the intellectual enrichment of the public.

Comparing the facts to this case with the example of judges who pass on photocopies of relevant articles to their fellow judges or the Bar Association in the Delhi High Court which has also licensed a shop to photocopy materials for lawyers, the judges reflected on the absurdity of terming these acts as copyright infringements.

Reactions to the judgment have largely been positive, especially among the student and teacher community, who were outraged when the publishers in the Delhi High Court filed the case in 2013. There have been a few voices of caution, who have highlighted the need for balance to ensure that the interests of the publishers are protected, but even these critics agree that this judgment is a major breakthrough for access to education in a developing country such as ours. The publishers, who went to court, have already drawn sharp criticism from teachers and students. It remains to be seen if they will risk squandering further goodwill within the academic community by challenging this judgment in the Supreme Court.
It seems that the eagerly awaited mega-merger of the worlds two brewing bigwigs Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV BUD, alias AB InBev, and SABMiller plc SBMRY will soon see the light of day. After clearing regulatory hurdles in August, AB InBev and SABMiller yesterday received unanimous support from its shareholders for the over $100 billion deal, clearing the final roadblock for the big beer merger.



In detail, the deal gathered votes from a larger-than-required margin as 95.5% of SABMillers shareholders supported the takeover. However, approval from only 75% shareholders was needed, excluding the company's two largest stakeholders  U.S. tobacco company Altria Group Inc. MO and Colombia investor group Bevco. Altria and Bevco, which together hold a 41% stake in SABMiller, had previously given their nod to the deal against a separate cash-and-stock offer from AB InBev and as was approved by the U.K. Scheme Directions Hearing on Aug 22.



With nearly all necessary approvals received, AB InBev now expects to close the acquisition on Oct 10, almost a year after the deal was originally proposed. However, management revealed that the final approval from the U.K. court is yet to come. Following the completion of all procedures, the new company will retain the AB InBev banner and SABMiller will cease to trade under its current name, starting Oct 11.



As this massive takeover nears completion, it would be right to evaluate who gains what out of the deal and where the brewing industry is headed from here. The deal is likely to give birth to a mega-brewing company that will control about one-thirds of the global beer market, leaving behind Heineken NV HEINY, which holds about an 11% market share of the industry. Moreover, it will expand the companys share in the global beer profits and worldwide volumes, growing to nearly 46% and 27%, respectively. This means that the companys share in global beer profits will grow four folds, and its volumes will double that of Heineken.



Further, it will fortify AB InBevs presence globally, lowering its reliance on the mature U.S. and struggling Brazilian markets, while gaining exposure to 17 African countries and the fast-growing Latin American markets, such as Colombia and Peru. The takeover comes at a time when AB InBev is struggling to revive its Budweiser brand in the U.S.  its largest market, and continues to face an economic downturn in Brazil  its second-largest market.



As for the industry, this merger is going to be a one-off event as it is likely to change the face of the beer industry. Apart from being mutually beneficial, the deal should benefit many rival brewers who got their hands on the portions of SABMiller that AB InBev was forced to sell-off in order to back regulatory approvals in various countries. For this, the company sold SABMiller brands including Miller Lite, Peroni and Snow, among the worlds leading beer brands.



Further, in a bid to please U.S. regulators, AB InBev disposed SABMillers 58% stake in its joint venture MillerCoors LLC to Molson Coors Brewing Co. TAP for $12 billion. This will make Molson Coors, which previously held a 42% stake in MillerCoors, the major stakeholder in the joint venture. Additionally, this will lift Molsons ranking amid the worlds most-profitable brewers from fifth to third, according to analysts. Also, this will make Molson the second-largest brewer in the U.S. with a 25% market share.



Thus, this deal is likely to benefit the entire brewing industry as it has bolstered the position of many rivals, making competition tough for AB InBev itself. However, we believe the combined entity will be strong enough to handle competition from these rivals with a portfolio of brands including leading names like Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona and Castle Lager.



AB InBev currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while SABMiller carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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One of the music's most legendary studios where artists like the Beatles, Amy Winehouse and Pink Floyd have recorded, will host winners of an Airbnb contest for a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover.

For one night only in October, four guests will enter the hallowed halls of Abbey Road Studios in London where they'll be hosted by DJ, songwriter and producer Mark Ronson.

Once inside, they'll be given free access to wander the studio and channel the musical genius of the Beatles, whose legacy remains in the cigarette burns etched in the piano used to record The White Album.

Likewise, it was at Abbey Road Studios that Winehouse recorded her last song with Tony Bennett and Pink Floyd recorded Dark Side of the Moon.

Unless you are a recording artist, it is almost impossible to get inside Abbey Road Studios. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a music lover to cross its threshold and unearth thousands of stories that live within its walls, said James McClure, Airbnb's General Manager for Northern Europe.

Guests will not only be able to tickle the same ivories played by John Lennon, they'll also be able to jam out on their own with any of the instruments on hand and record their own track under the Ronson's guidance, the hitmaker behind Uptown Funk.

Abbey Road is like a second home to me, he said in a statement.

I was born in the neighbourhood and dreamt of joining the greats and recording within its walls one day. Now I'm lucky enough to work there all the time. Over the years I've gotten to know the team there and had the pleasure of hearing all of the amazing stories of the many legends that have graced its studios.

It's the latest in a long list of exclusive sleepover experiences hosted by the short-term vacation rental site. Other recent examples include a shark tank in Paris, a floating apartment on the Great Barrier Reef, and a Danish castle that served as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Winners will be flown from anywhere in the world. To enter, applicants must explain which song they wish they had been able to witness being recorded at the studio and why by October 6 BST.

For more info visit https://www.airbnb.co.uk/night-at/abbey-road.
"James Bond" helmer Sam Mendes has signed on to produce a film adaptation of the best-selling book "Beautiful Ruins" for Fox 2000 as potential directing vehicle, according to reports (The Hollywood Reporter).

Mendes, whose last two films as director -- "Skyfall" and "Spectre" -- have been within the 007 franchise, will produce via his Neal Street banner alongside Neal Street's Julie Pastor, but speculation suggests he could also end up directing.

The film had originally been in development at Cross Creek Pictures with Todd Field attached to write and direct, until it stalled. Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue, the writing duo behind "Transparent" have now been tapped to adapt the script.

Published in 2012 by Jess Walter, "Beautiful Ruins" is based on an American actress who travels to Italy in 1962 during the production of "Cleopatra", where her story intertwines with Elizabeth Taylor, who starred in the real-life version of "Cleopatra", and the subsequent love affair between Taylor and Richard Burton.
We Nebraskans will soon decide whether to allow our state to execute its citizens. Those who believe the state should have this power say certain criminals deserve this worst punishment, and insist that the death penalty puts the fear of God into potential murderers.

However, according to 88 percent of criminal-justice experts, the death penalty does not act as a deterrent to murder. What's more, non-death penalty states have consistently lower murder rates than states with executions. Yes, it will be difficult to improve sentencing guidelines. Execution is surely an easier solution but, in this hour, we are challenged to do not what is easy, but what is right.

It is unfortunate that cost is a factor in so profound a decision, but experts agree there will never be a way to make death penalty cases less expensive than life in prison cases ("Don't focus on cost in death penalty debate," Sept. 21). According to Loyola Marymount Law Professor Paula Mitchell, who did a recent long-term study in California, the legal costs for death penalty cases skyrocket to an extra $134 million per year, well above the costs of simple incarcerations. Amnesty International, in a recent study, determined that even if post-trial litigation was abolished, death penalty cases would still be more expensive.

The most compelling reason for restraining the powers of the state lie in the unwavering evidence for what is right and what is wrong. In study after study it has been determined that we have mistakenly executed innocent people and disproportionate numbers of poor and uneducated people, especially racial and religious minorities.

Shall we give the state the power to burn the final bridge over which the accused might travel toward remorse or redemption or shall we agree that the state has no business on that holy ground?

Suzanne Kehm, Omaha
By Joe Bavier ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is likely to slip to 1.6 percent this year, its lowest level in two decades, due to continuing woes in the continent's largest economies South Africa and Nigeria, a World Bank report said on Thursday. Africa has been one of the world's fastest growing region's over the past decade, but a commodities slump has hit its oil and mineral exporters hard, bringing growth down to 3 percent in 2015. However, other countries, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania, have continued to record GDP growth above 6 percent, according to "Africa's Pulse", the Bank's twice-yearly analysis of economic trends. The report, which was unveiled in Ivory Coast's commercial capital Abidjan, also singled out Ivory Coast and Senegal as top performers. "Our analysis shows that the more resilient growth performers tend to have stronger macroeconomic policy frameworks, better business regulatory environment, more diverse structure of exports, and more effective institutions," said Albert Zeufack, World Bank chief economist for Africa. Established and improved performers made up around a quarter of sub-Saharan Africa's countries, are home to 42 percent of its people, but account for just 21 percent of economic output. Meanwhile, 40 percent of African economies are struggling. They contain 36 percent of the continent's population but contribute 62 percent of economic activity. Nigeria and South Africa alone account for half of output. Despite a recent timid recovery in commodities, price are expected to remain below their 2011-14 peak levels, the report said. As a result growth is projected to pick up slightly to 2.9 percent next year, the report said, and Africa's economies are expected to expand by 3.6 percent in 2018. However, government spending on Africa's agricultural sectors is still lagging behind developing regions, despite making up a third of GDP and two-thirds of employment. "Improving the productivity of smallholder farms is central to lifting rural incomes and reducing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa," said Punam Chuhan-Pole, lead economist for World Bank Africa, who wrote the report. "But unleashing this productivity requires investing in rural public goods such as rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and use of improved technologies, as well as in availability of good data and evidence." (Additional reporting by Loucoumane Coulibaly; Editing by Tim Cocks and Alison Williams)
* Africa's GDP growth to fall to 1.6 pct this year

* Will make slight recovery over next two years

* Top performers include Ivory Coast and Senegal (Adds details, quotes)

By Joe Bavier

ABIDJAN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is likely to slip to 1.6 percent this year, its lowest level in two decades, due to continuing woes in the continent's largest economies South Africa and Nigeria, a World Bank report said on Thursday.

Africa has been one of the world's fastest growing region's over the past decade, but a commodities slump has hit its oil and mineral exporters hard, bringing growth down to 3 percent in 2015.

However, other countries, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania, have continued to record GDP growth above 6 percent, according to "Africa's Pulse", the Bank's twice-yearly analysis of economic trends.

The report, which was unveiled in Ivory Coast's commercial capital Abidjan, also singled out Ivory Coast and Senegal as top performers.

"Our analysis shows that the more resilient growth performers tend to have stronger macroeconomic policy frameworks, better business regulatory environment, more diverse structure of exports, and more effective institutions," said Albert Zeufack, World Bank chief economist for Africa.

Established and improved performers made up around a quarter of sub-Saharan Africa's countries, are home to 42 percent of its people, but account for just 21 percent of economic output.

Meanwhile, 40 percent of African economies are struggling. They contain 36 percent of the continent's population but contribute 62 percent of economic activity. Nigeria and South Africa alone account for half of output.

Despite a recent timid recovery in commodities, price are expected to remain below their 2011-14 peak levels, the report said.

As a result growth is projected to pick up slightly to 2.9 percent next year, the report said, and Africa's economies are expected to expand by 3.6 percent in 2018.

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However, government spending on Africa's agricultural sectors is still lagging behind developing regions, despite making up a third of GDP and two-thirds of employment.

"Improving the productivity of smallholder farms is central to lifting rural incomes and reducing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa," said Punam Chuhan-Pole, lead economist for World Bank Africa, who wrote the report.

"But unleashing this productivity requires investing in rural public goods such as rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and use of improved technologies, as well as in availability of good data and evidence." (Additional reporting by Loucoumane Coulibaly; Editing by Tim Cocks and Alison Williams)
Abidjan (AFP) - In a bustling market in Abidjan, women browse through a bewildering array of intricately patterned wax-print fabrics, each of which has a unique and sometimes quirky name.

"Eye of my rival" is one which has an eye-like motif, while another is known as "capable husband".

Another bale of this brightly coloured fabric is labelled "jealousy".

Each print has a name and comes in different colours, so you could have a "capable husband" in red, green or a white and the same for Eye of my rival".

Others have longer, more conversational names: "If you leave, so will I" or "If you divorce, I won't eat sand".

Known as a "pagne", this strip of printed cotton cloth can be worn in a number of different ways, tailored into a garment or used to make any type of fashion accessory or household item.

The name often reflects a key element in the pattern and those attached to the most popular styles often spread quickly as rumours and jokes around Adjame market in Ivory Coast's economic capital.

"We don't know where they come from," chuckles Didi Sangare, a market trader who has been selling fabric for 15 years.

"From saleswomen, from the clients, people give them names... and sometimes they stick," she says.

"They come and they go. When there's a successful soap opera or some political event, the pagne that appears at the same time might get its name."

- 'We can do everything!' -

One African pagne printed with cars is named "Renato's car" after a heartthrob in a Latin American soap, while other bales of fabric have been named after heroines of popular television series.

Others reflect political events, with one named "Guei's Broom" for the general who briefly headed a military junta after leading a coup in December 1999.

Similar to Indonesia's celebrated batiks, these textiles are printed with motifs which reflect African themes.

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"Pagne is beautiful, pagne is good," says Korotoum Ouattara, a 28-year-old trader.

"Shirts, trousers, dresses -- clothes, but also bags, shoes, curtains, sheets, tablecloths," she says.

"We can do everything!"

Despite her enthusiasm, the fabric is not fireproof with regulations advising against its use for anything other than clothes.

And the rule is even wryly reflected in the name of one of the cheaper bolts of fabric: "Watch Out for Fire."

- Dutch origins -

Once a luxury item imported from The Netherlands, this wax-printed fabric today varies hugely in quality and the finesse of its designs.

Progress in African manufacturing and printing methods has sparked a production boom, spawning a broader range of themes, pushing down prices for customers -- and making some pagnes readily affordable.

Since the turn of the century, there has been strong competition from Asia. At Adjame market, as elsewhere in Africa, cloth imported from China and Thailand is on sale.

For the poorest customers, foreign products which cost between 2,000 and 6,000 CFA francs ($3.40-$10/3-9 euros) for six metres (yards) of fabric are more attainable than cloth from major local brands, which often sell for more than $25.

"Our main competitors are counterfeiting and fraud," says Jean-Louis Menudier, who heads Uniwax, the Ivorian subsidiary of Dutch group Vlisco and a top west African manufacturer of print fabrics.

"The products of our rivals are made in Asia, mostly in China.

"They almost exclusively reach the African continent through fraud -- contraband and tax evasion -- and much of the material is forgery using our designs."

- 'A strategy of creativity' -

Menudier estimates that more than 90 percent of fabrics on the market are counterfeit or entered the country fraudulently.

"This posed an enormous threat to our activity between 2004 and 2006. We adopted a strategy of creativity, marketing, distribution and production that enables us to fight these phenomena effectively," he says.

"We create faster than imitators can copy," he adds, inspired perhaps by a print called "I run faster than my rival".

The strategy has paid off.

Uniwax is thriving with 750 employees and a net profit of $7 million in 2015 -- a profit margin of 11 percent -- on revenues of $62 million.

At the start of September, the company announced plans to raise $17 million on the stock market to finance an investment scheme that should enable it to increase production by 70 percent over five years.

Though the firm sells 45 percent of its wares in Ivory Coast, it is benefiting from an expanding international market that is slowly opening the gates to Europe and even the United States.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Air strikes by the United States and its allies have killed 18 Islamic State "leaders" in the last 30 days, 13 of them in Mosul, the group's de facto Iraqi capital, a U.S. military spokesman said on Thursday. Earlier this week the Pentagon announced that the United States would send around 600 new troops to Iraq to assist Iraqi forces in the battle to retake Mosul from Islamic State militants, who control parts of Iraq and Syria. Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, told a Pentagon briefing that many of those targeted were military commanders, propagandists and those facilitating foreign recruits into territory controlled by Islamic State, which has sympathizers worldwide. "By taking these individuals off the battlefield, it creates some really disruptive effects to enemy command and control," Dorrian said. Dorrian said there are between 3,000 and 4,500 Islamic State fighters left in Mosul and while new fighters are not able to enter the city in large convoys, they still continue to move in small formations. The United States has 4,565 troops in Iraq as part of a U.S.-led coalition providing extensive air support, training and advice to the Iraqi military, which collapsed in 2014 in the face of Islamic State's territorial gains and lightning advance toward the capital, Baghdad. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; editing by Grant McCool)
The Daily Beast

Patrick Pleul/AFP via GettyJust days after he promised advertisers that Twitter would not become a free-for-all hellscape, Elon Musk used the platform he now owns to amplify a baseless conspiracy theory about the hammer attack on Nancy Pelosis husband by an intruder.There is a tiny possibility there might be more to this story than meets the eye, Musk tweeted Sunday morning in reply to a tweet by Hillary Clinton blasting the Republican Party for creating a toxic environment that lays the gr
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United Nations aid chief warned Thursday that Aleppo faces a humanitarian catastrophe "unlike any" witnessed so far in Syria's brutal five-year war.

"Let me be clear: east Aleppo this minute is not at the edge of the precipice," Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council.

"It is well into its terrible descent into the pitiless and merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed in Syria," said the UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs.

The council was meeting to discuss the crisis in Syria as France said it would push for a UN resolution imposing a ceasefire in Aleppo, which has been under fierce bombardment by Syrian and Russian warplanes for a week.

US Ambassador Samantha Power described the escalation as "the most savage week we've seen in an incredibly savage five-plus-year war," with more than 1,000 people killed by 1,700 air strikes on east Aleppo alone.

Power described the latest offensive as "soul-shattering" and accused Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of "unleashing a savagery" against civilians.

"We're at a turning point," she said.

O'Brien appealed for action from the council after diplomatic efforts on the sidelines of last week's General Assembly meeting ended in failure, triggering a new upsurge in violence on the ground.

"This revolting situation in Aleppo must, please, be the SOS, the May Day call, to the international community," he said.

"Syria is bleeding. Its citizens are dying. We all hear their cry for help."

More than 100,000 children remain trapped in rebel-held east Aleppo, which has come under intense bombing since the Syrian army announced on September 22 an offensive to retake the city.

Aleppo, Syria's second city, is divided between the rebel-held east and the government-controlled western part of the city.

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The top UN aid official warned that evidence was being collected of the atrocities happening in Aleppo so that "one day there will be no hiding place" for those perpetrating war crimes.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters that France would "spare no effort" to try to impose a ceasefire in Aleppo through a UN resolution.

Russia however would likely use its veto power at the council to block such a resolution.
The fatal shooting of a black man by police in El Cajon, Calif., this week again focused attention on how law enforcement employs the use of force against African-American communities. But the incident stands out in part because family members say the suspect may have been mentally ill, an issue that experts say police are far too often ill-equipped to handle.

The man, identified by relatives as Alfred Olango, was shot by police Tuesday after reports that he was behaving erratically. When approached by officers, he reportedly placed his hands together in a way that appeared to police as if he was holding a gun. No weapon was found at the scene, and officials later said that Olango had pointed an electronic smoking device at officers.

According to the Los Angeles Times, some of Olangos friends and family members have suggested he suffered from mental illness at the time and posed no threat. In a Facebook Live video posted after the shooting, a woman who identifies herself as Olangos sister can be heard saying: Why couldnt you Tase him? I told you he was sick.

While it remains unclear if Olango had been diagnosed with any form of mental illness, policing experts and mental health advocates say the incident highlights a worrisome problem. If Olangos family members are correct, he would be the 173rd mentally ill person fatally shot by police this year, according to the Washington Post, which tracks police-involved shootings. The Posts tally shows that mental illness is a factor in roughly one-fourth of the countrys fatal police shootings. But that estimate could actually be on the low end. A December 2015 report by the Treatment Advocacy Center, a nonprofit mental health advocacy group, in conjunction with the National Sheriffs Association suggests that mental health disorders are a factor in as many as 1 in 2 fatal law enforcement encounters when looking at official government statistics. (The Post bases its figures largely on media reports.)

Read more: Untreated Mentally Ill 16 Times More Likely to Be Killed by Police, Study Says

Mental health issues have become an increasing concern for police departments as funding for treatment and other services have been cut over the years, putting law enforcement in more frequent contact with those who have psychiatric disorders. Most departments around the U.S., however, conduct little if any training on how to deal with them.

Its not prevalent, says John DeCarlo, a University of New Haven criminal justice professor, referring to mental health training for police. Theres training out there, but not enough officers go through it.

One program that has gained some traction is Crisis Intervention Training, a 40-hour course designed to teach officers how to effectively communicate to those who may have mental illness or are in an emotional crisis. The program is meant to give officers the tools to recognize when someone is mentally ill while being able to get them proper help or treatment rather than arresting them.

Read more: Law Enforcement Should Learn to Recognize the Signs of Mental Illness

The CIT program, organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, began in Memphis in the 1980s following the police-involved shooting of a mentally ill man and has now been implemented in more than 2,700 police departments around the U.S. Still, thats only 15% of the countrys 18,000 law enforcement agencies.

Most officers dont have specialized training or experience, says Laura Usher, a manager of criminal justice and advocacy at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She says that she increasingly hears from police departments who say theyre dealing with more and more suspects who are mentally unstable, but officers are often unprepared to handle those calls. Standard training doesnt really equip [officers] to deal with mental health crises effectively, Usher says.

Even among those who have been trained it can be difficult to know how and when to use that training in the field, says Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum. Police are frequently the first ones to interact with those on the street who have mental health issues, Wexler says. One area that is lacking is the integration of police tactics with crisis intervention skills. Both are necessary to successfully defuse conflict situations.

Police officials in California, though, questioned whether mental health training wouldve helped in this situation at all. Ed Obayashi, a sheriffs deputy and legal advisor in Plumas County, Calif., told the Los Angeles Times: When those hands come up in a shooting stance, the officer wouldnt have time to assess whether what is in the hands is a gun.  Almost immediately, the officer sees the hands flash up into a shooting stance, he must react. A second will be too late if its a firearm.

Its unclear whether any of the officers within the El Cajon Police Department have gone through mental health training. Usher says she has no record that the El Cajon Police Department took part in the CIT program. The department, which oversees a city of roughly 100,000 in San Diego County, did not respond to requests for comment.
A teenage gunman who cops say opened fire at an elementary school in South Carolina, wounding three, is believed to have called his own grandmother in tears before authorities arrived on Wednesday.

The unidentified 14-year-old boy is believed to have killed his own father at their home in Townville before heading to the elementary school, where he allegedly shot two students and a teacher.

Read: Deaf Teen Shot Dead Despite Friend's Pleas to Gunman: 'We Can't Hear You'

Before any further carnage could unfold, authorities say a veteran firefighter was able to stop the teen and become a hero to the rural southern town.

That firefighter, Jamie Brock, who's been with the Townville Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, "just took him down" according to Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper.

"[He] wants to remain humble and quiet about it," Scott Stoller with Anderson County Emergency Management told the AP. "[He believes] he did nothing any of the other volunteer firefighters wouldn't have done."

Before Brock tackled the suspect, authorities say the teen called his grandmother on the phone.

Unable to understand what her sobbing grandson was talking about, the grandmother reportedly walked to her son's home, where she found him dead.

The teen's father has been identified as 47-year-old Jeffrey Osborne.

After allegedly killing his dad, the teenage suspect then went to the school and opened fire at about 1:45 p.m., authorities said.

The initial 911 call came from a teacher at Townville Elementary who said an armed male was on campus and had shot a student, according to Taylor Jones, emergency services director for Anderson County.

Read: Protesters Swarm Charlotte Streets As Police Defend Fatal Shooting of Black Man

A female teacher leading her students inside was shot in the shoulder, a boy was shot in the foot and another male student was shot in the leg, Sheriffs Office Capt. Garland Major said at an evening press conference.

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A Greenville hospital spokeswoman identified one of the wounded boys as Jacob Hall and said he remains in critical condition. His parents, Rodger and Renae Hall, thanked the community for its support, but asked in a statement for privacy.

Local media reports said the boy was 6, but authorities did not release the ages of the injured students. The teacher was not identified.

The shooter was taken into custody without incident and within a matter of minutes, officials said.

Local reports said the shooter was 14 and may be charged as juvenile.

Watch: How to Use a Folding Chair to Barricade the Door During a School Shooting

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OMAHA  A new national cemetery for veterans in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa opened Tuesday with a service for four men who had served in the military.

The ashes of the four veterans were buried with full military honors at the new Omaha National Cemetery. One deceased military member was chosen from each service branch.

They were Marine Cpl. John "Frank" Ernst of Omaha, Army Spc. Michael Brabec of Fremont, Air Force Sgt. James Edgell of Council Bluffs and Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Russell Rosberg of Omaha.

Cemetery Director Cindy Van Bibber said the headstones will represent the veterans' sacrifices.

"We celebrate the fact that the Omaha National Cemetery is here and its operating," said Bibber. "Long after we're gone, these headstones will still be here, representing the sacrifices these people made."

In the early 2000s, Bellevue businessmen Steve Johnson and John Richard Thompson started a group called Memorial Ridge of the Midlands to lobby federal, state and local officials for a cemetery in Sarpy County. The effort took longer than expected and also required legislation in Congress.

Bibber said the cemetery is expected to accommodate the burials of Nebraska and Iowa veterans and their spouses.

She said there is still work to be done which will include a permanent headquarters, maintenance and honor-guard buildings, a visitor's center and the first 5,500 sites for casketed and cremated remains.

Families have sent requests for more than 220 deceased veterans to be buried in the cemetery, according to Bibber. More burials are scheduled for Thursday and Friday. As many as five funerals can be held each day.
The Smithsonian Institution museums that dot the National Mall in Washington, D.C. memorialize a certain version of American history. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened earlier this month, is now a part of that official narrative. It recounts black history in the United States, and in doing so, presents a narrative about the story of America.

The story of the African American is so central to Americas definition of itself, its notions of freedom and citizenship. I would never say this is more important than another story, but I would say if you really want to understand America, this is the lens through which to look, Lonnie Bunch, the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, told Ta-Nehisi Coates at the Washington Ideas Forum, presented by The Atlantic and the Aspen Institute. The new museum provides a deeply rich look at African American culture and history, really looking at it, and allowing America to confront its tortured racial past, Bunch said, adding that at the same time, it really is saying, this is the story of us all.

The question of how the new museum fits into the mosaic of Smithsonian museumsand more broadly, how black history informs American historyis complex. How did you reconcile the notion that African American history in and of itself deserves its own specific place, as opposed to being integrated into the broader history of America? Coates asked. Being at the Museum of American history, I realized that one building couldn't tell the story, that even if we integrated pieces in, which was really important for us to do, there was so much of the context that would be left out. But I also worried about creating a separate museum for black people by black people, Bunch replied. What we did was realize that  this was a museum that used a particular culture as a lens to better understand what it means to be an American.

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Recommended: 'That Makes Me Smart' vs. 'They Don't Pay'

There is an inevitable tension to the idea that the Smithsonian Institution, which is administered by the federal government, runs a museum dedicated to black history. Coates asked Bunch what it means to tell the African American story through the Smithsonian, through the auspices of the federal government, given what the federal governments relationship often has been to African American people. Bunch acknowledged the tension, saying: We have said to everybody that works with us, the key to surviving in this museum is tension, is to understanding and to play out that tension.

Whatever the potential pitfalls, there are undoubtedly advantages to running a museum that will benefit from the visibility and reputation of the Smithsonian Institution. Still, Coates asked, how do we get white people to come to this museum? Bunch noted that the institution has a benefit that you dont have if youre an African American museum in Chicago or New York and that is that were the Smithsonian. He added: The fact is that people come to the Smithsonian, regardless of race.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Amanda Knox has emerged from seclusion, appearing on Good Morning America Thursday to promote a new Netflix documentary about her notorious murder trial in Italy.

Read: American Sisters Found Dead in Their Villa at Luxury Resort

The 29-year-old is doing some serious soul-searching, saying in the forthcoming documentary, Amanda Knox: If Im guilty it means that I am the ultimate figure to fear because Im not the obvious one. If Im innocent it means that everyone's vulnerable.

Speaking on GMA, she said: I'm trying to explain what it feels like to be wrongfully convicted that a regular person could be caught up in this horrible nightmare where they are portrayed as something they are not.

The documentary also features her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, who was accused alongside her in the 2007 murder of her British roommate, Meredith Kercher.

I knew her for just five days, he claims in the film.

The couple was notoriously photographed kissing outside the crime scene shortly after Kercher was found dead.

Knox is now living back home in her native Seattle. She works for The West Seattle Herald, writing a weekly column called "Amanda's View".

Her latest column is all about moving in with her boyfriend, author Christopher Robinson.

"Our intimacy advanced to the point that we decided to join forces, Knox wrote.

She told GMA: I'm redeveloping my relationship with the world where I am not being hunted down.

She says she plans to devote her life to helping others who have been wrongly accused.

I can't go back to my life, it's our moral duty to re-examine the cases of wrongfully convicted people from the perspective of their humanity, she said on GMA. I have healed because other exonerees have reached out to me  it's my turn to help them.

Read: Alleged Teen Gunman Sobbed In Call To Grandmother Before Hero Firefighter 'Took Him Down': Officials

Knox was charged with convicted of killing Kercher and faced a 26-year prison sentence for the crime. In 2011, the conviction was overturned and she was freed.

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In a final appeal in 2015, Knox and Sollecito were exonerated.

Watch: Former O.J. Prosecutor Chris Darden Says Famous Case Still Haunts Him: 'It Was a Mistake'

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The Federal Court has ruled in favor of American Express Co. AXP, which was accused of prohibiting merchants from promoting the use of credit cards that come with a lower processing fee. The decision reverted a lower courts 2015 ruling which stated that such restrictions violated the federal antitrust law. It also stated that the higher fee charged by the company goes toward providing superior benefits to its card holders.



This implies that American Express will be able to stop merchants from steering customers to use cards that charge them lower transaction fees.



The allegation dates back to 2010, when the Department o Justice and 17 states of the U.S. had sued the company, along with two other dominant players of the industry, MasterCard Inc. MA and Visa Inc. V, alleging a breach of antitrust law and manipulation of policies in a way that prohibited merchants from promoting the use of credit cards with a lower processing fee.



The friction between American Express and merchants stemmed from a higher swipe fee changed by the former. This led to hidden costs for merchants in the form of higher prices.

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Although MasterCard and Visa had long settled issues by allowing higher discounts on cheaper cards and reducing merchant discount rates, American Express has been fighting the litigation as it believed that such government remedies are complex and non-beneficial for consumers and will create an anti-competitive environment. The company also justified its position by reinstating that its premium card services warrant higher processing fees.



However, the DoJ accused American Express of being guilty of imposing card fee practices that are unhealthy and detrimental to both market competition and merchants.



Though the Federal Court has backed American Express, the DoJ can appeal the ruling at a later date.

Merchants have been financially stressed by card networks, who charge over $50 billion as card-interchange fees annually, as per government records. Credit card interchange fees have been gaining a lot of attention not only in the U.S. but also in Europe and Russia, where MasterCard and Visa have faced regulatory challenges and conformed to new compliances in order to operate in foreign territories.

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This ruling has bought a bit of relief to the company which was bothered by a number of headwinds such as termination of contract with its major client Coscto this year and loss of other co-branding deals with JetBlue.



American Express carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in this space is CIT Group Inc. CIT, which saw a 1.2% rise in its 2016 Zacks Consensus Estimate to $3.22 earnings per share over the past 60 days. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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On Sep 29, American Tower Corporation AMTwas upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Wireless operators have been actively participating in the FCC's spectrum auction (600 Mhz) to drive investments in 5G networks. Notably, Verizon Communications Inc. VZ plans to launch 5G network next year while carriers like AT&T Inc. T and T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS have hinted at a launch before 2020. We believe that increased investment in 5G will boost demand for tower and cell sites of American Towers, thereby driving its top line in the days ahead.

Sustainable Revenues

AmericanTowergenerates most of its revenues from long-term (typically 510 year) tower leases with major wireless carriers. In addition, the company provides on-site maintenance and servicing of antennas, amplifiers, and base station equipment. Since moving equipment from one tower to another is cumbersome, carriers normally renew these contracts upon expiration. This generates a strong long-term lease up-cycle. The revenues generated from leasing and management of such networks is remarkable and over 95% is recurring in nature.

Focus on India

AmericanTower has a specific focus on India. Last year, the company acquired controlling interest in Viom Networks Ltd. which increased the tower count in India. The acquisition will help build deeper ties with mobile network operators such as Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Tata, Reliance and Aircel. Notably, Viom Networks operates around 42,000 towers, supporting nearly 100,000 tenancies. Interestingly, India is a lucrative market for wireless tower operators. Moreover, American Tower owns more than 10,000 towers in the country apart from Vioms towers.

A Word of Caution

Customer concentration is very high for American Tower and the top four customers account for majority of the revenues. Any loss or consolidation among these wireless carriers will have a significant material impact on the companys top line.

Story continues

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United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Sudanese government forces used suspected chemical weapons in a mountainous area of war-torn Darfur, killing scores of children and civilians, rights group Amnesty International charged on Thursday.

More than 30 such attacks are believed to have been carried out on several villages as part of a massive military campaign against rebels in Darfur's Jebel Marra between January and September, Amnesty said in a report.

The group said its investigation "has gathered horrific evidence of the repeated use of what are believed to be chemical weapons against civilians, including very young children, by Sudanese government forces in one of the most remote regions of Darfur over the past eight months".

"Between 200 and 250 people may have died as a result of exposure to the chemical weapons agents, with many or most being children."

Amnesty said government forces also carried out "indiscriminate bombing of civilians... unlawful killing of men, women and children and the abduction and rape of women" in Jebel Marra, home to Darfur's most fertile land.

The nearly 100-page report contains gruesome photographs of children suffering from apparent chemical burns, satellite images of destroyed villages and displaced people, interviews with more than 200 survivors, and analysis by chemical weapons experts.

Amnesty said the attacks were part of a military operation against the rebel Sudan Liberation Army - Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) group, which Khartoum accuses of ambushing military convoys and attacking civilians.

Up to 194,000 people have been displaced in Jebel Marra since mid-January due to fighting between the two sides, the United Nations says.

Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Dahab, rejected Amnesty's report as "baseless and fabricated".

"The ultimate objective of such wild accusation is to steer confusion in the ongoing processes aimed at deepening peace and stability... in Sudan," he said in a statement.

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"The situation on the ground does not need intensive bombing as there is no real presence of rebels anymore," army spokesman Brigadier Ahmed Khalifa a-Shami told AFP.

- 'War Crime' -

Amnesty's crisis research director Tirana Hassan said tens of thousands of people had been driven from their homes since the air and ground campaign began in January in Jebel Marra -- the homeland of the ethnic Fur tribe.

"The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution," she said in a statement.

"Their sweeping rejection of the evidence only underscores the need for the UN Security Council to investigate what has every sign of being a war crime," Hassan said in a separate statement late on Thursday.

Sudan, which was slapped with US trade sanctions in 1997, is a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Darfur has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since 2003 when ethnic minority groups took up arms against President Omar al-Bashir's Arab-dominated government, which launched a brutal counter-insurgency.

At least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced, the United Nations says.

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes and genocide charges related to Darfur, which he denies.

Sudan insists that the conflict in Darfur has ended, and it wants UN peacekeepers who have been deployed in the region the size of France since 2007 to leave.

- 'Horrific burns' --

Amnesty said at least 32 villages in Jebel Marra were attacked with bombs and rockets containing chemicals.

"Many photos show young children covered in lesions and blisters. Some were unable to breath and vomiting blood," Hassan said.

She added that there had been "horrific burns and skin reactions to the agents... and some of the first responders and caregivers have told us that even when they touch the skin, it actually falls off in large chunks."

The rights group said experts had concluded the victims were exposed to vesicants, or blister agents, such as sulfur mustard, lewisite or nitrogen mustard.

"When (the bomb) fell there were some flames and then dark smoke," a woman who survived an attack with her baby was quoted as saying in the report.

She said the bombing had caused vomiting, dizziness, skin problems and headaches.

"The baby is not recovering... he is swollen... he has blisters and wounds."

Amnesty urged Sudan to allow humanitarian workers and UN forces immediate access to Jebel Marra.

Darfur "has been stuck in a catastrophic cycle of violence for more than 13 years. Nothing has changed except that the world has stopped watching", Hassan said.
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Sudan's government has carried out at least 30 likely chemical weapons attacks in the Jebel Marra area of Darfur since January using what two experts concluded was a probable blister agent, Amnesty International said on Thursday. The rights group estimated that up to 250 people may have died as a result of exposure to the chemical weapons agents. The most recent attack occurred on Sept. 9 and Amnesty said its investigation was based on satellite imagery, more than 200 interviews and expert analysis of images showing injuries. "The use of chemical weapons is a war crime. The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution," said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International's director of Crisis Research. Sudanese U.N. Ambassador Omer Dahab Fadl Mohamed said in a statement that the Amnesty report was "utterly unfounded" and that Sudan does not possess any type of chemical weapons. "The allegations of use of chemical weapons by Sudanese Armed Forces is baseless and fabricated. The ultimate objective of such wild accusation, is to steer confusion in the on-going processes aimed at deepening peace and stability and enhancing economic development and social cohesion in Sudan," he said. Amnesty said it had presented its findings to two independent chemical weapons experts. "Both concluded that the evidence strongly suggested exposure to vesicants, or blister agents, such as the chemical warfare agents sulfur mustard, lewisite or nitrogen mustard," Amnesty said in a statement. Sudan joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1999 under which members agree to never use toxic arms. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in the Hague, which oversees adherence to the treaty, said in a reaction it would examine the Amnesty report "and all other available relevant information." The organization's executive council is due to meet Oct. 11-14. A joint African Union-United Nations force, known as UNAMID, has been stationed in Darfur since 2007. Security remains fragile in Darfur, where mainly non-Arab tribes have been fighting the Arab-led government in Khartoum, and the government is struggling to control rural areas. Some 300,000 people have been killed in Darfur since the conflict began in 2003, the U.N. says, while 4.4 million people need aid and over 2.5 million have been displaced. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in 2009 and 2010 on charges of war crimes and genocide in his drive to crush the Darfur revolt. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Tom Brown)
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Global miner Anglo American (AAL.L) on Thursday said it had opened talks with workers and unions on a proposal to cut 90 jobs at its Capcoal coking coal mine in Australia, where industrial work stoppages have been underway since August.

Anglo American, in the process of selling off its coal mining business in Australia to pay debt, said consultation was needed to "address a challenging commercial environment and unplanned delays to production", despite increases in coal prices.

Coking coal prices have more than doubled since January, with traders on Thursday quoting spot prices of around $200 a tonne. The last time coal prices were this high was 2012, when flooding cut off a third of the world's supply from Australia.

The 6-million-tonnes-per-year Capcoal colliery has been operating at reduced production levels since mid-August as both sides sought unsuccessfully to reach a settlement on a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

Glenn Power, vice president of the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union called on Anglo American to immediately retract its position.

(Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Michael Perry)
By Anthony Breznican, Entertainment Weekly

Watching this roughly minute-long Indiana Jones cartoon, its easy to get your hopes up. Is this a show? quickly becomes This is a show!, which then leads to: When is this on?

But for now, this is it.

Years ago, artist and animator Patrick Schoenmaker was commissioned by Lucasfilm and ACME Archives to craft an illustration of Harrison Ford as the scholar with a knack for getting in over his fedora. That led the artist to embark on an unsanctioned quest to craft a proof of concept snippet of animation for what hes calling The Indiana Jones Adventures.

The clip above, which Schoenmaker says took him and a handful of assistants five years to create, would serve as a kind of opening credits sequence for such a show, if Lucasfilm ever decided to make it. The company confirms that this is not an official project of theirs. (Bias alert: This short is incredible. Lucasfilm, please make this.)

SEE ALSO:

Within that minute of footage, you can spot a number of classic characters: Short Round, Marion Ravenwood, and Marcus Got-Lost-in-His-Own-Museum Brody. EW reached out for additional comment from Schoenmaker, whose other credits include the 2015 short Bingo! and layout artist work for the Oscar-nominated The Secret of Kells.

Schoenmaker tells EW that Lucasfilm hasnt blessed or cursed his efforts. No, Ive not been contacted by Lucasfilm about developing this into a full series, neither have they asked me to stop working on my Indy project. Generally, Lucasfilm really encourages fans to expand the universes of their franchises with fan art. They even have fan art competitions from time to time, so I believe they really appreciate it if the fans are involved.

Heres a character model sheet for the show, one of many pieces of concept art, which Schoenmaker featured on his blog. As you can see, there are a few other characters who didnt make the animated short, such as Indys father (played in The Last Crusade by Sean Connery.)

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Schoenmaker says he and a friend began writing these characters into broader scripts for a whole season of TV, but backed off that plan. We decided it would be a step too far. It was more efficient to focus on the short, that was enough work on its own. The designs were done to get a broader feeling for the world of Indiana Jones, he says. When I was still developing the concept, I had ideas for settings that would bring us more familiar characters, but I aimed for a 1-minute piece to keep things manageable, so I had to cut certain scenes.

Originally, he said he started the project to fill the Indy void left after 2008s Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Now, of course, Steven Spielberg and Ford have announced plans for a fifth Indiana Jones movie, which would shoot in 2018 and be released July 19, 2019.

That doesnt necessarily kill the possibility of an Indy cartoon. Even with annual Star Wars films hitting theaters, Lucasfilm has delved into the TV market with producer Dave Filonis Disney XD animated series Rebels, which tells stories from the galaxy beyond the ones on the big screen.

George Lucas himself tried the TV series route for his intrepid archaeologist in the early 1990s  The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, which starred Sean Patrick Flannery as a teenage-era Indy, Corey Carrier as a child Indy, and George Walls as an elderly Indy in the present day.

Ford even did a guest spot in one episode as a framing device, but an animated Indiana Jones has never been tried.

Robert Iger, CEO of Lucasfilm parent The Walt Disney Co., recently told investors hed like to see the character and franchise continue in some capacity. Some have speculated about a new, younger actor taking over the part, but that has been met with an equal amount of backlash.

Maybe animation is the way for Indiana Jones to live forever, in the spirit of Ford and Spielberg, without aid of any replacements or supernatural artifacts.

Unless Lucasfilm picks up the torch, there wont be any more from Schoenmaker.

For me personally, this is where it ends for now. Ive been working on this in my spare time for over five years, he says. As long as that sounds for such a short film, animation is really a lot of work. So doing a full short, or better yet, a pilot episode would just be madness. I love the character dearly, so Im pretty sure Ill make some more Indy art in the future, but when it comes to animation, this is really the most I could do.

For more Indiana Jones news, follow @Breznican.
AOL co-founder and former CEO Steve Case has steered away from the political fray over the course of his 30-year career by focusing more on policy and less on the political climate in Washington.

But in a Washington Post op-ed, Case explained why he decided to endorse Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton by saying, I have concluded that I cannot sit on the sidelines this year. At this pivotal time, the choice is too important.

During an interview with FOX Business Networks Countdown to the Closing Bell, Case said Clinton has a better plan to move the country forward than Donald Trump.

We need to make sure we do everything we can to remain the most innovative entrepreneurial nation. I just concluded that the policies Hillary Clinton was putting forth, the specific around those policies, were the right direction, he said.

While he respects Trump as a business leader, Case said the Republican presidential nominee hasnt provided a clear plan on what he would do for innovation, technology issues and job creation in order to move the country forward. The Third Wave author said he waited several months for the Trump campaign to lay out a convincing plan before making his decision.

I concluded probably a couple months ago, that I thought she would be better than Trump on these innovations, technology, jobs, startup kind of issues, Case told FBN host Liz Claman.

According to Case, Clintons immigration policy and recognition of entrepreneurship across the country, which he calls the Rise of the Rest, is best framework for America.

I think she is right on immigration in terms of trying to attract talent here so we can really create the next generation of companies. 40% of our Fortune 500 companies for example are started by immigrants.

Case said Trumps immigration policy will make it much more difficult to attract entrepreneurial talent from abroad.

I dont think we need to build a wall. We really need to create a magnet so people come from all over the world to try to create companies here that can create jobs here, not just in a few places like New York and California, but all around the country, Case said.

Related Articles
selman design for the intercept

Apple promises that your iMessage conversations are safe and out of reach from anyone other than you and your friends. But according to a document obtained by The Intercept, your blue-bubbled texts do leave behind a log of which phone numbers you are poised to contact and shares this (and other potentially sensitive metadata) with law enforcement when compelled by court order.

Every time you type a number into your iPhone for a text conversation, the Messages app contacts Apple servers to determine whether to route a given message over the ubiquitous SMS system, represented in the app by those declasse green text bubbles, or over Apples proprietary and more secure messaging network, represented by pleasant blue bubbles, according to the document. Apple records each query in which your phone calls home to see whos in the iMessage system and whos not.

This log also includes the date and time when you entered a number, along with your IP address  which could, contrary to a 2013 Apple claim that we do not store data related to customers location, identify a customers location. Apple is compelled to turn over such information via court orders for of systems known as pen registers or tap and trace devices, orders that are not particularly onerous to obtain, requiring only that a government lawyer represent they are likely to obtain information whose use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation. Apple confirmed to The Intercept that it only retains these logs for a period of 30 days, though court orders of this kind can typically be extended in additional 30-day periods, meaning a series of monthlong log snapshots from Apple could be strung together by police to create a longer list of whose numbers someone has been entering.

The Intercept received the document about Apples Messages logs as part of a larger cache originating from within the Florida Department of Law Enforcements Electronic Surveillance Support Team, a state police agency that facilitates police data collection using controversial tools like the Stingray, along with conventional techniques like pen registers. The document, titled iMessage FAQ for Law Enforcement, is designated for Law Enforcement Sources and For Official Use Only, though its unclear who wrote it or for what specific audience  metadata embedded in the PDF cites an author only named mrrodriguez. (The term iMessages refers to an old name for the Messages app, a name still commonly used to refer to it.)

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Phone companies routinely hand over metadata about calls to law enforcement in response to pen register warrants. But its noteworthy that Apple is able to provide information on iMessage contacts under such warrants given that Apple and others have positioned the messaging platform as a particularly secure alternative to regular texting.

The document like a fairly standard overview that one might forward to a clueless parent (questions include How does it work? and Does iMessage use my cellular data plan?), until the final section, What will I get if I serve Apple with a [Pen Register/Tap and Trace] court order for an iMessage account?:

This is a lot of bullet points to say one thing: Apple maintains a log of phone numbers youve entered into Messages, and potentially elsewhere on an Apple device, like the Contacts app, even if you never end up communicating with those people. The document implies that Messages transmits these numbers to Apple when you open a new chat window and select a contact or number with whom to communicate, but its unclear exactly when these queries are triggered, and how oftenan Apple spokesperson confirmed only that the logging information in the iMessage FAQ is generally accurate, but declined to elaborate on the record.

SelmanDesign-TheIntercept-iMessage-biggest



(Illustration: Selman Design for The Intercept)

Apple provided the following statement:

When law enforcement presents us with a valid subpoena or court order, we provide the requested information if it is in our possession. Because iMessage is encrypted end-to-end, we do not have access to the contents of those communications. In some cases, we are able to provide data from server logs that are generated from customers accessing certain apps on their devices. We work closely with law enforcement to help them understand what we can provide and make clear these query logs dont contain the contents of conversations or prove that any communication actually took place.

And its true, based on the sample information provided in the FAQ, that Apple doesnt appear to provide any indication whatsoever that an iMessage conversation took place. But a list of the people you choose to associate with can be just as sensitive as your messages with those people. It requires little stretching of the imagination to come up with a scenario in which the fact that you swapped numbers with someone at some point in the past could be construed as incriminating or compromising.

Andrew Crocker, an attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the document prompted further questions:

How often are lookups performed? Does opening [an iMessage] thread cause a lookup? Why is Apple retaining this information?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement did not return a request for comment.

The fact that Apple is able and willing to help the government map the communications networks of its users doesnt necessarily undermine the companys posturing (and record) as a guardian of privacy, though this leaked document provides more detail about how the iMessages system can be monitored than has been volunteered in the past. Ideally, customers wouldnt need to read documents marked For Official Use Only in order to know what information Apple may or may not disclose to the police. In a section of its website devoted to touting the privacy safeguards in its products, Apple claims that your iMessages and FaceTime calls are your business, not ours Unlike other companies messaging services, Apple doesnt scan your communications, and we wouldnt be able to comply with a wiretap order even if we wanted to.

In 2013, after Apple was revealed to be among the tech companies caught up in an NSA surveillance program known as PRISM, which tapped into customer information on the central servers of nine leading internet companies, the company released a rare statement regarding its commitment to customer privacy, insisting that it would be unable to share sensitive customer data even if it wanted to:

For example, conversations which take place over iMessage and FaceTime are protected by end-to-end encryption so no one but the sender and receiver can see or read them. Apple cannot decrypt that data. Similarly, we do not store data related to customers location, Map searches or Siri requests in any identifiable form.

Questions of how much Apple could or would aid police if asked vaulted back into headlines following the mass shooting in San Bernardino last year, which left the FBI in possession of the shooters iPhone, which it was unable initially to decrypt. Apple balked at demands that it help crack the phone, allowing it to enjoy a reputation as not just a maker of expensive electronics, but a determined privacy advocate. We need more technology companies that are willing to take public, principled stands in defense of our private lives, but these same companies should follow through with technical transparency, not just statements.

Sign up for The Intercept Newsletter here.

The post Apple Logs Your iMessage Contacts  and May Share Them with Police appeared first on The Intercept.
Travelers are urged to join airline frequent flier programs with the promise of getting perks and free flights down the road. But while earning status on an airline seems like a great idea, it quickly becomes clear that seeing any real benefits is going to take timeand a lot of money.

So is all of that loyalty really worth it? Or would flying be better if travelers just picked the airline with the cheapest airfare?

That question was a hot topic during a panel discussion with The Points Guy Brian Kelly, and Airfare Watchdog founder George Hobica, at Skifts 2016 Global Travel Forum. Both men have made a living sharing travel advice and tips with travelers, but they had very different views on the current status of airline loyalty programs.

Is your loyalty being returned?

Its no secret that airline loyalty programs are changing. The days of acquiring points based on distance flown are past, with more airlines now rewarding points based on the amount of money a traveler spends. In fact, American Airlines (AAL) switched over to revenue-based awards programs in July. Delta (DAL) and (UAL) a similar switch in 2015. This model makes it harder for regular travelers to earn perks, while offering more benefits to high-spending business-class travelers.

Airfare Watchdog is an online resource that helps travelers find cheap airfare. At the forum, Hobica announced he recently gave up the chance to earn a higher status on American Airlines because he was able to spend $300 less, per ticket, on another airline. He didnt want to invest in a program that doesnt give him much in return.

Why should I be loyal to American? Hobica said. From now on, Im going to shop for the best deal.

Kelly didnt agree. People always say how bad frequent flier programs are, but I think our programs are really lucrative, he countered. I think in the US were just so used to them being insanely lucrative and now they are less so. But there is no culture of free upgrades in Asia and Europe. So I dont think its doomsday if we dont get something we didnt pay for.

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Brian Kelly (center) and George Hobica (right) discuss the relevance of airline loyalty programs.

While Kelly makes a valid point, it seems some consumers are feeling disenchanted with programs and their ever-changing rules concerning how travelers earn miles or reach status. According to U.S. News and World Report, American Airlines was the second-most popular frequent flier program in 2015. After switching to a revenue-based program, the airline dropped to seventh on 2016s list, which was released in August.

When it comes to airlines giving travelers the best quality, Alaska Airlines (ALK) topped the ranking, due in large part to the fact that its program still uses a distance-based rewards model. The Alaska Airlines program is also a member of several carrier alliances (OneWorld and Skyteam), so travelers have more freedom to transfer miles to other airlines.

JetBlues (JBLU) TrueBlue loyalty program was a close second, which Kelly attributes to its simplicity. Jetblue is adding to their program. They arent promising free upgrades, but they are promising better experiences, enhanced earning, change flexibility, and same-day confirmations, he said.

Southwests Rapid Rewards Program wrapped up the top three, being labeled as the program most beneficial for budget-minded travelers.

What about those credit cards?

Airlines spend a lot of time and money trying to gain customer loyalty. Personally, I get a flyer from an airline almost every day in the mail, offering me a credit card and promising bonus miles in the airlines loyalty program if I sign up. The same credit cards are offered to me at the airport and even on the plane during flight attendant announcements.

The offers are certainly tempting: I mean, who doesnt want a free ticket to a far-off destination? But getting those rewards typically requires card users to spend thousands of dollars in a short amount of time, which Hobica says can lead consumers to spend recklessly in order to earn travel perks.

I think the people who get those credit cards and spend $3,000 or $4,000 in a few months, they probably buy stuff that they dont really want, and the banks know that, he said. In other words, travelers are overspending to earn a free plane ticket, instead of budgeting their money to pay for a trip when they can actually afford it.

On the other hand, Kelly says the most popular stories on his website are those centered around how to get the most out of credit card perks. He is adamant that customers can benefit from the spending as long as they know the rules.

I disagree that consumers are racking up debt, Kelly said. These cards are good for smart consumers, and were able to educate credit card holders on benefits of the card in ways to maximize the points.

The conservation quickly turned to the new Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which is being touted by many as the best travel credit card on the market. This is the one time Kelly suggested that straying from frequent flier programs and opting for a bank credit card could be better for consumers because they are less restrictive.

Why would you put money on an airline card? When youre investing into one program, youre overexposing yourself to risk when that program inevitably makes changes, he said.

Verdict

Unfortunately, there isnt a clear cut answer on this one.

I think frequent flier programs have outlived their usefulness, Hobica said. Theyre expensive to administer for the banks, for the airlines, and I dont think they provide the value that they did when they were founded.

For Kelly, the rewards far outweigh the risks.

I think frequent flier programs are the greatest loyalty marketing instrument ever created. They drive business, they drive jobs, theyre good for consumers when you know how to use them, he said. I dont see a doomsday scenario approaching, they are too much of a big business.

Where do you stand? Do you think frequent flier programs are worth your time and money?

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

Read more:

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Low on cash? Now there is layaway for airline tickets

They quit their jobs to visit all 59 National Parks in one year
PARIS (Reuters) - French nuclear group Areva said on Thursday it has won contracts worth over 5 billion euros (4.32 billion) to provide various services at Britain's $24 billion Hinkley Point nuclear project. The deal to build Britain's first new nuclear power station in decades at Hinkley Point was signed behind closed doors in London earlier on Thursday in a private ceremony. Areva said the subcontracts include among others, a long-term fuel supply agreement, and the delivery of the two nuclear steam supply systems, from design and supply to commissioning. The company will also provide material for the fuel fabrication, producing uranium and providing conversion and enrichment services at Hinkley Point. It said the activities will start in early 2020. (Reporting by Bate Felix; editing by John Irish)
Madrid (AFP) - International tourism grew 4.0 percent in the first half of this year, with Asia posting the strongest growth, the World Tourism Organisation said Thursday.

At around 561 million, the number of international tourists surged 21 million between January and June compared to the same period a year earlier, the Madrid-based United Nations body said in a statement.

"Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide," UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said in the statement.

Tourist arrivals rose at the fastest rate in the Asia-Pacific region, where numbers were up by nine percent due to "robust intra-regional demand".

Africa, where an outbreak last year of Ebola in West Africa caused tourists to shun travel to the entire continent, posted a five-percent rise in international arrivals, with sub-Saharan African "recovering vigorously" with a 12-percent increase.

In Europe, the world's most-visited region, tourist arrivals grew by three percent.

Growth in western Europe was sluggish, up by just one percent, while northern, central and eastern Europe each recorded five percent more international arrivals.

International arrivals in the Americas were up four percent in the first half of the year, in line with the global average.

People in China, the world's top source market for international tourists, spent 20 percent more on international travel.

In the United States, the world's second largest market, the rise was 8.0 percent, as the strong dollar made foreign travel cheaper.

In 2015, the number of international tourist arrivals grew by 4.4 percent from the previous year, to 1.2 billion.

The UN body said it expects the figure will grow again by 4.0 percent this year.
RACINE  The citys Downtown hotel becomes a Hilton DoubleTree today after an approximately $4 million upgrade.

The former Harbourwalk Hotel Racine, 223 Gaslight Circle, debuts as DoubleTree by Hilton Racine Harbourwalk, one of more than 465 upscale DoubleTree hotels.

Ben Graves, president and CEO of the hotels owner and manager, Graves Hospitality of Minneapolis, had announced the coming conversion of the 121-room hotel to a DoubleTree in August 2015. That marked the end of the hotels 20-year franchise as a Radisson property.

At the same time, Graves announced his company had reached agreement to buy what was then the Chancery restaurant connected with the hotel at 207 Gaslight Circle. Graves converted that waterfront restaurant to the independent Third Coast Wood Fire Pizza & Pub, which opened in early February offering upscale casual foods made from scratch.

DoubleTree by Hilton is one of Hiltons 13 market-leading brands, Graves stated. This brand choice is an absolutely perfect fit for delivering a world-class travel experience to Racine and allows us to provide our guests with the globally renowned services and experiences that define DoubleTree by Hiltons hospitality.

Complete renovation

Graves said the DoubleTree is a lifestyle brand hotel. That is, rather than each one fitting a certain corporate mold and appearance, each DoubleTree has a unique design but is larger than what could be called a boutique hotel.

His company worked with Architectural Alliance of Minneapolis for the 100 percent custom design of the 80,000-square-foot, mostly three-story structure.

The most significant aspect of the remodel, Graves said, is that every surface was changed in some way. The lobby and public areas are appointed with a mix of quartz, granite, marble and beechwood fixtures. Theres not a wall in there that was left original, he said.

Bathrooms were gutted and all tubs were torn out. It was real construction, not just cosmetic changes, Graves added.

The remodel includes all new equipment in the fitness center. The hotels other amenities include the 35-by-12-foot indoor pool, whirlpool, business center and 4,000 square feet of meeting, event and banquet space.

A highly visible new feature of the remodel is the added porte-cochere, or covered entryway. DoubleTrees typically have that structure, Graves said, but it was also built to signify the substantial changes within.

The Downtown hotels clientele generally consists of 70 to 80 percent business travelers and 20 to 30 percent leisure, Graves said, although leisure visits increase in the summer.

Graves Hospitality has developed more than 100 hotels and restaurants as well as residential and other commercial properties. Many of those hotels were sold to others, although the Harbourwalk/now DoubleTree is among those that were kept in the Graves property portfolio.

For more information call (262) 632-7777 or visit doubletree.com.
On Sep 28, we issued an updated research report on athenahealth Inc. ATHN. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



We believe that an impressive product portfolio and a growing physician base continue to serve as the key positives for the company. On the other hand, lack of enterprise-sized deals, winding up of government-funded stimulus and increasing competition pose as major headwinds.



The unique business model of athenahealth makes it a strong provider of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) services to small physician practices. The Software as a Service (SaaS) based approach allows for a lower-cost and more flexible delivery mechanism that is expected to help athenahealth win deals.



In our opinion, athenahealth will continue to benefit from its extensive athenaCollector client base. Its EHR product is a key player in the ambulatory billing market. The companys updated knowledge base gives its customers real time information that no other competitor has exactly replicated. In addition, the Epocrates acquisition is likely to enhance athenahealths user network.



On the macro level, the HITECH Act, which has authorized the EHR Incentive program or the Meaningful Use program, presents significant opportunities for EHR vendors like athenahealth.



However, as the government-sponsored EHR program winds down over the next few years, it will pose a significant problem for athenahealth. The company also lacks adequate alignment with hospitals, which prevents it from getting enterprise-sized deals.



We feel athenahealths long-term goal of 30% top-line growth is challenging, given the consolidation trend among small physician practices.



Stocks to Consider



Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical sector are CryoLife Inc. CRY, IDEXX Laboratories Inc. IDXX and Masimo Corporation MASI. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



CryoLife recorded an impressive year-to-date return of 65.4%, better than the S&P 500s 6.2% over the same time frame. In fact, the company posted positive earnings surprises in the last four quarters, the average being 502.50%.



IDEXX represents a strong year-to-date return of 55.5%. The company also recorded a streak of positive earnings surprises over the last four quarters, the average being 12.7%.



Masimo has an impressive long-term expected earnings growth rate of 15% and a solid year-to-date return of 44.1%.

Story continues

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US defence contractor Lockheed Martin will supply the combat systems for Australia's new fleet of 12 French submarines, Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said Friday.

The Australian arm of the American defence giant defeated US rival Raytheon in a deal to fit out the Aus$50 billion (US$38 billion) vessels.

"Lockheed Martin have won the tender for the combat system integrator role with the submarines," Pyne told reporters, adding that it was worth Aus$1.4 billion dollars.

Australia awarded French contractor DCNS the main contract last April to design and build its next generation of submarines.

The vessels will be a scaled-down, conventionally powered version of France's 4,700-tonne nuclear-fuelled Barracuda.

Australia had also now agreed with DCNS to launch design and mobilisation work with a team heading to Cherbourg, France, while DNCS will boost its presence in Adelaide where the subs will be built.

"It's new jobs for Australians and new investment in our state," Pyne said. "Infrastructure will start being built in 2017."

Pyne said the Lockheed Martin contract will ensure around 200 skilled Australian jobs during the design and build phases while a total of 2,800 jobs will be linked to the overall Shortfin Barracuda programme.

Defence Minister Marise Payne released a statement saying: "By partnering with an Australian-based company with strong links to the US, we will ensure that we get the best Australian and US technology, while ensuring that our sensitive technology is protected."

DCNS last month suffered a major leak of secret data on its Scorpene subs supplied to the Indian navy.

But Pyne rebuffed concerns telling reporters: "We are absolutely comfortable around the security of our plans, designs and the build."

"We've made it very clear... certainly from the department of defence to the French government, that the very strict security arrangements we have over the Collins class submarines that satisfy both us and the United States will be in place for the Australian-designed new submarines."

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The Barracudas are to replace Australia's ageing diesel and electric-powered Collins submarines.

France's Minister of Defence, Jean-Yves Le Drian, and the boss of DCNS both welcomed the decision.

Herve Guillou, DCNS chief executive, said: "DCNS is looking forward to a strategic and sustainable partnership with the Commonwealth of Australia, Lockheed Martin and Australian industry."

He added: "DCNS is committed to ensuring that Australia has a regionally superior submarine constructed in Adelaide and develops a sovereign naval industry."
By Colin Packham

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia has selected U.S. defence company Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) as its preferred bidder to supply the combat system for its new $38 billion fleet of submarines, the country's defence industry minister said on Friday.

Lockheed Martin beat out competition from U.S. rival Raytheon Co (RTN.N), which built the system for Australia's existing Collins-class submarines.

Australia chose French naval contractor DCNS Group in April to build 12 new submarines in a deal worth A$50 billion (29.47 billion) - one of the world's most lucrative defence contacts.

France beat out offers from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine (TKAG.DE) and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries .

Japan's bid had been seen as an early frontrunner, helped by a view that the United States wanted to cement security ties between regional allies Japan and Australia to counter China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and beyond.

The decision to select Lockheed Martin will see Australia share the same weapons system provider as the U.S. Navy, offering greater interoperability between the two allies.

"By partnering with an Australian-based company with strong links to the United States, we will ensure that we get the best Australian and U.S. technology, while ensuring that our sensitive technology is protected," Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said in a statement.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Pyne also announced Australia had signed the first contract with DCNS to commence the design work for the new submarines.

DCNS, which is 35 percent-owned by defence electronics giant Thales SA (TCFP.PA), was criticised last month after more than 22,000 pages outlining details relating to submarines it is building for India were published in an Australian newspaper.

The leak sparked concerns about DCNS's ability to protect sensitive data and drawing a warning from Australian defence officials.

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The new fleet of submarines is a key element of Australia's increased defence spending, which will rise to A$195 billion, or 2 percent of GDP, by 2021-2022.

In addition to the submarines, Australia is buying new equipment including frigates, armoured personnel carriers, strike fighter jets and drones.

But Canberra's defence plans have riled Beijing, with the Foreign Ministry expressing "dissatisfaction" with Australia's "negative" remarks on the South China Sea and its military development.

(Editing by Lincoln Feast)
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In the wake of an unprecedented blackout that cut off an entire Australian state from electricity on Wednesday into Thursday, some politicians are vilifying renewable power sources, particularly wind turbines.

Had the state of South Australia, which includes Adelaide, a city of 1.2 million, not put so much emphasis on cutting greenhouse gas emissions by adding renewable energy facilities, these leaders say, the blackout during a rare, extreme storm would not have occurred.

Considering the rapid rise in renewables around the world, including the U.S., the political fight that has broken out in Australia is not an issue limited to one nation. In fact, it could foreshadow future fights if blackouts occur in the U.S. or Europe, two areas where renewable energy use has increased recently.

SEE ALSO: Extreme storm knocks out power to entirety of South Australia

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce told ABC radio that South Australia's reliance on wind power for about 50 percent of its electricity needs, or about 1,000 megawatts, contributed to the statewide blackout.

Obviously we know that South Australia has had a strong desire to become basically all renewable energy and the question has to be asked: Does this make them more vulnerable to an issue such as what happened last night?" Joyce reportedly told a Sydney radio station, according to The Guardian.

Peter Michalak sent in this incredible photo from Redwood Park showing #Adelaide in near-total darkness #SAstormshttps://t.co/7VTK2EMOWK pic.twitter.com/5cSeqISn0w  Greg Barila (@GregBarila) September 28, 2016

If you turn power into just a complete social policy and say, 'well, we are going to save the planet one state at a time,' and in so doing you create vulnerability to your state, so that if it comes under stress with a severe lightning storm, as they did, that this makes it more likely that you will have a total blackout, Joyce said.

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However, ElectraNet, which owns transmission lines in South Australia, said the severe storm  which included powerful winds and tens of thousands of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, damaged three out of the four transmission lines that connect Adelaide with northern parts of South Australia.

In addition, ElectraNet said on its website that 23 transmission towers across the state were damaged, triggering the blackout.

None of the politicians have proposed an explaination for how wind turbines could've caused such a widespread outage, a first in Australia's history, whereas ElectraNet has done so.

23 transmission towers pushed over in SA storms. Electranet says they've had cyclones in Queensland with less damage to the network.  David Bevan (@DavidBevanSA) September 28, 2016

The storm's winds reached more than 60 miles per hour, and nearly 80,000 lightning strikes were recorded in parts of the state.

In South Australia, as in many U.S. states, wind power has replaced so-called baseload power generation stations, like coal-fired plants, which pump a constant supply of electricity into the grid but also emit harmful global warming pollutants like carbon dioxide.

Wind turbines, on the other hand, are clean energy sources, but produce varying amounts of power depending on weather conditions.

South Australia met its target of producing 33 percent of its energy from renewables in 2014, and has set a new target of 50 percent by 2025. The state has invested about $6.6 billion in expanding renewables, according to RenewablesSA, which is a state government initiative aimed at expanding the use of clean-burning energy sources like wind and solar power.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters that the state's aggressive push into renewables may have contributed to the unprecedented statewide blackout.

However, the wind energy industry is pushing back at such criticism, saying the politicians are simply wrong.

Wind was going strong when the network went off and was among the first back on when the network recovered," said Andrew Bray of the Australian Wind Alliance, according to The Australian. The wind power industry says turbines did not cause the blackout.

The failure of the network was a weather event, pure and simple. Extreme weather knocked out 23 transmission pylons. Storms of this magnitude will knock out the power network no matter what the source of power is," Bray told the newspaper.

A federal inquiry is likely to be launched into the cause of the more than 24-hour blackout, which may settle some of the debate going on now. Officials in states with a high reliance on wind power, such as Texas, will be closely watching the developments Down Under.
Japanese pop-metal band Babymetal are set to star in a live-action/animated hybrid series produced by Warner Bros.

The series will follow animated versions of members Yui Mizuno ("Yuimetal"), Suzuka Nakamoto ("Su-metal") and Moa Kikuchi ("Moametal") as they join together to save the metal genre from a lonely god named Kitsune.

How Japanese Phenoms Babymetal Were Made in Pop's Image

"In the series, Su-Metal, YuiMetal and MoaMetal join together to ultimately redefine the genre," Warner Bros. said in a press release. "The series will also feature new live-action performances from the group, who will enter the animated world through a secret portal."

"Babymetal have to be seen to be believed -- a mind-blowing, fun combination of pop vocals, heavy-metal music and dance choreography brought to life by three incredibly talented teenage stars," said Sam Register, president of Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series. "We are huge fans here at Blue Ribbon Content and are extremely excited to help bring the Babymetal phenomenon to U.S. audiences through this upcoming digital series."

Once Upon a Time, Babymetal's Members Admit They Were 'Afraid' of Metal

Warner Bros.' digital studio Blue Ribbon Content teams up with Amuse USA for the project. Babymetal manager and creator Key Kobayashi is also producing.

Their self-titled debut album earned the No. 1 spot on Billboard's World Albums chart. Their second album, Metal Resistance, charted No. 39 in the Billboard 200 during its first week of release, they are also the first Japanese act to achieve a spot on that chart in over 50 years.

While the project doesn't have a release date set, fans in the United Kingdom can catch them as they open for the Red Hot Chili Peppers this winter.
Dubai (AFP) - Bahrain's foreign minister paid tribute to Israel's former president Shimon Peres on Thursday, in a surprise statement that drew strong Arab criticism on social media.

"Rest in Peace President Shimon Peres, a Man of War and a Man of the still elusive Peace in the Middle East," Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said on Twitter.

The response to his tweet was swift.

Like most Arab countries, Bahrain does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, and many Arabs associate Peres with the successive wars that have rocked the Middle East rather than the Oslo accords with the Palestinians that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

"The foreign minister is paying tribute and praying for the Zionist terrorist and the killer of children," complained former opposition lawmaker Jalal Fairooz.

Another critic, Khalil Buhazaa, tweeted: "Diplomacy does not mean rudeness."

Peres died on Wednesday aged 93 after suffering a major stroke.

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

But he is also remembered in the Arab world as the man who ordered the devastating "Grapes of Wrath" operation against Lebanon in 1996, which left 175 people dead, most of them civilians.
By Tom Bergin

GENEVA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Banks are tightening the security of their SWIFT messaging networks - used by the industry to shift trillions of dollars each day - following revelations that hackers are increasingly able to get into this system to steal money.

Bankers at SWIFT's annual SIBOS conference in Geneva said they were adopting new security tools, reviewing procedures and pressing their counterparties to do the same. Some banks are also looking at alternative technologies for transferring money, such as blockchain-type systems.

They are stepping up their efforts after the theft of $81 million from the Bangladesh central bank in February and revelations of other infiltration of banks' SWIFT terminals. These hacks have undermined confidence in SWIFT messages, which were previously accepted at face value.

"The attacks will continue and get more sophisticated," SWIFT Chief Executive Gottfried Leibbrandt warned delegates at the conference organised by SWIFT, which is a global member-owned cooperative.

Benoit Desserre, Global Head of Global Transaction Banking at France's Societe Generale, said his bank had already undertaken all of SWIFT's recommended security measures but that the hacks had encouraged it to go one step further.

The bank is introducing a new layer of security whereby the staff who are approved to send SWIFT payment instructions must now sign on with a fingerprint scanner. This is in addition to passwords and a physical computer key.

"It was easier for us to make that investment knowing what has happened," he told Reuters in an interview. "It suddenly became more important to get something like that."

In time, SocGen may press its counterparties to use a similar system, only agreeing to fulfill payment instructions which carry a digital fingerprint, Desserre said. But he said cost could slow a broader roll-out of the technology.

FACEBOOK FRIENDS

In the wake of the hacks, the French bank also went through its SWIFT system to weed out redundant communications channels. SWIFT operates like Facebook in that members can only send messages to confirmed counterparties. But sometimes these links remain open even after business relationships end.

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SWIFT's Chairman Yawar Shah told delegates at the conference that such open channels were a security risk and that all banks should weed out unused channels.

Desserre said Societe Generale had removed thousands.

Cheri McGuire, Chief Information Security Officer at Standard Chartered said her bank was also conducting an internal review around its SWIFT systems.

But banks are not just looking at their own systems.

The Bangladesh Bank heist involved diverting money held at accounts at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York into accounts in the Philippines.

Bankers said to avoid this happening in the future bigger banks needed to ensure the smaller banks they work with have appropriate security procedures.

Sergio Dalla Riva, Head of Product Development, Global Transaction Banking at Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. said understanding the security capabilities of your clients was becoming part of customer due diligence.

Lev Khasis, Chief Operating Officer at Sberbank, Russia's biggest bank by assets, said he expected regulators to tighten oversight of security practices but that peer pressure would also play a role.

"Some big banks will be pushing their smaller counterparties to move in that direction," he said. Sberbank was already pushing its clients in this way, he said.

NEW TECHNOLOGY

The SWIFT hacks are also spurring interest in new technologies.

Lars Sjogren, Global Head of Transaction Banking at Danske Bank said his bank was working with technology companies to develop tools that would spot unusual and potentially fraudulent payment instructions sent via SWIFT.

"Payments of a certain size by a customer to people they normally pay should be green-lighted. But others could be yellow or red-lighted. There is a huge demand from our customers for that kind of service," he said.

Others are looking at technologies which might one day replace the current SWIFT "FIN" message which banks send to tell another bank to move money around.

Blockchains are the most commonly touted alternative. These involve a publicly accessible ledger, which works as an electronic record-keeping and transaction-processing system and requires no third-party verification. The ledger can be checked at any time, helping to highlight fraudulent transfers.

On Wednesday, Sberbank joined the Hyperledger Project, which was formed by the Linux Foundation, a not for profit technology consortium, to develop new blockchain technologies for businesses. Khasis said such a system might be more secure than sending FIN messages.

SWIFT is also developing blockchain initiatives and its involvement could help to speed up the technology's adoption, David Treat, Blockchain Lead at consultants Accenture, said. Nonetheless, he said that governance and privacy challenges remained.

Mark Buitenhek, Global Head of Transaction Services at ING , said he was doubtful blockchain or other technologies were a silver bullet.

"Fraud is a constant and fraud will remain there if we move to the next digital generation or not," he said.

(Reporting by Tom Bergin. Editing by Jane Merriman)
Sanjay Valvani

About a year before Sanjay Valvani's wife found him dead inside his Brooklyn Heights home, the star money manager learned he was under investigation for insider trading.

Valvani drove profits at Visium Asset Management, an $8 billion New York hedge fund that had been on the rise.

He was insistent about his innocence from the start. He hired one of Wall Street's top defense attorneys and told friends that he'd be fine  that the government could not bring a case against him.

Then, in June of this year, the charges were filed.

The indictment, which landed on June 15, a Wednesday, said he deserved as much as 85 years in prison.

The news media  including Business Insider  jumped all over the story, reporting on the indictment against Valvani and his apparent conspiracy with a former senior Food and Drug Administration official. News photographers snapped pictures of him as he left the courthouse in downtown Manhattan  all fairly standard for a white-collar case.

Valvani was advised that the negative press coverage would blow over in about a week and that an eventual trial would be his chance to defend himself publicly.

But he didn't make it through. On Sunday  June 19  Valvani, 44, celebrated Father's Day with his family, including his two daughters. The next evening, he was found dead.

The police arrived at about 6 p.m. and found Valvani's body facedown in a bedroom, a note and a weapon nearby. The medical examiner ruled it a suicide.

Why does a man who thinks he is innocent do this?

Valvani, who had pleaded not guilty in court, repeated his claim of innocence in the note he left behind, according to two people who said they had seen it. The note is not in court records relating to his case.

He also had a support network. Several of the people who knew him said they thought the government's charges were weak, especially since the standard by which prosecutors need to prove insider trading is in flux. Valvani's lawyer, Barry Berke, is considered top notch and just last year had gotten insider-trading charges dropped for SAC Advisors' Michael Steinberg.

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Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, speaks during a news conference on Las Vegas sports bettor William

So, friends and colleagues who spoke with Business Insider say Valvani's death came as a shock.

He was meticulous and thought through every action, according to one colleague. There were times when he lost millions of dollars but wouldn't flinch, the person said. The colleague and another friend describe Valvani as levelheaded and said he didn't drink alcohol.

"He was too smart to not have thought through all of this ... I don't believe he did anything wrong," the colleague said. "Everybody was mostly just hurt that he didn't get to defend himself."

Most of his friends and colleagues asked not to be named in this story because of professional relationships or, in one case, out of deference to his family. Valvani's wife, through Valvani's attorney, declined to speak with us, and his father  in a brief conversation  said he couldn't bring himself to speak about the situation.

But the people who did speak revealed that Valvani was under pressure on several fronts. His relationship with Jacob Gottlieb, Visium's founder who once was a mentor to Valvani, had shifted. Partly out of loyalty to Gottlieb, who had made Valvani's career, he may have felt like he couldn't leave Visium, even though he was notably underpaid and likely would have succeeded on his own, colleagues said.

And later, like many accused of white-collar crimes, he was being professionally isolated and he worried about the impact that the charges would have on employees of Visium if the fund would have to shut down as a result.

That last part, his friends say, was the kind of thing that defined Valvani's character. But his death has forced people who knew him to contend with a narrative of his life that they hadn't previously considered.

"I've known him since 2010, and after a while you can read somebody," said Shibani Malhotra, a friend and professional contact.

A few weeks before the government announced the indictment, Malhotra met Valvani for coffee. He told her he didn't think he had done anything wrong.

"I could read how sure he was," she recalled. "It was so emphatic."

A few days before Valvani died, she sent him a text  a silly Bollywood song.

FBI phone

"He seemed really chirpy," she said. "It's not like he didn't respond or sounded bad." He didn't mention the case.

Coverage of Valvani's death, Malhotra believes, was colored by the assumption that it was confirmation of his guilt.

"He was presumed guilty, and then when he committed suicide, it wasn't written so directly, but presumed that he did it," Malhotra said.

Malhotra and the other people who spoke about Valvani for this story say they did so to counteract this narrative.

Stresses of an indictment

Valvani's life had been full of successes. From humble beginnings  raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by immigrant parents  he had become one of Wall Street's best healthcare investors by age 44. The fall from grace hit him hard.

In April, it was reported Valvani was the target of a federal insider-trading investigation, and Visium put him on leave. That's when colleagues and professional contacts started retreating. Compliance reasons prevented some of them from being in contact, Malhotra said.

In June, two days after Valvani was charged and pleaded not guilty, Visium  a business he had helped build  announced it would shut down.

The idea that it would result in colleagues losing their jobs weighed on him. Visium employed some 170 people with headquarters in New York and offices in London and San Francisco.

Visium remains under investigation, according to FBI sources.

Something soured in 2015

Valvani was a star portfolio manager on Visium's healthcare fund. He generated massive profits that enriched him and Gottlieb, the hedge fund's founder, and helped Visium build its reputation.

Jacob Gottlieb

His death has raised questions  and, at times, produced conflicting accounts  about his legacy at the fund.

What is clear, however, is that Valvani was a significant player managing the healthcare fund, which racked up industry awards for performance over the years. Visium, which also included other funds, grew to managing $7.8 billion at the start of this year, a 20% increase from the year before, according to Hedge Fund Intelligence.

Gottlieb, a trained medical doctor and Visium's chief investment officer, was the firm's public face and a frequent speaker at industry conferences. And while some of Visium's investors thought Gottlieb was running a portfolio, he didn't trade, according to two people who worked at Visium.

Valvani and Gottlieb had worked together for more than a decade. They were both at the hedge fund Balyasny Asset Management, and Gottlieb helped give Valvani his big break, bringing him over as an analyst in 2003. Valvani eventually was promoted to portfolio manager, a top hedge fund job, according to a profile by Duke's Fuqua School of Business, his alma mater.

Before then, Valvani had worked as a sell-side analyst, covering companies and publishing research used by portfolio-manager clients. Running his own portfolio was a huge step for him.

In 2005, Gottlieb, Valvani, and others on the Balyasny team spun out to form Visium.

"In the beginning, I really had to convince Jacob Gottlieb that I was hungry to join his hedge fund," Valvani said, according to the Duke profile. "But I believed in myself, my education, and my experience."

Valvani felt indebted to Gottlieb and had a close, reverential relationship with him, according to two people who worked with them.

At the same time, Valvani, along with other Visium managers, was paid below market rate. Valvani was one of the firm's partners, but that title did not equate nearly as much financial upside as at other hedge funds  a sore spot for the partners each year, according to two people who worked at Visium. Being a partner was almost meaningless. Technically, the term meant there was a pool of money that the partners could access each year, but there usually wasn't much in it, the people said.

Earlier this year, the firm improved its compensation structure for its investment staff. Portfolio managers would keep about 12% of their performance gains, whereas previously they kept as low as 8%. Still, that compensation paled in comparison to that available at other funds, which pay out as high as 18% to 20%. If a Visium manager is generating $100 million in profit a year, a few percentage points of difference could mean millions left on the table.

A sign for the headquarters of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc is seen in Laval, Quebec June 14, 2016. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi

Gottlieb and Valvani's relationship soured last year, according to one of the colleagues and a separate professional contact. The reasons aren't completely clear, but some details have emerged.

Usually a star performer, Valvani saw his returns drop last year as he was caught up in healthcare trades that went the wrong way, according to the colleague. He had been behind Visium's position in Valeant, the controversial drug company that plunged in value, the colleague said.

Valvani was also considering leaving Visium last year, either to start his own firm or to work for someone else, according to the professional contact.

In the end, Valvani stayed put.

"Valvani was indebted to Jake because he moved from the equity research side to being an analyst at a hedge fund," the Visium colleague told Business Insider. "He'd never have been as successful if Jake hadn't given him a shot."

A family affair

While Gottlieb was the public rep for Visium, speaking at hedge fund conferences and accepting awards, Valvani was the backbone to the firm, managing as much as $2 billion at Visium's biggest fund, two people who worked at Visium said.

Valvani's and Gottlieb's personalities were different, and in the months after Valvani's death, contrasting versions are emerging about their legacy at Visium.

While two colleagues say Valvani drove the profits at Visium's high-profile healthcare fund, Gottlieb disputes this, according to one person close to him.

RTXZF9X

Gottlieb was known as someone who sought bargains in his personal life as much as in his professional. He negotiated a prenuptial agreement with his now ex-wife 12 times, each time offering something lower, according to court papers relating to a case between them.

He has said he kept salaries at Visium low to make up for the lower fees the firm charged its investors, according to a person close to him.

But that was little solace to those who worked there, staff members said. And private fund documents show that Visium charged investors the industry standard: 2% for management fees and 20% of investment performance.

"All Jake wanted was to become a billionaire," one staffer said.

Gottlieb employed family members at Visium, including his brother, Mark Gottlieb, and brother-in-law, Stefan Lumiere, a former portfolio manager who was charged  in a separate case from Valvani's  in June with mis-valuing Visium's credit fund. Lumiere has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Lumiere was fired in 2013, after Gottlieb filed for divorce from Lumiere's sister in August 2012. Lumiere learned of his firing when a security guard told him his key card wouldn't let him into Visium's midtown Manhattan office building, according to three people familiar with the matter.

Gottlieb doesn't dispute the manner of Lumiere's dismissal but describes it as a resignation rather than a firing, according to the person close to him.

'Obama-like'

Valvani is described as kind, soft-spoken, and humble.

"He'd be meeting with the chairman of Pfizer and give that same level of respect to the janitor cleaning the toilets at Visium," a colleague said. "You don't find people like that in this industry."

Valvani joked with a colleague that after Wall Street he would have liked to one day become mayor.

He was a gifted speaker, the colleague said. "He had a way with words. When you think of politicians, it was an Obama-like level," the person said.

Valvani was also charitable, endowing his alma mater and donating to local causes, according to a Bloomberg News profile in June.

Malhotra, who worked with him professionally as a sell-side analyst, described Valvani as respectful even when their views on a stock diverged.

RTX2GGLM

"I once had a sell on a stock that Visium owned," she said. "Typically, hedge fund managers can get aggressive, but Sanjay would always listen and would say, 'I disagree, and here's why.'"

Toxic

Other factors bore down on Valvani.

The intense media coverage of the indictment upset him, according to Malhotra.

"No one tried to see it from his point of view. That was hard for him," she said. "He was presumed guilty."

He "couldn't handle that his integrity was being challenged," Malhotra added. "Once you're accused on Wall Street, even if you win your case, you're toxic. No one will talk with you."

This was also the first time Valvani faced the realm of failure, according to a close colleague.

Family was everything to him, according to those who knew him. He spent weekends taking a daughter to squash tournaments around the Northeast, and his girls often came to visit him at Visium's Manhattan office.

Post-suicide struggle

Friends and family have been grappling with his death for months. Malhotra said she mostly tries to pretend it never happened.

Valvani's death has left those who knew him seeking answers. Some blame the government for bringing what they view as baseless charges. Others blame the culture at Visium.

Trying to make sense of the chaos is only human.

"When someone kills themselves violently out of the blue, we don't have a narrative for it," said Benyamin Cirlin, the executive director for the Center for Loss and Renewal in New York. "There's no foundation. There's no narrative hint."

Valvani's death also leaves many unanswered questions.

"Part of being human is learning to live with some painful mysteries," Cirlin said. "Part of the long-term healing is learning how to live with ambiguity and a plot line that doesn't end neatly."

Over and over, Valvani's friends and colleagues said that they wish he would have fought the charges. It is possible that more information could come to light, because the FBI is still investigating Visium, according to two people at the agency. Visium and Gottlieb have not been accused of wrongdoing.

Dealing with the shame and stigma of being accused is not easy, especially since there is no certainty of how long a trial will last, nor what its outcome will be, those who have been through it say.

"This is the hardest part, every second of every day before you have clarity," said Justin Paperny, who spent 18 months in prison for securities fraud and now provides consulting through his company, White Collar Advice. "Everything is on hold for you."

"When someone is indicted for a crime, they think the worst, and they think their life is over," said Jeff Grant, who served time in prison for committing fraud as a lawyer before starting a ministry helping people accused of white-collar crime and their families.

"It's not true. Their life is going to be different, and in many cases, it's going to be better," he said, explaining that the pressures those people had could be lifted.

"But it's never going to be what they think it's going to be."

Grant also said that marriages rarely survive the pressure. Two people said Valvani was facing issues in his relationship with his wife, though their accounts of what was going on varied.

Alone, but not alone

A day before Valvani's memorial, Malhotra sent an email requesting notes for the family. She said she received 27 responses  some from competitors at other hedge and mutual funds, and CEOs and CFOs of healthcare companies.

"Don't believe the media," one of the notes to Valvani's children said. "This is not your father, and this is not how you should remember him."

Valvani's contacts got short notice for his memorial. At the private Brooklyn club where it was held, some 200 people packed in.

"He died feeling alone," Malhotra said, "and he wasn't alone."

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CALEDONIA  After adding four officers to the department Friday, the Caledonia Police Department added a furry face to the force on Wednesday.

The Caledonia Police Department obtained its first K-9, making it the fourth law enforcement agency in the county to have a K-9 unit.

There are currently four K-9s in the Racine Police Departments K-9 Unit, four dogs in the Racine County Sheriffs Offices K-9 Unit and two dogs in the Mount Pleasant Police Departments K-9 unit.

Caledonia Police Lt. Gary Larsen said a K-9 would not have been possible without the help of the community.

We were very surprised and appreciative of the citizens of Caledonia in making this become possible for a dog to work for our department, Larsen said. It is very motivational for the officers to see the community rallying behind us for that.

Caledonia Police Officer Cory Radke will be the K-9s first handler. Radke requested that the community vote to name the dog. The names being considered are Zeus, Louie and Thor. The link to where people can vote can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/2DWWF6H.

Caledonia first discussed getting a K-9 in April and began raising the funds soon after through fundraising events and sales.

In November, the village will participate in the third annual Racine Policemans Ball, an event specifically held to raise money for county police K-9s.

Other K-9s in the horizon

The Sturtevant Police Department also is in the process of obtaining a K-9 for its force.

Sturtevant Police Officer Tonia Purtee has been selected as the handler for when a K-9 is brought in and Sturtevant Police Chief Sean Marschke said the department plans to purchase a K-9 in early 2017.

We should be on that track, Marschke said. Having a K-9 is an excellent tool for the department.

The Burlington Police Department previously had a K-9 unit and is looking at getting its program started again later this year.
Geneva (AFP) - The bid to launch an international probe into the conflict in Yemen failed Thursday, in a defeat for the UN rights chief who demanded an inquiry.

Rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said last month that a fully independent, international investigation was needed to end impunity for a raft of grave violations against the Yemeni people.

A group of European states, led by the Netherlands, then spearheaded a push at the UN Human Rights Council for a resolution setting up an international inquiry.

Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military coalition in support of the Yemen's government against Iran-backed Huthi rebels, has been staunchly opposed to such a probe.

In the end, the EU-backed resolution was scrapped, leaving only a competing and far milder text on the table, drafted by Sudan.

That resolution, which was adopted without a vote on Thursday, mandated Zeid's office to enhance cooperation with Yemen's own National Commission on the conflict.

Rights groups including Amnesty International have described that commission as feckless, one-sided, and lacking the expertise needed to conduct a credible inquiry.

But before it was adopted, Thursday's resolution was beefed up to say that -- while assisting Yemen's own investigation -- UN experts should be "collecting and preserving information to establish the facts and circumstances of alleged violations and abuses."

Zeid was instructed to provide his own reports on the conflict, presumably using information gathered by his own staff.

"It's a step in the right direction", John Fisher of Human Rights Watch in Geneva told AFP, noting that the resolution "fell short" of the hoped-for inquiry.

Salma Amer, UN Advocacy Officer at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, said in a statement that the text "puts Saudi Arabia's desire for impunity above the need to protect the people of Yemen."

But speaking on behalf of the EU after the resolution was adopted, Slovenia's representative to the UN in Geneva, Vojislav Suc, described the text as a "good and reasonable compromise."

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A similar effort to set up a UN inquiry was withdrawn at the Council last year, under Saudi pressure.

More than 6,600 people, including civilians, have been killed in the Yemeni conflict since the Saudi-led coalition began its air campaign in March 2015, the UN says.

The coalition has been accused of striking hospitals and other civilian targets, while rebel fighters have also been blamed for grave violations.
Bill Cosby's civil troubles have taken a backseat to his criminal case, but that doesn't mean there isn't action in the lawsuit that accuses him of defaming Tamara Green and six other women.

In Massachusetts federal court, the embattled entertainer is on the defensive over denials of sexual abuse made by his publicist and lawyers. U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni has already rejected Cosby's motion to dismiss.

The case won't go to trial until Cosby faces a charge in Pennsylvania of sexually assaulting ex-Temple University employee Andrea Constand, but Mastroianni has allowed discovery in the civil lawsuit to proceed, and on Wednesday, Joseph Cammarata, the attorney for the women, brought a new motion for partial judgment on the pleadings.

Cosby's reps told news outlets that the assault claims by the women were "fabricated," "ridiculous" and "absurd," among other comments, and after the entertainer struck out in a bid to dismiss the lawsuit on the argument these comments were "opinions" and not "of and concerning" the defendants, Cosby filed his answer in court.

Cammarata now stresses that Cosby responded to allegations in the complaint by mostly stating they were either "conclusions or characterizations of law and therefore no response is required."

As such, the plaintiffs' lawyer argues that Cosby has disregarded rules of civil procedure and wants various allegations deemed admitted. It's an unusual motion. Usually, a defendant responds in cursory fashion, and if it's not deemed sufficient, a plaintiff will file a motion to strike and asks for an amendment.

Cammarata, though, has decided to test the judge to see how far he can go at this preliminary stage.

Specifically, the women are now asking Mastroianni to rule that Cosby is directly or vicariously liable for the publication of the statements at issue by his spokespersons. Additionally, they want the judge to find that the public knew that Cosby's spokespersons were speaking for Cosby; the statements were widely and foreseeably republished; the statements are of and concerning the plaintiffs; and that Cosby and his spokespersons acted with intent to cause the women emotional distress.

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The women are likely to be seen as limited purpose public figures who will need to prove actual malice to prevail on their defamation claims. So Cammarata also wants the judge to find that Cosby acted with common law malice, acted with at least reckless disregard for whether the statements were true or would place the women in alight, and that the spokespersons were negligent in failing to make a reasonable inquiry into the truth of statements before publishing them.

As far as damages, the plaintiffs additionally want the judge to rule that the reputations of the women were harmed through the statements and that they suffered emotional distress proximately caused by the statements.

Cosby is now represented by Angela Agrusa of Liner LLP, who will be tasked with opposing an order deeming these allegations admitted.
By Joseph White

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co (F.N) will become less capital intensive and will be open to partnerships as it develops new businesses such as ride sharing and autonomous vehicles, Chairman Bill Ford said on Thursday.

"There will be partnerships," Ford told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Detroit on the future of transportation.

However, Ford said the company will not accept a role as a hardware supplier to technology giants. "If we are making the vehicle, that won't be all we are doing," he said.

Since taking over as the automaker's chairman in 1999, Ford has pushed the company, which was founded by his great-grandfather, to look beyond its traditional business of manufacturing and selling cars. Now, other industry executives are sounding similar themes and putting more capital into businesses beyond manufacturing vehicles, spurred by investors concerned that the traditional auto business could be derailed by competition from Silicon Valley technology giants such as Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O), Uber (UBER.UL) or Apple Inc(AAPL.O).

Ford acknowledged the tension between investing in new, uncertain ventures such as an urban shuttle service and assuring that Ford's existing business, which profits mainly from sales of large pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in North America, stays healthy.

Ford earlier this year formed Ford Smart Mobility unit, which will develop ventures outside of the automaker's core business and on Thursday the company named a chief executive for that unit.

Ford executives have said transportation service businesses could have 20 percent margins, roughly double those in Ford's manufacturing business. Bill Ford said not all the company's ventures will succeed. "We're going to go down some blind alleys," he said.

The goal is for Ford to "have more revenue streams that are less dependent on fixed-cost investment," he said.

Government policy should play a role, Ford said.

"If they want to solve their issues of congestion, and getting people to where work is ... they (government officials) need to be involved," Ford said.

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Changes in regulation will be needed to clear the way for autonomous vehicles, he said. Cities will have to decide how to accommodate autonomous and electric vehicles.

"Each city has a different ability to pay for solutions," Ford said.

(Reporting By Joe White; Editing by Bill Trott)
The music for The Birth of a Nation incorporates African vocals and drumming, strings and brass, gospel choir and childrens voices. The music for Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is an ultra-contemporary mix of electronic elements with more traditional orchestra.

Its hard to imagine a greater contrast in scoring styles for these two October releases. Yet both are by the same person: Englishman Henry Jackman, who in less than a decade has risen through the ranks to become a sought-after composer.

From animated Disney films Wreck-It Ralph and Big Hero 6 to superhero films Captain America: Civil War and X-Men: First Class, including dramas Captain Phillips, and even Seth Rogen comedies such as This Is the End, Jackman has demonstrated an ability to tackle diverse subjects with fresh sounds and approaches.

Henry is highly intelligent and understands storytelling on a very sophisticated level, says Joe Russo, who with his brother, Anthony, directed Jackmans two Captain America films. He can go as cutting-edge or avant-garde as you need him to, but he also does traditional scoring as well as anybody. Hes extremely versatile.

It was that versatility that attracted the directors of his two current films. Henry hadnt done a film like this before, but he is a genius, says Birth of a Nation director Nate Parker. Never have you heard Africanized sounds and orchestral music merged in this way. He honed every single cue to perfection and created something essential to the experience of the film.

It started out a little more tentatively. When Parker asked Jackman about the Nat Turner slave-rebellion story, there was a script but no deal and no budget, the composer recalls. But he was excited to work with Parker, who lives and breathes the issues of African-American injustice. Nate is essentially a political activist who happens to be making a film.

Jackman worried about Parkers ambitious musical ideas costing more money than they could afford. We could do a very beautiful score for solo piano and cello, the composer offered. To his great credit, Nate said, No, by the time you get to the third act, Im thinking symphony orchestra and choir. Whatever needs to happen, Ill make it happen. And, says Jackman, he did.

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It took an international ensemble to make the music for this quintessentially American story. Jackman called on Alex Boye, whose parents were Nigerian, to supply some of the vocals, and Afro-Cuban specialist Alex Acuna to play percussion. Jackman wanted a gospel choir, not for spirituals  which he saw as a cliche  but the tradition of that style of singing, that culture, gives a sound and a feel thats entirely different from a classically trained choir. They recorded the A Cappella Choir of Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, and the One Voice Childrens Choir in Salt Lake City, the latter singing a poem adapted from the Zulu language.

Its the only thing Ive ever done that at no point felt like work, Jackman says.

In the case of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, director Ed Zwick liked Jackmans sophisticated musical approach to both the Tom Hanks film Captain Phillips and Amazons recent The Man in the High Castle.

Henry was the person who most captured my imagination, and he didnt disappoint at all, says Zwick. He did what the best composers do: They make the good parts better and they can be problem solvers for those parts that are in need of help.

This second Reacher film still has music hovering around the genre of espionage and tension, Jackman notes, but there was also a genuine and committed emotional storyline that required a delicate musical touch.

We had great debates, Jackman says of Zwick, who is an amateur guitarist. We found this harmonic language, a preparatory musical idea, in these couplets. Never has there been so much debate about the internal voicing of couplets and their effect.

Film scoring, Jackman points out, is no longer just about being able to competently write for the orchestra. There is a whole lineage of music that has absolutely no connection with concert art music, and that is valid and very powerful in its emotional connection to millions of people. There are a helluva lot of things that guitars can do that an orchestra cant.

Jackman comes from a long line of musicians. His grandfather William Jackman played clarinet, flute, and saxophone with the big bands; his father, Andrew, was also a composer and arranged for rock groups including Yes and Rush.

As a boy, Henry sang in the choir of Londons St. Pauls Cathedral. From the age of 8, I was accustomed to being part of something that had the same demand of quality and professional excellence as the London Symphony Orchestra, he says. I just thought that was normal.

After further studies at Eton, Framlingham, and Oxford, at 16 he said to himself, Enough already with this monasterial, strict classical education.

I went completely off the rails. The whole electronica, rave thing was kicking in, and it was an education all of itself. It was a different kind of thing, not motivated by compositional development but by groove and feeling.

Before long he was working with producer Trevor Horn; writing and producing for Seal; programming for Mike Oldfield; and releasing his own albums. One of these, 2005s classical-meets-pop Transfiguration, caught the ears of Hans Zimmer, who thought he had all the qualifications to be working in movies.

Jackman was skeptical at first. But he joined Zimmers team at Remote Control Productions and began programming and supplying additional music for such scores as The Da Vinci Code, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Dark Knight. Within three years he earned a solo assignment, the animated Monsters vs. Aliens.

I got through that, and I didnt disgrace myself, Jackman says with a laugh. It all took off from there. Other animated films, including the charming music for Winnie the Pooh and the swashbuckling score for Puss in Boots, followed, as did the edgier Kick-Ass and G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

Disney called back for Wreck-It Ralph and Big Hero 6. But his biggest hits have been the two Captain America movies for Marvel. Says Anthony Russo: What we loved about Henry was his ability to work in a classical language, while at the same time being very effective with electronica. Its a very rare combination.

Jackman, who is now at work on Kong: Skull Island and will follow it with Wreck-It Ralph 2, has at last found his place. My blinkered attitude about film music was completely wrong, he concedes. When I was in the record industry I was constantly on the phone to my agent, moaning about the restrictions and the same four chords, and why cant we do something more interesting?

On the other hand, I didnt want to be an organ scholar, and I love electronic music. The thing about film music is, its so eclectic. If you do know something about Palestrina or Austro-Germanic tradition, but you also know about serrated textures and time-stretching, suddenly none of this is a problem. All of this is welcome. You end up in areas you might never have otherwise.

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By Eric M. Johnson and Alex Dobuzinskis (Reuters) - An unarmed black man fatally shot by police in a suburb of San Diego overcame a childhood of hunger in war-torn parts of Africa and came to America with the dream of opening a restaurant with his family, his brother said on Wednesday. That dream ended with the death of Alfred Olango, 38, who was killed on Tuesday in El Cajon, California, when two officers responding to a report of a mentally ill man shot Olango after they said he pulled an unidentified object from his pants pocket and appeared to move into a "shooting stance." Olango's brother, Joeffrey, described his brother as a father of two daughters with a "lion's heart" during an interview on KTAV radio in San Diego. The Rev. Shane Harris, who spent time with the family following the fatal shooting, said the two brothers were twins. Alfred Olango sometimes risked his life in Africa to steal bread to feed his younger sister before his family moved to the United States from Uganda as refugees in 1991, his brother said during the 20-minute interview. He also said his brother sometimes saw dead bodies. Protesters in San Diego said Olango may have been suffering a seizure in the moments before his death. The 2006 federal court records said he had no known history of mental problems. "He had a lion's heart. He loved too much," Joeffrey said. "That came from the way he grew up. Seeing all the things we saw as kids, knowing how brutal life can be and wanting to actually sustain the best possible quality of life." Relatives said Alfred Olango's childhood and the journey to Southern California left him with a resilience and dedication to family. Family members have demanded a federal probe of the shooting and rejected a police narrative that the officer only shot Olango after police were threatened. "He was no mean person, the whole picture how they show him pointing a gun, I don't believe none of that. That ain't him, I know for sure," Olango's cousin Anthony Williams told Reuters. Federal court records show Olango fled to the United States because Uganda's president at the time had threatened to kill the family. The father had worked for a prior president of the country. Olango had been granted permanent U.S. residency but lost that status in 2001 after a conviction for selling cocaine. As of 2006, federal records showed, a deportation order against him was still pending. After being pulled over by police in Aurora, Colorado, in December 2005, Olango pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a weapon by a felon and was sentenced to more than three years in prison, according to federal court records After moving to California with his family, Olango dropped out of San Diego High School, according to the federal court records. He obtained a high school equivalency degree while incarcerated for a criminal offense and later attended San Diego College, the court records said. His Facebook profile listed jobs as head chef at a Hooters restaurant and a Western-themed steakhouse in Arizona, and said he studied at San Diego Mesa College. Olango was developing plans to open a restaurant with his family that would share "the wonderful tastes of Africa with Americans," his brother said. "We suffered too much with the war in Africa, and we come here just to suffer again?" said Agnes Hassan, from Sudan, who said she spent time with Olango in a refugee camp. (Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Trevor Hunnicutt NEW YORK (Reuters) - BlackRock Inc , the world's largest asset manager, will offer infrastructure funds for the first time through independent financial advisers, it said on Thursday. Private infrastructure funds invest in massive projects like renewable energy or gas pipelines, and split up the proceeds among a group of investors. These funds usually require large minimum investments that are beyond the means of most individual buyers. BlackRock will offer the funds through Artivest, a startup investment platform used by registered investment advisers to access hedge funds, infrastructure funds and other alternative investments. Through Artivest, qualified individuals can commit smaller minimum amounts than required by many large financial institutions. Individuals will need to invest at least $250,000 in a fund on the platform. Institutions such as pension funds and insurance funds buy such alternatives to balance out portfolios heavily weighted with stocks and bonds. But many of the alternatives require investors to commit their cash for longer periods of time. In July, BlackRock reported having $8 billion in total capital for infrastructure projects. Artivest's backers include KKR & Co , RRE Ventures, Peter Thiel, Nyca Partners, Anthemis Group and FinTech Collective. (Editing by Richard Chang and Matthew Lewis)
Brussels (AFP) - A US-Belgian businessman accused of enslavement and diamond trafficking during Sierra Leone's civil war has died in a Brussels prison, officials said on Thursday.

Michel Desaedeleer, 65, "died on Tuesday to Wednesday night, most likely of natural causes," a spokesman for the Belgian prosecutor's office told AFP.

Desaedeleer was arrested in August 2015 at Malaga airport in southern Spain, attempting to reach the United States where he resided.

He was soon transferred to Belgium where he had been scheduled to appear before a judge next week to request release on bail pending trial.

Belgium sought his arrest following a complaint filed in Brussels in 2011 by five former diamond mine slaves.

They detailed alleged crimes in Sierra Leone's eastern district of Kono between 1999 and 2001.

"Blood diamonds" helped finance civil wars across Africa in the 1990s and often funded military dictatorships in the continent.

Desaedeleer's name was mentioned in a United Nations report on the trade in 2000.

It said he signed an agreement in 1999 with brutal Sierra Leone rebels allowing him to exploit diamond mines and ship the gems abroad via Liberia.

The gems were sold mainly in Antwerp, Belgium's second-biggest city and the heart of the global diamond trade for several centuries.

"Sadly, the victims of slavery in the diamond mines in Sierra Leone's Kono district ... will never fully achieve justice," said Civitas Maxima, a Geneva-based organisation that gives legal advice to victims of war crimes and has helped build a case against Desaedeleer.

"Nevertheless, the arrest of Michel Desaedeleer, his imprisonment and the fact that his trial was scheduled to commence in a few months represent a victory for the victims who courageously filed a complaint against him," it added.

Around 120,000 people died in Sierra Leone's 1991-2002 civil war
PARIS (Reuters) - BMW is seeing positive signs in demand in China while growth in the United States remains slow, board member Ian Robertson said on Thursday. "We thought Asia would go in low-to-single digits. It has actually gone a bit stronger than that. It went through a difficult patch for two years and is now on a more confident path," Robertson told journalists at the Paris Motor Show. "We thought the United States market had peaked in January. We took the decision to destock some of the oversupply. Many manufacturers have not done that. I dont see the U.S. growing particularly into next year." Asked whether BMW Group, which owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce car brands, is likely to retain its lead in sales of premium vehicles in 2016, Robertson said: "We are 100,000 vehicles ahead at group level, does that answer your question?" Mercedes-Benz is giving chase to BMW by unveiling a raft of electric cars but Robertson said BMW was prepared for increased competition in premium electric cars. "While a lot of people are unveiling the future we are delivering today. We will continue to develop this segment. You can be assured there is a pipeline of products that we are also working on." Asked about the impact of Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Robertson said demand had not been affected. (Reporting by Edward Taylor; editing by Ludwig Burger and Jason Neely)
LONDON  Kaweh Modiris Raindance Film Festival entry Bodkin Ras, his feature debut, follows confidently in the footsteps of his first short film, 2010s somewhat self-explanatory My Burglar and I. It was a film about how I found the burglar who had stolen my laptop and all my work, the Amsterdam-based director recalls. He got caught, and when I got my laptop back, I found hours and hours of him, introducing himself, kissing the camera, saying he wanted to be a rapper The tables were turned, and suddenly Modiri had this intimate relationship with him  it was like I was in his bedroom, seeing him very vulnerable.

Modiri invited the felon to work with him, but his offer was rejected (He didnt trust me, the director laughs). As a result, the film became a mixture of fact and fiction, a concept he has expanded for Bodkin Ras, in which an Iranian-born fugitive from Holland (echoing the directors own biography) finds himself in the remote Scottish town of Forres. Moving through the towns community, the title character begins to reveal himself as he soaks up the stories of characterful locals such as local fencer Eddie Paton and street poet Red Eddie James.

Variety spoke to Modiri about the film in London.

What was the starting point for Bodkin Ras?

It started when I was travelled to the remote town of Forres, which is hidden between the [Scottish] Highlands and the North Sea. I was visiting a friend, and one day I found myself in a place called the Eagle bar, trying to figure out what kind of place this was. I went outside and someone said Salaam alaykum to me. This turned out to be Red James [Macmillan], whos the narrator of the film  a very rough Scottish poet-type person whos travelled round Europe, working on a manuscript. And it was just very funny to me that a guy with his rough appearance, somewhere in the north of Scotland, would say Salaam alaykum.

What does that mean?

It means basically hello in Arabic. I dont even speak Arabic but I recognized it. We got chatting, and he made a very big impression on me. I came back to Holland and I wrote a short story called Bodkin Ras, based on my own experience there, of being someone who is clearly not someone from [Forres]  the experience of being an outsider in such a remote and close-knit community. Later on when I went back to make the film, I went looking for Red James, and through him I met some of the other characters who are in the film.

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How did the people of Forres react to you making a film there?

People reacted very differently. The people who appear as characters in the film, they are the rough people [of the town] who spend their days in the Eagle bar, from morning until afternoon. Not everyone in the town appreciated or understood that. They said, Why did you come from Holland to this remote town and film our alcoholics? They werent sure what we were going to do. And because we were from Amsterdam they thought we were shooting a porn film! But the people who are in the film took to it really well and gave it their all.

Did you have a script?

The only professional actor in the film is Sohrab Bayat, whom Ive known since the age of five. We came on the same airplane to Holland as political refugees from Iran via Turkey  we were childhood friends. I had a [written] script dealing with his characters story, and then I had treatments for all the documentary characters, with just an idea about how they would blend together. So there was a script, but in the end we improvised a lot. The idea was always that we would leave space to allow something to happen on the spot.

What was in the treatments?

The treatments were actually quite accurate, because I knew the routines of each character. For example, I knew that Eddie [Paton] wakes up every morning at 4 a.m., shouting and screaming, and then he starts tidying up his house. At 10 a.m. he goes to the bar, until 5 p.m. Then at 5 p.m. he comes home drunk and eats something  or doesnt. But there were also lots of things that just happened. There was a man who kept trying to sing us an old traditional Scottish song, but he kept on forgetting the lyrics! There were lots of things like that. The point was to find a balance between the two.

Is the hybrid documentary genre something that interests you?

Yeah, definitely. One of the great influences on me, one of the first filmmakers that really inspired me, was Abbas Kiarostami and films like Close-Up [1990]. And Iranian cinema in general. But mainly Kiarostami and the way he uses these two formats as a way to tell a story and not necessarily making a distinction.

Have you shown the film in Forres?

Yes. It was very important that it would be screened in Forres, so that people could see it. In the local paper there had been all these articles saying, Film Divides Town in Two Some people hated our guts, and mainly they were doubtful about what we had made. When we showed it at the town hall for the townspeople it was a very beautiful day and they were very happy with the result. They finally got to know people like Eddie and Red James, who they would normally tend to avoid  they got to know their stories and they were able to give them the respect and appreciation they deserve.

Did they understand the mixing of fact and fiction?

Definitely  surprisingly enough! Because it is quite a complicated film to explain, but I found that people tend to connect with it on a very emotional level. Its not a very hard film to follow, in that sense. Its kind of organic. So even in audiences that are not necessarily die-hard arthouse, people find ways to connect 00 despite the rarefied form.

Whats next for you?

Im working on a few films now. One is a Dutch TV drama. And then my next big feature film is called Mitra, which is also going to be my next novel. Mistra was the name of my half-sister who was executed in Iran in 1981. The first part is based on real events and the second half is set in Europe nowadays, where the mother of Mistra finds the girl who betrayed her. Its fictional, but at the same time my inspiration is reality, so the source is similar to Bodkin Ras  in that sense they are related. But its not going to be a mixture of doc and fiction. This will be fiction shot like fiction.

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CALEDONIA  A $10,000 reward is being offered for information regarding the individual who robbed the U.S. Bank branch in the Franksville area on Sept. 17.

U.S. Bank offers up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who robs a U.S. Bank branch, according to a Caledonia Police Department press release.

According to a Sept. 17 police news release, an unknown white male entered U.S. Bank, 10005 Northwestern Ave., at about 11:52 a.m. that day and handed the teller a note demanding money.

Scanner reports indicated that the note implied a weapon, but no weapon was actually displayed.

The suspect received money from the teller and then fled the scene on foot, police said.

Officers from the Caledonia, Racine and Mount Pleasant police departments and the Caledonia Fire Department responded to the scene. A K-9 unit was also dispatched to the area.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Caledonia Police Department at 262-835-4423, ext. 158.
Moscow (AFP) - Veteran Russian opposition activist Sergei Davidis was among 300 people who showed up to a protest in Moscow against the start of the Kremlin's Syria bombing campaign.

But that was pretty much the last demonstration.

"As far as I know there haven't been any other events dedicated specifically to the Syria issue and the involvement of Russian forces in the conflict," Davidis told AFP.

This week marks one year since President Vladimir Putin launched air strikes in support of long-time ally Bashar al-Assad, thrusting the country into the heart of a complex war that has now claimed some 300,000 lives.

The intervention -- the Kremlin's first beyond the borders of the ex-USSR since the start of the disastrous decade-long Afghanistan campaign in 1979 -- shored up Assad's flagging regime forces and shook the West.

But, while ongoing strikes by Russian jets stir furious condemnation abroad, back home in an environment tightly controlled by the Kremlin, Moscow's involvement generates only limited interest -- and even less debate.

"A faraway war that according to the popular understanding doesn't cost too much and doesn't bring us too much harm -- it has ended up on the periphery of the public consciousness," Davidis said.

After a dramatic few years, Russia is mired in an economic crisis and a standoff with the West over Ukraine, he pointed out, and even the country's marginalised opposition is not that interested in Syria.

"Society here has more important concerns to discuss," he said.

- 'Information war' -

As ever the main driver of public opinion has been the slavishly pro-Kremlin state media -- and its version of what is happening in Syria.

From the start of the conflict in 2011, Russia helped deflect criticism from Assad's regime over its brutal crushing of protests and killing of civilians. It sent arms but shied away from direct involvement.

When Putin launched the strikes -- taking both Russians and the West by surprise -- he insisted Moscow was joining forces with Damascus to support Syria's legitimate leader and battle a terrorist threat that could one day threaten his own country.

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"At first people's reaction a year ago was some kind of bewilderment and even fear," said Lev Gudkov, the head of the independent Levada Centre pollsters.

"But then as the state propaganda got going they began to be convinced."

Now, as US Secretary of State John Kerry has accused his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov of being in a "parallel universe" on Syria, what Russians are being told is almost the mirror image of what Western media shows.

For the past week, media outlets around the world have carried horrific images of civilian casualties from the ferocious bombing of Aleppo and allegations of possible Russian war crimes.

But on the nightly news on Russian state channels, while they still lead with the conflict, reporters embedded with Assad's forces around Aleppo focus on alleged "terrorist" attacks on civilians and Syrian de-mining efforts.

Little mention is made of any involvement by Moscow's warplanes and Western criticism is painted as part of a campaign that began with the crisis in Ukraine and is aimed at curbing Moscow's resurgence as a world power.

"Any negative news about what Russia is doing is always framed in the context of this information war and as anti-Russian propaganda," sociologist Gudkov said.

- 'Different scale' -

So far, observers say, Russians feel that the military campaign in Syria has not cost them too dearly.

Moscow has managed to stamp its mark on the conflict with a few dozen planes and several thousand servicemen.

While advisers and special forces are deployed, the Kremlin still insists Russian troops are not fighting on the frontline and officially only some 21 Russians have been killed in combat so far.

In a park on the eastern edge of Moscow, mothers pushed prams past a rare monument to some of the 15,000 Soviet soldiers who died in the Afghanistan campaign.

Sitting on a nearby bench, former aviation plant worker Irina lowered her newspaper as she thought about Moscow's latest conflict.

"Syria -- no, people don't really discuss it very much," she said, refusing to give her surname.

"The television doesn't really show much about the operation itself nowadays -- it's mainly about how we're delivering humanitarian aid."

Despite Putin in March announcing a partial withdrawal of Russian forces in Syria -- Moscow's jets have continued to bomb just as before.

Now, as the country marks one year of its latest intervention, there is no sign of the operation ending any time soon.

A poll released Wednesday by state-run VTSIOM showed the number of people who thought the situation was improving in Syria fell from 48 percent to 27 percent between March and July this year.

But, peering over at the memorial to those who died during the almost 10 years of fighting in Afghanistan, pensioner Irina said she was sure history would not repeat itself.

"I think there are major differences between our involvement in Syria and Afghanistan," she said.

"It is not on the same scale."
These are the boots that Kate Middleton has worn for over a decade

These are the boots that Kate Middleton has worn for over a decade

Kate Middleton is one of our top style icons for a number of reasons: She loves to rep local designers (and help them skyrocket to worldwide stardom!), she always looks stylish and regal (yet still accessible!) and she re-wears her favorite items over and over, which makes her super relatable for the average woman.

Well, we just learned from Cosmopolitan that the Duchess of Cambridge not only has a favorite pair of boots that she loves to re-wear  she adores them so much shes been stomping the globe in them for more than a decade.

2016 Royal Tour To Canada Of The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge - Bella Bella And Victoria, British Columbia

Most recently, while making a stop in Bella Bella, British Columbia on her Canadian tour with hubby Prince William, Kate was seen sporting her go-to knee-high, Spanish leather boots by U.K. designer Penelope Chilvers.

2016 Royal Tour To Canada Of The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge - Bella Bella And Victoria, British Columbia

Incredibly, she appears to have had these same boots (or at least a different pair in the same style) since 2004, when the Penelope Chilvers brand first launched.

Kate Middleton Attends The Festival Of British Eventing

Cute hat, Katie.

Theyre either holding up really well after more than a decade of regular wear, or she keeps re-buying them because she loves them so. darn. much. (Were with you, girl).

Love these vegetable-dyed boots as much as the Duchess? You can get a pair of your own for a little over $600. Or, scroll down for some more affordable lookalike options.

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The post These are the boots that Kate Middleton has worn for over a decade appeared first on HelloGiggles.
By Daria Sito-Sucic ZENICA, Bosnia (Reuters) - Politicians across Europe are calling for a ban on the Islamic veil but Bosnian Muslim Indira Sinanovic is defying the trend as well as widespread prejudice in her own country, becoming the first fully-veiled woman here to run for public office. Sinanovic, 37, wears the niqab - a garment that covers the hair and all the face apart from the eyes - and her aim if elected to the council in her central Bosnian hometown of Zavidovici is to battle prejudice and social exclusion. Bosnia has no laws against the public wearing of the niqab and the burqa, clothes that have come to be associated with a fundamentalist reading of Islam, but a ban on court officials wearing headscarves has made Sinanovic and other activists wary. "It's the basic right of every citizen," said the outspoken mother of two, speaking ahead of Sunday's election in the office of IML (Islam My Life) Television in the town of Zenica, where she works as a journalist. "(If elected) I would try to turn attention to the people who live in poverty, to be their voice in the municipal council and push for projects to improve their social status," she said. Bosnia has one of Europe's largest indigenous Muslim populations, a legacy of its centuries-long history as part of the Ottoman Empire, but prejudice against overt displays of religion is widespread and Sinanovic has borne her share of it. Sinanovic, who wears a long black robe and hides her eyes behind glasses, says she herself has been called names in the street such as "Ninja" or "Terrorist" or has been told "Go to Afghanistan" and "Go to Syria". Islam has traditionally been very liberal in multi-ethnic Bosnia, which for nearly 50 years was part of officially atheist Yugoslavia, but attitudes have shifted since the three-year Bosnian war, when Catholic Croats and Orthodox Christian Serbs fought a war of "ethnic cleansing" that cost 100,000 lives. Poverty is still widespread 20 years later and Bosnia remains deeply divided between Serbs, Croats and the Muslim Bosniaks. Arab mujahideen fighters who came to help their Bosniak co-religionists during the war brought more conservative habits with them, as did an influx of Saudi money after the war, much of which financed the building of traditionalist mosques. (Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Thomas Escritt and Gareth Jones)
LONDON (Reuters) - British department store chain John Lewis [JLP.UL] [JLPLC.UL] will have to appoint a new leader after Managing Director Andy Street was chosen by the ruling Conservative Party as its candidate for mayor of the West Midlands in central England. Street, who has led John Lewis for a decade, was formally selected by local Conservative members on Thursday, the party said in a statement. He will now step down from his John Lewis role to fight the mayoral election which will be held in May next year. The John Lewis Partnership, which also owns upmarket supermarket Waitrose, is expected to make a statement on Friday regarding its future leadership. Analysts say frontrunners to succeed Street are his former lieutenant Andrew Murphy, who is now the partnership's productivity director, current retail director Mark Lewis and commercial director Paula Nickolds. (Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Sao Paulo (AFP) - Prisoners at a badly overcrowded facility in Sao Paulo state rioted and knocked down a fence to attempt a mass escape before being subdued Thursday, Brazilian officials said.

Conflicting reports emerged from the Jardinopolis Penitentiary, northwest of Brazil's biggest city, after the incident.

The state prison service confirmed in a statement that there had been a riot, but said "prisoners who escaped were recaptured" and taken to another facility.

However, Globo's G1 news site reported that of some 200 inmates who broke out, only 100 had been so far recaptured.

Footage broadcast on Globo television showed smoke pouring from the Jardinopolis prison. Footage also showed a large section of prison fencing knocked down to the ground.

One prisoner was shown running barefoot across a field and others were shown being apprehended outside the prison.

The report also showed scores of prisoners stripped to their underwear and being made by armed guards to run to an exterior courtyard within the prison and sit on the ground.

Like many prisons in Brazil, Jardinopolis is heavily overcrowded, with a population of 1,864 but a capacity of only 1,080, according to the state penitentiary service.

Riots and mass escape attempts are common across Brazil, Latin America's biggest economy.
SAO PAULO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Brazilian supermarket sales rose 1.7 percent in August from the same month a year ago, with signs consumers are spending more on food, according to a statement from industry group Abras on Thursday.

Sales fell 2.65 percent in August from July. From January through August, the rise was 0.8 percent, better than previously expected by the industry.

"The sales index shows the economy is improving," said Marcio Milan, executive at the industry group Abras. Earlier this year, Abras had said it expected supermarket sales to drop 1.8 percent in 2016, marking the second consecutive annual contraction since at least 2001.

The Abras national sales index compiles data from 2,800 outlets representing about 130 companies that account for 60 percent of supermarket sales in Brazil.

Brazil's food retailing and convenience store industry had sales of 316 billion reais ($97.50 billion) in 2015, according to Abras.

($1 = 3.2410 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Ana Mano; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
Brasilia (AFP) - The head of Brazil's Supreme Court called Thursday for a rapid investigation into a spate of killings of candidates ahead of municipal elections.

Justice Gilmar Mendes said the killings, including the "shocking" shooting on Wednesday of a mayoral candidate in Itumbiara in central Goias state, were alarming.

"We're paying very close attention and also asking for investigations to be carried out as quickly as possible," he told journalists in Brasilia.

Brazilians vote Sunday in municipal elections expected to see a shift in power away from the long dominant leftist Workers' Party.

The death in Itumbiara of Jose Gomes da Rocha, shot at close range by a gunman during a campaign rally, followed killings of at least 15 candidates or politicians in the last 10 months in Rio de Janeiro state.

Federal military and police reinforcements have been deployed to boost security in 307 municipalities across 12 states, according to the official Agencia Brasil news service.

In most cases, the murders remain unsolved.

Fingers have been pointed after some of the killings at so-called militias -- shadowy groups made up of former or rogue police officers who run protection rackets in crime-plagued neighborhoods.

"We still lack an explanation," Mendes said. "In Rio de Janeiro there's already that difficult situation with the presence of militias (and) the issue of organized crime and narco-traffickers."

He called the incident in Goias, in which de Rocha's bodyguard was also killed and the state's deputy governor was wounded, "truly shocking and deplorable."

The motive of the shooter, who was quickly killed by security guards after his attack, "is not clear," Mendes said.

"But evidently it seems to be linked to a political context or act," he said.

In the Rio killings, the line between common crime and political motives appears to be blurred.

"That brings another concern which is that organized crime is taking part in the electoral process," Mendes said.
(The story was refiled for incorrect change of the word ministers to MPs in paragraph 2) By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - The British government's legal reasons for stating that Prime Minister Theresa May has the power to begin divorce proceedings from the European Union without parliament's authority were made public for the first time on Wednesday. In its submission ahead of a Brexit court challenge next month, the government argued that it had been "unequivocal" that the outcome of June's referendum would be respected and that constitutionally a decision to withdraw from the bloc was a power that only ministers could take on behalf of the monarchy. A series of claims have been brought to force May and her ministers to accept parliament must trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal exit procedure. Gina Miller, a co-founder of London fund manager SCM Private, is the main claimant, who says she hopes their action will force a more informed debate on Brexit and its implications. The official response to these claims was made public after lawyers acting for another group involved in the legal action won permission to publish the government's defence case. "The court's order allows a floodlight to be shone on the government's secret reasons for believing it alone can bring about Brexit without any meaningful parliamentary scrutiny," said John Halford, the lawyer presenting a group which calls itself "The People's Challenge". May, who has said Article 50 would not be triggered this year, told parliament earlier this month the decision on when to do so was a prerogative power, one that ministers can take on behalf of the Crown. "PROLONG THE PROCESS" "No one should be in any doubt that those who are trying to prolong the process by their legal references in relation to parliament are not those who want to see us successfully leave the European Union," she said. "They are those who want to try to stop us leaving." Those bringing the challenge's principal argument is that triggering Article 50 without an act of parliament would undermine the rights enacted by European Communities Act of 1972, passed when Britain joined the EU. In its submission, the government said this argument was unfounded. "It would be constitutionally proper to give effect to the referendum result by use of prerogative powers," it said. "It was clearly understood that the government would give effect to the result of the referendum for which the 2015 Act provided, and that was the basis on which the electorate voted in the referendum." The submission also spelled out that it also did not need the agreement of Britain's devolved parliaments in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, saying they did not have any "competence" over foreign affairs. It also argued it would be constitutionally "impermissible" for a court to force ministers to introduce legislation. Britain's Lord Chief Justice, the head of the judiciary in England and Wales, is due to oversee the case next month and lawyers expect whatever the outcome it will be appealed to the Supreme Court, the highest in the land, in December. Its ruling will be final. Victory for the claimants would mean parliament would have to debate triggering Brexit, vote on Article 50 and then pass legislation, a process which could delay an EU exit. (Editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
By John Geddie

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Britain will have no choice but to stick with European Union banking laws when it leaves the bloc to avoid blowing a "huge hole" in its regulatory system, a financial industry lobbyist said on Thursday.

Graham Bishop, a pro-EU consultant and leading figure in a forum of financiers seeking to advise the British government in Brexit talks, said the country's reliance on EU regulation would prove a major problem when it decides to leave.

"On the minute after midnight on the day we leave the EU, the regulations don't apply. This would blow a huge hole in Britain's regulatory system," Bishop, who sits on the executive committee of the Financial Services Negotiation Forum, told an industry conference in Germany's banking hub Frankfurt.

"If all these regulations don't apply, the European Banking Authority's rules and their technical standards...most of them, not all, fall away."

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the event, Bishop said the government would have to adopt European laws after Brexit because the sheer scale of the regulation meant it would take the government years to rewrite bespoke British laws.

"Then they have not taken control, so you are much worse off because now you are following (EU regulation) slavishly and you have no control over it," Bishop said.

Bishop said rewriting the laws could also jeopardise banks' "passporting" rights, which enable them to do business across the rest of the continent, if they were not viewed as equivalent with EU regulation.

Ratings firm Fitch said on Thursday that a worst-case withdrawal of passporting rights in isolation is unlikely to be a ratings changer for major UK banks and international banks with large operations in the UK.

(Reporting by John Geddie; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
RACINE  A Racine man is facing charges after reportedly kicking an officer during an arrest Tuesday.

Cerrell D. Walker, 21, of the 1300 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, was detained as a suspect for a hit-and-run crash at about 9:28 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Maple Street, according to a criminal complaint.

Witnesses described a suspect leaving the scene and Walker matched that description. He was found in the 1700 block of Maple Street.

Walker was detained, but then police began to get reports that they may have had the wrong suspect in custody, so officers began to remove handcuffs from Walker. After Walkers left hand was released, he was ordered to put his hand on his head while officers uncuffed his other hand, according to the complaint.

Throughout the process, Walker was allegedly unruly and screaming at the officers. He allegedly refused to put his hand on his head and at one point he pulled his left hand away from an officer, began to spin toward the officers and then was taken to the ground, the complaint said.

Officers placed Walker back in handcuffs and he was moved to a transport vehicle that Walker then refused to enter. Walker reportedly made his body limp as officers attempted to put him in the vehicle, according to the complaint.

During the process, an officer attempted to restrain Walkers legs as another officer held his arms. The officer attempting to hold Walkers legs was then kicked in the calf by Walker, causing an immediate pain to the officers leg, the complaint said.

Walker faces a felony charge for battery to an officer and two misdemeanor charges for disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 5 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.

He remained in custody as of Wednesday night at the County Jail, online records indicated.
By Maytaal Angel

SCUNTHORPE, England (Reuters) - British Steel has returned to profit in its first 100 days of trading after being spun off as a loss-making division in April by India's Tata Steel after it decided to exit the troubled British steel sector.

Investment firm Greybull Capital LLP bought the steelworks, based in Scunthorpe, northern England for 1 pound, reviving the historic British Steel brand, saving some 4,000 UK steel jobs and up to four times that amount in sectors dependent on steel making.

"I am delighted to be able to announce that we have returned the business to profitability. We've been gaining market share and should come back to the position of being a (key) UK construction supplier, but we're not there yet," Executive Chairman Roland Junck told journalists at the plant on Thursday.

British Steel plans to inject 50 million pounds ($65 million) of capital in the current financial year, and Junck said it would need to do this several times over in the coming years.

Some 5,000 jobs have been axed in the British steel sector since last October, equal to about a fifth of the workforce, as it struggles to compete with cheap Chinese imports and some of the highest energy costs and green taxes in the world.

British Steel's announcement that it has turned a profit making steel in Britain and expects to continue doing so in the year to end-March 2017 offers some hope for the sector, and for the community around Scunthorpe.

"We went through 14 months of hell, we thought we were going to shut down," Paul McBean of the Community union said.

"I now bump into people who thank me for the work I've done - a shop owner who thought he was going out of business and is now in a position to open another shop."

The Greybull deal with Tata Steel included a 400 million pound investment and financing package and the investment firm did not take on any pension liabilities.

Tata Steel, which wants to reduce its exposure to the European steel sector by merging its EU assets with Germany's Thussenkrupp, said this month its net loss widened to $477 million in the quarter to end-June due to the sale of its Scunthorpe based business to Greybull.

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British Steel employs 4,400 people in the UK and another 400 in France. It makes more than 2.8 million tonnes of steel a year and has a 4.5 million tonne capacity, enough for 615 Eiffel Towers.

The company is working with the British government to secure a level playing field for British steelmakers, which it says continue to face many challenges, including the uncertainty created by Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

"There are differences which handicap the UK in terms of business rates, energy prices," Junck said. "What we would like to see fundamentally, is what every country has, which is a long term industrial strategy."

($1 = 0.7696 pounds)

(Reporting by Maytaal Angel; Editing by Adrian Croft and Susan Thomas)
By Maytaal Angel

SCUNTHORPE, England (Reuters) - British Steel has returned to profit in its first 100 days of trading after being spun off as a loss-making division in April by India's Tata Steel (TISC.NS) after it decided to exit the troubled British steel sector.

Investment firm Greybull Capital LLP bought the steelworks, based in Scunthorpe, northern England for 1 pound, reviving the historic British Steel brand, saving some 4,000 UK steel jobs and up to four times that amount in sectors dependent on steel making.

"I am delighted to be able to announce that we have returned the business to profitability. We've been gaining market share and should come back to the position of being a (key) UK construction supplier, but we're not there yet," Executive Chairman Roland Junck told journalists at the plant on Thursday.

British Steel plans to inject 50 million pounds of capital in the current financial year, and Junck said it would need to do this several times over in the coming years.

Some 5,000 jobs have been axed in the British steel sector since last October, equal to about a fifth of the workforce, as it struggles to compete with cheap Chinese imports and some of the highest energy costs and green taxes in the world.

British Steel's announcement that it has turned a profit making steel in Britain and expects to continue doing so in the year to end-March 2017 offers some hope for the sector, and for the community around Scunthorpe.

"We went through 14 months of hell, we thought we were going to shut down," Paul McBean of the Community union said.

"I now bump into people who thank me for the work I've done - a shop owner who thought he was going out of business and is now in a position to open another shop."

The Greybull deal with Tata Steel included a 400 million pound investment and financing package and the investment firm did not take on any pension liabilities.

Tata Steel, which wants to reduce its exposure to the European steel sector by merging its EU assets with Germany's Thussenkrupp, said this month its net loss widened to $477 million in the quarter to end-June due to the sale of its Scunthorpe based business to Greybull.

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British Steel employs 4,400 people in the UK and another 400 in France. It makes more than 2.8 million tonnes of steel a year and has a 4.5 million tonne capacity, enough for 615 Eiffel Towers.

The company is working with the British government to secure a level playing field for British steelmakers, which it says continue to face many challenges, including the uncertainty created by Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

"There are differences which handicap the UK in terms of business rates, energy prices," Junck said. "What we would like to see fundamentally, is what every country has, which is a long term industrial strategy."

(Reporting by Maytaal Angel; Editing by Adrian Croft and Susan Thomas)
Beirut (AFP) - Bunker-busting bombs are putting children in so much danger in Syria's Aleppo that they won't even be able to return to underground schools when classes resume this weekend, a charity said Friday.

The "ferocious assault" on Aleppo could deprive almost 100,000 school-age children of an education, said Save the Children, which supports 13 schools in the northern battleground city, including eight underground.

The United States has accused Russia of using "incendiary bunker-busting bombs" in a week-long aerial assault on the city's rebel-held east in support of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.

The Kremlin said Thursday it would press on with its bombing campaign, blaming the surge in violence on Washington's failure to control rebels in Aleppo and insisting Syrian forces were battling "terrorists".

Save the Children said the use of the "earthquake bombs" which burrow four to five metres (yards) into the ground before exploding meant even underground schools were unsafe.

"Schools in eastern Aleppo were due to re-open for the new school year tomorrow, but as the city continues to suffer a ferocious assault they will remain closed, depriving almost 100,000 school-age children of an education, while they continue in fear for their lives," it said in a statement.

The bunker-busting bombs are used to penetrate hardened targets such as underground military headquarters, leaving victims entombed in rubble.

"Parents are afraid to send their children to school because everything is targeted," said a school principal in eastern Aleppo only identified as Omar.

"The students are also suffering on all levels, you see them barely walking, dragging themselves, which makes them unable to focus on the learning and studying," Save the Children quoted him as saying.

"Regarding the bunker buster bombs, of course only hearing the sound creates a state of terror and panic that is not like anything else.

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"The immense power of destruction is the most important, it can destroy underground shelters and basements and the buildings get totally destroyed, not just partially."

- 'Nowhere is safe' -

Save the Children said more than 300 children have been killed or wounded in eastern Aleppo in the past five days.

"We are not going to school because the airplanes bomb any gathering," said 12-year-old Amjad.

"When the plane comes we sit on the floor, afraid that things might fall above us. One of my friends died in the bombing -- he was my best friend.

"I love to go to school to study and I wish I could become a civil engineer to rebuild the houses that were destroyed," he said, quoted by the charity.

Even before the latest escalation, school enrolments in Aleppo had fallen to as low as six percent, said Save the Children.

"We're now more likely to see children being pulled from the rubble or treated on the floor of a hospital than sat at a school desk," said Nick Finney, Save the Children head for northwest Syria.

"Children deserve the right to play, to learn, to be children.

"The use of bunker busting bombs means there is literally nowhere we can keep children safe, and we want to see the use of these weapons investigated as a potential war crime."
BUJUMBURA (Reuters) - The head of one of Burundi's opposition parties has been arrested for collaborating with "armed gangs", police said on Thursday, joining a list of activists and political figures detained since the start of a political crisis. Gervais Niyongabo, chairman of FEDES-SANGIRA, was detained in the southern Makamba region on Wednesday, police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye wrote on his Twitter account. Niyongabo had been one of the few opposition leaders still working inside the central African nation - many others have fled to neighboring states and Europe. Burundi has been mired in political crisis and sporadic violence for more than a year, triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term in office, which he secured in a disputed election in July 2015. Opponents accuse the president of violating the constitution and a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005. The government accuses opponents of fomenting unrest, and accuses them of backing rebel groups, which officials call "armed gangs". FEDES-SANGIRA party was among the opposition groups to boycott the elections last year. At least 450 people have been killed in violence that first erupted during protests against Nkurunziza's re-election bid in April 2015. (Reporting by Clement Manirabarusha; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Notorious Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar called for peace as he appeared by video to sign a deal with President Ashraf Ghani Thursday, marking a symbolic victory in Kabul's struggle to revive talks with the Taliban.

The deal paves the way for Hekmatyar, who heads the now largely dormant Hezb-i-Islami militant group but has been in hiding for years, to make a potential political comeback despite a history of war crimes.

But analysts have said it represents a practical success in Afghanistan's 15-year bid to negotiate peace with militant groups, and comes as a boost for President Ashraf Ghani ahead of a development aid conference in Brussels next week.

"Now is the time for the Taliban to think about whether they want to continue the war or come for peace," Ghani said as he signed the deal at the presidential palace in Kabul.

Security was tight in the capital, with the road to the palace blocked. Chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai, delegates from Hezb-i-Islami and other politicians also attended the ceremony.

Hekmatyar, derided widely as the "butcher of Kabul", offered his congratulations to the government and "all those Afghans who want peace and stability in the region" as he signed a copy of the deal via video link.

"I pray that our country be independent and sovereign, and our innocent and war-weary nation end the fighting and ongoing insecurity, and that unity prevails," he said.

Hekmatyar was a prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s who stands accused of killing thousands of people in the Afghan capital during the 1992-1996 civil war.

He is believed to be in hiding in Pakistan, but his group claims he remains in Afghanistan.

The deal, which grants him judicial immunity, paves the way for him to make a comeback in mainstream politics in a pattern well established by other warlords, such as General Abdul Rashid Dostum, currently the country's first vice president.

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But it has sparked revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital who survived the civil war, some of whom launched street protests when it was announced last week.

Human Rights Watch warned Hekmatyar's return would compound a "culture of impunity" in Afghanistan.

The deal was struck last Thursday but the government said it would not come into force until it was formally signed by Ghani and Hekmatyar.

Hezb-i-Islami has been largely inactive in recent years, and the deal is not likely to have an immediate impact on the security situation in Afghanistan.

The government took the opportunity last week to renew its offer for peace talks to the Taliban, who have persistently refused to engage in negotiations as they ramp up their nationwide offensive against the Western-backed regime.
By Sharon Bernstein

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - Single-stall public restrooms in California will be open to anyone regardless of gender under a bill signed by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown on Thursday that is being hailed as an advance of transgender rights.

Access to public bathrooms has become a flashpoint in the battle over transgender rights in the United States, where some states including California already let transgender students use locker rooms and restrooms in accordance with their gender identities. Opponents fear that sexual predators will pose as transgender bathroom users in order to find victims.

Restricting access to single-user restrooms by gender defies common sense and disproportionately burdens the LGBT community, women, and parents or caretakers of dependents of the opposite gender," said Democratic assembly member Phil Ting of San Francisco, who authored the bill.

The most populous U.S. state already bars discrimination against transgender people, including in public restrooms. The latest measure goes further, saying that single-use restrooms should not be reserved for one sex.

In addition to making it clear that people may use single-stall restrooms in accordance with their gender-identities, the measure will also make it easier for everyone to use restrooms at busy locations, supporters said.

This law is a simple measure that will make everyones lives easier, said Kris Hayashi, executive director of Transgender Law Center. Having restrooms open to all genders will mean less hassle for everyone going about their day, and will allow people who dont fit neatly into expectations of what it looks like to be male or female to use the restroom without fear of harassment.

Allowing transgender people to use restrooms in accordance with their gender identities is the focus of ongoing disputes in several states. North Carolina earlier this year enacted a measure mandating that multiple-use bathrooms and locker rooms be restricted according to a person's biological gender.

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That law has prompted protests and boycotts, and in August, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that the state must allow two transgender students and a transgender employee to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide within weeks whether to hear a major transgender rights case for the first time, a dispute involving which bathroom a Virginia high school student can use.

State law already requires California schools to allow students to use restrooms in accordance with their gender identities. The new law does not affect multi-stall bathrooms.

(Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
By Sharon Bernstein

(Reuters) - The fatal shooting by police of a mentally unstable California man and the anguished response of his sister who had called 911 seeking help highlight the risks of a U.S. system that often relies on law enforcement to respond to mental health crises.

Alfred Olango, 38, a Ugandan-born immigrant, was shot by one officer even as another, who had been trained to deal with mentally ill people, attempted to subdue him with a Taser, police said.

The confrontation in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon came at a time when San Diego County is facing a doubling of mental health-related calls since 2009, officials said, tracking the impact of decades of tight budgets for mental health services.

"This is a systemic issue across the country," said Maggie Merritt, executive director of the Steinberg Institute, a mental health policy research and advocacy group in Sacramento.

Merritt said there was no protocol for situations like the one Olango's family faced and people typically turn to police for help.

As cities and counties increasingly rely on police to respond to calls about people who are mentally unstable, many police officers are undergoing special training.

In California, new laws require all police officers to undergo 15 hours of training in dealing with people who have mental health problems.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called for a review of that city's Crisis Intervention Team and improved guidance for officers after the police shooting of 19-year-old college student Quintonio LeGrier, who relatives said suffered from mental issues.

Mentally ill people have been shot to death in recent years by police in Texas, California, Colorado and Virginia. In Los Angeles last year, more than a third of people shot by police had mental health issues, according to a Los Angeles police report.

Americans with severe mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed by police than other civilians, an advocacy group found.

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But Jim Pasco, executive director of the National Fraternal Order of Police, said the solution is not more training for officers - it's ending the decay of U.S. mental health services that has led the severely mentally ill living on the streets or with family members who cannot properly care for them.

"The reasons for the problems you're witnessing today have little or nothing to do with police training and have everything to do with generations of politicians who have let the mental health system collapse in this country," Pasco said. "It's not the police officers' fault."

In San Diego County, the number of mental-health related requests fielded by police officers there has increased from 17,000 in 2009 to 32,000 last year, said Mark Marvin, who runs a program in San Diego County to train and assist law enforcement officers in dealing with mentally ill subjects.

Police officers in the county, including those in El Cajon, go through training that can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as three days, he said.

In the more intensive training, Marvin said, he tries to simulate for officers potentially difficult situations, such as when a subject is hallucinating and therefore cannot really respond to an officer's commands.

Very often, the go-to police response of taking control of a situation and issuing orders backfires with a person who is having a mental health crisis, he said.

"You have to set a tone of trust and understanding," Marvin said.

His program also provides trained clinicians, who serve along with police in the county's Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams. A clinician did not accompany the officers who responded to calls by Olango's sister for help with her brother, El Cajon police said, although one of the two officers who did respond had received extensive mental health training.

It was the other officer who shot Olango, after he pulled his hands out of his pockets and assumed what they said was shooter-like stance. No gun was found at the scene and police later said he had been holding a vape smoking device.

Fearing that their mentally ill loved ones will be harmed, families are increasingly afraid to call emergency response lines for help, said Ron Thomas, whose schizophrenic son Kelly died after he was beaten by police in the Los Angeles suburb of Fullerton in 2011.

"Police officers do not want to deal with the mentally ill and homeless, no matter how much training theyve had," said Thomas.

(Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; Editing by Ben Klayman and Michael Perry)
By David Ingram

(Reuters) - After El Cajon, California, police shot dead an unarmed black man said to be mentally ill, they released a photo from a bystander's cell phone video, showing the man in a "shooting stance" against the officers.

The image does not show clearly if 38-year-old Alfred Olango was holding anything and officials had no police body camera video showing the officers' view of the shooting. Police said they recovered a vape smoking device, not a gun, from the scene.

Officials voted months ago to purchase body cameras for police in the city of 100,000 residents 15 miles (24 km) northeast of San Diego. They have not yet been delivered, the police department said in a statement.

After controversial police killings in several cities including Ferguson, Missouri, Chicago and North Charleston, South Carolina, pressure has mounted for the nearly 18,000 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies across the United States to issue the cameras to their officers.

Yet the rollout has been slow.

About 95 percent of U.S. law enforcement agencies had a camera program or intended to adopt one, according to a December 2015 survey conducted jointly by the Major Cities Chiefs Association and Major County Sheriffs Association.

To speed things along, the U.S. Justice Department on Monday granted a total of $20 million to 106 law enforcement agencies to help purchase body cameras. But even that sum would cover just a sliver of what it would take to outfit all police officers in the United States, experts said.

SUSPICION OF CAMERAS

Some localities have resisted body cameras, citing the cost of storing data, distrust of how video will be used or lack of research into its usefulness.

"The technology is just not there yet, and the cameras show only a small point of view," said Shannon Martin, a city council member in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The city is among those that have debated cameras but not bought them.

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In Madison, Wisconsin, mistrust between residents and police is high enough that some residents were concerned that police would manipulate video content and use it against marginalized communities.

"I don't think it would resolve the issues we're facing. It would give the police another tool to harm the community," said Veronica Lazo, who co-chaired an advisory committee on the subject in Madison.

Many police departments support body cameras, saying videos will vindicate officers in the vast majority of cases.

A video can be a "tremendous asset" that gives context to an officer's actions, said Martin Mayer, a California lawyer who specializes in defending government agencies including police departments.

"What it does provide in many instances is not only the perspective of the officer, but also what leads up to the use of force," Mayer said.

Pockets of police continue to resist. Some unionized police officers have sued cities over being required to wear cameras. Others worry body cameras may make officers too inhibited, constantly watching what they say.

"The industry shoved this down everybody's throat, and political people threw up their hands and said, 'We've got a panacea here,'" said Eugene O'Donnell, a former New York City police officer who teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Footage is often inconclusive or subject to interpretation, especially for those not trained on what to look for.

In Charlotte, protesters this month demanded to see videos taken at the scene when a police officer shot dead Keith Scott. Local police initially resisted releasing the video, saying it would not be conclusive. When they did, it failed to settle the question of whether Scott had been holding a gun.

(Reporting by David Ingram in New York; Editing by Scott Malone and David Gregorio)
Los Angeles (AFP) - The state of California has suspended significant business ties with Wells Fargo, dealing another blow to the bank struggling to contain the fallout from a bogus accounts scandal.

In a letter addressed to Wells Fargo Chairman John Stumpf and the board of directors, state Treasurer John Chiang said Wednesday he could no longer "entrust the public's money to an organization which has shown such little regard for the legions of Californians who have placed their financial well-being in its care."

Wells Fargo, the second largest US bank by market value, has apologized and said it fired 5,300 people tied to the illegal conduct, which saw employees boost sales figures by opening unauthorized deposit and credit accounts and then covertly fund them with customers' money. It has also paid $185 million in fines.

Chiang decried the bank's "venal abuse of its customers" and said he was suspending state business with Wells Fargo in "its most highly profitable business relationships."

Effective immediately, the California's treasurer's office was suspending investments in all Wells Fargo securities, stopping use of Wells Fargo as a broker-dealer for investments and barring the bank from serving as managing underwriter on negotiated sales of California state bonds.

The California treasurer's office oversees $2 trillion in annual banking transactions, manages a $75 billion investment pool, and is the nation's largest issuer of municipal debt.

The measures would remain in place for one year but could be extended if Wells Fargo is found to have continued to run afoul of regulations, Chiang said.

Wells Fargo said in a statement to US media that it "has diligently and professionally worked with the state for the past 17 years to support the government and people of California. Our highly experienced and proven government banking, securities and treasury management teams stand ready to continue delivering outstanding service to the state."

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Chiang also said in his letter that he would use his position as a board member on the nation's two largest pension funds to push for reforms at Wells Fargo, including separating the chief executive and chairman positions, both currently held by Stumpf.

The move by California comes one day after the bank's board of directors announced that Stumpf would forgo $41 million in compensation as an independent investigation continues.

Stumpf was grilled on Capitol Hill last week by members of the powerful Senate Banking Committee, some of whom have called for his resignation.

He is scheduled to testify Thursday before the House Financial Services Committee.
RACINE  Last week, Mayor John Dickert traveled to New York to talk to potential investors in the proposed $46 million Racine Event Center plan. He said the results of those meetings were encouraging, but that for the arena-hotel plan to move forward, he still needs the support of a key financial player.

We need the support of the county, Dickert said. Were trying to put together a package where were all partners on this, but we have to have everyone coming together if were going to build up our county.

On Aug. 30, Dickert presented a funding plan for the Racine Event Center to the Executive Committee of the Racine County Board. The plan proposed a two-thirds, one-third city-county split for the $40 million publicly funded portion of the plan. The remaining $6 million would be covered by private investment, and the plan would provide significant job opportunities for county residents, the mayor said.

Dickert said Wednesday that he hasnt sensed much support for the plan from the county, and that that confuses him.

What were hearing is theres not a lot of support for it, and I dont get how people dont support 700 new jobs for our county, he said.

Thus far, County Executive Jonathan Delagrave and County Board Chairman Russell Clark havent expressed a lack of support for the plan, but rather have preached patience.

We are taking the long-term approach and if anything, this project has highlighted the need for a wider strategic plan for cultural amenities in Racine County, Delagrave said Wednesday.

That message mirrors what Clark wrote in a commentary published by The Journal Times on Sept. 13.

The Event Center project presents a unique and intriguing opportunity, Clark wrote. However, it must be considered in a measured and deliberate manner as part of a larger cultural amenities plan that benefits the county as a whole.

However, patience might not be possible if the proposed major tenant of the Racine Event Center, the Milwaukee Bucks Developmental League team, is to play there. The Bucks are expected to decide between Racine, Sheboygan and Oshkosh in the coming weeks.

Time is not our friend, Dickert said. I know a lot of people have said we should push this off for a year or two, but if we do that, I guarantee you the project is dead.

But for Delagrave, the $15 million commitment should only come after the county does its due diligence.

This project is not going to be successful if its predicated just on the Bucks, he said. If this idea is such a great idea, then its going to prove itself over time and thats what the county is looking at.
(Adds dealer comment, updates prices to close) * Canadian dollar ends at C$1.3149, or 76.05 U.S. cents * Loonie touches its strongest since Friday at C$1.3048 * Bond prices higher across the yield curve * 10-year Canada-U.S. spread hits its widest in six months By Alastair Sharp TORONTO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar fell back from a nearly one-week high against its U.S. counterpart on Thursday as the buzz from a deal between major oil producers to limit output wore off and investors fretted about the health of Deutsche Bank.

The slip for the loonie followed a 0.7 percent advance on Wednesday, its biggest in nearly four weeks, after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to limit crude output at its policy meeting in November.

"If you were really bullish on Canada, you would point to it (the OPEC deal) and say this could be the embryonic stage of a Canadian economy resurgence and strength for the loonie," said Brad Schruder, director of corporate sales and structuring at BMO Capital Markets.

But he said that troubles at Deutsche, whose U.S.-listed shares hit a record low on fresh concerns about the stability of Germany's largest lender, were pressuring a range of risk-friendly currencies including the Canadian dollar.

The Canadian dollar settled at C$1.3149 to the greenback, or 76.05 U.S. cents, weaker than Wednesday's close of C$1.3109, or 76.28 U.S. cents.

Oil prices jumped more than 1 percent, adding to a sharp jump on Wednesday, when OPEC said its members had agreed to cut output for the first time in eight years.

The Canadian currency's weakest level of the session was C$1.3184, while it touched its strongest since Friday at C$1.3048.

On Tuesday, the loonie hit its weakest in nearly six months at C$1.3281, pressured by recent disappointing domestic economic data and a more dovish tone from the Bank of Canada.

Domestic gross domestic product data for July is due on Friday. The economy is expected to have grown by 0.3 percent, which would reinforce expectations that it rebounded in the third quarter after contracting in the second.

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Canadian government bond prices were higher across the yield curve, with the two-year up 3.5 Canadian cents to yield 0.494 percent and the benchmark 10-year rising 28 Canadian cents to yield 0.951 percent.

The 10-year yield fell 2.1 basis points further below its U.S. counterpart as the rate of growth for the U.S. economy was revised higher for the second quarter. That left the spread at -60.3 basis points, its widest since March 30.

(Additional reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli and Marguerita Choy)
CALGARY, Alberta, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Tundra Energy Marketing Ltd, a privately-held Canadian energy infrastructure company, said on Thursday it has agreed to buy a regional pipeline system from an affiliate of Enbridge Income Fund for C$1.075 billion ($818.11 million).

The South East Saskatchewan system includes more than 1,600 kilometres (994 miles) of crude oil and liquids gathering pipelines, 547 kilometres of "trunk line" that feeds into the Enbridge Mainline system and four truck terminals.

Enbridge's Mainline is the main conduit for Canadian crude barrels being shipped south to U.S. markets. The SE Saskatchewan system currently transports 175,000 barrels per day of crude to the Mainline at Cromer, Manitoba, a major hub for barrels in Canada's southern prairies region.

Once the transaction, which is expected to close in late 2016, subject to regulatory approvals, is completed Tundra will handle more than 250,000 barrels per day of crude production from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and North Dakota.

The company will also have more than 600,000 barrels of crude storage capacity and oil-by-rail loading facilities in Cromer.

"We know and understand this part of the world, the Saskatchewan portion of which is one of the most-economic oil production areas in North America," said Bryan Lankester, president of Tundra.

All Enbridge employees currently working on the SE Saskatchewan system are expected to join Tundra once the deal is closed. Meanwhile, agreements with existing oil shippers are expected to remain in place.

Enbridge Income Fund President Perry Schuldhaus said the system was a non-core asset and that proceeds from the sale would be reinvested in the fund's $9 billion portfolio and help meet its 2017 equity capital requirements.

($1 = 1.3140 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Nia Williams; Editing by Alan Crosby)
A Canadian city has banned residents from owning new pit bulls after a woman was killed in a brutal dog attack earlier this year.

Montreals City Council on Tuesday voted to make it illegal for anyone to adopt or acquire a new pit bull or pit-bull-mixed breed dogs following the deadly mauling of a 55-year-old Montreal woman four months ago, CBC reports.

The new ban goes into effect on Oct. 3 and forces residents who currently own pit bulls to obtain a permit to keep their pets by the end of the year. Pit bulls considered illegally owned will face euthanasia, according to the Washington Post.

Read More: Dogs Labeled Pit Bull Wait 3 Times Longer for Adoption, Study Says

The controversial ban has been met with anger among animal activists. It prompted the Montreal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Wednesday to file a lawsuit against the city to nullify the new legislation.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQB: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N), ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") has been informed by De Beers Exploration that seven of 11 anomalies originally targeted as accessible for the summer program at the West Athabasca project were drilled, while the remaining four targets have been deferred due to high water levels. All remaining targets will be inaccessible until the winter freeze takes place.

Figure 1 Athabasca Diamond Projects

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: http://www.accesswire.com/uploads/22784_a1475104059235_35.jpg

The condensed summer program finished without intersecting kimberlite. De Beers is still receiving and analyzing physical property data from the last hole to better understand the overburden's physical properties, and geophysical response. All the drill core will be removed from site and transported to De Beers facility in Sudbury for further review and planning.

Figure 2 De Beers Drill Rig on Site, West Athabasca project

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: http://www.accesswire.com/uploads/22784_a1475104060610_7.jpg

CanAlaska President Peter Dasler said: "The large number of anomalous geophysical responses, scattered across the 100 kilometre (60 mile) long zone, provides logistical challenges. This coupled with an abnormally wet fall season, has slowed the previous rapid advancement of this project. We look forward to winter freeze, so that site access becomes an easier exercise. We also look forward to the continual systematic testing of the various targets this winter."

About the West Athabasca Diamond Project

CanAlaska and De Beers are exploring the West Athabasca Project for diamonds under a staged $20.4 million Option-Participation Agreement. The project area covers 85 kimberlite-style targets staked by CanAlaska in the northwestern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. De Beers may earn an interest in the Project through a series of escalating exploration programs. For more information about the West Athabasca Diamond Project visit

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http://www.canalaska.com/s/AthabascaDiamondProject.asp?ReportID=740492

About De Beers

De Beers is a member of the Anglo American Group. Established in 1888, De Beers is the world's leading diamond company with expertise in exploration and development, mining, and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers employs more than 20,000 people (directly and as contractors) across the diamond pipeline, and is the world's largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. As part of the company's operating philosophy, the people of De Beers are committed to Living up to Diamonds by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work, and transforming natural resources into shared national wealth. For further information about the De Beers Group of Companies visit www.debeersgroup.com.

About CanAlaska Uranium

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQB: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N) holds interests in approximately 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres), one of the largest land positions in Canada's Athabasca Basin region - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium." CanAlaska's strategic holdings has attracted major international mining companies Cameco, Denison, KORES, KEPCO, and the De Beers Group of Companies. CanAlaska is a project generator and is positioned for discovery success in the world's richest uranium district. For further information visit www.canalaska.com.

The qualified technical person for this news release is Dr Karl Schimann, P. Geo, VP Exploration, for CanAlaska.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Peter Dasler"

Peter Dasler, M.Sc., P.Geo.

President & CEO

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.

Contacts:

Peter Dasler

President

Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138

Email: info@canalaska.com

John Gomez

Corporate Development

Tel: +1.604.484.7118

Email: jgomez@canalaska.com

Tom Ormsby

Head of External & Corporate Affairs

De Beers Canada Inc.

Email: Tom.Ormsby@debeersgroup.com

Tel: +1.403.930.0991 x 2703

Cell +1 416 525 5328

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.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

SOURCE: CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.
Barcelona (AFP) - Catalan regional lawmakers on Thursday approved regional President Carles Puigdemont's plans to call a referendum next year on independence from Spain, which has been without a fully functioning government since December.

Puigdemont called the vote of confidence in his government and its plans after his pro-independence coalition that rules Catalonia broke down in June when its most radical component -- the far-left CUP party -- refused to back the government budget for 2016.

The CUP had since said it would help bring the coalition back together again and vote for Puigdemont, but only in exchange for a Scotland-style referendum next year.

In an address to the Catalan regional parliament on Wednesday on the eve of the vote, Puigdemont said he would hold an independence referendum in September 2017 whether or not the central government in Madrid agrees to one.

He won the confidence vote with 72 votes in favour and 63 against. He was backed by the CUP's 10 lawmakers and the 62 MPs from his "Together for Yes" coalition.

Catalan separatists have for years tried -- in vain -- to win approval from Spain's central government to hold an independence referendum like Britain's Scottish referendum in 2014 which resulted in a "no" vote.

Puigdemont's predecessor Artur Mas had already tried to hold such a vote. But when it was banned by Spain's Constitutional Court, he held a symbolic independence vote in November 2014.

Over 80 percent cast their ballot in favour of independence then -- although just 2.3 million people out of a total of 6.3 million eligible voters took part.

Unlike British former counterpart David Cameron with Scotland, which did get a vote in 2014, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has always categorically refused a referendum.

- 'Stationary bicycle' -

Secessionist parties in the wealthy, northeastern region approved a plan to achieve independence by next year after winning a clear majority in 2015 regional elections, but ideological differences have hindered progress.

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Opposition lawmakers on Thursday mocked the lack of progress and argued that the referendum would be illegal and would not be recognised.

"You are on a stationary bicycle, you peddle but you are going nowhere," said Ines Arrimadas, the leader of the anti-independence Ciudadanos party which sided against Puigdemont in the confidence vote.

"You can prolong the agony as long as you want but you will never have the political, legal or social authority to break Catalans away from the rest of Europe."

Xavier Garcia Albiol, the head of the Catalan branch of Rajoy's conservative Popular Party(PP), said the referendum would never take place.

"Neither you nor anybody will call an illegal referendum," he told the assembly.

But as Spain remains mired in nine months of political stalemate after two inconclusive elections, it is not certain that the PP-led acting government will still be in power next year.

Rajoy's traditional Socialist rivals however also refuse to back any referendum, so would not be any more flexible if they came to power.

The only party on the national scene that has said it would allow one is far-left, anti-austerity Podemos, but it does not have enough parliamentary seats to govern alone.

Catalans have nurtured a separate identity for centuries, but an independence movement surged recently as many became disillusioned with limitations on the autonomy they gained since the late 1970s after the Francisco Franco dictatorship, which had suppressed Catalan nationalism.

Polls show Catalonia, which accounts for almost a fifth of Spanish economic output, is roughly divided over splitting from Spain.
National Amusements, which controls Viacom and CBS, officially called for the two conglomerates to merge, setting off speculation of what a reunited company might look like - and it may not bode well for some employees.

Some of Viacom's TV channels could be restructured or sold off and some are calling for leadership changes at the underperforming Paramount film studio, which recently took a $115 million write-down on a movie it hasn't even released.

"Wall Street wants Brad Grey's head for writing off $115 million on an un-releasable film," said Laura Martin of Needham & Co. "You can quote me on that. You can exclamation-point that. We're lost on why that person should keep his job."

Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the movie in question is Monster Trucks, a kid's film that, after numerous delays, is now set for release Jan. 13.

Eric Jackson, managing director of SpringOwl Asset Management, which owns shares of Viacom, says the write-down is indeed a head-scratcher, but also said Grey can turn Paramount around, and its library and studio lot remain very valuable.

"Is Brad Grey the guy to lead (Paramount)?" asks Jackson. "He's obviously in charge and has to take responsibility for what's happened. However, we're not inside the company. We don't know if his hands were tied by (ousted CEO Philippe Dauman) or not. It's the responsibility of the new board to figure that out, if he should stay on. So far, they've displayed a willingness to do what's best for the business."

While talk of Viacom selling a stake in Paramount basically ended when Dauman left last month, Mario Gabelli, who owns more Viacom voting shares than anyone outside of Sumner Redstone's National Amusements, suggested that Paramount merge with Sony Pictures.

"I've been saying for a long time it makes sense, but nothing is happening," Gabelli told THR.

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On the TV side, "shuttering or rebranding many of Viacom's channels makes sense," said Steve Birenberg of Northlake Capital Management.

"In an era of skinny bundles at traditional and virtual MVPDs, the best positioned network companies are those where just a few channels produce the lion's share of revenue," said Birenberg.

But it's trickier than it seems, the analyst acknowledged, given that some small networks can turn handsome profits because of small overhead and lots of subscribers, even if the fee per sub is tiny. Nicktoons, with 65 million subscribers, banks $50 million in operating cash flow annually, for example, while Nick2 has 50 million subs and $20 million in cash flow.

"I don't see buyers for the channel space, so these are 'strand assets' with positive cash flows," Birenberg said. "Maybe declining cash flows if they lose subs and ratings. So what exactly is the play for CBS? I'm not sure."

Steven Cahall of RBC Capital Markets said Viacom could divest of more than 15 "non-core networks in order to focus on the key brands of Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, BET, Spike TV Land and CMT."

But with or without the smaller channels, a merged CBS-Viacom would have far more leverage to strike lucrative distribution deals than Viacom has had without CBS and its giant broadcast network, said Brett Harriss, a research analyst with Gabelli & Co.

"A merger will maximize the value of both companies," Harris said.

Some analysts told THR that a merged CBS-Viacom should sell its stake in EPIX, a premium network now owned by Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate.

CBS is also poised to be flush with cash as it completes a spinoff of its radio business, so even when Viacom and CBS are reunited to form a much larger conglomerate, it will have plenty of capacity for further acquisitions.

Analysts also presume about $500 million or more in annual savings due to corporate overhead, which foretells layoffs should the companies merge.

Jackson also says a combined Viacom-CBS would have the wherewithal to then acquire Time Warner, should CBS CEO Les Moonves choose to do so. "Scale begets more scale," Jackson says.

"CBS should want to buy Viacom," says Jackson. "It will give them more heft in negotiating future deals with various cable systems and satellites. Advertisers are starting to say they prefer to see NBCUniversal have more competition, like from a CBS-Viacom."
At least 100 people were wounded, some in critical condition, and at least one was reported dead following an NJ Transit train crash at the Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey on September 29. According to reports quoting police sources, the cause of the crash remains unclear, with an investigation begun.

This footage, captured by the Gerber RV, Truck, & Bus Company in Hackensack, New Jersey, shows the train passing through just minutes before it crashed into the Hoboken Terminal. The train originated in Spring Valley, New York. Credit: Gerber RV, Truck, & Bus
* Crude rise boost stocks, but Warsaw index eases * Government change weighs on Polish stock market sentiment * Czech central bank seen maintaining guidance on crown cap By Sandor Peto and Jason Hovet BUDAPEST/PRAGUE, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Warsaw's stock index eased on Thursday, bucking a rise in Central European equities driven by rising crude prices, after Poland's ruling party firmed its grip on economic policy with a government reshuffle announced late on Wednesday.

The finance ministry will come under the supervision of economy minister Mateusz Morawiecki, an ally of Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the president of the Law and Justice Party which has been ruling for 10 months.

The party has stood for more government influence and less foreign ownership in certain sectors including banks and more government spending to stimulate economic growth.

Warsaw's bluechip stock index shed a quarter of a percent by 0830 GMT, while Budapest gained 1.5 percent, Prague 1.1 percent and Bucharest 0.6 percent.

A global rise in crude prices after oil producers agreed to curb output drove gains in oil and energy utilities shares in the world and Central Europe.

The stocks of Polish state-run utilities joined the rise, regaining some ground after a plunge last week amid speculation over personnel changes in the government and the management of the companies and news about extra tax burdens.

The stocks of the largest Polish utility PGE rose by 1.6 percent, but half the shares in the index including mBank fell, pushing the lower.

Elsewhere, Hungarian oil group MOL shares firmed by 2.7 percent.

Czech utility CEZ gained 3.4 percent even though longer-than-expected outages at its nuclear power plants have weighed on its shares in recent weeks and may even force it to lower its full-year guidance, J&T Banka analyst Bohumil Trampota said.

The Czech central bank is expected to reaffirm its pledge after its meeting on Thursday to maintain its cap, which keeps the crown weaker than 27 per euro at least until the middle of 2017.

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Speculation that it may remove the cap earlier boosted the crown rate implied in six-month forwards to 26.784 three weeks ago. Trading at 26.897 it was well off that level on Thursday, steady from Wednesday.

"On the forward market, the rate could continue in additional gradual (crown) weakening," Komercni Banka analysts said in a note.

Czech 10-year bonds traded near record-low yields at 0.25 percent.

Polish, Hungarian and Romanian government bond yields rose a few basis points, pushed up by the crude price rise.

"Anyway, I expect good demand at today's (Hungarian) bond auction," a Budapest-based fixed income trader said.

CEE SNAP AT 1030 MARKETS SHOT CET CURRENCIES Late Prev Dail Chan st ious y ge bid clos chan in e ge 2016 Czech 230 230 00% 9% Hungary 0400 3800 11% % Polish 70 81 02% 1% Romanian 15 05 2% % Croatian 90 75 2% % Serbian 1400 2500 09% 6% Note: calcula prev clos 1800 daily ted ious e at CET change from STOC KS Late Prev Dail Chan st ious y ge clos chan in e ge 2016 Prague 876. 866. +1. -8.4 03 34 12% 0% Budapest 2788 2747 +1. +16 9.51 6.40 50% .59% Warsaw .46 .59 4% 2% Buchares 6991 6946 +0. -0.1 t .52 .93 64% 8% Ljubljan 62 36 1% 81% Zagreb .29 .03 12% .95% Belgrade 51 84 26% 3% Sofia 13 92 81% .63% BOND S Yiel Yiel Spre Dail d d ad y (bid chan vs chan ) ge Bund ge in Czech spre Republic ad 2-year 58 21 3bps s 5-year 95 06 9bps s 01 7bps s Poland 2-year UE! 7 UE! ps 5-year UE! UE! ps UE! 3 UE! s FORWARD RATE AGREEMENT 3x6 6x9 9x12 3M inte rban k Czech (PRIBO R=) Hungary (BUBOR =) Poland (WIBOR =) Note: are for FRA ask quotes prices ***************************************** ********************* (Reporting by Sandor Peto; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Recently, a group of 20 people gathered at a shady corner outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the Czech capital, preparing to stage a particularly controversial brand of protest.

Several in the group wrapped scarves and pillowcases around their heads in mockery of the traditional Muslim headdress, the keffiyeh. Others put on sheets like the ankle-length garment the thawb, securing them with a pin, printed on which was a red cross through a mosque with the words "Block Islamization." The group rolled out a portable toilet meant to resemble the Holy Kaaba at Mecca and the costumed protesters began to march around it to mock the Hajj pilgrimage before police shut demonstration down.

"We have the right of freedom of speech," Martin Vitek, one of the leaders of the group, said at the time. "Islam is not a religion; it is an ideology for governing the world."

Though small in size, the group is one expression of far bigger nationalist movements sweeping across Europe, from countries like France and the Netherlands, to the heart of Central Europe, in the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland and Hungary. The anti-Muslim mood, anchored to recent terrorist activities in France, Germany and Belgium, is part of a call for change across the region. Right-wing leaders are capitalizing on fear and xenophobia to flatly reject incoming Muslim refugees primarily fleeing Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

"What you have here is a perfect storm resulting from the financial crisis in the West, the security crisis and the refugee crisis," says Mabel Berezin, an expert in nationalism in Europe and a sociologist at the department of sociology at Cornell University.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center published in July, 43 percent of the surveyed populations of 10 countries had an unfavorable view of Muslims. Another 59 percent said they believe accepting refugees increases the likelihood of terrorism. The 10 countries included France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

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[ READ: France wrestles with its Muslim relations]

In the Czech Republic, which is holding senate elections in October and general legislative elections next year, nationalistic and anti-Islamic rhetoric has become commonplace, even among top leaders. "After what has been happening in Europe, I say clearly that I don't want even a single refugee in the Czech Republic, not even temporarily," Deputy Prime Minister Andrej Babis wrote in an op-ed in August. President Milos Zeman encouraged citizens to "arm themselves" against the rising terrorist threat.

The mood today in Central Europe harkens back to centuries-long antipathy toward another group, the Romani, a minority originating from northern India believed to have first arrived in Europe in the 15 th century. This group, disparagingly referred to by locals as "gypsies," have for decades been the victims of hate crimes in countries like Hungary and the Czech Republic that are often met with violence. During World War II, up to half a million Romani were believed to have been executed by the Nazis in what has become known as the Romani Holocaust.

The shift toward nationalism in Central Europe is perhaps no more apparent than in Hungary and Poland, where anti-migrant leaders hold top positions in the government and have pledged to bar migrants from entering. Both countries have become the subject of numerous protests over the issue and have experienced a sharp increase in hate crimes.

The July Pew study also showed Hungarians possessed the strongest negative views about Muslims, closely followed by Italians and Poles. Additionally, 82 percent of Hungarians and 75 percent of Poles view refugees as a burden on a country by taking jobs and benefits that otherwise would have been available to citizens.

Hungarian President Viktor Orban has consistently rejected efforts by the European Union to manage the migrant crisis through resettlement quotas. He has called on the EU to round up migrants and put them on an island, according to European media reports. On Oct. 2 his country will vote on a Brexit-inspired referendum on whether to accept the proposed EU refugee quotas.

Cornell's Berezin says anti-migrant views in Central Europe are largely reactionary since most of the countries in the region have very small Muslim populations. By contrast, "In a place like France that has experienced terrorist threats, it is not surprising that people are worried about terrorism, because it actually happened."

Roughly 1.3 million migrants arrived in the 28 EU member states, Norway and Switzerland in 2015, nearly double the previous record of about 700,000 recorded in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, according to Pew.

Hungary last year began installing razor-wire fencing along its border with Serbia. In the run-up to the Oct. 2 referendum, Orban's government distributed pamphlets to the public warning that immigrants had turned sections of London and other European cities into "no-go " zones. The Orban government's position on immigration has drawn scorn from regional leaders. In September, Luxembourg's foreign minister, Jean Asselborn, called for Hungary to be thrown out of the EU for treating asylum seekers "worse than wild animals."

The issue of nationalism in Central Europe has been fueled not only by the migration crisis, but by some influential member-states of the EU reacting to a variety of political and economic issues that have been accumulating gradually over several years.

These issues include "the nature of EU responses to the Ukraine- Russia conflict and by a general feeling that the 'new' member states of central Europe still do not get a fair hearing within the EU," says Richard Youngs, a senior associate at Brussels-based think tank Carnegie Europe who is an expert on EU foreign policy. Youngs and Berezin point to badly needed reforms on the part of the European Union if the issue is going to be dealt with.

"If there are certain social values that appear more conservative in some of the eastern member states, the EU will need to be flexible enough to allow these some room, before such values tip over into really serious illiberal politics as in Hungary and increasingly in Poland, too," says Youngs.

It does not seem that any such reform is forthcoming however as the de facto leader of the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, has shown signs of waning power after her party only drew about 18 percent of the vote in Berlin elections earlier this month. The loss has given rise to anti-immigration populists Alternative fur Deutschland , described by Berlin mayor Michael Muller days before the election as "a sign of the return of the right wing and the Nazis in Germany."

[IN-DEPTH: Merkel to confront political tests]

Without a powerful voice at the helm of the EU , however , it appears there is little left to stand in the way of the rising tide of nationalism and anti-Muslim sentiments.

"You have party leaders who are fueling these [nationalist] sentiments by omission really, by failing to stand out against these issues," says Lydia Gall, a Europe researcher and human rights lawyer with Human Rights Watch in Hungary.

"I think it's one of the most important issues presently and will be for some time, and as far as I can see right now the European Union is failing."

Philip Heijmans is a journalist based in Prague, Czech Republic. You can follow him on Twitter here.
RACINE  Jennifer Kahle knows it might take years before her little girl Brooke says I love you, Mommy.

But for the Racine resident and mother of two daughters, the wait will be well worth it.

Brooke was born with childhood apraxia of speech, a rare neurological speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables and words; not because of muscle weakness or paralysis, but because the brain has problems planning to move the body parts needed for speech.

She knows what she wants to say, but she just cant get it out, Jennifer said. For her to form words means going through a multistep process. She has to go through the steps.

While the exact number of CAS cases is difficult to determine, experts generally agree that about one child in every thousand has CAS.

Watching Brooke tumble and roll, grin and play with her younger sister Taylor in the familys living room on Racines north side, one would be hard pressed to detect anything amiss with her.

Shes a kid, Jennifer said. She knows all her numbers, her letters, her shapes, and she will show you. She loves learning.

But learning is a slow and arduous process for Brooke and for most children with CAS. Extensive speech therapy is one of the few treatments for the disorder, but such services can be infrequent and expensive.

To help the cause and raise awareness of CAS, Jennifer is leading a team of walkers, dedicated to Brooke, at the Southeast Wisconsin Walk for Children with Apraxia in Mukwonago this weekend. The walk runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Field Park, at Highways 83 and NN, about 10 miles north of Waterford.

Its the only apraxia walk in Wisconsin, Jennifer said.

Money raised at the event will benefit the nonprofit CAS Association of North America. They provide workshops for children and parents and a variety of services for affected families, Jennifer said. They do a lot.

Diagnosing the issue

The Kahles, who moved to Racine about 10 years ago, noticed Brooke wasnt talking at regular developmental milestones. Tests with experts at Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa confirmed the diagnosis. Brooke started speech therapy soon after.

Therapy involves a lot of drills, including saying the same word over and over. Sometimes Jennifer uses a mirror so Brooke can see what her mouth looks like when she tries to say certain words. Brooke also uses smartphones, iPads and some sign language to learn and communicate.

She gets a lot of it, but its so hard, Jennifer said. The rate of progress is very, very slow. We have been working on up and mom for almost two years.

Brooke attends kindergarten at Red Apple Elementary School, 914 St. Patrick St. She gets 10 minutes of speech therapy four days a week and one 20-minute session for a total of 60 minutes a week. She also participates in a research study at Marquette University, where she gets an additional 30 minutes two times week.

Brookes condition doesnt slow down the family at all. They like to visit the Racine Zoo, participate in the Color Run, and go on vacation. Other children interact with Brooke all the time, Jennifer said.

Were so proud of who she is. Other little kids play with her and talk with her. Sometimes they ask why she doesnt really answer them and we explain it, Jennifer said.

To increase her own knowledge of CAS, Jennifer, an early childhood teacher in Kenosha, this summer attended the national conference on the disorder in Chicago. She learned that Brooke certainly isnt alone, and that children improve as they get older.

Jennifer listened to a panel of several young adults who have CAS. For some of them, you would never know the difference, she said. You know its a long road, but they gave me hope.
It was an action-packed second week of the 2016/17 Champions League campaign. Here are some of the standouts as well as those who cannot wait to get back to domestic duty to lick their wounds.

ON FIRE

Juventus: While itll take victories over their serious competition in Sevilla and Lyon to advance, Juve issued a stern warning shot by comprehensively dismantling Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. Four goals without reply, all at steady intervals by different scorers.

FC Copenhagen: Also entering a four-goal display were slightly less likely goal machines Copenhagen, who all-but-consigned Club Brugge to whipping boy status and took their big chance to ensure the race for the knockout phase with Leicester and Porto is up for grabs.

Tottenham: After a home defeat at Wembley to Monaco, it was critical that Spurs got off the mark ASAP. Three points in a notoriously-difficult trip to Russia was just the tonic to cancel out their rough start to the campaign.

Atletico Madrid: Bayern Munich are not unbeatable every year, of course. But in the early stages in particular, it takes either a huge performance or a massive surprise (or both) to take three points from them. Atleti produced the former and really should have won 2-0 with Griezmanns penalty in the closing stages.

Napoli: Gonzalo Higuain was on the scoresheet for Juventus, but his former side also bagged four to beat Benfica 4-2 and really take their group by the scruff of its neck. Dries Mertens, with a brace, was the standout.

+++

ICE COLD

Porto: No doubt licking their chops when the draw was made, the 2004 winners actually appear to have a scrap on their hands if theyre to avoid Europa League as a consolation prize. Beaten 1-0 by Leicester with Copenhagen running riot, six points in the two consecutive games versus poor Club Brugge is an absolute must for the Portuguese side.

Legia Warsaw: When sharing a group with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, getting off to a strong start is imperative. Losing your first two - one of which to likely competition for the Europa spot in Sporting Lisbon - is just about the worst possible response to such adversity.

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Bayern Munich: Carlo Ancelottis men will no doubt rally from the defeat at Atletico, their most difficult assignment of the six group games. However, their reputation precedes them and early signs of weakness really isnt the Bayern way.

Borussia Monchengladbach: So, so close to being at the top of the other side of this feature. Gladbach had Barcelona on the ropes at 1-0 up but were pegged back on 65 before a Yann Sommer mistake led to Piques winner on 74. That may well have been the Rhine region sides last shot at seriously challenging Barca and City for a spot in the last-16.

PSV Eindhoven: Had to twice come from behind at Rostov and missed a golden opportunity for all three points when Davy Proepper missed his penalty. They could come to regret this particular fixture when the group phase wraps up.
(Reuters) - British defence contractor Chemring Group Plc (CHG.L), which has been struggling with defence budget cuts in its key markets, said on Thursday that it had signed an Australian contract for A$18 million (10.61 million).

The deal, with the Australian Department of Defence, is to supply Chemring's Resolve 3 portable electronic surveillance systems, the company said.

"This is the largest award that the group has received for the Resolve system, growing Resolve's user-base to nine countries..." CEO Michael Flowers said.

Chemring, which also makes ejector seats for fighter jets and flares used to counter heat-seeking missiles, has lost over a quarter of its value in the last 12 months as it struggled in Middle Eastern economies, which have taken a hit from the slump in oil prices.

The company secured an ammunition contract in the Middle East in April after several delays that had forced it to warn on profit last year.

Shares in the Romsey, Hampshire-based company, which was worth more than 1 billion pounds at its peak, were up 5.65 percent at 144.75 pence at 1017 GMT on the London Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Noor Zainab Hussain in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair)
BEIJING (Reuters) - Japan is "playing with fire" with plans to step up activity in the contested South China Sea through joint training patrols with the United States, China's Defence Ministry said on Thursday, warning it would not sit watching from the sidelines. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has repeatedly denounced what it views as interference there by the United States and its ally, Japan. Japan is strengthening its ties in the region, in particular with the Philippines and Vietnam, which contest China's claims to parts of the sea, and it aims to help build the capacity of coastal states in the busy waterway, its defense minister said this month during a visit to Washington. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, asked about Japan's plans, said it had constantly been trying to stir things up in the South China Sea for its own purposes. "We must solemnly tell Japan this is a miscalculation. If Japan wants to have joint patrols or drills in waters under Chinese jurisdiction this really is playing with fire," Yang told a monthly news briefing. "China's military will not sit idly by," he added, without elaborating. Ties between Asia's two largest economies have long been overshadowed by arguments over their painful wartime history and a territorial spat in the East China Sea, among other issues. Ships carrying about $5 trillion in trade pass through the South China Sea every year. Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have claims in the sea, which is also believed to be rich in energy resources and fish stocks. In July, an arbitration court in the Hague said China's claims to the waterway were invalid, after a case was brought by the Philippines. China has refused to recognize the ruling. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel)
BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese police on Thursday arrested a man suspected of killing 19 people, including three children, found dead in different locations a remote southwestern village, state media and authorities said. Mass killings are rare in China and the incident dominated discussion on social media platforms. It was not immediately clear how the victims were killed, or what the motive was. Yang Qingpei, born in 1989, was arrested in Yunnan province's capital of Kunming, about 200 km (124 miles) from the site of the murders in Yema, Yunnan police said on their official microblog. The victims were members of six families, said the official Xinhua news agency. The bodies were found on Thursday at different locations in the village, a state-backed news website, ThePaper.cn, said, adding that the suspect had given authorities some details. The public security bureau in the nearby city of Qujing told Reuters it was investigating. (This story corrects spelling of 'Yunnan' in third paragraph.) (Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard and Paul Carsten; Editing by Nick Macfie)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China will cooperate with the United Nations Human Rights Council, a body it has had testy relations with over the years, and invite its representatives to visit the country as appropriate, the government said in a policy paper on Thursday. President Xi Jinping's administration has tightened control over civil society, citing a need to boost security and stability, in what activists say is the most sweeping crackdown on dissent in decades, with dozens jailed. China frequently faces censure at the U.N. rights body, and has refused to allow in some U.N.-appointed envoys. Others have complained that when they are allowed to visit the government interferes with their work and blocks access to interviewees. China's latest National Human Rights Action Plan, which runs to 2020, promises that China "will cooperate with the Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council". This includes "answering letters from it, inviting, as appropriate, representatives of the body to visit China, and continuing to recommend Chinese experts for posts in the Special Procedures", said the paper, released by the official Xinhua news agency. "China will conduct exchanges and cooperation with the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, and hold dialogues on human rights with relevant countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect," it added. China will also offer developing countries assistance in the human rights field, the paper said. China frequently says that it does not believe the issue of human rights should be politicized, and has for example rejected efforts by the United Nations to investigate alleged rights abuses in reclusive North Korea, which has close ties with China. Reuters reported last year that Beijing was using intimidation tactics at the rights council, based in Geneva, to silence critics there. China routinely rejects foreign criticism of its rights record, and says that guaranteeing things like the right to education and freedom from hunger, where it has been very successful, show its commitment to a more broader definition of human rights. Particular opprobrium has been directed at China's treatment of ethnic minorities, especially in restive Tibet and Xinjiang. The paper said China would put more efforts into prioritizing the development of minority areas and protect their "lawful rights and interests". It did admit some problems, though. "The rule of law in safeguarding human rights needs to be further promoted and more efforts are required to realize higher levels of human rights protection," the paper said. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Michael Perry)
China's Sea & Shell Film Ltd. has picked up the Russian movie Duelyant (The Duelist) for a theatrical release in the world's second-largest box-office market and predicted it would become the highest-grossing Russian movie in China ever.

Featuring local stars Pyotr Fyodorov and Vladimir Mashkov, the movie was written and directed by Alexey Mizgirev and produced by Alexander Rodnyansky, known most recently for Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated Leviathan.

Set in 19th century St. Petersburg, the movie centers on retired officer Yakovlev, who offers to stand in for others in formal duels.

"We are sure that this bold and artfully executed picture will allow Chinese viewers to enjoy Russian culture and feel the touching power of one of the best Russian cinema examples," said Cheng Yuhai, the founder of Sea & Shell Film. He added that he believes The Duelist has the potential to break the record for the highest-grossing Russian movie in China.

Currently, Fyodor Bondarchuk's Stalingrad, which was released in China in 2013 and became the year's highest- grossing foreign non-Hollywood movie, holds that record with $11.5 million.

The Duelist, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month, opens in Russia on Sept. 29. It will also be released in Imax theaters in Russia, becoming only the third Russian movie in that format after Stalingrad and this year's Ekipazh (Crew).

The Duelist's Chinese release is scheduled for 2017, with a precise date to be determined later.

China, France and Germany are among the few territories not covered by a global distribution deal between The Duelist's producers and Sony Pictures.

Read more: Disney, Sony to Release Foreign-Language Oscar Contender 'Paradise' in Russia
China on Thursday warned Japan against "playing with fire" in the contested waters of the South China Sea, after Tokyo announced it may patrol alongside the US in the region.

China also sent fighter planes for the first time over a strait near Japan on Monday as part of a group of more than 40 jets headed to train in the West Pacific.

The move followed remarks by Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada this month that Tokyo would increase its engagement in the South China Sea through joint training with the US Navy, exercises with regional navies and capacity-building assistance to coastal nations.

The Chinese defence ministry said the aim of the announcement was "to mess up the South China Sea situation and try to gain interests from the troubled waters."

"If Japan wants to conduct any joint patrol or joint exercises in waters administered by China, it is just like playing with fire, and the Chinese military will not sit and watch," ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular press briefing.

Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, dismissing rival partial claims from its Southeast Asian neighbours. It rejects any intervention by Japan in the waterway.

In recent months Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has criticised China for rejecting a July ruling by an international tribunal, which said Beijing's extensive claims to the waters had no legal basis.

Tokyo, a key US ally, is also strengthening defence ties with other countries in the disputed region. Japan and China are already at loggerheads over a longstanding territorial row in the East China Sea.

That dispute relates to uninhabited islets controlled by Japan known as the Senkakus in Japanese and the Diaoyus in Chinese.
fixing computer server

A Chinese firm has been accused of undermining internet security by issuing weak web-security certificates  the systems that make that lock appear next to a website address and show users the domain is secure  among other big issues.

Researchers at Mozilla put together a lengthy technical analysis of their findings, which accuse the Shenzhen-based WoSign of handing out certificates for websites to people who had no business getting them or backdating their date of issuance to get around security protocols.

WoSign is a certificate authority, which means it's trusted to issue valid credentials to website owners so their users can visit their sites and know everything is OK. When you visit a website like Amazon, for example, you'll see a lock next to the web address that you can click and examine. That certifies to users and website administrators that their data is safely moving back and forth through an encrypted tunnel, so outsiders can't eavesdrop on or intercept it.

Without it, credit-card numbers, personal information, and whatever else is susceptible to eavesdropping. Or, if a hacker were able to obtain a valid certificate for a website like Amazon, the hacker could conduct a man-in-the-middle attack, potentially modifying data from a user before it reaches the server.

And that's exactly what a systems administrator at the University of Central Florida found.

Late last month, Stephen Schrauger wrote a blog post about how he was able to obtain an SSL certificate for the domain Github.com  the super-popular code-sharing website used by millions of developers. Needless to say, Schrauger does not own Github.com.

amazon certificate

"WoSign signed my certificate, and lo and behold, I had a certificate that was valid for github.com, github.io, www.github.io, schrauger.github.com, and schrauger.github.io," he wrote. "I set up a test website on my local machine that responded to GitHub's domains. I loaded the site, saw that the location was https://github.com, and the browser said my connection was encrypted by a valid certificate signed by WoSign."

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It's common practice for certificate authorities to verify that someone owns a website by providing a text file to upload. A domain administrator takes the file, uploads it to the server, and the certificate authority looks for that file on the server. If it's there, then presto, the administrator becomes trusted. And that's what Schrauger did for his subdomain on GitHub, schrauger.github.com.

But WoSign wasn't distinguishing between a subdomain and the main one. And Schrauger found that basically anyone with a subdomain could get a valid certificate. Just think of the possibilities: All you'd need to prove is ownership of yourdomain.tumblr.com and you could mess with people on Tumblr, for example.

It gets worse

According to Mozilla, WoSign was also issuing certificates offering super-weak security, ones that most internet companies have agreed to phase out. Those certs used SHA-1 encryption, which is slowly being replaced by the much stronger SHA-256.

This is important, because plenty of web browsers will be banning websites' use of SHA-1 next year. To prepare for that, browser developers like Mozilla prohibited certificate authorities from issuing new certificates with the old encryption starting January 1 of this year.

But WoSign apparently found a workaround in backdating these weak certs before that date. And Mozilla is not happy.

A man is seen next to a Firefox logo at a Mozilla stand during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, February 28, 2013. REUTERS/Albert Gea

"Mozilla believes that continued public trust in the correct working of the CA certificate system is vital to the health of the Internet, and we will not hesitate to take steps such as those outlined above to maintain that public trust," Mozilla researchers wrote in their analysis. "We believe that the behavior documented here would be unacceptable in any CA, whatever their nationality, business model or position in the market."

Further, Mozilla said, WoSign didn't report that it had acquired a rival certificate authority, StartCom, even though certificate authorities are required to do so.

This is a huge no-no. Breaks trust in anything from that authority. And the evidence is incredibly strong, based on brilliant tech analysis.  Anil Dash (@anildash) September 28, 2016

Besides its huge listing of problems with WoSign and StartCom, Mozilla also called out Ernst & Young, WoSign's auditor in Hong Kong, which it said "failed to detect multiple issues they should have detected."

Mozilla is considering a yearlong ban on WoSign, and it's very likely that other browsers will also consider such a move.

A Google representative told Ars Technica earlier this week that the company was investigating the matter. Google declined to comment further to Business Insider. WoSign also did not respond to a request for comment.

NOW WATCH: Astronomers discovered a second alien megastructure star thats even stranger than the first one





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Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f229247%2fgettyimages-590673933

For a brief moment on Wednesday night the residents of an Icelandic city usually bathed in artificial light were treated to spectacular views of the green curtains of the northern lights dancing overhead.

Usually, people need to travel far from Reykjavik's city lights to catch sight of the aurora borealis. But yesterday, city officials dimmed street lights in certain parts of the city to allow tourists and full-time residents a chance to see the cosmic light show in their own backyards.

SEE ALSO: A satellite in space just saw ghostly auroras dance above Earth

The city of Reykjavik turned off its street lights for an hour starting at 10 p.m. local time in about a dozen neighborhoods, allowing skywatchers to look up to sky in darkness.

Tonight between 22 - 23 #Harpa will turn off the glass facade due to a great aurora forecast in #Reykjavik pic.twitter.com/E2qNU8jHYZ  Harpa Reykjavik (@HarpaReykjavik) September 28, 2016

Many people who did see the northern lights from Reykjavik posted their views on Instagram and Twitter, revealing the dancing auroras above some of the city's landmarks.

Leifur og ljosin #auroraborealis #northernlights #nofilter #coolbutcold A photo posted by Freyja Melsted (@freytschi) on Sep 28, 2016 at 4:27pm PDT

 A photo posted by hoshi (@xingqiaoyan) on Sep 28, 2016 at 3:52pm PDT

Crazy shit #auroraborealis #northernlights #hallgrimskirkja A photo posted by Freyja Melsted (@freytschi) on Sep 28, 2016 at 4:23pm PDT

Because of its high latitude, Iceland, on the whole, tends to be a great place to see the northern lights when skies above the country are relatively cloud-free.

Reykjavik turned out its lights Wednesday because of a favorable aurora forecast, which called for a more pronounced light show than usual. The whole week has actually been a pretty good time for people to see the curtains of the northern lights in Iceland.

The auroras are sporadically produced when charged particles from the sun slam into Earth's upper atmosphere. Those solar particles are directed toward the planet's atmosphere along magnetic field lines, meaning that most of them hit the upper atmosphere above Earth's poles.

If the solar storm delivering the particles to Earth is strong enough, the oval of aurora activity can stretch into lower latitudes, which can bring the auroras to cities that don't usually get a chance to check it out.

Scientists can predict when auroras will grace the skies above certain cities thanks to satellites that monitor the sun on a daily basis.
Chicago (AFP) - Democrat Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump Thursday of breaking the law by violating the US trade embargo with Cuba, slamming her rival as dishonest and willing to put his interests before the country.

Clinton said Trump's business interests in Cuba in the 1990s "appear to violate US law, certainly flout American foreign policy," as she accused him of misleading American voters.

Newsweek earlier reported that Trump hotel and casino executives spent $68,000 while trying to get a foothold in Cuba during a trip in 1998.

That was well before the United States loosened its decades-old embargo and when expenditures in the Caribbean country were illegal without US government approval.

A former Trump executive who spoke to Newsweek on condition of anonymity said the company did not obtain a government license for its spending before the trip.

The issue plays into Clinton's main line of attack against her Republican rival.

Her campaign has framed the election as an existential moment for the republic: a choice between Clinton's safe pair of hands and the latent authoritarianism of an erratic and duplicitous mogul.

The issue could also cause Trump problems in the swing state of Florida -- where anti-communist Cuban Americans make up a vocal slice of the electorate.

Polls show the Democrat and Republican nominees running virtually neck-and-neck there.

"This adds to the long list of actions and statements that raise doubts about his temperament and qualification to be president and commander in chief," said Clinton.

She accused Trump of continuing to "stonewall the American voters" on his taxes and business interests "before they cast their votes, early or on November 8."

Facing questions about the report, Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway all but acknowledged that his company violated the embargo.

"As I understand from the story, they paid money in 1998," she said on the ABC show "The View."

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However, Trump ultimately "decided not to invest there," she added, saying the real estate billionaire has remained "very critical" of Cuba and the Castro regime.

Newsweek reported that the company did not spend the money directly, opting instead to funnel the funds through a consulting firm -- Seven Arrows Investment and Development Corp -- with Trump's knowledge to make it appear as if the spending were part of a charitable effort.

Instituted in the early 1960s, the trade embargo was designed to starve Fidel Castro's regime of US currency. Despite the recent restoration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana, the embargo remains largely in place today.

Florida's Republican US Senator and onetime presidential candidate Marco Rubio, whose parents fled Cuba, said he was "deeply concerned" about the report.

"I hope the Trump campaign is going to come forward and answer some questions about this," he told ABC's "Capital Games" podcast.

"It was a violation of American law if that's how it happened."
By Jonathan Allen DURHAM, N.H. (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton shared a stage with former rival Senator Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to appeal for youth votes in the Nov. 8 election as opinion polls show a close race with Republican Donald Trump. Clinton told an audience at the University of New Hampshire that she would make college affordable if she wins the White House, the kind of promise that won Sanders many young supporters during the Democratic nominating contest. "We should and we will make public colleges tuition-free for families earning less than $125,000 a year," Clinton said. She vowed to help those who already have student debt to refinance. Clinton's campaign is worried that some polls show voters under the age of 30 might not turn out in great numbers at polling stations in November, potentially giving an advantage to Trump. Members of the crowd on Wednesday waved signs that read: "I will vote." Recent opinion polls have shown the race tightening between Clinton, a former secretary of state, U.S. senator and first lady, and Trump, a New York real estate magnate. A majority of Americans say Clinton won Monday night's presidential debate, but her performance does not appear to have boosted support among likely voters, according to a Reuters/Ipsos national tracking poll released on Wednesday. The online poll found that 56 percent of American adults felt Clinton did a better job, compared with 26 percent who believed the Republican did better. Even so, Clinton's performance seemed to have little impact on her support. The poll showed 42 percent supported her, while 38 percent backed Trump. Trump, often described as racist by Clinton, tried to turn the tables at a rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He pointed to the Democrat's remark that "implicit bias is a problem for everyone, not just the police," when asked at the debate whether she believed police are implicitly biased against black people. "She accuses the entire country, including all of law enforcement, of 'implicit bias,' essentially suggesting that everyone, including our police, are basically racist and prejudiced," Trump said. PRAISING SANDERS Clinton's event with Sanders took place on a university campus, but it was not open to students without an invitation, according to attendees, many of whom were middle-aged and said they were members of local Democratic organizations or invited by the campaign. Clinton praised Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont who was her opponent in the hard-fought struggle for the Democratic nomination earlier this year. "He is one of the most passionate champions for equality and justice that I have ever seen and someone that I am looking forward to working with," Clinton said of Sanders, who introduced her on Wednesday. Although Sanders lost to Clinton, he consistently drew younger voters to his side with promises to take on Wall Street, make college less expensive and close the income gap. He called on young people in New Hampshire, a swing state in the presidential election, to get behind Clinton. Get your uncles, your aunts, get your friends to vote for Hillary Clinton, he said. Clinton's campaign said it hoped to get Sanders to make more appearances on Clinton's behalf before the election. (Additional reporting by Chris Kahn in New York and Steve Holland in Iowa; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Peter Cooney and Bill Rigby)
Sanaa (AFP) - The Saudi-led coalition killed eight civilians in two separate air strikes on rebel-controlled areas of northern Yemen on Thursday, a government official said.

Warplanes from the coalition, which supports forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, hit "by mistake" a vehicle at Razah in Saada province, killing five civilians, said the official.

Another air strike killed three civilians travelling in a vehicle in Shadeh, a village also located in Saada, said the same source.

Saada province is a stronghold of the Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels who overran the capital Sanaa in September 2014 before going on to seize other provinces.

Human rights groups accuse the coalition, which has stepped up its strikes against rebel positions especially in northern Yemen, of a string of such attacks that have killed civilians.

On September 22, at least 20 civilians died in coalition air strikes on rebel-held Hodeida, in western Yemen, in what a government official said was a possible "error".

The conflict between Yemen's government and the Huthi rebels escalated in March last year with the intervention of the Arab coalition in support of Hadi's government.

More than 6,600 people are estimated to have been killed since then, most of them civilians, according to the United Nations.
On The Late Show Wednesday night, Stephen Colbert had a lot more to say about Donald Trumps performance at Mondays presidential debate. Referring to Trumps overall performance as the addled ramblings of a delusional demagogue, he zeroed in on the candidates remarks about the weight problem of former beauty queen Alicia Machado. Colbert unveiled Donalds new slogan: Trump 2016: Seriously, Ladies, You Could Lose a Few Pounds.

Colbert made a few jokes about Elon Musks new proposal to colonize the moon, suggesting that Trump could be ready to go at any time, because Mike Pence would be president. Say what? Why? Because you know Trump is stepping down on Day 3, the host said. Colbert counted off the days after Trump will be sworn in as president: Inauguration; put up his name [on the White House]; and then [he implied an obscene gesture meant to convey Trumps third-day-and-outta-there attitude toward leading the free world for real].

Wednesday night was a busy one for post-debate jokery, since Samantha Bee did a special edition of Full Frontal. Her luxuriously long monologue about the debate  or as she called it, the American version of Russian roulette  spared no one. Her targets included Lester Holt and the woman she referred to as Hermione Clinton, merging the studious Harry Potter character with Hillarys well-prepared debate style.

For Bee, sisterhood is powerful wherever it can be located. This night, she also praised Megyn Kelly for the Fox News anchors maybe-intentional, maybe-not slight at her time-period neighbor Sean Hannity (about 4:25 in):

Bees monologues are always well-written, but Id like to take a moment to admire in particular one phrase  about Trump bolting off to the spin room to soothe his wounded pride with the balm of Sean Hannitys slobbering admiration. That works as a joke, and as excellent prose. Brava.

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS. Full Frontal With Samantha Bee airs Mondays at 11 p.m. on TBS. She will have another special debate edition of her show next Wednesday.
Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's second-largest rebel force, the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN), on Thursday released a civilian captive to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the humanitarian organization said.

"A civilian who was in the hands of the National Liberation Army (ELN) was handed over today to the ICRC," it said in a statement.

The ELN freed the hostage in Arauca, a rural area that borders Venezuela.

ICRC delegates at the hostage transfer said the person was "in proper health," but provided no details about the civilian's identity.

Colombia's leftist FARC rebel force -- the country's largest -- signed a historic peace accord with the government Monday, ending the country's half-century civil war.

However, the government and the Cuban-inspired ELN have yet to begin planned peace talks, although President Juan Manuel Santos said Tuesday that the start of negotiations could be announced as early as next week.

Formal negotiations would not proceed until the ELN has stopped its kidnappings, the president said.

The ELN -- which has some 1,500 fighters in its ranks -- has pledged to hold its fire in the lead-up to a referendum on Sunday, when Colombians will decide whether to accept the peace deal with the FARC.

If the accord passes, the FARC has pledged to disarm and convert into a political party.
Congress has cleared a stopgap spending bill on Wednesday to fund the government through early December, narrowly making the Friday midnight deadline before federal agencies ran out of money, thus avoiding a government shutdown.



Senators voted 72-26 and later the House voted 342-85 to pass the legislation.



Earlier that morning, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) confirmed that a compromise had been reached when House leadership agreed to approve $220 million for the Flint water crisis.



In addition, the bill included $176.9 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, $1.1 billion for Zika research, $500 million to aid flood victims in Louisiana, West Virginia and Maryland, and $37 million to combat heroin addiction and prescription painkiller abuse.







The White House released a statement praising the Senate's passage of the bill. "The administration looks forward to working with the Congress to support investments equally balanced between defense and non-defense spending that will create jobs, support middle-class families, contribute to long-term growth, and safeguard national security," the statement said, according to CNN.



Congress will not be meeting until after the Nov. 8 election. In the meantime, Speaker Paul Ryan announced that Republican members approve the short-term bill explaining, "Basically, we are having a low-drama moment now."



While, Minority Leader Harry Reid said the House's latest decision is "a step in the right direction."



Also on Wednesday, Congress voted to override President Obama's veto for the first time, passing into law the 9/11 Victims bill which will allow the families of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to sue Saudi Arabia. It was ultimately a 97-1 vote in the Senate and a 348-77 vote in the House.
EpiPen isn't the only rescue medication to undergo huge price hikes. A House Judiciary Subcommittee recently heard testimony about the skyrocketing cost of naloxone, a medication that reverses a potentially fatal overdose from heroin and other drugs, such as OxyContin or Vicodin, in minutes. Congress is trying to understand how, in the past two years, Evzio auto-injectors (which work similarly to an EpiPen and rapidly deliver a single dose of naloxone) went from about $625 to almost $4,000 for a two-pack, according to historical pricing data from GoodRxan increase of more than 500 percent.

Although this rescue drug is most commonly kept on hand in emergency rooms and by the police, people with legitimate prescriptions for narcotic pain pills are increasingly likely to have naloxone injectors. New recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical organizations suggest that they do so.



Each day in the U.S., 78 people die of an opioid overdose, according to the CDC. At least half of those deaths involve a prescription opioid, such as OxyContin, Percocet, or Vicodin. And there's growing recognition that even people who never abuse the drugs are at risk of fatal side effects.

"It's risky drugs we're talking about, not necessarily risky patients," says Phillip Coffin, M.D., the director of the Substance Use Research Unit at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. "For people who regularly take opioids, including those who take the drugs as prescribed by the doctor for pain, having naloxone on hand can mean the difference between life and death."

Opportunistic Pricing Hurts Communities, Too

The rising cost of naloxone has left hospitals, public health departments, and nonprofits scrambling to pay for supplies of the lifesaving drug. Even generic naloxone, which medical personnel use with syringes or nasal spray kits, has undergone inexplicable price hikes in the past couple of years. A spokesperson for the Public Health Department of Baltimore, for example, told us its cost of buying Amphastar naloxone more than doubled between 2012 and 2015, from $16.50 to $37 per dose.

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"This is an older generic drug on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. It costs pennies in other countries," says Leana Wen, M.D., the Baltimore city health commissioner. "It's completely inappropriate and, frankly, shameful that we are faced with these rising prices in the midst of an opioid epidemic. No one should be dying because we can't afford this drug."

Baltimore has had to rely on free Evzio auto-injectors donated from drugmaker Kaleo and discounts on Narcan Nasal Spray from Adapt Pharma. But the line item for naloxone in the city budget is still almost twice as high as it was two years ago.

Jason Shandell, the president of Amphastar, told us that the company had not raised the price since October 2014. That increase, Shandell says, was due to "several legitimate business factors," including investments needed to keep manufacturing products in the U.S., and research and development costs for a new naloxone nasal spray slated to hit the consumer market in early 2017.

How to Find Affordable Naloxone

If you take opioids for chronic pain and have a higher risk of experiencing a life-threatening reaction, you should have naloxone on hand. Taking high doses50 mg or more of hydrocodone or 33 mg or more of OxyContin daily, for exampleor having a history of overdose or substance abuse also makes you a good candidate for keeping naloxone at the ready. Also, taking benzodiazepineswhich include anti-convulsants, anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, and sedatives, in combination with your opioidmakes having the rescue medication essential. Here's how to get naloxone at a deep discountor free.

Evzio for $0. Through Kaleo's $0 access program, commercially insured patients can get Evzio free, even if their insurance doesn't cover it (not valid for patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal or state health insurance). If you're quoted a higher cost of naloxone at the pharmacy, call the toll-free hotline, at 877-438-9463, for assistance. "We will assure that all commercially insured patients get Evzio for zero dollars," says Kaleo CEO Spencer Williamson. Note that some insurance plans may require you to get prior authorization before covering Evzio.

If you're uninsured and have an annual household income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or $36,450 for a family of four, you can apply to get Evzio free through the company's patient assistance program. (The enrollment form is available on Evzio's website.) If you don't meet the income requirement and are uninsured, you can still get a two-pack of injectors for a cash price of $250.

Narcan nasal spray for $30 to $40. If your insurance covers Narcan as a preferred brand-name drug, you may be able to get it for $30 to $40, according to Adapt Pharma spokesman Thomas Duddy. This is probably your best option if you have a Medicare drug plan, because you won't be eligible for the Evzio discount. If you don't have insurance or you pay for your prescriptions out of pocket, CVS Pharmacy offers a discount coupon that will bring your cost for a two-pack down to about $110.

Syringes and vials for $4. Though prices for naloxone syringes and vials have increased, our check of a dozen health plans showed that it's usually well-covered by insurance plans, for as low as a $4 co-pay. The cash price is reasonable as wellranging from $25 to $60 for two syringes and one vial at most pharmacies. "If the people around you are comfortable using a needle and syringe, and cost is a barrier, then thats a fine option as well," Coffin advises.

Good to know. Victims of an opioid overdose become unresponsive and can stop breathing. Make sure your friends and family members know to watch for those symptoms as well as where you keep your naloxone and how to use it.

In 36 states you can buy naloxone from a pharmacist without a prescription and still use your insurance; he or she can provide advice and training on whichever form of the drug you choose.

Editor's Note. This article and related materials are made possible by a grant from the state Attorney General Consumer and Prescriber Education Grant Program, which is funded by the multistate settlement of consumer-fraud claims regarding the marketing of the prescription drug Neurontin (gabapentin).

Ginger Skinner, associate editor of Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, provided additional reporting for this article.





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Top pick tires for 2016

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
(Photo: Reuters)

The High Court has dismissed an application against the Singapore government made by Lee Kuan Yews estate, which claims that it is entitled to use and own copies of the late Lees oral history transcripts from the early 1980s.

According to a Straits Times report, the court said on Wednesday (28 September) that the right to grant permission for access, copies and use of the transcripts was personal to him and that it was not Lees intention for his estate to have free use or custody of the transcripts.

The court said the transcripts were covered by the Official Secrets Act and that government authorisation would be required in order to access, copy or use them. Lees emphasis on the political sensitivity of the material and the need to safeguard its confidentiality was also noted by the court.



Signed agreement

Produced as a part of a government project in the early 1980s, the transcripts contain accounts of state affairs as observed and experienced by Lee, who was Singapores Prime Minister at the time.

A two key system had been put in place to control usage of the material. This entailed Lee retaining the copyright to the material, while the government would be in physical possession of the tape recordings and transcripts.

Lee also signed an agreement with the Cabinet Secretary and Director of Archives in 1983, which specified that the transcripts would be kept in the Cabinet Secretarys custody until the year 2000 or five years after Lees death  whichever is later  following which the government could choose to hand the material over to the Director of Archives.

No person would have access to, supply copies of or be able to use the material during the moratorium period without Lees express written permission.

The court said that while Lees estate does hold copyright to the transcripts, this was only for the purpose of ensuring the governments compliance with the terms of the agreement Lee had signed.

Lee, who was Singapores founding Prime Minister, died on 23 March 2015 at the age of 91. His two younger children, Lee Hsien Yang and Dr Lee Wei Ling, are the executors of the the late Lees estate and filed the application in September 2015 to clarify their fathers agreement regarding the transcripts.
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Thursday cast doubt on whether his country will reach a deal with the EU Commission that will enable it to keep cooperating with Europol, the European police agency. European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermanns this week told the country's leaders they would not get the cross-border policing deal they have been seeking, following Denmark's referendum vote last December to quit Europol. Since the referendum, the government has been seeking a "parallel deal" that would still allow it to maintain some cooperation with the police agency. Without such a deal, Denmark may have to hold a second referendum on whether to go back to full participation in Europol, Rasmussen said on Thursday. "Its still very doubtful whether we can succeed in finding a solution with the EU Commission," he said. "It is difficult to keep the Danish police within Europol, but I have not given up all hope," he added. (Reporting by Erik Matzen; Editing by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Hugh Lawson)
When a Texas woman's heart stopped as she sat behind the wheel of her car, dashcam video showed more than a half dozen people joining efforts to saving her life.

Read: Woman's Rescue From Burning Car Caught in Dramatic Dashcam Footage

Ebony Ivory, 27, was driving in downtown Houston Tuesday when witnesses watched her car roll onto the sidewalk, and stopped after gently colliding with a religious center.

"Nobody was hurt," spokesperson Alan Bernstein of the Precinct 1 Harris County Constable's Office told InsideEdition.com.

But when six deputies approached the car to investigate, they discovered the woman was cold, and unresponsive.

"She had no heartbeat," Bernstein said.

Officers could be seen in dashcam video provided to InsideEdition.com smashing the window open. The men then helped out in removing Ivory, who doctors said weighed about 500 pounds, from the car.

"She wasn't even breathing," Ivory's aunt Gail Richard later told InsideEdition.com. "She was completely gone, according to the team."

A flight attendant, Thandie Duval, who is certified in CPR for her profession, also happened to be on the scene.

She led the six deputies in taking turns performing CPR on the woman whose heart had stopped as they waited for EMTs to arrive.

"Had they not intervened before the ambulance arrived, she would have remained dead," Bernstein said.

EMTs later told bystanders Ivory suffered a heart attack, Bernstein said.

Read: Supermarket Bakery Honors Cop Who Died of Cancer With Blue Doughnuts for Free

"We thank God they were there," her aunt Richard said. "They were just right there to get her where she needed to be."

Ivory's sister Shade Ivory told InsideEdition.com, "She's still in the hospital right now, but she's looking better."

Watch: Driver Whose Brother Is Riding on the Hood Crashes Into Police Cruiser

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Look, ABCs Designated Survivor is not really a prestige show. Its got heavy-enough subject matter, sure, but its also pulp. It has exactly the level of nuance we would expect from a network drama  youre not gonna mistake it for something youd find on HBO.

But Designated Survivor is also not a show youd want to watch on Sunday nights on HBO. Through two episodes its very thoroughly an idealists fantasy  specifically of the people are basically good variety, which makes it a liberal fantasy, to be sure. Also, the new President Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) is a Democrat. So theres that.

Last week I described the basic premise (the Capitol is bombed during the State of the Union address, with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development ascending to the presidency) as a compelling but realistically impossible what if. What if somebody who didnt have any desire to become president actually got stuck with the job?

Also Read: This Election Year, 'Designated Survivor' Is Most Topical Show on TV (Commentary)

This week, we got to see how President Kirkman deals with institutional racial discrimination by police in the wake of the attack on the Capitol. Weve got the governor of Michigan (Michael Gaston) ordering the state police to, more or less, round up all the Muslims. They manage to beat one of them, a teenager named Danny Fayed, to death. Theres even a video of the cops in Michigan beating Danny Fayed, as he lies on the ground with his hands tied behind his back with zipties. I told you it was topical, didnt I?

In Washington theyre at least a bit more restrained  they harass Kirkmans speechwriter Seth Wright (Kal Penn) as hes trying to go to work. Its a tense situation, and one thats not difficult to imagine escalating quickly. Seth snarks at their questions (Where do you live? Is that your real name? And so forth), as the two officer have their hands on their holstered sidearms. Fortunately, they end up letting Seth go because, you know, he actually does work at the White House.

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Designated Survivor is not the kind of show to take any kind of middle ground on this issue. There is never any question about whether there was any merit to what the police are doing. None of that wishy-washy everybody needs to respect law enforcement stuff you see cable news pundits dropping every day. The Michigan governor is the bad guy, flouting his authority and denying that Kirkman has any. He even says something along the lines of even if they arent radical they probably know somebody who is and if we beat enough of them down theyll give em up.

Also Read: How the 'Designated Survivor' Works in Real Life

President Kirkman, meanwhile, is the good guy, and hes 100 percent against arresting and beating a bunch of people based on their religion or skin color. When the governor claims hes just trying to keep his citizens safe, Kirkman pretty much nails the response: How safe is Danny Fayed this evening?

Beyond all that you have a General strongly encouraging Kirkman to publicly blame a fictional offshoot of al-Qaeda as the perpetrators of the bombing, based on an undetonated bomb the FBI found in the Capitol rubble. Theyre clearly not actually responsible  the B-plot of the series is about an FBI investigator, played by Maggie Q, who thinks the dud bomb was left there purposefully to deflect attention away from the real bombers.

Its not hard to figure out why the military and the FBI would be cool with placing the blame on Islamic terrorists based in northern Africa. True to the unsubtle nature of the show, a character explains outright why that and the abuse of the Muslim community by police in Michigan is happening. And true to the weirdly optimistic nature of the show, that explanation isnt yelled by some frantic antagonist, but rather by Kal Penns character.

When people dont know who their enemy is they start with people who look like me.

Its on the nose, but its also correct. Nobodys really gonna blink if the U.S. response to the decimation of its government is to blame some brown people who live on a different continent and go after them. And judging by the real-world popularity of Donald Trump, there are plenty of Americans who would be cool with having all the brown people (even the brown Americans) rounded up and locked away just in case. That was pretty much the thought behind Donald Jr.s racist Skittles meme last week, after all.

Also Read: Skittles Clarifies 'Refugees Are People' After Donald Trump Jr. Compares Them to Poisoned Candy

Im sitting on my couch watching this show during an election cycle in which the Republican nominee for president has made all the racists around here feel so comfortable with being openly racist that they have a populist movement. Actual Nazis feel like they have a place in American politics now. I grew up in Alabama, where I was taught that saying racist things is bad  if youre in public. This year, suddenly, they dont even care about the appearance of propriety.

So its just nice, as I have an ongoing internal debate about whether I should just officially become a nihilist already, to watch a show like Designated Survivor that attempts to paint a more hopeful picture. One that overflows with empathy, and reminds us what it looks like to be the good guy.

So, yeah, Designated Survivor probably isnt realistic. But it certainly is cathartic.

Related stories from TheWrap:

This Election Year, 'Designated Survivor' Is Most Topical Show on TV (Commentary)

How the 'Designated Survivor' Works in Real Life

'Designated Survivor' Review: Kiefer Sutherland Saves America Again
Everyone wanted to know the status of Dez Bryants knee early this week. The Dallas Cowboys wanted to know too.

So you can understand the Cowboys angst when their star receiver didnt show for an MRI on Tuesday. He missed team meetings too after showing up late to the Cowboys facilities. So the team fined him, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.

[Play our $200K Baller | Free Yahoo Cup entry | Earn rewards points playing Daily]

The news of Bryants hairline fracture in his knee broke on Wednesday. Early in the week the media members who cover the Cowboys seemed confused why the team didnt release any new information on Bryants injury, which he suffered on Sunday night against the Chicago Bears. The reason no information was released is because they didnt have the information, thanks to Bryant showing up too late to the teams facilities.

The amount of the fine wasnt disclosed, the Dallas Morning News said.

The worst news of the day for the Cowboys came from the MRI, which showed Bryant has a tibial plateau on the lateral side where the bone meets the knee, the Morning News said. He could miss three games, though he hasnt been ruled out of this weeks game yet. The fact that Bryant blew off team meetings and an MRI on Tuesday probably isnt something they wanted to deal with on top of the injury itself.

Dez Bryant was fined after missing team meetings and an MRI on Tuesday (AP)

      

Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!


Hes beauty, hes grace, hes  well, lets not get ahead of ourselves. Donald Trump was imagined as a voluptuous beauty queen in an illustration on The New Yorkers latest cover, a response to his fat-shaming remarks about former Miss Universe Alicia Machado.



Photos: Donald Trumps Most Offensive and Outrageous Quotes



In the image, a cartoon version of the business mogul turned politician, 70, is seen strutting his stuff down a catwalk in a baby blue bodysuit with a tiara sitting atop his signature comb-over. He is holding a bouquet of red roses and, ironically, is wearing a Miss Congeniality sash  a title normally reserved for pageant contestants who convey an amiable demeanor.



Barry Blitt  the prolific artist who is responsible for some of The New Yorkers most iconic covers  told the publication that he was inspired to create the drawing after watching the Republican presidential nominee spar against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton during the first presidential debate on Monday, September 26. Of all Trumps controversial attributes, Blitt, 58, said, his misogyny might just be his Achilles heel.

Alicia Machado being crowned Miss Universe in 1996 and Donald Trump at a campaign event on September 28. MISS UNIVERSE INC./AFP/Getty Images; Spencer Platt/Getty Images

As previously reported, Machado, 39  who won Miss Universe at age 19 in 1992  revealed during a Wednesday, September 28, appearance on Today thatTrumps insults about her weight contributed to her battles with anorexia and bulimia. My self-esteem [was] on the floor, she told Natalie Morales.



Clinton, 68, brought up Machados story during Monday nights debate and proudly told her political opponent that the Venezuela native  a vocal supporter of the former first lady  will take part in this years election.



Her name is Alicia Machado, and she has become a U.S. citizen, Clinton said, and you can bet shes going to vote this November.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.

Photos: The Biggest Beauty Pageant Scandals and Controversies of All Time: From Vanessa Williams Nude Photos to Tara Conners Partying

Story continues

In retaliation, Trump  who once owned the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants  continued to degrade Machado during a September 27 interview on Fox & Friends.



Photos: Celebrities Political Affiliations



She was the worst [Miss Universe] we ever had, the real estate tycoon scoffed. "The worst. The absolute worst. She was impossible. She was a Miss Universe contestant, and ultimately a winner, who they had a tremendously difficult time with as Miss Universe.



He added, She was the winner, and she gained a massive amount of weight, and it was a real problem. We had a real problem. Not only that, her attitude. We had a real problem with her.



Photos: Bill and Hillary Clinton Through the Years

While Trump told Howard Stern in the 90s that Machado gained 55 pounds after her big win, she has insisted that she only put on a total of 18 pounds. During her reign, the exCelebrity Apprentice host infamously forced Machado to work out in front of reporters and camera crews.
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.Before this weeks first presidential debate, it was common for Donald Trumps television surrogates to predict it would echo the sole 1980 encounter between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.

It turned out, to borrow from another famous debate moment, Donald Trump was no Ronald Reagan.

On the surface, the analogy appeared reasonable. Like Hillary Clinton today, Carter in 1980 bet most of his chips on personally disqualifying Reagan. Carter painted his opponent as unqualified, ill-informed, extreme, and dangerousan aging entertainer who might trigger a nuclear war through ignorance and belligerence.

For months, enough voters feared Carter might be right to keep him close in the polls, despite enormous dissatisfaction with his job performance. But when Reagan in the debate presented himself as composed, reasonable, and genial (swatting away even accurate Carter recitations of his most outrageous earlier statements with a jaunty There you go again) the doubts softened, Carters support crumbled, and the Gipper rolled to a landslide.

Trumps television chorus confidently predicted a repeat. Trump, they promised, would show himself as a man that Americans could easily envision representing them to the world, managing the military, and breaking gridlock in Congress. More than a few Democrats feared they might be right. The Clinton campaign had portrayed Trump so ominously that he might have discredited the picture if he had just made it through 90 minutes seeming polite and reasonable.

Recommended: In Search of Donald Trump's New York Campaign

In the end, Democrats had nothing to fear. The Trump at Hofstra was, for better or worse, the vintage primary-edition version, not the restrained model hes mostly displayed in recent weeks. Rather than pivoting to some new Trump, he spent 90 minutes reaffirming the qualities that have made him so polarizingstrong and iconoclastic to his supporters, volatile, mendacious, ill-informed and bigoted to his doubters. He projected strength (particularly when he prosecuted Clinton on trade) but was also rude, undisciplined, and frequently flailing on substance (see his self-contradicting answer on nuclear weapons). Its difficult to imagine any voter who turned on the debate dubious that Trump was qualified to be president left the couch convinced that he was. As one top Republican strategist told me afterwards, Trump is who we thought he was.

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That verdict seemed even more apt when Trump almost immediately escalated a new dispute with the former Miss Universe, Alicia Machado, who Clinton had raised in the debate to accuse him of disrespecting women. Trumps worst general-election moments have come when he has ignored the old political adage that candidates should never get in an argument with anyone who isnt on the ballot: His polls have skidded most around his feud with the Muslim American Khan family and his attacks on the Indiana-born Hispanic judge Gonzalo Curiel. Heedless of that history, Trump responded with confrontationnot contritionafter Machado said he had belittled and humiliated her when she gained weight following her victory in the pageant.

Recommended: Trump's Abdication of Personal Responsibility

The spectacle of a man possibly six weeks from election as commander in chief badgering a former beauty queen probably did little to reassure voters who worry that Trump might be too volatile and vindictive to trust with nuclear weapons. And the roughly three-fifths of Americans who have consistently told pollsters they consider Trump racially biased likely noticed that for the third time in months, he was disparaging an ordinary citizen whose ethnic heritage and facial complexion did not match his own.

These personal doubts largely explain why the Republican leadership class has fractured over Trumps candidacy more than any other in modern times, even Barry Goldwaters doomed race in 1964. Though rank-and-file Republican voters have mostly rallied around Trump, he continues to face unprecedented defections from Republican leaders and institutions. The Wall Street Journal for instance, recently reported that not a single CEO in the Fortune 100, an ordinarily Republican-leaning group, has donated money to him. John Warner, the former Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, this week endorsed Clinton, joining dozens of former GOP national security leaders who have either rejected Trump or backed the Democrat. Former President George H.W. Bush hasnt denied reports hes voting for Clinton. And the Arizona Republic newspaper, which had never endorsed a Democrat in its 126-year history, this week joined such other staunchly Republican outlets as the Cincinnati Enquirer (which hadnt endorsed a Democrat since 1916) and Dallas Morning News (not since 1940) in picking Clinton.

Recommended: The Many Scandals of Donald Trump: A Cheat Sheet

Some of that resistance flows from policy disputes, particularly Trumps rejection of the historic internationalist GOP consensus on trade and foreign alliances. But this opposition springs primarily from skepticism about Trumps personal fitness. In its editorial this week, the Arizona Republic concluded Trump suffers from deep character flaws; displays a stunning lack of human decency, empathy and respect and would threaten national security with reckless behavior and rhetoric. John Warner dismissed him more succinctly: You don't pull up a quick text like National Security for Dummies.

One of Clintons biggest gambles has been to focus far more on personally disqualifying Trump than on trying to critique his agenda or even to tout her own. Shell need a more positive message to energize elements of the modern Democratic coalition of the ascendant, particularly Millennials and Latinos, who havent shown high interest in voting despite their distaste for Trump. But the bigger risk of Clintons approach was that Trump might discredit it with a reasonable and competent performance at the debates. In a campaign that still exposes her to many risks, thats one thing Clinton hasnt yet needed to fear.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Monday evening's debate was chock-full of memorable one-liners ("a very against police judge") and zings ("I prepared to be president") from both candidates. However, it was Hillary Clinton's mention of former Miss Universe Alicia Machado - whom Donald Trump called "Miss Piggy" as well as "Miss Housekeeping" following her post-win weight gain - that inspired The New Yorker's Oct. 10 cover, available next week.

Illustrator Barry Blitt gave Mr. Trump a Miss Congeniality makeover, complete with a glittering leotard, a tiara, red heels and, to top it off, mascara-streaked tears that would make Lauren Conrad proud. The intention is clear: to give the Republican nominee a taste of his own judgmental medicine. In a release, Blitt noted that of all Trump's vices, his treatment of women "might just be his Achilles' heel."

We can't be sure if Alec Baldwin, who has been cast as SNL's recurring Trump for the upcoming season, will take on this new vision of the presidential candidate, but we can dream.

Read more: Paris Day 2: Rihanna's Fenty x Puma; Bouchra Jarrar's Lanvin Debut; John Galliano's Coming Together
donald trump

Donald Trump thinks Google is suppressing negative search results about his opponent  a conspiracy theory that Google refuted in June.

The Republican nominee made the claim while speaking at a rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Wednesday. Here's how Trump told it:

"A new post-debate poll, the Google poll, has us leading Hillary Clinton by two points nationwide and that's despite the fact that Google search engine was suppressing the bad news about Hillary Clinton. How about that."

The claim likely stems from an internet rumor from June that Google was hiding search results that would paint Hillary Clinton in a bad light. At the time, a viral video created by SourceFed showed several autocomplete search results for "Hillary Clinton." One of the examples showed autocomplete results for "Hillary Clinton cri" that included "Hillary Clinton crime reform," "Hillary Clinton crisis," and "Hillary Clinton crime bill 1994," but not "Hillary Clinton criminal." The latter result was the first listed on other search engines like Bing and Yahoo.

According to the Washington Post's Philip Bump, the claim was resurfaced this month thanks to a piece published by Russian media organization Sputnik News, which claims to prove the theory is accurate.

But Google emphatically shut down the autocomplete rumor in June. A statement provided by a company spokesperson in June reads:

Google Autocomplete does not favor any candidate or cause. Claims to the contrary simply misunderstand how Autocomplete works. Our Autocomplete algorithm will not show a predicted query that is offensive or disparaging when displayed in conjunction with a person's name. More generally, our autocomplete predictions are produced based on a number of factors including the popularity of search terms.

Business Insider reached out to Google for an updated comment and will update this post if we hear back.

NOW WATCH: Clinton slams Trump's debate performance: 'Anyone who complains about the microphone is not having a good night'





More From Business Insider


With the election in full swing, voters need to start thinking about how the next president will impact their investment positions. (Have you Trumped your portfolio? Hillary-ed your 401(k)?) Only Donald Trump can be expected to introduce significant changes. Hillary Clinton essentially is a continuation of the Obama administration, with some pet causes thrown in. Given these parameters, it's probably wiser to invest in themes.

PAX AMERICA

The writing is on the wall: Less U.S. military presence in the Middle East and Europe, more in Asia. And drones enable the military to do more with less. In fact, drones are the one area where defense spending is rising. Elbit Systems (ESLT) is Israel's leading specialist in drones, and Northrop Grumman (NOC) is the leading maker of drones, among other things. These may be good bets no matter who wins.

THE GREEN ECONOMY

Cannabis is going to be legalized, and the big beneficiary will be Big Tobacco (soon to be Big Wacky Tobacco). It certainly is ready: As part of the 1998 master settlement with the U.S. government, Big Tobacco had to turn over documents. Among those documents were business plans for the eventuality of legal marijuana. It already is experienced at harvesting and selling a controlled substance, and, more critically, it can deliver the tax revenue. Big Tobacco also has the necessary capital. It takes vision to get in this early, but it's worthwhile. Cigarette giant Altria (MO) could be in a perfect position - and a good bet no matter who wins.

ENERGY

Clinton will push for clean energy, and Trump for traditional energy. So imagine Tesla (TSLA) and SunPower (SPWR) for a Clinton administration (TSLA acquired SolarCity recently), and ExxonMobil (XOM) for Trump.

Read more: Panic, Anxiety Spark Rush to Build Luxury Bunkers for L.A.'s Superrich

INVEST IN AMERICA

Trump calls for a trade policy emphasizing America first. Clinton champions infrastructure investment. Both lead to the same place: an emphasis on U.S.-heavy industry. In addition, Trump is more likely to pressure U.S. industry toward onshore jobs. Think Nucor (NUE), Vulcan Materials (VMC) and Chicago Bridge & Industries (CBI): Construction requires steel and gravel. NUE in particular fits both Trump's Made in America approach and Clinton's infrastructure-building plans.

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GUN CONTROL

Clinton wants to push for more gun control. Meanwhile, Trump is running on a law-and-order platform, so think Smith & Wesson (SWHC). A Clinton presidency also would provide a short-term bump to gun sales as buyers rush out and buy arms. A Trump presidency effectively will encourage more gun ownership. A Clinton presidency will encourage alternatives to firearms such as Taser (TASR). At the same time, with Trump in charge, he'll promote self-defense.

Zatlin is president of SouthBay Research, a macroeconomic forecasting firm and publisher of MoneyballEconomics.com.

This story first appeared in the Oct. 14 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Former Miss Universe Alicia Machado is not alone.



Donald Trump is under fire for calling Machado "Miss Piggy" back in 1996  and reiterating his comments about her weight on Tuesday morning  but it's just one of many times the Republican presidential nominee has body shamed women.



In a 2005 Howard Stern interview, Trump harshly ranked women on a scale of 1 to 10  including Halle Berry and Charlize Theron  based on their looks.



Long before Trump was seeking the White House, he famously said in the interview, "I view a person who's flat-chested as very hard to be a 10." Stern then gave him woman after woman to rank by number.







With Halle Berry, Trump breaks her down into individual body parts.



"I'll tell you what. I think she's got from the mid section to the shoulders  she's a 10," Trump said. "The face is a solid 8. And the legs are maybe a little bit less than that."



He contends that very few women are fully a 10, to Stern and co-host Robin Quivers' disbelief. Quivers offers up Charlize Theron as a possible 10.



"No. Not  by the way, not even close," Trump responds. "I would say a solid 7."



He also had harsh words for Carmen Electra, after Stern asked if she was "still a 10."



"I never thought she was a 10," Trump said. "In her heyday I never thought she was a 10. I think Carmen is someone who has unbelievable photogenic abilities. She really looks unbelievable in a picture. Then when you see her."



"First of all, she's unbelievably short, and I'm a little bit surprised. I think the boob job is terrible. They look like 2 light bulbs coming out of a body. I would say she's an 8."



Stern played the segment again in a Dec. 7, 2005 interview with Trump where they discussed his rankings.



"You're friends with all of the big Hollywood people. I turned to you and I said, 'I want you to evaluate women.' And you did it," Stern said.



"Sadly, who know these people, who don't speak to me anymore, but that's okay. I don't care," Trump said. "There are billions and billions of people so if you lose a couple of friends it doesn't really mean [anything]."





RELATED VIDEO: Donald Trump on Miss Universe Winner Alicia Machado: 'She Gained a Massive Amount of Weighta

Trump contends that non-celebrity women are more attractive.



"The only thing about women, the best looking women aren't famous women," he said. "The best looking women are women that you see. You see at parties. Models that haven't really necessarily made it. Although you have some great looking models that have made it."



Stern and Quivers suggest that Trump starts a "Donald Trump evaluation show" to give weekly ratings, or one on "The Best Looking Women in the World."



"You know that would be a very good show for Sirius I think," Trump responds. "You do that for hours and hours. It would get tremendous ratings."
It's no secret that getting a college education in the U.S. is expensive, especially for international students. Applicants from other countries who are attending school in the U.S. don't have the opportunity to claim residency in a state to receive a lower tuition rate at a public institution, like many American college students do.

The in-state rate can make a huge difference in tuition costs. For example, at the University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign, for example, Illinois residents pay about $15,600 in tuition and fees while out-of-state students pay nearly $31,000.

International students are also sometimes excluded from scholarships, since these awards frequently require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. It can take some digging, but there are a handful of scholarships that international applicants may be qualified to win.

[Read an international student's guide to U.S. scholarships.]

However, if you're planning on studying in the U.S. as a foreign student, you need to be aware of a few factors as you apply for financial awards. Here's a list of dos and dont's to review as you search for scholarships as an international applicant.

Do: Use all the resources available to you. Finding scholarships on your own can be a challenge, but the school you plan on attending may be able to provide you with lists of scholarships that international students can win.

Your home country may also offer resources and scholarships for citizens who plan on earning a degree overseas. And don't forget about scholarship search sites like Cappex.com and InternationalStudent.com that can help you find awards no matter what country you're from.

Do: Read all the requirements and qualifications listed for the scholarship. Make sure you don't need to be an American citizen or permanent resident and that the scholarship is open to all students studying in the U.S.

You may need to provide test scores or essays. Some scholarships also require additional submissions like videos or letters of recommendation. Once you're sure you're eligible for the award, create a checklist and gather the items you'll need to submit an application.

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[Learn three ways international students can boost scholarship chances.]

Do: Ask a native English speaker to read your essay. This is especially the case if an essay is required and English isn't your first language. This person will be able to point out any errors or make suggestions for improvement.

If you don't have a friend, teacher, tutor or parent who speaks English well, ask around and see if anyone you know is acquainted with someone who has strong English proficiency. The essay is often a key component of the scholarship application, so yours needs to stand out and be well - written to earn you a scholarship.

Don't: Ask someone to write your essay for you. Don't pay someone to write it on your behalf, either, even if you're not confident in your English language skills. Not only is it unethical, but you could be automatically disqualified if anyone learns that you didn't write the essay. If you win the award and someone discovers you didn't complete the work yourself, the scholarship could be revoked.

[Discover the 10 universities that attract the most international students.]

Don't: Wait until the last minute to get started. It takes time to gather everything you need for the application , ask for letters of recommendation and make sure your essay has been proofread. Start working on your application well in advance to make sure you're able to submit it before the deadline.

Don't stop applying for scholarships. Just because you've won one or two doesn't mean you should put the brakes on your scholarship search. Continue seeking out awards for international students to get the most money possible for your college education.

No scholarship search is easy, and it can be particularly tricky for international students. But with a little luck and a lot of hard work, you may be able to earn some scholarships that help pay for your college education in the U.S.

Jessica Zdunek is the content marketing manager for Cappex.com, a free resource that helps match students with their best-fit colleges and provides thousands of scholarships. Cappex.com is also the parent company of College Greenlight, which helps traditionally underrepresented students achieve their educational goals.
Kinshasa (AFP) - The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo accused the United States in a statement on Thursday of sowing "chaos", after Washington placed two top allies of President Joseph Kabila on its sanctions blacklist.

The US Treasury on Wednesday said both the men it blacklisted were involved in violently putting down opposition to Kabila and undermining democratic forces in the country.

"It is clear, if we look back at history, that this pattern is similar to the one that led to chaos in nations like Libya and South Sudan, which now face extinction," Lambert Mende, the spokesman of the Democratic Republic of Congo's government, said in a statement.

The US Treasury said Wednesday that Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba, a commander of the armed forces, led units that have violently repressed political demonstrations in several provinces including Kinshasha.

Also hit with sanctions was General John Numbi, a former national inspector in the police and a close advisor of Kabila.

"In light of these shameless initiatives... regarding these officers, the government wonders about the US authorities' logic and motivations," Mende added.

The sanctions, which ban US individuals and businesses from dealings with the two men, came days after dozens of demonstrators were killed in anti-government protests.

Under a new constitutional regime in 2006, Kabila was elected to the position with a two-term limit, which should expire in December.

However, the government has not yet scheduled new elections, giving rise to fears that he will not step down.
Dunkin Donuts Butter Pecan

Dunkin' Donuts is teaming up with Coca-Cola to take on Starbucks in a battle to win the bottled coffee business.

On Thursday, the coffee-and-donut company announced it will launch its first line of ready-to-drink coffee beverages in early 2017. The beverages will be manufactured, distributed, and sold by Coca-Cola and sold in convenience and grocery stores, as well as Dunkin Donuts locations

"We're the No. 1 seller of iced coffee. This is in our wheelhouse," Dunkin' Brands CEO Nigel Travis told Business Insider. "We saw this was a category that was growing at an incredibly fast rate."

Last year, Travis says, bottled coffee grew 8% in the US, reaching $2.3 billion in annual sales according to Nielsen data. Sales are estimated to grow another 8% this year.

Beyond the growing bottled coffee trend, the move was also prompted by concern that Dunkin' Donuts may be losing customers to competitors, such as Starbucks, that already sell bottled coffee.

Starbucks

"There is no doubt that all our research showed that our customers were drinking Starbucks, and not just Starbucks but other brands. We don't think that's a good thing," says Travis. "The trouble is when people try things, they might like it and become loyal to that brand. So, we want the loyalty to be entirely to Dunkin'."

With the new bottled coffee line, Travis says the company wants customers who are casual Dunkin' drinkers to become true loyalists.

Further, Travis believes that bottled Dunkin' Donuts coffee will convince new customers to visit stores, as well as help potential customers to warm to Dunkin' in areas where the chain is currently expanding.

"It will stop our customers from buying the competition," says Travis. "There is a lot of evidence to show that people who buy the bottled coffee will also go back and try the product  the original product  in the store."

Much of Dunkin's bottled coffee plan is still unknown. The company has not revealed any information on the flavors that will hit the market, though Travis says it will maintain the "Dunkin' taste" profile.

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Dunkin Donuts

Currently, Starbucks, in partnership with PepsiCo, controls a huge percentage of the bottled coffee market.

Starbucks claims it invented bottled coffee as we know it back in 1996 when it debuted its bottled Frappuccino. In 2015, Starbucks claimed the North American Coffee Partnership, a joint venture between Starbucks and Pepsi, had 97% of the market share in bottled coffee.

As Dunkin' Donuts attempts to compete with Starbucks in the bottled coffee business, it is worth noting that this is also a move for Coca-Cola to compete with PepsiCo. Earlier in September, Coca-Cola's iced tea brand Gold Peak announced it planned to enter the ready-to-drink coffee business in 2017.

With soft drink sales slumping, beverage companies from coffee chains to soda giants are looking for new drinks to boost sales. Bottled coffee is a $2.3 billion industry  and it's growing. Now, Coca-Cola and Dunkin' Donuts are gearing up to take on Starbucks and PepsiCo for a share of the profits.

NOW WATCH: This is why coffee bags have a hole in them





More From Business Insider


We know you're dying to see it, so we'll get straight to the point, check out the first ever Tesla hearse:

tesla hearse

The hearse, first spotted by Electrek's Fred Lambert, was made by funeral transport company Vander der Lans & Busscher BV. The funeral transport company used a modified Tesla that was built by Netherlands-based stretched limousine maker RemetzCar to make the hearse a reality.

The hearse took eight months to build, a spokesperson for Vander der Lans & Busscher BV told Business Insider, adding that the company will use the car for funerals. RemetzCar plans on building more Tesla hearses, the spokesperson added.

tesla hearse

The Tesla hearse has a range of 217 miles in case you're looking for a long funeral procession. It comes with a separation wall and manually retractable floor for a coffin.

The hearse will also be on display at the 2016 Funeral Exhibition in Gorinchem in the Netherlands.

Yes, the funeral exhibition is a real event that is expecting 9,500 visitors this year. The event is bringing together 250 exhibitors that are involved in the funeral business. This year's theme is "Fit for the future."

NOW WATCH: Tesla made a big software update after a Chinese company remotely hacked the brakes of a Model S





More From Business Insider


BERLIN (Reuters) - European Central Bank Governing Council member Ewald Nowotny said on Thursday he did not believe that Europe faced a new banking crisis similar to that seen in 2007 and 2008, but the financial sector was clearly in a transitional phase.

"I wouldn't overdramatize it. We're in a transitional and learning phase," Nowotny told Reuters before an event hosted by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung foundation, when asked about the concerns triggered by new banking requirements to be finalised by the end of the year.

He said financial institutions would have to learn to deal with the new requirements, adding that the changes made sense and were moving in the right direction.

During the event, Nowotny described as overblown warnings by some critics that the euro could fail as a currency, and said the problems were with certain member states.

"I don't see any particular challenges that are reminiscent of the crisis in 2007 and 2008," the Austrian central bank governor said.

Nowotny declined to comment specifically on Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) while speaking with Reuters.

Deutsche's U.S.-listed shares hit a record low amid growing concerns about the bank's stability in the wake of a fine of $14 billion imposed by the U.S. Justice Department over its sale of mortgage-backed securities.

He told the event that it was important to consider all the consequences before letting any financial institution go bankrupt, noting that such a decision always triggered concerns about other institutions.

Nowotny said central bankers were still divided over Basel III banking rules, which are to be completed by the end of the year, but banks would likely face higher capital requirements. Selling assets was the quickest way to raise capital, he said.

The Basel Committee made up of regulators from nearly 30 countries has come under intense pressure from the banking industry and European governments to rein in the reforms it is now completing.

The Basel III rules, which are aimed at making the global banking system more resilient following the 2008 financial crisis, including forcing banks to hold more and different types of capital to insulate themselves during downturns.

(Reporting by Reinhard Becker and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and David Gregorio)
Riyadh (AFP) - Saudi Arabia, feeling the economic pinch from low oil prices, agreed to a surprise OPEC production cut but remains determined to exert leadership over the world market, analysts say.

Over the past two years, the largest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries repeatedly turned down calls to cut output in an increasingly competitive global market.

But Riyadh agreed at an informal meeting in Algiers on Wednesday to an OPEC production curb of several hundred thousand barrels per day (bpd) to boost weak crude prices.

It had previously refused to cut output at a time when Iran, its regional rival, ramps up production after the lifting of international sanctions.

But the collapse in Saudi Arabia's main revenue source already created a record budget deficit last year, leading to unprecedented subsidy cuts and curbs on government spending.

Under the Algiers deal, OPEC output will fall to 32.5-33 million bpd from 33.47 million bpd in August, and Riyadh's regional foe Iran will be exempted from the cuts.

Shiite Iran hopes to return its output to a pre-sanctions level of around four million bpd.

Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Iran have no diplomatic relations and are at odds over a series of regional issues including the wars in Yemen and Syria.

"No doubt, Saudi Arabia is feeling the economic pain from low oil revenues. This is compounded by the war in Yemen and regional tensions," Kuwaiti oil analyst Kamel al-Harami told AFP.

"But by facilitating the deal, Saudi Arabia has scored an important political point. It has shown that it is still in control of OPEC. It has reasserted its leadership," he said.

In doing so, "it has made some concessions" to Iran and other OPEC members, Harami said.

Saudi Arabia has long been the only producer with spare capacity, allowing it to raise or lower production to influence the market under its traditional policy.

But since 2014 it abandoned that approach to focus on protecting market share and drive out less-competitive players, including US shale oil producers.

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That policy, and internal OPEC squabbles, raised questions about the relevance of the cartel which produces about 40 percent of global output.

"Many OPEC members are suffering economically from low prices. Their economies are stagnating or going backwards and they face budgetary issues," said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at forex broker AxiTrader.

"So it appears the fiscal imperative seems to have trumped OPEC's internal politics."

-- 'Tipping point' --

London-based Capital Economics said a possible explanation for the deal was "that Saudi Arabia felt that any form of agreement, however flimsy, was needed to shore up OPEC's credibility".

Saudi policymakers may also be "increasingly concerned by the impact of fiscal austerity on the economy", it said.

Global oil prices fell from more than $100 a barrel in June 2014 to near 13-year lows of less than $30 in early 2016.

"Saudi Arabia have perhaps reassessed their dumping oil strategy to put US shale out of business as the pressure on their budgets has clearly reached a tipping point as well," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at Oanda trading group.

He sees a "major shift" by Saudi Arabia in allowing Iran to increase output.

Other analysts were more cautious.

"As things stand, the deal doesn't seem to amount to much," Capital Economics said, expecting Riyadh to "rely on further fiscal consolidation, rather than an outright shift in oil policy".

An oil industry source told AFP it is too early to say there has been a change in Saudi policy but that internal economic factors could be "a strong driving force" for a potential change.

There is "no major shift," in Saudi oil strategy, Spencer Welch, senior consultant at ISH Energy said.

"They have said for a while they would be willing to do a deal if others were also involved. It appears others have agreed," Welch told AFP.

A former Saudi oil official said the new deal does not greatly change Saudi output even if the kingdom reduced production by 500,000 bpd.

"That will only take Saudi production back to January levels," Mohammad al-Sabban, former senior adviser to the Saudi oil minister, said on BBC television late Wednesday.

Saudi-Iran tensions at that time stymied attempts at a meeting by OPEC and non-OPEC producer Russia to reach an output freeze.
Photo: Getty Images

Ballet is an art form that has been around since about the 15th century, and it is still one of the most beautiful styles of dance. However, its also very traditional, so thats why its refreshing to see contemporary ballerinas put their own spin on the art. One ballerina has taken to Instagram to show of her more modern, edgy style, and it is totally changing the way we see ballet.

Meet Dusty Button, who is giving ballet a totally new, rocker chick vibe.

A video posted by Dusty Button (@dusty_button) on Jun 24, 2016 at 6:47am PDT

Her edgy style of ballet is emotional and modern, in stark contrast to more traditional styles.

A video posted by Dusty Button (@dusty_button) on Jul 26, 2016 at 11:00am PDT

She definitely has a very dramatic, raw energy that we find really refreshing when paired with some killer ballet moves. Plus we love that shes dancing here in a baggy t-shirt and shorts, rather than a traditional tutu.

Her trademark braided mohawk is a badass way to update a ballerinas hairdo.

A photo posted by Dusty Button (@dusty_button) on Aug 19, 2016 at 11:43am PDT

Being a professional ballerina, shes probably not allowed to actually cut her hair into a mohawk, so we love this fabulous braided substitute.

She loves taking her ballet into cool locations for badass photo shoots.

A photo posted by Dusty Button (@dusty_button) on Jul 21, 2016 at 8:37pm PDT

A photo posted by Dusty Button (@dusty_button) on Jun 19, 2016 at 2:33pm PDT

The incredible mix of her graceful poses and the edgy, hard-edged settings is totally rocknroll. Plus, the contrast feels super high fashion, and we could totally see these photos in a magazine spread.

And yet, she still looks absolutely stunning performing more traditional choreography.

A video posted by Dusty Button (@dusty_button) on Apr 3, 2016 at 9:17pm PDT

And she still looks fabulous in a traditional tutu and tights. Dusty is clearly both a fabulous dancer and an awesome, edgy lady.

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Were so inspired, we feel like we should get back to dance class.

The post This edgy ballerina will totally change the way you see ballet appeared first on HelloGiggles.
CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's Court of Urgent Matters has ordered the suspension of an earlier court ruling that annulled a deal to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, judicial sources said on Thursday. Egypt announced in April a maritime border accord with Saudi Arabia, which could see it lose control of two Red Sea islands. The accord caused a public uproar and rare protests by Egyptians, many of whom said they were taught at school that Tiran and Sanafir were Egyptian. An administrative court voided the accord in June after a lawsuit was filed against it, saying Egyptian sovereignty over the islands held and could not be given up. Egyptian authorities lodged a formal appeal with the Higher Administrative Court, part of the Council of State, a high-level judicial body that gives legal advice to the government, drafts laws and oversees legal cases involving public entities. That appeal is still pending. The Court of Urgent Matters ruled on Thursday on a separate appeal filed by Ashraf Farahat, a lawyer. But legal experts dismissed that court's ruling, saying it was not qualified to pronounce on matters related to public administration. "This verdict is unconstitutional and void. If the government were to refer the treaty to parliament for ratification based on this verdict then it is announcing to everyone that it does not care about the constitution," constitutional expert Mohamed Nour Farahat said. The Court of Urgent Matters' original brief was to tackle cases that needed quick resolution but risked getting bogged down for long periods in the regular court system. But since the 2011 uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule, the court has taken on a more prominent role, ruling on cases involving bans or restrictions of political parties and other such sensitive matters. Tiran and Sanafir islands are situated between Saudi Arabia and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in the narrow entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba leading to Jordan and Israel. Saudi and Egyptian officials say they belong to the kingdom and were only under Egyptian control because Riyadh asked Cairo in 1950 to protect them. Ali said Cairo's sovereignty over the islands dated to a 1906 treaty, before Saudi Arabia was founded. The maritime border accord was announced during a visit to Cairo by the Saudi king that coincided with the signing of aid deals, and this created the impression among many that the islands were sold. Egyptian authorities denied this. "The (Court of Urgent Matters) has usurped the authority of the Council of State," said Khaled Ali, a lawyer who filed the June lawsuit to annul the maritime deal. He said he would announce legal steps to block the new decision on Saturday. (Reporting by Haitham Ahmed, Ahmed Aboulenein and Lin Noueihed; writing by Asma Alsharif; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Elle Fanning looks like a completely different woman on the cover of this magazine

Elle Fanning looks like a completely different woman on the cover of this magazine

Elle Fanning, is that really you?

The the Maleficent actress, who stuns us with every magazine cover she lands, graced the cover of British fashion magazine Schon! Magazine, rocking a killer look straight out of the 70s.

Fanning, whose new movie 20th Century Women (co-starring Annette Bening and Greta Gerwig) comes out on Christmas Day, talked to the mag about Hollywood and her quite impressive career thus far. According to Schon!, this specific issue [turns] to celebrate the screen-hungry lifestyle of Generation Z,where screen stars in film, TV and music stand tall as new icons of our contemporary culture.

And just look at this cool/different look Elle sported for the mag:

Thank you SCHON! and the coolest lady I know, @floriasigismondi for asking me to be on your groovy cover! More images to come... A photo posted by Elle Fanning (@ellefanning) on Sep 29, 2016 at 10:08am PDT

Fanning, along with older sister Dakota, has grown up in the public eye, making her on-screen debut playing a younger version of Dakotas character in 2001 thriller I Am Sam.

Since stepping out on her own and forging an impressive acting career, Fannings taken on incredibly diverse roles, including a young filmmaker in Super 8, a young zookeeper in We Bought a Zoo, and she most recently played an aspiring model in thriller The Neon Demon.

burn baby burn #schonmagazine A photo posted by Elle Fanning (@ellefanning) on Sep 29, 2016 at 11:42am PDT

Despite being one of the most famous and critically acclaimed 18-year-olds in the world, Fanning has earned a reputation for being incredibly grounded, something she attributes to her family and her normal upbringing.

I thankfully went to a normal high school, Fanning, a recent high school graduate, told Harpers Bazaar, So thankfully I was with kids who were my own age.

PEARL little pup with the hot pink mohawk #schonmagazine A photo posted by Elle Fanning (@ellefanning) on Sep 29, 2016 at 11:54am PDT

She also told Harpers Bazaar that just like every other teenager on the planet, she couldnt avoid the awkward phase that came with young adulthood. She told the mag,

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Everyone feels insecure. I would be lying if I was like, I was never insecure! I grew seven inches in a year when I was 12. I definitely had very awkward phases.

As if we didnt need another reason to love her! Keep slaying magazine covers, Elle!

The post Elle Fanning looks like a completely different woman on the cover of this magazine appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Sept 29 (Reuters) - U.S. hedge fund Elliott Management has been pushing Avianca Holdings SA , one of Latin America's largest airlines, into a sale or strategic partnership, though it does not hold a stake in the carrier, the Financial Times reported.

Elliott has held talks with the company's senior executives in recent weeks and has provided input on Avianca's line of action in future, FT reported, citing people close to the company. (http://on.ft.com/2cYMYxT)

The hedge fund provided loans to Bolivian-born entrepreneur German Efromovich, the carrier's controlling shareholder, more than a year ago, against the value of Efromovich's 51 per cent stake in the company, the report said.

Efromovich had taken the loans to invest in shipyards in Brazil with his Synergy Group conglomerate, which provides oil exploration services and operates domestic airlines. However, the investment fell into financial difficulty, and Elliott stands to gain if the airline is sold, the FT report said.

Avianca said in June that it was not looking at a sale, but had indulged in talks with other airlines to look for possible partnerships that will speed up growth.

Latin American airlines have been hit by economic woes and a slump in the value of currencies in the region, and have shifted flights away from countries such as Brazil and Venezuela to growing economies such as Peru.

Reuters had reported that United Continental Holdings Inc , Delta Air Lines Inc and China's HNA Group have shown interest in purchasing Avianca, which is a key player in South and Central America.

Elliott and Avianca were not immediately available for comment.

Avianca's U.S.-listed shares were up 1.5 percent at $6.50 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Up to Wednesday's close, the stock had risen about 50 percent this year.

(Reporting by Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f226329%2fmuskmars

We now know the full extent of SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musks Mars colonization plan and his incredible Interplanetary Transport System. To be honest, it sounds insane.

As early as 2024, a group of Mars-bound interplanetary SpaceX astronauts will board a gigantic SpaceX spacecraft likely named Heart of Gold to rocket off to Mars, a place from which they may or may not ever return. Musks hope, though, is that they stay on the barren red planet and build the infrastructure that will sustain future life.

SEE ALSO: Jeff Bezos just revealed his plans for Blue Origin's biggest rocket yet

Musk methodically ticked off the details of his radical plan on Tuesday at a special presentation, carefully outlining each component, checkpoint and hurdle. The scale of the undertaking is almost beyond comprehension; the virtually insurmountable hurdles from the realm of science fiction.

At one point, Musk casually noted that to succeed, they have to figure out how to reduce the cost of each trip by 5 million percent. Later he explained those who choose to travel to Mars should ask themselves a simple question, Are you prepared to die? Then okay, you're a candidate for going."

Crazy, right?

Like most visionaries, Musk engenders awe and deep concern. Skeptics call his ideas crazy and insist that hes doing all this to line his pockets. Believers are deeply in Musks thrall. During the Q&A portion of the Mars announcement, one woman asked if she could come up on stage and kiss Musk. He reddened and gently denied her request.

Musk says this ship (and the system that will support it) can take you pretty much anywhere in the solar system. @SpaceX #Mars pic.twitter.com/bNynja6IWN  Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) September 27, 2016

As a longtime Musk watcher and someone who had the pleasure of interviewing him on the cusp of his first commercial SpaceX International Space Station docking operation, I sit somewhere between awestruck and skepticism.

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The believer

Back in 2011, Musk explained to me how, in college, he identified three areas that he thought would have the biggest impact on humanity: the internet, renewable energy and making life multiplanetary. Musk was determined to play a role in each sector. The fact that he has done so at a national, global and soon interplanetary scale is truly remarkable.

Whatever you think of Musk  and based on your tweets some of you think he, or at least his ideas, are crazy  his drive is undeniable. He sets unimaginable goals, creates a plan and then executes it. The timelines are ambitious (sometimes too much so) and the results are often spectacular.

The Interplanetary Transport system is big. Everything from the rockets to the human-carrying spaceships and fuel tank are gigantic. The video that accompanied Musks announcement was slickly produced. Just the kind of sizzle you use to excite customers and investors. But instead of a Hollywood production or Ralph McQuarrie-style inventions, these designs were real. Musk explained that the spaceship designs came directly from SpaceX CAD systems, and are actually designs for the Mars spacecraft.

What the presentation lacked was a shred of doubt. Listening to Musk outline his timeline for the system, which goes from orbital testing in 2020 to Mars flights by 2023, I didnt detect a hint of uncertainty. Its not that Musk believes this schedule is an absolute. Hes quite clear-eyed about how difficult it will be at virtually every stop, but there is the feeling of a certain inevitability to his plan. Musk believes that if his vision doesn't become reality by 2024, it will eventually. And 100 years after the first Mars sojourns, Musks dream of a colonized Mars will be real  at least thats how he frames it.

Why he does it

There were some in my Twitter feed who argued that its a profit motive that drives Musks vision.

@JimmyChalk @LanceUlanoff @SpaceX profit is the end goal of the corporation. It overrides the value of human life.  Lee Pacchia (@leepacchia) September 27, 2016

This discounts Musks longtime consistency on the topic, and it's a narrative that Musk himself rejects.

"The main reason Im personally accumulating assets is in order to fund this," Musk said during his speech. "So, I really dont have any other motivation for personally accumulating assets except to be able to make the biggest contribution I can to making life multiplanetary."

Musk wants to fund his "Mars shot," in part, by ferrying commercial and government cargo into space.

As audience members repeatedly asked Musk if he would be among the first to travel to Mars, I realized that few really understand that Mars was never really the goal. For Musk, the fourth planet from the sun is a proof of concept, a jump-off point for, as he noted, going anywhere in the solar system.

Musk is also a master compartmentalizer: He revealed his grand interplanetary travel plan even as SpaceX still searches for answers to this months unexplained explosion of its Falcon 9 rocket just before an engine test.

Focus on the big picture, the big goal, Musk seemed to be saying. This was a set-back, but it wont stop Musk and it wont derail the grand plan.

The doubters

Considering the sheer scale of what Musk hopes to accomplish in less than a decade, you cant blame people for doubting him. I love space, crewed space travel and once had a Space Shuttle launch on my bucket list, but I have trouble believing interplanetary space travel, let alone colonization, is possible in my lifetime.

Elon Musk shows off a humongous tank  or is it a giant pressure cooker? @SpaceX #Mars pic.twitter.com/t5Jia84NzL  Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) September 27, 2016

If I step back, though, I see Musk's string of almost unmatched accomplishment in not one or even two, but at least three disciplines. One might argue that Tesla cant even compare to auto giants like GM and Ford (which is true), but look at what Musk has done  designed and delivered tens of thousands of electric cars to customers around the world. Beautiful vehicles that perform as well or better than cars from the big three. Hes launched PayPal (and sold it), two energy initiatives (Powerwall and Solar City  the latter to soon be part of Tesla) and, obviously, theres SpaceX.

Musks almost unnerving blend of confidence, resolve and quiet reserve can make him seem aloof, even egotistical. I think theres a bit of that in him, but when Musk isnt talking grand plans, he can be warm and even wryly funny. I was incredulous when he told me in 2011 that his Dragon space ship was actually a robot that can dock with the International Space Station on its own, but Musk assured me that it was, though it would check in with SpaceX on occasion. He then joked that it could be like Hal 9000 [in 2011: A Space Odyssey], we ask it to open the pod bad doors, and it doesnt do it.

As a creator of his time, Musk uses social media to reveal, promote and defend his products and ideas. His entire Interplanetary Travel presentation was streamed live on the Internet. Its how Musk controls the message. Unfortunately, that same platform means his plans face instant, knee-jerk scrutiny that previous generations innovators, inventors and geniuses might have wilted beneath.

And it doesn't always bring out the best in Musk. Last year, Musk couldn't quite bring himself to congratulate Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the controlled landing of his Blue Origin rocket. Instead, he chose to point out that the feat wasn't quite as "rare" as Bezos claimed.

The rarest of beasts - a used rocket. Controlled landing not easy, but done right, can look easy. Check out video: https://t.co/9OypFoxZk3  Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) November 24, 2015

There was a time when news of inventions spread slowly. There was no hive-mind reaction to the TV set at the 1939 Worlds fair, for example. Yes, America was transfixed by the space race in the late 1960s, but so much of what we knew came to us through the media. Aside from traditional television, radio and newspapers, there was no place to gather and pick apart NASAs moonshot plan.

On the other hand, there havent been many singular figures like Musk. You have to go back to Edison to find someone as prolific and seminal.

Why him?

Back in 2011, Musk was quick to credit NASA with the early strides SpaceX had made in privatized space operations. He mentions them a little less often now, though he did acknowledge that this grand plan will not happen without government support.

NASA's longterm Mars vision also includes putting human life on Mars, or at least exploring the longterm viability of that idea, but it's not something they talk much about. NASA no longer makes moonshot proposals, certainly nothing as bold as what President John F. Kennedy promised in 1962:

Getting the public behind a grand idea of Mars colonization  one that would cost trillions of tax dollars  would require the kind of unity absent from most modern American life.

As the CEO of a private space company, Musk provides a more palatable vision, one that includes wildly ambitious plans and shared expenses. When the public hears "private," they assume "not funded by us." But when it comes to space operations that's rarely the case. In the end, much of the funds for Musk's Interplanetary Transport System will still come from taxpayers, but through collaboration with government-run space programs, agencies and government space contracts awarded to SpaceX.

Still, without Musk standing on a hilltop shouting his crazy Mars colonization plan for all to hear, would we even be talking about colonizing Mars? NASA wouldn't hold a press conference on it. Bezos has his sights set on Mars, too, but I wonder if he'd be aiming that far if it weren't for Musk.

Truth is, we need someone like Musk to, as he said on Tuesday, explore the last frontier. We can call his ideas crazy or impossible, but then few of us are coming up with better ideas.
What Were Following

A Leader Remembered: Shimon Peres, the former president of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, died at the age of 93 after suffering a stroke on September 14. In his 67-year career, Peres was present for most of the significant moments in Israels political history, and just last year, he helped restore relations between the U.S. and Cuba. It cant be done if there is no forgiveness, a friend of Peres remembered him saying about the peace process. If you are focused on the past, you will not succeed. There will be no future.

The Use of Force: Protesters gathered last night in El Cajon, California, after police shot and killed a black man whose family said he was having a mental breakdown. In initial reports the officers said they believed that the man was preparing to shoot at them, but the citys police chief now says the object the man held was not a gun. Its the latest in a series of deaths that have raised questions about how officers across the country approach interactions with black civilians. But the problem of bias has roots that extend far beyond police departments: A new study of preschool discipline found that both black and white educators seem to hold biased expectations of black students behavior.

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Meanwhile, in Congress: Its been an unusually productive day for lawmakers, who overrode Obamas veto for the first time in his presidency with an overwhelming vote in favor of a bill that would let 9/11 victims sue the government of Saudi Arabia in U.S. court for its alleged role in supporting the attacks. Despite the bills popularity, in an interview today CIA director John Brennan called it badly misguided from a national-security standpoint, as it could undermine the countrys relationship with a key ally and expose the U.S. to overseas lawsuits of its own. Congress also managed to avoid a shutdown for another 10 weeks, approving a temporary spending bill that includes funds to combat the Zika virus. That funding is sorely needed, as new evidence indicates that in rare cases, the ever-more-mysterious virus can spread through physical contact.

Story continues

Snapshot

Sun falls on rice terraces near the village of Pingan, Gangxi province, China, on September 17, 2003. See more photos of terraced fields from around the world here. (Peter Parks / AFP / Getty)

Quoted

Weight has certainly played a part [in politics] before. Whats new is that I dont have any records of any presidential candidates going around just mocking fat people. Amy Farrell, who studies fat-shaming in American culture, on Donald Trump

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What really moves people is voting for something they believe in. But when you dont have that, a villain is very powerful. Marisa Franco, co-founder of an anti-Trump activist group

When men are on [online dating] platforms  theres this sense of I have to make the first move, I have to go hunting. Whitney Wolfe, founder of a dating app that requires women to send the first message

Evening Read

Megan Alpert on a 17-year-old former guerrilla fighter in Bogota:

She is one of thousands of women who have fought in leftist guerrilla groups during more than half a century of war in Colombia. Groups like the EPL, the National Liberation Army (ELN), and, most notably, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) took up arms to fight against land and wealth inequality, but wound up turning to illegal activities like kidnapping and drug trafficking to finance their operations. On September 26, after four years of negotiations, the largest rebel group, the FARC, signed a peace treaty with the Colombian government. This means that, soon, an additional 7,500 combatants, including about 3,000 women, will demobilize en masse.  The young woman I met in Bogota wants to be an architect. Shes a natural leader, and [her school for at-risk youth] has put her in charge of a group of girls. But she faces a host of challenges. She misses her friends, the security of her rifle, and life in the camp, which she talked about wistfully. The only reason she doesnt rejoin, she said, is because she knows it would kill her mother. Like other female ex-combatants, she faces intense stigma for betraying not only her country, but her gender.

Read more here, as Alpert examines how female guerrillas reintegrate into Colombian society.

Recommended: Donald Trump Proved to Be No Ronald Reagan

What Do You Know?

1. According to a new study of animals violence against their own species, the worlds most murderous mammal is the ____________.

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

2. Medical errors may be responsible for at least $____________ in overcharges to American patients every year.

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

3. In a recent survey, ____________ percent of respondents said they think transgender people should be required to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender at birth.

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

Reader Response

John tries to make sense of Donald Trumps motives:

Ive considered yearning for power, the appeal of self-dealing at the highest level, and all sorts of motivations. And Ive especially been stumped by Trumps appeal to the masses. Really worked on that one and couldnt come up with much.  But I think Ive figured it out ... It is simply the striving to be the most famous person on earth. Nothing more or less. The common theme across everything Ive read or observed about him says that Donald Trump wants to be the most famous person in the world, and that person of course is the president of the United States. How many Americans can name the Prime Minister of New Zealand? How many New Zealanders do you think know who Barack Obama is?

Read here for many more readers on Trump.

Look Back

Today would have been the 160th birthday of Kate Douglas Wiggin, an American author and educator who founded the first free kindergarten in San Francisco. From 1893 to 1901 she published a series of serial novels in The Atlantic that followed the adventures of a character named Penelope, who in our January 1893 issue introduced herself like this:

Here we are in London againFrancesca, Salemina, and I. Salemina is a philanthropist of the Boston philanthropists, limited. I am an artist. Francesca isIt is very difficult to label Francesca. She is, at her present development, just a nice girl; this is about all. The sense of humanity hasnt dawned upon her yet. She is even unaware that personal responsibility for the universe has come into vogue, and so she is happy. Francesca is short of twenty years old, Salemina short of forty, I short of thirty. Francesca is in love, Salemina has never been in love, I never shall be in love. Francesca is rich, Salemina is well-to-do, I am poor. There we are in a nutshell.

You can read PDFs of Wiggins work for The Atlantic here.

Verbs

Dogs groomed, bread baked, hole dug, Oscars buzzed, cutout candidate carpooled, face-punch auctioned.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Please give transgender talent a chance, Jeffrey Tambor said earlier this month while accepting the Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Comedy, addressing his speech to Hollywood producers and casting agents. Give them auditions. Give them their story.

Modern Family, ABCs long-running sitcom juggernaut, has heeded the call. Wednesday nights new episode featured the 8-year-old trans actor Jackson Millarker playing a trans character, a first for the show andin the casting of a trans child actorreportedly a first for network television in general. That Modern Family would eventually spotlight a transgender character should come as little surprise given that its conceit all along has been to take untraditional familiesgay, interracial, remarriedand weave them into a traditional sitcom. The episodes director, Ryan Case, announced the news on Instagram a few days before the episode aired, writing that Millarkers casting was one of the many reasons I love being a part of this show."

But, as has also been the shows M.O. all along, this progressive-minded move happened in a supremely gentle and unthreatening manner. Millarkers character Tom, who viewers quickly learned was once called Tina, said a total of eight words and was on screen for less than a minute in Wednesdays episode, A Stereotypical Day. His main job wasnt to do the things that activists often say is the goal when calling for trans casting: humanize a cliche and bring visibility. Instead the episode mostly did the very preliminary work of mass media that addresses social changethinking about how the minority makes the majority feel.

Tom was a friend of Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons), whose dads Cam and Mitchell (Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson) were smugly pleased that their daughter was showing tolerance to her playmate. Then they overheard her calling him a weirdo, and wrongly assumedsitcom logic!that shed been taunting him about gender, sending them into an existential crisis about their childs attitudes and their own.

But thats our thing, lording our tolerance over others.

What ensued was a comedy of lightly political incorrect self-reflection. Mitchell blamed Cams hick family for Lilys words. Cam told Lily she could be anything she wantsbut if shes a lesbian, shed better be the fun kind. The overall emphasis ended up being not on what its like to be a kid whos different, but on the need to forgive the small errors of parents whose kids turn out to be different.

Let me ask you guys something, Jay (Ed ONeill) at one point said to Mitch and Cam. If some day Lily wanted to be Lou and had the whole chop-chop, bing-bang thing, how would you be with that?

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Cam stammered out an answer saying that they love Lily (wait, Lou!) and theres nothing she (wait, he!) could do to change that. But Mitch conceded that he would need some time to adjust to how his own life plan had changed, which set up a gotcha opportunity for Jay: Well thats interesting, because the minute it took me to accept the fact that my son was living a different kind of life than the one I was anticipating, Mitchell called me an old, straight, white bigot. And now, youre just like me.

Cue handwringing. Cam: Are we not as open-minded as we think? Mitch: But thats our thing, lording our tolerance over others. Jay: I guess what this proves is theres a little bit of prejudice in everyone.

Jays big struggle of the episode was of a piece with the transgender stuff: He was worried that the black family moving in across the street thinks hes racist. In both cases, the otherracially or gender-wiseruffled the seemingly enlightened white guys, not out of intolerance but out of anxiety about seeming intolerant. It was a soothing if limited message for 2016 mainstream America, saying that identity conflicts are mostly just misunderstandings between well-meaning people. The characters here make incorrect snap assumptions about others, but no one gets hurt by them.

It eventually came out that Lily had dissed Tom simply because hed made fun of the horrible mural that Cam and Mitch had painted in her bedroom. The revelation was a relief, and finally the trans kid was spoken about as something other than just a trans kid: That rube Tom knows nothing about art, Cam said. Maybe in future episodes, viewers will get to know more about that rube beyond his gender identity. For now, hes a plot device more than a characterbut his presence is still small progress, the kind that Modern Family likes to make.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Warning: This recap of the Sin That Amends episode of Empire contains spoilers.

Although nearly 100 percent of the human population would watch a show that consisted only of Cookie Lyon entering a room, shouting at everybody, and then leaving the room, a show like that is just not possible at this time. The technology isnt there yet. Instead we have Empire, which is the closest well ever come to a show entirely about Cookie. But while it became a water cooler hit (where is a water cooler anymore?) almost entirely due to the expert scene thievery by Taraji P. Henson, Empire is also a show about other people, and many of those people are serious and their struggles are grounded and relatable. Cookie might wear the purplest fur coats, but Empire needs to get real sometimes in order for its surreality to shine.

This has been a dressed-up way of saying that Empire WENT THERE this week. While the Lyons have never had a particularly rosy friendship with the police, Sin That Amends outright recreated the kind of police brutality we see reported on the news nearly every day (albeit without the murder part  yet). And while this episode also featured a white papier-mache lion with diamonds for eyes, its these kinds of scary, ripped-from-real-life moments that inject a bit of adrenaline into an already fast-paced show. Lets talk about it!

We began with Americas sweetheart repeatedly dragging herself out of bed in order to let in deliverymen.

They came bearing gifts From Lucious! And man, were they classy.

Lucious may be legally married to Anika, but hes as romantically into Cookie as ever! And as everyone knows, the way to win back your ex-wifes heart is definitely through gold-plated revolvers, espresso machines, and, of course, papier-mache lions with diamonds for eyes.

Cookie, of course, is OVER Lucious, so she personally shoved all his gifts and luxury items back into his office. And while I appreciated the poignant moment where Lucious placed a rejected diamond bracelet onto the lions proud brow, it was clear he was not deterred. He would be winning back Cookies heart by any means necessary.

Story continues

Which was going to be a problem now that Taye Diggs had arrived! He played a local politician who, according to an immediately contemptuous Cookie, wouldnt know streets if it shot him in the ass. In this regard, I am a lot like Taye Diggs character as well. For example, if the streets shot me in the ass I would be like, Hey, who shot me? And if you told me it was the streets Id be like, Who?

Anyway, Taye Diggs really wanted Jamal to use his experience as a victim of gun violence to get involved in Taye Diggs nonprofit hip-hop act W.O.K.E. Cookie did not like this idea, mostly because Empire needs her to hate Taye Diggs before she can fall into his bed, so he was going to have to do a certain amount of wooing first.

Speaking of wooing, Shynes sister had begun to take a shyne to Hakeem, duh. Not only are they both equally adorable, they make great hip hop together! She inspired him in the booth by adding her own zesty flavor the likes of which Laura and Tiana could never. Check out how Hakeem was looking at her:

FAIR ENOUGH. But the downside was that Shyne kicked the ass of a guy who looked at his sister wrong, so that was probably going to be a cause of concern for Hakeem should their flirtation go anywhere. Watch out, Hakeem!

Andre was still yelling at Rhonda (and presumably the toilet and also his shoes), but on the upside, he and Jamal were able to bond over their medication woes. Both were fighting mental illness and both were having a hard time popping the correct amount of pills. For example, Andre did not want to take his bipolar medicine very much, and Jamal was basically impersonating a Hungry Hungry Hippo when it came to his pain medication. At least they had each other though.

Then Cookie screamed herself hoarse at Taye Diggs, mostly because one time he got out of a DUI (I think?) and didnt serve his time. But as Jamal noted, the only person shed ever yelled at so hard was Lucious, which meant that Cookie was HORNY for Taye Diggs. Good for her!

Luciouss next romantic overture was waking up Cookie from a stone-cold slumber with the sight of BIZ MARKIE HIMSELF performing Just a Friend directly at her. Now, I love this song just as much as the next gentleboy, but God help me if Biz Markie came into my bedroom and bellowed it at me, I would die of fright. I would be screaming in hell right now instead of writing this recap, thats how horrible that would be for me. I did not ask for that! Cookie didnt either, but heres the twist: SHE LOVED IT. She sang along to every word, and Biz Markie high-fived Lucious on his way out.

This spurred Cookie and Lucious to share a flashback to the time Lucious first spotted Cookie on the sidewalk. Hed fallen immediately in love no duh. But back in the present day real world, Cookie had to remind him that those cute times were over because shed been betrayed for the last time. So the Biz Markie stunt had been cute, but she was still D-O-N-E. Sorry, guy!

I thought it was charming when Cookie tried to cheer up Andre about his mental problems. But I dont know if recommending that he go back to church was the best solution. He had HAD IT with the lord. Personally I really enjoy Andres condition. Hes differently abled now! Thats so much more interesting than what he was before. (What was he before?)

A clever aspect of the flashbacks was how it tied into Cookies current dilemma. See, before shed dated Lucious, shed dated a very stand-up, serious-minded boy set on a solid, serious life. And Cookie had declined his invitation to be his lady because she wanted to pursue a wilder and crazier life full of T-Boz wigs and possible jail time. But now, of course, she was ready for a more serious life, which reminded her that maybe Taye Diggs WAS a suitable crush object after all. Cookie was ready to go straight!

I loved when they were all at Taye Diggs fundraiser gala and Cookie reacted this way when Lucious interrupted her crush-gaze:

Cookie is truly a treasure.

To be honest, Lucious should probably not have attempted to force Jamal to perform without prior warning. All it took was an outstretched microphone and a flashbulb (?) to immediately drive Jamal into a PTSD-related fugue state. So no, Jamal would not be performing for the W.O.K.E. kids this day or any day.

And now that Cookie had started making heart-eyes at Taye Diggs, guess who brandished his dagger-eyes? Lucious! This love triangle was now ON.

Meanwhile, Becky was sad and upset because her rapper boyfriend had signed a contract at another record label and wanted her to come with! But Becky was NOT interested. Except, maybe she was? Cookie had rudely denied her the A&R job she always wanted, so maybe Becky was about to turn her back on Empire? I dont know, guys. I have a bad feeling about this. Stay strong, Becky!

I like whenever the three brothers get together and commiserate about their mental health and then drink a lot. They may not make great decisions, but at least they do it together.

Oh, Tariq. First of all, Lucious was right, he truly does live in a sad studio apartment by himself. But as much as everyone always talks about how Tariq and the Lyons go way back, this flashback let us know just how far back:

Tariq is Luciouss half-brother (via their father) but Tariqs mother did NOT want Tariq playing in the streets with Lucious or listening to him bob and weave to Biz Markie all day. In other words, they were brothers but they were enemies. Now one of them was plotting the others downfall while eating Cup o Noodles. Its all so Shakespearean!

I loved when Anika used the baby monitor to MacGyver the st out of that wireless teddy bear cam. It took her like 10 seconds to figure out someone was spying on the nursery, and I got a chill when Lucious and Anika ripped out the camera AS A COUPLE. He may not trust her to hire a nanny, but even he had to acknowledge shell be a pretty fierce mother. Great job, girl.

The episode ended with this genuinely upsetting and upsettingly predictable moment in which a newly energized Andre decided to grapple with Rhondas death by clearing her things from their old apartment. But then the police showed up on a tip that someone was robbing the place. I think you can guess what happened next.

Yep. Empire takes on police brutality. Poor Andre! (Poor America!!)

When it comes to Empire tackling hugely important issues, its hard to be mad that Americas #1 network drama needs to get real sometimes. On the other hand, will it take away from the shows fun cartoon moments? Last week a man was beaten with a laptop. But Empire has always been both things  serious and ridiculous  and thats certainly not going to stop now. Thank God.

What did YOU think of Sin That Amends?

Empire airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Fox.
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Theres an entire Instagram account dedicated to one coat and we can actually see why

Theres an entire Instagram account dedicated to one coat and we can actually see why

In some ways, its inevitable that youll run into someone else sporting the same outfit youve chosen. It can be a good sign that youve got great taste for the trendiest items. But as London-based lifestyle blogger Alice Frances realized, it can also get out of control.

After Frances bought a $149 classic-chic coat from Zara, she started seeing it pop up on women all over London.

First, heres the coat in all its versatile glory.

coat

Zara

Its easy to see why something so beautifully simple (yet also very warm) could be appealing to a lot of women. Its the ultimate go-to coat to prepare for the colder months. And were obviously not the only ones who think so.

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Sep 20, 2016 at 1:21am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Jun 23, 2016 at 10:09am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Jun 21, 2016 at 6:18am PDT

Seeing so many women of all ages wear it in so many different ways is making us seriously impressed by this coats design.

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Sep 28, 2016 at 5:40am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Jun 30, 2016 at 2:55am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Jun 28, 2016 at 1:14pm PDT

And after so many women have been caught wearing it on-the-go, we can only conclude that its perfect for commuting.

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Sep 29, 2016 at 3:22am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Jun 30, 2016 at 10:01am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Jul 12, 2016 at 12:49am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Jul 11, 2016 at 4:23am PDT

Though Frances runs the Instagram account, she encourages people to send her pictures of coat sightings from all over that she then features on their page.

Story continues

As it turns out, the coat already has some international appeal.

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Sep 28, 2016 at 11:34pm PDT

A photo posted by Aggie (@bierka1984) on Sep 29, 2016 at 12:53am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Sep 29, 2016 at 6:39am PDT

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Sep 29, 2016 at 6:42am PDT

A photo posted by La Vecina Rubia (@lavecinarubia) on Sep 29, 2016 at 5:36am PDT

Since the coat is so popular, Frances has dedicated a recent blog post to suggestions on what to pair it with. That is, of course, if youre lucky enough to find it at all since its clearly a hot commodity.

A photo posted by That Coat (@thatcoat) on Sep 28, 2016 at 12:04am PDT

Needless to say, we can totally see why everyone wants #thatcoat.

The post Theres an entire Instagram account dedicated to one coat and we can actually see why appeared first on HelloGiggles.
By Seda Sezer and Tuvan Gumrukcu ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan suggested on Thursday that emergency rule could be extended beyond a year and rounded on rating agencies after Moody's cut Turkey to "junk" status, helping send the lira to its weakest in almost two months. In a speech in Ankara, Erdogan said Turkey would benefit from a three-month extension to the three-month state of emergency declared after a failed July 15 coup, which the government says is needed to hunt down those responsible, but which critics say is being used to stifle dissent. "It would be in Turkey's benefit to extend the state of emergency for three months," he told a group of provincial leaders at the presidential palace. He then went on: "They say one year isn't right for Turkey. Let's wait and see, maybe 12 months won't be enough." Speaking a day after the National Security Council recommended the extension of emergency rule, Erdogan said the measure would strengthen Ankara's fight against terrorism, adding he believed Turks would support it. More than 100,000 people, including members of the police, civil service and military, have been sacked or suspended since the failed coup, in which a group of rogue soldiers commandeered tanks and jets in an attempt to seize power, killing at least 240 people. Around 40,000 people have been detained. Rights groups, some Western governments and Turkey's main opposition party have criticized the extent of the crackdown. The head of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said this month that the state of emergency should be used only to bring the country back to normal and that innocent people were suffering in the purges. But the head of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, said on Thursday he supported the extension. The government blames followers of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen for the coup attempt and says the purges are necessary to root out members of his network, a stance the MHP supports. Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, has denied involvement in the attempted coup and condemned it. "THEY LOVE ME TOO" Moody's cut Turkey's sovereign debt to non-investment grade, or "junk", late on Friday, citing worries about the rule of law, as well as risks from a slowing economy. Erdogan, who has frequently lambasted rating agencies in the past, joked sarcastically about his strained relations with them and said Moody's move was political. "I love rating agencies and they love me too ... Put a few cents in their pockets and get the rating you want, this is how they work," he said, adding investors had shown strong demand for Turkish debt at an auction on Monday. "They suddenly cut our rating. So what? ... Cut Turkey's rating as much as you want, this isnt the reality in Turkey," he said, adding nobody took ratings agencies seriously any more. His comments were more combative than those of some of his ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Turkey would make "intense efforts" to restore its rating. The lira hit its weakest against the dollar since Aug. 5 not long after Erdogan spoke, in what analysts said was largely a reaction to the extension of emergency rule. "Probably the comments about the need for 12-month emergency rule...weighed more than the latest love fest with the ratings agencies," said Nomura strategist and veteran Turkey watcher Timothy Ash. Erdogan announced the three-month state of emergency on July 20, saying it would enable authorities to take swift action against those responsible for the putsch. (Additional reporting by Ayla Jean Yackley; Writing by Humeyra Pamuk and David Dolan; Editing by Nick Tattersall)
Ericsson ERIC announced the expansion of its Customer Experience Management (CEM) solution portfolio with the launch of Ericsson Expert Analytics Release 16.1 for multi-play networks. This recent offering from Ericsson is scheduled for commercial release in fourth-quarter 2016.

Revamped Ericsson Expert Analytics

A big data analytics solution  Ericsson Expert Analytics  is a key player in the mobile marketplace with a robust portfolio of global clients, ranging from engineering and service operations to customer care and product management. Ericsson Expert Analytics Release 16.1 is the latest version of the technology. It has a Service Qualify Management functionality feature to improve customer experience of fixed and multi-play subscribers.

Ericsson Expert Analytics Release 16.1 leverages on the competence of the companys fixed network capabilities. It can offer operators a comprehensive 360-degree view of multi-play and fixed-line customer experience. Ericsson Expert Analytics can perform a host of critical customer experience functions, including the prediction of customer satisfaction, finding experience issues, detecting problems and taking steps to resolve them.

OSS & BSS Business: A Catalyst

The revamped software from Ericsson will empower fixed and mobile operators to converge for good. This will, eventually, help them meet customer demands for bundled mobile, fixed and video services. As operators have been increasingly incorporating video and other forms of rich media, Ericsson believes that its offering will enjoy steady market traction. The companys Operational Support Systems (OSS) and (Business Support Systems (BSS) combines business, IT and network capabilities, which assists operators in rolling out novel offerings for better customer experience.

Ever since the Telcordia buyout in the first half of 2014, the company has fortified its foothold in the OSS and BSS segment. Also, it had entered into partnerships with Cisco Systems, Inc. CSCO and Tektronix Communications to boost its position in this market. Ericsson believes that its increased focus on customer satisfaction will compel operators to enhance their OSS and BSS solutions which bode well for growth. We perceive that the solid performance of these peripheral businesses will bolster Ericssons strength.

Story continues

Macroeconomic Headwinds Hurting Prospects

Reduced consumer telecom spending, including the delayed spectrum auction, is playing a spoilsport for Ericsson. The companys mobile broadband sales continue to take a beating from the soft macroeconomic environment and weakness in countries like Brazil, Russia and the Middle East. Moreover, the company has been facing investment headwinds in network developments in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Central Asia (especially Russia) regions as well as in Latin America and the Middle East.

ERICSSON LM ADR Price

ERICSSON LM ADR Price | ERICSSON LM ADR Quote

Additionally, given that the company derives a major portion of its revenues in various foreign currencies, it is prone to negative impacts from currency fluctuation. During second-quarter 2016, weakening currencies across some of the major Latin America markets and floating of the Nigerian currency were major dampeners for the company. Further, stiff competition from peers, prolonged weakness in key end-markets and ongoing industry consolidation among customers & major rivals are adding to this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) companys woes.

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks in the same space include Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. UBNT and Motorola Solutions, Inc. MSI, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Networking products and solutions provider Ubiquiti Networks has an excellent earnings surprise history, beating estimates each time, over the trailing four quarters. It has a positive average surprise of 13.2%.

Motorola Solutions is engaged in providing communication equipments, software and services. The company has a striking earnings surprise history over the trailing four quarters, having beaten estimates all through, for an impressive average beat of 16.4%.

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By Julia Fioretti

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - The European Commission wants to reduce national restrictions on where some types of commercial and health data can be stored, Vice-President Andrus Ansip said on Thursday.

Ansip is in charge of creating a digital single market in the European Union to boost growth in the 28-nation bloc.

"Barriers like data localization not only prevent economies of scale. Data localization also holds back the digital single market. It is not good for Europe, its businesses or for technologies," the former Estonian prime minister said at a conference.

"So, later this year, we will present an initiative to tackle unnecessary restrictions on where data is located."

Some European countries restrict where data such as company data, tax data, book-keeping data, financial and health data can be stored on security and privacy grounds.

Commercial data transfers to the United States have come under particular scrutiny in the wake of revelations of U.S. mass surveillance programs, stoking calls for Europeans' data to be stored in Europe.

But Ansip wants to tackle data storage restrictions within Europe as well, saying it hampers technological innovation.

He said the vast majority of restrictions on where data should be stored have nothing to do protecting privacy or security threats.

"Forcible data localization rules will not lead to better protection, but to fragmentation," he said.

Denmark recently changed its laws on book-keeping data, Ansip noted, allowing companies to store their data anywhere as long as Danish authorities have full access.

(Reporting by Julia Fioretti; editing by Jason Neely)
DailyFX.com -

Talking Points:

- The Euro traded slightly higher versus US Dollar

- Eurozone economic sentiment prints 104.9 vs 103.5 prior and expected

- Confidence figures indicate recovery moving forward, but still at a slow pace

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The Euro traded slightly higher versus the US Dollar (at the time this report was written) after today's Eurozone economic confidence figures came better than expected.

The Economic Sentiment Indicator edged higher to to 104.9, above the prior and expected 103.5 figure. This marked the highest number since January.

The index is compiled from five different indicator surveys including: industrial, services, consumer, retail, and construction.

The report said the improved euro-area sentiment resulted from sharply increasing industry confidence, as well as stronger retail trade and construction confidence.

Sentiment in the services sector remained at 10.0, in line with expectations.

Measures for industrial confidence improved to -1.7, which was above expectations for a -4.2 print. The report said the positive assessments resulted from managers' sharply improved assessments of the current level of overall order books, which neutralised the hefty losses reported in August.

The consumer confidence number confirmed the earlier estimate for a rise to -8.2 on more optimistic savings expectations and views on the future general economic situation.

The report today seems to be in line with rhetoric from ECB president Mario Draghi suggesting that the Euro-Zone is showing signs of a modest recovery. With that said, the numbers might also suggest the slow pace of that recovery, potentially implying that the ECB might have to step in again in the future.

EUR/USD 5-Minute Chart: September 29, 2016

Euro-Zone Economic Sentiment Rises in September, Highest Since January

--- Written by Oded Shimoni, Junior Currency Analyst for DailyFX.com

To contact Oded Shimoni, e-mail oshimoni@dailyfx.com

Follow him on Twitter at @OdedShimoni



original source

DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets.

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Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - Europe's top rights court on Thursday dismissed an attempt by two men held liable for the 1998 Omagh bombing, the worst atrocity of the Northern Ireland Troubles, to have the civil ruling against them overturned.

No one has ever been convicted over the car bomb that ripped through the County Tyrone town on August 15, 1998, killing 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins.

A civil case in 2009 held Michael McKevitt, founder of an Irish Republican Army (IRA) splinter group that claimed responsibility for the attack, and Liam Campbell liable for the carnage, along with two others.

The four men were ordered to pay damages of A1.6 million ($2.0 million, 1.8 million euros at today's exchange rates) to the victims' families.

McKevitt and Campbell complained their trial was unfair, saying that, given the gravity of the accusations, the Belfast court should have applied a criminal rather than civil standard of proof.

They also argued that admitting evidence from an FBI agent who had not been cross-examined in court was unjust.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg dismissed their complaints, saying a civil case did not have to meet criminal standards and that the defendants had been given "adequate opportunity" to challenge the evidence from the FBI agent.

"In light of this, the Court found that the national court's findings could not be said to have been arbitrary or unreasonable," seven ECHR judges concluded in a unanimous ruling.

The Omagh bombing rocked Northern Ireland, coming just four months after nationalist and unionist parties had inked a peace deal ending the worst of the violence that had plagued the British province for three decades.

Two of the four men held liable for the attack -- Seamus Daly and Colm Murphy -- successfully had the ruling overturned and were ordered to face a retrial.

But their retrial ended with a similar finding of responsibility, with a Belfast High Court judge citing "overwhelming" evidence against them.

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In 2014, Daly became the first man to be charged over the attack.

He was held in a high-security prison for nearly two years before being freed in March after the case against him collapsed.

Campbell and McKevitt, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence in Ireland for directing terrorism, have failed in all their attempts to have the civil finding of their responsibility overturned.

The ECHR's ruling is final.
By Kate Kelland and Alissa de Carbonnel

LONDON/BRUSSELS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Europe's food safety watchdog will release data from some of the scientific studies it reviewed in its assessment of glyphosate, an ingredient in Monsanto's widely used herbicide Roundup and subject of a fierce row over possible cancer risk.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said on Thursday it had decided to release the raw data as part of its "commitment to open risk assessment".

EFSA had received several requests for data in relation to its glyphosate assessment, including from members of the European parliament.

"Transparency and openness are essential values for EFSA because they strengthen confidence in science," EFSA said in a statement. "The information will be shared with a group of MEPs following a public access to document request".

It was not immediately clear when the information will be released.

Glyphosate, which is used in Roundup as well as other companies' weed-killers, is at the heart of a dispute in Europe and United States about whether its wide-spread use as a weed-killer on crops could heighten cancer risks.

Monsanto has long defended the safety of its herbicide, saying the renewal of glyphosate's licence in Europe was vital to European farmers.

The European Union in July granted a temporary extension of its approval for the weed-killer, pending further scientific study after a proposal for full licence renewal met with opposition from member states and campaign groups.

The issue blew up in March 2015 after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), based in Lyon and part of the World Health Organization (WHO), said that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic".

This finding was at odds with previous risk assessment in Germany and the United States, and was followed seven months later by EFSA's own assessment of glyphosate as "unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans".

Some campaign groups involved in the row have suggested EFSA was unduly influenced by studies backed by Monsanto, which analysts say could stand to lose out on up to $100 million of sales of its weed killer if it were banned in Europe.

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According to data published by IARC, glyphosate is registered in "over 130 countries as of 2010" and is one of the most heavily used weed killers in the world.

EFSA's executive director Bernhard Url said his agency's decision to share data that underpin its work "is a key ingredient in making science reproducible and therefore trusted".

(Reporting by Kate Kelland in London and Alissa de Carbonnel in Brussels Editing by Alison Williams)
By Ron Bousso

LONDON (Reuters) - Tony Hayward, the former BP (BP.L) boss, is set to step down next year as chairman of Genel Energy (GENL.L), which he founded in 2011 and became the biggest oil and gas producer in Iraqi Kurdistan, three sources close to the company said.

Today, Genel is struggling with a drop in oil prices, regional conflict and a large reserves downgrade.

The 59-year-old, whose tenure at BP ended abruptly following the deadly 2010 Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico spill, has in recent weeks said in closed discussions he plans to quit his post in the second half of next year, the three sources said.

A company spokesman said that no decision has yet been made regarding the timing of such a transition.

"Genel is committed to having a strong board and, as you would expect, carefully considers succession planning in order to ensure a smooth transition of key roles at appropriate times," the company said.

Hayward, who is also the non-executive chairman of commodities giant Glencore (GLEN.L), has short listed a number of candidates who could succeed him which "would have prominent standing in the City," one source said, referring to London's financial community.

He is expected to present his nominees to the board in the next few months.

Hayward, who drew heavy criticism over his handling of the Deepwater Horizon blowout and by stating "I want my life back," is expected to focus on his efforts to set up a new oil and gas exploration and production company focused on Latin America, the sources said.

Hayward may now have less than a year to revamp Genel after it posted its biggest loss ever last year and suffered a succession of setbacks which severely dented its reputation as one of the most attractive energy companies in the years following its listing in London in 2011 at the peak of the global commodities boom.

Genel shares are today at around 10 percent of their January 2014 peak, shortly before the start of the oil market rout.

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After leaving BP in 2010, Hayward teamed up with financier Nat Rothschild to create investment vehicle Vallares which merged with Genel Energy in 2011. Hayward was named Genel chief executive with a mandate to expand operations in Kurdistan and Africa at a time of soaring oil prices.

A string of disappointing oil exploration campaigns in Malta, Angola and Morocco led to a $480 million write-off in early 2015.

Plummeting oil prices and escalating violence in Iraq and neighbouring Syria that led to large delays in payments for oil sales to the Kurdistan Regional Government also piled pressure on the company.

Genel's stature was reduced when earlier this year it announced the halving of the reserves estimate at its flagship Taq Taq field in Northern Iraq and a subsequent $1 billion write-off which led to its biggest-ever annual loss.

The company is now increasingly turning its focus to the Turkish gas market with the development of the Miran and Bina Bawi fields in Kurdistan Genel hopes to connect via pipeline to neighbouring Turkey.

In a sign of the shift in focus, Hayward stepped down as chief executive in July 2015 and was succeeded by Turkish national Murat Ozgul last year.

(Editing by William Hardy)
By Asad Hashim ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - The elusive leader of a major rebel group fighting for independence in Pakistan's Baluchistan province said he would welcome cash and other help from India, words likely to alarm Islamabad which accuses New Delhi of stirring trouble there. In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the ethnic Baluch group Baluchistan Liberation Front (BLF), also vowed further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province. The planned $46 billion trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistan's Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines. "We not only wish India should support the Baluch national struggle diplomatically and financially, but the whole world," said Baloch, a doctor-turned-guerrilla believed to be about 50, in filmed responses to questions sent by Reuters. Baloch's appeal for Indian help may deepen Pakistani suspicions that India has a hand in a decades-old insurgency in the vast southwestern province. Historically fraught relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors deteriorated this month after 18 Indian soldiers in Kashmir were killed in an attack on an army base that New Delhi blames on Pakistan. Pakistan denies the accusation. On Thursday, India said it had carried out strikes on suspected militants in its first direct military response to the raid. In the buildup to the army base attack, Pakistan had voiced outrage over the crackdown on protests in India's part of the Muslim-majority region, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back by accusing Pakistan of atrocities in Baluchistan. Baloch, leader of one of three main armed groups fighting for Baluchistan's independence, said that while he wanted support from India, the BLF had not received funding from Modi's government, or India's spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). "We welcome the statement that Narendra Modi gave to morally support the Baluch nation," added Baloch, clad in a traditional beige shalwar kurta outfit, with an automatic rifle across his lap and ammunition hanging from his belt. Pakistan's military had no comment on Baloch's interview. NEWS COVERAGE LIMITED Baloch is the only leader of a sizeable separatist group who is believed to be waging a guerrilla war from inside Baluchistan; the other two leaders are in exile in Europe. Security analysts say his fighters stage most of the attacks in the province and have borne the brunt of army operations against the insurgency. Reuters has not been able to establish the scale of the BLF campaign. Pakistan has long suspected India of stoking the Baluchistan rebellion. Those fears grew in March when Pakistan arrested a man it said was a RAW spy in Baluchistan, and accused him of "subversive activities". India denied he was a spy. Brahamdagh Bugti, the Switzerland-based leader of the Balochistan Republican Party, another major separatist outfit, last week told Indian media that he planned to seek "political asylum" in India. BLF chief Baloch claims to have "thousands" of fighters. Domestic news coverage of the Baluchistan conflict is rare and foreign journalists are broadly forbidden from visiting the province. Baloch answered questions in a video recording, which was sent electronically. Although the exact date of the recording could not be verified, he was responding to questions sent by Reuters six weeks ago. His responses contradicted government claims that he had been killed last year. CHINESE "IMPERIALISM" China's investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought fresh focus on Baluchistan, which is endowed with rich but largely unexploited reserves of copper and gold. Several planned CPEC routes will snake across Baluchistan to its deep-sea port in Gwadar. Chronic instability in the province, which has experienced waves of revolt by Baluch nationalists since it was formally incorporated into Pakistan in 1948, is a source of concern for China, which has appealed to Pakistan to improve security. Baloch, speaking from an undisclosed location, called CPEC a Chinese "imperialistic scheme", and vowed to attack roads, security personnel and construction crews associated with it. Government officials say security has improved. They point to freshly-paved CPEC roads, built at breakneck speed despite Baluchistan's rugged terrain, as proof of success. To allay Chinese fears, Pakistan is also raising a force of 15,000 personnel, mainly serving army soldiers, to secure the corridor. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a regular briefing that China appreciated Pakistan's efforts. "We believe Pakistan will strengthen its guard against risks to projects and continue to provide a security guarantee for Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan," Geng said. RISKY WORK But risks remain. Frontier Works Organization, the army-run company building most of the CPEC roads in dangerous areas, said 44 workers had been killed and about 100 wounded in attacks on its CPEC sites over the past two years. "We are attacking the CPEC project every day. Because it is aimed to turn the Baluch population into a minority. It is looting, plundering and taking away our resources," Baloch said. Baloch and other separatists fear that indigenous Baluch people, who are estimated to number about 7 million people out of Pakistan's 190 million population, will become an ethnic minority in their ancestral lands if other groups flock to the region to work on exploiting its natural resources. The rebel leader alleged that 150,000 people had been evicted from the route of the trade corridor by security forces to clear the way for roads and other infrastructure. Pakistan's military, which manages security for most of the province, did not comment on the number. Human rights activists say that thousands of people have been killed or arbitrarily detained in Baluchistan by the military, a charge Pakistani security forces deny. Charges of abuse have also been leveled at rebel groups, including the BLF, which are accused of targeting non-Baluch citizens as part of their rebellion. Baloch denied BLF killed civilians, but said his group did go after "traitors". Asked if he would be open to negotiations with the Pakistani state, the rebel chief was clear: there would be no dialogue with what he considered "the biggest terrorist country". "There will be no negotiations with Pakistan without national independence and without the presence of the United Nations," he said. "Our destination is independence." (Additional reporting by Michael Martina in Beijing; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Drazen Jorgic)
"I hadn't thought about that. None of us had," Sarah Jessica Parker tells ET when the topic of reuniting with her former Sex and the City co-stars -- Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon -- on Divorce comes up in conversation. But she's quick to point out it's not out of the question: "I don't think anybody would be opposed to any idea if it felt right for the part and if the actor felt like they wanted to do it."

MORE: Sarah Jessica Parker Stands by Her Convictions on 'Divorce'

Admittedly, season one of Parker's new HBO series, which sees her playing one-half of an unhappy married couple living in upstate New York, has already been filmed. But that's not to say that it couldn't happen in season two or well into the future of the series (if Divorce gets renewed). Even Nixon confirms to ET that she has no plans to guest on the show, but would jump at the opportunity.

"I would entertain any of those ideas," Parker says, revealing that she and her team -- creator Sharon Horgan and showrunner Paul Simms -- have already started outlining stories for next season.

But the 51-year-old actress stresses that fans should not expect to see Carrie Bradshaw in the suburbs on her new series. Frances, an executive recruiter and mother of two, "is different," Parker says of her latest character, as she has told press time and time again. "She has a different relationship to men, to romance, to money, to New York City, to children, to commitments."

"Frances is not nearly as buoyant, as technicolor," she continues, referring to Carrie's much louder personality and esthetic. "Still waters run deep with her."

And on Divorce, Parker will be flanked by two new women, Molly Shannon and Talia Balsam, who play her best friends, forming something of a "bitter wives club."

"Talia was my first choice but I didn't tell anybody. I've known Talia's work for a really long time," Parker says of wanting her to play the part of Dallas. Shannon plays the high-strung Diane.

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MORE: 'Sex and the City' Creator Darren Star on Why the 'Up the Butt' Scene Changed the Game

"I have loved working with Molly and Talia," she continues. "In fact, one of the things I'm very much looking forward to next season is a chance to spend more time on and off screen with both women."

While a Sex and the City reunion is not entirely out of the question, rumors of a third film have been ongoing for years, with Parker herself apologizing over the summer for sparking excitement with a cryptic Instagram photo. But earlier this week, she told the Press Association that it was "a possibility," adding: "I don't think any of us have said no."

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From Popular Mechanics

Defense contractor Textron just unveiled a new rifle at the Modern Day Marine conference. Designed to use so-called "telescoped" ammunition, the new rifle promises a harder-hitting, lighter bullet for America's ground troops to fire. Whether the U.S. military is ready to embrace all the change a new rifle and ammunition would bring remains to be seen.

Traditional bullet cartridges have a bullet seated roughly halfway inside a brass shell casing, with gunpowder inside the casing. By contrast, the new rifle uses a 6.5-millimeter polymer-cased telescoped bullet. Telescoped rounds feature a bullet completely encased in a polymer shell, like a shotgun, with gunpowder surrounding the bullet in the shell.

The result is a cartridge that doesn't use brass, a considerable savings in weight. According the Kit Up! blog, telescoped ammunition is about 40 percent lighter than traditional ammunition. Textron could have channeled this weight savings into making lighter ammunition, but instead it chose to make new ammunition that packs a bigger punch. The rifle-and 20 rounds of ammunition-weighs a total of 9.7 pounds. By contrast, the standard M4A1 (pictured above) and 30 rounds of ammunition weigh 8.74 pounds.

Textron claims the new 6.5-millimeter round has 300 percent more energy than the standard U.S. Army bullet, the M855A1. That translates into greater knockdown power against human targets, more armor penetration, and longer range. A heavier bullet and more energy would solve a persistent complaint about the U.S. Army's M4A1 carbine-that the smaller 5.56-millimeter bullet often requires multiple hits to incapacitate a target and it lacks the range to make accurate long-range shots. The latter has been a particular complaint in Afghanistan, where long-range engagements are common.

Textron's rifle is a gas-operated, piston-driven rifle that has many familiar features drawn from the M4A1, including a charging handle and gas block. It features military-standard rails for the attachment of devices such as flashlights and lasers, and what appears to be Advanced Armament Corporation flash hider. The front and rear sights, pistol grip, and buttstock are all from firearm accessory manufacturer Magpul.

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[contentlinks align="left" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Read%20Next:" customtitles="One%20of%20These%20Will%20Be%20the%20Army's%20Next%20Helicopter" customimages="" content="article.23101"]

Tellingly, the 20-round magazine is at least as long as a standard M4A1 30 round magazine. While a 30-round magazine may be possible, too long a magazine blocks the user from shooting while prone. In fact, it appears polymer-encased telescoped rounds are actually wider than brass rounds. While each round is lighter, it takes up more volume than its brass-encased peers.

If that's the case, then Textron's design choice is understandable-if you must carry fewer bullets anyway, you might as well make them hit harder. There are always compromises in small arms design, and the new rifle is no exception. Is losing a third of available ammo and adding three quarters of a pound to the rifle worth a 300 percent increase in bullet energy? Decisions, decisions.

Will the Army adopt the new rifle and ammunition? The U.S. Army is notoriously cheap when it comes to small arms, and institutional inertia is strong. The -A1 upgrade to standard M4 rifles is only a few years old and conversions are still taking place. We also don't know the cost of the rifle and-more importantly-the ammunition, which will be purchased and stockpiled in the billions.

Still, if Textron can build a rifle that is reliable and inexpensive, and if the Army accepts the design tradeoffs inherent in the telescoped design, it could be the first all-new rifle design fielded by the Army in 51 years.

Source: Kit Up!

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When it rains, it pours. At least that's how Korean consumer products maker Samsung must be feeling. The company recently recalled millions of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones to replace a battery that could burst into flames. On Wednesday, the company issued a statement related to some of its top-loading washing machines that consumers report have, uh, exploded.

What the company said in a statement is that, "In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items."

Samsung recommends that owners of the washers, built between March 2011 and April 2016, use the low-speed "delicate" cycle when washing these items. The company said there were no reported incidents when consumers used that cycle.

ALSO READ: The Most Dangerous Cities in America

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said it has received over a dozen complaints from consumers about the Samsung washers, some of which report machines that have exploded. The CPSC noted that the issue appears to occur during the spin cycle. According to Consumer Reports magazine, the machines "suddenly and sometimes violently break apart."

A photo from SaferProducts.gov illustrates the effect:

Consumer Reports has "suspended" its recommended status for any Samsung top-loading washer that originally earned that designation. The consumer products watchdog tested 10 Samsung top-loaders, of which four had been recommended. After checking the serial numbers against a list of affected models, Consumer Reports found that six of the 10 machines tested were among the models affected by this problem.

ALSO READ: Americans to Spend $2.5 Billion on Halloween Candy

Consumers who own a Samsung washer can find the serial number on the back of the machine and enter that 15-digit number on the Samsung website to find out if it is one of the potentially explosive machines.

Samsung and the CPSC have yet to come up with a fix for the issue, but they are working on it according to the company. Samsung said it will provide updated information as soon as possible at the website cited above.

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Kigali (AFP) - A linguistics professor wanted for alleged involvement in Rwanda's 1994 genocide has been extradited from the United States, the government announced Thursday.

Leopold Munyakazi, 65, arrived in Kigali on Wednesday night aboard a charter flight from the US, said a statement posted on the website of the Rwandan Prosecutor General.

Munyakazi, from Gitarama in central Rwanda, denies participating in the genocide in which around 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, were killed. He had moved to the US in 2004 and taught French in Baltimore until his suspension in 2008.

He was later detained in an Alabama prison and then extradited this week after a lengthy legal battle over his failed asylum application and subsequent deportation order.

Kigali had issued two arrest warrants against Munyakazi in 2006 and in 2008. He had argued that the genocide allegations were concocted and that he was really being prosecuted for opposing the regime of President Paul Kagame.

Munyakazi is the most senior of four Rwandan genocide suspects so far extradited by the US and will be tried for genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and crimes against humanity.

A dozen Rwandans accused of participating in the genocide have already been sent to Kigali for trial, mostly from the US, Canada, Uganda as well as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which closed its doors in late 2015.

European countries have been reluctant to extradite accused Rwandans for fear they will not receive a fair trial.
The family of the alleged South Carolina school shooter has spoken out after cops say the teen killed his father before driving to an elementary school and opening fire Wednesday.

Anderson County Sheriffs deputies say Jeffrey Osborne, the 14-year-old's father, was discovered shot dead by the boy's grandparents Wednesday afternoon.

Read: Deaf Teen Shot Dead Despite Friend's Pleas to Gunman: 'We Can't Hear You'

"Our entire family is absolutely shocked and saddened by the senseless actions of our son and grandson," the statement from the family read. "We are praying and will continue to do so for the two precious children who were wounded, and for their courageous teacher who was wounded while rescuing the children.

The statement went on: "We cannot express the devastation we feel at the loss of our beloved Jeff. We are thankful to have friends who have expressed their sympathy and support [to] Tiffney that the loss of her husband. Please pray for our family that the Lord will help us as we face this unimaginable ordeal."

Among the victims shot at the school was 6-year-old kindergarten student Jacob Hall.

According to State Rep. Alan Clemmons, a bullet severed Jacob's femoral artery. He died, was revived twice and required immediate emergency surgery to stop the flow of blood from his leg.

Jacob remained in critical condition on Thursday afternoon, according to local reports. "Once stabilized, he will face yet another surgery," Clemmons said.

A friend of Jacob's family started a GoFundMe campaign to help support his parents as they take off work to stay by his side during what is shaping up to be a long road to recovery.

Read: Protesters Swarm Charlotte Streets As Police Defend Fatal Shooting of Black Man

The fund has raised more than $20,000 of a $50,000 goal in just 15 hours.

Jacob's family also released a brief statement.

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"We appreciate the communitys support, especially the Townville Rescue Squad who treated Jacob onsite and brought him to the hospital," Rodger and Renae Hall said. "We appreciate everyones thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy during this difficult time."

The other two victims at the school were treated and released.

Watch: How to Use a Folding Chair to Barricade the Door During a School Shooting

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Two sisters from Alabama are at war over their mom, who remains jailed for a horrific crime 14 years ago for which one of the women still bears the scars.

One sister wants her mother freed from the prison where she is doing time. However, another sister feels very differently and wants her locked up.

Read: American Sisters Found Dead in Their Villa at Luxury Resort

Ashley Smith was just 14 months old when her mother, Melissa Wright, removed the racks from an oven, set the dial to broil and put the infant inside, head-first, in 2002.

The young girls delicate skin suffered third degree burns over 30 percent of her body.

Wright, who was 26 at the time, was sentenced to 25 years in an Alabama prison for attempted murder after pleading guilty to the crime.

District Attorney Randall Houston told Inside Edition: During the time [Ashley] was in there, it was truly a torture chamber.

The little girl was rescued by her dad, who heard her desperate screams. He pulled her out of the oven and rushed her to the hospital.

Now, 14 years and 38 surgeries later, the teenager still carries the scars from her burns on her arms and forehead.

I've had 38 surgeries. It was painful but I got through it, Ashley told Inside Edition. I do not hate her, I do not love her, I don't want to see her.

She added: I think that she's crazy. I cannot imagine any mother wanting to burn their child.

Ashley has been raised by her aunt and uncle, and refers to them as her parents.

Ashley's sister, Courtney, was 8 years old at the time, and saw everything. But she believes Wright should be released.

Courtney, now 22, recalled: While Im standing by the refrigerator, she picked up Ashley and told her that she loved her just like everything was fine. And next thing you know, there goes Ashley in the oven and the oven door shuts."

Courtney says their mom was struggling with mental illness and suffering from the side effects of anti-depressant medication.

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"Voices in my head were telling me to put [Ashley] in the oven," the mother told police at the time.

Courtney said: When my momma did this, she wasn't in her right mind.

Courtney, who now has a son and a 1-year-old daughter of her own, says their mother has been treated for her mental problems in her 14 years in prison and deserves to be freed.

She is not a monster, she said. She is a changed woman and people need to realize that.

Both sisters appeared before the Alabama parole board. Ashley told how she felt.

Read: Tensions High as Soccer Coach Is Cleared in Boy's Murder: 'Karma Is Gonna Get You!'

"I cant imagine anyone being in as much pain as I went through mentally and physically," Ashley said in her letter she read out to the board.

Courtney has insisted that her mother is a changed woman.

The board refused to grant parole.

Courtney buried her face in her hands when she heard the decision. Once so close as children, the two sisters no longer speak to each other.

Watch: Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting Rampage That Left Parents Dead and Brother, 8, Paralyzed

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Meet the newest hero of the 2016 Ryder Cup  Dave Johnson, who just took $100 off Justin Rose.

Americas answer to P.J. Willett was heckling the European group of Rose, Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan, as Rose and Stenson were studying a putt on the eighth green, which Johnson said he could make. Thats when Stenson called Johnson out of the crowd and gave him Andy Sullivans putter, as Rose offered him $100 to see if he really could make it.

After complaining that the putter was too short  he can be heard asking, Wheres DJs putter?  Johnson stands over the ball, goes, Home soil, right? and races it into the center, sending the surrounding crowd into a frenzy.

You can see the bill laying next to the ball and later being picked up by Stenson. Heres Johnson giving a Tiger-like fist pump, and later hugging McIlroy as Stenson hands the bill back to Rose, who then gives it to Johnson.

Props to Roses caddie, Mark Fulcher, for running over for the double high-five. The Europeans have had a fun Thursday, havent they?
The Felicity Jones-Nicholas Hoult action auto movie Collide, which was extricated from Relativity Media during its bankruptcy crisis and rescued by Open Road Films, will now begin its journey as a theatrical wide release on February 3. The IM Global pic was originally scheduled to open August 19, but was then moved to an unset date.

Formerly known as Autobahn, Collide is from British helmer Eran Creevy and follows an American couple, Casey (Hoult) and Juliette (Jones). Juliette winds up in the hospital in need of a kidney transplant, which means Casey has to return to his criminal ways, becoming entangled with his former German crime boss Geran (Ben Kingsley) who turns the young man onto a heist. However, the plans blow up in Caseys face as he finds himself pitted against Hagen (Anthony Hopkins), a rival mob lord, on the German highways.

On its new weekend, Collide will race against Paramounts horror sequel Rings, Sonys T2: Trainspotting, Paramounts faith-title Same Kind Of Different As Me and an untitled horror movie from Blumhouse Tilt.

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The Original Gangsta Lizard gets a largely satisfying reboot in Shin Godzilla, a surprisingly clever monster mash best described as the Batman Begins of Zilla Thrillers. Co-directors Hideaki Anno (the cult-fave Evangelion franchise) and Shinji Ishihara (Attack on Titan), working from Annos genre-respectful yet realpolitik-savvy screenplay, draw basic elements from Ishiro Hondas original 1954 Gojira and its many follow-ups  to the point of including a wink-wink, nudge-nudge reference to Goro Naki, a character who loomed large in two sequels  but update the familiar kaiju mythos to a 21st-century world where the sudden appearance of an immense, fire-breathing reptile in Japan can generate all sorts of inter-agency political wrangling, revive terribly unpleasant memories of the countrys militaristic past, and really, really wreak havoc on the value of the yen in global monetary markets.

In short, Anno and Ishihara operate according to a classic sci-fi game plan: This couldnt happen. But if it did happen, this probably is what would happen.

Their resolve to ground their fantastical scenario in something resembling reality perhaps is best illustrated in a scene that plays like something out of Gavin Hoods recent Eye in the Sky, when second-guessers debate whether military pilots should risk endangering innocent bystanders in order to launch a missile assault on Big G. All thats missing is a shot of Helen Mirren shouting: We have the target in sight!

In Shin Godzilla  which, by the way, bluntly acknowledges that the creature known as Gojria in Japan is referenced as Godzilla elsewhere  the titular monster is identified not as the unfortunate result of hydrogen-bomb testing, but rather as an ancient species of marine life that dined on nuclear waste dumped by the United States. (That country, a disgruntled Japanese official complains during one of the movies many subversively satirical moments, foists some crazy things on us.) When it first appears in Yokohama, the new Godzilla is  well, to be brutally frank, less than intimidating. Indeed, it resembles nothing so much as a dragon in a Chinese New Year parade, with eyes that look like buttons sewn onto a sock puppet. As the creature continues to mutate en route to Tokyo, however, the special effects  a mix of CGI, motion-capture wizardry and old-school miniatures  are progressively more persuasive, and the monster itself bears an increasingly stronger likeness to the fire-breathing icon widely recognized by international audiences.

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During the extended stretches between Godzillas sporadic assaults on all urban areas in his path, the film takes an almost documentary-style approach to depicting the bureaucratic dithering and political infighting that, in the alternative universe imagined by Anno and Ishihara, would be rampant among Japanese government officials faced with a literally monstrous threat to homeland security. Titles appear on screen to identify significant places and personages as the story jumps from the prime ministers headquarters to an improvised scientific think tank to, no kidding, inside Air Force One, where an unseen U.S. president warns his special envoy (Satomi Ishihara), the American-born descendant of Japanese grandparents, that she might irreparably harm her own presidential prospects if she hinders a plan to exterminate Godzilla with a limited nuclear strike on Tokyo.

Not surprisingly, this option is viewed skeptically, if not angrily, by Japanese officials who remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Ultimately, its up to a lowly deputy chief cabinet secretary (Hiroki Hasegawa) to devise a less destructive Plan B with a handpicked team of lone wolves, nerds, troublemakers, outcasts, academic heretics, and general pains-in-the-bureaucracy. The team is nothing if not dedicated, sometimes to the point of neglecting meals, sleep, and personal hygiene.

The complicated relationship between Japan and the United States is exploited more cannily here than in most previous Godzilla films. On the other hand, Shin Godzilla is appreciably less unsettling than Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991), the movie that spilled the beans about the monstrous lizards war record by showing a pre-irradiated Godzilla helping Japanese soldiers battle American troops during World War II. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Which may explain why, while the 91 King Ghidorah pic premiered as a home-video product in the U.S., Shin Godzilla will kick off a limited theatrical run (thanks to Funimation Films) in several U.S. cities Oct. 11, less than three months after its gigantic box-office success in Japan.

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Kristen Wiig and Zach Galifianakis in Masterminds (Relativity)

Arguably the most outrageous line in the consistently bonkers heist comedy Masterminds occurs just four minutes in, after Zach Galifianakis, playing an armored-truck driver with an overgrown beard and Little Lord Fauntleroy haircut, shoots a hole in his shorts when ineptly trying to holster a handgun in his waistband. It is then that director Jared Hess (making his funniest film since Napoleon Dynamite) flashes the words Based on a true story across the screen. Sure enough, as crazy as the details can get, the basic facts of how a handful of rednecks stole, squandered, and were ultimately forced to surrender nearly $17 million in Loomis Fargo loot are true, making for a movie that will leave many gawking in disbelief  and the beleaguered Relativity laughing all the way to the bank.

Related: Kristen Wiig, Zach Galifianakis Talk Breaking Character at Masterminds Premiere



At least, that would have been the case had this legitimately funny movie co-produced by Saturday Night Lives Lorne Michaels and starring nearly the entire new Ghostbusters squad (minus Melissa McCarthy) opened last October  as originally planned  before Relativity, bankrupt and unable to foot the advertising costs, was forced to pull it from the release schedule. The jokes are no less entertaining a year later (and some, like Leslie Jones ranting about being mistaken for a dude, after having faced such slander in real life, actually play better now), though audiences have a way of keeping a skeptical distance when delays are involved. That means Masterminds will have a harder go of it, especially with another Galifianakis laffer (Keeping Up With the Joneses) opening just three weeks later.

Galifianakis plays David Ghantt as a socially awkward, over-compensating doofus determined to impress his sexy, newly single Loomis Fargo colleague Kelly (Kristen Wiig). Their chemistry  he exudes a sort of dopey schoolboy crush, shes tentatively intrigued to be receiving a decent guys attentions for once  is easily the most winsome ingredient in a comedy where every detail is offered up as some sort of joke. As in Napoleon Dynamite, Hess and his team waste no opportunity to potentially earn a laugh, from costumes to props to wallpaper to hairdos. This sometimes leaves a scene feeling forced and overcrowded (as when Galifianakis walks on screen wearing a white tuxedo and camouflage-print cummerbund), but other times lands like the cherry on top of an already hilarious sundae (driving off in a run-down pickup truck with a makeshift plywood gate where the missing door should be).

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Related: Hillary Clinton Goes After Donald Trump on Zach Galifianakis 'Between Two Ferns



Davids charm springs from his small-town, small-time-dreamer status. Content to guzzle Cheerwine and pop Goo Goo Clusters with his bossy and all-around unpleasant fiancee Jandice (the Emmy-winning Kate McKinnon, a scene-stealer here), David has never left his native North Carolina and is, as the films sarcastic title implies, the states least likely criminal mastermind. And yet, his guilelessness is the very quality that Kelly and her opportunity-seeking accomplice Steve (Owen Wilson, barely able to keep a straight face) identify as their ticket out of the trailer park: David not only holds the keys to the Loomis Fargo vault, hes eager to please his pretty new friend.

And so David stays after work one evening, tossing wads of bills into the back of his armored van (in real life, Ghantt stole more than he could actually transport), knocking out all but one of the security cameras (a real mistake), and temporarily locking himself inside with the cash (when really, the thieves managed to lock themselves out of a sealed truck full of money). Then he flies to Mexico in the worlds most conspicuous disguise  which Galifianakis himself describes as like Jesus and a cat made a baby, but actually looks even sillier than that  to wait for Kelly to join him and Steve to wire him his share. Of course she never shows, and Steve sends a hit man (played by a pervy-looking Jason Sudeikis) to rub him out.

While David quickly blows through his spending money buying a clownish red cowboy suit and Bob Ross-style perm (part of his next attention-grabbing disguise), Steve and his wife go on an extravagant spending spree, buying a mansion and a host of jaw-droppingly tacky home furnishings (some of which, like the velvet Elvis painting, are true to the actual case). It wouldnt take an FBI genius to solve this mystery, and Jones and Jon Daly play their respective detectives as being a long way from masterminds themselves, though the case has a way of playing straight into their hands.

Related: 'High Noon Remake Set in Present Day in the Works at Relativity



Working to the advantage of Hess and his screenwriting trio (Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer, with SNL vet Emily Spivey), the weirdest aspects of this story simply couldnt be invented, putting Masterminds in that same credibility-straining zone as Jim Carrey con-man comedy I Love You Philip Morris and the Coen brothers Fargo (which, faux true story claims aside, proved to be totally fabricated after all). Like both of those films, extreme regional accents serve to heighten the comedy (Sudeikis may as well be channeling former North Carolina resident  and executive producer  Danny McBride), while underscoring the characters ignorance. Still, its this improv-ready ensembles wit and Galifianakis own gift for physical humor that account for most of the laugh-out-loud moments, heightened by silly flourishes so eccentric (an assassin whose weapon of choice is an Alamo-era musket, a nose-whistling FBI informant resentful of his nouveau-riche neighbors) they could only be found in a Jared Hess movie. Now if only the masterminds in Relativitys marketing department could figure out a way to let potential audiences know how amusing this under-the-radar release really is.

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The final trailer for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will soon be on its way according to the latest reports.

Elena Brodskaya, marketing director of the Russian subdivision of Walt Disney, revealed new information about the highly-anticipated film during the Kino Expo International, held in St. Petersburg from September 20 to 23.

During a presentation of some of Disney's other movies, Brodskaya said that as with the last film in the Star Wars franchise, "The Force Awakens," the company would be remaining tight-lipped until the movie's release.

However she did add that the final trailer for "Rogue One" would be attached to Marvel's "Doctor Strange," due to open in Russia on October 28 and in the USA on November 4.

After originally appearing on Russian website Kino Metro, the news has been reported on the website starwarsnewsnet.com, with the site now predicting that fans can expect to see the new and final trailer in the second half of October. The final trailer for "The Force Awakens" was released last year on October 19.
Ahead of the film's November release, the final trailer for 'Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them' has been released. The film is an all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. Eddie Redmayne takes the lead role of Magizoologist Newt Scamander in the film directed by David Yates, who helmed the last four "Harry Potter" films. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" opens in 1926 with Newt Scamander having just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have passed without incidentwere it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt's fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds. The film marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter books were adapted into the top-grossing film franchise of all time. Her script was inspired by the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by her character Newt Scamander. To coincide with the trailer's release, it's been announced that fans will get to experience some of the film's magic early at a global event. It will kick off on Thursday, October 13th, at 2030GMT and simultaneously in major cities in the U.S. and internationally. Attendees will first be treated to a never-before-seen reel featuring some of the thrilling moments from the much-anticipated film. Talent from the film will join the celebration, in person, at two IMAX theaters, in London and Los Angeles, to welcome the fans. In London, Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, and director David Yates will be on hand. In Los Angeles, Colin Farrell and Jon Voight will be in attendance. Fans gathered at those locations, and others around the world, will be able to submit questions to the stars and director during the Q&A, giving them a rare opportunity to learn more about the story and their thrilling foray into a new era of the wizarding world. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" will open in theaters worldwide beginning November 18, 2016.
Tunis (AFP) - A cruise liner will dock in Tunis next month for the first time since a jihadist attack there in March 2015 that left 21 tourists dead, Tunisian authorities said Thursday.

The ship will arrive on October 6 at La Goulette, a port on the northern edge of the city, an official at the national tourism office told AFP.

The German-operated MS Europa will bring in 350 passengers for a one-day stopover, said Mustapha Jabeur, head of the port.

It will be the first such visit since the gun attack claimed by the Islamic State group at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis that killed 21 tourists and a policeman.

Many of the victims were on stopovers as part of cruise liner tours. The assault prompted several operators to cancel visits to Tunisia.

"We are happy about this resumption, which is crucial for the relaunch of the cruise business and will restore the confidence of other shipowners," Jabeur said.

"Every measure will be taken, particularly security-wise, to make sure everything goes well," he said.

Prime Minister Youssef Chahed called the visit "good news".

Italian cruise operators MSC and Costa Crociere, who lost passengers in the Bardo attack, said they had no immediate plans to return to Tunisia.

"Our current programme doesn't include any stops in Tunisia in 2016, or even in 2017," said Costa Crociere.

A key sector in the Tunisian economy, tourism has been in crisis since the revolution of 2011 which led to the overthrow of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The industry used to contribute around seven percent of GDP and supported 400,000 jobs.

Dozens of hotels were forced to close last winter following the Bardo attack and another in June 2015 at a beach hotel in Sousse which left 38 foreign holidaymakers dead. Many hotels remain shut.

Handicraft businesses, which depend heavily on cruise passengers, have also been hard hit.
Beijing floats Border Economic Zones idea

China has proposed to establish Border Economic Zones on both sides of the border between Nepal and China during a bilateral meeting held in Lhasa last week, Nepali officials participating in the meeting said.
Becoming a first-time father is no easy feat, but imagine this Colorado man's shock when doctors told him that he had an aggressive brain cancer, just weeks before his baby boy was born.

Read: Baby Thriving Despite Having Brain Outside His Skull: 'They Expected Him To Pass Any Day'

Cagney Wenk, of Boulder, was diagnosed with an inoperable, stage 4 glioblastoma last month, just three weeks before his fiancee Jessica Li was due to deliver their baby boy.

"Just the emotions of having a baby in general is enough for one couple to handle," Wenk's sister, Marissa told InsideEdition.com.

Doctors moved quickly on his treatment, including three brain surgeries, but when Li went into labor, the community rallied around the family to make sure Wenk would be able to witness his son entering the world.

"It was a possibility [he wouldn't be there]," Marissa said.

At the time, Wenk was still in the ICU following a surgery, but with the help of nurses who volunteered to watch him and wheel his bed and medical equipment to Li's bedside, he was able to be present in the room as Li gave birth.

Photographer Sarah Boccolucci captured the touching moment baby Levon Robbie Wenk was born last week.

Wenk was wrapped in bandages in his hospital bed on the opposite side of the room until moments after Li delivered her baby. Nurses wheeled their two beds next to each other, and Wenk could be seen in his son's birth story sobbing, as he held Levon in his own arms, and reached out to his fiancee.

"We have all the love in the world around us right now," Wenk said, according to the birth video.

Read: Baby Born at Sea Under 'Extraordinary Circumstances' After Being Rescued From Overcrowded Boat

"She's a rockstar," Marissa said about her future sister-in-law. "I wouldn't say she was nervous, that's just not how she is. She was just really excited to meet the baby."

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Marissa told InsideEdition.com Wenk still has about 4 weeks of radiation and chemothrapy left in his treatment plan.

They have since started a crowdfunding campaign for Wenk's treatment.

Watch: Couple Marries in NICU So Their Baby, Once Given 0 Percent Survival Rate, Can Witness Wedding

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Nearly four years into Chinese President Xi Jinpings anti-corruption campaign, Chinese citizens could be forgiven if their eyes glaze over at the news of yet another high officials fall from grace. But even the most jaded likely could not ignore the revelations disclosed on September 13: meeting in an extremely rare special session, the Standing Committee of Chinas National Peoples Congress dismissed 45 of the 2,987 members of the full National Peoples Congress (NPC). The 45 delegates, all of whom hailed from Chinas northeastern Liaoning province, had bought their way onto the national legislature, paying at least 452 members of the 618-member provincial legislature the equivalent of untold millions of dollars for the privilege of calling themselves Peoples Representatives. (NPC delegates are not directly elected, but are rather chosen by the Peoples Congress at the level below. Only at the lowest level are Peoples Congress members directly elected, although even those local elections are often manipulated by local officials.) Its big news, but unlikely to change the NPCs status as a rubber stamp better known for advancing the careers of its members than serving the Chinese public.

As of this writing, more than ten senior provincial-level officials have been implicated. Those named in the scandal thus far include a vice-governor of Liaoning, the Party Secretary for Fudan University in Shanghai, and a vice-chair of the Liaoning Peoples Congress. According to the Singapore-based United Morning News, Liaoning now has the largest number of provincial-level officials brought down for corruption since Chinese President Xi Jinpings anti-graft shake-up began back in 2012.

State-run media outlets have called the mass ejection historically unprecedented. NPC Chairman Zhang Dejiang called the scandal a serious violation of Party discipline and national law, and vowed to show disgraced lawmakers the full measure of Chinese justice. An unnamed official told a reporter from independent newsmagazine Caixin that Beijing had finished its investigation into the case over the summer, and that those who had violated the law would soon find themselves facing either criminal charges or  much worse  the ruling Communist Partys own often iron-fisted internal disciplinary system.

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At first glance, one might think that the purging of 45 corrupt officials could change the way that the NPC does business. Yet the corruption scandal only highlights the NPCs political irrelevance, despite its constitutional position as the highest organ of state power. True reform would move beyond punishing corrupt office-holders, and would instead focus on a wide-ranging package of structural reforms that would strengthen the NPCs capacity, its institutional autonomy, and its ability to truly represent the Chinese people. Alas, that is unlikely.

The most important reform Beijing could undertake would involve changing the selection process for Chinese legislators. As the Liaoning scandal showed, both the NPC and provincial-level legislatures are overstocked with officials who also hold other posts, as well as businessmen  and they are overwhelmingly men  looking to parlay their proximity to power into business opportunities. It is no coincidence that the fallen NPC members represent one of the richest legislative bodies in the world, according to a 2015 study by the Shanghai-based Hurun Report. Just over 100 NPC delegates were on Huruns list of the richest people in China, which means that billionaires are better represented in Chinas Congress than many ethnic minority groups and key professions. This is why people join the NPC: they want to benefit from the official access the NPC provides, and at the same time, NPC membership sends a signal to would-be rivals, warning potential challengers to proceed with caution.

Real reform would also address the institutional autonomy of the NPC. The Party still exercises complete control over the NPC, as it does all state organs. NPC chair Zhang, for example, was selected for his post by Party leadership; that selection was then ratified by the NPC Standing Committee. In other words, Zhangs true power derives from his senior position in the Party hierarchy, and not from his nominally high perch in the state structure. A smaller, more professionalized NPC would be a significant improvement on the current version. But the NPC will remain institutionally weak unless it is released from the tight grasp of Party oversight.

Reforms to improve the NPCs functionality may be the simplest element of an NPC reform package. No legislative body that only meets for only two weeks per year can be effective. Yet despite its light workload and generally passive approach to legislation, the NPC, with close to 3,000 delegates, is simply too unwieldy to engage in meaningful legislative work. (By contrast, Indias bicameral legislature, which represents a country almost as populous as China, has a total of 785 members.) A first step in institutional reform could be to significantly reduce the total number of delegates, and to make the body a truly full-time institution. Some scholars have also suggested that the NPC could adopt a true bicameral structure, and divide its theoretically vast powers between the two bodies, rather than, as now, leaving almost all of its work to the Standing Committee. Once those reforms were in place, the NPC could turn to bolstering its bureaucratic staffing to give legislators the support they need.

Unfortunately, it seems more likely that this scandal will come and go, and the NPC will remain what it is today: a weak and ineffectual body largely populated by those serving their own ends, one that exercises few of the powers assigned to it under Chinas constitution. In the absence of significant and wide-ranging institutional reforms designed to sharpen the NPCs capacity, the bodys autonomy, and perhaps most importantly, its representativeness, the NPC will remain a rubber stamp, blithely signing off on decisions made elsewhere by other, more powerful actors.

To be sure, the National Peoples Congress is in better shape than it was when the reform era began in the late 1970s. Though calls to shrink the nearly 3,000-member body down to a more workable size have been largely ignored, its roughly 160-member Standing Committee does meet bimonthly. Unlike the NPC as a whole, whose role remains largely ceremonial, the NPC Standing Committee exercises real influence over the legislative process, even though most laws are initially drafted by executive agencies or other government bodies. (According to one recent study, roughly 75 to 85 percent of laws passed by the NPC over the past 20 years were drafted that way.) And the NPC Standing Committee institutional infrastructure is much stronger than it was at the outset of the reform era, with a much larger staff to manage the committees day-to-day work.

Overall, however, the NPC and its Standing Committee remain largely powerless. Both bodies are controlled by the Party, which sets the legislatures agenda. The Party, not the NPC, plays the leading role in brokering any disagreements over key provisions in important new laws. For decades, Chinese scholars have pushed for far-reaching structural reforms that would turn the NPC into a genuinely effective legislative body. Unsurprisingly, the Liaoning vote-buying scandal has led one or two brave voices to repeat the call for such reforms. Some have even argued for truly democratic reforms that would allow the Chinese public to pick their own legislative representatives, risking the wrath of Chinese censors who dont hesitate to slap down those who push the public debate too far.

It would be smart for Beijing to listen. As with other provinces, the business and political elites in Liaoning purporting to represent the people dont do so, in any meaningful sense: they represent their own corporate interests, as well as their personal bottom lines. It is hard to imagine how the NPCs responsiveness to the needs of the public could be improved without some sort of democratic reform that would allow Chinese citizens to choose their own representatives. This remains a red line for the CCP. Yet scandals like the Liaoning fiasco raise the question of whether the costs of continuing to postpone political reform are starting to outweigh the benefits.

Its hard not to cheer when corrupt officials are brought low. But in the grand scheme of things, the looming prosecution of dozens or even hundreds of Liaoning national and provincial-level legislators and officials is of little consequence. No doubt the 45 new NPC delegates will be less corrupt than their predecessors. But they will be equally ineffectual. And they too will lack any institutional tie to the people of Liaoning. Sadly, in the absence of any far-reaching structural reforms, Chinas legislature will remain what it is today: little more than a rubber stamp.

Wang Zhao/Getty Images
As parts of Florida works to fight against the spread of Zika, fear of the virus is making some travelers reconsider winter plans.

The number of Americans looking to travel to Florida during the states peak tourism season (from November to April) fell 15 percent after the discovery of locally-transmitted Zika virus, according to travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance.

Allianz compared the travel plans of 940,000 Americans this year with those of last year and found a considerable drop in interest across the state.

Interest in the state as a whole dropped about 15 percent: Travelers planning trips to both Tampa and Miami fell about 30 percent from last year but lesser-visited destinations in Northwest Floridalike Destin, Tallahassee and Pensacolasaw an increase in interest. Destin is projected to have the largest increase in interest this yearabout 30 percent more than last year.

Interest in Miami Drops 30% Due to Zika

On August 1, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a travel warning for South Florida, specifically in Miamis Wynwood neighborhood and Miami Beach. The CDC lifted the warning for Wynwood on September 19.

According to The New York Times, a trend in bookings has emerged since Zika was first reported in the Caribbean last year: Immediately after each new CDC warning, there is a rush of cancellations. Then a little while later, there has been a slight increase in interest. In early July, searches for flights to places like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic were at their highest all year.

The Zika virus causes mild or no symptoms in most people who contract it, however there is a greater danger pregnant women because of links to microcephaly.

Cancellations for bookings seem to be coming mostly from pregnant women or young couples. The CDC urges pregnant women to consider postponing travel to Miamis Wynwood neighborhood and to avoid Miami Beach.

Cailey Rizzo writes about travel, art and culture and is the founding editor of The Local Dive. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @misscaileyanne.
Looking for new recipe ideas and food blogs to pore over? The 7th annual Saveur Blog Awards has released this year's winners giving the top nod to an American blogger who cooks out of Norway.

Written by Utah native Nevada Berg, North Wild Kitchen took the coveted title of Blog of the Year less than a year after launching.

At North Wild Kitchen, which launched just this past November, she explores and celebrates the ingredients and cooking of her adopted home, editors write.

Her photos, stories, and diligence in re-creating family recipes is nothing short of transporting.

After moving to Norway with her Norwegian husband and little boy, Berg quickly became smitten by her adopted country, she writes.

They settled on a mountain farm where she picked her first blueberry, salted and hung her first sheep's leg to dry-age, cans her own plums, and raises 19 chickens which supply the family's eggs.

Recipes are inspired by local Norwegian culinary traditions, and include soups, boiled meats and smoked fish.

Currently, the site features a simple recipe for Norway's national dish farikal, or mutton and cabbage stew to coincide with the annual sheep-roundup in September when the animals are herded from the mountain pastures back to their farms.

Other recipes include homemade sour cream and apple cake.

Meanwhile, if Rome is on your bucket list or travel agenda in the near future, you'll want to visit Katieparla.com which was named the Readers' Choice.

The blogger and cookbook author also hosts food tours around the Eternal City.

Other winners include Butter & Brioche, which was named the winner in the best baking and sweets category, and Dad Beets for the best food Instagram account.

For the full list of winners visit http://www.saveur.com/blog-awards-2016-winners.
LONDON (Reuters) - Mark Lyttleton, a former fund manager at the UK division of asset manager BlackRock Inc (BLK.N), has been charged with insider dealing by Britain's markets regulator.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on Thursday it had charged 45-year-old Lyttleton with three counts of insider dealing relating to trading in equities and a call option between October and December 2011.

Lyttleton worked at BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Ltd between 2001 and 2013, according to the FCA's register of financial appointments. He was arrested on suspicion of market abuse in April 2013, according to one source familiar with the investigation.

He has now been ordered to appear before City of London Magistrates' court on Sept. 29.

His lawyer was not immediately available for comment.

Blackrock, the world's largest asset manager, said in an emailed statement that the alleged behaviour was "totally contrary to the firm's principles and values" and that it strongly supported "aggressive enforcement of the law".

"The FCA has informed us that the charges against a former employee relate to alleged actions carried out in 2011 for his personal gain, while off our premises, and that neither BlackRock, nor any employee, was under investigation," it said.

"There was no impact to any of BlackRock's clients as a result of the alleged actions."

Insider dealing is a criminal offence in the UK and is punishable by a fine and up to seven years in jail.

(Reporting by Kirstin Ridley. Editing by Jane Merriman)
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / Forum Uranium Corp. (FDC.V) ("Forum") and Uracan Resources Ltd. (URC.V) ("Uracan") announce the commencement of a 3,000 metre drill program on Forum's 100% owned Clearwater Project, on trend from Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit and Nexgen Energy's Arrow Deposit in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan (Figure 1). The Patterson Lake Corridor continues to yield significant uranium mineralization 840 metres to the southwest of the original discovery in the direction of the Clearwater Project.

A total of eleven drill holes totalling 2,836 metres have been completed to date on the property. This previous drilling defined a number of target areas with altered and reactivated graphite bearing structures with elevated boron and nickel geochemistry and anomalous uranium values. Forum and Uracan plan to drill ten to twelve drill holes to follow-up these structures along the Mongo and Key trends and to test new targets that have not yet been drill tested.

In addition, a 12 line kilometre ground electromagnetic survey is currently underway on the Clearwater Project to better target the planned drilling.

Uracan Option Agreement

Uracan can earn a 25% interest in the Clearwater property by spending $1.5 million (approximately $500,000 spent to date), a 51% interest in the Clearwater property by spending $3 million in exploration over three years and up to a 70% interest by spending $6 million over five years. The Clearwater Project covers a total of 9,912 hectares adjoining Fission Uranium's Patterson Lake South claims to the southwest. Forum will be the Project operator until Uracan earns its 51% interest, after which Uracan may elect to become the operator.

Figure 1: The Mongo Trend is the extension of the Patterson Lake Corridor, host to the Triple R and Arrow uranium deposits. The Key Trend has demonstrated potential for uranium deposition from previous drill programs by Forum and Uracan.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: http://www.accesswire.com/uploads/22776_a1475091680999_42.jpg

Ken Wheatley, P.Geo. and Forum's VP, Exploration and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About Forum Uranium

Forum Uranium Corp. is a Canadian-based energy company with a focus on the acquisition, exploration and development of Canadian uranium projects. Forum has assembled a highly experienced team of exploration professionals with a track record of mine discoveries for unconformity-style uranium deposits in Canada. The Company has a strategy to discover near surface uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan by exploring on its 100% owned properties and through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with Cameco, AREVA, RTX, NexGen and Uracan.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact:

Rick Mazur, President & CEO

Tel: 604-630-1585

Matt Terriss, Director, Corporate Affairs

Tel: 604-689-2599

SOURCE: Forum Uranium Corp.
Dr KC supporters stage sit-in outside Speaker Ghartis residence

Solidarity for Dr Govinda KC Alliance organised a sit-in protest in front of House Speaker Onsari Gharti Magars residence at Baluwatar, Kathmandu on Thursday.
The Danish design brand has unveiled a new version of its cult Ant chair designed in 1952 by the Danish architect, Arne Jacobsen. Here's a look at the story behind this Scandinavian design classic.

The Ant chair was designed in the mid 20th century. It was the first in a line of stacking chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen, followed by the Series 7, the Grand Prix and the Lily.

This insect-inspired seat was one of the first chairs to be made out of a single piece of molded plywood, a process that was revolutionary at the time. Today, the Ant is still manufactured by steam bending nine layers of wood veneer.

When asked about the Ant's design, Arne Jacobsen said: "I based my work on a need: what chairs are needed? I found that people needed a new type of chair for the small kitchen dinettes that are found in most new buildings today, a little, light, and inexpensive chair. At the same time, I made one that can also be used in lunchrooms, as a stacking chair."

The Ant takes its name from its characteristic narrow waist. Originally a three-legged chair designed for the canteen of a Danish pharmaceuticals company, the Ant almost remained a prototype, as Fritz Hansen wasn't convinced of its potential. In fact, it only went into production once Arne Jacobsen agreed to buy any unsold models. Today the Ant is considered a classic of Danish design and is a best-seller for Fritz Hansen.

The new limited-edition version comes with a warm gray dyed oak veneer with matching powder-coated bronze legs. The dyed veneer brings out the natural grain of the oak for a subtly weathered finish.

This limited-edition model is available from selected Fritz Hansen stores and dealers until September 2017.
They say that All that glitters is not gold. So does it imply that all that is not glittering could be gold? Think about it.



Taking a look at premier international specialty retailer, The Gap, Inc. GPS, we note that the company has been in the red zone for a while now, with its stock price down 8.1% year to date. This is mainly because Gap has been struggling with dismal comparable store sales (comps), which could be attributable to the ever-changing fashion trends, slow traffic and currency headwinds.



Softness across its Banana Republic and namesake brands have also been pressing concerns for the company. With so much going wrong at Gap, what still makes this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company look attractive for the long run? Lets delve deeper and bring whats hidden to the surface.



The Growth Drivers



Gap has been firing on all cylinders with regard to bringing a turnaround to its business. Recently, management chalked out various strategic plans to keep track of the accelerated pace of change in the apparel industry. The company intends to speed up its transformation plan by bringing meaningful changes to its product portfolio and operating capabilities worldwide.



In this regard, management plans to focus on growing Gaps brands in regions which offer greater structural advantage and potential to expand market share, while closing the underperforming stores. Further, the company remains keen on streamlining its operating model by creating a more proficient global brand structure, which will enable its brands to utilize scale advantages more efficiently.



While these actions are likely to attract annualized sales loss and restructuring charges, they are anticipated to deliver annualized pre-tax savings of $275 million and operating margin growth of about 2 percentage points. Clearly, the company remains committed to positioning itself better for long-term growth by setting its priorities right and channelizing its resources accordingly.



Apart from this, Gap has been making significant efforts to penetrate deeper into the over $1.4 trillion global apparel retail market. Over the past few years, the company aggressively expanded its global footprint across emerging markets including China, Russia, South Africa and certain Latin American countries. Going forward, management intends to remain committed toward store growth, with primary focus on greater China, Athleta and global outlet stores.



Also, the brick-and-mortar retailing concept has been losing its luster over the past few years in the U.S. as consumers have gradually shifted to online shopping. To keep pace with this change, Gap is enhancing its eCommerce and omni-channel capabilities by adopting a number of initiatives like find-in-store, Reserve-in-Store and Order in Store facilities, across various stores. We believe that these initiatives will boost its top line in the long run.



If this is not enough to justify Gaps Hold status, investors can satisfy themselves with the companys financial flexibility and efficient capital allocation. Its strong free cash flow generation enables it to boost earnings per share through large stock repurchases, and helps enhance shareholder value via consistent dividend payments.



Hence, we believe that with all aforementioned factors at play, Gap has tremendous scope to come out of the woods, which makes it a good choice for the long term.

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GAP INC Price and Consensus



GAP INC Price and Consensus | GAP INC Quote

Investors can further satiate their appetite with better-ranked apparel/shoe stocks like American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. AEO, The Children's Place, Inc. PLCE and Urban Outfitters Inc. URBN, each with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



American Eagle has a positive record of earnings surprises in the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 9.3%. The stock has seen positive estimate revisions for the current fiscal year, over the last 60 days.



Children's Place has an average earnings beat of 33.1% in the last four quarters, and estimates for the current fiscal year moved up in the last 60 days.



Urban Outfitters has to its credit an average beat of 6.7% in the trailing four quarters and estimates for the current fiscal year have moved north in the last 60 days.



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Gary Johnson

Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson said he was having an "Aleppo moment" when he was unable to name a favorite foreign leader during an interview on MSNBC on Wednesday night.

Host Chris Matthews asked Johnson, who was sitting with his running mate, Bill Weld, to pick one foreign leader whom he looked up to.

Johnson struggled to answer, and Weld swooped in.

"Mine was Shimon Peres," Weld said, naming the former Israeli prime minister and president who died Tuesday.

"I'm talking about living," Matthews quipped, pointing back to Johnson who sat quietly.

"You gotta do this," Matthews goaded. "Anywhere. Any continent. Canada, Mexico, Europe, over there, Asia, South America, Africa: Name a foreign leader that you respect."

"I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment," Johnson responded, adding that he was having trouble thinking of the name of one of the former presidents of Mexico.

Johnson was alluding to another awkward situation from earlier this month, in which Johnson asked "What is Aleppo?" during another interview on MSNBC. Aleppo is the site of some of the fiercest fighting in Syria's civil war.

Since then, Johnson's foreign-policy knowledge has come under fire.

Pressed by Matthews again on Wednesday night, Johnson reiterated his answer, "The former president of Mexico."

"Which one?" Matthews asked.

"I'm having a brain freeze," Johnson said, as his running mate began to list the names of recent Mexican presidents: "Fox, Calderon ..."

"Fox! Thank you!" Johnson shouted out, referring to Vicente Fox, who served as Mexico's president from 2000 to 2006.

Watch the exchange below:







More From Business Insider


Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson struggled to name a foreign leader he admires in an interview on MSNBC Wednesday night.

MSNBCs Chris Matthews, who asked the question during a town hall session, responded to a long pause from Johnson with prodding. You got to to do this. Anywhere, any continent, Matthews said. Canada, Mexico, Europe, over there, Asia, South America, Africa.

I guess Im having an Aleppo moment, said Johnson, referring to a now infamous moment when he failed to recognize the name of Syrias most populous city on live television. Johnson settled on the former president of Mexico, apparently referring to recent Trump critic Vicente Fox, but he could not remember Foxs name. Finally, former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld, Johnsons running mate, lent Johnson a hand with a reminder of Foxs name.

Johnsons campaign manager released a statement about the incident on Facebook, calling it gotcha-ism at its finest.

Yes, asked to name a favorite foreign leader, Gov. Johnson didnt quickly name a specific favorite. That really doesnt mean much. Most Americans and certainly most political candidates would have to stop and think before responding, with the possible exception of a Donald Trump who is enthralled by Putin, Ron Nielson wrote.

The awkward exchange comes less than a month after the Aleppo exchange and further weakens his credibility as he tries to position himself as a viable alternative to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Festive shoppers throng Valley malls

Shopping spree has started in the Kathmandu Valley ahead of the Dashain festival, with malls witnessing a rise in the flow of customers.
GE Ventures, the venture capital subsidiary of General Electric Company GE, and Allied Minds, an intellectual property commercialization firm, recently collaborated with each other to seek new growth opportunities for start-ups and entrepreneurs. The financial details were, however, kept under wraps.



As part of its operations, Allied Minds reviews countless intellectual property opportunities from some of the best universities and federal labs of the country to indentify commercialization prospects and viability of the projects. Once an upcoming technology gets ratified after due diligence, Allied Minds forms, funds and manages a subsidiary company for commercialization of the project with the inventors and their institutions getting an ownership stake in it.



On the other hand, GE Ventures offers an easy access to the state-of-the-art technology and extensive intellectual property portfolio of its parent firm General Electric through licensing, technology transfer, joint development, and other strategic business models. In addition, it boasts unrivalled resources including 35,000 engineers, 5,000 research scientists, 8,000 software professionals and 40,000 sales, marketing, and development executives across 100 countries to tap the business potential of the nascent technology.



The strategic alliance will seek to leverage Allied Minds commercialization process and GE Ventures innovation expertise to explore fundraising, start-up development, and management capabilities of start-ups and budding entrepreneurs. The joint venture agreement further gives Allied Minds the exclusive right of first refusal to license certain General Electric technologies that are of strategic interest to the companies. General Electric will also have the opportunity to invest in select projects of Allied Minds network that includes over 160 university and federal research partners.

GENL ELECTRIC Price

GENL ELECTRIC Price | GENL ELECTRIC Quote

In order to augment its revenues, General Electric has also initiated steps to supplement its digital presence in Europe and foster growth of the industrial ecosystem for the continents overall development. The strategic move is largely fuelled by the market predictions that digitization of products and services is likely to yield an excess of 110 million Euros in annual revenues in Europe over the next five years.



General Electric has also opened a new digital office in Paris  Digital Foundry, which is likely to be the hotbed for the industrial ecosystem. The Digital Foundry forms a global network of centers through which GE Digital intends to incubate local startups, form client collaborations to develop new applications and extend the burgeoning community of industrial developers in Europe. GE Digital also acquired Meridium, Inc., a global leader in asset performance management (APM) software and services for asset-intensive industries. The acquisition will facilitate GE Digital to augment its comprehensive APM offering by leveraging Meridiums expertise in cognitive analytics, reliability centered maintenance, operational risk management and asset health, as well as intelligent asset strategies.



We remain encouraged with such strategic endeavors of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock. Some other favorably ranked stocks in the industry include Raven Industries Inc. RAVN, Sumitomo Corporation SSUMY and Barloworld Ltd. BRRAY, each carrying the same Zacks Rank as General Electric. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Raven has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 10% and is currently trading at a forward P/E of 45.0x.



Barlow has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 7% and is currently trading at a forward P/E of 10.2x.



Raven has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 5% and is currently trading at a forward P/E of 11.3x.



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Although the public war of words between former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre and company president Dana White proliferates, St-Pierre continues the necessary steps toward a potential Octagon return.

As recently as interviews this week, White has reiterated his stance that he doesn't believe St-Pierre really wants to return to the fight game.

St-Pierre, however, has been adamant that it is a matter of ironing out contractual details.

TRENDING > Conor McGregor Puts a Dollar Amount on His UFC Worth and Its Big!

Im making a lot of money right now even though Im not fighting. My (UFC) contract was made before the Reebok deal, he said. What we ask is basically, if I go back to fighting, I cant advertise my sponsor, so Im losing money if I go to fight under the old term of my contract.

Aside from his contract, St-Pierre has to be in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency testing pool for four months before he can return to competition. Not coincidentally, he began making himself available to USADA in early August, which makes him eligible to fight as soon as UFC 206 on Dec. 10, which happens to be the promotion's return to Toronto.

In checking USADA's testing count, St-Pierre has provided four samples since he entered the testing pool. USADA does not comment on collected samples, but as of the time of publication, there have been no public notices of any adverse findings with any of St-Pierre's samples, although it's possible all four samples are currently undergoing analysis.

As long as his samples return clean results, St-Pierre would be on track for a return by the end of this year or early next year. Of course, that is still dependent upon his desire, and the UFC's willingness to renegotiate his contract.

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Munich (Germany) (AFP) - The surviving member of a German neo-Nazi trio accused of a string of racist killings broke her silence in court for the first time Thursday, claiming she no longer held far-right views.

More than three years into her trial, Beate Zschaepe condemned the murders carried out by the other two members of the self-styled National Socialist Underground (NSU), Uwe Mundlos and Uwe Boehnhardt.

Nervously reading out a short statement in a soft voice, the 41-year-old admitted that as a youth in the former communist east Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall, she "indeed identified with nationalist ideology".

But she insisted that "today I judge people not by their origin and political affiliation but by their behaviour" and told the court, "I regret my own misconduct".

Zschaepe for years lived in hiding with Mundlos and Boehnhardt, who shot dead eight men with Turkish roots, a Greek migrant and a German policewoman between 2000 and 2007, before the two died in an apparent murder-suicide in 2011.

After the men's deaths, Germany was shocked to discover that the killings -- long blamed by police and media on migrant crime gangs and dubbed the "doner (kebab) murders" -- were in fact committed by a far-right cell with xenophobic motives.

Prosecutors charge that Zschaepe was an NSU member and aided the crimes, also including two bomb attacks and 15 bank robberies, by covering the men's tracks, handling finances and providing a safe retreat in their shared home.

Zschaepe told the Munich court Thursday: "I condemn what Uwe Mundlos and Uwe Boehnhardt did to the victims."

In December last year, Zschaepe had for the first time addressed the court through a 53-page statement read out by her lawyers, in which she described herself as a passive and innocent bystander to the bloody crimes.

At the time Zschaepe, who faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, insisted she was involved "neither in the planning nor the execution" of any crimes, and that she was "horrified" to learn about them afterwards.

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In her 2015 deposition, Zschaepe also insisted she had stayed with Mundlos and Boehnhardt because she feared going to jail and because she was financially and emotionally dependent on them.

She has admitted only to an arson charge, having torched their home after the men died, and of then distributing a DVD in which the group boasted about the killings in a video set to a comical Pink Panther theme.

The random discovery of the NSU in 2011 deeply embarrassed German authorities, exposing police and domestic intelligence flaws and raising uncomfortable questions about how the cell went undetected for 13 years.
LONDON (Reuters) - Germany risks becoming the world's biggest cash machine after Brexit because it may end up paying for a failing European Union that is in danger of imploding, Britain's trade minister said on Thursday. Liam Fox, a leading pro-Brexit campaigner during the referendum campaign, is one of several ministers in Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet who are expected to lead London's formal divorce talks from the European Union. Fox said that after Britain, the EU's second largest economy, leaves the bloc, Berlin will lose a key ally in enforcing "economic rigour" and could end up paying for other EU nations. "If I were a German politician I would be worried that, without Britain, Germany has the potential to become the greatest ATM in global history," Fox told The Spectator magazine. "The architecture is beginning to peel away," Fox said of the EU. "Its going to sacrifice at least one generation of young Europeans on the altar of the single currency, and you can only rip out the social fabric from so much of Europe before it starts imploding." But Fox, who was criticised earlier this month for saying Britain has become "too lazy and too fat", also said Britain would need to reform in order to boost its economy after leaving the EU. "Weve just now got to probe all the areas where we could be making changes," he said. "Government, the financial sector, culture, all of them will have to play a part." (Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's foreign minister urged Russia on Thursday to do more to bring about and enforce a lasting ceasefire in Syria, saying the situation there had escalated into "a humanitarian catastrophe." Earlier on Thursday, Russia vowed to press on with its assault in Syria while U.S. officials cast about for a tougher response to Moscow's decision to ignore the peace process and seek military victory on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke by telephone with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and called on Moscow and Washington to resume ceasefire discussions. He said the two sides should hammer out at least a temporary truce to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to trapped civilians, Berlin's foreign ministry said in a statement. "Foreign Minister Steinmeier noted that the situation in Syria has worsened dramatically since the resumption of the fighting and has now turned into a humanitarian catastrophe. Moscow and Damascus launched an assault to recapture the rebel-held sector of Aleppo this month, abandoning a new ceasefire a week after it took effect to embark on what could be the biggest battle of a nearly six-year war. "The longer the brutal attacks of the Syrian air force and the deployment of ground forces in east Aleppo last, the further we move away from any chance of ending the boundless violence," the German Foreign Ministry statement said. Steinmeier was expected to meet U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Jerusalem on Friday on the sidelines of the funeral of former Israeli president Shimon Peres. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Accra (AFP) - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has been cleared of corruption over the gift of a car from a construction firm bidding for a lucrative government contract, a report concluded Thursday.

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) said in a 78-page report that a claim of conflict of interest against Mahama "has not been substantiated".

"Full or further investigations into the allegations are not warranted," it added.

Mahama's government has not denied receiving the four-wheel-drive vehicle from a contractor in Burkina Faso, who had previously built a wall on Ghanaian Embassy land in Ouagadougou.

But it dismissed opposition suggestions the car was a bribe to get a road-building contract in Ghana's Volta region that the same contractor later secured.

Mahama himself called the accusations "baseless". The vehicle was a gift and had been added to the government car pool, his administration said.

Despite being cleared of bribery, the CHRAJ, which is independent but whose commissioners are appointed by the president, found him guilty of breaching government rules on the acceptance of gifts.

Corruption has been a key issue in Ghana in recent years, not least in December last year when a string of judges were sacked for taking bribes after an undercover newspaper investigation.

Mahama, of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), is seeking a second term of office and on Thursday submitted his candidacy forms to the country's electoral commission.

He will again face Nana Akufo-Addo, the veteran leader of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who lost out at the last election in 2012.

Electoral Commission of Ghana spokesman Yussif Alhassan Ayuba told AFP 23 people picked up nomination forms for the presidential race.

"Out of the 23, 16 are political parties and seven are independent candidates," he said.

"So far today (Thursday) we have received eight political parties who have submitted their forms.

"We are currently going through their forms, and the two major political parties, the NPP and the NDC, have submitted their nomination forms."

The election is set to take place on December 7.
EXCLUSIVE: Art imitates life and vice versa as filming has begun on Epic Pictures Groups gothic horror story The Lodgers.

Directed by Brian OMalley (Let Us Prey) from a script by David Turpin, the film stars Game Of Thrones and Harry Potter alum David Bradley, fellow GoT vet Eugene Simon, Bill Milner, Charlotte Vega and Moe Dunford. The story follows a sister (Vega) and brother (Milner) haunted by a secret curse that forces them to remain in the large estate home left to them by their dead parents. But when a young man (Simon) who falls in love with the sister tries to free her, his attempt sets off a deadly chain reaction.

Adding a touch of realism to the production, The Lodgers will be filmed almost entirely at Loftus Hall, Irelands most famous purported haunted house, which is beset  so local legend holds  by the ghost of a young woman and the devil himself. (Coincidentally, Loftus Hall celebrates its 666th anniversary this year). The teaser trailer above shows off the famous house.

Launched last year at the Frontieres genre market in Brussels, The Lodgers is produced by Ruth Treacy and Julianne Forde of Tailored Films, with Patrick Ewald and Shaked Berensons Epic Pictures Group serving as executive producers and handling worldwide sales and distribution outside of Ireland. The Irish Film Board is aboard as a financier.

Best known as Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films, Walder Frey on Game Of Thrones and Abraham Setrakian on The Strain, Bradley is repped by United Agents. Simon, most recently seen as Lancel Lannister on Game Of Thrones, is repped by Gersh. Vega recently appeared in the BBC-produced series The Refugees and is repped by Independent Talent Group. Milner, known for playing the younger version of Magneto in X-Men: First Class, is repped by UTA. Paradigm-repped Dunford most recently was seen on Vikings.

[vimeo 183864581 w=605 h=340]

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KALISPELL, MT / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / Gilla Inc. (GLLA), a manufacturer and marketer of E-liquid for vaporizers, recently announced the signing of a brand distribution agreement with a French based owner of more than 60 E-liquid dispensing kiosks located in France.

The 60 kiosks are all part of a regulatory compliant network, and will sell the Coil Glaze and Craft Vapes brands of Gilla's product portfolio. The products will be sold to the distributor in a bulk, zero nicotine format, at which point it will be placed into the kiosks directly in the retail locations.

The kiosks act very much like those new fountain soda machines where you can add in as much syrup as you want, except in this case it is E-Liquid for your vaporizer. Since new European regulations limit the bottle size to 10 ml, the consumer purchases an empty 100+ ml bottle and then purchases a 10 ml neutral flavored nicotine enhancer. The consumer then adds in the amount of enhancer they want (based on desired nicotine levels), they then go to the auto fill pump, choose a flavor, and fill the remainder of the bottle. A good shake is all that is needed to blend the two liquids, and off the customer goes with their own custom blended E-liquid.

It is anticipated that the kiosks will start selling Gilla product by the end of October 2016, and while the press release states that the kiosks will initially only be located in France, Graham Simmonds (CEO and Chairman of Gilla) does state "Gilla granted the Distributor one-year exclusive distribution rights for the Company's Coil Glaze and Craft Vapes brands for this type of E-liquid dispensing machine in Europe and the UK." This would suggest that within the next year the kiosks would also be located outside of just France, a good sign of planned expansion.

Kiosks Undergoing Resurgence in Popularity

Kiosks are an attractive way to sell product not only for their reduced cost and efficient service, but also for their ability remember the customer and create customer loyalty. According to Loyalty Guide, 90% of consumers in the US are part of a retail loyalty program. Customer loyalty is something that gradually builds up with time, usually stemming from the initial relationship with a brand. In this case, by marketing the Coil Glaze and Craft Vapes brands, Gilla is increasing awareness across their entire product portfolio.

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Any number of industries are incorporating kiosks these days, for example you can't even talk to an agent at Delta Airlines (NYSE:DAL) unless you have already visited a check-in kiosk. Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR), the largest grocery store chain in the US, opened an entirely self-checkout store in 2011. In the E-liquid space, Electronic Cigarettes International (OTCQB:ECIG) opened up their first US based "VIP" kiosk at the FlatIron Crossing Mall in Broomfield, Colorado in January.

Conclusion:

Within the last year, Gilla has managed to sign distribution agreements in The Netherlands, France, The United Kingdom, and China; won awards for it's Coil Glaze E-liquid on multiple occasions; expanded their product portfolio to 14 brands; posted their first $1 million quarter in revenue, all while increasing gross margins to 62% in Q2 2016.

For additional information on Gilla please visit http://gilla.com/?page_id=4124

Disclaimer:

Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Tamarack Advisors is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice.

SOURCE: Tamarack Advisors
By Alister Doyle OSLO (Reuters) - Global warming is on track to breach a 2 degrees Celsius threshold by 2050 unless governments at least double their efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions, scientists said on Thursday. Plans by almost 200 governments to cut greenhouse gases are far too weak to match targets set in a Paris Agreement on climate change last December for a drastic shift from fossil fuels towards greener energies, they said. "We've really got a problem," Robert Watson, a British-American scientist who was among the seven authors of the study and is a former head of the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), told Reuters. The Paris Agreement sets a goal of limiting a rise in average world temperatures to "well below" 2C above pre-industrial times, while pursuing a tougher 1.5 Celsius (2.7F) limit. "If indeed these governments are serious about trying to hit the 2C mark they really have to double or triple the effort of the current pledges made in Paris," Watson said. The study, by Watson and other senior scientists, said the 2C limit "could be reached by 2050, even if pledges (in Paris) are fully implemented." According to the U.N. Environment Programme, world greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels, are now about 54 billion tonnes a year and should be cut to 42 billion by 2030 to get on track to stay below 2C. Current pledges under the Paris Agreement will keep emissions flat at around 54 billion tonnes in 2030, it says. That is 11 billion tonnes less than an estimated 65 billion without the promises but 14 billion above the 42 billion track. "I think the 1.5 degree pathway is clearly not achievable. We'll pass it probably in the early 2030s," Watson said. Global warming is projected to cause more heatwaves, droughts, downpours and rising sea levels. Average world temperatures this year are set for record highs, about 1C above pre-industrial times. The Paris Agreement is set to be ratified by India on Sunday and perhaps by some European Union nations in coming days, pushing it over a threshold needed to enter into force. [nL3N1C1089] It needs backing from 55 nations accounting for 55 percent of world emissions to enter into force. So far 61 nations accounting for 47.8 percent of emissions have ratified, led by China and the United States, according to U.N. data. (Reporting By Alister Doyle; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
The GoFundMe page of a Colorado woman now implicated in the death of her 11-month daughter has been shut down by the fund-raising organization.

A friend of Alexa Coria started the donation account after the womans boyfriend, Juan Canales-Hernandez, was arrested for allegedly killing baby RaeLynn Coria Martinez.

Read: Couple Arrested After Leaving 7-Year-Old Son Outside Without Food, Water for Days: Police

Authorities said Canales-Hernandez, 24, struck the child with a chair after becoming frustrated. The baby died from her injuries two days after the attack earlier this month.

The boyfriend was on probation for a previous child abuse conviction, according to the Larimer County Sheriffs Office and is being held without bail on charges including first-degree murder, the Coloradoan reported.

He has pleaded not guilty. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Coria, 22, was arrested last Thursday. Investigators say she lied to officers about how her daughter was injured in a bid to keep her boyfriend from returning to prison.

Read: Mom Arrested in Connection to Deaths of Twin Sons, 2, Killed in Fire While Home Alone: Officials

She has been charged with felony child abuse, accessory to a crime and attempting to influence a public servant. She is free on $10,000 bail. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Friday.

About $1,300 had been collected in the GoFundMe account and all of it has been returned, the organization said in a statement.

A campaign is removed if it violates GoFundMes terms of service. In this case, it was removed for raising money for the defense or support of anyone alleged to be involved in criminal activity, the company said Wednesday.

Watch: Man Grabs Drugs But Leaves Baby and Dogs Behind During House Fire: Cops

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Footage showing medics apologising draws criticism

The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has expressed serious concern over a video widely circulated on the social media which appears to show health professionals, including doctors at Charikot Hospital lined up in a row with hands pressed together to apologise to the public for a death of a baby during treatment.
"Gone Girl" kidnapping suspect Matthew Muller  a former Marine and a Harvard-educated lawyer who was later disbarred  is set to plead guilty in the case on Thursday, PEOPLE confirms.



Muller, 39, plans to change his plea at a court hearing in U.S. District Court in Sacramento, California, according to U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Lauren Horwood.



He had previously entered a not guilty plea to a kidnapping charge stemming from the March 23, 2015, abduction of 30-year-old Denise Huskins from her home in Vallejo, California.



Huskins' case became erroneously known as the "Gone Girl" kidnapping, referencing the popular book and movie about a phony kidnapping, after police publicly cast doubt on her story before apologizing.







Muller is expected to plead guilty to the kidnapping charge, according to the Sacramento Bee. A sentencing date will be set for him at the hearing, Horwood says.



Muller's attorney, Thomas Johnson, did not return a call for comment. Huskins' attorney, Kevin B. Clune, declined to comment on the planned change of plea.



Johnson told the Bee that Muller agreed to the plea in exchange for federal prosecutors not seeking a life sentence or bringing further charges in the case.



Johnson said prosecutors agreed to ask for no more than 40 years in prison and that he will argue for less, citing his client's lack of a criminal record.



"The fact that he is admitting this is a major factor that judges consider," Johnson told the Bee. "We hope it's important to the court and the complaining witnesses that he's admitting this."



On Tuesday, federal prosecutors filed a memorandum asking the court to "make detailed inquiry into the nature and current effects of the defendant's mental condition and medications," according to records obtained by PEOPLE.



Prosecutors said that Muller has had "mental problems in the past and is currently medicated."



 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.





The kidnapping case began in March 2015 when Huskins' boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, reported to the Vallejo Police Department that kidnappers had broken into his home, kidnapped Huskins and demanded $8,500 in ransom.



But after Huskins reappeared two days later  seemingly unharmed and an hour before the ransom was due  police called a news conference and, citing a lack of evidence, declared the case a hoax perpetrated by Huskins and Quinn.



Before Muller was arrested, the San Francisco Chronicle received a string of emails from the alleged abductor claiming they were the leader of an Ocean's Eleven-like group of gentlemen criminals who had started out by stealing cars and graduated to a kidnapping "training mission."



In the emails, the alleged abductor, who the FBI believe was Muller, came to Huskin's defense and chastised the police for not believing her story.



"Ms. Victim F was absolutely kidnapped," the alleged abductor wrote, according to a federal arrest warrant citing the emails. "We did it ... We would rather take the chance of revealing the truth than live in a world where someone like Victim F is victimized again."



Muller was charged in July after authorities say they noticed similarities to Huskins' case in a separate home invasion robbery in Dublin, California.



After a search, agents say they discovered blacked-out swimming goggles and a spray-painted water pistol in a Mustang parked at Muller's home in South Lake Tahoe, California.



In a later jailhouse interview with a reporter, Muller allegedly said he'd acted alone in the abduction and said his actions were the result of mental illness.



In March, Huskins and Quinn filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Vallejo and its police department, accusing the department of defamation, false arrest and false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. (Quinn has claimed he was initially held for an 18-hour interrogation after reporting Huskins' missing, where police accused him of killing her.)



"For the rest of their lives these two individuals have essentially a tattoo on their forehead, which labels them as hoaxers," their attorney, Clune, previously told PEOPLE.



Vallejo police said they were initially skeptical of Huskins' abduction because they didn't believe Quinn's version of events, including that he had been drugged by intruders, according to a July court filing.



Police also based their skepticism in the case on the fact that Huskins allegedly did not meet with her parents in the days after her reappearance, according to the filing.



The city has argued its officers' public statements after the abduction, dismissing it as a hoax, were constitutionally protected speech and that the officers are protected under the state's "absolute immunity."



Clune has called the city's defenses more victim-blaming. The city has declined to comment to PEOPLE, citing the pending litigation.
Ladislao Jose Biro was born 117 years ago today, and while you may not have heard of him before, youre surely familiar with his most lasting invention: the ballpoint pen.

Googles latest Doodle honors the Hungarian tinkerer, with a nifty animation illustrating how the pen works.

Biro was born into a Jewish family in Budapest in 1899. While working as a journalist, he noticed that newspaper ink dried more quickly than the handwritten words pouring out of his fountain pen. Determined to take clean, smudge-free notes, he teamed up with his brother, a chemist, to create the perfect writing apparatus.

Together they created a new tip with a tiny ball-bearing, which picked up traces of their unique quick-drying ink as it rolled across a notepad. The Biro pen was patented in 1938. The rest is history.

The ballpoint pen is still often called a biro in several countries, including the U.K., Ireland, Australia and Italy. In Argentina, where the brothers moved in the 1940s after fleeing the Nazi occupation of Hungary, it is known as a birome. Even today, the ballpoint pen still holds the honor of worlds most-used writing instrument.
By Julia Love (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google said on Thursday it renamed its business-to-business cloud computing brand and enhanced some enterprise applications using artificial intelligence, the company's latest gambit to better compete with Amazon.com and Microsoft Corp. in the lucrative cloud business. Discussing the rebranded Google Cloud, Diane Greene, senior vice president of Google's enterprise business, said the company has made good progress courting customers and improving its technology. Cloud computing uses remote internet servers to store, manage and process data, and Google offers a range of apps like word processing and email, as well as the ability to host data and offer resources for developers. The new name replaces the Google for Work brand. "We are closing the gap incredibly fast" with competitors, Greene, a former CEO of VMware who joined Google last year to ramp up its cloud business, told experts and journalists at an event. Analysts say Google trails Amazon and Microsoft in market share but is gaining under Greene. Although the business is not big enough to break out separately in its quarterly earnings statement, Google reported a 33 percent surge in "other revenue" in its most recent quarter, which analysts said was probably due largely to gains in cloud computing. Greene has moved quickly to streamline engineering and appointed new leadership to beef up the company's cloud business. This has helped improve sales, Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said during the company's latest earnings call. Earlier this month, Google acquired cloud software company Apigee Corp in a deal valued at about $625 million. The company on Thursday also announced a partnership with consultant Accenture to develop cloud services for clients in industries such a retail, healthcare and finance. In addition, the company said it had woven more artificial intelligence into its apps to help employees work more efficiently. Using machine learning to crunch troves of data, Google says its apps will prompt users to, say, open files at certain times of day or propose meetings based on their habits. Google recently added a U.S. data center in Oregon in order to speed up service and next year will open more in Virginia, Mumbai, Singapore, Sydney, Sao Paulo, London, Finland and Frankfurt. (Reporting by Julia Love, editing by Peter Henderson and Alden Bentley)
LG Watch Urbane smartwatch

The first major update to Google's smartwatch operating system, Android Wear, has been delayed until early 2017.

Android Wear 2.0, which was first announced at Google's I/O conference in May, was supposed to launch this fall and introduce a bunch of new features to Android smartwatches, including standalone apps that run independently of the phone, new fitness tracking features, and an on-screen keyboard.

An early version of Android Wear 2.0 is available for developers who want to build apps for the platform.

But Google noted, at the bottom of a blog post for developers about the latest updates, that it will be holding back the final version of the software until next year.

"Weve decided to continue the preview program into early 2017, at which point the first watches will receive Android Wear 2.0," Google said in the post, without providing a reason for the change.

Holiday miss

The delay means that Google and its partners will not be able to sell a new generation of Android Wear smartwatches during the all-important holiday season, even as Apple has just released a new version of its smartwatch.

It's been a slow start for Android Wear, which launched two years ago. But the wearables category has been dominated by FitBit, Apple, and Garmin, according to research firm IDC.

Meanwhile, three of the top Android Wear watch manufacturers  LG, Motorola, and Huawei  said earlier this month that they do not plan to release new Android Wear devices this year. Huawei is said to be considering ditching Android Wear for Samsung's Tizen, according to the Korea Herald.

Despite the lack of new major new hardware, a source familiar with Google's plans for Android Wear told Business Insider that the product pipeline is still full, and new watches could launch in the coming months, perhaps around the same time Android Wear 2.0 is available to the public. And some fashion brands like Fossil and Michael Kors have recently released Android Wear watches, although they aren't likely to have the same draw as smartwatches built by tech companies.

Story continues

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Choosing a college is one of life's big decisions, and the process of getting in is an exciting -- but often stressful -- rite of passage. To find out what that passage is really like, U.S. News visited T. R. Robinson High School in Tampa, Florida, in late April to ask a group of seniors what went into their calculus for deciding on a college.

RHS is a neighborhood school whose International Baccalaureate diploma program attracts about one-third of the student body. Nearly a third are connected to the military, with family members stationed at nearby MacDill Air Force Base.

The school population is diverse: 47 percent of students are white; Hispanics comprise more than 21 percent; and African-American students account for 15 percent. Nearly half qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Eighty-five percent of students go on to college. Here's how eight seniors found the right fit -- and what it took for them to make the cut.

Though denied entry to her top choice, Georgetown University, Cassedy is stoked she has landed at Duke University, where she'll either study computer science or economics.

She applied to 11 colleges, knowing that "I wanted to get out of Florida for sure," though the University of Florida and Florida State University were among her picks.

She got nods from both as well as the University of Virginia, Boston College and Tufts University.

Princeton University, Yale University and Washington and Lee University denied her, as did Trinity College in Dublin. Cassedy's mother is from Ireland, and Cassedy has spent many summers there.

She portrayed herself as a leader in her applications, highlighting her officer status in several clubs and her participation in an anti domestic abuse organization, Break the Silence. "I do feel colleges look for certain personalities, and they pay attention to that."

GPA: 3.83

SAT/ACT scores: 730 math, 700 critical reading, 770 writing/31

Extracurriculars: Captain of the lacrosse team, president of National Honor Society and the sailing club, Girls Who Code club vice president, member of student government and the school spirit club.

Story continues

Essay: Discussed her collaborative leadership style and how she was able to bring people together.

Smart move: She followed up with admissions in late January by sending an email with links to news coverage of a domestic violence awareness event she'd organized at school.

Commitment: Her passion for technology was "definitely reflected" in her application. Besides specifying an interest in computer science, she showcased her video editing for the spirit club and service as tech director of the Student Government Association and VP of Girls Who Code. "It's important that you draw parallels in your activities. Finding and highlighting that common theme throughout the application helps."

Lesson learned: Missed the early action deadline for Boston College and UVA by two and 10 minutes , respectively, as "I waited until the last five minutes to submit." Trouble entering and processing her credit card info caused a delay, though she followed up with the schools to explain and squeaked in.

Insight: "I'm a procrastinator," she says. "Keeping your parents in the loop can help you stay on top of it all."

Advice: The Common App essay really needs to "shine a light on who you are." Get feedback on your essays -- you'll only improve them by doing so.

This story is excerpted from the U.S. News "Best Colleges 2017" guidebook, which features in-depth articles, rankings and data.
Choosing a college is one of life's big decisions, and the process of getting in is an exciting -- but often stressful -- rite of passage. To find out what that passage is really like, U.S. News visited T.R. Robinson High School in Tampa, Florida, in late April to ask a group of seniors what went into their calculus for deciding on a college.

RHS is a neighborhood school whose International Baccalaureate diploma program attracts about one-third of the student body. Nearly a third are connected to the military, with family members stationed at nearby MacDill Air Force Base.

The school population is diverse: 47 percent of students are white; Hispanics comprise more than 21 percent; and African-American students account for 15 percent. Nearly half qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Eighty-five percent of students go on to college. Here's how eight seniors found the right fit -- and what it took for them to make the cut.

The top graduate of Robinson High School's IB program is headed to Johns Hopkins University to study political science, international studies or cognitive sciences -- a major that got her attention on a visit to the Baltimore school. Eventually Chen would like to go to law school.

She liked Hopkins' collaborative approach to learning and lack of a required core curriculum. She loved the city campus, too. In the end, her decision came down to Hopkins and Georgetown University, but she also got into the University of Florida and the University of South Florida.

She was wait-listed by Brown University, Cornell University and Duke University; and was rejected by Columbia University, Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania.

"I think my test scores helped" open the door at Hopkins, she says. Had she made more of her three-year leadership role as editor-in-chief of the school paper, she thinks she might have scored another outright acceptance.

Still, she was pleased to commit to Hopkins the day after her visit. Chen's parents plan to cover the costs the first year, and she's considering loans along with their help in future years.

Story continues

GPA: 3.91 unweighted

SAT/ACT scores: 750 math, 800 critical reading, 800 writing

Extracurriculars: Besides the paper, Model UN and violinist in the orchestra -- as well as the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra . She's also a pianist.

Essay: Learning from failure. Chen described messing up playing piano during one of three Tampa Bay Symphony concerts and her rebound for the last performance.

Oops: When she asked teachers for recommendations in the fall, some declined because they'd committed to other students.

Helpful step: Chen created an Excel spreadsheet of key deadlines, passwords, IDs and checklists for each school.

Visits: "Pictures and virtual tours are great, but I really got a sense of what it was like to be a student through walking around and visiting the dorms, dining halls and classrooms."

Resources: U.S. News and Forbes college guidance, books on writing admissions essays and College Confidential.

Advice: "Start early." Chen didn't have a final list until October and was writing essays into December. Also, slow down occasionally during the crunch times and enjoy your life's "little moments."

This story is excerpted from the U.S. News "Best Colleges 2017" guidebook, which features in-depth articles, rankings and data.
Choosing a college is one of life's big decisions, and the process of getting in is an exciting -- but often stressful -- rite of passage. To find out what that passage is really like, U.S. News visited T. R. Robinson High School in Tampa, Florida, in late April to ask a group of seniors what went into their calculus for deciding on a college.

RHS is a neighborhood school whose International Baccalaureate diploma program attracts about one-third of the student body. Nearly a third are connected to the military, with family members stationed at nearby MacDill Air Force Base.

The school population is diverse: 47 percent of students are white; Hispanics comprise more than 21 percent; and African-American students account for 15 percent. Nearly half qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Eighty-five percent of students go on to college. Here's how eight seniors found the right fit -- and what it took for them to make the cut.

The top graduate among non-IB students applied to and got into just two schools: the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. The key reasons she's staying in state include the less costly tuition and the fact that all the credits she has earned by being dually enrolled junior and senior year at Hillsborough Community College transfer.

"I have enough credits for an associate degree," she says. Paight could finish a premed degree early with all those credits -- she plans to be an anesthesiologist -- but she wants to stick around to double major in psychology and biomed.

And why not? She is getting 100 percent of the costs of her undergrad degree -- at USF -- covered by school and state scholarships. While the University of Florida did offer her some money, she says, it took several months to get information about scholarships, which left her "disheartened." USF reached out to her almost weekly.

GPA: 3.92

SAT/ACT scores: 750 math, 690 critical reading, 630 writing

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Extracurriculars: Volleyball, school service club, Feed America Club

Essay: USF doesn't require an essay. For a National Merit Scholarship essay, she discussed her growth through high school, a tumultuous time that involved three moves and a respiratory ailment.

Helpful: Quizlet, an online place where everyone can share knowledge in any subject, "was great" as a resource that "helped me achieve my GPA."

Kind of helpful: "My dad tricked me into taking the SAT as a freshman." He signed her up and dropped her off, thinking the experience would help her later.

Best part: Not having to apply to a lot of schools; she knew in early fall that she was a National Merit Semifinalist and would get a full ride.

Do-over: Would have emphasized dual enrollment rather than take 13 Advanced Placement classes. The college credit would have been more likely to be honored as a basis for placement in advanced math and science, she thinks.

Advice: Make connections with key teachers and staff well before senior year. While applying, you'll have to do "a lot of running around" to them asking for recommendations and transcripts.

This story is excerpted from the U.S. News "Best Colleges 2017" guidebook, which features in-depth articles, rankings and data.
Islamabad Saarc Summit: Nepal to wait and see as 4 members opt out

In the wake of Indias decision not to attend the 19th Saarc Summit in Pakistan, which is backed by three other member countries citing an escalation in tension between the two regional nuclear powers, Nepal has adopted a wait and see approach.
A South Dakota mother and grandmother are both facing charges in connection with a 2-year-old's July beating death, allegedly over the boy's potty-training, PEOPLE confirms.



Sonya E. Dubray, 47, was accused last week for being complicit in the death of grandson Kylen Shangreaux, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.



Dubray allegedly scrubbed down the crime scene with the intent to obstruct the case against her daughter, 28-year-old Katrina P. Shangreaux, who is Kylen's mother, according to the documents.



Dubray allegedly "did corruptly alter, destroy, mutilate, and conceal an object, to wit: clothing ... by laundering them and cleaning the scene of the murder by use of bleach or a bleach-like cleaning substance," according to the documents.



Dubray is charged with tampering with evidence, felony accessory to first-degree murder, false statement and misprision of a felony a or that she allegedly concealed her knowledge of a felony by not reporting it and misled law enforcement as to the nature and the extent of the alleged abuse.



She has not entered a plea to her charges.



Federal authorities previously charged Kylen's mother, Katrina, with first-degree murder, felony child abuse and neglect. She was indicted in August and has pleaded not guilty, reports CBS News.



Updated federal charging documents, filed Sept. 20 and naming the two women, state: "Potty training was the catalyst for the child abuse."



A federal public defender, Neil Fulton, says his office will be handling the case, but the attorney representing Dubray and Katrina was not immediately available to speak to PEOPLE.



 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.



Katrina  who, like Dubray, lives in Porcupine, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation  allegedly killed her son on July 28 with blows to the head and abdomen, according to the South Dakota U.S. Attorney's Office, reports the Rapid City Journal.



The newspaper cites an FBI report stating the boy suffered bruises, bite marks and a torn scrotum  and was dead before an ambulance was able to transport him to the hospital.



Katrina is accused in the charging document of using "fists and feet" to "intentionally, knowingly and recklessly case serious bodily injury" resulting in "intracranial bleeding and damage to the brain" of the victim "through blunt impact."



Kylen was reportedly living at his grandmother's house while in his mother's custody at the time he died.



Katrina faces life in prison. Her trial is scheduled for December.



Kylen's father, James Shangreaux Sr., is separately facing life in prison in the alleged murder and child abuse of Kylen's 1-year-old half-brother in April 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
Shareholders of Great Plains Energy Incorporated GXP and Westar Energy, Inc. WR have approved the pending merger related proposals, thereby paving the way for the completion of the transaction in the spring of 2017.

The merger, reportedly valued at $12.2 billion, includes about $8.6 billion in total stock and cash consideration and $3.6 billion of Westar Energys debt.

Post the merger, the combined company will serve more than 1.5 million customers across the Kansas and Missouri.

GREAT PLAINS EN Price

GREAT PLAINS EN Price | GREAT PLAINS EN Quote

Flashback

Per the agreement, Westar Energys shareholders would receive $60 a share, consisting of $51 in cash and $9 in Great Plains Energy stock.

The acquisition will increase Great Plains Energys generation capacity by nearly 13,000 megawatts, and give access to around 10,000 miles of transmission lines and over 51,000 miles of distribution lines.

Pending Approvals

The merger is still subject to an approval from a number of regulatory commissions.

These include the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas (KCC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

On Jun 8, the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) issued an order to investigate whether the merger is detrimental to public interest and ratepayers. On Aug 3, the commission closed the investigation, saying that was not the case and thus declined to order relief.

Benefits of the Merger

Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy have been competitors for decades. Moreover, both the companies operate in Kansas. A merger will allow them to reduce rate increases for customers and help in lowering costs.

The acquisition is expected to expand Kansas City Power & Lights geographical footprint through an extended rate base. It will also make Westar Energy a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Plains Energy, and the merged company will be able to meet 45% of customer requirement through clean energy.

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The deal will also boost Great Plains Energys generation portfolio in terms of diversity and sustainability.

Another Recent Merger

Dominion Resources Inc. D and Questar Corp STR have recently completed their merger, creating one of the biggest combined energy and natural gas companies in the U.S. The combined company will be called "Dominion Questar".

Questar will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dominion Resources. Dominion Questar will cater to about 2.5 million electric utility customers and 2.3 million gas utility customers across seven states. It will also provide over 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas storage.

Zacks Rank

Both Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Anthony Lassman Nota Bene

Rich people love to travel as much as the rest of us. In fact, it's a favorite hobby among billionaires.

But when the 1% travel, the word takes on an entirely new meaning.

"Travel is the currency of status; it's far more about the experiences you have as opposed to whether you're driving the latest Rolls Royce or whether your wife has the latest Hermes handbag," said Anthony Lassman, cofounder of London-based luxury travel- and lifestyle-management company Nota Bene Global, in a recent interview with Business Insider.

Lassman and his wife Elaine launched Nota Bene  meaning "note well" or "take note" in Italian  in 2005 to offer tailor-made, travel-planning services to the ultra high net worth crowd. The Lassmans drew knowledge from their careers as publishers of premier travel and destination review guides as well as several years selling high-end real estate.

Nota Bene serves clients with net worths upwards of $200 million, with several in the billion-dollar range. Lassman describes them as "cash rich and time poor"  those seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences who don't have the time to research and plan to the degree that suits them.

Increasingly, clients are coming from "Silicon Valley kind of money," Lassman said. They're people who made money in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s who push boundaries in order to have unique experiences.

"People who have striven really hard, and achieved really hard, are risk takers," Lassman said. These businesspeople tend to take more risks in their travel, and it's often thanks to the flexibility and security of their wealth. They place their safety  and their money  in the hands of Lassman and his team.

For about $26,000 annually, clients enlist Nota Bene to plan, book, and manage every detail of their travels.

"In the same way that an asset manager manages private wealth, we manage time and experience. We manage curated experiences," Lassman said.

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Nota Bene Global

Nota Bene operates in two ways: Clients either approach Nota Bene with destination requests and the company crafts detailed itineraries for them, or Note Bene presents once-in-a-lifetime experiences to clients based on their travel research of what's trending.

Nota Bene's range of possibility is virtually endless and includes experiences like flying privately from Cape Town, South Africa, to Antarctica; taking a private jet through Rajasthan, India, at dawn to glimpse the Taj Mahal before the overbearing crowds gather; and lunching with the Louis Roederer family at their private estate in France's Champagne country.

But no matter the destination or experience they seek, Lassman noted that his wealthy clients always expect two things: exclusive access and one-step-ahead service.

1. Exclusive access

The Lassmans have spent 30 years in travel and real estate cultivating connections with hotel managers, restaurants, tour guides, experts, and businesses around the globe. Their connections grant their clients access to exclusive destinations and events in both the world's largest cities and far-off corners.

"We have one estate that comes with a private plane and a helicopter and it's on Mount Kenya  3,000 feet above the Great Rift Valley. You wake up in the morning and [the staff] will say 'What do you feel like doing?' You can go to truly authentic markets, go fly fishing up on Mount Kenya ... anything," Lassman said.

Clients also turn to Nota Bene for access to world-renowned events, including couture fashion shows, the Grand Prix in Monaco, the Cannes Film Festival, the Oscars, and the Palio Di Siena horse race in Italy, where balcony seats cost 15,000 for the hourlong event.

As such, there are certain destinations that the wealthiest tend to frequent year after year. Lassman calls these places "the watering holes of the rich" and considers summer spots like Capri, St. Tropez, Mykonos, and the Mediterranean, and winter locations like Jackson Hole, Aspen, and San Moritz, among them.

"Access is key," Lassman said. "There are very few things we can't provide access to."

2. Top-tier service

About one-third of Nota Bene's approximately 150 clients belong to the company's bespoke-level service with several opting to trade up from their lower-tier service, which costs $6,500 and grants access to online travel guides and generic travel planning but does not include the minute-by-minute management enjoyed at the bespoke level. The $22,000 annual fee for the bespoke service may seem steep to outsiders, but Lassman assures the price is justified.

"We're tracking them every single day, we're there for them. We're in constant contact with them and the hotel behind the scenes," Lassman said.

Perks of the top-tier service include private check-in rooms and frequent upgrades to suites at hotels, hand-selected welcome amenities, the option to ship luggage to and from destinations, arrangement of personal security services, and hand-picked staff teams, including chefs, housekeepers, and, if needed, childcare services or nannies.

Nota Bene's travel managers spend time familiarizing themselves with the habits and requests of each client to ensure they'll meet their wants and needs.

"We're always thinking one step ahead, preparing. It really is like putting on a great theater performance  when the curtains go back it all has to be perfect."

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Kashmir attack: India 'launches strikes against militants'

India's army says it has carried out "surgical strikes" against suspected militants along the de-facto border with Pakistan in Kashmir.
The contract with a French-Chinese consortium to build Britain's first nuclear power plant in a generation is to be signed in London on Thursday at a ceremony that is being kept low key, sources said.

Following a delay over concerns about China's involvement in the deal, Britain earlier this month gave the green light for the construction of the 18 billion (21 billion euro, $23 billion) complex.

But it set the condition that EDF pledge not to cede majority control of the project.

The expected signing follows the approval on Tuesday by the board of French energy company EDF of the new conditions set by the British government for the controversial project to go forward.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May caused shockwaves in July by ordering a review of the deal on security concerns given the involvement of Beijing's state-run China General Nuclear Corporation (CGN).

EDF, which is majority-owned by the French state, is to finance 66.5 percent of the construction of Hinkley Point and CGN 33.5 percent.

The project is strongly opposed by environmentalists.

"The UK government is about to sign away billions of pounds of billpayers' money to a project bedevilled by legal, financial and technical hurdles," said John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK.

"Theresa May cannot build a 21st-century industrial strategy around an outdated, dodgy, and ludicrously expensive technology," he said.
TOKYO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Hitachi Ltd, Toshiba Corp and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd aim to merge their nuclear fuel businesses, a person with direct knowledge of the talks said, amid bleak prospects for Japan's nuclear reactors to return to operation after the Fukushima disaster.

The three Japanese industrial conglomerates are in talks to merge the fuel operations as early as spring 2017, the source told Reuters on Thursday on condition of anonymity as the talks are not public.

Spokesmen for Hitachi and Mitsubishi Heavy said their companies were each considering various options for their nuclear fuel businesses but that nothing has been decided. Toshiba could not immediately be reached for comment.

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki and Kentaro Hamada; Editing by William Mallard)
By Makiko Yamazaki and Kentaro Hamada

TOKYO (Reuters) - Three Japanese conglomerates are in talks to combine their loss-making domestic nuclear fuel operations, people with direct knowledge of the matter said, as the outlook for restarts of reactors following the Fukushima nuclear crisis remains bleak.

Hitachi Ltd , Toshiba Corp and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd aim to merge the operations as early as spring 2017, one of the people said, declining to be identified as the discussions were confidential.

The person added that the three companies may eventually consider merging their nuclear reactor businesses, although nothing specific has been discussed so far.

Only three of Japan's 42 reactors are currently operating after they were idled in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed Tokyo Electric Power Co's Fukushima Daiichi power station. Public opposition, safety and other regulatory obstacles has made the outlook for further restarts extremely unclear.

The move has also likely been encouraged by General Electric's (GE.N) growing interest in the market for fuel for pressurized water reactors (PWRs), said an executive at a Japanese utility. GE has a controlling stake in a joint venture with Hitachi and Toshiba called Global Nuclear Fuel, which provides fuel for boiling water reactors (BWRs).

The traditional dividing line in the U.S. nuclear industry with GE specializing in fuel for BWRs and Toshiba's Westinghouse focusing on fuel for PWRs is no longer applicable, he said.

"The merger of Japan's nuclear fuel businesses will to a large extent take its cues from GE," said the executive, declining to be identified as he was not part of the discussions.

PWRs have been growing in popularity, particularly in emerging economies like China. As of December 2015, PWRs accounted for more than 80 percent of 66 nuclear reactors under construction.

The three Japanese conglomerates are aiming to reach a preliminary agreement by the end of the year, the person with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Story continues

The companies said they were considering options for their domestic nuclear fuel businesses but no decisions had been made.

The conglomerates are likely to first form a joint holding company for their fuel businesses before merging them into one entity, the Nikkei business daily reported.

Industry sources said the government has been pushing the firms to integrate their fuel businesses, raising the chances that any merger plan will not run into any anti-trust issues.

Until the Fukushima disaster, the nuclear fuel business had been a stable source of profits for the domestic nuclear power industry.

Toshiba, which has overseas nuclear fuel operations through its U.S. unit Westinghouse, forecasts that fuel will generate 17 percent of the estimated 870 billion yen ($8.56 billion) in revenue from its nuclear power business for this financial year.

Hitachi has a global nuclear power alliance with General Electric Co (GE.N) while Mitsubishi Heavy has one with France's Areva SA (AREVA.PA).

Hitachi's shares gained 2.4 percent and Mitsubishi Heavy advanced 2.3 percent on Thursday. Toshiba's stock rose 0.2 percent while the broader market climbed 1.4 percent.

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki and Kentaro Hamada; Additional reporting by Tim Kelly in Tokyo and Diptendu Lahiri in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard and Edwina Gibbs)
A New Jersey Transit train plowed into Hoboken Terminal during the Thursday morning rush hour, killing one person and injuring 108 others shortly before 9 a.m. Images posted on social media show that the train crashed through a wall and severely damaged the station, leaving debris and twisted metal columns in the aftermath.

At an afternoon press conference, both New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declined to speculate on the cause of the crash, citing the ongoing investigation.

Slideshow: Images from the scene >>>

For a recap of the latest news on the crash and its aftermath, see the live blog below:
Behold the first surprise of the Paris Motor Show, the new Honda Civic Type R.

The hot hatch version of any new car usually takes at least a year to appear but Honda has thrown away the rule book and on Thursday unveiled what it promises is the hottest Civic hatchback in history alongside the reveal of the standard 10-generation Civic.

"We promised the most ambitious, sportiest Civic lineup ever and we're delivering on that promise with each new Civic," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The current generation Type R has only been on sale for a year and is one of the fastest front-wheel-drive cars in history to lap the Nurburgring.

This new model, shown in Paris in prototype form with massive flared carbon fiber side skirts, carbon fiber diffuser and spoilers and three tailpipes, will pick up where the existing Type R will leave off. Thanks to a huge hood scoop, side air intakes and 20-inch alloys, even standing still it already looks faster.

However, the biggest surprise is that this will be the first truly international Type R.

By bringing its hottest hot hatch to America, Honda is following Ford's lead with the Focus RS.

"For the first time ever in America, Honda fans and enthusiasts will have access to the ultimate in Civic performance in the form of the new Type R," Conrad said.

So, after the Paris Motor Show is finished, this car is heading to the US and will make its American debut at SEMA 2016 in Las Vegas this November.

The production version of the Type R will be going into production in 2017 and expect its rollout to coincide with another attempt at the front-wheel-drive Nurburgring lap record.
Lucious may be married to Anika, but on this weeks Empire, he was working overtime to get back together with Cookie.

The music mogul was pining for his ex and bombarded Cookie with extravagant gifts, covered in gold, filling up her penthouse apartment, despite her protests.

Cookie wasnt persuaded and returned the presents. She asked Lucious to respect her boundaries and keep their relationship strictly business. Lucious reminded her of when they first met, telling her that they were meant to be. He even brought in a blast from the past and had Biz Markie serenade her to his signature song Just a Friend.

The alpha Lyon may have something to worry about, as a rival for Cookies attention looks to be looming on the horizon. City Councilman Angelo Dubois (played by Taye Diggs) attended an antiviolence summit at the Lyons club and got some attention from Cookie.

Empire airs Wednesday nights at 9:00 p.m./8:00 p.m. CT on Fox. Watch clips and full episodes of Empire for free on Yahoo View.

Watch one life end and one begin on the Empire season premiere:

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, or Instagram.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Hundreds of climbers have been brought down safely from the slopes of an Indonesian volcano that erupted this week, the disaster agency said on Thursday, although the fate of several daredevil tourists who declined to leave was not clear. More than 1,000 tourists including 639 foreigners were in Mount Rinjani National Park when Barujari, a smaller volcano within Mount Rinjani, began erupting on Tuesday, sending a plume of ash into the sky which fell back to coat vegetation. "They have all come down now. The Rinjani caldera is now clear," agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told Reuters via mobile phone text message. The crater is about 8-10 hours walk from the entrance to the park. The agency said in a statement on Wednesday several tourists hoping to document the eruption had declined to leave and hidden from rescue workers. "They knew the dangers," it said. Nugroho was not available for comment on their fate on Thursday. Mount Rinjani, on the island of Lombok, just to the east of Bali island, is one of Indonesia's most visited active volcanoes. Authorities have closed the park gates and told visitors to keep at least three km (two miles) away. (Reporting by Fergus Jensen; Editing by Robert Birsel)
This Sunday, Hungarians are being asked to participate in what most observers consider a somewhat mysterious, or perhaps outright meaningless, referendum. The question posed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbans right-wing government is: Do you want the European Union to be able to mandate the obligatory resettlement of non-Hungarian citizens into Hungary even without the approval of the [Hungarian parliament]? A majority for no is widely expected, but such a result could neither reverse the September 2015 decision reached by EU member states to resettle asylum-seekers nor could it have any direct legal consequences in Hungary itself.

There is no mystery, however, about what the referendum can do for Orban, or his broader political project, which has earned the cooperation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The referendum simultaneously distracts from Orbans domestic problems and allows him to solidify his stature as a kind of anti-Angela Merkel on the European stage: a moral leader who defends Europes national Christian culture against the civilizational threats of a Muslim invasion. The referendum has also been designed to bolster Orbans vision for an EU of re-empowered nation-states and peoples who dare to speak up against Brussels.

Orbans vision is of a union in which every government that finds itself on the losing side of a collectively binding decision will call for a national referendum to strengthen its position for the next round of negotiations. It is a vision of a union destined to disintegrate.

Consider, first, some basic facts about Hungary and refugees. The total number of asylum-seekers who might have been resettled in Hungary under the agreement reached last fall is 1,294. Not a single one has arrived, nor are any ever expected to. According to many observers, this months European summit in Bratislava, Slovakia, has made last years resettlement deal a dead letter.

But those facts might not be sufficient to calm what Ivan Krastev has called the demographic imagination. Hungary has long suffered from fears of national extinction, which sometimes take the shape of anxieties about declining birthrates, other times fears of being a small nation with a non-Indo-European language in a sea of Slavic tongues. And then there are the memories of the countrys loss of independence to the Ottomans, Habsburgs, and Soviets, successively.

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Various fears are now being projected onto Middle Eastern refugees, who are described as both a civilizational and a quasi-military threat. Orban and his propagandists have spared no expense  the referendum and its campaign will cost close to $40 million  and pushed every emotional button to make Hungarian citizens hysterical about Muslims. According to a government minister, Janos Lazar, nothing less than the nations long-term survival is at stake, if Hungary fails to keep its demographic unity. He also claimed that the countrys unity can only be preserved by the referendum; Brussels is only afraid of the people and will only bow to the will of the people. (If this rhetoric sounds reminiscent of a certain U.S. presidential candidate, that is no coincidence. Orban effectively endorsed Donald Trump this year while Lazar accused President Barack Obama and certain American groups of wanting to dilute Europe with Muslims.)

The October referendum follows what has turned out to be a highly successful political script for Orban once already. In the spring of 2015, the government had initiated a nonbinding national consultation on immigration and terrorism. The questionnaire mailed to 8 million citizens urged them to agree with, for instance, the view that mismanagement of the immigration question by Brussels may have something to do with increased terrorism. Billboards went up all over the country featuring reprimands to asylum-seekers such as, If you come to Hungary, dont take the job of Hungarians! (These were all in Hungarian, prompting the question of where on the Balkan route refugees could have taken crash courses in one of the worlds most notoriously difficult languages.)

The campaign worked wonders for Orban. No longer was the focus on his governments increasing number of corruption scandals or on the fact that, according to many estimates, about half a million Hungarian citizens have left the country in recent years  thereby causing an acute labor shortage  because economic prosperity at home increasingly depends on political connections. Most important, Orban stole the thunder of the far-right Jobbik party, which had come to seem a real electoral threat to the governing Fidesz. There was no way for anyone in Hungary to credibly claim they were more nationalist  or, lets be clear, xenophobic  than Orban. This year, Orbans government has treated citizens to a glossy brochure with a map of Western European no-go zones allegedly controlled by migrants (including in Paris and London, which led to a protest by the U.K. Foreign Office) and billboards with slogans such as, Did you know that since the beginning of the migrant crisis, more than 300 people have been killed in terrorist attacks in Europe? or Did you know that Brussels wants to resettle illegal immigrants equivalent to the size of a Hungarian city?

Orbans erection last fall of a fence along the border with Serbia and later with Croatia had a welcome side effect for him. The fortification of Hungarys part of the EUs external borders allowed him to present himself as a practical problem-solver on the European stage, and ever since he has launched further policy initiatives, including the creation of a European army and the establishment of a giant camp for refugees in Libya.

More important still, he seized the occasion to offer an ideological alternative to what he saw as the liberal blah blah that in his mind had been dominating Western politics. He had always styled himself as simultaneously a plucky underdog (at one point trying out the formula plebeian democracy to describe his regime) and a man with wider horizons who could interpret, if not necessarily shape, world history. Every so often, he would deliver speeches mixing secondhand political science and philosophies of history. In the summer of 2014, for instance, he announced that the liberal era was over and that his own ominously named System of National Cooperation could prove the model of a new illiberal state.

Such professed illiberalism has been quickly dismissed by Western observers. Yet one should not underestimate the challenge posed by Orban and his ideological followers. The fact that he started out as a liberal critic of state socialism  supported by a scholarship from George Soros to spend time at Oxford University  strengthens his credibility, rather than undermining it. Whether his turn to nationalism and religious piety in the mid-1990s was due to strategic party-political calculations or not, the fact remains that, like many authoritarians in 1920s Europe, he can say Central Europe tried liberalism  and it simply didnt work.

Or, rather, experiments in liberalism resulted in a triumph of individual liberty that practically translated into moral relativism and mindless consumerism; it also justified an economy in which multinationals and footloose finance capital are always bound to win. This anti-liberalism promoted by former liberals justified the semi-authoritarian Central European regimes of the 1920s, which had a limited amount of competition among political parties, but where power never really changed hands. In the 1920s, just as now, anti-liberalism was supported by many national churches, which put national belonging above Christian ethics. Today, it is also easily compatible with a broader Western search for post-liberalism in the wake of the financial crisis.

Emboldened by favorable comments from fellow conservatives such as in the German Christian Social Union (the Bavarian section of Merkels Christian Democratic Union), Orban has now embarked on nothing less than a cultural counterrevolution in the EU. At a joint appearance with Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of Polands very conservative governing party, Orban announced that Brexit offered a fantastic opportunity for the Visegrad countries  Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic  to launch such a counterrevolution (which might be supported by a special English-language news channel for the V-4). Orban boasted that, unlike other politicians in Europe, he and Kaczynski were far-sighted: Indeed, they diagnosed nothing less than a crisis of consciousness and warned of a civilizational catastrophe if a Brussels dominated by what Orban describes as nihilists is not kept in check. (The prime ministers theory is that nihilists are in the minority in society, but they have long ago taken over the European elite.) An overwhelming no result in the referendum is supposed to equip Orban with a sword with which he can then fight a life-and-death battle in Brussels.

Not even in the worst moments of the U.K. debate about whether to stay in the EU or go did one hear this kind of rhetoric. Orban and, to a lesser degree, Kaczynski  who has not yet managed to weaken checks and balances and take over the media in the way the Hungarian leader has  have created a political world where they can have it both ways: They manage to be both inside and outside the EU at the same time. They are among the largest beneficiaries of EU subsidies and yet flaunt common EU rules and, whenever it suits their domestic needs, try to whip their publics into anti-Brussels and anti-foreigner frenzies. Other European politicians have reacted helplessly in response. In September, Luxembourgs foreign minister called for Hungary to be expelled from the union. He should have known at least that there is in fact no legal way for a member state to be kicked out; at most, a governments voting rights in the EU can be suspended. And there is little evidence that after Brexits enormous blow, EU leaders want to reinforce a sense that the union is disintegrating. So they would rather tolerate what, in the case of Hungary, is in effect a far-right regime that organizes hate campaigns against Muslims.

Irrespective of EU leaders desire to minimize open conflict  which was very evident at the Bratislava summit  it is clear that the EU is becoming ever more fragmented. There remains the conflict between a fiscally conservative north and a south that sees the salvation of the euro in more growth (a coalition currently led by Matteo Renzi of Italy). Now theres also the battle between a more liberal west (Germany and some of the Nordic countries) and a stridently nationalist east, led by Orban and Kaczynski, who essentially promise that most social and political problems can be solved by ensuring cultural homogeneity. In theory, a multiplication of conflicts could make trade-offs possible, such as a loosening of austerity in exchange for a countrys stronger engagement in addressing the refugee crisis. Western European leaders may imagine that the continents overlapping crises will permit the conflict with their eastern neighbors to be papered over, by affording room for political trade-offs. Yet it is hard to see how politicians who are committed to promoting not just national interests but nonnegotiable national identities could enter into meaningful compromises.

It is very unlikely that Orbans vision of a renewal of national Christian culture will carry the day in Europe as a whole. But achieving disunity might already be enough. Budapest has forged a new alliance with Moscow in recent years, and it is well-known that Putin has a heightened interest in a divided European continent. Orban has hinted that he has a larger plan to re-empower nation-states in the union.

For now, he mostly has to worry that the required 50 percent turnout might not be achieved on Sunday. Hence his government is doing everything possible to make sure the referendum can be presented as the peoples great revolt against Brussels: Municipalities that do not deliver the right results have been threatened with adverse consequences, and ministers are scrambling to paint horror scenarios about immigrants being sent by Brussels into every Hungarian settlement. In terms of historical importance, this referendum isnt Brexit. But it shows much more clearly than even Brexit what a darker, illiberal European future might look like.

Photo credit: CARSTEN KOALL/Getty Images
By Devidutta Tripathy and Swati Bhat

MUMBAI (Reuters) - ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co Ltd, India's biggest private-sector life insurer, fell as much as 7.2 percent on its market debut on Thursday, as investors fretted over its high valuation and rising competition.

The weak debut after a $911 million initial public offering (IPO) - India's biggest in six years - is nevertheless unlikely to affect an IPO boom this year, analysts and bankers said, due to the company-specific factors influencing the shares. Several more deals in various sectors are planned for later in the year.

With generally lower insurance coverage than developed markets, India is seen as a bright spot for the industry. That growth potential has attracted many foreign insurers to forge joint ventures with local companies, intensifying competition.

HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co Ltd and Max Life, India's third- and fourth-biggest insurers respectively, are merging to create the nation's biggest private-sector life insurer that will overtake ICICI Pru Life.

"Competition has intensified," said G.Chokkalingam, founder of Mumbai-based research and fund advisory firm Equinomics. "(The) growth rate for the industry has come down of late and is not the same as the companies enjoyed three or four years back."

He said ICICI Pru Life's weak debut was "not surprising".

"Valuation was already quite stretched ... so it did not leave much for the investors," Chokkalingam said.

ICICI Pru Life's stock opened at 330 rupees on the National Stock Exchange and fell as low as 310 rupees, compared with its IPO issue price of 334 rupees.

The IPO, which closed last week, had been subscribed more than 10 times over.

Proceeds from the IPO went to parent ICICI Bank Ltd, which sold a 12.63 percent stake in the insurer. Britain's Prudential PLC, which owns nearly 26 percent of ICICI Pru Life, did not sell any shares in the IPO.

Both ICICI Bank and Prudential will need to lower their stakes in the insurer over the next three years to comply with a rule to have a minimum public float of 25 percent.

ICICI Pru Life's IPO was the biggest in India since that of state-run Coal India Ltd in 2010. Excluding the ICICI Pru Life sale, Indian companies have raised $1.84 billion from IPOs this year, a 75 percent jump from a year earlier, Thomson Reuters data showed.

(Reporting by Devidutta Tripathy and Swati Bhat; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
Kathmandu Ward 20 to be announced stray dog free zone

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to announce Ward no. 20 as stray dog free zone on Thursday, with municipal officials looking to replicate the programme in all 35 wards.
India's military has carried out "surgical strikes" along the de facto border with Pakistan in Kashmir to thwart a series of attacks being planned against major cities, a senior army officer said Thursday.

"Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control," Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, the army's director-general of military operations, said in reference to the unofficial border in divided Kashmir.

"The Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launchpads. Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them," he told reporters in New Delhi.
NEW YORK, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Unocoin, a Bangalore-based bitcoin startup, has raised $1.5 million in funding from a mix of Indian and U.S. investors, the company announced on Thursday.

The company, which runs a trading platform to buy, sell, and store bitcoins for Indian customers, said the money raised was the largest for an Indian bitcoin startup. Unocoin, which has 100,000 users and more than 30 employees, has been in operation since December 2013.

Unocoin describes itself as the Coinbase of India. San Francisco-based Coinbase is the largest U.S. bitcoin company and runs an exchange and a wallet service, among other businesses.

Funding came from Indian entities such as Blume Ventures, Mumbai Angels and ah! Ventures along with U.S. investors such as Digital Currency Group, Boost VC, Bank to the Future, and FundersClub.

Digital Currency Group was founded by one of the top U.S. bitcoin investors Barry Silbert, while Boost VC is run by U.S.-based Adam Draper, the son of billionaire entrepreneur Tim Draper.

"We needed a separate exchange for India. A few years ago when we wanted to buy bitcoin, there was nothing available in India," Sunny Ray, Unocoin's co-founder and president told Reuters in an interview.

"So if you want to buy bitcoin from an international exchange, you will have to do a wire transfer from India to these international exchanges and get your bitcoin and oftentimes it takes three to five days."

Unocoin raised about $200,000 in its first financing round. It started from a small hometown called Tumkur, near Bengaluru.

Bitcoin, a digital currency, was trading at $604.50 on the Bitstamp platform.

(Reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Unocoin, a Bangalore-based bitcoin startup, has raised $1.5 million in funding from a mix of Indian and U.S. investors, the company announced on Thursday. The company, which runs a trading platform to buy, sell, and store bitcoins for Indian customers, said the money raised was the largest for an Indian bitcoin startup. Unocoin, which has 100,000 users and more than 30 employees, has been in operation since December 2013. Unocoin describes itself as the Coinbase of India. San Francisco-based Coinbase is the largest U.S. bitcoin company and runs an exchange and a wallet service, among other businesses. Funding came from Indian entities such as Blume Ventures, Mumbai Angels and ah! Ventures along with U.S. investors such as Digital Currency Group, Boost VC, Bank to the Future, and FundersClub. Digital Currency Group was founded by one of the top U.S. bitcoin investors Barry Silbert, while Boost VC is run by U.S.-based Adam Draper, the son of billionaire entrepreneur Tim Draper. "We needed a separate exchange for India. A few years ago when we wanted to buy bitcoin, there was nothing available in India," Sunny Ray, Unocoin's co-founder and president told Reuters in an interview. "So if you want to buy bitcoin from an international exchange, you will have to do a wire transfer from India to these international exchanges and get your bitcoin and oftentimes it takes three to five days." Unocoin raised about $200,000 in its first financing round. It started from a small hometown called Tumkur, near Bengaluru. Bitcoin, a digital currency, was trading at $604.50 on the Bitstamp platform. (Reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Indonesia's Aceh province, which has gained international infamy for its strict Islamic laws, won rare praise from rights activists Thursday for introducing the country's most generous maternity leave policy.

The decision to give female civil servants six months' maternity leave, double the typical amount elsewhere in the country, is an unusual move in a province routinely criticised for breaching women's rights.

However it has sparked a row with the central government in Jakarta, which says it runs counter to national law that stipulates three months maternity leave.

Andreas Harsono, Indonesia researcher for Human Rights Watch, welcomed the move: "They're becoming more progressive." However he added Aceh still "has a lot of work to do in reviewing discriminatory bylaws".

The devout western province is the only part of the world's most populous Muslim-majority country allowed to implement sharia laws and is often criticised by rights groups.

There are canings for people caught gambling, drinking alcohol, spending time with members of the opposite sex outside of marriage and having gay sex.

Public lashings, often well attended, are carried out and sharia police target women for such offences as failing to wear a headscarf.

The Aceh governor decided to introduce the policy last month to ensure women have the chance to breastfeed to combat widespread stunting caused by malnutrition, said local government spokesman Frans Dellian.

It applies to around 92,000 female civil servants in the province. Employees will be paid for the first three months although the law is not clear on what happens in the final months.

Yenni Linda Yanti, 35, a nurse at a government hospital in Aceh, was the first person to benefit from the new policy.

"I am happy -- now I have more time to spend with my child," she said.

Aceh was granted broad autonomy in 2001, including the right to introduce sharia law, in a bid to quell a separatist insurgency.

Activists say there has been a rapid growth in Islamic regulations since a peace deal was struck in 2005.
The leader of an Indonesian gang who murdered and gang-raped a schoolgirl was sentenced to death Thursday, in a high-profile case that led to the introduction of tougher punishments for child sex offenders.

Zainal was handed the death penalty at a court on western Sumatra island while four other men were sentenced to 20 years each over the case.

The murder and gang-rape of the 14-year-old, who was attacked by a group of men and boys in April as she made her way back from school, shocked the country and sparked a national debate about a failure to tackle endemic sexual violence.

President Joko Widodo responded to growing anger about the case in May by introducing tough new punishments for child sex offenders, including a maximum penalty of death, chemical castration and forcing convicted paedophiles to wear electronic monitoring devices.

Following the discovery of the teenager's body tied up and naked in the woods, police arrested 13 people over the attack while one alleged perpetrator is still at large.

Zainal, a 23-year-old who like many Indonesians goes by one name, was sentenced to death for premeditated murder, which was a crime already punishable by death before the new laws were introduced.

"This sentence was handed down because the defendant was the one who persuaded other defendants (to commit the crime)," presiding judge Heny Farida told the court in the town of Curup.

The mother of the victim shouted in protest after the verdicts were handed down, demanding all the defendants be sentenced to death.

Asrorun Niam Sholeh, chairman of government-backed rights group the National Commission for Child Protection, welcomed the decision to hand down the death penalty and said it highlighted that child sex attacks were "an extraordinary crime".

The others involved in the case, who were all minors, have already been jailed with most receiving 10-year sentences.

The attack captured national attention when reports of the incident went viral on social media, prompting tens of thousands to sign online petitions and sparking protests in the capital Jakarta.

It has drawn comparisons with the fatal gang-rape of a student on a bus in Delhi in 2012, which sparked mass protests and led to an overhaul of India's rape laws.
By Harriet McLeod

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - A first grader who was shot and wounded by a 14-year-old boy accused of killing his father before he opened fire outside a South Carolina elementary school is "fighting for his life," a fire chief said on Thursday.

Jacob Hall, 6, was struck in the leg on Wednesday afternoon during a shooting spree that also left another boy and a first-grade teacher wounded at Townville Elementary School, located about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta.

Police said the teenager crashed a pickup truck into a fence around the rural school's playground after he fatally shot his father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, 47, at their home about 2 miles (3.2 km) away. The teen, who has not been named, is in custody.

"I hate my life," he said before firing a handgun at the school, the Greenville News reported, citing the aunt of a 6-year-old girl who was headed outside for recess at the time.

The incident was the latest in a series of shootings at U.S. schools that has fueled debate about access to guns in America. Many schools have beefed up security precautions since 2012, when a gunman shot and killed 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Billy McAdams, chief of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, choked up on Thursday as he asked for prayers for "little Jacob," whom he had helped treat at the scene.

"Hes still fighting for his life," McAdams said at a news conference, echoing health officials who said Hall remained hospitalized in critical condition.

Teacher Meghan Hollingsworth, who was shot in the shoulder, and the other boy, also 6, according to media reports, were treated and released.

McAdams credited fellow first responders and the school's staff for taking action to prevent another school massacre. Hollingsworth shepherded students inside to safety and urged medical staff to care for the injured children before her, he said.

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Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, was unarmed when he confronted the shooter and pinned him down for police, McAdams said.

Brock has declined media interviews, saying he wanted the focus to remain on the victims.

"The true heroes of yesterday's senseless tragedy are the teachers that put their lives on the line to protect the students," Brock said in a statement read by McAdams at the news conference. "This will not take us down."

Authorities said they did not know of any connection between the shooter and the school victims but had ruled out terrorism and ethnicity as motivating factors.

The suspect, who was home-schooled, was emotional when he called his grandparents Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

His grandmother "could not make out what he was saying because he was crying and upset, and so they went to the house, and thats when she discovered her son and called 911," coroner Greg Shore told reporters. The teenager was gone.

His mother offered no insight into his motive in a statement released to local media on her behalf on Thursday.

"Our entire family is absolutely shocked and saddened by the senseless actions of our son and grandson," the statement said.

(Additional reporting Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Bill Trott and Lisa Shumaker)
Land Reform minister Pandey pledges to address problems of freed Haliyas

Minister for Land Reform and Management Bikram Pandey has pledged to address the problems of freed Haliyas (bonded tillers).
By Harriet McLeod CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - A first grader who was shot and wounded by a 14-year-old boy accused of killing his father before he opened fire outside a South Carolina elementary school is "fighting for his life," a fire chief said on Thursday. Jacob Hall, 6, was struck in the leg on Wednesday afternoon during a shooting spree that also left another boy and a first-grade teacher wounded at Townville Elementary School, located about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta. Police said the teenager crashed a pickup truck into a fence around the rural school's playground after he fatally shot his father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, 47, at their home about 2 miles (3.2 km) away. The teen, who has not been named, is in custody. "I hate my life," he said before firing a handgun at the school, the Greenville News reported, citing the aunt of a 6-year-old girl who was headed outside for recess at the time. The incident was the latest in a series of shootings at U.S. schools that has fuelled debate about access to guns in America. Many schools have beefed up security precautions since 2012, when a gunman shot and killed 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Billy McAdams, chief of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, choked up on Thursday as he asked for prayers for "little Jacob," whom he had helped treat at the scene. "Hes still fighting for his life," McAdams said at a news conference, echoing health officials who said Hall remained hospitalized in critical condition. Teacher Meghan Hollingsworth, who was shot in the shoulder, and the other boy, also 6, according to media reports, were treated and released. McAdams credited fellow first responders and the school's staff for taking action to prevent another school massacre. Hollingsworth shepherded students inside to safety and urged medical staff to care for the injured children before her, he said. Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, was unarmed when he confronted the shooter and pinned him down for police, McAdams said. Brock has declined media interviews, saying he wanted the focus to remain on the victims. "The true heroes of yesterday's senseless tragedy are the teachers that put their lives on the line to protect the students," Brock said in a statement read by McAdams at the news conference. "This will not take us down." Authorities said they did not know of any connection between the shooter and the school victims but had ruled out terrorism and ethnicity as motivating factors. The suspect, who was home-schooled, was emotional when he called his grandparents Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. His grandmother "could not make out what he was saying because he was crying and upset, and so they went to the house, and thats when she discovered her son and called 911," coroner Greg Shore told reporters. The teenager was gone. His mother offered no insight into his motive in a statement released to local media on her behalf on Thursday. "Our entire family is absolutely shocked and saddened by the senseless actions of our son and grandson," the statement said. (Additional reporting Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Bill Trott and Lisa Shumaker)
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi asked Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani not to exploit the war on Islamic State to expand the Kurds' territory, according to a government statement published after their meeting on Thursday in Baghdad. The meeting discussed the preparation for the battle to dislodge Islamic State from Mosul, the largest city under the ultra-hardline Sunni group's control, in northern Iraq. Kurdish Peshmerga forces are expected to take part in the assault on the city that Abadi wants to retake this year, with the backing of a U.S.-led coalition. "The aim of the battle should not be territorial conflicts but to free the citizens from the persecution of Daesh," said Abadi, according to the statement. Barzani's Kurdish Regional Government has already expanded its control to Kirkuk, an oil-rich region historically claimed by the Kurds, after the Iraqi army collapsed in the face of Islamic State's sweeping advance two years ago. The Kurds also expanded their military presence in the area around Mosul, just west of their regional capital Erbil. The Peshmerga are deployed east, north and northwest of Mosul while Iraqi government forces have been gradually progressing from the south, tightening the noose around the city that had a pre-war population of about 2 million. It was from Mosul's Grand Mosque that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria in July 2014. (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Dominic Evans)
By Stephen Kalin

BAGHDAD, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Iraq is likely to delay the planned sale of $2 billion in bonds on international markets until at least early 2017, a government adviser said on Thursday, hoping that rising oil revenues and victory over Islamic State will improve public finances.

Baghdad had said it would issue the bonds, with half the value guaranteed by the U.S. government, in the last quarter of 2016. But those plans appear uncertain after Finance Minister Hoshiyar Zebari was sacked last week on corruption charges, which he denies.

"I think we are going to push it back," Mudher Salih, an adviser on financial policy to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, told Reuters in an interview. "We have to see the situation of the oil market - if it's enhanced we could leave it a little, if the oil market deteriorates more, we will have to borrow."

Oil prices rose nearly 2 percent on Thursday, with Brent crude futures at $49.49 a barrel, on optimism over OPEC's first output cut plan in eight years in order to support prices.

Iraq has seen spectacular gains in output in recent years and is asking oil majors to expand production further to above 5 million barrels per day from the current 4.7 million.

The government, which relies almost exclusively on oil income, has struggled to pay its bills since global crude prices dropped in 2014, the same year Islamic State militants seized a third of the country's territory.

Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led military coalition, have retaken around half that land and are gearing up now for a push on Mosul, the largest city under the jihadists' control.

Abadi has pledged to regain Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, by the end of the year and said doing so would effectively end Islamic State's presence in the country.

Salih said he expected the major OPEC producer's economic situation to improve after the operation, so that military spending could be cut or diverted to rebuilding areas devastated by a war that has displaced more than 3.3 million Iraqis.

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"We will be going from a war budget to a peace budget," Salih said in his office in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone government district.

He predicted this would improve Iraq's credit rating to at least a B+ in the next six months, from a current B-, and significantly lower its cost of borrowing.

Iraq has $2.7 billion of international bonds due in 2028 with a coupon of 5.8 percent, currently yielding about 9 percent.

Military spending in Baghdad's 2017 budget remains the same as this year, but could be reclassified during the fiscal year according to changing needs, Salih said.

LOANS

To replace missing oil revenue, Iraq has turned to the International Monetary Fund for a loan package that would also serve as the basis for other lenders to provide support.

The IMF approved a three-year, $5.34 billion standby loan in July, in exchange for a package of economic reforms. Baghdad hopes that will unlock over $12 billion in additional aid from sources such as the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations.

Salih said Iraq had agreed "in principle" last month to a three-year, $3 billion Development Policy Financing (DPF) loan from the World Bank to support Baghdad's budget. This would be the first stream of extra financing to come out of the IMF deal.

Details of conditions to enhance Iraq's public finance institutions and pensions have not been ironed out yet, but the first tranche will be disbursed in December, said Salih.

The loan has a 16-year repayment period with a three-year grace window and a rate of around two percent, he said.

A World Bank official said the loan was expected to be approved in December and disbursed soon after that.

(Reporting by Stephen Kalin; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Oslo (AFP) - Norway's Rafto Prize for human rights was on Thursday awarded to Yanar Mohammed of Iraq for her efforts to help minorities and women subjected to sexual abuse in the war-torn country, the jury said.

Mohammed, 55, a journalist and feminist fighting for democratic principles and human rights, is the co-founder and head of the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq, which provides protection to women victims of violence.

"Sexual violence is often part of battle plans, and Iraq is just one of many places where women's rights are sacrificed for political and military objectives," the Rafto Foundation said.

In Iraq, "there has been a huge increase in abuse and violence against women, including rape, abduction into prostitution and honour killings," it added.

Human rights violations are being committed by many parties in Iraq, not only the Islamic State jihadists but Iraqi authorities and groups supported by the international community as well, it said.

Among previous winners of the Rafto Prize, named after Norwegian historian and human rights activist Thorolf Rafto, are four who have gone on to win the Nobel Peace Prize, also awarded in Norway: Aung San Suu Kyi, Jose Ramos-Horta, Kim Dae-Jung and Shirin Ebadi.

The winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on October 7.
Part of OZYs occasional Know This Name series, on prominent business, political and other world leaders.

In Iraqs crowded skies, the horizon shifted from blue to smoky gray above Fallujah, the city of mosques. For three months in spring 2016, a motley coalition of commandos, policemen, militiamen and soldiers besieged the city. They shelled it with artillery batteries and rocket launchers, starving thousands of ISIS fighters and Sunni civilians inside.

On May 22, the Third Battle of Fallujah began as the Federal Police and the Iraqi Special Operations Forces crossed city limits. With American air support, they reclaimed the city by June 28. One officer in the Federal Police, Abu Dergham al-Maturi, earned praise for his bravery and heroism on the battlefield. The Interior Ministry promoted him to brigadier general, the latest title on his curriculum vitae. Before this? Lawman, revolutionary and warlord.

Al-Maturi represents a set of contradictions. Iraqs Shia Muslim majority, ruling from Baghdad, considers him a hero for defending the nation against ISIS. The Sunni Muslim minority, however, blames him for war crimes in Fallujah. The U.S., meanwhile, should be concerned about al-Maturis rise: In addition to a dubious record on human rights, hes closely linked to Iran, a country that has long tried to subvert the U.S. mission in Iraq.

Gettyimages 483398220

Fighters from the Iraqi Imam Ali Brigade take part in a military parade.

Source Haidar HamdaniAFP/Getty Images

Born several decades ago to a modest Shia family near the southern city of Basra, al-Maturi came to despise the Sunni government of Saddam Hussein for its abuse toward Shias. He joined the Badr Corps, a Shia revolutionary movement backed by Iran and opposing Hussein, in 1982. He was a guerrilla, operating along the Iraq-Iran border, explains Hussam al-Mayahi, an acquaintance of al-Maturis  who couldnt be reached for a personal interview despite multiple messages to his cellphone and representatives. With the fall of Hussein and the establishment of a Shia-led government in 2003, the Badr Corps rebranded itself as the Badr Organization, a militia-political party. And, al-Mayahi says, al-Maturi became a lieutenant colonel in the Federal Police, a law-enforcement agency meant to bridge the gap between the metropolitan police and the regular army. The Interior Minister, who controlled the Federal Police, was pro-Badr, whose nepotism ensured not only that al-Maturi got a high rank but also an important command: the 5th Brigade.

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The Federal Police leadership have become highly compromised. Patrick Martin

A short but strong man with a graying mustache and thinning hair, al-Maturi leads his fighters from the front. He has sustained several minor injuries in combat, including Fallujah, where his take-charge style earned him the admiration of fellow police officers and his subordinates. Al-Maturi has built a cult of personality, with several Facebook pages extolling his military exploits. But al-Maturis actions in Fallujah warrant consternation too. His links to a militia accused of war crimes have earned criticism from many Iraqis, including Fallujahs Sunnis. The spotlight, it turns out, isnt always flattering.

During the Iraq War, al-Maturi kept a low profile, even as the Interior Ministry was well-known as a front organization for Badr and other Shia militias. Militiamen wearing uniforms with the insignias of the Federal Police or the Interior Ministry disappeared, executed, kidnapped and tortured Sunni civilians during the worst days. Human Rights Watch condemned the Badr-linked death squads in 2009 and again in 2014. He, a prominent official in Badr and the Interior Ministry, likely participated in these abuses.

And then there is Iran, which has opposed American intervention in the Middle East; Iran and the U.S. have long competed for influence over the Iraqi Security Forces, and it looks as though al-Maturis allegiance lies with one of the U.S.s longtime rivals in the region  he even went to Syria to support the Assad government on the Iranians behalf.

The collapse of the Iraqi Security Forces and rise of ISIS in June 2014 led al-Maturi to a transition. He saw that the Federal Police then lacked the potential to face ISIS, said Ajeel, so al-Maturi and his fighters headed toward the Shia militias, generally regarded as unruly but effective fighters in the campaign against ISIS. After the Iraqi Security Forces implosion, the militias  many armed and funded by Iran  helped defend Baghdad and the rest of Iraq from falling to ISIS, a specious change. On social media, 5th Brigade fighters identify as militiamen first, police second.

Al-Maturis switch from the police to the militias shattered the already weak separation of powers between the branches of the Iraqi Security Forces. Today, no one, not even the Federal Police, understands his role in the command hierarchy. Not even those who fought alongside him, such as General Muhammad al-Baidani, a policeman who met al-Maturi while in the Shia militias. Al-Baidani, suspicious, asked the police who al-Maturi was. The answer: just a former officer from the Interior Ministry. Karim al-Nuri, a Badr spokesman, told a similar story: a Federal Police officer who briefly sojourned with the Badr between stints in the police.

The intersection of the Federal Police and Badr Organization shows that the Federal Police leadership have become highly compromised by Iranian proxy actors and are increasingly unreliable and unresponsive to the Iraqi chain of command, said Patrick Martin, an analyst from the Institute for the Study of War, over email. Case in point: The Iraqi 5th Division reports to the Shia militias, not the government  the same militias who killed Sunni civilians until the government ordered them away from the city limits.

But that hasnt stopped the enigmatic al-Maturi, says Muhammad al-Issawi, an activist from Fallujah. Al-Maturis forces are burning civilian houses in Fallujah, al-Issawi said of the 5th Brigade.



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By Rania El Gamal and Alex Lawler

ALGIERS (Reuters) - For years, debates in the OPEC conference room were dominated by clashes between top producer Saudi Arabia and arch-rival Iran.

But as the two managed to find a rare compromise on Wednesday - with Riyadh softening its stance towards Tehran - a third OPEC superpower emerged.

Iraq overtook Iran as the group's second-largest producer several years ago but kept its OPEC agenda fairly low-profile. On Wednesday, Baghdad finally made its presence felt.

What it did, however, pleased neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran.

Iraq's new oil minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi told his Saudi and Iranian counterparts, Khalid al-Falih and Bijan Zanganeh, in a closed-door gathering in Algiers that "it was an OPEC meeting for all ministers", a source briefed on the talks said.

Luaibi also said he didn't like the idea of re-establishing OPEC's output ceiling at 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd), according to sources in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Reviving a ceiling, abandoned a year ago because of a Saudi-Iranian clash, was seen by some members as crucial in helping OPEC manage a vastly oversupplied market and prop up prices that stand well below the budget needs of most producers.

But Luaibi told the meeting the new ceiling was no good for Baghdad as OPEC had underestimated Iraq's production, which has soared in recent years.

Confusion followed, according to sources, and after a debate OPEC chose to impose a ceiling in the range of 32.5-33.0 million bpd - a decision dismissed by many analysts as weak and non-binding. OPEC's current output stands at 33.24 million bpd.

As ministers including Falih and Zanganeh emerged smiling from the room and praised OPEC's first output-limiting deal since 2008, Luaibi called a separate briefing to complain about OPEC's estimates of Iraqi output.

"These figures do not represent our actual production," he told reporters. If by November estimates do not change, "then we say we cannot accept this, and we will ask for alternatives".

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Luaibi went even further and asked a reporter from Argus Media - whose data OPEC uses among other sources to compile estimates of countries' production - to disclose from where Argus' estimates were coming.

"Your sources are not acceptable. And if there is deviation from the government, then Argus will not work in Iraq," Luaibi told the Argus reporter.

DIFFICULT NEGOTIATIONS AHEAD

Luaibi's revolt shows the fragility of the OPEC deal.

Between now and November, when OPEC meets formally in Vienna, the group will have to overcome huge obstacles to agree a binding deal.

Key among them will be to establish at least some semblance of country quotas to make sure members limit global oversupply, which has helped halve prices since 2014 to below $50 a barrel.

Iran insists it wants to raise output to around 4 million bpd as it emerges from European sanctions. The Saudis have proposed that Iran freeze production at 3.7 million bpd.

Riyadh is offering to cut its own production to 10.2 million bpd from 10.7 million but most analysts argue it will fall to such a level anyway as the summer heat eases, reducing the need for cooling.

Iraq has seen spectacular gains in output in recent years and is asking oil majors to expand production further to above 5 million bpd from the current 4.7 million.

"The deal is a bit of a farce," one OPEC source said.

A source familiar with Iranian thinking said it was still positive that an agreement had been reached: "No one will offer anyone a free ride. Technical committees will work out details."

For Michael Wittner, head of oil research at Societe Generale, the decision shows Saudi Arabia is turning its back on letting the market manage supply.

"It remains to be seen how many real barrels will be removed from the market. To me, the significance is way beyond that: they all sat down in a room and made a decision."

(Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson)
By Rania El Gamal and Alex Lawler ALGIERS (Reuters) - For years, debates in the OPEC conference room were dominated by clashes between top producer Saudi Arabia and arch-rival Iran. But as the two managed to find a rare compromise on Wednesday - with Riyadh softening its stance towards Tehran - a third OPEC superpower emerged. Iraq overtook Iran as the group's second-largest producer several years ago but kept its OPEC agenda fairly low-profile. On Wednesday, Baghdad finally made its presence felt. What it did, however, pleased neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran. Iraq's new oil minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi told his Saudi and Iranian counterparts, Khalid al-Falih and Bijan Zanganeh, in a closed-door gathering in Algiers that "it was an OPEC meeting for all ministers", a source briefed on the talks said. Luaibi also said he didn't like the idea of re-establishing OPEC's output ceiling at 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd), according to sources in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Reviving a ceiling, abandoned a year ago because of a Saudi-Iranian clash, was seen by some members as crucial in helping OPEC manage a vastly oversupplied market and prop up prices that stand well below the budget needs of most producers. But Luaibi told the meeting the new ceiling was no good for Baghdad as OPEC had underestimated Iraq's production, which has soared in recent years. Confusion followed, according to sources, and after a debate OPEC chose to impose a ceiling in the range of 32.5-33.0 million bpd - a decision dismissed by many analysts as weak and non-binding. OPEC's current output stands at 33.24 million bpd. As ministers including Falih and Zanganeh emerged smiling from the room and praised OPEC's first output-limiting deal since 2008, Luaibi called a separate briefing to complain about OPEC's estimates of Iraqi output. "These figures do not represent our actual production," he told reporters. If by November estimates do not change, "then we say we cannot accept this, and we will ask for alternatives". Luaibi went even further and asked a reporter from Argus Media - whose data OPEC uses among other sources to compile estimates of countries' production - to disclose from where Argus' estimates were coming. "Your sources are not acceptable. And if there is deviation from the government, then Argus will not work in Iraq," Luaibi told the Argus reporter. DIFFICULT NEGOTIATIONS AHEAD Luaibi's revolt shows the fragility of the OPEC deal. Between now and November, when OPEC meets formally in Vienna, the group will have to overcome huge obstacles to agree a binding deal. Key among them will be to establish at least some semblance of country quotas to make sure members limit global oversupply, which has helped halve prices since 2014 to below $50 a barrel. Iran insists it wants to raise output to around 4 million bpd as it emerges from European sanctions. The Saudis have proposed that Iran freeze production at 3.7 million bpd. Riyadh is offering to cut its own production to 10.2 million bpd from 10.7 million but most analysts argue it will fall to such a level anyway as the summer heat eases, reducing the need for cooling. Iraq has seen spectacular gains in output in recent years and is asking oil majors to expand production further to above 5 million bpd from the current 4.7 million. "The deal is a bit of a farce," one OPEC source said. A source familiar with Iranian thinking said it was still positive that an agreement had been reached: "No one will offer anyone a free ride. Technical committees will work out details." For Michael Wittner, head of oil research at Societe Generale, the decision shows Saudi Arabia is turning its back on letting the market manage supply. "It remains to be seen how many real barrels will be removed from the market. To me, the significance is way beyond that: they all sat down in a room and made a decision." (Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson)
Lawmakers set to get 58 percent pay hike

Even as lawmakers are regular in skipping crucial meetings of the Legislature-Parliament, preparations to increase their pay and perks are in the final stage.
London (AFP) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Thursday said Britain should not expect special treatment in Brexit talks, as the British trade minister warned the EU would hurt itself if it imposed tariffs.

Renzi's comments are the latest from a European leader to highlight the tough stance Britain is likely to face when trying to negotiate access to the European market while introducing controls on immigration after it triggers Article 50, the two-year process for leaving the bloc.

"It will be impossible to give to British people more rights than other people out of the EU," Renzi said, a reference to countries that are not part of the European Union.

"When David Cameron decided to use the referendum to solve some internal problem in the Conservative party, this was the problem," he added in an English-language interview with the BBC.

Cameron quit as prime minister hours after Britain's shock referendum vote in June to leave the EU, having led the failed campaign to remain in the bloc.

He was seen as having called the vote in a bid to placate eurosceptic Conservatives and stem the rise of the anti-EU UK Independence Party.

International Trade Minister Liam Fox meanwhile said Britain's trade with EU members after Brexit should be "at least as free" as it is now.

"Protectionism never actually helps anybody at all and as we move into a post-Brexit arena, we want it to be as free and as open as possible," he said.

"And don't just look at it from the UK perspective, the European Union has a massive surplus in goods with the UK. Who does it harm more if we end up in a new tariff environment? Does it harm more those who sell more to the UK, or the UK?" he added.

"It's in everybody's interests that, as we move forward, that we have at least as free a trading environment as we have today," he said, warning that tariffs "will harm the people of Europe".

In a new report out Thursday, the Institute for Government think-tank warned that planning for Brexit could cost Britain's government A65 million (75 million euros, $85 million) a year.

It also urged Prime Minister Theresa May to make clear when she plans to activate Article 50.
Jaden Smith has been tapped to receive the Male EMA Futures Award at the Environmental Media Association's 26th annual EMA Awards.

Smith will be honored "for his leadership and action on environmental issues" at the Oct. 22 event, to be held at Warner Bros. studios in Burbank. The EMA Awards "recognize and honor environmental pioneers who embody the commitment and leadership to raise awareness of environmental issues." As previously announced, Shailene Woodley will receive the Female EMA Futures Award.

"We are so honored to be able to share with the global public this inspiring young voice for environmental issues and sustainability," said Debbie Levin, president of EMA. "Jaden is a true activist and role model that can authentically lead his generation to a more thoughtful and conscious future. Taking action and creating a movement sharing his vision of water stewardship, forestry and plant-based solutions with the goal to decrease the level of greenhouse gas emissions can influence billions. We couldn't be happier to present Jaden with the Male EMA Futures Award. We are so grateful for his innovation, for his commitment to preserving our Earth and for the powerful example he is setting for not only his generation, but for all of us, to take action."

Read more: In 10 Years, Willow and Jaden Smith Would Like to Live in the Mountains and Be One With Nature

Smith, who is 18 years old, is part of JUST water, a business venture looking at new ways to source, deliver and consume bottled water.

"It's important for everyone to know that you can make a difference no matter what obstacles you think are in your way," said Smith. "After seeing the amount of ocean pollution and the effect it was having on marine wildlife, I couldn't stand there and do nothing about it - I knew I had to take action. By packaging water in bottles made from paper and plant-based plastic, JUST water is reducing the amount of harmful greenhouse emissions while helping to preserve the environment. With the Male EMA Futures Award, our voices are being amplified and we're making a difference. Having the support from an organization that shares the same values as me makes the future more optimistic than ever."

Smith currently co-stars on Netflix's The Get Down.
When Jeffrey Katzenberg partnered with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen to form DreamWorks in 1994, everyone expected he would oversee the companys animated films. After all, during the prior decade at Disney, Katzenberg had shepherded a resurgence of hand-drawn animation with hits including Aladdin and The Lion King.

But Katzenberg surprised by how quickly he became a pioneering figure in the rise of computer-animated films. DreamWorks did release such hand-drawn features as The Prince of Egypt and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, but when Katzenberg saw audiences embracing Pixars Toy Story in 1995, he sensed the tide was turning. So he partnered with the seminal CG shop PDI and in 1998 released Antz, the industrys second computer-animated feature.

Jeffrey saw the future in Toy Story, says Tim Johnson, the PDI vet who directed Antz and is working on his fifth DreamWorks Animation film. He greenlit that movie during his Disney days. He saw a vision most people feared.

Bonnie Arnold, co-president of DreamWorks Animation, remembers those days. Arnold met Katzenberg when she was hired to produce Toy Story. Hes always embraced innovation, says Arnold, an Oscar-nominated producer of DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon franchise. She feels Katzenbergs drive to push animation forward has never diminished, citing his leadership in recent years to make 3D stereoscopic animation popular. Jeffrey was one of the first to see that 3D would help draw people into theaters.

DreamWorks/PDI may have begun as a CG upstart with Antz, but 2001s Shrek was a game-changer. Shrek won the first Oscar for animated feature, prompting multiple spin-offs and merchandising. Johnson believes that PDIs R&D had given the Shrek films a leg up when it came to depicting complex images such as fire, flowing fabrics, and hair. PDI allowed DreamWorks to skip several years of development in CG capabilities.

By 2004, when Shrek 2 became a worldwide smash and Katzenberg took DWA public, the studio was prepping another comedic franchise. Madagascar (2005) and its sequels advanced the studios rep for wisecracking animals, with the voice of Chris Rock continuing the pop culture hipness that Eddie Murphy had brought to Shrek.

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But Katzenberg had broader ambitions for a global audience. Arnold recalls, He was putting his toe into making something work in China. That something was Kung Fu Panda, the 2008 international hit that spawned a lucrative trilogy. Kung Fu Panda 2 launched the directing career of DreamWorks artist Jennifer Yuh Nelson.

She says Katzenberg challenged her to take the tale to unexpected places. When we were bouncing ideas, Jeffrey said, Dont follow my suggestions. You figure out how to fix any problems; just dont ignore my notes when I think theres a problem. 

The screenwriters behind the Panda franchise, Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, have 10 years experience with Katzenberg. Jeffrey wanted Panda to be more than a wisecracking movie, Berger says. To get everyone aiming higher, hed say, If we do this right, it should be an epic story. The creative team did research in China to get the details right.

Yuh Nelson thinks Katzenbergs influence is especially evident in the A-list actors voicing DreamWorks films. When we were casting Panda, we said, Wouldnt it be great if we had an actor like Dustin Hoffman? Jeffrey called Dustin on the spot. Thats the power of Jeffrey making a phone call.

This tradition actually goes back to Toy Story, notes Arnold. Jeffrey asked John Lasseter whod be his first choice to play Woody the Cowboy. John said Tom Hanks, so Jeffrey called Tom. When it comes to talent, he never hesitates.

Aibel and Berger, whove also written DreamWorks newest release, Trolls, report Jeffrey got Justin Timberlake to voice a character as well as write, produce and perform the songs. At many studios, decision-making can take a long time, Aibel says. With Jeffrey, a decision gets made, and if it doesnt work you have time to undo it.

Katzenberg isnt afraid to make changes, says Arnold. When we screened How to Train Your Dragon in storyboard form, Jeffrey thought the ending felt a bit conventional. He challenged us to find a twist that audiences wouldnt expect.

The result: a life-changing injury to the hero in Dragon, followed by the death of a parent in How to Train Your Dragon 2.

Dean DeBlois, Dragons writer-director, embraced the risk-taking. We were talking about it with Steven Spielberg, and Jeffrey said  in reference to me  I have the courage of his convictions. He had great fiscal responsibility to the shareholders of the company, but he was emboldened by my belief in where the story needed to go.

The Dragon franchise has been a showcase for leaps in technology as well. Depicting skies full of flying dragons, the films were made possible by a suite of computer tools called Apollo. But DeBlois points to more than their dramatic visual choreography. Our tools also let us show the subtleties of human acting up close.

When Jeffrey founded DreamWorks, he knew hed need world-class engineering, says tech exec Kate Swanborg, whos risen through the studios ranks since 1999. Over the years, she says 21 DreamWorks technologists have earned Sci-Tech honors from the Motion Picture Academy, reflecting an ongoing investment in research.

But Katzenbergs changes went beyond the merely technical. They extended to animation culture itself. The great achievements during Jeffreys tenure at DreamWorks were not just in technology, she says. He produced a change in artists mindsets: If I need it, its achievable.

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Elton John, who with Tim Rice wrote the songs for Disneys The Lion King, remembers Jeffrey Katzenberg showing him a print of the movie only a few weeks before its June 1994 release.

It didnt contain Can You Feel the Love Tonight, one of five theyd written for the film. I said, Jeffrey, whats happened to the song? Katzenberg responded that the filmmakers couldnt find the right scene for it. Jeffrey, every Disney film has a great love song in it, John told Katzenberg. You have to find a place for it.

Katzenberg went back into the cutting room, found a spot for the tune, and it wound up winning the Oscar for song. As a result, says John, Jeffrey helped change my life and career. Until then, I was just a musician who hadnt even written a musical. Hes now working on his fifth stage musical and considers Katzenberg like family.

The songs of the Disney and DreamWorks movies may be among Katzenbergs lasting contributions to American popular culture.

During his decade at Disney, Katzenberg was at the forefront of the so-called Disney Renaissance, first meeting songwriters Alan Menken and Howard Ashman during production of The Little Mermaid. After that, Menken says, Katzenberg was extremely hands-on during the creation of the scores for Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas.

No question, he was captain of the ship, Menken told Variety. He drove the agenda. He got up earlier than anybody else, set the meetings, and had smart and detailed reactions to scripts and songs.

He was the best executive I ever worked with, just a brilliant man, efficient and an amazing multi-tasker.

Menken won eight Academy Awards for his songs and scores for Disney movies made under Katzenbergs reign at the studio. And all four of the soundtrack albums went platinum.

Composer Hans Zimmer goes back more than 25 years with Katzenberg. He won an Oscar for The Lion King and has scored and/or produced the music of at least a dozen of the DreamWorks films including The Prince of Egypt, the Madagascar films, and the Kung Fu Panda franchise.

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I never thought of him as an executive, Zimmer says. I always thought of him as a voice that would offer ideas. He was intensely passionate about animation, more than anybody I had ever met.

Jeffrey takes risks. And through the years, he has always been an enabler of my most outlandish ideas. He would come down to our studio, where we make music, and he very quickly became part of the band.

According to music supervisor Chris Douridas, who has consulted or supervised on several DreamWorks films including Shrek 2 and Over the Hedge, Katzenberg is equally interested in the choice of artists to perform the songs. Hell bring them into his environment and show them storyboards, talk through the project, get their ideas, or hell go to them. Hes very much involved in getting the creative community excited about what hes up to.

That included conversations with Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz, who wound up with an Oscar nomination for Accidentally in Love for Shrek 2; plus working with Rihanna on the concept album for Home, and Justin Timberlake, who produced the soundtrack for DreamWorks upcoming Trolls.

Songwriter Stephen Schwartzs three Oscars are also for Katzenberg-launched projects, two for Pocahontas at Disney, one for The Prince of Egypt at DreamWorks.

Writing from Vienna, where he is preparing a musical, Schwartz says: What I always found most amazing about Jeffrey, and have tried to emulate myself, was his ability to zero in totally on a specific project, despite the fact that he had just come from dealing in a completely different project and would be heading to yet another. His clarity and insight were always helpful and inspiring.

Composer John Powell has worked on eight DreamWorks projects, including Chicken Run, Shrek, the Kung Fu Panda films, and his Oscar-nominated score for How to Train Your Dragon. He explains Katzenbergs role in finding the right music: Hes the audience. He responds with a very open, simple approach. Do I enjoy this? Is this telling the story? Is it making me laugh, or making me sad?

He reacts. Hes probably been doing this since the minute he started with animation. Im a big fan of animation, so Im a big fan of Jeffreys. He absolutely loves music. I remember on Kung Fu Panda, at the end of a day with Hans and me and Henry [Jackman], he said, Thanks so much for letting me play with you guys. After that, I always called [our meetings with Katzenberg] playdates.

Adds Zimmer: If youre really in a tough spot on a movie, its Jeffrey you want right by your side. He will protect your creative process. Thats all you can ever ask for.

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(Reuters) - A deadly commuter train crash in Hoboken station in New Jersey renews focus on a mandatory anti-collision system that has been plagued with lengthy, contentious delays.

Officials said train operator New Jersey Transit has not installed the positive train control (PTC) system in Hoboken or anywhere else on its network.

PTC works by hitting the brakes on a train if the engineer misses a signal to halt - the equivalent of running a red light. How long it takes a train to stop depends on its weight. Freight trains can take up to 2 miles to stop. The system combines GPS, wireless radio and other technologies, making it far more complex than originally envisioned and requires more investment and time to make it work, according to railroad companies.

By law, NJ Transit is required to have a system in place by the end of 2018. Amtrak has rolled out PTC on its network, while the freight railroads have mostly been rolling out the technology a section of track at a time.

Thursday morning's rush-hour crash killed at least one person and injured 108 others.

National Transportation Safety Board vice chair T. Bella Dinh-Zarr said at a news conference in Washington that the board would "absolutely" look at whether the lack of PTC was a factor.

"PTC has been one of our priorities," she said. "We know that it can prevent accidents."

It is unclear how fast the train in Hoboken was traveling or whether a PTC system would have prevented an accident.

Former NTSB managing director Peter Goelz said that PTC is most effective at higher speeds out on open track, adding it is far from clear it could have made a difference in Hoboken.

Goelz said other factors, such as the alertness of the locomotive engineer, could turn out to be more important.

The NTSB said it would also look for similarities with another crash at the Hoboken station in 2011, when a commuter train struck the bumping post at the end of the track, injuring 30.

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Last year, neighboring New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority received nearly $1 billion in federal loans to implement PTC on its two commuter lines, although it was criticized last month by the federal agency that issued the loan for making almost no progress in installing the system.

New Jersey Transit ranked second for the most train accident reports nationwide for commuter railroads from January 2007 through June 2016, behind Amtrak.

New Jersey Transit had 271 accidents, or 18 percent of the total, compared to Amtraks 44 percent, according to data from the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis.

The rankings in part reflect the heavy use of rail transit in the U.S. Northeast compared to other parts of the United States.

According to a report by NJ Transit to the Federal Railroad Administration for the first half of 2016, the public transport system does not have PTC in operation on its 326-mile network.

None of the 1,100 New Jersey Transit employees who will need training to operate PTC have yet received it, the report said.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Thursday "it is too early to tell" whether positive train control would have prevented the crash.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said the train was moving much too fast when it came into the station.

"We don't know what the cause of the high rate of speed was," he said.

PTC was mandated by Congress in September 2008, after a Metrolink train ran a stop signal in Los Angeles and hit a Union Pacific freight train, killing 25 people. Federal investigators faulted the commuter train's engineer, who was sending text messages while on duty.

Last year, the major U.S. freight railroads successfully lobbied for a three-year extension of the December 2015 deadline for implementing PTC, with the option to apply for two one-year extensions. Several railroads have said that they will need both extensions to fully implement PTC.

In June, Lance Fritz, chief executive of No. 1 U.S. railroad Union Pacific Corp told Reuters the company would have the system fully installed on its 32,000-mile network, but would need the extra two years to "debug" it.

While critics say the railroads are dragging their feet on PTC, the railroads say they have spent more than $6 billion on PTC so far and expect to spend $4 billion more to complete implementation.

John Ireland, a project manager at Arlington, Virginia-based railroad consulting firm R.L. Banks & Associates, said cash-strapped public transport operators face a dilemma: They are under pressure to implement PTC while struggling to maintain crumbling infrastructure and handle rising passenger numbers.

"Even the major for-profit freight railroads with their tremendous resources have had a hard time installing PTC," Ireland said. He said putting in the system was "a real scramble" for public transportation agencies because "they operate at a loss and they are not a budget priority for governments in most regions."

(Reporting by Nick Carey in Chicago; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Jeffrey Dastin in New York; Editing by Eric Effron and Grant McCool)
When Jessica Jones showrunner Melissa Rosenberg sat down to start developing the first season of her critically acclaimed Netflix drama, she faced a unique dilemma. In addition to crafting a compelling comic book series with darker psychological elements mixed in, she also had the responsibility of introducing another Marvel character who would go on to be the lead of his own show: Luke Cage (Mike Colter).

Before Luke Cage was even in its earliest development stages, Luke was already having adventures on Jessica Jones as a love interest and ally for Jessica (Krysten Ritter). He was introduced early in season one of Rosenberg's series as a character with a mysterious past, a tragic backstory and potentially a part in Jessica's future. Their relationship ended for two reasons: Jessica was responsible for Luke's wife's death  and he had to go on to lead his own Marvel series.

So how much influence did Rosenberg actually have in shaping the live-action version of the iconic comic book character versus how many notes Marvel gave her on how to create him?

Read more: 'Luke Cage': Showrunner and Star Discuss "Why the World Is Ready For a Bulletproof Black Man"

"It was very collaborative with this particular character because it was very clear that I was introducing someone else's lead character for a show," Rosenberg tells The Hollywood Reporter. "He wasn't mine to play with. So I really wanted the input. I wanted to be respectful of the canon and his place in the universe."

According to Rosenberg, there were a few people who helped her stay on track when it came to being faithful to Luke's comic book persona.

"Fortunately, I had amongst my staff a die-hard Luke Cage fan, and he was instrumental in really guiding that character," says Rosenberg. "[Marvel TV head] Jeph [Loeb] was also really, really clear about that. I didn't have a lot of interaction with Cheo [Coker], who [created] Luke Cage, because he came on after I started."

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It also helped that Rosenberg understood she wasn't responsible for setting up everything about Luke's past.

"I knew what I needed from this character for Jessica, and that was really the objective," says Rosenberg. "This is not the Luke and Jessica show. It was really about, how does this character resonate with Jessica as opposed to telling his whole backstory, so all the story of his deceased wife and all that was what we got to tell because it was also about Jessica."

After season one of Jessica Jones, Rosenberg handed off the character to Luke Cage showrunner Coker, but she admits they haven't had the chance to sit down and really discuss him.

"This is what happens when you're a showrunner: You just get so freaking busy," she says with a laugh. "But we pass each other in the hall all the time and say hello. But I also have, in my second season, one of the writers on Luke Cage, so in terms of moving forward with what has happened in Luke's story, with season two - not that that's as relevant to Jessica's story this season. But it's all connected, and it's all very important. So Cheo and I haven't had a lot of face time, but we've passed each other in this."

Did she have any regrets or feelings of ownership when it came time to hand over Luke's reins to Coker?

Read more: A 'Luke Cage' Deep Dive for Newcomers

"Not really because my objective from the beginning was to hand him over," says Rosenberg. "I was just trying to do it in a way that would make me the happiest, that would be the richest for that. The thing I'm most sad about is to not work with Mike Colter every day. That was a really great collaboration, and Krysten and Mike had a real special bond and chemistry. We'll miss him in that regard. But from the beginning, we were like teachers in an elementary school, getting him ready to pass him on to the next show and making sure we've done all we can to set him up as best as we can."

Rosenberg is already hard at work developing season two of Jessica Jones, even though it will have to wait until after the premiere of mashup miniseries The Defenders, in which Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist (Finn Jones) will join forces.

"We're working on it now," says Rosenberg. "It's going to be a long process. It's great because we really have a lot of time to adjust it."

The biggest lesson she learned from developing and filming season one? "I can't do everything," she says.

"As much as I tried, it's not sustainable," continues Rosenberg. "Delegating is essential. And Krysten can't do everything. Writing a scene or two in an episode without her in it is important. She was working eight days a week, and that's not sustainable either. But the show is called Jessica Jones. She's the center of the show. So she and I had to learn to find a balance with our lives and our storytelling that is sustainable."

Looking ahead to The Defenders, Rosenberg praises what Daredevil showrunners Marco Ramirez and Doug Petrie are attempting to do by bringing together all four Marvel Netflix leads for one series.

"This wouldn't work if anyone other than them was in charge," says Rosenberg. "The whole thing has been incredibly collaborative. They've also been really respectful to all the other showrunners who have invented these characters and have grown attached to these characters. They invited commentary, they invited ideas, they enjoy collaboration. That's the only way this works. It doesn't work if they keep it all to themselves and are possessive."

Read more: Alfre Woodard Gets Political in 'Luke Cage' Poster (Exclusive)

While Rosenberg doesn't have a direct hand in what's happening to Jessica on The Defenders, she does have a conversation going with Ramirez and Petrie.

"We are in constant contact, ever since our stories existed," says Rosenberg. "If something changes for one or the other of our shows, we let each other know. So far, from what I know, everything is going to be told separately. But Marvel is doing something that no one has ever done before, ever. We're going into our second season, like Daredevil did, and there were a lot of growing pains when you're figuring it all out, and now I feel like there's more of a feeling where we know how to do things, so it's nice. It's amazing to watch it all come together."

Once The Defenders premieres, Rosenberg will be able to discuss in more detail what viewers can expect from season two of Jessica Jones. But for now, she says she's most eager for fans to see "something new."

"There are new, surprising elements to all the characters," says Rosenberg. "New and surprising relationships, who comes into each other's orbits and why. No one is interested in having our characters keeping on doing the same things in the same ways. That's what they do in network television. This world, you push your characters into new places they've never been before. That's what gives us the most excitement."

Luke Cage season one begins streaming in its entirety on Friday, Sept. 30, on Netflix.
TOKYO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Japanese government bonds mostly slipped on Thursday, as equities rallied and demand at a two-year auction was modestly weaker than last month's sale of that maturity.

The benchmark 10-year JGB yield added 1 basis point (bp) to minus 0.085 percent, while December 10-year futures ended down 0.05 point at 152.31.

Some bargain-hunting emerged in superlong maturities, with the 30-year yield shedding 2 bps to 0.435 percent in afternoon trading, while the 40-year yield fell 2.5 bps to 0.510 percent.

The two-year JGB yield added 0.5 bp to minus 0.295 percent .

The Ministry of Finance's sale of 2.3 trillion yen ($22.62 billion) of 2-year JGBs with a 0.1 percent coupon produced a highest yield of minus 0.254 percent, with around 52 percent of the bids accepted at the lowest price of 100.710.

The sale drew bids of 3.78 times the amount offered, down from the previous sale's bid-to-cover ratio of 4.44 times.

The tail between the average and lowest accepted prices widened to 0.018, compared with that of last month's offering at 0.004, indicating slightly weaker demand for the bonds.

On Friday, the Bank of Japan will conduct its third buying operations under the central bank's new monetary policy framework announced last week. The first two operations following the policy shift proceeded smoothly, with no significant changes from past moves.

Investors are still trying to determine how much fluctuation the BOJ would like to see around its zero percent target for the 10-year JGB yield, and how it will adjust its operations to meet it.

"The BOJ is sensitive to the fact that any reductions might be interpreted as tapering, so it will likely continue to be very careful with its operations," said a fixed-income fund manager at a Tokyo asset management firm.

Also on Friday, the central bank will announce its bond buying operation plan for October, which could contain clues to the extent the BOJ would like to see the yield curve steepen.

($1 = 101.6900 yen) (Reporting by Tokyo markets team; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Cathriona White, Jim Carrey's late ex-girlfriend, some of her closest friends and family gathered to honor her memory with a private memorial service.



A source tells PEOPLE a mass was held for the Irish-born makeup artist at her hometown of Tipperary, Ireland, on Sept. 24  marking the last time anyone had contact with White a year earlier on that date.



"They just wanted to keep it quiet and dignified, which they did. Cathriona's name was read out by the priest and the mass offered for her," says the source.



The mass took place at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Cappawhite, her hometown parish where her funeral mass was held last year.







White's two sisters, brother, stepmother and a crowd of neighbors and friends gathered to attend the service. Her mother was unable to travel from her home in the United Kingdom due to ill health.



A family source said her family wanted to keep the service as private as possible.



"They are very wary of any publicity and especially with this new lawsuit from her husband coming at the same time as her anniversary," says the source. "It is very painful for them."



White fatally overdosed on prescription medication in September 2015. She was 30.



White's estranged husband Mark Burton, to whom she was still married at the time of her death, filed a wrongful death lawsuit earlier this month, claiming Carrey, 54, supplied White with the drugs she used to kill herself. Carrey had previously said White took the drugs from him without his knowledge. In a revision to the complaint filed Thursday, Burton also alleges that Carrey gave White several STDs during their relationship.



"Is this the way a 'husband' honors the memory of his 'wife?' The real disease here is greed, shameful greed!" Carrey said in a statement.
Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough mocked former Gov. Gary Johnson on Thursday for having what the Libertarian candidate described as another Aleppo moment during an MSNBC town hall event when he couldnt name his favorite foreign leader.

He could not name a leader  living or dead, past or present, Scarborough said on the MSNBC morning show the day after the town hall aired. How does somebody think theyre going to run for President and be this ignorant? Completely ignorant of the most basic things. My children can answer those questions.

I guess Im having an Aleppo moment in the former President of Mexico, Johnson said. When moderator Chris Matthews pressed the politician to name which one, Johnson said he was having a brain fart.

Also Read: Gary Johnson's 'What Is Aleppo?' Moment Sparks Twitter Outrage (Video)

Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, who is running for vice president alongside Johnson on the Libertarian ticket, began rattling off the names of Mexican presidents, prompting Johnson to say Vincente Fox was terrific.

But it was too little, too late for viewers who were just as stunned as the entire Morning Joe team, including Mika Brzezinski and Willie Geist.

Cmon now, Brzezinski said.

Scarborough added, Does he not read the newspapers? Does he not listen to the radio? Does he not watch TV? You can smoke pot and listen to the radio at the same time.

Also Read: What Is a Libertarian? Fox Business Host John Stossel Explains Ahead of Gary Johnson Town Hall

Geist said he was astounded by the moment, and thought Johnson might have actually been high during the town hall.

I know hes for legalizing pot, so I actually looked up, and he told USA Today in June that he had not smoked weed at that point for seven weeks, and he would not smoke during the campaign, he would not smoke as President, Geist said to laughter from the rest of the panelists. Im dead serious, because I thought, you know, it happens. Weve all been there. But he says hes not smoking weed.

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Also Read: How Gary Johnson and Jill Stein Can Make It to the Presidential Debate Stage

So that makes it even worse, Scarborough said.

There was some good news for Johnson on Thursday morning, though. The Detroit News editorial board endorsed the Libertarian candidate, marking the first time in the newspapers 143-year history that its editorial board has endorsed a presidential candidate who wasnt a Republican.

Since its founding in 1873, The Detroit News has backed a Republican every time it has made a presidential endorsement (three times we have sat on the sidelines  twice during the Franklin Roosevelt elections and in the 2004 Bush/Kerry contest), reads the endorsement. We abandon that long and estimable tradition this year for one reason: Donald J. Trump.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Another Aleppo Moment: Libertarian Gary Johnson Can't Name a Single Foreign Leader

Libertarian Nominee Gary Johnson Answers Serious Question With Tongue Sticking Out (Video)

Randy Rainbow's Spoof of Gary Johnson's Aleppo Flub Is the Best Video You'll See Today
Legalisation not enough to make abortion safe

Women rights groups have urged the government to improve womens access to reproductive health in the country and increase their access to safe abortion.
The conflict in Syria has grown increasingly dire as diplomatic efforts to stem the tide of violence come up short. On Thursday, the Russian government rejected U.S. Secretary of State John Kerrys demand for an end to bombing of the Syrian city of Aleppo, a key battleground in the fight between the Syrian government and rebel forces.

Kerry denounced the bombing of Aleppo as inexcusable, and beyond the pale, on Thursday at the Washington Ideas Forum, presented by The Atlantic and the Aspen Institute. The secretary of state defended the administrations attempts to seek a political settlement to the conflict, but did not present an optimistic view that diplomacy will prevail anytime soon. Under those kinds of circumstances, it is not possible to cooperate, he told Steve Clemons, referring to the bombing of Aleppo. Kerry added: Were on the verge of suspending the discussion. Its irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place to be sitting there and trying to take things seriously.

The United States and Russia announced a cease-fire agreement earlier this month, but the deal has since crumbled. An intense campaign of Syrian and Russian airstrikes in Aleppo began at the end of last week. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Thursday proposed a 48-hour pause in fighting, which, The New York Times reports, the U.S. is likely to reject.

The unfolding humanitarian crisis is devastating. The Washington Post reported that entire families sleep in one room in Aleppo because they prefer to die together than to create orphans, widows or bereaved parents. Amid pauses in the bombings, the Post reported, rescue workers venture out, navigating the rubble and craters left by earlier bombings, to dig out victims without headlights or lamps. They haul them to hospitals swamped with patients being treated on the floor by doctors who barely sleep and must choose which lives to save and which to let go.

The unfolding humanitarian crisis is devastating.

Kerry described the situation in dire terms on Thursday. Im very, very dissatisfied with where we are in Syria, he said, adding that he feels extremely concerned about where it is going and what will happen to the people of Syria  if a more rational and moral-based common-sense approach is not found to deal with the situation. At the start of the conversation, Kerry remarked: Ive taken on a lot of challenges, but Syria is as complicated as anything Ive ever seen in public life.

Republicans in Congress have mocked the administrations efforts as ineffective. Finally, a real power move in American diplomacy, Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said sarcastically in a statement Wednesday. Secretary of State John Not Delusional Kerry has made the one threat the Russians feared mostthe suspension of U.S.-Russia bilateral talks about Syria.

For his part, Kerry defended U.S. efforts. I make no apology, nor does President Obama, none whatsoever, for trying to reach out and find out if theres a way to achieve a political settlement, Kerry said. He conceded, however, that diplomatic efforts in Syria have been marred by these breaches of the ceasefire and the destruction and Russias persistent support of [Syrian President] Assad in a way that is beyond the seeking of a political settlement.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Jose Fernandez was "stressed out" the night of his death in a tragic boating accident, a friend of the Miami Marlins pitcher told People en Espanol.



Will Bernal said that he was invited out on the boat in Miami early Sunday morning, but declined to join Fernandez and friends Emilio Macias and Eduardo Rivero because he "had a bad gut feeling."



Bernal told People en Espanol that Rivero, 25, had texted him right before midnight on Saturday, saying that Fernandez had gotten into fight with his pregnant girlfriend, Maria Arias.



"Eddy told me that [Jose] and his girlfriend were having an argument," Bernal explained, noting that he asked Rivero to try to calm Fernandez down. "[I said] 'Whatever Jose is going through, just try to get him off the boat.' "











Over text, Bernal asked Rivero to send him his iPhone location, so he could track him. The last place Bernal's phone received a tracking notification from Rivero was American Social, a restaurant and bar that provides a dock for boaters in the city's downtown area.









Fernandez, 24, and friends were confirmed to be at American Social ahead of their deaths, the bar said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.



According to the U.S. Coast Guard, Fernandez, Macias and Rivero's bodies were on an overturned boat that had crashed into a jetty and was discovered at approximately 3:30 a.m. Sunday during law enforcement patrol. Sen. Marco Rubio has since called for an investigation of the jetty.



Bernal wrote on Instagram of the horrific events, "The pain I have is unexplainable. I feel guilty that I didn't do a better job of trying to convince you not get on that boat."
LONDON  Palme dOr winner Ken Loach took to the stage at the Vue movie theater near Londons Piccadilly Circus on Tuesday to accept the Raindance Film Festivals inaugural Auteur Award and dedicated it to scruffy film festivals and creative energy. Speaking to a packed crowd, the I, Daniel Blake director recalled his first visit to the event, now in its 24th year. The first time I came to Raindance, it was really scruffy, he said. Ive just been at the [left-wing group] Momentum events [at the Labour Party conference] in Liverpool. Theyre scruffy [too], but my God, theyre so full of energy, and ideas, and commitment to change. And if theres one thing we as filmmakers need to do its to be involved in the dynamism in society, to really take part in that  as filmmakers just as citizens.

Speaking to moderator Jason Solomons, Loach gave a thoughtful interview that was full of reflection and insight, often delivered with surprisingly self-deprecating wit. As he settled into his seat, Loach admitted he was a little uneasy about the concept of the director as auteur. Ive always been embarrassed by that idea, he said. I understand why it came up, because it was a stand against studio pictures that were like factory products  every good professional had their input, but the result was kind of anonymous.

Loach said he agreed with the idea that film should have a single vision, but warned that the French word auteur should not be mistaken for its English equivalent. There are two problems with that, he said. One is that film is, by its nature, collective, but it also suggests that the director is the writer, and I think thats one of the heresies of modern filmmaking, because a writer is a different talent What I think is a pity is when young directors, particularly at film school, [are led to believe] that they are not a proper director unless they write [their film] themselves. I think thats really wrong  I think writing is one thing, directing is another. They need to be complementary, but theyre certainly not the same.

Casting his mind back to his early days, Loach didnt waste much time on his debut, Poor Cow, noting, from a directing point of view, that it was not a great film  but dont tell anybody. Instead, the story began with 1969s Kes, on which he, inspired by contemporary Czech cinema and in collaboration with DoP Chris Menges, began to hone his now familiar realist style. When we did Kes, he said, we worked out a way of working that actually liberated the people in front of the camera but had a unified style that the camera adopted. I guess the key to this was that the camera was like the human eye, in the corner of the room, as if you were there and just watching [each scene unfold].

Surprisingly, Loach breezed through the 70s  which he later dismissed as a boom time for tawdry British sex comedies  in a sentence. We couldnt do cinema films in the 70s, so [Kes producer] Tony [Garnett] and I did TV films, for the BBC. Then the 80s were a disaster, because I tried to do documentaries. The critical event was Thatcher coming in in 1979, [causing] havoc and mayhem and catastrophe for large areas of the country. I tried to do documentaries to capture that, because it was like a whirlwind. Things were happening that would have taken too long for a feature. So I tried to do documentaries, and they all got banned.

The thorny issue of censorship proved to be a subject close to Loachs heart: In television they can censor you outright, he said. In the cinema, they have to do it by innuendo. This led into a discussion of the directors frequent battles with the media, mostly over two films he made  1990s Hidden Agenda and 2006s The Wind That Shakes the Barley  dealing with the British governments activities in Northern Ireland. Such artistic statements, he said, were the political enemy  theyre not to be negotiated with, theyre to be beaten. So you have to expect that. If they dont go after you, youre not hurting them.

Warming to his theme, the director, who recently made a short film for Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, explained his view of how the process works. You see it now with Corbyn, he said. They see him as a threat, and the attacks are insidious, frontal, dirty, manipulative. Every organ of political discourse has its style. We found this from our own experience  there is a dance between all the different elements. So youll get a rabid piece in the Daily Mail or the Express. Thatll be echoed in a kind of moderate piece in one of the broadsheets. Then the television will take it up, or the radio, and they pass the ball between them. But its all [taking place] on enemy territory.

Despite many digressions into current issues such as housing, poverty and the democratization of public broadcasting, Loach insisted that he was a director first and foremost, not a politician. Theres got to be a love affair with the medium, he said. If you see the medium as a mechanism simply to express a political idea, forget it, it doesnt work. Youve got to love the medium.

Finally, Loach called for British directors not to be seduced by the siren call of Hollywood. Cinema can show us the world, cant it? he mused, and often cinema shows us a world thats very different, very exotic, but it doesnt always show us the world around us. Cinema as a business doesnt see [my kind of filmmaking] as profitable. Our directors are encouraged to look across the Atlantic, and I think thats the problem. We should look within our own culture; we should be able to sustain films made to represent our imagination, our jokes, our stories. But let it come from our culture  its rich enough.

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By Duncan Miriri NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's removal of excise duty on locally assembled cars will boost the industry, but the government must make power supplies cheaper and address other concerns to draw more investment, the automobile industry association chief said on Thursday. With little growth in mature markets, automakers are looking to tap into emerging African markets, but there is plenty of competition on the continent for where they might invest. Kenya's East African neighbour Ethiopia, for example, is building an assembly industry and boasts rapidly improving transport links and plentiful, cheap hydro-electric power. Kenya currently mostly assembles trucks, pick-ups and buses from kits supplied by foreign manufacturers. Some 2,258 vehicles were assembled in the first four months of this year, the statistics office said. However Volkswagen said this month it would resume car assembly in Kenya after closing a plant in the 1970s. Rita Kavashe, the chairwoman of the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Association (KVMA), said scrapping excise duty offered an incentive to investors in Kenya, where economic growth of 6 percent a year is helping drive vehicle demand. "We are anticipating now an increase in purchases of motor vehicles as a result," she said, although the slow start to the year meant sales of both imported and locally assembled vehicles would be 14,000 in 2016 compared to 19,500 last year. But she told Reuters the government had to address other issues that deterred manufacturers, by making electricity supplies cheaper and more reliable and improving efficiency at Mombasa port, a heavily congested regional trade gateway. "Cost of electricity has not gone down at all ... The cost is still very high in Kenya so that is a real challenge that needs to be addressed," said Kavashe, who is also head of General Motors East Africa, a big assembler in Kenya. Sales of locally assembled cars plunged 30 percent in the first six months of this year, partly due to the excise duty introduced in January at a flat rate of 150,000 shillings ($1,483) on each assembled vehicle. The government reversed that decision this month saying it wanted to foster local assembly of vehicles, in which kits supplied by foreign brands are bolted together. Kavashe said investors also needed reassurance about next year's election in Kenya, a nation that has long suffered from political strife. ($1 = 101.1500 Kenyan shillings) (Editing by Edmund Blair and Mark Potter)
By Duncan Miriri

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya will retain duty-free access to the European Union for its products, its trade minister said on Thursday, reassuring exporters who feared problems in clinching a deal between the EU and the East African Community could lead to tariffs.

Kenyan businesses have been alarmed by delays in signing the trade pact, known as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), between the EU and five-nation East African Community (EAC), after reservations raised by Tanzania.

Kenya stood to lose most as it would have lost duty- and quota-free access, whereas other EAC member states are categorised as poorer nations who keep that access whether or not the more comprehensive trade deal is signed.

The deadline for the EAC to finalise the agreement was Oct. 1 and there were fears that Kenyan goods could be locked out or become subject to tariffs.

"Come next week Kenyan exports will still have access to the EU market without paying any duties, as it was before," Aden Mohamed, the Kenyan minister for trade and industrialisation, told Reuters.

Kenya, which exports coffee, tea and horticultural products to Europe, secured the continued free access to EU markets after it signed the deal with the EU, despite Tanzania holding back.

Kenya has also already ratified the pact in parliament and it presented a copy to the EU in Brussels on Wednesday.

EAC heads of state are scheduled to discuss the EPA with the EU in January but Mohamed said Kenyan goods would maintain their access regardless of the outcome.

"We are hopeful everybody will come on board and then rather than just having a window of access into the EU, we will enjoy a much more comprehensive agreement that has some benefits of development infrastructure that will come as a result of that agreement being signed," he said.

Mohamed also said on Thursday that the government had revoked a rule in the 2015 companies law demanding that foreigners investing in Kenya offer a 30 percent stake to a Kenyan party. Foreign investors had criticised the new rule.

"The spirit of what we want to do in the country is to have an economy that is open for business and doesn't want to impose pressure," he said.

(Editing by Edmund Blair and Gareth Jones)


(Right) Janna Nick as Farah, the main lead for "Kerja Kahwin".

29 Sep  Malaysian film "Kerja Kahwin" or its English title; "A Very Malay Wedding", has been chosen to screen at the Asian Film Festival which will run from 12 to 16 October at Carpi, Italy.



The producers of the film are honoured that their first film has been chosen to be screened at the festival which will also be screening other films from famed industry people like Ringo Lam, Christopher Doyle and Stanley Kwan.



Last July, the Anwardi Jamil film made its premiere at the One Country One Film festival at Apchat, France.



The Wayang Pondok Sdn Bhd film under the support of FINAS and Imagica South East Asia as well as FELDA, follows the story of a girl named Farah, who wants to fulfil her grandmother's wishes of her getting married in a traditional Malay wedding at their kampong.



Although the film is not being released in cinemas, it has been screened at pop-up cinemas around the FELDA territory.
Moscow (AFP) - Russia one year ago carried out its first air strikes in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, in a major turning point in a multi-sided civil war.

A timeline:

Start of Russian intervention

- September 30, 2015: Russia, at the Damascus regime's request, launches air strikes on Syria, saying it has hit Islamic State (IS) targets.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow must act preemptively to destroy jihadists in Syria before they present a threat closer to home.

Syrian rebels and their overseas supporters accuse Moscow of targeting mostly non-jihadist groups to come to the aid of the Syrian army, which had suffered a series of resounding defeats since March 2015.

Air strikes intensify

- October 7, 2015: Russia's defence ministry says that for the first time Russian warships in the Caspian Sea fleet joined in strikes in Syria with a volley of 26 cruise missile attacks against 11 targets in Syria.

- December 9, 2015: The Russian army strikes Syria from a submarine deployed in the Mediterranean.

Diplomatic offensive

- October 20, 2015: Putin launches a diplomatic initiative and invites Assad to Moscow for a high-profile visit -- his first official trip abroad since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011.

- From October 23, 2015: The US, Russian, Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers hold unprecedented talks in Vienna to try to find a way out of the Syrian crisis.

- November 14, 2015: After a first meeting on October 30, the big powers, including Russia, the United States, France, and for the first time Iran meet in Vienna where they agree on a fixed calendar for Syria but remain sharply at odds over the future of Assad.

Regime forces retake territory

- February 1, 2016: Syrian regime forces, backed by Russian air strikes, launch an offensive against rebels around the northern city of Aleppo. Rebels lose stronghold after stronghold.

- March 15, 2016: Russia's Putin announces a partial withdrawal of Moscow's forces from Syria which is widely publicised despite lack of details of how much of the contingent remains.

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- March 27, 2016: The Syrian army, backed by its Russian ally, retakes the ancient city of Palmyra from IS.

- June 18, 2016: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu meets with Assad in Damascus to discuss anti-terrorist "cooperation" and inspects Russia's air base in Hmeimim in the Syrian coastal province of Latakia.

Russia-Turkey reconciliation

- August 9, 2016: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country backs the Syrian rebels, meets Putin in St Petersburg in a bid to heal ties, strained by the Syria conflict.

Tensions had soared in November 2015 between the two rival players in the Syria war when Turkey shot down a Russian warplane on the Syrian border, saying it had violated its airspace.

First strikes from Iran

- August 16, 2016: Russia says its warplanes flew out of an Iranian airbase for the first time to bomb jihadist groups in Syria.

- September 21, 2016: Shoigu says that Moscow is dispatching its flagship aircraft carrier to bolster its forces in the eastern Mediterranean off Syria.

The announcement comes as a new truce reached on September 9 between Moscow and Washington collapses after being in force for only a week.

Blitz of Aleppo

- September 22, 2016: The Syrian army announces a major offensive aimed at retaking rebel zones in Aleppo.

The rebel-held east of Aleppo has since come under a deadly bombardment by the regime and Russian airstrikes.

Moscow and Washington have traded blame over the truce's collapse, amid heavy international criticism of Russia's participation in the Aleppo offensive.
MPs spar over withdrawing Tikapur carnage cases

A serious dispute erupted between lawmakers from the CPN-UML and the Madhesi parties on Wednesday over the governments preparations to withdraw cases against those involved in the Tikapur bloodshed last year in which seven policemen and a two-year child were killed.
Berlin (AFP) - Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine are being actively advised by people close to the Kremlin on how to conduct a "propaganda campaign" against Kiev and the West, German media reported Thursday.

In what it called the "Donetsk-Leaks", investigative television programme Frontal21 and newspaper Die Zeit said they had obtained "10,000 emails" from the inbox of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic's information minister Elena Nikitina, shared online by pro-Ukraine activists.

Moscow has always denied that it provides support to separatists in eastern Ukraine, but the documents demonstrate the opposite, the reports said, showing "advisors" working directly with the rebels.

"The advisors are clearly close to the Kremlin or the presidential administration of Vladimir Putin," they claim.

Respected news weekly Die Zeit dedicated a two-page spread in its Thursday edition to the leaks, reporting that the advisors work for pro-Putin organisations including the "Centre for the political situation", or directly for the Russian presidency.

Several documents bear notes reading "report for Moscow" or the initials "AP" -- Russian shorthand for "presidential administration".

One 44-page document dated August 2015 explains that the Ukrainian government must be described "like a junta" while Moscow should be painted in a "positive" light.

"The support lent by Moscow to the republics" declared by separatists in Donetsk and Lugansk "must be depicted", if possible with examples such as "a grandmother knitting socks for Putin" or "children painting portraits" of the Russian president.

In its Tuesday evening broadcast, Frontal21 showed what it called "staged" images of a Russian aid convoy in eastern Ukraine being greeted from the roadside by young people waving large Russian flags.

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"Ukraine is deliberately undermining the Minsk accords" agreed in February 2015, reads one of the leaked documents cited by Die Zeit.

"All articles on Ukrainian infractions must contain this idea," it continues, adding that both the separatist republics and "the Russian Federation support the respect of the accords and Ukraine is against it."

Ukraine has been wracked for two years by conflict between the Kiev government's forces and pro-Russian separatists.

The violence has so far claimed more than 9,600 lives.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia's air force would press ahead with its operations in Syria and dismissed a U.S. statement on the conflict there as unhelpful and clumsy. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called on Moscow to ground its planes over Syrian battle zones, including over Aleppo. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters on Thursday that the Russian air force would continue to support Syrian government troops and that what he called the "war on terror" would continue. Peskov urged Washington to deliver on a pledge to separate moderate Syrian opposition fighters from "terrorists" and called the latest U.S. statement on Syria clumsy and unhelpful. He was referring to a statement by U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby who said on Wednesday that Russia had an interest in stopping the violence in Syria because extremists could exploit the vacuum there and launch attacks "against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities." Despite growing U.S.-Russia tensions, Peskov said Russia remained interested in cooperating with the United States to try to resolve the Syria crisis. (Reporting by Dmitry Solovyov and Maria Kiselyova; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Land Rover knows how to build up to a new model reveal. While other companies are content with video teasers or social media campaigns, the British SUV brand can always be counted on to go above and beyond.

So to introduce the all new fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery to the world, the company enlisted the help of adventurer Bear Grylls, Olympic sailing gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie, equestrian and royal family member Zara Phillips, plus over 5 million Lego bricks.

The bricks, a record 5,805,846 to be precise, were needed to build a 13-meter-high replica of London's iconic Bridge, in and around which the new Discovery made its entrance.

Breaking a Guinness Record for the largest Lego structure ever built seems fitting for a car as important as the new Discovery. At one time it had the market to itself, but 27 years on, there are crossovers and spacious SUVs as far as the eye can see. And while the publicity stunt is sure to grab people's attention momentarily, the car itself should have a more lasting impact.

It offers space for seven adults, and at the swipe of a smartphone app, those seats automatically rearrange themselves so that shopping can be easily stowed instead.

But that's just the tip of the cutting-edge tech iceberg. The car's ride height automatically drops when it senses people are trying to get in or out, it can step in to help parking and turning when towing a trailer, and if you're the adventurous outdoors type, you can even lock your keys in the car to keep them safe. Just use the waterproof activity wristband instead.

However, it's off the road where the new Discovery should leave all competitors standing. It has a remarkable 900mm wading depth and the all-terrain management systems are so advanced and sensitive that the driver need just take care of the steering and the car will be able to handle everything else.

"New Discovery redefines the large SUV. Land Rover's design and engineering teams have revolutionized the Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV," said Gerry Mc Govern, Land Rover's Chief Design Officer "We truly believe the result is a radical departure in design that will introduce the Discovery Family to a new, wider customer base."
* Panama's Global Bank preps roadshows

* Moody's says no Brazil investment grade before 2018

* Peru upsizes 12-year bond to accept more tenders

By Mike Gambale and Paul Kilby

NEW YORK, Sept 29 (IFR) - Below is a recap of primary issuance activity in the LatAm market on Thursday:

Number of deals priced: 3

Total issuance: US$2bn

BANCO MERCANTIL DEL NORTE

Banco Mercantil del Norte, S.A., Institucion de Banca Multiple, Grupo Financiero Banorte (Banorte), exp issue rating Ba1/BB+, announced a US$ benchmark 144A/RegS w/o reg rights 15-year (10/04/2031) non-call 10-year subordinated preferred Tier 2 capital notes. Bookrunners are Bank of America, JP Morgan(B&D) and Morgan Stanley. Co-managers: CS / MUFG / UBS / Wells Fargo. UOP: General corporate purposes including replenishing loss of capital credit by existing Basel II capital notes. Settle: 10/04/2016.

IPTS: low 6%

PRICE GUIDANCE: 6% area (+/- 5bp)

LAUNCH: US$500m 15NC10 at 6%

PRICED: US$500m 15NC10: 98.14; 5.75%C; 6%Y

EL PUERTO DE LIVERPOOL

El Puerto de Liverpool S.A.B. de C.V. (LIVEPL), BBB+/BBB+, announced a US$ benchmark 144A/RegS 10-year senior notes. The active bookrunners are Citigroup, Credit Suisse and JP Morgan. Guarantor: Distribuidora Liverpool, S.A. de C.V. UOP: GCP, including to finance portion of the proposed acquisitions. Settlement: 10/06/2016 (T+5).

IPTS: T+275bp area

PRICE GUIDANCE: T+250bp area (+/-5bp)

LAUNCH: US$750m 10-year at T+245bp

PRICED: US$750m 10year: 98.881, 3.875%C; 4.012%Y. T+245bp

ULTRAPAR

Ultrapar, US dollar denominated 10-year 144A/RegS bullet bond, to refinance existing debt. Expected ratings on the senior unsecured bond are Ba1/BB+ by Moody's and S&P. Ultrapar Participacoes and Ipiranga Productos de Petroleo are acting as guarantor, while Ultrapar International is the issuer.

Bookrunners are BB Securities, Bradesco BBI, Morgan Stanley, Santander and Morgan Stanley. BNP Paribas, MUFJ and Scotiabank are acting as co-managers. Ultrapar is involved in specialized distribution and retail, specialty chemicals and liquid bulk storage.

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IPTS: high 5%

PRICE GUIDANCE: 10-year at 5.625% area (+/-12.5bp)

LAUNCH: US$750m 10-year at 5.50%

PRICED: US$750m 10-year: 98.097; 5.25%C; 5.50%Y; T+394.2bp

PIPELINE:

Panama's Global Bank is readying fixed-income investor meetings for next week as it prepares to issue a possible senior unsecured note.

The issuer will be in London on October 3, in New York on October 4, in Boston on October 5 and Los Angeles on October 6. Ratings are Ba1/BBB-/BBB-.

The deal is being done in conjunction with a tender for its outstanding 2017 covered bonds. Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan have been mandated as leads, with UBS coming in as co-manager.

Mexican development bank Nafin wrapped up roadshows Wednesday, as it looks to market a potential US dollar bond through Bank of America Merrill Lynch and HSBC. The issuer is rated A3/BBB+/BBB+.

The Republic of Argentina is planning a dual-tranche, benchmark sized euro denominated bond issue.

The sovereign has mandated BBVA, BNP Paribas and Credit Suisse to arrange a series of fixed income investors meetings that finished in Italy on Thursday. The issuer is rated B3/B-.

Bermuda has launched an up to US$150m tender for its outstanding 5.603% 2020 and 4.138 2023 notes. The liability management operation is subject to the successful issuance of new notes.

The borrower is offering a price of 114 on the 2020s and 108 on the 2023s if holders tender by the early participation deadline of October 7. Thereafter but before the expiration date of October 18, those prices drop to 110 and 105. HSBC is leading the transaction.

(Reporting by Mike Gambale and Paul Kilby; Editing by Shankar Ramakrishnan)
Need to catch up? Check out last weeks Law & Order: SVU recap here.

Vice President Joe Biden swings by this weeks Law & Order: Special Victims Unit to congratulate Olivia and the unit on their work freeing a man wrongly convicted of sexual assault. The veep is there to draw attention to the national rape-kit backlog  a worthy cause  but given the way the hour ends perhaps its a good thing Biden hops on Air Force Two well before the episode gets underway, eh?

Read on as we review the major action in Making a Rapist.

RELATEDNBC Orders Little Big Shots Spinoff, This Time With Senior Citizens

HISTORY REPEATING | The hour opens with Biden addressing a press conference at the precinct, saying that the time lag in testing rape kits fails so many women. But he cites the work of my friend here, Lt. Olivia Benson in cases like a recently exonerated New York man who was freed from jail after 16 years when an untested rape kit in Detroit proved he was wrongfully convicted.

The man, Sean, is there  as is the woman who accused him, Melanie, and her adult daughter, Ashley. After the press conference, the trio surprise Olivia by mentioning that theyre all friends; Sean is even going to come to Ashleys upcoming wedding. But later that night, Fin and Rollins are called to Melanies house: Ashley has been raped, strangled, bleached, burned and a few other terrible things though shes still alive. To make matters worse, Melanie is pretty sure that she heard Seans voice in the house before the attack.

UP ON THE ROOF | The unit is, understandably, hesitant to haul Sean in for questioning, what with the whole making-a-giant-mistake-that-ruined-his-life-back-in-the-day. But when they learn that hes asked a friend to lie about his alibi, and that Ashleys fiance hates him, Sean starts looking rather shady. And then, Ashley dies.

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A look through Ashleys social media accounts points the SVU gang to a weird neighbor guy who likes to hang out on his rooftop, smoke weed and do unsavory things like stare at Ashley through her bedroom window. The guys name is Charlie, and I blame him directly for me having to Google Coney Island white fish after Carisi says he finds one in the kids hidey hole on the roof. (Ick. Also, dont Google that. Its not lose-your-lunch gross, but you could live your life not knowing what it is.)

(Youre Googling it right now, arent you? Go ahead. We can wait.)

RELATEDNBCs Timeless Sued by Creators of Spains El Ministerio del Tiempo

Law Order SVU Recap Season 18 Episode 2

STAR WITNESS?

| Charlie tells Rollins and Carisi that Ashley definitely liked to tease him, but it soon becomes clear that Charlie is not 100 percent there, and that he is easily swayed by the perceived attentions of the fairer sex. Though he is in possession of the bloody kitchen knife used to kill Ashley, hes soon ruled out as a suspect: Charlies girlfriend has video of them having sex at the time of the murder. Lovely.

Rollins shows Charlie a photo of Sean and asks him if that was the man he saw leaving the murder scene. Look, absolutely everything I know about our legal system I learned from this franchise, and even I wouldnt depend on this twitchy kid to be a crucial witness. But when Charlie says yes, Seans their man, Rollins and Carisi take him at his word. (Side note: Someone in the writers room lurves Kelli Giddish, based on the sheer number of times Rollins is described as pretty or attractive during the episode. I mean, theyre not wrong, but no need to rub it in for us normals, SVU writers.)

And when Fin finds Ashleys engagement ring in Seans sink drain, the cops bring him in. Seans lawyer is quick to hint at a frame-up. I know what its like to be raped! Sean yells, claiming he could never do that to his friend. I went in when I was 18, 140 lbs. What do you think happened? Oof.

RELATEDCruel Intentions Far From Dead as Cast Options Are Extended at NBC

JUSTICE? | By the time we get to court, its looking more and more like Sean did it  blood on his shoes, etc. But when Charlies testimony falls apart like a post beer-pong game of Jenga (I thought she wanted me to say it was him, the idiot says about Rollins and Sean), the burden of convicting Sean once more falls upon Melanie.

Ashleys mom refuses to testify, saying that she was absolutely sure it was Sean who attacked her all those years ago, and she was wrong. What if shes wrong about hearing his voice in the house on the night of the murder? So Barba compels her to testify, treats her as a hostile witness and gets her to admit that the reason shes hesitant to say Sean was in the house is because she feels guilty for sending him to prison in the first place (and therefore turning him into the rapist and murderer he is). When she finally crumbles and agrees, Seans lawyer cops a Murder II plea with the caveat that he address the court and say what really happens.

So he does. And its awful. Basically, Sean got drunk and told Ashley that he liked her. When she laughed at him, he raped and killed her, then bleached and burned her to destroy the evidence. I didnt want to do it, he tearfully admits. It just happened.

Outside the courthouse, Melanie sadly notes, At least I know he did it this time. When Benson assures her its not her fault, the grieving mom asks, Then whose is it?

Now its your turn. What did you think of the episode? Sound off in the comments!

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NIBL proposes 41pc dividend

Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has proposed a 20 percent stock dividend and 21 percent cash dividend to its shareholders from the profit it generated in fiscal year 2015-16.
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Exxon's climate change-related legal problems are growing by the day.

In addition to investigations by several state attorneys general and a separate inquiry on the part of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a new lawsuit filed in federal court on Thursday by a Massachusetts-based environmental group alleges the oil and gas giant has failed to take climate science research (including its own data) into account in operating an oil facility in the Boston area.

SEE ALSO: Climate activists blame Exxon Mobil for largest coral bleaching event on record

The suit, filed by the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), is significant because it is the first to allege that a private company is violating the Clean Water Act and hazardous waste laws by failing to adequately prepare for climate change impacts such as sea level rise and stormwater runoff from increased instances of heavy rainfall events.

This case could also open the floodgates for more litigation against Exxon and the many other oil and gas companies that operate low-lying coastal facilities.

According to the suit  filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts  the Exxon facility in Everett, Massachusetts, just to the northwest of Boston, has a stormwater drainage system that is easily overrun during extreme precipitation events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Storm surge inundation zone map, zoomed into the Everett, Mass. area.

Image: CLF

The suit contends that climate change-fed heavy rainfall is flooding the facility, which emits harmful contaminants into a tributary of the Mystic River in violation of the facility's permit.

The lawsuit rests in part on the investigative reporting of InsideClimateNews, the Los Angeles Times and others that have revealed Exxon studied climate science for decades and knew the global warming-related risks involved in burning fossil fuels perhaps better than any other entity aside from the federal government.

The reporting revealed that instead of incorporating the risks into its planning and being transparent about them, the company chose to fund climate denial groups and withhold its research from shareholders.

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The reporting has sparked a public campaign against Exxon, known together with the reporting by the hashtag #ExxonKnew.

The CLF suit takes those findings and applies them to one particular Exxon facility, which stores various petroleum products, nestled within a working class community near Boston.

The low-lying petroleum tank farm, the CLF contends, is already flooding in heavy rainfall events, and will flood from storm surge during a Category 1 hurricane or with modest amounts of sea level rise.

Opening the floodgates

According to Brad Campbell, president of the CLF, the entire facility is inundated, the entire thing is under water," in even a weak hurricane scenario, based on federal flood forecast tools.

Such flooding could release carcinogens such as toluene, benzene, arsenic and other harmful pollutants present at the facility.

"ExxonMobil has long been well aware of the present impacts and risks of climate change. Despite knowing of the certainty of rising temperatures and rising sea levels since as early as the 1970s, ExxonMobil did not use its findings to prepare its Everett Terminal for such risks," the court filing states.

"ExxonMobils knowing disregard of the imminent risks of climate change that threaten the Everett Terminal and its continuing failure to fortify the Terminal against such known risks make ExxonMobil liable for violations of the CWA and RCRA...," the lawsuit contends.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman speaks in New York, Monday, March 21, 2016. He is part of an investigation into Exxon's climate-related activities.

Image: Seth Wenig/AP

Im very surprised that EPA has turned a blind eye to this particular facility, and Im very surprised that the professional engineers who are attesting to the preparedness of this facility have been so cavalier in considering the climate impacts, Campbell told Mashable in an interview.

The lawsuit could pave the way for many more similar legal actions, and not just against Exxon, but other oil and gas companies too.

"If the suit succeeds it will be an important precedent," said Michael Gerrard, director of the Saban Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University, in an email.

"America's coastlines are dotted with oil and chemical tanks and other facilities that are at risk from rising seas."
By Kanupriya Kapoor CURUP, Indonesia (Reuters) - An Indonesian court on Thursday sentenced to death the leader of a gang of men and boys who raped and murdered a schoolgirl in a case that prompted the president to take steps to impose harsher punishments for attacks on children. The gang leader, Zainal, was sentenced to death in a court on Sumatra island. Four other men were jailed for 20 years for their roles in the April attack on the 14-year-old in the western island by a group of 14 males, including eight boys. Sexual violence against women and children is common in Indonesia but gang rape is unusual. The case shocked the world's fourth most populouscountry and prompted President Joko Widodo to sign a regulation allowing for harsher punishments for child rapists, including death and chemical castration. The regulation is pending approval in parliament. "Because of the sadistic nature of the crime ... the court sentences Zainal to death," said presiding judge Henny Faridha. The youngest member of the gang was 13 years old. They attacked the girl as she was on her way to school. Her battered body was found in a rubber plantation a few days later, after her parents reported her missing. Seven gang members were earlier jailed for 10 years, while one was ordered into a rehabilitation program for a year. One suspect is on the run, according to police. The victim's parents, who were in court, said the sentencing was inadequate. "They should all get the death penalty," Yana, the victim's mother, told reporters as she broke down in tears. The attack was reminiscent of a 2012 fatal gang rape of a female university student in India's capital, New Delhi, which provoked a national outcry and soul-searching about the treatment of girls and women in Indian society. (Reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Robert Birsel)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel said he would extend the term of army chief General Jean Kahwaji on Thursday, avoiding a vacuum at the head of the military, whose leadership has been a subject of political dispute. "It isn't possible or logical, and nobody could accept it, that the military establishment and the army continue without a leader," Moqbel said in a statement shown on live television. Lebanon faces a domestic political crisis that has prevented it from choosing a president for more than two years as its army and security forces confront a militant threat stemming from the five-year civil war in neighboring Syria. The decision to extend Kahwaji's term heading the army, seen as a rare neutral institution in a country beset by sectarian divisions, was supposed to have been made by the cabinet, but it failed to convene because of the political crisis. Leadership of the military is one of the biggest disputes among Lebanon's rival parties, a disagreement that contributed to the boycott of a parliament session on Wednesday by most of its members, and prevented the cabinet from meeting. Moqbel said his decision could be overturned at any time by the cabinet. Kahwaji was appointed army commander by the cabinet in 2008 and his term has been extended twice before. (Reporting By Angus McDowall; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Leipzig (Germany) (AFP) - German zookeepers shot dead a lion Thursday after two of the animals escaped from their enclosure and a tranquiliser failed to stop one of them, the zoo's director said.

"It's a very, very sad outcome but we had no choice," said the head of the zoo in the eastern city of Leipzig, Joerg Junhold.

The one-year-old lions, named Majo and Motshegetsi, had slipped into the main grounds of the zoo at about 8:40 am (0640 GMT), before the park opened to the public.

Zoo staff implemented an emergency plan, placing the facility on lockdown so the animals could not breach the facility's fences.

"After Majo was caught and Motshegetsi was hit with a tranquiliser dart, we were hopeful that the breakout could end without any loss of life," Junhold said.

However the staff then determined that they had lost control of the situation and a zookeeper shot and killed Motshegetsi.

"Human safety always comes first," Junhold said.

The two lions originally from Namibia had only arrived in Leipzig last month from Basel Zoo.

They were given several weeks to get used to their new home before being released into an enclosure where they could be seen by the public.

The escape "surprised all of us because the enclosure had been in operation for 15 years. Of course we assume that it is secure," Junhold said.

Last March, one tiger was killed by another at Leipzig zoo when a partition separating the two was removed by accident.

An Ohio zoo faced international uproar in May when its staff killed a critically endangered gorilla as it dragged a young boy who had fallen into its enclosure.

While acknowledging the US zookeepers had few options, critics slammed the zoo saying it should have installed more barriers. The park's managers insisted its facility met all industry standards.
Cairo (AFP) - Mourned internationally as a peacemaker, Israeli ex-president Shimon Peres's death has met with official silence in most Arab countries, where public opinion vilified the Nobel laureate as a "war criminal".

Of the 21 Arab states, only two -- Egypt and Jordan -- have full diplomatic relations with Israel.

Even in those countries, the legacy of their destructive wars with Israel and its policies towards Palestinians continue to influence public opinion.

Peres, who died at 93 on Wednesday, was widely viewed in Arab countries as one of Israel's founding fathers and closely associated with its policies towards Palestinians.

He is remembered internationally as the man who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 along with then prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

But Arab media coverage has focused on his role in Israeli military action.

"Peres, the engineer of the Qana massacre, dies," said a front page headline in Al-Ahram, Egypt's flagship state newspaper.

Peres was the prime minister in 1996, having taken over after the assassination of Rabin by a Jewish extremist for signing the peace treaty with the Palestinians.

During a 16-day war with the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group that year, Israel shelled a United Nations compound where Lebanese fleeing the conflict had taken refuge.

One hundred and six civilians were killed. Israel said the shelling of the compound near the village of Qana was accidental.

- 'A thousand damnations' -

"Peres dies: the 'butcher' of Qena," read a headline on the website of the Lebanese daily Al-Safir.

"A thousand damnations on his soul, although he's in hell," said Lebanese Public Health Minister Wael Abou Faour.

"I had wished for him a death that suited his crimes against Arabs and Palestinians. The only thing we mourn is that the devil is overjoyed because his counterpart has joined him."

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Most other Arab officials remained silent, with the exceptions of Palestinian president Abbas, who said Peres was "brave", and Bahrain's foreign minister.

"Rest in Peace President Shimon Peres, a Man of War and a Man of the still elusive Peace in the Middle East," the minister, Khaled ben Ahmed al-Khalifa, wrote on Twitter.

There was no official comment in Jordan and Egypt, which in 1979 became the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel.

Public opinion in both countries remains hostile to Israel.

Earlier this year, an Egyptian member of parliament was attacked with a shoe by a colleague for hosting Israel's ambassador for dinner.

Parliament later voted to deprive him of his seat.

In Jordan, which signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, a majority of the population is of Palestinian origin.

Jordanian newspaper Al-Rai railed against the "hypocritical discourse of the colonising West" for describing Peres as a man of peace.

The article was headlined "The Godfather of settlements and a murderer... who feels sorry for him?" in reference to Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.

Barak Ravid, diplomatic correspondent with the liberal Israeli newspaper Haaretz, lamented the response of Arab officials to Peres' death.

"The silence from Arab leaders towards (Peres's) death especially in Egypt and Jordan is shameful.... It is inhumane and immoral," the Israeli journalist tweeted in Arabic.

"Did (Peres) ever admit or apologise for his inhumane and immoral acts and policies towards the Arabs and Palestinians?" responded a Twitter user.
Lima (AFP) - Workers doing cleanup along a river in southern Peru stumbled upon part of a pre-Hispanic, Inca-era altar believed to have been long-lost, the Culture Ministry said Wednesday.

About 35 percent of the altar -- weighing around 20 tonnes and decorated with detailed carving -- was located on the bank of the Vilcanota River, in the Cusco region.

The hefty stone religious piece, dating from sometime between 1200 and 1500 AD, is about 2.5 meters (eight feet) long and one meter (three feet) tall.

It was feared to have been lost for good during major road work in the area four years ago.

But as the workers cleared stones, sand, earth and brush that had been deposited by the river, they discovered the piece -- a significant part of Peru's cultural patrimony.

"Now we have to recover it all, as fully as possible, and relocate it," Oscar Montufar, coordinator of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, told reporters, explaining that the alter had been used in water worship.

The Cusco area Culture Office said it was considering relocating the altar to the main square of Ollantaytambo, one of Cusco's biggest tourist draws after the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Obama: Congress veto override of 9/11 lawsuits bill 'a mistake'

US President Barack Obama has said Congress made a "mistake" by overriding his veto and pushing through a bill that allows legal action against Saudi Arabia over the 9/11 attacks.
CCTV captured the dramatic moment a large lorry travelling through a small Irish town lost control of its cargo, sending hay bales tumbling to the road and bringing down an electricity pole in the process.

The video was captured on September 28 by the CCTV cameras at Hamills Bar in Ardee, Ireland. It shows how, after coming around the corner, some hay bales on the lorry were off balance, and were brought down after colliding with a pole.

Mark Conlon, the manager of Hamills, said on Facebook that it was lucky nobody had been hurt, as the driver never stopped. Credit: Facebook/Mark Conlon
* Trading group's first-half net profit edges up to $135 mln

* Volumes rise, lower costs curb impact of sales drop

* Group says Q2 speculative inflows added to tough conditions

* Ample supply, tepid economy still weighing on commodities (Writes through to add detail, analyst quote)

By Gus Trompiz

PARIS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Agricultural trading giant Louis Dreyfus Company eked out a small rise in 2016 first-half net profit, saying steady shipped volumes helped it weather another tough period in commodity markets.

Louis Dreyfus has been grappling with ample supply, lower prices and slower economic growth that have cut margins, while also going through a leadership shake-up under main shareholder Margarita Louis-Dreyfus.

The privately owned company said on Thursday that net income was $135 million compared with $130 million in the first half of 2015, with lower costs and tax offsetting weaker underlying profit.

Operating profit for its business segments fell to $546 million from $638 million as net sales dropped to $23.5 billion from $26.4 billion.

Unexpected capital inflows in commodities in the second quarter added to the difficult trading conditions, it added.

"Posting reasonable results during such periods and a context of continued oversupply illustrates our ability to adjust to changing conditions," Chief Executive Officer Gonzalo Ramirez Martiarena said in an interim results report.

It said shipped volumes rose 1 percent in the first half, supported by grain and oilseed exports from South America and healthy flows at its metals business.

"With a 1 percent increase in volumes they appear to be keeping or slightly increasing market share," James Dunsterville, analyst with Geneva-based Agflow, said.

"But there is no comment on the situation from July onwards and I think the second half is proving very difficult for the trade."

Autumn corn and soybean harvests in the United States, expected to yield record volumes, will be a major factor for trading firms in the second half of the year.

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Recent rallies in sugar, coffee and juice could also influence firms such as Louis Dreyfus that have wide exposure in soft commodities. Sugar futures hit four-year highs this month.

Dreyfus, part of the so-called ABCD quartet of trading giants alongside Archer Daniels Midland, Bunge and Cargill, had previously reported a plunge in net profit for 2015 and confirmed it was seeking partners to help some businesses expand, starting with its fertiliser division.

It did not give any update on partnerships in the first-half report.

The unfavourable landscape has also led Louis Dreyfus' rivals to reorganise. ADM said last month it was pulling back in ethanol and exploring sales of corn dry mills that produce the biofuel as weak ethanol results contributed to lower quarterly profits.

In the first half, margins at Dreyfus' fertiliser business remained hurt by weak demand from farmers, leading it to focus on key markets including in Africa, it said.

But its juice platform, also earmarked for a joint venture partner, posted improved results, helped by inventory cuts and marketing changes, it said.

The group, which this year changed its name to Louis Dreyfus Company from Louis Dreyfus Commodities, again restrained capital expenditure. It came to $132 million, close to the $135 million in the first half of 2015, with a focus on existing assets.

(Editing by Alexander Smith and David Evans)
BERLIN (Reuters) - Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) will take the next year to analyse how to integrate Brussels Airlines into the airline group, meaning it will be 2018 before any customers see changes to the brand, a Lufthansa executive said on Thursday.

Lufthansa announced plans for a full takeover of the carrier, formed in 2002 after the collapse of previous Belgian national carrier Sabena, on Wednesday.

It wants to look at ways to integrate it into its low-cost Eurowings platform, but will also seek to keep more specialist services, such as Brussels Airlines' flights to Africa within the Lufthansa platform, Karl Ulrich Garnadt, head of Eurowings told journalists.

"It will be 2018 until customers see any changes," Garnadt said, adding that Lufthansa would first focus on integrating planes on a wet lease deal from Air Berlin (AB1.DE) into its network and systems.

(Reporting by Victoria Bryan; Editing by Ludwig Burger)
(Warning: This article contains spoilers for Marvels Jessica Jones)

On Friday, Marvel will roll out the next chapter in the Netflix division of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Luke Cage, the story of a convict-turned-crimefighter who uses his bulletproof skin to come out on top in firefights. It marks a major resurgence for a character who was designed as a way for Marvel to cash in on a trend, only to fall into comics purgatory when that trend fell out of style.

Luke Cage made his debut in 1972, a year after Shaft kicked the blaxploitation film craze into high gear. In some respects, Cage was a super-powered version of Shaft, with both characters looking for a new direction after getting in trouble with the law. In Cages case, it was necessitated when former friend and top criminal Willis Stryker framed him for heroin possession. Stryker blamed Cage for prompting his girlfriend to break up with him, though she really did it because Cage chose to leave his deadly life of crime behind and Stryker didnt.

While in prison, Cage is chosen to be the subject in a super soldier experiment similar to the one that turned Steve Rogers into Captain America. The experiment gives him increased strength, healing factor and, most notably, indestructible skin. Cage uses his new powers to break out of prison and return to New York, where he becomes a soldier of fortune.

Also Read: Netflix's New 'Luke Cage' Trailer Shows Harlem's Hero Running the Streets (Video)

But like many characters designed to cash in on a trend, Luke Cage fell out of fashion following the decline of blaxploitation. To stem the tide, Marvel paired him up with Iron Fist, another 70s hero designed to capitalize on the popularity of martial arts movies and who, incidentally, is also getting a Netflix series soon. While the team-up helped buoy for a while, Luke Cages comic book run finally came to an end in 1986 with Iron Fist being killed off and Cage falsely accused of murdering him.

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Six years later, Luke Cage got a second chance with a new series that moved him away from his blaxploitation roots in favor of a dark and gritty vibe that was popular at the time. In the first issue of the new series, Cage burned his old costume and moved to Chicago, where he confronted his estranged brother and helped The Punisher battle drug dealers. After that series ended, Luke Cage had appearances in several series, including a team-up with Captain America on the Secret Avengers. But it was in 2003 that he met his future wife Jessica Jones, forming a relationship that would later be used to introduce Cage to the MCU.

Luke Cages big moment came in last years Netflix series Jessica Jones, when he was re-imagined as a hero who, despite his incredible powers, is a soulful and vulnerable man. When Jessica first encounters Luke, hes on the hunt for the person who killed his wife. What he doesnt know is that Jessica is the killer  but its complicated. She was forced to kill him by Kilgrave, who used his powers to override her free will and make her pull the trigger. Cage has been trying to fill the empty hole in his life with meaningless sexual encounters, but upon meeting a fellow meta-human in Jessica, he finally begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Or so he thinks.

Also Read: 'Doctor Strange': First Look at Benedict Wong in New International Trailer (Video)

As Jessica and Cage continue to bond and eventually fall for each other, Jessica withholds her dark secret. Eventually, Cage tracked down the bus driver he thought drunkenly struck and killed his wife. Desperate to stop him from killing an innocent man, Jessica finally revealed the truth. Enraged, Cage left Jessica to find Kilgrave. Unfortunately, his reckless attack only subjected him to Kilgraves control.

From there, Kilgrave used Cage to manipulate Jessica, making her think Cage forgave her for her deceit and luring her into a trap. Once Kilgrave had her where he wanted her, he ordered Cage to kill Jessica. In the resulting firefight, Jessica had no choice but to shoot Cage in the head with a shotgun. Though the discharge didnt blow his head off, it still caused serious brain trauma, forcing Cages hospitalization. The nurses struggled to insert an IV to drain the excess fluid in his head thanks to his skin, but Jessica and her friend Claire Temple saved him by sticking the IV in his eye. That would be the last time Jessica would see Cage, as he fled into the New York night without a word as soon as he recovered.

Luke Cage will see the bulletproof hero continue his struggle with heartbreak and betrayal while fighting crime on the streets of Harlem as a neighborhood hero who just happens to work two menial jobs to make ends meet. While Mike Colters portrayal of the character will be different from the Luke Cage of the 70s, expect the shows atmosphere and music to call back to the blaxploitation era, as well as touch upon the struggle between legacy and gentrification that Harlem faces today.
Person of Interest alum Amy Acker goes from guns a-blazing hot to smiley and warm, in this exclusive sneak peek from Episode 2 of CBS MacGyver.

RELATEDRatings: MacGyver Opens With a Bang, 11-Year Audience High for CBS

In Metal Saw, airing Friday at 8/7c, MacGyver and the team set out to assist Sarah Adler (played by Acker), Jacks former CIA partner/ex-girlfriend who went missing in Venezuela after she obtained evidence to take down an international arms dealer.

She does get kidnapped, but she definitely does not need to be rescued, showrunner Peter M. Lenkov previously told TVLine. After all, Adler is a female version of George Eads Jack Dalton, and shes pretty badass!

RELATEDMacGyver Poll: Is the New Mac Loaded With Enough Cool Features?

Check out Acker first in the already released clip below, in which she channels her inner, pistol-packing Root, and then hit play on the exclusive video above, where Sarah and the team decompress (only) a bit after the melee.

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Elementary Season Premiere Recap: Change You Can Believe In
By Chris Kahn NEW YORK (Reuters) - A majority of Americans say Democrat Hillary Clinton won Monday night's presidential debate, but her performance doesn't appear to have immediately boosted her support among likely voters, according to a Reuters/Ipsos national tracking poll released on Wednesday. The online poll, which gathered responses from more than 2,000 people on Tuesday, found 56 percent of American adults felt that Clinton did a better job than Trump in the first of their three televised debates, compared with 26 percent who felt that Trump did better. Of those who thought Clinton emerged the victor, 85 percent were Democrats and 22 percent were Republicans. U.S. presidential debates have historically been seen as a crucial test of candidates' poise and policies. Monday's was watched by a record 84 million viewers and was billed as a rare prime-time opportunity for two unpopular candidates to convince millions of undecided voters to back them. Afterward, both candidates claimed victory. "Every single online poll had me winning, Trump said at a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Wednesday. "You sit back and you hear how well she did in the debate. I dont think she did well at all. Clinton campaign spokesman Jesse Ferguson said the Democrat clearly won the debate as Trump "was unprepared, became unhinged and was incoherent throughout." Among those who are expected to take part in the Nov. 8 general election, 34 percent said they felt that the debate changed their view of Clinton in a positive way, compared with 19 percent who said the same of Trump. DELAYED REACTION Some 31 percent of likely voters said the debate improved Clinton's chances of winning the White House, while 16 percent said the debate benefited Trump. Even so, Clinton's performance seemed to have little impact on her support among America's likely voters. The poll showed 42 percent supported Clinton while 38 percent supported Trump. Over the past few weeks Clinton has maintained a lead of between 4 and 6 points over Trump. Narrowing the focus to likely voters who watched the debate, Clinton led Trump 44 percent to 39 percent. One possible reason for the lack of movement in her support is that it usually takes several days to measure the full impact of a single event, like a debate, said Donald Green, a political scientist at Columbia University. The Reuters/Ipsos poll is conducted every day in English in all 50 states. Monday's sample of 2,036 American adults included 1,336 people who were considered to be likely voters from their voting record, registration status and stated intention to vote in the election. Among those likely voters, 1,026 said they watched some portion of the debate on live TV, online or in media clips that were circulated after the debate. The poll has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 3 percentage points for the entire sample and the sample of likely voters. It has a credibility interval of 4 percentage points for the likely voters who watched the debate. National opinion polls have differed this year in how they measure support for Clinton and Trump. Some polls, like Reuters/Ipsos, try to include only likely voters, while others include all registered voters. The Reuters/Ipsos tracking poll gathers responses every day and reports results twice a week, so it often detects trends in sentiment before most other polls. Polling aggregators, which calculate averages of major polls, have shown that Clinton's lead over Trump has been shrinking this month to about 2 percentage points. (Reporting by Chris Kahn, editing by Richard Valdmanis and Ross Colvin)
Steven Avery is speaking out.

The convicted killer at the center of the Netflix docuseries Making a Murderer is set to appear on Dr. Phil next month, it was announced Thursday.

Avery will telephone the daytime talk show from behind bars for an episode that will air on Oct. 3 and 4. In addition, Dr. Phil McGraw will have Avery's fiancee, Lynn Hartman, in the studio. The two will discuss their relationship, Avery's life in prison and his hopes for a release.

"The truth is coming out, and sooner or later all the truth will come out," Avery said in the interview.

Read more: 'Making a Murderer' Gets Additional Episode Order at Netflix

Avery was convicted in 2007 for the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach and is serving life in prison at the Waupun Correctional Institute in Wisconsin. His nephew, Brendan Dassey, recently saw his own conviction overturned in the same murder case. At the time, Dassey confessed to helping his uncle Steven Avery carry out the rape and murder of Halbach, but attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated throughout the investigation. Avery filed an appeal in the case at the beginning of the year, just weeks after Netflix released the entire first season of Making a Murderer.

Before his 2007 conviction, Avery served 18 years in prison on a sexual assault conviction. DNA evidence exonerated him of the crime in 2003, two years before the murder of Halbach.

This will mark Avery's first broadcast interview. He is the latest get for Dr. Phil this season. The longtime talk show host had a three-part interview with Burke Ramsey, the brother of JonBenet Ramsey, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the young beauty queen's murder.

New episodes of Making a Murderer, which recently won four Emmy awards, are in the works at Netflix.
PM Dahal inaugurates SAARC effectiveness conference

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the SAARC Effectiveness Conference here on Thursday.
(Adds budget details, quote)

BAMAKO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Mali's finance minister has proposed a 2017 budget that will see spending increase by more than 10 percent with a heavy emphasis on investment spending and security, he said on Thursday.

The West African nation expects gross domestic product to grow by 5.4 percent this year and 5.3 percent in 2017, Boubou Cisse said on state radio, as activity in its agricultural sector picks up.

"The 2017 budget contains revenues of 2,013 billion CFA francs ($3.44 billion) and 2,270 billion CFA francs in terms of spending," he said.

Cisse said the government planned to ask donors for help bridging the 257 billion CFA franc deficit - Mali's usual mode of funding that gap - and would also look to borrow from capital markets.

The budget, presented to the prime minister on Wednesday, was approved by the International Monetary Fund, which has warned that Mali still faces risks from simmering conflict in the north.

Islamist groups, some with links to al Qaeda, seized northern Mali in 2012 only to be driven back by a French-led military intervention a year later. However, the area has seen a resurgence of violence this year. ($1 = 584.8400 CFA francs) (Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Emma Farge and Louise Ireland)
The man named in an AMBER Alert along with the Indiana mother now accused of murdering her two young children was fatally shot himself, PEOPLE confirms.



Frank Macomber, 65, was found dead of a gunshot wound Monday afternoon in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Allen County officials tell PEOPLE.



Hours before, AMBER Pasztor of Fort Wayne was charged with the murder of her two children, of whom she had lost custody: Liliana Hernandez, 7, and Rene Pasztor, 6.



The two children died of asphyxiation, Elkhart County Coroner James Elliot tells PEOPLE. In a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Pasztor allegedly confessed to authorities that she suffocated her children.



Liliana and Rene's bodies were found in a car belonging to Macomber behind the Elkhart Police Department on Monday after Pasztor allegedly abducted the pair, prompting an AMBER Alert.





Man Found Dead After Being Named in AMBER Alert of Mom Who Allegedly Killed Her Kids| Crime & Courts, Murder, True Crime



Pasztor allegedly approached a police officer outside a police station and told him there were two dead people in the back seat of her car, Elkhart Police spokesperson Sgt. Chris Snyder told PEOPLE.



 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.



Prior to that, the children had last been seen at about 6:21 a.m. Monday. The AMBER Alert was issued on 12:30 p.m., and at a press conference, Snyder said the children were "believed to be in extreme danger." Police believe Macomber was with Pasztor during the alleged incident.





Father of Children Died Mysteriously

Pasztor was once questioned in the death of Rene Hernandez, the father of her children and her fiance, Whitley County officials tell PEOPLE.



Hernandez was found in late 2010 in a remote part of Whitley County. His body was unrecognizable: It had been torn apart by feral dogs and frozen, Whitley County's Assistant Prosecutor D.J. Sigler tells PEOPLE.



"It was impossible for anyone to determine the cause of death," Sigler says.



Due to lack of evidence, the case, which was handled by both Whitley and Allen County officials, went cold, Sigler says. At a press conference on Tuesday, Whitley County Sheriff officials said they are reopening Hernandez's case.



"It would be great with any case that stays open for any closure for the family, even though the news would still hurt, but anything we can do to close that case would be great," Whitley County Sheriff Marcus Gatton tells PEOPLE.



Pasztor appeared in court for a probable cause hearing Wednesday afternoon, PEOPLE confirms. She is being held without bail in Elkhart County Jail, court officials tell PEOPLE. It is unclear whether she has an attorney.



She has not been charged with the murder of Frank Macomber.
By Curtis Skinner

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A man pleaded guilty on Thursday to kidnapping in connection with a bizarre 2015 abduction case in the San Francisco Bay Area that police initially deemed a hoax, prosecutors said.

As part of a plea deal, 39-year-old Matthew Muller admitted to one count of kidnapping in exchange for prosecutors recommending only 40 years in prison as opposed to a maximum penalty of life, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the eastern district of California said in a statement.

Muller's attorney, Tom Johnson, told the Sacramento Bee newspaper the guilty plea showed Muller took responsibility for his actions.

"We feel that this is the way that will someday open a door for his return to society," Johnson said.

At the time, Vallejo Police Department detectives said they found no evidence of a kidnapping. A department spokesman held a news conference calling the incident a "wild goose chase" and blamed the victims, Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn.

Months later, prosecutors charged Muller, saying he broke into the Vallejo home early on March 23, 2015, armed with a stun gun, bound the two residents and drugged them.

Muller played a recorded message threatening them if they did not comply, then put Huskins in the trunk of his car and drove her to his South Lake Tahoe home, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Muller kept Huskins there for two days and demanded Quinn pay a ransom of $17,000. During that time, Muller emailed a San Francisco journalist about the kidnapping, prosecutors said.

Muller released Huskins in the southern California city of Huntington Beach after holding her captive for two days and no ransom was paid, prosecutors said.

The Sacramento Bee said Muller, a former U.S. Marine and Harvard-educated immigration attorney, told the court he is "being treated with mood stabilizers, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications."

The couple sued the Vallejo Police Department in March, saying police statements and actions created a "destructive nationwide media frenzy ... and rubbed salt in the plaintiff's fresh wounds."

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Huskins alleged in the suit she was raped twice while blindfolded and was told the sexual assault would be recorded to blackmail her from going to the police.

Muller was never charged with rape. Lauren Horwood, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, said there was no federal law covering that crime as alleged and the state has not yet brought charges related to that incident.

Muller is to be sentenced on Jan. 19, 2017.

(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by David Gregorio)
(Boston)  A 22-year-old man rescued from a life raft after a fishing trip that left his mother missing and presumed dead had been a suspect in the still-unsolved 2013 slaying of his rich grandfather, adding to the multitude of questions swirling around him and what happened at sea.

Nathan Carman was picked up by a freighter Sunday 100 miles off the Massachusetts coast after what he said was a week adrift that began when his 31-foot aluminum fishing boat inexplicably sank during a mother-and-son outing.

Coast Guard officials interviewed Carman, and police searched his home in Vermont as part of an investigation into the ill-fated trip. He has not been charged with anything.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, he said he had absolutely nothing to do with his grandfathers killing and did everything he could to find his mother, 54-year-old Linda Carman, of Middletown, Connecticut, as their boat went down. He said he blew a whistle and called out frantically for her for hours.

I was yelling, Mom! Mom!' Carman said. He added: I loved my mother and my mother loved me.

According to court documents, Carman came under suspicion in the slaying three years ago of his maternal grandfather, 87-year-old John Chakalos, a wealthy real estate developer who was found shot to death in his Windsor, Connecticut, home.

A 2014 search warrant obtained by the AP said that Carman was the last person known to have seen Chakalos alive; that Carman had bought a rifle consistent with the one used in the crime; and that he discarded his hard drive and GPS unit used around the time of the shooting.

Carman was never charged. According to court papers, police submitted an arrest warrant to a prosecutor, but it was returned unsigned with a request for more information.

In his will, Chakalos left an estate worth more than $42 million to his four adult daughters, including Carmans mother.

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Windsor police Capt. Thomas LePore said Wednesday that the case is still open and that Carman remains a person of interest.

My grandfather was like a father to me, and I was like a son to him, Carman told the AP. He was the closest person in the world to me, and I loved him and he loved me, and I had absolutely nothing to do with his death.

In the course of investigating the killing, authorities said in court papers that they learned from family members that Carman had a history of violence as a child, including one incident in which he allegedly held another child hostage with a knife. The documents also said Carman had several alarming episodes while he was a high school student, although no details of those incidents were given.

Authorities would not discuss the investigation into the boating trip.

Mother and son set off from a marina in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, on Sept. 17, authorities said. Carman told the AP that their boat sank in a matter of minutes around noon the next day after he heard a funny noise in the engine compartment and saw water pouring in.

He said he saw his mother in the cockpit and then saw her pulling in the fishing lines. He said he grabbed three bags containing food, flares and life jackets. But when he looked back, his mother was no longer there, he said.

One minute I was standing on the deck, the next minute I was in the water, he said.

Carman said the life raft self-inflated, and he swam to it, about 15 to 20 feet away, and began calling for his mother.

On Monday, authorities searched Carmans home in Vernon, Vermont, and seized a modem, a SIM card and a letter. Their search warrant indicated investigators think that Carman was handling some boat motor repairs himself and that the vessel might not have been seaworthy.

The investigation has also revealed that Nathan had intended to go fishing further off-shore in a different location than what were his mothers intentions and understanding, the warrant said.

Family members have said Carman has Aspergers syndrome, a form of autism that can be characterized by social awkwardness and repetitive behavior. Experts say people with Aspergers are no more likely than others to commit violent crimes.

His attorney, Hubert Santos, said that Carman cooperated fully with the Coast Guard and that his mothers death was a tragic accident.

___

Associated Press writers Michael Melia in Hartford, Connecticut; and Jennifer McDermott in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, contributed to this report.
Paris (AFP) - If you think dogs are drawn to your winning personality then think again -- the attraction may be genetic, according to a study released Thursday that pinpoints genes linked to inter-species amity.

Providing food and playing fetch, of course, also forge strong bonds.

But experiments involving several hundred dogs, and a sweeping analysis of their genomes, uncovered a handful of genetic variants clearly linked to canines being friendly with humans.

The same genes, it turns out, help govern sociability in our species, and are implicated in neurological problems ranging from autism to ADHD.

"Our findings suggest that there may be a common underlying genetic basis for social behaviour in dogs and humans," senior author Pers Jensen, a professor of ethology at Linkoping University in Sweden, told AFP.

The first domesticated dogs -- some 15,000 years ago -- were probably wolves that had grown accustomed to the presence of humans in their habitat, most experts agree.

Since then, man's best friend has continued to evolve, a process likely influenced by our intimate co-habitation.

Indeed, one of the ways in which dogs diverged from wolves was by developing an innate tendency to seek our companionship, earlier research has shown.

Several experiments, for example, compared the behaviour of puppies and wolf pups raised as family pets. The baby wolves were taken from their mothers at about eight weeks old.

When confronted as adults -- in the presence of humans -- with so-called "impossible tasks" that they could not resolve, the dogs and socialised wolves behaved quite differently.

"In general, dogs had a strong tendency to solicit human help, whereas wolves" -- even those raised as pets "did not," said Jensen.

Jensen and colleagues performed a similar test with more than 400 beagles born and raised in a kennel that produced animals for laboratory tests.

Importantly, all the animals came to maturity under the same conditions and with the same level of human contact.

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In the experiments, each beagle tried to lift clear plastic lids off three bowls in order to get an edible treat below.

- Looking at wolf genomes -

The first two tests were easy, but the third lid was impossible to move.

The researchers recorded the dogs' reactions, especially to what extent they turned to a person in the room, as if to seek assistance.

The next step was to examine the DNA coding of each dog's genome to look for matches between its behaviour in the experiment and specific genetic variants, or mutations.

Jensen and his team found five genes that correlated strongly with the dogs most inclined to seek human help -- the same genes related to sociability in humans.

The two that stood out the most are known as SEZ6L and ARVCF.

It is still unclear exactly how these genes exert on influence, or whether they are simply markers of some other process as yet undetected. That's a very difficult question to unravel.

There is another puzzler, however, that can be resolved: did these genetic variants evolve during the domestication of dogs, or have they been there all along?

To find out, Jensen is now sequencing the genes of wolves to see if they have the same variants.

If they don't, it would strongly suggest that these "sociability genes" arose recently.

But it is also possible, he said, that the first wolves to join the community of humans had precisely the same mutations that may have made some of the dogs in the experiment more likely to nuzzle up to a two-footed friend.

"My gut feeling is that there is the same kind of gene variations in the wolf population," Jensen said.

The kennel, by the way, went out of business, which means that all the beagles found homes, he added.
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 28, 2016 / When asked where the top city for tech startups may be, most people would guess the San Francisco Bay area or Silicon Valley. But surprisingly, the correct answer is Austin, Texas. In addition to decades as a music mecca  the international South by Southwest Festival is held here every year - Austin has been the fastest growing tech town in the U.S. for several years running, with more than 147 companies securing almost $1 billion in funding just in 2015. Along with fresh entrepreneurs, giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook have also opened offices in town. Meeting the increased demand for housing in the area is real estate developer Marcus Hiles, whose vision of upscale, ecologically-minded, yet affordable, homes for the burgeoning new professional class is being realized through more than 15,000 residential units that his company, Western Rim Property Services, has built throughout Texas, including Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth.

"It's really an ideal combination of factors behind the tech boom," said Marcus Hiles. "Texas, of course, is a very business friendly state with zero personal income and corporate taxes. Besides economic incentives, Austin is also renowned for its culture and art, relaxed healthy lifestyle and great weather. Additionally, the University of Texas at Austin brings in many talented young people from all over the world who make the city their home." Along with these elements, Austin is simply much more affordable with a much lower cost of living than other tech hot spots such as Silicon Valley and New York.

Austin is overall proving to be a city of innovators and risk-takers. The Kauffman Index, produced by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, is a key measurement of entrepreneurship on the national, state and metropolitan levels. By factoring three metrics - the rate of new businesspersons, the number of those who started their companies when unemployed, and the number of startups per capita - they develop an annual gauge. According to the data, roughly 555 out of every 100,000 adults in the Austin region became entrepreneurs in any given month during the past five years, on average. They have placed the startup rate at 180 new businesses - less than a year old and employing at least one other person besides the owner - per 100,000 residents.

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Marcus Hiles, Fort Worth founder of Western Rim Property Services, has worked steadily to become a leader in Texas real estate. With a dedication to building quality residences that include advanced eco-friendly technology and natural landscaping techniques to create high value, yet still affordable, homes throughout the greater areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, New Braunfels, Austin, and San Antonio. Always seeking to give back to the community, Hiles has spearheaded a number of charitable ventures around the Dallas area including school support, children's hospitals and a number of low-income meal programs.

Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com

Marcus Hiles - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD69v3VVsYGfQsdfVO5iNow

Marcus Hiles (@marcus_hiles) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcus_hiles

Contact Information

ICMediaDirect.com

TEL: 1.800.595.0821

www.ICMediaDirect.com

pr@icmediadirect.com

SOURCE: Marcus Hiles
Mark Cuban

Billionaire businessman Mark Cuban in a statement posted to Twitter on Thursday explained why he drifted away from Donald Trump after initially expressing excitement about the real-estate magnate's candidacy.

The owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and star of ABC's "Shark Tank" said he "liked Trump's honesty because it was different," and that the Manhattan billionaire "had a chance to change the business of politics" as a result of it.

"What I didn't realize he was missing at the time was a complete and utter lack of preparation, knowledge, and common sense," Cuban wrote.

He added that he "made the mistake of assuming" the Republican nominee would "have some interest in learning and keeping up with world events" and that he'd "make the effort to learn what he didn't know."

"I obviously was wrong," he wrote. "I can't say it enough that learning how to learn is one of the greatest skills anyone can have. It's why I advocate that everyone go to college. I love being challenged and defending my positions and, when I'm wrong, learning from the exchange. It makes me smarter and better as a businessperson. That's the key difference between us. Trump never takes on the intellectual challenge. He doesn't even try. He just talks about having a good brain."

A Twitter user called Cuban out shorty after he posted the statement for using the word "honesty" to describe his earlier thoughts about Trump's candidacy, asking if Trump promoting the birther movement against President Barack Obama for five years "wasn't a tipoff?"

"Honesty wasn't the word I should have used," Cuban wrote. "Unfiltered would have been better."

Hillary Clinton's campaign gave Cuban a front-row seat at Monday night's presidential debate, as he's become one of her most vocal surrogates along the trail. The campaign said it was the "best" seat it had available.

Giving his thoughts on the political slugfest, Cuban said after the debate that he didn't believe there was "any one top moment," saying it was more like a "sporting event" in which "one team got way down and they kept on being combative to fight back."

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"She was cool, calm, collected, and he was flustered," he said. "He was really, really flustered."

Cuban has been a Clinton supporter since he endorsed the Democratic nominee at a Pittsburgh rally in July, and he has ripped Trump repeatedly on social media and in interviews, calling him the most "dangerous" presidential candidate he could imagine during a recent interview with Business Insider. Cuban recently offered Trump $10 million to hold a four-hour policy debate with him.

NOW WATCH: David Cay Johnston: 'There's no evidence Donald Trump is a billionaire'





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PM seeks press role in constitution implementation

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged press to help the government in the implementation of the constitution, the prime need of the country.
It's an age-old debate: Are you a Marvel or DC kind of fan?

Now a little data is adding fuel to the fire, with Foursquare studying some of the tendencies of fans of both companies' films. By looking at fans who checked in at screenings of Marvel's Deadpool and Captain America: Civil War, and DC's Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, Foursquare was able to see what else those fans liked.

In data exclusively provided to Heat Vision, the location intelligence company crunched the numbers based on users who checked into Marvel and DC films on two of its apps: Foursquare and Swarm.

Some of the findings aren't what you'd expect ... such as, who knew Jamba Juice was so big with both of them?

Marvel: Marvel fans (51.7 percent male) are two times more likely to visit T-Mobile and 150 percent more likely to visit 24 Hour Fitness (who ever said geeks weren't into fitness?) than the average Foursquare user. Their favorite food stops were Jamba Juice, Yogurtland, Pinkberry and Coldstone.

DC: DC moviegoers (52.6 percent male) tended to visit food and beverage stops such as Jamba Juice, Domino's, Jersey Mike's, Panda Express, Potbelly, Jimmy Johns and Chipotle. They were also 50 percent more likely to visit Barnes and Nobles compared to the rest of America.

Another great geek battle Foursquare is shedding light on is San Diego Comic-Con vs. New York Comic Con with the company finding differences there as well.

San Diego Comic-Con: SDCC attendees are into fitness; they are two times more likely to check out CorePower Yoga, two times more likely to visit climbing gyms, and two times more likely to go to pilates studios than the average Foursquare user. When it comes to food, they are into Hawaiian restaurants, sake bars and bubble tea shops.

New York Comic-Con: NYCC fans embrace an East Coast vibe, being 12 times more likely to visit Barcade and four times more likely to check out Retro Fitness than the average Foursquare user.

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Dive more into the data, provided by Foursquare's business team, in the graphic below:

Read more: 'Batman Forever': The Story Behind the Surprise Hit "Nobody Really Wanted"
By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - Men exposed to dioxin, a chemical once common in herbicides, may be less likely to father boys than peers who didnt come in contact with this toxin, a recent study suggests. Researchers studied men and women who were employed between 1969 and 1984 at a plant in New Zealand making whats known as phenoxy herbicides, chemicals sprayed on plants to prevent uncontrolled growth. The chemical blend included several types of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) that are linked to a range of health issues including decreased odds of male offspring. Twenty years ago, it was first reported that men that had been exposed to high levels of dioxin as a result of an industrial accident in Seveso, Italy, on average fathered less boys than girls compared to men exposed to background levels of dioxin, said lead study author Andrea t Mannetje, a public health researcher at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand. Since then, only a few studies have been done on people exposed to dioxin; some found a similar effect on the gender of children but others did not. This study, which was conducted in a group of former producers of dioxin-contaminated herbicides, adds to the number of studies that have observed this effect, she added by email. This study also provides evidence that the effect is dose-dependent (the higher the dioxin exposure, the bigger the effect) and male-mediated (the effect was observed in men with high dioxin exposure, not in women with high dioxin exposure). Dioxins are mainly byproducts of industrial activities but can also be produced by natural events like volcanic eruptions and forest fires. These chemicals typically accumulate in the food chain, mostly in the fatty tissue of animals. TCDD is the most toxic type of dioxin, according to the World Health Organization. Long-term exposure is linked to impairment of the immune system, the developing nervous system, the endocrine system and reproductive functions. For the current study, researchers analyzed data on 127 men and 21 women who reported conceiving a total of 355 children after they started working at the New Zealand herbicide plant. This group of kids included 197 boys and 158 girls, which translated to an overall sex ratio of 0.55, meaning 55 boys and 45 girls per 100 births, researchers report in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. All of the workers in the study provided blood samples in 2007 and 2008 for researchers to test for concentrations of TCDD. Researchers used the results to estimate blood levels of the chemical for the parents at the time their babies were born. For fathers with blood concentrations of TCDD of at least 20 picograms per gram (pg/g) at the time of birth, the sex ratio was 0.47, meaning these men were more likely to have girls than boys. When fathers had blood concentrations of at least 100 pg/g at the time of birth, the sex ratio was 0.45, making boys even less likely for fathers with greater exposure to the herbicides at the plant. Researchers didnt find an effect in women. One limitation of the study, however, is that it didnt include enough female workers to produce statistically meaningful results about their babies. Researchers also lacked data on blood concentrations of TCDD for many of the workers at the plant, reducing the number of employees that could be included in their analysis. Still, the findings add to results from research at the accident site in Italy, that also found the decrease in male births was more pronounced when people were exposed to larger amounts of dioxin, said Michele Marcus, a public health researcher at Emory University in Atlanta who wasnt involved in the New Zealand study. This is important because the sex ratio was proportional to the dose of the exposure, Marcus said by email. This makes it more likely that the exposure is causal. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2cEDes0 Occupational and Environmental Medicine, online August 31, 2016.
Mel Gibson is in talks to join action-adventure film, "Every Other Weekend," set to be directed by French filmmaker Benjamin Rocher reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The film will tell the story of a father who believes his son is a CIA spy, but who in reality actually works for the agency in the IT department.

On a father-son trip to Paris, the pair become embroiled in a life-threatening situation, in which secrets are revealed.

One of these secrets is held by the family's grandfather, to be played by Gibson, who is in fact the real spy.

Gibson is currently filming "The Professor and the Madman" a period drama that also stars Sean Penn.

After a career slump, the actor also looks to be set for directorial success with "Hacksaw Ridge," his first outing as a director since 2006's "Apocalypto." The war drama, starring Andrew Garfield, made its world premiere at the 73rd Venice Film Festival, opening to a standing ovation. The movie is due to be released in theaters November 4.
Mel Gibson is in negotiations to star in Every Other Weekend, an action-adventure project that will be directed by French filmmaker Benjamin Rocher.

Clement Miserez and Jean-Charles Levy are producing the feature - which is eyeing a late-year start in France - along with Peter Safran (The Conjuring).

The script has a multigenerational-family storyline that centers on a father who has his son convinced he's a CIA spy, but in actuality he works in the agency's IT department. However, on a father-son trip in Paris, the two find themselves in a life-threatening adventure in which secrets are spilled.

Gibson will play the grandfather, who actually is a spy.

Brandon and Kurtis Birtell wrote the original script with the most recent drafts being by Davis Moreau and Tad Safran.

SND is producing and fully financing.

The actor is currently shooting period drama The Professor and the Madman with Sean Penn and enjoying strong buzz for Hacksaw Ridge, his first directorial outing since 2006's Apocalypto. The war drama starring Andrew Garfield is due to be released by Lionsgate on Nov. 4.

He is repped by Shanahan Management and RPMedia.

Read more: 'Hacksaw Ridge': Venice Review
The identities of two mystery men seen casually walking in Chelsea on the night of a bombing in the area have been revealed.

Read: NYC Bombing Suspect a Deadbeat Dad Once Accused of Stabbing His Own Brother: Reports

Surveillance video showed them taking a duffel bag they found on 27th street in Manhattan and leaving behind an undetonated pressure cooker bomb.

The men have been identified as Egypt Air pilots, who have since returned to Egypt.

Authorities want to recover the duffel bag as potential evidence. They are considered witnesses, not suspects.

Federal authorities have reached out to the Egyptian government in the hopes of talking to the men, according to reports.

A woman who lives in the neighborhood later found the pressure cooker bomb on the street and called authorities. The actions of the two pilots and resident thwarted bomber Ahmad Kham Rahamis plan to set off multiple explosions in the neighborhood on September 17.

Read: New York Resident Recalls Discovering Second Bomb: I Thought It Was a Kid's Science Project

On September 19, Rahami, 28, was apprehended following a police shootout in New Jersey.

Watch: Anatomy of a Bomb: Inside the Explosive Device Used in NYC Blast

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It seems odd to look back to just over two years ago  a time when Russia had already effectively annexed Crimea and quietly fomented civil war in Ukraine  and to think of those days as simpler times.

To be sure, they werent that simple, even then: Before Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, Russian officials had already lied publicly about their special forces role in the seizure of Crimea. Kremlin-backed media had already begun spreading wild rumors and fake news stories, such as the alleged crucifixion of a 3-year-old boy by Ukrainian forces.

But, looking back now, it seems that the downing of MH17  a disaster that horrified the world, and that has since been the subject of two international investigations seeking to establish some semblance of truth  marked a Rubicon moment for the Russian disinformation machine: the first time that the full power of the state was trained on the task of convincing the world to accept a false narrative of events, despite a preponderance of evidence to the contrary.

If, previously, Russia had dabbled in the disinformation game, the aftermath of the MH17 disaster was a veritable case study in how to use a multitude of different communications channels to achieve a common goal: the discrediting of all those who claimed that Russia had played some part in the attack. Internet trolls, hackers, Kremlin-run media, state employees, retired soldiers, public officials, and anonymous programmers  all of them combined forces in a joint mission to attack investigators and even fake evidence. It was a disinformation operation of unprecedented scope and scale, one that initiated a new, and extremely troubling, phase in what Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has since called Russias state of information warfare with the trend-setters in the information space.

Moreover, it hasnt stopped since: The techniques used to attack the MH17 investigation have since been used to deny Russian complicity in various other fatal incidents, not only in Ukraine, but also in Syria  not least the recent destruction of a United Nations aid convoy, which Russia, in the days following, has tried to claim was the result of nearby rebel artillery fire, or perhaps some form of sabotage.

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The downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight was something of a tipping point for Russias public image. Before the disaster, some Russian leaders had been sanctioned for the illegal annexation of Crimea, but the West, and especially the European Union, had been reluctant to go further. There had been a sense that Ukraines problems were, at least in part, of its own making, and that a local conflict should not be allowed to sour broader relations. But the downing of a civilian airliner with the death of all 298 people on board turned that local problem into a global one.

Right from the start, the Kremlin was implicated as the main supporter and advocate of the separatists in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian government accused the separatists of shooting down MH17 in the mistaken belief that it was a military transport, and accused Russia of supplying the Buk surface-to-air missile system. That version resonated in an international arena that had seen Russia annex Crimea illegally just four months prior.

For the first few days, the Russian governments response seemed almost hesitant. Its first public statements were, by Kremlin standards, practically restrained: It said that Ukraine ought to do more to stop the fighting, and called for an international inquiry. We can only guess at the conversations held in the Kremlin at that critical juncture. But four days after the crash, it became clear that Russia had settled on a new strategy. It would present its own theory of the case and stick to it no matter how increasingly improbable it seemed. And if that required using the organs of the state to generate evidence supporting that theory, it would do that, too.

On July 21, in an hour-long briefing, the Russian Ministry of Defence made a series of announcements: First, that Russian radar had spotted a Ukrainian Su-25 combat aircraft near MH17; second, that Russian satellites had spotted Ukrainian Buk missiles in the area; and third, that a video circulated by the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, purporting to show a Buk launcher in separatist-held territory, was in fact filmed in government territory. The fact that these claims pointed towards contradictory theories of the crash  one toward an aircraft, the other toward a missile  seemed unimportant. Regardless, the government itself, state-owned media, internet trolls, and even arms of the Kremlin typically uninvolved in information warfare, such as state-owned weapons manufacturers, kicked into overdrive to back them up.

The ministry came to its July briefing armed with proof of its contradictory theories. First, to back up the idea that a Ukrainian plane may have shot down MH17, it claimed that Russian air control had detected a Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 jet moving toward MH17 before the crash, and presented images which purported to show its presence. The images, however, were of self-evidently low quality, and were quickly challenged by observers. Ultimately, the claim that another aircraft had downed MH17 would be debunked by international investigators, who said that there had been no sign of other planes in the vicinity of the crash. (The ministry even appeared to confess to its earlier lie this month  sort of  when it announced that it had come up with new radar data showing that nothing, not even a missile, had approached MH17 from separatist-held territory at all.)

Second, to support the notion that it may have been a Ukrainian  not a Russian  missile that brought down the plane, the defense ministry presented a series of satellite photos which purported to reveal the presence of a Ukrainian Buk system in the area of the crash. These, again, were of low resolution, making it hard to assess their validity; but analyses by investigative journalism group Bellingcat and the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, the latter of which using forensic software, ultimately demonstrated that the images had been digitally altered.

Third, to aid in dismissing a video released by the Ukrainian government, which showed a Buk launcher being transported through separatist territory, the ministry brought purported stills of the video. These stills focused in on a billboard, which supposedly had on it a visible address in the city of Krasnoarmeisk, located in government-controlled Ukraine. Bellingcats research proved that this, too, was a fake.

But such investigations took time: It was not until mid-2015 that the rebuttals began to gather momentum. In the interim, the Kremlins disinformation machine went to unprecedented efforts to promote both the Su-25 and Ukrainian Buk theories.

RT, the state-funded TV network, scrambled to provide the Kremlin with backup, concentrating on the former. It aired a 23-minute documentary showing off the main armament on the Ukrainian Air Force plane, including a live-fire test in which a Su-25 strafed two grounded aircraft to compare the exit holes with those seen on MH17. It ran a report featuring an unnamed mechanic at a Ukrainian air base who had claimed, while taking a lie detector test, to have seen a Ukrainian fighter take off armed and return with its air-to-air missiles spent on the fatal day. And, separately, it contacted a bewildering array of former Russian military officials to confirm that a Su-25  a low-altitude ground-attack aircraft  could have, in fact, downed MH17. These experts included Lt. Gen. Aleksandr Maslov, former deputy chief of the Russian Air Defense and Land Forces; the former commander of an aviation division, Maj. Gen. Sergey Borysyuk; and the former chief commander of Russias Air Force, Vladimir Mikhailov.

Meanwhile, a range of state employees lined up to validate the Ukrainian Buk theory. In June 2015  while RT was still touting the Su-25 story  Almaz-Antey, the state-owned company which manufactures Buk missiles, held a press conference in which it claimed that MH17 had indeed been brought down by a Buk, but it had been fired from Ukrainian government-held territory, and using a type of weapon no longer employed by Russia, but still in use in Ukraine. It elaborated on those claims in October 2015, citing as evidence ballistic tests and a full-scale, very dramatic, live-fire simulation which saw it detonating a Buk against an aircraft fuselage. According to this evidence, the international investigators were wrong about the sort of Buk used, the angle at which it approached the plane, and the place from which it was launched. Almaz-Antey stuck to its story throughout 2016, and even as late as this month has continued to insist on its version of events.

In parallel, an unacknowledged army of commentators flooded internet chat forums with comments supporting the two Russian versions. These trolls ranged from the simply abusive (the author has learned an impressive number of Russian obscenities as a result of their attention to his Twitter feed) to the wildly conspiratorial (such as suggesting that the MH17 crash had been a CIA plot to shoot down Russian President Vladimir Putin). They were backed by a shadowy group of hackers who tried to penetrate Bellingcats emails. They were even backed by ludicrous fakes, such as a leaked recording of some of the most stilted CIA agents ever to disgrace a propaganda attempt.

Not since Soviet times has a government in Moscow gone to such lengths to pervert the course of justice; it is therefore worth asking why they went so far, and why, once they had begun, they chose to repeat the practice in Syria.

We cannot know what was said in the Kremlin in the days between the crash and the defense ministry press conference. What we do know is that the downing of MH17 turned the war in Ukraine  which had previously been mainly a diplomatic liability  into a potentially political, and perhaps even a criminal, liability. How would Russian voters react if their government  always keen to portray itself as infallible and the embodiment of national pride  were found guilty of having abetted the murder of 298 innocent people? And how would the international community react if a chain of command were found that led back to the Kremlin?

In that light, it is instructive to examine the moments at which the Russian disinformation machine has gone into action in Syria. In particular, it has been cranked up to full speed whenever an incident has occurred which could be presented or construed as a war crime: the bombing of hospitals or mosques, or, most recently, the aid convoy.

The first example of MH17-style fabrications being used in Syria came at the end of October 2015, a month into the Russian bombing campaign there. Russia was accused of striking a mosque in Jisr al-Shughur, in Syrias Idlib province, on Oct. 1, 2015, the second day of the campaign.

The defense ministrys response was to label the claim a hoax, and to publish satellite imagery showing an intact mosque with a blue dome on the western edge of the town, together with a large text box, which named it as the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab mosque, covering the northern outskirts. Again, this claim was amplified by RT and the Sputnik internet portal, which gave lavish coverage to the ministrys claim that the Western media keep publishing fake stories about the allegedly indiscriminate nature of the airstrikes conducted by our forces.

And again, this evidence was later exposed in a report published by Bellingcat, which demonstrated that the name cited by the MoD conflated two separate mosques: One, with a blue dome, was the Al Farook mosque, sitting at the western edge of town, still intact. But the mosque reported destroyed in the Russian airstrike was called the Omar Bin Al Khattab mosque, which had a minaret instead of a dome, and was situated in the northern outskirts  or had been, anyway. And the place where it had been located was neatly hidden under the ministrys text box in the photographs it released.

Following the publication of a damning report this week by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), an international task force charged with investigating the MH17 wreck, which concluded definitively that the missile that brought down the plane had been transported into Ukraine from Russia, all arms of the Kremlins disinformation machine have switched back to MH17 mode. Official Kremlin media have sought to claim that the JIT did not link the MH17 crash to Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused the JIT of being politically motivated. Almaz-Antey, back in the spotlight, gave its own briefing, broadcast by RT, which trashed the JITs findings. And in parallel, internet trolls began attacking those, including this author, who covered the report, on social media.

It seems only a matter of time before Russias propaganda machine refocuses on the countrys ongoing military campaign in Syria. But the two and a half year MH17 disinformation campaign is a case study of the Kremlins present mindset. It has revealed the Russian governments willingness to lie, fake, and defraud its way out of trouble, even when the stakes are potential criminal charges. That raises obvious questions about the Kremlins willingness to show any modicum of responsibility and restraint during conflicts like the ongoing one in Syria.

The most disturbing lesson from the MH17 affair is that, so far, at least, while the propaganda efforts have lost Kremlin much of its credibility in the Western world, it has allowed it to remain solidly in charge back home. No one has yet to face justice for the deaths of hundreds of civilians. That is, with MH17, the disinformation machine crossed the Rubicon  and so far, it has worked.

Photo credit: ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/AFP/Getty Images
Recalling me from Delhi was a mistake: Upadhyay

Nepali Congress leader Deep Kumar Upadhyay on Wednesday said that the previous government led by KP Sharma Oli was wrong to recall him, claiming that he was putting on line his political career by returning to India as an ambassador for the second time.
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Shannon has been cast as George Westinghouse in The Weinstein Companys The Current War, a fact-based story about how he and rival Thomas Edison competed to create a sustainable electricity system and market it to the US.

He joins Benedict Cumberbatch in the project, who will play Edison. Its directed by Me and Earl and the Dying Girls Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and is financed and distributed by TWC.

Michael Mitnick writes the script, which takes place in the late 1880s and revolves around the two titans and their battle over the supply of electricity. Edison championed the use of a direct current for electric power distribution over an alternating current, which was backed by Westinghouse Electric and a host of European companies. Timur Bekmambetov will produce the project alongside Film Rites Steve Zaillian and Garrett Basch.

TWC is eyeing an early December shoot for the film so theyre casting aggressively for other roles.

Michael Shannon is hot property right now, having recently wowed critics at the Venice Film Festival and Toronto Film Festival with his performance as a grizzled Texas sheriff in Tom Fords Nocturnal Animals. He also starred in Werner Herzogs thriller Salt and Fire, another TIFF project and was most recently seen in Jeff Nichols Loving, where he played the LIFE magazine photographer who shot the iconic images of the first interracial married couple in the US. Up next, hes got roles in Guillermo del Toros other-worldly Cold War title The Shape of Water as well as TWCs TV series Waco, currently in development.

The Current War is one of two projects thats generating sparks on the Edison-Westinghouse subject at the moment: Teddy Schwarzmans Black Bear Pictures is fully financing and producing The Last Days of Night, written by Graham Moore, based on his own book which was published through Random House. Its directed by Morten Tyldum and has set Eddie Redmayne to star, only this story sees Redmayne play famed lawyer Paul Cravath, who is tasked with defending Westinghouse after Edison wins the race to the patent office and sues his rival for an unheard of sum of one billion dollars. Nora Grossman and Ido Ostrowsky of Bristol Automotive also produce. The duo previously paired with Moore, Tyldum and Schwarzman on The Imitation Game. That pic, which saw Moore win the Oscar for adapted script, was released by TWC and starred Cumberbatch so the vie for the electric crown is a real split between that team.

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The Last Days of Night is on course for a February shoot and with The Current War aiming for December, the race really is on to see whos got the bigger horsepower.

Shannon is repped by CAA Wetzel Management and attorney David Krintzman. Cumberbatch is repped by UTA.

Moore is repped by CAA and for publishing by ICM Partners and managed by Think Tank Management. WME reps Tyldum with Anonymous Content. Redmayne is repped by CAA and United Agents.

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harry shum microsoft research

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's new big idea is the "democratization of artificial intelligence," as in the concept that everybody should have access to AI and AI-powered technology.

But to get there, it's meant taking a lot of Microsoft's considerable investments in academic AI science, and turning them into real products that people can actually use, like Skype Translate and Windows Hello.

To accelerate that unification of research and product, Microsoft has announced the formation of the new AI and Research Group  a new organization within Microsoft that combines the Microsoft Research teams with the teams responsible for the Cortana digital assistant, the Bing search engine, and other AI-adjacent products.

Leading the new Microsoft AI and Research Group and it's now-5,000-strong team is Harry Shum, previously the head of Microsoft Research, and one of Nadella's direct reports.

Todays move to bring research and engineering even closer will accelerate our ability to deliver more personal and intelligent computing experiences to people and organizations worldwide," Shum says in a press release.



microsoft research peter lee

This isn't Nadella's first big move in this direction. In early 2015, Microsoft's Dr. Peter Lee became the leader of Microsoft Research NExT, a new science organization with a mandate to take the company's academic research and apply it to tough, real-world problems. Microsoft's ambitious plan to put data centers underwater came from NExT. So did the rogue Twitter bot Tay.

NExT is sticking around under the AI and Research Group banner. The difference now is that the engineers that actually build Microsoft's consumer- and business-facing products will all be under the same overall roof, meaning a lowered time to take advantage of new advancements in science.

For Microsoft, the stakes are high: Google's own artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, as is Amazon's and Facebook's. There's a new science race going on, and Nadella is reorganizing for the long haul.

Story continues

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qi lu apps and services vice president at microsoft

Qi Lu, the man in charge of Microsofts Applications and Services Group, is leaving the company due to health reasons.

His departure was first reported by Recode's Kara Swisher and Ina Fried and confirmed by Microsoft to Business Insider.

Lu was apparently in an awful bike accident a few months ago and is leaving to focus his energy on recovering.

It was not immediately clear whether Lu's departure is temporary while he recovers or a complete exit from the company.

This is a big loss for Microsoft. Lu, who joined Microsoft from Yahoo in 2008, was considered by many inside the company as the quiet, thoughtful counterbalance to Microsoft's outspoken head of Windows, Terry Myerson, sources told us. Myerson has been at Microsoft since 1997.

As we previously reported, early in Nadella's reign, there was a power struggle of sorts going on between Lu and Myerson concerning Bing and MSN. Lu is known as a diplomatic guy to work for  a peacemaker. Myerson is known as brash and forceful.

Lu's responsibilities included the research-and-development teams across Microsoft Office, Office 365, SharePoint, Exchange, Yammer, Lync, Skype, Bing, Bing Apps, MSN, and the advertising platforms and business group.

Some of those groups, like MSN, advertising, and Yammer, were on the decline, and some of them, like Microsoft Office 365 and Skype, were on the rise within the company. Lu was also expected to be involved in efforts to integrate LinkedIn's data to various Microsoft apps after that deal closes.

Rajesh Jha, the corporate VP heading up Microsofts Outlook and Office 365, has been promoted to replace Lu.

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Sept 29 (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it created a new artificial intelligence unit, as the company pushes deeper into the fast-growing field.

Silicon Valley is diving into artificial intelligence (AI)and machine learning research, an industry estimated to zoom to $70 billion by 2020 from just $8.2 billion in 2013, according to a Bank of America report that cited IDC research.

On Wednesday, Microsoft teamed up with four other big technology companies - Amazon.com Inc, Alphabet unit Google, Facebook Inc and IBM - to create a non-profit organization to advance public understanding of AI technologies.

The new unit - Microsoft AI and Research Group - will be headed by Harry Shum, a company veteran who has held senior roles at the Microsoft Research and Bing engineering divisions.

"Microsoft has been working in artificial intelligence since the beginning of Microsoft Research, and yet we've only begun to scratch the surface of what's possible," Shum said in a statement.

Chief Executive Satya Nadella has previously said the company's $26.2 billion deal for LinkedIn Corp is expected to help bolster its efforts in analytics, machine learning and AI.

Microsoft has also been acquiring companies to expand its AI footprint. The company in February acquired SwiftKey, a maker of predictive keyboard app. And last month it bought Genee, an AI-based scheduling service.

However, Microsoft's tryst with artificial intelligence took an embarrassing turn earlier this year, when its AI 'chatbot' Tay launched racist and sexist comments on Twitter.

(Reporting By Nayyar Rasheed in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
Wed all rather be somewhere else sometimes  but those desires are usually better kept to yourself.

Walmarts website features a slew of questionable t-shirts made by Hollywood Thread. One particularly offensive garment (which lists activities that could get you arrested on two counts) reads, Id Rather Be Snorting Cocaine Off Of A Hookers Ass.

SEE ALSO: Banned 90s Walmart shirt is relevant again thanks to Hillary Clinton

For just $19.95 plus shipping, this shirt could be yours:

Image: walmart

Mashable reached out to Walmart and heard back from Bao Nguyen, who works in media relations for Walmart Global eCommerce and Technology. Nguyen said that Walmart plans to take the shirt down.

Wow. This obviously has no business being on our site, said Nguyen. Were removing it ASAP. Thanks for calling it out.

Image: walmart

When talking with Nguyen on the phone, he explained how Walmarts partnerships with third-party retailers like Hollywood Thread work.

After a seller is approved, Walmart outlines to them its detailed policies of what is and is not allowed to be sold on Walmarts site. Whenever an approved seller uploads an item, it goes through a filter to make sure no trigger words get flagged.

Nguyen mentioned that Walmart also has a trust and compliance team who look at the site every day for anything that may have snuck past the filter.

He agrees that the shirt in question is in violation of Walmarts policies.

We apologize to anyone who was offended, Nguyen said.

The shirt is also being sold on Amazon. Mashable reached out to Amazon for comment, but the company did not immediately reply.

Image: amazon

Several other Hollywood Thread shirts sold on Walmarts website also err on the side of offensive and misogynistic:

Image: walmart

Image: walmart

Image: walmart

Image: walmart

Image: walmart

And some are just a little bit weird:

Image: walmart

Image: walmart

Image: walmart

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Image: walmart

Mashable reached out to Nguyen for comment on the other shirts that could be found offensive, and we will update this story if he responds.
Police in Milan have released dramatic CCTV footage in the search for the culprit in a hit-and-run collision in the city overnight between Saturday, September 24, and Sunday, September 25. The footage shows what police said was a Nissan Qasqai driving at speed through an intersection where it appears lights are flashing amber. The scooter crashes into the side of the car.

The incident happened at Milans Piazzale Cantore. Police said the scooter was carrying two 21-year-old women.

A local report said one of the women remained in hospital, but that her condition was improving. Credit: Polizia Locale Milano
By Anthony Boadle

BRASILIA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A ban on companies funding election campaigns in Brazil that was meant to clean up politics amid the worst graft scandal in decades is instead helping wealthy businessmen and candidates backed by evangelical churches to dominate major races at Sunday's city elections.

A Supreme Court campaign finance ruling last year was aimed at ending billions in big business largesse showered on politicians, after a probe into corruption at state oil company Petrobras sparked outrage at crony capitalism.

Yet in the run up to Sunday's municipal polls, the first since the ban, changes to campaign funding have not leveled the political playing field as intended.

"Ending corporate donations has, in fact, favored rich candidates who have their own resources," says Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes, who heads Brazil's top electoral authority, the TSE.

Filling the funding gap left by the ban, wealthy candidates can and do donate up to 10 percent of their declared income to their own campaigns.

Nearly half the funding of Joao Doria, the millionaire businessman leading the race for mayor of Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo, came from his own pocket, according to numbers from the TSE. He has given 2.94 million real ($914,000) to his campaign.

And while contributions from individual donors remain negligible overall, organized donation drives by churches and perhaps even crime gangs are influencing some specific races for mayors and town councilors across Brazil.

The ban on corporate donations has meant an end to very expensive campaigns that encouraged illegal funding practices.

"But even with less money going into campaigns, economic power is still a strong presence distorting the elections," said Nicolao Dino, Brazil's top prosecutor for electoral crimes.

PROSPEROUS POLITICIANS

Political kickbacks at Petrobras fueled popular anger at the winner of the 2014 presidential polls, Dilma Rousseff, who was dismissed from office by Congress last month on unrelated charges of breaking budget rules.

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Sunday's elections are the first since Rousseff's removal and her opponents are expected to do well at the expense of her leftist Workers Party that was in power for 13 years.

During that time, investigators say the party received upward of 20 billion reais ($6.16 billion) in donations, mostly from corporations, many of them the big construction firms implicated in the Petrobras scandal.

Under the new system, rich candidates are declaring more taxable income than ever before, allowing them to donate larger amounts to their own campaigns.

The Estado de S.Paulo newspaper reported that 1 percent of the donors account for 25 percent of all contributions, and the largest of them are from businessmen.

In the southern city of Curitiba, the leading contender for mayor, Rafael Greca, paid 40 percent of his donations himself - totaling 600,000 reais.

Brazil's 2014 presidential campaign was more than 95 percent funded by corporate donations and personal donations to candidates have never been a big part of the political culture. But such contributions from members of the public will now play a greater role after the ban on corporate cash.

Brazil's rapidly growing evangelical churches, which are well funded by the tithes paid by millions of followers, are carving out an important part of the personal donation market with preachers telling the faithful to donate to specific politicians, often ultra-conservatives.

In Sao Paulo, the No. 2 candidate Celso Russomanno is a lawmaker for the PRB, the party created by billionaire Brazilian evangelical preacher and media mogul Edir Macedo, a Datafolha poll showed.

Macedo's nephew, PRB Senator Marcelo Crivella, a bishop in his uncle's Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, is far ahead in the race for mayor of Rio Janeiro, the country's second city.

Brazil's Pentecostal Christian churches have greatly increased their clout in Congress and are pushing a conservative agenda that opposes abortion and gay marriage.

The churches cannot donate directly to candidates but their members can.

With candidates struggling to find funding for their campaigns, electoral and tax authorities say illegal contributions of undeclared money are on the rise, a traditional practice in Brazil knows as Caixa 2, or the parallel account.

DEAD DONORS

Authorities are worried that organized crime gangs, mainly drug traffickers, could step into the vacuum left by the absence of corporate funding.

"There could be illicit funding by criminal organizations, and we are particularly concerned with the elections in Rio de Janeiro, where you have drug traffickers, slum militias and illegal gambling," Mendes said.

A recent spate of murders of candidates in Rio de Janeiro points to organized crime trying to get its representatives elected, electoral prosecutor Dino said.

Electoral officials have discovered 108 dead people across the country who have been registered as contributing campaign funds and they suspect as many as 16,000 people on welfare programs making donations beyond their means that could come from others using their tax numbers.

Iagaro Jung Martins, Undersecretary of Tax Inspection, said Brazil has stepped up vigilance to detect fraud and candidates are held to drastic new rules on campaign spending that oblige them to report their accounts every 72 hours.

Sunday's elections are the first test of fundraising rules that might change Brazil's political culture.

"The parties will have to become more creative, go back to the streets, knock on doors and try to put individual campaign donations in the DNA of voters," said Lucas de Aragao, with consultancy Arko Advice.

($1 = 3.2175 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Brad Brooks and Alistair Bell)
Restructing panel officials refuse to recognise Ilakas

Officials at the Local Level Restructuring Commission have said they will not accept the governments decision to amend the terms of reference asking it to take area clusters (Ilakas) into account while fixing the number of local bodies.
HBO is building out the cast for its drama pilot Mogadishu, Minnesota, written, directed and executive produced by rapper Knaan Warsame and executive produced by Zero Dark Thirty and The Hurt Lockers Kathryn Bigelow.

Elvis Nolasco (American Crime), K.C. Collins (RoboCop), Rif Hutton (Hotel Transylvania), Ezana Alem (Oasis), Hanad Abdirahman Abdi, Selam Tadese, Prince Abdi, Yusra Warsama and Liya Kebede (The Best Offer) have joined the cast. All will be regulars if the pilot is picked up to series.

Mogadishu, Minnesota is a family drama that grapples with what it means to be American  among the Somalis of Minneapolis.

Alem is Sameer, the Somali All-American boy: handsome, excellent student, planning to go away to college with his beautiful girlfriend, Lacy. Hes devoted to his parents, yet pressured by their hopes and dreams for him.

Abdirahman Abdi, repped by Pantheon and JST Management, is Ali, a bright, likable young man who is polite and respectful to his family and loyal to his best friend, Sameer.

Tadese plays Bisbaas, a renowned gangster with a friendly laugh and a surprising violent streak. Beloved by his nephew Ali, he returns to the neighborhood after years of banishment by his sister and brother.

Hutton is Afrah, Sameers father, a former professor in Somalia who works at a rental car company since immigrating to the United States. His experience has given him a detached wisdom and a wry sense of humor. He is preparing to take the American citizenship test.

Prince Abdi portrays Big Man, a spliff-smoking petty thug who takes care of his blind grandmother. He has filled the void left by Bisbaass banishment and now is threatened by his return.

Nolasco, repped by APA and Silver Lining Entertainment, is Liban, Alis uncle and proud owner of Libans Classy Hookah. Hes an upright citizen who prizes the familys reputation above all else. He is not pleased when his brother, Bisbaas, returns to town.

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Warsama is Hawo, Sameers mother, hard-working and a loving parent. She holds fast to traditional Somali family values, which often conflict with the agenda of an American teenager.

Collins is Jamal, Street-wise, mysterious and handsome, with an effortless charisma, he fashions himself after revolutionaries and tries to live his life by the book.

Kebede plays Maryam, Alis mother, strong-willed, vivacious and is the glue holding her family together. She is deeply troubled by her quarreling brothers.

Carolyn Strauss also executive produces with Warsame and Bigelow. Shooting begins in October in Minneapolis.

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A volcano in Indonesia erupted without warning on Tuesday, trapping more than 200 tourists.

Indonesias Mount Barujari erupted in a giant column of ash just before 3 p.m. while nearly 400 tourists were hiking up its side.

About 120 hikers were found heading down the mountain on Wednesday. No injuries have been reported, but there are still about 250 people missing, according to NBC News. No information has yet been released about the nationalities of the tourists.

Video Amatir detik-detik letusan Gunung Baru Jari Selasa, 27 September 2016 pukul 14.45 Wita. Lontarkan abu vulkanik setinggi 2000 meter condong ke arah barat daya. Kondisi saat ini status masih level 2 atau waspada, sementara Lombok Utara menjadi daerah terdampak dengan status Siaga 1. Sedikitnya 389 pendaki terjebak di Danau Segara Anak, petugas BPBD mengirim tim untuk mengevakuasi pendaki. #lombok #jelajahlombok #rinjani #cameraindonesia #instravelmate

A video posted by Jelajah Lombok (@jelajahlombok) on Sep 27, 2016 at 9:01pm PDT

Almost 400 people have been registered to hike the mountain since Sunday. Authorities believe many are still on the trails. A trek around the mountain takes about three days to complete.

Since the eruption, 1,100 people have been evacuated from the area. Government scientists declared a danger zone immediately surrounding the area, but warnings were ignored by some tourists who wanted to stay and take pictures of the eruption.

The volcano spewed ash into a column that reached 6,500 feet. The eruption disrupted flights at Bali airport for a few hours on Tuesday. Farms and wildlife around the volcano were covered in a layer of ash, but nearby towns were not affected.

Ash cloud from Indonesia's Mt Rinjani has halted some flights between Perth/Bali. Video by @philiprec @abcnewsPerth pic.twitter.com/Ko5e8zF7AU

 Gian De Poloni (@GianDePoloni) September 27, 2016

Mount Barujari is a baby volcano that sits inside Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesias 130 active volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The volcano was put on alert almost one year ago.

Cailey Rizzo writes about travel, art and culture and is the founding editor of The Local Dive. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @misscaileyanne.
(El Cajon, Calif.)  It took more than an hour for police to arrive at the shopping center in a San Diego suburb where a distressed black man had been wandering into traffic. It took about a minute for him to be shot and killed.

Alfred Olango pulled a large electronic cigarette, known as a vape pen, from his pocket and pointed at the police officer who fired, while a second officer stood nearby trying to subdue him with a stun gun, El Cajon police said.

The details emerged Wednesday in the shooting of Olango, who was having an emotional breakdown over the recent death of his best friend, an attorney said.

The investigation centered on a video of Tuesdays shooting taken by a bystander. Police have produced a single frame from the cellphone video to support their account, saying it shows Olango in a shooting stance.

The photo shows Olangos hands clasped together and pointed directly at an officer who had assumed a similar posture with his gun a few feet away.

The vaping device in his hands had two components, a box about the size of a cellphone and a metallic cylinder that was 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Police said the cylinder was pointed right at the officer.

Olangos relatives demanded the full video be released, according to Dan Gilleon, a lawyer who says he is representing the family.

Theyre cherry-picking part of the video, Gilleon said. This is exactly what police have said is unfair when only portions of video are released against them.

Mayor Bill Wells said he had seen the video and that it was not tremendously complicated to figure out what happened.

Wells was asked how he would feel if it was his child that had been shot.

I saw a man who was distraught, and a man acting like he was in great pain, Wells said. And I saw him get gunned down and killed. If he was my son, I would be devastated.

Olango, 38, arrived in the U.S. years ago as a refugee from Uganda. Since then he ran afoul of the law several times: selling cocaine, driving drunk, and illegally possessing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he was arrested in Colorado in 2005 with pot and ecstasy in his car, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to nearly four years for being a felon in possession of a gun.

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The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where violent protests broke out.

Protests in El Cajon Wednesday night had heated moments, but remained mostly peaceful.

Scores of people gathered quietly around candles lining a curb in front of bloodstained pavement at the strip mall where Olango was shot.

More than 200 people marched in the streets near the site, yelling no justice, no peace, no racist police!

Police in riot gear, some of them with dogs, faced off with protesters occasionally, bringing some tense moments, but mostly kept their distance.

Experts said it was too early to conclude whether the California shooting was justified or could have been prevented.

Chuck Drago, a former Florida police chief who consults about police use of force, said that once Olango struck the shooting pose, officers would have had to react quickly if he drew an unknown object from his pocket.

An officer doesnt have enough time to wait to determine if thats a gun in his hand, Drago said. If a person is pointing something at an officer and he believes its a gun and it is a gun and that officer doesnt have his gun out, that officer will lose that gunfight.

Police have not named the officers involved, though Wells said both were 21-year veterans and one was Officer Richard Gonsalves.

Gonsalves was demoted last year after allegations that he sexually harassed a lesbian colleague. The City Council had to defend the move to angry citizens who had called for him to be fired.

Christopher Rice-Wilson, associate director of the civil rights group Alliance San Diego, questioned why one officer felt non-lethal force was appropriate while the other did not. Both officers have been put on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, per department policy. Officials have not revealed which officer fired the shots.

El Cajon, a city of 100,000 people about 15 miles northeast of San Diego, has become home for many refugees fleeing Iraq and, more recently, Syria.

___

Melley reported from Los Angeles.
Council Bluffs (United States) (AFP) - It's 10 days to America's next presidential debate, but some of Donald Trump's most ardent admirers agree: he must do better -- focus more on policy, and hit Hillary Clinton harder.

Most mainstream political analysts gave Democrat Clinton, the 68-year-old former first lady, senator and secretary of state the upper hand in this week's television clash watched by 84 million.

The Republican billionaire insists otherwise. But even some of his die-hard fans agreed at a rally in Iowa Wednesday that he could do better on October 9 in St Louis, Missouri.

"I think he needs more gumption," said retired waitress Martha Killion, 74, in the town of Council Bluffs, separated by just a river from the neighboring Nebraska.

"I can't believe he that he did not come back and attack her," she said, recalling the 90-minute slog in which Clinton landed a series of punches on her opponent that left Trump floundering toward the end.

The New York Times reported that campaign advisers, concerned that his focus and objectives had "dissolved" during the debate, plan to drill him on crucial answers, facts and counterattacks for next time.

Iowa supporters agree, recommending he focus more on policy, press home his position as the candidate of change and skewer Clinton over her vulnerabilities.

- 'Hated to see that' -

"I think he did OK. But I think there were a lot of other things he should have brought up," said retiree Larry Storer from Nebraska.

He reeled them off: the Clintons' past, defense, illegal immigration, the refugee crisis and Benghazi, where Republicans say Clinton should have done more to prevent a deadly attack on the US consulate in 2012.

"He kinda took the bait a couple of times, I hated to see that. But then I think he did handle himself well on some of the other issues," said Storer's wife, Carol, a retired phone company worker.

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"I think if he just stays on focus and doesn't take the bait he's going to be OK," she added.

But if Trump showed uncharacteristic restraint on Monday in New York he has since reverted to attack-dog mode, lashing Clinton as "crooked Hillary," corrupt, "incompetent" and failure.

Trump's entire campaign has been about dishing insults: not just against the country's would-be first female commander-in-chief, but about anyone who gets in his way: female journalists, Mexicans, illegal immigrants, Muslims and just about every political opponent.

But it is unclear how much television debate performance really matters -- either at the ballot box on November 8 or among voters already convinced that Trump is their man.

The prospect of Clinton in the White House is enough to put to bed any lingering doubts about a Trump presidency or a less than stellar performance at the podium against a far more experienced politician.

- 'Pray hard' -

Neck-and-neck in the national polls, the Republican is nonetheless ahead in Iowa on 42.8 percent to 37.8 percent for Clinton, according to RealClearPolitics poll average.

Supporters at Wednesday's rally at the Mid-America Center -- in a side room not the much larger auditorium -- said he was their only choice on November 8 given how much they despise Clinton.

"You could have 15 AK47s at my head, and I would not vote for that evil, treasonous should-be-in-prison Clinton," said 51-year-old chef Cynthia McKinney from Bellevue, Nebraska.

"Some of his facial expressions," she trailed off. "I don't know how I want to put it, he needs to stop doing that, I think that angers people, and it makes him not look so presidential."

But although Trump is the most nationally unpopular US presidential candidate in modern US history, Clinton is a close second.

She polls badly on trustworthiness. Her campaign has been buffeted by scandal over Benghazi, her use of a private email server as secretary of state; and few Americans believe she cares about people like them.

Killion, the retired waitress, had simple words of advice for the Manhattan tycoon come October 9.

"Pray hard," she said. "I think she gets under his skin. I think that prayer would protect him and he would do a good job for our country."
Moscow (AFP) - Dozens of pro-Kremlin activists have attacked a Moscow exhibition of photographs of Ukrainian forces in the separatist conflict, defacing images, tearing down signs and forcing its temporary closure, organisers said on Thursday.

A group of several dozen activists stormed into the Andrei Sakharov exhibition centre in protest at a display of documentary photographs of Kiev's troops in Donetsk, calling themselves defenders of the separatist region.

The attacker targeted images shot by Sergei Loiko, a journalist who covered the conflict for the Los Angeles Times, and Belarusian Alexander Vasukovich, the centre said.

The exhibition included Loiko's 2014 images of pro-Kiev fighters inside Donetsk's ravaged airport.

The activists targeted the exhibition after a lone activist on Wednesday evening sprayed red paint on around a dozen pictures, accusing the photographers of sympathy for Nazis.

The Sakharov Centre, which promotes human rights, wrote on Facebook that the activists on Thursday were "people in camouflage and Cossacks. They are shouting 'get the bastards, save Russia'".

The demonstrators said it was a "fascist" exhibition," said Mikhail Kaluzhsky of Open Democracy Russia, a not for profit organisation, who witnessed the attack at the centre.

"There were at least 40 people," among them a local lawmaker carrying a jar of fake blood, he told AFP, adding that the protesters tore down signs inside.

Police stood outside the exhibition centre on Thursday evening, with one telling journalists that a team of investigators was examining the scene, while refusing to give any details.

Anton Belikov, who describes himself as an Orthodox Christian religious artist and sculptor, claimed responsibility for Wednesday's attack, which was filmed by pro-Kremlin channel Ren-TV.

Organisers replaced the defaced pictures with signs explaining their absence and reopened the exhibition on Thursday, only to experience the second attack.

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This was the latest in a series of attacks on cultural events in Moscow by conservative activists.

On Sunday pro-Kremlin activists forced the closure of an exhibition by US photographer Jock Sturges, accusing it of child pornography.

One threw a bottle of urine over the pictures and was jailed for one week for petty vandalism.

In August last year, Orthodox activists from a group called God's Will damaged sculptures at an exhibition of non-conformist Soviet artists in Moscow's Manege arts centre, describing them as blasphemous.
Sikta irrigation project: Damaged canal section repaired

Kalika Construction, the contractor of the Sikta Irrigation Project, has said it has repaired a section of the canal that was damaged during a test on June 17.
By Arshad Mohammed and Tom Perry WASHINGTON/BEIRUT (Reuters) - The United States is close to suspending talks with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday, as the Kremlin vowed to press on with an assault on the city of Aleppo. Moscow and Damascus launched a campaign to recapture the rebel-held sector of Syria's biggest city this month, abandoning a ceasefire a week after it took effect to embark on what could be the biggest battle of a nearly six-year war. Syrian government forces made a significant advance, capturing the Handarat refugee camp a few kilometres (miles) north of the city. They had briefly seized it on Saturday, before losing it again in a rebel counter attack. Rebel fighters have launched an advance of their own near the central city of Hama, where they said they made gains on Thursday. The United States and European Union accuse Russia of torpedoing diplomacy to pursue military victory in Aleppo, and say Moscow and Damascus are targeting civilians, hospitals and aid workers to break the will of 250,000 people living under siege in the city. The United States called the assault on Aleppo by Syria and Russia "a gift" to Islamic State on Thursday, saying it was sowing doom and would generate more recruits for the militant group. Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari rejected accusations that his government was killing civilians. But U.S. officials are searching for a tougher response to Russia's decision to ignore the peace process and seek military victory on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad. "We are on the verge of suspending the discussion because it is irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place to be sitting there trying to take things seriously," Kerry told a public policy conference in Washington. "It is one of those moments where we are going to have to pursue other alternatives," he added. Kerry spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday, the U.S. State Department said but it did not announce a suspension of the diplomacy, suggesting Washington may give Moscow a little more time. Recapturing Aleppo would be the biggest victory of the war for government forces, and a potential turning point in a conflict that until now most outside countries had said would never be won by force. The multi-sided civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, made half the Syrian population homeless, and allowed much of the east of the country to fall into the hands of Islamic State jihadists who are enemies of all other sides. EU CONDEMNS ALEPPO 'MASSACRE' EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini called the air strikes in Aleppo a "massacre" and said European governments were considering their response. Russia and the Syrian government say they are targeting only militants. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken told U.S. lawmakers President Barack Obama had asked staff to look at how Washington might respond. "The president has asked all of the agencies to put forward options, some familiar, some new, that we are very actively reviewing," Blinken said, adding that officials would "work through these in the days ahead." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, said Russia would "continue the operation of its air force in support of the anti-terrorist activity of Syria's armed forces". Peskov said Washington was to blame for the fighting, by failing to meet an obligation to separate "moderate" rebel fighters from those he called terrorists. "In general, we express regret at the rather non-constructive nature of the rhetoric voiced by Washington in the past days." U.S. officials say they are considering tougher responses to the Russian-backed Syrian government assault, including military options, although they have described the range of possible responses as limited and say risky measures like air strikes on Syrian targets or sending U.S. jets to escort aid are unlikely. Two U.S. officials said the speed with which the diplomatic track collapsed in Syria and pro-government forces advanced in Aleppo had caught some in the administration off guard. Possible responses include allowing Gulf allies to supply rebels with more sophisticated weapons, or carrying out a U.S. air strike on a Syrian government air base, viewed as less likely because of the potential for causing Russian casualties, the officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. One of the officials said the list of options included supporting rebel counter-attacks elsewhere with additional weaponry or even air strikes, which "might not reverse the tide of battle, but might cause the Russians to stop and think". BATTLE FOR ALEPPO Aleppo has been divided into government and opposition sectors for four years, and its rebel zone is now the only major urban area still in the hands of anti-Assad fighters supported by the West and Arab states. The government laid siege to it in July, cutting off those trapped inside from food and medicine. The last week of bombing has killed hundreds of people and wounded many hundreds more, with no way to bring in medical supplies. There are only around 30 doctors inside the besieged zone, and eastern Aleppo's two biggest hospitals were knocked out of service by air strikes or shelling on Wednesday. Bouthaina Shaaban, an adviser to Assad, denied Syrian planes had bombed the hospitals, saying the question was "insulting". "What is the interest of the Syrian government to bomb its own hospitals?" she said on Australia's ABC TV. "This is not the first time that such an allegation is uttered and then proven to be absolutely false." Russia says the only way to defeat Islamic State is to support Assad. Washington says the Syrian president has too much blood on his hands and must leave power. Washington is bombing Islamic State in the east but has avoided direct participation in the civil war in the rest of the country, leaving the field open to Russia, which joined the war a year ago tipping the conflict in favour of its ally Assad. FEROCITY OF ASSAULT The ferocity of the assault on Aleppo is driving many of the Western-backed anti-Assad groups to cooperate more closely with jihadist fighters, the opposite of the strategy Washington had hoped to pursue, rebel officials told Reuters. In Aleppo, rebels in the Free Syrian Army are sharing operational planning with Jaish al-Fatah, an alliance of Islamist groups that includes the former Syrian wing of al Qaeda. Meanwhile, in nearby Hama province, FSA groups armed with U.S.-made anti-tank missiles are taking part in a major offensive with the al Qaeda-inspired Jund al-Aqsa group. The FSA rebels have deep ideological differences with the jihadists, and have even fought them at times, but say survival is the main consideration. "At a time when we are dying, it is not logical to first check if a group is classified as terrorist or not before cooperating with it," said a senior official in one of the Aleppo-based rebel factions. "The only option you have is to go in this direction." (Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay, John Walcott, Matt Spetalnick, Phil Stewart and Lesley Wroughton in Washington, Dmitry Solovyov in Moscow, Robin Emmott in Brussels and Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Amman; Writing by Peter Graff and Giles Elgood, Editing by Peter Millership and Sandra Maler)
(This September 28th story corrects paragraph 12 to clarify identity of buyers of AA's Irish unit)

LONDON (Reuters) - Motoring group AA (AAAA.L) is considering a bulk annuity deal with an insurer as it weighs how to deal with its ballooning pension deficit, its chief financial officer said on Wednesday.

The group's trading revenue rose to 467 million pounds in the six months to end-July from a year earlier, slightly ahead of a company-supplied consensus forecast of 461 million pounds.

But the firm's defined benefit, or final salary, pension scheme deficit widened to 622 million pounds, from 296 million at end-January, as a result of falling bond yields following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

"We are looking at ways of mitigating current and future liabilities," chief financial officer Martin Clarke told Reuters by telephone.

"We are looking at a range of options to see what we can do," he added, without giving further details.

AA has one of the largest pension deficits as a percentage of equity capital among FTSE 250 (.FTMC) companies, Thomson Reuters data shows.

Some companies have carried out bulk annuity deals - transferring the risk of part or all of the pension scheme to an insurer, to remove it from their balance sheets.

Pension deficits can affect companies' capital positions or even their ability to pay dividends.

Small-cap plastic component maker Carclo (C1Y.L) said last month it would likely not be able to pay a final dividend declared in June because of its pension deficit.

AA, however, said on Wednesday it would pay an interim dividend of 3.6 pence per share, up from 3.5 pence a year earlier.

Trading earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were unchanged at 192 million pounds because of increased costs associated with higher number of breakdowns in the period.

The results strip out any contribution from AA Ireland, which AA agreed to sell to Carlyle Cardinal Ireland (CCI) and Carlyle Global Financial Services Partners II in June for 156.6 million euros.

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AA's shares rose 0.84 percent to 287.4 pence at 0836 GMT.

Analysts at Liberum reiterated their buy rating on the stock, pointing to AA's reversal of a decline in members of its roadside recovery service.

(Reporting by Carolyn Cohn in London and Noor Zainab Hussain in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair and Alexandra Hudson)
Sept 29 (Reuters) - The following financial services industry appointments were announced on Thursday. To inform us of other job changes, email moves@thomsonreuters.com.

CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG

The Swiss group named Tsuneaki Hirao its head of Private Banking Japan, luring away an executive who has worked for rival UBS for more than a decade.

NORTHERN TRUST CORP

The financial services company said it appointed Vignesh Vijayakumar as senior relationship manager and Yovan Dabee as senior wealth strategist for Northern Trust's Global Family & Private Investment Offices group in London.

AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS

The asset manager appointed Marc Belbenoit-Avich and Robin Chiche to its insurance-linked securities (ILS) team, which is part of the structured finance team.

UNIGESTION

The boutique asset manager said it bolstered its intermediary team with three new hires.

BTIG LLC

The financial services firm named Mark Corcoran as a managing director in its institutional equities group.

(Compiled by Akankshita Mukhopadhyay in Bengaluru)
Morning Joe economic analyst Steven Rattner called CNBCs Squawk Box co-host Joe Kernen a jackass on Twitter Thursday morning.

Rattner is the chairman of Willett Advisors LLC and contributes for CNBC enough that he has a profile on the networks website. Considering Squawk Box is the flagship morning show of CNBC, it probably surprised fans when Rattner tweeted, .@SquawkCNBC would be so much better w/o that jackass, Joe Kernan. @BeckyQuick and @andrewrsorkin are great.

A CNBC spokesperson declined TheWraps request for comment.

Also Read: Neil Cavuto Details His Grueling Recovery From Open-Heart Surgery: 'This Was a Bitch' (Exclusive)

Rattner doubled down when commenters called him out for not tagging Kernans Twitter handle, resending the message with the proper tag and the message, Sorry to have omitted your Twitter handle.

.@SquawkCNBC would be so much better w/o that jackass, Joe Kernan. @BeckyQuick and @andrewrsorkin are great  Steven Rattner (@SteveRattner) September 29, 2016

.@JoeSquawk Sorry to have omitted your Twitter handle https://t.co/UZSH9f0pm4  Steven Rattner (@SteveRattner) September 29, 2016

Rattner and Kernen did not immediately respond to separate requests for comment by TheWrap.

While MSNBC is housed in NBCs Manhattan headquarters and CNBC is in New Jersey, the two networks are sisters that both fall under the NBC News umbrella.

Kernen was active on Twitter Thursday afternoon but has not publicly responded to Rattners comment. He has been with CNBC since 1991 and is based in CNBCs global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Prior to co-hosting Squawk Box, he was CNBCs on-air stock editor and was featured throughout the business day on the network.

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Willett Advisors is the investment arm for Michael Bloombergs personal and philanthropic assets. Rattner also contributes to The New York Times, according to his website.

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Mylan N.V. (MYL) just has been unable to recover from its EpiPen pricing hike issue. Shares were down over 4% on Thursday morning, and now the stock is dangerously close to a 52-week low. It is at the lowest stock price since the middle of May.

Thursday's additional weakness was tied to a late Wednesday report from U.S. federal health regulators expressly advising Mylan that the company had improperly classified its EpiPen treatment in a manner that allowed Mylan to pay out lower rebates to multiple state health programs.

What is unfortunate for Mylan here is that the EpiPen damage seems to keep spreading. The company's own price change after they were marred by politicians and consumer watch groups has failed to alleviate pressure on the company's shares. Even its own generic launch has not helped.

ALSO READ: 14 Top S&P 500 Stocks Raising Dividends for 25 Years, With More Hikes Expected

Wednesday also brought news that several senators are now asking the U.S. Department of Justice to consider investigating Mylan over the EpiPen. Those Senators have reportedly asked for the U.S. Attorney General to respond to them by October 12.

Wells Fargo issued a report on Thursday noting that this classification error could become material. Minnesota was shown to be a cost of roughly $4.3 million, but Wells Fargo points out that Minnesota represents just 2% of the U.S. population.

Wells Fargo has a $43 to $45 valuation range on top of its Market Perform rating. The report shows a concern that overhangs include the integration of the Meda transaction, two large non-strategic shareholders, and lack of meaningful earnings upside on the core base business. The report addressed the next steps:

ALSO READ: Buying a Used Tesla

We expect the next steps will be Mylans submission of data and information to the panels request (this week), and potentially other hearings in the months to come. We will keep the October 12th date circled as we expect the Senators will hear from the U.S. Attorney by then.

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The firm's David Maris said of Mylan:

We continue to believe the EpiPen situation is far from over with Mylan and represents a risk to the shares. Our current valuation range is slightly higher than the current share price, so we are not changing our rating.

ALSO READ: The World's 13 Most Valuable Startups

Mylan shares are now approaching a 30% drop so far in 2016. Amazingly, coming into Thursday the shares were still up 1% over a year ago. Mylan shares were last seen down 4.8% at $38.26, and its 52-week trading range is $37.59 to $55.51.

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A North Korean soldier walked across one of world's most heavily fortified borders on Thursday and defected to the South, military authorities said.

The man crossed the military demarcation line around 01:00 GMT on the central-eastern part of the border, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

There was no exchange of fire during the defection.

"He is now being held in custody for questioning", the JCS added.

It is rare for North Korean defectors to walk across the mine-riddled border, which is guarded by tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides.

The last time in happened was June last year when a teenage North Korean soldier surrendered himself to South Korean border guards at Hwacheon, north-east of Seoul.

Hundreds of North Koreans flee their isolated and impoverished homeland each year.

Most cross the porous frontier with China first before travelling through a south-east Asian nation and eventually arriving in South Korea.

In 2012, a North Korean soldier walked unchecked through rows of electrified fencing and surveillance cameras, prompting Seoul to sack three field commanders for a security lapse.

In August 2014, two North Koreans swam across the Yellow sea border to a South Korean frontline island.
In the homestretch of a heated election season where gun laws and regulations have been the at the forefront of discussion, Robert Greenwalds documentary Making a Killing: Guns, Greed, and the NRA is set for a congressional screening led by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. She will be joined by other congressional members at Thursdays screening in Washington, D.C., which is said to be a push toward sparking serious conversations about sensible gun legislation.

The docu focuses on how guns, and the billions made off of them, affect the lives of everyday Americans. It features personal stories from people who have been affected by gun violence, including survivors and victims families. The film exposes how the powerful gun companies and the NRA are resisting responsible legislation for the sake of profit.

Laurie and Bill Benenson, whose acclaimed Beasts of No Nation bowed last year, served as executive producer.

The film had an Oscar-qualifying limited theatrical run in August. Filmmakers also pushed to screen the film around the country at churches, nonprofit organizations, businesses and schools and for individuals. Gravitas Ventures has North American television, streaming, VOD and DVD rights, with an initial VOD release scheduled for November 1.

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Anti-NRA Documentary 'Making A Killing' Gets Qualifying Run For Academy Consideration; Partners With Gravitas

Stephen Colbert Rushes DNC Podium With Security In Hot Pursuit

'Making A Killing: Guns, Greed And NRA' From Robert Greenwald And 'Beasts Of No Nation' Exec Producer Targets Screenings In All 50 States
It didn't take Suzy Strutner long to adjust to the California sunshine and lifestyle, but she's still getting used to one aspect of Los Angeles life: the lack of an office nap room. "I really feel like I have been suffering without it," says Strutner, a 25-year-old Huffington Post editor who recently moved from the publication's New York office, which has two nap rooms, to its Beverly Hills post, which has zero.

The Huffington Post is among a growing number of companies including Ben and Jerry's, Google and Zappos that, in a sense, encourage employees to sleep on the job by dedicating space to napping. At the Huffington Post's New York office, for example, employees can either rest in a room with a bed or one with a more recliner-like pod.

For Strutner, escaping for a 20-minute nap two to three times a week was exactly what she needed to beat a mid-day slump or even recharge after work before going out with friends. "I felt totally refreshed," she remembers. "Especially doing a creative job; being able to take 20 minutes to yourself feels really good."

[See: 8 Ways to Stay Healthy at Work.]

Indeed, an increasingly robust body of research is showing that naps can even benefit employers by boosting workers' attention, memory and creativity, says Sara Mednick, an assistant professor in the University of California--Riverside's psychology department and author of "Take a Nap! Change Your Life." Her research has even found that people perform just as well on a visual learning task after a 60- to 90-minute snooze as after an eight-hour night of sleep. Naps can also improve heart and metabolic health, Mednick says, and have also been shown to boost mood.

"When I first started doing this work in 2002, the public opinion was that [napping] was a waste of time practiced by lazy people," Mednick says. "Now you see Arianna Huffington boasting about nap rooms in her workplace -- I would say that is quite a change."

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And a good one at that, adds Michael Grandner, director of the University of Arizona's sleep and health research program. "Any company that has a program to foster physical activity, that also has a program to foster healthy nutrition [but] they're not doing something to promote healthy sleep, you're missing a third of the picture," he says.

Still, not all naps are created equal, Grandner says. Here's how he and other experts suggest maximizing the health benefits of nap time:

Do: Nap Briefly

Effective naps aren't just shorter bouts of deep, nighttime sleep; they're lighter rest periods for the brain. "You don't want to nap too late or too long because you start getting into deeper stages of sleep, and when you wake up from those naps, you feel tired and horrible and cranky," says Grandner, who's also an assistant professor of psychiatry, psychology and medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. For Strutner, just 20 minutes did the trick. Afterward, she says, "it's like a whole new day."

Don't: Nap Extensively

Not only are lengthy naps -- say, 90 minutes or longer -- a recipe for deep sleep that's better saved for nighttime, they also make it harder to fall asleep when bedtime comes, says Rebecca Spencer, an associate professor in the University of Massachusetts Amherst's department of psychological and brain sciences. "You kind of put yourself into a spiral that's not necessarily healthy."

[See: Trouble Sleeping? Ask Yourself Why.]

Do: Nap Mid-Day

When you nap matters too, experts say. "The closer you get to the end of the day, the body's not sure if it's your nighttime sleep or not," Grandner says. Instead, capitalize on your circadian clock -- a body system that regulates periods of wakefulness and sleepiness -- by napping when you feel that afternoon slump. (Surprise: It's probably not caused by your lunch, but rather your internal rhythm.) For early birds, the energy dip will likely hit closer to the middle of the day; for night owls, it tends to strike a little later. "Whether or not you're aligned with that point can make a difference on how groggy you feel when you wake up," Spencer says.

Don't: Worry About Caffeine

Mimicking your nighttime sleep environment isn't entirely necessary when it comes to napping. "You don't want to keep the environment as cool or dark, and it doesn't have to be in bed," Grandner says. You can even take what he calls a "caf nap" by sipping a cup of coffee before dozing. That way, the caffeine should kick in when you want to wake up about 20 minutes later.

Do: Make It a Habit

As with many skills, napping takes practice to perfect. "It takes people to really be consistent about it in order to have it not affect overnight sleep; in order to not get heavy sleep inertia afterward," Spencer says, referring to post-sleep grogginess. A daily 30-minute nap is ideal, she says. If you don't have an office or schedule conducive to taking regular siestas, you're probably better off focusing on getting solid nighttime sleep, Spencer says.

[See: 8 Morning and Nighttime Rituals Health Pros Swear By.]

Don't: Nap Because You Need To

Somewhat ironically, the wrong reason to take a nap is to combat sleep deprivation. "If you're napping by choice, that's one thing, but if you're napping because you can't stay awake, that's another thing," says Grandner, who points out that people who nap habitually to make up for poor nighttime sleep are more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Insomniacs, too, should avoid "snacking" on sleep during the day in order to build up their appetite for sleep at night, Grandner adds. "If you feel like you have to take a nap in order to function," he says, "that's a sign that something's probably not quite right."

Do: Nap Because You Want To

You're on vacation and you treat yourself to a snooze on the sand. You're at work (with a nap room) and you want to cool off after an argument or sleep on an idea. You're an athlete looking to give your muscles a little extra rest. All are fine reasons to take naps, experts say, since they're not acting as substitutes for a good night's sleep. "When you take relatively well-rested people [and] give them a nap in the middle of the day, you can improve alertness, you can improve memory and learning, you can improve tiredness and fatigue," Grandner says. "You can improve a number of different outcomes."
Slow killer

Urgent steps are necessary to control the countrys disturbing level of air pollution
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - NASA has signed an agreement with the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment (CAE) to cooperate on research that will help China's airports improve their management of air traffic, the U.S. space agency said late on Wednesday. China is the world's fastest growing aviation market but passengers often have to cope with long flight delays. Its aviation authorities routinely name and shame airports for poor management, slapping them with penalties such as bans on new flights. The memorandum of understanding will see the two agencies use data from Chinese airports to identify potential efficiencies in air traffic management, with a view to improve air transportation automation for U.S. and Chinese aviation operations in the country. NASA said the agreement's details were discussed during NASA administrator Charles Bolden's visit in August, when he met with the CAE and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. "China is expected to see a substantial increase in air travel in the near future," Bolden said. "Our ability to work closely together will help to improve predictability of ground delays so air carriers can better plan departures to increase efficiencies. That will have a positive impact on U.S. carriers operating in China and the global aviation community." In July, the official news agency Xinhua said China plans to invest as much as 50 billion yuan ($7.49 billion)to develop its air traffic management system. (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by Michael Perry)
NEW YORK (AP) - In an interview with 60 Minutes, Nate Parker was unapologetic about a 17-year-old rape case that has mired his film The Birth of a Nation in controversy.

In excerpts from the interview to air Sunday shared exclusively with the Associated Press on Thursday, Parker says he was "ly accused" and declined to make any apology. The woman who made the accusation killed herself in 2012.

"I was ly accused. I went to court. I was vindicated," Parker says. "I feel terrible that this woman isn't here. Her family had to deal with that, but as I sit here, an apology is - no."

In the interview, Anderson Cooper presses Parker on whether he did something morally wrong.

"As a Christian man, just being in that situation, yeah, sure," says Parker. "I am 36 years old right now. My faith is very important to me. So looking back through that lens, it's not the lens I had when I was 19 years old."

Parker, who stars in, directed, co-wrote and co-produced The Birth of a Nation, instead argues that his film, about Nat Turner's slave rebellion, deserves more attention than himself and the rape accusation, made when he was a student at Penn State. Parker was acquitted in the case.

"I think that Nat Turner, as a hero, what he did in history, is bigger than me," says Parker. "I think it's bigger than all of us."

The Birth of a Nation first debuted in January at the Sundance Film Festival, where it was hailed as an antidote to the then-raging #OscarsSoWhite backlash. Parker's film immediately sparked widespread Oscar expectations and a bidding war among distributors. Fox Searchlight, an Academy Awards regular, landed it for a festival record $17.5 million, with the assurance of a nationwide release. It's to open in theaters next Friday.

But the newfound attention on Parker put a spotlight on a rape case dating back to when he was a sophomore wrestler at Penn State University. Parker was acquitted, though his college roommate Jean Celestin (who helped create The Birth of a Nation) was initially found guilty of sexual assault. That conviction was later overturned.

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Parker and Celestin allegedly harassed the accuser on campus. The incident spawned a successful civil lawsuit by the woman against the college. But the accuser, after several previous attempts, committed suicide in 2012.

In recent weeks, Parker has sought to deflect attention from himself. At a closely watched press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier in September, Parker deflected questions about the case.

"I would encourage everyone to remember, personal life aside, I'm just one person," said Parker.
LINTHICUM, MD / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / NFM Lending is pleased to announce the opening of a new branch in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. The branch will focus its lending platform throughout North Attleboro and the surrounding area. NFM Lending offers Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, FNMA, Jumbo, and many other loan options.

Christopher Reale will manage the North Attleboro branch. Reale opened the branch with Bill Driscoll and Barry Wyllie, Branch Managers of NFM Lending's Raynham, Massachusetts branch.

"We're thrilled to welcome Chris Reale to our team, and to announce the opening of our new North Attleboro branch," said Driscoll. "We look forward to expanding NFM Lending's New England presence, especially into the Rhode Island market."

Reale says that he chose NFM Lending because of their commitment to customer service.

"In a market where client service is what sets you apart from the competition, I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to be aligned with a company like NFM," said Reale. "Their clients and referral partners become 'Raving Fans'! That is what creates longevity in this business."

The branch is currently hiring qualified Loan Originators for full and part-time positions. The branch's goal is to provide top-notch service, commitment, and dedication to borrowers, ranging from first-time home buyers to seasoned buyers looking for their next home, a second home, or investment properties. Visit the branch page to learn more:

For more information, please contact:

Christopher Reale

NMLS # 17936

Phone: 508-418-6780

Fax: 508-848-0117

creale@nfmlending.com

www.nfmlending.com/creale

About NFM Lending

NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 29 states across the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as "America's Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender."

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For more information about NFM Lending, please contact:

NFM Lending

Toll-Free: 1-888-233-0092

pr@nfmlending.com

Twitter: @nfm_lending

SOURCE: NFM Lending via Submit Press Release 123
Guadalajara (Mexico) (AFP) - Authorities have recovered 12 bodies in a western Mexican river near a lake popular among US tourists, as suspicion about the deaths turned toward two drug gangs.

Three bodies were found in the Lerma river on Thursday afternoon, after nine others were recovered in the first three days of the week, said Eduardo Almaguer, the top prosecutor in Jalisco state.

"Twelve bodies have been found in the Lerma river and its mouth at Lake Chapala," Almaguer told reporters.

He did not say how the three new victims died.

The nine other bodies showed "show signs of violence," he said. A police official said at least two of those victims had bullet wounds and two others were mutilated.

"If two criminal groups participated in this situation, our obligation is to arrest them," Almaguer said, without naming the gangs.

The bodies were recovered within the municipality of Jamay, a fishing area. The lake is also surrounded by a large expat community, including retirees.

The western state has been hit by violence perpetrated by the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal groups.

Almaguer said some victims may have been killed in Jalisco and others in the neighboring state of Michoacan, another major flashpoint in Mexico's decade-long drug war.

Jamay is near the municipality of La Barca, which lies near the Jalisco-Michoacan border, where 75 bodies were unearthed from 37 clandestine graves between late 2013 and early 2014.

In the river case, Almaguer said his office has asked the authorities in Michoacan and the state of Guanajuato for help in identifying the bodies, in case the victims came from those states.

"We don't have any report of abduction, which is why the process of identification and the prosecution of this crime have been slow," he said.

About an hour's drive from Jamay, federal police killed 42 New Generation cartel suspects on a ranch in the Michoacan municipality of Tanhuato in May 2015.

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Only one officer was killed in the clash, a lopsided death toll that raised suspicions that police had either used excessive force.

The National Human Rights Commission issued a scathing report last month alleging that 22 civilians were "arbitrarily executed" during the operation.

The report prompted President Enrique Pena Nieto to fire federal police chief Enrique Galindo.

The New Generation cartel had killed some 30 police officers and soldiers in the weeks prior to the Tanhuato incident. In one clash, the gang downed a military helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade earlier in May 2015.

But the Jalisco gang has also clashed with rival criminals in neighboring Michoacan state, where the Knights Templar drug cartel once held sway.

Farmers formed vigilante forces to counter the Knights Templar in 2013 and the cartel has been severely weakened, but smaller gangs have since emerged and continue to wreak havoc in the state.
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.
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / North Springs Resources Corp. (NSRS) is pleased to announce that the Company's strategic alliance partner, M & G Contracting LLC has finalized terms on laying fiber-optic lines for Industry Leader, MasTec Engineering in Austin Texas.

MasTec engineering is the general contractor for Google Fiber Optic Texas, LLC., a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Google Fiber builds networks for internet connection up to 1 gigabit, which is equivalent to 1,000 megabits per second. "The team at M & G have done a tremendous job of building confidence in their quality of work for some time now. This contract is an extension of their promise of excellence they give to the communities in Texas. We are honored to be involved with such a high caliber quality group." stated J. Douglas Pulver, President of North Springs Resources Corp.

The Company has been a technological forerunner for over three quarters of a century, historically having built telephone networks throughout the nation, as well as in the Middle East and the Pacific Islands. They laid the first underwater telephone cable from Florida to Puerto Rico, and built nearly one-fourth of the country's cable television systems. MasTec is ranked #2 in the "Top 500 Hispanic Businesses 2011" according to Hispanic business.com, and MasTec is ranked #3 in the "Top 600 Specialty Contractors" in the country by Engineering News-Record.

M & G Contracting is a vertically integrated drilling and pipeline service company. They are or have been engaged in projects for, but not limited to CenterPoint Energy, the city of Sedine, and various other pipeline companies. They are currently on track to record annual revenues of over four million dollars, ($4,000,000 US). Present management for M & G has a long history of successful operations in, but not limited to Wyoming, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, and Texas.

The financial terms of the contract are not yet being publicly disclosed, but the Company plans to update shareholders in a timely manner as details become available.

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About MasTec, Inc.: About MasTec, Inc. is a leading infrastructure construction company operating mainly throughout North America across a range of industries. The Company's primary activities include the engineering, building, installation, maintenance and upgrade of energy, utility and communications infrastructure, such as: electrical utility transmission and distribution; natural gas and petroleum pipeline infrastructure; wireless, wireline and satellite communications; power generation, including renewable energy infrastructure; and industrial infrastructure. MasTec's customers are primarily in these industries. The Company's corporate website is located at www.mastec.com.

ABOUT NSRS: For more information about North Springs Resources, please visit the corporate website at: www.northspringsresourcescorp.com

Safe Harbor: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements.

Investor and Media Contact: SOURCE: North Springs Resources, Inc.

For More Information Contact:

North Springs Resources Corp

813-699-4098



SOURCE: North Springs Resources Corp.
Copenhagen (AFP) - The world's largest maker of diabetes treatments, Novo Nordisk, said Thursday it was cutting 1,000 jobs worldwide to reduce costs as it faces price pressure in the United States.

"This is one of several actions taken to reduce operating costs as the company faces a challenging competitive environment in 2017, especially in its large US market," the Denmark-based company said in a statement.

Novo Nordisk's shares plunged last month when the firm announced it was facing intense pressure from firms that manage prescription drug services between health insurers and insured patients in the United States and lowered its growth forecast.

Nearly half of the global insulin market is controlled by Novo Nordisk.

The company's shares have fallen by more than 20 percent since the start of August.

On Thursday, the firm said it was sticking to its August forecast of sales growth between five and seven percent this year in local currencies, and an increase in operating profit of between five and eight percent.

The firm said the job cuts, about 2.4 percent of its current staff of 42,300, are expected to fall in research and development and headquarter staff functions, as well as positions in the global commercial organisation. Around half of the job losses are expected to be in Denmark.

Chief executive Lars Rebien Sorensen expressed regret at having to take the difficult decision of letting staff go.

"However, we have concluded that it is needed in order for us to have a sustainable balance between income and costs," he was quoted as saying in the statement.
Antony Blinken

A senior Obama administration official stumbled Thursday when pressed on the US plan to deal with the crisis in Syria, appearing unable to provide details about what comes next after a failed ceasefire.

Sen. Bob Corker, a Republican from Tennessee and the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, repeatedly pressed Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a committee hearing.

The US has been searching for a way to help resolve a five-year civil war between the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebel groups that has caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians and led to the proliferation of extremist groups like ISIS inside the country. But a ceasefire deal brokered with Russia earlier this month fell apart.

"I'd like to understand what Plan B is," Corker said. "The mysterious Plan B that has been referred to since February, the mysterious Plan B that was supposed to be leverage to get Russia to quit killing innocent people, to get Assad to quit killing innocent people. Just explain to us the elements of Plan B."

Blinken seemed unsure of the specifics of the so-called Plan B.

"In the first instance, Plan B is the consequence of the failure as a result of Russia's actions of Plan A," he said. "In that, what is likely to happen now is if the agreement cannot be followed through on and Russia reneges totally on its commitments, which it appears to have done, is this is going, of course, to be bad for everyone, but it's going to be bad first and foremost..."

Corker cut him off, asking for more specifics.

"I want to hear about Plan B," Corker said. "I understand all the context here."

Blinken pressed on.

"I think, sir, this is important because Russia has a profound incentive in trying to make this work," Blinken said. "It can't win in Syria. It can only prevent Assad from losing. If this now gets to the point where the civil war actually accelerates, all of the outside patrons are going to throw in more and more weaponry against Russia. Russia will be left propping up Assad in an ever-smaller piece of Syria under constant assault..."

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Corker cut in again.

"I understand that," he said. "What is Plan B? Give me the elements of Plan B."

Blinken tried again, but was still vague on details.

"Again, the consequences I think to Russia as well as to the regime will begin to be felt as a result of Plan A not being implemented because of Russia's actions," Blinken said. "Second, as I indicated, the president has asked all of the agencies to put forward options, some familiar, some new, that we are very actively reviewing. When we are able to work through these in the days ahead, we will have an opportunity to come back and talk about them in detail."

Corker didn't seem satisfied.

"OK, so let me just say what we already know," he said. "There is no Plan B."

This is a familiar criticism of the Obama administration's Syria policy.

Mutasem Alsyofi of the Syrian Civil Society Declaration Initiative said in a statement last week that Secretary of State John Kerry wasn't able to articulate a coherent plan for Syria when he met with a Syrian delegation in New York City.

"Kerry's plan is to do more of the same  despite the repeated failure of US attempts to strike a deal with Russia," Alsyofi said. "Syrians need a clear guarantee that the continued killing of civilians will be met with action to protect civilians. We do not need further failed agreements with Russia."

The US recently worked with Russia to implement a ceasefire between the Assad regime and rebels in Syria, excluding extremist groups. But the deal  referred to as "Plan A" during Blinken's testimony  fell apart before it was seen through to completion.

The Wall Street Journal reported on the administration's "Plan B" for Syria earlier this year, citing unnamed US officials who described a covert operation to provide moderate rebels with more powerful weapons. Blinken did not mention such a program during his testimony.

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Washington (AFP) - President Barack Obama defended his refusal to use military force to end Syria's brutal civil war Wednesday, as diplomatic efforts faltered and a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions unfolded in Aleppo.

With just months left in office, the besiegement and bombardment of Syria's second city has put Obama's polices back under the spotlight and exposed deep unease within his administration.

"There hasn't been probably a week that's gone by in which I haven't reexamined some of the underlying premises around how we're dealing with the situation in Syria," Obama told a CNN town hall debate.

"I'll sit in the situation room with my Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, we'll bring in outside experts -- I will bring in critics of my policy to find out, OK, you don't think this is the right way to go."

But, Obama insisted, "in Syria, there is not a scenario in which, absent us deploying large numbers of troops, we can stop a civil war in which both sides are deeply dug in."

"There are going to be some bad things that happen around the world, and we have to be judicious."

The civil war has dragged on for more than five years and so far killed 300,000 people.

Obama has sent around 300 troops to Syria, focused on the battle against the Islamic State group, but has refused to plunge them into a civil war that is not in America's strategic interest.

Instead he has instead backed diplomacy as the only way out of the crisis.

But since a US-brokered ceasefire crashed on takeoff last week, Russia and Syria have launched rolling airstrikes on rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where a quarter of a million people are trapped.

Forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad's regime have simultaneously launched a ground assault, eying a victory that could prove decisive in the five-year war.

On Wednesday, two of the largest hospitals in rebel-held parts of the city were bombed, prompting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to describe that attack as a war crime.

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Already the situation is being compared to Guernica -- a savage bombardment immortalized by Pablo Picasso's painting.

In response, Obama's administration has threatened to suspend its engagement with Russia unless the bombing stops.

But Obama again insisted that ultimately there must be a political solution, while saying that the US would try to ameliorate the suffering.

The State Department on Wednesday said it would release a further $364 million to UN aid agencies and NGOs working to help vulnerable Syrian civilians inside and outside the war-torn country.

- Diplomacy, not war -

Obama came to office on a platform of opposition to the war in Iraq and ending the war in Afghanistan.

Throughout his presidency he has been reluctant to deploy combat troops and argued for a more judicious use of American military power and assessment of the national interest.

"Historically, if you look at what happens to great nations, more often than not, they end up having problems because they are overextended, don't have a clear sense of what is their core interests," Obama said.

Critics argue that he has defined the national interest too narrowly and that the Syrian conflict has called America's reputation and commitment to the rule of law into serious question.

It has also created a refugee crisis that has destabilized Europe and has allowed Russia and Iran to assert greater power in the Middle East.

"It is long past time for the United States to reassess its shameful approach to the Syrian crisis," said Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute.

"US indecision, risk aversion, a total divergence between rhetoric and policy, and a failure to uphold clearly stated 'red lines' have all combined into what can best be described as a cold-hearted, hypocritical approach."

"At worst, Washington has indirectly abetted the wholesale destruction of a nation-state, in direct contradiction to its fundamental national security interests and its most tightly held values."
Barack Obama Jake Tapper

President Barack Obama sparred with CNN host Jake Tapper on Wednesday night in a tense exchange over Obama's refusal to use the phrase "radical Islamic terrorism."

During a CNN town-hall event focusing on the US military, Gold Star mother Tina Houchins asked Obama why he wouldn't use the term.

Some critics, including Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, have argued that Obama's insistence not to use the term to refer to terrorist attacks committed in the name of groups like the Islamic State or Al Qaeda shows that he isn't well-equipped to fight terrorism.

"The truth of the matter is that this is an issue that has been sort of manufactured, because there is no doubt, and I've said repeatedly that where we see terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda or ISIL, they have perverted and distorted and tried to claim the mantle of Islam for an excuse, for basically barbarism and death," Obama said.

"These are people who kill children, kill Muslims, take sex slaves  there's no religious rationale that would justify in any way any of the things that they do," he added.

Obama later seemed to allude to Trump as he continued to answer Houchins' question.

"I'll just be honest with you: The dangers where we get loose in this language, particularly when a president or people aspiring to become president get loose with this language, you can see in some of the language that we use, in talking about Muslim-Americans here and the notion that somehow we'd start having religious tests in who can come in the country and who's investigated and whether the Bill of Rights applies to them in the same way," Obama said.

Trump has often said while campaigning that the US should administer some sort of test to immigrants to determine whether they have terrorist sympathies.

Tapper interjected to point out the allusion to Trump, and the exchange between him and Obama grew tense.

Here's how it played out:

Tapper: Just to interject ...

Obama: Yes?

Story continues

Tapper: You were clearly talking about the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, just then. You think his ...

Obama: No, I wasn't. But ...

Tapper: You weren't?

Obama: No, I ...

Tapper: Well, you just said ...

Obama: I would just say this, Jake, because ...

Tapper: ... aspiring to this office ...

Obama: No, but it's not unique to the Republican nominee. And again, I'm trying to be careful. We're on a military base. I don't want to insert partisan politics into this. I think that there have been a number of public figures where you start hearing commentary that is dangerous because what it starts doing is it starts dividing us up as Americans.

Here's video of the exchange:

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Shah Rukh is currently filming Imtiaz Alis The Ring in Lisbon and we recently came across a dramatic video of theDilwale star from the sets, where he saw him pacing on the pavement.

Now, the 50-year-old actor took to Instagram to post a boomerang video of himself showing off his six-pack abs and a funny caption to it that read as Now even my male directors r objectifying me. Paapi peth ke liye kya kya karnapadhta hai.

Recommended Read: Shah Rukh and Katrina to perform at a wedding for a price of their choice?

Talking about those swoon worthy abs how we can we forget about that toned body in Om Shanti Om and Happy New Year, both directed by Farah Khan.

On the professional front, Shah Rukh will be next seen in Raees that also stars Pakistani actress Mahira Khan.
New York (AFP) - Hedge fund Och-Ziff Capital Management Group will pay $413 million to settle charges it bribed officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya and other African countries, officials said Thursday.

Och-Ziff, which has more than $39 billion under management, paid bribes to officials to secure mining rights and to win investment in the company from a Libyan sovereign wealth fund, according to officials from the US Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company passed millions to local officials including a son of Libya's fallen dictator Moamer Kadhafi, the SEC.

The firm will pay $213 million in criminal fines to the Justice Department and a further $200 million in disgorgement of profits and interest to the SEC. Its Africa unit also entered a guilty plea to a single count of conspiracy to commit foreign bribery.

The company will be subject to the oversight of an outside compliance monitor for three years.

"Och-Ziff engaged in complicated, far-reaching schemes to get special access and secure significant deals and profits through corruption," Andrew Ceresney, the SEC's head of the enforcement, said in a statement.

According to the Justice Department, the case marked the first time a hedge fund had been held to account under US foreign bribery laws.

Under the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, it is illegal for US companies and citizens to pay bribes to foreign officials to win business. Unlike similar laws in other developed countries, the US law is enforced by both criminal authorities and market regulators.

Two executives, the firm's founder and chief executive officer, Daniel Och, 55, and Chief Financial Officer Joel Frank, 61, also agreed to settle civil charges brought by the SEC, which accused the men of ignoring red flags and permitting illegal transactions to proceed.

Och will pay $2.2 million in the SEC case while Frank has agreed to cooperate in the continuing investigation and any penalties against him will be assessed later, according to the SEC.

Story continues

In a statement, Och expressed regret.

"This has been a deeply disappointing episode," he said. "This conduct is inconsistent with our core values and not representative of our hundreds of employees worldwide, who are dedicated to serving our clients with the utmost integrity."

He added that the company had taken steps to improve its conduct.

Och was personally involved in the bribery, according to the SEC, authorizing two corrupt transactions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The case gained additional notoriety last month when federal agents in Brooklyn detained Samuel Mebiame, a Gabonese consultant to an Och-Ziff joint venture who was arrested on charges of paying bribes to win mineral rights in three African countries.

In addition to bribery in Libya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, between 2007 and 2011 Och-Ziff also engaged in corruption-tainted transactions in Chad, Niger and Guinea.

In a conference call with reporters, the SEC's Ceresney said the Och-Ziff matter had arisen from a so-called enforcement "sweep" begun in 2011 of the financial services industry's dealings with sovereign wealth funds.
Octavia Spencer took to Twitter on Wednesday following the elementary school shooting in South Carolina that left three people wounded.



"South Carolina bringing guns onto school campuses is beyond me. Our kids and educators should not have to live in fear of being shot! the actress tweeted.





"South Carolina bringing guns onto school campuses is beyond me. Our kids and educators should not have to live in fear of being shot! a octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) September 28, 2016





Two students and a female teacher were injured on Wednesday afternoon at Townville Elementary School in South Carolina.







Taylor Batson, the Young Miss. Teen South Carolina 2016, also tweeted about the incident, saying Prayer is a powerful thing.









Still Alice actress Julianne Moore retweeted both Spencers tweet and tweets by Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.



Todays school shooting in Townville was 197th since Jan. 2013, the 37th in 2016, and the 2nd this year in South Carolina, Watts tweeted.





Todays school shooting in Townville was 197th since Jan. 2013, the 37th in 2016, and the 2nd this year in South Carolina. pic.twitter.com/jbY42kn50X a Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) September 28, 2016





A 14-year-old suspect is in custody, according to an Anderson County, South Carolina, sheriffs deputy who spoke to local media.



The suspects father, 47-year-old Jeffrey Osborne, was found dead near the school, according to Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore, PEOPLE confirms.



Osbornes death is connected to the shooting and Shores office is investigating, he said.



The suspect, who has not been identified, allegedly used a handgun, Townville police Capt. Garland Major said at a Wednesday news conference.



Nely Ramirez went to Oakdale to pick up her nieces and bring them back to their mother. She told PEOPLE about the aftermath of the shooting.



I saw a lot of parents hugging their kids and crying, crying, crying, she said. Everyone is really shaken up. Were going to hug our families tight tonight.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.
Womens shelter demolition: Womens rights defenders draw PM Dahals attention

Womens rights defenders from Dhading have drawn the attention of Prime Minister Puspha Kamal Dahal to the incident where a safe house for victims of gender-based violence in the district was bulldozed by the forest authority on Friday morning.
Kyle the goose thinks she's a dog. Everywhere her owner goes, she follows him around like a pooch.

Read: Tiny Orangutan Found With Bullet Lodged in Shoulder Attends First Day of School

Mike Jivanjee, of Oregon, rescued Kyle when her family rejected her as a young gosling and she's been by his side ever since.

She is my best friend, Jivanjee told Inside Edition. She is a celebrity everywhere.

Kyle is even a star on social media. Her Instagram account has more than 64,000 followers.

Inside Edition tonight! @insideedition @animals_video #bekind #spreadlove #kerry #dave #jeff #kyle @subway A photo posted by Kyle Goose (@kylethegoose) on Sep 29, 2016 at 9:16am PDT

While most days are spent boating around Lake Oswego, the duo likes to head into town once in awhile, when they do they stop traffic and get looks from passersby.

Read: Preggo Primate! Orangutan Receives an Ultrasound as Caretakers Feed Her Treats

He said: "I had a dog before, a cat but nothing weird like this."

Watch: My Sister's Keeper: Blind Dog's Sisters Take Her Out on Walks

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Oil prices added Thursday to steep gains fuelled by OPEC's deal to cut crude output, but analysts doubted the cartel's ability to seriously tackle a supply glut.

Following a meeting that included Russia, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries stunned markets Wednesday by saying it planned to trim total production by some 750,000 barrels per day.

This followed talks in Algiers on how the cartel could prop up prices that have plunged from $100 in mid-2014 to below $30 at the start of 2016, mainly owing to excess supplies.

Exact details of the deal remain to be agreed and analysts said markets will now wait to see how other major producers react.

Earlier this year Russia had expressed its support for an output freeze. But on Thursday Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that his country intends to keep oil production at current levels.

The cartel's announcement of a first official reduction in eight years sent crude prices surging six percent Wednesday, while energy firms across the globe have seen their share prices soar.

At the end of six hours of negotiations and weeks of horse trading, OPEC said it would cut production to 32.5-33 million barrels per day from around 33.5 million in August.

But the market gains moderated early Thursday. The US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November, added 78 cents to settle at $47.83 a barrel.

In London, Brent North Sea crude for November rose 55 cents to $49.24 a barrel.

- Iran exemption -

Yet analysts were dubious that a deal would have much real impact on the supply-demand equation in the market.

"We are confident that OPEC countries will not stick to the agreement," commented Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch.

Even if they do, he said, exemptions from cuts granted to Iran, Nigeria and Libya mean that "the problem of surplus will not be solved if these countries take full advantage of their capacities again".

Wednesday's deal came after OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia allowed bitter rival Iran to be exempted from the cutbacks, as the Islamic Republic recovers from years of sanctions on its oil exports.

Story continues

"It is Saudi Arabia who has clearly blinked first, allowing Iran, its main rival, to ramp up production," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at Oanda trading group.

"These two don't see eye-to-eye on anything so this is a huge concession by Saudi Arabia to 'lubricate' the process," he told AFP.

The Paris-based International Energy Agency called the agreement "an important development for the oil market", but it also cautioned that it was too early to tell how it would actually affect market balances.

"The IEA continues to believe that oil prices should be determined by market fundamentals," it said.

French bank Societe Generale said in a note to clients that the deal gave a stronger boost to oil-sensitive stocks and currencies than it did to crude oil itself.

"Time will tell whether oil prices will trend higher (after a knee-jerk rally), and the market will first wait to see how the cuts are divvied up between members," to be decided at the November OPEC meeting.

Another question is how the new move will affect US output. The Saudi strategy of flooding the market was directed particularly at US high-cost shale producers, with Riyadh hoping to drive them out of business.

The impact was clear: US oil production fell by 12.5 percent, or 1.2 million barrels a day.

But the plunge in oil revenues hurt everyone. It left Saudi Arabia with a record deficit, prompting sharp cuts to spending and salaries.

"Saudi Arabia have perhaps reassessed their dumping oil strategy to put US shale out of business as the pressure on their budgets has clearly reached a tipping point as well," Halley said.
The price of oil has responded to news of OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, production cuts. If there is one thing that seems true more often than not, it is that OPEC's promises are rarely lived up to. Perhaps the general efforts move in a direction that was telegraphed, but the reality is that quotas are often treated with disregard.

OPEC members agreed a production target of 32.5 million to 33.0 million barrels per day. The target implies a production cut of roughly 250,000 to 750,000 from August's production levels.

It turns out that there is already at least some doubt about what cuts actually may take place. OPEC's formal plan will come at its next policy meeting in November. That leaves a lot of time on the table for things to get in the way. Still, the price of oil has continued its rise on Thursday.

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24/7 Wall St. has taken several outside views to see what is really being said about would-be production cuts from OPEC.

Goldman Sachs expects this news to prove self-defeating in the medium term with a large drilling response around the world. The firm even cited a 1987 OPEC production cut ultimately leading to surge in worldwide oil rigs. If the production cuts take place as outlined, they might result in a $7 to $10 price gain per barrel by the first half of 2017. Still, Goldman Sachs reiterated its year-end target of $43 and 2017 of $53.

Fitch Ratings showed that OPEC's oil production target signals the potential for greater coordination among OPEC members. Still, Fitch thinks that the target itself is largely symbolic. It said:

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The announcement supports our view that oil prices will continue their recovery, but does not make a strong rebound materially more likely. ... This reduces downside risk to oil prices and reinforces our expectation that the stabilization and recovery since the beginning of the year will continue. This is reflected in our forecasts for average prices for Brent and WTI of $45.00 per barrel in 2017 and $55.00 barrel in 2018.

Story continues

CNBC's report noted:

However, how much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal OPEC meeting in November, when an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-OPEC countries such as Russia.

The Guardian's report points out that OPEC agreeing on need to cut oil production is no game-changer. The report sees Riyadhs drive to kill off U.S. shale has failed, but it will take real cuts and more global demand for oil to return to $100 per barrel.

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The Houston Chronicle, down in the heart of the oil patch, warns that there are huge caveats to this OPEC cut. It said:

The deal is not really a deal, it's a proposal that all 14 members must still agree upon at OPEC's official meeting in November. What's also not clear is how much production each country will cut, when it will happen or who will monitor it.

Credit Suisse's report noted that the oil price rally was on the noise of an OPEC cut. It said:

Important questions remain around how the quota would be allocated to the member countries. In the mean time, we would track the Brent-Dubai spread it may provide a real time signal of changing supply dynamics in the Gulf. We also note that the Saudi OSPs, likely released next week, may also provide some clues as to the winter Saudi export program, and whether any potential production cuts might impact European, Asian, or US pricing the most.

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Merrill Lynch noted that Saudi Arabia may have blinked on the policy but that may just be buying time. The report said:

The OPEC deal suggests Saudi energy policy is now geared to support oil price stability and ease the ongoing macro adjustment. The coordinated nature of the potential OPEC cuts could make the move revenue positive for Saudi Arabia in the short-term. We expect recent spikes in rates/Fx to ease back, but see domestic liquidity remaining tight unless oil prices move higher.

Regardless of how the doubt has come on, the reaction in oil prices has been higher. INO.com showed that West Texas Intermediate crude was last at $48.23, for a gain of $1.18, or 2.50%. The CME's price for November futures had the price of oil at $48.16, up $1.11 on the day.

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It is a sad but true fact that videos of the killings of black people by police officers have become what one writer for The Guardian called Americas new TV violence. The tapes are almost ubiquitous in mainstream and social media, as the use of body cams and camera phones has resulted in a proliferation of recordings of fatal encounters.

But, even as these videos may appear to offer an objective perspective on what has happened, its become clear that these filmed deaths are still subject to interpretation. As Al Jazeera and Alternet have noted, news outlets often highlight criminal activity, whether real or imagined, of those who are killed by police and engage in speculation over the character of the victim. This manner of reporting reinforces tropes about black criminality that have long tainted media coverage of instances of police violence, contends Media Matters. Consequently, family members and community organizations such as The Center for Racial Justice Innovation find it necessary to challenge media reports that put black victims on trial before all of the facts are known.

But this mass circulation of images of the killings of black victims, like this conversation about the narratives that accompany them, has been the focus of debate since the late 19th century.

The current iconography and textual representations of brutalized black citizens is reminiscent of late-19th to mid-20th century representations and narratives regarding lynching victims. As Salon writer Chauncey DeVega has put it, the videos can be seen as a new digital-era version of lynching postcards.

Those lynching postcards were a phenomenon of the years following the invention of the Kodak camera in 1888. The new technology allowed lynchings to be captured in real time, and images of those crimes to be distributed nationwide.

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Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America by James Allen, et. al., is a photo documentary of the horrors of that system, as documented by southerner whites, who made a point to capture these public events. As Allen observes, Hundreds of Kodaks clicked all morning at the scene of the lynching. . . Picture card photographers installed a portable printing plant . . . and reaped a harvest in selling postcards.

Story continues

Postcards of lynched victims were sold as souvenirs and mailed to friends and relatives as gifts. They were also sent to those, particularly northern whites, who opposed these crimes as a form of intimidation.

As Allen notes, newspapers often advertised public lynchings in advance, and afterwards provided gruesome details of the event. Sensationalized headlines such as Five White Men Take Negro Into Woods; Kill Him: Had Been Charged with Associating with White Women, wired by the Associated Press about a lynching in Louisiana, are representative of how the press often cited the alleged crimes of the victim in order to justify such executions without due process.

But in 2015, The Equal Justice Initiative released a report on the history of lynching in the U.S., starting during the immediate post-Civil War eraand historians now concur that lynching, as Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director of EJI told the New York Times, was less about crime and more about executing people for violating the racial hierarchy. In other words, whether the person killed had committed a crime was irrelevant to the punishment meted out.

The criminalization of lynching victims, made popular by the national press, did not go unchallenged.

Frederick Douglass provided a counter narrative in an 1895 article, Why is the Negro Lynched?, in which he proposed to give a coloured mans view of a subject that had thus far been debated in public by predominantly white speakers. Douglas recounts that after emancipation, scores of Negroes were killed for alleged conspiracies such as schemes to kill all white people, plots to burn the town, and commit violence in general. Such accusations were played out in glaring headlines in the columns of nearly all our newspapers.

By the 1890s, those earlier justifications for lynching were largely replaced by the trope of the black male rapist who lusted for the purity of white womanhood.

The consequences of this pernicious campaign resulted in an immediate increase in black male lynching, which lasted from the 1890s to the 1930s. Douglass denounced the accusation as fear mongering. Civil rights feminist Ida B. Wells-Barnett concurred, adding that the southern definition of rape went well beyond that of the courts; the mere proximity of a black man to a white woman constituted rape.

As an investigative journalist and newspaper editor, Wells-Barnett traveled all over the nation investigating individual cases of lynching and their justifications. She was inspired to do so after two black male acquaintances, who owned a store directly across from a white shop owners business, were accused of rape and were lynched. She compiled her findings in a pamphlet titled The Red Record: Tabulated Statistics and Alleged Causes of Lynching in the United States.

Wells-Barnett learned that in most cases the justification for lynching was based on trumped up-charges leveled against local black business owners who posed an economic threat to competing white businesses. She compiled a laundry list of offenses that justified lynching, which included anything or nothing.

Compiling factual information for the red record continued into the 1920s, with the NAACP purchasing full ads in newspapers and issuing broadsides that challenged mainstream stereotypes of black criminality in an attempt to garner support for a federal anti-lynching bill. This effort continued into the 1930s, but Congress failed to pass any legislation in support of the ant-lynching cause.

One of the unique ways blacks sought to counter negative stereotypes promoted by the press was though theatrical representations that aimed to humanize black victims of vigilante violence, a genre known as lynching plays. Ohio State University Associate Professor of English Koritha Mitchell, in her book Living with Lynching; African American Lynching Plays, Performance and Citizenship, 1890-1930, notes the development of the concept, which emerged during the turn of the century. Playwrights moved beyond the brutalized images produced by photographers and circulated by the mass media. As Mitchell notes, their scripts spotlighted instead the black home and the impact that the mobs outdoor activities have on the family.

These past efforts by civic leaders and dramatists augur the current movement to counter media narratives that transform black victims into perps. Countering such stereotypes, by focusing on victims family and community relations, maintains the humanity of the fallen and serves as a coping tool for those who live with the clear and present danger of imminent violence.

The Long View

Historians explain how the past informs the present

Arica L. Coleman is the author of That the Blood Stay Pure: African Americans, Native Americans and the Predicament of Race and Identity in Virginia and chair of the Committee on the Status of African American, Latino/a, Asian American, and Native American (ALANA) Historians and ALANA Histories at the Organization of American Historians.
Thursday (Sept. 29), One Direction's Niall Horan surprised fans with the release of his debut solo single This Town. The track bares strong similarities to a 1D acoustic ballad  minus the four-part harmonies, of course.

The song, which Greg Kurstin (Sia, Adele) produced, centers on a girl and finds Horan coping with jealousy. Horan, Jamie Scott, Mike Needle and Daniel Bryer all share songwriting credits.

In addition to the tracks release, Horan also announced he has signed with Capitol Records USA. I'm excited to announce I have signed a record deal with Capitol Records USA and released my first solo song, Horan said in a press release. Thank you to all the One Direction fans for your love and support as always. Im looking forward to the next part of this journey together.

Aside from solo material, Horan may be headed for a collaboration with Shawn Mendes as well. Mendes confirmed on The Late Late Show on Wednesday (Sept. 28) that he and Horan are working up some new material together. He said while the two are rarely in the same city, let alone the same country at the same time, When I get a second I want to write with him a bunch.

But until their collaboration comes to fruition, check out Horans stripped-down performance of This Town for a new 1 Mic 1 Take video above

Been workin in the studio, wanted to share this song I just wrote with u guys. thank you for always being there https://t.co/LVIUAXi5PW  Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) September 29, 2016

Read the lyrics to This Town below.

Waking up to kiss you and nobody's there

The smell of your perfume still stuck in the air

Its Hard

Yesterday I thought I saw your shadow running round

Its funny how things never change in this old town

So far from the stars

And I want to tell you everything

The words I never got to say the first time around

Story continues

And I remember everything

From when we were the children playing in this fairground

Wish I was there with you now

If the whole world was watching Id still dance with you

Drive highways and byways to be there with you

Over and over the only truth

Everything comes back to you

I saw that you moved on with someone new

In the pub that we met hes got his arms around you

Its so hard

So Hard

And I want to tell you everything

The words I never got to say the first time around

And I remember everything

From when we were the children playing in this fairground

Wish I was there with you now

Cos if the whole world was watching Id still dance with you

Drive highways and byways to be there with you

Over and over the only truth

Everything comes back to you

You still make me nervous when you walk in the room

Them butterflies they come alive when Im next to you

Over and over the only truth

Everything comes back to you

And I know that its wrong

That I cant move on

But theres something about you

If the whole world was watching Id still dance with you

Drive highways and byways to be there with you

Over and over the only truth

Everything comes back to you

You still make me nervous when you walk in the room

Them butterflies they come alive when Im next to you

Over and over the only truth

Everything comes back to you

Everything comes back to you
Stephanie Hannon Hillary For America Tech

Silicon Valley companies are known for their unmatched employee perks and their lucrative salaries.

Google has free gourmet lunches. Facebook has an on-site barber and free laundry services. Apple employees get big discounts on company products and free apples.

So when Hillary Clinton's campaign wanted to build up a technology team of developers and engineers, how could they convince the best of the best to quit their jobs, take a huge pay cut, move to Brooklyn and work until a November 8 deadline?

When CTO and ex-Googler Stephanie Hannon joined the campaign in April 2015, that was her first job: figure out how to recruit.

"I am competing with Facebook and Google and Uber and people who have significantly higher base compensation. They have stock options," Hannon told Business Insider in an interview. "Here we don't even have cups. When people visit me and they're like 'Can I have a glass of water?' I'm like, 'if you bring your own cup you can have water.'"

The campaign makes standing desks out of cardboard boxes. They often sit three people per desk and they work long days, especially as Election Day nears. As one team member put it, "We don't spend money on things that don't help Hillary Clinton get elected." Nonetheless, the team has over 70 members and is still growing.

Hannon found four ways that helped her bring in new hires:

Look for people already doing mission-driven work. Many of the managers and developers on Hillary's campaign were previously working on the technology teams of non-profit organizations. "It was easier for me to get somebody who had already left a Google than somebody who is still at a Google," she said. Take Deputy CTO Derek Parham. He left Google in 2011 and has been advising startups among other things. This is the case for many hires. She looked to companies like Optimizely, which was born out of the 2008 election. "Optimizely people are in this experimentation mode and a data driven design mode and we need a lot of that," she said. Hannon leaned on her Silicon Valley connections a lot: "If I need help convincing somebody to take one of these jobs, I would have some luminary friend in Silicon Valley help me pitch them."

Story continues

As the team grew, recruiting got easier. New employees would convince people in their networks to join the campaign.

Yet Hannon knew she not only had to get people into the office, but also had to make sure they were happy once they were there.

Hillary for America Tech

While she

admits people are attracted to the fast-paced, intense environment where they create projects with a major impact, she needed to do more. Hannon says they celebrate each new hire and they spend a lot of time celebrating team members for their accomplishments, to ensure they know they're appreciated.

And one look around the office, you'll notice alcohol is not in short supply and ready for whenever theirs is a cause for celebration.

And what about those developers that were not willing to leave their jobs for the campaign? The team created devprogress.us so developers around the country could volunteer their skills.

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By Rania El Gamal, Alex Lawler and Vladimir Soldatkin ALGIERS (Reuters) - OPEC agreed on Wednesday modest oil output cuts in the first such deal since 2008, with the group's leader Saudi Arabia softening its stance on arch-rival Iran amid mounting pressure from low oil prices. "OPEC made an exceptional decision today ... After two and a half years, OPEC reached consensus to manage the market," said Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, who had repeatedly clashed with Saudi Arabia during previous meetings. He and other ministers said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would reduce output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day. OPEC estimates its current output at 33.24 million bpd. "We have decided to decrease the production around 700,000 bpd," Zanganeh said. The move would effectively re-establish OPEC production ceilings abandoned a year ago. However, how much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal OPEC meeting in November, when an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-OPEC countries such as Russia. Oil prices jumped more than 5 percent to trade above $48 per barrel as of 2015 GMT. Many traders said they were impressed OPEC had managed to reach a compromise after years of wrangling but others said they wanted to see the details. "This is the first OPEC deal in eight years! The cartel proved that it still matters even in the age of shale! This is the end of the production war' and OPEC claims victory," said Phil Flynn, senior energy analyst at Price Futures Group. Jeff Quigley, director of energy markets at Houston-based Stratas Advisors, said the market had yet to discover who would produce what: "I want to hear from the mouth of the Iranian oil minister that hes not going to go back to pre-sanction levels. For the Saudis, it just goes against the conventional wisdom of what theyve been saying.". Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Tuesday that Iran, Nigeria and Libya would be allowed to produce "at maximum levels that make sense" as part of any output limits. That represents a strategy shift for Riyadh, which had said it would reduce output to ease a global glut only if every other OPEC and non-OPEC producer followed suit. Iran has argued it should be exempt from such limits as its production recovers after the lifting of EU sanctions earlier this year. The Saudi and Iranian economies depend heavily on oil but in a post-sanctions environment, Iran is suffering less pressure from the halving in crude prices since 2014 and its economy could expand by almost 4 percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Riyadh, on the other hand, faces a second year of budget deficits after a record gap of $98 billion last year, a stagnating economy and is being forced to cut the salaries of government employees. OIL PRICE PRESSURES Saudi Arabia is by far the largest OPEC producer with output of more than 10.7 million bpd, on par with Russia and the United States. Together, the three largest global producers extract a third of the world's oil. Iran's production has been stagnant at 3.6 million bpd in the past three months, close to pre-sanctions levels although Tehran says it wants to ramp up output to more than 4 million bpd when foreign investments in its fields kick in. Saudi oil revenue has halved over the past two years, forcing Riyadh to liquidate billions of dollars of overseas assets every month to pay bills and cut domestic fuel and utility subsidies last year. "The Iranians have lived with a very tough macro backdrop for many years..." said Raza Agha, chief Middle East economist at investment bank VTB Capital. "So a sustained drop in oil prices has a more difficult social impact on Saudi." However, with unemployment in double digits, Tehran is also facing calls to maximize oil revenues and President Hassan Rouhani is under pressure from conservative opponents to deliver a faster economic recovery. Oil prices are well below the budget requirements of most OPEC nations. But attempts to reach an output deal have also been complicated by political rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which are fighting several proxy-wars in the Middle East, including in Syria and Yemen. OPEC sources have said Saudi Arabia offered to reduce its output from summer peaks of 10.7 million bpd to around 10.2 million if Iran agreed to freeze production at around current levels of 3.6-3.7 million bpd. Riyadh has raised production in recent years to compete for market share while Iran's output was limited by sanctions. Minister Zanganeh has said Iran wanted an output cap of close to 4 million bpd. Saudi output drops in winter when it needs less fuel than during summer, when cooling requirements spike. (Additional reporting by Patrick Markey and Lamine Chikhi in Algiers, Andrew Torchia in Dubai; Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson)
Some of the worlds largest oil-producing nations have struck a deal to ease the flow of oil. However, the deal is still very much in the works, and its impact is unlikely to make a significant dent in the global supply glut, analysts say.

At the conclusion of an impromptu meeting in Algiers on Wednesday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said its 14 members agreed to set a production target of 32.5 million to 33 million barrels a day, in order to accelerate the ongoing drawdown of the stock overhang and bring the rebalancing forward. The move would reflect a slight decrease from August, when OPEC members pumped oil at an average clip of 33.2 million barrels a day.

Oil prices surged in response. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rallied 1.6% to $49.48 a barrel on Thursday. U.S. futures were trading 90 cents higher, or 1.9%, at $47.96 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate oil had already jumped $2.38, or 5.3%, on Wednesday.

Nevertheless, oil supplies are expected to remain higher than normal. Consider that in 2015, OPEC crude oil production averaged 31.8 million barrels a day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In other words, OPEC plans to freeze output at a level thats at least 2.2% higher than last year. Also, the planned reduction of 200,000 to 700,000 barrels a day is far less than OPECs last cut of 4.2 million barrels a day in 2008.

Analysts also stress that OPEC members have merely agreed to a framework for a deal. Actual plans for an oil freeze, such as when the spigots will close and which countries will make cuts, will be hammered out at a Nov. 30 meeting in Vienna.

Of course, there are reasons to remain cautious, primarily because the devil is in the details, Barclays (NYSE:BCS) analysts wrote in a research note to clients.

Stewart Glickman, an analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said there was always doubt that OPEC would make a sizable cut to its oil output. Iran, which has ramped up production after the U.S. and European Union lifted economic sanctions, has been seen as reluctant to slow down. OPEC has suggested that non-OPEC nations, mainly Russia, would need to make cuts in coordination with OPEC.

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My view is you have too many parties with too many different interests, Glickman told FOXBusiness.com. These are still pretty elevated levels, even if or when they cut. Inventories are at a crazy-high level anyway. The only meaningful bullish move is freezing below current levels.

It remains to be seen if Russia restarts talks with OPEC. Earlier in 2016, reports suggested that Russia was ready to curb oil production, but a deal never materialized. Recent reports say Russian officials plan to join the OPEC talks once the group comes to a decision. In the meantime, Russia and Saudi Arabia, the worlds largest oil producer, are pumping oil near record levels.

The International Energy Agency estimated that U.S. and Russian oil production dipped in August, but the Paris-based organization is forecasting non-OPEC supplies to return to growth next year. The IEA also said global demand growth is slowing faster than anticipated. All told, global supplies could exceed demand until late 2017.

At the high end of OPECs planned output, the oil cartel would match production with demand sometime in 2017, the same as current forecasts.

If OPEC largely freezes production rather than make a significant cut, reality would set in that it wouldnt do much for inventories and oil prices may find their rally short-lived, Glickman said.

IHS Energy analyst and OPEC expert Bhushan Bahree expects volatility in oil prices as traders follow speculation leading up to the November meeting, while its too early to change long-term price projections without knowing exactly what OPEC nations will do.

If they were really that close to an agreement, they could have called a special meeting for next week. So we may be underestimating the difficulty [OPEC] will have in finalizing the details, he said.

The possibility of OPEC cuts has existed since oil prices began their descent in the summer of 2014. Over the last two years, U.S. oil has plunged from a high of $108 a barrel, pushing gasoline prices to 12-year lows.

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The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) unexpectedly agreed to cap its oil production for the first time in eight years at a meeting in Algiers, infusing optimism into the energy sector. This is especially true as oil price jumped almost 6% immediately after the news. This would be the first historic deal between the OPEC and non-OPEC producers in over a decade (read: Oil ETFs in Focus as OPEC Meets).



Proposed Deal



The 14-member cartel proposed to cut oil output by about a million barrels per day to 32.533 million barrels per day from the current 33.2 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia, the largest oil producer, will likely curtail its production by 350,000 barrel a day while the full details of output cut by each country will be finalized in the next meeting on November 30, in Vienna.



Investors should note that Iran, Libya and Nigeria will not be part of the agreement and will continue to increase their production by as much as 1.5 million barrels a day collectively.



As per the International Energy Agency (IEA), the production cut of 200,000 to 33 million barrels per day will have a limited impact on global supply and markets are unlikely to rebalance until the second half of 2017. But if OPEC cuts 700,000 barrels per day of oil, then it would take care of the global supply glut issue as soon as the end of this year.



The move would be a huge boon to the energy sector, as it will end the two-year crude-oil rout and stabilize the oil market. It will revitalize growth in the battered energy sector and lift the economies of the oil-rich countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia (read: Prepare for a Trump Presidency With These Stocks & ETFs).



Global Oil Stocks Surge



The news sent the global energy space into deep green yesterday with small cap stocks like Denbury Resources (DNR) and SeaDrill Limited (SDRL) leading the way, surging 21.3% and 19.7%, respectively. U.S. oil heavyweights  Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP)  rose 4.4%, 3.2% and 7%, respectively, while the major oilfield services providers  Schlumberger (SLB), Halliburton (HAL) and Baker Hughes (BHI)  gained nearly 4%.



In fact, energy companies in the S&P 500 climbed 4.3%, representing the largest gain for the sector since January 14. The robust one-day gain has brought energy companies into positive territory for the month of September.



Meanwhile, European oil majors also saw strength with Statoil (STO) rising 4.8%, followed by increases of 3.7% BP plc (BP), 3.4% for Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS-A) and 2.8% for Total SA (TOT). Other international players such as Petrobras (PBR) and PetroChina (PTR) gained 4.9% and 3.2%, respectively.



ETF Impact



The delightful trading in the stocks has sparked off a strong rally in the overall energy ETF space as well. In particular, SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF XES, PowerShares S&P SmallCap Energy Fund PSCE, and PowerShares DWA Energy Momentum Portfolio PXI stole the show, surging over 7% on a single day.



Below we profile these ETFs in detail and discuss some of the specifics behind their recent rally (see: all the energy ETFs here):



XES



This fund provides exposure across 37 securities by tracking the S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services Select Industry Index. None of the firms accounts for more than 3.8% of the total assets. The product puts heavy focus on equipment and services at 65.3%, while drilling companies account for the remainder. The fund has amassed $210.2 million in its asset base and an expense ratio of 0.35%.



PSCE



This fund provides exposure to the energy sector of the U.S. small cap segment by tracking the S&P Small Cap 600 Capped Energy Index. Holding 31 securities in its basket, it is highly concentrated on the top three firms with a combined 41.7% share while other firms hold less than 4.8% of total assets. From an industrial exposure, equipment and services make up for half of the portfolio while exploration and production takes 35% share. The fund is less popular with AUM of $44.4 million and charges 29 bps in fees per year.



PXI



This fund tracks the DWA Energy Technical Leaders Index and holds about 35 energy stocks having positive relative strength (momentum) characteristics. It is pretty spread out across securities as each holds less than 6.3% of the assets. Here, about two-thirds of the portfolio is dominated by exploration and production. The product has managed $118.3 million in its asset base while charging 60 bps in annual fees (read: 3 Energy ETFs at 52-Week Highs on Huge Inventory Drop).



Other biggest gainers were SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF XOP, iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services ETF IEZ, VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETF OIH, PowerShares Dynamic Oil & Gas Services Fund PXJ and VanEck Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF FRAK that gained about 6% on the day.





Story continues





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ISHARS-US OIL E (IEZ): ETF Research Reports



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PWRSH-DW EGY MO (PXI): ETF Research Reports



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PWRSH-SP SC EGY (PSCE): ETF Research Reports



VANECK-UNC O&G (FRAK): ETF Research Reports



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PWRSH-DYN OIL&G (PXJ): ETF Research Reports



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Annalise Basso??is set to star in the lead role of the upcoming go90 drama Cold.??

Basso (Ouija: Origins of Evil) will play 16-year-old Isla Wallis, a young Canadian girl who discovers that her real father is in prison for killing the mother she never knew. Todd Lowe (Gilmore Girls, True Blood) has signed on to play the father. Jim True-Frost (Hostages) also has joined the cast, which is rounded out by Devery Jacobs and Vine star Marcus Johns.??

Cold, which hails from New Form Digital's 2015 incubator program, was created and directed by Emily Diana Ruth, with Mike Sussman (12 Monkeys) serving as head writer on the project. The series is being executive produced by Kathleen Grace and Melissa Schneider.

The 10-episode drama is set to premiere Oct. 13 on go90, Verizon's ad-supported video streaming service.??

"We couldn't be more proud to bring Emily's vision to life with this stellar cast from some of television's best dramas," Schneider, senior vp development and production at New Form, the digital studio backed by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Discovery Communications, said Thursday in a statement. "We are excited about what this team was able to create and can't wait to share with audiences on go90 - it will be sure to keep them on the edge of their seats."
It took a Princeton University computer science professor just seven minutes to hack a voting machine he bought online for $82 by replacing four socketed read-only memory (ROM) chips that weren't soldered onto the board with four of his own chips with modified firmware that could change the vote tallies from the machine. Similar machines are used for voting in Louisiana, New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania, among other states, according to an August report at Politico.

In late August, the FBI was investigating a hack into election systems' databases used in Illinois and Arizona to maintain voter records. The investigators suspect hackers based outside the United States are responsible.

ALSO READ: The Most Dangerous Cities in America

According to Carbon Black, which makes an endpoint security platform, it is reports like these that raise doubts about the security of the U.S. elections system and may result in more than 15 million Americans not voting in the coming November elections. Carbon Black is a privately held company based in Massachusetts that has received investments from top-tier venture capital firms like Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Sequoia Capital.

Earlier this month the firm surveyed 700 U.S. voters and on Thursday posted these results:

More than half of U.S. voters (56%) are concerned that this years election will be affected by hacking/cyber attack.

More than half of U.S. voters (58%) said its likely electronic voting machines could be hacked during the election.

More than one-third of voters (36%) feel their voting information is insecure.

1 out of every 5 voters who said their voting information is insecure will consider not voting in this years election given their concerns - amounting to more than 15 million voters potentially staying away from the polls over cybersecurity concerns.

Voters believe a U.S. insider threat (28%), Russia (17%) and the candidates themselves (15%) pose the biggest risks when it comes to hacking the 2016 election.

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As Carbon Black notes, "If voters lose trust in the voting process, our democracy may be at risk."

ALSO READ: Americans to Spend $2.5 Billion on Halloween Candy

The full report is available at the Carbon Black website.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said on Thursday that Congress's passage of a law allowing Sept. 11-related suits against Saudi Arabia was "an abject embarrassment" and that the administration was willing to talk to lawmakers about narrowing the measure's impact. "I think what we've seen in the United States Congress is a pretty classic case of rapid onset buyer's remorse," White House spokesman Josh Earnest told a briefing, noting that 28 senators had written a letter expressing concern about the measure within minutes of voting to override President Barack Obama's veto. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Writing by David Alexander; Editing by Eric Walsh)
The mayor of a small central Pennsylvania town is under fire this week after images described as racist surfaced on his Facebook page, including two pictures of apes with captions that referred to President Barack Obama.

Several West York borough council members have called on Mayor Charles Wasko to resign in light of the posts, the York Dispatch reports.

In one post from June, Wasko posted an image featuring a wheelbarrow full of monkeys and the words: Aww  moving day at the Whitehouse has finally arrived. Another post from earlier this year shows a man being hanged with a noose and suggests Obama should meet the same fate.

The West York borough offices did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Council president Shawn Mauck called the posts disgusting and deplorable. Its not conduct fitting for someone in an elected position, Mauck told TIME. I guess this presidential campaign has made anything possible and made elected officials think they can get away with saying anything and thats really unfortunate.

Wasko does not get paid as mayor and only votes to break ties on the towns council. He also oversees the police department for the 4,500 person town, according to the Associated Press. Mauck said theres no official mechanism to recall the mayor, but he plans to introduce a motion to censor him at next weeks council meeting.
By Yeganeh Torbati SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Reuters) - The United States has an "ironclad" alliance with the Philippines, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Thursday, countering statements by the southeast Asian nation's president that have thrown bilateral relations into deepening uncertainty. Carter spoke a day after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has branded President Barack Obama a "son of a bitch," declared upcoming U.S.-Philipppines military exercises "the last" and ruled out any joint navy patrols. "As it has been for decades, our alliance with the Philippines is ironclad," said Carter, speaking to American sailors aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson at its home port in San Diego. Through a "landmark" recent agreement, "the United States is supporting the modernization of the Philippine Armed Forces," he said. Duterte has engaged in near-daily outbursts against the United States for the last month, raising questions about whether Manila's next moves could complicate regional diplomacy. Among other measures, the firebrand leader has said he will order the pullout of the remaining U.S. special forces stationed in the Philippines' restive south. The comments have cast doubt over an alliance that both countries have sought to strengthen amid shared concerns about China's military clout and pursuit of broad maritime claims. The Philippines and China have long sparred over sovereignty in the South China Sea. Carter also noted the Maritime Security Initiative, under which the United States is providing tens of millions of dollars to the Philippines. Despite his inflammatory comments, Duterte has said the Philippines will maintain security agreements with Washington, and Philippines Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said Duterte had only ruled out joint patrols beyond the Philippines' 12-nautical mile territorial waters. U.S. officials said this week that they had not seen formal requests from the Philippines to stop the joint patrols. Carter also spoke broadly about the U.S. "rebalance" toward the Asia-Pacific region, and touted strong bilateral relationships with countries in the area, including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Carter is due to host defense ministers from southeast Asian countries in Hawaii this week, including the Philippines. Such gatherings have recently been dominated by China's claims on parts of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. In a visit to the Philippines in April, Carter announced expanded military ties, including regular rotations of U.S. troops and military equipment and joint patrols in the South China Sea. (Corrects 8th paragraph to reflect fact that Carter did not note the dollar value of the Maritime Security Initiative.) (Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati; Editing by Tom Brown)
Sept 29 (Reuters) - PepsiCo Inc reported better-than-expected quarterly net revenue, helped by higher demand for beverages and Frito-Lay snacks in North America.

PepsiCo and other consumer companies are spending more to develop products to meet the changing tastes of consumers, who are increasingly seeking healthier options.

Drinks like Propel flavored-water and Naked Cold Pressed juice, Smartfood Popcorn and the company's low-calorie "Simply" brand snacks have helped drive sales in recent quarters.

Net revenue fell about 2 percent to $16.03 billion in the third quarter, but beat the average analyst estimate of $15.83 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Net revenue in the North America beverages unit, the company's biggest business, rose about 3 percent to $5.52 billion.

Net income attributable to PepsiCo rose to $1.99 billion, or $1.37 per share, in the quarter ended Sept. 3 from $533 million, or 36 cents per share, a year earlier when the company recorded a $1.36 billion impairment charge on its Venezuela operations.

(Reporting by Sruthi Ramakrishnan in Bengaluru; Editing by Don Sebastian)
Jerusalem (AFP) - When Shimon Peres is laid to rest on Friday, his funeral is likely to bring back memories of those of the other two men he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with: Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat.

But his burial is unlikely to be similar in tone to the other two men.

Israel was in a state of deep shock after then prime minister Rabin was shot dead by a Jewish extremist in 1995.

The assassination came only a year after the three men won the Nobel prize for their roles in brokering the Oslo peace accords, which were supposed to lead to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

When they moved Rabin's body to Jerusalem, thousands of Israeli motorists lined the highway, headlights blazing as a sign of mourning.

When his body was laid in state the day before the funeral, the queue of Israelis waiting to pay their respects to the 73-year-old premier stretched for almost three kilometres (two miles).

While thousands of Israelis were filing past Peres's coffin Thursday, the numbers are not expected to be similar.

At Rabin's state funeral, many of the world's top leaders were in attendance.

US President Bill Clinton was present, and he will also attend Peres's funeral Friday along with incumbent Barack Obama.

King Hussein of Jordan and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak attended Rabin's funeral, both making their first visits to Jerusalem since Israel occupied its eastern sector in 1967.

Dignitaries from Qatar and Oman were also present, despite neither state having diplomatic relations with Israel.

So far, no Arab countries have confirmed whether any senior officials will attend Peres's funeral.

When Palestinian leader Arafat was laid to rest in 2004 at the age of 75 there was no such political roll-call.

As the peace process stumbled, Arafat became ostracised and spent much of his final years holed up in his headquarters in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

When he died, US President George W. Bush did not attend the ceremony held in the Egyptian capital Cairo, nor did other major Western leaders -- though dozens of largely second-tier foreign dignitaries were present.

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Jordan's King Abdullah II, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were in attendance, however.

There were scenes of chaos when Arafat's body was flown by helicopter from Cairo to Ramallah as bereaved Palestinians jostled to get close to the man they saw as a hero.

Thousands of Palestinians surged around the Egyptian military helicopter, with overwhelmed Palestinian security forces shooting into the air.

The crowds prevented the coffin draped in the Palestinian flag from being unloaded for some 20 minutes and then swarmed the car as it was driven to Arafat's Ramallah compound.

At one stage a wooden structure inside the compound collapsed under the weight of a throng of mourners, causing injuries.
Jerusalem (AFP) - The body of Shimon Peres is to lie in state outside Israel's parliament on Thursday as the world pays tribute to a statesman whose funeral is expected to draw leaders from around the globe.

The ex-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner died on Wednesday at the age of 93 after suffering a stroke.

In a career spanning seven decades, he held nearly every major office, serving twice as prime minister and as president from 2007 to 2014.

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

US President Barack Obama, one of many world leaders expected to attend Peres's funeral on Friday, paid tribute to a friend who "never gave up on the possibility of peace".

"There are few people who we share this world with who change the course of human history, not just through their role in human events, but because they expand our moral imagination and force us to expect more of ourselves," he said.

"My friend Shimon was one of those people."

Other leaders due to attend the ceremony include Britain's Prince Charles, former US president Bill Clinton, French President Francois Hollande and Spain's King Felipe VI.

Peres's body was to lie in state for 12 hours outside Israel's parliament, the Knesset, with tens of thousands of ordinary Israelis expected to pay tribute to a man who shaped so much of Israel's history.

The country's blue and white flags would be lowered to half-mast around the world from Thursday morning.

Security was being further tightened ahead of the funeral at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl on Friday, with authorities having already increased deployments ahead of the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in October.

- 'Profound sadness' -

Tributes flowed in as soon as Peres's death was announced by his family, who praised his tireless work ethic and what they called his devotion to peace.

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"He had no interest other than serving the people of Israel," said his son Chemi, his eyes moist as he read a letter on behalf of the family at the hospital in a suburb of Tel Aviv where Peres died.

Bill Clinton, who helped usher in the Oslo peace accords when he was US president, said: "The Middle East has lost a fervent advocate for peace and reconciliation.

Pope Francis said he was "deeply saddened" and UN chief Ban Ki-moon hailed Peres for working "tirelessly for a two-state solution".

However, a spokesman for Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, welcomed his death and called him a "criminal", though Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas described Peres as "brave".

While many lauded Peres as a peacemaker, Palestinians tend to view him differently, citing his involvement in successive Arab-Israeli wars and the occupation of Palestinian territory.

He was also prime minister in 1996 when more than 100 civilians were killed while sheltering at a UN peacekeepers' base in the Lebanese village of Qana fired upon by Israel.

- Active in old age -

Peres, who was hospitalised twice because of heart trouble In January, had been in hospital since September 13, when he suffered a stroke and internal bleeding.

There were signs of improvement last week, but on Tuesday he took a turn for the worse and his family arrived to be by his bedside.

In later years, he had sought to maintain an active schedule, despite his age.

When leaving hospital in January, he said "I'm so happy to return to work, that was the whole purpose of this operation".

Born in Poland in 1923, Peres emigrated to what was then British-mandated Palestine when he was 11.

He joined the Zionist struggle and met David Ben-Gurion, who would become his mentor and Israel's first prime minister.

Peres became director general of the nascent defence ministry at just 29.

He was also seen as a driving force in the development of Israel's undeclared nuclear programme in the 1950s.

The country is now considered the Middle East's sole nuclear-armed nation, but Israel has never publicly acknowledged it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Peres "as a champion of Israel's defence" who "strengthened its capacities in many ways, some of them still unacknowledged to this day".

Despite his reputation as a statesman, he never managed to outright win a national election. Many in Israel opposed to the Oslo accords also blamed him for what they saw as their failure.

But in later life, especially during his time as president, he came to be widely embraced.

He once said that the secret to his longevity was daily exercise, eating little and drinking one or two glasses of good wine.
Jerusalem (AFP) - Thousands braved tight security and streamed into a plaza outside Israel's parliament Thursday to have a few seconds to bow, pray and take a picture before the flag-draped coffin of ex-president Shimon Peres.

The long line of visitors overseen by dozens of security officers distributing water bottles and instructions began to file past the coffin at 9:00 am (0600 GMT) and continued uninterrupted throughout the day.

The atmosphere at the plaza was not one of enormous grief following 93-year-old Peres's death on Wednesday following two weeks in hospital after suffering a stroke.

But the relaxed atmosphere may have been what he would have preferred, with the Nobel Peace Prize winner having embraced his life in the public eye, including by posing for selfies with admirers in his later years.

"I was really inspired by pausing in front of his coffin, like I wanted to absorb everything that this man could bring me," said Dani Levite, a 22-year-old Scout chief.

"If only we could all have a little of Shimon Peres in us."

The crowd included school groups and families with children who used the occasion to pass on the story of Peres, a man whose life has touched so many important moments in Israeli history.

The last remaining founding father of the country, he had held nearly every major office.

He was prime minister twice and served as president, a mainly ceremonial role, from 2007 to 2014.

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

Early in his career, he was also an architect of Israel's undeclared nuclear programme.

More recently, he was an advocate of technological innovation in the "start-up nation," a phrase Israelis often use to refer to their country.

- Moment of unity -

Peres had in earlier years a mixed reputation in Israel and was often seen as a political schemer.

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He was initially more of a hawk than a dove, and he drew the wrath of many Palestinians and Arabs over his support for Jewish settlements before he became a fervent peace advocate.

But as he grew older, he began to be widely appreciated and respected as a sharply intelligent statesman who could charm the famous visitors who increasingly sought him out.

Because of the Oslo accords, many right-wing Israelis had trouble forgiving him, believing the peace agreements were a failure and a capitulation to the Palestinians.

"I must say that I'm surprised," said Daniel, a French-Israeli who lives in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank and who did not want to provide his last name.

"If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would pay tribute to Shimon Peres, someone whom I completely disagree with, I would have never believed him.

"But I am here and it is moving for me. He is one of the fathers of the country."

Such an atmosphere of unity can seem increasingly rare in Israel, marked by sharp political divides in recent years.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is seen as the most right-wing in the country's history.

Zohar Wenger, a young Jewish religious student wearing a skullcap, said he came to soak in such unity.

"I remember when I was a soldier, it was my dream to be able to meet him," he said.

"It never happened, but today before his coffin I was close to him for the first and last time and I just told him thank you."

He said Peres had finally managed to bring all generations and political beliefs together.
PARIS (Reuters) - PSA Peugeot Citroen said it plans to sell more than 150,000 Peugeot vehicles in Iran in the second half of this year as the French carmaker seeks to reclaim the leading position it once enjoyed in the country. Peugeot, the biggest-selling European automaker in pre-sanctions Iran, suspended sales in 2012 when an international boycott due to Iran's nuclear program was extended to cars. Most sanctions were lifted in January. The French carmaker's sales peaked at 458,000 vehicles before its withdrawal, nearly 30 percent of the Iranian market, but it now faces stiff competition from Chinese carmakers that have grabbed more business during the sanction years, as well as from western rivals such as Renault , who are also flocking back with newer models. Iran's Minister for Industry Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh will visit PSA's Velizy research center near Paris on Thursday to discuss cooperation with the carmaker, CEO Carlos Tavares told reporters at the Paris autoshow. "This is the kick-off for the implementation of the deals we have signed," said Tavares, who will travel to Iran next week. Tavares wants to sell 300,000 Peugeot vehicles in Iran in 2017. The Paris-based carmaker in July struck a framework deal with Iranian counterpart SAIPA to invest 300 million euros ($337 million) in the development and production of three Citroen models through a new joint venture. The deal with SAIPA, Citroen's partner since 1966, follows a joint venture deal inked in June between stablemate Peugeot and state-owned Iran Khodro. PSA's smaller DS premium badge has also clinched a distribution agreement in the country. ($1 = 0.8913 euros) (Reporting by Gilles Guillaume; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Alexander Smith)
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will visit China from Oct. 19-21 accompanied by a business delegation, business and diplomatic sources said on Thursday, signaling his intent to set sovereignty squabbles aside and forge a stronger commercial relationship with Beijing. The decision to invite business leaders suggests Duterte is following through with his vow to make peace with China and heal wounds that have festered since Manila lodged a legal challenge to Beijing's claims to most of the South China Sea. Several sources with direct knowledge of the plan said about two dozen Filipino businessmen would join Duterte when he goes to Beijing. Business groups had been invited to submit names of individuals to join the delegation. According to one diplomatic source, Duterte would meet both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. It was not immediately clear who the business delegation would meet in China and what would be discussed. The trip also shows Duterte intends to re-fashion a foreign policy for years aligned with the United States and its allies. He has spoken only vaguely of his strategy, but has singled out Russia and China as would-be commercial partners. Duterte said on Wednesday joint marine drills with the United States would be the last. Philippine officials said they were awaiting clarification but Duterte's comments signal he is willing to test the limits of Manila's historic alliance with Washington, which has provided important defense support for the Philippines and helped the United States further its Asia rebalance strategy in the face of an increasingly assertive China. The Philippines president's foreign policy pronouncements have been baffling at times. Despite his outreach towards China, he has accused Beijing of bullying Filipino fishermen and being dishonest about its activities in the disputed Scarborough Shoal. China lost to the Philippines in an international arbitration ruling in July. Beijing refuses to recognize the case. Moves to reach out to China looked to have hit a snag on Tuesday when sources close Fidel Ramos, Duterte's special envoy tasked with rebuilding tattered ties with Beijing, said a trip planned for this week had suddenly been canceled. In a short statement to Reuters on Thursday, China's foreign ministry said the door was always open to Ramos. "Mr. Ramos is an old friend of China. China welcomes him to visit at any time," it said. (Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales, Manolo Serapio Jr and Manuel Mogato in MANILA and Benjamin Lim and Michael Martina in BEIJING; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
By Martin Petty HANOI (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte met Vietnam's top leadership on Thursday, aiming to advance a burgeoning alliance that could become increasingly uncertain amid his defiance of the United States and overtures towards China. Vietnam and the Philippines have drawn closer as China asserts more vigorously its claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea, but Duterte's almost daily jibes against the United States and his positive rhetoric about China may not sit well with Vietnam's leaders and their quieter, more calibrated diplomacy. Duterte was greeted by an honor guard before he met his counterpart, Tran Dai Quang, for talks. He was also due to meet Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and pay Communist Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong a courtesy call. Vietnam has a joint leadership and no paramount ruler. Hanging over the meetings will be the stir caused by the maverick former Philippine mayor at a function for Filipinos in Hanoi on Wednesday, when he "served notice" to the United States by announcing a cessation of joint military exercises, and ruled out joint navy patrols. Philippine foreign minister Perfecto Yasay said on Thursday the Philippines would go ahead with the joint exercises with the United States in 2017, but the drills would be reviewed from 2018. He said the Philippines did not want a military ally and wished to be friends with all countries, and alienate none, and that would be how it would settle disputes in the South China Sea. While there are questions over U.S.-Philippine ties, thrown into question by Duterte's angry rejection of U.S. concern about his bloody war on drugs, Vietnam's relations with the United States have quickly expanded owing to some U.S. opportunism in the wake of a bitter row in 2014 between Vietnam and China over the South China Sea. U.S. President Barack Obama visited Vietnam in May and announced the removal of a lethal arms embargo, the last major vestige of the war between them a half century ago, allowing for closer defense links and some joint military exercises. Duterte's volatility has added to uncertainty about his foreign policy trajectory and experts anticipate that could weigh on a strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines agreed last year by his predecessor, Benigno Aquino. "Vietnam was quite enthusiastic about its new-found friend in the Philippines under Aquino, but Duterte's constant emotional outbursts against Washington has them a bit concerned," said Murray Hiebert, a Southeast Asia specialist at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said Duterte might consult Vietnam's leaders about how they manage relations with China, the United States, and Japan in what was now "a very complicated environment". Vietnam may be also be concerned about how Duterte approaches ties with China and whether that could jeopardize regional efforts to forge a unified position on its maritime activities. "Vietnam would not want Mr Duterte to strike a deal with China over the South China Sea at the expense of Vietnam and other involved states," said political analyst Le Hong Hiep. "The visit can be a timely opportunity for Mr Duterte to explain his South China Sea policy." (Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Philippine Senator and former presidential candidate Miriam Defensor Santiago died from lung cancer Thursday, at age 71.

The lawmaker ran for office three times in total, in 1992, 1998 and again in May 2016 against the now incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte, reports the BBC.

The deteriorating state of Santiagos health was evident in the run-up to the elections, when she could be seen sitting and resting during televised debates. The former judge was known as the Iron Lady of Asia for her frankness and drive against corruption.

She was both known and feared for her quick wit and her even quicker tongue in court and at rallies, said the BBCs Rico Hizon.

Tributes poured in on Twitter, and a commemorative Facebook post had received more than 400,000 shares and 54,000 comments at time of writing.

President Duterte released a statement of condolence, remembering Santiago as a graftbuster who [ate] death threats for breakfast.

READ: President Duterte's statement on the passing of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. | via @Joseph_Morong pic.twitter.com/pF1TqJP89s  GMA News (@gmanews) September 29, 2016

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo described Santiago as her dear and true friend and loyal ally, reports GMA Network.

Sen. Miriam Santiago, you will always be remembered. Thank you for selflessly serving our country and the filipino people.  Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) September 29, 2016

RIP to the Greatest President the Philippines never had, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. Your legacy will forever live on madame!   Erriz Sumala (@errizsml) September 29, 2016

Thank you for a lifetime of public service and for inspiring many with your courage. God bless you with eternal peace, Sen. Miriam Santiago.  Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) September 29, 2016

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, thank you for your contribution to our country. May you rest in peace   Pat Deligero (@patdeligers) September 29, 2016

In 2011, Santiago became the first Filipino and the first Asian person from a developing country to be elected judge at the International Criminal Court in the Hague  a post she later turned down because of illness.
29 Sep - Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach recently took to social media to express her frustration that the media and public were more interested in her love life than her social work.



As reported on Inquirer, the beauty queen recently made the statement via social media, following recent reports about her supposed breakup from Dr. Mike Varshavski and her alleged new romance with professional racer, Marlon Stockinger.



She wrote, "News on TV Patrol about me last night [was] false. Wonder where they got their sources from. Anyway, back to regular programming!"



"I wonder why the media won't feature our recent trip to UNICEF instead. Yesterday was national gay men's HIV AIDS awareness day," she added.



However, Wurtzbach soon deleted the two posts from her Twitter.



Wurtzbach's rumoured romance with Stockinger made news after she posted a photo of them together, and wrote, "Marloner". However, according to sources, the two are just friends and that Wurtzbach are still very much dating the Sexiest Doctor Alive.



(Photo source: instagram.com/piawurtzbach)
(Adds commission official)

By Francesco Guarascio and Huw Jones

BRUSSELS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A planned reform of global banking rules being discussed by the United States, Europe, Japan and other major economies risks negatively affecting European banks and needs to be changed, the EU financial services commissioner said on Thursday.

The Basel Committee, a body of banking supervisors from nearly 30 countries, set the year-end as deadline to conclude an overhaul of banking rules - known as Basel III - meant to make the sector safer.

But opponents, mostly in Europe and Japan, feel the review goes too far. They fear it disproportionately increases how much capital banks must hold against risk.

"As things stand, the proposals Basel has issued for consultation would imply significant capital requirement increases in all areas," EU commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told a banking conference in Brussels, in the most explicit criticism so far of the review by a European official.

He made it clear Europe could not accept a reform that would lead to a significant increase of capital requirements for European banks, and called for a more balanced proposal.

RULES 'A LA CARTE'?

European bankers were encouraged by Dombrovskis' "change of tone" compared with past EU statements on the issue, a banking official said. It remained to be seen what capital requirements increase would be acceptable to the EU in a possible deal with the United States.

Officials at banking trade body AFME estimated the new rules would likely increase capital at least by 6 percent on average.

The rise in capital requirements would hit mostly European banks, the industry fears, because under the proposed rules their large loan portfolios would make them look more risky than U.S. banks which provide more bond financing and package mortgages on for trading elsewhere.

A second banking source said Europe may consider a Basel deal only as "guidance" and apply it flexibly.

"We need to continue having international convergence as regards rule books," said Martin Merlin, the Commission's official in charge of financial regulation.

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But he added that while abiding by common principles, the EU when needed "should be able to depart from what is agreed at international level," as it happened in the application of the previous Basel reform.

Merlin said the European Commission will propose changes to banking rules in coming weeks to ease reporting and disclosure requirements for smaller banks, but he said this would not include easing capital requirements.

Contrary to the United States, banks still represent by far the main source of funding for companies in Europe.

With sluggish economic growth and a teetering banking sector, EU and euro zone officials are keen to avoid saddling their banks with further costs and restrictions that may reduce their ability to make loans to companies and households.

The German government had to deny on Wednesday that a rescue plan was in the works for Deutsche Bank, Europe's biggest lender, in case it was unable to pay a fine of up to $14 billion from the U.S. Department of Justice for its activities before the 2007-08 financial crisis.

EU'S RED LINES

Amid concerns of a possible collapse of the international negotiations, Dombrovskis said a deal in Basel was important but set clear conditions to reach a compromise.

"There remains work to be done on a number of areas which are important for the EU economy," he told a conference organised by the European Banking Federation.

Dombrovskis urged capital requirements to be calibrated on banks' risks and business models, a key European request as its banking sector is more fragmented than elsewhere. The chairman of the European Banking Authority, Andrea Enria, backed this call.

The Basel reform aims at reaching a standardised approach to make the sector safer, as it would rely less on benchmarks developed internally by banks to calculate their risks.

U.S. regulators are also pushing for a common "floor" or level of capital a bank cannot go below, irrespective of its internal risk calculations.

"We do not believe a standardised capital floor is an essential part of the framework," Dombrovskis said.

He also urged further work on the treatment of real estate loans, corporate and infrastructure lending, and on the weighting of operational risk.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Toby Chopra and Janet Lawrence)
Rabat (AFP) - Police raided a market in Morocco on Thursday after rumours spread on social media that stores there were selling inflatable sex dolls, which are banned in the conservative Muslim country.

Social media users -- primarily men -- had spread a rumour that the dolls were on sale in Derb Omar, an immense wholesale market in Casablanca.

On Thursday, two local newspapers ran full-page stories on the rumours.

"Sex dolls invade the markets," was the headline in the Arabic-language daily Asabah.

It noted that "many doubt the truth of the rumours".

But according to local media, security forces were taking no chances. The police, including plain-clothes officers, raided the Chinese area of the market, Asabah reported.

No sex dolls were to be found.

"The only dolls the police were able to find were the mannequins used in clothes shop windows," it said.

Abderrazak Lazrak, head of the Derb Omar trader's association, "formally denied the rumour" in comments to Kifache TV, saying the dolls should not be confused with ordinary mannequins.

The interior ministry, contacted by AFP, declined to comment.

While some Moroccans expressed indignation at the rumours, others were amused.

Some women took to Facebook to demand male versions of the dolls.

Sex dolls are de facto illegal in Morocco, where the law punishes "anyone who produces, diffuses, publishes, imports, exports, exposes, sells or possesses" pornographic material.

In 2012, a man caught selling similar products in Casablanca was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Black Americans are less likely to dial 911 immediately following, and for more than a year after the highly publicized assault or death of a black person at the hands of police. Thats the conclusion in Police Violence and Citizen Crime Reporting in the Black Community, a study to be published in Octobers American Sociological Review, the official publication of the American Sociological Association.

Three sociologistsMatthew Desmond at Harvard, Andrew Papachristos at Yale, and David Kirk at Oxfordscreened and analyzed over 1.1 million 911 calls made to Milwaukees emergency dispatch between March 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010. They isolated and further analyzed some 883,000 calls in which a crime was reported within city limits in black, Latino, and white neighborhoods where at least 65 percent of residents fit the race category, per 2000 Census data. They chose those dates in order to study what, if any, impact the brutal beating of Frank Jude by several police officers might have had on residents dialing 911 for help. The effect they found was significant.

Police misconduct can powerfully suppress one of the most basic forms of civic engagement: calling 911 for matters of personal and public safety, the authors wrote in the study. The authors conclusions may also shed some light on the controversial Ferguson effect, that is, the idea that a rise in crime follows a high-profile incident of police brutality.

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The study makes for a grim chronicle. On October 23, 2004, Jude and a black male friend arrived at a private party in a white middle-class neighborhood as guests of two white women college students. Shortly after arriving, the four headed to their vehicle, but it was soon surrounded by at least 10 men.

The men accused Jude and his friend of stealing Andrew Spenglers police badge, and all four were pulled from their truck. Judes male friend had his face slit with a knife and escaped, according to the authors. Jude suffered blows to his face and torso; his arms were pinned behind his back; he was kicked in the head; an officer stomped on his face until he heard bones breaking; he was picked up and kicked in the groin so hard his feet left the ground; he had a pen inserted deep into his ear canals; his fingers were bent back until they snapped; before finally being left naked from the waist down on the sidewalk in a pool of his own blood.

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Judes story would not become public until months later when the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published a report on the incident on February 6, 2005, and recounted the police cover-up that had followed. Black residents protested almost immediately, demanding action from the district attorney. A month later, nine officers were dismissed. Spengler and two others were tried and acquitted by an all-white jury. Protests ensued again. A federal investigation led to the conviction of seven of the officers involved.

Recommended: 'That Makes Me Smart' vs. 'They Don't Pay'

Once the story of Frank Judes beating appeared in the press, Milwaukee residents, especially people in black neighborhoods, were less likely to call the police, including to report violent crime, David Kirk, one of the authors of the report, said in a statement. This means that publicized cases of police violence can have a communitywide impact on crime reporting that transcends individual encounters.

A total of 22,200 fewer calls were made to 911 during the year following Judes beating, according to the researchers, with over half of that loss (56 percent) happening in black neighborhoods. The authors of the study see the significant decline as worrisome given how heavily police work depends on resident-initiated interactions, such as calling the emergency line. Police work of every kind relies on citizen participation, especially reports of law breaking  If police misconduct lowers crime reporting throughout black communities, it directly threatens public safety within those communities, many of which already have high levels of crime, the authors concluded in the article.

To test their theory that police brutality makes black Americans less likely to contact police, the authors also analyzed the impact of other highly publicized incidents of violence against black men by law enforcement, including two that happened outside of Milwaukee. They looked at the killing of Sean Bell in Queens, New York in 2006, the assault of Danyall Simpson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2007, and the killing of Oscar Grant in Oakland, California in 2009. Of these three, only the latter did not trigger a drop in calls to 911. The data again led to the conclusion that other local and national cases of police violence against unarmed black men also had an impact on crime reporting in Milwaukee.

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But since suspicion and mistrust of police among black Americans are not new issues, what do we really learn from the study? A few things.

First, the study established a direct link between police misconduct and the decrease in residents participation in ensuring their own safety. It is one thing to disparage law enforcement in your thoughts and speech after an instance of police violence or corruption makes the news. It is quite another to witness a crime, or even to be victimized, and refuse to report it, the authors wrote. The events of that October morning affected not only Frank Jude and his family but Black Milwaukee as a whole.

The whole-neighborhood effect that led to many people choosing not to call 911 reflects the idea that police lose authority and legitimacy as citizens associate their actions with lawlessness and violence.

Second, MPDs ability to do their jobs was severely curtailed due to losing over 20,000 emergency calls that could have resulted in the prevention of serious crimes. [B]y driving down 911 callsthwart the suppression of law breaking, obstruct the application of justice, and ultimately make cities as a whole, and the black community in particular, less safe, the researchers summarized.

This means that publicized cases of police violence can have a communitywide impact on crime reporting that transcends individual encounters.

In the six months after Judes story was publishedMarch through August 200587 homicides took place in Milwaukee, adding up to a 32 percent increase in homicides relative to the same six-month period in 2004 and 2006, according to a release from ASA. In fact, March through August 2005 was the deadliest spring/summer in the seven years that the researchers examined, the authors said in a statement.

Third, although the death of a resident at the hands of police elicited the biggest drops in 911 calls from black neighborhoods, a death was not always necessary to register a significant drop in such calls. Danyall Simpsons non-fatal assault set off a drop in calls immediately after it was reported in the local media. The studys authors offered some insights into the significance of this:

This indicates that high-profile cases of excessive police force constitute a severe breach in the social contract that exists between citizens and the criminal justice system. That breach is so sudden and violent when unarmed black men are beaten or killed that virtually no institutional response, from public apologies to sanctioning offending officers, can swiftly repair it.

Fourth, the Jude effectas the authors have labelled the drop in calls to 911 they documentedappears to be most pronounced in black neighborhoods. Though they also examined neighborhoods that were majority-white and majority-Latino, the researchers determined that they would not expect to see equally significant drops in 911 calls in those neighborhoods because the underlying historic factors are not the same as in black neighborhoods. These factors include: a centuries-old tradition of state-sanctioned assaults on the black body; blacks collectively perceiving an assault of a black man by white police officers as an assault on the black community writ large; and the acute segregation in Milwaukee.

Police departments and city politicians often frame a publicized case of police violence as an isolated incident, Papachristos said in a statement. He also said that no act of police violence is an isolated incident, in both cause and consequence. Seemingly isolated incidents of police violence are layered upon a history of unequal policing in cities.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - The gunning down of a string of candidates ahead of nationwide municipal elections this Sunday is stoking fears that Brazil's toxic politics are headed into dangerous new territory.

The main headline from Sunday's polls is expected to be the hammering of the leftist Workers' Party, which many here blame for Brazil's punishing recession and sprawling corruption scandals.

Already reeling from the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff and her replacement by center-right rival Michel Temer, the once-dominant Workers' Party looks set to lose a slew of local seats, including the mayor of Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo.

But analysts say that a recent spate of killings around Brazil points to a darker political shift.

The latest victim was Jose Gomes da Rocha, running for mayor in Itumbiara in the state of Goias.

He was shot dead, along with a police officer, while campaigning on Wednesday, Globo news site reported. The state's deputy governor was also wounded in the attack in which the gunman was killed by security guards.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Gilmar Mendes called the incident "shocking."

Worries about violence have prompted deployment during the election of extra army and elite police forces to 307 municipalities across 12 states, according to the official Agencia Brasil news service.

The main hotspot is Rio de Janeiro, where 15 candidates or politicians have been murdered over the last 10 months, police say.

Just last Monday, Rio city council candidate Marcos Vieira de Souza, nicknamed Falcon, was shot while campaigning for the rightwing Progressive Party in Madureira, northern Rio.

His execution-style slaying remains unsolved but Brazilian analysts and media quickly linked it to shadowy armed groups known as militias.

De Souza, who headed one of Rio's biggest and richest carnival samba schools, was also a police officer and had been cleared of militia-related charges back in 2011.

Story continues

Another candidate for municipal government -- Jose Ricardo Guimaraes, who headed a private security firm -- was shot dead the previous day at a rally in Itaborai, also in metropolitan Rio.

"We're seeing a series of murders in northern Rio suburbs that are a new phenomenon and everything points to a link with political conflicts," Michel Misse, an expert in security at Rio Federal University, said.

- Militia 'taxes'? -

While Brazil's bloody drugs gangs are well-known, the militias are more rarely discussed by officials or the media.

Comprised of former or rogue police officers, the militias operate like death squads against criminals and run protection rackets.

While their main activity has been battling gangs, the militias have also long tried to extend their influence into the political sphere. Those efforts now appear to be evolving into a new strategy.

O Globo newspaper reported on Wednesday that Rio militias were seizing Sunday's elections as a way to expand business while influencing the vote.

Gangs have informed candidates that they must pay an "election tax" in order to campaign, with fees running from 15,000 to 120,000 reais ($4,600 to $37,000).

According to Globo's investigation, militias even pressure candidates about the distribution of future posts should they win an election.

The militias have abandoned putting up their own electoral candidates, a direct approach that previously ended in scandal and prosecutions, Globo quoted the head homicide detective for the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio as saying.

"They have learned," the senior investigator, Giniton Lages, said. Instead, the militias "get close to the government and support it."

In an apparent illustration of this militia-style politicking, a group of 30 men burst into a newspaper distribution facility in Niteroi, outside Rio, on Tuesday to stop circulation of two dailies that were publishing a report on a candidate from the center-right PMDB party.

"The situation is very complex. We know very little about these underground relationships," said Alba Zaluar, an anthropologist at Rio State University.

"There's no serious policy of investigating public security."
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f224709%2fpoobags

Whatever you may think of right wing Australian politician Pauline Hanson, it's easy to agree that she's a divisive figure a la Nigel Farage and Donald Trump.

While much has been said about Hanson and her views on immigration, marriage equality or pretty much anything ever, little has come in product form. Until now.

Behold the Paulin Hanson-faced dog poo bag; a product which bears a caricature of the politician's face on it. And its sales are even benefitting refugees.

It's the creation of Melbourne-based Dirren Baines (not his real name), who told Mashable via email he saw the idea from a reddit post featuring Donald Trump poo bags. He thought it was "quite genius," and decided to replicate his own for Australian audiences.

Image: dirren baines

"The thought of making Pauline Hanson ones didn't hit me right away, however soon after she gained power and was planted all over the media again, I realised that we had our own Donald Trump right here in Australia, and thus begun planning the venture," he said.

A portion of the proceeds from the bags will to go to the Refugee Council of Australia, a representative body for organisations and people who support those seeking asylum in the country.

"I've always tried to help the underprivileged in any way that I can. Donating to the refugees seemed appropriate because they are the people Pauline Hanson's campaign of hate is targeted towards," Baines said.

"She wants to ban Muslim immigration to Australia, so I wanted to do something contrary to that, and help them instead."

A photo posted by Pauline Hanson Dog Poo Bags (@pauline_hanson_dogpoobags) on Aug 10, 2016 at 4:30am PDT

Baines has received negative attention from some Hanson supporters. He claims it has been worse than anticipated, with threats made toward him and his family, especially on the product's Facebook page.

"I try and respect their points of view, however they do make it very difficult given their hate-filled rhetoric. We live in a free society and one of the greatest things about this is being able to have our own opinions and to be able to voice those opinions without the fear of retaliation with violence," he said.

Baines said he had plans of creating bags with other politicians' faces on them, but he's not sure if he will go ahead with them. The suggestions for other politicians keep piling up, however.

"We have had MANY requests from fans of ours to create bags for a number of Australian politicians. At this stage though we think we will focus all our attention on Ms Hanson," he said.
The iShares MSCI Spain Capped ETF (EWP) , the largest exchange traded fund tracking stocks in the Eurozones fourth-largest economy, is off 4% year-to-date. That is a middling performance among the ETFs tracking the PIIGS economies, but EWP and rival Spain ETFs have other concerns.

Recent momentum built up by EWP and Spanish stocks is seen as vulnerable to the countrys increasingly contentious political environment. Last year, Spain and its financial markets dealt with the issue of Catalonian independence as Catalonia makes up almost one-fifth of Spains gross domestic product and one-quarter of exports.

Related: Europe ETFs Are Cheap Long-Term Buys

Investors can also consider the factor-based SPDR MSCI Spain Quality Mix ETF (QESP) as an alternative to the cap-weighted EWP. The quality factor captures excess returns to stocks that are characterized by low debt, stable earnings growth and other quality metrics, according to MSCI.

QESP is also heavily exposed to the financial services sector with a weight of 33.5% to that group. The factor-based Spain ETF also offers some leverage to the recovering Spanish consumer with over 10% of its weight going to consumer sectors.

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While Spain has largely shrugged off political uncertainty so far, the nine-month deadlock  along with a weaker global backdrop  could be starting to hurt momentum as the next governments to-do list grows, reports Maria Tadeo for Bloomberg.

Some market observers believe that Europes recovery is still in its early stages and looks durable, pointing to the ongoing decline in the Eurozones unemployment rate, which is now at its lowest since 2011, and improvement in consumer confidence, which should buoy earnings growth.

Related: Brexit Opens Opportunity for Europe ETFs

Story continues

Most European market observers have been critical of European Central Bank President Mario Draghis stimulus measures. Specifically, many believe the measures have been too little too late, even after the ECB cut all three key rates this month and expanded quantitative easing.

The Bank of Spain may provide its own insights into just how much politics is hurting growth when it publishes its economic assessment in the coming days, according to Bloomberg.

Last year, Standard & Poors upgraded the countrys credit rating to BBB+. Spain is the fourth-largest economy in the Eurozone behind Germany, France and Italy.

iShares MSCI Spain Capped ETF

ewp

The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.
BOGOTA (Reuters) - Pope Francis will visit Colombia in the first quarter of next year, President Juan Manuel Santos said on Thursday, days after signing a peace deal with Marxist rebels which the pontiff has actively backed. Santos and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, rebels signed a peace accord on Monday to end 52 years of war. Pope Francis repeatedly expressed his support for the deal over four years of negotiations. "We can confirm that he will come in the first quarter," Santos said at a business conference in Bogota. "The first quarter of next year, he will come to Colombia for four days, which is an incredible honor." The visit will be third by a pope to the Andean nation. (Reporting by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Alan Crosby)
hoboken

At least one person was killed and more than 100 were injured after a commuter train crashed into a train station in Hoboken, New Jersey, at about 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Previous reports indicated that three people had been killed in the crash, but Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey said only one fatality had been confirmed.

The cause of the crash, involving train No. 1614 on the New Jersey Transit's Pascack Valley Line, was not immediately identified. A WFAN radio anchor who witnessed the crash said the train "simply did not stop" and "went right through the barriers and into the reception area."

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be helping New Jersey Transit officials in their investigation of the crash, an NTSB spokeswoman told reporters.

A witness told reporters he saw the train engineer "slumped over in the front of the train." Chris Christie told reporters later that the engineer was critically injured in the crash, but is at the hospital and cooperating with officials.

Many police officers and firefighters were seen outside the terminal after the crash, some attending to injured people. A woman who was in the front car of the train that crashed told CBS that people in her car were injured and that she thought the train hit people waiting on the platform.

This video appears to show the crashed train:

Joseph Scott, the CEO of Jersey City Medical Center, told reporters that 51 people were being treated at the center for injuries putting them in stable to critical condition. Many were treated on the scene, and none who went to the hospital suffered life-threatening injuries.

Scott added that he didn't know how many of the injured people had been riding on the train versus standing on the platform.

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Hoboken crash

Annmarie Mercieri, a Hoboken resident, was at the station at the time of the crash.

"I heard a lot of screeching and a big impact," she told Business Insider, noting that emergency responders quickly blocked off the scene.

"People seemed shaken up by it, but they were still pretty calm," she said. "I've never seen anything like that in my whole life."

hoboken train crash

It is unclear how many people were on the train when it barreled into the station and crashed onto the platform during the rush-hour commute, but a passenger told NBC it was "crowded  especially in the first and second cars."

Matt Hladik, a bystander who witnessed the aftermath of the crash, told Business Insider "people are trying to go about their commute, but it is mass chaos with first responders and everything happening at once."

Photos have emerged showing the extent of the injuries from the crash:

Photos showing extent of mass casualty scene after NJ train crash. https://t.co/Rn8sB39Qe1 pic.twitter.com/PBRsZ1Qi2B  Micah Grimes (@MicahGrimes) September 29, 2016

A passenger on the train told NBC he saw "a woman pinned under concrete."

"A lot of people were bleeding," he added. "One guy was crying."

More images of the PV Line train crash in Hoboken. I was on the train but I'm all good #NJT #PATH pic.twitter.com/pIRI4yWB5s  Corey Futterman (@coreyfuttdesign) September 29, 2016

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York canceled his planned trip to Israel this morning for the funeral of Shimon Peres and traveled to the site of the crash.

Hillary Clinton tweeted Thursday afternoon that "the images from the train derailment in NJ are horrifying. My prayers are with those who lost loved ones and the dozens who were injured."

Donald Trump also weighed in: "My condolences to those involved in today's horrible accident in NJ and my deepest gratitude to all of the amazing first responders," he wrote on Twitter.

The roof of the train station apparently collapsed:

Christie told CNN that officials were not letting anyone into the station until they could confirm that the structural integrity of the terminal was intact.

Firefighters and first responders were on the scene:

Following the #Hoboken train crash this AM. Every medic, cop & firefighter is here. MANY injuries. pic.twitter.com/YyrfinYfHo  Christiana Pascale (@ChrisPascale6) September 29, 2016

The Hoboken terminal is just across the Hudson River from lower Manhattan. It is one of New Jersey's busiest train stations; roughly 15,000 people board a train at the terminal every day. Dozens of people were injured when a train crashed at the station in May 2011 due to a mechanical failure.

hoboken terminal

Jeremy Berke contributed reporting.





More From Business Insider


Sept 29 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- Ronald Stanton, a refugee from Nazi Germany who made a fortune in petrochemicals and then gave or pledged more than $300 million to various charities, most of them in New York, died at his home in Manhattan. He was 88. http://nyti.ms/2dF4lYV

- House lawmakers questioned Janet Yellen, the Federal Reserve chairwoman, on Wednesday about the handling of the Wells Fargo accounts scandal, with some calling for tougher punishment of the biggest banks and their senior managers when they violate the law. http://nyti.ms/2dgd5SK

- Maurice Greenberg, the former chief executive of American International Group Inc, clashed with a New York State prosecutor on Wednesday over the extent of his role in a transaction at the center of his civil accounting fraud trial. http://nyti.ms/2dsY2Zu

- OPEC's 14 oil-producing nations agreed to modestly cut their collective oil output later this year in an effort to bolster sagging prices, according to a cartel official. http://nyti.ms/2dgdIvM (Compiled by Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru)
NEWS BRIEF Amnesty International had been scheduled to unveil research from the organizations latest report, which found that Thailands military junta routinely tortured citizens, at a hotel in Bangkok Wednesday. But just as members prepared to give their speeches, police officers threatened them with arrest, the group said.

Police and men wearing jackets and tags identifying them as Ministry of Labour officials said the speakers would violate Thai labor law if the event went on. Amnesty International chose to cancel, and released the research online. The group claims it found 74 instances of torture, including suffocation with plastic bags, strangling by rope, waterboarding, and electric shock of the genitals, by the military against political opponents between 2014 and 2015.

Amnesty International condemned the threats of arrest. The Thai authorities should be addressing torture, not human rights activists doing their legitimate work, Minar Pimple, the groups senior director of global operations, told the Bangkok Post Wednesday. Instead of threatening us with arrest and prosecution, they should be holding the perpetrators of torture accountable.

Recommended: The Many Scandals of Donald Trump: A Cheat Sheet

The military took power of the Thai government in 2014, a decision it called necessary to establish stability after months of street protests. Demonstrations had grown after a movement of mostly poor and rural voters organized against Thailands ruling royal class and wealthy elite. In August of this year, voters adopted a new constitution that ensures the military remains powerful after Thailands general election next year. The constitution includes a provision that allows the military to remove any political leader from office without resorting to a coup, which was sold as a way to protect the government against corruption. About 60 percent of voters approved the new constitution, which many have attributed to a vote for stabilitynot necessarily confidence in the militaryin a country that ranks among the worlds top for coup detats.

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Amnesty Internationals report said the 2014 military coup has allowed a culture of torture and other ill-treatment to flourish across the country. It said the military now has legal authority to arbitrarily detain people for seven days at undisclosed locations. Its during this time, the report says, that the military has tortured these victims, most often political opponents. Most victims are too afraid to speak out. When they come forward to complain, the courts tend to ignore them, the report claimed. And yet, the same courts are willing to accept coerced confessions, even after they are retracted.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.




The Cambridge family has been dutifully performing their royal responsibilities during its tour of Canada, traveling around the Great White North and learning about maple leaves, hobnobbing with Mounties, touring national parks, and more. But following four days of public appearances, its time to let loose. On Thursday, the Duke and Duchess brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte to a childrens party for military families in Victoria  and there were balloons!

Prince George loved the bubbles. (Photo: Getty Images)

As the foursome made their grand entrance, with Kate Middleton wearing a cream-colored dress from Chloe ($460), Princess Charlotte, whos 16 months old, attempted to break free from her mother. Obviously captivated by the balloons, the little royal, who was spotted walking for the first time and overheard saying Pop and Dada, wore a $96 smocked blue-and-red dress and a $54 navy cardigan, both from Pepa & Co. As soon as she was able to get to the ground, she ran  as fast as her little legs would carry her  to attack a structure made of pink and green balloons. Not wanting to miss out on any of the fun, Prince George, wearing a navy blue sweater and red shorts with high socks, started pounding away on the decorative arch as well.

Princess Charlotte played with a fluffy white dog. (Photo: Getty Images)

But that was just the beginning of the fun. There was a petting zoo where 3-year-old Prince George got to sit on a donkey with the help of his dad, Prince William, and Charlotte cuddled with a black-and-white bunny. There were also bubbles, balloon animals, musical guests, instruments to play, and so much more.

Princess Charlotte meets Smores the bunny at a children's party for military families held at Government House #RoyalVisitCanada ???????? A photo posted by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Sep 29, 2016 at 11:46am PDT

This is Prince George and Princess Charlottes second official royal engagement together. In June, the siblings appeared at Buckingham Palace together for the annual celebration known as Trooping the Colour.

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Prince William and his familyDuchess Kate, Prince George and Princess Charlotteare on tour in Canada this week, and so the adoring public are getting treated to an extra dose of cuteness as the royal offspring attend all kinds of official events.

On Thursday, they hit up a childrens party celebrating military families in Victoria. It was a fine day to be outside, and the young Prince and Princess took full advantage of the good weather to enjoy themselves. Or rather, they really enjoyed the balloons on displayand the bubbles. These children are basically models for bubbles. Seriously, buy your stock in bubbles now, as its all about to fly off the shelves. Take a look as they investigate the wonders of balloons, large dogs and bubbles, below.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte attend children's party for military families during their parents' Canada tour https://t.co/mayKKziI6O  Sky News (@SkyNews) September 29, 2016

TRH were delighted to have the opportunity to introduce George and Charlotte to children from Canadian military families #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/1w6WMScnDE  Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 29, 2016
(Adds comments from company spokeswoman)

By Noe Torres and Susan Taylor

MEXICO CITY/TORONTO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Protesters in northern Mexico blocked access to the Penasquito mining complex operated by Goldcorp Inc on Thursday, but the company said operations were unaffected and the issue would be resolved quickly.

Vancouver-based Goldcorp said the blockade was illegal and caused by a trucking contractor concerned about losing business due to efficiency improvements at the mine.

"The blockade is not affecting operations. We have met with the contractor's representatives and expect this to be resolved shortly," spokeswoman Christine Marks said in an email.

The blockade, which includes landowners and truck drivers, began on Monday, Felipe Pinedo, one of the protest leaders, said in a telephone interview. Demands include payment for environmental damages, jobs, and water for their communities, he added.

In late August, Reuters reported on a long-running leak of contaminated water, which had not been disclosed to the public, at the mine, Mexico's biggest gold deposit.

A source close to the company, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said the blockade risked interrupting production at the mine, which was operating below capacity. Last year, Penasquito produced 860,300 ounces of gold, a quarter of Goldcorp's total production.

"If the blockade is not lifted immediately, the company will not have material by Saturday," he said.

(Reporting by Noe Torres and Susan Taylor; Editing by Michael Perry and Richard Chang)
By Dan Whitcomb and Marty Graham

EL CAJON, Calif. (Reuters) - A second night of mostly peaceful protests over the fatal police shooting in Southern California of an unarmed black man said to be mentally ill climaxed on Wednesday as protesters confronted officers in riot gear who retreated as tensions rose.

Protesters earlier in the day shouted "murder" and demanded a federal investigation of Tuesday's shooting in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon, which came just as racially charged anger over similar incidents in two other U.S. cities during the past two weeks had begun to subside.

The Tuesday mid-afternoon shooting unfolded after two El Cajon police officers responded to several calls about a mentally unstable person walking in traffic, then confronted the man behind a restaurant.

One policeman opened fire with his service pistol and his partner simultaneously fired a Taser stun gun when the man pulled an object from his pocket and took aim at them in a "shooting stance," according to police.

No weapon from the man, however, was recovered at the scene, police said. The object he was said to be carrying was not specified.

The next day, Mayor Bill Wells confirmed the victim's identity as Alfred Olango, a 38-year-old Ugandan immigrant with a U.S. felony record of convictions for drug and weapon offenses, according to federal court records.

Friends and activists said Olango was mentally ill and may have been suffering a seizure in the moments before his death.

Police said they obtained cellphone video of the shooting from a bystander, but authorities released only a still frame showing two officers pointing weapons at a man who was aiming an object at them.

In a separate video clip taken moments after the shooting and posted on social media, a woman who refers to herself as the victim's sister is heard crying in anguish, "Oh my God. You killed my brother. I just called for help and ... you killed him."

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Wells told a news conference on Wednesday that he had seen the footage obtained by police. He described it as "certainly enlightening," adding, "I dont believe that this is going to be a tremendously complicated process for people to figure out what happened."

I saw a man who was distraught, a man who was acting in ways that looked like he was in great pain, and I saw him get gunned down and killed, and it broke my heart. If it was my son I would be devastated, Wells said.

Wells said all 120 officers on El Cajon's police force receive training from San Diego County's Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams, or PERT, program, though no PERT-assigned officer was available for dispatch to Tuesday's call.

CRIES FOR 'JUSTICE'

Two other black men were killed days earlier by police in questionable circumstances in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, igniting demonstrations decrying racial bias by U.S. law enforcement. Authorities imposed a state of emergency and a curfew to quell unrest in Charlotte.

Olango's slaying in California likewise immediately sparked hours of angry protests near the shooting scene.

Speaking to reporters the next day, El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis appealed for calm and urged against rushing to judgment. The predominantly white city is home to some 100,000 people, including many residents who are immigrants from the Middle East and Africa.

Civil rights activists and several hundred protesters returned to the streets on Wednesday, gathering first outside the police department to chant "murder," "justice for Alfred Olango" and "black lives matter."

"We are not going to stop until we get justice," the Reverend Shane Harris, president of the National Action Network's San Diego chapter, said at the rally.

Protests continued after dark with hundreds of people marching from the shooting scene to City Hall and back, shouting Olango's name, taunting police and periodically blocking traffic.

The crowd later staged a boisterous but peaceful rally near the site of Olango's death that turned tense when police officers, who initially kept a low profile, made a renewed show of force in riot gear.

A standoff appeared on the verge of escalation as some protesters hurled water bottles at police, who stood their ground before pulling back in what seemed to be a tactical retreat.

Demonstrators milled about the streets afterward, but the mood grew more relaxed and the crowds gradually diminished with no immediate signs of further lawlessness.

The San Diego County District Attorney was investigating the shooting, and police said the bystander's video would be released once that probe was complete. Wells said the FBI also was probing the incident.

(Additional reporting by Norma Galeana and Alan Devall in El Cajon, Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles, Laila Kearney in New York and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky, Jeffrey Benkoe and Bernard Orr)
By Dan Whitcomb and Marty Graham EL CAJON, Calif. (Reuters) - A second night of mostly peaceful protests over the fatal police shooting in Southern California of an unarmed black man said to be mentally ill climaxed on Wednesday as protesters confronted officers in riot gear who retreated as tensions rose. Protesters earlier in the day shouted "murder" and demanded a federal investigation of Tuesday's shooting in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon, which came just as racially charged anger over similar incidents in two other U.S. cities during the past two weeks had begun to subside. The Tuesday mid-afternoon shooting unfolded after two El Cajon police officers responded to several calls about a mentally unstable person walking in traffic, then confronted the man behind a restaurant. One policeman opened fire with his service pistol and his partner simultaneously fired a Taser stun gun when the man pulled an object from his pocket and took aim at them in a "shooting stance," according to police. No weapon from the man, however, was recovered at the scene, police said. The object he was said to be carrying was not specified. The next day, Mayor Bill Wells confirmed the victim's identity as Alfred Olango, a 38-year-old Ugandan immigrant with a U.S. felony record of convictions for drug and weapon offenses, according to federal court records. Friends and activists said Olango was mentally ill and may have been suffering a seizure in the moments before his death. Police said they obtained cellphone video of the shooting from a bystander, but authorities released only a still frame showing two officers pointing weapons at a man who was aiming an object at them. In a separate video clip taken moments after the shooting and posted on social media, a woman who refers to herself as the victim's sister is heard crying in anguish, "Oh my God. You killed my brother. I just called for help and ... you killed him." Wells told a news conference on Wednesday that he had seen the footage obtained by police. He described it as "certainly enlightening," adding, "I dont believe that this is going to be a tremendously complicated process for people to figure out what happened." I saw a man who was distraught, a man who was acting in ways that looked like he was in great pain, and I saw him get gunned down and killed, and it broke my heart. If it was my son I would be devastated, Wells said. Wells said all 120 officers on El Cajon's police force receive training from San Diego County's Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams, or PERT, program, though no PERT-assigned officer was available for dispatch to Tuesday's call. CRIES FOR 'JUSTICE' Two other black men were killed days earlier by police in questionable circumstances in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, igniting demonstrations decrying racial bias by U.S. law enforcement. Authorities imposed a state of emergency and a curfew to quell unrest in Charlotte. Olango's slaying in California likewise immediately sparked hours of angry protests near the shooting scene. Speaking to reporters the next day, El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis appealed for calm and urged against rushing to judgment. The predominantly white city is home to some 100,000 people, including many residents who are immigrants from the Middle East and Africa. Civil rights activists and several hundred protesters returned to the streets on Wednesday, gathering first outside the police department to chant "murder," "justice for Alfred Olango" and "black lives matter." "We are not going to stop until we get justice," the Reverend Shane Harris, president of the National Action Network's San Diego chapter, said at the rally. Protests continued after dark with hundreds of people marching from the shooting scene to City Hall and back, shouting Olango's name, taunting police and periodically blocking traffic. The crowd later staged a boisterous but peaceful rally near the site of Olango's death that turned tense when police officers, who initially kept a low profile, made a renewed show of force in riot gear. A standoff appeared on the verge of escalation as some protesters hurled water bottles at police, who stood their ground before pulling back in what seemed to be a tactical retreat. Demonstrators milled about the streets afterward, but the mood grew more relaxed and the crowds gradually diminished with no immediate signs of further lawlessness. The San Diego County District Attorney was investigating the shooting, and police said the bystander's video would be released once that probe was complete. Wells said the FBI also was probing the incident. (Additional reporting by Norma Galeana and Alan Devall in El Cajon, Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles, Laila Kearney in New York and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky, Jeffrey Benkoe and Bernard Orr)
Sept 29 (Reuters) - Puerto Rico's governor said on Thursday he has proposed to the U.S. territory's fiscal oversight board a timeline to present the board with a financial turnaround plan in two weeks.

Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla announced the timeline as part of a televised address, ahead of the oversight board's first meeting, scheduled for Friday morning in New York.

The oversight board was appointed by U.S. lawmakers and President Barack Obama to manage Puerto Rico's finances and help stabilize an economy suffering from a decade-long recession, $70 billion in total debt and a poverty rate of 45 percent.

Under the federal law that created the board, the island's governor is tasked with presenting a financial turnaround plan, which the board must revise and approve.

(Reporting by Nick Brown in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP, a class action law firm dedicated to representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS).

If you are a shareholder of Emergent and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at:

http://pjlfirm.com/emergent-biosolutions-inc/

You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at rl@pjlfirm.com or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.

Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE: Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP
This Immigrant Doctor Is Reimagining Health in the American City

Rosh Hashanah, a two-day celebration that starts on Oct. 2 at sundown this year, marks the Jewish New Year and the creation of the world. It begins the 10-day period of introspection, prayer, and inner transformation that culminates in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

So what does this have to do with food, sustainable or otherwise? The holiday is at once solemn and festive, with the anticipation of renewal and fresh starts, explained Jayne Cohen in Jewish Holiday Cooking: A Food Lovers Treasury of Classics and Improvisations. Nearly 2,500 years ago, the prophet Nehemiah proclaimed, Eat the rich and drink the sweet. 

Rich? Sweet? I can just imagine the collective raised eyebrow, but the foods of Rosh Hashanah are laden with symbolism and a mindfulness that should speak to everyone, regardless of religion. Eating these foods reminds us of how to behave, Cohen wrote. Whole or part of an animals head (sweetbreads, tongue, etc.); an entire fish, including the head; or even a head of roasted garlic might be served, urging us to beat the head of our peers. Sweets, like challah stuffed with raisins, tell us to act in a way that would cause no sadness. And it is a mitzvah, a good deed, to invite guests, especially strangers and poor people, those, as Nehemiah said, for whom nothing is prepared to share the meal. Lovely.

Not to mention delicious. Seasonal produce frequently finds its way into favorite Rosh Hashanah fare, such as spinach and leeks among Sephardim, pumpkins among Italians, and apples and plums among Ashkenazim, wrote Gil Marks in the Encyclopedia of Jewish Food. An ancient custom is to eat a new fruitone not yet sampled that seasonon the second night of Rosh Hashanah while reciting the blessing Shehechiyanu (Who has preserved us).

Marks, a food historian, straddled the worlds of food and religion with ease and eloquence. According to his New York Times obituary (he died in 2014 at age 62, way too young), he studied for the rabbinate at Yeshiva University, in New York, and some would argue that his work was, in its way, Talmudicfull of information and interpretive wisdom on the foods of Jewish tradition and the governing principles of cooking and eating them.

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And I can think of no better time to begin to eat seasonally and close to home than right now, for were in the great swing season of the year. The days are still warm and just long enough so that the last summer crop of tomatoes, eggplants, chiles, green beans, and corn can mature. Tender, juicy lettuces and radishes, both short-season cool-weather crops, are being harvested left and right.

Youll still find all of the above at farmers markets and roadside stands, along with just-dug carrots and other root vegetables that have been growing underground for months. Bend down and take a whiffthey still smell of damp earth. The first bunchesbouquets, reallyof kales, chard, and other pot greens look succulent and robust. And the winter squashes range from deep-orange red kuri (a fairly new Japanese kabocha type) to the more familiar butternut and acorn.

In my neck of the woods, out on the North Fork of Long Island, the vegetable that takes pride of place (since the 1800s) this time of year is the slightly flattened buff-colored Long Island Cheese Pumpkin, an heirloom that has won a coveted berth on Slow Food USAs Ark of Taste. So-called because it resembles a small dairy cheese, it is an outstanding eating pumpkin, whether in a pie or cut into slices and roasted.

And as Slow Food notes, Another culinary use of pumpkin is the growing demand for seasonally infused American craft beers. Pumpkin beer has a long history in New England: when colonists first settled America, malt had to be either imported or grown and malted, a costly and fickle endeavor. Pumpkins grew plentifully and had a high enough sugar content that they could be added to the mash and fermented. And the fact that most parts of the plant are edibleincluding the shell, flesh, seeds, and flowersappeals to every thrifty cook, many of whom treasure organ meats or a flavorful fish head for the same reason.

Now, about apples, honey, and Rosh Hashanah.

The first recorded association of apples with Rosh Hashanah was in a siddur, or Jewish prayer book, compiled around 1100, Marks tells us, and in his Encyclopedia, he quotes the books explanation: The residents of France have the custom to eat on Rosh Hashanah red apples. Every thing new and bright and good for a good sign for all Israel.

Dipping apples in honey seems to be of German derivation, first mentioned by a German rabbi in a legal compendium published around 1310. There are numerous layers of meaning: One connection is to the biblical account of King Saul and his son Jonathan, who mistakenly ate wild honey on a fast day. The incident of Jonathan serves as an inspiration for dipping an apple slice into honey, appealing to God to pardon us, as Jonathan was pardoned by his father, explains Marks. Honey is also an ancient symbol of immortality and truth, and the sweetness of both honey and apple is a wish for a sweet year to come.

If that isnt reason alone to buy a jar of local honey and a bag of just-picked apples, I dont know what is. And because I havent touched an apple since early springhere in the Northeast, Im sick to death of them by thenits sweet-tart crispness will be completely new.

Take the Pledge: Let's Put an End to Food Waste

Related stories on TakePart:





 Thanks, Climate Change: Summer Rains Drown Out Pumpkin Crops

 Why Pretty Apples Lose When It Comes to Taste

 The End of Honey? Not So Fast

Original article from TakePart
A city blasted into rubble, its civilians fleeing, hiding, or simply dying in the ruins while a world looks on in horror. Bombs spilling from Russian warplanes and shells and rockets thundering from Russian guns and launchers. Today this is a portrait of Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Not long ago, it was Grozny, the capital of Chechnya.

Anyone trying to understand Russias military strategy in Syria would be wise to examine the heavy-handed methods Vladimir Putin used during his first war as Russias commander in chief, the bloody Second Chechen War, which lasted from 1999 to 2000 (even if sporadic small-scale violence never really stopped). These are very different wars, fought in different ways by different forces, but they nonetheless highlight one central aspect of Putins approach to fighting insurgents: the value of brutality.

After all, from the Russians perspective, what the Second Chechen War demonstrated was the strategic value of brutality, when applied in sufficient quantities.

All war is terrible; sometimes the art is to be the most terrible, one Russian officer said to me with a shrug last year, talking about the Second Chechen Wars battle for Grozny, which left thousands of people dead, tens of thousands homeless, and the city described by the United Nations as the most ruined one on the planet. The officers original quote also included a cleverly macabre pun, as Grozny means terrible in Russian.

Like Aleppo, Grozny was battered not just by conventional artillery and air power but also the TOS-1 Buratino, able to fire salvos of 24 rockets armed with thermobaric munitions, whose devastating blasts are second only to nuclear weapons in their capacity to level city blocks and blast houses to rubble.

Russian warfare can also be subtle and even restrained, as witnessed in the near-bloodless capture of Crimea in 2014. However, when the aim is not just to take territory but to convince insurgents, whose morale is one of their key assets, that resistance is both futile and lethal, the playbook is very different. Of course Putin is not wholly in charge of the war, and Bashar al-Assad and even Iran also play a significant role, but on this they appear of one mind: peace on Damascuss terms depends on a striking victory and the demonstration of irresistible firepower. And Aleppo is the unlucky example.

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At present, Moscow and Damascus face the anger and dismay of the international community. There is talk of further sanctions, and the U.N. Security Council called an emergency meeting in September where Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., said, What Russia is sponsoring and doing is not counterterrorism  it is barbarism. Britains foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has suggested that there are grounds to suspect war crimes are being committed.

All water off the bears back. The Kremlin, rather than being chagrined, has turned to its usual playbook for managing accidents, abuses, and atrocities, a process honed in Chechnya.

It flatly denies even claims that are backed by evidence. In Chechnya, for example, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov told U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the time that the rebels were opening up a second front in the media and that the pictures of homes and hospitals bombed were simply disinformation intended to cast a shadow on the actions of the federal authorities, to try to complicate Russias relations with partners in the world.

At the recent U.N. session, Russias veteran U.N. ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, echoed such rhetoric, dismissing the voluminous documentation of air and artillery strikes as an attempt to launch a media campaign aimed at discrediting the governments measures to push terrorists out with the use of fake and old video recordings.

What cannot be denied is minimized, normalized by claiming that everyone does the same, or else deflected with furious counterclaim. In Chechnya, where admittedly the rebel regime had become increasingly dominated by Islamists, the war was presented simply as part of a global struggle against the Taliban and al Qaeda, with a Russian defense minister calling Afghanistan and Chechnya two branches of one tree. Any attempt to question Russian methods was spun as trying to shield terrorists.

Likewise, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has claimed that U.S. accusations regarding Aleppo are a ploy to distract attention from their recent attack on Syrian troops near Deir Ezzor and, for good measure, that the White House is defending [the Islamic State]. Never acknowledge, always counterattack.

The point is that Moscow believes such gambits are successful because the West is at once cynical and easily distracted.

Time and again, talking to Russians in or close to political circles, I have been struck by a genuine belief that in the West, realpolitik is all. Talk of core values and human rights is dismissed as self-justificatory rhetoric, highfalutin rationalization, or outright hypocrisy. The irony is that just as Russian policy increasingly takes an ideological turn, the more willing so many within its leadership are to assume that the West believes in nothing.

So there is an assumption that if push comes to shove, the West will swallow any brutality on Russias part if it leads to a desirable end, like the destruction of Islamic State, with a theatrical wringing of hands and a knowing wink.

In Chechnya, after all, although there was no lack of loud dismay at Russias brutal military assault and the vicious counterinsurgency campaign that followed, Western governments did nothing to back words with deeds. In some quarters, Moscows claim that this was just a local theater in the global war on terror was accepted. In others, there was simply no appetite to challenge the newly elected President Putin when the hope was that he could be a more viable and reliable partner than his ailing and alcoholic predecessor Boris Yeltsin.

Whatever the reason, the lesson internalized in Moscow was that Western commitments to human rights could be ignored with safety.

Besides, there is also a belief that the West has trouble sustaining its indignation. Chechnya was a cause celebre for some at the height of the war but was soon forgotten. The 2008 invasion of Georgia was followed less than a year later by the ill-starred U.S. offer of a reset of relations.

Admittedly, Moscows easy assumptions in short Western attention spans have been challenged by the way sanctions imposed after Crimea have held (so far). Nonetheless, the expectation is still that, however terrible the act, all Russia has to do is weather the immediate storm of outrage, and todays story quickly becomes tomorrows history.

Despite the apparent similarity of some of the tactics, Putin does not show signs of believing that the Syrian war is in any way a replay of Chechnya. The country is much larger, the rebels more powerful but also more divided, the international community more deeply engaged. However, if he does seem to have taken one lesson from his bloody triumph at home, it is that a brutal war is best won by brutal means. Poor Syria.

Photo credit: AMEER ALHALBI/AFP/Getty Images
All during Q2 earnings season  which analysts rightly conceded would again be in negative territory for the fifth consecutive quarter  there was speculation that the margin of aggregate earnings losses in the S&P 500 was dwindling, and might reverse in Q3. Two weeks away from the unofficial start of earnings season, this no longer appears to be the case.



Its been de rigueur that expectations soften ahead of earnings reports  all the better to beat expectations with when they actually do come out. But with downward revisions continuing, even accelerating, this close to earnings season, the numbers suggest the earnings recession will continue for a sixth straight quarter.



Of course, positive results across key sectors may push S&P 500 earnings into positive territory after all, though the amount of companies posting downward revisions and the average share price of those revisions are both larger than historic averages. Oil prices have a lot to do with this. Prices per barrel well below $50 per share (recall a barrel of oil was $147 per barrel at one point) dampen global business across many industries.



To that end, there was some positivity wringed out of yesterdays concluded two-day OPEC meeting. Basically, the major oil-producing countries have agreed to make some sort of cut to global oil production when the group meets again in late November. The worlds largest oil producer, Saudi Arabia, may cut up to 1 million barrels per day, but its unclear to what extent Iran will cut production, if at all. Plenty can happen between now and then, of course, but well take positive news where we can get it.



New Econ Data Before the Bell



Our third and final look at Q2 GDP growth was released today, raised to a 1.4% annualized rate from the second reads 1.1%. Personal Consumption Expansion quarter over quarter was 1.8%, with Personal Consumption ticking down to 4.3% from 4.4%. Still tepid growth, but the personal consumer is certainly doing his/her part.



Initial Jobless Claims posted 254K in the past week, a 3000 jump from a slightly revised previous week. But the total suggests strength in the U.S. labor market continues, which may be a useful positive indicator for next weeks Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) non-farm payroll report a week from tomorrow.



Our Trade Deficit result of $58.4 billion was another positive surprise from expectations of $62 billion.



Market futures are down at this hour, but have trimmed losses following these largely positive economic reports being released. Next week will be big for more econ reads, and well follow that up with the Alcoa AA earnings report the following week, so please stay tuned



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



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



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In 2004, a filmmaker came out of nowhere with a documentary about a seemingly familiar topic - McDonald's - that managed to upend public perception of the fast-food giant while bringing it to its knees. His next subject isn't likely to bend so easily.

In Rats, Spurlock weaves a horror-film-like portrait of the scourge of big cities: Rattus norvegis, or the common brown rat, which proliferates in metropolises across the globe. Highly adaptable and incredibly cunning, the vermin, Spurlock suggests, may very well outlive us all.

The film, which bowed at TIFF and recently had screenings at Fantastic Fest in Austin (where the Sept. 24 audience was served actual stewed water rat) and in Los Angeles, is being touted as one of the grossest ever made.

There are scenes of oozing parasites being pulled out of rat carcasses; shots of "pustular flesh" caused by diseases carried by by the creatures, according to The Hollywood Reporter's positive review; a visit to an English town where terriers shred them alive for sport; and a peek inside the kitchen of a Vietnamese restaurant that serves them the way, well, McDonald's serves cows and chickens.

At Fantastic Fest, no one threw up, according to Scott Wampler, a film writer and weekend bartender at Alamo Drafthouse, which hosted the screening. Says Wampler: "Fantastic Fest crowds are pretty f - ing metal." Think you have the stomach for it? Then tune in to Discovery Channel on Oct. 22 at 9 p.m., when Rats will scurry into the comfort of your living room.

The @drafthouse was kind enough to provide us with what they're telling us is pulled "water rat" for the #FantasticFest screening of #Rats. pic.twitter.com/gcYad1ewg5

- Trace Thurman (@TracedThurman) September 24, 2016

I'm glad I'm in the small theater for RATS. They served rat meat sandwiches #FantasticFest pic.twitter.com/n8TRIfWirH

- J.C. De Leon (@jcdeleon1) September 24, 2016

There's a section in Rats in which scientists pull giant parasites out of dead rats. #FantasticFest pic.twitter.com/jammDaCVHJ

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- Scott Weinberg (@scottEweinberg) September 25, 2016

RATS is horrifying. Everything you thought you knew about these intelligent, vile disease-ridden vermin is just the beginning #fantasticfest

- James Marsh (@Marshy00) September 26, 2016
Salesforce lost its bid to buy LinkedIn when LinkedIn decided to sell itself to Microsoft for$26.2 billion.

But Salesforce still hasnt given up on getting what it wants: access to LinkedIns treasure trove of data.

Salesforce has been lodging protests with regulators over the deal in the US and in Europe, as first reported by the New York Times and confirmed by Business Insider.

This is less about blocking the deal from happening (although Salesforce probably wouldnt mind if that happened) and more about convincing regulators to put some conditions on the deal. Namely Salesforce wants to Microsoft to be forced to share LinkedIn data with others such as itself, just as it openly shares data today.

Both companies wanted to buy LinkedIn to get ahold of that data. LinkedIn is heavily used in areas like social selling, where salespeople sift through LinkedIn profiles to find prospects. Microsoft will be integrating that data into its customer relationship management software, used by salespeople. Salesforce wanted the data for its own CRM software  Salesforces flagship product.

If users of Salesforces CRM are somehow locked out of using LinkedIns data once the company belongs to Microsoft, that will be a major blow to the salespeople that use its software and, ultimately, to Salesforce itself.

In an emailed statement, Salesforces chief legal officer Burke Norton said:

Microsofts proposed acquisition of LinkedIn threatens the future of innovation and competition. By gaining ownership of LinkedIns unique dataset of over 450 million professionals in more than 200 countries, Microsoft will be able to deny competitors access to that data, and in doing so obtain an unfair competitive advantage.

Salesforce believes this raises significant antitrust and data privacy issues that need to be fully scrutinized by competition and data privacy authorities in the United States and in the European Union. We intend to work closely with regulators, lawmakers and other stakeholders to make the case that this merger is anticompetitive.

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Microsoft doesnt seem especially worried. Microsoft says the deal has already received antitrust clearance in the United States and Canada.

In an emailed statement, Microsofts chief legal officer Brad Smith said:

Salesforce may not be aware, but the deal has already been cleared to close in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Were committed to continuing to work to bring price competition to a CRM market in which Salesforce is the dominant participant charging customers higher prices today.

Microsoft expects to the acquisition to close before the end of this calendar year, it says.

NOW WATCH: Scientists discovered something shocking that could rewrite a key part of human evolution

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When it comes to understanding why a person might take his or her own life, hindsight is not necessarily 20/20. Experts say many factors may contribute, and most who commit suicide struggle with mental health issues like depression, substance abuse or both.

Add to that overwhelming job demands, an isolating work culture where there can be few opportunities to connect with coworkers and supervisors, and job-specific stressors like the inherently dangerous nature of some professions from law enforcement to deep sea fishing, and one's mental health can be severely strained. "Stress, the economy and access to care are three things we know affect suicide rates," says Dr. John Draper, director of the federally funded National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Nationally, more than 42,000 people ages 16 and up took their own life in 2014, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death in this age group. And suicide rates among those 16 and older increased 25 percent between 2000 and 2014. "Suicide prevention strategies in the workplace can be effective in reaching large numbers of the working aged population," says Wendy McIntosh, a health scientist at the CDC who led recent research looking at suicide rates by occupation type in this age group. "Just as schools are where we reach youth, the workplace is where we have one of the best chances of reaching adults."

[See: 9 Things to Do or Say When a Loved One Talks About Taking Their Life.]

Suicide Rates Higher in Certain Occupations

For a CDC report released in July, McIntosh and fellow researchers reviewed more than 12,000 suicides that occurred in 17 states in 2012; researchers drew from the CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System, which seeks to provide a clearer understanding of violent deaths to guide local decision-making, including in regards to prevention efforts. Though not a comprehensive national sample (NVDRS has since expanded to include more states, which will be taken into account in future research), the data from Alaska to South Carolina provides a significant snapshot of how suicide rates can differ by occupation. Namely, it's the first multistate study to look at suicide rates for all of the major occupational groups as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Where men are about four times more likely to die from suicide than women, according to the CDC, male-dominated industries also saw higher rates of suicide. But experts note that women, too, are not immune to occupational hazards that can contribute to suicide risk.

Researchers found those who worked in farming, fishing and forestry -- which together comprised one occupational group -- had the highest rate of suicide: 84.5 suicides per 100,000 people working in these industries. The next highest overall suicide rates were found among individuals working in construction and extraction, at 53.3 per 100,000 people; then installation, maintenance and repair, at 47.9 per 100,000 people. By comparison, the lowest rate of suicide overall was found among those who worked in the education, training and library occupational group, with 7.5 suicides per 100,000 people. Among women, the highest rates of suicide were found for those who worked in protective service occupations, such as police officers and firefighters: 14.1 suicides per 100,000 women working in these fields.

Highest Suicide Rates per 100,000 by Occupational Group -- 17 States, 2012



Occupational Group Overall Male Female Farming, fishing and forestry 84.5 90.5 -- Construction and extraction 53.3 52.5 -- Installation, maintenance and repair 47.9 47.5 -- Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Lowest Suicide Rates per 100,000 by Occupational Group -- 17 States, 2012



Occupational Group Overall Male Female Personal care and service 8.0 17.2 4.9 Office and administrative support 7.9 15.2 5.3 Education, training and library 7.5 15.1 4.7 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

McIntosh says more study is planned to evaluate why suicide rates are higher among people who work in certain industries. "We first wanted to understand the burden of suicide by occupational groups," she says.

But already, previous research sheds light on some factors that may contribute: "Occupational groups with higher suicide rates might be at risk for a number of reasons, including job-related isolation and demands, stressful work environments and work-home imbalance, as well as socioeconomic inequities, including lower income, lower education level and lack of access to health services," McIntosh and her co-authors wrote. Factors that might contribute to suicide among farmers, for example, range from social isolation to the potential for financial losses -- such as if crops fail -- and limited access to mental health services in rural areas, which also affects industries such as fishing and forestry. "Construction workers might be at higher risk because of financial and interpersonal concerns related to lack of steady employment and fragmented community, or isolation," the report's authors wrote. And factors ranging from exposure to traumatic violence, work overload, shift work and access to lethal means, namely firearms, may contribute to higher rates of suicide among police. Also, for women in law enforcement and other protective services, there's the added strain of working in a male-dominated job, researchers say.

Suicide risk isn't limited to occupations with higher rates, either. For example, more than 1,000 of the suicide deaths assigned to occupational groups by the CDC involved individuals in management occupations, which ranked in the middle for suicide rates.

[See: 8 Things You Didn't Know About Counseling.]

Managing Mental Health Risks on the Job

In seeking to reduce suicide risk, experts say it's important to consider job-specific risk factors while taking steps to improve workplace wellness. The approach should be both "top down and bottom up, and it starts with the understanding that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention," says Jill Harkavy-Friedman, a clinical psychologist and vice president of research for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Employers should offer several avenues for employees to seek help, she says. This could include employee assistance programs offered in many workplaces to provide free, confidential services, such as short-term counseling and referrals to mental health professionals, McIntosh notes. Other preventive strategies include seminars to raise awareness on suicide prevention; web-based tools for mental health screening; and prominently posting the number for crisis hotlines, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

In certain occupations, from farming to construction, particularly when work is temporary, it can be more difficult to form lasting relationships on the job. So experts say it's important to take stock of social connections outside the workplace, too. "It could be anywhere from making sure you're spending more time with friends and family, and being involved in their lives," he says. "But also things like getting involved in community activities that can give you a sense of belonging and value."

Many occupational factors, like violence on the police beat, are difficult to change. But experts say keeping the lines of communication open with trusted professional peers and supervisors can help mitigate the potential strain such factors can have on one's emotional health.

[See: How to Find the Best Mental Health Professional for You.]

Know, too, when to take a mental health day. It's not a euphemism, and experts say it's critical to take time out, as needed, to seek help. "Whatever psychological pain you're having is every bit as important to address as a pain in your stomach or a pain in your back or a pain in your knee. It prevents you from functioning normally," Draper says, and he adds it's important to resist the faulty but common logic that simply pressing on is the best course of action -- for you or your work. "The more emotionally well we are, the more that we can enhance our performance and productivity at work."

Michael Schroeder is a health editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at mschroeder@usnews.com.
Slip off your shoes and walk with us as we count down this weeks most expensive new listings on realtor.com. Now that youre relaxed, well share our thrill at seeing this weeks priciest property in a location other than California, Florida, or New York.

Sitting just outside of Boston proper, the $90 million estate of shoe guru and Reebok founder Paul Fireman is a green swath in greater Beantown. Considering this is a home within minutes of a major metro area, were hard pressed to find a comparable for the size and scope of this 26,000-square-foot mansion.

No home this week was able to keep up with the blazing pace set by the Brookline mansionour second-place finisher can be had for $40 million less than the top spot. And when a $50 million Miami mansion is only runner-up, its a big week for pricey properties.

We were also introduced to a Palm Beach estate that lost any chance of becoming a landmark home in the city, a Malibu mansion perched high above the Pacific Ocean, and a brand-new Miami Beach home built for a Swiss doctor who must have decided against living in South Florida.

Well let you decide which pricey property suits you best. Just do it

Price: $90,000,000 ($3,381 per square foot)

Luxe factor: This nearly 14-acre estate is basically within the Boston city limits, while remaining secluded from the surrounding city. The property belongs to Paul Fireman, the founder of Reebok, and his massive mansion offers over 26,000 square feet of living space. Referred to as an emerald island in the listing, the grounds include a horticultural encyclopedia of specimen plantings.

Brookline, MA realtor.com



Price: $50,000,000 ($3,708 per square foot)

Luxe factor: Dubbed Casa Bahia, this waterfront stunner is three stories of gorgeous glory in Coconut Grove. Its only a year old, but the homeownerColombian interior designer Catalina Echavarriais ready to spend more time traveling and visiting her home in Bali, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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Miami, FL realtor.com



Price: $29,750,000 ($2,078 per square foot)

Luxe factor: Bouncing back on the market with a price reduction, this oceanfront manse was up for sale in March for $32.95 million. The seven-bedroom home comes with a storied past, but renovations done in the early 2000s mean that its not eligible for local landmark status. Landmark or not, a well-connected buyer will wind up with a heck of a consolation prize, because the mansion has commercial-grade Cisco networking equipment installed.

Palm Beach, FL realtor.com



Price: $27,950,000 ($3,642 per square foot)

Luxe factor: On a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this European-inspired mansion sits on coveted Point Dume. Gated and private, the six-bedroom home comes with over an acre of land in one of the countrys priciest locales.

Malibu, CA realtor.com



Price: $20,000,000 ($2,985 per square foot)

Luxe factor: Just finished earlier this year, this thoroughly modern masterpiece looks out onto Biscayne Bay. Built for Swiss eye doctor Aldo Scarpatetti, the six-bedroom home features a luxurious home theater, a rooftop deck, and an outdoor kitchen designed for entertaining.

Miami Beach, FL realtor.com

The post Reebok Founders $90M Mansion Kicks Off Most Expensive New Listings appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.
BEIJING (Reuters) - Rescuers have pulled 15 people alive from a landslide that slammed into a village in China's eastern Zhejiang province after a typhoon but 32 people are still missing there and in another nearby village, state media said on Thursday. Heavy rains brought by the remnants of Typhoon Megi caused the landslide to crash into Sucun village on Wednesday. Pictures on the microblog of official provincial news portal Zhejiang Online showed survivors being carried out on the backs of rescuers, while others dug through rubble to find survivors. It gave no details of the 26 still missing in Sucun other than to say one was an official who had been in the village to organize evacuations. A mass of debris rolled down a lush mountain towards the small village, according to images posted on Zhejiang Online. Six people in Baofeng village in the same province were also missing after their homes were destroyed by a separate landslide, the official Xinhua news agency said. Mountainous Zhejiang, along with its neighboring provinces, are frequently hit by typhoons at this time of year and are also highly susceptible to landslides. Megi had already killed four people and injured more than 523 in Taiwan since it had roared in from the Pacific Ocean. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Paul Tait)
Want to improve your performance at work, or solve relationship problems? Li Chau-jing has the solution -- plucking your eyebrows to help achieve those life goals.

A trained face reader, Li has taken the ancient Chinese tradition one step further, making slight changes to her client's brows to bring them better luck.

Stalls practising the face-reading discipline, which dates back more than 2,000 years, are still found in market streets and near temples in modern-day Hong Kong.

Practitioners believe they can determine a client's fate by interpreting their features -- a strong brow translates to the person's ability to plan ahead, high cheekbones can point to power.

The face can be read like a book, they say, a showcase of a person's wealth, health and family.

But Li claims she can help alter the path of destiny with a few flicks of her tweezers.

"It's an instant change and you can change it for everyone," she told AFP, describing her clientele as ranging from just a few years old to in their 70s.

"I can help a person in the shortest amount of time, by bringing them energy and happiness and the goal they want to reach," Li said.

Wearing a long white dress with a ruffled high collar and purple polka-dots, the former make-up artist says she has studied the art of face reading with a mentor.

She has been running her shop in the working class neighbourhood of Sham Shui Po for six years and its walls are covered with photos of her clients' eyes and brows.

Women tend to come to her to solve emotional or relationship problems, men for better luck at work, she says.

Li, who refused to give her age but said she has worked for 43 years, believes straight brows will bring more luck and happiness than curved.

"If the brows are very straight, then those people will not have to suffer through many hardships," she says.

Customer Edward Lam, a 35-year-year old technician for a television station, said he felt more energetic after having his brows modified.

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"The biggest goal I have for fixing my eyebrows is to find jobs and to have better networking, and that my career will improve," Lam told AFP.

"I believe that the impression I gave was better," he said of job interviews since having his brows worked on by Li.

Traditional Hong Kong face reader Chow Hon-ming says the art is a scientific discipline that ties in with some of the tenets of traditional Chinese medicine.

Face reading has been practised in China for thousands of years but became a popular practise in the 10th century because the social upheaval in the dying days of the Tang Dynasty prompted many to worry more about their fate, Chow said.

"There are turning points in a person's life, and when you can't make a decision at those points, you might want to seek a (face reading) master," Chow said.

A face reader starts with the left ear, which tells the story of the first seven years of a person's life. The right ear reflects the next seven years, followed by the nose, eyes and chin, which are used to predict later life.

Different parts of the face also represent different topics.

A jutting chin and a squarish jaw mean a person will have power as they get older, while large exposed nostrils mean they are bad at saving money.

"The nose represents wealth, just look at (actor) Jackie Chan's nose, it is very big," says Chow, who also predicted Hillary Clinton to win the US presidential election as her chin is "stronger" than rival Donald Trump's.

Chow said tweaking features like eyebrows could give fortunes a short-term boost -- but warned against making drastic changes, describing plastic surgery as potentially doing more harm than good.

While some may prefer eyebrow-plucking Li's proactive approach, others are happy to stick to tradition.

Dozens of packed stalls next to Hong Kong's popular Wong Tai Sin Temple offer face reading to thousands of worshippers and tourists visiting the religious hot-spot.

Chinese tourist Fu Xiaohong, 26, says she came here to have her face read in order to deal with a personal matter.

"I have some longing in my heart," she said near one stall where diagrams of faces and palms were displayed.

Fu said she felt more confident after her session, but that she also took the advice she was given with a grain of salt.

"I don't fully believe in it -- I just came to try it out."
The world of streaming services is a very hospitable place for creators with something they want to say and an urgent need to say it in their own way. From Netflixs Orange is the New Black and BoJack Horseman to Amazons One Mississippi and Transparent to Hulus Casual, the sophistication with which artists transmit their raw ideas, unburdened by ideas of what is or is not conventional TV, has given us some of this years most exhilarating moments.

Sometimes, though, you wish a network executive were there to give detailed notesincluding, perhaps, the note that not every artist is meant to work in TV. Woody Allens Crisis in Six Scenes, debuting Friday on Amazon, reveals Americas most prolific filmmaker has little idea or interest in what makes TV special. That itself is hardly news: Allen himself has said hes regretted every second since I said OK to Amazon. But the ways in which Crisis in Six Scenes fails are instructive. TV may be on its way to supplanting cinema as Americas dominant art formand may indeed have done so alreadybut its not the same. And importing a movie director at premium price isnt enough to make a show.

Crisis in Six Scenes focuses on Allens Sidney Muntzinger and his wife Kay (Elaine May, in her first credited acting appearance since Allens 2000 film Small Time Crooks). The pair, respectively a novelist and a marriage counselor, are puttering through the 1960s just fine when their lives are upended by the uninvited arrival of hippie Lenny (Miley Cyrus). She makes as much of an impression as a timeworn assemblage of cliches really can, which is to say: Not much. Lennywhose presence could, as in novels like Rabbit Redux or American Pastoral, substantially shake their lives upis contented merely with spouting buzzwords. Cyrus is good, but lacks the warmth and humanity that usually come naturally to her as an actress: Im not sure which young performer could sell the line Somebody learned their Frantz Fanon very well, but its not her. As for her confession that she joined the struggle by having sex with a Jew and a black, the less said the better.

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Her presence sparks several of the sketches that form the shows disjointed, rambling structure. To wit: Lenny recommends Maos Little Red Book to Kays book group, setting off an endless conversation that compares foot-binding to when you buy too-tight shoes at Bergdorf. By the time one unenlightened book-club member reveals she thinks Sitting Bull was an actual bull who sat down on George Custer, one wonders not merely how we got herewhich is inexplicable enoughbut who, exactly, Allen thinks hes lampooning. Sid and Kay are ineffectual limousine-liberals toward whom Allen (and, in her performance, May) show no affection in particular. And for all its signifiers of American upheaval in the 1960sthe Muntzingers watch Vietnam War coverage on the news, Cyrus quotes all the radical-chic philosophersthe show has no philosophy, no ideas. As a statement about the disruptive politics of the 1960s, its a shrug, one that harkens back to better days even in the far more distant past. The most telling moment comes when Kay quotes Chairman Mao: Death certain, life unpredictable. Responds Sid: She got that from Charlie Chan. Why engage when you can deflect, and in so doing pointedly reveal your lack of interest in the subject matter?

Even at his cinematic worst (Id place 2014s period romance Magic in the Moonlight at or close to Allens nadir), Allen isnt quite so unfocused. His points may be muddled or uninteresting, but theyre still points. This too-long drama ends and begins with a domestic bliss thats both bucolic and deeply uninterestingwith Allen feeling, if anything, emboldened as a writer who could be the next Salingerand why not? The status quo is powerful, and so too is Allens evident confidence. Both far outweigh the impact of a doltish idealist, purposefully written to seem not just naive but programmed with radical propaganda.

Its as worthwhile as ever to mention the debate over whether or not to support the artist at all, given the troubling, ongoing allegations of minor sexual assault against him. Anecdotally, this debate seems to grow far more noisy when theres an Allen property out there that people want to seemost recently during the Oscar campaign for Blue Jasmine in early 2014, or amidst the warm reception to Allens Cannes feature Cafe Society.

If only Amazonfor many reasons, among them the work itselfhad been quite so discerning. The number of artists with meaningful things to say had gotten a fraction of the money Allen presumably had to work with. Instead, a name certain to get curious clicks was given free rein. And Allen, trading off that name, tossed off a poorly-paced, dated statement that the world is fine and would be finer if he could be left in peace. Perhaps, given the quality of the work, its time to let him live out that dream.
Amanda Knox, an American college student studying abroad in Italy, found herself in the international spotlight nearly a decade ago when she was accused of killing her roommate in a case so sensational media outlets around the world dubbed it the trial of the decade.

Knox and her boyfriend at the time spent four years each behind bars in Italy over the brutal 2007 murder of 21-year-old Meredith Kercher before they were both exonerated last year by the countrys top criminal court. In light of a new Netflix documentary that revisits Knoxs case, here is what to remember about her saga.

Who is Amanda Knox?

Knox was a 20-year-old woman from Seattle who had ventured to Italy through a study-abroad program in 2007. She landed a job as a local bartender and had been studying in Perugia for a few weeks when her roommate was found sexually assaulted and stabbed to death in their apartment. Knox had also just met her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito. The two had only been dating for a week before they both were thrust into a media firestorm as suspects in the murder.

What was the crime?

Authorities found Kercher dead inside her locked bedroom, partially naked and wrapped in a bloody blanket. She was stabbed multiple times, including in the neck, and was sexually assaulted. There were traces of male DNA inside her body. Prosecutors had claimed Kercher was killed in a violent sex game that involved Knox, Sollecito and at least one other man.

What happened during the trials?

Knox and Sollecitos trials took several twists and turns. They each maintained their innocence but were convicted and acquitted twice over Kerchers death. The couple was first implicated in the murder after a small amount of their DNA was found on the victims bra clasp at the crime scene and on a kitchen knife found in Sollecitos apartment.

Knox and Sollecito were convicted as co-conspirators in December 2009. Knox was ordered to serve 26 years in prison, while Sollecito was handed a 25-year sentence.

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In a separate trial, a man named Rudy Guede was convicted of Kerchers killing after his fingerprints and DNA were found at the scene of the crime. Prosecutors said Guede, Knox and her boyfriend had all worked together in the killing.

Knox and Sollecitos convictions were overturned in 2011 after a first appeals court trial only for them to be convicted again in 2014.

How did the trial end?

In 2015, Italys top criminal court issued a final verdict in the case, vindicating the pair for Kerchers murder after finding an absolute lack of biological traces of Knox or of Sollecito in the room or on the victims body, according to the Associated Press. The court also blamed flaws in the case on intense media scrutiny and possible contamination of evidence.

Where is she now?

Knox, now 29, is back in Seattle, where she advocates for people she believes have been wrongfully convicted and where she works as a freelance journalist.

She appeared on Good Morning America on Thursday to promote the Netflix documentary and her work with helping others who have been exonerated.

Im redeveloping this relationship with the world where Im not being hunted down, she said. Im writing. Im with my family. Im with my friends. I have great relationships. Ive healed because other people have reached out to me, and I feel like its my turn now to turn my attention toward them.

WATCH: "It's my turn now to turn the attention towards exonerees."  Amanda Knox on new documentary https://t.co/1KyRaxI9oQ  Good Morning America (@GMA) September 29, 2016

Knox said she is moving on with her life now that her name has been cleared and plans to go back to graduate school. She wrote a New York Times best-selling memoir, Waiting to Be Heard, which was published in 2013, and she received her Bachelors degree in creative writing at the University of Washington in 2014.

Im redeveloping my relationship with freedom, she said.
Richard Trentlage, whose everlasting claim to fame was writing "The Oscar Mayer Wiener Song," thought to the longest-running advertising jingle ever, has died. He was 87.

Trentlage, a professional jingle writer, died Sept. 21 in Libertyville, Ill., his family announced.

The Chicago native also was responsible for "Wow! It sure doesn't taste like tomato juice," for V-8; "Buckle up for safety, buckle up!" for a National Safety Council spot for using seat belts; and "McDonald's is your kind of place!" his relatives noted. But none of these has had the lasting impact of his ditty for Oscar Mayer.

Trentlage learned about a jingle contest that the meat products company was having less than 24 hours before a deadline, but that was more than enough time for him to pen these four lines:

"Oh I'd love to be an Oscar Mayer Wiener

That is what I truly wish to be

'Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener

Everyone would be in love with me."

"The Oscar Mayer Wiener Song" debuted in 1963 and was in use for more than 50 years. He received residuals all along, and the tune "was the biggest thrill I've had in my life," he told the Chicago Tribune in 1998.

Trentlage, a longtime resident of Fox River Grove, Ill., often employed his children to provide the voices for his jingles on audition tapes and in on-air sessions.

"We were always getting out of school to hop a train and meet our dad at a Chicago recording studio," his daughter Linda said in the family obituary. "We never thought that was unusual. It was just part of our regular lifestyle. And it had no negative effect on our grades."

Survivors also include his wife of 33 years, Jacqueline, his other children David, Tom and Becky, and 19 grandchildren.

Read more: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016
Human Rights Watch is calling on Bangladesh to stop kneecapping detainees arrested by the countrys security forces.

In a report published on Thursday, the watchdog group detailed accounts of officers deliberately shooting opposition party members and supporters in their legs at close-range, causing the alleged victims permanent damage and in some case amputation of their limbs.

Theyre adopting tactics similar to those once used by the Irish Republican Army and engaging in kneecappings of people they have arrested, apparently because they belong to or support an opposition party, Human Rights Watchs Asia director Brad Adams said.

In other instances, alleged victims said police would shoot them in custody but later claim it was in self-defense, during a violent protest, or that the victims were caught in crossfire  a phrase that has become shorthand for extrajudicial shootings.

The special security force of the Bangladesh police denied the findings of the report, according to the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Human Rights Watch called on Bangladesh to conduct a rigorous and independent investigation into the so-called kneecappings and of the police officers and commanders involved in the shootings.

Instead of issuing a knee-jerk denial of these claims, the government should ask the United Nations for expert assistance and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted, said Adams. Sheikh Hasina needs to make it clear that Bangladesh security forces cannot get away with killing and maiming citizens simply because they support the wrong political party.
By Lin Taylor LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The number of lone refugee children in English foster homes rose by 50 percent in the past year, data showed on Thursday, prompting the U.N. children's agency to urge the UK to do more to help "unprecedented" numbers of children fleeing conflict. In the 12 months to March this year, unaccompanied refugee children in foster care in England jumped by 54 percent to 4,210 from 2,740 in the previous year. As of March 31, lone refugee children made up 6 percent of the entire population of children in foster care. "Given the unprecedented number of children facing crisis around the world, and the rise in the number of unaccompanied children being taken into care, the UK could and should be doing more," said Sol Oyuela, director of Public Affairs at UNICEF UK. She said the government must reunite lone refugee children who have become stranded in Europe with their families in Britain, and ensure local authorities are equipped to care for unaccompanied child asylum-seekers. "Both central and local government must work together to ensure these children are given the stability, certainty and the help they need to rebuild their lives," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. In 2015, nearly 96,000 lone children sought asylum in the European Union, almost four times as many as the previous year, according to the European Asylum Support Office. Rape, forced labour, beatings and death are just some of the dangers faced by children travelling without their parents, UNICEF says. In Britain alone, 3,472 children applied for asylum in the 12 months to June this year, an increase of 54 percent compared with the previous year. The highest number of claims came from children arriving from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iran. Under the Children Act 1989, British councils have a legal responsibility to care for children who arrive from abroad, seeking asylum. As the closest British county to Calais in France, where hundreds of child migrants have ended up living in squalid camps, Kent council in southeast England is on the frontlines of refugee arrivals in the UK. According to official data released on Thursday, Kent had 865 unaccompanied minors in its care as of March 31 this year, hosting a fifth of all lone refugee children in England. Kent council says it is struggling to support the children they have in their system, and has urged other local authorities to take in some minors through a voluntary dispersal scheme launched in July. UK charity The Fostering Network said it was confident the British care system would cope with the rise in lone refugee children. "We know that for some areas, the increase in the number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children has created significant pressure on resources, including finding the right foster family," a spokesman told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "We believe the care system will cope with these increased numbers, and will help these children to settle into life in the UK and to thrive," he added. (Reporting by Lin Taylor @linnytayls, Editing by Katie Nguyen; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters that covers humanitarian issues, conflicts, global land and property rights, modern slavery and human trafficking, women's rights, and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories)
95% of CFOs find it difficult to hire skilled professionals.

The cost of compliance in Singapore is increasing as government regulations place added pressure on businesses, which is driving demand for skilled financial services professionals.

According to independent research commissioned by specialist recruiter Robert Half, the surge in demand for compliance professionals is creating a skills gap as demand outweighs supply.



In an ever-changing regulatory market, 76 per cent of Singaporean finance leaders say the cost of compliance has increased compared to three years ago. This is partly due to existing regulations becoming more complex and new regulations being introduced in Singapore.



Matthieu Imbert-Bouchard, Managing Director at Robert Half Singapore said: The cost of compliance in Singapore is rising  which is a legacy of the global financial crisis resulting in a stricter regulatory environment. This rising cost requires companies to invest in educating and upskilling in-house staff or hiring compliance officers to navigate the changing landscape.



Compliance professionals serve a key function in any company as a contributing business partner. The most sought-after compliance professionals are those who are able to understand and stay abreast of the latest regulations companies may face, they are able to streamline the compliance process and effectively cut costs for the business whilst maintaining regulatory standards.



As a regional and global financial hub, Singapore boasts numerous international companies, all of whom have stricter regulatory policies to comply by than their SME counterparts, which is again a factor explaining demand for compliance professionals in Singapore.



Out of the Singaporean CFOs who are planning to add permanent financial services staff, almost half (46 per cent) state they will be sourcing compliance professionals to add to their teams. Adding to this demand and compounding the increased cost, the search for skilled compliance professionals is not without challenges. The overall majority (95 per cent) of Singaporean finance leaders say it is challenging to source qualified compliance professionals.



As demand currently outweighs supply for compliance professionals, companies adhering to strict regulations need to proactively assess any skills gap within their teams, and assess whether their existing staff need further training or if they need to invest in onboarding additional staff, either on a temporary or permanent basis, to cover the increased compliance workloads,

Matthieu Imbert-Bouchard added.







More From Singapore Business Review


This Rogue One star may have just spilled this spoiler and were totally intrigued

This Rogue One star may have just spilled this spoiler and were totally intrigued

The fact that Star Wars is back on our cinema screens after so many years away is a total blessing. We were totally amazed by The Force Awakens when it was released last year, and news that theres going to basically be a new adventure into the same universe each year, like this years Rogue One, has us very, very excited.

In fact, earlier this week (September 24th), Disney confirmed that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was in fact going to be the first in an anthology of films. The second instalment will focus on a young Han Solo, while a third film was just announced. Given that The Force Awakens is the highest grossing film in the U.S. and the third in the world, its safe to say that Star Wars fever is well and truly alive.

We dont actually have that long to wait until we return either, as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is set for release on December 14th.

Rogue One

Now, one of the films cast members may have accidentally spilled what could potentially be a MASSIVE spoiler and were intrigued.

For those that dont know, Rogue One is set 18 years after The Return of the Sith and focuses on the character of Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, who is recruited by the Rebel Alliance to steal the plans for the Empires new warship, the Death Star.

Rogue One

Mads Mikkelsen recently revealed that he was set to play Jyn Ersos father, and now we know whos going to be playing her mother, too.

Actress Valene Kane has revealed that shes set to play Jyn Ersos mother.

Valene Kane

Valene, who is from Northern Ireland, has previously appeared in serial killer drama, The Fall, which also stars 50 Shades star Jamie Dornan and The X Files icon Gillian Anderson.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Valene, who plays Lyra Erso, said that she didnt quite believe that shed been cast in the upcoming Star Wars anthology film.

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I grew up watching Stars Wars and I didnt believe it was happening until I was filming in Iceland, she said. It has a really edgy independent vibe.

While Valene didnt give any details away per say, we now know that the actress is in fact three years younger than Felicity Jones, which could mean that she can only appear in flashbacks. Basically, will Jyns mother be dead?!

As Digital Spy reports, the film follows on from the upcoming Star Wars book, Catalyst, which tells the story of how Orson Krennic, who can be seen in the trailer donning a rather ominous looking Empire outfit, helps Galen Erso, Jyns father, after he his energy research facility becomes embroiled in the race to create the Death Star.

Rogue One

While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactors tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennics web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself, the description reads.

What could this mean for the plot of Rogue One, then?

Rogue One

Wellwere speculating that perhaps Jyn becomes embroiled in the Rebels mission to steal the plans for the Death Star because her mother has been killed (or held hostage) by Krennic. Were also pretty sure that she might be trying to help her father, too, who is indebted to Krennic.

Of course, we actually dont really know whats going on, but its fun to guess.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theatres on December 14th. Watch the trailer for the film below.

The post This Rogue One star may have just spilled this spoiler and were totally intrigued appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Darmstadt (Germany) (AFP) - Europe was poised Thursday to crashland its Rosetta spacecraft on a comet it has stalked for over two years, joining robot lander Philae on the cosmic wanderer's icy surface in a final suicide mission.

A 12-year odyssey to probe the origins of our Solar System will conclude with a last-gasp spurt of science-gathering after Rosetta is instructed at 2050 GMT to quit the orbit of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

The space explorer will descend over a leisurely 14 hours, from an altitude of 19 kilometres (12-miles), sniffing the comet's gassy coma, or halo, measuring its temperature and gravity, and taking pictures from closer than ever before.

"It's all go," Rosetta project scientist Matt Taylor told AFP at the European Space Agency's mission control centre in Darmstadt.

"We're all very excited. In the final descent, we will get into a region that we have never sampled before. We've never been below two kilometres, and that region is where the coma, the comet atmosphere, becomes alive, it's where it goes from being an ice to a gas."

Rosetta will receive the command to crash at a distance of 720 million kilometres (450 million miles) from Earth, with the comet zipping through space at a speed of over 14 kilometres (nine miles) per second.

A "controlled impact" at human walking speed, about 90 cm (35 inches) per second, is scheduled for 1040 GMT on Friday -- give or take 20 minutes.

Confirmation of the mission's end is expected in Darmstadt some 40 minutes later, when Rosetta's delayed signal vanishes from ground controllers' computer screens.

"It's mixed emotions," Taylor said of the impending end.

While it will all be over for mission controllers, scientists will be analysing the information gleaned for "years if not decades" to come.

- Puzzle pieces -

"We've only just started to get an understanding of what the data is telling us, putting together the pieces of the puzzle," said Taylor.

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"We've got this massive puzzle, all the pieces are everywhere, and we need to put them together."

The first-ever mission to orbit and land on a comet was approved in 1993 to explore the origins and evolution of our Solar System -- of which comets are thought to contain primordial material preserved in a dark space deep freeze.

Rosetta and lander probe Philae travelled more than six billion kilometres (3.7 billion miles) over 10 years to reach 67P in August 2014.

Philae was launched to the comet surface in November of that year, bouncing several times, then gathering 60 hours of on-site data which it sent home before entering standby mode.

Insights gleaned from the 1.4-billion-euro ($1.5-billion) mission have shown that comets crashing into an early Earth may well have brought amino acids, the building blocks of life.

Comets of 67P's type, however, certainly did not bring water, scientists have concluded.

Rosetta's comet is currently speeding away from the Sun on its near seven-year elongated orbit, which means the craft's solar panels are catching fewer battery-replenishing rays.

Rather than just letting it fade away, scientists opted to end the mission on a high by taking measures from distances too close to risk under usual operating conditions.

Rosetta was never designed to land.

"Tonight is the beginning of the end," said Taylor. "That is what we're waiting for -- we're waiting for this manoeuvre to begin that final phase."

A highlight of the final hours will be a one-off chance to peer into mysterious pits dotting the landscape for hints as to what the comet's interior might look like.

Rosetta was programmed to switch off on impact, to make sure its signals do not interfere with any future space missions.

"After Rosetta has touched down, it will not be possible to collect or return any additional data," the ESA said.
Darmstadt (Germany) (AFP) - Europe's pioneering Rosetta spacecraft dramatically concluded its 12-year odyssey Friday, crash-landing into the comet it orbited and probed for two years in a quest to demystify the Solar System's origins.

There were tears, hugs and cheers at mission control in Darmstadt, Germany when spacecraft operations manager Sylvain Lodiot announced: "This is the end of the Rosetta mission."

"Rock-n-roll Rosetta," added a visibly moved Matt Taylor, project scientist, as he left the podium, holding -- and shaking -- his head.

Rosetta made a "controlled impact" with Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko at 1041 GMT -- the closing chapter in a trailblazing project approved in 1993 to look some 4.6 billion years back in time.

Comets are thought to contain primordial material from our planetary system's birth, preserved in a dark space deep freeze.

Rosetta had been programmed to touch down at a human walking pace of about 90 cm (35 inches) per second, after a 14-hour freefall from an altitude of 19 kilometres (12 miles).

It joined long-spent robot probe Philae on the galactic wanderer's rocky, cold surface for an eternal journey around the Sun.

Confirmation of the mission's end came at 1119 GMT, when the spacecraft's signal -- with a 40-minute delay -- disappeared from ground controllers' computer screens.

"We have loss of signal of Rosetta," announced a grim-faced Lodiot.

"We will be listening for a signal for another 24 hours, but don't expect any..."

Mission scientists had expected Rosetta would bounce and tumble about before settling -- but the craft's final moments will forever remain a mystery as it was instructed to switch off on first impact.

The comet chaser was never designed to land.

- Bittersweet -

In its final hours, Rosetta sent home crucial last-gasp data gathered from nearer the comet than ever before, tasting the comet's gas, dust and plasma, and taking close-up pictures of the spot that is now its icy tomb.

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"It's a bittersweet thing," Taylor told AFP.

While scientists are looking forward to delving into Rosetta's last-minute data, "there is something about the attachment, there's something about that spacecraft being there. I will feel a sense of loss, surely."

Rosetta and lander probe Philae had travelled more than six billion kilometres over 10 years to reach 67P in August 2014.

A social media campaign and cartoon depicting the pair as intrepid space explorers, each with its "own" Twitter account, earned the mission a global following.

On Friday, the cartoon was updated with a dusty and bashed-up Rosetta lying eyes closed on the comet surface, as Earth held a placard proclaiming "Goodbye Rosetta".

"#Rosetta, is that you?" ESA tweeted on Philae's behalf.

Philae was sent to the comet surface in November 2014, bouncing several times, then gathering 60 hours of on-site data which it sent home before entering standby mode.

Rosetta stuck with the comet, hoping to eyeball Philae, which it finally did in September this year.

But the spaceship started running low on energy as the comet looped out on its near seven-year orbit, further and further away from the Sun's battery-replenishing rays.

Instead of letting Rosetta fade away, scientists opted to end the mission on a high by taking comet measurements from up close -- too close to risk under usual operating conditions.

One highlight was a one-off chance to peer into mysterious pits dotting the landscape for hints as to what the comet's interior might look like.

"Scientists are like children: they dream without limits. There is nothing better than making dreams of children become a reality," flight operations director Andrea Accomazzo told AFP.

"This is the feeling we have. For me today is mission accomplished."

Insights gleaned from the 1.4-billion-euro ($1.5-billion) project have shown that comets crashing into an early Earth may well have brought amino acids, the building blocks of life.

Comets of 67P's type, however, certainly did not bring water, scientists have concluded.

"Rosetta has blown it all open. It's made us have to change our ideas of what comets are, where they came from and ... how the solar system formed and how we got to where we are today," said Taylor.

"We have only just scratched the surface. We have decades of work to do. The spacecraft may end but the science will continue."

For flight operators, the separation was more difficult.

"They (scientists) still have the data to analyse but we don't have the spacecraft anymore," lamented Lodiot, who had been involved in the project for 12 years.

"Of course there is a bit of sadness," added Accomazzo, whose involvement spans nearly 20 years.

"You are going to miss it. But OK, life goes on," he shrugged.
BERLIN (Reuters) - European scientists have sent the Rosetta spacecraft on its final, one-way journey to the surface of a comet, after a historic 12-year mission to discover the secrets of the dusty, icy bodies. The Rosetta spacecraft has been chasing comet 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko across more than 6 billion kilometers (3.7 billion miles) of space, collecting a treasure trove of information on comets that will keep scientists busy for the next decade. On Thursday evening, the European Space Agency confirmed the spacecraft had started its "collision maneuver", putting it on course to crash into the comet within 20 minutes of 1040 GMT on Friday. "We want to go out at the peak of capability. We don't want a comeback tour that's rubbish. We will end in a very rock-and-roll fashion," project scientist Matt Taylor told Reuters earlier on Thursday. During its descent, Rosetta's instruments and camera will relay back data and images, giving scientists insight into the structure of the comet. The descent will reveal information on the side walls of the comet, crucial to understanding how comets formed, plus on large 100-metre (109-yard) wide pits, which scientists believe are key to how the comet releases gas and dust as it is warmed by the sun. The mission has managed several historic firsts, such as getting a spacecraft into orbit around a comet and the unprecedented landing of a probe on the surface of a comet. A handful of previous spacecraft snapped pictures and collected data as they flew past their targets. Data collected by Rosetta and lander Philae, which reached the surface in November 2014, is already helping scientists better understand how the Earth and other planets formed. For example, scientists now believe that asteroids, not comets were primarily responsible for delivering water to Earth and other planets in the inner solar system, possibly setting the stage for life. "We've just scratched the surface of the science. We're ending the mission, but the science will continue for many years," Taylor said. Rosetta will free-fall into the comet at the speed of a sedate walk, but it is not designed to withstand the impact. The European Space Agency is ending the mission because 67P is racing toward the outer solar system, out of range for the solar-powered spacecraft. Rosetta also has been subjected to the harsh radiation and extreme temperatures of space since launching in March 2004 and is unlikely to last too much longer (Reporting by Victoria Bryan; Additional reporting by Irene Klotz in Guadalajara, Mexico and Tilman Blasshofer in Frankfurt; Editing by Sandra Maler)
It didnt seem like the type of crime anyone could cover up. There were nearly 300 victims, 80 of them children, whose remains were scattered in fields of sunflowers for villagers and journalists to see.

Thousands of fragments of their passenger jet, a Boeing 777 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, had fallen across nearly 20 square miles of farmland in eastern Ukraine. Dozens of witnesses had seen the murder weapon, a Russian-made BUK anti-aircraft battery, trundling along the backroads of the warzone where the plane went down. There was plenty of evidence for the investigators to build a case.

On Wednesday, when they presented their arguments in Holland after two years of painstaking investigation, what evidence they had was put on display. The investigative team stated that, without any doubt, the BUK missile system had come from Russia. After shooting down the plane on July 17, 2014, the weapon was taken back to Russia the next morning. Not everybody agreed the evidence was so clear cut. Asked to respond to these allegations, a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin offered this curt phrase: There is nothing to accept or to deny.

This followed a familiar pattern. Armed with an array of media outlets, the prime suspect in the investigation  the Russian government  has long been able to maintain an element of doubt, at least enough to shift blame, confuse the facts and delay the dispensation of justice. Rather than addressing the evidence of Russian culpability, the Kremlin and its television stations have introduced a variety of alternative theories, many of them self-contradictory and some patently absurd  such as the claim that a Ukrainian fighter jet was trying to shoot down Putins plane when it mistakenly hit MH17 in the same airspace.

Among the Russian public, this strategy of obfuscation has been remarkably successful. Two nationwide surveys conducted in Russia by the independent Levada Center polling agency have found that only 2% of Russians believe that the downing of MH17 was the fault of their government or its military proxies in eastern Ukraine. Despite the wealth of evidence to the contrary, the vast majority of respondents in those surveys blamed the Ukrainian authorities. About a fifth of them accused the United States.

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It isnt hard to figure out why. Right after the Dutch-led team of investigators presented their findings on Wednesday, the Russian governments official paper of record, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, published a lengthy report rehashing the Kremlins various accounts of what happened. That report did not even bother to mention the investigations key finding: that the missile came from Russia. A report from the Kremlins main news network did at least acknowledge the accusation, but its headline suggested what readers should make of it: Dutch MH17 investigation: Dont expect any evidence, but the BUK was Russian.

In reality there were troves of evidence, including intercepted phone calls, photos and videos of the BUK being transported and thousands of boxes of wreckage and shrapnel collected from the crash site. But in the conference hall where these findings were presented, in the Dutch city of Nieuwegein, reporters for Russian state television were on hand to accuse the investigators of bias. One of them, a journalist for state-run Channel One, suggested that Russia had at least offered to give your team several documents as evidence, but the investigators did not accept the Russian offers, he said, because they did not support your scenario.

One of the lead investigators, Wilbert Paulissen, replied that Russia had not provided any such material, even though his team had visited Moscow and repeatedly requested information from the Russian side. The head of the investigative team, Fred Westerbeke, added that Russia had only provided partial answers to some of the teams questions.

Earlier that day, Westerbeke had the unenviable job of meeting with the families of the victims and explaining to them that, despite the progress in the investigation, they were still a long way from getting justice. Its impossible to state when it will be done, he said. So this morning I told the grieving relatives that I cant make any promises.

The official mandate of the investigation team  which includes officials from the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Ukraine and Belgium  was extended this week until the beginning of 2018. But the investigators acknowledged on Wednesday that they have no idea when the evidence would be sufficient to name the suspects and bring criminal charges. Nor were they able to say what court might hear the case.

In order for them to make a real breakthrough, the investigators would need Russia to cooperate by addressing the evidence that the BUK missile came from Russian territory, and to explain what happened to this weapon once it was returned to Russia. They would also need to question witnesses or suspects in Russia, including military personnel who may have been involved in deploying that missile system to Ukraine.

But there is no sign that Russia is prepared to meet any of those requirements, let alone extradite potential suspects to stand trial in a foreign court. In his response to the investigators on Wednesday, Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the BBC: We cannot accept as a final truth what they say, and I bet you havent seen any proofs of their statements.

Inside Russia, that would be a safe bet, because the vast majority of Russians get their information from the Kremlins media outlets. In order to maintain their cover up of this tragedy, it turns out Russia does not need to hide the facts of the case or the clues that were scattered in those fields of wheat and sunflowers in eastern Ukraine. It only needs to cloud the debate with alternative truths of its own invention.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Russia and three other Security Council members on Thursday raised questions after Bulgaria formally presented European budget commissioner Kristalina Georgieva as its candidate to be the next UN secretary-general.

Russia, Angola, Uruguay and Malaysia asked the government in Sofia for clarification after it described Georgieva as Bulgaria's "sole and unique candidate" for the top post, in a letter presenting her candidacy.

Georgieva was nominated by the Bulgarian government on Wednesday, replacing UNESCO chief Irina Bokova who failed to gain strong support during a series of straw polls at the Security Council.

Bokova has said she plans to stay in the race and there are no rules forcing her to step down, even though running without a government's backing is seen as seriously dimming chances.

"People were just looking for clarification as to whether we have one candidate or two," said New Zealand's Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen, who holds this month's council presidency.

"What we have is one candidate with official endorsement of the Bulgarian government and the other candidate who is remaining in the race," he told reporters.

UN officials suggested that Russia's objections were a possible indication that Moscow was unenthusiastic about Georgieva's bid to become the first woman to lead the United Nations.

The council president said he expected a joint letter with the president of the General Assembly to be issued later in the day formally presenting Georgieva as a candidate to all 193 UN member-states.

The joint letter will put the wheels in motion for Georgieva to appear at hearings before the UN General Assembly, which are tentatively set for Monday.

Georgieva, the 63-year-old economist who is also the European Commission's vice president had long been tipped as a possible candidate, but finally threw her hat in the ring following some lobbying by Germany.

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- Too late ? -

The race to replace Ban Ki-moon heads into high gear next Wednesday when the sixth straw poll will allow veto-holding council members -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- to use colored ballots.

There have been five straw polls so far during which all 15 members rated the candidates by choosing to "encourage" or "discourage" them, or expressing "no opinion."

Portugal's former prime minister Antonio Guterres has taken the number one spot in all of the informal ballots.

Council members are facing calls to pick the first woman to be at the UN helm and to give preference to a candidate from eastern Europe, the only region that has yet to be represented in the job.

Under UN rules, member states can put forward candidates at any stage of the selection process, even at the last minute.

But Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko voiced disapproval with Georgieva's late entry into the race.

"I think she is too late," Yelchenko told reporters. "The way it is done is not fully correct."

Nine candidates are currently vying to become the next UN chief, including four women and five men. Six candidates are from eastern Europe.

The Security Council is hoping to agree in the coming weeks on a nominee to replace Ban, who steps down on December 31 after two five-year terms.

The council's nominee will then be presented to the General Assembly, which endorses the choice.
Berlin (AFP) - Russia has a "special responsibility to calm violence and give a political process a chance" in Syria, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

"The latest offensive by the Syrian regime against Aleppo -- supported by Russia -- has made the suffering of the civilian population yet worse," the two leaders agreed in a telephone conversation, according to a statement released by Merkel's office.

Russia said on Thursday that it would continue its Syrian air campaign in the face of warnings from US Secretary of State John Kerry that Washington would pull the plug on any more talks unless Moscow stopped the bombing of the besieged city.

Syrian government forces backed by Russian air power have launched a renewed assault on the rebel-held eastern half of Aleppo, after a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States and Russia broke down.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday labelled bombings that hit the two main hospitals in Aleppo's rebel district "war crimes".

"The repeated flagrant violations against humanitarian international law which have been reported are unacceptable. A ceasefire is more urgent than ever," Merkel and Erdogan agreed in their conversation, which also touched on the fight against the Islamic State group.

Turkey launched an offensive dubbed "Euphrates Shield" on August 24 to drive IS jihadists and Kurdish rebel fighters away from its southern frontier.

Ankara supports rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia's air force has been supporting the government forces for a year.

Ties between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan were badly shaken in November, when Turkish forces shot down a Russian bomber they said had strayed into their airspace from Syria.

But Moscow and Ankara have since removed their relations from the deep freeze with promises of closer cooperation.
* Platform for Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field could be from China- Gazprom exec

* Yuzhno-Kirinskoye to start gas production in 2021 - Gazprom

* Rosneft eyes its own LNG plant in Russia's Far East

* Novatek sees deficit on global LNG market after 2023 (Adds details, quotes, combines stories)

By Katya Golubkova

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK/PRIGORODNOYE, Russia, Sept 29 (Reuters) - G azprom said on Thursday it plans to launch a third liquefied natural gas (LNG) production train at the Sakhalin-2 LNG plant in 2021, possibly fed by a newly drilled field, as Russian companies seek to boost their share of the global LNG market.

Russia accounts for less than 5 percent of the global LNG market but new plants are being built or considered by Novatek, Gazprom and Rosneft.

Located at Prigorodnoye on Sakhalin island, Sakhalin-2, Russia's sole LNG plant, operates two production lines with a combined capacity of 10 million tonnes of LNG per year. The third train should add another 5 million tonnes.

An obstacle to expanding the plant, operated by Gazprom, Royal Dutch Shell, Japan's Mitsui and Mitsubishi, is the resource base.

Shareholders are considering two options: buying gas from the Sakhalin-1 project led by ExxonMobil, developing new resources or a combination. Yet, Sakhalin-1, where the state oil firm Rosneft is also a shareholder, is aiming for its own LNG plant.

Vsevolod Cherepanov, a Gazprom board member, said that the first exploitation well at the Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field, viewed as a source of fuel for Sakhalin-2 expansion, aimed to be drilled in 2017, with production to start in test mode in 2021 and in full operation in 2022.

"The plateau of 21 billion cubic metres (bcm) a year is expected to be reached in ten years. We will start from 3 bcm," Cherepanov said. For the third train to operate, a total of 7-8 bcm of gas per year is needed, he added.

"We also have Kirinskoye field with (expected) 5.5 bcm (a year)... (But) 50 percent of volumes is enough to launch the third train. We will increase volumes a year after that."

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Cherepanov said talks were ongoing with a Chinese company over a drilling platform for Yuzhno-Kirinskoye, but Gazprom may also drill on its own.

In 2015, the United States restricted exports, re-exports and transfers of technology and equipment to the Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field, making it harder to develop.

Gazprom executives have said they will find a way to bring the field on stream. The company said this month it had discovered a new gas deposit in the Sea of Okhotsk near Sakhalin island.

Cherepanov said that based on preliminary information from one well, the field could contain over 40 bcm of gas, yet to be proved, but could not replace Yuzhno-Kirinskoye as a source for Sakhalin-2 expansion.

PERSPECTIVES

On Thursday, a LNG tanker could be seen on its way from the facility in Prigorodnoye to Asia-Pacific markets. It takes 2-3 days to reach Japan or South Korea, major LNG consumers.

Olivier Lazare, head of Royal Dutch Shell in Russia, said on Wednesday that shareholders at Sakhalin-2 had agreed on the strategy of marketing LNG from the planned third train. He declined to provide details.

Two sources close to the project said that there were no commercial talks with buyers yet, though one source said shareholders has agreed on general principles for marketing.

The proximity of Asian markets is behind the idea of Sakhalin-1 shareholders to build their own LNG facility, with initial capacity of 5 million tonnes a year and start after 2023.

"In the current pricing environment, it (the LNG project) remains competitive but challenging," a source close to the planned plant, known as Far East LNG, said.

Asian LNG spot prices (LNG-AS) are under $6 per mmBtu, down from more than $20 between 2010 and 2014, due to soaring output from Australia and the United States.

Given low prices were putting on hold plans for LNG facilities, there could be a deficit on the market from 2023, according to Mark Gyetvay, chief financial officer with Novatek .

"If we look at Russia increasing its supplies of LNG it is reasonable to assume that Sakhalin LNG can expand their project," Gyetvay told Reuters this month.

Novatek plans to ship its first LNG cargoes from a new facility in Russia's Yamal peninsula next year and is considering building its second LNG facility, Arctic LNG-2.

"It's ironic that nobody raises these types of questions for Australian LNG projects," Gyetvay said, when asked if the was room for new Russian projects on world markets.

(Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Ed Davies)
(Adds details)

PARIS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Safran has entered exclusive talks about the sale of its Morpho identity and security business to Advent International, which owns smartcard maker Oberthur Technologies, the French aerospace and defence firm said on Thursday.

The potential sale of Morpho to Advent would value the business at 2.425 billion euros ($2.7 billion) and result in a pre-tax capital gain, partially state-owned Safran said in a statement.

Advent was on a shortlist of bidders reported to include digital security firm Gemalto and three funds: Bain Capital, CVC Capital Partners and KKR.

With technology and jobs in France at stake, the outcome of the contest was politically sensitive, especially given the backdrop of a row over the planned closure of a plant operated by Alstom, another partially state-owned French champion.

Safran said the business it is selling had revenue of 1.6 billion euros in 2015 and employs 7,800 people.

Advent plans to merge the biometric identification business with Oberthur, which it bought in 2011, to create a group headquartered in France with 2.8 billion euros in revenue.

Leading research and development and production capacities will also stay in France, said Safran, which was advised by Lazard along with Athena Capital Partners and Societe Generale.

French state bank Bpifrance will take a stake in the identification business and join the board.

For Safran, the deal completes its refocusing on core aerospace activities after it agreed earlier this year to sell Morpho Detection, which makes explosives detection equipment, to British engineering firm Smiths Group.

($1 = 0.8917 euros) (Reporting by Tim Hepher; editing by David Clarke)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. software company Salesforce called on EU regulators on Thursday to investigate antitrust issues related to Microsoft's $26 billion bid for social network LinkedIn.

Microsoft (MSFT.O) is expected to seek EU antitrust approval in the coming weeks for its largest ever deal.

Salesforce (CRM.N), which lost out on the bidding for LinkedIn (LNKD.N), urged competition authorities to go beyond a simple review, saying the deal threatens innovation and competition.

"By gaining ownership of LinkedIn's unique dataset of over 450 million professionals in more than 200 countries, Microsoft will be able to deny competitors access to that data, and in doing so obtain an unfair competitive advantage," Burke Norton, Salesforce's chief legal officer, said in a statement.

"Salesforce believes this raises significant antitrust and data privacy issues that need to be fully scrutinized by competition and data privacy authorities in the United States and in the European Union," he said.

Microsoft could not be immediately reached for comment. The European Commission's preliminary review of merger deals lasts 25 working days, which can be extended by about four months if it has serious concerns.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Francesco Guarascio)
All of Donald Trumps no-hard-work finally paid off on Monday during his first debate with Hillary Clinton, Samantha Bee snarked in a searing Wednesday edition of Full Frontal deconstructing Mondays debate.

Hillary had the audacity to come to debate prepared, though Trump also did well for the 20 minutes, until Kellyanne Conways control collar fell off his neck, Bee explained.

That portion of the evening when Trump trotted out his she doesnt have the stamina to be president gag, Bee advised him, Just say penis Don. Three syllable words dont suit you.

When Captain Black Outreach began to talk about bringing back Law & Order via Stop and Frisk, Bee reminded voters weve been there before, putting up on screen a Nixon-Agnew pin from 1968 that read For Law & Order.

In walk-up to the debate, Trumps surrogates had assured their guy was going to wing it based on his real estate and reality-TV experience, while Trump himself warned America that Hermione Clinton would be cheating by doing something called preparing, Bee explained. Clinton had spent a month building elaborate trap for Trump, into which he lumbered; all she had to do was step out of his way while he called a woman fat.

Those wily Clinton bastards knew there are three things Trump cant resist: calling women names, doubling down, and making dumb mistakes on Fox & Friends, Bee observed. And now, he has a problem, not only with a former Miss Universe pageant winner, but with any woman who has ever been called fat. Which is all of us. Weve been dealing with you our whole life, Bee told Trump via TBS.

After the debateand Trump bolted off stage to the spin room, to sooth his wounded pride with the balm of Sean Hannitys slobbering adoration. Which is the point at which Fox News Channels Megyn Kelly told her viewers, Weve got Trump speaking to our own Sean Hannity, adding, pointedly, Well see whether he speaks to the journalists in the room after the interview.

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Dear Diary, Today I saw Megyn Kelly use her mean-girl superpower for good. I think Im in love, Bee gushed.

The pageant moms of punditry kept offering Clinton advice throughout the debate, but not a one could be seen suggesting Trump wear suits that actually fit, going forward, or embrace his baldness, or not to snort your way through the debate like Jean Pierres prize truffle pig.

Hillary mopped the floor with Trump like an undocumented Honduran housekeeper at the Mar-a-lago during the debate, which means that for the next 48 hours, Trumps team of flying monkeys spun faster than our founding fathers in their graves, Bee said Wednesday night.

Hillary Clinton is never going to smile naturally enough for you. Shes never going to be a thrilling speaker. Her oratory is always always going to remind you a little of your least favorite history teachers lecture on the cotton gin.

But we dont need her to be warm and vulnerable. Turns out, what America really needs Hillary Clinton to be, she is: namely, one of the only people in the whole god damned country who is not afraid of a bully.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BHgN-eb9zg&w=620&h=340]

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SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Thursday it expects to have recovered more than 80 percent of recalled Galaxy Note 7 smartphones sold in South Korea by Oct. 1, when the firm plans to resume sales of the device in its home market.

Samsung, in a statement, reiterated its request for all consumers affected by the recall to turn in their devices.

On Sept. 2, Samsung announced a global recall of at least 2.5 million Note 7s in 10 markets due to faulty batteries causing some of the phones to catch fire.

The firm said it has resumed domestic television advertisements for the 988,900 won ($902.03) device as of Wednesday. It is also promising customers who buy a new Note 7 phone during October that it will pay 50 percent of any repair costs incurred for the screen.

($1 = 1,096.3000 won)

(Reporting by Se Young Lee; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
BEIJING (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the world's biggest smartphone maker, said on Thursday more than 1 million people globally are now using Galaxy Note 7 smartphones with batteries that are not vulnerable to overheating and catching fire.

Samsung on September 2 initiated a voluntary global recall of at least 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones due to faulty batteries causing some of the flagship devices to catch fire, a deeply embarrassing crisis for a firm that prides itself for its quality control. The recall could cost the company billions of dollars and tarnish its brand image, analysts say.

The South Korean firm has said the Note 7 phones that were sold starting on the official Sept. 1 launch date use a different battery than the recalled devices. But a string of reports by users in China, the world's top smartphone market, that their Note 7s caught fire have dogged Samsung in a country where they have already fallen out of the top five in terms of market share.

Samsung, in a statement issued on its China website, apologised to its consumers for failing to providing a detailed explanation why the smartphones on sale in China were safe, as they used batteries that came from a different supplier to those that could overheat.

"Currently, the brand new Note 7 products that have been swapped in overseas markets are using identical batteries to those that were supplied and used for the Chinese version," Samsung said.

Samsung said it takes reports of Note 7 fires in China very seriously and has conducted inspections on such devices. Batteries for the burnt phones were not at fault, Samsung said, adding its conclusion was also backed up by independent third-party testing.

(Reporting by Paul Carsten and Beijing Newsroom, Se Young Lee in SEOUL; Editing by Tom Hogue and Christian Schmollinger)
SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics , which is already reeling from a global recall of its Note 7 smartphones, said on Thursday it is in talks with a U.S. watchdog to address potential safety problems related to some of its washing machines.

The South Korean tech company's comments came as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned of problems with some of Samsung's top-load washing machines, following media reports that they had exploded.

Certain top-load washing machines made between March 2011 and April 2016 were affected, both the company and the CPSC said.

"In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items," Samsung said on its website.

The company said consumers with affected models should use the lower speed delicate cycle when washing those materials.

Samsung did not mention the models impacted but asked customers to enter their washing machine's serial number to determine if their machine is affected.

It was not immediately known how many units were affected and whether the problem is limited to the United States.

Samsung is also facing a lawsuit from U.S. customers who, according to a filing in a New Jersey court on Aug. 12., said their machines "explode during normal use".

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Samsung, the world's top smartphone maker, announced on Sept. 2 a global recall of at least 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

Its shares seemed to have shrugged off the latest setback for the company, rising 3.2 percent as of 0327 GMT on Thursday, versus the wider market's (.KS11) 0.9 percent gain.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin in SEOUL and Subrat Patnaik in BENGALURU,; Additional reporting by Yun Hwan Chae and Se Young Lee in SEOUL and; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Now in its 15th year, the San Diego Intl. Film Festival has established itself as a major showcase for outstanding U.S. and international independent filmmaking. Produced by the San Diego Film Foundation, the event will once again showcase more than 100 films as it celebrates the years best indie cinema from emerging and established filmmakers around the world.

This year, the fests global outlook theme reflects an ambitious strategy that promises an even bigger and better festival experience, says Tonya Mantooth, the exec VP of the festival.

But the impact is also local. One of the main things were excited about is the footprint of the festival downtown, Mantooth says. Were building out a very walkable festival in the heart of San Diego, and a lot of our screenings will be held in the renovated historic Balboa Theater, a beautiful setting that seats 1,200. So theres this whole new vibe in this area, and audiences and filmmakers alike will be able to hang out after screenings and parties and events.

Films will also be screened at the Regal Theaters in downtown San Diego, and at the ArcLight Cinemas in La Jolla.

In an increasingly crowded landscape of fall festivals, San Diego has managed to separate itself from the herd by a mixture of canny programming, star-driven events and panels, timely social initiatives, and by emphasizing its global reach. Tellingly, the festival has this year added international to its name.

So many festivals now have their own signature, says fest chairman Dale Strack. Weve been bringing in so much international cinema for several years, so we just decided to make it official.

This year, the festival received more than 2,000 submissions from 63 countries, including features, shorts, and documentaries. Organizers expect attendance to approach 25,000.

The festivals seaside location plays a key role in its destination appeal, adds Strack. Clearly, except maybe for Cannes, we have this unparalleled coastal spot, with a perfect climate. There are great restaurants, great hotels, great sea views  just a great location to hold a film festival.

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Last year, San Diego embraced several significant initiatives and partnered with Susan Sarandon and filmmaker Thomas Morgan (Waiting for Mamu) of Reframed Pictures on the Social Justice Initiative. Serving as a platform for documentaries telling transformational stories with lasting social impact, with the goal of shining a light on socially relevant causes, the multi-layered event was a big success, Mantooth says.

And this year, Susan and Thomas will be back, along with Kweku Mandela, Nelson Mandelas grandson.

In recognition of the large armed forces presence in San Diego, the festival also started an initiative last year, highlighting films and filmmakers that tell military stories. Weve been working closely with an advisory board to bring awareness of our returning vets and what they go through, and to help them when they return, Strack says.

With this in mind, the festival will screen the world premiere of Citizen Soldier, directed by David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud, about the Oklahoma National Guard. Its very powerful, a real punch in the chest, Strack says.

At a time when diversity  or lack thereof  has grabbed many industry headlines, the festival has also made a strong commitment to womens issues and causes. Annette Bening, who is being honored with the Gregory Peck Award for Excellence in Cinema, grew up, like Peck, in San Diego. The award is part of our overall initiative to honor women filmmakers from all over, as well as to emphasize our citys role and legacy in cinema, says Strack.

Highlights this year also include an emphasis on culinary cinema, with food and wine pairings around a film, Mantooth says. Some other festivals, including Berlin, have done this very successfully, and well be kicking off our own version and expanding on that in the future.

(Pictured above: Citizen Soldier, Denial, Lion)

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This story was delivered to BI Intelligence IoT Briefing subscribers. To learn more and subscribe, please click here.

BIIManufIoT

German software giant SAP plans to invest 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) in IoT solutions by 2020, according to Fortune.

The company will be launching a new product line called SAP IoT. This will leverage SAPs existing HANA platform and focus on applying machine learning/advanced analytics to the vast amount of data that IoT devices collect.

SAP acquired PLAT.ONE, an IoT platform/solutions provider, and Fedem Technology, an analytics software company. Both of these companies will be integrated into SAP HANA. ZDNet notes PLAT.ONE will integrated into HANA to add capabilities including device lifecycle management and connectivity, and edge computing. Fedem Technology will be used to improve HANAs analytics capabilities  a crucial component of IoT platforms. The acquisitions mark just two of many among IoT platform providers in 2016.

SAP will be releasing Industry 4.0 packages designed for industrial companies to easily connect and implement an IoT solution. SAP notes Industry 4.0 packages will be complemented with SAPs Distributed Manufacturing application, which helps manufacturers use additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. This is noteworthy, particularly because SAP announced a partnership with Bosch that would deploy SAPs software in Boschs industrial equipment and machines. This would allow SAP to enhance its business by finding new use cases from the manufacturers that use Boschs machines in their factories. However, its unclear if Bosch is using one of the Industry 4.0 packages.

SAP will be opening labs throughout world to help customers learn and test various IoT and digital solutions. The locations include Munich, Palo Alto, Berlin, Johannesburg, and more.

Overall, SAPs name recognition as one of the largest software providers in the world should allow it to be successful in the IoT. The company has a long history of providing enterprise and consumer-level software solutions, so it will likely be similarly successful in providing software for IoT solutions. Further, with the move into big data, the company looks poised to eventually analyze and store the data that it collects. Taken together, SAP could be a very big player in the IoT in the coming years.

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John Greenough, senior research analyst for BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has compiled a detailed report on enterprise robotics that examines the rising use of robots across many industries. It examines top use cases, market leaders, growth drivers, potential for workforce automation, the top barriers, and includes market forecasts on shipments and investment in robots between 2015-2021.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the report:

We expect enterprise robotic shipments to nearly triple between 2015-2021.

Manufacturing will continue to be the top adopter of robots. A recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) survey found 44% of US manufacturers and 66% of German manufacturers plan to install autonomous robots and assistance systems within the next five years.

Rising wages around the world is just one of the key reasons enterprises are beginning to leverage robotics.

Robots have the potential to displace jobs, meaning that while they might take some more labor intensive jobs they have the potential to create new jobs for working on robots.

In full, the report:

Forecasts enterprise robotic shipments

Identifies market leaders

Discusses economic conditions leading to the rise of robots

Examines the advantages of using robots

Identifies five of the top barriers preventing robot adoption

Interested in getting the full report? Here are two ways to access it:

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RIYADH, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's central bank has asked local banks to reschedule consumer loans after the government cut bonuses and other financial perks for public sector workers, Okaz newspaper reported on Thursday.

The cabinet announced this week that it would cut ministers' salaries by 20 percent and reduce a range of allowances for public employees to help curb a huge budget deficit caused by low oil prices.

Allowances account for as much as 30 percent of many Saudis' income, so the measures may have a significant impact on consumer spending. In addition, the government said it would base salary payments on the Western calendar rather than the Islamic calendar; since the latter is about 11 days shorter, this is expected to reduce income further.

"The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency has obliged local banks to reschedule consumer loans for employees whose salaries went down after the cancellation of a number of allowances and bonuses," Okaz said without naming its sources.

Central bank officials were not available to comment on the report.

Under banking rules, monthly installments on consumer loans in Saudi Arabia must not exceed a third of a borrower's total salary. Outstanding consumer loans totalled 343 billion riyals ($91.5 billion) at the end of June, central bank data shows.

(Reporting by Marwa Rashad; Editing by Andrew Torchia)
RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned the passage of a U.S. law that would allow families of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to sue the kingdom for damages, calling it a matter of "great concern" in a statement on Thursday. "The erosion of sovereign immunity will have a negative impact on all nations, including the United States," said the statement, which was carried on state news agency SPA after a day of stony silence from Riyadh. The foreign ministry expressed hope that the U.S. Congress would correct the legislation "to avoid the serious unintended consequences that may ensue," without elaborating on what the consequences might be. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to approve legislation that will allow the families of those killed in the 2001 attacks on the United States to seek damages from the Saudi government. Riyadh has always dismissed suspicions that it backed the attackers, who killed nearly 3,000 people under the banner of Islamist militant group al-Qaeda. Fifteen out of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals. The Saudi government financed an extensive lobbying campaign against the "Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act", or JASTA, in the run-up to the vote, and warned it would undermine the principle of sovereign immunity. But Saudi officials who had lobbied against the bill stopped short of threatening any specific retaliation if the law was passed. The Saudi riyal fell against the U.S. dollar in the forward foreign exchange market on Thursday after the law was passed. Analysts said a successful lawsuit against the Saudi government would be unlikely at best, but speculated that the uncertainty surrounding the legal implications could negatively affect bilateral trade and investment with a major ally. (Reporting by Katie Paul; Editing by Diane Craft and Tom Brown)
Riyadh (AFP) - Saudi Arabia on Thursday warned of "disastrous consequences" from a United States law allowing 9/11 victims to sue the kingdom, in a major spike in tension between the longstanding allies.

The warning came after the US Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) on relations between states.

JASTA allows attack survivors and relatives of terrorism victims to pursue cases against foreign governments in US federal court and to demand compensation if such governments are proven to bear some responsibility for attacks on US soil.

A Saudi foreign ministry source on Thursday called on the US Congress "to take the necessary measures to counter the disastrous and dangerous consequences" of the law.

The unnamed spokesman, cited by the official Saudi Press Agency, said the law is "a source of great worry."

This law "weakens the immunity of states", and will have a negative impact on all countries "including the United States," the Saudi spokesman said, expressing hope that "wisdom will prevail."

In opposing the law, Obama said it would harm US interests by undermining the principle of sovereign immunity, opening up the US to private lawsuits over its military missions abroad.

The erosion of sovereign immunity is also a concern among the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Saudi Arabia is the most powerful member.

Saudi Arabia's Gulf allies have lined up beside Riyadh to criticise the law.

Analysts earlier Thursday warned that Saudi Arabia could reduce valuable security and intelligence cooperation with longstanding ally Washington after the Congressional "stab in the back."

Cutting such cooperation is among the options available to Riyadh, the analysts said.

"I'm afraid that this bill will have dire strategic implications" for the United States, Salman al-Ansari, head of the Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee (SAPRAC), told AFP.

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- Decades-old ties -

"This partnership has helped provide US authorities with accurate intelligence information" that helped stopped attacks, said Ansari, whose committee is a private initiative to strengthen Saudi-US ties.

Riyadh and Washington have a decades-old relationship based on the exchange of American security for Saudi oil.

Saudi Arabia was home to 15 of the 19 Al-Qaeda hijackers who carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States which killed nearly 3,000 people.

Riyadh denies any ties to the plotters.

Ties between Riyadh and Washington became increasingly frayed under Obama, but analysts said security cooperation and intelligence sharing remained solid.

Whether that will continue, analysts said, is now a question.

"Saudi has been stabbed in the back by this unthoughtful and unrealistic bill," Ansari said. "How can you sue a country that is collaborating against the very same terrorism that they are baselessly being accused of?"

Mustafa Alani, a senior adviser to the Gulf Research Center, suggested a review of the Saudi-US alliance.

"Your financial investments have to be reduced in the US, your political and security cooperation has to be reduced," he said.

A senior Saudi prince reportedly threatened to pull out billions of dollars of US assets if JASTA became law, though Saudi officials have distanced themselves from such threats.

"It will be very difficult for Saudi Arabia to continue in intelligence cooperation when they take such a hostile position," said Jamal Khashoggi, a veteran Saudi journalist and analyst.

He said Saudi officials are probably debating whether to act now or "wait until the first suit is filed in some small town in America."
The Doctors might have just found the perfect present for your gassy partner or coworker!

A company from Japan has created the Silent Cushion, a seat cushion that claims to reduce the noise of your flatulence. The company says their device is capable of reducing the noise by 80 percent and is also equipped with a carbon filter to help reduced any offending odors.

Watch: Woman Arrested for Attacking Farting Husband?

The Doctors reminds the audience that passing gas is a natural part of the bodys digestive process and ER physician Dr. Travis Stork calls gas a good thing. They note that the average person breaks wind 14 times per day.

If you are looking to cut down on the amount of gas and the smell, The Doctors recommend cutting down on certain types of foods. Foods high in sulfate, which can cause the gas to have that unpleasant odor, include broccoli, cauliflower, almonds, and Brussels sprouts. Additionally, candy and chewing gum with mannitol and sorbitol as sweeteners can make you gassy.

Foods that help with digestion, like cumin, fennel, fresh parsley, dill and peppermint can help to reduce the urge to purge down there. Also, eating more fermented foods can help minimize unhealthy, gas-causing bacteria in your gut.

Watch: Do Men Pass More Gas Than Women?

And if none of that helps, theres always the Silent Cushion, which will set you back $83 dollars.
By Suzanne Barlyn

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A former executive for biopharmaceutical company Puma Biotechnology Inc was charged on Thursday by the top U.S. securities regulator and prosecutors with trading on inside information ahead of a company announcement about its breast cancer drug.

Robert Gadimian, former regulatory affairs director for Los Angeles-based Puma, pocketed more than $1.1 million by secretly trading on Puma stock based on non-public information he learned about positive developments in two clinical trials for the companys drug, Neratinib, the SEC said in a statement.

A U.S. grand jury in Boston on Thursday also indicted Gadimian on felony charges of insider trading, according to court documents.

A lawyer for Gadimian declined to comment. Gadimian could not be reached by phone and did not immediately reply to an email requesting comment.

Gadimian, through his role at Puma, was privy to non-public information about Neratinib, a breast cancer treatment drug, the SEC said in a complaint. Gadimian learned about drug trials involving Neratinib, including that it performed well and reached "key milestones that would soon be made public," the SEC said.

Neratinib, as a result, was likely to be a lucrative drug for Puma, the SEC said.

Gadimian bought Puma securities before results from the first Neratinib drug trial were announced in December 2013 and again before the results of a second trial were announced in July 2014, the SEC said.

Through a series of secret trades, without company permission and during periods in which employees were not allowed to trade, Gadimian made about $1,161,000 in profits, the SEC said.

Puma launched an internal investigation after learning of some of Gadimian's trading through an inquiry by the retail brokerage industry-funded watchdog, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the SEC said.

Gadimian, of Burbank, California, traded the securities through an account at Boston-based Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC, according to court documents.

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Gadimian admitted to Puma that he traded in the securities during the periods and that he traded because of "greed," the SEC said. Gadimian also deleted certain Puma trades from his trading records before giving them to the company's investigators, the SEC said.

Puma fired Gadimian in 2014, the SEC said.

A spokesperson for Puma, which is not alleged to have engaged in wrongdoing, could not be reached for comment.

(Reporting by Suzanne Barlyn and Timothy Ahmann; Editing by Eric Beech and Alistair Bell)
All aboard!



When Prince William and Princess Kate stepped onto a steam train in Yukon, Canada, on Wednesday, they were keeping up a royal tradition.



The royal couple followed two older generations in enjoying the splendor of the Canadian railways, which are surrounded by magnificent mountains.



 Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter.







William and Kate made an impromptu stop to see the train in Carcross after hearing how his grandmother Queen Elizabeth traveled in one of its carriages when she visited the area with husband Prince Philip in 1959.





Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip standing in car near train tracks during #royal visit to #Canada July 1959 pic.twitter.com/weicWxHBoD a Punjabi Rooh (@PunjabiRooh) March 19, 2015





And before that momentous trip, the reigning monarch's parents, George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mum), crossed the country by Canadian Pacific train in 1939.





Archive pic of the day: George VI & Queen Elizabeth cross Canada by Canadian Pacific train in 1939... http://t.co/2ipyRS5f a Luxury Train Club (@TrainChartering) July 24, 2012





On their own excursion, William and Kate climbed into the cab and took turns pulling on the loud whistle. Their guide, First Nation Chief Andy Carvill, told the royal couple about the queen's carriage  which has been fitted with a marble table for the Queen.





See 3 Generations of Royals Hop the Canadian Rails!| The British Royals, The Royals, Kate Middleton, Prince William



"The Duke asked if he could go in and they got inside the train my blew the steam whistle," he told reporters.





The Surprising Things You Wouldn't Know About How the Royal Family Travels!





When they left the train, they gingerly inched along the railway track above a stretch of water, holding on tightly as they did, in what appeared to be a daredevil maneuver. Although the drop-off was short, there wasn't a rail to halt any fall, so they had to watch their step.





See 3 Generations of Royals Hop the Canadian Rails!| The British Royals, The Royals, Kate Middleton, Prince William



Earlier in the day, Before they made their stop to see the train, the couple had been to Montana mountain to hear about the Single Track to Success program that has created jobs for local First Nation people.




By Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court rejected a request by prosecutors for a warrant to arrest Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin in the latest twist in a wide-ranging corruption probe that has convulsed the country's fifth-largest family-run conglomerate.

But an investigation that has constricted management since flaring into public in June, derailing plans for billion-dollar deals, will continue. Prosecutors may re-submit their request, a prosecution source said, and warrant or not, Shin could yet face trial - a process that with appeals could last many months.

A Seoul Central District Court judge said early on Thursday the arrest warrant request had been turned down after a hearing at which Shin, 61, appeared on Wednesday. The court said it didn't view Shin's arrest as necessary.

The probe into the retail to chemicals group had uncovered embezzlement or breach of trust involving about 170 billion won ($155 million), the prosecution source said, without specifying a time frame.

Shin's father, the 93-year-old Lotte Group founder Shin Kyuk-ho, was pushed aside last year in a bitter succession feud between his two sons and was questioned by prosecutors previously in the probe.

A Lotte Group spokesman said many of the suspicions raised by prosecutors against Shin Dong-bin concerned dealings that had been conducted at his father's behest, an explanation the current chairman set out at the Wednesday hearing.

Prosecutors rejected that argument and were critical of the court's move to dismiss the request for an arrest warrant.

"We very much regret that it was denied due to chairman Shin Dong-bin's unreasonable claim that it was his father exercising management control" over dealings under investigation, the prosecution source said.

A spokesman for Lotte's founder declined to comment.

Lotte, which was forced by the investigation to shelve a planned $4.5 billion initial public offering of its Hotel Lotte unit in June, said after the court ruling it aimed to return to business as usual as quickly as possible. Shares in listed units Lotte Shopping and Lotte Chemical rose as investors looked forward to that prospect.

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"We have a strong intention to do the IPO. After we see what happens with the investigation, we will begin considering it," the Lotte spokesman told Reuters. "When prosecutors' investigation concludes, we plan to announce reform measures and social contribution plans, and begin reviewing investment plans again such as M&A."

The Hotel Lotte IPO had been intended in part to bring more transparency and improve corporate governance at the conglomerate, which was widely criticised in South Korea after a bitter public feud last year between Shin and his older brother over who would succeed their father at the head of the group.

In addition to derailing the IPO, the investigation also prompted Lotte Chemical to drop out of bidding for U.S. chemical firm Axiall Corp in June.

It was also the backdrop for the apparent suicide last month of one of the group's top executives, hours before he was due to be questioned by prosecutors.

($1 = 1,095.7000 won)

(Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Tony Munroe and Kenneth Maxwell)
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, reminds investors in Goldcorp Inc. ("Goldcorp" or the "Company") (GG) of the October 24, 2016 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action lawsuit filed against the Company and certain officers.

The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of all those who purchased Goldcorp stock or options between March 31, 2014 and August 24, 2016 (the "Class Period"). The case, Robert Cowan v. Goldcorp, Inc. et al, No. 2:16-cv-06391 was filed on August 25, 2016, and has been assigned to Judge Fernando M. Olguin.

The lawsuit focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by failing to disclose the severity of selenium levels in groundwater around its Penasquito Mine in Mexico.

Specifically, on August 24, 2016, Reuters reported that Mexican regulators were examining whether Goldcorp broke reporting or disclosure regulations in its handling of a long-running leak of contaminated water at the Penasquito Mine that had been occurring as early as October 2013.

After the announcement, Goldcorp's share price fell from $17.69 per share on August 23, 2016 to a closing price of $16.05 on August 24, 2016 -a $1.64 or a 9.27% drop.

Request more information now by clicking here: www.faruqilaw.com/GG. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Take Action

If you invested in Goldcorp stock or options between March 31, 2014 and August 24, 2016 and would like to discuss your legal rights, visit www.faruqilaw.com/GG. You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to rgonnello@faruqilaw.com. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Goldcorp's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

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The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class that is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

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685 Third Avenue, 26th Floor

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Telephone: (877) 247-4292 or (212) 983-9330

SOURCE: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP, a class action law firm dedicated to representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of Oil-Dri Corporation of America (ODC).

If you are a shareholder of Oil-Dri and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at:

http://pjlfirm.com/oil-dri-corporation-of-america/

You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at rl@pjlfirm.com or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.

Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE: Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP
Shawn Mendes had an acapella-off with James Corden and it was inhumanly good

Shawn Mendes had an acapella-off with James Corden and it was inhumanly good

So we basically thought late-night television had reached its absolute, non-debatable peak earlier this week when James Corden performed with The Backstreet Boys on the Late Late Show. Like seriously, our minds were blown and we were ready to retire.

And just when we thought it couldnt be topped, our favorite adorable Canadian/secret boyfriend Shawn Mendes showed up last night to have a literal acapella-off/music battle with Corden.

Will Smith

To set the scene: Corden begins the show by raving about the previous nights BSB appearance, when Mendes emerges from back stage  and he has a bone to pick.

You never play new musicits just old stuff all the time. Im thinking you should update your playlist.

Corden counters with the fact that its just because everyone knows music from the 90s was better. Which led towell, why dont you just see it for yourselves:

Thats right  a better than/better now sing-off in which the two went toe-to-toe (with the incredible The Filharmonic acapella group to accompany them. NBD). And it was AH-MAZING! And they went everywhere from TLC, to Rihanna, to the Spice Girls, and beyond.

We really needed this on this almost Friday (so close, guys), and we can only hope that tonights show brings us something just as amazing.

The post Shawn Mendes had an acapella-off with James Corden and it was inhumanly good appeared first on HelloGiggles.
By Fathin Ungku SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A Singapore court sentenced 17-year-old blogger Amos Yee to six weeks in jail on Thursday for "wounding religious feelings", his second prison term in a year, reigniting concerns about social controls and censorship in the conservative city-state. Yee pleaded guilty to six charges of deliberately posting comments on the internet in videos, blog posts and a picture that were critical of Christianity and Islam. Judge Ong Hian Sun told the district court that Yee's actions could "generate social unrest" and should not be condoned. Yee, who was accompanied by his mother, described the sentence as "very fair". "I am very remorseful", he told reporters outside the court, surrounded by a handful of supporters. Yee was convicted on charges of harassment and insulting a religious group last year over comments he made about former premier Lee Kuan Yew and Christians soon after Lee's death. His sentence then amounted to four weeks in jail he had already served. His latest month-long trial was attended by officials from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the European Union, and was closely watched by rights groups. "By prosecuting Amos Yee for his comments, no matter how outrageous they may have been, Singapore has unfortunately doubled down on a strategy that clearly violates freedom of expression," Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Right Watch's Asia division, said in an email. "For a country that prides itself on efficiency, Singapore should re-examine its approach, because every time the authorities go after him, it just adds to his online audience who are interested to find out the latest thing," he said. Critics say Yee's imprisonment may further deter freedom of expression in the Asian financial hub. Singapore's parliament passed a controversial bill last month spelling out what constitutes contempt of court, drawing criticism from rights groups and foreign diplomats. Amnesty International called on Singapore to "repeal or amend legal provisions that criminalize peaceful dissent and end the intimidation and harassment of bloggers and other critics". David Kaye, U.N. Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, said: "The lesson that somebody can be thrown in jail for their speech is exactly the wrong kind of message that any government should be sending to anybody, but especially to young people." (Reporting by Fathin Ungku; Editing by Anshuman Daga and Paul Tait)
Check out government initiatives to boost the sector.

Singapore was lauded as top cruise by industry experts for a second time in three years at the 10th Seatrade Cruise Awards last Thursday (Sep 22).

This accolade is another feather in the cap for Singapore, which was voted as the top Asian port of call in the inaugural Cruise Critic Cruisers Choice Destination Awards earlier this month.

The award also caps off years of developmental work that STB, cruise lines and trade partners had put in to grow the cruise industry in Singapore.

Some of the initiatives include forging more than 10 marketing partnerships with cruise lines and trade partners to drive cruise passenger numbers, training more than 800 travel agents overseas to raise their capability to sell cruises from Singapore, and widening Singapores reach to consumers via multiple media platforms in six major source markets.

STB also actively works with local trade partners to curate immersive and differentiated pre- or post-cruise experiences to enrich visitors stay in Singapore.

In August 2015, STB organised a workshop for cruise operators to experience the unique offerings of local bookbinding atelier Bynd Artisan and homegrown scent artisans Je taime Perfumery. Participants tried their hands at creating bespoke leather nametags and scent blends of native orchid oils, seeding ideas of innovative experiences which may be offered to cruise passengers.





More From Singapore Business Review


California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill on Thursday that requires public single-occupancy bathrooms in the state to be gender neutral, or as the bill puts it, available for all genders.

For me, its ultimately a matter of convenience for the largest number of people, Assemblymember Phil Ting, the sponsor of the bill, tells TIME. Its something we all need to use every day and something we all need urgently at a particular time.

The new law is aimed at making sure public spaces are inclusive for the LGBTQ community, but Ting says that the common sense measure will help others as well, like parents or caretakers who want to accompany individuals of the opposite sex into the bathroom. Supporters of such measures have also argued that it should lead to greater equity in wait times, as women often find themselves in a queue as a single-stall mens room sits vacant.

Ting says that though he got some pushback from social conservatives, who have opposed bathroom access for transgender people in fights around the country, the strongest opposition to the bill was actually the notion men dont seem to be able to use the bathroom without making a mess. And that, he says, is something everyone will simply need to figure out how to do.

Advocates for such measures emphasize that the costs of complying are small, typically amounting to the charge for new gender-inclusive signage (perhaps $40) to replace mens or womens signage and the labor costs of putting those signs up. The measure goes into effect on March 1, 2017.

Several cities, including Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, have proposed or passed similar resolutions in recent years. More than 150 U.S. colleges and universities have also instituted such measures, including the entire University of California system.

Earlier in the week, LGBT rights groups commended the Sacramento Kings, whose new stadium will have 23 all-gender public restrooms when it opens on Oct. 1. And many activists drew a contrast between this measure and controversial laws that have restricted bathroom access for transgender individuals in places like North Carolina. California has, with a minimum of controversy, moved in a different direction, said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California.
Los Angeles (AFP) - The sister of a woman who accused filmmaker Nate Parker of rape spoke Thursday of her disgust at his "perverse" inclusion of a sex attack in his directorial debut.

Parker and his "The Birth of a Nation" co-writer Jean Celestin were accused of raping the student -- who subsequently committed suicide -- when the pair were roommates at Penn State University in 1999.

"As her sister, the thing that pains me most of all is that in retelling the story of the Nat Turner slave revolt, they invented a rape scene," Sharon Loeffler wrote in a column for Variety magazine.

"The rape of Turner's wife is used as a reason to justify Turner's rebellion," she said. "This is fiction."

"I find it creepy and perverse that Parker and Celestin would put a fictional rape at the center of their film, and that Parker would portray himself as a hero avenging that rape," she added.

Parker, 36, was acquitted in 2001 but Celestin was sentenced to six months in prison for sexual assault before his conviction was overturned on appeal after the woman refused to testify again.

A dark episode Parker believed was behind him, the case exploded across front pages in August, when Variety revealed that the woman had killed herself at a drug rehab center in 2012.

Fox Searchlight bought "The Birth of a Nation" for a record $17.5 million in January at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the grand jury prize, prompting predictions of Oscars glory.

It screened in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, often a launchpad for the awards season, and is due to hit US theaters on October 7.

- No apology -

Parker has given his first television interview about the case to the CBS current-affairs show "60 Minutes," refusing to apologize for an episode over which he was "falsely accused" and then "vindicated."

During the interview, to be broadcast on Sunday, host Anderson Cooper asks if he thinks he did something morally wrong in 1999.

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"As a Christian man, just being in that situation, yeah, sure," Parker says.

"I am 36 years old right now and my faith is very important to me, so looking back through that lens, I definitely feel like it's not the lens I had when I was 19 years old."

Loeffler said her sister -- who was 18 at the time of the alleged attack -- had been "tormented" to see Parker thriving in Hollywood as she struggled to come to terms with her ordeal.

Although there is no evidence linking her suicide at the age of 30 to the trial more than a decade earlier, questions have resurfaced over Parker's conduct after the woman made the rape allegations.

She alleged that he and Celestin harassed, stalked and publicly identified her after she went to the police.

"She was eager to testify against him again, but several years had passed, other witnesses had moved away, and prosecutors decided not to retry the case," Loeffler wrote in Variety.

"She went through every option she possibly could for justice, and she got none."

Loeffler said the rape scene in Parker's film was "self-serving and sinister," and "a cruel insult" to the memory of her sister, who testified that she was unconscious at the time of the incident after a night of drinking.

"I was the closest person to her throughout her life," she added. "Nate Parker caused her so much pain, and that pain and anger are still raw for me."
Two Minnesota sisters vacationing at a resort off the coast of Africa were found dead inside their luxury villa in a mystery that has left their loved ones devastated.

The bodies of Ann Marie Korkki, 38, and Robin Marie Korkki, 42, were discovered on the same bed in their villa at the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa in the Seychelles at about noon last Thursday, the Seychelles Nation reported.

The pair had reportedly been helped to their room by staff the night before after spending the day drinking at the resort, which they originally planned to leave on September 22, but extended their stay for two more days.

Read: 3 Dead, 100 Injured After Commuter Train Slams Into Station in Hoboken, New Jersey

When a butler assigned to the womens room realized there had been no movement all morning, he alerted his supervisor and police were called to the resort, officials said.

Neither womans body showed signs of violence or trauma, but medications found in the room have been confiscated by police as part of the ongoing investigation, authorities said.

A medical examiner will determine the womens causes of death.

Ann Korkki worked as a senior administrative assistant for JPMorgan Chase in Denver, while Robin Korkki was based in Chicago where she worked as Head of FX and Metals at Allston Trading, according to their professional websites.

Both women shared photos in the Seychelles to social media, posting numerous images showing the sisters enjoying their time together at the resort.

Read: Teacher Breaks Spine After Falling Off Cliff in Attempt to Escape Sexual Assault Attempt: Reports

Love you ladies  may your spirit bless us all! one friend commented on a picture of the pair smiling and embracing each other.

Friends and family were stunned by the Korkki sisters sudden deaths.

The loss is devastating and incomprehensible. My beautiful cousins. My heart and my thoughts do not stray from them and our family, one relative posted on Facebook.

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Their untimely death has left many all over the world saddened and undoubtedly heartbroken, noted a GiveForward page created to help their family with travel expenses and to bring the women home. Robin & Annie were loving sisters and best friends. They were loved by many.

Watch: 19-Year-Old Student Found Dead After Leaving Party in -20 Degree Cold

Related Articles:
More troops to Iraq. More American troops are headed to Iraq in the ramp up to the invasion of the Islamic State-held city of Mosul, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Wednesday: 615 of them, to be exact. The deployment will push the official number of U.S. troops on the ground there to about 5,200, though with temporary assignments and rotations, the number will be well over 6,000.

Carter said the new troops will advise local forces while providing logistics support during the operation to seize Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been in ISIS hands for over two years. Many of the newly arriving troops will head for the Al Asad air base northwest of Ramadi in Anbar province, where the U.S. already has several hundred troops training Iraqi forces along with a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which delivers punishing long-range pinprick strikes. FP has lots more on the HIMARS in Iraq, here.

Air strikes everywhere. President Barack Obama is ready to extend the U.S. bombing campaign on Islamic State targets in Libya for a third month, Fox News Lucas Tomlinson scoops, amid continuing resistance from the fighters in the city of Sirte. The U.S. Marines flying from the USS Wasp have already conducted 175 strikes in and around Sirte since Aug. 1, and despite Pentagon officials insisting at the time that the campaign would take weeks, not months, its taking months.

An American strike Wednesday in Somalia that the Pentagon says killed nine al Shabab fighters is under closer scrutiny, as one local military commander says the U.S. was tricked by one of his rivals into bombing his soldiers, killing 22. The U.S. military is looking into the matter, defense officials said Wednesday.

In Aleppo, some analysts are saying that the utter destruction being wrought by Russian and Syrian planes is part of a concerted strategy to drive moderate rebel groups into the hands of more extremist elements, thereby muting any international protests to bombing any anti-Assad forces and propping up the regime in Damascus.

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Life in Aleppo. A gripping read here from the Washington Posts Liz Sly and Louisa Loveluck about how those Russian and Syrian planes hit targets at night, and the toll its taking. Around 1,700 bombs have fallen in rebel-held eastern Aleppo in the week after the ceasefires collapse, with two more hospitals being hit Wednesday night:

The bombings at night are the worst. There is no electricity in the rebel-held portion of eastern Aleppo, and the warplanes flying overhead target any light piercing the blackness beneath.

So families huddle together in the dark, gathered in one room so that they dont die alone, listening to the roar of the jets and waiting for the bombs to fall.

After they do, rescue workers venture out, navigating the rubble and craters left by earlier bombings, to dig out victims without headlights or lamps. They haul them to hospitals swamped with patients being treated on the floor by doctors who barely sleep and must choose which lives to save and which to let go.

Manilla turning everything on its head. If Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes good on his threats to walk away from his countrys 65-year-old alliance with the United States, FPs Dan De Luce writes in a great piece on the latest South China Sea headache for the Obama administration, the first casualty would likely be the U.S. military mission there, which has become a model for successful counterterrorism operations worldwide.

Duterte has already warned that the U.S. military contingent of several hundred troops has to go, and on Wednesday said an upcoming joint military exercise would be the last with the United States. But his threat to push out the team of up to 100 U.S. Special Operations Forces, along with an additional 300 to 500 American conventional troops, comes as concerns mount in Washington and Southeast Asia about the Islamic States efforts to spread its tentacles in the region, De Luce says.

Congress to Obama: heres your veto. Congress handed president Obama the first veto override of his presidency Wednesday, overruling him on his opposition to a bill that would allow the families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks to sue the government of Saudi Arabia. FPs Paul McLeary notes that while the Republican-controlled Congress was more than happy to thwart the president, many in Congress expect the bill to be tweaked in the upcoming lame duck session, making it more difficult for the lawsuits to go through, and putting up barriers to foreigners suing Washington over civilian deaths in counterterrorism operations.

In a CNN Town Hall Wednesday evening, President Obama called the vote a mistake, the problem with that is that if we eliminate this notion of sovereign immunity, then our men and women in uniform around the world could potentially start seeing ourselves subject to reciprocal loss, right?

McCain vs. Kerry vs. Russian delusions. Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham put Secretary of State John Kerry on full blast Wednesday, issuing a blistering statement sarcastically applauding Kerry for taking a hard stance with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov over the Russian bombing campaign in Syria. FPs Paul McLeary catalogues the back and forth which ended with the Senate duo mocking that if the talks are off between Kerry and the Russians over a ceasefire in Syria, as Kerry threatened, we can only imagine that having heard the news, Vladimir Putin has called off his bear hunt and is rushing back to the Kremlin to call off Russian airstrikes on hospitals, schools, and humanitarian aid convoys around Aleppo.

Good morning and as always, if you have any thoughts, announcements, tips, or national security-related events to share, please pass them along to SitRep HQ. Best way is to send them to: paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or on Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley

2016

One of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps top foreign policy advisors is headed to Japan. Retired Lt. General Mike Flynn says hell visit Tokyo in order to give Americas allies in east Asia a clearer idea of what a potential Trump administrations policy views would be. Trump has repeatedly complained that American allies like Japan enjoy the protection of Americas security umbrella but do not, in his view, fairly compensate the United States.

North Korea

A North Korean soldier just finished one of the most dangerous trips you can make, sneaking his way across the tense, mine-laden demilitarized zone between North and South Korea in order to defect. The unnamed soldier traveled unarmed and managed not to draw fire from either sides forces. Thus far, North Korea hasnt acted up following the soldiers defection but South Korean troops are bracing for the possibility of a violent tantrum from Pyongyang.

Syria

Make Turkey great again. Turkey is close to finishing 560 mile wall along its border with Syria in order to deal with the threat of terrorist infiltration. The wall, begun in 2014, should be finished by February of 2017, Turkish officials tell Reuters. The 10-ft. high wall will be laced with razor wire and manned by private security. Turkeys wall is one of a number of such counterterrorism barriers going up along the borders of the middle east, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Libya each trying to fence out problems with their neighbors.

Business of defense

The White House has finally given its blessing to the sale of at least $7 billion worth of fighter jets to Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, Defense News reports. Under the deal, Qatar will get 72 F-15E Strike Eagles and Kuwait will get F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets. Bahrain also plans to buy 17 F-16s. The sale had been delayed, to the ire of lawmakers like Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), but the deal will keep open a Boeing production line in St. Louis, Missouri. Israel also protested that the deal could undermine its qualitative military edge in the region, but its concerns should be allayed in the face of a new $38 billion in military financing from Washington.

Bots o war

The U.S. Army is gearing up for a battlefield that could one day include Russian drones directing artillery fire from the skies. Defense One reports on recent comments by Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster about the Armys efforts to turn soldiers into drone killers. The Armys approach to the threat of Russian drones involves developing radar systems that can identify the smaller aircraft as well as lasers and electronic warfare equipment that can either zap or jam them out of the skies. The next step for the Army includes actually fielding the anti-drone equipment.

For the first time ever, one of the Navys robotic helicopters designated a target for a missile fired by a manned chopper. An MQ-8B Fire Scout and an MH-60S took off from different bases for the test, and the Fire Scout called the shot for a Hellfire missile from the Seahawk, successfully hitting the target. Manned-unmanned teaming, the integration of platforms operated autonomously and by humans, is an area of growing interest within the U.S. military.

Marines

The Marine Corps has a new operating concept and it involves working more closely with the services counterparts in the Army, Breaking Defense reports. The concept upgrades the three block war concept, in which grunts have to conduct a spectrum of operations ranging from humanitarian work to open warfare within the span of three blocks with the latest concept adding information operations into that mix. Technology is also a big part of the implementing the concept, with Marine Corps Commandant Robert Neller saying hed like to field a quadcopter with each infantry squad and one day get the ability to 3D-print drones.

Photo Credit: John Moore/Getty Images
MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Somalia's government on Thursday requested an explanation from the United States after Somali officials said a U.S. "friendly fire" air strike killed at least 22 soldiers and civilians in the Horn of Africa nation. Officials in the semi-autonomous, northern region of Galmudug said a U.S. air strike killed members of its forces this week and accused a rival region, Puntland, of duping the Americans into believing those targeted were Islamist rebels. Washington said the United States carried out a "self-defense air strike" after Somali troops faced fire from militants. It said nine al Shabaab militants had been killed but that it was looking into reports others may also have died. "The cabinet requests the U.S. government give a clear explanation about the attack its planes carried out on the Galmudug forces," the government statement, signed by Mohamed Omar Arte, said. It also urged both Galmudug and Puntland, which have often clashed over territory in the past, to mend fences. Protests erupted in Galkayo after the U.S. strikes, with demonstrators burning U.S. flags and chanting anti-American slogans. The United States, a major donor to Somalia's government in Mogadishu, has often bombed al Shabaab militant positions and commanders in its bid to support the government and help the nation rebuild after two decades of war. In a separate statement, Somali General Ali Bashi said the Somali military had confirmed that members of the Galmudug forces and civilians were killed in the strike, describing it as a case of "friendly fire".The general also said al Shabaab was not in the area, confirming the al Qaeda-affiliated militants' earlier claim that they had no forces there at the time of the attack, which occurred overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; writing by Edmund Blair; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Baghdad (AFP) - When Ahmed Saadawi finished writing "Frankenstein in Baghdad", a dark fantasy about the war that tore Iraq apart a decade ago, he thought his novel dealt with the past.

But just like the monster Mary Shelley first dreamt up exactly 200 years ago, Saadawi's hero then took on a life of its own.

A fresh wave of violence in Iraq and the region has given renewed relevance to the novel, which was published in 2013, as the Arab Spring gave way to chaos and before a third of Saadawi's native Iraq fell to ultra-violent jihadists.

Saadawi won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2014 and became one of the new stars of the regional literary world.

"Frankenstein in Baghdad" was released in Italian earlier this year, a French translation hit bookshops this month and the English is due early next year.

In the novel, Hadi al-Attag, a rag-and-bone man from the old Baghdad neighbourhood of Bataween, sews together body parts scattered by bombings to form a full body.

A displaced soul then enters the figure. Hadi calls it the "shesma" -- Iraqi dialect that translates as "whatsitsname".

The creature starts killing, first to avenge bombing victims but then more randomly to get fresh parts to replace its own decomposing flesh.

- 'The shesma is us' -

"The shesma is not an imaginary fantasy creature, the shesma is us," Saadawi told AFP.

"He thinks he is doing something good but he is participating in killing and destruction," he said. "All of us have done this in one way or another, by welcoming, endorsing or not objecting to crimes."

The story begins in the spring of 2005 and ends a year later on the eve of the 2006 bomb attack on a Shiite shrine in the city of Samarra that ignited two years of sectarian-driven bloodletting.

Saadawi's book -- which includes earthy and often hilarious descriptions of Bataween, a once beautiful Jewish neighbourhood now best known for prostitution and crime -- has been something of a phenomenon on the Iraq literary scene.

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The author, a genial character with salt-and-pepper stubble and a soaring forehead framing sparkling bespectacled eyes, is easily found at one of his favourite cafes and very accessible.

"Some friends have removed me from Facebook, some have made me a god, others sent me pictures of themselves burning my book," Saadawi said, waving a copy of "Frankenstein in Baghdad".

The 43-year-old doesn't seem to entirely dislike the attention.

Saadawi, who is from a family with no artistic pedigree and grew up in the humble neighbourhood of Sadr City, learned to read and write by accompanying his mother to literacy classes.

- Hollywood deal in offing -

"That got me writing earlier than other kids... By the time I was seven, I was writing many stories about animals," he said.

"I would read them to my friends and they would listen to me, it made me feel famous. So at that time I already had this idea that fiction was part of real life."

Publishing giant Penguin is releasing "Frankenstein" in the United States soon and a deal for a Hollywood adaptation is in the works.

But being a novelist in Baghdad, even a successful one, does not pay the rent and Saadawi works as a journalist and documentary maker to make ends meet and finance the next novel.

Shelley invented Frankenstein during a holiday spent trapped indoors in 1816, which became known as "the year without a summer" because the ash from the eruption in Indonesia of Mount Tambora plunged much of the world into a long volcanic winter.

Saadawi, however, bases his writing on a thorough knowledge of the street, its people and the Baghdadi slang they speak that shows at every turn of the page.

"Not every novelist is (Ernest) Hemingway, with extremely diverse life experiences," he said of the American author he cites as a major influence.

"The novelist should have the journalist's aptitude to look for stories first, venture into reality to capture details," he said.

- Inspired by grim reality -

The idea for his book is rooted in what has been Iraq's grim reality for years.

Saadawi recounted two specific incidents that shocked him and inspired him to write "Frankenstein in Baghdad".

One was in the city of Baquba when Al-Qaeda in Iraq, the previous incarnation of what is now the Islamic State group, kidnapped a man, killed him and chopped his body into pieces.

"They dropped each piece in a different part of Baquba... When the city woke up, each neighbourhood saw a different body part.

"They made the whole city see the body simultaneously," he said. "What criminal genius!"

The other moment that stuck with him was also at the height of the civil war that raged a decade ago when hospitals were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of bodies being brought in after bombings.

The fridges were overflowing and bodies simply lined up in corridors. Saadawi told of how one exhausted forensic team "lost their humanity".

"One day someone came asking about his brother... they told him that all the bodies had already been collected by their families, except for these pieces," he said.

"There were mismatched, unclaimed... body parts and they told him to assemble a man from them and take it away."
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's rand weakened on Thursday as data showed credit demand growth slowed more than expected in August, underscoring the slowdown in Africa's most industrialised economy ahead of credit rating reviews by year-end. Stocks closed higher, as the weaker currency benefited 'rand-hedged' companies with high proportions of foreign earnings. At 1557 GMT, the rand traded at 13.8725 per dollar, 1.9 percent weaker than its New York close on Wednesday. Growth in credit demand by South Africa's private sector slowed to 6.15 percent year-on-year in August from 6.78 percent in July, the central bank said. The market had expected credit demand to slow to 6.6 percent in August, according to a Reuters poll. "The growth of credit extended to the domestic private sector has trended downward since reaching a peak of 10.17 percent year-on-year in December last year," NKC African Economics analyst Gerrit van Rooyen said. "This reflects continued sluggish demand in the South Africa economy, despite a rebound in GDP growth in (second quarter) 2016." Concerns over possible credit ratings downgrades also resurfaced after an executive from Standard & Poor's said the slow reform of South Africa's state-owned firms and the upheaval swirling around finance minister Pravin Gordhan pose risks to the country's investment grade credit rating. An elite police unit is investigating the finance minister over a spy unit at the tax agency, set up when he was at its helm. Analysts say President Jacob Zuma's allies are driving the probe in a bid to oust Gordhan, something the president denied. On the stock market, the benchmark Top-40 index rose 1.9 percent to 46,095 points, while the All-Share index gained 1.79 percent to 52,698 points. A weakening rand supported rand-hedged stocks, or those with operations abroad. "Rand hedges" are companies that reap the bulk of their revenue outside of South Africa, making them less sensitive to weakness in the currency. BHP Billiton rose 6.17 percent to 207.50 rand, British American Tobacco gained 1.96 percent to 892.16 rand and Anglo American climbed 5.32 percent to 173.04 rand. In fixed income, the yield for the benchmark instrument due in 2026 was up 0.5 basis points at 8.675 percent. (Reporting by Tanisha Heiberg and Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has ordered his ministers to tackle student protests that have shut down most universities, a cabinet spokesman said on Thursday, amid concerns over the impact of the disruption on state finances and the economy. The students' refusal to accept fee hikes is another blow for Africa's most advanced economy, which is at risk of being cut to "junk" by ratings agencies later this year. "President Jacob Zuma has instructed the justice, crime prevention and security cluster to deal with the mayhem that is destroying our institutions of higher learning," Jeff Radebe, Minister in the Presidency, told a post-cabinet media briefing. Education is an emotive issue in South Africa, where the black majority was largely excluded from higher learning during white minority rule which ended in 1994. Last year students demanding free education marched on Zuma's offices in the capital Pretoria, prompting him to freeze fee increases. However last week the government announced fee hikes of up to eight percent, leading to the disruption of classes at most universities. "Out of 26 universities only nine of them are operational," University of Johannesburg Vice Chancellor Ihron van Rensburg told the ENCA news channel on Thursday. In a separate statement Zuma's office rejected rumors on social media that he had reshuffled the cabinet. Investors are highly sensitive to cabinet reshuffles in South Africa after Zuma's decision last December to fire two finance ministers in the space of three days sent the rand currency plummeting. His actions raised concerns about the ability of the treasury to withstand political meddling and stick to promises to cut spending. More recently investors have been rattled by a police investigation of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. "... the political turmoil and pressures (around Gordhan) are certainly of concern," Standard & Poor's managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, Konrad Reuss, said on Thursday on the sidelines of a banking conference in Johannesburg. In June S&P's analysts left South Africa's BBB- rating on a 'negative' outlook. Fitch has an equivalent rating of the country's debt also with a negative outlook. Zuma, hit by scandals, survived an impeachment vote in parliament earlier this year but led the ruling ANC to its worst ever election result in August, losing three major cities to opposition parties, and bleeding support from urban voters. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf and Mfuneko Toyana; Writing by TJ Strydom; Editing by Gareth Jones)
By Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court rejected a request by prosecutors for a warrant to arrest Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin in the latest twist in a wide-ranging corruption probe that has convulsed the country's fifth-largest family-run conglomerate. But an investigation that has constricted management since flaring into public in June, derailing plans for billion-dollar deals, will continue. Prosecutors may re-submit their request, a prosecution source said, and warrant or not, Shin could yet face trial - a process that with appeals could last many months. A Seoul Central District Court judge said early on Thursday the arrest warrant request had been turned down after a hearing at which Shin, 61, appeared on Wednesday. The court said it didn't view Shin's arrest as necessary. The probe into the retail to chemicals group had uncovered embezzlement or breach of trust involving about 170 billion won ($155 million), the prosecution source said, without specifying a time frame. Shin's father, the 93-year-old Lotte Group founder Shin Kyuk-ho, was pushed aside last year in a bitter succession feud between his two sons and was questioned by prosecutors previously in the probe. A Lotte Group spokesman said many of the suspicions raised by prosecutors against Shin Dong-bin concerned dealings that had been conducted at his father's behest, an explanation the current chairman set out at the Wednesday hearing. Prosecutors rejected that argument and were critical of the court's move to dismiss the request for an arrest warrant. "We very much regret that it was denied due to chairman Shin Dong-bin's unreasonable claim that it was his father exercising management control" over dealings under investigation, the prosecution source said. A spokesman for Lotte's founder declined to comment. Lotte, which was forced by the investigation to shelve a planned $4.5 billion initial public offering of its Hotel Lotte unit in June, said after the court ruling it aimed to return to business as usual as quickly as possible. Shares in listed units Lotte Shopping <023530.KS> and Lotte Chemical <011170.KS> rose as investors looked forward to that prospect. "We have a strong intention to do the IPO. After we see what happens with the investigation, we will begin considering it," the Lotte spokesman told Reuters. "When prosecutors' investigation concludes, we plan to announce reform measures and social contribution plans, and begin reviewing investment plans again such as M&A." The Hotel Lotte IPO had been intended in part to bring more transparency and improve corporate governance at the conglomerate, which was widely criticized in South Korea after a bitter public feud last year between Shin and his older brother over who would succeed their father at the head of the group. In addition to derailing the IPO, the investigation also prompted Lotte Chemical to drop out of bidding for U.S. chemical firm Axiall Corp in June. It was also the backdrop for the apparent suicide last month of one of the group's top executives, hours before he was due to be questioned by prosecutors. ($1 = 1,095.7000 won) (Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Tony Munroe and Kenneth Maxwell)
From Popular Mechanics

Elon Musk had his head in another world yesterday when he spoke to the 67th International Astronautical Congress in Mexico. His speech was meant to announce the hardware he wants to develop to get humans permanently settled on Mars. Amid the questions from the audience, which included self-promotional goofballs and awe-struck fanboys, a woman from Russia got applause by griping that SpaceX doesn't hire people from outside the United States. "You are going interplanetary," she said. "When will you go international?"

Musk explained that he'd like to bring in international talent, as he does at Tesla, but that U.S. laws restrict him from doing so. The answer shut up the questioner, but some were left puzzled. Why would a peaceful private space program face such security-minded restrictions?

Photo credit: SpaceX

The laws Musk is talking about are export laws called International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR. Depending who who ask, they are a drag on cooperation and efficiency or the bedrock of national security. Either way, these laws guarantee that Musk can only go for homegrown talent. Or, at least, talent that knows how to navigate these laws.

The basics of these regulations is pretty simple: Information about military technology is to be limited to citizens and U.S.-based companies. The law actually uses the term "U.S. Person" to include full-blown citizens and green-card holders. When sensitive information is being bandied about, the government wants to keep companies inside the U.S. where they can be better vetted. In an age of byzantine networks of contractors and subcontractors, it seems like a prudent measure to ensure the United States doesn't hire, say, a Chinese firm that may be interested in an advanced warplane design. The U.S. State Department can grant an exception to ITAR rules. Violations bring hefty fines and can harm companies trying to win future government contracts.

Story continues

That all makes sense, but where do space launches fit it?

Intercontinental ballistic missiles and orbital rockets have a lot in common. They rise from the ground, drop empty fuel tanks called boosters, and release their payloads into space. Musk launches satellites in this way. I's also the way you launch a nuclear warhead across the planet.

One person's plowshare is another's sword.

To be sure, the science behind these launches are different and they are by no means identical problems for engineers. In other words, it would take a lot of modding to launch a warhead from a Falcon 9. But the rocket stages, engines, and even guidance can inform a ballistic weapons program. So these items are on the ITAR list.

Photo credit: DAVID MCNEW / AFP/Getty

You see probably where this is going. ITAR regulates possible dual-use technology like rocket launches and makes working at space launch companies off-limits to non-U.S. citizens. So what kind of things are on a Falcon 9 that shouldn't be shared with, say, Iran? There's probably plenty, but here's one example.

The stages of SpaceX's Falcon 9 separate with a mechanical ball-and-socket system instead of using the industry standard: explosives. Pyrotechnic charges have been used since before Apollo to decouple the empty parts of a rocket-once the fuel is burned, fuel tanks are just unwanted weight. But the explosives need to be defused if a launch is canceled, adding expense and delay. SpaceX's design negates those concerns and enables the quick turnaround of launch vehicles. This is what happened during the company's first, aborted launch to the ISS in 2010. The flight occurred days later. There was no delay of weeks or longer that such an abort would cause other launchers.

If you put these things on an ICBM, it would be a lot easier to keep the multi-stage rocket on alert. An increase in readiness means a better capability, less overhead, more missiles. That is how dual-use works. One person's plowshare is another's sword.

Of course, there is plenty of pushback against ITAR for the very reasons we heard in Mexico. It hampers cooperation in space. And it manifests in other inconvenient ways. Some military programs, like the F-35 warplane, are designed to have international partners-the U.S. is selling the planes to many of its allies. Yet the work is restricted by ITAR. Airplanes landing on foreign airfields can't do some maintenance work if there are no secure facilities. Defense contractors that share space with civilian programs must have separate areas where foreign collaborators can't go. Airplane hangars with certain equipment on display is off-limits to visiting military officials, but U.S. journalists can come as they please. (Well, with an escort.*)

That's the nature of ITAR, a situation even Elon Musk has to abide.

Once, while reporting a story about SpaceX's launch facility, I wrote captions for the pictures and sent them to the home office for the editors to post on the Popular Mechanics website. I got a call soon after from beleaguered SpaceX spokesperson Katherine Nelson. "There's a problem with the stage separation hardware photo," she said. "You weren't supposed to take any pictures of that." I felt like a jerk, but pointed out that SpaceX never said I couldn't shoot it. Nelson didn't care too much about that: "The problem here is that image violates ITAR." In this case, I was showing the world a new, novel way of creating an intercontinental ballistic missile.

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LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Spain's 10-year bond yield moved away on Thursday from record lows hit this week, underperforming its regional peers, as ructions in the Socialist Party renewed concerns about political stability in the euro zone's fourth-biggest economy.

Senior Socialist Party members resigned en masse on Wednesday in a bid to unseat their leader and break a political impasse that has left the nation without a government all year.

News this week that the wealthy region of Catalonia will hold a referendum on independence from Spain next year, whether or not the central government in Madrid agrees to one, also weighed on sentiment towards Spanish bonds, analysts said.

Spain's 10-year government bond yield rose 3 basis points (bps) to about 0.93 percent and was just over 5 bps above Wednesday's all-time low at about 0.88 percent.

It underperformed its peers in the euro zone periphery, which drew some support from a recovery in risk assets. Portuguese bond yields fell 4 bps, while Italian yields were about 2 bps higher.

As Spanish bonds came under selling pressure, the yield gap between Italian and Spanish 10-year bonds narrowed to about 28 bps. It had moved out to about 31 bps this week - its widest level since late 2014.

"With Spain being the laggard among the peripherals, it appears that some increased political uncertainty is weighing on the market," DZ Bank strategist, Christian Lenk, said.

"The removal of support for Socialist leader (Pedro) Sanchez could pave the way for a new leader but it's far from certain, on the other hand if he steps down that could increase the possibility of the Socialists supporting a government led by Rajoy," he said, referring to acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

(Reporting by Dhara Ranasinghe; Editing by Louise Ireland)
Madrid (AFP) - Spanish police have seized a record 100 tonnes of contraband tobacco worth 16 million euros ($18 million) and arrested 13 people suspected of selling it over the internet, they said Thursday.

The tobacco was found in warehouses in the eastern region of Valencia and in Badajoz in the west, police said in a statement.

"This is the largest seizure of tobacco ever carried out in Spain," the statement said.

Police arrested 13 Spanish and Polish nationals suspected of selling the tobacco online, disregarding hygiene standards.

"They used, without any sanitary controls, chemical products to improve the taste and smell of the tobacco," police said.

Police said they opened their investigation in January after they discovered a website offering tobacco for sale.
Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVegas maternity dress is a metallic marvel covered in polka dots

Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVegas maternity dress is a metallic marvel covered in polka dots

First of all, we need to talk about the fact that Alexa PenaVega is actually an adult. It seems like just yesterday we were going gaga over the super imaginative Spy Kids film with badass Carmen at its center but actually it was fifteen years ago. Yeah. Spy Kids came out in 2001. We still have the issue where ten years ago means 1990 in our heads, so while its not surprising to realize that Alexa PenaVega is twenty-eight, married, and pregnant, were still kind of surprised! And we feel SO old.

One thing that hasnt changed, though, is that Alexa PenaVega is still the COOLEST  and she reminded us of that when she stepped out in this baller polka-dotted metallic dress:

Variety's 10 Latinos To Watch - Arrivals

Since we can barely walk in heels on a good day, were amazed at Alexa PenaVegas matching metallic shoes. And look at that bump! Girl deserves a medal for walking in those with her center of gravity so out of whack.

She also took a minute to let photographers get some TRULY cavity-inducing photos of her with husband Carlos PenaVega, and we love them ALMOST as much as we love her dress.

Variety's 10 Latinos To Watch - Arrivals

Seriously too cute to stand.

Variety's 10 Latinos To Watch - Arrivals

And it obviously goes without saying that Alexa PenaVega looked STUNNING.

Variety's 10 Latinos To Watch - Arrivals

Talk about glowing.

Alexa PenaVega wore this stunning shimmery sheath to Varietys 10 Latinos to Watch event, where Variety honored Eva Longoria, Stephanie Sigman, Karla Souza, Luis Gerardo Mendez, Maite Perroni, Lorenza Izzo, Diane Guerrero, Miguel Gomez, Diego Boneta, Raul Castillo, and Natalie Martinez.

In addition to the above, well just be over here honoring Alexa.

The post Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVegas maternity dress is a metallic marvel covered in polka dots appeared first on HelloGiggles.
From LennyLetter

Georgia state representative Stacey Abrams is, by all accounts, a political powerhouse poised to lead the Democratic Party into the next decade. At just 42, she's the House minority leader (the first woman and the first African American in that role, and she unseated five Republicans to get there). The New York Times recently named her one of "14 Young Democrats to Watch," and Emily's List honored her with the Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award. She also has a degree from Yale Law School, is an entrepreneur, and writes romance novels about spies, ethnobotanists, and chemical physicists on the side.

Resplendent in a red suit, Abrams gave a stirring speech about her passion for public service at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. "Growing up as the daughter of a librarian and a shipyard worker in Southern Mississippi, my family was hit time and again by the economic insecurity that is too often driven by racism, sexism, and the ills that come from being born in the wrong ZIP code," Abrams said. "Still, every day my parents taught us, all six of their children, to celebrate through service the grace that is America."

Ashley C. Ford spoke to Abrams earlier this year about her commitment to registering minority voters in Georgia with her New Georgia Project, what happened when her parents became ministers and how that inspired her commitment to public work, and all about those spies in love.

Ashley Ford: I read that your parents went to school together and became ministers together. How, if at all, have religion and spirituality inspired your commitment to public service?

Stacey Abrams: What drove my parents was the notion that their faith required dedication to social justice. Those two pieces have always been inextricably linked for us. We converted from being Baptist to Methodist. The Bible has to be a living, breathing, and active part of who you are. That was how my parents raised us. For me, when they decided to become minsters at the age of 40, it was a natural progression from the lives they lived.

Story continues

When you're the daughter of two ministers, you're always feeling afraid of failing the Holy Spirit. I don't want to get called into the family business. My ministry is government. There are very few things as profound as government. Government at its most basic is people who contribute to each other. Who organize themselves to support one another. We conflate government and politics, but they're not the same thing.

I do not claim to be a minister. Let me be very clear. But my beliefs animate me. They animate the choices I make as a legislator.

AF: Would you say that in general people who get involved in government work approach it from that place of the call, or at least the desire, to serve?

SA: It is my profound hope that is what motivates people. I would say that sometimes the act of reality is less clear. We make choices, I find sometimes, that are counter to that idea of service. There's a selfishness that can be embedded in being in politics that I think you have to actively guard against. There is narcissism that is inherent.

AF: How do you combat that?

SA: The job of a minority leader can be done in one of two ways. My approach, from the very beginning, has been to make my first priority cooperation, which seems counterintuitive when your job is to be the opposition.

In my mind, the role is not to prove the other side to be wrong or evil. There's a core element that makes competition necessary. I don't want to diminish that. My first priority is to find out: "How do you get the work done?" When you are in the minority, the work only gets done if the majority agrees to work with you.

Too often we mistake positions for power. It happens in politics a lot of the time. For me, it's always making certain that I never take my position to mean that I have power. Or that I underestimate the power of other people because of the position they hold.

AF: You're the first woman to lead either party for the Georgia General Assembly, and the first African American to lead in the House of Representatives. What does it feel like to be a first and then to also take the nontraditional position? I feel like so often with firsts, they try to blend in.

SA: I begin my approach with the recognition that as a minority, you're always starting at a different posture. It's just ignorance to think that you aren't. I would love to imagine that my uniqueness pervades all and convinces people to do what I want. It's not going to happen.

Your status is a beginning. It's the marker. It starts the narrative. Your job, then, is to fill it out and give it contour, texture, and meaning. If you spend all of your time grounded in the identity you don't create the story. I feel very comfortable saying that I'm the only minority leader to also be a romance novelist, and I'm definitely the only one who is a tax attorney, romance novelist, slash entrepreneur. Those are all different parts of who I am. I don't give primacy to any of them more than the other except to know that they each tell a story about me.

Yes, I'm the first woman to have this job. What that means is when I enter a space with men who are not used to having the conversations I need them to have with me, I begin by trying to create a space for that conversation to happen. You can enter it with anger, with an assumption of discrimination, or you can enter it as an opportunity to give people a chance to be different than they are. I enter the space knowing, "You probably haven't talked to someone with my equipment about issues like this, so let me help you out."

I've started three companies with my business partner, whose name is Laura Hodgson. Laura is one of the smartest people I know. She and I met in a leadership class. We became really good friends. We rely on each other. When we became business partners, people who knew us were very confused. She's a white woman who is a Republican, and I'm a black woman who's a Democrat.

AF: To shift gears a bit, I was reading about how committed you are to increasing opportunities for political engagement for people of color. What is the biggest obstacle to getting voters of colors to the polls?

SA: The South is changing dramatically and quickly. It is going to be majority-minority in the next decade. Georgia will be majority-minority by 2025. The rest of the Southern states, probably another fifteen years after that. It's going to happen. We should all be terrified of having so much of our population disenfranchised and disengaged from our politics. The decisions that we make about how we collect our money, how we spend our money, how we treat our people, and how we raise our children, those choices are political decisions. I am terrified that we will ignore this burgeoning population until it's too late.

Intellectually, I've considered this in my academic work, but there's a practical responsibility. That practical responsibility starts with "How do you cast a ballot?" You cast a ballot by being registered to vote. Thus, we've created the New Georgia Project. We focus on people of color because they are the largest portion of the population that has the least amount of political power.

AF: Do you think the people in similar positions to you are being held back by the lack of diversity in politics at the state level?

SA: I recognize the importance of diversity, but I also recognize and have the capacity to grow and groom my team. Most of the young people who work for me had never held jobs like the New Georgia Project before. Typically, you hire people with experience. Experience is first. I took a different approach, and I thought when I hired my team,Experience is good, passion is better. I can teach you how to do it. I can't teach you why. I can't teach you to have that fire that says, "I need to serve."

AF: So you're a house minority leader slash business owner slash tax attorney slash voter advocate. How and where did you find the energy to write eight novels?

SA: I am privileged to have a range of interests and to have skills. The first novel I wrote was actually going to be a spy novel. I found out publishers didn't think that men would agree to buy spy novels about women, so I made my spies fall in love. I still killed the same number of people. My first heroine was a chemical physicist. I have another one who's an ethnobotanist. I have another one who's just a drifter. I get to explore these worlds, and I find that energizing.

AF: What's next for you?

SA: My goal is to turn Georgia blue. I believe that we can turn out voters that no one has talked to in decades and who don't expect to be involved in politics.

This interview has been condensed and edited.

Ashley C. Ford is a writer and editor for herself, and a development executive for Matter Studios.
Producer Barbara Muschietti confirmed on Instagram on Sept. 22 that the It remake, starring Stranger Things breakout Finn Wolfhard (pictured), wrapped production just days after the 30th anniversary of 1986's Stephen King killer-clown novel upon which the New Line film is based.

The finish comes as online conspiracy theorists have linked a creepy rash of clown sightings - Pennsylvania authorities fielding calls of clowns yelling at children; Kentucky authorities arresting a 20-year-old lurker in full costume; and Tennessee police arresting a 64-year-old man who admitted to dressing as a clown and threatening children - to the studio, claiming it's all part of a viral marketing campaign. But here's the final word: "New Line is absolutely not involved in the rash of clown sightings," a studio spokesperson tells THR.

But that doesn't discount the fact that the creepy clowns are still causing concern in the U.S., with more sightings in places like Arkansas, Mississippi and South Carolina. Police in Barbourville, Kentucky, posted a lengthy public service announcement on Facebook, encouraging citizens to refrain from clowning around.

"Dressing as a clown and driving, walking or standing in public can create a dangerous situation for you and others. This creates a risk of harm to you, of collisions near roadways and to bystanders and children who become frightened. While dressing up is not, in and of itself against the law, doing so in public and thereby creating an unnecessary sense of alarm is illegal," reads the post. "If you create such a situation that violates the law you will be charged and arrested. Also ly reporting incidents to law enforcement is illegal and can lead to arrest."

A version of this story first appeared in the Oct. 14 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / Levi & Korsinsky, LLP announces that it filed a lawsuit on behalf of Tesla Motors, Inc. (TSLA) to challenge its proposed acquisition of SolarCity. The lawsuit alleges that Elon Musk and other conflicted Tesla directors, with the assistance of certain SolarCity directors, orchestrated Tesla's acquisition of SolarCity to protect their personal investments in SolarCity, and Musk's legacy in the solar energy industry.

According to the complaint, before the announcement of this deal, SolarCity was on the verge of collapse. If SolarCity fails, Musk and his family and friends, who are Tesla and SolarCity directors, will lose millions of dollars that they invested in SolarCity. In order to prevent these losses and protect their personal interests, Musk, Tesla's CEO, Chairman and controlling stockholder, and the other Tesla and SolarCity directors forced Tesla to bailout SolarCity at a vastly inflated price. In fact, Musk, and his family and friends will collect nearly $1 billion of SolarCity's purported $2.6 billion equity value while saddling Tesla with more than $3 billion of SolarCity's debt. The SolarCity acquisition may also destroy Tesla's future. Tesla is close to achieving its goal of mass producing an affordable electric car and becoming a profitable company, but it still faces many obstacles. Tesla, therefore, cannot afford the distraction of integrating a cash burning, non-core asset into the company.

To protect the interests of Tesla and its stockholders, Levi & Korsinsky, on behalf of Tesla, filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery challenging its proposed acquisition of SolarCity, and seeking all appropriate remedies. If you wish to join the lawsuit or view a copy of the complaint, go to:

http://zlk.9nl.com/tesla

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@zlk.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972.

Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

30 Broad Street - 24th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Tel: (212) 363-7500

Toll Free: (877) 363-5972

Fax: (212) 363-7171

www.zlk.com

SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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Stocks slogged through the red on Thursday amid worrying headlines about Deutsche Bank.

All major indices finished down for the day, while the troubled German lender's shares fell by as much as 7% in the afternoon.

First up, the scoreboard:

Dow: 18,181.25, -157.99, (-0.86%)

S&P 500: 2,155.23, -16.24, (-0.75%)

Nasdaq: 5,276.24, -42.24, (-0.79%)

WTI Crude: $47.70, +$0.65, (+1.4%)

1o-year yield: 1.560%, -0.007

Additionally:

OPEC reached a surprising deal  here's what comes next.

"A perfect storm:" Here are 50 slides that will get every gold bull psyched up.

Trump's not the only reason the Mexican peso has been getting whacked.

A huge hedge fund just settled bribery charges with the feds for $200 million.

NOW WATCH: STIGLITZ: It makes me crazy that everyone gets this wrong about the economy





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In its new term, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on Halloween about a conflict that started when a disabled child couldnt bring a service dog to a public school.

Photo: ACLU Michigan

This isnt the first time in recent years that a canine-related case has appeared before the Justices. In April 2015, the Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that police officers in Nebraska needed a search warrant after they deployed trained drug-sniffing dog officer Floyd after a traffic stop.

And back in early 2013, the Court ruled in two other important Fourth Amendment cases involving nosy police dogs. Both incidents took part in Florida. In Florida v. Harris, canine officer Aldo was on the scene of a traffic stop when his human partner was refused permission to search a car that was pulled over for a traffic violation. Aldo then alerted to a substance on a car handle, which the Justices upheld as evidence of probable cause for the officer to search within the car.

The other case, Florida v. Jardines, involved canine officer Franky, who was accompanying his partner after police received a tip about an alleged marijuana growing activity inside a house. Franky was on the houses porch when he alerted to the presence of marijuana. The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that Frankys sniff was a Fourth Amendment violation, since a search warrant was needed before Frankys talents were deployed.

This year, Wonder the Goldendoodle is a minor, but important player in Fry v. Napoleon Community Schools. The controversy here is over the rights of a disabled childs parents to sue a public school receiving federal funding after the school wouldnt allow the child to bring a service dog to school to help her during her classes.

The child in the case was born with cerebral palsy. When the girl was the age of five, a pediatrician prescribed Wonder to the girl and her family to help her with daily tasks. The Napoleon Community school district in Michigan said that it had already provided a one-on-one support person to help the child at school, and the dog wasnt needed. Wonder was later allowed at school in a limited fashion for a trial period, but the school decided to not allow Wonder back at school after that period ended.

Story continues

The family withdrew the child from school, deciding on homeschooling as an option, and it filed a civil rights complaint, alleging the school district violated the federal Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation acts. A civil rights panel ruled that the school district violated the childs rights, and the school agreed to let the child and her dog attend school together. But the school district didnt admit liability in the case, and the child transferred to another school.

The family then sued on the childs behalf to recover damages for the period when Wonder was barred from the school, on the theory the child suffered emotional and social harm.

A district court dismissed the lawsuit, saying that the family needed to find a solution with the school under another act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (or IDEA). A divided federal Sixth Circuit Court panel agreed. The court cited yet another act, the Handicapped Childrens Protection Act of 1986 (or HCPA), that requires the family seek damages under the IDEA. The majority said the family hadnt exhausted all of its educational options with the school under the IDEA and that a monetary damages civil suit wasnt allowed under the IDEA. (A full bench then denied a rehearing and the family appealed to the Supreme Court.)

The Supreme Court accepted the appeal on June 28, 2016. The question before the Court is whether the HCPA commands exhaustion in a lawsuit, brought under the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act, that seeks damages  a remedy that is not available under the IDEA.

The Justice Department urged the Court to take the case to resolve a split among several federal circuit courts on the interpretation of the acts. This case offers the Court a suitable vehicle in which to clarify the law and effectuate Congresss goal of preserving freestanding causes of actionapart from the IDEAas viable mechanisms for protecting children with disabilities, it argued.

Scott Bomboy is the editor in chief of the National Constitution Center.

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By Arshad Mohammed, Jonathan Landay and John Walcott WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday said there is no point pursuing further negotiations with Russia over Syria, leaving the Obama administration without a backup plan and scrambling to develop new options to stop the mounting carnage. "We are on the verge of suspending the discussion" with Russia, Kerry said at a public policy discussion in Washington. "It is one of those moments where we're going to have to pursue other alternatives for a period of time." Two U.S. officials said the United States was expected to inform Russia on Thursday it was suspending diplomatic contacts on Syria, given the collapse of a jointly brokered truce on Sept. 19 and the latest violence in Aleppo. On Wednesday, U.S. officials told Reuters that President Barack Obama's administration had begun considering tougher responses - including military options - to the Russian-backed Syrian government's assault on Aleppo, the country's largest city. The officials said the failure of diplomacy in Syria has left the administration no choice but to consider alternatives, most of which involve some use of force and have been examined before but held in abeyance. "The president has asked all of the agencies to put forward options, some familiar, some new, that we are very actively reviewing," Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken told lawmakers on Thursday, without giving details. He said officials would "work through these in the days ahead." Speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Blinken said "all of the outside patrons are going to throw in more and more weaponry against Russia. Russia will be left propping up (President Bashar al-)Assad in an ever smaller piece of Syria." The destruction in Aleppo is so great that the U.S. should be able to assemble greater international military and logistical support and training for the embattled rebels, said one U.S. official. The United States and Russia are on opposite sides of the civil war. Washington has said Assad must "step aside" and has been backing some opposition groups, while Moscow intervened militarily a year ago to support Assad. On Thursday, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations called the assault on Aleppo a gift to the Islamic State extremist group, which has used the chaos of the civil war to seize chunks of Syrian territory. 'SOUL-SHATTERING' U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said what Assad and Russia were doing in Aleppo was "soul-shattering." "What they are doing is sowing not only the doom of this country ... but it is going to generate more refugee flow, more radicalization," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power said. "What they are doing is a gift to ISIL (Islamic State)." In Washington, some officials questioned whether the United States may have been played by Russia. "Kerry and the White House basically bet everything on the diplomatic track on the assumption that (Russian President Vladmir) Putin didn't want Russia trapped in another Afghanistan and would seek a way to avoid that," said an official privy to the administration discussions. The Russians "were never serious about anything more than the appearance of negotiations," the official added. "The worst part is that they used Kerry's belief in the talks to build up their forces, give Assad's guys a chance to rebuild and prepare for what we're seeing now. If you ask me, they played us," the official added. Now, another official said, the administration once again finds itself forced to respond to a Russian initiative, as it did in Ukraine and Crimea and also is doing in cyberspace. In all three areas, this official said, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, "there are no good options." (Additional reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Writing by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Sandra Maler)
ALMATY (Reuters) - Opposition politicians and activists in Tajikistan have accused the government of orchestrating lynch mob-style attacks on their families as part of a broader crackdown on dissent by President Imomali Rakhmon. The Dushanbe government has denied directing the attacks and said it would investigate them. Tajik authorities last year outlawed the opposition group, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT), and have since jailed most of its senior officials on charges of staging a failed September 2015 coup. Now, politicians say, their families are being targeted by mobs acting with impunity. "Threats, pogroms, arsons and stone-throwing attacks have begun against the homes of the relatives of opposition members and those who have spoken at this conference," Mukhiddin Kabiri, the leader in exile of IRPT, told a conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Warsaw on Wednesday. Kabiri, who addressed the conference by Skype, said there had been at least six such attacks across the Central Asian state over the preceding three days, including those against his relatives. U.S.-based rights group Human Rights Watch also cited several cases of mob attacks, in one of which the crowd assaulted a 10-year-old niece of a political activist, hitting and kicking her. Circumstances "suggest that the attacks were orchestrated and coordinated by Tajik authorities", the group said. "Tajikistan is in the midst of the worst political and religious crackdown since the end of the countrys 1992-1997 civil war." The official Tajik delegation had walked out of the same conference on September 23, protesting that the OSCE had allowed opposition activists to take part and describing them as criminals. Tajikistan's Interior Ministry said on Thursday it had not received any requests from the alleged victims of the attacks but would investigate them. President Rakhmon enjoys sweeping powers amid a flourishing personality cult, and strengthened his position even further this year through a referendum that amended the constitution, allowing him to run for an unlimited number of terms. Mostly Muslim Tajikistan, which borders volatile Afghanistan, is the poorest former Soviet republic with per capita gross domestic product of just $2,780, according to World Bank data. Almost one-third of the population officially lives in poverty. (Reporting by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Richasrd Balmforth)
By Harriet McLeod

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - A 14-year-old South Carolina boy shot and killed his father then drove to an elementary school playground where he wounded two children and a teacher with a handgun before being tackled by a firefighter who held him for police, authorities said on Wednesday.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, was accused by police of fatally shooting his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, then driving a pickup truck about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Townville Elementary School where he crashed into a fence surrounding the playground.

After the teenager began shooting, volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock pinned him down while staff led children to safety inside the building, Anderson County emergency services director Taylor Jones told a news conference.

Police arrived within seven minutes of a teacher calling 911 to take the suspect into custody at the school in Anderson County, near the Georgia state line about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta. The shooter never entered the building, said Chief Deputy Keith Smith.

Authorities do not know the motivation of the shooting but ruled out race as both the shooter and victims were white.

U.S. schools have taken added security precautions since 2012 when a gunman shot and killed 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, was hailed on social media as a hero and credited with preventing another school massacre.

"(He) was there in the hot scene and risked his life to mitigate this incident," Jones said. "He just used enough force to take him to the ground."

One of the victims, 6-year-old Jacob Hall who police say was shot in the leg, remained in critical condition, Greenville Health System spokeswoman Sandy Dees said.

The other boy and a female teacher were treated and released, said Ross Norton, a spokesman for AnMed Health Medical Center. The boy, who local media reported was 6 years old, was shot in the foot and the teacher in the shoulder, authorities said.

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SUSPECT CALLED GRANDMOTHER

Anderson County Sheriffs Office Captain Garland Major told reporters he did not know the relationship between the shooter and those wounded at the school.

Authorities said the suspect was home-schooled and called his grandmother who went to his home and found the boy's father had been shot.

"She could not make out what he was saying because he was crying and upset and so they went to the house ... and thats when she discovered her son and called 911," coroner Greg Shore told a news conference on Wednesday night.

Immediately after the shooting, armed officers guarded students as they were evacuated from the school and taken by bus to a nearby church, local media said. Television images showed police swarming the school, with some officers on the roof while others moved around the building.

Jamie Meredith, whose daughter is in kindergarten at Townville Elementary, told WYFF news that she panicked after getting word of the shooting. Her daughter is OK but described a scene of scared and crying children.

Im just scared, Meredith said through tears as she was interviewed by WYFF. I dont even want her to go to school now.

About 280 students attend the school.

The incident was the latest in a series of shootings at U.S. schools that have fueled the debate about access to guns in America.

Earlier this month, a 14-year-old girl shot and wounded a fellow student at a rural Texas high school and then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is due to meet with law enforcement officials in the area this evening, Jones said.

(Additional reporting by Colleen Jenkins in Winston-Salem, N.C., Curtis Skinner in San Francisco and Laila Kearney in New York; Writing by Lisa Shumaker; Editing by Andrew Hay and Peter Cooney)
A student at East Tennessee University was arrested this week after he wore a gorilla mask, carried rope and tried to pass out bananas at a Black Lives Matter protest.

Tristan Rettke, a freshman at the university, was charged with civil rights intimidation, the Johnson City Press reported.

Other students at the university were protesting the recent police shootings of black men in Tulsa and Charlotte, according to the East Tennessean, the universitys student newspaper. In the middle of their demonstration, Rettke walked through the crowd in his gorilla mask, carrying bananas and a burlap sack with a Confederate flag on it.

A protestor in a gorilla mask confronted Black Lives Matter demonstrators with bananas on Wednesday in Borchuck Plaza @etsu pic.twitter.com/stm2E4ijRD  East Tennessean (@EastTennessean) September 28, 2016

East Tennessee State University Public Safety officers took Rettke away from the protest on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Johnson City Press.

University President Brian Noland said he was offended and saddened at a press conference Wednesday. We are exceptionally proud of the students who were peacefully participating in the event and the manner in which they exercised restraint, thoughtfulness and strength in the face of inappropriate and offensive behavior, he said.
FRANKFURT, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A Tesla car whose driver said he was using the "Autopilot" driving assistance system crashed into a bus on a motorway in northern Germany on Wednesday, police in the German town of Ratzeburg said on Thursday.

"The car driver said he had used the car's Autopilot. It now has to be investigated why this did not work," police said in a statement, adding that the Tesla driver was slightly injured and none of the 29 bus passengers was hurt.

The police statement said the 50-year-old Tesla driver from Brandenburg drove into the back of the Danish tour bus as it was returning to the inside lane after overtaking.

The police were not immediately reachable by phone for further questions after hours on Thursday.

Tesla was not immediately reachable for comment on the accident.

Tesla's Autopilot, introduced last October, has been the focus of intense scrutiny since it was revealed in July that a Tesla Model S driver was killed while using the technology in a May 7 collision with a truck in Florida.

The Silicon Valley automaker said this month it was updating the semi-autonomous driving system with new limits on hands-off driving and other improvements.

(Reporting by Georgina Prodhan in Frankfurt and Alexandria Sage in San Francisco, editing by Emma Thomasson)
(Adds comments by Tesla, adds SAN FRANCISCO to dateline)

FRANKFURT/SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A Tesla Motors Inc car operating under Autopilot collided with a bus in northern Germany, but the electric car maker said a collision was unavoidable because the bus swerved into the vehicle's lane.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in the town of Ratzeburg, German police said.

The car's driver told Tesla following the crash that he was using Autopilot when the incident occurred but that it was unrelated to the accident, a Tesla spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Tesla's Autopilot, introduced last October, helps drivers steer and stay in lanes and is intended to assist, but not replace, drivers. It has been the focus of intense scrutiny since it was revealed in July that a Tesla Model S driver was killed while using the technology in a May 7 collision with a truck in Florida.

Since then, there have been various reports of accidents involving Teslas whose drivers were using Autopilot, including a fatality in China, but it is not clear what role, if any, the driving assistance system played. There have also been reports of serious accidents prevented because of Autopilot.

Police in Ratzeburg said in a statement on Thursday that the 50-year-old driver from Brandenburg drove into the back of a Danish tour bus as it was returning to the inside lane after overtaking. Police said they planned to investigate "why (Autopilot) did not work."

The Tesla driver was slightly injured but none of the 29 bus passengers were hurt, the statement added. Authorities were not immediately reachable by telephone after hours on Thursday.

Tesla denied that Autopilot was at fault, saying the bus swerved into the car's lane and side-swiped the Tesla, making a collision "unavoidable," the spokeswoman said.

"We can only do so much to prevent an accident," she said, adding that Tesla was in contact with German police.

The Silicon Valley automaker said this month it was updating the semi-autonomous driving system with new limits on hands-off driving and other improvements.

(Reporting by Georgina Prodhan in Frankfurt and Alexandria Sage in San Francisco; Editing by Emma Thomasson and Matthew Lewis)
By Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Panarat Thepgumpanat BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand is cracking down on migrant workers from neighboring countries, saying they are "stealing jobs from Thais", amid fears that anti-immigrant sentiment is rising as Southeast Asia's second-largest economy stagnates. In an operation led by the Thai labor department, police and troops on Wednesday raided a fresh produce market in Bangkok and arrested 14 people, most of them from neighboring Myanmar. "We have received many complaints about illegal immigrants working in markets including Vietnamese and even South Asians who were stealing jobs from Thais," Thai immigration police chief Nathorn Phrosunthorn told Reuters. "They should be doing the jobs that Thais don't want to do like work as house cleaners," he said. Under the terms of a 2015 memorandum of understanding Vietnamese citizens are restricted in their employment in Thailand and can work only as manual laborers in Thailand's fishing or construction sectors. Cambodians also have been nabbed in the raids, along with people from Myanmar and Vietnam. ANTI-IMMIGRATION FEELINGS More than 3 million migrants work in Thailand, the vast majority from neighboring Myanmar, according to the International Organization for Migration. Thailand became wealthy compared to its neighbors when its economy boasted annual growth rates of over 7 percent in the 1980s and 1990s, drawing migrant workers from across the Greater Mekong Delta region and other parts of Asia. They mostly did jobs Thais tend to spurn, including backbreaking work in the fishing and construction sectors. But, more than two years after the military government seized power and with Thailand's economy on shaky ground, rights groups also see rising resentment against immigrants in Thailand, mirroring such sentiment elsewhere in the world. "There seems to be a surge of national sentiment in Thai immigration policy claiming migrants from Vietnam, for example, are taking jobs that are reserved for Thai nationals," Sunai Phasuk from Human Rights Watch told Reuters. "We haven't seen this kind of rise in anti-immigrant sentiment for decades. This has a lot to do economic concerns." Sanit Choklamlert, a shop keeper in Bangkok's Silom business district, said migrants are seen as competitors for some Thais. "There are too many Myanmar people here now and they're fighting for the same jobs as us," he said. "We need to send some back." HUMAN TRAFFICKING Thailand's economy is on course to grow 3.0 percent in 2016 after expanding 2.8 percent in 2015 and only 0.7 percent in 2014. Nathorn said the crackdown was not driven by an anti-immigrant policy. "We still need migrant labor. We just want to keep some order," he said. The raids have targeted fresh markets, restaurants, supermarkets and shopping malls. Around 153 immigrants were rounded up between Sept. 1 and Sept. 26, according to labor department figures. Those caught face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 3,000 baht ($100) or deportation. Migrants are often at risk of falling into the hands of human trafficking rings, who sell them into virtual slavery on plantations, timber mills and fishing boats, human rights groups say. Thailand was removed from the bottom rung of the U.S. State Department's annual list of worst human trafficking offenders this year despite what the department described as "widespread forced labor" in the country's vital seafood industry. (Additional reporting by Jutarat Skulpichetrat; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
Hoverboard technology is here to stay and is booming again after a serious setback this year. Manufacturers, brands and dealers are working hard to make sure customers dont get burned  literally

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / Popular styles of hoverboards rapidly became the "cool gadget", but as recently as mid-September a poorly made off-brand unit caused a house fire while being charged indoors in a Kentucky home with thousands in damages.

According to reports and legal complaints, the cause of overheating and fires has been traced to the use of non-UL certified batteries and less-than-capable off-brand charging systems.

"Cheapo brands have been government recalled in the hundreds of thousands because of bad power systems" said The flash Boards spokesman John Simons. "Samsungs lithium batteries are costly, but theyre the only ones we know of that are safe."

According to John buyers should look for and demand the UL2272 certification and the Samsung/LG name on batteries and charging units. "We only sell hoverboards that are certified. All of our products get 13-20 miles of ride time with a quick charge and all of them use the best Samsung or LG gear."

The company is currently running a sale on some of their products as a limited time promotional offer. "There is clearly a desire for these products, so dealers have to step up and help make the market safe again," John said. "Right now, regrettably, its still a buyer beware situation. Hopefully, dealers like us can unite and push for better quality. Were happy to see some regulation because a safer market is better for sales, too."

TheFlashBoard.com is jumping into the market with both feet and already has dozens of models ready to ship. Several well-tested brands and models are available in a wide array of sizes, styles and colors and the list is growing. All their units are usually at the buyers doorstep within four days and five day arrival is guaranteed throughout the USA.

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The flash boards best price is $269 for the F653 model, which normally sells for twice that price. The website has also launched SUV UL2272 certified hoverboards which are one of its kind available for the first time in an online marketplace. The sale runs through the end of November. "All our hoverboards are certified and reliable and the fact that theyre cool, fast and can travel a long time on a charge  well, thats why were here. We use these things like crazy ourselves," Companies spokesperson said.

The most affordable hoverboard is available online with a price tag of around $249. The Hoverboard has 8" wheels, a Bluetooth speaker for road tunes and comes with a carry bag. Although self balancing scooters offered on these websites are not real but they are considered real looking hoverboards that are getting widely popular. If you buy a hoverboard from the flash board or any other online retailer make sure to buy a UL2272 certified product only as it will keep you safe in long run.

For more information, please visit http://www.theflashboard.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Michael

Organization: The Flash Board

SOURCE: The Flash Board
By Noor Zainab Hussain

(Reuters) - Auto parts maker TI Fluid Systems said it expected to raise about 600 million euros (517.99 million) in an initial public offering in London, signalling a return of IPOs that were put on the back burner because of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

TI Fluid's stock market listing faced a delay due to volatility triggered by the leave vote, Reuters reported in July, citing people familiar with the matter.

Spain's Telefonica (TEF.MC) is also looking to list about 30 percent of its British mobile unit, O2, in what would be one of the biggest IPOs in London this year, sources told Reuters this month.

British fitness club chain Pure Gym Group (IPO-GYM.L) Group said earlier this month that it had resumed plans to list, and waste management firm Biffa Plc also said it was eyeing gross proceeds of about 270 million pounds from a listing.

TI Fluid, whose first contract was in 1922 supplying fuel lines for the iconic Ford Model T, did not clarify how many shares it would sell, or their expected price.

The company said on Thursday the offer would include a partial sale of shares held by funds advised by Bain Capital Private Equity LP, members of the management and other individual shareholders.

Bain Capital had bought the company for about $2.4 billion, including debt.

TI Fluid, which supplies to all of the world's major automakers, said it would use the net primary proceeds to reduce its financial leverage to about 2 times net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization by the end of 2016.

The Oxford-headquartered company, which reported revenue of 3.1 billion euros for 2015, said it expects to have a free float of at least 25 percent after the offer.

Deutsche Bank AG (DBKGn.DE), Goldman Sachs (GS.N), JP Morgan (JPM.N) and Citigroup (C.N) are acting as joint bookrunners.

HSBC Bank is the lead manager and Lazard & Co Ltd (LAZ.N) TI Fluid's financial adviser.

TI Fluid, which makes fuel tanks, pipes and pumps for cars and trucks, said it expected to start trading in November.

(Reporting by Noor Zainab Hussain in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair and Maju Samuel)
Tim Burton is speaking out about his decision to cast predominantly white actors in his new film, Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children.



"Nowadays, people are talking about it more," he told Bustle in regards to onscreen diversity. "Things either call for things, or they don't. I remember back when I was a child watching The Brady Bunch and they started to get all politically correct, like, Okay, let's have an Asian child and a black  I used to get more offended by that than just  I grew up watching blaxploitation movies, right? And I said, that's great. I didn't go like, Okay, there should be more white people in these movies."



The film, based on Ransom Riggs' 2011 best-seller of the same name, tells the story of an orphanage for supernaturally gifted children, and features a large ensemble cast of both children and adults. The only actor of color in a notable role is Samuel L. Jackson, who plays the film's villain.



While Jackson told Bustle he "noticed" the lack of diversity, it did not deter him from participating in the film. "I had to go back in my head and go, how many black characters have been in Tim Burton movies?" Jackson said.







"And I may have been the first, I don't know, or the most prominent in that particular way, but it happens the way it happens. I don't think it's any fault of his or his method of storytelling, it's just how it's played out. Tim's a really great guy," he added.



Out of Burton's 36 directing credits, Jackson is seemingly the only African-American actor cast in a notable role. Bustle notes that Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent in 1989's Batman and Michael Clarke Duncan's Colonel Attar in 2001's Planet of the Apes were both listed as supporting parts.



Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, and Judi Dench, hits theaters Friday.
A tender-hearted coming-of-age story shot in a low-key, realist style, the Finnish drama Little Wing centers on a resourceful adolescent raised by an immature single mother who decides to track down her biological father. For her first fiction feature as a director, Selma Vilhunen draws on her documentary background, bringing together the themes of some of her nonfiction work, including A Day With Dad and Pony Girls, dealing sensitively and intelligently with difficult real-life issues such as bullying, poverty, mental illness, and dysfunctional families, making it a natural for festival programmers and Euro broadcasters.

Twelve years old and small for her age, Varpu (an endearing turn from Linnea Skog) may not be as physically developed as other girls, but she is mature and independent beyond her years. Indeed, its her mother Siru (musician Paula Vesala, who also contributes some songs to the soundtrack), who works as a cleaning lady, that behaves in an inappropriately childlike manner: crying when she cant pass her drivers test, clambering into her daughters bed when she feels sad and lonely and complaining about her life rather than asking Varpu about hers. She cant even remember her daughters birthday.

Varpu rides at a stable on the outskirts of Helsinki, diligently taking the bus to and from her small apartment on the less good side of town. The other girls at the stable come from well-off, two-parent families, and they are starting to needle Varpu with questions such as Why doesnt your mother pick you up? and What does your father do? As Varpu calmly weaves made-up stories in reply, it only strengthens her desire to discover more about the man who sired her.

While Siru spends her evening creating an internet dating profile, Varpu manages to wheedle out her fathers name, Ilmari Hakkonen, and the city in which he lives, Oulu in northern Finland. Yearning for a less self-centered parent, Varpu decides to take matters into her own hands one night. Although her means of getting to Oulu requires a certain suspension of disbelief, it fits with a repeated motif of the story.

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One of the films most poignant moments comes when Varpu meets Ilmari (Lauri Maijala) for the first time. Even though she can act like an adult, it doesnt mean she has an adults understanding of the world. Where she sees an eccentric artist, surrounded by his peculiar and colorful creations, grownup viewers immediately understand that Ilmari is a paranoid schizophrenic. It takes Varpu longer  and an embarrassing disaster during her riding competition  to process this knowledge, but ultimately rather than denying it, she emerges stronger and more at ease.

Vilhunen, an Academy Award nominee for the short film Do I Have To Take Care Of Everything? incorporates several less credible twists with a surprising lack of repercussions that work against the realism of her story arc, but the poise of her pint-sized, dimpled heroine makes viewers cut her some slack. And of course one might also ask how, given their financial situation, Varpu can afford the expenses of riding and the requisite gear.

The handsome production package is led by Tuomo Hutris intimate widescreen lensing that hones in on the feelings hiding behind Varpus clear blue eyes and the frosty look of Finland in autumn. The Finnish title translates as A Girl Called Varpu.

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After a New Jersey Transit train crashed into a station in Hoboken on Thursday, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the incident and will be looking at whether the trains lack of automatic brakes was partially to blame.

The crash, which left at least one person dead and dozens injured, occurred after the train failed to stop as it approached the station. Like all New Jersey Transit trains, this one did not yet have automatic braking, USA Today reports.

The speed limit for trains entering the rail yard at Hoboken is 10 miles per hour, according to USA Today, and that drops to 5 miles per hour near the platforms. However, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told CBS that the train came in at a high rate of speed.

This crash may reignite debate over the need to install automatic braking technology, called Positive Train Control (PTC), which would prevent speeding and help trains stop at terminals. The braking system has been a long time coming, and Congress previously extended the deadline for railroads to adopt the system to 2018. Bella Dinh-Zarr, vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said investigators would absolutely look into the braking system in relation to Thursdays crash.

We know that it can prevent accidents, she said, according to USA Today. Whether it is involved in this accident, that is definitely one of the things that we will look at carefully.
A train reversed away from the Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey on Thursday, September 29, just moments after a NJ Transit commuter train carrying 250 people crashed into the station, leaving more than 100 people injured, according to reports. The train crashed through a wall shortly before 9am, triggering a roof collapse.

The cause of the incident was not immediately clear. NBC New York quoted a police source as saying there were mass casualties.

The video captures an announcement from the conductor, who says that there was an accident in Hoboken, which was why they were traveling backwards away from the station and back toward Newark. Credit: Instagram/raultorres2000
(Recasts throughout, updates prices, adds comment) By Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss NEW YORK, Sept 29 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt yields retreated on Thursday, as risk appetite faded amid fresh concerns about Deutsche Bank triggered by a news report saying a number of funds that clear derivative trades with the German lender have withdrawn excess cash and positions.

U.S. yields, which move inversely to prices, traded higher all morning as oil prices rose on news OPEC will cut crude production, but fell sharply on the Deutsche Bank news reported by Bloomberg.

In response, a Deutsche Bank spokesman said the bank is confident the vast majority of trading clients understand that the group has a stable financial position.

Deutsche Bank shares ended 1 percent higher in Europe, but its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) which trade in the U.S. were down nearly 7 percent at $11.44.

"It was all about Deutsche Bank," said Justin Lederer, Treasury analyst and trader at Cantor Fitzgerald in New York. "It was a risk-off trade across all most major asset classes. This was a pretty vicious uptick in Treasuries." Deutsche Bank, which has spurred a bid for Treasures for most of this week, has been embroiled in a $14 billion legal battle with the U.S. government in connection with the bank's issuance and underwriting of mortgage-backed securities.

Analysts have said the bullish momentum in Treasury prices remained in place given geopolitical tensions and political uncertainty.

For instance, there is tension in India, which on Thursday said it conducted "surgical strikes" on suspected militants preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-ruled Kashmir, making its first direct military response to an attack on an army base it blames on Pakistan and raising the risk of escalation.

Then there is the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Any indication that Republican candidate Donald Trump is gaining momentum heading into the election could inject uncertainty into the market and boost Treasury prices, said Mike Materasso, co-chair of Franklin Templeton's fixed income policy committee in New York.

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In late trading, U.S. benchmark 10-year Treasury notes were up 21/32 in price for a yield of 1.558 percent, down from 1.567 percent late on Wednesday.

U.S. 30-year bonds rose 7/32 in price, yielding 2.277 percent, down from Wednesday's 2.288 percent.

On the front end of the curve, U.S. two-year notes were flat in price for a yield of 0.742 percent, down from 0.754 percent on Wednesday.

The yield curve has also steepened, suggesting global uncertainty and the upcoming U.S. election will keep the Federal Reserve on hold for now and prevent investors from buying the front end.

The spread between five-year and 30-year yields widened to 116 basis points on Thursday.

(Reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Meredith Mazzilli)
MISGAV, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2016 / The Trendlines Group Ltd. (SGX: 42T, OTCQX: TRNLY), an innovation investment and commercialization company focused on technology in the medical and agricultural fields, announced today the completion of the sale of E.T.View Medical (TASE:ETVW) ("E.T.View"), of which The Trendlines Group ("Trendlines") owns 26.46%, to Ambu A/S (CPH:AMBU-B) ("Ambu"), a Danish medical device company. E.T.View Medical Ltd. develops and manufactures a portfolio of products that provide continuous visualization and ventilation of the airway during surgical procedures.

The consideration to ETView's shareholders is US$13.6 million (gross, before withholding taxes, but after deduction of transaction costs, certain debts, liabilities, and other expenses). Trendlines will receive US$3.6 million and the gain from the merger, after tax, will be approximately US$2.3 million.

Commenting on the sale, Trendlines' Chairman and CEO and E.T.View Chairman, Todd Dollinger, said: "Having successfully facilitated E.T.View's IPO in 2010, we are very pleased to now announce our exit from E.T.View. E.T.View is one of some 43 companies in the Trendlines Group portfolio; 13 of our companies, like E.T.View, are in the commercialization stage."

Mr. Dollinger continued: "The leadership of Bill Edelman as CEO of E.T.View in this transaction and in E.T.View's achievements are noted and appreciated. Bill implemented a strategy at E.T.View to reposition the company from its original focus on intubation therapy to higher value thoracic surgery. Under Bill's management, E.T.View broadly expanded its portfolio of products and established an international sales force that sells E.T.View products throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. I have enjoyed working with Bill and look forward to future collaboration in the sector."

About The Trendlines Group

The Trendlines Group is an innovation commercialization company that invents, discovers, invests in, and incubates innovation-based medical and agricultural technologies to fulfill its mission to improve the human condition. As intensely hands-on investors, Trendlines is involved in all aspects of its portfolio companies from technology development to business building. The Trendlines Group is traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX:42T) and in the United States as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) on the OTCQX (TRNLY).

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Forward-Looking Statement

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Contact Information

Israel

Judith Kleinman, Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

judith@trendlines.com

+972.72.260.7000



US

Adam Holdsworth, Managing Director of Investor Relations

adamh@pcgadvisory.com

646-862-4607

SOURCE: The Trendlines Group
David Bowie, Gene Wilder, and Prince A sweet celebrity tribute.

Anyone who is a first-time parent understands the obsession with documenting every teeny, tiny experience your baby has. Whether it's the first interaction with a family member, first attempt at eating solid food, or first holiday, nothing is too small to necessitate taking a quick photo.

And, with Halloween approaching, one couple decided to take their children's costumes to a whole new level. Meet Jeremy and Ali Hynek, parents to 6-month-old triplets Penelope, Ethan, and Alejandra  or PEA (a combination of their first initials), as they like to call the bunch.

The Utah-based family decided that with Allhallows Eve swiftly coming down the pipeline, they should give their babies not one, but multiple, costume options for the babies' first candy-filled holiday.

"I'm a new mom and was really excited about dressing the babies up for their first Halloween," Ali said in an interview with the Huffington Post. "But I couldn't decide which costumes to pick since there were so many things we could do in groups of three!"

Luckily for us, Ali and Jeremy posted images of their triplets in all the possible outfits on their Instagram account, where they've already garnered more than 37,000 followers.

While all these images are fantastic, Ali's main focus was to create memories for their family, not necessarily to go viral: "I mostly want to create fun memories for PEA as they grow up and look back at their life.

Wondering where Ali got all the costumes? Check out the blog of the creator, Brittany Jepson (who owns a DIY business called The House that Lars Built), for a tutorial on how to create each costume.

All photos courtesy of Instagram/ali_hynek.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
From ELLE

Hillary Clinton has a race problem and Trump exploited it during Monday night's debate. It was easy to miss his strategy if you were cheering her confident performance from a blue state watch party or following a triumphant Democratic twitter feed posting baffled Trump gifs. This was the most watched debate in history and the consensus is that Clinton slayed. It was a great night on stage, which ought to be followed by a good week in the polls. Well done, Madame Secretary.

Hillary Clinton still has a race problem. Like many of the challenges facing her candidacy, it is only marginally of her own making, but it is a problem nonetheless.

Any Democrat running for President in the modern era understands the power of black voters. Seeking office at the end of the Obama era, Hillary Clinton certainly understands that African American voters are crucial to her electoral success. And the overwhelming majority of African Americans who vote on November 8 will cast their ballots for Clinton. In a poll released in early September by ABC News and the Washington Post, 93 percent of black voters expressed support for Secretary Clinton. She is the consensus choice of black voters.

But to win the presidency Hillary Clinton not only needs the overwhelming support of black voters, she also needs a significantperhaps historicproportion of black Americans to become voters on November 8. Here's why: The president is chosen by votes in the electoral college and 270 is the magical number. As of debate night, polls show Trump and Clinton locked in an electoral college dead heat. The states that will make the difference in 2016 include Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and possibly Pennsylvania and Virginia. These are swing states. But the states don't really swing. Preferences don't really change from election to election. The only thing that changes is the composition of the electorate; who turns out to vote.

Clinton's race problem is a turnout problem.

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The election and reelection of president Obama generated historic African American voter turnout. In the past two presidential elections, African American voters have been the cornerstone of the Democratic party coalition. Indeed, their relative absence in both the 2010 and 2014 midterm elections led to massive losses for Democratic candidates, and this is an indication of what can happen if black voters are not motivated to show up to the polls in 2016. According to a Cook Political Report, in 2012, "African-American voters accounted for Obama's entire margin of victory in seven states: Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Without these states' 112 electoral votes, Obama would have lost decisively." Clinton's race problem is a turnout problem.

This is where Trump deploys his strategy. He does not counter her attacks. He does not seek to attract black voters. He simply seeks to close the distance between himself and Clinton. Instead of trying to climb out of the basket of deplorables, Trump reaches over and pulls her in with him.

Here are some of his responses from Monday night:

You were the one that brought up the words super-predator about young black youth.  I think you've apologized for it. But I think it was a terrible thing to say.

And when it comes to stop-and-frisk, you know, you're talking about taking guns away. Well, I'm talking about taking guns away from gangs and people that use them. And I don't thinkI really don't think you disagree with me on this, if you want to know the truth.

The African American community has been let down by our politicians. They talk good around election time, like right now, and after the election, they said, see ya later, I'll see you in four years.

In your debates against Barack Obama, you treated him with terrible disrespect. And I watched the way you talk now about how lovely everything is and how wonderful you are. It doesn't work that way. You were after him, you were trying to-you even sent out or your campaign sent out pictures of him in a certain garb, very famous pictures. I don't think you can deny that...So when you tried to act holier than thou, it really doesn't work. It really doesn't.

There is plenty of Trump bluster here, but there is just enough truth to sting. The racial tactics of the 2008 Democratic primary have not been entirely forgotten by African American voters. This summer's #GirlIGuessImWithHer viral hashtag captured black voter ambivalence towards Clinton's candidacy. When Trump speaks of hellish inner city neighborhoods that need his special brand of law and order, he is tapping into an argument trumpeted for nearly two decades by former President Clinton, who claimed to have brought down crime by putting 100,000 officers on city streets.

It is a frustrating strategy for the the Clinton campaign. It is arguably disingenuous. But it just might work, because it is based in a solid understanding of real voter behavior. When voters perceive little difference between candidates, they are less likely to turn out to vote. It is highly unlikely that Trump will win a substantial portion of African American voters, but he need not win those votes to inflict real harm on Clinton's campaign. All he has to do is create a discouraging and distressing landscape devoid of meaningful electoral choices.

All he has to do is create a discouraging and distressing landscape devoid of meaningful electoral choices.

This is not an effort to craft a great American vision articulated in lasting, graceful rhetoric, but it is a smart political strategy. Take aim at the cornerstone of your opponent's base. Tell that base your opponent is just as bad as you are and there is no real point in making a choice. Convince enough of those voters to stay home on election day in order to win in key states. In a razor thin contest, this may be enough.

To win, Clinton will have to make it clear that the difference between them is very real. She has two more debates to make that case.

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Donald Trump continues to defend his treatment of former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, whose job he says he saved years ago by pressuring her to lose weight.

They wanted to fire her, the Republican nominee said in an interview with Fox News Bill OReilly on Wednesday. The company itself wanted to fire her. I saved her job.

Machado was crowned Miss Universe in 1996, the beauty pageant that Trump would buy later that same year. But after winning the contest, Machado gained weight, and in early 1997, Trump invited reporters to a New York City gym to watch her work out.

This is somebody that likes to eat, Trump said as she rode a stationary bike at the surreal press conference.

I saved her job because they wanted to fire her for putting on so much weight, he told OReilly. And I said, Dont do that. Let her try and lose the weight.

Related: Did Alicia Machado breach weight clause as Trump campaign claims?

The real estate mogul pointed out that he had done that with a number of the young ladies where I saved their job.

Trump added: It is a beauty contest. You know, I mean, say what you want, Bill. I mean, they know what theyre getting into. Its a beauty contest.

Trumps past and recent comments about Machado are the latest flap involving the mogul on the campaign trail. Trumps critics say it points to a clear pattern of misogynistic behavior.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich defended Trumps treatment of Machado on Wednesday night.

Youre not supposed to gain 60 pounds during the year that youre Miss Universe, Gingrich said at a Log Cabin Republicans dinner in Washington, D.C.

Machado, now a well-known actress in Latin America, told the New York Times in May that she suffered from eating disorders  anorexia and bulimia  for five years as a result of Trumps alleged bullying. She also said she was caught off-guard by all the reporters Trump invited to watch her work out.

I was about to cry in that moment with all the cameras there, she said. I said, I dont want to do this, Mr. Trump. He said, I dont care.

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Over the past 20 years, Machado added, Ive gone to a lot of psychologists to combat this.

During Mondays presidential debate, Hillary Clinton invoked Machados name as a reminder of Trumps history of crude commentary about women.

One of the worst things he said was about a woman in a beauty contest, the Democratic nominee said. He loves beauty contests, supporting them and hanging around them. And he called this woman Miss Piggy. Then he called her Miss Housekeeping, because she was Latina. Donald, she has a name: Her name is Alicia Machado.

Trump seemed to be surprised by the charge.

Where did you find this? he asked. Where did you find this?

She has become a U.S. citizen, Clinton replied. And you can bet shes going to vote this November.

Hours after the debate, the Clinton campaign released a video featuring Machado recounting her experience with Trump.

Hed yell at me all the time, she says. Hed tell me, You look fat or You look ugly.

In an interview with Fox and Friends Tuesday morning, Trump was unapologetic.

She was impossible, Trump said of Machado. She was the winner, and you know she gained a massive amount of weight, and it was a real problem.

The D women Senators have talked & we're concerned about Donald's weight. Campaign stress? We think a public daily weigh-in is called for.  Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) September 28, 2016

On Wednesday, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, took to Twitter to mock Trumps own weight.

The D women Senators have talked & were concerned about Donalds weight, she wrote. Campaign stress? We think a public daily weigh-in is called for.

The New Yorker magazine got on the Trump Troll Train too, publishing an illustrated cover that features the GOP hopeful in a swimsuit with a sash that reads, Miss Congeniality.
Its time to anticipate Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office in just the sort of fashion such a scene demands  a comic strip. In TRUMP, the Presidency, OZY explores how a President Trump might make America great again. Watch for our latest installment every Thursday.

In this third volume  Barriers to Entry  President Trump unveils his plan to keep Muslims out of America. In our first volume  Congress, Youre Fired  President Trump precipitated a constitutional crisis with his Supreme Court pick, and in the second volume  The Great Wall of America  labor problems threatened to derail his first big domestic project.

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donald trump debate

A Donald Trump presidency poses a major risk to restaurants and retailers, according to Morgan Stanley analysts.

The biggest risk to the industry would be the loss of millions of consumers as a result of Trump's proposed immigration reforms, the analysts wrote in a note published Thursday.

As part of his immigration plan, the Republican presidential candidate has said he would deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

Deporting those immigrants  estimated to include 5 million to 10 million people  would eradicate a vital group of low-end consumers and workers from the country.

"We see Trump's immigration policy as the biggest risk, largely because of the significant impact that deportation could have on consumer demand and labor," the analysts wrote.

Some of Trump's proposed policies, including income tax reductions, could have a positive effect on the economy by putting more money in the pockets of some consumers. His proposed corporate-tax reductions could also benefit restaurants and retailers.

But the analysts said it's unclear whether Trump will be able to implement those policies. Even if he succeeds with implementation, the risks associated with his immigration reforms would cancel out any potential advantages, they wrote.

A Trump presidency, analysts concluded, will result in "likely economic uncertainty."

retail

"The policies proposed by Trump would theoretically support an increase in high-income consumer spending, but elevated economic policy uncertainty, as well as a possible deportation-linked decline in consumer demand and labor under a Trump presidency would counteract the consumer spending benefit from lower taxes," Morgan Stanley US consumer economist Paula Campbell Roberts wrote.

Morgan Stanley identified Jack-in-the-Box, El Pollo Loco, and Wingstop as among the restaurants that would be hurt the most by a Trump presidency.

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That's likely why the fast-food industry hasn't given much money to the Trump campaign.

So far this year, the food and beverage industry has donated just $152,000 to Trump's campaign, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics. Meanwhile, the industry has donated more than $1 million to Hillary Clinton's campaign for president.

NOW WATCH: A Mexican immigrant explains why she supports Trump





More From Business Insider


Donald Trump is firing back at the former Miss Universe who claims he called her "Miss Piggy."

Read: Fellow Miss Universe Contestant Backs Alicia Machado's Claims on Trump's Bullying: 'Suck Your Gut In'

Appearing on The O'Reilly Factor Wednesday night, Trump denounced Miss Venezuela Alicia Machado  who was thrust front and center into the election by Hillary Clinton during Mondays debate.

She did not do well. She had a lot of difficulty, and, you know, they wanted to fire her," Trump said of Machado. "The company itself wanted to fire her. I saved her job. I saved her job because I said that's what I was going to do. Look what happened? Look what I get out of it? I get nothing.

He also said he hardly knows her, saying: I mean, look, I hardly know this person. This was a person 20 years ago. She wasnt a successful, you know, I sold the Miss Universe contest for a tremendous price about, you know, six months ago. Worked out great.

In an uncovered interview from 1997, Trump was happy with Machado when she won the Miss Universe title the year before.

Alicia has been a great Miss Universe, he said. One of the greatest!

She had a little problem where she gained a little weight, he added.

She shut him down by saying: I don't think so.

Trump says Clinton will regret making the former Miss Universe a campaign issue.

A lot of things are coming out that I wasnt aware of, like they say that she threatened the life of a judge and got involved in all sorts of problems, Trump said.

Machado was once suspected of driving the getaway car during an attempted assassination of her boyfriend's brother-in-law. It happened in 1997 in Venezuela.

She denies she committed a crime, and no charges were ever filed. It's also reported that she had a daughter with a notorious Mexican drug kingpin, which she also denies.

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Read: Was the Miss Universe Contestant Trump Called 'Miss Piggy' the Getaway Driver in a 1997 Murder?

Trump surrogates have pointed out that she is the only Miss Universe to ever pose nude for Playboy.

In 1990, Trump himself appeared on the cover of the magazine with a "playmate."

Machado also appeared to be having sex on a risque Venezuelan reality show.

On Tuesday night, she told Anderson Cooper: I have a past. We all have a past. Im no saint.

Watch: Who Is Alicia Machado? Miss Universe Who Trump Called 'Miss Piggy' Says She'll Vote Hillary

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ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey will have completely sealed its 911-km (566-mile) border with Syria by next spring when it finishes the construction of a wall, Defense Minister Fikri Isik said on Thursday. "We want the 911-km border with Syria to be closed, we will have it completely closed by spring 2017," Isik told reporters in the border town of Karkamis, in comments broadcast live on Turkish television. Officials have said the wall aims to stop illegal migration from Syria into Turkey, which already hosts nearly 3 million Syrian refugees. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Nick Tattersall)
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is "more than ready" to coordinate with Russia on a Syrian ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian assistance if the Kremlin is willing to do so, Turkey's foreign minister said on Thursday. "We discussed the issues of ceasefire and humanitarian aid with our Iranian counterpart Mr. Zarif yesterday. After the normalization of our relations we are discussing the same issues with our ally Russia," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara, referring to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. "We have to try harder for a ceasefire and political resolution. If Russia is prepared to cooperate with us on the ceasefire and humanitarian aid, we are more than ready." (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Editing by David Dolan)
Empire retained its crown as broadcasts top offering Wednesday night, but saw its numbers erode. The Fox drama drew a 3.6 rating in viewers 18-49, according to Nielsen live-plus-same day numbers, down 14% from last weeks season premiere. In total viewers, Empire was down 12% with 9.6 million.

CBS debuted new seasons of two returning dramas  Criminal Minds at 9 p.m. and Code Black at 10 p.m. Criminal Minds drew a 1.8 demo rating, down 10% from last falls series premiere, and 8.9 million viewers, down 12%. Code Black drew a 1.2 in the demo, down 20% in the demo from last falls series premiere, and 6.3 million viewers, down 27%.

At 8 p.m. on CBS, Survivor drew a 2.1 in the demo. Foxs Lethal Weapon led off its night with a 1.9.

On ABC, The Goldbergs led off with a 1.9, followed by Speechless (1.8), Modern Family (2.3), Black-ish (1.6) and Designated Survivor 1.8.

NBCs Blindspot drew a 1.2, followed by Law & Order: SVU (1.5) and Chicago PD (1.5).

A new Whose Line is it Anyway? on the CW drew a 0.4.

More to come 

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Two gay men visiting San Francisco were attacked in a hate crime, and our hearts are breaking

Two gay men visiting San Francisco were attacked in a hate crime, and our hearts are breaking

It often feels like weve come *so* far as a society when it comes to the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. We have marriage equality. Were finally talking about violence against trans people, including trans women of color. But we still have so much work to do before our country is safe for everyone. In absolutely awful news, according to The Advocate, two gay men visited San Francisco and were attacked in a terrible hate crime, proving that not even a supposedly queer-friendly place like San Francisco is a safe space for LGBT folks.

Neil Frias and Jeff White took a trip from New York to San Francisco, and were shocked to be the victims of a hate crime during their visit.

Frias told the San Francisco Chronicle,

They were saying, You f*gs are destroying family values.'

He continued, explaining,

I said I didnt want any trouble, and one of them got out of the van. I thought he was going to take a swing at me, but he sprayed me across the face.

The friends were attacked by a group of five men shouting homophobic slurs and spraying them with pepper-spray. Luckily, one woman announced that she was calling the police, scaring off the attackers. It was the last thing they expected in the supposedly safe city.

Im trying to make sense of it, Frias said. I would think what happened last night would happen somewhere else, not here.

The attack, too, felt shockingly random. White explained,

The thing that was the most remarkable about the situation is how unprovoked it was. I was literally tying my shoe when they came at me. Its mind-boggling.

The police are working to find the attackers behind the hate crime. Police spokesman Carlos Manfredi explained,

We take these crimes very seriously. If anybody feels they can attack someone based on their sexual preference, were going to go after them and hold them accountable.

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On one hand, its fortunate that the attack happened in a place where law enforcement actually take homophobic hate crime seriously, but, on the other, its just so not okay that this is something queer folks are expected to be grateful for.

Our hearts are absolutely broken, and our love goes out to the two friends. We wish we could say we were shocked that this is still a problem, but, unfortunately, our culture has a long way to go before it gets over its homophobia.

The post Two gay men visiting San Francisco were attacked in a hate crime, and our hearts are breaking appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Two HUGE topics were skipped over during the Presidential Debate, and thats a problem

Two HUGE topics were skipped over during the Presidential Debate, and thats a problem

Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton may have covered a fair bit of ground during the debate Monday night  they tackled everything from economic stimulus to police use of force  but there were two topics we really hoped to hear about and they werent mentioned even once: reproductive rights and sexual assault.

At a time when violence against abortion clinics and doctors is at an all-time high, and convicted rapists are walking free after just three months behind bars, youd think these topics would be salient during a presidential debate. But instead of discussing womens rights, we heard about Trumps racist birther crusade and how he thinks Hillary hasnt been very nice to him (ugh).

Topics like reproductive choice and sexual violence matter during a presidential election because the federal governments actions on these issues can make a very real difference in womens (and everyones!) lives.

Take reproductive rights, for example: Around the country, state Republicans have fought hard over the last few years to make womens access to abortion virtually nonexistent. In many states, theyve succeeded. But some anti-abortion laws that had been passed in Texas made it to the Supreme Court this year  and they were struck down. Thats definitely good news, but at a time when Republicans in Congress are fighting to prevent the appointment of President Obamas centrist Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, a president who is for or against a womans right to choose could have a real impact on abortion access.

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Since its unlikely that Garland will be vetted and approved before Obama is out of office, the next president will be nominating a ninth judge to the court. Someone like Trump, who has said he is pro-life with exceptions, is likely to choose someone whose views align with his  meaning we could end up with a judge whos in favor of rolling back Roe v. Wade and eliminating constitutional protections for abortion.

Plus, congressional Republicans have also been pushing to defund Planned Parenthood all year, so if Trump becomes president and Republicans end up with control of the Senate and the House after the November election, funding for Planned Parenthood and other federally-funded reproductive health centers could be totally wiped out.

Clinton, on the other hand, has long been an advocate for reproductive choice. As she said on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade in January,

[Roe] is the touchstone of our reproductive freedom, the embodiment of our most fundamental rights, and no one  no judge, no governor, no senator, no president  has the right to take it away.

She would likely choose a more liberal judge  someone like our beloved Ruth Bader Ginsburg  who would continue to protect a womans right to choose in the face of restrictive, anti-choice laws, and shed also likely work to keep funding for womens health firmly in place.

As far as sexual assault is concerned, the federal government can have a huge impact on how these crimes are understood in society by helping to define consent and speaking openly about the realities of sexual assault, as the current administration has. And in the case of campus rape, it can investigate  and punish  schools when they fail to take strong action on behalf of student survivors.

President Obama and Vice President Biden have made ending campus rape a touchstone of their time in office. They have dedicated a great deal of resources to changing the conversation around campus sexual assault and theyve supported the Department of Education in its investigations of schools like American University, where a hearing for one students assault was repeatedly delayed. (At present, there are nearly 200 schools under investigation by the Education Department. It received a $7 million budgetary increase last year  $107 million from $100 million  though that was short of President Obamas proposed $31 million increase.)

We think its time these critical womens issues became election issues  and were not the only ones saying so.

On Monday night, Twitter activists aimed the hashtags #AskAboutAbortion and #AskAboutWomen at debate moderator Lester Holt to tell him that these issues matter.

Youve asked about the emails.

Youve asked about the birth certificate.

Lester, can you #AskAboutAbortion? #DebateNight  Renee Bracey Sherman (@RBraceySherman) September 27, 2016

hey @LesterHoltNBC! One candidate wants to overturn roe and the other is a repro rights hero. it's time for us to #AskAboutAbortion #debate  reilly wieland (@reillzkw) September 27, 2016

Can we talk about domestic terrorism against our health clinics, maybe? #AskAboutAbortion #DebateNight  \_()_/ (@optaisamme) September 27, 2016

We need the #debatenight moderator to ask about issues that matter to Latinx comunidad like immigration &abortion access. #AskAboutAbortion pic.twitter.com/EoVgB7EtCn  COLOR (@colorlatina) September 26, 2016

While it didnt work this week, there are still two more presidential debates to go  October 9th and October 19th (and the VP debate is on October 4th)  so theres still time to push for these topics to be address by the candidates.

Lets do better next time, shall we?

And while youve got the debate on your mind, take a sec to fill out this election survey People magazine put together to see who Time Inc readers are voting for and why. (Bonus: Once you fill out the quick survey, youll receive a discount code that will give you 20% off at the People Shop.)

The post Two HUGE topics were skipped over during the Presidential Debate, and thats a problem appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Two Minnesota sisters were found dead in their resort villa while on vacation in Seychelles, an archipelago more than 900 miles off Africas east coast.

Robin Korkki, 42, and Annie Korkki, 38, were found unresponsive in their hotel beds, according to authorities.

Their brother, Chris Korkki, told CBS Minnesota, a local news station, that his sisters were experienced foreign travelers which is why their sudden deaths were so shocking.

The Eden Prairie natives were found by a manager at the Maia Luxury Resort they were staying at. The sisters showed no signs of trauma, according to police.

Hotel staff saw the women consuming alcohol throughout the day on Sept. 22 and were helped to their room around 8:15 p.m., according to the local newspaper Seychelles Nation.Medication was found in their hotel room, although police did not disclose the names.

A donation page was created to help the Korkki family with the expenses of returning the sisters to the United States.

At this point, the only details we know are the articles flying around online, Chris Korkki told the Star Tribune. Two things keep going through my mind: This isnt happening, and we just want answers.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.
New Delhi (AFP) - Indian commandos carried out a series of lightning strikes Thursday along the de facto border with Pakistan in Kashmir, provoking furious charges of "naked aggression" from its nuclear-armed neighbour.

Amid anger in India over a recent deadly assault on one of its army bases in Kashmir, officials said troops had conducted "surgical strikes" several kilometres (miles) inside the Pakistan-controlled side of the disputed territory to prevent attacks being planned on major Indian cities.

The strikes aimed at "neutralising the terrorists" had caused "multiple casualties", according to Indian officials.

Pakistan said two of its soldiers had been killed and nine more wounded in what it described as small arms fire and dismissed the talk of surgical strikes as an "illusion" designed to whip up "media hype".

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, director-general of military operations, announced news of the strikes in New Delhi, sending shares on the Indian stock market sliding nearly two percent.

"Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control," Singh told reporters.

"The Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launchpads. Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them."

Singh said the decision to launch the strikes was taken following intelligence that militants were planning "to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros" in India.

A senior government source said commandos carried out the strikes some way across the unofficial border known as the Line of Control (LoC), beginning after midnight and finishing before dawn.

"They were conducted two-three kilometres across the LoC," the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"Seven launchpads were targeted. The defence minister himself monitored the ops and the Indian side did not suffer any casualties."

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Another Indian government official source put the number of dead on the Pakistani side in "double digits".

Most of the casualties were "terrorists", said the source, insisting India had not been targeting the Pakistani army.

- 'Naked aggression' -

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said two Pakistani soldiers were killed and nine wounded as authorities in Islamabad played down the scale of the strikes.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India," said a military statement.

"As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops."

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif "strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces".

Islamabad later summoned the Indian High Commissioner to voice its anger at the operation, the Pakistani foreign ministry said.

Tensions between the two arch rivals have been boiling since the Indian government accused Pakistan-based militants of launching an assault on an army base in Kashmir earlier this month that killed 18 soldiers.

India has also been on a diplomatic drive to isolate nuclear-armed Pakistan since the raid on September 18, the worst such attack in more than a decade.

On Tuesday India said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not attend a regional summit in Islamabad in November in a major snub to its neighbour.

Ashok K Mehta, a retired major general in the Indian army, said it was the first time in a decade that officials in New Delhi had acknowledged its troops had crossed into the Pakistani side of the LoC.

"We have to see whether the Pakistani army will respond in kind... Now the the ball is in Pakistan's court if they want to escalate things."

Residents on the Pakistani side of the LoC were hunkering down over fears the situation could unravel further.

"I did not send my children to school today. The situation is very tense," said Tahir Iqbal, who runs a grocery in the town of Athmuqam.

There was similar foreboding on the Indian side as villagers living along the LoC and the undisputed international border further south in the state were placed on alert to evacuate if required.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since they gained independence from Britain seven decades ago.

The Indian-controlled part of the picturesque territory has a Muslim majority and there are a number of armed separatist groups who are fighting to break free from New Delhi.

India has said the attack on the Uri army base in Kashmir was carried out by a Pakistan-based group called Jaish-e Mohammed.

Tensions had already been high in the region since the Indian army killed a leading Kashmiri separatist in a gunfight in early July, sparking a series of protests that have been staged in defiance of curfew orders.

More than 80 people have been killed in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir since July, many shot by the army at the protests.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Sept 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved rules requiring wireless carriers to provide upgraded emergency alerts including more information than currently allowed such as photos and web links, acting after the system was used to help find the suspect in Sept. 17 New York and New Jersey bombings.

The alert system, in place since 2012, is typically used to send messages to mobile phone users to warn of dangerous weather or find missing children but can be employed for security threats. The FCC said the new rules will take effect over the next one to two-and-a-half years.

A trade association representing wireless providers said it expects it will take more than a year to develop industry standards before some aspects of enhanced alerts are in place.

Shortcomings in the current system emerged after authorities in New York City used the U.S. Wireless Emergency Alert system to seek help to find the suspect in the bombings in Manhattan and the New Jersey shore. Their alert, sent to millions of mobile phone users, stated, "WANTED: Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28-yr-old male. See media for pic. Call 9-1-1 if seen."

The alert did not contain a picture of Rahami, who was caught on Sept. 19.

It was the first time the system had been used to help find a criminal suspect. But some U.S. lawmakers and message recipients criticized the alert because it required users to conduct an internet search to find a photo rather than simply including the picture.

The FCC's new rules expand the maximum length of emergency text message alerts to 360 characters from the current 90 and allow for embedded web address links and telephone numbers. The FCC is also considering how to include thumbnail-sized photos and symbols in wireless alerts but did not act yet on that.

Wireless carriers have expressed concern that alerts that include a website address could lead to network problems if millions of cellphone users all click on a link at the same time.

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The wireless trade association CTIA, representing companies including Verizon Communications Inc, AT&T Inc, Sprint Corp and others, said it is planning to conduct a trial to gauge whether photos and videos "could be included in future alerts in a manner that does not cause harmful network congestion or technical issues."

The FCC also created a new class of action-oriented alerts like "boil water" for safe drinking water or "shelter in place" warnings during severe weather.

The commission is also requiring mobile phone carriers to deliver alerts to more specific geographic areas. Alerts are broadcast only from cell towers whose coverage areas match an emergency zone.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, urged the FCC to modernize the alerts. "In light of the need to respond in real time to terror threats, we can't afford to have an emergency wireless response system that is stuck in the '90s," Schumer said this week.

(Reporting by David Shepardson)
BAMAKO (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to Mali has accused the government of maintaining relations with a militia widely blamed for rising tensions that risk undermining a fragile peace process in the country's desert north. His comments were the latest indication that key donors to the West African state are taking a harder line towards the government, which denies all ties to Gatia - a mostly Tuareg militia opposed to pro-independence fighters in the north. "The Malian government should put a stop to all ties both public and private with Gatia, a group of armed militia that is not contributing to peace in the north," Paul Folmsbee said in a post on the U.S. Embassy's Facebook page on Wednesday. "Mali needs to assume a greater responsibility for the peace deal's implementation," he said, urging the southern-based Bamako government to step up its presence throughout the sprawling country. A government spokesman declined to comment on the allegation of ties to Gatia. Folmsbee did not give details of whether the ties were financial or military. The United States has pledged more than $1 billion in aid to Mali since the election of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in 2013 after a period of instability. In a statement, Gatia did not directly deny any links to the Bamako government but said its mission was to protect an ethnic group within the Tuareg known as the Imghad, not to act as an arm of the authorities in northern Mali. "(Gatia) was created ... to protect the Imghad people and their allies who have been abandoned by the state in an area where there are armed groups that kill and humiliate with impunity," Gatia's deputy secretary-general Habala Hamzata said in the statement. Security has been deteriorating in Mali for months despite a peace deal signed in June 2015 between the government and a medley of mostly Tuareg secular armed groups based in the desert north. The deal was seen as an important precursor to striking at al Qaeda-linked militants based in the same region and who briefly seized key northern cities in 2012. Many of the rivalries between fighters from the Tuareg minority ethnic group date back centuries and are linked to control of desert trade routes. Up to 20 died in fighting in remote locations in July and there have been further clashes near the northern town of Kidal in recent weeks. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, made similar allegations against the Malian government last week during a session on Mali in New York. (Additional reporting by Adama Diarra; writing by Emma Farge; editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Gareth Jones)
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States called the assault on Aleppo by Syria and Russia "a gift" to Islamic State on Thursday, saying it was sowing doom and would generate more recruits for the militant group. Moscow vowed to press on with its offensive in Syria, while U.S. officials searched for a tougher response to Russia's decision to ignore the peace process and seek a military victory on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. United Nations aid chief Stephen O'Brien urged the 15-member U.N. Security Council to stop "tolerating the utter disregard for the most basic provisions of international humanitarian law." The recent focus of the fighting is a Syrian and Russian bid to recapture rebel-held eastern Aleppo. "East Aleppo this minute is not at the edge of the precipice, it is well into its terrible descent into the pitiless and merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed in Syria," O'Brien said. "The only remaining deterrent it seems is that there will be real accountability in the court of world opinion and disgust  goodness knows, nothing else seems to be working to stop this deliberate, gratuitous carnage of lives lost," he said. Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari rejected accusations on Thursday that the Syrian government was killing civilians. "The Syrian government is not bombing civilians. These people are our own people. We don't bomb civilians, we don't kill civilians. We don't bomb humanitarian convoys. We don't do that. Those who did it are the terrorists," Ja'afari told reporters after a Security Council meeting. French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre said he had started discussions with some council members on a draft resolution to try and impose a ceasefire in Aleppo. New Zealand U.N. Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen, president of the council for September, said after the council meeting that members expressed a "great deal of interest" in seeing the French text and a willingness to work on it. U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said that what Assad and Russia were doing in Aleppo was "soul-shattering." "What they are doing is sowing not only the doom of this country ... but it is going to generate more refugee flow, more radicalization. "What they are doing is a gift to ISIL (Islamic State) and (Nusra Front), the groups that they claim that they want to stop," she said. Russia has also accused the United States of "de facto support for terrorism" in Syria. As Washington threatens to walk away from talks with Russia on Syria unless the fighting stops, Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters it was time "to move to a different form of diplomacy," pointing to the Security Council. Rycroft also dismissed a Russian proposal for a 48-hour humanitarian pause in fighting in Aleppo. Since July, the U.N. has been calling for a weekly 48-hour truce to allow the delivery of aid to besieged areas. "The Russian proposal is designed to sound good, but to allow them to carry on their deadly bombing campaign," he said. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Tom Brown)
(Updates with final passage of legislation, paragraphs 1-5)

By David Morgan and Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON, Sept 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress approved a stop-gap funding bill on Wednesday that averts a looming federal government shutdown and provides urgently needed money to help battle an outbreak of the Zika virus.

Passage of the bipartisan legislation came shortly after Republicans and Democrats ended a months-long fight over whether Washington should provide aid to the city of Flint, Michigan, as it struggles with a crisis over contaminated drinking water.

Separate legislation was approved by the House of Representatives earlier in the day setting aid for Flint. It must now be reconciled with a somewhat different bill passed by the Senate.

The House voted 342-85 in a late-night session on Wednesday to approve stop-gap funding to keep the U.S. government operating from Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year, until Dec. 9, when lawmakers will attempt to approve longer-term money.

With existing funds due to expire on Saturday, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers said the legislation "is a last resort, but at this point it is what we must do ... to keep the lights on in our government."

The Senate voted 72-26 earlier on Wednesday to adopt the short-term spending bill.

Besides providing money to keep the government operating, the legislation also contains $1.1 billion to battle the Zika virus that has hit Puerto Rico hard and spread to U.S. states, most notably Florida.

The disease can cause severe birth defects. Funds would be used to develop a vaccine and reduce Zika exposure.

The bill also includes $500 million for flood relief in Louisiana and other states.

In a series of carefully orchestrated maneuvers after the Senate approved the temporary funding, the House passed a wide-ranging water resources bill containing $170 million to assist Flint by a vote of 399-25.

Democrats have demanded action on the crisis, which stems from dangerous levels of lead in Flint's drinking water.

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A Senate version of the bill contains $220 million for Flint and other cities with problem water systems.

The two chambers will have to hammer out compromise legislation after the Nov. 8 presidential and congressional elections. Wednesday's flurry of activity in Congress came as lawmakers rushed to recess this week until after the elections.

Conservative groups urged Congress to defeat the funding bill. However, with House and Senate members facing an imminent deadline for approving new money and lawmakers eager to go home to campaign for re-election, the measure moved quickly through Congress on Wednesday.

The White House said it was disappointed that the temporary funding bill continued a provision barring the Securities and Exchange Commission from taking action to increase transparency in public companies' political spending.

It also expressed disappointment that Congress failed to take steps to ensure that the Export-Import Bank was able to fully operate its loan guarantee programs.

Nevertheless, President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan and David Morgan; Editing by Alan Crosby, Tom Brown and Paul Tait)
SANAA (Reuters) - Two senior members of al Qaeda's Yemen branch were killed in a suspected U.S. drone strike in the central province of Bayda, local officials told Reuters on Thursday. The strike, which took place in al-Ridaa district, was the third in central Yemen in a week. Previous strikes targeted regional commanders in Bayda and nearby Maarib province. The United States acknowledges using drones to combat the Islamist militant group in Yemen, regarded as one of al Qaeda's most dangerous branches, but does not comment publicly on attacks. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has exploited Yemen's civil war to carve out a foothold in the impoverished country. Several leaders of the group have been killed by drone strikes in recent years. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari; Writing by Katie Paul; Editing by Dominic Evans)
(United Nations)  The U.N. Security Council came under sharp criticism Wednesday for its failure to implement a resolution aimed at protecting medical facilities and staff in conflict zones from Syria to Yemen and Afghanistan.

The U.N.s most powerful body held a meeting on health care in armed conflict that by coincidence began just hours after two hospitals on rebel-held Aleppo were bombed, highlighting the lack of action to protect them.

Joanne Liu, president of Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, blamed the failure on a lack of political will  among member states fighting in coalitions, and those who enable them. She told the council that the failure is evident in hospital attacks since the resolutions adoption in May which have left civilians in war with less, if any, access to life-saving medical care.

Many attacks  are brushed off as mistakes, Liu said. We reject the word mistake. We denounce the deliberate and systemic failure of states to avoid attacking hospitals and to appropriately control their conduct of hostilities.

In both Syria and Yemen, four of the five veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council are implicated in some way in these attacks, she said, a reference to Russia, the United States, Britain and France.

Liu cited the destruction of an MSG hospital in Abs, Yemen in early August carried out by the Saudi-led coalition which killed 19 people, the fourth such attack on an MSF facility in the country. A week later, an MSF-supported hospital in Idlib, Syria was destroyed in repeated air strikes, killing four hospital staff and nine patients and cutting life-saving care to 70,000 people.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon implicitly accused Syria and close ally Russia of committing war crimes in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo in Wednesdays hospital attacks. He said what was happening in the city, the target of a Syrian government offensive backed by Russia, is worse than a slaughterhouse.

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Let us be clear: Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing. They know they are committing war crimes, he said.

Ban also urged international action and accountability, stressing that since May there has been no let-up. In addition to attacks on health care facilities in Syria and Yemen, he cited a suicide attack on Pakistans Sandeman Provincial Hospital in August that killed more than 70 people.

The U.N. chief urged the Security Council to take decisive steps to protect health facilities and medical staff. These include ensuring that laws and weapon sales respect the provision of medical care in conflict, that parties to conflict take precautions to protect medical staff and facilities, that those responsible for violating international law are prosecuted and punished  and that people and communities affected by attacks receive reparations.

Russias deputy U.N. ambassador Evgeny Zagaynov told the council that Syria and Russia are being blamed for the majority of strikes on civilian facilities in Syria  including Wednesdays hospital bombings in Aleppo  without any independent investigation and verification.

He said similar unacceptable incidents have resulted from the destabilizing policy carried out by the U.S. and its allies. He cited last Octobers U.S. military attack on a Doctors Without Borders trauma hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz which killed 14 staff and 28 patients and caretakers, noting that while the U.S. took responsibility, those responsible are still at work.

Zagaynov called for an end to anti-Russian demagoguery and a united international effort to end the Syrian conflict as soon as possible. He said a very good basis is Russian-American cooperation.

U.S. deputy ambassador Michele Sison said the U.S. has taken steps since Kunduz to minimize the likelihood of future incidents.
By Arshad Mohammed, Jonathan Landay and John Walcott WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is on the verge of ending its Syria diplomacy with Russia and is looking at new options on how it might seek to end the 5-1/2 civil war, U.S. officials said on Thursday. On Wednesday, U.S. officials told Reuters President Barack Obama's administration had begun to consider tougher responses - including military options - to the Russian-backed Syrian government's assault on Aleppo, the country's largest city. The U.S. officials said the failure of diplomacy in Syria has left the Obama administration no choice but to consider alternatives, most of which involve some use of force and have been examined before but held in abeyance. "The president has asked all of the agencies to put forward options, some familiar, some new, that we are very actively reviewing," Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken told lawmakers on Thursday, without giving details. He said officials would "work through these in the days ahead." Speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Blinken said "all of the outside patrons are going to throw in more and more weaponry against Russia. Russia will be left propping up (President Bashar al-)Assad in an ever smaller piece of Syria." Separately, two U.S. officials said the United States was expected to inform Russia on Thursday it was suspending their diplomatic contacts on Syria given the collapse a jointly brokered truce on Sept. 19 and the latest violence in Aleppo. The last week of bombing has killed hundreds of people and wounded hundreds more, with no way to bring in medical supplies. There are only around 30 doctors inside the besieged rebel held sector of Aleppo, and the two biggest hospitals were knocked out of service by air strikes or shelling on Wednesday. "We are on the verge of suspending the discussion," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said at a public policy discussion in Washington. "It is one of those moments where we're going to have to pursue other alternatives for a period of time." A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the new discussions on options were taking place at "staff level," and had yet to produce any recommendations to Obama, who has resisted ordering military action against Assad. Moscow and Damascus launched an assault to recapture the rebel-held sector of Aleppo this month, abandoning a new ceasefire a week after it took effect to embark on what could be the biggest battle of a civil war that began in 2011. "Kerry and the White House basically bet everything on the diplomatic track on the assumption that Putin didnt want Russia trapped in another Afghanistan and would seek a way to avoid that," said an official privy to the administration discussions. The Russians pivoted from political negotiations to leveling Aleppo because "they were never serious about anything more than the appearance of negotiations," the official added. "The worst part is that they used Kerrys belief in the talks to build up their forces, give Assads guys a chance to rebuild and prepare for what were seeing now. If you ask me, they played us," the official added. Now, another official said, the administration once again finds itself forced to respond to a Russian initiative, as it did in Ukraine and Crimea and also is in cyberspace. In all three areas, this official said, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, "there are no good options." In Aleppo, this official said, the destruction is so great that despite the Russian veto in the United Nations, the U.S. should be able to assemble greater international military and logistical support and training for the embattled rebels, with Saudi Arabia, other Sunni Gulf states, NATO and Turkey playing the lead roles. (Additional reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Writing by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Marguerita Choy)
Secretary of State John Kerry has warned Russia that the U.S. would cease talks with Moscow on Syria and scrap plans for joint-intelligence coordination unless Russia and Syrian forces stop bombing the city of Aleppo.

Kerry called his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, by telephone Wednesday to deliver the message from the White House, the sternest yet since a ceasefire fell apart after a deadly attack on an aid convoy on Sept. 19.

Syrian forces, with the support of Russian allies, have since bombarded the city with heavy aerial attacks that have been among the worst since the start of the 5-year conflict. Nearly 400 civilians have been killed in the past week, many of them children.

The Secretary made clear the United States and its partners hold Russia responsible for this situation, said State Department spokesman John Kirby. The Secretary stressed that the burden remains on Russia to stop this assault and allow humanitarian access to Aleppo and other areas in need.

Kirby said preparations were already underway to suspend bilateral engagement with Russia on Syria unless Moscow takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo.

Read More: How the White Helmets of Syria Are Being Hunted in a Devastated Aleppo

Russias Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Evgeny Zagaynov, responded that it was unfortunate that Moscow had been blamed for hostilities in the besieged city, according to the BBC.

Moscow said Wednesday that they would send representatives to Geneva to discuss normalizing the situation in Aleppo with U.S. diplomats.

About 250,000 people are trapped in the citys rebel-controlled east. According to frontline health providers Doctors Without Borders, known in French as MSF, there are now only seven surgical doctors left in east Aleppo. Two hospitals were hit in a pre-dawn airstrike on Wednesday, putting both out of commission.

And this comes at a time when east Aleppo has been under siege since July and is suffering the bloodiest indiscriminate bombing since the beginning of the war, Carlos Francisco, the head of MSFs Syria mission, said in a statement. We dont know how to say it anymore: This has to stop.
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which oversees the confirmation of foreign service nominees, said on Wednesday it was "highly unlikely" that an ambassador to Cuba would be approved this year. President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated career diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis to be the first U.S. ambassador to Cuba in more than five decades. "The committee was notified of the nomination yesterday but has not yet received the appropriate paperwork to begin its work," Republican Senator Bob Corker said in a statement emailed to Reuters. "However, it is highly unlikely that an ambassador to Cuba would be approved in the lame-duck." The appointment of DeLaurentis, the top American official at the U.S. embassy in Havana, marked Obamas latest move to go as far as he can in normalizing ties between the former Cold War foes before he leaves office in January. But the nomination must be approved by the Republican-controlled Senate, which is seen as a long shot. Corker's committee would have to hold a confirmation hearing for DeLaurentis and vote to approve his nomination before it would go to the full Senate, where it could be blocked by any senator. Many lawmakers have warmly embraced Obama's moves toward more normal relations with Cuba, which became public in a shock announcement in December 2014. But several strongly oppose his efforts, arguing that Cuba must do far more to improve human rights before it can deal normally with the United States. Cuban-American senators such as Republicans Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz and Democrat Robert Menendez are particularly opposed to Obama's policy. Rubio and Menendez are both members of the foreign relations panel. Congress' "lame-duck" session takes place in November and December, after the elections on Nov. 8 and before the new Congress comes to Washington in January. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Sandra Maler and Leslie Adler)
By Stephen Kalin and Yeganeh Torbati BAGHDAD/ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Reuters) - The United States will send around 600 new troops to Iraq to assist local forces in the battle to retake Mosul from Islamic State that is expected later this year, U.S. and Iraqi officials said on Wednesday. The new deployment is the third such boost in U.S. troop levels in Iraq since April, underscoring the difficulties President Barack Obama has had in extracting the U.S. military from the country. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement that his government asked for more U.S. military trainers and advisers. Obama called it a "somber decision." "I've always been very mindful that when I send any of our outstanding men and women in uniform into a war theater, they're taking a risk that they might not come back," Obama said during a town hall event at a military base in Fort Lee, Virginia, televised on CNN. The new troops will train and advise Iraqi security forces and Kurdish peshmerga forces, primarily in the Mosul fight, but also serve "to protect and expand Iraqi security forces' gains elsewhere in Iraq," U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said. "We've said all along - whenever we see opportunities to accelerate the campaign, we want to seize them," Carter said. Though Iraqi forces will be in the combat role, "American forces combating ISIL in Iraq are in harm's way," Carter said, using an acronym for Islamic State. Some of the 615 new service members will be based at Qayara air base, about 40 miles (60 km) from Mosul, Carter said. Iraqi forces recaptured the base from Islamic State militants in July and have been building it into a logistics hub to support their offensive into the northern city. Other U.S. troops will go to Ain al Asad air base in western Iraq, where hundreds of U.S. personnel have been training Iraqi army forces. Carter, who spoke to reporters while traveling in New Mexico, declined to name other locations where the new U.S. forces will be based. However, he said some of the forces would help enhance intelligence gathering efforts, particularly related to Islamic State's plans to conduct attacks outside its own territory. "We are prepared to continue to help the Iraqi security forces consolidate their control over the country," Carter said. "Mosul will be the last of the very large cities that needs to be recaptured, but theyll need to continue to consolidate control over the whole city, he added, leaving the door open for U.S. forces to remain in Iraq after the fall of Mosul. Mosul is Islamic State's de facto Iraqi capital. In Washington, Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said the troops would be deployed to Iraq in the coming weeks. Three U.S. service members have been killed in direct combat since the launch of the U.S. campaign against Islamic State. Abadi met with Obama and Vice President Joe Biden last week on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, though it was not clear whether the agreement was sealed there. The United States currently has 4,565 troops in Iraq as part of a U.S.-led coalition providing extensive air support, training and advice to the Iraqi military, which collapsed in 2014 in the face of Islamic State's territorial gains and lightning advance toward Baghdad. Iraqi forces, including Kurdish peshmerga forces and mostly Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias, have retaken around half of that territory over the past two years, but Mosul, the largest city under the ultra-hardline group's control anywhere across its self-proclaimed caliphate, is likely to be the biggest battle yet. The United States has gradually increased the number of U.S. troops in Iraq this year, and moved them closer to the front lines of battle. Obama approved sending 560 more troops to Iraq in July, three months after the United States said it would dispatch about 200 more troops there. To send the new troops, the White House will raise its cap on U.S. forces in Iraq from 4,647, to 5,262 troops, a senior U.S. defense official said. U.S. and Iraqi commanders say the push on Mosul could begin by the second half of October. Carter said the campaign to expel Islamic State from Mosul would intensify "in the coming weeks." The recapture of Mosul would be a major boost for plans by Abadi and the United States to weaken the militant group. Current U.S. troop levels in Iraq are still a fraction of the 170,000 deployed at the height of the nine-year occupation that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003, sparking an al Qaeda-backed insurgency and throwing the country into a sectarian civil war. Loath to become mired in another conflict overseas, the White House has insisted there would be no American "boots on the ground." While coalition troops were initially confined to a few military bases, Americans have inched closer to the action as the campaign progresses. (Reporting by Stephen Kalin and Ahmed Rasheed; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington and Roberta Rampton in Fort Lee, Virginia; Editing by Tom Brown and Leslie Adler)
By Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States clamped sanctions on a Democratic Republic of Congo general and a former senior police official on Wednesday in an apparent ratcheting up of pressure on President Joseph Kabila to hold an election for his successor in November. The U.S. Treasury Department action came a week after dozens of people died in clashes between Congolese security forces and protesters angered by what opposition groups charge are Kabila's plan to postpone the vote and retain power beyond his two-term limit. Kabila denies the allegation about planning to retain power. His government has said that the November election must be postponed because of logistical problems. Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and John Numbi, a former senior police official, were placed on a list of "specially designated nationals," said a Treasury Department announcement. Any financial assets they have in the United States are blocked and Americans are generally barred from engaging in financial transactions with them. The decision to sanction the pair followed "increasing indications that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to suppress political opposition in the country, often through violent means," the Treasury said. Amisi oversees security forces in four provinces, including Kinshasa. Units under his command "reportedly have engaged in violent repression of political demonstrations," including January 2015 protests in which at least 42 people died, the announcement said. Numbi, the former national inspector of the country's police force, used "violent intimidation" to secure victories for pro-Kabila gubernatorial candidates in March 2016 provincial elections, it said. While no longer a government official, Numbi "is reportedly an influential adviser to Kabila," the announcement added. The United States imposed sanctions on Celestin Kanyama, police commissioner of the capital, Kinshasa, in June. Ida Sawyer, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch, praised the sanctions decision and called on the United States, the European Union and the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions on other senior Congolese government, security and intelligence officials. At the same time, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa warned U.S. citizens of continued insecurity in Congo and said it could only offer very limited emergency services to them. The State Department ordered the departure of family members of U.S. personnel and also authorized voluntary departure of non-emergency government personnel, it said in an email. (Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Sandra Maler)
By Heather Somerville

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Software maker Apttus has raised raised more money from private investors, postponing plans for an initial public share offer until next year because of the current uncertainties facing markets, including the U.S. presidential election.

Apttus said on Wednesday it has raised $88 million from investors, nudging its valuation to more than $1.3 billion. The round included new investor Gulf Islamic Investments, a financial services firm based in the United Arab Emirates, and previous investors such as the Kuwait Investment Authority.

The latest round brings Apttus, which makes cloud-based software for companies' sales operations, to $274 million in total funding.

Apttus was putting the finishing touches on its IPO filing early this year, just as the stocks of cloud computing companies took a beating. A deep sell-off in February hit the likes of Salesforce.com Inc and Workday Inc and effectively shut down IPO opportunities for many software start-ups, with the subsequent rally in share prices only adding to the uncertainty.

As a result Apttus Chief Executive Kirk Krappe said having put his company's IPO plans on hold earlier in the year he is now eyeing the first half of 2017 for the company's market debut.

"The beginning of the year was frothy, up and down," Krappe told Reuters this week. "There were see-saw valuations of SaaS (software-as-a-service) companies, and coupled with the elections at the end of the year, it just seemed too uncertain. And markets of course hate uncertainty."

Other technology companies have opted for more venture funding to avoid the rocky IPO market. Cyber security company LogRhythm last month raised $50 million from private investors after postponing plans for an IPO late last year.

Although Apttus was founded in 2006, it did not raise venture capital until 2013. Apttus had been profitable, Krappe said, but three years ago decided to invest more heavily in expanding the business, and turned to private investors.

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As a result, he said, Apttus investors are not pressuring him to go public just yet.

The company also announced on Wednesday a new addition to its software product - an intelligent agent, or a computer program that can perform certain tasks and speak and respond as a human would. Other examples of intelligent agents are Amazon.com Inc's Alexa and Apple Inc's Siri.

Apttus's intelligent agent is called Max, and she both speaks and responds in text to users' questions, and assists them in tasks using the software, such as generating a sales quote.

Based in San Mateo, California, Apttus has about 1,200 employees and more than 500 customers.

(Reporting by Heather Somerville; Editing by Bill Rigby, Greg Mahlich)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The United States is on the verge of suspending talks with Russia on trying to implement a ceasefire agreement to end the violence in Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday. "We are on the verge of suspending the discussion because it is irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place to be sitting there trying to take things seriously," Kerry told an audience in Washington. "It is one of those moments where we are going to have to pursue other alternatives," he added. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton and Arshad Mohammed)
By Jonathan Landay, John Walcott and Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Obama administration officials have begun considering tougher responses to the Russian-backed Syrian government assault on Aleppo, including military options, as rising tensions with Moscow diminish hopes for diplomatic solutions from the Middle East to Ukraine and cyberspace, U.S. officials said on Wednesday. The new discussions were being held at "staff level," and have yet to produce any recommendations to President Barack Obama, who has resisted ordering military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the country's multisided civil war. But the deliberations coincide with Secretary of State John Kerry threatening to halt diplomacy with Russia on Syria and holding Moscow responsible for dropping incendiary bombs on rebel areas of Aleppo, Syrias largest city. It was the stiffest U.S. warning to the Russians since the Sept. 19 collapse of a truce they jointly brokered. Even administration advocates of a more muscular U.S. response said on Wednesday that it was not clear what, if anything, the president would do, and that his options "begin at tougher talk," as one official put it. One official said that before any action could be taken, Washington would first have "follow through on Kerrys threat and break off talks with the Russians" on Syria. But the heavy use of Russian airpower in Syria has compounded U.S. distrust of Russian President Vladimir Putins geopolitical intentions, not only in the 5-1/2 year civil war, but also in the Ukraine conflict and in what U.S. officials say are Russian-backed cyber attacks on U.S. political targets. The U.S. officials said the failure of diplomacy in Syria has left the Obama administration no choice but to consider alternatives, most of which involve some use of force and have been examined before but held in abeyance. These include allowing Gulf allies to supply rebels with more sophisticated weaponry, something considered more likely despite Washingtons opposition to this until now. Another is a U.S. air strike on an Assad air base, viewed as less likely because of the potential for causing Russian casualties, the officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The options being weighed are limited in number and stop well short of any large-scale commitment of U.S. troops, which Obama, who has only four months left in office, has long rejected, the officials said. Critics of Obama's policy on Syria have said that his hesitancy to involve troops has allowed Russia to intervene militarily, although Moscow has been influential in Syria for decades. Some foreign policy experts inside and outside the administration said Obama made a mistake in 2012-13 when he did not enforce a "red line" he set against Assad's government's use of chemical weapons. U.S. ADMINISTRATION CAUGHT OFF-GUARD Two U.S. officials said the speed with which the Syrians have advanced in Aleppo and the diplomatic track has collapsed caught some in the administration off guard. The fall of Aleppo would restore Assads rule over western Syrias most important city and deal a devastating blow to the rebels. As a result, one of the officials said, the list of options is narrowing to supporting rebel counter attacks elsewhere with additional weaponry or even air strikes, which might not reverse the tide of battle, but might cause the Russians to stop and think. Another official said any weapons supplies would not include shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, or Manpads, which the Obama administration fears could fall into the hands of Islamic State militants or al Qaeda-linked groups. The most dramatic option under consideration  but considered less likely  would be a U.S. air strike on a Syrian air base far from the fighting between Assads troops and rebel forces in the north, officials said. Other ideas under consideration include sending more U.S. special operations forces to train and advise Kurdish and Syrian rebel groups, and deploying additional American and allied naval and airpower to the eastern Mediterranean, where a French aircraft carrier is already en route. U.S. officials had considered a humanitarian airlift to rebel-held areas, which would require escorts by U.S. warplanes, but this has been deemed too risky and has been moved down the list, one official said. State Department spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday that U.S. officials involved in the interagency process that deals with national security had discussed other Syria options "that don't revolve around diplomacy." He declined to elaborate. U.S. officials cautioned that no decisions were imminent with Defense Secretary Ash Carter traveling and Obama and other senior officials planning to attend former Israeli leader Shimon Peress funeral in Israel on Friday. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed and Phil Stewart; editing by John Walcott and Grant McCool)
By Alexandria Sage and Paul Lienert

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Silicon Valley online education platform Udacity has already received more than 11,000 applicants for its so-called nanodegree in self-driving car engineering, Udacity president and Google X founder Sebastian Thrun said.

The high number of applicants - for 250 spots in the course - underscores the pressing need for talent by technology leaders such as Alphabet's Google and Apple, traditional car companies and automotive start-ups, as they race to develop production-ready autonomous-driving vehicles within the next decade.

High-profile, costly acquisitions driven by the desire to acquire talent, such as General Motors Co's purchase of automotive start-up Cruise, or Uber Technologies buying self-driving trucking start-up Otto, have marked the sector over the past year.

"Self-driving car engineers are extremely in demand," Thrun told Reuters in an interview. "The acquisition landscape is a very good way to measure the desperation. Desperation is the wrong word. But the same urgency and desire, particularly with our partners, companies like Mercedes - they really are looking for talent."

Udacity's nanodegree course, which costs $2,400 for three 12-week terms, begins in October. Its curriculum was developed with contributions from automaker Mercedes-Benz, chip maker Nvidia Corp and self-driving truck startup Otto, now part of Uber.

The average salary of a self-driving car engineer is $138,000, according to Paysa.com, which studies market salaries.

Udacity is hoping to reach and train international talent who cannot access a degree from prestigious U.S. universities with top-notch engineering and robotics departments such as M.I.T., Carnegie Mellon and Stanford.

General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra said Thursday at a conference in Detroit that after GM acquired self-driving car startup Cruise Automation, the company saw a 20 percent increase in the number of people applying to work at the company.

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Qualified software engineers are in short supply in Silicon Valley and beyond, given the breadth of companies trying to build up their software-based autonomous driving programs, whether Ford Motor Co or start-ups like Drive.ai or Zoox.

In just one day, applications for the Udacity nanodegree program jumped by 1,000, Thrun said, adding that many applicants are already working as software engineers: "It's their dream to work in Silicon Valley."

Students who make the cut for the self-driving car program will learn to write the code necessary to allow a Lincoln sedan to drive itself.

Thrun said his ambitious goal for the program is to complete the car project within six months.

(Writing By Alexandria Sage; Editing by Joe White and Alan Crosby)
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Heathrow Airport said on Thursday it could use new technology to add 5 percent more flights, as it tries to gain support ahead of a long-awaited government decision on where to increase London's airport capacity. After a decade of reviews, U-turns and environmental protests, the government is expected to rule in mid-October on whether to build a third runway at Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport which is almost full, or its smaller London rival Gatwick. In the past, concerns about air and noise pollution and local opposition have made expansion at front-runner Heathrow difficult to deliver politically. But if it is selected, Prime Minister Theresa May would win parliament's backing for expanding the west London hub, the Financial Times reported. Heathrow said it could add 5 percent more flights from 2021 by reducing gaps between aircraft movements, thus expanding capacity before any new runway comes into operation in 2025. It said the additional flights, derived from new air traffic technology called Enhanced Time Based Separation, would be allocated to routes which would help support Britain's export market by connecting UK cities, and markets in Japan, India and China. Heathrow, Britain's biggest port which handles a third of the country's non-EU exports, says that Britain's vote to leave the EU makes it more important that it secures approval to expand, as it can build more routes with trading nations. For its part, Gatwick says it can build a new runway at a lower cost and with less environmental impact than Heathrow. Trying to win support for its case, Gatwick said this week it was carrying more passengers and serving more long-haul destinations than forecast by the Airports Commission, a key independent inquiry into London's runways which in 2015 came out in favor of Heathrow expansion. There are two options for Heathrow expansion on the table, building a new runway or expanding one of the current pair. (Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Stephen Addison)
MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - It is in both Britain's and the European Union's interests for the trading environment between both parties to be at least as free as it is now after Britain exits the bloc, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said on Thursday. "Protectionism never actually helps anybody at all and as we move into a post-Brexit arena we want it to be as free and as open as possible," he told an audience in Manchester, northern England. "The European Union has a massive surplus in goods with the UK. Who does it harm more if we end up in a new tariff environment?" said Fox. "It is in everybodys interests that as we move forward we have at least as free a trading environment as we have today. Anything else may not harm politicians and institutions but it will harm the people of Europe." Asked by a reporter about the prospects for trade with Iran following its landmark deal with foreign powers about its nuclear programme, Fox said: "Iran presents us with a very large market opportunity. It will be a very large market of consumers." He added there were specific problems regarding trade with Iran, mentioning the banking system, but he saw Iran as a "huge opportunity". (Reporting by Kylie Maclellan and Michael Holden, writing by Estelle Shirbon)
* Low-key ceremony contrasts with previous fanfare

* PM May ordered review of project before giving go-ahead

* Critics say project too costly (Adds reaction, background)

By Kate Holton and Karolin Schaps

LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A $24-billion deal to build Britain's first new nuclear power station in decades was signed behind closed doors in London on Thursday in a private ceremony that underlined Prime Minister Theresa May's cautious approach to the Franco-Chinese project.

Journalists were not invited to the event but the government said the contract had been formally signed by Britain's Business Secretary Greg Clark, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and China's National Energy Administration Director Nur Bekri.

Hinkley Point C will now be built in southwest England by France's EDF with $8 billion of cash from China.

"Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear power stations like Hinkley play an important part in ensuring our future low-carbon energy security," Clark said in a brief statement.

The no-frills event, lacking in pomp or publicity, contrasted sharply with the approach of May's predecessor David Cameron, who secured China's involvement in the project during a lavish state visit laid on for President Xi Jinping last year.

The signing ceremony also followed months of uncertainty.

The French state-controlled utility EDF had to overcome a bruising boardroom battle in order to approve the deal in July, only to see Britain's new prime minister put it on hold just hours later, stunning Paris and Beijing and scuppering a planned large signing ceremony due to be held at the plant.

A former colleague said May had been concerned by the security implications of the planned Chinese investment.

Hinkley was finally given the green light earlier this month after the government included the proviso that it would be able to block the sale of EDF's controlling stake. The government also said it would take a more cautious approach in future over foreign investment in big infrastructure projects.

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"OPPORTUNITY FOR FUTURE"

The EDF board confirmed its approval of the project again in a meeting on Wednesday.

"It's a good deal," France's Ayrault told reporters earlier in the day. "I know it has raised questions, particularly in France, but it represents an opportunity for the future of an entire industry."

The deal - in the works for more than a decade and the first in a series of new nuclear projects in Britain - is part of a recovery of the global nuclear power industry following a slump caused by the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan.

The first of the two new reactors at Hinkley Point is scheduled to be running by the middle of the next decade. Hinkley Point will provide around 7 percent of Britain's electricity, helping to fill a supply gap as the country's coal plants are set to close by 2025.

Critics have said the project is too expensive and does not reflect falling energy prices since the deal was drawn up, or anticipated declines in the costs of rival clean technologies like wind and solar power.

At 92.5 pounds per megawatt hour, Britain has agreed to pay roughly double the current market price for electricity for 35 years.

"It's no wonder the UK government has opted for a 'champagne-free' signing ceremony away from public view," Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said.

According to documents released by the department of business, 64 percent of materials and services used on the plant will be British, while EDF said it would not call on a 2 billion pound loan offered by the British government.

EDF said the project was of strategic importance to the French firm and the nuclear industry in general.

"Hinkley Point C will kickstart Britain's nuclear revival," EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz said. "It has overcome obstacles and challenges which will benefit our next nuclear projects in Britain."

China also plans to make a number of investments in British nuclear power, including the building and operating of a new station with EDF at Bradwell-on-Sea, southeast England. Bradwell would be a Chinese-led project, using Chinese reactor technology.

(Additional reporting by Helen Reid in London and Geert de Clercq in Paris; editing by Stephen Addison and Gareth Jones)
By Ju-min Park

SEOUL, Sept 29 (Reuters) - As the United States and other nations grasp for new ways to sanction Pyongyang in response to its latest nuclear test, some North Korean defectors see investment in its rudimentary market economy as a way to foment gradual change from within.

One defector living in South Korea uses a clandestine funding channel to send hundreds of thousands of dollars to help dozens of North Koreans open small businesses, such as noodle shops and grocery stores.

Last year, he shipped more than 3,000 Chinese LED desk lamps, chargeable with 12-volt solar panels, to three North Korean entrepreneurs. The defector, who escaped through China in the early 2000s, has also sent acupuncture needles, handbags, hair dye, vitamins and lingerie procured cheaply or through donations.

Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has allowed a growing number of semi-legal markets known as jangmadang, where individuals and wholesalers buy and sell goods they have produced themselves or imported from China.

The markets have improved the quality of life for many but also makes them less reliant on the Soviet-style planned economy, undermining the power of the state. Markets also facilitate trade of contraband foreign media through USB sticks and DVDs.

"The North Korean business owners I am helping can be an alternative group to build sound capitalism," said the defector, who is in his 40s and declined to be named fearing for his safety and that of his partners in the North.

The defector, who does not seek a profit, said he has financed several grocery stores with investments of 20,000 to 30,000 yuan ($3,000 to $4,500) in rural towns, and more in Pyongyang.

'JANGMADANG GENERATION'

A South Korean government-commissioned report last year proposed nurturing North Korean private businesses as a way to drive reform. The plan, which is not government policy, envisions microfinance for start-ups and partnerships with big South Korean firms.

Contact with anyone in the South, however, can be punishable by death in North Korea. That's because the 1950-53 Korea War ended in a truce instead of a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas in a technical state of war the past six decades.

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South Korea also forbids its citizens from trading with the North but turns a blind eye to remittances estimated at $10 million a year sent to relatives by many of the nearly 30,000 defectors in the South.

Hong Soon-jick, a research fellow at state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, said defector financiers can use the same funding routes.

"This can accelerate marketisation and circulation of information," he said. "But there are political risks, so these transactions should be done secretly, even if South-North Korea relations improve."

The approach is a departure from the distribution of leaflets and USB sticks and radio broadcasts that are more typically used by anti-regime activists in the South to win the hearts and minds of North Koreans.

In a similar vein, the U.S. State Department recently sought proposals to fund projects aimed at promoting democracy in North Korea and encourage young defectors living in the South and who grew up among the "jangmadang generation" to reach out to young North Koreans.

CHINA BANKS

One such young defector, Seoul-based activist Ji Seong-ho, has been sending funds of $300 to $500 at a time for North Koreans to open food stalls and crop-lending businesses in rural areas.

"The bigger markets grow, the weaker the regime gets, so we need to support North Korean entrepreneurs," said Ji, 34, who heads Now, Action and Unity for Human Rights (NAUH), which tries to help North Korean refugees in China to defect.

Surveys of defectors by Seoul National University found that the biggest challenge for North Koreans doing business was funding, followed by bribes paid to authorities and occasional crackdowns on market activity.

The first defector, who uses a clandestine money channel, typically works with middlemen who wire money to banks in China, where it is collected by agents and carried across the border.

He vets prospects through his relatives and acquaintances.

A few years ago, he sent several North Koreans cupping therapy machines, used in Chinese medicine, which he bought in the South for around $20 dollars each. They sold at a mark-up of more than three times in North Korea.

His brokers on the ground send photographs to him of businesses the defector has funded, using cellphones connected to China's mobile network.

The defector's secret project started in 2006 when he bought a used 2.5 tonne truck in China for 5 million won ($4,550) and sent it to a North Korean who then used it to make a living carrying goods.

In 2014, a deep-pocketed sponsor the defector declined to identify began supporting his effort.

He tells the North Koreans he helps "not to be greedy, help other poor North Koreans and gain respect," he said. "This is maybe more effective than thumb drives, because it directly supports livelihoods."

($1 = 1,114.9000 won, $1 = 6.6680 Chinese yuan) (Editing by Tony Munroe and Bill Tarrant)
By Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - As the United States and other nations grasp for new ways to sanction Pyongyang in response to its latest nuclear test, some North Korean defectors see investment in its rudimentary market economy as a way to foment gradual change from within. One defector living in South Korea uses a clandestine funding channel to send hundreds of thousands of dollars to help dozens of North Koreans open small businesses, such as noodle shops and grocery stores. Last year, he shipped more than 3,000 Chinese LED desk lamps, chargeable with 12-volt solar panels, to three North Korean entrepreneurs. The defector, who escaped through China in the early 2000s, has also sent acupuncture needles, handbags, hair dye, vitamins and lingerie procured cheaply or through donations. Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has allowed a growing number of semi-legal markets known as jangmadang, where individuals and wholesalers buy and sell goods they have produced themselves or imported from China. The markets have improved the quality of life for many but also makes them less reliant on the Soviet-style planned economy, undermining the power of the state. Markets also facilitate trade of contraband foreign media through USB sticks and DVDs. "The North Korean business owners I am helping can be an alternative group to build sound capitalism," said the defector, who is in his 40s and declined to be named fearing for his safety and that of his partners in the North. The defector, who does not seek a profit, said he has financed several grocery stores with investments of 20,000 to 30,000 yuan ($3,000 to $4,500) in rural towns, and more in Pyongyang. 'JANGMADANG GENERATION' A South Korean government-commissioned report last year proposed nurturing North Korean private businesses as a way to drive reform. The plan, which is not government policy, envisions microfinance for start-ups and partnerships with big South Korean firms. Contact with anyone in the South, however, can be punishable by death in North Korea. That's because the 1950-53 Korea War ended in a truce instead of a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas in a technical state of war the past six decades. South Korea also forbids its citizens from trading with the North but turns a blind eye to remittances estimated at $10 million a year sent to relatives by many of the nearly 30,000 defectors in the South. Hong Soon-jick, a research fellow at state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, said defector financiers can use the same funding routes. "This can accelerate marketization and circulation of information," he said. "But there are political risks, so these transactions should be done secretly, even if South-North Korea relations improve." The approach is a departure from the distribution of leaflets and USB sticks and radio broadcasts that are more typically used by anti-regime activists in the South to win the hearts and minds of North Koreans. In a similar vein, the U.S. State Department recently sought proposals to fund projects aimed at promoting democracy in North Korea and encourage young defectors living in the South and who grew up among the "jangmadang generation" to reach out to young North Koreans. CHINA BANKS One such young defector, Seoul-based activist Ji Seong-ho, has been sending funds of $300 to $500 at a time for North Koreans to open food stalls and crop-lending businesses in rural areas. "The bigger markets grow, the weaker the regime gets, so we need to support North Korean entrepreneurs," said Ji, 34, who heads Now, Action and Unity for Human Rights (NAUH), which tries to help North Korean refugees in China to defect. Surveys of defectors by Seoul National University found that the biggest challenge for North Koreans doing business was funding, followed by bribes paid to authorities and occasional crackdowns on market activity. The first defector, who uses a clandestine money channel, typically works with middlemen who wire money to banks in China, where it is collected by agents and carried across the border. He vets prospects through his relatives and acquaintances. A few years ago, he sent several North Koreans cupping therapy machines, used in Chinese medicine, which he bought in the South for around $20 dollars each. They sold at a mark-up of more than three times in North Korea. His brokers on the ground send photographs to him of businesses the defector has funded, using cellphones connected to China's mobile network. The defector's secret project started in 2006 when he bought a used 2.5 tonne truck in China for 5 million won ($4,550) and sent it to a North Korean who then used it to make a living carrying goods. In 2014, a deep-pocketed sponsor the defector declined to identify began supporting his effort. He tells the North Koreans he helps "not to be greedy, help other poor North Koreans and gain respect," he said. "This is maybe more effective than thumb drives, because it directly supports livelihoods." ($1 = 1,114.9000 won, $1 = 6.6680 Chinese yuan) (Editing by Tony Munroe and Bill Tarrant)
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Pakistan's U.N. envoy asked the president of the United Nations Security Council on Thursday to informally brief the body on the country's escalating tension with neighboring India and said she will discuss it with U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon on Friday. Indian officials said elite troops crossed into Pakistan-ruled Kashmir on Thursday and killed suspected militants preparing to infiltrate India and carry out attacks on major cities, in a raid that raised tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals. Pakistani U.N. Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told Reuters she met with New Zealand's U.N. Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen, who is president of the 15-member Security Council for September. "I brought to his attention the dangerous situation that is building up in our region as a result of Indian provocation," she said. "Our call to the international community is avert a crisis before there is one." India's U.N. mission was not immediately available to comment. Van Bohemen said he told the council on Thursday that Lodhi had visited him to raise concerns about the situation with India. "I briefed the council on her approach," he said. Pakistan said two of its soldiers had been killed in exchanges of fire on Thursday, but denied India had made any targeted strikes across the de facto frontier that runs through the disputed Himalayan territory. The raid raised the possibility of military escalation between the neighbors that could wreck a 2003 Kashmir ceasefire. Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in full, but govern separate parts, and have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over Kashmir. "Pakistan is showing maximum restraint but there are limits to our restraint if India continues with provocations," Lodhi said. "Right now our effort is just to tell everyone 'this is what's happened so far, watch this space because it's a very dangerous space'." She said there had already been "ominous signs of unusual movement" along the border with movements of troops and tanks and credible reports of Indian evacuations of some areas. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Bill Rigby and Sandra Maler)
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was asked who her favorite world leader is, while taking questions from the press aboard her campaign plane, at Midway Airport in Chicago.

"One of my favorites is Angela Merkel because I think she has been an extraordinary, strong leader during difficult times in Europe," Clinton told reporters.

She also praised the German Chancellor for her handling of the ongoing migrant crisis.

On Wednesday, Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson stumbled when asked the same question during an interview with MSNBCs Chris Matthews. While Johnson himself could not name a world leader, his running mate Bill Weld, cited German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

While Johnson self-described it as another Aleppo moment, he quipped, via a tweet, that there are no world leaders he really likes.

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Washington (AFP) - A French family holding rights to photographs of Pablo Picasso's artwork won a major victory against an American art editor in US federal court this week, in a 20-year legal battle that has outlived the plaintiff.

A lawyer for American art publisher and dealer Alan Wofsy, who reproduced the photographs in volumes he sold, told AFP on Wednesday he would seek to have the court hear the case again, so the court fight may not be over.

Plaintiff Yves Sicre de Fontbrune never saw his hard-fought victory come to fruition. He died last year, leaving his wife and three children to continue the battle with Wofsy.

The saga has its roots in the strong ties between the celebrated Spanish painter, sculptor and printmaker with art critic Christian Zervos, who founded the prestigious Cahiers d'art journal.

The Greek-born Zervos, who died in 1970 in Paris, produced a massive catalogue of more than 16,000 photographs of Picasso's artwork, which Cahiers d'art published as 33 volumes between 1932 and 1978.

After Zervo's death, Yves Sicre de Fontbrune, a former director of the journal, bought the intellectual property rights to "the Zervos," now widely recognized as the definitive catalogue of Picasso's work.

In the 1990s, Wofsy published two volumes on Picasso that reproduced several photographs from "the Zervos."

De Fontbrune took Wofsy to court in 1996, first in the French legal system, accusing him of counterfeiting.

A grouping of French national museums, the Reunion des musees nationaux, and Picasso's heirs joined the lawsuit, which was far more prolonged than any of the protagonists expected.

Lower court judges said the photographs and catalogue were not protected by intellectual property rights, but they were overruled on appeal.

- Obscure French legal tool -

In 2001, the Paris Court of Appeal ordered Wofsy to pay 800,000 francs (about 122,000 euros, or $136,850) -- months before euro banknotes and coins were introduced in France -- in damages to de Fontbrune, plus an added 10,000-franc judgment for each subsequent reproduction of the photographs.

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The special punitive judgment triggered a second legal battle, this time fought both in Paris and across the Atlantic.

With Wofsy failing to comply with the order, de Fontbrune filed again and was awarded two million euros ($2.25 million) in 2012 linked to the French penalties.

De Fontbrune then took the award to court in California seeking enforcement and payment.

But Wofsy argued that the French judgment, which is called an "astreinte" in French and has no exact equivalent in American law, amounted to a simple penalty by the French government and could thus not be officially recognized and enforced in the United States.

In 2014, a San Francisco court agreed with Wofsy.

But de Fontbrune's estate appealed and, on Tuesday, Judge M. Margaret McKeown of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit found that "the astreinte was not essentially penal in nature... and accordingly the district court erred in concluding otherwise."

"The enforceability of the French award turns on whether, in this case, the astreinte functions as a fine or penalty -- which the Uniform Recognition Act does not recognize -- or as a grant of monetary recovery -- which is statutorily cognizable," she explained.

"The answer to this question is not a simple matter of translation, but, as we explain, requires a broader look at French law to understand the nature of the astreinte remedy in this case, in conjunction with an analysis of California law regarding the enforcement of foreign judgments."

But for Wofsy, the fight is not over just yet.

"We do expect to petition for rehearing," his international arbitration lawyer Neil Popovic told AFP.

"Among other things, it appears that the Ninth Circuit's opinion does not account for the disproportionality between the amount of the astreinte and any alleged harm suffered by the plaintiff."
San Diego (AFP) - US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said America's alliance with the Philippines remains "ironclad" even though the Asian ally's leader has vowed to end joint military exercises.

The Pentagon chief's remarks came as he headed for a security summit in Hawaii, where concerns about Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, China's continued military expansion in the South China Sea, and the return of Islamic State group jihadists to the region were high on the agenda.

"As it has been for decades, our alliance with the Philippines is ironclad," Carter said, addressing troops aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, docked in San Diego.

Duterte on Wednesday said he would soon end joint military exercises with the United States, a symbolic blow to a military alliance dating back more than 60 years.

"I will serve notice to you now, that this will be the last military exercise, jointly Philippines-US, the last one," Duterte told several hundred Vietnam-based Filipinos during a rambling address in Hanoi as he started a trip to Vietnam.

Such a move could further dampen relations with Manila's longtime ally after the firebrand leader -- who has also called for US special operations forces in the country's south to leave -- branded US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and extended overtures to China.

But senior defense officials later appeared philosophical about Duterte's outbursts.

The US-Philippine alliance has "had its ups and downs and survived," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.

"It's going to continue to survive based on what we think are strong US-Philippine common security interests."

As for the military exercises, "we can be flexible about when and if they happen again," the official added.

- South China Sea -

Carter is set to meet his Philippine counterpart, Delfin Lorenzana, in Hawaii on Friday, where the Pentagon chief is hosting an "informal" meeting for defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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Previous summits have tended to focus on China and its growing reach across the South China Sea.

Beijing has in recent years rapidly expanded its physical presence in the strategically vital waterway, turning small maritime features, islets and reefs into much larger islands capable of holding military facilities.

Carter stressed, as he has repeatedly, that the US military will ignore Beijing's contentious South China Sea claims, and keep operating in waters and airspace surrounding the islands.

"We hope that China chooses to join the rest of the region in strengthening and upholding the shared principles that have helped so many nations around the region, including China, to rise and prosper," he said.

An international court in July ruled against China's sweeping South China Sea claims, prompting a furious reaction from Beijing, which promptly vowed to ignore the decision.

- Returning jihadists -

Carter's trip to Hawaii comes with less than four months of the Obama administration remaining.

A key question will be future plans for America's "rebalance" to Asia, during which Obama has tried to shift the US focus away from Middle East quagmires and toward rapidly growing Asia.

He has mended relations with Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos while bolstering regional blocs and providing a counterbalance to China's regional ambitions.

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines recently agreed to conduct joint sea patrols to fight piracy, organized crime, and terrorist activity in the Sulu Sea.

Several nations in the region, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are also concerned about the return of jihadists from the Middle East as the Islamic State (IS) group loses territory in Iraq and Syria.

The defense official said probably about 1,000 or fewer Southeast Asians are in Syria and Iraq, and "hundreds" have already returned to their home countries.

"Local governments certainly are very concerned about the possibility of a rise in ISIL-related violence, it is very high on their agenda when they speak to us," the official said, using an acronym for the IS group.

Regional allies are sure to ask Carter about the upcoming US election, which has seen a tightening race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Trump has called into question the mutual defense treaties with Japan and South Korea, which have provided the cornerstones of US policy in Asia since World War II.

The defense official indicated he was confident America would retain its Asia focus whatever the election's result.

"We've got a good thing going with the establishment of this principled, inclusive security network," he said.

"There are a lot of opportunities left over. And we want to make sure that our position in the region is solid for the next president."
Washington (AFP) - The United States warned Thursday that it is on the brink of ending talks with Russia over the assault on Aleppo, where the United Nations says a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding unlike any witnessed so far in Syria's brutal five-year war.

Air strikes pounded Aleppo province while at least 11 civilians, including seven children, died during attacks on the city of Idlib, nearby Jarjanaz and central Hama province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

With no let-up in the military campaign, US Secretary of State John Kerry admitted that months of diplomacy to end the war had hit a dead-end.

"I think we are on the verge of suspending the discussion because, you know, it's irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there, trying to take things seriously," he told a conference in the US capital.

US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned what they called "barbarous" Russian and Syrian regime air strikes on Aleppo during a phone call later on Thursday, the White House said.

The Syrian government and its ally Russia "bear special responsibility for ending the fighting in Syria," the two leaders agreed, strongly condemning the strikes in eastern Aleppo, an area they said is "populated with hundreds of thousands of civilians, half of whom are children."

But Russia said it would press ahead with the air war in support of the regime, warning that Washington's refusal to work with Moscow on a settlement would be a "gift to terrorists."

"If Washington's threats to halt cooperation become concrete decisions, then there is no longer any doubt that the rebels are under the White House's protection and in the streets, terrorists will celebrate," Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said.

Russia and the United States have traded blame for last week's collapse of a ceasefire deal that would have marked the first step in a new effort to end the war that has killed 300,000 people since 2011.

Story continues

- Aleppo's 'descent into abyss' -

International alarm is growing over the crisis in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where the Syrian army launched an offensive a week ago to retake the city.

UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council in New York that Aleppo is descending into a "merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed so far in Syria."

More than 100,000 children remain trapped in east Aleppo, which has come under intense bombing since the Syrian army offensive began, he said.

The siege by Syrian government forces has made food scarce and fresh water in short supply, he added, and there are mounting reports of deaths from malnutrition, disease and poisoning by those scavenging for food.

US Ambassador Samantha Power described the escalation as "the most savage week we've seen in an incredibly savage five-plus-year war," with more than 1,000 people killed by 1,700 air strikes on rebel-held east Aleppo alone.

France said it would push for a UN resolution to impose a ceasefire in Aleppo, but it remains unlikely that Russia would support such a measure.

Moscow maintains that a US-led coalition strike on a Syrian army base, on top of Washington's failure to rein in opposition rebel fighters, led to the collapse of the truce.

- 'Bombs are falling' -

Kerry said the United States would pursue other alternatives, "barring some clear indication by the warring parties that they are prepared to consider how to approach this more effectively."

The UN envoy for Syria, meanwhile, said there was little prospect of an imminent restart of any negotiations to try to end the raging conflict as the violence continues.

"At the moment, when bombs are falling all over, it is very difficult to justify resuming talks," Staffan de Mistura told AFP after meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican.

In a sign of the desperate plight facing residents of eastern Aleppo, the United Nations warned that hundreds of people probably need medical evacuation.

Two of the largest hospitals in the city's east were bombed on Wednesday in what UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described as a war crime.
U.S. sovereign bond prices rose on Thursday, as U.S. stocks turned lower amid a drop in the financials.

U.S. Treasury yields across the board fell, with the benchmark 10-year note (U.S.:US10Y) yielding 1.5591 percent, having closed the previous session at 1.567 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices.

German bunds (Germany:DE10Y-DE)  viewed as a "safe-haven" asset comparable to U.S. debt  U.K. Gilts (:GB10Y-GB), French OATs (France:FR10Y-FR) and Japanese bonds (Japan:JP10Y-JP) fell as well.

The 14-country OPEC oil cartel agreed to seek a cut in crude production when they meet formally in November  paving the way for the first cut in oil supply since 2008. Crude oil futures (New York Mercantile Exchange: @CL.1) rose nearly 6 percent on Wednesday on news of the deal, but pared some gains on Thursday as investors grew skeptical about the details of the agreement and how it will be enforced.

"There are the usual unanswered questions about implementation, not least regarding how the output cuts will be divvied up among members; how Iran, Nigeria and Libya might be given greater leeway to increase production without jeopardizing the deal as a whole; and how non-members such as Russia, Mexico, North American shale producers and others will respond," Emily Nicol, economist at Daiwa Capital Markets, said in a note on Thursday.

Data-wise, the third read on second-quarter GDP beat estimates, while weekly jobless claims rose less than expected. Pending home sales for August fell 2.4 percent.



No U.S. Treasury auctions are schedule for Thursday, but the offering amount for sales of 13-week (U.S.:US3M) and 26-week bills (U.S.:US6M) on Monday will be announced.

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen will speak in Kansas City at 4 p.m. ET at a forum on banking and the economy. Before that, Fed Governor Jerome Powell said he supported the current rate hike path and that the Fed can remain patient in normalizing rates.



Earlier, Kansas City Fed President Esther George told CNBC the most recent economic data shows continuing to move forward.

Story continues

Plus, the U.S. Presidential race will be in focus, following media speculation that a company owned by Republican candidate, Donald Trump, violated the Cuban trade embargo in the 1990s.

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Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Thursday that Washington is on the brink of ending its talks with Russia on the Syrian conflict over the assault on Aleppo.

"I think we are on the verge of suspending the discussion because, you know, it's irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there, trying to take things seriously," Kerry said.

"There is no notion or indication of seriousness of purpose with what is taking place right now," he told a conference in Washington.

On Wednesday, Kerry called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to warn that he would end talks unless Moscow halts the assault on Aleppo and forces Bashar al-Assad to ground the Syrian air force.

Kerry's spokesman John Kirby told reporters Kerry had again called Lavrov on Thursday "and continued their conversation" but apparently without making a breakthrough.

"I think the secretary was just as candid and blunt today with Foreign Minister Lavrov as he was yesterday," Kirby said.

Kerry said the United States would pursue other alternatives, "barring some clear indication by the warring parties that they are prepared to consider how to approach this more effectively."

And White House spokesman Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama was "very distressed" by reports from Syria and had asked his team to "look for and evaluate additional options that we can undertake to try to reduce the violence."

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would press on with its bombing campaign in Syria, where Assad's forces are waging a furious assault on Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector.

A top UN aid official called the situation in Aleppo a "merciless abyss of humanitarian catastrophe," in the latest appeal for a halt to fighting.

Kerry's efforts to broker a ceasefire have come under fire from Republicans who have called for tougher action against Moscow and the Syrian regime.

Story continues

"It's easy to be critical of diplomatic efforts because it's difficult, but what is the alternative?" said Kerry.

He said the United States would defeat the Islamic State militants operating in Syria and Iraq, "but that is different and distinct from involving ourselves directly into the civil war which is the war against Assad."

His comments echoed those of Obama who insisted on Wednesday that "there is not a scenario in which, absent us deploying large numbers of troops, we can stop a civil war in which both sides are deeply dug in."


Know a hero? Send suggestions to heroesamongus@peoplemag.com. For more inspiring stories, read the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine



Seven months ago, Eric Dyches was in his car, on his way to help his wife calm down from a severe panic attack, when his father-in-law delivered the shocking news: Emily Cook Dyches had jumped out of his vehicle on the interstate and ran directly into the path of a semi-truck. She'd been killed instantly.



The Salem, Utah, mother of five had suffered from postpartum depression for more than a year since the birth of her last child, Trey, but nobody dreamed that her perinatal mood disorder would lead to her death.



"She'd spent the day with her parents and her dad was driving her home when she became so anxious that she panicked and he had to pull over," Eric, 39, tells PEOPLE. "I was on the phone with my father-in-law when she jumped out."



After gathering his children around that afternoon to tell them that their mother wouldn't be coming home, Dyches felt strongly that he had do something in Emily's honor to help other women who suffered from debilitating postpartum depression.



Several weeks after Emily's memorial service, he started The Emily Effect, a foundation and online help center for women experiencing perinatal mood disorders. Run by Dyches and a small band of volunteers, the organization focuses on directing women to resources, including therapists specializing in postpartum issues, and doing away with the stigma associated with mental disorders.





Utah Father of Five Starts Center for Moms With Postpartum Depression in Honor of His Late Wife| Heroes Among Us, Health, Good Deeds, Real People Stories, Real Heroes

"When Emily first started having anxiety and depression, it was maddening trying to find the right help," says Dyches, who works as director of operations for a Utah County investment firm. "There were many times when I felt like we'd exhausted our options and didn't have anywhere else to turn."



"Then there was the feeling of 'self shaming' that Emily had to deal with," he adds. "It was that feeling of, 'We can't see it, so it must not be true.' She felt like she was the only one going through this, because all of the other moms she saw were putting their best foot forward. She felt incredibly alone."



Emily, of course, was not alone, he now realizes, as witnessed by the hundreds of personal stories that women have left on his website about their own emotional struggles after giving birth.



When Jena Christiansen, 32, a mother of four, heard about Emily's death from a friend, "everything about her and her story resonated with me," says the Hurricane, Utah, marketing rep.



"I started having postpartum depression after my second child, and by my fourth, I would contemplate driving off a cliff or in front of a truck," she says. "It was a daily battle to get up and function."



After reading stories about other mothers' depression on The Emily Effect website, Christiansen realized how much goodness was in her life.



"I had 'EM' tattooed on my left wrist  it stands for something much bigger than myself," she tells PEOPLE. "It's also been a reminder, especially on my bad days, that I have to do this life. My kids need me and I need them."





Story continues

Utah Father of Five Starts Center for Moms With Postpartum Depression in Honor of His Late Wife| Heroes Among Us, Health, Good Deeds, Real People Stories, Real Heroes

Shea Jackson, a homemaker from Perry, Utah, who suffered severe depression and anxiety after the birth of each of her four girls, finally decided to seek help after coming across The Emily Effect website.



"Reading Emily's story made me realize the seriousness of what I was feeling," says Jackson, "and it made me realize that anxiety is not a weakness. Although I never knew Emily, I feel an empathy and closeness to her. We shared the same feelings."



Emily Cook Dyches, simply known to her family as "Em," had a sunny personality that blended perfectly with her roles as a mother, photographer and piano teacher, says Eric, who met his wife in the third grade and married her in 1998 when they both attended Brigham Young University.



"When we started raising a family, she had minor baby blues after the births of our other children," he tells PEOPLE, "but things got progressively worse after she had Trey in March 2015."



Normally cheerful with a soothing demeanor, Emily suddenly became frighteningly unpredictable, with wide mood swings that required treatment in a psychiatric care unit for almost two weeks.



"She was in there with convicted felons  they were not equipped to handle new moms or visits from children," Eric says. "When we got home and she was on medication, the switch would be flipped off and she'd seem fine. But it always came back with a vengeance."



An estimated 15 to 20 percent of all women experience postpartum depression and anxiety, making it the No. 1 complication of childbirth, Amy-Rose White, a perinatal psychotherapist and founder of the Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative, tells PEOPLE.





Utah Father of Five Starts Center for Moms With Postpartum Depression in Honor of His Late Wife| Heroes Among Us, Health, Good Deeds, Real People Stories, Real Heroes

"The silver lining is that although women are at highest risk for mental illness during their reproductive years, they also respond to treatment better than at any other time," says White. "I'm in awe of the courage and determination of the Dyches family as they work tirelessly to ensure other women do not suffer Emily's fate. The most important message they are spreading is one of awareness."



In spite of Emily's depression, says Eric Dyches, his wife still found time to care for Trey, now 1, and snuggle with her other children  Jace, 15, Addison, 13, Kolby, 10 and Macie, 6.



"More than anything, she loved being a mom  it was what she loved most in life," Eric says. "And she was very good at it. She was so engaging and warm and magnetic. She made our house a home."



After realizing that what happened to his wife could happen to any mother, "I sat down with the kids and we decided to raise awareness about perinatal mood disorders," he tells PEOPLE. "It's been therapeutic for all of us to help normalize the conversation so that moms experiencing problems will know that it's OK to get help."



Dyches, who recently found love again and was remarried on Sept. 1 to Leslie Huntsman, a friend who attended college with Emily, hopes that The Emily Effect will help women know that there is no shame in having postpartum depression.



"Our goal is to help save lives and let them know there is hope and help out there," he says. "Emily wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
By John Tilak

TORONTO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Canadian energy company Veresen Inc has hired Toronto Dominion Bank to sell its power business, which could be worth about C$1 billion ($758.90 million), according to two people familiar with the situation.

The Calgary-based company, which owns energy infrastructure assets in Canada and the United States, said last month that it would sell the division and use the proceeds to fund growth.

The move would also allow Veresen to reduce its debt, as well as focus on its pipeline and midstream businesses.

While no longer seen as core to Veresen's strategy, the power business is considered attractive as the assets have long-term contracts, providing owners with a steady cash flow stream, the people said, declining to be identified as the matter is not public.

Private equity firms, infrastructure-focused funds and pension funds are seen as potential bidders for the asset, the sources said.

OMERS-backed Borealis and Canadian power companies are also likely to take a close look, one of the sources said.

Veresen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company has pipeline, midstream and power assets. It also owns 50 percent of a joint venture with KKR & Co LP called Veresen Midstream, a natural gas midstream business focused on the Montney region that straddles the Alberta-British Columbia border.

($1 = 1.3177 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by John Tilak; Editing by Alan Crosby)
By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU regulators are considering whether companies that gain access to valuable data via small M&A deals should seek approval for these acquisitions to ensure that they will not hurt competition, the EU's antitrust chief said on Thursday.

European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager's comments come alongside an increasing focus by regulators globally on privacy and the possibility that some companies may buy data-rich rivals to lock in users and squeeze out competitors.

"A company might even buy up a rival just to get hold of its data, even though it hasn't yet managed to turn that data into money," Vestager told a conference organised by consumer group BEUC and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS).

"We are therefore exploring whether we need to start looking at mergers with valuable data involved, even though the company that owns it doesn't have a large turnover," she said.

EU merger rules currently apply to mergers where the annual turnover of the combined businesses exceeds specified thresholds in terms of global and European sales.

The European Commission plans to seek feedback from the public and interested parties before making any decision.

"We hope to start a public consultation very soon on should we supplement, complement our merger thresholds which are now turnover thresholds when it comes to data but also knowledge as such," Vestager told reporters, saying the subject would also include patents which are not covered for now.

Vestager, who will rule in the coming weeks on Microsoft's (MSFT.O) $26.2 billion bid for social media company LinkedIn Corp (LNKD.N) in its biggest-ever deal, said the onus was on companies to behave themselves.

"Those who work with big data need to take this (users' concerns) seriously. It's up to them to convince people that they will use data properly ... So I will keep a close eye on how companies use data," she told the conference.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Philip Blenkinsop and Jane Merriman)
Vietnam's economy dipped slightly in the third quarter year-on-year, data showed Thursday, but analysts say the communist country will remain one of Southeast Asia's star performers.

GDP growth in the three months to September hit 6.4 percent, down from 6.81 percent in the same period in 2015, the Government Statistics Office said in a statement.

Vietnam has become a magnet for private investment in the region, especially in the manufacturing and consumer sectors, driven in part by a rapidly growing middle class with money to burn.

But cumbersome state enterprises, banking scandals and growing public debt have pegged back the economy.

Third quarter growth rose from 5.78 percent in the previous quarter and 5.48 in the first, official data said, as foreign investment and exports rose and agriculture recovered after a devastating drought.

Analysts still view Vietnam as a bright spot in the region.

Neighbouring Thailand, once the star of Southeast Asia, has by contrast seen its economy sputter under a military junta.

"We expect Vietnam to remain a growth outperformer, bucking regional weakness in trade," Eugenia Victorino, an economist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. in Singapore told Bloomberg News.

"Reforms are slowly instituted which should prop up potential growth further in the medium term."

Vietnam has promised to privatise its bloated state-owned sector, and last month announced it would divest its majority stakes from leading government-owned brewers Sabeco and Habeco.

Lower than expected growth rates clocked in the first half of this year were blamed on a crippling drought that hammered Vietnam's rice and coffee farmers.

Mass fish deaths blamed on an industrial accident along the coast that devastated key fishing communities also dented progress.

The country has set a GDP growth target of between 6.5 and seven percent by the end of 2016.
Moon Village

GUADALAJARA, Mexico  If the world wants to create a village on the moon, the Federal Aviation Administration is willing to start up an online trading post for lunar services.

George Nield, the FAAs associate administrator for commercial space transportation, says he doesnt even need to wait for the village to be built.

Nield offered to set up what he called LMASS  the Lunar Marketplace and Swap Shop  during one of todays sessions at the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara.

Think of it as a corkboard, Nield said. The potential traders could include businesses that are working on ways to move cargo from low Earth orbit to lunar orbit, or on moon landers, or on habitats, or surface transportation, or communication services, or other technologies that will eventually be needed for lunar operations.

George Nield

Nield brought up the idea of creating LMASS during a session focusing on the European Space Agencys Moon Village concept. While NASA officials highlight the Journey to Mars, ESA and its director general, Jan Woerner, have been championing the Moon Village as a model for lunar surface operations.

Woerner said he saw no conflict between NASAs Mars focus and ESAs moon focus. On the Journey to Mars, I think the Moon Village is a perfect pit stop, he told the IAC audience.

This village doesnt need a mayor, a government or even a town name, Woerner said. Rather, the village serves as a metaphor for a style of international collaboration that guarantees free and open access to lunar resources as bases take shape in the 2020s.

What does NASA think of all this? Deputy Administrator Dava Newman said the space agencys push for sending astronauts to the Red Planet and its moons in the 2030s definitely includes going from Earth, to moon cislunar [space], to Mars.

However, NASA isnt likely to take the lead role on the moons surface. Instead, the main interest in the moon is coming from other countries, and from commercial ventures. Nield said that Woerners Moon Village concept sparked a tremendous reaction from the companies that his agency serves in its role as a facilitator of commercial space activities.

Story continues

Nield was particularly struck by the enthusiasm generated by SpaceX founder Elon Musks plan to send settlers to Mars, and the outer-space plans being pursued by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos Blue Origin space venture.

He said at least a dozen other companies are interested in moon ventures  including Moon Express, which has won the U.S. governments preliminary go-ahead for a lunar landing next year.

I thought, Gosh, if we all get together, even informally, we might have something there,' Nield said.

Thats what LMASS would do.

Not everyone has to be the rocket scientist, or the explorer. Were going to need farmers, were going to need miners, either human or robotic. Were going to need people who operate these transportation systems, Nield explained.

If we can pick out what are our core competencies  what are the areas that were interested in studying, or providing, or producing  and we can collect that information, we can have the different kinds of skills and products that were going to need to eventually have a village, he said.

In the beginning, LMASS could serve merely as an online database listing those skills and products.

Wed be happy to facilitate that as an interim step, Nield said. Others may step forward, based on past experiences, or that is how they would like to contribute to the effort.

Eventually, the database could turn into an actual marketplace, online or on the moon, where goods and services for the Moon Village are traded or bartered, bought or sold.

Nield said he sees the Moon Village concept as a great opportunity for public and private partnerships.

This is not just a series of launches, or a series of space missions. What we need to be thinking about instead is the development of an ecosystem, infrastructure and a space economy. How can we do that in a way that is affordable and sustainable? Those will be the keys.

More from GeekWire:
A volunteer firefighter is being hailed as a hero for stopping the 14-year-old elementary school shooter in Townville, South Carolina, and holding him at bay, authorities say.



Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, stopped the teenager who shot two students and a teacher outside the school on Wednesday and "took him down," Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said at a press conference.



A teacher and two 6-year-old students were wounded in the shooting. And a Greenville Health System spokeswoman tells PEOPLE that one child, Jacob Hall, was airlifted to the hospital and remained in critical condition Wednesday night.



"Firefighter Brock is absolutely a hero," Scott Stoller with Anderson County Emergency Management told the Associated Press. Stoller noted that Brock does not want attention for his actions but "wants to remain humble and quiet about it" because he believes "he did nothing any of the other volunteer firefighters wouldn't have done."





Volunteer Firefighter Hailed as a Hero for Taking Down South Carolina Elementary School Gunman| Crime & Courts, Shootings, True Crime, True Crime



Taylor Jones, director of the county's emergency management, said at a Wednesday press conference Brock was one of the first people to arrive at Townville Elementary School after 911 calls about a gunman on the playground.



 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.



He said officials do not know whether there was a physical altercation between the firefighter and the suspect, adding that Brock "just used enough force to take him to the ground."





Volunteer Firefighter Hailed as a Hero for Taking Down South Carolina Elementary School Gunman| Crime & Courts, Shootings, True Crime, True Crime



The unidentified suspect allegedly opened fire on the playground a handgun, shooting one student in the leg and another in the foot, Townville police Capt. Garland Major said at the news conference.



The teacher was shot in the shoulder. One student and the teacher were treated and released Wednesday, the AP reports.



The suspect's father, 47-year-old Jeffrey Osborne, was found dead near the school, a law enforcement official confirmed to PEOPLE. Police said the man's death is connected to the shooting and is under investigation.



The 14-year-old is in custody but it was not immediately clear what charges he would face.



Townville parent Nely Ramirez told PEOPLE said news of the shooting was "the scariest moment of my life."



"I saw a lot of parents hugging their kids and crying, crying, crying," she said. "Everyone is really shaken up."
By Ilona Wissenbach

PARIS (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) Chief Executive Matthias Mueller said on Wednesday he is hopeful the German automaker can reach agreement by the end of the year with the U.S. government on the size of a fine to settle a criminal investigation of the company's alleged violations of U.S. clean air laws.

Mueller, speaking on the sidelines of the Paris auto show, said he also sees good progress toward an agreement with U.S. regulators that could allow Volkswagen to repair certain 3.0 litre diesel engines that emit more pollutants than U.S. law allows.

Speculation that the U.S. Justice Department will demand a multibillion-dollar fine to settle a criminal investigation of the automaker's use of illegal software to deceive U.S. environmental regulators sent Volkswagen shares into a tailspin earlier this week.

Mueller told reporters "we have been in a constructive dialogue with authorities in Germany, in Europe and the U.S. for the past 12 months," and said he hopes to know the results of all the investigations "in the foreseeable future."

A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment. Reuters reported in August that Volkswagen and the U.S. Justice Department have held preliminary settlement talks about resolving a criminal probe into the automaker's diesel emissions scandal, citing two sources briefed on the matter. The talks have continued in recent weeks but it is not clear when a settlement will be reached.

Earlier this month, a Volkswagen engineer pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in connection with the diesel emissions cheating case, and said he will cooperate with the Justice Department investigation.

VW in June agreed to pay up to $16.5 billion to resolve civil litigation related to the emissions cheating. The company agreed to buy back vehicles if they could not be repaired as required by U.S. and California regulators, and to fund projects such as expanded electric vehicle charging networks.

Story continues

Mueller said he is concerned about the size of potential additional fines. "The settlement that we have ... reached with the civil authorities isn't cheap," he said. "We have made provisions for everything that we believe we will have to face, including fines, environmental projects, compensation to the people ... We will have to see if that's enough or not."

Volkswagen has set aside 17.8 billion euros ($20 billion) to pay for costs related to the global emissions cheating scandal. The company faces civil litigation and potential fines from government regulators in the EU and other markets around the world.

Mueller said on Wednesday the company faces more than a financial toll. "We gambled away the trust people had in us and now we have to see how to get it back. That will definitely take longer than it took to lose it."

Mueller and Volkswagen global brand chief Herbert Diess said the company is not ready to abandon diesel technology, and could continue to offer diesel models for the U.S. market.

"At some point there will be a tipping point, where electric mobility will gain the upper hand. I don't know when this will be. Maybe 2030 or 2035," Mueller said.

Volkswagen executives are using the Paris auto show to tout its future electric vehicles, aiming at U.S. electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA.O). Mueller, however, objected to the comparison.

"How many cars do they sell per year? How many? Fifty thousand per year," he said. "Do you know how many Volkswagen sells? 10 million! Why do we then talk of competition?"

Tesla has targeted sales for 2016 of 80,000 to 90,000 vehicles.

($1 = 0.8915 euro)

(Additional reporting by Agnieszka Flak in Paris and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Joseph White and Matthew Lewis)
Paris (AFP) - Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned a decision by an Iranian appeals court to uphold a 10-year jail sentence against journalist and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi.

Mohammadi, 44, is one of Iran's best-known journalists and was awarded the City of Paris medal earlier this year for her work as a defender of women's rights.

She was the spokesperson of the Centre for Human Rights Defenders and campaigned for an end to the death penalty in Iran.

Initially arrested in May 2015, the mother-of-two was sentenced to a total of 16 years in April, according to a statement from RSF.

Under a law passed last year, she will only serve the sentence linked to the most important charge -- in this case 10 years for "forming and managing an illegal group" which pressed for an end to capital punishment.

RSF said her lawyers received the news as her colleague, 2003 Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi who founded the Centre for Human Rights Defenders, was meeting with Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo and RSF secretary general Christophe Deloire in the French capital.

"I condemn this sentence imposed by the Iranian judicial system as Narges's only crime is to be a human rights defender in a country that flouts these rights," Ebadi told RSF.

Mohammadi went on hunger strike in June after being denied phone contact with her children, who live with their father in France. The authorities relented after 20 days of the hunger strike.

There has yet to be any official confirmation of the appeal court verdict from within Iran.

Iran was this year ranked 169th out of 180 countries in RSF's World Press Freedom index.
Beirut (AFP) - Rebel-held areas of Aleppo have been battered by intense bombardment since the Syrian regime announced an offensive a week ago to retake the entire city.

The escalation follows the breakdown of a week-long ceasefire brokered by Russia and the United States earlier in September that had brought brief respite to the battleground city.

More than 170 people have been killed since the latest Russian-backed offensive started, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Residential buildings have been reduced to rubble and residents of rebel-held east Aleppo face severe shortages of food, medicines and water.

- The offensive starts -

On September 22, 2016, the Syrian army announces a major offensive aimed at retaking rebel zones in east Aleppo.

The military warns residents to keep away from posts held by "terrorists" in eastern districts, which rebels have held since 2012 and are home to an estimated 250,000 residents living under government siege.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says it is "a large-scale land offensive supported by Russian air strikes aimed at taking bit by bit the eastern sector of Aleppo and emptying it of its residents".

The attacks include artillery barrages and barrel bombings by helicopters.

- No running water -

On September 24 the UN children's agency UNICEF says nearly two million people have been left without water after regime bombardment damages a pumping station and rebels shut down another in retaliation.

- Diplomatic war of words -

Over the next two days the offensive prompts a chorus of diplomatic outrage.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon says he is "appalled by the chilling military escalation".

"What Russia is sponsoring and doing is not counter-terrorism. It is barbarism," US ambassador Samantha Power tells an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, while her British and French colleagues accuse Syria and Russia of "war crimes".

Story continues

Russia riposts by condemning what it called "unacceptable" Western rhetoric.

- Army advance -

On September 27 the army makes its first advance on the ground, taking control of the rebel-held district of Farafira northwest of Aleppo's historic citadel.

A Syrian military official says the offensive to retake Aleppo, with Russian support, involves both air and ground operations, with the use of artillery.

- Hospitals hit -

On September 28, the two largest hospitals in rebel-held parts of Aleppo are hit and forced to suspend activities temporarily. The M10 facility is hit in an air strike and the M2 facility struck by artillery fire, according to the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a US-based non-governmental organisation which supports them.

Ban says attacks on hospitals are "war crimes".

- Prospects for new talks -

US Secretary of State John Kerry warns Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that Washington will end talks on the conflict unless Moscow halts the Aleppo assault.

Russia's defence ministry says Moscow is prepared to relaunch talks with the United States on the crisis.

The senior UN official in charge of bringing together the different parties in the Syria conflict, Staffan de Mistura, says there is little prospect of an imminent restart of negotiations "when bombs are falling all over".
Washington (AFP) - Embattled Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf was hammered Thursday by US lawmakers who questioned his fitness to serve as the bank's chief following a sham accounts scandal.

Stumpf offered renewed contrition in an appearance before the Financial Services Committee of the House of Representatives, which is investigating the bank's sales practices after it admitted this month to opening millions of credit and debit accounts without customers' knowledge.

"I am deeply sorry that we failed to fulfill our responsibility to our customers, to our team members, and to the American public," said Stumpf.

Wells Fargo, the second largest US bank by market value, this month paid $190 million in fines and restitution over the accounts.

Stumpf announced that his bank would this week end the kind of high-pressure sales goals that had driven employees to meet targets by opening the accounts. The bank had planned to do so by January 1 but was accelerating the process, he said.

Amid persistent public outrage, California's treasurer on Wednesday suspended ties with the bank, which is based in the state, citing Wells Fargo's "venal abuse" of its customers.

On Tuesday, the bank's board announced that Stumpf would forfeit $41 million in compensation and that the its former community banking head Carrie Tolstedt will also forfeit $19 million. Neither is to receive any bonus.

Stumpf is now working without pay pending the outcome of an internal review. Federal prosecutors have also opened a probe, according to The Wall Street Journal.

- 'Beyond credibility' -

During Thursday's hearing, indignant lawmakers pressed Stumpf as to whether senior management would be held to account after the bank fired 5,300 employees over the illegal sales practices.

"It's just beyond credibility that somebody up the food chain didn't either order this, condone it, or turn a blind eye to it," said Jeb Hensarling, the committee's Republican chair.

Story continues

Stumpf said an internal review would examine the roles of senior management: "The board is going to be involved. Management is going to be involved."

Committee members also noted that the sham sales tactics had spilled out into the open when the Los Angeles Times exposed them in December 2013 but that the practices had not stopped until 2015.

Stumpf said the board had gradually gained awareness of the matter between 2013 and 2015.

"It was in 2015 that we had a full report," he said. "In 2014 we were starting to get more granular information that this was a risk area for the company to focus on."

Committee members hammered Stumpf's fitness to serve as CEO. New York Democrat Gregory Meeks noted that Wells Fargo had been fined over various issues on an annual basis during Stumpf's tenure.

"You can stay being chairman and CEO, is that what you want us to believe?" asked Meeks.

"I serve at the pleasure of the board," answered Stumpf.

"If the buck stops with you, as you have come here and said... then you should be fired," said Meeks, adding that the entire board might have to be replaced as well.

Stumpf said that the bank had contacted more than 20,000 credit card holders identified by accountants to see if they wanted the accounts in their names.

He said that "fewer than 25 percent" had indicated that they either did not want those accounts or could not recall applying for them.

- Bank too big to manage? -

Critics have said that banks such as Wells Fargo, which is among the world's largest by market value, can be unmanageable due to their size.

Indiana Republican Marlin Stutzman asked Thursday whether the sales scandal at Wells Fargo meant it was "too big to manage."

Stumpf denied this.

"This was a focus problem," he said. "We know we have work to do in operational and compliance risk."

Wells Fargo's share price has lost more than 9 percent since the fines were announced on Sept 8.

Around midday Thursday the shares were trading at $44.53, down 1.7 percent.
(Adds details of Wells settlement over car repossessions, background)

By Patrick Rucker and Dan Freed

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Sept 29 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers called on Thursday for Wells Fargo & Co chief John Stumpf to resign and a top House Democrat demanded the bank be broken up because it is too big to manage.

Stumpf's second trip to Capitol Hill on Thursday went no better than his first as lawmakers from both parties rebuked his handling of sales abuses and said the bank had damaged customer trust as well as the broader banking system.

Wells Fargo staff opened checking, savings and credit card accounts without customer say-so for years to satisfy managers' demand for new business, according to a $190 million settlement with regulators reached early this month.

U.S. Representative Maxine Waters, the committee's senior Democrat, faulted the bank for identity theft in the fraud and called for Wells Fargo to be dismantled because it was too big to manage.

She called the sales abuses "some of the most egregious fraud we have seen since the foreclosure crisis." After the hearing, the California lawmaker told reporters she would introduce legislation to break up Wells Fargo.

The bank has said as many as 2 million accounts may have been wrongly opened and Stumpf promised to undo any harm to customers.

The chief executive said, however, that Wells Fargo did not expect to see disgruntled bank customers in court.

Wells Fargo is offering arbitration for its unhappy clients, Stumpf said. Pushed about whether he would waive that mandatory arbitration rule and allow customers to sue, Stumpf said: "No."

Members of the House Financial Services Committee blasted Stumpf over the bank's culture, his compensation and whether the right people were being punished for opening fee-generating, phantom accounts.

The episode has been a stunning reversal for Stumpf, long regarded as a safe pair of hands in the industry for navigating Wells Fargo successfully through the financial crisis. Stumpf again heard lawmakers calling for him to step aside.

Story continues

Jeb Hensarling, the Republican chairman of the committee, said in his opening statement he had lost faith in Wells Fargo, which does some of his banking.

"Mr. Stumpf, I have a mortgage with your bank," Hensarling said. "I wish I didn't. I wish I was in the position to pay it off because you have broken my trust as you have broken the trust of millions."

Wells Fargo shares fell 2.07 percent to $44.37. Since Sept. 7, the last trading day before the scandal broke, its stock has lost 11 percent, or about $27 billion in market value, based on Reuters data. The stock is trading at its lowest since early 2014.

BROKEN TRUST

Republicans on the committee have often advocated easing Wall Street regulations, but they were among Stumpf's strongest critics at Thursday's hearing.

Asked by Representative Sean Duffy, a Republican from Wisconsin, about whether Wells Fargo employees 'stole,' Stumpf said: "In some cases, they did."

"I am deeply sorry that we didn't do the right thing," Stumpf said in response to a lawmaker who said the scandal had eroded the bank's market value.

Representative Steve Pearce, a Republican from New Mexico, faulted Stumpf for saying the company's board could eventually be relied on to sanction the executives responsible.

"I, sir, think you ought to submit a resignation and your board cannot hold off action on that," he said.

Representative Brad Sherman, a Democrat from California, asked the committee to summon other Wall Street chiefs, including from Citigroup Inc and Bank of America Corp , to determine if they had imposed sales demands and quotas on their employees.

"I don't think, Mr. Stumpf, that you should be alone in this joyous experience," Sherman said.

Stumpf said the bank was strengthening oversight of sales tactics, changing procedures for issuing credit cards and had paid back past and current customers for any fees incurrent on the ghost accounts.

Earlier this week, the bank took back $41 million in stock awarded to Stumpf, an unprecedented rebuke to a major U.S. bank chief executive officer.

Democratic Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York raised questions about $13 million in stock sales by the CEO in 2013 after he learned about the abuses. Stumpf said he sold stock with proper approvals and added the sales were made "with no view about what was going on."

The affair has triggered lawsuits, more investigations and wiped more than $20 billion from the bank's market value.

While Wells Fargo may be shielded from some customer actions, the bank may just be starting to face heightened regulatory scrutiny.

On Thursday, the bank agreed to pay the Justice Department $4.1 million to resolve allegations it illegally repossessed cars owned by U.S. service members. In a separate settlement of similar allegations, the bank will pay a $20 million settlement with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

(Additional reporting by Ross Kerber in Boston and Lisa Lambert in Washington; Writing Nick Zieminski in New York; Editing by Alan Crosby and Peter Cooney)
Sept 29 (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co is facing a U.S. Department of Justice sanction for improperly repossessing cars owned by members of the military, Bloomberg reported.

Federal prosecutors and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) plan to punish Wells Fargo for alleged violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Bloomberg reported, citing two people with knowledge of the investigation.

A penalty of as much as $20 million is expected from the OCC, Bloomberg said. (http://bloom.bg/2cECN0N)

The Department of Justice declined to comment. A spokesman for the OCC declined to comment on possible enforcement actions.

Wells Fargo did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

(Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)
By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - At least five Wells Fargo employees have sued the bank or filed complaints with regulators alleging that they were fired after reporting the opening of customer accounts without their permission, according to a Reuters review of lawsuits and complaints to the U.S. Labor Department.

The suits and complaints, filed between 2010 and 2014, raise questions about how early Wells Fargo knew about such allegations and how it handled them.

Wells Fargo was ordered to pay $190 million in fines and restitution this month after regulators said its high-pressure sales environment led to the opening of as many as 2 million customer accounts that customers may not have authorized.

Wells Fargo spokeswoman Richele Messick declined to comment on the employees' allegations but said the bank "takes measures to protect team members from retaliation."

One of the fired employees was Birinder Kaur Shankar, a former Colorado-based customer sales representative who in July 2014 filed a complaint with the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

She claimed that the bank retaliated against her after she reported in 2013 that local managers were pressuring employees to engage in "gaming" the bank's sales quotas by opening unauthorized accounts.

In the complaint reviewed by Reuters, Shankar alleged that service managers, branch managers and district managers were "well versed in the art of creative selling" and that customer sales staffers had "direct orders to mislead customers."

"Little did I know that my complaints to the ethics hotline of Wells Fargo Bank on these practices would be openly and directly conveyed to the very managers who would then start collecting write-up data on me," she wrote.

Shankar settled with the bank in 2015 for an undisclosed sum, according to Labor Department records. Shankar declined to comment, citing a confidentiality agreement that was a condition of her settlement.

Story continues

Another former Wells personal banker, Claudia Ponce de Leon, filed an OSHA complaint in December 2011, alleging that the bank made it "virtually impossible" for branch employees to meet ambitious quotas without cheating.

Ponce de Leon was promoted to become a branch general manager in Pomona, California in June 2011 and discovered employees were engaged in "excessive gaming," according to the complaint.

Shortly after she raised concerns about the practice, she was "terminated without cause," according to her complaint.

Nearly five years later, her attorney Yosef Peretz said she has only received sporadic communications from OSHA and has not been interviewed by investigators. Only recently did OSHA show more interest, he said.

"I heard from them very recently - after this whole mess with Wells Fargo," he said.

Labor Department spokeswoman Amanda McClure did not provide comments in response to questions from Reuters about how OSHA handled the Wells Fargo complaints.

Labor Secretary Thomas Perez told Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren in a Sept. 26 letter that his office now plans a "top-to-bottom" review of all allegations that the department has received concerning Wells Fargo.

Two other clients of Peretz - former personal bankers Yesenia Guitron and Judi Klosek - also filed OSHA complaints, as well as a joint federal lawsuit in 2010 claiming Wells Fargo retaliated against them for blowing the whistle on similar conduct.

Guitron alleged that managers responded by falsifying a paper trail that purported to document her poor performance, forbidding her from taking family medical leave and firing her improperly. Klosek said the bank improperly gave away her position while she was on disability to receive treatment for breast cancer. The bank did not rehire her when she sought other positions, according to her complaint.

A federal judge ultimately dismissed all of Guitron's claims against the bank, saying Wells Fargo was justified for firing her because she failed to meet sales quotas and refused to meet with management.

Guitron said she feels vindicated by the sanctions against Wells Fargo but remains upset that some of the people who she alleges retaliated against her still work at the bank.

"If Wells Fargo wanted to make it right, I would say those people need to go," she said.

The judge dismissed Klosek's retalition claims but upheld her contention that she was discriminated against based on her disability. She settled with the bank on terms that were not disclosed. Reuters was not able to locate Klosek for comment.

Julie Tishkoff, a former employee who worked as an administrative assistant to a regional bank president, made similar claims in a state lawsuit in 2011. She alleged that she reported "fraudulent banking practices" as far back as November 2005, involving "bank employees forging customer signatures and fraudulently opening accounts."

Tishkoff said the bank "instituted a four-year campaign of retaliation" that included attacking her job performance and public criticism, according to the lawsuit.

Messick, the Wells Fargo spokeswoman, said the bank had settled the case in 2012. Attorneys for Tiskoff did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch in Washington Editing by Soyoung Kim and Brian Thevenot)
(Updates with comments from Elizabeth Warren, background about more recent proposed class action filings and a call by U.S. Senator for the SEC to also investigate)

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - At least five Wells Fargo employees have sued the bank or filed complaints with regulators alleging that they were fired after reporting the opening of customer accounts without their permission, according to a Reuters review of lawsuits and complaints to the U.S. Labor Department.

The suits and complaints, filed between 2010 and 2014, raise questions about how early Wells Fargo knew about such allegations and how it handled them.

Wells Fargo was ordered to pay $190 million in fines and restitution this month after regulators said its high-pressure sales environment led to the opening of as many as 2 million customer accounts that customers may not have authorized.

Wells Fargo spokeswoman Richele Messick declined to comment on the employees' allegations but said the bank "takes measures to protect team members from retaliation."

One of the fired employees was Birinder Kaur Shankar, a former Colorado-based customer sales representative who in July 2014 filed a complaint with the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

She claimed that the bank retaliated against her after she reported in 2013 that local managers were pressuring employees to engage in "gaming" the bank's sales quotas by opening unauthorized accounts.

In the complaint reviewed by Reuters, Shankar alleged that service managers, branch managers and district managers were "well versed in the art of creative selling" and that customer sales staffers had "direct orders to mislead customers."

"Little did I know that my complaints to the ethics hotline of Wells Fargo Bank on these practices would be openly and directly conveyed to the very managers who would then start collecting write-up data on me," she wrote.

Shankar settled with the bank in 2015 for an undisclosed sum, according to Labor Department records. Shankar declined to comment, citing a confidentiality agreement that was a condition of her settlement.

Story continues

Another former Wells personal banker, Claudia Ponce de Leon, filed an OSHA complaint in December 2011, alleging that the bank made it "virtually impossible" for branch employees to meet ambitious quotas without cheating.

Ponce de Leon was promoted to become a branch general manager in Pomona, California in June 2011 and discovered employees were engaged in "excessive gaming," according to the complaint.

Shortly after she raised concerns about the practice, she was "terminated without cause," according to her complaint.

Nearly five years later, her attorney Yosef Peretz said she has only received sporadic communications from OSHA and has not been interviewed by investigators. Only recently did OSHA show more interest, he said.

"I heard from them very recently - after this whole mess with Wells Fargo," he said.

The Labor Department has an obligation to efficiently handle such complaints from rank-and-file Wells workers, said Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a frequent critic of the banking industry.

"Wells Fargo might want to push the blame for the consequences of its fraudulent actions onto low-level employees, but the Department of Labor should stand up for workers," Warren told Reuters.

Labor Department spokeswoman Amanda McClure did not provide comments in response to questions from Reuters about how OSHA handled the Wells Fargo complaints.

Messick, the Wells Fargo spokeswoman, declined to comment on Warren's statement.

Labor Secretary Thomas Perez told Warren in a Sept. 26 letter that his office now plans a "top-to-bottom" review of all allegations that the department has received concerning Wells Fargo.

Two other clients of Peretz - former personal bankers Yesenia Guitron and Judi Klosek - also filed OSHA complaints, as well as a joint federal lawsuit in 2010 claiming Wells Fargo retaliated against them for blowing the whistle on similar conduct.

Guitron alleged that managers responded by falsifying a paper trail that purported to document her poor performance, forbidding her from taking family medical leave and firing her improperly. Klosek said the bank improperly gave away her position while she was on disability to receive treatment for breast cancer. The bank did not rehire her when she sought other positions, according to her complaint.

A federal judge ultimately dismissed all of Guitron's claims against the bank, saying Wells Fargo was justified for firing her because she failed to meet sales quotas and refused to meet with management.

Guitron said she feels vindicated by the sanctions against Wells Fargo but remains upset that some of the people who she alleges retaliated against her still work at the bank.

"If Wells Fargo wanted to make it right, I would say those people need to go," she said.

The judge dismissed Klosek's retaliation claims but upheld her contention that she was discriminated against based on her disability. She settled with the bank on terms that were not disclosed. Reuters was not able to locate Klosek for comment.

Julie Tishkoff, a former employee who worked as an administrative assistant to a regional bank president, made similar claims in a state lawsuit in 2011. She alleged that she reported "fraudulent banking practices" as far back as November 2005, involving "bank employees forging customer signatures and fraudulently opening accounts."

Tishkoff said the bank "instituted a four-year campaign of retaliation" that included attacking her job performance and public criticism, according to the lawsuit.

Messick, the Wells Fargo spokeswoman, said the bank had settled the case in 2012. Attorneys for Tiskoff did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

After Wells Fargo was ordered to pay penalties and restitution, former employees filed proposed class-action lawsuits claiming they were pressured to meet sales quotas and wrongfully terminated.

On Thursday, Warren, along with Senate Democrats Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Bob Menendez of New Jersey, also separately called on the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate Wells Fargo for potentially misleading investors and violating whistleblower protection rules.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch in Washington Editing by Soyoung Kim and Brian Thevenot)
soldier(1)_635x250_1475148730

Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations, on Thursday said that the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control at around midnight on Wednesday, and destroyed five of them.

The army struck terrorist units that were ready to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in India.

He said the surgical strikes had caused significant casualties to terrorists and those who were shielding them.

So how are surgical strikes carried out, who engages in these strikes and, more importantly, just what are these strikes?

What is a surgical strike?

A surgical strike is a swift, covert military attack designed to destroy specific targets. Such an assault results in damage only to the intended military target and does causes minimal or no collateral damage to surrounding structures, vehicles, buildings, or public infrastructure and utilities.

Total neutralisation of targets with surgical strikes also ensures the prevention of an assault being escalated to a full-blown war.

As a part of Indias Cold Start Doctrine, surgical strikes are a very effective way of foiling infiltration bids by terrorists across the Line of Control.

The details of the current strike have not been revealed to the public for obvious reasons.

Surgical strikes are a very potent weapon in Indias hand against a hostile nation that has time and again threatened to use nuclear weapons against Indian forces and people.

How is a surgical strike carried out?

Special operations forces or commando units, who are airdropped into the enemy territory, carry out surgical strikes. These elite forces then inflict maximum damage on the targets and are safely extracted from the conflict zone. Some special forces also carry out such strikes in a ground operation.

Air raids too can be a part of a precise surgical strike. The Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy all have special operations forces to carry out surgical strikes if required.

Story continues

What are the major requirements before carrying out a surgical strike?

Accurate and credible intelligence is the most important element required while planning and executing a surgical strike. The militarys special operations units work very closely with the Intelligence Bureau, the Research & Analysis Wing, military intelligence services and deep assets that the country has within the enemy nation to get all the information related to the targets, etc.

Such Special Operations are very complex and are very carefully planned and coordinated.

India Armys Parachute Regiments are highly trained para-commandos specially equipped to carry out such audacious strikes. The Indian Navy has marine commandos or MARCOS and the Indian Air Force has Garudas for asset protection and containment.

All about Indias surgical strike across LoC:
Washington (AFP) - Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson's longshot bid for the White House appears to have grown even more remote.

The former New Mexico governor who asked "What is Aleppo?" in an interview earlier this month was stumped Wednesday night when asked to name his favorite foreign leader during an appearance on MSNBC television.

In the cringe-worthy minute-long segment, Johnson sat speechless as host Chris Matthews posed the question: "Who's your favorite foreign leader? Any one of the continents, any country, name one foreign leader that you respect and look up to, anybody."

Johnson's running mate William Weld, sitting alongside him in the townhall style interview, offered, "Mine was Shimon Peres."

"I'm talking about living," Matthews responded.

"Go ahead," he said, gesturing to Johnson. "You gotta do this. Anywhere, any continent. Canada, Mexico, Europe, over there, Asia, South America, Africa, name a foreign leader that you respect."

Johnson's answer: "I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment."

He then said "the former president of Mexico," but was unable to give a name, blaming a "brain freeze."

Weld prompted "Fox," referring to Vicente Fox, who served from 2000 to 2006.

"Fox! He was terrific," Johnson said, but Matthews had already moved on to Weld, who had no problems in answering that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was his favorite foreign leader.

Johnson was mocked mercilessly on Twitter earlier this month for asking an interviewer "What is Aleppo?" in response to a question about the ravaged Syrian city that is a flashpoint in the civil war that has ravaged the country for more than five years.

He later explained that he understands the dynamics of the Syrian conflict but in the moment blanked and thought Aleppo was an acronym.

While his party generally plays on the fringes of American politics, Johnson is expected to be the choice of at least some Americans disillusioned by the historically unpopular major party candidates, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.
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AAR CORP Price and Consensus

AAR CORP Price and Consensus | AAR CORP Quote

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[Photo: Instagram/Repeal Project]

Fashion and politics have often gone hand in hand, whether thats having a stab at current politicians, questioning modern beauty standards or protesting against the industry itself.

And recently, several Irish politicians have been seen wearing the same black sweatshirts with the slogan REPEAL in white letters.

Its all for a specific reason - Irish left-wing political party AAA-PBP alliance (Anti-Austerity AlliancePeople Before Profit) have been wearing the sweatshirts in Irish parliament to protest for womens rights to have a legal abortion in Ireland.

First day back in Government . #repealthe8th A photo posted by Repeal Project (@repealproject) on Sep 27, 2016 at 7:08am PDT

A current campaign is urging Irelands government to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Irish constitution, a 1983 law which outlaws abortion in the country - thus the slogan REPEAL.

Described on its website as outerwear to give a voice to a hidden problem, the Repeal Project was created by Anna Cosgrave - and all proceeds from the clothes go to the Abortion Rights Campaign Ireland.

@parents_4choice spokesperson Gillian Roddie and @lucywatmough who shared her story with us .  A photo posted by Repeal Project (@repealproject) on Sep 24, 2016 at 7:23am PDT

According to the UK Department of Health, just more than nine Irish women a day travelled to the UK to access abortion services in 2015.

This is an underestimation too, since many women wont provide their Irish addresses at UK abortion clinics for confidentiality reasons.

The sweatshirts are currently sold out, but keep an eye on their website.

What do you think about the campaign? Tweet us at @YahooStyleUK.

9 Times Fashion Got Political



Taking the pill may increase likelihood of depression, study finds


If a bank employee opens fake accounts and credit cards in your name, as recently happened at Wells Fargo, you may be charged fees for those fake accounts, which you didn't pay because you didn't know the accounts existed. And since you didn't pay those fees, your credit report and your credit score could be hurt.

And there may not be a whole lot you can do about it.



That's the problem now facing many Wells Fargo customers. Over the course of five years, Wells Fargo employees opened as many as 2 million fake accounts in the names of Wells Fargo customers and made millions in profits for the company by charging customers overdraft fees, monthly service fees, annual fees, finance charges, interest charges, and late fees on those phony accounts.



But customers lose their right to a trial in court over the creation of those phony accounts and the damage done to their credit if a pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clause was included in their customer agreement.

Such agreements, which also often block customers from banding together in a class action lawsuit with other similarly mistreated customers, are often inserted into account-opening agreements at big banks and credit unions. Those who are hurt have to seek justice on their own, through individual private arbitration proceedings.

Also troubling, as noted in a letter six Democratic senators sent to Wells Fargo CEO John G. Stumpf (shown above), is that "arbitration proceedings are kept secret, so that other customers are deprived of the knowledge that their experiences might be part of a more widespread problem." The letter went on to say that this forced arbitration system helps hide fraudulent schemes such as the sham accounts at Wells Fargo from the justice system, from the news media, and from the public eye.

Advocating for Change

The situation has led to heated discussion about mandatory arbitration agreements. The Department of Health and Human Services just issued a new rule that will prohibit long-term care facilities that accept Medicare or Medicaid from forcing residents into arbitration. And the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a proposed rule pending that would stop banks from blocking customers from joining class actions in cases of widespread abuse. But as of now, such rules don't yet exist for bank customers.



In cases filed in state and federal courts in California over the last two years, customers' attorneys have argued that arbitration clauses signed by customers when they opened genuine accounts should not prevent them from suing over fake accounts, notes Paul Bland, executive director of the consumer-rights law firm Public Justice.

Story continues

But in a September ruling U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria ruled that Wells Fargo customers must bring their complaints to arbitration, noting that the bank's arbitration clause is so broad that it covers "any unresolved disagreement between or among you and the bank."

During his testimony today and last week before the Senate Banking Committee, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf said that he accepted full responsibility for all unethical sales practices in the bank's retail banking business, and that he would take steps to "fix this issue, strengthen our culture, and take the necessary actions to restore our customers trust.



One way to do that, the senators letter suggests, is to "immediately end Wells Fargos use of mandatory arbitration clauses" in its customer agreements.

CFPB Takes Action

Earlier this month, to help customers, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered the banking giant to pay more than $100 million in refunds to customers and another $85 million in additional penalties.



Wells Fargo employees secretly opened unauthorized accounts to hit sales targets and receive bonuses, said CFPB Director Richard Cordray about the decision. Because of the severity of these violations, Wells Fargo is paying the largest penalty the CFPB has ever imposed." (Per the CFPB decision, customers will automatically receive their refunds, no action is required.)

Consumer advocates are also looking forward to the CFPB finalizing its pending rule. If the CFPB rule was in place five years ago, Wells Fargo customers would have been able to file a class action lawsuit, which would have stopped what was happening a long time ago, says Bland.

Monitor Your Accounts

In the meantime, the best thing consumers can do is to keep a keen eye on their bank accounts to spot fraudulent accounts that a financial institution might have opened in your name. You should also:

Check your credit reports. You're permitted to request a free credit report annually from each of the three national credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Use annualcreditreport.com to get all your free credit reports. We recommend staggering the reports by requesting one about every four months. So, for example, you might request your Equifax report now, your Experian report in January, and your TransUnion report in May, then repeat. That way, you're keeping round-the-year tabs on your credit without paying a service to do so.

Report phony accounts. Contact all three agencies immediately and provide them with details about accounts you did not open.

You can also contact the law firm that filed the unsuccessful action against Wells Fargo last year to learn more about your legal rights. The law firm Keller Rohrback has announced it is also investigating allegations of similar practices at other consumer banks.

And let the CFPB know. It is continuing to look at fake account issues at bank and nonbank financial companies. You can submit a complaint on its website.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

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7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
John Stumpf, the CEO of embattled banking giant Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) headed to Capitol Hill again on Thursday, this time to testify before the House Financial Services Committee about a customer accounts scandal that has rocked the bank in recent weeks.

Under oath, Stumpf said he was deeply sorry for violating the trust of his banks customers and accepted full responsibility for all unethical sales practices in the Wells Fargo retail banking unit.

I am fully committed to doing everything possible to fix this issue, strengthen our culture, and take the necessary actions to restore our customers trust. Let me assure you and our customers that Wells Fargo takes allegations of sales practice violations extremely seriously and that we will not rest until the problem is fixed, he said.

In the wake of the scandal many in Washington and across the United States have called for Stumpfs resignation in the wake of the scandal, calling him and the bank he leads untrustworthy. Dick Bove, equity research analyst at Rafferty Capital Management, said indeed the bank has set off a witch hunt for the banking industry as a whole as memories of the 2008 financial crisis flash though Americans minds.

The Hensarling bill that would have eased regulation on banking is pretty much dead, you cant get it through. Getting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in control of Congress and out of the Fed is probably not going to happen now. The likelihood of more capital requirements coming out of the Fedgoing to put the squeeze on big banks again with more capital.all this happened because Wells Fargo tipped it in the wrong direction, Bove said on the FOX Business Networks Mornings with Maria.

He went on to warn, though, not to expect many new details to come to light during Stumpfs appearance on the Hill.

He cant say anything because anything he says that is meaningful will result in lawsuits, Bove explained. These guys have to stonewall because of legal issues. I think that could be enough to move Mr. Stumpf out of his position.

Story continues

Bove said he expects to see more investigation into Wells Fargos internal functions, though he doesnt expect to see much progress for the next two to three years. Still, he said the damage is likely limited to the scandal at Wells Fargo, and not within the entire banking community.

I would find it hard to believe a company like J.P.Morgan, Bank of America, or even Citi is putting on this type of stress to their client base. I would be shocked if they find out that is going on, Bove said.

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For Monica Nolasco, 22, Thursday's morning commute aboard the NJ Transit train was going smoothly until her train pulled into the last stop: Hoboken.



"I was standing up and taking something out of the overhead, and the train just jerked forward," she tells PEOPLE. "I fell into the seat in front of me, and a guy totally face planted into the ground."



Nolasco, who always sits in the last car of train, was next to the conductor, who tried helping people keep their balance as the train teetered back and forth for less than a minute.



"The lights flickered and shut off," she says. "The conductor was yelling for everyone to stay calm, asking if we were okay, and that he didn't know what happened."



One person died and about 100 people are estimated to be injured after the rush hour train derailed and crashed into the commuter station, according to officials. According to a NJ Transit News release, the crash took place at 8:45 a.m., when a Pascack Valley line departure from Spring Valley operating to Hoboken struck the Hoboken Terminal building on track 5.



In a press conference Wednesday morning, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said there was no indication the crash was anything other than an accident at this stage and that the cause was being investigated.





Woman on Rush Hour N.J. Train That Crashed into Station, Killing 1 and Injuring Dozens: 'It Was Out of a Movie'| Death, Personal Tragedy



Nolasco didn't realize the extent of the crash until she walked off the train and saw the horror of the scene.



"The first car was totally off the tracks at a 45 degree angle to the right," she says. "The ceiling had come down, there were beams everywhere and water was pouring out."



A man walked by her crying and cradling his hands and his arms, which were bleeding.



She watched in shock as transit workers and conductors pulled people out of the window, trying to get them out.



"People were bleeding from their heads, their noses were busted and they were holding their faces and hands," she says.



Frozen, she stood and watched an ambulance pick up a man who "was basically blinded with blood."



"He was in such a daze and shock," she says. "There was no screaming or crying, just people shock up and helping each other."



Nolasco, who quickly called her parents to tell them she was okay, says the scene was "straight out of a movie."





Woman on Rush Hour N.J. Train That Crashed into Station, Killing 1 and Injuring Dozens: 'It Was Out of a Movie'| Death, Personal Tragedy



At a news conference, Joseph Scott, CEO of the Jersey City Medical Center, said the hospital is treating 9 to 11 people from serious to critical condition, and 40 walk-in patients.



Jarrod Bernstein, a spokesperson for CarePoint Health, which runs several hospitals in the area, said 16 patients had been transported to Hoboken University Medical Center. Earlier Bernstein told CNN that patients might be transported to other area hospitals.



"You never think something so routine as a morning commute could take such a turn for the worst," she says. "I'm so lucky and grateful to be okay."
The former tour guide at the heart of the case involving an elderly widows assets was sentenced on Thursday (29 September) to 26 months in jail for falsification, immigration and cheating-related offences.

Yang Yin, 42, pleaded guilty to 120 charges in May while another 227 charges were taken into consideration.

The majority of the 120 charges were for falsification of receipts made to his company, Young Music and Dance Studio.

Yang planned to create the appearance that his company was profitable and that his income was sufficient to support his application for an employment pass and subsequently, permanent residency in Singapore, court documents showed.

According to a report by The Straits Times on Thursday, deputy presiding judge of the state courts, Jennifer Marie, said, This sentence adequately sends a strong signal to deter like-minded offenders that foreigners who gain entry to or remain under false pretenses in Singapore should not be allowed to get off with a slap on their wrists.

Last month, Yang pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal breach of trust for misappropriating $1.1 million from 89-year-old widow Chung Khin Chun. Yang misappropriated $500,000 and $600,000 from her, in 2010 and 2012, respectively.

The prosecution has asked for a jail term of 10 to 12 years for the two offences. Yang will be sentenced for these offences on Friday (30 September).


(Reuters) - (Brief corrects to clarify that Micky Pant is expected to take on CEO role of Yum China after spin-off. The new role will replace his current position as head of Yum's China unit, from which he is expected to resign.)

Yum Brands (YUM.N):

* In connection with spin-off, Muktesh (Micky) Pant willresign as CEO of Yum's current China division, conditioned onthe completion of the spin-off * Pant is expected then to become CEO of the newly-formedYum China following the spin-off expected later this year * In connection with the spin-off, Jonathan Linen willdepart from the current board and audit committee and willbecome a member of the new Yum China board * Linen's resignation from board and appointment to YumChina's board is expected to be effective as of October 12, 2016

Source text - http://bit.ly/2duFq76

Further company coverage: [YUM.N]
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank opened a center for software developers and IT and financial specialists in Frankfurt on Thursday, joining other lenders in developing products for digital banking. Germany's biggest lender said the so-called digital factory brought together 400 technology and financial professionals from 14 countries. It plans to double staffing to 800 by 2018. The aim of digital factories is to make internal financial processes faster, simpler and more secure, as well as to meet rising customer demand for products such as more flexible mobile payments and banking options. "We don't want to be driven by digitalization; we want to be in the driver's seat," said Christian Sewing, Deutsche Bank's board member responsible for the endeavor. The lender, which has similar tech centers in New York, London and Berlin, plans to invest 750 million euros ($842 million) in the effort through 2020, including 200 million in this year alone. The bank is facing myriad problems, including fighting a $14 billion demand from the U.S. Department of Justice to settle claims it missold mortgage-backed securities, a shock bill that has raised questions about the lender's future. A number of financial technology centers have opened in Frankfurt in recent months, including by Commerzbank and Deutsche Boerse. (Reporting by Jonathan Gould; editing by Susan Thomas)
The EU commission accuses Google of giving its own online shopping services top priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services (AFP Photo/Justin Sullivan) (Getty/AFP/File)

Montreal (AFP) - Google, which is hoping to beam the internet to remote areas of the world via balloon, went before the UN's aviation agency to ask member states to let it ply their airspace.

The company's X Lab, which was created to pursue big-vision projects, said it hopes to establish a network of helium balloons floating in the stratosphere that will emit a powerful 4G signal to rural and difficult-to-access areas.

The new initiative -- launched in 2013 and dubbed "Project Loon" -- saw its first balloon take off from South America in February only to crash at a tea plantation in Sri Lanka, where it was discovered by villagers.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, had partnered with Sri Lanka to bring the internet to remote areas there. The country's Information and Communication Technology Agency, which coordinated the tests with Google, described the landing as controlled and scheduled.

Loon has "significantly improved the balloon design, manufacture and launch procedure," X Lab told the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Wednesday, according to a document seen by AFP.

"The balloons are now robust, remaining aloft well beyond the targeted 100 days, and are launched through a custom developed auto-launcher, allowing rapid multiple launches," X Lab told the organization's executive committee.

After compiling publicly available wind data with its own flight data, Project Loon was able to model the stratosphere's air flow, allowing its balloons to "change altitude to 'catch' the winds moving at the speed and direction necessary to a given service area," the document said.

Alphabet requested the assistance of ICAO member states as they met for its 39th triennial assembly, asking them in particular to "establish bilateral or multilateral letters of agreement with adjacent states and Project Loon to allow Loon balloons to safely transit flight information region boundaries."

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"Safety and coordination with the international civil aviation community is very important to Project Loon," a X Lab spokeswoman told AFP.

Loon is currently working to finalize a safety plan and set up its operations center.

In July, leading social network Facebook launched a similar attempt to bring internet access to remote areas via solar drones.
At its press event in San Francisco next week, Google is expected to not only unveil new flagship phones, but also officially launch Google Home, a Wifi-connected smart speaker that can be best described as Googles answer to Amazons Echo  but its just a first step in an ambitious plan to battle Amazon for dominance in the home.

Google has already started to talk to consumer electronics manufacturers about building other devices that will work just like Google Home, Variety has learned. Key to these efforts is another device that has been built by the same team as Google Home: Chromecast, and its music-loving sibling Chromecast Audio.

How Casting Became A Trojan Horse

Google revealed key details of this plan during a closed-door meeting with industry insiders about a month after publicly unveiling Google Home. The meeting was attended by around 50 participants, and held in Googles Mountain View offices. It brought some of the biggest names of home audio together in one room.

Some of the companies in attendance have already been working with Google by selling Wifi-enabled speakers powered by Google Cast, the same technology thats behind Googles popular Chromecast streaming adapter. Chromecast and Google Home do share some key technology, and Google now wants to use these existing relationships to get consumer electronics manufacturers to build their own versions of Google Home  smart speakers that are powered by Googles cloud-based assistant.

Google Cast has become a Trojan horse, said one of the attendees, who wasnt authorized to speak on the record with Variety. This insider estimated that some of the companies that attended the meeting may be ready to unveil speakers with integrated microphones and a connection to Googles assistant as early as next summer.

Amazons Echo Is the Next Search Bar

Googles overtures to consumer electronics makers come at a time of upheaval for many home audio brands. Premium stereo equipment makers in particular have seen their sales diminished in recent years by both changing listening habits and a rapid evolution of technology.

Story continues

The move to streaming audio led music fans to massively embrace headphones and cheap Bluetooth speakers. Then Sonos came along and established itself as the market leader for premium Wifi-connected speakers. And finally, Amazon surprised everyone with the Echo, a device that redefined what a speaker does, thanks to smart voice control that can be used to request songs, news headlines, the weather, and even to order a pizza or an Uber.

Amazon hasnt released any official sales numbers for the Echo yet, but analysts peg the number of Echos sold north of 3 million. Reportedly, Amazon plans to sell as many as 10 million Echo devices next year.

Home audio vendors are more than a bit concerned about this trend. So is Google, albeit for other reasons. To Google, the Echo isnt just another speaker. Its part of a bigger move away from text- and app-based interfaces that require users to seek out information to voice-based systems that offer more natural interaction. In other words: Its whats next after Googles search bar  and its made by a competitor.

Google Home Is Built for the Entire House

Thats why Google developed Google Home, a small speaker with integrated microphones that responds to voice commands to play music and tap into Google-operated services for additional smarts. Google hasnt actually given any live demonstrations of the product yet, but a product video shown at Google I/O in June showed users asking the speaker to query Google Calendar, send text messages to contacts, translate phrases, control connected light bulbs and more.

The device is powered by Google Assistant: A smart, personalized assistant in the cloud that can respond to questions and commands, making use of the data Google has about its users.

Google Home also integrates with Google Cast, the same technology that powers Googles popular Chromecast streaming adapter. Consumers will be able to launch audio from their favorite Cast-compatible streaming apps on Google Home, including Spotify, Tunein, Pandora, NPR One, SoundCloud and more.

At the same time, Google Home also works as a Cast sender, which means that it can launch media playback on other Cast-compatible devices. Consumers will, for example, be able to launch YouTube video playback on their TVs by telling Google Home what they want to watch. Whats more, Google Home can play music in sync with other Google Cast-capable speakers or Chromecast Audio-equipped stereo systems.

The Battle for Your Bedroom

Consumers who own an Echo often put that device in their kitchen, but Amazon has made some moves to take over their bedrooms, and the rest of the house, as well. The company recently introduced a slimmed-down version of the Echo called the Echo Dot, and is now trying to convince consumers that they need one of these devices for every room. At the same time, Amazon has started to collaborate with third-party consumer electronics brands to add Alexa technology to their devices.

Amazon struck a deal with Sonos to leverage the Echo for voice control for existing Sonos speaker systems in August, and followed up this week with a similar deal with DTS for Wifi speakers powered by the companys Play-Fi technology. And if that wasnt enough, Amazon has also enabled a number of smaller manufacturers to add its Alexa smart assistant directly to their speaker systems.

Googles own negotiations with consumer electronics manufacturers could be hampered by what multiple sources have described as overly aggressive muscle-flexing. At the meeting in June, Google is said to have told home audio vendors that they wont be allowed to add any other digital assistants than Googles own to their hardware if they want to continue to use Google Cast. Another source told Variety of similarly far-reaching demands made in negotiations with another big consumer electronics manufacturer  demands that ultimately led to talks breaking down.

(A Google spokesperson declined to comment on plans to add Google Assistant to third-party hardware, or on the meeting in question. She did however point out that some consumer electronics manufacturers have in the past used Google Cast in addition to competing technologies like AirPlay and Bluetooth.)

In the end, Googles plan to beat Amazons Echo may still hinge on the performance of Google Home. Multiple leaks suggest that Google will sell the device for $130, which is $50 less than the price of an Amazon Echo. If anything, Google has shown with the success of its $35 Chromecast that these price differences can matter.

And perhaps, Chromecast really will act as a Trojan Horse for Google Home  and lay the foundation for a full-blown home invasion in 2017.

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Airfare prediction company Hopper announced on Wednesday the addition of filters, to make the Hopper app a more useful tool for finding the best price for exactly the flight travelers want.

The filters are a major upgrade for the app, which previously based flight purchasing recommendations on price alone.

The absolute cheapest flight is maybe not the right one for you, Frederic Lalonde, Hopper's CEO and founder, told Travel + Leisure. The time to buy the cheapest nonstop is not the same time as when to buy the cheapest overall.

Hopper adds filters for airfare predictions.

After selecting an origin and destination, Hopper provides a calendar showing relative prices of flights. Users can select specific dates and watch trips to get alerts for when it's time to buy.

In July, Hopper added additional recommendations for flights that might appeal to users based on their home airport and watched trips.

Users can now filter out long layovers, select nonstops only, or remove basic fares for trips they are watching in the app. Depending on the filters, the best time to buy a flight changes, and Lalonde says the alerts could make a big difference for travelers who prefer nonstop flights.

On average, nonstop flights are typically 20 percent more expensive than flights with stops, he said. But when you use the filters, you save at least 21 percent.

Travelers looking for great deals on airfare have a number of tools to employ: Google Flights is great for an overview of fares and alerts, and Airfare Watchdog and The Flight Deal are great for flash sales.
By Helen Reid READING, England (Reuters) - Heavy machinery whirrs and clanks on the factory floor of precision metalworking firm Robert Bion & Co, where a planned three-meter robotic arm would have been speeding up output by now, if Britain had not voted to leave the European Union. "We're waiting to get a clear idea of what the future might be before we make any significant investments," owner Nick Bion said at the company his father founded in 1964 in Reading, west of London. Britain's economy has held up better than most economists predicted since voters chose in June to quit the EU. Consumers have carried on shopping and employers have not laid off workers on a large scale, despite uncertainty over the country's future trade relations with its biggest export market. But Bion's decision not to go ahead with plans to automate part of his production line by installing the 150,000 pound ($195,000) robotic arm is the kind of investment curb which is likely to damage the economy over the longer term. He had been close to placing the order in March but put the project on hold pending the referendum, even though he, like most people, thought Britain would stay in the EU. When voters opted to leave, he scrapped it altogether because of the risk Brexit would hinder access to the 500 million-strong market. "I think for lots of people business is good, but that doesn't mean it will be good in three years' time," Bion said, as some of his 28 employees fed perforating machines with the metal and plastic sheets that his firm sells to manufacturers of computer servers, car ventilators and audio devices. Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will not start the process of Britain's exit from the 28-nation economic and political bloc until next year while she tries to balance voters' expectations of limits on immigration against the need for a smooth trading relationship with the EU. The exit negotiations will take up to two years from whenever London decides to start the process and May has not said how she plans to get around the EU principle that goods cannot freely cross borders unless people can too. The government says leaving the EU will allow Britain to free up trade with countries beyond the bloc, but with the outcome so unclear, Bion is not the only one holding back. The Bank of England said this month that companies' investment intentions were their weakest since 2010, signaling an overall halt or even cut in the rate of growth in such spending in real terms. The BoE has long hoped for stronger business investment to put Britain's economy on a surer footing. Like Bion, firms had frozen some investment plans before the referendum, the figures showed, but have slashed them more sharply since June, particularly in the services sector. WAITING FOR CLARITY The trend looks set to continue. A survey by financial services firm Deloitte conducted after the Brexit vote showed 58 percent of 132 chief financial officers expected Brexit to lower their capital spending plans over the next three years. Merger and acquisition activity involving British companies has also dropped, to the lowest level in at least two decades, Thomson Reuters data shows. Many small manufacturers are waiting to see the plans of larger companies they supply before taking their own decisions. Last month, the chief executive of Japanese car manufacturer Nissan said future investment in Britain's biggest car plant in Sunderland, northeastern England, would depend on the terms of the eventual new deal with the EU. Bion said the investment plans of big manufacturers like Nissan were bellwethers for his firm. "Everybody's just waiting at the moment," he said. The family-owned Green Stationery Company, based in the southwestern English city of Bath, does not supply bigger firms. But it has suspended plans to expand into Europe with new websites and catalogues in Dutch and German and a new sales manager, a combined 35,000 pounds' worth of investment. "We are not optimistic," managing director Jay Risbridger said. "We are waiting and seeing, but that's what everybody is doing, so it's not good for business confidence." BREXIT UPSIDE The Brexit uncertainty has helped some firms because of sterling's roughly 10 percent fall against the U.S. dollar and the euro since the referendum. The Fudge Kitchen, a confectionery maker with shops in tourist centers such as Oxford and Edinburgh, expects rising numbers of foreign visitors and Britons holidaying at home will more than offset the higher cost of imported chocolate, freeze-dried ingredients and packaging. Managing director Sian Holt said she was pressing ahead with plans to invest 100,000 pounds to open a new shop in London and fund product development and marketing. "Whatever happens with Brexit is absolutely not going to deter us with this," she said. Similarly, Gravitas, which makes flood prevention equipment near Manchester in northern England, had its best month ever in August, with 150,000 pounds of orders from the United States and Hong Kong, managing director Jacob Sallon said. He plans to invest about 400,000 pounds over the coming year in new designs, registering his company's intellectual property and new faster-absorbing fabrics. But a majority of big British firms are far less confident. A KPMG survey of 100 chief executives found three-quarters of company bosses were considering moving operations abroad following the Brexit vote. Many employers want more support from policymakers and are angered by accusations by Liam Fox, the minister in charge of overseeing the Brexit process, that they are too lazy to find new markets. "These comments feed on from the propaganda they were giving in the referendum, saying we don't need the single (EU) market," the Green Stationary Company's Risbridger said. The Bank of England has already cut interest rates to a record low and its new corporate bond buying program could help some bigger firms to plough more money into their business. Executives now hope finance minister Philip Hammond will include tax incentives for investment in his first budget announcement on Nov. 23. While Bion's firm has continued to receive orders from existing EU clients since the referendum, his main concern is how he will win new ones with the possibility of future tariffs and other barriers which could raise costs and delay deliveries. "If they think you are going to leave, how likely are you going to be to get a new customer?" Bion said. "You're in a world where you're not quite sure what the future is." ($1 = 0.7713 pounds) (Additional reporting by David Milliken and Costas Pitas; editing by William Schomberg and Philippa Fletcher)
(Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it created a new artificial intelligence unit, as the company pushes deeper into the fast-growing field. Silicon Valley is diving into artificial intelligence (AI)and machine learning research, an industry estimated to zoom to $70 billion by 2020 from just $8.2 billion in 2013, according to a Bank of America report that cited IDC research. On Wednesday, Microsoft teamed up with four other big technology companies - Amazon.com Inc, Alphabet unit Google, Facebook Inc and IBM - to create a non-profit organization to advance public understanding of AI technologies. The new unit  Microsoft AI and Research Group  will be headed by Harry Shum, a company veteran who has held senior roles at the Microsoft Research and Bing engineering divisions. "Microsoft has been working in artificial intelligence since the beginning of Microsoft Research, and yet we've only begun to scratch the surface of what's possible," Shum said in a statement. Chief Executive Satya Nadella has previously said the company's $26.2 billion deal for LinkedIn Corp is expected to help bolster its efforts in analytics, machine learning and AI. Microsoft has also been acquiring companies to expand its AI footprint. The company in February acquired SwiftKey, a maker of predictive keyboard app. And last month it bought Genee, an AI-based scheduling service. However, Microsoft's tryst with artificial intelligence took an embarrassing turn earlier this year, when its AI 'chatbot' Tay launched racist and sexist comments on Twitter. (Reporting By Nayyar Rasheed in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
By Laurence Frost and Costas Pitas

PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) - Nissan wants Britain to pledge compensation for any tax barriers resulting from its decision to leave the European Union, or the Japanese automaker could scrap a potential new investment in the country's biggest car plant, its CEO said on Thursday.

Carlos Ghosn's remarks indicate growing concern among global carmakers that Britain could be heading towards a so-called 'hard Brexit', which would leave them paying tariffs to export UK-assembled cars to EU markets.

Nissan <7201.T>, which builds around a third of Britain's total car output at its plant in Sunderland, northeast England, is due to decide early next year on where to build its next Qashqai sport utility vehicle.

"If I need to make an investment in the next few months and I can't wait until the end of Brexit, then I have to make a deal with the UK government," Ghosn told reporters at the Paris auto show.

"You can have commitments of compensation in case you have something negative," he said. "If there are tax barriers being established on cars, you have to have a commitment for carmakers who export to Europe that there is some kind of compensation."

Ghosn's ultimatum echoes concerns from fellow Japanese carmaker Toyota <7203.T> which said the imposition of duties as part of a Brexit deal would make running its English plant "very, very tough."

Britain's business ministry did not offer an immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.

Around 814,000 people in Britain depend of on the country's overwhelmingly foreign-owned car industry for jobs, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders industry body.

The June 23 Brexit vote took many investors and chief executives by surprise, triggering the deepest political and financial turmoil in Britain since World War Two and the biggest ever one-day fall in sterling against the dollar.

Story continues

Prime Minister Theresa May's government has tried to reassure major manufacturers that Britain is open for business and that it will take their views into account during the country's negotiations on new trade relations with the EU.

"The UK government ... is talking with all the investors in the UK and saying: OK, where are you concerned? What kind of problems do you have? What would make you stay? And weve been very clear, Ghosn said.

"They will take this into consideration, build a policy, and as a function of this policy we will make a decision.

"VERY, VERY TOUGH"

Britain is expected to trigger formal divorce talks from the EU early next year, with negotiations expected to last two years. It is unclear whether it will have full access to EU markets when it leaves.

The British government says it will get the right deal but some businesses, especially those that export most of their finished products to the continent, are worried they may have to pay tariffs to sell goods into EU markets once Britain leaves.

Toyota's executive vice president told Reuters on Thursday it would be tough for its UK plant if Britain failed to achieve an unfettered free trade deal with fellow European nations.

"The challenge for all of us in the UK is to stay competitive because 85 percent of our production from the UK plant is exported to continental Europe," Didier Leroy said.

"If 85 percent has to pay trade duties it will be very, very tough but we want to stay committed to the UK business and our factory in the UK," he said.

Skoda <VOWG_p.DE> CEO Bernhard Maier said it was important for Britain to bring clarity as quickly as possible.

"For us it would be very helpful if it were not to become a nail-biter but rather if there were to be concrete decisions that one can really adjust to," he told Reuters.

Japan this month published a list of requests to Britain and the EU over Brexit, including maintaining the current duty-free trade between Britain and the EU and preventing any additional customs clearance burden on trade.

(Additional reporting by Gilles Guillaume, Agnieszka Flak and Andreas Cremer; Writing by Costas Pitas; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Mark Potter)
From Popular Mechanics

Airline pilots and air traffic controllers are on schedule to switch to text communications at most of the nation's busiest airports by the end of the year, a milestone that holds the potential to reduce delays, prevent errors and save billions of dollars in fuel cost, says the Federal Aviation Administration.

Controllers and pilots will still use their radios for quick exchanges like clearance for takeoff and in emergencies and situations where time is critical. But the nation's air traffic system is gradually shifting to text messages for a majority of flying instructions.

That's a big advantage, say government and industry officials, because up until now longer and more complicated instructions like a route change for pilots of planes waiting to take off are communicated verbally, with each word laboriously spelled out in the radio alphabet.

For example, HARD becomes "Hotel Alfa Romeo Delta." And it is hard to get it right. Pilots have to write down the directions as the controller reads them - then they read them back, also spelling out each word. If there is a mistake, the controller reads the directions back to the pilot again the same way, and so on. Even when there are no mistakes, the process can eat up valuable minutes.

If controllers want to reroute planes around a thunderstorm, they have to contact each plane by radio to relay instructions individually. With dozens of planes waiting for their turn to get instructions, the process can take 30 minutes or longer.

With the new system, called Data Comm, a controller can type a few instructions into a computer, tap a key and send the message directly to the flight management computers in each plane that needs the information. Pilots read the information on cockpit display screens and decide with the push of a button whether to accept it. The controller's message is also sent directly to airline flight dispatch computers, eliminating more time-consuming steps.

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Typing errors are always a risk with text messaging, but officials said the system has built-in safeguards that cause it to reject messages with certain errors.

"Data Comm will allow passengers to get off the tarmac, into the air and to their destinations more quickly," said Jim Eck, FAA's assistant administrator for modernization of the air traffic system. "Airlines will be able to stay on schedule and packages will be delivered on time."

Data Comm was rolled out at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., three weeks ago. "We're all loving it," said controller Sharlotte Yealdhall. "It has made a huge difference."

So far, Dulles controllers have been able to substitute Data Comm for voice communications for about 10 to 20 percent of their departures. That share will increase as airlines equip more of their planes to use the technology.

Eight U.S. passenger and cargo airlines - American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, United, Virgin America, United Parcel Service and FedEx - and 17 international carriers have told the FAA they plan to add Data Comm to their planes.

Delta estimates that Data Comm can shave one minute off the time it takes a plane to taxi for takeoff. Spread over Delta's fleet of planes, the airline says that adds up to a savings of about $20 million a year.

The FAA estimates Data Comm will save airlines more than $10 billion over the next 30 years and the government another $1 billion.

The FAA began testing Data Comm in 2013 at airports in Memphis, Tennessee, and Newark, New Jersey. At the start of this year, it was in use at five airports. The FAA says it expects the system to be in use at 50 airports by the end of the year.

Planes waiting to take off at airports are one phase of the Data Comm rollout. The system is already in use in for high-altitude air traffic on busy trans-Atlantic routes, but not during the high-altitude phase of domestic flights. The FAA expects to have the system ready at its air traffic centers that handle high-altitude flights beginning in 2019.

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PARIS (Reuters) - Safran has entered exclusive talks about the sale of its Morpho identity and security business to Advent International, which owns smartcard maker Oberthur Technologies, the French aerospace and defense firm said on Thursday. The potential sale of Morpho to Advent would value the business at 2.425 billion euros ($2.7 billion) and result in a pre-tax capital gain, partially state-owned Safran said in a statement. Advent was on a shortlist of bidders reported to include digital security firm Gemalto and three funds: Bain Capital, CVC Capital Partners and KKR. With technology and jobs in France at stake, the outcome of the contest was politically sensitive, especially given the backdrop of a row over the planned closure of a plant operated by Alstom, another partially state-owned French champion. Safran said the business it is selling had revenue of 1.6 billion euros in 2015 and employs 7,800 people. Advent plans to merge the biometric identification business with Oberthur, which it bought in 2011, to create a group headquartered in France with 2.8 billion euros in revenue. Leading research and development and production capacities will also stay in France, said Safran, which was advised by Lazard along with Athena Capital Partners and Societe Generale. French state bank Bpifrance will take a stake in the identification business and join the board. For Safran, the deal completes its refocusing on core aerospace activities after it agreed earlier this year to sell Morpho Detection, which makes explosives detection equipment, to British engineering firm Smiths Group. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; editing by David Clarke)
Apttus, a cloud software company that automates the process of turning sales calls into signed contracts, has closed another $88 million in late-stage funding that CEO Kirk Krappe said will likely be its last infusion before an initial public offering in the first half of 2017.

The round was led by GII (Gulf Islamic Investments) and included new and previous investors K1, Iconiq, and KIA. Krappe declined to disclose the valuation, but said this Series D funding is an up round compared with Apttus Series C investment slightly more than one year ago.

At that time, the company was valued at more than $1 billion. Including this new money, the San Mateo, Calif., firm has $274 million in backing.

We decided to secure this last funding round to get us through to cash profitability, Krappe told Fortune.

Apttus specializes in quote-to-cash software applications. Thats a fancy way of saying it automates tasks such as building sales proposals, calculating pricing that is customized for specific deals, generating invoices, and managing customer contracts. The firm has more than 600 customers--100 of them within the Fortune 500--including foodservice company and cloud software pioneer .

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To be clear, Apttus hasnt filed its IPO papers yet, and it hasnt disclosed its revenue. When Fortune spoke with Krappe last year, he was hoping for a 2016 debut, but those plans never materialized amid the uncertain IPO market during the first half. However, the company hired a new CFO in late June specifically to prepare for the public market. That executive, Sydney Carey, previously held financial management positions at business software companies Tibco Software, ZScaler, and MongoDB.

Apttus competition includes Steelbrick, a startup typically focused on smaller business that was bought by Salesforce in December; and Icertis, a Bellevue, Wash., firm that has sold its software to software giant , pharma company Roche, and medical supplier Becton, Dickinson & Co.

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When it was acquired, Steelbrick had about 350 customers. Icertis doesnt disclose its total customer count, but most of its customers have more than $1 billion in annual revenue, according to Icertis co-founder and CEO Samir Bodas.

Like many of the software companies that sprang up around Salesforces products, Apttus is investing seriously in machine learning technology. For example, it has developed a feature that analyzes the steps that top sales performers take while negotiating a deal and then makes suggestions that could help other members of the sales team close more business.

Machine learning software also underpins a new voice assistant called Max, which is basically a dictation tool. By conversing with Max, a salesperson can log notes or comments about a customer visit immediately after a scheduled sales meeting, Krappe said. That information will automatically be appended to the records associated with that customer or customer prospect, and could eventually be used to generate an invoice or contract, he said.

See original article on Fortune.com

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BEIJING (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the world's biggest smartphone maker, said on Thursday more than 1 million people globally are now using Galaxy Note 7 smartphones with batteries that are not vulnerable to overheating and catching fire. Samsung on Sept. 2 initiated a voluntary global recall of at least 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones due to faulty batteries causing some of the flagship devices to catch fire, a deeply embarrassing crisis for a firm that prides itself for its quality control. The recall could cost the company billions of dollars and tarnish its brand image, analysts say. The South Korean firm has said the Note 7 phones that were sold starting on the official Sept. 1 launch date use a different battery than the recalled devices. But a string of reports by users in China, the world's top smartphone market, that their Note 7s caught fire have dogged Samsung in a country where they have already fallen out of the top five in terms of market share. Samsung, in a statement issued on its China website, apologised to its consumers for failing to providing a detailed explanation why the smartphones on sale in China were safe, as they used batteries that came from a different supplier to those that could overheat. "Currently, the brand new Note 7 products that have been swapped in overseas markets are using identical batteries to those that were supplied and used for the Chinese version," Samsung said. Samsung said it takes reports of Note 7 fires in China very seriously and has conducted inspections on such devices. Batteries for the burnt phones were not at fault, Samsung said, adding its conclusion was also backed up by independent third-party testing. (Reporting by Paul Carsten and Beijing Newsroom, Se Young Lee in SEOUL; Editing by Tom Hogue and Christian Schmollinger)
Samsung has a massive PR problem on its hands thanks to its exploding gadgets. Aside from the Galaxy Note 7, which had to be recalled weeks after launch after many batteries went up in flames, various other Samsung Android devices have been catching fire, including Galaxy S7 edge models, the Galaxy Grand and the older Galaxy Note 2. Even Samsung washing machines have had a terrible accidents recently. Now, a report says that a Samsung tablet exploded on a plane, which then had to be diverted from its destination as a result.

While all these incidents are terrible, its worth pointing out that theyre not related. The same problem isnt affecting all these gadgets just because theyre made by Samsung. The Galaxy Note 7 is the only product that shipped with a massive flaw that turned each device into a potential fire hazard. All the other explosions appear to be isolated incidents.

MUST SEE: Yup, now the iPhone 7 is exploding

A Galaxy Tab exploded on a Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam, as seen in the following image. The flight was diverted to Manchester after smoke was discovered in the business class cabin where the tablet was found wedged in a seat.

https://twitter.com/AirCrashMayday/status/780517067694960640

Its not clear at this time what made the Galaxy Tab explode, but it could be related to physical pressure. The tablet was left behind by a passenger on the previous flight and was wedged between the seats when it overheated.

The FAA is currently investigating the matter, Travel and Leisure reports. The FAA banned the use of the Galaxy Note 7 on all aircraft, but all other Samsung devices can be used on commercial flights. A similar case occurred in May on a Qantas flight from Sydney to Dallas Forth-Worth. A phone jammed between seats began smoking, but the crew put out the fire and sealed the phone in a metal box. That flight was not diverted.

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Berlin (AFP) - A Tesla electric car crashed into a tourist bus on a motorway in northern Germany, police said Thursday, adding that the driver had claimed he had activated the car's autopilot system.

The driver of the Tesla car was slightly injured, while the 29 people on board the Danish bus were unhurt in the incident on Wednesday, police in Ratzeburg in Schleswig-Holstein state said.

The 50-year-old driver's car hit the bus as it changed lanes outside the northern town of Gudow.

"We will now have to look into why the autopilot didn't work" to prevent the crash, police said in a statement.

A Tesla spokesperson however said in a statement that "we have spoken to our customer, who confirmed that Autopilot was functioning properly and that his use of Autopilot was unrelated to the accident.

"We're glad that he's safe."

Available for Tesla's Model S electric cars since October 2015, the driverless autopilot system has come under global scrutiny following fatal crashes in northern China in January and in the US state of Florida in May.

The Florida case attracted the attention of a US Senate Committee, which demanded a briefing on the autopilot's role in the accident.

Consumer activists have called on the company, founded by PayPal billionaire Elon Musk, to disable the autopilot feature until it is updated to detect whether the driver's hands are on the steering wheel during operation, as the company says they ought to be.

The driver in Wednesday's crash told police that he had not removed his hands from the wheel while the autopilot was activated, German press agency DPA reported.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - A Tesla car whose driver said he was using the "Autopilot" driving assistance system crashed into a bus on a motorway in northern Germany on Wednesday, police in the German town of Ratzeburg said on Thursday. "The car driver said he had used the car's Autopilot. It now has to be investigated why this did not work," police said in a statement, adding that the Tesla driver was slightly injured and none of the 29 bus passengers was hurt. The police statement said the 50-year-old Tesla driver from Brandenburg drove into the back of the Danish tour bus as it was returning to the inside lane after overtaking. The police were not immediately reachable by phone for further questions after hours on Thursday. Tesla was not immediately reachable for comment on the accident. Tesla's Autopilot, introduced last October, has been the focus of intense scrutiny since it was revealed in July that a Tesla Model S driver was killed while using the technology in a May 7 collision with a truck in Florida. The Silicon Valley automaker said this month it was updating the semi-autonomous driving system with new limits on hands-off driving and other improvements. (Reporting by Georgina Prodhan in Frankfurt and Alexandria Sage in San Francisco, editing by Emma Thomasson)
Reuters

In a response to a Twitter user asking about the layoffs, Musk tweeted: "This is false." The New York Times reported on Saturday that Musk has ordered job cuts across the company, with some teams to be trimmed more than others and that layoffs would take place before Nov. 1 date, when employees were scheduled to receive stock grants as part of their compensation. According to media reports on Saturday, Musk fired top executives in an effort to avoid hefty severance payouts, while lining up other layoffs as soon as Saturday.
When an agreement with the US Commerce Department runs out, ICANN will become a self-regulating non-profit international entity (AFP Photo/Andrew Cowie) (AFP/File)

Washington (AFP) - The US government is set to cut the final thread of its oversight of the internet, yielding a largely symbolic but nevertheless significant role over the online address system.

Barring any last-minute glitches, the transition will occur at midnight Friday (0400 GMT Saturday), when the US contract expires for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which manages the internet's so-called "root zone."

When the agreement with the US Commerce Department runs out, ICANN will become a self-regulating non-profit international entity managing the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, the system for online "domains" such as .com.

US and ICANN officials say the change is part of a longstanding plan to "privatize" those functions, but some critics complain about a "giveaway" that could threaten the internet's integrity.

Christopher Mondini, ICANN's vice president for global business engagement, said the change will have no impact on day-to-day internet use, and will assure the global community that the system is free from government regulation and interference.

"This is a new kind of governance model," he told AFP.

The system will be managed through a "multistakeholder" model in which engineers, businesses, non-government groups and government bodies serve as checks against any single entity.

If any of the groups that make up ICANN see the organization veering away from its mission, Mondini said, "they can initiate measures to self-correct."

- 'Byzantine' structure -

Some US lawmakers who see risks with the model have sought to stop the transition, arguing it would allow authoritarian regimes to have greater control over the internet.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz has been seeking to block what he calls a "radical" plan to give away control of the internet.

ICANN "is not a democratic body," Cruz told a hearing earlier this month.

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"It is a corporation with a Byzantine governing structure designed to blur lines of accountability that is run by global bureaucrats who are supposedly accountable to the technocrats, to multinational corporations, to governments, including some of the most oppressive regimes in the world like China, Iran, and Russia."

Heritage Foundation president Jim DeMint echoed that sentiment, saying in a tweet that President Barack Obama "wants to cede US control of our free, secure internet to foreign regimes who don't value freedom of speech."

- 'Strengthening' internet -

Supporters of the plan counter that critics' harsh rhetoric fails to recognize how the internet has functioned and thrived over the years.

"This transition has been built upon a bipartisan consensus for almost 20 years through multiple administrations," said Kathryn Brown, president of the Internet Society, which was created by some of the internet's founders.

"The transition will further strengthen the internet as a stable, resilient and secure tool for empowering billions of people across the globe for decades to come."

Google senior vice president Kent Walker also endorsed the shift, saying it would "fulfill a promise the United States made almost two decades ago: that the internet could and should be governed by everyone with a stake in its continued growth."

Six Democratic US lawmakers meanwhile warned of the dangers if Washington fails to follow through on its pledge to disengage.

"The internet belongs to the world, not to Ted Cruz," Senators Brian Schatz and Chris Coons, and Representatives Anna Eshoo, Doris Matsui, Frank Pallone and Mike Doyle said in an article for the TechCrunch news site.

"If the Republicans successfully delay the transition, America's enemies are sure to pounce. Russia and its allies could push to shift control of the internet's core functions to a government body like the UN where they have more influence."

Any delay could fuel interest in a rival numbering system that could fragment the internet into possibly unconnected networks, they added.

Cruz and his allies have unsuccessfully sought to attach an amendment to a government funding bill aimed at halting the transition.

The transition should go forward even if it is "imperfect," said Daniel Castro, vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

"US government interference at this point would undermine global consensus and reduce confidence in the multistakeholder model at a time when these attributes are needed most," he said in a blog post.

The transition "marks a key 'constitutional moment' for internet governance," he added, "and the United States should ensure it is on the right side of history."
A Verizon Wireless technician has plead guilty to a federal hacking charge related to selling customer data over a number of years. As Ars Technica discovered, the technician, Daniel Eugene Traeger, was selling customer location and calling data to a private investigator between 2009 and 2014.

He now faces a prison sentence of up to five years.

DON'T MISS: Yup, now the iPhone 7 is exploding

According to the plea deal found by Ars, Traeger was selling customer calling and location data to the private investigator on request:

"The Defendant accessed customer call records by logging into Verizon's MARS system. The Defendant then compiled the data in spreadsheets, which the Defendant provided to the PI, including by e-mail. The Defendant accessed customer location data using a Verizon system called Real Time Tool. Using RTT, the Defendant "pinged" cellular telephones on Verizon's network and provided location data for those telephones to the PI. The PI paid the Defendant $50 per month of customer records or location data. The Defendant began selling records to the PI in about April 2009, at a rate of about two records per month. The rate increased over time, and by mid-2013 the Defendant was providing 10 to 15 records in exchange for about $750 per month. Between April 2009 and January 2014, the Defendant was paid more than $10,000 in exchange for his provision of confidential customer information and cellular location data to the PI, an unauthorized third party. The Defendant accessed private and personal Verizon customer information in excess of his authorization for his own private financial gain."

In short: the tech had a private investigator paying him to dig up information on specific customers, presumably to help in some kind of investigation. This is obviously illegal; but the worrying part is how it went undetected for so long. You'd assume that there's little reason for a Verizon tech to frequently be pinging individual cellphones, so any systematic abuse of that system would be flagged.

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But the document makes clear that for years, Traeger was selling multiple records per month, in a spreadsheet, via email. This one particular case has been caught; let's hope Verizon (and every other cell network) does something concrete to prevent future abuse.

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HBO is pulling out of the Netherlands, closing down its channels at years end.

While some Dutch cable-TV subscribers will likely be able to watch high-profile HBO shows such as Game of Thrones on other networks, HBOs own linear channels and its on-demand service, HBO Go, will go dark Jan. 1.

HBO operates HBO Netherlands as a joint venture with Ziggo, the leading Dutch cable TV platform owned by John Malones Liberty Global.

An HBO spokesperson confirmed to Variety that HBO Netherlands programming services (HBO1, HBO2, HBO3, HBO On Demand and HBO GO) will cease to be distributed after Dec. 31 and will no longer be available to customers. HBO and Ziggo will announce later this year a different service for the Dutch market featuring HBO programming, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson continued: After careful consideration, the joint venture partners have determined that discontinuing the service is the best business decision and that we believe our customers will be better served by a different service that will feature HBO content, including full library.

Ziggo is quoted by media outlets as calling the move a business decision, going on to say that it will continue to offer HBO shows  such as Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley and The Night Of  in exclusivity to its cable clients.

HBOs channels had been available on a clutch of platforms in the Netherlands, including Sparql, an IPTV operator, which announced yesterday to its clients that they would no longer be receiving HBO shows, which Sparql had offered as premium content.

HBO Netherlands launched in 2012, the same year as HBO bowed HBO Nordic, a standalone operation, for Scandinavia. Efforts of HBO Go to face off with Netflix in Scandinavia have been very disappointing, said Francois Godard, at Enders Analysis.

In contrast, in Britain, HBO has seen large success as a cornerstone content supplier exclusively on Sky Atlantic, Skys high-profile drama service.

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Selling all your programs to someone who has the subscriber relationship and is good at selling may have been seen as a better model, said Godard.

In the Netherlands, Ziggo, which John Malone merged with Vodafones Dutch operations this year, is by a large margin the cable-TV market leader but faces aggressive competition from telco KPN.

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Kyrgyzstan has selected Atanym Kereezi (A Father's Will) by first-time feature directors Bakyt Mukul and Dastan Zhapar Uulu as the country's submission in the best foreign-language film category of the Academy Awards.

Produced by Kyrgyzfilm and Elfilm, A Father's Will is centered on Azat, a man who returns to Kyrgyzstan after living in the United States for 15 years to implement his recently deceased father's will.

Visiting his home village and repaying his father's debts, Azat rediscovers his homeland.

Earlier this month, the movie won Golden Zenith for the Best First Fiction Feature film at the Montreal World Film Festival.

A Father's Will has also been selected for next month's Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles.

A film from Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian former Soviet republic, has never been shortlisted or won an Oscar in the best foreign-language film category.

Read more: Disney, Sony to Release Foreign-Language Oscar Contender 'Paradise' in Russia
Uganda's defense chief will visit South Korea this week to discuss ways to bolster military ties between the two countries, military officials said Wednesday.

Edward Katumba Wamala, chief of Uganda's defense forces, will meet with Defense Minister Han Min-koo and Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Lee Sun-jin during his stay in Seoul from Thursday to Sunday, the JCS said in a statement.

"The Ugandan defense leader is scheduled to share views on military exchanges and cooperation between the two nations," a JCS spokesman said.

In May when President Park Geun-hye visited the long-time ally of North Korea, Uganda said it will stop all additional military cooperation with the North. The African country signed an initial agreement with South Korea for a military partnership.

Last month, Uganda sent three military officials to the Seoul Defense Dialogue, an annual defense forum hosted by South Korea's defense ministry, a move to show its intention to increase bilateral military ties, the official said.

Such actions follow North Korea's fourth nuclear test in January and long-range rocket launch in the following month, which invited condemnation and sanctions by the international community. Pyongyang caused further uproar when it detonated its fifth nuclear device early this month and may be gearing up for a long-range missile test. (Yonhap)
North Korea has already secured the capability of making nuclear warheads small enough to be placed atop its missiles and its focus now seems to be moving toward making such weapons more powerful and reliable, a Chinese nuclear expert said Wednesday.



Li Bin, professor at Tsinghua University known for his expertise in missile and nuclear technologies, also said that South Korea's push to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system on its soil could help Washington "buy time" to track and intercept approaching intercontinental ballistic missiles.



"It seems that (the North) has obtained ways to make a (nuclear) warhead small enough so it can be placed on top of a missile," Li said during a lecture held in Seoul. "The North's biggest objective now is not to make nuclear devices light and small, but guarantee the power and its reliability."



Li said that the North seems to have gained confidence in securing the intended power of nuclear detonation "to some extent" through its fourth nuclear test conducted in January.



He said that the North's technological advance in long-range and submarine-launched missiles that can deliver nuclear warheads has been "much faster" than many expected and that it surely warrants a heightened level of caution.



"We should make it hard for the North to carry out such tests (on long-range missiles) and this might be where we can find chances for cooperation," he said.



With regard to the planned deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in South Korea, Li shared China's concerns, countering the claims that its radar range might not be able to cover its intercontinental ballistic missiles.



"Many experts' analysis is based on the assumption that the radar is directed to detect incoming missiles and warheads. This assumption is a problem," he said, arguing that the rear part of a missile can better reflect the radar, making such a target more detectable.



"Given the geographical nature of South Korea, (THAAD) will be able to track the rear part of a missile launched from China... This would give the United States' missile defense system extra time for interception," he added.



Li proposed South Korea and the United States use a less powerful radar, which would help ease concerns of neighboring countries.



In July, South Korea and the United States announced a plan to place a THAAD battery on the peninsular by end-2017 in a bid to better counter the growing threat from North Korea. China and Russia have objected, saying that it could hurt their strategic security interests.



Meanwhile, the professor expressed worries about a possible nuclear disaster in the North's Yongbyon where a 5-megawatt nuclear reactor is located, citing a lack of sufficient safety measures in place there. He raised the need for Seoul-Beijing cooperation to keep risks in check.



"In case of an accident at the 5-megawatt reactor, it could cause a catastrophe similar to the one that happened in Fukushima," he said. "I hope that China and South Korea form a team to carry out joint research and assessment (on the risk)," he said. (Yonhap)








South Korea's push to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system could hurt its cooperation with China in dealing with North Korea's nuclear ambitions, a Chinese scholar said Thursday.



Jin Jingyi, a professor at Peking University, also predicted that the North will pursue mending its ties with China after securing the ability to make nuclear weapons, which can pose a serious challenge to South Korea if it remains at odds with Beijing.



South Korea and the U.S. announced a plan in July to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery on the peninsula by end-2017, drawing fierce opposition from China, which voices worries that it could hurt its strategic interests.



The decision has caused a drawn-out diplomatic row between the two neighbors, with some raising the possibility that it could derail their cooperation in making the North give up its nuclear ambitions.



"THAAD can serve as a drag on Seoul-Beijing relations," Jin told a forum held in Seoul to discuss North Korea-China relations and its implication on the Korean Peninsula.



"People say that to some extent the row has subsided ... but it has just started. Once the site for it is determined and its deployment actually starts, the bilateral ties could go through extreme pain," he said.



Saying the North seems to be in a rush to test its nuclear and missile technologies, the professor said all of the recent developments are showing that the communist country is trying to achieve its "objective" no matter what within this year.



"It must be tough (to conduct such repeated missile and nuclear tests) under the current sanctions. It does not have the wherewithal to conduct as many tests next year. It seems that the North is attempting to achieve its objective within this year," he said.



"The North can step up its diplomatic offensive after achieving what it wants. ... It could be a chance for the North to try to improve its ties with China. ... The likelihood is high that their relations will improve," he said, while drawing attention to its ramifications on South Korea, especially when the THAAD issue remains in the picture.



His concerns over THAAD are in stark contrast to those of a U.S. expert, who also attended the forum.



Bruce Klinger, senior research fellow of the Heritage Foundation, said the decision to deploy THAAD is a "sovereign right" that South Korea should base on its national security, adding that the right should not be compromised due to outside pressure.



"Seoul and Washington should make clear to Beijing that pressure tactics would be better applied to its ally North Korea, which has developed nuclear weapons and missiles that have caused South Korea and the U.S. to take defensive actions," he said.



On how to respond to the North's pursuit of nuclear weapons, the two also offered opposite views with the Chinese expert, expressing doubt over the effectiveness of focusing only on sanctions and pressure, and the U.S. researcher calling for stepped-up punitive measures.



"At present, any offer of economic inducements to entice North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal is an ill-conceived plan with little chance of success," Klinger said.



"The international consensus is that stronger sanctions must be imposed on North Korea for its serial violations of international agreements, U.N. resolutions and U.S. law," he added.



He said that Washington "must sharpen the choice for North Korea by raising the risk and cost for its actions," and also for those willing to "facilitate" Pyongyang's nuclear programs and illicit activities. (Yonhap)




Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Showers this evening becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers this evening becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
WATERLOO  Co-owners of a Waterloo business have filed plea agreements in federal court at Fort Wayne, offering to plead guilty in a conspiracies involving more than $60 million.

Fred Witmer of rural Auburn, president and co-owner of Triton Energy LLC and Gen2 Renewable Diesel LLC, has offered to plead guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy.

Gary Jury, vice president and co-owner of Triton Energy, has offered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit criminal offenses and making false statements to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

A federal indictment says the men falsely obtained federal tax credits on their companies fuel and that Witmer and sold illegitimate renewable fuel credits to private purchasers.

Federal authorities filed the charges Sept. 19 in U.S. District Court at Fort Wayne, and the men offered their guilty pleas on the same day.

If a federal magistrate judge accepts their guilty pleas, both men would receive sentences shorter than the maximum prison time for their admitted offenses.

Witmer would receive a sentence of 57 months, compared to a maximum of 25 years for his offenses. Jury would receive a 30-month sentence, down from a maximum of seven years for his crimes.

Both men also would be ordered to pay restitution. In Witmers case, full restitution could include $56 million to private victims and $8 million to U.S. Department of the Treasury, court documents say. Jury also would owe $8 million in restitution to the Department of the Treasury.

The men would be ordered to dissolve Triton Energy LLC and Gen2 Renewable Diesel LLC within 12 months. Witmer also would have to sell a coal mine in Kentucky and use the money toward his restitution.

Based in the Waterloo Industrial Park at the towns west edge, Triton opened in 2007, with owners saying they would produce the next-generation of biodiesel fuels.

In recently years, Triton claimed to process animal fats and vegetable oils into renewable fuel by mixing it with alcohol and a proprietary catalyst to produce Gen2 Renewable Diesel, the federal indictment says.

Witmer took advantage of two federal programs, with Jury participating in a conspiracy to defraud one of those programs, their indictments say.

Petroleum refiners and importers must have a designated amount of renewable fuels in their product portfolios. They can meet the requirement by purchasing credits for renewable fuels produced by others.

From 2011 to 2015, Witmer sold Renewable Identification Numbers for fuel to private purchasers, mostly to one in Texas, for a combined $56 million. However, the government says, the Waterloo companies product did not qualify because it had not been used for eligible purposes.

To make the fuel appear to be eligible, Witmer worked with co-conspirators in other states to create a series of false sale documents, the indictments say.

Witmers indictment says that in one instance, the Waterloo companies sold processed corn oil for use as a lubricant in the production of wood pellets in Michigan and to a customer in Ohio for use in fire-starter logs. The conspirators allegedly created documents falsely indicating the fuel had been sold for use as heating oil and transportation fuel. The end users were not alleged to be part of the conspiracy.

The government also offers an Alternative Fuel Credit of 50 cents per gallon for fuel used in transportation. The indictment says Witmer and Jury obtained $7.3 million in Alternative Fuel Credits for fuel that was not used for eligible purposes.

The indictment says Witmer and Jury conspired with business owners in other states to create false documents that would make their fuel appear to be eligible for Alternative Fuel Credits. They agreed with the co-conspirators to divide the money from the credits.

In one instance, Tritons fuel was used in power plants and cement kilns instead of for transportation uses that qualified for federal fuel credits.

Activities described in Witmers indictment ranged from 2010 to March 2015. The actions mentioned in Jurys indictment stretch from 2012 to early 2015.

The men could withdraw their offers to plead guilty if Magistrate Judge Susan L. Collins does not accept the terms of their plea agreements.
FREMONT  Mad-cap comedy will meet history in this weekends Fremont High School production, Night at the Wax Museum.

The presentation will come to the Fremont High School auditorium stage, 701 W. Toledo St., at 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 students.

Betsy Fowler, drama teacher and director, said in an synopsis about the performances magic of history coming alive: Schools out for summer, but not for six unlucky students who dont know much about history  they have to re-take the class in summer school. First-year teacher Heather Fairchild has arranged for them to help her two aunts set up a new wax museum as a class project.

Though the students eyes glaze over with boredom, theres a twinkle in the wax figures eyes when a mysterious incantation from the back of Cleopatras bracelet brings them to life! Join the hilarious fun as treasure-hungry outlaws, pirates and royalty mount the greatest siege since Vicksburg!

Fowler said she chose the play because it requires a large cast of characters.

I chose it because it has a lot of historical characters. I like the show; its a spinoff off of Night At the Museum movies you can relate to, Fowler said.

At Wednesdays dress rehearsal, some students talked about their characters. Im Heather Fairchild; shes one of the cool teachers. Shes looking out for kids hoping they graduate, said Megan Boals, senior.

Maria Van Gompel plays Ethel Lockhead and Alyssa Anzelmo is Ivy Sweet. The pair own the museum and try to stop the chaos. Both characters are elderly and both girls said they will need lots of makeup to play the parts.

Tre Carmona is in his second play and portrays Henry VIII. Im Henry VIII and Im kind of a player, he laughed.

Seventh-grader Morgan Metroff is making her first appearance on stage. She will debut as Madame Ching. I didnt have anything else to do, she said about why she auditioned for the play.

Caleb Shannon, junior, portrays Skip Webster, a handyman, who he said is re-united with a high school sweetheart in the play who much earlier dumped him for his not taking her to the prom.

Night at the Wax Museum cast

 Emily Blake  Madison Jordan

 Victor Tates  Bryce Owens

 Carrie Gale  Amber Smith

 Rolf Rizzo  Jacob Thompson

 Heather Fairchild  Megan Boals

 Ivy Sweet  Alyssa Anzelmo

 Ethel Lockhead  Maria VanGompel

 Skip Webster  Caleb Shannon

 Violet Sneed  Emily Thompson

 Jasper Sneed  Jony Green

 Polly Popper  Ellie Kuespert

 Cleopatra  Hanna Grogg

 Henry III  Tre Carmona

 Anne Boleyn  Lauren Banks

 Anne Bonny  Alex Eisinger

 Madame Ching  Morgan Metroff

 Blackbeard  Tyler Garrison

 Butch Cassidy  Cory Locke

 Calamity Jane  Rylee Boyd

 Lizzie Borden  Amber Harmes

 John Adams  Sammual Corber

 Costumer  Erin Frain

 Stage Crew  Sydney Barnes

 Lights/Sound  Jill Springar/ Melissa Hardwick

Director  Betsy J. Fowler
ROME CITY  A Wolcottville K-9 in training attacked a woman Friday at the Rome City farmers market in the Town Hall parking lot.

Indiana State Police and the Noble County prosecutors office are investigating the incident.

A Town Hall security camera trained on the parking lot caught the incident on video.

Noble County Prosecutor Eric Blackman said Wednesday that based on information he has received, including the video, there doesnt appear to be anything criminal at this point.

Rome City Town Marshal Jim Sheffield requested the ISP investigate the incident, according to Blackman. Sheffield is on vacation.

Wolcottville Town Marshal Ryan Kauffman on Wednesday confirmed the incident occurred and the ISP and Noble County prosecutor were investigating. He said he wouldnt comment further on the incident until after the investigation is completed.

According to Blackman, the woman and a Wolcottville officer with his K-9, which was undergoing training and kept on a leash, were at the market. The woman approached the officer and his dog, and the dog jumped up on her, Blackman said.

She had her hands in her pocket and didnt provoke the dog from what we could see on the video. It looked like the dog was just being friendly, he said.

The dog reportedly grabbed the womans arm and bit her, causing a significant injury that required several stitches, Blackman said, adding, It all happened in seconds.

The woman was treated at Parkview Noble Hospital and released.

Everyone feels terrible about what happened, Blackman said.
Onalaska and La Crosse are among thousands of U.S. cities where drinking water contains a potentially cancer causing but unregulated chemical.

Made famous by the film Erin Brockovich, chromium-6 has been shown to cause cancer in mice and rats and is considered a likely human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tests conducted between 2013 and 2015 found an average of 0.73 ppb in La Crosse water samples and 1.3 ppb in Onalaskas, according to EPA data.

Both measurements are well above the level deemed safe by California authorities, and Onalaskas is one of the highest in Wisconsin.

Other area water systems, including Fort McCoys North Post and Spring Grove, had measurements above the safe level. Winonas water supply had one sample with 0.03 ppb in 2013.

A heavy metal commonly found at low levels in drinking water, chromium-6 is used in steel production, chrome plating and in cooling towers. It is also found in the ash from coal-burning power plants.

The nonprofit Environmental Working Group says more than 200 million Americans are drinking water with unsafe levels of chromium-6, which is found in about nine out of 10 public water systems sampled.

EWG estimates that exposure could result in 12,000 Americans developing cancer during the next 84 years.

Only California regulates chromium-6, although EWG contends its 10 parts per billion limit is too high.

The nonprofit group points to a 2011 report by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, which set a public health goal of 0.02 ppb.

That regulation came about after residents of Hinkley, Calif., filed a class-action suit against Pacific Gas & Electric for contaminating its drinking water, which the utility settled in 1996 for $333 million.

That case was the basis for the movie, which focused on Erin Brockovich, a legal clerk-turned consumer advocate.

After a 2010 investigation by EWG found chromium-6 in the tap water of 31 cities, the EPA began requiring water utilities to test for the compound but has not set a national standard.

The EPA has held off releasing its draft risk assessment until industry-funded studies are completed. The agency expects to release that assessment in 2017.

In a statement, the EPA notes it has a standard of 100 ppb for total chromium, which includes chromium-6, and only one of the nearly 5,000 public water systems exceeded that standard.

Mark Johnson, La Crosses water utility director, said he has not researched potential treatment methods, though he said it would probably involve the addition of a chemical to react with chromium so that it can be filtered out. That would likely entail a treatment facilities at each of the citys 13 wells.

Home water filters said to reduce chromium levels are available for between about $35 and $700.

The group did not respond to questions about effectiveness, but EWG provides a buyers guide on its website.
Torrential rains and devastating flooding Sept. 22 unleashed a deadly mudslide, caused a train derailment near Ferryville, closed Hwy. 35 and damaged dozens of roads, bridges, dams and rails throughout western Wisconsin.

A man died when his house was washed down a hill in Victory. Some areas received upward of 6 inches of rain in 48 hours, and emergency management personnel in Crawford, Vernon and Jackson counties reported scores of road closures.

Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency in Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Trempealeau and Vernon counties.

The operator of the Lake Neshonoc dam near West Salem issued a yellow alert about 11 p.m. Sept. 21 before opening the dams flood gates wide. Keith Butler, La Crosse Countys emergency services coordinator, said such alerts are common during the spring thaw but rare during storm events.

West Salem village administrator Teresa Schnitzler, who lives on the shore of Lake Neshonoc, said the lake water level had risen to 8.6 feet before the flood gates were opened, well above the 8-foot maximum the dam operator aims for.

The release of water from the lake contributed to a 4-foot rise on the La Crosse River from Wednesday to Thursday.

Eight campers were moved to higher ground late Wednesday at the Veterans Memorial Park campground east of West Salem, but campground manager Darlene Guinn said it turned out the campers would have been OK without being moved.

Butler said Bangors Veterans Memorial Park was hit hard by flooding.

The worry now, Butler said, was additional rain triggering mudslides.

Im thinking that the slopes are still a little fragile right now, he said.

Flooding closed Hwy. 108 between West Salem and Mindoro.

National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Stangeland said a frontal boundary stalled over the Coulee Region was responsible for the repeated heavy storms. Moist air is seeping up from Iowa, where 90-degree temperatures and high humidity triggered heat advisories Wednesday.
There may be fewer of them than at reunions past, but that didnt keep West Salem graduates from getting together recently to mark 75 years since high school.

Six of the surviving eight members of the West Salem Class of 1941 gathered at Eagle Crest South in La Crosse with friends, family and some honored guests from the classes of 1940 and 1942 to celebrate their reunion. Twenty-seven students graduated from the high school in 1941, a generation defined by the Great Depression and thrust into World War II as they entered adulthood.

Minnetta Coburn, one of the graduates, joined the Army during the war as a nurse. She was stationed stateside and in Guam. Discharged in 1948, she moved to Oregon to be with her family and become a nurse anesthetist. But she has kept in touch with her classmates over the years.

We were thicker than thieves, she said.

Coburns classmate and cousin, Beverly Onsrud of West Salem, who was an honors graduate and the unofficial historian of the group, moved to Washington, D.C., during the war. She joined the FBI during the conflict, starting out as a typist before becoming a radio operator due to her knowledge of Morse code from her Girl Scout days.

After the end of the World War II, many of the classmates returned home, and all 10 men who fought came back safely. Onsrud got a job at Union State Bank in West Salem while one of her classmates, Gordie Miller, took over the family farm.

Miller grew up with two brothers and a sister during the Great Depression and was the only one who stayed home to run the family hog, beef and crop operation after his father died during his freshman year. Miller still lives in West Salem, renting the farm to a neighbor.

In earlier years, Miller said, he hadnt gone to a lot of reunions, but as the number of surviving classmates has been whittled down by the march of time, said he looks forward more and more to reconnecting with his high school friends. Surviving both the Depression and World War II has made the class a hardy bunch, as only four members had died by 45-year reunion in 1986. Thirteen members of the class were still alive when they got together for the 70-year reunion five years ago.

I was sure surprised when I got the card (inviting me), Miller said. Theres not very many of us left.

Miller shouldnt have been too surprised, as Onsrud has been chronicling the class and its adventures over the years. She has scrapbooks filled with information about weddings, births and death announcements, as well as photos and newspaper clippings documenting every time the classmates have gathered.

Only six of the class of 1941 were able to attend the reunion Friday, but the table they gathered at was filled with 16 others: additional students from the classes of 1940 and 1942, sons, daughters, spouses of classmates no longer with them and other guests. Each class member received an anniversary ribbon, and they shared toasts congratulating the class on making it this far and looking forward to the next reunion.

The 75th is a big reunion, Onsrud said. I never thought we would still all be together.
If projections hold, the tax rate in the Holmen School District should drop for the second year in a row.

The rate was announced at Mondays budget hearing, part of a nearly four-hour session that also included a regular board of education meeting, as well as the districts annual meeting. During the budget hearing, director of business services Julie Holman gave a report on the current state of the budget, as well as the information that was still outstanding.

Based on the districts estimates, Holman said the tax rate for the school year would be around $1,102 per $100,000 of equalized value in a home. This is a drop of $21 from last years tax rate, a 1.91 percent decline, and the second year in a row the tax rate has gone down in the district.

That doesnt mean the district is levying less in taxes, as much of the reason the tax rate has gone down is the fact that the total value of property in the district has gone up 4.5 percent. This is faster than the growth in the tax levy, which is projected to be $17.1 million, up 2.64 percent from last year.

A number of factors that go into budget calculations could change between now and when the board approves the final budget in October. The district is still calculating its third Friday in September headcount, which affects total district spending and state aid, and final equalized property values have yet to be set.

State of the district

During the annual meeting, a number of reports on the state of the school district were given. Administrators briefed attendees on the what was happening with the two ongoing referenda at the district, student academic achievement, and also looked to the future for enrollment and facilities needs.

Director of information technology services Greg Krueger gave an update on the technology referendum, which voters passed in 2015 and provides $655,000 per year to support a 1:1 device program in the district. The initiative has started its second year, he said, and all students in the middle and high school have their own device.

Its already made an impact on the technology environment with our schools, Krueger said. But we have a lot more planned for it.

In the next couple of years, the district will also look to address infrastructure needs, such as the possibility of setting up a district-owned direct connection between the two schools, updating technology and adding services and staff. The technology referendum expires in the 2018-19 school year, and Krueger said his department is working to find the best ways to use the money to set the program to continue into the future.

I believe we are off to a great start, he said. We are building a foundation that will allow us to continue in a fiscally sustainable fashion.

During an enrollment and facilities report, associate district administrator Jay Clark gave an update on when the district would need to consider adding new facilities. Enrollment has been growing at Holmen and is projected to increase at about half a percent for the next five years.

If these trends continue, the district will need to add capacity for middle school students in 2022 and high school students in 2025. Currently, the district is planning to add a new 600-student middle school before then, and an addition to the high school shortly after.

The district has been formulating ways to borrow the money for both projects through referenda while keeping taxes flat for residents over the next several years. This can be done by keeping the debt levy flat as current debt obligations are paid off, and this method allows for the district to address other projects and needs such as safety and accessibility concerns with capacity created by prepaying debt.

We have needs, Clark said. Needs the board should be preparing for and administration should be considering.

In other news

The board approved the purchase of three new school buses at a cost of $274,000 from Wisconsin Bus of De Forest. All three buses will be propane fueled, and the purchases are designed to reduce the average age of the fleet and help keep it current with state regulations.
A woman suffered serious injuries after she lost control of her vehicle on wet conditions on Hwy. 61 and struck a semi Sept. 21.

Samantha Paulson, 23, of Sauk Rapids, was northbound on Hwy. 61 north of Dakota shortly before 8:45 a.m. when she hydroplaned on the wet roadway, lost control, crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes, where she struck the rear of a southbound semi, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

Paulson suffered injuries that were serious but not believed to be life-threatening, the Patrol said. Her vehicle, a Toyota Yaris, appeared totaled as it was taken away from the scene with the front end missing.

The driver of the semi, Randy Wolfe, 50, of Cravitz, Minn., was uninjured in the crash, the Patrol said.

The Winona County Sheriffs Department, Dakota Fire Department, and Tri-County Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.
On Sept. 12, I attended a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters in Winona to hear from legislative candidates from southeastern Minnesota about the key issues for our area.

Three candidates for Houston/Fillmore counties attended: Representative candidate Thomas Trehus, and Senate candidates Jon Pieper and Jeremy Miller. I was disappointed Greg Davids did not attend and did not submit a statement to be shared. We deserve to hear his views on issues like rural broadband expansion, rising health care costs and transportation funding.

We deserve to hear directly from our representative. We deserve to know why our representatives cannot finish their work in a timely manner and without costly errors. As chairman of the tax committee, Davids needs to answer for the $100 million error in this year's tax bill that caused the bill to be vetoed. What does he intend to do to avoid last-minute submissions and allow time to actually review the content of a bill?

Davids absence at the forum begs the question whether he has become complacent after almost a quarter of a century in office. Perhaps he thinks he doesnt need to answer to us anymore. More than ever, we need a representative who will listen to voters, keep us informed, and work toward solutions. Im voting for Thomas Trehus.
This November, the La Crescent-Hokah School District will be having a ballot question regarding a levy for general fund operations. The vote will be taken during the Nov. 8 general election. Absentee ballots will be available for use, with voting starting Sept. 23. These ballots will be available at the county seat in which you live and more specific instructions are found on the school district website, www.isd300.k12.mn.us. If you live in Houston County, you would contact the Houston County auditors office in Caledonia at 507-725-5803. If you live in Winona County, you would contact the Winona County auditors office in Winona at 507-457-8830.

In the past year, the district has been looking at its revenues and expenditures, as well as the fund balance. The district has been spending down its fund balance to maintain curriculum and offerings for students. The district has been deficit spending the past five years an average of $334,624 per year. Accordingly, the district has cut an average of $549,374 in that same time period. Also, the district has received $66,216 less in revenue over the past five years. This school year, 2016-17, is the first year in five years, the district has had a balanced budget. Our cuts last year totaled $452,000 to help make that possible. Those cuts had an impact on class size, offerings and opportunities for students.

Last spring during seven community meetings, we discussed this deficit spending and decreased fund balance. It was determined that a levy would be asked for to help with our financial shortcomings and also to provide funds to increase and improve curriculum offerings for students.

What the La Crescent-Hokah School District will be asking for is a levy that will generate approximately $495,000 each year for a time period of five years. As a homeowner, this would affect your property taxes as follows.

Home market value: Increase in taxes

$100,000: $79.64

$150,000: $119.46

$200,000: $159.28

$300,000: $238.91

$400,000: $318.55

$500,000: $398.19

Please get out to vote on Nov. 8 or vote absentee ballot.
WAUKESHA  Forty days left in his campaign, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday doubled down on his Democratic opponents past in attempting to win over the most important conservative area of Wisconsin at a rally of nearly two thousand in Waukesha.

In his sixth stop to the state since embarking upon a presidential campaign that until recently garnered little support from establishment Republicans like those concentrated in Waukesha, Trump was helped by Former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who was previously a staunch supporter of former presidential candidate Gov. John Kasich.

Thompson told the crowd gathered in the Waukesha County Expo Center that its time to get on the train. The Trump train is moving.

The former governor likened the real estate mogul who has never been elected to any public office to President Ronald Reagan. But the states top Republicans, Gov. Scott Walker and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, were not at the rally that was held in the same venue Walker in July of 2015 announced his own presidential bid that lasted just 70 days.

Thompson said Trump, like Reagan did in the 1980s, is inspiring a movement of patriotism.

The Wednesday rally was held just two days after Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sparred in their first debate ahead of Novembers election and was held in the heart of one of the countrys most influential movements among conservatives to reject Trump as the way forward for Republicans in the 2016 presidential race.

Trump, along with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, told the crowd that Clinton could not be trusted  and electing her would be continuing a pattern of corruption that began with Clintons husband former president Bill Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas.

Its going to be a victory for you, the American people. We are going to end the Clinton corruption and restore dignity and honesty to government service, said Trump. Hillary Clinton is an insider who fights only for her donors and for herself. Im an outsider and Im fighting for you.

If she ever got the chance she would put the oval office up for sale, he said.

He also said the countrys inner cities are being left behind, and would improve lives for Hispanic and black Americans.

To the African American community I say what the hell do you have to lose? I will fix it, vote for me, I will fix it, he said.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Philip Shulman described Trumps speech as unhinged and incoherent. He said Trump does not have the temperament to be president of the United States.

Trump said Thompson three months ago urged the candidate to focus on other states because conservatives in Wisconsin wouldnt support him, but after seeing polling a couple weeks ago, asked him to come back to the state.

Even so, the real estate mogul continues to have his work cut out for him in Wisconsin with state Republicans struggling with how to handle his incendiary statements and past support for Clinton.

Trump was crushed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the states primary in April after a successful push by prominent state Republicans and conservatives who sold Cruz as the only viable candidate to stop Trump from becoming the GOP nominee and to defeat Clinton.

But on Wednesday, before Trump was set to speak to the crowd of hundreds, some state Republicans got on board with Trump.

Former GOP Senator and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, GOP Rep. Adam Neylon of Pewaukee, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp, GOP party chairman Brad Courtney and former U.S. Sen. Bob Kasten all asked the crowd there to see Trump to support the real estate mogul, who was a party outsider until his nomination.

Clinton has yet to visit Wisconsin while Trump made two trips since the GOP convention in July before scheduling the Waukesha visit.

Jane Smith of Williams Bay, a bookkeeper at an electric supply company, traveled to Waukesha with her friend Mary Ong wearing bright pink T-shirts that read Wisconsin Women for Trump in black block lettering.

Smith said her support of Trump is rooted in her opposition to Clinton.

I dont trust Hillary and I dont believe anything she has to say, said Smith, 52.

Smith said she likes Trump because he hasnt spent decades in politics like Clinton and isnt polished, as illustrated by his performance at Mondays debate at Hofstra University in New York.

She did well. I thought he could have done better, said Smith. But thats a big part of why I like him  hes not a politician.

Jay Schroeder of Neenah, a mortgage and loan officer, said the debates questions were designed to discredit Trumps qualifications. He said questioning Trump of his previous comments implying President Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. were unfair.

The country has 21 trillion in debt  I really dont care where (Obama) was born, said Schroeder, 54. If the economy collapses, thats what affects you and me  not where (Obama) was born.

Democratic strategist Paul Maslin said Trump can win the battleground states of Ohio, Florida, Nevada and North Carolina and still lose the election. He has to cut into Clintons electoral college total by winning states that are leaning Democratic, such as Virginia, Pennsylvania or Wisconsin.

Republican pollster Gene Ulm said Trump is likely making a push in Wisconsin because of its blue-collar nature, but he has struggled in the suburban Milwaukee counties. Theyre very Republican, but Republicans there are highly educated and that has been a tougher group for Trump to lock down.

Trumps support drops off among those kind of voters, Ulm said. If support drops off two to three points (in Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties) it crushes any Republican.

Ulm said the results of state polls in the wake of Monday nights first debate could influence where the candidates dedicate their time in the final six weeks before the election. The next Marquette Law School Poll wont be out for two weeks, poll director Charles Franklin said.

Though Clinton hasnt visited the state yet since the spring primary, Franklin said Chelsea Clintons visit to Green Bay on Friday is an indication the Clinton campaign is seeing Wisconsin as a much closer state than what it was a month ago.

Donald Trump
Crooked media is a term coined by the medias darling. Some media outlets are crooked, but not for the reason the self-described master of hyperbole claims. These media outlets are crooked, skewing coverage in his favor because they fall for every publicity ploy that Donald Trump offers. When some voters see how easy it is for Donald to manipulate the press, they assume it will be as easy for him to handle the presidency.

The debates are a prime example: Some media outlets gave Donald top billing in Republican primaries. That resulted in his nomination. Leading up to the presidential debate, distortions continued. Why? Because the public likes sensationalism above substance.

Issues of substance are the casualties in this election. The president who is elected will provide clear choices for this nation. He or she will be:

 A president who enriches his own empire and personal wealth or one who has demonstrated service that benefits American citizens.

 A president who engages in foreign policy conflicted by presidential interests abroad or a president who will work with other nations for the benefit of both nations.

 A president who carpet bombs and uses ground troops against ISIS or supports Muslim nations to stand up for their own interests. And, most importantly, provides healthy opportunities for young Muslims who may be tempted to join ISIS.

These are but a few of the important choices that face voters in this election. Will the media continue to sensationalize or will it serve the interests of the nation?

John Hempstead,

La Crosse
Wisconsin Natural Resources Board members on Wednesday questioned the wisdom of spending millions of dollars to move the state forestry headquarters out of Madison as conservation groups urged stronger clean water and wildlife programs.

The board unanimously approved a budget request prepared by the state Department of Natural Resources that calls for a 2.1 percent decrease in operational spending.

Environmentalists said the DNR needs more resources, not less, to fix serious staffing problems highlighted by a state audit this year, and dozens of shortcomings in water pollution controls that have prompted federal officials to schedule their own review of department files next month.

But board members complimented DNR staff on the budget proposal while raising questions about the projected cost of up to $17 million over 20 years to move forestry supervisors to a new headquarters closer to where most timber cutting takes place.

The estimated expenditures are in a DNR study mandated in the last state budget by Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature.

Board member Frederick Prehn said the public may not understand how many DNR forestry employees are already working in field offices up north.

Out of 454 full-time-equivalent positions in the forestry division, 364 have regional responsibilities and they work in almost every county in the state, the DNR study states. The remaining 90 have statewide supervisory duties, and most of those are in Madison.

Prehn and board chairman Terry Hilgenberg questioned spending millions to build or lease a new headquarters in the north while other budget areas see no increases.

I am perplexed about why we would even be thinking about this, Hilgenberg said. We are very much under-budgeted in many areas.

The DNR estimated first-year costs of $1.1 million to $6 million to lease or buy a new headquarters in Wausau for 45 headquarters employees, with additional building-related expenses of between $9.4 million and $10.8 million over the next 20 years.

The study said costs would be similar in two other possible locations: Hayward or Rhinelander.

Meanwhile, conservation groups said the overall DNR budget proposal falls short.

The DNR hasnt increased spending on fishing and hunting in 10 years, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation executive director George Meyer told the board.

Federation members would support higher hunting and fishing license fees to improve DNR programs, Meyer said.

Meyer applauded DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp for proposing to move four positions from other areas into regulation of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), one area where the Legislative Audit Bureau said the DNR was falling short in its protection of water quality.

Hopefully the governor and the Legislature will significantly increase the number of water quality staff for DNR in order to meet the increasing signs of deteriorating water quality in Wisconsins lakes, streams and wetlands, Meyer said.

Other environmental groups that have reviewed the budget proposal didnt comment during the meeting but also offered criticism.

Bill Davis, president of the Wisconsin chapter of the Sierra Club, said the proposal failed to seriously address concerns raised by the Legislative Audit Bureau in June.

Davis said the budget is like a city fire department engaged in fighting a four-alarm blaze and the citys response is to cut the water pressure.

Sarah Geers of public interest law firm Midwest Environmental Advocates said the budget could better address water quality problems raised in the audit if it increased fees paid by CAFOs to a level that covered the cost of adequate regulation. The current $95 fee doesnt come close to covering costs, she said.

The taxpayers are picking up the difference because the Legislature is unwilling to make industry pay the true cost of doing business, Geers said.

As a result of a petition filed by Midwest Environmental Advocates and others, the federal Environmental Protection Agency will be in Madison next month to review DNR files on its water pollution control efforts.

The EPA issued a letter in 2011 listing 75 deficiencies in the states enforcement of the Clean Water Act. A recent report indicated six of the deficiencies had been resolved, while the others were still being worked on.

Stepps budget includes a two-year decrease of about $23.4 million from the current base budget amount. The reduction stems mostly from an adjustment that reflects spending authority the DNR had in the current budget but didnt use, DNR budget director Joe Polasek told the board. It also includes removal of one-time items that are in the current budget, he said.

The two-year $1.1 billion budget proposal reduces the department by the equivalent of 9.5 positions.

Board member Gregory Kazmierski praised Stepp and noted that DNR administrators have predicted elected officials would make cuts if the department didnt propose them first.

If Cathy wasnt doing this job, the Legislature would and theyd probably be doing it with a meat cleaver, Kazmierski said.

The board also approved the DNRs $48.9 million two-year capital budget, which includes proposed construction, replacement and renovation of property such as campground facilities, ranger stations, boat launches, a laboratory, and locks and dams.

Its a decrease from $60 million in the current budget. Prehn said the list of unfunded projects grows longer each year, and the DNR should be mindful that maintenance delayed too long could bite the agency. Some items that wont be fixed should be scrapped, he said.

Walker and the Legislature will make final decisions on the 2017-2019 budget next year.
WAUKESHA  With 40 days left in his campaign, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday doubled down on his Democratic opponents past in attempting to win over the most important conservative area of Wisconsin at a rally of nearly 2,000 people in Waukesha.

In his sixth stop to the state since embarking upon a presidential campaign that until recently garnered little support from establishment Republicans like those concentrated in Waukesha, Trump was helped by former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who was previously a staunch supporter of former presidential candidate Gov. John Kasich.

Thompson told the crowd gathered in the Waukesha County Expo Center that its time to get on the train. The Trump train is moving.

The former governor likened the real estate mogul who has never been elected to any public office to President Ronald Reagan. But the states top Republicans, Gov. Scott Walker and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, were not at the rally that was held in the same venue where Walker in July 2015 announced his own presidential bid that lasted just 70 days.

Thompson said Trump, like Reagan did in the 1980s, is inspiring a movement of patriotism.

The rally Wednesday, just two days after Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sparred in their first debate ahead of Novembers election, was held in the heart of one of the countrys most influential movements among conservatives to reject Trump as the way forward for Republicans in the 2016 presidential race.

Trump, along with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, told the crowd that Clinton could not be trusted  and electing her would be continuing a pattern of corruption that began with Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, when he was governor of Arkansas.

Its going to be a victory for you, the American people. We are going to end the Clinton corruption and restore dignity and honesty to government service, Trump said. Hillary Clinton is an insider who fights only for her donors and for herself. Im an outsider and Im fighting for you.

If she ever got the chance, she would put the Oval Office up for sale, he said.

He also said the countrys inner cities are being left behind, and he would improve lives for Hispanic and black Americans.

To the African-American community, I say what the hell do you have to lose? I will fix it. Vote for me; I will fix it, he said.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Philip Shulman described Trumps speech as unhinged and incoherent. He said Trump does not have the temperament to be President of the United States.

Trump said Thompson three months ago urged the candidate to focus on other states because conservatives in Wisconsin wouldnt support him, but after seeing polling a couple weeks ago, asked him to come back to the state.

Even so, Trump continues to have his work cut out for him in Wisconsin with state Republicans struggling with how to handle his incendiary statements and past support for Clinton.

Trump was crushed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the states primary in April after a successful push by prominent state Republicans and conservatives who sold Cruz as the only viable candidate to stop Trump from becoming the GOP nominee and to defeat Clinton.

But on Wednesday, before Trump was set to speak to the crowd of hundreds, some state Republicans got on board with Trump.

Former GOP Sen. and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, GOP Rep. Adam Neylon of Pewaukee, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp, GOP party chairman Brad Courtney and former U.S. Sen. Bob Kasten all asked Wednesdays crowd to support the real estate mogul, who was a party outsider until his nomination.

Clinton hasnt visited Wisconsin since the spring primary, while Trump made two trips since the GOP convention in July before scheduling the Waukesha visit.

Jane Smith of Williams Bay, a bookkeeper at an electric supply company, traveled to Waukesha with her friend Mary Ong wearing bright pink T-shirts that read Wisconsin Women for Trump in black block lettering.

Smith said her support of Trump is rooted in her opposition to Clinton.

I dont trust Hillary and I dont believe anything she has to say, said Smith, 52.

Smith said she likes Trump because he hasnt spent decades in politics like Clinton and isnt polished, as illustrated by his performance at Mondays debate at Hofstra University in New York.

She did well; I thought he could have done better, said Smith. But thats a big part of why I like him  hes not a politician.

Jay Schroeder of Neenah, a mortgage and loan officer, said the debates questions were designed to discredit Trumps qualifications. He said questioning Trump about his previous comments implying President Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. was unfair.

The country has 21 trillion in debt  I really dont care where (Obama) was born, said Schroeder, 54. If the economy collapses, thats what affects you and me  not where (Obama) was born.

Democratic strategist Paul Maslin said Trump can win the battleground states of Ohio, Florida, Nevada and North Carolina and still lose the election. He has to cut into Clintons electoral college total by winning states that are leaning Democratic, such as Virginia, Pennsylvania or Wisconsin.

Republican pollster Gene Ulm said Trump is likely making a push in Wisconsin because of its blue-collar nature, but he has struggled in the suburban Milwaukee counties. Theyre very Republican, but Republicans there are highly educated and that has been a tougher group for Trump to lock down.

Trumps support drops off among those kind of voters, Ulm said. If support drops off two to three points (in Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties) it crushes any Republican.

Ulm said the results of state polls in the wake of Monday nights first debate could influence where the candidates dedicate their time in the final six weeks before the election.

The next Marquette Law School Poll wont be out for two weeks, poll director Charles Franklin said.

Franklin said Chelsea Clintons scheduled visit to Green Bay on Friday is an indication the Clinton campaign is seeing Wisconsin as a much closer state than what it was a month ago.

State Journal reporter Matthew DeFour contributed to this report.
Angie Brandt now knows she can help more people when she donates blood during BloodCenter of Wisconsin drives at Tomah Memorial Hospital. The 43-year-old Brandt from Necedah was one of nearly 70 people who donated blood at TMH Sept. 22.

Because of her high hemoglobin count, Brandt learned that she could make a double red cell donation, which allows donors to donate two units of red blood cells thereby giving more product that is needed most by patients.

Ill do it now as often as I can, said Brandt, who was one of eight people to make a double donation. It was the first time she made a dual donation in the nearly 10 years she has been donating blood.

We had excellent attendance and more interest in giving the dual donations, said BloodCenter senior donor specialist Chris Schmidt.

A double red cell donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow the donor to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning plasma and platelets to the donor.

Brandt said donating makes her feel good knowing she can help others.

It feels good to save lives and help out the community.

She also knows that area hospitals, including Tomah Memorial receive their blood from the BloodCenter of Wisconsin.

I give because it (blood) stays local and can be used in the community by friends and loved ones, Brandt said.

The BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the sole supplier of blood to 57 hospitals throughout the state including Tomah Memorial.

Brandt encourages others to donate blood too.

Give it a shot, she said, it feels good to be able to walk away feeling that you made a difference.

BloodCenter officials say donations have been down lately. BCW strives to see 800 donors a day, six days a week to collect blood needed by patients in the hospitals which they partner.

Tomah Memorial marketing & public relations director Eric Prise said 100 percent of all blood and platelets used at the hospital are supplied by the BloodCenter of Wisconsin.

Residents can still help out by making plans to attend our last drive for the year on Nov. 17, Prise said.

Tomah Memorial holds six blood drives a year.
After the Warrens Cranberry Festival, the fall cranberry harvest begins. The weekend following the festival is the annual Harvest Day Celebration Saturday, Oct. 1.

Kelly Murray, operations director at the Wisconsin Discovery Center, said the celebration is a good way to recognize the beginning of the fall harvest.

A lot of people dont realize that Cranfest is a kickoff to the harvest season, she said. But a lot of people are not really interested in looking at all of the booths and stuff during the festival and want the experience of seeing the harvesting of the cranberries. (The celebration) is a good way to see harvesting up close and learn how cranberries are taken care of and gotten ready for harvest  the whole harvesting process.

Weatherby Cranberry Company began the event at least 20 years ago.

Nodji VanWychen said the celebration began to accommodate the growing number of people who wanted to see the harvest.

We couldnt accomplish so many individual tours, so we decided we would choose a Saturday with the likelihood people would be off work and with their families, she said. Its growing each year.

New this year to the tour is the addition of school buses  which come with a price.

We used to have open air wagons, but sometimes with the weather its a little uncomfortable when the wind is cold, so now we have gone with school buses, VanWychen said. Its our first year charging a little bit for the tour.

The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children 5-12 and free for children five and under.

After the tour, attendees get the chance to go into a cranberry bed with floating berries in hip boots and have their picture taken by the Warrens Cranberry Festival royalty.

Murray said its a special experience.

The leaves against the cranberries floating in the water  its just a beautiful experience, she said.

Tours run from 9 a.m. to noon, with the last tour starting at 11:30 a.m. Fresh and dried cranberries, cranberry wine, hot cranberry cider and coffee are available at Wetherby.

Following the tour, VanWychen said attendees are encouraged to head to the Discovery Center.

At the Discovery Center there will be a wine tasting by DnA Vintners of La Crosse, as well as a discounted rate for the exhibit, Murray said.

Were having a special admission fee of $1 for our exhibit, she said. Its usually $5, so its a really good deal.

New to the celebration is the addition of two area vendors  Moseley Roadside Market and Rex Moseley Fruit & Vegetable Farm.

Moseley Roadside Market will be offering free wagon rides out to the pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin, of any size, for $5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market will also have gourds, Indian corn, squash, potatoes, sweet corn, melons, honey, jams, jellies and baked goods for sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At the Rex Moseley Fruit & Vegetable Farm there will be apple picking from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Varieties available include Honeycrisp, Cortland, Delicious, and more. Pre-picked apples, apple cider, squash, cabbage and more will also be available.

In 2015 about 750 people attended, Murray said. She believes as many will attend this year.

Hopefully the weather will be better than what it (has been), and we will have as many if not more, she said.

For more information go to visitwarrens.com.
DE SOTO  The extensive flooding that caused two deaths and left millions in damages in its wake also dealt a severe blow to a retirement home of sorts for horses, wiping out pasture and sweeping away equipment.

It was devastating. A 15-foot wall of water swept away a round bale feeder and broke fences in one pasture where three horses were quartered in a 150-by-300-foot pen with a shelter, said Sue Wellman, who founded the American Standardbred Adoption Program on a farm near De Soto 23 years ago.

The shelter survived, but we cant find a water tank that also was sent bobbing down the swollen creek, Wellman said in a phone interview.

I had no idea it had happened until reaching the scene and finding the horses standing in 3 feet of water, she said, adding, We were crying and apologizing to the horses.

A sand-covered pasture was unreachable between the time the rain-spawned flooding occurred Thursday and Monday because, until then, we would sink up to our knees, said Wellman, who also is a special education teacher in Prairie du Chien, Wis.

Rebounding from the setback will include rebuilding fences, securing a water tank and bale feeder, as well as providing hay to tide the horses over, Wellman said.

I can smile today because everything survived, although the organization, operated by a small number of volunteers, needs hay and monetary donations, she said.

Wellman said she founded the program largely to provide a place for American Standardbred horses to be retired, fostered or placed for adoption after their racing days were done.

Standardbreds are known mostly for their speed and agility in harness racing, and ASAP is intended mainly as a place for owners to retire their steeds and get a tax write-off instead. Wellman prefers that to the alternative, in which owners sell them to vendors who prowl stables to find horses that cant win or whose winning days are over, Wellman said.

Such dealers pay about $500 for a horse, compared with a write-off of perhaps $3,500 if they donate the animal to the program, she said.

The dealers typically sell the horses  at three to four times that amount  to Amish people who use them to pull buggies because they already are trained to pull harness buggies at a trot or a pace, Wellman said.

Many owners never dream of their horses being Amish buggy horses, envisioning a more relaxing life when they turn them out to pasture, she said.

Weve got a horse that made over a million dollars and was famous in harness racing, she said. Hes an amazing animal. When he retired, they placed him with us because they loved him so much.

Harness racing once was popular in Illinois and was a good source of supply for ASAP, but the sport is on the wane there, although it remains common in other states such as Florida.

We get a lot of referrals from all over  California, Florida, the East Coast, and they take in other breeds besides Standardbreds, she said.

ASAP, which has 20 to 25 horses now, seeks people who will adopt and/or foster the horses and has placed about 1,000 since it began, Wellman said.

We also use horses for youths to learn to ride, either for pay or gratis, she said, noting that riding lessons are out of the question for many families in Vernon County.

If they bring a bag of feed, I will teach them to ride, she said.

ASAP also works with animal control and takes in rescue horses, she said, citing the example of a Crawford County woman who died in January 2013, leaving two older horses. Wellman initially was skittish when animal control contacted her about taking in the horses, as aging animals can be expensive to care for and people generally dont want to adopt them, she said.

Then animal control told me the womans sisters wanted to sponsor the horses, now 32 to 34, for the rest of their lives, she said. They have been fairly faithful.

Some ASAP ventures are steeped in tragedy, such as the horse whose Amish owner abandoned it because of a neck injury that prevented it from pulling a buggy, she said.

It was emaciated, so neglected that his ribs protruded from his body, she said, adding that the farrier who came to trim his hooves discovered that the hooves had grown around the shoes, Wellman said.

No attorneys, veterinarians or farriers volunteer their services, leaving the organization to cover such costs, she said.

We have become more of a sanctuary for some horses, especially for several in the 20- to 34-year-old range because they are virtually unadoptable, she said.

People dont want to adopt a horse they think might die, said Wellman, whose husband, Craig, also works on the farm doing everything from veterinary tasks to building fences and shelters to hauling horses, in addition to harvesting ginseng.

Thus, it takes a special breed to be involved in the field.

It has to be a passion, she said, adding that she was involved when Craig met her and he may not have been as enthusiastic as she is.

I think he believed in his heart he would change me, she said with a laugh, describing him as a saint.
Note: This was written in cooperation with Country Coon Prairie Preservation.

Erected in 1923, the Halvorsen monument in Coon Prairie Cemetery stands as a memorial to the Rev. and Mrs. Halvor Halvorsen. Planning for this monument began soon after the Rev. Halvorsens death on July 11, 1921. The Rev. Halvorsens wife, Marie, had died on Oct. 18, 1918.

Before this monument was erected, the Halvorsens final resting place was marked by two simple stones. The Coon Prairie and Vang congregations felt strongly that they wanted a special memorial marker for this great and beloved man of God. The Rev. Halvorsen had served the Coon Prairie congregation for 49 years, having answered a call to come from Norway to serve the Coon Prairie area in 1872. He was born in Stavanger, Norway, on Sept. 15, 1845. He had hoped to serve the congregation for 50 years. But that would not happen. On a trip back to visit relatives in Stavanger in 1921, accompanied by his daughter, Signe, he would die at the age of 76 in his homeland. Signe would accompany his body back to Westby for services and burial.

The Westby Times, July 12, 1922, includes an article inviting confirmands, those who had moved away, and others to be a part of this memorial. The article begins: Coon Prairie and Vang congregations have resolved to place a monument in the Coon Prairie Cemetery in memory of Rev. and Mrs. H. Halvorsen. After a lifes long and strenuous service they rest amidst more than a thousand parishioners and friends whose bodies the late pastor himself committed to the earth during half a century.

The committee members in charge of the Halvorsen memorial were: Gustav Theige, Chairman; John A. Moen, Secretary; Mrs. M. H. Bekkedal, Treasurer; Mrs. John Sveen, Ole M. Larson, Elias Olson, Gustav Morterud, Anton E. Mitby, Gustav Sund, John Skaug, and Ole. O. Nerison. Bids were requested for the monument that was to be built on the Halvorsen family plot. A design was drawn up and eight monument firms submitted bids. The contract was given to Larson Brothers of Viroqua.

According to the Westby Times, Feb. 28, 1923, the monument was to be made of the very best light Barre granite. The name was to be in raised oval letters. There was to be a small raised cross at the bottom of the spire on the front face. One face would have a bronze tablet with inscriptions. The shaft was to be 21 feet high and would rest on a foundation of concrete, measuring 6 feet 6 inches by 6 feet 6 inches.

Once the monument was ready, a service was planned and the unveiling of the monument would take place at the same time. The date selected was Sunday, Sept. 16, 1923. The Vernon County Censor, Sept. 19, 1923, says that fully three thousand people were in attendance to show their respect to the memory of the beloved pastor and his wife.

The Westby Times, Sept. 19, 1923, also covered the event. The day dawned sunny and warm. It is said that a solemn and impressive festival was held at Coon Prairie Church and cemetery with the service beginning at 10:30. At noon the ladies of the Coon Prairie and Vang congregations served lunch, with the Westby Concert Band under the direction of H.S. Halvorsen providing the music. At 1:30 participants gathered on the south side of the church near a platform that had been erected for the event. The Rev. Rasmus Malmin gave the memorial address which was based on Joshua 24: 25-28. The Rev. Sren Urberg spoke of days gone by, when Rev. Halvorsen was chosen district president, dwelling on his labors in that capacity. Next to speak was the Rev. Eivind O. Vik of La Crosse who dedicated the monument to the Halvorsens memory.

Ralph and Elizabeth Hovde, grandchildren of the deceased, were chosen to unveil the shaft. Rev. J. O. Holum spoke briefly about the symbolic meaning and appropriateness of the design of the moment to the memory of the life and labors of those whom it commemorates. Its high and pointed spire donates aspiration. There is a cross at the base. On the foundation of the cross we aspire to the things which are above.

The Rev. Christian B. Bestul represented the family and spoke on their behalf giving thanks to those who had erected this monument in their parents honor.

The bronze tablet attached to the monument bears sketches of the all of the Rev. Halvorsens many accomplishments, congregations served and offices he held in the Synod. There are also two stanzas of a hymn that was one of the Rev. Halvorsens favorites. The hymn was originally composed by Paul Gerhardt and reworked by famed Danish hymnist, Hans Adolph Brorson. When the Hon. A. H. Dahl spoke at the Rev. Halvorsens funeral, Dahl said, I cannot think of any passage that describes his simple faith as clearly as a verse in our hymn book which he so frequently and with such feeling recited to us; it is this verse: Den grund hvorpaa jeg bygger, er Kristus og hans dod. This translates to: I build on one foundation, on Christ who died for me.

In Norwegian also is the Bible verse from John 3:16. A later addition to the Halvorsen monument was bronze marker in memory of the Rev. James O. Holum. He was married to Signe Halvorsen, the daughter of the the Rev. and Mrs. Halvorsen. Holum was the Rev. Halvorsens successor at Coon Prairie Church.

Historical notes:

H. S. Halvorsen was Hjalmer Sverre Halvorsen, son of the Rev. and Mrs. H. Halvorsen.

The Rev. Christian Brandt Bestul was the husband of Harriet E. Halvorsen, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Halvorsen.

Ralph and Elizabeth Hovde, grandchildren, were the children of Ragna Halvorsen and her husband Peder Hovde.

The next meeting of WAHS is Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. Note the day and time change, and please join us.
Russian Hill is one of the highest points in the city of San Francisco.

And the neighborhoods name has a lot of history behind it.

Historian Andrew Zabegalin says a Russian cemetery was once nearby. People discovered it in the early days of San Francisco, over 150 years ago.

That is when San Francisco was known for being the center of gold mining and trading in the United States.

Earlier in Northern California, traders and sailors from the Alaskan Russian American Company called San Francisco home. And that is where they were buried.

Some people call San Francisco the Paris of the West. But it has more Russian than French influences.

For example, Holy Trinity Church was the first Russian church in the city. It opened in 1857 and was an important gathering place for Russian immigrants.

At the Holy Trinity Church, Saint Tikhon of Moscow once worked with worshippers. He became an American citizen in the early 1900s. Years later, he became Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. He led the Church from 1917-1925.

San Francisco is also home to the Holy Virgin Cathedral. It is the largest Russian Orthodox church on the U.S. west coast.

A second group of Russian immigrants came to San Francisco after 1917, during Russias civil war. Their legacy is still felt at the Russian Center. At the center, you can visit the Museum of Russian Culture.

Yves Franquien is the director of the museum. He said it is the largest Russian museum in the West.

Many Russian immigrants from around the world donated their personal and family artifacts, Franquien said. This is a museum which reflects Russian life before and during the Bolshevik revolution and reflects the life of San Franciscos Russian colony since the 1920s.

The Russian Center organizes events and classes for young people. They include kindergarten classes, dance classes and gymnastics. The center is also open to people who do not speak Russian.

Zoya Choglokova works at the center. She said the goal is not only to serve adults, but also help young people stay connected to their Russian roots.

Im Dorothy Gundy.

Vadim Massalsky wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

Are you surprised San Francisco has so much Russian culture? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

cemetery  n. a place where dead people are buried

legacy  n. something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past

artifact  n. a simple object (such as a tool or weapon) that was made by people in the past
Israel is mourning the death of former President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres.

Peres died on Wednesday at age 93.

His death came two weeks after he suffered a severe stroke.

Peres held nearly every major political position in Israel during his long career. He served as prime minister twice. He held the mostly ceremonial job of president from 2007 to 2014. He also served as foreign minister and defense minister.

He was the longest serving member of parliament in Israels history, serving in the Knesset for 48 years.

Peres was born in 1923 in what is now Belarus. He moved to Israel when he was 11 years old. By age 29, Peres became Israels youngest defense minister in 1952. In that position, he was credited with developing the countrys defense and aerospace industries.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Peres had spent his life serving the Israeli people and trying to bring about peace.

He set his gaze on the future. He did so much to protect our people. He worked to his last days for peace and a better future for all.

Peres won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in negotiating the historic Oslo Accords, which established limited self-rule for the Palestinians. He shared the award with then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The current Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, released a statement expressing "sorrow and sadness" over Peres' death. He called Peres a partner in making peace.

He exerted persistent efforts to reach a just peace from the Oslo agreement until the final moments of his life, Abbas said.

In the United States, President Barack Obama praised his dear friend for representing Israels courageous fight for independence.

There are few people who we share this world with who change the course of human history, Obama said. Not just through their role in human events, but because they expand our moral imagination and force us to expect more of ourselves.

Obama is on the list of world leaders expected to attend Peres funeral in Jerusalem on Friday. Others expected to attend include former U.S. president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, Britains Prince Charles and French President Francois Hollande.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Peres had been a good partner with the U.N. and was always hopeful about the chances for peace.

May his spirit of determination guide us as we work to ensure peace, security and dignity for Israelis, Palestinians and all the peoples of the region, Ban said.

Peres saw continuing violence between the Israelis and Palestinians and repeated breakdowns in negotiations. Yet he remained hopeful throughout his life.

I'm sure I shall see peace in my lifetime. Even if I should have to extend my life for a year or two, I won't hesitate, he said, in 2013.

Twenty years ago, Shimon Peres launched the not-for-profit Peres Peace Center. It develops economic, educational and cultural projects with the Palestinians, Egypt and Jordan. He continued leading the centers peace efforts until suffering the stroke.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from VOAs Richard Green, Victor Beattie, the Associated Press and Reuters. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

twice  adv. two times

gaze  v. to look at someone or something for an usually long time

exert  v. to use influence or authority to make something happen

courageous  adj. brave

dignity  n.  the quality of being worthy or honor or respect
Renee Marlene Botts, 76, of Lexington, died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Tami Reynolds speaking.

Burial will be in the Grace Cemetery northwest of Lexington.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel.

She was born Feb. 15, 1940, in Mount Union, Iowa, to Orville and Beulah (Urling) Brooks.

Renee lived in the Lexington area since 1986, and was employed by the Dawson County Sheriffs Department since 1980. She was the Corrections Lieutenant. In this capacity, she was involved in the training of staff; programs for inmates, and setting up contract inmates, she retired in September of 2009.

Renee was an avid reader, she collected porcelain dolls, eagles, and autographed movie star photographs.

Her great passions in life were her children, and grandchildren. She loved dogs and cats. She said that two of her most devoted friends were her dogs, Rush Puppy, and Stockings. Both of whom died at a good old age. Of course they greeted her at the Rainbow Bridge!

She was a member of the American jail Association, the National Sheriffs Association, and the National Association for Female Executives, and the National Correctional Officers Association, as well as the Nebraska Correctional Officers Association. In 2003, she received the Outstanding Jail Administrator Award from Nebraska Jail Standards. In 2006, she was selected as the Vice-President of the Jail Administrators Board. In 2009, Renee received the Dawson County Service Award for 29 years of service in law enforcement from the U.S. Marshals Office.

Renee had a very simple philosophy in life and was always saying, If I can look myself in the mirror and say, Ive done a good job with the knowledge, experience, and training I possess, then Im okay. She tried really hard to be a good daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a wonderful friend. We know she passed all of these tests.

She had many special friends and to all of her special Lunch friends, Gary, Sharon, Cathy, Teresa, Brian, and Moni, go ahead and laugh and tease me, as I will be laughing too! Most of all please try and remember her kindness, her dedication, her love of life, her love of people, her beautiful smile, but most of all her wonderful spirit.

She wants you to know shes OK now, Ive had a very good life. I love you all.

Renee is survived by her children, Rian Botts of Fulton, Miss., Kevin (Julie) Botts of Kearney, Marlena (Marlin) Wear of Overton and Phyla (Mike) Hopkins of Exeter; brother, Doug Brooks of Denver, Colo.; sister-in-law, Susan Brooks of Lincoln; 14 grandchildren, Bart, Kelly, Andrew, Jaelyn, Sadie, Angela, Anthony, Holly, Hannah, Becky Jo, Joshua (wife Rawnee), Nicole (husband Shea), Brandon, and Trevor; 11 great-grandchildren; Zachary, Mason, Jayden, Landon, Jadyn, Tanner, Maria, Lexianne, Dominic, Elenor, and Elijah.

Renee was preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian, and granddaughter, Robin; two brothers, Ron and Bill; three sisters, Joan, Vicki, and Pamela; great-grandson, Levi Botts; nephew, Kody; and, sister-in-law, Betty.

Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
Chabad mourns the passing of Shimon Peres, Israels elder statesman and two-term Prime Minister who died early Wednesday morning. He was 93. Peress life unfolded alongside that of the State of Israel, and his political career, during which he served as foreign minister, defense minister and finance minister spanned the course of 10 US presidents.

His long relationship with the Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Chabad movement weathered various differences, said Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of the Chabad-Lubavitch Educational and Social Services divisions. But he remained a devoted friend and encouraged the work of the Rebbes shluchim throughout his life.

Speaking to Chabad-Lubavitch representatives from the FSU at a convention in Jerusalem, Peres, then President of Israel, said, From Mumbai in India, to Siberia in Russia, Chabad Shluchim are in the trenches, breathing life into places remote and removed from centers of Judaism.

Shimon Peres (Perski) was born in 1923 to in Wiszniewo, Poland, and grew up in an observant home. He was deeply influenced by his grandfather Tzvi Hirsch Meltzer, who studied Talmud with him. When I was a child, my grandfather molded my world view, he said in his acceptance speech upon becoming the ninth President of Israel.

During his tenure as President he worked to strengthen Jewish identity and unity. Wisdom and values do not change, Peres said in a 2009 interview. The Torah of Israel is the only one that even though 3500 years passed nothing changed in it. Pyramids fell, empires came and went. However, no change were made in these eternal words. On the contrary, our values have become the foundation of the entire civilization.

It was Peres love for tradition and learning that brought him to the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersons court, in 1966, only months before the Six Day War. In their conversation about the tensions in the Middle East, the Rebbe advised Peres about the conflict.

When I visited the Lubavitcher Rebbes court, I had an audience with the Rebbe for two hours, he recalled in a 1990 speech. I heard words of wisdom from him regarding the situation in Israel that I will never forget for the rest of life.

A few years later Peres returned to the Rebbes court. When he emerged from the audience he revealed little, insisting that their conversation was confidential. He was willing to speak of the Rebbes interest in his then position of Minister of Transportation and Communications. The Rebbe inquired about the connection between the two ministries and urged him to use modern communication  then the radio, telephone and television  for Jewish education.

Thus began a long relationship between Chabad and Peres. Chabad fills a special and unique position, he once said in a speech. Before the Jewish nation, before all of us, stands a great dilemma: How to live? Amid division, amid hatred, amid disregard, amid alienation, amid hostility. Or should we live with love for another, amid understanding, amid respect for your father, your mother, brother in spite of the many differences among us, but to live as one nation among us.

Through its activism, Chabad, Peres said, taught that that the Torah is not just a matter in the head but also a matter of the heart. Chabad is thus committed to the unity of the Jewish people.

But the Rebbe vehemently disagreed with Peress position to pursue concessions of land for a peace deal that has never materialized. The Rebbe insisted that such a deal would not bring peace, but rather endanger Israel and the lives of its people. In a departure from his usual apolitical stance, he used his influence to hamper Peres election in his run for Prime Minister. Mr. Yitzhak Shamir continued to serve as Prime Minister.

Despite the disagreement, Chabad continued its relationship with Peres who often participated at Chabad events. He attended the opening of the Chabad center in Estonia, he visited Chabad in Riga, Latvia and Moscow, Russia. He joined the school children at the Chabad school in Jerusalems Ir Ganim neighborhood and participated at the dedication of a new Torah with Chabad of Warsaw, Poland.

I take great interest in how the Rebbe was successful in the legacy he left to his Chasidim, Peres recently said. Chabad fulfills a Jewish mission of utmost importance. Wherever in the world there are Jews, whether it is in Russia, or any other place, I find Chabad people who are involved in Jewish activities. I see that this is the legacy of the Rebbe, of righteous memory, and for me it inspires great respect.

Peres is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Herzel in Jerusalem on Friday.
Residents of eight Florida counties are now able to apply for disaster assistance through FEMA. President Obama signed a disaster declaration Wednesday for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Hermine.

Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando among affected areas

Application for FEMA assistance opened Thursday

Residents can obtain up to $33,000 for damaged home

Five of those eight counties -- Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas -- are in the Tampa Bay area.



The good news could not come soon enough for Pasco residents like Tisha Howell. Howell, along with several other displaced families, has been living at a Days Inn location since Hermine swept through. Howell received the news Wednesday night.



It was just very like a joyous occasion, it really was," said Howell.

RELATED: President Obama signs Florida disaster declaration after Hurricane Hermine



Howells Hudson home was destroyed during the storm. The group Operation Pasco County has been helping her rebuild, but theres still a lot of work to be done.



It feels really good to know that there is going to be help, and that were not just stuck out here on our own, because that's how we are feeling," said Howell.



The application process for FEMA assistance opened Thursday. FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at disasterassistance.gov. Applications can also be completed over the phone by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.



The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.



The most a resident can get for a damaged home is $33,000. However, the average pay out in Florida for FEMA disaster assistance is $6,000.



I'm actually very relieved," said resident Amy Murray, whose Bass Lake home flooded twice due to the storm, causing approximately $15,000 in damages. "The home owner amount is not great, but I mean, hey, whatever they're willing to put out and help with us this year would be great."



Within the next couple of weeks, a disaster recovery center will open where FEMA, state, and local officials will be available for residents to make their case. It is important to know this will be a processing location only -- residents will not receive immediate monetary assistance.



For residents like Murray, anything to help make life "normal" again is worth hoping for.



Something to put us back in the motion of living again," said Murray, "because right now we haven't been able to live correctly for the last year."
At least one person is dead and more than 100 others injured, some critically, after a New Jersey Transit commuter train crashed into the Hoboken station this morning.

More than 100 injured after commuter train crashed into station

The crashed happened at the Hoboken, New Jersey, terminal

National Transportation Safety Board has been called to investigate

It happened around 8:45 a.m. and involved a Pascack Valley line train that originated in Spring Valley, New York.

The train struck the Hoboken Terminal building on track 5 and came to a halt in a covered waiting area.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says the train came in at a "high speed" and says the person killed has been identified as a female who was hit by debris while standing on the platform.

He also says the train's engineer is among those seriously hurt. Thomas Gallagher was treated at the hospital and released. He is working with investigators.

A union roster shows Gallagher became an engineer 18 years ago.



"We don't know a lot about why it happened. The engineer is fully cooperating with law enforcement and the investigation," Christie said.

"I know human nature says 'How did this happen, we want know and we want to know now.' Unfortunately we won't know today. We won't know until the investigation runs its course," Cuomo added.

Christie says civilian passengers assisted EMS and police in evacuations and helped with the triage of injured passengers, getting them immediately to local hospitals.

Of the 108 others injured, 74 were hospitalized, according to Christie.

Photos from the scene show the damaged commuter rail car inside the station surrounded by debris.



Most of the debris appears to be from a section of collapsed roof.

The National Transportation Safety Board says it is "gathering information" on the crash and has sent its go team to the scene from its Washington headquarters.

Kenneth Garay, Chief Medical Officer at Jersey City Medical Center, says three patients were being treated for serious orthopedic and internal injuries.

He says roughly 40 others were being treated for "walking types" of injuries.

Mayor Bill de Blasio's office says the city sent 10 ambulances across the river to aid the scene.



NJ Transit says trains are suspended in and out of the station.



PATH trains are also being diverted.

Hudson Bergen Light Rail service is also suspended.

A state official who briefed by NJDOT says PATH service is expected to be reopened in Hoboken prior to the Thursday evening rush.

Shuttle bus service will also be provided between the NJ Transit Hoboken station and Secaucus.

New York Waterway says it is accepting NJ Transit tickets for ferry service to Manhattan.

Metro-North Pascack Valley and Port Jervis customers are advised that NJT bus, private carriers and Metro-North's Hudson Line are honoring NJT rail tickets and passes.

For the latest updates, visit mta.info and njtransit.com.

The Associated Press reports the train that crashed in Hoboken was not equipped with positive train control, a technology that is designed to slow speeding trains.

It was not immediately known how fast the train in the crash was going at the time of the crash.

U.S. railroads are under government orders to install the system, but the work has gone more slowly than expected.



The deadline has been repeatedly extended and is now Dec. 31, 2018.

The Hoboken terminal is NJ Transit's fifth-busiest station with 15,000 boardings per weekday.

It is the final stop for several train lines and a transfer point for many commuters on their way to the city.
It was the night of high fashion as the swish set of Mumbai came together to celebrate the best in mens style. Were talking about GQ Men Of The Year Awards, which was held in the city last evening.

The event saw an impressive turnout of Bollywood celebrities that included Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Tiger Shroff, Radhika Apte, Diana Penty and Rahul Khanna among others.

So whose look was a hit on the red carpet and whose was a miss? Heres a complete lowdown.

THE GOOD

Amitabh Bachchan

The superstar, who was adjudged the Legend Of The Year, looked graceful as ever in a grey bandhgala. Big B never goes out of style!

Kangana Ranaut

Bringing some drama was Ranaut in a voluminous Ulyana Sergeenko dress teamed with a berry lip and winged eyeliner. It certainly wasnt her best look but she worked that dress. She didnt bag the Woman of the Year award for nothing!

Saif Ali Khan

The Nawab of Pataudi, who won the Most Stylish Celebrity Award, went the formal route  read: a three-piece cream suit, a pinstripe shirt and Oxfords.

Radhika Apte

Move over gowns and dresses. Apte, who picked up the award for Excellence in Acting, chose a blue Swapnil Shinde pantsuit for the occasion. A sleek ponytail and nude lips completed the look. Such a refreshing change from all the OTT looks on the red carpet!

Tiger Shroff

The younger Shroff played it safe in a black blazer paired with a white shirt. The Heropanti actor picked up the award for the Youth Icon.

Disha Patani

In a shimmery golden gown, red lips and sideswept hair, Patani looked gorgeous. Our only gripe  the heels.

Rahul Khanna

The more we look at his outings, the more were convinced that Khanna can do no wrong sartorially. The actor looked dishy as always in a black Dolce & Gabbana suit.

Kunal Kapoor

The actor looked suave in a charcoal suit and teamed it with a bow-tie. The highlight of his look was his shoes.

Pooja Hegde

The Mohenjo Daro actress amped up her fashion game in a white Temperley London backless gown. Vision in white? Of course.

Waluscha DSouza

A ruffled gown is a predictable choice for the red carpet. But you have to give points to DSouza for looking stunning in the Gaurav Gupta creation.

THE BAD

Diana Penty

Dont you hate it when a bad outfit happens to a good-looking girl? That was the case with the Cocktail actress who wore a shoulder-baring Cushnie Et Ochs jumpsuit.

Huma Qureshi

We guess the Gangs Of Wasseypur actress was aiming for drama with this black number.

Surveen Chawla

Chawla chose a red Dolly J pantsuit for the evening, finishing the look with minimal make-up. While the look worked in theory, it didnt translate as well on the red carpet.

Sayani Gupta

Gupta opted for a golden Monisha Jaising dress for the event, teaming it with golden pumps. It was a look that didnt quite make the cut for us.

THE WACKY

Ranveer Singh

Why are we not surprised to see Ranveer Singh in here? Singh, who won the Actor of the Year Award, chose a DSquared2 tuxedo for his appearance. Whats wacky about that, you ask. Take a look for yourself. Having said that, Singh owned the lookand the red carpet. Easily, the most striking look of the evening.

And here are a few other celebrities' looks from the evening:
Sanjay Dutt will next be seen in a look that we have never seen him before in. The actor will be playing the role of a stuntman in his upcoming film Marco Bhau.

The actor is currently preparing for the role and he has begun research for the role by meeting up with stuntmen. The actor is mighty comfortable in this role as he is known to enjoy a great rapport with the technicians and stuntmen on set during film shootings.

DNA mentions in its report, Sanjay shares a good rapport with the stuntmen who have worked for him in previous films. He is familiar with their work and families and often asks after them. While prepping for his role, he is likely to spend time observing the stuntmen to pick and perfect some nuances for his character. His role is being kept under wraps as Vidhu wants a certain look for Marco."

The actor will be spending sometime observing these stuntmen to pick up certain nuances and style.

This will be the first film the actor will be taking up after his release from jail. The actor took up the film as he found the story of the film, that dwells on a father-daughter relationship, moving and emotion-packed.

Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra's sister Shelly, the film will go on the floors in November.

The film will be shot in Goa and Chennai.
New Delhi: Commission worth $5.5 million was allegedly paid to a middleman based abroad in the Embraer deal, the CBI has found in what it considers as a major breakthrough in its probe into allegations of kickbacks in the USD 208-million aircraft contract.

Without naming the middleman or location where the agent could be based, CBI sources said the agency is in touch with the law enforcement agencies of that country for further details in the matter.

The sources said the agency through its sources has found that $5.5 million (approx Rs 36 crore as per present exchange rate) was allegedly paid as commission to influence the deal in favour of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer.

They said the agency, which has registered only a preliminary enquiry in the matter, will soon be converting it into a regular FIR as enough prima facie material has been found by it to proceed in the case.

The deal of three aircraft which were to be used by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for air-borne radar systems was inked in 2008 with Embraer.

A Brazilian newspaper recently alleged that that the company had taken the services of middlemen to clinch deals in Saudi Arabia and India.

According to defence procurement rules of India, middlemen are strictly barred in such deals.

Leading Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo had reported that the company allegedly paid commissions to a UK-based defence agent to finalize the deal with India.

DRDO had purchased three aircraft from the company in 2008 and customized them for serving are air-borne radar system known as airborne early-warning and control systems or AWACS for the Indian Air Force.

The company has been under investigation by the US Justice Department since 2010 when a contract with the Dominican Republic raised the Americans suspicions, the report said.

Since then, the investigation has widened to examine business dealings with eight more countries.
Opec nations reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday to curb oil production for the first time since the global financial crisis eight years ago, in an effort to reduce a global glut of crude that has depressed oil prices for more than two years and weakened the economies of oil-producing nations.

The deal was reached after several hours of talks in the Algerian capital, though output levels must still be finalised at an OPEC meeting in Vienna in November.

How much is the output cut agreed up on?

The preliminary deal will limit output from the Opec to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day, said Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar's energy minister and current president of OPEC. Current output is estimated at 33.2 million barrels per day.

What has been the impact on the markets?

Benchmark US crude jumped $2.38, or 5.3 percent, to close at $47.05 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, the international standard, was up $2.72, or 5.9 percent, to $48.69 a barrel in London.

Energy companies led a rally in Asian stock markets as investors welcomed the news. In India, public sector energy major ONGC rose 1 percent and private sector Reliance Industries up 1.4 percent.

What are the analysts saying?

A section of analysts feel the deal could still fall apart.

"You might say they have kicked the can down the road with an intent to conclude something by November," said Bhushan Bahree, an analyst with IHS Energy told Associated Press. "Whether they succeed or not remains to be seen."

Larry Goldstein of the Energy Policy Research Foundation says the only thing is that "they have agreed to agree". He points out that "it's still talk," with few details or numbers.

Goldstein said the Opec announcement could halt further slippage in short-term prices, buying time for Saudi Arabia and other cartel members. He expects oil inventories to start coming down sharply  with prices rising  next summer.

"The key to the consumer is  if you have a long view  prices are going to go up fairly dramatically by the second half of 2017," Goldstein said. He said that once inventories are worked off, there won't be enough of a cushion of additional, quick production to prevent that run-up.

Vandana Hari, energy industry analyst and former editorial director

with S&P Global Platts, too echoes these views in a blog on LinkedIn (read here). "The >$2/barrel jump in crude benchmarks overnight seems like an over-reaction; expect the rally to fizzle out as the market digests how far removed it is from an actual agreement to curb production, farther from implementation, and a long, long distance away from any supply being withdrawn from the market," she says.

She also notes that Russia needs to be closely watched. "Russia was missing from the action at Algiers. Not a deal-breaker at this point, but recent comments by its energy minister suggest Moscow may be starting to cool off on the proposal."

S&P Global Platts estimates if OPEC cuts production by 700,000 barrels a day, prices would rise by $12 in 2017, according to analyst Nicole Leonard. She said US producers could not fill the void as quickly as next year, partly because some have too much debt and not enough cash to finance new drilling.

Platts estimates it will take five years for US operators to increase their production by 1 million barrels a day, or slightly more than OPEC's target for cutting production.

Mike Wittner, head of oil-market research at Societe Generale SA in New York feels the cut is clearly bullish. "Whats much more important is that the Saudis appear to be returning to a period of market management," Wittner has been quoted as saying in a Bloomberg report.

The report also says the deal marks a new era in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two countries that have been sparring.

What are the options for India?

As much as 80 percent of India's energy requirements are met through imports. So a spike in oil prices can have major implications for the country's current account deficit and economy in general.

"So, as far as the impact on major growing consumers and import-dependent countries like India is concerned, I think it's more of the same as far as prices as concerned, for now," says analyst Hari.

So the way ahead is by quickening the reforms in the energy sector.

"India can make the most of this continuing low price environment through phasing out the remaining subsidies, bringing in fuel pricing reforms, and targeted subsidy measures. It can also take advantage by accelerating its strategic oil storage programme," she says.

"The oil suppliers will continue courting buyers. And perhaps there are avenues for win-win partnership in midstream, storage and infrastructure development," she says.

With Associated Press
New Delhi: Three cheers for the Narendra Modi government for finally plucking up courage to approve strategic sale of loss-making Bharat Pumps and Compressors Limited, 12 years after the last PSU was sold off through this route. The cabinet committee on economic affairs has given its "in principle" approval for strategic sale of the Allahabad-based company.

It has also decided that perennially loss-making Kolkata-based Hindustan Cables be shut down. The government had set itself the target of raising Rs 20,500 crore this fiscal through strategic sale of PSUs, besides also closing down some sick ones. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decisions on Wednesday are welcome steps in this direction.

What next?

What about the bloated white elephants like Air India, BSNL and MTNL which continue to bleed but get funded by the exchequer anyway? One look at the state of loss-making public enterprises in India will make it clear that the current disinvestment push is no where near enough, it does nothing to address the chronically sick public sector units.

According to the governments own analysis (the latest public enterprises survey of 2014-15), just three PSUs accounted for over two-thirds of the total losses incurred by the CPSEs in that year - BSNL, Air India and MTNL. Amongst the top ten loss making companies, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, Air India Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd were the top three loss making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) during 2014-15. The top ten loss making companies claimed 85.45 percent of the total losses made by all the (77) CPSEs during the year. The top three loss making CPSEs namely, BSNL, Air India Ltd., and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd incurred a loss equal to 62.09 percent of the total loss of all loss making CPSEs in 2014-15, the survey report said.

On number six in the list of top 10 loss making PSUs is Hindustan Cables, which the government has finally decided to shut down. Why not start at the top and look at BSNL and Air India now? These two PSUs together have accumulated losses estimated at over Rs 68,000 crore.

To be sure, each of the three PSUs  BSNL, Air India, MTNL - mentioned here have somewhat improved their financial performance since 2014-15. Air India claims to have earned an operational profit of a little over Rs 100 crore in 2015-16 for the first time in a decade and for the first time since the erstwhile Air India and Indian Airlines were merged to form the present entity (and losses began mounting). But these are unaudited figures, and so there is no way of knowing the exact number till the airline submits the audited results to Parliament later this year.

Similarly, there have been claims about BSNL also making an operational profit. According to this report in the Economic Times, a presentation to the new telecom minister speaks of BSNL reporting a five-fold jump in operating profits to Rs 3,378 crore for FY16 with an 11 percent increase in revenues to Rs 31,789 crore. Again, these are unaudited figures. In both the instances (Air India and BSNL), operating profits do nothing to stem the accumulated loss pile  for BSNL it is over Rs 40,000 crore and for Air India it could be well over Rs 28,000 crore.

The moot question is this: Why is the government continuing to be in industries like aviation and telecom, where nimble-footed private companies arrived a long time back? The private sector not only has the capacity to pump investments into capital intensive industries like aviation and telecom, it also enforces a work culture which embodies better efficiency than what the sarkari babus bring to the table in PSUs.

Unweildy behemoths

Air India and BSNL are simply unable to compete in their respective industries  partly due to bureaucratic interference and sloth, partly due to some wrong decisions on expansion etc in the past.

Let's look at why BSNLs financial health is precarious  it will become obvious when one understands its public sector DNA and resulting compulsions. The PSU gave away about Rs 15,000 crore in wages to its 2.1 lakh employees in 2014-15. It spent 52 percent or more than half its topline in paying staff salary that year compared to just about 7-8 percent of revenues that private telecom companies spend on staff. In other words, about 52 paise of every rupee BSNL earned was spent on wages in 2014-15 while private telecom companies spent 7-8 paise!

According to the Public Enterprises Survey of 2014-15, BSNL made maximum losses among the 77 public sector units surveyed, with its net loss accounting for almost a third of the total losses incurred in that year at Rs 8,234 crore. That translates to over Rs 22 crore net loss each day. Operational profits are going to do little to mitigate this loss pile.

Similarly, Air India has found itself woefully inadequate to compete with increasing onslaught of private airlines  its market share now stands at just about 15 percent while IndiGo commands almost 40 percent of the domestic share. Legacy costs, non-optimal fleet utilization and various other operational inefficiencies have meant that the airline continues to bleed despite a Rs 30,000 crore bailout package from the government  over Rs 22,000 crore of this promised equity infusion has already been received by the airline.

Whichever way one looks at it, the government needs to either fully exit the business of aviation and perhaps also mobile telephony. This report says that one of the recommendations of the Niti Aayogwhich has been tasked with drawing up a list of public sector undertakings (PSUs) for disinvestmentis to revive Air India before any disinvestment. The Aayog has included Air India in a list of 22 PSUs where revival will have to happen before any value can be realised through disinvestment.
In a fresh rhetoric, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that Kashmir was "unfinished agenda of partition" and Pakistan would continue to provide support to Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination.

"Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an unfinished agenda of the partition of the sub-continent," Sharif said.

"No power can deter us from supporting our Kashmiri brethren in their just and legitimate struggle for the

exercise of their right to self-determination guaranteed to them by the UNSC relevant resolutions," he said.

Sharif condemned what he described as Indian violation of LoC and said Pakistan was capable of defending itself. "No external force has the capability or capacity to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. We have the best armed forces in the world and we are proud of that," he said.

According to several statements by PMO, Sharif spent the day consulting his aides on the security situation. Sharif was briefed regularly by the security institutions on the situation on the LoC.

National Security Adviser Nasir Janjua submitted a comprehensive report on the LoC situation to the PM office. Sharif showed satisfaction on the level of preparedness of Pakistani armed forces.

Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan met Sharif and discussed the security situation. Sharif has convened a cabinet meeting on Friday. He also called a meeting of National Security Committee on Tuesday with special invitation to all the chief ministers to deliberate at length the emerging scenario across the Line of Control and "brutal state oppression" in Kashmir.

Another statement said that he convened the joint session of the Parliament on Wednesday to reaffirm the national resolve for safeguarding the sovereignty and preserving the territorial integrity of the motherland against any kind of external or internal threat as well as reiterating the moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir.

Sharif will take nation and Parliament into confidence, it added.
New Delhi: A car thief was killed in an encounter with police in outer Delhi's Kanjhawla area on Wednesday even as his family alleged that it was a fake encounter.

The deceased was identified as Abhishek while police is looking for his accomplices.

Police received a call at 6.50 am that a car that had been stolen from the Uttam Nagar area had been spotted in the Karala area that comes under the jurisdiction of Kanjhawla police station.

Head constable Vikram and constable Lal Chand reached the area and tried to intercept the car, DCP(Outer) MN Tiwari said.

They signalled the car to stop near Inder Enclave phase-II, Mubarakpur Road but the occupants of the car opened fire on police, he said.

In retaliation, police also fired at the criminals.

"They tried to engage our men by opening fire and our officers retaliated by firing back and we had fired two rounds in response," he added.

During the firing, the occupants sped away towards Kanjhawla, the officer said.

Later, police got to know that a man had been admitted to Savitri hospital with bullet injuries. On investigation, it was found that the injured man was the car thief who was shot in the police firing.

Abhishek was then shifted to Baba Saheb Ambedkar hospital where he succumbed to injuries, the officer said.

According to the officer, the car had two to three occupants and police have launched a search to nab them.

Police is also trying to find whether Abhishek was a member of a gang of auto-lifters.

With the help of GPS system installed in the robbed car, the vehicle was found in a field in Kulasi village in Bahadurgarh area of Haryana.

Abhishek's family is alleging that he was killed in a fake encounter by police.
New Delhi: A fire on Wednesday broke out at a plastic factory in outer Delhi's Narela industrial area after which the building collapsed, injuring four civilians and two firefighters, police said.

A fire call was received at 4.45 pm and 20 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, said a fire department official.

Later five more fire tenders were rushed to control the blaze that had started in the three-storeyed factory, he said. While the operations were on, the top floor of the building collapsed and six people, including two fire department officers, were trapped under the debris, police said.

Four of the injured people have been evacuated and rushed to a hospital. Efforts were on to rescue two others trapped under the debris, a senior police officer said.

The cooling operations are still going on, he added.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be an electric short-circuit, police said.
By Abheet Singh Sethi

If India and Pakistan fought a war detonating 100 nuclear warheads (around half of their combined arsenal), each equivalent to a 15-kiloton Hiroshima bomb, more than 21 million people will be directly killed, about half the worlds protective ozone layer would be destroyed, and a nuclear winter would cripple the monsoons and agriculture worldwide.

As the Indian Army considers armed options, and a member of Parliament (MP) of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urges a nuclear attack, these projections, made by researchers from three US universities in 2007, are a reminder of the costs of nuclear war.

Visualisation by nucleardarkness.org based on study by researchers from Rutgers University, University of Colorado-Boulder and University of California, Los Angeles

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy said, on 23 September, 2016, that if 100 million Indians died in a Pakistani nuclear attack, Indias retaliation would wipe out Pakistan.

But the real costs would be higher and not just in India and Pakistan, where the first 21 million peoplehalf the death toll of World War IIwould perish within the first week from blast effects, burns and acute radiation, according to the 2007 study by researchers from Rutgers University, University of Colorado-Boulder and University of California, Los Angeles, all in the USA.

This death toll would be 2,221 times the number of civilians and security forces killed by terrorists in India over nine years to 2015, according to an IndiaSpend analysis of South Asia Terrorism Portal data.

Another two billion people worldwide would face risks of severe starvation due to the climatic effects of the nuclear-weapon use in the subcontinent, according to this 2013 assessment by the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, a global federation of physicians.

Pakistan has an estimated 110 to 130 nuclear warheads as of 2015an increase from an estimated 90 to 110 warheads in 2011according to this report from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a global disarmament advocacy. India is estimated to have 110 to 120 nuclear warheads.

Talk of war began after a terrorist attack on an army garrison in the Kashmir town of Uri claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers. The Indian Army said the attack was carried out by four terrorists from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (Army of Mohammed) group, based in Pakistan.

Pakistans defence minister Khawaja M Asif responded to threats from India by saying, If Pakistans security is threatened, we will not hesitate in using tactical (nuclear) weapons.

Pakistans nuclear weapons capability has previously deterred India from responding to previous attacks.

At the end of the day, India has to ensure that the options it exercisesparticularly the military onesdo not leave it worse off than before in terms of casualties and costs, wrote analyst Manoj Joshi in The Wire.

It does not really matter if India has fewer nuclear weapons than Pakistan, IndiaSpend reported in April, 2015, primarily because of the doctrine of mutually assured destruction, or MAD, as it is commonly known (See this IndiaSpend report for more about Indias nuclear weapons program).

66 percent Pakistans nuclear weapons on ballistic missiles

As many as 66 percent Pakistani nuclear warheads are mounted on 86 land-based ballistic missiles, according to Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists data estimates.

Pakistans Hatf (named after the sword of Prophet Muhammad) series of ballistic missiles has been developedand is still under developmentkeeping India in mind.

A major attack by Pakistans nuclear-tipped medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) would likely target Indias four major metropolitan citiesNew Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai (depending on where the missile is fired from), according to Sameer Patil, fellow, national security, ethnic conflict and terrorism at Gateway House, a think tank in Mumbai.

The MRBMs would also target the major commands of the Indian Army, Patil told IndiaSpend.

Nearly half (40) of Pakistans ballistic missile warheads could be mated to Ghauri (named after 12th-century Afghan king Shahbuddin Ghauri, also known as Muhammad of Ghauri) MRBMs. The missile has a claimed range of 1,300 km and can target Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bhopal and Lucknow, according to this 2006 report on Pakistans ballistic missile programme by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Pakistan has an estimated eight warheads which could be mated to the Shaheen (Falcon) II. This MRBM has a range of 2,500 km and can target most major Indian cities, including Kolkata on the east coast.

Source: Pakistani Nuclear Forces, 2015; Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

An estimated 16 warheads could be fired atop the short-range Ghaznavi (named after the 11th-century Afghan invader Mahmud Ghazni) ballistic missile. With a range of 270 km to 350 km, it can target Ludhiana, Ahmedabad and the outer perimeter of Delhi.

Pakistan has an estimated 16 nuclear-tipped Shaheen1 (falcon), short-range ballistic missiles (IRBM), having a 750 km range which can reach Ludhiana, Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.

Pakistan has an estimated six 60-km range Nasr missiles, which could be mated to nuclear weapons. These tactical nuclear missiles could target advancing battle formations of the Indian Army, according to Patil. These missiles could be what Asif referred to.

Pakistan also has eight nuclear-tipped 350-km Babur cruise missiles with nuclear warheads.

An estimated 36 nuclear warheads, accounting for 28 percent of Pakistans total, can be delivered using aircraft. US-made F-16 A/B aircraft can deliver 24 nuclear bombs while the French-made Mirage III/V can deliver 12.

Indias triad: Submarine, missile and aircraft

India has deployed 56 Prithvi (earth) and Agni (fire) series of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, which carry 53 percent of Indias 106 estimated warheads, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

This doesnt take into account the estimated 12 warheads for the K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which India has possibly produced for the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant.

Once commissioned, Arihant would give India a strategic nuclear triad and second strike capability, as this July 2015 IndiaSpend report notes.

Given the smaller geographical size of Pakistan, said Patil, India would likely target Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi and the Pakistani Army Armed Corps headquarters at Nowshera.

However, he cautioned: The fallout of the nuclear attacks on Lahore and Karachi, for instance, would not just be restricted to the Pakistani territory, and depending on the wind directions, can affect both Indian and Afghan border territories.

Source: Indian Nuclear Forces, 2015; Bulletin of Atomic Scientists

The 250 km-range Prithvi SRBM acts as a delivery system for 24 of Indias warheads. These are capable of hitting major Pakistani cities, such as Lahore, Sialkot, the capital Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, according to this May 2015 IndiaSpend analysis.

India has 20 nuclear-tipped Agni I SRBM and eight Agni II intermediate range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), with ranges of 700 km and 2,000 km, respectively. These are capable of covering almost all Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Karachi, Quetta and Gwadar.

Agni III, IV and V, with their longer ranges, might be able to reach all of Pakistan, but it can be safely said that they are directed more towards China.

India also possesses an estimated two ship-launched 350-km range Dhanush SRBM, which could be fitted with nuclear warheads.

Indias aircraft can deliver an estimated 45 percent of 106 warheads. The Indian Air Forces Jaguar fighter bombers can deliver about 16 nuclear warheads, while the French-built Mirage-2000 fleet can deliver 32.

Indiaspend.org is a data-driven, public-interest journalism non-profit
Multiple media reports state that the that DRDO is to tie-up with IIT-Kharagpur to increase the happiness quotient of Indian soldiers; some say the endeavour is devised to bring the smile back to the faces of the soldiers, and others say it's to heighten the morale of soldiers. A comprehensive soldier fitness programme is reportedly being worked out, aimed at increasing happiness quotient of the Indian Army. Manas K Mandal, director-general of Life Sciences at DRDO says, "We are looking at devising ways to build resilience among our soldiers, and it can be done by increasing the happiness quotient among them. We will be working with the Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness at IIT-Kharagpur."

Mandal, along with Partha Pratim Chakrabarti, director of IIT-Kharagpur told the media that that an increase in happiness levels increases productivity, resulting in increased sense of loyalty in soldiers. The reports state that hundreds of soldiers have committed suicide due to stress in the past six or seven years and many cases of suicides have been reported in Kashmir after the Burhan Wani case.

The idea of the happiness quotient has apparently been derived from the concept of gross national happiness (GNH) and the happiness index introduced by the King of Bhutan in 1972. Bhutan is ranked first in the world happiness index. Mandal told the media, Unlike the US Army serving in Afghanistan, where soldiers require programmes to de-stress, our men on the frontlines do not need such tools. Most of our soldiers come from struggling families and continue to face hardships on the job, so they are much less vulnerable compared to US soldiers in Afghanistan, who are used to abundance."

"Working in extreme weather conditions (in Siachen, for example) for a prolonged period does require a lot of resilience, which we can induce through this programme (read proposed programme), Chakrabarti said, adding, This is an emerging discipline and is going to be one of the key pillars by which human development will happen."

In the above context, both Mandal and Chakrabarti would be well-advised to be very careful of what they say to the media with reference to the army. The loyalty of the Indian soldier is unquestionably the very best. An odd case of fratricide does not mean that you start questioning the loyalty of soldiers and start working on a programme to educate soldiers across the board about loyalty. On the contrary, those involved with working on the proposed programme need to go and spend some days living with troops at the frontline to see why they are stressed out. Dr Abdul Kalam (later president) as principal scientific advisor had remarked after his first visit to Siachen, I wish I had come to this area earlier during my 26 years with the DRDO."

Both Mandal and Chakrabarti actually owe an apology to the army soldiers for questioning their loyalty, especially at a time when the army is being denigrated, including by putting army soldiers below the policeman in terms of pay and allowances.

Morale again is a function of command. No amount of courses, cadres or education programs can teach morale to the soldiers unless there is an improvement in the stressful environment in which they are operating. Quoting Wanis killing when talking of soldier suicides is also stupid. Surely, soldiers are not committing suicide in mourning or euphoria over this terrorist having been killed. Much before Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on yoga and successfully introduced the International Yoga Day, whole infantry battalions were practicing yoga during their entire tenure on the Saltoro Massif in Siachen Glacier, and had been coming out stress-free, some even without a single weather casualty. Mandal should also know that number of suicides in units deployed in peace is more than in those in units deployed in the field.

The logic that our soldiers coming from struggling families that continue to face hardships on the job, so they are much less vulnerable to stress cannot be applied across the board because what is described as struggling families are mostly joint families. The soldier becomes aware of family or social clash immediately with modern communications, and since he cannot rush home every time because of commitments, his stress levels go up. The civil administration seldom entertains problems of the families back home and why should they when you have politicos making occasional statements that soldiers are meant to die anyway?

The Centre making any effort toward sthis is out of the question when peacefully-protesting veterans are baton-charged by the police, while serving soldiers including wards of those being beaten up, watch in horror. The defence minister tells Service Chiefs to immediately implement 7th Pay Commission, placing the soldiers under even the police and civilian defence employees, and the department of ex-servicemen (DESW) takes pleasure in denying dues to every widow and even the war-wounded and disabled, forcing them into prolonged litigation they can ill-afford.

How can the DRDO-IIT evolve programs for the military without going and living with the soldiers along the LoC and experiencing battle environments in conflict situations?

The happiness quotient is directly proportional to pay commissions and the partial OROP that has been granted, plus living conditions of the soldiers and their families. The abject penury of the families of the 18 martyrs of the Uri attack shown on TV was moving. With the breadwinner gone, every penny is vital to them, especially when there is no provision to even provide a job to a family member as in the case of police. The type of response for the Uri attack doesnt raise the morale or happiness of the soldier either with terrorists having killed and burned alive 18 of their kin.

Sure, the army must ensure that the officer-soldier relationship remains the very best at all times but what is the DRDO and IIT going to do about the happiness quotient in the civil-military relationship that appears to have reached its lowest nadir? How will Mandal tackle the mounting happiness quotient of the politico-bureaucratic mafia that goes euphoric every time the happiness quotient of the soldier declines? Besides, what Mandal knows and Chakrabarti does not is that during the Kargil Conflict, General VP Malik  then Army Chief  was forced to say, "We will fight with what we have."

The DRDO is the acknowledged culprit within the military as the prime contributor to the low levels of happiness of the soldier. With its sprawling mass and manpower, the DRDO has failed to provide the soldier with adequate clothing, weapons, surveillance equipment for day and night operations, communications, survival equipment etc when say in the LoC environment, the threat to life is greater and demands on the soldier to remain vigilant 24x7 are constantly giving them limited sleep  leave alone the hawks angling to increase their stress through human rights violation allegations, most of which are false.

The Bhutanese concept of GNH and happiness index of the Bhutanese in Bhutans environment is something entirely different from the happiness quotient of the Indian soldier. From what is apparent, the proposed programme is still an emerging discipline and the Rekhi Centre of IIT-Kharagpur primarily runs eight-week programmes for corporate organisations. How can the DRDO-IIT evolve programs for the military without going and living with the soldiers along the LoC and experiencing battle environments in conflict situations? The policymakers need to look into these issues least we land up in another wasteful project of the DRDO sans any significant gain.

The author is a veteran Lieutenant-General of the Indian Army
Multiple strikes by Indian Special Forces on Pakistans terrorist launch pads-cum-terrorist camps on night of 28 September should have deflated some of the putrid gas because of which Pakistani leaders and their army have been strutting around making wild statements. The world knows that the Pakistani Army has not won a single war, has lost half its country during the birth of Bangladesh and surrendered 93,000 prisoners of war to India. Pakistan sheltered Osama bin Laden, who was killed by US Special Forces at Abbotabad; besides, Mullah Mansour Akhtar too was killed inside Pakistan, in the Balochistan province.

Despite this and without adequate pressure from US and China, Pakistan has been conducting a proxy war against India and Afghanistan with impunity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone out of his way with an extended hand of friendship to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, but the latter was hell-bent on stabbing India in the back  just like all previous Pakistani presidents and prime ministers, with their own military as the Sword of Damocles over their heads.

The manner in which the surgical strikes were conducted at seven widely-dispersed locations astride the LoC so successfully by elements of two Special Forces units of the Northern Command speaks highly of professionalism. The success of these actions also should be seen in the backdrop of the fact that the Pakistani Army was on high alert for the past 10 days, not to mention the night flights by F-16s over Islamabad, and Nawaz and his defence minister Khawaja Asif along with Minister for Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and COAS Raheel Sharif talking of war and twitching their nuclear tails.

The fact that the Pakistani Army was taken by surprise, tried to intervene with Indian Special Forces strikes and lost four regular Pakistani soldiers (two, as admitted by Nawaz) adds to the success. The clinical strikes inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, their supporters and the Pakistani Army without any loss to India's troops. The capture and interrogation of the Pakistani-origin guides who helped the Pakistani terrorists during the Uri attack had once again confirmed the Pakistani Armys involvement  which was not only denied by Nawaz, but countered in the most absurd terms by saying that the Uri attack was engineered from within India.

After the Uri terror attack, there was tremendous pressure on the government to retaliate. In between there were also fake reports of our Special Forces having gone across the LoC, struck terrorist locations, killed 20 and injured some 200. This was perhaps a deliberate ruse to lull the enemy and it obviously worked. The Pakistani military was clearly confident that India would not resort to any physical action of this type. The intended targets, however, were being kept under constant surveillance following the attack on the army camp at Uri, to be struck at the right time. These strikes would have come as a terrific jolt to Pakistan. In fact, the surprise was so complete that the Pakistani posts opened fire only after our troops were safely back home. These strikes, under the leadership of Modi, have demonstrated to the world  Pakistan in particular  that India cannot be viewed as a soft State. Pakistan was apparently expecting a conventional response, which it feared most; hence, the periodic nuclear sabre-rattling.

The list of some 35-40 terrorist training camps in PoK along with their locations has been available with the Indian Parliament. The Pakistani hierarchy appears to be milling around in surprise. Pakistans ISI is trying to showcase that nothing much has happened, but the shock effect is palpable. Our strikes in PoK are definitely not any aggression because PoK territory is an integral part of India; terrorists were struck, not the Pakistani military, and our troops returned having completed the assigned task successfully. Will Pakistan curb its terrorist activities now? There is no question absolutely because the Pakistani military not only holds Pakistan and the Pakistani public to ransom, it has infiltrated ever department and organ in Pakistan: Economic, administrative and so on.

More significantly, Pakistani scholar Ayesha Siddiqa in her book Military Inc had propounded in 2007 that the Pakistani militarys private-industrial-corporate complex was to the tune of $20 billion already. This figure must have multiplied several times over, and to retain this power and money, the Pakistani military must have conflict both with India and Afghanistan. So, it is not going to give up Pakistan using terrorism as a state policy.

For all the peaceniks who feared any physical retaliation to the Uri attack (war, including nuclear war), I hope it is clear once for all that there is plenty of space below conventional war. In fact, the response to asymmetric war must always be asymmetric. We should have realised this after Operation Parakram following the Parliament attack. We should have struck Pakistan sub-conventionally both after the 26 November, 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks and the Parliament attack. Not that we should have not have done so after the terror attack on the IAF base in Pathankot this January, as well as earlier ones.

The manner in which the surgical strikes were conducted at seven widely-dispersed locations astride the LoC so successfully by elements of two Special Forces units of the Northern Command speaks highly of professionalism

At the same time, we must acknowledge that these cross-LoC strikes by our Special Forces were around three kilometres across, rightly exploiting the porosity of the border  a factor that has been used mainly by Pakistan till now, to India's disadvantage. With these trans-border strikes, Pakistanis will be more alert. However, the option of such future strikes will remain possible. At the same time, while Special Forces are central to an asymmetric response, a direct form of trans-border actions of this type is just one task with which they should be tasked. Special Forces provide the government with multiple low-cost options without or with ambiguous options.

They should be employed on politico-military missions at the strategic level. The government will do well to establish the Special Operations Command, directly under Modi for such tasks, leaving actions like these multiple trans-border strikes to the Military Special Forces. Interestingly, the Pakistani media has criticised escalation along the LoC but has rejected Indias claim of having conducted the cross-border surgical strikes. However, escalation by Pakistan is very much on the cards, given the Pakistani military psyche discussed above.

We should be geared for terrorism across India and an escalation in the forms of terrorist attacks  even chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks or lone wolf attacks. In addition, cross-border attacks from Pakistan could increase. Should there be more escalation, Pakistan can be expected to deploy its nuclear weapons and publicise it. Besides calling its nuclear buff, Islamabad has to be told that New Delhis 'No First Use' doctrine applies to the threat of nuclear attack as well.

Additionally, our Special Forces have already been conducting joint training. Should Pakistan continue with its proxy war on India and Afghanistan, there should be ample opportunities for joint operations by these two forces against Pakistan. Modi has once again demonstrated that his leadership is class apart. Kudos to him and congratulations to our Special Forces and IAF helicopter pilots for the above highly successful surgical strikes in PoK.

The author is a veteran Lieutenant-General of the Indian Army who has served in Kashmir
Pakistan on Thursday claimed that India has not shared any evidence about the assault on an Army camp in Uri town in Kashmir that left 18 Indian soldiers dead and accused India of blaming others for terror attacks.

Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan would wait for any investigation by India into the Uri attack. "I want to draw a distinction between evidence and information. What they have shared with us is just a piece of paper. In the previous incidents too, there has been exchange of papers. We are waiting for details to come," he said. He said Pakistan cannot comment prior to independent investigation report of the Uri attack.

He alleged that India was desperate to divert attention from Kashmir and had demonstrated capability of staging terrorists attack on its soil and blaming it on others.

"We have seen time and again that India would blame another country for terrorist activity and somewhere down the line it would turn out to be the handiwork of its own security agencies. A glaring example of this is the Samjhauta Express terrorist attack in February 2007," he said.

Zakaria said "unprovoked violations on the LoC by the Indian security forces" killed two Pakistani soldiers.

Commenting on the situation in Kashmir, he said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif effectively highlighted in the UN and apprised the world community about it. He said Pakistan will continue to raise the issue of Kashmir at the UN, OIC and all other international forums as also with the HR Organizations across the world.

The spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to extending complete diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris' movement for self-determination. He said Pakistan had learnt "India's unfortunate decision of not attending the summit" and alleged that India has a track record of impeding the Saarc process.

He said that India's negative attitude has had a direct bearing on the welfare and betterment in this region, "which is highly regrettable".

To a question that India was isolating Pakistan, he said Pakistan cannot be isolated by mere statements of the Indian Prime Minister.

"Pakistan enjoys friendly and close relations with the comity of nations and Prime Minister of Pakistan's engagements on the sidelines of the 71st UNGA session, China's massive investments, joint exercises with Russia, visit of Iranian Naval ships, signing of mega project agreements with Central Asian States, Russia, China and International Financial Institutions make Indian claim a laughing stock," he said.

Zakaria said Pakistan had not received any formal communication from India on Indus Waters treaty, which is binding on both India and Pakistan and has no exit provision.

"According to the sub-provisions (3) and (4) of the Article XII of the IWT, the Treaty cannot be altered or

revoked unilaterally," he said.
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MHA issues advisory asking all states to remain vigilant during upcoming festive season.

"We will tell you what is a real surgical strike...and you will get the deserved response soon," he said. - PTI

Saaed warned India of a "befitting response" for its military operation in PoK, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi will now know what is meant by "surgical strikes".

We are concerned with the aggravation lately of the situation along the line of control between India and Pakistan: Russia Foreign Ministry

Expect that Pakistan should take effective steps to stop activities of terrorist groups in territory of the country: Russia Foreign Ministry

Decision by India to derail Summit effectively contradicts Prime Minister Modis own call to fight against poverty in the region: Pak MOFA

A new set of dates for holding of the 19th SAARC Summit at Islamabad will be announced soon: Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

New dates for the Saarc summit to be to be announced soon

Rajnath Singh assures the family that they will bring the soldier who crossed over to the other side of the LoC back.

Rajnath Singh meets the family of soldier who crossed over to other side of LoC

Grandmother of a jawan who crossed over to the other side of the LoC died after not receiving any information about him.

Sources said the army was ready to deal with any possible attack from Pakistani side in response to the "clinical strike" carried out by para commandos of the army. - PTI

Army Chief Dalbir Singh complimented all ranks of Udhampur-based Northern Command for successfully conducting the "surgical strike" on terrorist launchpads across the LoC in which "significant casualties" were inflicted on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from PoK.

Pakistan on Friday said it has briefed the envoys of the P5 - the US, China, Russia, the UK and France - over "unprovoked firing" by India on the LoC and asked the countries to play their role in ensuring the maintenance of peace and security in the region. - PTI

Amid heightened tension with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the situation along the Line of Control. The meeting is understood to have discussed various options related to the LoC in the wake of the Uri attack.

PM Narendra Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on situation on the LoC. pic.twitter.com/lZL9MFg2aq  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

The meeting is also understood to have taken stock of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts. Four terrorists had stormed an army camp in Uri on 18 September and killed 18 soldiers.

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi chaired Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on situation on the LoC. pic.twitter.com/QZa2XJCjcF  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

PM Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on situation on the LoC, senior ministers & officials present. pic.twitter.com/Nd80LLVIP1  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Pakistani troops have also violated the ceasefire along the LoC twice since Wednesday. Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Naugam sector of Kashmir by opening indiscriminate fire towards Indian Army posts.

Pakistani troops on Wednesday had targetted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Poonch district.

Meanwhile, director general military operations (DGMO) and Vikas Swarup to address media shortly, ANI reported.
In the wake of two ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in less than 24 hours, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant-General Ranbir Singh said on Thursday that the Indian army conducted "surgical strikes on terror launch pads at the Line of Control.

"It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been continuous infiltration across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir," said Singh, in a joint press conference with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup in New Delhi.

"This (the continuous infiltration) is reflected in the terror attacks in Poonch and Uri. Almost 20 attacks have been foiled this year. During these terror and infiltration attacks, we have recovered items including GPS," he further said.

Singh also said India had provided Pakistan with "fingerprints and DNA samples" after the terror attacks in Poonch and Uri on 11 and 18 September respectively.

"But there has been no let-up in infiltrations anfd terrorist actions. If the damage has been limited, it is due to the actions of Indian soldiers," Singh said. "The Indian armed forces have been vigilant in the face of continuous attacks."

He then said that the Indian Army had been conducting a fresh strike against terrorists at the LoC.

"Based on credibel information that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at the Line of Control, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the LoC. The operations were focused to ensure that terrorists do not succeed in their plans for infiltration," the DGMO said, adding that as of now, there was no plan for further operation.

According to ANI, five terror camps were destroyed by the Indian Army across the LoC and members of the special forces from the army were para-dropped at the spots. The strike on the terror launch pads, which were 500 metres to two kilometres across the LoC, also lasted from 12.30 to 4.30 am on Thursday.

"During these counter-terror operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists," he said. "The Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency," he added.

"I have spoken to Pakistan DGMO and shared details of the attacks with him," he said. "It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility. But we cannot allow terroists to operate along the LoC," he said.

"In line with Pakistan's commitment made in 2004 to not allow terroists to operate on its soil, we expect the Pakistan army to cooperate with us," Singh further said.

Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif reacted to the surgical strikes made by the Indian Army. "We condemn this attack, our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness," Pakistani media quoted him as saying.

"We are ready for the safety and defence of our country," Sharif said, adding that he strongly condemned "the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces resulting in martyrdom of two Pakistani soldiers."

As tension between the two countries escalated, Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a stern statement said that the "notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is illusion deliberately generated by India to create false effects."

"Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, the same will be strongly responded," ANI further quoted the statement as saying.

Amidst heightened tension with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the situation along the LoC.

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi chaired Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on situation on the LoC. pic.twitter.com/QZa2XJCjcF  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

The meeting is understood to have discussed various options related to the Line of Control (LoC) in the wake of the Uri attack.

The meeting is also understood to have taken stock of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.

Four terrorists had stormed an army camp in Uri on 18 September and killed 18 soldiers.

Pakistani troops have also twice violated the ceasefire along the LoC since Wednesday. Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Naugam sector of Kashmir by opening indiscriminate fire towards Indian Army posts.

Pakistani troops had on Wednesday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Poonch district.

On the same day, Pakistan's defence minister had said India will "disintegrate" when Kashmir gains independence, in a sign of mounting tensions between the countries.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif had told AP that Pakistan will continue to extend moral support to the people of the disputed Himalayan region.

"When the freedom movement in Kashmir succeeds, it will be beginning of the end of India," he had said. Asif had said the sacrifices of Kashmiri people will not be in vain and that "India will disintegrate and it will not remain united" when Kashmir gains independence.

With inputs from agencies
In a dramatic turn of events, the Indian Army on Thursday confirmed that it had carried out surgical strikes against terrorist launch pads across the LoC last night. The Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh revealed that these strikes were to neutralize imminent infiltration into Indian territory. The targets of this infiltration bid, according to Lt Gen Singh, were in Kashmir as well as other Indian cities. While the details of this operation are unknown at this time, the DGMO has suggested that the surgical strikes were extremely successful in neutralizing a significant number of infiltrators and their supporters. It is likely that the strikes were also aimed at forward positions of the Pakistani Army along the LoC that has provided cover fire  and other support  to infiltrators in the past.

While this may not be the first time Indian armed forces have carried out surgical strikes across the LoC, a few details stand out in the manner they were disclosed.

First, by publicly disclosing the strikes, India has signalled that it is not afraid to neutralise terrorists from across the border even in the face of escalation. The conventional argument behind keeping such operations plausibly deniable in the past has been that such deniability robs the other side of the initiative to draw international attention to a violation of its territory, and escalate by claiming that their retaliation was purely defensive in nature. By publicly owning up to having carried out surgical strikes across the LoC, the Indian Army has called the adversarys bluff that any cross-LoC/cross-border action will inexorably go out of hand  and therefore deter India from carrying out any such action in the first place.

Related: This successful operation against terrorists and their backers in the Pakistan army will serve as an important probe to test Pakistans threshold for escalation. Having been unable to respond to Indian action significantly weakens the image of the Pakistani states praetorian guards and shows what a section of analysts had suspected all along  that surgical strikes carried out with precision, and with an element of surprise will not cross the adversarys red-lines to expand its retaliation. Simply put, these strikes, and their public announcement, have called Pakistans bluff.

Second, the optics of the press conference itself were interesting. The side-by-side appearance of the DGMO and the MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup was to signal to Pakistan  and the rest of the world  that Indias action was a response to what it perceives as Pakistans attempt to imperil the Indian state through proxy warfare. And that, military action is now an integral part of Indias foreign policy towards Pakistan. After a week-long  and rather sterile debate  on what role strategic restraint plays in Indian foreign policy, the Modi government seems to have chosen to send a message to the other side that such a posture cannot indeed be taken as granted. Furthermore, the presence of the MEA spokesperson alongside the DGMO signals that the decision to strike at targets across Pakistan was the result of unanimity across the strategic-policy community that it is no longer business-as-usual when it comes to Pakistan, and that these strikes should be viewed as a part of a larger Indian cohesive offensive against Pakistan which now includes military as well as diplomatic components.

As we wait further details, a few questions remain open. As the news of successful Indian surgical strikes reaches the Pakistani public, there would almost invariably be calls to avenge this perceived Indian intransigence. Would Pakistani public opinion be such that Rawalpindi and Islamabad would be forced to double down on Kashmir, and perhaps prepare to militarily respond to this affront? While this is unlikely  the Pakistani army is not exactly a public-opinion driven entity  India will have to carefully watch out for a counter-response, both along the LoC and the international border. Pakistan is about to carry out a major military exercise with its strike corps along latter in the coming days and, at this stage, Indian authorities should not entirely discount the possibility of Pakistani adventurism in face of a public backlash.

Then there is the larger question of whether such strikes  at the end of the day  can indeed deter Pakistan from pursuing its Kashmir programme with help from proxies. As American analysts Geroge Perkovich and Toby Dalton in their recent book on Indias options to end Pakistans support for cross-border terrorism point out, while such strikes may have immediate tactical effects  such as neutralizing imminent cross-over of Pakistan-backed terrorists to Indian territory  these strikes may be of limited value in forcing a fundamental rethink among Pakistans military elite regarding the use of proxies to prosecute its Kashmir policies.

Having said this, Wednesday nights strikes do signal a new phase in the India-Pakistan dynamic where India is no longer only at the receiving end of Pakistans provocation. Such strikes  carried out at will by Indian army as and when it receives actionable intelligence  will most definitely signal Pakistan that India is not afraid to up the ante as and when it sees fit.

The author is a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi and a national security columnist for Firstpost. Views expressed here are personal. He tweets @AbhijnanRej
2:30 am, 29 September, 2016. Note down the time and date for posterity. It is a tipping point in India-Pakistan history.

On this day, dismantling decades of status-quo, India made a gambit that may change the dynamics of the way both India and Pakistan treat cross-border terrorism.

In the opening hours of Thursday morning, Indian guns rained on the historic town of Bhimber and Kel sector in PoK to kill jihadists before they could enter India through the LoC.

According to India's director general of military operations (DGMO), India conducted "surgical strikes" to inflict heavy damage on terrorists gathered at their launch pads behind the LoC. Though he refused to share details of the operation, the DGMO said jihadists and their supporters were destroyed before they could enter India and strike in Kashmir and other Indian cities.

Bhimber and Kel run from south to north on the LoC. Bhimber is just a few kilometres away from the Pakistani city Mirpur. Kel is a few hours' drive from Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK. The DGMO's statement reveals Indian forces make a quick dash across the LoC, targetted the jihadists and their benefactors (read Pakistani rangers and army) and returned to their bases after completing the operation.

India's gambit dismantles the status quo that has existed since Pakistan started sponsoring cross-border terrorism. For the first time, India has eschewed restraint (even if such strikes were carried out in the past, they were kept secret) and declared its intention of pre-emptive action against terrorists, even if it implies crossing the LoC. It is now up to Pakistan to respond to the Indian challenge.

Defending itself against enemy action is India's right, especially when warnings and diplomacy fail to have the desired impact. To India's credit, the country's civil and political leadership has exercised restraint in defending itself.

The DGMO said India had no intentions of carrying on the operation after its strategic objective  that of thwarting a terror attack  was met. He said India has spoken to Pakistan's DGMO of its operation and apprised it of its desire to not escalate it further. But, he said, India is ready for any eventuality.

The Indian operations show that we scored on several fronts. First, we had timely intelligence on the imminent infiltration. Two, India had the capability to carry out the strike with negligible costs and the desired results. These should be warning strikes for jihadists and their supporters.

India has, obviously, acted with great maturity and clarity of purpose. It has conveyed that its action was against terrorists and their sympathisers, carefully avoiding any reference to the Pakistani army or resorting to any war rhetoric. New Delhi has also sought Pakistan's cooperation in ensuring peace in the region.

Pakistan is yet to make contours of its response clear. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has criticised Indian action and warned that its "desire to seek peace should not be construed as weakness." Significantly, its media has downplayed the event, avoiding the term India has preferred  strategic strike. Its leading newspapers said India had opened heavy fire at the LoC, leading to the death of two Pakistani soldiers. So, the signals are still mixed.

Since tension on the LoC mounted following the terror attack on an Indian army camp in Uri, Pakistan has been threatening to escalate any counter strike into a full-blown response. Unlike India, since it has not given up its right-to-first-use, Islamabad has stated in clear terms that it will keep the nuclear option open. Now that India has acted, it is for Pakistan to decide its response.

As far as India is concerned, it is very clear that New Delhi will not sit back and wait for terrorists to be launched across the border from Pakistan. But, in doing so it will act with restraint, maturity and pursue means that avoid escalation. Sharif and his government can either accept the new reality or, in a fit of madness, overreact and invite more destruction and instability.

Over to Pakistan for its next move.
There are many ways to read DGMO Lieutenant-General Ranbir Singh's revelation on surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control by our defence forces. The most important are those seen from the perspective of messaging and timing.

While former top defence personnel have told television channels that such strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are not unusual, last nights action merits consideration as it comes days after the terrorist attack at Uri which claimed 18 soldiers. To those who had started resigning themselves to the possibility that India had settled into the business as usual routine  a lot of noise, dire threats and little visible follow-up action  the DGMOs announcement would bring in some sense of relief. The attack called for some retaliatory action, any action, from the defence forces, if not to teach a lesson to Pakistan then to convince our countrymen that our military is strong enough to hit back.

The government, too, had to display some muscular action. Diplomatic and economic assaults on Pakistan are fine, but these are too sophisticated as tools of warfare to satisfy the common mans urge for revenge, bloody and immediate. It had to dispel the notion that it was as bad as other governments before it while it came to dealing with terrorism pouring through the borders. The surgical strike on terrorist camps may not mean much as a warning to Pakistan and the killing of a few terrorists does not make up for Indias loss in terms of soldiers but the government can rest assured that after Thursday's announcement it will regain some popularity points.

The DGMO made it clear that the action was against terrorists and that the Pakistani Army was informed about the action. He also said the defence forces were not planning to repeat the action. As wordings go, his announcement was factual, to the point, as military announcements ought to be. However, the impression it conveyed was India did not want to escalate matters. The presence of the spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry alongside him perhaps had to do something with it.

The announcement would keep warmongers silent. They wanted a full-fledged war; at least they have something they can talk about. It is not satisfying but something to manage with. It would be interesting to note how the government proceeds from now. It can work on a long-term strategy to tame Pakistan in peace.
This afternoon we learnt that in the early hours of this morning the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes against five terrorist camps located on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control resulting from the ceasefire of 17 December, 1971 (Line of Control). These strikes were in response to two ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in less than 24 hours. The terrorist camps were launch pads being used by terrorists (supported and financed by the Pakistani state apparatus) to conduct terrorist strikes on Indian positions.

The Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been quick to condemn these strikes as an act of "unprovoked and naked aggression"

But Sharif needs to know what he's talking about. These strikes by India were nowhere close to an act of aggression. In fact, India has an obligation arising out of its bilateral commitments with Pakistan to maintain the ceasefire and multilateral commitments to the United Nations to carry out such strikes against terror targets. Surgical strikes against terrorist targets are an obligation that have been cast on states under international law, and India has acted in fulfilment of its obligations despite Pakistani propaganda to the contrary.

Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter calls upon member states from refraining in the use of force in their relations with each other. This Article essentially makes it illegal for states to use armed force in resolving international disputes. Which is why the Shimla Agreement of 1972 commits India and Pakistan to resolving their disputes in line with the principles of the charter. Note, this does not commit them to resolving their disputes at the UN, but merely commits to resolving them peacefully without resorting to the use of force.

However, the agreement does give India the express right to conduct surgical strikes across the Line of Control should India be required to do so. The Shimla Agreement of 1972 places an obligation on both countries to ensure that neither sides' territory is used to conduct military strikes on the territory of another.

The relevant portion of Article 1(ii) of the Shimla Agreement of 1972 states:

[..] neither side shall unilaterally alter the situation and both shall prevent the organisation, assistance or encouragement of any acts detrimental to the maintenance of peaceful and harmonious relations; [..] [Emphasis Supplied]

Despite India having made repeated requests to Pakistan to take necessary steps from preventing its territory from being used for acts of terror being perpetrated against India, Pakistan has failed to take such steps. Therefore, under Article 1(ii) of Shimla, so long as India does not unilaterally seek to alter the Line of Control resulting from the ceasefire on 17 December, 1971, India may legally conduct surgical strikes against terrorist positions in on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control.

This has been the first time India has publicly acknowledged the conducting of such strikes and India has not held on to any positions on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control ensuring that the Line of Control has not been unilaterally altered by India. This is nowhere close to an act of "unprovoked and naked aggression" as claimed by Sharif.

More importantly, the United Nations Charter, allows for States to use force when authorised to do so by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) places at operative clause 2(b) places an obligation on all states to:

[..]Take the necessary steps to prevent the commission of terrorist acts[..] [Emphasis Supplied]

This grants India implicit authority to conduct surgical strikes should it be in the interest of preventing the commission of any terrorist attack. The launch pads attacked this morning were being used by terrorists to commit terrorist acts on Indian territory, and therefore India has the authority to proceed against these launch pads in terms of this resolution. Resolutions passed under Chapter VII are binding on all state parties to the United Nations.

These strikes by India were nowhere close to an act of aggression

So what despite Sharif and the Pakistani propaganda machinery would like to say, these strikes were an act of peace aimed at preventing future acts of terror. India was constrained to fulfill obligations that Pakistan has repeatedly failed to fulfill despite numerous requests from India to do so. There was no act of aggression.

The whole purpose of surgical strikes is to ensure that the situation does not escalate into a full-blown armed conflict. Kudos to this government and our Armed forces for taking the moderate approach and responding proportionally.
Union Minister of Water Resources Uma Bharti on Thursday presided over a meeting convened by the Centre to find a political solution to the "impasse" over sharing of Cauvery water by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Tamil Nadu PWD Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy took part in the meeting which was held in line with the Supreme Court's order asking Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to facilitate a meeting to reach a solution to the inter-state water crisis.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister MB Patil and chief secretaries of the two states Arvind Jadhav (Karnataka) and Rama Mohana Rao (Tamil Nadu) were present in the meeting.

Briefing the media after the meet, Uma Bharti said, "There was a request from Karnataka government to our ministry to form an expert committee to take view of the availability of water. I really appreciate that both the states are trying to find some solution. We have noted their views which will be sent to the Supreme Court."

She said that the she has urged the two states to sit together and solve the issue outside of the court and then approach the court with solution.

She also suggested that she is willing to go on a hunger strike if the the tension between the two states rises.

If tension rises on Karnataka - TN border then I am willing to even sit on a indefinite hunger strike there: Uma Bharti #CauveryIssue pic.twitter.com/SHGsKNlOp2  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Tearing into Karnataka for treating the Supreme Court orders on release of Cauvery water with "utter contempt", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was quoted in a speech read out by Chief Secretary P Ramamohana Rao as saying that such "deliberate defiance" goes against the spirit of the Constitution and amounts to "contempt" of the Court.

He also said that Tamil Nadu has "scrupulously" adhered to every apex court order.

"By contrast, the state of Karnataka has treated the orders of the honourable Supreme Court with utter contempt. Successive orders of the honourable Supreme Court have been deliberately and systematically defied" by the neighbouring state, he said.

He said Jayalalithaa participated in the discussions "with the hope Tamil Nadu would get its legitimate share in Cauvery water".

"In utter disregard and in complete contempt of the orders of the honourable Supreme Court, Karnataka failed to release the stipulated quantity of water to Tamil Nadu and in addition, failed to make good the shortfall," as per its earlier orders, Rao said.

"This deliberate defiance goes against the spirit of the Constitution itself and amounts to contempt of the apex court. Karnataka has not followed the orders of the honourable Supreme Court and has on the other hand permitted unruly elements to create law and order issues," he said.

Commenting on the proceedings of the meet, Karnataka chief secretary Arvind Jadhav said, "There is no outcome of the Cauvery meeting chaired by Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti. Kanataka government suggested a visit by an expert team from Centre to verify the ground realities."

Prior to attending the meeting, Siddaramaiah reiterated Karnataka's "severe difficulties" in meeting its water requirement and expressed hope that the meeting would arrive at a solution which is in the interest of its people.

"22 of our districts have been declared drought-hit for the Kharip 2016 season. We are struggling with managing water requirements. We hope for a solution in state's interest," he said.

Ahead of the meeting, Karnataka had on Wednesday decided to defer release of 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu as per the Supreme Court direction, awaiting outcome of the trilateral parleys.

With inputs from agencies
Nagpur: Burdened with heavy school bags, a 12-year-old student from neighboring Chandrapur district in Maharashtra is all set to stage an agitation here to highlight the plight of thousands of children like him who carry a load of 5-7 kg on their shoulders daily to attend classes.

Rugved Raikwar from Vidyaniketan School will be holding a sit-in at the RBI square in Nagpur on 2 October, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti to draw the attention of the state administration towards the hardships and health hazards which the students face due to the cumbersome bags.

"Reducing the weight (burden) is the core remedy," Rugved told reporters in Nagpur on Wednesday ahead of the agitation, which he says is "the first tiny step in the direction" of resolving this issue.

Earlier, Rugved had written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in this regard.

"A 15-day time would have been sufficient for the government to formulate norms on reducing burden of school bags and thus fulfill my demand. But nothing has been done so far. This apathy has forced me to battle it out with them at the RBI square. And Gandhi Jayanti (2 October) is the best day to wage a war against the bag burden of students," he said.

Rugved has applied to the local police for a formal permission for his proposed day-long dharna.

However, he has not received a nod in this regard, considering his age.

"I will go ahead with the agitation for the sake of thousands of students like me. After all, it is the question of health as well as the future of students," he said.

Last month, Rugved, along with one of his classmates held a press conference in Chandrapur on the issue and offered some alternatives to resolve this problem, which they said failed to strike a chord with the school principal when they approached him.

They suggested that the authorities make arrangements for keeping their daily work books in school or reduce the number of periods per day.

As per directives of Bombay High Court, the state government had earlier this year issued a circular underlining guidelines on reduction of weight of school bags carried by students on the recommendations of a committee.

The state had informed the HC that it had also fixed the responsibility on principals and school management to follow the circular and would take action against those not obeying this rule.

According to government pleader, there are 1.06 lakh schools in the state and the circular is binding on them.
Strongly condemning "unprovoked and naked aggression" by India along the LoC, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan's armed forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Sharif also warned that Pakistan's intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness, Radio

Pakistan reported.

He said Pakistan can thwart any "evil design" to undermine its sovereignty.

He strongly condemned the "unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces along the Line of Control".

Meanwhile, the Pakistan military said two of its soldiers were killed in ceasefire violation by India along the LoC on Thursday.

The Pakistani military said there were no surgical strikes by India, "instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon.

"As per rules of engagement, the same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops. The notion of surgical strikes linked to alleged terrorist bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India."

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations said the exchange of fire began at 2.30 am and continued till 8.00 am. "Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors," it said.

Sharif paid rich tributes to jawans who have been killed in the firing.

In New Delhi, India said it has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on Wednesday night across the LoC and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damages.

DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said India shared with Pakistan army details of the surgical strikes which followed "very specific information" that terrorists were positioning themselves in the launch pads along the LoC.

Details of duration of the surgical strikes or when it was conducted or the place was not immediately given.

Pakistani troops had on Wednesday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the Line of Control in Poonch district.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will meet on Friday to discuss the situation in the wake of the "surgical strikes" on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control that inflicted massive casualties and dramatically heightened tensions in the region, informed sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the meeting.

Modi also chaired a CCS meeting to consider the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) on Thursday,

An unspecified number of terrorists and Pakistani troops were killed in the early Thursday operation across Kupwara and Poonch sectors as the army moved Special Forces into Pakistan-held Kashmir, officials said.
Jammu: BJP on Wednesday asked its cadres in Jammu and Kashmir to work for strengthening the nationalist forces in the state so that the elements working against the integrity of the country are defeated.

"Party leaders should work for strengthening the nationalist forces in the state so that the elements working against the integrity of the country are defeated," BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said.

BJP national vice-president and Jammu and Kashmir in-charge Avinash Rai Khanna chaired a day-long meeting of state office-bearers, morcha presidents and district in-charges in Jammu.

Madhav, in his address, said that the coalition government in the state was formed to honour the mandate of the people despite ideological differences and it is indeed a matter of satisfaction that both the parties are working in unison to fulfil the promises made to the people.

He said that it is a development-centric government and its priorities are good governance and corruption-free administration.

The meeting discussed the present situation in the state, besides taking stock of the ongoing programmes of the party at different levels, as also the working of BJP coalition government in the state.

Khanna appreciated the efforts of BJP activists in Jammu and Kashmir for actively undertaking party programmes at different levels and serve as bridge between the party and the people.

He said that the party activists have to devote more time in reaching out to the masses and educate them about the projects like Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bacho-Beti Padao, Namami Ganga and make it a public movement.

State BJP President Sat Sharma, while addressing the meeting, said that the BJP is in power in 13 states either on its own or in coalition and also at the Centre with two-third majority and the party has achieved these milestones due to the hard work put by its cadre.
When the Indian Army had promised that Uri will be avenged "at a time and place of our choosing", many within the media (including yours truly), strategic circles and rival political parties had dismissed it as empty bluster. Some even offered that it was the Army version of "law will take its own course."

The Wednesday night of 28 September, 2016, would have taught the doubters to shelve their skepticism of the Indian Army.

Details of whether it was a ground offensive or a heliborne operation are still sketchy at this point. According to some TV channels, including Times Now, the special forces of the Indian army were para-trooped across the LoC and the operation was carried out within 500 metres to three kilometres into Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. The operation reportedly lasted for around five to six hours.

Pakistan military statement talks of ops by Indian troops at Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel & Lipa sectors of LoC between 2.30am & 8am.  Rezaul Hasan Laskar (@Rezhasan) September 29, 2016

News agency Reuters  quoting Pakistan military which entirely denied that India carried out a surgical strike and claimed that it was merely heavy artillery firing from across the border  said, "exchange of fire took place in the Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors in PoK."

The interesting thing about the "surgical strike" was the way India has handled the entire operation 11 days into the Pakistan-sponsored Uri attacks. This indicates a careful calibration of strategy, a meticulously laid out plan with escalating steps and a high degree of synergy between the diplomatic, political and military establishment. Also, notably, even now that the operation has ended, none within the government and the army has sounded belligerent about it.

There is little doubt that this surgical operation was carried out as a retaliatory measure to the killing of 18 Indian jawans but the army was careful to couch the daring strike in the blandness of "stopping terror groups from infiltrating into India".

At a joint news conference along with ministry of external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup, the army's Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh said: based on very specific and credible information we received yesterday, that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the LoC with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in J&K and various other metros in our country," according to a report in Indian Express.

"Significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those trying to shield them. We dont have a plan to further conduct such strikes. India has spoken to Pakistan, the report said.

Significantly, Singh revealed that an attempt has been made to take Pakistan into confidence.

"I have spoken to Pakistan DGMO and shared details of the attacks with him," he said. "It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility. But we cannot allow terrorists to operate along the LoC," he said.

"In line with Pakistan's commitment made in 2004 to not allow terrorists to operate on its soil, we expect the Pakistan army to cooperate with us," he further said, according to the report in Firstpost.

By making it clear that it does not wish to conduct any more operations and by reaching out to Pakistan and even "asking for its cooperation," India has indicated that it does not wish to escalate the issue further with a nuclear-armed nation with a very low threshold for tolerance.

This marks a new maturity in India's handling of a sensitive issue. There is absolutely no need to engage in war-mongering or fusillading rhetoric once the surgical operation has been successfully finished with "zero casualties on Indian side".

Whatever message India needed to convey post the Uri provocation, has been conveyed successfully to the Pakistan establishment. The strike would have carried an unmistakable memo that there is a limit to India's patience and tolerance when it comes to repeated terrorist strikes from across the border.

We would be of course ready to react should Pakistan wish to indulge in any retaliatory strikes, as the DGMO indicated in the press conference, but the way India has been trying to tone down the rhetoric since conducting another Myanmar-like operation proves two crucial points. One, it understands the risks of dealing with a nation which is more unstable than even francium. Two, New Delhi realises its role as a responsible, aspiring south Asian power and while it reserves the right to take any action to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, it does not wish to start a nuclear war.

One other interesting event must be mentioned that risks going beyond the radar. Though the Indian surgical strike was calculated and well-planned, it would be foolish to assume that US was completely in the dark about it.

Interestingly, as a report in The Times of India points out, India's national security adviser Ajit Doval, who reportedly monitored the entire operation flanked by the Army chief and defence minister Manohar Parrikar, got a call on Wednesday morning from his American counterpart Susan Rice.

According to the report, Rice completely toed Indian line on Uri and "offered condolences to families of the Uri attack victims and expressed support for India on the issue of terrorism."

This surgical strike is merely the culmination of a concerted diplomatic and military initiative. Narendra Modi government deserves plaudits for handling it carefully.
Islamabad: The Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale over the "unprovoked" cross-border firing by Indian Army in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

According to Foreign Office sources, Pakistan "strongly" condemned the firing across the Line of Control, Geo TV reported.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry handed over the protest note to Bambawale, sources said.

India on Thursday said that its army carried out cross-border "surgical strikes" on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani territory.

Pakistan has denied that surgical strikes were carried out.

The Foreign Office, earlier in a statement, strongly condemned the "unprovoked ceasefire violations at LoC by Indian forces", which it termed as "a continuation of a pattern of cease fire violations committed by the Indian forces".

It said that "any such aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished".

Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in the cross-border firing.
Indias surgical strikes on terrorist camps on the other side of the LoC have been denied by Pakistan. These camps were not on their territory, it says, and that India is lying.

Moot point. So be it. India really doesnt need that seal of approval and her paratroopers have done what they were sent to do. Destroy terrorists wherever they are.

So, there is no beef. If it didnt happen as Pakistan says, and it was not playing to these gun-toting killers' host it cannot see this as a hostile act. Consequently, since Pakistan is also vehement in being a victim of terrorism, it should thank India for helping out.

With this attack, India has added a military manoeuvre to three other fronts: the diplomatic offensive stopping Saarc and asking for a global category of our neighbor as a sponsor and exporter of terror, up the ante of the threat of abrogating the Indus Waters Treaty and opening up the issue of the MFN status in trade. These are the four major fronts and all are active.

Clearly, Pakistan did not think that Uri would spark so much response. It probably imagined that India would do another Pathankot, make sounds and leave it at that.

Which is why it is imperative that after the operation last night, India does take the bait and begin producing evidence of any sort to show Pakistan up. We went in and we killed terrorists and we came home. We never attacked Pakistan and we dont need to explain, a tendency that very often detracts from our successful initiatives.

At this juncture, it would need someone with a very twisted mind in India to say that action per se has not been taken. There are no partisan politics, no parties, just one country telling the world no more killers in cold blood will be tolerated.

If there is a major fear, it is not of Pakistan firing Shaheen missiles at Indian cities because there is no provocation to do so and India has not attacked their Army, but it lies in making sure that fifth columns in our cities are not allowed to be woken up and sent into action.

It becomes imperative for all Indians to now play a role  not so much vigilantes but observers. It is disturbing that there have been sightings of armed men prowling near military bases and being able to vanish. That such people with hostile intent are in our country already is a given and we would have to be unutterably naive to think otherwise.

Consequently, do not rent rooms to strangers without a proper vetting. If you see new faces in the locality and their conduct strikes you as odd call the police. Rather, we were wrong than victims. It is easy to form community groups and make ourselves safer.

That India must be on alert is only common sense. Especially in the coming days as actions set into motion gather momentum and begin to engage in the ripple effect.

Be vigilant and salute those men who jumped out of their aircraft into the night while we were in our beds asleep because they are there.
New Delhi: In line with the Supreme Court's fresh order, Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti has convened a meeting of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu ministers on Thursday to find a political solution to the "impasse" over Cauvery water dispute.

The apex court had yesterday asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to facilitate a meeting of the executive heads of the two warring riparian states with the Centre over the next two days to find a solution to the dispute.

It has also asked Karnataka to discharge 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu till Friday despite its Assembly resolution.

According to an official source, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to attend the trilateral meet, while his Tamil Nadu counterpart J Jayalalithaa, currently recuperating at a Chennai hospital, will depute state PWD Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy to represent the state in the discussion.

"Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti to chair a meeting on Thursday on Cauvery with CM of Karnataka and PWD Minister of Tamil Nadu," tweeted Union Water Resources Ministry spokesperson Samir Sinha.

Ministers in charge of water resources departments and chief secretaries of the two states will also be present in the meeting.

The Union minister will attempt to resolve the issue "amicably" keeping in view the series of protests and violence which erupted in the two states last month after the Supreme Court's orders on the issue, an official source said.

The Karnataka government has been expressing its inability to release the quantum of water as directed by the apex court, saying its four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin do not have adequate storage and is struggling to even meet its own drinking water requirement.

Meanwhile, Congress MPs from Karnataka have demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in this matter and also urged him to ensure the Cauvery Water Management Board is not constituted as directed by the apex court.

They had also staged protest in Parliament complex on Tuesday over the issue.

Earlier in the day, opposition parties in Karnataka had asked the Siddaramaiah government not to release the 6,000 cusecs of water tomorrow for Tamil Nadu as per the apex court's latest order.
New Delhi: On Thursday BJP hailed the armed forces following the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC and lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his government believes in action and not words.

"A salute to armed forces and to the leadership of the Prime Minister for securing our borders and defending from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. A responsible government acts and talks less. And that has been the practise of this government under Modi's leadership," party national secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, "Proud of our armed forces for their heroic surgical strikes on terror launch pads.

"Surgical strikes were conducted when Pakistan did not mend ways after repeated diplomatic efforts to check terrorism originating from their soil."

Proud of our armed forces for their heroic surgical strikes on terror launch pads.  Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) September 29, 2016

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "walked the talk".

"PM Modi Ji has walked the talk. Punishing the perpetrators of terror from across has begun," Madav wrote on

twitter.

He took a dig at Pakistan for downplaying the surgical strikes conducted by Army across the LoC.

"Some Pak guys r trying 2 downplay claiming it was just a cross LoC firing", Madav Said.

"They y from Pak President to PM to Def Min vowin to protect Pak (sic)?", he said.

Some Pak guys r trying 2 downplay claiming it was just a cross LoC firing. Then y from Pak President to PM to Def Min vowing to protect Pak?  Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) September 29, 2016

He complimented the Indian army for the operation. "Army has done a great job. However Army has restrained to area specific," Madav said.
New Delhi - Leading industrialist Ratan Tata commended the government's decision to boycott the Saarc Summit in the wake of Uri attacks.

"So proud of Indian govt's firm stand on bycot of SARC mtg & overwhelming support by member nations (sic)," Tata tweeted.

The tweet by Tata Group Chairman Emeritus received nearly 10,000 likes and was re-tweeted more than 6,400 times.

So proud of Indian govt's firm stand on bycot of SARC mtg & overwhelming support by member nations.  Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) September 28, 2016

Amid heightened tension with Pakistan over Uri terror attack in which 18 jawans were killed, India had announced its decision to pull out of the Summit late last night citing increased "cross-border" attacks.

Apart from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have also pulled out of the Saarc Summit in Islamabad to be held in November, indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an environment which is not right for the successful holding of the meet, resulting in its collapse.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will pronounce on Friday its order on the Bihar government's plea challenging the bail granted to criminal-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin in Rajiv Roshan murder case.

The ruling by a bench of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Amitava Roy came at the conclusion of arguments in which Shahabuddin's counsel told the court that though cognisance of the case was taken on February 25, 2015, he had not been served the chargesheet till date  a mandatory requirement under the criminal law.

Shahabuddin counsel on Thursday told the court that Bihar government was delaying the trial.

Senior counsel Shekhar Naphade told the court that shifting Shahabuddin from Siwan to Bhagalpur Central Jail was also part of the delay.

"It is a conscious attempt on their (Bihar government) part that trial should not proceed. The moment the trial starts it will not stand as there is no evidence of alleged conspiracy against me," Naphade told the court.

Countering this, the Bihar government said that Shahabuddin had challenged the order taking cognizance of the chargesheet and it is unthinkable that he could have done it without having a copy.
Afghanistan: Notorious Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar called for peace as he appeared by video to sign a deal with President Ashraf Ghani Thursday, marking a symbolic victory in Kabul's struggle to revive talks with the Taliban.

The deal paves the way for Hekmatyar, who heads the now largely dormant Hezb-i-Islami militant group but has been in hiding for years, to make a potential political comeback despite a history of war crimes.

But analysts have said it represents a practical success in Afghanistan's 15-year bid to negotiate peace with militant groups, and comes as a boost for President Ashraf Ghani ahead of a development aid conference in Brussels next week.

"Now is the time for the Taliban to think about whether they want to continue the war or come for peace," Ghani said as he signed the deal at the presidential palace in Kabul.

Security was tight in the capital, with the road to the palace blocked. Chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai, delegates from Hezb-i-Islami and other politicians also attended the ceremony.

Hekmatyar, derided widely as the "butcher of Kabul", offered his congratulations to the government and "all those Afghans who want peace and stability in the region" as he signed a copy of the deal via video link.

"I pray that our country be independent and sovereign, and our innocent and war-weary nation end the fighting and ongoing insecurity, and that unity prevails," he said.

Hekmatyar was a prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s who stands accused of killing thousands of people in the Afghan capital during the 1992-1996 civil war.

He is believed to be in hiding in Pakistan, but his group claims he remains in Afghanistan.

The deal, which grants him judicial immunity, paves the way for him to make a comeback in mainstream politics in a pattern well established by other warlords, such as General Abdul Rashid Dostum, currently the country's first vice president.

But it has sparked revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital who survived the civil war, some of whom launched street protests when it was announced last week.

Human Rights Watch warned Hekmatyar's return would compound a "culture of impunity" in Afghanistan.

The deal was struck last Thursday but the government said it would not come into force until it was formally signed by Ghani and Hekmatyar.

Hezb-i-Islami has been largely inactive in recent years, and the deal is not likely to have an immediate impact on the security situation in Afghanistan.

The government took the opportunity last week to renew its offer for peace talks to the Taliban, who have persistently refused to engage in negotiations as they ramp up their nationwide offensive against the Western-backed regime.
New Delhi: After India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC Wedsnesday night, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday voiced hope that Pakistan will realise its folly and stop aiding and abetting terrorism against India.

Emphasising that the operations are a "part of the mandate" of the Indian army to "foil any attempts of infiltration" into Indian soil, Naidu said Pakistan has "not walked the talk" on the promise it made in January 2004 that it would not allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities against India.

"India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan that its territory should not be allowed for terrorist activities...."

"They have not walked the talk (on the promise). On the contrary, it has been engaged in aiding, abetting and funding terrorists all these days. In the recent past, many attempts have been made to infiltrate into Indian soil," he said.

Stressing that Pakistan should realise its responsibility towards ensuring peace in the region, he said, "Hope at least now Pakistan will realise its folly and stop aiding and abetting terrorism against India."

He said the state sponsored terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil has become a threat not only to India but for the entire region as well as the world.

"We have made all meaningful possible efforts to engage with Pakistan to discuss all issues through dialogue but unfortunately Pakistan has chosen the path of encouraging terrorism," he said.

Naidu said India's "positive gestures" were only reciprocated through "further encouragement" to terrorists and also "justifying" the terrorist acts.

After the Uri terrorist attack, the minister said people of India were outraged and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reassured the nation that such condemnable acts will not be tolerated anymore and befitting measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the country.

"The operations by our Army yesterday night were part of their responsibility in defending the unity, safety and security of the country," he said, adding that it is proved that country is safe in the hands of Modi and Army.

He said Indians across the world are appreciating the steps taken by the Army in countering the terrorist infiltration.

Naidu said India is a "peace loving" country but it takes both the countries to realise this goal and asked Pakistan to understand its responsibility.
Beijing: China on Thursday said it was highly concerned about the security of its workers involved in the $46 billion economic corridor passing through Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province after a Baloch militant leader warned of attacks targetting the project.

"China is highly concerned about the security of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC). We appreciate great efforts made by Pakistan side in ensuring the security of the corridor and Chinese workers there. We hope that Pakistan side will continue to do so in future," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing.

He was replying to a question about the threat of attacks by Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), who has vowed to target the corridor connecting China's Muslim-majority Xinjiang province and Gwadar Port.

Geng said CPEC is the result of the consensus reached between the leaders of China and Pakistan.

"It is of great importance to improving the well being of the people of the two countries" and improving their economic and social development, he said.

A doctor-turned guerrilla leader, Allah Nazar had said "we not only wish India should support the Baloch national struggle diplomatically and financially, but the whole world".

He had also welcomed the statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on human rights violations in Balochistan.

India has raised objections to the corridor as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. China has brushed aside the objections, saying it is an economic project aimed at improving conditions of people in the region.

The strategic project which included highways, rail and pipelines to pump oil from the ships docked in Gwadar to Xinjiang was also expected to provide access to China to Arabian Sea opposite the Mumbai coastline.

But in recent months China is increasingly getting worried about safety of thousands of its workers involved in the project even though Pakistan is forming a new security force providing two security men to every Chinese workers.

Yet a Chinese worker was wounded in a bomb attack in May.

China showed signs of unease since Pakistan ramped up the violent campaign in Kashmir leading to India-Pakistan tensions as Modi came out in support of Baloch people criticising the human rights violations by Pakistan security forces.

For the first time, Chinese official media said this month that Beijing is concerned over "increasing cost of security" and the "potential setbacks" to the project.

In an article on 13 September, state-run Global Times said the project is unlikely to have a "plain sailing".

"China may not want to put too much focus on the region. At the very least, it would be unwise to put all its eggs in one basket," it said, highlighting for the first time China's increasing disquiet over the project which also also cast a major shadow over India-China relations.
What we are seeing in the aftermath of the first Presidential Debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is a unanimous declaring by the media of Clinton as the clear winner of the debate. Headlines such as "The first debate featured an unprepared man repeatedly shouting over a highly prepared woman", "Donald Trumps Wild Night", "Donald Trump Struggles to Deal With Debate Loss", "Donald Trump's first presidential debate confirmed he has no idea .."  were rampant across the print and online media.

However, one must first consider what the meaning of winning in this case would be. Trump was sloppier than Clinton, but the latter evaded questions and went on tangents just as much. In fact, I am glad that I could watch the rather cringe-worthy debate on YouTube later at 2.0x speed, rather than live. Further, it was also obvious that the Democratic platform had more for working and middle class Americans in terms of welfare and progressive taxation. However, in the fight of the Republican platform versus the Democratic platform, the final vote tallies demonstrate a winner of the ideological battle better than any debate has. George Bush was polemically destroyed by, first, Al Gore, and then, John Kerry in the debates, the second time seeming utterly incompetent in comparison to his opponent despite being the incumbent President.

Trump's lack of a concrete platform at the debate did no damage to his standing among Republican voters. His platform, though unclear from the debate, is merely the standard Republican platform, with certain deviations. Trump is anti-Trans-Pacific Partnership (unlike his party), and his discourse involves a more blatant racism and Islamophobia than the usual Republicans would prefer to project.

There is nothing Hillary Clinton said against Donald Trump that the mainstream media (other than Fox News) has not already been hammering out to the viewers. CNN conducts a fact check in real time when Trump speaks with annotations; such as (not correct). MSNBC routinely has its hosts aligned strongly against Trump  popular support entirely out of the picture. All the scandals she mentioned  his debt, his bankruptcies, his payment lapses, his tax returns, his unfair business practices  have been the stuff of tabloids, dailies and cable news alike for the past one year. There was nothing potentially damaging to Trump that was uttered by Clinton that could form a new highlight, or bring him down.

On the other hand, Trump got to mention the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Clintons paid speeches to Wall Street, the rigged Democratic primary, the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement by Bill Clinton, the repeal of the Glass Steagall Act and the two Clinton crime Bills that wreaked havoc on the African American and Latino communities  while broadcast on multiple channels at the same time in front of a record breaking audience size  things the media was loath to discuss (especially the TPP, in which most media owning corporations have a big stake). Trump's platform or the lack thereof makes no difference to his voters, while Hillary's questionable platform makes all the difference to hers. Hillary still has to convince people about her pseudo progressive platform. She needed to put on a good show and she didn't.

Trump: Your husband signed NAFTA, which was one of the worst things that ever happened to the manufacturing industry.

Clinton: Well, that's your opinion. That is your opinion.

Trump: You go to New England, you go to Ohio, Pennsylvania, you go anywhere you want, Secretary Clinton, and you will see devastation where manufacture is down 30, 40, sometimes 50 percent. NAFTA is the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere, but certainly ever signed in this country. And now you want to approve Trans-Pacific Partnership. You were totally in favour of it. Then you heard what I was saying, how bad it is, and you said, I can't win that debate. But you know that if you did win, you would approve that, and that will be almost as bad as NAFTA. Nothing will ever top NAFTA.

Clinton: Well, that is just not accurate. I was against it once it was finally negotiated and the terms were laid out. I wrote about that in...

Trump: You called it the gold standard of trade deals. You said it's the finest deal you've ever seen.

Trump was able to repeatedly nail Clinton on her e-mails, an issue Democrats would rather treat as a closed case:

"I will say this. We have a situation in this country that has to be taken care of. I will release my tax returns  against my lawyer's wishes  when she releases her 33,000 e-mails that have been deleted. As soon as she releases them, I will release..." "When you have your staff taking the Fifth Amendment, taking the Fifth so they're not prosecuted, when you have the man that set up the illegal server taking the Fifth, I think it's disgraceful. And believe me, this country thinks it's  really thinks it's disgraceful, also."

When it came to the contentious Democratic primary battle between Clinton and Bernie Sanders, Trump had this to say:

"But what did we learn with DNC? We learned that Bernie Sanders was taken advantage of by your people, by Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Look what happened to her. But Bernie Sanders was taken advantage of. Thats what we learned."

When it came to foreign policy, Clinton could only point to the US-Iran nuclear deal that was brokered by President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry as proof that she believes in diplomatic solutions rather than war. Further, pointing out that Trump had initially supported the Iraq War (just as she had done till as late as 2006) does not have the same bearing as it does if one was a US Senator who was given top secret information that was supposed to contain damning evidence of weapons of mass destruction (a report that Bernie Sanders had found completely unconvincing), and had to vote on authorizing the War as a public representative. She cannot hold herself to the same standards as Trump the private citizen who had access to only the information the media peddled (war drums by the outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Fox News).

There are two key demographics that Clinton needs to convince: Independents, who comprise 42 percent of the electorate (compared to 30% Democrats and 28% Republicans), who backed Sanders against Trump or Clinton 65 percent-35 percent.

The second important category is millenials  those who grew up in the late 90s and the 2000s. Comprising 31 percent of the electorate, most of whom backed Senator Bernie Sanders while he had still been in the race  and are now disenchanted with what they see as a rigged primary and may not turn out to vote, or are leaning towards Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. With both the above groups, Clinton has been polling terribly.

It becomes even more difficult for Clinton to make her case as a progressive, as an essay in The Observer on the Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings with details of the donors who bankrolled the recently concluded Democratic Convention in Pennsylvania shows.

George Soros son, Alexander, who gave $200,000; Priorities USA, a SuperPAC funded by George Soros, gave $1.5 million; Bank of America gave $1 million; Chevron gave $25,0000; Citigroup gave $100,000; Morgan Stanley gave $75,000; Wells Fargo gave $500,000; former Goldman Sachs CEO Donald Mullen who helped cause the 2008 economic recession gave $100,000...Michael J Sacks donated $300,000.

For a political party that nominated Clinton, who hilariously claims to be the champion of Wall Street reform, these prolific donations from the financial industry suggest otherwise.

Blackstone Holdings gave $125,000 to the Democratic National Convention...Dow Chemical became a sponsor of the Clinton Global Initiative.. Dow also donated $250,000 to the DNC this year. Independence Blue Cross, a health insurance company that has actively lobbied against a single-payer healthcare system, donated $1.525 million...Facebook donated $1.45 million to the convention. Google donated $500,000. Twitter donated $250,000.

In the debates during the Democratic primary, Clinton had swung to the Left to try and contain the insurgent candidacy of Bernie Sanders (who ended up winning 46 percent of the total pledged delegates).

This particular debate showed no sign of the progressive Clinton, and the centrist Clinton was rather uninspiring. She may as well have sent Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein in her stead.

Ultimately, Clinton is still ahead by only 3 points in a poll conducted after the debate. Her demonstration of her superiority over policy details, and laying out her record of years of experience, did not succeed in covering up the weakness of her candidacy, her scandals, the fact that she is considered one of the most corrupt politicians in the US, and the fact that she is not viewed as honest and trustworthy by a huge chunk of the public. Trumps candidacy is far from finished, despite how the media chooses to portray it. Watch the debate yourself  you will see what I mean.

The author is a research scholar in modern and contemporary history at Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Islamabad: The elusive leader of a major rebel group fighting for independence in Pakistan's Balochistan province said he would welcome cash and other help from India, words likely to alarm Islamabad which accuses New Delhi of stirring trouble there.

In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the ethnic Baloch group Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), also vowed further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province.

The planned $46 billion trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistan's Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines.

"We not only wish India should support the Baloch national struggle diplomatically and financially, but the whole world," said Baloch, a doctor-turned-guerrilla believed to be about 50, in filmed responses to questions sent by Reuters.

Baloch's appeal for Indian help may deepen Pakistani suspicions that India has a hand in a decades-old insurgency in the vast southwestern province.

Historically fraught relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours deteriorated this month after 18 Indian soldiers in Kashmir were killed in an attack on an army base that New Delhi blames on Pakistan. Pakistan denies the accusation.

In the buildup to the raid, Pakistan had voiced outrage over the crackdown on protests in India's part of the Muslim-majority region, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back by accusing Pakistan of atrocities in Balochistan.

Baloch, leader of one of three main armed groups fighting for Balochistan's independence, said that while he wanted support from India, the BLF had not received funding from Modi's government, or India's spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

"We welcome the statement that Narendra Modi gave to morally support the Baloch nation," added Baloch, clad in a traditional beige shalwar kurta outfit, with an automatic rifle across his lap and ammunition hanging from his belt.

Pakistan's military had no comment on Baloch's interview.

News Coverage Limited

Baloch is the only leader of a sizeable separatist group who is believed to be waging a guerrilla war from inside Balochistan; the other two leaders are in exile in Europe.

Security analysts say his fighters stage most of the attacks in the province and have borne the brunt of army operations against the insurgency. Reuters has not been able to establish the scale of the BLF campaign.

Pakistan has long suspected India of stoking the Balochistan rebellion. Those fears grew in March when Pakistan arrested a man it said was a RAW spy in Balochistan, and accused him of "subversive activities". India denied he was a spy.

Brahamdagh Bugti, the Switzerland-based leader of the Balochistan Republican Party, another major separatist outfit, last week told Indian media that he planned to seek "political asylum" in India.

BLF chief Baloch claims to have "thousands" of fighters. Domestic news coverage of the Balochistan conflict is rare and foreign journalists are broadly forbidden from visiting the province.

Baloch answered questions in a video recording, which was sent electronically.

Although the exact date of the recording could not be verified, he was responding to questions sent by Reuters six weeks ago. His responses contradicted government claims that he had been killed last year.

Chinese Imperialism

China's investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought fresh focus on Balochistan, which is endowed with rich but largely unexploited reserves of copper and gold.

Several planned CPEC routes will snake across Balochistan to its deep-sea port in Gwadar.

Chronic instability in the province, which has experienced waves of revolt by Baloch nationalists since it was formally incorporated into Pakistan in 1948, is a source of concern for China, which has appealed to Pakistan to improve security.

Baloch, speaking from an undisclosed location, called CPEC a Chinese "imperialistic scheme", and vowed to attack roads, security personnel and construction crews associated with it.

Government officials say security has improved.

They point to freshly-paved CPEC roads, built at breakneck speed despite Balochistan's rugged terrain, as proof of success.

To allay Chinese fears, Pakistan is also raising a force of 15,000 personnel, mainly serving army soldiers, to secure the corridor.

Risky Work

But risks remain. Frontier Works Organisation, the army-run company building most of the CPEC roads in dangerous areas, said 44 workers had been killed and about 100 wounded in attacks on its CPEC sites over the past two years.

"We are attacking the CPEC project every day. Because it is aimed to turn the Baloch population into a minority. It is looting, plundering and taking away our resources," Baloch said.

Baloch and other separatists fear that indigenous Baloch people, who are estimated to number about 70 lakh people out of Pakistan's 19 crore population, will become an ethnic minority in their ancestral lands if other groups flock to the region to work on exploiting its natural resources.

The rebel leader alleged that 150,000 people had been evicted from the route of the trade corridor by security forces to clear the way for roads and other infrastructure.

Pakistan's military, which manages security for most of the province, did not comment on the number.

Human rights activists say that thousands of people have been killed or arbitrarily detained in Balochistan by the military, a charge Pakistani security forces deny.

Charges of abuse have also been levelled at rebel groups, including the BLF, which are accused of targeting non-Baloch citizens as part of their rebellion.

Baloch denied BLF killed civilians but said his group did go after "traitors".

Asked if he would be open to negotiations with the Pakistani state, the rebel chief was clear: there would be no dialogue with what he considered "the biggest terrorist country".

"There will be no negotiations with Pakistan without national independence and without the presence of the United Nations," he said. "Our destination is independence."
On Thursday, Pakistan denied India's claims of surgical strikes along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan daily The Tribune reported that according to the Pakistani military's media wing ISPR, there have been no surgical strikes by India. They claimed that there has instead been cross border firing initiated and conducted by India which is an "existential phenomenon".

ISPR added, "As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops."

The ISPR published their statement on Facebook

Pakistan's ISPR says "Pak has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded"  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Pak's ISPR: Notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is illusion deliberately generated by India to create false effects  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Pakistan Airforce says "this (by Indian Army) was not a surgical strike, we are alert for any eventuality": Pakistan Media  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Addressing the media, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said, Indian claims of surgical strikes are a lie. There was exchange of firing along the LoC which Pakistan Army responded to.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif too reacted to Indian claims of surgical strikes and on Thursday warned India not to take Pakistan's peaceful intent "as our weakness", according to an IANS report.

Minutes after India announced on Thursday that it carried out surgical strikes across the LoC on Wednesday night, Sharif denounced what he called was an "unprovoked and naked aggression" by Indian forces.

Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying that the Indian operation led to the death of two Pakistani soldiers.

"Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of our country," Sharif said.

He said Pakistan can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan".

According to ISPR, two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed on Thursday as Indian forces resorted to unprovoked firing along the Loc in Bhimber, Kel and Lipa sectors.

With input from IANS
Islamabad: Iran border guards on Wednesday fired three mortar shells into Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, triggering panic among the local population.

"Mortar shells fired by Iranian border guards landed in the district of Panjgoor," a provincial government official said.

Two of the shells landed near Frontier Corps check-post, while the third landed at Killi Karim Dad, the Dawn quoted the official as saying.

No property or human loss was reported in the shelling.

Locals panicked as a result of the attack, and Frontier Corps personnel reached the site to initiate investigations.

Security forces tightened security at the border after the incident.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre porous border with Iran and the two countries in 2014 decided to boost

intelligence coordination to wipe out terrorists from the border region.
Kathmandu: With the fate of the next Saarc Summit (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) hanging in balance, Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda on Thursday said the process of the regional grouping over the years has been "too slow" and the implementation of past deals were "very poor" as compared to other international organisations.

A host of speakers who spoke during a regional conference on the effectiveness of Saarc raised question whether the regional grouping has any relevance at the present geo-political scenario for convening the summit in Islamabad slated for 9-10 November.

The question is being raised at a time when the convening of the 19th Saarc Summit in Islamabad later this year has become uncertain with four countries of the eight member organisation, including India, has expressed their inability to attend the summit following the growing tension between India and Pakistan.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have increased after militants stormed an Indian Army base in Uri on 18 September, killing 18 soldiers.

Besides India, three other Saarc members  Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan  have pulled out of the summit, indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an environment which is not right for the successful holding of the meet.

Prachanda said, "The overall process of the Saarc over the last 30 years of its establishment have become too slow and the implementation of past agreements and commitments are very poor."

"South Asia has vast opportunities and it is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, and we have expertise in many sector, but we are lagging behind in many fields as compared to other international organisations," said the Prime Minister.

"It would be unfortunate if the forthcoming Saarc Summit is postponed, as reported in some news media," said Sujata Koirala, former deputy prime minister and foreign minister, who is also the senior leader of Nepali Congress.

"The Saarc Summit should neither be postponed, nor be cancelled," as there is a need for all "Saarc member countries to come to a common platform and address the regional issues," she pointed out.

Nepal has asked member countries to create a conducive environment for convening the Saarc Summit. "At the time of terror attacks, the importance of convening of meetings of such a regional grouping has become even more pronounced," she pointed out.

The representatives from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are attending the two-day regional conference being organised by International Relations and Labour Committee of the Legislative Parliament of Nepal.

The participants at the conference are discussing various papers presented by experts on effectiveness of Saarc, overview of the three decades of Saarc process, strengthening institutional mechanism, deepening integration through enhanced connectivity and economic cooperation among the member states.
New York: Investigators probing bomb blasts in New Jersey and New York believe they've identified two men who walked off with a bag abandoned by the bomber on a street as Egyptian tourists.

Police began looking for the men after they were seen in security video handling a bag prosecutors say was used by bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami to conceal an explosive that failed to detonate in Manhattan.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Wednesday the two men have since returned home to Egypt. The official wasn't authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

US investigators have notified Egyptian authorities they want to question the men.

"They're not in any jeopardy of being arrested," Jim Watters, chief of the New York Police Department's counterterrorism unit, said last week. "We have no reason to believe they're connected."

Rahami has been accused of detonating a pipe bomb in a New Jersey shore town and a pressure cooker bomb in New York on 17 September. No one was injured in the Jersey blast, and 31 people were injured in the New York blast.

Surveillance video shows Rahami rolling a suitcase down a Manhattan street, then abandoning it on the sidewalk where that unexploded device was found, authorities said.

A few minutes later, two men pass by the luggage and appear to admire it, police said. They then remove a pressure cooker from the luggage, leave the pressure cooker on the sidewalk and walk away with the luggage, police said.

"I think they were more interested in the bag, not what they were taking out," Watters said, adding that they were "very, very lucky" the bomb didn't explode.

Rahami has been hospitalized since he was caught following a shootout with police in Linden, New Jersey, last week, days after the bombings. Officials on Tuesday said he remained unconscious. He has not made an initial court appearance, and his American Civil Liberties Union lawyers declined to comment.
Jammu: In yet another ceasefire violation after the Uri terror attack, Pakistani troops on Wednesday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

However, there was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing, a police officer said.

"Pakistani troops resorted to firing by small arms along the LoC in Sabzian area of Poonch district this evening," a police officer said.

Earlier on 20 September, two days after the terror attack in Uri, Pakistani troops violated the border ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian army positions with small firearms.

On 6 September, Pakistani Army pounded Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the LoC in Poonch district.

On 2 September, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district.
Hanoi: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he was giving notice to the United States, his country's long-standing ally, that joint exercises of Filipino and American troops next week will be the last such drills.

He told the Filipino community in Hanoi late Wednesday night that he will maintain the military alliance with the US because of the countries' 1951 defense treaty. But added that next week's exercises will proceed only because he did not want to embarrass his defense secretary.

Duterte said during a two-day visit to meet Vietnam's leaders that he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia, and that the war games were something Beijing does not want.

"I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," he said. "Jointly, Philippines-US, the last one."

"I will maintain the military alliance because there is an RP-US pact which our countries signed in the early '50s," he said, referring to the Republic of the Philippines. "I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce and you are scheduled to hold war games again, which China does not want."

Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the United States since he won a presidential election in May. He says he is charting a foreign policy not dependent on the US, and has taken steps to revive ties with China, which had been strained under his predecessor over longstanding territorial conflicts in the South China Sea.

Earlier this month, he said he would not allow government forces to conduct joint patrols of disputed waters near the South China Sea with foreign powers, apparently scrapping a deal his predecessor reached with the US military earlier this year.

He has said he wants US military forces out of the southern Philippines and blamed America for inflaming local Muslim insurgencies there.

Duterte has said he was considering acquiring military equipment from Russia and China.
Los Angeles: Protesters gathered in a California town on Wednesday following the police shooting of an unarmed black man who was reportedly mentally ill.

The man, identified by a relative as Ugandan native Alfred Olango, 30, was shot on Tuesday in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon after police received a call about a man behaving erratically and walking in traffic.

El Cajon police chief Jeff Davis said Olango had ignored repeated calls by officers to remove his hand from his pocket and one officer used a Taser against him while another fired his weapon as they felt threatened.

"At one point, the subject rapidly drew an object from his front pants pocket, placed both hands together and extended them rapidly toward the officer taking up what appeared to be a shooting stance," Davis said in a statement. "At this time, the officer with the electronic control device discharged his weapon.

"Simultaneously, the officer with the firearm discharged his weapon several times, striking the subject."

The shooting took place as the United States reels from a string of police killings of black men that have raised racial tensions nationwide.

A "Justice for Alfred Olango" protest was planned on Wednesday in front of the El Cajon police station as Davis urged residents to remain calm and said an investigation was underway.

"This will be transparent. This will be looked at by multiple sets of eyes, and not just ours," he vowed at a news conference.

Following the shooting, several people gathered at the scene on night chanting "black lives matter" and "hands up, don't shoot."

One woman posted a Facebook Live video after the shooting that showed a distraught woman who identified herself as Olango's sister and said she had called police to help her brother who was mentally ill.

"You guys came and killed my brother," the woman wails in the video that had been viewed 82,000 times by Wednesday morning.

"I called you guys to help my brother. You killed my brother in front of me."

Witnesses said they heard five shots as police confronted Olango.
Washington: US National Security Advisor Susan Rice called her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and condemned the Uri terror attack, saying the White House expects Pakistan to take "effective action to combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorist groups.

"Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that Pakistan take effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates," Spokesperson of National Security Council Ned Price said.

In the telephonic conversation with Doval, the first after Uri terror attack, Susan strongly condemned the 18 September cross-border attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters and offered condolences to the victims and their families.

"He affirmed President Obama's commitment to redouble our efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world," Price said.

"Ambassador Rice discussed our shared commitment with India to pursue regional peace and stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations," Price added.
Washington: Expressing concern over initial indications that the Uri terror attack emanated from Pakistan, two influential US Senators on Thursday called on Islamabad to fully cooperate with India to bring to justice the perpetrators.

"We are greatly concerned about initial indications that the perpetrators of this attack were Pakistani and that the attack emanated from Pakistan. If true, this attack would be just the latest in a series of deadly attacks in India conducted by Pakistan-based terrorist groups," Democrat John Cornyn and Republican Mark Warner said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They also called on Pakistan to cooperate fully with India to bring to justice perpetrators of the Uri attack at an army base in Jammu and Kashmir in which 18 soldiers were killed.

"We call on the Government of Pakistan to cooperate fully and transparently in this investigation and prosecute any individuals within its territory that participated in this horrendous attack," the two Senators wrote in the letter dated September 29, a copy of which was seen by PTI.

Cornyn and Warner are the co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, the only country-specific caucus in the US Senate.

"Pakistan's possible involvement in this attack underscores our broader concern about Pakistan's use of terrorism as a pillar of its foreign policies toward Afghanistan and India," they wrote in the letter to express their support for India and strongly condemn the Uri attack.

"As many credible experts have noted, such groups as the Haqqani network, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammad still operate freely in Pakistan, launching attacks not only on India but also on US personnel and interests in Afghanistan."

"That such terrorist groups continue to operate within Pakistan is unacceptable, and we will work within Congress to pressure Pakistan to end any association with these terrorist groups targeting India, put a stop to their cross-border incursions, and take active and immediate steps to reign in homegrown terrorists," the two Senators wrote.

Expressing their deep condolences to the soldiers who were injured and the families of those who were killed, they said they stand with Modi and the people of India as they fight the global scourge of terrorists who seek to destroy the way of life and values and threaten democratic societies.

"The continued threat of terrorism that both India and the US face highlights the critical need to ensure that we continue to expand US-India bilateral defence, intelligence and counter-terrorism cooperation," Cornyn and Warner said.

Cornyn and Warner welcomed the declaration of India as a major defence partner, last year's signing of the Defence Framework Agreement and continued deepening of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative.

"Similarly, we are pleased by the finalisation of an arrangement to facilitate the sharing of terrorist screening information and the progress made by the US-India Counter-terrorism Joint Working Group and the Homeland Security Dialogue. We will continue to support these and other initiatives that will increase US partnership with India against terrorism," the Senators wrote.

Extending their condolences, Warner and Cornyn told Modi that the Senate India Caucus stands with him and that they will not allow terrorists to sway their shared commitment to fostering greater peace and promoting democracy in the region.
Washington: The US State Department has agreed to process for public release before the 9 November election almost 3,000 pages of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's emails recovered by the FBI during their recent probe.

A federal judge previously ordered the State to review 1,050 pages of the Clinton messages before the election. The deal that State submitted to two other federal judges on Wednesday will add 1,850 pages to those already scheduled for processing, Politico reported.

The new agreement calls for the releasable portion of the additional 1,850 pages to be made public on State's website on 3 November. The existing schedule, in a case brought by conservative group Judicial Watch, calls for processing sets of 350 pages for posting on each of three days: 7 October, 21 October 21 and 4 November.

While State has now agreed to process 2,900 pages of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-found emails by the election, far fewer than that may actually be made public by then.

State officials have said their initial appraisal deemed about 5,600 messages sent over by the FBI to be work-related, which could amount to more than 10,000 pages. However, about half those messages could be duplicates and some could still be determined to be personal and withheld in their entirety, Politico reported.

The set of 54,000 pages of messages Clinton turned over to State in late 2014 was made public in a process that wound up in February of this year.

The new messages were recovered by the FBI from various sources, including old computer equipment used by Clinton and her aides. Messages retained by others but not by Clinton are also believed to be part of the FBI collection.
Berlin, Germany  Chinese company Plateno Group, through its European subsidiary based in Berlin, is opening its first hotel in Bavaria, in Munich. Located in Sendling, only twelve minutes from the city centre, within walking distance to Mittersendling Munich S-Bahn railway station, 7 Days Premium Hotel is scheduled to welcome its first guests in Q4 2017.

The new-built hotel is the group's second property in Germany, and fourth in Europe. Plateno Group already operates two hotels in Austria: 7 Days Premium Salzburg, and 7 Days Premium Linz.

"Being one of the strongest trade fair cities in Germany, with over 1,5 million residents, and a dynamically-growing corporate market, Munich is a great opportunity for Plateno Group. We are planning further projects in this fascinating city. "  says Roland Paar, Regional Vice President Plateno Europe.

7 Days Premium Hotel Munich Sendling will offer guests 91 modern rooms, appointed with contemporary amenities that offer all the comfort for business and leisure travellers alike. The hotel's stylish lobby will be enhanced with working stations designed for the business guests. The relaxed atmosphere in shared common areas will also benefit leisure travellers, who try to keep their travel budgets on a reasonable level while also demanding certain comfort and style not easily available in typical budget hotels.

At the end of 2017, Plateno Group will also open a 150 rooms "7 Days Premium" Hotel at Leipzig / Halle Airport. The site has great potential, not only for its direct location at the airport, but also by providing direct access to the A14 and A9 highways, which connect cities such as Munich, Berlin and Prague. The project is realized in collaboration with Property Team AG. Hamburg based Property Team AG it's a real estate agency specialized in project development and financing.

"Leipzig is an important and dynamic economic and cultural center in Germany. Besides Amazon and auto companies such as Porsche and BMW having settled in the region, Leipzig / Halle Airport is also the fifth largest European freight airport. The Airport has additional collaborations with the Chinese Shenzhen Airport Group, the Shanghai Airport Authority, and the Henan Province Airport Group", stated Roland Paar, RVP Plateno Europe.

"After our recently announced hotel project in Berlin-Schonefeld, the Munich and Leipzig hotels reaffirm our commitment to international growth. These hotels are symbolic of our growing international presence at strategically important locations like Central Europe," said Roland Paar, RVP Plateno Europe.

"The number of Chinese visitors to Germany notes double digit growth every year, and we aim to capture part of this business for our brand, which is well known among Chinese travellers" noted Tomasz Janczak, responsible for E-Commerce & Distribution at Plateno Europe. "To strengthen the market reach, 7 Days Premium Hotel Munich Sendling and 7 Days Premium Leipziig will be present on all main Chinese distribution channels, which are part of Plateno Connect," he concluded.

About Plateno Group

The Plateno Group is one of the most influential and innovative customer-centric companies in Asia with over 3, 700 hotels in 300 destinations, and 80 million loyalty members. Plateno has 20 brands that consist of 16 hotel brands, a serviced apartment brand, a cafe brand, an art platform, and an online travel platform. Plateno's hotel brands include, among others, Maison Albar Hotel, H12, Portofino Hotels & Resorts, Lavande Hotel, James Joyce Coffetel, ZMAX HOTELS, Xana Hotelle, 7 Days Premium, 7 Days Inn, IU Hotel, and PAI HOTELS.

The company"s Plateno Trip loyalty membership platform is the largest of its kind in the world, with 80 million loyalty members. 75% of Plateno's customers book directly from Plateno's in-house CRS (Central Reservation System), and most of them prefer mobile channels. Plateno"s European expansion has started with two brands, 7 Days Premium and PAI HOTELS, and will expand in the near future.

On September 18, 2015 Plateno Group, through a strategic investment with Jin Jiang International, created a global hotel group that now ranks Jin Jiang and Plateno as the world's largest top 5 hotel company. Together, with over 6,000 hotels, 640,000 hotel rooms across 55 countries, Plateno Group's goal is to become the world's leading hotel group in the near future.

Tomasz Janczak

Vice President for Growth& Digital

Plateno Germany Management GmbH
In an eventful conclusion to SAHIC in Ecuador, Arturo Garcia Rosa, President of SAHIC and Luis Miguel Diaz Sanchez, Vice Minister of Tourism of Cuba, proudly announced yesterday that the very first hospitality investment conference will be held in Havana, with the inaugural SAHIC Cuba. Scheduled for May 15-16, 2017 at the Melia Cohiba Hotel in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana, SAHIC Cuba is anticipated to draw great interest from among the international hospitality community.

"This is a first-of-its kind hospitality investment conference and an incredible opportunity for those with potential interests to learn how to work within the parameters of Cuba," says Garcia Rosa. "This inaugural conference is intended to share with hotel and hospitality operators how the industry is practiced in Cuba today. With policies and regulations continuously evolving, this is also a way for attendees to understand if future projects are a good fit for the destination."

"As the world shows great fascination for the enormous potential of Cuba, we encourage those interested in potential hospitality opportunities to participate with us," states Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events and partner of the SAHIC conferences. "The only way for people to understand business in Cuba is to actually go and visit."

In 2015, Cuba welcomed approximately 3,524,779 visitors, a 17.4% increase from the prior year. The current hotel development pipeline anticipates 134,300 available rooms by 2030, with an expected potential of 273,500 rooms if tourism continues to grow exponentially. By the end of 2016, 14,000 new rooms are expected to enter the market.

SAHIC Cuba topics: "The agenda has been planned so that the parties may gain a deeper understanding of each other's needs and situations. This event will also be a great opportunity to move forward in solving issues that need to be fully clarified," adds Garcia Rosa.

The inaugural SAHIC Cuba, scheduled for May 15-16, 2017 will be the must-attend event, designed to promote the hotel, tourism and related real estate businesses in Cuba. The Conference is destined to be 'the" place to meet and network with the leading industry players in the island nation: hotel chains and groups, investors, banks, mutual funds, developers, architects, and interior designers, regional government representatives and other decision makers of the industry. More information about SAHIC Cuba and travel arrangements to the Conference will be forthcoming. For initial inquiries, email [email protected], or visit www.sahiccuba.com.

ABOUT SAHIC and SAHIC Cuba

SAHIC, the premier Latin America hotel and tourism investment conference organizer promotes business and related real-estate projects in the region. The inaugural SAHIC Cuba, which was held May 15-16, 2017 was the must-attend event, designed to promote the hotel, tourism and related real estate businesses in Cuba. The Conference was destined to be "the" place to meet and network with the leading industry players in the island nation: hotel chains and groups, investors, banks, mutual funds, developers, architects, and interior designers, regional government representatives and other decision makers of the industry. For more information, visit www.sahiccuba.com

Leora Lanz

LHL Communications

SAHIC - Latin American Hotel & Tourism Investment Conferences
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Up to eight inmates fought at the Philippine national penitentiary yesterday, leaving a high-profile Chinese drug lord dead and four other inmates injured, officials said. The melee occurred amid a congressional investigation into the drug trade within the facility.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said a riot broke out after an inmate reprimanded three Chinese drug convicts who were using methamphetamine.

He identified the dead as Tony Co. He said Co and two other injured Chinese convicts are among the biggest drug traders in the country. Also injured was Jaybee Sebastian, a prison leader being asked by officials to testify in the congressional investigation against Senator Leila de Lima.

De Lima, a former justice secretary, has said Sebastian was a tipster who gave her department information that led to a 2014 raid of the penitentiary. The raid exposed how high-profile convicts lived in air-conditioned villas equipped with hot tubs and disco lights. Guns, counting machines, cellphones and other gadgets were confiscated.

As former head of the Commission on Human Rights, De Lima earned Dutertes ire for investigating his alleged links to death squads in southern Davao City, where was mayor. She also recently led a Senate investigation into Dutertes anti-drug war that has left more than 3,000 suspected drug pushers and users dead.

Duterte has accused De Lima of collecting money from the illegal drugs trade operated by drug lords from the penitentiary  a charge de Lima calls lies.

Bureau of Corrections director Rolando Asuncion says the seven to eight inmates involved in the riot are from two rival gangs. The violence ended quickly and occurred in a contained area separate from the larger inmate population. He said its not clear what kind of injuries the victims sustained but an ice pick and other materials were confiscated.

De Lima expressed doubts yesterday that what happened was a real riot, saying the prisoners involved were those who refused to testify against her. AP
Idaho's all-Republican U.S. House and Senate delegations both split on a continuing resolution that passed Wednesday funding the government through Dec. 9

It passed the House 342-85, with Rep. Mike Simpson in favor and Rep. Raul Labrador against. Most of the "no" votes came from Republicans, including many of Labrador's fellow House Freedom Caucus members, but nine Democrats also voted against it. And it passed the Senate 72-26, with Sen. Mike Crapo in favor and Sen. Jim Risch joining a bipartisan group including Sens. Ted Cruz and Elizabeth Warren, two of the highest-profiles conservatives and liberals in the country respectively, to vote "No."

Simpson, Labrador and Crapo are all up for re-election this year. Simpson is running against Democrat Jennifer Martinez and Constitution Party candidate Anthony Tomkins, while Labrador is facing Democrat James Piotrowski and Crapo is opposed by Democrat Jerry Sturgill and Constitution Party candidate Ray Writz.

Simpson, whose district includes the Magic Valley and southeastern Idaho, put out a statement praising the resolution's passage, noting that it includes the full year Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill that passed the House on May 19 and that the money would help to fund both the needs of military personnel and address management problems and health care shortages in the VA system.

Funding provided by this legislation is necessary to keep the government operating and provides critical resources and certainty for our service members and veterans, Simpson said. This bill is needed to increase the speed, efficiency and effectiveness of VA services to veterans. It is the responsibility of Congress to ensure the VA receives the resources it needs to provide our veterans with the quality care they deserve.

Labrador put out a statement blasting the "establishment Republicans" who "once again partnered with Democrats to ignore our fiscal crisis, rather than join conservatives determined to restore fiscal sanity.

"Both parties have proven they have no intention of balancing our budget or slowing the growth of our crushing debt," Labrador continued. "A year ago, our new Republican leadership vowed to complete the regular appropriations process, passing the 12 bills that fulfill the duty of Congress to take good care in spending taxpayer dollars. Today, they punted, refusing to tackle the hard choices that must be made to preserve American prosperity.

The broken promise leaves me both saddened and angry. Im saddened because we had made progress in the last five years, trimming annual deficits by nearly 70 percent, from $1.4 trillion to $439 billion. The positive trajectory was reversed this year, with the deficit projected to reach $590 billion. According to the latest projections from the Congressional Budget Office, were in for a decade of anemic economic growth and the return of trillion-dollar annual deficits.

Im angry because we werent permitted to do our work. Rather than complete our most basic job  passing spending bills  leadership sent us out on a seven-week summer recess. Congress should have stayed to meet its responsibilities, but now were taking another extended break.

We appear headed for more of the same when we return in December for a lame duck session, where the unholy alliance will continue to blow through the limits in the 2011 Budget Control Act in order to increase both military and domestic spending. If we dont mend our ways, our legacy to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be economic ruin.
Do much rock climbing at City of Rocks National Reserve? Youve likely consulted Hailey author Dave Binghams guidebook to its climbing routes.

But even if you own one of the seven editions published since 1985, youll want to spend $36 for the eighth edition of City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park: A Climbers Guide. It reached the first stores late last week, and you can find it at Wolverinepublishing.com.

After self-publishing seven black-and-white editions, most recently in 2009, Bingham turned to Colorado-based outdoor specialist Wolverine Publishing for this one.

People are really wanting more of a glossy, colored book thats a cross between a guidebook and a coffee table book, he said.

Yes, this 312-page edition has eye candy: action photos of rock climbers by professional photographers. But it also has substance: details on more than 1,000 climbs, including 150 previously unpublished routes.

This one gives more details on how long each climb is, how to navigate it and what special equipment climbers will need, Bingham said. And the past ones didnt have that. It was kind of like, Good luck!

Each climb is color-coded  in text and on photos  to indicate whether its a traditional climb protected entirely with cams, a sport climb using only fixed bolts or a mixture of the two. Icons show when the climb is in sun and when in shade. Bingham even tells you the approach time  how long it takes to get there from your car.

His self-published editions were solo efforts, but this time he collaborated with a Wolverine editor and a contracted designer.

Charts show the number of climbs in various zones and their difficulty. And the maps are all new; thats important at City of Rocks, which packs a lot of topography  rock formations, drainages, trail junctions  into a small area.

The City of Rocks is kind of infamously complex geography, said Bingham, a board member of Southern Idaho Climbers Coalition. You can get lost, so we beefed up the maps.

Bingham will sign books at the sixth annual Dierkes Boulderfest on Oct. 8; the signing is set for 4:30 p.m. in the park at Dierkes Lake, just before the competition awards.

Speaking of Dierkes Boulderfest, preregistration prices end Saturday.

The Oct. 8 rock climbing festival at Dierkes Lake is billed as Idahos only outdoor, bouldering-specific competition, and some proceeds pay for replacing existing climbing-route hardware and new route development. A cleanup follows the competition.

Register at dierkesboulderfest.athlete360.com

Each month, Southern Idaho Climbers Coalition hosts a free Climb with SICC event, introducing new and experienced climbers to a local crag a bit off the beaten path. Theyre social events  opportunities to rub elbows with coalition board members, discuss local climbing issues and ask questions.

We will provide a few top ropes for folks, but feel free to lead and set up your own as well, host Shawn Willsey wrote in a Facebook announcement. Helmets are encouraged. Contact a SICC (board member) if you would like to borrow one. Overall, a very chill affair.

The crag for the Oct. 5 public climb, set for 4:30-7:30 p.m., is Roman Wall, a north-facing cliff south of the Dierkes Lake parking area.

Follow the dirt road south to where it reaches far west end of the cliff, then follow base of cliff to climbs, Willsey wrote. Do not try to approach right up the talus slope  burrs, stinging nettle and other unsavory vegetation awaits.

Next months climb will be 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Nov. 19 at Canyon View Crag, a south-facing cliff across the Snake River Canyon from the Dierkes area. For directions, search for southern Idaho climbing coalition on Facebook.

Bruneau Dunes State Park lost power to its observatory because of a storm and wont offer an observatory program or night sky viewing this weekend.

But the rest of the park still has power, and Bruneau Dunes announcement included enticement, too: The weekend weather looks great and there are plenty of opportunities for sandboarding, fishing, hiking and more.
STANLEY  Visitors to the Redfish Lake recreation complex arent finished seeing road construction, and whats to come will transform the experience.

One stretch of road to be built next year at Redfish Lake  higher than the route its replacing  will give drivers better views of iconic scenery than theyve ever had from their cars. A pullout will invite them to stop for photos.

Isnt that something? Sawtooth National Recreation Area landscape architect Matt Phillips said Aug. 15, surveying a sweeping scene dominated by Mount Heyburn from atop hummocky glacial terrain near the Outlet Campground.

The future road to the recreation complexs east side will pass through the high point where he stood, but the routes design was more about eliminating creek crossings, rehabilitating wetlands and protecting troubled fish species than creating an easy photo opportunity for tourists.

Its kind of one of those things that just happened, Phillips said. Its just a happy added bonus.

The old road from Idaho 75 to Redfish Lakes developed North Shore crossed Redfish Lake Creek twice, and both bridges were failing. Also, a significant portion of the road cut through wetlands, impeding natural hydrology.

The old route first reached the west side, where the visitor center is, then crossed the North Shore to reach the campgrounds and day use areas on the east side.

The roads new route  bypassing wetlands and requiring only one creek crossing  leads instead to a roundabout that will give drivers a choice: one road to the North Shores west side, and a separate road to the east side.

Visitors have seen some of the overhaul already.

The Sawtooth National Forest in 2014 and 2015 built a new 110-foot bridge over Redfish Lake Creek, incorporating a pedestrian walkway for the lakes proposed trail system; rerouted a stretch of road, giving it wider shoulders for bicycles; and built the roundabout. It decommissioned a portion of the old roadway by removing asphalt and gravel, recontouring the land and strewing dead branches and logs.

But for now, the east side of the roundabout is just a stub. In mid-August, crews were clearing trees in the path of the future east-side road, and construction there will start next spring.

When thats finished, Phillips said, the stretch of road that follows the North Shore will be turned over to pedestrians. The North Shore day use area will get a new parking lot, and the forest will expand day use parking at the lakes outlet. The visitor centers parking lot  which floods in springtime  will be relocated out of a wetland, a move that will also enable the center to meet accessibility standards.

Those changes are all cleared to proceed, he said. In addition, the forest is in the scoping process for a proposal to expand and improve the Redfish Trailhead parking lot.

Internal trail network

The Redfish Lake recreation complex could see even more change soon.

The Sawtooth National Forest is conducting its internal scoping to assemble a proposal for an expansive, all-new trail network for pedestrians and bicycles. Public scoping is likely to begin next spring, said Phillips, project manager for the trail proposal.

The recreation complex has minor segments of existing trails, but theyre connected by roads  with shoulders too narrow to be safe for the bicyclists and pedestrians who populate them.

Its dangerous and frightening, Phillips said. This plan will get families and visitors off the roads.

The proposed internal trail network would begin at the Redfish Lake entrance station  where it would connect with a separately proposed trail from the city of Stanley  then head south near the newly rerouted road and cross the new bridge over Redfish Lake Creek. One trail spur would head to the west and one to the east; both would connect with the existing lakeshore road that will be turned over to pedestrians.

The east-side trail would continue to the Sandy Beach boat launch area and would connect with a new trailhead for the existing Grand Mogul Trail; that trailhead would be relocated out of Sockeye Campground to avoid conflicts with overnight campers and day users. A loop of the west-side trail would access Redfish Lake Lodge and its marina.

In short, Phillips said, the trail network would connect every facility at Redfish Lake.

Its too early to know whether there will be major obstacles to the trail proposal, he said last month.
Burley Community Fire Prevention Breakfast

BURLEY  The Burley Annual Community Fire Prevention Breakfast will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Burley Fire Station, 1235 Miller Ave. Pancakes, eggs, sausage and hash browns will be served.

Cost is $5 a person or $20 for a family of five. Donations are welcome.

Bike the Falls planned for Oct. 1

at Auger Falls

TWIN FALLS  Bike the Falls will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Auger Falls trailhead. Registration starts at 10 a.m. with the ride at 11 a.m.

Cost is $35 for individual riders and $20 for family bike riders (family of four).

The event will include free demonstrations, free guided childrens rides and free food from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Auger Falls.

Bike the Falls is presented by Wright Physical Therapy and the United Way of South Central Idaho along with other sponsors.

Three Free Dental Days

Dr. Bond at Canyon Falls Dental is going to having a 3 for Free promotion for the Magic Valley. In gratitude for your many years of patronage and support for our practice. In October we are offering 3 days of free dentistry for those who are greatest in need. Come into our office at 143 East Main St in Jerome to fill out an application for this event. For more information call Bond, Dr. Bond at 324-7007. Thank you so much Magic Valley for your many years of support.

Walk for Wishes Oct 1

TWIN FALLS  Experience the joy of helping others during their time of greatest need by participating in our 1st Annual Walk For Wishes on Saturday. This is a wonderful opportunity to involve your employees and help them Share in the Power of a Wish!

Three-year-old Audrey from Buhl, ID, is battling leukemia and has down syndrome. Audrey currently has a team of doctors that help her monitor her health. Audrey enjoys all kinds of music and her favorite movie is Signing Time. Her wish is to GO to Disney World where she can see all the lights and meet princesses! You can help grant wishes like Audreys by participating in the Walk For Wishes.

To participate in the Walk create a team or just walk yourself! There is no cost to register though we do ask that each walker raise at least $100. We hope that each team raises $1000 or more. You can raise money from co-workers, your family or start the funds going yourself. Sponsorships are also available!

Register at Idaho.wish.org or for more information, please contact Helene Peterson at 208.345.9474 or by email at hpeterson@idaho.wish.org

4-H Pie Fundraiser

BURLEY  Minidoka County 4-H Teen Association members are selling frozen pies for the holiday season.

Frozen pies that are available to order include: Blackberry, Cherry, Dutch Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, and Strawberry Rhubarb for $10 each, or Caramel Apple Nut, Chocolate Creme, Country Apple with maple crust, French Cream Cheesecake, Fruits of the Forest, Peachberry, and Wild Berry Blast for $12 each. Orders must be placed by October 21. To order pies, contact any 4-H Teen Association member or the Minidoka County Extension Office at 436-7184. Pies will arrive on November 17 at the McGregor Center.

Grief support group

Auburn Crest Hospice is offering a new service to those in our community that have experienced any type of loss in their life. We are beginning a Grief Support Group on Thursday October 6 at 7 p.m. and we will gather at our office, located at 397 Blue Lakes Blvd, in Twin Falls. This support group will meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. for six sessions. The goals for this group are to come together to support one another, share memories of loved ones, process through stages of grief, gain tools to navigate the grief process, and to prepare for coming holidays. Questions, RSVP and information can be directed to facilitators Sandy and Sheri at (208)735-7450. All are welcome.

Community action partnership

seeks reps

South Central Community Action Partnership is seeking applicants interested in serving as an elected low-income representative for Twin Falls County and as a private sector representative in Minidoka and Cassia Counties. Applicants must reside or work within an associated county. Applications for the opportunity to participate on the Board of Directors may be obtained by contacting the Twin Falls office at 550 Washington St. S. or by calling 1-800-627-1733 for more information. Applications and letter of interest must be returned to SCCAP, P.O. Box 531, Twin Falls, ID 83303-0531 or by fax 208-733-9355, by Sept. 29.

Running the Racks fundraiser set

for Oct. 15

BURLEY  The Burley Fire Departments Running the Racks 5K race is planned for Oct. 15 to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. at Wright Physical Therapy, 1945 Hiland Ave. in Burley.

Cost is $30 per person. $60 for a family of four, or $100 for a team of four.

This Fun Run/Walk 5K Fundraiser to raise awareness and money needed for breast cancer.

The Race/walk will start at Wright Physical Therapy 1945 Hiland Ave in Burley.

We also have a 1 mile course for kids, families or people that want to walk.

Costs are $30 for a single, $60 for a family of 4, or $100 for a team of 4. The cost includes a gift bag with shirt for adults and goodies for kids.

Find the Route Map www.wrightpt.com/events There will be food and prizes.

Agape Luncheon

The Agape Ministry luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 19th, at the Community Meeting Room at the Gooding Fair Grounds, Gooding, Idaho beginning at 11:30 am. The theme for this luncheon will be Go and Tell.

Debbie Thibodeau will be the featured speaker. Originally from Louisiana, Debbie now resides in Buhl. Having survived two abusive relationships, she will address the issues of domestic violence and mental health issues resulting from such relationships.

Shawn Sickinger, also from Buhl, will provide musical selections.

Because this is a catered event, reservations are required. If you will be having lunch, please contact Carolyn Herzinger at 208-934-5700 on or before Sunday, October 16th. Cost of the lunch is $8.50. The program, which begins at noon, is free to the public.

Craig, Vega awarded scholarships

John V. Evans Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of D.L. Evans Bank, is pleased to announce that Kathryn Craig and Evando Vega were awarded $250.00 scholarships.

Craig is a graduating senior of Jerome High School and Vega is graduating Minico High School. They have demonstrated academic excellence, community service, and had additional outstanding contributions to school.

Smiths Donations Reach $14 million to Primary Childrens Hospital

Smiths Food & Drug Stores has donated $1.4 million to Primary Childrens Hospital, making it the largest corporate contributor to the facility with more than $14 million donated to date.

Smiths generous donations are used to assist families throughout the Intermountain West who are unable to pay for the specialized care and medical costs of their child. In 2015, there were 5,870 inpatient and outpatient visits by children from Idaho at the hospital.

In 2015, Primary Childrens expended more than $11.6 million to cover 13,520 hospital visits by children in need. Community donations also support programs including music therapy that improve the hospital experience for patients.

Recent additions to the Filer City Library

Best Sellers:

Home by Harlen Coben, The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen, The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J. K. Rowling.

DeMary Memorial Library Book Notes

Fiction: The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M Eden

Hes the most fearsome sheriff in the west. A force to be reckoned with. The stuff of legend. So is she. May the best sheriff win.

Fiction: Christmas Caramel Murder by Joanne Fluke

Christmas normally descends on Lake Eden, Minnesota, as gently as reindeer alighting on a rooftop-but this yuletide season the only thing coming down Hannah Swensens chimney is a case of murder

Fiction: The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter

Husbands and wives. Mothers and daughters. The past and the future. Secrets bind them, and secrets can destroy them.

Fiction: Home by Harlan Coben

Fiction: Pushing Up Daisies by M.C. Beaton

Fiction: A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

Fiction: A Love Transformed by Tracie Peterson

Mystery: Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mewd by Alan Bradley

Fiction: Loves Faithful Promise by Susan Mason

Fiction: They Danced On by Carre Gardner

Fiction: Fraying at the Edge by Cindy Woodsmall
Volunteers  The Senior Companion Program at the CSI Office on Aging needs volunteers, age 55 and older, to assist homebound seniors by providing friendly visits, transportation or other assistance as needed. Senior Companions make positive impacts by helping to improve the mental and emotional status of their clients. Senior Companions receive a stipend per hour of service (to income eligible seniors) and can work between 15 to 40 hours a week. They receive reimbursement for mileage, and training on age-related problems. Information: Dandre, 208-736-2122, or toll free, 800-574-8656.

Volunteers  Interlink Volunteer Caregivers (IVC) provides volunteers to help elderly, disabled and chronically ill people to live safely and independently at home. Volunteers are needed in the Mini Cassia area and Magic Valley to help build wheelchair ramps and install grab bars. Volunteers are also needed to help with light housekeeping. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage and covered with excess auto liability insurance. Commitment is flexible with no minimum hours required. Information: Edie, 208-733-6333 or ivcofmv@gmail.com

Drivers  The Twin Falls Senior Center needs drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in Twin Falls Monday through Friday, and the routes take an hour or less to complete. Commitment is based on your availability. Volunteers must be 18 years of age with their own car, and have proof of liability insurance and a background check. Drivers receive 54 cents a mile fuel reimbursement. Information: 208-734-5084.

Drivers  The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program in Twin Falls. Volunteers will drive patients to and from medical treatments. Commitment is flexible. Information: 1-800-227-2345.

Volunteers  The Fifth Judicial District CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program is seeking community volunteers to become advocates for abused children. Advocates receive training and support to investigate, report, monitor and advocate for children involved in the child protection system. Advocates are needed in all eight counties of the district, and the program needs volunteers in the Mini Cassia area. Information: Tahna, 208-735-1177.

Volunteers  Hospice Visions Inc. is looking for volunteers to visit with patients and their families, do minor home modifications such as grab bars, and also volunteer Light Touch Massage therapists, hair dressers, meal assist volunteers, and to play music and games with hospice patients. Volunteers are needed with licensed certified therapy animals to love our hospice patients in their own homes or assisted living centers. Hospice Visions is looking for volunteers interested in doing art projects with patients or filming and creating a Life Legacy Video, or to take someone to the store, run an errand or out for a drive. Veterans can become a Vet-to-Vet Volunteer and visit with other veterans. Volunteers are also needed to assist with fundraising events and provide office assistance. Information: Nora at 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org..

Volunteers  St. Lukes Home Health and Hospice is looking for new volunteers to join its team to share compassion and care and increase the quality of life for patients and their families. The program is designed to offer companionship and socialization to patients as well as respite and support for the caregivers. Information: Marie Sharp, 208-814-7603 or sharpm@slhs.org.

Volunteers  The Twin Falls Senior Center has a ladies group (The Crazy Quilters), who are looking for individuals to put finishing touches on quilts as a group while socializing. The group meets from 9 a.m. to noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All quilt project proceeds are given to the Twin Falls Senior Center. Information: 208-734-5084.
JEROME  The creepy, possibly criminal, and definitely hard to verify scary-clown phenomenon has reached the Magic Valley.

A man dressed as a clown reportedly chased people on South Idaho Street in Wendell on Wednesday night, police said. Then on Thursday, a student at Jerome High School received a text telling him something to the effect of, The Clown is coming to your school.

Police dont know if the incidents are related, and law enforcement in both cities are taking the reports seriously. But police believe both incidents are likely copy-cat pranks in the same vein of clown-related hoaxes that have spread across the country in recent weeks, with people reporting scary clowns chasing children and making online threats from New York to Arizona.

First, there was the report Wednesday night from Wendell that a clown was chasing people on the citys main drag.

A Wendell deputy and a Gooding County unit responded out there but were unable to locate the subject, Gooding County Sheriffs Sgt. Kelby Cornett said.

The deputies continued to search for the clown throughout the night but didnt find anyone matching the description. Cornett said his office was planning to have extra patrols out Thursday night keeping watch for a possibly mean-spirited clown.

Then on Thursday, just hours after local law enforcement agencies were warned to look out for threats to schools coming from clown-themed social media accounts, a Jerome high schooler received an anonymous text.

The Clown is coming to your school, was the gist of the text, Jerome Police Chief Dan Hall said. As far as we know, theres no real threat, but were still taking it seriously.

So was there actually a clown out Wednesday in Wendell chasing and harassing people? And is there really a sinister clown on his or her way to torment Jerome high school students?

If the recent trend around the country holds true here in the Magic Valley, the answer to both questions is likely a resounding no.

According to multiple media reports, the reports of creepy, criminally-minded clowns started in late August in South Carolina, where it was reported clowns were offering children money to lure them into the woods. The trend continued in the weeks that followed with reports of clowns up to no good in Georgia, Maryland, Alabama and other states.

Many of the reports, though, seemed to be hoaxes. The New York Times reported Thursday that at least 12 people across the country have been charged with making false reports in connection to clown hoaxes.

Predictably, the scary-clown phenomenon has since migrated online, with several high schools across the Phoenix area receiving vague threats from Facebook and other social media accounts featuring profile photos of scary clowns.

The Arizona Republic reported three teenagers were arrested for the hoax and other teens were under investigation in connection to the threats against nearly two dozen schools in the Phoenix area.

The problem was so wide-spread in Arizona that a bulletin was sent out to law enforcement agencies around the country Thursday morning warning them to prepare for hoaxes involving social-media clowns making vague threats to schools. Twin Falls and Jerome police both confirmed they received the bulletin early Thursday.

And it couldnt have come at a better time, as late Thursday morning police learned of the text message circulating around Jerome High School.

The student received the anonymous text about 11 a.m., Hall said. He sent it to other students, but it appears there was only one original text, and no specific threats.

Police are trying to back-track and trace the source of that text, the police chief said.

It appears people are using this to disrupt things, Hall said.
TWIN FALLS  A Twin Falls chiropractor is now charged with sexually assaulting nine clients and has been suspended by the states board of chiropractors.

Robert Max Johnson, 54, was charged in July with four misdemeanor counts of sexual exploitation by a medical care provider after four women all went to police about being touched inappropriately during massages. Five more women came forward following news reports about the charges. The woman said the sexual misconduct happened over the course of a year starting in May 2015.

Now, the Idaho State Board of Chiropractors has suspended Johnson.

An order from the boards chair, Dr. Mary J. White, said Johnson shall not practice as a chiropractic physician in the State of Idaho until completion of the pending criminal charges and until the board has fully reviewed and made a final determination regarding any necessary or appropriate disciplinary action.

The order was signed by White on Sept. 22 after Johnson agreed to the suspension.

Johnson is charged in Twin Falls County Magistrate Court with nine misdemeanor counts of sexual exploitation by a medical care provider. He faces up to nine years in county jail, a fine up to $9,000 and he would have to register as a sex offender.

Prosecutors charged Johnson in July with four misdemeanor counts of sexual exploitation by a medical care provider. Johnson owned and operated BrainCore Therapy of Southern Idaho, at 488 Blue Lakes Blvd. N., and police were still seeking other potential victims when Johnson was arrested and charged in July.

After news of his charges became public, at least five more women came forward to accuse Johnson of inappropriate sexual conduct. Court documents show police interviewed the women July 13-26.

The women told similar stories as the first four women, telling police Johnson spent inordinate amounts of time massaging their inner thighs, brushing up against their genitals and fondling their breasts. Most of the women said the massages lasted much longer than the time theyd paid for and that Johnsons hands would shake and his breathing would become heavy when he was touching near their inner thighs, breasts or genitals.

One woman said Johnson touched her inappropriately on several occasions between May 2015 and January or February of this year, but she finally stopped seeing him when he inserted his fingers in her vagina.

The woman said Johnson once asked if he could massage her breasts, telling her it could help relieve hip and back pain because all the muscles are connected, court documents said. She told police she felt uncomfortable with him massaging her breasts, and he later texted her saying, It was good therapy for the two of us.

The woman, who was seeing Johnson for massages and chiropractic care, told police that on one occasion, Johnson started becoming inappropriate, so she told him to stop and asked him what his wife  a licensed masseuse and owner of Tranquility Massage  would think about what he was doing.

He said his wife, Sherry Johnson, did not give massages like he did, a detective wrote in a sworn affidavit. He told her, I will behave this time. Dr. Johnson used an electric massager on (victims) butt and groin area during that massage.

The same woman said that she once made an appointment for a massage with Johnsons wife, to which he responded by telling her, If Sherry doesnt give you a good massage, you can come see me up camping and Ill give you a good massage.

Sherry Johnson filed for divorce July 13, a week after Johnson was charged, citing irreconcilable differences, court documents said. The divorce was finalized Aug. 10.

Sherry Johnson was granted ownership of Tranquility Massage, court documents said, while Johnson was granted ownership of BrainCore Therapy of Southern Idaho and Family Chiropractic Clinic of Idaho.

Johnson, who is out of custody on $10,000 bond, is set for a pretrial conference Nov. 9 and a jury trial Nov. 16.
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TWIN FALLS  Future and current college students can start filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on Saturday, Oct. 1.

This is a permanent change from the former application opening date in January, the College of Southern Idaho announced Wednesday.

CSI urges students who are considering taking classes next fall to apply soon for financial aid.

The application generally takes about 30 minutes online as long as applicants are prepared with all the necessary information.

Families will now be able to fill out the FAFSA using tax information from 2015.

It also means families will be able to use the IRS data retrieval tool found at www.fafsa.gov to fill in relevant tax information, which will simplify the process.

Students are also urged to seek possible scholarships at scholarships.csi.edu.

Contact the CSI admissions office with questions at 208-732-6221 or admissions@csi.edu.
TWIN FALLS  After 14 years at the helm, Twin Falls School District Superintendent Wiley Dobbs will retire Sept. 1, 2017.

Dobbs made the announcement during a Wednesday night school board meeting. School trustees voted 4-0 to accept Dobbs resignation, with trustee Paul McClintock absent.

Dobbs departure will lead to a major transition for south-central Idahos largest school district  with nearly 9,300 students  and a search for a new superintendent.

In a Wednesday letter to school trustees, Dobbs writes he has been with the Twin Falls district for more than 45 years  12 as a student and 33 as an employee  and is proud of what we have accomplished together.

Make no mistake, I will miss working the great people in this organization, he writes. However, it is my desire to retire to pursue other interests in my life.

After Dobbs finished reading a statement, board chairman Bernie Jansen said: Well, thank you, Dr. Dobbs for your service.

Dobbs, a 1976 Twin Falls High School alumnus, became superintendent of his hometown school district in July 2003.

He started his career as a teacher in 1983, later becoming principal at Magic Valley High School, principal at Vera C. OLeary Junior High School and the school districts director of operations.

Dobbs earned a doctoral degree in 2004 from the University of Idaho. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including Idaho Superintendent of the Year in 2013.

The timing of Dobbs retirement announcement will allow the school board to do an exhaustive search for a new superintendent, according to a Wednesday statement from the school district.

Dobbs will work with a new superintendent before retiring.

Karen Echeverria, executive director of the Idaho School Boards Association, was at the meeting to provide school board training. Trustee Mary Barron asked her for recommendations on how to approach a superintendent search process.

ISBA offers services ranging from advertising to helping with candidate interviews, Echeverria said.

For a district your size, I would recommend you do go out and do some kind of search, she told school trustees.

The district may have great in-house candidates, but you owe it to the community to do a search, Echeverria said.

For a nationwide search, the process should begin in January, Echeverria said, to hire a new superintendent to start July 1, 2017.

The best time to hire is in April or May, she added.

Jansen said school trustees would consider what to do for a superintendent search and discuss it during a November meeting.

Dobbs contract expires June 30, 2017, but hes requesting it should be extended until Sept. 1, 2017 to train a new superintendent.

Jansen said in his opinion, the board will worry this spring what happens with Dobbs contract terms. But he said they owe it to Dobbs to let him see the new middle school through to its opening day.

Dobbs told the Times-News on Wednesday he became eligible to retire last March. But he wanted to stay on as superintendent to see the opening of three new schools.

I just felt really strongly about seeing these building projects through, he said.

Voters passed a nearly $74 million bond in 2014 to open two new elementary schools and a middle school.

Rock Creek and Pillar Falls elementary schools opened in August, and South Hills Middle School is slated for completion in summer 2017.

Looking back on his time as superintendent, Dobbs said none of the accomplishments were by me, adding theres an excellent school district office administrative team and school board. He said he has always used a shared leadership approach.

In the letter to school trustees, he writes: Over the past decade, the TFSD #411 has risen to a level of great respect in the State of Idaho. We have garnered tremendous support from our community as well.

During Dobbs time as superintendent, the school district passed six levies totaling more than $180 million.

In fact, we are undefeated and have passed every levy we have attempted during my tenure, Dobbs wrote in the letter. This demonstrates great confidence by our patrons and a strong willingness to invest in the children of our community.

In 2006, voters passed a $48.7 million bond to build a second high school in Twin Falls: Canyon Ridge High School.

Around that time, the community began to accept managed growth, Dobbs said. Now, I think its embraced.

Another highlight of Dobbs career: how the school district weathered the economic recession beginning around 2009.

Unlike many Idaho school districts, Twin Falls didnt have layoffs or cuts to student programs. Instead, employees took furlough days.

Everyone took the hit together, Dobbs said, noting he thinks the school district garnered a lot of respect for taking that approach.

The district was also recognized in Education Northwest Magazine for its actions during the recession.

During the meeting, trustees also:

Toured South Hills Middle School, which is slated for completion in summer 2017 on Harrison Street South. Its paid for using a nearly $74 million bond voters approved in 2014. Two new elementary schools  Rock Creek and Pillar Falls  opened in August.

Went through school board training by Karen Echeverria, executive director of the Idaho School Boards Association. The biggest issue the association is dealing with across Idaho is violations of the Open Meeting Law, she said. I would be very careful with how your agendas are posted for executive sessions. But Echeverria said she hasnt received any Open Meeting Law complaints about the Twin Falls School District.

Heard updates about the 2015-20 strategic plan, enrollment and school facility projects.
BURLEY  The Mini-Cassia Airport Task Force advisory committee wrapped up its duties Wednesday as it met for the last time.

The task force consisted of about a dozen elected officials from both counties and the cities of Paul, Declo, Heyburn and Rupert along with community members and airport users.

The task forces goal was to identify two site possible for an airport.

Through the use of a matrix system the group identified a preferred site south of Interstate 84 near Exit 216 and an alternative site of north of the interstate in the same area. The preferred site is owned by a holding company that leases farm ground and the Taylor family. It requires 750 acres.

The sites were assigned weight to different criteria like proximity from interstate, agriculture impacts, and conflicts from different agencies that would be affected.

I feel really good about what weve done. Weve narrowed the river quite a bit in the past year, task force chairman Casey Andersen said.

Rick Patton, with GDA Engineers, the group developing the city of Burleys Master Airport Plan, said the city will now begin working on an invitation to send out to the other six government entities that have been identified as potential sponsors of the airport, which include Minidoka County, Cassia County and the cities of Rupert, Paul, Declo and Heyburn asking how they would like to participate in the governance of the airport.

Once the sponsors of the airport are identified it will be determined how the government body of the airport will be set up.

Options include establishing a true airport authority, which would include a geographic region and elected officials or it could be set up as a board through a memorandum of understanding between the participating city and county governments. That group would then hire an airport manager to oversee day-to-day tasks.

Andersen said he would like to establish an airport authority with elected board members.

Minidoka County commissioner Kent McClellan said all of the task force representatives will have to take the information back to the boards they represent and each body will have to vote on how they want to participate.

Most of the costs of the capital projects to build the airport will be paid for through federal, state and city of Burley funds, Patton said. The city must turn over the value of the existing airport to the new one.

At this point Patton said, it looks like there will be no additional public money needed to build the grant eligible structures at the airport.

There will be some ongoing maintenance costs to consider, he said, but some of that will be offset by airport revenues and will depend on how the governing board sets things up like determining lease costs.

Patton said now that the group has established the preferred site and alternative site, the master plan study, which has been on pause, will resume and should take another six to eight months to complete.

There will be at least four more public meetings during that phase, he said.

After the master plan is complete, an environmental assessment will have to done on the preferred site, which will take at least nine months.

Once the environmental assessment is complete they will begin land acquisition, which will not begin for at least two years.

The city of Burley has been trying to relocate the municipal airport for 20 years but has run into opposition each time sites were selected. The Federal Aviation Administration has told the city the airport does not meet standards and it will not continue to fund the airport long term unless that is corrected.

City Administrator Mark Mitton said the city cannot keep the airport open without federal funding. FAA officials have said this will be the last attempt to find a viable site, and if the community continues to fight the efforts and fails to reach a consensus it will pull the plug on the project.

Patton said in previous meetings that bringing the airport up to standards at its current location is not a viable option because the runways would have to be extended into the community to Overland Avenue and past the hospital.

The socio-economic impact would be too great, he said, a sentiment that was previously mirrored by FAA officials.

You guys did a great job and you are the buzz in Helena (Montana) and Boise, Patton told the taskforce as it disbanded. You are an example of how a community works together and you can be proud of that.
TWIN FALLS  An 18-year-old man crashed his car into Rock Creek Canyon early Thursday.

The driver, Aaron A. Epperson of Twin Falls, was cited with failure to report a crash involving damage to private property and failure to provide proof of insurance.

Sheriff's deputies say the crash happened about 1 a.m., and a nearby resident heard the crash and called police at 9:10 a.m. when the car was spotted in the canyon.

The car hit a sign on Borah Avenue West, came back onto the roadway, failed to make the curve, and went down a steep embankment and lodged in some trees.

Epperson was not there when deputies arrived.
TWIN FALLS  A Twin Falls County man is receiving treatment after being bitten by an aggressive bat that tested positive for rabies.

On Monday, the individual was working in the Mini-Cassia area when the encounter occurred, said Tanis Maxwell, an epidemiologist with South Central Public Health District.

Health officials said treatment for rabies is usually preventative, and the man is receiving treatment at a local medical facility.

The bat was captured and sent to the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories for testing. The Idaho Bureau of Laboratories sent the results to Maxwell on Wednesday.

This is the first animal that has tested positive for rabies in this district since 2013, district spokesman Jeff Pierson said. Since June, 19 animals statewide have tested positive for rabies  including 10 in Ada County. Bats are submitted for testing when there is an exposure to a person or an animal.

Rabies can be confirmed only in a laboratory.

This time of year is typical for bat migration through south-central Idaho.

People will be a lot more likely to encounter bats in late summer, early fall as they start to migrate, said Ross Winton, regional wildlife biologist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Just because they encounter a bat by itself in their yard, or that isnt quick to fly away, doesnt mean it is likely to have rabies.

Bats will find makeshift roosts as they pass through.

It is best never to handle any bat, health officials said. While you should leave bats alone, Winton noted the presence of a bat isnt cause for alarm. If its still there the following day, has bitten a human or animal, or if its urine comes in contact with a wound, then appropriate officials should be contacted.

If an individual is scratched or bitten, they should receive medical attention as soon as possible.

An untreated rabies infection is virtually always fatal, Maxwell said.

The Health District urges residents to avoid contact with bats. To protect yourself and your pets;

Do not touch a bat with your bare hands;

If you have an encounter with a bat, seek medical attention immediately;

If safe to do so, capture the bat and save it in a container without touching it. Then contact South Central Public Health District to arrange for testing. There is no charge for this service;

Always vaccinate your pets, including horses. Pets may encounter bats outdoors or in the home;

Plug all holes in your cabin or home. Pay attention to gaps in the siding and maintain tight-fitting screens on windows and vents.

Visit phd5.idaho.gov/rabies for information. To arrange for an animal to be tested, call 208-737-5966
BUHL  A former caretaker of the Buhl Mansion in Sharon, Pa., has donated a piece of history to Frank H. Buhls namesake, a quiet little town in western Twin Falls County.

Robert Lysohir of Moscow called Buhl Mayor Tom McCauley a few months ago and asked if he could donate something to the towns museum.

I told him we didnt have a museum, McCauley said, but then I told him about the senior center and how Chuck (Van Vooren) had turned it into sort of a museum.

So McCauley put Lysohir in touch with Van Vooren and they struck a deal. Van Vooren, chairman of the West End Senior Center board, would drive to Moscow to pick up the grate.

Lysohir wanted to give the artifact  an ornate grate from an onyx fireplace in the former Buhl home  to someone who had a significant interest in Buhl, and the small town seemed to fit the bill. Buhl was a major player in the development of the Magic Valleys irrigation system at the turn of the 20th century and was instrumental in founding the town.

I still had to convince him I wasnt an antique dealer, Van Vooren said.

He installed the grate in an exhibit near the front door of the senior center, but kept it under wraps until Sunday when he revealed the artifact at the seniors luncheon. He displayed the grate with its provenance, a 1993 letter from a Pennsylvania attorney declaring the grate came from the Buhl Mansion and that the owners of the mansion had given it to Lysohir when he lived in the home.

I was in my 20s in the 70s. The owner wanted the house cleaned out, Lysohir said. I also have the Buhls linen closet and a large blue travel trunk which I want to sell.

Van Vooren said he doesnt necessarily believe everything hes told.

I like to investigate, he said. If I hear something I want to find out if its true.

He spent a lot of time researching Buhls connection to Buhl, the town.

Turns out, when Buhl came to the Magic Valley in support of the irrigation system, he suggested the county establish a town in its west end, Van Vooren said. The town of Buhl was incorporated in 1906.

Buhl was proud of his namesake, and donated money to build the F. H. Buhl High School and organized the F. H. Buhl Club  the social, recreational and cultural life of the town. The first baby born in Buhl was also named after the towns founder, Van Vooren said.

We are real fortunate that we have people like Chuck in town to recognize the importance of these things and put the effort into collecting and organizing this stuff, McCauley said. Now we have a product of history, a tangible item you can put your hands on.
This appeared in Wednesdays Washington Post.

The presidential debate Monday did not absorb just Americans; it was closely followed by adversaries and allies of the United States across the globe. Many of the latter will have new cause for alarm as they reflect on a string of ignorant misstatements and irresponsible assertions by Donald Trump.

Start with Japan, the closest U.S. ally in Asia, bound to Washington by a mutual defense treaty. Trump declared: We cant defend Japan because they do not pay us. That will be news in Tokyo, which annually budgets some $4 billion to cover the costs of American bases  so much that some analysts estimate it is cheaper to keep 54,000 military personnel in Japan than it would be to return them to the United States. Thats not to speak of the contribution Japan makes to defending vital U.S. interests, such as checking aggression by China and North Korea. The government of Shinzo Abe recently fought to modify the constitution so as to make deeper defense cooperation with the United States possible. Yet Trump suggests that his administration would not continue this vital alliance because were losing a fortune.

The same goes for the NATO alliance, which has kept democratic Europe secure for 65 years. Trump made some cavalier comments about an obsolete transatlantic alliance earlier this year, at a time when, as he conceded Monday, he hadnt given lots of thought to NATO. Remarkably, with six weeks to go until the presidential election, he seems to have done no more thinking, or learning. He said NATO countries should at least be paying us what they are supposed to be paying by treaty and contract. But there are no such treaties or contracts; NATO is a mutual defense pact.

Trump also claimed that after he said that NATO should devote itself to terrorism, it set up a major terror division. (He said he learned this from a newspaper article.) Could he really be unaware, as Hillary Clinton pointed out, that the only time NATOs mutual defense article has been invoked was after Sept. 11, 2001, and that NATO has been fighting terrorism in Afghanistan ever since? Apparently so.

The GOP candidates flights of fancy must have prompted some amusement as well as alarm in foreign capitals. Take his assertion that the Iranian nuclear deal should have required Tehran to do something with respect to North Korea and its nuclear arsenal because Iran has power over North Korea. Or consider Trumps claim that had we taken the oil . . . ISIS would not have been able to form. . . because oil was their primary source of income. But the Islamic State obtained the majority of its oil from Syria. Is Trump saying that the United States should have invaded that country to seize its wells?

Unfortunately, Trumps ludicrous assertions have serious implications. As Clinton put it, words matter when you run for president. She added, I want to reassure our allies in Japan and South Korea and elsewhere that we have mutual defense treaties and we will honor them. No doubt U.S. allies will be comforted if she wins in November. Between now and then, like a lot of Americans, they will fear for their future.
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In a bid to address the global glut of oil supply, members of OPEC reached a landmark agreement, at a meeting in Algiers, to cut their collective oil output sending oil prices soaring by 5%.

The member states of the oil cartel reached a consensus that output cuts are needed to help lift prices and rebalance the market.

OPEC oil production is expected to be reduced from 33.4 million barrels of oil per day to a range of 32.5 to 33 million barrels per day.

An OPEC source told several global media outlets that Saudi Arabia will reduce its oil production by 350,000 barrels a day. Three countries were exempted from output cuts: Iran, Nigeria and Libya.

Many observers see the deal as a sign of a new phase in Saudi-Iranian relations who have been antagonistic on oil policies and supporting opposite sides in civil wars in Syria and Yemen.

Oil Prices plummeted from as high as 100 dollars per barrel in 2014 to as low as 26 dollars per barrel last February. Currently, prices have recovered to hover around 47 dollars per barrel.
US President Barack Obama is expected to prolong for a third consecutive month the US air campaign in Libya against the Islamic State (IS) militants, Fox News reported citing US security officials close to the campaign.

The US air force on August 1 launched campaign against IS fighters in Sirte; a town halfway between Tripoli and Benghazi. The Pentagon at the beginning of the campaign said the operation was requested by the UN-backed Government of National Accord fighting the terrorist group.

Initially planned to last weeks, the campaign has been in the second month. 175 airstrikes have been launched as of Tuesday by the US-Africa command leading the US aerial campaign.

The fight against the Islamist group has been taking longer than expected as the jihadists still hold GNA forces at bay despite numerous wins against the movement. Sirte is yet to be entirely liberated.

The security official told the US media that extending the campaign means Navy will have to keep two warships off the coast of Libya for up to a third consecutive month.

There has not been any hint to increase forces in order to hasten the campaign.

IS fighters still holding firmly in Sirte have been put at under hundred while previous estimates indicated that the group had around 1,000 fighters at the onset of the campaign.
Morocco signed on Tuesday a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing, the worlds largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, to establish an industrial ecosystem in the North African country.

The signing ceremony of the deal was held in the Royal Palace in Tangiers under the chairmanship of King Mohammed VI.

During the signing ceremony, Industry Minister Moulay Hafid Elalamy made a detailed presentation of the Morocco-Boeing joint venture, and surveyed the rapid development scored, over the past few years, by the aerospace sector, one of Moroccos global businesses.

The size of the aeronautics sector increased six fold during the past ten years and currently 121 companies operate in the sector in Morocco, which ranks 15th worldwide in terms of attracting aviation industry investments, said the Moroccan official.

Boeing, which established the MATIS factory in Morocco in 2001, in association with RAM and Safran, has once again opted to establish its ecosystem in the kingdom, he said underlining that this new undertaking is by far the most important.

Through our joint venture in Casablanca, we have already seen firsthand the exceptional opportunities offered by Morocco to aerospace industry subcontractors, mainly regarding the reduction of costs while producing high quality aerospace products, said President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Raymond L. Conner.

With a high-quality but cheap workforce, Moroccos aerospace sector has developed rapidly over the past decade and attracted several operators among the largest in the world, such as Bombardier, EADS Boeing, Safran, Lisi Aerospace, French Le Piston, Daher, Souriau, Ratier Figeac, Eaton, Alcoa and Aerolia.

The Boeing project that the North African kingdom hopes will create more than 8,000 jobs and an additional $1 billion a year in export revenue, translates the enormous trust that international investors have in Morocco, especially as the deal is signed in a very sensitive international context and a national context marked by the holding of legislative elections in the country.

However, elections in Morocco do not drive away investors because they are a normal process in Moroccan politics that transcends governmental or political changes, and because the Sovereign oversees personally the implementation of the countrys strategic agenda in accordance with the objectives set.

Therefore investors trust can be understood easily, in view of the countrys political stability, its strong and efficient institutions that reflect the nations consensus around strategic choices, under the leadership of a King who guarantees the continuity and who plays an active role in the development process of the Kingdom.

Besides, the North African Country, which represents a major economic asset for large international groups, stands out as special in a geostrategic area plagued by successive crises. And the strategy, spearheaded by the sovereign since his accession to the throne, enabled to endow Morocco with advanced infrastructures and regulatory and governance tools.

All these assets enable Morocco to meet effectively the needs of investors and to position itself as a genuine area of economic opportunity.
A court in France has rejected the Senegalese governments request to confiscate a luxury apartment in Paris and assets in a bank account belonging to former minister Karim Wade.

While Wade was accused of unlawful enrichment by a court in Senegal, the Paris court said it found no evidence of corruption or money laundering.

The Paris prosecutor had considered the request admissible, to the extent that the confiscation of an apartment and a bank account has no impact on the interests of the nation and the French public order.

Karim Wade was minister and council member during his fathers rule between 2000 and 2012 and was detained in 2013 for unlawfully acquiring assets valued at 178 million euros ($198 million) which include companies in Senegal and abroad, bank accounts, real estate and cars.

He has been released from prison in Senegal after being granted a presidential pardon last June. He immediately flew to Qatar where he is living now.

Wade was a senior minister in his fathers government, and was in charge of major infrastructure and energy projects. His large portfolio earned him the nick-name the minister of the earth and the sky.

He denies the charges and his supporters claim that the case against him was a political move intended to eliminate dissent.

The countrys main opposition party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, chose Wade as their presidential candidate for the 2019 polls while he was in prison.
Kenya Airways Ltd., sub-Saharan Africas third-largest airline, is in talks with foreign institutional investors to sell a stake as the carrier face economic challenges, the CEO Mbuvi Ngunze said.

We are talking to about three or four parties, Mbuvi Ngunze, the CEO of Kenya Airways, told Reuters.

The carrier is also talking to its creditors, including banks, to amend terms of its debt and provide it with sufficient funds for operation in the short term.

The carrier, based in the capital Nairobi, has been working on a turnaround plan after reporting the largest loss in Kenyan corporate history last year.

The airline, 27 percent-owned by Air France KLM, has been reducing the size of and modernizing its fleet, selling land and cutting jobs to recover from losses caused by a slump in tourism.

A reorganization plan developed by McKinsey & Co. seeks to bring the company back to profit. The plan may however result in cutting the 4,000-strong workforce by at least 30 percent.

Kenya Airways has an extensive route network on the continent, operating numerous flights a week to cities like Lusaka in the south and Accra in the west.
Credit: University of Manchester

Access to interpreter and translation services is an essential requirement to ensure integration  according to a new study carried out by a team from The University of Manchester's Multilingual Manchester project, in collaboration with the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups for Manchester.

The pilot research was undertaken in order to establish whether there are any barriers to the use of language provisions that potentially affect access to health care.

The team, led by Professor Yaron Matras, tracked all requests for interpreter and translation services across both Manchester's GP surgeries and the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT). Additionally, interviews with medical practitioners, interpreters, and users of health care services from a variety of backgrounds including the city's Pakistani, Somali, Arab and Roma communities were carried out.

In the finance year 2014-2015, Central Manchester Hospitals responded to around 48,000 interpreting requests (including both face to face and telephone interpreting), for 99 different languages. During the same period Manchester's GP surgeries responded to around 18,000 requests for 53 different languages; half of those requests were in the central Manchester area. The highest level of demand in central Manchester's hospitals and GP surgeries was for Urdu and Arabic. There was also relatively high demand for Cantonese, Polish, and Bengali in the hospitals, and for Romanian, Somali and Bengali in GP surgeries.

Despite the volume of requests, the report found that patients' reliance on language provisions is transitional, and that over time increased familiarity with the system, and individuals' rising level of proficiency in English reduce their dependency on interpretation services.

For eastern European languages in particular, the team found that a sharp rise in demand at the beginning of a three-year observation period was followed by a fall in the number of requests for interpreters, by typically around 40-50%, toward the end of the period.

The research team found no evidence to suggest that lack of adequate interpreter provisions is driving patients with lower levels of English to turn to emergency or other hospital services rather than to primary care.

There is also no evidence that particular language groups either engage, or fail to engage, disproportionately with individual services.

Yaron Matras, Professor of Linguistics at The University of Manchester's School of Arts, Languages and Cultures commented: "The dynamics of constant population changes in a global city such as Manchester mean that the availability in principle of interpreter provisions in the health care system is a permanent necessity. Regular compilation and analysis of data can help us understand trends and plan provisions in a cost-effective manner".

Speaking on behalf of Manchester's three Clinical Commissioning Groups, Dr Mike Eeckelaers, said: "As commissioners we want to make sure that we remove any barriers to healthcare so that the people who live in this city can have equal access to services. This is why we wanted a comprehensive study of where translation services are needed, which languages this covers, and the impact that having interpreter provision can have for patients."

Explore further Urban languages archive is world's largest

More information: The full report can be accessed at: The full report can be accessed at: mlm.humanities.manchester.ac.u  l-care-Sept-2016.pdf
Physicians at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and colleagues have discovered that administering the antibiotic azithromycin alongside the standard recommended antibiotic regimen, cefazolin, reduces infection rates by 50 percent for women who have a non-elective cesarean delivery.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows adding the dose of 500 milligrams of azithromycin during a C-section also significantly decreases the use of health care resources, including readmissions, emergency room visits and clinic visits.

"Infection during pregnancy and during the postpregnancy period is a major health problem for both mom and baby, and a common underlying cause of death," said Alan T. N. Tita, M.D., Ph.D.; professor in the UAB Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Center for Women's Reproductive Health, and principal investigator of the study. "Women who have a C-section are at significantly increased risk for infection compared to those who deliver vaginally. A major national goal is to reduce the risk of infection after surgery, and this finding is the culmination of investigative work over decades."

Infection is among the top five causes of maternal death in the United States, and cesarean delivery is the most common major surgical procedure, with up to five times the risk for infection than a vaginal delivery.

"When our group first developed the idea that a second antibiotic could help reduce infections for these women, we found reassurance in the fact that some patients who have preterm premature rupture of the membranes receive two antibiotics to help reduce infection and prolong pregnancy," Tita said.

A clinical trial funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development was conducted across 14 hospitals in the United States with 2,013 women who were more than 24 weeks' gestation and undergoing a C-section during labor or after membrane rupture. A randomized group of patients received either the standard antibiotic regimen to prevent infection or a modified regimen with the additional azithromycin. Pfizer Inc. donated the azithromycin and had no other role in the study.

"These results are extremely important, given that the maternal death rate has increased in the U.S. and there is an urgent need for therapies to decrease serious complications that can lead to maternal deaths," said Uma Reddy, M.D., NICHD project officer for the study.

The UAB Department of Biostatistics analyzed data gathered from 14 participating hospitals to reveal that the frequency of endometritis, an infection of the lining of the uterus, and infection of the cesarean wound were decreased by 50 percent in the women who received the adjunctive azithromycin compared to women who received the standard single antibiotic. The babies who were delivered with the additional azithromycin did not have an increased risk of adverse events.

"Further analyses indicate that the benefits associated with adjunctive azithromycin are consistent across several subgroups of patients," said Jeff Szychowski, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB School of Public Health Department f Biostatistics. "Thanks to the dedication of research staff across the consortium of 14 centers to successfully execute a clinical trial of this magnitude, we are poised to perform multiple follow-up investigations and to understand the ramifications of these results more completely."Additionally, hospital readmission rates and unscheduled visits to a clinic or to the emergency room were reduced.

"There are significant costs associated with infections," Tita said. "The reduction in readmissions, visits, fevers and overall antibiotic use due to the intervention was higher than we expected, and translates to reduced health care costs."

"This was a significant breakthrough that has identified a simple and inexpensive way to reduce the most common complication associated with cesarean delivery," said William Andrews, Ph.D., M.D., chair of the UAB Department of OB/GYN and chair of the Steering Committee for the study.

Explore further Study found adding azithromycin to standard antibiotic reduced infections in C-sections
The United Nations will mobilize $181 million to shore up the emergency response to the cholera epidemic in Haiti and at least an equal amount for the victims and their families, a senior UN official says.

The financial package follows the United Nations's admission that it had a moral responsibility to help Haiti deal with the epidemic that broke out near a UN peacekeepers' base.

More than 10,000 people have been killed and 700,000 affected since the outbreak in 2010. There are still 500 new cases of cholera reported every week.

"The most immediate need is the funding for the cholera response," said David Nabarro, the UN's special adviser on sustainable development who is spearheading negotiations with Haiti and donor countries on the package.

Nabarro told AFP in an interview that the aim was to provide $181 million over three years and "at least the same amount" for the families of victims of the deadly epidemic.

Discussions are under way with the Haitian government on the details of the aid package, which UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to announce at the end of October.

While the United Nations maintains that it has a moral responsibility to help Haiti, it rejects claims that it is also legally responsible for the damages from the health emergency.

Several lawsuits filed by victims in US courts have been rejected because of the immunity from prosecution accorded to UN missions.

Studies have traced the cholera outbreak to Nepalese peacekeepers who were dispatched to Haiti by the United Nations after the massive 2010 earthquake.

The new measures are on top of a bigger 10-year plan valued at $2.2 billion to help Haiti improve its sanitation infrastructure, which the United Nations launched with the Haitian government.

'A lot of money'

"It is a complicated task, you need to get all the different pieces together," said Nabarro, who insisted that donors want to make sure that the funds will yield results in Haiti, which has a long history of political instability.

Nabarro rejected criticism that the United Nations had been slow in responding to the cholera outbreak.

"We have done an awful lot of work and spent quite a lot of money," he said.

There has been a 90 percent drop in new cases and mortality rates since the epidemic reached its peak in 2011, he said.

Cholera, a disease that is transmitted through contaminated drinking water and causes acute diarrhea, is a major challenge in a country with poor sanitary conditions.

Some 72 percent of Haitians do not have toilets at home and 42 percent do not have access to drinking water.

The United Nations must do more, said Nabarro.

"We know the big peak each year comes in October" with the rainy season, he said.

"You have to get each person with suspected cholera under treatment within 24 hours."

Nabarro said funding for rapid-reaction units was lacking, with an estimated $12 million needed this year and another $50 million by the end of 2017.

Explore further UN promises 'material' aid to cholera victims in Haiti

 2016 AFP
Credit: CDC

Boosting a protective protein to stabilize blood vessels weakened by malaria showed improved survival beyond that of antimalarial drugs alone in pre-clinical research.

Toronto General Research Institute (TGRI) and the Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University of Toronto and University Health Network researchers describe in Science Translational Medicine, 28 September 2016 how their approach bolsters the body's own capabilities to protect itself against cerebral malaria, rather than solely targeting the malaria parasites in the blood.

Over 400,000 lives are lost each year to severe and cerebral malaria, mainly among children in sub-Saharan Africa. For children surviving cerebral malaria, up to one-third may develop long-term neurological injury including epilepsy, behavioural disorders and/or motor, sensory or language deficits.

Led by Dr. Sarah Higgins, now a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Dr. Kevin Kain, Science Director, Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, the researchers demonstrate how giving mice angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), a key protein which protects the lining in blood vessels in humans and mice, when combined with the best antimalarial drug artesunate, results in 100 per cent of mice surviving severe malaria, compared to about 60% of the mice infected with malaria who received artesunate alone.

Equally important, the research also showed that Ang-1 preserves the blood-brain barrier, a critical network of blood vessels that allows nutrients to cross over into the brain, while keeping out foreign substances that may harm it. An infection such as severe malaria causes changes in blood vessels, resulting in a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and brain injury.

"To protect against this injury, we recreated what the body produces," explains Dr. Higgins, "Ang-1 enables blood vessels to maintain normal function and serves as a protective barrier for the brain." Dr. Higgins, who did the research while a graduate student in the lab of Dr. Kevin Kain, is the first author in the research paper entitled, "Dysregulation of angiopoietin-1 plays a critical mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria."

In a series of elegantly designed experiments, the team first tested 180 children aged one to 10 years old, with severe cerebral malaria in Uganda, along with children who had no or mild malaria. They found that those with severe and cerebral malaria had significantly lower amounts of Ang-1.

The team then went on to test mice with malaria and found that, similar to humans, Ang-1 drops significantly in these mice. They also "knocked out" the gene for Ang-1 in mice, and found that its protective effects disappeared. In the final experiment, when the ill mice were injected with Ang-1, in addition to the antimalarial medication, they survived and had no brain injury.

The development of cerebral malaria is not well understood, but research has shown that how an individual responds to the illness is important in determining its severity and outcome. Strategies which target only the parasite are not enough to prevent complications and deaths in individuals with severe infection.

"Patients often die from their response to the infection, rather than directly from their infections," points out Dr. Kain, who is also the Director, SA Rotman Laboratories at the Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health and Senior Scientist at TGRI.

"Our approach is about modifying 'us' rather than solely focusing on drugs to kill microbes, and for life-threatening infections like cerebral malaria, this strategy may improve outcome while decreasing drug resistance," he says.

"We want to change the paradigm. Our primary goal should be about improving survival and preventing brain injury, rather than a strict preoccupation with antimicrobial drugs to kill bugs. Our findings have broad implications for other life-threatening infections such as sepsis, toxic shock, for which we currently have no specific treatments."

Explore further The immune system of mice is implicated in helping malaria to move from the blood to the brain

More information: S. J. Higgins et al. Dysregulation of angiopoietin-1 plays a mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, Science Translational Medicine (2016). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine S. J. Higgins et al. Dysregulation of angiopoietin-1 plays a mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria,(2016). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf6812
In recent years, physicians' orders for life sustaining treatments (POLST) forms have been seen as an important way to honor the end-of-life wishes of frail elderly or terminally ill patients who cannot speak for themselves.

But while the goal of filling out POLST forms is to let providers know patients' preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, the information they contain is often ambiguous, a new University at Buffalo study has found.

Published online yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, the study is called "Decisions by Default: Incomplete and Contradictory POLST in Emergency Care."

"We called it 'Decisions by Default' to make patients aware that if they don't make a decision about a specific life-sustaining treatment, then in an emergency, they will most likely get the most aggressive treatment available," said Brian Clemency, DO, associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB and first author on the paper. He also is a physician with UBMD Emergency Medicine.

Deborah P. Waldrop, PhD, professor in the UB School of Social Work and a nationally- recognized expert on palliative care, is senior author.

The study was conducted in the busy Emergency Department of Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), a partner hospital of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where Clemency is an emergency medicine attending physician.

"In emergency medicine, we are trained to do everything we can to prolong life," Clemency said. "The goal of this paper is to help us as emergency medicine physicians honor our patients' wishes as much as possible."

Strictly speaking, the study's focus was not on the patients themselves, but on the forms that had been completed before their emergency. In New York State, the forms are called Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment or MOLST forms.

One hundred MOLST forms were collected from patients arriving at the emergency department. Items included on the form cover whether or not patients requested cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, intubation, hospitalization, intravenous fluids, feeding tubes and antibiotics.

Incomplete forms

Of the 100 forms collected, 69 percent were incomplete with at least one section left blank. That may compel emergency medicine providers to perform interventions the patient would not have wanted.

"We want to do what the patient wants," explained Clemency, "but if you don't tell us what you want, we're forced to assume you want 'everything' done."

Waldrop, who has spent her career working to provide families dealing with end-of-life issues with better options, says that the research demonstrates a need for greater training among primary care providers.

"Primary care providers are having these difficult conversations with their patients," said Waldrop. "More education and training are needed to help them be comfortable guiding people with serious illnesses to effectively communicate their wishes about life-sustaining treatment."

That means going over any inconsistencies in the patients' responses, Clemency said. For example, if a patient says they don't want any life-saving interventions but they do want a breathing tube inserted, Clemency said that that discrepancy may reflect a lack of understanding on the part of the patient and should be questioned by the physician.

"I think the doctor's job is to guide the patient through it and ask them about the implications of their decisions," said Clemency.

Waldrop noted that the forms about life-sustaining treatment and the conversations about them are a major step toward improving end-of-life care for patients, but there is room for improvement.

"This research shows that to be effective in reflecting patients' wishes, these forms need to be filled out completely and without contradictory orders after an informed conversation between a primary care provider and the patient," she said.

Improving communication

"Our hope is that this paper will improve communication between patients and providers, better informing the end-users, the emergency medicine doctors who typically meet these patients when they arrive at the emergency department at 3 a.m.," Clemency added.

And it isn't only the emergency physicians who need more clarity, he noted. Families need it too.

"You already have many stressors when an elderly parent is ill," Clemency said, "but if the parents' wishes aren't clearly articulated, you might have multiple children, all of whom have the best of intentions, each of whom has a different understanding of what that parent wanted.

"Patients and their families can only benefit when the patients' wishes are clearly articulated."

More information: Decisions by Default: Incomplete and Contradictory MOLST in Emergency Care. DOI: Decisions by Default: Incomplete and Contradictory MOLST in Emergency Care. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2016.07.032
Paez and his team developed an online tool to map 'destinations that matter' in specific neighbourhoods. The image on the left shows 15+ places to buy groceries within a 353m radius in downtown Montreal. Compare that to the image of a suburban area on the right, which shows only one of place to buy groceries within a 474 meter radius. Credit: McMaster University

For seniors, the benefits of walking are huge.

Research shows that regular walking improves balance and coordination, builds muscle strength, maintains heart health and staves off depression all important factors healthy aging.

The question is how to make walking part of seniors' everyday lives.

Now, a new study led by Antonio Paez, a professor in McMaster's School of Geography and Earth Sciences, suggests that where a senior lives plays a significant role when it comes to mobility.

The study, part of the Walk the Talk project and funded through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aging shows that seniors walk more when they live in downtown, pedestrian-friendly areas, closely located to what Paez calls 'destinations that matter,' the places seniors go to on a regular basis.

"We wanted to look at factors that encourage seniors to stay healthy and active," says Paez whose study looked at the mobility patterns of seniors in both urban and suburban neighbourhoods. "We were interested in finding out what it is about the physical characteristics of communities that encourages, or discourages seniors to walk."

Working in collaboration with researchers from The University of British Columbia and Polytechnique Montreal, Paez and his team observed the walking patterns of older adults in Montreal and Vancouver. They measured the frequency, length and duration of trips and also looked at the physical characteristics of neighbourhoods to find out whether they were conducive to walking.

They found that seniors walked the most in neighbourhoods where they lived within shorter distances of 'destinations that matter' such as coffee shops, restaurants, churches, banks, grocery stores, pharmacies and other services.

The study also revealed that pedestrian-friendly areas with traffic calming features like speed reduction zones properly maintained sidewalks, and public spaces that provide shade and benches, were also important factors in increased mobility.

"We found that in Montreal, walking trips taken by seniors in downtown areas tend to be more frequent and shorter, but even a short trip provided a rich landscape of opportunities for seniors," says Paez."Whereas in suburban Montreal, walking trips are less frequent, longer and don't provide even a fraction of the opportunities it's inconvenient to walk and there simply aren't many places to walk to."

Paez says that having easy access to 'destinations that matter,' not only encourages seniors to walk more, it can also contribute to emotional well-being.

"Coffee shops, for example, are hubs for social activities," says Paez. Groups of seniors get there in the morning and they chat. That's part of their social life. Inability to maintain social connections is tied to depression for older people, so having these kinds of opportunities nearby that help maintain social contact is essential."

Paez says there's a lot cities can do to reduce barriers to walking and help create more aging-friendly communities.

For example, creating more green spaces, installing benches, making sure that pedestrian lights leave seniors with enough time to cross the street, providing good sidewalk connectivity and ensuring that there are curb cuts small ramps cut into the sidewalk at intersections so seniors, who may be unsteady, don't have to step on, or off the curb.

"We need to make it convenient for seniors to walk," says Paez. "In many cases, we already have the basic infrastructure in place. The challenge is retrofitting spaces in such a way that it makes them amenable to walking."

Paez admits that moving to a downtown area may not appeal to everyone, especially to those living in the suburbs who may be reluctant, or unable to leave their communities for a more urban environment. But he encourages municipalities to develop future projects with seniors in mind and adds that in some instances this is already starting to happen.

"There are many newer developments that simulate a little village," says Paez. "They are recreating a downtown location, which is more amenable to live in and is surrounded by lots of services. This should be a draw for seniors and it will definitely be more convenient."

But Paez says whether you're 35, or 65, the key to mobility is to start looking for ways to incorporate walking into daily activities regardless of where you live.

"We know that eventually everyone ceases to drive. My suggestion is to think about walking as something you do as part of everyday life, not just as an exercise," says Paez. "We talk about aging as a process that starts at age 65, but it's a process that begins the moment we're born. Walking as a habit is established early in life, so if you can get into the habit of walking as early as possible, that's important."
Georgian company makes car parts for Toyota

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota is now producing vehicles that use aluminum ingots imported from Georgia.A Georgian company, Legometal, has been supplying Toyota with Georgian aluminum ingots for the past several months.Legometal  a ferrous and non-ferrous metal exporter which also sells wreckages  is a 100 percent export-oriented company that targets markets in the European Union (EU) and Japan.The metal manufacturing factory was built within the state program Produce in Georgia in May 2016, however the company itself was created in 1990 but had no place to operate. The Produce in Georgia scheme partially funded the new factory, which employs 40 people.About $1.5 million USD was invested in the Legometal factory, according to the Entrepreneurship Development Agency (Enterprise Georgia) of Georgias Ministry of Economy.Legometal plans to expand further and build another factory that will process copper and brass.Official figures showed in January-August 2016 Georgia's top exported items were copper ores and concentrates, (worth $205 million or 16 percent of total exports) followed by ferro-alloys (worth $112 million or nine percent of total exports) and motor cars (worth $103 million or eight percent of total exports).
EBRD encourages global competitiveness of Georgias SMEs

A new financial package by European Union (EU) is bringing new opportunities for small Georgian companies and supporting their operations abroad.The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) allocated $50 million USD equivalent in the Georgian national currency Lari to the countrys national bank, Bank of Georgia.The EBRD said the financial package will help local SMEs invest in improvements to product quality and modernise their services to meet EU standards. This in turn will create an environment that is beneficial to cross-border trade and economic growth in Georgia.Georgias Economic Minister, Dimitry Kumsishvili, added that this financial package would "support developing our export opportunities and closer ties with Europe.Yesterday he addressed about 200 representatives of Georgias private sector who gathered at Tbilisis Technology Park to learn about the new EBRD support and how local businesses can access this assistance.The financial package will give SMEs increased access to credit in Lari and will specifically support businesses that are managed or owned by female entrepreneurs for better access to finance, know-how and advice, said EBRD.The Bank of Georgia will issue loans in Lari, with a tenor of up to five years and with a two-year grace period, while cash-back investment incentives of up to 15 percent will be available for SMEs. The first-loss risk cover will guarantee up to 10 percent of the loan portfolio of eligible SMEs.International business experts will provide free technical advice for SMEs in Georgia, and the package will also include support for investment in new technologies and equipment.The EBRD is ready to help local SMEs become more competitive on regional markets with the provision of long-term local currency financing. We are grateful to the EU, our largest donor, for its continuing support for the implementation of such an important initiative," Bruno Balvanera, EBRD Director for the Caucasus, Moldova and Belarus said.This action was taken by the EBRD to further support SME development in Georgia within the context of the Georgia-EU Association Agreement (AA) and inclusive Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).This was the first phase of the planned EBRD-EU program, in which the EBRD is working with local banks to help businesses invest in improving product quality and service standards.The EBRD planned to establish similar cooperation with other banks in Georgia in the future.
Some political parties asking for voters personal info

By Messenger Staff

The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), one of the country's leading local NGOs, has stated that some political parties are asking voters for personal information, such as ID numbers, when meeting with them ahead of the October 8 Parliamentary Elections.The GYLA has already called on citizens not to provide their personal data to anyone and explained that political parties or public officials have no right to force citizens to provide such information."The most vulnerable groups are refugees and socially vulnerable people, who have a fear that if they do not give out personal information, they may be deprived of social assistance. Citizens have the right not to provide such information and they will in no way be deprived of assistance because of this, the head of GYLA, Ana Natsvlishvili, stated.It is very likely that the GYLA will address the violation in depth in the future. However, after this revelation, Georgias relevant bodies should be mindful of such incidents and immediately address them.In case some political groups manage to obtain personal information, there is a risk that the information could be used in an illegal way and threaten the transparency of the elections.It is also very likely that the parties involved in committing such violations have lower chances of achieving success in the elections.This incident once again shows that Georgian voters still need to be fully informed about their rights.Georgias Central Election Commission and all relevant bodies should provide more information about voters rights and other necessary information in terms of the elections.Addressing such matters timely and punishing those involved in wrongdoings will also reduce the likelihood of repeated incidents in the future.
The News in Brief

Mikheil Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili have the same vision



As it turns out, Mikheil Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili share the same vision regarding the development of a state, leader of the Republican Party Davit Usupashvili said on Rustavi 2 TV.



He said that the former Prime Minister had completely different visions when he was opposing Mikheil Saakashvili.



"We started to build a completely different state and carried out a lot of reforms over these four years. But at the last moment and, I do not know why, I saw the same thing as in the spring of 2004: we do not want parties; a constitutional majority should be in the hands of one party and we do not need any other force or political vision; we have more important tasks than the democratic system and multi-party parliament in the country.



Mikheil Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili have been reduced from the position of a national leader to the position of a leader of a certain political party, said Usupashvili.



He said the country will face a serious threat if the Georgian Dream will gain a majority of 2/3 or more, while the United National Movement will be the only opposition party in the next Parliament. (IPN)







Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Gigi Gigiadze paid a working visit to the Republic of Latvia



Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Gigi Gigiadze paid a working visit to the Republic of Latvia in the frames of which meetings with the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andrejs Pildegovics and the head of the Bilateral Relations Directorate at the Foreign Ministry, Margers Krams, were held.



Discussions focused on bilateral and multilateral co-operation, including Georgias European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The Latvian side reaffirmed its strong support for Georgias European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.



In the frames of the visit, Gigi Gigiadze held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Daniela Morari, to discuss issues of bilateral and multilateral co-operation.



The Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister took part in a discussions entitled Eastern Partnership One Year After Riga: Where Next? Insights from Latvia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine held at the Riga Graduate School of Law. State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andrejs Pildegovics, the Moldovan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Daniela Morari, and Acting Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on European Integration, Mariia Ionova, took part in the discussions moderated by Director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, Andris Spruds. The second part of discussions continued in a Q&A format.



The discussion was organised by the embassies of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in Latvia under the aegis of the Latvian Foreign Ministry and the Latvian Institute of International Affairs and attended by representatives of the Latvian legislative and executive branches, diplomatic corps accredited in Latvia, think-tank centres and students of the Riga Graduate School of Law.



After the discussions, Gigi Gigiadze gave an interview to one of the most popular Latvian newspapers, Diena. (mfa.gov.ge)







Abkhaz Leaders Office Comments on Ex-FM Chirikba



Abkhaz leader Raul Khajimbas office said on Wednesday that Viacheslav Chirikba was not re-appointed as foreign minister after the change of the PM because of his refusal to travel to Moldovas breakaway region of Transnistria out of fear of being deported by the Moldovan authorities.



Chirikba said in a brief written statement late on Tuesday evening without specifying that he did not see any possibility of staying at the position in the existing circumstances and expressed hope that Abkhazias foreign political course will remain unchanged.



Chirikbas announcement came about seven weeks after Abkhaz leader Raul Khajimba appointed the chief of his administration and former head of the Gagra district, Beslan Bartsits, as the new Prime Minister of the breakaway region, replacing Artur Mikvabia.



Bartsits, who was appointed as PM on August 5, has since then re-appointed most of the incumbent cabinet members; Chirikba was formally an acting foreign minister since the appointment of the new PM.



The main reason why he [Chirikba] was not re-appointed was his refusal to lead the Abkhaz delegation, traveling to the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic on the occasion of celebration of the Republic Day [marked on September 2], citing that in case of deportation by the Moldovan side, he might have had problems with entry to the European countries, Abkhaz leaders office said in a written statement on September 21.



The Abkhaz deputy foreign minister, Oleg Arshba, was on his way to Transnistria on September 1, when he was stopped by the Moldovan authorities and sent back from Chisinau airport.



The Abkhaz leaders office also said that despite the change of head of the Foreign Ministry, the foreign policy of the Republic of Abkhazia remains unchanged, as according to the Abkhaz constitution, foreign policy is determined by the president and not by a minister.



Chirikba, who served as breakaway regions foreign minister since October 2011, was also the chief Abkhaz negotiator at the Geneva international discussions  a negotiating format launched after the August 2008 war and which also includes participants from Tbilisi and Tskhinvali, as well as Russian and U.S. officials; talks are co-chaired by EU, UN and OSCE representatives. Next round of the Geneva talks are scheduled for October 4-5.



It is not yet clear who will replace Chirikba as the breakaway regions foreign minister. RFE/RLs Russian-language Ekho Kavkaza reported from Sokhumi on September 21 that adviser to the president of the World Congress of the Abkhaz-Abaza People, Beslan Kobakhia, and chief of governments administration, Daur Kove, who was deputy foreign minister in 2006-2010, are reportedly being considered among possible candidates to replace Chirikba. (civil.ge)




THE TRUE COST OF ALL THAT 'CHEAP' LAOR THAT DESTROYED AMERICA THE BIG SECRET DEMOCRATS DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW: Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute has testified before a Congressional committee that in 2004, 95% of all outstanding warrants for murder in Los Angeles were for illegal aliens; in 2000, 23% of all Los Angeles County jail inmates were illegal aliens and that in 1995, 60% of Los Angeless largest street gang, the 18th Street gang, were illegal aliens.
Its been a while since we left San Francisco and began our year-long road trip. But I think about all the wonderful cuisines that the city by the bay has to offer each and every day!

Thats why I am thrilled to bring you a guest post from Julia of Small World This Is about her favorite San Francisco cuisine, Burmese. Shes sharing her picks for the best Burmese food in San Francisco and I have to say I completely agree!

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Opinions are always my own and Ill never promote something I dont use or believe in. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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For me, Burmese food is the ideal cuisine for San Francisco. A warm bowl of pumpkin curry to ward off those chilly nights or a refreshing tea leaf salad for when the fog finally lifts. Here in San Francisco, we are spoiled with a wide variety of delicious Burmese food, thanks to Burma Superstar putting this cuisine on the citys culinary map, and the Bay Area has the nations largest Burmese population.

Here are my favorite places to satisfy my embarrassingly frequent Burmese food cravings.

Burma Superstar

Photo credit: Oh Me Oh Mai

You know youve arrived when you smell the delicious aromas wafting out of the open door and see a huge crowd of hungry customers outside. The wait can seem eternal, but if you bring a down jacket its borderline bearable. Everything is delicious, but some standout dishes are the tea leaf salad, the samusa soup and the nan gyi dok (mild coconut chicken and rice noodles with curry). Make sure to order family-style so that you have an excuse to get more dishes than you should.

B Star

Photo credit: The Lu Life

B Star, the sister restaurant to Burma Superstar is the place to go for a more casual dining experience, and if youre lucky less of a wait. The dinner menu doesnt disappoint with personal favorites like the miso cod or the pumpkin pork stew. This restaurant is also open for brunch as well, where you have the option of getting traditional dishes like rainbow salad, alongside your order of huevos rancheros.

Pagan Restaurant

Not a fan of waiting an hour for food? Pagan is the solution to those adverse to long lines. Dishes like the Burmese roti palata with potato chicken curry and the coconut chicken curry noodle are highly recommended. The best surprise comes at the end of the meal when your bill doesnt give you sticker shock like some of the other Burmese restaurants around town.

Mandalay

Photo credit: SF Chronicle

This Burmese restaurant is the OG in the city and the only one that gives serious competition to Burma Superstar (dare I say its even better). With a spacious interior, there is hardly ever a long wait, and I always feel like Im a guest at someones home as the service has always been consistently warm and attentive. The tea leaf is a must-order, as well as the Mandalay special noodles and the balata (Burmese savory pancake with a curry dipping sauce).

Burmese Kitchen

Photo credit: Burmese Kitchen

This is another excellent alternative to avoiding the long lines of Burma Superstar, but not having to sacrifice for flavor. The go-to dishes here are the tamarind fish with coconut rice, the garlic chicken, and the spicy fish. This restaurant doesnt have as much hype as other Burmese restaurants in the city, but this is a definite blessing in disguise, as you can have a solid meal in a more personalized setting and not worry about having to rush through your meal.

Thanks Julia!

Julia is a freelance writer, and native San Franciscan, born and raised. She is the founder of the culinary travel blog Small World This Is, and has a soft spot for Turkish breakfasts and Polish milk bars.

What is your favorite Burmese restaurant in San Francisco? Have any additions to this list?

Like it? PIN it!
Montana's prisons and jails are over capacity. What changes in statute and/or funding at the state level  if any  do you think are necessary? If no changes, why not?

Solving our prison overcrowding first requires asking Why? We cannot continue to simply put more and more people behind bars, building bigger prisons to solve the problem: We must understand the societal behavior issues behind our increasing criminality. If, as I suspect, drug use and/or mental health issues are a large component of the skyrocketing increases, then we need to invest in creative options, professional counseling, appropriate incentives, and post-incarceration transitional support to prevent recidivism in those able to be rehabilitated into society. Furthermore, we need to remember prevention at the youth level is our best solution.

Has the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adequately guided the states hunting and fishing concerns, or does the Legislature need to give the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks more specific direction regarding topics such as land acquisition, wildlife management, predator control, and bison?

The wording of this question begs a larger question: since the five Fish/Wildlife Commissioners are appointed by the governor, confirmed by the Senate, and under the authority of the executive branch, should the legislative branch intervene to give the department more specific direction? I dont believe legislators should micromanage the duties entrusted to state employees with professional expertise in their field. What legislators must do is listen to their constituents and assure that their conflicting positions are heard, that the necessary dialogue takes place in agency decision-making, and that citizens have adequate access to governmental processes and public hearings.

Many Montanans depend on the extraction of fossil fuels for jobs, yet there is a strong demand for clean and renewable energy in the region, especially since prices for the latter are falling. How do you propose to help workers in the coal, oil and natural gas industries find jobs in this new economic landscape?

As we transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy, it is incumbent upon us as a state to develop effective assistance: for individuals, certainly, but also for communities as entities that need to remain intact. Their economic loss and uncertainty is also a loss and uncertainty to our states revenue. We need to find a way to take the devastation out of change. Helping people see within desperation an unimagined opportunity, providing career counseling and community planning expertise, and assuring financial support for acquiring new and employable skills can make this burden of change more manageable.

According to Montana University System records, as recently as 1992, the stated funded 76 percent of the university system. Now, though, state support has fallen to 40 percent, which means tuition funds 60 percent of the system  putting higher education out of reach for some Montana families. Do you as a legislator have a responsibility to help and if so, how? If not, why not?

Of course legislators have a responsibility to return to state appropriations that make public higher education affordable for Montanans! We live in complex and rapidly changing times, and more than ever, learning is a lifelong endeavor. Where we put our money is where we reveal our values. When we refuse to see the importance of affordable education to our states economic and social health, we have lost one of the hallmarks of what has made Montana an exceptional place to live. We need to invest in our children, in our displaced workers: in ourselves. Other nations do; we must, too.

What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it?

To my mind the most urgent problem Montanans face is learning how to cooperate. We have many serious issues to face  threats to our water resources, infrastructure replacement, drought, burgeoning population growth and economic evolution. But we suffer most from power plays between political ideologies that stymie problem-solving. I cannot correct this situation alone, but I am one who likes to see the big picture before deciding on an action, and I am a firm believer in the importance of listening. I hope I could be a bridge, a facilitator for dialogue and creative solutions.
The birds flying afoul of the law in some Missoulians' backyards may soon be legal if a proposed amendment permitting the keeping of ducks and quail passes is approved by the City Council.

Ward 6 representative Michelle Cares sponsored the amendment brought in front of the Public Health and Safety Committee, which added ducks and quails to allowed animals in city limits and changed the permit fee from an annual to a one-time fee.

Only female birds will be allowed, Cares said, to prevent people from breeding their birds and to prevent injuries from inter-animal relations.

They have different sex organs and that could be bad, she said.

Bird owners can have up to six chickens and/or ducks or ten quails on a less-than-one-acre parcel, according to the ordinance. Two types of quail, California and Gambels, will not be allowed, as they are illegal under state law.

Muscovy ducks, geese and other larger, louder birds are also banned on the smaller lots.

If you didnt know, it takes about five quail eggs to equal one chicken egg, Cares said, explaining why more quail than other birds are allowed.

Cares said she changed the annual fee to a one-time, $15 permit to give Missoula Animal Control a chance to speak with animal owners on city laws and proper care of their birds, not to burden people with administrative fees and registration.

Several council members agreed to direct Animal Control to offer some kind of pamphlet or webpage with information on basic care of these birds, as well as inform those applying for a permit.

Im fine with people keeping their animals, but I want it to be good for the animals, Ward 6 representative Marilyn Marler said.

Cares became aware of the issue when one of her constituents asked for help keeping his ducks, which were drawing ire from neighbors.

He ended up keeping them as companion animals, but Cares interest was piqued and soon she noticed many more people keeping ducks or quails in their yards, even though its illegal.

Ward 4 representative Jon Wilkins voted in favor to move the ordinance to a public hearing, scheduled for Oct. 17, but said he would vote against it then, as he did for the urban chicken ordinance back in 2007.

That ordinance saw lively public debate in a months-long process of approving owning chickens in city limits. Wilkins was one of four to vote against the ordinance.

I didnt move to the city of Missoula to be by a farm. Chickens stink, he said. The only good chicken is Kentucky Fried.
Preserve Historic Missoula amended its district court appeal Monday to prevent the partial demolition plan of the Mercantile building, naming several new parties in the case.

Missoula District Court Judge Dusty Deschamps told the parties Tuesday to come up with a scheduling order that would be shorter than the two months or so he thought it would take with normal motion process.

We do want to keep it moving expeditiously, City Attorney Jim Nugent said.

The Mercantile property owner, Mercantile LLC and Homebase Montana, the company awarded the partial demolition permit, were named as defendants in the amended appeal, written by Michael Doggett of Doggett Law Offices.

Several new plaintiffs were also named, including David and Nancy Tyrell and Virginia Braun, members of Preserve Historic Missoula.

The Tyrells and Braun signed an opinion piece published in the Missoulian Tuesday, specifying the appeal is not a lawsuit, but is simply asking the District Court to uphold and enforce the Missoula Historic Preservation Ordinance as written.

Page Goode, co-president of Preserve Historic Missoula, also signed the piece along with other members of the groups board.

Missoula-based Western Cultural Inc., a group that provides cultural resource investigations and Midnite Development, which owns property two blocks north of the Mercantile on Higgins Avenue were also named as plaintiffs.

Preserve Historic Missoula's appeal referenced the Historic Preservation Committee's denial of the demolition permit over the summer, which the city council had to prove was in error to overturn.

The council did overturn that decision, granting a partial demolition permit to Homebase Montana, but the appeal argued it was an abuse of discretion, and asked for a court-ordered stay on demolition during the appeal process.

The Missoula Redevelopment Agency approved Homebase to work on removing hazardous materials in the Mercantile in September; something which the appeal said would require significant alterations and damage the integrity of the roof.

The amended appeal also corrected its mistake of including Mayor John Engen as a member of Missoula City Council. He only votes on council decisions to break ties and did not vote on the demolition permit.

Deschamps scheduled a hearing for Oct. 11, when the city, Mercantile LLC, Homebase and the property owner will have filed responses to the amended appeal and worked out a schedule with Doggett.
A Missouri woman faces a felony charge after prosecutors allege she was driving erratically on U.S. Highway 10 while under the influence of a prescription medication.

Salome Anne Engle, 58, was arrested after troopers with the Montana Highway Patrol were dispatched to Highway 10 near the Wye on Tuesday morning around 7:22 a.m. after receiving reports that a U-Haul truck was driving the wrong direction down the road and nearly hit several drivers.

The trooper found and followed the vehicle, noting that it was straddling the center line. When he attempted to stop the truck, Engle allegedly continued to drive, reaching speeds of up to 67 miles per hour in a 45 miles per hour area, according to a court affidavit.

When the vehicle eventually did pull over, Engle allegedly showed the trooper a pair of glasses missing one lens and said she didnt hear his siren. The highway patrolman said Engle seemed disoriented and her eyelids were drooping.

She scored poorly on field sobriety tests, but submitted a breath sample that showed no alcohol in her system. The trooper said an open bottle of Ambien was sitting in Engles cup holder.

Engle was taken to the hospital for a blood sample draw. When she and the trooper were leaving, she allegedly asked if it was 9 p.m. in the evening. The trooper told her it was 9 a.m.

She is charged with felony criminal endangerment and a misdemeanor for driving under the influence. In Missoula County Justice Court on Wednesday, public defense attorney Ted Fellman asked for Engle to be released on her own recognizance so she could start a job in New Mexico, adding that DUI cases involving Ambien were peculiar.

Acting Justice of the Peace Shane Vannatta agreed and released her pending further court proceedings, but ordered her not to take any more Ambien.

Frankly Im surprised it hasnt been removed from the market, he said.
Darned Poor Judgement is the rating I give Gov. Steve Bullock for infrastructure performance during the past four years!

Clear back in 2013 the governors bad judgement became obvious. That year the legislature passed a fix for oil boom infrastructure by a heavy margin, only to have the governor kill it with a veto. In 2015 I chaired the Appropriations Subcommittee for Long Range Planning. That gave me a close-up look at the governors one-way thought process. Take it or leave it. No changes. No discussion. Its the exact opposite of how leaders should behave.

In the 2015 Legislature, the governor demanded a bloated infrastructure bill based on $205 million of debt to be repaid by our children and grandchildren. I called it the Bubba Burger Bill: too big to bite, too big to chew and a sure thing gut bomb belly ache.

The bulk of his proposal was for a museum in Helena and several university buildings. The governor might call this infrastructure, but I wouldnt. It was a far cry from what is needed to meet the demands on our roads, bridges and water systems resulting from the oil boom. He wanted us to borrow money for schools, bridges and many projects, even while he bragged about a surplus of $300 to $400 million in the bank.

Besides that, the governors office crafted the Bubba Burger Bill so it required a 75 percent yes vote. The governor refused to work with anyone, and the bill died in committee.

Rep. David Hagstrom and I carried traditional bills with funds dedicated to infrastructure. The governors budget director threatened to kill our bills, and he stopped talking to me early in the session. For the first time ever, state employees were ordered to stay away from appropriation committee meetings when we presented these bills. Ordinarily, they would appear with information on how these funds would be distributed.

I discovered that the account for school district projects was already over spent, in part because it was used to repay earlier bonding debt. The governors answer was to rack up more debt for the state. He refused to use available cash. Sad story, but in the end nothing happened for school repair and maintenance.

My bills passed. Millions of dollars for true infrastructure went all over the state for water projects, sewage systems, bridges, reclamation projects and more. Meanwhile, the governor refused to discuss cash infrastructure funding for oil patch country with Speaker of the House Austin Knudsen.

Senate Bill 416, which I supported, was still heavy to bonds for buildings. It failed. I offered changes, but the budget director said no way.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. The governor has had one term, two legislative sessions, to show his stuff. He came up with too little too late, thanks to Darned Poor Judgement. Montana deserves a new governor with common sense and good judgement who will work with the legislature for the betterment of Montana. We need a business executive like Greg Gianforte as governor.
Professors are not just employees of the institutions they serve, they are ambassadors. Rightly or wrongly, their conduct reflects on our Montana universities as a whole. According to the American Association of College Professors Statement of Professional Ethics, "Professors must give due regard to their paramount responsibilities within their institution in determining the amount and character of work done outside it. Professors need to stay away from employment outside the university that creates the appearance of a conflict of interest or otherwise negatively affects the university. In other words, professors shouldnt moonlight in a way that hurts the reputation of the university.

In 2012, University of Montana law professor Kristen Juras presented a study to the Montana Legislature regarding property taxes. The study was actually commissioned and paid for by Bresnan, which was seeking to lower its own property taxes to the detriment of Montana taxpayers. Juras used university resources in putting the study together. Her study prominently noted that it was prepared by her as associate professor, University of Montana School of Law. She failed to note anywhere in her study that it was paid for by Bresnan. Juras was rightly criticized. Then-Gov. Brian Schweitzer wrote to university President Royce Engstrom about it, concerned that Juras  as a law professor  was advancing a position for Bresnan that would limit Bresnans own taxes and leave a gaping hole in Montanas budget. Engstrom responded by acknowledging that Juras had apparently violated university policy by using the UM name in her report, failing to note that the study was not affiliated with the university, and by using university resources (and not reimbursing the university for them). The larger problem, however, is that Juras sold the UMs inherent institutional credibility to a Delaware corporation looking to pay less taxes in Montana. Juras has never disclosed how much she was paid for this study by Bresnan.

Perhaps most troubling, Juras learned nothing from the Bresnan scandal. Tidymans was a grocery chain founded in Billings in 1961 and owned by its 1,300 employees. Facing competition from larger chains, the employee-owners were misled in a corporate merger. Over the objection of Tidymans own bankers, the corporate officers failed to disclose critical information to the employee-owners and pushed through the merger to save their own high-paying jobs. Not long after, Tidymans shut its doors and the Montana employee-owners were toldfor the first timethat their retirement accounts were worth zero.

Faced with massive liability for corporate fraud that cost the retirements of over 1,300 employees, the insurance company turned to Professor Kristen Juras for help. Juras was hired as an expert and has worked to prevent the 1,300 Montana employees and retirees from receiving any compensation. Some had worked for the company over 20 years and counted on those retirement funds. Some, at over 50 years old, had to start completely over. Eight have died since the case was filed. Juras has never disclosed how much she has been paid by the insurance company to advocate against honest, hard-working Montanans.

Juras apparently hasnt been satisfied with her university salary. She has moonlighted on behalf of corporations whose interests are directly opposed to the people of Montana. Now, as she seeks a position on the Montana Supreme Court, corporations and out-of-state special interests are lining up to fill her campaign coffers. There can be no doubt why  she has a track record of selling out Montanans.
Our Montana Supreme Court is the last stop for deciding the most important legal questions in Montana. Its important we get those rightnot just for the parties involved in a particular case, but for anyone else, present or future, who will be affected by the precedent that case sets.

Thats why its vital our Montana Supreme Court be made up of experts from a breadth of different legal fields. Justices with a variety of backgrounds inside and outside of a courtroom.

Most of the justices currently serving on the Supreme Court come from government. And while its important to have government expertise on the court, we need to balance that with justices experienced in the legal issues affecting everyday Montanans. Thats the type of experience I want to bring to the court.

Ive practiced law for 34 years, working with Montanas small-business owners, farmers and ranchers to resolve the wide variety of legal problems they regularly face. I brought that practical experience into the classroom as a professor at the University of Montana School of Law, teaching property, business and agricultural law.

Im a fourth-generation Montanan raised on my familys ranch near Conrad. My parents, Rib and Pat Gustafson, taught me the values of hard work, honesty, independence and common sense.

I understand that Montanas economic engine is powered by agriculture, Main Street businesses and natural resource production. We need a legal environment in which Montana businesses and families can thrive.

I am committed to legal stability and predictability. The court is not a legislative body; it should rarely announce new rules of law or depart from judicial precedent.

Yet our current court has a reputation for being inconsistent. It reversed itself over 100 times between 1990 and 2000 (Renz, Montana Law Review, 2004) and another 73 times the following decade (Natelson, Montana Policy Institute, 2012). In 2012 it was reversed twice by the U.S. Supreme Court within a span of a few months.

That type of judicial inconsistency is a big part of the reason why Montana has been ranked in the bottom tier of states for our business legal environment.

The unpredictability in our legal environment has real consequences. It means its harder for an entrepreneur to start a business in Montana, more expensive to run one, and more difficult to create jobs.

I dont come with a political agenda. My objective is to bring consistent and impartial judicial interpretations of the laws adopted by the legislature so that Montanans can make informed choices in managing their affairs.

Experience matters, and Im ready to put mine to work.
BILLINGS  An archery hunter shot and injured a bear during an encounter Tuesday night near Hebgen Lake prompting Forest Service officials to caution other visitors to the area.

"An injured bear, like any injured animal, is more dangerous than a healthy one," said Andrea Jones, Fish, Wildlife and Parks information officer in Bozeman.

The incident occurred near the Johnson Lake Trail, close to the trailhead. The trail is about 12 miles north of West Yellowstone. Forest officials were unsure if it was a black bear or grizzly bear that was injured or the extent of the injury to the bear.

Warning signs have been posted at Johnson Lake Trailhead, Whits Lake Trailhead, Red Canyon Trailhead and on Tepee Creek Road. Forest officials along with Montana FWP personnel are searching for the bear. There are no closures at this time.

The incident comes on the heels of two recent bear maulings of archery hunters, one on Saturday in the Cabin Creek area of Hebgen Lake, which is about 11 miles west of Johnson Lake, and the other on Sunday in the Tom Miner Basin in the southern end of the Paradise Valley.

Hikers are reminded that when visiting bear country they should avoid hiking alone; never let small children run ahead or wander; make noise by talking, clapping and singing to avoid startling a bear; stick to the trail.

Hunters are encouraged to carry bear spray and not hunt alone.

Fall is the time that bears are attempting to put on fat before hibernating for the winter. Consequently they spend a lot of time feeding and searching for food.

For additional information please contact the Hebgen Lake Ranger District at 406-823-6961.
HELENA  With the election just six weeks away, a Republican state senator is calling for an investigation into how Gov. Steve Bullock, who is running for re-election, disposed of emails when he left the attorney generals office.

The move echoes efforts by Republican candidate Greg Gianfortes campaign to align Bullock in the eyes of voters with Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, who has faced scrutiny over her use of a personal email server during her time as Secretary of State.

Earlier this year Bullock was under fire for using a private email account to conduct state business. In July, it was discovered emails from Bullock when he was the states attorney general, as well as his appointed staff members, were deleted after his four-year term ended in 2013 and Republican Tim Fox was elected to the office. Bullock ran for governor and was elected in 2012.

The effort to draw connections for voters between Bullock and Clinton makes sense as a political move, said Rob Saldin, a professor of political science at the University of Montana.

Hillary Clinton is really quite unpopular nationally and one assumes that in Montana thats even more the case given the general Republican leaning in the state," Saldin said Tuesday.

The email narrative provides another way in the door for Republicans, he continued.

You also have this nice parallel. Hillary Clinton has come under a lot of fire for her emails in her time as secretary of state and the Republicans in Montana are trying to make an issue of Steve Bullocks emails.

On Monday, state Sen. Scott Sales, R-Bozeman, sent a note to Fox asking him to conduct an inquiry to determine why Bullocks emails from his time as attorney general were deleted instead of transferred to the state archives.

The state Department of Administration has said Bullock's emails were disposed of in a way consistent with ordinary procedure.

Retention is determined by content, a spokeswoman for the Secretary of State's office said in an email Wednesday.

The content of emails determine whether the email is an official record, a transitory record or a permanent record. This determination is made by each agency individually.

Transitory records have a 30-day retention period or when business is complete. Transitory records include things like cover messages, routine questions and answers, and informal office notes.

The Montana Historical Society is responsible for managing and preserving records from statewide officials that are deemed worthy of preservation. This determination is made by the official, such as the attorney general or state auditor, and the staff of the Montana Historical Society.

The state does not have a cohesive infrastructure for managing or preserving electronic records, said Molly Kruckenberg, who leads the Montana Historical Societys Research Center. A member of her staff, the state archivist, sits on the state committee charged with overseeing records management and requests for deletions, but was unavailable for comment because she is on vacation.

Kruckenberg said the laws are clear that the same retention rules apply regardless of whether a record is made of paper or kept electronically, but the state has not yet paid for the infrastructure or developed a plan for how best to preserve digital records and ensure that they reach the historical society archives.

The 2015 Legislature failed to pass a bill that would have provided funding to develop and start to implement a digital records management plan. As it stands, Kruckenberg said the historical society does not have the infrastructure to accept electronic records, including emails. Until they do, it is the responsibility of each agency to maintain those.

I dont believe we have emails from any previous attorney general here, she said. Thats not to say theyre not retained somewhere else in state government, but theyre not here.

The State Information Technology Services Division issues the Montana Operations Manual for Electronic Mail Policy. The policy states that employees should delete items from their inbox and sent items when they are no longer needed. If an email needs to be retained, employees are supposed to move it to an archive folder, disk or print it. The need for retention of an item should be re-evaluated after it has been stored for six months.

Request for disposal is not necessary if the content is transitory and falls under the division's policy. There were no requests for disposal to the State Records Committee from Bullock's office when he was attorney general.

The Secretary of States office also could not immediately confirm if emails from previous administrations had been preserved and to what extent.

A law passed in 2015, after Bullock left the attorney generals office, spells out more clearly that outgoing administrations must turn over records to incoming staff. Whats not clear in Bullocks situation is if the deleted emails would have been required to be kept under the previous law since the emails no longer exist.

Closing an email account is normal procedure when an employee leaves state employment or moves between branches or agencies,said Lynne Pizzini, Montana's chief information security officer. The state does not store emails from thousands of former state employees and former elected officials due to the high volume and cost of that storage.

Sales called the wholesale deletion of state emails under Gov. Bullocks watch ... very troubling. Sales is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has oversight responsibility over the Montana Department of Justice, which is under the Attorney Generals office.

He asked the attorney general to determine who ordered the destruction of the emails and if the State Records Committee ever gave Bullock or his senior staff permission to delete the emails and when it happened. Sales asked Fox to prepare a report for his review within 20 days.

The Attorney Generals office is reviewing Sales complaint and will respond within his requested time frame, according to a statement from spokesman John Barnes. State law does not grant specific authority for Foxs office to investigate violations of record retention laws.

Barnes said in a statement last week that his office has confirmed with our Justice Information Technology Services Division staff that no one in their division was directed to destroy or delete any email messages by anyone in the outgoing Bullock administration. Similarly, JITSD was not directed to save or transfer any email messages when the previous administration departed."

Barnes continued: We are troubled that the previous administration did not retain any of the email messages generated during the four years previous to Fox taking office. However, we cannot fully know whether public record retention requirements were followed by former Attorney General Bullock's administration without knowing what email messages previously existed.

Bullock spokeswoman Ronja Abel questioned the motives of Sales letter.

Sen. Sales is wrong and hopefully isnt abusing his elected office to do the bidding of a political campaign. Gov. Bullock never deleted his email account; it simply ended with his tenure as Attorney General. If the Legislature deems it appropriate to spend taxpayer money to preserve countless email records from years past, Sen. Sales should lead by example and propose a bill rather than waste taxpayer money playing games with it.
BUTTE  A five-justice panel of the Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously affirmed the Public Service Commission's denial of a $1.4 million rate increase for NorthWestern Energy.

The increase request, dating back to 2012, resulted from an unexpected three-month outage at the Dave Gates Generating Station in Anaconda, used primarily for load balancing and power regulation.

The plant went online in January 2011, but barely a year later, the Pratt & Whitney gas turbines in each of the three generation units proved to be defective. Although they were under warranty and were replaced, NorthWestern Energy was forced to buy replacement power for about three months during the time the plant was out of commission.

The $1.4 million request was to make the company "whole" for having to purchase the outside power during the outage. The Public Service Commission denied that request. NorthWestern Energy appealed, and in 2015 District Judge Brad Newman upheld the PSC's order, resulting in NorthWestern Energy's appeal to the Supreme Court.

In affirming the PSCs order in his decision for the majority, Supreme Court Justice Jim Rice wrote that, The Commission had substantial evidence to rely upon and it appropriately used its expertise to evaluate that evidence.

I am very pleased with the Courts decision in this matter as it is a huge win for consumers across Montana, said PSC Chairman Brad Johnson, R-East Helena. Private utilities must shoulder some of the risk when making business decisions as it is not the role of the PSC to act as a rubber stamp and allow all unforeseen costs to be passed on to consumers.

PSC Vice Chairman Travis Kavulla, R-Great Falls, said "I appreciate the Supreme Court's ruling. I hope it will refocus NorthWestern Energy on providing quality service at a reasonable cost, rather than litigating against the Public Service Commission when we find that the company has operated its facilities poorly or incurred costs unwisely. Other industries would not be in a position to pass along to the consuming public the costs that NorthWestern wished to charge its ratepayers in this matter. By disallowing them, the Commission made clear that it expects good performance from the utility, and hopefully NorthWestern will take the Supreme Court's affirmation of our decision to heart."

A NorthWestern Energy spokesman said Wednesday that the company would have no immediate comment on the court's decision.

It is the second regulatory setback the Butte-based energy utility has suffered related to the Dave Gates plant. In April 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruled that NorthWestern had overcharged large electric customers in the state by millions of dollars for the "regulation" service that the Dave Gates plant provides.

The PSC had approved a rate structure that charged the large users for a portion of the cost of building the plant. Those large customers objected, taking their case to FERC, which ruled in their favor in 2014. In May of this year, the agency denied a NorthWestern Energy request for a rehearing. NorthWestern Energy objected strongly to the FERC ruling, which it said shows "a fundamental misunderstanding of how our business operates and what the Dave Gates Generating Station is."
Mr. Greenberg and the former A.I.G. chief financial officer Howard I. Smith are on trial, accused of playing a role in engineering bogus transactions that improved the appearance of A.I.G.s financial results more than a decade ago. The case was first filed by Eliot Spitzer in 2005, when he was New York State attorney general. The other transactions at issue, arranged with General Reinsurance Corporation, allowed A.I.G. to increase its reserves by $500 million in 2000 and 2001, at a time when investors were concerned about the insurers reserve levels.

On Wednesday, Mr. Nachman showed Mr. Greenberg dates on his own desk diary calendar that included a scheduled meeting with Mr. Umansky to discuss an April 2000 memo outlining the proposed transaction. Besides protesting that he could not recall that far back, Mr. Greenberg said that in any case he believed Capco would be vetted by lawyers and accountants.

Mr. Nachman showed Mr. Greenberg a copy of a 2008 deposition he gave for the states case in which he acknowledged that he had glanced at and skimmed parts of the Umansky memo. But at that point, Mr. Greenberg protested on the stand, the idea was only hypothetical.

The Umansky memo to Mr. Greenberg, which was introduced into evidence, described the possible creation of an offshore reinsurer with outside investors that could absorb the losses. The accounting is aggressive, and there will be a significant amount of structuring required in order to address the legal, regulatory and tax issues, the memo noted.

The state has charged that Mr. Greenberg helped Mr. Umansky find investors for the supposedly independent reinsurer, which A.I.G. in fact controlled. Under the plan that was later carried out, A.I.G. financed the outside investors stakes in the reinsurer, thus absorbing the related losses, the state has charged.
When political candidates speak, they are often addressing several audiences at once, and their words can have different meanings for each. When Hillary Clinton talked about race during her debate Monday night against Donald J. Trump, she delivered a subtle and powerful message to black voters, speaking to them not only in the substance of what she said, but in her carefully chosen language.

Mrs. Clinton has been viewed with skepticism by some black activists since the 1990s, when she called for harsh penalties for teenage gang members, whom she termed super-predators. But throughout the 90-minute forum Monday night, she showed her determination to persuade large numbers of black voters to support her in November by adopting the lexicon that has been embraced by a new generation of young black activists and liberal whites.

Mrs. Clintons expressions set off a range of reactions, from relief to delight, to accusations of cynical political maneuvering. But there was near universal agreement that her use of the language of the racial justice movement signaled a significant moment for both the candidate and the cause. Here is a look at what Mrs. Clinton said and what it meant to certain viewers.

Systemic Racism

Weve got to address the systemic racism in our criminal justice system.

A central demand of Black Lives Matter activists has been the recognition of the role that systems  such as the funding of schools through property taxes  play in fostering racial inequality.
Copyright  2022 HT Digital Streams Ltd All Right Reserved
Hi, my name is Kathy McClure and I went with Crystal on the recent trip to South Africa. She asked if any of us who went on the trip wanted to write about our experiences in South Africa and I jumped at the chance to share about why I went and how the trip impacted me

A Little Background on Me & My Family

I was born and raised in Lancaster County, PA. My parents started a printing, publishing and bookstore business, and were entrepreneurs in other areas, too. I grew up attending genealogy conferences, designing book covers, troubleshooting computer issues, and traveling to Europe to see where our ancestors lived.

I am now a stay-at-home mom of three, Caleb (6), Kaylee (4) and David (3), and a wife to Steve. We love to do things together as a family whether it is bicycle riding the rails to trails, cooking together, going on family camping trips or visiting great-grandma in the dementia unit.

I exercise my love of marketing and media through a blog I started in 2010. I love seeing how God gives me vision and passion for posts, and sometimes just puts me in the right place at the right time. It is thrilling to watch how He alone can take a post viralit is definitely not my own doing!

I love to try new thingslike adding shredded zucchini and crushed pineapple in pancakes to discover a new family favorite recipe! I also love to make our house a home by designing chalkboard wall art. I recently co-authored a book with a mentor of mine. Hosting a launch team and watching the book rank in the top #30 on Amazon was an incredible experience!

Why I Applied for the South Africa Advocacy Trip

When I heard about Crystals trips to South Africa, I was intrigued and inspired. What I absolutely loved was that she was an entrepreneur here in the States, and she was advocating entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Not only was she advocating it, but she was supporting it financially. I grew up in a small family business and it never once occurred to me the possibility of helping others overseas, who might not otherwise have any guidance, to develop their entrepreneurial skills. I loved the connection Crystal made.

As I researched the Help One Now organization that this trip would be in partnership with, I was moved by how they operate like Paul. Their goal is to equip and support the locals, not to go in and do the ministry for them. They find locals who are already being moved by the Spirit and doing Gods work, and they empower and equip those local leaders. I connected deeply with this vision.

My Experience in South Africa

So many times I get brochures in the mail, pamphlets to read through, and even videos to watchon where and how we can give money to help overseasbut I often feel like I dont know exactly where my money is going, how it is impacting the area first-hand and how much it is really needed. I dont have a personal connection and so it can be difficult for me to get excited about giving generously.

When I was in South Africa, I saw the hearts of the Take Action Ministry Team. I felt their passions and compassion. I witnessed their excitement and I heard their true and personal stories. I spoke with them one-on-one and heard their humility.



I saw first-hand the poverty and the needs of the localswhat they eat every day and what they dont eat, how little money they make and how hard it is for them to make any money at all. I learned about the government and the systems that are trying to help but are only making things worse.

I also saw the hope the country and the people have. With the extreme prosperity only 20 minutes away from extreme poverty, there is incredible potential for change and improvement!

I saw God at work and I loved it!

I was amazed at how the people were literally Gods hands and feet. It was not uncommon to hear compelling phrases such as, We act out of obedience, because our faith is not big enough. And, Now that we are doing agriculture Gods way, how about doing marriage Gods way?

When we asked one young man what his vision for his life is, his response was that he wants to transform people. I was humbled to consider what answers Americans might give to this question.

This trip was so much more than a missions trip for me. As part of an advocacy trip, I felt I was able to come to an understanding of the country, the people, and the land. I asked questions and learned things I would not have had the time to learn if I was there serving.

How I Was Most Impacted by Going to South Africa

While my life was impacted in many different ways, I think I was impacted the most by the Take Action Ministry teamtheir unity and their mission for Christ. God has given them the wisdom and discernment to seek out those being moved by the Spirit and already doing Gods work.

The team works diligently, faithfully, and obediently, and they do all of it because they have a heart for it. They have their own families, their own children, their own houses, their own dreamsyet every day they give of their time and make helping these communities their passion.

I feel compelled to find creative ways to tell and show others the integrity, obedience and trustworthiness of the Take Action Ministry Team. I feel compelled to advocate for them and the impact they have on South Africa.

I feel compelled to share how I have seen they are truly Gods hands and feet, acting in obedience. I feel compelled to support their decisions they are making to eliminate poverty and to make all communities sustainable.

Read All My Behind-The-Scenes South Africa Updates While I was on my South Africa trip, I created a newsletter and sent out daily updates sharing what I was learning. I am continuing with that email newsletter featuring insights now that I am back in the States, going deeper into some of the areas of the trip that I didnt share much about while I was there, and sharing some of my favorite South African recipes with a Lancaster County twist! I would love for you to follow along and enjoy these exclusive stories, photos and updates with me.

Kathy likes to define herself as a child of God, mother of three adorable children, and a wife to a totally amazing husband. Shes a deal finding enthusiast, a dreamer, a houseplant killer, and an ever-learning student who is inspired by trying new things. In her spare time she likes to host yard sales, sell at consignment sales, design chalkboard wall art, and find bargains.
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DEER LODGE  A Butte man serving a 100-year sentence for the 1984 murder of a Montana Tech professor expected to plead for his early release, but a parole board on Thursday denied his request based on a violation of conduct.

Coleen Magera, a member of the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole, told Leland F. Docken that an August infraction exempted him from the required 120 days of clear conduct for a parole hearing.

We cannot grant parole at this time," Magera said, asking Docken why he appeared skeptical.

Dressed in blue jeans and a dark blue long-sleeve shirt, the 63-year-old said he had been written up for sending hobby or handcrafted work to his sister, who then sold it to a woman in Washington state. Neither was an approved vendor by the Montana State Prison.

I got no excuse for it, Docken said, acknowledging his actions were against prisons rules.

Docken confessed to the shooting death of 55-year-old Terrance McGlynn, who was his father-in-law, in Elk Park, north of Butte. The two had argued April 14, 1984, and the argument became heated.

Docken claimed he and McGlynn were under a great deal of stress and pressure, according to court documents. After a single bullet perforated McGlynns heart, Docken buried him in a shallow grave near the Ladysmith Campground, about 25 miles north of Butte.

A week later, Docken led police to McGlynns body.

Family members of the two men declined to testify at Thursdays hearing, which was held at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge.

Board member Patricia Iron Cloud noted the very serious crime and asked the inmate if he felt remorse.

It shouldnt have happened  a moment of anger, Docken said, apologizing. I dont blame my in-laws for wanting to keep me in here. Its something that just happened. I cant explain.  It still bothers me.

For the rest of your life? Iron Cloud asked.

Yes, maam, replied Docken.

The more than a dozen attendees  including family members  who filled the small room declined to testify.

Docken testified he had completed treatment for chemical dependency and anger management and worked as a ranch accounting clerk for at least six months. His drinking problems, he said, began when he separated from his wife, but he hadnt had a drink in over 30 years.

After the hearing, McGlynns adult children decried Dockens testimony before the parole board. Kerry Buterbaugh of Whitehall said her ex-husband showed no remorse for murdering her father.

As a family, we dont feel we heard an expression of sincere remorse. At the time this crime happened, it was preplanned and (Docken) pled guilty to the crime afterward. It wasnt just something that happened, said Buterbaugh.

She blamed her split with Docken on his criminal activity over their seven-year marriage.

The most important person in my life was my dad. (Docken) killed my dad to hurt the family, Buterbaugh said.

Docken's next appearance before the parole board is slated for September 2018.
The sighting of two bears prompted a nearly 90-minute lockdown at Hillcrest Elementary School Thursday morning.

Nobody was hurt. One of the bears also apparently ate cat food from a dish on a porch.

The elementary school went on lockdown from 8:10 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. after a parent alerted administrators that two bears were wandering along Continental Drive.

The parent saw the bears  believed by one resident to be a sow and a cub  on the south side of the overpass bridge, said Hillcrest Elementary Principal Susan Johnson. About 300 children were playing in the playground at the time. The first bell rings at 8:15 a.m., and school begins at 8:22 a.m.

Staff brought the kids inside and placed the school in lockdown until personnel from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks let Johnson know it was safe to end the lockdown. The playground monitor waited outside, and a staff person stood at the front door to let any additional children in if they arrived after the lockdown started, Johnson said.

"The whole situation was very calm, very systematic," Johnson said.

Nearby resident Bary Waddell said he had an almost face-to-face encounter on the 3600 block of Whiteway with one of the bears at about 7:20 a.m. He found a bear  apparently a cub  eating cat food out of a dish at the edge of his porch.

Waddell didn't see the other bear, but he said that the smaller bear ran away at the sight of him, heading north on Atherton Lane, north of the Butte Country Club.

FWP game warden Shane Yaskus said he got a call at 7:30 a.m. from the Montana Highway Patrol regarding the bears. The pair had been spotted near houses that border the Butte Country Club golf course.

FWP searched for the bears for a couple of hours but did not locate them, Yaskus said. He said they could have climbed a tree, found dense foliage to sleep under, or returned to the forest.

"They pulled a vanishing act and disappeared," Yaskus said.

While there have been no reports of these bears showing aggression, Yaskus said it is always good for people to be cautious.

"There's always potential danger for residents," Yaskus said.
County officials said Wednesday night that several sites  some old, some new  are being considered now as possible new homes to the countys vehicle and maintenance shops.

But several possibilities  including land owned by the Joseph Law offices off of South Montana Street  have been ruled out for various reasons. That particular spot was too small, Public Works Director Dave Schultz told commissioners.

Locations still in the running include land owned by Bill Hollow of Hollow Contracting across the street from the old Montana Pole Plant.

Chief Executive Matt Vincent said he would like to narrow the list to five and then do more extensive analysis on each. Commissioners and the public also could tour each site before any decisions are made.

The shops must be moved from their current spot next to the Civic Center because polluted Parrot smelter tailings are to be removed. But everything seems to be on hold now.

Gov. Steve Bullock, who wanted the tailings removed starting this year, said earlier this month that BP/ARCO has so far refused to permit the state to dump the tailings near the Berkeley Pit. Bullock has pulled out of negotiations on the Butte Hill Superfund cleanup  at least for now  because of that.

County officials, meanwhile, have had a difficult time choosing an acceptable new site for the county shops.

Their latest choice  north of the Civic Center across the street from the current shops  was put in limbo after Vincent halted the selection process in late July. His decision came after 14 people spoke against the site during a council meeting.

So county officials went back to the drawing board, looking at previously explored options and some new ones.

The possibilities have included an area north of Centennial Avenue owned by the Salusso family and Centennial Concrete. It is next to property that was previously chosen before the owner of that land said he didnt want to sell it. Schultz said that was still on the list of possibilities.
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HELENA  A five-justice panel of the Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously affirmed the Public Service Commission's denial of a $1.4 million rate increase for NorthWestern Energy.

The increase request, dating back to 2012, resulted from an unexpected three-month outage at the Dave Gates Generating Station in Anaconda, used primarily for load balancing and power regulation. The plant went online in January 2011, but barely a year later, the Pratt & Whitney gas turbines in each of the three generation units proved to be defective. Although they were under warranty and were replaced, NorthWestern Energy was forced to buy replacement power for about three months during the time the plant was out of commission.

The $1.4 million request was to make the company "whole" for having to purchase the outside power during the outage. The Public Service Commission denied that request. NorthWestern Energy appealed, and in 2015 District Judge Brad Newman upheld the PSC's order, resulting in NorthWestern Energy's appeal to the Supreme Court.

In affirming the PSCs order in his decision for the majority, Supreme Court Justice Jim Rice wrote that, The Commission had substantial evidence to rely upon and it appropriately used its expertise to evaluate that evidence.

I am very pleased with the Courts decision in this matter as it is a huge win for consumers across Montana, said PSC Chairman Brad Johnson, R-East Helena. Private utilities must shoulder some of the risk when making business decisions as it is not the role of the PSC to act as a rubber stamp and allow all unforeseen costs to be passed on to consumers.

PSC Vice Chairman Travis Kavulla, R-Great Falls, said "I appreciate the Supreme Court's ruling. I hope it will refocus NorthWestern Energy on providing quality service at a reasonable cost, rather than litigating against the Public Service Commission when we find that the company has operated its facilities poorly or incurred costs unwisely. Other industries would not be in a position to pass along to the consuming public the costs that NorthWestern wished to charge its ratepayers in this matter. By disallowing them, the Commission made clear that it expects good performance from the utility, and hopefully NorthWestern will take the Supreme Court's affirmation of our decision to heart."

A NorthWestern Energy spokesman said Wednesday that the company would have no immediate comment on the court's decision.

It is the second regulatory setback the Butte-based energy utility has suffered related to the Dave Gates plant. In April 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruled that NorthWestern had overcharged large electric customers in the state by millions of dollars for the "regulation" service that the Dave Gates plant provides.

The PSC had approved a rate structure that charged the large users for a portion of the cost of building the plant. Those large customers objected, taking their case to FERC, which ruled in their favor in 2014. In May of this year, the agency denied a NorthWestern Energy request for a rehearing. NorthWestern Energy objected strongly to the FERC ruling, which it said shows "a fundamental misunderstanding of how our business operates and what the Dave Gates Generating Station is."

To view the Montana Supreme Courts full decision, visit www.mtstandard.com and click on this story.
WAPELLO, Iowa  The Civil War will come alive again this weekend as the Louisa County Historical Society hosts Civil War Days on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2.

The Southeast Iowa Civil War Roundtable will be camped on the grounds over the weekend, weather permitting. The group will be manning displays and giving demonstrations including how to fire the musket and mortar.

Veri Lekwa returns as Abe Lincoln at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the stage room and will present Lincolns Gettysburg Address. Haven Noble will have a demonstration of tin type photographer used during the Civil War period from 1:15-2:15 p.m. on Saturday. Also on Saturday will be demonstrations of ladies dress and underpinnings along with samples of Civil War era food and drinks from 2:15-3:00 p.m., Barb Duber, lady Civil War soldier re-enactor, will appear from 3-3:30 p.m., and Dan Gillett will talk about Lincoln and show Lincoln artifacts from 3:30-4 p.m.

Sundays events begin with a Civil War church service at 10 a.m.

A style show of Civil War era clothing is planned along with a presentation on Civil War music and how the state of Iowa was effected by the war. A special part of this program will be a presentation on the Six Littleton Brothers from Toolesbooro who were all casualties of the Civil War

Display tables will be around the room on both days.

A free-will-offering meal will be served Saturday and Sunday in the dining room.

The Louisa County Historical Society is located at 609 Highway 61 N. in Wapello. The historical society is open Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa - Columbus Junction officials are hopeful it will not happen, but high water could force the closing of State Highway 92 within the next 48 hours.

Mayor Dan Wilson told the city council Wednesday that state, county and city emergency officials have been meeting regularly to assess the impact from the high water, which he said is mainly coming down the Cedar River.

The Cedar and Iowa rivers join just outside of Columbus Junction and pass under the Highway 92 bridge just east of the city. In 2008 a levee protecting the city was over-topped, flooding much of the lower east end of Columbus Junction.

Since then, the levee has been raised and the city has purchased temporary flood control bins that can be used to extend the levee across the highway if needed to protect the community.

Wilson said Wednesday the crest, currently expected to be around 26.6 feet, should pass through Friday morning. He said at that level, there could be an impact on the highway.

Its borderline, he said, explaining the highway could be reduced to one lane if necessary, but any flooding would be less than in 2008.

Its nothing like we experienced in 2008, he said.

Wilson said state and local workers would monitor the situation through the night and take action if needed.

Hopefully it will remain calm, (but) well keep people updated the best we can, he assured the council.

Meanwhile, Wilson said Collins Road, site of the relocated water treatment plant, and State Highway 70 were not being affected by the high water. He did report that Locust Street had been temporarily closed because of Monkey Run was backing up.

Wilson also reported because of the uncertainty of the highway closure, the library board had decided to close the library on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Officials said some library employees live east of the river and could be cut off if the road was closed.

In other action during the council meeting, the council held a public hearing to receive public comments on the plans, specifications and contract form for the proposed New Heritage Trail Subdivision Project.

There were no comments.

The council then opened bids for the work and accepted the low bid of $279,299 from G&R Miller Construction, Washington. Seven other bids were also submitted. They included: K&N Excavating, Carthage, IL, $290,052; SulzCo, Muscatine, $369,864; Heuer Construction, Muscatine, $333,294; Streb Construction, Iowa City, $343,368; Fye Excavating, Inc., Sperry, $290,466; Delong Construction, Washington, $317,721; and All-American Concrete, West Liberty, $338,884.

Project engineer Matt Walker, French-Reneker, Fairfield, said he had not talked with any of the contractors about a schedule, but he was hoping some work could begin yet this year.

According to previous discussions, the work will include extending New Heritage Trail about 300 feet to the west, while a 150-foot extension of Village Square, which will end in a cul-de-sac, will also be constructed as part of the street development. Sewer and water will also be installed to approximately 12 lots along the new streets, although duplexes are planned for some of the lots.

Walker had previously estimated the project cost to be around $322,000.

In final action, the council approved setting Trick or Treat Night for Oct. 31 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  A bake sale, held in the Walmart parking lot in Muscatine, raised $1,365 for a young Muscatine boy with cancer.

Parker Hopkins, who will soon celebrate his second birthday, just began his second round of chemotherapy this week, after he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in August.

Parker and his family spend much of their time in Iowa City as he receives chemotherapy treatments at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, but Muscatine residents have been continuing fundraising efforts for the family.

His mother, Jordan Hopkins, and his three-year-old brother Maddux Hopkins, visited the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office to receive a check from Little Miss Muscatine pageant participants, who organized the bake sale with the help of their families and the CNS Pageant Systems in Muscatine.

Kalley Boyce, an assistant director for the Muscatine pageant, has background in organizing bake sales for the Children's Miracle Network, and said she felt a bake sale would be a good way to raise funds.

"It was beyond a success," Boyce said.

She said the pageant likes to promote community involvement, and she and Lisa Johnson, also an assistant director, said they hoped the young girls would see that even someone younger than them could be affected by cancer.

"It was an incentive for the girls to do something for the community, and to also see someone as young as they are affected by this," Johnson said.

Volunteering, they said, is a critical element to the pageant system.

"It was important to us to show them the importance of volunteering because it's a huge part of the pageant, community involvement and making sure they know why they're helping others," Boyce said.

Parker was able to attend the bake sale, and Jordan Hopkins said the fundraiser was another example of how helpful the community has been in Parker's fight.

"We're just happy that the community is coming together for him, it means a lot that so many people have come together to do this," she said.

Little Miss Muscatine Ava Kirk said fundraisers are important to families whose children are ill.

"So they can feel better," she said.

Jr. Teen Muscatine Rainee Thomas said fundraisers are important for families because having a child diagnosed with cancer can "happen out of nowhere."

"It's a way of giving back to help other families in the community and show them that everybody around them wants to help," Thomas said.

Sheriff C.J. Ryan and his wife, Sue Ryan, baked cookies for the fundraiser and purchased goods at the bake sale.

"We were more than happy to contribute," he said.

When people ask her why she lives in Muscatine, Jordan Hopkins said these are the moments she brings to light.

"It's times like this, everybody comes together in times of need, and it's why I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Pearl City Players Theatrical Society will present Noel Cowards classic farce Blithe Spirit on October 14, 15, and 16 in the Muscatine Center for Performing Arts at Central Middle School.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the door and will be $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets may also be reserved in advance from members of the cast or crew.

Blithe Spirit is a comic play about socialite and novelist Charles Condomine (played by Chris Causey). He invites eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati (Lori Shield), to his house to conduct a seance, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when the ghost of his annoying and temperamental first wife, Elvira (Cali Van Zandt), is unleashed during the seance. Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles's marriage to his second wife, Ruth (Cassidy Probasco), who cannot see or hear the ghost. The cast also includes Peggy Adasme, Judy Wilson, and Bill Turner.

Blithe Spirit was first seen in Londons West End in 1941, it set a record for longest running non-musical British play. It also did well on Broadway later that year. Coward himself adapted the play for a 1945 film starring Rex Harrison. The show has enjoyed several Broadway revivals, most recently in 2009 starring Angela Lansbury as Madame Arcati.

The Pearl City Players production is directed by Vicky Petkunas with assistance from Benjamin Fix; it is produced by Allyson Giovanazzi. More information can be found on the Pearl City Player facebook page.
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 []
Cell C has backtracked on its LTE download and upload speed claims, following a consumer complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA).

Cell C promoted its LTE service along and a router on its website, saying it brings you reliable and super-fast internet on your smartphones or tablet.

LTE gives you a faster internet experience with speeds up to 90Mbps download and up to 25Mbps upload, the company claimed.

A Cell C subscriber lodged a complaint with the ASA, saying he averaged 7.6Mbps on LTE, and the maximum download speed achieved was 23Mbps.

The user said he was disappointed with Cell Cs LTE speeds, and felt misled by Cell Cs speed claims.

Cell C responded, saying its best-effort LTE speeds in certain situations reaches 90Mbps, but this should never have been included in the copy for the website as it is not generally available.

Cell C added that the advertising and speed claims will not appear again until such time as such speed is generally achievable.

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Hlaudi Motsoeneng does not enjoy the protection of the ANC, nor has the party deployed him to the public broadcaster, chief whip Jackson Mthembu said on Wednesday.

The SABCs newly-appointed group executive of corporate affairs was a non-employee who was given the post without due process having been followed, he told reporters at Parliament.

He called on the SABC board to rescind the appointment.

It should not have happened in the first place.

Mthembu said the ANCs records would show the party did not deploy him.

There are many other people that the ANC deployment committee might not have deployed, but who do wonderful jobs. I cant say the same about him. There are many people who do wonderful jobs and are respected because of the work they do.

I can assure that whatever protection somebody might enjoy, it will not come from the ANC.

The party wanted people who were rationally appointed. He continuously referred to Motsoenengs appointment as miraculous.

Respect the rule of law

It was not only a question of protection, he said, but also of respect for the courts.

Mthembu said if courts declared his appointment as chief whip irrational, logic would dictate he could no longer be an ANC employee.

It simply means that Jackson Mthembu no longer works here, finish and klaar. If we do something else, we are unlawful in our conduct. Thats my logic; lets just respect the rule of law.

The SABC board had a lot to answer for and the ANC wanted an inquiry into its fitness.

These included its appointment processes, and how Motsoeneng ended up back in a senior management position, after the courts had declared his appointment as COO unlawful.

Not fit to govern

The board had been summoned to appear before Parliament in October. Mthembu said it was not fit to govern.

Talking about Motsoenengs unlawful appointment, he said employers needed to hire the best- qualified people who would provide value for money.

What has happened at the SABC clearly indicated that we are dealing with another animal. We need to use other instruments at our disposal, not your day-to-day oversight mechanism. What is that animal at our disposal? That animal is an inquiry, he said.

He was not sure if asking members of the current board to resign would work, but they would try, he said. An inquiry was the next-best option.

Mthembu said ANC members on Parliaments communications committee, who had previously been seen as shielding Motsoeneng, would do what was right.

News24

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Food delivery app UberEats launched on Wednesday and the company behind the ride-sharing app is confident the service will disrupt the food industry, and possibly other sectors as well.

In an interview with Fin24, Uber general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa Alon Lits said that UberEats had the potential to change peoples eating habits.

UberEats has the ability to change the way restaurants operate. Through partnerships given the scale, smaller businesses could expand to a wider customer base through UberEats, Lits told Fin24.

While reaching more customers through UberEats, restaurant owners could now think of investing elsewhere in their businesses, like adding more seats or additional kitchen space, he added.

The app is an on-demand service that taps Ubers network of partner-drivers to deliver meals from restaurants.

UberEats however, is a separate application from that of the ride-sharing app. UberEats promises an average delivery time of 30 minutes from order to drop-off, company officials said at an event on Wednesday.

Deliveries can be tracked in real-time with a range of top restaurant chains partnering with the service.

The service, at first, will be available in Johannesburgs northern suburbs with a plan to expand to other major centres.

Disrupting delivery

David Kitley, operations and logistics manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, told Fin24 that they were confident that the concept could be applied into other spheres of delivery business.

We hope to bring all the experience and logistics into the delivery space, Kitley told Fin24.

Not only to restaurants but to beverage companies or e-commerce players, this platform really unlocks different use cases and it shouldnt just be seen as food delivery but also as a test case for something else, he said.

How the app works is that users can download it from Google Play or the iTunes store, and enter in their details much like the Uber ride-sharing app itself.

A menu tailored for the UberEats service is then made available for users to choose from, meals from the selected restaurant, are prepared and collected by drivers.

The app makes user of UberX drivers already in their database, while the company also is experimenting on two-wheeled deliveries.

Kitley added that there was an opportunity for restaurant owners to supplement their already existing delivery service after-hours with UberEats drivers, or compliment their service altogether.

The service will launch on Thursday at 11am and thereafter run from 7am to 10pm with some restaurants operating 24-hours.

Deliveries come with a standard charge of R20 while meal sizes are not limited.

Kitley also said that the drivers deliver the meal items in insulated bags which kept cold foods cold and hot meals warm before reaching their destination.

South Africa is part of over 20 countries in Europe and Asia where the service is scheduled to be launched, and Johannesburg is the first city in Africa to experience the service.

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Kiara Nirghin, a 16 year-old South African student who goes to St. Martins in Johannesburg, has been named the overall winner of the 2016 Google Science Fair.

She was awarded the grand prize of $50,000 (R687,470) for her project titled Combatting drought with a Low-Cost, biodegradable Superabsorbent Polymer made out of orange peels.

Google said the prize will be given in scholarship funding, and is intended to further Nirghins education.

In her online submission to the science fair, Nirghin explains that she conducted three experiments over 45 days to see if she could make a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) out of bio-waste that outperforms existing synthetic SAPs.

The results of the water retention test showed that the orange peel mixture can absorb 76.1% of water, which is significantly greater than the acrylic SAP, starch SAP and pectin SAP, Nirghin said.

Her orange peel mixture was made out of waste products found in the juice manufacturing industry where the only resources involved were electricity and time. No special equipment nor materials were required, she said.

Nirghin also noted that commercially used acrylic SAP retails for around $2,000 to $3,000 (R27,586 to R41,390) per metric ton, and is not bio-degradable, whereas the orange peel mixture could retail at $30 to $60 (R414 to R828) per metric ton.

She said she hopes this low-cost material can reduce juice manufacturing waste while helping local farmers save both money and their crops.

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The latest South African Customer Satisfaction Index (SAcsi) for mobile handsets reveals that South African consumers are highly satisfied with their experience with Apple phones  while Blackberry continues to fall out of favour.

According to the survey, Apple phones exceed South African mobile phone users expectations of quality, reliability and meet their needs with an index score of 83.5.

Trailing Apple are Nokia and Samsung phones scoring 80.6 and 79.5 on the index, respectively. These three brands lead by scoring above the average industry index of 78.2.

While Huawei and Sony have been in the South African market for a few years, they are new entrants to the SAcsi in 2016. Both handsets ranked on par with the industry average with Huawei scoring 77.2 and Sony 76.2 among consumers.

Blackberry phones continue to fall out of consumer favour overall and received low scores across the board. It lagged the industry leader, Apple, by more than 12 points, with a satisfaction score of 71.4.
The Western Cape Government has announced a new proposed traffic law for vehicle impoundments of serious traffic offenders, reports Wheels24.

The Western Cape Amendment Bill proposes:

1. Enabling the provincial minister to make regulations in respect of the impoundment of vehicles for certain road traffic offences.

2. Repealing the National Road Safety Act, 1972 (Act 9 of 1972) in the Western Cape and, in its place, adding provisions to the Western Cape Provincial Road Traffic Administration Act that will facilitate the promotion of road safety through educational, promotional and research activities.

Responses to the Bill have generally been positive. South Africans have until 12 October to lodge an official comment with the Department of Transport and Public Works.

Do you think the proposed law is a good thing? Let us know in the comment below and in our forums.

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SACRAMENTO  Gov. Jerry Brown is rejecting legislation that would have required people caught paying for sex to spend at least 24 hours behind bars.

The Democratic governor said in a veto message Tuesday that existing law provides enough flexibility to appropriately punish so-called "johns."

On top of the mandatory jail time, AB1708 would have required a fine of $250 to $1,000. The fine would be $1,000 to $10,000 for people who solicit sex from minors.

The Assembly and Senate approved the bill unanimously last month. It was written by Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez of San Diego. She said the Legislature should go after people who contribute to demand for prostitution.
The city of Napa will get its first three-star Michelin chef when Kenzo restaurant opens on Nov. 15.

But more than that, Chef Hiroyuki Kanda, and Kenzo and Natsuko Tsujimoto are planning to bring to Napa an experience so authentically Japanese that it is as close as you might get to experiencing Japan without a passport.

Chef Kanda was in Napa last week, and, with the Tsujimotos, gave tour of the restaurant still under construction in the former Pearl space at 1339 Pearl St. and a view of their plans.

The Tsujimotos are the owners of Kenzo Estate Winery in Napa, as well as four restaurants and tasting rooms in their native Japan.

They have long been friends with Kanda, who spent five years honing his skills in Paris. After returning to Tokyo, he opened Kanda restaurant in 2004. It promptly garnered three Michelin stars and has retained them for nine consecutive years.

Kanda traveled to the Napa Valley for the grand opening of the Kenzo winery, and the idea of opening a restaurant in Napa has been been in the works ever since.

A restaurant needs two things: a philosophy and investment, Kanda said in an interview at the restaurant taking shape on Pearl Street. Kenzo is providing the investment, and I have the philosophy.

Kenzo Tsujimoto was the founder of Capcom, a Japanese developer and publisher of video games. His interest in wine brought him to the Napa Valley, where he purchased a 4,000-acre property to build a winery on Mt. George in eastern Napa. Until now, most of the wines produced at Kenzo have been shipped to Japan, although visitors can taste and purchase Kenzo wines at the Napa winery.

It was important, he said, to have a place in downtown Napa, where guests will be able to taste the Kenzo wines, but most of all they want to share the true essence of Japanese culinary traditions.

The 27-seat restaurant will seat 10 at tables, and 10 more at a sushi bar; an additional private tasting room will accommodate 10. The restaurant will offer both a traditional pre-fixe kaiseki menu as well as sushi, which, in accordance with Japanese tradition, will be prepared at the bar as guests watch.

Kaiseki is a multi-course meal, in some instances serving as many as 15 courses. Renowned for its meticulous preparation and exquisite presentations, the sophisticated kaiseki tradition is often compared to French haute cuisine. According to Japan-talk.com, Theres no formula for kaiseki. Each kaiseki meal is the creation of a master chef. Presentation of kaiseki dishes is guided by Japanese aesthetics.

Kanda described his food as contemporary kaiseki.

Jude Radeski, president and CEO of Kenzo Estate, said he has happily served as guinea pig for the Napa restaurant, traveling to Japan to dine at Kanda and offering his viewpoint as an American diner. Its been great, he said.

The authentic Japanese dining experience, however, encompasses more than food, Kanda explained. It is not just to feed the customers but to entertain them. Dining Japanese-style, he said, is an entire experience for the all these senses. Every element, the counters, walls and ceiling, is important, he said. The total is the art.

To this end, Natsuko Tsujimoto, who said it has been her dream to introduce these traditions in Napa, has closely participated in the design of the restaurant. She and Kanda traveled to Kyoto, Japan, to choose the dishes for the Napa restaurant. The stone for the floors has been imported from Japan, as has the pale gold Japanese cypress for the construction of the counters, which craftsmen came from Japan to construct on the site. Speaking through a translator, she showed the details of the chairs, which, along with the tables, are being made in Japan.

I have the utmost respect for the philosophy and approach of chef Kanda and I admire his incredible passion and craft, she said. It is of course a challenge to recreate the same level of quality, authenticity and beauty of his cuisine outside of Japan, but I believe with our vision and his talent, we absolutely can achieve the goal we set out to accomplish with Kenzo.

She said that the late Margrit Mondavi, who had traveled to Japan with them, had urged her to go forward with the Napa project. We will have a seat here for her, she said. Her spirit will dine here.

Kanda, who will oversee the menu, has been training a culinary staff at his Tokyo restaurant to ensure that performance, preparation and presentation all meet his exacting standards. He plans to close his Japanese restaurant twice a year for two-weeks at a time and bring his staff to Napa to ensure that the quality and mindset  the essence of his philosophy is maintained.

We can do this because of Kenzo, he said.

Not many people travel to Japan, Kenzo Tsujimoto said. I want people to be able to have a taste of Japanese culture. That is the important thing.

Kanda added, I want people to say, I did not have to get a ticket to go to Japan.
I am writing this letter in support of Jennifer Baker for Napa Valley College Trustee in Area One. I do not live in Area One; I live in St. Helena, so I cannot vote for Jennifer.

However, I and other residents of the Upper Valley have a vested interest in the outcome of the Board of Trustees composition. They collectively make decisions that can positively or negatively influence the future of the UpValley campus and higher education programs available to our community.

I collaborated with Jennifer when she was the director of our library. As our library director, Jennifer had the vision, initiative and creativity to lead an exceptional team into very high levels of service. Our library's per capita usage surpassed all libraries in California and at the time she left was more than six times the national average.

Under her direction, the library became our community center and an incredible leveler for our town, where people from all different economic, education, age and cultural origins could use resources and interact as equals. She was always one who cared for the diversity of our town and wanted to include them all.

The programs and services she introduced for monolingual Spanish speakers became, and continue to be, an important, vibrant opportunity for exposure to cultural events and materials they can relate to and that highlight their contributions to society.

We know an educated population has a better chance to thrive. Jennifer cares for the needs of all segments of the community, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalized because she believes in creating equal opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Jennifer listens. She promoted and led the 2010 needs assessment for our community and acted upon the identified priorities, pushing for reorganization and new programs in response to community requests. She always exhibited genuine interest in increasing community engagement, broadening participation, and making sure she had the pulse of our community and had considered a wide breadth of opinions and options when making decisions.

Jennifer is a champion of collaboration. She is a knowledgeable, ethical, caring communicator with tested leadership skills. With Jennifer Baker on the Board of Trustees for Napa Valley College, we can be confident that we have someone who will champion the needs and interests of our community at the table.

Norma Ferriz

St. Helena
Dining out is not just about food and wine.

I approach it gestalt-like, experiencing the entirety of the event including the ambience of the restaurant, the demeanor of the personnel, the quality of the food and how it is presented, the wine bottles label design, and how the bottle is handled.

Few people worry about such things. But when you are asked to pay three times the retail cost of a bottle of wine for the privilege of consuming it with a meal, service counts. And that includes how the waiter treats the bottle.

One of the worst aspects of wine service, for me, occurs when a server removes the entire capsule from the bottle and then takes away the cork.

The capsule and cork are part of the show, images that the winery wishes to display as part of its full dress. Without the capsule, the bottle appears naked. Its like the Mona Lisa missing a tooth.

Many wineries hire expensive design consultants to create an image that is best displayed by how the bottle looks. This includes the capsule.

Walter Landor and Associates in San Francisco, one of the top product-design companies in the world, has created hundreds of package designs, including wine bottles and their capsules.

A quality capsule completes the packages dress.

Ridge Vineyards has long used a short, unadorned silver capsule familiar to its loyal buyers. J. Lohr uses a black capsule with a golden top and gold stripe. Williams Selyem uses its traditional plain burgundy capsule.

For a waiter to simply strip the capsule off the next of the bottle is an abominable act equivalent to Queen Elizabeth wearing Levis.

And removal of the cork from the table likewise fails the consumer because there is no tactile sense of how the wine maker dealt with the critical decision of how to seal the bottle.

As to corks: A few years ago, we opened a 25-year-old bottle of Angelo Gaja Barbaresco. It was absolutely perfect, thanks in part to the fact that Gaja had chosen to use the worlds best corks, which were long and pristine.

At the time, they were ludicrously expensive; few wineries could afford to do the same.

Today, however, there are some alternative closures that are not only near-perfect, but cost little in relationship to the best natural corks.

Nomacorc and Diam are alternative-closure competitors, both of them providing good closures for a lot less money than ever before. Both have been successful to the point that it has hurt the natural cork industry.

Nomacorc, in particular, has done an outstanding job providing the industry with a clean-looking, cork-like closure for under 10 cents each that is completely impervious to the moldy aromatics of cork taint.

Thats because Nomacorc uses the fibrous material from sugarcane as its raw material. Because it is mostly non-tree based, it cant harbor the chemical TCA that creates a corky smelling the wine.

The company announced last week that its going completely green. It will shortly be 100 percent plant-based.

I have looked carefully at closures for years, and I like the way Nomacorcs function. Even at its low price, Nomacorc appears to be a quality choice by wineries using it.

And its nice to look at while you are being served your ceremonial pour.

Removal of the cork and capsule from the table should be of major concern to all wineries who are concerned about the image that their bottle presents in restaurants.

Im surprised that no winery I know of does education in restaurants to strongly encourage its personnel to treat both cork and capsule with utmost respect.

Wine of the Week: 2015 Coppola Rosso and Bianco Pinot Grigio, California ($13): The attractive varietal aroma has peaches and a subtle spice note. The soft appealing entry leads to excellent mid-palate fruit and a balanced finish. Great for patio sipping or serving with appetizers. Often seen at about $10. It was tasted side-by-side with three other similarly priced Pinot Grigios, all of which were quite good. This one tasted better when extremely well chilled.
Japan to establish new unified command to manage operations of land, sea and air forces

French Foreign Minister calls on Russia to reconsider its decision on grain deal

Ferrari unveils 499P hypercar with all-wheel drive

Russian Foreign Ministry hopes that Putin, Pashinyan and Aliyev meeting will help conclude peace treaty

Pashinyan to meet with Putin in Sochi, followed by trilateral meeting of Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani leaders

Reuters: Border Agency building set on fire in Britain

US recognized as most powerful country in world for seventh time

Iran accuses Israel of organizing terrorist attack in Shiraz

Reuters: NATO urged Russia to urgently resume grain deal

Guterres intends to achieve resumption of Russia's participation in grain deal

Resistance Movement calls rally on November 5

La Stampa: Italian farmers fear rising cereal prices due to disruption of grain deal

Beglaryan: About 33% of the entire population of Artsakh gathered at the Renaissance Square in Stepanakert

Sweden's new government is ready to supply Kiev with heavier weapons

Babayan: Any proposal in which Artsakh will be considered part of Azerbaijan will be rejected

Dozens of female students protest in Afghanistan

Biden confuses number of states in U.S.

Peskov: Russia cannot be someone's vassal

Minibus carrying party members overturns in Ankara

Dashnaktsutyun: Any document that will include Artsakh into Azerbaijan must be torn up

Speaker: We hope that no document ignoring the Artsakh issue will be signed in Sochi

Italian MFA comments on Russia's withdrawal from food deal

Economist: High inflation took Western countries by surprise, which were wrong in their forecasts

Artsakh National Assembly issues statement: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of independent Azerbaijan

Parliament of Republic of Artsakh unanimously adopts statements

NA holds extraordinary meeting in Artsakh: Big rally takes place on Renaissance Square (photos)

Lavrov confirms Putin's readiness for negotiations with Ukraine

La Repubblica: Italy supplied Kiev with 20-30 M109L artillery guns and PzH 2000 howitzers

Typhoon in Philippines affects more than 932,000 people

Source: Turkey conducts 'telephone diplomacy' on food deal

Television and partially radio broadcasts will be turned off in Armenia for two hours on October 31

Borrell: The EU urges Russia to revert its decision

Haiti PM Ariel Henry: The leader of a political party was murdered in the republic

Armenia MFA expresses condolences to South Korea over Seoul tragedy

Seoul receives more than 3,700 missing persons reports after crush

Armenian Defense Ministry: Private received fatal gunshot wound

Toivo Klaar: I emphasised the European Unions continued strong engagement in the peace process

Arrested for assaulting Speaker Pelosi's spouse faces charges

Major crush in Seoul: There are victims

Britain needs air defense in connection with war in Ukraine

France to plant 1 billion trees by 2030

Armenian FM meets participants of World Armenian Summit

The Swiss are going to set record for longest passenger train in the world

At least 146 people killed and 150 more injured in Seoul as they were crushed by crowd

Europeans frightened by growth of household appliances exports to Armenia, Kazakhstan

Russia requests UN Security Council meeting in connection with Ukraine's attack on Black Sea Fleet ships

Michel Aoun: Lebanon could slide into constitutional chaos

Zelensky intends to have Patriot SAMs, Abrams tanks and aircraft from US

President discusses latest foreign political developments around Artsakh

Azerbaijan officials considering opening embassy in Israel

Pashinyan receives Youri Djorkaeff

Thierry Breton talks Twitter purchase by Elon Musk: In Europe, the bird will fly by our rules

Armenia PM, EU Special Representative for South Caucasus discuss regional security and peace

Nikol Pashinyan, Garo Paylan exchange views on Armenia-Turkey normalization process

Quake hits Armenia-Turkey border zone

Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Garo Paylyan discuss prospects of normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations

Armenia ruling party adopting new vision regarding Karabakh conflict settlement

Russia MOD: Ukraine carried out terrorist attack on Black Sea Fleet ships, civilian ships in Sevastopol

Premier: CSTO should plan force operation, restore Armenias territorial integrity

BloombergNEF: Gas reserves from the U.S. will not be enough to fill the gaping hole left by Russia in Europe

Armenia PM: All countries consider Karabakh to be part of Azerbaijan

Armenias Pashinyan: CSTO does not exist

Kremlin responds to question on extending mandate of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh

Armenia premier: We need to know, ultimately, what Russian peacekeepers are doing in Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenia PM: Im ready to sign document, accept that Russian peacekeepers term in Karabakh be extended 10-20 years

Armenias Pashinyan: We are ready to delegate border guard service operation to Russian border guards

Finland, Sweden promise to join NATO together

European Parliament calls on Armenia to consider diversifying its security partnerships

Visiting Armenia MPs brief Canada lawmaker on recent Azerbaijan military aggression

Armenia PM at ruling party congress: We declared repairing states foundation our primary task

UK prime minister may freeze foreign aid for two more years

Karabakh President: Russia leaders statement inspires certain hopes

Armenia ruling party congress kicks off

Man breaks into US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home, demands to speak with her, beats husband with hammer

EU-Armenia Joint Committee on Research and Innovation first meeting to be held in November

Provincial governor of Armenias Gegharkunik: EU monitoring mission already started

US accuses Russia of disinformation regarding Washington intentions towards Armenia, Azerbaijan

Mexico fully legalizes gay marriage

Newspaper: Azerbaijan not inclined to sign anything with Armenia in Russias Sochi

Armenia ruling party convening closed convention

India's ruling party spokesman sues news portal

Archaeologists discover 240-year-old American camp for British prisoners of war

Subglacial river of 460 kilometers long discovered in Antarctica

Italian prime minister demands that she be addressed as prime minister in masculine form

Pentagon to send Ukraine new aid package worth $275 million

Europe will ban sale of one type of car

European Commission head announces new aid and investments for Serbia

Biden calls Putin's rhetoric on nuclear weapons 'dangerous'

Lukashenko on Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict: What are you fighting for in these mountains, where not even goats walk?

Swedish authorities offer to create united northern army

Lukashenko: Conflict issue between Armenia and Azerbaijan must be resolved now - with Ilham Aliyev

Lukashenko about situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border: Where are we racing horses, where are we rushing to?

Pashinyan: Armenia-Diaspora relations undergo profound substantive changes

Lukashenko to Pashinyan: Sit down with Aliyev and make a decision, if you don't make it today, it will be worse

Bulgarian interim government urges to speed up transition to euro zone

President of Karabakh: It is necessary to unite all national potential and efforts

IMF: China's sharp and uncharacteristic economic slowdown will stall growth in Asia by the end of 2023

Iran: Riots in country were planned by the intelligence services of the USA, England, Israel and the KSA

Steinmeier: Ukraine war caused 'epochal break' in Germany's relations with Russia

Gas prices in Europe remain high in coming years
ISIS members responsible for masterminding murders in the south of the country were sentenced to long prison terms in Kyrgyzstan, RIA Novosti reported.

The statement said that Osh City Court handed down a decision concerning four members of terrorist organization ISIL detained by Kyrgyz security service in March. They were accused of involvement in illegal armed groups, terrorism financing.

In particular, one of the suspects born in 1995 was sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, another born in 1989 was sentenced to ten years.

According to the State Committee of National Security of Kyrgyzstan, the court also sentenced two citizens of Uzbekistan born in 1994 to 17 and 18 years of imprisonment.

The intelligence agency explained that this terrorist group has been created by means of social networks WhatsApp and "Odnoklassniki".
The implementation of the Amulsar gold mine deal will create hundreds of jobs in Armenia, over the next decade.

Bridget Brink, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the US Department of State, stated the aforementioned at an evening reception in the US, and devoted to the 25th anniversary of Armenias independence.

The US official noted that, last week in New York, they discussed, with Acting Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, the impressive progress Armenia has achieved over the course of these 25 years. She stated that Armenia has passed a very long road in a relatively short period of time. Brink added that the US is proud to have assisted Armenia on this road, and that it expects to increase partnership.

The US State Department official also reflected on the large-scale cooperation projects that are planned for the coming years. In this connection, she stressed, in particular, that the implementation of the Amulsar gold mine deal will create hundreds of jobs in Armenia, over the next decade.

Brink also spoke about Armenia-US collaboration at international platforms. She added that the US lauds Armenias devotion to a pacific settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and adheres to a comprehensive settlement by way of talks.
The Acting Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, on Wednesday delivered a lecture, entitled Nagorno-Karabakh: Is Solution Visible?, in the Institute for International Studies at Stanford University in Stanford, California, USA.

Professors, fellows and students of the Stanford University attended the meeting.

In his opening remarks, Institute Director Michael McFaul noted that is a profound honor to launch the series of lectures after the opening of the academic year by hosting the acting Foreign Minister of Armenia, to get first-hand information on the current situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.

And in his lecture, Nalbandian, particularly, said:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One year ago a well-known academic magazine Politique Internationale, published in Paris my article entitled Nagorno-Karabakh: Is a Solution Visible?

I stressed in it that the conflict cannot be solved until Azerbaijan gets rid of its illusion that it can gain unilateral advantages through military means. It took only a year to witness the vivid demonstration of that reality.

This April Azerbaijan unleashed a large scale preplanned aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh, with the use of offensive weaponry - aviation, heavy artillery, rocket systems, tanks - accompanied by gross violations of international humanitarian law, such as indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas, DEASH-style mutilation of bodies and beheadings. It goes without saying that these actions that resulted in hundreds of casualties from all sides, have seriously undermined the negotiation process.

So, it is about a very complex situation that I am going to address you today and the April escalation is only the last act of the long conflict. In a few words I would like to present the essence of the conflict for those who are not much familiar with it and then I will try to address the main issue: what are the prospects of the settlement.

Nagorno-Karabakh  historically one of the regions of Armenia and always having an overwhelming majority of Armenian population was arbitrarily annexed to Soviet Azerbaijan in 1921 by Joseph Stalin.

70 years passed, on the eve of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh voted at the referendum for an independent statehood in line with the then existing legislation and international norms.

Years later on the Kosovo case the International Court of Justice would consider that general international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence.

However, Azerbaijan in defiance of the international law, its norms and principles which first of all urge to refrain from use of force or threat of use of force, tried to suppress the aspirations of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh for self-determination through coercive measures. It started with Armenian massacres in late 80s - beginning of 90s in Azerbaijani cities of Sumgait, Kirovabad and capital Baku. Many were killed, hundreds of thousands were expelled from their homes. Nobel Peace Prize winner and famous human rights defender Andrei Sakharov on the pages of the New York Times called it a threat of a new genocide of the Armenian people.

Azerbaijan continued with large scale military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh committing new atrocities.

The May 1991 US Senate resolution condemned the attacks on innocent Armenian children, women, and men in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. Previously adopted US Congress resolution reads that the United States supports the fundamental rights and aspirations of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. A similar resolution was adopted by the European Parliament.

During the war against Nagorno-Karabakh Azerbaijan used mercenaries from Afghanistan closely linked to notorious terrorist organizations. That was widely reported in the international media outlets, including the Washington Post. The heavy, indiscriminate use of force, massacres and ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population was yet another confirmation that the struggle of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh was existential and legitimate.

The hot phase of the conflict ended in May 1994 when Azerbaijan was obliged to negotiate a truce due to its military loses and sign a cease fire agreement with Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. In July 1994 and February 1995 new trilateral agreements were signed on consolidation of the cease fire. The terms of these agreements do not expire and they are in force till now. The July 1994 document stipulates to maintain the ceasefire regime until signing of the big political agreement.

However, as a rule Azerbaijan has been regularly violating those agreements. Baku instead of engaging seriously in the negotiation process has concentrated its efforts on military buildup having in mind the illusion of military option for conflict resolution.

A clear case of negotiations at the barrel of a gun. Its military budget reached $4.8 billion in 2015, a 30-fold increase since 2003, when Ilham Aliyev succeeded his father as the Head of State.

We warned - if there is a gun on the stage, it will fire. And that gun fired many times and most recently as I mentioned this April.

Armenia together with the mediators, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - the USA, France and Russia exert efforts for exclusively peaceful settlement. Several times in this framework parties were close to the resolution, but at the very last moment Azerbaijan made a step back derailing the process. This was the case with Paris principles of 2001, negotiated with active involvement of the then French President Chirac, when President Heydar Aliyev backtracked. Another example was the round of negotiations with active mediation of the then Russian President Medvedev, when at the Kazan summit of 2011, the son Aliyev backtracked again. To mention just two examples.

As you see there has never been a deficit of high-level international interest in solving the issue. Moreover, starting from 2009 the presidents of the U.S.A., Russia and France made five statements on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution. They proposed a package of basic principles, which constitute an integrated whole, as a foundation of future comprehensive agreement. Unlike Azerbaijan, Armenia accepted it as a basis for negotiations.

The Presidents of the Co-Chair countries have proclaimed a rather civilized formula for the settlement  ballots instead of bullets. The proposal stipulates determination of the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh through a legally binding expression of will of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved yet, since one of the negotiating parties, namely Azerbaijan is not ready to go along with this proposal and by all means strives to undermine the peace process. The mentality that supports medieval barbarism, demonstrated again in April, can hardly accept the civilized approaches of the modern world.

The leadership of Azerbaijan which adopted a xenophobic, aggressive anti-Armenian stance. Baku frequently uses the slogan - Armenians of the world are our enemies number one. History knows such cases of ethnic hatred, including in the recent past, isnt it? The eleventh year textbook of Azerbaijans school reads Armenians are the generic enemies of the Turkic peoples. It is the generation raised under such propaganda that committed despicable crimes during the 4 days aggression this April. It is this generation that witnessed the glorification of an Azerbaijani officer who killed by axe a sleeping Armenian officer in Budapest while both were at the NATO training course. Subsequently the murderer was handed over to Azerbaijan where he was proclaim..

Subsequently the murderer was handed over to Azerbaijan where he was proclaimed as a hero and example for youth.

Most of Armenian historic, cultural and religious monuments have been destroyed in Azerbaijan, including a masterpiece of the medieval Armenian art - the cemetery of thousands of cross stones in Jugha. American Ambassadors to Azerbaijan were several times refused by Baku authorities to visit the site. A prominent Azerbaijani novelist was ostracized and persecuted for writing about the Armenian massacres in Azerbaijan and for the calls of reconciliation. All those civil society representatives who have been engaged in people to people contacts with the civil societies in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia were put behind the bars as Armenian spies. The leadership of Azerbaijan tries not only to mute the independent voices from within the country but from the outside world as well. More than hundred journalists have been included in the so called Azerbaijani black list just for visiting Nagorno-Karabakh and writing about it. Indeed, as the Washington Post wrote the Azerbaijani leadership not only crushes individual lives but tries to imprison the very concept of freedom itself.

This doesnt come as a surprise for the state considered to be among the 10 most censored countries in the world.

If there are any proven remedies for conflict settlements then the preparation of the public for peace and not war should stand in the center. This is what the Co-Chairs are continuously urging. Building trust and confidence is another important dimension again strongly encouraged by the international mediators, especially after the April escalation. To restore the trust in the process of the conflict resolution, measures should be taken to prevent use of force and create conditions conducive to the advancement of the peace process.

This was the main aim of the two Summits on Nagorno-Karabakh held in Vienna in May organized by the U.S. Secretary of State and in St. Petersburg in June hosted by the Russian President. First of all, it is a necessity to implement what was particularly emphasized and agreed upon in the framework of these Summits - the full adherence to the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements, the creation of mechanism for investigation of ceasefire violations, which can serve also as a mechanism for prevention, the expansion of the capacity of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, which monitors the ceasefire.

These proposals are not new, they have been reiterated by the Co-Chairs many times, Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia have accepted them, Azerbaijan rejected. It is interesting to note that House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel together with more than 80 other Congressmen have endorsed these and some other confidence building measures. They urged to publicly condemn specific acts of aggression along the line of contact. Indeed, the party which violates the ceasefire, which rejects the confidence building measure, which refuses the proposals of the mediators should stand accountable. Otherwise impunity will encourage to continue destructive policy. Baku criticizes the Co-Chairs, including the United States for Islamophobia, and conspiracy against Azerbaijan, calling the mediators useless tourists.

Ladies and gentlemen,

By establishing the independent United States through the Declaration of Independence 240 years ago the founding fathers of this great country proved that nothing can deprive peoples of their right for independence. This is what the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have been aspiring for  the liberty to freely organize their life in a democratic manner, based on the principle of self-determination. This right is enshrined as the purpose of the United Nations Charter and in many other international documents. The visible solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict goes through ballots not bullets.

Following his lecture, Edward Nalbandian responded to the numerous questions posed by those in attendance.
Famous Canadian-Armenian actress Arsinee Khanjian wrote an open letter to Diaspora urging to act as observers during the 2017 parliamentary elections in order to promote and secure fair and free and transparent elections in the country.

In her letter Khanjian told about the arrest during a rally in Yerevan, and this was when she realized that we are overdue in re-examining the nature of the Armenian Diasporas engagement with its homeland.

The country has major internal problems due to systemic corruption, nepotism and an oligarchic economy, where power and wealth remains in the hands of a few. Absence of equitable rule of law and upward social mobility combined with the suppression of freedom of speech and thought as well as civil liberties and rights, have all further exacerbated an already intolerable situation in the Republic, she wrote.

Khanjian urged 8-millionstrong Armenian Diaspora to go to Armenia in the spring of 2017 and man every polling station at the upcoming parliamentary elections.

It is by engaging in this process as a facilitator that the Diaspora can and will help the Republic of Armenias newly elected government to earn respect and legitimacy with its citizens, and with the international community, she added

The famous actress believes the Diaspora cannot remain a bystander, and should respond to the pleas from our compatriots.
YEREVAN. - I cant say anything regarding the new Armenian government and the premier, since we only know their names and surnames.

Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Resident Office in Armenia, Mark Davis, told the aforementioned to Armenian News  NEWS.am and Tert.am on Thursday on the sidelines of the discussion entitled Economic issues in Armenia, third generation reforms, investment climate and development preconditions.

Referring to the condition of the investment market in Armenia, he noted that the global crisis and the drop in the oil prices have certainly influenced the investments in Armenia. Besides, Armenia has relatively successfully resisted these impacts, recording growth last year. However, according to Mr Davis, the growth will be slower this year, since the financial sector provides fewer loans.

At the same time, the reduction of the refinancing rate is the positive side of the question. This will contribute to the possible increase of loans in the economy, which means that the government understands the significance of increasing the compatibility, as well as the need for eliminating monopolies, which are linked with the employees of state institutions, he noted.

In Davis words, they also realize that those issues are very difficult to solve, but there are also issues which can be solved more easily, for instance Armenia is successful in creating business climate, in terms of correct administrative decisions.

Asked whether the Government wishes to solve those issues, Mark Davis noted that they say they do wish, but the elections are already close. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the Government will do what it has to do.

According to the head of the EBRD Armenian Resident Office, the most serious issue in the country is corruption. Its not correct to mention only one issue when the country has a complex of issues, which results in this situation, he said.
YEREVAN.  Hungarys green party is working on a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The reports were confirmed for Armenian News-NEWS.am by representative of Politics Can Be Different (LMP) party Peter Ungar.

The resolution will call on the Hungarian parliament to recognize the Armenian Genocide, said Mr. Ungar, spokesperson for the foreign affairs at LMP.

We have not been able to get the document into the foreign affairs committee yet. We are a minority in the parliament, and it is not yet clear when we are able to present it, he added.

At the same time, Ungar admitted that the Hungarian government has close ties with the Turkish parliament, and will be very hard to push for the document. However, the party is fighting to present it at the foreign affairs committee, he said.

Politics Can Be Different (LMP) is a green-liberal political party in Hungary that has five seats at Hungarys National Assembly consisting of 199 members.
YEREVAN. - The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) will convene a congress on November 26, which will be of a reporting and not election campaign nature.

The National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov, who is also the RPA Spokesman, said the aforementioned to journalists after the RPA Executive Body meeting on Thursday.

This will be another congress, which will, however, be pivotal for the RPA. Changes are planned to be made both in the plan and Charter. Changes in the top administration are not ruled out either, since this is a constant process, Sharmazanov said.

He didnt rule out any changes, since, according to him, excluding anything in the political processes would be a political illiteracy. Especially considering that we had such experience in the past; a party is a living body, which always needs fresh blood.

The NA Deputy Speaker didnt rule out changes in the municipalities either.
October brings a host of internationally renowned performers to campus, including Jazz musician Branford Marsalis, R.E.M.s Mike Mills and The Presidents Own U.S. Marine Band, just to name a few.

Emory also hosts a variety of film screenings, dance performances, literary readings and other events this month. For a full list of October arts events on campus and to purchase tickets, visit the Arts at Emory website.

Here is a sample of upcoming events:

Branford Marsalis returns to the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts along with his famed quartet and special guest vocalist Kurt Elling. Only limited tickets remain for this one-night-only event, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.

The Candler Concert Series and Emory Dance Program join forces with arts organizations around Atlanta to present Exposed: a Festival of Contemporary Dance and Theater from Israel. Events on Emorys campus begin Oct. 13 and include ticketed performances by Yossi Berg and Oded Graf Dance Theatre, Anat Grigorio and Hillel Kogan, as well as several free events including a master class, film screening and Creativity Conversation. See the festival schedule online at arts.emory.edu/exposed.

The Emory University Chorus and Concert Choir joins Shakespeare at Emory this month with The Music of Shakespeare, set for Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. in the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts.

Emory Cinematheque also begins a four film series this month in conjunction with Shakespeare at Emory, screening adaptations of the Bards plays. Dont miss Kenneth Branaghs "Much Ado About Nothing" (Oct. 16, 4 p.m.) and Orson Welles Falstaff in "Chimes at Midnight" (Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.), an amalgam of the several plays in which Shakespeares infamous clown appears, among others. Free screenings take place in White Hall, Room 208.

Meanwhile the fall Cinematheque series Drawn to Film: From Comics to Cinema continues every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall 208. This months showings include Shogun Assassin (Oct. 5), Weird Science (Oct. 12), "Dick Tracy" (Oct. 19) and "A History of Violence" (Oct. 26).

The Emory Creative Writing Program Reading Series kicks off this month with prose Writer ZZ Packer delivering The Phillis Wheatley Reading on Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jones Room of the Woodruff Library. Prose writer Danzy Senna also gives a reading on Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Oxford Road Building Presentation Room.

Cellist Matt Haimovitz and violinist Timothy Fain return to campus to join the Emory University Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Philip Glasss Double Concerto, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. in Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts' Emerson Concert Hall. This event is free, but tickets are required.

The Emory Wind Ensemble presents American Perspectives, performing American music for winds from the last century, featuring Atlanta Symphony soloists Emily Brebach, English horn, and Michael Tiscione, trumpet. The performance is Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. in Emerson Concert Hall.

Finally this month, two touring acts perform in Emerson Concert Hall. The Presidents Own US Marine Band appears Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. The performance is free, but tickets are required.

Georgia natives Robert McDuffie, violin, and Mike Mills, founding member of rock band R.E.M., perform an original composition by Mills, Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra as part of the Candler Concert Series on Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. The concerto features an arrangement of R.E.M.s hit song Nightswimming. Tickets are available online at arts.emory.edu.
The Veterans Resource Center is offering two free VETNET Ally seminars for faculty and staff members on Oct. 5 and Nov. 3 that focus on how to provide support and assistance for Cal State Fullerton students who are active military service members or veterans.

Those who complete the free seminar will have an opportunity to make a commitment to become a campus ally for CSUF student veterans or military connected students  those who are active military service members, including the National Guard or reservists, and children or spouses of those who have served or are currently serving in the military.

VETNET Ally aims to assist CSUF staff and faculty in their endeavors to support student veterans and all military connected students in and out of the classroom, said Catherine Ward, assistant director of the Veterans Resource Center.

The Wednesday, Oct. 5, seminar is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Titan Student Unions Gabrielino Room. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. The Thursday, Nov. 3, seminar will be held from noon-4 p.m. in the Housing and Residence Life complex-Pine 111 meeting room. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Student staff members also are welcome to attend.

Attendees will be introduced to military culture and its influence on student veteran identity, learn about the complexities of veterans transition-to-college experience, the process of accessing educational benefits and hear about how the Veterans Resource Center is poised to support military connected students with comprehensive programs and services, Ward added.

To register, visit online. For more info, call 657-278-8660.
09:04

Surgical strike



A raid by forces on an identified target, based on intelligence, and from land, air or water or a combination of them.



 Indian military sources say that teams from the armys 4 and 9 Special Force battalions were inserted through the Line

of Control into Pakistani-controlled territory from at least four locations.



 These locations were spread over 200km, from Rajouri in Jammu (under the responsibility of the armys 16 Corps) to Kupwara in north Kashmir (under the armys 15 Corps).



 The 16 Corps is responsible for the area south of the Pir Panjal; the 15 Corps for the area north of the Pir Panjal. The

inter-corps boundary on the Pir Panjal, north of Poonch, has seen deadly action in the past too.





Cross-border fire



 This too may be unleashed from multiple platforms. In this instance, Indian and Pakistani forces used artillery to fire into each others territories.



 The Pakistani forces fired heavily early Thursday morning as the Indian commandos were returning after attacks on the

terrorists launch pads.





Terror launch pad



 A launch pad is a staging post that militants use to infiltrate into India; it is not a training base. Sources in the security establishment believe that a launch pad is the last station where a group of militants assembles before crossing into India.



 Officials said the launch pads that were attacked had between 20 and 40 militants and were close to the rear area of Pakistani army companies.



 Typically, a company has three platoons, two of which man the Line of Control while a third is at the rear, at a spot between 1km and 3km from the Line of Control.



 Terror launch pads, sources say, are located between the platoons in the front and the platoon in the rear but may not be adjacent to the platoon or company bases.





Significant casualties



 Sources said the Indian commandos did not stay back to count the bodies but there was evidence to assess the damage.



 They said every possible asset had been used for surveillance, which would mean the deployment of human intelligence (humint) or spies as well as elint (electronic intelligence) using platforms like unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) with night-vision cameras.



 The commandos used incendiaries and explosives to target the launch pads, the sources said. An example of an incendiary is a shoulder-fired RPO flamethrower. One of the explosives the Special Forces use is a delayed-charge plastic bomb that can be stuck to a surface and timed to explode after the commandos have left the scene.





LoC and IB



 LoC means Line of Control, while IB means International Boundary. Both Indian and Pakistani forces recognise a 778km boundary as the LoC or a ceasefire line, which means the boundary is unsettled and a certain extent of armed conflict, such as skirmishing, can therefore be expected.



 Shelling was a daily practice until the 2003 ceasefire. Not so across the IB, which runs southwards from Jammu and where the armies are not eyeball-to-eyeball unlike the LoC.
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Field school, lectures focus on ecology and art

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The flow of a river changes slowly over time unless transformed by cataclysmic events. The organizers of a day-long field school invite participants to visit the Ohio-Tennessee Valley watershed to see an example of a cataclysmic change and to learn about it not just in the context of industry and ecology, but also in the context of natural and artificial.

The Global Media Research Center, School of Art and Design Art History Endowment and the Graduate Philosophy Union at Southern Illinois University Carbondale join forces to offer the day-long group trip on Oct. 7 and two lectures on Oct. 6.

The field school has a participation cap of 21 people. The field school is free and open to students from any majors and to community members. The Tennessee Valley Authority operates a series of 50 dams based on the Tennessee River and its tributaries. The dams control floods and provide electricity to virtually all of Tennessee and parts of some neighboring states as well as contributing to significant recreational opportunities. Participants in the field school will learn about how this decades-long project has reshaped the landscape and some of the ecological challenges the area faces. To make a reservation and get specific information about itinerary, contact Sarah Lewison, associate professor of radio, television and digital media, at slewison@siu.edu.

The Talks on Art and Ecology: Poetics, Theory, Practice are on Oct. 6. At 4:30 p.m., Claire Pentecost will talk about her interdisciplinary work as an artist and writer. Shell be in the University Museum Auditorium. A reception follows.

Pentecost has a longstanding interest in concepts of nature and artificiality and applies it to projects pertaining to industrial agriculture and agroecology and issues related to climate change. She is professor and chair of photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Brian Holmes and Alejandro Meitin will deliver their presentation, Who Designs the Landscape? Who Lives in It? beginning at 7 p.m. in the John C. Guyon Auditorium in Morris Library.

Holmes is an essayist, cultural critic and cartographer. His essays are often about art, political economy and grassroots resistance. Meitin, an artist, lawyer and environmental activist, is the co-founder of Ala Plastica, an art and environmental organization based in La Plata, Argentina.

The SIU Fine Arts Activity Fee contributed funding for these events.
He also said that he has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh after the strikes and extended his support on proactive action against the terrorist activities emanating from the Pakistani soil.

"We are with the government on this matter and endorse every decision taken by it," he said.

Yadav went a step ahead and said that time had come for India to take back PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir).

He also said by this action, Modi sent a reassuring message to the people of the country.

--IANS md/pgh/bg

( 135 Words)

2016-09-29-16:46:08 (IANS)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti warned on Thursday any military confrontation between India and Pakistan could lead to a disaster of epic proportions. "If urgent steps are not taken to bring down the tensions, confrontation between India and Pakistan would bring a disaster of epic proportions to the state," she said. "Both New Delhi and Islamabad must open channels of communication because of the dangerous consequences of the ongoing escalation along the borders," the Chief Minister said. Mehbooba spoke after India said it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani territory. She said the people of the state had the highest stake in peace as many tragedies had befallen them due to violence in the last over two decades. "For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit. "Like siblings India and Pakistan have remained locked in rivalry, but the consequences of continued animosity will be worse." Mehbooba said there was no alternative to talks as India and Pakistan had to return to the negotiating table to resolve their disputes even after two wars. "I am sure that amidst the prevailing gloomy scenario in the region, the hope for peaceful means of resolving the issues will again stand the ground and political leadership of the two countries shall have to revive the peace and reconciliation with fresh resolve. "It will be in the interest of both the countries to solve their problems through the bilateral framework as it is the only way forward given the dicey parameters of international power politics." --IANS sq/mr ( 296 Words) 2016-09-29-18:38:08 (IANS)
Both India and Canada have realized that there is enormous scope for enhancing bilateral trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his bilateral visit to Canada in April 2015, stressed on the importance of bilateral business and commercial linkages as key drivers of India-Canada partnership. During his visit, both nations recognised the need for early finalisation of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and expeditiously conclude a progressive, balanced, and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as a basis for expanding two-way trade and investment.

Considering the potential and given the fact that bilateral trade between both the countries has grown at a decent pace, the trade ministers of both countries (Sitharaman and Chrystia Freeland) are likely to discuss the following major issues:-

1.Exploring ways of expeditious early conclusion of FIFA and CEPA.

2.Exploring options for Indian interest in addressing the Temporary Foreign Workers Programmes (TWEP) of Canada which is affecting the Indian IT Industry; address equivalance by Canadian Food Inspection Agency for Indian organic product exports; and exploring investment opportunities in different sectors of India.

In addition, both leaders are expected to discuss regarding recent commercial achievements between both countries, bilateral FDI flows, issues relating to intellectual property, etc in addition to other issues relating to trade and investment.

Sitharaman is also scheduled to meet top business leaders of Canada on 30th September to discuss the various reforms undertaken in India and prospects for investment in various sectors. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], Sep 29 (ANI- Business Wire India): Octane Marketing won industry recognition at the recently concluded Drivers of Digital Awards for Via.com's 'Biggest Online Travel Sale' email campaign. Speaking on the occasion, Kousik Bhattacharya, Head- Marketing and B2C Business, VIA said, "This is another fantastic feat for VIA. We are very happy that our endeavor to improve customer experience through our digital transformation has been recognized by industry experts. This honour showcases VIA's commitment in offering out-of-this-world experiences to the discerning traveler and redefining the travel ecommerce landscape in India. Our partnership with Octane has been a great one and we look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years to come." According to Bhattacharya, Octane's effective customer segmentation strategy ensured that the campaign emails reached out to the right audience and gained maximum participation from them. During the campaign, Via.com's transactions increased by 10 times and received a remarkable 500 million impressions in just a span of three days. This intuitive marketing strategy impressed the award jury at Inkspell and was honored a gold award in the email marketing category. Commenting on this industry recognition for Viacom, Samarth Saxena, Director and Co-founder, Octane Marketing (octane.in) said, "Email Marketing has changed drastically over the last 12 months. The central roadblock for most email marketers is the lack of sophisticated tool(s) that can bridge the gap between marketer's intention and customer's requirement. At Octane, we frequently update our martech platform to enable a deeper contextual connect between brands and consumers." (ANI- Business Wire India)
The former WWE superstar is the leading actor for the upcoming sequel to Robin Williams's 1995 classic movie, and he has revealed Jonas is joining the cast alongside Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Kevin Hart, reports mirror.co.uk.

Johnson shared an image of the pair in their costumes, on Instagram.

With that, he wrote: "Officially, welcoming my guy Nick Jonas to 'Jumanji'. Great dude, great positive energy and very talented. He is going to kill this role like I kill things with my bare hands.

"The jungle awaits. The adventure continues. And ironically the one who sings the most on set is Jack Black. On location, Hawaii, Welcome To The Family Nick, 'Jumanji'."

The film is due to be released in the summer 2017.

--IANS nn/rb

( 153 Words)

2016-09-29-05:06:07 (IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a review meeting today over the status of 'Most Favoured Nation' granted to Pakistan. It is expected that officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Commerce Ministry would attend the meeting. Meanwhile, speculations are high that India is considering withdrawal of the MFN status to Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack, in which 18 soldiers were killed, bringing ties between the two nations to an all time low. The MFN status was accorded in 1996 as per India's commitments as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). According to the MFN principle of the WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) - to which India is a signatory/contracting party - each of the WTO member countries (including India and Pakistan in this case), should "treat all the other members equally as 'most-favoured' trading partners." On the other hand, India continues its diplomatic warfare on Pakistan by boycotting the upcoming SAARC summit in November, which was backed by Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan, who also pulled out of the event. Speaking exclusively to ANI here, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup stated that when one head of state decides not to participate in the SAARC summit, then there is no choice but to postpone the event. "All heads of the SAARC countries have to be present for the summit. So if any one country decides not to participate, then it has to be postponed. In the current case as you know, not just India, but Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan have also written to the current chair of SAARC that is Nepal, that they are unable to participate in the summit, which means there is no option but to postpone the summit," Swarup said. However, he added that the formal announcement of this effect can only be made by Nepal after they have done their internal consultations. Continuing to berate Pakistan for relentlessly pursuing a path which has led to this current decision, the MEA spokesperson emphasised that India has made it very clear that regional cooperation and terror cannot go hand-in-hand. "Our commitment to SAARC, to regional connectivity, to regional contact and regional prosperity remains intact, but we cannot conceive of a SAARC summit happening at the same time as cross border terrorism continues, as cross interference in our internal affairs continues," he said. With three other countries in the region joining India in conveying the same message to Pakistan, Swarup stated that its time for Pakistan to introspect on the kind of relationship it wants within the SAARC. (ANI)
The meeting comes in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations being carried by the Pakistani troops along the LoC.

Reviewing the functioning of the Border Security Force, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asked the BSF to set up a real time intelligence sharing grid and seal all vulnerable points along the Indo-Pak border to effectively check infiltration bids.

Directing the BSF to discuss and expedite pending issues related to infrastructure development, welfare of troops and various other issues concerning the border management at the meeting that was attended by top officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the BSF, which guards Indo-Pak and Indo- Bangladesh borders, the Home Minister expressed concern over infiltration from across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) and "gaps and lapses" in border guarding.

Singh had last week reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, especially along the LoC, during a meeting attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, top officials of the home ministry, defence ministry, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies.

As per reports, on September 20, two days after the dastardly Uri terror attack, Pakistani troops violated the border ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian army positions with small firearms. (ANI)
Congress vice-president and MP Rahul Gandhi today appeared before a local court here in connection with a defamation case by RSS. The court of the the chief judicial magistrate (Kamrup), which had summoned him, granted bail to Gandhi on a PR bond of Rs 50,000, fixing November 5 as the next date of hearing. Gandhi, who entered the court premise around 1010 hours, was in the court for about 30 minutes. Talking to media persons outside the court, Gandhi said cases such as these were attempts to derail his work for the downtrodden section of the country. He said, "Such cases cannot hamper my work for the poor. I will continue to fight for them." Briefly addressing party workers gathered outside the court premise, Gandhi alleged that the BJP-led governments at New Delhi and Dispur were anti-people and the common man was suffering, while a select few were reaping all benefits. Gandhi later closeted in a meeting with top party functionaries at Rajiv Bhawan. The court had summoned Gandhi in a case filed by RSS against Gandhi for his alleged defamatory comment on the organisation. Gandhi had alleged in December last year that RSS activists had prevented him from entering Barpeta Satra, a Vaishnavite monastery, during a 'Padyatra' by the Congress leader. UNI SG VS JW1205 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-955462.Xml
Government sources said the meeting is primarily to take stock of the situation on the LOC.

Meanwhile, a meeting regarding Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan and related logistics, which was scheduled for today, has been postponed.

An impromptu media briefing is being held by the External Affairs Ministry in short while from now. UNI MK VS JW NS1143

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-955482.Xml
Special Judge NIA J&K Jammu, Kishore Kumar yesterday granted 10 days police remand of accused Faisal Hussain Awan, 20, of village Podha Jhandgra, Muzaffrabad (PoK) and Ahsan Khursheed, 19, of Village Khaliana Khurd, Muzaffrabad (PoK) who were arrested by NIA in Uri Attack Case. "NIA Teams headed by SSP Atul Goel produced Faisal Hussain Awan and Ahsan Khursheed before the Court seeking police remand claiming that they are allegedly involved in Uri Attack case," sources here today said.

The Court observed that keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the present case, stage of the investigation and the nature of offences involved in the case, the application however, moved by NIA is allowed and the accused persons are remanded to Police custody for a period of 10 days till October 7.

The Court also directed that the medical examination of the accused persons, be conducted as required under law. UNI VBH VS JW1252

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-955549.Xml
After violating ceasefire twice in Jammu since yesterday, Pakistani troops opened another front this time in north Kashmir, targeting forward Indian posts near the Line of Control (LoC) in Naugam sector today. Official sources said Pak troops violated 2003 ceasefire and resorted to indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons, targeting two forward posts on LoC in Naugam sector today. They said firing continued for some time and there was no loss of life or injury on this side of the LoC. However, it was not immediately clear whether Indian troops also retaliated as defence ministry spokesman was not available to give details about the ceasefire violation by Pak troops. Sources said security forces guarding the border are already on high alert to foil any infiltration attempt from across the LoC, where more than 200 militants are waiting at launch pads to sneak into this side from POK before the higher reaches are closed due to snowfall. After the ceasefire violation today, security forces have launched a search operation in the entire woods near the LoC to make sure that no militant sneak into this side under the cover of firing by Pak troops. This was the second ceasefire violation by Pak troops after fidayeen attack on Army Brigade headquarter in Uri that left 18 soldiers dead and as many injured on September 18. Later on September 20 Pak troops violated ceasefire in the same sector. There was however, no damage on this side UNI BAS VS JW RK1300 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-955513.Xml
The Indian Army today conducted surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), confirmed Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO). Here is what we know about the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army along the Line of Control (LoC) as per what army sources have revealed: -Five terror launch pads destroyed by Army across LoC, Indian Army Special Forces were para-dropped -The surgical strikes were carried out between 12:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. -Location was 500 meters to two kilometres across the LoC. -The surgical strikes were conducted on Pakistani terror camps belonging to multiple terror groups. -There were no Indian casualties. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed and nine others were injured in the exchange of fire between the two forces. Pakistan media also quoted the Pakistan Air Force as saying that the Indian Army had not conducted a surgical strike, and that it was ready for any eventuality. The Inter-Services Public Relations division of the Pakistan armed forces said, " Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, the same will be strongly responded." It confirmed that there was an exchange of fire between Pakistani and Indian troops in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel and Lipa Sectors on the Pakistan side of the LoC. Earlier, in the day, addressing a joint press briefing organised by the Ministries of External Affairs and Defence, Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, said, "The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC in which significant casualties have been caused." "The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory. We don't have a plan to further conduct such strikes. India has spoken to Pakistan. I spoke to the Pakistan DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night." A surgical strike is a military attack which results in, or is intended to result in, or is claimed to have resulted in only damage to the intended legitimate military target, and no or minimal collateral damage to surrounding structures, vehicles, buildings, or the general public infrastructure and utilities. The government has called for an all-party meeting at 4 p.m. this evening. (ANI)
The Supreme Court will pronounce the order on the cancellation of bail granted to former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Mohammad Shahabuddin on Friday. The latter is facing criminal charges in around 50 cases. Earlier in the day, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, who has filed one of the petitions, argued before the apex court that Shahabuddin did not follow any rules and walked out of jail on his own will. "The jail authorities were terrified of him. Bhushan sought cancellation of bail of Shahabuddin on the ground that if he be enlarged on bail, then the life of the last witness, who was testify in a case, would be in danger," Bhushan said. A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh and Justice Amitav Roy, said, "We will pronounce the order tomorrow." The argument, which was inconclusive yesterday in the apex court, will continue today, where a victim's lawyer and the Bihar government have pleaded to the division bench to cancel his bail. Bhushan had earlier on Monday told the apex court that there were 45 cases against Shahabuddin, out of which nine are related to murder and ten are related to convictions. The top court had on September 19 issued a notice to Shahabuddin while hearing pleas of the Bihar Government and Chandrakeshwar Prasad against the bail granted to him. The Bihar Government had earlier filed an appeal before the apex court, challenging the Patna High Court's order of granting bail to Shahabuddin. The petition has been filed by Bhushan on behalf of the victim's family, which was upset to see Shahabuddin walk free. Shahabuddin, who had been in jail for more than 10 years in connection with multiple cases, was granted bail by the Patna High Court on September 7 in connection with the murder of a man who witnessed the killing of two brothers in Siwan. Shahabuddin's release from jail evoked widespread criticism of the grand alliance in the state with the opposition accusing the government of paving way for his release by not opposing the bail strongly in the court. (ANI)
The entire stretch of the North-South corridor of Lucknow Metro from Amausi airport to Munshipulia is all set to run from March 2019 just before the Lok Sabha elections. Lucknow Metro Rail Coproration Managing Director Kumar Keshav said here today that the work for the remain metro corridor from KD Singh Babu stadium to Munahipulia with Board giving its approval this week. "LMRC has set target to complete the entire 23km track from Amausi to Munshipulia and run metro train on it by March 2019. This includes 3.5km underground track too beween Hussainganj to Hazratganj. UP government, however, is all set to inaugurate the Amausi - Charbagh section of the Lucknow Metro sometime in December next just before the 2017 assembly polls in the state. Construction on the KD Singh Babu Stadiu to Munshipulia would begin from October-end as the contractor L&T would take one month for mobilisation of work. Mr Keshav said, "We can begin construction from either end-Munshipulia or KD Singh Babu Stadium-depending on availability of land and will complete the 9.5km track in phases. Like priority corridor, we would need 9metre median on road to construct a viaduct." LMRC clarified that since University road and Faizabad road are wide enough (about 4 lanes), the stretch will not have any traffic diversion. Although road-width for routine traffic movement (carriageway) would shrink as LMRC contractor would barricade median of road on both sides. This may lead to long jams and congestion at some narrow places. The stretch requires making a corridor over three critical points-Gomti River, IT Chouraha (needs steep turn) and passing track over railway line below Indira Bridge (near Nishatganj Chouraha). Keshav said, "LMRC will make special spans on these spots just like we did in Mawaiya. It needs special expertise." The total 23km track has 21 stations-eight on priority section, three underground, between Hussainganj and Hazratganj, eight in the recently awarded track till Munshipulia, one Charbagh interchange junction between North-South and East-West corridors and one underground station at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport at Amausi. Mr Keshav said the AAI has raised certain queries on station like 3D images and land required above the station, etc. "We have submitted our replies and the matter would soon be presented before the AAI board for approval. We are hopeful of clearance by the board." A parallel metro bridge along Hanuman Setu Bridge will be made on Gomti from Parivartan crossing to the media of University road in front of Hanuman Setu temple. This bridge will be made in cantilever style where track is supported on a pillar at one end while the other end is free (just like balcony of a house). Metro will take a steep turn at IT crossing because of short space. Normally, metro turn requires 300 metre radius, but in this case, it has to be made at a 120metre radius. Here, metro will slow down considerably. Vishwavidyalaya station will be located ahead of LU VC's residence while IT Chouraha station will be ahead of IT College. A 60 metre special metro span will pass over railway track near Indira Bridge. This will cross Nishatganj flyover from top and pass through footpath in front of shops in Nishatganj. The pillars would be made on footpath not on road. The corridor will turn from HAL to run above Polytechnic flyover and then turn from Polytechnic Campus to reach Munshipulia. The pillars would be made on the Polytechnic campus. Metro would run on side footpath till Munshipulia crossing and then join the median of road after the crossing. Munshipulia station will be made 200 metre ahead of crossing in front of Amar Shaheed Park in sector 16 of Indiranagar. To carry out casting work smoothly, LMRC would need two casting yards for building 9.5 km metro track over University and Faizabad roads. LMRC has asked for land at two places-Colvin Taluqdars' College and on Polytechnic campus-to make casting yards for the stretch.UNI MB SHS NS1343 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-955556.Xml
"Congratulations to the Indian Army for the successful operation," Mr Parrikar said in a tweet.

The overnight surgical strikes were said to be closely monitored by the Defence Minister, along with Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh.

Mr Parrikar had promised a fitting response to the terrorists strike on an army garrison at Uri that left 18 soldiers dead.

UNI MK RSA RJ 1458

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-955774.Xml
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today appeared before a local court here in a defamation case filed by the RSS and termed the legal battle a tactic by the saffron brigade to deter him from fighting for the cause of the poor. Mr Gandhi, who flew in from New Delhi this morning to appear in the case, entered the court premises around 1010 hrs and the proceedings were completed in about 30 minutes. The court of the chief judicial magistrate (Kamrup), which had summoned him, granted bail to Mr Gandhi on a PR bond of Rs 50,000, fixing November 5 as the next date of hearing. Talking to reporters outside the court, Mr Gandhi said cases such as these were attempts to derail his work for the downtrodden section of the country. He said, "My fight is against the RSS and all such organisations whose ideology is to divide the country." "Such cases are to deter me from fighting for the poor, the downtrodden, the unemployed. I am not afraid. I will continue my fight with more vigour," he added. Briefly addressing party workers gathered outside the court premises, Mr Gandhi alleged that the BJP-led governments at New Delhi and Dispur were anti-people and the common man was suffering, while a select few were reaping all benefits. As party workers raised 'BJP murdabad' slogans, Mr Gandhi asked them to refrain from such hate remarks and said Congress had love and peace in its DNA, not hate. Mr Gandhi later closeted in a meeting with top party functionaries at Rajiv Bhawan, which was attended by state party chief Ripun Bora, ex-CM Tarun Gogoi, AICC in-charge CP Joshi, among others, before returning to the national capital. The court had summoned Mr Gandhi in a case filed by RSS against Gandhi for his alleged defamatory comment on the organisation. Mr Gandhi had alleged in December last year that RSS activists had prevented him from entering Barpeta Satra, a Vaishnavite monastery, during a padyatra by the Congress leader. UNI SG AD AE RJ NS1513 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0108-955732.Xml
Police said here today we have detained wife and daughter of the deceased Vinod Shah for questioning as police believed that offence have been done due to family dispute.

Deceased Vinod Shah was brutally stabbed at his chest in the night of last Tuesday and body was found in pool of blood at his Kamothe Resident yesterday.

Police have registered a case of murder and further investigation is going on, sources added. UNI ST NV VS RJ AN1428

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-955618.Xml
In the wake of surgical strikes carried out along the Line of Control (LoC) late on Wednesday night, the Indian Army has started evacuating people living in the adjoining areas in anticipation of a possible retaliation by Pakistani troops. The Army has initiated the evacuation process in Naushera district. All schools within ten kilometres of India-Pakistan border have been shut down, informed the District Education Officer in Ferozepur, Punjab. Meanwhile the all party meeting at the Home Ministry in North Block, New Delhi, has begun. On intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, said the Director General of Military Operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh. The motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into Indian territory. "The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties have been caused to the terrorist and those who are trying to support them. The operation aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since seized. We do not have any plans for further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrive," he added. Singh further said that he spoke with the Pakistani DGMO and expressed New Delhi's concern and meanwhile, shared information over the operation conducted by the Indian Army. "I have spoken to the Pakistani DGMO and explained our concerns and also shared the operation we had conducted last night. It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country," said Singh. "Almost 20 infiltrations attempt have been foiled by the Indian army successfully this year. During these attacks and infiltration attempts we have recovered items including global positioning systems and stores which have had Pakistani markings," he added. (ANI)
"Read Bansal's suicide note. Unable to sleep. Sanjiv Gautam (CBI) etc should be immediately arrested. Their links with Amit Shah investigated (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted.

Corporate Affairs Ministry officer Bansal, who committed suicide along with his son at his house in Neelkanth Apartments in east Delhi on Tuesday, claimed in his suicide note that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers not only tortured him but also his wife and daughter, which drove them to suicide as well on July 19.

The suicide note, accessed by IANS, named CBI Deputy Inspector General Sanjeev Gautam, Superintendent of Police Amrita Kaur, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rekha Sangwan, Investigating Officer Harnam Singh and an unnamed Head Constable for "murdering his wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27".

The suicide note -- a copy of which was also widely circulated on Twitter -- cites DIG Gautam as claiming that he was "Amit Shah's man".

"The whole country knows (the) criminal background of Amit Shah. Can India be mute (a) spectator to CBI being turned into an agency of his henchmen," Kejriwal tweeted.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal expressed shock over the suicides of the Bansal family and said that the media should tell the full story.

"Absolutely shocking. Are we living in a democracy? More shocking is the media's reluctance to tell the full story," Kejriwal tweeted while referring to an earlier tweet that alleges "conspiracy by Amit Shah" against B.K. Bansal.

Bansal and his 31-year-old son Yogesh were found hanging in their Patparganj apartment on Tuesday morning.

Bansal's wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27, committed suicide by hanging on July 19 after Bansal was questioned by the CBI in the bribery case.

--IANS vv/tsb/bg

( 323 Words)

2016-09-29-16:28:10 (IANS)
Aligned to its vision of 'Blue Skies For Our Children', the company mobilised its countrywide network of over 4,000 sales and service touch points and distributed LED lights among its customers and associates for spreading the benefits of electricity conservation, the company said in a statement.

HSMI President and CEO Keita Muramatsu said, "Honda is actively promoting green consumerism among existing and potential customers and encouraging them to opt for eco-friendly products. This day is focused on building awareness on how consumers can help in reducing carbon foot print and contribute to environment protection."

To spread the message 'Switch to Green,' HMSI distributed pamphlets containing information on how to reduce dependence on fossil fuel consumption. Jute bags were also distributed to discourage the use of plastic ones.

UNI ASH SW RJ 1640

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-955924.Xml
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today put the entire government and political machinery in an emergency mode following surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terrorist launching pads across the Line of Control. Border Security Force cancelled the beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Mr Badal over telephone this morning to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people residing in the villages falling within 10 km of the International border in the wake of the escalating situation. The Chief Minister has also called an emergency meeting of state Cabinet later in the day to review the entire situation in the wake of recent developments on the border and advisory issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Recalling the indomitable patriotism of the Punjabis to defend the national unity and integrity of the country, Mr Badal urged them to demonstrate the same spirit in consonance with theirage old ethos of valour and self-esteem. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Minister's Principal Secretary S K Sandhu, DGP Suresh Arora and CM's Special Principal Secretary Gaggandip Singh Brar. While monitoring the current situation during an emergency meeting convened at his official residence, Mr Badal directed the Chief Secretary and DGP, who were present in the meeting, to ask the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) concerned to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot. The Chief Minister directed the DCs to identify suitable location for setting up camps and ensure that none of any residents being evacuated was put to any sort of inconvenience or hardships. Mr Badal also personally spoke to the Cabinet Ministers and MLAs concerned to camp in these border districts in which their assembly constituencies fall, to keep close liaison with the districtadministration to ensure the safe movement of the residents of the villages within the close proximity of International border. He also directed the Chief Secretary to immediately release Rs one crore each to all the Deputy Commissioners of six border districts to meet out any exigency arising out of these prevailing situation.UNI DB AE RP1630 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0100-955986.Xml
An army jawan who fought the Kargil war and later lost his eyes in a road accident, has been awarded Rs 16 lakh compensation by the Thane Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT) here for the accidental death of his 24-year-old pregnant wife, also in a road accident, way back in 2008. In her order, member of the MACT Mridula Bhatia, stated that the owner of the offending bus and the insurer should jointly and severally make the payment of the compensation to the jawan and his one-year-old son with interest at 9 per cent from the date of filing of the claim in 2008. The respondent owner of the bus, MER Travels and Transport did not appear in the court and hence the matter was decided ex-parte against him. The claimant Ulhas Gopal More (30) a resident of Khadakpada of Kalyan, who had filed the present claim along with his one-year-old son, Master Sarvesh told the forum that his wife Trupti (24) was working with a private firm Robonik India Pvt Ltd at Mhape from June 26, 2008. On September 1, 2008, the deceased along with her colleague from the office Trupti Aarke got down from an autorickshaw at Mhape bridge and was proceeding towards the Turbhe railway station. They were walking towards the station when one bus came at a high speed and dashed against them, injuring the two. The deceased was rushed to Gagangiri Hospital at Koparkharine and later she was shifted to the Ashwini Hospital, at Navy Nagar and while being treated there, succumbed to her injuries on October 2, 2008. The claimants blamed the driver of the bus for the accident and claimed an amount of Rs 15 lakh from the owner of the bus and the insurance company. At the time of accident, the patient was pregnant and the fetus was six weeks old. They had to medically terminate the pregnancy because of the poor condition of the patient and the chances of her contracting septicemia. The death of the patient occurred due to the accident. Adv Tillu told the tribunal that the applicant was rendered blind due to a road accident while driving a two wheeler and he had fought the Kargil War and the death of deceased has rendered the applicant child in a much more unfortunate condition. The judge further noted, in view of the conclusion that the mishap resulting into the death of Trupti was due to rash and negligent driving of driver of opponent owner of the bus and the vehicle being insured with insurance company, they both are jointly and severally liable to pay the compensation amount along with 9 per cent interest p.a. The amount of Rs 16 lakh will be divided equally among the father and son, the court ordered.UNI XR NV RSA BD1620 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-955795.Xml
Students held protests at various places in Kashmir against alleged human rights violations and demanded deferment of Class 10 and Class 12 examinations in wake of the ongoing unrest that has left 84 civilians dead and over 9,500 other injured since July 9. Meanwhile, all educational institutes remained shut since July 9 in Kashmir, where some government schools and colleges were still occupied by security forces rushed from different parts of the country to curtail the unrest that broke out after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and two other militants in an encounter in Anantnag on July 8. Shouting ''anti-government'' and ''anti-forces'' slogans, scores of class 10th and class 12th students, hit the streets at Residency Road here against the killings and injuries of civilians in security force action. Holding placards which read 'How can we study under pepper, teargas shells' and 'No exam till Kashmir issue is resolved', the students said they will boycott examinations until alleged human rights violations were stopped in Kashmir. Demanding deferment of examinations, the students held sit-in protest at Residency Road and later dispersed peacefully. "We haven't been to school since June. All our syllabus is incomplete. On top of that people are being killed and injured on daily basis. How can we concentrate on studies," protestors said. "Some students, who were minors, were killed or badly injured due to pellets or teargas shells fired by security forces. What is the significance of studies if one does not have a gurantee whether he will live or die on streets," they said. "Till the Kashmir issue is resolved we will not appear for examinations," they added. Meanwhile, scores of students staged a protest in south Kashmir district of Pulwama against alleged human rights violations. Demanding postponement of examinations, the slogans shouting students, who were holding placards which read 'First pellets, then bullets, now exam' and 'boycott exams, hit the streets in Pulwama town. Similar protests were organized by students across Kashmir valley, including Kupwara, Shopian and Bandipora.UNI ABS AE RJ VP1635 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-955904.Xml
Lauding the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Superintendents of Police (SP) of Nagaon District in removing the encroachers from a portion adjoining Kaziranga National Park as per the directive of Gauhati High Court, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today called upon the DCs and SPs of all districts to be proactive in freeing state lands from the encroachers. He called upon the officials to be fearless and free from any pressure to act sternly against encroachers and said people of the state have shown tremendous support to the government in freeing the satra and forest lands from encroachment. Speaking at the conference of DCs and SPs, Mr Sonowal said the efficiency and honesty in performing one's duties will determine the success of an administrator. Terming the NRC updation process as critical for the state as well as the nation, Sonowal directed the top officials of the districts to complete the historic process meticulously and without any error.Reiterating that the sealing Indo-Bangla Border was a top priority for the government, Mr Sonowal said the security of the whole country would be compromised if the border was allowed to remain porous. The matter has been taken up with the Central Government in right earnest and Army would be called in to construct the border fencing, he said. The Chief Minister said the DCs and SPs must visit the interior rural areas personally to get an exact sense of people's expectations from the government system and must come up with ways to ensure swift service delivery. Referring to the recent armyworm attack on the farm lands of the state, he directed the DCs to be better prepared for tackling such menaces in the future. Calling upon the SPs to inspire the police personnel to adopt healthier lifestyle to remain fit, the Chief Minister said the police uniform must instil fear among the anti social elements and inspire trust in the common citizens. The Chief Minister said on many occasions, people have complained about the corruption in the government system and slow nature of work at government offices. He called upon the DCs and SPs to set an example of dedication towards one's duty and remove corrupt practices totally from the system. Forest Minster Pramila Rani Brahma, Minister for Information and Technology Keshab Mahanta, Irrigation Minister Ranjit Dutta, Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary along with top officials from different departments were present in the meeting.UNI SG RN RSA RJ AS1709 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0311-956006.Xml
The latest research from Kaspersky Lab and B2B International has raised concerns about the safety of over-55s online. A report titled: 'Older and wiser? A look at the threats faced by over-55s online,' demonstrates that this age group can behave insecurely online and often become victims of fraud. The findings are worrying, because the research, which questioned 12,546 Internet users across the globe, suggests that the older generation is actually a very attractive target for cyber criminals. When they are online, many over-55s shop, bank and communicate with loved ones without effectively protecting themselves, and the things that are most important to them, from cyber criminals. Despite the fact that this age group is more likely to install security software on their computers, they are less likely to protect their mobile devices or amend their behavior online to stay safe. For example, they use high privacy settings on social media and in their browser less than other age groups (30 percent vs. 38 percent). They are also unlikely to use the security functions that come with their devices (such as 'find my device') or VPN - 28 percent and 10 percent respectively compared to 42 percent and 16 percent respectively of users across all ages. When sharing information, only 35 percent double-check messages before sending and only 16 percent avoid sharing information when tired (versus 44 percent and 31 percent among the youngest respondents). The older generation is using the Internet for many aspects of their lives - increasing their vulnerability to cybercriminals if they continue to go online without taking precautions. They are using the Internet to communicate with others - 94 percent of over-55s email regularly. They are also going online to complete day-to-day tasks. This age group is more likely than others to conduct financial transactions over the Internet, with 90 percent of over-55s shopping and banking online (compared to an average 84 percent of users across all age groups). Yet despite all of this, only half of over-55s (49 percent) worry about their vulnerability when purchasing products online and the vast majority (86 percent) do not believe they are a target for cybercriminals. Worryingly, four in ten (40 percent) have put themselves at risk by sharing financial details in the public domain (compared with 15% across all age groups). Their lack of cyber-savviness is making over-55s less prepared for the dangers of the online world. As a result, this generation is being victimized by cyber criminals. According to the report, 20 percent of Internet users overall have older relatives that have encountered malicious software, and 14 percent have older relatives that have fallen for fake prize draws online. In addition, 13 percent have older relatives that have shared too much personal information about themselves online and 12 percent have older relatives that have become the victim of an online scam, seen inappropriate/ explicit content, or communicated with dangerous strangers online. Andrei Mochola, Head of Consumer Business at Kaspersky Lab, says, "On the one hand, it's great to see that so many over-55s are using the Internet to shop, bank and stay connected with loved ones. The report shows clearly that this generation is embracing a connected life, and all of the opportunities that come with it. On the other hand, however, it's clear that the over-55s are not doing enough to protect themselves properly. Worryingly, they don't even believe they are a target for cybercriminals, but they are putting themselves in danger time and again. "At Kaspersky Lab, we are urging older Internet users to become more aware of the dangers they face online, and to act in a more cyber-savvy manner. We are also encouraging younger Internet users to help their older relatives and friends to better protect themselves from the very real threats posed by cybercriminals. Being vigilant online, as well as installing reliable security solutions and ensuring high privacy settings on all devices used to access the Internet, will ensure a happy and healthy connected life," he concludes. (ANI)
The Minister was responding to the queries of mediapersons here.

In reply to a question, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has given the right to the Indian Army to give a befitting reply to the terrorist attacks without seeking any permission from Delhi. The local officers concerned have been empowered to take decision as per to the circumstances and also retaliate.

The Indian Army would continue to give befitting replies by taking necessary action on terrorist's camps operational in Pakistan's border, he added.

Lauding the soldiers, he said that Indian armed forces are responsible and ready to sacrifice their lives for the country. UNI DB SB 1905

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Even after four days of expanding his cabinet, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is yet to distribute portfolios to his ministers awaiting a "green signal" from Samajwadi party national president Mulayam Singh Yadav. A senior minister in the government confirmed tonight that the Chief Minister does not want to take chances this time and has left the matter to his father. "The problem is what Gayatri Prasad Prajapati should get. It is believed that he is asking for mining while the CM wants to give him a non-important portfolio. Therefore, CM has asked Mulayam Singh to take a final call," he said. Mr Prajapati was heading Mining department before he was sacked by Chief Minister on September 12 ostensibly after the High Court ordered a CBI probe into illegal mining. Mulayam Singh was in Delhi and has returned to Lucknow today. It is believed that the CM will have discussions with him and state party president Shivpal Singh Yadav and then distribute the new portfolios accordingly. On Monday, four news ministers including Prajapati, Shivakant Ojha, Manoj Kumar Pandey and Ziauddin Rizvi were inducted into the cabinet. The very same day CM had promoted Minister of state for transport (Independent charge) Yaser Shah, minister of state for fisheries and public enterprise (Independent charge) Riyaz Ahmed and minister of state for family welfare (Independent charge) Ravidas Mehrotra to cabinet rank. Other state minister promoted are ministers of state for vocational education and skill development Abhishek Mishra, minister of state for social welfare and SC/ST Narendra Verma and minister of state for health and family welfare Sankh Lal Manjhi. The CM needs to re-jig his cabinet as he has to give cabinet rank portfolios to all these ministers. "The pitra paksh ends tomorrow so we can expect portfolio distribution by Saturday," the source said.UNI MB CJ SB 2014 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-956744.Xml
A local court today rejected the regular bail petition of the main accused of toppers scam and former Bihar School Examination Board chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh for causing loss to the tune of crores of rupees to the public exchequer through fraudulent means.After hearing arguments of both sides, Additional District and Sessions Judge Shahid Raees rejected the bail petition of Mr Singh.According to the prosecution, Mr Singh had conned a Gujarat based businessman Shripal Kumar alias Bharat Bhai Shah of more than Rs 8.56 crore by awarding him a job of printing of answer papers by inviting a fake tender notice.When Mr Shah did not receive even a penny from BSEB against printing of answer books, he informed about it to BSEB secretary Anup Sinha who informed him that BSEB had not invited any such tender. Later, the businessman lodged an FIR against Mr Singh at Kotwali police station area here.Mr Singh and his wife and another accused in the toppers scam Usha Sinha who were absconding after filing of FIR against them were nabbed from Varanasi on June 20. Both of them are presently lodged in jail. UNI XC-DH-IS AKM SB PR2143 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-956770.Xml
Punjab Cabinet today hailed the apt, timely and effective surgical operation undertaken by the Indian Army across the Line of Actual Control in Kashmir last night against terrorists and those providing support to them. The Cabinet, in a specially convened meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal held at Punjab Bhawan here this evening, lauded the Prime Minister for decisively ordering this surgical operation to demolish the bases and camps of those acting with impunity against Indian citizens. The operationhas been executed with clinical and professional precision by the brave men of the Indian army. Punjab, which is rightly called the sword arm of India, has suffered immensely because of the inhuman and ghastly acts of terrorism by these elements. Peace and communal harmony in the state has been one of the prime targets of these elements as was evident in the attacks on Dinanagar and Pathankot. The Central and Punjab Governments are totally aware of the challenge posed to life and property of those residing along the border with Pakistan in view of the situation developing along the Line of Actual Control in Kashmir and along the rest of the International border between India and Pakistan. Accordingly, the Union Government has advised that the civilian population within 10 kilometers of the international border be moved to safer locations. "We deem it our sacred duty to take every step required to protect and safeguard life and property of our citizens living in these border areas." The entire state government machinery is geared to function most sensitively and effectively round the clock at the service of the people to ensure that these brave and patriotic Punjabis are put to minimum inconvenience and discomfort. Apart from all the officials of the government of Punjab, all the ministers, the legislators and others holding official positions would remain available at all times for advice and assistance to those affected by the Central Government's advice. The Cabinet appealed to the people of Punjab to remain united and vigilant against the enemy and keep their calm and composure in the lofty traditions of patriotic fervor and selfless service.UNI DB RAI2122 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-956779.Xml
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that in view of the escalating situation on the Indo-Pak border, the entire state administration has been fully geared up to face any unforeseen eventuality arising out of the prevailing circumstances. This was stated by Mr Badal while addressing the media at Punjab Bhawan here this evening immediately after a specially convened cabinet meeting to take stock of the prevalent situation in this regard. Mr Badal said that the Ministry of Home Affairs had already directed the Punjab government to evacuate civilian population from villages falling within 10 kilometers from the international border in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarntaran, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts. It was informed that there was possibility of escalation of hostilities on the international border on account of surgical strikes by the Indian Army which requires measures to safeguard civilian population along the border in Punjab, he added. Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary Home and Director General Law and Order were camping at Amritsar to oversee the evacuation operations in all the border districts. The state government had already deputed six senior IAS officers one each in border district to coordinate and oversee the evacuation operations. As per orders, Mr R Venkatratnam has been deputed at Ferozepur, Mr A Venuprasad at Fazilka, Mr S R Ladhar at Pathankot, Mr Vivek Pratap Singh at Gurdaspur, Mr K S Pannu at Amritsar and Mr H S Nanda at Tarn Taran. Mr Badal apprised the media that he had personally spoken to the Ministers and MLAs of these areas telephonically to be present in their areas and extend all necessary assistance to minimise the discomfort of civilian population. As many as 60 villages in Fazilka, 300 in Ferozepur, 135 in Tarn Taran, 137 in Amritsar, 290 villages in Gurdaspur and 65 villages in Pathankot have been affected. People were mostly moving to their relatives and friends besides the evacuation camps being set up in schools, community centers, marriage palaces and other premises, Mr Badal added. The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio as Home Minister, were keeping a close watch on the entire situation. Mr Badal said he had a detailed meeting with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in the morning and issued necessary instructions to them to tackle the emergent situation efficaciously. Subsequently, the Chief Secretary had an emergency meeting of the State level Disaster response committee this afternoon which was attended by ACS (Home), ACS (Agriculture), ACS School Education DGP, Principal Secretary Health, Secretary PWD, Secretary Irrigation, Secretary Public Health, DGP (Law and order), IG Intelligence and others. The Committee held a video conference with DCs and SSPs of six border districts besides IGP Border range. A sum of Rupees one crore has been placed at the disposal of every Deputy Commissioner for facilitating smooth and least painful evacuation of the people. It was also informed that health services assistance, drinking water, toilets, food (langar), Security of evacuated houses, fodder and generators etc were being arranged for special camps to be set up for the evacuees.UNI DB SB RAI2138 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-956834.Xml
Besides commercial establishments; fuel pumps, cinema halls, schools and colleges remained closed and buses were off the roads here.

On Sunday, a complaint was lodged against Pracharak Suresh Yadav for making an objectionable comment through a smartphone messaging service. Baihar Station House Officer (SHO) Zia-ul-Haq and other personnel took Yadav from the RSS office to the police station and targeted him. He received treatment at the District Hospital prior to being referred to Jabalpur.

A case of attempt to murder and other charges was registered against Additional Superintendent of Police Rajesh Sharma, the SHO and a few other personnel who were placed under suspension.

Police Headquarters constituted a team comprising senior officers, including those of the Crime Investigation Department, to inquire into the incident.UNI XC-AC SB RAI2313

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Goa Police today busted an online prostitution racket in the state by arresting two pimps and rescuing as many victims from West Bengal. According to police, Porvorim Police station through an internet website called 'Madam Maya', contacted some persons over their cell phone numbers available on the website with an aim to bust the sex racket and came to know that girls were pushed into the prostitution. As per the deal, the two pimps brought two girls at Chogam road in Porvorim yesterday. During the raid, two girls native of West Bengal were rescued and two male pimps -- Amritlal Chinna Rawat of Uttar Pradesh and Sunando Kishore Prafulo Giri, Mayurbhanj, Odisha -- were arrested and a case under sections 4, 5 & 7 of Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act and section 370 read with 34 of Indian Penal Code has been registered by the Porvorim Police against the duo. During the raid, police attached a taxi used for transportation of the girls and five mobile phones. The investigation conducted so far revealed that the kingpin of the racked was a lady called 'Neha' from Uttar Pradesh. Describing the modus operandi of the racket, police said that after meeting the prospective clients, the victim girls used to collect the money as the deal fixed by Neha and after the work was done, the victim girls had to deposit 50 per cent of the amount collected in the bank account of 'Neha'. During investigation, police froze the bank account of 'Neha' and search is on for her. This is the fourth case booked by Porvorim Police in the last six months.UNI AKM SS SB RAI2312 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-956926.Xml
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should apologise and withdraw its report on Kairana that is based on communally charged assumptions, activists have said. "We are deeply dismayed as this report clearly communalises crime and criminals. One community cannot be the reason behind the law and order problems anywhere," minority rights activist, Farah Naqvi told media here on Thursday. "The report says that the Muslims, who had survived the Muzaffarnagar riots and settled in Kairana, are creating law and order problems in the town. It makes prejudiced and communally charged assumptions," she said. "NHRC should apologise the riot victims for having stigmatized their entire community and should withdraw this report," she added. Social worker Harsh Mander also challenged the report saying, "NHRC's report makes a stereotyped declaration. Is this what we expect from the highest statutory body in the country?" Noting that criminality in any area causes people to migrate, he said: "It is the state government's job to act and accommodate the migrants. Criminality does not have a religion or a community." Naqvi said that it is a matter of grave concern that "our premier human rights body in a public document spoke so loosely and irresponsibly, based only on what unnamed witnesses said they feel and stigmatize an entire community of Indian citizens as criminals." Social worker Akram Chaudhary from Shamli demanded factual evidence of NHRC's figure of 25,000-30,000 migrants having settled in Kairana town post riots, saying: "According to the survey that we conducted in Kairana, 270 muslim families from (approximately 2,000 people) survived the riots in muzaffarnagar and settled in the town." "We ask why the NHRC is directly feeding false notions of 'Hindu community honour being under threat, which has been used as the pretext for numerous previous incidents of communal violence, including most recently in Bijnor," she stated. Naqvi sought for justification on the issue. "Why has it chosen to closely study a list of 346 families supplied by a political party with a clear stake in communalising the atmosphere ahead of the UP polls?" she questioned. --IANS mg/sku/ ( 357 Words) 2016-09-30-01:28:08 (IANS)
Spokesperson of National Security Council Ned Price said that in a telephonic conversation with Doval, Susan Rice said that US expects Pakistan to take effective action to combat and de-legitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates.

"Ambassador Rice strongly condemned the September 18 cross-border attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters in Uri and offered condolences to the victims and their families. Ambassador Rice affirmed President Obama's commitment to redouble our efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world," Price said.

"Ambassador Rice discussed our shared commitment with India to pursue regional peace and stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations," Price added.

Eighteen Indian Army soldiers were killed and over 20 others were injured in an encounter with the terrorists at the Army Brigade headquarters in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. This is the highest casualty the army has suffered in a single attack in last two decades.

All four terrorists involved in the attack were killed in what has emerged as worse than the attack on the Pathankot air base earlier in January this year, in which seven army men were killed. (ANI)
According to the Levies force, the Iranian side fired three mortar shells in the city of Panjgur on Wednesday, reports the Express Tribune.

The Levies officials said that the mortar shell explosions created fear among the people living near the area.

Islamabad has taken up the issue with Iranian officials in the Joint Pak-Iran Border Session.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre border with Iran and the two countries in 2014 decided to boost intelligence coordination to combat terrorists from the border region.

However, Iran has violated border treaty many times.

Last year, Iranian border guards had also fired three mortar shells in the Mashkel area of Washuk district of Balochistan. (ANI)
A 14-year-old South Carolina boy shot and killed his father then drove to an elementary school where he opened fire with a handgun, wounding two children and a teacher before being tackled by a firefighter who held him for police, authorities said.The suspect, whose name has not been released, shot dead his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, then drove a pickup truck about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Townville Elementary school where he crashed into a fence surrounding the playground, authorities said.After the teenager began shooting, volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock pinned him down while staff led children to safety inside the building. Police arrived within 7 minutes of a teacher calling 911 to take the suspect into custody at the school in Anderson County, located near the Georgia state line about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta. The shooter never entered the building.US schools have taken added security precautions since 2012 when a gunman shot dead 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, was hailed on social media as a hero and credited with preventing another school massacre."(He) was there in the hot scene and risked his life to mitigate this incident," Anderson County emergency services director Taylor Jones said. "He just used enough force to take him to the ground."The shooting left a 6-year-old boy in critical condition and undergoing surgery, Scott Stoller, Anderson County's director of emergency services, told the Anderson Independent Mail.The other boy and a female teacher were in good condition, said Juana Slade, spokeswoman for AnMed Health Medical Center. Both boys were 6 years old, the Independent Mail reported.One male student was shot in the leg and the other boy was shot in the foot. The female teacher was shot in the shoulder, authorities said. The shooter and victims were white.Anderson County Sheriff's Office Captain Garland Major did not know the relationship between the shooter and those injured at the school. The suspect was home schooled, authorities said.Immediately after the shooting, armed officers guarded students as they were evacuated from the school and taken by bus to a nearby church, local media said. Television images showed police swarming the school, with some officers on the roof while others moved around the building.Jamie Meredith, whose daughter is in kindergarten at Townville Elementary, told WYFF news that she panicked after getting word of the shooting. Her daughter is OK but described a scene of scared and crying children."I'm just scared," Meredith said through tears as she was interviewed by WYFF. "I don't even want her to go to school now."About 280 students attend the school.The incident was the latest in a series of shootings at US schools that have fuelled the debate about access to guns in America.Earlier this month, a 14-year-old girl shot and wounded a fellow student at a rural Texas high school and then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is due to meet with law enforcement officials in the area this evening, Jones said.REUTERS SDR 0525 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-955335.Xml
A 14-year-old South Carolina boy shot and killed his father then drove to an elementary school where he opened fire with a handgun, wounding two children and a teacher before being tackled by a firefighter who held him for police, authorities said. The suspect, whose name has not been released, was accused by police of shooting dead his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, then driving a pickup truck about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Townville Elementary School where he crashed into a fence surrounding the playground yesterday.After the teenager began shooting, volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock pinned him down while staff led children to safety inside the building, Anderson County emergency services director Taylor Jones said in a news conference. Police arrived within 7 minutes of a teacher calling 911 to take the suspect into custody at the school in Anderson County, located near the Georgia state line about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta. The shooter never entered the building, said Chief Deputy Keith Smith.US schools have taken added security precautions since 2012 when a gunman shot dead 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, was hailed on social media as a hero and credited with preventing another school massacre."(He) was there in the hot scene and risked his life to mitigate this incident," Jones said. "He just used enough force to take him to the ground."The shooting left a 6-year-old boy in critical condition and undergoing surgery, Scott Stoller, Anderson County's director of emergency services, told the Anderson Independent Mail.The other boy and a female teacher were treated and released, said Ross Norton, a spokesman for AnMed Health Medical Center. Both boys were 6 years old, the Independent Mail reported.One male student was shot in the leg and the other boy was shot in the foot. The female teacher was shot in the shoulder, authorities said. The shooter and victims were white.Anderson County Sheriff's Office Captain Garland Major told reporters he did not know the relationship between the shooter and those injured at the school. The suspect was home schooled, authorities said.Immediately after the shooting, armed officers guarded students as they were evacuated from the school and taken by bus to a nearby church, local media said. Television images showed police swarming the school, with some officers on the roof while others moved around the building.Jamie Meredith, whose daughter is in kindergarten at Townville Elementary, told WYFF news that she panicked after getting word of the shooting. Her daughter is OK but described a scene of scared and crying children."I'm just scared," Meredith said through tears as she was interviewed by WYFF. "I don't even want her to go to school now."About 280 students attend the school.The incident was the latest in a series of shootings at US schools that have fuelled the debate about access to guns in America.Earlier this month, a 14-year-old girl shot and wounded a fellow student at a rural Texas high school and then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is due to meet with law enforcement officials in the area this evening, Jones said. REUTERS SDR 0550 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-955340.Xml
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in the wake of increased infiltration bids along the Light of Control (LoC). "Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces along the Line of Control which resulted in martyrdom of two Pakistani soldiers," said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's House. The statement further quoted Sharif as saying, "Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness, as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of country." Sharif's statement came after Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Defence Ministry on Thursday in a joint statement announced that the Indian Army had carried out multiple surgical strikes in various locations along the Line of Control late on Wednesday night. Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh announced that Indian Army had carried out multiple surgical strikes in the wake of the infiltration bids by terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC), including at Uri and Poonch earlier this month. "Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC and significant casualties have been caused," he said adding that the Indian forces have foiled over 20 infiltration bids in the past week. The DGMO added that despite persistent messages to Islamabad not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activities, such action was continuing and this necessitated a firm response. (ANI)
Shortly after the Indian Army today announced that it had carried out surgical strikes across the LoC against the terrorists' launch pads last night, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said his country was ready to defend its territorial integrity. "Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial of our country,'' Radio Pakistan quoted Mr Sharif as saying. Pakistan has, however, officially denied that any surgical operation by India had taken place, saying that it was only ceasefire violation by India, which was being rebranded as surgical strike. Mr Sharif said his country can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan". A statement of the Inter Services Public Relations said, "The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects.This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross border fire as surgical strike is a fabrication of truth. Indian Army conducted multiple terror strikes against the terrorists' launch pads across LoC last night, inflicting heavy losses on them. Director General of Military Operations Gen Ranveer Singh told a news conference in New Delhi that he had informed his Pakistani counterpart about the Army's strikes against the terrorists, underlining to them that they will not be allowed to cause any harm to the Indian citizens. The operation was aimed at only terrorists and the Army had no intention to continue it, but it was fully prepared for any eventuality, Gen Singh said. The surgical operation came in the wake of the recent Uri attack in Kashmir, in which 18 Indian soldiers were martyred.UNI XC NAZ SW RJ 1432 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-955685.Xml
Philippine Maoist guerrillas will not surrender their weapons even if a peace deal is reached with the government of President Rodrigo Duterte, the rebels' chief negotiator said today, a potential deal-breaker in the current talks.The Philippines and the rebels declared indefinite unilateral ceasefires in Oslo last month as part of an accord to accelerate efforts to end a conflict that has lasted almost five decades and killed at least 40,000 people.The government expressed hopes that a peace agreement could be reached within a year of the Oslo talks, the first formal meeting for five years. The guerrillas stopped short of setting a deadline.Luis Jalandoni, the Netherlands-based top negotiator for the National Democratic Front, the political arm of the communist movement, said the military wing, the New People's Army, would not agree to disarm."We don't think the New People's Army should be disarmed or the weapons surrendered and destroyed," he told reporters in Manila.An army general, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said the rebels' position could be a deal-breaker."Can you really have two armies under one government?" he asked. "Our government will not agree to this. Our Muslim brothers had agreed to disarm and demobilise their army under a peace deal. Why can't the communists?"In 2014, the mainstream Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, signed a peace deal with the government, agreeing to disband its army and surrender weapons in exchange for an autonomous area in the south.The communist rebels have been waging guerrilla warfare in the countryside since 1969 but entered into an on-off negotiations with the government in 1986, brokered by Norway.Next week, government and rebel negotiators return to Oslo for a second rounds of talks to accelerate deals on a truce and an amnesty declaration by October 26."It's very difficult yet it is achievable," Jalandoni said.REUTERS AKC AN1453 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-955763.Xml
Police in China today arrested a man suspected of killing 16 people, including three children, found dead in a remote southwestern village, state media said.Mass killings are rare in China and the incident dominated discussion on social media platforms. It was not immediately clear how the victims were killed, or what the motive was.The suspect was arrested in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, about 124 miles from Yema, the site of the murders, state news agency Xinhua said, adding that the victims were members of six families.The bodies were found today at different locations in the village, a state-backed news website, ThePaper.cn, said, adding that the suspect had given authorities some details of the incident.The public security bureau in the nearby city of Qujing told Reuters it was investigating the incident, but declined to provide details.REUTERS AKC NS1452 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-955771.Xml
Japan is "playing with fire" with plans to step up activity in the contested South China Sea through joint training patrols with the United States, China's Defence Ministry said today, warning it would not sit watching from the sidelines.China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has repeatedly denounced what it views as interference there by the United States and its ally, Japan.Japan is strengthening its ties in the region, in particular with the Philippines and Vietnam, which contest China's claims to parts of the sea, and it aims to help build the capacity of coastal states in the busy waterway, its defence minister said this month during a visit to Washington.Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, asked about Japan's plans, said it had constantly been trying to stir things up in the South China Sea for its own purposes."We must solemnly tell Japan this is a miscalculation. If Japan wants to have joint patrols or drills in waters under Chinese jurisdiction this really is playing with fire," Yang told a monthly news briefing."China's military will not sit idly by," he added, without elaborating.Ties between Asia's two largest economies have long been overshadowed by arguments over their painful wartime history and a territorial spat in the East China Sea, among other issues.Ships carrying about 5 trillion dollar in trade pass through the South China Sea every year.Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have claims in the sea, which is also believed to be rich in energy resources and fish stocks.In July, an arbitration court in the Hague said China's claims to the waterway were invalid, after a case was brought by the Philippines. China has refused to recognise the ruling.REUTERS AKC AN1514 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-955813.Xml
According to an Oxford University report, infrastructure investment has been a major driver of Chinese economic growth over the past 35 years, but currently, more than half of Chinese infrastructure investments have been "destroyed, and are not generating " economic value, as costs have been larger than benefits. This finding is likely to fuel a debate over the viability of China's infrastructure-heavy growth model. China has stepped up infrastructure spending this year to buffer a slowdown in manufacturing investment. But such investment leads to significant waste while adding to China's worrying debt load, says the paper by Oxford professors, led by Atif Ansar, a lecturer at Oxford's Sad Business School. "Far from being an engine of economic growth, the typical infrastructure investment fails to deliver a positive risk-adjusted return," the paper found. "Poorly managed infrastructure investments are a main explanation of surfacing economic and financial problems in China. We predict that, unless China shifts to a lower level of higher-quality infrastructure investments, the country is headed for an infrastructure-led national financial and economic crisis," the Financial Times quotes the report, as saying. The paper takes aim at what it calls the "prevalent view" among economists that high rates of infrastructure investment are crucial to growth for developing economies and that China offers a model for others emulate, the Financial Times adds. On the contrary, Ansar warns that countries such as Brazil, Nigeria and Pakistan should not follow China's path. President Xi Jinping's signature foreign policy initiative, the New Silk Road, calls for the country to finance road, rail and port construction to connect China with central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. "It is a myth that China grew thanks largely to heavy infrastructure investment. It grew due to bold economic liberalisation and institutional reforms, and this growth is now threatened by over-investment in low-grade infrastructure," said Ansar. The research paper said that three quarters of all projects suffered a cost overrun, which has exacerbated the debt problem which appears in the current issue of Oxford Review of Economic Policy. The authors estimate that a third of China's USD 28.2tn debt load is attributable to such overruns. The study is based on a sample of 95 road and rail infrastructure projects in China between 1984 and 2008. Other economists however do not agree with Ansar's criticism citing that even if an infrastructure project does not directly generate enough cash flow to cover its financing costs, positive externalities can spur enough economic activity that makes the project worthwhile. "For most of the past few decades, the bulk of Chinese infrastructure investment has served the overall economy reasonably well. If you compare China with most other developing countries, they would love to be in China's shoes in terms of having all that infrastructure," said Louis Kuijs, head of Asia economics at Oxford Economics and former senior China economist at the World Bank. But Kuijs acknowledges that China now faces diminishing returns from additional infrastructure, as the most productive investments are already largely complete. Other analysts also see problems with excessive and wasteful infrastructure investment but doubt it will lead to crisis. "The authors' data on individual infrastructure projects tell us that China is basically no worse and no better than the rest of the world in terms of managing infrastructure projects - just like everywhere else, they often run behind schedule and over budget," said Andrew Batson, China research director at Gavekal-Dragonomics in Beijing. (ANI)
Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi has sacked Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Pedro Couto, the presidency said today, reshuffling a department currently negotiating multi-billion-dollar gas projects.No reason was given for Couto's dismissal. REUTERS AKC AS1621 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-955987.Xml
US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkish authorities accuse of orchestrating a failed coup in July, told a German newspaper that he was sure President Tayyip Erdogan was behind the putsch.Gulen said in an interview with the weekly Die Zeit that the military coup attempt betrayed the principles of the Turkish government and his global movement called "Hizmet". He pointed to Erdogan's comments that the July 15 putsch was a "gift from God" because it would allow the army to be cleansed.Asked if he was suggesting that Erdogan was behind the coup, Gulen said: "Until now I only thought that was a possibility. Now I think it's certain."Gulen said a Turkish officer had recently said that the chief of general staff and the intelligence chief met in the army headquarters during the night of the coup, adding: "They already knew everything that would happen later."Exactly how events unfolded on the night of the coup has yet to be fully uncovered but Erdogan has repeatedly complained of what he described as an intelligence failure, saying he found out about the putsch only from his brother-in-law.Turkish officials have said an informant who came to Turkey's national intelligence agency provided the tip-off on the coup. The head of the armed forces, along with several other senior commanders, were abducted by the putschists.Gulen said the coup gave Erdogan the opportunity to dismiss thousands of perceived opponents in ministries, the military, police and judiciary authorities as well as to arrest lawyers, business people, journalists and wives of Gulen supporters, and added that this must have been planned in advance.In the post-coup crackdown, some 100,000 people in the police, civil service, military and judiciary have been sacked or suspended. Another 40,000 people have been detained.Turkish officials have said Ankara's intelligence agency had already been tracking Gulen followers well before the coup attempt and had identified many figures previously.Gulen distanced himself from Erdogan, saying they had only met a few times before Erdogan became prime minister in 2003."Neither my friends nor I were close to Erdogan ourselves, even if that is being claimed," he told Die Zeit.The Hizmet movement once backed Erdogan because when he founded the AK Party he promised democracy and stronger human rights as well as to limit the military's political power, Gulen said. But, he said, Erdogan broke his promises after the 2011 election.Turkey wants the United States to extradite Gulen and prosecute him on charges he masterminded the attempt to overthrow the government. Gulen denies any involvement. Washington has said it is cooperating with Ankara on the matter and asked for patience as it processes the extradition request for Gulen to meet US legal requirements.Gulen also told Die Zeit he did not think the United States would extradite him to Turkey but said that if it did decide to hand him over, he would buy himself a ticket and fly there. REUTERS AKC VP1635 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-956047.Xml
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has rejected rumours on social media that the nation's cabinet has been reshuffled, his office said today."President Zuma strongly condemns this malicious dissemination of untruthful information by people who do not have the interests of the country at heart," his office said in a statement.REUTERS AKC AN1745 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-956236.Xml
The reconstructed cockpit of flight MH17 is on display during a press conference to release the investigation report on the cause of its crash, at the Gilze-Rijen air base, the Netherlands, on Oct. 13, 2015. (Xinhua file Photo)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has called for firm action against the perpetrators in the downing of flight MH17, saying "we have promised that those who were responsible will be brought to justice."

Following the release of an investigation report on the tragedy on Wednesday, Malaysia's national state news agency Bernama quoted the prime minister, who is on an official visit to Germany this week, as saying that "The families want justice. So we will pursue this."

According to Najib, Malaysia will call for a meeting with the other countries which lost their citizens, namely the Netherlands and Australia, to decide the next course of action.

"We must see to it that those responsible are punished," he said.

Malaysia Airlines MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 people on board died, most of them Dutch citizens.

Related:

Missile that downed MH17 came from Russia: joint investigation team

THE HAGUE, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Buk missile that downed flight MH17 was brought from Russia and fired from a region in eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian rebels, according to the Joint Investigation Team's (JIT) report released Wednesday by the Netherlands Public Prosecutor's Office.
Yu Zhengsheng (R, front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with a delegation of Chinese ethnic minorities in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengsheng met a delegation of Chinese ethnic minorities on Wednesday, urging the group to continue to safeguard ethnic solidarity.

The delegation are composed of minority members who were honored by the government as models in contributing to ethnic solidarity.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, lauded the tradition of organized visits for minority delegations since 1950.

The visit allowed the ethic group representatives to witness the dramatic changes that have occurred in the country and enhanced their national identity and their connection to the Communist Party of China (CPC) and socialism with Chinese characteristics, according to Yu.

The delegation visited Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces before arriving in Beijing during a tour to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March by the Red Army in the 1930s.

Yu asked them to uphold the spirit of the Long March and to continue to serve as role models for implementing ethnic policies and promoting ethnic solidarity and scientific development.

The group were also asked to continue to be role models in observing law and use the law to safeguard ethnic unity.

Vice Premier Liu Yandong and Sun Chunlan, head of the CPC Central Committee United Front Work Department, were present during the meeting.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a ball to Gael Monfils of France during men's singles semi-final match at the 2016 U.S. Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 9, 2016. Djokovic won 3-1. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia has pulled out of next week's China Open due to elbow injury, which means he will have to wait another year before attempting to win his seventh China Open title.

Djokovic has won six times at the China Open over the past seven years and holds a 29 winning streak in the tournament.

"I am very sad not to be able to compete at the China Open this year. I am still recovering from my elbow injury and have been advised not to play tournaments until my condition improves and allows me to compete. I will continue with my rehabilitation and hope to be able to return to the ATP World Tour as soon as possible," Djokovic said in a statement.

"The China Open is one of my favorite tournaments. I have had a lot of success there, winning the title six times. I love competing in front of the passionate Chinese fans, and I look forward to coming back to Beijing in future," he added.

The tournament organizers lamented the Serbian star's absence.

"Djokovic is a fan favorite in Beijing and a tremendous champion at the China Open. It is unfortunate that he will not be able to defend his title this year due to injury. We wish him a successful recovery and look forward to seeing him on tour again soon, maintaining his position as world No. 1," said Zhang Junhui, the Chine Open tournament director.

The China Open will take place from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9.
GENEVA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva said Wednesday that Beijing remains firmly dedicated to building a prosperous nation for all of its 1.3 billion citizens by the end of the decade.

"We are going to build a well-off society in an all-round way by 2020, laying the foundation for a prosperous, democratic, modern and harmonious socialist country that promises a better life for all Chinese citizens," Ma Zhaoxu said in a speech marking the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 45th anniversary of the restoration of China's seat in the UN.

"The 1.3 billion people in China are striving for the realization of the Chinese dream. We are firmly committed to peaceful development, and will work with all the friends and partners in the world for our shared future," he added.

Since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, Ma highlighted that much economic and social growth has been achieved, and that the country is now considered the world's second biggest economy.

The diplomat also reminded that since 1979, 700 million Chinese have been lifted out of poverty, with the remaining 57 million poor people in the country's rural areas set to do so by 2020.

The country has also maintained high GDP growth (6.7 percent in the first half of 2016) despite a sluggish global economy which is struggling to recover from the financial crisis of 2008.

Much as China has benefited over the years from international cooperation to reach these achievements, other developing nations also stand to gain from China's economic clout, Ma explained.

This can be achieved by supporting Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed "Belt and Road Initiative" as well as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank which will initially prioritize investment in energy, power generation, transportation, rural infrastructure, environmental protection and logistics in Asia.

As a dedicated and responsible member of the United Nations, Ma reminded that China has always upheld its aim to promote peace and development across the world.

The official said that China is the largest troop-contributing country among the five UN Security Council members for UN peacekeeping missions.

Furthermore, China wholly backs the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is a ratifying state of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change reached in 2015, a year which also saw Beijing pledge to establish a 10-year, 1 billion U.S. dollar China-UN peace and development fund to further support the UN's mandate across the globe.

"As China grows, we will make even more contributions to the world," Ma concluded.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will leave for Geneva on Oct. 1 to meet with representatives from the World Economic Forum, the International Committee of the Red Cross and with UN staff, a UN spokesman said here Wednesday.

Ban will also be meeting with officials of the City of Geneva, as well as the State Council of the country and the Canton of Geneva, Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

On Oct. 3, the secretary-general will hold a press conference and give a major address to the students and faculty of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, he said, adding that Ban will also be addressing the Executive Committee of the UN refugee agency and will then travel to Bern on Oct. 4, where he will meet with the Federal Council of Switzerland.

Also that day, the secretary-general will travel to Belgium to attend the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan hosted by the European Union and the government of Afghanistan, which will take place on Oct. 5, he said.

On Oct. 6, the secretary-general will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and other Italian officials, he said.

On Oct. 7, the secretary-general will be in Hamburg, Germany, to attend the 20th Anniversary of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the independent judicial body established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the Convention.

While in Hamburg, he is also scheduled to receive the National German Sustainability Award and meet with Joachim Gauck, the president of Germany, and other senior officials, said the spokesman.

The next day, the secretary-general will be in Reykjavik, Iceland, to address the Assembly of the Arctic Circle, the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic with participation from governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations, universities, environmental associations and indigenous communities, he said, adding that Ban will receive an award for his work in the fight against climate change.

The secretary-general will also deliver a speech at the University of Iceland on international peace and security on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the 1986 Gorbachev-Reagan Summit, and meet with leaders and senior officials of Iceland, he said.

The secretary-general is expected to return to New York on Oct. 9, Dujarric added.
ISTANBUL, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkish and Chinese officials on Wednesday pledged to further promote bilateral ties that have been growing steadily lately.

Ismail Gultekin, Istanbul's vice governor, referred to the growing economic and cultural ties between Turkey and China over recent period of time, as both countries are playing a bigger role in the world economically and politically.

"During this period, we have also recognized the important role Istanbul has been playing in bilateral relationship as a financial and cultural center," he said in a speech delivered at a reception marking the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"We will continue all-out efforts to boost this relationship between our countries," added Gultekin.

Qian Bo, China's new consulate general, spoke of last meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan early this month on the sidelines of the G20 summit in eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

During their meeting, the two leaders exchanged views and reached an important consensus on the harmonization of China's Belt and Road initiative with Turkey's Middle Corridor plan as well as on advancing pragmatic cooperation, noted Qian.

"I believe the strategic cooperative relationship between China and Turkey is sure to usher in a period of even greater development," he said, pledging close communication and cooperation with the Turkish side in the efforts to advance better relations.
NEW YORK, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices rose on Wednesday as a deal to limit output has been made among Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members.

OPEC agreed on Wednesday to cut oil production to 32.5 million barrels a day from current level of 33.24 million barrels a day, according to media reports.

The group will agree concrete levels of output by each country at its next formal meeting in November.

Analysts said it is the first time in eight years for OPEC to reach an output-cut deal, which is especially bullish for the market.

OPEC members and Russia are holding informal talks on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum in Algeria from Sept. 26 to 28. It has been widely expected that the key oil producers may reach a deal during the meeting to stabilize the market.

The West Texas Intermediate for November delivery added 2.38 U.S. dollars to settle at 47.05 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for November delivery gained 2.72 dollars to close at 48.69 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
ACCRA, Sept.28 (Xinhua) -- A coalition of civil society groups in Ghana on Wednesday embarked on a "silent protest" to demand immediate action on the passage of the Right to Information (RTI) bill.

Some members of the RTI coalition, led by the Ghana branch of the Commonwealth Human Right Initiative, were seen in orange shirts with placards along selected streets in Accra in a protest to request President John Dramani Mahama to take action before the current parliament elapses.

The coalition seeks to impress upon the government to speed up work on the passage of the over-aged bill which has been in and out of parliament for over a decade.

The bill has been around since 1999 but despite four presidents it is yet to be passed into law, even though civil society groups continue to fight for its passage.

The basis for the bill is to give right and access to official information held by public institutions, and private entities which perform public functions with public funds.

President Mahama at a UNESCO conference in France this week lamented the delay in passing the bill, indicating that he did not know the progress of deliberations on it so far.

The president said the RTI would go down in history as the "legislation that has stayed the longest in Parliament."

But the RTI Coalition in a statement indicated that President Mahama had not demonstrated strong commitment to the passage of the RTI Bill despite his party's promises in its 2008 and 2012 manifestos.

Meanwhile, the Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has asked the coalition to stop piling pressure on the president, saying that parliament should be left to do its work without interference.
BERLIN, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday called for a closer cooperation between the European Commission, the European Union (EU) member states as well as companies in digitization.

The German government will do everything to speed up the legislative process at European level and drive forward the digitization, said Merkel before a meeting with French President Francois Hollande, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and managers of large European corporations in the Chancellery.

The meeting is the fifth so-called "European Round Table of Industrialists", of which the main topic this year was the importance of digitalization of all economic sectors.

Merkel said, all knew that it's mainly about the competitiveness and future viability of the EU.

"We know that we need to make our contribution, for example, when it comes to the roll-out of the 5G network," said the chancellor.

"In this respect we rely here on a close cooperation between industry, the Commission and our member states," urged the chancellor.

Hollande spoke of a "challenge for growth in Europe, but also for European society".

Given the international competition, the EU must prove that it is able "to develop further", he said.

With a view to the overall situation in the EU after the referendum in Britain, Merkel also noted that the other 27 member states were aware of their great responsibility, and they are determined to continue the economic development for the benefit of people.

Hollande added that the other EU partners would cooperate with Britain, "but on terms that are clearly defined".

Since 2013, Merkel, Hollande and Juncker have met alternately in Berlin or Paris with representatives of the "European Round Table of Industrialists" to answer questions of international companies not only at national level, but also at European level.

The exchange aims to help to find solutions for innovation and employment in Europe.
ALGIERS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reached an agreement to freeze oil output after an meeting held here on Wednesday.

The Head of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said at a press conference after the meeting, during which the cartel's members agreed to cap its oil output between 32.5 and 33 million barrels a day.

The OPEC official dubbed the meeting of Algiers "historical," thanking Algeria for offering such an opportunity to gather and decide on a crucial issue related to oil market.

Al-Sada noted that after a six-hour meeting, the 14 members agreed to reduce oil output, adding that a committee has been set up to consider the output share of each member nation.

A report should be drawn up by the committee, and then filed to the next OPEC meeting due in Vienna in November, the head of OPEC specified.

The official further indicated that the committee is also meant to coordinate a collective agreement between the cartel's members in a bid to accelerate the process of re-balancing the oil market "by sharing the burden of adjusting the output between both OPEC and non-OPEC producers."
ACCRA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Stakeholders at the just ended two-day Second Africa Oil Governance Forum has urged the governments of petroleum Exporting nations on the continent to invest heavily and properly in agriculture.

Participants to the forum argued late Tuesday that due to the volatility of petroleum prices, steps should be taken to invest aggressively in poverty reduction initiatives.

A communique issued at the close of the forum further requested state petroleum institutions to coordinate effectively with National Development Institutions to ensure integrated resource development for inclusive growth.

Participants at the forum organized by Accra-based energy think-tank Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) identified illicit financial outflows from Africa as one of the major loopholes in the continent's desire to be financially independent.

They therefore urged that leadership on the continent pass appropriate legislations and invest in capacity building to check illicit financial outflows particularly from the oil and gas sector.

"We demand further that our governments build appropriate partnership with the international community to design appropriate global guidelines and response to illicit financial outflows," the communique read.

They were of the view that African government could channel increased domestic revenues resulting from curbing illicit financial outflows and improvement in tax administration into financing sustainable development initiatives to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Another way African resource-rich countries lose resources, the participants observed was the indiscriminate granting of tax concessions as a means of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the resource exploration and exploitation sector.

They therefore urged the leaders of the various African countries to stop the blanket granting of tax concessions to extractive companies, and must review tax concession policies to appropriately target investments that bring maximum benefits to our countries.

"To this effect, we demand that our governments conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the current tax concession regime to determine its effectiveness as a tool for investment attraction," the communique advocated.
ACCRA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The government of Ghana has stepped up its program to lessen the debt burden of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) on the national budget, Minister for Finance Seth Terkper said here on Wednesday.

"We are working towards sound balance sheets for the SOEs. It is the goal of government to strengthen the balance sheets of these SOEs, and to work with you on a transformation program which we have started already," he told the CEOs of the SOEs at a forum.

SOE borrowing, the minister noted, is very heavy on consolidated fund and so Ghana is learning from what other countries did, as to how they successfully managed similar situations through the use of the countries' resources.

He later explained to the media that although the risk of non-payment in every economy exists, there is the need to minimize the risk of non-payment through different mechanisms.

"Remember the Infrastructure Fund for example is a Sovereign Wealth Fund and if you look at the BRICS and other countries that have succeeded, particularly the Emirates. The strength lies in their Sovereign Wealth Funds-channeling their oil revenue into what we call Sovereign Wealth Funds," the minister argued.

Ghana's Debt-to-GDP ratio hovers around 66 percent, and the government argues that part of that debt burden comes from the borrowing by SOEs which is added to the government's sovereign debt, some of which are to local banks, thus increasing the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratios of the banking sector.
WARSAW, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Poland's Finance Minister Pawel Szalamacha has been dismissed, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo announced Wednesday.

Szydlo told a press conference that deputy Prime Minister and Development Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who will also lead a new Government Economic Committee, will replace Szalamacha as the new Finance Minister.

Szalamacha had submitted a resignation which she accepted, Szydlo said that Szalamacha had "done a great job" in preparing the 2017 budget which was accepted by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

This is the second high-level personnel change in the Polish Finance Ministry this year. Deputy Finance Minister Konrad Raczkowski was dismissed in March over controversial statements about the banking sector.
Rescue workers carry the body of a victim from the capsized migrant boat in Rosetta, Egypt on Sept. 22, 2016. (Xinhua)

by Xinhua writer Wang Xue, Marwa Yahya

CAIRO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- "We all call it 'the Mediterranean death boat,' where you may lose everything, including your life," said Mahmoud, a 46-year-old Syrian refugee who lives in Cairo, noting his wife has reached Europe and is waiting for reunion with him and their children.

"My wife cried her eyes out when she was leaving us, but I told her to be strong, because this is life," the man told Xinhua, insisting to keep his family name anonymous for safety reasons.

Mahmoud also narrated some details of the smuggling process of migrants and how a fishery boat can be overloaded with hundreds of people without any life jackets, risking their lives for a new beginning on the other side of the Mediterranean.

"From the northern coast of Egypt, an overloaded shabby migrant boat sometimes has to go through strong waves in the Mediterranean Sea to reach Italy, especially in autumn and winter," he said.

Just as Mahmoud described, a "death boat" capsized last week off Egypt's northern coast carrying hundreds of passengers, mostly Egyptians, seeking to illegally enter Italy. Despite the rescuing efforts, the death toll has risen to 202 so far while another 164 passengers have been rescued.

Egypt has become a more common launching point for illegal migration through its Mediterranean Sea shores to Europe after Libya and Turkey lost their importance for smugglers.

Besides the large amount of refugees gathering in Egypt from the war-torn Syria and other countries, more locals resort to illegal migration to flee difficult economic conditions in the financially-struggling Arab country, where unemployment rate hit 12.5 percent according to official reports.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) released the latest statistics that more than 300,000 people have tried to smuggle to Europe by sea since January, and over 3,000 of them were dead or missing on their way.

Statistics from the International Organization for Migration showed that, in 2015, outward migration population from Egypt has reached over three million, and the inward number reached about 500,000.

"My wife will finish all of the legal procedures to stay in Germany after her refugee status is confirmed," Mahmoud said, adding that, "but she told me there are lots of illegal migrants trying to make use of the refugee policy to settle down in Europe."

"For those people, even if they finally make a fortune and stay in Europe, it will be hard for them to find a job or integrate into the society," he said.

Admitting the "death boat" is in no way a reliable route, the man admitted that he still has to choose it.

"I can't find a job in Egypt, and my children need their mom," Mahmoud added.

For Adel Othma, an Egyptian mechanic who is 32 years old, however, the "death boat" deserves the risk of life.

"Nine years have passed since I graduated from my university, my salary still can't afford a marriage or any apartment to live. I feel no hope," he said.

To make a change, Othma asked his family to sell a piece of land to pay the traffickers and has made a plan to escape the present life.

"My families are so worried after the recent boat accident," he said. "But I have nothing to loss in Egypt, even if the boat drowned, at least I have tried the best to reach my dream."

"Why do you leave your country? Is there no work in Egypt? I assure you there are job opportunities here," said the Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in his speech to the youth who seek illegal migration to Europe on Monday.

The country's leader also urged for joining efforts to face the problem of illegal migration.

For Egypt, the issue has become a far more complicated social problem rather than refugee resettlement.

"I always tell my friends to never step on those crazy boats, but they give me a deaf ear," said Sheiarick Jabateh, an African migrant from Guinea. He fled to Egypt because of the spreading Ebola virus in his hometown.

Jabateh was an English teacher before. Like other migrants in Egypt, he can't find a job to feed himself.

"The human traffickers often make propaganda by introducing us some people living a good life in Europe after the 'death trip,' but I have never taken this as a choice," he said.

"The traffickers have built a network across the Mediterranean Sea and they use guns to control the migrants on board. They are criminals," the young migrant added.

Regarding the reason behind the fatal business, Jabateh said in Egypt and other African countries, the word "Europe" means rich and decent life, "like an unreachable dream."

Unlike illegal migrants, Jabateh expected to start a new life in Egypt. "I miss my children who are stuck in Libya now," he continued with a low and sad voice.

"People should use their common sense to choose the right way. I hope Egypt and Europe concern more about refugees and migrants like us, and provide us more legal channels to earn a better life," he said.
EDINBURGH, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The links between Scotland and the Chinese side are going from strength to strength in parliamentary, economic, cultural, and educational sectors, said a top Scottish legislator Wednesday evening.

Addressing the reception to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Chinese Consulate-General in Edinburgh, Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh reviewed the exchange of visits of top-level officials from both sides, the Chinese language mania in Scotland, the Chinese students studying in Scotland, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

Macintosh hailed the contribution of Chinese culture to the Edinburgh festivals, the five Confucius institutes in Scotland, and the contribution of the Chinese community in Scotland to the local society.

For his part, Alasdair Allan, Scottish Minister for International Development and Europe, highlighted the progress and achievements of the Chinese language learning at Scottish schools and the strengthened links of both sides, pledging that Scotland is still open to businesses and culture even after Britain voted to exit the European Union in a referendum in June.

Pan Xinchun, Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh, briefed over 100 participants about the diplomatic, economic, social and scientific achievements China has made recently, and the highlights of cooperations and collaborations between the two sides.
HAVANA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Cuba said on Wednesday it will complain about continued U.S. efforts to weaken its government even as the two countries continue to normalize ties.

Delegations from both countries are to gather in Washington on Friday as part of the fourth meeting of the Cuba-U.S. Bilateral Commission, Gustavo Machin, deputy director for U.S. affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, told reporters at a press conference.

The commission aims to review the progress made in the past four months in reestablishing ties after more than half a century.

Machin said while measures taken by the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama have been "positive," they are "limited and insufficient," especially regarding the trade embargo.

"Our country will reiterate our demand for the complete lifting of the economic blockade and the return of the territory illegally occupied by the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo," he said.

Obama should use his executive powers to further "dismantle" the embargo imposed on Cuba more than 50 years ago, said Machin.

"If the president allowed investment in telecommunications by executive decree, why can't he authorize investment in other areas?" asked Machin.

Havana will also complain to Washington about ongoing "subversive" plots designed to topple Cuba's socialist government.

Programs such as World Learning scholarships, purport to offer young Cubans summer courses in civic leadership skills, but are actually designed to sow discontent and promote regime change, Cuba claims.

"We condemn the U.S. embassy promoting these types of programs without the consent of our government," Machin said.

Thousands of Cuban students have rejected the scholarship program as a covert strategy to influence Cuban youth to serve Washington's interests.

Machin welcomed Obama's nomination on Tuesday of career diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis to be the first U.S. ambassador to Cuba since diplomatic ties were restored in July 2015.

DeLaurentis has served as chief of the U.S. mission in Havana since 2014.

However, the nomination must be approved by the Republican-controlled Senate.

The fourth bilateral commission will be led by Machin's boss Josefina Vidal, director for U.S. affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, and Mari Carmen Aponte, acting Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo (R) and President of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada attend a press conference in Algiers, Algeria on Sept. 28, 2016. OPEC on Wednesday reached a "historical" agreement to ceil oil output from 33.24 million barrels a day to 32.5 or 33 million barrels a day. (Xinhua)

ALGIERS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Wednesday reached a "historical" agreement to ceil oil output from 33.24 million barrels a day to 32.5 or 33 million barrels a day.

President of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada told a press conference after a six-hour extraordinary meeting that the cartel's members reached the agreement to cap the oil output.

The OPEC official hailed the efforts made by Algeria, "which offered such an opportunity to gather us and decide on a crucial issue related to oil market."

Al-Sada noted that the participants agreed to set up a committee to consider the output share of each member nation, and then file a report to the next OPEC meeting due in Vienna in November.

He further indicated that the committee is also meant to coordinate a collective agreement between the cartel's members in a bid to accelerate the process of rebalancing the oil market, saying both OPEC and non-OPEC producers (in reference to Russia) have to share the burden of adjusting the output.

When asked whether the Algiers meeting outcomes would push oil prices higher, he noted that market is the only factor that controls the prices.

Earlier on Wednesday, reports suggested that Algeria has proposed the members of OPEC to cut oil outputs by 796,000 barrels a day.

The North African nation proposed Saudi Arabia, one of major oil producers, to cap its supply to around 10.3 million barrels a day. It also proposed Iran to limit its supply to 3.7 million barrels a day.

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Tuesday met with Saudi Deputy Oil Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al-Saud and Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh.

Sellal attempted to approach divergent views between Iran and Saudi Arabia to facilitate the process of the informal OPEC meeting, which is seen as an opportunity to reach an agreement to either freeze or reduce outputs.

Algeria made considerable diplomatic efforts in the last few months to persuade OPEC and non-OPEC producers to gather "informally" in Algiers to revive the slumping oil market.

Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Bouterfa said earlier this week that oil price at 50 to 60 U.S. dollars per barrel would be favorable for both consumers and producers, as it would help maintain investments and therefore assure the availability of this key energy product in the long term.
by Xinhua writer Zheng Qihang

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Belt and Road initiative is "a great vision" from China, that will help boost global economy growth, two business leaders said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"I very much see it (Belt and Road Initiative) as a great vision from China's leadership," said Tom Pellette, group president of Construction Industries at Caterpillar, a U.S. manufacturer of construction and mining equipment based in Illinois.

Pellette said global economic growth has been very slow since 2012 as governments have put back incentives to counter financial crisis broke out in 2008.

China proposed the initiative in 2013 which is "very visionary" and will put together "not just Chinese investments but global investments into projects in dozens of countries," said Pellette.

"I think it would be a big benefit for all the countries along the route, all the countries involved, including the U.S.," said Pellette.

"The more we are interconnected by common projects, common trade and common interests the more stable and peaceful the world will be and everybody will benefit economically by that cooperation," said Pellette.

"These are opportunities for global companies no matter how big and how small," Pellette added.

The initiative has become a "real" and "crucial" strength for the development of the countries covered by the initiative, according to a research of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) released here on Monday.

Since 2014, EBRD and other countries have enlarged their investments in that region as more than 300 greenfield investments with combined value of 75.9 billion U.S. dollars have been announced by Chinese investors, creating "a platform for building more competitive industries" as investments have gone beyond infrastructure to energy, e-commerce and telecom connectivity.

As a senior manager of a company with about 50-year global operating experience, Pellette said "the belt and road countries do not present larger risks than other parts of the world" and Caterpillar has already participated in hundreds of projects in Asia and Africa under this initiative with its Chinese partners.

"We expect the list of projects to go from hundreds to thousands of course," said Pellette. "I guess it would be thirty, forty years the Belt and Road Initiative continues, maybe longer."

Caterpillar entered Chinese market in 1975 and has become a significant player in China's construction and mining equipment market. Belt and Road initiative has provided "a real good opportunity" for Caterpillar to share its global experience to those large Chinese contractors who plan to do business outside China, Qihua Chen, chairman of Caterpillar China, told Xinhua.

"We have got a lot of overseas business models and we have a network of 175 dealers around the world," said Chen.

Chen said Caterpillar is very willing to share experience with Chinese contractors on dealing financial risks as well as improving project and asset management on foreign markets.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy called on Wednesday the international community to take actions to protect medical personnel and facilities in armed conflict.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council meeting on healthcare for civilians in armed conflict.

Wu said emphasis should be given to promoting political process to resolve regional hotspot issues, while stressing that "only by ending conflict, will it be possible to eliminate once and for all security threats to medical personnel and medical facilities."

"It is incumbent to the governments concerned and the parties to the conflict to protect medical personnel and facilities in armed conflict," said Wu.

"The governments concerned bear a primary responsibility for protecting civilians within their borders and therefore they should strengthen their measures to protect medical personnel and facilities," he added.

Wu also noted that when it comes to protection of medical personnel and facilities, the United Nations should comprehensively assess the humanitarian risks and challenges, and provide timely information on the ground to medical personnel and humanitarian agencies.

The Security Council meeting was held during a time that attacks against medical personnel and hospitals happened from time to time in countries like Yemen and Syria.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have been calling on member states to do all they can to promote respect for medical care in armed conflict.

Ban also recommended that member states and parties to conflict must take precautions to safeguard medical facilities and personnel when they plan and conduct military operations.
by Zhao Xiaona, Pang Yuwei

BRUSSELS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The European Union(EU) looks unlikely to be able to complete its plan to relocate 160,000 refugees from Greece and Italy by September 2017, as figures released on Wednesday show that only 5,651 refugees have been relocated by far.

According to the Sixth Report on Relocation and Resettlement released by the European Commission, September recorded 1,202 relocations, the highest monthly number since the relocation scheme's entry into force in September 2015.

However, since last reporting date of July 12, 2016, 7,300 people have arrived in Greece, 52,656 people have arrived in Italy.

The comparison indicated that the pressure in these "frontline" countries keeps increasing and the EU measures are lagging far behind.

With the continuous arrival of migrants in Italy and the still challenging humanitarian situation in Greece, relocation remains crucial to alleviate the pressure in these countries, the European Commission said.

The report said a total of 4,455 refugees were relocated from Greece and 1,196 from Italy. France has taken in the lion's share of refugees from Greece, relocating 1,721, and a further 231 from Italy. The Netherlands has taken in a combined total of 726 refugees, and Finland 690.

To meet the refugee commitment made by the EU, its member states will have to take in a further 154,349 people in the next year. Currently, around 60,500 refugees are still in Greece awaiting relocation, around 13,800 on the islands and around 46,700 persons on its mainland.

With regard to the resettlement, not a half of the EU's pledge, which is to offer legal and safe pathways to 22,504 people before September 2017, has been fulfilled, according to the report.

The good news is the implementation of the EU-Turkey deal has continued after the attempted coup in July.

The European Commission said an additional 1,071 Syrian refugees have been resettled from Turkey between June and Sept. 27, tripling the number of people resettled and bringing the total number from Turkey under the EU-Turkey deal to 1,614.

Even so, it is widely believed that the EU will probably break its promise as the dissatisfactions on the schemes are gaining ground in the bloc.

Austria has not submitted any pledge at all and since April Poland has not taken forward the implementation of its pledges and has not pledged nor relocated any applicant, the report said.

Hungary, another example, is planning an October referendum on the EU migration policy, which insists on sharing out the numbers of refugees entering the bloc.

"Quotas today clearly divide the EU, therefore I think they are politically finished," Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said earlier this week, which caused criticisms from EU institutions.

As always, the EU reiterated its call for further action to accelerate the implementation of the relocation and resettlement schemes.

"Those who can do more should do so urgently. We can only effectively manage asylum and migration in Europe, and preserve the Schengen area, if we all work together in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility," said Frans Timmermans, the European Commission's First Vice-President.
U.S. President Barack Obama (Xinhua file photo)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Congress voted on Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of a bill allowing families of the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks to sue Saudi Arabia.

The vote handed Obama the first veto override during his nearly eight-year presidency, dealing a blow to the White House and highlighting the administration's waning sway over Congress during Obama's last months in office.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 348-77 to override the veto issued by Obama last week, hours after the Senate voted 97-1 in favor of the override, with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid voting solely to sustain the veto.

The bill, named Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), now becomes law despite the fierce opposition from the Obama Administration. Many lawmakers are reluctant to oppose a bill supported by families of the Sept. 11 attacks victims, as the election is just over a month away.

"Overriding a presidential veto is something we don't take lightly," said Democratic Senator Charles Schumer, one of the chief sponsors of the bill. "But it was important in this case that the families of the victims of 9/11 be allowed to pursue justice, even if that pursuit causes some diplomatic discomforts."

"This bill is about respecting the voices and rights of American victims," Republican Senator John Cornyn said.

Following the Senate vote, White House spokesman Josh Earnest slammed the vote as "embarrassing."

"This is the single most embarrassing thing the United States Senate has done possibly since 1983," Earnest told reporters, referring to Senate's overwhelming override of former President Ronald Reagan's veto of a land bill.

"To have members of the United States Senate only recently informed of the negative impact of this bill on our servicemembers and our diplomats is in itself embarrassing," he added.

Obama vetoed the bill on Friday, citing concerns that the bill "would be detrimental to U.S. national interests."

"Enacting JASTA into law, however, would neither protect Americans from terrorist attacks nor improve the effectiveness of our response to such attacks," Obama said.

Families of the Sept. 11 victims have been trying to sue the Saudi royal family, Saudi banks and charities in U.S. courts, on ground that the Saudi government provided financial support for terrorism.

Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks which killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington D.C. area and Pennsylvania, was a wealthy Saudi national.

But the families' efforts have largely been stymied, in part because of a 1976 law that gives foreign nations some immunity from lawsuits in American courts.

The JASTA has already drawn strong criticism from the Saudi government, a close U.S. partner in fighting terrorism in the Middle East, which has denied any role in the plot of the 2001 terror attacks.

Saudi Arabia has also threatened to sell off hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of American assets held by the kingdom if the U.S. passes and enacts the bill.
Protesters and family members of 9/11 victims protest in front of the White House regarding President Barack Obama's threatened veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) in Washington, U.S., September 20, 2016. (REUTERS/Gary Cameron)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Congress voted on Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of a bill allowing families of the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks to sue Saudi Arabia.

The vote handed Obama the first veto override during his nearly eight-year presidency, dealing a blow to the White House and highlighting the administration's waning sway over Congress during Obama's last months in office.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 348-77 to override the veto issued by Obama last week, hours after the Senate voted 97-1 in favor of the override, with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid voting solely to sustain the veto.

The bill, named Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), now becomes law despite the fierce opposition from the Obama Administration. Many lawmakers are reluctant to oppose a bill supported by families of the Sept. 11 attacks victims, as the election is just over a month away.

"Overriding a presidential veto is something we don't take lightly," said Democratic Senator Charles Schumer, one of the chief sponsors of the bill. "But it was important in this case that the families of the victims of 9/11 be allowed to pursue justice, even if that pursuit causes some diplomatic discomforts."

"This bill is about respecting the voices and rights of American victims," Republican Senator John Cornyn said.

Following the Senate vote, White House spokesman Josh Earnest slammed the vote as "embarrassing."

"This is the single most embarrassing thing the United States Senate has done possibly since 1983," Earnest told reporters, referring to Senate's overwhelming override of former President Ronald Reagan's veto of a land bill.

"To have members of the United States Senate only recently informed of the negative impact of this bill on our servicemembers and our diplomats is in itself embarrassing," he added.

Obama vetoed the bill on Friday, citing concerns that the bill "would be detrimental to U.S. national interests."

"Enacting JASTA into law, however, would neither protect Americans from terrorist attacks nor improve the effectiveness of our response to such attacks," Obama said.

Families of the Sept. 11 victims have been trying to sue the Saudi royal family, Saudi banks and charities in U.S. courts, on ground that the Saudi government provided financial support for terrorism.

Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks which killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington D.C. area and Pennsylvania, was a wealthy Saudi national.

But the families' efforts have largely been stymied, in part because of a 1976 law that gives foreign nations some immunity from lawsuits in American courts.

The JASTA has already drawn strong criticism from the Saudi government, a close U.S. partner in fighting terrorism in the Middle East, which has denied any role in the plot of the 2001 terror attacks.

Saudi Arabia has also threatened to sell off hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of American assets held by the kingdom if the U.S. passes and enacts the bill.
Guests read books of theBelt and Road during the International Seminar on the Belt and RoadInitiative in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 26, 2016. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

by Xinhua writer Zheng Qihang

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Belt and Road initiative is "a great vision" from China, that will help boost global economy growth, two business leaders said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"I very much see it (Belt and Road Initiative) as a great vision from China's leadership," said Tom Pellette, group president of Construction Industries at Caterpillar, a U.S. manufacturer of construction and mining equipment based in Illinois.

Pellette said global economic growth has been very slow since 2012 as governments have put back incentives to counter financial crisis broke out in 2008.

China proposed the initiative in 2013 which is "very visionary" and will put together "not just Chinese investments but global investments into projects in dozens of countries," said Pellette.

"I think it would be a big benefit for all the countries along the route, all the countries involved, including the U.S.," said Pellette.

"The more we are interconnected by common projects, common trade and common interests the more stable and peaceful the world will be and everybody will benefit economically by that cooperation," said Pellette.

"These are opportunities for global companies no matter how big and how small," Pellette added.

The initiative has become a "real" and "crucial" strength for the development of the countries covered by the initiative, according to a research of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) released here on Monday.

Since 2014, EBRD and other countries have enlarged their investments in that region as more than 300 greenfield investments with combined value of 75.9 billion U.S. dollars have been announced by Chinese investors, creating "a platform for building more competitive industries" as investments have gone beyond infrastructure to energy, e-commerce and telecom connectivity.

As a senior manager of a company with about 50-year global operating experience, Pellette said "the belt and road countries do not present larger risks than other parts of the world" and Caterpillar has already participated in hundreds of projects in Asia and Africa under this initiative with its Chinese partners.

"We expect the list of projects to go from hundreds to thousands of course," said Pellette. "I guess it would be thirty, forty years the Belt and Road Initiative continues, maybe longer."

Caterpillar entered Chinese market in 1975 and has become a significant player in China's construction and mining equipment market. Belt and Road initiative has provided "a real good opportunity" for Caterpillar to share its global experience to those large Chinese contractors who plan to do business outside China, Qihua Chen, chairman of Caterpillar China, told Xinhua.

"We have got a lot of overseas business models and we have a network of 175 dealers around the world," said Chen.

Chen said Caterpillar is very willing to share experience with Chinese contractors on dealing financial risks as well as improving project and asset management on foreign markets.
BOGOTA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The peace agreement signed between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has been translated into 62 of Colombia's indigenous languages, said the Culture Ministry on Wednesday.

All indigenous communities can know about and participate in the upcoming plebiscite, the director of Populations for the Culture Ministry, Moises Medrano, said on Wednesday.

The government official added that in this way, "peace is spoken about in many languages," and for that reason, "it is very important in the country's current situation that they (all Colombians) know the contents of the agreements."

It is hoped, that with these translations, the number of voters in the plebiscite, scheduled for Oct. 2, will increase.

The plebiscite is for Colombians to decide whether the peace treaty signed by Colombia's government and the FARC will be implemented or not.

The signing of the treaty, which was achieved in Havana in August, brought an end to 52 years of armed conflict in the South American nation.

"The national government and FARC acknowledge that the (indigenous) peoples (...) have been seriously affected by the internal armed conflict," said Medrano.

Indigenous representatives are already all over Colombia to help explain the peace treaty to their communities through the leaflet "What we achieved in Havana (Cuba)."

According to the culture ministry, Colombia's native languages can be found spread out throughout the territory involving an approximate population of 1.3 million people.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- A new simulation technology is expected to help surgeons plan a life-saving procedure known as decompressive craniectomy for victims of brain trauma to relieve swelling before they cut a hole in the skull.

The technology, developed by a team of researchers led by engineers at Stanford University, takes information from magnetic resonance images and then create mathematical models to predict how certain injuries affect specific parts of the brain, showing extreme damage in red, mild damage in green, and safe areas in blue.

If without the simulation, it requires a fair amount of guesswork on how best to proceed.

"In other parts of the body we can take a small sample of the affected tissue, but you can't cut out a slice of the brain," said Ellen Kuhl, a professor of mechanical engineering and member of Stanford Bio-X, who worked with Johannes Weickenmeier, a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford, and Alain Goriely, a professor of mathematics at the University of Oxford in England, on the project. "What we've begun to develop are simulations to show how the brain reacts to trauma."

The group has published a trio of scholarly papers, the latest of which appeared in Physical Review Letters.

Surgeons have performed decompressive craniectomies for more than a century. But, as Kuhl explained, the shape of the brain is essential to its function. It consists of billions of fragile filaments, called axons, bundled together in purposeful patterns. When parts of this amalgam bulge out, axons stretch and shear. Surgeons currently rely on experience to limit the collateral damage that might occur when dire circumstances force them to perform a decompressive craniectomy.

The simulations are based on a technique called finite element analysis, a computational tool to divide a complex object into smaller pieces, the finite elements, and predict how each piece will react to pressure, heat, vibration or other mechanical forces. Kuhl first applied the technique to the human heart, giving surgeons new ways to understand different treatment strategies before opening a patient's chest. In 2014 her work became part of the Living Heart Project, a consortium of academic, industrial and regulatory scientists working to establish biophysical simulations as a platform for planning surgical interventions.

"This is a new tool to help surgeons decide where and how big to make the hole, by giving them a way to visualize the effects of the procedure on the brain tissue," Kuhl was quoted as saying by a news release from Stanford.

She and her collaborators reviewed prior brain research and did their own experiments to establish how much stretching axons could tolerate before they are damaged. "When you get to the point where axons stretch near or above 30 percent, you see serious damage," she said.

As computer models must know the amount of brain swelling before surgeons cut open the skull, the group inferred these swelling volumes by studying medical scans of brains that had undergone concussions or other traumatic injuries. Goriely developed mathematical estimates to predict the effects of swelling on axonal stretch, and Weickenmeier divided the brain into 1.2 million finite elements. Each of these elements experiences its own forces and responds by its own deformation. To visualize the net result of all these elements, the group created red-green-blue maps to highlight extreme, moderate and negligible axonal stretch.

Then they play what-if scenarios to illustrate how skull openings of different sizes in different regions affect the axons inside the brain. "We were surprised to see that even very small swelling volumes can cause axonal stretches beyond the damage threshold of 30 percent," Kuhl said, adding that she hopes brain surgeons and other researchers will join the effort to improve these models and find new ways to apply simulations to peer beneath the skull.

"We are just at the beginning of a long-term effort to give neurosurgeons new tools to look inside the brain and make more informed decisions."
CANBERRA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Australians are slowly regaining electricity in the state of South Australia on Thursday morning, following a vicious storm cell which knocked out the state's power supply late Wednesday afternoon.

South Australia - including its capital city Adelaide - was plunged into darkness at around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, after a "one in 50 year" weather event swept across the state. More than 80,000 lightning strikes were recorded across South Australia, causing damage to more than 20 power lines and other pieces of vital infrastructure.

On Thursday, local media reported that up to 100,000 homes were still without power nearly 18 hours after it was knocked out, while it has been reported that the emergency services phone line "Triple-0" (Australia's "9-1-1") is also offline.

Bad weather is expected to continue to batter the state on Thursday; the South Australia weather bureau's Jenny Horvat told The Advertiser an intense low pressure system would continue to move across parts of the state including Adelaide.

"Associated with that low pressure system we're expecting more rainfall and intense winds," Horvat said.

Power had reportedly been restored to around 90 percent of the state's homes by Thursday morning, after 22 power stations were knocked out by thousands of lightning strikes.

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said the state's power stations were devastated by the unprecedented storm.

"It's estimated that around 80,000 lightning strikes hit Adelaide and South Australia over the course of the last period, some of them hit our electricity infrastructure, including our generators," Weatherill said late on Wednesday evening.

"This is also making the job of turning the power back on extremely hazardous and difficult."

Despite the apparent freak nature of the storm, some politicians have moved the question the role that an inconsistent renewable energy platform had on the state's supply.

Around 40 percent of the state's power comes from solar panels and wind farms - which stopped working when the gusts became too fast - and Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg blamed the blackouts on the state's "over-reliance" on renewable energy.

"(The blackout) does raise questions for the stability of the (renewable energy) system - not just for supply, because when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining, electricity is not being generated - but also for the stability of the system," Frydenberg said late on Wednesday.

"Questions are raised by the virtue of the increasing amount of renewables, but it has to be underlined that this was a weather event which led to this occurrence."

However Weatherill rubbished the claim, saying no other state could have dealt with such a rare and ferocious weather event.

"This was a weather event not a renewable energy event... lightning strikes and wind surges caused this," he said.

"Right now we are in the middle of it and preparing people for the next episode."

South Australia's Opposition Leader Steven Marshall joined the chorus of complaints, and said the state's residents were furious, demanding clear answers from the government.

"South Australians are angry and so am I," Marshall said, "It's outrageous that the state Labor government thinks it's okay for 1.7 million people to lose power when a couple of power lines go down."

Independent Senator from South Australia Nick Xenophon labelled the state-wide blackout a "disgrace" and said an independent inquiry should be arranged to make sure it does not happen again.

"The best thing to do now finally power is coming back on in some parts of the state is for the energy commission to look into this," he said.
SYDNEY, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A researcher from Australia's University of Queensland has revealed the simple reason why birds never crash mid-flight and that's because they always veer to the right.

The findings from Professor Mandyam Srinivasan's laboratory at the Queensland Brain Institute said there was much for humans to learn from how birds flew as it also brought in enormous potential for automated anti-crash systems on aircrafts.

"Birds must have been under strong evolutionary pressure to establish basic rules and strategies to minimise the risk of collision in advance," Srinivasan said.

"But no previous studies have ever examined what happens when two birds fly towards each other."

"Our modelling has shown that birds always veer right and sometimes they change their altitude as well, according to some pre-set preference."

"As air traffic becomes increasingly busy, there is a pressing need for robust automatic systems for manned and unmanned aircraft, so there are real lessons to be learned from nature," he said.

In a series of experiments, Srinivasan's team released pairs of Budgerigars from the opposite ends of a tunnel, and filmed them with high-speed video cameras to observe their strategies.

The team recorded 10 birds on 102 flights and not a single collision was observed.

"Another finding was that birds would rarely fly at the same height, and this raises the question of whether individual birds have a specific preference for flying higher or lower," Srinivasan said.

"It might be that their position in the group hierarchy determines their flight height."

"This is a question for further research."

"While we can't say how birds solve the problem of switching to different altitudes, we can propose some simple strategies for autopilot systems and unmanned aerial vehicles to prevent head-on collisions," he said.

Srinivasan's research was conducted in collaboration with Boeing Defence Australia and The Queensland University of Technology.

It was published by scientific journal Plus One on Thursday.

The research was funded by the Australian Research Council as well as Boeing Defence Australia.
CANBERRA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The number of daily smokers in Australia has halved over the last 15 years and is currently at an "all-time low," according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) on Thursday.

Researchers found that less than 13 percent of Australians are daily smokers in 2016, while the report expects that rate to fall even further in the future.

Tim Beard from the AIHW said the 13 percent figure was one of the lowest in the world, and one which was at least 3 percentage points lower than the smoking rate in 2010.

"The most pleasing result probably is the fact that 11 of the 14 indicators are moving in what we'd look at as a positive direction," Beard said.

"Regular smoking rates have continued to come down under the past three years, so we've found that the daily smoking rate is down to an all-time low of (under) 13 percent. That's one of the lowest smoking rates in the world."

Beard said the number of smokers in Australia had fallen "dramatically" over the last 20 years, since cigarette advertising was banned and higher taxes were imposed on tobacco products.

"It's come down by a good 3 percentage points (in the last five years)," Beard said.

"The increased excise on smoking has been a strong policy of multiple governments... the rising excise over the past few years has certainly been coupled in a lot of research with dramatic drops in smoking rates."
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government on Thursday published its third national action plan on human rights protection, addressing challenges and promising to improve people's standard of living and quality of life.

The National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020), released by the State Council Information Office, follows the previous two which covered 2009-2010 and 2012-2015 periods.

According to the new action plan, the period from 2016 to 2020 is a decisive stage for China to build a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China will intensify its efforts to promote human rights education and training over the next five years to enhance public awareness of the importance of human rights, says an action plan released on Thursday.

China plans to set up a human rights research platform to provide intellectual support for the cause of human rights, according to the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020) released by the State Council's Information Office.

Human rights knowledge will be included in the education of Communist Party of China committees (leading Party groups), in the curricula for Party schools, cadre colleges and administration institutes at all levels, and also made a required course for government employees, including judges, prosecutors and police officers, at the beginning of their careers or during training, the action plan states.

Human rights knowledge will be integrated into teaching activities of elementary and middle schools in flexible and diverse ways, with human rights training provided for preschool, and elementary and secondary school teachers, it says.

Moreover, China will continue to support human rights education in institutions of higher learning, as well as in enterprises and public institutions.

It also plans to develop five new human rights education and training bases by 2020, train more personnel, invest more money, and build new-type and high-end human rights think tanks with Chinese characteristics, the action plan says.

China will study the necessity and feasibility of establishing a national human rights institution.

In addition, the action plan will be made an important part of human rights training so that Party and government officials at all levels could fully understand the importance of implementing the plan.

Concerned agencies at all levels are also urged to work out detailed measures for implementing the action plan.
HANOI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Health Ministry wants hospitals to hire chief executive officers (CEOs), instead of requiring their leaders to be professors or holders of doctoral or master degrees, local media reported Thursday.

Directors of hospitals will be CEOs who are good at management, and are not required to have high levels of academic degrees, daily newspaper Tuoi Tre Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh City Youth) quoted Pham Van Tac, head of the ministry's Personnel Organization Department, as saying.

Under the prevailing regulations, to be eligible for being directors of hospitals at central level, one has to be a doctoral degree holder.

The ministry will hold a national conference on hospitals' organization and finance in mid-October to discuss how to change the existing way of appointing leaders of hospitals to hiring CEOs.

At the conference, the ministry is expected to announce a hike in medical costs covered by patients who have not bought healthcare insurance. The increase by 30-50 percent will be applied from January 2017.

By the end of August 2016, some 22 percent of Vietnam's population had not bought healthcare insurance, most of whom are farmers.
By Qian Yongwen, Edna Alcantara and Mao Pengfei

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)-- As the model of building Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has been successful internationally, especially in China, Mexico has decided to learn from China's experience and develop its own SEZs to boost its development.

The goal is to attract investment and generate well-paid jobs across Mexico, said Gerardo Gutierrez Candiani, head of the Federal Authority for the Development of Special Economic Zones (AFDZE), in an interview with Xinhua.

He added that AFDZE's mission is to gain productive investments and convert the chosen areas into industrial and regional development hubs.

On May 31, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto enacted the Federal Law for Special Economic Zones.

Gutierrez Candiani said work is currently being carried out using the experience of the SEZ in Shenzhen, China.

"There are many models but Shenzhen is a model that we have within the project that we want to develop. In Shenzhen, people's income has increased 150 times over the past 30 years," said Gutierrez Candiani, believing Shenzhen is the right model for Mexico as it focused on employment and improving the quality of life.

"China has been one of the main promoters of economic zones for the past three or four decades. The industrialization and success of China is also due to public policy which has created very favorable conditions for attracting more investments and creating better jobs. This is all part of what we're trying to do," said Gutierrez Candiani.

SEZs are fixed locations, chosen to present exceptional business environments and paired with business incentives and advanced infrastructure. SEZs usually focus on specific sectors.

Gutierrez Candiani said the priorities for all of Mexico's SEZs are progressively being identified but that they will not compete against each other.

Mexico's first three SEZs, which have been announced, will be located at the port of Lazaro Cardenas, straddling the western states of Michoacan and Guerrero; the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Corridor, across the towns of Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz and Salina Cruz in Oaxaca; and at Port Chiapas in the southern state of Chiapas.

Four more zones are expected to be announced in 2017.

The Lazaro Cardenas SEZ will focus on the automotive, aerospace and agribusiness industries, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec SEZ will focus on the energy, chemical and petrochemical businesses and Port Chiapas will have a heavy oil component.

Three "niche zones" are being finalized, which would support the larger SEZs through human capital and infrastructure. One such zone in Puebla is likely to act as a second and third-level supply base, one in the Yucatan Peninsula will look at innovation, technological development and communications, and the third in the central state of Hidalgo will focus on the textile and design value chain.

"It is about creating opportunities so that people have a more dignified life and Mexico can take the road to progress, equity and justice," emphasized Gutierrez Candiani.

According to the government's forecasts, it is estimated that the creation of these SEZs will generate 115,000 direct jobs in the coming decade.

Linked to these SEZs, the government is planning a major investment of close to 115 billion pesos (5.93 billion U.S. dollars) to upgrade gas pipelines, railways, highways, airports, ports and logistics.

At the start of September during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, President Pena Nieto and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting, in which they agreed to strengthen their business relationship and cooperation in order to further complement the two economies.

Xi proposed drawing up a bilateral cooperation timeline for the next five years in which China could help with Mexico's development of SEZs.

At the end of the 1970s, China's building of SEZs were seen as a needed economic step for its opening-up process.

These zones offered investment incentives to national and foreign companies with an aim to establish modern manufacturing plants and attract foreign capital and technology to speed up growth and export promotion.
III. Rights of Specific Groups

Targeted measures shall be taken to satisfy the special needs of various groups and to protect the lawful rights and interests of ethnic minorities, women, children, elderly people and the disabled.

(1) Rights of ethnic minorities

The state will prioritize the development of ethnic minorities and ethnic-minority areas, respecting and protecting the rights of ethnic minorities.

-- The right of ethnic minorities to participate in the management of state and social affairs on an equal footing shall be guaranteed by the state. Their ability to participate in the deliberation and administration of state affairs shall be improved. The state will make sure that minority groups have a proportionate number of representatives in organs of state power and administrative, judicial and procuratorate organs at both the central and local levels. It will improve the work to build up the ranks of ethnic-minority civil servants, and ethnic-minority citizens shall enjoy favorable treatment in accordance with the law when they take the national civil service examination.

-- The right of ethnic minorities to economic development shall be guaranteed. The state will continue to help boost the economy of ethnic-minority areas by increasing budgetary input and financial aid, improving infrastructure and supporting competitive industries and economic endeavors with distinctive features of minority areas, to see to it that absolute poverty in these areas shall be basically eliminated by 2020 and that the major indicators of economic development of these areas shall be higher than the national average.

-- The right of ethnic minorities to enjoy equal access to public services shall be guaranteed. Efforts shall be made to channel public service resources to the ethnic autonomous areas, and strengthen trans-provincial/regional pair-up assistance to further narrow the gaps in the incomes of urban and rural residents, as well as in compulsory education, medical care, and social security between ethnic autonomous areas and the national average.

-- The right of ethnic minorities to education shall be guaranteed. Efforts shall be made continuously to transfer more public education resources to ethnic-minority areas and strengthen pair-up assistance in education; to support ethnic-minority areas in standardized construction of compulsory-education schools, so as to realize the balanced development of compulsory education in each county by 2020; and to help ethnic-minority areas train teachers who will go and work in the rural areas. The proportion of students enrolled from ethnic-minority areas to vocational schools in central and eastern provinces and cities shall be raised appropriately. Renewed efforts shall be made to run well special classes for ethnic-minority students in hinterland areas. Importance shall be attached to the training and utilization of skilled people of ethnic minority origin in all professions.

-- The right of ethnic minorities to learn, use and develop their own spoken and written languages shall be respected and guaranteed. The language education level of ethnic minorities is constantly being raised and bilingual teaching increased in ethnic-minority areas. Their right to litigate in their own languages is protected.

-- The cultural rights of ethnic minorities shall be guaranteed. The state shall protect and pass on the traditional culture of ethnic minorities, and step up efforts to protect, rescue, sort out, publish and research ancient books of ethnic minorities. It shall encourage the creation of literary works of ethnic minorities, and support innovative realistic works featuring integration of ethnic cultures. It shall increase support for the ethnic-culture industry with distinctive features.

-- Urban work regulations concerning ethnic minorities shall be revised to protect the legitimate rights and interests of ethnic minorities in urban areas.

(2) Rights of women

The basic state policy of equality of men and women shall be implemented. Objectives set in the National Program for Women's Development (2011-2020) shall be realized to eliminate gender discrimination, improve the environment for women's development and protect the legitimate rights and interests of women.

-- Efforts shall be carried on to promote equal participation of women in the management of state and social affairs. The proportion of women delegates to the people's congresses and CPPCC committees at all levels shall be gradually increased, so shall the proportion of women in the leadership of the people's congresses, governments and CPPCC committees at all levels. By 2020, women members shall make up over 30 percent of total members of villagers' committees, over 10 percent of the villagers' committee chairpersons, and about 50 percent of the members of urban residents' committees.

-- Efforts shall be made to eliminate gender discrimination in employment, payment and career development. Special labor protection for women workers shall be made an important content in labor security and safety supervision. Annual assessment shall be conducted in this regard.

-- Women's right to health shall be protected. Efforts shall be made to improve the maternity service system in urban and rural areas, and provide basic medical and health services for pregnant and lying-in women. By 2020, the mortality rate of pregnant and lying-in women shall drop to 18 per 100,000; an additional 89,000 obstetric tables and 140,000 obstetricians and midwives be added. The screening of common gynecological diseases shall be raised, and the scope of free check-ups for cervical and breast cancers be expanded for rural women. Health-care services for migrant women shall be improved.

-- Women's rights of marriage and the family shall be protected. A system of paid maternity leave for male workers to accompany and attend to puerperal wives shall be introduced. Great efforts shall be made to develop nurseries for kids under three years old to help women balance work and family duties. Women' s property rights and interests in marriage and the family shall be protected.

-- The Anti-Domestic Violence Law shall be enforced. The multi-departmental cooperative mechanism for the prevention and prohibition of domestic violence shall be improved, so shall an integrated working mechanism that combines prevention, prohibition and assistance. Social organizations shall be encouraged and helped to take part in the work against domestic violence.

-- China's Action Plan Against Human Abduction and Trafficking (2013-2020) shall be implemented and effective efforts shall be made to prevent and crack down on such crimes in accordance with the law.

-- Steps shall be taken to prevent and stop sexual harassment of women. (more)
V. Fulfillment of Obligations to Human Rights Conventions, and International Exchanges and Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights

China shall continue to earnestly fulfill its obligations to the international human rights conventions to which it has acceded, and actively conduct international exchanges and cooperation in the field of human rights.

-- China shall complete the third report on implementing the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and submit it to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for consideration.

-- China shall complete the seventh report on implementing the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and submit it to the United Nations Committee Against Torture for consideration.

-- China shall complete the 14th-17th combined report on implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and submit it to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination for consideration.

-- China shall complete the ninth report on implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and submit it to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women for consideration.

-- China shall complete the fifth report on implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, and submit it to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child for consideration.

-- China shall complete the second report on implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and submit it to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for consideration.

-- China shall continue to advance related legal preparations and pave the way for ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

-- China shall fully participate in the work of the UN' s human rights mechanisms, and promote the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) and other mechanisms to attach equal importance to economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights, and function in a fair, objective and non-selective manner.

-- China shall implement the related proposals offered during the HRC's first- and second-round Universal Periodic Review for China, and is actively participating in the third round.

-- China shall cooperate with the Special Procedures of the HRC, answer letters from it, and invite representatives of that body to visit China, as appropriate. China will continue to recommend Chinese experts for the posts in the Special Procedures.

-- China shall conduct exchanges and cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

-- China shall hold dialogues on human rights with relevant countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect. It shall also increase consultation and cooperation on human rights with the other four BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa), developing countries and the G77 (group of developing nations), and provide technical assistance in human rights field demanded by other developing countries.

-- China shall participate in the Informal Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Seminar on Human Rights and other regional and sub-regional activities on human rights. In 2016 China will host the 16th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights. It shall make due contribution to the holding of Beijing Forum on Human Rights, Sino-European Forum on Human Rights, Sino-German Human Rights Dialogue and Sino-American Dialogue on Rule of Law and Human Rights.

-- China shall urge its overseas enterprises to abide by the laws of the countries in which they are stationed, and fulfill their social responsibilities in the process of conducting foreign economic and trade cooperation, providing assistance and making investment.

-- China shall support and promote the participation of non-governmental organizations in international exchanges and cooperation in the field of human rights to make their contributions to the healthy development of human rights around the world.

VI. Implementation and Supervision

China shall improve the joint meeting mechanism for the National Human Rights Action Plan, and improve supervision and assessment of the implementation of the Action Plan, so as to ensure its implementation in various fields and at different levels.

-- The local governments at all levels and related departments of the state organs shall work out detailed measures for the implementation of the Action Plan in accordance with their respective functions and regional characteristics, so as to ensure the successful fulfillment of all its objectives and tasks.

-- The joint meeting mechanism for the National Human Rights Action Plan shall conduct phased research, inspection and assessment, introduce a third-party assessment mechanism, and release the assessment report in a timely fashion.

-- We shall respect the people' s dominant role, make innovations in social governance mechanisms, and give full play to the constructive role of social organizations in implementing the Action Plan.

-- We shall take the Action Plan as a major component of our human rights training, so that Party and government cadres at all levels fully comprehend the importance of implementing the Action Plan.

-- We shall encourage the news media to cover the contents of the Action Plan in an extensive way, and act as supervisors for its implementation. Enditem
WELLINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government is keeping an open mind on international cooperation in its nascent space program, saying it could be open to future collaboration with China and other space powers, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said Thursday.

Joyce, who opened New Zealand's first space launch site on Tuesday, told Xinhua that the newly formed New Zealand Space Agency had to ensure the country meets a range of international conventions and regulatory requirements.

Opening the privately run Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, on the Mahia Peninsula on the North Island's east coast, Joyce said attracting international players would be easier now since the government had established a regulatory regime to be managed by the agency.

"We're opening to partnering with countries around space," Joyce said Thursday in an exclusive interview during an official engagement in the North Island city of New Plymouth.

The U.S.-owned Rocket Lab is a commercial space launch operator using technology developed in New Zealand.

"We have a very good relationship with the U.S. and we have a good relationship with China and other countries and we'll just keep an open mind in terms of all our technology collaborations, but obviously we'll be needing partners," Joyce said.

The government tabled the Outer Space and High Altitude Activities Bill in Parliament this month and it is expected to become law by mid-2017.

It would enable the development of a space industry in New Zealand, and enable regulators to manage risks and implement certain international obligations relating to space activities and space technology.

The Bill would also ensure the country's space industry meets its international obligations, including the Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), recently signed with the United States.

However, the TSA would not exclude New Zealand from partnering with other nations in space, Joyce told Xinhua.

"It's really important that you don't share proprietary technologies inappropriately with other countries when they come to New Zealand so it is with U.S. technology, but then I imagine with the Chinese it would be the same with any proprietary technologies that they have," he said.

Rocket Lab is to begin space launches from New Zealand this year and is expected to start taking commercial payloads next year.
YANGON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Mandalay regional parliament has called for efforts to find effective ways to help disabled people, which constitute 4.6 percent of the country's total population.

According to the 2014 census, Myanmar has a population of over 51.5 million, which means about 2.4 million people are disabled in the country, official media reported Thursday.

The Mandalay parliament said reasonable accommodation is urgently needed for these people.

Mandalay, second largest city in Myanmar, is located inland north to the center of the country.

Myanmar enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law in 2015.

Myanmar conducted a 12-day national census in March-April 2014, the first of the country in three decades. Ninety-eight percent of the population were accounted for in line with international norms.

The country's first population census, conducted in 1872, showed 2.7 million citizens, while the second in 1983 registered 35.3 million.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Michel Temer said on Wednesday that he intended to accelerate negotiations between the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and the European Union (EU) for a bilateral agreement.

"Now, we want to speed up negotiations, for example, between Mercosur and the European Union, and also further conversations with other partners," Temer said during a meeting at the Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

Negotiations between Mercosur and the EU began in 2000. However, after an unsuccessful exchange of market offers in 2004, talks were stalled until 2010.

In May, representatives from the two blocs met in Brussels, Belgium, but no exchange agreement was reached, mainly due to differences over the agricultural sector.

The Brazilian government predict that negotiations for exchange deals between Mercosur and the EU will go on for another two years.

"The World Trade Organization (WTO), like we all know, is an important forum for combating agricultural subsidies. However, it is necessary to dedicate more efforts to agreements with selected partners. We need to break relativism and the external isolation of the past years," said Temer.

"We need an agile and modern Mercosur that serves as a platform so that we can act strengthened in the international market. This calls for the need to face many issues such as revising the bloc's tariff structure and conclusion of agreements in new areas," said the president.

Mercosur groups Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.
HANOI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to grow by 5.93 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2016, said the General Statistics Office (GSO) on Thursday.

Specifically, in the first quarter of this year, the country's GDP expanded 5.48 percent while it hiked 5.78 percent in the second quarter and 6.4 percent year-on-year in the third quarter.

"However, the GDP expansion in the nine-month period remains lower than that of 6.53 percent in the same period last year. This was attributed to continuous decline in the industry and mining while growth of agriculture stays lower than that of the same period last year," said Nguyen Bich Lam, GSO head.

According to the office, among the 5.93-percent growth of Vietnam's GDP in January-September period, agro-forestry-fishery sector expands 0.65 percent year-on-year, registering the lowest growth in the past six years, contributing 0.11 percentage points to the GDP increase.

At the same time, the industry-construction sector is likely to climb 7.5 percent year-on-year, contributing 2.52 percentage points while the service sector rises 6.66 percent year-on-year, contributing 2.55 percentage points to the GDP growth, said GSO on its website.

Despite experiencing the highest growth among three sectors, the industry-construction is also facing numerous difficulties, said GSO.

Earlier, Vietnam targeted to see GDP growth of 6.7 percent in 2016.

Last year, the country's GDP growth reached 6.68 percent compared to the previous year, the highest level in the past five years, according to the GSO.
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo on Thursday vowed to further deepen all rounds of cooperation between China and Cambodia during his tenure, a Cambodian senior official said.

Xiong expressed his commitment while paying a courtesy call on Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace here, said Eang Sophalleth, an assistant to Hun Sen.

"Xiong told the prime minister that during his diplomatic mission in Cambodia, he would do his best to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the countries," the assistant told reporters after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the ambassador also conveyed best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to Hun Sen.

For his part, Hun Sen congratulated Xiong on his appointment as the Ambassador of China to Cambodia, expressing his confidence that the ambassador would work closely with Cambodia to further advance relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Xiong succeeded ex-Ambassador Bu Jianguo, whose three-year diplomatic mission in Cambodia came to an end last month.

He presented credentials to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Sept. 20.
HANGZHOU, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 33 people are missing in landslides triggered by rainstorms in two villages in the eastern province of Zhejiang, local governments said Thursday.

As of Thursday morning, 13 people have been rescued and 27 remain missing after a landslide caused by Typhoon Megi hit Sucun Village, Lishui City at 5:28 p.m. Wednesday, according to the local government.

"Roughly 400,000 cubic meters of debris slid down the mountains and buried 20 households. Seventeen homes were flooded as well. A township cadre who rushed to help relocate villagers was among the missing," Zhou Ruichen, a county official said.

Many houses in the village were swept away and destroyed, and more than 1,460 local residents were relocated to safer areas.

The local government has mobilized more than 1,200 people, 21 excavators, four pumps, and other emergency equipment for the rescue work.

Baofeng Village was also affected by the typhoon, with six people missing in Wencheng County Wednesday night after their homes had been destroyed by a landslide.

The six villagers remain missing and rescue work is underway.
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria expressed regret for India's decision to pull out of the upcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit scheduled to be held next month in Islamabad, according to local reports on Thursday.

"India's negative attitude has had a direct bearing on the welfare and betterment in this region, which is highly regrettable," said Zakaria in a statement posted on his official Twitter late Wednesday, adding that the SAARC is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people of South Asia.

The spokesperson also said earlier that India's pullout was "unfortunate" and emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to peace and regional cooperation, adding that the country will continue to work in the larger interests of the people of the region.

The Indian government on Tuesday conveyed to current SAARC chair Nepal that it will be absent from the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad for increasing cross-border tensions in the region.

Bilateral ties between Pakistan and India are souring after an attack earlier in an Indian army camp in Uri in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The Indian side blamed Pakistan for the attack and, therefore, mulled to suspend Indus water commission talks with Pakistan and to review the most favor status gave to its bitter neighbor.

"Indian intentions of creating hurdles yet again is visible from the actions and statements at the political level during the last two months coupled with coordinated media efforts," said Zakaria, adding that India is "desperate to divert the international community's attention from the atrocities and blatant human rights violation" by India.

Meanwhile, local media here quoted Sartaj Aziz, advisor to prime minister on foreign affairs, as saying on Wednesday that the SAARC summit is "postponed" due to India and some other member states' inability to participate in.

Meanwhile, Nepal urged all members of the SAARC to ensure the participation in the Islamabad summit.

The SAARC is a regional block founded in 1985 in South Asia comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
SYDNEY, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A new species of fly with some very unusual features including a forked penis has been accidentally discovered at a national park in Australia's New South Wales.

Professor Gunther Theischinger, a scientist attached with the NSW's Office of Environment and Heritage, made the discovery during a routine monitoring at an alpine creek in Kosciuszko National Park.

Theischinger said the discovery has been the most intriguing species he has ever found to date.

"While it's unusual anatomy makes it stand out from other species, including microscopic wings, very long legs and a forked or 'double barrelled' penis, it is also the first micro-winged male crane fly to be found on mainland Australia," Theischinger said.

"The fly has been confirmed as a new species and has been named Minipteryx robusta meaning "tough tiny wings" and is about 1.5 cm in size, about the length of a human fingernail," he said.

"The wings are highly unusual, measuring only one tenth of its body length making them nearly impossible to see without a microscope," he said.

Theischinger believes the hairy long legs, the reduced wings and weakened flight muscles indicate that it has evolved for walking rather than flying in a cold and windy high altitude environment and that the range of its distribution is very small.

"Wings are of little use in cold latitudes or high elevations because the rate of vibration required for flight usually cannot be achieved," Theischinger added.

"Minipteryx robusta's bizarre shaped penis is also very unusual for a crane fly, although we are still not clear on what advantages this feature might have."

"One possibility is that in the various position changes and twists during crane fly copulation the lack of functional wings may be a disadvantage."

"The 'double barrelled' penis could possibly compensate by giving the male additional strength to grasp the female."

"While this fly may have some shortcomings, he seems to make up for them in other ways."

"This discovery just goes to show how much there is to learn about our environment and that unexpected scientific discoveries can be and are still being made sometimes when you least expect it," he said.

Theischinger scooped up the fly in a hand net on a wet and windy day when sampling a small alpine creek as part of the department's ongoing water quality monitoring program held at the national park.

Flies play a significant role in the freshwater ecosystem.

Crane fly larvae can be important in soil biodiversity, processing organic material and increasing microbial activity.

They are also prey for many animals, including insects, spiders, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals living near freshwater environments.

It is estimated only 30 percent of all Australian invertebrates have been officially described.

Theischinger, 76, has been dedicated to exploring the diversity in freshwater environments for over 50 years, describing and naming more than 40 new genera and approximately 730 new species.
by Xinhua writers Li Laifang and He Xinrong

SHANGHAI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Without the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, U.S. food quality certification firm Anchor Center for Certification (ACC) would have struggled to enter the Chinese market.

ACC filed its registration documents with Shanghai FTZ at the end of June last year, and received its license 15 days later. Its FTZ office opened for business in March.

Stella Si, executive president of the Shanghai firm, attributed the smooth process to the negative list for investment management, which scrapped requirements for foreign certification firms like ACC, and simplified approval procedures.

The negative list model adopted at the Shanghai FTZ is basically a blacklist defining sectors and businesses that are off limits to foreign investment. The FTZ is a testing ground for new policies to facilitate investment and trade, characterized by bolder measures and wider opening up.

Since the Shanghai FTZ was launched on Sept. 29, 2013, 10 other provincial regions now have FTZs. Three FTZs opened in Tianjin Municipality, and Fujian and Guangdong provinces, in April 2015.

On Aug. 31, seven new FTZs in the provinces of Liaoning, Zhejiang, Henan, Hubei, Sichuan and Shaanxi as well as Chongqing Municipality were approved.

The number of items on the Shanghai FTZ's negative list has reduced from 190 in 2013 to 139 in 2014, and to 122 in 2015.

Trials are aimed at bringing standards in line with international rules and new supervision systems have prompted revision of regulations.

A Boehringer Ingelheim Biopharmaceuticals (China) plant is involved in a pilot Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) project on new medicines of innovative small and medium-sized firms. The facility will begin a trial operation period in Shanghai FTZ in the first quarter next year.

Luo Jiali, general manager of the company, said three years ago he was doubtful about the CMO project, but the results of the pilots have reassured him.

Foreign investment has seen rapid growth in the FTZs thanks to the reforms.

More than 5,500 foreign-invested enterprises have been set up in the Shanghai FTZ over the past three years, each boasting average registered capital of 15 million U.S. dollars.

The contracted foreign investment of the FTZ accounted for 30 percent of Shanghai's total foreign investment in 2014. This rose to 60 percent last year and 66 percent in the first half of this year, according to Shanghai Commerce Commission.

In the first seven months of 2016, 5,783 enterprises were set up in the four FTZs by foreign investors and those from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, securing inbound investment of 7.2 billion U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 66.3 percent, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

In early September, China's top legislature revised four laws regulating inbound investment. The revisions, which will take effect on Oct. 1, suspends administrative approvals for foreign and Taiwanese investors setting up ventures regulated by the four laws, following successful trials in four FTZs.

TRADE FACILITATION

Trade facilitation is another area of progress in China's FTZs. In early September, the customs clearance time for imported garments only took three hours and 40 minutes, creating a new record for airborne logistics within the Shanghai FTZ.

Thanks to 31 new supervision rules, the average customs clearance time at the Shanghai FTZ for inbound and outbound cargo has been reduced by 78.5 percent and 31.7 percent compared with that outside the FTZ.

The overall costs for customs clearance were reduced by about 30 percent and the time reduced substantially in Tianjin, Hebei and Beijing after customs services for the three places were integrated.

The average customs clearance efficiency in the four FTZs was enhanced by about 40 percent, said Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng.

NEW MAP OF OPENING UP

The newly-approved FTZs have different emphases. Liaoning Province in northeast China, for example, will focus on market-oriented reforms to make the old industrial base more competitive.

The northeastern region is in urgent need of opening up and the FTZ in Liaoning will play a key role in this regard, said Chi Fulin, director of China Institute for Reform and Development.

Hubei will focus on the high-tech sector and support the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, while the FTZs in Chongqing, Sichuan and Shaanxi, all in the less developed west, will help develop the regions.

Chongqing FTZ will be an inland hub for service trade and international logistics, said Mayor Huang Qifan.

The FTZs are a symbol of the new round of opening up, featuring more emphasis on an open and improved market economy, especially in terms of rules, said Tong Jiadong, head of the China FTZ Research Center at Tianjin-based Nankai University.

Over the past three years, the FTZs have helped transform government functions, enhanced efficiency and formed a law-based market economy environment, said Tong, who is also vice president of Nankai University.

Tong's remarks have been echoed by various domestic and foreign research institutions or firms. Some foreign enterprises expect the negative list to be shortened further and differentiated opening of some fields such as cloud computing.

The opening of the financial sector in China's FTZs still lags behind typical international FTZ practice, said Tong.

"To liberalize trade, investment and finance is a typical function of FTZs, and we still have more to do in this aspect," he said.

(Xinhua correspondents Xu Yang and Li Kun contributed to the story.)
MOSCOW, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russian parliament's lower house State Duma finds conclusions of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) about the MH17 plane crash are highly politicized and not relevant to the truth of the tragedy, Russian news agency Sputnik reported Thursday.

Earlier Wednesday, JIT, consisting of representatives of the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine, announced that the airplane had been hit by an anti-aircraft Buk missile from the territory controlled by pro-Russian insurgents.

"The conclusions are aimed at only one thing -- to further marginalized the image of Russia in the international political and informational space," said Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eurasian Integration.

The experts relied on information from social networks and intercepted phone conversations, while experimental conclusions and radar data submitted by Russia are still not examined and taken into account, Slutsky was quoted as saying by Sputnik.

Slutsky said the experts of the Interstate Aviation Committee and other organizations would scrutinize the materials that had brought JIT to such conclusions.

The Boeing 777 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 people on board died, most of them Dutch citizens.
Students have congee as lunch at Chang Rong primary school, Mathare slums, Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 30, 2016. (Xinhua/Pan Siwei)

WINDHOEK, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- It is a morning break time at Havana Primary School, located in the poverty-stricken Havana informal settlement on the outskirts of Namibian capital Windhoek.

School children gather around a cook, who serves them the nutritious daily porridge, offered under the Namibian School Feeding Program.

For over 20 years, the school feeding program has proven to be a valuable catalyst in providing access to education for thousands of vulnerable children who otherwise might not have received this basic right.

"Sometimes I come from home without having eaten. I therefore always look forward to this daily meal as it helps me concentrate in class," said Selma, a ten-year-old pupil at Havana Primary School.

Most children in the Havana informal settlement come from impoverished homes, hence the school feeding program is helping Namibia retain learners and increase attendance.

Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa said that the Ministry has developed different policies to ensure provision, protection and participation of children educational activities as well as in other matters that concern them, including the school feeding program.

"Ministry introduced a National School Feeding Program (NSFP) to schools with vulnerable and orphan learners," said the minister.

"The NSFP provides meals to these learners, thus ensuring that they have enough energy to participate in school activities. This also encourages learners to attend school regularly," she said while opening the National Symposium on Convention of the Child Rights, School and Classroom Management currently underway in Ongwediva, northern Namibia.

According to the minister, the Namibian Constitution entitles all children in Namibia to free primary and secondary education.

"Indeed, education is considered so fundamental a right - and duty - of every citizen that attendance to age 16, or the completion of primary school, is compulsory. The right to education does not end by being guaranteed a seat in a classroom," she added, citing the school feeding as one of the key policies being implemented to keep learners in school.

More than 310,000 pre-primary and primary school learners are benefiting from a daily nutritious meal at school consisting of ingredients: maize, protein, sugar and salt, said Hanse-Himarwa.

The parents are relieved that the daily school meal is offered at school. "I am unemployed, I can't afford to cater for required three meals for my child. I am relieved to know that my child will not starve while at school," said Aina Mweendeleli, a parent benefiting through the school feeding program in Windhoek.

Back at the school, as Selma resumes for class from her morning break, "I will be able to concentrate and no longer worry about my growling stomach," she said.
China-donated rice piled up in a granary in Harare, Zimbabwe, Sept. 15, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)

WINDHOEK, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China will donate 4,000 tonnes of rice to drought-hit Namibia, following a rice donation to Zimbabwe as part of its rice aid to help tackle the continent's food insecurity.

The Chinese embassy to Namibia said the aid aims to help alleviate hunger that is staring down upon most of Namibia due to persistent drought over the past three years.

Speaking at a reception at the Chinese Embassy to mark China's National Day, Charge d'Affaires Wu Wei said that China has been following the on-going drought situation in Namibia closely and feels it can help.

"To aid our Namibian brothers and sisters in difficulties, the Chinese government has announced the assistance of 4,000 tonnes of rice," he said.

"We are busy with the preparation work now and I believe the rice, which embodies our true friendship of going through thick and thin together, will be shipped soon to Namibia," he added.

In June, Namibian President Hage Geingob officially declared a state of emergency in Namibia due to the drought.

China has been donating rice and bringing its farming technologies and high-yielding crops to African farmers to help the continent tackle its chronical food insecurity.

Earlier this month, Zimbabwe received 5,500 tonnes of rice donated by China to tackle the drought that has left up to 4 million Zimbabweans in need of food aid.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping said the rice is part of the total 19,000 tonnes worth 24.6 million U.S. dollars donated by the Chinese government to Zimbabwe.

Huang said the donation was in fulfillment of the drought relief pledge made to affected African countries by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in South Africa last December.

He said in support of Zimbabwe's efforts to ensure national food security, China would also this year donate 10,000 tonnes of urea fertilizer.

Peter Annadumba, Director for South-South Cooperation of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said the FAO is in partnership with China in helping African countries to increase rice production.

"FAO also has a big partnership with China and currently under the Rice Initiative, China is supporting Madagascar in terms of rice production, they are going to be supporting Cape Verde also in rice production.

"There are other Chinese programs that FAO is partnering with where we know that in Cameroon and in Tanzania, China has set up these agriculture demonstration centers for rice production where we are doing rice breeding over there. This is solely funded by China. As a result of these initiatives, rice production in the last two years has doubled," Annadumba added.
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Two Pakistani soldiers were killed by "unprovoked" firing by Indian army along the Line of Control (LoC) to the east of Pakistan on Thursday morning, a military statement said.

The Inter- Services Public Relations (ISPR) here said in the statement that the Indian army opened unprovoked firing in Bhimber, hotspring, kel, and Lipa sectors of the LoC.

Pakistani troops befittingly responded to exchange of fire which started at 2:30 a.m. local time and continued till 8:00 a.m., the statement added.

The recent tension along the LoC area is the outcome of an attack on a basecamp of Indian army in Uri sector of the Indian-controlled Kashmir on Sept. 18, which left 17 Indian soldiers dead.

New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the attack, but Islamabad rejected the accusation.

Pakistan and India declared ceasefire along the LoC in 2003. However, border troops occasionally trade fire for which both sides accuse each other.
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang (L, front) and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (R, front) review the guard of honor during a welcoming ceremony in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Sept. 29, 2016. (Xinhua/VNA)

MANILA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertesaid on Wednesday that the joint war games between the United States and the Philippine marines in October will be the last.

"So I am serving notice now to the Americans. I will maintain the military alliance, the PH-U.S. pact which our countries signed in the early 50s. But I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce. I will serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," Duterte said in a speech before the Filipino community in Hanoi, Vietnam where he is on an overnight working visit.

Starting Tuesday next week, about 1,400 U.S. marines, sailors based in Okinawa, Japan will take part in the Amphibious Landing Exercise with about 500 Philippine troops on multiple locations in the Philippine main Luzon island and Palawan, the province facing the South China Sea.

Duterte said on Monday that he would open up all avenues of trade and commerce for China and Russia, adding that he is about to "cross the Rubicon between me and the United States."

"I am about to cross the Rubicon with the U.S. It is a point of no return," he said in a speech during an oath-taking event at the Malacanang presidential palace.

On Tuesday, Duterte accused the United States of "undermining" the Philippines currency, causing the Philippine peso to tumble against the U.S. dollar.

"The Americans are undermining us now. They are manipulating..the peso weakened," Duterte said in a speech at the Philippine marine headquarters in Taguig.

The Philippine peso hit a seven-year low on Monday, closing at 48.25 to a dollar, the weakest since the close of 48.335 on Sept. 15, 2009.

Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang (R) shakes hands with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Sept. 29, 2016. (Xinhua/VNA)
WELLINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese investment in New Zealand's tourism sector is ticking up as China continues to be New Zealand's fastest growing visitor market, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said Thursday.

New Zealand had also seen a lot of interest from Asian companies in general in its bid to build an extra 26 hotels over the next 10 years to accommodate the ongoing surge in tourist numbers, Joyce told Xinhua during an official engagement in the North Island city of New Plymouth.

"Some Chinese investors, some Japanese investors, investors from other countries interested in building more hotels -- some of them are already active here," Joyce said.

On top of well publicized Chinese investments in the biggest city of Auckland and in the South Island mountain resort of Queenstown, Joyce was aware of "a few new ones that are interested in potentially coming in."

"We're definitely seeking investment from China in a whole range of industries and we've seen some great successes in recent times, with Chinese investment in the accommodation sector and more generally in hotels," he said.

The government's "Project Palace," a program to accelerate new private sector investment in New Zealand's hotel infrastructure, was launched in May.

It targeted international investors with specific opportunities that highlighted why New Zealand was a prime destination for quality hotel development.

China's biggest building company in July began work on a hotel project billed as China's biggest-ever investment in New Zealand's tourism infrastructure.

New Zealand's Hawkins Group is working in a joint venture with China Construction, a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, to build the Park Hyatt Auckland, on downtown Auckland's harbor front, after signing a contract with Beijing-based developer Fu Wah International Group.

The seven-storey hotel, which would have a total floor area of 29,000 square meters and 195 rooms, is scheduled to be completed in late 2018.

Tourism contributes 11 billion NZ dollars (8 billion U.S. dollars) or almost 5 percent to New Zealand's gross domestic product.

International visitor arrivals are expected to grow 5.4 percent a year with China and Australia expected to be largest contributors.

Visitor numbers were up 11 percent year on year to a new high of 3.36 million, in the year to the end of August, the government's Statistics New Zealand agency announced last week.

The biggest changes in visitor arrivals by country of residence between the August years were from China (up 83,700 to 404,200), Australia (up 81,100 to 1.38 million) and the United States (up 30,000 to 266,300).
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang (L, front) and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (R, front) review the guard of honor during a welcoming ceremony in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Sept. 29, 2016. (Xinhua/VNA)

MANILA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that the joint war games between the United States and the Philippine marines in October will be the last.

"So I am serving notice now to the Americans. I will maintain the military alliance, the PH-U.S. pact which our countries signed in the early 50s. But I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce. I will serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," Duterte said in a speech before the Filipino community in Hanoi, Vietnam where he is on an overnight working visit.

Starting Tuesday next week, about 1,400 U.S. marines, sailors based in Okinawa, Japan will take part in the Amphibious Landing Exercise with about 500 Philippine troops on multiple locations in the Philippine main Luzon island and Palawan, the province facing the South China Sea.

Duterte said on Monday that he would open up all avenues of trade and commerce for China and Russia, adding that he is about to "cross the Rubicon between me and the United States."

"I am about to cross the Rubicon with the U.S. It is a point of no return," he said in a speech during an oath-taking event at the Malacanang presidential palace.

On Tuesday, Duterte accused the United States of "undermining" the Philippines currency, causing the Philippine peso to tumble against the U.S. dollar.

"The Americans are undermining us now. They are manipulating..the peso weakened," Duterte said in a speech at the Philippine marine headquarters in Taguig.

The Philippine peso hit a seven-year low on Monday, closing at 48.25 to a dollar, the weakest since the close of 48.335 on Sept. 15, 2009.

Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang (R) shakes hands with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Sept. 29, 2016. (Xinhua/VNA)
Rescuers work at the accident site after a landslide hit Suichang County, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 29, 2016. At least 27 people in Sucun Village of Suichang County remain missing in the landslides following a heavy downpour brought by Typhoon Megi on Wednesday afternoon. Baofeng Village was also affected by the typhoon, with six people missing in Wencheng County Wednesday night after their homes had been destroyed by a landslide. (Xinhua)

HANGZHOU, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The body of a female victim was retrieved by rescuers after a rain-triggered landslide hit a village in east China's Zhejiang Province, authorities said Thursday.

The body was found around 1 p.m., and rescuers are racing against time to dig out another buried victim. So far 13 people have been rescued and over 20 remain missing after a landslide caused by Typhoon Megi hit Sucun Village, Lishui City at 5:28 p.m. Wednesday, according to the local government.

"Roughly 400,000 cubic meters of debris slid down the mountains and buried 20 households. Seventeen homes were also flooded. A township cadre who rushed to help relocate villagers is among the missing," Zhou Ruichen, a county official said.

Villager Zheng Quanwei, 56, was having dinner 200 meters away from the scene. "I heard a loud noise and rushed outside. It was getting dark, but I could see some collapsed houses on the hillside," he said, "There were still some noises, and I couldn't help but burst into tears."

Video footage from the scene shows there were clouds of dust and debris billowing from the hill around 5:28 p.m. as a massive landslide engulfed the hillside and people screamed in terror.

"The rocks were flowing down like water. I was running in such a hurry that I even lost one of my shoes," said survivor 58-year-old Su Guohong.

"There were five or six villagers running with me," he said.

Seeing the rocks rolling down the mountain, Pan Zhaoxiang abandoned the housework she had been doing and ran up the mountain with a group of people. They did not dare to come down until 7:30 p.m.

"When I left my home, I saw two cars being washed into the river. Some people were shouting 'help' from the water. I am still so scared now," she said.

Su Yumin, 64, said he was cooking while taking care of two grandchildren when he saw leveled houses and a huge rock tumble down.

"I brought the two kids out of the house. Now the whole family is safe, but the 2,000 kg of rice we were drying outside has all been ruined," he said.

Ye Qinxiang said, "We have ten mu (0.6 hectares) of cropland, but all the eggplants, bitter gourds and pumpkins were damaged."

Many houses in the village were swept away and destroyed, and more than 1,460 residents were relocated to safer areas.

The local government has mobilized more than 1,200 people, 21 excavators, four pumps, and other emergency equipment for the rescue work.

At the site of the disaster, rocks have continued to tumble down the mountain, creating barrier lakes. Smaller landslides are likely to occur.

Rescuers had to walk to the site hand in hand, due to the turbulent water of the barrier lakes.

A temporary relocation site was set up in a nearby village, where 118 people were resettled. A total of 176 beds, 50 items of clothing and food were sent to the victims.

Many of the villagers in Sucun Village are elderly people whose children are away studying or working in cities.

"Many of them do not know how to use phones, and we helped them one by one to get in contact with their children," said Ying Shuping, a worker who has been helping to install telecom equipment in the temporary shelters.

Baofeng Village was also affected by the typhoon, with six people missing in Wencheng County Wednesday night after their homes had been destroyed by a landslide.

The six villagers remain missing and rescue work is under way.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Xu Jianyi, former chairman of one of China's largest auto producers FAW Group Corporation, stood on public trial Thursday for taking bribes.

The Beijing No.1 Intermediate People's Court handled the case, and the Beijing No.1 People's Procuratorate of Beijing Municipality charged Xu with helping others in business operation, promotions, and directly or indirectly accepting assets worth 12.19 million yuan (1.83 million U.S. dollars) from 2000 to 2013.

Xu has served as vice general manager, general manager and chairman of FAW Group Corporation, as well as being a member of the standing committee of Communist Party of China (CPC) Jilin provincial committee and Party chief of Jilin.

Xu and his lawyer questioned the evidence submitted by prosecutors.

In his final statement, Xu pleaded guilty and expressed his remorse.

Over 50 people, including lawmakers, journalists and other citizens, attended the trial.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Indian military Thursday claimed it had entered Pakistan on the other side of Line of Control (LoC) and carried out deadly "surgical strikes."

The attacks, according to India's Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, were carried out Wednesday night, based on specific intelligence that some infiltrators had positioned themselves at launch pads along the LoC, aiming to infiltrate inside Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Singh briefed media about the attacks in New Delhi.

The Indian army DGMO was accompanied by India's foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup during the media briefing.

Indian officials claim their side has not suffered any casualty or damage in the attacks. However, it has not given the details about casualties of infiltrators or Pakistan army in the attacks.

"We do not have plans for further continuation of the operations," Singh said. "However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise."

Singh said he has conveyed his concerns to his Pakistani counterpart and informed him about the "surgical strikes" that were carried out in their territory.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Thursday rejected Indian claims about "surgical strikes" inside Pakistan.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon. As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops," a statement issued by Pakistani military's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

However, ISPR said two Pakistani troopers were killed due to unprovoked firing early Thursday from Indian troops across LoC in Bhimber, hotspring, Kel, and Lipa sectors.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated because of the ongoing civilian protests in Indian-controlled Kashmir and a deadly attack last week on an Indian army base in frontier Uri town, about 109 km northwest of Srinagar.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has sent a message of condolences to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the passing of Shimon Peres, former president of Israel.

In the message dated on Wednesday, Wang expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Peres and extended his sincere sympathies to the families of the former Israeli leader.

Wang lamented the passing of Peres, which he said is a loss not only for the Israeli people and the cause of peace in the Middle East, but also for China-Israel relations.

China is willing to make concerted efforts with Israel to promote the continuous development of the two countries' relations of practical cooperation in various fields, he added.

Peres passed away at the age of 93 early Wednesday morning after suffering a major stroke more than two weeks ago.
GAZA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Hamas movement on Thursday called for a "day of rage" on Friday in the West Bank and Jerusalem to mark one year of what it termed as "the Intifada of al-Quds."

Hamas said in an emailed press statement that the movement calls on all the Palestinians to take to the streets and points of tension and friction in West Bank towns and villages on Friday.

"We call on our outraged people to ignite confrontations in the face of the coward soldiers of the occupation," the statement said. "This is to show that the choice of the Palestinians is the choice of resistance and Intifada."

The latest wave of violence between Israel and the Palestinians that started almost a year ago has left 231 Palestinians and 40 Israelis, according to official figures.

"It has been one year and our people still sticking to carrying on with resistance against the occupiers. Our resistance is successful because it caused pain to the enemy," said the statement.

The Hamas statement did not link the call for a "day of rage" with the funeral of former Israeli President Shimon Peres, which is scheduled for Friday, in Jerusalem.
TOKYO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A hospital in Yokohama's Kanagawa Ward that has been central to two suspected cases of patients being murdered through the use of intravenous drips (IV), has, according to local media reports Thursday, seen 46 more patients admitted since July to the same floor as the deceased.

The Oguchi Hospital said there had been no outbreaks of infections that could have accounted for such a massive spike in the number of deaths that occurred between the middle of August and a month later when four or five people died.

Hospital officials were quoted by local media as saying that they believed the sudden increase in deaths was attributable to the facility dealing with more patients who were seriously ill.

The deaths of the patients will be investigated at the hospital that specializes in internal medicine, hospice care and rehabilitation of the elderly, but police sources said that it may be difficult to determine the exact cause of the deaths as the bodies that need to be examined have already been cremated.

"We see many people pass away due to the nature of this hospital, but had the impression that the number of those dying was increasing a bit," a hospital official was quoted as saying Thursday.

It was on Sept. 20 that the hospital first suspected foul play and alerted the police to the fact that some of its intravenous drips may have been tampered with.

Following investigations, the police found that two 88-year-old patients had been poisoned by what is believed to be a surfactant compound.

Widely used in cleaning products, surfacing agents are highly toxic to humans if ingested or if the agents were to be injected into a human by way of an IV drip.
KATHMANDU, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Experts and parliamentarians from South Asian countries gathered on Thursday in Kathmandu to join a two-day regional conference on the effectiveness of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Addressing the conference, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal lamented over the slow pace of the SAARC.

"SAARC's process has been very slow over the years. Several agreements have been made in the past and I would say it is a time for SAARC member states to go for implementation of those agreements," the prime minister said.

The SAARC has not been able to make significant progress compared with other regional blocks around the world, he added.

Stressing the importance of enhanced connectivity and deeper economic integration for better peace, stability and prosperity in the region, Dahal said the SAARC member states should make collective efforts to overcome challenges such as poverty and underdevelopment.

"We may need to amend the charter of the SAARC to make it more active and vibrant in the near future," he said adding that some structural reforms are necessary to revitalize the SAARC.

"We have to strengthen SAARC at the people-to-people and government-to-govern level to make it more effective," Speaker of the Parliament Onsari Gharti told the conference.

Former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who is also the chairman of the conference organizing committee under the Foreign Affairs Committee, was of the view that the SAARC member states must find out the reasons behind the slow pace of SAARC over the years.

"The SAARC made several commitments in the past but it failed to turn them into action so far. Time has come to put those commitments into action," said the former prime minister, who is also the head of Foreign Relations Department of the CPN (UML), the country's main opposition party.

Delivering her remarks, former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Sujata Koirala said that political leadership of SAARC member states must have a political will to overcome the burning challenges such as terrorism, poverty, backwardness, cyber security, food security and climate change.

Koirala was of the view that SAARC member states should have to work for enhancing connectivity so as to promote the people-to-people level contacts.

"It's very unfortunate that the South Asia has remained one of the least integrated region in the world," she said adding that the SAARC member states must go ahead for achieving economic prosperity leaving their differences and hostility aside.

During the two-day event, experts from SAARC member states including Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will hold deliberations on the effectiveness of the SAARC.

Nepal is hosting the conference at a time when the 19th SAARC Summit to be held in Islamabad on Nov. 9-10 in Islamabad may be cancelled after four SAARC member states Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India expressed their inability to participate in.

The four countries stated that current regional environment is not conducive to the successful holding of the Summit.

As a current chair of the SAARC, Nepal on Wednesday, urged all member states of the SAARC to ensure the participation in the 19th SAARC Summit.

The SAARC is a regional block founded in 1985 in South Asia comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- World leaders sent messages or issued statements on Wednesday to mourn the passing of former Israeli President Shimon Peres.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday he was deeply saddened by the passing of Peres and offered his condolences to the people of Israel.

Ban said in a statement that Peres played a central role in Israel's founding, and served his country throughout his life.

"He worked tirelessly for a two-state solution that would enable Israel to live securely and harmoniously with the Palestinians and the wider region, a commitment duly recognized when he shared the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize with Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat," said the statement.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a condolence message to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday over the passing of Peres.

Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government, the Chinese people and himself, extended his sincere condolences to Peres' relatives and the Israeli people.

Xi also stressed that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Israel relations and is willing to work with Israel to continuously push forward the development of bilateral ties.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday also sent a message of condolence to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu over the passing of Peres.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday expressed deep grief and sorrow for Peres' passing.

"He (Peres) exerted unremitting efforts to reach a permanent peace since Oslo agreement was signed with Israel in 1993 until the last moment in his life," Abbas said in a condolence letter to Peres' family, carried by state news agency WAFA. ' French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday mourned the passing of "Israel's most illustrious statesmen" Peres and paid tribute to him as an ardent defender of peace.

In a statement released by his office, Hollande called Peres a "man of peace" who defended the creation of a Palestinian state which he considered as the only guarantee for Israel's security.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the main opposition Congress party's chief Sonia Gandhi Wednesday condoled the demise of Peres, saying their country lost a steadfast friend in him.

In his message to Israeli President Rivlin, Mukherjee said India remembers Peres as a steadfast friend of India, "whose lasting contribution to strengthening of the close bilateral partnership between India and Israel will be long remembered."

Modi also condoled the death of Peres and tweeted: "In former President Shimon Peres, we lost a key world leader and a friend of India. Pained by his demise. Our condolences to people of Israel."

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday expressed sorrow for the passing of Peres.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of Shimon Peres. His commitment to peace and reconciliation in the Middle East remains as timely as ever," Tsipras posted on Twitter.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday praised Peres as one of few people who changed the course of human history.

"There are few people who we share this world with who change the course of human history, not just through their role in human events, but because they expand our moral imagination and force us to expect more of ourselves. My friend Shimon was one of those people," Obama said in a statement issued by the White House.

Brazilian President Michel Temer lamented in a statement the death of Peres, saying "his fight for peace will remain as his most important legacy for humanity."

Earlier on Wednesday morning, Peres, 93, passed away in a hospital outside Tel Aviv, two weeks after suffering a stroke.

During his nearly 70-year political career, he twice served as Israel's prime minister, and he also served as foreign minister, defense minister, and finance minister.

In 1994, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with the late former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for reaching the 1993 Oslo Peace Accord.
CANBERRA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lockheed Martin Australia has been selected as the preferred Combat System Integrator for Australia's Future Submarine Program, Australian Minister for Defence Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne announced on Thursday in a joint media release.

"Lockheed Martin Australia will be our Combat System Integrator to partner with Defence and DCNS (of France) to design and integrate the combat system of our Future Submarine, which meets our unique capability requirements," Payne said.

She called it an important step in developing Australia's regionally superior future submarines.

"By partnering with an Australian-based company with strong links to the United States we will ensure that we get the best Australian and US technology, while ensuring that our sensitive technology is protected."

Pyne said Lockheed Martin Australia intends to team with other Australian companies to provide the local engineering capacity needed to support the program.

"Lockheed Martin Australia's involvement in the Future Submarine Program is likely to create around 200 skilled Australian jobs during the design and build phases of the program," Pyne said.

"The 200 full time combat system integration jobs form part of around 2,800 jobs associated with the broader Future Submarine Program."

He said a team of Australian companies will integrate the Future Submarine Combat system in a dedicated facility in Adelaide.

"This will see investment in engineering, project management and other high-technology industries in Australia," he said.

Pyne said Lockheed Martin Australia will draw upon expertise from Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training, and General Dynamics - Electric Boat, both of which are based in the United States.

"Australian industry will be directly involved in the highly technical work of designing and integrating the combat system for the Future Submarine, further developing our own capability in this specialised area," Pyne said.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrived on Thursday at the Israeli parliament to pay tribute to former President Shimon Peres.

Clinton was the first among dozens of world leaders expected to arrive in Israel for the funeral of the veteran statesman and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Live broadcast on local TV channels showed Clinton standing silently before the coffin of his old friend Peres, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 93 following a stroke.

A spokesperson for the Israeli Knesset (parliament) said that Clinton met earlier with Israel's President Reuven Rivlin.

On Thursday morning, Peres' casket was laid in state at the Knesset's main plaza to allow members of the public to pay their final respects to one of the nation's last founding fathers.

Ofer Lefler, a spokesman for the Israeli Airport Authority, said that some 70 airplanes of international dignitaries are expected to land on Thursday at Ben Gurion Airport.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the list includes French President Francois Hollande, Britain's Prince Charles, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.

U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to land early Friday morning, said the Foreign Ministry.

The funeral will be held on Friday morning in Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, in a cemetery lot where Israel's former leaders are buried.

Police forces said in a statement that securing the funeral would be the "largest" operation of its kind in Israeli history.

In 1994, Peres received the Nobel Prize for his involvement in the short-lived peace agreement with Palestinians which was signed in 1993 during a White House ceremony in the presence of President Clinton.

Peres shared the prize with the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.

Peres served as Israel's ninth president from 2007 to 2014.

His political career spanning nearly seven decades covered almost every significant office, as he served twice as prime minister, then foreign minister, defense minister, finance minister, chairman of the Labor Party, and opposition leader in parliament.

In 1985, as prime minister of the right-wing Likud party's unity government, he led the "Economic Stabilization Plan."

The plan, which included an austerity budget and radical reforms, marked the transition of the country from a predominantly social-democratic economy to neoliberal-capitalist market.

He also founded Israel's nuclear program, and played a vital role in establishing the country's military and aviation industries.

In addition, he was instrumental in forging a path for the export of Israeli weapons and security equipment throughout the world.
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani (front) signs a peace deal in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2016. The Afghan government signed a peace deal with Hizb-e-Islami, a militant group led by Gulbudin Hekmatyar on Thursday, in an effort to boost peace and national reconciliation in the militancy-hit country. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)

KABUL, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government signed a peace deal with Hizb-e-Islami, a militant group led by Gulbudin Hekmatyar on Thursday, in an effort to boost peace and national reconciliation in the militancy-hit country.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani signed the much awaited deal at a ceremony attended by ranking officials and supporters of Hizb-e-Islami held in Arg, the country's Presidential Palace on Thursday morning.

"Afghanistan is home for all Afghans. I praise all Afghans, who never lose hope for peace, and I thank them for standing with their government for bringing durable peace in their country," Ghani told the event.

Hekmatyar signed the agreement, which was brokered by Afghan High Peace Council after some two years of negotiations, via a video conference broadcasting during the event.

The Afghan president told the audience that the peace deal with Hizb-e-Islami was based on the country's constitution and the two sides were committed to working for peace, stability and reconstruction of the country.

"The peace negotiations are based on the grounds that the achievements of the past 15 years will be protected. The achievements that gained with a lot of sacrifices and sufferings," he said.

The Afghan leader noted that "We want peace with dignity that our children, boys and girls would have a chance to study and our countrymen, including men and women would have the chance to take part in building of their future and find their own country,"

Ghani described the signing of the agreement as an "initial move to end the decades of flames, and sending up hope that would lead to a broader peace and reconciliation practice."

"I hope the signing of this agreement serves as the beginning for a broader and an overall peace road," he said.

The faction of Hizb-e-Islami, designated by the United States in a terrorist list, has been fighting the government and U.S.-led foreign forces stationed in Afghanistan over the past 15 years.

According to the 25-point peace agreement, the group will declare permanent ceasefire and the Afghan government will work to delist Hekmatyar's name from the list of terrorist outfits.

The Afghan president also echoed Hekmatyar, in calling on other armed groups fighting the Afghan government to join the peace process and solve their problems through negotiations and peaceful means.

This is the first peace agreement inked by the Afghan government with an armed opposition group since the overthrowing of the Taliban regime in late 2001.

On Sept. 22, the draft peace deal was signed in Kabul by Mohammad Amin Karim, head of Hizb-e-Islami delegation and Chairman of High Peace Council Pir Sayed Ahmad Gilani.

Government Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, parliament Speaker Abdul Raouf Ibrahimi and several Afghan jihadi leaders were among other high-ranking officials attending at the ceremony.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Many angry protesters gathered Wednesday afternoon in El Cajon, a town about 50 km east of downtown San Diego, demanding federal investigation of the death of an unarmed black man killed by a police officer Tuesday night.

The protesters gathered in front of a line held by local police and lift their arms high up to show peace. Some people at the scene broadcasted the protest live across social media sites.

From a cellphone video captured through Twitter's Periscope by Will Moore, a business lawyer, showed the disorderly yet peaceful situation.

The police at the scene held wooden sticks tightly in front of their chests. The protesters stood face to face with them while yelling at the same time to show their frustrations.

"Nobody drew any weapons except you man," yelled one of the black protesters, while some cursed out loud.

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells promised at a press conference Wednesday afternoon that there would be a thorough investigation by multiple agencies, including the FBI.

It is the first time that Wells has spoken out about the shooting of Alfred Olango, a 38-year-old father and restaurant cook originally from Uganda, since the incident.

He told local reporters that the investigation at this point was being handled by three different agencies, the El Cajon Police Department, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, and the FBI.

Until Wednesday afternoon, El Cajon police had released little information about the shooting of Olango besides a still photograph of him at the moment before he was shot dead.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on Thursday sent a working group to oversee handling of a case in Yunnan Province, where 19 people were killed Thursday morning.

The working group will guide local authorities in dealing with the case, the MPS said.

On Thursday morning, 19 people were killed in Yema Village in Huize County, Yunnan.

Local police on Thursday afternoon arrested the suspect Yang Qingpei in the provincial capital of Kunming, about 200 km from the crime scene.

Born in 1989, Yang is a man of Han nationality, the police said.

Further investigation is under way.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has sent a message of condolences to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the passing of Shimon Peres, former president of Israel.

In the message dated on Wednesday, Liu expressed deep condolences at the passing of Peres and extended her sincere sympathies to the families of the former Israeli leader.

Peres, an old friend of the Chinese people, has long made important contributions to boosting China-Israel friendly relations and the cause of peace in the Middle East, she said.

China is willing to make concerted efforts with Israel to continuously push forward the development of the two countries' innovation partnership for the benefit of the two peoples, Liu added.

Peres passed away at the age of 93 early Wednesday morning after suffering a major stroke more than two weeks ago.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Indian markets fell sharply Thursday after Indian military announced it had conducted "surgical strikes" in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, local media reports said.

The Sensex fell as much as 572 points at day's low before closing at 27,827, down 465 points. Nifty ended at 8,591, down 153 points. The rupee also fell by 46 paise to 66.91 against the U.S. dollar at day's low.

"The markets will certainly react in panic after such news," said Alok Nayyar, a market analyst. "Any uncertainty would definitely affect the market."

Thursday's low is the biggest intra-day plunge since Brexit vote in June this year.

The attacks according to India's Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh were carried out Wednesday night, based on specific intelligence that some infiltrators had positioned themselves at launch pads along LoC with an aim to infiltrate inside Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"The Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads. The operations were focussed to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design to infiltrate and carry out destruction," Singh said at a press conference in New Delhi. "During these operation, significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those who are trying to support them."

LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts.

Indian officials claimed their side has not suffered any casualty or damage in the attacks. However, it has not given the details about casualties of infiltrators or Pakistani army in the attacks.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Thursday rejected Indian claims about "surgical strikes" inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon. As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops," a statement issued by Pakistan military's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

However, ISPR said two Pakistani troopers were killed due to unprovoked firing early Thursday from Indian troops across LoC in Bhimber, hotspring, Kel, and Lipa sectors.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated because of the ongoing civilian protests in Indian-controlled Kashmir and a deadly attack last week on an Indian army base in frontier Uri town, about 109 km northwest of capital city Srinagar. The attack killed 18 troopers and wounded over 20 others.

New Delhi blames Islamabad for fanning Kashmir protests and accuses it of sending armed militants into Indian-controlled Kashmir, an accusation Islamabad strongly rejects. However, Islamabad says it only provides moral and political support to Kashmiris.
WELLINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Some species of sea sponge could be "winners" in global climate change and ocean acidification, New Zealand scientists said Thursday.

Researchers from Victoria University of Wellington examined the physiological responses of four Great Barrier Reef sponge species in response to rising acidification and seawater temperature.

They found that while all four species were sensitive to predicted ocean warming, their sensitivity reduced under ocean acidification for sponges that received their nutrition from symbiotic organisms which get their energy from the sun.

"Our results show that some sponges may be able to deal with future predicted ocean conditions, making them future 'winners' under global climate change," researcher Holly Bennett said in a statement.

The study also found that early-life stages of sponges exhibited greater tolerance to ocean warming than their adult counterparts, which was likely to be crucial to the survival and adaptive capacity of some sponges.

"This finding is novel, with most studies demonstrating early-life stages of other organisms such as corals are more vulnerable than adults," said Bennett.

"Because of the extent of the Great Barrier Reef system, the research we conducted is highly relevant for global tropical reef ecology," she said.

"Our research confirms the importance of studying the combined effects of ocean warming and acidification, and demonstrates the importance of examining the response of a species across different life-history stages when determining an organism's overall response to environmental change."

Associate Professor James Bell, a lecturer in Marine Biology, said in the statement that the research gave an idea of how some future ecosystems might function.
KAMPALA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan military on Wednesday said appropriate action will be taken to ensure the release of one of its soldiers captured by Somali militants in Somalia capital Mogadishu last year.

Military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda told Xinhua by telephone that Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) high command is concerned about the life of the soldier only identified as Private Masasa who is under Al Shabaab captivity in the Horn of African country.

"We are still studying the video and are concerned about the life of the soldier. Al Shabaab have an obligation to save his life. We are doing all it takes to rescue him," said Ankunda.

Al Shabaab militants on Monday released a video of Masasa whom they captured after overrunning UPDF base in Janaale, about 90km south-west of the capital Mogadishu in the Sept. 1, 2015 deadly attack.

At least 18 Ugandan peacekeepers serving under African Union Mission in Somalia were killed in the dawn attack.

In the video, Masasa is pleading to President Yoweri Museveni and opposition leaders in the country to talk to his captors and have him released from captivity.

"I am pleading with you, President [Museveni], to help so that I am released from the hands of Al-Shabaab," said Masasa in an emotional video the militants posted on social media.

This is the second video where Masasa is pleading for mercy and release from captivity.

"This is my 12th month in captivity. It has been one year but I'm in good health and I haven't been killed," said Masasa.

Ankunda said all will be done for the safety and life of the soldier. "We will take action as appropriate," he said.

After the attack, President Museveni ordered the suspension and the arrest of Col. Bosco Mutambi, the commander of the Battle Group 16 and three of his officers.

Mutambi who was demoted to the lower rank of Lt. Colonel was charged in army court martial for failure to execute his duties and briefing his seniors about a possible attack.

The East African country accounts for about a third of the roughly 22,000-strong AMISOM force.
ABUJA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Government forces in Nigeria have killed nine Boko Haram fighters in the country's northeastern state of Borno, an army spokesman said on Thursday.

The Boko Haram fighters were killed in a gun fight with troops in Bulabulin area of the state on Wednesday, Col. Sani Usman, spokesperson of the Nigerian army told Xinhua.

He said several Boko Haram fighters were also wounded in the fight which lasted for an hour.

"The troops would continue the clearance operation of the remnants of the Boko Haram in nooks and crannies of their areas of operation with renewed vigor and determination," he added.

Nigeria's northeast region has been a stronghold of the extremist group Boko Haram.

At least 22 Boko Haram fighters were killed in a military operation early this week.

In past months, the Nigerian government has launched several military operations to eliminate the terrorist threat.
WELLINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese film executives have met with some of Hollywood's leading movers and New Zealand leaders in discussions about stepping up collaborations, New Zealand Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry told Xinhua Thursday.

A five-member delegation from the China Film Group Corporation (CFGC) met with Barry, Prime Minister John Key and Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce in Wellington on Tuesday.

Also present were "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies director Peter Jackson, and James Cameron and John Landau, respectively the director and producer of "Avatar" and "Titanic," as well as "other key players in the New Zealand and Chinese film sector," said Barry.

"We discussed some of the future projects that New Zealand and China might become involved in," Barry said in an exclusive interview during an official engagement in the North Island city of New Plymouth.

"There was a real feeling of optimism that the relationship between China and New Zealand films was only growing from strength to strength," said Barry. "There were some real gains made."

The CFGC delegation was also travelling to the biggest city of Auckland and to the South Island ski resort town of Queenstown, looking at locations and discussing projects underway.

One of the productions underway in Auckland was the shark thriller "Meg" starring Chinese actress Li Bingbing, New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis and an international cast including British action star Jason Statham.

A number of projects were in the pipeline under the China-New Zealand Film Co-production Agreement, which was signed in 2010, and the China-New Zealand Television Co-production Agreement signed in 2014.

Barry was responding to a question on the success of two documentaries - "Glamorous New Zealand" and "Glamorous China" - co-produced by China Central Television (CCTV) and New Zealand documentary producer NZNH.

"Glamorous New Zealand," which was launched in May, had been "very well received" when it was aired in China and prompted many approaches from the Chinese screen sector, she said.

"I think the ties that bind us are very strong," said Barry.

"There's a mutual recognition of the need to develop further projects together for the New Zealand access to more than 1 billion people and for the Chinese access to a land that has landscapes and stories to tell that excites an interest for Chinese. It's all good for tourism, for trade and of course for the film sectors of both our countries," she said.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A court in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal Thursday issued an arrest warrant against India's Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti.

Chief judicial magistrate Bhubhaskar Yadav issued the non-bailable arrest warrant against the woman minister for failing to appear before his court in a defamation case for nearly a year.

The court has also asked Bhopal's top cop to execute the warrant within seven days and present the minister before it by Oct. 19.

The case was filed by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and a senior office-bearer of India's main opposition Congress party, Digvijay Singh, in 2003.

Singh had filed the defamation case against Bharti for levelling "false allegations" of him being involved in a financial scam and terming him as the most corrupt "Chief Minister of India."
ABUJA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A secret agent of the terror group Boko Haram has been arrested by troops in the northeast region of Nigeria, an army spokesman told Xinhua on Thursday.

Col. Sani Usman, spokesman of the Nigerian army, said the secret agent was arrested on Wednesday at a local market in the northeastern state of Borno.

The spy has been identified as Majid Umar, he said.

According to Usman, the Boko Haram agent was arrested with three other suspects who confessed to being part of logistics elements of the terror group.

"They assist in selling cows for the terror group. They said the proceeds are remitted to the terrorists to fund their nefarious activities," the army spokesman said.

Nigeria's northeast region has been a stronghold of the extremist group Boko Haram. In past months, the Nigerian government has launched several military operations to eliminate the terrorist threat.
MOSCOW, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russia sees no alternative to a diplomatic settlement of the Syrian crisis with the United States, despite the "emotional" statements from Washington, a senior Russian diplomat said Thursday.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Thursday reiterated Moscow's stance, while blaming Washington for failing to fulfill its obligations and commitments, which Moscow believed has caused the collapse of the Russia-U.S. brokered truce accord.

The United States on Wednesday threatened to suspend cooperation with Moscow if the Syrian government troops backed by Russia kept bombing the opposition.

"If the civil war in Syria continued, extremists could attack Russian interests, and perhaps even Russian cities," U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday.

Such statements were an "emotional breakdown" resulting from Washington's inability to keep its promise to separate the so-called moderate opposition from terrorist groups, said Ryabkov.

Moscow and Washington are now stuck in a major difference in the time for humanitarian pauses in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. Russia has offered a 48-hour pause, while the United States is in favor of introducing a week-long one, a longer cessation of fire that Russia believed would help terrorists to resupply and regroup.

On Sept. 10, Russia and the United States announced a landmark agreement of a nationwide cease-fire in Syria, which both sides hoped would lead to their countries' military cooperation to end more than five years of bloodshed there.

However, crossfire has resumed in the first hours after the week-long truce deal expired on Sept. 19, with both parties trading accusations of failures to implement the deal.
KIEV, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine hopes to be granted a visa-free regime with the European Union (EU) as early as next month, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on Thursday.

"The adoption of the visa-free regime is very important for us and we hope that the European institutions will approve this decision in October," Groysman said during a meeting with visiting European Council President Donald Tusk.

Ukraine sees no obstacle to lifting the visa requirements as it has already fulfilled all the conditions for the removal set by the EU, Groysman said.

On Monday, the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee approved a resolution to wave visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens, who have biometric passports.

To take effect, the visa-free travel with Ukraine would have to be endorsed by the entire European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

Under the visa exemption rules, Ukrainians would granted the right to travel to the Schengen area for business, tourism or family purposes, but would not be allowed to work in the EU.

Kiev and Brussels launched negotiations on visa liberalization in 2008.
GENEVA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Contemporary police killings and continued racial discrimination against African Americans in the United States are reminiscent of racial terror practices which were once used against black slaves, according to a United Nations-affiliated human rights body report released earlier this week.

Presenting the findings to the ongoing 33rd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), the Chairperson of HRC's Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent warned that "the legacy of colonial history, enslavement, racial subordination and segregation, racial terrorism and racial inequality in the United States remained a serious challenge."

"Contemporary police killings and the trauma that they created were reminiscent of the past racial terror of lynching," Ricardo Sunga III, the chairperson, added.

The working group, which visited the U.S. in January this year, was alarmed by the level of police brutality and excessive use of lethal force by law enforcement officials against African Americans.

It also deplored the fact that no official national system has been set up to track killings perpetrated by police officials, who are rarely held accountable for their crimes despite overwhelming evidence.

"Killings of unarmed African Americans by the police is only the tip of the iceberg in what is a pervasive racial bias in the justice system," the report highlighted.

According to statistics, the U.S. jail population stands at some 2.2 million individuals, with a further 7 million offenders on parole or probation.

Over one third (36 percent) of sentenced federal and state prisoners are African Americans, with the imprisonment rate for black males and females respectively 5.9 and 2.1 times higher than for their white counterparts.

"Thousands of young African Americans, particularly those living under the poverty line and with low levels of educational attainment, have been placed in detention centres, without addressing the root causes of crime, guaranteeing better security to the communities where they lived or offering them effective rehabilitation," the report explained.

The makeup of the U.S. judicial system also stands to blame for handing out unfair verdicts to African Americans.

According to the Working Group, the racial composition of juries is one of the main factors behind racial bias when sentencing offenders to the death penalty.

Hate crimes targeting African Americans also continue to exist, as was seen by the Charleston church attack in 2015.

Findings also showed that disparities in access to education, health, housing and employment have severely impacted the well-being of African Americans in the U.S..

In light of these trends, the Working Group underlined the "profound need" to recognise the transatlantic trade in Africans, enslavement, colonization and colonialism as a crime against humanity.

It also urged Washington to take serious action to prevent any further unlawful killings as a matter of national priority while granting reparations to African Americans for past injustices.

Created in 2006, the HRC is an inter-governmental body working to promote and protect human rights around the globe through thematic discussions and structured recommendations.
MOSCOW, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The designation of an RMB clearing bank in Russia is a big step in China's drive to boost international use of the Chinese currency, the head of a Chinese bank's Moscow subsidiary has said.

"The world economy is experiencing a process of de-dollarization, as the major powers, like China and Russia, are pushing forward the settlement by local currencies," Li Wencong, president of the Moscow subsidiary of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the world's largest bank by assets and market cap, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"The designation of the RMB clearing bank in Russia will mark a big step in the settlement of the RMB and rubles," he said.

Last Friday, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's central bank, authorized the ICBC Moscow subsidiary to be a yuan clearing bank in Russia.

The ICBC is also the largest lender in China, and its Moscow branch is the biggest Chinese bank in Russia.

Li added that by including the RMB into the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) currency basket by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as the designation of clearing banks in Russia and the United States, it already means that the Chinese currency has won worldwide recognition.

China is seeking wider use of its currency in global trade and investment. Last week, the PBOC also appointed the Bank of China as the RMB clearing bank in the United States.

For both enterprises and the public, Li said, the RMB is basically used as a payment and settlement tool, rather than an investment tool, in the international market.

The highest level of the RMB is being as a reserve currency for countries or big institutions, he noted.

Li voiced his belief that with the internationalization of the RMB, the Chinese currency's business scope in Russia will be expanded.

According to him, the RMB has become gradually popular among Russian blue-chip companies and the government, which have began considering issuing yuan bonds.

The ICBC's Moscow subsidiary is planning an RMB-rubles currency swap program and issuing currency rate derivatives, so as to make enterprises better manage and hedge the currency risk, Li said.

China-Russia merchandise trade grew 7.8 percent in the first eight months of 2016, sharply rebounding from a 27.8-percent decline for the whole of 2015, according to customs data.

Amid close economic ties between the two neighbors, the Russian central bank included the RMB in its foreign exchange reserves at the end of 2015.
ANKARA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said here Thursday that the government was preparing to extend the state of emergency for another three months, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Erdogan said the current three-month state of emergency, imposed following the July 15 coup attempt, was not enough.

Turkey needs more time to clean all extensions of Gulenists and Kurdistan Workers' Party terrorist organizations, Erdogan said. He was referring to Fethullah Gulen, a cleric accused of masterminding the coup attempt.

He noted that the state of emergency does not affect daily life in Turkey and is only for fighting terrorism more effectively.

According to the Turkish constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum of six months.

Erdogan criticized opponents to the state of emergency in Turkey and abroad, saying no one has the right to intervene in Turkey's domestic affairs.

On Wednesday, Turkish National Security Council proprosed an extension of the state of emergency beyond the initial three-month period.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A transit train crashed into the station in Hoboken, New Jersey, the United States on Thursday morning, with injuries reported by TV networks.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged closer cooperation to pursue reforms to the global governance system, renewing China's pledge to help build a more reasonable and just international order and advance world peace and development.

"We must actively participate in global governance. We will take on more international responsibilities, and in so doing we will try our best but not overreach," Xi said at a study session attended by members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

With these as guiding principles, China has in recent years offered a number of new ideas about how to build a better world and extend benefits to more people, and has taken concrete actions to turn the ideas into results.

China has proposed a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and creating a community of common destiny for mankind, while advocating shared, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

At the recent G20 Hangzhou summit, development was given a significant position in coordination of global macro policy for the first time. Green finance was included on the G20 summit agenda for the first time and the first global framework for multilateral rules governing investment was laid out, leaving a Chinese imprint on G20 history.

China does not just talk the talk.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has made greater-than-expected achievements, involving more than 100 countries and international organizations, while the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, a multilateral financial institution spearheaded by China, has approved its first four loans to fund projects in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and Tajikistan.

China is now the second largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping and the largest contributor of troops among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. It has set up funds to boost South-South Cooperation.

The country has also been actively involved in setting rules in affairs concerning the oceans, polar regions, cyberspace, outer space, nuclear security, anti-corruption and climate change.

With its ideas and actions, an increasingly proactive and responsible China has strived to help address unreasonable and unjust aspects of the global governance system and, by doing so, has received international recognition.

The international community has cried out for changes to the present global governance structure, which has failed to keep up with the times.

But the reforms are not a one-man job. Every party involved should be committed and turn constructive proposals into consensus through discussion and then into reality through concerted action.

The reforms are complex and take time. For now, it is wise to prioritize feasible and widely-accepted tasks, for example, spreading the gains of the Hangzhou summit to more countries and regions, making the G20 a long-term governing mechanism, implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and improving regional cooperation mechanisms.

China will continue to work with other countries to build more consensus, expand win-win cooperation, and ensure smooth progress of global governance reforms.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 people injured following a tansit train crashed Thursday morning in Hoboken, New Jersey, multiple passengers trapped, an ABC news report quoted officials as saying.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L, front) shakes hands with commander in chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Timoleon Jimenez (R, front) during the signing ceremony of the final peace agreement reached by the Colombian government and FARC, in Cartagena, Colombia, on Sept. 26, 2016. (Xinhua/Jhon Paz)

BOGOTA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The peace agreement signed between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has been translated into 62 of Colombia's indigenous languages, said the Culture Ministry on Wednesday.

All indigenous communities can know about and participate in the upcoming plebiscite, the director of Populations for the Culture Ministry, Moises Medrano, said on Wednesday.

The government official added that in this way, "peace is spoken about in many languages," and for that reason, "it is very important in the country's current situation that they (all Colombians) know the contents of the agreements."

It is hoped, that with these translations, the number of voters in the plebiscite, scheduled for Oct. 2, will increase.

Photo taken on Sept. 26, 2016 shows a pen made with a bullet shell, which is named by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos as "baligrafo" (bullet-pens) for signing the final peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. (Xinhua/COLPRENSA)

The plebiscite is for Colombians to decide whether the peace treaty signed by Colombia's government and the FARC will be implemented or not.

The signing of the treaty, which was achieved in Havana in August, brought an end to 52 years of armed conflict in the South American nation.

"The national government and FARC acknowledge that the (indigenous) peoples (...) have been seriously affected by the internal armed conflict," said Medrano.

Indigenous representatives are already all over Colombia to help explain the peace treaty to their communities through the leaflet "What we achieved in Havana (Cuba)."

According to the culture ministry, Colombia's native languages can be found spread out throughout the territory involving an approximate population of 1.3 million people.
MOGADISHU, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Somalia government said Thursday it plans to implement an improved payroll system to ensure that its troops are paid in a consistent and timely manner to step up fight against Al-Shabaab effectively.

Finance Minister Mohamed Adan Ibrahim said a revised payroll process which includes robust fiduciary controls will pilot a new automated and functional payroll process for the Somali National Army (SNA).

"This new system will reduce loopholes for corruption and enable government funds to be efficiently used and accounted for," Ibrahim said during a meeting in Mogadishu.

He said the initiative supports the progress made on the security sector reform agenda, which the government has committed to.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the Somali troops on the frontlines work tirelessly to fight Al-Shabaab and provide security and stability for the country.

"Our government has a duty of care to pay our troops, and to do so in a regular, accountable and transparent manner," the President said.

"A functioning and effective payroll system is central to the building of a national security sector architecture and I am pleased to see the coming together of key government ministries and the army to make this happen," he added.

The initiative, funded by UK aid and the European Union, is part of a wider effort for the development of comprehensive national security architecture with the regions.

Minister of Defense, Major General Abdulkadir Sheikh Ali Dini said the improved payroll system will enable the Somali National Army to stabilize the country; allowing for focus and progress on the important issues.

"We are all working together to improve our systems to ensure that our military is to be paid the wages they are entitled to, on time, no matter where they are located," said Dini.
TIRANA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The value of Albanian exports amounted to 16 billion leks (about 130 million U.S. dollars) in August 2016, an increase of 6.8 percent compared to August 2015, data from the Albanian Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) showed Thursday.

The annual increase of exports was mainly driven by the textile and footwear sector (up 6.4 percentage points), food, beverage, tobacco (up 1.6 percentage points), and construction materials and metals (up 1.3 percentage points), INSTAT said.

However, exports in August fell by 27.1 percent compared with July 2016, data showed.

On the other hand, INSTAT said the value of imports in August 2016 amounted to 46 billion leks, increasing by 14.3 percent compared to August 2015 and decreasing by 8.4 percent compared with July 2016.

The annual increase of imports by 14.3 percent in August 2016 was mainly driven by the sectors machinery, equipment spare parts, chemical and plastic products, and food, beverages and tobacco.

Based on official statistics, it turned out the trade deficit was 29 billion leks in August, marking a year-on-year increase of 19.0 percent.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least three persons were killed and more than 100 people were injured when a tansit train crashed into Hoboken station, New Jersey on Thursday morning, with multiple passengers still trapped in the wreckage, said emergency responders and local media.

The train "went right through the barriers and into the reception area," Radio station WFAN reported.

Pictures on social media show that the station roof has collapsed amid extensive damage due to the crash.

The incident took place just before 9:00 am local time (1300 GMT) during the rush hour when many riders were on board the train.

Hoboken station, which sits 11 kilometers outside New York city, is a hub for commuters to switch for Manhattan.

Minutes after the crush, the Hoboken police chief told local media that there might be "mass casualties".

All rail services have been suspended in and out of Hoboken after the crash.

The cause of the accident was not immediately clear.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made a golden fall trip to America from Sept. 18 to Sept. 28, visiting the UN headquarters in New York of the United States, Canada and Cuba.

During the visit, the premier expounded China's positions on peace and development at the UN, and conveyed China's confidence in its own economic growth as well as commitment to sustainable development.

Li reaffirmed China's readiness to inject new dynamics into the China-Canada relations for a new "golden 10 years" prostect, and to upgrade the traditonal friendship with Cuba to a new stage.

Throughout the trip, the Chinese premier showcased China's charm as a responsible, wise and generous world power.

RESPONSIBILITIES AS WORLD POWER

Sustainable development was the theme of the current UN General Assembly. This year also marked the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 sustainable development goals and 169 targets goals aimed at elimination of hunger, realization of food security, promotion of sustainable agriculture, among others.

On behalf of the Chinese government, Li released the country's national plan for implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. When chairing a roundtable on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) at the UN headquarters, he said China will have greater resolution and make greater efforts to ensure the achievement of the SDGs at the earliest time possible.

As a leader and implementer of sustainable development, China has fixed a plan for two centuries of development as a long-term strategy and the "13th Five-Year Plan" for a short-term one.

While realizing the "China Dream" for national rejuvenation, China is also making substantial contributions to world sustainable development at the same time.

As the world's most populous nation and a responsible world power, China is actively participating in relevant international cooperation plans and invites other countries to join its own development projects and share their benefits. The aim of China is to contribute to building a world of abundance, full development and dignity.

WISDOM OF WORLD POWER

The Chinese premier's visit included numerous dialogues and interactions which drew widespread attention and interest from the UN and host countries.

At the UN headquarters, Li chaired a roundtable meeting on SDGs participated by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the 71st UN General Assembly Peter Thomson and leaders of other major international organizations. During the meeting, Li fully expounds China's views and plans to implemnent the Sustainable Development Agenda and reach SDGs.

Li also held a number of successful interactions with American business, media and think tank personalities in New York on the China-U.S. relations, China's eocnomic development perspectives, and furthering bilateral ties between China and the United States.

In Canada, the premier was warmly welcomed by the whold spectrum of Canadian political system and government leaders, while closely interacting with local business leaders, which made his Canada trip a complete success.

In Cuba, the premier had five separate meetings with Cuban leader Raul Castro who expressed his wish to see more Chinese participation in his country's economic and social development.

Li pointed out when joining the UN general assembly debate that development is the key to solving numerous problems and addressing the roots of global challeges. It is also vital to guaranteeing the fundamental rights of the people and keeping human civilization moving forward, he added.

China's own wisdom is working to disgnose global problems, to promote a strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth worldwide, and to create confidence.

GENEROSITY OF WORLD POWER

On world refugee and migrant crisis, the Chinese premier said the issue is a humanitarian crisis testing human conscience. He said China decided to donate 100 million U.S. dollars to the UN for dealing with the refugee and migrants crisis as "an act of justice."

On sustainable development, Li announced a 100 million U.S. dollar donation to UN agencies, calling global development partnership and sustainable deveoopment "a common cause for the whole world" and "moral responsibility" of all.

The China-initiated assitance fund for South-South Cooperation and the China-UN Peace and Development Fund, China's commitment to UN climate change goals by signing the Paris Pact, all showed the country's sense of responsibility to meet the global challenges.

With a spirit of openness and inclusiveness, China has proposed the contruction of a human community of common destity, while stressing the priority of seeking mutual understanding, common interests over differences and misunderstanding in developing relations with countries with differenct political systems.

Peace and development remains the theme of the world today. China will continue to make efforts to safeguard international peace and promote human common development.

Premier Li's visit to America again demonstrated that China will stick to its promises, take its own responsibilities, seek common ground while putting aside differences with others, look for a win-win situation in collaborations, deepen friendship, and strengthen confidence.

As a result, China's diplomacy as a world power presents its charm to the rest of the world.
CAPE TOWN, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma has rejected rumours on social media that he was preparing to reshuffle the nation's cabinet, his office said on Thursday.

The Presidency has been alerted to a list of names which is circulating on social media which is reportedly a new list of ministers and deputy ministers to be appointed in an apparent cabinet reshuffle, presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga said.

"President Zuma strongly condemns this malicious dissemination of untruthful information by people who do not have the interests of the country at heart," Ngqulunga said in a statement.

According to rumours on social media, Zuma is preparing to remove vocal critics in an upcoming cabinet reshuffle so as to consolidate his power.
ISTANBUL, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Four refugees died and 23 others went missing on Thursday when a boat capsized off Turkey's Aegean coast, local media reported.

A small boat carrying 31 refugees sank off the Karaada Island after sailing from the western city of Bodrum, Daily Sabah said.

It said the coast guard rescued four refugees, while search for the missing was continuing.

According to media reports, the refugees were not wearing life vests when the mishap happened.

The boat was believed to heading for a Greek island.

The Turkish route has seen a sharp fall in the number of smuggled refugees to Greek islands since Turkey and the European Union agreed in March on measures to stem the flow of illegal immigrants.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China will hold the seventh Xiangshan Forum on security cooperation in the Asia Pacific region, from Oct. 10 to 12 in Beijing, spokesperson Yang Yujun of China's Defense Ministry announced Thursday.

Delegations from over 60 countries and organizations as well as more than 100 domestic and foreign academics will attend the forum, Yang said.

This year's forum will see increased participation from countries in Europe, Africa and the South Pacific region and new events including one for young academics and television forums.

Chinese and foreign defense ministries and military leaders will have intensive exchanges during the forum, and some foreign delegations will visit other parts of China, Yang added.
CAPE TOWN, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday called for calm and restraint as violent student protests against fee increases escalated across the country.

The president said he is seriously disturbed by the violence in some campuses.

Zuma reiterated that all citizens have the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions, but protestors should at all times adhere to the Constitution when undertaking protest action.

"We urge the students to exercise this right in a responsible manner. They must respect law enforcement officers. They must also respect the rights of others who are not taking part in the protests," said Zuma.

Zuma said he has directed the South African Police Service to act strictly within the confines of the law and the Constitution as they discharge their duties of ensuring the safety and security of all as well as protecting lives and property.

The president reaffirmed the government's commitment to support access to education for all, including the children of the poor and the working class.

He urged university management, parents, students and all stakeholders in communities to work with the government to find solutions peacefully and constructively.

Zuma also extended his deepest condolences to the family of Celumusa Ntuli, a worker at the Wits University in Johannesburg, who died during a student protest earlier this week.

A new wave of student protests erupted last week after Minister of Higher Education and Traning, Blade Nzimande announced that universities can raise fees, provided that it does not exceed eight percent.

Due to the protests, some major universities have shut down. The University of Cape Town said it would close for a year if class was not resumed next Monday.

Students have vowed to paralyze all institutions of higher learning if their demand for zero-percent fee increases is not met.
by Osama Radi, Saud Abu Ramadan

GAZA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- One year into the latest wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, analysts here say the tensions may escalate amid a stubborn stalemate in the peace process.

The violence, which started on Oct. 1, 2015, in the Palestinian territories and Israel, has lead to the death of 230 Palestinians, one Jordanian and 40 Israelis, according to official figures.

In September, the violence worsened, with six Palestinians and one Jordanian killed in alleged stabbing and car-ramming attacks in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Three Israeli soldiers were injured.

On Thursday, the Islamic Hamas movement called for a "day of rage" on Friday in the West Bank and Jerusalem to mark one year of what it termed as "the Intifada of al-Quds."

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) holds Israel responsible for the violent outbreak, putting the blame on its policies and the stalemate in the peace process.

Hani al-Masri, a political analyst based in Ramallah, told Xinhua that this wave of tension between Israelis and Palestinians "is less than an Intifada and more than a popular blow-up, in light of the ebb and flow in the tension."

"The Palestinian reaction to Israeli policies was a spontaneous one and without a leader," he said. "It has no goals. It is not well-organized and has no financial support."

Al-Masri said this wave of tension is different from the previous two Intifadas.

"Palestinians were divided on what to call the wave of tension, and several factions tried to use it for their own interests," al-Masri said.

"The main obstacle against using this wave of tension and turning it into a third popular Intifada was the official rejection of a serious confrontation with Israel," he said. "The Palestinian leadership chose to focus more on urging the world toward peace negotiations."

Israeli authorities, seen by some as exploiting this wave of tension to justify continued expanding settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, accuse the PNA of inciting Palestinian youths to carry out more attacks.

The PNA put the blame on Israeli policies and the hopelessness experienced by the Palestinians under Israeli occupation and blockade.

Samih Shbib, a Ramallah-based political analyst, defended the PNA position on the violence.

"I believe that the PNA's declaration that Palestinian attacks against Israelis were individually carried out, yet are justified, was made due to the state of anger among Palestinians and their hopelessness," Shbib said.

He warned that Israeli measures against the Palestinians "would most likely increase the outrage among the Palestinians.

"Increasing these measures would certainly lead to greater outbreaks and substantial attacks in addition to stabbings and car-ramming attacks," Shbib said.

Ashraf Ajrami, a political analyst who once served as a PNA minister, warned that the current political vacuum "would keep the door open for further tension."

"Israel is losing because it refuses to seize the opportunity and opt for a realistic political process leading to two states," Ajrami said.

"The PNA is also losing because it isn't doing a good job of attracting world attention for a genuine intervention," he said. "It also failed to end the internal discord within Palestine."
RABAT, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Germany reached an agreement that Morocco will bring back its migrants deported from Germany, local media reported on Thursday.

The deal was reached over the phone between Morocco's King Mohammed VI and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, the Moroccan daily Le Matin said, citing a statement from the king's office.

Morocco will send its interior minister and a team of experts to Germany to process the deal, it said.

The kingdom also promised to manage migration in a rational way, according to the statement.

The deal comes as the German government is facing increasing domestic pressure over the refugee issue.

Merkel accepted King Mohammed VI's invitation to pay an official visit to the country in early 2017.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China and Belarus on Thursday decided to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership, featuring mutual trust and win-win cooperation.

When holding talks with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and Belarus are good friends and sincere partners.

Hailing the close ever communication and cooperation between China and Belarus at present, Xi said the bilateral ties are developing to a higher level.

Xi said China is willing to work with Belarus to maintain the momentum of development and make full use of the chances brought by the Belt and Road Initiative to inject new impetus into bilateral ties and benefit the people of two countries.

Both sides are expected to consolidate political trust, keep high-level visits and render firm support to each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, Xi said.

Xi expressed his hope that China and Belarus will integrate their development strategies to have more common interests.

Belarus is a reliable friend of China, Lukashenko said, noting that both countries have broad common interests and fruitful cooperation in various fields.

Lukashenko said Belarus supports the Belt and Road Initiative and is ready to integrate its own development strategies with the initiative.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a red-carpet ceremony to welcome the visiting president.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Environmental Protection on Thursday said air quality in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region had improved in the first eight months of this year from the same period in 2015.

According to the MEP, average density of PM2.5, airborne particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, dropped by 19.2 percent in the January-August period.

But it went on to warn the region might run into a spell of heavy smog early next month, just as China celebrates its National Day which falls on October 1.

From Oct. 1-4, central and southern parts of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region as well as northern parts of Henan province could see heavy air pollution, with the major pollutant being PM2.5, the ministry said.

A cold front which is expected to sweep into the region on the night of Oct. 4 and will then disperse the smog and improve air quality to benign or lightly polluted levels,.

Straw burning during the autumn harvest season could add to air pollution in certain areas.
DHAKA, Sept. 28(Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Bangladesh dignitaries attended a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka Wednesday night to mark the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang welcomed the guests including ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, senior politicians, journalists and top businessmen, among others, at the reception.

The guests warmly greeted China on its 67th founding anniversary which falls on Oct. 1.

On this day back in 1949, the Chinese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, declared victory in War of Liberation. A grand ceremony was held at Tiananmen Square in which Mao Zedong, chairman of the Central People's Government, solemnly declared the founding of PRC and raised the first national flag of China in presence of 300,000 soldiers and people gathered at the square for the grand parade and procession.

In his welcome speech, Ma said that over 67 years, China has made remarkable progress. The People's Republic of China emerged from the ruins of war and embarked on the great journey of economic prosperity and national rejuvenation, he said.

He also talked about the Bangladesh-China ties, and last year the two countries marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

He said Bangladesh has a great dream of "Sonar Bangla", China also have a "China Dream."

"I sincerely hope that we will work together through win-win cooperation to have our dreams come true," he said.

"I wish to express our warmest welcome and heartfelt thanks for your support to the friendship between China and Bangladesh," said the diplomat.
Chinese PresidentXi Jinping(C, rear) and other senior leadersLi Keqiang(3rd R, rear),Zhang Dejiang(3rd L, rear),Yu Zhengsheng(2nd R, rear),Liu Yunshan(2nd L, rear),Wang Qishan(1st R, rear) andZhang Gaoli(1st L, rear) attend a study session of the selection of works byHu Jintao, former general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2016. The study session was held by the CPC Central Committee.(Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday asked the Communist Party of China (CPC) members to place the study of the recently published selection of works by his predecessor Hu Jintao in an important position.

Reading Hu's selected works should be an important part of the Party's political building and theoretical training of Party members and officials at the moment, said Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, during a CPC Central Committee meeting on the matter.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting, attended by other senior leaders including Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli.

Liu read a decision by the CPC Central Committee on studying Hu's selected works, which asked all Party members to fully recognize the significance and necessity of reading the works and strive to grasp its essence.

Like the selected works of former CPC leaders Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin, Hu's works offer "a set of important and systematic teaching materials" for summarizing the practices and successful experiences of the Chinese people under the CPC leadership, Xi said.

The publication is important for firming up the belief of all Party members and Chinese people of all ethnic groups to march forward along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi added.

He called on Party committees at various levels to organize studies to ensure Party members improve their performance through the process.

The publication by the People's Publishing House, consists of three volumes and collects 242 selected works by Hu dating from June 1988 to November 2012.

Xi said Hu's selected works have recorded the historical process during which the Party's Central Committee with Hu as general secretary has upheld and developed socialism with Chinese characteristics, and represent a major theoretical achievement in integrating the basic principles of Marxism with the actual conditions of contemporary China and the features of the times.

Xi stressed that between 2002 to 2012, the Party's Central Committee with Hu as general secretary has laid solid foundation for building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way and enhanced the socialism with Chinese characteristics into a new development stage.

Xi said like Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Important Thought of Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development is also an important part of the Party's guiding ideology and must be upheld and implemented in a long run.

He called for advancing reforms in all fields with greater courage and wisdom, targeting on improving the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and modernizing the state governance system and governance capability.

We must focus on improving the Party's governance capacity and maintaining the Party's progressive nature to resolve various problems facing the Party, Xi said.

The Party must never stop seeking the truth and achieving innovation in theories and practice to cope with the changing world and times, according to Xi.

Speaking at the meeting, Premier Li asked various authorities to attach great importance to studying Hu's selected works, grasp the "connotation, essence and requirements" of the Scientific Outlook on Development and earnestly apply the new development concept.

Senior Party officials, officials from the top legislature, national political advisory body, judicial system and the military, leading officials of central authorities and Beijing city, as well as representatives of China's non-communist parties attended the meeting.
GAZA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- One Palestinian was killed and three others wounded on Thursday when an underground tunnel collapsed in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun, close to the borders with Israel, medics said.

Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of Hamas-run ministry in Gaza, told reporters that 30-year-old Ahmed Mayatt was killed and three others wounded when the tunnel collapsed while they were inside it.

Local sources said the four are militants, members in Islamic Hamas movement's armed wing. The movement hasn't confirmed if Mayatt and his colleagues are Hamas members.

Israel accused Hamas and other military groups in Gaza of digging tunnels used for attacking Israel.

Since the beginning of this year, more than 20 Palestinians, most of them Hamas members, were killed in tunnels collapses.

Israel in the summer of 2014 waged a large-scale military air and ground offensive for 50 days on the Gaza Strip aiming at weakening Hamas-led Gaza militants and destroying tunnels used for waging attacks into Israel.

The Israeli offensive ended after Egypt brokered a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas-led Gaza militants, leaving around 2,200 Palestinians and 70 Israelis killed.
Rescue workers gather outside the Hoboken station in New Jersey, the United States, Sept. 29, 2016. At least three persons were killed and more than 100 injured, many critically, when a tansit train crashed into Hoboken station, New Jersey on Thursday morning, officials and medical examiners said. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least three persons were killed and more than 100 injured, many critically, when a tansit train crashed into Hoboken station, New Jersey on Thursday morning, officials and medical examiners said.

The train "went right through the barriers and into the reception area," Radio station WFAN reported.

Pictures on social media show that the station roof has collapsed amid extensive damage due to the crash.

Jennifer Nelson, a New Jersey transit spokeswoman said there were around 250 passengers on the train at the time of the crash.

The incident took place just before 9:00 am local time (1300 GMT) during the rush hour when many riders were on board the train.

Hoboken station, which sits 11 kilometers outside New York city, is a hub for commuters to switch for Manhattan.

Minutes after the crash, the Hoboken police chief told local media that there might be "mass casualties".

The cause of the incident was not immediately clear. But several U.S. federal rail officials told NBC that early signs indicate the Hoboken train crash was accidental, not terrorism.

All rail services have been suspended in and out of Hoboken after the crash.
Turkish police look on during a protest in Diyarbakir on September 9, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua)

ANKARA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said here Thursday that the government was preparing to extend the state of emergency for another three months, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Erdogan said the current three-month state of emergency, imposed following the July 15 coup attempt, was not enough.

Turkey needs more time to clean all extensions of Gulenists and Kurdistan Workers' Party terrorist organizations, Erdogan said. He was referring to Fethullah Gulen, a cleric accused of masterminding the coup attempt.

He noted that the state of emergency does not affect daily life in Turkey and is only for fighting terrorism more effectively.

According to the Turkish constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum of six months.

Erdogan criticized opponents to the state of emergency in Turkey and abroad, saying no one has the right to intervene in Turkey's domestic affairs.

On Wednesday, Turkish National Security Council proprosed an extension of the state of emergency beyond the initial three-month period.
MADRID, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- About 561 million international tourist arrivals were registered between January and June this year, up 4.0 percent year-on-year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) confirmed Thursday.

The first six months this years saw 21 million more international tourists than in the same period in 2015, according to the UNWTO.

There was a 9.0-percent rise in Asia and the Pacific and a 4.0-percent increase in the Americas, where Central and South America performed strongly.

Europe saw a 3.0-percent rise, although results were better in some countries than others, while Africa performed well with a growth rate of 5.0 percent, although most of that came from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Meanwhile, North Africa continued to struggle amid safety fears, while safety fears also led to an estimated 9-percent drop in visitors to the Middle East.

"Tourism has proved to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges," said UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.

He added that although "safety and security are key pillars of tourism development," it was "no time to build walls or point fingers; it is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility."

UNWTO highlighted that China remained the world's main source market and Chinese travelers continued to experience "double-digit" growth in expenditure. Estimates for the first quarter of the year pointed to a rise of over 20 percent in spending by Chinese tourists, something that UNWTO considered a benefit to "destinations in the region and beyond."
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong (2nd L) and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo (2nd R) attend a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sept. 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Sovannara)

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia hosted a reception on Thursday evening to mark the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China which falls on Oct. 1.

The event was attended by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo as well as some 300 guests including Cambodian government officials, royal members, senior military officers, politicians, foreign diplomats and Chinese business people.

In his welcoming speech, Xiong said over the past 67 years, China had made remarkable achievements, becoming the second largest economy and the largest trading nation in the world.

"China remains a major engine of global economic growth," he said. "On Oct. 1, the Chinese yuan will officially join the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Right basket."

Speaking about Sino-Cambodian relations, the ambassador said the ties, jointly forged and carefully nurtured by King Father Norodom Sihanouk and older generations of Chinese leaders, has withstood the test of time and international vicissitudes and grown stronger and deeper in both peoples' hearts.

"The two sides have become friendly neighbors, amicable brothers, good friends and partners who share weal and woe," he said. "China will firmly support the Cambodia's effort in upholding sovereignty and independence, pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions, promoting growth and improving people's livelihood."

Xiong also highlighted fruitful results of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

He said China is the largest source of foreign direct investment in Cambodia with the accumulated investment of 12 billion U.S. dollars from 1994 to June 2016.

On the trade front, in the first half of 2016, the two-way trade reached 2.34 billion U.S. dollars, a 10.2 percent growth year-on-year.

"We are confident to achieve the target of 5-billion-U.S.-dollar bilateral trade volume by 2017," the ambassador said.

On the tourism side, Xiong said from January to July this year, some 444,900 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia, up 12.4 percent year-on-year. There are 35 direct flights to-and-fro between the two countries every day.

Addressing to the guests at the reception, Hor Namhong congratulated China on the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"Although China has been experiencing slower economic growth in recent years, it remains, as the second largest economy in the world, a major engine of global economic growth," he said.

He said the visionary China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will not only strengthen economy, trade and investment, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges between the Southeast Asian nations and China, but also benefit the Central Asian, African and European countries.

Commenting on the bilateral relations, Hor Namhong, who is the ex-foreign minister, said that Cambodia was proud of the remarkable development of bilateral cooperation with China in all fields, particularly in politics, economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

"I am in firm belief that in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect and equality, the close and friendly relations between Cambodia and China will be further enhanced," he said.
BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday voiced support for the Philippine government's efforts to crack down on drug-related crimes, despite criticism by some countries and human rights organizations of drug-related killings in the Southeast Asian country.

While countries and organizations including the European Union (EU) parliament, the United States, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) expressed concern over the number of people killed in the Philippines' anti-drug campaign, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said in a recent response that he was just the "scapegoat" of human rights organizations and invited them to investigate drug-related killings in his country.

"We understand and support the Philippine government under Duterte's administration in cracking down on drug-related crimes as its policy," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing.

He said that drugs are the shared enemy of mankind and cracking down on drug-related crimes is the shared responsibility of all countries.

The Chinese government has always been firmly committed to combating drug-related crime and has made remarkable achievements. China is also a main force in fighting drug crimes globally, according to Geng.

China stands ready to engage with the Philippines in fighting drugs and making joint action plans for cooperation, he said.
LONDON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) announced Thursday that it has signed all final agreements for the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project, and a suite of agreements relating to the projects of Sizewell C and Bradwell B, with French energy company EDF and the British government.

This means that all the necessary government and commercial approvals have been completed for Hinkley Point C project and the flagship project of the "golden era" for China-Britain relations can now move forward after two months of delay.

This follows the Britain's decision to proceed with the project following a comprehensive review and revised agreement with EDF.

During a signing ceremony in London, British Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark, chairman and CEO of EDF Jean-Bernard Levy, and the chairman of CGN He Yu signed the final documentation to enable Hinkley Point C to go ahead.

"Signing the contract is a crucial moment in the UK's first new nuclear power station for a generation and follows new measures put in place by government to strengthen security and ownership," said Clark.

"Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear power stations like Hinkley play an important part in ensuring our future low-carbon energy security," he added.

At the same time, the agreements will also enable preparatory work to begin on Bradwell B, allowing CGN to put its HPR1000 technology through Britain's generic design assessment (GDA) process.

The Hinkley Point C project is located in Somerset and is a joint project between CGN and EDF in which CGN will have a 33.5 percent interest. According to the final investment agreement, construction of HPC can now commence with completion expected in 2025.

The proposed Bradwell B project will be located in Essex, subject to the HPR1000 design receiving GDA approval, and will consist of two HPR1000 reactors each with an output of 1.15 gigawatt. CGN will have a 66.5 percent interest in Bradwell with the remainder held by EDF.

HPR1000 is based on leading third generation nuclear technology and is China's nuclear technology of choice for export. CGN's Fangchenggang Unit 3, currently under construction in southern China, will be the reference plant for Bradwell B.
Photo taken on Oct. 4, 2015 shows an aerial night view of Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Billionaire investor George Soros was found to have invested in China's fifth biggest state-owned lender, which raised a public uproar as many still remembered that Soros has never stopped bad-mouthing China's economy.

The dramatic scenario taught investors a lesson that judging Chinese economy needs to keep a cool headed mind for an objective conclusion rather than believing in the interest-driven Soros. To benefit from Chinese economic transition, investors should abandon the habit of being a copycat, and instead cultivate the ability of judging and behaving independently.

In fact, China's economic fundamentals for long-term economic growth remain sound no matter how foreign forces with ulterior motives hype up China's economic weakness.

For the longer term, the Chinese economy has intrinsic tenacity, huge potential and ample leeway, as Chinese government has been persisting with a proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy, while pushing the supply-side structural reforms.

For the near term, both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have said that China's economic outlook is positive, with an expected growth rate as high as 6.6 percent this year, which is only a dream for many countries to achieve.

To lead the market for the benefit of himself and achieve profitability, it is understandable that the billionaire creates a volatile atmosphere and misleads other investors. The gap between his words and deeds depend on the rule and regulation of the investment market, and is also based on China's economic fundamentals.

Meanwhile, the complexity and diversity, which are rooted in the economic transition where engines are iterating and dynamics are changing, may have confused those "super players," making them lag behind changeable situations.

On the other hand, China's economic transition from traditional to new engines takes time. China's economy faces such problems such as high and rising corporate debts, structural excess capacity and an increasingly large, opaque and interconnected financial sector. However, China is not facing a banking crisis, and still sees a high ratio of funding from deposit.

Moreover, the Chinese leadership is determined to conduct the reform, the fiscal and financial sectors have ample tools and resources to apply, and the Chinese economy enjoys great room for maneuver and endogenous dynamic.

In such a context, China's economy will never be reduced to a wonderland for speculators and adventurers. Only those visionaries who are good at discovering new economies and exploring new dynamics can grasp opportunities and share prosperity arising from the Chinese growth.
PARIS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Paris Motor Show opened its doors to media on Thursday, attracting auto manufacturers from the world that showed off their electric vehicles.

In the 2016 version of the international auto exhibition, global car makers displayed their new electric products and cars with low-gas emissions in order to meet tougher requirements for fleet average emissions and mileage.

"The Paris show kicks off manufacturers farewell from diesel," German auto expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer was quoted by local media.

During press day on Thursday, Volkswagen, which is already under fire for cheating on its polluting emission levels, vowed to "develop and make more than an additional 30 electric vehicles by 2025."

With that aim, the German manufacturer raised the curtain on its fully electric I.D vehicle, a battery-powered compact which will serve as the basis for models with an all-electric range up to 600 km.

More than 230 brands from 19 countries are participating in the international auto exhibition from Sept. 29 to Oct. 16.

The biannual show will open to the public from Oct. 1.
Photo taken on Sept. 29, 2016 shows the Hoboken station in New Jersey, the United States. At least one person was killed and more than 100 people were injured when a tansit train crashed into Hoboken station, New Jersey on Thursday morning, with multiple passengers still trapped in the wreckage, said emergency responders and local media. (Xinhua/Li Changxiang)

HOBOKEN, N.J., the United States, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least three persons were killed and more than 100 injured, many critically, when a tansit train crashed into Hoboken station, New Jersey on Thursday morning, officials and medical examiners said.

The train "went right through the barriers and into the reception area," Radio station WFAN reported.

Pictures on social media show that the station roof has collapsed amid extensive damage due to the crash.

Photo taken on Sept. 29, 2016 shows the Hoboken station in New Jersey, the United States. At least one persons were killed and more than 100 people were injured when a tansit train crashed into Hoboken station, New Jersey on Thursday morning, with multiple passengers still trapped in the wreckage, said emergency responders and local media. (Xinhua/Li Changxiang)

Jennifer Nelson, a New Jersey transit spokeswoman said there were around 250 passengers on the train at the time of the crash.

The incident took place just before 9:00 am local time (1300 GMT) during the rush hour when many riders were on board the train.

Hoboken station, which sits 11 kilometers outside New York city, is a hub for commuters to switch for Manhattan.

Rescue workers gather outside the Hoboken station in New Jersey, the United States, Sept. 29, 2016. At least one person was killed and more than 100 people were injured when a tansit train crashed into Hoboken station, New Jersey on Thursday morning, said emergency responders and local media. (Xinhua/Li Changxiang)

Minutes after the crash, the Hoboken police chief told local media that there might be "mass casualties."

The cause of the incident was not immediately clear. But several U.S. federal rail officials told NBC that early signs indicate the Hoboken train crash was accidental, not terrorism.
NICOSIA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon kept up his pressure on leaders of the Cypriot communities to make good on their promises to try to end the 42-year long division of Cyprus, according to media reports on Thursday.

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey occupied its northern part, in reaction to a coup by the military rulers of Greece, and moved Turkish Cypriots from all over the island into the enclave controlled by Turkish troops.

Ban was reported to have telephoned Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on Wednesday, days after he met them in person in New York.

He reportedly urged them to stick to their intensified negotiations to reach a solution agreement by the end of this year.

Cypriot government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides told state radio on Thursday that Ban, in his call to Anastasiades, expressed satisfaction with the results of his meeting with the two leaders on Sunday at the UN Headquarters.

"The secretary general repeated his readiness to get involved more energetically (in efforts to solve the problem) at any stage of the process if asked to do so by the leaders," Christodoulides said.

He also said that the dates for the upcoming meetings of Anastasiades and Akinci are expected to be announced either soon with the agenda of the negotiations.

Anastasiades returned to Cyprus on Wednesday night after talks on the Cyprus problem in London with British Prime Minister Theresa May and in Paris with French President Francois Hollande.

Britain, the former colonial power and also a guarantor power for Cyprus along with Turkey and Greece, has traditionally taken the initiative in moves for a Cyprus solution in the UN Security Council and the European Union.
KIEV, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on late Wednesday has welcomed the results of a preliminary investigation into the crash of the flight MH17 unveiled by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

"Thereby, we have solid proof of whom to blame for this dreadful crime and who bears full responsibility for the terrorist attack," Poroshenko was quoted as saying by his press service.

He has expressed Kiev's gratitude to the JIT investigators for the "independent and objective" determination of all circumstances of the incident.

Ukraine is ready to continue cooperation with the JIT to further investigate the crash and bring all of its perpetrators to justice, Poroshenko stressed.

Earlier on Wednesday, JIT, consisting of representatives of the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine, announced that the airplane had been hit by an anti-aircraft Buk missile from the territory in Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian insurgents.

The JIT said during an online press conference that it has managed to collect data, including tapped phone calls, pictures and video, proving that the Buk was brought to Ukraine from Russia and then transferred back after the missile launch.

Commenting on the results of the investigation, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia considers it "biased and politically motivated" as Moscow was suspended from the investigative process.

The Boeing 777-200, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, went down on July 17, 2014, near Grabove village over the conflict zone in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. All 298 people on board died, most of them Dutch citizens.
LONDON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) announced Thursday that it has signed all final agreements for the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project, and a suite of agreements relating to the projects of Sizewell C and Bradwell B, with French energy company EDF and the British government.

This means that all the necessary government and commercial approvals have been completed for Hinkley Point C project and the flagship project of the "golden era" for China-Britain relations can now move forward after two months of delay. This follows the Britain's decision to proceed with the project following a comprehensive review and revised agreement with EDF.

At the same time, the agreements will also enable preparatory work to begin on Bradwell B, allowing CGN to put its HPR1000 technology through Britain's generic design assessment (GDA) process.

During a signing ceremony in London, British Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark, chairman and CEO of EDF Jean-Bernard Levy, and the chairman of CGN He Yu signed the final documentation to enable Hinkley Point C to go ahead.

"Signing the contract is a crucial moment in the UK's first new nuclear power station for a generation and follows new measures put in place by government to strengthen security and ownership," said Clark.

"Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear power stations like Hinkley play an important part in ensuring our future low-carbon energy security," he added.

The Hinkley Point C project is located in Somerset and is a joint project between CGN and EDF in which CGN will have a 33.5 percent interest. According to the final investment agreement, construction of HPC can now commence with completion expected in 2025.

The proposed Bradwell B project will be located in Essex, subject to the HPR1000 design receiving GDA approval, and will consist of two HPR1000 reactors each with an output of 1.15 gigawatts. CGN will have a 66.5 percent interest in Bradwell with the remainder held by EDF.

HPR1000 is based on leading third generation nuclear technology and is China's nuclear technology of choice for export. CGN's Fangchenggang Unit 3, currently under construction in southern China, will be the reference plant for Bradwell B.

According to the agreement, CGN will officially submit the HPR1000 for GDA approval. The GDA process is the world's strictest nuclear technology review. CGN will file the GDA application to the British government immediately, and aims to complete the approval process within five years.

CGN's chairman He said that the signing of a package of investment agreements in Britain's nuclear power projects means that CGN has the strength to compete with international nuclear giants.

"The signing of these agreements signifies CGN's commitment to the UK as one of the world's leading developers and operators of nuclear power. This flagship program is a triple win for China, Britain, and France and is a culmination of years of cooperation between the three countries. CGN looks forward to providing UK consumers with safe, reliable and sustainable energy and maximizing opportunities for UK suppliers and the UK workforce," he said.

As the first new nuclear power project in Britain for more than 20 years, the Hinckley C nuclear power project represents a restart of the British nuclear power industry and paves the way for other new nuclear power projects in the country.

Britain is accelerating its transition towards a low-carbon economy with the goal of generating 25 percent of its energy requirements from renewable, sustainable sources. The three nuclear projects together form an important element in achieving that ambition.

The construction of Hinkley Point C project alone will provide over 25,000 employment opportunities which will benefit France and Britain's nuclear power industry supply chain, as well as provide skills training.

After completion, it will provide 7 percent of Britain's energy needs, delivering secure and affordable low-carbon electricity for 60 years.
NAIROBI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank said Thursday economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to fall further to 1.6 percent in 2016.

According to Africa Pulse, the World Bank's twice-yearly analysis of economic trends and data for the region that was released in Nairobi, the sharp decline in aggregate growth reflects challenging economic conditions in the region's largest economies and commodity exporters.

Many of these countries continue to face headwinds from low commodity prices, tight financial conditions, and domestic policy uncertainties. Economic activity has been notably weak across oil exporters, says the analysis.

It says while several nations are registering a sharp slippage in economic growth, some others like Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania have continued to post annual average growth rates of over 6 percent. Several countries -- including Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal -- have become top performers.

Punam Chuhan-Pole, Lead Economist for World Bank Africa and the report's author, said improving agricultural productivity is key to fostering structural transformation and managing the urban transition by increasing incomes and enabling more people to move out of agriculture.

"Improving the productivity of smallholder farms is central to lifting rural incomes and reducing poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa," said Chuhan-Pole.

"But unleashing this productivity requires investing in rural public goods such as rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and use of improved technologies, as well as in availability of good data and evidence."

By boosting agricultural productivity, countries will not only raise the incomes of farm households, but will also lower food costs and promote development of agro-industry.

The analysis recommends African countries take urgent steps to adjust to low commodity prices, address economic vulnerabilities, and develop new sources of sustainable, inclusive growth.
India's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh (L) briefs media about the attack conducted by Indian military in New Delhi, India, Sept. 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Stringer)

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday summoned Indian high commissioner in Islamabad, Gautam Bambawale, to Foreign Office and lodged a strong protest over the killing of two soldiers by Indian troop fires at Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan controlled Kashmir, local Urdu TV Channel Geo reported.

Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry handed over the protest note to the Indian envoy, strongly condemning the unprovoked firing across the LoC, Geo TV quoted officials from the Foreign Office as saying.

Pakistan had sought a prompt reply from the Indian authorities over their forces' violation of the ceasefire at the LoC.

Bambawale was summoned after Indian forces opened fire at the LoC, which started at 2:30 a.m. and lasted till 6:30 a.m. local time on Thursday and killed two Pakistani soldiers.

Earlier in the day, India's Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh claimed that Indian forces entered Pakistan on the other side of LoC and carried out deadly "surgical strikes" on Wednesday night, however Pakistan army rejected the claims.

There have been no surgical strikes by India, instead there has been fire along the LoC to the east of Pakistan initiated and conducted by India, a spokesman of the Pakistani military said.

The Pakistani Foreign Office also issued a statement and said, "Pakistan strongly condemns unprovoked ceasefire violations at the LoC by Indian forces, which is a continuation of a pattern of ceasefire violations committed by the Indian forces. The valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan have given and will continue to give a befitting response to any aggression."

"We can assure India that any such aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished. Pakistan is ready to defend its people and territory from any Indian aggression or Indian State sponsored terrorism on the Pakistani soil," the statement added.

The LoC is seen as a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts. The LoC is heavily guarded by military on both sides. Kashmir is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.

Tension between the two states escalated after an attack at a military camp in Indian controlled Kashmir on Sept. 18, which killed at least 17 Indian soldiers. India said Pakistan was responsible for the attack, saying that the attackers infiltrated into the Kashmir from the Pakistani side, but Pakistan denied the accusation.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) shakes hands with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Sept. 29, 2016. Duterte is on a two-day official visit to Vietnam. (Xinhua/VNA)

HANOI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang met his Filipino counterpart Rodrigo Duterte here on Thursday and the two sides vowed to deepen strategic partnership in the coming time.

The Filipino guest said during their meeting that his country attaches importance to ties with Vietnam and ready to boost all-round cooperation with Vietnam.

Quang, for his part, welcomed Filipino investors in Vietnam in areas of agriculture, food processing, and tourism. He also urged the Philippine side to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese investors to join infrastructure, oil and gas exploration and exploitation, mining and other services in the Philippines.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation on rice trade in the coming time. Vietnam pledges to provide stable and long-term rice shipments to the Philippines, reported the e-Portal of the Vietnamese government.

Quang and Duterte also consented to further boost effectiveness of current collaboration mechanisms, bolster education, training and research ties, as well as share experience on participation of the United Nations peacekeeping force.

Two leaders also agreed that two countries' security agencies will share information, experience and cooperate in fighting all kinds of crimes such as terrorists, hi-tech crimes, drug and human trafficking among others.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, Vietnam and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security, and stability in the region.

The two leaders called for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law.

On the same day, the visiting Philippine president paid a courtesy call on General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, and met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Duterte is touring Vietnam from Wednesday to Thursday at the invitation of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang.
LISBON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's unemployment rate rose to 11 percent in August, the country's National Institute of Statistics revealed on Thursday, up from 10.9 percent of the previous month.

However, the unemployment rate has improved since August 2015 when the figure stood at 12.3 percent, according to an official statement.

The figures for July were revised down from 11.1 percent to 10.9 percent, according to the note.

The monthly increase in August was due to a rise in the unemployed population and a decrease in the employed population.

The unemployment figures for men were the same as for women, while youth unemployment increased 0.7 percentage points compared to the previous month and stood at 27.9 percent.

Portugal's ruling Socialist Party has been rolling back the austerity measures of the previous administration, and the country's unemployment target, as set in its stability program, is 11.4 percent for this year.
BRUSSELS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- European Commission Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip said on Thursday that Europe should not be afraid of data on its way to a digital single market.

"Data is the basis of our digital future and prosperity. Data will drive our competitiveness and economic growth," said Ansip in a speech that he delivered at the European Digital Assembly in Bratislava, Slovakia earlier the day.

Within the single market, data has to be able to move across national borders and in a single data space, otherwise the growth potential of the digital economy in Europe will be limited, said the official.

According to him, by the end of this year, the European Commission will have presented major initiatives to remove unnecessary restrictions and tackle legal issues in order to unleash the full potential of the digital single market.

"We will also look at legal issues surrounding data ownership and management, use and reuse of data, access to data -- to prevent any of them from stifling innovation," he added.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday that "maritime transport is the backbone of global trade and the global economy," and "low-cost and efficient maritime transport has an essential role to play in growth and sustainable development."

Ban made the statement in his message to World Maritime Day, which is observed annually on Sept. 29. The World Day's theme this year is "Shipping: indispensable to the world."

"The importance of shipping in supporting and sustaining today's global society makes it indispensable to the world, and to meeting the challenge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," he said, referring to the Agenda which was approved by world leaders in September last year to serve as the blueprint for the global development efforts for the next 15 years.

"Everybody in the world benefits from shipping, yet few people realise it. We ship food, technology, medicines, and memories," Ban said. "As the world's population continues to grow, particularly in developing countries, low-cost and efficient maritime transport has an essential role to play in growth and sustainable development."

Shipping helps ensure that the benefits of trade and commerce are more evenly spread, he said. "No country is entirely self-sufficient, and every country relies on maritime trade to sell what it has and buy what it needs. Much of what we use and consume in our everyday lives either has been or will be transported by sea, in the form of raw materials, components or finished articles."

"The jobs and livelihoods of billions of people in the developing world, and standards of living in the industrialized and developed world, depend on ships and shipping," he noted. "The shipping industry has played an important part in the dramatic improvements in global living standards that have taken millions of people out of acute poverty in recent years."

"It will be just as critical for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the plan agreed by all global leaders last year for people, peace, planet prosperity and partnership," he said. "Yet the vast majority of people are unaware of the key role played by the shipping industry, which is largely hidden from view."

On the theme this year, the secretary-general said, "The theme focuses on the critical link between shipping and the everyday lives of people all over the planet. The International Maritime Organization plays a vital role as the international regulatory body for an industry that spans the globe."

In a separate message to mark the Day, the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IOM), Kitack Lim, highlighted that shipping has a major role to play in translating the momentum generated by the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement on climate change into tangible improvements in the lives of people.

"In today's economy, people all over the world rely on ships to transport the commodities, fuel, foodstuffs, goods and products on which they depend. Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and global markets," he said.

"Ships have never been so technically advanced, so sophisticated, never carried so much cargo, never been safer and never been so environment-friendly as they are today," Lim said. "It is thanks to this global fleet and global workforce of over one million seafarers that the import and export of goods on the scale necessary to sustain the modern world can take place."

"But, if the benefits of globalization are to be evenly spread, all countries must be able to play a full and active part in shipping," he added.

World Maritime Day focuses on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work.

The United Nations, via IOM, created World Maritime Day to celebrate the international maritime industry's contribution toward the world's economy, especially in shipping. The event's date varies by year and country but it is always in the last week of September.

World Maritime Day was first observed on March 17, 1978 to mark the date of the IMO Convention's entry into force in 1958.
Photo taken on Sept. 22, 2015 shows an offshore platform for pile sinking in Rudong offshore windpower project of China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) in Rudong County of Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

LONDON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) announced Thursday that it has signed all final agreements for the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project, and a suite of agreements relating to the projects of Sizewell C and Bradwell B, with French energy company EDF and the British government.

This means that all the necessary government and commercial approvals have been completed for Hinkley Point C project and the flagship project of the "golden era" for China-Britain relations can now move forward after two months of delay. This follows the Britain's decision to proceed with the project following a comprehensive review and revised agreement with EDF.

At the same time, the agreements will also enable preparatory work to begin on Bradwell B, allowing CGN to put its HPR1000 technology through Britain's generic design assessment (GDA) process.

During a signing ceremony in London, British Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark, chairman and CEO of EDF Jean-Bernard Levy, and the chairman of CGN He Yu signed the final documentation to enable Hinkley Point C to go ahead.

"Signing the contract is a crucial moment in the UK's first new nuclear power station for a generation and follows new measures put in place by government to strengthen security and ownership," said Clark.

"Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear power stations like Hinkley play an important part in ensuring our future low-carbon energy security," he added.

The Hinkley Point C project is located in Somerset and is a joint project between CGN and EDF in which CGN will have a 33.5 percent interest. According to the final investment agreement, construction of HPC can now commence with completion expected in 2025.

The proposed Bradwell B project will be located in Essex, subject to the HPR1000 design receiving GDA approval, and will consist of two HPR1000 reactors each with an output of 1.15 gigawatts. CGN will have a 66.5 percent interest in Bradwell with the remainder held by EDF.

HPR1000 is based on leading third generation nuclear technology and is China's nuclear technology of choice for export. CGN's Fangchenggang Unit 3, currently under construction in southern China, will be the reference plant for Bradwell B.

According to the agreement, CGN will officially submit the HPR1000 for GDA approval. The GDA process is the world's strictest nuclear technology review. CGN will file the GDA application to the British government immediately, and aims to complete the approval process within five years.

CGN's chairman He said that the signing of a package of investment agreements in Britain's nuclear power projects means that CGN has the strength to compete with international nuclear giants.

"The signing of these agreements signifies CGN's commitment to the UK as one of the world's leading developers and operators of nuclear power. This flagship program is a triple win for China, Britain, and France and is a culmination of years of cooperation between the three countries. CGN looks forward to providing UK consumers with safe, reliable and sustainable energy and maximizing opportunities for UK suppliers and the UK workforce," he said.

As the first new nuclear power project in Britain for more than 20 years, the Hinckley C nuclear power project represents a restart of the British nuclear power industry and paves the way for other new nuclear power projects in the country.

Britain is accelerating its transition towards a low-carbon economy with the goal of generating 25 percent of its energy requirements from renewable, sustainable sources. The three nuclear projects together form an important element in achieving that ambition.

The construction of Hinkley Point C project alone will provide over 25,000 employment opportunities which will benefit France and Britain's nuclear power industry supply chain, as well as provide skills training.

After completion, it will provide 7 percent of Britain's energy needs, delivering secure and affordable low-carbon electricity for 60 years.
Refugees wait for boarding buses at the informal camp of Idomeni on the border with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on May 26, 2016.(Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

by Zhao Xiaona, Pang Yuwei

BRUSSELS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The European Union(EU)looks unlikely to be able to complete its plan to relocate 160,000 refugees from Greece and Italy by September 2017, as figures released on Wednesday show that only 5,651 refugees have been relocated by far.

According to the Sixth Report on Relocation and Resettlement released by the European Commission, September recorded 1,202 relocations, the highest monthly number since the relocation scheme's entry into force in September 2015.

However, since last reporting date of July 12, 2016, 7,300 people have arrived in Greece, 52,656 people have arrived in Italy.

The comparison indicated that the pressure in these "frontline" countries keeps increasing and the EU measures are lagging far behind.

With the continuous arrival of migrants in Italy and the still challenging humanitarian situation in Greece, relocation remains crucial to alleviate the pressure in these countries, the European Commission said.

The report said a total of 4,455 refugees were relocated from Greece and 1,196 from Italy. France has taken in the lion's share of refugees from Greece, relocating 1,721, and a further 231 from Italy. The Netherlands has taken in a combined total of 726 refugees, and Finland 690.

To meet the refugee commitment made by the EU, its member states will have to take in a further 154,349 people in the next year. Currently, around 60,500 refugees are still in Greece awaiting relocation, around 13,800 on the islands and around 46,700 persons on its mainland.

With regard to the resettlement, not a half of the EU's pledge, which is to offer legal and safe pathways to 22,504 people before September 2017, has been fulfilled, according to the report.

The good news is the implementation of the EU-Turkey deal has continued after the attempted coup in July.

The European Commission said an additional 1,071 Syrian refugees have been resettled from Turkey between June and Sept. 27, tripling the number of people resettled and bringing the total number from Turkey under the EU-Turkey deal to 1,614.

Even so, it is widely believed that the EU will probably break its promise as the dissatisfactions on the schemes are gaining ground in the bloc.

Austria has not submitted any pledge at all and since April Poland has not taken forward the implementation of its pledges and has not pledged nor relocated any applicant, the report said.

Hungary, another example, is planning an October referendum on the EU migration policy, which insists on sharing out the numbers of refugees entering the bloc.

"Quotas today clearly divide the EU, therefore I think they are politically finished," Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said earlier this week, which caused criticisms from EU institutions.

As always, the EU reiterated its call for further action to accelerate the implementation of the relocation and resettlement schemes.
BEIRUT, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian said China has provided aid worth 550 million yuan (83 million U.S. dollars) to the country since 2010.

His remarks came at a reception in Beruit on Wednesday to celebrate the incoming 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

China has also provided humanitarian aid worth 45 million yuan (6.8 million U.S. dollars) and two million U.S. dollars in cash to help the Lebanese government shelter the Syrian refugees in the country, the ambassador said.

Meanwhile, he said Lebanon could play a unique role in China's Belt and Road initiative.

"Lebanon, despite its small area, has great potential in trade, banking, media and publishing," Wang said.

On peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, he said, China has so far sent 410 troops to the country.

The year 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Lebanon.

According to the ambassador, delegations from the two countries have paid a number of mutual visits for training and study in 2016. E
ACCRA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's anti-corruption body said here on Thursday that it had cleared President John Mahama of corruption, bribery and conflict of interest in connection with a Ford car gift.

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) Ghana said although it was satisfied that the gift in question contravened the Gifts Policy under the Code of Conduct, evidence showed that President Mahama subsequently surrendered the gift to the state.

A local radio station earlier reported that the president had accepted a Ford Expedition gift from a Burkinabe contractor, Djibiri Kanazoe, who allegedly had won some contracts in Ghana.

In his response to queries from CHRAJ, the president maintained "he was not aware of the gift and when it was delivered to Ghana."

Nevertheless, he said when his attention was drawn to it, he instructed that it be added to the official Presidential fleet, CHRAJ said in a report.

The commission therefore concluded that the president's action did not amount to accepting a bribe, and the president was not culpable of conflict of interest, bribery or fraud in relation to the manner in which the vehicle was given to him, it added.
LAGOS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's electoral body on Thursday declared Godwin Obaseki of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the southern Edo State governorship election held on Wednesday.

The APC candidate polled 319,483 to defeat his closest rival, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), who scored 253,173 votes.

The Returning Officer, Kayode Soremekum, declared Obaseki as winner, having scored the highest valid votes.

Soremukum said there were 1,900,223 registered voters, while 662,039 of the registered voters were accredited. 613,244 voters cast their votes in the election, and 582,299 of the votes cast were recorded as valid.

The Edo governor-elect on Thursday promised to transform the economy of the state and empower the people.

Obaseki said his administration would create jobs, secure the state and ensure the welfare of the people.
by Keren Setton

JERUSALEM, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The complex legacy of Shimon Peres was all but set aside on Thursday as thousands of mourners made their ways to his coffin which lay in state at Israel's parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem.

Peres, a former president and prime minister, who won a shared Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his efforts to make peace with the Palestinians, was more often a controversial figure than a popular one.

Years of electoral failure earned him the nickname "loser."

His first electoral victory was in 2007 when he was elected by the Knesset to serve as Israel's president, a largely ceremonial role.

It was then that his popularity pivoted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Peres' personal and political history at a special cabinet meeting held hours after his death.

"The seven years of Shimon Peres' presidency were a rejuvenation. He won the public's bipartisan, cross-sector admiration. Love of the people was forthcoming and warmed his heart," said Netanyahu.

Itzik Weiss, a 64-year-old resident of the central Israeli city of Lod, came to Jerusalem to pay his respects to the former leader.

"He was a great man who did a lot for this country. He only did good things. He was just not appreciated. That's the problem," said Weiss.

Youngsters taking pictures with their mobile phones, elderly people walking slowly past the coffin, politicians from all sides of the Israeli political map and organized school groups, all were in line paying their respects for the Israeli statesman.

The somber mood was reflected by Israeli media which played quiet songs on the radio and dedicated hours of programming on the television news channels.

"In honoring Shimon Peres, we are really honoring ourselves, honoring the state of Israel and the accomplishments that this nation has made," said Avi Losice, a 55-year-old resident of Jerusalem who stood in the long line of mourners.

Israeli politics have become increasingly divisive in recent years.

In his last role as president, Peres dedicated much of his time to reaching many different parts of the Israeli society.

"He is an inseparable part of Israel. He is a piece of our history that we all need to respect even if we did not agree with his opinions, we just need to respect him," said Avshalom Abuksis.

Abuksis came with students from the southern Israeli city of Ofakim.

As Israel prepares for Peres' funeral on Friday, tens of world's leaders are expected to attend.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has also announced he will come to the burial ceremony.

Israeli and Palestinian officials have not met to negotiate a peace deal since talks broke down in April 2014.

Chances of a brief meeting between Netanyahu and Abbas at the funeral bringing to a thawing of the relationship are slim, but a handshake may be considered minor progress at a time when many exchanges between the two sides are violent.

This would come days after Netanyahu spoke at the United Nations General Assembly and invited Abbas to speak at the Israeli parliament.

Internationally, Peres was a much less controversial figure. In fact, he was quite popular and enjoyed the status of an elder statesmen, a father figure.

In the United States, President Barack Obama ordered the flags in government buildings to be lowered to half mast in honor of the former Israeli president. Obama is also expected to attend the funeral.

While in Israel Peres was considered for years to be too dovish by many, his ideas were widely accepted abroad.

He advocated the two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians long before it became almost mainstream for Israelis.

Although far from implementation, the idea that the Palestinians should be granted a state was considered taboo for many Israelis until several years ago.

Peres never relented on his peace efforts.

"Shimon devoted his life to our nation and to the pursuit of peace. He worked to his last days for peace and a better future for all," said Prime Minister Netanyahu in a special televised statement he recorded for Peres' death.

As thousands of Israelis waited patiently and passed through security checks to get a glimpse of Peres' coffin, the late leader's appeal became clear.

"He really appealed to everyone from every different country, every different background, and every different language. He respected everyone in the world," said Abby Silver, explaining why she felt the need to pay respects.

"I believed in his way and here we are -- we achieved nothing in the end. It's a shame people did not believe him 20 years ago," said Itzik Weiss as he left the grounds of the Knesset.

As violence continues to characterize the relations between Israel and its neighbors, the death of Peres highlights the gradual dissolution of his life-long dream. However, his death may also bring a small glimmer of hope for a possible reconciliation between the rivaling sides.
CAPE TOWN, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- An operation targeting corrupt immigration officials has led to the arrests of more than 100 people, South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba said on Thursday.

In July 2015, South Africa launched Operation Bvisa Masina to intensify the fight against fraud and corruption at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

In a swoop on Thursday, 20 DHA officials and six civilians were arrested in Bloemfontein, Free State Province, according to the minister.

The 26 people were apprehended during the operation, on charges relating to fraud and corruption, said the minister.

Corruption has a detrimental effect on the government's effort to deliver effective services to the people, Gigaba said.

"Today's arrests demonstrate in concrete terms the government's zero-tolerance for crime as well as South Africa's fight against corruption in both the private and public sector," he said.

Prior to Thursday's arrests, 83 people were arrested, of which, 42 were officials of the DHA.

Their arrests were for false documentation, bribery, aiding and abetting, impersonation, revenue theft and fraudulent violations relating to births, marriages and deaths, according to Gigaba.

The implicated DHA officials are usually suspended and subjected to disciplinary action.
by Mahmoud Fouly

CAIRO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Although Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has recently met in New York with U.S. presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, many Egyptian citizens don't seem to care as much as their leader does about who the next U.S. president will be.

"It does not matter who the next U.S. president is. They are all the same. It's the same policy with different faces," 42-year-old accountant Ahmed Mohamed told Xinhua in one of the main streets in Cairo downtown.

The lack of interest shown by many Egyptians is not out of the blue, as they had been disappointed in outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama after pinning hope on the man when he made his first address to the Muslim and Arab world from Cairo University in mid-2009 with the theme of "a new beginning."

They thought the U.S. policies with Arabs and Muslims that are based on interference and are always biased in favor of its number one Middle East ally Israel would change under Obama, but his eight years in the White House proved them wrong.

"We thought Obama was the closest to Arabs and Muslims due to his African origin and his promises, but he failed us," Mohamed lamented, adding that "although right-winger Trump seems more aggressive, Clinton would not be an angel."

Some Egyptians, like 28-year-old Taher Mahmoud, do not even know who the U.S. presidential candidates are or when the elections, scheduled for November, will be.

"I am not interested to know. I care only about my country. I know this is not good, but I am too busy with finding a job to care about the United States," Mahmoud said near a coffee shop at overcrowded King Faisal Street in Giza province.

Trump spoke out some anti-Muslim statements that are thought to be further promotion of American Islamophobia, which made many Egyptians think he would make "a racist president" if elected.

On the other hand, Clinton is not so favored by Egyptians due to her initial support of former long-time leader Hosni Mubarak ahead of an uprising that led to his ouster in February 2011.

Abdel-Aziz, a 50-year-old barber nicknamed Zizo, accused the U.S. administration of racism, referring to the recent violent issues between some American policemen and African-American citizens.

With regards to the U.S. ultimate support for Israel and how the Middle Eastern ally affects the U.S. presidential elections, Zizo expressed belief that "the next U.S. president, like his predecessors, is determined by the pro-Israel lobby in the U.S. Congress."

During Sisi's meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the Republican billionaire assured the Egyptian strongman that the United States will be "a loyal friend" to Egypt if he becomes president.

As for Clinton, she talked more with Sisi about rights, freedoms and civil society organizations and the Egyptian president explained how Egypt is working on building up a modern country that upholds the rule of law and respects human rights and liberties.

However, experts believe that neither Trump nor Clinton would make a drastic change in U.S. policy toward Egypt, despite the annual military aid of 1.3 billion dollars provided by the United States to the most populous Arab state.

Hani al-Gamal, head of Kenana Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said that whoever thinks Clinton or Trump will make a possible change in the U.S. policy toward Egypt is wrong, arguing that the U.S. has a fixed foreign policy and there are no main differences between the Republican and Democratic parties.

"The Egyptian people learned the lesson well. They previously bet on several U.S. presidents who sounded different, such as Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, but they lost in each time," the expert told Xinhua.
LAGOS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria is committed to the repatriation of looted funds stashed in foreign banks to boost the economy, Minister of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

Addressing a post-UN General Assembly news conference in Abuja, foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama said the government had earlier identified some countries where Nigeria's funds were stashed away and was working closely with them.

"A lot of countries where Nigeria's stolen money were lodged made restitution and are trying to repatriate the money," he said.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari held meetings with leaders of several countries, including U.S. President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister Theresa May, on the issue of repatriation, among others.

The minister told reporters that the world leaders pledged their commitment to ensure speedy repatriation of the funds to Nigeria.
WARSAW, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Participants of the sixth European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI) agreed Thursday in the Polish seaside resort of Sopot that the European Union (EU) currently undergoes a severe crisis and it urgently needs a deep and far-reaching reform.

The three-day event, which is attended by 1,000 guests and 140 speakers, centered around regaining public credibility by politicians involved in the European project.

Frans Timmermans, vice president of the European Commission, in his speech cited terrorism, globalization, migration and the economic crisis as the main challenges the EU is facing.

Janusz Lewandowski, member of the European Parliament, stressed that the EU finds itself in a difficult situation mainly because "the migrant crisis, populism and xenophobia proved that it cannot exist in its current form."

He added that its member states have to reinforce EU border security, impose more strict control over the influx of migrants and create a new institution, besides NATO, that would be better equipped to cope with outside threats.

Lewandowski also reminded that the possible failure of the euro would create serious disparities between countries within and those outside the Eurozone.

Elmar Brok, chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that the debate about the future of the European Union should also seriously take into account the idea of nation states.

"Cultural and national identity should not be regarded as contradictory with EU spirit. They both form an inherent part of its core values," he added.

Referring to the British decision to leave the EU, he said that the campaign of the voting was based on false assumptions, and had nothing to do with reality.

EFNI is an international meeting of the business milieus focusing on the future of Europe and its economy in the broad, global context.
OSLO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 700 surgeries in Norway have been postponed due to a hospital strike that entered the fourth week, newspaper Aftenposten reported on Thursday.

A total of 595 hospital employees from 15 Norwegian hospitals stopped working in a protest that has impact on thousands of patients.

Two of the hospitals reported that even children are among the patients that wait for treatment.

The heart of the conflict between trade union Akademikerne and employer association Spekter is the organization of working hours.

"The hospitals make a very good effort to limit the consequences for the patients as much as possible, but nothing could have been better than success in stopping the strike," Spekter's director Anne-Kari Bratten told Aftenposten.

On Tuesday, two more hospitals joined the strike -- Sykehus Innlandet and Helse More and Romsdal.

Norway's biggest health trust HF told Aftenposten that in the beginning of the week, they have "been forced to postpone 764 surgeries."

The patients had to be rejected and the people that had waited for a long time to be admitted would have to wait even longer.

According to the hospitals, this refers only to the planned surgeries. Cancer patients, emergency care and children should basically not be affected by the strike.

"We deeply regret that the talks with Akademikerne did not succeed, despite the fact that Spekter has offered a number of measures to meet them," Bratten said after unsuccessful negotiations on Tuesday.

Akademikerne, on the other side, has expressed surprise that the employers rejected a solution that it thinks is good both for the hospitals, employees and patients.

"Spekter ignores the message from an overall employee side that working hours beyond the limits of the Working Environment Act should be based on a collective system," Rune Froyland, Akademikerne's chief negotiator, told Aftenposten.

Norwegian Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Hoie expressed his hope that a quick solution will be achieved and the fewest possible number of patients will be affected.

"However, strike is a legal mean between parties in business and the Ministry of Health and Care does not have an employer role in the hospitals," he told Aftenposten.
HELSINKI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Finnish government is planning to establish special reception centers to relocate asylum seekers believed to be disruptive or problematic, Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported on Thursday.

The proposal was raised by a ministerial working group, as a part of the government's action plan to tackle security threats at reception centers.

The working group said that disturbances are relatively few at reception centers in Finland, but special attention should be paid to the group of people with disruptive risks to ensure security.

Earlier this week, the Finnish Association for Mental Health disclosed that cases of suicide attempts among refugees are increasing in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Erkki Matilainen, director of the working group, told Yle that the risks affect both those who are awaiting for asylum decisions and those who have received negative decisions.

Mental health problems are also potential risks to security situation at the reception centers.

According to Yle's report, the working group suggested that up to three special centers should be set up, equipped with police officers, security guards, social and health care workers and other professionals.

The new facilities would be operated in the same way as the regular reception centers without restrictions on movement. Meanwhile, officials would be authorized to formulate housing and check-in requirements on the residents, said the group.

The working group is considering where and how to set up the special centers. The final decision would be made at the end of this year, and the new centers are expected to open at the beginning of 2017, according to Yle.
RABAT, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A Moroccan fog harvesting project on Thursday won the 2016 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Momentum for Change Award, local media reported.

The project provides accessible potable water to more than 400 people in five villages, most of them women and children, the UNFCCC secretariat said in a press release.

Dar Si Hmad, a women-led NGO in Morocco, designed and installed what is now the world's largest operational fogwater harvesting system, the UNFCCC said.

"It is an innovative solution to persistent water stress where fog is abundant, a technique inspired from ancient water practices," it noted.

The project is a successful model of a locally-driven, participatory climate change adaptation initiative, providing an environmentally friendly water source to combat the effects of desertification, the UNFCCC said.

Each of the 13 winning activities touches on one of Momentum for Change's three focus areas: women for results, financing for climate friendly investment and ICT solutions.

All 13 will be showcased at a series of special events during the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, Morocco in November.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday that Brazil's economic recession is coming to an end, with growth expected to return in 2017, albeit at a low 0.5 percent.

"Growth should resume gradually in 2017. There are tentative signs that the recession is nearing its end," said the IMF in a statement, which stated it predicted a contraction of 3.3 percent in 2016 and growth of 0.5 percent in 2017.

"The projection is predicated on the assumption the fiscal spending cap and social security reform are approved in a reasonable timeframe, and the government will meet the proposed fiscal targets for 2016 and 2017," it continued.

According to the IMF, should these improvements be met, uncertainty should decline and investment should recover, leading to a return to growth starting in late 2016.

However, the institution warned that growth would be slow as "a more rapid recovery in economic activity is hampered by excess corporate leverage, high unemployment and weak balance sheets of households."

The IMF expressed its support for some of the moves taken by the new government of President Michel Temer, including its concessions and privatization program, improved governance for state-owned enterprises, and new management at Petrobras.
Photo taken on July 6, 2010 in a train leaving from Dar es Salaam, capital of Tanzania, shows a carriage of a train. In 1970s, tens of thousands of Chinese railway workers came here to build the 1,860-kilometer Tanzania-Zambia Railway, better known in East Africa as the TAZARA. (Xinhua/Guo Chunju)

DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has said it needs about 250 million U.S. dollars of investments in the short term and about 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in the long term in order to get back to peak performance.

Bruno Ching'andu, TAZARA Managing Director, on Wednesday called on private investors to partner with TAZARA in order to achieve the desired investments, a statement by the railway authority quoted the Managing Director as saying.

He said the two shareholding governments of Tanzania and Zambia are in the process of revising the legislation that established TAZARA in order to make the company more commercially viable and attractive to private players.

According to the statement, Ching'andu made these remarks when he made a presentation to the 7th East and Central Africa Roads and Rail Summit 2016 in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

"The private sector can take advantage of the public-private partnership (PPP) models to partner with us in the running of the Dar es Salaam commuter train managed by TAZARA, whose demand is massive and cannot be satisfied at the moment," he said.

He said TAZARA was also open to PPPs in the installation of the signalling and telecommunication systems, which had been vanadalized over the years and were currently non-existent.

He also highlighted PPP investment opportunities in TAZARA's quarries and workshops, which he pointed out as having huge potential but required re-investment in equipment.

Ching'andu said TAZARA has taken a number of measures in the last six months with a view to reclaiming the market share of the available cargo destined to or originating from Malawi, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Among the measures, he said TAZARA had transformed the application of freight rates by adopting a more flexible tariff regime that was responsive to macro-economic conditions and market trends.

"TAZARA's most desired goal was to make meaningful contributions to the development of the economies of Tanzania and Zambia," he said.

Over the years, TAZARA's passenger service operational levels had dropped drastically to the very minimum, where four trains per week with barely 455,000 passengers were transported in the 2014/2015 financial year, compared to ten years ago when the authority used to run six trains per week and convey more than 900,000 passengers annually.

TAZARA was constructed as a turnkey project between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan from China, with commercial operations starting in July 1976. It covers 1,860 kilometres from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.
BRUSSELS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- To mark the 400th anniversary of the deaths of Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare, a thematic exhibition opened in China Cultural Center in Brussels on Thursday night.

With the title of "Dialogue Across Time and Space -- Homage to Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare," the exhibition takes the Tang-Shakespeare conversation as an entry point.

It narrates the life story of Tang and his classics through sections of "The Era and the Legend", "Fantasy and Reality" and "Me@Tang", which lead visitors to a clash and integration of oriental and western cultures.

Virtual Reality(VR) technology has also been used to create an immerse sense of ancient Chinese culture. A lot of visitors itched for a try.

"You know what?! I dreamed to be in China again just now," Dominique Barea, a local resident who has been in Shanghai once, said excitedly: "There are old wooden architecture, delicate decorations, gentle and quiet Kun Qu...It's just cosy!"

Yan Zhenquan, director of the China Cultural Center in Brussels, hosted the the opening ceremony of the exhibition. Claire Chantrenne, musicologist and curator of the Asian Collections at the Museum of Music Instruments in Brussels also participated into the ceremony.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the deaths of Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare. The exhibition is scheduled to last till October 15.
DUBAI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said Thursday the UAE condemns U.S. Congress' overriding of a presidential veto of a bill targeting Saudi Arabia, UAE daily Gulf news reported.

Gargash said the move was a "dangerous precedent" in international law that undermines the principle of sovereign immunity and the future of sovereign investments in the United States.

Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama said the vote to override his veto of legislation allowing relatives of the victims of the 9/11 attacks to take legal actions against the government of Saudi Arabia under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (Jasta) a "mistake."

"The populism surrounding the Jasta law overcame the rationality required in matters of international law and investments. It will have long-term and serious implications," Gargash tweeted.

He added the move against Saudi Arabia in the U.S. was "unreasonable and demagogic." The kingdom, he added, had suffered itself "the most from extremism and terrorism."

"Our reactions at the legal and investment levels should not be hasty. Easing the damage requires focused and joint action. Logic and reason will always prevail," tweeted Gargash.

The UAE is Saudi Arabia's neighbor state and its closest political ally in the Middle East.
KHARTOUM, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sudan foreign ministry on Thursday described the report of Amnesty International, which contained accusations of Sudan's army of using chemical weapons in Darfur, as "fabricated and baseless."

"The foreign ministry would like to express its absolute rejection of the allegations of the report of Amnesty International and regard them as baseless and fabricated accusations," said Sudan's foreign ministry in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua.

"The report aims at crippling Sudan's efforts to complete the procession of peace and stability, realize economic development and enhance consensus and social harmony," added the statement.

The statement reiterated Sudan's commitment to the international convention on the prohibition of the production and use of chemical weapons as it is a signatory member of the convention since 1998.

Amnesty International on Thursday issued a report accusing the Sudanese army of killing dozens of civilians, including children, in attacks using chemical weapons in Sudan's Darfur.

According to Amnesty International, at least 30 likely chemical attacks have hit Jebel Marra between January and September this year, pointing out that the chemical weapon use it documented may have killed 200 to 250 people, with many or most being children.

The report, which came in over 100 pages, features satellite images of destroyed villages, over 200 survivor testimonies and photographs of children suffering from chemical burns.

Jebel Marra area had witnessed heavy fighting between the Sudanese army and the rebels of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)/Abdul-Wahid Mohamed Nur faction since the mid-January 2015 before the Sudanese army declared its control over the area last April.

The area was one of the strongholds of the SLM/Abdul-Wahid Mohamed Nur faction, located in Central Darfur state and covers an area of 12.800 square km.

It is the second highest mountain peak in Sudan as it stands more than 3,000 meters above sea level.
by Fuad Rajeh

SANAA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- "I don't think the word 'human' applies to the people in western Yemen who lack all basic services," Ibrahim Al-Kala'e said while describing the suffering in Hodeida province.

"All people living in the coastline areas don't have access to any basic services -- no food, no hospitals, no clean water, no education and no jobs," he said. "All we have is a highway."

Hodeida has the highest rates of poverty and malnutrition in Yemen.

Abdullah Ahmed, a father to one kid, said all families in his village of Al-Dhukair are coping with harsh conditions as war has deepened their suffering.

"All we can do these days is trading handicrafts for a few thousands Yemeni rials per week, which we use to buy food and some basic products," he said. "Many families in the region don't have incomes and lack everything, who can't find a way to make a proper living."

In recent weeks, activists circulated photos of severely malnourished kids and men while calling for urgent interventions to help the population in Hodeida.

After 18 months of civil war and a Saudi-led bombing campaign, 14.1 million people in Yemen are food insecure, of whom 7.6 million are one step from famine, the UN said.

Around 14.4 million people lack access to adequate healthcare services and 19 million lack access to clean water and sanitation, it said.

Some 82 percent of Yemen's total population, around 22.1 million, in Yemen require basic aid. The figure makes the humanitarian crisis in Yemen as the worst in the region, worse than Syria where 13 million people need aid after five years of civil war.

Lately, Save the Children said one in three Yemeni children, around 1.3 million, are suffering acute malnutrition.

DEADLY EMBARGO

Yemen used to import 90 percent of its food needs. The embargo by the Saudi-led coalition, as part of the bombing campaign launched in early 2015, has deprived the country of all supplies.

The coalition also has been targeting boats in the Red Sea where Hodeida people used to make a living. Locals said they can't go fishing anymore after airstrikes targeted boats several times since the war escalated.

Fatik Al-Roudaini, founder of Mona Relief, said "the main reason for aggravation of the humanitarian crisis is the continued embargo and airstrikes."

He said the situation in Hodeida is heartbreaking. "Many families live in straw houses but they don't have anything inside," he said. "They have nothing. No food, no furniture. Nothing, but hope."

The embargo has also forced a halt to all foreign and most of local investments and led to severe shortages of medicines and fuels that have caused many hospitals to shut down.

PEACE STALEMATE

The Yemeni factions, through UN-sponsored peace talks, have failed to reach a deal to end the war for several times.

Observers argued that the peace stalemate is a sign the factions care only abut military gains and they never care abut the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and collapsing economy.

"Actually the saddest thing is that we still don't see any prospects for peace in Yemen," observers said.

Nabil Albukiri, a political writer and analyst, said "if our factions cared about the people, the crises would not aggravate."

Yaseen Al-Tamimi, another political analyst, said the deteriorating humanitarian crisis requires international community to find a way to make the factions implement the UN resolutions first.

"Moreover, it requires emergency interventions and decisiveness instead of bargaining or postponement," Al-Tamimi added.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Around 200 prisoners staged a breakout from a Brazilian prison on Thursday after staging a riot and destroying a fence.

The state news service announced that around 200 prisoners had escaped from the Jardinopolis prison, northwest of Sao Paulo, in the early morning. Later, Brazil's G1 news portal said about 100 had been recaptured.

Released photos showed one prisoner running in a field and others being stopped by authorities.

The riot began at the morning check-up, with prisoners burning mattresses and rushing the fence. Once the fence broke, the prisoners escaped down a four-meter slope and across a road.

The military police said in a statement that a broad recapture operation immediately begun, adding that around 100 were captured. These were then taken to a different prison in the nearby town of Ribeirao Preto.

According to G1, the Jardinopolis prison has a capacity for 1,080 prisoners but currently holds 1,864 inmates.
Republican Donald Trump speaks during the first presidential debate with Democrat Hillary Clinton at Hofstra University in Hempstead of New York, the United States, Sept. 26, 2016. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton on Monday held their first presidential debate in Hempstead. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- After scoring big in Monday's first U.S. presidential debate, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is likely to see a boost in the polls, making it more difficult for rival Donald Trump to catch up, experts said.

Clinton and Trump squared off on national TV on Monday night in their first one-on-one debate, which Clinton is perceived to have won.

Experts said Trump missed a number of opportunities in the debate, such as talking about the economy, the no. 1 issue of concern for Americans and an area in which the billionaire businessman has an advantage. While Trump came charging out of the gate at the start, Clinton dominated him more and more as the night went on.

Clinton's win should help her rise in the polls, although the impact may be limited, experts said.

"I think that Hillary will see a limited bounce from the debate," Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, told Xinhua, explaining that more educated and moderate Republicans will swing to Clinton.

But now is not the time for Clinton to rest on her laurels, as she will need to maintain her momentum and continue to highlight her experience, while also continuing to bait Trump into making gaffes that cause him to appear unsuited for the presidency.

"The Clinton campaign has done a perfect job of that with the growing back-and-forth between Trump and former beauty queen Alicia Machado. As he attacks her, he appears more and more like a petty bully rather than a potential statesman," Mahaffee said, referring to Trump's recent cracks about the former Miss Universe's weight gain.

"Trump needs to refocus on real issues, and not try to pursue personal attacks on Ms. Machado," Mahaffee said.

Trump needs to restore his more presidential bearing as soon as possible, and undo a lot of damage at the second debate on Oct. 9, Mahaffee said.

In the three weeks prior to the Monday debate, Trump had a good run and has started to close Clinton's lead in the polls, as the controversial billionaire toned down his insulting rhetoric and focused on the issues.

The brash businessman for the past year has become infamous for hurling insults at rival candidates and for what many critics call controversial and over-the-top statements.

While that earned Trump much respect from his supporters, it has also alienated him from many independent and undecided voters, said Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies of the Brookings Institution.

West also said that Clinton will get a bounce out of her debate performance. "She has received great reviews for her ability to control the narrative and place Trump on the defensive," he told Xinhua.

As for Trump, he is already gearing up to get personal in the next debate, drudging up husband and former U.S. President Bill Clinton' s many extramarital affairs.

"The next debate is likely to be much nastier on his part. He already is pointing to Bill Clinton' s infidelities as something he plans to discuss," West said.

But that may not help him, as such news is 20 years old and many young voters were babies when those scandals occurred.

Experts said Trump needs to go after Clinton on her recent scandals. Those include her perceived mishandling of the 2012 terrorist attack on a U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which ended in the death of a U.S. ambassador.

Other scandals include Clinton's use of a personal email account and server while she was secretary of state, which critics said compromised U.S. national security, and the alleged "pay to play" game involving the Clinton Foundation, which reportedly gave preferential access to the donors while Clinton was secretary of state.

"Trump needs to refocus attention on the Clinton Foundation. As long as the campaign is a referendum on Trump, he loses. He needs to show that he is the agent of change, while she represents the status quo," West said.

As of Thursday, Clinton is ahead of Trump by 3 percentage points in Wednesday' s Real Clear Politics average of polls. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Senior UN officials on Thursday called for an end to bombing in north Syria in order to protect civilians in the war-torn region, saying that some 320 civilians were killed and 765 others injured in eastern Aleppo in the first days of the offensive.

The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Stephen O'Brien, told the UN Security Council that the past seven days have seen an intensification of attacks across Syria.

From airstrikes in Deir Ezzour, to airstrikes and ground attacks in Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Idleb and Rural Damascus and other governorates, fighting has intensified despite a one-week lull when the cessation of hostilities was reinstated, albeit with violations on all sides.

O'Brien, who is also UN emergency relief coordinator, said that nowhere has the fighting been more intense in the last days than in besieged east Aleppo, where estimates are that some 320 civilians were killed and 765 injured in the first days of the offensive.

Also on Thursday, Ramzy Ezzeldine Ramzy, the deputy special envoy for Syria, spoke to reporters in Geneva and reiterated the need for the bombing in Aleppo to stop and for the cessation of hostilities to be restored.

He said that many hospitals in Aleppo have been damaged by air strikes, and medical supplies are dwindling. It is estimated that many of the 600 wounded cannot be provided with adequate treatment.

And just on Wednesday, two of the remaining eight hospitals in eastern Aleppo were reportedly hit by shelling, taking them out of service, Ramzy said.

It is clear, he said, that medical evacuations of the most severely wounded are urgently needed. Ramzy added that food stocks are also running out. Many bakeries are remaining closed, and only 14,000 rations remain in Eastern Aleppo, enough for only a quarter of the population.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Anthony Lake, the executive director of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), said that in Aleppo, 96 children were killed and 223 injured in merciless attacks this week alone.

Doctors were forced to let some children die while saving others with scarce medical supplies, he said.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) strongly condemned the parties responsible for the shelling of one of its schools in Khan Eshieh in Syria.

On Wednesday, the Salameh Girls Preparatory School took a direct hit that resulted in one eighth grade student being injured, as well as two teachers, one of whom was seriously wounded.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday said former Israeli President Shimon Peres was a constant source of optimism, hope, and inspiration, who was always a voice of calm and reason.

Speaking at a ceremony here in honor of Peres, Ban said that throughout his tenure as UN secretary-general, he had the privilege to benefit from the wisdom of Peres.

"I join in the sorrow for loss. I had the privilege to benefit from his wisdom," Ban said. "His leadership will be missed as someone who worked to realize the dream of security and peace for Israel."

The secretary-general said that the former Israeli president's clear-eyed perspective -- of reaching across the table, of compromising with your neighbour, of finding common ground for the greater good -- has never been more needed. That kind of leadership is one that we long for -- and one that we will surely miss.

Peres, Israel's former president and prime minister, died early on Wednesday morning in a hospital near Tel Aviv after spending two weeks in induced coma following a stroke. He was 93.

The Israeli Mission to the United Nations held a memorial ceremony at UN headquarters in New York to commemorate Peres, the ninth president of the State of Israel. Ban and ambassadors from more than 40 countries gathered at the ceremony to show their final respects for the man who often represented Israel on the global stage over the past 60 years.

The Israeli UN Mission also opened a condolence book for the ambassadors to share their thoughts in memory of President Peres. The book will later be available to the general public, the mission said.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government on Thursday issued Zika virus-related special travel considerations for Southeast Asia, recommending pregnant women should consider postponing nonessential travel to 11 countries in this region.

The countries included in these considerations are Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement that people could face an "uncertain risk" of Zika virus infection when they travel to these countries.

The U.S. CDC said that Zika virus has been present in areas of Southeast Asia for many years and that several countries have reported occasional cases or small outbreaks.

"Recent variations in the number of cases reported in the area have been observed. Zika virus is considered endemic in some of these countries, and many people who live there are likely immune," it said.

"But U.S. travelers to areas where Zika is endemic may not be immune to the virus and infections have occurred in travelers to Southeast Asia."

It noted that the level of risk for Zika virus infection in these countries is unknown, but it is likely lower, but not zero, than in areas where Zika is newly introduced and spreading widely.

"However, because Zika virus infection during pregnancy causes severe birth defects, including microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities, pregnant women should talk to their healthcare provider and consider postponing nonessential travel to Southeast Asia," the U.S. agency said.

Zika virus testing, it said, should be offered to pregnant women and considered for other people who have symptoms of Zika virus disease if they have recently traveled to Southeast Asia.

Previously, the CDC has issued a travel warning against the Southeast Asian nation of Singapore, where more than 300 cases of locally transmitted Zika have been reported. The Aug. 30 travel alert urged pregnant women to avoid travelling to Singapore, not just consider postponing nonessential travel.

Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito and it can also be spread sexually. Currently, there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika virus. The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.
RIYADH, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia rejected on Thursday the recently passed U.S. law "JASTA", highlighting that the enactment of law is of great concern.

An official at the Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Saudi Press Agency that nations object to the erosion of the principle of sovereign immunity, which has governed international relations for hundreds of years.

The source further stated that the erosion of sovereign immunity will have a negative impact on all nations, including the United States.

The official source also noted that that is why the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of the CIA have expressed their opposition to JASTA as it has been drafted.

The source elaborated that JASTA has been opposed publicly by many nations as well as dozens of American national security experts who see the dangers that JASTA represents.

The official source concluded by expressing hope that wisdom will prevail and that Congress will take the necessary steps to correct this legislation in order to avoid the serious unintended consequences that may ensue.

The controversial bill was pushed forward with the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack as some U.S. politicians are pushing for the right of the families of the victims to sue Saudi Arabia for compensations, which is something that was strongly rejected by the Kingdom and its alliances.

U.S. Congress voted on Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of the bill allowing families of the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks to sue Saudi Arabia.
HAVANA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Cuban meteorological institute, Insmet, said Thursday that it is closely monitoring the evolution and trajectory of hurricane Matthew, which has strengthened in the last few hours and looks set to make landfall on Cuba in the coming days.

According to the daily Granma, Insmet issued a hurricane alert for Matthew on Thursday afternoon.

At midday on Thursday, Matthew was located 300km northeast of the island of Curacao and was moving westward at 28 kph.

Matthew first grew into a tropical storm on Wednesday but has now become a hurricane and is set to grow in intensity and size in the next 48 hours.

One teenage boy died on the island of St. Vincent on Wednesday as he tried to fight the flooding of his house caused by Matthew.

While it is now moving west, it is expected to turn north at the weekend once it hits the southwestern edge of the Bermuda high, an area of high pressure over Bermuda.

Such a northern turn will put Matthew on a collision course with Cuba, while also likely skimming Jamaica and Haiti.

According to Weather.com, Jamaica and Haiti will feel Matthew on Sunday night and Cuba on Monday. Current predictions state Matthew may grow to a category 3 hurricane by that time.
People wait to get onto the platforms at Fuzhou Railway Station in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, on Sept. 29, 2016. Passengers set off on their trips for the coming National Day holidays in China.(Xinhua/Song Weiwei)
UWI/RBL launch World of Work

The campus unveiled the plans for its 2016 WOW programme on September 22, with a media launch and seminar at The UWIs Sport and Physical Education Centre.

The programme, which is over 20 years in existence, has benefitted from a decade-long partnership with RBL.

Speaking at the event, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine, Professor Brian Copeland, thanked RBL for their continued commitment to The UWI and its graduates.

He also noted that there is a reason why the programme has thrived for so long and has grown substantially in content and participation. It is the recognition that success in the professional world and in the area of entrepreneurship takes more than theory. Today WOW attracts some 1,400 final year students and 1,000 first and second year students, he said.

In his remarks, RBL Executive Director Derwin Howell, reaffirmed the banks commitment to The UWI in the pursuit of empowerment through education.

Noting that both institutions have shared many successes working together over the years, he added that Republic has made it one of our biggest priorities to assist the University whenever, wherever and however best they can. WOW is also highly anticipated by first and second year students who have the opportunity for vacation employment with companies who attend the Recruitment Fair.

The precursor to the WOW programme is the Career Advice Programme (CAP), which helps first and second year students identify and embark on their career paths.
Man sent to St Anns

The owner, who secured his premises on September 25, returned on September 27 to discover a door leading into the premises broken down and the premises ransacked. Nothing was stolen from the property. The owner reportedly saw Marcano on the compound who ran away when confronted by the owner. A report was made at the Gasparillo police station and Marcano was subsequently taken into custody while walking along Bonne Aventure Road, Gasparillo .

Asked about the incident, Marcano apologised for his behaviour saying he had been put out by relatives and was looking for a place to stay. He then told the magistrate that he had not taken any medication for quite awhile who then sent him to St Anns Psychiatric Hospital for evaluation .

He is expected to reappear on October 12 .
Men gunned down

According to police, Mohammed was at an apartment in Phase Two in La Horquetta when at about 8 pm, he was shot by a man who entered the apartment.

Mohammed who was struck in the head, slumped to the ground and died almost instantly.

Also fired upon was Mohammeds sister Anastacia Stephenson, 35, and a family friend Allana Mannette. They were both rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where they received emergency treatment and are said to be warded in critical condition.

At the Forensic Science Complex, St James yesterday another sister of Mohammed who did not want to be identified said Stephenson was shot in her back, sustaining injuries to her both lungs while her friend Mannette was shot in her chest.

The autopsy confirmed that my brother died of multiple gunshot wounds. My sister is in hospital on her birthday. She was shot in the back and bullets damaged both lungs. The doctors are trying to drain her lungs and the other girl is in more critical condition than my sister as she was shot in the chest and I think, her abdomen. The relative continued, The police said my brother was known to them but I knew him as a very nice and loving person.

He went by his sister to celebrate her birthday on Tuesday when he met his death. The relative indicated she is not from the area where her brother lived and had no reasons why someone would want her brother dead. My sister told me her back was turned towards the doorway while she was talking to her brother. He was a very funny and happy person who loved his family. He was arrested once and served eight months in prison for a gun-related matter and that was his only case before the courts, she said. Up to press time, no arrest was made and investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Nigel Williams, 44, whose body was found yesterday morning at a farm in Longdenville where he worked as a watchman.

The body bore multiple gunshot wounds to the head. According to reports, the man was found face down on the ground by employer Narine Siewah, at the farm, which is located at Pokhor Road Extension, Longdenville.

Police said Williams lived and worked on the farm. The body was ordered removed to the Forensic Science Center in St James where an autopsy was expected to be carried out yesterday. Investigations are continuing.
Cops appeal for credible tips in Ria search

While we need all the help we can get from the public, it makes no sense doing what you are doing. Last week, on Thursday morning, Sookdeo had just dropped off her two young children to classes at Picton Presbyterian School, Picton when she was abducted by a man said to be dressed in police uniform.

At the time, she was driving her red Nissan X-Trail and had driven a short distance away to turn.

She was quickly bundled into a black Nissan X-Trail and taken away by her captors.

On day eight of her disappearance, police have not found Sookdeo and continue interviewing persons and conducting searches. Sookdeos relatives are not sitting down either and yesterday at 3.45 pm relatives returned to their respective homes to collect their children from school and settle them with other family members before setting off again in the night in search of Ria.

We must find Ria, one relative told Newsday. Every hour every minute counts in this search. He told Newsday yesterday during a five-hour search they searched areas in Barrackpore including, Cunjal North and South and along the Rochard Douglas Road from Number Two Scale to Number Six and environs.

We went to the forested areas and searched camps. People have been calling saying she is being held captive in an apartment, another member of the search party revealed.
Woman can file claim

In June, 2011, Natalie Chin Wing had accompanied her mother to Maritime Life Insurance Company in Barataria, in search of its self-help department .

After being told the department was not located on the premises, she and her mother were leaving when she slipped while heading towards the elevator .

She then slid into a glass wall located to the side of the corridor, suffering severe injuries .

She filed her claim on June 17, 2015, and sought permission to extend the four-year limitation period of four years .

In a ruling delivered in the San Fernando High Court yesterday, Justice Frank Seepersad granted the extension to November 27, 2015 .

She was also granted permission to proceed with her case for relief for personal injuries and consequential loss caused by negligence .

Chin Wing initially filed the lawsuit against Maritime Financial Group (MFG), but later had to change it to Maritime Life Insurance, when the limitation period expired as she was initially made to believe that MFG was prepared to entertain her claim as it engaged in discussions with her .

Since her revised claim against Maritime Life was only filed five months after the expiration of the limitation period, the judge found that there was no delay or prejudice to the company .

Chin Wing suffered severe spinal damages and has spent more than $200,000 in medical expenses .

Attorney Roger Kawalsingh appears for Maritime Life while Chin Wing is represented by Dipnarine Rampersad .
Woman to pay for stealing

Radica Narine-Rampersad, 47, of San Fernando was charged with larceny of a bottle of perfume valued $300 and TT$1,200. Narine-Rampersad worked as a domestic worker at a house in Gulf View where she stole from her employer. She pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court heard that on June 19 at 6 am, the employer secured her Gulf View home and left for the day. The perfume and cash were placed in a drawer in the bedroom.

One week later, the employer discovered the items missing.

The employer reported the incident to the police and Narine-Rampersad was arrested and later charged.

The woman first appeared before Senior Magistrate Nannette Forde-John a week ago, but was remanded into police custody for sentencing. On Tuesday, she returned to court before the same magistrate to answer the charges. Attorney Chantal Paul who represented the accused woman told Magistrate Forde-John that her client had heart problems and needed money to purchase medication.

The magistrate ordered that the accused woman pay $60,000 in compensation or in default serve six months jail time. The payments, the magistrate said, must be made before January 31. In addition, Narine-Rampersad was also fined a total of $3,039 to cover all charges.
Jail for Claxton Bay trio

The men pleaded guilty to the charges laid by police constables Ramcahran, Samm, Noel, Castillo and Rampersad. The magistrate heard that some of the stolen items were not recovered.

Attorney Annalee Girwar, who represented the trio, told the magistrate that the men were sorry for the crimes they committed.

He said that Singh, Dickson and Maraj were experiencing hard times and stole the items to sell to a second-hand store in order to get money to buy food for their respective families. Girwar said the accused men were also willing to repay their victims. The magistrate declined.

On all larceny charges committed in early August, the men were sentenced to nine months hard labour. The magistrate further stated that other larceny charges committed in the late period of August, the men would serve a term of 12 months with hard labour.

All larceny other charges committed in the month of September, the accused men were sentenced to 18 months with hard labour. The charges are to run concurrently so the three will each serve a total of 18 months in prison with hard labour.
I TOLD ROWLEY

The former criminal judge addressed concerns over his meeting with security officials saying he had on three occasions informed PM Rowley of the meeting. Carmona said he was taken aback when he later received a letter from the Office of the Prime Minister, expressing concern about the meeting. At the same time, Carmona also dismissed as false, a series of issues ventilated in media outlets and on social media in relation to the reported procurement of wine and jewelry, the use of the Presidential Seal, his receipt of a housing allowance and matters raised in an Auditor General Department report on the state of public accounts. At one stage, Carmona said in relation to the housing allowance issue, We were lied upon viscously. Is somebody trying a thing on the Office of the President, he then asked. However, the President left unaddressed, concerns raised over his failure to immediately assent to the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) legislation sent to him a few months ago by the democratically- elected Parliament. The President eventually assented that law after what he described as a period of review. Yesterdays developments raised serious questions over the tenure of Carmona who, as President, is called upon to work closely with the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In relation to a security meeting held on September 5, with Minister Dillon, the President alleged this meeting was, conducted with the stated support of the Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. On three occasions beforehand I indicated to the honourable Prime Minister my intention to hold a meeting with the Minister of National Security and he supported it, the President said. He did not give details such as the form of this notice. Nor did he state in what context and at what dates these occasions entailed.

Of his conduct of the meeting, the President said, I wish to make it clear now that I did not impose myself or my views on those great men nor did I interfere with the functions of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. I did not summon them to a meeting. I am about service leadership. There were no demands made to the honourable minister. In relation to one legal opinion on the matter, Carmona said that opinion was premised on the meeting being done without the Prime Ministers support, which was not the case. He said he exercised his power under Section 74, Section 80, Section 81 of the Constitution and acted in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He said he paid due regard to the separation of powers.

I am a citizen and I can offer my suggestions within my Constitutional remit to alleviate certain issues that plague us as a nation, Carmona said. He said he set out the contents and discussions of that meeting in a letter sent under confidential cover to the Prime Minister and did not disclose it to anyone else.

I am extremely concerned that missive which was sent to the honourable Prime Minister has found itself in the hands of the press, Carmona said. I am even more taken aback to have received a letter from the honourable Prime Minister which calls into question the Constitutional propriety of my holding the said meeting especially since I had his support to conduct same. Perhaps the explanation for the oversight may well be found in the fact that the Honourable Prime Minister has a vast portfolio of responsibilities and a hectic schedule and quiet possibly may have forgotten our discussions and the stated support which he gave to me to hold said meeting. LIES, LIES, LIES In relation to the long-standing question of his receipt of a $28,000 housing allowance, Carmona said he was entitled to this under a determination of a panel of the independent Salaries Review Commission (not appointed by him). The Commission, he said, determined he was entitled to this payment in lieu of accommodation of the same standard as Presidents House.

The President also said he spent $300,000 out of his own pocket to repair State-provided accommodation to him and his family.

Our humility became our burden, Carmona said. Whenever it rained, the drawing-room was flooded...when electricity went, we used candles. Bathroom pipes burst, flooding the master-bedroom. On drink, Carmona said he along with his wife, made changes which saw champagne cut from all events. He also said these changes resulted in $600,000 in savings and said there were no breaches of procurement.

He said the catering bill was cut by 80 percent. He dismissed as false and incorrect, a series of reports in relation to a particular company and persons reportedly tied to his wife Reema.

Carmona said the Presidents Seal should not be confused with the National Coat of Arms and there is no law regulating the former. He also said it is standard for tableware items to bear such seals for official events and that the re-labelled wine was cheaper. He said the Auditor General never accused Presidents House of buying $2 million in wine and jewelry.

It was simply false and unsupported, Carmona said. He dismissed as a total fabrication the claim that $2.8 million was missing from the books, stating the funds were placed under a wrong note and that 70 percent of that figure related to salaries. He said this was no discrepancy unique to Presidents House. Of all the allegations, Carmona said, It has generated old mas. Nice ole mas.
Experts cautious on oil output cut

If its true thats very good news but I would hesitate to get excited about it, energy economist Gregory Maguire told Newsday yesterday.

OPEC to me is reacting to the fact that supplyat 97 million barrels of oil per day is really running ahead of demand for far too long. Demandat 96 million barrels of oil per day has not picked up as expected, former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine said. The cuts would possibly bring balance to the oversupplied oil market and help stabilize volatile prices, Maguire said, but Trinidad & Tobago needs to learn to live without surpluses of oil and gas.

Noting that the news comes just before the National Budget is to be presented on Friday, he said the country needs to learn to live within its mean and not just on the expectation that oil and gas prices will go up. Energy Minister Nicole Olliviere was conservative in her response: Our oil revenues are computed using quarterly averages, not daily, so if the price holds for three months, then it would have a positive effect. Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Chamber agreed that while there was not a whole lot of detail, the fact that OPEC has made these cuts the first since 2008is historic, unique and very interesting.

Its the early days yet so lets see how it plays out. OPEC needs to hold to these cuts; if it works as intended then it will be a benefit to the market and beneficial to T&Ts economy, he said.

Ramnarine said while it was good news for oil-producing countries, there was one sub group in Trinidad that he noted might rather the lower prices.

Small producers on land, he noted, would feel definite pinch since all lease holders operating in Trinidad & Tobago have to pay the Supplemental Petroleum Tax when oil prices go over US$50/barrel.

Operators on land have to pay 18 percent in taxes, while offshore producers have to pay 33 percent, so its worse for them when prices go up, Ramnarine said. While the government would at least have some extra revenue to look forward to should oil prices rise, Ramnarine predicted that Finance Minster Colm Imbert might choose to peg the Budget on oil prices between US$45 and US$48 per barrel.

(See Page 16A)
Gopeesingh wants Garcia out

He criticized Garcia for what he considered to be a late start to school repairs since, more than half of the countrys primary schools are 50 years old and in urgent need of continued restoration and renovation. The former Education Minister noted that the PNM has not constructed any new Early Childhood Care and Education Centres, completed any new Secondary Schools and have stopped construction on 70 schools initiated under the Peoples Partnership which are still under construction.

Gopeesingh chastised other decisions made in the education sector such as stopping of the laptop programme - started under the Peoples Partnership - abandonment of the Continuous Assessment Component (CAC), shutdown of After-School Homework Centres, non-provision of any new textbooks, reduction in school feeding meals, removal from the SE A curriculum significant aspects of Physical Education, Visual and Performing Arts, which were contributing to the realization of development of the fullest potential of the child. Efforts to reach Minister Garcia for a comment yesterday proved futile.
IC clears former minister

Pascal said the probe was done pursuant to Section 33 of the Integrity in Public Life Act.

She said having considered the evidence obtained, the commission has concluded there was no breach of the Act.

She added that no breach of the Prevention of Corruption Act was identified. In a release, Ramadharsingh recalled that Warner made the allegations against him in August 2013.

Ramadharsingh said the commissions ruling has vindicated him.
$8.3M spent on roads

This was disclosed yesterday by Rural Development and Local Government Minister Franklin Khan in a statement, two days before the presentation of the 2016-2017 Budget in the House of Representatives.

Khan said his ministry has been vigorously pursuing its rural development agenda without fanfare since its creation last September. He said, Much has been said about discrimination in this country, but it is my view that if any discrimination has occurred in TT since independence, it is between rural and urban residents. After noting the 28 projects were successfully done on time and within the ministrys $9 million budgetary allocation for development programmes, Khan said, The Rural Development Company, a special purpose company, also undertook 46 projects on behalf of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, under its $20 million Infrastructure Development Fund allocation. Khan said extensive works were carried out in rural areas such as Brasso Seco and Moruga. He indicated these are communities which have long been neglected. The minister also said areas such as Matelot, Fishing Pond, Paramin, Mayaro, Fyzabad, Las Lomas and Claxton Bay were all addressed to some extent in the ministrys programme for this fiscal year.

This Government understands that we must empower the local government agencies to take on a greater responsibility in the delivery of services because service is about you as a person within your community, Khan said. He added, At the same time, we are making targeted policy and practical interventions to ensure that citizens who live in the remote rural areas of our country can enjoy a better quality of life.
Mainstream Media Tried to Hide Fact Minnesota Mall Terrorist Was a Turkish Clinton Supporter

When the news first came out about the Cascade Mall Shooting, the media was quick to say that the shooter was Hispanic. Many on Twitter and elsewhere pointed out that when one looked at the footage, the guy didnt really look Hispanic at all. In fact, he looked like he was some kind of Middle Eastern fellow. They assured us this was incorrect and many on the progressive side accused those who questioned the prevailing narrative of bigotry. Well, many of you know what happened a few hours ago. The monster was caught and just as many suspected, he was a Turkish Muslim.

Article by The Ralph

Thats not to say this was a religiously motivated attack, although it could still have some of those sort of overtones. It actually appears to be an Elliot Rodger style massacre. Internet sleuths have tracked down some relevant info about the gunman, Arcan Cetin, that seems to point to this being some sort of revenge on an ex-girlfriend or maybe just women in general.

Shooting site = ex girlfriends workplace, Numerous posts on FB about difficulty with girls, Liking boohoo bitch tier music on Youtube.  Just Call Me Mister (@MisterMetokur) September 25, 2016

NOT Hispanic, as the #MSM spun immediately. From Turkey, Muslim and a sexual deviant according 2 a girl who went to school w/ #ArcanCetinpic.twitter.com/4yMNlYHh2U  Deplorable Jane (@Janece444) September 25, 2016

For all I know, this could still be some kind of jihad mission, but theres some signs pointing in other directions at this time. Still, what we do know is that the media was once again full of shit. In their rush to deflect heat on any sort of Islamic terrorist attack, it looks like they blatantly pushed a false narrative in order to please their progressive base. If I was a Latino, I would probably be upset. Many of them are as we speak

Arcan Cetin is not Hispanic. I expect an apology to the Hispanic community by the sick media. We all knew hes Muslim.#CascadeMallShooting  Irma Hinojosa (@latinaafortrump) September 25, 2016

Media is refusing to release #CascadeMallShooting suspect name bc he is likely Turkish Muslim who worked on Navy base  was vetted  Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) September 25, 2016

Oh, and can you imagine what the media would do with a tweet like this if it had Donald Trumps name in it instead of Hillary Clintons? Yes, this guy looks like a Hillary supporter as well. No wonder this shooting isnt getting the proper attention.

We win I vote for Hillary Clinton  Arcan (@ArcanCetin) January 18, 2015

Arcan Cerin and Elliot Rodger both fans of the Young Turks. Angry @cenkuygur has inspired multiple mass shootings! #CascadeMallShootingpic.twitter.com/hVIP2YaCMY  Mike Cernovich (@Cernovich) September 25, 2016

This is yet another in a long line of media fails. It wont end until theyre finally put out of business by independent news and opinion. That might take awhile, but youre already seeing the paradigm shift over the last 10 years. Heres hoping the trend accelerates.

Read more at: BlacklistedNews.com

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Stronger India-Nigeria relations would be mutually beneficial and help regional and global security: Hamid Ansari

Nigeria, Thu, 29 Sep 2016 NI Wire

Addresses Nigerian National Defence College

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that considering the diverse security challenges of our times, stronger India-Nigeria relations would not only be mutually beneficial, but would also add to the regional and global security. He was addressing officers of the National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria, today. The Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Nigeria, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade and other dignitaries are present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that the decline in inter-state warfare in the first decade and a half of the present century has been coupled with an increase in lower intensity civil conflicts. Consequently, the idea of security has expanded beyond the traditional sphere of military security, and there is growing recognition that security of any given society is also impacted by several non-military factors, including political, economic, environmental, social and human domains, he added.

The Vice President said that the task of defining, and implementing, a security paradigm is far more challenging in democratic, pluralist, developing societies with heterogeneous populations having diversities of religion, ethnicity and languages. He further said that our main concern should, therefore, be to establish the credibility and legitimacy of the state and its institutions. Aberrations must be resolved in a transparent and just fashion as public perceptions are important, he pointed out. As developing nations with global aspirations, both Nigeria and India face similar security challenges ranging from climate change and diverse societal needs which have been compounded by the spread of terror and newer fears of insecurity in our regions.

The Vice President said that today, the biggest threat to international peace, and to the sovereignty of States, is Terrorism which Kautilya called secret war. He further said that no cause justifies the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians as a means to achieve a political goal or change of policies. Nigeria, like India, has suffered the horrors of this scourge of humanity and use of terrorism as an instrument of State policy is to be unequivocally condemned, he added.

The Vice President said that the long standing defence partnership between India and Nigeria is symbolized by institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy at Kaduna; the Naval College at Port Harcourt and other elite military training establishments in Nigeria and many illustrious Nigerian officers have been the flag bearers of our bilateral cooperation. We must also find ways of using international opinion as a force multiplier, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President's address:

"A layman treads diffidently in a domain inhabited by men and women accustomed to walk on the razors edge of acute analysis on matters of critical importance. I am nevertheless emboldened by your hospitality and suggestion that there may be some benefit in sharing perceptions.

Those charged with the responsibility of ensuring national security in any state are confronted with three questions: What is the threat? Who is to be protected? What are the means for it available?

An Indian strategic thinker of the 3rd century B.C. bearing the name Kautilya dwelt on the subject of threats that states encounter and developed a typology:

Those of external origins and internal abetment;

Those of internal origins and external abetment;

Those of external origins and external abetment;

Those of internal origins and internal abetment.

He added that of these four kinds of dangers, internal dangers should be got rid of first; for it is the internal troubles, like the fear from a lurking snake, that are more serious than external trouble

For Kautilya, the wealth of a nation was defined in terms of both the territory of the state and of its resident. His approach to security imperatives anticipated by 2000 years the notion of human security enunciated by Obuchi Keizo and Amartya Sen who defined it as the key idea in comprehensively seizing all the menaces that threaten the survival, daily life and dignity of human being and to strengthening the efforts to confront these threats.

Despite the progress humankind has recorded war-like privation, disease and ignorance, is far from being eliminated. This is borne out by estimates suggesting that mortality caused by conflict increased dramatically, from 1.6 million in the sixteenth century to nearly 10 million in the twentieth century. An eminent American strategic thinker described the 20th century as a period of Megadeath and Metamyth- spawned false notions of total control, derived from arrogant assertions of total righteousness.

The decline in inter-state warfare in the first decade and a half of the present century has been coupled with an increase in lower intensity civil conflicts. Consequently, the idea of security has expanded beyond the traditional sphere of military security, which had primarily been concerned with the defending the border of a country from invading enemy, conventionally cast in terms of application of force by the state. There is growing recognition that security of any given society is also impacted by several non-military factors, including political, economic, environmental, social and human domains.

This emerging paradigm of security was aptly articulated by former UN Secretary General Kofi Anan:

We must broaden our view of what is meant by peace and security. Peace means much more than the absence of war. Human security can no longer be understood in purely military terms. Rather, it must encompass economic development, social justice, environmental protection, democratization, disarmament and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Much the same holistic approach was put forth by Barry Buzan who considered five segments of security - Political, Military, Economic, Societal, and Environmental and how they impacted the less developed periphery based on changes in the more developed center. Each defines a focal point within the security problematic, and a way of ordering priorities, but all are woven together in a strong web of linkage.

These complex interactions between various security dimensions create the context for todays security agenda. The trends for the next 20 to 50 years point to a bleak picture- one where the worsening effects of climate change are likely to contribute to economic deprivation which in turn could lead to conflict and forced migrations, and where networks will become increasingly more important than territories.

It is in this context that centres of higher military learning, such as yours, derive their importance. Policy making in most countries is often reactive: Governments are driven by deadlines and events. Proactive planning is needed to anticipate the strategic problems, highlight trends, develop scenarios, and suggest policy options, before crises overtake us.

The traditional approach to security is state-centric and for good reason. The raison detre of statehood is provision of security for its citizens, and to a lesser extent its residents, in both its internal and external dimensions. The post Second World War global order was premised on states acting as net security generators and providers and thereby contributing to systemic stability.

The experience of the last seven decades, and especially since the end of the Cold War, shows that real life veers quite significantly away from text book assumptions. Many of the States have radiated insecurity towards their citizens and residents and thus destabilised their own societies and polities. This has led to state failures and implosions in the internal dimension and to regional and even global crises in the external dimension. One cannot escape the harsh conclusion that States have, quite often, been significant contributors to individual and systemic insecurity.

Going beyond the traditional security paradigm, the ambit of discussion does not remain confined to maintenance of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. Once we begin to address other threats, two characteristics rapidly emerge. We find, in the first place, that the initiating actors and eventual recipients are states as well as individuals and groups; secondly, because the latter do not always fall within the ambit of a single state, it necessitates departures from the traditional structure of command and compliance. The latter, in effect, would often depend upon demonstrated good rather than its a priori acceptance. Both, together, necessitate a paradigm shift.

Another aspect is the nature and diversity of challenges. These include pandemics and all matters relating to environment and climate change. Together they demonstrate the inefficacy of unilateral action and the imperative of a comprehensive and cooperative approach. The terms of this cooperation, and their equity, remain work in progress.

The task of defining, and implementing, a security paradigm is far more challenging in democratic, pluralist, developing societies with heterogeneous populations having diversities of religion, ethnicity and languages. For democratic societies, the measure of security is derived from the perspective of the lowest common denominator-- the well-being of the citizen or the individual. People need to feel secure both at the individual and community level. If they feel they are victims of economic deprivation, neglect and negative politics, they lose faith in the State.

When we look at countries with such similarities, India and Nigeria come to the fore. Both our countries are linked by common historical experiences of colonial rule and in the contemporary context, are united in the desire to work towards democratic pluralism, with the core values of liberty, equality and tolerance, while seeking economic development and social justice for their people.

Our main concern should, therefore, be to establish the credibility and legitimacy of the state and its institutions. Aberrations must be resolved in a transparent and just fashion as public perceptions are important. Management of ethnic and communal conflicts and resolving them are important areas of governance, as are the identification of threats posed by religious fundamentalism, ethnic violence, economic disparities and deprivation. These challenges can no longer be ignored, particularly when globalization and information technology can make changes fast, furious and most unexpected.

As developing nations with global aspirations, both Nigeria and India face similar security challenges ranging from climate change and diverse societal needs which have been compounded by the spread of terror and newer fora of insecurity in our regions.

A former Indian Prime Minister defined a framework for addressing these challenges:

Democracies provide legitimate means for expressing dissent. They provide the right to engage in political activity, and must continue to do so. However, for this very reason, they cannot afford to be soft on terror. Terrorism exploits the freedom of our open societies provide to destroy our freedoms.

Today, the biggest threat to international peace, and to the sovereignty of States, is Terrorism. Kautilya called it secret war. No cause justifies the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians as a means to achieve a political goal or change of policies. Terrorism is one of the most egregious sources of human right violations, and it has become a major impediment to development.

Your country, like my own, has suffered the horrors of this scourge of humanity. Terrorism today has global reach, no city remains safe. There is a new level of threat to pluralist and open societies. Use of terrorism as an instrument of State policy is to be unequivocally condemned. There can be no distinction between good and bad terrorists. A terrorist is a terrorist; one who commits crimes against humanity cannot have any religion, or be afforded any political sanctuary.

International terrorism can only be defeated by organized international action. We need to restructure the international legal framework such as by adopting a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Societies that stand for peace and humanism have to increase their cooperation and strengthen efforts to prevent supply of arms to terrorists, disrupt terrorist movements, and curb and criminalize terror financing. We have to help each other by sharing intelligence, securing our cyber space, and minimizing the use of internet and social media for terrorist activities.

Our long standing defence partnership is symbolized by institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy at Kaduna; the Naval College at Port Harcourt and other elite military training establishments in Nigeria. Many illustrious Nigerian officers have been the flag bearers of our bilateral cooperation.

Today, we have an Indian Army Officer present amongst you as a participant of the ongoing NDC Course. This augurs well for our cooperation in the future.

Considering the diverse security challenges of our times, stronger India-Nigeria relations would not only be mutually beneficial, but would also add to the regional and global security. Together we stand as Giants of Africa and Asia respectively and as we march ahead in our quest for economic and military security, collaborative efforts borne out of mutual trust can be leveraged effectively to achieve our strategic goals.

We must also find ways of using international opinion as a force multiplier. No country in the world, howsoever powerful, can counter the emergent threats unilaterally. This, therefore, makes diplomacy doubly important for developing economies such as ours. Effective diplomacy is an important alternative to excessive defence spending. Therefore, it is important to devise methods of effectively participating in international fora, in influencing world opinion and striving to make such mechanisms more representative, more consensual and more effective.

I thank you again for inviting me here today and wish you well in your future endeavours.

Long Live Nigeria-India Friendship."

Source: PIB
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Morocco will send five aircrafts loaded with humanitarian aid in solidarity with Burkina Faso which has been struck by devastating floods.

Two aircrafts, each carrying about 16 tons of foodstuffs, medicines, covers and other humanitarian aid, took off from Morocco to Burkina Faso Tuesday to help the flood-hit population in conformity with instructions of King Mohammed VI.

Three other Moroccan airplanes were expected to land in Ouagadougou airport on Wednesday, a Moroccan diplomatic source told le360.ma.

Morocco ships this aid in response to the call of Ouagadougous authorities to help the flood victims.

Since June, floods have taken the lives of dozens and caused the displacement of thousands who were given shelter in schools.
Three months following the UN-Morocco agreement to allow for the return of civilian staff of the MINURSO, the full functionality of the UN mission in the Sahara is yet to be fully restored, the UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

The MINURSO continues to operate under existing arrangements and procedures, Farhan told Innercitypress, noting that full functionality has not been fully restored.

Farhan noted that 25 out of 83 of the MINURSOs civilian staff regained their position by July 26. He added that the UN Secretariat and the Mission continue to expedite the recruitment process of existing vacancies.

Morocco took the decision to cut the MINURSO civilian component after the verbal blunders uttered by the UN Secretary General in Tindouf last March.

Ban Ki-moon had used the word occupation to describe Moroccos presence in its southern provinces, retrieved from Spanish colonialism in 1975. Bans missteps caused a row that put the continuation of the MINURSO mission on the edge of the precipice.

The MINURSO was established following a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991 that put an end to a guerrilla war waged by the Algerian-based Polisario front on Moroccan troops. The UN mission was tasked with organizing a referendum, which never took place because of disagreements over who is eligible to vote. Ceasefire monitoring remains the main task of the MINURSO.
France has offered to host next week Libyan political protagonists for talks in order to bridge drifts between UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and rival forces opposed to its authority.

Paris, through this diplomatic initiative, hopes to advance efforts to unite divided Libyans, says Stephane Le Foll, a French government spokesman.

Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, seen as important influencers in the Libyan political mayhem, will also be in attendance.

Libya has been facing political and security destabilization since the fall and death of former ruler Mohamed Gaddafi in a NATO-backed revolution in 2011.

The announcement came one day after President Francois Hollande received GNA leader Faiez Serraj on Tuesday. The French leader hailed the Libyan Premier for his efforts to expand the unity government to other members in a reconciliation move. Holland also welcomed GNA forces campaign to weed out the Islamic State group from Sirte.

Serraj and his GNA though enjoying international support have been facing fierce domestic opposition coming from the countrys legitimate legislature; the House of Representative based in the East and its allied army led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar.

Haftar and his forces early this month stunned the GNA after they took over the countrys oil crescent. Libyas economy is solely dependent on oil and the GNA, wrestling with social unrest, needs funds to soften growing popular disenchantment.

Serraj speaking to AFP indicated that he was ready to work with Haftar after numerous diplomatic efforts to end rivalries between them failed.

We have no other choice but dialogue and reconciliation, Sarraj said. No one wants an escalation or a confrontation between Libyans.

France, like other major world powers has been secretly active in Libya. French troops have been reportedly working with Haftar near Benghazi in the fight against IS militants still holing up in the city.

A British parliament committee earlier this month charged David Cameron and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy for destroying the North African country and for overblowing Gaddafis threats to Benghazians.
A summit of African heads of state will be held on the sidelines of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 22) which will be held in Marrakech on November 7-18.

The meeting will be hosted in the Royal palace in Marrakech upon directives from Mohammed VI, Maghreb Confidential news outlet reported.

In this respect, Royal Advisor, Taieb Fassi Fihri, was tasked with organizing the event on November 16.

The Presidents of Gabon, Cote dIvoire and Senegal have already confirmed their participation in the summit.

The COP22 aims at reaching agreements on reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity, assess the evolution of their commitments and review the implementation of the Framework Convention and other legal instruments.
One day after he was sworn in as President of Gabon for another second seven-year term, Ali Bongo appointed Wednesday his former Foreign Minister Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet as the new Gabonese Prime Minister who is expected to charm members of the opposition into the new cabinet.

Ali Bongo came out victorious of the August 27 contested presidential elections after the countrys highest court confirmed his win last Friday after a re-count of votes in Ali Bongos stronghold where rival candidate Jean Ping denounced massive vote ring.

France and the EU have scorned his win as they questioned the impartiality of the constitutional court which they said failed to rectify anomalies noted during the vote.

In an address at his inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, Ali Bongo, in power since 2009, called on the opposition to join him in building peace and stability for the good of Gabonese.

Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet, 55, was foreign minister in the previous cabinet. Upon nomination he pledged to work with the opposition to form an inclusive cabinet. The cabinet is expected to be unveiled by Sunday.

Jean Ping, veteran diplomat, 75, has contested Bongos re-election and has promised to maintain mobilization.

Several people were killed and arrested soon after the interior minister announced Ali Bongos win. Hundreds of Pings supporters took to the streets to protest the results. A faction of Pings supporters marched towards the parliament and torched the building.

Since Saturday, life has returned to normal in the capital Libreville. Shops and offices have re-opened.
A man stands behind a picture of Alfred Olango during a protest on September 28, 2016 in El Cajon, California. Photo: Gregory Bull/AP

On Wednesday, police in El Cajon, California released more information about the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black man as protests continued for a second night.



The victim, 38-year-old Alfred Okwera Olango, was shot on Tuesday afternoon in the San Diego suburb after a woman who identified herself as his sister called 911 to report that he was walking in traffic and not acting like himself.

Police said on Tuesday that Olango ignored their directions, and then drew an object from his front pants pocket, placed both hands together on it, and extended it rapidly toward the officers taking what appeared to be a shooting stance. One officer fired a Taser and another fired his gun several times. Olango was pronounced dead at a local hospital.



Initially, police would only say that the object Olango was holding was not a weapon. On Wednesday, they identified it as a vape smoking device that had a silver cylinder that was three inches long and one inch wide.

A witness recorded the shooting on a cell phone and turned the footage over to police, ABC News reports. El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said at a press conference that hes seen the footage, and saw a man who was distraught and in pain. The video has not been made public.



Wells said the 911 caller indicated that Olango had a mental illness, and all El Cajon police officers receive psychiatric training  however, mental health clinicians who would usually assist in such a case were addressing another incident at the time.



There have been several questions about the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), police said in a statement on Wednesday. The El Cajon Police Department does have an agreement with Community Research Foundation/PERT which allows certified licensed clinicians to partner with police officers in the field in order to provide direct support for mental health calls. On 9/27/16, during the hours of this incident, there was a PERT clinician with a police officer. At the specific time of this incident, that team was on a different radio call that was also PERT related. They were not immediately available.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Olango was a refugee who witnessed horrors in Idi Amins Uganda, and came to the United States when he was 12. He had several brushes with the law as a young man and wound up in federal prison after he was pulled over with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his vehicle. He was released in 2009 and friends said hed been working as a chef for the past few years.



Vicky Ellis, Olangos former girlfriend, and Anna Diaz, Ellis 24-year-old daughter, said he was not mentally disabled, but he was distraught after his childhood friend, a fellow refugee, died suddenly on Friday at age 31. He was just so depressed, Ellis said. Id never heard him so upset.

Hundreds marched in the streets of El Cajon on Wednesday to protest the shooting and demand that the video be released. The officer who shot Olango has yet to be identified.


Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Alicia Machado had a story ripped straight from an anti-Trump opposition researchers sweetest dream. When the 20-year-old Venezuelan won the Miss Universe pageant in 1996, she found herself rewarded with a VIP tour of the Republican nominees vile personality. As she traveled the world earning money for Trumps enterprise, he derided her as Miss Piggy and Miss Housekeeping, titles shed earned for the crimes of being Latina and eating food.

When Machado gained too much weight to fit into a beauty ideal that valorizes emaciation, Trump invited a bevy of cable cameras to document her humiliation. The mogul chatted about the 20-year-olds outsize appetite with reporters, while she exercised in the background. Machado would suffer from eating disorders for years afterward.

This story paints a comprehensive portrait of Trumps intersectional ugliness  bringing together his loathing of women and racial minorities and his affinity for exploiting workers. The footage of Machados workout makes the psychological violence of misogyny concrete and visceral. By highlighting it, the Clinton campaign shifted the medias glare back onto Trumps behavior toward women, which often borders on the sociopathic.

And then, to top it all off, Machado announced that she had finally secured American citizenship this August, inspired by a desire to back Hillary Clinton over her former tormentor.

This is the stuff debate zingers and attack ads are made of. And so, the Clinton campaign made both.

But then, Machado also has a story ripped straight from a reactionary radio hosts darkest fever dream. Its not every day that Rush Limbaugh can accuse a Clinton surrogate of being involved with attempted homicide and judicial intimidation  and have a substantive basis for those claims.

In 1998, Machado was accused of helping her boyfriend escape from the scene of an attempted murder. Heres The Economists write-up of the affair:

The male lead in this complex plot is Miss Machados rugged boyfriend, Juan Rafael Rodriguez Reggeti. He had a sister, who, eight months pregnant, jumped off a fifth-floor balcony. He, allegedly, blaming her husband for the suicide, sought revenge by firing two shots at him just after the funeral. The husband was hit but survived. Mr Rodriguez fled in a car driven, say the police, by Miss Machado.



The investigating judge, Maximiliano Fuenmayor, issued an arrest warrant for Mr Rodriguez. But Miss Machado, who claimed she was ill at home at the time, seemed to be in the clear, for the moment anyway. It was a short moment. Within hours, Mr Fuenmayor had a telephone call from her. He says she threatened to ruin his career and have him killed. She admits she rang, but says it was merely to thank him for his unbiased pursuit of justice. Mr Fuenmayor says she in fact threatened him with her powerful friends, fromsupposedlyPresident Rafael Caldera down.

Machado was never convicted of any crime. But the idea that she called up the judge who had her boyfriend arrested to thank him for his unbiased pursuit of justice is the kind of audacious alibi one might expect from Machados former employer.

And then theres the whole alleged affair with the leader of notorious Mexican drug cartel thing. In 2010, Univision reported that Machado had had a child with Jose Gerardo Alvarez-Vazquez, a.k.a. El Indio, a trafficker who worked with the armed wing of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Now, its entirely possible that Machados notoriety led Spanish-language media to play fast and loose with the facts surrounding any juicy bit of gossip about her. But Mexican drug cartels are, in essence, unabashedly materialistic terrorist organizations. Conventional presidential campaigns rarely put forward surrogates with (alleged) associations this damaging.

Whats more, in light of this background, Machados recent naturalization provides Trump an opportunity to repurpose her story to bolster his campaigns narrative  that our immigration system is allowing criminals (or, at least, suspected criminals) into the country.

But the Democratic nominee made Machado the star of her post-debate messaging, anyway. In doing so, Clinton displayed a profound trust in the publics capacity to recognize what is and is not important in the former Miss Universes story. (Or else, displayed a profound inability to perform a basic Google search.)

So far, Clintons gamble seems to have paid off. Mainstream media outlets have focused more attention on other instances of Trumps fat-shaming than they have on Machados alleged indiscretions  and rightly so.

Donald Trump sees roughly half the American population as objects whose value derives from their secondary sexual characteristics. And he wants to be their president. Machados story deftly illustrates why voters shouldnt give him what he wants: The GOP nominee publicly humiliated a 20-year-old woman and taught her that her desire for food was a pathology. That behavior would be damning even if Machado went on to murder a dozen judges, drive El Chapos getaway car, and have a child by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Its heartening that most mainstream outlets recognize this. Especially when, just 20 years ago, so many found Machados weight gain a contemptible offense in its own right.
Photo: Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty Images

Gary Johnsons presidential campaign has brought national attention to some of the most important questions facing the American people  questions like What is Aleppo? and Who is Harriet Tubman?

More seriously, the Libertarian nominee has voiced legitimate criticisms about the wisdom of the drug war and interventionist foreign policy  which have been thoroughly overshadowed by his breathtaking ignorance of geopolitics and American history.

The most recent demonstration of the latter came Wednesday night, at a town-hall event hosted by MSNBCs Chris Matthews. Asked to name a single foreign leader he looks up to or respects, Johnson stared blankly, said he was having a brain freeze, and then offered, the former president of Mexico.

Sorry folks, but Gary Johnson should hang it up. #ugh https://t.co/c52iaaBNsY  ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) September 29, 2016

But almost 24 hours later, Vicente Fox appears to have fallen out of Gary Johnsons good graces.

It's been almost 24 hours...and I still can't come up with a foreign leader I look up to.  Gov. Gary Johnson (@GovGaryJohnson) September 29, 2016

The ostensible point of Johnsons tweet is to suggest that he hadnt struggled to recite the name of a single foreign leader  rather, he had correctly intuited that no nation on planet Earth is currently governed by an avowed libertarian.

There are a couple of problems with this line. One is that Johnson wasnt asked to name a head of state he wishes to directly emulate, only to identify one he respects. This should not be a difficult task. Johnson is a strong supporter of expansionary immigration and could praise aspects of Angela Merkels handling of the migration crisis, even as he identified policy areas where their views diverged. Or he could have voiced his admiration for Justin Trudeaus leadership on marijuana legalization, even while criticizing the Canadian prime ministers affinity for big government.

Or Johnson could have simply said, Actually, there is no leader I look up to because none practice my philosophy of government.

But instead, Johnson sputtered his lips, paralyzed by his own ignorance.

The other problem is that, even if one accepted that Johnsons difficulty stemmed from his ideology, that line creates its own problems: The fact that no modern, democratic nation has ever endorsed the libertarian view of government might suggest something unflattering about the popularity and feasibility of that vision.

Johnsons Aleppo moments are inexcusable  not least because they set back one of the libertarians more admirable causes.
Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

The past two weeks of polling have provided Democrats with many excuses to seek out chemical cures for un-mellow moods. But of all the buzz-harshing polls to surface between Hillarys fainting spell and Trumps figurative face-plant at Mondays debate, few were as unnerving as CNN/ORCs survey of Colorado.

Throughout July and early August, polls showed Clinton with a commanding lead in the Rocky Mountain State. Over the summer, Monmouth University, Fox News, NBC/WSJ/Marist, and Quinnipiac all showed Coloradans opting for Clinton over Trump by double-digit margins. The state had emerged as a critical brick in Clintons electoral college firewall: Even as the Democratic nominee lost ground in Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina, she still had a narrow path to victory that wound through the Rocky Mountains.

And then, in late September, three straight polls found Trump either winning Colorado, or just one point behind. The first was Gravis, a notoriously Republican-leaning firm whose finding could be easily dismissed. But then CBS News/YouGov showed Clinton leading by only one, and CNN/ORC confirmed the trend with a survey that put Trump on top by a skinny digit.

The cross-tabs of that last poll threw Clintons problem into sharp relief: When registered voters were forced to choose between the two major party candidates, the Democrat won 50 to 45 percent. But in a four-way race among likely voters  which is to say, those most motivated to turn out  Clinton lost five points on her chief opponent. One reason: 30 percent of likely voters under 45 turned to third-party candidates, with a full 24 percent backing Libertarian standard-bearer Gary Johnson.

Variations of that result have surfaced in a series of national and state polls. One nationwide Quinnipiac survey from mid-September found 44 percent of voters under 35 going third party, with Johnson winning nearly a third of the demographic. In 2012, Barack Obama won 60 percent of voters under 30; Quinnipiac found Clinton winning half that figure.

A good chunk of Johnsons support likely comes from young Republicans, whose relatively liberal social views make them a natural constituency for libertarian candidates. But he also seems to be winning a significant number of left-leaning millennials, who favor Clinton over Trump, when forced to chose.

What could young, left-wing voters  particularly, those in a swing state where marijuana is unusually popular  possibly see in Gary Johnson? Could it be his steadfast opposition to free public college? Or his call for repealing the health-care law that lets Americans under 26 stay on their parents insurance? His brave defense of Citizens United and the need for unlimited corporate money in our politics? Or could it be, ya know, the legal-weed thing?

Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson.

Now, there are other plausible sources of Johnsons appeal to the young left, including his distaste for foreign wars and support of criminal-justice reform. But opposition to the drug war is very likely the most salient part of his pitch: Polls consistently show well over two-thirds of voters under 35 favoring marijuana legalization.

If Hillary Clinton can consolidate the support of young left-wing voters  and motivate them to turn out on Election Day  she will win the White House. And theres no better cure for millennial apathy than legal marijuana.

The Clinton campaign understands the potency of the weed issue. In early August, the Democratic nominee announced that her administration would remove marijuana from Schedule I  the DEAs designation for the most harmful, least medically beneficial, illegal narcotics. That would certainly be a step in the right direction. But saying I believe the government should stop pretending that medicinal marijuana does not exist and that bong rips are more dangerous than Oxycontin is bound to be less inspiring than we need to stop putting people in cages for indulging in a substance less harmful than alcohol.

In declaring her support for the federal legalization of marijuana, Clinton would accomplish more than simply bringing her campaign into alignment with millennial opinion. She would also undermine the perception that shes an overly cautious politician whos unwilling to take risky stands on behalf of liberal priorities. Even Bernie Sanders, that tribune of millennial radicalism, never advocated, unequivocally, for the nationwide legalization of cannabis. Rather, he called for the federal government to allow the states to set their own laws on the substances legality  which is to say, to bring the written law into alignment with our current reality.

Whats more, calling for nationwide legalization would add heft to Clintons platform on criminal justice. She could highlight the stark racial disparities in marijuana arrests, tell the stories of particular individuals who, unlike our sitting president, werent fortunate enough to have their youthful indiscretions go unpunished. She could frame her case in conservative terms, evincing no enthusiasm for recreational drug use, but much skepticism about the efficacy of combating teenage marijuana use via the carceral state.

Beyond improving Clintons favorability among 420-friendly millennials, this stance would also mobilize a multitude of pro-legalization advocacy groups behind her candidacy. Clintons campaign needs an infusion of energy and enthusiasm. And there are few issues that boast a more passionate  but underserved  activist base than marijuana legalization.

Photo: Jason Connolly/AFP/Getty Images

Of course, none of these benefits would matter much if moving toward millennials on drug policy threatened Clintons support from other key demographics. But theres little evidence to back up that conclusion. Recent polls from Quinnipiac, Gallup, and the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research put national support for weed legalization at 54, 58, and 61 percent, respectively. Support has always been higher among Democrats, and hit a high of 70 percent in the latter poll.

For comparisons sake: Hillary Clinton has already called for restoring federal funding for abortion services  a position that only 29 percent of Americans share.

Plus, the most politically salient argument against legalization  that it would send a harmfully permissive message to American youth  is not one that Donald Trump is well-suited to make. After all, what message does this send to our children? is a question many voters have been asking about the moguls candidacy.

Finally, the substantive case for legalizing marijuana is overwhelming. It simply does not make public-policy sense to create an unregulated black market for a popular substance that is less addictive, less fatal, and less likely to cause traffic accidents than alcohol. Bringing weed into the legitimate economy would take a major profit source away from violent drug cartels. It would allow American cops to spend less time disrupting the lives of soft drug users and more time policing violent crime  in 2014, there were 700,993 marijuana arrests, roughly 90 percent of which were attributed solely to possession. And, legal weed might very well ameliorate our nations genuine drug-induced public health crisis: Multiple studies have found that when states provide access to medicinal marijuana, reductions in the prevalence of painkiller abuse and related overdoses follow.



To be sure, legalization is likely bring some share of downsides for public health. The most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that, as marijuana has become increasingly legal over the past decade, the number of daily pot smokers in the United States has nearly doubled. And such heavy use of the drug has been linked to adverse long-term cognitive effects in some studies.



But such effects are most likely to occur in the developing brains of adolescents. And Colorados experiment with legalization has produced no increase in underage use of the drug. Whats more, that National Survey on Drug Use and Health also found that the number of Americans between the ages of 12 and 17 who regularly smoke weed has actually gone down as more and more states have liberalized their marijuana laws: Today, such adolescents are 10 percent less likely to have smoked marijuana in the past month than they had been in 2002.



And yet:

Chelsea Clinton implies here that marijuana can kill you. Uhh pic.twitter.com/cdBWGgDG5P  Lee Fang (@lhfang) September 27, 2016

Hillary Clinton needs to distance herself from her daughters reefer madness. The delusions of drug warriors have been discredited, while those of the most wide-eyed stoners appear to have actually come true  the fate of our republic may well depend on whether the Democratic nominee honors their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of well-priced headies.
Trump seems to be mad at himself for getting too mad to attack Clinton comprehensively. Photo: Getty Images

Donald Trumps campaign continues to make up new rules for post-debate behavior. First, they were frantic to claim he won overwhelmingly, while the candidate himself spent time attacking the Venezuelan beauty-pageant winner whose treatment at his hands was the subject of a pretty effective volley by Hillary Clinton on Monday night. But now, Team Trump is looking ahead  with a strange survey of his supporters.

Framed as a Debate Preparation Survey in anticipation of the next debate, it asks 30 questions about what Trump did or should have done in the first debate. Eighteen of the 29 questions test out attack lines on Hillary Clinton. Mostly, they involve issues and pseudo-issues he failed to bring up in the first debate (Should Trump attack Hillary for referring to tens of millions of American men and women as deplorables? and Should Trump have called out Hillarys massive Wall Street fundraising and the paid speeches that she refuses to release to the public?). There are proposed attacks on Clinton involving Obamacare, too, and her alleged hatred of coal miners.



There is approximately a zero percent chance that respondents to Trumps survey will say no to any of these proposed attack lines. Had its designers offered Hell yes! or Damn straight! as options, they might have obtained some relatively useful information. As it is, the survey appears to represent an indirect apology for Trumps failure to cover the anti-Clinton landscape the first time around, along with a permission slip for him to go medieval on his opponent at the next opportunity.

Another possible motive could be to set up expectations for what future moderators ought to be asking the candidates about, so that anything other than an inquisition of Hillary Clinton can be described as biased. That could be a bit tricky for the next debate, with a town hall format wherein all the questions will be posed by real people in the audience or online. Team Trump probably should not attack the American people or their representatives for failing to focus sufficiently on Benghazi.

The third debate, though, on October 19, will have an identical format to the first. The moderator will be Chris Wallace of Fox News, who presumably does understand why its important to ask Clinton why she wants to enact more of Obamas regulations that have stunted the economy and prevented small businesses from growing or even starting up[.]

But Trump could be setting himself up for failure. If he again goes off into rambling tangents about his business record or his various grudges and again forgets to hit Clinton on all the terrible things shes done, it wont be because he got the wrong advice.
Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

In June, a 38-year-old Utah man contracted Zika. He had not traveled to a Zika-affected area, and doctors ruled out both a mosquito bite and sexual transmission. The man had been caring for his elderly dad, who had been infected with the disease after a trip to Mexico. The 73-year-old father, who had also recently undergone radiation treatment for prostate cancer, soon died from organ failure. The son got sick about a week after tending to his dad. The mysterious case stumped scientists, but now they believe theyve uncovered the depressing and terrifying possible source of the infection: his dying fathers sweat or tears.

Zika transmission through direct contact with sweat or tears hasnt been documented before, and thats alarming, but doctors cautioned that if thats how this person got Zika, it is a rare and abnormal case. The researchers, who published their findings in the New England Journal of Medicine, said the dying father had extremely high levels of the virus in his blood  about 100,000 times the normal amount, according to the Associated Press. Doctors arent entirely sure why the 73-year-old father had such a high level of infection, but they suspect his past radiation treatment may have allowed the virus to replicate much faster than in other cases.

After the son became sick, he told doctors that he wiped away his dads tears and helped nurses move his dad, but he did not wear gloves while doing so, unlike the medical staff. None of the doctors or nurses treating the man got sick. A few relatives also were bitten by Zika-carrying mosquitoes on that trip to Mexico, but none appeared to come down with as serious a bout of the disease. Luckily, the 38-year-old mans Zika infection also appeared to be relatively mild, and he recovered.

But, again, doctors cautioned that these are just clues in an atypical case. Theres no risk of shaking hands with a person who has a typical Zika infection, said one of the doctors who treated both father and son. So, hold off on the Ebola gear for now.
Photo: WIN-Initiative/Getty Images

In parts of Europe and Canada, an interesting, counterintuitive-seeming initiative has gained momentum in recent years: Users of heroin and other injectable drugs should have safe places staffed by medical personnel to shoot up. The idea is that this gets users off the streets, increases their contact with public-health workers (and with the public-health system in general), who can keep them safe if something goes wrong, and reduces the overall negative public-health footprint of injection-drug use. Theres some solid evidence coming in that, broadly speaking, these programs work: A 2011 Lancet study, for example, found that after the opening of the first such facility in North America, in Vancouver, there was a significant drop in overdose deaths.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the U.S., which traditionally embraces more draconian stances to anti-drug policy, hasnt jumped in with the same enthusiasm. There have been baby steps, though: Some cities, like Boston and Manchester, have established facilities where users can ride out their highs under medical supervision, but where they arent allowed to inject. Other cities, like Ithaca and Seattle, have begun exploring the idea of full-blown supervised-injection facilities.

And now New York City. Politico New York reported yesterday that The New York City Council on Wednesday is expected to allocate $100,000 to the citys health department to study supervised injection facilities[.] Specifically, according to Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, The Councils new supervised injection impact study will assess the feasibility and impact of New York City having a program that provides a safe, clean haven to high-risk, vulnerable New Yorkers and will help prevent drug overdoses and disease transmissions.

This is a drop in the bucket from a public-health-budget perspective, and theres no way to know where it will lead  as the storys authors, Dan Goldberg and Gloria Pazmino, point out, there are plenty of obstacles, perhaps foremost among them NIMBYism, since no one wants to live next to a facility where heroin users might be lining up down the block  but this is still very much worth keeping an eye on. New York City is, in many senses, viewed as a public-health laboratory for the rest of the country, and for the city to even be flirting with this idea could send an important and useful signal.

Heres a quick summary of the full case for supervised-injection facilities, from a piece I wrote in February about the Ithaca proposal:

A couple years ago, I got to go on a group tour of this sort of facility in Hamburg, Germany, called Drob Inn (warning: lots of German) and speak with some of the public-health workers there. Two takeaways stuck with me, one small and one big. The small one was simply that, in the eyes of supporters of and employees at those clinics, it doesnt make sense to conceive of these clinics as encouraging heroin use. They are for people with addictions  no one is saying, I am going to start using heroin because there is a place for me to do it.



Which leads to the bigger takeaway: From a public-health perspective, it is incredibly important to keep heroin users (and other intravenous-drug users) in contact with the public-health system. In fact, Drob Inn employees saw that as a big part of their mission. When clients showed up, employees never hectored them to stop using drugs or nudged them toward addiction treatment, or anything like that. Instead, they made sure they were doing okay, provided them treatment for any health issues they were dealing with, and so on. One of the primary goals was to give patients access to health care, and staffers were wary about driving them off by lecturing them about their drug use.



Once you accept that a given heroin addict is, at least in the short term, going to be using heroin regularly, and the important question becomes whether they are going to shoot up in an alley or in a park or in a safe medical facility, it clarifies things a bit. Even setting aside the fact that heroin users, like all human beings, deserve to not deal with agonizing illness and injury  people are really good at dehumanizing intravenous-drug users, after all  it isnt just about the heroin users. Its about everyone else, too. The effects of heroin use that isnt safe, and the associated injuries and illnesses that result, can ripple outward well beyond the user, ranging from crimes of desperation to sexually transmitted diseases. Theres a cost to all of this, and it falls not only on the users themselves but on a city itself.

Again, the City Councils announcement is step one of about twenty. But at the very least its a positive sign that everyone is getting a little bit smarter about drugs.
Say electoral college! Photo: IAN HOOTON/Getty Images/Science Photo Libra

There are only (only!) 40 more days until the election, which means you have just 40 days left to perfect your voting smize. (Or your prune. Or your fingermouth  pick your preferred selfie pose.) Dont worry, youll be protected by law: A federal appeals court just upheld a decision that struck down a ban on ballot photography for violating the First Amendment.

Major victory for ballot selfies: U.S. Court of Appeals upholds decision striking down New Hampshire's weak ban on ballot box photography pic.twitter.com/c4q7zmkvY8  Peter Hamby (@PeterHamby) September 28, 2016

Voting selfies have a storied history in the United States. Taking a photo of your ballot has been illegal in New Hampshire for several decades, theoretically to keep people from selling their votes and then using their selfie as proof. (The Wall Street Journal reports there was little evidence of this ever actually happening in the state.) In 2014, New Hampshire amended a statute meant to avoid vote buying and voter intimidation by newly forbidding citizens from photographing their marked ballots and publicizing such photographs, the opinion from todays ruling, provided to Select All by an associate at the law firm Hogan Lovells, explains.

With that, one of the defendants in the case, Andrew Langlois, faced potential fines after writing in a vote for his dog and posting a picture of it on Facebook during the 2014 primaries. And Langlois wasnt the only one who who thought the statute was bogus. As the selfie ban worked its way through the courts, Snapchat even filed an amicus brief in favor of striking it down. (A company whose product runs on selfies is  pro-selfie? Go figure!)

But now, New Hampshire voters are in the clear to check the box (pull the lever?) for Trump, Clinton, or the Easter Bunny and take a picture of themselves doing it. As for voters in the rest of the country, each state has its own rules regarding ballot selfies (you can check them here)  but if this appellate-court decision is any indication, those laws are in danger of being struck down as well. Not that there arent other ways to let my loyal social-media followers know I voted for someone other than my dog.
Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Next Tuesday, Google will be holding a huge device-release event. Rumors and predictions currently hold that itll be showing off a new phone, a virtual-reality headset, a 4K Chromecast, a new Wi-Fi router, potentially their new hybrid mobile/desktop OS, and the Google Home (i.e., Googles response to the Amazon Echo). Set to be streamed live, the event has a curious hashtag: #MadeByGoogle.

A little background for why that hashtag might raise eyebrows: Google has always had a bit of a weird relationship with consumer hardware. Unlike its rival Apple, Google made its bones on a search engine and (usually) stellar software, and has only sporadically designed and sold hardware. In the smartphone-and-tablet space, its been largely content to distribute Android, its mobile OS, for free and make money off advertising and the Google Play store. Its dabbled in hardware  the Nexus line of phones and tablets have shown off how good Android and smart-hardware design can be, but they are more guideposts for other manufacturers than outright attempts to make hardware the focus of Googles output. (And even the Nexus line has largely been made in concert with manufacturers like LG or HTC.) Other forays, such as Google Glass, have been laughable failures. For an example of how clumsy Google can be around hardware, just look at the development of its modular smartphone, Project Ara. It was first revealed in 2014 before going dormant, then was resurrected at Googles I/O event in May this year, and then killed again at the beginning of September.

Former Motorola president Rick Osterloh was hired in April to head up all of Googles hardware initiatives (with the exception of smart-home thermostat company Nest), bringing many of Googles hardware fiefdoms under one roof. (Osterloh was formerly at Google when it bought Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in 2012, before selling it 18 months later for just under $3 billion to Chinese manufacturer Lenovo.) Six months in hardware development is the blink of an eye, so itll be hard to judge how Osterloh is doing so far, but it should be a good indicator of what Google and Osterloh hope to do with Google hardware over the coming years. Heres what we think well probably see:

Google Home

One thing to keep in mind is that Google isnt really attempting to become a juggernaut in hardware (though it obviously hopes to start selling more and more of its own products). Consumer hardware, unless your company happens to be named Apple, is a place of small profit margins and fierce competition. Case in point: While Googles Chromecast sales are great, its sold on the cheap and the margins on it are likely very thin. The real reason to push the Chromecast? It was a way to test and perfect the system that will power the Google Home, Googles answer to Amazons Echo.

Debuted at Googles I/O conference in May, the Home device is two things: a digital hub for your smart-home devices, and a voice assistant that can do things like control your smart home, keep track of your events, book flights, and so on. Its similar to Amazons line of Echo speakers, which have become a stealth hit over the last couple years thanks to the Alexa voice assistant  but it could have a leg up on Alexa in two key areas.

One, if you have a Google account and use it on a regular basis, youve already turned over a tremendous amount of information to Google, everything from what you like to read and search for to your normal Google map searches (and where your home and office are). This is information that Amazon simply doesnt have  it may have your home address and your shopping habits, but beyond that its left in the dark, unless you choose to manually enter more info into Alexa.

Two, Googles assistant (already available in a slightly different form on Android handsets as OK Google and Google Now) has better overall speech recognition than Amazon. This is mainly because Google has a larger corpus of speech with which to train its machine-learning programs. It can also react to previous questions and statements: Ask a question about when The Magnificent Seven is playing and Google will serve up times. Ask again Can I buy tickets for it? and itll take you to a purchase page for the movie. Ask the same sequence of questions to Alexa, and it will simply do a search for buy tickets for it, without remembering that the conversation was about Denzels killing a bunch of dudes.

What remains to be seen is whether Google Home, which will cost $129, or $50 less than Amazons Echo, will be able to match the Echos remarkable long-distance microphone array that lets you talk to it even in a loud room or with music playing, without having to raise your voice or even turn toward the device.

The Pixel Phone

This is where Google is already making a marketing push. Made in very close coordination with HTC, these phones may be both tentpole phones, showing off Android at its best, and Googles bid for the mass market that so far has eluded its Nexus line of phones. Its expected to have two versions, the Pixel and the phablet Pixel XL, mirroring how Apple bifurcated its own lineup in 2014 with the iPhone 6. Its also rumored that the phone will only be available for physical sales at Verizon stores, though phones sold online through Googles own store will almost certainly be unlocked to any carrier that will have them.

That said, when Google releases without carrier exclusivity, it tends to be able to offer high-end phones at budget prices  the (very solid) Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, released in 2015, went on sale for $379 and $499, respectively. The last time Google teamed up with Verizon, for the Nexus 6, it went on sale for $649. The rumored price for the Pixel phones this time around? Around $649 for the smaller Pixel with 32GB of storage, and presumably more for the Pixel XL.

This is the Google Pixel XLhttps://t.co/7nJdaXhDAV pic.twitter.com/dxmx7bqpKJ  Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 27, 2016

But why would Google change the name of their phones from Nexus to Pixel?

One, Google was simply running out of names  its smartphone line currently sits with the Nexus 6P at the top, and the Nexus 7 is already a popular tablet (not to mention the number 7 has been used by both Samsung and Apple this year for their own flagship phones).

Two, the only other Google product to carry the Pixel name is Googles Pixel line of high-end Chromebooks and the Pixel C convertible tablet. Its an open secret that Google is working on an OS, for now being called Andromeda, that will combine Android and ChromeOS, and Google may want to gather all of its devices, from phones to tablet to laptops, under one banner. However, the phone itself will likely be running Android 7.1.

A New Tablet  by Huawei

Promo shots from the second-generation Nexus 7.

While Google may be ditching the Nexus branding for its phones, it may be rolling out a refresh on the Nexus 7  one of my personal favorite tablets  made by the increasingly popular Chinese manufacturer Huawei (the first two Nexus 7 tablets were made by Asus).

However, leaks and rumors about this are kinda all over the place. Its not clear whether this will actually continue the Nexus branding, whether it will actually be called the Nexus 7 or just be a spiritual successor, or will get bumped over to the Pixel family. It may be the first device to run the new Andromeda OS  or it may run Android with the ability for devs to install Andromeda on it. Its not even clear if this tablet will be shown off at the Made by Google event. All anybody really knows is this, from reliable leaker Evan Blass:

Google's Huawei-built 7-inch tablet, with 4GB RAM, on track for release before the end of the year.  Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 5, 2016

A Glimpse of Google's New OS?

Photo: Pixabay/Google

Andromeda, first reported by The Wall Street Journal in late 2015, represents a years-long effort by Google to reconcile the two operating systems it currently uses: Android on mobile and most of its tablets, and ChromeOS for Chromebooks and a few convertible tablets. If it can create a usable operating system that works both for mobile and desktop at the same time  something Microsoft and Apple are both still struggling to do  theres a chance Google could one day own desktop-OS market share in the same way it currently owns mobile-OS market share.

Theres reason to believe we will get some look at Andromeda. Head of Android development Hiroshi Lockheimer tweeted this over the weekend:

We announced the 1st version of Android 8 years ago today. I have a feeling 8 years from now we'll be talking about Oct 4, 2016.  Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) September 24, 2016

Google Daydream: Serious VR

Almost assuredly making its debut will be Googles Daydream platform and the Daydream headset, potentially called Daydream View. This is Googles major leap forward, after years of sending out as many samples of its cheap Google Cardboard glasses as possible, and months of behind-the-scenes work securing filmmakers to use Googles Jump platform to create 3-D video for VR.

So far, mobile VR has been dominated by Samsungs Gear VR, which does a fine job, thanks to both Samsungs high-quality screens and its partnership with Oculus, which provides some vital software to help reduce motion sickness.

What will the Daydream bring to the table? Well, for one, unlike the Samsung Gear, the Daydream platform will likely be available across every device that meets minimum specs  even, possibly, iPhones.

A 4K Chromecast

A fun fact thats gone relatively unreported: Googles Chromecast was the best-selling streaming product last year (despite not being sold through Amazon). As 4K televisions begin to saturate the market, and more streaming content is available in 4K resolution, Google is set to launch its 4K-ready Chromecast Ultra, which will reportedly cost $79  double the price of its original Chromecast.

One interesting wrinkle: This may not be called a Chromecast at all. A report from VentureBeat suggests that the device may lose all Chrome branding altogether, in favor of the G symbol now widely used across many of Googles apps and properties.

A New Wi-Fi Router

A promo shot of the Google OnHub.

Google has dipped a toe in these waters before with its OnHub, but the router was silently abandoned, as promised updates never came to fruition. The relaunch, reportedly simply called Google Wi-Fi, looks to serve much the same purpose  dirt-simple Wi-Fi setup for everyone  with a couple of added bonuses. The one that should catch everyones eyes: the ability to support mesh networking, meaning you can use multiple routers to expand your Wi-Fi network through your home, something thats currently only possible either through complicated Wi-Fi extenders or expensive options like Eero. The base router is reported to cost $129.

A New Pixel Laptop?

In the world of Chromebooks, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Samsung, and others all produce variations on what a Chromebook is usually imagined as: a cheap laptop with a decent keyboard and not much onboard storage space that you can grab for $150 to $300 (or maybe $400 if youre feeling flush). But Googles Pixel laptops were defiantly high-end, and were priced that way: The original Pixel cost $1,299 and the Pixel 2 came in at $999.

The Pixel laptops were also notable for being both designed and manufactured entirely by Google (or, to be more precise, manufactured by a subcontractor in China, much like the relationship between Apple and Foxconn). With the whole #MadeByGoogle atmosphere around the event, it would make sense for Google to talk about its work on the Pixel 3, known within the company as Bison. Rumored to be released sometime in fall of 2017, it will undoubtedly run Andromeda  which means, of course, it will no longer technically be a Chromebook. This may be a no-show at the event  or it may be the perfect time to show that Google doesnt need to rely on HTC or LG or Huawei to create products consumers will want to buy.
Hero, Michelle Obama Photo: John Moore/Getty Images

Michelle Obama, First Lady, Snapchat aficionada, and expert orator, continued her two-month legacy of publicly eviscerating Donald Trump. This time the moment arrived at a Hillary Clinton campaign rally in Philadelphia today. After broaching the subject of birtherism and how Trumps commitment to discredit her husbands U.S. citizenship was a ploy to undermine his presidency, she said perhaps what more than a few people have already considered about the nations next commander-in-chief: When making life or death, war or peace decisions, she said, presidents cant just pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you.
Photo: Fedezimerman/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Colonel Meow was the first to go.

A lumbering, long-haired Himalayan-Persian mix with the bearing of a military dictator, the Colonel was struck down by a sudden illness in January 2014. Im not sure what I was doing when he actually left us, but I know for a fact that receiving the news stopped me cold.

Colonel Meow passed away yesterday evening, read the caption, written by his owner, Anne Marie Avey, along with a photo of the Colonels familiar grumpy-old-man face. I will post more about the details when Ive had a few days to grieve.

Then came Caspar, a beautiful white Turkish Angora who goes by the handle @LittlePiecesofCat (which he shares with another cat of indeterminate relationship, named Melchior). One day, my boyfriend came home to find me morose. Caspar has lymphoma, I told him, unable to meet his eye. He was understandably confused, partly because we dont have any friends called Caspar.

Who? he asked.

Indeed: Who? While Colonel Meow was a bona fide feline celebrity, a peer of renowned Instagram celebrities like Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub, I havent the faintest clue how I became one of Caspars (and Melchiors) 10.7K followers. And yet, suddenly, his struggle was part of my everyday life. Every day, I would get a new update on his lymphoma treatments. His white-blood-cell count was too low! He wasnt responding well to chemo! His fur had lost some of its lustrous sheen! I found myself Googling feline lymphoma in my spare time, educating my friends on his prognosis and various treatment options over brunch and coffee dates. I generally think that I have enough stress in my life without a random cats terminal illness, but I also felt like I didnt have a choice. What else could I do? Unfollow him in his time of need?

In my time as an Instagram user and follower of animals (mostly of cats, as is my God-given right, but a few dogs too, plus some miscellaneous), I have had much to grieve. Caspar passed away this summer. Biddy the traveling hedgehog died last year; Loki the corgi left us just last week. Bobby Flay and his wife went through an unpleasant divorce in 2015, thereby splitting up their two Maine coon kittens (Nacho and Taco) into to separate accounts, a separation which I took almost as hard as a death.

Related Stories No You Cannot Join This Elite Clique of Goldendoodles

And yet it has never gotten easier, never less surprising and unpleasant, to learn that one of my followees has succumbed to their relatively short feline or canine lifespans. Once upon a time, my Instagram feed was a place of low-stakes escapism and mindless distraction, a portable menagerie that I could reliably turn to for a shot of cuteness-related dopamine. Now, more often than not, it is a place to be aggressively confronted with my own mortality (or, indeed, the vicissitudes of modern marriage), making me wonder why exactly I signed up for it in the first place.

What does it mean when an Insta-animal stops being merely cute and starts being, say, a lymphoma patient with a few months to live? Is the joy of a few hundred cute cat pictures outweighed by the eventual burden of mourning a creature you never even knew? Does everyone else get this deeply invested in the digital lives of other peoples faraway pets, or do I need to get more hobbies?



I never found out the answers to these questions, because recently, scrolling casually through my feed, I saw a photo of Colonel Meow, whom I had un-followed in the traumatic days after his death. It took me by surprise. Had he actually died, or was my memory playing tricks on me? Clicking over to his feed, I realized that his owner had decided to continue sharing photos of the Colonel on a regular basis for the past few years. It was possible to believe that he was still at home, eating his kibble, rolling around and napping on the windowsill, posting grumpy captions like Wake me up when theres a World Domination Leader Day and Go away. Im eating. He looked peaceful, plump, delightfully gruff  I liked him just as much as I did when I first followed him years ago. All my cheaply bought lessons about mortality were suddenly cast into doubt.

But, I figured, at least there was no chance of going through another painful grieving process; he was already dead.



So I clicked follow.
Sud de France gears up for its Rising Stars Tasting

Sud de France will be holding its annual Rising Stars Tasting on 20 October to showcase the best wines that are currently being made in the region but are as yet unavailable in the UK market.

The event, which takes place at the Maison de la Region in London between 10.30 and 5pm, will highlight wines from the newly extended region of Occitanie, which now combines the wines of both Languedoc-Roussillon and the Sud Ouest.

Thirteen producers from across Occitanie have been specially selected for the quality of the wines they are currently making; the group is ready to head to London to present these wines for the first time to the UK trade.

The wines had to go through a rigorous selection process by both UK and French wine media before being accepted at this event.

Isabelle Kanaan, executive director of Sud de France, said: This is an essential tasting for anyone looking to enhance their Southern French wines portfolio at the premium end.

These are the regions most highly regarded exporters who are looking to secure partnerships with the UK trade.

Visitors will also be able to pick up a Midi Card, Sud de Frances brand new loyalty card launched earlier this year, from the registration desk when they arrive. Stamps will be given each time they attend a Sud de France event and those who present a full card will then receive a mixed case of stand-out premium wines from the region. Other benefits are also available to card holders.

Registration is now open at www.suddefrance.co.uk/ rising

Related articles:
I'd love to live in CA. I'm too liberal for the rest of the country.



But I love fall too much.

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lmao pleath...

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it was 100 degrees yesterday!

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we have like 2 weeks of "fall" in late november... lol

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fall? our two seasons are rainy/windy and hot. i will agree with you on norcal >> socal tho

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mte. was surprised we have 4 seasons when i moved from socal to norcal!

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CA has a pretty big conservative population

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San Francisco has like 9 months of fall.

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I should also mention that I love things like snow as well (until Christmas over, then it can fuck off).



Edited at 2016-09-28 11:37 pm (UTC)

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Today I had lunch with someone who stated "I hate Fall".

HOW CAN ANYONE HATE FALL? It is the perfect season. Not too hot. Not too cold. Beautiful colours and delicious food.

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California is wicked expensive to live in, and there are tons of conservatives/republicans and sexists and racist and on and on. Cali is not the liberal capital of America lmao

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This thread is cracking me up because it's an accurate depiction of how Californians see each other:

-Northern California has a one-sided rivalry with Southern California. Brings up San Francisco and weather.

-Southern California is apathetic to Northern California's disdain for it. Brings up beaches.

-Everyone agrees that the middle of California is Pauly Shore's unwashed armpit



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Bitch, we've got a town called PUMPKIN CENTER, ok?!!?



tbh, Pumpkin Center is such massive sucking shithole lol

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that was stupid but it does sound like he will sign it should it come up again and be accounted for in appropriations.

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Blame prop 13!



Always blame prop 13, for everything.

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y do u want to make seniors homeless!!!!

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lmao this is so accurate tho



(even tho straight up FUCK prop 13)

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finally something good about 2016

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good

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excellent news. i love my state sometimes (i love my state always, when it comes 2 defending it from the majority of ONTD's horrible east coast taste).

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CA is the clearly the best state. Our natural beauty is unrivaled, tbh!!!

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mte. come to brazil california!

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ia! it's the most globally important state! so much important nature within our borders (oldest and tallest trees in the world! north america's lowest point. mountains, beaches, forests, deserts, farmlands, national parks!!!). california >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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i live in NY but if CA wasn't so damn expensive, i'd move out there.

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west coast best coast

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lol i'm an east coast girl all the way but i do give CA and the west in general all dat natural beauty. and cleaner air than the east sadly lol

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I just moved here Monday! I'm hoping I can turn off my AC soon.

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California is literally the best state in the world.

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people forget the best part of the #Westcoast best coast is the Pacific Northwest Northwest

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I'm a California native but I can't be in the same state as you!

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If I had the money/resources I would leave the Eastern US for California in a heartbeat lol. Every time I've been there I was struck by it's beauty.



But then again California doesn't really have fall like over here so idk.



Edited at 2016-09-29 12:10 am (UTC)

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Preach!



People keep saying East Coast beaches are better and I'm like... where they at, tho? I've been to PA & Jersey, and I was DISGUSTED. I can drive the PCH from top to bottom, and stay impressed the entire ride.

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all this talk about ~tropical miami beaches, smh. idgaf if the water is warm bc idgaf about swimming, i just need beautiful rugged coastlines so that i can take instagram photos with shitty filters and feel all profoundly moved by nature's beauty and shit!

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As much as I must have to admit that California is a fucking paradise.

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i live in hawaii but i lived in CA for a long time so CA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>



i have no desire whatsoever to live in the east coast and i'd rather stab myself in the eye multiple times with a knitting needle than live in florida

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tbh, west coast >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> east coast. And I live in Colorado ffs.

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NEW JERSEY

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west coast = best coast, for sure.



i'm from southwestern europe & after having visited quite a few of your states, if i had to pick a place to live in the US, it would be california. ok, either that or new mexico.

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thats fantastic

i hope this can spread to every state in my lifetime

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Omg is this retroactive? I finally have hope that those hwood rings can be taken down.



This would be great anywhere but cali is big af so lots of potential survivors could benefit 

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I doubt law in the USA is retroactive. It isn't in any democratic country I've ever heard of. Unfortunately in this case.

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Ex post facto laws are prohibited in the United States under the constitution.

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It's not retroactive and goes into effect on January 1, 2017.

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Thank u op! I'm sad and this cheered me up

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California has been on their legislative shit lately. I mean, it's still gov't so it's still trash, but still.

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it's all relative

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Honestly, Jerry Brown is such a boss.. (compared to schwarzennegar especially)

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love living in the best state in the union. also vote yes on prop 64 y'all.

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We have some big props coming up on the ballot this November. Praying we can get rid of the death penalty!!



Like even if you don't like Hillary, there are some really important things to vote on (like a new Senator!!!) so get out to the polls!

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for sure!

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Wasn't the death penalty taken off in 1969? I remember people being pissed bc Charles Manson and his little cult wouldn't be sentenced to death for their crimes.

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We have death with dignity and single-payer healthcare on our ballot in CO!

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You all better be voting for Kamala Harris too!

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the west coast is the best coast!

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Amen to that! <3

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Now if only he could die I'd be able to say 2016 wasn't a total mess.

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I love living in California!

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Heck yes! West Coast is the Best Coast!

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I just caught up with this show last week and I'm loving it.



Especially Dash. My dog who passed away in June was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel so I get a lot of joy seeing one on TV.



Dash actually needs his own show. Give him a spin off! We need his perspective of events!!

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Dash is so cute!

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Nooo sad to hear about your dog </3 I love King Charles spaniels though and my sister actually has one. Dash is also very lovely :3



Edited at 2016-09-29 07:11 pm (UTC)

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</3 Losing my dog was really hard. she was diagnosed with lymphoma mid-May and we tried treating her with chemo, but her cancer was just not responding to treatment and her health declined. So we had to make the awful decision to let her go. Cavaliers are just the sweetest and chillest dogs.

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I really like victoria. I like Jenna but sometimes idk about her acting (the eyes)?

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the contacts really do make her eyes look strange

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Yeah, i think that they tend to make her look a little dead in the eyes or something because she def looked better on doctor who

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It's very distracting. I wish they would just drop the contacts.

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I really enjoy this show now Albert is in it, it's perfect Sunday evening tv

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that sound effect when that dessert is getting a spoon splotched into is disgusting tbh



much like the random food ads during commercial breaks for this show

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i thought this was on amazon streaming for some reason, but it looks like i was mistaken. anyone know where i can watch this?

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Watch series has it. Its not premiering in the USA until Jan 2017 on PBS

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darn US, behind everything. thanks for the answer!

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I can't find it on there, do you have a link?

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Yassss give me more fighting between Albert and Victoria. I enjoyed their bickering in episode 4

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lmao you'll love the big blowout they have about the situation in the nursery when the princess royal gets sick

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The main guy is handsome/attractive in a weird way.

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I just marathoned the first 6 episodes 2 days ago and I love it even tho I never actually liked Jenna in Doctor Who.



I can't with tumblr sometimes tho like I know that rufus sewell is cute but shipping victoria and lord m to the point of bashing irl prince albert for marrying victoria? 

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They're been personally victimised by history.

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ppl who obviously don't know the actual historical context...

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This show became like 20 times better when Albert arrived. And yet the entire fandom is still devoted to "Vicbourne!!!" to the point that it's annoying.



I'm just salty because there's literally a single Victoria/Albert fic (for this show) on AO3 rn.

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Yeah I don't understand the people shipping her with Melbourne. The supposed romance isn't even real. Plus, I think Jenna has much better chemistry with Tom Hughes than Rufus Sewell

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I need to watch this

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jaaaaaaaaa, mein prinz! continue to slay! i'm so glad that awful lord m/victoria creep-ship has sunk. sail on, superior (and historically accurate) ship altoria (vicbert?)!

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I kinda get that people really like Lord M, with his tragic-romantic backstory, how much he helps her and all that, but he's just way too old for her, ick.



Sadly, I'm not much into Albert either - love that he's a champion for the poor and is faithful to a t, but he's such a little shit sometimes, lol.

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Victoria and Albert are perfection tbh <333

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I love it (and laugh) when they speak German on the show, most of the actors have such a British accent (they can't pronounce "ch" either).



But the show itself is really good, love the visuals, actors and the soundtrack. I always thought the first season was only 6 episodes, though? How many is it?

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Albert x pocket knife otp

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No sooner was the oil output freeze agreement by OPEC members announced than the first problem with it emerged. Namely, Iraq has questioned the way OPEC estimates the output of each member state.

The organization relies on two sets of data for these estimates: production figures supplied by each member, and data from external sources. Usually, the latter set of data present lower figures than members own calculations and are considered closer to real production.

Reuters quotes Iraqs Oil Minister, Jabar Ali al-Luaibi, as saying that the data from secondary sources do not reflect the countrys actual production, which is higher. This discrepancy could practically rip the agreement apart even before it is ratified and enforced.

It is one thing to cap production at over 4.7 million bpd, which Al-Luaibi said was the most recent peak in daily output, and quite another to freeze it at 4.35 million bpd, which is the figure supplied by secondary sources for August. The figure Iraq itself supplied as average for August was yet another figure: 4.64 million bpd.

There is already enough skepticism about the deal. It is uncertain if it will hold until the November meeting of OPEC in Vienna. Even if it does, there is no guarantee all members will stay within their new quotas.

Whats more, Iraq could be just the first one to demand that its self-reported production rate be used as the basis for the new quotas. It may be followed by other members  its by no means the only OPEC member whose own figures are noticeably higher than the secondary sources data. This would ultimately render the freeze pointless  members will continue to increase their production to their self-reported levels. According to Zero Hedge, the combined difference between self-reported and secondary-source output figures for Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE and Venezuela is nearly a million barrels.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
It's been four years since LEGO KidsFest has been to Milwaukee, and during that time, the LEGO craze has grown and grown.

Now, the event is back at the Wisconsin Center on Friday, Oct. 7-9, at the Wisconsin Center, allowing kids (and adults) to do hands-on building, view astonishing models, play interactive games and do some unique things, too  like climb a huge mountain of LEGO blocks.

Five identical four-and-a-half-hour sessions will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $19 for Friday and Sunday afternoon sessions, and $22 for both sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Complete details can be found at LEGOkidsfest.com.

A couple weeks ago, it was announced that LEGO KidsFest's 1,000,000th guest would attend the Milwaukee event.

"This visit to Milwaukee speaks to the success and popularity of our show," said event organizer Christopher White. "We're thrilled Wisconsin-area families will get to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event."

We caught up with master model builder Chris Steininger (pictured below with some fans), who will be on hand to teach some building classes, to find out how one builds a career out of little plastic bricks and what we can expect at LEGO KidsFest when it arrives in Milwaukee.

OnMilwaukee: How does one get to be a real LEGO master builder? I know of a few million kids who hope to have that job someday.

Chris Steininger: To get this job we look for people that have a creative background particularly in 3D art, as most of our models are designed virtually using a program called MAYA. The eight LEGO Master Builders in the world, based in Enfield, Conn., have diverse backgrounds, from myself with a woodworking background to others with a more traditional art background. When you first join the model shop, where we work, you start off as a model gluer trainee, then become a model gluer, then model builder, senior model builder, finally master model builder.

Is it safe to assume you were a LEGO maniac as a kid? Did you prefer sets or loose blocks to create your own designs?

Growing up I was a build-the-set-and-play type of kid. As I grew older, I more and more started to build my own creations.

Did you then and do you now have a favorite series: City, Ninjago, etc.?

I love LEGO Technic! When Im building anything at home its going to be Technic. It has always been my favorite.

Explain a bit about how kids can make that leap from the sets, which are great, to learning how to see things in terms of blocks and how to translate their own original ideas into completed LEGOs.

Kids are the ultimate creators. They have not been influenced by what others think creativity should be. In the end what they create truly represents the intent of the LEGO system of play, and that is to be an endlessly creative toy. Sometimes kids need a bit of a jump-start in the creativity department and thats where building from a LEGO set can help; maybe its a LEGO Star Wars set that inspires a child to build their own even-better spaceship.

How do you get your ideas for designs? Do you have a specialty (castles, vehicles, etc.)?

The team of master builders is involved with the creation of large-scale models, everything from human sized figures up to a life-sized X-wing fighters. In general, the LEGO sets are designed in Denmark. I personally enjoy building vehicles.

Spending so much time around LEGOs, do you ever find it consuming you? Do you dream about LEGOs, for example, or find yourself staring at things in the world and pondering how you'd render a model of it out of plastic bricks?

Yes, I have had dreams about LEGO, mainly when there is a tight deadline that a model needs to be built for. I have absolutely seen things like city buildings or airplanes and thought, "wow that would make an awesome LEGO model."

Tell us a bit about the LEGO KidsFest and what they're like?

LEGO KidsFest is a massive LEGO experience that takes over the entire convention center. We bring in all sorts of awesome LEGO experiences that you cant just do at home, including the biggest pile of LEGO bricks you will ever see, and my favorite, the brick battle zone, where kids play games designed by the Master Builders, like the bridge-building competition where LEGO Mike the MC will have the kids build bridges out of DUPLO. Then he will test each bridge to destruction; the bridge that holds the most weight wins.

What do you do at the fests? Do you go to a lot of them?

I have been to most of the LEGO KidsFests, including the first ever back in 2009. I will be teaching the LEGO Master Builder Lab, where we talk a bit about the history of LEGO and teach the kids some new building skills in a fun and exciting way.

Besides play and enjoyment, what do you think kids (and I guess adults, too) learn from LEGOs?

I hope kids and adults realize that LEGO is not just a toy, its a means for creative expression!
Tim Gunn. Clay Matthews. Magic Johnson. Bette Midler. Over the years, AIDS Walk Wisconsin has brought some big names from across the pop culture landscape to Milwaukee as honorary chairs in order to continue the fight against HIV and AIDS.

This year, actor Taye Diggs will take up the charge as honorary chair for Saturdays walk and 5k run at the Summerfest Grounds  not an unfamiliar role for the TV, film and Broadway performer. After all, he helped originate the role of Benny in the Broadway run of "Rent," the hit musical that helped further push HIV and AIDS awareness into the public eye.

Before Saturdays event, Diggs talked to OnMilwaukee about his involvement in the struggle over the years, starring in a cultural phenomenon, and his career on stage and screen  including a new stint on the TV series "Empire."

OnMilwaukee: How did you get involved with AIDS Walk Wisconsin?

Taye Diggs: Ive been keyed in with the struggle as long as I can remember, just because Im obviously a member of the music theater community and Broadway and what not, and my connection with "Rent." So Ive always had my ear to the ground.

So when this opportunity presented itself, it was something I definitely wanted to be a part of. And doing some of the research, I had no idea how many people are still struggling with HIV and the prospect of getting AIDS  especially in the Milwaukee area. I wanted to become a part of the fight and encourage people to register for this walk. Because were still struggling with people being able to afford medicine and what not. Im amazed at the idea that a lot of people will be able to benefit from a walk such as this who dont have the insurance to be able to afford the medicine. That, to me, was something that was really, really huge.

Why is this such an important issue to you on a personal level?

So many of us have been affected by this disease: African-Americans are one of the groups that are still suffering, minorities, young people. The older Im getting, the more aware I am of the help that people need and just how some things can fall by the wayside. Theres so much going on today that it can be easy to lose sight of issues that people are still dealing with. And this is a huge one. So I wanted to make sure that we know whats going on and that we can fight this.

Have you had people in your life close to you that have contracted HIV?

I have, yes. Its kind of a blessing and a curse, where I was exposed at a very, very early age because my mother was very involved in community theater, so a couple of her friends were taken. So I knew the damage that something like this was capable of, so Ive been aware. Even though weve come a long way, we still have a long way to go. I cant encourage people enough to come out, get some exercise and get those pledges.

Obviously you starred in "Rent," both on stage and on screen. How have you seen attitudes toward AIDS and HIV change  or not change  since its debut?

I can only speak from my situation and what Im exposed to  and obviously being an actor, unless I go looking, I have a limited view. But I think the general perspective is that, because of people like Magic Johnson and other folks that do have the means  and we know that weve made such strides  were not hearing about people dying as often. People think its a situation thats over or past, and unfortunately it isnt. Its almost like its not trendy anymore; its not cool.

So we need to make people aware and say, "People need help." Its not about whats trendy or whats in or whats fashionable or what charities are fashionable. This is still an epidemic right here in our own country, and we need to change that.

What was it like starring in a show focused on a topic that was still so controversial, fresh and topical?

At the time, because it was so controversial, that kind of played into its popularity. So, again only speaking for myself, we only benefited. I dont remember being aware  Im sure there was  of much pushback. As you can imagine, people seemed to be ready for what we had to say.

Thats why Im such a strong supporter of the arts. Were blessed in that we can get serious messages across through the arts, through music and dance and just a great story. We were able to enjoy ourselves. We were lucky that we got a hit and, at the same time, spread the word. Not to sound corny, but it was truly a magical time.

As someone whos worked in both TV and movies, do you think TV has sort of overtaken movies in terms of artistic creativity? There was a lot of talk after this summer movie season that film was dead, while TV seems to be in a stride  both artistically and pop culturally.

For me, I look at the situation on two levels  as an artist and as a human  so Im looking for interesting roles, and at the same time, Im looking for what is being said. And TV is doing both. There are these programs pushing the envelope and changing the perspectives. You have more messages getting portrayed on television. There are more interesting stories.

In film, its been mostly superhero franchises and big childrens movies. Its much more limited in all those respects. So Im excited to be a part of the television family, and I dont think its going anywhere anytime soon.

Whats it like to be on set on a monster show like "Empire," and anything you can tell us about your newly introduced character or plotlines?

Aw man, its one of the biggest shows Ive ever been on. The cast is really, really great. We had a really late night last night, but we were laughing the entire time. Its much more of what people have been seeing: a lot of drama, a lot of really good acting and just plain fun.

Visit AIDS Walk Wisconsin's website to learn more about Saturday's event, registering and/or pledging your support.
When you think about it, the whole campaign and debate system is rather embarrassing, isn't it? The process invites grown adults to stand before 100 million people to brag about themselves, quarrel like children, and tell obvious lies while ignoring the nation's real problems. Meanwhile, those willing to address those concerns are excluded from the debate stage with their solutions unheard.

Is this really the best we can do?

For instance, in Monday's exchange between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, we had two rather out-of-touch, super-rich white people spending ninety minutes talking over each other and telling us how exemplary they are not only personally, but especially at solving the problems of impoverished non-whites. For this we should vote for one rather than the other.

Their other reasons? The proposed policies of each are a bit less racist than their opponent's. Each claims to be better at killing destitute people in the Middle East and Africa. And, by the way, they're superior at making their sponsors even richer, so that a more or less tiny portion of Wall Street's wealth might trickle down to the rest of us -- some day.

Take Mr. Trump (Please!). He brags about how "amazing" he is. He's a billionaire, he claims. That (and nothing else) makes him . . . "amazing." And this, even though his wealth was accumulated by frequent business interactions with mafia dons, by discriminating against people of color, stiffing contractors and workers, off-shoring American jobs, avoiding payment of taxes, and by regularly declaring bankruptcy.

Mr. Trump belittles women, African Americans, immigrants, Mexicans, and Muslims. He promises to break constitutional and international law by torturing terrorist suspects, by killing their families, expanding Guantanamo, excluding war refugees created by U.S. foreign policy, and by racial and religious profiling involving unconstitutional "Stop and Frisk" policing and intense surveillance of Muslim neighborhoods. He also pledges to build a wall along a border that separates a country whose land was stolen from Mexico in 1848. Moreover, he says he'll continue trickle down economic policies of tax reductions for the rich that despite the historical record, will produce results that will be (you guessed it) "amazing."

On the other hand, we have in Hillary Clinton a woman who reached Monday's podium by highly questionable means centralizing fraud, disenfranchisement of independent voters, incomplete vote counts, and violation of rules governing the Democratic National Committee. (We're supposed to forget all of that.)

Moreover, she thinks her husband did a "pretty good job" as president when he betrayed his working class base by ramming through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the worst trade deal in American history. (Mr. Trump is right about that.) With his wife's approval, that president oversaw passage of an Omnibus Crime Bill which Ms. Clinton saw as a necessary measure against black "Super Predators" who (like dogs) must be "brought to heel." In reality however, the Crime Bill proved responsible for the imprisonment of record numbers of African Americans and Hispanics mostly guilty of victimless crimes. The Clintons also ended "welfare as we know it." In the process, their "reforms" further impoverished the poor now desperate for non-existent work in the jobless economy exacerbated by NAFTA.

As the senator from New York, Mrs. Clinton voted for the Iraq War that directly resulted in the deaths of more than one million people. As Secretary of State, she pushed for regime change in Libya and created a failed state where relative prosperity had existed before. Same in Syria. She unconditionally supports Israel in its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and approves record-level arms sales to Saudi Arabia -- the Butcher of Yemen (the poorest country in the Middle East) and the hidden hand behind ISIS itself. Clinton favors a no-fly zone in Syria and is evidently willing to risk the nuclear war with Russia that well might result.

In short, under a Clinton presidency, the U.S. will continue to modernize its nuclear weapons of mass destruction, and to implement a foreign policy based on imperialism, full spectrum military dominance, and permanent war.

That's business as usual. And that's why Mrs. Clinton might lose this election. At least crazy Donald represents change for people whose daily experience tells them that business as usual isn't working for them.

Are Trump and Clinton the best we can do? God help us!

In the meantime, the voices of Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein are quite forgotten and inaudible. If you recall, their campaigns are not based on braggadocios trumpeting of their "amazing" accomplishments. Instead, they propose actual policy changes aimed at directly improving the lives of working people like you and me. They actually talk about:

Climate change

A job-creating Green New Deal

Mass transportation

Medicare for all

A bail-out for indebted college students (analogous to the $1.3 trillion Wall Street bail-out in 2008).

Free post-secondary education for everyone.

Abandoning U.S. policies of imperialism, dominance and regime-change.

Reducing (not increasing) military spending.

Nuclear disarmament

Tax increases for the rich and for corporations

Community policing and law enforcement oversight along with demilitarization of police forces

A Truth and Reconciliation Process aimed at healing unaddressed divisions between whites and African-Americans.

So, what to do in this embarrassing situation? Here's what I think. Unfortunately, we must recognize that:

Perhaps Ms. Clinton might be slightly more rational than Mr. Trump. As a damage-control measure (and especially in view of up-coming Supreme Court vacancies), we must vote for her in locations where our truly ridiculous, anti-democratic, winner-take-all electoral system (skewed by the Electoral College) makes one's vote actually mean something. We must work like hell during the next four years at identifying and promoting a candidate who in 2020 will defeat self-serving corporate braggarts and frauds like Trump and Clinton.

(Article changed on September 29, 2016 at 11:51)

(Article changed on September 29, 2016 at 12:10)
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com.

Think of American politics today as a tale of two Donalds. First, there's Donald Trump, political provocateur, a man with his eye on the Oval Office who's ready to say just about anything to get into it. That includes insisting, in his "America First" campaign, that he -- and he alone -- will bring back millions of manufacturing jobs to this country (that are unlikely ever to return) and that he'll create boom times for both the coal and natural gas industries (though they are in direct competition with each other). And then, of course, there's the other Donald Trump, the one who will do anything for a buck (or a million bucks, for that matter), including offshoring jobs galore for his own product lines and hiring cheaper foreign labor for his hotels and resorts (or building projects).

You might think that, in the heat of this election campaign, he'd decide to take a modest hit by hiring American labor rather than foreign "guest workers," and by repatriating the making of those Trump shirts (Bangladesh), Trump ties (China and Mexico), and similar products; that, at the moment, he might put his money where his mouth is when it comes to "America First." As it happens, we have a curious snapshot of The Donald and outsourced products from the latest Trump International Hotel, the one he recently opened just down the street from the White House with full campaign trail publicity and at prices meant only for the super-rich.

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank spent a night there (on Jeff Bezos's tab) and in his room ($856 plus tax) he found one all-American product: a "small package of milk-chocolate Trump gold bullion ($25)." Here was his description of what the room otherwise contained: "a Trump logo bathmat and towels from India, bone china from Japan, Italian cutlery and tiles, two telephones from Malaysia, a Swiss refrigerator, German coffee cups, Trump soaps and lotions from Canada and, from China, all four lamps, the coffee machine, the bathroom scale, the valet stand, and the shower cap." Milbank adds, "The hotel's managing director is from France. Most hotel workers I met during my stay had Caribbean or African accents."

That hotel room fits a pattern, and don't think of it as a case of Trumpian hypocrisy either. That doesn't begin to catch the flavor of what's going on. No, when it comes to The Donald's businesses, political positions be damned. He's happy to rouse Rust Belt and other communities with talk about the nightmare of outsourced jobs for American workers and to slam companies like Ford and Nabisco for sending their factories abroad. There's one thing he's not prepared to do, however: give up what's best for Donald Trump. And if that's true now, imagine how essential it is to the man and how likely it is, as Nomi Prins, TomDispatchregular and author of All the President's Bankers, indicates today, that it's one trait -- even obsession -- that would enter the Oval Office with him and change the nature of the American presidency big time. Tom

Madoff in the White House?

How Trump's Conflicts of Interest Could Become Ours

By Nomi Prins Imagine for a moment that it's January 2009. Bernie Madoff, America's poster-child fraudster, has yet to be caught. The 2007-2008 financial crisis never happened. The markets didn't tank to reveal the emptiness beneath his schemes. We still don't know what's lurking in his tax returns because he's never released them, but we know that he's a billionaire, at least on paper. We also know, of course, that he just won the presidency by featuring the slogan -- on hats, t-shirts, everywhere -- "Make America Rich Again!" On a frosty morning in late January, before his colleagues, his country, God, and the world, Madoff takes the oath of office. He swears on a Bible to uphold the constitution. The next day, everything comes crashing down. The banks. The markets. His fortune. Madoff is a businessman, not a politician. He's run and won as an anti-establishment maverick. Now, he's faced with a choice: save the United States or his own posterior. During the campaign, he promised that he could separate the two, that his kids could run his empire, while he did the people's business. But no one wants to talk to his progeny. They want him. They want the man in the suit who owes them money. Okay, so that never happened, though over two decades Madoff did build a $65 billion Ponzi scheme. In December 2008, he became the most vilified man in America -- at the very moment when Washington and Wall Street needed a distraction from the crippling financial crisis. He's now serving a 150-year sentence for multiple felonies. Of course, Donald Trump is not Bernie Madoff, who was 70 when he took up residence in the Big House. Trump at 70 is eyeing the White House. Other glaring differences separate them, though certain overriding similarities can't be ignored. Let's look at those differences first. Trump vs. Madoff, The Scorecard 1. Trump is much richer than Madoff ever was, though we have no idea by how much. Forbes puts his wealth at $4.5 billion. Trump says it's $10 billion. (Compared to just under a billion for Madoff.) 2. Madoff took advantage of individuals. Trump extracted tax breaks from entire cities. 3. Madoff broke the law and got caught. He's in jail. As a felon, he can't even vote in this election. Trump may have broken the law, and has bragged about paying people off, but now deflects everything and is running for president.

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Khursheed Shah barred from taking part in the formers protest in Lahore

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People's Party on Wednesday protested in the National Assembly after Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah was barred from taking part in the formers protest in Lahore.



"Dictator could not stop us from attending protest rallies then how others would stop us," said Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani on a point of order. He blamed that the Punjab government blocked the roads to bar Khursheed Shah from attending the farmers protest. He said it was regrettable that the Punjab government arrested about 2,000 farmers, including the president and general secretary of the Kisan Ittehad. He said peaceful protests were the constitutional right of every person. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto could not render sacrifices for such democracy in which people were not allowed to hold peaceful rallies.



On this, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq directed Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shaikh Aftab to contact the Punjab government, get details in this regard and apprise the House. After two hours, another PPP MNA Ayaz Soomro said two hours passed but no clarification was presented in the House. If the government could not honour its commitment, then it should make promises, he maintained.



Meanwhile, initiating the debate on FATA reforms, Shahabuddin praised the Committee on FATA Reforms for framing the recommendations on reforms in the tribal areas after holding extensive talks with all the relevant stakeholders. He urged the government to merge FATA in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also demanded that the government annul Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR). Haji Bismillah said the tribal people have always rendered sacrifices for Pakistan and there was a dire need to bring them into the national mainstream. He urged the government to work for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons.



Nasir Afridi said FCR should be abolished and future status of the tribal areas should be determined as the aspirations of the tribal people.



Ghazi Gulab Jamal said that process of change should be gradual keeping in view the ground realities in the tribal agencies. Abrupt merger of FATA with KP was not in interest of anyone, he said.



Sajid Toori said the representatives of FATA fully endorse FATA reforms package. Muhammad Nazir Khan termed the FATA reforms package a historic achievement, hoping it would help improve the lives of the tribal people. He emphasised the need for building health, education and other basic infrastructure in the FATA.



The House was informed that the return of IDPs to their homes would be ensured by November. States and Frontier Regions Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch told the House that 70 percent of IDPs have already returned to their places of origin. He said that under the FATA reforms package, the merger of tribal Areas into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had been proposed. He, however, said FATA would be made a new province if political parties, parliament and the tribal people agreed.



The minister said situation had improved to a great deal in the tribal areas and development schemes would be fully implemented to bring improvement in the lives of the people.



Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the House that Islamophobia was widespread in Europe and efforts were being made from the platform of the OIC to propagate the positive side of Islam. Aziz also said that 634 Pakistanis were detained in jails of South Asian countries for committing different offenses.



The advisor told the lawmakers that 242 Pakistanis are detained in Afghanistan, 42 in Bangladesh, 231 in India, 28 in Nepal, 82 in Sri Lanka and nine in Maldives.



To a call attention notice moved by Tahira Aurangzeb and others, Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services Dr Darshan told the House that the government had launched health insurance scheme to provide better healthcare facilities to the people.



He said a programme has been started with the cooperation of the United Nations to address the issue of malnutrition among children and women.



To another call attention notice, Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services Dr Darshan said the federal government would sit with the provincial governments to improve health-related programmes, including maternal and child healthcare. He said Pakistan was signatory to Sustainable Development Goals and it is committed to bringing improvement in its health indicators. The human rights minister introduced the Women in Distress and Detention Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2016 that was referred to the relevant standing committee. The Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization chairman presented a report on the Public-Private Partnership Authority Bill, 2016. The Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges chairman presented four reports on questions of privilege. The House condoned the delay in presentation of these reports. The law minister presented the first biannual monitoring report on the implementation of National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for the period between July and December 2015.
SAARC summit in Pakistan has been postponed

KARACHI: The upcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit scheduled to be held in November in Pakistan has been postponed after India refused to participate.



According to the eight-member bodys charter, the conference is postponed should any member state decline to participate. Following Indias announcement, Bangladesh said it was also pulling out. Afghanistan and Bhutan  both close India allies  have since followed the suit, according to an official with the Nepali government, current chair of the SAARC.



Announcing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision to not participate in the conference, Indias External Affairs Ministry had said there were other countries that had expressed reservations about participating in the summit amid heightened tensions over terrorism. India has conveyed to current SAARC chair Nepal that increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in internal affairs of member states by one country have created an environment that is not conducive to the successful holding of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad, said the Indian Foreign Ministry. That is why we have pulled out of the SAARC summit.



Nepal said it hoped the issues would be resolved but could not comment on whether the summit would go ahead. The host will take decisions regarding the summit, said Jhabindra Aryal, joint secretary of Nepals Foreign Ministry.



The leaders of the eight SAARC countries  which also include Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives expressed frustration after the last summit in Kathmandu with the slow pace of progress towards greater regional integration.



Pakistan has been interfering in our internal affairs for some time, a senior Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry official told AFP, requesting anonymity. Thats why we have pulled out of the SAARC summit.



Under pressure to act after Indian-held Kashmir (IHK) raid that killed 18 Indian soldiers, Modi warned Pakistan in a major speech that India would push to make it a pariah state.



Pakistan denies any involvement in the September 18 attack, the worst of its kind in over a decade.



At the last SAARC summit in 2014, newly elected Modi shook hands with Nawaz Sharif, raising hopes of warmer ties. Just over a year later, Modi made a surprise Christmas Day visit to Pakistan for a meeting with Nawaz Sharif.



But those hopes were dashed following the Pathankot attack in which seven Indian soldiers died, and peace talks have been on ice ever since.



A Foreign Ministry official in Islamabad, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said SAARC officials will reorganise future dates for the conference. A formal announcement postponing the summit has to come from the SAARC secretariat and not from us, the official said.



Cyril Almeida, a columnist in an English-language daily, said Indias move to exclude Pakistan from regional discussions was not unexpected. Diplomatically, (its) maybe not a big deal for Pakistan given that SAARC is widely perceived as ineffective, he said.



But (its) a fresh sign of Pakistan not being in a comfortable place in its own region. Analyst Ashok Malik said the withdrawals would have little practical impact on Pakistan.



It basically scores a symbolic and a political victory. As for Pakistan, this will push it even closer to China, said Malik, head of the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundations regional studies initiative.



Pakistan said it remained committed to peace and regional cooperation and accused India of perpetrating terrorism on its soil.



As for the excuse used by India, the world knows that it is India that has been perpetrating and financing terrorism in Pakistan, tweeted Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nafees Zakariya late Tuesday, citing the capture of an Indian intelligence officer in Balochistan earlier this year.
*T*his is yet another example of the corruption of the mainstream media. If you like this blog's content please subscribe to our mailing at upper right c...
From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As...
Consider how the Iranian community reacted to the negotiations over Irans nuclear program.That program was created in 1973 by Mohammed Reza Shah as a means to defend Iran and reduce dependency on Oil and fossil fuels.One of the few smart things jomhori mollah did after deposing Mohammed Reza Shah was to continue that program, particularly with aggressors like saddam hussein, osama bin laden, and military buildups in Russia, Pakistan, India, Turkey, and an increasing american military presence in Khalj Fars.The Iranian community and the World saw the folly of disarmament at the insistence of america paved the way for Iraq, Libya, Haiti, Liberia to be invaded, and how american backed uprisings in the name of democracy caused instability in Egypt, Bahrain, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria.Iran even got a taste of this in 2009 when dick holbrooke persuaded mir hossein mousavi and his supporters to first attempt to rig the Iranian presidential election then riot when that attempt failed, with the suppression of those rioting making those who followed the lead of Habibollahi and Jahanbani like Ali Montazeri and Ali Shamkhani under greater pressure to assist their community outside of Iran working for change.Yet many young, stupid, and materially affluent Iranians fell for the sophisticated rhetoric of trita parsi and his niac followers in backing the hypocrites in the peace movement in supporting nuclear negotiations.Even though many Iranians followed the lead of myself and others, those in the american, british, french, and chinese governments who have been exploiting Iran backed the jenda farangi niac hajjibaba.Only the weaknesses in the american and british governments from years of fruitless attempts at repressing Iranians and other foreigners who do not fully conform, and chinese and french governments so desperate for money they copy Iranian and other foreign technology, specifically military technology, and sell it to terrorists and those who will use it against anyone.
A societal shift toward individualism may be responsible for the uptick in uniqueness of baby names. Credit: San Diego State University

What's in a name? The answer to that question has changed over time. New research suggests that American parents are choosing more unique names for their children than they did a decade ago, bucking what many thought would be a return to more traditional names following recent economic turmoil. Instead, a societal shift toward individualism may be responsible for the uptick in uniqueness.

"The results are bit surprising, as many speculated that the Great Recession would 'reset' American culture toward more group-oriented values, such as choosing traditional names," said the study's lead author, San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge. "Instead, parents are now even more likely to want their children to stand out rather than fit in."

Twenge, author of the book "Generation Me," analyzed data from the U.S. Social Security Administration's database of names given to 358 million babies born between 1880 and 2015 who were issued a Social Security number.

She found that between 2004 and 2006, 34 percent of boys and 24 percent of girls received one of the 50 more common names for that time period. Fast-forward to 2011-2015, and only 28 percent of boys and 21 percent of girls received one of the 50 most common names for that time period.

Delving deeper into the data, Twenge searched for trends connected to historical economic indicators, such as stock market performance and unemployment numbers. Some researchers have theorized that during lean economic years, parents tend to choose more common names for their children as society shifts toward more traditional, communal values. But Twenge's analysis didn't bear this out, finding that these variables were only weakly linked to baby naming trends.

Geographic trends further supported this finding: The trend toward uniqueness was found both in California, which was severely affected by the recession, and in Texas, which was less affected. The findings, co-authored by Lauren Dawson, a 2013 SDSU graduate, and W. Keith Campbell of the University of Georgia, were published this week in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology.

"The Great Recession did see the return of some communal values, such as charity donations and saving energy," Twenge said. "However, American parents continued giving their children more and more unique names."

She suspects that rising cultural individualism is responsible for the nontraditional names.

"Most parents in the 2010s are millennials, a generation raised to value the unique self," Twenge said. "In naming their children, they may have been more influenced by their individualistic childhood than by their experiences during the recession."

Explore further Changing attitudes about sex

More information: Jean M. Twenge et al. Still standing out: children's names in the United States during the Great Recession and correlations with economic indicators, Journal of Applied Social Psychology (2016). Journal information: Journal of Applied Social Psychology Jean M. Twenge et al. Still standing out: children's names in the United States during the Great Recession and correlations with economic indicators,(2016). DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12409
Fluorescent microplastics in the intestinal tract of the copepod Calanus helgolandicus. Credit: University of Exeter

Coastal dwelling marine wildlife, including crabs, lobsters and shellfish, which play a crucial role in the food chain, are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously expected, a new study has found.

The research, conducted by world-leading experts from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, determined that the overlap between marine microplastic debris and oceanic life is most prevalent along urbanised coastlines.

Coastal cities represent a major source of plastic pollution. The authors conclude that animals living in waters near densely-populated coastlines will be more at risk of coming into direct contact with microplastic.

Animals can readily ingest microplastics, causing potential harm not just to those animals, but also larger species further up the food chain. The paper highlighted evidence that in consuming microplastics, small, free-floating animals called zooplankton may be instrumental in moving plastics from the ocean surface to the seafloor.

Dr Matt Cole, co-lead author and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Associate Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, said: "This vital research highlights that plastics and marine animals are mostly likely to interact in coastal areas. Microscopic plastics are readily consumed by zooplankton; plastics trapped within animals' faeces will sink towards the seafloor, removing the plastic from the ocean surface."

The research comes after Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom announced plans to ban the sale and manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products containing tiny pieces of plastic, commonly known as 'microbeads'.

Now, the research team are calling on more work to be done to tackle plastic pollution around these coastal areas, and not just in the open ocean. Professor Tamara Galloway, one of the world's foremost experts on microplastics and one of the co-authors of the paper, has been a leading voice in calling for a ban on microbeads in cosmetics, speaking to the United Nations and the Environmental Audit Committee at the Houses of Parliament. The Professor of Ecotoxicology at the University of Exeter said: "Our research is building a better understanding of how microplastics behave in the environment. Now we urgently need to understand what implications this will have for ecosystem health and food security."

The new study, published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, examined existing literature alongside laboratory, field and modelling studies to provide an overview of the current understanding of what happens to microplastics after they enter the ocean, and how they come into contact with marine wildlife

Experts compared data collected about where plastic pollution has been found to date, with where marine life is most likely to live.

Dr James Clark, co-lead author and Marine Ecosystem Modeller at PML, said: "At present there are many unknowns regarding the impact of microplastics in the marine environment which hinders decision making. Within the UK and elsewhere, the technical expertise exists for a world leading, interdisciplinary consortium to be formed which would help fill these knowledge gaps. Such a research effort could provide meaningful advice to policy makers, businesses and members of the general public on how best to manage existing debris levels and to deal with plastic end of use moving into the future."

Marine plastic debris is a major environmental and economic concern. It is estimated that approximately 269,000 tonnes of plastic float at or near the surface of the ocean, posing a risk to marine life, industry and food security.

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, and include microbeads used in exfoliating cosmetics, or form following the breakdown of larger plastic pieces. They enter the ocean as a result of maritime activities or via beaches, rivers and sewage outflows.

Microplastics have been detected across the globe, including the open ocean, polar icecaps, deep-sea sediments and remote mid-oceanic islands far from sources of plastic pollution. Collecting data on the impact of this plastic pollution is challenging, and there is limited knowledge and scientific certainty regarding their impact on the marine environment and society.

Explore further Plankton feces could move plastic pollution to the ocean depths

More information: James R Clark et al. Marine microplastic debris: a targeted plan for understanding and quantifying interactions with marine life, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment (2016). Journal information: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment James R Clark et al. Marine microplastic debris: a targeted plan for understanding and quantifying interactions with marine life,(2016). DOI: 10.1002/fee.1297
Liliana M. Davalos, Professor of Ecology and Evolution. Credit: Stony Brook University

Most of the world's cocathe plant source of cocainegrows in the Amazon forests of the Andean countries of Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, where many think this illicit crop causes deforestation. However, a team led by Stony Brook University Professor of Ecology and Evolution Liliana M. Davalos, shows most deforestation isn't caused by coca cultivation. In fact, the study, published in Bioscience, found that deforestation and coca both share a common origin in the implementation of an infrastructure plan from the 1960s to open the Amazon frontier through road construction and development projects.

For over 40 years, the War on Drugs has fought coca by uprooting plants, providing farmers with incentives to grow other crops, and even spraying herbicide from airplanes over Colombian fields. But despite massive international and domestic investment, and economic and security improvements in the region, none of the countries has been able to completely eliminate illegal coca cultivation. Neither forcibly uprooting the plants, nor transient support for growing legal crops has worked as expected.

The starting point of Professor Davalos' research was a seemingly straightforward question: Why do deforestation and coca overlap in the western Amazon? Professor Davalos explains: "In a previous study, we found the location of coca plots helped explain deforestation, but only in the Amazon. This seemed odd, as coca crops were generally thought to cause deforestation because they were so attractive. For example, coca might be so profitable people would move to grow it."

However, this was not the case. When the researchers looked at deforestation analyses that included social factors, such as poverty or armed conflict, coca seemed to have no influence on deforestation rates.

These puzzling results led them to explore the history of the Andean countries to pinpoint when and where coca cultivation for the global illegal drug market started, and how it related to the growing pace of deforestation in the late 20th-century. The maps, published in the 1970s, looked like coca cultivation and deforestation maps today but they were maps of locations where governments had implemented their infrastructure projects in the 1960s.

Both coca and deforestation share a common origin linked to development projects, so what to make of the often-reported role of coca cultivation as a cause of forest loss in the Amazon? By examining every publication over the last decade to measure deforestation in the Amazon frontier from coca crops and from other causes, the researchers found two patterns. First, legal crops and pastures directly cause most deforestation, not coca cultivation. Second, coca cultivation was not associated with higher deforestation rates in almost every study. The single exception was a study that found coca cultivation was linked to more deforestation when armed groups forced farmers from their land.

"Deforestation and coca cluster together in the Amazon frontier, but frontier dynamics is not a consequence of coca cultivation by itself. Instead, the dynamics sprung from efforts to develop western Amazonia," emphasized Professor Davalos.

These analyses are particularly relevant today, as nations and international agencies commit to new development projects, this time aiming to eliminate coca cultivation from the western Amazon.

"Explaining where, how, and why farmers continue to plant coca requires an integrated understanding of the history, geography, and environment of the region," says Paul Gootenberg, SUNY Distinguished Professor of History and Sociology at Stony Brook University, and a leading historian of cocaine who was not involved in the study. He is directing a parallel study based on archival case studies in the coca valleys of Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia commented on the crucial timing of this study: "Davalos and her team have applied an innovative set of methods which have produced powerful and lucid findings for historians and drug."

The central finding of the study is finding a statistical relationship between government infrastructure and development projects and coca cultivation today. This points to a history of development plans that failed to deliver: "The grand plan since the early 1960s was to build a highway from Bolivia in the south to Venezuela in the north, and encourage migration and agricultural expansion to open up the Amazon. This plan also needed new or improved connector roads between Andean cities and the lowlands," highlighted Davalos. The development plans, with their promise of securing land and food for millions of Andean farmers, had the financial support of both national governments and international development agencies and organizations.

However, challenging conditions in the Amazon thwarted the plans from the beginning. As investment dwindled and commitments to the farmers who had moved to the Amazon slopes and lowlands faltered through the 1970s and 1980s, a new form of agriculture emerged in response to international demand. Gootenberg explains: "cocaine consumption just exploded during the 1970s, it is unsurprising to find farmers adopting coca as a cash crop around that time, as other options diminished."

Once the sites with historical development projects had been identified, the team tested the relationship between location of coca cultivation in 2014 and 20th-century the development projects. "The results are compelling. In the Amazon, coca cultivation increases sharply close to the sites of those development projects. These projects began more than 30 years but their landscape footprint endures in the form of coca cultivation and deforestation," added Davalos.

The authors add, "We hope our analyses help us learn from the past, and avoid repeating mistakes. Development projects must work with Amazonian farmers to set explicit forest conservation goals and plan for decades, and not just years of investment."

Explore further Cocaine production increases destruction of Colombia's rainforests
Observations from Fermi's Large Area Telescope (magenta line) show that gamma rays from LMC P3 rise and fall over the course of 10.3 days. The companion is thought to be a neutron star. Illustrations across the top show how the changing position of the neutron star relates to the gamma-ray cycle. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Using data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and other facilities, an international team of scientists has found the first gamma-ray binary in another galaxy and the most luminous one ever seen. The dual-star system, dubbed LMC P3, contains a massive star and a crushed stellar core that interact to produce a cyclic flood of gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light.

"Fermi has detected only five of these systems in our own galaxy, so finding one so luminous and distant is quite exciting," said lead researcher Robin Corbet at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "Gamma-ray binaries are prized because the gamma-ray output changes significantly during each orbit and sometimes over longer time scales. This variation lets us study many of the emission processes common to other gamma-ray sources in unique detail."

These rare systems contain either a neutron star or a black hole and radiate most of their energy in the form of gamma rays. Remarkably, LMC P3 is the most luminous such system known in gamma rays, X-rays, radio waves and visible light, and it's only the second one discovered with Fermi.

A paper describing the discovery will appear in the Oct. 1 issue of The Astrophysical Journal and is now available online.

LMC P3 lies within the expanding debris of a supernova explosion located in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a small nearby galaxy about 163,000 light-years away. In 2012, scientists using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory found a strong X-ray source within the supernova remnant and showed that it was orbiting a hot, young star many times the sun's mass. The researchers concluded the compact object was either a neutron star or a black hole and classified the system as a high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB).

Dive into the Large Magellanic Cloud and see a visualization of LMC P3, an extraordinary gamma-ray binary system discovered by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Scott Wiessinger, producer

In 2015, Corbet's team began looking for new gamma-ray binaries in Fermi data by searching for the periodic changes characteristic of these systems. The scientists discovered a 10.3-day cyclic change centered near one of several gamma-ray point sources recently identified in the LMC. One of them, called P3, was not linked to objects seen at any other wavelengths but was located near the HMXB. Were they the same object?

To find out, Corbet's team observed the binary in X-rays using NASA's Swift satellite, at radio wavelengths with the Australia Telescope Compact Array near Narrabri and in visible light using the 4.1-meter Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope on Cerro Pachon in Chile and the 1.9-meter telescope at the South African Astronomical Observatory near Cape Town.

The Swift observations clearly reveal the same 10.3-day emission cycle seen in gamma rays by Fermi. They also indicate that the brightest X-ray emission occurs opposite the gamma-ray peak, so when one reaches maximum the other is at minimum. Radio data exhibit the same period and out-of-phase relationship with the gamma-ray peak, confirming that LMC P3 is indeed the same system investigated by Chandra.

"The optical observations show changes due to binary orbital motion, but because we don't know how the orbit is tilted into our line of sight, we can only estimate the individual masses," said team member Jay Strader, an astrophysicist at Michigan State University in East Lansing. "The star is between 25 and 40 times the sun's mass, and if we're viewing the system at an angle midway between face-on and edge-on, which seems most likely, its companion is a neutron star about twice the sun's mass." If, however, we view the binary nearly face-on, then the companion must be significantly more massive and a black hole.

Both objects form when a massive star runs out of fuel, collapses under its own weight and explodes as a supernova. The star's crushed core may become a neutron star, with the mass of half a million Earths squeezed into a ball no larger than Washington, D.C. Or it may be further compacted into a black hole, with a gravitational field so strong not even light can escape it.

LMC P3 (circled) is located in a supernova remnant called DEM L241 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small galaxy about 163,000 light-years away. The system is the first gamma-ray binary discovered in another galaxy and is the most luminous known in gamma rays, X-rays, radio waves and visible light. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

The surface of the star at the heart of LMC P3 has a temperature exceeding 60,000 degrees Fahrenheit (33,000 degrees Celsius), or more than six times hotter than the sun's. The star is so luminous that pressure from the light it emits actually drives material from the surface, creating particle outflows with speeds of several million miles an hour.

In gamma-ray binaries, the compact companion is thought to produce a "wind" of its own, one consisting of electrons accelerated to near the speed of light. The interacting outflows produce X-rays and radio waves throughout the orbit, but these emissions are detected most strongly when the compact companion travels along the part of its orbit closest to Earth.

Through a different mechanism, the electron wind also emits gamma rays. When light from the star collides with high-energy electrons, it receives a boost to gamma-ray levels. Called inverse Compton scattering, this process produces more gamma rays when the compact companion passes near the star on the far side of its orbit as seen from our perspective.

Prior to Fermi's launch, gamma-ray binaries were expected to be more numerous than they've turned out to be. Hundreds of HMXBs are cataloged, and these systems are thought to have originated as gamma-ray binaries following the supernova that formed the compact object.

"It is certainly a surprise to detect a gamma-ray binary in another galaxy before we find more of them in our own," said Guillaume Dubus, a team member at the Institute of Planetology and Astrophysics of Grenoble in France. "One possibility is that the gamma-ray binaries Fermi has found are rare cases where a supernova formed a neutron star with exceptionally rapid spin, which would enhance how it produces accelerated particles and gamma rays."

Explore further Astrophysicists detect most luminous diffuse gamma-ray emission from Arp 220

More information: R. H. D. Corbet et al. A LUMINOUS GAMMA-RAY BINARY IN THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD, The Astrophysical Journal (2016). Arxiv: arxiv.org/abs/1608.06647 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal R. H. D. Corbet et al. A LUMINOUS GAMMA-RAY BINARY IN THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD,(2016). DOI: 10.3847/0004-637X/829/2/105
Credit: Public Library of Science

Analysis of the first fossil bee nest from the Plio-Pleistocene of South Africa suggests that the human ancestor Australopithecus africanus lived in a dry savannah environment, according a study published September 28, 2016 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Jennifer Parker from University College London, United Kingdom, and colleagues.

Little paleoecological information is available for the site in South Africa where the first Au. africanus fossilthe 'Taung Child'was discovered. However, insect-related fossils, abundant at the discovery site, can yield insights into the paleoenvironment. Bees, for example, tend to build characteristic nests in characteristic conditions. Parker and colleagues analyzed CT scans of a fossil bee nest that was discovered near the Taung Child site to determine its internal structure and thus the kinds of bees that built it.

The fossil nest was exceptionally well preserved, and the structure of its cells and tunnels suggested that it was made by a ground-nesting solitary bee. These bees typically nest on bare, light, dry soil that is exposed to the sun, which bolsters other recent evidence that Au. africanus lived in dry savannahs. Insect-related fossils are common but largely overlooked at sites where human ancestors lived, the researchers said, and their work underscores the contribution such fossils can make to understanding the environments where human ancestors lived.

"When Raymond Dart published his description of the 'Taung Child' in 1925 he profoundly changed our understanding of human evolution," says study co-author Philip Hopley. "In the 90 years following his discovery, attention of anthropologists has moved to other African sites and specimens, and research at Taung has been hampered by the complex geology and uncertain dating. New research at Taung is helping to reconstruct the environment in which this enigmatic little hominin lived and died."

Explore further Surprising results from a new study reveal the heel bone from our fossil relative is closer related to gorillas

More information: Jennifer F. Parker et al. Fossil Carder Bee's Nest from the Hominin Locality of Taung, South Africa, PLOS ONE (2016). Journal information: PLoS ONE Jennifer F. Parker et al. Fossil Carder Bee's Nest from the Hominin Locality of Taung, South Africa,(2016). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161198
This image of galaxy cluster Abell 2744, also called Pandora's Cluster, was taken by the Spitzer Space Telescope. The cluster is also being studied by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-Ray Observatory in a collaboration called the Frontier Fields project. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

In the ongoing hunt for the universe's earliest galaxies, NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has wrapped up its observations for the Frontier Fields project. This ambitious project has combined the power of all three of NASA's Great ObservatoriesSpitzer, the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatoryto delve as far back in time and space as current technology can allow.

Even with today's best telescopes, it is difficult to gather enough light from the very first galaxies, located more than 13 billion light years away, to learn much about them beyond their approximate distance. But scientists have a tool of cosmic proportions to help in their studies. The gravity exerted by massive, foreground clusters of galaxies bends and magnifies the light of faraway, background objects, in effect creating cosmic zoom lenses. This phenomenon is called gravitational lensing.

The Frontier Fields observations have peered through the strongest zoom lenses available by targeting six of the most massive galaxy clusters known. These lenses can magnify tiny background galaxies by as much as a factor of one hundred. With Spitzer's new Frontier Fields data, along with data from Chandra and Hubble, astronomers will learn unprecedented details about the earliest galaxies.

"Spitzer has finished its Frontier Fields observations and we are very excited to get all of this data out to the astronomical community," said Peter Capak, a research scientist with the NASA/JPL Spitzer Science Center at Caltech in Pasadena, California, and the Spitzer lead for the Frontier Fields project.

A recent paper published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics presented the full catalog data for two of the six galaxy clusters studied by the Frontier Fields: Abell 2744nicknamed Pandora's Clusterand MACS J0416, both located about four billion light years away. The other galaxy clusters selected for Frontier Fields are RXC J2248, MACS J1149, MACS J0717 and Abell 370.

Eager astronomers will comb the Frontier Fields catalogs for the tiniest, dimmest-lensed objects, many of which should prove to be the most distant galaxies ever glimpsed. The current record-holder, a galaxy called GN-z11, was reported in March by Hubble researchers at the astonishing distance of 13.4 billion light-years, only a few hundred million years after the big bang. The discovery of this galaxy did not require gravitational lenses because it is an outlying, extremely bright object for its epoch. With the magnification boost provided by gravitational lenses, the Frontier Fields project will allow researchers to study typical objects at such incredible distances, painting a more accurate and complete picture of the universe's earliest galaxies.

Astronomers want to understand how these primeval galaxies arose, how their constituent mass developed into stars, and how these stars have enriched the galaxies with chemical elements fused in their thermonuclear furnaces. To learn about the origin and evolution of the earliest galaxies, which are quite faint, astronomers need to collect as much light as possible across a range of frequencies. With sufficient light from these galaxies, astronomers can perform spectroscopy, pulling out details about stars' compositions, temperatures and their environments by examining the signatures of chemical elements imprinted in the light.

"With the Frontier Fields approach," said Capak, "the most remote and faintest galaxies are made bright enough for us to start to say some definite things about them, such as their star formation histories."

Because the universe has expanded over its 13.8-billion-year history, light from extremely distant objects has been stretched out, or redshifted, on its long journey to Earth. Optical light emitted by stars in the gravitational-lensed, background galaxies viewed in the Frontier Fields has therefore redshifted into infrared. Spitzer can use this infrared light to gauge the population sizes of stars in a galaxy, which in turn gives clues to the galaxy's mass. Combining the light seen by Spitzer and Hubble allows astronomers to identify galaxies at the edge of the observable universe.

Hubble, meanwhile, scans the Frontier Fields galaxy clusters in optical and near-infrared light, which has redshifted from ultraviolet light on its journey to Earth. Chandra, for its part, observes the foreground galaxy clusters in high-energy X-rays emitted by black holes and ambient hot gas. Along with Spitzer, the space telescopes size up the masses of the galaxy clusters, including their unseen but substantial dark matter content. Nailing down the clusters' total mass is a critical step in quantifying the magnification and distortion they produce on background galaxies of interest. Recent multi-wavelength results in this vein from the Frontier Fields project regarding the MACS J0416 and MACS J0717 clusters were published in October 2015 and February 2016. These results also brought in radio wave observations from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array to see star-forming regions otherwise hidden by gas and dust.

The Frontier Fields collaboration has inspired scientists involved in the effort as they look ahead to delving even deeper into the universe with the James Webb Space Telescope, which is planned for launch in 2018.

"The Frontier Fields has been an entirely community-led project, which is different from the way many projects of this magnitude are typically pursued," said Lisa Storrie-Lombardi of the Spitzer Science Center, also with the Frontier Fields project. "People have gotten together and really embraced Frontier Fields."

In addition to the six Frontier Fields galaxy clusters, Spitzer has done follow-up observations on other, slightly shallower fields Hubble has gazed into, expanding the overall number of cosmic regions where fairly deep observations have been taken. These additional fields will further serve as rich areas of investigation for Webb and future instruments.

Explore further Image: Hubble gets in on a galactic gathering

More information: M. Castellano et al. The ASTRODEEP Frontier Fields catalogues, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2016). Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics M. Castellano et al. The ASTRODEEP Frontier Fields catalogues,(2016). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201527514
In the course of our projects, we occasionally come across data that is pretty interesting in and of its own accord. In the following chart, we've opted to show the cumulative distribution of individual income for the United States, China and the World, as expressed in terms of U.S. dollars (USD) adjusted for their purchasing power parity (PPP).

Since the data applies for 2013, we've also opted to indicate the U.S. poverty threshold for a single individual for that year, $11,490, and have estimated the income percentile into which someone with that income in the U.S. (21.6), China (94.0) or the World (86.6) would fall.

Additional food for thought: Extended Measures of Well-Being: Living Conditions in the United States: 2011, which gives an indication of the relative wealth of the impoverished portion of the U.S. population.

Data Sources

Hellebrandt, Tomas, Kirkegaard, Jacob Funk, Lardy, Nicholas R., Lawrence, Robert Z., Mauro, Paolo, Merler, Silvia, Miner, Sean, Schott, Jeffrey J. and Veron, Nicolas. Transformation: Lessons, Impact, and the Path Forward. Peterson Institute for International Economics Briefing. [PDF Document]. 9 September 2015.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2013 Poverty Guidelines. [Online Document]. Accessed 27 August 2015.

U.S. Census Bureau. Current Population Survey 2014 Annual Social and Economic (ASEC) Supplement. 2013 Person Income Tables. PINC-01. Selected Characteristics of People 15 Years Old and Over by Total Money Income in 2013. Total Work Experience, Both Sexes, All Races. [Excel Spreadsheet]. 16 September 2014.
Michael Goot night and weekend editor Follow Michael Goot 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

The schools in the Assembly districts of Carrie Woerner and Dan Stec are owed a total of about $19 million in aid, according to a new report released Thursday by the Alliance for Quality Education.

Statewide, schools are owed $3.9 billion in Foundation Aid, which is awarded on per-pupil districts based on need. The state in 2006 agreed to provide $5.5 billion in funding as part of its settlement in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity case, in which the plaintiffs sued because they said schools were severely underfunded and depriving students right to a sound basic education.

When the Great Recession hit, the state froze the phase-in of the funding and cut aid.

The Assembly district represented by Woerner, D-Round Lake, is owed $14 million and Stec, R-Queensbury, is owed about $5 million. In the most recent state budget, nearly $1.38 million in funding was restored for Woerners school districts and $1.23 million for Stec, according to a news release.

The report says 67 percent of Assembly districts are owed more than $20 million each. It also breaks it down for Senate districts and said 13 of the states 63 Senate districts are owed more than $100 million. Seventy one percent of Senate districts are owed more than $50 million.

The Assembly had proposed funding $3.9 billion owed over two years, but the amount ultimately negotiated was $ 627 million for this year. The Alliance for Quality of education called for the full amount to be restored.

Ten years after the Court of Appeals said the state is violating its own constitution, we are still here talking about the state turning its back to its students. Ten years is far too long, our children cannot wait. Its time for Governor (Andrew) Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader (John) Flanagan to decide what their legacy will be and whether they will do our students justice and fund opportunity for all students, said Billy Easton, Executive Director for the Alliance for Quality Education.
William P. Haley

HALEY

HUDSON FALLS - William P. Haley, 78, of Notre Dame Street. passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 27, 2016 with his loving family by his side.

Born in Glens Falls, New York on Sept. 21, 1938 he was the son of the late, William P. and Marie E. (Rabine) Haley.

Bill attended Fort Edward High School and graduated in the class of 1957.

After graduating Bill went to work at Decora Manufacturing in Fort Edward and was later drafted into the Army, serving his country from 1963 to 1965. During his service he traveled to Germany and was stationed at Fort Dix. Upon his return, Bill resumed his employment at Decora Manufacturing until the company closed its doors in 2003.

On January 22, 1966, William married the love of his life, Sheila Casey in Concord, New Hampshire and they spent 50 loving years together.

William was an avid Yankees and San Francisco 49ers fan. He enjoyed watching John Wayne movies and the show 'Cops'. He loved reminiscing about his time in the service and telling stories of the old days. He made many friends at Decora Manufacturing and spoke frequently about his time there. He also enjoyed feeding birds in his back yard, fixing up old cars and spending time with his two dogs. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Sheila (Casey) Haley, of Hudson Falls; his two daughters, Colleen M. Haley and her spouse, Marsha R., of Hudson Falls and Cathy Middleton, of Queensbury; his three sons, William P. Haley Jr. and his fiance, Angela Bascue, of Hudson Falls, Patrick J. Haley, of Hudson Falls and Matthew C. Haley, of Hudson Falls; his three brothers, Peter Haley and his spouse Michael Murphy of Albany, Robert Haley and his wife, Pat, of Fort Edward and John Haley and his wife, Christine, of Queensbury; his granddaughter, Katrina Middleton, of Queensbury; his special companions, his dogs, Jhiro and Shelby; as well as several nieces, and nephews.

At the family's request there will be no calling hours. Arrangements are in the care of M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828. Please send condolences directly to the family.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday Oct. 1,at St. Joseph's Church, Fort Edward, with the Rev. Thomas Babiuch, pastor, officiating.

A Rite of Committal will be held following the Funeral Mass in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Burgoyne Ave, Fort Edward.

Memorial donations in Will's name can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 6 Automation Lane, Albany, NY 12205.
GLENS FALLS  Glens Falls Police arrested an 18-year-old man Tuesday for allegedly having sexual contact with a 12-year-old girl, his third arrest for illegal sexual contact with underage girls this year, police said.

Teddrick M. May was charged with misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child after an investigation by Glens Falls Police, authorities said.

May was 16 when he had sexual contact with the girl, police said. The charges do not allege he forcibly sexually abused them, but accuse him of having sexual contact with a person who was too young to legally consent.

The age of consent in New York is 17.

He has been charged with misdemeanor sex offenses related to two other girls this year, one of the arrests happening last month, Glens Falls Police Detective Lt. Peter Casertino said.

May's bail status was unavailable Thursday. Glens Falls Police Detective Sgt. Kyle Diamond made the arrest.
GLENS FALLS  A decision on whether to fire Glens Falls Assessor Lauren Stack, who was recently convicted of driving while impaired on two occasions, is expected early next week.

I hope to have a recommendation to the Common Council by Monday, said City Clerk Robert Curtis, the citys hearing officer in the disciplinary process.

Once Curtis issues his recommendation, the Common Council will schedule a special meeting to vote whether to accept the recommendation, said Mayor Jack Diamond, in an interview Thursday at City Hall.

The recommendation will not be released to the public until the special meeting, he said.

Stack recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless endangerment and reduced noncriminal charges of driving while ability impaired in two arrests over six months in 2014 and 2015.

The arrests were not work-related.

The city suspended Stack without pay on Sept. 13, pending a disciplinary hearing.

The hearing on Wednesday lasted two-and-one half hours, Curtis said.

He would not discuss the hearing further, nor say who testified.

Sarah Burger, a lawyer for Stack, said she is awaiting the recommendation.

We were disappointed that Mayor Diamond was not present (at the hearing) yesterday, she said in a telephone interview. However, we remain hopeful that the city of Glens Falls will do the right thing.

Diamond said he is letting the citys labor lawyer, who has expertise, handle the matter.

City officials and Stack had been negotiating a settlement agreement prior to the hearing, but had not reached a definitive agreement.

Diamond would not say whether it is still possible to negotiate an agreement.

Im not at liberty to talk about this any more, he said.

Burger, the lawyer for Stack, said technically a settlement agreement could still be negotiated if the city wishes to.

The ball is in the citys court, she said.

Stack has worked as city assessor since August 2009.
Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether 

Read more
The factors that are leading to the upgrade are the IMF programme, the home-grown policies and the general performance of the economy as a whole, he told Citi FM.

He added: What we have seen is the downgrade stopping, and we remaining at our ratings. We are hopeful that the other rating agencies which also halted the downgrade will also start moving towards a positive rating.

READ MORE:Economist warns of economic recession

The international rating agency defined Ghanas economy as stable, affirming it three with a B1 rating.

Since 2015, Moodys has rated the Ghanaian economy at B3/ negative.

The latest decision to rate the economy stable, Moodys said in a statement, was informed by three key drivers.

The first is the countrys debt reduction and reforms. The second is the reduction in government liquidity risk and the third is improved balance of payment dynamics and development in the countrys oil and gas sector.

It said the first is the "significant deficit reduction and institutional reform implementation over the past year under the umbrella of the three-year IMF programme which started in April 2015".

Second is the "Reduced government liquidity risk on the external side after the successful issuance of a recent $750 million Eurobond in earmarked to redeem the remaining $400 million October 2017 Eurobond maturity."
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
READ ALSO: Accra Psychiatric hospital closes down OPD

Even though government released some funds when the hospital took a similar action in August this year, Management of the hospital says the money is not enough for food and medical supplies.

Commenting on the matter, Tony Goodman told Pulse.com.gh that his outfit is yet to be briefed on the matter.

Some of these things are managerial issues. It doesnt get to the Ministry of Health on time. You know they [Accra Psychiatric hospital] are directly under the Mental Health Authority. So it is the Authority that reports to the Ministry of Health. So we have to find out from the Mental Health Authority first, he said.

Background

The hospital earlier announced on August 3, 2016, that it had suspended admission of patients into the facility over a GHc4.1 million debt.

READ ALSO: Admission of patients suspended

The Ministry of Health subsequently intervened and released an amount of 1.5 million Ghana cedis to be shared equally among the three Psychiatric hospitals, namely Pantang, Ankaful and Accra, to offset some of the debt owed suppliers.

Emmanuel Febiri, a nurse and member of the Public Affairs directorate at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital has however toldPulse.com.gh that the amount is not enough, and hence the decision to suspend admission for new cases, as well as, operations at its Outpatient department.

The amount involved was 4.2 million Ghana cedis and out of that we were given only 521,000 Ghana cedis, and that money that was given too came with specific instructions that we should pay our suppliers. So the management paid the suppliers hoping that they will come back but they are also saying that the money is woefully inadequate and so not until the entire money is paid, they are not coming back to supply us with the logistics that we need, Febiri explained.

He added that calls on the government to intervene have proved futile and hence we are not admitting anyone except those who are on admission that we are taking care of.
The court presided over by Joseph Nasigri remanded Joshua Baayi, into police custody to reappear on October 4, 2016.

The 31-year-old teacher is in police custody for allegedly luring some male students into homosexuality.

Atebubu-Amantin Police Commander Chief Superintendent Joseph Atsu Dzinaku said his outfit received information that the suspect has been pestering the student to be his friend through social media.

READ ALSO: Prophetess arrested for alleged fraud

He indicated that the teacher, who admitted that he has been an active homosexual since 2003, has been having anal sex with some unnamed students and indigenes.
The leadership of key business association that constitute a critical mass of the shipping industry have called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, put to order some recalcitrantshipping lines/agents that have ignored the directive to scrap terminal handling charges imposed on shippers in the country.

GDP GROWTH SLUMPS TO 2.5%

The countrys GDP for the second quarter has plummeted to 2.5% from the 4.8% recorded in the first quarter of 2016, on the back of technical challenges on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah which decelerated oil production, the Statistical Service has said.

TILAPIA, CASHEW DRAW VIETNAMESE INVESTORS

Vietnamese investors currently on a one-week working visit to Ghana are seeking to establish joint ventures with Ghanaian partners in the production of tilapia, cashew, and rice.

PROCEEDS FROM GOLD HIT $2.43 BILLION

Corrupt heads of schools to be dismissed

Time to fumigate Judiciary against corruption - Atuguba

TROUBLE HITS EC: GH50,000 FILING FEE IN LIMBO

The Electoral Commission has come under heavy criticism for some of the demands it is making from the presidential and the parliamentary candidates for the December general elections.

123 COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOLS MISSING

It is becoming evident that the ruling NDC is struggling to locate most of the 123 Community Day Senior High Schools that it claims to have built.

PRAYE BACKS NANA ADDO WITH SONG

Akufo Addo is my target... Hassan Ayariga confesses

Mahama & NDC have neglected us..Mills' people cry
ENOUGH OF THE POLITICS OF INSULTSWomen in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF-Ghana), is reiterating its call on Ghanaians to desist from using abusive and misogynistic statements on female politicians and public figures!We are appalled by a story carried by Citifmonline on Monday 26th September, 2016 with the Headline, Dont vote for women just to empower them- NDC Chairman.It is unfortunate that men like Bismark Tawiah Boateng and Honourable Baba Jamal are purported to have made such statements in that story. It is important for Honourable Baba Jamal and Bismark Tawiah Boateng to note that women are qualified just as their male counterparts to hold public offices including being Members of Parliament. For the records, there is no piece of legislation in Ghana preventing Hairdressers from being Members of Parliament neither is the ability to cook a criteria for being a Member of Parliament. Enough of the insults, enough of the backward, derogatory comments towards women.WiLDAF Ghana is increasingly getting disappointed at the daily insults and statements that are directed at women to discredit their ability to hold very high offices.We are once again appealing to all Ghanaians to be circumspect in their utterances towards females in political and other decision making positions. The politics of insults is one of the main obstacles to womens effective participation and representation in politics and other decision making positions.Let us debate on issues and policies and encourage the few women who are contesting with progressive statements and comments.Thank you.
READ ALSO: Ford Gift Saga

In a 78-page report, CHRAJ said its investigations concluded that the Presidents action did not amount to accepting a bribe. This is because, upon evidence, the President submitted the Ford Expedition gift from the Burkinabe contractor, Mr Djibril Freres Kanazoe to the state.

CHRAJ, however, said Mr Mahama violated the Gift Policy under the Code of Conduct.

Responding to the report in a press statement on Thursday, Mr Tony Lithur said he and his client are hopeful that issues regarding the gift will now be put to rest.

I acknowledge receipt of the report prepared by Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) dated September 29, 2016 in respect of complaints of conflict of interest and corruption lodged against my client by 3 different complainants, he wrote in the statement.

While I was always confident of my clients innocence, the report throws more light on the circumstances surrounding the subject of the complaints, and demonstrates clearly to the people of Ghana that the accusations of conflict of interest and corruption variously made against my client by different people and entities in various fora, were wrong, without basis and unsupported by the facts, he said.

Meanwhile, the leader of the CPP Youth League, Ernesto Yeboah has told Pulse.com.gh that the verdict by CHRAJ is rather unfortunate.

The group which is behind the petitions that triggered investigations by CHRAJ believes the president did not only violate the gift policy by accepting the ford vehicle as being cited in the report.

He said the verdict leaves a very big question on the minds of any thinking person, I mean what happens to a president who fails to keep and uphold the gift policy for instance, so its not as if the president has been cleared of all wrongdoing, he violated a gift policy in the eyes of CHRAJ even though we believe its more than that.

It also bothers on conflict of interest and has something to do with corruption. Nonetheless, he has abused his office and the question for many Ghanaians is whether we can go out there hoping or thinking that we are going to vote for this man who has such a track record, certainly I dont think that people will subject themselves to this kind of torture, he added.

On the way forward, the CPP Youth League leader said he and his colleagues will go through the CHRAJ report and come out with an appropriate response.
In a press release signed by the Director of Communication of the CPP, Issifu Kadiri Abdul Rauf September 29 noted: The party took this decision squarely on the account of his versatility, understanding of the party's philosophies, and his great exposure and maturity.

CPP believes the nomination of Gabby Nketia will enhance the partys chances of winning the December 7 presidential election by complimenting the presidential nominee:he will effectively complement the flag bearer given his deep understanding of the predicaments of the country.

Born on October 1, 1943, at Fiapre near Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana, Nana Gabby Nketiah is a retired diplomat, traditional ruler ( an honorary title conferred on him by the people of Duayaw Nkwanta in the Brong Ahafo Region), and a businessman. He served as Ambassador to Korea under the Kufuor administration in 2008.

According to the CPP, Gabby Nketia shares in the ideologies of Ghanas first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah and was his guitarist back in the days.
Other presidential candidates including, John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nana Akufo Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), DankwaKofi Akpaloo of the Independent Peoples Party (IPP), Agyenim Boateng of the United Front Party (UFP) and Hassan Ayariga of the All People's Congress (APC) have all submitted their nomination forms to the EC in a bid to contest for the mandate to rule the country.

The Electoral Commission (EC) is, however, not accepting the GHS50,000 filing fee that must be added to the forms to complete the process because the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) has sued the EC in connection with the fee. The EC has taken such action so as not to be in contempt of court.

23 candidates including seven independent aspirants have picked forms to run for president.
When John Mahama and the NDC were voted into power, they promised a Better Ghana. But have you seen that Better Ghana? Today, they are saying, Transforming Lives and Changing Ghana and so on. Do they understand transformation? The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was working perfectly, but when they took office it has suffered challenges without benefiting citizens, so where is the transformation? he questioned.

READ ALSO:

Dr Bawumia made this known while interacting with party supporters at Ekumfi Ekrofo in the Central Region on Wednesday, September 28.

He said the governments School Feeding Programme under the erstwhile Kufuor administration was effective but has failed under Mahama, so where is the transformation?

He argued that the NDC has also failed to properly manage the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), teacher training allowances, and other programmes that were expected to improve the wellbeing of Ghanaians.
I am not going to excuse anybody but whatever the BNI is today, is what it was under the NPP he told Accra-based TV3.

His comments come on the back of the arrest of a Ghanaian-Lebanese pilot and author, Fadi Dabbousie by the BNI, which has caused many to accuse it of doing the bidding of government.

READ ALSO: Arrest of Ghanaian journalist sparks outrage on Twitter

Brig. Nunoo Mensah, who is also former Director of the Military Intelligence Unit, believes the BNIs role should be to protect every Ghanaian.

He further expressed regret that the military has also become political; a situation he argues is affecting its mandate.

Narrating his time when he was being trained as military personnel, he said: I was banned from visiting military institutions for having lunch with former President Rawlings. That was my crime so I was banned from entering Burma Camp, even if I am dying; I couldnt visit the 37 Military Hospital for medical attention.

Many Ghanaians have over the years raised issues with the conduct of the BNI, which they describe as unprofessional.
The youth of the CPP on June 21, 2016, petitioned CHRAJ to probe President Mahamas acceptance of the Ford Expedition gift from the contractor, Djibiri Kanazoe.

READ ALSO: CPP petitions CHRAJ over Ford Expedition gift

The partys youth wing argues that, the circumstances surrounding the gift and the acceptance of it by President Mahama, contravened the 1992 constitution.

But in a 78-page report, CHRAJ said its investigations concluded that the Presidents action did not amount to accepting a bribe.

This is because, upon evidence, the President submitted the Ford Expedition gift from the Burkinabe contractor, Mr Djibril Freres Kanazoe to the state, Graphic Online reports.

CHRAJ, however, said Mr Mahama violated the Gift Policy under the Code of Conduct.

Some sections of Ghanaians expressed anger over reports that President Mahama was given a brand new Ford Expedition in 2012 by a Burkinabe contractor, Djibril Kanazoe who won the bid to construct the $650,000 Ghana Embassy Wall in the Burkina Faso capital, Ouagadougou.

Many anti-corruption campaigners slammed the president for what they describe as his disregard for the guidelines on conflict of interest in accepting the vehicle gift.

However, Government in a statement issued by Communications Minister, Edward Omane Boamah said even though the car was received, it had nothing to do with the contract awarded.

President John Mahama subsequentlyrubbished corruption allegations against him, saying such claims are baseless.
The report which is released by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is for the month of August.

The report showed that Anyidoho was cited for 4 different incidents of indecent expressions followed by the Presidential nominee for the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) Madam Akua Donkor, Communications Director of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Ernest Owusu Bempah, and two communicators of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Hopeson Adorye and Uncle Ebo.

Officials of the opposition New Patriotic Party led the use of indecent language by political parties with a total of 16 indecent expressions, the officials of the NDC followed with 7 indecent expressions, the NDP and GFP recorded 3 incidents each, PNC recorded 1.

Happy FM led the pack of stations that recorded the use of abusive expressions on their platforms with 17 out of the 39 incidents, followed by Neat FM and Tamale-based Radio Justice with 4 incidents each.

According to MFWA, a total of 39 incidents of indecent expressions were recorded on a total of 1,223 radio programmes monitored on 60 radio stations across the country.
Creating beauty trends, testing out makeup and makeover challenges were highlights of Wednesday 28th September at the Elite Model Look Nigeria 2016 bootcamp as the finale draws close.

The 20 finalists continued with a planned day of workouts, catwalk training, makeup application with professionals from MAC Cosmetics, modelling for campaigns, radio tour, with fittings from more Nigerian brands as the finalists are groomed by the best hands before competing at the grand finale and the bootcamp slowly prepares to close.

International model Opeyemi Awoyemi was around to guide the finalists on modelling and taking them through proper etiquette as well as cat walking in preparation for the finale. As usual the day was packed full with activities.

The foremost modelling competition has exported aspiring models and given a chance to for fresh faces to kick off modeling careers internationally, easily competing with other from different parts of the world, Mayowa Nicholas and Victor Ndigwe won the 2014 edition and have continued to walk major runways for world's top brands.

The EMLN will officially unveil two winners (one male and one female ) on 1st October 1st 2016 at the grand finale

The event is Sponsored by Aquafina and supported by Veuve Clicquot, ByFyne, M.A.C Cosmetics, Bella Naija, Pulse.ng, Sari Signature and Spice TV.

Details:

Venue: The Grand Ballroom Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

Date: Saturday 1st October 2016

Tickets: General N15,000 | VIP N50,000 | Platinum Tickets: 150,000

For more info and enquiries, call 08033278752 | e-mail Laura@bethmodelafrica.com

Visit www.elitemodellook.com/ng
"We must act on supply to re-stabilise the market" which has been hit by a massive surplus that has dragged prices down to record lows in the past two years, Boutarfa told a news conference following an International Energy Forum meeting.

"This energy market needs regulating a little. The law of supply and demand is not being applied rationally," Boutarfa added just prior to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting.

"Today, we cannot go on in an erratic fashion because if we do, we cannot prepare for the future," he ventured, voicing concern at a falloff in investment in the sector owing to the long slump in prices.

According to the International Energy Agency, last year saw a 25 percent fall in investment in oil and gas exploration and production and the agency says the decline is continuing apace.

"Investing at less than $50 (a barrel) is not possible," said Boutarfa.

"Will this situation not end up creating one even more complex in the years ahead? This is why it's in all countries' interest to reach a compromise.

"It's clear that from a theoretical point of view everyone supports the general interest. Then there comes the point where you fall back on special interests and things get a bit more complicated."

The informal OPEC meeting was due to discuss a potential production freeze of around a million barrels a day to bring markets and prices back towards equilibrium.

But amid record output, there is discord among the 14-nation cartel whose share of global crude supply is around 40 percent.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants had been in prison custody since November 24, 2012 .

NAN also reports that the hearing of the case had since begun but the bail application of the defendants had not been heard by the judge.

Justice Adegbola Gbolagunte granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties in like sum, with one of them a blood relation of the defendants.

Gbolagunte, who said that the second surety must be a civil servant on not less than grade level 12, adjourned the case till Oct. 31 for further hearing.

Earlier, the counsel to the defendants, Mr Gbenga Falade, had informed the court at Wednesdays hearing of the case that the prosecutor, Mr Adeyemi Opakunle, had been using delay tactics by not providing the remaining witnesses.

Falade urged the court to consider the bail application of the defendants, saying he had served his bail application on the prosecutor and had not been responded to.

He informed the court that the bail application had been filed on behalf of the defendants since June 22, 2015 and April 28, 2016.

Falade said that the defendants had been in prison custody since Nov. 24, 2012 and had not been granted bail.

It would be recalled that Opakunle, a Principal State Counsel, had informed the court that the defendants were facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.

ALSO READ: Court grants child rapist N500,000 bail

Opakunle alleged that the defendants robbed one Yetunde Odunuga and Tope Esther of their cell phones valued at N12,000 and N15,000 respectively.

The prosecutor said that a cash sum of N4,000 was also collected from the victims by the suspects said to be armed with dangerous weapons such as gun and cutlass.

He said that the incident happened on Feb.25, 2011 at about 11.30 p.m. at Ososami area of Ibadan.

Opakunle said that the offences contravened Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special provision Act) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
According to Nairobi News, Inobemhe who lived in the country illegally while coordinating illicit drug trade across other parts of Southern Africa and Asia, was first arrested in June 2013 and deported to Nigeria.

But some months later, he sneaked back into the country to continue with his trade where he was arrested again in September of that year and deported yet again.

While briefing newsmen on the situation of the suspect who has been handed over to the Anti-Terror Police Unit for interrogation following claims he had been in touch with elements on the police radar over terrorism activities.

The Kayole police boss, Ali Nuno said he discovered that Inobemhe had been deported twice from Kenya over drug issues and wondered how he managed to sneak back.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr George Okafor, said that the suspects are helping the police with the ongoing investigation.

We received a report of the murder from the younger brother of the deceased, Okpara, who claimed that Ali was killed by a group from Amaorie, Oziza community.

The attack was purportedly led by the youth leader and the police moved into action immediately the matter was reported.

We deployed more officers to the area to apprehend the suspects and have received useful information from stakeholders in the community.

We will ensure that the culprits are prosecuted and we want to assure the people of the area of adequate security of lives and properties, he said.

ALSO READ: Three suspects arraigned over the murder of 9 policemen

Speaking on conditions of anonymity, a source told NAN that a large number of the residents of the community especially the youths have fled their homes due to the number of arrests being made in the area.

The deceased was inflicted with machete cuts and was rushed to the Mata Miserocordae Hospital, Afikpo where he was pronounced dead, the source said.
Apart from the death of the two, six other people in the hotel were discovered unconscious and rushed to a hospital where they receiving treatment.

Abia Facts Newspaper reports that the hotel is said to be haunted as some of the commercial sex workers living there were alleged to have said they have been experiencing mysterious slaps some weeks back and that one person was left unconscious after the slap.

This incident of strange slaps, it was learned, led to all the prostitutes to flee the brothel but that the proprietress, recruited news ladies from other cities.

According to eyewitnesses, on the day the couple lost their lives, there was a serious commotion as the panic-stricken prostitutes were alleged to have rushed out of the brothel at about 8am, with shouts of ghost, ghost, ghost, rending the air.

The residents were said to have concluded that the prostitutes were either attacked by ghosts or evil spirits but a staff of the brothel said there was no ghost habiting the place.

The staff member narrated that the owner of the brothel had bought and renovated the building for business some months ago.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nta Ogbonnaya Nta, who confirmed the incident, said the police has not found any evidence of foul play and would intensify investigations into the cause of the tragedy.

It is a pity what happened at 44, Uyo Street, 50-50 Bar. We recovered two bodies and six unconscious people from the building. We took them to the hospital. Only the doctor can confirm them dead or otherwise."
According to a police source, the 38-year-old suspect is a native of Arogbo town in Ondo state and was arrested by members of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team in Ore town, Ondo State.

The source revealed that the suspect was arrested while on a spending spree in Ore. The suspect allegedly confessed to the kidnap and explained that his share of the N12 million ransom, was N1.2 million.

As earlier reported, the victims were on a routine jog early in the morning on September 17 when three armed gunmen came in from the water side and took them away in a boat, the same way they had come. The operation reportedly lasted for one hour.

The abductors later reached out to the families of the victims on Sunday, September 18, demanding N300 million each as the ransom for the release of the victims.

Two days after the kidnap, the four victims regained their freedom following the payment of the ransom.

Eyewitnesses described the men to have been looking unkempt and exhausted as at the time they came out of the waterside and asked security patrol officers to take them to their respective homes.

ALSO READ: Pipeline vandals abduct landlord in Ogun State
Mrs Buhari made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja at an event organised MERCK Pharmaceutical Company in partnership with her pet project Future Assured Initiative.

Mrs Buhari, who was represented by Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, said that there was a need to educate pregnant women to avoid maternal death.

She said that female genital mutilation was another problem faced by expectant mothers.

According to her, infertility in Africa is largely caused by preventable infections and expressed her determination to lead the campaign against stigmatization of persons living with infertility in Nigeria.

She stressed the need for women to get access to healthcare facilities especially at the local level where cases infections are more prevalence.

She said that women who were not infected require information more than medication.

She stressed the need for government at all levels to acquire equipment needed to cater for patient mothers and pregnant women.

 Financial assistance is key to empowering women with infertility to boost their economic activities she said.

ALSO READ: Aisha Buhari world leaders to tackle spread of tuberculosis

The first lady assured the MERCK group of the cooperation of her pet project, Future Assured Initiative to eradicate the stigma faced by women suffering from infertility.

In her speech, the Minister of Women Affairs Mrs Aisha Alhassan, said that the Federal Government had earmark N1.2 billion as free interest loan to support women in Agriculture in 2016.

Aisha said that the amount was part of the N40 billion earmarked by the government to support women and youths in agriculture.

She said that the ministry was partnering with the Bank of Agriculture to ensure that Nigerian women and youths, who have interest in agric business benefit from the scheme.

On his part, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said that infertility problems in Nigeria and Africa are preventable.

He promised that the ministry would keep on working with relevant agencies to make policies and legislations to address the situation.

Dr. Mohammed Kamal, National Coordinator, Future Assured Initiative, stated that one of the cardinal objectives of the project was empowerment of women.

He assured MERCK Pharmaceutical Company that the project would cooperate with it to assist Nigerian women.

In her remarks, Dr Rasha Kelej, Vice President of MERCK said the group had been championing the campaign against stigmatizing persons with infertility.

She said that apart from providing medical assistance, the group had also established economic activities to empower women.

She said women should not be seen as production machines but as entrepreneurs.

Wife of the Senate President Mrs Toyin Saraki, who spoke on behalf of senators wives forum, said that treatment of infertility was expensive and urged the government to intervene.
Wikipaedia, the free encyclopedia, defines Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) as an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder (or vesico) and the vagina that allows the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault.

It is often caused by childbirth (in which case it is known as an obstetric fistula), when a prolonged labour presses the unborn child tightly against the pelvis, cutting off blood flow to the vesicovaginal wall.

Vaginal fistulas can also result from particularly violent cases of rape, especially those involving multiple rapists and or foreign objects.

Bello said, It should be everybodys business to join in sensitising and educating people on the need to access primary healthcare centres.

When people are aware of the causes of VVF, it will go a long way toward eradicating it from the society, she said.

Bello, who is also the founder of RAISE Foundation, identified prolonged labour as one of the main causes of VVF.

ALSO READ: Hospital records 28 cases of severe VVF cases in Borno

Prolonged labour is the major cause of VVF.

Instead of going to Primary Healthcare Centres close to them, women prefer to deliver at home which often leads to complications.

When eventually they were taken to the hospital, they may lose the child and also develop the condition, Bello said.

The governors wife said that her foundation had commenced plans to set up a Fistula Centre that would serve people in the North-Central Zone.

There is none in the zone; so I hope the state government will make use of it when established, she said.

She enjoined other stakeholders to join in the campaign against VVF.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Aisha Suleiman (21), who spoke on behalf of others, commended the governors wife for her gesture.
The Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said this in a statement issued in Abuja.

Usman said the insurgents, Abba Go Dallagio, Abba Fanned and Alhaji Nwariye, were arrested with the assistance of the Civilian JTF on Wednesday.

During preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed that they entered Maiduguri through Mafa with about 200 cows for sale at Maiduguri cattle market.

The suspects also said they are part of logistics elements of the Boko Haram terrorists group that assist in selling cows for the insurgents.

They said the proceeds are remitted to the terrorists to fund their nefarious activities.
According to Adebiyi, the SGF said the decision to establish ranches and grazing reserves was to address the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country.

Lawal reiterated the Federal Governments decision when he received a delegation from Tabital Pulako Njode Jam Foundation, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Bali.

Lawal said most of the crimes on farmlands were perpetrated by nomads, who migrated into the country.

He pledged the Federal Governments commitment to enlightening the herdsmen on ways to make cattle rearing more profitable.

Speaking earlier, Bali said the foundation was set up to look into the clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

He said that its submissions had shown that nomads from other countries were responsible for clashes with farmers.

In a related development, the SGF had assured the people of North-East of fairness in the provision of relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the various states in the region.

The SGF gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Lardin Gabas Elders Forum led by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Capt. Paul Tahir.

He said that a Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative (PCNI) will soon be inaugurated to streamline rehabilitation activities in the region and accelerate the return of normal life to the North-Eastern states.

The Chairman of the forum pledged its readiness to work with the Federal Government to ensure that succour was brought to the victims of insurgency.
Mr Ikechukwu Njoku, Economic Adviser to Gov. Rochas Okorocha disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri on Thursday.

He said the money was being diverted in paying ghost NYSC members and family members of some local council workers whose names were illegally inserted in payrolls.

Njoku said that the money has been used by the government to settle pension arrears.

He said that the workers biometric data had helped the government to determine the work strength of local councils, plug areas of diversion and save vital funds for development.

The economic adviser disclosed that the state government would engage foreign investors to concession some of the state assets, to boost its economy.

He called on the general public to support the government on its concessioning policy, stressing that it was for the economic development of the state.

Njoku listed some of the companies for concessioning to include the state shoe and paint industries, and the Avutu poultry among others.
Eye witness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano that the incident happened around 8:00 a.m., when staff of the company staged a peaceful protest.

It was gathered that the protesters were demanding for the establishment of a union, which the management of the company was not in support of.

However, trouble started when one of the policemen deployed to the area to maintain law and order allegedly opened fire on the protesters.

One of the protesters was said to have been injured which prompted the aggrieved workers to beat the policeman.

It was also learnt that both the injured worker and the policeman were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Majiya, confirmed the incident.

ALSO READ: 100 police officers disrupts BBOG protest

He said for the past three days the police were trying to maintain law and order at the company following disagreement between the workers and management of the company over the issue.

He, however, denied reports that the police shot one of the protesters during the fracas.

The police used only blank ammunition or robber bullet and tear gas to disperse the protesting workers, who turned violent, he said.

He said the situation had been under control, while security was beefed up in the area.
Abdulmaleek adjourned the case earlier slated for hearing due to the inability of EFCC and the fourth accused person, Ademola, to conclude the bargaining agreement in time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the EFCC during Mondays proceeding announced that Ademola had agreed to enter into a plea bargaining arrangement with the commission.

Counsel to the EFCC, Adebisi Adeniyi, told the court that the arrangement would have been completed before Wednesdays hearing.

Adeniyi, however, apologised to the court for the inability of the two parties to complete the arrangement because there was an important piece of information that the commission had just got.
This is coming on the heels of the Senates unanimous rejection of the planned sale of national assets.

The minister also said Government is still working on the most comprehensive manner to reflate the economy and the government will make its position known very soon, he said.

What the government will do is to reflate the economy, everything you have heard so far is just suggestion, until the government makes its position known, all these asset sale, asset leasing, whatever  being bandied about there are nothing but speculations. The government is yet to come out with its position on how to bail out the economy and it will do that very soon.

NEC will recommend but it is the federal executive council that will decide and what we decide will be the position of government.
In a statement in Abuja on Thursday, the NNPCs Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammad said Obasanjo made the call when the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru visited him in Abeokuta.

What I do understand is reforms. I believe organisations like the NNPC should be reformed.

I dont understand this talk of selling of national assets. Selling of national assets is wrong.

But reform is what I think should be done so that we can run the business of NNPC the way it should be run, he said in the statement.

He was further quoted as saying: If there is any organisation that can help us quickly get out of recession, it is NNPC.

If you work hard, you can get around the situation. I want to encourage you and hope that the little difference we have started seeing will continue, he said.

The NNPC GMD commended the vision of Obasanjo in the oil and gas Industry.

He said that the management team of the corporation was committed to transforming the NNPC for better performance, growth and profitability.

We appreciate your call for diversification into agriculture business and other energy sources.
The Vice President spoke while receiving a delegation of Christian Ministers Welfare Initiative also known as the Pastors Forum, Taraba State, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Prof. Osinbajo while restating the firm commitment of the President and himself to a great Nigeria where peace and justice reign said it is madness for anybody in our position to be looking for money. According to him, God put people in a position of authority for them to be able to do something for their people.

I think if any Nigerian gets the chance to be president of the country, there is nothing he/she is looking for anymore except that while there you improve the lot of the people, he added.

Linking the economic situation to corruption and official graft, the VP stated that no economy can tolerate the level of corruption seen in Nigeria without the consequence, Nigerian lives were being lost and yet people cannot account for $15 billion meant for purchase of security equipment to fight the insurgents.

Besides, the Vice President also explained how the factor of vandalisation of oil installations is contributory to the recession.

He said Nigeria has lost several millions of barrels of crude oil due to the activities of the militants in the Niger Delta.

According to him, by early 2016 the country was producing 5,000MW of power for the first time, but by February 2016 the Focados terminal was destroyed by militants and 40 per cent of the gas used to fire the power plants were lost and the country was down to 2,500MW of power.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, at the time the militants started blowing up oil and gas installations, the amnesty stipend were still being paid, nothing changed, the only reason is that we are investigating people who have stolen money.

He added that the country was loosing one million barrels of oil a day, noting that, that is 60% of the countrys revenues, and there is nowhere such amount of revenue is lost without going into some economic challenges like a recession.

While expressing optimism that the country will come out of the recession, the VP stated that there is no question at all, God has a reason for bringing us in at this time and God helping us, we will see a change in this country.

Vice President Osinbajo urged the Church and all religious leaders to stand up against corruption, stressing that if this government is doing the right thing by fighting corruption the Church should support it.

In response to some of the concerns of the delegation, the Vice President assured that the Federal Government is working very seriously to end the problem of ravaging herdsmen. He said the President has instructed the police and the military to act and deal with anybody who carries arms.

He then urged that anybody with early information or intelligence on such violent activities should give it to government and the security agents for effective response. He also added that those behind the herdsmen violence are criminals.

While calling on honest and forthright men in the country to work together, Osinbajo said God has structured Nigeria in such a way that no one can dominate another, not Muslims against Christians or Christians against Muslims.

It is not possible for one tribe to dominate another based on the way God has structured the country. The reason we have Christian president and Muslim vice president or Muslim president and Christian vice president is to have balance, he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the delegation, Rev, Godwin Nyiekule said the delegation was in the State House to pledge their support to the Buhari Administration for its forthrightness and fight against corruption. We are happy with the government for the war against corruption crusade, he said.
Local officials said the one-day visit was part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the creation of Zamfara.

Alhaji Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau on Thursday, that Osinbajo would inaugurate three projects in Gusau, the state capital.

Birnin-Magaji, who is also the Chairman, Publicity sub-committee for the anniversary, listed the projects as Ahmadu Bello Way, rehabilitated Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, and Gusau Water project.

He urged residents to troop out en masse to welcome the vice president,

The commissioner said other projects would also be inaugurated by prominent Nigerians during the event, which would be rounded off on Oct. 2.
Okechukwu also said the realisation of the Biafra agenda cannot be achieved anymore.

He said If we must tell ourselves the truth, the greatest obstacle to the actualisation of Biafra, was glaringly demonstrated by successive national conferences, the Abacha Conference and Jonathan Conference, in each of the two conferences the issue of region was voted against by Enugu and Ebonyi states.

The Jonathan Conference of 2014, for instance was made up of pro-Biafra elements whom a lot had assumed will support regionalism as a prelude to secession. Other states like Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River and majority of Northern States rejected regionalism. To cap it all the Jonathan Conference recommended the creation of over 50 states.

He also added that This golden opportunity will end the issue of marginalization, will gazette the true republican nature of Ndigbo and return us to the mainstream of Nigeria.

The doubting Thomases will doubt this projection, but it is real and anchored on the truism that in the public domain is the law with its legal teeth and the convention with its moral weight, mostly unwritten. This thesis projects that in 2023 when President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, by Gods grace completes his two term tenure, it will be the turn of the South.

At this juncture, Ndigbo relying on equity and justice will make a good case, persuade and lobby Nigerians, in particular our South West and South-South brothers and sisters to support us, since they both had served eight and five years respectively in this 4th Republic. For no one ethnic group can win the presidency of this great country alone.

According to the VON boss, The agitation for Biafra sounds as a good music, much fun and furry as if it is the only route to Eldorado. This is false as some of us who lived in the defunct Biafra enclave can narrate.

The question one had always posed is can Biafra be achieved via democracy or by force? Most people one had discussed with had always told me it will be achieved via peaceful means, which in other words means democracy.

This is over a decade and the germane question remains at what stage is our application? Is their records in the UN which suites our case? If there is none, the option is home-made democratic process.

As stated earlier only very few are advocating force, and unfortunately, visible obstacles seem to taint the acclaimed democratic process, he said.
The monarch debunked posts attributed to him on various platforms on the internet, where he allegedly said Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are failures.

Sanusi also said that he will continue to support the current administration and offer constructive criticism when the need arises.

He said My attention has been drawn to a set of quotes attributed to me attacking the government of General Buhari and his party and praising opposition party, I do not know who is behind these quotes, the monarch said.

But they seem to be part of a new and insidious strategy where quotes are attributed to individuals in order to mischievously score cheap political points and plant disaffection between persons.

These so-called reports never state exactly where my statements were made and in what forum or in whose presence, nor do the faceless cowards behind them have the courage to write their names.

Adding that It is a well-known fact that I was illegally suspended from my position as CBN Governor precisely because of my role in exposing the massive looting of our national treasury by the last administration, and that I have since shown my total support for the war against corruption being waged by the current administration.

I am also convinced that everyone recognizes the remarkable improvement in the security situation in the North, the greatest evidence of which was the incident-free celebration of Eid el Kabir throughout the country.
At the resumption of the trial, the Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Aliyu Umar, (SAN), prayed the court for a short adjournment in order to be fully availed of the matter.

Umar had told the court that his application was predicated on the fact he had yet to be handed over the case-file by the Attorney General of the Federation.

My lord, I am aware of the need to expeditiously dispense this case for the interest of justice but I have just been enlisted to take over this matter.

I am yet to be handed over the case file and, therefore, it will be impossible for me and my team to open our case as required of us today.

Consequently, my lord, I shall be asking for a short adjournment to enable me put the house in order, he said.

He added that The adjournment is also imperative as we shall use the period to file responses to all pending motions.

However, all the defendants opposed the application.

Others standing trial are the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, former Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, and his deputy, Mr Benedict Efeturi.

They are being tried for allegedly using a forged Senate Standing Rules to appoint the Principal Officers of the Senate on July 9, 2015.

The prosecution said both Saraki and Ekweremadu participated in altering the document for the purpose of being elected as President of the of Senate and Deputy President of the Senate respectively.

Mr Paul Erokoro, (SAN), counsel to Saraki, in raising objection to the application, argued that the prosecution had embarked on delay tactics to frustrate his client.

He said the prosecution was no longer diligent in the handling the trial, adding that the motion seeking to quash the charge filed by his client had over stayed.

My lord, it is indeed disheartening to see this unfolding happening. It is in the record of the court that this motion was served on the prosecution since June 22.

For us, this application is simply an attempt to abuse the process and our sensibility. I am urging the court to dismiss it.

Consequently, I urge the court to quash the charge and discharge my client for want of diligent prosecution, Erokoro said.

He further said the charge was vague and did not disclose any offence against his client.

Erokoro also said the trial constituted a gross abuse of the judicial process.

The counsel to Saraki said that the issues raised in the charge were currently subject matter of litigation before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Delivering ruling, Justice Yusuf Halilu expressed dissatisfaction over the disposition of the prosecution.

I do not allow parties to stall trial before me. These motions have been pending for the past 90 days, yet they were not attended to by the prosecution.

However, for the interest of justice and the circumstances the prosecution counsel have found himself, I oblige to adjourn this matter till Oct. 7 for definite hearing, the Judge held.

NAN recalls that the court on June 27 granted the defendants bail after they pleaded not guilty to the charge instituted against them.
It will be recalled that Falana had petitioned the Econoimic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of criminal diversion of public funds from the Federation Account and the nations Foreign Reserves.

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also accused Soludos CBN management of illegally transferring 7 billion dollars to 14 commercial banks in 2006, an allegation he had since denied and described as laughable.

In denying the allegation, Soludo said Falanas outburst was based on ignorance of how the apex bank was run.

But in counter response to Soludos denial, Falana again said the statement issued by the CBN management on the subject matter on Oct. 3 buttressed his point.

For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to reiterate that it was the management of the CBN which claimed to have given out its own shareof 7 billion dollars from the foreign reserves estimated at 38 billion dollars at the material time.

Is Professor Soludo insisting that CBN under his management was entitled to any share of the nations foreign reserves?.

In any case, whether it was a deposit or its own share of the foreign reserves, did the CBN ever announce that the deposit had been paid back to the foreign reserves which belong to the three tiers of Government?.

If there is nothing to hide why did the CBN ignore the request of the Civil Society Network Against Corruption for information on the deposit of 7 billion dollars?, he said.

Falana said that in his petition to the EFCC, he had alleged that the CBN also gave a bailout of N600 billion to commercial banks in 2008 and provided intervention funds of trillions of Naira to captains of industry.

He said that CBN also paid N2.5 trillion for fuel subsidy in 2011 when the national assembly had appropriated N245 billion.

As far as Soludo is concerned, these allegations are laughable and betray a lack of knowledge of how a bank such as CBN works.

Since the allegations of gross mismanagement of public funds are laughable, are we to believe that these were deposits as well, or the share of the CBN mismanagement under his predecessor?
"Bukas and Joints" is hosted by media personality Olisa Adibua, and features him traveling around Nigeria in search of the most authentic Bukas and Joints.

ALSO READ: undefined

In an upcoming episode, Olisa travels out of the Lagos to the heart of Oyo State - Ibadan - to discover some of the best Buka's and Joints the city has to offer.

The creator of the docu-series, Biola Alabi, explained that the new season will have a wider reach than the first.
Today, September 29, 2016, is the actress' birthday, and we have numerous reasons to crush on her.

Check out eight reasons to love the actress, who has presented movie lovers with countless classics.

1. We have her to thank for the talented Bimbo Akintola .

Akintola is a gift to the Nigerian film industry, an actress who defines true talent, and Nollywood has Joke Silva to thank for this gift.

In an how Joke Silva has influenced her acting career.

"Joke SIlva. She has done a lot, but it's not even about the things that she did, it's about the things she didn't realize that she did," said the actress.

According to her, Silva changed her father's impression of actors, after he watched her perform on stage.

ALSO READ:undefined

2. She is beautiful and is ageing gracefully .

Joke Silva is without doubt beautiful. She has been a part of the Nigerian film industry for as long as we can remember. Despite the hard work of the years, she is still as flawless as they come.

We do not see the effect of her great work on her facial lines, we see them in her works.

3. She values training .

Silva and her husband Olu Jacobs founded the Lufodo Group which include film production and distribution assets and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

In an , the veteran spoke on why they set up the performing academy.

"Unfortunately for us, for most of those who have been working in the industry and who have no training whatsoever, because the media is there hyping them, they don't realize that they don't have the skill, yet they are not willing to come back to learn. And that is really sad," she said.

ALSO READ:

4. She is a talented award winning actress.

A multiple award winner, Silva won the "Best Actress in a Leading Role" at the second Africa Movie Academy Awards for her role in "Women's Cot."

She starred in the movie "30 Days," which received 10 nominations at the 2008 AMAA. Her other classic movies include "Cursed from Beyond," "Phone Swap," "The Amazing Grace," "Tango With Me," "Married but Living Single," "Violated" among others.

5. She has never failed on stage.

From the "Mad King of Ijudiya" and "A Little Drops," to "Hear Word," Joke Silva has been a part of stage productions worth lauding over and over.

ALSO READ:undefined

6. Her fashion sense is everything.

We would simply let the photos speak:

7. She is married to the entertaining veteran, Olu Jacobs. And they have a beautiful family together.

The talented couple who are both in the film industry, met in 1981 at the National Theatre, Lagos during the 21st Independence anniversary.

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8. For the sake of her role alongside Colin Firth.

In 1998, the veteran had a major role starred opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film "The Secret Laughter of Women," in which she portrayed the character of Nene.
The PDP earlier rejected the results after describing them as fabricated and pre-determined.

The APCs comments were made by its Edo Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, on Thursday, September 29.

This is just a case of a bad loser. It is a pity that the PDP expects to win in a state which it had run down, Ojezua said.

Though the announcement of the results is still ongoing, I commend INEC , thus far. The process was very peaceful. INEC was efficient in delivery of materials to ensure that they got to locations on time, he added.

ALSO READ: APC planning to manipulate results at midnight - PDP
Olumekun disclosed this in Benin on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with a National Commissioner and two Resident Electoral Commissioners at 11.20 p.m.

He, however, did not give reasons for the shift in date for the exercise.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the decision to commence the collation on Thursday could be traced to the late arrival of results from the 18 local government areas of the state.

A Correspondent of NAN who visited INEC office in Benin reports that security was tight while movement to the area had been restricted to only accredited officers and staff.

At the INEC office, party agents, Journalists and election observers were seen waiting for the commencement of collation of results from the local government areas.
The results so far collated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Godwin Obaseki has won 13 out of the states 18 Local Government Areas.

Contrary to claim that PDP brought in 8,000 militants, the election showed that PDP is law-abiding and did not involve in illegality. The delays in announcing official result by INEC was in order to announce predetermined fabricated results, Ize-Iyamu told journalists in Benin City.

The Figures being announced by INEC do not represent the massive turnout. We have told our agents to bring all the results issued at the polling units. We do not want to rely on the messages they sent.

In the next three or four days, we will have complete record. From findings, it is clear a lot of manipulation has taken place, he added.

The Edo PDP also rejected the results which it described as fabricated and pre-determined.

ALSO READ:PDP rejects election results
Idia Ize-Iyamu also said that her husband would most definitely win the governorship election which held on Wednesday, September 28.

We are watching so far. The APC has been inducing voters, giving them N3,000, N2,000. We have documented the evidence, and we have been alerting security agencies, she told The Cable.

There has been subtle intimidation of voters. They have been telling them to write down their names as soon as they collect the money, and show the party agents the thumb printed ballot papers, but we have raised the alarm and they know that we are aware and we are watching them.

So far, so good, the turnout has been very impressive, and we are just waiting for the end of the vote," she added.

Speaking on her husbands chances, she said:

He is definitely going to win because most of the people collecting the money were saying they will collect the money and vote PDP.

The APC people have threatened to beat them after the election, but the people are motivated. I got here around 6:30, and I saw a lot of people. Many are saying today is the end of APC in Edo state.

ALSO READ: APC planning to manipulate results at midnight - PDP
The U.S. Treasury Department action came a week after dozens of people died in clashes between Congolese security forces and protesters angered by what opposition groups charge are Kabila's plan to postpone the vote and retain power beyond his two-term limit.

Kabila denies the allegation about planning to retain power. His government has said that the November election must be postponed because of logistical problems.

Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and John Numbi, a former senior police official, were placed on a list of "specially designated nationals," said a Treasury Department announcement.

Any financial assets they have in the United States are blocked and Americans are generally barred from engaging in financial transactions with them.

The decision to sanction the pair followed "increasing indications that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to suppress political opposition in the country, often through violent means," the Treasury said.

Amisi oversees security forces in four provinces, including Kinshasa. Units under his command "reportedly have engaged in violent repression of political demonstrations," including January 2015 protests in which at least 42 people died, the announcement said.

Numbi, the former national inspector of the country's police force, used "violent intimidation" to secure victories for pro-Kabila gubernatorial candidates in March 2016 provincial elections, it said.

While no longer a government official, Numbi "is reportedly an influential adviser to Kabila," the announcement added.

Ida Sawyer, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch, praised the sanctions decision and called on the United States, the European Union and the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions on other senior Congolese government, security and intelligence officials.

At the same time, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa warned U.S. citizens of continued insecurity in Congo and said it could only offer very limited emergency services to them.
His comments were the latest indication that key donors to the West African state are taking a harder line towards the government, which denies all ties to Gatia - a mostly Tuareg militia opposed to pro-independence fighters in the north.

"The Malian government should put a stop to all ties both public and private with Gatia, a group of armed militia that is not contributing to peace in the north," Paul Folmsbee said in a post on the U.S. Embassy's Facebook page on Wednesday.

"Mali needs to assume a greater responsibility for the peace deal's implementation," he said, urging the southern-based Bamako government to step up its presence throughout the sprawling country.

A government spokesman declined to comment on the allegation of ties to Gatia. Folmsbee did not give details of whether the ties were financial or military.

The United States has pledged more than $1 billion in aid to Mali since the election of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in 2013 after a period of instability.

In a statement, Gatia did not directly deny any links to the Bamako government but said its mission was to protect an ethnic group within the Tuareg known as the Imghad, not to act as an arm of the authorities in northern Mali.

"(Gatia) was created ... to protect the Imghad people and their allies who have been abandoned by the state in an area where there are armed groups that kill and humiliate with impunity," Gatia's deputy secretary-general Habala Hamzata said in the statement.

Security has been deteriorating in Mali for months despite a peace deal signed in June 2015 between the government and a medley of mostly Tuareg secular armed groups based in the desert north.

The deal was seen as an important precursor to striking at al Qaeda-linked militants based in the same region and who briefly seized key northern cities in 2012.

Many of the rivalries between fighters from the Tuareg minority ethnic group date back centuries and are linked to control of desert trade routes. Up to 20 died in fighting in remote locations in July and there have been further clashes near the northern town of Kidal in recent weeks.
Galmudug's Security Minister Osman Issa said 22 of his region's soldiers had been killed in the strike, adding that the rival neighbouring region of Puntland had requested it on the pretext that the men were al Shabaab Islamist militants.

"Puntland misinformed the United States and thus our forces were bombed," he told Reuters.

"The air strike was called in after Somali troops faced fire from militants," the official said. No evidence had been seen that the attack killed civilians or anyone other than al Shabaab militants, the official added.

A Puntland police officer said the attack had killed "more than a dozen" members of al Shabaab, which is waging an insurgency against Somalia's Western-backed government and regional authorities.

Galmudug and Puntland regions have often clashed over territory.

The United States has launched many air strikes in Somalia, usually against al Shabaab.

Al Shabaab denied that it had any fighters in the area of the latest incident. "We neither have a base nor forces in Galkayo area," Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaabs military operations spokesman, told Reuters.

Protesters in Galmudug's capital Galkayo burned U.S. flags and images of President Barack Obama in protest, witnesses said. Shops closed because of the demonstrations.
Riek Machar, the country's former first vice president, and his allies ordered their forces to reorganize for "armed resistance" to the South Sudan government after talks over the weekend in Khartoum.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said Washington had seen Machar's statements and "strongly condemned" them, saying the violence of the past few years had proven fighting would not resolve the country's underlying conflict.

"We find it inexcusable that he would continue to promote armed resistance," Kirby told reporters. "It indicates a lack of concern for the well-being of the South Sudanese people, many of whom continue to struggle just to survive and just as much want to see peace."

Machar led a two-year rebellion against forces loyal to his longtime rival, President Salva Kiir, before the two sides reached a peace deal in August 2015. Under the deal, Machar returned to the capital Juba and resumed his role as vice president.
The officials were sacked on Tuesday following allegations that they had set up a fake bank account to siphon off relief funds given in response to a 5.7 magnitude earthquake which killed at least 17 people and made thousands homeless.

"A regional administrative secretary and a district executive director were charged in court today," Magufuli said in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

The president warned public officials that anyone who engages in corruption over the relief funds, which have poured in from foreign and domestic donors, will face swift punishment.

"Our people are suffering as a result of this earthquake and require emergency relief assistance, yet these dishonest officials are trying to benefit financially from this tragedy," he said.

Tanzania has appealed for international assistance to help rebuild thousands of homes after the quake, which struck the northwestern town of Kagera on Sept 10.

The government has set up a special bank account for quake funds and has been collecting cash and material contributions for the relief effort.

The two public officials are alleged to have set up a parallel bank account under the same name as the government's official relief fund to divert funds for their own personal use, said the president.

Magufuli said Britain gave 2.3 million pounds on Wednesday. "We are receiving these donations from the United Kingdom and others because our development partners are now confident that their financial assistance will be well spent," he said.

Since his election in October, reformist Magufuli has launched a far-reaching crackdown on corruption, which businesses have long highlighted as a major obstacle to investment in Tanzania.

The country ranked 117 out of 168 countries in Transparency International's 2015 index of least corrupt countries. No.1 is deemed the least corrupt.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, shot dead his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, then drove a pickup truck about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Townville Elementary school where he crashed into a fence surrounding the playground, authorities said.

After the teenager began shooting, volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock pinned him down while staff led children to safety inside the building. Police arrived within 7 minutes of a teacher calling 911 to take the suspect into custody at the school in Anderson County, located near the Georgia state line about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta. The shooter never entered the building.

U.S. schools have taken added security precautions since 2012 when a gunman shot dead 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

"(He) was there in the hot scene and risked his life to mitigate this incident," Anderson County emergency services director Taylor Jones said. "He just used enough force to take him to the ground."

The shooting left a 6-year-old boy in critical condition and undergoing surgery, Scott Stoller, Anderson County's director of emergency services, told the Anderson Independent Mail.

The other boy and a female teacher were in good condition, said Juana Slade, spokeswoman for AnMed Health Medical Center. Both boys were 6 years old, the Independent Mail reported.

One male student was shot in the leg and the other boy was shot in the foot. The female teacher was shot in the shoulder, authorities said. The shooter and victims were white.

Anderson County Sheriffs Office Captain Garland Major did not know the relationship between the shooter and those injured at the school. The suspect was home schooled, authorities said.

Immediately after the shooting, armed officers guarded students as they were evacuated from the school and taken by bus to a nearby church, local media said. Television images showed police swarming the school, with some officers on the roof while others moved around the building.
On a weeknight at the Academy of Performing Arts, youll see a flood of girls ages 2 to 18 either coloring or finishing up their homework, trying to tie their shoes or talking about boy drama. A few minutes later, once everything is settled, youll see each one take their spot and dance.

And youll see Miss Tammy, saying a smiley hello to each of her students, leading the way.

This nightly routine isnt new for Tammy Singh. This season marks the 25th anniversary of the dance studio she founded when she was 25. Back then, her mom helped her get a business loan and, six months later, she opened the doors with 24 students.

This was my calling, Singh said. I didnt think of it as a risk, because its all I wanted to do.

A few years after it opened, Singh, who had previously traveled internationally performing with a dance company, auditioned for a spot on the Luvabulls, the dance team for the Chicago Bulls. She got it.

I chose right then and there that the studio was more important, she said. And I was right. Ive touched so many lives.

The 7,000-square foot studio with five colorful rooms has seen thousands of students over the years taking classes, competing and performing in annual rehearsals in tap, jazz and ballet, but Miss Tammy, as all the girls call her, says its about more than dance here.

If the girls are in elementary school, they tell me about crushes and if theyre in high school, they tell me about college stuff, she said. Sometimes you need someone to talk to other than mom and dad.

Elizabeth Timm Kirch, 28, of Rock Island, knows that well. At age 3, she was among the Academy of Performing Arts first class of students. Kirch is now an instructor at the studio.

Tammy is like a second mother to me, she said. I basically lived at the studio and grew up there, so you make some amazing connections with people.

Kirch, who works full-time at an insurance company, attended Iowa State University and danced on the team there. After graduation, she went straight back to her second home.

Its such an energetic place with kids running around and all sorts of different music in each room, she said. Its a happy place.

What does she think about the 25 mark?

Its cool to be a part of something for so long and see kids go from how they start off to being better dancers, she said. I think its all Tammys personality  shell talk to anyone and shell you why she loves what she does.

When you ask Singh why she loves it, shell talk her dance philosophy which revolves around balance.

Its an education and we take it seriously, she said. But its not about taking over your life. Dance is supposed to be fun and creative.

Sara Ottas daughter, Isabell, 10, has taken classes with Singh for six years. Her other daughter, Adria, recently joined as well.

Dance can be very involved and intimidating, but not with Miss Tammy, Otta said. The studio isnt the biggest, but theres this family feel where were all cheering for each other.

Singh, whose own daughter also took classes at the studio, is focused on keeping that feeling alive.

Sometimes I cant sleep because Im thinking up new steps and looking up new songs or thinking about the girls, she said. Once you find your passion, thats how it is. The day this is no longer my passion, Ill stop doing it.

Some of her students have found careers and success in dance. In 2008, Singh flew to Los Angeles to see one of her students appear on the competition show So You Think You Can Dance.

Others, Singh will remember because of the bonds theyve built. Shes been a bridesmaid in students weddings and had daughters of previous students in her classes. Sprinkled around the Quad-Cities, plenty of former students and parents still refer to her as Miss Tammy.

Ill be in the grocery store and Ill hear, Hey, Miss Tammy, and it could be a whole lot of different people whether theyre young or old, she said. I like that. I like being Miss Tammy. Like, can I do 25 more years?"
A Davenport man will be sentenced Jan. 25 after admitting that he tried to burn or blow up a duplex he lived in with his girlfriend and her young child in March.

Gramann R. Barnes, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of arson Wednesday in U.S. District Court, Davenport.

The charge accuses Barnes of attempting to maliciously damage or destroy, by means of fire and explosive, any building, real and personal property used in any activity affecting interstate commerce.

According to a federal complaint filed July 1:

At 12:11 p.m. March 15, Davenport police and fire were called to the lower-level apartment of a duplex in the 600 block of East Locust Street in Davenport for a report of a domestic disturbance.

Barnes got into an argument with a woman with whom he had been in an on-again-off-again relationship for 11 years. Barnes lived with the woman and her 2-year-old child.

As they were arguing, Barnes grabbed the woman by the hair and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the child was knocked into a cabinet, causing injury. The woman grabbed the child and ran into a different room.

Barnes ran after the woman and punched her in the legs.

The woman and the child left the home, but when they returned, they found that Barnes had broken several items and caused more than $10,000 in damage.

Then, Barnes placed paper towels inside the oven and fixed the burners on the stove so they would spew gas and removed the knobs from the stove. Before leaving the home, he turned on the oven.

Neighbors in the upstairs level of the duplex could smell the gas coming from the stove, according to the affidavit.

Barnes fled the scene by stealing his father's pickup. He was arrested April 5 in Texas, according to the affidavit.

Arson carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
A Rock Island man was sentenced Thursday to up to 15 years in prison for the April 15 shooting death of James Goode Jr.

Yolanduis L. McDuffie, shackled and wearing an orange jumpsuit, said during a nearly 30-minute sentencing hearing in Scott County District Court that he was deeply sorry that a problem that started off so small ended in Goodes death.

Although he said he was left physically intact that night of the shooting, emotionally and mentally, I am broken.

Every single night I see it, I hear it, I feel it, he said. I wish I could change a couple seconds and even give my life for his.

Originally facing a first-degree murder charge, the 23-year-old McDuffie pleaded guilty Aug. 17 to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He also pleaded guilty to an unrelated charge of possession of crack cocaine with intent to deliver.

In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss an additional charge of drug tax stamp violation.

Davenport police were called at 4:07 a.m. April 5, 2015, to the 1000 block of West 6th Street in Davenport for a report of a man with a life-threatening gunshot wound. The man, later identified as James Goode Jr., 33, was taken to Genesis Medical Center-East Rusholme Street, Davenport, where he died.

According to police, McDuffie had a .40-caliber handgun during an argument in the street with Goode and others. During the argument, Goode took off running, and McDuffie shot at him several times, according to the police.

McDuffie was identified by a witness, who said McDuffie hit Goode with the gun before he started shooting. The witness identified McDuffie, who goes by the name "Blackie," in a photo lineup, according to police.

McDuffie was charged in Goode's death in November. He already had been in the Scott County Jail since May 2015 on drug charges.

On Thursday, Scott County District Court Judge Thomas Reidel sentenced McDuffie to up to 10 years in prison, of which he has to serve half before he can be considered for parole, on the voluntary manslaughter charge, and up to five years on the possession of a firearm by a felon charge. The sentences will run consecutively, or back-to-back.

The sentence also will run back-to-back to a 10-year sentence on the drug charge. Of that sentence, he must serve one-third or more than three years.

He has 30 days to file a notice of appeal.

McDuffie was represented by attorneys John Bruzek and Harold DeLange.

During Thursdays sentencing hearing, Bruzek provided the judge with certificates of completion for various programs at the Scott County Jail, where McDuffie has been since May 23, 2015.

DeLange said that McDuffie was remorseful for his actions and that he thinks that he can be a productive member of society once he is released from prison.

McDuffie said he grew up with a lack of guidance in a single-parent home and was raised in a defensive environment that left him to fend for himself.

None of this is no excuse for the reason I am here today, McDuffie said.

He added that he wants to take the time to reconstruct my thinking pattern so I will never again make any poor choices and actions."

I believe that the right step in doing that is to say Im sorry.

Although he has been sentenced in his Iowa cases, McDuffies legal woes are not yet over. He faces first-degree murder charges in Rock Island County in the December 2013 death of Rock Island tattoo artist Derek J. Jackson, 24.

Rock Island County States Attorney John McGehee said Thursday that he plans to speak with Iowa prosecutors and will make a decision on how to proceed in the case.

McDuffie initially was charged with Jackson's death, but prosecutors dropped the charges on Jan. 6, 2015, the day his trial was scheduled to begin.

The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the charges could be refiled at any time. There is no statute of limitations for a murder charge.

McDuffie's co-defendant, Aaron D. Henderson II, 23, was convicted of one count of first-degree murder in connection with Jackson's death and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Rock Island County prosecutors have said that the charges against McDuffie were refiled, in part, because of the discovery of the handgun police think was used to kill Jackson.
The Davenport "Parent Extravaganza" on Thursday was designed to help the district families, including residents such as Tuyet Nguyen.

The Vietnamese woman sat with an interpreter, Lily Nguyen, at the fifth annual conference at the Hotel Davenport. The extravaganza is a mix of information, referrals and activities  offers of what the district can and will do to help family members encourage students to succeed in Davenport.

A resident of the United States for 31 years, Tuyet Nguyun has a second-grader at Buchanan Elementary School.

District officials hope that the event will help boost student achievement in low-income areas of Davenport. Parents, grandparents and guardians of children in 10 elementary and three intermediate schools that receive federal funding through the Title 1 program were invited.

It is designed by parents, for parents, T.J. Schneckloth, the district's director of state and federal programs and student services, said. School attendance was the day's theme and was addressed by keynote speakers, Superintendent Art Tate and Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch.

"We've got to get our students to school," Tate said, noting scores in reading or math won't improve if students aren't in school to learn the topics in the first place.

The district's achievement gap also is an opportunity gap, Klipsch said. Davenport amenities, such as the Figge Art Museum and Putnam Museum, are places that parents can take their children to endorse learning opportunities. The Figge had free admission for much of the summer, for instance.

"It's important to understand, you must be present to win," Klipsch said. The biggest part of the job is showing up.

As he spoke, a buzz could be heard from the Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters in the room. They were present to help family members who do not speak or understand much English.

Several of Klipsch's grandchildren are from Africa and have participated in the English Language Learning program at Monroe Elementary School.

The Davenport district offers an extensive number of services to its residents, Klipsch said, "but you have to go out and get them."

The Parent Extravaganza is a useful event for parents to find and understand the resources available to them, said Christina Pizano, the family involvement liaison at Hayes Elementary School.

Pizano has six children, all of whom went through Hayes, and said she could have used the information given out on Thursday several years ago.

Gerri Johnson, family liaison at Jackson Elementary School, enjoys meeting parents at the school and connecting them with resources available.

"It's great when their eyes light up, and they say, 'I didn't know that,'" she said.

There's a gap, Johnson said, between Davenport's parents and the educational community.

"You just have to keep those doors open and keep working on it," she said.
It is not enough for for people to simply give to the poor, the Rev. Gustavo Gutierrez Merino said Wednesday after accepting the 2016 Pacem in Terris Award at Christ the King Chapel, St. Ambrose University, Davenport.

To truly serve the poor, one must be in a relationship with the poor, he said.

Speaking to more than 300 people who gathered for the ceremony, Gutierrez said, We are not committed to serving the poor unless we are a friend to the poor.

Gutierrez, 88, a Peruvian theologian and Dominican priest, is considered by many to be the father of liberation theology, based on his 1971 work, A Theology of Liberation."

It is through friendship that people become equals, Gutierrez said. And if we first respect a person as an equal, then can we recognize the human dignity of the poor, he added.

The Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award was created in 1964 by the Davenport Catholic Interracial Council. Since 1978, the award has been presented by the Quad-City Pacem in Terris Coalition. The award honors Pope John XXIII and commemorates his 1963 encyclical letter, Pacem in Terris, or Peace on Earth.

Gutierrez became the 44th recipient of the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award since its inception when it was first given to author John Howard Griffin and posthumously to President John F. Kennedy.

We have wanted to get him here for a long time for this, Martin Amos, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Davenport, said before the ceremony. He was schedule to be in Chicago today so we were able to arrange to get him here."

Gutierrez had been approved for the honor for two years, but for various reasons he was not able to travel to Davenport until now, said the Rev. Chuck Adam, chaplain and director of campus ministry at St. Ambrose.

After the ceremony, Adam said Gutierrez has had a big influence on Pope Francis because they both share the same approach to the poor.

Pointing to a quote by Gutierrez that was printed on the program for the ceremony, Adam said, That says it all.

If there is no friendship with them (the poor) and no sharing of the life of the poor, then there is no authentic commitment to liberation, because love exists only among equals, the quote by Gutierrez reads.

We help the poor by being in a relationship with them, Adam explained.

Gutierrez is the John Cardinal O'Hara Professor of Theology and teaches systemic theology at the University of Notre Dame. He holds honorary degrees from about 20 universities. Among his honors is the Legion of Honor, given to him by the French government in 1993.
DES MOINES  Chris Peters said he hopes to present his message to eastern Iowa voters in the 2nd Congressional District in the form of televised debates ahead of the Nov. 8 election.

Peters, a surgeon from Coralville, is the Republican challenger to Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack.

Peters on Thursday participated in the Greater Des Moines Partnerships federal candidate series at the organizations offices in downtown Des Moines. The partnership is a coalition of central Iowa economic and community development organizations.

People deserve to see both candidates running for a given office and to be able to compare them side-by-side, either live time or on video later, Peters said after Thursdays event. I think were doing a disservice to our 2nd District voters if were not providing that to them.

According to the Loebsack campaign, one televised debate has been agreed upon: an Oct. 14 debate televised by Iowa Public Television.

The only other joint appearance agreed to thus far is a forum Oct. 10 in Coralville hosted by the Johnson County Task Force on Aging and the League of Women Voters of Johnson County.

The Loebsack campaign said it is attempting to schedule another debate.

Our campaign is continuing to work with Dr. Peters campaign to schedule three debates, which would be the same number as the presidential campaign and more than any other federal race in Iowa this year, Loebsack campaign manager Joe OHern said in an email. Unfortunately, Dr. Peters campaign only seems to be interested in pulling political stunts rather than working with us to try and schedule these debates.

During the partnerships event, Peters presented his views for reducing the federal debt, limiting federal regulations on businesses, reducing corporate taxes and enacting market-based health care reform.

Peters called the $19.5 trillion national debt a horrible burden to pass on to future generations and called for reduced federal spending and market-based health care reform as means to reducing the debt. He also said federal lawmakers should take a common-sense look at regulations, weighing their public benefit vs. the effect on businesses.

Peters said he got deeply interested in politics after the housing boom and then the burst that contributed to the 2008 recession.

I really wanted to understand economics  wanted to understand the policy implications for why that happened, Peters said.

After the event, Peters said he supports Congress move Wednesday to override President Barack Obamas veto of legislation that allows the families of 9/11 victims to sue foreign governments.

Peters said that in addition to potential damages, he thinks lawsuits could reveal more information about the role Middle East countries played in harboring the terrorists who participated in the 9/11 attacks.

I think we have a right to sue for damages, Peters said. I think theres a lot of open questions regarding the extent of Saudi Arabias involvement in 9/11. Certainly, some of the stuff looks very damning. And allowing people to litigate may offer us more opportunities to know more than we do now.

Loebsack voted in favor of overriding the presidents veto and making the legislation law.

Critics of the legislation  and even some members of Congress who approved overriding the presidents veto  expressed concerns about possible unintended consequences. The White House said it could adversely affect the nation's relationship with Saudi Arabia as the countries work together to fight terrorism, and national security officials said it could embolden other countries to sue the U.S. over its military actions.

Thats entirely possible. Theres always a risk of unintended consequences whenever you make a policy decision. Its a fair concern, Peters said. I think certain circumstances are worth taking a risk, and this one may be one of those.

Loebsack is scheduled to participate in the partnerships candidate series on Oct. 18.
BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS : Five Iowa schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education for their overall academic excellence or for their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The schools are Westside Junior-Senior High School, Ar-We-Va Community School District; Helen A. Hansen Elementary School, Cedar Falls Community School District; Franklin Elementary School, Le Mars Community School District; Indian Creek Elementary School, Linn-Mar Community School District; and West Union Elementary School, North Fayette Community School District. U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. announced the 329 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2016 on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of Education will formally recognize 279 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony on Nov. 7-8 in Washington, D.C.

GAS PRICES HOLD STEADY: Prices Iowans are paying at service station pumps were generally unchanged since last week, according to the state Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship. The price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.19 per gallon across Iowa according to AAAs Tuesday survey, which was unchanged from one week ago but 12 cents lower than one year ago. The national average on Tuesday also was unchanged at $2.21 per gallon. Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were the same as last week with a statewide average of $2.36 a gallon compared to $2.44 one year ago. For heating fuels, natural gas prices fell by a nickel to $3.03/MMbtu.

ETHANOL INCENTIVES: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said Wednesday about $350,000 in uncommitted funds are now available to interested retailers in Iowa seeking cost-share funding to help buy and install blender pumps and underground storage tank infrastructure for higher blends of ethanol. Applications must be received at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardships office by 4 p.m. Oct. 14. Pumps and tanks funded through this round of funding for the program are required to be operational by the end of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2017. Through this program we have supported the installation of more than 200 blender pumps and 16 underground storage tanks and now have some additional funds to add even more, Northey said. Iowa received a $5 million competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership program to support the initiative, with $2.5 million in matching funds from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. The fueling sites applying for assistance will also be required to provide a minimum of $2.5 million. Pumps and tanks funded through this program are required to be in operations for the intended purpose of dispensing higher blends of ethanol for at least five years from the date they enter service.
UPDATE: Laura Beard has been found and family is en route to reunite with her.

EARLIER STORY

The Moline Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a woman missing since Wednesday.

Laura Beard, 55, was last seen about noon in her black 2014 Chevrolet Cruz with Illinois registration S84 8383.

The vehicle has a U of I sticker on the back left window and a Chevy sticker on the front windshield.

Persons with information about Beard's whereabouts are asked to contact Moline Police at 309-797-0401. If you observe the vehicle please contact 911 immediately and report it to law enforcement.
Their first walk of the day starts at 6 a.m. Dinner is ready about noon and nap time usually follows from 1-3 p.m.

Neva Hamilton's days are scheduled around three subsequent strolls (10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.) with her Boston terrier named Jake, and time spent caring for her husband, Ed.

"He's incontinent," Neva said straight-faced, referring to her 11-year-old pup during a recent outing. "I think people think the dog is protecting me, but I'll whip anyone who tries to touch him."

At 83, Neva still is a tad bitter about downsizing from her East Moline home to her downtown Rock Island apartment, but she's developed a routine that works for her, and her two "boys."

She finds joy in her daily walking regimen, slow-cooking beef roasts in her crock pot, driving her red Cadillac DeVille and ordering "unusual" clothing and jewelry from catalogs.

Every chance she gets, she also praises the Rock Island-based union her husband worked under as a plumber for 45 years. The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 25 "takes good care of us," she stressed more than once during a recent visit.

Following his retirement, the couple spent part of several years in Florida to escape winter's grip, but those getaways stopped due to Ed's heart-related health problems.

"We've been a lot of places, so we can't complain if we don't get any more trips," Neva said.

These days, Ed, 81, spends most of his time inside, near their bay window that overlooks the Mississippi River. He's not totally acclimated to his surroundings, but he enjoys tracking commercial fishermen and barges on the water through a telescope from his kitchen table.

"I just hated getting rid of our house, but our kids wanted us to move," he chimed in, noting the times he and his wife fell on the stairs in their previous home.

The Hamiltons have five children, 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and a couple great-great grandchildren, who they credit for loads of support.

During a walk this week, Neva recalled life more than 50 years ago as a single mother of four girls. That was before she met Ed, when she worked as a bartender and received welfare benefits.

"Eddy's always taken care of me and the girls," said Neva, who later found a career in social services. "He's always been a good guy."

While life definitely has slowed, they're grateful for the simple things.

And although Neva's no longer competing in jitterbug contests  a favorite pastime of hers  she's still exercising daily.

"I hate to admit that I'm elderly, but I am," Hamilton said as she wrapped up her 10-minute saunter. "I think young people have a lot more problems."

She's been there, done that.

"I may be getting forgetful, but we're at least settled."
Larry Keyes confesses to a bit of worry about the thought of future Social Security cuts.

It's not the most important issue to the 69-year-old Davenport man this election season. That's climate change. But he still wants to see a solution to the program's long-term fiscal challenges.

He's not alone.

At a forum sponsored by the advocacy group AARP on Wednesday, Keyes and a group of about 50 people, most of them older, made clear that they want the country's politicians deal with the issue.

"I think more people are talking about it," Keyes said.

Small wonder. The projected date at which the retirement program will pay out fewer benefits if nothing is done is just 18 years away  2034, according to Social Security's trustees.

AARP warned if that day comes that will mean a nearly 25 percent cut in benefits.

The harm, the group said, would not only be to older Americans  and future beneficiaries  but also to local economies. AARP estimates that a cut of that magnitude would amount to a annual loss of $190 million in income in Scott and Muscatine counties.

"The impact that Social Security benefits and payments have on the local economy is very significant. It's no small deal," said Kent Sovern, state director for AARP in Iowa.

With a little more than a month before Election Day, AARP is again seeking to energize its 370,000 Iowa members to put pressure on candidates to lay out specific plans to keep Social Security's solvent. The group organized members before the February caucuses, and a series of forums is aimed at revving up their membership.

Thus, Wednesday's forum at the Center for Active Seniors Inc., 1035 W. Kimberly Road, where over lunch and coffee, AARP officials sought to arm people in the audience with information and motivation.

"Our members are all over the political spectrum so we want them to evaluate the options out there based on their own point of view and press the candidates how they're going to change Social Security to update it, make it financially solvent for our future generations," Sovern said.

Social Security's long-term challenges have been well known for years. Not enough young people are entering the workforce to fund a system paying for an aging American population. The program's main retirement fund isn't the only one pressed by fiscal challenges. Social Security's disability trust fund would have been depleted this year had Congress not taken last minute action in 2015 to avoid it. And even then, the disability fund was only extended to 2023 by reallocating a part of the payroll tax going to the retirement program.

Finding solutions are difficult, as illustrated by Wednesday's forum. The group was nearly evenly split on whether to raise the retirement age. The most popular option was to make more income subject to Social Security taxes. Currently, the tax only applies to the first $118,000 of income.

"Everybody should pay their fair share," said Shirley Novitski, 81, of Blue Grass.

Social Security didn't come up during the presidential debate Monday, and it has not been much of a point of argument between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.

During the Democratic primary, both Clinton and rival Bernie Sanders both brought up the idea of expanding Social Security. In Iowa, the program pays an average of just $1,450 per month, according to AARP. And advocates for an expansion say the average benefits are meager and most retirees rely on Social Security to pay the majority of their living expenses.

AARP officials hope that the topic of Social Security's fiscal future will get more attention. It plans to collect 5,000 pledge cards in Iowa asking candidates to talk about their plans for the future of the program. The Davenport forum was one of eight forums being held across the state from Sept. 20 through Oct. 5.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Its too soon to know what support and assistance Gov. Terry Branstad will ask the Iowa Legislature to provide flood-impacted communities on the Cedar, Shell Rock and Wapsipinicon rivers, but Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett has a few suggestions.

Corbett met informally Wednesday with the governor as he toured flood-affected areas in Vinton, Palo and Cedar Rapids. The city may ask for an expansion of a flood mitigation program that allows Cedar Rapids to capture some of its retail sales tax growth to finance flood protection, he said. It may also seek additional buyout opportunities.

Branstad didnt rule anything in or out other than to say his proposal will be based on after-action recommendations from state and local agencies and it will have to be fiscally prudent.

Im sure there will be more things we want to do, Branstad said after seeing a labyrinth of Hesco barriers that protected the Vinton fire station and electric generation plant on the bank of the Cedar River. Every time we want to learn from the experience and see how we can do things better in the future.

That was a common theme as the governor, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Army National Guard Adjutant Gen. Tim Orr and Emergency Management Director Mark Schouten met with local officials.

For Corbett, it was an opportunity to show how those lessons from 2008 have been applied to reduce the flood impact over the past week.

We want to show people the value of the flood mitigation efforts over the past eight years, Corbett said at the downtown public library. Imagine this last week if the library was at the old site along the river. All of the books, all of the magazines, everything would have had to been relocated and the whole facility sandbagged. Tens of thousands of dollars would have been spent, but because we moved the library that didnt have to take place: and volunteers were deployed elsewhere.

In emergency management they say you always plan for your last disaster, Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Goldberg said in Palo. This time we faced the same opponent so we improved on our game plan.

We are a learning state, Orr said after hearing how Vinton and Benton County applied what officials learned in 2008 to prepare for this flood, including stockpiling sand and Hesco barriers.

Branstad, who is in his sixth term, said he learned a long time ago that in emergency situations the key is to get there, see the circumstances and take decisive action to prevent further damage.

Another lesson learned is to plan for the next disaster.

Every year we have some disaster. Sometimes big ones. Sometime small ones, the governor said.

Although Branstad said flood protection measures completed with the bond-financed I-JOBS program approved after 2008 helped protect communities from the current flooding, he prefers a pay-as-you-go approach to disaster readiness and recovery.

We shouldnt be mortgaging our future to pay for things we know were going to have to deal with, he said. That was borrowed money and were paying it back to the tune of $55 million a year.

While he didnt offer an opinion on Corbetts suggestion of expanding the sales-tax financed flood mitigation plan, Branstad he prefers that rather than debt financing.

That would be the logic behind allowing the city to expand its 20-year $264 million plan to build a flood protection system on both sides of the Cedar River using sales tax revenue, Corbett said. It would help Cedar Rapids and other communities if the Legislature extended the length of the program and raised the cap of up to $15 million per year.

A key to that flood protection, Corbett and Branstad agreed, is for the federal government to release its $73 million of the project funding.

The funds have been authorized, but not appropriated. However, Iowa members of Congress have succeeded in adding language to make the Cedar Rapids project a priority for Army Corps of Engineers action.

This is a big step forward, Branstad said.
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A direct flight from Rapid City to Disneyland or Disney World?

That could happen in the near future if Rapid City Regional Airport is able to add wished-for direct air service to more major destinations, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles or even Orlando.

Rapid City Regional Airport serves about 500,000 passengers annually with four major airlines providing regional service and direct flights to nine major cities. But maintaining or increasing passenger service here will depend on how the city-operated airport responds to trends in the travel industry, and how the industry responds to a growing shortage of commercial pilots.

That was the message from two aviation industry experts speaking at Wednesdays Black Hills Air Service Summit in Rapid City.

For a market the size of Rapid City, we have phenomenal service, said Jeffrey Hartz, senior air service consultant with the firm of Mead & Hunt. Weve got to keep what we have.

Delta offers year-round service to Minneapolis and Salt Lake City along with seasonal service to Atlanta. Allegiant Air flights connect the Black Hills to Las Vegas and Phoenix-Mesa, with American Eagle flying to Dallas-Fort Worth, with seasonal direct connections to Chicago. Several airlines fly back and forth between Rapid City and Denver.

Maintaining or growing the current level of air service will mean adding larger passenger airplanes as 50-seat regional jets are phased out in favor of 76-seater aircraft, enticing more major and regional airlines such as Southwest and Alaska Airlines to consider adding service to Rapid City.

The larger capacity jets may mean fewer flights in and out of Rapid City, but should also mean lower air fares, Hartz said.

Rapid City airfares comparable to the cost of flying out of hubs including Denver and Minneapolis in 2005, before the era of major airline mergers and consolidation, have increased. Fares for Minneapolis and Denver have jumped 50 to 100 percent in the last two years, while travel to Dallas/Fort Worth has jumped because ticket prices have lowered, Hartz said.

The higher fares encourage what is called leakage, in which travelers opt to drive to other regional or hub airports to save money on tickets, but also make the Rapid City airport more attractive to airlines looking to expand flights.

Hartz said 85 percent of travelers still use the Rapid City airport with most flights to major cities essentially full, he said.

Airlines are absolutely trying to raise fares in small markets. As they increase competition in big markets they squeeze small markets to get the higher fares, he said.

You cant just keep raising the fares to Denver because sooner or later, people will just jump in the car and drive the six hours, he said.

But overall growth in the air industry is also threatened by a looming shortage of commercial pilots.

Faye Malarkey Black, president of the Regional Airline Association, said 104,000 new pilots will be needed between 2016 and 2035, but fewer new pilot certificates are being issued during a period of unprecedented retirements of older pilots, she said.

Federal Aviation Administration regulations, including a requirement enacted in 2013 requiring 1,500 flight hours before a pilot could be considered for a co-pilots seat, have turned potential pilots away from a commercial career, Black said.

We have the aircraft, and we have the flights. We have people who are spending money on air travel, Black said. We just dont have the pilots.

Black lauded South Dakota senators John Thune and Mike Rounds for making air service in the state a priority. Thune formed a working group to study ways of easing restrictions on requirements for pilot training while keeping high standards for passenger safety.

She said events similar to Tuesdays summit, hosted by Rapid City Regional Airport and the Black Hills Air Service Partnership, are vital to dealing with changes in commercial aviation.

All is not lost. These are really steep challenges, but we need to start now, she said.
The police chiefs of South Dakotas two largest cities on Wednesday said coordinated effort is needed to fight the states growing methamphetamine problem.

The drug has devastated local communities, so the way that various public agencies respond is crucial, said Sioux Falls Police Chief Matt Burns and his Rapid City counterpart, Karl Jegeris, in a joint press conference held by a computer link-up.

The influx of meth in recent years has contributed to the rise in local crime, said Jegeris. He cited an FBI report that showed violent crimes in the state, outside tribal lands, have doubled from 577 in 2011 to 1,190 last year.

The mayors of Rapid City and Sioux Falls held a similar joint press conference on Tuesday to raise the alarm over the growing meth epidemic.

Meth is so addictive that users have resorted to a variety of crimes to support their drug habit, the police chiefs said. A gram of meth, equivalent to two doses of the drug, costs $80 to $100 on the streets, Burns said.

Users are so focused on getting their next high they often set aside their families needs, he said.

Weve seen children hoarding food in their rooms because they didnt know when their next meal was coming, because their parents are so inattentive and checked out, Burns said.

Police officers have also found toddlers with chemical burns on their feet from walking around a home where meth was being produced, he said.

Rapid City police are also seeing a higher incidence of babies born with meth in their systems, Jegeris said. What used to be a yearly occurrence now happens once or twice a month, he said, and authorities have yet to put in place an action plan for the infants.

Raising the level of discourse on meth is needed, Burns said. He said different government sectors, such as law enforcement, the governors office and health agencies, need to collaborate in dealing with the problem.

Among the solutions authorities are looking for is a public meth treatment program and an alternative to incarceration for felony drug offenders.
The new short-term rental ordinance that regulates activities of homeowners using Airbnb, VRBO or other such websites needs more work before it should be enacted, members of the Legal and Finance Committee of the Rapid City Council said Wednesday.

The committee ultimately voted unanimously to take the new ordinance to the full city council without a recommendation. The council will likely discuss it in more detail at its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Members of the committee heard testimony from one person who owns a home just outside city limits, but is dealing with a neighbor renting out their home as a vacation home.

Bob Brandt asked the committee to leave city regulations as they currently stand.

City regulations now require short-term rentals and vacation home rentals that operate as such for more than 14 days per year to obtain a conditional use permit. This requires a notification process for neighbors within a certain area and a $250 fee.

The new ordinance adds several new requirements, but it also exempts smaller operations from obtaining a conditional use permit.

Bed and breakfasts are defined by the ordinance as having the owner on-site, and vacation home rentals are defined as not having the owner/operator on-site.

Renting out two bedrooms maximum at a bed and breakfast, or three or fewer bedrooms at a vacation home, would not require the more involved conditional-use permit.

Alderwoman Lisa Modrick was concerned with this prospect because she noted that once a conditional use permit is issued, it usually lives with the property forever and can not be revoked. She was also worried about the city's ability to use code enforcement on these properties and how that would work.

Assistant city attorney Carla Cushman noted that under the new ordinance, operators would need a conditional use permit and an operating permit from the city. She said code enforcement would be notified mostly through neighbor complaints if a property owner was not following the rules.

Cushman said violating the ordinance could result in criminal charges, similar to other city code violations.

Alderman Jerry Wright said the ordinance needs more work and consideration. He said he would like to see several changes, including a non-transferable element to the conditional use permit and actual site inspections by city staff for the properties applying for permits.

Wright said the neighbors who came to the city complaining about these rental properties are, "looking for assurance that the city is looking after them. Otherwise we are putting out a false sense of security."

Wright added: "We need to be correct about this and fair about it. I think we really need to look at it and decide how were going to do it."

Wright said city code enforcement officers are already very busy.

Rapid City would join other cities across the country by regulating short-term rentals, which have exploded in popularity lately.

According to a recent article in the San Jose Mercury News, Airbnb is suing several cities that attempt to regulate what the site can publish.

Cities like San Francisco have regulations similar to Rapid City's proposed ordinance, but the lawsuit was filed after San Francisco officials attempted to penalize Airbnb for publishing available rentals or accepting bookings from landlords that aren't registered with the city.

Airbnb is arguing that the city's attempt to punish them or have them assist in the enforcement of local ordinances violates federal laws allowing sites like Facebook and YouTube to publish third-party content. They also argue the regulations violate the service's free speech rights.

Rapid City's ordinance does not attempt to regulate what is published on the websites. City spokesman Darrell Shoemaker said enforcement of the ordinance would be on a complaint basis.

In other action Wednesday, the committee passed the second reading of an ordinance change repealing a section of city code that outlines procedures for citizens to appeal code enforcement violations.

The change eliminates the Code Enforcement Board of Appeals and hands their duties to the Community Resources Director.

Citizens wishing to appeal their code enforcement violation to the city would appeal directly to the community resources director. The decision by the director can then be appealed to city council.

City Attorney Joel Landeen said at the Sept. 19 city council meeting that the board was eliminated because it rarely met.

The second and final reading is scheduled for the full council meeting on Monday. If passed, the ordinance change will go into effect on Oct. 28.

The committee also approved on a 3-1 vote, with Alderman Steve Laurenti voting no, to approve a resolution creating the Unnamed Tributary Channel Tax Increment District and approving the project plan for the property located east and west of Highway 44. Alderwoman Amanda Scott was not present at Wednesday's meeting.

The applicant, KTM Design Solutions, Inc. for Yasmeen Dream, LLC, plans to realign and reconstruct portions of the tributary drainage channel on the property located east and west of Elk Vale Road between East Highway 44 and the end of East Fairmont Street.

The applicant said the project would maximize development potential in the northwest portion of the Orchard Meadows subdivision.

The total development costs are $10.2 million, according to a Sept. 22 staff report. The city costs are $2.8 million, or about 27 percent.
South Dakota has an opportunity in November to lead the nation by passing three ballot measures that will dramatically reform our politics and send a message to Washington and the rest of the country.

In 1898, South Dakota became the first state to allow voters to petition government by using ballot measures to shape public policy. Now, 24 states have some form of an initiated measure process where citizens can legislate when they feel elected officials will not.

After years of inaction in Washington and in Pierre, South Dakota voters overwhelming passed a ballot measure to raise the minimum wage $1.25, from $7.25 to $8.50, with a cost of living allowance  end-running a Legislature beholden to special interests and their lobbyists. Contrary to the propaganda, the sky didnt fall, unemployment didnt escalate and businesses didnt close. Unemployment in South Dakota remains low.

When our state consistently ranks in the top five of states most at risk of corruption; when scandals like EB-5 and Gear-Up destroy confidence in elected leaders and government by squandering hundreds of millions of dollars; when sweetheart government contracts, suicides, murders, lawsuits and felony charges dominate our news and coffee talk, it is time for reform.

In a recent New York Times article entitled, Can the States Save Democracy? South Dakota was singled out as the hotbed of political reform, citing ballot measure efforts on gerrymander reform, clean money and a proposed nonpartisan primary. Like 1898, South Dakota can show the rest of the nation the way forward by passing a trifecta of reform and starting a political reform movement to take our country back from the "big money special interests and hyper-partisanship that is destroying it.

South Dakotas chance to lead and save our democracy starts by voting "yes" and passing Amendments T and V and Initiated Measure 22.

Amendment T establishes an independent redistricting commission where legislative districts will be drawn by honest brokers, not partisan politicians. The voters should get to choose their office holders, not the other way around. The gerrymandering that has occurred as a result of partisan politics has contributed to the government dysfunction and gridlock we are experiencing today that is threatening our democracy.

Amendment V establishes nonpartisan elections for all offices, with the exception of president, where voters get to vote for the person, not the party. Just like we do for mayor, city council and school board, the election becomes more of a contest of ideas then a meaningless debate of political party propaganda. Registered independents make up 40 percent of the registered voters in the country, more then either the Democrats or Republicans, and yet they cant vote in most primary elections.

We have 113,000 registered independents, 21 percent of the registered voters who cant fully participate in the state June primary. No one should have to pledge allegiance to a political party to exercise their right to vote  period.

Initiated Measure 22 fights government corruption, restores accountability and reforms campaign finance laws; it shines a bright light on special interests and their lobbyists; it establishes an ethics commission with subpoena powers and authority to investigate, and it creates a voluntary incentive for voters to contribute up to $100 of their tax dollars to qualifying candidates. That amounts to about .1 percent of the state budget.

Lets be honest  there are no checks and balances in our state government. One party rule has lead to government corruption, lost taxpayer money, tragedy and a loss of confidence.

Dont let the special interests win another election by convincing you the sky is falling and the end of the world is at hand. It is time to join a growing coalition of Republicans, Democrats and independents dedicated to reforming politics and taking our country back. The November election presents a real opportunity to tell Pierre, Washington and the rest of the country that we have had enough of partisan gridlock and special interest government. Vote yes on T, V and 22.
BUTTE  Firefighters scurried into action Tuesday night after a crew member aboard a Life Flight Network helicopter said they were having mechanical problems and might have to crash land in Butte.

Volunteer departments in the county also were on standby after the crew member called emergency dispatch at 10:53 p.m., said Bill Fisher, a battalion commander with the Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department.

The helicopter circled for at least 30 minutes before landing safely at Bert Mooney Airport and a patient on board was transported by ambulance to St. James Health Care, where the aircraft had initially intended to land, according to the fire department. Nobody on board was hurt.

Butte-Silver Bow fire officials, citing Life Flight personnel on the scene, said the helicopter had a malfunctioning gauge that was preventing it from throttling down its engine. It started circling in the air to burn off fuel.

According to Life Flight, based in Aurora, Oregon, the helicopter based in Butte responded to a nearby request for help at about 9:30 p.m. After picking up the patient and departing for St. James, the pilot noticed an engine gauge indicated a possible issue.

After troubleshooting, the pilot decided to fly to the airport instead. He circled for about 30 minutes while talking with aviation resources to further troubleshoot the issue and to ensure a safe landing. It landed at 11:13 p.m. The cause of the engine issue was under investigation.

Butte-Silver Bow sent two fire engines to the airport after getting the call and several volunteer departments  Race Track, Boulevard, Floral Park, Home Atherton and Terre Verde  were put on standby in case the helicopter crashed in their areas, Fisher said.

An airport firetruck was prepared to take the lead in a crash because it had 1,500 gallons of water and also foam. A1 Ambulance also had vehicles at the scene.

Some incident details were posted on the Butte-Silver Bow Fire departments website with a headline that said: Were you wondering why a helicopter was circling the airport last night?

Life Flight remains in service in Butte with a fixed-wing aircraft and in Missoula with a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. A backup helicopter was being re-positioned to Butte to help cover the area.

Life Flight Network has medical transport operations in Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Its helicopters typically operate within a 175-mile radius of its base but they can fly longer distances.

Each helicopter has medical equipment necessary to act as a mobile intensive care unit. Procedures and equipment in flight includes video laryngoscopes, CareFusion ventilators, and in some cases, blood products and portable blood analyzers for point-of-care testing.
Set. Set. Set the hook.

Bent at the waist and peering intently at the water boiling around the fly on the end of McKyle Thompsons line, Mollie Devlin can hardly contain her excitement.

Wow, she said to three of Thompsons classmates sitting on the river bank watching the action unfold down below on the Bitterroot River. He just had a big fish bite.

Under clear blue skies and with summer-like temperatures perfect for wading, more than 20 members of Ed Combos Lifetime Activities course spent Wednesday testing out the fly fishing skills theyve acquired over the past couple of weeks.

This year marks the tenth that Combo has introduced junior and senior class members from Florence-Carlton High School to the art of fly fishing.

A decade ago, Combo had learned that some colleagues in Missoula had acquired a grant from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Future Fishermens Program to create a fly fishing program.

So Combo and a fellow teacher named Scott Crews sat down and wrote their own grant to start a similar program at Florence. With the $5,000 the two acquired, they purchased 25 fly rods, reels, fly tying equipment and all the tools young people would need to get a taste of what could become a lifetime obsession.

For some of these kids, this is the first time that they have been to the river to fish, Combo said. They live right in the middle of some of the best fishing in the state and theyve never tried it. This is something that they can do for the rest of their lives.

Before the field trip to the rivers edge, Combo spends time teaching proper casting, knot tying and river reading techniques theyll need to catch a trout.

I want them to be as self sufficient as possible when they get down here, he said.

Combo said the Schroeder and MPG Ranches are instrumental in making the trip happen. Both allow the students to access the river just a short distance from the school.

Thats a big help, he said. We are certainly indebted to those two ranches.

Sitting on a high bank, with their fly rods resting in the sand, three of Combos students are giving their casting arms a rest while soaking in the summer-like sunshine.

This is definitely the chillest P.E class Ive ever been in, said Nick Rausch. Were all upper classmen. This is such a cool group thing to do.

With her jeans wet above her knees, Laura Kelley is all smiles too. This day marked the first time that she had ever caught a fish on fly.

This is the first time that Ive ever been out fly fishing, she said. Ive lived here since fourth grade, but Id never really thought about fly fishing beforeIm definitely going to do it again.

Drew Neisenger had never tried the sport either before Wednesday.

I love this, he said. Its all new to me. Im learning how to cast and tie on flies. I like being out here.

This is one class in which teacher knows for sure that hes making a difference in some of his students lives.

Every year, they show him photographs to prove it.

When they see me in the summer or when school starts, they tell me all about it, he said, with a smile. They come up and show me the fish that they caught that summer.

Besides the fish rising in the river, the students were treated to bald eagles and ospreys soaring overhead. And they had a chance to watch a couple of boat loads of fishermen drift by.

It really is the perfect day, Combo said.

Devlin couldnt have agreed more.

Stopping for a moment after making a series of beautiful casts, she looks up with smile that beams.

In all my years of working in the schools, this is the best day ever, she said.
On Sept.26, 2016, Dianne LeRoux Young left our world leaving a lasting legacy in education, which she greatly enjoyed. She was born in Barstow, CA on February 6, 1968 to Jerome LeRoux & Dolores Collins; the middle of three daughters. During her childhood she moved several times, from Yermo, CA, to Missoula, MT and Corvallis, MT, which she referred to as home. As a lover of the outdoors, she especially enjoyed participating in 4-H, raising pigs and rabbits and membership in the Bitterroot Horse & Pony Club. A 1986 graduate from Corvallis High School, she excelled in band (Flute), choir and drama club. She began studying English in Kalispell, MT at Flathead CC and progressed from there to Montana State University. As an airline employee she enjoyed traveling greatly. This was a throwback to her childhood, when her family would spend summers crossing multiple western states in pursuit of newfound trails, parks and sunsets. Later, she moved to Cheyenne, WY for a period, where she attended Laramie County CC, and Platteville, CO, attending The University of Northern Colorado. Upon her engagement in the spring of 1995, she and her husband-to-be eloped in Honolulu, HI on March 21, 1995. The two settled in Memphis, TN where she completed her Bachelors degree in English at The University of Memphis, and a MAT in Education. She continued with an additional +30 hours and was just shy of her National Board Certification. As a teacher, at Cordova HS and then Bolton HS, she was instrumental in effecting thousands of students lives with her knowledge, compassion, wit and organization. As the Yearbook sponsor, she was able to freeze many of those moments for her students to cherish in the coming decades. Similarly, she volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Pack & Troop 452 (Arl), where she served as a Den Leader and Treasurer and also as the Barretts Chapel MS Band Booster President. Improving student knowledge was always a top priority in her career & life. As a final gesture to extending her role in education, her earthly remains will be donated to The University of Memphis Medical School, enabling todays students to learn more about the afflictions she endured and work towards future cures/treatments. She leaves behind her husband V. Robert Young, sons Jake & Justin Young, sisters Marie (Scott) Nicholson (MT) and Monica (David) LeRoux (AZ), Skip the horse, Jester the dog, and 20 assorted chickens. She was preceded in death by her Father Jerome (Joe) LeRoux (79), Grandfather Virgil Collins (92), Grandmother Eleanor Thiel Collins (09) and her Mother Dolores (Dee) LeRoux (12).
America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
Contacting Rensselaer Adventures

To contact Rensselaer Adventures, send e-mail to rensselaeradventures at yahoo.com. (I put the @ in there originally, and of the first eight messages I received, four were the Nigerian scam and three told me I won a lottery I never entered. Maybe this change is already too late.)



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A new plan, unveiled Tuesday by local tourism leaders, is aimed at getting people to come together and visit the Santa Maria Valley.
Danny says we gotta go

Gotta go to Idaho

But we can't go surfin'

'Cause it's 20 below

Those words open The Ramones' song "Danny Says," from their woefully under appreciated Phil Spector produced 1980 album, End of the Century. That was what I knew of Danny Fields before seeing Brendan Toller's illuminating documentary Danny Says.

The film traces Fields' roots back to his childhood in Queens, and follows his almost unbelievable journey alongside American pop culture in the late '60s and '70s as he shepherds one incredible movement after another into the limelight during a time in American history that would change everything. You name it, Danny was there, and he was crucial.



Brendan Toller's film is more than just a bunch of talking heads pontificating on the importance of this man who has faded into obscurity, it's essentially an oral history told by the man himself. Over half of Danny Says comes from either a series of contemporary interviews with Fields or the mountains of archival material that Fields has maintained for over 40 years. Yes, we get interviews with the people he helped, but more importantly, we get Danny Fields in full force, and this is not a man who minces words.



Fields' story is almost Forrest Gumpish in its absurd trajectory. Proudly gay before Stonewall, doing drugs before it was cool, hanging out at Andy Warhol's Factory in the mid-late '60s, introducing The Doors, The Stooges, the MC5, and Velvet Underground with Nico to the masses all before the middle of the '70s. Chances are that if you were a teenager or a hippie in America during that time period and you thought something was cool, it was probably because of Danny Fields. To him, though, it was all just to keep himself moving. Like a shark, stagnation meant death, or even worse, becoming uncool, and Fields wasn't having it.



While a huge portion of the film is comprised of these amazingly candid interviews with Fields, who at this point has absolutely nothing to prove to anyone, the volume of luminaries brought in to help tell his story is pretty impressive as well. Interviews with Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, Wayne Kramer (MC5), executives from Elektra Records and Sire Records, you name it, if they were hip and cutting edge it's because Danny Fields found them and gave them a stage. Which leads me to The Ramones.



Full disclosure, The Ramones are my favorite band. They aren't my favorite band in an "I have all of their albums and posters on my wall", kinda way. They have saved my life on more than one occasion. Yeah, they wrote silly songs about getting high, gay hustling, and the decline of the American family. However, they also wrote songs about love and survival; and while their later catalog is a bit of a minefield, their song I Wanna Live from 1987's Halfway to Sanity is my mantra when times are tough.



Danny Fields heard the Ramones in 1974 and decided that he'd found the band that could change the world, if only the world was smart enough to listen. While the world at large may have only had one ear open to something as aggressive and straight forward as The Ramones ear-splitting three chord assault. Their journey may not have made The Ramones household names, but it certainly sparked something in the hearts and minds of young angry kids around the world, and the punk rock revolution was born. All thanks to Danny Fields.



The film spends the last chunk of its runtime on The Ramones' story, and it's very appropriate since it'll be mostly dimwits like me who seek this film out. What I discovered is that The Ramones weren't an accident, this wasn't the result a freak coincidence in which a guy stumbled onto a seismic shift in popular music. It was fate that this man who had spent his life with his ear to the ground, finally heard something that made him step in.



Danny Says is more than just a remarkable story, it's a wonderfully ebullient film. Whether the story is being told through talking heads, excitable expressionist animation, or stock footage and jaw-dropping snapshots of a man in the middle of a maelstrom of paradigm shifting cultural events, Danny Says is never boring.

Review originally published during the Oak Cliff Film festival in June 2015. The film will open in select U.S. theaters on Friday, September 30.
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An investigation into the fatal shooting of four men on Page Street in January 2015 has been slowed by the fact that witnesses have been afraid to come forward, and some of those with direct knowledge of the crime are likely gang members who don't want to talk to police. We learned in July, 19 months after the crime, that the SFPD had finally made a single arrest, but investigators believe that at least two other suspects were involved and remain at large, as the Examiner is now reporting.

27-year-old Lee Farley was arrested two months ago and charged with the murders of Yalani Chinyamurindi, 19, of San Francisco; Harith Atchan, 21, of San Francisco; David Saucier, 20, of Antioch; Manuel ONeal, 22. We knew just weeks after the shooting that O'Neal, Atchan, and Saucier were all alleged members of the Mac Block gang based in the Western Addition, and now we learn that in the stolen Honda Civic where they were found shot were two pistols, neither of which had been discharged. According to accounts from the victims' parents, the victims had gone to the area to "air it out" with members of the Page Street gang with whom they'd been feuding, and possibly to kill someone themselves. But as the Ex reports, the aggressors in this apparent turf war became the victims, and the suspects in the case fled in a rented silver Hyundai that turned up at a Walnut Creek Hertz location.

It's unclear, after police questioned two individuals who returned the car back in mid-January 2015, why it took until July 2016 to make the arrest. Police say they have Farley on surveillance video talking to a driver in the Hyundai the day of the shooting, and getting into the vehicle, and in a seat pocket investigators found San Francisco parking citations that were issued to Farley on January 5, 2015, four days before the murders.

Anonymous sources have also, according to the Ex, given police the street names of the other Page Street gang members involved in the crime, but they need more witnesses to come forward before making any more arrests. "Its just real tight when you have people talking about it. They are afraid to come forward, said Sergeant K. Sanders to the Ex. "You need a little bit more than something someone tells you. So thats whats making it so hard."

Earlier this month, as Hoodline noted, the SFPD offered a $250,000 reward for information that proves helpful in solving this crime.

Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Sanders or Sergeant Discenza at 415-553-1145, or call the anonymous SFPD tip line at 415-575-4444, or text a tip to TIP411, with "SFPD" in the beginning of the message.

Previously: Suspect In Infamous 2015 Hayes Valley Quadruple Homicide Arrested
The Eureka Valley and Dolores Heights neighborhood is a solid representation of a true San Francisco experience, and proud home of the motivating power behind the gay rights movement.

A strong influence in the neighborhood is the world-renowned Castro district. It was built on the principles of equal rights after the 1978 assassination of the first openly gay San Francisco Supervisor, Harvey Milk, igniting the community to take a historic turn. Together, the community became activists, forging the way for the now celebratory and thriving LGBTQ population.

Also calling the neighborhood home are young families that have begun to migrate to the energizing neighborhood. Small pockets of its residential grid are home to some of the most coveted addresses in San Francisco, with Liberty Hills exclusive homes at the top of that list. Other residential areas are full of multi-family homes that cater to individuals hip to the house-sharing lifestyle of big city living.

Centrally located, it provides access to the Muni streetcar lines and other city buses headed in almost every direction with the border along Market Street a straight shot down to the freeway entrance.

At the same time, the closer you are to the Castro district's main hub the livelier the neighborhood becomes with hot-spot destination bars, dance clubs, restaurants, and exciting nightlife every day of the week. For the latest Eureka Valley and Dolores Heights listings, check out Zephyrre.com.

Eureka Valley and Dolores Heights are 2 of 89 neighborhoods in San Francisco. With so many distinct areas, understanding the Citys real estate market requires a nuanced and highly local approach. As a business operating in San Francisco since 1978, with nearly 400 agents, Zephyr Real Estate is specially positioned to cater to your real estate needs, whether buying or selling.

Have a question about the local market? Contact Zephyr at Zephyrre.com or 1.415.278.9600. They'll match you up with a team member to help.

This post is brought to you by Zephyr Real Estate.
The San Francisco Police Department is seeking an unknown shooter or shooters Thursday, after early-morning gunfire in the Tenderloin killed one man and injured three others.

Details remain scarce, but here's what we do know: At 1 a.m. Thursday, police say that three men and one woman were shot near the intersection of Ellis and Jones Streets.

As of publication time, police didn't have any suspect information to release, saying only that the suspect was "unknown" and used a handgun in the crime.

A 59-year-old man, a 49-year-old woman, and a 53-year-old man were injured in the attack, and were all transported to San Francisco General Hospital with injuries that police say are not life-threatening.

A fourth victim, a man of as-yet unknown age, was struck in the torso by at least one shot. Though he was transported to the hospital for treatment, he was pronounced dead on arrival. As of publication time, he had not been publicly identified by the San Francisco Medical Examiner's office.

This is San Francisco's 34th homicide of 2016, following the shooting death Saturday of 19-year-old Alejandro Valle. Three suspects are being sought in his slaying, but as of Thursday no arrests have been made.

Citing the ongoing investigation, police declined to provide further details regarding today's incident. They did confirm, however, that no arrests had been made in the case, and that the suspect or suspects remain at large.
Remember the case of the UC Berkeley assistant professor who in April was accused of sexually harassing three grad students? No, not this guy, this guy, this guy, or even that guy. Rather, Blake Wentworth  the South and Southeast Asian Studies assistant professor who stands accused of various forms of sexual harassment. Well, the Chronicle now reports that Wentworth has turned the tables and filed lawsuits both against his three accusers and UC Berkeley itself.

In a suit filed last week, Wentworth accused two of the women, doctoral students Erin Bennett and Kathleen Gutierrez, of defamation. Just a few days before, on September 20, he filed yet another defamation suit against his third accuser, Nicole Hemenway. And, in a third suit filed yesterday against the university, he alleged school officials are guilty of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in response to his depression and bipolar disorder.

Bennett first reported Wentworth's alleged inappropriate behavior to the school in late 2014, but no immediate action was taken. Gutierrez told the Chronicle earlier this year that Wentworth would get her alone and tell her about drugs, sex, and strip clubs. Sometimes, Gutierrez says he would touch her while doing so  despite her requests that he stop.

A 2015 internal UC Berkeley investigation determined that Wentworth had violated the school's sexual harassment policy in the case of Gutierrez, but not Bennett. This is despite the fact that the claims made by Bennett were similar in nature to those made by Gutierrez.

Wentworth, who denies the charges, is seeking unspecified monetary damages from the school and alleging that school officials harassed him. When asked by the Chronicle, UC Regents spokesperson Dianne Klein said she had not had enough time to read the suit in order to make a statement.

Previously: Berkeley Grad Students File (Latest) Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Professor
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DES MOINES | Roll call is being taken in Iowas U.S. Senate election race.

The campaigns for Democratic challenger Patty Judge and Republican incumbent Chuck Grassley are trading accusations of chronic absenteeism in their roles as elected and appointed representatives.

Judges campaign researched federal records and found Grassley during his current six-year term has attended only roughly a quarter of hearings held by the U.S. Senate budget committee on which he sits.

Grassleys campaign this past weekend debuted a television ad that alleges Judge missed hundreds of votes during her time in the Iowa Senate and a majority of meetings while she served on the Iowa State Fair Board and Iowa Economic Development Commission.

Grassley is running for a seventh term in the U.S. Senate. Judge is a former state legislator, agriculture secretary and lieutenant governor.

Committee attendance became an issue during Iowas 2014 U.S. Senate campaign, when Republicans criticized Democratic candidate Bruce Braley, a Congressman from eastern Iowa, for his low attendance on a pair of U.S. House committees on which he sat. Braley lost that election to Joni Ernst, a former state legislator who is serving her first term in the U.S. Senate.

Republicans criticized Braley for attending 24 percent of veterans affairs committee meetings and 32 percent of oversight committee hearings in the U.S. House, and a campaign ad produced by the national Republican committee for Senate candidates claimed Braley was not showing up for Iowa.

The Judge campaign now has turned that same criticism on Grassley, who has attended just 27.4 percent of budget committee meetings in his current term, which started in 2011, according to research of federal records conducted by the Judge campaign and confirmed by the Des Moines Bureau.

Since Sen. Grassley has an even worse record of attendance at budget committee hearings, we look forward to them issuing a statement that Chuck Grassley isnt showing up for Iowa, the Judge campaign wrote in a memo.

Grassley sits on four committees and is chairman of the judiciary committee. His attendance record for those other committees ranges between 68 percent and 85 percent, according to the Judge campaign. It is only the budget committee for which Grassley has a low attendance rate.

Attendance is important to Grassley; he often touts the fact he has not missed a Senate vote in more than 23 years, casting more than 7,600 consecutive votes. The last time he missed a vote was July 1993 when he was touring flood damage in Iowa with then-President Bill Clinton.

Grassleys Senate office provided information on 48 budget committee meetings Grassley has missed during this term. The provided reason for Grassleys absence for 38 of those meetings was another committee meeting or Senate floor activity.

The remainder of his absences for budget committee meetings included meeting with constituents and conducting interviews with Iowa journalists.

Before she attacks the hardest-working Senator in America, Patty Judge should do her research, Grassley campaign manager Robert Haus wrote in an email to the Des Moines Bureau. She hasnt disputed a single word in our ad, nor has she offered up a single excuse for her own habitual absences. Rather, she attacks Chuck Grassley for not being able to be in two place at once. She cant even be in one place at once.

That Grassley campaign ad says Judge missed 182 votes during her six years in the Iowa Senate, three-fourths of meetings as a member of the Iowa State Fair Board, and 69 out of 72 meetings of the Iowa Economic Development Commission while she was a member.

Sam Roecker, who worked on the Braley campaign in 2014 and now works on the Judge campaign, accused Grassley and his campaign of attempting to deflect from Grassleys Washington absenteeism and obstruction.

Chuck Grassley is running an extremely negative campaign --- for the first time in his career --- because he knows his actions in Washington are indefensible, Roecker wrote in an email to the Des Moines Bureau. If he wants to look at state legislative votes, he should mention that in 1974 alone he missed well over 100 floor votes as a member of the Iowa House.

Some political experts doubt whether voters are moved by allegations of chronic committee absenteeism.

In a story published online Wednesday by Roll Call, strategists from both political parties said attendance attacks rarely land fatal blows.

The average guy or gal on main street says, Are you kidding? Most of those meetings arent worth a tinkers damn anyway so why would anyone want to go, Republican strategist Steve Gordon said in the Roll Call story.

Democratic media consultant J.J. Balaban told Roll Call that members of Congress can deflect attendance attacks by being engaged with their constituents back home.

Grassley, for example, often touts his annual visits to each of Iowas 99 counties.

If Incumbent X is known for being present in his or her district, holding town meetings, and delivering some results from Washington, an attack on missing committee votes is likely to fall flat, Balaban told Roll Call.
Pheasant hunting prospects look bright for the three-state area. Roadside counts are in and there have been no really significant problems for pheasant numbers.

Although South Dakota numbers show a 20 percent decline, you have to remember that this is South Dakota. It is likely hunters will experience about the same success as last year.

Iowa numbers look about the same as last year, and last year was the best in five years, so expectations look good for another successful season. As a side note, quail numbers are at a 27-year high.

Nebraska pheasant hunters are looking at another good year. Pheasant numbers match the five-year average in most parts of the state. Most areas can expect hunting much like last years or, perhaps, a little poorer. Two exceptions are the Sandhill and Central regions, where pheasant numbers jumped 62 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

In Iowa, population patterns tracked the weather. Parts of northwest Iowa had declines due to heavy snowfall, which likely reduced pheasant survival. Parts of southwest Iowa had declines due to heavy spring rains, likely reducing nesting success. Other regions had more favorable weather and saw similar or slightly higher numbers.

To put it in perspective, our population is similar to 2007 when we harvested 630,000 roosters, said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Last year we harvested 270,000 roosters. The difference is, we had twice the hunters in 07. If we had 100,000 hunters last year we would have doubled the harvest. The birds are here; we need hunters to return.

Iowas quail population index has been increasing recently and is now at its highest since 1989 after experiencing increases again across south central and southwest Iowa this year.

In 1989, we had 80,000 hunters harvest 400,000 quail, Bogenschutz said. With todays modern agriculture and landscapes, this is likely the best quail numbers we can hope for. In 2014, 6,500 hunters shot 10,000 quail. In 2015, 10,000 hunters shot 28,000 quail.

This is the best opportunity weve had to hunt quail in 27 years, he said. For anyone who has ever had an interest in quail or who hasnt hunted quail recently, this is the year to go.

Rabbit numbers were down some from their record level of the past two years but remain above their 10-year average, with better numbers in southern and eastern Iowa. Partridge were unchanged with their best numbers in northern Iowa.

Hunters bagged 270,000 roosters during Iowas 2015 season, the fifth year of increase in a row. But thats much less than it was in the heyday of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Iowa exemplifies what is wrong with pheasants across much of the country  not enough good habitat. Loss of CRP grass in recent years has exacerbated this.

Iowas season opens Oct. 29 and runs through Jan. 10, 2017. Bag limit is three roosters daily, with 12 in possession.

Iowas Habitat and Access Program has 25,000 acres on 50 chunks of private land open for walk-in hunting. These are clearly posted with orange signs. Maps are available from Iowa DNR offices and online. In addition, Iowa DNR manages 360,000 Wildlife Management Areas for wildlife and public hunting. Of these, 103,197 acres are grassland/wetland most suitable for pheasants.

According to Jeffrey Lusk, upland game program manager with Nebraska Game and Parks, the Southwest and Panhandle regions will again provide Nebraskas best pheasant hunting. The remainder, ranked from best to poorest, are Sandhills, Central, Northeast, and Southeast.

Mild winter weather, with few heavy snowfalls, and timely spring rainfall contributed to the abundance of birds. Heavy storms may have hurt nests and chicks in localized areas. Pre-hunt scouting is recommended to account for these local variations.

Nebraska upland hunters encounter more than ringnecks when afield. Bobwhites, sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens are also found in many regions across the state. Hunters can look for them on 800,000 public access acres or on 300 state and federal land areas.

Nebraskas public hunting areas include Wildlife Management Areas, Waterfowl Production Areas, National Forests, Grasslands, Corps of Engineers and National Wildlife Refuges. To find them, get the annual Public Access Atlas. Pay special attention to the 280,000 (roughly) acres of private lands in the Open Fields and Waters Program. Go online for a digital atlas or pick up the hard copy at license vendors.

Despite its border with South Dakota, Nebraskas best pheasant hunting is traditionally in its southwest corner plus a concentration in the north Panhandle from Alliance northeast to Gordon. Headquarters towns include Alliance, Chadron, Sidney, North Platte, McCook and Holdrege. Parts of the northeast can still be good where all the CRP wasnt torn out.

Nebraskas season opens Oct. 29 and runs through Jan. 31, 2017. Limits are three roosters daily, and 12 in possession.

King and still champion, South Dakota again promises the best pheasant populations in the world. Hunters have been bagging about a million each season over the past few years. The Mitchell area west to Chamberlain was exceptional last year, and the Aberdeen region west to the Missouri River wasnt far behind. Two isolated sleeper counties are Bennett in the southwest and Roberts in the extreme northeast. Martin and Sisseton are headquarters towns there. Other traditional hunter communities include Winner, Mitchell, Pierre, Huron and Aberdeen.

However, the decline in pheasant numbers was greatest in some of the states best pheasant areas, including Chamberlain (-18 percent), Winner (-18 percent), Aberdeen (-43 percent), Huron (-23 percent), Mitchell (-17 percent), Yankton (-33 percent), and Sioux Falls (-28 percent).

Habitat continues to be at the forefront of the conversation and still remains a crucial factor in pheasant numbers, says Kelly Hepler, South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks secretary. Bird numbers are higher in parts of the state where quality habitat conditions still exist, primarily on grasslands including those enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, as well as fields of cereal crops such as winter wheat.

Over 5 million acres of the Sunshine State are open for public hunting. State Game Production Areas, Waterfowl Production Areas, CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement), Walk-in Areas and more are identified in the annual Public Hunting Atlas available from license vendors, SDGF&P and online.

South Dakotas traditional statewide pheasant hunting season opens on Oct. 15 and runs through Jan. 1, 2017. Limits are three roosters daily, with 15 in possession.
SIOUX CITY | The Sioux City Economic Development Department has received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for its 2016 project, Strartup Sioux City.

The award was given to the department by the International Economic Development Council. City economic and community director Marty Dougherty accepted the award at the organization's annual conference in Cleveland on Tuesday.

Startup Sioux City was created by community leaders, elected officials and small business owners "looking to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sioux City to grow new jobs and investment," according to a press release. The project is made up of representatives from public and private interests "with a shared vision for creating an environment in which new business ideas are encouraged and nurtured," the release said.

The IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognizes the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials and the year's most influential leaders, the release said.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man charged with first-degree murder plans to argue that he stabbed another man while defending himself.

Jason Dunn of the Iowa State Public Defender's Office filed notice in Woodbury County District Court that he intends to rely on a defense of self-defense at the trial for Elias Wanatee.

Wanatee, 47, is charged with first-degree murder for the Feb. 17 stabbing of Vernon Mace near West First and Turner streets. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 25.

According to court documents, the two men were at Mace's daughter's house at West First and Helmer streets, and Wanatee left because he had been having problems with Mace. A female caller to 911 later reported she heard two men arguing outside, and when Mace returned inside the house, he said he had been stabbed.

Mace was taken to Mercy Medical Center, where he died. He had stab wounds to his arm, ear, chest and the top of his head.

If found guilty as charged, Wanatee would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

He was convicted of first-degree murder in 1991 for the death of Kelton "Kelly" DeCora outside a Sioux City bar. Wanatee was released from prison in January 2015 after successfully appealing his conviction and getting the charge reduced to second-degree murder.
District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer filed his verdict in Sioux County District Court finding Daren Leikvold, 33, guilty of one count of third-degree sexual abuse. Leikvold stood trial in July.

According to a news release from Sioux County Attorney Thomas Kunstle, authorities were contacted in February by school officials who had learned that the girl had reported being raped twice by Leikvold, who denied the claims. He was arrested after a Sioux County Sheriff's Office investigation.
SIOUX CITY | A jury found a Minnesota man guilty Thursday of sexually abusing a young boy in Woodbury County.

Jurors found Joshua Kobold, 23, guilty of second-degree sexual abuse at the conclusion of the two-day trial in Woodbury County District Court. Sentencing was set for Nov. 4.

Kobold was accused of performing sex acts on the boy, who was under age 12 at the time, at homes in Sergeant Bluff and Salix between approximately May 1, 2013, and Sept. 1, 2014.

A report was filed with the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office in September 2014, when the victim told his mother that he had been "touched in ways he didn't like."

Kobold denied the allegations and moved to Minnesota. After a witness came forward with more information, a warrant was issued for Kobold's arrest. He was arrested in August 2015.
SIOUX CITY | Two Woodbury County supervisors opposed to raising the minimum wage on a countywide level are taking issue with a Sioux City councilwoman for lobbying the supervisors to pass the measure while declining to take up the issue with her fellow council members.

For the second time in three months, the supervisors on Tuesday rejected calls to study raising the wage from the state and federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.

In a letter to the editor published in the Journal on Sunday, Republican supervisor Matthew Ung took Councilwoman Rhonda Capron to task for her role at a Sept. 15 forum at Morningside College that promoted a wage increase.

"There's something bizarre about a sitting Sioux City Council member being a panelist at these forums and speaking out to media about how Woodbury County needs to change its mind and exercise home rule to raise the minimum wage when she doesn't have the political will to likewise push it to her own City Council members who preside over 80-plus percent of the county population and could pass their own ordinance and start their own city-funded task force," Ung wrote.

At Tuesdays meeting, county board chair Jeremy Taylor also mentioned Capron by name, arguing her failure to push the council to pass its own minimum wage hike shows the issue is dead locally.

"The city of Sioux City has no interest," Taylor said.

Capron confirmed Wednesday she has no current plans to ask the council to debate the issue. City Councilmen Dan Moore and Pete Groetken told the Journal they don't plan to raise the issue but would mull it if a minimum-age proposal were to be presented to the council.

Mayor Bob Scott and Councilman Keith Radig could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. Radig is a Republican running against Democratic supervisor Jackie Smith, who has spent months pushing the county board to take up the minimum wage issue.

Capron said her first preference is for state legislators to raise the minimum wage. Short of that, the issue should be taken up by individual counties because the wage increase would apply to all workers in the county, not just in one city.

"I believe it should be a county issue. It is the whole county (that would benefit). Our city people live in the county," Capron told the Journal.

The Democratically-controlled state Senate in recent years has approved measures to raise the minimum wage, but the measures have stalled in the Republican-led House.

Thats led to Democratic activists and their allies taking the fight this year to the county level, where theyve scored a series of victories. On Tuesday, county supervisors in Polk, the largest of Iowas 99 counties, gave first-round approval to increase the wage to $10.75 an hour by January 2019.

Polk followed Johnson, Linn and Wapello counties in approving similar increases in the minimum wage.

Capron told the Journal Wednesday she does not consider the state and federal minimum of $7.25 to be a livable wage. That's why she said she pays employees in the home health care business she owns $12 or more an hour.

"People appreciate it. I respect them. You get what you pay for," Capron said.

She is dismayed that the supervisors have killed the issue without a study.

"To refuse a discussion, that boggles my mind," Capron said.

Smith also has argued that Woodbury County families are struggling and a minimum-wage hike is a way to help.

The two-term incumbent has said she hasn't made up her mind on whether the hourly wage should be raised in county. Smith has pitched creating a committee to dig into the proposal and bring back a recommendation.

The supervisors voted 3-2 in June to defeat that committee-creation proposal. They bypassed taking that step again on Tuesday, after Smith continued her push to reconsider the topic.

In both votes, Taylor and Ung joined with Democrat-turned-independent Mark Monson to defeat the measure, while Democrat Larry Clausen joined with Smith in calling for the study.

Smith has said she did not raise the issue to help her re-election campaign. She said the genesis came from seeing other Iowa counties address it and the fact that popular voter initiatives resulted in the minimum wage rising to $9 an hour for non-tipped workers in neighboring Nebraska, and $8.55 an hour in neighboring South Dakota.

"I just don't like trailing behind South Dakota and Nebraska," Smith said.

At Tuesdays meeting, Taylor took exception to "activists" continuing to push the issue, which he has said was orchestrated by labor union leaders.

Monson, who is running for re-election as an independent after losing the June primary to Democrat Marty Pottebaum, said there is a "political" calculation to Smith continuing to push the issue.

Taylor and Ung said creating a county committee to investigate a minimum wage hike would be a mistake, since the expectation is that any such entity would come back with a proposal to proceed with an increase.

Smith called that logic flawed, since the study would be done by what she described as unbiased committee members. Clausen, who is not seeking re-election after more than three decades on the board, said it is wrong to presuppose what the committee's outcome will be.
SOUTH SIOUX CITY | Two South Sioux City High School students have been charged after the school went under lockdown for nearly three hours following threats that were overheard Thursday morning.

South Sioux City Police Chief Ed Mahon said Friday the two students have been charged with disturbing the peace, and may face additional charges as the investigation continues. Mahon said their names and ages are not being released at this time.

Police first reported via Facebook that one of the department's school resource officers had been made aware of a conversation between students that included possible threats. The conversation was overheard by other students, the post said.

Superintendent Vernon Fischer told the Journal Thursday afternoon that the lockdown began around 7:45 a.m., before normal school hours, and continued until around 10:30 a.m.

During that time, no one was allowed to enter or exit the building, all restrooms and hallways were cleared, all doors were locked and all students were accounted for. Classes at the high school resumed normal hours after the lockdown was lifted.

No weapons were found during the investigation, Mahon said.

The two students were found inside the school and taken into police custody for questioning.

Several parents and guardians lined up in the parking lot to pick up their students early, filing through the doors five at a time to go through a reunification process that involved confirming their identity and relationship to the student.

Police remained on site through the process to aid in traffic and reassure families.
We want to know what you think about the movies. You can Tweet us your reviews @scweekender or share them on Facebook, facebook.com/siouxcityweekender. We'll pick the best comments on Monday before the next Weekender. Here are this week's movies:

The Magnificent Seven

Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt

Story: Seven gunmen are hired by poor villagers in order to fight off a gang of murderous thieves.

Rated: PG-13 for extended and intense sequences of Western violence, historical smoking, some language and suggestive material

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Storks

Starring: Some birds, maybe a baby or two

Story: Storks have stopped delivering babies and decide to deliver packages, but the transition isn't quite that easy.

Rated: PG for mild action and some thematic elements

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Goat

Starring: Mostly humans, no goats

Story: A freshman pledges the same fraternity as his older brother, but the initiations and hazing are testing his willpower and sanity.

Rated: R for disturbing behavior involving hazing, strong sexual content and nudity, pervasive language, violence, alcohol abuse and some drug use

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Snowden

Starring: Joseph Gordon Levitt, Shailene Woodley

Story: The true and personal story of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who leaked classified information, is revealed.

Rated: R for language and some sexuality/nudity

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Bridget Jones's Baby

Starring: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth

Story: Bridget Jones continues her misadventures as she enters her 40s and the notion of motherhood approaches.

Rated: R for language, sex references and some nudity

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Blair Witch

Starring: No one you know

Story: The "brother" of the chick from the first movie is determined to track down what really happened to his sis.

Rated: Rated R for language, terror and some disturbing images

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Sully

Starring: Tom Hanks, Laura Linney

Story: The true story of Chesley Sullenberger, a pilot who safely landed a plane into the Hudson River, saving everyone on board.

Rated: PG-13 for some peril and brief strong language

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

When the Bough Breaks

Starring: Regina Hall, Morris Chestnut

Story: A surrogate mother to a couple starts to become obsessed with the soon-to-be father.

Rated: PG-13 for violence, sexuality/partial nudity, thematic elements, some disturbing images, and language

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Mechanic: Resurrection

Starring: Jason Statham, Jessica Alba

Story: An ex-assassin tries to live a normal life but some jackass steals his girlfriend. And now he's pissed.

Rated: R for violence throughout and language

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Don't Breathe

Starring: An angry blind guy

Story: Some teens decide to rob a blind guy, but they get more than they bargained for when he decides to fight back.

Rated: R for terror, violence, disturbing content, and language including sexual references

Verdict: Pleasing twists and comeuppance. You'll never want to use a turkey baster again. -@missclaireelyse
Every year at the Kingdom of Riverssance, a grizzly bearded man wearing tattered clothes wanders around Riverside Park in search of a mud puddle to call home.

He rolls around in the clumpy dirt, coating himself. And he sometimes creates mud bricks to build his own castle. And on more than one occasion he's asked visitors at Riverssance to chuck mud balls in his general direction.

Some say he is a man of noble birth. Others say that's a bunch of muck. Either way, he's a popular figure at the Riverssance Festival. Despite his rugged and filthy appearance, children and adults alike find him rather interesting.

Perhaps it's his dry sense of humor or his exotic and abrasive accent. Could it be his silky smooth skin? Is it possible that he's a charming fellow underneath all that silt? Aw, heck. Maybe they just like throwing mud at the poor guy.

Do not pity Mud Man -- that's what they call him, Mud Man. He enjoys the attention as much as he enjoys the mud he's been trudging around in for the past several hours.

In fact, the man even has his own Facebook page. It's here that we learn a bit more about Mud Man. According to the page, he actually lives in Mud Butte, South Dakota, and even studied mud at "mucku" -- apparently it's some university in Mudville, Tennessee. Basically, the man knows his mud.

But Mud Man is still a mysterious person. I spoke to Garie Lewis about Riverssance's famous muddied chap. Lewis seems to be the only person to know any background on Mud Man. Of course, he's only heard rumors.

"Apparently he was the king of 'The Kingdom Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned,'" said Lewis. "He was self-exiled because the queen and his brother got together and decided they were going to have him taken care of.

"And in order to save his life, the peasants and the people of the kingdom hid him and covered him in mud so he would look like them. They snuck him out of the kingdom. Now he's hiding in Riverssance."

Again, this is merely speculation. But thanks to Lewis, the Weekender was able to have a brief conversation with Mud Man. And although he did not unveil any details about his past, he did speak about his experiences at Riverssance.

What does Mud Man do at the Riverssance Festival?

I have to go out and search for the perfect dirt to mix into the mud.

What sorts of activities does Mud Man look forward to at Riverssance?

Making mud, putting mud on peoples noses, eating turkey legs, [going to] The Smoker and seeing the children that make it worthwhile. One of my favorite things to do is seeing the expression on some peoples faces of sheer disgust when I try to put the mud mark on their noses.

Do you have to bring any mud from home when you go to the festival?

If the gods are willing, there will be mud out there. In years past, there have been puddles out there. But the royal park administrator people kinda filled in all the spots that I used to have as mud pits with wood chips and stuff. The search for mud has been exhausted.

Do you set any goals for yourself? Anything you need to accomplish by the end of the festival?

I would like to put the Mud Man clan mark on the noses of everyone that walks through the gate -- the little smudge on the nose, which was just to see if I could get away with it at first. I dont know who it was, but someone started calling it the blessing. Id have people coming up to me asking for the blessing.

Why do people love Mud Man so much?

Its because of my smooth, creamy skin. It would be after all the mud packs, right?
Is that a felony in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

SIOUX CITY | Sometimes, you just need an emergency sex toy fund.

A former UnityPoint Health -- St. Luke's security guard is facing several charges after police say he stole from the hospital's campus multiple times.

According to court documents, 33-year-old Aaron Matthew Johnson, of North Sioux City, used stolen credit card information and used the funds to rent a storage unit and purchase nearly $600 worth of sex toys.

Documents further said he committed numerous burglaries and thefts at the hospital campus while working as a security guard between Aug. 12 and Sept. 13.

Documents say Johnson was caught burglarizing the premises after the head of security installed a camera system in one of the buildings without telling anyone.

Upon a search of Johnson's residence and vehicle, police found forged checks, stolen paperwork, prescription pads and sensitive information, documents say. Documents say he had taken checks written to UnityPoint and forged them into his own name, stealing between $1,000 and $10,000 from the company.

Police arrested Johnson during a traffic stop Monday. Documents say he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Johnson told police he had drug problems and post-traumatic stress disorder, documents say.

Johnson is facing nine charges, including second-degree theft, credit card fraud and possession of burglary tools. He is being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $57,300 bond.

Get back to home-shroom, you delinquents

STORM LAKE | To be fair, psychedelic drugs would probably help improve the taste of whatever the hell meat they serve at lunch.

A 16-year-old Storm Lake High School student was arrested Tuesday after police said he distributed illegal mushrooms to another student at school.

According to a news release from the Storm Lake Police Department, police took a report Friday involving a juvenile male ingesting psilocybin mushrooms while at Storm Lake High School.

Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms," are an illegal substance that cause hallucinations.

Upon investigation, police learned he had acquired the mushrooms at the high school from another student, who was identified as a 16-year-old boy living in Storm Lake.

The juvenile who ingested the mushrooms was taken to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Friday afternoon for treatment and was later released, the release said.

Police on Tuesday arrested the 16-year-old suspect and charged him with delivery of psilocybin, a class C felony.

The juvenile, whose name has not been released, was processed and transported to the Youth Detention Facility in Cherokee, Iowa, the release said. The case has been forwarded to the Juvenile Court Authority.
Running a business is hard. So staying positive as an entrepreneur isnt always easy. But there are some things you can do to improve your mindset and stay positive while running a business. Here are 30 simple tips.

How to Stay Positive at Work as an Entrepreneur

Remember Your Purpose

When you get negative thoughts as an entrepreneur, they tend to distract you from your main purpose. So if you can really focus back on that purpose, it can help you put things in perspective and realize that some of those concerns or issues arent as devastating as you previously thought.

Change Your Focus

Or you could take a different approach and simply shift your focus for a short time. If a certain task or direction just isnt working for you, try a new one and it could improve your outlook.

Look at Your Goals

You can also get some of your focus back and improve your outlook by simply looking back at some of your main goals for your business. So keep them written down somewhere and bring them out when you need an extra boost.

Talk to a Mentor

Having a business mentor who has been through tough times and knows how to get through them can be invaluable during your inevitable business struggles.

Take a Break from Social Media

Social media can be a great tool. But it can also lead some entrepreneurs into the comparison trap. So if you find yourself constantly using social media to compare your progress to that of other businesses, you may need to take a break from it.

See Others as Motivational

Or you could use the opportunity to see the success of other entrepreneurs as a motivating factor instead. Look at their success and see that it is possible and then use that to push your business to the next level.

Look Back at Your Progress

Looking back at your own business on occasion can also be a motivating factor. If youre able to see how far youve come, it can change your mindset going forward.

Move On from Failure

However, its not always a great idea to dwell on the past. When you experience failure, which is inevitable, you need to find a way to move onto the next task quickly instead of letting the failure ruin your mindset.

Write Down What You Learned

One easy way you can put failure in perspective is to write down some lessons you learned from the experience. This can show you that even though you failed, you did gain something. And it can also help you continue moving forward.

Spend Time with Loved Ones

Starting a business can take up a lot of time and energy. But its a good idea to regularly step back and remember the reasons you started in the first place. So spend time with your family and other loved ones regularly to improve your mindset and stay positive.

Talk to Your Team

Your team members can also help you potentially break out of a negative funk. Talk to them about ideas for the business along with their personal and professional goals.

Talk to Your Customers

You can also reach out to your customers from time to time to see how theyve been affected by your business and remind yourself why you do what you do.

Do the Hardest Work First

If your negative outlook can be attributed to overwhelm, then sometimes the best thing you can do is just get the work done. Focus on the most difficult tasks first so that you can get them out of the way and reduce your overwhelm quickly.

Appreciate Your Freedom

Being an entrepreneur means that youre the boss. That doesnt mean you can necessarily do whatever you want all the time. But you do get some freedom. So realizing that can really help you stay positive during difficult times.

Make a Plan

Negativity and overwhelm can sometimes also be attributed to a lack of direction. If this is the case for you, then you need to sit down and actually map out a plan for the next few months or years of your business. Having even a general idea where youre going can really be a benefit.

Take a Break

Or you might just need to step back for a little bit to refocus. Take a short vacation or just simply unplug for a long weekend.

Reward Yourself

When you do get things accomplished in your business, its important to celebrate that in some way. Map out a small rewards system for yourself to stay motivated and positive during the daily grind.

Reward Your Team

You can also apply a similar awards system to your team. Keeping them motivated and happy can improve the overall mood around your office and keep everyone at your business more positive.

Make a Game of It

You can even appy some gaming theory to getting things done. Create a points system for larger tasks or spur some friendly competition between coworkers to keep everyone motivated and engaged.

See Also: Why Trump Might Keep the International Entrepreneur Rule

Get Some Exercise

Regular exercise gives you endorphins, which can help you stay positive on a daily basis. So even short bursts of exercise a few times a week can make a big difference.

Connect with Other Entrepreneurs

Sharing the struggles of entrepreneurship can be a good way to clear your mind and move forward. But talking to your family and friends about those struggles might not have the same effect as talking to someone who can really relate. So find some other entrepreneurs to connect with, either in your local community or online.

Write Down What Youre Thankful For

Along with the struggles, there are plenty of great things to be thankful for when it comes to running a business. So instead of just forgetting those positives and dwelling on what needs to be done, take a moment out of your day and write down some things you have to be thankful for.

Thank Others

You can also show that gratitude to others by simply saying thank you or writing short thank you notes.

Try Out Meditation

Meditation can be another way to sort of clear your mind and stay focused on the positives throughout your day.

Use Daily Affirmations

Or you can try a more vocal approach like daily affirmations. State positive things about yourself, and the positive attitude could follow.

Seek Out Inspiration

If youre feeling uninspired in your business, just waiting around for inspiration to strike can seem like a lifetime. So seek out some inspiration through reading, going outdoors or even browsing sites like Pinterest.

Get Some Hobbies

Having some hobbies outside of work can also help you stay positive and inspired on a regular basis.

Educate Yourself

You can also choose to expand your mind through regular training or education programs, which can lead to new ideas and motivation.

Remind Yourself What Make You Happy

No matter how many great habits you build around your business, there are going to be times when you feel a little down. So it can be a good idea to have a folder on your computer or even a physical list or scrapbook that you can pull out during those tough times to remind yourself of what makes you happy.

Visualize Your Goals

You can also regularly remind yourself of your main goals by keeping them visible in your workspace. Create a list or post them on a board in your office so youre constantly reminded why youre doing what you do.
So you have been hearing about social media for years. You spent money and time getting more likes, followers, etc.

But, likes dont equal cash, and Mark Zuckerberg owns those likes. Not you.

Social media was the craze 3-4 years ago, but now people have millions of likes, followers etc. and nothing to show for it. Having lots of fans and followers does not mean that all of them can be termed as leads.

Dont focus on those numbers that are not really helping you. You need to focus on getting leads, and not a social following. Remember that social networks keep coming and going, and for your business to be sustainable, the focus should be on lead generation.

How exactly do you generate leads?

Social Media Lead Generation Tips

Integrate Email Marketing Into Your Lead Generation Strategy

Studies show that email marketing conversion rates are 300 percent higher than social media. Therefore, it is imperative to have this as your main lead conversion strategy.

Instead of giving away all your valuable content, simply ask them to fill out a simple form to get access to your best information.

You can then use an email marketing software such as GetResponse to convert your leads. This will enable you to send them both informative and marketing emails. When done well, email marketing will help you make repeat sales to specific leads who have warmed up to your content.

To get people to sign up, you need to have a strong lead magnet. This is a piece of content that convinces your leads to enter their name, email address, and more details. This enables them to access that content. Studies show that courses perform better as lead magnets than eBooks. However, be it a course, a journey, an eBook, an event, a webinar, a video, etc., get a lead magnet that can work great with your audience.

Once your leads sign up, you can slowly nurture them so that you can eventually convert them into sales. This can be done through a series of automated emails (known as an autoresponder series) or well-prepared broadcast emails.

Use a Lead Generation Tool

As stated before, email marketing is currently one of the most powerful forms of marketing known to man. However, how do you get people to sign up faster? Thats where a lead generation tool, such as OptinMonster comes in.

This will help you design beautiful forms that you can place on different parts of your site where they can deliver the highest conversion rates. You can also measure the effectiveness of each form and perfect it further. Most marketers advocate for the use of multiple forms on a site to boost conversions.

Apart from just creating the beautiful forms, you can have different types of pop-ups on your site. These include:

Page takeover: These are forms that fill the whole web page. Once your social media leads click on a link to your site, the whole page is blocked, and they get a form where they can give an email in exchange for your lead magnet. Some people will simply close the takeover form. However, many will sign up to your mailing list where you can then warm them up for conversion.

Exit pop-up: Averagely, 70-96 percent of visitors who leave a website never come back. You can use an exit popup to get them to subscribe before leaving. This is a pop-up that only shows up when a visitor is going to click on the close tab button. It, therefore, does not interfere with the content such as the page takeover. It can get you lots of conversions from people who would never have returned to your website again.

Sidebar form: This is a form that rests on your websites sidebar. A lead generation tool will help you design one that is so catchy that leads would just want to sign up and see whats in store for them.

Header form: The header form is usually placed on a websites header.

These are some of the forms that you can place on your site with the help of a professional lead generation tool.

Expand Your Reach

Numbers dont lie. Therefore, you need to always measure the impact of your campaigns. Each audience reacts differently to the content it receives. You need to take note of what your audience loves, improve your strategy and ultimately increase your reach.

You can use a tool such as Start a Fire to expand your reach. This tool adds a branded badge to whatever content you recommend. For example, if you share a wonderful news post with your audience, as they read that news piece, theyll see a branded badge showing other posts that you recommend from your blog. Therefore, with every share, youll increase chances of people clicking back to your blog. When people re-share those links, theyll enable you to reach new audiences.

See Also: Beef Up Customer Experience with These 4 Tips

Remember that at the end of the day, you dont want to just get a lot of likes, loves, shares, follows etc, you want to expand the reach of your brand. This way, even if your favorite social platform dies out, your brand remains.

Beyond the Leads

A total of 94 percent of B2B buyers say they conduct some form of online research before they buy a business product. Therefore, if you are a B2B business, you want to go beyond the leads. You want to know your leads.

Leadfeeder is one of those tools that can help you know your leads. It shows you what exactly your users are reading on your website. It shows you which businesses are reading from you and gives more detailed information about those businesses. You can then segment your leads according to their behavior.

Conclusion

Social media used to be awesome and sensational. Its still where many people nowadays go to relax and connect with their close family, friends and the brands they love. However, you should never depend on it for your business. Trends change every day. Focus on lead generation and your business will experience great success for the longest time.
As a small business owner, it is imperative to retain the customers you have as attracting new customers costs nearly seven times the amount it does to retain an existing one. In addition, your existing customers are fourteen times more likely to buy from you than a new customer.

Here are the facts:

86 percent of consumers say loyalty is primarily driven by likability and 83 percent of consumers say trust. (Rare) 47 percent of customers would take their business to a competitor within a day of experiencing poor customer service. (CMO Council) The estimated cost of customers switching due to poor service is $1.6 trillion. (Accenture) 60 percent of mobile coupon users say they will gladly switch brands to use a coupon (GfK) 27 percent of small business owners estimate that 11-20 percent of first time customers dont return to their business (Belly) 32 percent of executives say retaining existing customers is a priority (Forbes) 66 percent of companies that saw a decrease in customer loyalty over the past year do not have a mobile app (Apptentive)

Business is a numbers game. So how do you get and keep more customers at lower costs? The trick is to focus less on advertising and more on customer retention, leveraging your existing customers to bring in new ones. Mobile apps can be one of the best investments you can make when it comes to customer loyalty and retention.

Surveys show that 73 percent of satisfied customers will recommend your service to others, and positive testimonials from existing customers are far more likely to influence people than a brands own marketing messaging. In other words, your existing customers are a goldmine. They require less investment, they buy more, and they bring new customers with them. With a mobile app, you can even ask for reviews from customers and what is so great about this strategy is that customers who download your app will generally write a positive review since they are loyal customers.

Why You Should Be Using Apps to Build Customer Loyalty

Here are a few more mobile app tips for customer retention:

Use a Mobile App Retention Tool

Apps help you keep a pulse on your customers through advanced analytics. Track in-app activity to see the type of content thats drawing users most. View demographic info that helps you refine your sales and marketing efforts. And most of all, use features like geofenced push notifications, mobile newsletters and loyalty programs to keep your customer base thriving.

Adapt or Die

Dont sit on your data  adapt and evolve according to the trends you uncover. Do you know why Richard Branson, the billionaire owner of Virgin Atlantic Inc., lost to the venture capitalists in the Silicon Valley when he tried to go head-to-head with Uber? One simple reason: Uber was backed by an algorithm, by data. Analytics turned Google from good to great and Uber from an audacious venture to the peer-driven giant in transportation. The companies introduced their service, gathered the data, then used it to refine based on customers needs.

Long story short, dont fall behind your competitors when it comes to your investments in new technology such as building a mobile app for your small business. Data shows that customers want to download and use mobile apps from their favorite small businesses. Dont ignore the data that is right in front of you!

Focus on Customer Service

Ninety-seven percent of customers see customer service as the most important factor when choosing a brand. And after signing up, customer service weighs most heavily on customer satisfaction and net promoter score  or the likelihood that theyll recommend your brand to someone else. On average, a user contacts customer service about 65 times per year, and 62 percent would leave their provider because of poor customer service. Companies can avoid that fate by making their customer service experience overly simple. Apps with quick contact buttons and sites with digestible help centers reduce customer effort, reflecting positively on your brand as a whole.

A mobile app is a great way for customers to be in touch with your business 24/7. Whether thats for general business information or to ask you a question about your business. In addition, great customer service can come as a surprise. For example, mobile apps give you the ability to offer in-app only sales and updates on events which customers really appreciate.

Does Retaining Customers Matter in the App Industry?

Absolutely. If you create a mobile app, you may wonder how beneficial user retention really is to your bottom line. After all, deleting an app is easier than installing one  it requires little to no effort to part ways. But as it turns out, app users are far more likely to return back to your business if the right features and incentives are in place. In some ways, its a winner-takes-all market, and you need to stay ahead of the curve with your competition. With a mobile app you give your customers an outlet to share their experiences across Facebook, Twitter, and with their friends. Also, you just cant ignore the facts anymore regarding how mobile apps can help grow a small business.

The more you up your retention, the wider your potential user base grows.
Hillary confident, while opponent meanders

(WB) If presidential debates serve to enhance the distinction between candidates, the first such forum of the 2016 election accomplished that task as Hillary Clinton delivered cogent responses and Donald Trump degenerated into meandering responses of word salad.

Throughout the 90-minute debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead N.Y.,. Clinton articulated plans to boost prosperity by increasing the minimum wage and ensure the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes, but Trump was critical of current policies while failing to offer solutions and delivered responses that often made no sense.

In response to a question about tax plans, Clinton said her plan would enhance the economy without adding a "penny to the debt," but Trump bizarrely responded with a line criticizing her for being public about her plan to defeat ISIS on her website, which he said Gen. Douglas MacArthur wouldn't do because it tips off the enemy.

Asked when he came to accept that President Obama was born in the United States after promoting the idea of birtherism for years, Trump meandered with remarks about Clinton's adviser Sidney Blumenthal. Moderator and NBC News anchor Lester Holt sought to redirect Trump by saying, "We're talking about racial healing in this segment."

On cybersecurity, Clinton said Russia and independent groups are problems, but Trump offered a bizarre response, saying a 400-pound person could have hacked the Democratic National Committee and his 10-year-old son whom he said is "good with computers" demonstrates the dangers of cyberwarfare.

Even though Trump many times fell apart on his own accord, Clinton landed a few jabs with barbed comments throughout the night.

One of Clinton's strongest criticisms of Trump concerned his promoting "birtherism," or the idea that President Obama wasn't born in the United States and therefore wasn't legitimate. Trump has recently conceded Obama was born in the United States, but has never explained why he shifted his view or apologized for promoting the idea that is widely viewed as racist.
Tributes continue to pour in for departed Israel President & Prime Minister Shimon Peres, who passed on Wednesday. He was 93.

Shimon Peres led with unshakable humility and a firm commitment to our common humanity, said Stuart Milk, Co-founder and President of the Harvey Milk Foundation. An optimist and visionary, President Peres worked tirelessly to heal wounds and lay the foundation for peace, we have lost a giant among global leaders.

A Nobel Prize winner, Peres was the last of Israels living political leaders involved in the founding of the Jewish state. He served as the ninth President of Israel from 2007-2014 and twice as Prime Minister.

It is undeniably heartbreaking and poignant that we have lost Shimon Peres as we approach the Jewish High Holidays, when the Jewish people are introspective, working to renew our commitments to family, community, social justice and repairing the world, said Hava L. Holzhauer, Floridas Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League, in a news release. May the memory of Shimon Peres be as much of a blessing for the people of Israel and the Jewish people as his life was.

Born in what is now known as Belarus, Peres is remembered for his creativity and negotiation skills as well as transforming the Israel Defense Forces from ragtag refugees into an elite fighting force.

His planning of the Suez Canal in the mid 1950s earned Peres the highest medal of the French Legion of Honor. Peres is often cited as a driving force behind trade deals between Israel and France in regards to situations in Algeria, Egypt and development of a nuclear weapons program.

French President Francois Hollande said Peres was an ardent defender of peace and a faithful friend of France.

Peres won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his role in the Oslo Accords, a set of agreements between the government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

In one of his final interviews with the press, Peres told Time Magazine the Oslo Accords were a direct result of an ability to persuade France to help build a nuclear weapons facility in the Israeli city of Dimona.

Dimona helped us achieve Oslo, Peres told the magazine. Because many Arabs, out of suspicion, came to the conclusion that its very hard to destroy Israel because of it, because of their suspicion. Well, if the result is Dimona, I think I was right.

Shimons life traced his countrys extraordinary journey, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. He was one of Israels founding patriots. He was an immigrant who went on to cultivate the land and plant the seeds of a modern state. He helped ensure Israel could defend itself in times of war, but was always ready to extend a hand to former adversaries.

In keeping with his legacy of social justice, Peres recognized the importance of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people to live with dignity and respect.

Every LGBT person is a human being, Peres said during a speech in Vilnuis, Lithuania in 2013. You cannot take away someones rights because they are different. We cannot take away their right to breathe or right to form a family. We must allow everyone to live as is natural to them.
NASA astronaut Kate Rubins, a crew member of Expedition 49 aboard the International Space Station, works on an experiment inside the station's Microgravity Science Glovebox. The glovebox is one of the major dedicated science facilities inside the Destiny laboratory and provides a sealed environment for conducting science and technology experiments. The glovebox is particularly suited for handling hazardous materials when the crew is present. Credit: NASA. (09/13/2016) NASA

The three Expedition 49 crew members measured noise levels on the International Space Station today and continued exploring how physical and organic phenomena are affected by weightlessness.

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins surveyed the acoustic environment inside the station today. She analyzed the sound levels of various life support gear and took standard measurements in the Destiny lab module and the Zvezda service module. Rubins also partnered up with Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi to remix, photograph and stow samples for the Hard to Wet Surfaces pharmaceutical study.

Onishi began his day testing his performance on a mobile tablet device. The study, known as Fine Motor Skills, observes how an astronaut adapts to new technology and could help engineers design next generation spacecraft, spacesuits and tools. He then moved onto setting up equipment for the upcoming Group Combustion experiment to research how fuel burns in space. Results could influence the future production of rocket engines and industrial furnaces.

On the Russian side of the station, Commander Anatoly Ivanishin sampled different areas searching for mold fungus and bacteria contamination. The commander then repressurized the stations environment with air from a docked cargo ship and worked on life support system maintenance.

On-Orbit Status Report

Marangoni Experiment (Dynamic Surf 3): Overnight another run of the Marangoni experiment occurred in the Fluid Physics Experiment Facility (FPEF). The Dynamic Surf investigation is part of a series of JAXA experiments studying Marangoni convection driven by the presence of surface tension gradients produced by a temperature difference at a liquid/gas interface. By observing and understanding how a silicone oil liquid bridge moves, researchers can learn about how heat is transferred in microgravity and ultimately drive the design and development of more efficient fluid flow based systems and devices.

Hard to Wet Surfaces: FE-6 performed the sample processing, setup of the Sample Module, and initiated automated photography of the samples. Throughout the day, FE-5 and FE-6 periodically remixed the samples before finally downlinking the days photographs and stowing the experiment. The Hard to Wet Surfaces (Eli Lilly-Hard to Wet Surfaces) investigation studies how certain materials used in the pharmaceutical industry dissolve in water while in microgravity. Results from this investigation could help improve the design of tablets that dissolve in the body to deliver drugs, thereby improving drug design for medicines used in space and on Earth.

Group Combustion Module (GCM) Installation: Today, FE-5 continued with day 2 of installation and preparation for the GCM experiment. FE-5 installed the Combustion Chamber (CC) that the crew assembled yesterday and the Gas Bottle Unit (GBU) Air into the Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Work Volume. The Elucidation of Flame Spread and Group Combustion Excitation Mechanism of Randomly-distributed Droplet Clouds (Group Combustion) investigation by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) tests a theory that fuel sprays change from partial to group combustion as flames spread across a cloud of droplets. In the Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) in the Kibo module, droplets of decane, a component of gasoline or kerosene, are arranged randomly on thin-fiber lattice points, and the flame and droplet positions and temperature distribution are measured as the flame spreads. Microgravity blocks convection, which on Earth would quickly disperse the droplets and combustion products before such measurements could be made.

Sound Level Meter (SLM) Survey: Today FE-6 performed SLM acoustic measurements. The Node 3 diagnostic SLM survey plan called for eight sets of measurements, encompassing various Node 3 Common Cabin Air Assembly (CCAA) fan speeds and Rheostat Air Mix Valve (RAMV) settings with the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) Distillation Assembly (DA) and Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Pump either on or off depending on the portion of the survey plan being worked, totaling 52 SLM measurements. In addition, standard SLM measurements of the US Lab and Service Module (SM) were taken.

Todays Planned Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test  Subject

Hard To Wet Surfaces Sample Processing

?-NOC. Execution experiment

Multi Omics FOS Stow

Hard To Wet Surfaces D2Xs Battery Charge

Multi Omics FOS Preparation

Ghost Camera Setup for Modal Test

Hard To Wet Surfaces Sample Remix.

Sound Level Meter (SLM) Setup and Operations

Hard To Wet Surfaces Sample Remix.

ENERGY Big Picture Words Reading

ENERGY Equipment Pre-gather

Strata Card Changeout

Hard To Wet Surfaces Sample Remix

Sound Level Meter (SLM) Data Transfer

ISS air pressurization from ???

Dose Tracker Data Entry Subject

Personal CO2 Monitor Power Cycle

Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup

Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis

Greetings Video Recording

XF305 Camcorder Setup

Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Combustion Chamber (CC) Install

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD)  Lab

Modal Test Hardware Unstow

Air Heater Fan [???] 64P PROGRESS checkout

IWIS Install for Modal Test

Group Combustion Module (GCM) Gas Bottle Unit Air (GBU) Install

??? maintenance

Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record

HARD TO WET SURFACES CAMERA RESTART

Completed Task List Items

JAXA Report Part 6 (Active)

Ground Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

N3 system reconfigurations for SLM measurements

RPCM AL1A4A_B and LAD62B_A Firmware Update

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Thursday, 09/29: BEAM Ingress and Modal Test, Energy setup

Friday, 09/30: Energy Experiment, PGT TAK Data Gather

Saturday, 10/01: Finemotor Skills, Hard to Wet Surfaces, Energy Conclude

QUICK ISS Status  Environmental Control Group:

Component  Status

Elektron  On

Vozdukh  Manual

[???] 1  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1)  On

[???] 2  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2)  Off

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab  Standby

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3  Operate

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab  Operate

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3  Operate

Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA)  Process

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA)  Reprocess

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab  Off

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3  Full Up
We can't seem to find the page you are looking for.

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When Business Insider calls you basic, you may have an image problem.

With over 24,000 stores worldwide, its safe to say that Starbucks is just about everywhere. But with this ubiquity comes the problem of seeming pedestrian. The brand that made it OK to charge more than $2 for a cup of coffee has lost some of its upscale luster and is now competing with chains like Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds. Or as millennial alt-culture webzine Business Insider puts it, [Starbucks] has gotten, in a sense, too basic.

Being described as basic is probably a good indication that your brand isnt on trend, but being described as such by an article that has to define the term for its presumably older demographic? Thats damning. To be fair, the author uses the term coffee snob a lot and cites an article from a blog called Fashionista, so maybe the audience isnt the uncool part of this equation.

Either way, with the rise in popularity of specialty coffee around the world, Starbucks is taking steps to reinvent themselves as a high-end coffee experience. Most of the initiatives involve moving away from the mega-stores original modeling after a traditional Italian espresso bar and into more third wave cafe territory. Things like pour-overs, flat whites, and nitro cold brew have all been introduced into select stores in an attempt to provide the super premium experience Starbucks is hoping to achieve.

Other steps are a bit more unique, though, like the creation of Upstanders, Starbucks first go at creating original content. And of course there is the Roastery in Seattle, the brands decadent behemoth of a coffee showroom. With Roasteries in New York and Shanghai already in the works, Starbucks is hoping the super-premium cafes will have a trickle down effect for all their locations, as seen in the infographic below.

The efficacy of these initiatives remains to be seen. Its hard to imagine a person that frequents a specialty shop opting to go to Starbucks now just because they have pour-over and nitro cold brew, two things they could most likely get at their regular coffee stop. But maybe it will win them back some folks that converted to Dunkin Donuts. At the very least, it is familiarizing the general public with things like pour-over (and the associated price hike that comes with handmade single-serve coffee), reducing the slope of the specialty coffee learning curve for the oft-intimidated newbie. And that is undoubtedly a good thing for the industry as a whole.

Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network.

*all images via Starbucks
Harness racing will have a Triple Crown bid in 2016 as the connections of Marion Marauder have made the decision to supplement the trotting colt to the 2016 Kentucky Futurity.

Trainer Mike Keeling confirmed on Thursday morning that the forms to supplement Marion Marauder would be sent to The Red Mile. Keeling trains the son of Muscle Hill - Spellbound Hanover, who captured the first two legs of trotting's Triple Crown -- the Hambletonian in August and the Yonkers Trot in September.

After the Yonkers Trot win, the connections were bombarded with questions over whether Marion Marauder would be shipped to Kentucky for the third and final leg, the Kentucky Futurity. That decision wasn't a consensus for the group -- trainers Keeling and Paula Wellwood and owners Marion Jean Wellwood and Devin Keeling -- until recently.

"I decided a long time ago but getting Paula and Jean [on board] and assuring them it was the right move. They were a little more concerned than I was," Keeling told Trot Insider. "Once we knew we gave him the week off after the [Canadian] Trotting Classic, and he's just coming out of his skin. I said to Paula, 'we have to race him' and she said 'yeah, you're right.' Seven weeks of this is not going to be any fun."

After just coming in from training Marion Marauder on a windy and rainy Fall morning, Keeling looks forward to a trip to south where the sun shines seemingly without fail on the Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile.

"It's pretty, probably the prettiest place on Earth in late September, early October."

That forecast is surely in the minds of those behind the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale as well. It was where Keeling and Wellwood purchased Marion Marauder as a yearling in 2014, and they are headed back to the sale for the 2016 edition.

"He travels with us," noted Keeling. "We're going to be there [for the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale] so we might as well have him there."

Marion Marauder boasts a 9-2-0 summary from 12 starts this season and hasn't finished worse than second since mid-June. His $1.33-million seasonal bankroll is the best among all trotters this year.

Keeling will give Marion Marauder one more training trip this weekend before the team ships to Kentucky early next week.

"Linda Toscano has got her own eight-stall barn down there and she's already put a stall in the corner than has an empty stall beside it. She's got everything set up for him.

"We told her she can tell [Tim] Tetrick we're coming so he can start worrying about us," stated Keeling with a smile.

Tetrick is the driver of divisional rival Bar Hopping, who knocked off favoured Marion Marauder in the 2016 Canadian Trotting Classic.

"He got the trip of a lifetime on a night where the trip was less than ideal for us," stated Keeling. "And he was just a touch fresher than us. Tim drove an extraordinarily good race.

"We really don't want to be on the front end with Marauder. He can do it from there but that night, especially, was not really where we wanted to be. When you're 3 to 5 you just kind of end up there. And front-end speed wasn't holding up, and it was his seventh start in seven weeks so he may have been a touch tired...the track was tiring...he got beat legitimately and he had legit excuses to get beat. We were okay with it, we lick our wounds and move on pretty quick."

Keeling feels The Red Mile track surface and configuration doesn't have a bias to so racing there will be "a good test" for his horse.

After already competing in one two-heat race this year, the question remains whether the 2016 Kentucky Futurity will be a two-heat affair. The rules for the race clearly leave that decision to the discretion of track officials.

The Lexington Trots Breeders Association (LTBA) reserves the right to conduct either Race or both Races: at a distance of one mile or greater; in heats on the same date; or in eliminations to be held on the same date as the Final or a week previous. The Open may be conducted in a different format than the Filly Division. In the event that fewer than thirteen (13) horses declare to start, the race may be divided into elimination races and those elimination races shall be raced for 30% (divided equally among divisions) of the total purse. The final heat shall race for 70% of the total purse.

While Keeling would prefer not to race heats, he's ultra-confident in his horse regardless.

"He's up to it, I don't have any doubt about that but you don't want to over-race him and we want to be able to have him ready for the Breeders Crown."

Slated for October 9, the Kentucky Futurity would give Marion Marauder his first start in three weeks after a solid August-September slate of events.

"Three weeks is a good break for him," said Keeling. "People forget he raced double heats on Hambletonian Day and then he had one week off and then five straight weeks. He always seems to enjoy an extra week off and he seems to come out of the box pretty good from there. He's very fresh right now again and I'm happy with where he's at."

The harness racing industry will now focus even more of its attention on The Red Mile with a horse and a quest for an elusive Triple Crown title. The last horse to win trotting's Triple Crown, Glidemaster, was also Canadian-based. He turned the trick in 2006 with a clinching victory that year in the Yonkers Trot, contested in late November.

"I think it creates a little bit of excitement and hype. People still enjoy the story behind Marauder and the fact that it's a feel-good story all around," stated Keeling. "And we need that after the 'schmozzle' at the Little Brown Jug. We maybe need to get back to cheering for the horses and quit worrying about all the other [stuff] that goes on."

The supplemental fee for the Kentucky Futurity is 15 percent of the added money plus the starting fee, which Keeling states will be just shy of $50,000 (US). There is no advanced declaration required so Marion Marauder will be entered with the rest of the Kentucky Futurity contenders next week.
When she most recently was engaged in conversation with Larry Rheinheimer regarding his beloved world champion Freaky Fete Pete, Jamie Macomber certainly never imagined and would have immediately banished the thought this would be the final occasion she would ever chat with the man she had grown to esteem and adore.

Yet, within 48 hours of his sudden and tragic passing on Saturday (Sept. 24), Macomber, although understandably engulfed in grief, may just very well have had a glimmer of a smile cross her face when Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway released the entrants for this Friday evening's (Sept. 30) card.

The very last time I talked to Larry about Pete, he told me, `Pete just needs to draw the rail and Wiggle It (Jiggleit) the outside at Dayton, said Macomber. And sure enough, doesnt the draw come out on Monday and Pete is on the rail with Wiggle It Jiggleit in Post 5. Now isnt that something?

What Macomber was referring to was Freaky Feet Petes upcoming appearance this Friday evening in the $150,000 Dayton Pacing Derby. The four-year-old horse will retain the services of regular pilot Trace Tetrick and will once again compete against his fellow world champion rivals Always B Miki (PP2, David Miller) and Wiggle It Jiggleit (Montrell Teague).

Joining the trio in the race will be Always At My Place, (PP3, Chris Page), Luck Be Withyou (PP4, Eric Goodell), All Bets Off (PP6, Matt Kakaley) and Shamballa (PP7, Scott Zeron).

Always B Miki, installed as the morning line favorite at 6-5, enters the race after having defeated Freaky Fete Pete within hours of Rheinheimers passing at Hoosier Park and after tying the world record at Eldorado Scioto Downs in the Jim Ewart Memorial after one of the most scintillating miles in recent memory while keeping Wiggle It Jiggleit at bay.

Wiggle It Jiggleit is the second choice at 8-5, while Freaky Feet Pete is the third selection on the morning line at 4-1. Macomber is listed as the trainer of record.

This is a one-time thing, she said. I dont want the family to have to worry about a thing this week and they are just trying to follow Larrys wishes. He wanted Pete to race at Dayton and that is what we will do to honour what he would like.

The Rheinheimer family knows how much this horse has captured so many hearts and Larry knew it, too. Not only was Larry so proud of Pete, he absolutely loved him and Larry captured peoples hearts as well with his own infectious smile. I will do whatever they need me to do during this time, but this is not a permanent situation. I assume Marty (Rheinheimer) will take over training him when he is ready to do so.

While Macomber, who as an assistant trainer for Ron Burke was responsible for bringing female trotting phenomenon Hannelore Hanover along last year, is in the midst of a career year with $252,766 in purse money and a Universal Trainer Rating of .439, this is a unique situation for her or anyone to be placed in, but she is simply grateful for the opportunity to aid the family in their time of need.

When they decided they were going to race him (last Saturday in the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby), of course I offered to help as it only makes sense since I have Wanda (Wild Wanda, who is also owned by the Rheinheimer family), Macomber said. But there were so many people that stepped up to help get Pete ready that night and there was not much to do. Trace (Tetrick) warmed him and he went out there and raced. He is amazing horse and he raced very, very well (in finishing second to Always B Miki).

This week it is not about being a trainer with making adjustments or improving him. Larry already prepared Pete and he has already beaten these horses. There is nothing to do except ship him to Dayton, race him and bring him home. We just want to put Mary Jos and Martys (Freaky Feet Petes co-owners and Rheinheimers wife and son) minds at ease. They should not have to worry about a thing right now.

Not only did I think the world of Larry, but I think the world of the entire family and all I want to do is help. Even after this race, if they need help with shipping, anything, you name it, we will be more than happy to do whatever they need.

Although Freaky Feet Pete has amassed $404,057 from a 2016 slate of 14-6-3-1, established his own world record of 1:47.1 on June 25 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and defeated Wiggle It Jiggleit in 2015, the son of Rockin Image-Skyway Lori has yet to best the mighty Always B Miki, who has been simply superb in his most recent trips to the post.

The horse, however, has not been blessed with an abundance of racing luck or quality posts when tackling his formidable opposition this year, which is the primary reason his trainers final wishes were fatefully granted.

The entire Hoosier Park contingent and Freaky Feet Petes tremendously large fan base will certainly be rooting for Pete to defeat not only Always B Miki, but the five other members of the field. Not only would it be the most exceptional tribute to one of the most beloved horsemen in Indiana, who enjoyed every second and appreciated every moment with the horse of a lifetime, it would be a soothing balm to all the grieving souls that remain stunned, astounded and deeply saddened by Rheinheimers death.

Pete has a huge heart, Macomber said. One of the hugest hearts I have ever seen in a horse. The only people he really knows are Larry, Mary Jo and Marty because they spent all their time with him. Naturally, I have been experiencing a variety of emotions. There are times I get excited for about 30 seconds until I remind myself there is no reason at all for me to be excited. There are other times I just want to cry at any given moment and I think that will not be going away anytime soon.

Friday night will definitely be very emotional for me, but I think Pete has a very good shot to win this race and of course that is exactly what I want. Not only for Larry, but the entire Rheinheimer family and for Pete.

$150,000 Dayton Pacing Derby

Race 11

PP-Horse-Driver-Trainer-Line

1. Freaky Feet Pete-Trace Tetrick-Jamie Macomber-4/1

2. Always B Miki-David Miller-Jimmy Takter-6/5

3. Always At My Place-Chris Page-Ron Burke-12/1

4. Luck Be Withyou-Eric Goodell-Chris Oakes-6/1

5. Wiggle It Jiggleit-Montrell Teague-Clyde Francis-8/5

6. All Bets Off-Matt Kakaley-Ron Burke-10/1

7. Shamballa-Scott Zeron-Rick Zeron-8/1

(USTA)
The Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award has been created by the Stocks family in memory of their beloved brother, son and uncle, Mr. Stuart Stocks.

Stuart Stocks was born in Sheffield, England in 1957. He struggled throughout his life with a multitude of medical issues, but had a dry sense of humour and zest for life. His love of horses started at an early age. Although Stuart never rode a horse, or laid a bet, he followed the world's top horses and loved to watch the races on television. Stuart could tell you anything about racehorses. It wasn't until after his death that detailed hand-written notes he had made throughout his life were found -- a testament to his love of horses and horse racing.

The successful candidate of the Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award will receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued at $549 each (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business -- six courses complete the certificate). To be eligible to apply, you currently must be a Groom in the racing industry with a valid Groom licence for horse racing in Ontario.

The Groom who best demonstrates his/her love of horses, commitment to the horse racing industry, sincere desire to learn more about horses and shows commitment to horse welfare will be selected. Apply by email to [email protected] with a 250 - 500 word explanation by November 15, 2016 of why you are deserving of the award along with a reference letter from one of the following: Current Racing Employer, Past Racing Employer or Racing Industry Professional.

Woodbine Fundraiser Details

The 1973 Canadian International at Woodbine went down in history as the great Secretariat's last day of racing. As a huge fan of racehorses, Stuart Stocks was an avid collector of memorabilia and student of bloodlines, closely following the world's top horses, in particular Secretariat and Northern Dancer. This October 16, on the day of the 78th running of the Pattison Canadian International, a special fundraiser will be held in his memory at Woodbine Racetrack.

A beautiful print of Secretariat, dontated by the Stocks family and signed by Big Red's former jockey and racing legend, Ron Turcotte will be part of a silent auction raising funds for Equine Guelph. The Stocks family was moved to tears that Turcotte signed the print after Stuart's passing. Turcotte was touched by Stuart's story about how he never let his disability and personal challenges interfere with his love of life, and how his life was enriched by closely following the masters of racing. Winner of countless Hall of Fame awards, Turcotte now retired in New Brunswick, signed the print, "This was the ride of my life."

The auction will also include two books: The Hancocks by Frank Mitchell and Champions: The Lives, Times and Past Performances of America's Greatest Thoroughbred by Daily Racing Form. Last but not least, Woodbine will have a Queen's Plate VIP package for the winning bidder.

The Stocks' family and Equine Guelph representatives will be in the winner's circle presenting a cooler after a race that will be dedicated to Stuart's great passion for horse racing. "The Stocks family would like to thank Equine Guelph and Woodbine Racetrack for honouring Stuart's memory, and allowing us to share his passion for horses and horse racing," says Julie Freemantle, Stuart's sister. "We know Stuart would be overwhelmed to know that his dedication to the sport has been so greatly appreciated. Thank you!"

Equine Guelph would like to thank Woodbine for hosting this special fundraiser and the Stocks family for honouring Stuart's memory with the donation of these auction items and for creating a legacy with the Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award. Gayle Ecker, director at Equine Guelph says, "Stuart's love for horses and racing will live on as the tuition award serves to help educate future racing industry professionals to be champions for the health and welfare of horses."

(with files from Equine Guelph)
Chief Justice Roy Moore Final Hearing Completed

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 800-671-1776, Media@LC.org, Press Kit



MONTGOMERY, Ala., Sept. 29, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore testified in the Alabama Supreme Court yesterday regarding the charges filed against him by the Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC), which were initiated by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The charges all focused on his January 2016 Administrative Order in which he merely advised the probate judges that the case involving them was still pending before the Alabama Supreme Court. Liberty Counsel's Mat Staver and Horatio Mihet, along with Phillip Jauregui of the Judicial Action Group, represented the Chief Justice.

The Chief Justice's testimony was uncontroverted and very clear. The JIC had a short, and frankly weak, cross-examination. The JIC presented no live testimony. The JIC presented closing arguments for about 45 minutes. Mat Staver presented closing arguments on behalf of Chief Justice Moore for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then the JIC presented a short rebuttal argument. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Court of Judiciary adjourned stating the court will make a decision within 10 days.

"We felt our evidence was legally and factually unassailable and clearly showed that the JIC's charges are baseless," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "The Chief Justice did an excellent job of testifying in the very court where he should be presiding," said Staver. "The JIC has too much power to file charges that have the effect of automatically removing a judge. This system turns 'innocent until proven guilty' on its head. After the JIC made a bogus statement of the law, we had to rebut the JIC with a unanimous 2013 U.S. Supreme Court case directly opposite of what the JIC argued. And yet, no matter how wrong the JIC may be in any given charge against a judge, that judge is automatically removed. This system must be changed," concluded Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
Er is iets heel griezeligs aan de gang in Nederland. Dat wij geleidelijk aan in een totalitaire 'democratie' wegzinken wordt steeds ...








From Leh, Ladakh, we flew very early in the morning to Chandigarh, via a connection in Delhi.





The security people at Leh airport confiscated our packed breakfasts, which our hotel had prepared for us, and also made us check in our backpacks, saying that we are not allowed any carry-on bags, just a purse.





A bit later we saw that a man who had also stayed in our hotel managed to get past security with a huge rolling carry on and a large backpack.

I guess he had a more authoritative attitude, which allowed him to carry on whatever he wanted.





Not that I cared about being forced to check our backpacks, but if the "rules" apply to one, they should apply to ALL, and special allowances should not be made for those who have a pushy attitude and are more demanding and difficult.





In Chandigarh, we hired a taxi to take us to the British-era hill town of Shimla.

The drive took about five hours on a narrow two lane road, that was mostly under construction.

Our driver overtook and passed every single car and truck, sometimes on blind curves which left us facing upcoming trucks and needing to squeeze all the way to the far side of the wrong lane!





Needless to say, he made the otherwise scenic drive unnecessarily stressful.

But truth be told, all the drivers were just as irresponsible, and the funny thing is, they seem to think that they are good drivers.

On the side of the road, I saw the remains of cars that were involved in serious accidents.





The whole way to Shimla, the road was packed with noisy, exhaust belching cars, buses and trucks, all of them swerving around potholes and overtaking one another.





The houses built on the hillsides are colorful, with multicolor combinations of paint that are very charming.

All the houses are built as if they're draping down the very steep hills, which means that if you go into a house from the narrow busy road, you park on the roof of the house and walk down steep steps of stairs, to enter the house and then keep walking down to the other parts of the house.





Most of the houses are built from reinforced concrete about four to six inches thick.

They're covered in soot from the road, and many of them are in various stages of chaotic construction or demolition.





When we arrived in Shimla, in the foothills of the Himalayas, we were happy to see that cars were not allowed into the center of town.

The "Mall Road," the main artery of Shimla, is a pedestrians-only road.

It is a wide and long street that is lined on both sides with shops and simple eateries.

Below the Mall Road, there are the middle and lower Bazaar roads, which are also only for pedestrians.





The Bazaar roads cut through a busy and colorful sprawling market, selling clothing, fabrics, text books, souvenirs, shoes, jewelry, fruit, herbs, fresh juices and all sorts of street food.

Judging from the shops and from the people strolling, I would say that the Bazaar is a market designed for both locals and tourists from other parts of India.

There were not many European tourists to be seen.





We arrived in Shimla in the late afternoon.

Our taxi driver stopped at the garage of the Oberoi Cecil hotel, down a steep hill from the hotel, and from there, the hotel's car came and transferred us up to the hotel.





The Oberoi Cecil is a wonderful heritage hotel, located in a meticulously restored British-era building.

The service is at all times both personal and very efficient, so if there's anything at all you want, if the staff doesn't anticipate it, you just need to ask once, and the task is immediately done.

Nearby, there is another beautiful old building that has not been restored, which is now used as Oberoi employee housing.





The concierge at the Oberoi emailed us before our arrival and asked if we were celebrating any special occasion.

We told them that it was our 17th weeding anniversary.

When we arrived, our room was upgraded at no extra cost to us.

We were given a beautiful suite, tastefully decorated with period furniture and the most fluffy bed imaginable, with high quality bedding.





On the bed, they had arranged swans from white towels, and covered our bed with rose petals.

Two dozen roses and a small cake saying "Happy Anniversary," waited on a table with a lovely card wishing us a continued happy bond and marriage.





The shower in our room was another wonderful treat.

After the alternating cold and hot drizzle that the best hotels in Ladakh offer as a shower, it was so nice to feel really clean again.





The next day, we donated our cake to the employees of the hotel to share, and after a wonderful breakfast, we went for a long walk around Shimla.

The resort hill town enjoys wonderful cool weather, and most Indian tourists were out walking around in their winter coats.





The Mall road was chock full of monkeys, jumping from the buildings and the trees, mixing with the people

At one spot, I photographed a family of monkeys, and the large male looked at me nastily, as if he were saying: "What are you looking at?"

He even waved his fist at me as I quickly scampered away as fast as I could.





The Mall Road in Shimla was full of people, walking along the wide street dotted with old British era buildings.

It would've been even more scenic if the area was kept cleaner than it was.

There was lots of trash on the grounds of the forest and on the side streets.





Many of the houses had their water tanks and balconies encased in metal grids, as a protection from the menacing monkeys.





During our full day of strolling from one end of Shimla to the other, we ate ice creams, sweet boiled corn, fresh-squeezed juices, and other street food.

At the center of Mall Road, there were proud white horses lined up under the shade of several huge trees, waiting to take children and adults on short rides up and down the road, and of course to pose for photographs.

We stopped into a Christian church which had songs and prayers and a very welcoming congregation.





We wanted some fresh juice, so we stopped at a kiosk that was serving juice made from what looked like large oranges, but which had dark green skins.

A customer who was accompanied by his daughter told us that they were sweet limes.

No sugar was needed, just the fruit's natural sugars, to make a delicious juice.

In fact, you can add a dash of salt to the juice if you wanted to.

We enjoyed the salty sweet lime juice, and despite our protests, the man paid for us.





Farther down the road, we saw a local man giving alms to two poor people who sat by the side of the street.





Following his example, we also stopped and gave alms to them.

With a graceful air, he told me:

"The man on the right is blind, and the woman on the left is suffering from old age."





The lower Bazaar was full of local people and school kids shopping, eating street food and drinking banana shakes.





I had a pomegranate juice which was served with a touch of salt.





The most popular street food is no doubt the Chaat, which is a small piece of fried dough served with a topping or sauce, sweet or salty, "as you like."

Tons of school kids gather around the Chaat sellers and gobble them down.





I saw another kind of street food that looked more interesting to me.

A man sat with a huge copper bowl into which he cut fresh vegetables with an expert's movement.

Holding a cucumber in the air, he peeled and sliced it into small chunks with a huge knife, without touching the peeled part of the cucumber with his hands.





He did the same with a tomato, an onion and radish.

To the freshly cut salad he added freshly squeezed lime, and some boiled chickpeas.

Then he sliced in the air a boiled potato, and added the cubes to the mix.





He squeezed a lemon in a wooden squeezer and added herbs and spices and chilly to taste.

We asked for "not spicy," while a young woman next to us asked for extra spicy on hers.

The amount of red chilly he added into her dish made my eyes water in psychosomatic anticipation of how spicy it would be...





The dish is served either inside a grilled bun, which he grills on a little cast iron cooker that he carries around, or in a tiny plate made from layers of recycled yogurt containers.





These recycled plates are used by all the street food vendors.

They are made from recycled plastic-coated thin cardboard.





From another street vendor, we bought scary looking Ayurvedic massage oil, and fresh saffron from Kashmir.

He also sold an even scarier looking snake oil, which we stayed clear of.





At the Cecil Hotel, we got massages from Bhutanese girls who told us that they were sponsored by the government of Bhutan to learn a skill and to practice it in India, since Bhutan does not have many five star hotels, and not many opportunities for massage therapists to work.

They live at the employee housing along with other girls from Bhutan or other parts of India, and they go to visit their home once per year.

Our therapists had already been in India for several years, and were not sure how much longer she wishes to stay.





Shimla is spread over seven hills, and after a couple of nights at the very comfortable and clean Oberoi Cecil located just above Shimla town, we moved to the other Oberoi hotel on another of the hills, about thirteen kilometers away, The Wildflower Hall Oberoi Hotel.





Surrounded by a forest preserve, Wildflower Hall is a lovely resort and Spa.

The building is in some need of maintenance, but it is so comfortable and well run, that soon you don't notice that last season's snows have cracked the stucco exterior in a few places.





We spent our days lounging in the atrium pool deck, with its outdoor infinity jacuzzi.

The poolside beds were very comfortable and we ate lunch by the pool, read, did trip planning and rested.





From the large infinity jacuzzi, you can do bird watching and monkey gazing.

The monkeys were swinging from the tree branches, but did not approach the pool area, which was spotlessly clean.





We were told that the monkeys are very intelligent and that they watch the room cleaners as they restock the mini bars and clean the rooms, and take the opportunity to snatch snacks from the carts.





At Wildflower Hall, they also presented us with red roses and a small chocolate cake as a gift for our seventeenth wedding anniversary.





This time we ate the chocolate cake during high tea, and it was a rare and delicious treat.





I got two more massages from other Bhutanese girls.

The massage room was elegant, and the treatment included an aromatic stream shower and great head and hair oil.





Because of the remoteness of the hotel's location, we ate our dinners at the hotel.

We especially loved the green risotto made from locally harvested pine nuts mixed with some pine needless to create a very unique taste.





The Vegetable Biryani, which was baked in a clay pot whose lid was lined with bread dough as a seal, was also wonderful.





At our last dinner at the hotel, we were presented with gifts, including a colorful scarf woven in Kullu, a Himalayan town famous for its scarves and shawls made from local wool.

We were also given local hats, worn by most men in the region.





From Shimla, our next stop is Manali.

It was nice to lounge during the last few days, wearing nothing but white robes and bathing suits all day, looking at the Himalayas in the background and reading books, but now it is time to move on.





Visiting The Seven Hills Of Shimla, India
It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here.
A psychologist for the defense testified Wednesday that Sergey Fedoruk did not understand that the beating he gave to his brother-in-law five years ago would cause his death.

His mental illness, which was acute at the time, would have affected his perception of the severity. ... The question was, Was he actively perceiving what was going on?  psychologist Kenneth Muscatel, who was hired to evaluate Fedoruk, testified in Cowlitz Superior Court.

Fedoruk, 43, faces a second-degree murder charge or, in the alternative, a first-degree manslaughter charge.

Authorities say Fedoruk beat Serhiy Ishchenko at their Ostrander-area home on Aug. 1, 2011, and placed his bloodied body in bushes near the residence.

Fedoruks mental state is at the heart of the case and is one of the reasons he is undergoing a second trial. An appeals court overthrew his first conviction, citing prosecutorial misconduct and an inadequate defense, which failed to raise an insanity defense early enough.

Fedoruk has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Muscatel said Fedoruks mental illness likely impaired his ability to understand the severity of his actions. Fedoruk understood that beating Ishchenko was hurting him, but he likely didnt understand that it was killing him, Muscatel explained.

Muscatel attributed Fedoruks behavior that night to a manic episode that could have been controlled had Fedoruk been consistently taking his anti-psychotic and mood-stabilizing drugs.

However, Western State Hospital psychologist Ray Hendrickson, testifying for the prosecution, said Fedoruk understood the nature and consequences of his actions when he was beating Ishchenko.

All of these facts that were related to us by Fedoruk suggest he knew what he was doing at the time. Did he understand the consequences of what he was doing? Theres evidence, Hendrickson said Wednesday.

Hendrickson said that in his interview with Fedoruk, the defendant recalled knowing Ishchenko was unconscious and seriously injured. He tried to administer CPR, and when that didnt work, Fedoruk told Hendrickson he used a wheelbarrow to carry Ishchenkos body toward the back of the property and hide it beneath brush, fearing that his sister would be angry with him.

The prosecution continued to hammer on trying to prove that Fedoruk was aware of what was happening. Pacific County Deputy Prosecutor Don Richter noted that Fedoruk concealed the jeans he was wearing when he fought Ishchenko.

So again we have a problem. Weve got bloody clothes. We have the defendant coming up with a solution  hiding them  and deploying that solution, Richter told Muscatel.

I would agree, Muscatel responded.

And thats all intentional behavior? Richter asked.

Correct, Muscatel affirmed.

The trial, now in its second week, is expected to end Friday.
An ongoing narcotics investigation led to the arrests of eight people at two West Longview residences Wednesday, according to the Longview Police Street Crimes Unit.

Agents also seized drug paraphernalia, heroin, methamphetamine, illegally possessed prescription narcotics and firearms at 4707 Ohio St., where they arrested:

34-year-old Raymond E. Chance, on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine

59-year-old Gerald R Hefley, on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine and possession of controlled prescription medication without a valid prescription

33-year-old Jeremy L. LeBeau, on suspicion of possession of heroin and an outstanding arrest warrant

Officers arrested the following people at 4657 Ohio St.:

30-year-old James R. Anfinson, on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and an outstanding felony warrant

35-year-old Brandon J. Smith, for an outstanding felony warrant

46-year-old Amy S. Ware, on suspicion of possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine and an outstanding felony warrant

28-year-old Whitney P. Ware, on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine

26-year-old Kent C. Whiting, on suspicion of possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of prescription medication without a prescription and an outstanding felony warrant.

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Narcotics Task Force and Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) assisted SCU as did Longview PDs patrol officers and detectives.
A 34-year-old man of Longview is the suspect in a case involving a stolen car and three hit-and-run accidents in Longview.

Cowlitz County sheriffs deputies on Monday received a call from several homeowners about an erratic driver who drove through their yards knocking down mailboxes, according to the sheriffs office press release.

The car that was witnessed was left abandoned in the area, and deputies discovered that a 1991 Chevrolet pickup was stolen nearby on Ammons Drive. The owner of the abandoned vehicle, Ryan Bell, told deputies he had loaned the car to Patrick Phillips, 34, of Longview.

Deputies on Tuesday were dispatched to a vehicle on Pilgrim Road 5 miles north of Longview, where they found Phillips walking in the area. Phillips phone was found in the stolen truck, according to the sheriffs office.

Phillips was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday and cited on suspicion of three hit-and-run accidents, possessing a stolen vehicle, driving with a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device.
After only a year as Woodlands police chief, Phil Crochet will resign at the end of this year, Mayor Will Finn confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

Finn said Crochet told him of the decision Thursday, though Crochet hasnt submitted his formal resignation. Finn said Crochet didnt give him a reason.

Since then its been something he hasnt talked about, Finn said by phone Wednesday. It is unfortunate. When we do look for a new chief, well try to find one that fits the city of Woodland.

Crochet could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.

Crochet arrived in Woodland after being a commander in the Austin Police Department in Texas and has faced many challenges in his short tenure. His department is understaffed and has faced lawsuits.

In March 2015, Crochet fired Detective David Plaza. A month later, Plaza sued the department for wrongful termination. Plaza had already sued the department for $2 million after alleging wrongdoing by former interim Chief Brad Gillaspie.

And last week, a former Oregon policewoman filed a $500,000 lawsuit against Gillaspie and another Woodland officer Brent Murray, alleging that the department wrongfully investigated her and violated her civil rights.

Finn said he is meeting with City Administrator Pete Boyce to come up with a hiring plan.
Leona Cliffton didnt go to her high school senior prom. Although she went to every dance at Kelsos Glide Hall, by the time prom came around during her last year at Kelso High in 1949 she was already married.

Sixty seven years later, she finally got another chance. The Cowlitz County Expo center reverberated the night of Sept. 27 with big band tunes as the third annual Seniors Prom got under way.

The event, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington and Lower Columbia CAP, attracted about 120 people. Additional partners this year included Kaiser Permanente, Fibre Federal Credit Union, Koelsch Senior Communities, Prestige Senior Living, Highlander Place, Somerset Retirement Home, Woodland Care Facility, Amada Senior Care and Burgerville.

We do it for those who cant afford (other) events like this, said organizer Kelli Sweet. We try to keep costs low so we can make sure those people ... can come, because there are not a lot of events in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum counties like this.

As the night began, only a handful of couples braved the dance floor while the rest sat at tables decorated with small vases of flowers. They sipped coffee and nibbled on cookies while tapping their toes to the best of Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Duke Ellington played by the Providence Hospital Big Band.

Though she said she couldnt dance a step now, Cliffton remembered that she had enjoyed doing the two-step with her husband. That was when we were young and fancy free, she added.

It was the first prom for many other attendees as well, including Janet Maas, 74. She sported a blue corsage, pinned to her matching blue blouse and white cardigan.

I didnt like the boys I went to school with, Maas said. They were immature, I guess is what you would call it.

This prompted a deep laugh from her husband, Don, who went to every dance he could while attending Grant High School in Portland.

We had probably the largest graduating class in the history of the school, with all the war babies, Don said. There were 1,200 students in my graduating class.

The music was one of Tuesday nights main attraction, the Maases said.

This is wonderful, Janet said. Our favorite show on television was Lawrence Welk. We enjoy big band music.

As the night went on, the dance floor filled up.

Sandy and Gary Bennett, both 72, could hardly stay in their seats the entire night.

Weve been dancing since high school, Gary said.

We were high school sweethearts, Sandy added.

They both remembered their senior prom at Roosevelt High School in Seattle, which they attended together.

We had a great band, Gary recalled. And we got all dressed up in formal attire.

On that night, Gary wore a tuxedo, while Sandy wore a strapless dress with a fitted bodice and flared skirt. It was soft blue, very soft, her husband remembered.

Their high school prom was a special occasion. It was the first time we got to dance together, Sandy said.

Sharon Mathena, 73, and Terry Teschner, 70, were the first couple on the floor Tuesday night and were among the last to leave.

We just like to dance, Mathena said. This is our first night out in a while.

The occasion brought back memories of Teschners high school prom. The year was 1964. Teschner and his classmates got all dressed up to dance at the Olympic Hotel in Seattle.

My high school sweetheart Sheila ran off with Rudy Rodriguez, Teschner said. But thats okay. I went on to live three, four more lifetimes after that. Thats how life goes.
A state psychologist has found that David Altman is mentally unable to defend himself against charges that he murdered his father.

On Oct. 4, Altman will have a hearing on whether to forcibly medicate him in an attempt to restore him to competency, at which point he could be put on trial.

Altman, 52, allegedly beat, gagged and stabbed Bernie Altman, a well-known local mental health advocate, on Aug. 25 at their Kelso home. Bernie Altman, who was 92, died on Sept. 8.

Altman is charged with two counts of first-degree domestic violence murder, second-degree domestic violence murder and third-degree assault. A jury could potentially convict him of all three murder counts, but a judge would ultimately dismiss two of them.

Western State Hospital psychologist Simone Viljoen wrote in her Sept. 19 report that while David Altman could understand the proceedings against him, due to a mental disorder, (he) lacks the capacity to assist in his own defense. She placed him on the schizophrenia spectrum.

Viljoen said Altmans disorganized, rambling and tangential speech and thought processes might make it difficult for him to rationally communicate with his attorney. Viljoen also noted that David Altman had expansive/grandiose mood and delusional thinking. His impaired judgment and insight, she wrote, will likely prevent him from recognizing the role of mental illness in his behavior, and will likely lead to resistance of mediation attempts.

There have been several local high-profile cases in which judges have ordered defendants to be forcibly medicated to restore their mental capacity to stand trial.

Sergey Fedoruk of Kelso is currently on trial for second-degree murder in the 2011 death of his brother-in-law (see story on Page B1). In 2011, Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning ruled Fedoruk was a danger to himself and others and that he could be involuntary medicated.

In 2014, Columbia County Circuit Court Judge Ted Grove ordered Daniel Butts, the Kalama man accused of killing Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter in 2011, to be forcibly medicated in hopes of making him fit to stand trial.

David Altman pleaded guilty to assaulting his father in 2012, after which Bernie Altman got a no-contact order against his son. It expired in October 2014. He was also arrested in January 2014 for allegedly threatening a friend.

According to letters his father and sister previously wrote to the courts, David Altman had had outbursts in the past, including yelling at neighbors and expressing delusions. David Altmans sister wrote that she worried her brother was a danger to their parents.

Bernie Altman wrote that his son needed to be treated against his will for his health problems, which also included Tourettes syndrome.
Lizards belong to the group of Squamate reptiles and with more than 6,000 species are kept on overwhelming the environmentalists since eras. The types of reptiles havent limited to any particular number as over time; ecologists have been finding new species and new types of lizards from different corners of the world and the latest location to house a new species is India-based Mumbai.

New types of ground staying reptile from the class Chyrtodactylus has been found in the Mumbai-based Goregaon. The new ground-dwelling lizard was spotted in Aarey Colony of Goregaon and Badlapur forested belts of Thane. The lizard earlier was thought to be the same kind as Geckoella collegalensis until this revelation but with this new disclosure, it is proved to be a new kind of lizards. The lizard has been named after Varad Giri, a scientist from Pune-based Indian Herpetological Society. The last lizard was found before 130 years, and the new one is named after a Bengaluru-based researcher Varad Giri.

During an extensive research on ecology held by Dr. Ishan Agarwal from Villanova University, USA, this new species was spotted in Goregaon, Mumbai, and Thanes Badlapur forests. Named as Cyrtodactylus varadgirii, the new species has enlarged the existing portfolio of lizards in the world. Along with Dr. Ishan Agarwal, this research was also assisted by Zeeshan Mirza and Anurag Mishra from National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, Saunak Pal of Bombay Natural History Society and Dr. Aaron Bauer of Villanova University, USA. The research was quite extensive and is kept on going since last six years.

As described by Mr. Agarwal and his colleagues about the new species, previously, this new lizard which is named as Cyrtodactylus Varadgirii, or Giris Geckoella was thought to be Geckoella Collegalensis. But based on the reports of DNA test and morphological characters, it is proved to be a new type of lizard and Mumbai is the first place to house such species.

The new species was named after the Bengaluru-based researcher Varad Giri and on attending the auspicious occasion, Mr. Giri addressed to the media on Tuesday, and this new invention is the outcome of the long and continuous stabs of the lead author Ishan Agarwal and Aaron Bauer of Villanova University, USA. He also didnt forget to tribute Zeeshan Mirza and Anurag Mishra from National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, and Saunak Pal of Bombay Natural History Society for their in-depth and intellectual assistance in the 6-year long survey.

Apart from this, Mr. Giri additionally gave his announcement on the new species by saying that, this unusual species was seen while moving among the leaf litter on the woods floor. These types of lizards are dynamic among night and take shelter under rocks and logs in the day time. He also said that it grows to the length of around 6 centimeters. Though the majority of the known species of lizards are mostly found in forests, this new species is exceptional and is known to live around the human-conquered lands.
tech2 News Staff

We saw it coming, didn't we? BlackBerry has decided to shut its hardware division. The Canadian company will no longer build its signature smartphones. It was considered among the elite in the devices business in the mid 2000s. In fact, BlackBerry has been a classic example of how a company that once dominated the smartphone world, spiralled down to a downfall. The company has had a loyal following and so when the news about BlackBerry pulling the plug on its hardware business surfaced, it feels like an era has come to an end.

Just like Microsoft and Nokia  Research in Motion  as the company was known earlier, underestimated the iPhone and the growing Android market. Instead of evolving and adapting to changes, it did too little too late. The failed BB7 or BB10 weren't bad, but they weren't good enough for what the market was offering. The devices always fell short at competing with the iPhone or high-end Galaxy lineup from Samsung.

The company spend a lot of time playing catch up. For instance, the company believed that BB10 would help it bounce back and recover its eroded market share. However, by the time BB10 devices hit the market, most of its loyal following had either switched to iOS or Android. The company still has a segment that's loyal, but most of these people I know, use a BlackBerry alongside either an iPhone or Android smartphone. I have seen friends pull out the Priv and proudly talk about the capabilities of the BlackBerry Hub, whilst making a call from an iPhone.

However, it wasn't just about the touchscreen experience. The lack of apps played a huge role in its demise. Even its star performer BBM couldn't really keep users hooked, who were soon attracted to other messaging services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and so on. BlackBerry once enjoyed its position in the enterprise world, and among young users with its BBM. It's the advent of apps, and BlackBerry's inability to keep up with the pace that led to its rather slow death. The outrageous price tags that came with some its latest devices only made it worse. For instance, the Priv was a great device, but with app happy users and what the market has on offer, the company's hardware was almost dead when the price was announced. BlackBerry has lost the fan following, and the smaller base who still believe they are the BlackBerry boys or girls, are caught in the rift between how BlackBerry was great and should continue to improve, find the Android move distasteful and some even blame BlackBerry for abrupt product demises.

As a brand, Blackberry phones are long dead. BlackBerry CEO John Chen, who is hailed for keeping he company alive even after it was considered almost dead back in 2013, made a new announcement. Chen talked about a new strategy, wherein the company will focus on software. "Under this strategy, we are focusing on software development, including security and applications. The company plans to end all internal hardware development and will outsource that function to partners. This allows us to reduce capital requirements and enhance return on invested capital," Chen said.

The company has already implemented it with the enterprise-focused DTEK50 that runs BlackBerry software, but is built by TCL. So the Blackberry brand will be seen on devices, but via licensing, and not for the handset design. The company will focus licensing the 'more secure' Android and related apps. So, could this turn out to be a rather late jump onto the Android platform? Could it mean the company is inching closer to resting in peace? The smartphone industry is getting fiercer, older players are growing stronger, and newer adding some stiff competition, but BlackBerry woes didn't seem to end. It was just about time the company realised the smartphone industry has run miles ahead already.
tech2 News Staff

Google celebrated the hundred and seventeenth birthday of the inventor of the ball point pen, Ladislao Jose Biro. The Doodle shows an animation of the ball point pen mechanism. Biro was a newspaper editor from Budapest, Hungary. A problem with ink pens was that the ink took a long time to dry. Biro noticed that the ink used in the printing press for newspapers, dried very quickly compared to the conventional inks used in fountain pens. Biro approached his brother, a chemist, to create an ink that could be used in a ball point pen, and that would dry quickly.

There were ball point pens before Biro. An earlier version could write on hard surfaces such as wood and leather, but did not work as well on paper. A tiny ball in the tip at the end of a cylinder of ink were used for pens before Biro, but these faced many problems. The ink would dry up in the tube itself, clogging it up. Alternatively, the ink would leak out and the pen would smear. The ink would not be deposited evenly on the paper in other versions. There was just not a commercially viable version of the pen.

Biro and his brother managed to develop an ink that was exactly viscous enough to work. He first demonstrated a prototype at the Budapest fair in 1931, but patented the final product only in 1938. The British patent for Biro went on to be used internationally, including American and Canadian companies. Bic, Reynolds and Paper Mate were some of the companies who bagged the rights to sell pens based on the Biro patent.
Sheldon Pinto

In what appears to be an industry trend this year, smartphone manufacturers seem to be slapping dual-cameras on the backs of their flagship and mid-range smartphones. This is by no means is a gimmick and surely improves the quality of the images captured, depending on the way in which the dual-camera system is utilized.

And it is so much of a trend this year that even Apple has decided to add a dual-camera system on the back of its iPhone 7 Plus. With that said, Huawei has been the pioneer of the dual-camera system on smartphones and this began with the Honor 6 Plus.

Huawei at an event announced that it would be bringing its Honor 8 smartphone to India soon.

I got a chance to have a quick look at this remake of the Honor 6 Plus and these are my first impressions.

Design and build

The Huawei Honor 8 is a big revamp and a big step ahead for the companys Honor brand. It features an aluminium frame that is sandwiched on both sides by Cornings Gorilla Glass. Huawei states that there is a very detailed process involved in making the glass with a 2.5D effect that sits on both the front and the back of the device. This results in a seamless design no matter how you hold the Honor 8.

Below the 2.5D Gorilla Glass on the front lies the 5.2-inch Full HD display. Sitting right above it is an 8MP camera for selfies and a well-hidden notifications LED that is tucked into the receiver cavity.

Flipping the phone on its back reveals two 12MP cameras stacked side-by-side. One is a monochrome sensor while the other is an RGB unit which is similar to the stuff you would find on the recently announced Huawei P9 flagship. The two camera modules work in a manner similar to the P9 as well. Also located on the back is a fingerprint reader. As on recent smartphones this one can be pressed down and custom functions can be assigned to the same.

Coming to the sides, the left side of the frame features a SIM tray that can accept one nano SIM along with a microSD card. On the right we have the volume rocker and the power/unlock button located on the top half.

The top features a secondary mic and an IR blaster while the bottom features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB Type-C port and a speaker grille.

All-in-all the design looks impressive and feels solid.

Display

The Huawei Honor 8 features a 5.2-inch display that neither feels too big nor too small considering its good screen-to-body ratio. It features an LTPS display at Full HD resolution and this delivers a pixel density of 423 PPI, which is pretty good for mid-range device.

Hardware

The Huawei Honor 8 features a HiSilicon-designed Kirin 950 chipset. The chipset is paired with the Mali-T880 MP4 GPU and 4GB of RAM. The device features 32GB of internal storage which can be further expanded up to 256GB via the microSD card slot.

The HiSilicon chipset has been manufactured using the 16nm process, which translates to better battery life for consumers.

Performance and OS

The Honor 8 features Android 6.0 Marshmallow as the base with version 4.1 of Huaweis Emotion UI keeping things refreshed. During my short hands-on with the device, I did not notice any lag or stutter and apps opened and closed without delay. While users may not notice anything new, Huaweis Emotion UI is known to take good advantage of the underlying hardware in its smartphones. So Im hoping that an in-depth review of the same will reveal more.

Camera

With the Honor 8, it was expected that the company would take things further with the camera. And Huawei seems to have done just that with not one but two 12MP cameras at the rear. Add to this the laser assisted focus system and a contrast-based focus detection system, and you get a killer combination that locks focus accurately every single time. There are also plenty of shooting modes, including a Pro mode for capturing photos and recording videos. With the right pricing and a dual camera setup, could this be the one to take the mighty OnePlus 3 head on? Well, that would require some in-depth testing, so dont forget to check out my full review of the Honor 8s camera.

Battery and connectivity

The Honor 8 packs in a non-removable 3,000mAh battery. With a capacity that matches that of flagship smartphones. Combined with a 16nm chipset, we have some high expectations from the Honor 8. In terms of connectivity, the smartphone packs in pretty much everything under the sun. You get 4G bands, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (dual band), Bluetooth v4.2, GPS, NFC and an infrared port as well.

Conclusion

During my short hands on with the Huawei Honor 8 I must say that I was impressed. Impressed by the smartphone's build quality, hardware and the cameras (for now) which makes for a pretty strong contender in the mid-range space.

The mid-range space for most international brands is now threatened by lower priced flagships like the OnePlus 3, the Xiaomi Mi 5/5s and even Lenovos Z2 Plus that offer high-end chipsets for a really low price tag. But Huawei, with its dual-camera setup, does seem to have something special here. I just hope that the company prices it right.

Disclaimer: Our reporter was invited to Goa for the launch event and Huawei bore all expenses related to travel and stay. Every effort has however been made to keep this first impressions as unbiased as possible.
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NASA has signed an agreement with the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment (CAE) to cooperate on research that will help China's airports improve their management of air traffic, the U.S. space agency said late on Wednesday. China is the world's fastest growing aviation market but passengers often have to cope with long flight delays. Its aviation authorities routinely name and shame airports for poor management, slapping them with penalties such as bans on new flights.

The memorandum of understanding will see the two agencies use data from Chinese airports to identify potential efficiencies in air traffic management, with a view to improve air transportation automation for U.S. and Chinese aviation operations in the country. NASA said the agreement's details were discussed during NASA administrator Charles Bolden's visit in August, when he met with the CAE and the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

"China is expected to see a substantial increase in air travel in the near future," Bolden said. "Our ability to work closely together will help to improve predictability of ground delays so air carriers can better plan departures to increase efficiencies. That will have a positive impact on U.S. carriers operating in China and the global aviation community." In July, the official news agency Xinhua said China plans to invest as much as 50 billion yuan ($7.49 billion)to develop its air traffic management system.

Reuters
tech2 News Staff

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning that certain models of Samsung top-loading washing machines have safety issues.

This warning was issued following reports that some of the machines had exploded. Yes, you read that right, they exploded.

CNN Money reports that the models in question were manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016, but state that the CPSC did not specify the models.

Customers in Texas, Georgia and Indiana have reported their exploding washing machines and many of them have now filed a federal class-action lawsuit against the company.

The lawsuit mentions the exploding washing machines, but also alleges that Samsung "has moved aggressively to collect and destroy all evidence of the defective machines" after they exploded.

Samsung has issued a statement on the matter, stating that In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items.

You can check if your washing machine is among those affected by heading here.

So far, there have been at least 21 reports of Samsung washing machines blowing up.

A Texas woman is quoted as saying that, the machine exploded with such ferocity that it penetrated the interior wall of the garage.

Samsung is already in serious trouble over the worldwide recall of their flagship Galaxy Note 7 devices. Recent reports of safe Note 7s exploding in China are only adding to their woes.

Poor Samsung, they just cant seem to catch a break.
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The Tamil Nadu government will supply around 5.36 lakh laptops during the 2016-17 academic year under its scheme to provide free laptops to students, state Information Technology (IT) Minister M. Manikandan said on Wednesday.

The AIADMK government, during its previous five-year term, had supplied around 32.35 lakh free laptops to the students, he said.

He was speaking at the 'Connect 2016', an annual conference and exhibition on information and communication technology (ICT), organised here by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

On the e-governance initiatives of the state government, Manikandan said 10,486 e-seva centres are functioning in the state to enable people to use online facility for getting birth/death certificates and others.

The minister said that during a global investors meet last year, Rs 10,950 crore investments in the IT sector was attracted.

According to Kris Gopalakrishnan, one of the founders of Infosys, the Indian IT sector is growing at 10 per cent per annum and has the potential to create a large number of jobs.

He said the sector is expected to add around one lakh jobs.

Vijay K. Thadani, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of NIIT Ltd., said digitisation is the next wave of specialisation and the education system should focus on this area.

He said many IT companies are now reskilling their workforce in digital technology.

IANS
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The US strongly supports the Digital India programme and Indian efforts to bring connectivity to large population and is willing to share its expertise, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of US-India Cyber Dialogue, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy Daniel Sepulveda said that the future is in mobile space.

"We share common interests and US has its expertise to share. We will share our best practices between the regulators," he said.

Speaking on the Indian connectivity market, he said that the US was "bullish on Indian market and so is our industry". "India has the world largest offline population and second largest online population," he said.

Noting the relation between US and India is strongest today and his country has a lot of technologies to share in the 5G wireless spectrum, Sepulveda said: "We really believe in this market. Future of internet requires the developing countries to lead especially India. In area where India and US cooperate, the world follows."

In Delhi for the Cyber Dialogue, Sepulveda, is also responsible for issues that deal with internet freedom, the technical functioning of the internet, and internet governance, will meet several Indian officials during his two day visit.

IANS
tech2 News Staff

Update 29 September 20:55  In response to this post, WhatsApp has reached out with a response attributed to its spokesperson: WhatsApp will comply with the order from the Delhi High Court. We plan to proceed with the privacy policy and terms update in accordance with the Courts order. The Courts emphasis on the importance of user choice and consent is encouraging.

WhatsApp has refused to comply with a Delhi High Court order to delete all user data collected before 25 September. The order required WhatsApp to also delete the data of all users who opted out of WhatsApps new privacy policy.

WhatsApp spokesperson Anne Yeh reportedly told Mashable India that, "The ruling has no impact on the planned policy and terms of service updates. The company stated that they will share all information with Facebook as planned, in direct violation of the order.

The changes as outlined by WhatsApps updated privacy policy came into effect on 25 September. The company had originally promised to safeguard user privacy and, in fact, rolled out features like end-to-end encryption to further cement their word.

However, with their updated privacy policy, theyve completely gone back on their word. If you accept the policy, the company now has the right to collect as much information on you as your account and phone can provide them. This includes, but is not limited to, location data, device data, email IDs, phone numbers, contact details, when you were last seen online, etc.

Given the fact that the service uses end-to-end encryption it does seem like your messages at least will not be accessible. But for how long?

The new policy gives WhatsApp the right to share all of this information with Facebook and its affiliated advertisers.

Following the update, two Indian students approached the Delhi High Court, alleging that WhatsApps updated privacy policy violated the rights and privacy of millions of users.

WhatsApp is also under fire in Germany over the same issue. A German privacy regulator ordered WhatsApp to stop collecting and storing data of German users and to delete all data that has been collected thus far.

The German regulator accused the company of misleading the public and infringing national data protection law.

WhatsApp has decided to appeal the order in Germany.

WhatsApp has an estimated 100 million active users in India and 35 million active users in Germany.

If you're worried about your privacy, it might be a good idea to try a different messaging service like Telegram.
tech2 News Staff

Xiaomi is considered to be one of the most valuable startups today. Its growth path has been impressive, of course with a fair share of hurdles. The company attract users with its superior devices at lucrative prices and also by introducing the then unique flash sales into the smartphone world. Xiaomi didn't shy away from offline presence, though limited. However, Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi recently spoke about the company's ambitious plans at expanding offline stores from 25 to 1000 by 2020.

According to Shanghai Daily, Jun said, "We want consumers to touch and test our products with the core technologies in the stores. We have adapted our strategies Xiaomi will open 1,000 stores by 2020."

This isn't something new or surprising as the company had made it intentions clear right at the start of the year. In India, the company started sales via online channels or rather flash sales, but soon started taking strides into the offline world. The reason for doing so is simple  to boost sales volumes. And, it wouldnt be wrong to say, the company is looking to expanding its reach in the country.

The company recent launched Redmi 3S and Redmi 3S Prime in the country priced at Rs 6,999 and Rs 8,999, respectively. The phones were initially available via online channels, but unlike before, the company opted for open sale instead of flash sales with limited units. For us, online is the dominant channel and we are trying to build a base for offline in India, Manu Jain, India chief, Xiaomi. You can find out more about the new Redmi 3S Prime here.

It was just last month that Jain revealed Xiaomi presently registers 90 percent of its sales from online channel in India, and is planning to double offline presence over the next few months. It all seems like a part of a big plan. Read on why expanding its offline channels is something the company just needs right now here.
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College is a time to make mistakes and learn from them. A night of drinking before a test is never a smart idea, and normally you can take this wisdom with you and move on. Those tiny moments are what college is all about. Alabama linebacker Tim Williams, a highly rated player on Mel Kipers big board, made a mistake this week, but it was far from normal.

Williams was arrested and charged with carrying a pistol without a permit Thursday morning. For someone that is going to be in the limelight every coming Sunday, this seems like a less than smart move.

Court records obtained by TideSports.com give you the essentials regarding the incident.

UAPD officers approached Williams Chevrolet Impala in the parking lot at Publix on University Blvd. UAPD smelled marijuana and upon search of the vehicle found a clear plastic bag containing marijuana in the center console, according to court records, and a Glock 41 pistol under the drivers seat. Williams was in the passengers seat and another man was in the drivers seat. The driver told officers that the marijuana was his, and that he was holding it for a friend named Brandon Chicken. Williams told police that the gun was his and that hed purchased in from a gun store in Louisiana nearly a month ago. The gun store gave him a temporary permit for the gun, he said, but he didnt have it in his possession. Williams produced the receipt for the gun to show officers, saying that he thought it would qualify for a pistol permit.

I would very much like to meet this Brandon Chicken, as far as made up names go, that is pretty far down the list. I would put it right next to Kevin Turkey and Chris Quayle.

Williams was booked at 2:09 am and was released on a $300 bond. As of this writing, no statement was available from the team.

[TideSports]
Ex-Coast Guard DG Shafiq held on Tk7cr graft charge

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested former director general of Bangladesh Coast Guard Shafiq-ur-Rahman in the city early Thursday in connection with a Tk7 crore fund

embezzlement case.



An ACC team led by its deputy director SM Rafiqul Islam conducted a

raid on the Mohakhali DOHS residence of Shafiq-ur-Rahman and arrested

him in the dead of night for embezzling around Tk7 crore fund meant

for purchasing 11,100 tonnes of wheat, said ACC public relations

officer Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya.



The case was filed against five people, including the ex-Bangladesh

Coast Guard chief, with the Bureau of Anti-Corruption (Bac), now defunct, in 1998 for embezzling the Tk 7 crore fund. -- Dhaka, Sept 29 (UNB)
News in brief

China warns Japan not to 'play with fire' in South China Sea

AFP, Beijing

China on Thursday warned Japan against "playing with fire" in the contested waters of the South China Sea, after Tokyo announced it may patrol alongside the US in the region.

China also sent fighter planes for the first time over a strait near Japan on Monday as part of a group of more than 40 jets headed to train in the West Pacific.



32 people missing in China landslides

AP, Beijing

At least 32 people were reported missing Thursday after rain-saturated hillsides collapsed onto villages in southeastern China following a typhoon.

A rescue operation was underway in Sucun village in China's Zhejiang province, south of the financial hub of Shanghai, after it was hit by a landslide on Wednesday evening, leaving 26 missing, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

Another six people are missing in Baofeng village, also in Zhejiang, after a landslide destroyed their homes.



75,000 could starve to death in Nigeria

AP, Lagos

As many as 75,000 children will die over the next year in famine-like conditions created by Boko Haram if donors don't respond quickly, the U.N. Children's Fund is warning. That's far more than the 20,000 people killed in the seven-year Islamic uprising.

The severity of malnutrition levels and high number of children facing death make the humanitarian crisis confronting northeastern Nigeria perhaps the worst in the world, according to Arjan de Wagt, nutrition chief for UNICEF in Nigeria. He said children already are dying but donors are not responding.



Philippine Maoists won't give up arms

Reuters, Manila

Philippine Maoist guerrillas will not surrender their weapons even if a peace deal is reached with the government of President Rodrigo Duterte, the rebels' chief negotiator said on Thursday, a potential deal-breaker in the current talks.

The Philippines and the rebels declared indefinite unilateral ceasefires in Oslo last month as part of an accord to accelerate efforts to end a conflict that has lasted almost five decades and killed at least 40,000 people.
Duterte declares upcoming Philippines-US war games `the last one`

Reuters, Hanoi :

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte plunged one of the United States' most important Asian alliances deeper into uncertainty on Wednesday by declaring upcoming U.S.-Philippines military exercises "the last," and ruling out any joint navy patrols.

The firebrand Duterte pledged to honor a longstanding security treaty with the United States, but said China opposed joint marine drills in the Philippines starting next week and there would be no more war games with Washington after that.

"I am serving notice now to the Americans, this will be the last military exercise," Duterte said during a visit to Vietnam. "Jointly, Philippines-U.S.: the last one."

Duterte's remarks gave one of the strongest signs yet of fissures in a historic alliance that Washington has relied upon as it tries to cement its influence in Asia to counterbalance China's rapid rise. Duterte's foreign minister later said his comments had been taken out of context.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said he was not aware of any official notification from the Philippines about ending joint exercises.

"Our focus is on the relationship today and moving it forward," Kirby told a regular news briefing.



"We continue to believe that that's possible. ... (W)e have significant security commitments with the Philippines. We're committed to meeting those commitments and to furthering this relationship."

The Philippines military and U.S. Marines are to hold annual amphibious landing exercises from Oct. 4 to 12. Military leaders from the countries have also started preparing for a new set of exercises next year.

Duterte said he would establish "new alliances for trade and commerce" with Russia and China, but would maintain security agreements with Washington.

His near-daily outbursts against the United States began in earnest last month, when he spoke of alleged atrocities a century ago by the United States when it was the Philippines' colonial ruler.

He has called President Barack Obama a "son of a bitch" and said he would order the pullout of the remaining U.S. special forces stationed in the Philippines' restive south.

Duterte told a gathering of the Filipino community in Hanoi there would be no chance of naval patrols with Washington because they risked dragging the Philippines into conflict with China.

The Philippines and China have long sparred over sovereignty in the South China Sea, and Manila and Washington have shared concerns about China's military clout and pursuit of broad maritime claims.




US to send 600 more troops to Iraq for Mosul offensive

US soldiers speaking as they train Iraq\'s 72nd Brigade taking part in a live-fire exercise in Basmaya base, southeast of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

AFP, Albuquerque :

The United States will send about 600 extra troops to Iraq to train local forces for an offensive on the Islamic State group stronghold of Mosul, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Wednesday.

IS seized Mosul along with other areas in June 2014, but the country's forces have since regained significant ground from the jihadists and are readying for a drive to retake Iraq's second-largest city.

"These (US) forces will be primarily to enable Iraqi security forces, and also peshmerga, in the operations to isolate and collapse ISIL's control over Mosul," Carter told reporters on a work trip to New Mexico, using an IS acronym. Peshmerga are Kurdish fighters.

"Also to protect and expand Iraqi security forces' gains elsewhere in Iraq," he added.

The US forces will head to Qayyarah, a strategically vital air base 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Mosul that will help funnel supplies and troops toward the city, as well as to other locations including the joint Iraqi-US Al Asad air base.

They notably will beef up flight capabilities at Al Asad for night operations and operations in low visibility, such as poor weather.

A US-led coalition is carrying out air strikes against IS in Iraq, and Washington has already authorized the deployment of more than 4,600 military personnel to the country.

Most are in advisory or training roles, working with Iraqi and peshmerga forces, but some American troops have fought IS on the ground, and three members of the US military have been killed by the jihadists in Iraq.

Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office indicated it had requested "a final increase in the number of American trainers and advisers" to support Iraqi troops in the northern city.

The statement from Abadi's office noted that US forces are helping Iraq in its battle against the jihadists. But their presence remains extremely politically sensitive due to the nine-year war the United States fought in the country.

The statement said the number of trainers and advisers would start to be reduced as soon as Mosul is retaken from IS, and also asserted that no American troops had fought alongside Iraqi troops.

In reality, American special forces have fought IS alongside Iraqi Kurdish forces on several occasions that have been made public, and likely in other operations that have not come to light.

Carter said the additional US forces would be tasked with training Iraqis, gathering intelligence and providing logistical support for the Mosul push.

"But I need to make clear... American forces combating ISIL in Iraq are in harm's way... no one should be in any doubt about that," Carter said.

How long they will stay is up to the Iraqis, Carter insisted.

"We are certainly to continue to help the Iraqi security forces in whatever measure and manner they wish to consolidate the control over their country after they've recaptured this last major ISIL center," he said.

According to Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis, the new deployment is for 615 troops. That would bring total US forces in Iraq to 5,262.

The actual number would be higher than that because the tally does not include certain assignments.




OPEC agrees shock oil output cut

AFP, Singapore :

OPEC shocked markets with a deal to cut oil output after kingpin Saudi Arabia allowed bitter rival Iran to be exempted, but analysts warned Thursday the move would not likely have a lasting impact. The cartel's announcement of the first reduction in eight years sent crude prices surging up to six percent Wednesday, while energy firms in the US and Asia followed suit with huge gains.

At the end of six hours of negotiations and weeks of horse trading, OPEC announced the plan to cut production to 32.5-33 million barrels per day from the 33.47 million in August, the International Energy Agency said. The deal, in Algiers during an informal meeting with Russia, was hammered out after the group's biggest producer Saudi Arabia agreed Iran, which is ramping up output after years of Western economic sanctions, would be exempted from the cut.

A Saudi-led effort to freeze output collapsed in April after Iran refused to participate in a reduction.

"It is Saudi Arabia who has clearly blinked first, allowing Iran, its main rival, to ramp up production," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

"We shouldn't underestimate the major shift by Saudi Arabia," he told AFP. "These two don't see eye to eye on anything so this is a huge concession by Saudi Arabia to 'lubricate' the process."
AL celebrates birth anniv of Hasina

Chittagong Bureau :

Chittagong City Awami League (AL) and its front organisations Wednesday celebrated the 70th birthday of its President and Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a simple manner.

The programmes of the birthday celebration were curtailed at the death of reputed writer and celebrated litterateur Sayed Shamsul Haq.To mark the day, Chittagong city AL organized a discussion meeting at the Muslim Institute Hall the evening Former Mayor and President of Chittagong city Awami League A B M Mohiuddin Chowdhury presided over the function while City Mayor and General Secretary of city AL A J M Nasir Uddin, Vice Chancellor of Premier University Dr Anupom Sen, Vice Presidents of Chittagong City AL Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury, Noyeem Uddin Chowdhury, AL leaders - Bodiul Alam, Advocate Iftaker Saimul Chowdhury and panel mayor Hasan Mahmud Hasni, among others, addressed the function.

They prayed for long life of Sheikh Hasina, who is continuing her relentless efforts to bring smiles on the faces of the teeming millions by eradicating hunger, poverty and illiteracy. Chittagong South District AL organised a discussion meeting in its office with its President Muslem Uddin in the chair.

Chittagong north district organize a discussion meeting at its office yesterday.

Special prayers were offered in all places of worships, including mosques, temple and monasteries, seeking her long life and sound health as well as continued peace and progress of the nation.


Seattle South Asian Film Festival to open with Aynabaji

The 11th Seattle South Asian Film Festival( SSAFF) is scheduled to kick-off on October 14 in Seattle, US. The festivals Opening Night Gala at Seattle Art Museum will feature Bangladeshi drama Aynabaji. Amitabh Reza Choudhurys debut film is a dark and engrossing urban thriller about an obsessive actor who gets paid handsomely to serve jail time for the rich and powerful of Dhaka. Its a great gig until he falls for the girl of his dreams. The film's director Amitabh Chowdhury and lead actor Chanchal Chowdhury will attend the festival.
Voting for a better US political system

Jeffrey Frankel :

The American political train has gone off the rails, and it seems farther than ever from getting back on track. There has been a lot of finger pointing, with commentators blaming issues like gerrymandering, rising economic inequality, the campaign finance system, and unbalanced journalism. But the public cannot address these genuine flaws in the system directly. What they can do is tackle another fundamental problem: low voter turnout.

The beauty of democracy is that, if people vote, they can effect change. It may not happen as quickly as they would like, and the candidates may not always be ideal. But voters can still help shape their country's future.

Nowadays, many are politically disillusioned. With the rich and powerful pulling the strings, ordinary people feel that they have no influence on electoral outcomes. So, they conclude, they might as well not register or show up to vote. This behavior is most prominent among young people and some ethnic groups, particularly Latinos and Asian-Americans. To be sure, complaints about US politics are not unfounded. Income inequality is on the rise, with the top 1% holding a vastly disproportionate amount of wealth, while middle- and lower-class incomes remain largely stagnant. And there is too much money in politics, exemplified by the influence of interest groups like the National Rifle Association.

It is worth noting that in US politics, the money overwhelmingly goes into advertising and other campaign activities, not the pockets of corrupt officials. But there is still an urgent need to address the outsize role of large donors. The Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United, which opened the floodgates for political contributions by corporations, should be reversed. And concerted steps must be taken to achieve greater income equality.

But there is a way for the public to address both inequality and campaign finance: vote.

A citizen who stays home, rather than voting for the candidate he or she prefers, is merely reinforcing the impact of the fat cat who donates to the opposing candidate's campaign. If people want any say over their country's direction, they must do their part to elect the most appropriate candidate.

As usual, in November's US presidential election, it is the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, whose platform includes policies that will promote greater economic equality, including a more progressive tax system, higher wages, and universal health insurance. With enough support in Congress, Clinton would enact these policies. The Republic candidate, Donald Trump, favors the opposite policies: cutting taxes for the rich, keeping wages low, and rolling back health-care reforms.

(Jeffrey Frankel, a professor at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, previously served as a member of President Bill Clinton's Council of Economic Advisers)

Courtesy: Project Syndicate







Likewise, the Democrats want Citizens United reversed, whereas the Republicans want it upheld. Because the next US president will have the opportunity to appoint at least one Supreme Court justice (and potentially up to four), a vote for Clinton may well be a vote for overturning a decision that has contributed to voter disillusionment. While that outcome is not guaranteed, one thing is: an angry blog post about how the system is rigged, or a vote for a third-party candidate with no chance of winning, will have no effect - or worse.

In fact, a "protest" vote for an impossible third-party candidate can produce an outcome that is much farther from one's own values than a vote for a candidate who has a platform more closely resembling that of the "ideal" choice. In 2000, the 2.9 million votes that were cast for the Green Party's candidate, Ralph Nader, cost Democratic candidate Al Gore the election.

While not all Nader voters would have preferred Gore to his Republican opponent, George W. Bush, evidence suggests that they favored him by almost 2:1. Had Nader supporters cast their vote for a major party candidate, they would have delivered Gore more than enough votes to secure his victory - he lost Florida by only 537 votes - and ended up with a president whose values were much more closely aligned with their own.

In the upcoming election, another Green Party candidate, Jill Stein, threatens to draw votes from Clinton, in favor of Trump. While Clinton may not be the ideal candidate for many of those voting for Stein, her platform is surely much more "green" than Trump's. Yet protest votes, together with protest non-votes, could produce a decidedly brown outcome.

This risk should be starkly apparent, given the United Kingdom's experience in its June referendum on European Union membership. When it emerged that 52% of the votes were for "Leave," many young people were furious; almost 75% of 18-24-year-olds wanted to remain part of the EU. But only one-third of them had actually voted. Meanwhile, more than 80% of voters aged 65 and older cast their ballots, largely for Brexit. If young people had turned out at just half the rate of the old, the margin probably would have been reversed.

Some countries have found a way to boost voter participation. Australia, for example, has made voting mandatory, with a small fine for noncompliance; as a result, it achieves 94% voter turnout, on average, compared to 57% in the 2012 US presidential election. A less drastic step that the US might take would be to move Election Day from Tuesday, when some people cannot leave work, to the weekend.

One might argue that voting should require motivation and effort, in order to weed out those who are uninformed or uninterested in politics. But this argument applies to only some of those who do not show up to vote. Many others, particularly in the US, follow the news and care about national politics, but stay home on Election Day because they believe their votes don't matter. But the truth is that their votes will determine the outcome of the election.

President Barack Obama said it best at the Democratic National Convention in July, when a few delegates booed the mention of Trump's name: "Don't boo. Vote!" That is a message that must be repeated, like a mantra, until November.

(Jeffrey Frankel, a professor at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, previously served as a member of President Bill Clinton's Council of Economic Advisers)

Courtesy: Project Syndicate




Economic implications of the nation-state

Robert J. Shiller :

For the past several centuries, the world has experienced a sequence of intellectual revolutions against oppression of one sort or another. These revolutions operate in the minds of humans and are spread - eventually to most of the world - not by war (which tends to involve multiple causes), but by language and communications technology. Ultimately, the ideas they advance - unlike the causes of war - become noncontroversial.

I think the next such revolution, likely sometime in the twenty-first century, will challenge the economic implications of the nation-state. It will focus on the injustice that follows from the fact that, entirely by chance, some are born in poor countries and others in rich countries. As more people work for multinational firms and meet and get to know more people from other countries, our sense of justice is being affected.

This is hardly unprecedented. In his book 1688: The First Modern Revolution, the historian Steven Pincus argues convincingly that the so-called "Glorious Revolution" is best thought of not in terms of the overthrow of a Catholic king by parliamentarians in England, but as the beginning of a worldwide revolution in justice. Don't think battlefields. Think, instead, of the coffeehouses with free, shared newspapers that became popular around then - places for complex communications. Even as it happened, the Glorious Revolution clearly marked the beginning of a worldwide appreciation of the legitimacy of groups that do not share the "ideological unity" demanded by a strong king.

Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense, a huge bestseller in the Thirteen Colonies when it was published in January 1776, marked another such revolution, which was not identical with the Revolutionary War against Britain that began later that year (and had multiple causes). The reach of Common Sense is immeasurable, because it wasn't just sold but was also read aloud at churches and meetings. The idea that hereditary monarchs were somehow spiritually superior to the rest of us was decisively rejected. Most of the world today, including Britain, agrees.

The same could be said of the gradual abolition of slavery, which was mostly achieved not by war, but by an emerging popular recognition of its cruelty and injustice. The 1848 uprisings around Europe were substantially a protest against voting laws that limited voting to only a minority of men: property holders or aristocrats. Women's suffrage followed soon after. In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, we have seen civil rights extended to racial and sexual minorities.

All of the past "justice revolutions" have stemmed from improved communications. Oppression thrives on distance, on not actually meeting or seeing the oppressed.

The next revolution will not abolish the consequences of place of birth, but the privileges of nationhood will be tempered. While the rise in anti-immigrant sentiment around the world today seems to point in the opposite direction, the sense of injustice will be amplified as communications continue to grow. Ultimately, recognition of wrong will wreak big changes.

For now, this recognition still faces strong competition from patriotic impulses, rooted in a social contract among nationals who have paid taxes over the years or performed military service to build or defend what they saw as exclusively theirs. Allowing unlimited immigration would seem to violate this contract.

But the most important steps to address birthplace injustice probably will not target immigration. Instead, they will focus on fostering economic freedom.

In 1948, Paul A. Samuelson's "factor-price equalization theorem" lucidly showed that under conditions of unlimited free trade without transportation costs (and with other idealized assumptions), market forces would equalize the prices of all factors of production, including the wage rate for any standardized kind of labor, around the world. In a perfect world, people don't have to move to another country to get a higher wage. Ultimately, they need only be able to participate in producing output that is sold internationally.

As technology reduces the cost of transportation and communications to near the vanishing point, achieving this equalization is increasingly feasible. But getting there requires removing old barriers and preventing the erection of new ones.

Recent free-trade agreements under discussion, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, have suffered setbacks as interest groups attempt to bend them to their own aims. But, ultimately, we need - and probably will get - even better such agreements.

To achieve factor-price equalization, people need a stable base for a real lifetime career connected to a country in which they do not physically reside. We also need to protect the losers to foreign trade in our existing nation-states. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) traces its roots in the United States back to 1974. Canada experimented in 1995 with an Earnings Supplement Project. The European Globalization Adjustment Fund, started in 2006, has a tiny annual budget of 150 million ($168.6 million). US President Barack Obama has proposed to expand the TAA program. But, so far, this has meant little more than experiments or proposals.

Ultimately, the next revolution will likely stem from daily interactions on computer monitors with foreigners whom we can see are intelligent, decent people - people who happen, through no choice of their own, to be living in poverty. This should lead to better trade agreements, which presuppose the eventual development of orders of magnitude more social insurance to protect people within a country during the transition to a more just global economy.

(Robert J. Shiller, a 2013 Nobel laureate in economics, is Professor of Economics at Yale University and the co-creator of the Case-Shiller Index of US house prices).

Courtesy: Project Syndicate


Big projects without bidding is not acceptable

ACCORDING to media report government has taken a major project aimed at facilitating state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation to transport 4.5 million tonnes of crude oil and 1.5 million tonnes of diesel a year through two pipelines directly from mother vessels in deep sea to its onshore storage. The project was included in Annual Development programme of the government in 2012-13 fiscal year. It is known that in December 2015, the government approved in principle the unsolicited proposal from a state-owned Chinese company for the installation of single point mooring with double pipeline under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act 2010. Under this approval in principle, the Energy Division along with Petroleum Corporation and the Chinese Corporation finalised the cost of the project at $ 550 million through negotiations, on July 12, 2016. It has been known from concerned source that the project includes constructing a floating jetty in the deep sea near Moheshkhali Island, a tank firm, power plant and pump at the island and installation of two 220km submarine pipelines from the jetty to storages at Anwara in Chittagong.

There is no doubt that the project, once implemented will enhance the speed of working capacity of BPC and will reduce its procuring cost. At the same time it will help at least to reduce spillage and pilferage of oil. But the process adopted to implement the project is not acceptable. Media report disclosed, the energy and Mineral Resources Division will send a team of its officials to Angola and Abu Dhabi where the Chinese firm has installed similar pipelines to evaluate the capabilities of the contractor appointed for the implementation of the project and the cost of similar job. The foreign trip might not be needed if the contractors were appointed and the project was implemented through competitive bidding. According to sources the team would prepare a report after examining single point moorings installed by China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Corporation in Angola and Abu Dhabi. The report will also include a comparative study on the cost of those projects. The Energy Division will send the report to the Cabinet Committee on government purchase with the proposed contract with the Chinese Corporation for approval. It is a lengthy process. So, the government had not save time by awarding the contract without bidding. Rather it may pave the way for corruption and escalation of project cost. We deplore the process as it lacks transparency.
India hits back

38 killed in surgical strikes across LoC: Pakistan denies, says 2 soldiers killed in cross-border firing

INDIA Today :

The Indian Army today said it has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, killing several terrorists and causing significant casualties to their hideouts.

"The Army has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC and significant casualties have been caused. The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory," Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) Lt General Ranbir Singh said today in a joint press conference with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Army said special commandos crossed the LoC last night, conducted the operation in the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and returned to the Indian side without any casualty. The Air Force was not involved in the surgical strike. The Army has claimed to have killed at least 38. The entire operation was monitored for the entire night by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval from the Army headquarters in New Delhi.

It was because of this operation that Parrikar and Doval had cancelled their dinner on Wednesday night with the Coast Guard commanders. Minutes after India announced on Thursday that it carried out surgical strikes across the LoC on Wednesday night, Sharif denounced what he called was an "unprovoked and naked aggression" by Indian forces. Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying that the Indian operation led to the death of two Pakistani soldiers. India Today magazine listed some options for a covert operation. "Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken

as our weakness as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of our country," the Prime Minister said. He said Pakistan can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan". "I spoke to the Pakistan DGMO and shared our concerns. I told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night," Lt Gen Singh said. The Pakistani Army has also admitted that two of its soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire with Indian forces across the LoC in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today. Earlier today, India responded to unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan on LOC with punitive strikes. Two Pakistani soldiers have been killed in Indian firing. India had on Tuesday announced that it was pulling out of the SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November after the September 18 cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers. PM Modi had said that the Uri attack would not go unavenged.

Dawn.com | ISLAMABAD adds: At least two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed as Indian troops fired across the Line of Control in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday. The Pakistani military confirmed the deaths of its soldiers yet dismissed the Indian claim of 'surgical strikes'.

"There had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is [an] existential phenomenon," said an ISPR statement released shortly after the Indian Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) held a press conference making claims about surgical strikes. An exchange of fire between Pakistani and Indian LoC troops began at 2:30am and continued till 8:00am in the Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel and Lipa sectors in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the ISPR statement said.

"Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC." Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said nine soldiers were injured during the incident, and added that small firearms were used to respond in a "befitting manner". Shortly after the exchange of fire, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence held a joint press conference in New Delhi in which DGMO?Lt Gen Ranbir Singh alleged that surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian army on "terror launch pads along the LoC". The strikes will not continue, he said.

Meanwhile, Villages bordering Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being evacuated in view of India carrying out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC. Villages in Attari sector in Jammu and Kashmir are being evacuated, as per ANI. Further, with six districts of Punjab sharing boundaries with Pakistan, the Centre earlier asked the state to evacuate people residing in villages within 10 kms of IB. The schools in the border areas have also been asked to remain shut until further orders, as per officials, PTI reported. Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal over telephone today to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people.
600 birds seized, one arrested

Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Bangladesh Forest Department seized at least 611 birds of different species from Zirabo area of Savar and released them at Curzon Hall area of Dhaka University later on Thursday. This photo was taken from Curzon Hall are

Staff Reporter :

Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Bangladesh Forest Department on Thursday seized more than 600 birds of different species from Zirabo area of Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka.

On information, a WCCU team arrested one Lal Mia when he got down from a Dhaka bound bus along with bird cages at Zirabo Bus Stand around 2am, WCCU sources said.

Thereafter, a mobile court led by Magistrate Sarwar Alam sentenced him to one year imprisonment for violating Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.

Lal Mia brought the birds that included Alexandrian Parakeet, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Hill Myna, Munia and sparrows from Bogra, the sources said.

The Forest Department freed the birds from the Curzon Hall premises of Dhaka University.

Lal Miah and his group used to supply birds to the bird sellers and pet shops in Dhaka.

Earlier, a mobile court jailed Lal Miah for one year after he was arrested from Tongi with 700 birds.
NHRC should find out cause of terrorism

Staff Reporter :

Editors of different print and electronic media have urged the National Human Rights Commission to play an effective role with a view to gaining people's confidence.

They came up with the suggestions at a view exchange meeting titled: "Objectives to eliminate terrorism and militancy" organized by NHRC at the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday.

Taking part in the discussion, Chairman of Board of Directors of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha [BSS] Rahat Khan said the NHRC should launch anti-militancy and anti-terrorism campaign to create awareness among the people.

"The Commission must play a vital role in finding out root cause of terrorism and militancy," he said.

Editor of daily Samakal Golam Sarowar said the NHRC is never a government's property though the government constitutes it.

"It becomes people's organisation once it is constituted So, it won't bring any fruitful result through providing lip-service.

I think, there is no need of unnecessary talks, everyone's right should be ensured by this human rights body," he said.

Drawing attention of newly appointed NHRC Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque, Golam Sarowar said: "We like to see how strong your backbone is!"

Echoing the same, eminent columnist and researcher Syed Abul Maksud said, "There are several government organisations and agencies to tackle terrorism and militancy. But there is only one organisation to oversee the human rights activities, and that is NHRC. Remarkably, different government organisations are now violating human rights."

"In this situation, the NHRC should be distressed-friendly. The Commission must stay always beside the helpless people. The success [of NHRC] will depend upon its tough role against the powerful men, when the people's human rights are violated," he said.

Prime Minister's Information Advisor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said: "The NHRC is an independent body. The liberty which NHRC has got under legal frame, it must be utilised to protect the rights and interests of common people. In that case, the media will stay beside NHRC, if it faces any obstacle to accomplish the mission."

Expressing dissatisfaction, Iqbal Sobhan, who is also editor of Daily Observer, said: "Usually, the persons who are powerful in society are seen violating human rights So, the NHRC shouldn't be a publicity-based organisation. Rather, it will focus its goal to strengthen the organisation in a bid to gain people's confidence."

Associate Editor of Prothom Alo Abdul Quayum said, "The NHRC will face a big challenge to proceed forward with bringing a positive image of the organisation. If the international organisations raise any issue, the NHRC must evaluate it through intensive analysis."

"We want; the NHRC itself will raise the issue [if there is any] and take initiatives to get a solution before the international organisations pick it up. Side by side, the NHRC can launch campaign to create awareness among the general people against militancy," he said.

Expressing his views, President of Jatiya Press Club Shafiqur Rahman said majority incidents of human rights violation have been committed "in the name of religion".

Meanwhile, reacting to editors' recommendations, NHRC Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque expressed his intension to stay beside the distressed people.

"The NHRC wants to protect the helpless people, but the oragnisation is still in infant stage considering its manpower. It will need some time to stand on its own foot. .. I urge the international human rights organisations to verify the information before giving statements. I also ask the media to verify the content before running it as news," the NHRC Chief said.

Among others, Chief Editor and Managing Director of 71 Television Mozammel Babu, General Secretary of Jatiya Press Club Kamrul Islam Chowdhury and Chief News Editor of Samoy Television Mostafa Danish also expressed their views in the meeting, while other members of NHRC were present.
HC order on jail term Oct 18

Staff Reporter :

The High Court has fixed October 18 to deliver order on sentencing a school boy two years jail on charge of threatening the local MP on social media Facebook.

A HC bench comprising Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Ashish Ranjan Das fixed the date after a short hearing on Wednesday.

Recently, a national daily reported that a minor boy was awarded two years imprisonment on charge of threatening an MP in Tangail.

Anupam Shahjahan Joy, Member of the Parliament from Tangail-8 (Basail-Sakhipur) filed the GD with the Sakhipur Police Station on September 16 alleging that Sabbir Sikder, a class nine student of Protima Banik Public High School, threatened him on social media.

UNO and Executive Magistrate Mohammad Rafiqul Islam sentenced him two years jail under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act. Officer In-charge of Sakhipur Police Station Maksudul Alam sent the

minor boy to Tangail District Prison on Monday.

However, Sabbir claimed that he did not post anything against the MP. He alleged that the police along with the MP clubbed him severely and took statement from him under duress.

The HC summoned the UNO and OC after Supreme Court lawyer Khurshid Alam brought the news to the court's attention.


Warrants against Tarique, 2 others

Court Correspondent :

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court of Dhaka on Thursday issued warrants to arrest of three persons, including BNP's Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman, in the sedition case filed against four persons in 2015.

Magistrate Sarafuzzaman Ansari of the CMM Court issued the arrest warrant, taking into

cognizance the charge sheet of the case submitted against four accused, including Tareque Rahman and ETV Chairman Abdus Salam.

Detective Branch (DB) Inspector Imdadul Haque, and also the Investigation Officer of the case, submitted the charge sheet to the CMM Court accusing the four persons on September 6.

Two other accused are Mahathir Farooki Khan, the then Chief Reporter of ETV and Kanak Sarwar, the then Special Correspondent of the private TV channel. Tareque, Mahathir Farooki Khan and Kanak Sarwar were shown fugitives in the charge sheet while Abdus Salam is now in the jail.

The court directed the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Tejgaon Model Police Station to submit a report about the arrest of the trio on November 1.

On January 8, 2015, the sedition case was filed with Tejgaon Model Police Model Station in connection with the live telecast of an allegedly provocative speech of Tarique

Rahman, that he gave at a programme in London on January 5.

According to the case docket, Salam in collusion with others of ETV broadcast the speech of the BNP leader that instigated his party men to create anarchic situation in the country that time.

Abdus Salam committed similar offence broadcasting Tareque's 'provocative' speech live, from London, which allegedly posed a threat to the sovereignty of the country. He was arrested on January 6, 2015 and he made confessional statement in court in the case admitting charges brought against him. Tareque has been in London since September 11, 2008 for his medical treatment.


The anti-Semitic Iberia lawman facing civil rights charges for allegedly orchestrating the beatings of inmates clutches his pearls after an employee posts a racially charged comment to social media.

An Iberia Sheriffs Office employee is on administrative leave and his Facebook account de-activated after posting an inflammatory, grammatically lazy comment asking the social media world if it was up for target practice. The comment accompanied a link Brodie Duhon shared about the New Black Panthers arriving in Baton Rouge in the wake of the police killing of Alton Sterling, who was buried today.

According to The Daily Iberian, which broke the story, Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal says his department has zero tolerance for racism and hate speech, quoting the mercurial lawman: I apologize to the people of the community who had to see that. This is not going to be tolerated.

We suspect Ackals hackles werent genuinely raised by this incident in light of the recent revelation that in a clandestine recording he referred to U.S. Justice Department civil rights prosecutor Mark Blumberg as a son-of-a-bitch Jew bastard and threatened to shoot Blumberg between his goddamned Jewish eyes.

Louis Ackal

Ackal was indicted earlier this year on federal civil rights charges accusing him of directing underlings in 2011 to assault inmates in the parish jails chapel where no video surveillance could capture the abuse. Nine former jail employees have already pleaded guilty to charges related to the case.

Duhon, he of the New Black Panthers target practice post on Facebook, is a transportation officer with the parish jail. Ackal, who allegedly knows a thing or two about inmate abuse, told The Iberian that if I ignore this and he gets in a fight with an inmate while transporting him and injures him, and he happens to be black, this will come up.

Duhon later apologized for the remark before de-activating his Facebook page. We predict Ackal wont have to worry too much longer about a culture of racism within the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office that evidently trickled down from the top.

Read more about the Brodie Duhon Facebook fracas by clicking here.
Following a record number of graduates and four-year transfers, officials with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System are wondering where additional resources will come from now that a special fund that partly contributed to this growth has been expended.

During the 2015-2016 school year, the states community and technical colleges collectively graduated nearly 29,000 students  thats up from roughly 23,000 graduates during the previous year.

Approximately 80 percent of these graduates earned associate degrees or certifications for in-demand, high-income fields that have been the focus of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

The most recent school year also included a record-breaking 15,800 students who successfully transferred to four-year universities.

Tim Hardy, chairman of the LCTCS Board of Supervisors, said the results were aided by the one-time investment of the Workforce and Innovation for a Stronger Economy Fund, or WISE Fund. Signed into law in 2014 by former Gov. Bobby Jindal, it directed $12 million to two-year colleges.

Sullivan

Dr. Monty Sullivan, president of LCTCS, asked the system board to authorize 100 percent of the funds appropriation for high-value programs aligned with local workforce demands, like computer science, process technology, construction crafts, engineering technology, industrial production, allied health, manufacturing and accounting.

Those funds have been able to touch thousands of people, Sullivan said. The result is thousands of people with credentials who are able to go to work and take care of their families who were not in that position a year ago.

Sullivan said he does not want to lose sight of the significant role that the WISE Fund played.

Now that WISE funds are depleted, the question becomes whats next? he asked. How do we continue to close the skills gap and the educational attainment gap, which helps to solve two of our states biggest problems?

As part of the solution, Sullivan pointed to Our Louisiana 2020: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow, which is a workforce-development plan. It calls for increasing the number of LCTCS graduates to 40,000 annually and quadrupling the number of student transfers to four-year universities.

The record-setting figures from the most recent school year puts the system on pace to accomplish these goals, Sullivan said, but theres still a great deal of work to do.
Marlin is the minority owner of Tigress Energy Partners, which is investing up to $250 million of institutional capital on the exploration and production of oil and gas reserves in the south and southwest regions of the U.S.

Youngsville-based RedHawk Holdings Corp. announced Sept. 27 that it has agreed to acquire up to a 25 percent interest in Marlin USA Energy Partners, the minority owner of Tigress Energy Partners.

The majority ownership of TEP is held by Tigress Holdings, a limited liability company majority-owned by Cynthia DiBartolo, chief executive officer of Tigress Financial Partners.

TEP is a limited liability company investing up to $250 million of institutional capital on the exploration and production of oil and gas reserves in the south and southwest regions of the U.S. TEP is managed by DiBartolo and industry veteran Michael Robinson.

TFP is an investment banking, brokerage and specialized financial services firm providing services to corporate entities, institutional investors, high net worth individuals, public and private pensions, and federal, state and municipal governments.

According to RedHawks news release, DiBartolo is responsible for the overall strategic direction and leadership of TEP, including client relationships, marketing, product development, human capital development and financial management.

The majority owner of Marlin Energy Partners, Robinson has managed energy funds that over the past five years achieved internal rates of return between 10 percent and 66 percent, according to the release. Under his direction, these funds have discovered hydrocarbons in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and California. Robinson has 30 years of experience as an independent operator, investor and mineral owner. From 2007 and 2015, he was president of Gulf Coast Mid West Energy Partners, engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas reserves in Texas, Louisiana and the mid-continent regions of the U.S.

We believe the decline of energy sector has bottomed, RedHawk said in its news release. While there may still be a period of time before the sector actually improves significantly, we believe the timing is right to now enter this market. TEP partners and key team members have been responsible for more than $500 million in structured transactions ranging from asset acquisitions and project financings to start-up ventures.

Publicly traded RedHawk Holdings Corp., formerly Independence Energy Corp., is a diversified holding company engaged in sales and distribution of medical devices, sales of branded generic pharmaceutical drugs, commercial real estate investment and leasing, sales of point of entry full-body security systems, and specialized financial services.
Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes.

What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection?

Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were.

Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property  there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection:

You get to see exactly what will happen to your money

When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor.

Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on.

A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with.

You find out about potential major repairs

Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing.

If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately.

You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on

One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home.

Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly.

You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for

While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best.

This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit.

Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home.

You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price

If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home.

You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price.

You can sell your home faster and for more money

If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are.

In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price.

Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for.

Your home will hold its value longer

As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property.

When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home.

You can make smart decisions about property investments

Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property.

If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal.

There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about.

If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage

If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing.

They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit.

You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors

If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for.

For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money.

You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition

Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building.

You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure.

Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so.

As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process.
President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?

You voted:
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ...

[For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien...

Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many...

Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

[BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm...

Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...

How to choose a sextoy for Indian

Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.

Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points:  Does the size fit you (the partner)?

Does the size fit you (your partner)?

Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?

Price range

First of all, the choice of size is quite important.

Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.

For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.

Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.

Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.

If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.

Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.

Finally, there is the price range.

The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.

Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.

Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?

I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.

For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.

If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.

How to buy sextoys in India

The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.

For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.

Sextoy is one of them.

Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.

SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.

They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.

Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.

To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.

ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.

Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.

Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.

Cautions for Indians using sextoy

When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind

Keep sex toys clean

Watch out for electrical leakage

Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy

As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.

Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.

It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.

In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.

Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.

If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.

You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.

Summary

What did you think?

In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.

The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.

As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.

However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.

If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?

Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.

I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it.
CARBONDALE  One might not hear as much about Gov. Bruce Rauners Turnaround Agenda these days, but the governors proposal is still very much alive and influencing Illinois politics and campaigns this year, according to a Paul Simon Public Policy Institute fellow.

John Jackson, a political science retiree from Southern Illinois University, said the governors Turnaround Agenda, a breakout of some major policy concessions the governor had called for, has a huge impact on Illinois politics and the government.

"Those policies that hes advocating are longshots in the general assembly controlled by the Democrats, but it none-the-less has a huge impact on our politics and our government," Jackson said.

He said the proposed agenda had an impact in four major areas, namely, the amount of money the governor is pouring into state congressional races and how Democrats are countering with their own fundraising. The Republican state legislators are running campaigns that are very disciplined in favor of the governors Turnaround Agenda. The governor is insisting that the measure be approved before he will compromise on approving a state budget; and the Right-To-Work initiative.

The Turnaround Agenda is a plan the governor says proposes to get the state into fiscal shape, in part by focusing on workers' compensation and minimum wage and job-growth plan; taxpayer protection and property-tax freezes; term limits, as part of its transforming government initiative; and pension reform, which includes pension buyouts to state pension system employees in an attempt to save money.

The governor's office responded to a handful of questions about the status and impact of the plan with a brief statement and background information.

"Illinois needs real structural change to grow the economy and improve the quality of life for people of the state," the governor's press secretary Catherine Kelly wrote in an email. "The governor is advocating for those changes through economic, government and political reform."

By way of background, she shared that economic and government reforms include reducing the overall tax burden on the state, especially property taxes; making changes to the workers compensation system; consolidating local government; and having more local control of collective bargaining.

Political reforms, she shared, include fair maps (independent redistricting) in order for voters to pick their politicians, not the other way around, and for term limits to overcome the power of incumbency.

Earlier this year, in his 2016 budget address in February, Gov. Rauner called on the Democrats to compromise, noting that not everything in his Turnaround Agenda needed approval as it was.

"To take this path, we don't have to enact every item of our turnaround agenda in their current forms, but we must pass real reforms this year," Progress Illinois quotes him as saying.

To support, or not support

While Republican candidates might tend to echo Rauner's positions on the Turnaround Agenda, Democratic candidates may tend to promote platforms that counter the initiative, Jackson noted.

Id say yes (Democrats are creating counter platforms), in a negative sense, and that is their campaigns have been heavily oriented in running against the governor and running against this agenda," Jackson said. "They are going after the governor as the surrogate for whomever they happen to be facing in the legislative race and that is the flipside of the same thing."

Jackson said he did not think the party makeup would change much in the upcoming election, with maybe four or five seats changing political parties.

Republican candidates who have platform issues that line up with the governor's in the area of term limits are Paul Schimpf (58th district race); Dale Fowler (59th district race); Terri Bryant (115th district race); and Dave Severin (117th district race). Bryant and Fowler support "fair maps"  redrawing political boundaries for what some consider are better representations of an area and less-inclined to guarantee the re-election of incumbents.

A majority of the candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, favor some sort of education financing reform.

One of those candidates with a platform issue directly opposing the governor's Right to Work initiative is Sheila Simon, a former lieutenant governor, teacher and union member. Simon, the daughter of former U.S. Rep. Paul Simon, is running for the 58th district seat vacated by the retiring long-term Sen. David Luechtefeld, and supports workers' right to organize.

The governor's Turnaround Agenda is necessary, highlighting some issues that have strangled progress in the state and that will eventually have to be addressed, said Steven Bost, an attorney and Jackson County board member who served this year as a 2016 Edgar Fellow.

One of the things Bost said he experienced during the intensive, week-long fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was how necessary it was to create working bipartisan relationships. Bost, a Republican, is the son of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.

"Im not sure they need to be addressed within the first two years," Bost said of Rauner's push to have the measures addressed.

"When Rauner pushes the agenda, and AFSMCE (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) double-downs by asking for a raise, thats not productive for anybody ," Bost said.

"Were clearly left with a mess, but there is no incentive for either side to capitulate or compromise, cause each side is pandering to the extremes on both sides," Bost said. "I think theyre both acting out of fear when I think (there is room) for common ground to be found if people would check their egos at the door.
SPRINGFIELD  The group behind a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would have changed the way legislative districts are drawn sent an email message to supporters Wednesday urging them to make redistricting reform an issue in this falls races for the General Assembly.

The proposal from the group Independent Maps, which would have taken lawmakers out of the once-a-decade process of redrawing district boundaries, was blocked from the Nov. 8 ballot last month when the Illinois Supreme Courts four Democratic justices ruled it unconstitutional. The courts three Republican justices dissented.

Independent Maps is encouraging its supporters to contact your local candidates for the Illinois House and Senate and ask them to commit to active support for a true redistricting reform bill.

Its a similar message to one Gov. Bruce Rauner and his fellow Republicans have been promoting across the state in the run-up to Election Day, but Independent Maps spokesman Jim Bray said its not a coordinated effort.

After the high court took away the opportunity for voters to have their say through a petition-driven referendum, convincing lawmakers to put the question on a future ballot is the quickest way for citizens to make their voices heard, Bray said.

The court ruled that the Independent Maps proposal, which would have created an independent redistricting commission, went beyond the scope allowed for petition initiatives. Those measures are limited to making structural and procedural changes to the General Assembly.

The group that challenged the proposal was represented in court by a lawyer with close ties to the state Democratic Party.

However, Bray noted that Independent Maps had bipartisan support for its plan, which also had the backing of nonpartisan good-government groups like the Better Government Association and the League of Women Voters.

The only way that legislators are going to pass this, if they ever would, is through citizen pressure and by knowing that citizens care, he said. Remaining silent isnt going to help move this forward.

Bray said Wednesdays message was sent out in response to emails and calls from supporters who wanted to know what to do next after the Supreme Court defeat.

You helped us start a statewide movement, reads the message from Dennis FitzSimons and Dave Mellet, Independent Maps chairman and campaign manager, respectively. And while the Illinois Supreme Court denied voters an opportunity to amend their own constitution, now its time to tell our elected representatives that the fight must go forward for redistricting reform.

The email also encourages supporters to continue writing letters to local newspapers, talking to family members and neighbors, and calling lawmakers after the election.

We are encouraging our coalition partners to take on the next phase of the battle for redistricting reform, the message says. We hope that you will continue to be an active supporter of these efforts. Additional information on these plans and opportunities for involvement will come your way soon.

The group formed to support this specific proposal, Bray said, and its board of directors will have to meet to chart its way forward.

Among the decisions the board faces is what to do with the money remaining in its campaign fund. The group had more than $1 million available at the end of June and has since reported raising nearly $500,000, according to state campaign finance records.

Sarah Brune, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, which tracks campaign finances and supported the redistricting proposal, said Independent Maps could use that money to continue advocating on the issue.

If it does, it wont be the only group making that case to the public.

A campaign called Fix Illinois, which is funded by Rauner-backed super political action committee Turnaround Illinois Inc., has launched an online petition drive to support redistricting reform.

But unlike the Independent Maps petition drive, which collected more than half a million signatures in an effort to put the question to voters in November, Fix Illinois effort will have no practical effect.
Little Egypt Beer plans to open a new restaurant and microbrewery in West Frankfort.

The Ava-based craft brewing company received authorization to lease a space in the city-owned West Frankfort Outlet Mall earlier this week.

Construction on the project has already begun, and brewmaster and owner Ken Rhude hopes to begin moving equipment into the space on Oct. 1 and to open his doors in January 2017.

The city of West Frankfort purchased the 95,000-square-foot mall and the surrounding frontage property, located just off Interstate 57, for $1.8 million in 2015 in an effort to spur economic development in the region.

Little Egypt Beer will be leasing a 2,600-square-foot area of the mall that was previously used as a restaurant, where it will set up a fast-casual eatery. An adjacent 3,000-square-foot space will be used for brewing, canning and distribution.

Rhude originally planned to build the brewpub in Carbondale, but changed course after butting heads with city officials in June over their decision to add a 4 percent food and beverage tax to the citys existing sales tax.

West Frankfort city leaders, in contrast, were reasonable and friendly and inviting, Rhude said.

I think we built a really good relationship that were being to be able to work on and work with for a long time, he said. It was night and day, in that respect.

West Frankfort Streets Commissioner Tara Chambers reached out to Rhude after learning he had decided not to set up shop in Carbondale.

I am thrilled that he has chosen West Frankfort. He literally could have taken this anywhere. He has an amazing product and an amazing business model, Chambers said.

To have him even consider us, we were beyond grateful. But when he got here and we gave him the numbers, it sold itself, because we have that great location.

Rhude said he has hired an executive chef with fine dining experience who has already developed a menu.

Itll be built for speed as well as including a bunch of good complimentary, contrasting flavors, he said. And, of course, well do some matching with our beers.

Rhude said he plans to install a serve yourself draft system that allows people to pour their own beer and sample different beers easily.

Its a really neat way of interacting with the product, and it also serves faster, he said. So instead of waiting for one bartender, I have 20, and you dont wait as long for your beer.

The new microbrewery will host a beer appreciation night once a month, where theyll showcase a lineup of beers paired with different foods.

Im really excited about that. Its a way to expose our new customers to a wide array of beer and beer flavors, Rhude said.

Rhude plans on installing a larger brewing system in the new space  which will allow the company to brew bigger batches of beer  along with a canning line.

Cans are kind of the new package that craft brewers are going to, Rhude said.

Thats because cans protect beer against light and have an airtight seal that stops additional oxygen from getting in, he said.

The company plans to expand distribution to St. Louis and the Metro East areas, in addition to Southern Illinois.

The City Council also approved a lease for a development company that plans to install a restaurant in the frontage area of the mall. The restaurant has not yet been determined, but it will most likely be Taco Bell, Chambers said.

Chambers added that the city is presently in talks with several other businesses shes excited about.

A few of the things that we arent able to release yet are just so exciting  Im not sure anybody would believe it anyway, she said. Its hard to look forward and imagine, but some of these really exciting things are so close and coming to a town that has waited so long to reach its potential.

We have been very proactive since the purchase of the mall. It is a lot of work, but on days like this when we can sit in front of the residents and say, were getting a microbrewery and a restaurant  its worth it.

Were looking forward to getting to know community in West Frankfort. We think its gonna be a good match, and the future looks bright, Rhude said.
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This election year makes a mockery of past complaints about the "lesser of two evils." That cliche has been trotted out in every election of my lifetime. In every previous contest, though, the choice was not between evils. It was often between flawed candidates (think George W. Bush) and bad candidates (e.g., Al Gore or John Kerry).

This year's decision is different. Hillary Clinton would be a conventional bad candidate (in a substantive, not stylistic, sense) were it not for the revelations about the email server. Her deception, her greed, her progressive views are all terrible (if dismayingly familiar), but the indifference to national security she demonstrated in the use of a private server (on which she did, despite denials, transmit classified information) places her on a plane that no national candidate has occupied before. She should be disqualified for commander in chief.

Donald Trump, too, should be debarred. Commentary Magazine's John Podhoretz likened the gradual acceptance of Trump on the right to the human response to putrid odors. "After about the first 45 seconds, disgust abates as the brain accustoms itself." I cannot think of a more striking example of defining deviancy down.

In order to make their peace with Trump, some apologists argue that the "guardrails" of the American constitutional system are robust enough to withstand even the depredations of an unstable, mendacious would-be autocrat.

I wouldn't care to test that gamble under the best of conditions. If something is truly precious, you don't want to risk its safety. You wouldn't set fire to the White House secure in the knowledge that the sprinkler system is in working order.

And these are hardly the best of conditions. The Founders included the Electoral College in the Constitution to guard against demagogues, or in Alexander Hamilton's words, men with "talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity" but lacking the requisite "ability and virtue." The Electoral College, as originally envisioned, is a dead letter today. So much for that guardrail.

What checks and balances remain on an out-of-control president?

If Clinton is elected, assuming that it is not a landslide that sweeps in a Democratic House and Senate, the Congress will oppose her. She will not get her universal pre-K or tax increases or "free" college tuition or a "public option" in Obamacare or the Paycheck Fairness Act. She could still do damage through regulation. The abuse of executive discretion during the Obama years shows just how much latitude presidents now enjoy to impose their will through the executive agencies. The leeching of power out of Congress and to the executive has been ongoing for decades, but Obama was particularly flagrant in abusing power to impose policies  e.g., climate rules and health law changes  traditionally reserved for the legislative branch.

Would the courts be able to thwart Clinton? To a point. Even the Democratic appointees to the Supreme Court ruled against Obama on a number of executive power cases. Then again, what if the president flouts the courts as Andrew Jackson did?

Is the press a check on abuse of power? Will it cover a Hillary Clinton presidency the way it covered Bill Clinton's (aggressively) or the way it covered Obama's (pusillanimously)? I'd guess the former, but who knows? Also, the press is held in such low regard by the public that it may not even qualify as a guardrail.

What checks would there be on a President Trump? Presumably, he'd have a Congress of his (lately acquired) party. If he were to attempt to impose some of the left-of-center policies he favors  universal health care, for example  would the Republican Congress oppose him? What about on trade? Or raising the federal minimum wage? Punishing American companies that move plants overseas? Changing the libel laws? Some of the same people who excoriated the Republican Congress for supposedly "giving Obama everything he wanted" now attempt to reassure Trump opponents that Republicans in Congress would stand up to a president (nominally) of their own party. Almost all Republicans have failed to counter Trump now, before he's invested with the vast powers of the presidency. It's fantasy to imagine that they will find their voices later.

As for the press, they'd oppose Trump as hysterically as ever, but as to their influence, see above. Ditto the courts.

In foreign policy, through law and custom, presidents enjoy tremendous latitude. Always have.

So the institutional guardrails are quite rickety. In the end, the only true guardians of a liberal republic are the people themselves. They must prescribe minimal standards of decency. I will be voting for Evan McMullin, the only candidate (of five) who doesn't pose a threat to our national welfare.
Alee Quick Local news editor Alee Quick is the local news editor for The Southern. Follow Alee Quick 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

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Lisbon, Portugal, was a walking food and wine tour.

According to the short description in the guidebook that sold me on it, tours were about 30 bucks, were conducted in English, and gave groups the chance to sample different foods and drinks typically found in Portugals capital.

Fourteen of us hiked around the streets of Portugals Chiado and Bairro Alto districts, tasting fried codfish cakes, lupin beans, ginginha and vinho verde. We were mostly Americans  a few from California, a couple from Hawaii, and us Midwesterners  a German couple, a Turkish couple on honeymoon and a middle-aged Belgian couple, one of whom loved red wine.

We shared snacks and bottles of wine. We asked our Portuguese guide  herself an aspiring journalist  about eating times and landmarks and what she would do after she graduated with her masters degree. We talked about our lives and our travel plans.

Toward the end of our tour, we sat around long tables, and after we had eaten our fill, we finished up the wine.

And the conversation turned to politics.

The Belgians were seated across from the Hawaiians, and I next to the Hawaiians. The Belgians were genuinely curious about why, in their minds, all Americans felt like they needed to have guns.

Differences among cultures were questioned and explored with curiosity and a surprising amount of civility.

I thought about my tour guide a couple weeks before on a train in Durango, Colorado. At the beginning of our journey, she implored everyone on board to refrain talking politics. Our American guide knew too well how dangerous it is for a group of Americans to talk about their feelings on the issues of the day and the choices well make in the voting booth. Our Portuguese guide had no such foresight.

I drifted in and out of conversations. I spent a while listening to the Turkish man talk about dealing with ISIS close to home. I listened to our guide explain her experience in Portuguese broadcast journalism. My friend wondered, would I please pass the mushrooms?

Next to me, a statement from one of the Hawaiians caught my ear as she explained to the Belgians our political climate.

We never had race problems before Obama was president, she said.

Sitting next to her, I felt my jaw tighten. I felt my eyes widen. I looked at the Belgian woman my fellow American was talking to, and caught her eye. And with wide eyes and a hardened jaw, I shook my head, once, deliberately, slowly, as we looked into each others eyes, so only she could see.

Slavery. Jim Crow. And never race problems before Obama.

I was shocked. I didnt want the Belgian to think all Americans were so ignorant of our history. Weve got problems now, yes. We had major problems before Obama was president. For many of us, the race issues that enrage us now are eerily familiar. And many of us would not blame our president for problems that have bubbled beneath the surface for decades and are erupting above the surface now with the help of Facebook live, dash cam videos and Internet activism.

But the Belgian saw something more. She saw a deeper look into the state of the American people.

She saw two Americans who cannot understand what the other is thinking. She saw two people who speak the same language with the same accent, but do not communicate.

She saw two people from the same country who live in two very different worlds.
The Southern Illinois Miners are proud to announce that 2016 Frontier League Rookie of the Year and batting champion Shane Kennedy has been picked up by the Minnesota Twins. He becomes the 46th former Miner to sign with a major league organization and the second in 2016.

Shane had an extraordinary season for us, Miners manager Mike Pinto said. The fact that he was not only the Rookie of the Year but the batting champion for the league as well says all that is needed to be said about his abilities. His daily hard work and game effort to go with strong skills could take him a long way in the Twins system. He is still young, and can grow within their organization. This is a tremendous opportunity for him and our entire staff wishes him great success.

Kennedy set the league on fire down the stretch this past season, setting a new team record with an incredible .363 batting average while becoming the first Miners player to finish with the best such mark in the Frontier League. He also led the team with 24 doubles while amassing 68 runs scored and 99 hits with 47 RBIs and 34 stolen bases in 39 attempts in only 76 games played.

-- Miners Media Services
Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell has announced the arrest of three suspects in last years quadruple homicide in Holly Hill.

This was a tough case. It is far from over, Ravenell said during a Thursday press conference.

He added, I do believe there are other charges coming.

The motive behind the 2015 deaths was robbery involving illegal drugs, the sheriff said.

U.S. Marshals arrested Derrick Warren Coleman, 27, and Antly Jermaine Jackie Man Scott, 35, in Foley, Alabama, on Tuesday according to WKRG, a TV news station in Alabama. Theyd been living there for a short time.

Robert Lee Pockets Bailey, 37, was arrested in Eutawville the deaths. He was a person of interest early in the investigation.

The men have all been charged with four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of first-degree burglary and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Bailey pleaded guilty in May to first-offense distributing and possessing narcotics, second-offense manufacturing and possessing scheduled drugs with intent to distribute and unlawful carrying of a handgun.

Circuit Judge Ed Dickson sentenced Bailey to 10 years in prison on those charges, but suspended the term to five years of probation.

Bailey will be arraigned in the deaths later today. Coleman and Scott are awaiting extradition from Alabama.

All three were arrested without incident.

Holly Hill was shocked by the July 15, 2015 deaths of Jerome Butler, 50; Krystal Hutto, 28; and half-sisters Shamekia Tyjuana Sanders, 17, and Tamara Alexis Perry, 14.

Dreamzz Nelson, 8, was also shot. He survived.

Each of the victims was shot execution-style at 7050 Old State Road in Holly Hill.

Butlers body was found next to a BMW in the driveway of the home.

In one of the bedrooms, Huttos lifeless body was discovered.

Sanders and Perry were found in another bedroom.

Nelson was also discovered in a bedroom and transported by helicopter to a Charleston-area hospital. Hes since made a steady recovery.

Ravenell said his meeting with the families of the deceased was very emotional and there were tears of joy.

Christopher Dean Wright, 37, who lived at the Old State Road address, is currently held at the Orangeburg County Detention Center.

Wright is the father of the two slain teens and sole survivor.

He was also Huttos fiance.

He hasnt been charged in the shootings, but faces two drug trafficking charges by the State Law Enforcement Division.

He also faces three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, one count of obstruction of justice and trafficking crack cocaine.

On Sept. 3, 2015, Wright appeared before Dickson for bond consideration.
NEW YORK -- Donald Trump just got roughed up, and badly, by a girl. On Monday night, at the first presidential debate, Hillary Clinton made her opponent look ignorant, unprepared, egotistical, childish, petulant, impatient and at times totally incoherent.

How bad did it get? At one point, as Trump was groping blindly across the minefields of foreign policy, losing a foot here and a leg there, he announced, apropos of nothing, that "I think my strongest asset, maybe by far, is my temperament." Clinton smiled sweetly and exclaimed, "Whew, OK!" The audience at Hofstra University, sternly instructed to remain silent throughout the debate, ignored the rules and burst into laughter.

They were laughing at you, Donald, not with you.

Clinton then patiently explained the importance of honoring international agreements, such as the NATO treaty, to a man who seemed not to grasp the concept of the nation's word being its bond. One hopes her reassurances were enough to coax allies in Berlin, Tokyo, Seoul and other capitals down from the ceiling.

The 90-minute encounter, moderated by NBC's Lester Holt, was less a debate than a beat-down. Clinton obviously had put in many hours of preparation. Trump apparently decided to wing it -- and while this approach worked well during the Republican primaries, when nobody got much time to speak and pithy one-liners could win the day, it bombed in a one-on-one clash where there was no place to hide.

Trump's biggest vulnerability is that he so rarely knows what he's talking about. Minutes before his hilarious temperament declaration, he had been boasting that his criticism of NATO a few months ago caused the alliance to begin focusing on terrorism. "I think we have to get NATO to go into the Middle East with us, in addition to surrounding nations," he said.

Clinton coolly reminded him -- "informed him" would probably be more accurate -- of some pertinent facts. "You know, NATO as a military alliance has something called Article 5, and basically it says this: An attack on one is an attack on all," she said. "And you know the only time it's ever been invoked? After 9/11, when the 28 nations of NATO said that they would go to Afghanistan with us to fight terrorism, something that they still are doing by our side."

That's pretty much the way the evening went, especially toward the end. Trump visibly ran out of gas, poor thing. His answers became increasingly scattered and elliptical. Pressed to defend his contention (long since disproved) that he was against the Iraq War, he complained repeatedly that "everybody refuses to call Sean Hannity." Even Hannity, the Fox News host, must have been perplexed.

This was after he charged that Clinton "doesn't have the stamina" to be president. But she looked fresh as a daisy throughout, while Trump wilted before our eyes.

One of Trump's worst moments, at least to my eyes and ears, came when Clinton alleged that he paid no federal income taxes at all in at least some recent years. Trump offered no protest, instead interjecting, "That makes me smart." Seriously? No one wants to pay more in taxes than required, but the idea of a self-proclaimed billionaire getting a free pass will be hard for many voters to swallow.

Throughout the debate, the split-screen showed Trump mugging, fidgeting, shrugging, grimacing, offering an array of exaggerated smiles and frowns. He interrupted Clinton frequently, but she didn't complain. She may have calculated that it benefited her cause for Trump to have the floor.

Clinton also may have tried to bait Trump by suggesting he only succeeded in business because of his father's help -- and might not be as wealthy as he claims. If so, the tactic worked. Trump was unable to let anything pass. For reasons I can't begin to understand, he even renewed his long-running feud with comedian Rosie O'Donnell.

I am under no illusion that Trump's abysmal performance will cause his most dedicated supporters to have second thoughts. They heard his central argument, which is that "politicians like Secretary Clinton" have failed -- and it's time to try something new.

But while the race has tightened to the point where Trump could actually win, Monday night vividly demonstrated why he should not -- why he must not. Whether you like Clinton or not, it's obvious that she can do the job. The debate had to make undecided voters question whether Trump even has a clue.
She won the debate, but he helped his campaign.

There were no knockouts, and fewer punches landed by Donald Trump Monday night than the crowd expected, but both did what they needed to do.

On the debate: Clinton looked composed, relaxed, polished  perhaps too polished. That it was her 15th one-on-one debate showed. That she prepared showed ... in fact she even turned that into a strength of which she was proud.

She had better one-liners  Im prepared to be president, Donald you live in your own reality  and better deflected and parried his criticisms.

She attacked him personally, whether on his taxes, or not paying people, or on the birther issue  and he spent way more time defending himself (particularly on whether he had been against the Iraq war) than he should have, in part because he did not have pithy responses to deflate the attacks.

Trump missed opportunities to score points that he could have and should have taken: The Twitterverse groaned at the idea that Hillary with her home-brewed server and careless mishandling of classified information was talking about cybersecurity. He should have pointed out this disconnect and reminded viewers that shes already proven she cant be trusted with the nations secrets.

And still  she didnt make the case that she wasnt more of the same, or that she was trustworthy, so her largest liabilities remain.

Nor did she make Trump seem dangerous. Because that was his challenge: Could he seem rational, to parry the dangerous and crazy meme? That was far more important for him than zinging her on points.

Its why his campaign likely suggested he say that he was restraining himself from going after her  because restraint isnt the first word one thinks of coming after Trump. Its why he called her Madam Secretary  because respectful isnt the first word one thinks of coming after Trump. And it was why he kept asking if she was happy, because concerned isnt the first word one thinks of coming after Trump.

Its also why he didnt attack Clinton more. Yes he took her on somewhat, dominating the microphone with interruptions and filibusters, but just enough that his own team would think yes, our guy. But not so much that he would give anyone fodder for going after him.

His pitch in the first debate was not to his base. Whether with child care, or concern for the African-American community, or striking a tone thats a little calmer, in the first debate Trump needed to prove himself to be someone those who arent yet with him could decide to support and still like themselves. So as with his recent use of teleprompters, in the debate we also got largely lower-key Trump.

Hes in it to win and playing the long game. This was only the first debate. The expectations for him for the second debate are now quite low, and he has room for improvement, while everyone has now been reminded how good a debater Clinton is. Now Trump needs a good writer of presidential-caliber zingers to help him soar in rounds two and three.
HEMPSTEAD, New York. -- As he prepared for the crucial first presidential debate, Donald Trump knew moderator Lester Holt would bring up the birther issue. He knew Holt would raise Trump's tax returns. And his old position on the Iraq war. None are among the voters' top concerns, but it was eminently predictable that they would be part of the debate -- not least because if Holt had not brought them up, Hillary Clinton would have.

But Trump might not have predicted that Holt would leave some equally, if not more, important topics untouched. There was Obamacare, currently veering toward crisis. Immigration, including a proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Clinton Foundation. Benghazi. Certainly a moderator can't cover everything, but those were some pretty big omissions.

Holt deserves blame for not bringing them up. But on the other hand, that is where a candidate's preparation comes in. If the moderator doesn't raise a key issue, the candidate does. And Trump didn't.

"The wall is a very important issue, and I am surprised that it wasn't brought up, frankly," one of Trump's key supporters and advisers, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama, said after the debate. "Also, they didn't bring up the Clinton Foundation. I mean, goodness gracious. So I thought there were a number of issues that could have been brought up that would have been troubling for Secretary Clinton that were not brought up."

Later, I pressed Sessions a bit, asking why Trump didn't raise them himself.

"Look, whenever I've done a debate, I can't sleep at night thinking of things I shoulda, coulda said," Sessions said with a laugh. "So if you think you're so good at it, you try it. I mean, it's no fun."

Trump began the debate well. He approached Clinton aggressively and made his case on the issue of lost American jobs. Clinton countered with a tired-sounding critique of what she called "Trumped-up trickle-down" economics, and an equally tired spiel on policies like heavily-subsidized clean energy as a partial fix for an ailing economy.

Things were moving in Trump's direction. "Independents are closer to Trump than to Hillary," tweeted GOP strategist Frank Luntz, who was holding a focus group watching the debate in Philadelphia. "Trump is doing better with undecideds than even with Trump-leaners. He is actually winning."

But not for long. Early on, Clinton included her first personal jab at Trump, slipped into an answer on the economy. "Donald was very fortunate in his life, and that's all to his benefit," Clinton said. "He started his business with $14 million borrowed from his father ... "

Now, Trump's team knew going in that Clinton would try to get under his skin. And the easiest way to get under Trump's skin is to cast some sort of aspersion on his business, his brand, or his career. The question was whether Trump would have the discipline to ignore or brush off such attacks and stay focused on his message.

He didn't.

Trump took the bait, saying his father in fact gave him "a very small loan" in 1975. And after that Trump took virtually every other morsel of bait the Clinton, or Holt, offered him the rest of the night.

Trump went on and on about his taxes, revealing that "I'm extremely underleveraged," which surely cannot be an issue of great voter interest. Worse, Trump did not refute Clinton's charge -- reminiscent of Harry Reid's no-evidence attack on Mitt Romney in 2012 -- that Trump pays no federal income taxes.

"That makes me smart," Trump said, which sounded, if anything, like a confirmation of Clinton's accusation.

Then Trump took the bait on birtherism. And then Iraq. On the birther question, there wasn't a lot Trump could say, so a debater's instinct would be to cover as little as possible and move on. On Iraq, Trump actually had a case against Holt's charge, but again went on and on, adding the relatively new wrinkle that he told Sean Hannity about his opposition to invading Iraq before the fact. Trump said Hannity's name seven times.

As the debate progressed, Trump got more and more bogged down, and less and less disciplined.

"Trump could be crushing Hillary right now if he wasn't so thin-skinned," Luntz tweeted from the focus group in Pennsylvania.

Just a few hours earlier, before the debate began, Trump's team exuded confidence. Well, confidence with one caveat. Trump knew what to do to win, they said, and he was prepared to do it, and doing it was well within his capabilities. The only question was whether Trump would actually do it.

"How confident are you?" I asked a member of the Trump circle about an hour and a half before the debate.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being he crushes it, and 1 being the campaign ends tonight -- a 7.5 or 8," the person said.

Others in TrumpWorld, at least the extended circle around the Trump campaign, expressed an even higher level of confidence. Some close to the campaign suggested that Trump had pulled off a successful rope-a-dope operation, hinting to the world that he hadn't done much preparing when in fact he had prepared intensely, if unconventionally.

And besides, they said, Trump didn't have to match Clinton fact-for-fact in an old-fashioned face-off. What he really had to do was appear serious, sober, and -- yes -- presidential. He was ready, they said.

But he wasn't, really. Yes, Trump had some good moments. He scored on the two highest voter-interest issues, jobs and national security, and that's no small accomplishment. He also hit Clinton hard when she pulled out her talking point that she had made "a mistake" by creating a secret, unsecure email system as Secretary of State. "That was more than a mistake," Trump said. "That was done purposefully, OK? That was not a mistake ... when you have your staff taking the Fifth Amendment, taking the Fifth so they're not prosecuted ... "

Trump's problem was that he didn't have a lot of really good moments like that because he spent so much time talking about taxes, birtherism and Iraq. The Clinton team wanted to distract him, to keep him on topics that hurt him -- and away from topics that hurt her. They succeeded. "We were very happy with the debate," campaign manager Robby Mook said shortly afterward. "I think he was totally unprepared."

Meanwhile, those topics that could have done Trump a lot of good if handled well -- Obamacare, immigration and the wall, the Clinton Foundation, Benghazi -- were left untouched. Yes, blame Lester Holt for not bringing them up. But blame Donald Trump more for not taking matters into his own hands.
He was my best friend, Keisha Lambright said of her husband Elton.

Anytime you needed something, he was so generous, she said.

Just after noon Tuesday, a neighbor told Mrs. Lambright that her husband was in the road at the intersection of Saint Court and Lawton Street in Orangeburg.

Hed been shot. She doesnt know why.

Orangeburg County EMS transported him to the Regional Medical Center where he later died.

He was a nice person, she said.

They were married for 21 years. They have three children ages 16, 5 and 3.

Two men have been charged in Elton Lambrights death: Antonio Jarred Aiken, 31, of 103 Gilford Street, St. Matthews and Deshawn Lamar Rogers, 26, of 533 Glenzell Road, Orangeburg.

They are facing one count each of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

They appeared before Orangeburg County Magistrate Peggy Doremus on Wednesday afternoon for their arraignments.

Aiken and Rogers will remain at the Orangeburg County Detention Center until they can apply for bond reconsideration before a circuit court judge at a later date.

According to a S.C. Law Enforcement Division background check, Rogers doesnt have any prior arrests or charges on his record and Aiken has three traffic citations.

Both men told the court they cant afford their own attorneys and will apply for public defenders.

Aiken told the court that hes married, is the father of seven children and has recently been employed.

Rogers told the court that hes not married, doesnt have any children and is unemployed.

On Tuesday at 12:20 p.m., Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to a call of multiple shots fired at the intersection of Saint Court and Lawton Street.

When they arrived, they saw Lambright facedown and unresponsive near a vehicle.

According to witnesses, Aiken and Rogers confronted Lambright at the junction of Lawton Street and Saint Court. The confrontation stemmed from an earlier incident.

Both parties began to argue, then shots were fired. The victim was struck, an Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office incident report states.

Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said, This was a senseless act that could have been avoided by talking, communicating.

A man is dead because of this senseless shooting.

Aiken and Rogers were located late Tuesday evening and taken into custody without incident.

Inv. Travis Wright is leading the ongoing investigation.

Now, Mrs. Lambright is holding onto memories of her late husband.

He loved to talk to people. He liked to be kidding and stuff, she said.

She noted that her husband grew up in Holly Hill and they married when they were 18.

Their teenage daughter is struggling with the loss of her father and the younger children dont understand whats happening, she said.

Lambright said shes trusting in God for strength through this difficult time.

Her husband's funeral arrangements are being handled through Simmons Funeral Home and are incomplete at this time.
After more than a year of effort, two men are reportedly facing murder charges in the 2015 Holly Hill quadruple homicide.

U.S. Marshals arrested Derrick Warren Coleman, 27, and Antly Jermaine Jackie Man Scott, 35, in Foley, Alabama, on Tuesday according to WKRG, a TV news station in Alabama. Theyd been living there for a short time.

Coleman and Scott were arrested on murder charges and are awaiting extradition to South Carolina, according to the WKRG report.

Acting on a tip, U.S. Marshals surrounded the house, guns drawn. Coleman was taken into custody Monday. Twelve hours later, the marshals were back to take Scott into custody on murder warrants in connection with the Holly Hill case, WKRG reported.

Coleman grew up in Baldwin County, Alabama, the station reported. In 2009, he was severely injured in a motorcycle accident where he was trapped under a burning car. Good Samaritans saved his life.

Baldwin County Detention Center booking sheets show the two are both from Eutawville.

A press conference is planned for noon Thursday in the July 15, 2015 deaths of Jerome Butler, 50; Krystal Hutto, 28; and half-sisters Shamekia Tyjuana Sanders, 17, and Tamara Alexis Perry, 14.

Dreamzz Nelson, 8, was also shot. He survived.

Each of the victims was shot execution-style at 7050 Old State Road in Holly Hill.

Butlers body was found next to a BMW in the driveway of the home.

In one of the bedrooms, Huttos lifeless body was discovered.

Sanders and Perry were found in another bedroom.

Nelson was also discovered in a bedroom and transported by helicopter to a Charleston-area hospital. Hes since made a steady recovery.

During an interview this past July, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said that deputies and investigators spent more than 20,000 man-hours on the case and conducted at least 200 interviews.

Ravenell updated the families of the victims about the arrests on Wednesday, according to a family member.

The father of the teens and the 8-year-old, Christopher Dean Wright, is relieved that justice is continuing to be sought in the case, according to attorney David Williams.

Williams said Wright is aware of the arrests.

Wright, who has not been charged in the shootings, has been held at the Orangeburg County Detention Center since last fall.

He faces two drug trafficking charges, three unlawful conduct toward a child charges and one charge each of obstruction of justice and trafficking cocaine.

On the one-year anniversary of the slayings this past July, community members marched for justice from the home where the slayings occurred to the Holly Hill municipal complex.

Ravenell told The T&D in July that he keeps a bulletin board, perched on an easel, next to his desk.

On the bulletin board are several clippings from The T&D about the quadruple homicide.

He said hes keeping the bulletin board there until the case is solved.

Last year at Christmastime, staff tried to put a Christmas tree in here, but I didnt have any room for it because of this, he said.
A blog for students in my introductory classes in government, and any interested passersby. You'll find news items and random stories that illustrate any of the topics we cover in class. Special attention will be paid to the constitutional issues associated with contemporary issues and disputes. Feel free to send me stories you find important. Please note that due to spam, I'm limiting the ability of people to comment on these pages. My apologies.
Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship.
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NEW YORK  Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University top the second annual Reuters Top 100 ranking of the worlds most innovative universities. The Reuters Top 100 ranking aims to identify the institutions doing the most to advance science, invent new technologies and help drive the global economy. Unlike other rankings that often rely entirely or in part on subjective surveys, the ranking uses proprietary data and analysis tools from the Intellectual Property & Science division of Thomson Reuters to examine a series of patent and research-related metrics, and get to the essence of what it means to be truly innovative.

In the fast-changing world of science and technology, if you're not innovating, you're falling behind. Thats one of the key findings of this years Reuters 100. The 2016 results show that big breakthroughs  even just one highly influential paper or patent  can drive a university way up the list, but when that discovery fades into the past, so does its ranking. Consistency is key, with truly innovative institutions putting out groundbreaking work year after year.

Stanford held fast to its first place ranking by consistently producing new patents and papers that influence researchers elsewhere in academia and in private industry. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (ranked #2) were behind some of the most important innovations of the past century, including the development of digital computers and the completion of the Human Genome Project. Harvard University (ranked #3), is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and has produced 47 Nobel laureates over the course of its 380-year history.

Some universities saw significant movement up the list, including, most notably, the University of Chicago, which jumped from #71 last year to #47 in 2016. Other list-climbers include the Netherlands' Delft University of Technology (#73 to #44) and South Korea's Sungkyunkwan University (#66 to #46).

The United States continues to dominate the list, with 46 universities in the top 100; Japan is once again the second best performing country, with nine universities. France and South Korea are tied in third, each with eight. Germany has seven ranked universities; the United Kingdom has five; Switzerland, Belgium and Israel have three; Denmark, China and Canada have two; and the Netherlands and Singapore each have one.

For more on the Reuters Top 100, including a detailed methodology and profiles of the universities, visit www.reuters.com/most-innovative-universities-2016.

The Reuters Top 100: The Worlds Most Innovative Universities

1 Stanford University

2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

3 Harvard University

4 University of Texas System

5 University of Washington System

6 KAIST

7 University of Michigan System

8 University of Pennsylvania

9 KU Leuven

10 Northwestern University

11 Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)

12 Imperial College London

13 University of Wisconsin System

14 Duke University

15 University of California System

16 University of Tokyo

17 University of Southern California

18 Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

19 University of Cambridge

20 Vanderbilt University

21 Osaka University

22 University of Illinois System

23 Johns Hopkins University

24 Georgia Institute of Technology

25 Ohio State University

26 Cornell University

27 University of Oxford

28 California Institute of Technology

29 Kyoto University

30 Seoul National University

31 Tohoku University

32 Princeton University

33 Purdue University System

34 Tufts University

35 Oregon Health & Science University

36 University of North Carolina System

37 Indiana University System

38 Technical University of Munich

39 University of Pittsburgh

40 University of Utah

41 Boston University

42 Columbia University

43 Tokyo Institute of Technology

44 Delft University of Technology

45 University of Colorado System

46 Sungkyunkwan University

47 University of Chicago

48 Keio University

49 University of Erlangen Nuremberg

50 University of British Columbia

51 Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

52 University of Massachusetts System

53 Technical University of Denmark

54 Yale University

55 Yonsei University

56 Emory University

57 University of Toronto

58 University of Zurich

59 Technion Israel Institute of Technology

60 Pierre & Marie Curie University - Paris 6

61 University of Munich

62 State University System of Florida

63 University of Arizona and Board of Regents

64 National University of Singapore

65 University of Minnesota System

66 Tsinghua University

67 Baylor College of Medicine

68 Hanyang University

69 Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology

70 Peking University

71 University of London

72 Mount Sinai School of Medicine

73 Korea University

74 Ghent University

75 University of Copenhagen

76 University of Rochester

77 University of Claude Bernard - Lyon 1

78 University of Paris Sud - Paris XI

79 Kyushu University

80 State University of New York (SUNY) System

81 University System of Maryland

82 Dresden University of Technology

83 University of Montpellier

84 University of Alabama System

84 Case Western Reserve University

86 University of Freiburg

87 University of Manchester

88 University of Paris Descartes  Paris V

89 Tel Aviv University

90 Nagoya University

91 Rutgers State University

92 Free University of Berlin

93 Grenoble Alpes University

94 Hebrew University of Jerusalem

95 Hokkaido University

96 University of Strasbourg

97 University of Aix-Marseille

98 University Libre Brussels

99 Ruprecht Karl University Heidelberg

100 University of Virginia

Reuters

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By Azernews





By Nigar Abbasova

Poland is interested in strengthening of all-round cooperation with Azerbaijan and the two countries enjoy significant prospects to expand relations.

Polish Deputy Development Minister Radoslaw Domagalski-Labedzki made the remark while addressing a meeting between the representatives of governmental structures of Azerbaijan and a delegation of entrepreneurs organization headed by the Polish official.

Domagalski-Labedzki said that Polish companies are interested in making investments in Azerbaijan, mentioning wide prospects for bilateral cooperation.

The sides also discussed the process of preparations for the upcoming seventh Polish-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, underlining the importance of reaching certain agreements till the holding of the event, which is scheduled for December 2016.

Azerbaijans Deputy Energy Minister Gulmammad Javadov, in turn, said the attraction of foreign investments in non-oil sector is one of the main priorities of Azerbaijan.

The participants also highlighted the cooperation in the transport sphere, which is expected to enhance ties between the two countries.

Deputy Transport Minister Musa Panahov said that Azerbaijan has already taken weighty steps in its bid to turn the country into a major transport hub, including implementation of such projects as East-West and North-South transport corridors.

He said that the participation of Polish companies in certain transport projects is of great importance, emphasizing that the creation of a new transport system may pave the way for the expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

Moreover, Poland also was offered to take part in the construction of pharmaceutical plants in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is currently importing some 3 percent of pharmaceutical goods from Poland, while about 99 percent of all pharmaceuticals are imported.

Azerbaijan may also benefit from the vast experience of Poland in the sphere of medical insurance.

Vice President of the Polish Agricultural Market Agency Jaroslaw Olowski earlier told Trend that Azerbaijan, which almost completely provides itself with agricultural products, can also become a hub for export of Polish products to Iran and Central Asia. Olowski stressed that Poland is interested in the import of a number of agricultural products from Azerbaijan.

The trade turnover between Poland and Azerbaijan amounted to 20.74 million manat ($ 12.67 million) in January-April 2016, that is, 13.6 percent more than in the same period of 2015.
By Trend

Azerbaijans history is built on multiculturalism, said President Ilham Aliyev.

President Aliyev delivered a speech at the opening of the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum on September 29.

The fifth Baku International Humanitarian Forum is beginning. I sincerely greet all the guests who have come to our country to take part in this forum. Welcome to Azerbaijan, said President Aliyev.

The president noted that more than 400 representatives from around 80 countries are participating in this forum and this itself is an indicator.

The forum has gained great respect on the international arena in recent years and it holds a special place among international events, said President Aliyev, adding that Azerbaijan has always paid great attention to international humanitarian cooperation.

We believe that positive tendencies should be strengthened in the world, he noted.

International cooperation plays a special role in developing interstate relations. For this purpose, we have held a number of international events in our country in recent years. The International Humanitarian Forum holds a special place among them, said the president.

Our country holds the Forum on Intercultural Dialogue every two years. Baku hosted the Summit of World Religious Leaders several years ago and the 7th Global Forum of UN Alliance of Civilizations was held this year, added President Aliyev.

Wide discussions were held and the international humanitarian cooperation, multiculturalism and other important issues were discussed during all those international events, according to the president.

The president noted that in 2016 alone, Baku hosted Formula 1 and World Chess Olympiad for the first time.

Last year, Baku hosted the First European Games for the first time in the history. This is an indicator, because the First European Games were held in a Muslim country and this can be assessed as Azerbaijans contribution to the interreligious and intercultural dialogue, said President Aliyev.



Next year, Baku will host the fourth Islamic Solidarity Games. Thats to say, in just two years, the city has hosted the European Games and will host the Islamic Solidarity Games, said the president.

Todays Azerbaijan is moving on this path. There are many purposes of holding these international events in our country. First of all, this is necessary for our country, because, Azerbaijan is a multiconfessional, multinational country. Representatives of all religions, nations live in Azerbaijan as one family. They should even more closely combine their efforts," he said.

In his speech, the president of Azerbaijan said that the country's history is built on multiculturalism.

Despite that this word is new, in Azerbaijan multiculturalism is a tradition, which lives on, said Ilham Aliyev.

He said that representatives of all nationalities and peoples live in peace and friendship in Azerbaijan. This is our big treasure, said the president.

The president also noted that it's no coincidence that this year was proclaimed the Year of Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan.

Unfortunately, some say that the policy of multiculturalism has failed and that this is a dangerous phenomenon, said the president.

Regretfully, currently, unpleasant tendencies prevail in the world. There are bloody clashes, wars in various regions and bloodshed occurs on religious and national grounds, said President Aliyev. The intensification of international humanitarian cooperation can, to some extent, prevent those negative tendencies and strengthen the positive trends.

Further, the president noted that Azerbaijan is a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the country plays an active role in both of these organizations.

At Azerbaijans initiative, both of these organizations have adopted very fair resolutions in line with the international law on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is the most painful problem for us. Armenia has been indicated as an occupier in those resolutions, said President Aliyev.

We successfully continue our activities in these two organizations, said the president, adding that the Council of Europe and OIC bring together more than one hundred states.

The president pointed out that currently, Azerbaijan as an independent state makes contribution to the development of multiculturalism.

Such events and the policy pursued in Azerbaijan in everyday life strengthen these positive tendencies, he added.

I would also like to note that representatives of all nations and religions live as one family, in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere in Azerbaijan. There has never been a confrontation or a disagreement on religious and national grounds in our country. This is our great wealth, said President Aliyev.

History of all religions, the religious monuments are protected by the state. At the same time, the state ensures the restoration of those monuments with its own funds, said the president. Mosques, churches, synagogues are built and repaired in Azerbaijan. We celebrate all our religious holidays together.

We are proud of our history and our culture. Today, one of the oldest mosques of the world is situated in Azerbaijan. The Mosque of Shamakhi in the city of Shamakhi was built in 743 and currently, operates after restoration. At the same time, such a historical monument as the Church of Caucasian Albania, which is one of the oldest churches in Caucasus, is situated near the city of Shaki. Currently, that historical monument also operates after restoration and attracts many tourists, said the president.

The old monument of Zoroastrianism, the monument, the temple of fire worship near Baku is preserved today. This is our history, said President Aliyev.

The president added that representatives of various religions and cultures have lived in Azerbaijan throughout history. Perhaps, it is not accidental that namely Azerbaijan was chosen for living together, because, these tendencies have always prevailed in our country, in our land. This is a state policy today as well and we will further pursue this policy, he said.

This state policy is gaining great sympathy in the country. Meanwhile, this is the societys mood, because, the state policy can be pursued successfully when the society positively reacts to this and vice-versa, the positive mood in the society and the tendencies related to multiculturalism even more strengthen our state policy, added the president.

The president further stated that Azerbaijan has always paid great attention to humanitarian cooperation.

But I would like the guests to know that our country itself has faced a humanitarian disaster. Twenty percent of our lands have been occupied as a result of the armed aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan in early 1990s. More than a million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs on their native lands as a result of this occupation and ethic cleansing, said the president. Our historic and native land Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts have been occupied by Armenia.

Innocent people were killed and a military crime  Khojaly genocide was committed against our people, he said, adding that 613 civilians, including 106 women and 63 children were killed in the city of Khojaly as a result of the genocide.

All these atrocities committed by Armenians have been documented. There are video and photo materials and witness testimonies, said President Aliyev.

The president pointed out that ten countries have recognized the Khojaly genocide.

Our historical, religious monuments have been destroyed by Armenians on the occupied lands and there are facts to back it up. In connection with this, the OSCE has sent a fact-finding mission to the occupied territories twice and this is openly indicated in their reports, he added.

The entire infrastructure, the cities have been destroyed and graves have been razed to the ground. They have destroyed our graves with bulldozers. Our mosques have been destroyed, said President Aliyev.

There is an Armenian church in the center of Baku and we have restored that church. Currently, more than 5,000 books in Armenian language are kept in this church, he said. This is while they raze our mosques to the ground. This is the difference.

Armenian fascism has caused a big disaster and innocent people still suffer from the Armenian policy, said the president.

All international organizations unequivocally support our position. In particular, the UN General Assembly, which is the first and highest international body in the world, has repeatedly adopted resolutions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions demanding the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied lands, said President Aliyev.

Regretfully, Armenia ignores these resolutions and there is no mechanism for fulfilling the resolutions, said the president, adding that this is a great injustice.

We consider this as a policy of double standards, because in some cases, the resolutions of the UN Security Council are fulfilled in several days and perhaps, in several hours and the aggressor is punished, he said. But when it comes to us, although more than 20 years have passed since the adoption of the resolutions, they are not fulfilled. Those who have adopted these resolutions do not demand their fulfillment.

President Aliyev added that other international organizations, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, European Parliament, Non-Aligned Movement and OSCE have also adopted decisions on this issue.

Thats to say, all international organizations support our position. Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral, historical part of Azerbaijan. At the same time, Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan in accordance with the international law, said the president.

The territorial integrity of our country should be restored. Our countrys territorial integrity is not less important than that of any other country. The international law should be ensured, added President Aliyev. Despite this problem, our country is developing confidently and we are growing stronger.

Azerbaijan today enjoys great reputation around the world, said President Ilham Aliyev.

The next month we will mark the 25th anniversary of restoration of our independence, said President Aliyev, adding that most of the years during this 25-year period have been the years of progress and development.

Today, Azerbaijan enjoys great reputation around the world. A few years ago, 155 countries, displaying great trust in us, chose us as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, he added.

Ilham Aliyev went on to say that humanitarian issues get solved in Azerbaijan.

We attach great attention to these issues. More than 3,000 schools, more than 600 hospitals and medical centers have been built and repaired in Azerbaijan in the last 13 years, he said.

The problems of the IDPs get solved, more than 90 settlements have been built, more than 250,000 IDPs have been given new houses, apartments, added President Aliyev.

Further during his speech, the president said Azerbaijans economy is developing.

In the past 13 years, the GDP has grown by three times. We have large currency reserves and they are equal to our GDP, he said.

Ilham Aliyev added that serious steps have been taken to decrease unemployment and poverty in the country.

Today, the level of both unemployment and poverty in the country stands at 5 percent, he said. Literacy level stands at about 100 percent.

President Aliyev reminded that a great part of Azerbaijans economy is bound to natural resources.

Despite a sharp decline in oil prices, Azerbaijan lived through the crisis with very few losses and today the dynamic development continues, he added.

Yesterday I was informed that the Davos World Economic Forum has put Azerbaijan in the 37th place in terms of competitiveness, he said. I believe that for a young state ranking 37th worldwide for competitiveness is a great achievement given that the first years of our independence were very hard, that there was a deep political and economic crisis.

He went on to add that Azerbaijan holds the leading places in the world in terms of per capita number of refugees and IDPs.

These are very painful statistics, but this is true. This of course has drawn our financial resources. Despite all this, the correct economic policy, the peace, tranquility and stability in the society, good relations with our neighbors and our international initiatives today present Azerbaijan in the world as a place of stability and development, said the president.

We are proud that we have been living for 25 years as an independent state, we have been living on our own expenses, we dont owe anyone, we are not dependent upon anyone, we maintain our independence above everything else, our people is free, our destiny is in our hands, he added.

We have built a beautiful country and it will be even more beautiful, added President Aliyev.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

A delegation of the Australian Parliament visited the memorial to the victims of the Khojaly Genocide on September 29 and laid flowers at it.

They were informed that as a result of the Khojaly massacre 613 people, including 106 women, 63 children, 70 old men, were mercilessly killed, 487 people were injured, 1,275 civilians were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people is still unknown.

As a result of this act of genocide, eight families were completely destroyed, while 25 children lost both parents.

The Khojaly genocide, which occurred on the night of February 25-26, is one of the bloodiest tragedies in human history.

As a result of Armenian aggression, Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions remain occupied. Because of ethnic cleansing, over one million Azerbaijanis lost their homes and became refugees and internally displaced persons.

Despite the fact that all the international organizations recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, and the UN issues four resolutions demanding unconditional liberation of the occupied territories, Armenia continues the occupation, does not respect the international law and ignores it.








The MetLife Stadium in the US ... two potential locationshave been identified for Bahrains new stadium.

Bahrain's new state-of-the-art international stadium is likely to be built in the Southern Governorate, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication



To read further, please visit GDNonline.






Dubai Investments Park (DIP), one of the largest integrated commercial, industrial and residential communities in the Middle East, has signed an agreement with MWH, now part of Canada-based engineering consultancy Stantec and a global leader in wet infrastructure, to design a new stormwater and groundwater drainage network within the development.



The scope of the agreement covers the design of the drainage network covering the 2,300-hectare Dubai Investments Park.



The project is part of DIPs concerted efforts to keep upgrading its infrastructure in order to manage groundwater levels, prevent property inundation and mitigate flooding in the event of heavy rainfall, which has been an issue in low-lying areas within the development, said Omar Al Mesmar, its general manager after signing the deal with Wessam Daoud, the Middle East regional director at MWH.



According to him, the design project started in August and will be completed in four months.



The new facility will be connected to the main Dubai Municipality drainage network for Dubai South and adjacent communities, once that is completed. The stormwater network will involve 147 km of pipeline, nearly 2,000 manholes, five ponds and five lift stations.



"The agreement with MWH is aimed at implementing an efficient flood management plan with minimum public access interruption. The complex network of inlets and conduits requires extensive evaluation and DIP is working closely with MWH to design a balanced storm water management system on a priority basis," remarked Al Mesmar.



The Canadian company had developed the first-ever sewerage, stormwater and groundwater drainage and irrigation master plan for Dubai and has also been assigned by Dubai Municipality to undertake the engineering design for the drainage systems for the Dubai South area covering a total area of over 420 sq km.



On the contract win, Daoud said: "MWH is pleased to be a partner in this strategic project to plan the wet infrastructure within DIP Park."



"The companys expertise in this domain is unparalleled and we are bringing together a team of international experts to plan innovative solutions to design the drainage network and ensure that the drainage needs of the DIP community are met in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner," he added.



Over the years, DIP has spent over Dh4 billion ($1.08 billion) in boosting the infrastructure to international standards, which includes 140 km of internal road network and well-integrated water and electricity systems, the best of hospitals, educational institutions, hotels, retail outlets, supermarkets and other day-to-day necessities and recreational options for its tenants.-TradeArabia News Service
The property brokers in Dubai, UAE, will need to get approval from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera) before issuing advertisements and social media campaigns under new rules, said a report.



Currently, only registered brokers are allowed to advertise properties in Dubai, but the new rules add in an extra step whereby advertisements require approval, reported The National.



A circular was sent by the Rera this week to the local brokers alerting them on the need to apply for permits before issuing "any real estate announcements" including print and radio ads, as well as those posted on social media such as Facebook and Twitter.



All these advertisements must carry a permit number from Rera, said the circular.



Companies need to apply to the Dubai Land Department for permits either through its website or the Trakhees system.



The new rules will come into force from October 2, said the report.



After this date, Rera has warned that any announcements that do not have a corresponding permit number will be "dismissed", and that firms who do not abide by its system will face the prospect of legal action, said the report citing a senior official.



"A number of fraud cases that Rera has dealt with in the past have included false advertising," explained Ali Abdullah Al Ali, the director of DLDs Real Estate Licensing Department.



As a result, it has introduced the approval system and widened it to cover "all types of advertising, including social media," he added.
Omans leading development company Omran said it was making available significant investment opportunities at Madinat Al Irfan, the countrys biggest urban development, with the release of 10 major land plots.



The company has called upon major players in the fields of oil and gas, banking, aviation, logistics to set up their bases at Madinat Al Irfan.



The investment opportunities unveiled by Omran include fully serviced land plots for head office buildings, educational institutions as well as hospitals.



This move comes as part of the companys strategic efforts to make it the countrys new bespoke central business hub.



On completion, Madinat Al Irfan will essentially be a city within a city. It is being developed on a site extending to over 7.4 million sq m, and will have business parks, hospitals, schools, mixed housing and strategic link and transport to Muscat International Airport.



It is set to become a new benchmark for urban planning in the sultanate, offering a right mix of business and investors to set up their respected companies in a strategic central location and become the new business hub for the largest companies.



A world-class masterplan set for the project, includes world-class infrastructure components and allocating fully serviced utilities including power and water grids, road networks and high-speed internet services.



Omran is actively encouraging new and existing businesses, especially in the fields of oil and gas, banking, aviation, logistics and other services, to see the potential of Madinat Al Irfan, and Oman, as a viable hub for their regional operations, said a top official.



"We envision Madinat Al Irfan to set a benchmark for contemporary city planning and provide an exciting addition to Muscats new lifestyle offering modern Arab homes that are designed to meet the needs of modern family living but with the qualities of Omans cultural and architectural values," stated CEO James Wilson.



We are benchmarking against world-renowned companies such as google Inc and other successful case studies that have set new standards in innovative business environments and working cultures. Through Omran, Omans government has made a significant investment on laying a platform for Madinat Al Irfan to be a world-class smart city, a model in how public authorities and the private sector can work together, to deliver such an ambitious and forward-thinking project," he added.



According to him, some of the biggest companies in Oman, such as Omran and Omantel, have already announced that they will relocate their headquaters to Madinat Al Irfan.



Discussions with a number of leading Omani companies such as Oman Air are presently under way.



Significant progress at Madinat Al Irfan has already been made. The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is now open and fully operational in preparation to host its first exhibition next month.



The convention auditorium and both four-star Crowne Plaza with 296 rooms, and a luxury five-star JW Marriott hotel with 304 rooms are also set to open next year. These properties will form part of the OCEC precinct, the key initial asset in the first phase of Madinat Al Irfan.



Salah Al Gahzali, the chief investment officer, said: Oman has lots to offer for local and global investors and Madinat Al Irfan is our jewel in the crown. The development is being designed to integrate the needs of modern business and lifestyles.



"With the integration and mobility of the right mix of an urban city, the precinct will also be home to international private hospitals, school, hotels and not to mention a hi-tech exhibition and convention centre for meetings and networking opportunities all within the immediate reach of hundreds of employees who can choose to spend their day-to-day working activities that will have access to quality working lifestyle," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Oman-based Muna Noor, a leading plastic pipe manufacturer, will be exhibiting as a Platinum Sponsor and showcase its latest products at the 6th edition of Infra Oman, to be held next month, in Muscat, Oman.



The event, being held under the patronage of the sultanates Minister of Transport and Communications Dr Ahmed bi Mohammed bin Salim Al-Futaisi, will take place from October 10 to 12, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.



Infra Oman has been running for five years and is described as the countrys leading infrastructure exhibition and as one of the largest building and construction expo events in the Middle East.



Muna Noor will be showcasing some of the worlds best-selling plastic pipe products available for the regions water control projects, including the Multi-Layer HDPE Pipe as well as celebrating the success of the newly launched pipe and valve centre in Salalah, said a statement from the company.



In comparison to mono-layer HDPE pipes, Muna Noors new generation Multi-Layer HDPE Pipe delivers greater reliability and durability since they are not subject to internal and external stress cracking, it said.



Made of three co-extruded layers that become one during extrusion, the Multi-Layer HDPE Pipe can be laid into excavated trenches without the need for expensive bedding material, it added.



Additionally, Muna Noor Multi-layer HDPE pipe can be lined with an abrasion resistant layer for moving materials such as mining slurry or pumping sands during dredging, making it the ideal solution for water, gas and sewer applications in the hot and harsh grounds of the Middle East.



Muna Noor was established over 40 years ago and is one of Omans oldest companies. Over the years, Muna Noor has become an innovator with expanded pipe manufacturing capabilities to meet customer needs and demand in the industry, whilst developing close relationships within the industry and identifying export opportunities to further enhance Omans international business ties.



Grant Phipps, group general manager, Muna Noor, said: We are proud to pioneer new approaches for our company and Oman. The Salalah launch has been a massive landmark for Muna Noor and we look forward to launching more new centres in Oman and throughout the Middle East over the next year.



Within the last few years, Muna Noor has grown exponentially and our aim is to maintain that momentum for growth and reach our target of becoming the go to company for large-scale and bespoke state-of-the-art piping solutions, whilst exploring new pipe solutions and applications in order to exceed industry expectations, he added.  TradeArabia News Service


More than 100 professionals of the Middle Easts automotive aftermarket gathered in Dubai, UAE, to discuss the future trends in the industry, with the rise of digitisation likely to have a major impact on the business methods in the region.



Valued at $367 billion in 2015, the global market for replacement parts is estimated to increase to $384 billion in 2016 according to analysts Frost & Sullivan, while in the Middle East, spare parts revenue was worth $12.98 billion in 2015, and estimated to reach $17.27 billion by 2020, growing annually by 5.9 per cent.



Subhash Joshi, associate industry director for automotive and transportation practice at Frost & Sullivan, was speaking at the 8th Automechanika Network at the H Hotel in Dubai, highlighting the global and regional trends in the automotive industry.



Joshi said that the increasing urbanisation is leading to the creation of new retail formats and smart distribution networks, with growing connectivity transforming automotive retail.



The multi-channel strategy of the future would include the unbundling of the retail business from the favoured one-stop-shop model to an unbundled approach with multiple services and products being aggregated and offered online, he said.



Effective retailers are adapting their strategies to include digital flagship stores, lifestyle and pop-up stores, mobile and online retailing, he added.



Joshi said these trends are coming to the Middle East too, with dealer groups and aftermarket service providers creating new digital roles to enhance the customer experience.



The use of technology is set to make a telling impact in the way vehicles are serviced with specific app-based programmes running full diagnostic checks and vehicle tests, he added.



The Automechanika Network brings together key industry players for a formal gathering discussing different topics related to the global and Middle East automotive aftermarket.



The highly popular biannual event is organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Automechanika Dubai, the Middle East and Africas largest automotive aftermarket exhibition, and Automechanika Jeddah, Saudi Arabias dedicated aftermarket show.



The Automechanika Network has proved an effective forum for regional industry stakeholders to interact with thought leaders and global players while discussing key issues that impact the industry worldwide and in particular, their effects on the region, said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East.



The current topic has particular resonance in the region, which is among the more active automotive aftermarkets in the world, he added.



The most recent edition of Automechanika Dubai in May 2016 featured 2,017 exhibitors from 58 countries, and attracted 30,018 visitors from 138 countries, it added.  TradeArabia News Service
The Middle East market for security, safety, and fire protection is on track for double digit growth over the next four years, as regional governments and the private sector look for improved technologies to better protect assets, people, businesses, and borders.



Led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, regional countries are making rapid strides to upgrade infrastructure and secure their countries. Research from analysts Frost & Sullivan highlights the tremendous potential that remains to be unlocked in the region, said a statement.



An industry white paper published by Frost & Sullivan outlined the latest trends and opportunities in the market, with spending in Middle East commercial, cyber, and homeland security, along with fire protection, and smart home building automation on a steep upward growth curve.



According to Frost & Sullivan, the Middle East commercial security market, which includes intruder alarms, CCTV surveillance, electronic locks, perimeter protection, door alarms, access control and identification systems, is expected to be worth $10.2 billion by 2020, growing annually by 24 per cent from its $3.8 billion value in 2015.



Similarly, the regions homeland security market is forecast to grow annually by 21 per cent up to 2020, with market revenues increasing to US$34.2 billion, driven predominantly by investments in critical infrastructure, major events, and the need to counter perceived threats.



Fire protection also has huge growth potential, with the Middle Easts fire safety market estimated to grow annually by 12.5 per cent from 2012 to 2020. During this period, the market will grow from $1.6 billion to $4.2 billion, making it one of the worlds largest fire safety markets.



The latest figures come in the final countdown to Intersec 2017, the worlds leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, which is scheduled to be ten per cent larger year-on-year when it opens from January 22 to 24, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, in Dubai, UAE.



The 19th edition of the annual three-day event will feature more than 1,300 exhibitors from 52 countries, while over 31,000 visitors from 128 countries are expected to attend as they seek the latest solutions across seven show sections of commercial security, fire and rescue, safety and health, homeland security and policing, perimeter and physical security, information security, and smart home and building automation.



Intersec 2017 is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and officially supported by Dubai Police, the Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai Police Academy.



Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Intersec, said: Middle East organisations and end-users realise the impact of security and fire safety on their overall productivity and bottom lines, while regional governments have always been committed to protecting critical assets and people in the face of perceived threats along with social and commercial interests.



In this respect, the region has carved out a niche for itself in the global security, safety, and fire protection industries and Intersec, as the leading global trade platform with a pronounced regional focus, remains the natural vehicle for international manufacturers to showcase their wares to regional buyers, he said.



The coming edition will be even wider in scope and reach and will provide trade visitors a comprehensive look at whats available to suit their varied needs, whether that be for governments and authorities, or for private sector end-users in aviation, oil & gas, construction, finance, hospitality, logistics, retail or healthcare, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
With their functionality, flexibility and mobility, 2in1 convertible laptops are one of the fastest growing devices in the industry according to PCMag, and Gitex Shopper will be showcasing the latest models when it opens next month.



Taking place from October 1 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the regions largest consumer IT and electronic show will offer visitors the widest selection of top brand names under one roof.



Gitex Shopper has this guide to whats on offer:



HP Spectre 13: Power never looked so thin. HP re-imagined every element during the design of the Spectre to ensure the best user experience coupled with maximum performance. The result is a premium notebook PC that does not require users to compromise on style, function or performance.



HP Pavilion x360: A colourful platform that offers more processor, graphics and display options while continuing to deliver great value to the customer, the Pavilion x360 flips between notebook mode for working, stand mode for watching, tent mode for playing games or tablet mode for on the go.



Our vision at HP is to create technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. It is this vision that has ensured we remain a global leader in personal systems which include convertible laptops, said Mathew Thomas, Managing Director, Middle East and Saudi Arabia, HP. Visitors to Gitex Shopper 2016 will find our latest wide range of laptops at the best possible prices.



Lenovo Yoga 900: One of the best 2-in-1 convertible laptops on the market and considered Lenovos best convertible, the Yoga 900 is favoured for simply being portable. The smart hinge allows the laptop screen to flip around 360 degrees so that the display sits flat on the back of the keyboard. The Yoga 900 is also one of the thinnest convertible hybrid window laptops, and to top things off, it is packet with the latest Intel processing power and has a long-lasting battery.



Microsoft Surface Pro 4: If you are looking to ditch your laptop and stick to a tablet, the Surface Pro 4 is for you. A much sleeker and lighter version of the Surface Pro 3, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 comes with a detachable keyboard that allows it to convert from a tablet into a laptop, while its responsive and sensitive touchscreen makes it ideal for any type of work.



Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA: What sets this laptop apart from other 2-in-1 convertible laptops is its price. Asuss budget friendly laptop offers a mix of cutting-edge and last-generation features. Not only is the TP200 affordable, but it has a metal finish that comes in two colours and weighs only 1.2kg, while its 360 degree multi gear metal hinge makes it handy and usable as a tablet.



Dell Inspiron 13 7000: Dells 13-inch convertible laptop is perfect for those looking for a portable and stylish notebook. The laptop is designed for the real world meaning that it can stand harsh, short term heat conditions of up to 65 degrees Celsius. The laptop also comes with a dual hinge that helps flip the screen around to better interact with the programs on the screen, while its functionality is well suited for work, home and everywhere in between.



Samsung Galaxy TabPro S: Featuring a full-sized keyboard and an intuitive touchpad, Samsungs Galaxy TabPro S allows you to navigate and type documents effortlessly, while the 12-inch widescreen makes it ideal for reading and streaming HD content. What stands out, however, is the keyboard - with keys are significantly bigger than other convertible laptops and a keyboard cover that not only protects the laptop, but also attaches to the rear of the tablet, to create a kickstand.



This year, tickets for Gitex Shopper will be priced at Dh30 for the weekdays and Dh35 for the weekend. Entry is free for children below the age of five. - TradeArabia News Service
With consumers in the UAE now owning at least three connected devices at one time, mobile technology is having a profound influence on purchase decisions, said an industry expert citing Googles latest Connected Consumer Survey.



UAE businesses that do not embrace mobile technology as part of their efforts to enhance the consumer experience risk being sidelined in todays increasingly competitive environment, added Fahad Al Bannai, CEO of axiom telecom, a leader in the mobile market.



And those who choose not to respond to the markets insatiable thirst for information, which has been fuelled by the adoption of mobile devices and the countrys rapidly developing digital infrastructure, may find it difficult to both survive and thrive in todays dynamic business landscape, he added.



As our lives become increasingly connected to the devices we use on a daily basis, there is a shift in the way we connect to data services and consequently engage with our surroundings, said Al Bannai.



Today, UAE consumers live online. Its the first place they turn to when seeking information or a service  and if your business is not there when they look, that is a lost opportunity. In todays fast-paced and information-driven world, having a strong online presence is instrumental to the success of every business.



According to the Google study, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of UAE residents use their smartphones to search for local businesses. In addition, 84 per cent go online at least as often via a smartphone as a computer  a whopping 44 per cent increase since 2012, and more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of residents look to the internet when seeking information.



However, traditional mobile technology is not the only way consumers connect with data services, as wearable and smart devices are also penetrating the way people live and interact.



Jumping five points to rank third, UAE residents are today more connected than the citizens of Norway, Germany, Saudi Arabia, UK, Switzerland and Denmark, thanks to the UAE government efforts to make the country highly advanced in adopting technology.



In GfKs Connected Consumer Index 2016, the UAE scored 995 points, ranking behind Hong Kong and North America that ranked first and second respectively in the list of 78 countries. Globally, the average score in the index stood at 313, while for the Middle East and Africa region, it was at 127.



People go online because they want to meet some of their basic universal needs, whether it is interpersonal connection, self-expression, exploration or for the sake of convenience. If brands and retailers manage are able to successfully tap into these personal motivators, they will have an incredible opportunity to reach consumers anytime, anywhere, Al Bannai concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
International air travel to East Africa has jumped up 11.2 per cent from January to August this year, compared with the same period last year, a new report has revealed.



According to an analysis conducted by ForwardKeys, a leading business intelligence tool, this is an exceptional performance as growth for Africa as a whole has been 5.6 per cent, with countries like Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia seeing little growth or even a decline.



Olivier Jager, CEO, ForwardKeys, said: We are seeing a tale of two Africas, with North African countries suffering from political instability and terror activities and Sub Saharan African countries powering ahead, with Ethiopia up 9.6 per cent, Tanzania up 10.6 per cent, Mauritius up 11.6 per cent and Kenya up 14.9 per cent. South Africa is up 11.4 per cent.



Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, the picture is highly encouraging for East Africa. International bookings for travel to East African countries, up to the end of December are 17.3 per cent ahead of where they were at this time last year. Looking at the main origin markets, the UK is 13.2 per cent ahead, Germany is 21 per cent ahead, The US is 21 per cent ahead, France is 16.1 per cent ahead, the Netherlands is 16.6 per cent ahead, South Africa is 9.4 per cent ahead and India is 34 per cent ahead.



An analysis of airport capacity, defined by the total number of seats, reveals that the stars in terms of growth are Nairobi, Kigali and Kilimanjaro. Looking at international capacity in the periods Q3 2015 - Q2 2016 and Q3 2016 - Q2 2017, Nairobi grew 0 per cent and 2 per cent respectively, Kigali 5 per cent and 4 per cent respectively and Kilimanjaro 11 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. Whilst a 2 per cent growth for Nairobi may not sound so impressive, its capacity is around four times that of Kigali.



Looking at capacity for flights within East Africa in the periods Q3 2015 - Q2 2016 and Q3 2016 - Q2 2017, Nairobi grew 0 per cent and 2 per cent respectively, Kigali 13 per cent and 5 per cent respectively and Kilimanjaro 6 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.



The data has been released ahead of AviaDev, a new airline route development conference and AHIF, Africas highest profile hotel investment conference, which run concurrently at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre in Kigali from October 4 to 6, 2016.



Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench Events, which is organising Ahif and AviaDev, said: We are seeing unprecedented interest in the Ahif AviaDev combination, with over 20 airlines signing up to talk about new air routes, with global CEOs of the worlds biggest hotel companies present to discuss their plans for Africa and with government ministers keen to attract inward investment; one has to ask: Why is there such serious interest? These highly encouraging booking figures explain it.



Worsley added: If what is happening in Rwanda becomes a yardstick against which other East African countries measure themselves, I would expect this strong growth to continue. There, a new airport is under construction 25km outside Kigali, with the ability to cater for 4.5 million passengers/year, seven times todays traffic. The national airline has invested in new aircraft and set itself ambitious growth plans and the government is actively promoting Rwanda as a destination for conferences and exhibitions. - TradeArabia News Service
International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 4 per cent between January and June 2016 compared to the same period last year.

Destinations worldwide received 561 million international tourists (overnight visitors), 21 million more than in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.



Asia and the Pacific demonstrated renewed strength this first half of 2016, receiving 9 per cent more international arrivals, the highest growth across world regions.



In the Americas, international arrivals increased by 4 per cent, led by Central America and South America. Europe (up 3 per cent) showed mixed results, with solid growth in many destinations offset by weaker performance in others. In Africa (up 5 per cent), Sub-Saharan destinations rebounded strongly, while North Africa continued to report weak results. Limited data for the Middle East points to an estimated decrease of 9 per cent in international arrivals this six-month period, though results vary from destination to destination.



Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges. But tourism is also creating bonds among people of all nations and backgrounds, bringing down stereotypes and fighting fear and distrust, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.



Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework. This is no time to build walls or point fingers; it is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility. he added.



Regional Results



Growth accelerated in Asia and the Pacific with international arrivals up 9 per cent through June, driven by robust intraregional demand. Oceania (up 10 per cent) led growth, followed by North-East Asia, South-East Asia (both up 9 oer cent) and South Asia (up 7 per cent).



International tourist arrivals to Europe grew by 3 per cent between January and June 2016, with mixed results across destinations. Northern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe both recorded 5 per cent more international arrivals. Though many destinations posted positive results, growth in both Western Europe (up 1 per cent) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (up 2 per cent) was slow.



International arrivals in the Americas were up 4 per cent in the first half of the year, in line with the world average. Strong US outbound flows continued to benefit many destinations across the region. Central America and South America (both up 6 per cent) led growth, while arrivals in both the Caribbean and North America grew by 4 per cent.



Comparatively limited data available for Africa points to a 5 per cent increase in international arrivals, with Sub-Saharan Africa (up 12 per cent) recovering vigorously, but North Africa down by 9 per cent. International arrivals in the Middle East decreased by an estimated 9 per cent, with mixed results among destinations.



Positive prospects for the second half of the year



The first half of the year typically accounts for around 46 per cent of the total international arrivals count of the year. For the remainder of 2016 prospects are positive overall. Countries that have already reported results till July or August show continued growth in the current Northern Hemisphere summer peak season. The UNWTO Panel of Experts evaluated the period May-August also favourably and remains confident about the September-December period, in line with the trend of the first half of the year. Confidence is highest in Africa, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific, while experts in Europe and the Middle East are somewhat more cautious.



Demand for travel abroad varies across source markets



China, the worlds top source market, continued to report double-digit growth in expenditure on international travel (up 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2016), benefiting destinations in the region and beyond. The US, the worlds second largest market, increased expenditure on outbound travel by 8 per cent through July, thanks to a strong currency. Third largest market, Germany, reported a 4 per cent increase in expenditure through July. Other markets that showed robust demand for outbound travel in the first half of 2016 were Spain (up 20 per cent), Norway (up 11 per cent), Australia (up 10 per cent) and Japan (up 6 per cent). Meanwhile expenditure from the Russian Federation and Brazil continues to be weak, reflecting the economic constraints and depreciated currencies in both markets. - TradeArabia News Service
Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
The No. 3 official at the Wyoming Highway Patrol is under investigation for posing for a photograph near a bison at Yellowstone National Park, possibly violating the rule that people must stay at least 25 yards from wildlife.

Highway Patrol Major Keith Groeneweg posted to Facebook a photo of himself near the large mammal, with the description Yellowstone signs everywhere: Stay 100 yards from animals. They can be dangerous. Keiths translation: Time to sneak up and hug a buffalo!#YNP #ILoveWyoming.

Groeneweg has told the parks chief ranger and his Highway Patrol boss he was observing the rule and that the photo appears closer than he actually was, they said.

The investigation comes after a busy summer in Yellowstone when an unusually high number of visitors, most from outside Wyoming, have approached wildlife too closely. Rangers for the National Park Service, which is celebrating its centennial this year, worked hard to educate people about wildlife rules. Nevertheless people have been gored, mauled and chased by bison, bears and elk.

Pete Webster, Yellowstones chief ranger, said a handful of people shared pictures of Groenewegs Facebook post with park officials.

I did call and spoke with him, Webster said. He was apologetic. He said the photo was purposely distorted to appear a lot closer than he was, and he was beyond our prescribed distance of 25 yards.

Rangers continue to investigate, he said.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Kebin Haller said Groeneweg was forthcoming to him about the Yellowstone investigation and is cooperating with the park. Groeneweg told Haller the picture was taken during a vacation last week. A ravine cut between him and the animal, although the photo doesnt show it, Haller said.

Haller said he believed everything Groeneweg told him and the major is not on any kind of administrative leave. Haller will obtain a copy of the investigation once its completed, he said.

Law enforcement officers are held to high standards in their personal lives, since they are in charge of enforcing the law in society, he said.

I would have to say as individuals and professionals, we are always accountable for our actions and behaviors, Haller said.

Despite Groeneweg writing the distance between people and wildlife must be 100 yards, its actually a minimum of 25 yards for most animals. Bears and wolves are the exception. People must stay at least 100 yards from them, said Chief Ranger Webster.

Its to allow wildlife to roam free on the land, stress-free, he said.

The distance is also just as important to keep people safe, he added.

Weve had injuries caused by people getting too close to bison, by people getting too close to elk.
Students from the Natrona County School District enjoyed a fall field trip Tuesday to the Green Acres Corn Maze, which is open until Oct. 30. Skies were expected to stay sunny with temperatures above 70 degrees in the Casper area through the weekend, though some clouds and temperatures in the 50s and 60s were predicted for early in the following week.
CHEYENNE  More than 80 people have died on Wyoming highways so far this year, but the majority of those deaths could have been prevented had the person buckled up.

In fact, about 60 percent of Wyoming highway fatalities involved people who were not using seat belts, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

One potential way to improve seat belt use is enactment of a primary seat belt law, agencies like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said.

Several entities around Wyoming are still in favor of a primary enforcement seat belt law, including the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police and AAA.

Wyoming currently has a secondary enforcement seat belt law. That means that while its illegal for drivers and passengers to not wear a seat belt when available, law enforcement cant pull over drivers for a seat belt offense alone.

Instead, drivers have to make some other traffic violation for the law to be enforced.

A primary seat belt law, however, would allow law enforcement to pull over vehicles solely for violations of the seat belt law.

Past efforts to make the seat belt law primary have failed, in part due to resistance by some lawmakers and state residents to force drivers to buckle up or risk a fine.

Still, while new efforts to make the seat belt law primary havent resurfaced  yet  some groups remain supportive of a change.

Gillette Police Chief Jim Hloucal, president of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, said the organization still supports a primary seat belt law, as it has in the past.

Historically, Wyoming has one of the lowest seat belt compliance rates in the United States, he said. When you look at it, its clear seat belts save lives.

Hloucal added hes also personally in favor of such a law, saying his life  and those of his family members  have been saved by seat belts.

He recalled two separate incidents where his vehicle was hit by another, including one several years ago when the vehicle carrying Hloucal and his family was hit head-on by a drunken driver on Wyoming Highway 59.

Everyone in his family survived.

Hloucal also reiterated that its already illegal to not wear a seat belt  the difference is just whether its a primary or secondary offense.

Seat belt use rates vary across Wyoming, with an overall statewide estimated compliance rate of 79.8 percent in 2015, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportations annual survey.

That year, Carbon County had the highest compliance rate at 91.3 percent, and Sweetwater County had the lowest at 59 percent.

Laramie County had an 80.8 percent compliance rate.

From 2012 through 2014, Teton County generally had the highest compliance rates in Wyoming  usually in the mid-90s.

Some of the lower rates during that time were seen in Sheridan, Big Horn, Campbell and Natrona counties.

Laramie County was in the low 70s during that time.

Nationally, seat belt use rates are generally higher in the 34 states with primary enforcement. New Hampshire has no seat belt law.

Anytime you have a primary seat belt law, it raises the use rate, said Sgt. Duane Ellis of the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

While the WHP does not advocate for legislation, Ellis said, If there was a primary seat belt law, we would enforce that like all other laws on the books.

Some officials have indicated they feel Wyomings recently increased speed limits could be an impetus for revisiting the issue.

Bruce McCormack, a member of the Wyoming Transportation Commission, said that, in his opinion as an individual, he feel(s) strongly about pursuing anything that furthers highway safety.

Most people favor the recently increased speed limits on many miles of interstate and state highways in Wyoming, he said, noting he is speaking for himself and not for the Transportation Commission or WYDOT. But there are concerns, especially with the ever-growing problem of distracted drivers, nighttime driving and in areas with high numbers of vehicle-wildlife collisions.

Given these factors, I believe the time is drawing closer when the public and legislators will again consider enacting a primary seat belt law in Wyoming. Im confident the Legislature will take up this issue when lawmakers feel the time is right.
CHINA

Typhoon hits after damaging Taiwan

BEIJING  A massive typhoon left one person dead in eastern China on Wednesday, a day after killing four and injuring more than 600 in Taiwan, where authorities remained on alert for the possibility of a landslide.

Typhoon Megi caused more than $10 million in damage as it swept across Taiwan before weakening into a tropical storm after hitting the coastal city of Quanzhou in Chinas Fujian province before dawn, Taiwans weather service said. At its height, it was packing winds of up to 74 miles per hour, Chinas National Meteorological Center said.

One person died after several structures collapsed in Quanzhou, the official China News Service reported.

MEXICO

Gunmen attack govt vehicle, free migrants

MEXICO CITY  Mexican immigration officials say five gunmen on motorcycles brazenly attacked a government vehicle transporting 25 immigrants and a suspected human trafficker, helping the smuggler and migrants to escape.

A Tuesday statement from Mexicos National Immigration Institute says agents had detained the migrants from unspecified countries as well as their smuggler after a brief chase in the southern state of Oaxaca on Monday.

Later, as immigration agents transported those detained, five people on motorcycles attacked the vehicle with gunfire. Two agents were wounded .

PERU

Former spy chief sentenced to 22 years

LIMA  Former Peruvian spy chief Vladimir Montesinos has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for disappearing a professor and two students in 1993.

Montesinos is already serving long sentences for crimes against humanity and arms trafficking. But human-rights activists said Mondays ruling by a three-judge panel was significant because it was the first time a Peruvian court recognized that the government of former President Alberto Fujimori burned the bodies of some victims during its decade-long crackdown on dissent.

The secret facility where the bodies were burned was in the basement of an army barracks from where Montesinos presided over Perus intelligence agency.

UNITED NATIONS

Climate-change pact may soon go into effect

U.N. officials say the Paris Agreement on Climate Change appears likely to enter into force within the next few days with India announcing that it has ratified the agreement and the EU signaling it may ratify within the next few days.

The two ratifications would mean that 63 countries accounting for nearly 65 percent of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions will have approved the accord, which is set to take effect 30 days after 55 countries accounting for 55 percent of emissions deposit their ratification instruments with the U.N.

Weve heard that Europe Union may deposit its ratification instruments with us much sooner than we had expected, which would be tremendous news, U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

RWANDA

US hands over academic to face genocide charges

KIGALI  A Rwandan academic who is accused of participating in the 1994 genocide arrived in the country on Wednesday following his extradition from the United States.

Leopold Munyakazi, 65, was handed over to Rwandan police by U.S. officials at Kigali International Airport. Richard Muhumuza, Rwandas prosecutor-general, said the suspect is considered one of the key ideologues of the genocide, in which over 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists.

Munyakazi fled Rwanda in 2004 and sought refuge in the U.S., where he taught French at Goucher College in Baltimore until he was suspended in 2008 following his indictment by the Rwandan government.

Wire reports
PHOENIX  Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is asking a federal judge to block or delay Sundays proposed handover by the federal government of the agency in charge of coordinating internet names and addresses.

The lawsuit filed late Wednesday comes just days before the Commerce Department and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are slated to turn over the oversight of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a little-known organization responsible for assigning internet domain names and addresses.

Brnovich, in his lawsuit joined by the attorneys general from Texas, Nevada and Oklahoma, said the change could lead to the effective censorship of some internet voices that foreign governments, who would now be involved, do not want people to find.

We dont know if this may mean that governments or private entities that may not share our values when it comes to the First Amendment and free speech are going to be as willing to protect the freedom that we all have in the internet and the certainty and predictability we get when were on the internet, he said.

Brnovich acknowledged that ICANN cannot block content. But he said it could change a web address or make it invisible, essentially censoring the content because the site would be impossible to find.

The Republican attorney general also said hes more comfortable with having U.S. versus international oversight.

If you think the U.N. is doing a good job in peacekeeping throughout the world, if you think the International Olympic Committee (does a good job) in the way that it runs and awards Olympic games, then you probably dont have any problems or issues with this occurring, he said.

U.S. District Court Judge George Hanks Jr. set a hearing for Friday in Texas.

ICANN assures that each website has its own unique multi-digit address. As the internet developed, it also allowed for unique domain names so someone could simply type www.azgovernor.gov to get to Gov. Doug Duceys web page, for example, instead of having to remember 159.87.179.140, one of the addresses ICANN assigned the state.

It also decides on allowable suffixes for domain names, like .com for commercial sites, .gov for government agencies, and .mil for the U.S. military.

While ICANN has operated under contract with the federal government, that is set to expire at the end of Saturday. At that point, control would go to an international consortium of business, public interest groups and governments.

Congress has debated the advisability of the U.S. government losing control but hasnt moved to stop the handover. The issue has become political, with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump wading in against the transfer.

Now, with time running out, Brnovich is making a federal case of it. He acknowledged that the attorneys general have known for months about the handover plans, but said they were hoping Congress would stop it.

Censorship possibilities aside, he said the changeover could lead to mischief.

For example, Brnovich said, those going to a site with a .gov address can be assured that is a federal, state or local government agency, but an ICANN unrestrained by U.S. oversight could change that.

Chris Mondini, vice president for global stakeholder engagement at ICANN, dismissed that possibility. The specific address names ... are protected through an agreement for use by the United States government, he said.

Mondini said he could not speak about the merits of the lawsuit, pointing out that ICANN is not even a defendant in the case. Neither the Commerce Department nor the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which are defendants, responded to requests for comment.

But Mondini said the fears of participants corrupting the system ignore two basic facts.

First, the internet is not a single entity but essentially various networks interacting with each other. Thats part of the need for a coordinated address system.

Second, Mondini said, the whole thing is purely voluntary and trust based.
If life of a brewery is counted off in the number of pints brewed, Barrio Brewing Company and Gentle Bens surely are well up in years.

Twenty-five to be precise, and the University of Arizona area brewer is celebrating the milestone with, you guessed it, beer.

It has set aside the first two weeks to officially fete itself, including an anniversary dinner available from Sunday, Oct. 2, through Friday, Oct. 7. For $25, you get an appetizer, entree, gelato dessert and beer of your choice at Gentle Bens, 865 E. University Blvd., and Barrio Brewing, 800 E. 16th St.

The dinner also comes with a commemorative anniversary T-shirt and pint glass.

Gentle Bens Brewing Company got its start near the University of Arizona in 1991, when brewmaster Dennis Arnold decided to star brewing beer. They were located at 841 N. Tyndall Ave., in what used to be a private residence dating back to 1908 and had served as the official residence for UA presidents, a sorority house and fraternity and a couple hotel operations.

Arnold began brewing his iconic Barrio Blonde, which is regarded as the states longest continuously brewed craft beer.

When we began brewing operations in May of 1991, the Soviet Union was still around, George H.W. Bush was president, and Timothy Dalton was still James Bond, Arnold said in a written statement.

Craft brewing was in its infancy, and there was only a handful of craft breweries in the country.

Gentle Bens moved into its current digs in Main Gate Square in 1994 and launched Barrio Brewing in a 1947 Quonset hut at 800 E. 16th St. in 2006 as a way to increase brewing capacity.

Barrio now brews 10 year-round beers and three seasonals and boasts a number of awards for its beers.
Country musics rising newcomers Dan + Shay  that would be Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney  scored their second No. 1 hit in August.

Rather than pop the champagne corks, the pair surprised their fans in Nashville with a pop-up concert.

Its going to be cool, Smyers said in a phone call a few hours before they started tweeting about the surprise Music City show. Its crazy to hear fans and people come up to our meet and greet and say they are using (From the Ground Up) in their wedding. Thats a big moment in someones life, and to use our song, thats crazy.

The pair might hear similar fan anecdotes when they join the country lineup for the two-day Oro Valley Music Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2.

In the four years since they first started writing and singing together, Ground Up has been the song that has resonated the most with their fans, and with Smyers and Mooney.

I remember listening to Rascal Flatts Bless the Broken Road and thinking, Man, those guys had to get so many requests for weddings and stuff, Smyers said. Now were kind of following in that direction. Thats a dream come true. We wrote a love song about our grandparents and the love they shared, and to have people embrace it and apply it to their own life is a full-circle moment. Just shows the power of music.

Smyers, 29, and Mooney, 24, penned Ground Up with songwriter Chris DeStefano almost by accident. Smyers had just come from his grandfathers funeral in Ohio and the trio got to sharing stories, talking about our grandparents, going to their house as a kid. They also talked about their grandparents marriages. Smyers grandparents had been married more than 65 years at the time of his grandfathers death.

It took the trio 90 minutes to write a song that Smyers said just wrote itself.

We knew it was a special and emotional song, but never in our wildest dreams did we think it would reach as far as it did and get all the way to No. 1 on the charts, he said.

Nor did they think it would resonate with fans as much as it has.

Sometimes its scary to put out a ballad like that or a song that is that personal. The fact that country radio embraced it and fans embraced it is super rewarding, he said. We knew it was a special and emotional song, but never in our wildest dreams did we think it would reach as far as it did and get all the way to No. 1 on the charts.

The hit follows their first No. 1, Nothin Like You, which was the third single released from their 2013 debut album Where It All Began. The album came a year after Dan + Shay formed after a chance meeting at a Nashville party. The pair initially planned to write songs for other artists.

The first song we wrote got put on hold by Rascal Flatts, which was our favorite band of all times, Smyers said.

In the first year after meeting in late 2012, the pair penned some 70 or 80 songs.

Instead of following the Nashville norm of recording a demo of the song for publishers, the pair would perform their songs live for the people who controlled Music Citys burgeoning song publishing industry. Smyers said the publishers would tell them that they had wonderful harmonies and sounded good together and should meet instead with record labels.

It just kind of happened and thats sort of when we knew that there was something there, more than just us having fun rocking out to these songs, he said.

Sometime soon, the pair may add their own matrimonial footnote to From the Ground Up. Smyers said theres a good chance they will sing the song at Mooneys wedding when he marries former Miss Arkansas USA Hannah Billingsley. No date has been set.

Dan + Shay comes here to start their first big headlining tour, which ricochets them from California to the East Coast through December.
PHOENIX  Saying the move will harm First Amendment rights, Attorney General Mark Brnovich late Wednesday asked a federal judge to block or at least delay Sunday's proposed handover by the federal government of the agency in charge of coordinating Internet names and addresses.

The lawsuit comes barely 48 hours before the Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are slated to turn over the reins of a little-known organization responsible for assigning Internet domain names and addresses. Brnovich, in his lawsuit joined by three other attorneys general, listed a series of harms he said could befall not just government agencies like his but the ability of U.S. citizens to post their views for all the world to see, including the effective censorship of some Internet voices by making them impossible to find.

He acknowledged, though, that it could be difficult to get a federal judge to act fast enough.

At the heart of the legal spat is Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.

In essence what ICANN does is assure that each web site has its own unique multi-digit address. As the Internet developed, it also allowed for unique domain names so someone could go to"Arizona.gov" instead of having to remember "159.87.85.253" which is the official address.

Finally, it decides on appropriate suffixes for names, like .com, .gov and .org, specific suffixes for individual countries like .at for Austria, as well as authorizing new suffixes like .xxx for adult sites.

While ICANN has operated under contract with the federal government, that is set to expire at the end of the day Saturday. At that point, control would go to an international consortium of business, public interest groups and governments.

Congress has debated the advisability of the U.S. government losing control but has yet to approve any legislation. It also has become a political issue with even Donald Trump wading in against the transfer.

But with time running out, Brnovich is making a federal case of it, literally.

Part of the lawsuit is based on the contention that the authority to oversee ICANN is a "property right.

"Absent congressional permission, government officials may not release or otherwise dispose of government property, he argues.

But Brnovich said there are bigger concerns for individuals.

He said Commerce Department oversight ensures "accountability that the system is fairly administered. Brnovich said an international organization, one potentially under the influence of terrorist states, could make changes that would undermine all that.

"We all want the Internet to be free of state control, he said. "You could end up in a situation where you could have other third parties controlling the Internet.

For example, he said the key to people having access to publish information on the Internet lies with that "root zone file, the list of unique addresses. It is that, coupled with the attached name, that ensures others can find the site.

"Without inclusion in the root zone file, a person wishing to speak on the Internet could publish content, but that content would be near-impossible to find and the speaker would be virtually deprived of any audience that could hear the speech, Brnovich is arguing to the federal court.

He also said it amounts to requiring people to get a license to use the Internet from a group that would have "unbridled discretion of who gets one. And that, he said, becomes "prior restraint that may result in censorship.

Brnovich acknowledged that he is working on the premise that the United States government would do a better job protecting the Internet than a new international group. But the attorney general said there is reason to be wary.

"If you like what the United Nations has done for peace in the world, that's what you can expect an international organization will do for the Internet, he said. He specifically mentioned the kind of resolutions that are passed by the U.N. Security Council, resolutions that sometimes are stopped only by the fact the United States exercises veto power.

That still leaves the question of timing, with Brnovich and AGs from Texas, Nevada and Oklahoma seeking federal court action between now and Sunday.
Northwest Fire District crews responded to three crashes on Interstate 10 between Avra Valley and Tangerine roads Sept. 28, 2016. Paramedics treated one person who was taken to a hospital, and the others in two of the crashes refused medical evaluation, said Northwest Fire Capt. Brian Keeley.
D-M chief's ties to Tucson

Col. Scott Campbell came from the Pentagon to assume command at Davis-Monthan Air Force base in August, but hes no stranger to Tucson.

Campbell, 43, is a decorated combat pilot who had his initial A-10 training at D-M in 1997.

He recalls arriving in July from a pilot training site in Oklahoma.

I do remember it was hot, said Campbell, who grew up in upstate New York. I was driving a Jeep Cherokee with no air conditioning, that was black, so I probably couldnt have been less prepared for that.

He also remembers the small-town feeling he got when he arrived here.

I still remember as a young lieutenant, we used to run around down at the university  Gentle Bens I think was one of my favorite places back in the day  and I do remember it feeling like a small college town, he said.

After training and serving as a pilot and A-10 weapons instructor, Campbell served in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross three times for his actions in a major offensive against the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2002.

Campbell returned to D-M in 2009, with stints as commander of the 358th Fighter Squadron, a now-inactive training unit, and as deputy commander of the 355th Operations Group.

After attending the National War College, in 2013 he became commander of the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group and later was commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Group at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.

He returned to D-M to assume command after serving two years as Afghanistan country director for the Undersecretary of Defense at the Pentagon.

Campbell also is one half of an Air Force power couple of sorts.

His wife is Col. Kim Campbell, also a decorated A-10 combat pilot who was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross in 2003 after piloting her Warthog safely back to base using only manual controls, after it was severely damaged by a surface-to-air missile over Baghdad.

She now serves as commander of the 612th Theater Operations Group, part of the 12th Air Forces operation at D-M.

The couple has two children, an 8-year-old boy and a four-year-old boy.
Jill Jorden Spitz has been named editor of the Arizona Daily Star.

Jorden Spitz joined the Star in 1998 as a reporter and also has served as business editor, assistant managing editor and most recently as a senior editor.

Most of her time at the Star has been focused on watchdog and investigative reporting; projects she directed and edited have won 15 Lee Enterprises Presidents Awards or other national honors.

She is active in state and national journalism organizations including Associated Press Media Editors and is past president and a longtime board member of both the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and the Arizona Press Club.

Jills connection to the community and the institutional knowledge shes developed over the years of being a leader in the newsroom is invaluable, said Mark Henschen, the Stars president and publisher.

Henschen said he looks forward to Jorden Spitz enhancing the Stars commitment to strong enterprise and investigative reporting. He cited her leadership on Beyond the Wall, in which a team of journalists traveled the U.S.-Mexico border earlier this year. They talked with more than 100 people who live and work along the international line and determined that Donald Trumps plan for a great, great wall is both redundant and impractical.

Henschen also said Jorden Spitz has worked to put the newsroom in an excellent position to succeed in an era when digital storytelling is increasingly important.

He noted her leadership in the development of #ThisIsTucson, a digital product that connects young moms with stuff to do in Tucson through a free app, website and on Facebook and Instagram. It was created after several months of research and conversations with 100 Tucson women.

A native Tucsonan, Jorden Spitz, 50, graduated from Canyon del Oro High School and the University of Arizona, where she earned bachelors degrees in journalism and economics.

She began her career as a reporter for the Reno Gazette-Journal and then moved to the Orlando Sentinel, where she wrote about Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Jorden Spitz is active in many Tucson groups, including Women at the Top, and serves on the board of the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center and the school board of the Tucson Chinese School.

She also volunteers for Nourish, a Tucson nonprofit that provides scholarships for feeding therapy for children who do not develop the muscles needed to suck, swallow, chew and eventually talk.

She and her husband, Tom Spitz, a commercial photographer, have a 9-year-old son.
EL CAJON, Calif.  It took more than an hour for police to arrive at the shopping center in a San Diego suburb where a distressed black man had been wandering into traffic. It took about a minute for him to be shot and killed.

Alfred Olango pulled a large electronic cigarette, known as a vape pen, from his pocket and pointed at the police officer who fired, while a second officer stood nearby trying to subdue him with a stun gun, El Cajon police said.

The details emerged Wednesday in the shooting of Olango, who was having an emotional breakdown over the recent death of his best friend, an attorney said.

The investigation centered on a video of Tuesday's shooting taken by a bystander. Police have produced a single frame from the cellphone video to support their account, saying it shows Olango in a "shooting stance."

The photo shows Olango's hands clasped together and pointed directly at an officer who had assumed a similar posture with his gun a few feet away.

The vaping device in his hands had two components, a box about the size of a cellphone and a metallic cylinder that was 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Police said the cylinder was pointed right at the officer.

Olango's relatives demanded the full video be released, according to Dan Gilleon, a lawyer who says he is representing the family.

"They're cherry-picking part of the video," Gilleon said. "This is exactly what police have said is unfair when only portions of video are released against them."

Mayor Bill Wells said he had seen the video and that it was not "tremendously complicated to figure out what happened."

Wells was asked how he would feel if it was his child that had been shot.

"I saw a man who was distraught, and a man acting like he was in great pain," Wells said. "And I saw him get gunned down and killed. If he was my son, I would be devastated."

Olango, 38, arrived in the U.S. years ago as a refugee from Uganda. Since then he ran afoul of the law several times: selling cocaine, driving drunk, and illegally possessing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he was arrested in Colorado in 2005 with pot and ecstasy in his car, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to nearly four years for being a felon in possession of a gun.

The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where violent protests broke out.

Protests in El Cajon Wednesday night had heated moments, but remained mostly peaceful.

Scores of people gathered quietly around candles lining a curb in front of bloodstained pavement at the strip mall where Olango was shot.

More than 200 people marched in the streets near the site, yelling "no justice, no peace, no racist police!"

Police in riot gear, some of them with dogs, faced off with protesters occasionally, bringing some tense moments, but mostly kept their distance.

Experts said it was too early to conclude whether the California shooting was justified or could have been prevented.

Chuck Drago, a former Florida police chief who consults about police use of force, said that once Olango struck the shooting pose, officers would have had to react quickly if he drew an unknown object from his pocket.

"An officer doesn't have enough time to wait to determine if that's a gun in his hand," Drago said. "If a person is pointing something at an officer and he believes it's a gun and it is a gun and that officer doesn't have his gun out, that officer will lose that gunfight."

Police have not named the officers involved, though Wells said both were 21-year veterans and one was Officer Richard Gonsalves.

Gonsalves was demoted last year after allegations that he sexually harassed a lesbian colleague. The City Council had to defend the move to angry citizens who had called for him to be fired.

Christopher Rice-Wilson, associate director of the civil rights group Alliance San Diego, questioned why one officer felt non-lethal force was appropriate while the other did not. Both officers have been put on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, per department policy. Officials have not revealed which officer fired the shots.
PHOENIX  Arizona law allows people to be convicted of soliciting sex with a child even if there never was any child to begin with, the state Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

In a split decision, the majority said there is nothing illegal about the law, which makes it a crime to promote the commission of a felony by encouraging, requesting or soliciting another to engage in illegal conduct.

In this case, the illegal conduct was Dale A. Wright soliciting a postal inspector to allow him to engage in sexual activities with her two children.

But the children, represented as younger than 13, did not exist.

Wright was arrested, charged, convicted in Maricopa County and imprisoned. Now out, and with the state seeking to have his lifetime probation revoked, his attorneys are arguing the whole conviction is based on a flaw.

Appellate Judge Patricia Orozco, writing for the majority, said thats not the way she reads the law.

Solicitation does not require an agreement by the solicited child to engage in such conduct, she wrote. The crime is complete when the solicitor, acting with the requite intent, makes the command or request.

But appellate Judge Diane Johnsen said theres something missing here: an actual victim.

Under the language of the Arizona statute defining solicitation, one cannot be convicted of soliciting another to commit molestation of a child in the absence of an actual child, she wrote.

Tuesdays split ruling suggests the case is likely headed to the Arizona Supreme Court.

The case goes back to Wrights conviction in 1992 after pleading guilty to two counts of soliciting to have sex with a minor. After being sentenced to 10 years in prison, he was placed on lifetime probation as the offenses he was trying to commit are designated by law as dangerous crimes against children.

When the state sought to have his probation revoked last year  the ruling does not explain why  Wright asked the court to reconsider the underlying question of whether the solicitation offenses, to which he pleaded guilty, fall into the dangerous crimes against children category. If they do not, then he is not subject to lifetime probation and he cannot be sent back to prison.

That required the court to determine the legal nature of the crime.

Orozco said the fact there were no children is irrelevant.

Legal incapability of committing the offense that is the object of the solicitation is not a defense to solicitation, she wrote.

Johnsen, in her dissent, said she agrees that a valid conviction of soliciting to commit child molestation may itself be a dangerous crime against children.

But that is not what we have here, she wrote.

The problem, the judge said, is that the actual crime of child molestation requires sexual conduct with an actual child. She said even prosecutors conceded that point.

The children that Wright spoke about with the postal inspector were not real, but made-up, Johnsen said. That means the crime they were discussing  child molestation  did not exist because no actual child was involved.

Arizonas solicitation statute requires the defendant to solicit conduct that would actually constitute a crime, Johnsen explained.
PHOENIX  The head of the state Department of Economic Security sent a message to all of his employees on a state-owned email list with a link to a story with arguments against Proposition 205.

In an email sent Sunday, Tim Jeffries forwarded a political argument by Seth Leibsohn, who has been working against the campaign to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The subject line is: Alcohol safer than marijuana???????

Leibsohn in the email Jeffries forwarded, said it was his intent to blow up the arguments of marijuana legalization proponents. And Leibsohn attached an article he wrote for an online magazine with various claims about the lack of safety of the drug and saying that the pro-205 campaign was very misleading, even dangerous, message, based on bad science and sophistic public deception.

That attachment was also part of the email Jeffries sent to the entire DES staff.

An aide to Attorney General Mark Brnovich would not say whether what Jeffries did violates any laws.

Instead, Ryan Anderson cited a formal opinion Brnovich issued this past year  and specifically on the subject of the marijuana ballot measure  where he said it is illegal to use public resources for the purpose of influencing the outcome of elections. And Brnovich said that includes ballot measures.

That inquiry begins with the question of whether public resources were used.

In that opinion, Brnovich said the definition is quite broad. It includes not just money, facilities, vehicles and computer hardware and software but also personnel, equipment or any other thing of value.

There was no expenditure of public money in Jeffries sending out the email, apparently from home, albeit using his DES email account. But the list of employees email addresses is not public. And political consultants routinely pay to obtain mailing lists from organizations.

Anderson said its an open question under Arizona law of whether a state-owned email list is a thing of value. But he said the mailing does raise some issues.

At the very least, government officials and their employees should avoid any appearance of a possible inappropriate use of public resources, Anderson said.

DES spokeswoman Tasya Peterson said Jeffries was unavailable Wednesday to answer questions about the email. But Peterson said there is nothing wrong with what her boss did.

Senior leadership regularly circulates articles and news stories regarding current events, she said in a prepared statement. The email sent by Director Jeffries was sent for purely informational purposes.

She said the agency recently sent out a news article about Prop. 206 which, if approved by voters, would hike the state minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020.

Jeffries is on record as opposing the marijuana ballot measure, having made a $500 contribution to the committee trying to defeat it.

This isnt the first time that emails from Jeffries to his workers has raised questions.

Earlier this year, he sent out messages to staffers about his trip to Lourdes, France, and offering to take their written special intentions with him. But Paul Watkins, chief of the civil division of the attorney generals office, concluded no laws were broken because the messages were private speech, even though they were sent through the state email system.

What is different here is the content of this message was not personal but political.

The content clearly had a point of view about Prop. 205. And Brnovich, in that 2015 opinion, said the law defines influencing the outcome of elections  the act for which public resources cannot be used  include supporting or opposing a ballot measure, question or proposition  in any manner that is not impartial or neutral.

Anderson said no decision has been made whether the AGs office will conduct an independent probe into what Jeffries did.

We dont police individual agency directors emails or weigh in absent a specific complaint, he said. And Barrett Marson, publicist for the pro-205 campaign, said there are no plans to file a formal complaint against Jeffries.

In any event, Anderson said, there is another option short of a formal inquiry.

This appears to be a matter that could be addressed internally between Director Jeffries and his boss, he said, meaning Gov. Doug Ducey.
Help India!

By Shafeeq Hudawi, TwoCircles.net

Kozhikode: A student from Malappuram has received death threats from BJP supporters after he posted a video showing the garbage that had accumulated at Kozhikode beach after the public rally of BJP national council came to an end.

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On Sunday morning, Shameer Kazim, a journalism student in Kozhikode and native of Nilambur, Malappuram, took a video of the beach which had been littered considerably. The video, which was posted on Shameers Facebook account, got around three lakh views and was shared by more than 11,000 profiles. The video went viral on social media as activists and political leaders.





Shameer Kazim



Soon after the video went viral, Shameer started to receive derogatory comments and messages on Facebook, which later led to a rally at his native Pookkottumpadam in Nilambur.

BJP and RSS activists are carrying a hate campaign against me in social media. They even didnt spare my sister in comments and messages. Besides, in a rally taken out in my village local BJP and RSS activists threatened to kill me and chop my hands and legs. They shouted that I will be killed without getting a drop of water, Shameer told Twocircles.net.

Swachch Bharat is celebrated in the country. Lets see the condition of Kozhikode beach a day after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his followers. There are papers and plastic wastes strewn all over the place, Shameer said in the video.





Grab of the video



I am a journalism student and its my duty to expose the hypocrisy of all, irrespective of their party and political stand. It needs intervention when the advocates of Swachh Bharat fail to do justice to the Prime Ministers much celebrated campaigns, he said.

As a journalism student, Shameer sees the threats as recognition for his first attempt as a journalist.

Shameer said that legal action will be taken against the threateners after consulting experts.
Thousands of carats of diamonds are being hidden by exporters and taken out of Cameroon without the appropriate Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), a recent finding by RELUFA - the Network for the Fight Against Hunger, has shown.

The report which analyses some of the challenges and policy gaps that have emerged since 2012 when Cameroon first joined KPCS shows that diamonds leave Cameroon without passing through official channels for the appropriate taxes to be paid before export as required. It also discloses that fake KP certificates originating from Cameroon are regularly discovered and reported in Europe and in other Diamond export destinations.

Investigation

Going by the investigations spearheaded by Jaff Napoleon Bamenjo for RELUFA, the contribution of diamond sales to government revenue in the country is still very marginal when compared with other countries in the Central African sub region like the Central African Republic. We gathered from the Kimberley Process database that Cameroon generated a total 73,431,380 FCFA from its diamond export in 2015 while the Central African Republic before its suspension from the Kimberley Process in 2012 generated 30,171,618,000 FCFA from its diamonds exports in 2011.

According to RELUFA officials, the high rate of diamond export tax in Cameroon largely accounts for the smuggling of the precious.

They note that upon joining the Kimberley process in 2012, the diamond export tax applicable in Cameroon was 12.5 %.

Taxes promoting smuggling

The civil society organization notes that the current diamond export tax rate in Cameroon is higher than other diamond export taxes in the region, thereby encouraging diamond smuggling outside of Cameroons borders.

It therefore jeopardizes both the ability to collect revenue and also risk Cameroon being seen as non-compliant with KPCS standards, the report adds.Fears are high that when the Central African Republic is reinserted into the KP, it may encourage more Cameroon diamonds being smuggled through CAR with comparative low diamond export tax which is 12% compared to the 24.5% currently in Cameroon.

Against this backdrop, RELUFA has advanced that the high diamond export tax is a policy contradiction that Cameroon should avoid. Officials argue that should government reduce the tax, it will help in its ability to comply with KPCS principle of ensuring that all diamond export takes place through official circuits.

About Kimberly

Created in 2003 by UN General Assembly Resolution 55/56, the Kimberley Process Certication Scheme served as a response to the public outcry that emerged at the end of the 1990s about diamond fueled conflicts. The KPCS is precisely a joint government, industry and civil society initiative aimed at eliminating the trade in conflict diamonds commonly defined as rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflicts which undermine legitimate governments. The KPCS currently has 54 participants representing 81 countries with the European Union and its member states counting as a single participant.
They met when they were both nuns of Franciscan order, during a pilgrimage. Isabel from south America and Federica from south Italy, both aged 44, saw their love growing slowly day after day, while working together in a rehabilitation center. They both devoted their entire lives to charitable work but they had to abandon the order and bedefrockedin order to finally follow their call for love. The two women were in Africa when they took the decision and had to fly back to Italy to follow the laicisation process. They got married in Pinarolo, near Turin, on Wednesday in one of the first same-sex civil unions celebrated in the country.

The wedding was originally planned for Thursday but was secretly anticipated to avoid journalists and confusion.

United against polemics

"God wants people to be happy, living their love under the sun" confided Isabel to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, while Federica echoed we're asking our church to welcome all people who love each other". Obviously the union is sparking outrage in the catholic church, which has strongly opposed the legislation that allows the same-sex civil unions in Italy. Nonetheless the two are determined to defend their choice and announced they will also have a religious ceremony that will be officiated by an excommunicated priest, Don Franco Barbero. Don Barbero was suspended a divinis by the Pope in 2003 and has celebrated 19 homosexual weddings this year.

Don Barbero also toldthe pressI must add, for the record, that it is not the first time that I happen to marry two sisters,. The newly weds said that "even if we have left the convent, we havent left the church and we havent forgotten our faith. The couple will live together in a house in the same city that saw them marrying, Pinerolo.Local mayor Luca Salvai, who officiatedthe civil ceremony said "It was a simple wedding and I'm happy I helped them in realizing their dream". All wecansay is thatit definitely looks like a match made in heaven.
Ever since Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president, he's been criticized for his controversial campaign style and his shady business history. With just 40 days until Election Day, it appears that an October surprise is ready to hit the Trump campaign earlier than expected.

Trump's Cuban link

Of all the allegations against him, Trump's alleged "bromance" with Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of the most controversial. Putin is known to be a quick trigger that many in the West distance themselves from, though it hasn't pushed Trump away from offering praise.

Despite this, Trump has embraced Putin at times, raising questions about his motivation. While being linked to Putin has caused issues for the billionaire real estate mogul, it's his alleged ties to Cuba and Fidel Castro that could cause campaign-ending panic, as reported by Newsweek, and highlighted on the September 28 edition of "The Rachel Maddow Show."

In a partial transcript of the "Newsweek" story set to be released Thursday morning, one of Trump's private companies "secretly conducted business in communist Cuba during Fidel Castro's time as leader." The allegations against Trump show that he violated the Cuban Embargo, which banned American trade to the country.

Newsweek's investigation came to their conclusion after in-depth interviews with former Trump executives, as well as legal court records.

Exclusive sneak peek at some of the text of @KurtEichenwald's Newsweek bombshell coming tomorrow. #Maddow https://t.co/x0tiYI6E4q  Maddow Blog (@MaddowBlog) September 29, 2016

In too deep

The report found that Trump's company spent no less than 68,000 during it's dealing with Cuba, which reportedly took place in 1998.

At the time, it was illegal for corporations to spend money in the country without approval from the government, but Trump found away around the law. Allegedly, high-profiled executives would send the money through "Seven Arrows Investment and Development Corporation," a United States consulting firm, with strict instructions to make the finances legal by "linking it after-the-fact to a charitable effort."

The article also points out the timing of incident, which took place just months before Trump launched his first presidential campaign in 2000, as a member of the Reform Party.

Trump spoke to potential Cuban-American voters in Miami and was critical of Castro and Cuba, never mentioning his financial dealings earlier in the year.

Election impact

It's unknown whether or not the bombshell story by Newsweek will have a major impact on the former host of "The Apprentice, who's found a way to weather the storm time and time again during the campaign. According to the latest round of polling, Trump is trailing Hillary Clinton by three points, but has pulled ahead in Ohio and Florida. With Trump struggling to gain traction with minority voters, most pollsters believe the former Secretary of State will become the next President of the United States.
Earlier this year, former Stanford University student, Brock Turner, was sentenced to 6 months in jail for the rape of a fellow student. While charged with intent to commit rape of an intoxicated unconscious person, penetration of an intoxicated person and penetration of an unconscious person, he was released from jail after serving only 3 months of his sentence.

The shock and outrage that surrounded his initial lenient sentencing, coupled with a letter from the victim that went viral, sparked widespread debate and anger over the topic of rape culture on college campuses in the United States.

Now, six months after Turner's sentencing, what has changed in California?

California Six Months Later

In California, lawmakers have voted for a bill that will change the current state law. As it stands now, victims of sexual assault involving penetration who are unconscious or severely intoxicated are treated differently to those who are able to resist an attack. The state considers the use of force as a factor for mandatory denial of probation.

California's new bill would extend automatic denial to all penetrative sexual assaults, regardless of what state the victim is in. In essence, the bill calls for a mandatory prison term in the case of rape, eliminating the judges discretion to sentence someone to probation.

The bill is currently on Governor Jerry Browns desk waiting on approval or rejection.

Judge Aaron Persky

A petition seeking to impeach Judge Aaron Persky,who presided over the case which resulted in brock turner's lenient sentence, has collected 1.3 million signatures in the past three months. Judge Persky is up for re-election this November and currently has no opponent.

The recall campaignwould bethe only means of removing him from the stand. (He won his race in the California primary earlier this year).

California is taking the lead inadvocating for punishing those responsible for the rape of intoxicated, incapacitated college students, but it is still to be seen what will happen around the rest of the country.
Xi calls for reforms on global governance Updated: 2016-09-29 06:35 (Xinhua)

BEIJING - Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for closer cooperation to pursue reforms to the global governance system and advance the noble cause of peace and development for mankind.



Xi made the remarks Tuesday at a study session attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.



Gao Fei, a professor with the China Foreign Affairs University gave a lecture at the session with the themes of the G20 summit and global governance system reform,

As the international balance of power has shifted and global challenges are increasing, global governance system reform has emerged as a "trend of [the] times," Xi said.



China must take the chance and ride the wave to make the international order more reasonable and just to protect the common interests of China and other developing countries, Xi said.



He said China has been making efforts to maintain the international order with the principles of the United Nations Charter as the core, and has been engaged in the process of setting rules for new areas such as oceans, the polar regions, cyberspace, outer space, nuclear security, anti-corruption and climate change.



Praising the recent G20 summit in China, Xi said China had "charted the course for the world economy, provided momentum for world growth and reinforced the basis for international cooperation" and had "left a Chinese mark in the G20 history."



Xi said the global governance structure depends on the international balance of power and reforms hinge on a change in the balance.



He called on the country to hone-in on economic development and domestic affairs, and to increase China's voice in international affairs.



"We must actively participate in global governance, we will take more international responsibilities, and in so doing we will try our best but not overreach ourselves," Xi said.



Global governance system reforms, which matter to the whole international community, must be backed by consensus and joint efforts, Xi said.



Xi said the G20's role as a major platform in global economic governance should be further developed to make it a long-term mechanism.



Moreover, the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and regional cooperation mechanisms such as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the East Asia Summit, should all be strengthened, he said.



China needs to play a bigger role in making rules for new areas including the Internet, the polar regions, deep sea and outer space, and will extend greater support to cooperation mechanisms and projects on educational exchange, dialogue among civilizations and ecological conservation, according to Xi.



China has been promoting the shaping of a new type of international relations, one which is characterized by win-win cooperation, building a community of common destiny, and advocating the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi said.



Noting that these initiatives had received international acclaim, Xi said China will continue to pursue cooperation instead of confrontation.



Xi stressed that China needs to improve its ability of participating in the process of rule-making, agenda setting, publicity and coordination in global governance, requiring for better building of a talent pool in this regard.
Taiwan urged to safeguard islands Updated: 2016-09-29 08:26 By Xin Hua(China Daily)

A Chinese mainland spokesman urged people across the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday to safeguard the Diaoyu Islands and the South China Sea islands as China's ancestral possessions.

The mainland also hopes to maintain the peaceful development of relations across the Straits, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said during a news conference when asked about remarks by former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou.

Ma Ying-jeou had said that the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea and islands in the South China Sea are China's inherent territory and that Japan's territorial claim to the Diaoyu Islands amounts to an act of theft. He also said peace is highly important to cross-Straits relations and will bring prosperity.

Since 2008, the two sides have followed a path of peaceful development based on the 1992 Consensus, which holds that the mainland and Taiwan are parts of one China.

The new Taiwan administration must make a clear response to the common political foundation for the two sides to continue on this path, Ma Xiaoguang added.

He also stressed the importance of the 1992 Consensus at Wednesday's news conference.

The Democratic Progressive Party has long pursued a secessionist position of "Taiwan independence", damaging the political foundation for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and severely impacting the ties and the potential for achievements since 2008, Ma Xiaoguang said.

A delegation of county and city officials from Taiwan that came to Beijing earlier this month expressed continued adherence to the 1992 Consensus, he said.

The mainland responded positively to their visit by announcing eight measures to promote exchanges with the counties and the city represented by the delegation, he added.

The delegation included officials from New Taipei City and the counties of Hsinchu, Hualien, Taitung, Kinmen, Lienchiang, Miaoli and Nantou.

Ma said the counties and city are planning a farm produce and tourism promotion fair on the mainland within the year. Additionally, mainland companies are planning to visit each of the areas to discuss the purchase of their farm produce.
Treasure hunters taken in by rumor of buried jade Updated: 2016-09-29 08:27 By Li Yingqing in Kunming and Tang Yue in Beijing(China Daily)

Through the centuries, leftover jade was discarded and buried in Tengchong, a city boasting 600 years of history in the jade industry.

Now, rumor had it that someone had found a bracelet at a road construction site in an old part of the city and sold it for 390,000 yuan ($58,400).

The rumor, which went viral online on Monday, sparked a rush of treasure hunters with shovels who wanted to dig for treasure.

It turned out to be false.

The hunters didn't find valuable jade, and the rumormonger was arrested.

Situated near the Myanmar border in southwestern China, Tengchong boasts 600 years of history in the jade industry.

Many jade fragments were buried during the construction of roads and houses years ago.

But Du Maosheng, chairman of the Tengchong Jewelry and Jade Association, said the pieces are generally just waste materials, leftovers from processing, and that it's unreasonable to expect anything of great value to be found.

Cai Wenwen, a woman who rushed to the construction site when the rumor broke out, told China Daily that the jade she unearthed consisted of nothing but small, broken pieces.

Even so, an ad hoc jade-trading market was formed on the street where people sold pieces they said they had found. There were even scammers who buried pieces of jade before digging them out and offering them for sale, according to Beijing Youth Daily.

The city's publicity department made an announcement on Tuesday afternoon, warning that it was dangerous to enter the area because the road remains under construction. It also warned people not to believe "the rumor of getting rich overnight" and not to repost unfounded hearsay.

Contact the writers at liyingqing@chinadaily.com.cn and tangyue@chinadaily.com.cn

People search for jade in Tengchong, Yunnan province on Monday.Cai Wenwen / For China Daily

(China Daily 09/29/2016 page5)
China pledges greater efforts in human rights education, research Updated: 2016-09-29 10:48 (Xinhua)

BEIJING - China will intensify its efforts to promote human rights education and training over the next five years to enhance public awareness of the importance of human rights, says an action plan released on Thursday.



China plans to set up a human rights research platform to provide intellectual support for the cause of human rights, according to the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020) released by the State Council's Information Office.



Human rights knowledge will be included in the education of Communist Party of China committees (leading Party groups), in the curricula for Party schools, cadre colleges and administration institutes at all levels, and also made a required course for government employees, including judges, prosecutors and police officers, at the beginning of their careers or during training, the action plan states.



Human rights knowledge will be integrated into teaching activities of elementary and middle schools in flexible and diverse ways, with human rights training provided for preschool, and elementary and secondary school teachers, it says.



Moreover, China will continue to support human rights education in institutions of higher learning, as well as in enterprises and public institutions.



It also plans to develop five new human rights education and training bases by 2020, train more personnel, invest more money, and build new-type and high-end human rights think tanks with Chinese characteristics, the action plan says.



China will study the necessity and feasibility of establishing a national human rights institution.



In addition, the action plan will be made an important part of human rights training so that Party and government officials at all levels could fully understand the importance of implementing the plan.

Concerned agencies at all levels are also urged to work out detailed measures for implementing the action plan.
US claim on farm goods morally untenable Updated: 2016-09-29 07:45 By Tang Zhong(China Daily)

Agricultural experts discuss the management of saline-alkali soils in Relizane province of Algeria. [Photo/ Xinhua]

On Sept 13, the United States initiated WTO dispute proceedings against China, claiming that Beijing had provided support for farmers in excess of its commitment to the World Trade Organization. Among the crops in contention are wheat, Indica rice, Japonica rice, and corn.

The US is the largest exporter of agricultural products and grows many of these mainly for exports. In contrast, China is the largest importer of farm products, with its agriculture characterized by small-scale production and subsistence farming. In other words, the conflict is between the US' large commercial farmers and China's smallholding farmers.

After China opened up its agricultural market following its entry into the WTO, the US flooded it with its exports, harming small farmers. The increase in the exports of US farm products to Chinafrom less than $2.8 billion to $28.8 billion at its peakgives an idea of the harm caused. China's average trade deficit in relation to US farm products is $20 billion a year, and it is the largest export market for US farm products.

Moreover, China's average production scale is 0.66 hectare per household, 1/400 of the US'. Even Heilongjiang province, with the richest land resource in China, has an average production scale of only 3.04 hectares per household.

The most important task of China's farm sector is to ensure food security and secure the livelihoods of millions of small farmers. So given the devastating impact of excessive imports, the government had to offer support to the agriculture sector, especially because its tariff plays little role in protecting domestic production. The US government claims China's support to its farm sector was about $100 billion. Even if we accept the figure, on average a Chinese farmer received only $161 in government support, nowhere near the support given by the US government to its farmers.

The measures taken by the Chinese government are necessary for ensuring the country's food security and protecting the livelihoods of farmers, as well as a prerequisite for honoring its commitments to the UN Millennium Development Goals. Without such measures, China could not have lifted 600 million people, or 90 percent of the world's total, out of poverty. The World Bank has spoken highly of China's achievement, calling it "the fastest large-scale poverty alleviation in human history". But China still has 70 million impoverished people according to its own standard and 200 million according to the World Bank standard, and they cannot be lifted out of poverty without government support.

China's grain production has increased in recent years. But judging by its real market share, China's self-sufficiency level in farm products fell to below 87 percent. This shows China has not overly stimulated grain production and its support to agriculture poses no threat to normal international trade or US farm exports to China.

The US claims China's support to agriculture exceeded WTO accession commitments in 2012-15. But it was during that period that the exports of US farm products to China reached a record high of $108.97 billion, up 55 percent from $70.44 billion in 2008-11. Despite slight fluctuations in 2015, imports from the US accounted for 21 percent of China's total.

The US' claim is a reflection of the conflict between trade liberalization and the real need of developing countries to ensure food security. Global cereal trade accounts for less than 15 percent of the world's total output, so countries have to meet more than 85 percent of their demand through domestic supply. And the only way they can do that is to increase their spending on agriculture and support small farmers. That's why developing countries reiterated at the Doha Development Round that food security is not negotiable.

The WTO, too, says food security must be fully taken into account during the process of trade liberalization, commercial gains cannot be made at the cost of small farmers' livelihoods and rural development needs.

Eliminating poverty, and ensuring food security and small farmers' livelihoods are the common goals of all nations, but they are particularly important for China, a developing country with a huge population. So any trade liberalization that ignores China's development needs is morally untenable. And any trade growth that ignores the food security of 1.3 billion people and livelihoods of 620 million farmers is neither healthy nor sustainable.

The author is dean of the School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China.
Closing the broadband gap in Asia-Pacific Updated: 2016-09-29 07:56 By Shamshad Akhtar(China Daily)

Namibian President hage geingob (second left) participated in a 4.5G network test by Huawei Technology in Windhoek.[Photo/Xinhua]

Advances in information and communication technology (ICT) have been instrumental in shaping and leading socioeconomic transformations across Asia and the Pacific. One key to this transformation is the technology bundled around the "Internet of Things", which enables billions of devices to connect over the internet for more accurate, real time data collection and analysis on an unparalleled scale. Through internet-connected sensors attached to infrastructure, early-on maintenance alarms can be raised for problems, such as defects or wear and tear, thereby potentially saving the lives of people using them.

Despite the spotlight on the capabilities of technologies such as the IoT, the Asia-Pacific region suffers from a lack of ICT connectivity, and the digital divide continues to be one of the largest in the world. The Sustainable Development Goals acknowledge ICT as a development enabler and the foundational infrastructure for achieving sustainable development. In this context, enhancing access to affordable, reliable and robust broadband connectivity must be seen as a prerequisite for accelerated and inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region.

A fundamental challenge related to ICT advancements is how to best connect those who are still unconnected, so that they too can reap the benefits. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific underscored the need to address this challenge in a recent report titled the "State of ICT in Asia and the Pacific 2016: Uncovering the Widening Broadband Divide". The report highlights the alarming disparity in broadband connectivity in the Asia-Pacific, with high-income countries experiencing a higher growth rate of broadband penetration relative to other countries.

Twenty countries in the region have only 2 percent of fixed broadband subscription per 100 inhabitants, while ICT champions such as the Republic of Korea, enjoy over 40 percent broadband penetration. Further emphasizing regional disparities, 75 percent of fixed broadband subscriptions were registered in North and Northeast Asia, mainly in China, the ROK and Japan.

Broadband connectivity, especially reliable, affordable and resilient fixed broadband infrastructure, is a critical foundation which supports initiatives that are essential for the achievement of the SDGs, ranging from traffic and transport management, to smart power management, trade facilitation, disaster management and financial inclusion.

While success stories in e-commerce abound, such as China's Alibaba, less is known about the use of ICT for socioeconomic benefits, such as mobile money in Pakistan and the Philippines where salaries and remittances are sent over mobile phones. Farmers and rural residents increasingly use the internet, allowing them to gain unparalleled access to information and helping to further develop multiple sectors, such as agriculture, education and healthcare.

ICT also plays a crucial role in disaster management. When a disaster strikes, it is the telecom infrastructure that provides the platform to communicate with those in need and collect data on damage to facilitate rescue, relief and reconstruction operations. The Asia-Pacific, however, is particularly vulnerable to frequent natural disasters. Earthquakes, for instance, have disrupted submarine cables and subsequently access to the internet in densely populated coastal areas and cities. The region urgently needs to improve and expand its broadband connectivity to provide alternative routes and networks to build greater regional resilience to disasters.

In this context, ESCAP supports the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway, a regional broadband connectivity initiative that aims to enhance connectivity from Turkey to Kiribati in a holistic manner, through effective internet traffic management, e-resilience and inclusive broadband access.

ESCAP's Committee on ICT, Science, Technology and Innovation, scheduled for Oct 5-7 in Bangkok, also provides an intergovernmental platform to engage member countries and other stakeholders in discussions contributing to a regional vision of what ICT can and should do for the region's future. It is imperative that we enhance connectivity, because without effective and viable "people connections," the region's full potential will not be realized.

The author is UN under-secretary-general and executive secretary of ESCAP, and has been the UN's sherpa for the G20 and governor of the Central Bank of Pakistan and vice-president of the MENA Region of the World Bank.
Guizhou area pitches big data to Silicon Valley Updated: 2016-09-29 11:36 By Chang Jun in San Francisco(China Daily USA)

Senior officials from Guizhou province are visiting Silicon Valley to promote their big data comprehensive pilot zone, hoping the preferential policies Southwest China provides and its abundant resources will help generate more collaboration and exchanges between Guizhou and San Francisco.

Chen Gang, secretary of the CPC Guiyang Municipal Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, said the Chinese central government has pinned high hopes on the development of the big data industry nationwide and chose Guizhou to start the pilot zone.

He spoke at a seminar on Monday in Santa Clara, California, which drew researchers, industry insiders and local officials.

"We can explore big data sharing, data center integration, the whole industry agglomeration, besides big data flow and dissemination," said Chen, who is also deputy director of the leading group on the construction and development of the Guizhou Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone.

Since Chen and his 20-member delegation arrived in the Bay Area six days ago, the team reached out to the high-tech industries in Silicon Valley, and scholars at universities such as UC Berkeley.

"They are shuffling back and forth around the Bay Area in order to meet more professionals and better present Guizhou and their big data industry," said Ren Faqiang, deputy consul general at the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco, who also attended the seminar.

"The United States remains the world's most important economy powerhouse, and Silicon Valley is the most famous cradle for innovation and high-tech incubation," said Chen Gang, who used to work in Beijing and supervised the capital city's high-tech industry.

"Through my many business trips to the US and the Silicon Valley in particular, I'm glad that a lot of collaborations and cooperation took place which benefit both sides," Chen said.

Now stationed in Guiyang, capital city of the mountainous Guizhou province, Chen and his team are eager to showcase the vigor and potential of his new territory and facilitate more China-US cooperation in the big data industry.

Citing the case about how the Guiyang government uses big data to administer unlicensed taxi vehicles and clean up the on-demand transportation industry, Chen said the government has adopted big data applications across settings to help raise efficiency and accountability.

Guizhou occupies an important position regarding China's national strategic layout of the big data industry, said Chen Gang.

"Guizhou National Big Data Pilot Zone is the only zone of its kind approved by the central government to carry research and development. The habitat is fully functional - the cloud service platforms, open data resources and a wide range of big data industry clusters are emerging here."

In recent years, Guizhou has launched cooperation with international companies at home and abroad and offered them preferential policies.

"Cloud computing and big data have been the driving force of Guizhou's economy," said Chen, adding that Alibaba, Baidu, Qualcomm, Dell, HP, Oracle, Microsoft and Google all operate in Guizhou with business scope ranging from unmanned vehicles, smart city and server chips to energy transmission and storage.

Guizhou started sponsoring the Guiyang International Big Data Expo two years ago and drew more than 20,000 guests worldwide.

"If you have missed the investment opportunity in Guangdong or Zhejiang 30 years ago, by no means should you miss that of Guizhou today," said Jack Ma, founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba, who attended the expo for two consecutive years.

junechang@Chinadailyusa.com
One Chinese injured in New Jersey train accident Updated: 2016-09-30 04:03 (Xinhua)

The Chinese Consulate General in New York confirmed Thursday that one Chinese citizen was injured in the New Jersey train accident, in which one was killed and over 100 injured.

The Chinese Consulate General told Xinhua the injured Chinese has received initial treatment at hospital and there is no life-threatening. The Consulate General has already made contact with the family of the injured.

Currently, Consular staff is rushing to other local medical institutions to verify the possibility of other Chinese citizens injured in the accident.

The Consulate General said it will continue to follow up the situation and provide timely assistance to the affected Chinese.

The train plowed into Hoboken station just before 9:00 a.m. local time (1300 GMT) with around 250 passengers on board. Hoboken station, which sits 11 kilometers outside New York city, is a hub for commuters to switch for Manhattan.

All trapped people have been rescued from the train wreckage, according to local media reports. Jersey City Medical Center officials said they have seen 40 walk-in patients from the crash, with 11 patients in the emergency department.
China and UK plan high-level meetings Updated: 2016-09-29 16:51 By Zhao Siyuan(China Daily UK)

A series of high-level meetings are being planned between senior Chinese and British officials in coming months, aimed at bolstering mutual political trust between the two countries, according to China's Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming.

Chinese Vice-Premier Ma Kai will join UK Chancellor Philip Hammond to co-host the eighth China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, the ambassador said.

UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will also go to China to co-host the fourth meeting of the China-UK High Level People to People Dialogue.

Liu said at a reception on Tuesday to mark China's National Day that State Councilor Yang Jiechi will visit London in coming months to meet with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

The meetings form part of the momentum generated by President Xi Jinping's successful state visit to the UK last October, when both countries said a "golden era" in Sino-British relations had started. During Xi's visit, 40 billion pounds in Chinese investment was announced.

This month, UK Prime Minister Theresa May approved construction of the nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in southwest England, using French technology and with China providing 6 billion pounds of the 18 billion pounds price tag.

Liu, citing an ancient Chinese proverb, said, "If two people are of the same mind, their strength can cut through metal, and their consensus-based argument is as appealing as the fragrance of orchid flowers."
Heroism in landslide saves lives Updated: 2016-09-29 13:22 By ZHANG ZHIHAO,SHI XIAOFENG(China Daily)

The body of a female victim was retrieved by rescuers after a rain-triggered landslide hit a village in East China's Zhejiang province, authorities said on Thursday.

Rescuers and a sniffer dog search for survivors at the landslide site in Suichang county, Zhejiang province, on Thursday. LIN YUNLONG / FOR CHINA DAILY

Later, the bodies of a child of 6 or 7 years of age and an elderly person were recovered as rescuers raced against time to dig out survivors.

As of Thursday evening, 13 people had been rescued and about 20 were missing after the landslide caused by Typhoon Megi hit Sucun village in Lishui at about 5:30 pm on Wednesday, the local government said.

A Sucun villager surnamed Zhan, who is 25 and seven months pregnant, was having dinner with her family when the landslide slammed into her house and swallowed her daughter and parents-in-law.

Lin Juxiang, 72, was helping her 78-year-old husband, whose right foot was injured, limp toward safety. Then Lin suddenly heard her neighbor Zhan's cry for help.

"You are hurt and can't help," Lin told her husband. "You be safe. I will meet you after I save her." She used a bamboo stick to reach out to Zhan and pulled her to safety.

Zhan's left leg was fractured, so Lin became her crutch. As they were fleeing, Lin saw the mudslide coming toward them, so they climbed to safety atop a large boulder. Two hours later, the rescue team found them neck deep in mud and water.

"I was going to save her. If I had just one breath left, I would still save her," Lin said.

After being reunited with her husband at the hospital in Suichang county, Zhan went to the intensive care unit, while Lin rested in a hospital bed. They were in stable condition on Thursday.

Zhan and her husband and Lin were among the 13 people rescued from the landslide, which buried 20 houses and flooded 17 others with about 400,000 cubic meters of debris.

Among the missing was a township cadre who was helping villagers relocate, said Zhou Ruichen, the deputy county mayor.

Villager Zheng Quanwei, 56, who was having dinner about 200 meters away from the scene, said: "I heard a loud noise and rushed outside. It was getting dark, but I could see some collapsed houses on the hillside. I couldn't help but burst into tears."

Villager Su Guohong, 58, fled in such a hurry that he lost one of his shoes. "The rocks were flowing down like water. The road split in front of me," he said.

Pan Zhaoxiang abandoned her housework and ran up the mountain with a group of people. They didn't dare to come down until 7:30 pm on Wednesday.

"When I left my home, I saw two cars being washed into the river. Some people were shouting Help!' I am still so scared now," she said.

The local government issued the highest-level environmental hazard response immediately after the landslide. By Thursday, 1,200 rescuers from 10 special disaster relief groups had joined the rescue effort to perform a range of duties, from operating excavators to delivering supplies, the local government said.

"Life is paramount, every second counts," the Suichang county government said on its website. More than 1,460 local residents had been relocated to safer areas as of Thursday morning.

At the site of the disaster, rocks continued to tumble down the mountain, creating barrier lakes.

More than 100 people were resettled in a temporary relocation site in a nearby village. Many villagers from Sucun are elders whose children are studying or working in cities.

By Thursday, Typhoon Megi had swept through 97 counties in Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces, forcing 590,000 people to relocate and causing 2.6 billion yuan ($390 million) in direct economic losses, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The typhoon weakened into a tropical depression as it went deeper into China. However, Typhoon Chaba was en route to East Asia and may hit China and Japan in the next week, the China Meteorological Administration said.

Contact the writer at shixf@chinadaily.com.cn

Xinhua contributed to this story.
Panda twins mean double delight for tourists Updated: 2016-09-30 01:16 By Huang Zhiling

A pack of newborn panda twins will greet visitors to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda during the seven-day National Day holiday that starts on Oct 1.

About 23 giant pandas born in 2016 are seen on a display at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on Thursday in Chengdu, Sichuan province. She Yi / For China Daily

They can have a close look at the twins in the nursery and be separated from the cubs from a glass window only, according to Zhang Zhihe, chief of the center in Sichuan province.

Sixteen cubs in eight pairs of twins were born at the center this year.

In addition to the 16 twins, seven individual cubs were born this year, he said.

In the mid-1980s, wild pandas were on the brink of extinction as the bamboo they eat blossomed, causing a food shortage. Bamboo plants die after they bloom.

Zhangs center was set up in 1987 to save six hungry and sick pandas rescued from the wild in the aftermath of bamboo blossoming. It is home to 176 captive pandas.

The rising number of captive pandas has a lot to do with techniques to change their natural reluctance to mate.

The base is making male pandas walk on two legs. The dancelike routine strengthens the pelvic and hip area and also boosts the animals sexual stamina, zookeepers say.

In an effort to encourage breeding, the center also relies on a special odor to remind pandas of sex during the spring, when they are in heat.

We place male pandas in the dens of female pandas and vice versa. A male panda can smell the odor left behind by the female panda, which contains information pertaining to sex and vice versa, said Fei Lisong, a senior researcher of the base.

When they show symptoms at the same time of wanting to have sex, the base places them together in the same den. The symptoms include anxiety, he said.

The center also relies on its more senior pandas to show the way.

We arrange lovemaking between two accomplished pandas in front of inexperienced pandas, which have never had sex. It does work, Fei said. More than 30 percent of pandas at the base can have sex naturally, compared with only 10 percent about 20 years ago.

The purposes of breeding captive pandas are to increase their number, save them from extinction and return them to the wild to enlarge the natural panda population, said Hu Jinchu, professor of the school of life science of China West Normal University in Nanchong, Sichuan province.
War museums look to tell more on Asia Updated: 2016-09-30 04:43 By CHANG JUN in San Francisco(chinadaily.com.cn)

Florence Fang, curator and founder of the WWII Pacific War Memorial Hall, shows Gordon Mueller, CEO and president of The National WWII Museum, some artifacts on display. The two vowed to launch more cooperation in the future to better present the Chinese chapter in the history of World War II. CHANG JUN / CHINA DAILY

Two World War II museums plan to cooperate more on educating younger generations about the war, including the fiercely contested battles in China, Burma and India.

Gordon Mueller, CEO and president of The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, took a brief tour of the San Francisco-based WWII Pacific War Memorial Hall on Thursday, meeting his counterpart Florence Fang.

The two discussed possible trips to Asia, including to Japan and China, to better understand war-related history there, and future teamwork on finding the remains of American soldiers who fought for China during World War II.

Fang introduced her artifacts on exhibit in a white three-story building on Sacramento Street, where the museum is located. It used to house the Chinese Daily Post, a publication established in 1927.

The building was later converted to a center for overseas Chinese to gather and rally support for their homeland during the Japanese invasion of China in 1931. The building got its new purpose a year ago, telling stories about how Chinese people suffered from the Japanese Army and fought back.

Mueller said his museum, founded in 2000 originally as the D-Day Museum, gradually expanded its coverage, mostly of the American experience in the war, to include other chapters, such as the heroic deeds taking place in China, Burma and India. It has been designated by the US Congress as the official national museum of World War II.

"I'm a historian, an educator," said Mueller. "When we are thinking, we are saving the history, we are making history."

Visitors to war-themed museums will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn, said Mueller, adding that the major tourist destination in New Orleans is drawing 700,000 patrons worldwide at an average age younger than those visiting New Orleans.

"That's surprising to know, given the attractions New Orleans offers  the jazz, the French Quarter, Mardi Gras  all these young-people favorites," he added.

Earlier this month, the museum learned it was ranked No. 4 in the US in the 2016 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards for museums, and No. 11 in the world.

Fang said the San Francisco museum has witnessed stable growth in visitors.

"Instead of portraying the museum through an ideological and political perspective, I would rather define it as an act within the framework of people-to-people exchange," she said.

The museum offers a compelling mix of sweeping narratives of personal stories with an expansive historical collection of artifacts and documents.

"We've received comments and donations from visitors worldwide; they thank our efforts, encourage us to continue," said the 81-year-old Fang. "We are so touched, and believe we are doing the right thing."

junechang@chinadailyusa.com
Florence Fang library fund established Updated: 2016-09-30 06:00 By CHINA DAILY(chinadaily.com.cn)

Florence Fang (left), and President of Peking University Lin Jianhua, signs agreement establishing the Florence Fang Peking University Humanities Library Fund in Palo Alto, Calif. at Standford University on Monday. [Photo/Congjiang Wang]

The president of Peking University announced the establishment of the Florence Fang Peking University Humanity Library Fund at Stanford University on Monday.

Peking University is ranked one of the top universities globally by US News and World Report. Peking University President Lin Jianhua said the library fund would help his school advance social science studies in China.

"Social science has become really important for China. We are not only in economic transition, but also social transition," Lin said.

Lin said Peking University is honored by Fang's support.

"We choose carefully the people we work with," Lin said. "We are deeply impressed by Mrs. Fang's work in China and the US."

Fang, the patron of the fund, is known for her philanthropy work developing social understanding between China and the US. She is the chairwoman of the Florence Fang Family Foundation and well known in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Born in China and living in the US, Fang said she is the daughter of her two "moms". Recently, Fang donated funds to Peking University for a new building for the Chinese program.

The program has led to tens of thousands of American students going to China and learning Chinese.

Chinese Consul General Luo Linquan in San Francisco said Fang's work is an integral part of the China-US relationship.

Luo said that Fang's work promoting cultural exchange and social science is important as part of the China-US High-Level People-to-People Exchange, a program backed by China and the US government to raise mutual understanding between the two countries.

"Cultural mutual understanding is one of the pillars supporting the US-China relationship," Luo said.

In the US, Fang became an honorary curator of the WWII Pacific War Memorial Hall in San Francisco in 2005.

Fang said she will continue to help China and the US work together and gain mutual understanding, and social science is propelling that advancement.

"Social science has become powerful and valuable in China," Fang said.

Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the US House of Representatives and current House minority leader, congratulated Fang and Peking University on the fund.

Pelosi said in her letter that she supports and appreciates the role Fang plays in promoting the China-US relationship.

Congjiang Wang in San Francisco contributed to this story.
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The meeting to provide the media with human rights information on September 28 (Photo: VNA)

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The Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with other ministries, held a meeting in Hanoi on September 28 to provide the media with information about human rights in the country.Hoang Thi Thanh Nga, Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministrys International Organizations Department, said Vietnam was elected to the United Nation Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2014-2016 term with the highest vote among candidates (184 out of 192). The country takes its role seriously and has actively contributed to the HRCs work though its speeches at hundreds of meetings and participation in designing and negotiating the Councils resolutions and decisions, thereby helping to ensure the common values of human rights.It has seriously implemented universal periodic reviews and engaged in straightforward dialogues with other countries. Vietnam, together with Bangladesh and the Philippines, co-sponsored a resolution on climate change impacts on the rights of the child.Vietnam has worked to promote dialogues and cooperation among countries, and to improve the effectiveness, transparency and equality in the Councils activities, while raising its voice to refute wrong information about human rights in the country, she said.Regarding the protection of childrens rights, an official of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) noted that Vietnam has more than 26 million children, of whom over 1.5 million are less privileged children while over 2 million others may fall into disadvantaged backgrounds.To support those children, Vietnam has overhauled legal regulations on child protection and set up 31 provincial social work centers nationwide, along with 158 district-level advisory offices and thousands of community- and school-based consultation centers.Nguyen Thi Nga, Deputy Director of the MoLISAs Child Care and Protection Department, her ministry has carried out a program to develop the social support system which aims to assist 90 percent of the children from special backgrounds. The program also looks to curb the increase in children abuse and support all abuse-prone children.To this goal, many schools nationwide have taught soft skills to their students while State agencies and social organizations have facilitated underprivileged childrens access to social help, health care and education, she added.Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Hoang Vinh Bao said agencies should be proactive in providing information to the media in order to enhance the medias role in reflecting the true situation of human rights in the country.-
HCM CITY - Viet Nam is Australias fastest growing ASEAN trading partner as a result of trade deals like ASEAN Australia New Zealand FTA and proposed ones like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Trans-Pacific Partnership, HSBC has said in a recent report.

Viet Nam is Australias second smallest trading partner among the six ASEAN countries studied in the ASEAN Connected report, with bilateral trade standing at just over AUD10 billion (US$770 million) in 2015.

The other five countries are Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.

This is around a third of Australias trade with Singapore and half of the trade with Thailand and Malaysia.

But the relationship is rapidly growing, increasing by 12 per cent last year.

Australian companies can benefit from Viet Nam market access provided by AANZFTA, an agreement especially useful in Viet Nams case considering Australia lacks a bilateral FTA with the country.

Viet Nam is party to both the TPP and RCEP negotiations, and, as a developing country in need of numerous reforms, stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of further economic liberalisation through these initiatives. The AEC is likely to have a similar reform-boosting effect.

According to the report, Viet Nams rapid economic growth is creating a big opportunity for Australian education services, particularly in the tertiary and professional areas.

Australia is already the leading study destination for Vietnamese students, almost 30,000 of whom were enrolled in Australian institutions last year.

This makes Viet Nam the third largest source of overseas students for Australia after China and India. The education opportunity in Viet Nam is large, growing, and multi-faceted. Australia is in a strong position to capitalise on this, considering its well-known education strengths and expertise.

According to Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, education is currently Australias largest export to Viet Nam and a key component of the bilateral relationship.

The report, covering 83 mid-market Australian enterprises, finds that business success relies on an appropriate risk appetite, on-the-ground engagement and an ability to adapt to different business cultures.

ASEAN is forecast to become the worlds fourth largest economy by 2050, so it is crucial for Australia to reinforce its competitive position in the region, HSBC Australia CEO Tony Cripps said.

New trade agreements and initiatives such as Chinas Belt and Road Initiative provide a strong platform for more Australian companies to tap into ASEANs predicted growth.

Export Council of Australia CEO Lisa McAuley said, It is crucial for Australias future prosperity that we find ways to reinforce our competitive position in ASEAN, as the region becomes more interconnected and attracts more and more of the worlds best and brightest.

Winfield Wong, head of wholesale banking, HSBC Vietnam, said, There is positivity towards the AEC because it will allow local markets access to broader goods and services.

You would also expect more investment, especially from developed countries like Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong.

We have seen more upscale production starting to move to Viet Nam. Some of the internationally well-known electronics firms are not just looking at manufacturing and chip plants, but also R&D centres, which are being set up this year.  VNS
Furniture exporters should become more aware of import market regulations and standards in various countries, delegates said at a seminar held in HCM City yesterday.  Photo baocongthuong.vn

HCM CITY  Furniture exporters should become more aware of import market regulations and standards in various countries, delegates said at a seminar held in HCM City yesterday.

Huynh Van Hanh, deputy chairman of the Handicrafts and Wood Industry Association of HCM City, said that after removal of tariff barriers under free trade agreements, technical barriers would increase in many importing countries.

In addition to complying with legal sources of timber, furniture producers need to pay more attention to social responsibility during production and trading and improve the safety of their products, she said.

Producers must ensure that formaldehyde content on surface finishing, resins and wood and finishing products does not exceed the permitted level.

Each market has its own requirements, so we must understand what we sell to markets and their requirements, he said.

Scott Steady, product manager for chemical emissions testing and certification at UL Environment, said the US had strict safety regulations and standards to protect against risk of consumer products.

In July 2010, the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act became part of the law of the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Title VI, he said.

In July, the US Environmental Protection Agency released a pre-publication of their rule that is consistent with TSCA, he said.

Formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable gas at room temperature and has a strong odour. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, noses and throat.

High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancer.

One of the primary uses of formaldehyde is in industrial resins and adhesives, including those used to make composite wood products, he said.

In addition, the US also has strict safety regulations and standards. Failure to meet either a CPSC regulation or an industry consensus standard can result in a recall.

Giuseppe Barisan, Global Operations director at UL Furniture and Furnishings Division, said more than 37 million residential products, including chairs, outdoor furniture and case goods, were recalled in the past two years in the US and EU markets due to a top-over or instability risk.

The consequences of a recall can damage a brand reputation and bear high costs, lawsuits and settlements.

Producers should thoroughly understand such regulations and standards and keep a close eye on changes to avoid risks when exporting their products, he said.

To reduce risk, companies need to strengthen their protocol, implement risk-based testing, and use third parties to conduct testing, he said.

Pham Thi Thu Hang, general secretary of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that because of the countrys participation in many free trade agreements, the wooden industry was expected to develop strongly.

She urged local furniture firms to pay more attention to meeting consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, obtaining certificates such as GreenGuard, as well as conducting market research and building brands for their products.

According to Hanh, Viet Nam ranked fifth in the world in wooden product exports.

Last year the country earned US$6.9 million from wood and wooden product exports, with the figure expected to reach $7.5 billion this year.

Global trade of wooden products was worth $467.7 billion a year, with exports from Viet Nam accounting for only 1.65 per cent. Thus, there is still more room for local wooden firms to expand their exports.

However, firms must focus more on improving their technologies and obtaining quality certificates to enable their products to penetrate more export markets, he said.

At the seminar, a representative of VPBank introduced credit packages reserved for wooden firms.

The seminar titled Learn to Navigate Global Furniture Regulations to Expand Your Business was organised by VCCI, Hawa, the Quality Assurance and Testing Centre 3Quatest 3 and UL Vietnam.  VNS


US will continue imposing anti-dumping duty on Vietnamese frozen warm water shrimp to the US market after the second five-year sunset review, reported the Viet Nam Competition Authority (VCA).  Photo thoibao.today

HA NOI  US will continue imposing anti-dumping duty on Vietnamese frozen warm water shrimp to the US market after the second five-year sunset review, reported the Viet Nam Competition Authority (VCA).

According to the preliminary results of the second five-year sunset review of the antidumping duty order (AD Order) released on September 9, the Department of Commerce (DOC) on March 1, 2016 initiated the second sunset review of certain frozen warm water shrimp from Viet Nam.

The department found that revoking the AD order would be likely to lead to recurrence of dumping at the levels indicated in the Preliminary Results of Review section of the notice.

Viet Nams respondents said that they continue to ship at levels comparable to levels before the AD Order was imposed, according to the review.

The respondents each would have received de minimis margins in every review since the last sunset review if zeroing of negative dumping margins had not been applied, before or after the Department adopted its differential pricing methodology.

Respondents expected the actual, non-zeroed margins to remain de minimis upon revocation, because the companies were able to sell at high volumes without dumping while the order was in place.

Meanwhile, the department examined the International Trade Commission (ITC) Dataweb data on the record of imports of the merchandise for the period before and after the AD Order was issued.

The showed that while import volumes fluctuated following the AD Order, they have more recently remained at the same or higher volumes than pre-order import volumes.

Given the continued existence of margins calculated without zeroing in the eighth and ninth administrative reviews, completed since the 2011 Continuation Order, it is unlikely that respondents would be able to sell at pre-order volumes without dumping.

In addition, respondents argued that the margin likely to prevail was de minimis because the respondents would have received de minimis margins in every review conducted since the last sunset review if the department had not used zeroing in its calculations.

The department said with the exception of the last three most-recently completed administrative reviews, the department used average-to-average comparisons, along with zeroing, for each segment under the AD Order.

However, the Viet Nam-wide rate, which has remained unchanged since the underlying investigation, was based on adverse facts available, the department said.

This adverse facts available rate was based on the petition and, therefore, did not include zeroing and is consistent with the Final Modification for Reviews. Thus, the DOC found that it has appropriated to provide the lTC the margin of 25.76 percent from the original investigation, which was based on adverse facts available, and not on the use of average-to-average comparisons with zeroing, as the rate up to which dumping is likely to continue or recur.

The final results of the second five-year sunset review are scheduled to be issued in January 2017.

EC re-imposes AD duty on shoes

The European Commission (EC) re-imposed anti-dumping duties on imported leather shoes from Viet Nam in the period from 07/10/2006 to 31/3/2011, according to the regulation (EU) 2016/1647 released on September 13, 2016 per the Official Journal of the European Union.

A definitive anti-dumping duty would be re-imposed on imports of certain footwear with uppers of leather originating in Viet Nam and produced by Best Royal Co. Ltd, Lac Cuong Footwear Co., Ltd, Lac Ty Co., Ltd, Saoviet Joint Stock Company (Megastar Joint Stock Company), VMC Royal Co Ltd, Freetrend Industrial Ltd and its related company Freetrend Industrial A (Vietnam) Co, Ltd, Fulgent Sun Footwear Co., Ltd, General Shoes Ltd, Golden Star Co, Ltd, Golden Top Company Co., Ltd, Kingmaker Footwear Co. Ltd, Tripos Enterprise Inc., Vietnam Shoe Majesty Co., Ltd,.

Viet Nams Ministry of Industry and Trade said in 2005, the EC announced anti-dumping investigations against leather shoes from Viet Nam and China.

In 2006, the EC issued a decision on imposing anti-dumping duty at 16.5 per cent for China and 10 per cent for Viet Nam. The anti-dumping measures were terminated for Viet Nam and a number of Chinese companies since 2011.  VNS
HA NOI  Opera director Nguyen Phi Phi Anh will soon launch his opera project titled Hope with 35 shows at the LEspace on 24 Trang Tien Street.

The shows will take place in October, November and January.

Three opera plays will be performed with 35 actors and 17 musicians participating in each show.

According to the 25-year-old director, most of the actors are amateur artists and in their early twenties, except few who have participated in reality television contests.

Viet Nams art shows will have a different look with such young artists, noted drama actress Le Khanh said about the project.

Last Night after Summer will kick off the project on October 4, followed by Corner of Fame in November.

These operas were first performed in 2012 and 2013 and received positive feedback from the 4,300-strong audience during the 15 shows.

The third opera, titled Mong Uoc Khong Xa Voi (Dreams are not Far) is a new act, in which Phi Anh dons the hats of director, playwright and producer.

Although Phi Anh did not reveal the total budget for the three operas, he said the budget just for the music had reached some VN1 billion (US$44,400).

Tickets for the shows are priced between VN200,000 and VN300,000.

Prof Nguyen Thi Minh Thai highly appreciated the operas directed by Phi Anh, which were in the style of the Vietnamese western operas.

There are traditional operas in Viet Nam, she said, Western opera is, however, another theatrical form. Musical plays by Vietnamese directors have won the hearts of the western audience. Ea Sola Thuys dance play Han Han va Con Mua (drought and Rain) is a perfect example showcasing Viet Nams cultural identity.

Dance plays by Ea Sola Thuy or water puppetry shows are Vietnamese theatrical forms that are expected to be successful in foreign countries and should bear strong Vietnamese characteristics, she said. Thats why the most important thing in Phi Anhs operas is that he should direct the foreign operas against the backdrop of Vietnamese culture.

Graduating from Hampshire Colleges Theatre and Film Faculty, Phi Anh has been among the pioneers to restage western operas in Viet Nam.

Before coming to the United States to study, Phi Anh staged the Geek Show (2009) at the Anglo Chinese School in Singapore, which was considered the best game show in the history of ACS. The show was on for two seasons in 2010 and 2011.

Phi Anh also worked as theatrical director for the play Making Nice, which won the bronze medal at the Singapore Youth Festival 2010.  VNS
By Hong Van

Tewfic El-Sawy just published his first book of colour photographs, Hau ong: The Spirit Mediums of Viet Nam, an outgrowth of his passionate interest in indigenous religions and cults.

It was a wonderful journey into the world of this typical Vietnamese tradition. I am enourmously proud that I am the only non-Vietnamese photographer to have photographed Hau ong ceremonies in such depth, said Tewfic.

Coffee table book: This is the first book of color photos taken by a foreign photographer to document the Vietnamese Hau ong ritual. Photo Courtesy of Tewfic

Tewfic has pursued photography full time since losing interest in his work as an international corporate banker in 2000. Initially he attended photo workshops with talented photographers to learn from them. But Tewfic is mostly self-taught.

Tewfics international trips, taken while he was still a banker, gave him the opportunity to see a variety of cultures in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Witnessing and comparing these cultures was always a fascinating pastime for me, said Tewfic.

While leading his first photo workshops during the 2000s, Tewfic decided to offer diverse experiences to allow the participants to explore and document religious rituals. Since then, he has continued to nurture his passion for photographing unique and unusual traditions, festivals and rituals through his travels.

I was attracted to obscure traditions, studied them and photographed events as they happened. My photographs have a definite documentary objective, Tewfic said. Whether Sufi festivals or obscure Hindu religious events - such the gathering of the Vellichappadu and Theyyam or the Cao ai tradition in central Viet Nam - I always had an intellectual, and not only a photographic, interest in such esoteric activities.

Unique: Hau ong rituals merge religion, fashion, choreography, theater, soothsaying and mediumship to engage audiences in a way Tewfic hadnt seen before. Photo Courtesy of Tewfic.

Tewfic first attended the Hau ong ceremony in 2014 during a trip to Viet Nam to lead a photography workshop for US and Australian photographers.

One early morning in September 2014, Tewfic was walking on Fansipan Road in Sa Pa, listening to religious music coming from a local temple. Through sign language exchanged with an ethnic woman, he knew the ceremony would start at 9am.

This is how my two-year journey into the world of ao Mau, indigenous Vietnamese mother goddess worship, and Hau ong, ritual spirit mediumship, started. Totally by accident, recalled Tewfic.

A few days later, the New York-based travel photographer attended another Hau ong ceremony. It was at that event that Tewfic decided to study the ritual, its history and practitioners.

Folkways: Tewfic is fascinated by obscure and unique indigenous traditions. He likes to study them and to photograph events as they unfold. Photo Courtesy of Tewfic.

Back home in the US, he researched the topic on the Internet. He discovered that no non-Vietnamese photographer had ever completed a comprehensive documentary or photo essay on the ceremony.

I took it as a sign: I had to be the first to publish a book about this religious tradition, Tewfic said.

The 170 page colour photo book was finished and published in early September. It introduces ao Mau and its rituals to both international and Vietnamese audiences who are not familiar with, or who misunderstand, the tradition, said Tewfic.

"ao Mau and its Hau ong rituals is a fascinating syncretic religious practice. I found the rituals and ceremonies to be the only ones -in my experience - that mixed religiosity with fashion, that merged choreography with theatrics, that involved soothsaying and mediumship, and engaged audiences in a way I hadnt seen before, said Tewfic.

What a contrast to the dour and joyless rituals of the so-called monotheistic religions! Not only that, but it extols the ancient history of Viet Nam, the struggles of its heroes against the many foreign invaders, and strengthens the nationalism and patriotism of its people.

It is Viet Nams heritage and it should be known around the world. I am hopeful that it will soon be inscribed on UNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, said Tewfic.

Despite having two other monochrome photo book published, Tewfic faced some problems with the scarcity of references needed and the language barrier, which made it hard for him to understand quickly what is happening during the ceremony.

Tewfic had to rely on Vietnamese friends for translation services from the first days of the project to understand what was happening.

The kindness of Vietnamese friends, acquaintances and strangers to me during my time in Ha Noi was unique, said Tewfic.

He spent a total of 18 months in Ha Noi, including six two-week trips, attending dozens of ceremonies in the city, suburbs and other provinces, to prepare for the publication of the book.

He also interviewed some of the most well recognised spirit mediums of Viet Nam, including Le Thanh Tam, Nguyen Vi and chau van (a highly rhythmic form of singing accompanied by Hau ong ritual) singing artists Trinh Ngoc Minh and Hoang Tien Hung.

I learned a lot from interviewing the mediums and by observing their mannerisms and styles during the ceremonies and in social settings,said Tewfic. Their individual stories have common threads. They told me of their struggles with illness and other challenges in their lives which were healed and resolved when they answered the call to become mediums.

Vietnamese culture and stories: The photo book introduces ao Mau and its rituals to international and Vietnamese audiences. Photo Courtesy of Tewfic

For Tewfic, the female mediums were more interesting on a personal level. The male mediums were perhaps more knowledgeable about the history of ao Mau, but the life stories of the female mediums made more of an impact on him.

Tewfic was always treated with enormous kindness, generosity and hospitality whenever he attended a ceremony or interviewed mediums for his book.

I am sure I made many mistakes when I attended ceremonies, perhaps getting too close to photograph things. But I was always forgiven with a smile. The audience was always appreciative that I attended the ceremonies, and would often offer me fruits and bottled water. I will never forget their kindness, said Tewfic.

The photographer will introduce his new book on Hau ong in Ha Noi on November 5 at 43 Nhat Chieu and on November 11 at 24 Ly Quoc Su.

Due to my fondness and affection for Viet Nam, I also hope to discover new projects in Viet Nam that I can bring to various audiences, Tewfic said.  VNS
inh Duy Hoa

Under the Finance Ministrys newly-issued decision, from October 1, the six deputy ministers and heads of the ministry departments will have their taxi fares subsidised, depending on the distance from the officials house to the Ministry of Finance.

Alternatively, they can use their own cars and still receive the subsidy, but using state-owned cars is prohibited.

Its too early to talk about the impact of this decision, but the public has welcomed the move, expected to help cut public spending.

The use of state-owned cars has long been a problem. There are 40,000 state-owned cars currently in use in Viet Nam, with only 33,000 needed.

According to the Department of Public Asset Management under the Ministry of Finance, each car costs an average of VND320 million (US$13,800) in maintenance each year, adding more pressure to the state budget.

People have expressed their concerns over the abuse of state-owned cars. According to the law, only top leaders, such as deputy ministers and above, are eligible for the cars. But state-owned cars are often used by local level department heads.

The use of state-owned cars for personal reasons is another problem.

Given this context, an attempt to address the use of state-owned cars is encouraging.

But while the finance ministrys move is a good initial sign for managing public spending, it has not addressed the core problem.

The ministry bans the six deputy ministers from using state-owned cars when traveling from home to work and vice versa, which means they are still able to use them when traveling during the day for business purposes. That means they still have to use a driver, and the state would still have to pay the driver and other costs relating to the car. And that means we are still losing the fight against wasting public assets.

How many state-owned cars are provided to officials is not as important as how the cars are used. Many officials provided with cars have misused the state property by mixing personal purposes and business purposes. This is a tremendous waste.

Even if all deputy ministers in the country switch to using taxis or their own vehicles to travel from home to work, but continue using state-owned cars for other journeys, we wont save much.

How do other countries manage state-owned cars? Lets look at Germany.

German law states that only the Chancellor, vice Chancellor and ministers can have state-owned cars. Germany has many rules on the use of state-owned cars. The first notable rule is about when officials can use state-owned cars: If travelling by other public transport like train or bus would cost less than using state-owned cars, then public transport must be used.

The second notable rule is in the way state-owned cars are managed: Each state-owned car has a separate monitoring notebook in which government staff take note of the time it is used, how many kilometres for each journey, and so on.

Maybe Viet Nam can learn from this, if we can start taking state rules seriously.

The number of officials eligible for state-owned cars in Viet Nam is huge, especially those who are not deputy ministers but benefit from similar treatments because of their title or ranking in government.

Maybe Viet Nam can learn from this, if we say no when officials want to borrow a state-owned car for their sons or daughters wedding.

The fact that deputy ministers will not be able to use state-owned cars to travel from home to work is only a small part in the bigger picture of the need to cut spending. Tight management and bold attitude will help. Proper regulations and regular checks on violations will help. If the government can do this, we can save even more. If the government cant do this, its harder to talk about fighting corruption.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets the Quang Nam provinces leaders in a meeting yesterday in Ha Noi.  VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

HA NOI  The central province of Quang Nam should become a model for rapid, sustainable and comprehensive development, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the provinces leaders in a meeting yesterday in Ha Noi

The PM asked the province to work with neighbouring a Nang City and Quang Ngai Province to create an economic hub in the central region.

PM Phuc praised the provinces achievements in development, security and defence, and external relations.

Good performance has been seen in several key sectors, including mechanics and infrastructure development, and tourism, he said.

Currently a province with 75 per cent of its budget coming from the national budget, Quang Nam is expected to contribute to the national budget from 2017.

However, the number of poor households remained high and the number of enterprises was low, the PM said.

Tourism promotion was still weak despite great potential as the province is home to two world cultural heritage sites, beautiful natural landscapes and historic relics, he said.

The PM asked the province to attract more big investment projects, saying that they are the iron fist to create breakthroughs in development.

He urged the province to restructure the economy with a focus on marine economy and offshore fishing.

Agreeing with the provinces policy of making tourism the key industry, he said tourism should be developed to raise its contribution to the provinces gross domestic products from the current 7-8 per cent to more than 10 per cent.

If we want to develop tourism as a key industry, we have to care about environmental protection, he said.

He asked provincial authorities to reject industrial projects that harm the environment, adding that he welcomed the provinces past decisions to refuse such projects.

He told the province to make more efforts to attract investors to its industrial parks and economic zones and have programmes to support businesses.

The number of enterprises should be increased twofold or threefold, he said.

Infrastructure, including sea ports, airports, and roads, should also be completed as it plays a crucial role in development, the PM said.

According to a report by inh Van Thu, Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee at the meeting yesterday, Quang Nam recorded economic growth of 12 per cent in the first nine months of the year. Budget collection was nearly VN12.5 trillion, a 40 per cent year-on-year rise and 90 per cent of the annual budget forecast.

Tourism enjoyed high growth with 3.4 million visitors in this period, increasing nearly 17 per cent compared to the same period last year.

However, the leader said the province is facing threats from severe erosion and salt water intrusion as a consequence of climate change.

Provincial authorities asked for the Governments support to tackle these problems.  VNS
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and President of the Senate of Cambodia Say Chhum vowed to do their best to strengthen ties between the two legislatures through high-level visits during their meeting in Phnom Penh yesterday.  Photo baotintuc.vn

PHNOM PENH  National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and President of the Senate of Cambodia Say Chhum vowed to do their best to strengthen ties between the two legislatures through high-level visits during their meeting in Phnom Penh yesterday.

Ngan suggested the two countries further raise public awareness of mutual support for each other among young generations.

She also took the occasion to ask the Vietnamese NA, the Cambodian Senate and legislature to continue their mutual assistance.

Speaking highly of the Senate Presidents role in fostering ties between the two States, NAs and peoples, Ngan wished that in his position, Chhum will continue boosting bilateral ties.

The guest wished that Cambodia will successfully hold the election of deputies to the communal and district councils and the NA by 2018.

Chhum thanked the Vietnamese legislature for its assistance in personnel training and infrastructure.

He congratulated Viet Nam on its achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and wished that Viet Nam will reap more successes.

Host and guest hoped that the two countries would settle remaining issues to build a border of peace, friendship, co-operation and development, saying that the completion of demarcation is a great asset.

The same day, Ngan paid a courtesy call to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

She made it clear that the Vietnamese Party, State, NA and people will nurture the traditional friendship with Cambodia.

The guest asked the King to instruct concerned agencies to help Vietnamese nationals in the country.

The Vietnamese legislature will strive together with the Cambodian Senate and NA to share information and legislation experience, as well as work together to monitor the implementation of signed agreements, she said.

The King affirmed that the Cambodian people remember the great support of Vieat Nam, especially during national liberation and current national development.

He believed that the visit would further tighten neighbourliness and long solidarity between the two countries.

Before leaving Cambodia for Myanmar for a visit and to attend the 37th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Ngan met Vietnamese nationals living in Cambodia, visited Cho Ray Phnom Penh hospital and Angkor Milk plant.  VNS
HA NOI  The Presidents of Viet Nam and the Philippines have pledged to further strengthen political and diplomatic co-operation via regular exchange of all-level visits and boosting ties on the Party, Government, State, National Assembly and people-to-people exchange channel.

President Tran ai Quang and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made the commitment at their talks in Ha Noi today during the Filipino Presidents official visit from September 28-29.

The two countries will also improve the efficiency of bilateral co-operation mechanisms, including the Committee on Bilateral Co-operation at the foreign ministerial level, the Inter-Committee on Sea and Ocean, the Joint Sub-Committee on Trade, the dialogue on defence policy, and the Joint Working Group on Fisheries.

Both sides agreed to work closely together to prepare for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

President Quang welcomed Filipino investors to Viet Nams agriculture, food processing and tourism sectors, and asked the Philippines to facilitate Vietnamese businesses investment in infrastructure, oil and gas survey and exploration, mining and services.

He affirmed that Viet Nam will offer a stable and long-term rice supply to the Philippines.

The two presidents agreed that national defence-security is an important pillar in the bilateral strategic partnership, and vowed to effectively use existing co-operation mechanisms, including the policy dialogue at the deputy defence ministerial level, while bolstering ties in research and training, and sharing of experience in the UN peacekeeping mission.

The two leaders promised to direct their security agencies to exchange information and co-operate in the fight against crime, terrorism, drug and human trafficking, and quickly launch negotiations to sign agreements on extradition and the transfer of sentenced persons.

Regarding collaboration in sea and ocean, farming, transport, culture, tourism, people-to-people exchange and education, President Quang spoke highly of the Filipino governments humanitarian policy and co-operation in fishing boat- and fishermen-related issues over the past years. He took the occasion to ask the Philippines to consider releasing all Vietnamese fishermen currently detained in the country.

On regional and global issues of shared concern, the two sides pledged mutual support of the Philippines in hosting the ASEAN Summit and Viet Nam in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit next year.

They agreed to continue co-ordinating with other ASEAN member states to successfully realise the ASEAN Community and uphold the ASEANs solidarity and central role in the regional architecture.

They committed to maintain and promote peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of maritime and aviation along with unhindered trade in the region, particularly in the East Sea.

They called on parties concerned to exercise self-restraint, refrain from the use of force or threat to use force, show full respect for diplomatic and legal process, settle disputes by peaceful means on the basis of basic principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The two sides reiterated their support of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and co-operation for the early formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The same day, President Duterte paid a courtesy call to Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong, met Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and received Vietnamese business representatives.  VNS
HCM CITY  Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien on Tuesday told local health officials to step up preventive methods against the spread of infections and disease, particularly dengue fever and malaria.

Tien spoke during an online conference on disease prevention in the autumn-winter season.

The number of dengue fever cases has increased in 52 provinces and cities with 72,372 incidences since the beginning of the year. Twenty-four people have died. Around 39,000 incidences were recorded in the same period last year.

Tran ac Phu, head of the ministrys Preventive Health Department, said during the conference that the Zika virus was present in 72 countries and territories, including Viet Nam.

In Viet Nam, the Pasteur Institute and hygiene and epidemiology institutes have tested 2,716 samples for Zika, with three of them found positive.

The three patients had not travelled outside the country, so they must have contracted the virus (transmitted by mosquitoes) in Viet Nam, he said.

As for dengue fever, the provinces of ak Lak and Gia Lai have recorded the highest number of cases in the Central Highlands.

The Khanh Hoa Province Hospital for Tropical Diseases admitted 100 patients with dengue fever in July, but the number increased to 120 in August. As of September 25, 100 patients had been treated.

Dr Nguyen ong, head of the hospital, told online newspaper Dan Tri that it was treating three severe cases with technical assistance from the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Disease.

If preventive methods against the disease were not carried out, there could be more cases, he said. The hospital has reported new incidences to the Khanh Hoa Preventive Health Centre.

The provinces Department of Health reported that more than 3,600 patients had been diagnosed with dengue fever since the beginning of the year. Two people have died.

In HCM City, 12,576 dengue fever cases had been reported as of September 25, an increase of 29 per cent compared to the same period last year. Three people have died.

Eight city districts have had a high number of cases, including districts 8, Hoc Mon, Thu uc and Binh Tan.

The health department has told local health officials to step up epidemiology efforts in wards and communes and has asked district health officials to make detailed prevention plans.

The ministry has advised the public to destroy mosquitoes and larvae to prevent infection.

Malaria cases

Phu, speaking during the online conference, cautioned about the importance of malaria prevention. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 8,017 malaria cases nationwide.

Three people have died. At least 14,298 incidences were recorded in the same period last year.

Tien said the number of malaria cases was increasing in the countrys mountainous provinces and in other areas such as Khanh Hoa Province.

She said that guest workers returning from Africa, Laos and Cambodia had contracted the disease in those countries, contributing to the rising number.

Tran Thanh Duong, head of the National Institute for Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, said that one of three deaths due to malaria had occurred in HCM City.

The patient had been in Angola for one month before returning to the city. At that time, the patient felt tired and went to the pharmacy to buy medicine, but his health deteriorated.

Tien told local authorities nationwide to step up communication about disease prevention. Political and social organisations in the country should launch their own communication activities to improve public awareness, she said.

Local health officials were also told to increase the rate of immunisation coverage, especially in remote areas and where many ethnic minorities live.

District-level hospitals should also improve treatment quality and prevent disease transmission at health facilities, she said.  VNS
HCM CITY  With climate change and rising sea levels threatening it, the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta cannot rely on natural advantages for development but should focus on science and technology, a Government minister has said.

Speaking at a seminar in Ca Mau Province on Monday, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said climate change is making the delta less fertile than in the past, affecting agriculture.

The countrys largest rice, fruit and seafood producer has been affected by diminishing rainfall, more saltwater intrusion and less flooding in recent years.

Nguyen Van The, secretary of the Soc Trang Province Partys Committee, said the reducing floods are increasing saltwater intrusion in the deltas coastal areas and alum in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle.

However, the biggest concern is that in the first half of the year there was no rain and farmers could not farm and many had to leave the province to find work elsewhere, he said.

If the situation does not change, the delta will face a high threat of poverty.

Tang uc Thang, deputy director of the Viet Nam Irrigation Science Institute, warned about an imminent threat of drought and saltwater intrusion this year because whenever the flooding is not intense these twin threats appear.

Since 2010 saltwater intrusion has been occurring earlier than normal, he said.

Instead of February, it has been beginning in December and lasting six months or more.

The delta has seen coastal erosion and saltwater has intruded deeper inland in recent years, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The increased exploitation of water in the Mekongs upstream areas, especially for electricity generation, has reduced the rivers flow.

Nguyen Tan Dung, the former prime minister, said the delta depends on the Mekong River, but the quantity and quality (silt, fish and other aquatic species) of its water have been declining rapidly.

To deal with climate change and the construction of dams in the Mekongs upstream, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should soon issue a new climate change scenario to replace the one it issued in 2009, he said.

It should include detailed forecasts for each region, sub-region and even each province in the delta, he said.

The deltas general zoning plan should be updated, with attention paid to the zoning of dykes, sluice gates and reservoirs, he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong inh Hue said the delta should have two different solutions, one each with and without construction works, he said.

Non-construction solutions involve updating climate change scenarios for the whole delta region, sub-regions and each locality, he said.

Based on the scenarios, the delta would amend its zoning plans, he said.

Construction work solutions include building sluice gates to prevent saltwater intrusion and retaining freshwater, he said.

Technical solutions such as studying suitable plant and animal varieties should be focused on, he said.

Hue instructed the Ministries of Planning and Investment and Finance to research to allocate funds for programmes to respond to climate change in delta provinces in 2016-21.

The provinces should update information about climate change and its challenges in their socio-economic development plans, he added.

Restructured farming

The delta has switched to growing cash crops on more than 78,000ha of infertile rice fields after a three-year restructure of its agriculture, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

The cash crops, including water melon, sesame, corn, soy bean and vegetables, offer 20-30 per cent higher profits than rice.

The region has also expanded the area under the large-scale rice field programme from 2,000ha in 2010 to 250,000ha now.

All 12 provinces and Can Tho city have approved restructure plans aimed at increasing agricultural production value.

In ong Thap, for instance, the restructure is helping farmers find steady outlets for their produce by co-operating with agribusinesses.

The provinces average annual income last year increased 1.5 times from 2012 to VN29 million (US$1,300).

The delta has also developed several new agricultural models but the restructuring has yet to achieve significant results due to several obstacles like the small scale of farming.

Speaking at a seminar held in ong Thap on Tuesday (Sept 27), Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said the restructuring has not been synchronous or consistent across the delta.

Several provinces like ong Thap Province have restructured early and drastically, achieving good results, but others have been laggards, he said.

People living in the delta, especially in rural and remote areas, still face many difficulties, he said.

Hue said agriculture restructuring in the delta is an urgent need since it has to adapt to climate change and freshwater shortages.

Its coastal provinces should rezone salt-water, brackish-water and freshwater agricultural production areas, he said.

MARD should oversee and assist the regions efforts to choose key agriculture produce and build brands for them, he said.

All the provinces should link their production with market demand and make greater use of science and technology to improve quality, he said.

Sub-region linkage

At the seminar, ong Thap, Tien Giang and Long An provinces in the ong Thap Muoi (Plain of Reeds) sub-region signed an agreement to establish links among themselves for sustainable agriculture development.

ong Thap Muoi, the Cuu Long (Mekong) Deltas flood plain, spreads over more than 700,000ha.

The linkage, the first one of its kind in the delta and focused on rice, seafood and fruits, also aims to turn ong Thap Muoi into the countrys major agricultural area.

The three provinces will also co-operate in agricultural production and restructuring, the management of water resources and infrastructure development, especially for transportation and irrigation.

The tie-up will help farmers switch from small-scale to large-scale farming, reducing costs and increasing profits.

Hue said similar linkages would be established in the deltas other sub-regions and the whole delta in future.

They would boost co-operation in agriculture production and consumption, improving the value of agriculture produce, he added. VNS
HA NOI  Many enterprises have complained about the Labour Code, which restricts overtime for labourers to 200 hours per year. Many have claimed that the regulation has hampered the development of enterprises and cut income for labourers.

The Labour Code, which took effect in 2012, stipulates that a labourer can work a maximum of 200 hours of overtime per year. In fields such as textiles and garments, leather, aquaculture processing, water and electricity supply and drainage and telecommunications, overtime is capped at 300 hours per year.

The regulation aims to protect labourers health and curb the abuse of labour.

However, many enterprises said that the regulation was no longer practical.

Nguyen Xuan Duong, CEO of Hung Yen Garment Corporation said that employers and employees should be able to negotiate overtime, especially seasonal employees as jobs were only available when enterprises won contracts.

This would help enterprises not violate the law and complete their orders, while labourers could earn more money, he said, adding that Vietnamese labourers working eight hours per day only earn about VN4 million (US$173) per month.

Chu Van An, deputy director of Minh Phu Aquaculture Corporation said that enterprises had to pay at least 150 per cent of labourers wages on week days and up to 300 per cent of wages on holidays. Thus, they only offered overtimes when they had to.

He said that enterprises had a dilemma. During bumper shrimp crops, his corporation could not say no to farmers, but would violate the law if labourers worked too much overtime.

Duong said overtime in Taiwan was 46 hours per month and that in Malaysia was 104 hours per month on average while the average income of labourers reached $40,000 per year. Meanwhile, in Viet Nam, the income was quite modest  about $1,000 per year  but the working extra hours was limited.

Figures from the Viet Nam Labour Federation showed that up to 75.5 per cent of labourers had to work overtime to cover their basic needs.

Nguyen Thi Ha, a migrant worker at Yen Phong Industrial Zone in northern Bac Ninh Province said that her official wage was VN5 million ($217) while rent and other expenses cost her VN3 million ($130).

She, and other workers, had to work three to four hours more per day to feed her family in suburban Ba Vi District.

Currently, there were about 30,000 workers, mostly migrants, at the industrial zone.

Workers in other fields are facing the same situation.

Nguyen Huy, excavator driver for a construction company at Ha Nois Vo Chi Cong Street said that he was paid to complete his job in a certain time instead of a monthly wage, meaning he had to work at night to finish on time.

Nguyen Chi Hung, deputy head of the management board of Ha Nois Industrial and Processing Zones said that most enterprises at these zones violated the law on overtime.

Overtime had led to negative impacts. In the first eight months of this year, five strikes occurred at industrial zones as laborers were worked too hard.

According to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Labour Safety Department, extra working hours would make laborers debilitated. If they work 8 hours a day, they would be able to work for 30-40 years. Meanwhile, if they work too hard, their service length would be 20 years only.

Labourers needed overtime because of their low wages. If their wages were increased, they would likely spend less time working, it said.

Bui uc Nhuong, deputy head of the department said the department is considering increasing the overtime cap. Overtime limits may be increased to eight hours per week, or about 400 hours per year.

The ministry would carefully consider all elements, including labourers health and enterprises benefits, before giving the final decision on the increase next month.  VNS
HA NOI  Participants at a conference on governmental cybersecurity heard an urgent message yesterday: ensuring information security for each Governmental body is essential, especially as Viet Nam is developing an e-Government infrastructure.

The conference on confidentiality and information security toward the implementation of e-Government in Viet Nam was held yesterday by the Governments Cipher Committee, aiming to raise awareness and work toward a more robust approach to cybersecurity.

E-Government  the use of information and communication technologies to improve the activities of public sector organisations  has proved effective and beneficial to citizens, businesses and organisations.

The conferences speakers warned, however, that the increasing convenience of e-Government brings with it a new set of difficulties to face.

Threats to information security are becoming more serious, and they may be used as a tool against the State to attack important infrastructure, freeze Governmental activities or destroy the economy.

Nguyen Le Phuc, deputy director of the Governments Portal, said that a key concern while implementing e-Government is protecting personal information.

The Governments Office is developing a roadmap to apply national and international standardised information protection system and to promote the use of electronic signatures and specialised coding solutions.

Some of the conferences participants proposed that it was necessary to require all Governmental bodies to use code signings granted by the Governments Cipher Committee in their electronic transactions.

Information, particularly State-level confidential information, must be encoded, stored and transmitted under the management of the Governments Cipher Committee.

State employees, particularly whose work relates to confidential information, need to improve their capacity and responsibility.

This is the first time that Governments Cipher Committee organised such kind of conference.

Public threats

On Tuesday, the Viet Nam Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Press Club held talks on information security and threats to economy, warning about the increased risks of cyber attacks and information insecurity.

General director of CMC Internet Security (CMC InfoSec) Trieu Tran uc said that cyber war in Viet Nam was visible with attacks on banks and Vietnam Airlines.

As projects deploying ICT applications--like smart city or 4G services--become more prevalent, they will provide ample grounds for hackers unless radical information security measures are taken, he said.

In the age of Internet of Things, your computers, mobile phones or even your washing machine and fridge could be subjected to malwares, he said.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is known as a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

The Viet Nam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT) detected 127,630 cyber insecurity cases in the first half of this year, of which, over 8,700 cases relate to phishing viruses, 77,160 cases relate to website defacement and 41,700 cases relate to malware.

The number is four times higher than those detected in 2015 and 6.5 times higher than the 2014 metrics.

Nguyen Thanh Hai, Head of Information Security Department under Ministry of Information and Communications, said that awareness and understanding about information security are crucial in the fight against cyber crimes.

Modern technology can help, but it was more important to have people master their technology effectively, he said, calling internet users, particularly businesses, to check and fix their systems regularly.

The ministry is leading the implementation of the Law on Information Security, through which they will classify information into tiers demanding suitable protection measures.  VNS
Heavy rainfall is expected in HCM City until September 30, with the rainy season extending into early November, according to the Southern Regional Hydro Meteorological Centre in the city.  Photo echip.vn

HCM CITY  Heavy rainfall is expected in HCM City until September 30, with the rainy season extending into early November, according to the Southern Regional Hydro Meteorological Centre in the city.

Le Van Khoa, deputy head of the citys Peoples Committee, said the city would send SMS phone messages to the public about possible flooding caused by heavy rains.

The Centre for Urban Flood Control Programme said that a map of flood-prone areas would also be completed. The map is part of a project on flood risk management being implemented with a loan from the World Bank.

If approved, the map will be completed before the rainy season next year.

An extraordinary amount of rainfall, a clogged drainage system, and on-going construction projects all contributed to causing the historic flooding in HCM City on Monday (September 26), the heaviest in 40 years.

According to the citys Centre for Urban Flood Control Programme, the citys drainage system could not accommodate the amount of rainfall within a short time, causing flooding throughout all the citys districts.

Prime Ministerial Decision 752, which gave approval to HCM Citys Drainage System Master Plan to 2020, had called for a designed capacity of 95 mm of rainfall within three hours for the city.

However, the decision is now out of date because rainfall of over 100mm occurs more frequently and flood tides have increased from 1.5 metres in 2006 to 1.68 metres.

The torrential rain on Monday was measured at 179 mm in District 1 and over 100 mm in other districts.

Uncontrolled waste and canals encroached on by illegal housing are two other factors that have worsened flooding.

In addition, residents continue to drop all kinds of waste in canals and at gates of drainage systems. When heavy rains begin to fall, the water pressure causes waste to clog drains.

Before the rain, we collected waste and arranged staff at places prone to flooding, a representative of the Centre for Urban Flood Control Programme said.

The city has issued many decisions to impose stiff fines on those who drop waste without permission, but few residents have actually been fined.

Though encroachment on canals and water drainage systems is common, local authorities have not been able to solve the problem, with many projects progressing slowly.

During a recent check of the drainage system and canals near Tan Son Nhat Airport, the citys Peoples Committee chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong noticed that houses had been built illegally on the canal. On the bed of canal, waste and construction materials clogged the water flow.

The slow progress of flood prevention projects is another reason behind continued flooding incidents.

Many flood-prevention projects during the 2016  2020 period have been behind schedule due to administrative procedures.

For example, the VN5.1 trillion (US$230 million) project to improve the Xuyen Tam canal to reduce floods on an area of 700 hectares in Binh Thanh and Go Vap districts was handed over to a private company in 2015, but the bidder had yet to do anything

Projects supporting water drainage under the impact of climate change have not been implemented, a representative of the Centre for Urban Flood Control Programme said.

Though many of the projects were approved by the Prime Minister as far back as eight years ago, they have yet to be completed.

Only one (Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe) of 10 drains to control flood tides and 40 per cent of dykes (60 km in total of 149km) have been built. The delay has been caused by a lack of money.

Total capital for such a project would cost several hundred trillion (several billion US dollars) but the city has only $1.1 billion for it.

Several water drainage projects now under construction are believed to be affecting the entire drainage system.

The two-hour torrential rain caused serious flooding on 59 streets in HCM City, causing traffic chaos, flooding houses and delaying 12 flights at Tan Son Nhat airport that had to be diverted to other airports.

According to initial statistics of insurance companies, more than VN4 billion-10 billion ( $180,000 - 450,000) was spent for compensation on automobiles that broke down due to heavy rains in the last two days.  VNS
KIEN GIANG  The southern province of Kien Giangs Go Quao District has essentially controlled A/H1N1 flu, with the number of cases decreasing gradually, Nguyen Xuyen Viet, director of the district medical centre, said.

Last Wednesday, the medical centre was informed that more than 100 workers of the Vinatex Kien Giang Plant had high temperature and suffered from coughing, runny nose and muscle pain.

The centre, in coordination with the Go Quao Hospital, examined the patients and determined that more than 100 people were suspected of having the A/H1N1 flu.

Five samples from the patients eventually tested positive for the flu.

Le Quang Trung, director of the Go Quao Hospital, said the patients were hospitalised, isolated and were receiving proper treatment.

Currently, they are all in stable condition.

Within a week of the disease making its appearance at the Vinatex Kien Giang Plant, the district reported a total of 150 cases.

By yesterday, 28 patients were discharged from hospital.

The district medical centre assigned medical workers to educate workers at the plant on the disease to assuage fears. Medical substances were also sprayed to sterilise the affected areas.

Nguyen Van Quy, deputy director of the Kien Giang Preventive Medicine Centre, said the centre was trying to find out the reason for the spread of the disease, but the number of workers was too large, there were close to 1,000, and the speed with which the disease had spread was too quick, so the centre had not been able to determine the cause.  VNS
ONG THAP  Six workers were injured in the southern province of ong Thap yesterday afternoon when the wall of a brick kiln where they were working collapsed.

Four male and two female workers fell from a height of 10m and were trapped in the debris. It took about 10 minutes to pull them out from the debris.

The injured have been rushed to the Sa ec General Hospital for emergency treatment. The four that suffered serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury and bone fracture, were later transferred to the Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City for further treatment.

"I was passing bricks to another worker when everything suddenly started shaking, and then it all collapsed with a big noise, Huynh Van Giau, 25, one of the injured, told the Nguoi lao ong (Labourer) newspaper.

After I fell, I couldnt breathe for some time. I have injuries all over my body, he said.

The brick factory is located in My An Hung A Commune in Lap Vo District of ong Thap Province.

The incident is under investigation.  VNS
MIAMI  A teenage gunman, who injured three people at a South Carolina elementary school before being arrested, carried out the attack after killing his father, local officials said on Wednesday.

The teen, whom the authorities did not identify, shot two boys -- one in the leg, the other in the foot -- as well as a teacher in the shoulder at Townville Elementary in the west of the southeastern US state, area officials told reporters.

The attack with a handgun, carried out mid-afternoon, appeared to have occurred on the playground, they said.

"The investigation is in initial stages... its going to be a very slow, methodical and meticulous investigation," Captain Garland Major of the Anderson County Sheriffs Office said.

An active homicide investigation is underway into the death of Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, 47, the father of the alleged shooter who lives around two miles (three kilometers) from the school, the Anderson County coroners office said.

Authorities received a call from the victims family reporting his death shortly after the school shooting, it said.

The teenage assailant was arrested without incident and has no apparent racial motivation or connections to terrorism, Major told reporters, adding that it was still unclear whether he suffers from mental illness.

The suspect is home-schooled, and does not attend any school in the Anderson County School District, police said.

A firefighter who was one of the first responders on scene contained the teenager, who was "apprehended within a matter of minutes," Joanne Avery, the Anderson County District Four Superintendent told the news conference.

"At approximately 1:45 this afternoon, an individual with a gun entered the premises of Townville Elementary School and injured two of our students and one of our teachers," she said.

Praise for a hero

Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator for the state, praised the heroism of the unarmed volunteer firefighter who stopped the gunman and could have saved lives.

"Thank you to Jamie Brock, the volunteer firefighter who stopped the #Townville shooter. We truly admire and appreciate your service," Graham tweeted.

One of the injured students was airlifted to a local hospital and was undergoing surgery late on Wednesday, local media reported, while an ambulance took the other boy and teacher for medical treatment.

One of the boys has since been released from hospital, officials said.

The school has almost 300 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, local media reported. Classes were cancelled for the rest of the week.  AFP
WASHINGTON  The US Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to override Barack Obamas veto of a bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia, the first such rebuke during his eight-year presidency.

The Senate overrode the veto in a 97-1 vote, followed a short time later by the House of Representatives, which knocked it down with a 348-77 vote.

The rare act of bipartisanship was a blow to Obama, who lobbied hard against the bill, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

Obama called Wednesdays vote a "dangerous precedent."

"I understand why it happened," he said on CNN. "Obviously, all of us still carry the scars and trauma of 9/11."

But he said the decision would harm US national interests by undermining the principle of sovereign immunity, opening up the United States to private lawsuits over its military missions abroad.

"Our men and women in uniform around the world could potentially start seeing ourselves subject to reciprocal loss."

Some of the lawmakers who voted for the override didnt know what was in the bill, he said, calling the result "basically a political vote."

White House press secretary Josh Earnest earlier called the Senate vote "the single most embarrassing thing" the legislative body has done in decades.

"Ultimately these senators are going to have to answer their own conscience and their constituents as they account for their actions today," he told reporters traveling with Obama in Richmond, Virginia.

Coming in Obamas last months in office, the vote shows the White House to be much weakened.

Obama has issued 12 vetoes during his presidency. None have been overridden until now, a rare feat given Republicans longstanding control of Congress.

His Republican predecessor George W. Bush also issued 12 vetoes, of which four were overridden. The last president to avoid an override was the legendary Democratic congressional dealmaker -- and former senator and congressman -- Lyndon Johnson.

Devastating consequences

In a letter to Republican and Democratic Senate leaders obtained by AFP, Obama had previously warned of "devastating" consequences for the Pentagon, service members, diplomats and the intelligence services.

The 9/11 measure would "neither protect Americans from terrorist attacks, nor improve the effectiveness of our response to such attacks," he warned.

"The United States relies on principles of immunity to prevent foreign litigants and foreign courts from second-guessing our counterterrorism operations and other actions that we take every day."

RNC chair Reince Priebus said Obamas veto "showed remarkable disregard for the families of 9/11 victims, and the Senate has done the right thing by overwhelmingly overriding his poor decision."

Meanwhile Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio said the override was "about holding anyone who supports terrorists accountable, and getting their victims the justice they deserve."

Families of 9/11 victims have campaigned for the law, convinced the Saudi government had a hand in the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens, but no link to the government has been proven. The Saudi government denies any ties to the plotters.

Declassified documents showed US intelligence had multiple suspicions about links between the Saudi government and the attackers.

"While in the United States, some of the 9/11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi government," a finding read.  AFP
Ten members of the Virginia Tech Police Department will run a 24-hour relay to raise funds for charity from noon Oct. 7, through noon Oct. 8, at the outdoor track next to the Tech Softball Park.

Each member will run one mile at a time for 24 hours. The team hopes to run a total of 125 miles in support of the universitys goal to raise $325,000 this year for the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.

The runners are lieutenants George Jackson and Tony Haga; Sgt. Derek Hutchison; officers Jason Miller, Trevor Compton, Cody Dunford, Josh Ingo, Ben Shultz, Michael Spencer; and Chief Kevin Foust.

Employees and members of the Virginia Tech community are invited to stop by at any time during the 24-hour relay to cheer on the runners or to make a donation.



Individuals who are interested in donating can:

Sponsor a runner or the entire team in advance by pledging a per mile amount

Make a cash donation anytime during the 24-hour relay

Virginia Tech employees can make a donation via payroll deduction

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is a voluntary, charitable donation program for state employees. It is a convenient method for employees to support more than 1,000 participating charities. Since 2010, Virginia Tech employees have donated more than $1.7 million to local charities in the New River Valley and across the state through the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.

All charitable donations made through payroll deduction, cash, check, credit card, or stock donation are eligible for tax deduction status.

The Tech Softball Park is located at 240 Beamer Way in Blacksburg. Parking is available in the Coliseum Lot or Track/Field House Lot with an appropriate parking permit or visitors pass. For more information about parking, contact Parking and Transportation.

For more information or to donate, email to vtpd@vt.edu.
Virginia Techs presence in the National Capital Region and deep ties to Blacksburg and Roanoke is a vital element of the universitys strategy to become a top 100 global university. More importantly, faculty and researchers have applied their deep expertise through partnerships with local communities to solve real problems in the region.

The National Capital Region teems with Hokies. An estimated 52,000 Virginia Tech alumni, and nearly 45 percent of in-state undergraduates come from the Washington, D.C. metro area.

What might be the best-kept secret is the extent Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students contribute to the government and business sectors in and around the beltway of the nations capital.

Since 1972, for instance, researchers and students at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory in Manassas, Virginia, have helped manage the water quality in the Occoquan watershed, which sits on the southwestern edge of the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. The dedication to the universitys motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) by tackling real problems and affecting policy issues  combined with the unique urban environment provided by the National Capital Region  creates an ideal portal for Virginia Tech students, researchers, and faculty to engage the world. Virginia Tech has hubs in the region at Arlington, Falls Church, and Alexandria.

Steven McKnight, the vice president of the National Capital Region, sees tremendous opportunities to build upon the historical accomplishments in the region that date back to 1969. Our presence in this diverse metro area is a differentiating asset for Virginia Tech, McKnight said. It integrates with strengths of the main campus in Blacksburg and the emerging Health Sciences and Technology Innovation district in Roanoke. The NCR serves as an urban living laboratory for basic and translational research, graduate education, and experiential learning.

The National Capital Region campus hubs also are home to 30 graduate degree and certificate programs.

Many of our graduate students in the National Capital Region work in the government, private, and nonprofit sectors located inside the Capital Beltway and in the surrounding cities, and are looking for programs that meet their unique needs, said Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen P. DePauw. Our campuses in the region create the opportunity for a rich set of degree offerings to better serve the interests and goals of our students and of the Commonwealth.

Virginia Tech President Tim Sands will describe what role the region will play for the university to achieve its global aspirations during his State of the University address at 3:30 p.m. Friday in the Moss Arts Center. Early in his presidency, Sands said it was important to build the National Capital Region into a Global Innovation District to serve university mission areas of discovery, learning, and engagement. McKnight said faculty members have picked up on that drumbeat. Growing our presence in the National Capital Region is critical as we meet our mission as a global land grant university, McKnight said.

Working with other universities and educational institutions in the National Capital Region, Virginia Tech supports and helps diversify Northern Virginias technology-driven economy. Of the estimated $1.2 billion in academic research takes place in the D.C. metro area, currently about $130 million of that is applied in Northern Virginia.

To address this opportunity, the National Capital Region plays a prominent role in the universitys Destination Areas, including Integrated Security, Data Analytics and Decision Sciences, and Intelligent Infrastructure for Human Centered Communities. All three of the areas converge in theory and practice in the National Capital Region to create a technology movement at Virginia Tech.

Integrated Security



Integrated Security seeks to establish Virginia Tech as the leading university in the interdisciplinary study of the science, technology, practice, and governance of integrated security-related issues. An entire new generation of technology is being created because of ubiquitous access to the cloud, said Charles Clancy, director of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. Smart cities, smart cars  thats all possible now, and interconnectedness is at the core of all of them.

Integrated security is naturally joined with the problems involved in autonomous systems, smart cities, resilience, and data security and intersects with other destination areas  and provides opportunities for a living laboratory for basic and translational research, unique graduate education, and broadly scoped experiential learning.

Security is an important aspect because of interconnectedness, Clancy said. The power grid used to be isolated, but now the lines are blurred about where systems begin and end, which creates vulnerabilities hackers can take advantage of. The other side of the issue is privacy. A huge amount of information about citizens is routinely collected and has to be kept secure.

For students, opportunities abound. On a per-capita basis, the leading states for cyber hiring are Washington, D.C., and Virginia, according to the report Cybersecurity Jobs 2015. Once the specialty of defense contractors and government agencies, cybersecurity jobs in finance, health care, and retail are booming. In terms of demand, Clancy said there are 17,000 cybersecurity vacancies in Virginia alone, which makes Virginia Techs presence in the National Capital Region very strategic for job seekers.

We have a strong alumni network working in the integrated security fields, Clancy said.

Faculty with the Integrated Security destination area envision linked sites in Blacksburg and Arlington that replicate real-time operational environments with complex technologies, cyber environments, human teams, global ecosystems, big data feeds and analytic tools. It would focus on complex decision making in both normal and crisis-cascading event scenarios, expanding on the traditional concept of operations centers.

Research will dive into the security for the Internet of things (which enables a network connection for all kinds of devices), governance and ethics for security, including civil liberties in the era of big data and surveillance, and analytics for national security and preparedness. What students learn will greatly affect their prospects for employment.

Security analytics, national military preparedness, and national security analysis are central emphases for both our Political Science and International Studies undergraduate majors and graduate students in Political Science, said Tim Luke, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

When they graduate, many eagerly begin jobs in the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice or State in the fields of national security and foreign affairs as well as other executive and legislative offices dealing with questions of human rights, regulatory practices, or privacy concerns, Luke said. The internships and summer jobs that we steer them towards in the National Capital Region open many doors for careers in integrated security both inside of government and the private sector.

Data Analytics and Decision Sciences, Intelligent Infrastructure for Human Centered Communities



The Data Analytics and Decision Sciences and the Intelligent Infrastructure destination areas are also envisioning similar integrative labs in Arlington that connect the work of these destination areas to related industry and government activity in the National Capital Region, on the research, graduate education, and experiential learning fronts.

The data and decision sciences integrative lab in the National Capital Region will build upon the work of NCR-based centers like the Discovery Analytics Center and the Social and Decision Analytics Lab at Virginia Tech. The Discovery Analytics Center, which was established in 2011 and has locations in Blacksburg and the National Capital Region, takes efforts to use big data research and education to new heights with a commitment to solve problems in such areas of national interest as intelligence analysis, sustainability, and health informatics.

Undergraduate and graduate students that study analytics team up with faculty to conduct leading-edge research with higher education partners, industry affiliates, and government agencies and non-profits.

The Social and Decision Analytics Laboratory is a leading laboratory in the Biocomplexity Institute of Virginia Tech. The Biocomplexity Institute is at the forefront of a scientific evolution, applying a deeply contextual approach to answering some of the most pressing challenges to human health and well being within our changing environment.

The lab was created in the fall of 2013 to extend the Biocomplexity Institutes capabilities in social informatics, policy analytics, and program evaluation. The researchers in the lab form a unique multidisciplinary team, with expertise in statistics, policy and program evaluation, economics, political science, psychology, computational social science, and data governance and information architecture.

Together we are able to embrace todays data revolution, developing evidence-based research and quantitative methods to inform policy decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels. said Sallie Keller, lab director and professor of statistics. The lab is strategically located in the National Capital Region to facilitate and accelerate interactions with policymakers.

Earlier this month, the university announced plans to emphasize intelligent infrastructure across Blacksburg and the National Capital Region. As part of that initiative, the Urban Living Lab in the National Capital Region will expand in tandem with relevant Virginia Tech effort in power electronic systems, smart sustainable built environments, and autonomous vehicles. The Urban Living Lab works closely with Arlington County on a number of projects, including sensor networks that would leverage the countys fiber infrastructure, Connect Arlington. Efforts in sustainable built environments in the region will leverage the international reputation of the Washington Alexandria Architecture Center. The Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center has operated as the urban extension of Virginia Tech's College of Architecture and Urban Studies in the Washington metropolitan area since 1980.

The center has been a living-learning-urban lab for architecture and landscape architecture students for over 35 years, said Jack Davis, dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. Virginia Tech undergraduate and graduate students work side-by-side with consortium students from around the world in studios and offices immersed in Old Town Alexandria. They bring and derive vitality from the culture of the place and the professional offices they engage with.

We are serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, the country, and the world through the impact of the living laboratory that is the most powerful city in the world, where problems are the most complex to solve, McKnight said. The NCR activity creates opportunities that are different than the rich experience of our campus learning environment, one that complements the idea of the university as a network of people, places, and programs. Not only is it a large metropolitan area with lots of alumni and students, and the seat of our government  it is a portal to the global community and valuable opportunities.

Destination area activities in the National Capital Region on the fronts of Integrated Security, Intelligent infrastructure, and Data Analytics and Decision Sciences will be interconnected on many fronts. One of the key interconnecting elements will be the development of policy  with policy being approached as a complex decision making activity. Policy activities will leverage the rich ecosystem of the NCR; the largest decision making living lab in the world. The School of Public and International Affairs has a strong history of leveraging the NCR to advance research and education in policy.

Our students need cross-cutting skills and knowledge to innovate solutions for todays mega problems and to navigate the complex decision making for effective policy, said Anne Khademian, director for Virginia Tech's School of Public and International Affairs in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. SPIA partners across Virginia Tech and across the National Capital Region to provide our students with experiential learning opportunities and cutting-edge skills.
"Dr. Pinto is on the forefront of the fight and investigation into the Zika outbreak in Brazil, said Thomas Kerkering, professor of medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and chief of infectious diseases and medical director of infection control at Carilion Clinic. We are looking forward to learning from his first-hand experiences."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has Brazil under a travel alert because of confirmed local mosquito transmission of the Zika virus in the country. According to the World Health Organization, Zika cases were confirmed in Brazil in February 2015, with an estimated 160,000 Brazilians becoming infected with the virus. About 1,600 Zika cases in Brazil have been linked to the birth defect microcephaly. The conditions there were under a heightened spotlight with the 2016 Summer Olympics taking place in Rio de Janeiro.

Pinto is from the Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina in Florianopolis, Brazil, one of the seven sister cities of the Roanoke Valley. The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine just began a partnership with the Brazilian university so medical students can opt for an international rotation there during their fourth year. Early next year, medical student Christopher Lee will be the first participant.

This partnership has been a couple of years in the making and we are excited to welcome our first student participant next year, said David Trinkle, associate dean for community and culture at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. In addition to Brazil, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine has five locations for international rotations through education program partnerships in France, Guatemala, India, Russia, and South Korea. Students have the opportunity to explore new cultures that present differences in health care delivery, health care teams, and availability of resources.

Two of the other partnerships are also with Roanoke Valley Sister Cities: Wonju, South Korea, and Saint-Lo, France.

In addition to his public presentation, Pinto will meet with faculty and students at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research institute, officials with the City of Roanoke, and health care professionals with Carilion Clinic.
00:34 Lula da Silva wins Brazilian election The leftist former president Lula da Silva narrowly beat incumbent right-winger Jair Bolsonaro in the second-round run-off of the Brazilian presidential...

00:23 Tributes laid for Seoul stampede victims Tributes are being laid on a street in South Korea in memory of the 153 people who died when a Halloween event turned fatal on Saturday.

00:40 Newspoll finds budget unpopular with voters Half of Australian voters feel they will be worse off in the next 12 months due to Labor's first budget.

00:43 NAPLAN results show boys literacy rates plummeting Literacy rates among year nine boys have fallen to the lowest level since testing began, according to new NAPLAN data.

00:25 At least 68 dead after suspension bridge collapses in India At least 68 people are dead after a suspension bridge collapsed in India's northwest.
NEVADA (AP)  A former Iowa State University student is expected to be sentenced Thursday for sexually assaulting an unconscious female student after an on-campus party.

A plea agreement calls for 21-year-old Patrick Whetstone of Altoona to avoid prison but be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Under the agreement, Whetstone pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor. Prosecutors dismissed three felony sexual abuse charges.

A now-21-year-old woman from Texas told police she had become ill from drinking alcohol at the party on March 30, 2014, and fell asleep on a couch. She says she woke up to find Whetstone assaulting her.

The woman has filed a lawsuit accusing the university of botching its handling of the case. Her complaint has prompted a federal investigation.
WATERLOO  Trial is underway in a lawsuit stemming from a failed effort to establish a restaurant in downtown Waterloo.

What started as the Cajun-themed Roux Orleans and then morphed into Blacks 501 Steakhouse at the historic Blacks Building on Sycamore Street struggled to make a profit, leading operator Darin Beck to pull out in August 2011 after just under two years.

In the fallout that followed, Blacks owner Donna Nelson, of Midtown Development, took Beck to court for allegedly disparaging her reputation and backing out of the lease. Beck followed suit by taking Nelson to court over costs associated with the project.

A good name and good character is an important commodity, said attorney Thomas Verhulst, who is representing Nelson and Midtown.

Verhulst said Beck packed up the restaurant equipment in the middle of the night without notifying Nelson. Beck then issued a press release explaining the closure and stating he was owed $800,000 in unpaid materials reimbursements and construction labor.

Nelson shot back with what Becks attorney William Roemerman called a venom-filled press release stating a mess of garbage and debris was left behind and claiming Beck owned Midtown $250,000.

Beck then accepted an invitation by KWWL to respond and said the restaurant was closed without notifying Nelson because he didnt trust her with the information, anticipating she would lock him out of the building. He went on to say "word on the street was Nelson and her company didnt have any money.

In a Facebook post that week, Beck said Nelson lied about the Blacks situation and called her an evil woman, Verhulst said.

Nelson and Beck, both well-established business owners, started discussions in 2006 to bring a restaurant to downtown Waterloo. They opted to take on the project themselves, each offering three workers and a supervisor. Beck was responsible for restaurant equipment and fixtures.

A five-year lease was drawn up setting rent using a formula based on a construction loan Nelson took out and shared maintenance costs, taxes and insurance --- or, during more successful months, based on a percentage of the restaurants sales, Verhulst said. As part of the deal, the landlord could get up to $2,000 worth of food and alcohol a month from the restaurant.

Verhulst said the remodeling costs reached $1.23 million, paid for with the $796,000 construction loan Nelson took out and the balance advanced by Midtown.

Roemerman said the Blacks Building needed significant renovations like tuck pointing and new windows that had nothing to do with the restaurant operation. He said Beck went to Nelson a number of times over bills and was always told not to worry, theyd settle up when everything was done.

Roux Orleans opened in October 2009 with good results in the first months, but business didnt go as projected, Roemerman said.

Except for one month it bled cash, and everybody knew it, Roemerman told jurors.

In early 2011, Beck and Nelson talked about rebranding the restaurant as a steakhouse to generate more business, but the change wasnt enough to save the venture, which continued to bleed cash as if you opened the jugular vein, Roemerman said.

He said Beck was losing more money on the Blacks Building restaurant than he was making on all of his other restaurants.

Attorney Tim Luce, who is also representing Beck, said Beck had to take the equipment because he had taken out the loan for the items, and he disputed the allegation a mess was left after closing.
WATERLOO -- Waterloo police shot and killed a dog after it came at an officer Thursday morning.

Details weren't immediately available, but officers were called to a report of the dog, described as a Rotweiler or pit bull, that had a person cornered in the area of Fairview and Kern streets, according to Capt. David Mohlis with the Waterloo Police Department.

When officers pulled up and exited the squad car, the dog came at them and was shot, Mohlis said.

The dog owner's mother told police that the dog had bit her a week earlier, and she had to get stitches to close the wound, Mohlis said.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo woman is on trial for using the food stamp card of a man her husband murdered.

But jurors in the trial of Jennifer Tronca are prohibited from hearing about the slaying.

Tronca, 41, is charged with unauthorized use of a credit card and fifth-degree fraudulent practices. Testimony in her trial began Wednesday in Black Hawk County District Court.

Assistant County Attorney Israel Kodiaga said Waterloo police discovered Jennifer Tronca used Ronald Dean Randalls EBT card at Wal-Mart on Sept. 2, 2014. She wasnt a member of Randalls family.

Defense attorney Craig Ament said Randall gave Jennifer Tronca the card to buy food, but Randall wasn't around to eat it when she returned.

Tronca and her family had been moving from a rented home and had missed the deadline to be out. That triggered a visit from the landlord and his attorney as the Troncas were packing to temporarily relocate to her husbands auto repair shop on Black Hawk Street, Ament said.

Randall was someone her husband had dragged home weeks earlier, Ament said. They had put him up and fed him in the past. Randall assisted with the move, and when Jennifer Tronca left to buy food for the family and everyone who helped, he volunteered his EBT card and gave her the code number to use it, Ament said.

Randall, who remained at the shop, requested green beans with bacon and told Jennifer Tronca she could use $25 from the card, Ament said. The sale was recorded on Wal-Marts video system. But when she returned with the food, she noticed Randall wasnt around.

Jennifer Troncas husband, Anthony Tronca, was convicted of murder during a September 2015 trial. Authorities said Anthony Tronca was upset because Randall has slept with his girlfriend, Jessica Ogden, and shot him at his auto repair shop Sept. 2, 2014. Randall was shot after Jennifer Tronca, Ogden and the children left for Wal-Mart, according to evidence at the murder trial.

Jurors in Jennifer Troncas trial are allowed to hear testimony Randall is dead and he is believed to have died the day Jennifer Tronca allegedly used the card. But the judge has barred any mention Randalls death was a homicide and he had been a missing person before his body was discovered.

Ament said a security system inside AJT Auto likely recorded Randall giving Jennifer Tronca the card Sept. 2, 2014, but police no longer have the video.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Its too soon to know what support and assistance Gov. Terry Branstad will ask the Iowa Legislature to provide flood-impacted communities on the Cedar, Shell Rock and Wapsipinicon rivers, but Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett has a few suggestions.

Corbett met informally Wednesday with the governor as he toured flood-affected areas in Vinton, Palo and Cedar Rapids. The city may ask for an expansion of a flood mitigation program that allows Cedar Rapids to capture some of its retail sales tax growth to finance flood protection, he said. It may also seek additional buyout opportunities.

Branstad didnt rule anything in or out other than to say his proposal will be based on after-action recommendations from state and local agencies and it will have to be fiscally prudent.

Im sure there will be more things we want to do, Branstad said after seeing a labyrinth of HESCO barriers that protected the Vinton fire station and electric generation plant on the bank of the Cedar River. Every time we want to learn from the experience and see how we can do things better in the future.

That was a common theme as the governor, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Army National Guard Adjutant Gen. Tim Orr and Emergency Management Director Mark Schouten met with local officials.

For Corbett, it was an opportunity to show how those lessons from 2008 have been applied to reduce the flood impact over the past week.

We want to show people the value of the flood mitigation efforts over the past eight years, Corbett said at the downtown public library.

In emergency management they say you always plan for your last disaster, Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Goldberg said in Palo. This time we faced the same opponent so we improved on our game plan.

We are a learning state, Orr said after hearing how Vinton and Benton County applied what officials learned in 2008 to prepare for this flood, including stockpiling sand and HESCO barriers.

Branstad, who is in his sixth term, said he learned a long time ago that in emergency situations the key is to get there, see the circumstances and take decisive action to prevent further damage.

Although Branstad said flood protection measures completed with the bond-financed I-JOBS program under former Gov. Chet Culver, approved after 2008, helped protect communities from the current flooding, he prefers a pay-as-you-go approach to disaster readiness and recovery.

We shouldnt be mortgaging our future to pay for things we know were going to have to deal with, he said. That was borrowed money and were paying it back to the tune of $55 million a year.

While he didnt offer an opinion on Corbetts suggestion of expanding the sales-tax financed flood mitigation plan, Branstad he prefers that rather than debt financing.

A key to that flood protection, Corbett and Branstad agreed, is for the federal government to release its $73 million of the project funding.

The funds have been authorized, but not appropriated. However, Iowa members of Congress have succeeded in adding language to make the Cedar Rapids project a priority for Army Corps of Engineers action.

This is a big step forward, Branstad said.
DES MOINES (AP)  With early voting poised to play a bigger role in this years election, Hillary Clinton urged voters in Iowa to start casting ballots Thursday, more than five weeks before Election Day.

Clintons 10-city tour of Iowa brought the Democratic presidential nominee back to a state where she eked out a caucus win over Bernie Sanders. With her focus now on defeating Donald Trump, Clinton was hoping that an emphasis on early voting could help her replicate President Barack Obamas successful strategy in the battleground state four years ago. For Clinton, the early voting strategy is key to any prospects she may have for pulling off victories in states like Arizona and Georgia, which traditionally vote Republican in presidential races.

Other states have already begun in-person early voting, but Iowa is getting attention because its the first battleground state to do so.

In Des Moines on Thursday, Clinton offered a hopeful message about the future to contrast with the doom-and-gloom themes Trump has made staples of his campaign. Laying out ideas for addressing child-care challenges faced by middle-class families, Clinton recounted for supporters at a rally her own background of working on childrens issues and her fathers struggles as a small businessman.

I know so much of this campaign has been about, you know, whatever my opponent said and who he attacked and who he denigrates  and the list is long, Clinton told a crowd of about 2,000. But its not about that, its about you. Its about your families and your future, and each of us should be telling you what we intend to do in the job.

The Republican nominee was holding a rally in New Hampshire, a day after Clinton campaigned there with Sanders in an appeal to young voters. Trump was in Council Bluffs on Wednesday.

In another reminder of how far this years presidential campaign has veered into baffling territory, third-party candidate Gary Johnson was being ridiculed after he was unable, in a television appearance, to name a single world leader he admired. The awkward moment drew immediate comparisons  including by Johnson himself  to his Aleppo moment from earlier in the month when he didnt recognize the besieged city in Syria.

Im having a brain freeze, Johnson said Wednesday.

Clintons campaign seized on a new report alleging Trump had explored business opportunities in Cuba in the late 1990s, apparently in violation of the U.S. embargo on the communist island. Though Clinton strongly supports President Barack Obamas efforts to ease the embargo and restore U.S. ties to Cuba, she accused her opponent of acting against U.S. interests by defying the sanctions in the past.

The work was done by a consulting firm called Seven Arrows on behalf Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc., Trumps publicly traded casino company, Newsweek reported. The magazine said Trump reimbursed the consulting firm for $68,000 of business expenses for its Cuba work  even though neither Trump nor the firm had sought a federal government waiver that would have allowed them to pursue such activities.

Clintons focus on early voting reflected the premium Democrats are placing this year on trying to get their voters to turn out  if possible, long before Nov. 8. Though the political map favors Clinton this year, Democrats are concerned a lack of enthusiasm will keep their voters from showing up in the same numbers that led to Obamas victories in the last two elections.

More than 4 in 10 Iowa voters cast early ballots in 2012, and Clintons campaign is hoping that even higher interest in early voting this year will give her a decisive edge.
WATERLOO A City Council members idea to encourage housing construction on city-owned vacant lots collided with an existing homeowners plans this week.

Larry and Vickie Westendorf of 512 Reed St. have asked the Waterloo City Council to sell them the lot south of their home for $3,000, which meets the citys guidelines for the sale of public property.

But council members voted 4-3 Monday to table a vote on the request until Nov. 28 at the request of Councilman Ron Welper, who said the Reed Street lot is one of several eyed for a new house under a program hes spearheading.

The city, which has been actively acquiring and tearing down blighted houses, maintains more than 130 buildable lots but has been unable to encourage many builders to construct infill homes.

Welper said hes working with a number of entities, including a builder, on a proposal as to how we can solve our problem.

We do have interest in putting a house on this lot, said Welper, who asked for time to fine-tune the proposal and present it to the city. You can decide then whether you wish to sell this lot or put a house on it.

Councilmen Tom Lind, Steve Schmitt and Tom Powers supported Welpers request for more time. Councilmen Jerome Amos, Bruce Jacobs and Pat Morrissey supported selling the lot to the Westendorfs without delay.

Their request here to buy this meets the standard for the sale of property (policy), Morrissey said. The Westendorfs have done everything. What more do they need to do?

Morrissey noted the city spends large sums of money each year mowing and removing snow on the vacant lots, which are not paying property taxes.

I think the taxpayers of Waterloo would be very happy with taking this money now rather than waiting for a what if, he added.

Morrissey and Larry Westendorf both said there were many other lots available in Waterloo for Welpers program.

The neighborhood is not what I would classify as building a $100,000 home on, said Westendorf, noting his block had more renters than homeowners.

Im just looking to expand my property, he added. I want to build a garage in the future.

Community Planning and Development Director Noel Anderson said not all of the city-owned lots are as marketable as the Reed Street site, which is near a school, UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital and recent improvements to U.S. Highway 63.

Were very excited about Councilman Welpers initiative, Anderson said. We have a potential builder that is interested in moving ahead with the city to look at some of these empty lots.
Freelance writer Scott Cawelti is having lunch and a conversation with area leaders. This is the eighth installment from his lunch with community leader Tom Penaluna.

When I lunched with Tom Penaluna recently, he had just returned from a Chicago weekend retreat with his management team. He cited that meeting as one of the best experiences of his long career as his companys leader.

Why the enthusiasm? Because he could see the fruits of his long-sought goal of developing leaders who were now running his company effectively. They were brilliant. I mostly watched and help them deliberate, making decisions that made sense to all of us.

They ran the show, and Penaluna knows they were doing fine without him. Really, a good leaders goal is put himself out of a job.

I found that bizarre  many powerful leaders want to be flattered, consulted and told how wonderful they are. Not Tom Penaluna.

His greatest accomplishment, he told me, has been finding and nurturing young leaders to manage effectively  with or without him.

To call him successful at reaching that goal would be an understatement. His involvement in the Leader in Me program helped move it into 20 of the 34 schools in the Cedar Valley, from grade school through high school. Essentially, thanks to Penaluna and his companys efforts, teachers and administrators have implemented a school program where they teach the seven habits of highly effective students.

All three school superintendents support the program, and when schools successfully implement the program, they become Lighthouse Schools, meaning they become exceptional at helping students become leaders who understand and use effective skills and attitudes.

It changes their lives, Penaluna insists, citing how Leader in Me students, in case after case, do better in work and life than those without the benefit of such tools.

We can see the results, year after year, so we know that this approach works.

Years ago, Penaluna heard Stephen Covey talk about his book, Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. He realized Covey was describing the actions and attitudes of people who do well at everything. He also saw teaching and learning such habits could transform students and their schools.

Those habits includes sharpening the saw, meaning always improving, and that is Penalunas strong suit. The history of his company reads like a Horatio Alger story.

A Waterloo native and a 1967 graduate of West High, Penaluna purchased the Credit Bureau of Waterloo-Cedar Falls in 1986, and soon incorporated and renamed it CBE Companies. Essentially, his companies collect payments on bills, which to Penaluna means helping people manage their finances better, not just browbeating them.

As CEO at that formative stage, he believed in culture over planning as he put it, meaning hiring employees who shared his values, treating them well, rewarding them with opportunities for advancement and making sure they felt at home with his company. Then get out of their way. Then the planning falls into place.

Now Penaluna is chairman (no longer CEO) of CBE Companies, with 1,600 employees in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Kansas, Texas and the Philippines, with headquarters (and 800 employees) in Cedar Falls. I do travel to all CBE headquarters and see how theyre doing. But Im not a traditional boss who comes in and imposes rules and regulations on them. I try to listen and help.

Through all of CBEs growth, his approach remains the same: Treat everyone as you would want to be treated, hire smart people who work hard and share the companys values of fairness and compassion. Thats his leadership approach, and it explains the success of his company.

What challenges and disappointments has he faced, running such a large operation? Government regulations, which we need and can be helpful, sometimes become government overreach. Were asked to manage for exceptions. Compliance with those regulations can be overwhelming.

Besides, every work day is completely different, so it can be stressful, and hiring and firing is always a challenge. I hate having to tell someone theyre not suited for the job.

After a heart attack some months ago he was told to avoid acute stress, so he concentrates on fine-tuning the companys governance and strategic planning rather than day-to-day operations.

He and his wife, Ginger, also undertake serious worldwide travel, which he enjoys immensely as radical breaks from work.

Surprisingly, hes a serious long-distance motorcyclist, having taken a trip with two buddies from Alaska down to the furthermost tip of South America. That was life-changing, he says with a grin, and shares a few hair-raising stories.

All in all, Tom Penaluna not only teaches and supports the habits of highly effective and successful people  he embodies them.
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By Adam Morton

Sep. 26, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By Adam Morton Sep. 26, 2016 | 07:17 PM | PADUCAH, KY

The McCracken County Fiscal Court has introduced an ordinance that would allow alcohol sales on Election Day.



Even though the Kentucky state legislature has already lifted a statewide ban, the previous Fiscal Court left the ban in place in McCracken County. Judge Executive Bob Leeper said he was approached about the issue not too long after the election.



The newly proposed ordinance would allow alcohol sales in the county from 6 am until 6 pm on Election Day for general, primary and local elections.



When Leeper asked for comment from the audience, a concerned citizen asked the court to leave the ban in place. He suggested that alcohol can be bought on the day before, and people must have a clear mind to vote. In contrast, a county business owner said that the ban hurts businesses like his that rely on tourism.



On Monday the Fiscal Court passed the the first reading of the ordinance. The vote is scheduled for their next meeting.



Kentucky was the second-to-last state to lift the ban on alcohol sales on Election Day. The long-time ban was in place from a time when saloons doubled as polling places, and votes were once bought with booze. As polling place locations changed, the state lifted the ban.




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By Richard Nelson, Commonwealth Policy Center

Sep. 27, 2016 | CADIZ, KY

By Richard Nelson, Commonwealth Policy Center Sep. 27, 2016 | 02:59 PM | CADIZ, KY

U.S. Civil Rights Commission: Religious Freedom Codeword for Discrimination - by Richard Nelson



When a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound? How about when the U.S. Civil Rights Commission issues a groundbreaking report and nobody hears about it? Such appears to be the case regarding a recent report by the U.S. Civil Rights Commission called "Peaceful Coexistence: Reconciling Nondiscrimination Principles with Civil Liberties." The report hasn't received the attention it deserves but when the Commission's new understanding of religious freedom is discovered to be subservient to nondiscrimination laws, people will hear about it.



The 300-page report is a bombshell that rocks America's well-established understanding of religious freedomespecially as it conflicts with newly asserted claims to sexual freedom. U.S. Civil Rights Commission Chairman Martin Castro charged that "Religious exemptions to the protections of civil rights based upon classifications such as race, color, national origin, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity, when they are permissible, significantly infringe upon these civil rights." For the record, sexual orientation and gender identity are not federal statutory protected civil rights.



The report couldn't be more timely. There are cases now in two states where non-discrimination laws that recognize sexual orientation and gender identity as protected civil rights are overriding church policy. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, which enforces the state's anti-discrimination laws, said that churches "open to the public" must allow cross-dressers to use restrooms of the opposite sex. This means that cross-dressing men in Massachusetts have the right to enter women's restrooms in any church. In Iowa, the Civil Rights Commission ordered a church to censor their teaching on human sexuality because they consider churches public accommodations which are governed under the state's so-called Fairness Laws. Neither case is an aberration. They're a bellwether of what's on the horizon for religious liberty.



U.S. Civil Rights Commission Chairman Martin Castro assailed the phrases "religious liberty" and "religious freedom" when he said they "will stand for nothing except hypocrisy so long as they remain code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, Christian supremacy or any form of intolerance." Put that way, its hard to see how anyone could be for that kind of religious liberty. Yet Castro, and his seven-member commission, shouldn't assume authority to impose new interpretations on an inherent human right. Sexual identity on the other hand is an unsettled if emerging right that is imposing itself into public places, institutions and events.



The ACC and NCAA made transgender rights their rallying cry of diversity as they pulled out of post-season games in North Carolina to protest HB 2. The U.S. Navy announced that it will now begin transgender acceptance and sensitivity training for its sailors and the U.S. Army will pay for a court-martialed soldier's sex-change surgery while serving out a prison sentence. Such hasty impositions throw into question what it means to be human and subverts our understanding of rights.



The right to self-define gender contrary to biological truth is quite new. The right to religious freedom on the other hand has been part of our core identity as Americans. Religious freedom has enjoyed permanency since the Pilgrims found it when they first touched our shores. Our Constitution forbids Congress from imposing a national religion and citizen's religious freedom claims have been upheld by our highest court. Religious freedomthe ability to live and worship according to one's conscience and convictionswithout government reprisalis central to the idea of America.



It's ironic that churches are caught in the crosshairs of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission and other states' novel understanding of religious freedom. Churches have been considered shelters for the hurting and shepherds of moral truth. They've had the freedom to teach that man is made in the image of God and defines and assigns gender. Religious leaders teach that God gives moral boundaries to mankind and when moral boundaries are breeched people are hurt. The church is on the verge of losing the freedom to say these things.



The government has supplanted the role of the church by assuming the mantle of moral truth and determiner of human rights. By redefining the terms of the debate it is perpetuating brokenness for individuals and bringing disharmony into society's most private and revered places. We cannot see the forest from the trees when governmental bodies make sexuality and gender identity the pre-eminent civil right at the expense of rights actually found in the U.S. Constitution. Yes, people will hear about this ruling.



Richard Nelson is the executive director of the Commonwealth Policy Center, a Kentucky based nonprofit organization. He resides in Cadiz with his wife and children.
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UNITED KINGDOM  The Pagan Federation has expanded its resources, initiating a new service for Pagans living in England and Wales. The Pagan Federation Disabilities Team is the vision of Anna Lawson, who recognized that disabled people in the Pagan community needed to be given a voice and a vehicle to ensure greater access to events and practice. In November 2015, she reached out to Mike Stygal, who was president of the Pagan Federation at the time, for assistance. From this meeting, the Pagan Federation Disabilities Team was born.

As the teams inaugural manager. Lawsons first move was to create a Facebook group to recruit new membership for the team and also to see what types of services the public would want from them. After one month, Deputy Manager Debi Gregory was aboard to help.

But the line up changed quickly as Lawson was forced to leave her new position due to ill health. By February of this year, Gregory had moved into the manager position, and the team quickly enlarged to include Team Secretary Jean James and two new Deputy Managers, Beth Murray and Petra Lucas. In less than a year, the Pagan Federation, which divides England and Wales into 12 districts, had local representation for eight of those districts on the team, proving that this is was resource for which the Pagan community was ready.

Team manager Gregory is a mother and writer, living in Yorkshire, UK. She is very open about her own disabilities and the challenges she has faced in her own life, and encourages other team members to do the same. It is her belief that by being as candid and transparent as possible, the team will be approachable to community members who need its help.

I tell my team all the time  without trust, we have nothing said Gregory in a phone interview with The Wild Hunt. All of the team are disabled in some waywe have all faced discrimination, we have all faced some issue within the pagan community when it comes to our disabilities and practicing our faith, and we shouldnt have to. We are trying to fix it.

Gregory and the team have established some clear priorities to focus on. These include: 1. Raising awareness and letting people know that disabled Pagans are trying to access the Pagan community and are finding barriers to joining in on events and groups, 2. Speaking to people who are actively discriminating against disabled Pagans and educating them in a professional manner about how to coexist with people with mental or physical disabilities 3. Working with event organizers to find spaces where physically disabled Pagans can participate and have access to ramps, public toilets and amenities.

This is no small task, as Gregory points out, because venues are scarce, many of the pubs where the popular moots are held are village or town pubs, built before current codes for accessibility were enacted. While atmospheric, these old buildings have narrow doors, cramped washroom facilities, and often have stairs throughout the space, making it difficult, if not impossible, for physically disabled people to enter.

Organizers may not want to abandon a favourite pub, or even have the option of an alternate venue, but Gregory suggests that relocating to an accessible establishment, even a couple times per year, would be a gesture of inclusiveness that would be appreciated by Pagans often left out of such important community building events. The team is also working on educational workshops to help people understand the needs of pagans with invisible disabilities.

The Disability Team has also taken their organizing of events online, offering online seasonal festivals, where participants only need to be able to get to an internet connection to take in the festivities. The first one was held over eight days in May as part of the Beltane celebrations. Gregory had the brainstorm to hold the event, and with the help of Pagan Dawn magazines editor, Kate Large, presenters were lined up to provide the streaming content.

The event was successful with 1,000 active participants and the videos reaching 20,000 people to date. The subsequent online festivals for Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox have been shorter in duration, but have received similar attention. The video content is stored on the event Facebook pages as well as the Pagan Federation Disabilities Team YouTube channel.

The next online festival will be in honour of Inter Faith Week in November. Following that will be the Online Yule Festival; the theme for this one will be Self Care. Presenters are being encouraged to speak from a comfortable place and to wear their pajamas, or whatever they tend to sleep in. This is meant to show solidarity with those who, because of a disability, are unable to leave their beds. The team provides updates on these events on its Disabilities Group Facebook page.

In addition to the new teams creation, its onine events, and its work to raise awareness, the Pagan Federation has also launched the Disabled Pagan Voices Project as another platform for for participation. It was conceived by Kate Large, and quickly supported by the Disability Team. Submissions of art, blogs, short stories, poetry, music or anything that expresses the creativity of disabled Pagans or their caregivers is accepted and shared through the online festivals and the Disability Team blog. There are also plans in the works to include this material in the new, soon to be launched Pagan Federation UK website.

As far as Gregory knows, her team is unique in the world. There has been interest for similar teams to be established in other Pagan Federation territories, but for now, only England and Wales are covered. Disabled people from other countries have even been in touch with requests. Most recently a woman from Canada reached out for aid after encountering a problem when she took her service dog to a local moot. While the team may not be able to advocate on behalf of anyone outside of their territory, they are able to provide advice and share their resources.

In less than one year, the Pagan Federation Disability Team has broken new ground and instigated a new online gathering place for Pagans of all abilities to participate on their own terms.

As Gregory says: We are trying to bring people together to let them know that they do have a voice, they are appreciated, and that the community does want to include them and they dont have to feel alone anymore

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Long day yesterday! Spent hours in the Big Village helping to get the Volga mostly done. It still needs several hours of work, but it is work not related to the new engine. The work to be done is little things to make the car better all the way around

Drove home last night and for the first time ever, I had a working dashboard. I mean the gauges (except speedometer) are all working, the dash lights up and we even have ability to see the fuel level. The car has never had a working fuel gauge and now it does. One issue is that it seems to need a thermostat, but we have gained heat for once. Sammy has almost never had any heat and now she has abundant heat. We had a new heater core put in and a new heat valve. Try a Russian winter with very little heat! We have many times

The car flies! I mean the car is three times more powerful and flies literally down the road. It is hard to keep her under the speed limit. I am use to driving a crippled car for years and now she has power. Serious power to propel itself down the road, in style

We will see how well it starts this morning. I have to learn a new way to start and drive Sammy the Volga. She has fuel injection now and everything is completely different

First frost this morning. Not a hard freeze, but our weather station shows -1 Celsius. That is why I said, we will see how Sammy starts

I could tell that it was cold. I woke with a feeling in my bones and as Boza and I walked outside this morning at 4 a.m., the sky was crystal clear, the air was crisp and the grass crinkled under my feet. Boza had this funny look on his face as he snuffed the ground. He sneezed a couple of times, as he snuffed up some frost and then we were off and walking. The air was perfect and there was a tiny sliver of a moon. It was a perfect morning and Boza, who always checks to see if Sammy is in her spot, was a happy doggy. He found Sammy this morning, right where she disappeared from over a week ago. So Boza sniffed all the doors, marked his tires and after being satisfied that Sammy was there, we walked a little bit more

Boza knows Sammy is family and he has been checking to see where she is at, for a week now

Svetochka has train tickets for tonight. She will come to the Big Village and I will pick her up. Then after getting everything finalized at the Tiny Russian Village, we will leave for Moscow. Then starts the whirlwind of activity to get everything done. Boza sees a specialist for his eyes, I have to leave the country for awhile, I have a broken tooth (not cracked but broken,) I need to see a doctor for a checkup and about a million other things

We also are looking at finding a 44 for the long winters in the Tiny Russian Village. I have the money set aside from donations to purchase such a vehicle. It actually does not even have to be a truck with proper papers. It will not leave the general area and the farthest it has to go is the Fish Village. That is the beauty of Russia, you can buy really cheap a vehicle with the papers messed up, off road it never has issues. My world in our Tiny Village, is all off road

I need the 44 to pull cars out, get supplies in deep snow and to just have fun in general. Now if I could afford a snow plow? How good it would be in our village

* * * * * * * * * *

Something that I was thinking about was that Svetochka and I need to buy at least two cases of vodka. Vodka in the boonies, like our Tiny Russian Village, is worth more than gold. Gold you can not drink, vodka is life itself. Vodka buys the main road cleared. Vodka buys anything out in my world. You want a pile of wood moved? Vodka gets it moved. Money in any form means nothing, for even if you have money, if you can not get to the store. You can not spend it

This summer I watched people pay twice the cost for a bottle of vodka, or a loaf of bread and or anything. They do not have cars and only are able to get what comes to them. So they will pay 600 rubles for a 200 ruble bottle of vodka. I remember many people doing that stuff when I lived in rural America. The worlds are the same, well except, whiskey was the drink in America. You could buy the world with a case of whiskey in America

Moonshine! Now that was some serious buying power and we always had a case of moonshine around the farm to entice people to do some extra work. It is all in your poison that you drink and it is just vodka in Russia.

And yes there is moonshine in Russia. The vast crop of potatoes in the small Russian Villages, makes a huge allotment of high grade moonshine. Mason Jars everywhere and the people that store the moonshine, never have to worry about getting work done

* * * * * * * * * *

Well America threatened Russia over Syria and seriously people. I do not even have to try to make something up. America does a damn good job of pissing off the world, all by herself. I just have to check up and see the stupidity for myself. Yes we are full of stupidity again and again and again. Russia doesnt give a damn what America says anymore. So if we want to push and push and push? The Russian people know that America sucks and that war is coming. The only people that do not understand this fact is the peasants in the US! Russia just rolled another submarine off the assembly line. Russia has been turning out nuclear powered, nuclear armed submarines for years now. Say what you want, but a sub with nukes, is going to be the terror of the world when WW3 starts. Subs are not for show and tell, they are for delivery of silent death, from someones beachfront

I am amazed at the fact that we allow the Neocons to run amuck in America. I guess we really do not care and we will be shouting, We are #1, as hell rains down. Exceptionalism of America, from American eyes, has ended up pissing off the world and when the going gets tough. We are going to be crying a river and running around screaming, What did we do?

Want a perfect example of, The pot calling the kettle black?

https://www.rt.com/usa/360992-us-warns-russia-violence/

That is that exceptionalism that I talk about. The biggest terrorist state in the world (US,) keeps talking about other countries as if we (Americans) are all smelling like roses, when in fact we stink like a hog farm

I said, So if we want to push and push and push? We will have a war! Always when pushed enough? There is war. Look at Japan in WW2. We, So if we want to push and push and push? Then right into a war. Yes we did

https://mises.org/library/how-us-economic-warfare-provoked-japans-attack-pearl-harbor

* * * * * * * * * *

Well! Gotta go! Boza wants to walk again. It is daylight and I wanna walk also. I promised him several extra walks today, for I was gone much of the day yesterday. So walk we will do, I always keep my promises

WtR
Have you read my blogs on birding Greece? Presuming that you live somewhere in Europe and plan a car trip to Greece, let me suggest a couple of routes that will increase your tour list.

Driving from France or Germany to Greece, you are likely to pass through my hometown of Belgrade and continue south following the E75 through the FYRO Macedonia. That motorway takes you to the Gevgelija (MAK)  Evzonoi (GR) border crossing. My recommendation? Avoid it!

For birders, they are only two crossings from FYROM to Greece and the choice depends on whether you are heading to the Ionian (Corfu, Parga, Kefalonia, etc.) or the Aegean Sea (pretty much all the rest)

pause: since I am writing this on a beach on the Ionian coast of Greece, a sudden activity in a nearby tree catches my attention. I grab binoculars in time to see a close up of a male Sardinian Warbler framed in olive leaves. But, however successful it proved to be at the moment, waiting for accidental appearance is not the best birding tactic. Hence, back to strategy.

A  the Prespa Lakes National Park (Google Maps)

For the Ionian Sea, take the motorway exit for the town of Prilep, continue through Bitola and head for the Medzitlija  Niki crossing to Greece. If you are going to the Aegean, after Demir Kapija take the Valandovo exit and drive to the Star Dojran  Doirani border crossing. The road surface is decent, but have in mind that the section from Valandovo to Star Dojran (at the Dojran Lake) is well marked, while the one from Bitola to Medzitlija lacks signs and you will have to ask for directions at the outskirts of Bitola (forget your GPS  mine showed only the main street and nothing else of the entire town).

B  the Kerkini Lake National Park (Google Maps)

By now you have crossed into Greece  what is next? On both routes, some 50-60 km / 30-40 mi from the border lies one magical lake where you should spend at least two nights and devote one full day to birding. In the case of Ionian Sea and the Prespa Lakes National Park, I would recommend two full days / three nights, and in the case of Aegean and the Kerkini Lake National Park, my recommendation goes towards three days / four nights. Head for the sea only when you fully recharge your batteries.

To reach Prespa Lakes, from Niki continue through Florina, from there right for Albania and veer right for the lakes. If heading to the Kerkini, two kilometres after the border take the left turn for Serres and drive until you spot the lake on you right hand side.

The Prespa Lakes NP stretches from 850 m / 2,800 ft a.s.l.  the altitude of the lakes to over 2,300 m /7,500 ft high mountain peaks. The park consists of two lakes, the smaller Mikri Prespa which is rather shallow, less than 10 m / 30 ft and edged in reedbeds with a breeding colony of both Dalmatian (1300+ pairs) and White Pelicans (350+ pairs)  the largest colony of Dalmatians anywhere in the world (about 10% of their global population) and one of very few places where both species breed; and the larger and deeper (50+ m / 160+ ft) Megali Prespa with its cold waters and abundant fish. One of the best areas to bird is the causeway between the two lakes.

Other species of interest include the southernmost breeding population of Greylag Goose in Europe, Goosander (at bigger and deeper Megali Prespa), Hazel Grouse (at Mt. Triklario/Sfika, SE of the lake), Golden Eagle, Barred Warbler, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Black-headed Bunting, etc. The local bird list is impressive at 273 species and my September daily averages were around 50 bird species. Areas to bird are well marked on the eBird hotspot map (by yours truly). Look for accommodation in villages of Agios Germanos, Laimos, Platy and Psarades.

The Megali Prespa shore  the causeway, Prespa Lakes NP (photo Dusanka Stokovic-Simic)

Unlike Prespa Lakes which are of tectonic origin, the Kerkini Lake is man-made. It is an artificial reservoir with the purpose of irrigation of arable fields, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh. The dam on the Strymonas River lies in the southernmost corner of the lake, while its eastern and western shores are high and driveable embankments. The lake lie at a mere 35 m / 115 ft a.s.l. and is towered by the 2,030 / 6,660 ft high Mt. Kerkini/Belles on its northern side. Hence, it offers a huge altitudinal range and a great variety of habitats. One of the best birding sites is the eastern embankment (cover photo), from where you can observe the shallows and mudbars at the northeastern corner where the Strymonas flows into the lake.

Local highlights include Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Black Kite, Levant Sprarrowhawk, both pelicans (only Dalmatian breeds at the lake, but in the breeding season Whites perform daily fishing trips here all the way from Mikri Prespa, 350 km to the west); Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, etc. Some 312 species were recorded here and my September daily averages were around 70. This area is not so well represented in eBird hotspots. Look for accommodation in villages of Chrysochorafa, Kerkini, Livadia, Vyroneia and others.

And the final piece of advice: if you are birding on the beach, with a pint of local lager (Vergina is my first choice, but locally, there are some new independent breweries and in taverns around the Kerkini you should ask for the Voeria beer, made in Serres) and a computer (oh, how I dream of digital detoxication, but there is no such thing with Corey and Mike), feel free to check olive tree crowns for birds, it may be quite productive. But if your bird lands in a fig tree, the best thing to do is to give up, lower your binoculars and have a consolation sip of beer.

Simply, against a fig you stand no chance  wherever your bird perches, it will be hidden by one of those enormous leaves, big enough that even Adam used one to cover his masculinity and your bird is more of a birdy, nothing of biblical proportions.

Spring 2018 edit: To reach the Lake Kerkini National Park, keep in mind that the new section of the motorway has been open in North Macedonia (formerly FYROM). The new motorway avoids the Demir Kapija Gorge and bypasses the turn off for the town of Valandovo and the Star Dojran border crossing.

Hence, if you want to reach Kerkini via Valandovo (and the Dojran Lake), be careful not to enter the new section of the motorway (Novi avtoput = new motorway) by Demir Kapija, but stick to the old road (Stari put) and after the gorge veer left for Valandovo.
Canl Bahis siteleri sektoru son derece onu ack ve farkl ozelliklere sahip bir sektordur. Elbette bahis secenekleri arasnda yuksek kazanc getiren alan kuskusuz canl bahistir. Peki, canl bahis nedir?

Canl Bahis Nedir?

Canl bahis adndan da anlaslacag gibi devam eden musabakaya bahis yapmaktr. Bu bahis musabaka devam ederken de yaplabilir olmasdr. Basta futbol olmak uzere voleybol, tenis, hentbol, basketbol, buz hokeyi ve masa tenisi gibi spor organizasyonlarna canl bahisler yaplabilmektedir. Canl bahis siteleri bu oyunlarn hepsine yuksek oranlara bahis yapmanza imkan tanr. En fazla tercih edilen futbol canl bahisleri diger alanlara gore daha fazla on plandadr. Siteden siteye degisen sartlar ve uygulama esaslar soz konusu olsa da kurallar sabittir.

Canl bahisi populer klan ve heyecan katan en onemli ozellikle musabakann basladg ana dek bahis yapabilmedir. Canl bahis icerisinde yer alan secenekler kazanma sansnz da dogrudan arttrmaktadr. Ilk korneri kim kullanr, ilk tac, gol, sar kart, krmz kart gibi futbol musabakas icerisinde olabilecek hemen hemen her seye bahis yaplabilmektedir. Normal bahisegore de son derece yuksek oranda olmas avantajl yonlerini ortaya koymaktadr. Nitekim dogru secenek ksa surede kazancl ckmanza etki edecektir.

Strateji ve dogru analizle 90 dakika gibi bir surede anaparanzkatlayabilirsiniz. Tabi bunu basarabilmek icin mutlaka musabakaya dair ayrntlar iyi degerlendirmek gerekir. Soz konusu musabakann detaylarn inceleyip, cezal, sakat oyuncu veya performans dusen takm oyunu gibi detaylar bilmek canl bahiste kazanc belirleyen onemli unsurdur. Guvenilir Canl bahis hem heyecanl zaman gecirmeyi hem de musabakalar takip ederken para kazanmay saglamaktadr.

Canl Bahis Nasl Oynanr?

Bahislerinizi guvenilir sitelerden gerceklestirdiginiz zaman herhangi bir sekilde para cekme de sorun yasamazsnz. Guvenilir bahis siteleri tespit edip sonrasnda da uyelik islemlerini tamamlamanz gerekmektedir. Belirlenen uyelik sartlarn yerine getirip hesabnza da paray aktardktan sonra bahis islemlerini sorunsuz yapabilirsiniz. Peki, canl bahis nasl oynanr?

Oncelikle bahis konusunda mutlaka dogru site arastrmas yapmalsnz. Yapacagnz arastrma neticesinde buldugunuz site uzerinden canl bahisislemlerini gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Bunun icin uye olup, hesaba para atp, canl bahis bolumune girmelisiniz. Sonrasnda dahil olmak istediginiz musabakann saatini ogrenip, gerekli analizleri yapmalsnz. Tahminlerinizi belirledikten sonra karsnza ckacak olan bahis sayfasndan istediginiz hamleyi yapmalsnz. Bahis tutarn belirledikten sonra musabaka baslayacaktr.

Canl bahis diger normal bahis esaslarna gore farkllklar icermektedir. Bunlardan en onemlisi musabakann gidisatna gore islem yapabilir olmaktr.Ayrca musabakann 2. Yarsna gore hamle yapp ayr bir bahisin soz konusu olmas da ciddi avantajdr. Dogru hamle ile sizde istediginiz bahisi yapp kazanc elde edebilirsiniz. Nitekim canl olarak yapacagnz bahis icin mac oncesi raporlara gore hareket etmek onemlidir. Cunku takmlarn durumlarn analiz etmek tahmin gucunu arttracaktr. Misal tamnn en iyi oyuncusu sakat ya da kart cezals ise takmn performansnda dusus yasanacaktr. Buna ek olarak takmn deplasman performans ile evinde ki performans ayr olacaktr. Burada da takmn musabakay nerede yaptgna bakmak gerekir. Bu ayrntlar da iyice analiz ettikten sonra bahsinizi yapp kazanmann keyfini yasayabilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri

Son derece yuksek getiriye sahip bahis sektoru uzun zamandr faaliyet gostermektedir. Cok ciddi rakamlarn soz konusu oldugu bu sektor zamanla sanal ortamlara donusmustur. Elbette guvenli ve bir o kadar da avantajl olan bu siteler cok yonlu frsatlar sunmaktadrlar. Canl iddaa siteleri gerek yeni uyelere gerekse de hali hazrdaki uyelerine bolca bonus frsatlar vermektedir. Yatracagnz tutara gore belirlenen bonuslar site icerisinde rahat hareket etmenizi de saglayacaktr.

Canl bahis sitelerini kullanmadan once mutlaka guvenli olup olmadgna goz atmalsnz. Zira baz kullanclar guvenli olmayan sitelerden yaptklar islemlerden dolay magdur olmaktadrlar. Nitekim guvenli ve sorunsuz hizmet sunan yurt ds site tercih etmek en dogru secenektir. Sektorde uzun yllar faaliyet gosteren siteleri tercih edebilirsiniz. Bu alanda yer alan yabanc siteler musteri memnuniyetine onem vermektedir. Oncelik site kullanclarn sorunsuz sekilde bahislerini yapabilir olmasn saglamaktr. Bahis sitelerinde amac hem daha fazla kullancya hizmet vermek hem de sektorde emin admlarla ilerlemek onceliklidir. Dogru site tercihi ile sizde canl bahislerinizi sorun yasamadan gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Sizler icin hazrlams oldugumuz canl bahis siteleri listesi su sekildedir;

Mobilbahis Tempobet Bets10 Bahigo 1xbahis Betboo Youwin Superbahis

Sralams oldugumuz bu siteler sektorde basarl islere imza atms sitelerdedir. Canl bahis konusunda beklentileri karslayacak olan bu siteler sizlere kolaylk sunmaktadrlar. Bol bonuslu secenekle de sizlere farkl bahis yonlerini sunacaklardr. Sistemsel etki icerisinde her zaman etkin sonuc alabilmek icin surekli olarak faaliyet icerisindedirler.

Canl Bahis Taktikleri

Bahis sektorunun en fazla dikkat edilmesi gereken hususu dogru taktik ve dogru tahmindir. Elbette dogru tahmini yapabilmek icin analizi cok iyi yapmak gerekir. Canl bahis taktikleri arasnda ilk sra analiz gelmektedir. Analiz yapamadgnz zaman basarl tahminlerde bulunmanz pek de mumkun degildir. Cunku bahiste onemli olan konu musabakann analizini cok iyi yaplmas gerektigidir. Canl bahisin ozelliklerini iyi bilmek ve nasl bir hamle yapacagnz bilmek gerekir. Ozellikle riskli maclarda yaplacak degerlendirmeler cok daha onemlidir.

Canl bahis yapacaklarn takip edecegi degerler takmlarn durumlar ile alakal olmaldr. Performans uzerine kurulu bahis sisteminde takm degerlendirmesine iyi bakmak gerekir. Iki takmn son 5 macta nasl bir sonuc ortaya koyduguna bakarak hareket etmek onemlidir. Ayrca hangi takm evinde daha iyi performans sergiliyor diye de ayrca bakmak gerekir.

Analizlerle alakal puan durumlarna da goz atmak cok onemlidir. Puan degerlendirmesinde oncelikle takmlarn ihtiyaclar ile dogru orantl hareket etmek gerekir. Cunku olusturulan performans takmn da durumunu ortaya koymaktadr. Nitekim istenilen sonucu elde edebilmek icin tum ayrntlar bilmek gerekir. Takm ici duzenden tutunda da takmn son durumuna kadar her ayrnt onemlidir. Iki takmn birbirleri arasnda ki sonuclar da incelemek gerekir. Burada dikkat edilecek detaylarn basnda maclarda kac gol oldugu ve gollerin hangi dakikalarda atldgdr. Cekismeli gecen musabakalarda bazen goller ilk yarda daha fazla olurken baz maclarda da ikinci yarda daha cok gol olmustur. Iki takm arasnda ki maclarda gollerin cogunlugu ilk yarda geliyorsa buna gore bahis yapabilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Bonuslar ve Kampanyalar

Bahis yapanlar veya yapmay dusununler sitelerin sunmus olduklar frsatlar merak etmektedirler. Cunku siteler daha fazla kullancya erismek icin her donem kampanyalar duzenleyerek kullanc odakl hamleler yapmaktadrlar. Canl bahis bonuslar ve kampanyalar oldukca populer olup, siteler bu konuda adeta birbirleri ile yarsmaktadrlar. Birbirinden farkl ozelliklere sahip olan kampanyalar size frsatlar sunmaktadr. Daha cok kazanma ihtimalinizi arttran bu bonuslar daha cesur olmanza da dogrudan etki edecektir. Nitekim bonuslar sitelerin cekiciligini ve avantajlarn arttrmaktadr. En cok kazandran canl bahis siteleri bedava bonuslar ve kampanyalar icin http://www.milano2018.com/canli-bahis-siteleri-2022/ linkinden yardm alabilirsiniz.

Hos geldin bonusu ile baslayan ve sonrasnda para yatrdkca bonus veren cok sayda site bulunmaktadr. Canl bahis bonusu veren siteler yeni uyelere sunduklar frsatlar farkl kampanyalarla mevcut uyelerine de sunmaktadrlar. Hali hazrda siteyi kullananlarn da bonus frsatlarndan yararlanmalar icin donemsel kampanyalar olusturmaktadrlar. Boylece baska sitelere gidisler olmayacag gibi site de daha keyifli zaman gecirmek mumkun klnmaktadr. Bu tur eklentiler yapan sitelerde musteri memnuniyeti daha fazladr.

Bahis siteleri ozellik ve uygulama bakmndan farkllklar bunyelerinde bulundurmaktadrlar. Verilen bonuslarn olusturulmas ve kullanclar aktarlmasnda yatrlan para miktarlar belirleyici olmaktadr. 1.000 TL yatran bir kullanc yuzde 20 bonus frsat olan bir kampanyadan 200 TL bonus kazanabilmektedir. Yatracag tutar 10.000 TL oldugunda bu bonustutar 2.000 TL olabilmektedir. Gerceklesen ve uygulanan esaslar tamamen donemsel olarak yaplan kampanyalarla alakaldr. Iyi Canl bahis siteleri bonuslar ve kampanyalar icin sitelerin vermis oldugu oranlar takip edebilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Para Yatrma

Online Canl bahis yapacaklarn merak ettigi konulardan bir digeri de para yatrma islemleridir. Oldukca onemli olan bu konuda hata yapmamak cok onemlidir. Canl bahis sitelerine para yatrma islemi sanlann aksine son derece basittir. Oldukca basit ve uygulama esas dogru etki olusturan bu yapda sizde islemi rahatca tamamlayabilirsiniz. Para yatrma konusunda su yolu izleyebilirsiniz.

Guvendiginiz ve herhangi bir sekilde aklnzda soru isareti kalmayan bahis sitesine uye olmanz gerekmektedir. Uyelik islemini sorunsuz sekilde tamamladktan sonra para yatrma islemine gecebilirsiniz.

Kullanacagnz siteye uye olduktan sonra karsnza kullanc ad ve sifresini gireceginiz yer gelecektir. Buraya giris yaptktan sonra site icerisine islemlere devam edebilirsiniz.

Sitede yer alan para yatrma sekmesine tklayp sonrasnda karsnza gelen sayfay inceleyebilirsiniz. Para yatrma bolumunde yer alan ksma ne kadar para yatracagnz yazp devam tusuna basmalsnz.

Yatrmak istediginiz tutar girip sonrasnda da devam tusuna bastktan sonra karsnza kart bilgilerinizi gireceginiz sayfa gelecektir. Kredi kart kullanarak para gondermek isteyenlerin tercih ettigi bu sayfa tum bilgiler girilip islem onaylanmaldr.

Canl bahis sitelerine para yatrma islemini gerceklestirmek icin hesaba havale secenegini de kullanabilirsiniz. Site icerisinde musteri hizmetleri ile iletisime gecerek banka hesap numaralarn ogrenebilirsiniz. Belirtilen IBAN numarasna istediginiz tutar havale edebilirsiniz. Havale ederken acklama ksmna yazlacak bilgilere dikkat etmelisiniz.

Kredi kart veya banka havalesi ile gerceklesen para yatrma islemi sonucunda site hesabnzdan bakiyenize bakabilirsiniz. Bakiyenize gore dilediginiz sekilde bahislerinizi gerceklestirebilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Para Cekme

Canl bahiste dogru hamleler ve dogru tahminler sonucunda kazandgnz bedeli geri almak isteyebilirsiniz. Kazanclarnz istediginiz banka hesabnza cekebilmek icin uymanz gereken kurallar soz konusudur. Oncelikle bahis sitelerinden para cekebilmeniz icin uye olurken dogru bilgi paylasmnda bulunmanz gerektigidir. Cunku canl bahis sitelerinden para cekme islemi icin kullanc hesab ile talep edilen banka hesap bilgilerinin ortusmesi gerekir. Yani uye olurken verilen bilgi ile banka hesab kime ait ise o bilgiler ayn olmaldr. Bu uygulama sitenin hem kullancsn hem de kendisini guvene alma politikasdr. Ayrca frsatclarn onune gecerek yeni bir uye olusumunun da onune gecmek amac gutmektedir. Uye olan kisi farkl para cekilme talebi verilen hesap farkl oldugunda para cekme islemi gerceklesmeyecektir.

Bahisleriniz sonucunda kazanc elde edebilir ve bu kazancnz da hakknz olarak almak isteyebilirsiniz. Burada son derece basit uygulama soz konusu olurken siteler aras farkl gorunumler soz konusu olabilir. Fakat yine de tum sitelerde uyenin site icerisinde para cekme bolumune girmesi yeterlidir. Burada cekilecek olan tutarn belirlenmesi ve hesap numarasnn girilmesi ile birlikte islem onay gerekecektir. Para cekme taleplerinde sizden gerekli bilgiler istenmekte ve havale islemi istenilen bilgiler esliginde yurutulmektedir. Dogru bilgi paylasmak sorunsuz para cekebilmeniz en onemli kuraldr. Istenilen bilgiler girildikten sonra site sorumlular gerekli kontrolleri yapp herhangi bir sorun yoksa ksa surede hesabnza gerekli paray aktaracaklardr.

Canl Bahis Sitelerinden Para Cekmek Icin Istenen Belgeler

Bahis sitelerine uye olduktan sonra baz kullanclar para cekme taleplerinin karslanmadg konusunda sikayetlerde bulunmuslardr. Bu sikayetlersektorde uzun zamandr bulunan guvenilir bahis siteleri de yer almaktadr. Fakat sikayetlerin dayanaklarna bakldgnda ise islerin tamamen farkl oldugu gorulmektedir. Yasanan bu durum kullanclarn hatal bilgi girmesi ve uyelik bilgileri ile banka bilgilerinin uyusmamas ile dogru orantldr. Birde canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler eksik ya da hatal olarak sunulmus olabilir. Ortaya ckan karsklar neticesinde para cekme talebinde bulunan kisi istedigini alamadg icin sikayetci olmaktadr. Oysa ki istenilen bilgiler dogru ve istenilen evraklar eksiksiz sunulsa para cekme islemi sorunsuz olacak.

Sitelerin para cekme konusunda dikkatli hareket etmesi hilelerin ve illegal faaliyetlerin onune gecmek adnadr. Cunku baz kullanclar farkl bilgiler vererek ikinci hesap acabilmektedirler. Bazen de bilincsizce hatal bilgi girilebilmektedir. Hatal islemlerin cozumu konusunda islem yaptgnz sitenin musteri temsilcileri ile gorusebilirsiniz. Talepleriniz dogrultusunda para cekme islemlerinde ki sorunlar giderilecektir. Canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler listesi su sekildedir;

Kullanc bilgileri ile banka bilgilerini karslastrmak icin kimlik fotokopisi

Banka hesap bilgileri

Ikametgah ve kisiye ait herhangi bir fatura.

Kacak Iddaa

Turkiyede dogrudan bahis yapmak icin resmi kanallar kullanlabilmektedir. Fakat tercih edilen ve oran olarak cok daha fazla frsatlar sunan kacar iddaasiteleri bulunmaktadr. Bu siteler kanunlara aykr sekilde yaplmakta olup, yasal bir dayanag yoktur. Elbette bu sitelerin kurulus merkezi Turkiye olmayp, ds ulkelerdedir ve faaliyetler belirlenen siteler uzerinden yaplmaktadr. Kacak Iddaa oldukca riskli olup, cok dikkatli olunmas gerekir.

Kacak Bahis

Kanunlar cercevesinde istediginiz gibi bahis yapamayabilirsiniz. Bahis yapabilmek icin ya kanuni olarak sorun olmayan ulke dsnda ki kumarhanelere gitmeniz veya kacak bahis sitelerinden islem yapabilirsiniz. Zira bu durum tehlikeli olsa da cok sayda site guvenli sekilde bu alanda hizmet vermektedir. Kacak bahiste oldukca fazla secenek bulunurken yuksek oranda kazanc sunuyor olmas da ragbeti arttryor.

Illegal Bahis

Bahisin bircok alanda yasak oldugu Turkiyede bu alanda cok sayda yabanc merkezli siteler hizmet vermektedir. Illegal bahis sektorunde faaliyet gosteren siteler guvenli hizmet anlays ile kullanclarna frsatlar sunmaktadr. Yurt ds merkezli bu siteler sorunsuz sekilde hizmetlerini surdururken bulunduklar ulkelerde kanunlara uygun sekildedir. Elbette faaliyet noktasnda bulunduklar ulkelerde sorun teskil etmese de Turkiyede faaliyet gostermeleri kanunin yasaklanmstr.

Yasads Bahis

Gerek olusturulan etkenler gerekse de ortaya konulan riskler yasads bahis de oldukca tehlikelidir. Kanunlarn mudahil olduklar bu alanlar da hem kullanclar hem de populer bahis yaptranlar tum riskleri goze almaktadrlar. Fakat yasaklardan uzak sekilde guvenli hizmet sunan siteler de bulunmaktadr. Takipler neticesinde kapatlan sitelerin muhakkak alternatifleri kurularak yollarna devam etmektedirler.

Canl Iddaa Siteleri Nelerdir?

Dunya genelinde kabul gormus cok sayda guvenli hizmet veren populer bahis siteleri bulunmaktadr. Elbette bu siteler dunyann bircok ulkesinde faaliyet gosterse de Turkiyede yasaktr. Sektorde yer alan cok sayda legal iddaa siteleri bulunmaktadr. Herhangi bir kanunsuzlugun olmadg bu sitelerden hzl ve guvenli islem yaplabilmektedir. Tabi bu sitelerde uygulanan oranlar yasal olmayan sitelere gore daha dusuktur. Illegal sitelerin tercih edilme sebeplerinin en onemli etkeni de olusturulan oranlardr. Peki, Iddaa siteleri nelerdir? Faaliyetleri ve uygulama esaslar nelerdir?

Turkiyede faaliyet gosteren yasal iddaa siteleri listesi su sekildedir;

Iddaa

Bilyoner

Tuttur

Birebin

Oley

Nesine

Misli

Iddaa

2004 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslayan Iddaa Spor toto tarafndan kurulmus olup, ilk etapta bayilik seklinde calsmaya baslamstr. Elbette zamanla gelisen teknolojiye ayak uydurarak internet uzerinde de populer bahis severlerin hizmetine sunulmustur. Kuruldugu donemde devletin resmi kurumu olarak faaliyet gosterirken gelinen yeni donemde ozellestirilmistir.

Bilyoner

Turkiyede faaliyetine 2006 ylnda baslayan Bilyoner ilk ozel yasal bahis sitesi olma ozelligine sahiptir. Guvenilir bahis siteleri Turkiyede bunlardr. Ksa surede populer olan site halen faaliyetlerini sorunsuz sekilde surdurmektedir.

Tuttur

Ksa surede adndan bahsettirmeyi basaran Tuttur 2009 ylnda faaliyetlere baslamstr. Guvenilir bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almstr. Gunumuze dek bircok alanda populer bahis yapanlara frsatlar sunarken avantajlar ile de begeni toplamstr.

Birebin

Kullanc odakl calsmalar surdurse de 2011 ylnda sektore giren Birebindiger sitelere gore daha az ragbet gormektedir. Bahis oynamak ise bu sitede oldukca kolaydr. Elbette farkl yaklasmlara sahip olmasndan dolay ilerleyen sureclerde adndan sklkla bahsettirecek gibi gorunuyor.

Oley

2009 ylnda Dogus yayn gruplarnn istiraki olarak kurulmus olup yasal olarak herhangi bir sorunu olmayan sitelerdendir. Bahis siteleri arasnda hzl cks yapms bir sitedir. Oley yapms oldugu yenilikler ile kullanclarn da dikkatini ksa surede cekmeyi basarmstr.

Nesine

Birbirini takip eden surecte Nesine de yine 2006 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslamstr. Yasal bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almay basaran firma ksa surede sevilen ve ragbet goren bir site olmustur.

Misli

2009 ylnda sektore cok hzl giris yapan Misli cok sayda reklam filmi ile on plana ckmay basarmstr. Internet uzerinden hem yasal hem de sorunsuz hizmet veren bahis sitelerinden bir tanesi olmustur.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Kayt ve Uyelik Islemleri

Her zaman populerligini koruyan ve surekli gelisim gosteren canl bahis gun gectikce daha da gucleniyor. Bahis oynamak icin ise sitelere uye olunmas gerekir. Yuksek getirisi ve begeni toplayan faaliyetleri ile cok sayda site bu alanda faaliyet gostermektedir. Elbette sorunsuz sekilde uye olmanz ve faaliyetler gostermeniz de oldukca kolaydr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri dakikalar icerisinde gerceklestirilecek yapya sahiptir.

Uye olacagnz siteyi belirledikten sonra siteye girmeniz gerekmektedir. Girdiginiz sitenin ana sayfasnda uye ol ya da kayt ol bolumu bulunacaktr. Siteler arasnda degiskenlik gosteren bu alanda temel unsurlar bulunmaktadr. Elbette farkllklar olsa da temelinde benzer bilgiler uye olmak isteyen kisilerden talep edilmektedir.

Uye ol bolumune tkladktan sonra karsnza uyelik bilgi formu ckacaktr. Bu formda sizin kim oldugunuzu ogrenmek ve sitenin guvenligini saglamak adna islemler yaplmaktadr. Uyelik formunda yer alan ad soyad bolumunu eksiksiz ve dogru sekilde doldurmalsnz. Sizden bu formda istenen bilgilerin tamamn girmeniz istenecektir. Istenen bilgiler mutlaka dogru ve eksiksiz sekilde olmaldr. Eksik veya hatal bilgi uyelik islemlerinde sorun teskil edebilir. Yine de yanls bilgi girisine ragmen uyelik islemleri tamamlanabilir. Fakat boyle bir yol izleyenler sonrasnda buyuk skntlarla karslasabilirler. Bu skntlarn basnda da para cekme islemlerinde yasanan sorunlardr.

Uyelik islemleri dikkatli ve ozenle doldurulmas gereken yapdadr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri gerceklestirilirken verilen bilgiler site yonetimi tarafndan muhafaza edilmektedir. Herhangi bir sekilde 3. Sahslarla paylaslmas gibi bir durum soz konusu degildir. Bu faaliyetleri surduren sitelerin guven unsurlar arasnda bu nokta onceliklidir.

Bahis sitelerine uye olurken hatal bilgi paylasmnda bulunmak size faydadan cok zarar verecektir. Diyelim ki bilgileri hatal girdiniz ve uyelik onayland. Uyelik tamamlandktan sonra siteye para yatrdnz ve kazanc elde ettiniz. Kazancnz sonrasnda hesabnza almak istediginizde karsnza banka bilgileri bolumu gelecektir. Para cekme talebi gerceklestikten sonra site uyelik bilgileri ile banka hesap bilgileri ortusmez ise paranz alamazsnz. Boyle bir durumla karslasmamak adna bu hususa ayrca dikkat etmelisiniz.
Sep 29, 2016 | By Alec

3D printing is quickly becoming very normal within the fashion industry, both for clothes and accessories, but the footwear sector is far slower to adopt the technology. To be sure, major sportswear players such as Nike and Under Armour are waking up to the possibilities, but it will doubtlessly take years before we all start wearing 3D printed shoes. But as Dutch footwear pioneer SLEM revealed, that slow pace could be a blessing in disguise. It will allow us to set up a sustainable and environmentally friendly 3D printed footwear platform, and SLEM is leading the way with a new type of 3D printed compostable shoes made in collaboration with BioInspiration.

Such a sustainable platform is very necessary, because modern-day shoes are woefully bad for the environment. 300 million non-recyclable pairs are being thrown into landfills each year and that shoe mountain doesnt even include all the waste that shoe factories produce. Whats more, those numbers will only increase with todays popularity of cheap footwear that is replaced every three to four months. Its one area of mass-consumption that desperately needs a change.

This is where BioInspiration comes in. This Berlin-based startup has been making headlines throughout the 3D printing world for what is probably the most environmentally friendly filament in the world. To be sure, there is a move towards greener, biodegradable and eco-friendly filaments within the 3D printing community already and PLA itself is obviously corn-based, but BioInspirations WillowFlex is a world-beater.

Pioneered with the help of Kickstarter, its made from an odor-free non-GMO cornstarch and is fully compostable and upcyclable. The WillowFlex elastometric bioplastic has a biodegrading level of 90% within just six months (given the right conditions). It also maintains integrity at temperatures up to 100C, and stays flexible even in sub-zero, -15C cold, meaning that it can be used to make a wide variety of 3D printed objects. Back in December, the German pioneers proved the materials effectiveness with these very cool 3D printed compostable Star Wars toys.

Its hardly surprising that SLEM was immediately convinced. This Dutch initiative (named after Shoes, Leather, Education and Museum) is an international leader in the field of footwear innovation and education, and provides a wide range of educational courses and workshops for students and footwear companies. They are also continuously researching footwear innovations with a problem-solving attitude, and previously experimented with 3D printed footwear as an alternative for current production paradigms. Back in 2015, they were the only footwear company to showcase 3D printing during the GTS Trade Show.

But 3D printed footwear is not without its challenges. A good, comfortable fit is crucial for a healthy life, and that makes 3D printing so much more challenging. For the 2016 edition of the GTS Trade Show, SLEM therefore sought to answer the following question: how can we continue to customize shoes with 3D printing and become a sustainable alternative to current production?

The answer came through a collaboration with BioInnovation, whose compostable filaments were used to 3D print a series of shoes directly into the fabric  showing the potential for converging design and 3D printing into a single production step. Immediately, the materials high degree of flexibility proved its worth. WillowFlex was an easy material to work with and printed as well as the other chemical based flexible filaments we have been working with. We look forward to working with BioInspiration to improve the long-term durability of the material to move into production, said SLEM Creative Director Nicole van Enter.

\

While these shoes are nothing more than prototypes used to verify 3D printing settings and best practices, SLEM has already become convinced that this is the key to sustainable footwear production. BioInspiration, meanwhile, is certain that WillowFlex can offer the same comfort that conventional footwear offers. BioInspiration is founded on the knowledge that sustainable materials can equal and out-perform the alternatives. Working with forward thinking groups like SLEM helps to move the needle of public perception towards acceptance. Experimentation with Vision is the key to Progress, CEO Brian Crotty said of the collaboration.

Theres still a long way to go for SLEM and BioInspiration. As with any mass consumption product, it takes a long time before sustainability will find its footing within the footwear industry. Fortunately both companies firmly believe that 3D printing can offer direct competition to traditional production methods, so who knows what will happen. At least the shoe design itself wont hold them back at all, and who doesnt want shoes that they can just throw on a compost heap?

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Sep 29, 2016 | By Alec

The fashion industry is quite a strange world when you think about it. Why market clothing at sizes that just a very small percentage of your target audience can wear? Fortunately, that focus on extremely tall, wafer-thin models is changing, with the industry shifting towards more regular-sized bodies. Long Tall Sally, the trend setter for fashion for tall women, is now taking this to a new level by launching the worlds first store mannequin actually based on the exact proportions of one of their clients. The 3D printed mannequin was realized by 3D scanning London-based customer Harriet Winters, who is six feet tall and wears a US size 10.

Long Tall Sally has been ahead of the mannequin curve for some time, as they specialize in apparel for women of 5'8" and taller. As a result, their outfits are especially developed to proportionally suit tall figures and they already use taller mannequins wearing larger sizes. To complement their outfits, they built a mannequin that reflected the actual shape of a real woman  down to her facial features. In an industry first were now able to design and fit our collections on the mannequin of a real 60", [UK] size 14 customer  a game changer in tall womenswear," chief executive Andrew Shapin explained. At Long Tall Sally were dedicated to offering our customers a true tall fit with true tall proportions, so bringing customers like Harriet to the heart of the process is invaluable.

This resulted in a fantastic and unique 3D printed mannequin that will be used in the companys London design studio for regular fittings and size checks  providing them with a unique way to ensure that everything proportionally fits a real woman. The mannequin will also be used in the companys flagship store on Chiltern Street, London. To find the woman in question, they launched the Are you Made Tall? competition. Its winner, Harriet Winters, has now been immortalized as a mannequin.

To actually build the model, Winters was 3D scanned by Thom Bridle of Studio Forty Three. The scans were used to build a 3D model, that was cut into various sections (just like a normal mannequin would be). These were subsequently partly 3D printed, and partly made from foam and resins. The final model is about 60", with chest, waist and hip measurements of 38"-31"-40". At the same time, Long Tall Sally launched a website detailing the history of changing mannequin sizes over the past century.

Winters was honored to be the model for this realistic mannequin, and believes that the fashion industry should reflect all shapes and sizes of their clients. To me, most mannequins on the high street look so similar and dont always reflect real body shapes, she said after seeing the final result. Im proud of my height and my figure and its really powerful to see a mannequin with the dimensions of a real woman.

And shes not alone, as fashion industry expert June Rowe applauded this new project and said it fits in with historical fashion industry trends. The mannequin has always adapted with fashion, and new digital technologies have seen the industry embrace cutting-edge and dynamic forms  such as holograms and mannequins that move, Rowe argued. 3D scanning of a customer meets the new demand of consumers that are looking for a more 'real' reflection of themselves in their shopping experience, as well as a more inclusive and forward-thinking fashion industry.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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San Franciscans are serious about their coffee. On those afternoons (ok, every afternoon) when all you need is a cold pick-me-up, head to one of these cafes for a deliciously frothy cold brew.

Boba Guys



Mind-bending twists on traditional bubble tea are the claim to fame here, but Boba Guys' contorted take on cold brew is a worthy alternative. Stop by one of their three SF locations for a Coffee Milk Tea, an awaking take on bubble tea with a spike of cold brew. Get the 24-ounce iced coffee with your choice of milk (we're loving the new oat milk), and ask for it at "25% sweetness." // Various locations in SF and South Bay, bobaguys.com







Flywheel Roasters

Cole Valley's Flywheel Roasters may be best known for its spiced-up dirty chai, but the silky smooth cold brew, with hints of chicory and soft wood smoke, is well worth its buzz. Flywheel cold brew is steeped overnight to bring out the full flavor profile of the single-source Brazilian beans. Served in full-size mason jar, one order will cure the midday slump. // 672 Stanyan St. (Cole Valley), flywheelcoffee.com





Foundation Cafe

Homey decor teamed with a modern, urban menu makes Foundation a favorite. Now, the cafe is serving Four Barrel's Nitro Brew, infused with isotopically stable nitrogen. With just the suggestion of cinnamon and nutmeg, you might be convinced to ditch the cream and sugar altogether. // 335 Kearny St. (Nob Hill), foundationcafesf.com





Saint Frank Coffee

Saint Frank Coffee is home to one of the city's foremost glasses of cold brew. To elevate your iced caffeinated concoction, ask one of the knowledgeable baristas for their suggestions on house-made milk. // 2340 Polk St. (Russian Hill), saintfrankcoffee.com





Mazarine Coffee

Mazarine Coffee's Market Street location is prime real estate for FiDi denizens looking to sponsor their caffeine addiction. To kick your 3pm slump, indulge in the Nitro Cold Brew from Costa Rican single-origin beans. Each pour is steeped for 24-hours and pumped with nitrogen to bring out a creamy, velvety head that makes each sip taste like it's illegal for anyone under the drinking age. // 720 Market St. (FiDi), mazarinecoffee.com





Black Sands

Known for its homebrew supplies and homemade beers, this Lower Haight pub also pours equally addictive coffee and espresso until 2pm daily. Served alongside Jane pastries, Black Sands' De La Paz Big City cold brew is rich like one of their ales but with an addictive kick you can't get enough of. // 701 Haight St. (Lower Haight), blacksandsbeer.com





Coffee Bar

Coffee Bar already has a pretty amazing cold brew, but in its riff on the Mexican classic horchata, rice milk and heavy cream come together with Madagascar vanilla syrup, cinnamon, and 24-hour cold brew to create a sweet morning treat. In a rush? You can place an online order any time before 4pm and get your drink to-go. // Various locations, coffeebarsf.com

Stumptown

Portland's Stumptown dispenses the original" cold brew. Shelved at hipster locales like Bi-Rite or Rainbow Grocery, stock up on the grab-n-go bottle for an essential accessory that exemplifies any Dolores Park outing. With its recent acquisition by Bay Area's own Peet's Coffee & Tea, Stumptown is set to embrace a much wider audience but you can still say you knew them when " // Various locations, stumptowncoffee.com





Equator Coffee



Equator partnered with Joyride Coffee to release a nitro cold brew, a smooth and creamy pour made from their Mocha Java Blend. Served at both the Miller Ave. and Mid-Market location, the brew is kegged and served chilled for the techie crowd. On the Tam Junction menu, get Equator's own 12-hour cold brew made with their 5-gallon toddy maker, a perfect way to beat the Mill Valley heat. // 986 Market St. (Mid-Market), equatorcoffees.com/warfield





Reveille

A San Francisco class, Reveille's smooth cold brew packs quite the punch. Don't be surprised if you're bouncing in your seat after slurping it down. // Various locations, reveillecoffee.com





Jane

If you're in the market for a nitrous-blasted caffeine fix, look no further than Jane. Their nitro cold brew packs a powerful caffeine wallop and a thick, Guinness-like texture. // Various locations, itsjane.squarespace.com

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This article has been updated since it was originally published in 2015.
The power of the crowd has created a new normal. Did you ever imagine that one day we'd be fighting for the right to ride in a stranger's car? Or that you'd hand over your apartment keys to someone you've only met online?





Nowadays, we've come to rely on those personal interactions, and we're connecting with people and sharing experiences in totally new ways.





Small businesses have also begun connecting with people on a deeper level than just doing business. With a new twist on crowdfunding, you can join a business in its financial growth and make real investments, not just donations.





When The Brewer's Table planned on opening Austin's first oak-barrel brewery and restaurant, it got traditional financing from large private investors and banks. But the founders wanted to get more people involved because they believed that community is what makes the food and beer experience. So, they decided to try something that got them additional funds while also generating buzz and creating advocates.





The Brewer's Table raised $300,000 through investment crowdfunding in just 8 weeks. Nearly two hundred people participated, investing in a business they were excited about.





NextSeed is a new crowdfunding platform that makes it easy to invest in places you already love or in new concepts in your area.





In San Francisco, an experienced team of restaurateurs is launching a new project . Located in the new Hotel Zeppelin just a block from Union Square, Rambler will be a modern Americana restaurant serving locals and hotel guests. With their NextSeed offering , they now have an open invitation out to anyone who wants to join them.





Due to recent changes in the law, people of all income levels can now come together and support business owners they believe in. NextSeed carefully reviews every deal before presenting one to investors. Investors learn about each deal and choose the ones they want to connect with and help grow. Each investment varies, but investors could start seeing monthly payments from their investments in as little as a few months.





Investors in The Brewer's Table didn't need deep pockets to contribute  investments started at $100. The business connected with investors by giving them VIP perks like gift cards and party invitations.





The secret to The Brewer's Table's success and satisfaction with crowdfunding was the community.





Instead of borrowing from an institution that only cared about getting payments, they invited people from the community to be invested in their success.





Although NextSeed is new, community financing harks back to a more down-to-earth way of building a business before big banks took over. Now, San Franciscans are empowered to invest in local bars, restaurants, salons and other places they are passionate about.





For more information on active campaigns, visit NextSeed .





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Any views expressed in this article reflect the personal views of the author only for discussion purposes and should not be viewed as investment advice or recommendation, and does not constitute any legal or tax advice with respect to any securities.




Business roundup: Dunn Bros. to open in November, E Glass's big pitch

In business news, an Aberdeen entrepreneur is making a nationwide pitch, car wash coverts to Tunnel of Terror, Dunn Brothers to open in November.
Sandfire Resources NL (ASX:SFR) is a mining and exploration company. The Company's principal activities are production and sale of copper, gold and silver from its DeGrussa Mine in Western Australia, and exploration and evaluation of mineral tenements and projects in Australia and overseas. It has two segments: The DeGrussa Copper Mine and Exploration and evaluation.

The DeGrussa Copper Mine is a copper-gold mine located in the Bryah Basin mineral province of Western Australia, approximately 900 kilometers north-east of Perth and 150 kilometers north of Meekatharra. The DeGrussa Copper Mine generates revenue from the sale of copper-gold products to customers in Asia. The Exploration and evaluation segment includes exploration and evaluation of the mineral tenements in Australia and overseas, including exploring for repeats of DeGrussa Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) mineralized system at the Doolgunna Project and its investment in Tintina Resources Inc and WCB Resources Ltd.
Alta Zinc Limited (ASX:AZI) (FRA:8EE) is an emerging ASX-listed exploration and development company focused on unlocking dormant value at the Gorno Project. Gorno is an historic high-grade zinc mine in industrialised Northern Italy, proximal to smelters and key infrastructure and with a track record of producing high quality clean concentrates to European Smelters.

Drilling of known brownfields high-grade targets is underway and aims to strengthen the current Resource inventory. Subsequent project development will leverage off the existing underground infrastructure, simple metallurgy and advanced technical studies to de-risk a future feasibility study. The Company also has a portfolio of other mineral exploration projects in northern Italy and Australia.
China Magnesium Corporation Limited (ASX:CMC) owns a 91.25% interest in CMC China which owns a 100% interest in a magnesium ingot production operation.

The operations are licensed to expand output to 105,000tpa, which would make it one of the world''s largest magnesium producers. Studies have been completed which indicate a positive environment for CMC to conduct a major expansion of its magnesium operations.

CMC has converted its existing coal to gas plants to 5 semi-coke crackers (total semi-coke capacity 200,000 tpa) at the site of its existing 20,000 tpa capacity magnesium plant. Waste gas from semi-coke production is now used to provide the energy source required to produce magnesium. Consequently the combined semi-coke and magnesium plants are expected to significantly lower production costs than for magnesium-only production using the coal-to-gas facilities as originally envisaged when the magnesium plant was built.


Alt to Acquire Chameleon Gold Deposit in West Australian Eastern Goldfields

Canberra, Sep 29, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Alt Resources Ltd ( ASX:ARS ) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a 100 per cent interest in the Chameleon gold deposit and associated tenements in WA's Eastern Goldfields. The acquisition from Minotaur Gold Solutions Ltd, a majority owned subsidiary of Minotaur Exploration ( ASX:MEP ), includes a JORC 2012 resource for the Chameleon gold deposit. The Inferred Mineral Resource is estimated to be 1.1 million tonnes at 2.1 g/t for 77,000 oz, with a 1 g/t Au cut-off. Details of the resource estimate are contained in Minotaur's ASX announcement of the 29th July, 2016 (refer to link below). The transaction cost relative to the in-ground gold resource inclusive of the cash and share component is calculated at A$10.28 per ounce.



Key Points



- Alt to acquire 100% of the Chameleon gold deposit and associated exploration targets, located 75km north of the Golden Mile, WA



- Chameleon contains 77,000oz JORC 2012 Inferred Resource



- Substantial exploration upside with numerous drill-ready targets at Chameleon plus nearby targets at the Komodo, Bluetongue and Thorny Devil prospects



- Chameleon adds to Alt's existing portfolio of assets, which includes the WA Mt Roberts-Cottee gold project and the NSW Paupong, Myalla and Fiery Creek projects



The Chameleon deposit has substantial exploration upside, including numerous drill-ready targets. The tenement package (E29/661 and M24/336) also includes several other prospects which will be explored by Alt. Chameleon will add to Alt's growing portfolio of exploration assets in WA and NSW. These include the Mount Roberts-Cottee Gold Project north of Leinster in WA, the Paupong and Myalla gold and base metals projects and the Fiery Creek gold project in NSW.



Alt CEO James Anderson commented "Chameleon represents a significant acquisition in line with the Company's strategy to develop small WA-based open pit toll treating projects. Moving forward, this toll treating strategy is aimed at generating future cash flow for the Company as these WA projects progress. Chameleon is an undeveloped asset with oxide open pit potential and exploration upside. The Company intends to fast track resource drilling at Chameleon with the aim of bringing the resource to Indicated status. Other gold prospects within the leases also show promising historical results with limited modern exploration."



Binding Terms Summary



Under a binding terms sheet agreement executed between Alt and Minotaur's subsidiary Minotaur Gold Solutions Ltd (MinAuSol), Alt has agreed to acquire 100 per cent of exploration licence E29/661 and mining lease M24/336 (which tenements include the Chameleon gold deposit) and associated mining information relating to these tenements (but excluding the nickel rights which are to be retained by MinAuSol) under the following terms and conditions:



- Pay to MinAuSol A$600,000 in cash within 60 days of execution of the binding terms sheet



- Issue 2 million Alt shares to MinAuSol at a deemed value of 10 cents per share or in the event the Alt share price falls below 8.5 cents over a five day trading period Alt will issue additional shares to the value of A$200,000



- Conditions precedent include the signing of a Nickel Rights Agreement (completed), the assignment of applicable royalties, together with any necessary approvals and consents from third parties. If the conditions are not satisfied within 45 days the agreement will terminate



- Alt will pay MinAuSol A$50,000 as an opportunity cost in the event of non-completion



Table 1 (see link below) gives the expenditure commitments for exploration licence E29/661 and mining licence M24/336.



The transaction is subject to unanimous approval by the Directors of MinAuSol. MEP holds 73% and Golden Fields Resources Pty Ltd (a private company) holds 27% of the shares in MinAuSol.



Chameleon Gold Resource



The Chameleon gold deposit is located on E29/661 (Figure 1, see link below) in the Archaean Norseman-Wiluna Greenstone Belt on the western limb of the Scotia-Kanowna Anticline. The deposit is hosted within a package of ultramafic rocks, mafic volcanics and metasediments. Gold mineralisation occurs in quartz veins within a steeply dipping shear zone on the contact between silicified ultramafic and mafic volcanic units. Mineralisation has been defined to a vertical depth of 290m below surface in historical drilling.



Minotaur announced a maiden gold resource for the deposit in July 2016. The Inferred Mineral Resource is derived from data along a 625m strike length and includes data as deep as 290m below surface (Figure 2, see link below). The deposit is strongly weathered up to 30m below surface, with the base of oxidation varying between 40-80m below surface. The strongly weathered zone is relatively depleted in gold. At the base of the depleted zone, gold appears supergene in nature and is interpreted to form flat lying blankets in some areas above and slightly west of the main gold zone.



Within the transitional and fresh zones, gold is constrained to two main lodes. A thicker lode occurs in the southern area of the resource, while two thinner lodes occur in the north. Transitional material occurs from the base of oxidation to approximately 100m depth. Fresh rock is found below this depth to the base of the resource model at 290m.



The Inferred Mineral Resource is given in Table 2 (see link below).



Alt plans to perform additional drilling to bring the Inferred Resource to Indicated status. The Company then plans to investigate options for mining the oxide component of the deposit. The Company will also look at toll treatment options in the area.



Exploration Potential



Chameleon and other gold prospects within the project licences lie along the Bardoc Structural zone; a zone of significant north-trending faulting and shearing within greenstones of the Norseman-Wiluna Greenstone Belt. Chameleon and Komodo lie along the central portion of the Bardoc Structural zone, whilst other prospects including Bluetongue and Thorny Devil occur on the eastern margin of the structural zone (Figure 3, see link below).



Komodo



The Komodo Prospect lies 3 kms north along strike from Chameleon (Figure 3). It is hosted in the same rock types, but has seen limited drilling. A high grade intercept of 2m @ 4.76 g/t Au (Table 3, see link below) was returned from air core drilling by Western Mining Corporation in 1999, however this has never been followed up.



Bluetongue



Gold mineralisation at Bluetongue occurs as a narrow zone in mafic volcanics, associated with a mafic-ultramafic contact on the eastern margin of the Bardoc Structural zone (Figure 3). Bluetongue exhibits moderate to high gold grades, up to 1m @ 8.48 g/t Au, with significant intercepts given in Table 3. Gold mineralisation was intercepted in RC and diamond drilling by Breakaway Resources Ltd in 2007 and 2009. Aphrodite Gold Ltd followed up these results with an RC drilling program in 2012, and released their results, as well as Breakaway's historical intercepts, to the market in January 2013; "Drill Results confirm potential of gold prospects near Aphrodite".



Thorny Devil



Thorny Devil is situated 6.5 km north of Bluetongue, along the same eastern structure. It has seen very limited historical drilling since the late 1990's. Grades returned from RAB drilling are similar to gold intercepted at Bluetongue, including 2m @ 8.10 g/t Au as shown in Table 3.



Alt Resources plans to investigate the gold potential of these outlying prospects. Exploration targets include shallow historical RAB and aircore intercepts at Komodo and Thorny Devil. The Company also aims to emulate Minotaur's success at Chameleon, by developing a better understanding of the lithological and structural controls on mineralisation at Bluetongue, and other prospects, to better target mineralisation along strike and at depth.



To view tables and figures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/70SH1X00



Minotaur's ASX Announcement, 29th July 2016:

http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/12590VN6





About Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd





Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd is an Australian based mineral exploration company that aims to become a gold producer by exploiting historical and new gold prospects across quality assets and to build value for shareholders.


Appointment of New Directors

Perth, Sep 29, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Flexiroam Limited ( ASX:FRX ) ("Flexiroam") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Cheryl Yeoh and Mr Fong Wai Hong as Directors of Flexiroam. Their appointments will become effective on 1st October 2016.



Ms Yeoh was the founding CEO of Malaysian Global Innovation & Creative Centre (MaGIC). The MaGIC Accelerator Program (MAP) accelerates 75 early-stage companies from all over ASEAN in a 4-month program twice a year, the largest and most robust program of its kind in Asia.



She also co-founded Reclip.It, a company that developed a personalized shopping list app that helped people save money by matching list items with digital coupons and weekly ads from top retail stores. In 2012, Reclip.It was selected by Instyle Magazine as "Best of the Web" and in 2013, was acquired by Walmart Labs.



Prior to Reclip.It, Ms Yeoh co-founded CityPockets Inc. in 2010, the very first digital wallet and secondary marketplace for daily deals.



Ms Yeoh currently runs her own advisory and consulting services company, Cheryl Yeoh & Co.



Ms Yeoh holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering and a Masters of Engineering in Engineering Management.



Mr Fong Wai Hong is a serial tech entrepreneur and was named Australia's Best Young Entrepreneur in 2011 by StartupSmart and was amongst Melbourne's top 100 most influential people as published by The Age Newspaper that same year.



Immediately after completing his BA at the University of Melbourne, Mr Fong co-founded and was the Managing Director at OZHut - a Multi niche online retailer - for 5 years. OzHut was ranked in the Top 100 Fastest Growing Startups in Australia in 2011 and received numerous other awards for its innovative and fast-growing e-Business platform.



Mr Fong is also the Co-founder of StoreHub, a Cloud Based Store Management System for SMEs. Storehub was a finalist in Alliancebank Bizsmart Academy SME Innovation Challenge (2014).



Flexiroam Managing Director, Jef Ong welcomes Ms Yeoh and Mr. Fong's appointment, "Both Cheryl's and Wai Hong's expertise and experience will be a great boost to Flexiroam's growth and expansion plans."



Ms Yeoh and Mr Fong will be Non-Executive Directors and are considered by the Board to be independent.



About Flexiroam Ltd





FLEXIROAM Limited (ASX:FRX) is a leading telecommunications company offering universal voice and data services for mobile users globally. Its flagship data roaming product, FLEXIROAM X has coverage in over 100 countries with 4G speed in over 56 countries. FLEXIROAM is an asset light telecommunications company that does not own physical infrastructure yet is able to connect to around 580 network operators globally. FLEXIROAM aspires to be a household name in borderless mobile broadband service in Asia and beyond. Please visit https://www.flexiroam.com
ACAs library of educational tools help members improve their business practices. ACA also holds the most popular industry conferences and offers credentialing for collectors, attorneys, and more. ACAs Training Zone subscription gives agencies access to almost all of our education for one low cost.
The Tax Foundation has released its annual ranking of states and how competitive their business tax codes are.

The think tanks 13th annual State Business Tax Climate Index examines over 100 different variables in five tax categories: corporate, individual income, sales, property, and unemployment insurance.

Wyoming again ranked in first place with the most competitive tax code in the U.S., while New Jersey kept its longstanding position at the bottom of the rankings.

This years most competitive states ranked in the following order:

1. Wyoming

2. South Dakota

3. Alaska

4. Florida

5. Nevada

6. Montana

7. New Hampshire

8. Indiana

9. Utah

10. Oregon

This years least competitive states include:

41. Louisiana

42. Maryland

43. Connecticut

44. Rhode Island

45. Ohio

46. Minnesota

47. Vermont and D.C.

48. California

49. New York

50. New Jersey

The study penalizes states if they have overly complex and burdensome tax codes for businesses and ranks them higher if their tax codes are neutral and do not distort business decisions. A states ranking can also depend upon reforms made in other states.

[IMGCAP(1)]
IMGCAP(1)]Although I live a few miles from Hofstra University, the site of Monday nights Presidential debate, I didnt have a ticket to the event. Instead, I spent the time trying to get to the Marriott next door, where viewers were promised the chance to meet one of the candidates afterward.

I didnt get to the Marriott (the roads were closed off) and found out later that the candidates didnt show up either. So I will defer to some experts who actually watched.

It turns out that free trade adherents were not completely pleased with the positions taken by either candidate during Mondays debate.

On the economy, the debate was less than impressive, said Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US LLP. It was more a series of claims and counterclaims than a true discussion about trade and globalization.

Trump is very much a trade protectionist. He wants to abrogate past trade treaties, and he doesnt want to implement or pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership, said Brusuelas. And attacks on the central bank are ill-considered. Central bank independence is a necessary ingredient to the long-term health of the economy.

Clintons position is a little unclear as to whether she truly opposes it [the TPP] or whether she might enthusiastically implement it if Congress passes it in a lame duck session, he added. She was enthusiastic for it while she was Secretary of State, but now she says she opposes it, which creates some confusion as to her true policy preferences.

My sense is that the economy would miss a genuine opportunity for small- and medium-size entities to expand their global presence if its not implemented, he said. The main innovation in the TPP is dedicated to facilitate the participation of middle market firms in global trade.

Both candidates are wrong on trade, agreed Pam Villarreal, senior fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis. There is certainly no reason to become a closed economy and tax imports.

The reason for Clintons switch of her support for the TPP is unclear, according to Villarreal. It might have been politicalboth Trump and Sanders oppose it, she said. However, there are some valid criticisms of it. The problem is disagreement over intellectual property protection, especially for pharmaceuticals. Under the TPP the protection for intellectual property would shorten the amount of exclusivity for pharmaceuticals. Its important for them to have protection for a reasonable time because of the cost of research and introducing new drugs to the market. If we dont allow them to recoup their costs through exclusivity, then we run the risk of them not developing any new drugs.

Although neither candidate supports free trade, Trump wants to impose an import tax on U.S. companies products that are manufactured overseas, Villarreal observed. That may temporarily help boost jobs in the U.S., but it really hurts consumers, she said. Generally, when you have a closed economy, on net it hurts everyone. For example, Trumps argument that NAFTA has hurt us is not really the case. Our exports to Mexico and Canada have dramatically increased. Mexicos economy has improvedit helps Mexico earn more money and in turn they use that money to buy more American products and become consumers of our exports.
Bloomberg Media has launched an official account on LINE, providing daily news content on one of Japan's largest messenger platforms. It will include a selection of global business headlines, market news, analysis, technology coverage and features curated by Bloomberg's Japan newsroom and its Asia-based digital team. Bloomberg will publish a daily digest of top Japanese language news stories on LINE each weekday at 13:30 JST.

LINE currently has 218 million active global users and is one of Japan's most popular messaging applications.

Parry Ravindranathan, Managing Director, International, for Bloomberg Media, said: This complements our recent revamp of our Japanese language website by delivering some of the same great content direct to our mobile users. The popularity of LINE in Japan stands out in a region where social media preferences differ enormously from country to country - therefore this is vital extension of our multi-platform capability.

Bloomberg Media continues to broaden its audience through a variety of extended media platforms globally and in Asia, including its Asia and Japan websites, recent Twitter partnership and Bloomberg Radio's availability on Apple Music.

For more details on how to follow Bloomberg on LINE, please go to www.bloomberg.com/line.
Today, at the second edition of its signature Google for India event, Google announced five new products that are adapted for and aimed at expanding access to the Internet for users in India. This includes new products built for specifically for India  YouTube Go, the Google Assistant in Hindi inside messaging app Allo, faster browsing for Google Play on 2G connections  as well as new, global platforms inspired by the needs of Indian users  the Google Station Wi-Fi platform and new data-saving features in Google Chrome for mobile.

Caesar Sengupta, Vice-President, Next Billion Users, outlined the three areas where Google is working to provide a better and more inclusive online experience for users in India: Access (connecting people to the Internet), Platforms (letting people and developers share through and build upon the Internet), and Products (providing better and more relevant Google experiences for Indians).

Defining the strategy he said, Our goal has not just been to help more Indians get online  but also to help Indians create the online experience they want; one that serves their needs and enables them to have an impact on the entire world. So we have been thinking about how to build products and services for this wave of new users  products that work for any level of connectivity, in local Indian languages, and across the devices that are most frequently used in India.

Present on the occasion and making the announcement in addition to Caesar Sengupta were John Giannandrea, Senior Vice-President, Engineering who looks after Search; Johanna Wright, Vice-President YouTube and Rahul Roy-Chowdhury, Vice-President Chrome. Rajan Anandan, Vice-President, South East Asia and India, opened the event with an update on Google Indias progress to date.

During the announcement for You Tube Go  a new YouTube mobile app reimagined for the next generation of YouTube users  Johanna Wright, YouTube Vice-President for Product Management, shared, YouTube Go is a brand new app to help the next generation of users share and enjoy videos. YouTube Go was designed and built from the ground up with insights from India, in order to bring the power of video to mobile users in a way that is more conscious of their data and connectivity, while still being locally relevant and social. YouTube Go not only allows users to save and watch videos smoothly even in poor connectivity, it also gives them transparency and control over how much data they consume on videos, allowing them to preview videos first and choose the videos file size before they save it offline to watch later. They can also share videos easily with friends and family nearby, without using any data at all.

Soon testers in India will be able to use YouTube Go before the the product becomes more widely available. If you'd like to be among this first group, or to find out when the app is ready for launch, please sign up at youtubego.com/signup.

John Giannandrea, Senior Vice-President, Search, talked through the improved support for more Indian languages in Google products and the evolution of Search to meet the needs of mobile users. Amit Fulay, Group Product Manager, announced that a preview of the Google Assistant will be launched in Hindi by the end of 2016 inside the brand new Allo messaging app. The Google Assistant lets users have a conversation with Google, which can help them get things done.

Inspired by the success of the partnership with RailTel and Indian Railways to provide Wi-Fi at railway stations in India  with 50+ stations now providing high-quality Internet to 3.5 million people each month  Caesar Sengupta announced a new Wi-Fi platform called Google Station. This new platform will work with partners to roll out Wi-Fi hotspots, offering carriers, system integrators (SIs), and venues an easy way to set up high-quality, user-friendly Wi-Fi. This will provide more people in India and around the world fast, reliable, and safe Wi-Fi in more of the places where they spend time, like malls, transit stations, and cafes.

Further details about Google Station are available on station.google.com.

Sengupta also announced fast browsing in Google Play for people on 2G and other low-bandwidth connections. Fast browsing uses preloading on Wi-Fi to load the most popular parts of Google Play quickly. And when a user on a low-bandwidth connection chooses to install an app, Google Play will offer a new Wait for Wi-Fi option where the app will only install when the phone next connects to Wi-Fi.

Fast browsing launches today as an experiment exclusively to Play users in India.

Rahul Roy-Chowdhury, Vice-President, Product Management, Chrome announced a group of tailored features for Chrome that make the web a better place for mobile users facing data constraints. Data Saver mode  which reduces the amount of data Chrome uses on Android mobile devices, computers, and Chromebooks  will now support MP4 videos, saving up to over two-thirds (67%) of video data. Chrome on Android will now also automatically optimize pages to their essentials when 2G-like networks are detected. These simplified pages load up to 2X faster, saving more than 90% of data usage.

Chrome on Android's new Download feature will now allow users to save web pages, videos, music, or pictures. Downloaded items can be easily accessed in Chrome's new downloads tab, even when offline. And if users go offline before the download is complete, the process will automatically resume next time theyre connected.

Rajan Anandan, Vice-President, India and South East Asia, set the agenda at the start of the event by outlining all of the efforts by Google to give all Indians access to the Internet. He talked through initiatives that have happened in India since the last Google for India event in December 2015, including the success of its Wi-Fi offering in partnership with Railtel and its efforts to overcome the gender divide by training women across rural India on how to access and use the Internet. In partnership with Tata Trusts, Google has already trained over a million women across ten states.

Anandan also talked about the plans to train two million mobile developers on Android, revealing that over 120,000 students have already enrolled in the Android Fundamentals course, and by next college semester, 200,000 engineering students will be learning how to develop Android applications. Google is also funding the installation of Google Developers Codelabs at major State Technical Universities in India.

Anandan noted, Our vision is to make India a global hub of innovation and produce high quality mobile developers who will build not just for India but for the world.
Maxus India has successfully retained the media responsibilities for Pernod Ricard in India. Maxus has been working with Pernod Ricard for the last decade. The multi-agency pitch saw participation from other leading agencies along with incumbent agency Maxus. The account will continue to be handled out of Delhi office led by Navin Khemka.

Speaking on retaining the business, Kartik Sharma, Managing Director, Maxus South Asia said, This is a moment of pride for all of us and such wins ensure we continue to deliver the best for our brands. Retaining Pernod Ricard is an extremely satisfying and a validation of our work. I am grateful to Pernod Ricard for reposing faith in us and continuing our decade old relationship. We eagerly look forward to the next leg of this partnership.

Sumeet Lamba, Executive Director  Business Development, Pernod Ricard India said, We are pleased to continue our decade old association with Maxus. Their superior understanding of the category and its nuances has helped us in meeting our brand marketing goals in the past. We are confident that they will continue to be an effective partner in the years to come.

Commenting on the win, Navin Khemka, Managing Partner, Maxus said, We are committed to enhance our cutting edge creative thinking on Pernod Ricard. Together, we have created iconic brands that we are proud of and we are confident of delivering unmatched media value going forward.
The Global Citizen Festival India will be hosted on November 19, 2016 in Mumbai with Coldplay, JAY Z and many leading Indian artists headlining the event. Mirum India has got the mandate to manage the Digital & Social Media presence.

The Global Education and Leadership Foundation (tGELF) is bringing Global Citizen to India. Mirum India is also developing a dynamic website for this initiative, where citizens have to register for a cause and undertake certain actions which will make them eligible to participate in the draw for the free tickets to the festival.

Bhavya Bishnoi, Spokesperson of Global Citizen India, said, There was something about Mirum India that set them apart from the other agencies that pitched to us. We were excited to see their ideas, vibrant energy and their understanding of the Global Citizen brand in India.

Sanjay Mehta, Joint CEO, Mirum India, enthusiastically added, Its indeed a matter of pride for Mirum India to partner with Global Citizen India and tGELF and join the movement to end extreme poverty. We are also excited to be a part of the largest music festival for social change in India.
Victorinox AG, Switzerland, makers of the Original Swiss Army knife has introduced a distinct shop in shop at the Gute Reise store in High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel.

Mr. Toni Haberthuer, Global Head - Knife Division, Victorinox AG was present for this special occasion and was heard saying, 2016 is the year of the global launch of our international shop in shop concept and India launch as well. India is growing as a very important market for us I am very happy to be here for the shop in shop launch at the prestigious High street Phoenix .

The evening saw quite well-known names like Martin Bienz - Consul General of Switzerland in Mumbai, Michael Enderle - India head Swiss Business Hub, Ranjit Shahani - President Swiss Indian chamber of Commerce and Khursheed Thanawala - President West - Swiss India chamber of Commerce

Speaking about this, Colonel Chandhoke, CEO, Victorinox India said, This is our 10th shop in shop in the country and this one is the most prime by far. We look forward to a stronger footprint in Mumbai with this location for our brand.

Currently available at two Gute Reise stores in Mumbai, this is the third prime location where Victorinox will be setting base. The product categories retailed will be Swiss Army Knives, Household and Professional Knives, Watches and Travel Gear.
29 September 2016

Doriemus PLC

(Doriemus or the Company)

Unaudited Interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2016

Doriemus PLC (ISDX: DOR), the London quoted UK focused oil and gas production and exploration company, today announces its unaudited interim results for the 6-month period ended 30 June 2016.

This has been a very exciting period for advancement of the Companys UK onshore oil and gas assets in the Weald Basin south of London, in particular, the results of the Horse Hill - 1 (HH-1) well near Gatwick Airport  affectionately nicknamed the Gatwick Gusher. Doriemus now has three exciting onshore oil projects in the Weald Basin and one on the Isle of Wight, for which, the Weald Basin projects will benefit from new geological knowledge learnt from drilling and testing HH-1.

David Lenigas, Executive Chairman of Doriemus, commented: "As your new Executive Chairman, I am pleased to be heading up your Company as we head towards drilling the exciting Brockham sidetrack well into the Portland Sandstone and Kimmeridge limestones later this year, the long term flow testing at Horse Hill and participating in a potential new well at the Lidsey Oil Field next year. The exit of the UK from the European Union, in the Companys view, makes the resurgence of UK domestic oil production even more important than previously and Doriemus is looking forward to participating in this much needed home grown industry.

Strategic Review for the Period:

Horse Hill  Weald Basin, UK:

Doriemus owns a 10% direct interest in Horse Hill Developments Limited (HHDL). HHDL is a special purpose company that owns a 65% participating interest and operatorship of Licence PEDL137 and the adjacent Licence PEDL246 in the UK Weald Basin.

To the dismay of many commentators and academics in the UK, the year kicked off with the very successful flow testing of the Companys Horse Hill -1 (HH-1) well discovery near Gatwick Airport. This well, proved beyond doubt, that there is flowable high quality oil in the Kimmeridge limestones, having previously been derided publicly by some UK academics as being too immature to host moveable oil. The HH-1 results have not only vindicated the Companys investment decisions to be an active partner in the Horse Hill Licences, but increases the significance of the Kimmeridge potential in Doriemus Brockham oil field in the Weald (see Outlook Section below for the potential of the Brockham oil field).

As reported in March, the final total aggregate stable dry oil flow rate from two Kimmeridge limestones plus the overlying Portland sandstone in HH-1 stands at 1,688 barrels of oil per day (bopd), a UK record for an onshore discovery well. Over the 30 to 90 hour flow periods from each of the 3 zones in HH-1, no clear indication of any reservoir pressure depletion was observed.

Flow Test Highlights:

The final Portland test of 323 bopd, over an 8.5-hour, period is the highest stable dry oil flow rate from any onshore UK Portland well. On further testing, with a larger pump, the rate doubled from the previously reported stable dry oil rate of 168 bopd. The Portland was produced at maximum pump capacity and showed no clear indication of depletion. It is likely that the peak rate can be further increased using a higher capacity downhole pump during the next planned test.

Proof that the Kimmeridge limestones contain significant volumes of moveable light oil that can be flowed to surface at commercial rates.

The stable dry-oil flow rate of 464 bopd from the Lower Kimmeridge Limestone is the first ever flow from this rock unit in the Weald Basin and onshore UK.

Based on the analysis of published reports, sighted by the Directors, from all significant UK onshore discovery wells, the Company Directors concludes that the well's 1,688 bopd is likely the highest aggregate stable dry-oil flow from any onshore UK new field discovery well.

Based on the analysis of published reports from all significant UK onshore discovery wells, the Company Directors concludes that the 901 bopd from the Upper Kimmeridge zone is likely the highest stable natural dry oil flow rate from a single reservoir in any UK onshore new field discovery well.

High quality Brent Crude produced: light, sweet oil (40 degrees API in Kimmeridge, 35-37 degrees API in Portland) with 1,940 barrels delivered to the Esso Fawley refinery.

Preliminary analysis confirms that the Lower and Upper Kimmeridge Limestone units are naturally fractured reservoirs with high deliverability.

Strong possibility for further optimisation and increased flow rates from all 3 zones in future development and production wells, particularly through the use of horizontal wells.

Summary Table of Test Results: Horse Hill -1 well  Weald Basin, UK

Zone Maximum Instantaneous Oil Rate Stabilised Dry Oil Rate Perforated Interval Stabilised Flow Period Depth Below Surface bopd bopd ft hours ft U. Portland * 360 323 103 8.5 2000 U. Kimmeridge ** 1008 901 88 4.0 2800 L. Kimmeridge ** 700 464 80 7.5 2950 Total 2068 1688 271 20 Note: * flow rate limited by pump stroke rate capacity ** natural flow

HH-1 Overview and Recap:

The HH-1 discovery well, completed in November 2014, was the first modern well since the 1980s to test the entire Jurassic and Triassic section of the Weald Basin, reaching Palaeozoic basement at circa 8,500 feet. The well was drilled with oil-based mud to ensure good electric log data collection. A comprehensive suite of modern Schlumberger log data, including magnetic resonance data, was acquired. Geological samples were collected at 10 foot intervals throughout the well specifically for geochemical analysis.

The analysis of thermal maturity data (vitrinite reflectance) from geological samples, by a leading analyst in Switzerland, showed that the Kimmeridge section of the well was within the peak oil generative window. Previous researchers had stated that the Kimmeridge was thermally immature, and whilst recognised to be the time equivalent of the North Sea's main oil source rock, had likely only generated either early stage immoveable bitumen or minor quantities of moveable oil, as seen in the Upper Kimmeridge Limestone in Balcombe-1, 15 km to the south of HH-1.

As previously announced by UK Oil & Gas PLC (UKOG), geochemical analysis of samples throughout the c. 1300 feet thick Kimmeridge shale section of HH-1, showed that the shales comprised a world class oil source rock. Analysis of 277 samples showed 780 feet of drilled section exceeding 2% total organic carbon ("TOC") by weight, with an average of 4.1% TOC. The richest section, and possible sweet-spot, lay between the Upper and Lower Kimmeridge Limestones with an average of 5% TOC and a high of 9.4% TOC. The organic shales demonstrated high oil generative potentials ranging from an average of 35 kg/tonne to a high of 103 kg/tonne and with high Hydrogen Indices ("HI") averaging 754. Further significant potential source rock sections were identified in the Middle Jurassic and Lias sections of the well.

Both Nutech and Schlumberger, leaders in the field of electric log analysis in rocks with low permeabilities, were then engaged by UKOG to investigate the presence of oil in the HH-1 well. UKOG reported the results during 2015, which indicated that a mean estimated total of between 9.97 and 10.99 billion barrels of OIP, or oil in the ground, existed under the HH-1 licence area, contained in shales and limestones of the Kimmeridge, Oxford Clay and Lias.

Brockham Oil Field:

(10% interest, operated by Angus Energy)

The Brockham Oil Field (Brockham), in the Weald Basin, is held under UK Production Licence PL235. The Operator Angus Energy advised that the January 2016 production rate was 24 bopd before the well was shut in. Brockham production has been temporarily suspended to allow for significant upgrades to the production site in readiness for a planned sidetrack well designed to test the Portland sandstones and the Kimmeridge limestones shown to produce oil at the nearby Horse Hill - 1 well.

Subsequent Events and Outlook:

Horse Hill:

The operator at Horse Hill, HHDL, have advised that it is seeking regulatory permissions to conduct extended production tests from all 3 oil zones at the site, followed by a horizontal side-track in the Kimmeridge limestones and a new Portland appraisal and development well.

Brockham Oil Field:

On 13 September 2016, the Company announced that US-based Nutech Ltd ("Nutech"), one of the world's leading companies in petrophysical analysis and reservoir intelligence, had independently assessed the Brockham-1 well. Drilled by BP in 1987 under UK Production License PL 235, this Weald Basin well sits approximately 6 miles north west of Gatwick Airport, with an estimated total oil in place (OIP) of 281.7 million barrels of oil (MMBO) per square mile inclusive of all reservoirs within the well.

The Executive Summary of the Nutech Report (Nutech Report) on the Brockham-1 well and the complete Nutech Report can be seen on the Companys website.

In comparison, Nutechs previous reported OIP assessment of the the nearby Horse Hill-1 well (HH-1), located approximately 4.5 miles from the Brockham play, reported a total of 158 MMBO OIP per square mile last year. This excluded the previously reported Upper Portland Sandstone oil discovery previously announced on 9 April 2015. The flow testing of the HH-1 well, as announce on 21 March 2016, reported a total aggregate stable dry oil flow rate of 1,688 barrels of oil per day from two of the three Kimmeridge Limestones and the Portland Sandstone. The pay zones successfully flow tested at HH-1 in February and March this year are similar to those seen in the Brockham-1 well.

The operator, Angus Energy Limited (Angus Energy), has advised production from Brockham has been temporarily suspended pending a significant upgrade on its field surface facilities for continued long term production from the site and to prepare for new oil production from a planned sidetrack production well to be drilled before the end of 2016.

In addition to the abandonment of the well-bores, a side-track will be drilled to enhance production from the Portland sandstones and asses the hydrocarbon potential in the Kimmeridge limestone layers that have tested so successfully at the adjacent Horse Hill-1 well. Doriemus is optimistic of the oil potential of the Kimmeridge limestones at Brockham considering its close proximity to Horse Hill.

Lidsey Oil Field:

At Lidsey Oil Field, the operator Angus Energy, have informed the partners that it has started the regulatory approval process to drill a new oil producer. The objective is to drill a new well targeting the crest of the Oolite reservoir and drill a near horizontal 1,500ft section through the reservoir to increase production from the reservoir to potentially more than 300 barrels of oil per day, as advised by Angus Energy.

Isle of Wight:

(5% interest, operated by UK Oil & Gas Investments Plc)

On 10 August 2016, the Company announced it had agreed to acquire all of the rights Angus Energy Holdings UK Limited ("Angus") had in respect of its 5% legal and beneficial interest in the 200 km2 onshore Isle of Wight oil and gas licence (PEDL 331) together with all of Angus' rights in respect of its 5% interest in the joint operating agreement to be entered into between UK Oil & Gas Investments Plc, Solo Oil Plc and Angus.

The UK Oil & Gas Authority has confirmed the award of United Kingdom Production Licence PEDL 331 ("PEDL 331") in the Isle of Wight ("Licence") to the following parties with the percentage interests set opposite their names: UK Oil & Gas Plc (65 percent), Solo Oil Plc (30 percent) and Angus (5 percent). The Oil & Gas Authority are in the process of issuing the final form of licence to the parties and that licence issue is expected to be granted soon.

Cautionary Statement:

All of the reviews and reports mentioned above state that the OIP volumes estimated should not be construed as recoverable resources or reserves. All technical information referred to in this statement has been previously verified by qualified personnel  Please refer to previous news releases made by Doriemus.

Public Trading Platform for the Companys shares:

On 15 March 2016, the Company's ordinary shares commenced trading on the ISDX Growth Market under the ticker DOR and ceased trading on the London AIM market.

Financing  Rights Issue and Open Offer to Shareholders:

On 6th September 2016 the Company announced an Open Offer to raise up to 865,200 (before expenses), Qualifying Shareholders are being offered the opportunity to subscribe for up to 2,471,999,999 Open Offer Shares at a price of 0.00035 (or 0.035 pence per share) per Open Offer Share.

Financial Results:

During the period, the Company made a loss before taxation of 243,000 (6 months ended 30 June 2015: loss 166,000, 12 months ended 31 December 2015: loss 310,000). There was a weighted loss per share of 0.003p (30 June 2015: loss per share 0.002p, 31 December 2015: loss per share 0.004p).

The unaudited interim results to 30 June 2016 have not been reviewed by the Companys auditor.

In Conclusion:

The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank our shareholders, staff and consultants for their continued support and I look forward to reporting further progress over the next period and beyond and Doriemus playing a valuable part in the production of domestic UK oil.

Competent Persons Statement:

The technical information contained within this report is extracted from Brockhams Nutech Report, the technical information on Horse Hill has previous been verified by appropriate industry professionals (please refer to previous Company news releases) and the information on the proposed Brockham side track well and Lidsey has been approved by Angus Energy as operator of Brockham and Lidsey. The final contents of this report, with respect to technical information, have not been verified by a competent person.

David Lenigas

Chairman

29 September 2016

For further additional information, please contact:

Doriemus plc

David Lenigas / Donald Strang +44 (0) 20 7440 0640 Peterhouse Corporate Finance Limited

Nominated Adviser

Guy Miller / Fungai Ndore +44 (0) 20 7469 0930 Optiva Securities Limited

Broker

Christian Dennis / Jeremy King +44 (0) 20 3137 1902 Square1 Consulting

Public Relations

David Bick +44 (0) 20 7929 5599









Company Statement of Comprehensive Income

Unaudited for the six months ended 30 June 2016

Six months

ended

30 June

2016

(unaudited) Six months

ended

30 June

2015

(unaudited) Year

ended

31 December

2015

(audited) 000 000 000 Revenue 1 34 57 Cost of Sales (3) (42) (99) Gross Profit (2) (8) (42) Administrative expenses (239) (158) (251) Depletion & impairment charge (2) - (4) (Loss) from operations (243) (166) (297) Finance income - - (13) (Loss) on equity swap settlements - - - Investment in subsidiary written-off - - - (Loss) before income tax (243) (166) (310) Income tax expense - - - (Loss) attributable to the owners of the parent and total comprehensive income for the period (243) (166) (310) Other comprehensive income Fair value adjustment of equity swap (46) (24) (34) Other comprehensive income for the period net of taxation (46) (24) (34) Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent (289) (190) (344) (Loss) per share (Note 3) Basic (loss) per share (0.003)p (0.002)p (0.004)p Diluted (loss) per share (0.003)p (0.002)p (0.004)p



Company Statement of Changes in Equity

Unaudited for the six months ended 30 June 2016



Share capital

Share premium Share based payment reserve

Hedging reserve Retained earnings / Accumulated losses

Total 000 000 000 000 000 000 At 31 December 2014 57 2,940 236 (280) (1,032) 1,921 Issue of Share capital 20 1,180 - - - 1,200 Share issue costs - (82) - - - (82) Transactions with owners 20 1,098 - - - 1,118 (Loss) for the year - - - - (310) (310) Unrealised (loss) on equity swap - - - (34) - (34) Total comprehensive loss for the year - - - (34) (310) (344) At 31 December 2015 77 4,038 236 (314) (1,342) 2,695 (Loss) for the period - - - - (243) (243) Unrealised (loss) on equity swap - - - (46) - (46) Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (46) (243) (289) At 30 June 2016 77 4,038 236 (360) (1,585) 2,406



Company Statement of Financial Position

Unaudited as at 30 June 2016

As at

30 June

2016

(unaudited)

000 As at

30 June

2015

(unaudited)

000 As at

31 December

2015

(audited)

000 ASSETS Non-current assets Intangible assets 1,072 1,051 1,047 Available for Sale Investment 900 600 850 Total non-current assets 1,972 1,651 1,897 Current assets Trade and other receivables 667 423 437 Cash and cash equivalents 233 1,257 719 Total current assets 900 1,680 1,156 TOTAL ASSETS 2,872 3,331 3,053 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables (306) (378) (244) Derivative financial instruments (160) (104) (114) Total current liabilities (466) (482) (358) TOTAL LIABILITIES (466) (482) (358) NET ASSETS 2,406 2,849 2,695 Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent Share capital 77 77 77 Share premium reserve 4,038 4,038 4,038 Share based payment reserve 236 236 236 Hedging reserve (360) (304) (314) Retained earnings (1,585) (1,198) (1,342) TOTAL EQUITY 2,406 2,849 2,695



Company Statement of Cash Flows

Unaudited for the six months ended 30 June 2016

Six months

ended

30 June

2016

(unaudited)

000 Six months

ended

30 June

2015

(unaudited)

000 Year

ended

31 December

2014

(audited)

000 Cash flows from operating activities Operating (loss) (243) (166) (297) Adjustments for: Depletion & impairment charge 2 - 4 (Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables (230) (15) 150 Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payable 62 122 (12) Net cash generated from operating activities (409) (59) (155) Cash flows from investing activities Payments for intangible assets (27) - - Loans (granted) to related parties (50) - (179) Payment for AFS Investment - - (250) Net cash used in investing activities (77) - (429) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares - 1,200 1,200 Share issue costs - (82) (82) Finance expense paid - - (13) Equity swap settlements receipts - - - Net cash used in financing activities - 1,118 1,105 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (486) 1,059 521 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 719 198 198 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 233 1,257 719 Cash and cash equivalents comprise: Cash available on demand 233 1,257 719





Notes to the unaudited financial statements for the 6 months to 30 June 2016

1. Basis of preparation

As permitted IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting has not been applied to these half-yearly results. The financial information of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2016 have been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards and Interpretations (collectively IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the European Union (adopted IFRS) and are in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The condensed interim financial information has been prepared using the accounting policies which will be applied in the Companys statutory financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2015.

The financial information shown in this publication is unaudited and does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2015 have been derived from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015. The statutory accounts have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on those accounts and their report was unqualified and did not contain statements under the section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Information was approved by the Board of Directors on 28 September 2016.

2. (Loss) / earnings per share

The calculation of the basic and diluted (loss) / earnings per share is based upon

30 June

2016 30 June

2015 31 December

2015 Basic (loss) / earnings per share (pence) (0.003)p (0.002)p (0.004)p Diluted (loss) / earnings per share (pence) (0.003)p (0.002)p (0.004)p (Loss) / profit attributable to equity shareholders (243,000) (166,000) (310,000) Weighted average number of shares basic 7,739,999,998 6,889,171,269 7,350,988,902 Weighted average number of shares diluted 8,129,999,998 7,279,171,269 7,490,958,902

3. Events after the end of the reporting period

On 10th August 2016 the Company announced it had acquired all of the rights Angus Energy Holdings UK Limited ("Angus") has in respect of its 5% legal and beneficial interest in the 200 km2 onshore Isle of Wight oil and gas licence (PEDL 331)

On 6th September 2016 the Company announced an Open Offer to raise up to 865,200 (before expenses), Qualifying Shareholders are being offered the opportunity to subscribe for up to 2,471,999,999 Open Offer Shares at a price of 0.00035 per Open Offer Share.

4. Availability of the Interim Report

Copies of the report will be available from the Companys registered office and also from the Companys website www.doriemus.co.uk.
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Empresas Copec S.A.'s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB' and its national scale rating at 'AA-(cl)'. The Rating Outlook remains Stable. A full list of rating actions follows at the end of this release.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

Empresas Copec's 'BBB' rating reflects the strong business position, diversification and sound credit profile of its main operating subsidiaries Celulosa Arauco y Constitucion S.A. (Arauco, IDR 'BBB'/Outlook Negative; National Rating 'AA-(cl)'/Outlook Negative by Fitch), Compania de Petroleos de Chile S.A. (Copec) and Abastecedora de Combustibles S.A. (Abastible). The company also participates in natural gas distribution and the mining industry through minority investments in several companies and joint ventures.

High Leverage at Arauco

Arauco accounted for about 60% of Empresas Copec's EBITDA during the LTM ended June 30, 2016. Arauco's adjusted net debt/EBITDA and total debt/EBITDA ratios for the LTM ended June 30, 2016 were 3.6x and 4.0x, respectively, per Fitch's calculation, and are not consistent with our expectation of fast deleveraging post Montes del Plata pulp mill start-up . Both ratios increased over the year-end net debt/EBITDA of 3.2x and total debt/EBITDA of 3.6x and remain elevated. Leverage increased due to weak pulp prices and the acquisition of a board manufacturer. Further deterioration at Arauco's credit profile could result in pressure to Empresas Copec's rating and/or Rating Outlook.

Acquisitions Impact Consolidated Leverage

The acquisitions made by Abastible in Peru and Ecuador, by Copec in USA and by Arauco in Europe amount to approximately USD1Bn and have resulted in an increase in Empresas Copec's consolidated leverage. Per Fitch's calculation, Empresas Copec's pro-forma Net Debt / EBITDA ratio for 2016 could climb to 2.8x from 2.3x in 2015, leaving Empresas Copec with little head room for new inorganic growth or to face further economic downturns.

Low Holding Company Debt

Empresas Copec, the holding company, had USD421 million of debt as of June 30, 2016 and a strong liquidity position with USD539 million of cash. Empresas Copec services interest expenses on its debt with interest income it receives from its subsidiaries Copec and Abastible, as well as the dividends received from these companies and Arauco. The holding company's debt relates to three bond issuances in the Chilean market. The first one was used to finance the Terpel acquisition during 2009. The second issuance was placed at the end of 2011 and was used to finance the acquisition of Inversiones Nordeste (IN) by Abastible. The last one was issued in November of 2014 and it was used by its subsidiary Copec to prepay debt. A new issuance is being prepared to finance the new acquisition by Abastible.

Strong Track Record of Receiving Dividends

Empresas Copec has maintained a solid track record of dividend payments received from its subsidiaries, Arauco, Copec and Abastible. It has also benefited from cash flow from its minority investment in Metrogas (39% participation). Historically, dividends received by Empresas Copec have averaged around USD350 million per year. Empresas Copec received dividends for USD334 million during the LTM ended on June 2015 and USD329 million during 2015.

KEY ASSUMPTIONS

Fitch's key assumptions within the rating case for Empresas Copec include:

--Consolidated EBITDA margin close to 11%;

--Consolidated Capex, including acquisitions: 2016: 2.0 billion, 2017: 912 million, 2018: USD940 million.

Celulosa Arauco

--Pulp sales volume between 3.6 million tons and 3.8 million tons;

--Softwood prices of USD600 per ton during 2016-2017;

--USD620 million CAPEX in 2016 and USD670 million from 2017.

Copec Combustibles

--EBITDA margin of 4.9% in 2016-2017;

--Maintenance Capex of USD200 million/year, plus investments in MAPCO;

--Total Debt to EBITDA reaching 2.9 in 2016, to decrease to 2.5x in the following years.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

A Negative Outlook or rating downgrade could occur should Empresas Copec's key subsidiaries witness deterioration in their operational profiles, resulting in reduced dividend payments made to their parent company, and fundamentally weaken its capital structure. Such a scenario would also likely result in the similar negative rating action being taken on the subsidiaries in question. A net leverage above 3.0x for a sustained period could trigger a downgrade or a negative rating action.

A positive rating action could occur if Empresas Copec is able to return to exhibit a similar capital structure to the one it maintained historically between 2001 - 2010, with adjusted net debt/EBITDA ratios maintained below 2.0x on a sustained basis.

LIQUIDITY

At both the individual and consolidated levels, Empresas Copec maintains a strong liquidity position. As of June 30, 2016, the company had USD539 million of cash and marketable securities at the holding company level and USD1.6 billion on a consolidated basis. The largest holders of cash at the subsidiary levels are Arauco (USD527 million) and Copec (USD438 million). On a consolidated basis, cash balance covers short-term debt and current maturities by 1.9x.

FULL LIST OF RATING ACTIONS

Empresas Copec

--Foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'BBB';

--Senior unsecured bond line No. 623 and bond program at 'AA-(cl)';

--Senior unsecured bond line No. 624 and bond program at 'AA-(cl)';

--Senior unsecured bond line No.791 and bond program at 'AA-(cl)';

--Senior unsecured bond line No.792 and bond program at 'AA-(cl)';

--Long-term national scale at 'AA-(cl)';

--National Equity Rating at 'Primera Clase Nivel 1'.

Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com.

Applicable Criteria

Criteria for Rating Non-Financial Corporates (pub. 27 Sep 2016)

https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/885629

Additional Disclosures

Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form

https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1012432

Solicitation Status

https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1012432

Endorsement Policy

https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31

ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE.

Copyright  2016 by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. 33 Whitehall Street, NY, NY 10004. Telephone: 1-800-753-4824, (212) 908-0500. Fax: (212) 480-4435. Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. In issuing and maintaining its ratings and in making other reports (including forecast information), Fitch relies on factual information it receives from issuers and underwriters and from other sources Fitch believes to be credible. Fitch conducts a reasonable investigation of the factual information relied upon by it in accordance with its ratings methodology, and obtains reasonable verification of that information from independent sources, to the extent such sources are available for a given security or in a given jurisdiction. The manner of Fitch's factual investigation and the scope of the third-party verification it obtains will vary depending on the nature of the rated security and its issuer, the requirements and practices in the jurisdiction in which the rated security is offered and sold and/or the issuer is located, the availability and nature of relevant public information, access to the management of the issuer and its advisers, the availability of pre-existing third-party verifications such as audit reports, agreed-upon procedures letters, appraisals, actuarial reports, engineering reports, legal opinions and other reports provided by third parties, the availability of independent and competent third- party verification sources with respect to the particular security or in the particular jurisdiction of the issuer, and a variety of other factors. Users of Fitch's ratings and reports should understand that neither an enhanced factual investigation nor any third-party verification can ensure that all of the information Fitch relies on in connection with a rating or a report will be accurate and complete. Ultimately, the issuer and its advisers are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide to Fitch and to the market in offering documents and other reports. In issuing its ratings and its reports, Fitch must rely on the work of experts, including independent auditors with respect to financial statements and attorneys with respect to legal and tax matters. Further, ratings and forecasts of financial and other information are inherently forward-looking and embody assumptions and predictions about future events that by their nature cannot be verified as facts. As a result, despite any verification of current facts, ratings and forecasts can be affected by future events or conditions that were not anticipated at the time a rating or forecast was issued or affirmed.

The information in this report is provided "as is" without any representation or warranty of any kind, and Fitch does not represent or warrant that the report or any of its contents will meet any of the requirements of a recipient of the report. A Fitch rating is an opinion as to the creditworthiness of a security. This opinion and reports made by Fitch are based on established criteria and methodologies that Fitch is continuously evaluating and updating. Therefore, ratings and reports are the collective work product of Fitch and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating or a report. The rating does not address the risk of loss due to risks other than credit risk, unless such risk is specifically mentioned. Fitch is not engaged in the offer or sale of any security. All Fitch reports have shared authorship. Individuals identified in a Fitch report were involved in, but are not solely responsible for, the opinions stated therein. The individuals are named for contact purposes only. A report providing a Fitch rating is neither a prospectus nor a substitute for the information assembled, verified and presented to investors by the issuer and its agents in connection with the sale of the securities. Ratings may be changed or withdrawn at any time for any reason in the sole discretion of Fitch. Fitch does not provide investment advice of any sort. Ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of payments made in respect to any security. Fitch receives fees from issuers, insurers, guarantors, other obligors, and underwriters for rating securities. Such fees generally vary from US$1,000 to US$750,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent) per issue. In certain cases, Fitch will rate all or a number of issues issued by a particular issuer, or insured or guaranteed by a particular insurer or guarantor, for a single annual fee. Such fees are expected to vary from US$10,000 to US$1,500,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent). The assignment, publication, or dissemination of a rating by Fitch shall not constitute a consent by Fitch to use its name as an expert in connection with any registration statement filed under the United States securities laws, the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 of the United Kingdom, or the securities laws of any particular jurisdiction. Due to the relative efficiency of electronic publishing and distribution, Fitch research may be available to electronic subscribers up to three days earlier than to print subscribers.

For Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea only: Fitch Australia Pty Ltd holds an Australian financial services license (AFS license no. 337123) which authorizes it to provide credit ratings to wholesale clients only. Credit ratings information published by Fitch is not intended to be used by persons who are retail clients within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929006407/en/

Fitch Ratings

Primary Analyst

Fernanda Rezende, +55-21-4503-2619

Director

Fitch Ratings Brasil Ltda.

Praca XV de Novembro, 20 - Sala 401 B - Centro - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - CEP: 20010-010

or

Secondary Analyst

Rodolfo Schmauk, +56 2 2499 3341

Associate Director

or

Committee Chairperson

Joe Bormann, CFA, +1-312-368-3349

Managing Director

or

Media Relations, New York

Elizabeth Fogerty, +1-212-908-0526

elizabeth.fogerty@fitchratings.com
Further Dialogue Required As Egypt 4G licences Receive No Bids From Mobile Operators

The GSMA has called for a renewed dialogue between the Egyptian authorities and the countrys mobile industry after the offering of 4G licences failed to attract any bids from Egypts three mobile operators. The GSMA understands the existing mobile operators are ready to support and invest in 4G in Egypt if sufficient spectrum is allocated, at a fair price, so that 4G services can be operated efficiently and enable customers to enjoy significantly faster speeds.

We urge the Egyptian government to increase the amount of spectrum offered to mobile operators to facilitate the speedy roll-out of 4G services in Egypt said John Giusti, GSMAs Chief Regulatory Officer. The GSMA firmly believes revised licence conditions arrived at through a transparent, consultative process with the industry, would better serve consumers and enhance the development of the telecoms sector in Egypt.

It is widely recognised that a sufficient amount of spectrum is a necessity to justify investment into any new 4G network. The International Telecommunication Union emphasises that abundant spectrum will be essential to promoting competition and innovation in telecommunications markets.1

Based on the GSMAs international experience, the total amount of spectrum assigned to each operator for 4G needs to be in the range of 2x30MHz to 2x60MHz, across a range of coverage and capacity bands, with a minimum contiguous bandwidth of 2x10MHz in each band. In contrast, only 2x2.5MHz to 2x5MHz were proposed to mobile operators by the Egyptian authorities in the recent 4G licence offering. It is also essential that the price of spectrum access is appropriate to the national market and takes into account the investment necessary to provide robust networks to enable the delivery of the long-term social and economic benefits of mobile broadband.

-ENDS-

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

1 http://www.ictregulationtoolkit.org

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005074/en/

GSMA

Charlie Meredith-Hardy

+44 7917 298428

CMeredith-Hardy@webershandwick.com

or

GSMA Press Office

pressoffice@gsma.com
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Drunk driving accidents contribute to an exceptionally large number of deaths in the U.S. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)  South Texas strives to bring that 100-percent preventable fatality count to zero. Through its programs, victim services and support groups, families throughout South Texas are able to get the help they need after losing a loved one to drunk driving. Ingram Park Auto Center is recognizing the organization for its efforts by naming it September's IPAC Extra Mile Award winner.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413420

MADD  South Texas is a MADD affiliate program for victims and families throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas. Apart from its impressive fundraising efforts and volunteerism, the South Texas chapter also provides free victim services for those impacted by drugged and drunk driving crashes. These services include emotional support and communication, law and rights education, parole and probation hearing preparation and much more.

Families will be connected with local MADD Victim Advocates and are invited to utilize MADD's Victim/Survivor Helpline at 877-632-3435. Those interested in supporting MADD and its programs can volunteer or provide financial contributions by visiting www.madd.org.

Ingram Park Auto Center is proud to donate $1,000 through its Extra Mile Award program to MADD's South Texas chapter for its work in the San Antonio area.

To learn more about how to nominate an organization or individual for the IPAC Extra Mile Award, contact Ingram Park Auto Center online at www.ipacauto.com or by phone at 855-486-6568. Those interested can also fill out the nomination form, here.

Media Contact: Hope Roth, Ingram Park Auto Center, 855-486-6568, hroth@benson-enterprises.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Ingram Park Auto Center
In the first eight months of 2016, Jotun recorded sales of NOK 10.9 billion and an operating profit of NOK 1.7 billion. To help secure long-term growth, the company continues to pursue investments in new production capacity and product innovation, both in Norway and other key markets.

Jotun recorded a two per cent increase in revenues compared to the same period last year, improving from NOK 1.6 billion to 1.7 billion. While decreased activity in shipbuilding and the offshore sector has impacted sales in the Marine and Protective Coatings segments, growth remains strong in the Decorative Paints segment, especially in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

According to Jotuns President & CEO Morten Fon, Jotuns positive results are notable considering that the year before, the company achieved record results and growth in all segments and regions. Our long-term focus on organic growth and continued investments in emerging economies has proven to be a durable business model, even when market uncertainties impact our business in some segments, he says.

Good profitability

Profitability remains satisfactory, but sales growth eased compared to 2015. This modest growth rate is expected to continue. We anticipate that due to weak demand for new shipping tonnage, slower growth will persist for some time, says Fon. However, we have extensive experience operating in cyclical industries and have taken appropriate steps to maintain our long-term growth trajectory.

Investing in the future

Jotun's investments in the first eight months of 2016 amount to NOK 722 million, up NOK 175 million compared with the same period last year. These figures represent one of the companys largest investment periods on record, equal to about seven per cent of total sales. Investments are related to building new factories in Oman, the Philippines, Malaysia and Myanmar, and new facilities in Norway.

In August we broke ground for new headquarters and research centre here in Sandefjord, says Fon. These new facilities represent our continued investment in Norway and we are confident the new building will not only support product innovation, but create a more attractive work environment for existing staff and help us recruit top talent.

Highlights so far in 2016:

 Revenue growth and good profitability

 Stable raw material prices

 Investments for future growth in Oman, the Philippines, Myanmar and Norway

Financial key figures (NOK million) T1+T2 2016 T1+T2 2015 Change Operating revenues 10 917 10 753 2% Operating profit 1 716 1 630 5% Profit before tax 1 652 1 543 7%

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005703/en/

Jotun

Morten Fon, President & CEO

mobile (+47) 909 19 822

or

Christian Espolin Johnson, Group Communications Director

mobile: (+47) 976 45 494
A timeless task

In the dark confines of a deployable van, a Defense Department unit here provides the production, exploitation and dissemination of U-2 aerial film. To some, the operation could be considered a relic of the Cold War, but to the Airmen of the 9th Intelligence Squadrons Optical Bar Camera Flight, it is the heart and soul of the Air Forces high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission.



Utilizing the Optical Bar Camera, the U-2 has delivered film with high-quality resolution during peacetime and war operations for more than 60 years.



We still process wet film because there is not a digital medium in ISR that can beat it, let alone match it, said Staff Sgt. Tinese Jackson, the 9th IS OBC mission manager. The image quality and the amount of imagery we can capture in one mission cannot be done in a digital format.



OBC imagery flexes its ISR muscles across more than 30 missions per year, but one in particular has a special place in Jacksons heart.



In 2014, OBC imagery was specifically requested because it was the only sensor that could capture the entire area of Mount Sinjar, Iraq, in the timeline required. Trapped on the mountain were 50,000 Yazidi refugees whod fled their homes after the Sinjar massacre, an attack by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant that ended in the slaughter of 5,000 villagers.



Our mission was used to find the refugees and aid in the distribution of food, water and other survival necessities until help could arrive, Jackson said.



Once the film arrived at Beale Air Force Base, products were generated and sent to combatant commanders within 12 hours.



The imagery aided efforts to provide relief to the refugees and was shared with U.S. allies, leading to the liberation of those trapped on the mountain.



Because the film is used in many humanitarian efforts like this one, its crucial the process is executed flawlessly.



We inspect every inch of the film and the copies for damage, to include exposure issues, scratches and anything that would degrade the quality of the images, Jackson said. Our number one priority is to send a product that has high quality imagery and will stand the test of time.



When each roll of OBC film is received by 9th IS aerial imagery production specialists, its roughly 10,500 feet long, weighs about 100 pounds, inside of a light-sealed container. Airmen working in a dark, debris-free environment develop the film, or original negative, using a Versamat 1140 film processor. The machine develops the exposed image and removes any pieces left unexposed by the camera.



Once the film is processed, Airmen swiftly cut it into manageable sections and prep it for printing. The printing process is comprised of annotating any imperfections on the film caused by the camera or Versamat, then duplicating the negative to produce a positive image.



Duplication is vital to the OBC mission because the positive image is the only version of the film that intelligence analysts can exploit.



From start to finish, the complete process takes approximately 12 hours before delivery to OBC geospatial analysts for exploitation.



We are responsible for creating imagery products for combatant commanders downrange, said Senior Airman Rodney, a 9th IS OBC geospatial analyst. We locate any activity on the imagery and research the target to provide a complete analysis package.



Even in an age of seemingly unlimited digital platforms, Capt. Sean Bruderer, the OBC flight commander, said film still superior.



OBC film provides unparalleled broad-area mapping at a fraction of the cost and with better resolution, Bruderer said. It is invaluable imagery, for mapping and reference, to coalition and national partners worldwide in an ongoing fight against adversaries.
The commerce ministry has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire rods from China to protect the interest of domestic players from cheap in-bound shipments. In its preliminary findings, the directorate general of anti-dumping and allied duties (DGAD) has recommended the duty.

DGAD has suggested that for certain Chinese companies, the duty should be the difference between the landed value of the steel products and USD 499 per tonne while for others, it should be the gap between the landed value and USD 538 per tonne.

The duty was recommended on imports of wire rod of alloy or non-alloy steel, which is used in many applications and sectors such as automotive components, welding electrodes, fasteners, including nuts and bolts, nails, railway sleepers, general engineering, binding wires for construction industry and armoured cables.

Steel Authority of India, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Usha Martin and JSW Steel had jointly filed the application to probe the dumping of these products from China. In its findings, DGAD concluded that the product has been exported to India at below the normal value due to which the domestic industry has suffered material injury.

The authority recommends imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty so as to remove the injury to the domestic industry, DGAD said in a notification.

Imports of these steel products have drastically increased to 4,95,732 tonnes during the period of investigation (July- December 2015) from 1,60,582 tonnes in 2012-13. India has already slapped anti-dumping duty on certain cold-rolled flat steel products from four nations, including China and South Korea. While DGAD recommends the duty to be levied, the finance ministry imposes it.

Countries initiate anti-dumping probes to determine if the domestic industry has been hurt by a surge in below-cost imports. As a counter-measure, they impose duties under the multilateral WTO regime.

Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products. India has initiated maximum anti-dumping cases against below-cost imports from China.
Congress and NCP said people of the state will teach Shiv Sena a lesson for refusing to apologise over the cartoon that lampooned the Maratha community. Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant and NCPs heavyweight Ajit Pawar said the Shiv Sena will pay heavily for mocking and belittling the Maratha community, adding that the Saamana cartoonist has been made a scapegoat by the saffron party.

This stand has exposed Shiv Senas double standards of making people apologise forcibly, said Sawant, while taking press conference at Gandhi Bhavan.

People of the state will teach Shiv Sena a lesson for refusing to apologise for the cartoon lampooning the Maratha community, he said.

Sawant also hit out at Yuva Sena cub Aaditya Thackeray for saying that the Opposition parties politicised the cartoon.

In November 2013, the Yuva Sena cadre had made a college professor give a written apology for asking Who Aaditya Thackeray?. In 2010, Aaditya had forced Mumbai University to withdraw a book from its curriculum just because it contained criticism of Shiv Sena, he charged.

Meanwhile, addressing reporters Pawar said, People from across the political spectrum agree that the demands of the Maratha community are valid. At a time when they are organising peaceful and silent protests, the Sena is busy mocking and belittling them. I am hundred per cent sure that they will pay a very high price for doing this.

While the cartoonist has expressed his regret, everybody knows that it is the editor of the newspaper, who is finally responsible for ensuring that no content that hurts sentiments gets published in his newspaper, or does not cause a law and order problem. In this case, the cartoonist was merely made a bali ka bakra (scapegoat), he said.

Saamana Executive Editor Sanjay Raut had said that there was no reason for him to apologise and that the cartoon had not caused any kind of dent or electoral damage to the party.

Pawar further said the NCP has not yet got into an alliance with the Congress for the upcoming local body polls.

We are still in the process of a dialogue and no concrete decision has been taken as yet. But, this is clearwe want an alliance that gives us a respectable share of seats, he said.

We will not back any Congress candidate until we have fixed a formula. If the Congress puts up its candidates without a consensus, we will put ours as well, Pawar added.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi arrived in Guwahati on Thursday to appear before a local court in a defamation case filed against him by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He went all guns blazing at them for their ideology, saying he will not be deterred and will continue to fight for the poor, unemployed youth, for the unity and harmony of this country, no matter how many cases are filed against him.

I have always been against the ideology of RSS. Not just RSS, but every other organisation which aims at dividing the nation. I am for the unity of this country, he said.

These people (RSS) want that I dont fight for the farmers, but I cant do that. It is in my DNA, it is inside me. I am not scared. I will not be deterred. I am happy let them put as many cases against me as they want, he said.

Accusing the government of working for the betterment of only 10-15 people, Gandhi said acche din (good days) have come only for those people while farmers, labourers and the unemployed are sad.

However, Gandhi was appeared as an accused before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Kamrup and was granted Personal Recognisance (PR) bond as he appeared personally and in deference to his status as a Member of Parliament, his lawyer Anshuman Bora said outside the high security Court.

We had filed a bail application for him but as Rahul Gandhi appeared in person the court allowed him to go on PR bond. The next date of hearing has been fixed for November 5, Bora said.

The complainant was Bibhag Chanchalak of RSS, Anjan Boras, counsel Bijon Mahajan told journalists, We did not oppose the bail application as per the complainants advice.

CJM Sanjoy Hazarika in his August 6 order had stated. The statement of Rahul Gandhi so published in dailies as well as in media appears to be defamatory in nature

And, therefore, the complainant prima facie fulfils the ingredients of Section 499 IPC. And accordingly I find sufficient material to proceed against Rahul Gandhi to face trial under Section 500 IPC. Section 500 of the IPC contains quantum of punishment which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.
The Indian Army struck along a giant arc on the Line of Control (LoC) early on Thursday morning, staging what it described as surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch-pads inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Surgical strikes were based on specific intelligence input of terror groups ready to infiltrate into India and carry out terror attacks.

The operation, which lasted from 12:30 am-4:30 am, took place 2 km-3 km across LoC.

The operation by the Indian Army has left Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif rattled. Pakistan has dismissed as fabrication of truth Indias claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC, terming it as a quest by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as a surgical strike.

In military textbooks, a surgical strike refers to an attack that causes damage to its intended target not to a mode of assault.

Significant casualties have been caused in these strikes, DGMO Lt General Ranbir Singh said adding, the operation has now ended.

The strikes targeted the terrorists and those backing them, the DGMO said.

Despite our persistent appeals to Pakistan to not allow territory under its control to be used for terrorist activities, nothing was done, the DGMO said.

Pakistans military said that two of its soldiers were killed when troops exchanged fire across the Line of Control in an engagement which began at 2:30 a.m. and ended at 8:00a.m. In a later statement, it denied any strikes had taken place across the Line of Control (LoC), claiming instead that there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is an existential phenomenon.

There were no Indian casualties during the strikes.

We do not have any plans to continue. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared to deal with any contingency which may arise. I have spoken to Pakistani DGMO and expressed our concern. It is Indias intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but we cannot certainly allow terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack our citizens, said the DGMO.

India tried to solve the situation from the Uri attack at the diplomatic level but did not receive an adequate response, he said. Earlier on Thursday morning, Army officials briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the srcurity situation at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. A meeting the Prime Minister due to thold on reviewing the MFN status to Pakistan was postponed to next week, the Prime Ministers Office said.

In a statement on its website, the DG-ISPR of the Pakistani army said that there had been a major exchange of fire overnight, in which two Pakistani rangers were killed. Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel and Lipa sectors which started at 0230 and continued till 0800 the Pakistani military spokesperson claimed.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ctivist Irom Sharmila, who has decided to contest Manipur Assembly elections, scheduled to be held next year, wants the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to campaign for her. Sharmila had met Kejriwal in Delhi and sought his advice on how to defeat rival political parties. She would not only require his moral support, but also want his volunteers to work for her and assure her win in the elections.

Last year, Kejriwal had successfully campaigned in Bihar for the Mahagatbandhan led by Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Nitish Kumar. While spelling out reasons for seeking support from Kejriwal, Sharmila said he has cracked the code of winning elections against established parties. His party has defeated most powerful and corrupt parties in elections. Kejriwal has emerged as a leader and has developed a knack of winning elections. She ruled out any possibility of joining hands with any other political party in her home state.

Since November 2000  when soldiers from the Assam Rifles shot dead 10 civilians, Sharmila was on fast, refusing to eat or drink. Charged with attempting suicide, she has been repeatedly arrested, detained and force-fed through nasal tubes. But she has continued on the difficult path of protest even when the state has shown no signs of surrendering. Her fast was a shame on us. The fact which she chose to end her fast is just a last straw that means it is our failure. We have failed to listen to our own citizens. We failed to address their anguish and forced them to choose the path that she never intended.

For16 long years, she was on a hunger strike. Her illusion gave her reply, which the peaceful protest is no longer going to work. If Sharmila has to bring change, she should enter politics. Her peaceful and painful act of protest and self-denial would push the state towards diminishing the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur. Sharmila, who was 28 at the time of Malom Massacre, began to fast in protest. Her primary demand to the Indian government has been the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). She began her fast in Malom on 5 November that year, and vowed not to eat, drink, comb her hair or look in a mirror until AFSPA was repealed.

Three days after Sharmila began her strike, she was arrested by the police and charged with an attempt to commit suicide, which was unlawful under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at that time, and was later transferred to judicial custody. Her health deteriorated rapidly, and nasogastric intubation was forced on her from 21 November in order to keep her alive while under arrest. Sharmila has been regularly released and re-arrested every year since her hunger strike began.

By 2004, Sharmila had become an icon of public resistance. Following her procedural release on 2 October 2006 Irom went to Raj Ghat, New Delhi. Later that evening, Sharmila headed towards Jantar Mantar for a protest demonstration where she was joined by students, human rights activists and other concerned citizens. Thirty women protested naked in support of Sharmila in front of the Assam Rifles headquarters. They held a banner saying Indian Army rape us and all of them were imprisoned for three months.

On 6 October, she was re-arrested by the Delhi police for attempting suicide and was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, where she wrote letters to the then Prime Minister, then President, and then Home Minister. At this time, she met and won the support of Nobel-laureate Shirin Ebadi, who promised her to take up her cause at the United Nations Human Rights Council. In 2011, she invited Anna Hazare to visit Manipur. Hazare sent two of his representatives to meet her but he was not physically present there.

In October 2011, the Manipur Pradesh All India Trinamool Congress announced their support for Sharmila and called on party Chief Mamata Banerjee to help repeal the AFSPA. The Communist Party of India (MarxistLeninist) (CPI ML) also stated its support for her and for repeal of AFSPA, calling for nationwide agitation. In November, at the end of the eleventh year of her fast, Sharmila again called on then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to repeal the law. On 3rd November, 100 women formed a human chain in Ambari to show support for Sharmila, while other civil society groups staged a 24-hour fast in a show of solidarity. She has only met her mother once since the start of the fast as seeing her mothers anguish may break her resolve. On March 28, 2016, she was released from judicial custody as a local court in Imphal rejected a charge against her. Her battle between court, jail and protest continued till today but now that has taken a new twist. Finally, she ended her fast for the cause and to contest Manipur election.

All these years, the issue she raised is quick to be forgotten by the media and the people of this country by and large with very few exceptions. I hope, she realizes her goals through the electoral process and improves the lives of Manipurs people.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
According to them, India has sent a stern message to Pakistan that it adopts a zero tolerance policy against terrorism.



Netizens and former retired army personnel lauded the Modi government and Indian army for carrying out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control. Many of them congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi under whose leadership the entire operation was conducted successfully. They said that the strike will send across a stern message to Pakistan that India adopts a zero tolerance policy against terrorism. Relation between both the nation had turned sour in the aftermath of the Uri terror attack incident which claimed the lives of 18 jawans.

Earlier Modi had warned Pakistan that the Uri attack will not be forgotten and the sacrifice of jawans will not go in vain. India also has taken several steps like skipping the SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad and received the backing of Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. According to sources said the operation was a combination of heliborne and ground forces, and seven terror launch pads were destroyed in the strike across LoC.

Sapna Mishra posted, India has given a tough lesson to Pakistan. Now the country feels safe and proud under Narendra Modis leadership.

Angry Indian Chikna said, #SurgicalStrike on Pakistan is nothing but Indian Armys Swachh Bharat campaign conducted on PoK.

Ramesh Seth said, Pakistan thinks that we are a soft state and dont retaliate. However through this attack we have given a befitting reply to them. The government could have conducted the operation earlier.

Mohit Gulati posted, And a two minute silence for all those who were questioning 56 inches! We are proud of Modis leadership and his vision.

Sanjay Paswan posted, Modi is the leader who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. Kudos to the Indian armed forces for conducting a successful operation.

A retired army personnel said, India has conducted this operation without violating international laws. This attack only shows that we are strong and capable of defending ourselves. I dont think that the attack has been delayed as such type of operation requires through planning.

Through this attack we have sent message to the world that we can give a befitting reply to Pakistan. I salute the jawans who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation, said another personnel

Tajinder Pal S Bagga said, Today is an important day to understand this. More than 12 hours after Indian action, no country has condemned it.

Shefali Vaidya said, Feeling nostalgic at Nawaz Sharief saying dont mistake our restraint for weakness. Feels like good old Maunmohan days!

Lok Jan Shakti Party leader Chirag Paswan said, Extremely proud of our soldiers & our leader Narendra Modi for giving a befitting reply to terrorism.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, Our leader Narendra Modiji has shown that were a strong nation and dont tolerate terrorism.

Significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those trying to shield them. We dont have a plan to further conduct such strikes. India has spoken to Pakistan, DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said.
As per a RTI filed by activist Anil Galgali it was revealed that despite rising complaints against the Vice-Chancellors of all universities in Maharashtra the Governors secretariat doesnt maintain a separate file for recording complaints. Galgali had sought information from the Governors secretariat regarding all complaints received by it against Vice-Chancellors of Universities in Maharashtra. PP Lumball, Under Secretary and Public Information Officer in the Education department within the Governors secretariat rejected the RTI query filed by Galgali stating that the information sought is general in nature since it does not mention any particular Vice Chancellor regarding whom the data is required.

Moreover, the office doesnt maintain a record file for preserving the complaints against Vice Chancellors of the Universities. Lumball has further informed that, if a query is raised regarding any specific complaint against a particular Vice Chancellor, in that case it would be able to provide whatever information which may be available with them. Galgali has filed a 1st appeal with Deputy Secretary of the Governor, Primal Singh against the claim of the Public Information Officer.

He further claimed, The Governor is the Chancellor of all the Universities in Maharashtra and further has an Education department within its Secretariat hence its claim that a file to record complaints against Vice Chancellors is not maintained by the office is surprising and non-convincing.








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Date: 13 September, 2016.

Place: Franklin Springs, State of Georgia, United States.

On 13 September, a very strange event occurred in the beautiful city of Franklin Springs, United States. According to an anonymous report published on 25 September on UFO specialised website MUFON.com, a bright, star-like object was seen hovering above the Georgian town.

[I was] sitting in a grassy field with a friend, looking at stars. We noticed a very bright star at the horizon which we had not noticed in the past hour, the witness affirmed. We asked ourselves had that been there the whole time? We then started to realize it wasn't a star because it was rising from the horizon line fairly quickly for a star, he continued.

At first sight, both friends thought it could be an airplane, but as it slowly came overhead we noticed the brightest light had 4 dimmer lights around it, like a square and a bright light in the middle, the report states.

It was also mentioned the fact that the alleged UFO did not emit any sound. It seemed the lights were too close for a craft to be so silent, a plane is often audible from a much further distance.

It kept on moving overhead until it met the opposite horizon, the unnamed witness affirmed. My friend hoped it was a plane but we both felt that didn't make sense. It scared her, he added.

The witness also reacted with consternation about this sighting. He said he could not find a logical explanation to it. I felt certain it was not a plane but couldn't identify what else it may be, he expressed. We first spotted it at about 11:30 and it had reached the opposite horizon at about 12:10. We were both confused and curious at this sighting, he commented.

Finally, a few moments after seeing this object, a plane was seen moving across the sky. This gave the witness an opportunity to establish a comparison between both craft. That plane was flying much higher and the plane lights were vastly different, plus I could hear the plane, he said. The comparison made it clear to me that we had not seen a plane earlier. It must have been something else. I just don't know what.

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: https://mufoncms.com/cgi-bin/report_handler.pl?req=view_long_desc&id=79389&rnd=

Long Description of Sighting Report

Sitting in a grassy field with a friend. Looking at stars. We noticed a very bright star at the horizon which we had not noticed in the passed hour. We asked ourselves "had that been there the whole time?" We then started to realize it wasn't a star because it was rising from the horizon line fairly quickly for a star. We thought maybe it's a plane but as it slowly came overhead we noticed the brightest light had 4 dimmer lights around it. Like a square and a bright light in the middle. It seemed the lights were too close for a craft to be so silent, a plane is often audible from a much further distance. But the body of the craft was almost impossible to see, may have been a vague outline. It kept on moving overhead until it it met the opposite horizon. My friend hoped it was a plane but we both felt that didn't make sense. It scared her. I felt certain it was not a plane but couldn't identify what else it may be. We first spotted it at about 11:30 and it had reach the opposite horizon at about 12:10. We were both confused and curious at this sighting. I kept saying "that is NO plane I have ever seen before. It's too quiet for how low it is. If a plane was low enough to see its lights so evidently you'd hear it, easily."

I pointed out a plane maybe 20 after loosing sight of the lights. That plane was flying much higher and the plane lights were vastly different, plus I could hear the plane. The comparison made it clear to me that we had not seen a plane earlier. It must have been something else. I just don't know what.

We tried to capture a photo or video but our phones couldn't manage to clearly get the lights.

I drew a digital sketch to demonstrate the shape of the lights and size.








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Date: 18 September, 2016.

Place: Radcliffe, Great Manchester Area, United Kingdom.

On 22 September, British online newspaper Express published a very interesting report about an unusual event that occurred five days before, on 18 September, in the town of Radcliffe, United Kingdom. According to this report, a circular, silver shape was seen hovering in the sky in broad daylight.

Father-of-two and photographer Peter Lee (55) was watching the sky and the planes flying by with his daughters while waiting to board the tram, when they spotted the alleged UFO. It was thousands of feet up in the air, higher than some of the planes, and was moving very, very slowly, he expressed. It was so unusual looking I made sure I took a couple of pictures.

Mr Lee commented that many people have told him it was a helium balloon. A lot of people have said it's a helium balloon, but they don't go that far. When you look at the pictures, it's right above the clouds, he said.

He also affirmed that he was able to photograph this strange object since he always carries his camera wherever he goes. My daughters take the mickey that I always have my Canon camera with me - it comes with me everywhere, he commented. "They laugh because I take pictures of everything - so they weren't surprised I took this.

The Radcliffe citizen thinks this unknown object might actually be a real UFO, but he does not believe these images could reveal the existence of extraterrestrial life. I joked to the girls that it could be a UFO, they said 'yeah right, he asserted. But it could possibly be that - a UFO is something that's unidentified and we don't know what this is, he added.

On this event, UFO researcher and writer Scott C Waring, of UFO Sightings Daily expressed: This UFO is very similar to the UFO seen on top of the World Trade Center Memorial light back on Sept 11, 2016. The shape and size would match. It looks like a person in a white cloak and a hoodie looking down at the ground.

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: http://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/2016/09/man-spots-ufo-over-city-in-uk-on-sept.html

Man Spots UFO Over City In UK On Sept 18, 2016, UFO Sighting News.

Date of sighting: Sept 18, 2016

Location of sighting: Radcliffe, UK

News Source: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/713277/picture-shows-UFO-flying-sky-day

This UFO is very similar to the UFO seen on top of the World Trade Center Memorial light back on Sept 11, 2016. The shape and and size would match. It looks like a person in a white cloak and a hoodie looking down at the ground.

Scott C. Waring

News states:

Peter Lee, from Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, was out at 2pm on September 18 with his daughters when he spotted the circular silver shape hovering in the sky.

The trio were watching planes fly overhead as they waited to catch a tram when the unidentified object drifted into sight and left them open mouthed.

Mr Lee, 57, said: "We always look at planes as they fly over and then there it was - we all saw it.

"It was thousands of feet up in the air, higher than some of the planes, and was moving very, very slowly.

"It was so unusual looking I made sure I took a couple of pictures.

"A lot of people have said it's a helium balloon, but they don't go that far.

"When you look at the pictures it's right above the clouds."

It's like everything else, such as ghosts, you don't believe it until you see it.

Keen amateur photographer Mr Lee said that his camera goes everywhere with him, much to his daughters' mirth.

Mr Lee said: "My daughters take the mickey that I always have my Canon camera with me - it comes with me everywhere.

"They laugh because I take pictures of everything - so they weren't surprised I took this." Declassified MOD files released in 2013 revealed that UFO reports had been made in several areas of Greater Manchester over the years, including Radcliffe.








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Date: 24 September, 2016.

Place: Azle, State of Texas, United States.

Three days ago, on 24 September, a very occurred in the small town of Azle, Texas, United States. According to an anonymous report published on UFO specialised website MUFON.com, a rectangular box with a fireball suspended beneath it was seen moving across the Texan sky.

I stepped onto my front porch and saw what I thought was someone shooting off fireworks to the Southeast, the witness related. Then, a fireball rose rapidly and gently slowed its upward movement, he continued. As it slowed its ascent I waited for it to explode, but it began traveling towards me.

He immediately decided to call his wife so as to confirm what he was witnessing. I called my wife to come, and she came, he said. She says all she saw was the fireball, none of the other features I saw.

In reference to those features he could see, he said: I watched [it] and thought perhaps it is a hot air balloon as it reminded me of a Japanese lantern. It had a white rectangular box shape with the fireball suspended beneath it. I'm thinking it was the propane flames they use to heat the air in the balloon, but it was a very red colour flame that I thought was unusual for that, he expressed. Additionally, The object made no sound, had no wings, no rotor, left no contrail or smoke trail and the fire could be seen from all angles.

He also described the fireball: The fireball was bright red and seemed to pulse slightly, but it looked to me like the flame was reaching upward.

Finally, the object continued moving across the sky until it disappearing behind a group of clouds. In a matter of seconds it passed over my house headed Northwest. We ran around the house and continued watching it until it was hidden by some clouds. Judging by other aircraft we normally see in our area, it travelled faster than a commercial airliner, but slower than the military jets that pass here now and then, the Texan citizen asserted.

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: https://mufoncms.com/cgi-bin/report_handler.pl?req=view_long_desc&id=79374&rnd=

Long Description of Sighting Report

I stepped onto my front porch and saw what I thought was someone shooting off fireworks to the Southeast. A fireball rise rapidly and gently slowed its upward movement. As it slowed it's ascent I waited for it to explode, but it began traveling toward me. I called to my wife to come see, and she came. I watched and thought perhaps it is a hot air balloon as it reminded me of a Japanese lantern. It had a white rectangular box shape with the fireball suspended beneath it. I'm thinking it was the propane flames they use to heat the air in the balloon, but it was a very red color flame that I thought was unusual for that. The fireball was bright red and seemed to pulse slightly, but it looked to me like the flame was reaching upward. When my wife arrived, it was much closer. She says all she saw was the fireball, none of the other features I saw. In a matter of seconds it passed over my house headed Northwest. We ran around the house and continued watching it until it was hidden by some clouds. Judging by other aircraft we normally see in our area, it traveled faster than a commercial airliner, but slower than the military jets that pass here now and then. The object made no sound, had no wings, no rotor, left no contrail or smoke trail and the fire could be seen from all angles. The whole event lasted maybe just over a minute, if that long.








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Date: 25 September, 2016.

Place Swindon, Wiltshire County, United Kingdom.

On 25 September, the city of Swindon, England, was the scene of a very strange event. According to an article published on local online news site Swindon Advertiser, dozens of people affirmed having seen three brilliantly white lights hovering above the English town.

Graham Woodward was driving home near Westcott Place with his son Stefan, 18, at 8.19pm when three brilliantly white lights in the shape of a triangle with a red light in the centre appeared in the sky, the news states. Mr Woodward, 62, is convinced it was not a commercial plane nor a military craft, since it had no blinking navigation lights. It certainly was unlike any flying object that I have ever witnessed before, he said.

According to the 62 year-old engineer, the small aircraft only hovered for around three minutes before it veered to the left and vanished out of sight.

Another witness, Mr Richard Newton, also witnessed the same object. He recorded it. It was not a drone, he commented.

An unnamed resident added: we saw those three lights in the sky about 8.20pm coming back from West Swindon near Kingshill Road. It was definitely three bright white lights and it didnt look like an aircraft.

However, in spite of these testimonies, some people still show some scepticism about this sighting. Many have suggested that it was a C-17 Globemaster, which is a large military transport aircraft. But Mr Woodward disagrees: I definitely saw a triangular shaped craft over Westcott Place which is nothing like a Globemaster in shape.

On this event, UFO researcher and writer Scott C Waring, of UFO Sightings Daily, thinks that it could be related to some sort of military secret project. America uses other countries to test fly their top secret projects. Like the Aurora Project back in 1990s testing out the TR3B, or Dudly Dorito they called it in the UK, he expressed. Well, the US has never stopped and test flights might have, but training pilots to fly them has continued, as you can see from this TR3B training flight, he continued.

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: http://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/2016/09/swindon-uk-ufo-raw-footage-sparks-fears.html

Swindon, UK UFO raw footage sparks fears of aliens. Sept 2016, Video, UFO Sighting News.

Date of sighting: Sept 2016

Location of sighting: Swindon, UK

News source: http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/14766789.WATCH__Swindon_UFO_footage_sparks_more_confirmed_sightings/

America uses other countries to test fly their top secret projects. Like the Aurora Project back in 1990s testing out the TR3B, or Dudly Dorito they called it in the UK. Well, the US has never stopped and test flights might have, but training pilots to fly them has continued, as you can see from this TR3B training flight.

Scott C. Waring

News states:

FOOTAGE of a mysterious flying object seen in Swindons skies by dozens of residents on Sunday has prompted more confirmed sightings and sparked speculation over what it could be.

As reported in the Adver yesterday, former BT engineer Graham Woodward was driving home near Westcott Place with his son Stefan, 18, at 8.19pm when three brilliantly white lights in the shape of a triangle with a red light in the centre appeared in the sky.

The 62-year-old of Nelson Street is convinced it was not a drone nor a military or commercial aircraft as it had no blinking navigation lights. He could also not hear the sound of an engine when he wound his window down.

It certainly was unlike any flying object that I have ever witnessed before, he said.

The small aircraft only hovered for around three minutes before it veered to the left and vanished out of sight. Graham was so perplexed he even called police on 101 to report what he had seen.

And yesterday Richard Newton shared a video with the Adver of what he describes as strange lights hovering above Liden at the same time on Sunday as Graham spotted the mystery triangular object.

It was not a drone, Richard said.

However, after viewing the video Graham says what he saw was slightly different as the red light in the centre was not flashing but he noted the similarities of the three bright lights in a triangle.

While an Old Walcot resident, who phoned the newsroom after reading the article about Grahams sighting, said: Hes not a crank, me and my wife saw it too.

We saw those three lights in the sky about 8.20pm coming back from West Swindon near Kingshill Road. It was definitely three bright white lights and it didnt look like an aircraft.

Another added: I saw something like that last year for several weeks in the Greenmeadow area while delivering newspapers at about 6am to 6.30am. It would just stay in one spot then it just vanished.

However, many have taken to the Advers Facebook page to dispel suggestions the video shows a UFO, instead some believe it was a C-17 Globemaster, which is a large military transport aircraft, possibly heading to Brize Norton.

One person said: My boyfriend is in love with planes and he said it's a c17 as it has a red flashing light.

Another added: I can confirm from radar data that it was an RAF c17 at 8:20pm on Sunday night.

But Graham is not convinced. He said: I definitely saw a triangular shaped craft over Westcott Place which is nothing like a Globemaster in shape.

Having just searched the internet there seen to be very many accounts and pictures of exactly what I saw last Sunday night.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2016 - If the House and Senate succeed in getting a comprehensive energy bill over the finish line this year, it will be thanks to some serious assists from the sidelines  and a no surrender letter from eight Republican senators.

As backroom negotiations continue over competing House and Senate energy bills, the senators sent a letter on Sept. 23 to the leaders of the three Senate and House energy and natural resources committees stating that they consider the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) a top policy priority in the context of the Energy bill and believe maintaining this provision is crucial to advancing a conference report through the Senate. Signing the letter were Richard Burr of North Carolina, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Steve Daines of Montana, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rob Portman of Ohio.

In their letter, the GOP senators explain that permanent LWCF reauthorization is essential for ensuring that this highly successful program continues to meet communities conservation needs while helping to protect and maintain our shared heritage and is essential for protecting much-needed access for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.

The senators insistence on permanent reauthorization faces strong opposition from House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop, R-Utah, one of the 47 energy bill conferees. Bishops position is that the LWCF needs reform as supported by the House to shift more control to the states  and not made untouchable through the Senate bills proposed permanent authorization.

The letter points out that a Senate floor amendment to reform LWCF and not provide permanent authorization was voted down decisively by a wide bipartisan margin.

Another tough issue that still needs to be dealt with by the conferees before being turned over to staffers for fine-tuning is Western water provisions. Its an issue raising hackles as both a question of state versus federal control and a drought-driven question of environmental concerns versus providing enough water for the energy industry, agriculture, and cities.

Pointing to both the Wests water issues and LWCF reauthorization as the leading big ticket items that need to be resolved, one aide involved in the negotiations told Agri-Pulse that at this point there have not been substantive meetings at the member level on these matters. While several staffers insist that discussions are ongoing and positive, another staff member told us that the negotiations remain amicable but negotiations dont seem to be moving in any direction, or in any direction very quickly.

Given sharp differences between the House energy bill that generally favors increased fossil fuel production and use and the Senates more bipartisan approach highlighting the importance of conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, its no surprise that Senate Energy Committee Chair Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, welcomes outside support.

Addressing an Alliance to Save Energy meeting last week, Murkowski called on Alliance members to help us advertise the good things in the Senates Energy Policy Modernization Act, S. 2012. She asked members to either write or sign onto an official letter of support  for the energy bill and to write op-eds expressing your support for a successful conference report.

Murkowski warned that if Congress fails to pass an energy bill this year, the entire years-long process will start from scratch in 2017. So she asked Alliance members to remind us on the Hill, us lawmakers, that this is an imperative, this is something that we have to get done before Congress wraps up at the end of this year.

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Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan responded to Murkowskis appeal by saying that based on the senators commitment to bipartisanship, you dont want to bet against her. Callahan expects a strong energy bill to be signed into law this year. But to help make it happen, shes working hard to mobilize support for the Senate bill.

In her latest email appeal, Callahan asks the Alliances 60,000 Efficiency NOW Advocates to write their members of Congress and make the point that the energy efficiency provisions that are in the Senate version of the energy bill that is being conferenced right now can save you and your fellow citizens $60 billion on your energy bills while also creating tens of thousands of new jobs and avoiding 1.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions.

Callahan tells Agri-Pulse that the poison-pill efficiency provisions that are in the House bill remain a serious challenge. But shes confident a good energy bill will be signed into law this year thanks to a sincere effort from people on both sides of the aisle and an intent to get a bipartisan bill, to get something that can be signed by the president. She cautions, however, that the public must continue to push lawmakers hard because unless they believe that people care and are watching what they are doing, and were telling them what we want to see in that bill, they may just run out of steam, or think this is too hard and not worth the effort.

Also at the Alliance meeting, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., one of the 47 energy bill conferees, said that despite partisan differences and the competing provisions in the House and Senate energy bills, he expects the conferees to complete a bill this year that will be beneficial for the country, beneficial for energy efficiency.

Kinzinger pointed out that while hes committed to nuclear power  with eight reactors in his district, the most of any district in the country  hes equally committed to all energy, whether it is traditional sources of energy, natural gas and oil, whether its solar, whether its wind. But he said to take full advantage of Americas vast array of energy, lawmakers need to compromise in writing the energy bill. Sometimes getting 80 percent of what I want or 70 percent of what I want or advancing my agenda a little bit and allowing the other side to advance their agenda a little bit, he said, is the best way to do government.

Kinzinger concluded by telling Alliance members that coming out to Washington, D.C., having your voice heard on these issues, talking about this in a bipartisan perspective even though each of you here have your own partisan leanings, and being able to say this is something that is in the broad national security of our country makes a huge difference. With that kind of support, he said hes optimistic that we can get to a bipartisan solution, to sign an energy bill into law this year.

#30

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CHENGDU - Fasten your seat belt, because China's air industry is ready to take off!

The numbers of China's international air passengers and new international air routes both increased by more than 30 percent in 2015, according to statistics released at the World Route Development Forum, which concluded Tuesday in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan.

At the four-day forum, Shuangliu International Airport of Chengdu inked deals to launch nine regular direct international flights, while the southern metropolis of Guangzhou had negotiations with more than 30 airline companies.

China's air market has picked up speed in recent years. Its air routes to Europe and North American have increased from a mere 15 in 2009 to 235 in 2016, linking 14 Chinese cities, many of which are second-tier, inland cities, according to Richard Evans, senior consultant at Flight Ascend Consultancy.

By the end of 2015, 20 Chinese airlines had flights linking China and 138 cities in other countries and regions, and 129 foreign entities operated flights from 126 cities overseas to 57 Chinese cities, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

"These (figures) show business insiders' great interest and growing confidence in the future of China's civil aviation industry," said CAAC deputy head Dong Zhiyi.

Skyrocketing industry

With China's air industry development gaining speed, aeronautical specialists say the sky is the limit for aviation in the world's most populous country.

China's outbound passengers stood at 120 million last year, allowing many foreign airlines to launch flights to China, said Zheng Lei, director of the center for aviation research at the University of Surrey in Britain.

"If the current trend continues, by 2034, there will be 14,000 more planes flying to Asia," Lei said.

Vinoop Goel, Asia-Pacific regional director of airport, passenger, cargo and security at the International Air Transport Association, said that China is one of the world's major five markets, and with such growth potentials it will likely surpass the United States.

The western inland is particularly a magnet for those looking to enter the Chinese market.

Take Sichuan for example. In 2015, the province's total economic output exceeded three trillion yuan ($450 billion), making it sixth nationwide. So far, 278 of the top 500 global companies and 70 percent of the world's most renowned brands have offices in the provincial capital Chengdu.

During the forum, Chongqing Airport Group, in neighboring Chongqing Municipality, spoke with more than 30 foreign airliners, while Yunnan Airport Group agreed to cooperate with multiple airline companies in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as reaching out to airlines from Europe, the United States and Japan.

"The economic growth rates posted by Chinese provinces and cities are amazing and we are very excited to enhance cooperation," said Khalil Lamrabet, director of Dubai airports aviation business development. "We expect to bring more tourists and more job opportunities [to Chongqing]."

But with the opportunities have emerged some challenges.

Vinoop said that the major obstacle was transporting capacity; the ability to carry increasing numbers of passengers.

"If transporting capacity is insufficient, the industry will suffer," he said. "To solve this problem, airports and airlines must enhance coordination."

Hou Wei, vice president of Hainan Airlines, said that it was necessary to coordinate air transportation policies, air traffic control and airport services, if the industry is to become stronger.

Meanwhile, aviation specialists say that airline companies, airports and tourism authorities should improved communication to address the problem of flight delays.

"In the past few years, we have had very close cooperation with airline companies and reduced flight delays," said Susan Kurland, deputy commissioner for air service development with Chicago Department of Aviation. "We also stepped up investment in the aviation industry, improved efficiency in terminals, and built many hotels near airports to meet the demand of our customers."
Air Canada has announced that it is to add six new destinations to its network next year.

The Air Canada summer 2017 schedule will include the following new long-haul connections: Toronto  Mumbai; Vancouver  Taipei (subject to government approvals); Toronto  Berlin; and Vancouver  Nagoya, as well as seasonal links to Algiers and Marseille from Montreal.

The Mumbai connection will consist of a three times a week service from Toronto. The non-stop, year-round service will be operated from July 1 next year by Boeing 787-9 equipment.

The Vancouver  Taipei connection will launch on June 8, and will also be operated by B787-9s.

The Berlin and Nagoya links will be seasonal, both launching on June 1 and both operated by B767-300ERs of Air Canada Rouge.

"Were pleased to offer cargo service to these new destinations around the world. Cities like Mumbai and Taipei are welcome additions to our international network. "Air Canada Cargo is a truly global carrier, with the ability to move shipments directly on Air Canadas network and beyond, " said Lise-Marie Turpin, Vice President, Cargo.

This growth represents very exciting opportunities for us and our customers, especially as it is in combination with the expansion of our new freighter network.

The Berlin link will be flown four times a week, the Nagoya connection also three times a week until the frequency increases to four times weekly during August and September.

Two new seasonal destinations will also be added to Air Canadas international network out of Montreal. The new non-stop services, Montreal  Algiers and Montreal  Marseille will launch in June next year, although the Montreal-Algiers operation remains subject to government approvals.

The announcement from the Canadian flag-carrier of these new routes follows hard on the heels of Air Canadas recently announced decision to launch a new connection to Shanghai from Montreal.

In addition to our recently announced Montreal  Shanghai service, these new destinations further expand our global reach from Montreal, reinforcing Montreal-Trudeau as a strategic hub for all of eastern Canada and the northeastern US, said Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines for Air Canada.

The service to Algiers, launching on June 26, will be the only non-stop flight by a Canadian carrier between Montreal and the North African city.

The route will be flown four times a week and the city will be the carriers second destination in Africa.

Air Canada has confirmed that its Casablanca connection returns to its network on April 19 next year.

The link will be operated on a year-round basis with three flights a week, the frequency increasing to a daily service in June 2017 and then continuing with three flights a week during the winter season.

Meanwhile, the Marseille service, to inaugurate on June 9, will be the only non-stop flight operated by a network carrier between Marseille and North America. It will further expand Air Canadas reach in France by complementing existing services to Paris, Lyon and Nice.

Both new seasonal routes will be operated by Air Canada Rouge with Boeing 767-300ER equipment.

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September 27, 2016

On Sept. 27, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent an official letter to the supreme leader of Iran announcing that he will not run as a candidate in the May 19 presidential election.

In his letter, Ahmadinejad referred to an Aug. 30 meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and wrote, You recommended that it is not suitable at this time for me to participate in the elections. Therefore, I have declared my obedience.  I have no plans to compete in next years election.

Ahmadinejad, who served as president from 2005 to 2013, also thanked the supreme leader for his public lecture on Sept. 26 in which Khamenei indirectly referred to this meeting. Khamenei recounted that he was approached by a gentleman whom he did not consider suitable for candidacy, and said, I did not tell him not to run. I said it is not in your own or the countrys best interests to run.

Khamenei was widely quoted in Persian-language newspapers. Ebtekar News wrote Sept. 27 that even though the political hard-line faction knew about it, Ahmadinejads supporters insisted that this news be announced publicly for them to accept it.

The supreme leaders indirect remarks may put a final end to months of unconfirmed rumors of Ahmadinejad's candidacy that had been circulating and sporadically surfacing in the media. At the peak of the rumors, before Khameneis Sept. 26 remarks, even previous Ahmadinejad ally Hamid Rasaei, a former member of parliament, wrote that some media were reporting on meetings involving the supreme leader ascribing to him quotes regarding the election.

Even though Ahmadinejad enjoyed the political support of the supreme leader his first term in office (2005-2009), during his second term (2009-2013) the president fell out of favor with Khamenei, causing several public incidents, such as Ahmadinejad's 11-day sulk in 2011 when he refused to show up for work after disagreeing with the supreme leader over the reinstatement of the minister of intelligence.

In 2014, stories about the former presidents visits to smaller towns slowly developed into ones about frequent domestic trips to various provinces and meetings with supporters. Shohada-ye Iran, a pro-Ahmadinejad news outlet, published a report April 28 titled Supporters of the government fear Ahmadinejads trip to Jiroft. Jiroft is a town with less than 100,000 inhabitants, and according to the report, Ahmadinejad was planning to talk at a memorial for martyrs in the city.

Not counting the media outlets directly linked to Ahmadinejad, a rare unified wave of voices from the Reformist camp and hard-liners dominated the opinion sections and the front pages welcoming Khameneis Sept. 26 remarks.

Ahmadinejad ended his official Sept. 27 letter to the supreme leader wishing him good health and added, God willing, I will always proudly remain the revolutions little soldier and a servant to the people.
September 28, 2016

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  On Sept. 16, the US State Department added Hamas leader and former Interior Minister Fathi Hammad to its global terror list. The State Department said in a press release that Hammad engaged in terrorist activities including coordinating terrorist cells as interior minister in the Hamas government and establishing Al-Aqsa TV, which broadcasts children's programs urging them to become armed fighters in the future.

In response, a Palestinian gunman who identified himself as a leader in al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades, the Popular Resistance Committees' military wing, posted a video online on the same day, threatening any American nationals who might enter the Gaza Strip. His statement was quickly denounced across the board.

The gunman, who did not give his name in the video, said, We, as leaders of al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades, condemn the American statements that side with the Zionist enemy against Fathi Hammad, the leader of the liberation movements in Palestine.

He added, We warn Americans against entering the Gaza Strip because they are no longer welcome following this decision, and we demand the American people pressure the US government to retract the decision so we do not have to expand the conflict outside of occupied Palestine.

On Sept. 18, Eyad al-Bozom, the spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, stressed the ministry's commitment to ensuring security and providing protection to all foreign nationals visiting and residing in the Gaza Strip, adding that it would not allow anyone to threaten the security and stability of Gaza or any citizens or foreign nationals, whatever their nationality.

Bozom continued, The ministry has taken all appropriate legal measures against the person in the video," who was summoned and questioned before being released. "The threats made by this person affiliated with a resistance faction are unacceptable and illegal.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, a spokesman for the Popular Resistance Committees identifying himself as Abu Mujahid denied any affiliation with the person in the video. He noted that no member of the organization has made any official statements against foreign nationals in Gaza. The way we see foreign nationals is very clear: They did not come [to Gaza] as fighters, but rather to help our people in exposing how Palestinians are suffering under the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, he said.

However, he condemned the US decision to add Hammad to the terror list, saying that the move is intended to distort the image of the Palestinian resistance and increase the already blatant pro-Israel bias.

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Kayed al-Ghul, a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, denounced any threats made against foreign nationals in Gaza. He said that many foreigners work with international organizations such as the United Nations and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency that provide aid to the Palestinians.

Ghul explained, The mistake by the United States to add Hammad to the terror list cannot be fixed with another mistake. We need to preserve Gazas image by showing that it respects and protects all foreigners, so the world will not see us as the Islamic State.

Hammad himself denounced the threat made against foreign nationals in the Gaza Strip and told Al-Monitor, Those who come to offer aid and stand beside our oppressed people are safe. He said that security services provide maximum security for all foreign nationals in Gaza.

He also denounced the US decision to add him to the terror list, describing it as flagrant interference in internal Palestinian affairs that shows just how unfair the United States is toward the Palestinians who are resisting those occupying their land. He added that the successive US administrations since 1968 continue to stand by Israel by providing money, weapons and diplomatic and political support while Israelis kill Palestinians and steal their land.

The United States added three Hamas leaders to the terror list in 2015  Mohammed al-Deif, Yahya Sinwar and Rawhi Mushtaha  accusing them of founding Hamas military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

The director of the Carter Center in Jerusalem, American national Nathan Stock, visits the Gaza Strip often. He told Al-Monitor, The general security situation in Gaza is good. We are not faced with any problems or threats. He explained that he heard about the warning for Americans against entering Gaza through friends.

Stock believes that the threat poses no real problem because it is not serious. He said he meets with civil society organizations and Palestinians in Gaza to discuss their situation and needs in order for the center to prepare and publish reports. Stock stressed that he will continue to frequent Gaza, where he stays for several days during each monthly visit.

Palestinian journalist Badr Ibrahim told Al-Monitor, The threat does not pose a serious risk, as the security services in Gaza and even the factions condemn any violations against foreigners in Gaza and provide them with protection.

He added, I have worked with a lot of Americans. Some were journalists who covered the wars on Gaza and some were reporting in quieter times, and they never felt that their lives were threatened. On the contrary, they sympathize with the people of Gaza, who are victims of the Israeli blockade and the successive wars.

For decades, it has been exceedingly rare for American nationals to be attacked in the Gaza Strip. One American car escorting a US diplomatic convoy was bombed as it left the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip on Oct. 15, 2003, killing three security officers in the convoy. No Palestinian party claimed responsibility for the attack.

Today, the security situation for foreigners in Gaza is as stable as ever. No extra measures have been taken to protect US nationals and other foreigners in the Gaza Strip, as the security services appear convinced that the recent threat was not serious.
September 28, 2016

TEHRAN, Iran  The Iranian governments efforts to get off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist is spurring attacks against President Hassan Rouhani by primarily conservative forces. Given the agreement to adhere to FATF guidelines, critics say many institutions such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Intelligence and universities such as Sharif University of Technology will effectively be sanctioned by Iranian banks.

They also point out that Iran will have to hand over sensitive banking information about Iranian institutions and individuals to FATF, thus putting the countrys security at risk. These attacks were intensified following a Sept. 2 report in hard-line Kayhan daily that featured images of two letters showing that Iranian banks had refused to provide banking services to IRGC-linked organizations.

FATF is an intergovernmental body that prepares advisory reports on the investment risks in different countries. Its reports, which focus on financial transparency, are used by international investors. In 2009, the organization for the first time put Iran on its blacklist alongside countries such as Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. It has urged Iran to take necessary actions to ensure cooperation between Iranian banks and their international counterparts.

In Iran, some now argue that adherence to FATF guidelines must be ratified by the Iranian parliament, but the Rouhani administration insists that there is no agreement to be ratified, thus voiding the need for parliamentary approval.

Amid the heavy criticism of engagement with FATF, there are several key figures who back the Rouhani administrations drive to get off the organizations blacklist. Former Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, who now heads the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, supports engagement with FATF and has spoken out about its benefits. On Sept. 17, Kharrazi told Tasnim News Agency that there are no problems with Irans adherence to FATF guidelines. Moreover, on Sept. 14, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, announced that the council had reviewed the matter and that its decision can only come into force after the approval of the supreme leader.

Nevertheless, opposition to FATF remains, and the critics arent few. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, the chairman of the Assembly of Experts and the secretary of the Guardian Council, is among many Friday prayer leaders who have spoken out about the issue. On Sept. 9, Jannati told worshippers in Tehran, I do not understand how they could sign this confidential document. Ive studied both the Persian and English versions and I soon came to the conclusion that they want to give our financial and banking information to the enemy. They want us to sanction ourselves. They want us to sanction the individuals and institutions that the enemy disagrees with. They want us to sanction the IRGC, revolutionary institutions and individuals who sacrificed their own lives to protect the nation for eight years [Iran-Iraq War in 1980-88], and the [IRGC-linked] Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters that has done lots of services  most of which our people arent aware of. How could you do that?

A few days earlier, on Sept. 4, Ali Akbar Velayati, another former foreign minister who now serves as foreign policy adviser to the supreme leader  and who has also kept a good relationship with the Rouhani administration  has suggested his disapproval of adherence to FATF guidelines. After meeting with the UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O'Brien, Velayati said, Insiders must not comply with the enemys plots. We must fight against these kinds of restrictions and not accept them. Velayati added that FATF aims to hit Lebanons Hezbollah movement and the IRGC.

Kayhan dailys publishing of the two letters intensified the existing divisions about FATF, and led Ali Tayebnia, the minister of economic affairs and finance, to appear on state television Sept. 7 to declare that the refusal to provide banking services to IRGC-linked organizations did not have anything to do with FATF. Tayebnia said, These sanctions have nothing to do with FATF, even though we do not accept these restrictions and wont comply with them and we never give the information about them [Iranian institutions] to the foreigners.

Of 10 Iranian economists of various political stripes approached by Al-Monitor, nearly all agreed that Iran should cooperate with FATF to combat money laundering. These economists include prominent critics of the governments economic policies, such as Jamshid Pajooyan of Allameh Tabatabaiee University. He told Al-Monitor he believes that Iran has to cooperate with FATF to enjoy the benefits of the nuclear deal. Meanwhile, some of the economists pointed out that engaging with FATF may have politicized outcomes. For instance, combating money laundering may turn into an excuse to fight against some militias, such as Hezbollah, which Iran views as a legitimate force. Use of FATF as leverage by the United States to put pressure on Iran is another concern that some economists noted.

Saeed Laylaz, a prominent economist in Tehran, considers cooperation with FATF as absolutely necessary. He told Al-Monitor, We have two choices: Either we join the international community or we do what North Korea has done so far: isolation. Laylaz believes that if Iran wants to develop, it has to either abide by international rules or fail to act powerfully on the international arena. Thus, in the view of Laylaz, Iran must agree to FATF guidelines to benefit from the post-nuclear deal environment.

One of the Principlist economists approached by Al-Monitor, Mohammad Khoshchehreh, touched on how FATF compliance could be misused by the United States. Khoshchehreh told Al-Monitor, Combating money laundering has been going on in the world for at least half a century and different countries and institutions have taken actions in this regard. But it has recently become political and the United States is using it as an instrument [to advance] its own agenda.

Indeed, given that one of FATFs main objectives is to combat the financing of terrorism, the matter of clashing definitions of who is or isnt a terrorist may become a problem. In this regard, Mehdi Taghavi, an economist and professor at Allameh Tabatabaiee University, told Al-Monitor, We should not worry about terrorism and its definition in the West. According to FATF policy, it is in its negotiations with countries that individuals and organizations are listed as terrorists. During such negotiations, Iran will have the opportunity to convince the body to accept its own definition of terrorism and ensure its security.

Taghavi also pointed out another major potential outcome of cooperation with FATF: One of the most important preconditions for Iran to join the World Trade Organization is an agreement with the anti-money laundering body.
September 28, 2016

The Iranian press interest in the first debate between the Republican candidate for US president, Donald Trump, and his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, was clear in Irans print media on Sept. 28. Analysis and opinions of the two presidential candidates, who battled it out at Hofstra University in New York on Sept. 26, was made all the more impassioned by the fact that Iran had suddenly found itself in the middle of the battlefield.

Javan Online, the daily newspaper close to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, ran an article Sept. 27 titled The Iranophobia race. Kayhan daily, whose editor is appointed by the countrys supreme leader, called the debate a contest in Iranophobia in which Trump threatened to attack Iran and Clinton continued to stress the political and economic pressures against Iran. The hard-line Kayhan, one of the loudest critics of Irans nascent diplomatic relations with the United States and the nuclear deal, failed to mention Clinton's defense of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Actions (JCPOA) diplomatic approach. The JCPOA was signed in July 2015 between Iran and six world powers.

Among the numerous reports on Sept. 28, Ebtekar News dedicated a section of its coverage to the Wi-Fi connection at Hofstra University and the outrageous price list: $600 for journalists who used mobile phones to transmit the news [while] the cost of Wi-Fi connection for multiple devices was $3,500. Comparing the prices to those during the American presidential debates in 2012, Ebtekar described the "increased costs" as "unreasonable."

With the scent of Irans own presidential election next spring already in the air, Hamid Reza Assefi, a former spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, commented in an op-ed for the Reformist Shargh Daily on the likely effect of the US election on Iran. He concluded, Because of the special rules and the internal sensitivities surrounding the election in Iran  external issues will have no effect. He also wrote, The truth is, both parties in the Unites States share the same opinion on the general aspects of the conflict with Iran.

Meanwhile, among the numerous analyses in Shargh Daily on Sept. 28, in Why did Iran become the axis of the Trump-Clinton debate? the writer differs with Assefi's take. Starting off with Irans unprecedented role as the most important foreign policy issue in the first round of debates, the writer said, On one side is a man who stands against Iran with bullets and tanks and wants to rip up the JCPOA and fire at Iranian boats. On the other side, a woman who does not practice the flexibility of [President Barack] Obama toward Iran, but still is proud of the negotiations with Iran.  The Iranian analysts believe that one should not take the election talks too seriously.
September 28, 2016

Another Israeli Arab woman was murdered in Israel Sept. 23. A total of 13 women have been murdered in Israel since the beginning of 2016. Five of those women are Arabs. All five are suspected of being murdered by a relative or a contract killer hired by a family member.

This time, a masked gunman shot Dua'a Abu Sharkh in the head in front of her four children (ages 4-12). Abu Sharkh, a 32-year-old woman separated from her violent husband, saw her children for the first time after many months of struggling with her estranged husband; this time, he allowed her to see her children. The murderer arrived around evening, just when Abu Sharkh was about to part from her children near her husbands home in Lod. He pushed the children aside and shot Abu Sharkh at close range, despite her pleas for mercy. After the murder, the police detained Abu Sharkhs three brothers, who were later released on house arrest. Later on, Abu Sharkhs estranged husband was also detained, as was his son from a former marriage.

Many family members of other murdered women attended Abu Sharkhs funeral that was held in Lod. They protested together against the phenomenon of murders of women in the Arab sector.

Samah Salaime Egbariya, the director of the Struggle Against Violence in the Arab Society (a project run by the Sikkuy nongovernmental organization), wrote a scathing Facebook post only hours after the murder. The post expressed her disgust over the dishonoring the family term that is so common in Arab society, even now. On this evening I loathe the men in my nation, Im disgusted over your hollow pride, she wrote and added, Im sick and tired of your helplessness, your violence and your stupid honor.  The day will come when the wind will blow here without bearing the odor of a womans blood. Only then will I call myself a free Arab woman, and will be proud of my renewed nation.

Salaime leads a series of protest activities and demonstrations of women and men who have two goals: to raise public awareness and provoke a change of attitude of the issue within Arab society, and to spur the Israeli police to take firm action against the rising violence in Arab society. In an interview with Al-Monitor, Salaime calls the murder of Arab women by hitmen hired by family members a new phenomenon to evade punishment. Indeed, in most cases, this system works and these murder cases are not solved.

A masked gunman with a firearm is a professional killer, and these are the hardest cases to solve, she said. According to the statistics weve gathered, 80% of murders by contract killers are never solved.

Salaime lists some of the murders of women that have not yet been solved: Lilian Masoud from Lod who was murdered in March 2014 after being divorced from her husband (her partner Khaled Smadeh, whom she had met after the divorce, was shot and killed five months before her), and the double murder of Nariman Almugrabi and her daughter Sundus Almugrabi in November 2015. It is suspected that the crime was committed on the background of a conflict between two families in the town of Ramla that arose when one of the girls of the family put an end to a relationship, which angered the other family. Suha Mansour from the Tira Arab village, mother of four, was murdered in November 2015. Her ex-husband had been detained for almost three months, but was released for lack of evidence.

Usually we have all the signs: When a family member orders the dirty work, then of course he makes sure to be somewhere else when the murder is committed. We saw that in the murder of Alla Dahar [January 2011], said Salaime. In this incident, the police detained Hassan Abu Ghanem (an acquaintance of Dahar), claiming that he hired a contract killer to kill Dahar because he didnt like her behavior. Despite the extended remand, the police were unable to connect Abu Ghanem to the murder and he was released.

Salaime notes one murder that was solved: that of Nasrin Musrati from Kfar Yasif village in August 2012, who wanted a divorce from her husband. The murderer, who was convicted of killing Musrati in exchange for cash, did not know the victim personally but had served time in the same prison together with Musratis husband. I can tell you that in this case, the husband even received compensation as the victim of a crime and received custody of the children. No one was able to indict him for ordering the murder even though the police said numerous times that they know who hired the contract killer, but could not prove it, said Salaime. Many of the murdered women suffered under harsh violence on the part of their husbands, whom they wanted to divorce. Dua'a Abu Sharkh also decided to separate from her husband because of the violence she suffered at his hands.

According to Salaime, the police make wide use of the family honor term when it comes to the murders of Arab women (honor killing), but these are not cases of honor and violation of family honor. Its as if the murdered woman had sexual relations outside marriage, and shes forced to go to the grave with a stigma. Instead, what we have is the widespread, severe problem of women who want to be released from their battering husbands and are murdered.

In recent years, Arab womens organizations have been active in trying to remove the stain called violation of family honor. They claim that they have succeeded in raising public awareness of the issue and changing the publics perception. It is a fact that recently many men have started to join the womens protests and cry out together with the women [against the injustice], Salaime said. The problem that still remains, and for which we need to find a solution, is the Wild West atmosphere that pervades the Arab localities. Due to lack of enforcement over many long years, the weapons industry is thriving. Today, any 16-year-old boy knows how to assemble a weapon. The joke these days is that a weapon costs as much as a portion of shawarma. In all of the recent operations conducted by the police to collect firearms, they have always returned with loads and loads of weapons.

Salaime concluded, As head of the Struggle Against Violence project, what scares me is how many weapons are still concealed and when will the police declare a national emergency project to deal with the murder of Arab women?
September 28, 2016

The results of Jordans legislative elections for the 18th Lower House of parliament, held Sept. 20, was a mixed bag of surprises, disappointments and modest breakthroughs. The elections were held under a new law allowing multiple votes for open proportional lists that replaced the decades-old single-vote system, which has been criticized for years by various political players, especially the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood had boycotted the last two elections but decided to contest this years poll through its political arm, the Islamic Action Front (IAF). In all, 1,252 candidates ran in 226 lists in the elections.

Managed by an independent commission, the elections were hailed by local and international monitors as mainly free and fair with no government interference, despite incidents that marred the elections process and protests that erupted in many parts of the kingdom following the announcement of results.

So who were the winners and losers in Jordans recent elections?

The Islamists

The Muslim Brotherhood, which the government does not recognize as a legitimate entity, contested the elections through an alliance that brought together IAF candidates and tribal, nationalist and Christian figures  the National Coalition for Reform (NCR).

NCRs program and rallies departed from traditional Brotherhood slogans, especially the famous slogan Islam is the solution," and offered a civic, nonreligious approach to dealing with the countrys economic and social challenges. In all, the NCR fielded 120 candidates through 20 lists in various districts including Amman, Zerqa, Irbid and Salt.

When the results were announced, they had won 15 seats of the 130-seat Lower House, of which IAF candidates took 10 and the rest went to their allies. There is no doubt that while this makes the NCR the biggest opposition bloc in parliament, the result is a modest one for the Muslim Brotherhood. They had taken 11.5% of the Lower House seats while pre-election predictions gave them between 15 and 20 seats in total.

Overall the 20 lists had gathered 160,000 votes  the majority of which were in Amman, Zerqa and Irbid  or about 11% of total votes cast in the elections. Moreover, five of the seats that the NCR had won were part of the quota system, designated for women, Christians, Circassians and Chechens, which usually receive smaller number of votes. Of these, three seats were taken by women.

It is noteworthy that 50% of the NCR lists failed to win a single seat, and that these lists were mostly competing in southern governorates where tribal influence is dominant. Such results will please the government as they indicate a waning in grass roots support for the Brotherhood while allowing them to be represented in the legislature, ending a decade of boycott.

On the other hand, the newly registered Muslim Brotherhood Society (MBS), which was formed last year, failed to win a single seat. It had contested the elections with one list in Irbid's second district. This dismal performance will focus attention on the future of the MBS and its political viability. The Zamzam Initiative and the Wassat Party each won three seats, and the question now is whether or not their deputies will form a bloc with the NCR.

Women

The election law was criticized by pundits and women's associations for designating three out of 15 seats, dedicated to women under the quota system, to the countrys most populace governorates  Amman, Zerqa and Irbid  raising further questions over gerrymandering imbalance that favored tribal districts at the expense of the capital, where half of the eligible voters, more than 4 million in total, live. Still, five women were able to compete and win outside the quota system, bringing the number of women in the new legislature to 20. In all, 252 women contested the elections through 218 lists, and they received a total of 266,000 votes, which is considered a new record for women in Jordanian elections. On the other hand, only 32% of eligible female voters cast their vote.

Political parties

The new law was supposed to help political parties do better in legislative elections, but results show that only 22 candidates belonging to seven political parties had made it, out of 215 candidates belonging to 50 political parties. Political parties representation in the new Lower House is about 17%, of which almost two-thirds belong to Islamist parties. Not a single nationalist or leftist party is represented and, in fact, independent deputies including businessmen, professionals and tribal figures will make up the bulk of the legislature. At least 50 candidates, who were formerly in the Lower House, were re-elected.

On a brighter side, especially for those who support democratic reforms and an all-encompassing secular state, the Maan (Together) list, competing in Ammans third district, made history by winning two seats. While the victory is symbolic, it underlines a growing debate in Jordan among the political elite on the need to set the foundations for a civic, secular and democratic society to confront both authoritarian and religious driven agendas.

Voter apathy

Perhaps this is the biggest story in this latest election. Of more than 4 million registered voters  1 million of whom are outside the country and cannot vote  voter turnout was a modest 37%, compared to over 50% in the 2013 elections. Amman was the lowest with only 23% voter turnout, and in its competitive third district turnout was only 18%. Similar low figures were marked for other urban centers like Zerqa and Irbid. Pundits believe middle-class voters had opted to stay home for a number of reasons including lack of confidence in the role of the legislature and its limited influence on government policies.

Election results have triggered calls by political parties and figures to review elections law shortcomings in preparation for the next legislative elections in four years time. Former Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muasher, a staunch proponent of civil rights and a secular state, told Al-Monitor, Voter apathy should prompt the government to reform the law to prepare the ground for parliamentary governments, which will not come about without genuine development of political parties.

He added that the new law has not succeeded in restoring voter confidence in parliament. We need to reach a stage where elections are held on the basis of voting for party and national lists, he said.

For now, the government can boast that Jordans democracy is thriving and that the elections were a success. But with limited political party participation and a legislature that is still dominated by loyalists, many Jordanians believe that little has changed.
September 29, 2016

NAJAF, Iraq  Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is facing stiff opposition from within his parliamentary bloc, the State of Law Coalition led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. So far, this group has achieved the sacking of two ministers, each of whom importantly contributed to the current hardships of Iraq.

Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi was dismissed on Aug. 25, and confidence was withdrawn from Finance Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Sept. 21. Talk is now growing louder in the parliament corridors that Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari will be questioned in parliament and eventually dismissed. More dismissals may follow.

On the other side, Abadi is trying to tighten his political alliance to enhance his position against Maliki and avoid being dismissed by the parliament. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) spokesman Safeen Dizayi announced on Sept. 27 that President Massoud Barzani had accepted Abadi's invitation to visit Baghdad to discuss the post-Islamic State (IS) future of Iraq and the disputes between Baghdad and Erbil. The first visit in five years of frosty relations between the KRG and the government in Baghdad kicked off today, Sept. 29, and after meeting with Abadi, Barzani reported that all the disputed issues between Erbil and Baghdad have been "resolved."

The recently formed Reform Front has been behind the questioning and confidence-withdrawal attempts. It consists of 100 members of parliament, mostly from the State of Law Coalition. After confidence was withdrawn from him, Zebari accused Maliki and the State of Law Coalition of responsibility.

In a statement to Rudaw on Sept. 22, Zebari said, Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, in collusion with the State of Law Coalition, dismissed me as part of a scheme implemented by Maliki, out of motives of hatred and revenge, to thwart the current government. Jabouri is involved in this game. He added, The Maliki project is using parliament and its speaker to achieve illicit goals. Yet this scheme would ultimately be Jabouri's end.

The pro-Maliki bloc did not hide its anger at Abadi nor its desire to see Abadi be replaced with Maliki. Parliamentarian for the State of Law Coalition Haitham al-Jabouri, who is also the spokesperson for the Reform Bloc and the one who requested to question Zebari in preparation for his dismissal, told Al-Ghad Press on Sept. 10, Abadi has failed to manage the country and to fulfill his promises.

He added, He has reached the stage of not being able to lead the country. He also talked about his bloc's intention to expand the circle of questionings and confidence votes to include the prime minister himself. The Reform Bloc spokesman described Maliki as the countrys No. 1 leader.

A source within the State of Law Coalition who asked not to be named told Al-Monitor that the coalition is in no hurry to withdraw confidence from Abadi. Yet Abadis key ministries will be gradually brought down, which would hamstring his Cabinet, reduce his chances for a second term and thus pave the way for the nomination of his rival, the source added.

In a press interview on Aug. 27, Kamel al-Zaidi, a member of the parliamentary legal committee and leader in the Dawa Party, described Maliki as a statesman and said that Abadi is managing the state unprofessionally.

Malikis bloc also criticized the Sadrists and the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, which played a role in Abadis accession to the post of prime minister and Malikis sidelining in 2014.

The rivalry between Abadi and Maliki is nothing new, as Abadi showed up as a competitor for Maliki in 2006 and 2014, when the scales were tipped in favor of Maliki. He was not happy with Abadi being named prime minister in August 2014. He had strongly opposed his nomination and filed an appeal in the Federal Court, naming himself as more qualified for the post. However, he gave up a few days later.

The struggle continued with Abadi removing Maliki from the post of vice president in August 2015 as part of the political reforms. In return, Maliki criticized the Abadi governments performance and said that he was willing to return to power on several occasions, including an interview with the BBC in July.

Maliki receives unlimited support from Iran, which enjoys the strongest regional influence in Iraq. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised Malikis role in Iraq in several meetings between them, which he has never done with Abadi. Sources within the National Alliance, which unites the Shiite forces including Maliki and Abadi, have been reported as saying that Iran is pushing for Maliki to be nominated for prime minister in the elections scheduled for 2018.

Maliki also has strong and special ties with the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) that grant him additional influence on the countrys political and security scenes. Abadi is trying to curb this influence by formalizing the PMU and placing the force under direct government control. On July 26, Abadi ordered the PMU be turned into an independent military formation under the direct control of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

The Aug. 28 decision by the Independent Electoral Commission to ban the PMU from taking part in the upcoming elections worked to Abadis advantage, as the commission confirmed that the PMU are affiliated with the state and under his command.

Abadi also has strong ties and support from the United States, which has greatly contributed to his government's recovery of territories captured by IS, after having ignored Malikis repeated calls for assistance to deter and halt IS expansion over Iraqi territory in 2013 and 2014.

The United States did not support Iraq even after a third of its territory fell into IS' hands, but rushed to do so when Maliki stepped down from power. This reluctance was widely interpreted as President Barack Obama's unwillingness to support Iraq under Maliki's rule.

Whether Maliki will succeed in bringing down Abadi and replacing him as prime minister depends on how political affairs are arranged in the post-IS era, which will be affected by many regional and international factors, not least among them the Iraq policy of the next US president.
September 28, 2016

The Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) has often stirred controversy over the ways it calculates economic data, and it has even faced accusations of manipulating figures. But the institutes latest survey shows that even it can no longer mask how poverty has increased and the income gap has widened in Turkey. The results of the TUIKs 2015 Income and Living Conditions Survey, released Sept. 21, are an omen that serious social explosions could be in store for Turkey as it grapples with unrest and instability both at home and in the region.

Separately, TUIKs latest unemployment data shows that the jobless rate is back in the double digits, standing at 10.2% as of June. Most strikingly, unemployment among young people, ages 15-24, has increased by 2.8 percentage points in a month.

On Sept. 9, TUIK announced that gross domestic product in the second quarter increased 3.1% from the same period last year, down from 4.8% in the first quarter. The economic growth, however, was generated largely from public spending, which has expanded 50%, rather than investment, output, exports or employment.

It was the third consecutive quarter in which economic growth was driven by a big increase in public spending, in addition to household consumption expenditures, which, however, are on the decline. And the increase in public spending stems from expenditures in the security and military realm, including the crackdown on Kurdish militants in the southeast, rather than any moves to improve the peoples living conditions, make investments and create jobs. The state, in a sense, is funneling its resources into the war economy it is implementing.

Now, TUIKs 2015 survey has clearly shown that the governments spending contributes nothing to 80% of the population, with the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer. One of the surveys most striking findings is the widening gap between the richest and poorest segments of the population.

Accordingly, the wealthiest 20% of the population got 46.5% of the total income, increasing their 2014 share by 0.6 points, while the poorest 20% got 6.1%, down from 6.2% the previous year. This means the richest segments share was 7.6 times bigger than the one of the poorest segment, up from 7.4 the previous year.

What is more, all other segments, including those with middle income, saw their shares shrink, leaving the richest 20% as the only group to increase its wealth. In other words, barring the 15.7 million people who make the top 20% of the countrys 78.7 million population, 63 million Turks grew poorer last year.

The TUIK data also shows that 14.7% of the population, or 12 million people, live below the poverty line, with the segment in a state of persistent poverty expanding to 15.8% of the population, up 0.7 points from last year.

According to the survey, 67.9% of the population is indebted, and 71.4% are unable to afford a one-week vacation away from home, while 35.8% cannot afford to have meat, poultry, fish or a vegetarian equivalent at least once every two days.

This gloomy outlook is seen also in the consumer confidence index. The latest data, released Sept. 22, reflects largely negative trends in the households expectations about their financial situation and ability to save.

The deterioration in the income gap in 2015 has become official with the TUIK survey. The governments economic and social policies are clearly making the rich even richer, while inflicting serious financial and livelihood harm on the poor and all other segments of society.

Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, who is in charge of the economy, conceded last week that key economic targets for 2016 were now beyond reach, signaling a revision in the governments middle-term economic program. Global developments weren't in the direction we expected when we were preparing the medium-term program, the conflicts in our surrounding region continue, terrorism in the country has increased and we faced a coup attempt. We have to take all these developments into consideration, Simsek said in a television interview.

To stimulate domestic consumption, the government has moved to enact a series of measures, including the restructuring of loan and credit card debts, to enable millions of people to become spenders again.

According to the measures, announced by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim last week, credit card debts would be restructured for repayment periods of up to 72 months, while the repayment period of consumer loans, which the government had previously limited to 36 months, would be extended to 48 months. The bottom limit of bank credit, meanwhile, would be increased from 4,000 Turkish liras to 5,200 Turkish liras ($1,342-$1,745), or four times the minimum wage. To revitalize the ailing real estate and construction sectors, home loans would be now available for up to 80% of the propertys price, rather than 75%.

All those measures, however, mean that a society that is already living on debt  67.9% of the population is indebted according to the TUIK survey  will become further engulfed in debt. Credit card default rates, for instance, are currently over 2%, and repayment schemes for periods of up to 72 months will mean an even heavier interest burden on the debtors. Moreover, those who choose to restructure credit card or loan debts are blacklisted by the banks. Their credit cards are canceled, and they are denied any new credit cards or loans.

So the governments measures are unlikely to have a positive impact on the economy, as former Treasury Undersecretary Faik Oztrak notes. Policies that burden the citizen with debt and enrich the privileged minority have collapsed around the world. Families are already suffocated by debt, but the government is planning to use the same strategy and further amplify that debt, Oztrak, now a lawmaker for the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), said.

CHP Deputy Chair Selin Sayek Boke, who is in charge of economic affairs, described the measures as a rush to save the day, warning that people would remain stuck in a spiral of debt unless income-generating policies are enacted.
September 28, 2016

What is the best way to write about the sex industry in Turkey? I posed this question to a well-known Ottoman historian. He smiled at me on a warm Istanbul evening and said, Did you ever visit Zurafa [Street]?

Zurafa Street is in one of Istanbul's oldest and most notorious brothel areas, dating back to Ottoman times. However, over the years, the number of brothels has dwindled. Indeed, the brothels and the official tallies of the women working in them reveal only a small part of Turkey's sex industry.

Under Turkish law, government-supervised brothels are legal, but otherwise, prostitution is not. The Turkish penal code assumes prostitutes are exclusively female, and that if they agree to work in a brothel, then they are legitimate. So the brothels are registered in a location the municipality approves, pay taxes and agree to the citys health code for sex workers. Indeed, for years in the early 1990s, Matild Manukyan, a businesswoman who owned 32 brothels, was the top taxpayer in the country.

The brothels are a double-edged sword for their workers. They provide a relative safety net compared with independent sex workers. But once workers are registered as brothel employees, their chances of finding other employment are rather slim. The stigma is official and permanent. The workers have to pay a hefty portion of their income to the brothel management, as well.

From talking to the women in these brothels, I learned the following:

Turkish law does not make brothel work legal for foreign women or for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersexual (LGBTI) community. So anyone belonging to any of these groups must work outside legal brothels and inevitably becomes part of a criminal operation.

While the Turkish economy is deteriorating, sex workers say the demand for them is on the rise, given the young population. However, the demand is selective. Ece, a registered sex worker at an Istanbul brothel for two decades, told Al-Monitor, In this profession, unlike others, seniority is a disadvantage. Your income decreases as you age. Then, of course, the market is bustling with young boys and girls from Syria and still others from Eastern Europe. Now brothels have to compete against the internet. Most upper-class customers do not come to brothels anymore. Several houses have shut down on Zurafa Street.

Indeed, the face of Turkey's sex industry is changing fast. On several main city streets, particularly in Ankara, in broad daylight, you can see young men handing out colorful business cards to passers-by, including children and even police officers. The cards, complete with phone numbers and nude photos of them, say, Ms. X is waiting for you at her home. Call her."

Similarly, a simple search online will yield hundreds of webpages providing escort services in different cities, with names such as Escort Istanbul, Escort Izmir, etc. Unlike other countries, escort services are not legal or regulated in Turkey, yet they explicitly offer sexual services. Some escorts provide a detailed list of sexual services they are willing and unwilling to provide, explaining the details of pricing and providing a manual about the kind of hotels they are willing to spend the night at and the product brands they prefer  in case a client would like to buy gifts. None of these webpages have an age requirement to visit.

Similarly, escort services that provide male and transgender escorts to both men and women have bloomed as well. Al-Monitor spoke with a male escort in his early 30s with the nickname Baris.

I started escorting during my college years," Baris said. "One of my moms friends was divorced and asked me if I would join her at an art event. It was not for money or anything. I thought, why not? I hooked up with my first job there. Mainly, this has become my life now. I provide massage and workout sessions for my customers. I go out exclusively with women.

There are also rules. Baris said, I do not ever engage in unprotected sex. I think that is the most important issue in our sector. If someone agrees to going without a condom, the customer should move on. Baris said he charges anywhere from $1,000 for a night to $3,000, depending on the event. Most women who seek these services are happy to be seen in public with their handsome escorts.

Barbaros Sansal, a famous fashion designer and a gay activist who is outspoken on controversial issues, gave a detailed interview to Al-Monitor about the changing face of the sex industry in Turkey. Since the ban against adultery was lifted in the late 1990s, the market for prostitutes and escorts has skyrocketed, he said.

"Escort services used to be more discreet. Now they are promoted shamelessly," Sansal said. "In Turkey today, there are more brothels than domestic violence shelters for women."

Sansal explained that some hookup apps such as Grindr, Romeo and Hornet that are used to establish gay friendships are also used for prostitution. He added, Grindr is a forbidden site in Turkey, but you can access it with VPN [virtual private network] services, such as TunnelBear. Police also use these sites to harass the gay community or to blackmail them. Still, they are popular all over the world, letting people make connections on their own time and budget.

It has become easier for escorts to work independently, with the help of everything from houses that can be rented for a day without the requirement of an ID card (unlike most hotels) to services such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook and scheduling webpages such as Kolaygece ("easy night"). The internet provides tools for online marketing, advertising, screening of customers and arranging a private location to meet. I think alcohol is regulated more diligently in Turkey than sex, female escort Hande told Al-Monitor.

Sporadically, the police decide there is an overabundance of escort services and crack down on them. Usually, it is the sex worker who gets caught and penalized in such instances, and the webpages are shut down.

We have two [main] issues. One is that our webpages are arbitrarily shut down by the government, so every other month we change our portal address before they terminate it. We announce the changes on social media. The other issue is sexually transmitted diseases. It is an unspoken problem, one escort service manager told Al-Monitor.

It is quite interesting that an Islamist government  one that prides itself on raising a pious generation with a high moral code  has worked to minimize the number of brothels while at the same time turning a blind eye to a flourishing sex industry that uses all sorts of online tools. It is most likely because a sizable portion of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) supporters tacitly approve of this arrangement where prostitution is largely kept out of public view. And even some AKP members are not immune to the wiles of the sex industry. That is one of the few joys of life left, one such customer told Hande during our interview.
September 29, 2016

In Turkey, there has been an unmistakable revival of the image of Sultan Abdulhamid II. The powerful Ottoman monarch who ruled the empire single-handedly from 1876 to 1909 is praised with a flood of articles in the pro-government press, endless messages on social media and various conferences and panels. The speaker of the Turkish parliament, Ismail Kahraman, a confidant of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, even hosted an International Symposium on Sultan Abdulhamid II and His Era, at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, a relic from the latter-day Ottoman Empire. The great sultan, Kahraman said, is a mariners compass to give us direction and enlighten our future.

On the one hand, there must be no big surprise in the love affair for Sultan Abdulhamid II by Turkeys new ruling elite  the religious conservatives. For as the last great Ottoman sultan, as he has been dubbed, Abdulhamid II has been a cultural icon for decades for Turkeys Islamic circles. Popular Islamist writers such as Necip Fazil Kisakurek praised him as the exalted sultan, for he was a pious Muslim, a caliph worthy of his name and the defender of Muslims. It became a legend that Abdulhamid II refused to sell Palestinian lands to the nascent Zionist movement despite the economic bankruptcy of his state. The great sultan, in fact, has been Turkeys Islamist alternative to Ataturk as a source of historical inspiration.

However, the new pro-Abdulhamid II wave has an additional line, which actually seems to be its main point: Abdulhamid II was an authoritarian ruler, heavily opposed by most Ottoman intellectuals of his time. His career had actually begun by proclaiming the first Ottoman Constitution and assembling the first elected Ottoman parliament in 1876. However, in less than two years, in the midst of a disastrous war with Russia, Abdulhamid II suspended the constitution and closed the parliament for the next three decades. Ottoman liberals and even some Islamic figures, who saw constitutional rule as the only way to save the empire, turned against Abdulhamids authoritarianism, only to be silenced or exiled by him.

That authoritarian legacy of Abdulhamid II seems to be one of the key themes underlined by supporters of Erdogan. Erdogan, they say, is also authoritarian, but for all the right reasons: Turkey is facing lethal threats, and a strong leader must guide the nation without caring what his liberal or foreign critics say.

This historical analogy was first highlighted by Erdogan himself. This newspaper had once called Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid an 'absolute monarch,' he said during a public rally in May 2015, condemning The New York Times after a critical editorial by the paper. And today it directs to the Republic of Turkey and the hate that it once directed to the Ottoman state.

Historian Ebubekir Sofuoglu soon expanded the argument by a much-publicized article comparing Erdogan and Abdulhamid II, warning that the latters fall was also the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The great sultans naive opponents believed that liberty, equality and fraternity" would save the empire, the historian argued, but those foreign-induced ideas only expedited the downfall. Erdogans liberal critics, he said, are similarly serving Turkeys enemies.

More recently, Derin Tarih (Deep History), a monthly magazine with a clear pro-government line, further advanced the argument with a cover story that featured images of Abdulhamid II and Erdogan side by side. Titled Abdulhamids resistance, the resurrection of New Turkey, the story argued that Erdogan was merely picking up the historical role of Abdulhamid II, only to face the same challenges. Their foreign policy strategies, health and education services, their struggles with foreign powers and the schemes planned against them were supposedly all similar.

Obviously all this narrative excites the pro-Erdogan base in Turkey, as one can easily see by the countless social media posts that praise Abdulhamid II along with the chief, the term his supporters use for Erdogan. On a sober analysis, however, it seems inaccurate and unimpressive.

For one thing, Abdulhamid II was the ruler of a crumbling empire, whereas Turkey is a stable nation-state whose borders  with the exception of Kurdish insurgency  are secure. These are very different contexts. Moreover, the society Abdulhamid II ruled was largely a peasant society, and the critical intellectuals were a tiny force. Todays Turkey, however, is urbanized, modern and complex. Opposition to Erdogan, therefore, is not limited to a small circle of intelligentsia but wide masses of different persuasions and lifestyles. Importing Abdulhamid IIs century-old techniques  such as espionage and censorship  would not result in the same success.

In addition, Abdulhamid II was actually not the anti-Western idol that todays Islamist rhetoric in Turkey romantically depicts. If the Ottoman Empire had a real archenemy during the sultans time  and even before and after him  it was Russia. With regard to Western powers, Abdulhamid II had always followed a pragmatic policy, focusing on building alliances with Great Britain and even the United States  as I once explained in an article about this pro-American caliph.

Abdulhamid II also had Western tastes such as the piano and opera. This, in fact, did come as a big surprise to some Turkish Islamists of today, as noted by a columnist in the pro-Erdogan daily Star. At the symposium on Abdulhamid II hosted by the speaker of the Turkish parliament, the columnist wrote, a scholar explained that Abdulhamid II loved Western music. In return, some religious youngsters objected, saying 'but we knew him as religious.'

This not only indicates that there is a very parochial, narrow-minded definition of religiosity among Turkeys religious youngsters. It also indicates that history is more complex than todays ideological imaginations. If the ruling Justice and Development Party is really a conservative party as it claims, it should honor history by discovering it, rather than sacrificing it to current political needs.
September 28, 2016

As a tiny, oil-less country that has historically been turned toward Europe, it can sometimes seem that Tunisia is too far removed to be a real strategic partner for the United States. So it might seem surprising that on May 3, 1961, President John F. Kennedy stood smiling on the tarmac at the Washington National Airport, ready to greet Tunisias first president, Habib Bourguiba.

I think that it's most proper that the first head of state to pay an official state visit to this country in this administration should be President Bourguiba, Kennedy said, waiting at the airport. The two presidents, who had been friends for years, greeted each other warmly, toasted each other at a state dinner and drove around New York in a convertible.

Tunisias relationship with the United States dates back to 1799 when  at the urging of John Adams  the two countries signed an agreement of trade and friendship. After Tunisia officially gained independence from its French colonizers in 1956, the United States was the first major power to recognize a sovereign Tunisia.

US aid was very important in the early years of the republic, [in terms of] building infrastructure, the military [and] technical trainings, Youssef Cherif, a Tunisian political analyst, told Al-Monitor.

With the North African country squished between pro-Soviet Libya and Algeria, the United States looked to Tunisia as a pro-Western stabilizer during the Cold War, Cherif noted. For decades, the relationship between the two countries was cordial and peaceful, though not without some sources of conflicts. Tensions came to a head in 1985, when Israeli forces attacked PLO headquarters near Tunis via aerial bombardment, killing between 47 and 200 people. President Ronald Reagan refused to condemn the attack, threatening to dissolve the relationship between the two countries.

Five years later, in 1991, anti-US sentiment in Tunisia reared again  this time over Iraqi leader Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait. However, economic incentives worked to patch up the two countries' relations, with USAID and United States-North Africa Economic Partnership programs bringing financial aid and investment into Tunisia. Until the 2011 revolution that ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, US policy toward Tunisia was mildly friendly  and if not dismissive, neither was Washington fully engaged.

But since the revolution, the United States government started to pay a lot more attention to Tunisia and the relationship has grown stronger  with increased economic cooperation, security cooperation and increased diplomatic dialogue, Sarah Yerkes, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institutions Center for Middle East Policy, told Al-Monitor.

Indeed, the continuing period of post-revolutionary democratic transition was enthusiastically received by the United States. This is a real opportunity, Jeffrey Feltman, then-assistant secretary of state for the Department of Near Eastern Affairs, wrote in an email to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in early 2011.

A lot of the US interest in seeing Tunisia succeed is not so much out of if they dont succeed we will lose something major on a geostrategic level, but rather  it will be harder to make the case for democracy to take root in this part of the world, said Sarah Feuer, Soref fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

With Syria, Libya, Yemen and Iraq's having all descended into violent chaos that has brought about the killing and displacement of vast numbers of people, Tunisia has remained relatively peaceful. Still, its precarious geographic position, increased terrorist activity around the Mount Chaambi region, and exodus of young men and women leaving to fight in Syria and Libya have all been cause for concern.

Regionally speaking, Tunisia is a second-tier relationship for the United States. But still, it is in the US interest to keep Tunisia moving forward toward consolidated democracy  or at least to prevent backsliding and the potential chaos that could cause, Yerkes said.

To this effect, President Barack Obama's administration has focused on assisting Tunisias economic and security sectors. Tunisia has received hundreds of millions of dollars in loans and aid packets since 2011, with around $150 million worth of grants and loans in 2016 alone, according to Cherif. In 2014, the two countries launched a strategic dialogue, led by Secretary of State John Kerry. The following year, Obama announced that Tunisia would be designated as a major non-NATO ally.

Critics say that Obama can  and should  do more, pointing out that the financial packages Tunisia receives are far less than those of its regional neighbors, including Egypt, Jordan and Israel. Some are also concerned that the United States hasnt recognized that Tunisias democratic transition is ongoing, and that the country requires more than security or economic assistance.

What has been absent is the recognition of the continued need for support of the political institutions  parliament, the ministries, political parties, civil service reform, etc., said Yerkes.

With an election on the horizon, would a Donald Trump or Clinton presidency change that?

In some ways I don't expect ... any radical change in the new US-Tunisia bilateral relationship, regardless of who wins, said Feuer.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has never publicly uttered a word on Tunisia. His foreign policy objectives are so all over the place, its very hard to discern a coherent approach, said Feuer, but to the extent that [his] alliances need to be based on transactional relationships, I dont know that he is going to feel inclined to help out a small, struggling state like Tunisia. Geostrategically, I could see him asking what are we really getting from this alliance.

With Trump, Tunisia will be regarded only from the security lens.  If Trump is president, Tunisia shall expect [fewer] symbolic gestures and less money toward development and democratization, Cherif said.

The inflammatory comments Trump has made about Muslims and Arabs over the course of his campaign could potentially have negative implications. Hate crimes against Muslims have risen sharply in the United States, though Feuer points out that in a kind of perverse way Trump doesnt [seem to] have problems with Muslims who stay in the Muslim world.

Anti-American sentiment is not particularly strong in Tunisia, but there is concern that a Trump presidency could bring a wave of protests or even violence, similar to 2012, when the US Embassy in Tunis was attacked. I am honestly scared to think about what sort of global backlash a Trump presidency could bring, Yerkes said.

Clinton, a Democrat who was secretary of state during the Tunisian revolution, is widely considered a stronger candidate on foreign policy matters and the candidate more likely to continue to push for fiscal packages. Clinton was a vocal supporter of Tunisia during the revolution and  I would guess she would be more interested in ensuring Tunisias success than the Obama administration, said Yerkes.

But as Feuer points out, the biggest impact of a Clinton or Trump presidency will not come from the United States' direct relationship with Tunisia, but in a potential change to the other major conflicts that stand to affect Tunisia quite significantly: Syria and Iraq, and the conflict in Libya.  If either one of them decides to take a more muscular approach to whats happening in Libya, then you can imagine that if [the Islamic State] is really defeated, there could be folks coming back to Tunisia.

Regardless of the US elections, thats a grim reality for Tunisia.
The first GLO flight from Huntsville International Airport to New Orleans is sold out ahead of its departure Friday afternoon.

At an August press conference with Gov. Robert Bentley, the 3-year-old regional carrier announced it would offer flights from Huntsville to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport starting this month. The Huntsville route, which operates Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, is the sixth for GLO and lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes gate-to-gate.

Barbie Peek, director of business development for the Port of Huntsville, said GLO is pleased with the initial number of bookings for the service.

"We need the community to support it in order to make it grow," she said. "The next steps would be adding additional days, and then hopefully the need would be that we could add multiple flights on peak days. Naturally, we hope that GLO finds great success in the community and that we can potentially add some additional service down the road."

GLO is targeting leisure travelers, as well as business passengers who need to meet with partners and clients face-to-face in New Orleans. CEO Trey Fayard has said GLO offers faster connectivity than road travel without wasting time and productivity.

A GLO spokesperson said one-way tickets are now $119 for "GLOforIt" fares, $159 for "GLOAdvance" fares and $199 for "GLONow" fares. The price will drop an additional 10 percent for all trips booked by Dec. 31 with the promo code "ROCKETCITY16."

"All fares still include taxes, fees and three checked bags, as well as free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages," he said.

GLO will use a 30-passenger, Saab 340B aircraft with speeds of 300 mph for the new route. Corporate Flight Management (CFM) will operate the service, which will create 150 direct and indirect jobs in Huntsville and have an estimated $1 million economic impact.

Fayard said the arrival of GLO in Huntsville is timely as the Gulf and Mid-South regions of the U.S. remain underserved by existing air carriers.

"GLO is very excited to finally connect Huntsville and New Orleans by air," he said. "We're also looking forward to bringing New Orleanians to Huntsville to experience all the Tennessee Valley has to offer."
Coffee

Latte Art Throwdown at Angel's Island Coffee in Huntsville. (Bob Gathany/bgathany@al.com)

National Coffee Day is finally here.

The unofficial holiday means you can enjoy a free or cheap cup of America's favorite caffeinated pick-me-up at vendors across the U.S.

We've put together a list of businesses that will participate in National Coffee Day. If your favorite coffee shop isn't listed here, let us know and we'll add it.

Pilot Flying J

:

to get a free small cup of coffee, hot tea or cappuccino. No purchase required.

Krispy Kreme

: Pick up

during regular business hours until closing. No purchase necessary.

Peet's Coffee

:

Buy a fresh food item and

.

Atlas Coffee Club

:

when you sign up for a monthly subscription and the first bag of coffee is free.

Dunkin' Donuts

:

Buy a medium hot coffee

Cumberland Farms

:

Text freecoffee to 64827 and

at participating locations.

Keurig :

on other select pods with the code greensavings.

Dairy Queen :

The chain will sell

through Friday, Sept. 30.

Starbucks :

for each customer who buys a brewed Mexico Chiapas coffee in participating U.S. and Mexico stores.

McDonald's

:

Buy five McCafe drinks, get one free

East 59 Vintage & Cafe

:

all day at this Birmingham shop.

Hindsight Coffee

:

Visit the coffee truck, buy a beverage and take a photo with it in the most creative way possible. Tag Hindsight Coffee Co. in the post and use the hashtag #HindsightCoffee. One person will

The Bean :

The Auburn establishment will donate 10 percent of coffee sales from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to

Prevail Union

: The

will feature its Guatemala San Luis on Espresso for National Coffee Day. They will also sell $2 Sidecars, a split double espresso served as a single shot and a macchiato. With the purchase of a Loyal Stricklin/Prevail-branded Aviator mug, the shop will fill it with whole bean coffee of your choice for free. The Aviator Mug deal is for both the Auburn and Montgomery locations.

Albany Bistro

:

Java Jaay Blackbird Roast French Press coffee is available for $1 at the Decatur restaurant.

Java Jaay

:

The Decatur spot is offering a buy one, get one free special on small house coffees. They are also launching a new delivery service for coffee bar drinks, breakfast or lunch with a minimum $15 order from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Angel's Island Coffee

:

Free small brewed coffee with the purchase of any sandwich. The Huntsville business is also offering a 10 percent discount on any espresso or coffee-based drink all day.
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Downtown Huntsville Inc.'s final Street Food Gathering will be held Oct. 21. (File photo) (Matt Wake mwake@al.com)

(bn)

Some 50,000 or so attendees later, Downtown Huntsville's Inc. Street Food Gatherings will end where they started.

As previously reported, after the Oct. 21 Street Food Gathering, scheduled for 5-9 p.m., DHI will retire the brand. The location of the finale however had been unannounced until DHI CEO Chad Emerson recently informed AL.com the event would be held on the downtown Huntsville square, the site of the very first Street Food Gathering in October 2013.

"We thought a little bit of closure on this incredibly successful concept was a fun idea," Emerson says.

The free monthly food truck events have also previously been held on Church Street in front of Big Spring Park as well as outside bar, restaurant and music venue AM Booth's Lumberyard.

More than 40 mobile food vendors will line the four streets around the Madison County Courthouse for the finale SFG. If additional space is needed, DHI has permission from the City of Huntsville to use Eustis Avenue, Emerson says. At this point, DHI has not finalized the October SFG food truck lineup. However, some trucks including Tex-Mex specialists Fire & Spice, pork-centric I Love Bacon, cupcake makers Sugar Belle and newer vendors like Hindsight Coffee and Manic Organic are confirmed. Sugar Belle was among the handful of food trucks at DHI's debut Street Food Gathering more than three years ago. Emerson says this last SFG, which since 2014 have typically been held April through October, will be the 25th DHI has hosted.

I Love Bacon owner/operator Keith Hill says, "Honestly, I don't believe there's been anymore more important for the food truck scene in Huntsville" than the Street Food Gatherings.

"Anytime you put four or five or six thousand people in one place that you can put your brand it front of, even something as small as seeing a logo or hearing word of mouth or seeing a plate that comes off your truck, that's tremendous," Hill says.

Hill believes the Street Food Gatherings show how much Downtown Huntsville Inc. and the city has supported local food trucks, which have become an integral part of the culinary scene here. "In so many cities, even cities near us, food trucks are facing a battle against the city most of the time."

I Love Bacon has appeared at Street Food Gatherings for three years now. The menu runs $8-13 and boasts the Carlos Santana, their take on Uruguayan sandwich chiveto, with ingredients including flank steak, bacon, ham and egg.

After relocating from Texas, where they'd been working as cooks and in restaurant management, married couple Thomas and LeAndra Poux took over operation of the Fire & Spice truck from Tina Ford and Stan Stinson, owners of Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza, in April 2015. The Pouxs purchased the truck last November. Fire & Spice menu runs $9 - $12, and features Lone Star Tacos, with sliced brisket. Thomas says Fire & Spice does between 300 and 400 tickets during a Street Food Gathering. That's a big jump for their typical dinner service, at say a local brewery, when the tickets are less than 100.

"It's helped us grow the brand more than anything else," Thomas says. "It's a free event so we get anywhere from families to teenagers to the older crowd, so it's fantastic for a city the size of Huntsville to put an event like that on is pretty incredible."

Even though SGFs as we know them are ending, DHI isn't getting out of the food truck game.

The nonprofit development organization has announced it will debut a new series of events, Battle of the Food Truck All Stars, starting in May 2017. This winter, food trucks based in Madison County and immediately adjacent counties will be able to submit an application to participate. Next, a jury of "food truck experts," which Emerson says will interview applicants "in a public meeting where you can come and see the interview and enjoy the give and take." The jury will pick the top 10 applicants.

There will also be online voting for two "people choice" food trucks, to round out the 12-vendor lineup that will be at every Battle of the Food Truck All-Stars. At each event, there will be opportunities for participating vendors to earn points and at the end of the series, in October, the vendor with the highest point total wins the "battle." Lots of details remain to be ironed out. These include how/where food trucks will initially apply, the jury members (although Emerson says they "will include a diverse set of participants ranging from culinarians to marketers") and the point system used to determine the winning vendor.

"This is going to highlight not just the best menu or the best truck or the best marketing but a combination of all of those different pieces," Emerson says.

So, was it a difficult decision to retire discontinue the Street Food Gatherings, which have become immensely popular signature Huntsville events, drawing thousands of people at each one?

"I wouldn't say it was a difficult decision but it was a very deliberate decision," Emerson says. "We didn't just do this on a whim. We had been tracking everything from attendance to truck participation to a variety of factors, including social media interaction, on the event. And we noticed the event to a degree had plateaued. It was still very popular. But we recognized that with these types of events happening all over the region now, it may not be as unique. And so we still wanted to do something that had a strong food truck component but we also wanted to do something that was different from what the other people are doing now."

LeAndra Poux says, "When we were told (DHI's food truck event) was changing we just were very excited because that's a positive thing." Keith Hill says his only hopes regarding the format change were that DHI "would keep it fun." (Neither LeAndra or Hill was aware of exactly what the new DHI food truck format would be when interviewed for this story.)

In addition to mobile victuals, the Oct. 21 Street Food Gathering finale will feature the musical stylings of local big-band ensemble Silvery Moon Band, whose repertoire includes "Summertime," "Come Fly with Me" and "Witchcraft". The October SFG will also coincide with DHI's latest version of their Pop Up Parks, featuring 10 miniature parks designed to the theme of "Space To Innovate," downtown Oct. 13-23.
Blessed Sacrament.jpg

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in West End will be the host church for the first Blue Mass held by the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham.

(Photo by Tamika Moore/AL.com)

The Catholic Diocese of Birmingham will host its first "Blue Mass" tonight to honor and pray for law enforcement officers.

"It's principally geared to praying for the safety of police officers, with the decisions they have to make on the spot protecting people," said Bishop Robert J. Baker, head of the diocese.

The Mass begins at 6 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1460 Pearson Ave. in Birmingham's West End.

It's being held today to coincide with the feast of Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers.

"We're using this occasion to show our prayerful support for policemen and pray for healing in our community," Baker said. "We want to pray for safety for these people."

Although Catholic churches allow communion for members only, the service is open to all people.

"Certainly people of other faiths are welcome," Baker said.

Police officers of all faiths will be invited to come to the front of the church. "We'd like them to come up to receive a blessing," Baker said.

A choir from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fairfield will sing.

This is the first time the diocese has held a Blue Mass to pray for police, Baker said.

"It's something we see as important and helpful for the Birmingham community," he said.

"We hope to carry this into the future every year at this time," Baker said. "We want to pray for unity, harmony and the healing of racial division."
School Shooting

Members of law enforcement investigate an area at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016.

(Rainier Ehrhardt / AP)

TOWNVILLE, S.C. -- A teenager killed his father at their home Wednesday before going to a nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said.

The teen was apprehended within minutes of the school shooting in this rural town about 110 miles northeast of Atlanta. One of the students was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, Capt. Garland Major with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office said. Both students were male. The female teacher was hit in the shoulder.

Before the shooting at Townville Elementary about 1:45 p.m., the teen gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne, at their home about 2 miles from the school, authorities said.

"We are heartbroken about this senseless act of violence," said Joanne Avery, superintendent of Anderson County School District 4. She canceled classes for the rest of the week.

The shooter never entered the school building and was apprehended by firefighter Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, according to Anderson County sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole.

Authorities did not reveal the teen's age at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, and Cole says she doesn't have his age. The Anderson Independent-Mail quotes Anderson County Sheriff Chief Deputy Keith Smith as saying the teen is 14 and could be charged as a minor.

Authorities did not release a motive for the shooting and said they weren't sure if the students and teacher were targeted.

One of the students and the teacher were released from the hospital Wednesday evening, AnMed Health spokeswoman Juana Slade. Greenville News earlier reported that a 6-year-old was airlifted to Greenville Memorial in critical condition. Greenville Memorial spokeswoman Sandy Dees confirmed that a child was taken to the hospital but would not release any further information.

Asked about the teen's relationship to the students, Major said "I know they all go to school together." He later said the teen was being homeschooled and didn't clarify his earlier remark.

Authorities said they believe there was only one shooter and that all other students at Townville Elementary were safe. The students were bused to a nearby church and reunited with their parents. They hugged and kissed.

The school has about 300 students in its pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade classrooms. It is in a very rural part of the state and surrounded by working farms.

"This is the country," Brandi Pierce, the mother of a sixth-grader, told The Associated Press as she began to cry. "You don't have this in the country. It just don't exist out here."

Jamie Meredith, a student's mother, said some of the children went into a bathroom during the shooting.

"I don't know how they knew to go in the bathroom, but I know her teacher was shaken up. I know all the kids were scared. There was a bunch of kids crying. She didn't talk for about 5 minutes when I got her," she told WYFF.

Television images showed officers swarming the school after the report of an active shooter. Some were on top of the roof while others were walking around the building. Students were driven away on buses accompanied by police officers.

Gov. Nikki Haley released a statement shortly after the shooting.

"As we work together with law enforcement to make sure they have the support they need to investigate what happened in Townville, Michael and I ask that everyone across South Carolina join us in praying for the entire Townville Elementary School family and those touched by today's tragedy."

The rural town is located along Interstate 85 near the Georgia-South Carolina state line.
Larry Contri.JPG

Larry Contri is now serving as Birmingham City Schools interim superintendent. (Erin Edgemon/eedgemon@al.com)

The newly appointed interim Birmingham City Schools superintendent said he may be interested in applying for the top post.

Larry Contri, the school system's longest-running employee at 49 years, said he's applied for the superintendent job once before, about 10 years ago.

When asked this week whether he will apply again, Contri said he hasn't decided yet. "That will be taken under advisement," he said.

Contri, 70, was hired in 1967 to teach language arts and physical education at Kennedy Elementary School. He's served as principal in elementary and high schools. He's also served in several positions in the school system's central office.

School board President Wardine Alexander previously said that she feels "very comfortable" have Contri serve as interim superintendent. Because of his years of experience, the board is confident in his ability to move the system forward in the interim, she said.

Superintendent Kelley Castlin-Gacutan was fired by the school board in a 6-3 vote on Sept. 22 after 16 months on the job. She became the eighth person to leave the job in 17 years.

The school system has six months to hire a replacement.

Contri's been eligible for retirement for nearly 30 years, and has repeatedly refused to retire or take a buyout, AL.com reports show.

Contri said on Wednesday that he "chose to stay" even after the state eliminated his post during its takeover of Birmingham City Schools in 2012, and after having his salary reduced by about $50,000 a year.

"You do (this job) out of love and commitment to the children," he said.

Contri did file a lawsuit against Birmingham City Schools in 2014 after a salary dispute. He claimed the school board couldn't reduce his salary -- due to the state's financial plan and a change in the salary schedule -- because of his years of service.

His attorney, Gayle Gear, said on Thursday that the lawsuit came to a "favorable" resolution for the school system and Contri about two months ago. She said the lawsuit was set to be dismissed today.

She said the terms of the resolution were confidential, but that Contri has a "good relationship with the school system. There was never any animosity that I sensed," Gear said.

According to Birmingham City Schools, Contri's current salary is $103,000, a more than $7,000 increase from where it was set in 2012.

His contract for the interim post is still in negotiations.

The state took control over Birmingham City Schools in 2012 after the system's reserve fund was found to be dangerously low. The system was officially released from state intervention in June 2015.

During that takeover, state officials eliminated 180 positions in the school system's central office, including Contri's post as an assistant superintendent.

At that time, Contri had worked for Birmingham City Schools for nearly 45 years and was eligible for full retirement. He declined to retire then.

Contri was then demoted from an assistant superintendent to a director of schools for district four under the state's financial plan.

The assistant superintendent post paid $143,295. His new post paid $95,658.

Updated at 12:46 p.m. with Contri's current salary.
A convict already serving time for armed robbery is now charged in a separate crime after DNA evidence linked him to a three-year-old unsolved holdup in Hoover.

Hoover police on July 3, 2013, responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in the drive-thru at Regions Bank on Corporate Ridge Drive. The victim, who worked as a manager for Dollar General, was making the night deposit when a masked man wearing rubber gloves approached him, said Hoover police Lt. Keith Czeskleba.

The assailant demanded the bank bag and the two men struggled. During that struggle, the victim tore one of the gloves off of the suspect and partially removed his mask. The robber got away with the bank bag, but left the torn glove behind.

Hoover crime scene investigators submitted the glove to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for analysis. A DNA profile was obtained and submitted into the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, a nationwide DNA database available to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of linking crimes or even finding missing people.

Detectives were notified this week of a positive match for the DNA sample that was collected from the glove, Czeskleba said. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Brezenski Rashad Wilson of New Market, Al. Hoover police, working with the Shelby County District Attorney's Office, charged with third-degree burglary. The charge carries a $15,000 bond.

Wilson is currently in prison in Alabama. He pleaded guilty in 2013 to an armed robbery of a Title Max business in Talladega, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. "DNA evidence is still an important tool in solving crimes and particularly in this case,'' Czeskleba said. "All other investigative leads had been exhausted in this case, but the CODIS hit allowed us to identify the perpetrator and hold him accountable for his actions. Our crime scene investigators do an excellent job on a daily basis and their work provided the break that we needed."
The drought conditions across Alabama are now the worst of the year with parts of 11 counties enduring "extreme drought" conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

With 82.85 percent of the state categorized from "abnormally dry" to "extreme drought," it's the highest percentage in Alabama since July 31, 2012.

"Extreme drought" is the second-highest classification on the drought monitor scale.

While parts of north Alabama have dealt with extreme drought for months, it has now stretched as far south as the Opelika/Auburn area in Lee County in east Alabama.

Counties in which parts are listed under extreme drought: Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, Jackson, DeKalb, Cherokee, Cleburne, Calhoun, Lee and Chambers.

In the past week, drought conditions across the state took a sudden turn for the worse. Last week, only Jackson and a small sliver of DeKalb were classified under extreme drought - an area that covered 1.74 percent of the state.

That percentage more than tripled in the past week.

Altogether, the area of the state affected by some classification of drought rose 9.6 percent.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in July declared a drought disaster for six Alabama counties: Jackson, DeKalb, Madison, Cherokee, Etowah and Marshall.

Some part of Alabama has been classified under extreme drought for 14 straight weeks, but the percentage of area affected by that classification was never more than 3.32 percent until Thursday.

The 6.36 percent of area affected by extreme drought is the highest in Alabama since 8.03 percent on January 29, 2013.

Parts of all 67 counties in Alabama are included in some drought classification.
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Special Counsel Jack Sharman asked the Alabama House Judiciary Committee to issue subpoenas to Gov. Robert Bentley and others during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016.

(Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

A subcommittee has approved the request of the special counsel investigating impeachment articles against Gov. Robert Bentley to subpoena the governor's office and others to request documents.

Clay Redden, spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee, said the subcommittee unanimously approved the request that Special Counsel Jack Sharman made on Tuesday.

Redden said copies of the subpoenas would be available after they're delivered.

Sharman said he wanted to subpoena those who were not voluntarily providing documents. Sharman said the governor's office has not been cooperative in his investigation.

Ross Garber, an attorney representing the governor's office, disputed that Tuesday. Garber said Sharman received more than 1,500 pages of documents on Tuesday morning.

Garber said the requests from Sharman have been overly broad.

Garber also disputes Sharman's contention that the Judiciary Committee has the power to enforce subpoenas.

The committee chairman, Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, said the question has never been decided in court.

The committee on Tuesday approved rules, proposed by Sharman, that authorize Sharman to initiate contempt proceedings to try to enforce subpoenas.

Sharman requested that subpoenas go to the governor's office; Bentley in his individual capacity; former Bentley political adviser Rebekah Mason and her company, RCM Communications; Jon Mason; JRM Enterprises; Michael Echols, CPA; Bentley for Governor Inc.; and the Alabama Council for Excellent Government.

The Judiciary Committee hired Sharman in July to investigate whether there are grounds to impeach the governor.

The committee will make a recommendation to the House of Representatives.

Sharman said he and his staff are continuing to interview witnesses and collect documents.

In April, 23 House members signed a resolution to impeach Bentley for willful neglect of duty and corruption in office.

The governor said he has broken no laws and done nothing to warrant removal from office.

Garber has maintained that the governor is not receiving due process because the allegations in the impeachment resolution are not specific. Garber asked the committee to suspend the proceedings.

Jones denied that request, saying the committee's work was still in the investigative stages.

The resolution to impeach Bentley came after the governor admitted to inappropriate comments to former adviser Rebekah Mason and apologized. The admission came after the release of recordings of his phone conversations in March.

Bentley and Mason denied having an affair, and Mason resigned.

Bentley has also faced accusations from former Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary Spencer Collier.

Bentley put Collier on medical leave in February after Collier, against his orders, gave state prosecutors an affidavit in the Mike Hubbard case.

In March, Bentley fired Collier, saying an investigation found possible misuse of funds.

Collier said he had done nothing wrong and went public with allegations that Bentley and Mason had an affair and said he had warned the governor about using state resources to facilitate it.

Collier said Bentley fired him for refusing to lie to prosecutors about the affidavit in the Hubbard case.

Bentley said he did not tell Collier to lie.

David Byrne, Bentley's chief legal adviser, said Tuesday that the documents delivered to Sharman on Tuesday included some pertaining to Collier, trips the governor made to Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas, and the Alabama Council for Excellent Government.
state capitol mug oct 24.jpg

(Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

Secretary of State John Merrill (AP/Phillip Rawls)

The Alabama Secretary of State's office will reprint 2.7 million ballots for the Nov. 8 general election because of a mistake on one of the proposed constitutional amendments, the Montgomery Advertiser reported.

Secretary of State John Merrill told the newspaper that an employee in his office left out key language in Statewide Amendment 2 while transferring information from the legislation to the ballot.

The main purpose of the amendment is to prevent the Legislature from using money generated by the Alabama's state parks for other purposes, which it has done in recent years.

But that part of the amendment was left out.

Merrill said he was uncertain how much the reprinting would cost.
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Robert Bentley and former political adviser Rebekah Mason. (file photo)

( )

Alabama House of Representatives Clerk Jeff Woodard has issued subpoenas to Gov. Robert Bentley, former Bentley adviser Rebekah Mason and others for documents as part of an investigation of impeachment articles against the governor.

The requested material includes all communications between Bentley and Mason, cell phone records, payments to Mason and the governor's bank statements going back to 2011.

Special Counsel Jack Sharman, who is leading the investigation by the House Judiciary Committee into whether there are grounds for impeachment, asked for the subpoenas on Tuesday.

A subcommittee approved the request, and Woodard was directed to issue the subpoenas today, according to press release from House Public Information Officer Clay Redden.

The chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, said those receiving subpoenas have until 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 to deliver the requested documents to Sharman.

"If they fail to comply, we will take appropriate action," Jones said in the press release.

Ross Garber, an attorney for the governor's office, has said the Judiciary Committee does not have the authority to enforce subpoenas.

Jones said that is a matter for a court to decide.

Subpoenas were issued to Bentley, individually and as governor; Bentley for Governor, Inc.; Michael H. Echols; Jon Mason; Rebekah Mason; the Alabama Council for Excellent Government; JRM Enterprises Inc.; and RCM Communications, Inc.

Sharman said they had not been cooperating with the investigation.

Bentley's lawyers disputed that and said they had turned over more than 1,500 pages of documents on Tuesday.

The governor says he has broken no laws and done nothing to warrant impeachment.

Sharman requested many documents from Bentley going back to when the governor took office in January 2011.

Among those requested documents are bank accounts statements; payments to Rebekah Mason; daily and weekly schedules; cell phone bills and usage histories; a list of email and social media accounts; audio or video recordings of conversations with Rebekah Mason; and emails, texts and other communications with Rebekah Mason, Jon Mason, Spencer Collier, Stan Stabler, Ray Lewis and Cooper Shattuck.
Food stamp fraud suspects

Morgan County residents Ali Alsamawi, Cherokee Clem, Joshua Priest and Joyce Workman are charged with felony food stamp fraud.

Eight north Alabama residents have been indicted on felony charges in Morgan County after a Department of Human Resources investigation determined they fraudulently used food assistance cards, court records show.

Joyce Workman, 44, of Decatur, Cherokee Clem, 19, of Decatur, Joshua Edward Priest, 26, of Lacey's Spring, and Ali Alsamawi, 40, of Decatur, each are charged with public assistance fraud, a Class C felony that's punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Four other suspects also have been indicted, but their identities are being withheld pending arrest.

Three of the suspects, Workman, Alsamawi and Clem, are accused of having and using multiple food assistance cards, which were provided to them by the other five suspects, according to the indictment.

Alabama's food assistance program for low-income families is called SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and is administered by DHR.

In Alabama, 383,923 households received more than $100 million in July, according to the most recent data available.

The fraud reportedly occurred in Morgan County from January 2015 to April 2016, court records show.

"We don't really comment on something that's under prosecution," said the Department's spokesman Barry Spear. "We have a fraud investigation unit to work with local and state agencies when something like this might be going on."

Just through the first 11 months of this fiscal year, DHR has collected more than $5.7 million due to fraud and administrative error, Spear said. The Department has confirmed 886 fraud claims during that same period, he said.

Spear said the department relies on the public for tips and information about individuals or businesses who may be misusing SNAP benefits.

"You see people complaining about it, but they have to let us know," Spear said. "If we don't know about it, we can't very well investigate it."

To report suspected food assistance fraud, contact your local DHR office or email fs@dhr.alabama.gov.

The fraud stemmed from benefits issued in Morgan County.

"The thing a lot of people don't realize is it's not just individuals, but also stores that can be responsible for some of the fraud," Spear said. "If you believe a store is allowing people to purchase items that are not eligible for the program or making cash transactions with SNAP benefits, report it. We can stop a whole lot of fraud by stopping a store -- tens or even hundreds of people."

Earlier this year in Jefferson County, a Bessemer grocery store owner agreed to pay $5.2 million back to DHR when he pleaded guilty to fraud, money laundering and other charges.

In 2015, law enforcement carried out the biggest food stamp fraud investigation in Jefferson County's history when 17 people were arrested and multiple other probes were launched.

Spear said it's important for the public to remember that DHR does provide some people with cash cards that can be mistaken for SNAP benefits.

Some households qualify for TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which allows cardholders to withdraw cash to help pay for nonfood items.

"Sometimes people will see someone using the TANF program, which is on the same card as SNAP, and think they are misusing it," Spear said.

For some context, Spear said, "it's a small percentage" of people who abuse the program.

"But, if you suspect something, it's best to let us know," he said. "It's important to us to make sure the benefits go to people who really need those benefits and they are used properly."

Morgan County Assistant District Attorney Jerry Knight said although the cases were presented to a grand jury in the county, the prosecution is being held by DHR's attorney Kimberly Dobbs.

Dobbs didn't respond to a request for comment.

During fiscal year 2015 in Alabama, an average of 417,994 households received SNAP benefits each month, totaling more than $1.3 billion, DHR reported.

The four suspects who have been arrested were taken by sheriff's deputies to the Morgan County Jail with bail set at $2,500 each.

Indictments are formal notices of charges filed against defendants after grand juries have determined there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Provision to issue a stay on lawsuits can range from six months to indefinitely despite the US Congresss adoption of bill.

Its beginning to look like all of the uproar over the law that will allow victims of the 9/11 attacks to sue Saudi Arabia will be much ado about nothing in the long run.

This has been a subject of daily consternation in the White House. The US Congress passed the bill and the White House instantly warned that it would have drastic consequences.

They argued that if they remove the sovereign protection for Saudi Arabia, people around the globe would start suing the US government and its employees en masse.

US President Barack Obama vetoed the bill and, for the first time in his entire seven-plus-year presidency, the Congress overrode the veto. That is highly unusual.

The support for the bill in Congress was simply overwhelming. That is, for about 20 minutes.

We are starting to see reports that dozens of senators are now writing letters and voicing concerns that they were not aware of the potential repercussions.

Theyve started to float the idea that they might change the bill in the lame duck session  that is when Congress reconvenes after the election and the politicians know if they are keeping or losing their jobs.

READ MORE: US Congress overrides Obamas veto on 9/11 bill

Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, described it this way at Thursdays briefing: Congress is experiencing a rapid onset of buyers remorse.

This law is not nearly as tough as pretty much every politician and journalist has made it look.

Ive long held the belief that most of them dont actually read the bills they are voting or reporting on. Its not that difficult to do; its just a few pages.

If they had read it, they would have seen that there is a provision that the Obama administration can certify that the US government is negotiating a settlement with Saudi Arabia and then a judge has to stay the lawsuits for six months.

Those stays can be re-issued over and over.

I asked how long; the response from a hill staffer was: Indefinitely.

Still, the Saudi government does not want the US government to admit they are negotiating over 9/11.

That would imply some guilt and the government has always insisted they had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks.

The Obama administration would like this to go away in its entirety.

If I was a betting person and there was a bookie who took political bets, I would guess that after Congress members know their individual jobs are safe, they will dramatically change the bill or even throw it out in its entirety.

They would have the political cover to do that if even one lawsuit is filed: for example in Pakistan over drone deaths.

This US Congress, with many of its members up for re-election, were able to say they let the victims of 9/11 seek justice. Even if many of them knew that there was a back door out in the bill.

READ MORE: President Barack Obama vetoes 9/11 bill

Earnest was asked at Thursdays press briefing if there was a way for the federal government to intervene.

He answered that he wasnt a lawyer and wasnt sure but the justice department might know. Not exactly the most straightforward answer.

So no one in Washington DC is saying exactly what this bill does; only that it is really, really good or really, really bad.

It is typical Washington and they will get away it. They are very good at hiding things in this town even from the people who are affected the most.

I talked to a woman whose husband died in the 9/11 attacks. She has been one of the bills chief lobbyists, forcing this action after 15 years of trying.

I asked her what she thought about the governments ability to delay this indefinitely.

She said she wasnt aware that was the case. It was her understanding they could only delay it for six months.

That might explain why she clapped along with other families when the presidents veto was overridden.

The politicians told them they were standing behind them; the details of just how are apparently not as important.
More than a year before the big refugee influx into Europe began in 2015, I came across a book titled In School I Forget Prison (2013). It is based on the accounts of male adolescents held in a juvenile prison in the Greek city of Volos. In it, underage immigrants describe their dangerous journeys from Asia  mostly Pakistan  to Europe.

Reading this, I was struck by the question: How is it possible that teenage boys, who have left their families and their homes in order to escape violence and conflict, end up in Greek prisons, some receiving 25-year sentences?

I soon discovered that juvenile prisons in Greece were packed with young refugees who had been accused of smuggling people across the border.

As the refugee crisis reached its peak in the summer of 2015 and thousands of desperate people landed on Greek shores, even more minors were arrested by border police.

RELATED  Europe and the refugee crisis

In its attempt to deter smuggling, Greece imposed strict laws and severe punishments, irrespective of age.

Soon, juvenile prisons became crowded with young refugees, who were desperately trying to convince the authorities that they had been forced, threatened or misled by smugglers into transporting people across the border.

The courts generally refused to believe them. Many young boys received life sentences as, according to Greek law, a smuggler gets 10 years for each person transported. Many smugglers, aware of the harsh laws, avoided making the crossing themselves, instead forcing teenage boys to steer the boat.

After about six months of wrangling with the authorities, in April 2014 I received permission to shoot inside the Volos juvenile prison, a jail exclusively for non-Greek prisoners.

I decided to focus on Jasim, a 17-year-old Yazidi from northern Iraq, and Alsaleh, an 18-year-old Kurd from Kobani in Syria.

RELATED  The Longest Run: Refugee Teens in Jail

Jasim was threatened by a smuggler who told him that if he didnt steer the boat with refugees across the Evros river, he would drown his cousin and young nephew.

One of the first things that struck me in the prison were the telephone conversations between the boys and their families: parents living in war zones under the constant threat of bombings and raids by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) talking to their teenage sons who had been sent to Europe in search of safety but had wound up in jail.

The sons would listen as their parents told them of yet another friend who had been beheaded by ISIL, of the desperate shortage of food and medicine or of how seriously ill Alsalehs mother had become.

The teenagers would try to console them, lying about the length of their stay in prison and reassuring them that they would soon get a job and take care of them.

But the truth was that the boys were vulnerable, frightened and confused. Detained in a foreign land where they didnt speak the language and with no legal representation, they knew that they might have to lie to their mothers for many years to come. They had no advisers, no support, no money and no one to visit them in prison. They were alone.

After six months in prison, the court released Jasim on parole. Prohibited from leaving Greece, he had to survive in Athens without money, shelter or any support from the state. His options were to leave Greece illegally under the threat of being arrested again or to stay and try to find an illegal job at a time of economic crisis, join a criminal gang, beg or become a victim of human trafficking. He was effectively still a prisoner.

By 2016, the authorities were becoming aware of the complexities surrounding smuggling in Greece and that innocent minors were frequently being victimised.

As a result, the border police as well as the judiciary have become more cautious, sensitive and lenient in cases involving young refugees. Minors are no longer arrested at the borders as regularly. Crucially, those who are arrested and accused of people smuggling are no longer put in jail but are sent to detention centres where they are required to stay and participate in activities but can come and go. Even so, many things remain unresolved.

Jasim and Alsalehs stories opened a window into what it means to be an unaccompanied minor at the mercy of a foreign justice system and raised important questions regarding the effectiveness of the Greek penal system in protecting minors.

My film, The Longest Run, filmed in the confined environment of a juvenile prison, against the backdrop of ISIL attacks in the Middle East, is about the outer and inner borders which create further hostility and pain. It is also an ode to freedom and the universality of family bonds and love.
Number of displaced Iraqis in Kurdish region will increase rapidly with the battle to retake Mosul set for mid-October.

Dibaga Camp, Northern Iraq  In a stifling hot office with more flies than oxygen, Rzgar Abed does not hesitate when asked about the biggest challenge in managing the camp for Iraqs internally displaced people (IDPs).

Space  were at 31,000 and that is our capacity. Thirty-one thousand, said Abed, who works for the Barzani Charity Foundation, which oversees a number of camps, populated by Iraqis displaced people fleeing fighters belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group in the Kurdish region.

That number is set to increase rapidly with an additional 1.5 million people expected to flee when the operation to take back Mosul from ISIL starts in mid-October.

As it is, conditions in the Dibaga camp are already cramped  each tent can only hold up to six people.

Families fled from their villages under the control of ISIL, also known as ISIS, and have kept on leaving, even though some of those villages have since been recaptured.

Most are only within 10km to 50km of their homes.

More than half of the camps population are children. They flow through the camps, running between tents and climbing anything they can.

Intisar Mohamed Suleiman came here from Makuk with her husband and nine children  between one and 12 years in age.

In April, Kurdish and Iraqi forces supported by the US took out ISIL targets near her village with air strikes.

It was very difficult  we walked five hours to get here, said Suleiman, 34, who has been at Dibaga for six months. She was part of the last wave of people who headed towards Erbil.

We did not think we would stay long when we came here, she said, still hopeful that a return would be imminent.

While she is anxious to go back, like many here she is unsure of what she has to go back to.

Most people have no idea what we are dealing with here, said Vian Rasheed, who heads the Erbil Refugee Council which reports to the governors office.

They have a few thousand refugees show up in Europe and they start to worry. When fighting broke out in Mosul in 2014, we had 100,000 people show up in one night at checkpoints, said Rasheed.

Contingency plans

Rasheed said they expect at least 420,000 people would flee to Erbil and Duhok. About 250,000, she said, will end up in Erbil governorate alone.

Neither Erbil nor Duhok, roughly 155km northwest of the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, are ready for such numbers.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has prepared a contingency plan for Mosul, which would cost $284m for six months, Rasheed said.



Iraqs Kurdish region struggles to accommodate displaced people

With our economic crisis, nobody can have this money  we are now looking for donors and at UN agencies for intervention, he said.

But according to the UNs refugee agency UNHCR, funding has fallen short, with 63 percent of IDP shelter needs unmet.

Still, everyone is racing to build what they can in the next couple of weeks.

In Hassan Sham, about 60km from Dibaga, the UNHCR plans to build 2,000 tents, while Iraqs Ministry of Migration and Displacement is funding an additional 10,000 tents to be built by the Erbil governorate.

That is nothing close to the 30,000 tents Erbil will need to deal with the upcoming influx of refugees, Rasheed said.

Caroline Gluck, UNHCRs senior public information officer in Baghdad, told Al Jazeera that the expected influx represents an enormous displacement in a country that already has 3.3 million internally displaced people.

Negotiating for land, whether with the government or individuals, is time consuming, something agencies can ill afford at this make-or-break moment. And that is just part of the challenge.

For Mosul, half of the IDPs will not be in camps, said Gluck. Some, she said, will have emergency shelter kits for the short term.

For aid agencies, it is a matter of trying to stay a step ahead of total disaster.

Its not like the agencies hadnt been busy before this  we were already overstretched, said Gluck.

Broke, but welcoming

International funding is crucial in this crisis because the Kurdish government is essentially broke. It has been unable to pay salaries for public sector employees, who have been protesting regularly.

I believe we are in a massive crisis, a real crisis, said Dindar Zebari, deputy minister and head of Kurdish regional governments foreign-relations department.

KRG, by itself, will not be able to fully accommodate the IDPs.

The KRG has been strapped for cash since Baghdad cut its budget and the drop in oil prices took a bite out of its exports.

WATCH: Kurdish regions economy struggles with falling oil prices

Zebari also said he is worried that there will be ISIL members and sleeper cells coming in with this massive wave of displaced people.

Weve already had some and weve arrested them, but we are scared. We need to accommodate them somewhere outside [the cities] because at least there are a lot of checkpoints, he said, adding that this is a greater worry now than in the past.

Now we are facing the dangerous people, said Zebari.

Still, unlike some officials in the European Union and US, who feel that any potential security threat is enough to justify barring all refugees from countries such as Syria and Iraq, Zebari said the Kurdish regional government will not turn away the displaced people.

We are different  we have never had that strategy, he said.

I must assure you, KRG will continue to, with open arms, receive those in need.
Despite increasing dangers Palestinian and Israeli activists continue their efforts to oppose the occupation peacefully.

Anyone who has met the soft-spoken and mild-mannered Brigitte Herremans, the Middle East policy officer at Belgian Catholic charities Broederlijk Delen and Pax Christi, would be confounded to hear her labelled as a threat to public security and order.

But that is exactly how authorities at Israels Ben-Gurion airport described her as they deported the Belgian peace activist and charity worker  while the founder of the pro-Israeli right NGO Monitor called her a radical leader of political warfare.

Like so many times before, Herremans had landed in Israel, earlier this month, to take a group of Belgians on a familiarisation tour of Israel and Palestine, where they would get the opportunity to see, first hand, the situation on the ground and to meet local Israeli and Palestinian peace activists.

But this time was to prove to be different. Following a three-hour detention, including a brief interrogation, Herremans, who had refused to divulge the names of her Palestinian and Israeli contacts, was put on a plane back home and banned from entering Israel for a decade, while the group she had been leading was allowed into the country.

Unfortunately, I was aware that I might be refused entry to Israel, this time, Herremans told me following her return to Belgium, citing the Israeli governments growing animosity towards NGOs and the increasing attacks by groups such as NGO Monitor.

The need for justifying violence

Established in 2002, NGO Monitor claims to promote accountability and informed public debate of the activities of international and local NGOs. But accountability seems to mean accepting the narrative and policies of Israels right-wing government unquestioningly and uncritically.

NGO Monitors charge sheet against Herremans and Broederlijk Delen includes providing miniscule funding to a number of NGOs promoting human and legal rights and allegedly supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which Broederlijk Delen does not actually do, according to Herremans.

Other presumably insidious and heinous acts exposed by NGO Monitor include organising an expo on the terrifying theme of Peaceful resistance in Palestine and Israel.

Years of demonising and stigmatising anyone who criticises or opposes Israel's occupation and the abuses it leads to has created an extremely toxic atmosphere in which right-wing radicals and fanatics feel justified in using or threatening violence. by

This is something that has long miffed me. The Israeli right repeatedly and harshly criticises Palestinians when they engage in violent resistance and terrorism and claim that their enemy only understands the language of violence.

Yet, when Palestinians use the language of peaceful activism and non-violence, a process of deep-seated distrust and paranoia, combined with wilful distortion and twisting, translate these actions into the lexicon of terrorism and warfare.

This is because hitting someone who refuses to hit back exacts a heavy burden on human conscience and makes the hitter look and, deep down, feel like a thug and a bully.

In contrast, rocket attacks from Gaza or knifings in the West Bank make it far easier to justify violence and oppression to oneself and the world.

OPINION: Israel  This isnt how you defend democracy

That explains why the Israeli government, like many regimes in the region, fears and combats critical elements of civil society, especially leftist and rights groups, who are armed with little more than their consciences, with greater gusto and urgency than armed extremists.

Even uncontroversial charities, which actually indirectly help Israel by cleaning up the mess caused by its wars and improving the lives of Palestinians have fallen foul of this growing paranoia.

For example, the United States largest Christian charity World Vision has been forced to suspend its operations in destitute Gaza because its manager there is accused of having funnelled funds to Hamas which are more than double the organisations budget there.

Israels lawfare

On the legislative front, the Knesset recently passed the contentious and controversial NGO law, which appears to single out left-wing and rights groups as treacherous agents of insidious foreign powers, rather than expressions of internal dissent and opposition to an unjust and unsustainable situation.

These efforts are aimed at crippling the activities of and silencing the voices of organisations dedicated to critiquing Israeli government policy and actions, notes Nadeem Shehadeh, a lawyer with Adalah, the first Palestinian-run legal centre in Israel.

In addition to Jewish-Israeli anti-occupation groups, Palestinian civil society and political parties have been a central target of these efforts, points out Shehadeh, referring to a spate of laws in recent years, including the so-called Nakba Law of 2011 and the raising of the Knesset voting threshold in 2014.

OPINION: How impunity defines Israel and victimises Palestinians

This was meant to sideline Arab parties but had the unintended effect of forcing them to unite under the conciliatory leadership of Ayman Odeh.

The current political environment in Israel suggests that these efforts are not about to subside but are rather enjoying a distinct upswing, observes Shehadeh.

And as Palestinian activists, and their Israeli and international allies, increasingly resort to what has been dubbed lawfare, Israels clampdowns and crackdowns are likely to intensify over the coming years.

Moreover, years of demonising and stigmatising anyone who criticises or opposes Israels occupation and the abuses it leads to, no matter how benignly done, has created an extremely toxic atmosphere in which right-wing radicals and fanatics feel justified in using or threatening violence.

Targeted groups include the internationally respected human rights organisation BTselem and Breaking the Silence, which collects the testimonies of Israeli soldiers with the aim of exposing the reality of the occupation.

Palestinian rights groups, such as Al Mezan in Gaza and Al Haq in the West Bank, have also been receiving an alarming level of threats targeted at staff and their families, which have included photos of their houses to flowers delivered to their homes.

Despite the increasing dangers involved, brave Palestinian and Israeli activists continue their efforts to oppose the occupation peacefully and to advance efforts to build a robust and resilient peace, no matter how far off and elusive it seems from where we stand today.

Khaled Diab is an award-winning Egyptian-Belgian journalist, writer and blogger. He is the author of Intimate Enemies: Living with Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land. He blogs at www.chronikler.com.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
A sense of duty may not be enough for Spain to overcome the crippling political impasse.

Gina Benevento is a former UN diplomat living and working in Madrid as a strategic communications consultant.

The tail was definitely wagging the dog on September 26 after regional elections in Galicia and the Basque Country resulted in improving chances for Spains acting Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, and his Conservative party to finally break nine months of political deadlock.

Its not often that a regional election can hold the key to Spains top job. But in Spains first ever election with four political parties, small changes proved decisive.

The Conservatives strong showing in Galicia was not surprising. Rajoy is a native Galician, as was General Francisco Franco, Spains military dictator whose death in 1975 paved the way for Spains transition to democracy.





That move to democracy gave birth to a two-party system: Conservatives and Socialists. And the past year with its two inconclusive elections have proved disastrous for the Socialists, which alternated in office for more than three decades.

Rise of Podemos

When Spains economic crisis hit in 2007, a competitor to the Socialists, Podemos, emerged. For years, Socialist policies had drifted to the centre, abandoning unions and other protectors of the working class.

With unemployment at record levels and poverty reaching new segments of the population, left-leaning Spaniards abandoned the Socialist leadership of Pedro Sanchez, a party man, for the charismatic Podemos leader, Pablo Iglesias, a young university professor able to channel the street anger into a new political force.

OPINION: Spain  searching for Garcia Lorca

When last Decembers government elections were inconclusive, a second election was held in June. And while Junes election did not see Podemos take over the top left spot as had been predicted in the polls, its votes continued to split the left in two.

A new party also emerged on the right, Ciudadanos  with another young leader, Albert Rivera, who currently enjoys the highest popularity ratings of any Spanish politician. But Riveras popularity has not translated into votes: Spanish conservatives have overwhelmingly stayed with the traditional Conservative party of Rajoy.

Hence, a political impasse which has baffled  and worried  world leaders. Enough so that last week Spains King Felipe VI addressed the United Nations General Assembly to assure the western world that Spains prolonged lack of government would shortly be overcome through dialogue and a sense of duty.

Those comments earned more than a few chuckles  and curses  back home as Spanish citizens saw themselves working ever longer hours for ever smaller pay cheques while their elected leaders sit in Parliament, refusing to do what many Spaniards complain they were elected to do.

With the Socialists' weak showing in Galicia and the Basque Country, Rajoy can now force the Socialists' hand. by

Cuts and more cuts

For the past nine months, Rajoy has insisted on the need for the Socialists to let the Conservatives form a national government, either by voting for him or at least abstaining at the investiture vote for a new prime minister.

In June, a close aide of Rajoy first stated his willingness to lead a minority government if he fails to secure support for a grand coalition with the Socialists, because there is no other alternative.

Rajoy has repeated this threat like a mantra. And with the Socialists weak showing in Galicia and the Basque Country, Rajoy can now force the Socialists hand.

To vote in favour of Rajoys Conservatives would mean the end of the Socialists  and no one knows that better that Sanchez. For months, Sanchez has argued that while Spain urgently needs a government, it doesnt need a bad government.

Describing Rajoys leadership as being driven only by cuts and more cuts, Sanchez has played to the impact of heavy cuts to health and education, sacrosanct services for the Spaniard public.

OPINION: Spanish leftists join fight against ISIL

And Sanchez had hoped for Rajoys party to fall in popular support due to a series of major corruption cases  all involving Conservative party members  finding their way to court this autumn.

The most famous case is that of Rita Barbera, now under indictment for money laundering offences allegedly committed during her 24 years as mayor of Valencia.

Spains top tribunal will investigate her supposed role as part of an illegal money network thought to have operated out of Valencias City Hall. Most of Barberas team has already been accused of corruption.

Perhaps most damning to public opinion is the close link between Rajoy and Barbera. They are close personal friends, making it difficult for many Spaniards to believe that Rajoy knew nothing.

Natural part of politics

Yet it seems that Spaniards accept corruption as a natural part of politics.

Around 70 percent of politicians who have been arraigned for corruption were subsequently re-elected in the next elections, wrote Jesus Lizcano, head of the Spanish division of Transparency International, back in 2013.

Rajoy and the Conservative party appear unaffected  at least for now.

The Socialists have not been so lucky. As party leader, Sanchez repeatedly refused to either join  or abstain from preventing  a Conservative government coming to power.

That decision is now being openly questioned by leading figures within his own party. Six out of seven Socialist regional premiers oppose Sanchezs calls for the formation of a left coalition, arguing that its better to be in the opposition than to struggle to form an alternative government with Podemos and regional separatists.

Watching the Socialists experience their worst ever results in Galicia and the Basque Country, Rajoy surely anticipated forcing Sanchezs hand. But that pleasure was taken away from Rajoy by none other than Felipe Gonzalez, Spains longest-serving prime minister and the most powerful man inside the Socialist party, during an interview on SER radio.

Deceived and let down

Angered by the direction that Sanchez was taking the party, Gonzalez didnt hold back.

OPINION: Brexit and the view from Spain

I feel deceived and let down by Pedro Sanchez, said Gonzalez. He explained to me that he would go into the opposition and would not try to form an alternative government. I really feel tricked because he said one thing, and then it turned out to be another.

Gonzalez brought the Socialists internal battles out into public view, and soon there was no turning back. By early evening, more than half of the Federal Executive Committee  representing Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia and Andalusia  had officially resigned.

Many expected Sanchez to respond to the resignations by stepping down.

A just published El Pais opinion piece by Ruben Amon describes Sanchez as isolated and self-absorbed, and blames him for refusing to see the conspiracy right under his nose.

There is no precedent for what has happened within the Socialist Party  its a first. So no one can predict with certainty what will happen next.

But if political progress is not made soon, Spaniards will have to go to the polls for the third time on December 25.

Sanchez is fighting a losing battle  and he knows it.

Gina Benevento is a former UN diplomat based in Jerusalem, now living and working in Madrid as a strategic communications consultant.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
President Ghani inks deal with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in first peace treaty since the war with the Taliban began in 2001.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has formalised a peace treaty with Hezb-i-Islami, an armed group led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a deal the government hopes will lead to more agreements with other fighters.

Hekmatyar also signed the agreement on Thursday via a video link into Kabuls presidential palace. The ceremony was broadcast live on television.

It is the first peace treaty the Afghan government has completed since the war with the Taliban began in 2001.

READ MORE: Hekmatyars never-ending Afghan war

The accord with the largely dormant Hezb-i-Islami has been welcomed by the international community as a possible template for any future peace deal with the Taliban, who have been fighting to overthrow the Kabul government for 15 years.

Pakistans foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday, praising the deal.

Pakistan has consistently emphasised that there is no military solution of the conflict in Afghanistan. Politically negotiated settlement through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process is the most viable option for bringing lasting peace and stability to Afghanistan, the statement said.

It also said the deal was encouraging and wished achievement of durable peace to Afghanistan.





The president of Afghanistan said earlier: This is a chance for the Taliban and other militant groups to show what their decision is: to be with people and join the respected caravan of peace, like Hezb-i-Islami, or confront the people and continue the bloodshed.

Ghani also pledged to lobby the US and the UN for the lifting of international sanctions on Hekmatyar, who was designated a global terrorist by the Washington for his suspected ties to al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Once international sanctions are lifted, Hekmatyar is expected to return to Afghanistan after 20 years in exile. He is believed to be in Pakistan.

The head of his delegation in Kabul, Amin Karim, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he believes the sanctions could be lifted within weeks.

Once branded the butcher of Kabul, Hekmatyar was a prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s who stands accused of killing thousands of people when his fighters fired on civilian areas of the capital city during the 1992-1996 civil war.

Human Right Watch, the New York-based watchdog, last week branded Hekmatyar one of Afghanistans most notorious war crimes suspects and said his return would compound a culture of impunity that has denied justice to the many victims of warlords forces.

The 25-point peace agreement gives Hekmatyar and his followers immunity for past actions, and grants them full political rights.

READ MORE: Hezb-i-Islami armed group signs peace deal

In a speech greeted with chants of Long Live Hekmatyar from his supporters, who had gathered in the presidential palace, he called on the Afghan government to start peace talks with the Taliban.

I call on all sides to support this peace deal and I call on the opposition parties of the government to join the peace process and pursue their goals through peaceful means, Hekmatyar said in his message.





We hope that the day comes when foreign interference has ended, foreign troops have departed fully from Afghanistan, and peace has been achieved.

Alexey Yusupov, Afghanistan director at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation, a German think-tank, said the deal was highly symbolical but it was unlikely to result in a peace agreement with the Taliban,

Although you could say Hezb-i-Islami is the second largest insurgent group, their importance for what is going on in the Afghan battlefield this year is fairly non-existent, he told Al Jazeera.

The peace deal, although  showing that there is something that the Afghan society and Afghan political actors can actually achieve without foreign mediation and intervention  and this is something very important  that doesnt mean that we will see a decline in violence, and it doesnt necessarily mean that a real peace process with the Taliban will happen any time soon.

The Taliban did not immediately comment on the agreement.
Pupils forced to hide in cellars to study as government and Russian air strikes rain down on besieged city.

Aid agencies estimate that there are at least 100,000 children trapped in opposition-held areas of eastern Aleppo in Syria.

The new academic year started last week, but as Syrian government and Russian air strikes rain down on Syrias second largest city, children are unable to go to school.

Some pupils, such as 13-year-old Nidal al-Aboud, are taking classes underground.

Nidals school has been destroyed like thousands across Syria since the war began five and a half years ago.

Now his classes are held in a poorly lit and cramped cellar. The pupils do not go outside to play at break time as air strikes are more frequent now since the governments recent offensive began.

I am scared because of the warplanes targeting us by air strikes. My friend was killed in my neighbourhood, we used to play together. A helicopter threw a barrel bomb on his house and he died, said Nidal.

His father worries he may one day not return home.

As a father, Im happy when I see children going to school but because of the bombing I often feel that Im sending my child to his death bed, says Abdulkareem Aboud, Nidals father.
Government official rejects Human Rights Watch report, saying allegations against security forces are baseless.

Security forces in Bangladesh have been accused by a rights group of kneecapping members and supporters of opposition parties by deliberately shooting them in the leg.

A new report released on Thursday by Human Rights Watch (HRW), quoted 25 victims recounting how they had been shot without provocation by police officers who then claimed that they had opened fire in self-defence.

But Asaduzzaman Khan, Bangladeshs home minister, rejected the findings of the 45-page report, saying the allegations were baseless.

This is not true, Khan told AFP news agency.

He also said that security forces had only shot at criminals when they try to escape or were in confrontation with police.

HRW said its report includes evidence and testimony from the 25 individuals, mostly members and supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its ally Jamaat-e-Islami.

Several of the victims have been permanently disabled, including some who had their legs amputated after being shot, it said.

The New York-based group called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government to invite the UN rights office and UN special rapporteurs on torture and extrajudicial executions to investigate the kneecappings and other alleged acts of torture.

Brad Adams, Asia director of HRW, said: Security forces in Bangladesh have long killed detainees in fake crossfire killings, pretending the victim was killed when the authorities took him back to the scene of the crime and were attacked by one of his accomplices.

Now theyre adopting tactics similar to those once used by the Irish Republican Army and engaging in kneecappings of people they have arrested, apparently because they belong to or support an opposition party.

The Rapid Action Battalion, the special security force of the Bangladesh police, also denied the main findings of the report that were put to it before publication.

We have not seen the report yet, but if it claims so, then definitely it is false, fabricated and baseless, Mufti Mahmud Khan, a director and the spokesman of the unit, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Human rights groups have accused the Bangladeshi authorities of carrying out extra-judicial killings, disappearances and detaining suspects without charge and denying them access to a lawyer.

Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, of the Asian Human Rights Commission, told Al Jazeera that over the past seven years there have been reports of about 300 enforced disappearances and 1,200 extrajudicial executions, with no real action from the government to investigate the alleged crimes.

The situation is getting worse. Enforced disappearances are increasing every year, he said, adding that the actual figures could be higher.

Khan rejected allegations of human rights violations, saying that his special security force arrested or held people only on the basis of specific allegations and evidence.

We investigate the allegations with due legal process and also follow the legal norms and accordingly we take follow up measures as per countrys law, Khan told Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Crowds gathered in the Californian city of El Cajon to protest against US police brutality after the killing of Alfred Olango, an unarmed black man, as the FBI joined an investigation into his death.

According to family and witnesses, police officers fired a Taser and then several bullets at Olango, a 38-year-old Ugandan refugee, after his sister called the department for assistance because he was acting strangely, and not like himself.

Candles and flowers were left on Wednesday at the shooting scene, near bloodstains on the pavement.

Dozens protested outside the police station, holding signs that read No Killer Cops! and chanting No justice, no peace, and Black lives matter.

Those protests, which were peaceful, continued until the early hours of Thursday.

Dan Gilleon, a lawyer for the family, said that Olango  described by his relatives as mentally ill  was distraught over the recent death of his best friend.

Olango was shot on Tuesday after two officers arrived at a car park next to a Mexican fast-food restaurant at about 2.10pm local time, more than an hour after being called to the scene. The Ugandan-born refugee was shot about a minute later.

Police said that during those 60 seconds, Olango refused to comply with instructions to remove a hand from his pocket and paced back and forth before rapidly drawing an object from the pocket. The item turned out to be an electronic cigarette device.

READ MORE: To serve and record  When do US police use body cams?

Some protesters said Olango was shot while his hands were raised in the air, though police disputed that and produced a single frame from a mobile lphone video to support their account.

The image showed the man in what police called a shooting stance. His hands were clasped together and he was pointing directly at an officer who had assumed a similar posture a few feet away. That officer fired his handgun and a second officer, farther away, simultaneously fired his electric stun gun.

The single photo is all police released depicting the incident that sparked angry protests by demonstrators demanding more information and wanting to know how police could shoot an unarmed man.

Olangos family also demanded the full video be released.

Theyre cherry-picking part of the video, Gilleon, the familys lawyer, said. This is exactly what police have said is unfair when only portions of video are released against them.

As per standard procedure, the officers involved in Olangos killing were placed on administrative leave.

One of the officers involved was demoted last year amid allegations that he sexually harassed a lesbian colleague, according to the Associated Press news agency. The case against him is pending.

The aftermath of the fatal shooting was filmed by a bystander who posted the clip on Facebook. By early Thursday, that video had been viewed 130,000 times.

Why couldnt you tase him? I told you he is sick  and you guys shot him! Olangos sister can be heard telling officers in the video. I called police to help him, not to kill him.

Bill Wells, the mayor of El Cajon, said he was concerned how quickly the shooting took place, and described the bystanders video as enlightening.

It was not tremendously complicated to figure out what happened, he said.

I saw a man who was distraught, and a man acting like he was in great pain, Wells said. And I saw him get gunned down and killed. If he was my son, I would be devastated.

My heart has broken

El Cajon gives officers basic training to deal with mental illness, though a psychiatric clinician on duty was on another call and not available to intervene, police said.

A city of 100,000 people about 24km northeast of San Diego, El Cajon has become home for many refugees fleeing Iraq and, more recently, Syria. The population is 69 percent white and 6 percent black, according to 2010 census figures.

Agnes Hassan, originally from Sudan, described Olango as an educated man with mental problems. She said she spent time in a refugee camp with Olango and that both of them suffered getting to the US.

If somebody has mental problem, how can you not deal with him with mental problem? she said, wiping away tears and placing her hand on her chest. This is not right. My heart has just broken.

The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where violent protests broke out.

According to Mapping Violence, police have killed at least 217 black people so far this year.
India says it conducted surgical strikes along de facto border, but Pakistan calls incident cross-border fire.

Indias military says it has conducted surgical strikes against  terrorist units in Pakistan it suspects of preparing to infiltrate the part of Kashmir it controls, a claim denounced by the Pakistani army as an illusion.

Tensions remain high between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the killing of 18 Indian soldiers nearly two weeks ago.

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, the Indian armys director general of military operations, t old reporters on Thursday that the strikes were launched on Wednesday following very specific and credible information that some terrorist units had positioned themselves to infiltrate.

READ MORE: Are India and Pakistan heading for a nuclear showdown?

Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them, Singh said, adding that he had called his Pakistani counterpart to inform him of the operation.

Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control, General Singh said.

An army source told Reuters news agency that the strikes were launched across the Line of Control (LoC), or de facto border that divides the disputed region of Kashmir.

In response to Indias statement, Pakistan insisted that the incident was not a surgical strike but cross-border fire.

The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects, the Pakistani military said in a statement.

This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth.

WATCH: Indias Nuclear Riddle

It also confirmed that two of its soldiers had been killed in the exchange of fire.

In a statement, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces and vowed that the military was capable of thwarting any evil design to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan.

An Indian army spokesman confirmed that there had been shelling from the Pakistani side of the LoC into the Poonch district of Indian-administered Kashmir.

India has also been on a diplomatic drive to isolate its arch rival since the raid on September 18, that India blamed on a Pakistan-based group called Jaish-e Mohammed.

On Tuesday it said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Islamabad in November, in a major snub to its neighbour.

Both India and Pakistan claim the disputed Himalayan region in full, but govern over separate parts of it, divided by the heavily militarised LoC.

The Indian-controlled part of the territory has a Muslim majority and there are a number of armed separatist groups fighting New Delhi.

Tensions had already been high in the region since the Indian army killed a leading Kashmiri separatist in a gunfight in early July, sparking a series of protests that have left more than 80 dead and injured thousands others.
US president says Senates vote to override his veto of legislation would set a dangerous precedent.

US President Barack Obama has called the Senates vote to override his veto on a bill that allows families of the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks to sue Saudi Arabias government a mistake.

Calling it a political vote, Obama said on Wednesday that the bill would set a dangerous precedent that could put US troops and interests at risk.

If we eliminate this notion of sovereign immunity, then our men and women in uniform around the world could potentially start seeing ourselves subject to reciprocal loss, Obama said during a town hall meeting-style interview on CNN, referring to potential lawsuits.

Earlier on Wednesday, the US Congress passed into law the controversial bill that allows family members of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged backing of the attackers.

Both the Senate and House voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday in favour of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, or JASTA.

The White House and the executive branch [are] far more interested in diplomatic considerations, said Senator Chuck Schumer, a sponsor of the bill. Were more interested in the families and in justice.

The vote was a blow to Obama and to Saudi Arabia  one of the US oldest allies in the Arab world.



Former senator speaks about 9/11 report

Obama, who vetoed the measure last week, said in a letter to Senate leaders on Tuesday that other countries could use JASTA to justify similar immunity exceptions to target US policies and activities that they oppose.

If any of these litigants were to win judgments  based on foreign domestic laws as applied by foreign courts  they would begin to look to the assets of the US government held abroad to satisfy those judgments, with potentially serious financial consequences for the United States, Obama said at the time.

Obamas veto was overturned in Wednesdays congressional vote  the first override of his presidency.

Fifteen of the 19 men who carried out the 2001 attacks were Saudi nationals. Families of the victims spent years lobbying lawmakers for the right to sue the kingdom in US courts for any role elements of Saudi Arabias government may have played.

Saudi Arabia has long denied any involvement in the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Riyadh strongly objected to the bill.

Al Jazeera requested comment from the Saudi embassy in Washington but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

READ MORE: President Barack Obama vetoes 9/11 bill

Speaking after the Senate vote, White House spokesman Josh Earnest called the move the single most embarrassing thing the United States Senate has done possibly since 1983 and an abdication of their basic responsibilities as elected representatives of the American people.

Stephen Kinzer, a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, said the eight-decade-long US-Saudi relationship was entering into a new phase.





Other analysts warned that Saudi Arabia could, in response to the law, pull billions of dollars from the US economy and persuade close allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council to scale back counterterrorism cooperation, investment, and US access to important regional military bases.

This should be clear to America and to the rest of the world: When one GCC state is targeted unfairly, the others stand around it, said Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, an Emirati Gulf specialist and professor of political science at United Arab Emirates University.

All the states will stand by Saudi Arabia in every way possible.

Chas Freeman, former US assistant secretary of defence and ambassador to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, said the Saudis could respond to the law in ways that risk US strategic interests, such as permissive rules for overflight between Europe and Asia, and the Qatari airbase from which US military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria are directed and supported.

The souring of relations and curtailing of official contacts that this legislation would inevitably produce could also jeopardise Saudi cooperation against anti-American terrorism, he said.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in June that the US had the most to lose if JASTA was enacted.

Joseph Gagnon, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said estimates put the figure of official Saudi assets in the US at between $500bn and $1 trillion, when considering potential foreign bank deposits and offshore accounts.
Allah Nazar Baloch warns of more attacks on Chinese economic project in Pakistan in first video interview in five years.

Islamabad, Pakistan  The elusive leader of a major armed group fighting for independence in Pakistans Balochistan has said he would welcome cash and other help from India.

In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), also pledged further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province.

The planned $46bn trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistans Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines.

We not only wish India should support the Baloch national struggle diplomatically and financially, but the whole world, said Baloch, a doctor turned rebel fighter believed to be about 50, in filmed responses to questions sent by Reuters news agency.

READ MORE: Killed leader of Baloch fighters appears in new video

Balochs appeal for Indian help may deepen Pakistani suspicions that India has a hand in a decades-old unrest in the southwestern province.

Relations between the neighbours deteriorated this month after 18 Indian soldiers in Kashmir were killed in an attack on an army base that India blames on Pakistan.

Pakistan denies the accusation.

In the build-up to the raid, Pakistan had voiced outrage over the crackdown on protests in Indias part of the Muslim-majority region, and Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, hit back by accusing Pakistan of atrocities in Balochistan.

The Indian connection

Baloch, leader of one of three main armed groups fighting for independence, said that while he wanted support from India, the BLF had not received funding from Modis government, or Indias spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Baloch is the only leader of a sizeable separatist group who is believed to be waging a war from inside Balochistan; the other two leaders are in exile in Europe.

Security analysts said his fighters stage most of the attacks in the province and have borne the brunt of Pakistan army operations.

Reuters has not been able to establish the scale of the BLF campaign.

Brahamdagh Bugti, the Switzerland-based leader of the Balochistan Republican Party, another major separatist outfit, last week told Indian media that he planned to seek political asylum in India.

BLF chief Baloch claims to have thousands of fighters.

Domestic news coverage of the Balochistan conflict is rare and foreign journalists are broadly forbidden from visiting the province.

Chinas investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought fresh focus on Balochistan, which is endowed with rich but largely unexploited reserves of copper and gold.

Imperialistic scheme

Baloch, speaking from an undisclosed location, called the economic corridor a Chinese imperialistic scheme, and pledged to attack roads, security personnel and construction crews associated with it.

Over the past two years, there have been 44 workers reported killed and about 100 wounded in attacks on the CPEC sites.

We are attacking the CPEC project every day. Because it is aimed to turn the Baloch population into a minority. It is looting, plundering and taking away our resources, Baloch said.





Baloch and other separatists fear that indigenous Baloch people, who are estimated to number about seven million out of Pakistans 190 million population, will become an ethnic minority in their ancestral lands if other groups flock to the region to work on exploiting its natural resources.

The rebel leader alleged that 150,000 people had been evicted from the route of the trade corridor by security forces to clear the way for roads and other infrastructure.

Pakistans military, which manages security for most of the province, did not comment on the number.

Human rights activists say that thousands of people have been killed or arbitrarily arrested in Balochistan by the military, a charge Pakistani security forces deny.

Charges of abuse have also been levelled at rebel groups, including the BLF, which are accused of targeting non-Baloch citizens as part of their rebellion.

Baloch denied BLF killed civilians, but said his group did go after traitors.

Asked if he would be open to negotiations with the Pakistani state, Baloch was clear: There would be no dialogue with what he considered the biggest terrorist country.

There will be no negotiations with Pakistan without national independence and without the presence of the United Nations, he said.

Our destination is independence.
Legislative powers granted after July coup bid required to combat threats against government, says President Erdogan.

Turkeys state of emergency is set to be extended by another three months and could be in place for a year if required, according to the countrys president.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday the emergency laws was required to combat threats against the government, following a failed coup attempt in July.

Addressing a group of local administrators in the capital Ankara, Erdogan dismissed criticism over plans for Turkey to prolong the state of emergency, saying no one should determine a calendar or road map for Turkey.





Wait, be patient. Even 12 months might not be enough, he said.

The cabinet must still approve the move, but it is not expected to contradict Erdogans wishes.

His remarks came after the National Security Council recommended extending the countrys state of emergency, imposed for three months just after the coup attempt, which gives Erdogan and the government sweeping powers.

Turkish opposition parties have increasingly expressed concern, calling for the measures to end and demanding a return to parliamentary governance.

Erdogan says the legislative branch is ill-prepared to handle the countrys current situation.

The centre-left Peoples Republican Party insists innocent people have been caught up in the purges since the coup attempt and accuses the government of overreach.

The government has used the emergency laws to issue decrees to close down institutions , including dozens of media outlets , and fire more than 50,000 civil servants and suspend tens of thousands more.

ANALYSIS: How could failed coup affect Kurdish peace process?

The government blames the coup on Fethullah Gulen, a US-based Turkish religious leader who denies the charges.

Turkey is demanding his extradition from the United States.Turkey has arrested 32,000 people since the failed coup attempt.

Besides Erdogans ruling Justice and Development Party, known as the AKP, only the far-right Nationalist Movement Party, the smallest party in parliament, supports the emergency laws.

Measures taken since July have targeted alleged supporters of Gulen but have also affected Kurdish media outlets and leaders.

Kurdish channels removed

Turkish media and the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) reported that Turkeys communications satellite operator Turksat removed several Kurdish-language channels from the air on Wednesday.

A member of the High Commission of TV and Radio announced that the channels, including Jiyan TV, Zarok TV, Hayatin Sesi TV, and Van TV, were shut down under the powers granted under the state of emergency.





The HDP, in a statement published on Thursday, accused Erdogans ruling party the AKP of limiting free speech by shutting down these channels.

This situation is not only against domestic law, but it is also against international agreements that were signed by Turkey in the past, said the HDP.

Earlier this month, the Turkish government removed 24 mayors and sacked 28,000 teachers for suspected links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in a major shake-up under the state of emergency laws.

The HDP, whose regional politicians were the among the chief targets of the move, denounced the reshuffle as a coup.

In a statement, the HDP said the move was reminiscent of the military takeover in 1980 and ignored the will of the voters.

Erdogan has previously called for members of the HDP to face prosecution, accusing them of being the outlawed PKKs political wing.

READ MORE: Pro-Kurdish newspaper Ozgur Gundem shut down in Turkey

Turkey, the US and the European Union designate the PKK, an armed group that has been fighting for Kurdish autonomy since 1984, as a terrorist organisation.

The HDP, Turkish parliaments third-biggest party, denies direct links with the PKK and says it promotes a negotiated end to the Kurdish conflict, which has claimed hundreds of lives since a peace process, once led by Erdogan and the AKP, collapsed in 2015.

The government has accused the PKK of a series of attacks in the southeast of Turkey in recent weeks.
Adalah confirms Israels aviation law provides no authority to the racial profiling against Palestinians at airports.

Nazareth  Last July, Maria Jamal, 29, a resident of Haifa, was on her way home from Athens when she found herself assigned a flight with the Israeli national carrier El Al at the last minute, after her Turkish Airlines flight to Ben Gurion airport was cancelled because of an attempted military coup in Turkey.

I fly many times a year but I always avoid Israeli carriers because of the horror stories I have heard from friends and family, said Jamal, who is one of the founders of Humanity Crew, an organisation that works with refugees from Middle East conflict zones that are living in camps in Europe.

Once she had completed the Greek security checks, she was singled out by Israeli staff at Athens airport for intensive questioning. She was then taken to a secure room, where it was insisted she hand over her hand luggage and strip for a body search.

When I refused, they told me I would not be allowed on the plane, she told Al Jazeera. She ended up being barred from her flight. Their behaviour was shameful, added Jamal. And I find it equally disturbing that other countries allow Israels racist treatment of Arab passengers to take place on their own soil.

Many cases, like Jamals, involve the fifth of Israels population who are Palestinian.

READ MORE: How Israel aims to redefine ethnic cleansing

According to a recent report by Adalah, a legal rights group, Israeli airport staff regularly violate Israeli law by subjecting Arab passengers, including Israels own Palestinian citizens, to strip searches and other degrading procedures.

Adalah said Israels 1977 aviation security law provided no authority for airport staff to implement practices that violate the privacy and dignity of Arab passengers.

I find it equally disturbing that other countries allow Israel's racist treatment of Arab passengers to take place on their own soil. by Maria Jamal, a resident of Haifa

The practices occur at Israels international Ben Gurion airport, as well as at many foreign airports where Israeli security officials are entitled to carry out pre-flight checks on behalf of Israeli carriers.

In addition to being forced to undress for body searches, Arab passengers are often detained in secure rooms in the departure area before their flights and escorted on to planes by security staff in full view of other passengers. They may also have their hand luggage confiscated.

However, it is the first time it has been suggested that Israeli security staff are carrying out procedures that break Israeli law. Nadeem Shehadeh, an Adalah lawyer, told Al-Jazeera the organisation had written to Israels attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit, and the Israel Airports Authority demanding that strip-searches and security escorts be stopped immediately.

Passengers agreed to these practices under duress, he said, because staff threatened that they would be prevented from boarding their flight unless they complied. In the absence of any legal authority, airport staff were committing what amounted to a physical assault by forcing passengers to remove their clothing.





Adalah has insisted that Israel set up a procedure to compensate the large numbers of passengers who have had to endure such abuses over the years.

The latest revelations are likely to fuel further criticism of Israels long-standing practice of racially profiling Arab passengers at airports.

Shlomo Harnoy, a former senior officer with Israels secret intelligence service, the Shin Bet, which oversees airport security checks, told the Jerusalem Post newspaper in July that Israel was unique in profiling passengers. Israels supreme court refused last year to outlaw racial profiling, though it expressed discomfort with the policy and urged the Airports Authority to find technological solutions to lessen its impact.





There has also been widespread unease in Europe and the United States with Israels treatment of Arab passengers, which violate international law and raise ethical concerns. Last month the US accused Israel of discriminatory treatment against its own citizens after five Arab-Americans were denied entry.

However, as concerns grow in the West about threats to airport safety with the rise of groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), some countries have shown increasing interest in learning about Israeli security arrangements.

In June, 150 airport and homeland security officials from the US, Europe, Africa and Russia were given briefings at Ben Gurion airport. The same month Donald Trump, the Republican challenger in Novembers US presidential election, called for the US to look to Israel on domestic security matters. Profiling, he said, is something that were going to have to start thinking about.

British media have also reported that Heathrow airport is considering a new Israeli-style security system it has dubbed ring of steel.

Shehadeh said it was revealing that, in its response, the airport had sidestepped Adalahs questions about the legality of searches and escorts. Instead, he noted, it denied carrying out such practices.

Tamar Turjeman, the Airports Authoritys senior legal adviser, rejected that airport staff carried out any improper practices including stripping passengers and/or obligating them to be escorted by security guards. Turjeman refused to comment on what takes place at foreign airports, saying that was the responsibility of the Shin Bet intelligence service.

Shehadeh called the Airport Authoritys denial outrageous.





Another recent incident involved Samar Qupty, 26, a Palestinian actress from Israel who stars in Junction 48, an award-winning film about two hip-hop artists who use their music to challenge racist attitudes in Israel.

When she arrived at Ben Gurion airport in July to fly to Colombia for a film screening there, she was held by security officials for two hours.

Despite showing them an official invitation, Qupty said she was questioned at length, subjected to a body search and told she could not board with her hand luggage. She wrote on Facebook that the airports extra checks remind me yet again how unwanted I am here and how frightening I can be.

One of Adalahs lawyers, Fady Khoury, secretly filmed a recent interview by Israeli airport staff as he checked in, in what appears to be an example of racial profiling. He is asked about the origins of his name and the immigration status of his parents  only Jews and their immediate relatives can immigrate to Israel.

In 2007, two Israeli human rights groups collected testimonies indicating that Palestinian citizens were routinely subjected to racial profiling and degrading treatment at airports, including those overseas.

The Nazareth-based Arab Association for Human Rights and the Centre Against Racism concluded that invasive security checks were so widespread that it is hard to find any Arab citizen who travels abroad by air and who has not experienced a discriminatory security check at least once.

Little more than cosmetic changes appear to have taken place since, however.

READ MORE: Israels stop-and-frisk law blatant racism

A long-standing court petition from the Israeli legal rights group ACRI pressured Ben Gurion airport in 2014 to stop opening and searching most Arab passengers luggage in the departure hall, close to the check-in counters.

Raghad Jaraisy, head of ACRIs Arab minority rights unit, said the checks had included emptying bags and inspecting the contents near other passengers. Now new machines inspected the bags after check-in.

The racial profiling hasnt ended, she told Al Jazeera. The new machines mean that much of it has shifted elsewhere, out of public view.





Jaraisy said she herself had been put in a secure room, escorted on to her flight by security staff and had her luggage confiscated. Most of my friends have experienced the same treatment. We are so used to it, we dont even bother complaining. We know we are viewed as suspects from birth.

She said complaints received by ACRI suggested that the percentage of Arab passengers subjected to body searches and escorts was actually increasing.

It emerged three years ago that Natour, a major Israeli travel agency, required staff to inform Ben Gurion airport in advance of any Arab passengers joining group tours abroad.

There are indications that Palestinian citizens may be able to win limited compensation from the Israeli courts if they can prove that they have suffered discriminatory or abusive treatment.

Last year a judge awarded Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian, a law professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, $1,800 for a three-hour security inspection the judge described as overly invasive.

However, Israeli courts have persistently refused to rule on the wider legality of racial profiling.

In 2012, Nazareth district court rejected a class-action suit from three Palestinian citizens over their separate and humiliating security checks. The judge said she would only deal with cases of discriminatory treatment on an individual basis.

Meanwhile, Jamal said she is now preparing to sue the Airports Authority. Maybe if they start paying a financial price, they will think twice about how they treat us.
Kerry sees no sign of seriousness of purpose on part of Russia, which in turn terms US threat emotional breakdown.

The US is on the verge of ending talks on Syria with Russia following days of deadly attacks on Aleppo, according to the US secretary of state.

US officials say the administration is looking at other ways to end the war in Syria that has been going on for over five years.

Speaking at the Atlantic Council think-tank on Thursday, John Kerry said that the US is on the verge of suspending the discussion because its irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place.

He said the US has no indication of Russias seriousness of purpose and discussions made no sense at a time when Russian and Syrian warplanes were bombing rebel-held areas of Syrias second largest city.





The US has been working with Russia for months to try to secure a ceasefire in Syria.

The latest truce collapsed last week after several days of relative calm.

The joint bombardment of Aleppo has left more than 400 people dead and at least 1,700 wounded since last week

On Wednesday, US officials told Reuters news agency that President Barack Obamas government had begun to consider tougher responses  including military options  to President Bashar al-Assad governments assault on Aleppo.

The officials said the failure of diplomacy in Syria has left the US administration no choice but to consider alternatives, most of which involve some use of force and have been examined before but held in abeyance.

Earlier, Sergei Ryabkov, Russias deputy foreign minister, said the US threat to suspend talks on Syria over the bombardment of Aleppos rebel-held areas constitutes an emotional breakdown.

Ryabkov also rejected US calls for a week-long truce as unacceptable, but said a two-day ceasefire could allow desperately needed aid to reach the more than 250,000 civilians trapped in Aleppo.

Talk to Al Jazeera: Syrian opposition negotiator says US policy is weak

Al Jazeeras Rory Challands, reporting from Moscow, said the Kremlin saw the seven-day ceasefire as a step that would allow the terrorists, as they call them, to stock up on supplies and rest.

They [the Russians] say that the US is fixated on demands of a seven-day pause for reasons only they know, he said.

It seems after the negotiations that brought about the collapsed ceasefire  there is a widening gulf between the Russians and the Americans.

Ryabkovs comments followed a previous warning by Kerry that the US would end talks on the conflict, as well as a military pact that involved targeting the ISIL and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham groups unless Russia halted the assault on Aleppo.

Kerry conveyed the message in a call to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Wednesday in which he voiced grave concern over the Syrian governments air and land attacks on Aleppo.

Kerry said the US held Russia responsible for the use of incendiary and bunker buster bombs which put Aleppo civilians at great risk, according to John Kirby, the State Department spokesperson.

The Syrian governments offensive to recapture all of Aleppo  with Russian air support and Iranian help on the ground  has been accompanied by bombing that residents have described as unprecedented in its ferocity.

On Wednesday, at least six civilians were killed when air strikes hit two hospitals in rebel-controlled parts of Aleppo.

OPINION: Syria  Denial as a war strategy

The M10 and M2 hospitals were hit before dawn, forcing both to shut temporarily, and leaving just two of east Aleppos eight hospitals with surgical facilities.

Al Jazeeras Diplomatic Editor James Bays asked Bashar Jaafari, Syrias UN ambassador, if his country had bombed the two hospitals.

Jaafari walked away laughing, without giving an answer.

Its not clear why he was laughing considering his country is being accused of war crimes in Aleppo, said our correspondent.

Syria's ambassador to the UN, Bashar Al Jaafari, laughs when asked about hospital bombings in Aleppo by @baysontheroad. pic.twitter.com/jGq9QlOwey  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) September 28, 2016

An estimated 250,000 people still live in eastern Aleppo, which has been under near-continuous siege since mid-July, causing food and fuel shortages.

Attacks on water installations from both sides have left more than two million civilians without water.

The Syrian civil war started as a largely unarmed uprising against Assad in March 2011, but quickly escalated into a full-blown armed conflict.

Five years on, more than 400,000 Syrians are estimated to have been killed, and almost 11 million Syrians  half the countrys prewar population  have been displaced from their homes.
Kerry tells Lavrov US holds Russia responsible for use of incendiary and bunker buster bombs against Aleppo civilians.

The US has threatened to suspend cooperation with Russia over Syria, hours after the bombardment of two hospitals in rebel-held areas of Aleppo, as Syrian government forces backed by Moscow continued their offensive to retake the eastern part of the city from opposition fighters.

US Secretary of State John Kerry warned his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday that Washington would end talks on the conflict, as well as a military pact that involves targeting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham groups unless Moscow halted the assault on Aleppo.

Kerry conveyed the message in a call to Lavrov in which he voiced grave concern over the Russian-backed Syrian governments air and land attacks on the besieged city that has left more than 400 people killed and at least 1,700 wounded since last week.

The United States is making preparations to suspend US-Russia bilateral engagement on Syria  unless Russia takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo and restore the cessation of hostilities, said John Kirby, spokesman for the State Department.

Kerry also said that the US held Russia responsible for the use of incendiary and bunker buster bombs which put Aleppo civilians at great risk, according to Kirby.





On Thursday, Sergei Ryabkov, Russias deputy foreign minister, referred to US statements on Syria as tantamount to supporting terrorism.

Ryabkov was referring to a statement made by US State Department spokesman John Kirby who said on Wednesday that Russia had an interest in stopping the violence in Syria because extremists could exploit the vacuum there and launch attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities.

Ryabkov was quoted as saying that he statement was an emotional outburst.

He said a seven-day ceasefire plan proposed for Syria by the United States was unacceptable for Russia and that Moscow was proposing a 48-hour humanitarian pause in the city of Aleppo instead.

The Syrian governments offensive to recapture all of Aleppo  with Russian air support and Iranian help on the ground  has been accompanied by bombing that residents have described as unprecedented in its ferocity.

An estimated 250,000 people still live in the east, which has been under near-continuous siege since mid-July, causing food and fuel shortages. Attacks on water installations from both sides have left more than two million civilians without water.

Solution no longer viable

Russias defence ministry said later on Wednesday that Moscow was prepared to relaunch talks with the US on the crisis.

On orders of the Russian president, we are ready to continue joint work with our American partners on the Syrian issue, and to send experts to Geneva to relaunch consultations, the ministry said.

However, Mouaffaq Nyrabia, a senior member of the National Coalition, a Syrian opposition movement, said the escalating violence meant a political solution was no longer viable.

He said that the rebels were considering all options to defend the Syrian people against the Russian aggression on Syria.

Nyrabias comments came shortly after six civilians were killed when air strikes hit two hospitals in Aleppo.

READ MORE: Bodies litter the floor at one of Aleppos makeshift hospitals

The M10 and M2 hospitals were hit before dawn, forcing both to shut temporarily, and leaving just two of east Aleppos eight hospitals with surgical facilities.

Al Jazeeras diplomatic editor, James Bays, asked Syrias UN Ambassador Bashar Jaafari if his country had bombed the two hospitals. Jaafari walked away laughing without an answer.

Syria's ambassador to the UN, Bashar Al Jaafari, laughs when asked about hospital bombings in Aleppo by @baysontheroad. pic.twitter.com/jGq9QlOwey  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) September 28, 2016

Its not clear why he was laughing considering his country is being accused of war crimes in Aleppo, Bays said.

The latest bombardment has been some of the worst in Syrias five-year civil war, and comes after the failure of a short-lived ceasefire brokered by Russia and the US this month.

Opportunity to escape

Meanwhile, the head of the White Helmets volunteer rescue force, which operates in opposition-held territory in northern Syria, said that under current conditions civilian facilities in eastern Aleppo would no longer be able to function within a month.

The civilians there would seize any opportunity to escape, to go wherever they could go, Raed Saleh told AFP news agency.

But nothing is available to provide safety and protection for those civilians.

The Syrian civil war started as a largely unarmed uprising against Assad in March 2011, but quickly escalated into a full-blown armed conflict.

Five years on, more than 400,000 Syrians are estimated to have been killed, and almost 11 million Syrians  half the countrys prewar population  have been displaced from their homes.
Amos Yee to spend six weeks in jail and pay fines after pleading guilty to charges of wounding religious feelings.

A court in Singapore has sentenced a 17-year old blogger to six weeks in jail after he pleaded guilty to six charges of wounding religious feelings of Muslims and Christians.

Amos Yee was also ordered on Thursday to pay $1,400 in fines for two charges of defying police orders to show up for interviews and, instead, fleeing Singapore.

Presiding judge Ong Hian Sun said Yee had deliberately elected to do harm in a photograph and two videos he posted online that were said to have offensive and insulting words and profane gestures to hurt the feelings of Christians and Muslims.

The judge, while saying Yees actions could generate social unrest, hoped he would not appear in court for similar offences again.

Singapore teen charged after insulting late leader Lee

Yee, who was accompanied by his mother, described the sentence as very fair.

I am very remorseful, he said outside the court, surrounded by a handful of supporters.

Yee first made headlines in March 2015 when he was arrested after publishing a rant on YouTube criticising Christianity and Singapores first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, shortly after his death.

Yee, who will begin his sentence on October 13, is a known atheist and has been posting his beliefs on his social media channels.

Watched by monitors

Yees latest month-long trial was attended by officials from the UN Human Rights Council and the European Union, and was closely watched by rights groups.

By prosecuting Amos Yee for his comments, no matter how outrageous they may have been, Singapore has unfortunately doubled down on a strategy that clearly violates freedom of expression, Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Right Watchs Asia division, said in an email.





For a country that prides itself on efficiency, Singapore should re-examine its approach, because every time the authorities go after him, it just adds to his online audience who are interested to find out the latest thing.

Critics said Yees imprisonment may further deter freedom of expression in the Asian financial centre.

Singapores parliament passed a controversial bill last month spelling out what constitutes contempt of court, drawing criticism from rights groups and foreign diplomats.

Amnesty International, the international rights organisation, called on Singapore to repeal or amend legal provisions that criminalise peaceful dissent and end the intimidation and harassment of bloggers and other critics.

David Kaye, UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, said: The lesson that somebody can be thrown in jail for their speech is exactly the wrong kind of message that any government should be sending to anybody, but especially to young people.
Agents in Myanmar are recruiting girls as young as 15 to work as domestic helpers in Singapore.

There are more than 200,000 foreign domestic workers in Singapore.

Under the law, they have to be at least 23 years old.

But one NGO says it is seeing more and more minors at its shelter for abused maids.

Most of these girls come from Myanmar, where investigations reveal a web of deceit and corruption in the recruitment process, and immigration officials are regularly bribed to doctor birthdates on travel documents.

Because of their youth, the girls are often easy targets for abusive employers and sexual predators.

But just how bad is the problem and what is being done to remedy it? 101 East investigates.

Join the conversation @AJ101East
SpaceX founder Elon Musk says his company is developing a large spacecraft to take people to Mars by 2024.

It is a question that continues to haunt humankind: Is there life beyond Earth?

For decades there has been space exploration with trips to the Moon and planet exploration.

But what about putting people on Mars?

Thats what SpaceX founder Elon Musk wants to do and he says it could be done as early as 2024.

Musks proposal is six years ahead of NASAs plans. So, will we be able to travel to the red planet?

Presenter: Hazem Sika

Guests:

Philippe Blondel  Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics, University of Bath and Deputy Director, Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science.

Eric Berger  Senior Space Editor, Ars Technica and a former Science Reporter for the Houston Chronicle.
More than five years into a brutal civil war, there is still no end in sight for the Syrian people.

Despite ceasefire agreements, conferences and diplomacy at the highest levels, there has been no progress towards creating a transitional government for the country.

This goal is about the only thing which Russia, the United States and the rest of the international community agree on.

The one who invited those terrorists is the chief terrorist, Bashar al-Assad. Therefore, he is fully aware that eradicating this terrorism means eradicating his own regime. That's why he is fuelling this terrorism through enticing hatred and sectarianism within the Syrian society. He uses all means of oppression, suppression, and genocide to fuel this terrorism and extremism because he knows well that his own existence is contingent upon the existence of that terrorism. That's why to us the first priority is to topple that regime and to eradicate terrorism. by Dr Riad Hijab, chief coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee

But even if such a government were to be formed, what kind of Syria would then be built?

This is a tricky question because the various parties that make up the Syrian opposition have very different agendas beyond getting rid of President Bashar al-Assad.

The man now heading the negotiating committee on behalf of the opposition  Dr Riad Hijab  was himself at one point a member of Assads cabinet.

He was the countrys prime minister until he defected in August 2012.

All the aspirations of the opposition are now resting on his shoulders, and it is probably one of the most difficult burdens to carry.

Talk to Al Jazeera sat down with Hijab to discuss where things stand on Syria and why he accuses President Barack Obama of inaction.

He tells us about speaking to Assad extensively about reform and trying to establish a Ministry of National Reconciliation before his defection.

Unfortunately, after we had taken the oath of office before Bashar al-Assad, the first thing he said was: This is a war government. That was the beginning of our disagreement. We tried a lot with Bashar by talking about the importance of reform and that the road he was on was an impasse, Hijab says.

He always said it was a war that must be won. I told him if the war was with the people, then there cant be a victory over the people. The will of the people was stronger and it would prevail. But he was adamant and willing to sacrifice everything, the whole Syria, to stay in power.

He used the air force, artillery and tanks. And when I asked him, Whats next? We cant continue doing this, he said he was going to use Scud missiles. At that point, I was certain that this person was delusional, and it was impossible for me to stay with that regime and continue working with Bashar al-Assad. I decided to leave Syria.

Hijab discusses seeking a political solution and preserving state institutions as key to Syria moving from the Assad government to a civil democratic state ruled by institutions and not ruled by chaos.

The High Negotiations Committee (HNC) represents a large coalition of groups with very different interests and visions for Syria.

Hijab says the past few months have been dedicated to discussing a road map for the countrys future with the many groups and leaders who belong to the HNC.

We reached a full detailed map for Syrias future and the transitional period. We are working now on the rest of the terms of reference documents, such as political parties law, an election law, a draft of a constitutional declaration and a social contract for the Syrian society, he says.

We are working now on preparing all those issues in order not to fall into chaos. I did not speak about dissolving Syrian institutions, not even the military. I talked about restructuring these institutions, military and security apparatuses, on a professional basis.

Hijab takes stock of US policy in Syria, which he says has been hesitant and weak, and of US President Barack Obamas actions.

Since July 2011, President Obama has said that Bashar al-Assad has lost legitimacy, that he has to leave because he used weapons and killed unarmed Syrian citizens. But what kinds of measures has Obama taken towards Bashar al-Assad? Nothing. He only talks and give speeches.

Hijab also discusses the 2013 chemical weapons attack in Ghouta, near Damascus.

Obama laid down a red line and said if al-Assad uses chemical weapons, there will be a response. What was Obamas response? His response was that he took away the chemical weapons and left Bashar to kill Syrian people using poisonous gas, napalm, explosive barrels and all other different kinds of weapons.

This policy which the US follows  a policy of containment, whether vis-a-vis Iran in connection with the nuclear deal, or Russia in an attempt to contain it through offering concessions  is what has made Russia and Iran keep doing what they do in Syria and elsewhere in the region.

This policy of containment and of offering concessions, Hijab says, is the policy that has made the situation get to this point of deterioration.

You can talk to Al Jazeera too. Join our Twitter conversation as we talk to world leaders and alternative voices shaping our times. You can also share your views and keep up to date with our latest interviews on Facebook.
When Robert Dentmonds name was read aloud, UF law student Medens Gerbier dropped to the ground, red handprints painted on her shirt.

Dentmond, who was fatally shot by local law enforcement in March after threatening to kill himself, was one of 40 names read during a die-in Wednesday, held at a courtyard at the Levin College of Law.

As a way to come to grips with recent police-involved shootings across the U.S., about 50 UF law students participated in the demonstration, some with bullseyes, bullet holes and blood streaks painted on their backs.

Alisha Moriceau, 23, the president of the Black Law Student Association, said the protest was about provoking conversation.

Lets talk about it, the second-year UF law student said. The ultimate goal is to have discussion and promote awareness.

With the reading of each name  including that of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott  students fell to the floor while others placed flowers on top of their bodies.

The bodies laid motionless until all the names were read.

As the last name  Crutchers  was read, silence overtook the group and some applauded their actions.

Gerbier said her heart pounded as she got up from the pavement.

I got to get up at the end of the day, Gerbier said. Dentmond never did get up.

Moriceau said Dentmonds death, which took place about three miles from Cabana Beach apartments, proved that police-involved shootings can happen anywhere. She said she is scared of more black people becoming hashtags and poster children of police brutality.

This cant just be a daylong protest or demonstration, she said. It needs to go further than that.

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Medens Gerbier, 22, lies motionless Wednesday as a part of a "die-in" protest on Wednesday outside the UF Levin College of Law.
As Gary Chancey cleared the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area on last Tuesday, he found two gray animals trapped in a foot-and-a-half-deep body of water.

So, the technician with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission called for help.

I got the call originally that there were two dolphins that were trapped inland and out of habitat, said Mike Walsh, an associate professor for UFs Aquatic Animal Health Program.

By 10 a.m., Walsh, a team of UF students and members from other organizations drove northwest to the area outside Perry, Florida, he said. There they found a mother manatee and her five- to seven-month-old calf.

Its likely that a storm surge from Hurricane Hermine washed them there, where they were trapped for 26 days, he said.

Andy Garrett, Floridas manatee rescue coordinator, said they lifted them out using an excavator, a piece of heavy machinery with a arm on it.

After the procedure, UF volunteers and veterinarians took blood samples and body-weight measurements, said Karen Parker, an FWC public information coordinator. The mother was about 300 pounds underweight, but she and her baby were fine.

Parker said he thinks the mother was able to nurse her baby while trapped.

Both manatees were released near St. Petersburg, Florida, Walsh said.

I think whats always fascinating when you go out to one of these things is that you never know whats going to happen, he said.

A group of volunteers rescue a manatee and her calf on Tuesday after the two animals were stuck for 26 days in the rural woodlands of Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. UF veterinary school students and professors worked with other organizations to rescue the pair.

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As someone who was raised by immigrant parents and has traveled abroad multiple times in her life, I am acutely aware of the average Americans geographic and cultural ignorance. This shouldnt be a surprise to most people; after all, it is a subject of self-deprecating humor on late-night talk shows. We seem to be aware that the Average Joe cant differentiate Iraq from Iran and thinks all Asian food comes from the same place. We laugh at him and take comfort in the fact that we know our Pad Thai isnt Chinese, thank you very much. But are we really much better?

Theres a trend in the way Americans tend to lump places together. Ask any sorority girl whos traveled abroad, and she can probably tell you about her fun times in France, Spain and England. But if you mention anywhere east of the Rhine, shell probably look at you with a blank stare. Eastern Europe is one singular entity to most Americans, as is the Middle East, East and South Asia and the entire continents of Africa and South America. The typical well-traveled American can tell you a lot about Western Europe, but the rest of the world  the world thats less industrialized or too foreign  is just clusters of similar-sounding countries.

Western Europe has appeal; I understand that. Its foreign, but not too foreign. French, Spanish and German are common languages to pick up in school. Americans traveling abroad can get the foreign appeal of old cathedrals and different foods, all with the comfort of Wi-Fi and American television networks. For those who dont travel, most world history classes focus a lot on Western Europe  you can become either a Francophile or an Anglophile without leaving your classroom.

The biggest problem with this ignorance about the world outside the North American-Western European sphere isnt that it exists; its that most Americans refuse to educate themselves about the rest of the world and will shut down when someone tries to inform them.

When I was in high school, one of my classmates  a relatively bright and ambitious student who was part of the Model United Nations team  was telling the teacher that Croatia and the rest of former Yugoslavia were part of Asia. Because I am, in fact, half-former-Yugoslavian and I have, in fact, been to the former Yugoslavia every other summer for most of my life, I raised my hand and politely told her and my teacher that no, all parts of former Yugoslavia are part of Europe, thank you very much. This was met with a Well, it depends by the girl and a Oh, well maybe Model UN does it differently from the teacher. Even as I continued to explain, I was shut down by the girl (who now goes to FSU  go figure).

If you are not aware of something and someone who does know tries to inform you, the correct response is to listen, accept the new information and learn  not shut off the person and insist you're correct. For some reason, most Americans take this approach when it comes to expanding their geographic and cultural horizons. No matter how many times I tell people that Croatia is in Europe, and Singapore is not part of China, I am met with a defensive Well, how was I supposed to know that and then a shutdown, a refusal to incorporate the new information into an existing system.

I like to keep positive, however, because it is not so hard to fix this problem. Just listen and learn and keep your mind open, because the world has a lot more to offer than your preconceived notions of it.

Petrana Radulovic is a UF English and computer science senior. Her columns appear on Thursdays.
Metal band Skeletonwitch will continue its Curse of the Dead tour at the Atlantic, located at 15 N. Main St., alongside Oathbreaker, Iron Reagan and Gatecreeper on Sunday.

The diversity in lineup and style between each performing band promises for a unique show and ushers in Oathbreakers first time on an American stage.

Skeletonwitchs Scott Hendrick first became interested in music as a kid when his cool older brother drove him to the record store and took him to his first concert, he said. This fostered Hendricks love of music, but it was not until he went to college that Hendrick got involved in making music himself.

Skeletonwitch emerged out of Athens, Ohio, in 2003 when guitarists Hendrick and Nate Garnette met at Ohio University.

We both liked rock and roll and heavy metal much more than we liked our classes, Hendrick said.

For a time, Garnette and Hendrick kept their music secondary to school, but around the time of Hendricks graduation, these priorities began to reverse. During the bands first European tour, Hendrick recalls standing on a mountaintop in Bergen, Norway, and realizing making music was going to be his life.

I looked around and thought, I dont want to give this up, Hendrick said.

Now, some 13 years later, the band is signed to Prosthetic Records and has five members: vocalist Adam Clemans, guitarists Garnette and Hendrick, bassist Evan Linger and drummer Dustin Boltjes. While Skeletonwitch has been described as a black-thrash metal band, Hendrick said he is hesitant to align the band to any particular sub-genre because the group is continuing to expand and grow its unique sound with every new release and performance.

Hendrick said the bands uniqueness comes largely from the individuality of its members.

While the band as a whole is influenced by bands like Mercyful Fate and Iron Maiden, each member has his own personal influences, from Japanese psychedelic music to punk rock.

The band members have toured all over the U.S. and Europe and have no plans of slowing down. Hendrick said he would like to see Skeletonwitch perform in new places like South America and Japan in the future.

The show will open at 8 p.m., and the tickets may be purchased through showclix.com for $15 or at Arrows Aim Records and Hear Again Music.

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           2005     ..        










English News Op-ed: China shows reliability in global financial governance

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 29 Septembre 2016



This will be the first time for a currency of a developing country to be included in the basket. The representativeness and appeal of the SDR basket will be increased as a result and the international financial market will be further stabilized as well.

By Zhong Sheng from Peoples Daily Starting from October 1, the Chinese yuan will be included in the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) along with the US dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen and the British pound.



This will be the first time for a currency of a developing country to be included in the basket. The representativeness and appeal of the SDR basket will be increased as a result and the international financial market will be further stabilized as well.



IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde hailed the inclusion of the yuan into the SDR basket previously, saying that it is an important milestone for the reform of the international monetary system.



Charles Collyns, chief economist of the Institute of International Finance, also praised the increasingly heavier influence carried by the Chinese yuan in the international landscape.



With growing attention to the effect brought by the inclusion of the Chinese yuan to the international financial system, the world now expects China to play a bigger role in global rule-making, the economist added.



As a supplementary international reserve asset and a unit of account, SDR was first created to increase liquidity of the global market and reform the international monetary system. But its effect wasnt satisfactory in the last fifty years.



In order to better reform the current global monetary system and the world financial architecture given such a background, it is important to turn SDR into a strong stabilizer in the international monetary system.



As an effort to build a more stable and resilient global financial architecture, China, as the rotating presidency of the G20 this year, restored the International Financial Architecture Working Group.



One of the groups work priorities is to seek a broader use of SDR through listing SDR as reporting currency, issuing SDR-denominated bonds and other approaches.



Many such plans and initiatives contributed by China have been agreed upon by G20 leaders in their Hangzhou communique. For instance, they, in the communique, not only welcomed the inclusion of Chinese yuan into the SDR basket, but also expressed their support toward the ongoing examination of the broader use of the SDR, as well as the detailed measures to this end.



By advocating the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the BRICS Development Bank, incorporating Chinese yuan into SDR currency basket, and making efforts to improve international financial architecture during the G20 summit, China has shown its strong sense of responsibility as a major country in global economic governance.



All of these efforts made by China aim to build a more rational, balanced and fair global governance system, improve the international monetary system, safeguard the stability of global financial markets and finally inject confidence into world economy.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > More robots entering people's daily life China sees accelerated development of express delivery sector in rural areas China's FAST discovers largest atomic cloud in universe Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News Surgical strike by India has meaning only if precursor to retrieve of PoJK

Alwihda Info | Par Hem Raj Jain - 29 Septembre 2016



Bengaluru, India

Sub:- Without becoming genuinely secular by retrieving PoJK and by taking other measures, India cant remain in peace with Pakistan



--- Indian military deserve congratulation for professional and efficient surgical strike operation (on September, 29 in PoJK in which as per India 40 terrorists and their military handlers were killed but as per Pakistan 2 soldiers killed and 9 injured). At the same time same cant be said about government of India (GOI) unless it is known whether or not GOI wants this military operation to be a first step towards retrieving Indias territory of PoJK.



Here it is in context to add that (i)- The present unrest in Kashmir [in which since July, 8 after killing of Hizbul Commander Burahan Wani ~ 90 people have been killed, over ten thousand injured ~ 250 eyes injured by pellet guns and curfew / Bandh (Strike) for the last 83 days] and (ii)- The gory and chronic Kashmir problem [which has claimed lives of hundreds of thousands of people (including security forces) from both India and Pakistan]  is the direct result of communal politics of so called secular India.



Hence retrieve of PoJK is not merely about territory or even about people of J&K but it is about ideology of secularism v/s Islamic theocracy of Pakistan. The J&K is the only Muslim majority State in India (even Jammu was Muslim majority before 1947) and it still acceded to Hindu majority India in the hope that better and more powerful ideology the secularism will be practiced in India. But India gave goodbye to secularism and unlike Hindu Goa did not retrieve Muslim PoJK (smaller & theocratic Pakistan tried to retrieve Muslim Kashmir many times in 1947, 1948, 1965, 1971, during Kargil etc). In 1971 also India did not assimilate Muslim Bangladesh though two nations theory collapsed which was basis of Indias partition in 1947. Since eighties (after Ayodhya movement of late eighties and Babri Masjid demolition in 1992) whatever fig leaf of secularism India had that was also given up.



It is evident from the fact that minimum following 6 writ petitions need to be filed in Supreme Court by some organization in order to bring Secularism on track in India:-



(A)- Legally expected restoration of Status-quo-ante of Babri Masjid which was demolished in 1992 in the presence of Observer of Supreme Court (B)- Query about retrieve of POK in the interest of removal of AFSPA etc from J&K (C )- Prosecution against guilty found by Sri Krishna Commission about 1992-93 communal riots in Mumbai / Maharashtra (while rightly asking for deportation / action against Dawood Ibrahim etc, the guilty of serial blasts which were direct fallout of said riots) (D)- Identification, tracking and deportation of illegal Hindus and Muslims immigrants, from Bangladesh and Pakistan (E)- Quashing of discriminatory (especially against Muslims) Reservation Policy (F)- Delhi 1984 & Gujarat 2002 riots about section 130 & 131 Cr.P.C.



[Second writ petitions for retrieve of POK can first be filed in J&K High Court].



India should not forget that due to said adverse possession Pakistan has better claim on J&K. Moreover in this age when plebiscite / referendum have become order of the day in western democracies the perpetration of so much cruelties and injustice on Kashmiris (who are demanding plebiscite) is being tolerated by world community only due to one reason. The World in this age of global war against Jihadi terrorism wants secular India to win and does not want Jihadis to win which will be the case if Muslim Kashmir separates from India. But India will blunder if it continues to take undue and too much advantage of said prejudices (against Jihadis) and preferences of the world community (for secularism and that too for false secularism of India). Rather India should understand that only genuinely secular India will attract continued support of world community.



GOI has never asked Indian military to take on the military of Pakistan for the retrieve of PoJK and on the contrary has constrained security forces to show bravery by training guns at civilians of J&K (especially on Kashmiri Muslims) under the protection of AFSP, SPA etc. Hence if it is the only purpose of GOI to browbeat Pakistan to maintain the status-quo about Kashmir / PoJK then this entire exercise of September, 29 surgical strike will not only be meaningless & unethical but also impractical.



Because continued unrest in Kashmir will help Pakistan in mobilizing world-community against India. Pakistan rightly considers present Kashmir unrest as golden opportunity to snatch Muslim Kashmir from Hindu India (as for the first time Kashmiri society, including women, children old people, is on streets in such large numbers including in rural areas). Hence Pakistan will keep-on provoking India to take military action (limited or major) against Pakistan so that Kashmir issue can be internationalized for early Kashmir solution.



The Jihadis of Pakistan also [who are in addition to governments of India and Pakistan and people of entire J&K (including PoJK) are a forth party in J&K dispute because as per media Islam has laid down the lives of ~ one hundred thousand Jihadis for Kashmir], through terrorist attack in India, may provoke India for aggression against Pak and will also pressurize Pak government to provoke India. In this age of ISIS if Pak Jihadis & Pak government fail to snatch Muslim Kashmir from Hindu India then blood thirsty ISIS will have every chance of entering AF-PAK-Kashmir region. The menace of Jihadis / ISIS can be handled effectively only by starting the process of giving victory to secular forces by retrieving PoJK by India. But unfortunately the behavior and other policies of India give clear indications that retrieve of PoJK is not on the agenda of GOI.



Therefore GOI (like other Union governments of the past 69 years) should stop this political farce and instead should think seriously about retrieve of PoJK and about which should start taking India and world community in confidence.



Regards



Hem Raj Jain



(Author of Betrayal of Americanism)



Bengaluru, India



Dans la meme rubrique : < > More robots entering people's daily life China sees accelerated development of express delivery sector in rural areas China's FAST discovers largest atomic cloud in universe Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Australia's ANZ Group has revealed that it's using Watson, the IBM computer that won a round of Jeopardy two years ago, in its wealth management division. It's the first bank to provide any level of detail about its plans for Watson, although several banks, including Citigroup and Royal Bank of Canada, have been quietly experimenting with it in their labs.

"We're always investigating new technology and how we might innovate in our financial space," says Joyce Phillips, CEO Global Wealth and Private Banking Group Managing Director, Marketing, Innovation and Digital at the $642 billion-asset bank, which operates in 32 countries. "We heard about Watson from some of the tests it was doing in the States and some of the banks that were considering how to deploy Watson."

Watson is a combination of natural language understanding (it can "read" and understand unstructured data found in documents such as contracts, letters and memos), a search engine that can comb through millions of data points in seconds, and artificial intelligence that "learns" how to draw conclusions from the data. It can accept questions written in normal English, mine mountains of documents and databases for the answers, and provide natural language responses.

"I started to think about how many apps could benefit from reducing complexity and Big Data into simple solutions," Phillips says. "You could see the implications for doing that in customer service, in underwriting and in other areas that are ripe for innovation."

She wondered if Watson could be used to assess a new customer's financial situation more quickly and comprehensively than a human being could. "What if I could sort you out in one session by asking you a few questions, and not have you bring a file cabinet of paper to me, while we're having a cappuccino potentially?" Phillips mused. "I started to test that concept with clients and it really resonated." ANZ has about 2,000 financial advisors and five million wealth management customers in Australia and New Zealand.

"Imagine if I was able to read every single financial document that exists in this country and never forget a word I read, and then we sat down with great advisors to understand how you would home in on the most relevant pieces of information and be able to do that consistently, within a matter of minutes," she says. "That's what Watson can do for us. It's more than just retrieving data or a search engine. We want this to be an assistive tool for the advisor."

A team of 40 people at ANZ are training Watson by feeding it documents and data, just as IBM trained the system to compete on Jeopardy. These include advisors, product experts, legal and compliance staff and customer service people. "We're making sure we're looking at data from all sources and how that might be retrieved and used. It's quite a big initiative," Phillips says.

Some of the data is loaded electronically, some is scanned paper documents. "The great thing about Watson is it's agnostic about the data source," Phillips says. The system is being given information about the bank's products, including their latest terms and conditions.

"A lot of making Watson deliver the experience we'd like to deliver is educating the system, loading in vast amounts of data," Phillips says.

In another phase of the training, financial advisors are submitting questions to Watson and guiding it toward appropriate answers, thus refining the tool. "A lot of what we have to do is put this in human language as opposed to legal language," she says. "We have a lot of refining to do." The training period will continue until at least December.

Watson is getting smarter with each session, Phillips reports. The hope is it will help advisors deliver advice with a consistent standard of quality and eliminate the weeks' worth of work it can take to create a financial plan for a client. "We've got a lot of work to do, but we're quite impressed with how Watson is responding already with what we're offering clients in the test setting," she says.

There are no plans to let customers interact with Watson directly; the computer might produce an answer that's wrong for that client and regulators might raise concerns.

Phillips sees this tool as a means to retain financial advisors. Leaving a bank that offers the use of Watson, "Your IQ goes down 20 points because you went across the street to someone else  [instead] you'd want to stay and serve your clients with this tool."

Once the training phase is over, ANZ will begin piloting Watson with a statistically valid sample of clients.

Advisors will connect with Watson through tablet and mobile technology. The bank is developing a digital portal for wealth management that will include online chat.

The eventual return on investment, Phillips suggests, will come from increased fees charged for advice, increased market share and improved customer retention.

Assuming all goes well in production, the bank plans to bring Watson to other business areas, such as operations and customer service.
Citi will join Early Warning's clearXchange, giving the bank-operated digital transfer network a boost as it takes on apps like PayPals Venmo.

Like Venmo, clearXchange lets customers of participating banks send money to each other with minimal navigation, requiring only the email address or mobile phone number of the intended recipient. Citi aims to implement this function in early 2017, it said in a press release Wednesday.

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo founded clearXchange to attract consumers to user-friendly bank-based money transfer systems, such as Chase QuickPay or Wells Fargo SurePay (although clearXchange has never been promoted as a consumer brand). The three cover more than half of the online banking market. U.S. Bank, Capital One, Frost Bank and FirstBank have since joined.

In 2015, Early Warning, a bank-led risk management initiative, acquired clearXchange, which has since become a part of the banks' faster payments strategy, and clearXchange is considered a launch point for uses beyond P-to-P transfers, such as government payouts and insurance claims disbursements.

ClearXchange is also developing a dedicated money transfer smartphone app called Zelle that would be in direct competition with with PayPal, Square and Circle for an October launch.

We are pleased to join the clearXchange network, enabling millions of Citi clients to make real-time person-to-person payments to anyone with a U.S. bank account, Barry Rodrigues, head of global digital payments for Citis global consumer bank, said in the release. As the payments landscape continues to rapidly evolve, Citi is committed to making it easier for our customers to move their money quickly, safely and seamlessly.
Promontory Financial portraits on May 1, 2009 Michael Temchine/Freelance

WASHINGTON  IBM has agreed to buy Promontory Financial Group  a consultancy so influential it has been dubbed the industry's "shadow regulator"  in a move that could extend artificial intelligence into every aspect of banking.

Under the deal, which was announced Thursday, Promontory's stable of ex-regulators and former industry executives will be tasked with teaching IBM's Watson to address risk management and compliance issues at banks. The goal is to create an AI capable of sifting through reams of data collected by banks to find potential problems and suggest solutions.

"We can very quickly help financial institutions have a much more complete and continuously updated view of what the landscape is," Alistair Rennie, a general manager for industry solutions at IBM, said in an interview. "There are systems now that throw out alerts all the time. The work of going through which ones need follow-up and documentation is very manual and very inefficient. We believe we can absolutely solve that problem with a cognitive solution. We can make it far more effective, far more automated."

Gene Ludwig, the founder and chief executive of Promontory, said the deal will ultimately produce a system that can help banks of all sizes manage the massive compliance load facing them. While it's already clear big banks would be interested in such a system, he said the reach goes well beyond the larger institutions.

"For community and regional banks, this is a potential lifeline," Ludwig said in an interview. For many banks, it is an "enormous burden just to keep up. Watson offers the opportunity to have a world-class partner."

Rennie added that the system can be scalable.

"We will make this affordable," he said. "We expect this to be highly consumable for institutions of all different sizes."

IBM's Watson, an AI program that can "read" large volumes of documents to absorb knowledge, is already used in the health care industry and is present within the banking system. Citigroup began using the technology in 2012 to analyze customer needs and process client data. A few other banks have followed suit, using Watson to help in wealth management.

But that mostly focuses on the customer-facing side of the equation, while the Promontory deal would focus Watson on helping banks deal with the massive amounts of regulations they face. IBM said it would call the result Watson Financial Services.

Rennie estimated that banks spend roughly $270 billion a year on compliance. IBM wanted to acquire Promontory for its knowledge of the regulatory system, in order to bring Watson up to speed on issues like anti-money-laundering and stress tests.

"There is no better expertise in the world in this area, no more unique set of people than Promontory," Rennie said. "We want to be able to move quickly, we want to be able to move in an integrated way. We want to be able to offer a complete solution. This is a huge problem."

He said IBM plans to "scale the expertise of Promontory in a very unique way."

"We can have a system that can constantly ingest regulatory information and work through reasoning and learning how best to apply that as a compliance framework," he said.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed; Promontory would operate as a wholly owned subsidiary and would continue to do its present work with banking clients around the globe. Ludwig would continue to be Promontory's CEO. The deal is subject to regulatory approval. A separate company that Ludwig co-founded, Promontory Interfinancial Network, is not involved in the transaction.

Ludwig said the deal was attractive because it will create a system that can go beyond what's available now. He noted that banks are grappling with massive amounts of unstructured data.

"In order for financial institutions to deal with the risk management and compliance problems, you need not just the main expertise, you need superior technological solutions," Ludwig said.

Asked whether Watson could one day put compliance experts like Promontory out of business, Ludwig, a former comptroller of the currency, said there will likely always be a need for people who understand the "nuance" of government regulations.

Rennie noted that the regulatory system is always changing.

"I can't imagine a world in which the regulatory environment is at rest," he said. "We will find places we mature very quickly. But we expect this will be an ongoing relationship."

The deal marks a convergence between two of the biggest challenges in banking: mounting regulation and technological transformation.

"If you look at the large issues that our financial clients face, regulatory compliance is at the top of the list," Rennie said. "It is a boardroom issue. It is an issue that is becoming more complex and more extensive. We think it is a fundamental problem that is worthy of a major investment to make a function change in how it gets solved."
Summit Bank in Oakland, Calif., has its first new chief executive.

The $234 million-asset bank said in a recent press release that Thomas Duryea had succeeded its founder, Shirley Nelson.

Nelson, who had led the bank since 1979, became executive chairman.

Duryea previously served as president and CEO of the $518 million-asset Summit State Bank in Santa Rosa, Calif.

Duryea "brings a wealth of expertise in commercial banking and leadership," Nelson said in the release. "His successful track record of building one of the top community banks in the state, brand building and client development will serve us well as we chart our path forward."

Nelson began her banking career as a teller in Alaska, according to the San Francisco Business Times. She raised about $4 million from her banking clients to form Summit Bank.
Riverview Bancorp in Vancouver, Wash., has agreed to buy certain assets and liabilities of MBank in Gresham, Ore.

The $932 million-asset Riverview said in press release Thursday that it will pay cash to buy $130 million in loans and $128 million in deposits from Merchants Bancorp.

Riverview said it would pay a 0.5% premium, or $600,000, for the deposits and a 3.25% premium, or $4.1 million, for the loans. MBank has three branches.

Riverview said it expects the deal to be accretive to its earnings in the first full year. The company said it should take less than two years to earn back the deal's dilution to its tangible book value.

Riverview said it plans to cut MBank's noninterest expenses by 40%. The company also expects to incur $900,000 in merger-related charges.

"This is a natural geographic expansion for Riverview, fitting well into our strategy of increasing market share in Oregon," Pat Sheaffer, Riverview's chairman and chief executive, said in the release. "Our two banks have identical missions  to provide our clients with the local, personal service you can only receive from a true community bank."

The $175 million-asset MBank gained notoriety in 2014 when it began banking marijuana-related businesses, citing the opportunity to "meet a need, while at the same time enjoying additional revenue opportunities." A year later, it shuttered the program.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods and Breyer & Associates advised Riverview.
NAIROBI - A Chinese construction firm on Wednesday won a contract to carry out a major road renovation project in Western Kenya.

Kenya's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure contracted Jiangxi Zhongmei Engineering Construction Company to repair the 40km Kakamega-Webuye road in the west of the country, at a cost of $50 million.

Principal Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Engineer John Mosonik told journalists in Nairobi the project will commence soon and will take 24 months to complete.

The project works comprise of rehabilitation and widening of the existing road, construction of a second carriageway in the first 5km, and construction of service roads, access roads and market loops.

Mosonik invited Chinese firms to bid for projects in the country owing to their acclaimed workmanship which has seen them win tenders to undertake construction ventures in Kenya.

The General Manager of Jiangxi Provincial Express Investment Group Co Ltd, Ren Donghong said the company has the capability and the capacity to undertake the project.

"We have done over 4,000km of roads in China and we will vie for more tenders as and when opportunities arise. The signing ceremony is a good starting point for Jiangxi to start undertaking projects in Kenya," she said.

Mosonik said the project, which is expected to last for about 30 years before quality sustainment is carried out, will be financed 75 percent by the Kenyan government and 25 percent by the World Bank.

The East Africa nation plans to host an investor's conference in November for construction firms interested in Kenyan projects to learn about the pending projects and vie for bids.
KeyCorp's $4.1 billion purchase of First Niagara  the industry's second-largest acquisition by deal value since the financial crisis  has highlighted the regional banking company's lineup of seasoned female executives.

For example, Maria Teresa Tejada, Key's chief credit officer, managed the credit risk diligence for the deal, which closed in July, and is now working on the integration strategy. She also has been an advocate for ensuring cultural integration as a critical component of risk management.

Carmen McClennon, who oversees integrated channel strategy, was chosen to lead the integration of the consumer segment with First Niagara. She is using analytics to identify and eliminate problems that cause customers to leave a bank once a deal is completed.

Others playing important roles are Amy Brady, the chief information officer, and Angela Mago, co-head of Key Corporate Bank and group head of KeyBank Real Estate Capital.

"Our diverse leadership is participating in what is the single largest initiative really in our history and that particular team is participating from all kinds of levels," said Trina Evans, director of Key's Corporate Center, which encompasses brand-related functions such as marketing, corporate communications, philanthropy and community development. "We are all leading significant parts of the acquisition."

For her part, Evans is overseeing Key's five-year commitment to lend $16.5 billion to low- and moderate-income communities in several states in the Midwest, West and Northwest beginning next year. The Cleveland company worked with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition on the investment plan and Evans said she hopes it serves as a model for others.

"I do believe we have set a higher bar and showed that it is possible to balance mission with margin," Evans said.

Key, one of the few large banking companies in the United States led by a woman (Chairman and Chief Executive Beth Mooney), also stands out in other ways. It has a long-term commitment to working with a diverse group of suppliers, has implemented new recruiting strategies to increase its hiring of women and has extended the reach of its employee resource groups.

The company has been able to recruit a diverse pool of talent in part because of its long-standing commitment to inclusion, Evans said. Each business line has a plan to improve inclusion and diversity, and a diversity council with representatives from each business shares best practices.

Headquarters: Cleveland

2015 Financial highlights:

Assets: $95.1 billion

ROE: 8.63%

ROA: 0.99%

Female representation among corporate officers: 25%

Female representation on operating committee: 27%

The Team: Amy Brady, Amy Carlson, Margot Copeland, Robin Cottingham, Trina Evans, Annette Hazapis, Harsha Kapur, Angela Mago, Ruth Mahoney, Carmen McClennon, Beth Mooney, Laurie Muller-Girard, Carol Nelson, Poppie Parish, Maria Teresa Tejada, Kathleen Terrell
For several years, Zions Bank has monitored salaries to ensure women aren't being paid less than men for comparable work. Last year, the monitoring went from a semiannual review to a constant lookout.

The bank is "paying more and more attention" to this issue and is trying to respond quicker to any disparities that may arise, said Cristie Richards, Zions' executive vice president of premier wealth management. Previously, it would wait for the formal reviews, in which executive vice presidents receive reports every six months showing salaries among employees in each division, with recommendations for adjustments.

But in 2015 the bank publicly committed to take several steps to help women advance, including monitoring for pay gaps. "Making a public pledge really holds our feet to the fire," Richards said.

"It absolutely holds us more accountable and creates a community that has committed to these goals where we can share best practices and identify areas where we need to improve."

Zions is one of more than 90 companies to commit to the ElevateHER challenge, a project of the Women's Leadership Institute, a nonprofit that was conceived by two of the Salt Lake City bank's executives. (Zions also provided the seed money for the institute and recruited a former Utah state legislator, Patricia Jones, to run it.)

Aside from compensation reviews, ElevateHER asks companies to increase the percentage of females in senior jobs, the retention rate for women employees at all levels and the number of women on the board. Companies also pledge to establish leadership development and mentoring programs and to urge women to run for public office. Jones, the institute's CEO, is also a Zions director  providing additional boardroom oversight to ensure the bank honors its commitment.

Using practices like these matters not only because it is the right thing to do but also because it makes Zions a better bank, Richards said. People of varying backgrounds may raise different questions during a discussion. That adds value by pushing everyone to think differently and can change the outcome of a deliberation, Richards added.

"If we look at diversity and inclusion as a whole, it's very important to make sure everyone has a voice at the table," Richards said. "It provides a richness that comes with diversity of thought and talent. It helps us to think outside of what we have in the past."

Headquarters: Salt Lake City

2015 Financial highlights:

Assets: $15.5 billion

ROE: 10.34%

ROA: 1.15%

Female representation among corporate officers: 36%

Female representation on operating committee: 31%

The Team: Hope Butler, Jennifer Christopulos, Pamela Clark, Robyn Currah, Jackie Francis, Cory Gardiner, Melinda Haynes, Meghan Holbrook, Stephanie Horne, Dianne James, Merri Johnson, Susan Johnson, Susan Jones, Patricia "Pat" Jones, Monika Kaminski, Janet Louie, Gail Miller-Wilson, Ann Millner, Toni Nielsen, Heidi Prokop, Christine Redgrave, Cristie Richards, Rebecca Robinson, Ann Marie Thomas, Mary Pat Thompson, Kristy Walker, Ali Wilkinson
Women are affected by the lunar tides once a month; men have raging hormones every day.  Maureen Brigid Dowd

Maureen Dowd will be eligible for Social Security next year. The indelible red head, at 65, might be a tad ripe, but she still dishes vintage New York snark. Like Rosie ODonnell and Joan Rivers, Miss Dowd is notable for that one big apple value that she wields like a shillelagh. With Rivers it was loud invective and a ready middle finger. With ODonnell, its nails-on-a-blackboard vulgarity and a vocabulary that embraces epithets like dyke. With Dowd, Georgetowns most visible spinster; the cudgel of choice is snark.

Maureens more caustic outings often read like menopause rap, the difference being that Dowd can actually spell most of the one-syllable words she uses. Hat tip to NWA, Niggaz Wit Attitudes.

Miss Dowd is the distaff token that allows the grey lady of Manhattan to be a bitch at least once a week. In print, Maureen Brigid often makes the mean girls look like couch kittens.

Yes, Dowd actually resides in Washington, DC, yet writes for the uber-liberal New York Times. Maureen is a graduate of Catholic University, too, a schoolhouse that may explain her career path as a PCN, plain-clothes nun. The polite word for Maureens petulant professional niche in journalism might be scold.

Indeed, among contemporary pundits, Miss Dowd is like the dean of discipline at those Catholic schools of yore. Every Catholic grade or high school used to have at least one starched wimple who was expert on the hazards of boys, necking, slow dancing, short skirts, and patent leather shoes.

Maureen provides her services to the New York Times, not so much as a critic of political plans, policies, and programs as she is a critic of the hazards of men in general, political men in particular.

Miz Dowd is armed with poetic license and a writ of gender immunity. The two, in tandem, make for an open season on men.

Miss Dowds misandry is both global and local. Of all men she has said: I dont understand men. And I dont even understand what I dont understand about men.

Thus previous book titles include Are Men Necessary and Are Men Obsolete. Dowd may not be H.L. Mencken, but she does have a flair for conflating rhetorical and redundant.

Her best shots are reserved for special men: Al Gore is so feminized and diversified and ecologically correct that he is practically lactating, says Maureen. Snap! Miss Dowd is something of a hands-on expert on celebrity sissies. Hollywood types feature prominently on her bachelorette dance card.

In Washington, she is fond of referring to George W. Bush junior as Mini-Me or shrub.

Fraternizing with Dowd is like being kissed by an ashtray. Appearing in one of her columns is like getting slapped silly with a bar rag in Martins Tavern at happy hour.

Periodically, Maureen Dowd cobbles a timely book together; usually a collection of her previously published essays. The practice is epidemic inside the Beltway where double dipping is de rigeuer. Getting paid twice or thrice for the same job is a Washington D.C. tradition. Hat tip to Huma Abedin, triple dipper extraordinaire.

Dowds latest compilation milks the impending presidential election like a floor length udder, a compendium of columns on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Girls like Dowd and BFF Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post wear their Pulitzer Prizes like tramp stamps. Alas, the question about Pulitzers is the same as it is for daytime Emmys. Who doesnt have one yet?

Dowds treatment of Trump in The Year of Voting Dangerously is what you might expect. Her treatment of Hillary is not much better. If you had to review Maureens latest book, you could do it in a few words: A plague on both their houses.

Nonetheless, you cannot read Dowd on Trump without noting their affinities: age, rhetorical incontinence, disposition, Celtic heritage, Catholic schools, and even hair. To be fair, the Trump coif has an edge, if authentic color matters. Still, by disposition, the two have much in common. Trump breathes fire. Dowd dips her quill in Drano.

However, Dowd has been raging against the boys club much longer than Trump. Still, many of the same folks who dont like Donald do not fancy Maureen either.

Indeed, the Gestapo element at Media Matters commissioned an audit of Dowd columns as a test of party orthodoxy. Mo apparently flunked the vagina solidarity test with flying colors. It seems that 72% of Dowds essays about Mrs. Clinton are negative.

To be fair, if we must, Maureen Brigid Dowd is a good read, often hilarious. She is mistress of her craft, more than you can say about most of the girly men and azimuth kissers at the Times. Dowd does not have Camille Paglia courage or insight, but she does have wit and that says a lot for the oft-humorless left and liberal matrons everywhere.

When Dowd was hired by the NY Times, Christopher Hitchens did a piece for Vanity Fair where he speculated that Dowd might bring some ground truth to the coverage of the Clinton and Bush regimes. The Hitch speculation turned out to be prophetic.

Dowd approaches journalism as Trump approaches politics, neither cares much about your sensitivities. If either pisses you off, its all in a good days work.

Indeed, Maureen may wear the fembot facade until November, but behind the curtain, like many other women, she may push the button for change. Most folks vote for self-interest, not ideology. Trump in the Oval Office provides at least a decade of good material for scribblers like Dowd. Snark pays well too.

In November, pray the best man wins?

G. Murphy Donovan, a veteran of Catholic schools in the Bronx, writes about the politics of national security.
A strong taboo exists in academia and the media against expressing support for Donald Trump. In fact, the taboo extends to many professions and segments of society that rely on academic credentials. I regularly hear from people who tell me about themselves, friends, family and associates who support Trump but keep their thoughts to themselves. Its the sort of thing we used to hear about life in the USSR, people afraid to speak in public about their political views.

So it is of some significance that 125 scholars and writers have stepped forward to sign a public affirmation of their support for Donald Trump:

Given our choices in the presidential election, we believe that Donald J. Trump is the candidate most likely to restore the promise of America, and we urge you to support him as we do.

You can read the list of signers here, and might recognize some familiar names. For some, it may have grave consequences.
We've known for years that radical green groups have been secretly collaborating with the EPA in the writing of regulations and policy papers. But Democratic senator Sheldon Whitehouse, one of the primary global warming hysterics on Capitol Hill, has taken this effort one step farther by publishing a report accusing EPA critics of working closely with fossile fuel companies. The report was written by a lawyer representing the EPA in a civil suit.

When the Washington Free Beacon made inquiries about the report, the document was scrubbed.

After the Washington Free Beacon sought comment from Whitehouse and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.), one of the reports co-authors, a new version of the document appeared online without digital fingerprints identifying the environmentalist attorney as its author. The report, released on Monday by Democratic Sens. Whitehouse, Reid, Barbara Boxer (Calif.), and Ed Markey (Mass.), is written to resemble an amicus brief in ongoing litigation challenging Environmental Protection Agency regulations on carbon emissions from power plants. A federal court heard oral arguments in that case on Tuesday. One of the parties in that litigation is the Sierra Club, a leading environmentalist group that enlisted the services of attorneys with the group EarthJustice to defend the EPA regulations in court. David Baron, one of the EarthJustice attorneys working on behalf of the Sierra Club, appears to have assisted the Democratic senators in putting together their report on the regulations legal challengers. Metadata in the since-deleted version of the Senate Democrats report listed him as the documents author. The new version of the report was created at 9:42 a.m. on Wednesday morning, according to the documents metadata, and lists Whitehouse staffer Gifford Wong as its author. Whitehouse, Reid, Boxer, and Markey did not respond to questions about EarthJustices role in creating the report. EarthJustice and the Sierra Club did not return requests for comment. Though the initial documents metadata indicated the file was created by Baron, it is not clear what role he and EarthJustice played in crafting the reports contents or the extent to which the groups input made it into the final product. It was also not immediately clear whether EarthJustice was compensated in any way for its work on the report. Senate ethics rules generally classify pro-bono legal assistance as a gift subject to a $50 limit. Boxer, one of the reports ostensible authors, is a vice chair of the Senate Ethics Committee. Ethics rules make exceptions to the gift rule for pro-bono legal services provided to senators filing legal briefs in their official capacity. The four senators who released this weeks report also signed on to an amicus brief supporting the disputed EPA regulations, but their report was not an official legal document. The report demonstrates that the state officials, trade associations, front groups, and industry-funded scientists participating in the [EPA regulation legal] challenge actually represent the interests of the fossil fuel industry, according to a news release on Whitehouses website.

This sort of "help" offered by private groups to a federal agency is not new, and both sides have done it in the past. During the Bush years, fossil fuel trade association executives routinely edited reports on climate change.

It's a practice that is clearly unethical but not illegal. The question should be one of transparency. If a federal agency receives assistance in any way from a private group, it should be mentioned up front of any report generated by that assistance. Whitehouse and Reid went so far as to try to hide the evidence of complicity with green groups in a campaign to discredit critics of the agency. This should be looked at by the Ethics Committee for possible violations of congressional rules.
How screwed up is our vetting policy for admitting refugees? In April, the administration cut the refugee vetting process that would ordinarily take 18 to 24 months down to 3 months. They won't pore over social media sites used by refugees to ferret out radicals.

Now we learn from the agency in charge of bringing refugees to the U.S. that no effort is made to discover radical ideological leanings of the potential newcomers.

Lifezette:

The United States runs the names of potential refugees through terrorism and law enforcement databases and conducts health screenings but makes no effort to learn whether they harbor extremist views, an administration official acknowledged Wednesday. Simon Henshaw, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, made the admission during testimony at a Senate hearing on President Obamas Syrian refugee program. Republicans on the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest have expressed concerns that Obamas decision to admit more than 10,000 Syrian refugees over the past 12 months and his plan to increase that number in the coming 12 months is reckless in light of the threat posed by Islamic extremism. Sen. Jeff Sessions, the Alabama Republican who chairs the subcommittee, grilled Henshaw about the procedures for screening refugee applicants. Do you make any inquiry about practices that we reject in the United States, like female genital mutilation? he asked. Do you say, Do you believe in that and when you come to the United States will you comply with the laws of the United States on that kind of question? Henshaw said U.S. officials explain American law and customs but do not inquire about refugees political beliefs. On all questions, we make it clear to refugees that were a nation of laws and that they need to comply with our laws, he said. Sessions pointed to a Justice Department report indicating that the United States last year experienced 27 honor killings, a practice that wins widespread approval in some Muslim-dominated countries that practice Sharia Law. Henshaw drew a distinction between Muslim refugees and other Muslim immigrants. Im not sure those honor killings took place among the resettled refugee community in the United States, he said. Henshaw said the government operates a cultural orientation program and insisted that refugees make a smooth transition to Americanism. "Senator, I see no evidence to show that refugee communities are bringing these values into the United States," he said. "I see that theyre becoming good American citizens, members of the military, members of our police  people that have U.S.-American values."

Henshaw offered no proof for that startling claim. In fact, most refugees won't become American citizens for years  if at all. And they can talk to the refugees until they're blue in the face about our "customs," but it is the height of naivete to believe they will abandon their long held religious beliefs just for our benefit.

The bottom line is that the administration does not feel it necessary to vet the refugees for their ideology. They will never admit it, but they are willing to accept a small number of terrorist attacks in the name of promoting a "compassionate" refugee policy. If some of the refugees turn out to be jihadists, well that's just our bad luck. Just think of all those tens of thousands of people we've helped. A few dead Americans is a small price to pay to resettle so many people fleeing war, poverty, and violence.

To most Americans, that kind of thinking is unacceptable. But the administration feels it more important to speed the process of bringing refugees to our shores than insuring the safety of the U.S.
Microsoft has just started rolling out the latest update for its Skype Android app and as it turns out, youll want do download it as soon as possible if youre using Skype on a Samsung device. Namely, the update version 7.17 has been confirmed to improve performance and stability on Samsung devices running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. GSMArena speculates this is because the update fixes issues with Samsungs non-standard Android implementations but the apps developers are yet to confirm that. So, lets just be thankful for this turn of events and see what else the new version of Skype has in store for us.

For starters, the Skype Android app now has a simplified sign-in process for people looking to connect to the service with their Microsoft account. In other words, you wont experience any more double sign-ins as the app will now automatically recognize which account youre trying to use and will always connect to the correct database. Furthermore, the changelog also mentions accessibility support for visual cards sent by bots and a slightly tweaked Contacts interface which is now a bit easier to use when youre trying to search for contacts by their phone number. Last but not least, that annoying bug which sometimes broke the interface when you changed the orientation of your device in the process of recording a video message has finally been fixed. So, this update doesnt bring any major features but it still does enough to improve the overall user experience.

Its also worth noting that Skype Android version 7.17 doesnt seem to differ from its predecessor in terms of hardware or software requirements so existing Skype users shouldnt have any issues when installing the app from the Play Store. The update started rolling out earlier this week and should already be available worldwide. All in all, its definitely good that Microsoft is still supporting its app with regular updates and seems keen on continuing to develop Skype as the ultimate personal communications solution which supports both instant messaging and file sharing, as well as both video and voice calls. If youre interested in using Skype for more than just private purposes, youll be happy to know that Microsoft also offers the business version of the app as of last year.
Android Wear smartwatch owners who may be looking forward to buying a new Apple iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus should be aware of an ongoing issue preventing several Android Wear smartwatch models from connecting to the said smartphones. The problem was brought up on Googles forums by numerous Android wear users and has been acknowledged by the search engine giant who plans to provide a fix as soon as possible.

According to Google and several smartwatch owners, there seems to be a problem preventing Android Wear smartwatches from connecting to the latest iPhone model, in spite of the same wearables being able to connect to the iPhone 6 series without any hiccups. Customers report that they are not greeted with the usual accept message screen when trying to pair their Android Wear devices with the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, which might mean that the issue lies somewhere within the Bluetooth pairing function. The list of smartwatch models and brands mentioned on the official forums include the TAG Heuer Connected and the Fossil Q Founder, as well as the Moto 360 2nd Generation along with the ASUS ZenWatch 2. These smartwatches have been confirmed by Google to experience connectivity issues with the iPhone 7, but some consumers also report that they are facing the same pairing issues with other Android Wear smartwatch including the first generation Moto 360 and the LG G Watch. Its interesting to add that some users can apparently pair their smartwatches with previous iPhone models including the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S  even those updated to the latest version of iOS  so whatever is causing the problem seems to be tied in with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Google has acknowledged the problem and confirmed that it is looking into ways to fixing the issue as soon as possible. The search engine giant also reported the issue to Apple, but apparently the Cupertino-based company has yet to comment on the issues. It is unclear if the root of the problem lies on the Android Wear side of things alone, or if Apples latest flagship phones might also be at fault, but the issue will hopefully be resolved soon.
The US Presidential Election is due in about five weeks so its not surprising that relations between the Republican nominee Donald Trump and the Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton are close to reaching their boiling point. As the two continue doing their very best to sway the voters in their favor, some baseless allegations are pretty much expected to be made. In fact, one such accusation just came from Waukesha, Wisconsin where Trump was speaking at a Republican political rally. During his speech, Trump made a claim that Google search engine was suppressing the bad news about Hillary Clinton. The Republican presidential candidate is apparently convinced that the Mountain View-based tech giant is trying to indirectly influence the outcome of the upcoming elections by altering the results of its search service.

While he refused to elaborate on the matter, 9to5Google speculates that Trump was probably talking about a recent report from Sputnik News according to which Google tampered with its search results in order to sway up to 3 million votes in Clintons favor. If that speculation is correct, its not surprising Trump refused to press on the issue further. Namely, Sputnik News is a media agency thats completely controlled by the Russian government, consequently has its own agenda, and therefore isnt exactly the most reliable source of news when it comes to reporting on a US tech giant allegedly trying to influence the US Presidential Election in favor of a candidate which Kremlin doesnt fancy.

Not surprisingly, Google has already denied the allegations of modifying its search results in favor of Hillary Clinton. Back in June, head of the companys webspam team Matt Cutts described the claims as simply false and gave numerous examples of simple Clinton-related searches which list news on the Democratic candidates controversies. The tech giant recently faced similar accusations about its autocomplete feature as it apparently refused to suggest searching for controversies about Clinton. However, Google stated that this was a conscious design decision affecting all names. More specifically, the company explained that it wanted its autocomplete algorithm to stop suggesting potentially offensive terms in relation to other peoples names, adding that these changes were already implemented back in 2015.
Labour: Shami Chakrabarti and the Jew who wanted to be an Essex Man

What next for the ubiquitous Shami Chakrabarti, whose June 2016 report for the Labour Party found no anti-semitism in its ranks? Shami  not a Jew  became a Labour peer in August 2016. The Standard says shes in line to be Jeremy Corbyns new shadow attorney general in his cabinet of all the talents.

TheLabour Party supporting New Statesman  the magazine that brought news of a Kosher conspiracy  says Chakrabarti will get the job next week. The magazine says the woman who chaired the partys anti-Semitism inquiry wants to do more and the gig is a no brainer.

And let us be clear, Shamni loves Jews. She enjoys seeing them in the ranks. It makes her feel better about things. At a rally in Liverpool, Chakrabarti, made a plea to Jewish Labour voters unnerved by the rife anti-Semitism in the far left of the party: Please dont go. Dont leave me here, dont leave me locked in a room with Essex Man I dont want to be left alone with people who lack the vision and views that you and I bring to this party as members of minority groups.

No racism in Labour. Hell, no. But plenty of nose-holding elitism in a party that doesnt like Essex Man, which appears to be code for the white working class. And you Jews are just like blacks, Asians, Muslims, Hindus and are there any Inuits in the Labour house of all the creeds? (Raises hand.) Woot! Were all right! Labour is all right! Your all so lovely and ethnic.

Maybe Shami Chakrabarti can chair a Labour inquiry into the kind of bigotry spouted by people who see ethnic minorities as essentially superior to monocular Essex man? Who knows, if she finds none, there might even be bigger civil gong in it for her

Anorak

Posted: 29th, September 2016 | In: Politicians, Reviews Comments (3) | TrackBack | Permalink
(ANSA) - Rome, September 29 - Italy's biggest trade union confederation, the left-wing CGIL, on Thursday said it had handed in 1.15 million authenticated signatures to the Lower House for a popular bill proposed by members of the public for a new Universal Charter of Labour Rights. "It's an unprecedented result," said CGIL chief Susanna Camusso, who was received by Lower House speaker Laura Boldrini.

"We talked about giving back rights and protection to workers on a long tour of Italy.

"Our aim is for debate to start in parliament (on the bill)". The move comes after the union in July handed over to the supreme court 1.1 million signatures for each of three referenda it wants on labour issues.

The proposed referenda are for the abolition of vouchers used to pay for occasional work, the rehiring of all workers who are illegitimately sacked and a vote on responsibility in business contracts.

The CGIL has blasted the increasing use of 10-euro vouchers to pay for occasional work, saying they are being widely abused, with some employers using them to give a semblance of legality to people actually working regularly and often full time.


AMMAN - Hundreds of people took part in the burial of controversial journalist Nahed Hattar in his hometown of Fuheis amid wide police presence three days after he was gunned down near Amman court.



The body of Hatrar was wrapped in a Jordanian flag and driven in Amman before being buried. Top officials from the government and leftist activists were among attendents in the procession.



Relatives of Hattar blamed the government for his death saying police should have provided police protection. Hattar was killed for publishing a cartoon offensive to Islam where he criticized jihadists and their narrative.
TEL AVIV - The body of former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres lay in state outside the Knesset (parliament) in Jerusalem on Thursday to allow people to pay their respects ahead of his funeral on Friday. The first to render homage to the 1994 Nobel peace laureate were Israeli Premier Benyamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.



Peres' funeral will be held on Monte Herzl in Jerusalem and numerous world leaders including US President Barack Obama, while ex president Bill Clinton has already arrived. Palestinan president Mahmoud Abbas will also attend the ceremony on Friday.



Peres died from a stroke on Wednesday at the age of 93. Obama described him as the "essence of Israel", noting how he was "guided by a vision of the human dignity and progress that he knew people of goodwill could advance together.'' Pope Francis said Peres was a "man of peace and persevering in the peace effort". "That his legacy might inspire all to work urgently" to this end, Francis added. "Peres was a partner in the peace of the courageous together with Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin," said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.



Palestinians were divided, however, with Hamas in Gaza hailing the death of "a criminal".



"Shimon Peres was the last remaining Israeli official who founded the occupation, and his death is the end of a phase in the history of this occupation and the beginning of a new phase of weakness," Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhr said.


WASHINGTON- The 'window' of opportunity for diplomatic action in Syria has not yet shut but it may do soon, US State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner has said.



"We are not trying to shut that door, but what we need right now is a gesture from Russia and also from the regime in order to recover credibility in this process," said Toner in reference to the terms of the Syria peace negotiations in Geneva. It is not possible to establish an exact "date or time" when the 'window' will close, but "I think it is very soon", the spokesman added. Syrian government forces are preparing to launch an unprecedented ground offensive against East Aleppo with support from Russian aviation, the Iranian military and Hezbollah from Lebanon.



The eastern part of Syria's second city has come under intense aerial bombardment since last Friday, with hundreds of people including approximately 100 minors reportedly killed. On Wednesday morning the US threatened to break off contact with Russia on Syria unless it stops bombing the city and also announced the possibility of "non-diplomatic options" later in the day. On Wednesday Pope Francis called indirectly on the Syrian government and Russia "to make every effort to protect civilians as an imperative and urgent duty", appealing "to the conscience of those responsible (for the bombing of East Aleppo), who will have to answer to it before God". The images coming from East Aleppo show the bodies of civilian casualties trapped or being pulled from the rubble, or parts of mangled bodies being gathered by civil protection volunteers.

Seven-day truce in Aleppo 'unacceptable', Russia says. 'Terrorists would have sufficient time to resupply, reorganise

MOSCOW - A seven-day truce in Syria's second city Aleppo is "unacceptable" because it would give terrorist groups sufficient time to resupply and reorganise, Russia's deputy foreign minister Serghiei Riabkov said Thursday. "We have repeatedly suggested pauses of 48 hours but for reasons known only to them the US have remained attached to the request for seven-day truces," Riabkov said.

Pope says world mustn't look other way on Syria. Francis calls for UN to support mediation

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Thursday said the world must not look the other way regarding the humanitarian crisis in conflict-hit Syria and called on the United Nations to support mediation between the parties. "Aside from the necessary humanitarian aid, what our brothers and sisters form Syria want more than anything is peace," the pope told a meeting with charities operating in Syria and Iraq. "That's why I'll never tire of calling on the international community for greater and renewed efforts for peace in the whole Middle East and ask them not to look the other way".
The global population is projected to hit 9.6 billion by 2050 and the world will need to increase the food it produces by 60 per cent. This outlook brings ministers from the 21 APEC member economies together to tackle food production and cross-border trade opportunities in the Asia-Pacific to advance food security.

One of our priorities this year is strengthening the regional food market, said Perus Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Jose Manuel Hernandez, who is chair of the 2016 APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting. This puts us in a crucial time to address the specific problems of the food production sector.

The increasingly harsh effects of climate change, diminishing natural resources, as well as gaps in access to services between rural and urban populations are hampering APEC economies efforts to achieve food security, said Minister Hernandez.

Across the region, agriculture is undergoing changes that impact its ability to produce food as it is demanded by the population. In addition to climate change, food systems are faced with the issue of aging farmers and rising migration of manpower from rural to urban areas, putting to question the sustainability of the farming sector.

Ministers seek to establish policies that encourage scientific innovation, increase investment in the food sector, foster cooperation for the sustainable use and integrated management of water resources and promote sustainable practices to keep food sources resilient.

We need to strengthen agricultural productivity by taking advantage of the potential of innovation and science and technology as a way to help the region produce more food with dwindling natural resources, said Minister Hernandez. We must also support the integration of small producers to the market.

Ministers seek to enhance the role of public-private partnership to integrate small agribusinesses into global value chains. This includes examining the benefits of multi-sectoral policies to improve the competitiveness of rural-based smallholders and boosting social investment and infrastructure to strengthen rural-urban connectivity.

"In addition to stimulating long-term and inclusive economic growth in the Asia-Pacific, enhancing APEC food systems and achieving our food security objectives and the Bogor Goals will be APEC's contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, concluded Minister Hernandez.

The Piura Declaration on Food Security gives policy recommendations for the APEC Economic Leaders to consider during their annual meeting on 20 November 2016 in Lima.

# # #

For additional information, please contact:

Ma. Lizbeth Barona-Edra (in Piura) +65 9452 8344 at [email protected]

Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at [email protected]

More on APEC meetings, events, projects, and publications can be found on www.apec.org. You can also follow APEC on Twitter and join us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
The G150 has had a distinguished history, spanning more than a decade and it remains an important part of our business, said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. Our product support organisation will continue to provide industry-leading support to our G150 owners and ensure there are enough parts, tooling, sustaining engineering and personnel available to support the worldwide G150 fleet. Our Field and Airborne Support Teams (FAST) will still use two G150 aircraft to transport parts and technicians to our operators in the Americas and the Caribbean.

The G150 entered service in August 2006 as a replacement for the G100. The new aircrafts performance immediately put it at the top of the mid-size class of business jets. The versatile aircraft has the longest range at the fastest speed in its class.

Burns said: Our long-range plan calls for us to focus on the super mid-size and large-cabin markets. We have an excellent mid-cabin offering in the G280. Since it entered service in late 2012, we have delivered nearly 100 of those aircraft, demonstrating the appeal of incorporating large-cabin-type capabilities into a super mid-size aircraft.
Windhoek is the first city in Namibia to be served by the Arab airline, which will fly to and from the destination four times a week with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Windhoek will be the 23rd destination in Africa served by the award-winning Doha airline.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive,. Akbar Al Baker, said: We are delighted to extend our network within Africa by adding the premium leisure and business destination of Windhoek to our route map. Africa remains one of our key target areas for growth and we have identified Namibia as an important African nation to include in our expansion plans.

With the launch of this service we look forward to strengthening our ties with the people of Namibia, who we are pleased to connect with more than 150 global destinations via our hub in Doha, while supporting the countrys growing tourism industry by flying in tourists from all around the world.

Namibia Tourism Boards chief executive officer, Digu Naobeb, said: The new flight route provides the opportunity to promote Namibia as a business and leisure destination amongst Qatar Airways wide network of travellers. The route not only improves connections with mature destinations, but allows Namibia to tap into new markets that are also served by the airline. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Namibia via this new gateway in Doha.
The world should respect the cultural and religious diversity of ethnic minorities while protecting their basic human rights, said experts at an international meeting on Wednesday in Chongqing.

More than 50 researchers from China and European countries gathered at the 2016 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights, organized by the China Society for Human Rights Studies, to discuss protection of ethnic minorities' rights.

They covered a wide range of issues, including the protection of their cultures, languages and living environment, as well as legal and economic rights.

Cui Yuying, vice-minister of the State Council Information Office, said that China has achieved new progress in human rights in recent years, especially in the protection of Chinese ethnic minorities' rights and cultures.

"I hope the scholars from home and abroad can enhance exchanges and communications on human rights protection, build trust and deepen cooperation through this platform," she told the seminar.

Tom Zwart, director of the Netherlands School of Human Rights Research, said China has made big contributions to the international human rights cause but has failed to get credit for this.

"China should find an innovative way to tell the stories. Chinese scholars should increase their communication with other countries and share their views with the international community," Zwart said.

Before the seminar, the experts visited an ethic minority autonomous county in Pengshui, Chongqing, which is home to the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities.

They toured a local farm to learn about a poverty alleviation project for ethnic minorities and experienced Miao cultural activities at a tourism site, part of an effort to preserve tradition and promote the local economy.
Raytheon Company engineers successfully integrated a new digital radar exciter and waveform generator for the companys proposed Gallium Nitride-powered Active Electronically Scanned Array upgrade to the Patriot Air and Missile Defense radar. Beyond the GaN-based AESA radar, Raytheon has also installed and tested the digital exciter and waveform generator in the currently fielded Patriot radar.

All radars have an exciter and waveform generator; the two elements work together to create the energy and frequencies transmitted by the radar antenna. Just like an engine is essential for the operation of a car, a radar cannot function unless it has an exciter and waveform generator.

Raytheons new digital exciter and waveform generator are combined in a single box roughly the size and shape of a large microwave oven. They allow engineers to create new radar frequencies and waveforms via simple software updates. The ability to make these changes via software updates is the equivalent of being able to transform a cars engine from a four-cylinder motor for city driving to a 12-cylinder engine for the Autobahn.

The threats militaries will face in 10 or 20 years will be very different than the ones they are facing today, said Ralph Acaba, vice president of Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business. The new technology will enable engineers to rapidly upgrade and adapt the GaN-based AESA radar as well as the current Patriot radar to defeat new and emerging threats such as ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft and drones.

A number of current and expected future Patriot Air and Missile Defense System partner nations in Europe and Asia have expressed interest in acquiring GaN-based AESA. The GaN-based AESA technology also meets Germanys requirements for the German Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem, or TLVS, tactical air and missile defence system

Raytheons proposed new digital exciter and waveform generator replace more than 15 individual components in the current Patriot radar, which significantly reduces lifecycle costs and increases Patriots already-high reliability. It also uses a slotted-card design, which will enable soldiers in the field to replace circuit cards in a matter of minutes.

Raytheons GaN-based AESA main array is a critical step on the path to a GaN-based AESA radar with full 360-degree capability. Raytheon rolled out its GaN-based AESA prototype at the Winter Association of the US Army trade show in March, 2016. Raytheon demonstrated 360-degree capability with its GaN-based AESA pilot array in 2015.

Raytheons proposed GaN-based AESA Patriot radar will work with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System and other open architecture. It will retain backwards compatibility with the current Patriot Engagement Control Station and will maintain full interoperability with NATO.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The inclusion of the Armenian Genocide subject in educational programs of various countries is an important step, Hayk Demoyan  Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute told ARMENPRESS, commenting on the works carried out by Armenian National Committee representatives aimed at including the Armenian Genocide subject in educational programs of different European countries.

The first serious focus regarding this issue was 3-4 years ago, I have also raised this issue a couple of times during the state committee session. Of course, the lobbying activities, adoption of some documents are also very important, but if we want to prepare the society of a country, to inform it as to what really happened in 1915, then we have to include this subject in the school books, Hayk Demoyan said.

In his words, there was a positive progress in this direction; however that process must be carried out with a non-stop principle. For instance, we, underscoring the educational factor, have translated a school book on the Holocaust, and also prepared a guideline for teachers and reporters. The educational component will also be one of the important pillars of our museum. We have to understand that the most important part is giving the future generations true information, presenting that what happened in 1915 was genocide. Unfortunately, this factor has been missed for many years, however it is joyous that there is progress, he said.

Hayk Demoyan says the Armenian Genocide subject is being mentioned in the educational programs of USA, France and Germany. According to him, it is very surprising that the Armenian Genocide subject is not mentioned in any Russian school book.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. OPEC member states, which gathered for an informal meeting in the framework of the 15th international energy forum in Algiers, reached an agreement on Wednesday to freeze daily crude oil output at 32.5-33 million barrels, reports TASS.

According to OPEC President Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, a special commission will be set up within OPEC to set individual production level for each of the organizations member countries.

Irans Minister of Petroleum Bijan Namdar-Zanganeh said it was decided to decrease oil production by 700 barrels a day to the upper limit of 32.5-33 million barrels. The final decision, in his words, is yet to follow by OPEC summit in November. However he said his country is not planning to freeze its oil output.

Following reports on OPECs oil production restriction deal, Brent oil with delivery in November 2016 rose by 4.6%, to 48.35 U.S. dollars per barrel, at Londons ICE.

The OPEC president commended the agreement as giving positive signals to the market.

However ahead of the forum, its participants expected no final agreements. Nevertheless, Venezuelas Minister of Petroleum and Mining Eulogio Del Pino did not rule out a possible consensus. Russia, which is not an OPEC member, was not invited to the meeting. Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak said that Russia will take part in an OPEC meeting with oil producing countries should it be organized.

While in Algiers, the Russian energy minister held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Venezuela, Qatar and other countries, and with the OPEC secretary general. After these meetings, he said they were focused on measures to stabilize the oil market. In his words, positions of countries on possible oil production freeze have become more flexible and result-oriented. He said exclusions concerning oil output could be made for Iran which has recently gotten rid of the sanctions, and for Libya and Nigeria where oil production decreased due to force majeure events.

Such possibility was confirmed by Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid bin Abd al-Aziz al-Falih. Iran, in turn, has pledged to join the market stabilization measures as soon as it reached the pre-sanction production level of about four million barrels a day. Irans Minister of Petroleum Bijan Namdar-Zanganeh said on the sidelines of the forum on Wednesday he has received no such proposals.

The issue of potential freezing of global crude production was revived after Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 2 that Russia supports the agreement with OPEC to curb oil production growth. He expressed hope that other oil producers would support the initiative.

On the sidelines of the Group of Twenty summit in early September, Moscow and Riyadh, which control more than 21% of the global oil consumption, inked a joint statement geared to stabilize the oil market. As Novak said back then, the two countries were discussing possible oil production freeze for three or six months.

According to the Russian energy minister, an oil production freeze deal might speed up balancing of market demand and supply by three to six months but such a deal requires coordinated positions of OPEC member nations.

The previous meeting on crude production freeze took place in Qatars Doha on April 17. Representatives of 18 oil-producing countries (Iran refused to participate) failed to reach an agreement on oil production cap and after 12 hours of talks said they needed more time for consideration.








YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. A majority of Americans say Democrat Hillary Clinton won Monday night's presidential debate, but her performance doesn't appear to have immediately boosted her support among likely voters, according to a Reuters/Ipsos national tracking poll released on Wednesday.

Reuters reports the online poll, which gathered responses from more than 2,000 people on Tuesday, found 56 percent of American adults felt that Clinton did a better job than Trump in the first of their three televised debates, compared with 26 percent who felt that Trump did better.

Of those who thought Clinton emerged the victor, 85 percent were Democrats and 22 percent were Republicans.

U.S. presidential debates have historically been seen as a crucial test of candidates' poise and policies. Monday's was watched by a record 84 million viewers and was billed as a rare prime-time opportunity for two unpopular candidates to convince millions of undecided voters to back them.

Afterward, both candidates claimed victory.

"Every single online poll had me winning, Trump said at a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Wednesday. "You sit back and you hear how well she did in the debate. I dont think she did well at all.

Clinton campaign spokesman Jesse Ferguson said the Democrat clearly won the debate as Trump "was unprepared, became unhinged and was incoherent throughout."

Among those who are expected to take part in the Nov. 8 general election, 34 percent said they felt that the debate changed their view of Clinton in a positive way, compared with 19 percent who said the same of Trump.

Some 31 percent of likely voters said the debate improved Clinton's chances of winning the White House, while 16 percent said the debate benefited Trump.

Even so, Clinton's performance seemed to have little impact on her support among America's likely voters. The poll showed 42 percent supported Clinton while 38 percent supported Trump. Over the past few weeks Clinton has maintained a lead of between 4 and 6 points over Trump.

Narrowing the focus to likely voters who watched the debate, Clinton led Trump 44 percent to 39 percent.

One possible reason for the lack of movement in her support is that it usually takes several days to measure the full impact of a single event, like a debate, said Donald Green, a political scientist at Columbia University.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll is conducted every day in English in all 50 states. Monday's sample of 2,036 American adults included 1,336 people who were considered to be likely voters from their voting record, registration status and stated intention to vote in the election. Among those likely voters, 1,026 said they watched some portion of the debate on live TV, online or in media clips that were circulated after the debate.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Congress has voted to override President Barack Obama's veto of a bill that would allow families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabian officials, BBC reported.

In the first veto override of his presidency, the Senate voted 97-1 and the House of Representatives 348-77, meaning the bill becomes law.

Obama told CNN the lawmakers had made "a mistake".

The president argued the bill could expose US companies, troops and officials to potential lawsuits abroad.

CIA Director John Brennan said the vote carried "grave implications" for national security, adding: "The downside is potentially huge."

The House and Senate unanimously passed the legislation, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism (JASTA), this year despite the Obama administration's lobbying efforts.

The bill amends a 1976 law that shields other countries from American lawsuits, allowing victims' families the right to sue any member of the Saudi government suspected of playing a role in the 9/11 attacks.

Obama argued in his veto that the bill would undermine US-Saudi relations and warned of tit-for-tat lawsuits against US service members in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.

He told CNN on Wednesday: "It's a dangerous precedent and it's an example of why sometimes you have to do what's hard.

"And, frankly, I wish Congress here had done what's hard.

"If you're perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that's a hard vote for people to take.

"But it would have been the right thing to do."

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters the vote was "the single most embarrassing thing the United States Senate has done" in decades.

But the measure's supporters contended the legislation only applies to acts of terrorism that have occurred on US soil.

"The White House and the executive branch (are) far more interested in diplomatic considerations," said Democratic New York Senator Chuck Schumer.

"We're more interested in the families and in justice."

Barack Obama has issued 12 vetoes during the two terms of his presidency, but until now none have been overridden.

Democratic Minority Leader Harry Reid was the lone 'no' vote against the bill.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton's running mate, and Senator Bernie Sanders did not vote.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals, but the oil-rich kingdom - a key US ally - has denied any role in the attacks, which left nearly 3,000 people dead.

While US intelligence raised suspicions about some of the hijackers' connections, no link has been proven to support claims that Saudi officials provided financial support to the suspects.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The Government has delayed the discussion of the bill on defining a special management and activity regime for Nairit factory CJSC, which was presented by lawmakers of PAP faction Naira Zohrabyan and Michael Melkumyan.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Ashot Manukyan said the bill needs additional work since a denial of the government can create big public discontent. The Minister requested three days for additional discussion with the lawmakers.

The bill aims at forming a Parliamentary temporary study committee, and later a monitoring and supervision committee for investment obligations for the activities of Nairit Factory CJSC.

The lawmakers propose to declare the Nairit factory an industrial zone within the framework of the Industrial Development state program and exempt the factory from taxes for five years in case of 70 million AMD or more investment project.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. At least three people are reported to have been killed and more than 100 injured, many of them critically, after a commuter train crashed into a railway station in the US state of New Jersey, Armenpress reports, citing BBC.

The train reportedly went through ticket barriers and into the reception area of Hoboken station.

Images show extensive damage to the train carriages and station, with part of the building roof caved in.

People are said to be trapped in the wrecked carriages.

Hoboken is across the Hudson River from New York City. Many commuters use the busy station to travel into Manhattan.

A spokeswoman for New Jersey Transit, Jennifer Nelson, told reporters that 20 ambulances had arrived at the scene to take the injured to hospital.

Ben Fairclough, a witness who was at the station, told the BBC: "I wasn't on the train, but I arrived just after it happened. There was water coming down off the roof and people climbing out through the windows.

"There were people sitting down with blood coming from their head. There were lots of injuries."

New Jersey Transit posted on Twitter that the service out of Hoboken station had been suspended as a result of the crash.
A return to Broadway would be a remarkable moment for Mr. Drabinsky, who was convicted of fraud and forgery in Canada in 2009. As a theater producer he won three Tony Awards, for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Show Boat and Fosse, but he has not had a production on Broadway in 15 years, and is unable to travel to the United States because he is considered a fugitive there. His vehicle will be a new musical adaptation of Madame Sousatzka.
Police arrested hundreds of illegal workers this month. They face up to five years in prison, fines or deportation. "They should be doing the jobs that Thais don't want to do like work as house cleaners, immigration police chief says. Thailands economy is expected to grow 3 per cent this year, a far cry from the 7 per cent of the 1990s. At least 3 million foreign workers are in the country.

Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Thai authorities are cracking down on migrant workers from neighbouring countries on the grounds that they are "stealing jobs from Thais".

This is coming amid fears that anti-immigrant sentiment is rising as the economy stagnates, human rights groups say.

Recently, Thailands Labour Department carried out raids netting hundreds of illegal immigrants. In one such operations, police arrested 14 people at a fresh market in Bangkok, most of them from neighbouring Myanmar.

"We have received many complaints about illegal immigrants working in markets including Vietnamese and even South Asians who were stealing jobs from Thais," Thai immigration police chief Nathorn Phrosunthorn said.

"They should be doing the jobs that Thais don't want to do like work as house cleaners," he noted, adding that the crackdown was not driven by an anti-immigrant policy. "We still need migrant labour. We just want to keep some order.

Police raids have targeted fresh markets, restaurants, supermarkets and shopping malls. About 153 immigrants have been rounded up this month alone. Those caught face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 3,000 baht (US$ 100) or deportation.

Last June, Thai authorities launched a similar campaign a few hours after the visit by Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

According to the International Organisation for Migration, more than 3 million migrants work in Thailand. Unofficial sources say that the figure is much higher. Most migrants come from Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam and Cambodia.

Under the terms of a 2015 memorandum of understanding, Vietnamese nationals are restricted in their employment in Thailand and can work only as manual labourers in the countrys fishing or construction sectors.

At least, 100,000 refugees (including minority Rohingya Muslims) have been stuck in camps on the border between Thailand and Myanmar.

Thailand became wealthy compared to its neighbours when its economy boasted annual growth rates of over 7 per cent in the 1980s and 1990s, drawing migrant workers from across the Greater Mekong Delta region and other parts of Asia.

But, more than two years after the military government seized power the economy is on shaky ground. This year, it is on course to grow 3 per cent after expanding 2.8 per cent last year, and only 0.7 per cent in 2014.

" We haven't seen this kind of rise in anti-immigrant sentiment for decades, said Sunai Phasuk from Human Rights Watch. This has a lot to do with economic concerns".

Sanit Choklamlert, a shopkeeper in Bangkok's Silom business district, said migrants are seen as competitors for some Thais.

"There are too many Myanmar people here now and they're fighting for the same jobs as we are," he said. "We need to send some back."
by Lucia Leung

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - "We must remember that the task of the Church is also to denounce injustices. And without being discouraged said Card. Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, yesterday during a Mass in memory of the second anniversary of the beginning of the events that gave rise to the Occupy Central and the "Umbrellas movement".



Mass was presided over by Fr. Stephan Chan, OFM, and was attended by about 200 people, with members of the Catholic communities at the base of the Umbrella Movement and the Justice and Peace Commission of the diocese.



The people gathered for the ceremony in front of the complex of the Legislative Council (Hong Kong parliament), an expression of democracy. The desire must be to keep democracy alive, said Card. Zen, "with persistence, peace, love."



The Occupy Central protests emerged at the end of September 2014, after China decided to again postpone the idea of full democracy for the territory, excluding the universal suffrage for the election of the Chief Executive and remaining indifferent the democratic demands of the majority of the population.



The protests became known as "the umbrellas movement" because the demonstrators (mostly teenagers and college students) used umbrellas to defend themselves from the stinging spray and from hydrants used by the police to disperse them. After a disproportionate use of violence by security forces, hundreds of thousands of people flooded some areas of the center (in particular Admiralty and Mong Kok) and the occupation lasted until December.



The movement ended without any political victory, and China even accused the youth of being manipulated by "hostile foreign forces."



Along with the Mass in the Central neighborhood, in different parts of the city demonstrations in memory of the umbrellas movement were held. All events began at 6 pm, the time when two years ago the first tear gas was fired on protesters by police.



About 1000 people gathered in Admiralty, the center of past demonstrations. There Professor. Benny Tai, a Protestant, one of the trio who launched the campaign Occupy Central, addressed the crowd, asking them not to forget what had brought them to Admiralty two years earlier. "Two years ago - he said - we came here to fight for democracy in Hong Kong."



He noted that with the elections to the Legislative Council a few weeks ago, several members of Occupy Central were elected, and this is a hope for the future of the pro-democracy movement.
In the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Chaldean bishops reiterate the importance of evangelisation. Their goals include an enhanced role for the laity, deacons and married priests. Rebel priests and monks are ordered to return to their original diocese. The prelates prayed for Aleppo and Syria.

Erbil (AsiaNews)  The Chaldean Church Synod met for its annual meeting on 22-27 September in Ankawa, a Christian neighbourhood in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.

In its final statement, which was sent to AsiaNews, the Synod renewed its call for evangelisation. In the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Chaldean Church has " to show a sense of responsibility, love, and hope" and call to all our priests, monks, nuns and faithful to [bear] witness to Christ and his teaching.

Each bishop, said the press release, should feel free to study the subject of ordaining deacons and married priests" and select those who have good spiritual, cultural, pastoral qualities and have them go through a well-prepared course before their ordination.

His Beatitude Mar Louis Raphael Sako chaired the meeting attended by 20 Chaldean bishops from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, the United States, Canada and Australia.

Only Mgr Sarhad Jammo, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of St Peter the Apostle in San Diego (USA) was absent.

In the recent past, he clashed with the Chaldean patriarchate over the issue of rebel priests and monks. This long confrontation sparked tensions within the Church, and raised fears about a possible mini-schism.

During the Synod, three candidates were selected for the Diocese of St Peter the Apostle in San Diego, and their names will be submitted to Pope Francis for a final choice.

Any decision with respect to vacant dioceses was postponed to the next Synod in order to see how the situation evolves in Mosul.

The final statement did refer to rebel priests and monks, noting that "Synod members agreed that priests and monks who left their dioceses and monasteries without formal permission had to leave their current dioceses immediately. As their action raised doubts among faithful, they can resume their old positions only after a month or two of rehabilitation.

In addition to encouraging the faithful to participate in the Church's life, the Synod focused on monastic and priestly vocations.

Recognising that men are women religious have to deal with challenges and obstacles such as immigration, birth control, new culture and social media, the instability of the country, [and] role model(s), it is necessary to stress the role of the mentor as well as the necessity of focusing on psychology, education and sustainable preparation.

The bishops also called for peace in Iraq and the liberation of all the seized land, so that [the] displaced can return to their homes.

They also prayed with their brother Antoine Audo, bishop of Aleppo, renewing their call to stop the war in Syria, and urging decision-makers to engage in a constructive dialogue to find a peaceful political solution that preserves the country and the nation.

The statement also reiterated the bishops commitment to support the family, following the directives outlined by Pope Francis in the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia.

Lastly, it noted that the list of all Saints mentioned in the Chaldean liturgy and traditions will be submitted with a support letter from 2016 synod to the Holy See to speed up the beatification and canonization process of Chaldean martyrs.
The House of Representatives voted 348-77, the Senate 97-1, overruling Obama for the first time in his eight-year presidency. Relatives of 9/11 victims can sue Saudi Arabia. White House spokesman describes the vote as embarrassing. For CIA director, the bill carries "grave implications" for national security.

Washington (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The US Congress overrode President Barack Obamas veto on the controversial law passed by the House and Senate, which allows relatives of 9/11 victims to sue countries suspected of having supported the attacks, including Saudi Arabia, a long-standing US ally in the Middle East.

Mr Obama reacted bluntly by calling the vote a "mistake". For the president, who will soon leave office, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act or JASTA sets a "dangerous precedent" for individuals or groups around the world who could sue the US government.

Wednesday's vote was the first time Mr Obama's veto power was overruled. The Senate voted 97-1 and the House of Representatives 348-77, meaning the bill becomes law.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that the vote was "the single most embarrassing thing the United States Senate has done" in decades. For CIA Director John Brennan, the bill carries "grave implications" for national security.

For the president, Republicans and Democrats in Congress voted out of electoral interest. Opposing the law a few weeks before the November election could have led to losses at the polls.

"If you're perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that's a hard vote for people to take, Obama said. "But it would have been the right thing to do."

Gulf monarchies have criticised the bill because it "contradicts the foundations and principles of relations between States" and, in particular, it targets " judicial immunity."

Obama has always been opposed to it because it could make the United States liable for legal actions by foreign governments.

Moreover, the law threatens to undermine even more the already delicate relations with Riyadh, which has slammed the US Administration for its nuclear deal with Iran, Saudi Arabias historic enemy.

Saudi Arabia is an old US ally. However, 15 of the 19 bombers who carried out the September 11 attacks came from the Wahhabi kingdom. Despite this, no evidence has come to light tying Saudi leaders to the attacks.

In recent weeks, the Saudi Foreign Ministry has threatened to pull Saudi investment and cancel US-Saudi trade deals. Saudi Arabia has assets worth $ 750 billion in the US.
New Delhi (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Growing intolerance of prime minister Narendra Modis policies; a growing number of intellectuals who are distancing themselves from the political mainstream; the defeat of the ruling party BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party, the Hindu nationalist) in state elections in Bihar. But also the rise of a spontaneous movement of "cow protection vigilante groups", willing to do everything, even using violence, to prevent the consumption or slaughter of an animal sacred to the Hindu faith. This is the situation a year after the fierce lynching of Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, where a Muslim man was beaten to death by an angry mob on suspicion of having consumed cow meat.



On September 28 last year, Mohammad Akhlaq was lynched, murdered in front of his family, arousing deep anger in much of the population. In Hinduism the cow is revered as a manifestation of the divine: it is considered a sin to kill it or eat it, and the Brahmins (priests, the highest caste - ed) shall refrain from doing so. Only the Dalits (the untouchables) - considered unclean and therefore also called "untouchables" - can eat, touch, or work with its skin.



According to government statistics, beef is the main food for most of the non-Hindu population. About 80 million Indians consume it - that is one person every 13 inhabitants - of which most are Muslims. The data, however, also reveals that Hindus are consuming it in increasing numbers: to date, more than 12 million across the country.



Only later it turned out that the meat consumed by the Akhlaq family, who now live in Delhi for security reasons, was buffalo. Apart from the findings on the nature of the flesh, the beating sparked protests and "self-preservation" movements which involved all society.



Students and intellectuals - including the famous writer Nayantara Sahgal, grandson of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru  raised their voices, many academics returned prestigious career awards underlining the importance of tolerance, diversity and pluralism. However, the defenders of religious nationalism have refined their techniques.



In many areas of the country initiatives in defense of the sacred cow have arisen spontaneously. Among these, groups that have appointed themselves "cow protection vigilante groups", formed by local nationalists who set themselves up as "defenders of state law" (since in many states it is forbidden to slaughter cows). But government officials are not to be outdone: the police raided the canteen of the Delhi residence of the chief minister from Kerala, triggering a veritable "political incident."
Riyadh (AsiaNews / Agencies)  For the first time in eight years, the OPEC member countries have reached a preliminary agreement to cut production of crude oil, immediately sparking a rise in market prices. The majority of exporting nations gave the green light to the agreement during the meetings, which ended yesterday, in Algeria.

At first the summit seemed destined to end in a stalemate. However, following patient diplomatic work the production cut was agreed upon, easing fears of excess supply on the markets.

Iranian oil minister, Bijan Zanganeh, said that "OPEC has made an exceptional decision."



The price of Brent crude, an international benchmark for oil, increased by almost 6% per share touching $ 49 a barrel. On Asian markets, the gain was only partial. However, businesses in the region have benefited greatly and indices are rising.

The Oil ministers gathered in Algiers reported that the details of the agreement will be finalized in the course of an informal OPEC summit, scheduled for November.



According to early rumors, production will decrease by about 700 thousand barrels per day, although the cuts will not be distributed evenly. This is a sign that Iran - long penalized by international sanctions on the back of its nuclear program - will in fact be allowed to increase production.



In the past the divisions between Tehran and Riyadh - the two great rivals of the Middle East region - have foiled numerous attempts to reach agreement.



Analysts and experts point out that the majority of producing countries, particularly smaller nations, has long pressed for a cut, having recorded a slump in international oil prices which until two years ago hovered around $ 110 a barrel.



The limit set out in the agreement is for a maximum of between 32.5 and 33 million barrels per day for OPEC countries. So far the daily production is at about 33.2 million barrels.

Saudi Arabia is among the nations that have suffered the greatest backlash from falling prices. In recent days and for the first time in history, Riyadh has cut civil servants wages. The executive's goal is to rein in spending and set a ceiling on costs, at a time financial difficulty given the drop in oil revenues.

A royal decree was issued confirming that the ministerial salaries will be reduced by 20%; while there is a 15% cut for housing allowance and car rental provided for the board members of the Shura Council. For lower-ranking officials there will be a suspension of wage increases, as well as limits on overtime and annual leave.



About two-thirds of the Saudi labor force is employed in the public sector. In 2015, wages and salaries accounted for 45% of public expenditure, amounting to a total of $ 128 billion. An expense that has helped to generate a record $ 98 billion budget deficit.



Analysts and experts report that Saudi Arabia is increasingly eroding the tacit understanding between citizens and the leadership, in which the first accepts a job for life - nothing too strenuous - in exchange for the status quo. The budget deficit, however, shows the need for a radical and urgent change.



In April, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman released a reform plan, called "Vision 2030", whose objective is the reduction of public spending and to limit the kingdoms oil dependence. The project foresees a cut of 40% of expenditure in the public sector within the next decade, while encouraging employment in the private sector.



In December, the government also cut generous subsidies for gasoline and other utilities, but the wave of protest that erupted prompted Prince Mohammed to sack the Minister for Water and electricity six months later.



Meanwhile, citizens are divided between supporters of the reform and those who oppose it; the latter recall the choice of the late King Abdullah in 2011, who in order to stop the Arab Spring taking a foothold in the country allocated 130 billion for the increased wages in the government, promoted subsidized housing and unemployment subsidies.
If we have "the impression of being wrapped in a spiral of arrogance and inertia from which there seems to be no escape" it is the experience of the evil that is in man and in history. Francis receives the members of the Catholic charitable agencies operating in Syria and Iraq gathered for their fifth meeting organized by Cor Unum.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "The weapons of logic and oppression, the dark interests and violence continue to wreak havoc" Syria and Iraq: If we have "the impression of being wrapped in a spiral of arrogance and inertia from which no there seems to be no escape it is the experience of the evil that is in man and in history.

The humanitarian crisis in the Middle East continues to be a central concern for the Pope who, after numerous appeals for an end to the violence, or at least for help for the people, today received the members of Catholic charitable organizations operating in Syria, Iraq and neighboring countries in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican. The aid agencies are gathered in Rome for their fifth meeting organized by Cor Unum.

The audience was also attended by Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Syria, which is also scheduled to speak at the gathering who has drawn together about 40 Catholic charity organizations.

Francis first expressed his grateful appreciation to Cor Unum "for the careful and effective support to what the Church is doing to try to alleviate the suffering of millions of victims of these conflicts. In this sense, I would stress the importance of a renewed cooperation at all levels between different actors operating in this area".

Data released by the Pontifical Council reveal that the ecclesial network, in total, in the period 2015-2016 reached more than 9 million individual beneficiaries, mobilizing approximately $ 207 million (2015) and $ 196 million (this year to July2016) .

In Syria and Iraq, four and a half million people directly assisted by Catholic Charities, with twelve thousand workers involved in the two areas of conflict and in neighboring countries where refugees have taken refuge.

The Pope stressed that "a year after our last meeting we note with great sadness that despite the many efforts made in various areas, the logic of weapons and oppression, the dark interests and violence continue to ravage these countries and that, until now, there has been no end to the exhausting suffering and the continued violation of human rights. The dramatic consequences of the crisis are already visible far beyond the borders of the region. The serious phenomenon of migration is an expression of this".

"Violence begets violence and we have the impression of being wrapped in a spiral of arrogance and inertia from which there seems no escape. We should question this evil that grips consciousness and will power. Why does man, even at the price of untold damage to people, property and the environment, continue to pursue lies, revenge, violence? We only have to think of the recent attack on a UN humanitarian convoy ... It is the experience of that mysterium iniquitatis, of the evil that is present in man and in history and needs to be redeemed. Destroying for the sake of destroying! Therefore, in this Holy Year, in which we fix our gaze on Christ more intensely, the incarnate Mercy who has conquered sin and death, I am reminded of these words of St. John Paul II: "The limit imposed upon evil, of which man is the architect and victim, is ultimately Divine Mercy "(Memory and identity, p. 70). It is the only limit. Yes, the answer to the drama of evil lies in the mystery of Christ. Looking to the many suffering faces, in Syria, in Iraq and in neighboring and distant countries where millions of refugees are forced to seek refuge and protection, the Church sees the face of her Lord during his Passion.

"The work of those like you who represent the many workers on the ground, who are committed to helping these people and to safeguarding their dignity, is certainly a reflection of God's mercy and, as such, a sign that evil has a limit and that it does not have the last word. It is a sign of great hope, for which I want to thank, along with you, so many anonymous people - but not anonymous for God! - who, especially in this jubilee year, pray and intercede in silence for the victims of conflicts, especially for children and the weak, and in doing so support your work. In Aleppo, the children have to drink polluted water !. Beyond the necessary humanitarian aid, what our brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq want most now is peace. Therefore I will never tire of asking the international community for more and renewed efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East and not to look the other way".

"Ending the conflict is also in the hands of each one of us, we can and must be peacemakers, because every situation of violence and injustice is a wound to the body of the entire human family. "My request is made in daily prayer to God to inspire the minds and hearts of those who have political responsibilities, so that they know to give way to partial interests to achieve the greater good: peace. This meeting gives me, in this perspective, the opportunity to thank and encourage international organizations, in particular the United Nations, for their work of support and mediation among different governments, to reach agreement to end the conflict and finally put the welfare of defenseless people in first place. It is a road that we must travel together with patience and perseverance, but also as a matter of urgency, and the Church will continue to make its contribution".

"Finally, my thoughts turn to the Christian communities of the Middle East who suffer the consequences of violence and look to the future with fear. In the midst of so much darkness, these churches bear aloft the lamp of faith, hope and charity. Helping with courage and without discrimination those who suffer and working for peace and coexistence, Middle Eastern Christians today are a concrete sign of God's mercy. They need the admiration, gratitude and support of the universal Church. I commend these communities and those who work in the service of the victims of this crisis to the intercession of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, model of charity and mercy. May the Lord bless you and Our Lady keep you. And thank you, thank you so much for what you do. Thank you so much!".

After the meeting with the Pope, the participants will come together at the Pontifical Urbaniana University. After the introduction of Msgr. Giampietro Dal Toso, secretary of the Pontifical Council, Staffan de Mistura will address those gathered, followed by the presentation of the Second survey on the response of the Church's network to the Iraqi and Syrian humanitarian crisis 2015-2016, made by "Cor Unum" and the intervention of the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

In the afternoon, after updates on the political and humanitarian situation by Msgr. Mario Zenari, apostolic nuncio in Syria, and Msgr. Alberto Ortega, apostolic nuncio in Iraq, the participants will meet in working groups and the meeting will focus on the practical aspects of collaboration between the various parties involved in the Middle East.
Singapore (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The 17 year old blogger Amos Yee has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for six counts of indictment, including having "offended religious sentiments" criticizing Islam and Christianity in a few posts published online. The court's decision came today after a month-long trial: "Amos Yees actions - said judge Ong Hian Sun - could generate social unrest".



The young mans lawyers have not commented on the ruling, which is criticized by several human rights lawyers. Condemning Yee, they say, violates freedom of expression in Singapore and generates further attention to the contents of the blog they want to obscure.



It is not the first time that Amos Yee has been convicted of similar crimes. Last year, the boy served four weeks in prison for posting a video online critical of Lee Kuan Yew, the historical founder of the city-state who died last March 23 at the age of 91. On that occasion he had also offended the Christian religion.



In Singapore, 23% of the population is Christian, 15% Muslim. In recent years there has been an increase of atheist or non-affiliated persons of any creed, which account for about 17% of the total.
Kerry threatens to break relations if Russia does not stop attacks. Moscow accuses Washington of promoting a "policy of threats and blackmail". A think tank close to the Kremlin calls for Moscow to distance itself from Damascus. In Aleppo, Syrian forces seize a rebel-held area. Militias use civilians as human shields.

Aleppo (AsiaNews)  The United States and Russia continue their war of words over Syria, trading accusations and blame.

Responding to US Secretary of State John Kerry who threatened to end talks over the Syrian conflict unless Moscow halts its attacks in Aleppo and reinstate the ceasefire, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov slammed Washington for its policy of threats and blackmail aiming to impose decisions favourable to the US and its clients.

After failing to meet their obligations vis-a-vis well-known agreements, the Americans are saying that we and the Syrian side are acting in such a way as to prejudice the continuation of cooperation, Ryabkov told Novosti. This reflects heightened 'warmongering' in Washington and among those willing to continue inflicting damage to bilateral relations with Russia".

If the military option seems to prevail over diplomacy at present, the Valdai Club, a think tank associated with Russian foreign policy, has come up with unexpected advice for the Kremlin.

Mideast expert and Arabist Leonid Isaev said talks for a solution to the Syrian crisis are not doomed, but if Russia wants to continue to play a serious role as a mediator "it should stand 'above' the parties' and stop defending the Syrian regime to the bitter end.

"It is a point of weakness for Russia before the next round of negotiations, if they ever take place, Isaev noted. We must find a way to prevent the Syrians from playing the Russians and the Americans off each other." If Moscow really wants to act as a go-between, "it does not have to take sides openly for one party."

Ultimately, for Isaev, within the Syrian regime there are people who are not interested "in a rapid solution to the conflict, because many war crimes hang over them.

Meanwhile, Aleppos tragedy goes on. What was once the jewel of the Levant, the oldest inhabited city in history, has become divided along a east-west line like Beirut during the infamous years of Lebanons civil war.

In the last 24 hours, fighting has raged in Al Farafira, a neighbourhood northwest of the citys ancient citadel, in the eastern sector of the city, that fell yesterday to Syrias regular army.

Local witnesses reported that civilians joined the action, tired of al Nusra and Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zenki, not to mention the misery and destruction.

Local residents told Syrian forces of the existence of an underground tunnel into Al Farafira, which was destroyed.

Syrian state TV described the tunnels destruction as a great victory, noting that many terrorists were killed inside during the recapture of the Al Farafira neighbourhood.

Bomb squads later cleared the streets and buildings of the mines and explosive devices left by Islamic State fighters to hinder the advance of Syrian troops. The return of the historic downtown district to Syrian state control represents a change to the status quo.

This appears to be the beginning of a new strategy adopted by the Syrian army, which is concentrating its attacks against the eastern part of the city on a specific sector before moving onto the next.

Despite what Syrias official media have reported, neither side seems to care that the rebel forces have taken up defensive positions in residential areas using civilians as human shields. Yesterday, some reports indicate that civilians are not being allowed to leave the city even though there is nothing to ensure their survival.

Sarkis Kassardjian, an Armenian journalist embedded in the combat zone, said that al Nusra fighters (ex Al Qaeda) and Syrian troops are engaged in heavy fighting near the Handarat camp.

Al Nusra is said to have lost all of its heavy guns, as well as its defensive positions and command centre in Al Breidj. Fierce fighting is reported south-west of Aleppo, near a residential project.

The Syrian air force bombed Aleppos northern and the northwestern edges, hitting the villages of Kfar Hamra, Hayan, Kaptan, al Jabal, Darat Izza, Baabin, Al Haydariya and as far as Bustan al Qasr. Al Nusra fighters stopped civilians from fleeing the latter.

At present, the toll death remains unknown. The tragedy seems to interest no one, neither the press nor human rights groups in a conflict that has managed to trivialise the value of every human life.

East Aleppo remains in the hands of al Nusra and other extremist Islamist groups that are funded by Wahhabi Saudi Arabia and pro-Muslim Brotherhood Turkey. (MA/PB)
There are certain foods that strike a craving within that simply cant be satiated by any other food. The donut is one of them. When the mood 
CHAMP Private Equity wants to raise $600 million from public market investors when it returns Accolade Wines to the Australian Securities Exchange next year. The mooted offer size will leave the buyout firm with approximately 30% of the listed entity, which is expected to list in the first half of 2017 at a market capitalisation of over $1 billion.Despite these exciting prospects, the precise ownership structure after the initial public offering has yet to be resolved. CHAMPs move to sell down its 80% holding in Accolade Wines after six years comes as its new leadership team, headed by chief executive and chief investment officer John Haddock, closes in on a $1 billion raising for its latest fund.GICSingapores sovereign wealth fundnumbers among the handful of institutions that have already committed funds to the new vehicle. However, it is understood that a successful exit from Accolade Wines was seen as pivotal to CHAMPs fundraising efforts.CHAMP has enlisted a team of advisers to usher Accolade Wines on to the boards. The firm hired investment banks Citigroup and Morgan Stanley to jointly oversee the IPO, and hired Reunion Capital Partners to provide strategic counsel on the deal. A third JLM, which reliable sources believe will be Credit Suisse, will be appointed next year.The Australian corporate law firm Gilbert + Tobin and Max Billinghams Blackpeak Capital will also play key roles in the IPO.Accolade Wines is the largest wine company by volume in Australia and the United Kingdom, with a portfolio of lucrative brands like Hardys, Houghton, and Kumala. It is also the fifth largest wine company in the world and sells its products in over 80 countries.
A law firm which was thrashed for offering two-year junior lawyer jobs for a fee has scrapped the program, admitting that it would have been an elitist solution.In the middle of last year, South Australias WBH Legal announced the creation of Adlawgroup, a new law firm based in Adelaide, which they said would give lawyers just starting out a unique opportunity.Adlawgroup came under fire after it posted on Seek of a two-year program for junior lawyers which required a fee of $22,000. The program, which received around 25 applicants before its ad was removed from Seek, was initially defended by the law firm The law firm said that the program was in response to a dearth of opportunities amid an oversupply of law graduates.WBH Legal, which put Adlawgroup on hold in September 2015, has canned the program and the Adelaide law firm.While there were a significant number of applicants willing to pay the participation fee, the partners recognise that this carried the unpalatable consequence of creating an elitist solution to the fundamental problem of too many graduate and too few opportunities in law, the law firm said in a statement released this week.In discontinuing Adlawgroup, WBH Legal said that the concept is not economically viable without asking the participating new lawyers to invest in their own futures.The Law Society of South Australia welcomed WBH Legals decision not to pursue the program.It said that the organisation notified WBH Legal of serious concerns when it completed an inquiry to the program in September of last year.WBH Legal is said to have significantly modified the program in response to the Law Societys outline of concerns but hasnt replied yet when the Law Society expressed remaining concerns about the modified program.
One-tenth of all global wilderness  an area twice the size of Alaska  has vanished since the 1990s, according to research led by Dr James Watson of The University of Queensland. The Amazon and Central Africa have been hardest hit.

The researchers mapped biologically and ecologically intact landscapes free of any significant human disturbance around the globe. They then compared their current map of the wilderness to one produced by the same means in the early 1990s.

Their updated map, published in Current Biology, shows that 30 million km2  equivalent to 23% of the worlds land area  still survives as wilderness, with the majority being located in North America, North Asia, North Africa and Australia.

However, an estimated 3.3 million km2 of wilderness area was destroyed in the past 20 years. Losses have been greatest in South America, which suffered a 30% loss of its wilderness, and Africa, which experienced a 14% loss.

The amount of wilderness lost in just two decades is both staggering and saddening, said research team member Prof William Laurance of James Cook University. International policies are urgently needed to maintain surviving wilderness before its too late. We probably have just one or two decades to turn this crisis around.

Laurance said the United Nations and other international bodies have ignored globally...
Karoly and Hamilton point out that the Climate Change Authoritys report is inconsistent with Australias international obligations. In 2014, the Climate Change Authority recommended a carbon budget through to 2050. The new report rapidly blows our carbon budget. By accepting the current governments targets for greenhouse gas emission cuts, it creates a crunch point for emissions reduction in 2030 that we cant possibly achieve. The new CCA report is contradictory with the Authoritys 2014 report and with Australias role in keeping global warming below 2C.

Dr Sophie Lews is a Research Fellow in the Research School of Earth Sciences at The Australian National University.

Professors Karoly and Hamilton should be applauded for their courageous stance. Their minority report highlights the discrepancy between the CC Authoritys plan and what is required to ensure Australia cuts emissions as quickly as possible. However, the current political impasse is unlikely to be resolved with partisan objections based on the science alone.

Therefore, it would be good to see them place even greater emphasis on the socio-economic potential and benefits of renewable energy generation in Australia. This tactic would undermine the Turnbull governments existing rhetoric by demonstrating how the goals of research, innovation, jobs and growth can be...
Public scandals of doping in sport have become legendary. A tiny minority of competitors seek unfair advantage through the misuse of therapeutic and other drugs, and this creates problems for all. The fall of Western greats such as Ben Johnson and Lance Armstrong and the 2015 suspension of the entire Russian athletics federation from international competition show that this is a global sporting issue.

The problem is much wider than just the issue of cheating. Many of the drugs and techniques used in doping have serious and long-term health consequences. Danish cyclist Knud Jensen died suddenly during competition in the 1960 Olympics, with one autopsy finding amphetamines and the drug pyridin-3-ylmethanol (a vasodilator) in his system. The causes of Jensens death are debated even today, but this tragic event prompted the International Olympic Committee to establish its first medical committee, the start of ongoing efforts to protect the health of athletes and the fairness of competition.

A fundamental aspect of performance in elite sport  human or animal  is the oxygenation of the muscles. So there are many routes by which athletes and their trainers seek to enhance the capacity of the body to carry oxygen.

Arguably at its most benign, anaerobic training at high altitude creates hypoxic conditions in the system, which stimulates a natural increase in...
The 3D structure of an insulin found in cone snail venom has revealed how these highly efficient natural proteins can operate faster than human insulin.

The research, conducted using the Australian Synchrotron, discovered that the Con-Ins G1 protein was able to bind to human insulin receptors, signifying the potential for its translation into a human therapeutic agent.

We found that cone snail venom insulins work faster than human insulins by avoiding the structural changes that human insulins undergo in order to function  they are essentially primed and ready to bind to their receptors, said A/Prof Mike Lawrence of The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, who led the international collaboration.

Lawrence described human insulins as clunky by comparison. The structure of human insulins contain an extra hinge component that has to open before any molecular handshake or connection between insulin and receptor can take place, he explained.

By studying the three-dimensional structure of this snail venom insulin, weve found how to dispense with this hinge entirely, which may accelerate the cell signalling process and thus the speed with which the insulin takes effect.

Published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, the findings build on the 2015 discovery that the marine cone snail Conus geographus used an...
Researchers may have discovered a new target in the fight against depression: a faulty gene that is linked to cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.

The findings  published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (http://tinyurl.com/zhlx5c2)  have supported a number of theories about the underlying genetic causes of depression, and have highlighted one gene that until now has gone under the radar in relation to mood disorders.

Depression is much more complex than most people think, and it includes dysfunction at multiple biological levels, from genes to brain regions and blood circulating through the body, says lead author Prof Bernhard Baune of The University of Adelaide.

The state of depression can also change over time. It goes through various phases and it may present with a large range of symptoms, he explained.

In those circumstances, it shouldnt be surprising that, while theres a growing body of research investigating the underlying genetics of depression, so far there have been inconsistent findings in various studies throughout the world.

The team examined and re-analysed research covering 16 brain regions and five cell types from the peripheral nervous system. Across the body of work, they identified 57 differently expressed genes in the...
New research has resolved a mystery about why female fiddler crabs visit and leave many males during mating season  the females are actually searching for a safe haven from birds and other predators rather than hunting for the perfect match.

Fiddler crabs are found in mangroves and salt marshes and on sandy or muddy beaches of West Africa, the Western Atlantic, Eastern Pacific and Indo-Pacific, and are crucial to the ecological health of mangroves, salt marshes and muddy beaches around the world. The male fiddler crabs are known for having one claw that is considerably larger than the other.

Prof Patricia Backwell of The Australian National Universitys Research School of Biology Professor Backwell found that female fiddler crabs visited successive displaying males in their burrows to identify safe places to hide in the event of predator attacks. If a bird attacks, female fiddler crabs can move quickly and directly back to the last burrow it visited, Backwell, said. Having this map of burrow positions is essential if they are to survive a bird attack, and this is true for females who are looking for a mate and those who are looking for a burrow.

Co-lead researcher Dr Marianne Peso said the team conducted experiments to observe and compare the behaviour of mate- and burrow-searching females. The team noticed female fiddler crabs that were not...
By Dr Andrew Smith

Your map of the night sky this month.

The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Australian researchers have uncovered the worlds oldest fossils in a remote area of Greenland, capturing the earliest history of the planet and demonstrating that life on Earth emerged rapidly in the planets early years.

Led by Prof Allen Nutman of The University of Wollongong, the team discovered 3.7-billion-year-old stromatolite fossils in the worlds oldest sedimentary rocks in the Isua Greenstone Belt along the edge of Greenlands icecap.

Nutman said that the Isua stromatolite fossils were 220 million years older than the worlds previous oldest stromatolite fossils in Western Australia. This therefore pushes the fossil record back to just after the start of the Earths geological record, and points to evidence of life on Earth very early in its history.

The Isua stromatolites, which were exposed by the recent melting of a perennial snow patch, were laid down in shallow sea, so they provide the first evidence of an environment in which early life thrived.

Stromatolite fossils are mounds of carbonate constructed by communities of microbes. The significance of stromatolites is that not only do they provide obvious evidence of ancient life that is visible with the naked eye, but that they are complex ecosystems, Nutman said. This indicates that as long as 3.7 billion years ago microbial life was already diverse.

Co-lead...
Recent decisions in the USA and the European Union have limited the use of non-human primates in laboratory-based research. The US National Institutes of Health, for example, has already stopped using chimpanzees in research in its facilities, and is currently revising protocols for the use of all non-human primates.

One hoped that this would increase awareness of the ethical considerations involved in this type of research, and in turn improve animal welfare. Instead, what seems to be happening is that many American and European scientists are avoiding these issues altogether by going elsewhere to carry out their work, where red tape is less and research can carry on without adjusting to meet rigid standards. That elsewhere, it seems, is China.

A recent article published in Nature (http://tinyurl.com/jf5bvm4) highlighted Chinas drive to become a world leader in biomedical research focusing on primates. As part of this the Chinese government is increasing funding for the construction of new biomedical laboratory facilities capable of housing more primate subjects.

What this brings into question is the ethical standards of the work being done at these labs, and more particularly the standards of animal welfare. It is documented that it costs one-quarter of the price to...
This magazine relies in great part on the enthusiasm of scientists to write about their work, putting aside their professional and personal obligations for many hours to write in a style that is far removed from the academic language with which theyre familiar.

Each month I send unsolicited invitations to scientists whose research has twigged my interest, and in most cases they accept  some enthusiastically and others obviously grappling with the demands of their many other commitments. But last month I was taken aback when one scientists reply asked whether he would need to pay to be published in Australasian Science? Really? Of course not!

Then I thought back to a rash of emails that had bypassed my junk filtering a few weeks earlier. These emails, formatted in glorious HTML, were calling for submissions of research papers to journals with titles that were very similar to existing publications. The cost of peer review was to be born by the author.

Journals such as these are known as predatory journals. These prey on the publish or perish mantra that plays a large part in career advancement in science, and this is enabling them to charge thousands of dollars for each paper they publish.

Shouldnt it be obvious to academics that this is a scam? Not when eminent scientists in their field are named as editors or members of the journals...
Doctors around the world are overdiagnosing the most common thyroid cancer, creating an artificial epidemic that costs billions of dollars each year in unnecessary medical costs. Global diagnoses of differentiated thyroid cancer have increased threefold during the past 25 years yet there has been no change to the diseases low death rate.

A/Prof Suhail Doi of The Australian National Universitys Research School of Population Health analysed international autopsy data from regions that had high and low instances of differentiated thyroid cancer over six decades from the 1960s. He found that incidental differentiated thyroid cancer has remained unchanged, confirming for the first time that the epidemic has been driven by increasing detections of cancer.

Overly meticulous examinations are detecting the condition in the early stages and resulting in unnecessary surgeries, Doi said. Active monitoring rather than intervention is appropriate in many cases, similar to how doctors treat prostate cancer today.

Differentiated thyroid cancer mainly involves papillary and follicular tumours that dont usually progress to clinical forms of cancer. Around 2500 new cases of differentiated thyroid cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year.

Thyroid cancer surgery has substantial consequences for patients. Most patients must receive lifelong thyroid-...
From January all people working in Australia on a 457 visa with school age children will be required to pay school fees.South Australia will become the last state to end free schooling in state schools for 457 visa holders. The visa is one of the most common for overseas workers and allows them to work in the country on a temporary basis for up to four years. One by one each state in Australia has decided to ask 457 visa holders to contribute to the cost of the education of their children. With the decision by South Australia to introduce fees, it means that all states now require the payment.The new rule will come into force in South Australia for newly arrived families from January 2017 and for all 457 visa holders from January 2018, the State Government confirmed.Parents will be asked to contribute $5,100 per primary pupil and $6,100 for high school pupils with the first child paying the full amount and a 10% discount for each sibling.A South Australia Government spokesman said that the amount payable would be based on family circumstances and payment would be made when a child or young person is enrolled in a government school.A means test would be used so that a family with one child at school would not pay the full contribution rate until the gross family income reaches $77,000. The threshold at which maximum fees are payable is increased by $10,000 for each additional child. For example, a family with three school aged children would not pay full fees unless gross family income is $97,000 per year or more.The spokesman explained that various payment plans will be offered, including an annual upfront payment per semester or regular monthly instalments with the fees being collected by the school and a full or partial waiver of fees for exceptional cases of hardship would be available.'If you are on a 457 visa and become a permanent resident, you would no longer have to pay the contribution. You would need to provide evidence to the department so that your new residency status can be registered,' the spokesman added.The 457 visa is the most commonly used programme for Australian or overseas employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to work in Australia temporarily and they can be employed for up to four years and bring any eligible family members who have unrestricted work and study rights in Australia.Previously, 457 visa holders whose children attend South Australian government schools have only been required to pay the materials and services charge set by their child's school. A worker is not entitled to a 457 visa if their gross annual income payable is less than $53,900.
I just walked into a Medicare office to apply for my card. I had all necessary paperwork with me: BVA grant notification, visa payment receipt, application for 820 acknowledgment, my passport and a filled Medicare application form. The lady checked the system and said she can't find anything! That my visa details don't show up. This is very strange as the BVA is acting and the VEVO system says so. Anyway, she said she will have to send the application to parrametta. She said it would take 2 to 5 weeks for processing and that she doesn't think it will be backdated! She suggested that I extend my private insurance which is expiring tomorrow.Anyone had this happen to them before?
Hero to roll out made-in-India commuter bike at the culmination of the Dakar Rally in Argentina in 2017.

Hero MotoCorp is likely to roll out a new commuter motorcycle in the 100-110cc or 125cc range as part of its first-ever global launch of an India-developed motorcycle in Argentina. The launch will happen at the culmination of the Dakar Rally in January 2017.

The all-new motorcycle is expected to sport a new engine, new chassis and a completely new body. Reliable sources informed sister publication Autocar Professional that at least four-five new models in the commuter segment are under development at the companys new product factory  the Centre for Innovation and Technology in Jaipur. One of these could be the model for the global launch.

Unconfirmed reports have disclosed that Hero readying an adventure bike to coincide with the Dakar Rally but that does not seem to be in the companys product pipeline at the moment. Currently, it is focusing on expanding its popular product portfolio in these markets to meet its long-term target of achieving 1.2 million sales by 2020 from its overseas business. Hence, Hero MotoCorp is currently expanding its manufacturing footprint and growing its penetration overseas, especially in Latin America and Africa.

Earlier this year Munjal, while outlining his vision for Hero MotoCorp, had spoken of setting up a manufacturing facility in Brazil in South America, coinciding with the Rio Olympics this year  thus, there is a likelihood that the Brazilian plant is set to be inaugurated at the end of the Dakar Rally and the new global motorcycle will be rolled out for those markets. Hero also has plans to set up another production unit in Argentina and could possibly flag off the construction activities there as well.

At the recent launch of the Achiever 150 motorcycle, Pawan Munjal, CMD and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, spoke about the first-ever global launch in Argentina being a major event for a new product that would target global distributors and some domestic retailers as well.

The company has already announced its plan to develop a flexi-fuel engine that runs on ethanol biofuel for markets like Brazil, and the new bike could be powered by such an engine. In fact, Hero has been pushing sales of its 100-110cc two-wheelers in Central and South America, while its 125cc motorcycles are very popular in Africa. The new Achiever 150 too will be exported to Latin America and Africa from India. The company plans to further expand its distribution network in LATAM and the first global motorcycle launch early next year will be a springboard to help expand its global distributorship base.
SUV

HP

What started out as a single image published on the brands media page, which was accompanied by a few notes regarding the upcoming changes that will be applied to the models described above, has since turned into a comprehensive update of the Dacia offering.First of all, the Romanian automaker owned by Renault has managed to keep a big secret to itself - the Duster, its first and only, will be available with a twin-clutch gearbox.We are referring to the twin-clutch unit known as the EDC, and Dacia will also use the same name. Unfortunately for those wishing they could buy the ultimate Duster, the new transmission will be available only for the front-wheel-drive version of the Duster. Dacia noted that the EDC would only be available with the 1.5-liter dCI unit, which develops 110for the version offered with the EDC gearbox.The version also integrates Stop-Start technology, and will be available to order starting with the spring of 2017. Dacia has not announced the possibility of offering the EDC gearbox for other models or with the all-wheel-drive version of the Duster.It is necessary to note that EDC is different from Easy-R , as the first is a twin-clutch solution, while the Easy-R is a piloted manual gearbox that has a single clutch. The former is a technology still used in the Renault range, while the second (piloted manual gearbox) was dropped years ago.Secondly, the main change to the Dacia range was brought for its Logan, Sandero, Logan MCV, and Sandero Stepway models. The related products received a thorough facelift, which included daytime LED running lights, new taillights, optional reverse camera, new exterior design features, and a new engine.The power plant is called SCe, and is a three-cylinder unit with a displacement of less than a liter. The SCe develops 75 HP, has a stop-start system, and is available for the Logan and Sandero models , including the Logan MCV and the Sandero Stepway. It is only offered with a five-speed manual gearbox.On the inside, the facelifted Logan Sandero , and their derivatives get new storage spaces, while the rear passengers are offered a 12V socket and a new bottle stowage space. Front and rear window switches have been moved to the doors, and the drivers seat gets an elbow rest on some trim levels.Depending on the equipment level, the facelifted models have also received a hill holder function, meant to assist users to drive off when sitting in a sloped road.New trim elements were added to the four models that were facelifted, and they have also received a new steering wheel, which is also available in a Soft Feel texture for the top trims. Another notable trait is moving the horn button on the steering wheel, a function that used to be placed on the signaling arm of all Dacia models.Concerning design, Dacia has updated the Logan, Logan MCV, Sandero Stepway, and Sandero ranges with a fresh look. New alloy rims and hubcaps are available, and the front end has seen the most consistent part of the modifications.There are changes in the rear, as well, which are composed of the new taillights, a new rear bumper design, and subtle variations of the trunk.
CVT

We think most will agree that the sedan looks far more refined and upmarket than both its predecessor and the hatchback . It also puts rivals like the VW Jetta to shame, with its jewel-like headlights and imposing chrome grille.Although the overall look is very similar to that of the recently revealed hatchback, this is a more mature machine that does away with the scoops and extreme fender inserts. The roof line is smooth, flowing right to the taillights, like on a four-door coupe.Because the Civic sedan has already been available for over a year in America, we can also tell you that it's the class leader for rear legroom. The only niggle we have is that a liftback trunk would have been far better for the European market.While the hatchback will continue to be assembled in Britain, from where it will also be shipped to the US, this sedan didn't make any trans-Atlantic trips. That's because production takes place at Honda Europe's factory in Gebze, Turkey.The outgoing model was available only with a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, which will be replaced for the 2017 model year by a new 1.5-liter turbo, matched either to a 6-speed manual or a 7-stepped. In both cases, the output will be 182 PS, but the manual has 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque while the CVT can only deal with 220 Nm (162.2 lb-ft).Honda has not discussed any other powertrains, so diesel engines are not going to be available for the next few years. Stepping inside, we see that the 2017 Civic sedan will come as standard with Honda's Connect system that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The "Sensing" suite will also be available across the range, featuring collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.As well as an unprecedented commitment of R&D resources, the process involved sales and manufacturing operations around the world, from North America and Japan, to Europe, South America and Asia. This car, the sportiest Civic ever, sets new benchmarks for the compact class in terms of dynamic performance, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, safety and interior quality, said Mitsuru Kariya, Chief Engineer and Global Project Leader.
That question has now been answered, with Maranello explaining it will give birth to 209 units of the LaF Aperta. Since this is one of the birthday presents Ferrari is offering itself on the 70th anniversary of the company (the Italians started building road cars back in 1947), 9 of those cars will be kept in the Prancing Horse stable and be used at various 2017 events marking the anniversary - remember the anniversary stickers on the car?As for the remaining 200 cars, these have already been sold out. The simplest way to understand while this lack of availability shouldn't come as a surprise is to remember all 499 units of the LaFerrari Coupe were also sold out back at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show when the hybrid debuted. Yes, the automaker did build one extra car, but since it's being auctioned off for charity, this is an exception.However, a luxury and exotic car dealership in Germany claims it can help you adorn your garage with Ferrari's latest halo car. As explained in the James Edition (a "luxury marketplace" website) ad, this is a LaFerrari Aperta 2017 quotation.Given the fact that the ad stated there would be 150 cars (that was the pre-release rumor), adding the delivery would take place next year, including "free changeable options", this looks like a faux marketing instrument that would generate customer interest for the dealer. However, we can't be 100 percent sure of Dortmund-based TECHINTACTO GmbH & Co. KG's intentions.The pricing isn't listed in the ad, but the important detail is that Ferrari also refrained from releasing the LaFerrari Aperta's financial side. The rumor mill talks about the open-top hybrid costing EUR3,5 million ($3.92 at the current exchange rates) plus tax. If that number turns out to be true, we're dealing with an incredible premium over the $1.35 million Ferrari asked for the fixed-roof LaF.Still, such a factory price for the LaFerrari Aperta would only match the speculation-fed financial side of the "used" LaFerrari Coupe market Before we end this piece, we'll remind you the 950 hp (963 PS) tech side of the Aperta is identical to that of the Coupe and, more importantly, so is the performance (0-62 mph in under 3 seconds and a top speed of 217+ mph) - thanks to clever bodywork details, the two have identical drag coefficients, so the Aperta's top speed isn't affected.And speaking of the roof, the LaFerrari Aperta offers two of them: a single-piece carbon fiber hard top and a foldable cloth roof. So, if you're aflfuent enough, you can have your cake and eat it.P.S.: Be sure to check out each and every juicy details of the Maranello halo car in the live photo gallery to your right.
SUV

As you already know if you follow us, the Opel Karl Rocks is a crossover derivative of the Karl, which is the most affordable model in the current range of the German brand.The Karl Rocks was designed to give Opels city car the look and feel of an, which means that black plastic bumpers were employed, along with various ornaments that are usually fitted to SUVs. Opel raised the ride height of the Karl when it added the Rocks suffix so that the car can go over larger obstacles on its route.The most important part of this model is that it comes with more connectivity options. Opel says that the vehicle can provide a trunk volume of up to 1,000 liters (35.3 cu ft), which is impressive, to say the least, when you think about a city dweller.The roof also has a pair of silver-colored rails, which are fully functional and ready to fit even more things to the car. Think bike rack or luggage rack, if you do not want to fold down the rear seats and the passenger seat when you need to carry more things than usual. Opel offers a unique upholstery for the Karl Rocks , but its interior is best enjoyed with the optional Radio R 4.0 IntelliLink multimedia unit, which features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.With the upgraded unit, users can employ Apple Maps or Google Maps as their primary source of navigation. There is also a standard navigation system integrated into the unit if your data plan or phone do not support the features mentioned above.The German brands personal connectivity and service assistant inherited from the American branch of General Motors, the OnStar system, is also available on the Karl Rocks. The latter integrates many functions into this model, and all of those features were unimaginable in the segment as an OEM option until OnStar became available
Hormones are flying, and the poor brains can't handle the pressure, so they allow the body to do the most stupid things. It's almost as if teenage is one of nature's best ways of exercising its selection process. Get out of your teens in one piece, and you are ready to face the world.A Russian 16-year-old was very close to not making it when he fell from the balcony of an apartment situated on the 23rd floor. But it wasn't an accident, nor was it attempted murder. Believe it or not, it was love. Well, as we've said earlier, it was probably hormones, but love sounds so much better.The boy was apparently trying to impress a female friend with a daring stunt when something went terribly wrong and he fell from a 230 feet height (about 70 meters). Miraculously, the teenager named Alexander Shadrin managed to survive the drop by landing on top of a Renault Logan parked below his apartment in Novosibirsk, Siberia The structure of the car proved soft enough to cushion his fall and prevent the almost instant deceleration that would have surely killed him. The Siberian Times tells the unbelievable story and claims that the paramedics who arrived on the scene found Alexander conscious. He is now recovering in a hospital from his "serious injuries" but he's in a stable condition.We're no physics experts but had you asked us about anything like this being possible before this news broke out, we would have said a very definite "no." But physics can be deceiving, apparently, and manufacturers can build unintentional crumple zones for people falling out of the sky. Next thing you know, skydivers won't be using parachutes anymore, but jump tied up to a Renault ( Dacia Logan . It would probably be cheaper, anyway.
kWh

NEDC

The Ampera-e is the European version of Chevrolets Bolt, and it features an engine with 204 HP in the standard metric system. Peak torque is rated at 360 Nm, or 265 lb-ft, and the car can reach a top speed of 150 km/h (93.2 mph).The German model features a 60battery, and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, which is faster than any production Opel. Opel and Vauxhall have announced a range of over 500 kilometers for the Ampera-e, which means over 310 miles. Both values exceed the previous figures, which were over 400 kilometers or 249 miles.The German brand has received a lucky break with this massive range, as the previous mileage estimate is already matched by Renaults Zoe , which is will be on the market by the end of the year.Meanwhile, the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera-e will be available starting next spring. Their closest rival available today is the all-electric BMW i3, which can drive up to 300 kilometers on a single charge inestimates.So Opels latest electric vehicle exceeds the i3 by 200 kilometers of estimated range, not to mention price, since the Ampera-e is expected to be more affordable than the i3.Opel has shown an exceptional level of excitement regarding the new Ampera-e, and that is because it knew this car would exceed a range estimate of 500 kilometers according to the NEDC cycle.The new Ampera -e should do well in the European market because of this capability. As you can observe in the photo gallery, Opel has decided to use bright yellow as the launch shade for the Ampera-e, and it is contrasted by a black background. The 2017 Ampera-e looks fresh and futuristic, while its interior seems practical, so Opel's optimism surrounding the model is well anchored into reality.
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd apologized to Chinese consumers for failing to provide a detailed explanation over the safety of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on sale in China after more reports of fires involving the product.

Samsung said in a statement that the smartphones sent for customers in China use batteries from a different supplier, compared with the smartphones recalled at overseas market, and they can ensure the safety of these products that have passed testing and certification and analysis of the independent third-party research institute.

At present, the new Note 7 products that have been swapped at overseas markets are using the same battery supplier to those that are used for the Chinese version, Samsung said.

Samsung said it pays a lot of attention to the Chinese market and would never adopt dual standards on this issue. It attaches great importance to reports of Note 7 fires in China, and has worked with battery supplier and third-party testing institution to conduct comprehensive inspection on those devices.

The testing result showed no sign of burning or damage inside the battery, and determined that the external heating damaged the phones, according to Samsung.

The company has begun a limited recall of the phones that affects 1,858 smartphones provided in July and August on a trial basis before the phone's official launch on Sept 1 in China.

Samsung said as these 1,858 phones use the similar batteries with those previously sold in the United States and South Korea, they have potential risks. Samsung said it has recalled most of the testing phones and was communicating with users for the rest phones.
The Weekender will kick off October with some scenic fly-in destinations on SocialFlight.com. OnSaturday in Greenville, Illinois, see a special appearance by a TBM Avenger at the 50th anniversary of the Greenville Airport Fly-In/Cruise-In. Also on display will be a Stearman and Waco biplanes, T-34s, a T-6, vintage cars and more. Rain date is Sunday.

Also Saturday in Prospect, Oregon, pilots are invited to take part in spot landing and flour drop contests, a poker run and a variety of family-friendly games on the ground during the Prospect Fly-In and drive-in.

The first of what will be an annual Oktoberfest Fly-In/Drive-In at Ogden, Utahs airport kicks off Saturday with pilot-made pancakes, followed by kids photos in an airplane cockpit, a paper airplane flying contest and other activities.

Theninth annual Southwest Ohio Regional Fly In, hosted by EAA Chapter 174, takes place Sunday at the scenic grass strip of Winemiller Farms, just a few miles from Clermont County Airport. Arrive Saturday and join fellow pilots for camping on field.
Hundreds of Armenian troops are simulating a peacekeeping operation involving a mobile field hospital in an exercise monitored by NATO officers, the Defense Ministry in Yerevan said on Thursday.

A ministry statement said the 500 or so participating troops are part of the Armenian armys medical service and Peacekeeping Brigade that provides soldiers to ongoing NATO-led missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

It said the four-day exercise began in Armenia on Tuesday under a scenario involving evacuation of wounded soldiers by helicopters and provision to urgent medical aid to civilians in a hypothetical conflict zone.

The ministry explained that the Armenian brigade will use it to conduct a self-appraisal under NATOs Level-1 certification of troops from partner states. It released photographs of U.S. and German military instructors watching the drills.

The brigade has received considerable financial and technical assistance from the U.S. and other NATO member states over the past decade. NATO assigned it a Level-2 degree of combat readiness and interoperability after monitoring a four-day exercise held by it last year.

A total of about 130 Armenian soldiers are currently serving in Afghanistan, Kosovo as well as Lebanon. Addressing a UN peacekeeping summit in Washington in September 2015, President Serzh Sarkisian expressed readiness to expand Armenias participation in such missions with specialized medical and demining units.

Those units will undergo NATO training before their deployment abroad. U.S. instructors trained in August 2015 the first group of 12 teaching personnel for the Armenian armys newly established paramedic school.

A 32-strong unit of Armenian military medics participated in U.S.-led multinational exercises in Germany in April this year. During the three-week drills, the medics deployed a mobile field hospital that was donated to Armenia by the U.S. military in 2007.
29 September 2016 11:12 (UTC+04:00)

The Armenian armed units shattered ceasefire with Azerbaijan a total of 16 times throughout the day, Azerbaijan`s Defense Ministry reported on September 29.

Armenian armed forces, located in Armenia`s Barekamavan village in Noyemberian region, Vazashen village in Ijevan region and Ayqedzor village in Berd region subjected to fire the positions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces located in Gaymagli, Bala Jafarli villages and nameless hills in Gazakh region and Agbulag village in Tovuz region.

The ceasefire was also violated in Garakhanbeyli village in Fuzuli region, near the Mehdili village in Jabrayil region, as well as nameless hills in Goronboy region .

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2016 11:47 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenia recorded a strong fall in tax payments due to the economic difficulties of large taxpayers in several industries of the country.

Deputy Head of the State Revenue Committee of Armenia Vakhtang Mirumyan announced about this at the Parliament on September 28.

The first problematic sector of Armenia is the mining industry because the metals prices on the world market remain at low level.

The second one is the financial and banking sector, where there is no value-added tax (VAT), and the main revenue is from the income tax. A number of countrys banks have registered objective tax losses in 2015 and during 2016.

The third problem is observed in Armenian telecommunication companies that suffer from a decrease in the use of voice services.

And the fourth are alcoholic drinks, mainly cognac, that are hardly being sold in Russia due to the economic difficulties of ruble.

About 47 billion drams ($99 million), that had to be charged from 181 of 520 enterprises registered as the large taxpayers, were missing from taxes of January-August 2016. That is very much, considering that 54 percent of tax revenue we receive from these companies, said Mirumyan.

In the meantime, international financial donor organizations have recently imposed strict requirements to the Armenian authorities, demanding the tax revenues in Armenia to be increased by 60-70 billion drams ($127-148 million) annually.

And it seems that the Armenian government will once again have to address for foreign loans. The state debt of Armenia in the first half of 2016 made up $5.345 billion, thus increasing by 5.3 percent from the beginning of the year , according to the official statistics.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2016 15:28 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

A delegation of the Australian Parliament visited the memorial to the victims of the Khojaly Genocide on September 29 and laid flowers at it.

They were informed that as a result of the Khojaly massacre 613 people, including 106 women, 63 children, 70 old men, were mercilessly killed, 487 people were injured, 1,275 civilians were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people is still unknown.

As a result of this act of genocide, eight families were completely destroyed, while 25 children lost both parents.

The Khojaly genocide, which occurred on the night of February 25-26, is one of the bloodiest tragedies in human history.

As a result of Armenian aggression, Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions remain occupied. Because of ethnic cleansing, over one million Azerbaijanis lost their homes and became refugees and internally displaced persons.

Despite the fact that all the international organizations recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, and the UN issues four resolutions demanding unconditional liberation of the occupied territories, Armenia continues the occupation, does not respect the international law and ignores it.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2016 13:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Nasser Saidi

Saudi Arabia has long relied on oil to fuel its economic growth and development. Last year, oil accounted for about three-quarters of the Kingdoms total export revenues and around 90% of government revenue. But the recent collapse in oil prices highlighted what should long have been clear: Saudi Arabia, like the other oil and gas rich nations of the Middle East, needs a more diverse development model.

Since oil prices began to drop in mid-2014, Saudi Arabia has experienced a sharp decline in GDP growth, as well as lower liquidity and credit growth. Fiscal and current-account surpluses were transformed into deficits. This year, the two deficits are expected to reach 13% and 6.4% of GDP, respectively.

Moreover, despite past growth, the Kingdoms real national wealth has declined. Oil revenues, as is the case elsewhere in the region, were not efficiently transformed into human capital, infrastructure, and the innovative capacity needed to generate productivity growth and diversify economic activity. So, beyond adjusting to the new normal in oil prices, Saudi Arabia must design a radically new economic model that addresses structural impediments to productivity and growth.

It is a tall order, one that most governments would pursue gradually. But Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salmans National Transformation Program (NTP), announced last June, suggests that Saudi Arabia will take the opposite approach, subjecting the economy to a kind of shock therapy.

In a 110-page list of policies and targets for ministries and governmental bodies to pursue in 2016-2020, the NTP identifies 543 specific reforms, with a price tag of SAR270 billion ($72 billion), excluding adjustment costs by the private sector. And, in fact, the crux of the proposed reforms is to expand the private sectors role in the state-dominated economy, thereby creating more employment in higher-productivity areas.

Financing the reforms  not to mention a massive $2 trillion public investment fund to support a post-oil economy  will require improved efficiency, rapid privatization, effective public-private partnerships, broad-based taxation (including a value-added tax of 5%, to be introduced in 2018), and spending cuts on existing infrastructure projects. All of this will need to be achieved efficiently, in order to facilitate the governments other key goal: a balanced budget by 2020.

The specific policy targets are tremendously ambitious. Saudi leaders will first partly privatize the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco), and establish the investment fund. They will also gradually reduce energy subsidies, in order to promote a shift away from energy-intensive activities. The plan includes specific targets to increase the contributions of real estate, information technology, services, tourism, and the defense and pharmaceutical industries to GDP.

If the NTP is to deliver greater economic diversification, Saudi Arabia will need to harness high value-added, export-led growth and, eventually, greater regional and international integration. The program lays the necessary groundwork with plans to reform education to promote innovation and meet the needs of a changing labor market. Specifically, the NTP includes plans to achieve a 15% increase in mathematics and English-language attainment levels within five years, to be followed by an increasing focus on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

The NTP also aims to increase female labor-force participation, from 22% today to 28% by 2030. That, together with improved support and opportunities for the fast-growing population of young people, should reduce the unemployment rate from 11.6% to 9% in the next five years.

From subsidy cuts to a lower public-sector wage bill, the NTP reforms effectively represent a new social contract for the Kingdom. The plan is thus a kind of long march, requiring effective public-private cooperation, broad public buy-in, and an explicit communication strategy to implement deep economic restructuring supported by fiscal and other macro-policy reforms.

There is some precedent for this strategy: the oil-rich countries of Norway, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico have all diversified their economies. But the external context in which those countries reformed  characterized by surging globalization and rapid growth  was very different from that prevailing today. And the transformations still took up to 20 years.

The implementation of the NTP, by contrast, will be a race against time and a fight against the external headwinds of low oil prices, a weaker global economy, and retreat from globalization. Moreover, short-term domestic growth is likely to be stifled by policy uncertainty, fiscal consolidation, the immediate impact of reforms, and the needed reversal of the countrys monetary- and fiscal-policy stances, from pro- to counter-cyclical.

Whether Saudi Arabia can meet these challenges remains uncertain. Success will depend, for example, on the economys absorptive capacity and the governments institutional competence. It will also depend on the countrys ability to galvanize the energies and ambitions of impatient young Saudis and unleash private investors animal spirits.

To succeed, Saudi Arabia will have to take additional steps. It should liberalize the foreign direct investment regime, allowing 100% foreign ownership in select cases, attract and retain foreign talent through the proposed green card immigration policy, and promote openness and tourism through an open skies policy. Moreover, domestic capital markets are needed for financing infrastructure and government deficits. And the country should embrace the disruptive power of financial technology and establish a second-tier stock exchange, which would advance financial inclusion and facilitate access to finance for dynamic small and medium-size firms.

As if these macro-reforms were not enough, the NTP will also require a gradual move to a civil law system for managing the economy and business. And the new social contract will need to be accompanied by increased transparency and accountability from the public sector and greater public engagement.

The NTP embodies the Saudi leaderships awareness of the challenges it faces  and its willingness to tackle them. But the only certainty is that there will be many a slip twixt the cup and the lip on the long road to Saudi Arabias economic transformation.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Saudi Arabias Shock Therapy

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29 September 2016 11:04 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) announced that from now on, all the participants of AZAL Miles frequent-flyer program with Gold or Platinum status will be able to access Business Class Lounge along with two members of his/her family - one adult and a child under 16 years.

For it, as before, one should present a membership card and boarding pass.

This rule applies to all international flights of Azerbaijan Airlines at Azerbaijani airports.

Earlier access to business lounge was provided only to the owner of Gold/Platinum cards.

Detailed information about AZAL Miles frequent-flyer program is available at: https://www.azal.az/en/azal-miles/miles-programme

Those who are not a member of the program yet, can be registered on the following link:

http://ffj2.loyaltyplus.aero/j2loyalty/register.jsf?lang=eng

Questions regarding AZAL Miles frequent-flyer program can be sent to [email protected] or through the contact form on the website: www.azal.az

AZAL is a flag carrier of Azerbaijan as well as one of the leaders of the aviation community of CIS countries. AZAL with the newest airplane fleets, consisting of 30 airplanes, does not have a single old plane.

The company received a prestigious "4 Star" rating out of 5 from British consulting company Skytrax, which is considered to be a leader in the sphere of air transport research in June 2015.

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29 September 2016 13:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Ukraine and Azerbaijan have discussed possibility of manufacturing anti-missile systems at the Azerbaijani enterprises, the press service of the company UkrSpecExport reported on September 28.

The Ukrainian delegation is currently in Azerbaijan, where the companys delegates attend the international defense industry exhibition ADEX 2016.

General Director of UkrSpetsExport Pavel Bukin has held a number of official talks with the Azerbaijani leadership, the press service stated.

In particular, he discussed with Deputy Minister of Azerbaijan Defense Industry Tofig Rafiyev issues of joint production of ATM (anti-tank missiles) and guided missiles at the enterprises of Azerbaijan.

In addition, the parties considered the possibility of Ukrainian enterprises supply of equipment for serving the Azerbaijani armored vehicles. The sides also discussed future bilateral cooperation.

UkrSpecExport is an authorized state-owned intermediary company, which is engaged in foreign economic activities for export and import of military and special-purpose products and services.

The 2nd Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition ADEX 2016 opened at the Baku Expo Center on September 27 and will last till September 30. Although ADEX is being held for only the second time, it has already become the largest exhibition in the region.

This year, ADEX is attended by 216 companies from 34 countries, and 29 delegations from 21 states. The geographical spread of the participants has expanded to such countries as Croatia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, and Montenegro.

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29 September 2016 14:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Russian low-cost carrier, Pobeda, has started selling tickets for new international flights to Azerbaijan (Baku) and Georgia (Tbilisi), RIA Novosti stated.

The press service of the airline reported that at least 30 percent at the lowest price of 999 rubles ($16) including all taxes and fees were proposed for new routes before the end of the winter schedule.

Pobeda planes will fly on the route Rostov-on-Don  Baku from October 30 four times a week. The flights to Tbilisi will start from November 1 and will be carried out three times a week.

In the fall, the airline plans to double the program of flights from St. Petersburg by adding new routes to such cities as Astrakhan, Volgograd, Vladikavkaz and Nalchik. Moreover, there will be a flight from Yekaterinburg to Krasnoyarsk and Novosibirsk.

The airline Pobeda enters the group Aeroflot and operates the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The company's possess a fleet of 12 planes with an average age of about one year.

Back in July, the low-cost airline, based at the Moscow airport Vnukovo, has received permission for operating flights in Azerbaijan. The flights are expected to even more enhance the bilateral passenger traffic between the two countries.

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29 September 2016 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Poland is interested in strengthening of all-round cooperation with Azerbaijan and the two countries enjoy significant prospects to expand relations.

Polish Deputy Development Minister Radoslaw Domagalski-Labedzki made the remark while addressing a meeting between the representatives of governmental structures of Azerbaijan and a delegation of entrepreneurs organization headed by the Polish official.

Domagalski-Labedzki said that Polish companies are interested in making investments in Azerbaijan, mentioning wide prospects for bilateral cooperation.

The sides also discussed the process of preparations for the upcoming seventh Polish-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, underlining the importance of reaching certain agreements till the holding of the event, which is scheduled for December 2016.

Azerbaijans Deputy Energy Minister Gulmammad Javadov, in turn, said the attraction of foreign investments in non-oil sector is one of the main priorities of Azerbaijan.

The participants also highlighted the cooperation in the transport sphere, which is expected to enhance ties between the two countries.

Deputy Transport Minister Musa Panahov said that Azerbaijan has already taken weighty steps in its bid to turn the country into a major transport hub, including implementation of such projects as East-West and North-South transport corridors.

He said that the participation of Polish companies in certain transport projects is of great importance, emphasizing that the creation of a new transport system may pave the way for the expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

Moreover, Poland also was offered to take part in the construction of pharmaceutical plants in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is currently importing some 3 percent of pharmaceutical goods from Poland, while about 99 percent of all pharmaceuticals are imported.

Azerbaijan may also benefit from the vast experience of Poland in the sphere of medical insurance.

Vice President of the Polish Agricultural Market Agency Jaroslaw Olowski earlier told Trend that Azerbaijan, which almost completely provides itself with agricultural products, can also become a hub for export of Polish products to Iran and Central Asia. Olowski stressed that Poland is interested in the import of a number of agricultural products from Azerbaijan.

The trade turnover between Poland and Azerbaijan amounted to 20.74 million manat ($ 12.67 million) in January-April 2016, that is, 13.6 percent more than in the same period of 2015.

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29 September 2016 17:16 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

The fourth meeting of Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission for trade, economy, scientific and technical cooperation opened in Baku on September 29 and focused on strengthening of cooperation, implementation of joint projects, and expansion of commercial-economic ties between the two countries.

As part of the meeting, Baku also hosted the business forum, which was organized with the support of Azerbaijans Economy Ministry and Azerbaijan Export and Investments Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO).

Some 35 Bulgarian companies engaged in agriculture and food industry, metallurgy, engineering, transportation, cosmetic products and energy attended the forum. In the course of the forum, the two countries signed four MoUs that covered cooperation in different spheres.

Bulgarian Economy Minister Bojidar Lukarsky, addressing the forum, said Bulgaria is interested in exporting a wide range of products to Azerbaijan. The minister mentioned pharmaceutical products and medical equipment, clothing, food and other agricultural products, building materials, etc.

Bulgarian Deputy Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, in turn, said Bulgaria has an interest in the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project, designed to transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe.

Zhecho also mentioned that the two countries are considering different ways of cooperation, including supplies of Azerbaijani gas through the territory of Bulgaria to the third countries.

Bulgaria considers Azerbaijan as a main potential source of gas for the Balkan gas hub project, he said.

The interest of Bulgaria in Azerbaijan is connected with the intention of the country to become main gas transit country for South Eastern and Central Europe. Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB), which is expected to be connected to the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (a part of the Southern Gas Corridor) will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, mostly from the second stage of development of Azerbaijans Shah Deniz gas and condensate field.

Azerbaijans Deputy Economy Minister Sahil Babayev, for his part, offered Bulgarian companies to establish joint ventures to export the products to third countries, mentioning that favorable business and investment conditions have been created in the country.

The issue of the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan was also touched upon during the meeting of the intergovernmental commission.

Minister of Transport Ziya Mammadov, said Azerbaijan appreciates Bulgarias constructive stance regarding prevention of any unlawful acts, including attraction of the Bulgarian capital and resources to occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

This year, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan has submitted a report on the illegal economic and other activities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan to the international community, the minister said.

In accordance with the evidence presented, Armenia illegally exports natural resources from the occupied territories. Armenia plays the role of a transit point, from where products manufactured in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, as well as mineral resources are exported to international markets.

Regarding economic cooperation, Mammadov said that Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have the necessary legal basis for mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

For 5 years the trade turnover between the countries amounted to about $1 billion, the minister said. In 2015, the trade turnover amounted to $15 million, which is below the existing potential.

Mammadov noted the need to carry out work in order to improve this indicator. He said that currently Azerbaijan actively cooperates with Bulgaria at different levels. The further expansion of cooperation will serve the interests of both countries, he added.

The intergovernmental commission on commercial & economic and scientific technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria was established in 1995.

The trade turnover between the countries amounted to $16.5 million in January-July 2016 as compared to the index of $6.6 million in the same period of 2015. The increase was triggered by the growth of import operation by 2.5 times.

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29 September 2016 16:50 (UTC+04:00)

American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) welcomes President Ilham Aliyevs decree on formation of ABAD public legal entity under the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, Azertac reported.

The main aim of ABAD is based on implementing projects that support small and medium enterprises and establishing fund to finance these projects; identifying the exact target group and creating proper conditions for use of modern technological equipment for agriculture products; assisting to prepare business plans and organize various functional services; organizing certification of produced products on the basis of one window principle; dealing with logistics; sharing best practices; taking other measures for development of production oriented entrepreneurship.

This highly important decree is critical from various sides, according to the Executive Director of AmCham, Ms. Natavan Mammadova.

Firstly, this decree will be an important basis for further development of agriculture and other sectors, especially in rural parts of Azerbaijan. It will have an impact on economic diversification and export of diverse goods with higher comparative advantage. Secondly, socio-economic conditions of people in regions will be enhanced. Cash generation through enhanced logistics, access to market and business functions will create added value to the business chain. Third, people with less information and knowledge about the legal and policy issues will enjoy the one window principle, she said.

Overall, the decree will promote active participation of citizens in socio-economic development of the country, boost entrepreneurship in regions and create competitive family business with access to diverse services and financial resources.

AmCham has been working in Azerbaijan since 1996 and currently consists of 270 companies representing more than 80% of foreign investments in the country and currently serving as a bridge between the Government and private sector and having continuous constructive and result-oriented dialogue with relevant government bodies. The Chamber promotes the business interests of the member companies, contributes to the improvement of the business climate in Azerbaijan.

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29 September 2016 17:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan, the leading country in the region for the development of the IT sector, may cooperate with Bulgaria in the satellite industry.

Bulgaria has expressed its interest in the use of the resources of Azerbaijans Azerspace-1 telecommunication satellite, which connects more than 50 countries in Central Asia, Europe, Africa and Middle East.

The sides signed a preliminary agreement on the cooperation in the sphere of satellite communication, in the course of the meeting of Azerbaijan-Bulgaria intergovernmental commission for trade, economy, scientific and technical cooperation.

The countries will also consider the perspectives of use of AzerSky low-altitude high-resolution Earth observation satellite. The satellite is expected to be used in the agricultural and ecologic sector of Bulgaria, as well as in the case of emergency situations.

Today, Azerbaijans national satellite operator Azercosmos provides telecommunication services through the Azerspace-1 satellite, launched on February 8, 2013.

The central control center of the satellite is located on the 37th kilometer of the Baku-Shamakhi highway, while the backup control center on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Moreover, Azerbaijan, has already launched work on designing Azerspace-2 geostationary satellite, which is set up to provide digital broadcasting, Internet access, data transmission, creation of VSAT, and multi-service networks.

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29 September 2016 16:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

National model Yusif Jafarli represents Azerbaijan at a beauty contest Mister Universal Ambassador 2016, which takes place in Indonesia, Trend Life reported.

Mister Universal Ambassador is a fast growing International Male Pageant aimed to discover captivating role model. The winner will be staying in Indonesia during his reign to do his duties, working together with Mister Indonesia and Mister Teen Indonesia

Yusif Jafarli has already succeeded in talent competition, performing Azerbaijani national dance.

Now the representative of Azerbaijan is preparing for the final competition, which will take place on September 30.

The international director of the project is the President of Worlds Congress of Beauty, Zamir Huseynov.

23-year-old Yusif Jafarli is the winner of the national selection Miss & Mister Turkvision  2016.

The beauty contest organized by Suleiman and Orkhan Tanahirli was appreciated by all fashionistas. The final was attended by 15 young men and women who appeared before the audience in stunning evening dresses and summer suits.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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29 September 2016 16:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Military exercises conducted by Armenian troops in the occupied Azerbaijani lands are a huge blow to the peace process.

Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov made the remark while talking to reporters in Baku on September 29.

Mammadyarov noted that the Azerbaijani side has already informed the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, engaged in mediation for peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, about the incident and demanded them to contact the Armenian side and prevent such provocations.

If we talk about the restoration of peace and demand the withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories, Armenias conducting military exercises in the occupied Agdam is a provocation, the minister said, adding that the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will visit the region in October.

Mammadyarov noted that the MG co-chairs think that the work on the conflicts resolution must be continued and they are going to visit the region in the second half of October.

The co-chairs plan to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia and perhaps, then they will determine which suggestions will be made for a possible meeting of the two countries presidents, the minister added.

Mammadyarov noted that he had discussed this issue with Russian Foreign Minister.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan twice since the April escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh, first in Vienna in May, and the second time in St. Petersburg in June along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Nagorno-Karabakh talks held in St. Petersburg between the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents and mediated by the Russian president were deemed useful and important by observers, while Baku called it constructive.

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. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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29 September 2016 10:16 (UTC+04:00)

The 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum started at the Heydar Aliyev Centre on September 29.

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended an official opening ceremony of the Forum, Azertac reported.

Baku International Humanitarian Forum is an annual platform for famous representatives of political, scientific and cultural elite of the world community including famous statesmen, Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science and leaders of influential international organizations for holding dialogues, discussions and exchange of views on a wide range of global issues in the interest of all humanity.

The organizers and participants of the Forum are representatives of natural and social sciences, as well as cultural elite of the world who have an ambitious task of forming a new humanitarian agenda with the aim of its further consideration in the world scale.

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony of the Forum.

Later, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Olga Golodets hailed the importance of the event. She read out Russian President Vladimir Putin's message to the Forum participants.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Ayse Cihan Sultanoglu read out United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's message to the Forum participants.

Then ISESCO Director General Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri and UNESCO Deputy Director-General Getachew Engida addressed the event.

The Baku Forum features plenary sessions and speeches of the round table chairs.

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29 September 2016 10:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Head of Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Centre at the University of Oxford on behalf of Azerbaijan, Professor Nargiz Pashayeva and Head of Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Centre on behalf of UK, Professor of Islamic History at Oxford and New York universities, Robert Hoyland and Professor at Exeter University Robert Gleave have held a working meeting to discuss the preparations for the official presentation of a new foundation - The British Foundation for the Study of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, Azertac reported.

Professor Pashayeva and Professor Hoyland proposed establishing the British Foundation for the Study of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus at a special event held at the House of Lords this May, and the Foundation's Board of Trustees and chairperson were determined.

Professor Gleave is one of the members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. Other members include Professor at Oxford and New York universities Robert Hoyland, Professor at the University of St Andrews Andrew Peacock, political figure, Liberal MP who held the seat for 30 years Lord Malcolm Bruce and the Foundation's chairperson Nargiz Pashayeva.

Professor Gleave's research and teaching focus on the history of Islamic law, particularly in the areas of legal theory thought and law and the justifications of violence in Islamic thought. He welcomes applications from research students in these areas.

He is currently the principal investigator on the University of Exeter ESRC Impact Acceleration Account (ESRC-IAA). The aim of the ESRC-IAA is to facilitate academics working with external partners across the social sciences.

Professor Hoyland and Nargiz Pashayeva thanked Professor Gleave for his membership in the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.

Professor Hoyland noted that the Nizami Ganjavi Centre was established in 2013 at the initiative of Nargiz Pashayeva. He underlined that the Centre was the first and a unique research organization studying Azerbaijan.

Taking into account the increasing scientific interest in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region across the UK, Nargiz Pashayeva held regular consultations with a number of British scientists and politics.

Professor Pashayeva noted that the establishment of the British Foundation was a cultural and historical necessity. She described this landmark event as contribution to the 100th anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

Later, the participants discussed translation work which was included in the scientific-curriculum of the Nizami Ganjavi Centre at the University of Oxford.

The Centre plans to publish "The great Azerbaijani poet Nizami" book by Y. Bertels whose English version will be presented at Lord Leighton's House Museum. The scientific editor and author of the preface of the book is Edmund Herzig, Professor of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford.

Elchin Afandiyev is the author of preface on behalf of Azerbaijan. It was translated into English at the University of Oxford.

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29 September 2016 13:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center of the U.S., Rabbi Abraham Cooper has visited Azerbaijans Guba region.

Head of Guba Regions Executive Power Yashar Mammadov informed Abraham Cooper about Guba and its traditions.

The guest visited the Red Settlement (Girmizi Gesebe) which is regarded as the village of Mountain Jews in Azerbaijan. Abraham Cooper then familiarized himself with two synagogues and the cultural center in the region.

He also went to Guba Genocide Memorial Complex and the mass graveyard. Abraham Cooper was told that the mass graveyard was found on April 1, 2007 during excavation works. Later, workers of the Archeology and Ethnography Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences held extensive researches which revealed that the graveyard related to the genocide committed in 1918 by Armenians against civilians of Azerbaijan.

The guest was informed that the Complex was opened on September 18, 2013 by the support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation. After familiarization, Rabbi Abraham Cooper signed the guestbook of the Complex.

The previous day, Rabbi Abraham Cooper was received by President Ilham Aliyev.

The genocide of 1918 against the civilian population was conducted almost on the entire territory of Azerbaijan. More than 50,000 of Azerbaijani citizens became victims of Armenian fascism in a matter of five months.

Azerbaijanis were exposed to genocide in Baku, the Guba province, Shamakhi, Gusar, Erivan, Nakhchivan, Zangezur, Karabakh, Lankaran and many other Azerbaijani lands.

In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established a special investigation commission. The commission began to operate, but after the collapse of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1920, it was eliminated.

Though this date was essentially forgotten during the Soviet times, relevant investigations on the tragedy were carried out and books were published after Azerbaijan gained independence from the USSR in 1991.

National leader Heydar Aliyev issued a decree on March 26, 1998 to commemorate March 31 as the Day of Azerbaijanis' Genocide.

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29 September 2016 17:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Azerbaijan is an example of how to stay a progressive and prosperous country in a region that is surrounded by crises, Carlyle Begay, a senator from Arizona, the US, told Trend on September 29 on the sidelines of the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

The forum kicked off September 29 in Azerbaijans capital.

Discussion on the issues of multiculturalism at the Baku Forum is especially important in terms of promoting democracy and justice in the world, said Begay.

He added that the Forum gives an opportunity to discuss new ideas and make important decisions in order to promote the values of multiculturalism in the whole world.

The Baku International Humanitarian Forum is an annual platform for famous representatives of political, science and culture elite of the world community, including famous statesmen, Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science and leaders of influential international organizations for holding dialogues, discussions and exchange of views on a wide range of global issues in the interest of all humanity.

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29 September 2016 17:49 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva met with Vice-President of Bulgaria Margarita Popova, who is in Azerbaijan to attend the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum, Azertac reported.

Mrs. Aliyeva highlighted the projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, saying these projects contribute to strengthening relations among countries.

The Azerbaijani first lady thanked for naming her an honorary citizen of the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo, and recalled her recent visit to the city.

Mehriban Aliyeva further highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan-Bulgaria bilateral relations in educational, cultural and other fields. She reaffirmed the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s readiness to support the implementation of projects in these areas.

Popova, in turn, said she was pleased to take part in the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

She hailed the relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria, adding that joint projects contribute to the expansion of the bilateral ties.

Mrs. Aliyeva later met with State Secretary of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdykalikova, who attends the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

The first lady said the issues on the agenda of the Forum are of global importance.

Mehriban Aliyeva hailed the relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, noting that the two nations are bound together by fraternal ties.

Abdykalikova described the results of the referendum on amendments to the Constitution in Azerbaijan as a big triumph.

The Kazakh State Secretary praised relations between the two countries. She noted that Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan cooperate and support each other within international organizations.

Mehriban Aliyeva further met with Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, who is in Azerbaijan to attend the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

Mehriban Aliyeva said she was glad to see Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri in Baku again, and thanked him for participating in the forum.

The first lady highlighted ISESCO-Azerbaijan cooperation. She noted the importance of joint projects as well as educational and cultural ties.

Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized Azerbaijans contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage in a number of countries.

Altwaijri thanked for the invitation to take part in the forum, saying it grew into a platform for discussing pressing global matters. He also reaffirmed ISESCO`s readiness for cooperation in preserving cultural heritage.

During the day, Mehriban Aliyeva met with a delegation led by second Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of Argentine National Congress Patricia Gimenez, who visit Azerbaijan to attend the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

Mehriban Aliyeva said the forum, which aims to give a peaceful message, created good opportunities for its guests to get closely familiarized with Azerbaijan.

She hailed friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Argentina, adding that there was a huge potential for wider cooperation. Mehriban Aliyeva expressed confidence that Azerbaijan and Argentina will strengthen their relations in political, economic, cultural, and other fields.

The first lady said Azerbaijan has always strived for unity among different religions and nations. Mehriban Aliyeva expressed readiness of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to support joint projects to be implemented by the two countries.

Gimenez, in turn, said it was their first visit to Baku. She praised the importance of the forum as an international platform which brings together representatives of many countries as well as Nobel Prize laureates.

Patricia Gimenez said there were good opportunities for expansion of Azerbaijan-Argentina ties. She provided an insight into preparations for an Azerbaijan-Argentina mugham and tango festival, saying it will contribute to the bilateral cooperation.

Later, Mehriban Aliyeva met with a delegation led by head of Azerbaijan-Italy friendship group at the Italian Senate Mauro Maria Marino, who visit the country to attend the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

The first lady pointed to tolerance and multiculturalism in Azerbaijan. She said Pope Francis will visit the country in a few days.

Mehriban Aliyeva said representatives of all religions join holiday celebrations in Azerbaijan, and praised this as a message against some stereotypes.

She hailed Azerbaijan-Italy relations, saying the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is closely involved in restoration and preservation of cultural monuments in Italy.

Members of the Italian delegation hailed the Foundation`s assistance, noting that such projects contribute to strengthening the bilateral relations.

They put forward an initiative to establish a sister city relationship between Azerbaijans Icherisheher and Italian Matera, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Mehriban Aliyeva hailed the initiative, saying such measures created good opportunities for establishing inter-regional ties.

Azerbaijan's first lady also met with Deputy Director-General of UNESCO Getachew Engida who is on a visit in the country to attend the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

The Azerbaijani first lady thanked Mr. Engida for accepting the invitation to attend the Forum.

Mrs. Aliyeva underlined that the implementation of the results of the Forum was one of the important issues on the agenda. President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva described the Baku International Humanitarian Forum as a wonderful format of international cooperation.

They discussed relations between Azerbaijan and UNESCO.

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29 September 2016 11:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Global oil prices climbed by 6 percent as cartel ministers reached consensus on production curbs, but later recorded fall amid strengthening skeptical forecasts over realization of the deal.

Crude prices had initially extended gains as most traders were impressed that OPEC had managed to reach a compromise to control the market, which became the first consensus to cut production since 2008.

Following more than four hours of talks in Algeria on September 28, OPEC committed itself to reducing output to between 32.5m barrels a day and 33m b/d, according to ministers.

The agreement surprised oil traders who thought a consensus would be difficult to reach because of divisions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the cartels two largest and most influential members. Brent crude jumped $2.84 a barrel to $48.85.

But on Thursday morning Brent crude dropped 26 cents to trade at $48.43 per barrel, while WTI crude fell 6 cents to stand at $46.99 a barrel, Reuters reported.

All focus is now turned on OPEC's formal meeting scheduled for November 30 in Vienna, as how much each country will produce is to be decided at this meeting, while an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-OPEC countries such as Russia.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih stated that Iran, Nigeria and Libya would be allowed to produce "at maximum levels that make sense" as part of any output limits, which could be set as early as the next Vienna meeting.

The decision became surprising and was assessed as a strategy shift for Riyadh, which earlier said it would reduce output to ease a global glut only if every other OPEC members and those outside the cartel followed suit. Iran, however, has argued it should be exempt from such limits as its production is now recovering from the sanctions.

More doubtful traders, focused on the lack of hard facts about the deal, stressing the necessity to see more details. Moreover, some analysts mention low chances that the limit will considerably change the supply outlook.

The new production target is a decrease of between 240,000 b/d and 740,000 b/d from the 33.24m b/d the cartel pumped in August, according to analysts estimates.

Meanwhile, some support for the prices came from U.S. Energy Information Administrations (EIA) official storage data, which revealed a drop of 1.9 million barrels in crude stocks to 502.7 million barrels in the week that ended on September 23, while analyst expected an increase of 3 million barrel.

U.S. inventories, however, still remain at historically high levels for this time of year, according to the EIA.

--

Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2016 14:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The cleansing against the Gulen movement continues, as Turkish police arrested 65 people during a special operation in Antalya, Sabah newspaper reported.

The operation was aimed to identify the supporters of the Gulen movement. Fethullah Gulen is accused of being involved in a military coup attempt in Turkey.

During the operation, police found and seized books and documents confirming the detainees involvement in the Gulen movement.

Earlier, the Turkish Ministry of Justice officially requested the U.S. for Fethullah Gulens arrest.

In addition, the Turkish authorities sent two requests to the U.S. for extradition of Gulen. Prior to that, the Istanbul Court released an order for Gulen's arrest.

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.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2016 18:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Irans Navy plans to dispatch a flotilla to the Atlantic Ocean, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said.

Sayyari said the Iranian Navy will dispatch its fleet to South Africa and from there to Atlantic Ocean in the near future, Tasnim news agency reported on September 29.

We sail in the high seas in accordance with international maritime law, he said, adding Iranian warships have already sailed to the Strait of Gibraltar and the Pacific Ocean up to the maritime borders of China and Tanzania.

He further said the Islamic Republics Navy is closely monitoring the movement of foreigners in Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman.

Iran will not permit them to approach near its borders and if they try that, the Iranian Navy will confront them as it did in the past, Sayyari said.

The Islamic Republic dispatched its warships to the Atlantic Ocean for the first time in 2014. It was planed that Irans fleet will approach the US maritime borders in response to the US Navys presence in the Persian Gulf. However, Tehran cancelled the plan later.

In recent years, Iran's Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2016 09:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Pretty much left till the New Year, but tourists are already planning their holidays that begin in late December and end in early January.

Many plan their holidays beforehand, as the New Year holiday is always the most expensive.

Popular Russian hotel search service RoomGuru.ru has revealed the most popular tourist destinations for New Year holiday of Russian tourists.

Baku is in the Top 10 along with cities such as Prague, Minsk, Tallinn, Budapest, Helsinki, Riga, Istanbul and Tbilisi.

The rankings are based on search data and info of hotel and apartment for to stay from December 31, 2016 to January 8, 2017.

Azerbaijan is celebrating the New Year with colorful performances, concerts, contests, and parties that last through the night. Bright Christmas trees of unimaginable sizes every year decorate Azerbaijan's capital, and brought a sense of delight not only to young children, but also to adults.

According to the RoomGuru.ru, New Year holidays in Baku is planned for an average of 3.5 days. Accommodation in the capital during the New Year holidays will cost an average of 45 euros per day. Enjoying vacation in the ski resort Shahdag of Azerbaijan is also in great demand.

The Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex is Azerbaijans first ski resort and it differs from similar facilities in the world for its uniqueness and diversity.

Year by year the number of tourists discovering this beautiful resort increases and despite Shahdag was opened only in December 2012, it could attract hundred thousands of people.

The Shahdag complex located in 30 km north of the town of Gusar, stands 2,500 meters above sea level and serves as an outstanding getaway with its rich nature, fresh air, and wonderful climate, with temperatures ranging between minus 20-22 degrees Celsius in winter and 20 degrees in summer.

Tours in Sheki, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2016, is also expected to be popular among foreign tourists.

Soaking up antiquity, Azerbaijans beautiful city of Sheki, is one of the most ancient and historical cities of Azerbaijan. Sheki located 380 km of the west of Baku is set in a picturesque mountain area rich in narrow gorges and green valleys, springs, purest rivers, water falls and mineral water springs framed by dense woods and alpine meadows.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
OPEC members sat down to reason together yesterday, and oil and the Loonie spiked higher as a result.

What happened, yo?

Well, here are 5 key takeaways that you need to know about from yesterdays OPEC meeting.

1. Oil oversupply is still a problem

Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatars Minister of Energy and the current OPEC president, gave a quick rundown of the oil market from OPECs perspective in his opening speech.

From the demand side of the equation, the OPEC president said that there are no major problems because demand remains robust. OPEC currently forecasts that demand will expand by 1.2 million barrels a day this year, unchanged from Junes forecast. Even better, demand is also expected to grow at a similar level in 2017.

Thats all and good. However, the OPEC president admitted that there is a problem from the supply side. In June, for example, OPEC projected that oil output from non-OPEC producers would fall by 740,000 barrels per day in 2016.

Unfortunately, that projection was revised to 600,000 barrels per day, since supply didnt fall as quickly as anticipated. To make matters worse, oil output from non-OPEC producers is now anticipated to grow by 200,000 per day in 2017.

Originally, oil output from non-OPEC producers was expected to fall by 100,000 barrels per day back in June.

Given the lingering oversupply problem, OPEC had to accept that its projections for a rebalancing of the oil market by the end of this year or in the first half of 2017 have now shifted further towards the future. As such, there is now a greater degree of urgency about ensuring the market returns to balance as quickly as possible.

2. OPEC plans to cut production

Reuters spilled the beans when it released a report based on statements by unnamed officials that OPEC members supposedly reached a deal to cut oil production.

Those rumors were later revealed to be true when OPEC acknowledged in an official press statement that there was indeed a problem in the oil market and that it originated mainly from the supply side. OPEC would therefore do its part by opting for a production target ranging between 32.5 and 33.0 mb/d, in order to accelerate the ongoing drawdown of the stock overhang and bring the rebalancing forward.

Awesome! Its even more awesome because this is the first deal since 2008. And to put this in perspective, OPEC oil output in August was 33.237 million barrels per day, according to OPECs latest monthly oil report.

A production target ranging between 32.5 and 33.0 million barrels per pay would therefore effectively mean a production cut of about 237,000 to 737,000 barrels per day compared to its August output levels.

3. Production cut not yet implemented

It has to be stressed here that OPECs proposed production cut has not yet been implemented. Again, theres no oil output cut yet. Everything is still in the planning phase.

OPEC will first have to establish a High-Level Committee comprising representatives of Member Countries, supported by the OPEC Secretariat, to study and recommend the implementation of the production level of the Member Countries.

In short, OPEC members will have to first agree among themselves on who will have to bite the bullet and reduce oil output. A final proposal would be presented and decided upon during OPECs November 30 meeting, which is still two months away. And of course, theres really nothing to stop OPEC members from pushing out as many barrels of oil as they can during all that time.

4. Some OPEC members may be exempted

Iran has been adamantly defiant in its refusal to join any oil deal until and unless it reaches an oil output level of 4 million barrels per day.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has been begging for an exemption since it lost literally between 500,000 and 700, 000 barrels per day on average in the last 11-12 months due to disruptive activities by the Niger Delta Avengers, according to the Nigerian Minister of State Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

Libya, for its part, has also been resisting any oil deal because its still in the process of resurrecting its oil industry after years of conflict in the post-Gaddafi era.

It was not explicitly stated what concessions were given to these OPEC members, but Saudi Arabia did seem to grant them an exemption when Khalid Al-Falih, the Saudi Oil Minister, said that Iran, Nigeria, and Libya would be allowed to produce at the maximum levels that makes sense.

5. Non-OPEC invited to cooperate

Aside from plans to cut production, OPEC also plans to develop a framework of high-level consultations between OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries, including identifying risks and taking pro-active measures that would ensure a balanced oil market on a sustainable basis.

In simpler terms, OPEC plans to ask non-OPEC members to cooperate in its plan to cut oil output.

Russia would probably be at the top of the list, since Russian oil production apparently reached levels not seen since the 1980s Soviet era, coming in at a whopping 11.1 million barrels per day as of this month, up by 400,000 barrels a day compared to August.

However, there is still some hope because Russian Oil Minister Alexander Novak would be meeting again with Saudi Arabia in October. Also, Novak promised that we [Russia] can confirm that we can make our contribution to see a quick rebalancing of the market.

Novak made it clear that Russia prefers capping its oil output at current (very high) levels and that Russia wont join a deal until and unless OPEC members hammer out a deal among themselves first.
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A St. Petersburg woman struggling with life found a helping hand in an unlikely place.

Alpha House is a residential program that assists young women

Chasity Baker came to the home alone and pregnant

Baker is receiving a vehicle donated by Aaron Swift's law firm. Swift's mom was assisted by Alpha House when he was a toddler

Alpha House of Pinellas County

And it showed her a connection she could not have imagined.



Chasity Baker was 17, away from her family in Miami and the single mother of a newborn baby girl. Her prospects seemed bleak when she came in contact with the Alpha House.

The facility helps young women facing hardships, giving them support, a place to stay and resources to improve their lives.

On Thursday, Baker will receive a donated vehicle to further her independence as she attends classes at St. Pete College.

"I cried every day for the first month," Baker said of when she first arrived at the house last year. "They taught me a lot. They taught me a lot of independence, how to be on my own, how to make things happen, how to take care of my daughter in a proper way."





During an Alpha House tour, board member and St. Pete attorney Aaron Swift saw a picture of his mother, who stayed at Alpha House when she was pregnant with Swift's younger sister. (BN9 image)



What makes the donation particularly special is that it's coming from a Bay area attorney who is familiar with the Alpha House.

Aaron Swift, a St. Petersburg attorney, lived in the Alpha House when he was a young boy when his mother was pregnant with his younger sister.

"During the ribbon cutting, once we were done with renovations, the leadership program did a tour, and my mother and I walked back this hallway for the first time, and these pictures represent the history of Alpha House," Swift said. "She recognized this building and its in fact where she and I stayed with my brother, and she was pregnant at the time with my little sister at this original Alpha House location."

Swift said he was about 3 years old at the time and doesn't remember much about being at the Alpha House. Now, however, he has made it his mission to help women at the home as much as he can.

He sits on the Alpha House board, and his law firm paid for the van being given to Baker.

"I cried right there because nobody has ever been that nice to me before and it was just, I have no words to describe how I felt," Baker said. "I was so thankful and I was astonished at the same time, it was amazing."

And Baker said she wants to give back as much as she can.

She said she plans to study law and pursue a career as a lawyer.
Without knowing it, a Kissimmee mosque had a brush with the killer who just days later ignited terror at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

Omar Mateen visited a Kissimmee mosque 4 days before Pulse attack

AML Center in Kissimmee has since received several threats

#OrlandoUnited: Complete coverage

But leaders at the American Muslim Leadership Center want to underscore that their group has nothing to do with Omar Mateen and were horrified by his actions.

"We are not associated with this terrorist ... with this murderer," AML Center Imam Helmi Abufarah El Agha said.

New video released Wednesday shows the Pulse nightclub shooter praying at the mosque, just days before the June 12 terror attack. Mateen was spotted on FBI surveillance video praying at the AML Center four days before he killed 49 people and injured 53 others.

"He walked in and didn't talk to anybody. (He) just kept his head down, went straight to a corner and prayed for a good 10 minutes by himself, and then he turned, stood up and walked right out," El Agha said. "If we had known him at all or known where he was planning or what he was planning on doing when he came in. ... No one knows. I wish. ... God only knows what was going through that man's mind."

The imam explained that the center's doors are always open to tourists visiting Central Florida, and they didn't even know Mateen had visited the center until the FBI found his face on their surveilance cameras two days after the shooting.

Since the shooting at Pulse, the AML Center has received several threats to its visitors, including a bomb threat.

On Wednesday, the imam played a voicemail threat he received the day before. The caller, who is still unidentified, said, "Your ladies with their covers on their heads, and your little boys that you are going to strap bombs to. .... Get the (expletive) out of here."

"My hope moving forward is that my wife could come home and not tell me about her being called a terrorist when she takes my son out shopping," El Agha said.

That's the same hope Hajir Maliki and her family have as new refugees who fled Iraq, and then Syria, to come to the United States for a better life.

"We are simple people," Maliki said. "We just want to live in quiet and calm and good things."

The imam said he hopes people who see the video of Mateen don't associate the gunman with them, because he said in no way does his group support Mateen's deadly act.

"Islam does not condone such violence. This is not what we stand for. Don't hijack our religion," El Agha said.
In the wake of several law-enforcement-involved shootings across the United States, Hillary Clinton called for more police training during the first presidential debate Monday night.

Former Oviedo Police chief is a police practices consultant

Chuck Drago: "Officers need to understand the community"

Drag also says department leaders "should embrace more training"

But, what would that training look like in Central Florida?

"Police officers should be training in how to de-escalate a situation," said Chuck Drago, the former Oviedo Police chief.

Drago is a retired police chief, but he often spends his afternoons at the Orange County Courthouse testifying as a law enforcement expert and police practices consultant.

"Our officers need to understand the mental ill, our officers need to understand the community," Drago said. "Our officers need to have a relationship with the community, our officers need to know how to de-escalate situations so that they don't hurt people unnecessarily."

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings held his eighth-annual Crime Summit on Wednesday. The event partly focused on the relationship between deputies and the community members they have sworn to protect and serve.

"Training and proactive things we're doing to talk about disproportionate minority contact," Demings said. "We're teaching that curriculum through all of the local law enforcement agencies, and we actually have been doing that now for the last several years. We have renewed funding and those efforts will continue to make certain that our law enforcement officers have the type of sensitivity to bias- based policing."

Drago, who has more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, said he is far from anti-police. He thinks department leaders should embrace more training so that officers have all the tools they need to prevent some deadly decisions.

"Community policing is having a relationship with the community where they feel they can trust you (so) that when an officer uses force against somebody, that the department is the first one to say, 'We're going to investigate this and we're going to make sure that the officer used lawful force against that person,'" Drago said. "When you see a department who comes out defending the officer before any facts are even out, then there's a problem."



A spokesperson with the Orlando Police Department referenced the department's annual report, which states Orlando Police is focused on de-escalation and shoot/don't shoot decision-based training.
Exhibition on beauty of Chinese characters to be held in Japan 2016-09-29 13:28 By (chinadaily.com.cn)

A close look at the gold slip left by Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty after offering sacrifices to heaven at Songshan Mountain in Beijing, Sept 28, 2016. This valuable cultural relic will be displayed in Japan to present the beauty of Chinese characters. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

An traveling exhibition displaying the history and beauty of Chinese characters will be held in Japan, according to Art Exhibitions China at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

At the conference, the director of Art Exhibitions China, Wang Jun, said that 118 sets of cultural relics selected from 17 Chinese museums will be displayed in Japan. Nearly 20 percent of them are national first-class relics, including oracle bones, bronze ware, and Terracotta Warriors carved with inscriptions.

Inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells and Chinese bronze inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) unearthed from the Yin Ruins were the earliest recognizable Chinese characters.

One of the most valuable objects is a gold slip left by Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) after offering sacrifices to heaven at Songshan Mountain. It includes 63 Chinese characters; five were created by Empress Wu Zetian.

The exhibition will cover five Japanese cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Niigata, from October 2016 to September 2017, and it will mark the first time that China systematically presents the evolution of Chinese characters in Japan.
Atmospheric Historical Tour Brings You to Oregon Coast Graveyard

Published 09/29/2016 at 5:21 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon)  There's a new  and maybe even spooky  way to watch Oregon coast history come to life. In Lincoln City, you can catch A Tour to Die For on two different weekends. The guided tours happen on October 21  22, and then on October 28 and 30, taking you to Lincoln City's hilltop graveyard: the Pioneer Cemetery.

You'll get a rare nighttime tour of the cemetery and hear an eternity of tales from the permanent residents. But it's more an opportunity to dive deep into the past than scare yourself, with only the venue being the slightly creepy part.

On the way to the cemetery, participants will enjoy listening to local legends, lore and mysterious occurrences from their tour guide. Arriving at Pioneer Cemetery, brave souls will be greeted by Mr. Bones, who donated the land for the graveyard. From there, each tour will be guided by lantern light to the final resting place of six of the cemetery residents, each of whom will tell their stories. Some of the residents include a sea captain who didn't make it to port, a woman who ran a Post Office back when women didn't do such things and a town character who may try to sell "roses" from his wheelbarrow.

Anne Hall, head of the museum said these are historical dramatizations. There won't be ghost stories and the tour is not meant to be frightful. Rather, think of it as eerie and enlightening.

The tales that will be told are the stories from the lives of six individuals, Hall said.

Neils Anderson is the first man to be buried in the cemetery, and he will tell how he lost his life.

John Bones will tell about donating the land that became the cemetery. Rudy Parmele played a part in the establishment of the cemetery, but she will talk about her honeymoon trip in early Lincoln City.

We are also doing Matt Aho, a local character from Cutler City, Hall said. Mamie Allinger, who tells a harrowing tale of a trip out of Siletz Bay; and Mattie Olsen, who lived near the Bay, sold fish and lived to be over 100 years old.

The stories will give you a glimpse into their world through the eyes of ordinary people.

Ed Dreistadt, Director of the Lincoln City Visitor & Convention Bureau, is excited about this new cooperative promotion.

"A Tour to Die For is an amazing collaboration, with stories collected by the North Lincoln County Historical Museum, interpreted by actors from Theatre West, using Pioneer Cemetery as the stage," Dreistadt said. "The history of Lincoln City is literally being brought to life for five nights this October. We are proud to be able to assist this new attraction created by three of our key cultural institutions."

Tours depart from the Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy 101, at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both weekends. Hot beverages and snacks will be on hand to fortify partakers of this fateful journey.

A Tour to Die For is a collaboration between the North Lincoln County Historical Museum, Taft Pioneer Cemetery Association and Theatre West. Stories about the residents of the cemetery are united with actors to literally bring the history of Lincoln City to life. Proceeds from the tours benefit North Lincoln County Historical Museum, Pioneer Cemetery and Theatre West. To purchase tickets and for more information on A Tour to Die For, please visit tourtodiefor.com. .Lincoln City Hotels/Lodgings for this event - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours. More about Lincoln City below and at the Lincoln City Virtual Tour, Map.

















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The daughter of former United States president George W. Bush will visit Beaumont for the YWCA's annual gala.

Jenna Bush Hager, who is an NBC correspondent, editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine and chair for UNICEF's Next Generation, is scheduled to speak Nov. 4 at the MCM Elegante Hotel and Conference Center. The event begins at 7 p.m.

A limited amount of individual tickets are available for $100. Sponsorships for the event range from $1,500 to $7,500 per table. Only sponsors will be able to participate in the meet-and-greet with Hager.

Proceeds from the annual fundraiser go to YWCA's programs. YWCA Beaumont works to "eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities," according to their website.

For more information, visit "YWCA Beaumont" on Facebook.
If you're one of those people who can't function without your morning cup of joe, you probably consider every day National Coffee Day.

Still, someone somewhere decided the official day to celebrate your favorite caffeinated beverage would be Sept. 29  so happy National Coffee Day!
Six people gathered in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse to speak against Houston activist Quanell X on Thursday morning.

They claim they paid Quanell X for services to help bring media attention to cases involving their loved ones.
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The Texas Rangers have ended an inquiry into a complaint against Silsbee police chief Mark Davis, and the Hardin County sheriff's office has launched an investigation into possible wiretapping of his phone.

Davis had been accused of misusing federal grant funds in negotiations to purchase police equipment.

After discussing the allegations with prosecutors in Hardin and Jefferson counties, "no additional action is expected by the Texas Rangers" because both offices declined prosecution, a Department of Public Safety spokesperson said in a written statement Wednesday.

DPS had been talking to prosecutors about a possible investigation since June, when the complaint was passed along by Homeland Security grants director Aimee Snoddy, Lt. Craig Cummings said.

The allegations stem from a 9-minute recording of a May 5 telephone conversation between Davis and a representative of Code Blue Police Supplies in Beaumont.

In it, Davis, who also is the presumptive Hardin County Sheriff-elect, asks the vendor to overcharge the police department by about $500 for several items and issue a credit to spend the rest of the grant on later department purchases.

A search warrant affidavit for the original audio recording filed Sept. 16 outlines how two recent Silsbee PD employees became targets of a wiretapping investigation.

One of them had been fired recently, the affidavit states. It was not immediately clear whether the other employee still works at Silsbee PD.

Neither of them had been charged with a crime as of Wednesday, Chief Deputy Kenny Davenport said.

They are accused of recording Davis' conversation with the equipment dealer using a personal cellphone before downloading it onto an almost 6-inch long by 4-inch wide storage device, according to the affidavit.

The device was recovered by sheriff's officials in a white paper napkin, sealed with 2-inch red tape, the affidavit states.

Texas Rangers took the audio to a crime lab, Cummings said, but Davis' future employees are handling the investigation into his old ones.

The affidavit offers insight into a tangled web of political infighting within Hardin County.

One of the Silsbee PD employees believed to be involved is the wife of a current sheriff's deputy, the document states.

The sheriff's office was tipped off by one of its former dispatchers, who was asked to hold the device for a neighbor, according to the document.

"There are suspects, but we'll just have to wait and see what the evidence reveals and go from there," Davenport said.

Davis last month denied allegations of wrongdoing and characterized the complaint as a political attack.

"The Rangers followed standard protocol for complaints against elected officials and discussed the allegations (against Davis) with local prosecutors to determine if the case warranted prosecution," Cummings said. "The offices with jurisdiction and potential jurisdiction declined prosecution."

BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/BrandonKScott
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When Port Arthur's new police chief starts next month, he will be classified as a city administrator until he can get licensed by the state.

Patrick Melvin, who most recently lived and worked in Arizona, was hired by City Council on Thursday.

Melvin, 51, will be paid an annual salary of about $123,000, almost $4,000 more a year than what former chief Mark Blanton was making before his retirement late last year.

Melvin, who attended Thursday's meeting with his wife, Rhonda, listed his previous salary as $200,000 on a questionnaire he filled out for the city as part of his application process.

Some critics have been vocal about their opposition to the hiring of Melvin, who was put on administrative leave at his previous department.

Melvin, who resigned from the Salt River Police Department in May, previously said he was placed on leave because city officials discovered he was looking for another job.

A group of Port Arthur residents this week began circulating a flier calling for the firing of City Manager Brian McDougal over Melvin's hiring.

Among the group's concerns is the possibility that Melvin could fire longtime Deputy Chief Raymond Clark, who applied for the chief's position but was not selected as one of the four finalists.

The group said McDougal used a questionable selection process, which eliminated internal candidates.

McDougal said in a previous interview that the minimum qualifications for candidates were 10 years' experience in law enforcement and a bachelor's degree.

Melvin, who said on his resume he has a master's degree, spent 21 years with the Phoenix Police Department before retiring in 2006. He went to work in Salt River, Arizona, to start the town's police department.

Melvin, who must apply for a peace officer's licence with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement before he can carry a gun, is expected to start on or after Oct. 11, said McDougal.

Acknowledging that he will likely spend his first few months in Port Arthur being closely monitored by his critics, Melvin said on Thursday he appreciated that residents want to be involved in the vetting process of their next chief.

"They will definitely hold me accountable in the future, as I hold myself and the department accountable to the citizens," he said.

Melvin takes over a police department with multiple staffing shortages and at least a dozen openings for officers.

He was selected from 46 applicants reviewed by Strategic Government Resources, the same search firm that recommended McDougal for his position in 2014.

"We've been through an exhaustive process," McDougal said. "(Strategic Government Resources) brought us some great candidates and it was a difficult decision."

Mayor Derrick Freeman said council members tried to stay out of McDougal's way while he picked the new chief.

Freeman said he wants the police department and community to build trust, a goal Melvin and McDougal said they share.

BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/BrandonKScott
A strange, human-looking fish has recently surfaced in a Turkish market, confusing both shoppers and the internet.

The fish, which has been reported as a common thresher shark by the Mirror, appears to be some form of guitarfish instead.

READ MORE: Weird 'fish with legs' found by New Zealand snorkelers puzzles scientists

Guitarfish are bottom feeding ray that bury themselves in the seafloor to eat worms, crabs and clams.

Despite their scary appearance, experts say that an attack by a guitarfish would result only in a "thorough gumming."

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the common guitarfish is endangered due to widespread and unregulated fishing.

Click through above to see more images of weird looking sharks.
In a recent BMJ article, investigators uncovered more than 25 percent of FDA cancer and hematology drug reviewers who left the agency between 2001 and 2010 now work or consult for pharmaceutical companies, according to Kaiser Health News. In the study, Portland-based Oregon Health and Science University researchers tracked 55 FDA reviewers in the hematology-oncology field from 2001 through 2010 by using LinkedIn, PubMed and other publicly available job data.

Researchers focused their efforts on hematology-oncology due to the large number of new drugs flooding the industry and the fact that reviewers have autonomy in this field. The researchers found, of the 26 reviewers who left the FDA in this time frame, 57 percent later worked or consulted in the pharmaceutical industry. While this practice is common, researchers note it does raise some concerns.

Lead researcher Vinay Prasad, MD, told KHN, "If you know in the back of your mind that your career goal may be to someday work on the other side of the table, I wonder whether that changes the way you regulate. Are you more likely to give [companies] the benefit of the doubt? Are you less likely to beat them up hard over [using bad comparisons in drug studies]?"

Joshua Sharfstein, MD, a former FDA principal deputy commissioner and associate dean at Baltimore-based John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, had a different take on the matter, saying reviewers do not have a wealth of power over approvals. Dr. Sharfstein said, "There are just so many checks and balances within the review process that it's really not up to one person by and large. Key regulatory decisions are looked at from many different angles. I think it would be very difficult for an individual to do something inappropriate and not have that caught."

Dr. Sharfstein argues having former FDA officials migrate to the pharmaceutical industry could benefit the public due to their extensive knowledge of the approval process. Their knowledge will make employees better equipped to ensure all the necessary research is completed and the pathways to approval are understood.

A FDA spokesperson said many former FDA employees work for many different agencies, saying, "The FDA has a strong set of rules in place to ensure that our employees are working in the public interest, not to advantage any company, organization or individual."

More articles on quality & infection control:

StartUp Health Colorado to team up CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado & UCHealth for health innovation: 5 things to know

Patient handling equipment market to hit $23.4B by 2024: 8 points

New England and Great Lakes regions best at HEDIS Quality measures: 3 takeaways
Forty-one Massachusetts acute hospitals were profitable in fiscal year 2016 through June 30, according to a recent report from the Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis.

The report examines financial performance for 53 of 65 acute hospitals in Massachusetts in FY 2016 through June 30. For most  but not all  hospitals, this period represents nine months of data. The hospitals are grouped into the following cohorts: academic medical centers, teaching hospitals, community hospitals, and community-disproportionate share hospitals. Specialty hospitals are not considered a cohort but are displayed and included in statewide median, agency officials said.

Here are four takeaways on Massachusetts acute hospital financial performance.

1. The median total margin of the 53 hospitals reporting remained consistent in FY 2016 through June 30 compared to the same period in the prior year at 3.6 percent.

2. The six reporting teaching hospitals had the highest median total margin of 8.4 percent in FY 2016 through June 30. The three remaining cohorts' median total margin decreased during the same time period. Academic medical centers had the lowest median total margin of all cohorts at 2.7 percent.

3. Five acute hospitals reported negative net assets in FY 2016 through June 30.

4. Acute hospital liquidity, according to the statewide median ratio, remained unchanged for reporting hospitals from the prior year at 1.8. A current ratio above 1.0 indicates that a hospital has sufficient current assets to meet current liabilities. Heywood Healthcare's Athol (Mass.) Hospital, Baystate Health's Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, and Partners HealthCare's Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, reported a current ratio less than 1.0.
A new strategy is emerging for companies that acquire others: retain top talent of the acquired firm to help stave off a post-merger failure, The Wall Street Journal reports.

High-profile exits after mergers and acquisitions are common. Jeffrey Krug, PhD, dean of the business school at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, told WSJ acquired firms lose a third of their executives on average within the first two years of an acquisition. Such departures can doom an acquisition, WSJ reports, and companies are starting to take notice. Now more businesses are trying to integrate executive teams.

For example, after LinkedIn's $26.2 billion takeover by Microsoft, LinkedIn's CEO Jeff Weiner retained the ability to run his company as an independent unit and will make at least $43 million over the next four years if he hits his goals. One-fifth of Yahoo's executives are former leaders of startups it has acquired since 2012, according to the report.

The trend is visible in healthcare too. Take Hackensack Meridian Health for example. The health system, newly formed in June, is the result of the merger of Hackensack (N.J.) University Health Network and Neptune, N.J.-based Meridian Health. The two systems ultimately decided their strengths complemented each other, and so did their CEOs. Robert Garrett, president and CEO of HUHN, and John Lloyd, president and CEO of Meridian Health, chose to lead the merged system as co-CEOs for the first 2.5 years until Mr. Lloyd retires.

More articles on leadership and management:

Key thoughts for hospitals on the best strategies for population health: Q&A With CareSkore CEO Jas Grewal

From the bedside to the board room: 2 nurse leaders on getting 10k nurses on boards by 2020

Martin Shkreli auctions chance to punch him in the face to raise donations
St. Louis-based Ascension Health will sell hospitals in Idaho and Washington state to Brentwood, Tenn.-based RCCH HealthCare Partners, the company created through the merger of Brentwood, Tenn.-based RegionalCare and Capella Healthcare, also in Brentwood, in May.

RCCH HealthCare will buy Pasco, Wash.-based Lourdes Health and Lewiston, Idaho-based St. JosephRegionalMedicalCenter. The hospitals signed definitive agreements to be acquired Wednesday.

For-profit RCCH said it plans to maintain the hospitals' faith-based heritages.

"Just as the staff of Lourdes and St. Joseph's have done for decades, our 14,000 employees and 2,000 affiliated physicians and mid-level providers are committed to providing outstanding community-based healthcare," said Marty Rash, Executive Chairman of RCCH HealthCare Partners. "We look forward to becoming part of the Pasco and Lewiston communities and living up to the trust that Ascension and these hospitals have placed in us. Our goals will include working together with healthcare professionals and community leaders, led by local boards that are 100 percent made up of community leaders and physicians, to ensure the continued provision of high-quality, compassionate healthcare and to expand and enhance services provided locally."
A strike by nurses at Minneapolis-based Allina Health nears a state record 1984 strike, when nurses in the Twin Cities walked off the job for 38 days, according to a Star Tribune report.

Allina nurses, who are represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association, began their second strike of the summer on Labor Day at five hospitals. They also went on strike for seven days in June, bringing their total days off the job in 2016 to 31 and counting, according to the article.

Talks between negotiators for Allina and 4,800 of its nurses resumed Tuesday, the same day striking Allina nurses rallied outside the Radisson Blu Hotel in downtown Minneapolis during the annual shareholders meeting of General Mills. General Mills has an executive serving on Allina's board. The discussions continued Wednesday, but adjourned that night with no agreement, according to the report. Both sides are expected to continue negotiations Thursday morning.

A key sticking point in the dispute between Allina and its 4,800 nurses has been the nurses' health insurance.

Allina wanted to eliminate the nurses' union-backed health plans, which include high premiums but low or no deductibles, and move the nurses to its corporate plans, reports the Star Tribune. Allina has estimated that eliminating the nurses' union-backed health plans would save the health system $10 million per year.

Nurses ultimately agreed to Allina's demand in talks just before Labor Day, reports the Star Tribune. However, they subsequently decided to strike when Allina declined to give the union requested control over the future cost and quality of those corporate plans, the report states.

The prolonged strike has hit Allina financially, as the health system's cost for replacement nurses during the two strikes this year easily has surpassed $40 million, according to the Star Tribune. Striking Allina nurses have accepted various types of replacement work to earn income as their walkout against the health system enters week four. Striking nurses also have turned to the union for financial support. Last week, a union committee reviewed 200 hardship requests and issued $130,000 in checks to striking nurses, reports the Star Tribune.

Back in 1984, 6,000 nurses at 15 Minnesota hospitals walked off the job, according to MinnPost. That strike, according to the report, affected about half the hospital beds in the Twin Cities and was the largest job action of its kind in the country until that point.
Two southwest Alaska tribal governments are fighting to prevent foster children from being held at Anchorage, Alaska-based North Star Behavioral Health Center for indefinite periods of time, according to Alaska Dispatch News.

The tribes, represented by Alaska Legal Services, allege that North Star officials have discovered loopholes in the legal system allowing them to improperly hold foster children at the facility for indefinite periods of time, according to the article.

The tribes filed a lawsuit against North Star and the director of the Alaska office of children's services in 2014 and are now asking the judge to issue a summary judgment in the case before trial.

During a hearing on Tuesday, a lawyer with Alaska Legal Services argued the state and North Star are skirting the law by failing to quickly notify the court when a minor has been placed at the psychiatric facility so a hearing can be scheduled within 72 hours to determine if the minor should stay at North Star.

Alaska Assistant Attorney General Steven Bookman argued the two tribes lack standing to bring the case and the has immunity from the lawsuit, according to the article.
A federal grand jury indicted a former Munson Army Health Center employee charged with setting a supervisor on fire and attacking another individual who came to her aid in an incident earlier this month, according to The Wichita Eagle.

According to a criminal complaint, Clifford Currie threw gasoline on his supervisor while in her office at the Fort Leavenworth, Kan.-based facility around 5 p.m. on Sept. 7. Mr. Currie allegedly assaulted her with scissors and a straight-edge razor and proceeded to light her on fire.

A co-worker attempted to come to the woman's aid and was injured in the process, according to a statement released by acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.

If convicted, Mr. Currie faces a 30-year prison term and roughly $500,000 in fines.
Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Sept. 29, 2016.

AMA includes 1st endoscopic spine surgery code in 2017 codebook

The American Medical Association's CPT 2017 Codebook included the first endoscopic spinal surgery code no. 62380. The new code covers endoscopic decompression of the spinal cord, nerve root, including laminotomy, partial facetectomy, foraminotomy, discectomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc, 1 interspace and lumbar. It will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017.





Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska to cover MI sacroiliac joint fusion

Nebraska will be the second state in the nation to cover minimally invasive SI joint fusions using the SI-BONE iFuse Implant System. Michigan was first to cover the use of the system. BCBSN decided to cover the procedure after positive research was published.





Cleveland Clinic names Dr. Michael Steinmetz new neurosurgery department chair

Cleveland Clinic named Michael Steinmetz, MD, chairman of the neurosurgery department. Dr. Steinmetz will take over the role on Nov. 1, heading the neurosurgery department's administrative and academic activities.





Aspect of care that matter most to patients  Hint: Personalization is paramount

Deloitte conducted a patient survey to find out what matters most to consumers in healthcare. Personalization, economics, convenience and digital connection ranked as important areas for organizations to emphasize.





Implanet's spine activity jumps 38% in 1st half of 2016

Bordeaux, France-based Implanet reported its financial results for the first half of 2016, ending June 30. Implanet generated revenue of 4.094 thousand, representing a 24 percent increase from the same time period in 2015. This revenue increase is due the boost in spine activity, which saw a 38 percent jump from the same time period the year prior. The company upped its Jazz technological platform sales in the United States by 101 percent and in France by 40 percent, compared to the first half of 2015.





5 trends for orthopedic surgeons to watch in 2017

Orthopedic surgery is a continuously evolving field. Some major trends surgeons hypothesize will have an impact on the industry in the coming year include: hospital employment versus private practice; outpatient procedures; payment models; pain management; and infection control.





6 leaders drive anterior cervical fixation devices market

The anterior cervical fixation devices market is anticipated to grow slowly between 2016 and 2020, because the dominating Americas have reached their peak with industry adoption of cervical disc replacement devices. Technavio revealed the top six vendors in the global anterior cervical fixation devices space: Globus Medical, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, NuVasive, Stryker and Zimmer Biomet.





West Boca Medical Center plans $9.9M OR expansion, upgrades for spine, orthopedics

Florida-based West Boca Medical Center is in the midst of planning a $9.9 million project to upgrade its operating rooms. The center is going to add a sixth OR while renovating three of the existing ORs. West Boca Medical Center is making the center's updates to better accommodate orthopedics, spine and robotic surgery cases.




J. Brian Gill, MD, of Nebraska Spine Hospital in Omaha, discusses new trends in artificial disc replacement and challenges spine surgeons face.

Dr. Gill's clinical interests include minimally invasive cervical and lumbar spine surgeries, deformity and degenerative conditions, disc herniation, spinal tumors and artificial disc surgery, among others.

Question: What are some of the most exciting new trends in artificial disc replacement surgery?

Dr. J. Brain Gill: I think the exciting trends are that most insurance companies are authorizing these procedures whereas a few years ago only a handful of insurance companies were authorizing them. The lumbar disc replacement interest has continued to wane, but cervical disc replacements are gaining significant interest as the long-term results are promising. The fact that cervical disc replacements are indicated for multilevel use is important as many patients have more than one-level involvement.

Q: What are the most pressing challenges facing artificial disc replacement surgeons?

JBG: One of the biggest challenges that we all face are reimbursement issues from authorization to payment. Recently, more insurance plans have been authorizing cervical disc replacements. [However] this issue has been one of the greatest hurdles for performing lumbar disc replacements  thus, the lack of widespread use in the United States.

The second issue is appropriate indications for surgery. Cervical pathologies for cervical disc replacement are more definitive and generally accepted than lumbar disc replacement indications. Finally, the outcomes need to show that artificial disc replacement surgeries are comparable and even superior to the standard treatment of an arthrodesis.

Q: How can artificial disc replacement surgeons best navigate those challenges?

JBG: The insurance issue is being solved presently with data that supports the technology. I am a big believer in outcomes, which should support surgeons' clinical decision making. I am interested to see the results of these technologies from surgeons who are not perceived to be biased in terms funding support, royalties, etc. Time will tell if these technologies will set a new standard or fall by the wayside. There have been several great ideas over the years in spine surgery, which have sounded phenomenal only to fail miserably with the test of time.





Learn more from Dr. Gill at the 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine in June 2017! Click here for more information.
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The 12th Beijing-Tokyo Forum, jointly organized by China International Publishing Group (CIPG) and the Genron NPO of Japan, concluded in Tokyo on Sept. 28. Up to 500 delegates representing political, business, academic, and media sectors from both China and Japan attended the closing ceremony.

Maj Gen. Yao Yunzhu, former director of the Research Center of China-America Defense Relations at Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Fu Chengyu, former chairman of Sinopec, Yoriko Kawaguchi, former Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Takeshi Noda, president of the Japan-China Society (JCS), delivered the keynote speeches at the closing ceremony.

Yao said during her speech that security is the most difficult aspect of Chinese-Japanese relations, but she was deeply impressed by the sincere and reasonable dialogues and the serious and active discussions between delegates from both countries. She said that improvement in Chinese-Japanese security relations must begin with crisis management and that an effective communication mechanism should be established to prevent misjudgments. Second, defense departments from both countries should try to expand cooperation so as to provide public products for the region and beyond. Third, the two sides should prevent new security problems. Yao said she believed that, as China and Japan have been neighbors for thousands of years, no difficulty is unsolvable.

Representing China's corporate sector, Fu said that China will be a vital driving force to the rapid changes occurring throughout the world in the future. Facing a rising China, the best strategy is not to delay its rise, but to try and move along with China's development.

He said that, as the world's third largest economy, Japan has a great opportunity to share China's achievements earned through reforms, noting that industrial manufacturing, financial services, energy saving and environmental protection are where the corporate sectors from both countries have enormous room for cooperation. Fu said that he not only hopes to see more Japanese products enter the Chinese market, but that he is also willing to help Japanese enterprises conduct cooperation with their Chinese counterparts.

Yoriko Kawaguchi used the examples of cultural diversity in China and Buddhism's influence in Asia to illustrate her ideas on how to unite different Asian countries. She said that China and Japan are both major economies in Asia and their ability to jointly contribute to the peaceful development of Asia and beyond depends on the cooperation mode and framework for tolerance between Japan and China.

Takeshi Noda reviewed the history of the Chinese-Japanese relations. He said that China and Japan enjoy cultural proximity and that humbleness is a virtue recognized in both countries. He hoped that Japan and China would respect each other in achieving mutual interests and win-win results.

At the closing ceremony, delegates representing the five panel discussions reported to the conference about their discussion and the achievements made.

Zhang Yansheng, secretary-general of the academic committee of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), who represented the panel discussion on economy, said in his report that delegates from both countries had active discussions on cooperation in high-speed rail development, chemical, low-carbon and energy conservation and emerging internet-based electronic commerce, which the panelists showed keen interest in.

In addition, delegates from that panel discussion urged for faster mutual benefits in the China-Japan-ROK free trade zone.

Wu Jinan, chief of the Shanghai Association for Japanese Studies, said to the conference representing the panel on politics and diplomacy that Chinese and Japanese delegates assumed reasonable and practical attitude and had heated discussions on how to improve the current Chinese-Japanese relations. He said that delegates from both sides agreed that the current order of Asia and the world is undergoing transformation and that the development of the Chinese-Japanese relations are facing the test of history. China and Japan both pay attention to each other's development paths, but a gap still exists in recognition. In the era of the internet, both countries should pay special attention to the waves of nationalism on the internet and subsequent damage to the Chinese-Japanese relations.

Ichiro Fujisaki, the former Japanese ambassador to the United States, added that when exploring current Japanese-Chinese relations, one should not forget the four political documents based on which the bilateral political relation is built.

Summarizing the panel discussion on security, Yuji Miyamoto, who is the former Japanese ambassador to China, said that delegates from both countries agreed that the tension on the Korean Peninsula affects the common interests of Japan and China. To prevent misjudgment, both governments should set up the maritime and air liaison mechanisms as soon as possible. Through communication and exchanges, Japan and China should form a new framework of security in northeast Asia.

Zhu Feng, director of the Institute of International Studies at Nanjing University, said that he was impressed by the frank communication between delegates from both countries in listening to each others' voices.

Liu Jiangyong, vice director of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University, summarized the discussion of the special panel by saying that his panelists eyed improving the current situation in both nations by encouraging people-to-people exchanges. He praised the panel delegates for their vision and practical attitude in promoting this improvement. He said that the discussions featured "both attitude and warmth."

Wang Zhongyi, editor-in-chief of the People's China magazine, and Seiichi Kondo, former chief of Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, reported the discussion results of the panel for media. Wang said that media from both countries should take the responsibility of guiding and improving public opinions to facilitate the public in both nations to make reasonable judgements on improving the Chinese-Japanese relations. It will require not only the joint efforts of media from both countries, but also insights from various perspectives. He hoped that media from two countries would respect each other, enlighten each other, seek mutual benefits and help each other, so that both could make progress in a race during which gaps will be patched up through mutual learning.

At the forum, people with great wisdom contributed their insights on how to improve current Chinese-Japanese relations and how China and Japan can promote regional and world stability through cooperation. The insights were condensed into the Tokyo Consensus issued at the closing ceremony of the forum.

At the end of the closing ceremony, Zhou Mingwei, president of the CIPG and Yasushi Kudo, president of Genro NPO, representing the Chinese and Japanese organizers of the Beijing-Tokyo Forum, showed their gratitude to delegates from both countries, to the diplomatic agencies that provided guidance to the forum and to the forum volunteers.

In his speech, Zhou said that delegates at the forum were concerned more about the "what and why" of the Chinese-Japanese relations, but also about the "how." Opinions from both sides centered on how to solve problems, which was a direction worthy of approval. He said that the future objective for the Beijing-Tokyo Forum is to provide a platform for creative ideas that will allow Chinese-Japanese relations to overcome difficulties and develop steadily, also noting an important mission for the next year's forum will be how to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the normalization of the Chinese-Japanese relations. "We hope people with great wisdom from both countries to work together so as to make a better forum next year," said Zhou.

The 12th Beijing-Tokyo Forum officially concluded with Zhou saying: " See you in Beijing.
Concentrix has said it it committed to Belfast as a base for its European operations.

It comes as 150 of its employees in the city are to lose their jobs on Friday.

The staff affected are temporary workers who had been recruited on a short term basis. Originally their contracts were to end in August.

The move comes after the US company lost a multi-million contract with HMRC.

Concentrix, which employs around 1,800 people in Belfast, said the workers had originally employment contracts until August 2016.

A spokesman added: "Our people are our top priority and we are doing everything possible to minimise any impact. We are engaged with HMRC to fully understand the implications of its decision and in the meantime we are exploring all options for our staff within Concentrix. Concentrix remains committed to Belfast as a base for our European operations."

All temporary staff working were recruited on a short term basis and as per the volume forecasts agreed with HMRC ahead of time. These temporary roles were expected to ramp down as per plan at the end of August and we have in fact extended beyond this.
Heathrow Airport wants its flights cap to rise by nearly 70 daily four years before a new runway would open

Heathrow wants its cap on flights to be raised by almost 70 per day four years before a new runway would open.

Airport bosses believe adding 25,000 more flights to the existing annual limit of 480,000 would lead to a "Brexit boost" worth 1.5 billion to the UK economy between 2021 and the opening of a third runway in 2025.

This increased capacity would be ring-fenced to create up to 21 new daily domestic services and 13 long haul routes, according to Heathrow.

The measure could mean new routes to UK destinations such as Dundee, Newquay and Liverpool, and to growing international markets including the Japanese port city of Osaka, Ecuadorian capital Quito and central Chinese city Wuhan.

John Stewart, chairman of anti-Heathrow group Hacan, said: " The cap on flights has always been regarded as sacrosanct by residents but if it is to be lifted in advance of a third runway, it is essential that measures such as a tougher night flight regime are in place.

"It's very clear that this package has been rushed out in response to the Government's concern that a third runway won't be ready in time to deliver improved connectivity post-Brexit.

"Heathrow has been under real pressure to show that it can do something since both the rival schemes - a second runway at Gatwick and the extended runway at Heathrow proposed by Heathrow Hub - can be built more quickly and cheaply".

Ministers are currently considering which project to support and a decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Heathrow's latest proposals, to be launched in full at the upcoming Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, also suggest extending the airport's 10 discount for every departing passenger flying to a UK destination for 20 years.

The west London hub claims its plans will enable the whole country to capitalise on new market opportunities in the early months of the UK leaving the European Union, supporting small and large exporters, boosting competition and reducing prices for consumers.

The airport published research by consultancy Frontier Economics which showed that - assuming the UK leaves the EU in 2020 - it will create around 55 billion more growth than an expanded Gatwick in the 15 years after Brexit.

Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: " This Brexit boost plan is our commitment to making Britain stronger and fairer for everyone - faster.

"Our proposals for an additional 25,000 flights a year from 2021 would help businesses and families from Newquay to Dundee benefit earlier from Heathrow expansion, while protecting our commitment to meet and exceed the Airports Commission's environmental conditions.

"Heathrow's third runway is the only option that can help every nation and region of Britain realise the opportunities of Brexit. The Prime Minister and the Government can now make the right choice, and back Heathrow expansion."

Liverpool John Lennon Airport boss Andrew Cornish said an expanded Heathrow would create the opportunity for flights to operate between the airports, linking Liverpool with "every continent on the globe".

Mike Cherry, Federation of Small Businesses national chairman, believed Heathrow's proposals for boosting capacity while a third runway is built would be "warmly welcomed" by small businesses across the UK.

Gatwick has previously claimed it is the only expansion project that can be delivered.

Former Concorde pilot Jock Lowe, who is leading the Heathrow Hub scheme for an extension of the northern runway. said: " Heathrow Airport Ltd (Hal) is going in the right direction in proposing ways to get more regional flights into Heathrow.

"But Heathrow Hub can do this more quickly, more cheaply and with more regional slots.

"Heathrow Hub's plan can provide around 70,000 additional slots as early as 2023 - almost three times as many as Hal - and, as our costs are less, this means lower user charges and a better deal for regional and indeed all passengers."
The Investment Association said the Brexit vote could ultimately damage the UK's asset management industry

Brexit could have huge ramifications for the UK's investment industry, which manages more than 1.2 trillion worth of assets, a new report has warned.

An annual survey by the UK's Investment Association (IA) warned that the EU referendum result could ultimately dent the industry, which manages 37% of all European assets - more than the German, French and Italian industries combined.

"Whether the UK retains its position as a centre of excellence for asset management could be partly determined by whether overseas clients, particularly those located in mainland Europe, exhibit a preference post-Brexit to repatriate their asset management activity within the EU.

"It remains unclear what the relationship between the EU and the UK will be like post-Brexit, but the decision to leave the EU may have ramifications for all industries," the report said.

The IA said the survey results raise important questions over whether Brexit will have a commercial impact on the industry and regulatory environment, and whether firms will need to relocate staff or set up shop in the EU.

More than 37,000 people were directly employed by the UK's investment industry in 2015, marking a 5% jump from 35,100 a year earlier.

That number rises to 92,000 when including people indirectly employed by the industry, in positions related to asset management, including fund and administration activities, the IA said.

While London and Scotland are still "key centres" for the industry, the IA stressed that firms have spread across the UK, running offices in areas including Oxford, Bournemouth, Norwich, Peterborough, Leeds and York.

In total, investment management accounts for 6% of Britain's total net service exports, the survey explained.

Chris Cummings, chief executive of the Investment Association, said: "By serving as a 'turntable of capital', the investment hub enables its clients to benefit from economies of scale and unrivalled investment expertise while also providing lifeblood funding for capital markets in the UK and globally."

"The industry is now considering the ramifications of Brexit in earnest and the focus must be on seizing the opportunities that are being presented to continue to grow the UK's investment hub globally," he added.
Short haul economy class passengers on BA flights are to get a selection of Marks & Spencer salads and sandwiches

British Airways is scrapping free meals on short haul flights in economy class, instead offering a selection of Marks & Spencer salads and sandwiches.

Prices will include 1 for hand cooked crisps, 3 for a cheddar cheese ploughman's sandwich and 4.95 for a spiced chicken with quinoa and rice salad.

BA claimed the move is in response to customer feedback.

Passengers are currently given a light snack, such as a bacon roll, and a soft drink.

BA's chairman and chief executive, Alex Cruz, said: "We know our customers expect a great experience with British Airways.

"They've told us we are experts in flying and service, but when it comes to catering on short haul flights, they want to choose from a wider range of premium products.

"Like British Airways, Marks & Spencer is a well-known, premium British brand that is respected and trusted, so it's an ideal partnership, providing our customers with a choice of products they recognise and value."

Low cost airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair already offer small snacks for sale on their flights, but Mr Cruz claimed BA's offering "sets a new standard in short haul catering".

The M&S food selection will be updated four times a year.

It will replace free snacks on short haul and domestic flights from Heathrow and Gatwick from January 11 2017 and from London City and Stansted by next summer.

Business class customers will continue to be offered a full, complimentary menu.

Aviation expert Julian Bray said BA has been engaged in a battle to "catch up" with its competitors who have made inroads into its traditional market.

He said: "P assenger loyalty is a thing of the past with business travellers now seeking the most cost efficient deal and essentially the most attractive headline price.

"Many passengers are already picking up a gourmet premium price in-flight meal pack from the airport terminal prior to their flight, so this would seem to be a logical development."

Andy Adcock, director of food at M&S, said: "We're proud to be supplying a great British brand with a reputation for quality and customer service that mirrors our own.

"For 35 years we've had a market leading Food on the Move offer and we'll supply British Airways with customer favourites and healthy choices made with outstanding ingredients, all with the provenance you'd expect from M&S."
Mairtin O Muilleoir has claimed there is "no possibility" that 55m in infrastructure cash will be lost to the Treasury because of the Brexit vote.

However, the Sinn Fein Finance Minister also admitted there were significant question marks" over how the Northern Ireland Investment Fund would now be operated.

The Belfast Telegraph revealed earlier this month that uncertainty over the future following the UK's decision to leave the EU meant that the European Investment Bank (EIB) was reassessing the means by which the money would be delivered.

There are also fears that any delay could lead to the cash being sent to Westminster if not spent by the end of the financial year.

But Mr O Muilleoir told the Belfast Telegraph: "First of all, there is no possibility of any of the funding that we had set aside going back to the Treasury."

He claimed the Treasury was "happy with how we are handling matter", but would not clarify the terms under which the 55m would not be returned to the Exchequer.

There remains uncertainty about how the money can be spent by the end of March, with proposed schemes having to work with the private sector.

Question marks also linger about how the Northern Ireland Investment Fund will be run, with the EU body meant to assist it all but pulling its support.

It was previously hoped the EIB would match the 55m and help the Executive secure a fund manager, as well as assisting in the delivery of the scheme.

Mr O Muilleoir said he and Economy Minister Simon Hamilton had written to the EIB to "continue discussions" over its involvement with the fund.

But he added that "at this time of uncertainty" and given how chilly relationships are with the EU, it was unlikely that the original model would go ahead, although the door "has not closed completely".

Mr O Muilleoir also admitted there were significant issues concerning how the fund would go forward. He claimed one option was to run it "off the balance sheet", with an independent investment body or fund in charge.

"We are in an area of negotiation and discussion," the Finance Minister added. "It is not going as exactly as promised."

However, Mr O Muilleoir also pledged that the money would not be lost and said he was committed to examining all options - including contacting investment funds - and ensuring there was an investment pot.

The intervention marks the first time the minister has spoken of his concerns for the future of the fund.

It comes after he came under intense pressure to urgently outline what he and his department intended to do to ensure that the money was not lost.

The department had advertised for a fund manager to operate the scheme, but the position is now on hold.

The programme was due to fund a range of infrastructure projects across Northern Ireland.

Among the areas meant to be targeted were urban renewal, telecoms and more.
The FTSE 100 index was up 72.38 points to 6,921.9

Oil majors led the charge as the London market burst back through the 6,900 mark following investor cheer over an output-limiting deal struck by the Opec oil cartel.

The FTSE 100 Index was up 70.04 to 6,919.42 after Opec reached its first agreement in eight years to reduce oil output to a range of 32.5 to 33 million barrels per day - a drop of around 700,000 barrels.

Royal Dutch Shell B leapt more than 6% or 126.5p to 2,022p, while rival BP rose around 4% or 18.8p to 451p.

The global glut of crude has depressed oil prices for more than two years and weakened the economies of oil-producing nations.

The deal was reached after several hours of talks in the Algerian capital, Algiers, though output levels must still be finalised at an Opec meeting in Vienna in November.

Brent crude prices were edging closer to the 50 dollar a barrel mark following the announcement, up 1.2% to 49.27 US dollars a barrel.

Jasper Lawler, market analyst at CMC Markets, said: "The proposed deal should keep a floor under oil prices until Opec's official meeting in November, when the details will be ironed out."

However, Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex, said it was a surprise Saudi Arabia was willing to back an output cut.

"Traditionally Opec's de facto leader, closely followed by Iran, has been the biggest obstacle to any deal," he said.

In Europe, Germany's Dax fell 0.3% and the Cac 40 in France rose 0.2%

On the currency markets, the pound was down 0.2% against the US dollar at 1.299 US dollars as it continued to be depressed by comments from Minouche Shafik, a key member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, who said on Wednesday that further stimulus is likely to be needed as the UK stomachs a "sizeable economic shock" from the Brexit vote.

Sterling was also 0.4% lower against the euro at 1.155 euro.

In UK stocks, positive sentiment in the wake of the Opec deal gave a lift to London-listed mining giants, with Glencore rising 6.5p to 215.9p and Anglo American up 56.4p to 980.1p.

However, overall gains on the London market were pegged back after a profit warning from outsourcing giant Capita caused its shares to plunge.

Capita was off more than 26% or 254.5p to 698p after it said pre-tax profits would come in at between 535 million and 555 million for the full year, compared with previous forecasts of 614 million.

Shares in Alton Towers owner Merlin Entertainments were also down 27.5p to 442.1p after it said it had "learned every lesson" from last year's Smiler rollercoaster crash as it revealed that visitor numbers were still being affected.

Merlin was fined 5 million earlier this week after admitting health and safety breaches.

The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 Index were Royal Dutch Shell B up 126.5p to 2,022p, Royal Dutch Shell A up 119p to 1,924.5p, BHP Billiton up 71p to 1,168p, Anglo American up 56.4p to 980.1p.

The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 Index were Capita down 254.5p to 698p, Merlin Entertainments down 27.5p to 442.1p, Barratt Developments down 20.7p to 472.9p, Babcock International down 41p to 1,046p.
Eight of the UK's major car brands were showcased next to the Eiffel Tower ahead of one of the world's most prestigious motor shows.

An Aston Martin DB11, Mini Clubman and Vauxhall Astra were among the vehicles displayed in front of the landmark in advance of the Paris Motor Show, which opens on Thursday.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said UK-built cars are more popular than ever.

A new car rolls off production lines every 16 seconds and around 80% of all cars produced are exported, according to the industry body.

A record 1.2 million cars were exported to more than 100 countries last year, and figures for the first eight months of 2016 are 13% higher than the same period in 2015.

Some 57% of the UK's car exports go to the European Union, followed by the US (12%) and China (7%).

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "The UK automotive industry is respected globally for its rich heritage, iconic brands and engineering excellence.

"More than 10 billion of investment has gone into new facilities and models over the past five years and we're proud to see so many rival brands coming together to promote the strengths of UK automotive ahead of a key international motor show.

"The future success of this sector will hinge upon the ability of the UK to maintain the business and trading conditions that make the sector so competitive globally."

:: These are the top 10 destinations for UK-built cars in 2016 (number of cars exported in brackets):

1. European Union (502,647)

2. US (106,425)

3. China (62,440)

4. Turkey (28,431)

5. Australia (22,309)

6. Japan (17,849)

7. South Korea (16,127)

8. Canada (12,888)

9. Russia (9,709)

10. Israel (9,680)
A recovery in construction jobs in the year to September 2015 may have been short-lived with the sector experiencing another squeeze, it's been claimed.

According to the annual business register and employment survey from the Department for the Economy, building firms recruited another 1,425 workers in the year to September 2015.

Overall, there were 728,932 jobs in Northern Ireland in September last year, the survey said - up 1.1% on the year before.

And despite high-profile job loss announcements at manufacturers like tobacco giant JTI Gallaher and tyre manufacturer Michelin, there were another 3,162 manufacturing jobs added to the sector during the year.

But the survey - which comes out every two years - said the biggest growth was in services jobs - a sector embracing everything from restaurants to office jobs, which added 3,830 new jobs over the year.

John Armstrong, head of industry group the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), said the growth in jobs in the year to September 2015 reflected a time when the industry had finally begun to pick up from the recession.

It was the hardest-hit part of the economy here, with activity falling by around 40% at its nadir.

But in the last year, he said there had been a fall in jobs of around 300 to 30,110 - a figure contained in this month's labour market report.

"It is clear from this that there has been no jobs-rich recovery in the local construction industry," Mr Armstrong said.

The business register and employment survey showed that manufacturing also added 3,162 new jobs over the year. Jobs in manufacturing were concentrated in Mid-Ulster, which had 11,000 manufacturing posts, while there were 8,000 in Belfast and 7,000 in Mid and East Antrim.

Writing in Business Telegraph this week, economist Neil Gibson of the Ulster University Northern Ireland economic policy centre said the growth in manufacturing jobs had been "remarkable" and reflected strength in food processing and a rebound in the materials sector.

Employment Minister Simon Hamilton welcomed the employment figures yesterday.

"I have been encouraged by the continuing signs of improvement in economic conditions in Northern Ireland.

"I welcome this latest increase in employee jobs, especially as this increase has been driven by growth in private sector employee jobs in services, manufacturing and construction."
Ryanair is launching a service from Belfast to Girona in Spain

Ryanair is launching a service from Belfast to Girona in Spain.

The new link will bring Ryanair's routes from Belfast International to 12.

The flight to the Catalonian city - which is 90km from Barcelona - will operate twice a week from next year.

The low-cost airline announced its return to Belfast earlier this year. It now flies from Belfast International to locations including Gatwick, Malaga, Berlin and Milan.

Robin Kiely, Ryanair's head of communications, said: "We are pleased to further extend our Belfast summer 2017 schedule with a new route to Barcelona Girona, in addition to our 10 new summer routes and our four times daily service to London Gatwick, which will deliver 1.1m customers a year and support over 800 jobs at Belfast International Airport. To celebrate our new Belfast-Girona route, we are releasing seats for sale from just 24.99 for travel in March and April."

Uel Hoey, Belfast International business development director, said the route was "proof of Ryanair's commitment" to the region.
Gerry Adams is to sue the BBC over claims he sanctioned the killing of an IRA double agent.

The Sinn Fein president said he specifically and categorically denied the allegation levelled in a BBC documentary that he approved the killing of Denis Donaldson.

The explosive claim was made by an anonymous man, who claimed he was also a paid state agent in the IRA, to the Spotlight programme.

The BBC has said it stands by its journalism.

And on Thursday a spokesman confirmed it had received a letter from Mr Adams' laywers and "will respond in due course".

Mr Donaldson (55), a Sinn Fein official and close colleague of Mr Adams, was shot dead at an isolated cottage near Glenties in Co Donegal in April 2006 following his exposure as a British spy.

Mr Adams, who said he would have no issue speaking to police to reiterate his denial, had previously said he was consulting with his lawyer about potential legal action against the BBC.

On Thursday it was reported in the Andersonstown News that the Louth TD was to take legal action over the broadcaster for libel.

Responding to the report the Sinn Fein president said in a statement: "I have been consulting with my lawyers and we will now be taking action against the BBC in relation to the totally false allegation contained within the BBC Spotlight broadcast

This matter is now in the hands of my lawyers and I will not be making any further comment."

Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Denis Donaldson Denis Donaldson Scene of the murder in 2006 Outside and inside the house / Facebook

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The Belfast Telegraph exclusively revealed, also on Thursday, that the Real IRA carried out the Donaldson killing with one of its leaders saying Gerry Adams had nothing to do with the murder.

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Transport officials have been accused of treating commuters as "wallets on wheels" with their allegedly overzealous policing of Belfast's bus lanes.

The head of the UK's biggest motoring organisation said the heavy-handed approach should be urgently reviewed.

AA president Edmund King's comments came after the Belfast Telegraph reported how the cameras had raised more than 2.7m in their first 15 months.

One camera alone has scooped 1m in that period, having issued 18,000 fines.

Mr King was critical when this newspaper first reported on the high number of issued fines in September 2015, branding it outrageous.

He said the enforcement of the bus lanes was still far too excessive. "It seems that, one year on, the situation in Belfast still hasn't improved," Mr King told the Belfast Telegraph.

"It is clear that these bus lanes need to be reviewed urgently. Motorists should not be treated as wallets on wheels, so it is disappointing to see that one camera alone has issued nearly 18,000 fines.

"The fact that 2.7m has been charged to motorists over 15 months suggests that the scheme isn't working in its current form.

"Bus lanes can improve traffic flow in cities, but they must be coupled with clear signage and road markings in order to function correctly."

Bus lanes were introduced in 2012 as part of the Belfast on the Move traffic plan. Since June 2015, motorists who drive in the lanes have faced a 90 fine, which is reduced to 45 if paid in two weeks.

Up to August 31 this year, a total of 51,811 penalty charge notices were issued. They were worth a combined 2,729,021 - or 6,245 a day on average.

One camera, at Donegall Square East beside City Hall, was responsible for 17,972 penalties being issued to city centre commuters in just 15 months.

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That camera alone had generated fines totalling 975,242 by the end of August.

The other hotspots are Castle Street, where drivers have been issued with 14,184 fines, worth 706,366, and Great Victoria Street, where 8,167 fines worth 442,978 have been generated.

It has led to warnings that shoppers are being deterred from visiting Belfast.

Glyn Roberts, from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, said: "There is no doubt that headlines like we have seen this week will turn shoppers away.

"My fear is that it could have an impact approaching Christmas. I hope it won't, but it sends out entirely the wrong message."

Mr Roberts added an urgent review of bus lane enforcement was needed. He said he believed a yellow card system in which first-time offenders receive a warning, rather than a fine, would be a good first step.
A general view of Rutland Street in Belfast, where a family have been forced to move out of their home

A family have been forced to move out of their home after catching 19 rats in 24 hours.

Michael and Paula McCann and their two young children returned from a holiday to find their terraced house infested by rodents.

Wires of electrical appliances had been eaten through and faeces littered the floors of the property in Rutland Street, off Belfast's Ormeau Road.

The couple believe the rats were able to overrun the house because they had put their cat, Lady, in a cattery while they were on holiday.

The family are now staying with friends until the Housing Executive, which owns the property, finds alternative accommodation.

"I caught eight rats in the first 12 hours of having the traps down, then another four, and over 24 hours I'd caught a total of 19," Mr McCann said.

"They were big, grey rats. The look of them was disgusting and to think they were in our home near our children was awful."
Fonzies on Belfast's lower Newtownards Road was attacked on Tuesday Sept 27.

Fonzies on Belfast's lower Newtownards Road was attacked on Tuesday Sept 27.

Clean- up at Fonzie's after act of vandalism

This was the scene after a paint bomb attack on an ice cream shop where a former loyalist prisoner recorded himself performing a sex act.

Fonzie's ice cream parlour on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast was targeted on Tuesday night.

A 30-second video of ex-UDA prisoner William 'Billy' Stitt behind the counter was uploaded onto YouTube last Friday. It was removed a short time later, but not before being downloaded and shared thousands of times.

Fonzie's is part-owned by Bangor UDA boss Dee Stitt, who has sacked his cousin Billy over his antics. In a new twist, the popular shop was targeted sometime on Tuesday.

Pictures show white paint splattered across the sign and across a window above the store.

Yesterday workmen were seen trying to repair the vandalism.

A local who contacted this newspaper to inform us of the attack said the ice cream parlour was "the whole talk of the community".

The PSNI said the incident had not been reported to it.

Details of the sex incident emerged at the weekend. Dee Stitt told Sunday Life: "My sympathy is with the individual, but the engagement happened on my premises and that constitutes gross misconduct. He (Billy) has been sacked."

Billy Stitt - who was jailed in the 1990s with Dee for attempted UDA robbery and weapons possession - later claimed to be the victim of a blackmail attempt.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Billy Stitt Billy Stitt at Fonzies Ice cream parlour Fonzies Ice cream parlour Fonzies on Belfast's lower Newtownards Road was attacked on Tuesday Sept 27. Fonzies on Belfast's lower Newtownards Road was attacked on Tuesday Sept 27. / Facebook

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He said he was duped into performing the sex act by a female member of a foreign crime gang and had contacted the PSNI.

"I'm a victim of crime," he said.

He admitted that he was the man in the ice cream shop sex video and conceded it was recorded in Fonzie's, but added: "It's not what you think it is."

In the 30-second video, Stitt films himself walking around the ice cream parlour after closing time.

Suddenly he exposes himself to the camera.

Stitt had been working in the shop since it opened earlier this year.
Five children who are part of the delayed inquiry were being treated at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children

The chairman of a long-running public inquiry into the deaths of five children in Northern Ireland hospitals has said he regrets another delay in completing his report.

John O'Hara QC had hoped to publish findings by the end of this year but has said the time frame is no longer realistic.

In a statement, he said: "It will simply not be possible to finish it this year.

"I regret this and acknowledge that those who are awaiting the report will be disappointed by this news. It will be published at the earliest date in 2017 that I can achieve."

The Hyponatraemia Inquiry was set up in 2004 by the then-minister for health in Northern Ireland Angela Smith after allegations that fatal errors had been made by hospital staff administering intravenous fluids.

The inquiry has investigated the deaths of four-year-old Adam Strain who died in November 1995 ; Claire Roberts who died aged nine in October 1996, and nine-year-old Raychel Ferguson who died in June 2001.

It also examined events following the death of 17-month-old Lucy Crawford April 2000 as well as specific issues arising from the treatment of 15-year-old Conor Mitchell in May 2003.

All five children were being treated at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, although some had been transferred from hospitals in other parts of the region, when they died.

The inquiry chairman, now a High Court Judge, said significant progress had been made on all segments of the report which will be "detailed and extensive".
Consultant anaesthetist Margaret Drozdowicz delivered the critical assessment as part of her wider legal action against the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

A dying man allegedly received substandard care after being brought into a Northern Ireland hospital, the High Court heard.

Consultant anaesthetist Margaret Drozdowicz delivered the critical assessment as part of her wider legal action against the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Dr Drozdowicz is suing for alleged breach of contract linked to her exclusion from the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh in 2013.

At that stage a colleague was no longer prepared to supervise her while restrictions were placed on her professional duties.

She claims a campaign of complaints about her were an attempt to discredit her after she raised issues about theatres being used for private practice during NHS hours and the use of a drug to counteract deep vein thrombosis.

The Trust disputes her allegations, with the court told that an investigation has not uphold her concerns.

There is no suggestion in the case of any harm to patients.

Dr Drozdowicz, a Polish national, became a consultant in 2007 and then the lead in obstetric anaesthesia two years later.

But by 2011 her relationship with some medical colleagues was said to have broken down.

She was subjected to restrictions following a number of complaints from other staff at the hospital accusing her of unprofessional behaviour.

A process to assess her clinical competence and ability to resume working relationships with medical colleagues is understood to remain incomplete.

The court heard details of an incident in November 2013 where a man died after being brought into the intensive care unit.

The 64-year-old, described as a heavy smoker and drinker, was diagnosed as suffering from complaints including pneumonia.

It was alleged that Dr Drozdowicz was raising her voice and frantically waving ECG forms about within the critical care unit.

A nurse was said to have told her to keep her voice down amid concerns the patient's relatives may witness her actions.

Under cross-examination by Patrick Lyttle QC, for the Trust, Dr Drozdowicz denied the alleged behaviour.

"I'm not the person he is attempting to describe," she replied.

A series of criticisms she raised about the incident, including the administering of fluids containing potassium, were examined by a medical director for anaesthetics from an outside trust.

Stressing that nothing was found to back her concerns, Mr Lyttle said: "In other words, a clean bill of health for the medical team here."

But Dr Drozdowicz refused to accept conclusions about how the terminal phase of the man's illness was treated.

"No. It was substandard care," she replied.

Mr Lyttle continued: "You are totally condemnatory, you are critical in the highest degree of the treatment this man received in the Erne ICU (Intensive Care Unit)."

Referring to her criticisms about another consultant anaesthetist, he asked if Dr Drozdowicz had expected the colleague to continue supervising her.

The plaintiff responded: "If you have justified concerns you have to put it; it shouldn't effect personal relationships."

The case continues.
Gerry Adams has said he is taking action against the BBC over allegations about the murder of an MI5 spy in the IRA.

But the Sinn Fein president refused to say if he will sue over claims levelled in the Spotlight current affairs programme in Northern Ireland over who sanctioned the killing of Denis Donaldson.

Mr Adams branded the documentary "nonsense" and last week said he specifically and categorically denied the allegation that he had any involvement in ordering the murder.

Mr Donaldson, 55, a Sinn Fein official and close colleague of Mr Adams, was shot dead at an isolated cottage near Glenties in Co Donegal in April 2006 following his exposure as a British spy.

In a statement the republican leader said: " I have been consulting with my lawyers and we will now be taking action against the BBC in relation to the totally false allegation contained within the BBC Spotlight broadcast.

"This matter is now in the hands of my lawyers and I will not be making any further comment."

It is understood Mr Adams and his lawyers want to pursue the matter as far as possible but he declined to comment further when pressed if that would mean taking a lawsuit in the courts.

Mr Adams said last week that he would not be reluctant to sue if he was advised to.

The BBC defended Spotlight and said its programme dealt with matters of great public interest and that it stood over its journalism.

After Mr Adams' confirmation that he was taking action against the organisation, a spokeswoman said it had "not heard from Mr Adams' lawyers since the programme was broadcast".

The explosive claim over who sanctioned the spy's murder was made by an anonymous man, who claimed he was also a paid state agent in the IRA.

Dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing in 2009 but the circumstances surrounding Mr Donaldson's outing as a British agent and subsequent death have long been shrouded in mystery.

Mr Adams also accused anti-Sinn Fein elements within the British establishment of concocting the claims over who sanctioned the murder.

He said he has been raising the case with ministers in the Irish Government for years and w hy the inquest into Denis Donaldson's killing has been adjourned more than a dozen times.
A six-year-old girl has told of her agony after being left on the waiting list for vital dental treatment.

Connla Quinn, from Belfast, will be forced to endure another eight months before she gets her severe mouth abscesses removed.

She has already suffered from the condition for a year and her mother, Maria, has to drain the abscesses every day.

Connla told the BBC: "I'm aching and not good at all.

"I can't do work properly [in school] because I am that tired and I can't sleep at night.

"I'm really, really sore, I would just like them to put me to sleep to get my teeth out. I'd be happy because my abscesses would be away and there would be nothing wrong with me anymore."

Maria said that Connla's condition was leaving them both exhausted. She said: "To leave children in pain like that for so long. I don't know how someone can justify that."

A spokeswoman for the Belfast Trust apologised for the distress that Connla had experienced but said the high demand for child dental care was straining the system.

She said: "We appreciate that this can be a very difficult time for parents of children with dental problems and would like to apologise for any distress that has been caused to Connla and her parents whilst she is waiting for treatment.

"Although we are not able to discuss the full medical history of any patient we can advise that Connla has been placed on the emergency cancellation list by the Community Dental Service following her appointment earlier today [Wednesday]."

The spokeswoman added: "Currently the number of children being added to this waiting list exceeds capacity which influences the length of the waiting time.

"The trust is making every effort to shorten the current waiting time for routine dental extractions under GA for children at the Mater Hospital from its current expected waiting time of 12 months."

According to the spokeswoman urgent dental cases should be treated in six to eight weeks.

She added that the Belfast Trust is reviewing theatre utilisation, patient cancellation rates and commissioning a review team in order to speed up the waiting list.

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "I wish to reiterate that tackling excessive waiting times is high on my agenda for delivering improvements in the health service. I want to assure patients and their families again that long waiting times are completely unacceptable to me and that I understand the worry and stress that people feel when they are waiting to hear when they will be seen."

Mrs O'Neill warned however that there were no quick fixes and that reform was needed across services in order to ensure lasting change.

She said: "I look forward to setting out my vision for Health and Social Care over the next number of weeks. The health service here will continue to do its utmost within the resources it has available to ensure that the clinical needs of patients are met, patient safety is maintained and patients do not wait any longer than they have to."
Police and forensic officers at the scene of an incident in the Limehurst Way area of Lisburn on September 25th 2016 , Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye)

A 44-year-old Co Antrim man has been remanded into custody charged with murdering his father.

Gerard Mulligan, of Lisburn Square, Lisburn, appeared before a judge at the city's magistrates' court.

He was arrested after the body of pensioner Gerald Mulligan was found in the boot of car outside his home in the Limehurst Way area of Lisburn on Monday.

The court heard that Mulligan allegedly told police he had struck his father on the head with a breeze block.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective sergeant said: "Interviews were very, very limited given the condition of the defendant but he does admit striking in some way his father with a breeze block.

"Whether that was intentional or not, we never got a chance to press that."

It was further alleged that Mulligan told his partner he had killed his father when she called at the house and found him covered in blood.

The police officer added: "The partner asked where did the blood come from? He said 'I've murdered my dad and he's in the boot of the Tigra'.

"The Tigra is a car she owned."

Throughout the 20-minute hearing, bearded and heavy-set Mulligan sat with his head bowed. He was dressed in a grey round neck sweater with dark trousers.

He spoke only to confirm his identity and nodded when asked if he understood the single murder charge levied against him.

The PSNI detective told the court he believed he could connect Mulligan to the alleged offence. Details of the case were outlined as police objected t o a bail application from the defence.

The court heard Mulligan had gone to his father's house to fix a car. When Mr Mulligan Snr returned from Dublin a heated argument ensued, it was claimed.

The PSNI officer added: "There was contact with a breeze block on his father's head."

He had "panicked" and put the remains in the car, the court heard.

It emerged Mulligan overdosed on prescription medication in the wake of the incident and was taken to hospital before being brought into police custody.

He was also taken under armed police guard for psychiatric assessment at Belfast's Mater Hospital, the court was told.

As a result of his condition, three separate police interviews had to be terminated after a matter of minutes.

Police objections to bail included the risk of committing further offences; intimidation of witnesses and failure to turn up for trial.

However, challenging the objections, defence barrister Feargal MacElhatton said: "He has roots, he lives in this community. He's 44 years of age.

"Conditions can be imposed so he can seek treatment in relation to his mental health issues. There is a presumption of innocence."

Refusing bail, District Judge Rosemary Watters said she was concerned about the potential to interfere with witnesses.

The judge added: "If convicted the defendant will be sentenced to life so there is always a residual fear that he will not turn up for trial but that is not my primary concern."

The judge said another bail application could be lodged with the High Court.

As Mulligan was led from the dock, a close relative made an emotional outburst.

The case was adjourned until October 24.
Real IRA Leader Michael McKevitt had appealed over a civil court finding against him.

A bid by two republicans to overturn a landmark civil ruling that found them responsible for the Omagh bomb has been rejected by the European Court of Human Rights.

Convicted Real IRA chief Michael McKevitt and Co Louth man Liam Campbell were two of four republicans ordered to pay 1.6 million in damages to bereaved relatives who took the historic case.

The Real IRA outrage in the Co Tyrone market town in August 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured 200 others.

The pair took their case to Europe, arguing that the civil trial in Belfast High Court had been unfair.

They said the judge should have applied a criminal rather a civil standard of proof, due to the severity of the allegations, and further claimed that the evidence of an FBI agent heard during the trial should not have been admitted.

The seven ECHR judges unanimously rejected the case and made clear their decision was final.

"The applicants had not demonstrated that their trial was unfair, and the Court dismissed their applications," said an ECHR statement.

McKevitt was jailed for 20 years in August 2003 after being convicted of directing a terrorist organisation and being a member of the Real IRA.

The ECHR case was the latest in a series of separate legal attempts by the four defendants to overturn the 2009 civil judgment.

The relatives who took the action are still pursuing the damages.

No one has ever been criminally convicted of the bomb, which inflicted the most bloodshed of an single atrocity during the Northern Ireland Troubles.

One of the key witnesses in the families' case was FBI agent David Rupert, who had infiltrated the Real IRA.

He did not attend the trial in person due to concerns about his security and medical condition.

McKevitt and Campbell argued that their lawyers' inability to cross-examine Mr Rupert had been unfair.

The ECHR dismissed this argument, insisting the trial judge had taken the "appropriate safeguards and considerations" in dealing with the evidence of an absent witness.

The applicants also claimed the judge should have applied a criminal standard of proof - beyond reasonable doubt - rather than a civil one - balance of probabilities - due to the severity of the allegations facing them.

The European judges said that was not necessary because the proceedings had been for a civil claim for damages and there had been no criminal charge involved.

Rejecting both grounds for the application, the ECHR said: "The Court found that the national court's findings could not be said to have been arbitrary or unreasonable."

Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was killed in the bomb, described the ruling as "vindication" for the families.

"We feel like we have been under siege since the first judgment, with appeal after appeal," he said.

"We are relieved it is now over. The families have been vindicated.

"Enormous expense has been paid by taxpayers to make sure these people got the best of British and European justice. The British and Irish Governments must now make sure the interests of the victims comes first."

He said the authorities had to help the families recover the money owed to them.

"It would be a very hollow judgment if it was only words," he said.

"These people value money and it's where it can hurt them and both governments must work together to make sure the families receive the money that was awarded to them."

Mr Gallagher made clear the bereaved relatives would continue to campaign for a full cross-border inquiry into the Omagh bombing, amid persistent claims the outrage could have been prevented.

Diane Dodds, Democratic Unionist MEP, said it was unfair that the men had access to legal aid to fight their case in Europe and branded it an abuse of human rights laws.

"The reality is whilst these individuals had full access to legal aid during the appeal process, the families of those murdered in the Omagh bombing have not received a single penny from the civil ruling," she said.

"Innocent victims are tired of these double-standards."
Bad bank Nama must be held accountable for its handling of the controversial sale of a 1.2 billion Northern Ireland property portfolio, Ireland's spending watchdog has insisted.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) Seamus McCarthy said the toxic assets agency could have taken more action when it learned of alleged multimillion-pound "success fees" from bidders being split with one of its advisers.

"There are actions they could have taken to find out more about what happened and the circumstances around Mr (Frank) Cushnahan's alleged involvement and they didn't do those things," he told a parliamentary committee.

"I think it is a significant issue and it is an issue that Nama has to be accountable for."

Mr McCarthy's probe into the Project Eagle sale to US investment fund Cerberus in 2014 found Nama undervalued loans associated with the 800 properties in the portfolio.

It said US investment fund Pimco, who pulled out of an earlier bid, alerted Nama to a "success fee" payment of 15 million to 16 million for three parties behind the scenes.

Pimco said the money was to be shared equally by Frank Cushnahan, Nama's former Northern Ireland adviser, Brown Rudnick, a US law firm, and a managing partner of Tughans, a Belfast law firm subcontracted to assist in the deal, the report found.

Mr Cushnahan has denied any wrongdoing.

Before Dublin's Public Accounts Committee, which is investigating the sale, Mr McCarthy robustly defended his findings in the face of an unprecedented attack from Nama.

"My concern was that Nama took quite a narrow view of what they were obliged to do by law and were not necessarily probing deeper and taking more positive action," he said.

"They didn't write to Mr Cushnahan at the time to seek an explanation."

He added: "I am happy with the report. I have presented the report I wanted to present."

Mr McCarthy also told the hearing:

:: International investment bank Lazard was paid 4.5 billion as an adviser for the sale.

:: There was much less advice sought from Lazard compared to other Nama sales.

:: Lazard advised on the best price from a small number of competing bidders but not on potential best price from other sales options.

:: The portfolio was bought by Nama for 2.5 billion sterling and had a "par value" of 4.6 billion at the end of 2013.

:: Nama applied more than its own recommended discount of 5.5% and the agency did not have the properties valued by market experts ahead of their sale.

Mr McCarthy also took issue with Nama's insistence that the properties in the Project Eagle portfolio were of poor quality and could not be compared with other assets in Dublin or London.

"They are not that poor quality, they do actually have value," he said, adding the properties took in rents totalling about 100 million.

The Project Eagle deal with Cerberus has been dogged by scandal for more than a year, including 7 million linked to it being found in an Isle of Man bank account.

Former managing partner of Tughans, Ian Coulter, resigned after it was unearthed.
Dr Tom Black, chairman of the BMA's NI General Practitioners Committee, warned of an 'escalating crisis' and said general practice will collapse in two years in Northern Ireland if action is not taken

Family doctors in Northern Ireland are threatening to quit en masse if Stormont fails to deliver a rescue package for struggling local surgeries.

Dr Tom Black, chairman of the BMA's NI General Practitioners Committee, warned of an "escalating crisis" and said general practice will collapse in two years in Northern Ireland if action is not taken.

In March a motion passed by the Local Medical Committee agreed to take action if a rescue plan wasn't delivered within six months.

GPs will now be asked if they are willing to send resignation letters to Health Minister Michelle O'Neill.

Dr Black said pressures such as increasing workloads, a shrinking workforce, funding cuts and an unsafe out-of-hours service had forced the "drastic action".

Other demands include increasing GP training place numbers to 111, and acting on recommendations in a report by a GP-led working group.

The BMA say there will be "mass resignations of practices from their contracts" if enough members submit undated resignation letters.

The Health Minister said the concerns had her "full attention" after recent meetings with local GP representatives. She added that she was currently considering the GP-led report about future health funding priorities.

Mrs O'Neill pointed to increased investment in general practice, with an investment package of 5.1 million in 2015/16 and up to a further 7m in 2016/17.

She said: "1.2m per year is also being made to increase the number of GP training places to 85 each year, up from 65. A five-year initiative to place up to 300 pharmacists in GP practices by 2020/21 is under way and will see total investment rising to 14m per year."

She added that a further 900,000 was recently invested in 17 GP federations in Northern Ireland to meet growing patient demand and provide more community-based services.

The Health Minister said she would have more to say this autumn when setting out her vision for health and social care.

The DUP chair of Stormont's health committee Paula Bradley said she recognised the pressures on GPs and pointed to a 1.2m investment by the former Health Minister Simon Hamilton, which led to 20 extra GP training places.

UUP MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said GPs could not be ignored any longer: "Failure to act on this issue will lead to a total collapse of our primary care system. I support the call for an urgent rescue plan."

The SDLP's Mark H Durkan said he fully supported a rescue package: "Clearly the crisis we've been warned about for some time is upon us," he added.

He said increasing GP training numbers to 111 "wasn't too big an ask" and called for a medical training college in the north west to cope with extra pressure in areas like Fermanagh.

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw called for health reforms which emphasised supporting primary care through clinical networks and appropriate area plans.
Hugh Heaney, brother of poet Seamus Heaney, pictured with Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson, at a portrait unveiling at Stormont in Belfast in November 2015.

A brother of Seamus Heaney has come out in support of the A6 road upgrade near the poets homeplace ahead of a planned protest against the project at the opening of a new museum in Bellaghy.

Work has begun on the section of the main Belfast to Londonderry road which is expected to cost about 160m but legal papers have been lodged in an effort to challenge the upgrade in court due to concerns it cuts through 'Heaney country'.

However Hugh Heaney, sibling of the late poet, has said objections from those who claim the new road build would ruin the landscape made famous by the Nobel laureate, are without foundation.

"Heaney's country is there and Heaney country will be there forever," he told the BBC.

"I have no objection whatsoever going where it's going, it's going through Heaney country but it will not do Heaney country any harm at all.

"Anahorish is still there, Lagan's Road is still there, Mossbawn is still there, strand of Lough Beag is not even touched, so the A6 is doing a great job taking away bottlenecks for thousands of people travelling every day."

It comes as a protesters are expected to picket the opening of the new Seamus Heaney interpretative centre on Thursday morning.

Their decision to hold the protest outside HomePlace on the day media will gather to cover the opening ceremony of this major visitor attraction has dismayed many.

It has also caused some embarrassment for the director of the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry and Queens University, Belfast, as the demonstration has been orchestrated by some students and staff at the university.

Professor Fran Brearton, who has been vocal in opposing the road, last night insisted there was no rivalry between the two centres.

We were, and always have been, incredibly enthusiastic about it. I think its the one thing that Northern Ireland absolutely needs and should do, she said.

She has insisted that the road protest has nothing to do with HomePlace.

Queens is not running the roads protest. The roads protest is in every way unrelated to the opening of HomePlace, she said.

She said she thought the protests were being organised by environmentalists worried about the wetlands threatened by the road-building, and not by academics from the poetry centre.

Thats a debate that is not being run by the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queens, she said.

She added there were probably Queens students who were involved, but they were not from the poetry centre.

However, at least one of the organisers of the protest is a student in the Heaney centre  and has played a prominent role in the ongoing campaign.

The environmentalists are angry at a decision by Sinn Fein Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to plough ahead with a 160m dual carriageway between Randalstown and Castledawson.

Critics say it will devastate swathes of land that inspired Nobel Prize-winning poet Heaney to write some of his most famous works.

Earlier this month Belfast actor Stephen Rea  who helped establish the Field Day Theatre Company in 1980 with Heaney  hosted a concert at the Lyric Theatre to raise awareness of the road plan.

Among those taking part were poets mentored by Heaney  Medbh McGuckian and Ciaran Carson  as well as TS Eliot prize-winning poets Michael Longley and Sinead Morrissey.

Other well-known faces included pianist Barry Douglas and environmentalist James Orr of Friends of the Earth.

Professor Brearton said that the poetry centre and interpretative centre had always worked together.

Were drawing it up as a formal partnership but it really is anyway and we always knew they were going to be two very different things.

What was needed in Northern Ireland was a kind of Seamus Heaney visitors centre, which a university cant provide.

She said the poetry centre at Queens was created for poetry and creative writing research, as Heaney himself wanted it.

It was created to be an academic centre, and isnt a museum or a place for tourists.

Following Heaneys death, that is absolutely whats needed here, she added.

Weve never thought about it in any other way than that we would double up and collaborate on these things as much as we possibly can, Prof Brearton added.
An international human rights organisation has called for a Northern Ireland company to stop training security forces in Bahrain amid concerns about torture.

Reprieve wants NI-CO, which is owned by Invest NI, to suspend its contract because police and prison officers in the Middle Eastern state systematically abuse government opponents.

The group also wants NI-CO (Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas) to stop work with Bahrain's interior ministry until the Bahraini government ratifies international laws against torture and allows independent UN inspections.

There is no suggestion anyone from NI-CO is complicit in the alleged torture.

But a report published by Reprieve said : "Ministers in Northern Ireland have urgent questions to answer about the company's activities and the lack of oversight Stormont exercises over NI-CO.

"The company has trained forces who are accused of torturing people to confess to charges that carry the death penalty, as well as supporting institutions that have failed to investigate the abuse."

Belfast-based NI-CO has worked with Bahrain's police, prison guards and ombudsman's office for years and was awarded a 900,000 contract by the UK Foreign Office to promote human rights reform in Bahrain in 2015, Reprieve said.

The report entitled Belfast To Bahrain: The Torture Trail highlights the case of one death row inmate, Mohamed Ramadan, a former policeman and father of three young children who was tortured into making a false confession.

The paper states: "It trains Bahrain's Interior Ministry Ombudsman, a watchdog which knowingly refused for more than two years to investigate complaints regarding the torture of Mohamed Ramadan - a father-of-three on death row who was tortured into making a false confession.

"After being caught out for ignoring these torture complaints, the Ombudsman said it would begin an investigation. Instead, it has bullied and intimidated Mr Ramadan's wife and flouted international minimum standards for torture inquiries at every turn.

"NI-CO is embedded in Bahrain's internal security apparatus: a victim could be abused by NI-CO trained police, tortured in prison by NI-CO trained guards, and then have their torture allegation investigated and dismissed by the NI-CO trained ombudsman."

Harriet McCulloch, deputy director of Reprieve's death penalty team, said the UK Foreign Office (FCO) also had questions to answer.

She said: "The UK Foreign Office is financing a whitewash of Mohammed Ramadan's torture and coerced confession, leaving an innocent man languishing on death row and his family afraid to speak out.

"UK money is complicit in covering up torture in Bahrain. The Foreign Office needs to come clean about what it has paid NI-CO to do with a repressive regime like Bahrain."

Meanwhile, the report also highlighted concerns about NI-CO's work in other repressive regimes such as Egypt where Dublin teenager Ibrahim Halawa has been held in prison since taking part in a protest in 2013.

In a statement, Invest NI said: "NI-CO is classified as a public body and, whilst it is wholly owned subsidiary of Invest NI for policy and administrative purposes, the company has its own Chief Executive and Board.

"NI-CO can enter into contracts and other arrangements as it sees fit, under the guidance and responsibility of the Chief Executive and Board. The vast majority of these contracts are awarded by the EU Commission and Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO).

"Invest NI does not have sight of project-specific detail, nor would it be required to have it.

"However, it is aware of NI-CO's work in Bahrain in partnership with the FCO as part of the UK Government's support to the Government of Bahrain's reform programme.

"It is Invest NI's view that it is appropriate for NI-CO to work to support this reform, sharing learnings on how Northern Ireland has dealt with changing attitudes, culture and behaviour."

No one from NI-CO was immediately available for comment.
'The court heard police were called to an incident in Cookstown on the morning of September 8, 2015, after a witness observed the male slap the boy hard twice around the head, causing him to fall to the ground'

A father has been jailed for slapping, kicking and dragging his vulnerable five-year-old autistic son.

The Co Tyrone man, who is aged in his 30s but cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, was observed punching and kicking his son.

The man appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court for sentencing, after switching his plea to guilty, having originally denied the charge.

The court heard police were called to an incident in Cookstown on the morning of September 8, 2015, after a witness observed the male slap the boy hard twice around the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

The male then kicked the child twice "with considerable force", as he lay on the ground, then dragged him to a car, in which three other children and an adult female were seated. Two women who witnessed the incident challenged the male, who replied, "What the f*** is it to do with you?" People in the vicinity also noticed the female in the car - who it transpired was the child's mother - made no effort to intervene.

Police traced the male, who after caution replied: "My son has behavioural problems and that is how you need to act with him."

During the interview, he admitted lifting the boy to the car but denied hitting or kicking him. He maintained this until the day a contest was to be heard, but then changed his plea.

A defence barrister explained his client now accepted the assault and understood the circumstances are serious, given the child's particular vulnerability, which includes being unable to speak.

The defence urged the court to regard the matter as "an isolated incident", which drew a furious response from District Judge John Meehan. He asked: "What am I to make of the remarks that this is how you treat this boy? Or that the mother sat passive and showed no impression of shock at what was a sustained and protracted scene of violence?

"In addition, he told the police what was alleged by others was a pack of lies. He was defiant and dismissive both at the scene and at the police station."

He continued: "This is a case of very acute concern. We are dealing with a five-year-old boy who has no means of communication and is not able to speak for himself. The silent evidence of that poor child means the court cannot treat this as a one-off."

The defence advised his client understands the child's specific issues, but claimed "there was a lack of education in dealing with the boy."

But Judge Meehan countered: "Does knowing not to kick a child require a course? The court has a duty to this silent child."

Addressing the defendant directly, Judge Meehan said, "The more I read the details of this case, the more I find which concerns me. Witnesses at the scene were shocked and terrified, but nevertheless stepped into the theatre of risk having seen you abuse your little boy. You brazenly, falsely told police it was all lies. You have no real remorse for this episode which you minimise.

"This child is incapable of speaking for himself, of telling anyone if he is being treated badly. I accept he is a challenging child, but there are boundaries."

Jailing the father for three and a half months, Judge Meehan concluded: "I see this as an extremely grave situation."
Buses sit idle at the Broadstone Bus depot in Dublin during earlier strikes

The Dublin bus strikes have been called off pending a ballot of workers on an improved pay offer.

The development comes after intensive talks between trade union representatives and management at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Commuters and bus users have already endured six days of transport disruption to date. Further planned stoppages had been threatened by drivers and their colleagues.

Those strikes have been suspended pending the outcome of the ballot.

The dispute centred on workers' demands for pay increases. While Dublin Bus had offered to increase wages by 8.25% over three years, the unions demanded 15%.

It is understood a compromise offer has been put by management.

A statement from Dublin Bus said: "Dublin Bus welcomes the settlement proposals put forward by the Workplace Relations Commission today after four days of intensive discussions.

"We thank all parties involved for their constructive and positive engagement, especially the officials of the Workplace Relations Commission for the significant assistance given to all parties throughout this process.

"We also welcome the suspension by the Trade Union group of the future planned industrial action."

Owen Reidy, from trade union Siptu, said: "Arising from discussions this week at the WRC, an improved offer on our members' pay claim has been achieved.

"We intend to distribute and explain the proposals over the next few days with a view to balloting on their acceptance or rejection towards the end of next week.

"All upcoming industrial action at Dublin Bus has been suspended until the outcome of the ballot is known."

Transport minister Shane Ross welcomed the development.

"I think I am as relieved as every member of the travelling public to hear there has been a breakthrough in the talks between trade unions and management," he said.

"I would like to thank the WRC, the trade unions and management for their commitment to these talks. The hard work, the steely patience and the long hours that they have all put in over the past few days - particularly in the last 24 hours - is encouraging.

"The trade unions will now ballot their members and this important process will begin shortly."
Bad bank Nama must be held accountable for its handling of the controversial sale of a 1.2 billion Northern Ireland property portfolio, the spending watchdog has insisted.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) Seamus McCarthy said the toxic assets agency could have taken more action when it learned of alleged multimillion-pound "success fees" from bidders being split with one of its advisers.

"There are actions they could have taken to find out more about what happened and the circumstances around Mr (Frank) Cushnahan's alleged involvement and they didn't do those things," he told a parliamentary committee.

"I think it is a significant issue and it is an issue that Nama has to be accountable for."

Mr McCarthy's probe into the Project Eagle sale to US investment fund Cerberus in 2014 found Nama undervalued loans associated with the 800 properties in the portfolio.

It said US investment fund Pimco, who pulled out of an earlier bid, alerted Nama to a "success fee" payment of 15 million to 16 million for three parties behind the scenes.

Pimco said the money was to be shared equally by Frank Cushnahan, Nama's former Northern Ireland adviser, Brown Rudnick, a US law firm, and a managing partner of Tughans, a Belfast law firm subcontracted to assist in the deal, the report found.

Mr Cushnahan has denied any wrongdoing.

Before Dublin's Public Accounts Committee, which is investigating the sale, Mr McCarthy robustly defended his findings in the face of an unprecedented attack from Nama.

"My concern was that Nama took quite a narrow view of what they were obliged to do by law and were not necessarily probing deeper and taking more positive action," he said.

"They didn't write to Mr Cushnahan at the time to seek an explanation."

He added: "I am happy with the report. I have presented the report I wanted to present."

Mr McCarthy also told the hearing:

:: International investment bank Lazard was paid 4.5 billion as an adviser for the sale.

:: There was much less advice sought from Lazard compared to other Nama sales.

:: Lazard advised on the best price from a small number of competing bidders but not on potential best price from other sales options.

:: The portfolio was bought by Nama for 2.5 billion sterling and had a "par value" of 4.6 billion at the end of 2013.

:: Nama applied more than its own recommended discount of 5.5% and the agency did not have the properties valued by market experts ahead of their sale.

Mr McCarthy also took issue with Nama's insistence that the properties in the Project Eagle portfolio were of poor quality and could not be compared with other assets in Dublin or London.

"They are not that poor quality, they do actually have value," he said, adding the properties took in rents totalling about 100 million.

The Project Eagle deal with Cerberus has been dogged by scandal for more than a year, including 7 million linked to it being found in an Isle of Man bank account.

Former managing partner of Tughans, Ian Coulter, resigned after it was unearthed.
Chancellor Philip Hammond said the scheme will close to new loans at the end of 2016

Philip Hammond has confirmed the Government is closing its Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme in the latest of George Osborne's flagship policies to be abandoned by the new administration.

In a letter to Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, the Chancellor said the scheme was "introduced with a specific purpose that has now been successfully achieved" and it will close at the end of the year.

The Government stressed the scheme was always due to finish at the end of 2016.

Launched in the autumn of 2013, it was described by the then government as a "landmark" scheme that would get thousands of Britons on the housing ladder.

It meant that buyers only needed to find a deposit of 5% of the value of their home, with a mortgage covering the remaining 95%.

New figures reveal that more than 86,000 households have been supported by the scheme.

But the Government said it is no longer needed as confidence has returned to the market, with more private lenders offering 90% to 95% mortgages.

Across all of the Government's Help to Buy schemes a total of 185,000 homes were bought, including over 150,000 properties for first time buyers.

In his letter, Mr Hammond said the Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee has assessed that the move to drop the scheme is "unlikely, in current market conditions, to affect significantly the provision of finance" to Britons hunting for a mortgage.

He added: "It is important to note that the end of this particular scheme does not diminish in any way the Government's commitment to supporting those looking to get on the housing ladder."

Ministers stressed there continue to be schemes to help Britons get on the housing ladder, including Help to Buy Isas and shared ownership.

Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said: "Today's figures show that Help to Buy is helping more people realise their home ownership dream by reducing the need for large deposits and getting more new homes built.

"With hundreds of households helped every day through our range of Government-backed schemes, we are building a country that works for everyone and not just the privileged few.

Paul Smee, director general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, said: "Help to Buy continues to give a welcome leg-up to many creditworthy buyers who may not otherwise have been able to get a foothold on the property ladder.

"The scheme has helped buyers right across the country, including a high proportion of younger borrowers and first-time buyers.

"Mortgages for those with small deposits are now becoming more common outside the scheme and Help to Buy has been a significant help for buyers when they were less readily available."

Sam Dumitriu, head of projects at the Adam Smith Institute, said Mr Hammond is "right to dump George Osborne's misguided mortgage guarantee scheme".

He added: "Britain's housing crisis is the result of supply being unable to meet rising demand.

"Help to Buy only served to make this problem worse, pushing up prices through cheap credit, while doing nothing to address the underlying housing shortage.

"There is a better way. Liberalise our antiquated planning laws to allow new building in the areas that people actually want to live."
Members of the Knesset guard carry the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres to his lying in state (AP)

Thousands of Israelis have flocked to parliament to view the casket of Shimon Peres, paying final respects to the former president and prime minister whose life story mirrored that of his country.

Dignitaries began arriving for a funeral that is expected to be Israel's largest since that of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, Mr Peres' partner in peace who was killed by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.

Mr Peres' office said more than 90 delegations from 70 countries have confirmed their participation, including US president Barack Obama, French president Francois Hollande, German president Joachim Gauck, Prince Charles and King Felipe VI of Spain.

After an initial hesitation due to the collapse of peace efforts, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas also confirmed his participation, as did representatives from Egypt and Jordan - the two Arab countries at peace with Israel.

That was a testament to the wide reach of Mr Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who was his country's strongest advocate for ending the conflict in the Middle East.

In contrast to an outpouring of grief from Western leaders, Arab leaders have remained largely silent over Mr Peres' death.

Mr Abbas was one of the few to express sorrow. A representative said he wanted to attend the funeral to send a message to Israeli society that despite the current stalemate, Palestinians still believe in peace and appreciate men of peace like Mr Peres.

Many in the Arab world are deeply critical of Mr Peres because of his role in building Israel's defence arsenal, his early support for West Bank settlements and for waging war in Lebanon while prime minister.

Israeli Arab leaders, whose community Mr Peres championed, were also conspicuously quiet.

"We have strong objections and criticism to Peres of the occupation, of building the settlements and the crimes in Qana (in Lebanon)," said Ayman Odeh, head of the Arab Joint List in parliament.

Arab social media sites also featured caricatures depicting Mr Peres as the angel of death.

However, Khalid al-Khalifa, the foreign minister of Bahrain, issued a rare Arab tribute.

"Rest in peace President Shimon Peres, a man of war and a man of the still elusive peace in the Middle East," he tweeted.

Police were preparing for a complicated security operation, which will include the closing of the major highway from the airport, as well as shutting down a large part of Jerusalem.

Schools near the national cemetery are to be closed, and thousands of additional forces have been deployed.

Mr Peres' casket lay in state in the plaza outside the Knesset, or parliament, as soldiers in uniform, teenagers from youth movements and Israelis from all walks of life lined up on a warm September day to pay their respects.

They were joined by former US president Bill Clinton, the first foreign dignitary to arrive.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin laid wreaths beside the casket early on Thursday.

Mr Clinton, escorted by Mr Rivlin and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, stopped by later, staring solemnly at the casket without commenting.

The casket was covered in a blue and white Israeli flag and watched over by a small honour guard as two military officers recited psalms.

Mourners slowly walked by, laying wreaths, snapping photos and praying. A picture of a smiling Mr Peres, with a black stripe in its corner, was placed besides a flickering candle and in front of a row of Israeli flags at half-staff.

Parliament spokesman Yotam Yakir said around 25,000 Israelis had arrived by midday, and he expected that to double by evening, a staggering number when people are hectically preparing for the Jewish New Year holiday that begins on Sunday.

Yossi Namari, 67, drove two hours from a suburb of Haifa in northern Israel.

"All of Israel is encapsulated in this man," he said.

"He represents this dogged pursuit of peace. He never gave up and now that is gone. It feels like the end of an era. His style of inspiring leadership is no more."

In an unprecedented seven-decade political career, Mr Peres filled nearly every position in Israeli public life and was credited with leading the country through some of its most defining moments: creating what is believed to be a nuclear arsenal in the 1950s; disentangling its troops from Lebanon and rescuing its economy from triple-digit inflation in the 1980s; and guiding a sceptical nation into peace talks with the Palestinians in the 1990s.

A protege of David Ben-Gurion, Israel's founding father and first prime minister, Mr Peres served in parliament for nearly half a century, held every major Cabinet post - including defence, finance and foreign affairs - and served three brief stints as prime minister.

He was the country's elder statesman as its ceremonial president between 2007 and 2014.

Mr Peres created his non-governmental Peres Centre for Peace, which raised funds and ran programmes for co-operation and development projects involving Israel, the Palestinians and Arab nations.

He was a huge proponent of Israeli technology and innovation, and gained international recognition as a globe-trotting celebrity preaching peace and coexistence.

Mr Peres died at the age of 93 on Wednesday, two weeks after suffering a stroke. His son-in-law and personal physician, Dr Rafi Walden, said he left behind detailed plans for Friday's funeral as well as instructions to donate his corneas.

The mourners reflected not only Mr Peres' remarkable biography but also the symbolism of losing the country's most admired leader and the last remaining link to its founding generation.

"He represents the 'old' Israel, the wisdom, the values, the ideals - the Jewish vision for a better future," said Edna Dotan, 63, from Herzliya.

"I fear that with him passing that vision is dissipating. I don't see another leader like him rising among us."

AP
Military guard posts of North Korea near the border with South Korea (AP)

A North Korean soldier had crossed the border to defect to South Korea, according to military officials in Seoul.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said officials are investigating the North Korean solider, who defected across the central-east portion of the military demarcation line, which is inside the 2.5-mile-wide Demilitarised Zone that separates the rival countries.

The military provided no other details.

The Koreas have shared the world's most heavily fortified border since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

The conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war.

Despite the heavy military presence at the border, North Korean soldiers occasionally find room to sneak into the South.

Another North Korean solider defected in June last year after crossing the military demarcation line.

In 2012, a North Korean soldier managed to walk south of barbed-wire fences without being caught by guards, which led to criticism on how South Korean soldiers were guarding the border.

More than 29,000 North Koreans have defected to capitalist South Korea since the end of the Korean War, according to Seoul's government.

Most of them reached South Korea after travelling to China.

AP
Wilbert Paulissen, head of the Central Crime Investigation department of the Dutch National Police

A Dutch-led criminal investigation into the Malaysian jet crash, is "biased and politically motivated", according to Russian officials.

Wilbert Paulissen, head of the Central Crime Investigation department of the Dutch National Police, said that communications intercepts showed that MH17 was shot down from an area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists with a missile from a Buk launcher.

The conclusions were billed as results of a two-year criminal probe into the incident, which claimed all 298 lives on the plane.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the investigation had ignored evidence offered by Russia and allowed Ukraine to manipulate the results.
The death of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Israeli president and prime minister Shimon Peres has led to renewed calls for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Peres died in hospital yesterday morning, aged 93, prompting an outpouring of reactions from around the world.

US President Barack Obama led the tributes, which came from world leaders, leading lights of Israeli politics, and family and friends. Mr Obama said: "A light has gone out, but the hope he gave us will burn forever.

"Shimon Peres was a soldier for Israel, for the Jewish people, for justice, for peace, and for the belief that we can be true to our best selves - to the very end of our time on Earth, and in the legacy that we leave to others. For the gift of his friendship and the example of his leadership, todah rabah, Shimon."

Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister, added: "I am more sad than words can express. This is a man who was a political giant, a statesman who will rank as one of the foremost of this era or any era, and someone I loved deeply. He was an inspiration, a mentor and a friend. His intellect, his way with words that was eloquent beyond description, his command of the world and how it was changing were extraordinary."

Current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara "expressed deep personal sorrow over the passing of the nation's beloved former president, Shimon Peres", a statement read.

These words were echoed in a statement from former US President Bill Clinton and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

"His critics called him a dreamer. That he was - a lucid, eloquent dreamer until the very end. Thank goodness," they said. "Let those of us who loved him and love his nation keep his dream alive." An aide of the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, mourned Mr Peres as a "man of peace" whose death is "a great loss to humanity and the region".

Over a 66-year-long career in politics, Peres helped establish the state of Israel under his mentor David Ben-Gurion, building up the country's military strength and supporting the establishment of settlements in the West Bank.

By the 1980s his politics had moved to the centre, and he became a tireless advocate for a two state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In the 1993 peace talks with Palestinian Liberation Organisation leader Yasser Arafat, Mr Peres worked to get Palestine recognised by Israel as a negotiating partner and agreed to further talks on issues such as Israeli settlements, the status of Jerusalem, and the Palestinian right to return.

In later life he was beloved as a public figure by most of Israel in his largely ceremonial role as president between 2007-2014.

He was viewed abroad as a reassuring counterbalance to some of the more hawkish policies adopted by Israel's current right-wing prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including settlement expansion in the West Bank which extends over the Green Line agreed upon in 1967.
It is incredible that hundreds of women in Northern Ireland are being denied a drug that could save, or at least prolong, their lives. Stock image

It is incredible that hundreds of women in Northern Ireland are being denied a drug that could save, or at least prolong, their lives. A leading breast cancer research charity says only a quarter of eligible patients are getting the bisphosphonates, which can reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

It is equally incredible the reason the other three-quarters of patients are losing out is uncertainty over who should pay for the treatment.

This is scandalous. The drug costs 43p a day and that includes the cost of consultants and follow-up monitoring. It is a measly sum - around 156 a year - but the benefits are enormous. Not only would it save or prolong lives, but it would also save the NHS large sums of money by reducing the need for tests and treatment of women with secondary cancers.

How do you put a price on any person's life? But what women in Northern Ireland are doing, according to the charity, is paying with their lives for the inertia of health authorities in addressing this problem.

Yet recently the chair of the health committee at Stormont said she would not be opposed to the introduction of the PREP drug, which can prevent HIV. This is a vastly more expensive medication, potentially costing up to 400 a month per patient. While cost would be a factor in its introduction, that would have to be weighed against the cost of treating someone with HIV, she said.

Why has the same logic not been applied to the bisphosphonates?

Healthcare in Northern Ireland seems to stumble from crisis to crisis and it is clear that there needs to be a comprehensive debate on how to make the NHS here as efficient and cost-effective as possible. Failure to begin that debate will result in lives continuing to be lost needlessly.

There is no point in continuing the piecemeal sticking plaster approach that has been adopted to date whenever a crisis emerges in the health service which only results in short-term gains.

It is a service groaning under the weight of management from departmental level downwards and yet it seems increasingly difficult for decisions to be made. In this case no one seems certain on who should fund the bisphosphonates treatment for women with breast cancer who can benefit from the medication.

How can such a fundamental flaw in the process be allowed to develop, never mind continue?
Ever since the murder of Jo Cox MP back in June, much attention has focused on what is now an oft-quoted line from her maiden speech in the House of Commons just a year earlier.

In that speech, which can be easily accessed on the internet, Ms Cox referred to the ethnic diversity of her Yorkshire constituency and stated: "What surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than that which divides us."

She was referring to a rich mix of immigrants, who ranged from Irish Catholics to Muslims from India, Pakistan and Kashmir.

Had Jo Cox not been murdered, her words would never have been highlighted in this way, but that may be little consolation for her sorrowing husband and family.

To some, those words of hers may seem like a statement of the obvious, but the fact that they have now seeped into wider culture following her death - I heard them picked up in a BBC discussion a week or two ago - is a positive development, because there are lessons here for all of us.

And not least for those of us who claim to be Christian in a troubled world, where Christians are very probably at this time the most persecuted of all religions - something that has only appeared to have dawned on the mainstream secular media relatively recently.

According to Open Doors, the self-described Christian persecution watchdog, on average 322 Christians are killed because of their faith each month and 214 churches, or church properties, are destroyed.

The worst countries are, they say, North Korea, Iraq, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, and Pakistan, in that order.

My mind returned to that assertion of Jo Cox, that far more unites us than divides us, when I caught up with a couple of recent local news stories that were reported in this newspaper.

The first story concerned the installation of Fr Edward O'Donnell, parish priest of St Brigid's in Belfast, as the first-ever Catholic canon of St Anne's Cathedral and the accompanying protest outside the cathedral by a small group of Free Presbyterians.

The appointment of Fr O'Donnell as an ecumenical canon is a welcome and courageous initiative by the Dean and Chapter of St Anne's and a significant development in inter-Church relations in this city, where bridges of one kind or another are surely more wholesome than walls.

It reflects in a concrete way the reality that what unites the vast majority of Christians across so many denominations - not least their baptism and, of course, their belief in the tenets of the Apostles, or Nicene Creed - is infinitely greater than what divides them.

That general point was well made both by Dean John Mann and by Fr O'Donnell in their respective and complementary statements. Dean Mann said: "His (Fr Edward's) presence in St Anne's will be a source of strengthening the already important ecumenical bonds that we have. Our unity in Christ is important to us both." Fr O'Donnell said: "Our common faith in Jesus Christ commits us to strive for reconciliation and unity - that unity, wonderfully described by the great Lutheran theologian, Oscar Cullmann, as 'unity in reconciled diversity'."

That Free Presbyterians chose to protest this commendable ecumenical advance will have surprised nobody. They are opposed, in principle, to such developments and their right to register their public opposition in an orderly way, as they did, must be respected - however baffling and, indeed, offensive is their apparent failure to accept Catholics as Christians, as the latter and other Protestants accept them as part of the Christian community.

Then there was the story about a religious pamphlet, or flyer, that was distributed to a primary school in east Belfast by Hope for Youth Ministries (HFYM) being described by the parent of a four-year-old child as "sledgehammer Christianity".

HFYM is the respected Christian youth evangelical organisation, based in Dromore, Co Down, that runs Bible clubs and missions, the popular summer camps at Tollymore Forest Park and an annual outreach to no fewer than 250 schools throughout Northern Ireland.

I do not know the background to this story, only what is in the public domain, but an organisation like HFYM would not be allowed such access to schools, nor to run those summer camps, without a welcome from appreciative school principals, RE teachers and parents and some necessary preparatory work.

On the face of it, a four-year-old child receiving a flyer out of the blue containing references to sin "and all the wrong things I have done" may find it all a bit scary, which makes me think that the necessary groundwork may not have been done in this isolated case and that the content should have been more age-appropriate.

I am sure that the very last thing the likes of HFYM would wish to do would be to cause the slightest upset to young children, or to cause concern to parents.

This story appears to be an unwelcome distraction from the central mission of Hope for Youth Ministries, which is important and good. And that is to introduce children to Jesus Christ, children who may know little, or nothing, about Him and whose parents, who may have drifted away from their faith and may not have darkened the door of a church for years, may be grateful that someone is taking on the responsibility of suggesting that there is more to this world and to the living out of life than the eye can see.

Regardless of where people may be on the Christian spectrum, there should surely be a realisation that, in the face of aggressive secularism and worldwide persecution, we have as a community, to paraphrase the late Jo Cox, far more in common than divides us.

Citizens have an opportunity to take that more fully on board when we mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation next year and when Pope Francis (or his successor) visits Northern Ireland in August 2018.
Four suspected female members of militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen are shown with members of Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion after their arrests, in Dhaka, Aug. 16, 2016.

A terror group that has plagued Bangladesh for more than a decade carefully manages marriages within its ranks to help it survive, a member of the group told BenarNews in a recent interview.

High-ranking members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) are allowed up to four wives so that they have safe places to stay, according to Khadem, a member of the group.

Moreover, men who are with JMB appoint standby husbands for their wives in case they are widowed.

We know that we can be killed anytime; we are ready to die. So our members select standby husbands for their wives, said Khadem, who spoke to BenarNews on condition of anonymity.

For instance, Mr. X and Mrs. Y are a couple. Mr. X will introduce Mr. Z to his wife as her next husband in case he [Mr. X] dies in a police or other operation. Mr. X authorizes Mrs. Y to marry Mr. Z after his death. And Mrs. Y will accept the decision, he said.

If she does not, she will be allowed to quit the group provided that she does not divulge its secrets, he said.

Leaking any information  would be dealt with severely. But in most of the cases, our women members remain with the Company and marry the standby candidates, he said, using an insider codename for JMB.

The number of women who have been radicalized nationwide is unknown, but social conditions in Bangladesh are contributing to this trend, according to Rukhsana Siddiqua, an assistant professor of criminology at the Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University in Tangail.

Our women are docile and vulnerable. They are highly influenced by the men  be it their fathers, brothers, sons and husbands. A sister will naturally believe her brother. A woman will turn militant when a big brother or husband, whom she thinks is most trusted, feeds his sister with militancy, Siddiqua told BenarNews.

Girls and young women in Bangladesh can also be influenced by their surroundings such as in the college environment, she said.

For instance, a university or college student is prone to fall in the grip of militants when she sees that all of her roommates are promoting militancy in the name of Islam," Siddiqua added.

Frequently on the move

So far this year, security forces in Bangladesh have arrested an unusually high number of suspected female militants: 17, including three who were being groomed for suicide attacks, according to police.

I cannot give you the current figure of the female members. But four years ago, we had, on average, 100 female members in each of the (64) districts, said Khadem.

He said recent anti-militant operations had damaged the operation and forced JMB to revise its marriage policy.

We need to change our locations frequently. The hotels and guesthouses are risky for our members as the intelligence agencies are very active there. So, we have adopted a new policy, he said.

JMB now allows some men, depending on their importance, to marry up to four women living at different places.

Our female members rent houses stating that their husbands work in other places and they will come at times. Thus our militants stay with their wives at secure houses and continue the operation, said Khadem.

JMB provides funds for renting the houses and other costs as needed.

Khadem said the militants were against using contraceptives and abortion. But the rate of pregnancy is very low. The Company bears the cost of the children in case they get pregnant, he said.

Keeping it secret

JMB leapt into national consciousness in August 2004 by staging synchronized attacks in 63 of Bangladeshs 64 districts.

Today, the organization persists, despite multiple crackdowns and the death of its former top leaders at the gallows in 2007.

The most active current iteration of the group, dubbed Neo JMB, subscribes to Islamic State ideology and was involved in the first international terrorist attack on Bangladeshi soil, the July 1 cafe attack in Dhaka that left 29 people dead, officials said.

Monirul Islam, chief of the Bangladeshi polices counter-terrorism unit, acknowledged JMBs marriage policy to BenarNews.

They try to arrange marriages among themselves to keep their activities secret. We have reports that the couples get funding from the organization, Islam said.

A security analyst, retired Brig. Gen. Sakhawat Hossain, confirmed the information.

Its militants get married among themselves so that their activities are kept secret. If they marry non-militant men or women, their activities would be leaked, Hossain told BenarNews.

The Sept. 7 arrest of two JMB couples by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) revealed other aspects of the groups marriage strategy, officials say.

According to a RAB press statement, in one of the couples, the woman was far more educated than her husband. She had obtained an advanced degree in botany.

The organization (JMB) decides about their marriage. You see, highly educated Nahid Sultana married eighth-grade dropout student Aminul in line with the decision of the high ups, RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan told BenarNews.
Indian citizens celebrate after commandos conducted strikes along the Line of Control in Kashmir, wiping out at least five terror launch pads, Sept. 29, 2016.

Indias claim of wiping out at least five terror launch pads in a pre-dawn strike in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Thursday could prompt a retaliatory military action, analysts warned, while ruling out the possibility of a full-blown war between the two sides.

In a first of its kind military operation across the Line of Control (LoC), Indian soldiers went up to 3 km (1.8 miles) inside what it calls Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and eliminated at least five terror launch pads early Thursday, the Indian Army said.

I doubt this action by the Indian armed forces would create a war-like situation, but no doubt military exchanges could escalate. A war could have been possible had Pakistan recognized the surgical strike, but they are denying that any such action occurred. But Pakistani troops may begin firing on Indian troops across the LoC, former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal told BenarNews.

The LoC is a de facto border dividing the Himalayan region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars since the bitter partition of the Indian sub-continent in 1947.

Based on receiving specific and credible inputs that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the LoC to carry out infiltration and conduct strikes inside Jammu and Kashmir and in various metros in other states, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes at several of these launch pads to pre-empt infiltration by terrorists, Military Operations Director General Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh told reporters.

The action came 10 days after suspected Pakistani militants attacked an Indian army installation in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing 18 soldiers. India has blamed Pakistan-based militant outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) for the attack.

Significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those trying to shield them. We dont have a plan to further conduct such strikes, Singh said.

Defense sources told BenarNews that 38 suspected militants and nine Pakistani soldiers were killed in the operation, adding that the Indian army did not suffer any casualties.

Pakistan denies Indian strike

Pakistan, however, denied that any such strike took place, saying two soldiers were killed when India opened fire from across the LoC.

Pakistani troops befittingly responded to unprovoked Indian firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hot Spring Kel and Lipa sectors, the Pakistan Army said in a statement.

Our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness. We are ready for the safety and defense of [our] country. We strongly condemn the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces resulting in the martyrdom of two Pakistan soldiers, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told local media.

But the Indian Army said it had video evidence of the Thursdays strikes in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and would share it at an appropriate time.

Tensions between the two arch-rivals have been mounting since the Uri attack, with many in India backing a full-scale military response against Pakistani terror groups, which have been blamed for at least five major attacks on Indian soil in the last decade.

Despite intense provocation for so many years, it is only the first time Indian forces have crossed the LoC. So the onus is now on Pakistan. The surgical strike is a clear indication that Indias patience has run out, Sibal said.

Retired Maj. Gen. Afsir Karim, a New Delhi-based counter-terrorism expert, hailed the action and warned of a retaliatory measure by Pakistan.

The surgical strike is part of Indias policy of zero tolerance for terrorism. Giving that message was important. But Pakistan will not remain quiet. Indian forces must be very alert to a retaliatory action, Karim told BenarNews.

Late on Thursday, the Indian Army began evacuating all villages within 10 km (6.2 miles) of the Indo-Pak border in the states of Punjab, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir as a precautionary measure, sources said.

Economic war

The military action came as India initiated what is being described as an economic war on Pakistan in the wake of the attack in Uri.

Following a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, a decision was taken to review the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The water-distribution pact, brokered by the World Bank, gave control over three eastern tributaries of the Indus River  Beas, Ravi and Jhelum  to India, while control over the three western tributaries  Indus, Chenab and Jhelum  was given to Pakistan.

New Delhi said it would now make optimum use of the waters of the Pakistan-controlled tributaries, which flow through India, for generating hydro-power, irrigation and storage. A large chunk of Pakistans agriculture industry depends on the Indus waters.

India is allowed to use only 20 percent of the total water carried by the Indus River, according to the treaty. Although the pact allows India to use these waters to develop 1.34 million acres of irrigation in Jammu and Kashmir, only 642,477 acres have been irrigated in the state, the government said.

It added that the possibility of scrapping the pact had not been ruled out.

Blood and water cannot flow together, Modi said during Tuesdays meeting.

Later that day Pakistan said unilateral revocation of the treaty would be seen as an act of war.

The Indus Waters Treaty is perhaps the most successful water treaty ever conducted between the two countries. Its revocation can be taken as an act of war or a hostile act against Pakistan, Sharifs foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz told the Pakistani daily Dawn.

Scrapping water treaty not easy

Analysts said an abrogation of the treaty was not an easy option for India.

The only way to hold back the water from Pakistan is by obstructing or diverting the river. Obstructing it would mean that the upstream areas in India would be flooded. Abrogation of the treaty would not only impact people in Pakistan but also in India, New Delhi-based river conservationist Manoj Misra told BenarNews.

Modi is also expected to chair a meeting next week to review its Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan. If the status is withdrawn, Pakistan will not be able to export goods to India.

The MFN status, under the World Trade Organization, ensures equal treatment in imports and exports in terms of trading prices or tariffs and markets access without any discrimination.

In addition, the Modi government is examining the possibility of snapping air links with Pakistan, sources told BenarNews.

But Moushumi Basu, a professor of international studies at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University, said economic retaliation will serve no purpose.

Waging an economic war will not affect Nawaz Sharif, but the common man of Pakistan. You cant equate individual groups with what the state is doing. A political engagement between both sides to find a lasting solution is the only way forward, Basu told BenarNews.
Shanxi wood tower named world's highest 2016-09-29 13:57 By (chinadaily.com.cn)

A wood tower in Yingxian county, North China's Shanxi province, is declared the "world's highest wood tower" by the Guinness World Records on Sept 27, 2016. [Photo/IC]

The octagonal-shaped pagoda, 67.13-meter height, was built without a single nail or piece of metal some 960 years ago, during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125). It has withstood earthquakes and survived wars.

Experts have attributed the pagoda's endurance to its unique architectural design and extraordinary carpentry.

In the awarding ceremony on Tuesday, Wu Xiaohong, a Guinness World Records notary, hailed the pagoda as a classic example of ancient Chinese wooden structures, a microcosm of Chinese history and an inheritance of Chinese culture.
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Before posting his comment on Facebook (Either you take both Kashmir and Bihar, or nothing.) former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju should have known that Pakistan already has its own quota of people having their origin in Bihar. Karachi, along with Patna and Delhi, are among the three cities of the world, with highest concentration of Biharis. If any Indian stateobviously barring divided Punjab and Kashmirhas its identity in that country, it is Bihar. Bihari colonies, Bihari refugees, Bihari kebabs etc can be found in Karachi and in some other places too. There are Aligarh Colony, Delhi Colony, Agra Colony etc in Karachi but nothing is named after Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan etc. After all these states were having different names before the partition of the sub-continent. Before the Mohajir Quami Movement came into existence in 1980s Punjabis and Pathans would usually address most Urdu speaking migrants as Biharis, even though a large number of them were from the then United Province, Central Province, Rajputana etc. Though Punjabi Muslims from East Punjab migrated to the western half and Bengali Muslims from West Bengal to the then East Pakistan, yet migrants from these two states soon submerged their identities with the respective states. Even in the then East Pakistan there was a sizeable Bihari population, which crossed over at the time of partition. They had to pay the price in 1971 as most of them sided with the Pakistani establishment engaged in crackdown on Bengalis and not with the liberation movement led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Thousands of these Biharis died, lakhs fledthe country to reach India or moved to the truncated Pakistan to settled mostly in Karachi. There are still thousands of Biharis in Bangladesh, who want to move to Pakistan, though the latter is no more willing to take them. The term Mohajir is relatively a recent construct. A Delhiwal, Lucknawi, Bhopali or Hyderabadi living in Pakistan detests being addressed as Bihari by Punjabi-dominated west Pakistanis. So they popularized an expression Mohajir, which means migrants, and not refugees for which the Urdu word is panahguzir or sharnarthi (in Hindi). Some Indian commentators often commits mistake by calling Mohajir refugees from India. Unlike the general belief Mohajir is an exalted expression and its history can be traced back to the migration (Hijrat) of Prophet Mohammad and his companions from Mecca to Medina. Islamic calendar starts with this date. In contrast the word Bihari has become a sort of slur, though apparently there is nothing wrong in it. So when All Pakistan Mohajir Students Organization was formed in 1978 and subsequently Mohajir Quami Movement in 1984 all the Urdu-speaking migrantseven the originally Biharis living thereembraced the new term Mohajir. Sixty-nine years after partition, a sizeable number of Pakistanis, who travel to India, come to Bihar. This is not a one-way trafiic. When RJD chief Lalu Prasad, as a part of delegation, visited Lahore and Islamabad in 2003 he was an instant hit, even though he did not go to Karachi. Later when in November 2012 chief minister Nitish Kumar toured Pakistan he was warmly greeted in Karachi and other places. He celebrated Diwali in Pakistan. New generation Biharis living in Pakistan, especially Karachi still root for the state of their parents. They often click to Bihar specific news-portals, for example BiharTimes, and sometimes share their views. Whatever was the motive of Katjuhe later clarified that he was jokingthe truth is that there is more of Bihariyat in Pakistan than trace of Kashmiriyat. And this is not a joke. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. comments powered by Disqus




























First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





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For Immediate Release, September 29, 2016 Contact: Elise Bennett, (727) 755-6950 or ebennett@biologicaldiversity.org Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Gains Endangered Species Act Protection Snake Threatened by Habitat Destruction in Midwest, Great Lakes States MINNEAPOLIS Following a landmark settlement agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity that expedites protection decisions for 757 species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the eastern massasauga rattlesnake as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This shy, nonaggressive snake has been waiting for protection for more than 30 years. The destruction of wetlands and surrounding uplands in the Midwest by urban and agricultural sprawl is leaving the eastern massasauga with few places to live, said Elise Bennett, a Center attorney who works to protect imperiled reptiles and amphibians. These long-awaited Endangered Species Act protections can save the massasauga from extinction by saving the habitat it needs to survive. Draining wetlands for farms, roads and urban development has eliminated much of the habitat massasaugas use for food and shelter. Roads and other obstacles also prevent them from moving between wetland and upland habitats, which isolates remaining populations, leading to their demise. Greatly misunderstood, these snakes also fall victim to people who kill them out of unfounded fear. As urban development intrudes on the snakes habitat, they become more vulnerable to such persecution. Eastern massasaugas are small, thick-bodied snakes with heart-shaped heads and attractive patterns of dark blotches and spots. They can be found in wetlands across the Midwest and Great Lakes, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada. Within this expansive range, the numbers of snakes has steadily dropped. The species is now extirpated from 40 percent of the counties it historically inhabited. It's too bad this beautiful, misunderstood snake had to wait more than 30 years to get Endangered Species Act protection, but I'm glad it finally has, said Bennett. Eastern massasaugas are important and deserve our respect. With protection, they have a shot at survival and recovery. To date the Centers 2011 settlement agreement has resulted in endangered species protections for 176 species and proposed protections for another 21 species. A recent study found that active public involvement in the Endangered Species Act listing process has benefitted many imperiled species by accelerating these crucial protections. Read more about the Centers 757 agreement and its campaign to address the amphibian and reptile extinction crisis. The Fish and Wildlife Service identified the snake as a candidate for federal Endangered Species Act protection in 1982. It is listed as endangered, threatened or a species of special concern in every state or province in which it lives. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


For Immediate Release, September 28, 2016 Contact: Dune Lankard, (907) 952-5265, dlankard@biologicaldiversity.org Alaska's Liquefied Natural Gas Rail Project, First in United States,

Raises Safety, Secrecy, Environmental Concerns ANCHORAGE This weeks shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by Alaska Railroad  the first rail shipment of LNG in U.S. history  raises safety concerns, has avoided serious public scrutiny, and could deepen the countrys dependence on fossil fuels, according to the Center of Biological Diversity. The group made a Freedom of Information Act request to the Federal Railroad Administration for documents related to the project earlier this year and received a non-responsive reply. Orlando (Florida) Sun-Sentinel columnist Michael Mayo also sought documents related to an LNG-by-rail proposal in South Florida earlier this year; he was told those documents were proprietary information, as he detailed in a June 8 column. Alaskans are being endangered by this untested plan for shipping a volatile compressed fuel by rail. We know LNG facilities and oil trains both have deadly histories of explosions, and the public deserves to know more about this expansion of the countrys fossil fuel infrastructure, said Dune Lankard, the Centers senior Alaska representative. Rather than finding new ways of burning more fossil fuels, this country needs to address climate change and convert to clean energy. As reported by the Associated Press and other media outlets, two Sept. 7 LNG shipments from Anchorage to Fairbanks, using specially designed 7,000-gallon rail tankers that keep the condensed fuel chilled to minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit, were the first in a pilot program running through the end of 2017. Its part of a dangerous new trend of increasingly shipping explosive fossil fuels by rail, which has already killed dozens and endangers millions of people near rail lines, according to a 2015 report by the Center. The U.S. Department of Transportation is currently reviewing its LNG safety rules following a 2014 explosion at an LNG plant in Plymouth, Wash. that injured five people and did $72 million in property damage. A derailment or natural-gas explosion would devastate Alaskas communities and wildlife. Our salmon and herring runs and impacted wildlife have never fully recovered from the Exxon Valdez spill, and that was almost 30 years ago, Lankard said. Alaskans deserve more than to be guinea pigs for the LNG industry. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


For Immediate Release, September 29, 2016 Contacts: Anne Hawke, NRDC, (646) 823-4518, ahawke@nrdc.org

Miyoko Sakashita, Center for Biological Diversity, (510) 844-7108, miyoko@biologicaldiversity.org

Cyn Sarthou, Gulf Restoration Network, (504) 525-1528 x 202, cyn@healthygulf.org Feds Find Oil, Gas Seismic Surveys in Gulf of Mexico Would Harm or

Harass Marine Mammals up to 31.9 Million Times WASHINGTON The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has released a draft environmental impact statement that concludes seismic surveys for oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico would cause significant harm to marine mammals. The long-awaited review comes in response to a court-ordered settlement of a lawsuit brought by environmental groups. The analysis finds that as many as 31.9 million marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico will be injured and harassed by oil and gas seismic surveys. This includes 80 percent of the Gulfs endangered sperm whale population, estimated at 763 animals. Sperm whales will experience as many as 760,000 harassing exposures to airgun blasting over the next decade. The draft estimates that seismic blasting would cause as many as 588 injuries to the Gulfs Brydes whales  of which only 33 individuals remain  or about 17 times for each member of this imperiled population. For years, industry has been allowed to blast away without permits, without authorizations, and without thought about how its activities are degrading the already beleaguered Gulf, said Michael Jasny, director of NRDCs Marine Mammal Protection Project. This place is not a sacrifice zone. The federal government finally needs to take action once and for all and not condone this business-as-usual disregard for the health of these waters. Seismic exploration surveys use extensive arrays of high-powered airguns to search for oil. These generate the loudest human sounds in the ocean short of explosives. The blasts, which can effectively reach more than 250 decibels, can cause hearing loss in marine mammals, disturb essential behaviors such as feeding and breeding over vast distances, mask communications among whales and among dolphins, and reduce catch rates of commercial fish. The new report finally acknowledges what environmental groups have long warned: that these sonic blasts cause harm to marine mammals. The report estimates that oil and gas seismic surveys will harm whales and dolphins with as many as 4.3 million instances of injury, including permanent hearing loss. Prior to the lawsuit, the oil and gas industry conducted seismic surveys for decades without the permits required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Oil and gas surveys deafen and injure whales, and marine mammals shouldnt have to endure these seismic assaults. Its good to finally see an analysis of the airgun blasting after years of industry delays, and we really need to cut oil and gas exploration, said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. For the sake of our climate and sensitive marine life, we need to get the oil and gas industry out of oceans. The draft report outlines possible mitigation measures, including closure areas where seismic blasting would be banned, and reductions in the amount of activity permissible each year. For years we have raised concerns that the sound from oil and gas surveys was injuring the marine mammals of the Gulf, said Cynthia Sarthou, executive director at the Gulf Restoration Network. Protection of mammals in the Gulf is even more important now, as many are still recovering from exposure to oil and dispersant from the BP disaster. Flooding the ocean with noise from seismic surveys is a devastating one-two punch for the ocean, said Steve Mashuda, an attorney with Earthjustice. At a time when our oceans are already showing the stress of climate change, it just doesn't make sense to harm whales, dolphins, and other ocean wildlife in service of drilling for more oil we can't afford to burn. The environmental review is open to public comment for 60 days. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit compelling the environmental review include NRDC, the Center for Biological Diversity, Gulf Restoration Network and Sierra Club, and are represented by Earthjustice. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 2 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.
Mewing is a TikTok trend that has blown up in the last few months. It is claimed that it can help shape your jawline as well as cure other ailments by actively pressing your tongue to the roof
Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) has appointed MediaMark as its advertising sales agency for the South African and sub-Saharan Africa regions. MediaMark's responsibilities will be inclusive of all advertising sales on the Multichoice's DStv North Indian bouquet, namely that of Sony TV Asia and Sony Max. MediaMark will also work closely with SPN to introduce special sales packages to media houses, agencies and direct clients.
TANGIERS, Morocco - Morocco signed an agreement with Boeing on Tuesday to build a new hub for the US aerospace giant that officials hope will create thousands of skilled jobs.

Image by 123RF

King Mohammed VI oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding in the northern port city of Tangiers to establish an industrial zone where up to 120 Boeing suppliers and sub-contractors could operate.

"This is a very important strategic project as we move into a new aeronautical era in Morocco," Industry Minister Moulay Hafi Elalamy told AFP.

Morocco has unveiled several large-scale industrial projects in recent years, with the Tangiers region among the fastest growing. French carmaker Renault in April signed deals to invest more than $1 billion (900 million euros) and create 50,000 jobs in the North African country.

Morocco was badly affected by the financial crisis in Europe, its top trade partner, and has struggled to contain a ballooning public deficit.

The authorities have strenuously promoted the country as a bridge between Africa and the West, in a bid to encourage foreign investment and trade.

"The Moroccan aeronautical industry has seen important growth in recent years," said Elalamy. "The sector has grown six-fold in just 10 years and there are now 121 firms."

Some of the largest manufacturers are already present in the country, contributing to a sector that employs about 10,000 people and has a turnover of $1 billion per year.

Elalamy said the Boeing industrial zone could create up to 8,700 jobs. Morocco's gateway linking Europe, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Tangiers has experienced unprecedented development in recent years, including a new airport and deep-water port.

Source: AFP.
EnergyNet has announced that Masen has come on board as the official sponsor of the Africa Renewable Energy Forum (ARF), the labelised side meeting of COP22 in Morocco this November.

Masen has recently become responsible for the development of all renewable energy in Morocco, implementing its programmes following three visions: local development; industrial integration; and international North-South-South cooperation, with countries such as Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Nigeria.

Masens participation at the ARF will provide investors with insights into new energy strategies and the role Morocco will play in developing renewable energy access not only in Morocco, but across the region.

Taking place from 2-4 November in Marrakech, the Africa Renewable Energy Forum will provide a unique platform for networking and knowledge sharing which contributes to the Burkina Faso Governments ambition of realising its solar energy potential, as well as to Masens energy development goal of building partnerships with West-African neighbours.

The Africa Renewable Energy Forum is a pan-African platform for discussions with decision-makers, experts and investors on opportunities for the development and deployment of renewable energy solutions across the continent.

An updated programme is now available to download with more details.
The Red & Yellow School is running a copywriting workshop for non-copywriters at our Cape Town campus on 11 October 2016, and at our Johannesburg campus on 19 October 2016.

Designed as a capsule hit-the-ground-running essential masterclass in the basic skills needed to write savvy copy that sells and compels, it's an excellent tee-up for bloggers, marketers, sales folk and anybody else who needs to sharpen up their writing skills.

Beginning with conceptual ideation and the importance of finding an insight into the consumer need for the brand, it touches on best practice message creation, how to carry it through different media elements in a campaign, and the refinement of copy for print and digital media.

Copywriting isn't just creative word-smithery. Anyone can play tricksy with the words. Copywriters are primarily thinkers. And it is the thinking that gives the words the charge they need to light up a campaign.

And you can't learn it in a day. But with the Red & Yellow method, you can gain enough skills in one rich encapsulated workshop to play with immediately and sharpen up your game.

It's not a kind of magic. Or maybe it is. There's definitely a song in there anyway. It's just how we do it. We don't teach writing. We teach thinking. The writing part is the journey, but the thinking part is the map. Get that right, and the copy is a matter of crafting and knowing where you are going. The rest is just practice.

If you have ever struggled to write a headline that doesn't sound like five thousand others before it, a letter to your great aunt, or the most regrettable eleven words since "I'm pretty sure that's an iceberg off the starboard bow, Captain", then this workshop is made for you.

Sign up now. Before all the really, really good words are gone.

About Red & Yellow School

The Red & Yellow School has been producing industry leaders and game changers in the fields of marketing, graphic design, art direction and copywriting for 22 years. Applications for 2017 are now open. Find out more on the website or contact Red & Yellow on 021 462 1946 / 011 067 3400 / az.oc.wolleydnader@ofni.




The population is growing and we're living longer. In addition, today's patients want to play an active role in managing their health. So, how do we keep the healthcare sector sustainable and how will this play out in Africa?

The continent faces its own unique challenges, with most of the population still living in poverty, a lack of adequate government funding, inefficient pharmaceutical supplies and distribution and a shortage of professional healthcare skills and infrastructure.

System need to be holistically transformed

Not only is communicable disease still a major issue in Africa, non-communicable disease is fast on the rise with the ever-growing middle class.

Healthcare stakeholders including doctors, patients, pharmaceuticals and medical laboratory often do not have access to the right information at the right time to effectively drive proactive management, tracking and monitoring of Africas health.

Complete integration

To deliver continued improvements to Africa's beleaguered healthcare environment, healthcare has to be holistically transformed, with technology and digitisation playing a vital role.

Like the rest of the world, Africa will undoubtedly benefit from a healthcare network that efficiently connects patients, doctors, health insurance, pharmaceutical, pathology labs and governments.

This vision is no mean feat. It would require significantly changing how healthcare services are provided with the goal of having a complete digitised patient record.

A complete personalised patient record which consolidates clinical and administrative data in a single integrated place requires an investment in healthcare technology, resources, skills and its usage.

Many healthcare facilities in Africa find it difficult to employ medically trained staff to cope with the high demands of patient care, because once trained many opt to work in other markets with better working conditions and salaries.

Connected health platform

According to Charmaine Odendaal, healthcare industry lead at SAP Africa:, Across the globe, healthcare facilities are faced with the challenge of escalating volumes of data, yet they have insufficient if not zero access to the medical insights that this data could provide in delivering accurate patient care."

"There is huge potential to change this scenario. A connected health platform has the capability to link quality clinical and patient information to produce medical insights that can be used for proactive patient care across healthcare facilities."

Healthcare services delivery solutions

The search is still on for an ideal healthcare system that provides access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for all and Africa is not alone in this journey.

Healthcare technology is becoming a key enabler to solving the delivery of healthcare services - from chronic health monitoring, disease tracking and hospital administration, billing and managing medical supplies of equipments and drugs.

Africa needs a healthy population to grow its economy and overcome its many socioeconomic challenges and healthcare delivery should remain cost effective without compromising quality.

Through a connected health platform, patients and their doctors can contribute to shaping the healthcare industry in such a way that population health can be positively impacted.

With the adoption of innovation technologies such as mobile disease tracking, remote diagnoses of patients with the help of technology, clinical insights, integrated medical business process and connected healthcare network facilities software, Africa could deliver a quality and affordable patient care for all.
Take one part online fashion and beauty content. Add in programmatic advertising and networking opportunities. Mix well. What do you get? Hybrid digital agency and media house Amorphous Stride's latest offering, the FashionBeauty.Network. CEO Grant Shippey tells us more.

Shippey

FashionBeauty.Network is the first programmatic advertising platform in South Africa for the fashion, beauty and fragrance industries. It lets you place adverts across every possible digital medium, whether website or app, on all the different online niches fashionistas frequent, at the right time of day for them to be able to pay attention to it.

While talk of advert placement management through a demand-side platform and real-time bidding still strikes fear in the hearts of most marketers due to its expensive nature and the fact that little of it is available locally, Amorphous Strides new offering is set to shake things up as a cost-per view ranges from 15c to as little as 7c.

Why programmatic? Aside from the fact that it means measurability is a piece of cake, Shippey describes the benefits as follows:

Marketers and advertisers : Get access to smart, well-priced advertising space, which can be targeted to myriad factors, for example: Reach women interested in buying make-up. So youre reaching consumers with an active interest in what youre promoting, making it easier to hit those consumer sweet spots when coordinating a marketing campaign.

: Get access to smart, well-priced advertising space, which can be targeted to myriad factors, for example: Reach women interested in buying make-up. So youre reaching consumers with an active interest in what youre promoting, making it easier to hit those consumer sweet spots when coordinating a marketing campaign. Publishers: Get to open the ad space for sale via the programmatic networks, allowing for a broader customer base and highly cost-effective sales channels.

FBN is a good fit as Amorphous is a hybrid agency and media house. Shippey calls it hybrid because although theyre a digital agency, they also make their own media with products like the location-based SMS messaging and audience insights tool, Hudlr.

Fashion and beauty, rolled into one.

In addition, they publish the digital edition of Edgars Club Magazine, and represent third-party ad inventory through their programmatic offering. Programmatic thus fits in as the logical next step in the mobile media industry, with the aim to package up audiences of interest. Fashion and beauty is just the first vertical, with plans to launch more over the coming months using the .Network high-level domain.

Advertise where your audience is

Its a good place to start as theres no doubt digital advertising is of utmost importance for the fashion and beauty industries. Shippey admits Instagram and Pinterest do well in drawing consumer attention as theyre havens of users with a deep love of the industry, but he says getting a retail or brand message out to a mass digital audience requires platform independence. So while the likes of Instagram can deliver engaged audiences through content marketing techniques with a younger, less affluent audience in most cases, (thats Kardashians aside, of course), driving the scale to retail adoption of the campaign requires a broader strategy.

He adds that a recent study found mobile is preferred over print magazines for fashion inspiration. Amorphous Stride thus wants to capitalise on the changing consumption habits of consumers from print and TV to mobile, and programmatic is how they plan on doing it.

Click here for more on the FashionBeauty.Network and follow Amorphous Stride on Twitter for updates.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) conference in South Africa provides a unique opportunity to make a ban on the ivory trade legally binding. The convention has already rejected a call to legalise the sale of ivory; the next step is a worldwide ban.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) passed a motion on September 10 to ban all trade in ivory by halting the legal domestic trade that exists in some countries. But its ban is not legally enforceable.

Unlike the IUCN, CITES commands legal powers as most countries have signed and ratified its agreements, so theyre legally obliged to follow its policies. The success of a similar motion during its conference could mean the difference between the continuing existence of African elephants and their current slaughter.

A dwindling population

African elephants were first listed as a species of concern by CITES in 1977, with trade permitted only under the proviso of stringent regulation and monitoring. But by 1989, after a decade supposedly well-regulated international markets, the African elephant population had dropped by 60%.

Indeed, the population of African elephants has declined by up to 97% in the past century. Every year, around 30,000 elephants are slaughtered for their tusks, and this may drive African elephants to extinct within the next decade.

Even this trend masks a more serious decline. Despite strong scientific evidence that African elephants are two unique species that diverged from each other millions of years ago, vested interests aiming to maintain the ivory trade only acknowledge one species. This strengthens their argument that populations are high enough to withstand slaughter for ivory harvesting.

Forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are particularly vulnerable to extinction, having lost two-thirds of their population in just the past decade. Savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) have declined by a third.

Illegal poaching is the main driver of population decline for both species.

Well-regulated markets?

Regulating the ivory trade is hard because of the difficulty in differentiating ivory obtained before the 1989 ban and illegal, post-1989 ivory. Its currently impossible to assess the age of ivory, so many countries have created certification systems.

A lack of rigorous checking, along with the creation of false certification, allows dealers to sell new ivory using certificates created for ivory taken before the ban. And even the best technologies fail to provide a mechanism to trace or register individual tusks.

The picture is further complicated by the CITES-approved sale of stockpiles of 49 tonnes of seized ivory in 1997 to Japan. The sale was justified as providing funding for conservation but it legitimised trade and stoked demand to such a degree that it could not be met through legal sources. Its thought to have driven further poaching, and increased smuggling by as much as 71%.

Another sale of stockpiled ivory to Japan and China in 2008 created a system where the mechanisms implemented to regulate released ivory allowed certificates to be falsely reused to launder illegal stock and create a limitless supply of ivory for sale.

With each sale, there have been guarantees of effective regulation, but each release has instead driven an increase in poaching and illegal trade. And despite repeated attempts to effectively regulate the ivory trade, each sale has stoked demand and driven laundering.

Getting around regulations

In the early 2000s, pressure from the governments of Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa  the same countries that sought the reintroduction of the ivory trade at the current conference  saw African elephants downlisted by CITES in these countries to allow limited trade, provided the ivory was registered and closely monitored, and that elephant populations within those countries remained stable.

But these countries provide a conduit for trade globally, and drive poaching across the native African elephant range states. Forensic testing proves that ivory sold in these countries frequently originates elsewhere, where it must have been poached illegally.

In China, the encouragement of the ivory trade as cultural heritage in 2002 and releases of controlled volumes of ivory led to a more than 170% increase in its value, and 59.6% of legality-certificates were used to launder illegal stock.

This boom in ivory prices lasted from 2009 until the ban announced by Chinese President Jinping Xi in September 2015. Since then, the value of ivory in China has halved.

Japan currently has the largest legal ivory market globally, including 7,570 registered dealers, 537 wholesalers, and 293 manufacturers. But irrefutable evidence shows increasing levels of laundering within the trade in Japan, thanks to an ineffective regulation system that allows anyone to decide on the legality of their ivory.

Sales in Japan are thought to have almost quadrupled from the equivalent of US$2 million in 2010, to US$7 million in 2014. Its not feasible for this volume of ivory to have been legally registered.

Online markets for ivory have been targeted within China, and internationally by retailers including eBay, Taobao and Alibaba, but Japan has made no effort to do the same, despite repeated calls from non-governmental organisations, scientists and other governments.

Legalising any form of trade has been shown to drive illegal trade. Its impossible to produce enough ivory legally to meet demand.

Stopping the slaughter

The United States, France, and China have all recognised the impossibility of regulating the trade, and banned sales of domestic ivory. There is support for a global ban across a range states. And by NGOs aiming to implement the African Elephant Action Plan, which provides a strategy to sustainably manage and conserve African elephant populations.

Support for a global ban has come from the public burning of ivory stockpiles in more than 21 countries to date. These burnings, such as the 105-ton ivory and rhino horn stockpile burning in Kenya in April, show that elephants are worth more than just their ivory, and that any ivory trade represents a threat to their survival.

The IUCN has set a precedent through its call to ban the domestic ivory trade, but the critical next step is the decision to be made at the CITES conference in Johannesburg. If the conference passes the motion to ban the sale of ivory for good, it might just manage to stop the massacre of African elephants that the trade inevitably allows.


Criminal dealers in wildlife are making increasing use of social media and the internet to fuel the illegal trade globally.

Experts sounded the alarm on Wednesday, 28 September, at the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), under way in Sandton, Johannesburg.

But the bad guys aren't the only ones exploiting technology - conservationists are using nanotechnology, barcoding, and DNA and chemical-composition profiling.

The "Combating Wildlife Cybercrime" report paints a bleak picture of law enforcement officers continually being outwitted by criminals.

Interpol recently found 660 advertisements originating in nine European countries on 61 internet auction sites touting ivory valued at 1.45m.

"In November 2014 an investigation found that 33006 endangered animals and wildlife products were for sale in 9482 adverts. They were worth a minimum of $10.7m (R145.9-million)," the report said.

"The investigation looked at the trade in endangered wildlife taking place on 280 online marketplaces in 16 countries. Of the advertisements, 54% were for live animals and 46% for animal parts and products. Ivory, reptiles and birds were the items most widely offered."

Richard Thomas, spokesman for Traffic, an international organisation that tracks and counters wildlife trading, said criminals were increasingly taking advantage of the internet.

"The internet allows people to carry out transactions without a face-to-face meeting, using couriers to get products from sellers to buyers.

"In 2012 we noticed an alarming spike in coded adverts in China. At the height of the spike 60000 adverts a month were being placed to sell wildlife illegally," Thomas said.

Forensic scientists who met on the sidelines of the Cites conference are pushing for science to complement brute force in the fight against the wildlife traffickers.

"Forensic sciences can help distinguish the difference between legally and illegally traded animals, establish the source of seized animal products and map the trade routes," said Rob Ogden, programme director of the wildlife forensic network Trace.

Forensic scientists have developing databases of the characteristics of blood, saliva, hair and skin samples from animals.

"There is an urgent need for the establishment of regional forensic science hubs, equipped with databases containing important information such as DNA profiles that can be accessed easily by investigators and contribute to prosecutions.

"Often, poached wildlife is passed off as having been captive-bred. These databases will help differentiate," Ogden said.

Source: The Times
The African Development Bank (AfDB) together with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is embarking on the initiative "Jobs for Youth in Africa", aimed to put an end to youth unemployment in the continent by creating eight million agribusiness jobs within five years. The president of the AfDB, a former Nigerian minister of agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina visited the Agripreneurs training centre at IITA, and reiterated his commitment to the initiative.

jmalstrom via pixabay

Under Adesina's leadership, the AfDB has extended support to African youth through the IITA Youth Agripreneurs program that will be scaling up the model of youth engagement in agribusiness. In recognition of his continuous support and commitment to the cause of African youth, IITA will be preserving Adesina's legacy by naming after him the state-of-the-art youth training centre at IITA headquarters in Ibadan and in Abuja, Nigeria.

The training centres and facilities provided by the AfDB and the IITA will assist African youths to take on work in the agricultural sector. The initiative also seeks to encourage the many unemployed African youths to become involved in agriculture in order to make it a driving force for development in Africa.

Nigeria is not the only African country with high youth unemployment. Youth unemployment in South Africa was estimated at 51.5 percent in 2014; Namibia 40.1 percent; and Algeria 28.4 percent. Three in every five young workers in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have the level of education required for them to compete in the job market.

Unlocking Africa's agricultural potential

The AfDB president set forth his five development priorities for the institution when he took office in September 2015. One of these priorities is the 'Feed Africa' initiative, an agricultural transformation strategy that aims to unlock Africa's agricultural potential. The strategy also aims to boost job creation with the view of making the agriculture sector profitable and a starting point for industrialisation. With the 'Feed Africa' strategy, Africa would be able to feed itself and reduce net food importation by 2025.

"There is no reason for Africa to spend USD 35 billion importing food when the continent could feed itself, said Adesina, adding Africa must become a global powerhouse in food and agriculture." And indeed, it could. Africa disposes of some 400 million hectares of agricultural land, waiting to be cultivated. However, different laws, regulations, policies and institutions applying to each African country make it hard for local farmers to access seeds, modern technology, and equipment, and to transport their goods in order to sell them on the market.

In order to make the agricultural sector in Africa profitable, it needs to be transformed. African countries need to increase trade amongst each other, maximising their production and getting the food to where it is needed, instead of buying it from outside the continent. Removing barriers to regional trade will benefit farmers, who will make more money from the rising demand, as well as consumers, who are able to buy food cheaper and have more job opportunities by engaging in the growing agriculture sector.

In order to unlock Africa's large agricultural potential, African governments need to take collective action and produce a set of common rules, standards, and taxes. Lifting the barriers to food trade could not only increase Africa's production, eventually becoming able to feed itself, but could also contribute to a decrease the high youth unemployment and give millions of young women and men a future in which they are able to sustain themselves.
The ANC parliamentary caucus on Wednesday, 28 September 2016, gave the SABC a week to rescind its decision to redeploy Hlaudi Motsoeneng to another managerial position at the broadcaster.

ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu told reporters in Parliament that the SABC board would meet with the portfolio committee on communications to discuss rescinding Motsoeneng's redeployment.

If the meeting produced no consensus, a parliamentary inquiry would ensue. This could lead to a move to have the SABC board dissolved, Mthembu said.

"When the ANC goes to the portfolio committee meeting they will go informed by what we are saying now. If they meet in minds and decide on the next process, let them. All I know is that board is not fit to govern.

"Clause 15 [of the Broadcasting Act] is clear on who can recommend dissolution to the House and that is the committee of Parliament. But they can only recommend the dissolution after due process. That due process is an inquiry," Mthembu said.

He told reporters that despite speculation that Motsoeneng had the favour of powerful politicians in the ANC, allowing him to stay on, the party had not deployed him to the public broadcaster.

"The ANC has not deployed Hlaudi. Be that as it may, there are many people that the ANC has not deployed that would do a wonderful job. I can't say the same about him. Many more would do a great job irrespective of whether they were deployed by the ANC," said Mthembu.

Among other things the caucus wanted to know was whether due process had been followed when the vacant position was filled by Motsoeneng. These processes included advertising the job, interviewing candidates and verifying qualifications.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said the board had not yet seen the request from the ANC parliamentary caucus but if Parliament wished to discuss anything with the SABC, the public service broadcaster would not be hard to find.

He maintained that the SABC believed it was correct in how it had handled Motsoeneng's appointment.

DA MP on the communications committee Phumzile van Damme said it was good news that the ANC was taking the action that she had pushed for, although it was a pity that this had happened only after the Constitutional Court had ruled on Parliament's failure to conduct an inquiry.

Political analyst and former parastatal board member Somadoda Fikeni said the call by the ANC caucus made the party appear divided. It had become easy to predict how each of the party's structures would react to the development.

Source: Business Day
It's been proved that face-to-face contact beats electronic communication in terms of networking, negotiation, and teamwork. Commuting to airports and layovers can take time, often causing work to pile up, which business travellers find disruptive and stressful.

As a savvy business traveller youll already have an app like ba.com, which enables you to check in for your flight on your mobile device, for example, and your enterprise will be a member of On Business, which rewards you for business travel. But Sue Petrie, British Airways commercial manager for Southern Africa, suggests these hacks to streamline your flying forays:

 Boomerang: We all know that sinking sensation when you go online after a long flight and a deluge of messages hits your inbox and threatens to rattle your carefully planned workload. Boomerang works with Gmail and enables you to temporarily clear your inbox so that you can stick to your to-do list. You can retrieve the messages later. Boomerang also enables you to schedule when your mails are sent. Lets say youre on an early flight and will be in the air when your team gets to work. You have a mail you need actioned, and want to make sure they see it when they get to the office. You can set the precise time youd like the mail sent for that to happen.

 Scannable: If youre a business traveller, chances are that you need to keep a record of expenses, or perhaps you need to capture and mail electronic copies of hard-copy  a signed contract you need to get to your legal team, perhaps  and cant get to a scanner without compromising on confidentiality. Take a picture of the document with your smartphone and Scannable automatically straightens and neatens the pages by correcting, contrasting and lighting. Another way to capture receipts and invoices is Do Button, which allows you to save the slip to a DropBox file. You can then send a link to your accounts department and leave them with no option but to reimburse you.

 Trello: a popular project-management tool that works across a variety of devices. It allows real-time updates on the progress of developing a project from concept to completion. There are quite a few tools like this available, but Trellos colour-codes and use of cards and lists have the look-and-feel of jotted-down to-do list, which is what earned it more than 10m users. This may also be because its based on the Japanese supply-chain-management principle of Kanban, which Toyota developed as just-in-time supply-chain management with great success.

 Wi-fi Finder: the app alerts you to nearby Wi-Fi hotspots, a boon if youre trying to conserve your data and avoid excessive charges for roaming and need to conduct a Skype call. Theres also a vast downloadable database of Wi-Fi spots, so you can find a destinations Wi-Fi-rich zones before you arrive.

 AroundMe: the app uses your mobile device's GPS to direct you to facilities like ATMs and banks, parking garages, hospitals, and restaurants, bars and coffee shops, along with contact details and reviews.
Six South Africans have started on a six-month journey through South Africa to explore the country's leading trails and paths to inspire tavellers all over the world to experience the best attractions Mzansi has to offer.

Dubbed the #TrekSouthAfrica project, the team will travel through all nine provinces, exploring 21 South African National Parks, 18 nature reserves and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 180 days.

Inspiring international travellers to experience South Africa

Sam Chevallier, game ranger, environmentalist, and leader of the #TrekSouthAfrica project, hopes that by sharing their travel experiences, it will encourage more international travellers to make South Africa their chosen holiday destination.

South Africa is known as the third most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world, there is also a rich diversity of languages and cultures. A large portion of the country's economy is based within tourism, with the majority of wildlife dependent on it - so through documenting our travels we hope to inspire people to experience South Africa.

Blyde River Canyon sunrise - Image by Rudolph De Gerardier

The #TrekSouthAfrica team will be sharing all their imagery, video as well as 360-degree media of their experiences via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can also follow them via an Instagram pop-up account - which will only be available for the duration of their six-month journey.
The African leg of the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo has just concluded in Cape Town, providing an eager crowd of top tech leaders with invaluable insights on trends shaping not just IT, but business in general.

Jeffrey Mann, Gartner Research.

Any Symposium attendee can attest to the fact that theres an overwhelming amount of information to take in, and with more than 70 presentations taking place over the three days, the chance that youll miss a talk (or ten) is highly likely.

Thank goodness then for Jeffrey Mann, research vice president for collaboration and social software at Gartner Research, and his closing keynote on Day 3, which summarised the key messages and actionable insights for delegates to commit to memory and put into practice.

Building the digital platform

In a nutshell, the Gartner event delved into what it means to be a digital business, offered practical (and technical) steps to become one, and described what the effects of the digital economy are going to be.

Driving this type of business is the IT platform, and the infrastructure needed to build the digital platform rests on five pillars: IT systems, customer experience, things, intelligence and the ecosystem foundation. Each of these domains are interconnected and interdependent, and IT leaders need to start thinking about how to take advantage of them. Mann asserted that the combined power of these elements will enable organisations to get to the next level.

He added that the idea of a platform will need to move from a box with four or six sides to a box that has any number of sides. The number of interactions youll be having with ecosystem partners is going to be expanding exponentially. The ability to eliminate the borders of your organisation to collaborate in a deeper way with other elements of the ecosystem, is going to determine your ability to be successful.

Another domain that must be considered when building digital platforms is the Internet of Things, which will not only be a foundation for digital business activities but a foundation for society. Changes well see that come from the ideas of connected homes, smart cities, automotive, and others developments, will provide the foundation for the changes youre going to be making.

What CIOs need to think about right now

In order to survive inevitable digital disruption, Mann provided the following points that CIOs need to examine and put into action sooner rather than later.

 Work with CEOs to deepen the idea of how digital business is going to be entering into your organisation.

 Help CEOs pre-empt the digital disruption that we know is coming, either by doing it first or coming up with a plan on how your organisation is going to differentiate itself.

 Think about the capabilities that you have to reimagine, redesign and rebuild your products.

 Think about the idea of the digital workplace and what it means to be productive.

 Personally work with the CEOs and CFOs to make sure they understand a lot of the tasks that are going to be necessary going forward.

According to Mann, business leaders should not be thinking in terms of how theyre going to protect their organisations from the rapid changes occurring within  and coming about as a result of  the digital economy. That will be futile, youre not going to be able to protect yourself. Make sure you disrupt yourself before somebody does it to you, he said.

Theres no better time to be taking action in digital business that right now.
Efficiencies in all aspects of the after-sales operation are now more crucial than ever to ensure the viability and sustainability of automotive dealerships in today's rapidly-changing business environment. This is according to George Austin, a long-serving senior consultant at Sewells MSXI South Africa, the local subsidiary of the global consulting and outsourcing firm that concentrates on the retail motor industry.

Wavebreak Media Ltd via 123RF

Times are changing fast as disruptive trends alter the old face of the retail motor industry, explained Austin. It is therefore essential that dealers move with the times particularly in tailoring their after-sales service and other offerings to meet the requirements of their customers or risk losing them.

Customer retention after the warranty and service or maintenance plans expire is very important as is the ability to justify service costs to customers and to refrain from loading the price to make a quick buck.

There are now many options for customers in terms of tyre fitment, brake and clutch repairs and battery supply so it is necessary for dealers to offer these services in-house to retain customer business. Dealers have to be more retail oriented and more flexible in the current changing business environment. This includes offering vehicle servicing at times to suit their customers who cannot be without a car for a whole day. Among these customers are travelling salespersons, mom taxi drivers and small entrepreneurs who are totally dependent on their own transport.

The Sewells MSXI consultant also said that the role of managers in the parts and service department had changed dramatically with the introduction of new technologies in vehicles and in business management.

For instance a parts manager is now essentially a key account manager whose main focus these days is not ordering and managing stock, but rather looking for business outside the dealership. He or she must then manage these accounts diligently to ensure customers were given a high service level and that these accounts were, in turn, profitable for the dealership, said Austin.
Supre, an Australian fast fashion chain aimed at the youth market, and owned by the Cotton On Group, has announced that the opening of three stores in South Africa by November, including Cavendish Square, Centurion Mall and Menlyn Park.

This forms part of the brands global expansion plans to open 15 new locations across two continents by the end of the financial year.

Supres focus is to embody, share and celebrate, at every touch point, what it means to be part of a positive, inspiring and supportive network of girls, that we call the girl gang, said GM Elle Roseby.

We know that friendships are absolutely critical to our customer  thats why youll see a real celebration of girls and their friendships at every touch point within the brand. At Supre, we believe in the power of girls.

For over three decades, Supre has delivered trend-led product, and with the brands proven success and strong customer engagement in Australia and New Zealand, Supre is excited about the impact it can have in this market.

We cannot wait to bring Supre to South Africa and look forward to sharing our range with local girls. We know our global girl, philosophy, product and content will resonate in South Africa.

We have invested significantly in our trend and design team, working out of our global head office in Australia to deliver the best in apparel and accessories. Together, our head office and Johannesburg teams will be delivering the latest fashion to our South African customers, at an accessible price point, said Roseby.

Central to the brand is its philanthropic arm, the Supre Foundation, and its vision to ensure all girls have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

One hundred percent of all proceeds from Foundation products sold go to helping empower girls.

Through our partnerships and initiatives, we aim to foster a supportive world where girls are empowered.

We are very passionate about the Supre Foundation and proud of its success in Australia, as such, we look forward to delivering it on a local level, said Roseby.

In line with the brands international expansion, the Supre Foundation will work with a local partner to address the greatest needs in helping empower girls in South Africa.

Supres in store and digital experiences also set the brand apart. Stores are a clubhouse an all-inclusive, no membership required space where everyone who enters will be immediately accepted into the girl gang. Inside, its all about our girl and her world."

With Supres own Instagram live feed, charging stations and our signature bestie change rooms, stores will be a space where friends can shop, support and get support, explore and have fun with their girl gang.

Supres first South African store at Cavendish Square will open on 6 October. Its online store is at supre.com.au.

Elle Roseby, Supre GM.Picture: LinkedIn

Q&A with Elle Roseby

Why did you decide to launch the brand in South Africa? Why did you decide to launch the brand in South Africa?

Following the success and growth the Cotton On Group has seen in South Africa, it was a natural next step for our brand to enter the market. We are incredibly excited to bring the Supre brand to South Africa and look forward to sharing our range with local girls. We absolutely believe the brand will resonate with South African girls, and we see a huge opportunity to deliver to this demographic locally.

How many stores do you plan to open in the next five years? How many stores do you plan to open in the next five years?

We have three store openings locked in before the years end, with Cavendish hosting our launch. We will be watching closely how these stores perform as we plan our next five years.

How are you selecting locations for your stores? How are you selecting locations for your stores?

We collaborate very closely with our country hubs, developing strategic plans based on local knowledge and experience.

Could you provide us with an indication of where Supre will sit in the market from a price point of view? Could you provide us with an indication of where Supre will sit in the market from a price point of view?

As a value fashion retailer its incredibly important to us that we offer our girl access to the latest trends at a price point thats in line with her lifestyle.

Have you identified a local partner for the Supre Foundation? Have you identified a local partner for the Supre Foundation?

While the Foundations vision is to empower girls globally, we take a very local approach in each operating market. In South Africa we have partnered with Dignity Dreams, which provides reusable sanitary packs to some 7m girls who would otherwise not have access to these amenities. As a result, without this access, girls miss school and work. Together with Dignity Dreams, the aim is to empower girls by keeping them in school.
The South African engineering consulting industry has positioned itself to harness opportunities in the gas sector, but a clear gas master plan is required to convince investors and other stakeholders to put their weight behind the country's energy plans.

Dr Urishanie Govender, GM: GIBB Environmental Services Sector

At the 21st Congress of Parties (COP 21), South Africa committed to reducing its carbon footprint by introducing more gas into its energy mix. However, since being drawn up in 2010 and published in draft form in 2013, the countrys Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) has not been updated or finalised. An Integrated Energy Plan was drawn up at the same time as the IRP 2010, but did not receive the requisite status and attention from the Department of Energy.

Similarly, the Gas Utilisation Master Plan, which has been on the drawing board since 2012, has not been finalised.

Time is running out

While there have been rumours of the IRP being considered later in 2016, time is running out for any significant process to be completed. An update of the IRP is crucial to show the demand projections and the most desirable blend of technologies to meet with these demands.

Ideally, the IRP should be updated annually to accommodate the rapidly changing cost of generation environment and uncertainty around future electrical power demand.

Certainly, if South Africa is serious about transitioning to a low carbon economy and harnessing opportunities presented by the gas sector, a master gas plan is critical and it needs to be shared with all industry players as a matter of urgency.

To move gas from source to demand, significant infrastructure is required, be it in the form of pipelines or rail and port capability. This is a space in which the engineering consulting industry can play a significant role, especially in countries such as South Africa, which has no large-scale gas-fired power and negligible residential piped gas.

Enormous potential

A recent Frost & Sullivan report, commissioned by GIBB, which interrogated the risks and opportunities in gas pipeline infrastructure development in sub-Saharan Africa, focused on the source of the gas, reserve potential and demand. It highlighted the enormous potential of the gas sector in countries that have large commercial gas reserves and a master gas plan in place.

The current gas infrastructure in Africa is not sufficient to handle with the growing demand of gas on the continent. Notably, the country-to-country or transmission pipeline network in Africa is more developed than the city-to-city or distribution pipeline network. This suggests significant investment will be required to establish pipelines that can meet the demand of gas on the continent, an investment that the report quantified at $212bn.

In addition, the report identified countries that offer the largest gas opportunities (ranked from one to six)  Nigeria, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ghana, Cote dIvoire and South Africa  with growth in cities such as Lagos, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi driving the use of domestic gas.

While South Africa, Angola and Cameroon lack legislative certainty, Mozambique, Ghana and Cote dIvoire enjoy a greater degree of certainty, which makes them more attractive to investors.

Overlooking local expertise

A worrying trend is for government to look exclusively to international companies to deliver on large infrastructure projects. They tend to overlook local expertise and ability and the potential for local companies  with the capability, but perhaps not the experience  to partner with international companies.

State-owned enterprises such as Transnet, which may have a significant role to play in developing or upgrading gas infrastructure and contributing towards economic development in the country, need to conitinue to take the lead in terms of the developmental agenda in order to maximise the local benefit.

In this respect, the industry needs stronger signals from government and a firmer indication of the timeline for the projects. Engagement with all stakeholders is also required to establish what local capacity exists and to ensure local companies are readied for the gas boom when it lands.

Lead times and development cost

A factor that is often overlooked is the significant lead times and development cost associated with such projects.

Typically these projects require of the order of up to 4-5% of the total capital cost to get to a full investment ready status, this coupled with the associated lead time of necessary approvals etc. In addition it is often forgotten that such projects often require a significant investment in advance infrastructure. This implies that without a degree of certainty in the policy space investors are necessarily cautious in providing the necessary enabling investment, said GIBB Power and Energy general manager Paul Fitzsimons at the recent GIBB Roundtable event.

The gas price is reportedly at its lowest in 14 years. When the gas price corrects and gas projects in South Africa and on the continent start to boom, the local industry must ready itself to be at the frontline.
Tangier, Morocco: Morocco signed an agreement with Boeing on Tuesday to build a new hub for the US aerospace giant that officials hope will create thousands of skilled jobs.

Jeff McNeill via Wikimedia Commons

King Mohammed VI oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding in the northern port city of Tangiers to establish an industrial zone where up to 120 Boeing suppliers and sub-contractors could operate.

"This is a very important strategic project as we move into a new aeronautical era in Morocco," Industry Minister Moulay Hafi Elalamy told AFP.

Morocco has unveiled several large-scale industrial projects in recent years, with the Tangiers region among the fastest growing. French carmaker Renault in April signed deals to invest more than $1 billion (900 million euros) and create 50,000 jobs in the North African country.

Morocco was badly affected by the financial crisis in Europe, its top trade partner, and has struggled to contain a ballooning public deficit. The authorities have strenuously promoted the country as a bridge between Africa and the West, in a bid to encourage foreign investment and trade.

"The Moroccan aeronautical industry has seen important growth in recent years," said Elalamy.

"The sector has grown six-fold in just 10 years and there are now 121 firms."

Some of the largest manufacturers are already present in the country, contributing to a sector that employs about 10,000 people and has a turnover of $1 billion per year.

Elalamy said the Boeing industrial zone could create up to 8,700 jobs. Morocco's gateway linking Europe, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean, Tangiers has experienced unprecedented development in recent years, including a new airport and deep-water port.

Source: AFP
The air cargo markets deceleration this year had a greater impact on third-quarter cargo revenues at American Airlines than its primary rivals, Delta and United Airlines. But the best revenue quarter in company history and a $483 million profit painted a positive financial picture that could be replicated in the final quarter thanks to resilient []
When farmer Isaac Tondo fell on lean times in Liberia's long rainy season, his brother in the capital sent 8,000 Liberian dollars (US$87) to his Lonestar mobile money account, ensuring his children's school fees would still be paid.

Across Africa more and more people - from urban start-ups to hard-up villagers - are now spending, saving and planning for the future through banking services offered by mobile phone companies. And experts believe growth and poverty reduction will follow, if certain key risks are managed.

Tondo's brother used to entrust cash with contacts passing through their home village in Grand Gedeh county, but the roads are so bad they can no longer access it.

"The only means of receiving money from Monrovia is through mobile money," the farmer told AFP.

Collecting and depositing cash at omnipresent kiosks and sending money via text message has fast become the natural solution in African nations where distances are often long, roads and infrastructure poor, and few have access to traditional bank accounts.

Africans are "leading in the world" in their uptake of mobile banking services, Mitsuhiro Furusawa, deputy managing director of the IMF told AFP at a recent conference on promoting access to financial services in Dakar, Senegal.

The IMF has said the potential for further financial development is "substantial" on the continent, and that wider access to banking services could unlock an additional 1.5% in annual growth.

Payment systems such as Orange Money in west Africa, M-Pesa in Kenya and Tigo Cash, used in several nations, have become incredibly popular in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa, where the vast majority lack physical or financial access to traditional banking services.

Around 11% of Africans now have a mobile banking account, according to the IMF, rising to 60% in Kenya. The average figure for the rest of the world is 2%.

While Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda lead the way in east Africa, Ivory Coast is the bright spot in the west of the continent, where 25% of the nation uses such services.

Jean Marius Yao, president and director general of Orange Money in Ivory Coast, believes the market is far from saturated.

"There is a big margin for improvement, with some sectors not being fully served, notably rural communities and women," he said.

One other area of growth was likely to be those who already had traditional bank accounts, he said, including employers paying wages via text.

"The flow is going in both directions," Yao added.

Africa's enthusiastic adoption of mobile banking has evolved from a simple way to transfer cash into an entire parallel system of micro-payments of everything from saving accounts to business loans.

Countries such as Kenya could give a glimpse of how the sector will evolve across the continent, said Roger Nord, deputy director of the IMF's African Department.

Payment system M-Pesa, operated by British telecom giant Vodafone's subsidiary Safaricom, began offering interest on its "e-wallet" accounts, allowing users "who never saved a dollar" to put money aside, Nord said.

"There is a very clear relationship in economics between financial development and economic growth and poverty reduction," he added.

M-Pesa's range of services now encompasses medical insurance, bill payments and small business loans, building livelihoods and better securing users' futures.

In Ivory Coast, Orange Money offers savings accounts, collective financing of large-scale projects and life insurance to a population previously largely locked out of such services.

Meanwhile East African companies are now able to collect small payments every day for purchases made by clients unable to save up large sums to pay at the end of each month, Nord said.

In Asia above all, others have taken note: Afghanistan now pays police salaries by mobile, while India has just launched an ambitious national payments system for smartphones.

But these systems' ease of use also pose a significant drawback, however.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has described mobile money fraud as "a huge problem," citing a Kenyan Central Bank study that showed 37% of mobile money transactions were fraudulent compared with 10% by banking agents.

Poor encryption and a proliferation of scams including fake "rewards" offers by text and phones that mimic telephone identifier codes were also a huge problem, the EIU said.

But mobile companies are getting smarter every day, mapping consumer behaviour and judging credit-worthiness from the results.

A recent report by the Washington-based Brookings Institute cited a study in Brazil that showed one month of pre-pay activity provided sufficient information to determine credit risk.

"The data that this generates: people who are saving a lot, saving regularly, suddenly we knew who were the reliable risks and suddenly they were given access to small loans," Nord commented.

Source: AFP
Johannesburg teenager Kiara Nirghin's drought-busting idea using avocado and orange peels has earned her the grand prize at the Google Science Fair. The awards, which attracted bright young scientists from around the world, were held at Google's Googleplex headquarters in Mountain View, California, on Tuesday.

Nirghin, 16, a Grade 11 pupil at St Martin's School, discovered natural, super-absorbent polymers that allow soil to retain massive amounts of water. The idea won her $50,000 (about R679,000) in scholarship funding at Google's sixth annual awards.

Before heading to the US, Nirghin, of Meyersdal in Johannesburg, said she had been researching when she came across the science competition on the internet. "Google always looks for people to innovate and help improve the country they live in.

"We are experiencing a drought and I thought it was something we should address," the pupil said. She studied the idea for about two months. "I entered because I thought it was a good idea, and so did my family. I didn't expect everybody to be so impressed by it," Nirghin said.

She found that most citrus fruit contained naturally occurring polymers. Orange peel contains 64% polysaccharides, making it a candidate as a biodegradable polymer.

Nirghin experimented with ultraviolet light and heat and added the natural oil found in avocado and boiled orange peels. After 45 days her experiments showed that the mixture could absorb 76.1% of water, supporting her hypothesis that it could increase soil moisture.

Chemical absorbents are not biodegradable and sell for R28,000 a ton. Nirghin's orange peel and avocado mix can be produced at R848 a ton.

She is expected to arrive back in Johannesburg from the US this afternoon. The Google Science Fair is a global online science and technology competition open to individuals and teams from ages 13 to 18. Earlier this year, Nirghin's research won her the Africa regional Google Science Fair Community Impact Award and R14,000 in prize money.

Source: The Times
The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) driver of The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA), has launched the sixth edition of the IPA awards by calling for applications to the prestigious innovation competition.

The competition once again offers Africas top crop of innovators a share in a grand prize of US$150 000 and additional scalable entrepreneurial opportunities. Enterprises and individuals that have invested in delivering market-oriented solutions for African-led development are especially invited to take part in the competition.

The call for entries runs for three months, starting 27 September 2016 with a submission deadline of 3 January 2017. The IPA is looking for applications in social and economic innovation including manufacturing and service industry, health and well-being, agriculture and agri-business, environment, energy and water, and ICT showcasing ground-breaking innovations. IPA also welcomes innovations beyond the scope of these sectors.

Pauline Mujawamariya Koelbl, the IPA director commented: We are extremely pleased to officially launch the IPA 2017 edition for African innovators. We strongly believe that investing in todays home-grown innovations will propel tomorrows prosperity for Africa.

Investing in African prosperity

The theme for IPA 2017 is African innovation: Investing in prosperity. In line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 9, which calls on countries to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation, AIF believes that funding streams, investment and resources are critical to obtain a clear value chain for innovation in Africa, contributing to sustainable development.

Walter Fust, chairman of the AIF Board states: IPA has demonstrated that African innovation talent is abundant, but funding and resources remain a challenge. For IPA 2017, we are expanding our outreach beyond innovators to include investors and other key movers and shakers across the innovation landscape to help address this challenge. To meet this objective of increasing support to individual innovators, makers, training institutions, existing hubs and networks, the IPA will offer sponsorship opportunities to investors and other innovation enablers who can demonstrate their commitment to support the building of more robust African innovation ecosystems.

Why enter IPA 2017?

IPA is a leading platform on the African innovation landscape with a network of 6000+ African innovators spanning 50 countries. Its core goal is to strengthen African innovation ecosystems through its platforms and mobilise a network of innovation enablers, driving business development and cross-collaboration.

Now in its sixth year running, IPA is open to all Africans living in Africa or the diaspora. In addition to the lucrative US$150 000 cash prize, IPA is more than a mere competition. The 10 nominees are featured at the IPA 2017 event, along with lucrative entrepreneurial opportunities such as funding, communications training, active participation in the IPA network of innovators and innovation enablers, publicity in Africa and beyond across major media channels, business opportunities, as well as collaboration with enablers and investors to shape potential innovations for viable business success.

Last years winners were selected from nearly 1,000 entries across 46 countries, reflecting the truly Pan-African flavour of the competition. Previous IPA editions were held in Botswana (2016), Morocco (2015), Nigeria (2014), South Africa (2013) and Ethiopia (2012). IPA was endorsed at its inaugural edition in Addis Ababa in 2012 where African ministers at the joint Africa Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) passed a resolution to support AIF to promote innovation-based societies across the continent.

IPA 2017 winners will be announced at an annual awards ceremony in July 2017 (exact dates and country to be confirmed). The Awards bring together innovative talent from multi-disciplinary sectors, as well as media practitioners, investors, innovation hubs and technology parks, government institutions and innovators.

For more details, see the new IPA website www.InnovationPrizeforAfrica.org.
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The global study from Kantar TNS involved 70,000 consumers and found that one in three people in the U.S. now use Snapchat (up from 19% two years ago) and 43% use Instagram. However, despite this massive audience on social media, brands may find it hard to engage as 39% of users say they actively ignore social posts or ads from brands.

Consumers say they feel bombarded by the presence of brands on social platforms, with 33% saying they feel constantly followed by online advertising.

Attitudes towards brand posts and ads in social media differs greatly by region. Dislike is highest in Scandinavian countries with 57% of respondents in both Sweden and Denmark stating they actively ignore content from brands. However, just 15% of those in Saudi Arabia and 19% of Brazilians would avoid branded content. China and South Africa sit closer to the global average with 24% and 26% of respondents expressing dislike, respectively.

Some brands are getting it spot on  in the past year weve seen the likes of Disney, Starbucks and McDonalds use Snapchats filters to engage consumers in a way that doesnt feel intrusive, says Kris Hull, Head of Client Solutions and North American Digital Lead at Kantar TNS. This is key to overcoming many peoples fundamental negative perceptions of brand activity online.

Kantar TNS suggest three simple measures to improve relevancy and engagement on social media. The first is to produce content that is engaging and can be used across multiple channels. Secondly, to forge partnerships with key influencers and, thirdly, to get under the skin of what motivates and excites each of their customers.
As'ad's Bio

As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants.
Agricultural experts discuss the management of saline-alkali soils in Relizane province of Algeria. [Photo/ Xinhua]

On Sept 13, the United States initiated WTO dispute proceedings against China, claiming that Beijing had provided support for farmers in excess of its commitment to the World Trade Organization. Among the crops in contention are wheat, Indica rice, Japonica rice, and corn.

The US is the largest exporter of agricultural products and grows many of these mainly for exports. In contrast, China is the largest importer of farm products, with its agriculture characterized by small-scale production and subsistence farming. In other words, the conflict is between the US' large commercial farmers and China's smallholding farmers.

After China opened up its agricultural market following its entry into the WTO, the US flooded it with its exports, harming small farmers. The increase in the exports of US farm products to Chinafrom less than $2.8 billion to $28.8 billion at its peakgives an idea of the harm caused. China's average trade deficit in relation to US farm products is $20 billion a year, and it is the largest export market for US farm products.

Moreover, China's average production scale is 0.66 hectare per household, 1/400 of the US'. Even Heilongjiang province, with the richest land resource in China, has an average production scale of only 3.04 hectares per household.

The most important task of China's farm sector is to ensure food security and secure the livelihoods of millions of small farmers. So given the devastating impact of excessive imports, the government had to offer support to the agriculture sector, especially because its tariff plays little role in protecting domestic production. The US government claims China's support to its farm sector was about $100 billion. Even if we accept the figure, on average a Chinese farmer received only $161 in government support, nowhere near the support given by the US government to its farmers.

The measures taken by the Chinese government are necessary for ensuring the country's food security and protecting the livelihoods of farmers, as well as a prerequisite for honoring its commitments to the UN Millennium Development Goals. Without such measures, China could not have lifted 600 million people, or 90 percent of the world's total, out of poverty. The World Bank has spoken highly of China's achievement, calling it "the fastest large-scale poverty alleviation in human history". But China still has 70 million impoverished people according to its own standard and 200 million according to the World Bank standard, and they cannot be lifted out of poverty without government support.

China's grain production has increased in recent years. But judging by its real market share, China's self-sufficiency level in farm products fell to below 87 percent. This shows China has not overly stimulated grain production and its support to agriculture poses no threat to normal international trade or US farm exports to China.

The US claims China's support to agriculture exceeded WTO accession commitments in 2012-15. But it was during that period that the exports of US farm products to China reached a record high of $108.97 billion, up 55 percent from $70.44 billion in 2008-11. Despite slight fluctuations in 2015, imports from the US accounted for 21 percent of China's total.

The US' claim is a reflection of the conflict between trade liberalization and the real need of developing countries to ensure food security. Global cereal trade accounts for less than 15 percent of the world's total output, so countries have to meet more than 85 percent of their demand through domestic supply. And the only way they can do that is to increase their spending on agriculture and support small farmers. That's why developing countries reiterated at the Doha Development Round that food security is not negotiable.

The WTO, too, says food security must be fully taken into account during the process of trade liberalization, commercial gains cannot be made at the cost of small farmers' livelihoods and rural development needs.

Eliminating poverty, and ensuring food security and small farmers' livelihoods are the common goals of all nations, but they are particularly important for China, a developing country with a huge population. So any trade liberalization that ignores China's development needs is morally untenable. And any trade growth that ignores the food security of 1.3 billion people and livelihoods of 620 million farmers is neither healthy nor sustainable.

The author is dean of the School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China.
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Where Is Michael Strahan Since His Retirement From The NFL and Who Is His Partner? Michael Strahan is a retired American football player turned media personality. He played the defensive lineman position and holds the record for most sacks in a single NFL season. He also only played for the New York Giants throughout the entire 15-year professional career that saw him win a Super Bowl ring. In February 2014, ...

How Wendy Williams Went From Being a College DJ to Having Her Own Talk Show and More About Her Divorce Wendy Williams is a former radio personality, now talk show host, who is known for her outspokenness and brash no-nonsense attitude. She gained fame and notoriety for her on-air clashes with celebrities before moving on to host her own talk show. Since 2008, Williams has hosted the nationally syndicated television talk show, The Wendy Williams Show. ...

Who is Sunny Hostin? Her Husband, Family & Net Worth Sunny Hostin is no ordinary Latina  American lawyer but also a successful columnist, multi-platform journalist, and social commentator. A happily married woman and mother of two, Hostin is the Senior Legal Correspondent and Analyst for ABC News and co-host of ABCs popular morning talk show, The View. She is a legal expert popularly known as a former ...

Who Is Robert Costa and Is He Married, Who Is His Wife? Robert Costa is a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC who is regarded as being part of Americas next generation of journalists. The University of Notre Dame graduate, who is of Italian/Portuguese descent, has been lauded for his fresh political perspectives in an industry full of old heads. In addition to his work listed above, Costa ...

Team Valor Pokemon Go  7 Key Facts You Need To Know Team Valor Pokemon Go  The craze of the new game Pokemon Go is one that took the gaming world by storm sending teenagers and adults alike into a frenzy and one of its teams Team Valor, has proven to be instrumental in making it so. Before the game was created, Pokemon was a cartoon ...

Sheryl Underwood  Husband, Family & Net Worth She is known for her trademark smile which can be described as the brightest and broadest smile ever seen on planet earth. She is none other than Sheryl Underwood the comedian, actress, and TV host whose funny wits has left America in great awe. Although Sheryl has risen to become an important personality in the industry, ...

Team Mystic Pokemon Go: 7 Facts You Need To Know And Signs You Are One Team Mystic of the break out game Pokemon Go is a team that is full of sass and chivalry. With an enchanting monicker, Team Mystic stands out from the rest of its counterparts and deserves to take the crown as champion in the Pokemon gaming-verse. To be a member of this exceptional team of Pokemon battle ...

Exploring Guy Beahms Dr Disrespect Persona, Wife and Why He was Banned Permanently From Twitch Guy Beahm who is popularly known by his online alias  Dr DisRespect, is an award-winning Twitch.tv streamer. He has leveraged on the Twitch platform to become an internet personality that is quite widely known. His online success is just more proof that anyone who is good at what they do can attain celebrity status ...

Critical Facts About Lee Ann McAdoo  The Infowars Anchor Lee Ann Mcadoo is a conservative journalist and television host whose interests in conspiracies and astrology has established her as a famous American reporter. Often referred to as Wonder Woman, McAdoo is a reporter who works for InfoWars.com, a controversial right-wing website run by radio show host, Alex Jones. Who Is Lee Ann McAdoo? Lee Ann McAdoo was born on 7 ...

Millie Weaver  Age, Husband & Infowars Career Millie Weaver is an American model, journalist, political activist, and social commentator. The young and beautiful journalist rose to fame working as a reporter for a controversial right-wing website InfoWars.com. Also known as Millennial Millie, Weaver is a social media influencer with over 100,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and over 35,000 followers on Twitter. Who Is Millie Weaver and What Is ...

Is Jessica Tarlov Married? What Are Her Height & Weight? Jessica Tarlov is an American political consultant, strategist, and analyst whose influential and regular TV presence has made a popular figure. A good example of beauty with brains, Tarlov has appeared on various TV networks, mostly the FOX News Network where she is known for her liberal views on political analysis and insights. She is also the senior director ...

Who Is Kelly Rebecca Nichols  Alex Jones Ex-Wife? Kelly Rebecca Nichols is the ex-wife of controversial American radio show host, Alex Jones. She got nationwide attention following her divorce and subsequent custody battle with her estranged husband. Nichols, who worked with PETAs public relations department, was herself no stranger to controversies as she was involved in several publicity stunts of the non-profit animal rights ...

Who Is Bree Morgan  Cole Sprouse Ex-Girlfriend And What Is She Up To Now? Although Bree Morgan became famous through the Instagram, she also sapped some dose of popularity from Disneys sweetheart, Cole Sprouse of the Sprouse brothers. She is not only an Instagram star but also a YouTube vlogger whose popularity has long exceeded the ordinary level. Bree is conspicuously prominent on the internet and has her digital savviness ...

Does Vanna White Have Husband or Children, What Is Her Net Worth / Salary? For over three decades, Vanna White has been a household name, famous as the co-host and letter turner of the iconic NBC game show Wheel of Fortune. The talented and beautiful television personality is also an actress with several TV series and films to her credit. Since making her Wheel of Fortune debut in 1982, she has become one ...

Liz Wheeler  Biography, Husband & Net Worth Liz Wheeler is the kind of girl who sets the room on fire whenever she comes around. In this situation, however, she sets our screens on fire each time she appears as the host of One America News Tipping Point. She is, therefore, a presenter, publisher, consultant and a member of the Board of Zoning ...

Betty White  Net Worth, Children & Husband The entertainment industry will remain indebted to personalities like Betty White who brought something extra to the table and kept the world entertained for donkey years. The comedienne, actress, and writer graced the big screens in the early 50s as a show host and has been a delight since then. She is the queen of ...

Is Bill Nye (The Science Guy) Dead or Alive, What Are His Net Worth & Education? Everyone will always remember Bill Nye as the Science Guy. Besides his TV show Bill Nye the Science Guy, he is well-known for his Netflix show Bill Nye Saves the World which started airing in 2017 as well as his appearances in many famous media projects as a science educator. The star studied mechanical engineering ...

Is Cesar Millan Dead, Who Is The Wife & What Is His Net Worth? Cesar Millan is the famous dog whisperer who often stirs up mixed emotions. The Mexican-American is precisely speaking, a dog behaviorist; he has been in the game for over 25 years. His Emmy-nominated television series, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan further pushed his method and tactics into the limelight. The series was produced from 2004 ...

Is Thomas Sanders Gay and Does He Have A Boyfriend? By the time Vine was shut down in January 2017, Thomas Sanders was already popular within and beyond the internet community for his heavy involvements on the online video hosting platform. After the tragic shutdown of Vine impacted on the growing career of the multi-talented personality, he immediately switched over to YouTube where he continued to upload ...

Is Shepard Smith Gay, Who Is The Boyfriend & What Is His Net Worth? There are only a few media personalities who are as bold and confident as Shepard Smith. Apart from his impressive stint at Fox News Channel which includes but not limited to his classic news delivery, upfront stance on virtually every issue and much more; he loves his job as much as he loves his personality. Smith ...

Is Milo Yiannopoulos Gay? His Husband and Net Worth Milo Yiannopoulos is a popular writer, journalist, polemicist, public speaker, and political commentator who is also known as the founder of The Kernel, an online blog. He has been said to be among the list of 100 weird and influential people in the United Kingdom. He appeared on this list as a result of personal beliefs and ...

Does Ryan Seacrest Have A Wife Or Girlfriend, What Is His Net Worth? From radio to television, Ryan Seacrest is a household name and a force to be reckoned with in showbiz. The radio personality, television host, and producer is best recognized as the host of the popular TV talent search contest American Idol. Heres how the media personality who always knew what his lifes ambition was and diligently pursued ...

Is Anderson Cooper Gay, Who is The Boyfriend or Husband? For many, the thought of becoming a millionaire by writing and talking about other people appears unachievable but this is the reality of the prominent American journalist Anderson Cooper who gathered millions of dollars for conducting accurate political analysis and other vital reports on TV. He is the main anchor of the CNN news show Anderson ...

Is David Muir Gay or Does He Have A Wife, What Is His Salary? David Muir is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works for the ABC broadcast-television network and anchors the ABC World News Tonight with David Muir program while also co-anchoring the magazine program 20/20. The Ithaca College graduate, whose show has become the most-watched newscast in America, has covered stories from all across America and the world; reporting ...

Joel Osteen  Divorce Rumors, Net Worth & Family Members Joel Osteen is an American Televangelist, Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church based in Houston, Texas, a husband and a father of two. He is an author of many books, seven of which are New York Times Best Sellers and his televised sermons capture more than 7 million viewers per week and 20 million every month ...

Who Is Todd Chrisley? What To Know About His Children, Gay Rumors & Net Worth Premiered on the USA network in 2014, Chrisley Knows Best is one of the most watched family reality TV shows in the U.S. The series which is currently in its sixth season is centered around U.S real estate mogul Todd Chrisley and his family. The show reveals Todd the patriarch of the Chrisley family as a strict dad who rules ...

Who Is Shannon Bream Of Fox News? Her Husband, Children & Net Worth Shannon Bream who hosts the iconic primetime program started her journalism career in the late 1990s debuting as the evening and late-night news reporter for the CBS affiliate, WBTV. The beauty from America currently works for the Fox News Channel and she is best known for anchoring the primetime program. She also hosts Americas News ...

Is Troye Sivan Gay, Who Is His Boyfriend and What Is His Net Worth? Troye Sivan is an Australian singer and songwriter best known for songs like Happy Little Pill, Youth, Heaven (with Betty Who) and The Boyfriend Tag (with Tyler Oakley) which have all garnered him different awards and ranked on the Billboard Charts. Sivan, who was born in South Africa but now resides in the United States, is ...

Did iDubbbz Have Cancer, Is He Gay and Who Is His Girlfriend Now? iDubbbz is one YouTuber who has made a career out of courting controversy. Renowned for his absurdist channels and comedy video series, the Los Angeles based personality is the owner of two channels, iDubbzTV, and iDubbzTV2, as well as the brains behind comedy video series such as Content Cop, Kickstarter Crap, Gaming News Crap, and ...

Inside Greg Gutfelds Love Story With Wife Elena Moussa and Why Fans Thought He Was Gay Greg Gutfeld is a seasoned American television producer whose career in the media industry has spanned over a decade. He is a man of many talents who makes extra income through comedy, journalism, and editorial works. Gutfeld regularly appears on Fox News Channel as a panellist and co-host of the political talk show The Five ...

Works That Made Bo Burnham A Household Name and How Much He Is Worth Now One of YouTubes first viral stars and the worlds most exciting young comedian, Bo Burnham, has always amazed critics and comedy aficionados alike. Often regarded as the Justin Bieber of comedy, thanks to his fresh looks, floppy blond hair and hoodies, he has a multi-faceted career bigger than many comedians twice his age. It wouldnt ...

Is Louie Anderson Gay And What Is His Net Worth? Louie Anderson has one of the most abstract faces in the industry and equally knows how to use it to his advantage. He is not only a stand-up comedian but also an actor and television host who is known for his distinctive comic wits. Some of his notable projects include Family Feud, where he was ...

Is Don Lemon of CNN Gay, Who is His Partner and What Is His Salary? Don Lemon has risen to become one of the most recognizable faces on CNN over the past few years. The fiery journalist, who anchors CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, is liked and somewhat disliked for his strong and candid opinions on a variety of matters that do not just include politics but also race, significantly, matters that ...

Is Rachel Maddow Gay, Who is the Wife and How Much Does She Earn in Salary? Rachel Maddow is an award-winning American journalist, political commentator, and television news anchor. She is best known for hosting the popular nightly TV show The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Prior to this, she hosted a talk radio program on Air America Radio from 2005 to 2010. As of now, the TV sensation co-anchors MSNBCs ...

Demystifying Pokimane  Her Real Name, Ethnicity & Boyfriend Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Pokimane Thicc is one of those stars who took advantage of the internet to make a name for herself. Given the unlimited potentials which the social media space offers, many people have been instantly propelled to fame just by posting creative online contents. Not only has ...

A Breakdown of Kris Jenners Net Worth, Sources Of Income and Relationships Over The Years Standing outside and looking in, Kris Jenner looks like the oil that greases the wheels of the entire Kardashian/Jenner machine. She has been dubbed a momager and rightfully so because she seems to have had a part to play in the trajectory of each and every one of her daughters individually and the Kardashian brand ...

Pursuits That Brought Liza Koshys Fame To its Zenith and Her Love Life Since David Dobrik Liza Koshy is an American actress who has leveraged YouTube as a platform to promote her comedy while also serving as a television host on occasions. She is talented and funny and has gathered a lot of fans from around the world. Koshy started on Vine in high school and was able to get millions of ...

Alex Aiono Biography  Inside The Life Of The American Singer Not everyone who started from the streets has attained the heights where Alex Aiono is currently. His story could be referred to as the perfect definition of rising from Grass to Grace. He came into the limelight after he started out as a YouTuber, singer, and producer. One fascinating thing about the young YouTuber is ...

Virginia Vallejo Biography And Her Love Story With Pablo Escobar Virginia Vallejo can be referred to as one of the oldest whistleblowers in history after her involvement with Pablo Escobar which made her famous. Over the years, many questions have been raised about her relationship with the drug lord and why she endangered her life to be with him despite his notorious acts. The death ...

Princess Love Bio  Ethnicity, Real Name & Parents For many people, Princess Love is simply Ray Js wife but there is so much more to this feisty lady than meets the eye. She is a star in her own right and has many feathers on her cap. Princess Love is a reality TV star, a model, video vixen, and fashion designer. She and her ...

Who is Papa Franku Also Known As Filthy Frank or Joji, Where is He Now? The social media as we all know today has given people the opportunity to be creative and innovative and at the same time, make something of themselves. YouTube is one of the known social platforms we have today that makes it possible for people to express their God-given talents and post videos they created to ...

Who Is Molly Qerim, How Did She Become a Famous Sports Anchor and Who Is Her Husband? Molly Qerim is an American sports anchor popularly known for moderating First Take, a highly rated sports talk show, on ESPN. Prior to joining ESPN, Qerim hosted Fantasy Live and NFL AM on NFL Network. It is quite obvious that the widely acclaimed television personality is in a class of her own when it comes ...

Safiya Nygaard  Height, Parents & Net Worth Safiya Nygaard is an American YouTuber, writer, content producer, and director who is popular for posting makeup, beauty and fashion videos on YouTube. Her videos regularly top at least one million views, thanks to her lively character as well as her willingness to experiment with outrageous outfits and different beauty products. Here are the things to ...

The Rigors of Sunlen Serfatys Career Journey Until CNN and Fun Facts About Her Personal Life CNN correspondent, Sunlen Serfaty is an Emmy Award-winning journalist known for covering a broad range of breaking news stories, national news, and Washington politics. She has been able to garner widespread recognition for herself which even goes beyond the sphere of her work. Her profile also increased with the extensive work she did in covering ...

Demystifying Jazz Jennings Real Name, Boyfriend & Family Of One The Youngest Transgenders Jazz Jennings is an unusual personality who became famous as a transgender activist and was recorded as the youngest documented public figure to be seen as transgender. She is also a YouTube personality and spokesmodel for brands, her fans, and other transgenders. She fought for acceptance in her high school with her super supportive family for over ...

Inside Fred Armisens Life  Ethnicity, Romantic Relationships and Gay Rumors Fred Armisen is an award-winning American comedian, he is also a writer, an actor as well as a musician. He was a cast member of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live for 13 years and also one of the brains behind the successful satirical show Portlandia. Find out more about this incredibly talented guy ...

Ed and Lorraine Warren Biography: Cases, Kids, and Family Life Have you ever woken up with fear you could not explain, or felt a strange presence that made the hair at your nape rise or even experienced strange occurrences around you? Well, these were some of the promptings that made the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren delve into trying to explain the ideas ...

Truth About Tony Romos Wife, Kids and Life Since His NFL Retirement Tony Romo grew from the field as a quarterback to the screens as an American Football Analyst. He was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the richest football league in the world (NFL) before retiring. As a junior, he was honored as an All-Ohio Conference Member, an Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and ...

Who is Brittany Venti, The Controversial Game Streamer and YouTuber? In recent times, many people live stream themselves playing video games. This has become a popular pastime on the internet and many highly skilled gamers have become internet celebrities through this means. However, some of them rather than becoming renowned for their gaming skills and great commentary, have become controversial and infamous. A good example ...

Rob Dyrdeks Family: His Kids And Relationship With Wife Bryiana Noelle Flores A multi-talented star and an elite pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdeks success story began at a remarkably young age. Yet another proof that schooling doesnt always correlate with success, Rob has established himself not just as a phenomenal sportsman but also as a successful entrepreneur. Besides perfecting his skill as a natural talent on the board, ...

xChocobars  Biography and Everything You Should Know About Her Having distinguished herself and recorded massive successes in an industry notably dominated by men, it is very safe to say that Xchocobars deserves all the attention and cash she makes from her career. A household name on Twitch (a smart live streaming video platform), the online-gamer is popularly known for streaming classic games such as Stardew ...

Everything To Know About Mary Padian, Her Boyfriend and Net Worth Mary Padian is a famous American television reality personality best known for her involvements on the Reality show Storage Wars. She also has her own shop called Mary finds where she displays her antique collections. Since her childhood, Padian has been a creative learner. At the time, she used to create new items out of reusable ones and ...

Betsy Woodruffs Family Life: Is She Married or Related To Bob Woodruff? An old name in the world of journalism, Betsy Woodruff has warmed her way into the hearts of many with her impressive talents. Through hard work, Woodruff has carved a niche for herself in a very competitive field. Betsy has strong family and work values and is also an advocate for equal opportunities for everyone ...

Matpat (Matthew Patrick)  Wife, Height & Net Worth As far as internet business is concerned, Matpat remains one of the most dynamic and seasoned figures. He boasts a wealth of experience that has helped him in growing his business from one level of greatness to another. Like most successful people, MatPat started out small but today, he makes millions of dollars from his ...

Facts About Ricegum  His Girlfriend, Real Name & Net Worth Ricegum is an online gamer and YouTube sensation who ditched college; took advantage of the digital era, and made a name for himself on the internet. Though he began as a gaming YouTuber, Ricegum soon gained recognition as a controversial internet star following his many diss tracks. Here is everything you need to know about the youngster ...

Joy Taylor Once Married MLBs Richard Giannotti  Inside Look At Her Love Life and Family The erosion of the sexist idea that women have no business in sports broadcasting created a host of women celebrities who attained fame outside of modeling and acting. One of them, Joy Taylor, a radio personality and TV host for Fox Sports 1, has been in the industry since 2009, becoming one of the most ...

What To Know About Conan OBriens Wife, Kids & Family Today The name Conan OBrien is one that jumps right at you almost immediately you start talking about the most popular television hosts in the USA and this is no surprise because the man behind that name has risen to become one of the most admired men in the business. Known for hosting the late-night talk ...

David Letterman  Net Worth, Wife & Son In all of American, one man whose face has been seen frequently by late night TV talk show lovers is none but David Letterman. The comedian and TV show veteran has been hosting late night talk shows for more than three decades. His Late Night with David Letterman show began on February 1st, 1982 aired ...

Demystifying Sssniperwolfs Family Background And The Boyfriends Shes Had Since she launched her eponymously named channel in 2013, Sssniperwolf has been on the rise when it comes to video game influencers. She is one of the biggest names in the online gaming subgenre of YouTube videos. Real name Lia Shelesh, she started with Call of Duty: Black Ops II but has diversified with other ...

Lester Holt  Wife, Family & Net Worth Lester Holt is a multiple award-winning journalist, newscaster, reporter, and actor who has worked for notable media houses like WCBS TV, CBS, MSNBC and among others. His remarkable feat in journalism has endeared him to the hearts of many and earned him some awards and recognitions. Read on to get acquainted with his biography, ethnicity, ...

What Is Louis C.K. Doing Now, Where Are His Family And How Much Is His Net Worth? It is not easy to make it in comedy. It takes more than a funny bone and the ability to elicit a few giggles from a listening audience. For all the complexities that go into making a successful career in comedy, Louis C.K, the Washington D.C-born comedian, did it. For years, he was at the ...

The Progression of Hoda Kotbs Career, Her Ancestry and Family Life Hoda Kotb gained fame as a television host and news anchor for NBC. She anchors the shows signature show Today, and it has been an excellent vehicle for her skills in front of a camera. Kotb has won several awards, including Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards. Simply put, she is one of the most successful ...

Jerry Seinfelds Family: All About The Amazing Comedians Wife and Kids Apparently one of the highly important entertainers in America, Jerry Seinfeld is a man of many talents. A very funny man, he is considered to be one of the most successful comedians in the USA who has been in the business as a professional rib-cracker for more than 40 years. As an actor, he has ...

The Rigors Of Sarah Silvermans Rise To Prominence And Rundown Of The Men She Has Dated A comedian, writer, and actress, Sarah Silvermans art and craft is as unique as you would ever find. Her poignant use of comedy to discuss social issues such as race, sexism, politics, and religion has gained her an impressive following. As unorthodox as her style is, so is her life experiences. She previously suffered from epiglottitis ...

Who Is Hannibal Buress, Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend & Why Was He Arrested? Making people laugh when they are tense or not in the mood is a tough order and to ply the trade, it must indeed take some guts and expertise, this is what the humor maker, Hannibal Buress has been able to achieve and sustain after his inital teething process. The African-American is a screen writer, stand-up ...

The Success of John Mulaneys Career Efforts Since His Work On Saturday Night Live and Facts About His Wife John Mulaney had been working as a professional comedian for years before Saturday Night Live changed his status for life and like many who are now his fans, you probably did not know of him then. However, that changed when he joined the sketch comedy show in 2008. Since then, he has been one of ...

Jeff Dunham  Wife, Children and Net Worth Ventriloquism is a very subtle method of making an inanimate object (like a puppet, doll or dummy) appear to be saying words which are actually coming from the person (holding the inanimate object). In effect, the individual throws his/her voice to the puppet and can even appear to be having a conversation with it. Not ...

Ellen DeGeneres  Net Worth, Wife  Portia de Rossi & Parents Ellen DeGeneres is an American female standup comedian who has proven that whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. Since her journey as a standup comedian started in 1981, she has held swirl as one of the finest comedians America and the world at large has seen. She is often referred to ...

Revisiting Joan Rivers Death  The Daughter, Husband & Net Worth She Left Behind Joan Rivers was a renowned American comedian, TV host, writer, and actress. Her brand of comedy consisted of scathing one-liners and no individual or topic is spared. She hosted her own talk shows in the 80s and 90s and was a pioneer for women in stand up comedy. She was the first woman to host a late night ...

The Struggles of Margaret Chos Childhood, How It Influenced Her Career Growth and Love Life Margaret Cho is best described as a comic star who knows how to maneuver everything related to life into a rib-cracking joke. She is also known to criticize every social and political problem, especially those involving race and sexuality. Apart from her talents as a comic actress, she does amazingly well as a singer and ...

Where Is Eric Bolling Today? Who Is His Son & What Is His Net Worth? Eric Bolling who was once a notable figure on Fox News, is an American TV personality, an author, and versatile Journalist. As a political and financial analyst/commentator, he anchored discussions bothering on finance for Fox Business Channel. Here is everything there is to know about his career, family, and allegations that led to his exit ...

Who Is Chelsea Handler and Does She Have A Husband or Boyfriend? Chelsea Handler is one of Americas top female comedians. She is also an actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist. She is known to be very outspoken even with things that are very personal. In separate interviews with The New York Times, Handler revealed that she had an abortion twice when she was 16. She has authored five books ...

How Did Laura Lee Achieve Fame, How Much is She Worth and Who is Her Husband? Laura Lee is a popular American YouTuber, make-up artist and beauty blogger. From posting videos of her makeup routines on Instagram, Lee has transformed into a beauty influencer and a YouTube sensation. Today, her YouTube Channel has over 630 million views and 4.5 million subscribers. Asides having millions of followers across all social media platforms, ...

Madison Gesiotto Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Measurements Madison Gesiotto is no ordinary woman; although she excelled in quite a number of pageants and competitions while she was in school, it is her views on politics and issues in America that has made her name known to most people. She possesses beauty and intelligence in a seemingly equal measure and has been able ...

Who Is Lil Tay? Parents, Brother, Sister, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity Child stardom is nothing new in the entertainment world. With the advent of social media, we have seen more stars made from the internet than ever before, and Lil Tay is one of them. Her uploaded rap videos trademark is cursing, swearing, cash-throwing, and use of obscene languages. Her fame went wild after she dropped ...

What To Know About Tig Notaros Wife, Kids and Family Today Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic star, writer, actress, and radio analyst. Since she started her career in 2001, she has become one of Americas best comedians, particularly when it comes to observational comedy. One prominent aspect of her routine involves her family, which includes a wife and two children. Interestingly, Tig Notaro is part ...

Who Is Chantel Jeffries? What To Know About Her Age, Ethnicity & Net Worth Chantel Jeffries is a lady of many talents. Beyond being celebrated as a DJ, she has fared well as a model, an actress, musician, and as an artist. She first rose to fame on Instagram where she has a large following. However, in recent times, she has hit the spotlight for her rumored relationships with some ...

Is Ellen DeGeneres Married, Who Is The Brother  Vance DeGeneres and Family Members? Ellen DeGeneres is one of a kind celebrity in todays world as she has used her wealth for the greater good for many people. She has served a host of famous awards shows like the Grammy, Primetime Emmy and Academy Awards. Moreso, she is probably one of the most decorated entertainment personalities around the world and ...

Carli Bybel Bio  Height, Boyfriend & Net Worth Video blogging is now on the rise and YouTube is the place where most of it happens. If you are a lady who cares about her looks or a guy who likes to help his woman out with her looks, then one person whose name rings a bell when it comes to giving beauty tips ...

Who Is Lexy Panterra? What To Know About Her Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth Lexy Panterra is one of the YouTube personalities whose breakout came through the Twerk dance videos she posted on her social media handles and YouTube which has so far generated over 13 million views for her. From there on, she created her LexTwerkOut workout program in 2014. She is sure very talented as she as moved ...

Who Is AnneMunition? What Is Her Ethnicity & Does She Have A Girlfriend or Boyfriend? AnneMunition is a professional gamer and content creator of American origin. She is one of the most sought-after streamers on Twitch  a popular online platform for watching and streaming videos, especially video games. AnneMunition has almost half a million followers on Twitch and her channel has accumulated at least 13 million views. Her favorite games ...

Norm MacDonald  Former Wife, Son & Net Worth Recently, 59-year-old former Saturday Night Live stand-up comic Norm MacDonald caused a not-so-funny stir when he expressed his personal opinion about the #MeToo movement speaking in defense of Louis CK and Roseanne Barr. Following the backlash of his actions, he is diligently doing damage control for his questionable opinion by posting a public apology on ...

Inside Iliza Shlesingers Life With Husband and How Much She is Worth Now Witty, spontaneous, and truly humorous, Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian who is clearly proving that the stereotypical claim that women are not really funny is not only incredibly wrong but completely outrageous. Having been in the game for more than 10 years, Shlesinger has grown bigger with each step, stunning fans with her incredible ...

Who Is Nessa Diab? Details of her Parents, Ethnicity & Relationship With Colin Kaepernick Nessa Diab has gained more fame as the girlfriend of different footballers than in her career. She is currently with the popular National Football League (NFL) player, Colin Kaepernick, and has stood by his side during his most trying times. Also known for her mononym, Nessa, she recently engaged in a tweet battle with the ...

Samantha Bee  Inside the Life of Full Frontal Comedian and Presenter We have over the decades seen various brands of humor and personalities who have walked the ropes. One of the formidable forces in the world of comedy is no other than the iconic Samantha Bee of the Daily Show who now runs her own television show on TBS channel. She is a Canadian-American political commentator, ...

What Happened To Jessica Williamss Boyfriend And Which Are Her Best Works? Jessica Williams is a woman who has a lot of feathers in her cap  and keeps acquiring more. The former senior political correspondent of the comic Daily Show, who is also a comedian and actress whose recent movie appearance include starring as a playwright just recovering from a recent split with her boyfriend, Damon, and ...

Who is Nicole Byer? Here are 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Comedian Nicole Byer, an American comedian, actress, and writer, made a name for herself after she played supporting roles on MTVs prank show Ladylike and the reality show Girl Code. The latter was a series that featured comedians who analyzed in minute details, all the issues that young women deal with daily, from period to dating, to weird friendship dynamics and questions about sex. Currently, ...

A Closer Look At Bart Kwans Ethnicity, Height & Personal Life Bart Kwan is one of few Asians who is known for being successful in the comic industry at an international level. His fame broke out after the YouTube channel which he created with his close pal Joe Jo garnered up massive followings. The talented duo has been running the channel since 2007 and their success ...

Heres How VanossGaming Achieved Fame Online, His Worth and Other Facts About The Gamer For many years, the decision to drop out of college to pursue an online career was considered to be foolish and self-destructive by conventional wisdom. It was no different when Evan Fong, popularly known as VanossGaming, dropped out of college to pursue a YouTube career. However, that radical move paid off, and he stands shoulder to ...

Desi Perkins  Ethnicity, Net Worth & Husband YouTube is littered with videos of makeup tutorials by different people but if you are interested in learning how to do your makeup like a pro, there is just one person on that platform who you must follow. She is none other than Desi Perkins! She is a popular make-up artist, Instagram star, and vlogger. Desi, ...

The Phases of Casey Neistats Pursuits and His Love Story With Candice Pool YouTuber, vlogger, filmmaker, and creator extraordinaire; these are just a few hats that Casey Neistat wears and the story of how he got here is incredible. A native of Connecticut, Neistat started out by making refreshingly-authentic short films and videos that featured content that was based on everyday life and called attention to serious issues. He ...

Connor Franta  Inside The Life of American YouTuber YouTube has produced a lot of young celebrities in modern times and Connor Franta happens to be one of them. Apart from being a YouTuber, the young American is also an entrepreneur, entertainer, and writer. His journey to fame began almost a decade ago when he started a self-named YouTube channel where he uploads content ranging ...

Rhett and Link  Bio, Who are Their Wives, Net Worth and Family Facts Rhett and Link refer to an American comedy duo who are very popular on YouTube. They are known for their comic songs, viral commercials, skits and the daily show, Good Mythical Morning. Good Mythical Morning is the most watched daily show online, averaging 100 million views in a month. The show has featured guests such ...

A Walk Through The Maze of Ryan Higas Career Pursuits And Relationship With Arden Cho Ryan Higa is not only celebrated as a YouTube star, but he is also famed for appearing on television screens as an actor and comedian. Nigahiga, his Youtube channel, has gathered over 20 million subscribers and billions of views with his different comic acts, short films, and music videos uploads. With the rise in his career, ...

What to Know About The Shows That Made Craig Ferguson a Star and His Family Ties Rising to the top of your profession can sometimes be a hard and difficult process. It requires days and nights of working consistently hard to be better than what you were yesterday. It requires not giving up when all of your experiences seem to be pushing you to quit. It is because of these challenges ...

David Dobrik Married Liza Koshy for One Month  Inside His Family and Relationships David Dobrik is a YouTube sensation who has garnered fame not just for his vlogs but his love life too. Given his career as a YouTuber, his channel is one place where he shares his romantic escapades. With a cute boyish look like his, this Slovakian young man is definitely a good catch, and not ...

Merrell Twins Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Boyfriend One of the beautiful things about modern life is social media. As rudimentary as it might seem, it could turn out to be the greatest thing that would be invented in the next 50 years because of its impact on human life. Very few tools have revolutionized human behavior and culture as much as social ...

Who Is Bunny Meyer, Is She Married & What Is Her Net Worth? Bunny Meyer is a YouTube celebrity who has amassed over 8.8 million subscribers with 1.5 million viewers on her channel. She is popularly known as Grav3yardgirl and is one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world. She initially started out as a fashion designer and later chose the path of a YouTuber. Grav3yardgirl has used her knowledge on fashion, makeup, ...

Ninja  Inside The Life of The American YouTuber and Internet Personality Ninja is a talented video game player known for his mastery of Fortnite and other seemingly difficult games he plays with ease. The video gamer made a career out of what is ordinarily the hobby of many people and has since then amassed a huge online following. Find out about him here, including the controversies that ...

What Is Eva Gutowskis True Sexuality and How Did She Rise So Fast As an Influencer? Ever since Eva Gutowski joined YouTube in 2011, it has been an interesting journey for her, moving from one milestone to the other. Backed by an army of young women and teenage girl fans known as Evanators, she has risen to become one of the most-talked-about personalities in the digital stratosphere. She has also leveraged ...

Emma Chamberlain Biography  Age, Height & Net Worth Before now, people in the entertainment industry could only achieve popularity after many years of dedication and hard work but since social media came into the scene, massive success and overnight popularity became possible. That is the story of Emma Chamberlain who encountered fame as a fifteen-year-old. Emma is one of the many young people who became ...

Anna Akana  Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth There is a new crop of YouTubers known by their different contents with a very strong uniqueness that stands every one of them out, some upload video games, some fashion while some others have comedy video contents to showcase on their channels. Anna Akana has used her platform to showcase her comedy contents to the ...

Revealing Truths About Lilly Singhs Ethnic Background, Family and Her Relationship With Yousef Erakat Lilly Singh is an Indian-Canadian YouTube personality, actress, and comedian also known as Superwoman. She kicked off her YouTube career in 2010 with the launch of her channel IISuperwomanII and followed it up with a vlog channel in 2011. This paved the way for her fame and success which led to a world tour. The ...

Who Is Andrea Constand, Is She Married and What Is Her Connection With Bill Cosby? Many people got sexually molested but could not voice out due to the stigma victims suffer and what will become of them thereafter. Very few of the victims danm every consequence to seek justice and bring the perpetrator to the book, like Andrea Constand. She never got any media buzz, not until her friend cum molester; ...

Who Is Lazarbeam (Lannan Eacott)? Here Are Facts You Need To Know Lannan Eacott became a person of interest after his YouTube channel, LazarBeam pulled him to the limelight. Initially, he started with uploads of Madden Challenge videos before deciding to build his own channel in January 2015. Within the space of three years, his YouTube channel had gathered over 7 million loyal subscribers. Today, he has not ...

Puzzling Facts About Wengies YouTube Success and More About Her Fiance Among the many YouTubers who have succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people is Wengie. She is a Chinese-Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. Wengie is famous for a lot of things, from her simple life hacks, DIYs, craft ideas to fun experiments, tricks and pranks. Her content portfolio also includes hair tutorials, diet & fitness tips, lookbooks, ...

Is Jeffree Star A Billionaire and How Much Does He Make On YouTube? If looks can be deceptive then theres no other person who proves this maxim better than Jeffree Star. A quick look at Stars pictures would likely leave you wondering whether or not to tag him a male or female. But who says being controversial has to be a curse? For Star, his looks have caught ...

The Place of Rosanna Pansinos Career Hats In Her Rise To Fame and Facts About Her Personal Life There are a few phrases that could summarize Rosanna Pansinos rise to fame. None of them can do it better than the famous axiom, no knowledge is lost. Her popularity YouTube comes out of her foray into other professions, specifically acting. Although acting now occupies one of the major professional hats in Rosannas resume, it was ...

Muselk (Elliott Watkins) Biography  Age, Girlfriend and Net Worth The new and best in-thing in terms of career is video gaming and we have over time seen young men and women make massive income from an activity that was purportedly designed to serve as a hobby or a relaxation activity. One of such individuals is the Australian-born YouTube Celebrity and Twitch streamer, Muselk, whose ...

PopularMMOs Biography: 5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know We have over the years seen social media millionaires, especially on the YouTube social platform. These celebrities cum millionaires have made names for themselves after carving out niches on the internet, and a typical example of one of such exciting media personality on the YouTube is American Minecraft gamer and YouTube star, PopularMMOs whose channel ...

Jason Nash Once Married Marney Hochman  What To Know About His Ex-Wife and Kids The now-defunct video-sharing app Vine was the path that led Jason Nash to fame. With it, he built an audience of over two million followers, which he parlayed into a significant YouTube career. That move has seen him become one of the most popular personalities on the internet, with the cash income to go with ...

Where Does Dantdm Live? What Do We Know About His Net Worth, Wife and Brother? Most parents buy video games for their kids to occupy their time leisure, while other parents frown at their kids when they play video games. Despite the disparity, every parent would be proud of their child if he/she eventually turns a celebrity or millionaire through playing video games like Dantdm. Biography of Dantdm Dantdm was born Daniel ...

LaurDIY  Biography: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTuber LaurDIY is the YouTube channel of Lauren Riihimaki which she created on December 1, 2011, when she was still a college undergrad with the sole aim of giving Do It Yourself (DIY) as well as practical fashion and beauty tips to her followers. She has used the channel to establish herself as a YouTube personality ...

Lachlan Ross Power  Bio And Family Life Of Australian The YouTube Star It is amazing the varied sources of income that the internet has made possible in this day and age. Internet fame can get its holder a whole lot of monetary and social benefits, but it must be noted that it does not come easy or cheap. For those who desire fame, content is the sacrifice ...

Alfie Deyes  Bio and Net Worth: Everything You Need To Know Alfie Deyes is one internet personality you definitely would like to know about. He boasts of over 10 million subscribers on three of his YouTube channels and has three bestseller books to his name. He is probably the most renowned young personality on YouTube today and his vlogging empire continues to grow by the day. ...

Colleen Ballingers Love Story With Husband Erik Stocklin and How Much She Is Worth Now Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian and YouTuber who is a very funny, adventurous, and highly talented woman. She is also an actress, singer, and writer. Collen is widely known for her work on YouTube where she posts content on her channel, Miranda Sings. The comedian has gained many subscribers over the years and has ...

Who Are The Dude Perfect Members and How Much Are They Worth? Entertainment in the 21st century can be digested in many forms and with platforms like YouTube, the creators and purveyors of entertainment have been democratized. Today, one of the most popular platforms to exhibit ones creative talents is YouTube, even though there are other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, who suffer in comparison to YouTube because ...

Who Is Rudy Mancuso, What Is His Earning Power and What Do We Know About His Girlfriend? Rudy Mancuso started his internet journey on Vine. He would later transition to YouTube where he solidified his place among the internets most beloved comedic creators. He is now regarded as one of the renowned internet personalities in the world, with a presence in mainstream TV and film projects like Comedy Centrals Drunk History and ...

Vsauce (Michael Stevens) Biography and Net Worth: All You Need To Know The advent of YouTube and the internet as a whole revolutionized how human beings consume information. With each passing year, the percentage of learning that is done in a traditional classroom decrease as a seismic shift to internet-based learning happens in our education industry. From open courses online to YouTube classes and videos, there are ...

How did Jake Paul Make His YouTube Big Break and Who is His Wife? One of the most interesting Social Media personalities of the 21st century is the young and popular Jake Paul whose elder brother is the famed Vine star, Logan Paul. Jake has utilized the power of the internet to bring himself to the limelight with a channel named JakePaulProductions that has amassed up to six billion ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About Reaction Time (Tal Fishman)  The American YouTuber Before 2015, the leading meaning of reaction time was the amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus, until Tal Fishman started his channel, Reaction Time on YouTube and the dominant meaning changed. Today, a google search of Reaction Time would deliver Tal Fishmans videos and YouTube channel link with a few physics ...

Grace Helbig  Net Worth, Boyfriend and Family Life of The YouTuber Grace Helbig is an American internet personality, comedian, actress, and writer. She became popular due to her daily vlog series, DailyGrace, which ran on My Damn Channel from 2008 to 2013. Helbig is also popular for her own indie series on YouTube, ItsGrace, which she launched in 2014. Her vlogs which feature random stuff such as ...

Mark Wiens Bio  Ethnicity, Wife and Parents Food is a great way to connect with people. We all love to eat, if not for the pleasure of food, the satisfaction of quenching hunger, and the very process of providing and sharing that food is part of the strongest bonds that bind humanity together. Maybe it is our historical connection to food, where ...

Is Filthy Frank Dead, What Happened To Him and How Much Is He Worth? As George Kusunoki Miller, he was a nobody. However, as Filthy Frank, George was one of the most famous internet personalities on the planet. The Filthy Frank Show, a sketch series on his YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, was one of the platforms most influential creations. He is the reason a crazy dance song, Harlem Shake, made it ...

CaptainSparklez Bio  Net Worth, House and Cars of The Famous YouTuber Sometimes, what society wants from its citizens is quite different from what the citizens want for themselves. This is evident in the life and career of video blogger and American YouTube personality, Jordan Maron famous for his YouTube channel CaptainSparklez. He dropped out of school after discovering his talent in playing an online game called Minecraft. ...

Who is Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg)? Here are Facts You Must Know Canadian Youtube personality, Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg) originally started out polishing and designing nails even before it became a trendy culture in the social media. Simply Nailogica started out her showbiz career in her early days as a child actress, acting in commercials for game and toy companies. Aside from acting, she is blogger, vlogger, specializing ...

5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Huda Beauty In the world of entrepreneurship, it is interesting when an individual has a mentor who he/she looks up to, this yield more productivity on the part of the individual. The iconic and rich American beautician and makeup artist Huda Kattan nicknamed Heida is the founder of the Huda Beauty blog which is number one Instagram beauty blog ...

Is Dino MasterChef Gay? Details About His Ethnicity, Girlfriend, Where He Is Now Food, for the better part of the early years of human life, was nothing more than what we needed for survival. There was no artistry or curation to the method of cooking. The scarcity of food left no room for artistic expression until we figured out agriculture and we could make as much as we ...

Who Is Gabbie Hanna And How Did She Become Famous? As the world shifts to digital media and depends more and more on streaming services for its news and entertainment content, YouTubers have become one of the leading creators in the new media world. Their understanding of the online audience: how to create, maintain, and increase followers, are all handy skills that have primed them ...

Jacksepticeye  Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth Jacksepticeye is a YouTuber and actor who gained popularity with a series of gaming videos he uploads on his channel to the delight of millions of his subscribers. He is Known primarily for his comic video game series titled Lets Play and his vlogs. His channel was formerly ranked 46th in the list of most subscribed ...

Chris Heria Personal Details: About His Wife, Height & Ethnicity Background In this generation, keeping fit has become one of the major criteria for being hale and hearty. In fact, most occupations these days are majorly concerned with ones body mass, weight and looks. Unlike the past where most people have to register in a gym to keep fit, social media has made it quite easy ...

Everything You Need To Know About Game Grumps Gaming is becoming incredibly popular on YouTube these days with game vloggers make millions of dollars out of them yearly. One of the most popular up-coming gaming YouTube channels is Game Grumps. The Lets Play series was created in 2012 and celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 18th, 2017. In six years of its existence, the ...

Daithi De Nogla Biography, Girlfriend and Net Worth YouTube has created an avenue for many to make wealth and become famous from the comfort of their homes while having fun. Many have built a career out of the platform, uploading numerous videos that have earned them the admiration of viewers across the globe. For Daithi De Nogla, he is loved for his humorous commentary on ...

Does Phoebe Robinson Have A Boyfriend or Husband and What Do We Know About Her Family? Phoebe Robinson is a New York-based comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the WNYC Studios podcast 2 Dope Queens. Just like some other female comedians, she never had any original plans of becoming a stand-up comedian even though, according to her, she took a class on a whim at Carolines on Broadway. After ...

Who Are Lex and Alana from Listed Sisters? What Is Their Ethnicity & Is the Show Cancelled? America is a country built on diversity. Everywhere you look all over the country, a countless number of immigrants or children of immigrants have become an integral part of the fabric of the country. From entertainment to business, immigrants are creating a niche for themselves and climbing to the summit of their respective professions. One ...

Riveting Facts About Danielle Lombard And What She Is Best Known For The American entertainment industry is one that provides many avenues for aspiring hopefuls to express their talents and become famous. From films to television shows and game shows, there is no shortage of ways for men and women who desire fame to pursue and earn it in the United States of America. Another tested medium ...

Unearthing New Details About The YouTube Success And Personal Life of Alex Burriss of Wassabi Productions Wildly hilarious and truly audacious, Alex Wassabi is an American YouTuber who has become a very popular face on the video-sharing platform after having garnered millions of subscribers over the years by keeping people glued to his channel with his witty parody video releases. If you have always loved parody videos, there is every chance ...

Everything You Need To Know About H2O Delirious H2O Delirious whose full birth name is reported to be Jonathan Gormon Dennis has successfully kept himself mystified by hiding his face behind the masks leaving his loyal fans speculating who he really is for many years. The American YouTube star is easily identified by the Jason Mask Style with make-up which he wears on his ...

Who Is HolaSoyGerman and What Happened To Him? German Garmendia has certainly seen it all when it comes to internet success. His channels, HolaSoyGerman and JuegaGerman are in the top twenty most subscribed channel on YouTube. The Chilean YouTuber found a way to tap into one of the worlds greatest inventions and make a living from it. He has been able to build ...

Who Are Glenn Becks Family, What Is His Net Worth And What Happened To Him? The American political commentary space is filled with different personalities. A few of them, through their rhetoric, charisma, and resources have been able to build a large following of men and women who listen to them for insight and direction for various political and social issues in the United States. For Conservatives, the story is ...

Following Charissa Thompsons Rise Through The Ranks Of Sports Casting and All About Her Boyfriend Superstar TV host and sportscaster, Charissa Thompson, has been hailed as one of the highest-profile women journalists in America, and the reason is there for all to see. She has worked for popular establishments such as Versus, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, GSN, and Big Ten Network. She currently hosts the popular pre-game show, Fox NFL Kickoff, ...

Is Chris Kattan Gay or Does He Have A Wife? What Is His Net Worth? Chris Kattan is a popular American comedian and actor. He has appeared in several comic movies and TV series such as The Middle, A Night at the Roxbury and Bunnicula. Kattan is, however, most popular for his six-year stint as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. During his time on the legendary show, he ...

Everything You Should Know About the Rise of Insta Star Claire Abbott and Why She Gave It All Up A lot of young Americans have shot into the limelight for uploading different kinds of videos on YouTube. Some of these young stars include Connor Franta, Desi Perkins, Emma Chamberlain, the Dolan Twins (Ethan and Grayson), and Claire Abbott. The latter became a social media celebrity for uploading sexy bikini pictures of herself on social media. Apart from ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTube Channel  h3h3Productions H3h3Productions is a YouTube channel that specializes on Comic responses or reactions of other contents or trendy stories. The celebrity couple that created the channel has over time racked up sizable views for their commentaries and contents. Even though they had their own fair share of copyright cases, thankfully they scored an unprecedented victory in all ...

Lilypichu Bio  Height, Brother and Love Story With Albert SleightlyMusical Chang Like most popular internet celebrities, Lilypichu is one of those Twitch streamers who spend their lives on camera. From daydreaming about the possibility of becoming a full-time professional streamer, she grew to live out her dreams on the popular live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day activities. Given the rise of ...

KSI  What To Know About His Girlfriend, Brother  Deji Olatunji & Net Worth Assuredly, when Internet inventors Vint Cerf and Bob Khan created the technological masterpiece, they probably did not know how massive the creation will be harnessed by many for different purposes including as a platform for earning money through content creation. One of such person who smiles to the bank regularly today for spending time creating ...

The Interesting Progression and Highlights of Carrie Keagans Career as a Host and Actress Carrie Keagan has garnered huge fame through her various stints on television. She is not just your regular TV host but one with a difference. Keagan has hosted several high profile events and TV shows, including VH1s Big Morning Buzz Live and Fox News Channels Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld. However, not many know she ...

The Gist On Elise Jordans Marriages And Her Rise To Prominence Political commentaries tend to be boring when it is handled by someone who does not have a knack for it. However, when you see the likes of Elise Jordan run the same commentary, you will have a lot of reasons to look forward to watching her again as the journalist is well-versed in the field ...

What Is Timmy Thick Best Known For and How Successful Is The Star? Thanks to the internet, many people whose talents would have ordinarily gone unnoticed have become famous. A very good example of this modern-day internet celebrity is Timmy Thick, an American social media star. He became popular on Instagram due to his penchant for posting raunchy pictures of himself. He also often posted videos of himself ...

What Does Heather Storm Do For a Living and Who Is She Dating? Reality Television is a great way to make a name for oneself as well as amass a fortune. Heather Storm can attest to this as she is one of those who have made a name and earned a lot from reality TV. She made her name appearing on shows like Car Fanatics, Awesome Autos, and, ...

Matt Carriker Biography  Net Worth, Wife & Height Unlike your regular veterinary doctor next door, Matt Carriker chose to spice up his noble profession with the unusual. Though he is known to many as a medical practitioner, Carriker is better renowned as a YouTube star and an animal lover. Having recorded huge successes on his various YouTube channels, the vet doctors name and ...

Jillian Mele of Fox News Career Achievements, Husband & Measurements There are quite a good number of presenters on radio and television who listeners and viewers may never wish to miss any of their shows because of their sensational golden voice, beauty or the special way or artistry they anchor their shows. Jillian Mele is one of such. She has been at the top of ...

Who is Gillian Turner of Fox News? Her Fiance or Husband and Net Worth Gillian Turner is well-known as a news correspondent for Fox News Channel but before she became a TV personality, she built an intimidating resume working for different institutions, including the American government. She served in different capacities at the White House National Security Council during the administration of former US Presidents  George W. Bush and Barack Obama. ...

Gloria Govan Bio  Age, Ethnicity & Height Even as Gloria Govan is famous as an American actress, author, a TV host, and reality television star, shes more popular as the wife of the former NBA player, Matt Barnes. She became known after appearing on the Florida version of the reality television series, Basketball Wives and later, Basketball Wives: LA  after Matt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sadly, ...

Michael Fishmans Interesting Start as an Actor and Why He Divorced His Wife of Many Years When one door closes, another one opens. As silly as that axiom may seem, it is the story of the resurgence of Michael Fishman, who plays D.J Conner on the popular show, Roseanne. Having played the character for several years as a child actor into his teenage years; when the show originally ended, Michael did ...

Who Is October Gonzalez  Tony Gonzalezs Wife? All You Need To Know October Gonzalez is a popular American TV host and media personality. Additionally, she is also a model. Gonzalez has hosted several TV shows such as Beat Shazam, Entertainment Tonight, and Rachel Ray. She has also featured in several reality TV shows. Gonzalezs fame is not just due to her profession but also because of her ...

Who Is Tony Berlin  Harris Faulkners Husband: His Children and Family Facts Tony Berlin is a popular American media guru. He has variously worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer for some of the biggest TV networks in America. They include CNN, CBS, NBC, and ABC (where he hosted the popular Good Morning America). Berlin has now diversified into public relations and owns his own PR firm. ...

The Progression of Gianna Tobonis Journalism Career and Details About Her Marriage to Kyle Buckley Gianna Toboni may not be your ideal newscaster but her unusual reporting is what made her a household name. The American journalist is renowned for her hard-hitting and authentic reportage. A motivator and activist for total press freedom, Gianna loves to explore pervasive cultural issues. Not only does this unique and ambitious journalist call for all ...

Dog The Bounty Hunters Family Including Details of His Late Wife and Kids Popularly known as Dog, a name which he got from the television series, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Duane Chapman, an American bounty hunter, and one-time bail bondsman, went from being convicted for a felony to being a reality TV star. He was brought to the limelight following the capture of the convicted criminal, Andrew Luster in 2003 and this eventually made ...

Vicky Karayiannis, Chris Cornells Wifes Bio, Children and Family The world of showbiz is made up of different people who serve different roles, and function in a variety of capacities, and one of the most important people are those in the background. Publicists are undoubtedly one of these background people yet they are vital to the life and fame of most of our favorite ...

Joe Rogan Has A Step-Daughter and 2 Other Kids With Wife Jessica Ditzel  Meet His Family Joe Rogan is a popular American stand-up comedian and TV host. His journey to stardom began in the late 80s and has seen him host several shows, the most popular is the game show titled Fear Factor. The exciting show dares contestants to face some of their greatest fears and embark on challenging stunts. The ...

Josh Gates and Wife Hallie Gnatovich Have 2 Kids But Who Has the Higher Net Worth? Best known for his explorations and adventures, Josh Gates, is a television presenter with a voracious appetite for seeing the world and the beauties in it. Some of that beauty, however, is in his home, in the form of two children he shares with his wife, Hallie Gnatovich. Not excluded is their marriage which has lasted ...

Holly Sonders Wiki, Plastic Surgery & Why She Divorced Her Husband  Erik Kuselias After trying everything within her capacity to have a low key wedding, Holly Sonders was drawn to the public because of her husbands controversy at his workplace. Well, the two are rumored to be divorced but the article below will give more light on how true these rumors are. Meanwhile, Holly Sonders is yet to ...

Nadeska Alexis Bio  Age, Boyfriend & Net Worth Journalism is one diverse profession that allows the practitioners to choose their area of specialty, build a career on it by reporting the truth and facts which in the long run will distinguish them as deserving commendation and recognition among their peers. Some choose to specialize in political journalism, while to others it is sports ...

Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ...

A Look At Jimmy Fallons Net Worth and Family Including His Wife & Kids Sometimes, a childs passion for something is a pointer to what he/she would become in the future. As a child, Jimmy Fallon was literally obsessed with watching the late-night comedy program, Saturday Night Live (SNL). Then, his parents would tape the clean parts for him to watch and later, he and his sister would re-enact sketches from the ...

Kay Adams Biography  Does The Sportscaster Have A Husband or Boyfriend? When you hear the phrase sports enthusiast, women are hardly the first group that comes to mind. Well, thats changing pretty fast. Especially with the rise of female sports analysts and broadcasters like Kay Adams who is famed for knowing more about sports than most men do. And why not, shes paid handsomely for it ...

Ben Shapiros Family  Meet His Wife, Kids and Sister Who is Popular for the Wrong Reasons A multi-talented man, Ben Shapiro is a man of controversial nature, an attribute that has made him an unusual public figure. An intellectual whose career path was clearly defined even before he became a man, the Jewish conservative commentator has always had his way with words. He became popular by sharing his critical and often ...

QVC Shawn Killinger Bio  Husband, Net Worth & Facts To Know Shawn Killinger is a prominent TV personality who has worked her way to the top. Though not initially a journalist by training, she defied the odds and today has established herself as a household name, as well as, worked alongside some industry legends. More than just being a reporter, newscaster, and anchor, heres all you ...

Liv Lo  Dissecting the Ethnicity, Parents and Personal Life of Henry Goldings Wife While many are aware that Liv Lo is the better half to Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding, only a few understand why his beautiful wife appears increasingly endearing to fans. A former model turned TV personality, and fitness star, Liv has an impressive resume which when combined with that of her statuesque spouse is considered a perfect ...

Stpeach Age, Husband and Other Facts About The Twitch Streamer Lisa Vannatta, famously known by her online alias, STPeach is a Canadian video game streamer cum vlogger who has garnered fame through her appearances on different video-sharing/social networking platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, Twitch, Reddit, and Twitter. The beautiful lady got her career to a start in August 2015 when she joined the live streaming video platform, Twitch. She rose to ...

Insights into Seth Meyers Wife, Family and What His Net Worth Is Celebrities are mostly remembered and known for the work they do. For Seth Meyers, his career as a comedian, writer, actor, TV host, and producer is his biggest identifier. He was on Saturday Night Live SNL show as a head writer and cast member for more than ten years during which he built a reputation ...

Who Is Jessica Gadsden  Age, Net Worth & All About Charlamagne tha Gods Wife Jessica Gadsden is an American fitness coach as well as a personal trainer. She is better known as the spouse of popular American media personality, Charlamagne Tha God. Charlamange Tha God is a well-known TV and radio personality in the U.S. He has featured in several shows (both on the radio and TV) and is ...

Who Is Collins Tuohy  Michael Ohers sister ? Her Wedding, Husband & Net Worth Collins Tuohy is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, blogger, and social media personality. She is also better known as the adoptive sister of NFL player, Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the Hollywood blockbuster The Blind Side. The Blind Side tells the true life story of Oher who grew up in an impoverished background consisting of a ...

Eye-Popping Facts About The Personal Life And Career Success Of Sportscaster Heidi Watney Heidi Watney is a media personality who has created a niche for herself as a sportscaster. Starting out as a radio presenter, the brilliant young lady has gone on to work for several prominent sports networks, and currently, she is with the MLB. The sportscaster is also known to have been an avid sports lady right ...

Marty Lagina Bio  Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ...

Is Jordan Schlansky Just A Character or a Real Life Person and What Does He Do? The world of late-night television is an interesting one. Shows during that time are geared towards giving viewers comedic relief from a long day at work through interviews and comedy sketches. The often charismatic host of this show requires the balancing talent of a producer whose primary job is to deliver great episodes. It is ...

Heres How Wealthy Jimmy Kimmel Is From All The Phases of His Career, Marriages and Sons Health Jimmy Kimmel is a renowned late-night talk show host known for his charm, wit, and the A-list guests he features on his show. As the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! On ABC, Jimmy has been serving comedy to television viewers for years which played a pivotal role in launching him into mainstream fame and enabled ...

Natasha Bertrand Biography  Is She Married? Who Is the Husband & What Is Her Age? Natasha Bertrand is not just a young prominent journalist but a first-rate investigative reporter. With her natural beauty and smile, Natashas sharp, insightful political commentary also makes her a thorough reporter. Her sound political perspective and coverage in the country have made her a force to be reckoned with in the profession. Renowned for her ...

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Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ...

Erik Asla And Tryra Banks Split: Everything You Need To Know Tyra Banks and Erik Asla have called it quits! The couple, who began dating in 2013 and have a son named York Banks Asla, has decided to end what everybody taught was the perfect relationship. Neither person has come out to give a reason for the breakup, but what is obvious right now is that ...

What to Note About Dr Terry Dubrows Qualifications, TV Works and Marriage to Heather Kent In the realm of people that we expect to see regularly on our screens, medical doctors are closer to the bottom of the list. Aside from the fact that their work has little correlation with TV, they are presumably too busy to pursue life as TV personalities. Yet, a few of them have usurped this ...

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YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. The remand decision against Surik Petrosyan and Mher Mazmanyan, who were charged over supporting the gunmen who seized the Police station on July 17, has been changed.

They have been released on signature bond taking into account that the necessity of keeping them in custody has been eliminated, press service of the Prosecution of Armenia informed Armenpress.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh says Azerbaijan made more than 20 ceasefire violations at Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Ministrys announcement reads: Overnight September 28-29 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime more than 20 times by firing over 500 shots from various caliber weapons at the Armenian positions across Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Defense Army forces adhered to the ceasefire regime and continued confidently fulfilling their military tasks.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Brandon city councillor who co-chairs the citys poverty committee agrees with a new survey that there are numerous ways to help low-income earners, but she argues a gradual hike in the minimum wage is one of the best ways to go.

What minimum wage does is it actually puts money in the pocket of these workers, said Coun. Lonnie Patterson (South Centre). Ive worked for minimum wage, I know how hard it is to pay the rent.

Minimum wage has been a hot-button issue nationwide, particularly in the lead-up to various provinces raising their lowest of wages on Saturday and the news that Alberta will phase in a $15-an-hour minimum wage by 2018.

Hoping to combat a potential wage increase in this province, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business released the results of a survey yesterday to outline more effective ways to help low-income Manitobans.

The survey found the perception that boosting the minimum wage is the best way to improve employee retention and increase employment and wages for low-income earners is false  at least according to the business community, with eight in 10 owners in Manitoba disagreeing.

Minimum wage should only be increased, CFIB countered, if the province exhausts its ability to assist low-income earners through tax relief and training initiatives to qualify people for higher-paying jobs.

More than 80 per cent of business owners would rather see a reduction in personal income tax rates. There is also 71 per cent support for increasing the basic personal/spousal exemption and 57 per cent of business owners back increasing tax credits for those most in need.

Only one-quarter of business owners polled support moderate increases in the minimum wage, which has happened in Manitoba for a decade and a half, usually a 25-cent or 50-cent rise annually.

The minimum wage in Manitoba is $11, and the current Progressive Conservative government has made no commitment to keep raising it.

Jonathan Alward, CFIBs Manitoba director, said they wanted to present a survey endorsing a wage freeze before the province makes decisions.

Alward said he is concerned previous minimum wage increases forced 43 per cent of business to raise prices and more than two in 10 business owners to reduce their workforce and cut work hours. He said that while business owners are looking out for themselves, they are worried about those living in poverty.

Most people want to help low-income earners, were not disagreeing with that in the slightest. What were saying is whether it impacts businesses or not, there are better ways to help the low-income earners than increasing the minimum wage.

More than 300 Manitoba business owners responded to the survey.

Patterson, who said the poverty committee has not held a formal discussion on minimum wage in the city, disagrees that increasing the personal tax exemption (now $9,134) is an appropriate solution  it lines pockets of those not desperate for help.

Im not arguing that putting a little bit more income tax in somebodys pocket might help them out, but at the end of the day youre actually costing government a lot of money in non-collected tax revenue, she said.

Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Terry Burgess said they would have a similar recommendation to the surveys findings if the province asks.

Whenever you start talking about moving minimum rates up, it certainly impacts business, their desire to invest more in their operation, he said.

Samaritan House Ministries executive director Thea Dennis would go one step further if she could. She supports a living wage of around $15/hour, which would mean much less than the 1,700 hampers the Brandon food bank hands out monthly, and benefit employers with less turnover and absenteeism from their employees.

But she admits its tough balancing competing interests.

Its challenging for both sides of the coin, she said.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
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This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A 24-year-old man from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation faces life-threatening injuries after he suffered a gunshot wound Tuesday night while hunting.

A spokesperson with Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg said late Wednesday afternoon that the man is in critical condition.

Early indications suggest a person he was hunting with shot the victim in a wooded area in the RM of Riverdale that night, said RCMP spokesperson Tara Seel. She added that police arrived at the scene before 11 p.m.

As news spread throughout the concerned community, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Vince Tacan said he was briefed on the polices ongoing investigation.

It sounded to me like theyre still piecing the chain of events that happened, Tacan said.

He noted that Manitoba Conservation is playing a role in the investigation and that several police cars were in the community all day.

Tacan said he doesnt know the victim well, but spoke of him highly.

I know hes a good athlete and hes been pretty good in the community, Tacan said. Hes not someone who gets into trouble.

The mans family is with him at the hospital, community members told The Brandon Sun.

Seel said the RCMPs Major Crime Unit is involved in the investigation with Brandon RCMP because the incident involved firearms.

STARS air ambulance was called to the Brandon Regional Health Centre late Tuesday night, but was stood down because their services were not required, they said.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Wheat City Nuit Blanche is returning to Brandon for a second year, but this years events will be spilling out of the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba into the street.

Last year, it was only happening at the art gallery for the most part. This year, we have downtown locations where there will be  satellite installations and performances happening, said Kate Hill, gallery services co-ordinator at the AGSM.

Basically, you will be able to just walk downtown along Rosser Avenue and find artists working, hear musical performances and see something happening for Nuit Blanche.

Submitted Tim Browns exhibit, Isonaut, is shown during last years edition of Wheat City Nuit Blanche.

Wheat City Nuit Blanche is part of Culture Days Manitoba, which is taking place this weekend. Culture Days is a volunteer movement across Canada that raises awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.

The interactive exhibit will include a variety of art performances and musicians all day Saturday.

You can watch an artist actually working on an ongoing work in progress. Here at the gallery, we are going to have various things that you wouldnt normally find in an art gallery, things that are a little more involved, Hill said.

For example, were going to have an individual performing trombone along with his dog who sings with him  so lots of fun things.

Hill said shes most excited to see the downtown Window Shopping installation done by Kevin Bertram and Chris Reid.

Theyre two very wonderful and well-known artists in the area, and they have collaborated to install various scenes theyve created in four downtown window spaces, Hill said, All these businesses are sort of collaborating with them, giving them the space.

Local business owners say they are thrilled to be included in the event.

Were really excited  we love being able to make these connections within our community, said Lynn Nightingale, manager of Ten Thousand Villages.

Brandon University music studentswill be playing in the store throughout the afternoon, Nightingale said.

Im hoping for a great turnout  having the music in the store will be a nice treat, Nightingale said.

Sara Grexton, owner of Abby Rose Boutique, is also excited to welcome artists in her store and be part of the community.

We have two textile artists (Shirley Brown and Franchesca Herbert Spence) coming in to do some paper dolls and have a discussion about fashion  people can just come in anytime throughout the day, theres going to be crafts and glitter, Grexton said. We want to provide a creative atmosphere and it definitely will be  its just something fun and different to have on a Saturday afternoon.

Last years Nuit Blanche saw around 300 people visit the AGSM alone, Hill said, adding this year theyre hoping for a greater turnout.

We have so many people participating this year, its probably double the amount and also the space were covering in the area  we hope it will be a great success, Hill said.

Afternoon events will be staggered starting at 1 p.m., and ending off with a night happening at the AGSM from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. All events are free and open to the public.

There will be a lot of really fun interactive things to take part in  people can take things home with them that they create, have a family-fun dance party, theres just a lot of great things happening, Hill said.

For a map and list of all the locations taking part in Wheat City Nuit Blanche, visit the AGSMs website, agsm.ca.

 edebooy@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @erindebooy

A GUIDE TO NUIT BLANCHE

This Saturday, Wheat City Nuit Blanche will transform the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba and venues along Rosser Avenue into a multi-disciplinary celebration of collaborative art, music and performance.

From 2 p.m. until 1 a.m., downtown Brandon venues will be filled with free music and visual art performances, installations and activities for all ages.

This years Wheat City Nuit Blanche will happen in three acts: afternoon events in venues along Rosser Avenue from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.; Hair, Art Wine at Roses Salon from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.; and a night happening at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m.

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Medallion Room, Building Re-Fit Store (23 12th St.)

 Curt Shoultz, working with audience members and found materials

 Music performances

Fraser Sneath Coffee (1031 Rosser Ave.)

 Music performances

Abby Rose Boutique (912 Rosser Ave.)

 Shirley Brown and Franchesca Herbert Spence: cut-out dolls

Wildflower Cafe (908 Rosser Ave.)

 Music performances

Brandon General Museum and Archives (19 Ninth St.)

 Barb Flemington, installation in response to the B.J. Hales Collection

 Music performances

Submitted Leanne Zacharias and Kevin deForest collaborate on Disco Tatami during Wheat City Nuit Blanche in 2015.

Ten Thousand Villages (829 Rosser Ave.)

 Music performances

Brandon Public Library (710 Rosser Ave.)

 Kevin Bertram and Chris Reid: Window Shopping mixed media installations

Union Shoe Store (618 Rosser Ave.)

 Kevin Bertram and Chris Reid: Window Shopping mixed media installations

New System Store (619 Rosser Ave.)

 Kevin Bertram and Chris Reid: Window Shopping mixed media installations

The R-Studio (431 Rosser Ave.)

 Kevin Bertram and Chris Reid: Window Shopping mixed media installations

3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hair, Art, Wine at Roses (122 Ninth St.)

 A wine reception with Gabe Ivaniskis paintings, Roses hairstyling in response, and music by Deekofresh and DJ Cymric.

7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba

(710 Rosser Ave., Unit 2, access through The Town Centre Parkade)

 Improvised choir performance by the BU Chorale and Dr. Andree Dagenais

 Water-themed duo by saxophonists Aren Teerhuis and Teegan Walker

 Trombonist Aaron Wilson and Sally the Hound: Giving the Dog a Bone

 Alexandra Hassenflug: live painting performance in response to musicians

 Kevin DeForest and Jimmie Kilpatrick: turntable installation

 Adrien Lefebvre: sound installation

 Eric Platz, Ben Davis and Derek Brown: You Cant See Through White mixed media installation

 Janet Shaw-Russell and Lisa Lysack: sculpture installation

 Lisa Wood: live painting from time-lapse photographs

 Tim Brown: collaboration between the artist, the audience, and two buildings

 Kate Hill: collaboration with online personality quizzes, audience members, and a button-making machine

 Leslie Corbay: posing, postcards and the Prairies

 Jessie Fosty and Albyn Carias: a collaborative performance that will address issues of race and value

 Leslie Hutchinson and Bryant Wahl-Perrin: Sweet Dreams  large collaborative mobile

 Music performances by Scott Brown & Jon Smith; Christian Ilagan; Jakub Marshall; Isaac Rohr; Erika, Alyssa, Alanna; and others.

These events are all free and open to the public. More information may be found on the AGSM website, agsm.ca.

 Submitted
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. By the September 28 decision of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, the Expert Council on Prevention of Torture to the Defender has been established with a new list of members, the Ombudsmans Office informed Armenpress.

It is comprised of independent experts, as well as experienced representatives of NGOs in the field of prevention of torture and ill treatment (sociologist, psychologist, doctor, etc.).

The Council is established based on the Law on Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, according which the Ombudsman is the National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol of the UN Convention on Prevention of Torture. Besides that, the Law on Human Rights Defender gives the possibility to delegate certain functions to the Expert Council members.

The aim of the Council is to reveal the problems concerning the conditions of detention in the places of deprivation of liberty and to provide the solutions, including analyzing them in the context of relevant legislative acts. The main function of the Council is to monitor the places of deprivation of liberty by making regular visits.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MINNEDOSA  Ask anyone who has visited about their thoughts on Minnedosa and invariably youll hear a story about a special summer memory while visiting the beach, camping or attending one of the communitys fair weather events.

However, local organizers wanted to demonstrate that there is more to the town dubbed Manitobas Valley Paradise than just what visitors in July and August may experience.

Recently, organizers presented Theres Life After Labour Day in Minnedosa with a day of outdoor activities and attractions at the beach that were geared to all ages.

Submitted Teams both young and old tackled the hands-free, croquet-style challenge  with mixed results.

Including a crafters market, some skill-testing team and individual games and closing the day with an outdoor movie at dusk, the event drew an enthusiastic crowd for what may be one of the final weeks of the year to get outdoors in shirt sleeves.

The principal organizer for the event was Karen May, who had initially signed on when the focus of the event was intended to be a dragonboat festival.

May, a Minnedosa resident who is also a six time medal winner as a paddler and steerperson on the water, took full ownership of the event even after the Westman Dragonboat Association elected to withdraw from the proposed festival.

Shifting the focus from water to land events, she prepared an agenda that brought together community members of all ages, from pre-schoolers to retirees, to participate.

Before I moved here, I was one of those people that was an annual visitor to Minnedosa each summer to attend Rockin the Fields, says May. But until I got here myself, I didnt realize how much I was missing out on. I wanted to put together an event that would bring everyone out and showcase the warmth and enthusiasm of our community  and get people active and interacting with each other.

Submitted Stacie Cardy tries to pass the balloon to Lori Harrison during the balloon relay.

If her intention was to get people active, mission accomplished. The 10-activity circuit, which included events such as a hands-free balloon relay race, hula-hoop challenge, a five-legged race, and cookie face  a game where participants had to manoeuvre a cookie from their forehead to their mouth without hands  proved to be both challenging and entertaining for participants of all ages.

Mostly, I hope that people had fun, says May. We are glad that we will be able to donate the net proceeds to local causes like the Palliative Care Society and the Minnedosa Beach Enhancement Committee, but mostly it was about having fun and enjoying a day that had something for everyone. It wasnt just for kids and parents on the sidelines or the other way around. Everyone could (and did) get to play.

There is no official word as of press time if this will become an annual event, but the response from this initial outing seem to suggest that there is potential for the event to grow even bigger in coming years.

 Submitted
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On Sunday, Sept. 11, City of Brandon department of community services staff welcomed representatives from Tree Canada and volunteers with TD Canada Trust in creating a holding nursery for approximately 350 spruce tree seedlings in an area near the citys Community Services Complex on McGregor Avenue.

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YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Turkeys National Security Council convened under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recommended to extend the countrys ongoing state of emergency during September 28 session, Anadolu reported.

It has been agreed to recommend to extend the state of emergency in order to ensure the continuity of the effective implementation of the measures aiming to protect our democracy, the rule of law and the rights and freedoms of our citizens," the statement reads.

At the same time, it was also recommended to declare July 15, the day of the military coup attempt, as a Day of Democracy and Freedoms in Turkey.

Turkey declared a state of emergency on July 20 after the military coup attempt in the country. The Turkish leadership repeatedly announced about the possibility to extend the state of emergency.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The 9th session of the Coordinating Council of CSTO Emergency Situations took place on September 29 in Yerevan.

Emergency Situations state management delegations from Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan participated in the meeting, as well as representatives of the UN humanitarian affairs coordinating office of Moscow and the Red Cross office, and Almatys Kazakh-Kirgiz ES and disaster risk reduction center.

Deputy Minister of ES H. Hakobyan welcomed the participants on behalf of the ministry and Minister A. Yeritsyan.

At the beginning of the session, participants paid homage with a moment of silence to the memory of firefighters who recently died during a large fire in Moscow.

Opening remarks were delivered by CSTO deputy secretary general Valery Semerikov.

Semerikov thanked the Armenian ministry of emergency situations and noted that events hosted in Armenia always proceed on a high level.

The sessions agenda focused on strengthening cooperation with international organizations, CSTO exercises, training of specialists of member states in Russias educational institutions and formation of Armenian-Russian humanitarian response center.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Canadian public is faced with the most important political decision of our time. The federal government is now deciding on whether to change our voting system and is inviting public input on this decision.

Our ability to vote and be fairly represented is at the core of our democratic rights. The current system we are using ( first past the post) gives us distorted election results where some votes are overrepresented, some are underrepresented and some are not represented at all. This serves to encourage division and entrenched power in our government.

The problems that face the future of our country (and the role our country plays in international affairs) are difficult and complex.

In order to make the best decisions, all viewpoints need to be included.

To facilitate this, a voting system must be in place that accurately represents the voting publics views.

Please join me in urging the government to adopt a system that is fair and proportional, where all votes are represented equally. This is a chance to correct many of the problems we experience with our government and set straight the path for the future of our country. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity.

Please submit your support of fair voting to the Special Committee on Electoral Reform. Email erre@parl.gc.ca and/or contact your local MP.

Dave Carter

Castlegar, B.C.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/09/2016 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba may still enjoy among the lowest electricity rates in the country, but that is poor comfort for the residents of this province who will not only see rate increases speed up, but their quality of service go down.

In a speech to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce yesterday morning, Manitoba Hydro CEO Kelvin Shepherd told the business crowd that, following the release of a damning board report that highlighted worrisome cost and debt levels, the utility will have to cut costs and demand further rate increases.

We are definitely going to have to reduce operational costs, Shepherd said.

As the Winnipeg Free Press reported online, staff represents 80 per cent of those costs. Over the last three years, Shepherd said that staff numbers had been reduced by 400 through attrition, while a further 900 of Hydros 6,000 employees are coming up for retirement.

He also stated that the 3.95 per cent annual rate increases that Hydro had previously budgeted for over the next 15 years will have to be stepped up.

Hydro needs the rate increases not only to meet domestic electricity demands, but to manage the deterioration in its financial strength as it spends billions building the controversial Bipole III transmission line, the Keeyask generating station and a new transmission line to the United States, plus upgrades to its older dams, transmission lines and substations that were built decades ago.

A highly critical report issued last week by Manitoba Hydros board of directors stated that poor decision-making by the former NDP government led to billions of dollars in unexpected costs in Hydros transmission projects. And now the chickens have come home to roost, so to speak.

We have great concerns over what Hydros looming debt crisis means for rural Manitobans, and the quality of operations in the Westman region.

Only three short years ago, Westman communities were blindsided when Manitoba Hydro announced it intended to close a dozen rural service centres by the spring of 2014, and another dozen slated to close early next year.

Offices in Erickson, Carberry, MacGregor, Reston and Somerset were the first to close.

These moves were expected to save Hydro $2 million per year, as Hydro pushed to centralize its operations to more regional offices, stating that fewer and fewer customers needed to visit rural offices in person.

Ericksons then-mayor, Val Soltys, decried the loss of service to her community, saying that any services lost to a small community is a concern for everyone living in it.

The impact it has on people is far-reaching  those employed are going to be directly impacted and then access to the service is going to be much more difficult for the residents of the area, Soltys said, adding that many people in the community would still use the office, and preferred face-to-face communication.

Also, Soltys said reliable Internet service in rural Manitoba is spotty at best, so trying to pay bills online wasnt always possible.

The ability to be connected to good Internet service in our area is not always there, she said. And not everyone has the ability to travel the 40-kilometre radius. Every service is important to the ongoing viability of rural communities.

We can only imagine what will happen now as Hydro looks to stem the financial bleeding. Just how high will rates have to go before Manitoba Hydro stops taking on red ink  and all on the backs of Manitoba ratepayers who, through little fault of their own, will have to bear this unnecessary burden?

And what will this do to the quality of service provided by Hydro to rural Manitobans? If the power goes out, how long will they have to wait for a return of service as employee numbers are cut?

This is the true and costly legacy of Manitobas NDP, and its attitude toward the communities of rural Manitoba.
Power plant design would get major boost if it passes Britains stringent approval process

China will submit its indigenous nuclear technology to the United Kingdom governments rigorous assessment program with a view to getting approval in five years  and to use it to build a power station at Bradwell, on the English east coast.

The announcement by China General Nuclear Corp Chairman He Yu was made on Thursday.

It came just after CGN, the French utility EDF and the UK government signed a final agreement on another project that is earlier in the pipeline, the UKs 18 billion pound ($23.4 billion) Hinkley Point power plant, giving it the definitive green light. CGN will finance one-third of that investment.

The Hinkley Point project is seen as a precursor for plans to introduce Chinese nuclear technology.

If Chinese technology passes GDA assessment, the Bradwell plant could be the first nuclear project in a developed market to use a Chinese design

As a part of the contracts signed on Thursday, CGN and EDF would also jointly invest in Sizewell and Bradwell, proposed UK nuclear projects. CGN would be the majority shareholder in Bradwell, which plans to use Chinas third generation nuclear technology Hualong One.

Being the majority investor in Bradwell, with a 66.5 percent share, means CGN will bear responsibility for the project and its financial returns will be higher, He said.

The UKs General Design Assessment, which determines if a new nuclear technology can be used in the UK, is known to be the worlds most rigorous. Currently only Frances European Pressurized Reactor design has GDA approval. The US AP1000 technology is still pending GDA approval. Frances EPR model is being used for Hinkley Point.

Once Hualong One passes GDA, it will boost more countries confidence and push forward Hualong Ones global market development, He said.

Bradwells technology will be modeled on Hualong One technology deployed at Guangxi Fangchenggang Phase II power station.

CGN established a GDA project department in February 2015 to work on the regulatory process; technical preparation for the GDA assessment process was completed by this July.

The new UK government, led by Prime Minister Theresa May, took all sides by surprise in July when she said she needed more time to assess the project. Approval came two weeks ago, with the extra condition that Hinkley and other foreign-funded nuclear plants cannot change hands without the governments agreement.

An EDF board meeting on Sept 27 confirmed that EDF is happy with the extra condition.

Hinkley will begin construction in 2019 with a view to start operating in 2025. It will satisfy 7 percent of the UKs energy needs.

Lady Barbara Judge, former chairwoman of UK Atomic Energy Authority, said China has good technical nuclear capabilities. I have great respect for the nuclear projects all over China, she said.

Andrew Shepherd, senior energy and infrastructure analyst at BMI Research, said rigorous and robust assessment of Chinas own domestically designed reactor by UK regulators would certainly give Chinas nuclear export plans a significant boost.

He said CGN will increase efforts to communicate with greater emphasis on transparency with the UK public about its technology in order to build trust.

He said CGN is currently in advanced stages of preparing nuclear investments in Romania. Other areas being considered include the Czech Republic, Southeast Asian countries, South Africa, and Turkey.

Contact the writer at cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The Organic Agriculture Support Initiative (OASI), a project funded by the European Union and co-founded and implemented by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), presented 18 successful applicants, reports Armenpress.

Minister of Agriculture Ignati Arakelyan said Armenia has a great potential for the development of organic agriculture.

This trend is quite profitable for agriculture, thus, I attach great importance to consumer awareness process, the Minister said.

ADA Managing Director Martin Ledolter with an example of his country suggested to create subsidies in Armenia for maintaining the rules of organic agriculture.

The OASI project aims at contributing the development of small and medium farmer groups and enterprises through grant projects and technical support.

During the event a new support program for small farmers and farmer groups was also announced.

Small farmers are the major backbone of organic agriculture. Thus, I attach a great importance to our support, John Barker  International Aid/ Cooperation Officer of the EU Delegation to Armenia, said.
L. Scott Briscoe, a lawyer from West Virginia, has been posting some legal tips from his 19 years of practice.

Its hard to believe that most of these are based on real events, but then again, murica!
Billionaire Irish businessman Denis OBrien has been named in a Donald Trump attack on Hilliary Clinton, as Trump launched a series of negative statements on the Democratic candidate.

The extensive press release featuring Mr OBrien - one of a series released by the Trump campaign targeting the Clintons links to rich and powerful donors - presents a list of links to media articles detailing Mr OBriens business dealings and his close relationship with the Clintons.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled a civil case brought against two men accused of involvement in the Omagh bombing was conducted fairly.

Twenty-nine people including a woman pregnant with twins were killed when a 500lb bomb detonated in the Tyrone town on August 15, 1998. It was the single biggest atrocity of the Troubles.

Families of the victims took a successful civil case against convicted Real IRA chief Michael McKevitt and Co Louth man Liam Campbell - both of whom are currently imprisoned - and the two men were ordered to pay 1.6m in damages, along with two others.

The men appealed the ruling to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that the civil trial in Belfast High Court had been unfair. They said the judge should have applied a criminal rather a civil standard of proof, due to the severity of the allegations, and further claimed that the evidence of an FBI agent heard during the trial should not have been admitted.

The European Court this morning unanimously threw out the application for the case to be overturned. The seven ECHR judges made clear their decision was final.

"The applicants had not demonstrated that their trial was unfair, and the Court dismissed their applications," said an ECHR statement.

No one has ever been found to be criminally responsible for the bombing.

The ECHR case was the latest in a series of separate legal attempts by the four defendants to overturn the 2009 civil judgment.

The relatives who took the action are still pursuing the damages.

David Rupert

One of the key witnesses in the families' case was FBI agent David Rupert, who had infiltrated the Real IRA.

He did not attend the trial in person due to concerns about his security and medical condition.

McKevitt and Campbell argued that their lawyers' inability to cross-examine Mr Rupert had been unfair.

The ECHR dismissed this argument, insisting the trial judge had taken the "appropriate safeguards and considerations" in dealing with the evidence of an absent witness.

The applicants also claimed the judge should have applied a criminal standard of proof - beyond reasonable doubt - rather than a civil one - balance of probabilities - due to the severity of the allegations facing them.

The European judges said that was not necessary because the proceedings had been for a civil claim for damages and there had been no criminal charge involved.

Rejecting both grounds for the application, the ECHR said: "The Court found that the national court's findings could not be said to have been arbitrary or unreasonable."
The High Court has been asked to review the decision to grant Apple permission to build an 850m data centre in Galway.

An Bord Pleanala approved the development last month.

Around this time last year, Galway County Council approved Apples plans to build a data centre on a Coillte owned site near Athenry.

Once built, it would store data from smart phones, tablets and computers and help run online services like the iTunes store, the App Store and Siri.

As part of its application, Apple said it would create 300 construction jobs and 150 thereafter.

The councils approval was appealed on a number of grounds including flooding fears and the impact on environmental and climate change.

But last month, An Bord Pleanala granted the application after deciding it wouldnt have a significant effect on the protected nature sites.

Today, the High Court was asked to consider a judicial review of An Bord Pleanalas decision.

Papers raising concerns about the decision making process were handed into court by a lay litigant.

Apple wasnt put on notice of todays application and the case has been adjourned until October 17th.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald is "absolutely open" to holding talks with garda officials in order to prevent unprecedented strike action that risks leaving the public defenceless in just six weeks' time writes Political Correspondent Fiachra O'Cionnaith.

The Tanaiste outlined her position as she was urged by the opposition to avoid a damaging "Mexican stand-off" that will put the safety of communities in jeopardy and cause havoc across the country.

Speaking during the latest Leaders Questions Dail debate, Ms Fitzgerald faced repeated criticism from Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein that her Government has failed to take garda pay concerns seriously until now.

However, responding to the claims, she said the coalition is fully aware of the problems after the force and is doing everything possible to avert strike action.

Expressing "disappointment" at the strike announcement and rejection of a previously outlined deal put on the table by Government last Friday, Ms Fitzgerald said any work stoppages are not in the public's interest.

While acknowledging the difficulties facing gardai, some of whom she was told are being forced to sleep in cars as they cannot afford accommodation, she said the only way to resolve the dispute is to hear "directly" for garda officials through urgent talks.

"I want to hear directly from them. The resolution of these disputes can only be through engagement.

"It would be most unfortunate if, rather than engaging, further action would be contemplated that would not be in the best interests of our communities and An Garda Siochana.

"I am in no doubt whatsoever about the seriousness of this issue. I am absolutely open to meeting to resolve the outstanding issues," she said.

Ms Fitzgerald also said she is willing to seek the establishment of a public service pay commission "shortly" to address long-term pay problems among State employs.

However, despite the comments she faced significant criticism over her and Government's handling of the garda dispute until now.

Speaking during the same debate, Fianna Fail justice spokesperson Jim O Callaghan warned Ireland is facing an "unprecedented" situation which could "threaten the safety of the State", a situation which risks being exacerbated by a "Mexican stand-off" between Government and gardai.

Hitting out at an alleged Government reluctance to tackle the issue in the five months since the coalition was formed, the opposition justice spokesperson said it has ignored a "rampant demoralisation in the force".

Mr O Callaghan said that in recent years gardai have suffered pay cuts, staff reductions, the closure of more than 100 garda stations, and a belief their "grievances" have not been acknowledged by Government.

"Can I also ask that the Government does not allow a Mexican stand-off to develop. What is your plan to resolve dispute?

"I fear the Government does not yet accept the seriousness and danger of the announcement [to strike]. We hope what is going to happen here is not what happened with Dublin bus, it is imperative the Government gets involved," he said.

The remark was repeated by Sinn Fein justice spokesperson Jonathan O Brien, who said there must not be any "grand-standing" on an issue that risks public safety and has resulted in some gardai being "forced to sleep in their cars".

Warning that it would be "naive" and a "huge mistake" to believe gardai will not proceed with strike action, he said "what everyone wants to know is what is the next step, are you waiting for them to come back to you or will you engage with them".

Mr O Callaghan repeated the comments at a separate media event to launch a new bill seeking reforms on how judges are appointed in Ireland, saying Government's handling of the issue to date has been ineffective.

"We've got six weeks to resolve this dispute, we need to resolve it promptly. Ministers can't just stand aside as Shane Ross stood aside in the dispute with Dublin bus and the bus workers union.

"What is important is we don't allow a Mexican stand-off to develop where nothing is done for a period of weeks," he warned.
NAMA has been accused of trying to brief members of the Public Accounts Committee about Project Eagle.

It has emerged that NAMA contacted the chairman and vice-chairman of the PAC the week before the release of a damning report by the C&AG.
Nama must be held accountable for its handling of the controversial sale of a 1.2bn (1.39bn) Northern Ireland property portfolio, the Public Accounts Committe has insisted.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) Seamus McCarthy said the toxic assets agency could have taken more action when it learned of alleged multimillion-euro "success fees" from bidders being split with one of its advisers.

"There are actions they could have taken to find out more about what happened and the circumstances around Mr (Frank) Cushnahan's alleged involvement and they didn't do those things," he told the committee.

"I think it is a significant issue and it is an issue that Nama has to be accountable for."

Seamus McCarthy.

Mr McCarthy's probe into the Project Eagle sale to US investment fund Cerberus in 2014 found Nama undervalued loans associated with the 800 properties in the portfolio.

It said US investment fund Pimco, who pulled out of an earlier bid, alerted Nama to a "success fee" payment of 15m (17m) to 16m (8.5m) for three parties behind the scenes.

Pimco said the money was to be shared equally by Frank Cushnahan, Nama's former Northern Ireland adviser, Brown Rudnick, a US law firm, and a managing partner of Tughans, a Belfast law firm subcontracted to assist in the deal, the report found.

Mr Cushnahan has denied any wrongdoing.

Mr McCarthy robustly defended his findings in the face of an unprecedented attack from Nama.

"My concern was that Nama took quite a narrow view of what they were obliged to do by law and were not necessarily probing deeper and taking more positive action," he said.

"They didn't write to Mr Cushnahan at the time to seek an explanation."

He added: "I am happy with the report. I have presented the report I wanted to present."

Mr McCarthy also told the hearing:

:: International investment bank Lazard was paid 4.5 billion as an adviser for the sale.

:: There was much less advice sought from Lazard compared to other Nama sales.

:: Lazard advised on the best price from a small number of competing bidders but not on potential best price from other sales options.

:: The portfolio was bought by Nama for 2.5bn sterling (2.9bn) and had a "par value" of 4.6bn (5.3bn) at the end of 2013.

:: Nama applied more than its own recommended discount of 5.5% and the agency did not have the properties valued by market experts ahead of their sale.

Mr McCarthy also took issue with Nama's insistence that the properties in the Project Eagle portfolio were of poor quality and could not be compared with other assets in Dublin or London.

"They are not that poor quality, they do actually have value," he said, adding the properties took in rents totalling about 100m (116m).

The Project Eagle deal with Cerberus has been dogged by scandal for more than a year, including 7m (8m) linked to it being found in an Isle of Man bank account.

Former managing partner of Tughans, Ian Coulter, resigned after it was unearthed.
An international human rights organisation has called for an Irish company to stop training security forces in Bahrain amid concerns about torture.

Reprieve wants NI-CO, which is owned by Invest NI, to suspend its contract because police and prison officers in the Middle Eastern state systematically abuse government opponents.

The group also wants NI-CO (Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas) to stop work with Bahrain's interior ministry until the Bahraini government ratifies international laws against torture and allows independent UN inspections.

There is no suggestion anyone from NI-CO is complicit in the alleged torture.

But a report published by Reprieve said: "Ministers in Northern Ireland have urgent questions to answer about the company's activities and the lack of oversight Stormont exercises over NI-CO.

"The company has trained forces who are accused of torturing people to confess to charges that carry the death penalty, as well as supporting institutions that have failed to investigate the abuse."

Belfast-based NI-CO has worked with Bahrain's police, prison guards and ombudsman's office for years and was awarded a 900,000 contract by the UK Foreign Office to promote human rights reform in Bahrain in 2015, Reprieve said.

The report entitled Belfast To Bahrain: The Torture Trail highlights the case of one death row inmate, Mohamed Ramadan, a former policeman and father of three young children who was tortured into making a false confession.

The paper states: "It trains Bahrain's Interior Ministry Ombudsman, a watchdog which knowingly refused for more than two years to investigate complaints regarding the torture of Mohamed Ramadan - a father-of-three on death row who was tortured into making a false confession.

"After being caught out for ignoring these torture complaints, the Ombudsman said it would begin an investigation. Instead, it has bullied and intimidated Mr Ramadan's wife and flouted international minimum standards for torture inquiries at every turn.

"NI-CO is embedded in Bahrain's internal security apparatus: a victim could be abused by NI-CO trained police, tortured in prison by NI-CO trained guards, and then have their torture allegation investigated and dismissed by the NI-CO trained ombudsman."

Harriet McCulloch, deputy director of Reprieve's death penalty team, said the UK Foreign Office (FCO) also had questions to answer.

She said: "The UK Foreign Office is financing a whitewash of Mohammed Ramadan's torture and coerced confession, leaving an innocent man languishing on death row and his family afraid to speak out.

"UK money is complicit in covering up torture in Bahrain. The Foreign Office needs to come clean about what it has paid NI-CO to do with a repressive regime like Bahrain."

Meanwhile, the report also highlighted concerns about NI-CO's work in other repressive regimes such as Egypt where Dublin teenager Ibrahim Halawa has been held in prison since taking part in a protest in 2013.

In a statement, Invest NI said: "NI-CO is classified as a public body and, whilst it is wholly owned subsidiary of Invest NI for policy and administrative purposes, the company has its own Chief Executive and Board.

"NI-CO can enter into contracts and other arrangements as it sees fit, under the guidance and responsibility of the Chief Executive and Board. The vast majority of these contracts are awarded by the EU Commission and Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO).

"Invest NI does not have sight of project-specific detail, nor would it be required to have it.

"However, it is aware of NI-CO's work in Bahrain in partnership with the FCO as part of the UK Government's support to the Government of Bahrain's reform programme.

"It is Invest NI's view that it is appropriate for NI-CO to work to support this reform, sharing learnings on how Northern Ireland has dealt with changing attitudes, culture and behaviour."

No one from NI-CO was immediately available for comment.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. On September 29, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenias Independence, Speaker of the Parliament Galust Sahakyan awarded American-Armenian philanthropist Rita Balian with the Parliament Speakers Memorial Medal for promoting the development of Motherland-Diaspora relations, press service of the Parliament informed Armenpress.

Congratulating Rita Balian, the Parliament Speaker thanked her for great contribution to the sphere of healthcare for 20 years.

Rita Balian expressed gratitude for the award and said she is proud of her origin and roots. She said with satisfaction that being in the United States of America for 42 years she can help Armenian mothers in preserving their health.
By Eoin English

A jury has returned a verdict of unlawful killing following an inquest into the death of a man who was gunned down in front of his partner and her two children in a gangland-style shooting in Cork city just over six years ago.

The jury at Cork City Coroner's Court took less than five minutes to decide the verdict this morning after hearing detailed evidence from Gerald Topper Stuanton's partner, Karen Quilligan O'Flynn about their final moments on January 20, 2010.

She told the inquest that she and her partner had just left their home at Westlawn, off Sarsfields Road on the citys southside, just before 8pm.

She said she was holding her two-year old daughter in her arms, and that Mr Staunton had just placed her seven year old daughter in his new car when a lone gunman approached.

He was wearing black clothes, gloves and a balaclava and stood about six feet from her partner.

She said Mr Staunton raised his left arm, and said: "Ah don't" before the gunman fired two shots at point black range.

Mr Staunton suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and despite medical attention, died at the scene.

Assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster said the cause of death was shock and haemorrhage due to a gunshot wound to the chest, with lacerations to the lungs, heart and aorta.

The gunman fled in a red van which was found burned out in Waterfall about 6.1kms away.

Despite a massive garda investigating, no one had ever been charged with the murder.

Supt Charlie Barry told coroner Philip Comyn that the investigation is ongoing.

Mr Staunton, 41, was a convicted drug dealer who had served time in prison.

The Real IRA issued a statement soon afterward the killing through the 32 County Sovereignty Movement in which it claimed responsibility for the shooting.

The Real IRA said Stauntons killing was not "a once-off" and issued a warning to drug dealers in Cork to desist from their activities if they did not want to share the same fate.
Victims of child sexual abuse in the UK were described as having "consensual" relationships, "making choices" when in dangerous situations and being "promiscuous" despite clearly being exploited, Ofsted has said.

The inspectorate uncovered a series of concerns in the way police, health professionals and social care experts work together to protect vulnerable children.

Despite evidence of improvements and good progress since 2014 in tackling child sexual abuse, the education watchdog said it had concerns that not all frontline healthcare staff are able to identify the signs of sexual exploitation.

Insensitive and inappropriate language posed great risk in damaging trust between children and adults, Ofsted said, and reinforced a sense of blame among victims.

"The term 'promiscuous' was used in relation to a clear case of sexual exploitation," the report said.

"The rape of a 15-year-old was described as 'consensual', and the age gap between a victim and perpetrator was described as 'small' when the perpetrator was 23 and the child 15. Young people were described as 'making choices' when they were found in situations of harm or risk."

Health professionals also missed obvious risks, Ofsted found.

It said: "In one case, a child as young as 13 was described as having 'multiple sexual partners' a language that is inappropriate and reflects the professional's inability to recognise that the young person was being sexually exploited."

The report concluded there was variation in police practice, meaning some children have to wait too long to get the help and support they need, and police risk assessments are inconsistent, with limited effectiveness for some children.

Better understanding of why children go missing is required, while there were examples of "significant failures" in management.

While most professionals were found to be "highly committed" to engaging with children, in some cases there were poor quality assessments.

Ofsted, Care Quality Commission and police and probation watchdogs looked at how local authorities, police, probation services, youth offending teams, health services and local safeguarding children boards dealt with child sexual exploitation and missing children in central Bedfordshire, Croydon, Liverpool, Oxfordshire and south Tyneside.

Eleanor Schooling, Ofsted national director for social care, said that when key frontline staff are well-trained, take their responsibilities seriously, work closely together and build relationships with children, sexual exploitation can be dealt with "sensitively and successfully".

She said: "We have found that strong leadership makes a huge difference. Those areas where there was clear direction and a collective will to tackle this issue did well by their vulnerable children.

"Practice needs to improve. Local authorities, police and health services need to gain a better understanding of why children run away from home. We need to understand why the current system of return home interviews is not working if we really want to help children who go missing."

Wendy Williams, HM Inspector of Constabulary, said police need to improve consistency over how children are supported.

But the NSPCC said the report had exposed a "patchy" care system where agencies are not adequately working together or sharing information.

A spokeswoman said: "It is encouraging to see some improvements highlighted, showing that it is possible for agencies like the police, schools, and local authorities, to collaborate and keep children safe.

"But this good practice must filter across to every part of the country so that we can be confident that every child is protected."
A two-year-old New Hampshire girl is recovering at a Boston hospital after her sister, aged seven, accidentally ran over her while starting the family car.

Police say the girl's mother told officers she gave her daughter permission to start the car around 6:30pm local time on Tuesday.
Two firefighters who responded to a shooting at a South Carolina primary school have spoken about the actions they performed which led to them being hailed as heroes.

Townville Fire Chief Billy McAdams went inside to help treat the wounded following the incident at Townville Elementary School while firefighter Jamie Brock searched for the shooter.

"This was more than just another call to us. This incident occurred in the school where our children and the children of the community attend," Mr McAdams told a news conference on Thursday, pausing to collect himself as he recalled the harrowing events of the day before.

Authorities say the teen shot his father at their home before driving a pick-up a couple of miles to the school and shooting at a door as it was opened for recess.

Bullets struck two students and a teacher and the school was immediately placed on lockdown.

One of the wounded, six-year-old Jacob Hall, remained in a critical condition on Thursday and was said to be fighting for his life.

A teacher who was shot in the shoulder and another student who was hit in the foot were treated and released from hospital.

The shooter never made it inside the building, and no one else was hurt, Anderson County District 4 Superintendent Joanne Avery said.

Authorities said they do not yet know a motive for the shooting and they were not sure if the students and teacher were targeted or shot randomly.

The sheriff said the teenager had been home-schooled.

The fire chief said he and Mr Brock were working on his farm when they got the call about an active shooter at Townville Elementary. They rushed to the school and found the empty pick-up.

Teachers told them there were wounded inside, and Mr Brock suggested to the fire chief that he go inside to help because he was a paramedic.

South Carolina school shooting suspect killed father before attack, was brought down by a volunteer firefighter pic.twitter.com/m1biN9faQu  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) September 29, 2016

Alongside a school nurse, the chief attended to Jacob, who was the most seriously injured.

In the meantime, law enforcement swarmed the school and Mr Brock looked for the shooter, finding him near the back of the school building.

"Feeling it was imperative to the safety of the students, the teachers and all the responders that were on site, he immediately confronted and subdued that shooter," the chief said.

"He was able to keep him on the ground until law enforcement could place him into custody."

Authorities have not released the teenager's name or specific age.

Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said the teenager, crying and upset, called his grandmother's mobile phone at 1.44pm on Wednesday.

The grandparents could not understand what was going on, so they went to his home just 100 yards away.

When they got there, they found 47-year-old Jeffrey Osborne dead and their grandson gone.

About one minute later, authorities received a 911 call from a teacher at the school of about 300 pre-kindergarten to sixth-graders.

The teenager's mother, Tiffney Osborne, said in a statement that the family "cannot express the devastation we feel at the loss of our beloved Jeff".

She was at work at the time of the shooting, Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said.

Both Mr and Mrs Osborne's first marriages ended in divorce before they got married. They each had children, who are now adults, with their exes.

Authorities said audio from the 911 calls will not be released while the investigation is ongoing.

In a statement read by the fire chief, Mr Brock said he does not want attention for his actions.

"The true heroes of yesterday's senseless tragedy are the teachers who put their lives on the line to protect the students, and the principal, through fears of her own, did what was right to ensure the safety of those students," he said.

"They deserve to be called the heroes, and I tip my hat to them."
Hillary Clinton urged voters in Iowa to start casting ballots on Thursday, more than five weeks before Election Day.

Mrs Clinton's 10-city tour of Iowa brought the Democratic presidential nominee back to a state where she eked out a win in the caucuses over Bernie Sanders.

With her focus now on defeating Donald Trump, she was hoping that putting an emphasis on early voting could help her replicate President Barack Obama's successful strategy in the battleground state four years ago.

In Des Moines, Mrs Clinton planned a speech focused on childcare challenges faced by middle-class families.

It is a traditionally Democratic issue that Mr Trump has taken on recently, prompted largely by interest from his daughter, Ivanka.

The Republican nominee was holding a rally in New Hampshire on Thursday, a day after Mrs Clinton campaigned there with Mr Sanders in an appeal to young voters.

While Mrs Clinton sought to broaden her appeal to voters still on the fence, Mr Trump was sticking with his strategy of focusing on the loyal base of working-class voters whose enthusiasm has driven his campaign.

Mr Trump has brushed off harsh critiques of his performance in the first presidential debate that have come from supporters and opponents alike.

However, in a nod to the concerns expressed by some Trump allies that he was insufficiently prepared, his campaign and the Republican National Committee released a "TRUMP Debate Preparation Survey" ahead of his second showdown with Mrs Clinton.

The survey, a gimmick intended to engage supporters online, asks whether Mr Trump should use the second debate to criticise Mrs Clinton for her policies on terrorism, economics and trade - questions sure to elicit an enthusiastic "yes" from Trump backers.

No matter where you live, you can make sure you're registered to vote at https://t.co/tTgeqxNqYm. #NationalVoterRegistrationDay pic.twitter.com/BQU2nKpqHQ  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 28, 2016

Absent was any inquiry about whether Mr Trump should bring up former president Bill Clinton's infidelities, as he has repeatedly threatened to do.

In another reminder of how far this year's presidential campaign has veered into baffling territory, third-party candidate Gary Johnson was being ridiculed after he was unable, in a television appearance, to name a single world leader he admired.

The awkward moment drew immediate comparisons - including by Mr Johnson himself - to his "Aleppo moment" from earlier in the month when he did not recognise the besieged city in Syria.

"I'm having a brain freeze," Mr Johnson said on Wednesday.

Mr Trump was also facing fresh questions on Thursday about business opportunities he explored in the late 1990s in Cuba, apparently in violation of the US embargo on the communist island.

The work was done by a consulting firm called Seven Arrows on behalf Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc, Mr Trump's publicly traded casino company, Newsweek reported.

The magazine said Mr Trump reimbursed the consulting firm for 68,000 US dollars of business expenses for its Cuba work - even though neither Mr Trump nor the firm had sought a federal government waiver that would have allowed them to pursue such activities.

Mrs Clinton's focus on early voting reflected the premium that Democrats are placing this year on trying to get their voters to turn out - if possible, long before November 8.

Although the political map favours Mrs Clinton this year, Democrats are concerned that a lack of enthusiasm will keep their voters from showing up in the same numbers that led to Mr Obama's victories in the last two elections.

More than four in 10 Iowa voters cast early ballots in 2012, and Mrs Clinton's campaign is hoping that even higher interest in early voting this year will give her a decisive edge.

Early voting - either by mail or with voting booths that are open before election day - has been on the rise in the United States.

It is a way to increase voter turnout, especially for Americans who have difficulties making it to the polls on November 8.

Other states have already begun in-person early voting, but Iowa is getting attention because it is the first battleground state to do so.

That means it is among a dozen states that are not reliably Democratic or Republican, so can sway the outcome in the state-by-state presidential vote.

For Mrs Clinton, the early voting strategy is key to any prospects she may have for pulling off victories in states like Arizona and Georgia.

Both states traditionally vote Republican in presidential races, but Democrats hope that the growing Hispanic populations and Mr Trump's unpopularity could alter the calculus this year.

Mrs Clinton's running mate, Tim Kaine, was hunkered down in North Carolina for three days of preparations ahead of Tuesday's vice presidential debate.

He told reporters in Raleigh that he had been studying the first Clinton-Trump debate and practising against a dramatised version of Trump running mate Mike Pence, played in prep sessions by Washington lawyer Bob Barnett.
The Italian prime minister has branded the UK's Brexit vote a "bad decision" and blamed it on former PM David Cameron.

Matteo Renzi also suggested the UK will not be able to have full access to the single market while curbing immigration, saying it will be "impossible" for British people to have more rights than others outside the EU.

His comments come as former education secretary and Remain campaigner Nicky Morgan criticised the British government's "lack of a plan" and urged Theresa May to come up with a clear strategy in the next couple of months.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Renzi (pictured below) said he was "shocked" when Britain voted to leave the EU but agreed that "Brexit is Brexit - the people of the UK decide the way for the future".

He said he "tried" to keep the UK in the EU, but blamed Brexit on Mr Cameron's decision to hold a referendum to solve his own internal party problems.

He said: "The problem was one problem. When David Cameron decided to use the referendum to solve the internal problems of the Conservative Party, this was the problem. We cannot use foreign affairs to solve internal problems.

"The decision of (the) British people is a bad decision in my mind and I'm sad for that, but if we don't accept the result of the referendum the risk is we give the message that a vote is not a good thing, democracy is not an asset for this continent."

He said he is ready to negotiate with Mrs May once she triggers Article 50 and starts formal talks on Britain's departure from the EU.

He added: "But it will be impossible to give British people more rights than the other people outside the EU."

Asked if there could be some "flexibility" over the EU's rules over freedom of movement and access to the the single market, he said: "This is a very interesting debate because this debate will be a debate about the concept of rules in the EU. But when the UK decides the opening of Article 50 we will discuss about this."

He urged Mrs May to trigger Article 50 "as soon as possible". Mr Renzi also stressed that he wants Britain and the EU to have a strong relationship following Brexit. He said: "Now the situation is that we can and we have to build the best alliance between the UK and the EU for the future because we will be best friends for the next years."
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. A regional restoration center will be created in the beginning of the upcoming year by joint investments of the governments of Armenia and Italy.

A press conference was held on September 29 in the History Museum of Armenia aimed at informing about the centers programs and goals.

The center will not only fulfill restoration functions of historical-architectural monuments, but will also have expanded restoration programs.

Armenia is of great interest for Italy, as an ancient cradle of human civilization, and its valuable antiquities and historical-architectural monuments should be preserved like the apple of the eye, architect Rita Gonelli, expert of the cooperation development agency of Italys Foreign Ministry said.

Ambassador of Italy to Armenia H.E. Giovanni Ricciulli said Italys Government is seriously interested in researching the rich spiritual cultural heritage of Armenia.
Russian officials have accused the United States of siding with "terrorists" in Syria, in a sign of escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington amid the battle for Aleppo.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby's warning that the collapse of US-Russian cooperation in Syria could lead to a rise in extremism and potential attacks against Russia drew Moscow's anger.

The Russian Foreign and Defence Ministries both cast it as US encouragement of terror attacks on Russia.

"We can't assess those statements as anything else but a call, a directive for action," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maj Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Mr Kirby's statement amounted to "the most frank confession by the US side so far that the whole 'opposition' ostensibly fighting a 'civil war' in Syria is a US-controlled international terrorist alliance".

"What makes Kirby's statement particularly shocking is that the scale of direct US influence on terrorists' activity is global and reaches as far as Russia," he added.

The remarks by Russian officials have shown a degree of mistrust and strain between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of the US-Russia-brokered truce and the Syrian army onslaught on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes.

The growing friction makes it increasingly unlikely that the ceasefire could be revived.

US Secretary of State John Kerry threatened on Wednesday to cut all cooperation with Moscow on Syria unless an onslaught on Aleppo ends.

This 7-year-old girl is live-tweeting what it's like living in Aleppo. pic.twitter.com/li3Iq49os0  AJ+ (@ajplus) September 29, 2016

Mr Kirby, asked what the consequences would be for Russia if cooperation with the US in Syria collapsed, said: "That extremists and extremists groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there ... which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags."

Mr Konashenkov interpreted Mr Kirby's statement as a direct threat to the Russian military in Syria.

He said that Russia remains open for dialogue with Washington on Syria, but added that the US needs to "exclude even a hint at threatening our military and Russian citizens".

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow still wants to cooperate with Washington on the Syrian crisis, but blamed the US for a failure to deliver on its pledge under the September 9 agreement to encourage moderate opposition to sever ties with al Qaida's branch in Syria.

"Our colleagues from Washington have tried to cover up their inability to fulfil their own obligations with verbal attacks on Russia," he said.
A top Russian diplomat says a threat from the United States to halt cooperation with Russia in the Syria conflict constitutes an "emotional breakdown" and says Russia is willing to support a 48-hour cease-fire around Aleppo.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov rejected Washington's calls for a seven-day pause in hostilities, but said Russia is willing to support a 48-hour truce for humanitarian purposes.

Mr Ryabkov's comments follow US Secretary of State John Kerry's warning that the US will stop coordinating with Moscow unless Russian and Syrian attacks on Aleppo end.

Mr Ryabkov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying of the US that "a certain emotional breakdown occurred".

He also reiterated Russia's stance that a seven-day pause in the Aleppo offensive would give militant groups time to regroup.

Syria's military has released a video of its new advances in the contested city of Aleppo, showing destruction and ruins in a neighbourhood that is hundreds of years old.

The video released on Thursday shows damaged traditional buildings, with arched ceilings and stone walls, in the Farafra neighbourhood that rests at the foot of the old citadel in Aleppo city.

The video shows mounds of debris, twisted metal bars and broken ceilings with fighters walking past.

Syria's government claimed it had repelled rebels from Farafra on Tuesday, in the first such advance in old Aleppo.

Since last week, the government has waged a major air campaign in Aleppo and threatened a wide ground offensive. The charity Doctors Without Borders says more than 270 civilians have been killed in the advance.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country is determined to eliminate the "corridor of terror" along its border with Syria by clearing the Islamic State group and Syrian Kurdish fighters from the area.

Addressing a group of local administrators, President Erdogan reiterated that a secure no-fly zone which Turkey would like established in Syria would help end the flow of refugees to Turkey and beyond.

Turkey last month sent troops and tanks into Syria to help Syrian opposition rebels re-take IS strongholds near the Turkish border and curb the advance of Syrian Kurdish militia, which are affiliated with Turkey's outlawed Kurdish rebels.

President Erdogan said some 30,000 people had returned to the Syrian town of Jarablus since it was freed from IS by the Turkish-backed rebels last month.
Update 9.36pm: The Governor of New Jersey has confirmed that a woman was killed in today's fatal rail accident at Hoboken Station.

She was struck by debris while standing on the platform of the busy station which many commuters use to travel across the Hudson River to Manhattan.

108 people have been injured in what is being described by city officials as a 'tragic accident'.

Governor Chris Christie says the train driver is in critical condition but is co-operating with investigators.

Update: 8.15pm Jennifer Nelson, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit, said she did not know how fast the train was going when it crashed through the bumper.

Ross Bauer, an IT specialist who was heading to his Manhattan job from his home in Hackensack, was sitting in the third or fourth car when the train was pulling into the historic 109-year-old station for its final stop.

"All of a sudden, there was an abrupt stop and a big jolt that threw people out of their seats. The lights went out, and we heard a loud crashing noise - like an explosion - that turned out to be the roof of the terminal," he said.

"I heard panicked screams, and everyone was stunned."

William Blaine, an engineer for a company that runs freight trains, was inside the station when the train crashed and ran over to help.

He walked over to the heavily damaged first car with a transit employee to check on the train's engineer and said he found him slumped over the controls. The engineer's condition was not immediately clear.

Jamie Weatherhead-Saul, center, of Woodridge, N.J., who was on the train that crashed into the Hoboken Terminal. Pic: AP

Update: 5.15pm New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said that no one is believed to be trapped on the commuter train.

Gov. Christie spoke to Fox News, more than two hours after the New Jersey Transit train overran the end of the line and crashed into the Hoboken station.

WATCH: Officials help passengers off crashed train as first responders arrive on scene in Hoboken, New Jersey https://t.co/PyKv18j8vJ pic.twitter.com/cL9klzfYTg  ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) September 29, 2016

The governor said he, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and New Jersey Transit are coordinating on the response.

Gov. Christie said all victims are being taken to one of two hospitals in the area: Jersey City Medical Centre and Point Care Hospital Centre in Hoboken.

#cosmetics #beauty Gov. Christie: Can't speculate on cause of NJ train crash: New Jersey governor phones in https://t.co/BDYtnIj9ZT  com (@RssCosmetics) September 29, 2016

He said loved ones should contact the hospitals directly to get information on family members who may be hospitalised.

The scene of the crash via @big_Poppa_Chop on Twitter.

Update: 4.55pm David Potter, a 29-year-old business loan officer from Manhattan, was in the station when the train came off the rails and hit the wall.

He claimed it was going "way too fast" before it "jumped the track", adding: "The ceiling looked like it was caved in with wires hanging, and people were running.

"An officer led us to the street where they began closing everything off. Ambulances [and] police officers were covering the scene and people were laying down outside hurt."

Mr Potter, who regularly uses the station during his commute to work, added he saw an "older gentleman" who was "bloody on his face" being sat down by an officer and ambulance personnel.

The train had left Spring Valley, New York, at 7:23am local time and crashed into Hoboken Terminal at 8:45am, said NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder.

This is the scene after an NJ Transit train crashed at Hoboken station in New Jersey.



More than 100 people have reportedly been injured. pic.twitter.com/8FBkzeUdl9  AJ+ (@ajplus) September 29, 2016

"The next thing I know, we are ploughing through the platform," passenger Bhagyesh Shah told NBC New York. "It was for a couple seconds, but it felt like an eternity."

He said the train was crowded, particularly the first two cars, because they make for an easy exit into the Hoboken station and onto the Path train.

Passengers in the second car broke the emergency windows to get out.

"I saw a woman pinned under concrete," Mr Shah told NBC New York. "A lot of people were bleeding; one guy was crying."

Earlier: A train has crashed into a rail station in Hoboken, New Jersey, causing mass casualties.

Emergency crews are on the scene.

Photos from the scene show a damaged New Jersey Transit rail car inside the station, followed by debris.

It has been reported there have been a number of serious injuries due to the incident.

A passenger said the train was crowded and ploughed through the platform at the end of the line.

Bhagyesh Shah told NBC New York he saw a lot of people bleeding and a woman pinned under concrete.

Mr Shah said he was in the back of the train, but that many people use the front cars, since it makes for an easier exit.

He said the incident lasted only for a couple seconds, "but it felt like an eternity".

He told the TV station that passengers in the second car broke the emergency windows to get out.

#BREAKING Multiple injuries reported after train crash in #Hoboken roof also appears to have collapsed @Telemundo47 pic.twitter.com/4wWdp6aZmy  Cristian Benavides (@cbenavidesTV) September 29, 2016

Hoboken is the final stop for several train lines, and the images show a train that appears to have gone through the bumper stop at the end of a track.

The train came to a halt in a covered area between the station's indoor waiting area and the platform.

A metal structure covering the area collapsed.
A 31-year-old woman has been sentenced over trading of tiger skins, Scotland Yard said.

Dovile Vaitkeviciute, of Trinity Avenue, Nottingham, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, during a hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court.

She was also fined 685 and ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to trading in endangered species offences and making a false statement to obtain a certificate permitting the sale of a tiger skin.

Police found Vaitkeviciute had put two tiger skin rugs up for sale without having the correct certification.

A "Javan" tiger skin rug was spotted on an online auction site by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Wildlife Crime Unit, who seized it from Vaitkeviciute's home in Haringey in May 2014.

Animal rugs are classed as antiques if the creature was killed prior to 1947.

Antique rugs do not require a certificate to be sold, but carbon-dating techniques revealed the tiger which made the "Javan" rug had been killed in the late 1970s.

During the investigation, Vaitkeviciute offered another skin rug for sale online, claiming it was a "Bali" tiger. She said it had been given to her as a gift and had been made before 1947.

But detectives discovered Vaitkeviciute had paid 2,500 for the skin and had provided false information to authorities to get a certificate to sell it.

It was also ruled that the tiger had been killed after 1947.

Detective Constable Sarah Bailey, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "There are guidelines for dealers in endangered species and in some cases it is clear that the dealers are aware of the regulations but take the decision to disregard them for financial gain.

"The Met's Wildlife Crime Unit applied for funding from the Defra/Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Forensic Analysis Fund.

"Without the advantage of this funding, many wildlife cases that make use of forensic analysis would fail to reach prosecution."
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The amended draft Tax Code was adopted in the Parliament of Armenia accompanied by heated discussions.

After the first reading the Republican party of Armenia actively discussed the draft law both with business circles, the public, the NGOs, the Government, and the small and medium-sized business representatives. 14 MPs presented their proposals over the Tax Code reform. From them 10 were RPA faction representatives. If we compare the two options, huge changes were made in this option, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov said, reports Armenpress.

Before the voting of the draft Heritage faction MP Ruben Hakobyan said he will not take part in the voting. This is an important document and requires responsibility. One thing is clear: we accept this package since we have to, he said. He said it was not a coincidence that during the discussion of the draft law no RPA representative delivered a speech except Sharmazanov.

In response to this, RPA faction head Vahram Baghdasaryan said: We have repeatedly discussed this issue in the RPA faction, we have made dozens of proposals, our opposition partners have also presented proposals. Thus, RPA supports this package.

Prosperous Armenia Party faction head Naira Zohrabyan and ANC faction member Hrant Bagratyan were against the document. Hrant Bagratyan said from 350 proposals he made 120 of them.

On September 29 the Parliament adopted the amended draft Tax Code. 79 MPs voted in favor of the draft, 24 against and 1 abstained.
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At the opening ceremony of the ADEX 2016 exhibition, the First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub Eyyubov read a welcoming letter from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the participants and guests of the exhibition. In his greeting, the head of state congratulated the guests and exhibitors on the opening of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition, ADEX 2016. The relevance of issues pertaining to military-technical cooperation, the exchange of modern technologies and security features were noted in his letter. As a result of external aggression and terrorism directed against the territorial integrity of our country, the state of Azerbaijan constantly focuses on strengthening our internal security and the development of inter-state cooperation. President Ilham Aliyev noted the significant role of the exhibition as an authoritative platform for discussing issues of military-technical cooperation, which will pave the way for important new initiatives in the defence industry.



The Head of State wished the participants success in their future affairs and peace and prosperity to their countries. Minister of the Defence Industry of Azerbaijan, Yaver Jamalov stressed the importance of the ADEX 2016 exhibition, which serves to strengthen the scientific and technological prowess of the state's defence capability. Today, the Azerbaijani army is able to perform any task set before it. The Minister expressed confidence that the annual staging of the exhibition will gradually extend its reach. Mr Jamalov noted the importance of the second defence exhibition in the context of strengthening the protection of the states borders.



The ADEX exhibition, which is being held for the second time, is the most extensive exhibition in the region. This year, 216 companies from 34 countries and 29 official delegations from 21 countries are participating at the exhibition. The geography of participants has expanded thanks to the participation of countries like Latvia, Montenegro, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Estonia. In total, ADEX 2016 participants include companies, delegations and guests from 44 countries. This years exhibition occupies all three halls of the Baku Expo Center as well as open spaces and represents a 10% increase in area over the first ADEX Expo. The grand display of modern weaponry and equipment will last four days, and visitors and guests of the exhibition will witness a demonstration of the strength and power of the Azerbaijani military-industrial complex.
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French National Assembly deputy, chairman of the France-Artsakh friendship circle Francois Rochebloine is in Artsakh again.

September 29, 2016, 10:47 I can confidently say that Karabakh people are subjected to aggression by Azerbaijan: Francois Rochebloine

STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 29, ARTSAKHPRESS: Artsakhpress correspondent had an interview with Mr. Rochebloine.The interview is presented below.

-Mr. Rochebloine, every time your visit to Artsakh is not only expected, but also marked by an important event. Will you tell us in a few words about your visit?

-First, this year's visit we have started in June, after the April events. I also arrived in September to attend the celebrations on the 25th anniversary of Armenia's Independence, then I arrived in Artsakh and I attended the opening of the kindergarten in Martuni.I also had meetings with NKR National Assembly Chairman Ashot Ghoulyan, Prime Minister Arayik Haroutyunyan, Minister of Defense Levon Mnatsakanyan and with members of the French Club.

-France is also co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group. As a French politician, what actions do you see for suppressing the Azerbaijani aggression in practice? In fact, a few days ago because of that country's military aggression the Armenian soldier died on the border.

- Unfortunately, I frequently hear about the deaths of soldiers on the Karabakh-Azerbaijani border, and it has been for months, for years on end. I feel pain remembering the April war; the two sides have suffered casualties. Of course, it is possible that Azerbaijan suffered more causalities. Nevertheless, the victim remains a victim. Any loss is painful. I can confidently say that the people of Karabakh are subjected to aggression by Azerbaijan. I say it not as a deputy, but as chairman of the France-Artsakh friendship circle, a man who visited Artsakh multiple times. I wish I could somehow reduce Azerbaijani aggression by my visit. My dream is to see Artsakh completely peaceful and Azerbaijan will also benefit from it. It would be much better to spend money for satisfying the requirements of the population, instead of spending all funds for the purchase of military equipment and army.

- Artsakh is in the process of constitutional reforms these days. Mr.Roshebloine, what do you think about that legal document?

-Of course, I am aware of the process of constitutional reforms. In Karabakh case where there is no permanent peace, I hope the Artsakh people and government will take right steps to have better future for Karabakh. Of course, the situation is different in comparison with Armenia. Armenia is moving towards a parliamentary system. In my opinion, in the case of Artsakh, as there is a theme of Azerbaijan, presidential regime is the best management model.

-What kind of new ways of cooperation do you see to enhance political, economic and cultural fields for further deepening of bilateral friendly ties?

-Of course, the France-Karabakh friendship circle members are very eager to cooperate with Artsakh in political, economic and cultural fields. The signing of memoranda of cooperation between the two cities symbolized by the development of further relations.France-Karabakh" friendship circle members always meet people coming from Karabakh. This already means a lot. Soon we will organize French courses at Shushi Yeznik Mozyan College. Since January, there will be French courses again. I would like to enhance the ties between our two countries. I am always ready to make my contribution for stronger ties between two countries.

The interview was conducted by Garnik Aleksanyan
Adelaide are tightlipped at speculation Carlton star Bryce Gibbs wants to be traded to the South Australian club.

Adelaide won't comment on rumours that SA-born Gibbs is holding talks with the Crows.

Bryce Gibbs: could he be a Crow next season? Credit:Getty Images

"We don't have any comment to make on trade rumours or innuendo," a Crows spokesman said on Thursday.

Gibbs has three years to run on his lucrative contract at Carlton believed to be worth about $600,000 a season.
Retail businesses should be allowed to offer their staff higher base wages in return for lower penalty rates, says the head of the nation's industrial umpire.

Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross told The Australian Financial Review' Retail Summit that there had been major changes to the retail industry in recent years and there was a push to make industrial arrangements more manageable, particularly for small businesses.

Some retailers have proposed a drop in penalty rates in return for higher base wages, although critics are worried this could unfairly disadvantage casual and part-time workers, particularly young people.

A deal that saw Coles offering just such a trade-off was struck out recently after it was found that many workers were left worse off than the minimum required conditions in the retail award.
Takahiro Kusakari went from being a self-described bum getting by on bit-part acting roles in Tokyo to calling the shots at a $US2.6 billion ($3.4 billion) stock fund.

His life changed in 2007 when the then 28-year-old stumbled into a seminar by the legendary investor Atsuto Sawakami, the father of Japanese investing and founder of the nation's biggest independent mutual fund. Sawakami saw a spark and later offered him a job. What followed was a meteoric ascent from back-office lackey to analyst, then fund manager and finally chief investment officer.

"I was basically a bum", says Takahiro Kusakari, chief investment officer of Sawakami Asset Management, of his former life. Credit:Bloomberg

As it turns out, Kusakari's lack of experience probably worked in his favour. His mentor has preached the gospel of long-term investing for more than four decades and says most people in finance don't really get what the term means, so it made sense to turn to someone from outside the industry.

"He's a rascal," Sawakami said in an interview, using an affectionate Japanese term that parents reserve for headstrong children. "He makes his own decisions" without seeking a consensus, the 69-year-old said. "I gave him a back-office job and watched to see if he'd grow."
As South Australian emergency workers seek to restore order to a state battered by extreme weather and an energy system unable to cope, we need to ask why the federal government isn't better prepared to deal with the type of extreme weather that climate scientists have been warning of for years.

But the immediate response of Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was not to acknowledge that climate change was a key factor behind one of the most ferocious storms in South Australia's history  but rather the state's renewable energy was to blame. "[Windpower] wasn't working too well last night, because they had blackout," Mr Joyce told the ABC.

The Deputy Prime Minister would blame the death of Elvis Presley on renewable energy if it helped competitors in the big polluting fossil fuel industries.

In reality, even if South Australia were powered entirely from coal, rather than 40 per cent by renewable energy as it now is, this blackout would still have happened. As South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said: "This was a weather event, not a renewable energy event  You have got these essentially ignorant remarks being made by Barnaby Joyce because he hates wind farms and he decided to play politics with a crisis."
Obese adults will outnumber the healthy or underweight within the next decade, according to modelling that predicts the collective girth of the population by 2025.

Furthermore, researchers estimate that by 2025 one in six women and one in 10 men will be severely obese  with a body mass index of over 35  in a stunning escalation of a phenomenon that was almost unheard of in 1995.

Obesity in adults will reach 35 per cent by 2025. Credit:Jenny Evans

Overall, the prevalence of obesity in the adult population will increase from 28 per cent to 35 per cent, well outside the World Health Organisation's [WHO] target for zero increase in overweight and obesity from 2010 to 2025.

The modelling by University of Sydney academics was based on a 1995 survey of 12 million adults, and checked against what actually happened up until 2014, at which point the predictions held.
An Illawarra man who fathered multiple children with his biological daughter as the result of sexual abuse spanning more than a decade in the 2000s has been sentenced to 16 years jail.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to persistent child sexual abuse charges in Wollongong District Court on Thursday, as well as offences relating to the sexual assault of two siblings stemming back to the 1980s.

The man's psychologist described him as "highly sexualised", saying he used sex to cope with problems in his life, beginning with the abuse of his much younger siblings, who were aged 6 and 10 at the time.

One of the siblings told the court in a victim impact statement that they had lived with the mental pain of their brother's actions for more than a quarter of a century and had been in counselling for many years as a result.

"My capacity to trust has been taken from me," the sibling wrote.
A Queensland jury has retired to consider its verdict for two men accused of killing a man outside a Sunshine Coast nightclub in 2013.

Wade Goldsworthy and Matthew Hill, both aged 30, have pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of 45-year-old Wayne Dover, who died outside the Factory nightclub at Maroochydore after suffering a tear to a major artery in his neck.

A jury has retired to consider a verdict in the manslaughter trial. Credit:Greg Newington

A Brisbane Supreme Court jury retired just before noon on Thursday to consider its verdict, having heard allegations Mr Dover was punched repeatedly as he lay unconscious on the ground.

AAP
A prison has been chastised for ignoring the department domestic violence policy in dealing with the fallout from a relationship breakdown between two guards.

The custodial corrections officers at Queensland's Woodford prison, north west of Brisbane, were placed under matching protection orders in November last year after their domestic relationship ended.

Woodford Correctional Facility. Credit:Qld Corrective Services

As a result, the prison changed their shifts so they weren't working at the same time.

The male guard, who Fairfax Media has decided not to name, had applied to police for a "no contact" provision within the protection orders but they'd decided against it, reasoning it would be unworkable given their shared workplace.
Brisbane City Council's chief auditor has been sacked following a damning independent report into how fraudsters fleeced ratepayers of more than $450,000.

The report by international auditing firm Deloitte found systemic failures on the council's part that allowed fraudsters to change banking details of an existing council contractor.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says the report findings are 'unacceptable'. Credit:Glenn Hunt

That change resulted in $450,904.96 being transferred into the wrong account between July 14 and August 5. Just $42,276.60 of that money had been recovered and the council considered it unlikely any more would be seen again.

"We found a number of inconsistencies in the supporting documentation provided in the bank account change request that were not identified by BCC as part of the processing of the request," the report found.
Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart has been accused of exacerbating the suffering of clerical abuse victims by ignoring an independent report on the archdiocese's compensation scheme that he received a year ago.

Victims who want their compensation claims reviewed have been forced to wait while the Archdiocese of Melbourne continues to delay the release of the report, fuelling claims of stalling and obfuscation by the church.

Denis Hart is accused of ignoring an independent review into the church's response to abuse victims. Credit:Joe Armao

The review of the Melbourne Response was commissioned by Archbishop Hart in August 2014, following repeated claims at the royal commission that the church's Melbourne Response victim compensation program was primarily concerned with avoiding litigation and minimising payouts.

Archbishop Hart had vowed the findings by retired Federal Court judge Donnell Ryan would be released by November 2014. The report was widely expected to recommend a significant increase, or removal, of the $75,000 cap on compensation.
The driver of a tourist bus which ploughed into the notorious Montague Street bridge in South Melbourne is facing criminal charges.

A 53-year-old Ballarat man will front court next month after the February 22 crash left 11 passengers in hospital with injuries.

At the time it took firefighters nearly an hour to free four people trapped inside the crushed Gold Bus Ballarat vehicle.

The passengers were attending a major international tourism conference in Melbourne and were visiting local landmarks before returning to the Convention Centre.
Two years ago, Hong Kong gold trader Law Kwok was taking in the sights in Australia on holiday with his girlfriend.

On Thursday, the 25-year-old man was sentenced to six and a half years' jail for trafficking ice.

Hong Kong gold trader Law Kwok agreed to move boxes containing the drug, ice, by train from Melbourne to Sydney.

Kwok, who has no prior criminal history, made the mistake of stopping at various casinos during his trip, the court heard.

He had been a "keen Baccarat player" since he was very young, and his first marriage broke down because of his gambling addiction, Victorian County Court judge Irene Lawson said.



The Chinese national borrowed money from someone who approached him at one of the Australian casinos. He built up a debt of more than $150,000 and needed to find a way to pay it back.
Drugs worth $200,000 sent to a man holed up in a Nazi-decorated "fortress" slipped through authorities' fingers, a court has been told.

Michael Joel Laffan, 28, lived in a "bunker" on his parents' Wallan property, complete with a moat, trip alarms and CCTV, and decked out with paraphernalia including a Nazi flag, a painted swastika and racist slogans, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard.

A magistrate was incredulous that $200,000 of drugs were allowed to disappear. Credit:Penny Stephens

Constable Steve Holcombe, of Seymour police, told the court that Mr Laffan had ordered 40kg of 1.4 Butanediol, a GHB precursor drug, from China, to be delivered to his "fortress".

Department of Immigration and Border Force officials tracked the drugs - contained in two 20-litre drums - as they arrived at Sydney Airport, and told Victoria Police to expect the delivery at Mr Laffan's Wallan home.
An underworld figure with a bullet still lodged in his neck from a shooting last week has fronted court charged over a brawl in a South Melbourne brothel and several offences related to his shooting.

On Wednesday, Nabil Maghnie was arrested by detectives from the Echo anti-bikie taskforce and heavily-armed police at a house in Epping.

Illegal guns have been flooding into Melbourne's underworld

The raid came less than a week after he was shot twice through the windscreen of his car but managed to drive himself to hospital.

Mr Maghnie still had bandages taped over the bullet wound on the right side of his face when he appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Police will allege "body in suitcase" murder victim Annabelle Chen was killed by her only daughter and her ex-husband at her Mosman Park home.

Father and daughter Ah Ping Ban, 65, and Tiffany Wan, 25, were charged with Ms Chen's murder on Wednesday, nearly three months after 57-year-old Ms Chen's body was found dumped in the Swan River on July 2.

Ms Wan, who lives in Melbourne, reported her mother missing more nine weeks after her death following an extensive police effort to identify her.

Police will allege Ms Wan returned to Perth in September and door knocked Ms Chen's neighbours before reporting her missing. They will claim Ms Chen was murdered somewhere between June 30 and July 2.
On the playground the swing is the king of the equipment, and if you dare, the challenge is to go as high up as possible then jump off at just the right moment.

As a child you feel a thousand feet in the air - but the ground is never too far away.

The swing is held by the lower balloon, while the riders jump out from the higher rig. Credit:Red Bull

But a team of sky divers from Red Bull have taken this old playground favourite and given it a real atmospheric twist, tethering a 125 metre long swing between two soaring hot air balloons.

At a height of 1,500 and 2,000 metres, one balloon served as an anchor for the swing, while the sky divers jumped from a second balloon in the skies above Fromberg, Austria.
Excavations have begun at the Western Australian Museums Perth site to uncover the remains of the state's early 20th Century buildings.

Expert archaeologists have teamed up with third year archaeology students from the University of Western Australia in a partnership with the museum.

Heritage minister Albert Jacob and archaeologist Sven Ouzman look for artefacts Credit:WA Museum

The teams is trying to find any foundations of the former Victoria Public Library building and the Government Geologists' Laboratory, which were built in the early 1900's.

Heritage minister Albert Jacob said the results would help explain previous uses for the land.
WA drivers are paying a record price for speeding, but where is their money going?

The state opposition has accused the Liberal Government of using speeding fine revenue for cost shifting after almost $110 million was raised in speeding fines in the last financial year.

According to the Road Safety Commission's annual report the whopping fee is a substantial rise of more than 10 per cent from the 2014-2015 financial year - up from $99.7 million.

This money was supposed to be allocated for road safety projects, but more than $95 million was still sitting, unused, in the Road Trauma Trust Fund.
Investigators have released the final report into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 and have confirmed what many have suspected: it was shot down by a Russian-made missile from Russian-backed territory. Nick Miller reports on the findings, and on how it happened, from the Netherlands where the report was released.

Paul McGeough diverted from the US elections today to analyse the overruling of US President Barack Obama on the 9/11 bill. This is the legislation that will allow September 11 victims' families to sue Saudi Arabia for their perceived involvement in backing the perpetrators. Obama had vetoed the bill, the US Congress and Senate disagreed. It potentially opens up a can of worms.

the world from space. showing Australia. Globe. Earth from space.

McGeough also brings us news from Arizona, where the state's 126-year-old staunchly Republican newspaper, the Arizona Republic, broke with history and endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for president over the Grand Old Party's Donald Trump. Subscribers didn't like it, but the paper's editorial had their reasons.

There is plenty more today, as usual. Don't miss:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, as NZ PM John Key watches, in Paris last year. Credit:AP Her daughter, Shifra Hoffman, 30, a business woman, said it was hard to contemplate an Israel without Peres. "There was a feeling that he would always be there," she said. "Now that he's gone, you feel emptiness." That Abbas would come was not a given. Already under fire from Palestinians who consider his authority too close to the Israelis, Abbas risked political damage at home by agreeing to attend. Hamas, the rival Palestinian group that controls Gaza, has excoriated Peres since his death this week, calling him a war criminal, not a peacemaker. Then: Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, right, clasps hands with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres in 2001. Credit:AP While Egyptian and Jordanian leaders attended the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the other author of the Oslo Accords, after his assassination in 1995, neither country's top leader has said he will attend on Friday. But Egypt will send Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who visited Jerusalem over the summer and met with Netanyahu, illustrating a recent improvement of ties with Cairo.

Among the others who plan to attend the funeral on Friday at Mount Herzl, the national cemetery, are President Barack Obama, US Secretary of State John Kerry, French, President Francois Hollande and other world leaders.Australia's Governor-General Peter Gosgrove will also attend. In addition to Obama, speakers will include Netanyahu; Israel's president, Reuven Rivlin, and parliamentary speaker, Yuli Edelstein; and Peres' three children. Altogether, the Israeli authorities said they expected 60 major guests from around the world who would require security, including 20 presidents, 15 foreign ministers and five heads of state. The government began flooding Jerusalem with 8000 security officers and made plans to shut down major roads, including the highway linking Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Some schools and businesses will close on Friday given the expected disruption. The 12-hour visitation on Thursday drew a cross section of Israelis, some who had known of Peres their whole lives and others born after some of his most notable accomplishments and actions. "Shimon Peres is kind of like the embodiment of everything that I believe in in Israel - working for peace and acceptance of everybody and everything, and looking to the future," said David Weiner, 62, who described himself as self-employed.

"He was just this kind of towering figure and national statesman," agreed his nephew, Joel Weiner, 24, a university student. But the deterioration of Peres' dream of a lasting peace shadowed the day. "He never gave up, but he did not achieve it, and that's really too bad," Joel Weiner said. "He worked his whole life for it and never achieved it, which in that sense is tragic." A group of students from Brigham Young University studying in Israel for a semester also paid respects. "This is their George Washington," said Matthew Jellen, 21, a junior. "This is their Thomas Jefferson. This is their John Adams." But Odiel Malchi, 31, a mortgage banker, said he could not help noticing that many of the visitors on Thursday were foreigners, suggesting that Peres was to some extent appreciated more abroad than at home. "He was able to see the bigger picture," Malchi said. "He was able to communicate what he thought would be best for the nation. People at home sometimes had a hard time understanding and respecting that."

His passing was met with scorn by many in the Araba world who view him as a key architect of destructive Israeli policies toward Palestinians. In Saudi Arabia's Sabq newspaper, the headline of his obituary read, "President of Israeli Colonialism Peres Dies". On the Qatar-based Al Jazeera network's Arabic-language website, Peres was described as: "The butcher of Qana who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace" - a reference to the Israeli bombardment that killed scores of civilians in the village of Qana during the 1996 war in Lebanon. Peres was prime minister at the time. The starkly different reactions to Peres's death underscored the deep divides over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the plight of the Palestinian people, as well as the wide gulf in perceptions between the West and Arab countries. Even as President Obama and other leaders paid tribute to his legacy as a peacemaker, obituaries across the Middle East on Wednesday described Peres as playing a central role in Israeli assaults against Palestinians, dispossessing them of their lands and rights. "To the West, Shimon Peres is the 'Nobel laureate' and the 'tireless dove' who has been widely respected for his 'achievements' regarding the peace in the Middle East," said an obituary on the website of Al-Manar, the television station of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite Islamist militant group and political party. "However, behind this image Peres - who died on Wednesday - represents the real face of the bloody and colonial policies adopted by the Zionist regime."

The vitriol appeared louder and more widespread than after the 1996 assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Rabin shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Peres and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat following the Oslo peace accord in 1994. Statesmen from nine Muslim countries - including Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Qatar - attended Rabin's funeral, which was widely seen as a tribute to his efforts to build peace in the region. Abbas was given permission to attend the service by Netanyahu after sending a formal request to Israeli Major General Yoav Mordechai, the military chief of the occupied West Bank. Social media erupted with catcalls, damning Abbas as a weakling and begging him to cancel his appearance. After Abbas sent a public letter of condolence to the Peres family, calling the Israeli leader a brave man and expressing his sorrow, his bitter rivals in the Islamist militant movement Hamas accused Abbas of ignoring the suffering of the Palestinian people. According to aides, Abbas was undeterred.
New York: Sudanese government forces had laid waste to dozens of villages in the restive region of Darfur, bombing them from the air, burning homes, looting livestock and raping women - while preventing United Nations peacekeepers from going there to protect civilians.

In a report published Thursday, Amnesty International released satellite images to show what the human rights group called the "scorched earth" tactics deployed by Sudanese forces this year in the volcanic mountain zone known as Jebel Marra.

Those tactics have been deployed in other parts of Darfur since the conflict erupted there in 2003.

The group also said civilians fleeing the attacks testified about what they described as "poisonous smoke" that could have been chemical weapons.
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Nowhere in England are there more myths, legends and stories of ghostly goings-on than right here in Bristol.

We've taken a look (through our fingers!) at Bristol's most spooky streets and buildings and the ghosts that supposedly to haunt them.

Here's some of the city's most spine-chilling stories:

Theatrical ghosts of Bristol Old Vic

Bristol Old Vic, or The Theatre Royal as it was once known, is Britain's oldest working theatre.

The historic venue on King Street is well-known to ghost-hunters, and both staff and audience members have reported drops in temperature, the sensation of somebody brushing past them, and even a strange, sweet smell that comes and goes.

The theatre is said to be home to at least two ghosts.

The first is a lady dressed in black who is believed to be either famous actress Sarah Siddonss reliving her glory days or Sarah Macready, the widow of a theatre manager who cannot bear to leave the place she loved most in life.

The other ghost is that of a man killed in an accident at the theatre. Known as Richard, the ghost moves objects around backstage and turns lights on and off.

The monk of All Saints Church in Clifton

In the 1840s, local Bristol newspapers reported a haunting at a house joined to the All Saints Church in Clifton .

The ghost was said to be that of a an old man, and the family living in the house, the Jones's, were terrified by his presence, so much so that Mrs Jones reportedly felt the urge to jump out of a window.

The couple reported seeing a light flickering on one of the walls in the house, and Mr. Jones was said to be so scared that he was reduced to a trembling ball on the floor.

The church and grounds are also believed to be haunted by a monk in black who is said to have returned to watch over treasure he had hidden in the grounds.

Murdered man haunts The Odeon Cinema

The Odeon Cinema, at the bottom of Union Street in the city centre , was the scene of a murder in 1946. Local legend has it that the cinema's manager, Robert Parrington Jackson, was shot in a bungled robbery.

The case has always remained unsolved, and it is said the ghost of Robert still haunts the building. There have been many sightings of a male figure at the cinema, but legend has it the ghost only appears to females.

Screams of hanged men on Christmas Steps

Anybody who has climbed Christmas steps on a cold, dark night will confirm that there's something decidedly eerie about the place.

The steps were the original way up to the gallows at the top of St Michael's Hill, and people have reported hearing the screams of people being led to their death. Not only that, it is rumoured that the houses on the south side of the street are built on top of an old cemetery.

Various ghosts have been reported haunting Christmas steps over the years, including a young girl who is said to have drowned in the River Frome, which once came up to the foot of the steps.

Weeping nun at Arnos Manor Hotel

Arnos Manor Hotel was originally a large private home, complete with its own chapel run by nuns from a local school.

Legend has it that one of the nuns fell pregnant and took her own life, and the other nuns bricked her up in a wall to try to keep the scandal under wraps.

The hotel was damaged by a bomb during the Second World War, and when repair works got underway the nun's skeleton was reportedly discovered and moved by workmen.

There have multiple reports of a figure in brown at the hotel, and some people are said to have heard a soft female voice weeping and calling them by name. Most of the activity has been reported in room 160.

Buried alive at Arnos Vale Cemetery

Two female figures supposedly haunt the cemetery, and many people who visit have reported feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness.

A black female figure is said to have been spotted crying over the death of her husband who was killed in WW1.

Another female figure has been reported at the cemetery, crying and panicked after supposedly being buried alive there.

The violent ghosts of Llandoger Trow

The Llandoger Trow Inn on King Street is one of the best spots in Bristol for ghost-hunting.

Over the centuries, there have been numerous sightings and strange goings-on at the 17th-century alehouse, where Robert Louis Stevenson reputedly wrote Treasure Island.

Most famous is the sad little crippled boy, but there are also more violent - and possibly under the influence? - ghosts who make pictures fly off the walls and throw cutlery around in the kitchen and restaurant!

The warrior monk of Temple Back Fire Station

It's not just old buildings that boast their very own ghosts. The relatively modern fire brigade headquarters at Temple Back has a haunted history, too.

Ghosts have been sighted at the building over the years. In 1975 alone, there were at least nine sightings of a ghost which was so real that is was often mistaken for somebody playing a prank.

The ghost is believed to be one of the Knights Templar, the warrior monks who were persecuted in the fourteenth century because of their power.

The Knights used to own the Temple area, so it's feasible that the walking knight was disturbed when the land was redeveloped for the fire brigade.

The girl on horseback at Stoke Park

The Dower House, situated in Stoke Park, is one of Bristol's most recognisable buildings as it overlooks the M32 on the way in to the city.

Both the house and grounds of Stoke Park are believed to be haunted by one its former residents. Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Somerset fell from her horse in 1760 and broke her neck. Her ghost is said to still ride around the park.

Walkers in the park often report hearing the sound of horses' hooves in the woodland, but no horses have had access to the land for decades.

The starved monk of Vassals Park

There used to be a building on the land at Vassals Park, and legend has it a Catholic Monk used it as a place to hold mass at a time when it was illegal to do so.

When visitors came to the building, the monk was hidden away in a "priest hole" in the house, so as not to be discovered.

But it is rumoured that he was once left in the priest hole, where he starved to death.

There have been multiple reported sightings of a monk walking through solid objects and there have also been sightings of a hooded figure floating on a footbridge in the park.

The highwayman of Pembroke Road

Today, Clifton's Pembroke Rode is a wide, vibrant street and a sought-after place to live, but it too has a frightening past.

There were once gallows at the top of Pembroke Road, and it was here that the notorious dwarf highwayman Jenkins Protheroe was hanged.

Protheroe was a nasty piece of work who would stand at the side of the road begging for money, and if you didn't give him what he wanted he would rob you.

Protheroe is long gone, but his ghost continues to haunt Pembroke Road.

Brunel at Clifton Suspension Bridge

The spirit of the famous bridge's designer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel is said to haunt the sight surrounding Clifton Suspension Bridge. Walkers have reported seeing the spirit of a man admiring the bridge, which was completed after Brunel's death.

Motorists driving across the bridge have also reportedly seeing dark figures and shadows near the bridge's edges, said to be the spirit of people who have taken their own lives there.
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These are the South Gloucestershire restaurants, takeaways and eateries rated the worst, according to the Food Standards Agency.

The 18 businesses on this list have scored hygiene ratings of zero or one, which means major improvements are required.

The Food Standards Agency scale goes from zero to five, with venues receiving five deemed as the safest, cleanest and the best.

Inspectors from the council assess the premises, looking at the handling, preparation, cooking and storage of food before delivering their verdict.

Health and safety officers also check the cleanliness and condition of the building to make sure it is safe for customers.

Food businesses do not have to show their rating, but all of the information is published on the FSA website .

This list includes the lowest rated South Gloucestershire eateries and when they were inspected.

The information we have is the most up to date as of Thursday, September 29, 2016.

The Bristol Post contacted all of the following eateries for comment.

The South Gloucestershire restaurant with a ZERO hygiene rating

The latest table on the Food Standards Agency website shows only one restaurant in South Gloucestershire with a zero rating.

Anywhere with this grade means urgent improvements are required.

Fleur de Lis

12 Shortwood Road, Pucklechurch, South Gloucestershire, BS16 9RA

Inspection date: 18 July 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

South Gloucestershire's eateries with a ONE hygiene rating

Anywhere which scores a one following inspection is ranked as needing to make major improvements.

Bottelino's

1- 4 North Parade, Yate, South Gloucestershire, BS37 4XD

Inspection date: August 15, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Bristol Golf Centre

Common Mead Lane, Hambrook, South Gloucestershire, BS16 1QQ

Inspection date: July 26, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Cafe at Wot Not

Jorrocks Estate, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, South Gloucestershire, BS37 8QH

Inspection date: June 29, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Curry Night

61 High Street, Hanham, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS15 3DQ

Inspection date : August 1, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Farm Shop Foods EC Ltd

Washingpool Farm, Main Road, Easter Compton, South Gloucestershire, BS35 5RE

Inspection date: May 9, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

La Passione

66 Rounceval Street, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS37 6AR

Inspection date: July 20, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Londis

7 Coniston Road, Patchway, South Gloucestershire, BS34 5PA

Inspection date: August 3, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Many's Takeaway

22 Abbotswood, Yate, South Gloucestershire, BS37 4NG

Inspection date: August 16, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Piccante Pizza

514 Filton Avenue, Horfield, South Gloucestershire, BS7 0QE

Inspection date : August 9, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Quackers Farmshop & Cafe

Feltham Farm, Hinton Road, Pucklechurch, South Gloucestershire, BS16 9SJ

Inspection date: June 22, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Royal Oak

Tortworth Road, Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AD

Inspection date: July 5, 2016

A manager was available for comment.

Snack World

Wickes Building Supplies Ltd, 2 Gallagher Retail Park, Aldermoor Way, Gloucestershire, BS30 7DA

Inspection date: July 25, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Tandoori Night

86 Broad Street, Staple Hill, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS16 5NJ

Inspection date : April 13, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

The Globe

366 Church Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS36 2AB

Inspection date: July 13, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

The King William IV

62 Broad Street, Staple Hill, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS16 5NP

Inspection date: July 14, 2016

A spokesperson said the previous inspection had taken place while building work was going on at the venue. The team are optimistic their rating would improve after a follow up inspection.

The New Inn

Westerleigh Road, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS37 8QH

Inspection date: June 29, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

Wonder Wok

89 Bath Road, Longwell Green, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS30 9DF

Inspection date: November 18, 2015

A manager was not available for comment.

Yate Kebab and Pizza

34 Abbotswood, Yate, South Gloucestershire, BS37 4NG

Inspection date: May 17, 2016

A manager was not available for comment.

So just how is a hygiene rating worked out?

A food safety officer inspects a business to check that it meets the requirements of food hygiene law. The officer is from the local authority where the business is located.

At the inspection, the officer will check:

How hygienically the food is handled  how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored

The condition of the structure of the buildings  the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities

How the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe and so that the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future

Each of these three elements is essential for making sure that food hygiene standards meet requirements and the food served or sold to you is safe to eat.
An update: Gov. Andrew Cuomo cancelled his trip to Israel following a train crash in New Jersey.

The train originated in downstate New York and crashed into a station in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Earlier report:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be heading to Israel Thursday to attend former Israeli President Shimon Peres' funeral.

Peres, who was one of Israel's founding fathers, died Wednesday after having a stroke two weeks ago. He was 93.

"New York is home to more than 1.7 million Jews  the largest Jewish community outside of Israel in the world  and the community is mourning the loss of a larger than life figure," Cuomo said in a statement. "Former President Shimon Peres was a leader and a statesman, and an especially wonderful friend to all of us. He will be missed dearly."

Cuomo first met Peres during his father's tenure as New York's governor. Their paths crossed in 2014 when Cuomo led a delegation that traveled to Israel as a "demonstration of solidarity."

Peres was a longtime member of Israel's Knesset and served two stints as the country's prime minister. He became president in 2007 and held that post until 2014.

"Serving in nearly every high office of government, Shimon Peres dedicated his life to his country and his people," Cuomo said. "He worked tirelessly to reaffirm their rights and freedoms and, following the systematic annihilation of 6 million fellow Jews, he worked to ensure their future by helping to establish an independent Jewish state. Shimon later devoted his life to the pursuit of peace and economic cooperation, an effort he pursued with determination and dignity until the end."

Peres' funeral will be held Friday.
Latest News Lendi Group settles $33.6 billion in FY22 Ambitious target of a deal a day for brokers

APRA announces new appointments The prudential regulator has a new chair, deputy chair, and members

Investors and property owners are not the only ones to benefit from rising house prices across Australia, with commissions paid to mortgage brokers totalling more than $1bn in the year to August.According to the latest Mortgage Industry Model from Digital Finance Analytics (DFA), growing broker market share, rising loan values and tweaks to commission structures resulted in total commissions paid to brokers overt the 12-month period pushing past $1.1bn.Speaking to Australian Broker, DFA principal Martin North, said while the total commission figure is high, it isnt overly surprising.Ive been tracking it for the last 10-12 years through the modelling that I do and it was quite high pre-GFC and then it went off the boil a little, North told Australian Broker.To my mind its quite a big number, but its in-line with the volumes that weve seen and in-line with the fact that commissions are related to the size of the loan. As house prices go up, the size of loans go up, so its not really surprising, he told Australian Broker.The DFA research comes as broker remuneration remains a contentious issue and North hopes people are able to look past the $1.1bn figure and see why an increase has occurred.Its important that people dont just grab the headline figure without looking at the drivers, he told Australian Broker.Some of the banks have tweaked their commissions to be a little bit more generous, but the main factor is to do with that commission is a percentage of the loan value, therefore as the loan value goes up, commission goes up.Its also clear that the banks strategy is to use brokers more. If you look at the majors then theyve definitely increased their penetration through the broker channel.North likened the current commission environment in Australia to that of the UK before the industry there moved to a fee-based system, rather than commissions. While he doesnt believe that will occur in Australia, he does believe the industry has been somewhat responsible for the negative perception that currently exists around commissions.To me its more about disclosure, rather than the remuneration model," he told Australian Broker.Consumers are very unclear about what commissions are paid, theyre unclear about trail, theyre unclear about soft commissions, theyre unclear about discounts and bonuses and target commissions and all those things.The critical thing is that consumers should go into dealings with a broker understanding the basis under which advice is being provided and understanding how commissions are paid. Transparency is the crucial issue.
AfDB President Adesina concludes first official visit to Nigeria

Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, completed a three-day official visit to Nigeria on Wednesday, reaffirming the Bank's strong partnership with one of his biggest shareholders and clients, as the country struggles with the impact of an economic recession.

"We are not fair-weather friends. We will stand by Nigeria," Adesina told his interlocutors. He also reassured the country that Nigeria is "not falling apart". The budget deficit remains modest; and the debt is not out of control. "Nigeria is not in a debt crisis," Adesina told the stakeholders he met during his visit.

The Bank Chief met with President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, and Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele. He also met with the Government's economic team, and representatives of the private sector, as well as donors and young entrepreneurs.

Adesina commended the authorities for the bold steps taken to deal with the crisis, notably the devaluation of the local currency, the Naira, and the removal of subsidies on petroleum products. He noted that Nigeria's problem is one of revenue concentration, not lack of diversification. He stressed the need for the Government to create incentives in the non-oil sector to spur manufacturing and industry, and boost investment by the private sector and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to reap the dividends of devaluation. "Nigeria needs to incentivize its way out of the recession," he repeated.

Scaled-up Support

Meanwhile, the Bank will do its part. The Bank is putting in place including a US $1-billion budget support operation in the coming weeks. The operation will be discussed by the Bank's Board of Directors in October. The Bank will also provide US $300 million for youth employment in agribusiness, through the ENABLE Youth programme. The goal is to create 1,000 youth entrepreneurs in agribusiness in each of the 36 states, with an expected additional 185,000 jobs created.

In the agricultural sector, the Bank will provide US $200 million to the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program, which builds on the first phase (US $150 million), with the goal of supporting infrastructure and production and agro-industrial zones for processing and value addition to agricultural produce, for domestic and export markets. In addition, the Bank will provide US $300 million for the Abuja Infrastructure Project for integrated infrastructure (water, sanitation, roads and electricity) for four satellite towns in the capital region.

Overall, the Bank's portfolio in Nigeria is projected to increase from the current US $4.6 billion to US $10 billion by 2019. Of this, the private sector is expected to receive US $6.9 billion, while the public sector will get US $2.1 billion, excluding the budget support of US $1 billion planned for 2016.

Emergency Assistance

The Bank will also provide US $250 million for the North East Integrated Infrastructure Development Program to assist with the rehabilitation of the northeastern parts of the country in support of President Buhari's efforts for economic recovery in the zone. Adesina announced a US $1-million emergency grant to assist Internally Displaced Persons in northeastern Nigeria suffering from hunger, malnutrition and disease highlighted in the presentation of the economic team.

Adesina visited the "Agripreneurs training centre" at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Abuja, and reiterated his commitment to supporting the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. He praised the young "agripreneurs" for their leadership and passion.

"There is no reason for Africa to spend US $35 billion importing food when the continent could feed itself, " Adesina told the young entrepreneurs, adding that Africa needs to compete for the business of food, instead of exporting jobs elsewhere.

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A Jordan man was re-sentenced in Cayuga County criminal court Thursday after failing to pay restitution in a four-year-old case.

In 2012, Branden Hackett, formerly of Port Byron, was convicted of felony third-degree burglary and four misdemeanors  fourth-degree criminal mischief, petit larceny, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle  for stealing power tools from a garage in Mentz. The 27-year-old was sentenced to one to three years in prison at the time and ordered to pay $420.

However, according to Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann, Hackett did not pay "a single penny" toward restitution since his conviction.

"(Hackett) paid zero dollars and zero cents and made no attempt to pay for four years," he said. "There needs to be some kind of sanction here."

Hackett claimed he did not know restitution had not been paid, saying he thought the money was being taken out of his commissary account while he was in prison. In addition, he said he "moved around a lot" after his release and did not receive any letters from probation.

Last month, Judge Thomas Leone remanded Hackett to Cayuga County Jail, informing the defendant that he would be released if he paid restitution. But Hackett  who is also facing charges in the towns of Sennett and Brutus  could not make a payment.

"He is going to do a substantial amount of time in jail on these other charges," Hackett's defense attorney Norman Chirco said, noting that his client will be in Onondaga County Jail until March.

Meanwhile, the Cayuga County Probation Department requested that it be removed from this case, recommending Leone re-sentence the defendant as he saw fit.

"We've spent a lot of time and tax dollars chasing Mr. Hackett down for around $400," Cayuga County Probation Director Jay DeWispelaere said.

Leone re-sentenced Hackett to six months in Cayuga County Jail and relieved the probation department of its duty to collect restitution in the case.

 An Auburn man was remanded to Cayuga County Jail Thursday for allegedly violating his probation for the third time.

According to Budelmann, 21-year-old Nathan Ryan  who was granted youthful offender status for a crime in 2012 and sentenced to five years probation  first violated his probation in 2013. Then, two years later, Ryan relapsed after successfully completing drug court and was caught using heroin.

"He got a break then and was restored to probation," Budelmann said. "But this is at least his third time back in court, and I think something more needs to be done."

Both the probation department and Ryan's attorney, Dennis Sedor, seemed to agree.

"I'm at a loss here, because obviously probation isn't working," Probation Officer John Murley said.

"I don't know what the answer is here," Sedor added.

Ryan's latest violation comes after he was arrested in August for driving with a blood alcohol content of .16 percent, according to Budelmann.

Leone said he had "no choice" but to remand Ryan to jail. He is scheduled to be back in court Nov. 10.

 A Kentucky man charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon pleaded not guilty Thursday.

Cory Murphree, of 9037 Aubrey Road in Maceo, was arrested Aug. 6 after an officer pulled him over for a problem with lights on his truck and discovered a handgun in the vehicle.

The 30-year-old said he had been in Cayuga County working for Nucor Corporation since June and did not know it was illegal to possess an unlicensed handgun in New York.

Leone continued Murphree out on $750 cash bail.

Murphree could face up to 15 years in prison for the class C felony. He will be back in court Dec. 1.
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SKANEATELES FALLS  Welch Allyn is not only staying in central New York, it's expanding.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited the medical device manufacturer Wednesday and announced that the company will retain 900 jobs and add 100 new positions at its Skaneateles Falls facility.

Hill-Rom, Welch Allyn's parent company, will invest more than $4.2 million to expand manufacturing and research and development operations.

To support the expansion, the state will provide incentives of up to $12 million  $6 million in tax credits linked to job creation goals and a $6 million grant from central New York's Upstate Revitalization Initiative funds.

Onondaga County also plans to offer incentives, according to Cuomo.

"Today is a really good day," said Alton Shader, Welch Allyn's president. "Today we announce and commit to expanding our presence here in Skaneateles Falls."

Welch Allyn was acquired last year by Hill-Rom, an Indiana-based company. Shader admitted that the $2.05 billion acquisition led to uncertainty about how Welch Allyn, which was a privately-owned company, would fit into Hill-Rom, a publicly traded company headquartered in the Midwest.

"There were a lot of questions around jobs," he said. "Would we lose any jobs here? There were questions and uncertainty around this facility here in Skaneateles Falls."

There were also questions from leaders in Albany about the future of Welch Allyn in central New York.

"When we heard about the Hill-Rom merger, we got concerned," Cuomo said.

Cuomo recalled moments when his father, the late Gov. Mario Cuomo, would talk about Welch Allyn and "the devices and the innovation and how smart the people were."

Welch Allyn, Cuomo said, is part of New York state history.

"Welch Allyn is not just a company of central New York. It is a statewide treasure," he said.

Cuomo touted his administration's efforts to boost upstate New York economy's as one reason why Welch Allyn is staying put. He said the state has invested $25 billion in upstate New York economic development projects and he highlighted other achievements, such as income tax cuts for New Yorkers and reducing the unemployment rate throughout the state.

Cuomo also mentioned the state's support of various central New York businesses, including the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego County and Tessy Plastics, an Elbridge-based company which is expanding in Onondaga County.

If Hill-Rom had acquired Welch Allyn five years ago, Cuomo suggested that the situation might have been different.

"Hill-Rom is a global company, they are headquartered in Indiana. Hill-Rom would have purchased Welch Allyn and there would have been a brief period of time of decision making and then there would have been an announcement that Hill-Rom is moving Welch Allyn to a different location," Cuomo said.

He added, "That was the story that we have heard for 30 years ... That is what would have happened 30 years. What has happened today is the exact opposite."

Wednesday's announcement was teased earlier this year when Shader spoke at a Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce event. He told the audience that Welch Allyn would remain in Skaneateles Falls and hinted that more jobs could be added at the facility in the near future.

The expansion announcement comes near the end of the Welch Allyn's fiscal year. Shader said the company will report "the most successful results its had in its 101-year history."

Hill-Rom reported $71.4 million in net income through the first three quarters of the fiscal year, according to a news release on the company's website. That's an increase from $56.9 million at the same point last year.
In May, 13 serial killers escaped prison, and while some have been caught, by the time Luke Alvez joins the BAU to help them go after the next fugitive in the Criminal Minds season 12 premiere, there are still five out there.

When news comes in of a victim that looks to be the work of the Crimson King, Alvez is all over it because its personal for him. He caught him last time, in the act, after his partner went deep cover. He wants to be the one to put him away again.

Everything You Need to Know About New Criminal Minds Agent Luke Alvez>>>

Catch a Fugitive, Get an Offer to Catch Another

Forty miles outside El Paso, Alvez is undercover, meeting up with a man and a woman to help them get out of the country and to Mexico. He leads them right into the FBIs trap when he directs them to an underground tunnel, and as soon as the man, Earl, is distracted, Alvez takes his gun and identifies himself as a federal agent.

While the two are taken into custody, Rossi takes the time to get Alvez to join the team full-time. But Alvez is a self-proclaimed man-hunter and no good to them as a profiler, he insists. He cant sit around brainstorming about these guys; he needs to be out there chasing them down. But there is one thing that will lure him in to work with the team, at least for now: hunting down Daniel Cullen, the Crimson King. When do we start? Alvez wants to know.

Well, This Is a Bit Awkward. And Creepy.

In the desert, 88 miles outside Tempe, a guy walks attached to an arm-spreader, blood on his shirt. When he manages to get to the road, hes nearly hit by a car and then a truck manages to stop just in front of him. As soon as the police chief sees whats carved into his skin, he knows its time to call in the FBI.

Tara and Hotch are already in the area, and when they go to see Brian, they discover that BAU has been carved into his torso. Do they know what it means? Oh, do they. Upon comparing his wounds to those of the previous victims, Hotch and Tara know they have to call the others.

This time, the details are the same except for one difference: the cuts are shallow, showing signs of hesitation. From his first victim, Daniel Cullen was about inflicting as much pain as possible. Prison would have made him meaner. Plus, the BAU had nothing to do with his initial arrest, so did he meet someone in prison who told him about them or, more likely, are they looking for a copycat? Either way, Alvez wants in because it could lead to Cullen.

I am definitely a fan of what Criminal Minds does with Tara in this episode. The psychologist is the one to talk to Brian, to walk her through what happened. When he was 12 and returned home from camp, two of his closest friends had moved away, he tells her. Two days ago, he clocked out from work and went home, but he noticed his door was unlocked. Before he could do anything, he was knocked out and woke up on a table, with a mask over his face. There was white smoke inside the mask. His kidnapper told him to breathe it in and then asked him his name, but when he told him, he said hes not Brian. Brian passed out when he started cutting. The smoke smelled like bubble gum.

As the rest of the team flies out to meet Hotch and Tara, they figure out that the UnSub is Peter Lewis, aka Mr. Scratch. However, Alvez wonders why he hasnt stayed hidden, and if it is him, why is he copying someone else? Reid points out that Lewis is also a math genius, so he plans for every variable. He wouldnt release Brian unless he knew they couldnt catch him. So whats he up to? They have Garcia look into anything suspicious in Tempe, and she finds a call about a Jennifer Jareau, with the address listed as 54321 Rossi Ave. Wow. Hes really baiting them. The call came from a burner phone, with GPS, so they have an address.

Hotch, Tara and the local police find a woman on a chair in a room muttering Hotchs name over and over. Oh, and she has HOTCH carved into her forehead.

Whats the Team Missing?

The woman is Chelsea, and shes suffering from a dissociative break. The only connection they can find to Brian is that shes a year younger, and theyre both too young to be part of the same group of Lewis prior victims. Whats he trying to induce?

Theres actually a pretty big connection between the victims as they uncover: both have been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. The University of Tempe even has a camp that helps those with it. Peters not the copycat; someone with DID that he dosed is. Hes telling an alternate identity to cut the victims like the Crimson King. But those with DID are difficult to control, so Lewis would have multiple failures on his hands. Why didnt Brian go crazy?

Tara returns to Brian in the hospital, and he tells her he hasnt suffered from a break since he was 12. Yes, the camp he went to was the one at the University, and yes, Chelsea was there. His alternates are two girls, he admits, and they made him feel better when he was stressed out. The friends that moved away? They were them. Can he confirm the names of the other kids at the camp? He can pick out the names from a list of patients, he says.

Alvez takes a moment to check in with Hotch after reading up on the fugitives and finding the team leaders name as one of Lewis victims. Doesnt he want to kill him? Does Alvez want to kill Cullen, Hotch counters. Yes, the agent admits, revealing that he doesnt say when he caught him in the act, he was cutting open his partner after figuring out he was FBI. Try not to flinch is what he said. Hotch believes that the killers belong in cells, living as failures, not dying, thinking they accomplished something. Alvez isnt quite there yet. Hotch can tell that he doesnt agree with something in the profile, but Alvez knows he wont like it. That means everyone needs to hear it.

They cant analyze a fugitives actions on the outside without taking into account what he did on the inside, Alvez says, but it appears that Lewis was a model prisoner, with no contact with other convicts. Yet, he had to have resources in place. Why did he come to Tempe? For the highest concentration of targets with DID? They know he wouldnt reveal himself until his plan was foolproof, so what part of the plan worked? Us, Alvez tells them.

While most fugitives do everything to stay on the DL, hes courted their attention from the beginning. When he needed information before, he hacked Quantico. Theyre compiling the list he wants, but how will he get it? Brian, they realize  too late, because Garcia has already sent out the list and Officer Dewey is with Brian to go over it.

As the officer reads off names and Brian recognizes one, he has a flashback to Peter telling him what to do when he hears a name he remembers. Brian does just that, asking for a moment, going into the bathroom and then coming out and strangling Dewey as the FBIs calling him. Try not to flinch, he says, taking his knife in hand.

10 Ways Criminal Minds Could Write Out Hotch >>>

Does the BAU Catch Mr. Scratch?

BYE is carved into Dewey for the BAU, and Brian took his phone, so he has the list. The police chief wants to shoot Brian on sight, but theyd lose the best lead they have on Lewis. He needs to let the agents do their job.

Lewis isnt just inducing an alternate, hes creating one. Brian thinks hes the Crimson King. Lewis mentally tortures his victims, and in this case, he got Brian to cut himself. Thats why the wounds were shallow. Tara thinks that was in Brians story and she just didnt see it. Theres something in Brians history that helps explain this, and they need to talk to his parents to find out what theyre missing.

While Brian returns to Lewis with the list and Mr. Scratch puts him back on his table with the mask and tells him to listen closely, Tara asks J.J. to sit in when she talks to his parents to make sure she doesnt miss anything. She wont, J.J. assures her.

They adopted him through the church in a closed adoption, and when they got him, he had scars, his parents reveal. The pediatrician said that someone in the foster care system smashed bottles across him and cut him with the jagged glass. Hed cut open his own scars, and then go into a chant. They thought he was self-soothing at first, and then they realized he was talking like girls. They think the girls were in foster care with him and helped him feel better after being hurt.

Alvez takes a look at the arm-spreader that Brian was in and declares that Lewis knew enough to copy the locking mechanism, but the stitches suggest that he ordered it. So its up to Garcia to look into leather experts, sex shops and BDSM specialists. When Reid and Alvez find the sex ship from which Lewis bought the arm-spreader, they discover he used Reids name  and ordered two.

Not only that, he used Reids social security number and changed his address. Alvez thinks that Lewis has Cullen because he copied a specific detail that wasnt part of the public record.

Hes right; Lewis does have Cullen, but he tells Brian that the other man thinks hes the Crimson King, so whats he going to do about that?

By the time the BAU gets to Lewis torture house, Mr. Scratch is gone and Brians in the middle of carving IMPOSTER into Cullen. If he kills him, its over, Alvez tells him before recalling his conversation with Hotch. Let him go so he has to live the rest of his life as a failure. When J.J. and Tara join them, they use the words that the two girls from foster care used to say to help Brian calm down: No one is going to hurt you like that ever again. It works, and as Tara cuffs him, she tells him its for his own protection and shell be with him every step of the way.

As for Cullen, Alvez doesnt buy it when he claims not to remember him or even know his own name. Reid realizes that Lewis mustve dosed him so he couldnt tell them anything.

And since they know that Brian was just a test case and Mr. Scratch is going to do it again, Alvez is joining the team full-time to help catch him.

As the episode ends, Hotch opens up Lewis file on his desk, while somewhere, Lewis opens up his own files and circles Desmond Holts name. There you are. And so it will begin again.

The Queen of Nice Becomes the Queen of Ice

Listen, you cant fault Garcia for having some trouble getting used to the big change at the BAU. And its not Alvezs fault that hes the one whos going to take the brunt of her aloofness. When he first joins her in the elevator before the case, shes very polite and professional. In other words, shes not very Garcia. However, she does end up blurting out that she spent the weekend getting help from her boyfriend with her fingering techniques  for her clarinet, she quickly clarifies  before escaping and insisting she doesnt care that he made lasagna.

And when he and Rossi call her to look up information for the case, theres a very obvious pause before she agrees to do so. Its going to take time to adjust.

But it seems that Alvez takes delight in letting her know that hes now part of the team by episodes end, an SSA-in-Training, at least, and that means that shes going to have to figure out how to be the Queen of Nice instead of the Queen of Ice around him. He tries to get her to open up to him, asking about her last name and her boyfriend, offering up information about his girl, but that doesnt stop her from suggesting that he tell his girl to call her when shes come to her senses about him. It may be a tiny bit of a start. Maybe.

What did you think of Luke Alvezs introduction? What do you think of how the CBS drama is handling the escaped convicts? Do you wish theyd saved each one for his (or her) own episode, or do you like that some are already back in custody?

Criminal Minds season 12 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on CBS. Want more news? Like our Facebook page.

(Image courtesy of CBS)
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October 3, 2022

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Hundreds  if not thousands  of new and returning TV shows and movies are released every month  your options of what to watch are endless. Variety, they say is ...
President Kirkman (Keifer Sutherland) faces an uphill battle during his first days as President of the United States as he simultaneously deals with both national and personal crises as he heads up the biggest office in the free world in the second episode of Designated Survivor.

Titled The First Day, episode 2 shows the people of the United States as furious and wanting someone to pay for the attack on the Capitol building that killed not only the president, but all of the cabinet members during the series first episode.

Kirkman, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is now the president of the free world and realizing that the job is not all its cracked up to be.

The President Continues to Find His Way While Faith in the U.S. Crumbles

With wife Alex (Natascha McElhone) by his side, Kirkman navigates just how difficult the job of commander-in-chief is when he is being pushed by the country to declare war, but his rational side wants to be sure of who ruthlessly murdered the innocent members of the U.S. government.

Kirkman finds himself at a loss at how to deal with the pressure being put on him by the members of his own pulled-together cabinet. As they threw questions at him to try and figure out how to handle this situation, Kirkman finds the strain too much and briefly walks away from the demands of the job to a familiar space in the White House, where he finds a quiet moment to digest the situation.

Meet The Cast of Designated Survivor>>>

Presidential speechwriter Seth Wright finds himself the object of racial profiling after the terrorist attack on the Capitol, where two policemen question his validity as a White House employee.

Muslim residents in Michigan are targeted by the states police because of their religion after the attacks. When Kirkman attempts to discuss the situation with the governor of Michigan, he is shot down in his attempts to provoke calm instead of fear. Facing a wall of negativity from the governor, Kirkman is told his opinion does not matter.

The FBI Cannot With Certainty Point the Finger at One Terrorist Group

Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) tours the FBIs investigation site at the Capitol. The head of the FBI declares an offshoot terrorist group is behind the devastation. Hannah asks if there is anyone who has taken credit and she is told no.

Kirkman is frustrated at the inability of his remaining White House colleagues to determine one hundred percent who is behind the attack and says he will not declare war against one particular group until he is absolutely certain he has the right people pegged as terrorists.

A tour of the devastation at the Capitol site brings President Kirkman closer to the American people. The site is completely devastated. He meets with the deputy director of the FBI who explains the situation thus far and cements the presidents belief that this is a terrorist act.

Kirkman speaks to those who are working at the site, searching for survivors but during his speech, those in attendance question him as to how much he knows about the violence going on in Michigan where a Muslin teenager is severely beaten by police. When the crowd erupts in panic over the situation, Kirkman is pulled out of the area before the violence escalates.

Designated Survivor Review: Is This Original Plot Strong Enough to Last? >>>

Kirkman Calls His First Bluff as the Commander-In-Chief

The governor of Michigan refuses to take the presidents calls. Kirkman looks for legal options to try and pull executive rank to stop the violence by the police against innocent civilians in the state, but as he tries to find a solution, the boy beaten by police dies. After speaking to the governor, he convinces him to have the police stand down after revealing law enforcement may have interrupted government business. Kirkman calls the parents of the young boy who died to express his condolences.

The president returns to the site of the devastation without a press corp to offer condolences and thanks to those working tirelessly to find out who created the havoc in Washington.



During the last moments of the episode, a lone survivor is found in the rubble of the Capitol.

Designated Survivor airs on Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC. Want more news? Like our Designated Survivor Facebook page.

(Image courtesy of ABC)
A look back: The ghost stories that once gripped New Jersey

In the Victorian period, even New Jersey's newspapers took ghost sightings seriously. On occasion, paranormal investigations went the extra mile.
JORDAN  Dale Burl and Ric Hawker still recall exactly how Hawker responded when Burl asked if he would be interested in joining a clog dancing group: "What the heck is clogging?"

"That's exactly what he said," Burl said of his friend.

Burl said he was always interested in clogging and always wanted to do it, so after he saw the Adirondack Mountain Cloggers perform, he started taking lessons with that group. Before long, he asked Hawker to join him.

That was in September 1991, Hawker said, and he finally relented and decided to take up lessons with the group.

"I fell in love," Hawker said. "I said, 'I can't do it now, but I know I'll be able to learn it.' That's how it started. ... I've always had a love of music and dance, always liked performing and being on stage."

Three years later in 1994, Burl, Hawker and the late Phyllis Antos decided to venture out on their own and start their own clogging group. Hawker said he brought the choreography to come up with the routines, Burl brought the instruction to teach them and Antos brought the business side.

After starting out in a two-car garage in Camillus, the three chose to move their group closer to their hometown of Jordan  but they needed a name for their group. Since Jordan is situated along the Erie Canal, Hawker suggested a name that has stuck ever since  the Erie Canal Cloggers.

And nearly 25 years later, the Erie Canal Cloggers are still going strong as they begin another year of lessons and performances  perhaps even stronger, as Burl said the group boasts around 40 to 45 members.

The group began a new season of lessons Tuesday, and Hawker said the group is split into beginner, intermediate and advanced cloggers, with each meeting for an hour of lessons Tuesday nights at Christ Episcopal Church in Jordan.

With a little more than a dozen new cloggers under the direction of Aliccia Sedorus  Hawker's granddaughter, who has been clogging since the age of 4 and "all she knows is clogging," he said  Hawker said the beginners start out with seven weeks of level 1 and seven more weeks of level 2, two sets of lessons that take the new cloggers into June.

He said the beginners start out learning one-, two-, three- and four-count clogging as well as the different steps  kick step, rock step and toe-heel step.

"They can't believe they can do it," he said. "When they find out they can, it's amazing to hear them talk about it."

Every four weeks, all three groups, including intermediate and advanced, learn a new routine, and the fifth week is what Hawker called request and review  cloggers can request a past step, dance or routine to have their instructors review with them.

Each group gets what Hawker called a cue sheet that lists the steps and dances for each routine so that cloggers can practice on their own at home.

"It seems intimidating at first," he said. "A cue sheet is like a diagram. We teach them how to read a cue sheet and how to use a cue sheet."

What helps that initial intimidation, both Hawker and Burl said, is the way cloggers help one another and bond with one another in this group and other groups.

"It's become quite a group of people," Hawker said. "Everywhere you go with clogging, you never have to worry about being alone because of the family no matter where you go."

"It's just like everyone's become family," Burl said. "There've been a lot of good friendships made that have lasted many years because of this group."

And for the Erie Canal Cloggers, Burl said, those family members come from Rochester, Oswego, Cazenovia, Fayetteville and other places outside of just the Jordan-Elbridge community. They come every Tuesday no matter the weather  in fact, he often has to tell them not to come to lessons.

As far as the wider clogging community, Hawker said there are similar clogging groups to the west in Rochester and Buffalo, to the north in Watertown and Malone, and to the east in Oneonta and Albany.

Through the Western New York Cloggers Association, he said the Erie Canal Cloggers were preparing to take part in the inaugural Salt City Clogging Festival the weekend of Oct. 1-2 at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool.

On its own, Hawker said the Erie Canal Cloggers perform at the New York State Fair every year, as well as at senior citizen homes, nursing homes and other similar venues and for private parties and other events.

Along with Sedorus and Luanne Wilde, Barbara D'Aiutolo instructs the cloggers at all three levels. Originally from Marcellus, D'Aiutolo now lives in Farmington with her husband and baby after going to college in Rochester and meeting her then-boyfriend there.

Now 26, she started clogging when she was a 9-year-old third-grader.

"There just a isn't group out there of the same caliber," D'Aiutolo said of why she chooses to make the two-hour round trip each Tuesday. "It is very much like a small family."

She noted the cloggers and instructors often bring their children when they cannot find a babysitter and then take turns watching them. Meanwhile, she and Sedorus alternate lessons  Sedorus taught the beginners that night, so D'Aiutolo would take the intermediate class and then Sedorus would come back in the advanced class.

Along with lessons for their own group, D'Aiutolo said she and Sedorus also teach at workshops around the state for people from all over North America and also lead groups at state conventions.

"It's a lot of fun," D'Aiutolo said. "You see people you've seen once or twice a year for the past 10 years."

She knew she wanted to join the Erie Canal Cloggers after seeing them perform at the state fair in 1999, but her mother initially signed her up for Irish dance lessons. When she saw an advertisement for the group at a bank in Skaneateles, she signed up for lessons and joined the group.

"It was hard at first, but I stuck with it," she said, adding that she started instructing after choreographing her own routines. "They let me try them out and teach every once in awhile."

The Erie Canal Cloggers are so much like family that Burl said the group has a memorial fund  set up to honor Antos after she died in a car crash caused by a drunk driver in 1999  that provides scholarships for members who graduate high school and move on to college.

"We try to help them out of that memorial fund," Burl said, noting the group donates to the church that hosts it and other causes through the fund. "It means a lot to us."
Sedgemoor District Councils leader has said the area is ready for a huge increase in investment, jobs and attention following the governments signing of an 18bn contract on Thursday with France and China to build the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station near Burnham-On-Sea.

The deal was finalised at a low-key ceremony in London on Thursday, pictured, just two months after Theresa May alarmed her French and Chinese counterparts by initially putting the entire project under review.

The Leader of Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Duncan McGinty, said that the district stands ready as construction is finally to get underway.

It has been quite a journey to get to this stage and we are delighted that the ink is now dry on these agreements between the energy companies, their governments and ours which will allow the next stage of this project to begin. It is so important for the economy of our district, the South West and the rest of the UK.

Representing Cllr McGinty and Sedgemoor at the signing, Cllr Anne Fraser, portfolio holder for Economic Growth, added: It has been a privilege to be present for such a significant event for us and this project. We know it will make such a difference to the lives of so many people in our communities who are already feeling the benefit of this investment and who are looking forward to the further opportunities it will bring.

It will give us cause to be proud of what we have achieved together progressing the project to this Hinkley Ready stage and give all parties added impetus to see this piece of infrastructure delivered on time, on budget and on Somerset soil.

Councillor David Hall, Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council, described it as the news we have all been waiting for.

He added: A tremendous amount of work has been happening behind the scenes to be sure that we are ready for this very moment. We are committed to continue working together with Government, EDF and partners to see this development delivered as soon as possible and to fully realise the opportunities presented by the project to transform the local and regional economy.

Leader of the Council, John Osman, added: Todays contract signing is the point of no return on this extremely important project. Hinkley Point C is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our businesses, young people and the county as a whole.

During construction alone, the project is expected to bring 200 million to the local economy. Over the lifetime of the project, the regional economy is set to benefit by around 4 billion. It is hoped the development will kick-start a national nuclear renaissance and will be the catalyst for economic growth in Somerset and the wider South West region.

EDF, the French nuclear contractor, and its Chinese partners had to cancel their previous plans for a signing ceremony at the last minute when the review was announced in July. The project finally got approval this month, after Greg Clark, the business secretary, announced there would be some new restrictions on future investments in critical infrastructure if there were national security concerns.

Pictured: Top, Business secretary Greg Clark attended the signing ceremony on behalf of the UK, alongside Jean-Bernard Levy, the chairman of EDF, and He Yu, chair of China General Nuclear
After forecasting that Chinese commercial vehicle(CV) market would maintain growth amid the global financial crisis, Klaus Paur, Regional Director of TNS North Asia, pointed out the directions in which Chinese CV makers could follow when they entered the PV market in an exclusive interview with gasgoo.com.

Gasgoo.com: After FAW, Dongfeng, ChangAn, Huachen, these traditional commercial vehicle manufacturers, entered passenger vehicle market at the end of the 20th century. Recent years, many other commercial vehicle manufacturers in China are going into the passenger vehicle market, and they don't have or choose to have an international car maker as a joint venture partner. For example, Jianghuai Automobile Corporation (JAC) itself launched its car model "Binyue" and "Tongyue" this year.

Why recent years these companies are crushing into passenger vehicle market in which the competition is more and more tough?

Klaus Paur: In fact, the Chinese passenger vehicle market offers a huge potential of growth in the coming years, and the decision to enter this market is based on a natural logic of diversification for these companies. They can grow their own businesses by complementing their current activities in the same industry, and certainly hope to be able to benefit from their experiences gained in the commercial vehicle market. Above all, they don't want to miss their share of the huge market that China's passenger car market is thought to be in the future.

Gasgoo.com: Do you think they can succeed in the passenger vehicle market?

Which kind of commercial vehicle manufacturers have a larger possibility of success in passenger vehicle market?

Klaus Paur: As we can see in the current market development, Chinese independent car manufacturers face a huge challenge to succeed in the passenger vehicle market. The reason for this is that the market dynamics is that of a highly competitive buyer's market, in which consumers have a huge selection of products to choose from. To attract car buyers, the products of Chinese vehicle manufacturers have to be competitive in the first place. This means, quality must be high to exist among all the foreign competitors.

But the second thing is that buyers of private passenger cars are much more irrational in their behaviour than buyers of commercial vehicles who decide on rational rather than on emotional elements. So if you focus too much on technical specifications and neglect emotive needs, you won't succeed in the passenger vehicle market. Therefore, if for example a producer of light buses decides to enter the passenger vehicle market by offering MPVs it is not sufficient to only modify the product itself. You need to tackle the tangible and intangible aspects of consumer needs.

Gasgoo.com: How can they succeed in the passenger vehicle market? If they want to succeed in the passenger vehicle market, what characteristic or capability should the companies have, or what should they prepare before they enter the passenger vehicle market?

Klaus Paur: Before entering the passenger vehicle market, one of the major tasks for commercial vehicle manufacturers in China is to recognize the importance of emotive needs in the purchase process of passenger cars, and to align the mindset accordingly. Consumers do not only buy a car for transportation purposes, but they also want to demonstrate their economic achievements and show off their success. Nowadays, the young consumers also indulge themselves in their car usage and seek fun and pleasure. All this has consequences in product development as well as brand building and the entire marketing strategy in general. As the Chinese market moves so quickly, it is already difficult to follow the trends and tendencies for the renowned car manufacturers, and I guess it will be even more difficult for commercial vehicle makers which do not yet have too much experience in the passenger car market.

Gasgoo.com: Which segments of the passenger vehicle market should their products target for? Should they going to the lower-medium segment? Or more specifically, the A segment, B segment, C segment, D segment..?

Klaus Paur: Ultimately, to be successful in the long term, passenger car manufacturers should be able to cover all major segments in the market. This is what makes companies like Toyota and Volkswagen so powerful. However, the higher the segment, the more challenging it will be to attract consumers, not only in terms of technological offerings but also in terms of brand proposition. This is why most mainstream brands are operating in the premium and luxury segment with distinct brands, such as Toyota with Lexus, and Volkswagen with Audi. And this is why FAW never really succeeded with its Red Flag. Product quality and brand power could never really compete against Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Audi. To build up credibility, newcomers in the market will probably have to pass by the lower market segments, and then in the course of development step by step trade up. But this will take time and requires a committed long-term strategy. The Japanese car manufacturers have done so when they entered the European market in the 1970's, and it took them decades to accomplish a strong position in the market. But don't forget, at that time they were already experienced passenger car manufacturers in their own country. Chinese car manufacturers, and in particular commercial vehicle manufacturers-turned into-car makers still have to conquer their own market.

Gasgoo.com: How can their experience accumulated and supply chain established in the commercial vehicle market help them fighting in the passenger vehicle market? Would that be helpful or useless?

Klaus Paur: Technological experience of manufacturing and selling commercial vehicle is one thing, producing and successfully marketing passenger cars another. From conception of the vehicle to its final handover to the client the challenges in the market are different, and it needs entire focus on comprehensive consumer understanding to build sustainable success.
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Amazon will sell products of retail giant Aditya Birlas online fashion label (abof) on its platform as it looks to offer customers a wider variety of apparel, a category the US e-commerce lags behind in to local rival Flipkart.
The commerce ministry has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire rods from China to protect the interest of domestic players from cheap in-bound shipments.

In its preliminary findings, the directorate general of anti-dumping and allied duties (DGAD) has recommended the duty.

DGAD has suggested that for certain Chinese companies, the duty should be the difference between the landed value of the steel products and USD 499 per tonne while for others, it should be the gap between the landed value and $538 per tonne.

The duty was recommended on imports of 'wire rod of alloy or non-alloy steel', which is used in many applications and sectors such as automotive components, welding electrodes, fasteners, including nuts and bolts, nails, railway sleepers, general engineering, binding wires for construction and armoured cables.

Steel Authority of India, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Usha Martin and JSW Steel had jointly filed the application to probe the dumping of these products from China.

In its findings, DGAD concluded that the product has been exported to India at "below the normal value" due to which "the domestic has suffered material injury".

"The authority recommends imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty... So as to remove the injury to the domestic industry," DGAD said in a notification.

Imports of these steel products have drastically increased to 4,95,732 tonnes during the period of investigation (July- December 2015) from 1,60,582 tonnes in 2012-13.

India has already slapped anti-dumping duty on certain cold-rolled flat steel products from four nations, including China and South Korea.

While DGAD recommends the duty to be levied, the finance ministry imposes it.

Countries initiate anti-dumping probes to determine if the domestic has been hurt by a surge in below-cost imports. As a counter-measure, they impose duties under the multilateral WTO regime.

Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products.

India has initiated maximum anti-dumping cases against "below-cost" imports from China.
As the Indian market is set to grow at a 7 per cent compounded rate through 2016 to 2021 driven by growing demand for branded and value added products, the sector is likely to see more action from private dairies, especially in the area of procurement and new product launches. In fact, private dairies like Parag, Hatsun, Kwality, who have seen significant net profit growth in the last few years, feel that with focus on value added products, it is an imperative to source directly from the farmer and not contractors.

As an India Infoline report titled " Industry-Utterly Butterly Prospects" points out, the profit after tax (PAT) growth for players like Hatsun Agro, Heritage Foods, Kwality Dairy, Parag Milk Foods and Prabhat between FY12 to FY16 has been 22.8 per cent, 56.1 per cent, 17.1 per cent, 25.8 per cent and 26.7 per cent respectively. This is because all these players have moved away from commodity trade and have focussed their energies on value added products.
Political risk cover is gaining importance for Indian firms at a time when global incidents have been on the rise. Threats from the Islamic State militants, the Syrian conflict, violence by the Boko Haram and the migrant crisis in Europe are some of the recent risks that have firms worried.



The Army conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control on Wednesday night on launchpads where terrorists had amassed and positioned themselves to infiltrate into India. From an insurance perspective, however, very little movement of goods happens across the Indo-Pak border.


At a time when imparting growth in sales from branded food retail outlets has become a major concern for restaurant chain operators in the country, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms such as Nestle, Amul and CG Corp have decided to focus on the channel.
Drug major, Lupin, received the US health regulator's approval to market its memantine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, used for treating Alzheimer's disease, on September 29.

The company has received final approval for the product in strengths of 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Ltd said in a regulatory filing.

The Mumbai-based company's product is a generic version of Allergan's Namenda XR capsules, which are prescirbed for treatment of dementia- moderate or severe- among patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

According to IMS MAT sales data up to June 2016, Namenda XR capsules had US sales of USD 1.22 billion.

Shares of today ended at Rs 1,469.50 apiece on the BSE, which is 3.10% below its previous close.
Marcus Chao:

President, Lean Enterprise China





A Toyota house: essentials to lean production



Gasgoo.com: Dr. Chao, would you please tell us something about Lean Enterprise China? What's its mission?

Marcus Chao: Lean Enterprise China (LEC) is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting and educating lean thinking in China. Our mission here in China includes 1) We provide lean tools books in Chinese; 2) We provide training & workshops as well as on-site consulting to help Chinese corporations to achieve lean transformation; 3) We hold Lean Summit China and invite Lean masters abroad to share their wisdom, we also ask Chinese enterprises to share with us their thoughts on lean implementation. On October 23-24, 2007, we will hold the second Lean Summit China at Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai. It is our hope that more people can better understand what Lean is all about.

Gasgoo.com: Lean derives from the Toyota Production System (TPS). How did Toyota achieve its success?

Marcus Chao: TPS is very simple. Essentially, it consists of two parts: 1) how to identify a problem and solve the problem; 2) how to improve itself continuously. In early 1960's, Toyota had a survival crisis. It had no money, no market, no resources and the Japanese economy was stagnant. At that time when the American automakers, turned out one thousand vehicles a day, Toyota could hardly put out several thousands vehicles a year. To survive the crisis, Toyota created JIT (Just In Time) inspired by a similar system in supermarket operations, it also closely followed Dr. Deming's PDCA principles (Plan, Do, Check and Act): namely, make a plan first, then implement the plan, next check the result of implementation and make some adjustments accordingly. For over sixty years, Toyota has been improving continuously and that's vital to its success.

Gasgoo.com: Nowadays, many Chinese enterprises are trying to copy the Toyota model of success, but very few can make it. In your opinion, what are common problems to Chinese enterprises?



Marcus Chao: I think most Chinese enterprises have not grasped the essentials of Toyota Production System. Let me put it this way. TPS is just like a house: it has a foundation which includes respects for employees and the 5S Approach, and etc. And the house is erected by two pillars: the first one is "Just In Time". It means delivery of the right material in the right quantity at the right time to the right place, so it is essential to the balance of production. And the second pillar is called "autonomation" or "automation with a human touch". That means a man monitors a machine; when something is not working properly, the machine will stop working and the man will go to find out the problem and fix it. In the Toyota system, the most important thing is the "men", or the employees. Toyota has worked out a good system to protect its employees and its employees have to take care of the house at the same time. This system is the key to Toyota's success.



Chinese enterprises don't have such a system. Most of them have only one or a few tools at hand. Some Chinese business executives say "I began to follow 5s principles in 2000 and I have finished with Lean principals." To these executives, I would say "you have not started yet; you have just taken a small step." Others say: "I have a lot of suppliers around us. They have good stockpiles of auto parts for us and I can use these auto parts anytime I want." I say this is not a good supply chain. When you have a large stock of auto parts, you have to pay for the stockpiling and that would increase your operational costs. A good supply chain does not mean you have a large stock of auto parts. A good supply chain means you have a lot of suppliers around and when you need something, you tell these suppliers and they will deliver these auto parts in time.



Some business executives think Lean principles are nothing but lean production. However, they are not aware that TPS covers the whole business management, which includes supply chain, the development of new products, manufacturing, delivery and marketing. When a business leader believes Lean principles are nothing but lean production, he cannot succeed.



A common problem for a lot of Chinese business leaders: they do not encourage their employees to find a problem and find a solution to this problem. On the contrary, they try to reduce a big problem to a small problem and make a small problem invisible and they will be happy with that. In fact, "no problem" is the biggest problem. When a problem becomes invisible, you don't know what you need to do. Many Chinese business executives do not make on-site studies; instead, they are busy with meetings, sitting in front of a computer for hours to study the company's operations. This does no good at all. Rather than listening to reports made by their subordinates or secretary, they need to go to the production sites and take a look themselves. I think this problem is not unique to Chinese business executives; it is a problem in the United States too, but the problem is more prominent here in China.



Leadership and corporate culture is key to lean implementation



Gasgoo.com: When Chinese companies try to practice Lean principle, they can grasp only parts of these principles. I think the reason is they lack the ability to identify problems, fix these problems and improve themselves.

Marcus Chao: I think these abilities have to be nurtured in the practice. Toyota has been striving to improve themselves for about 70 years. Its management team is persistent in implementing lean principles and encouraging the employees to find problems and fix them. The executives should take a lead in the lean training, and inform their subordinates of the challenges and what should be done. In lean implementation, it's easier to find the problems with suppliers and customers. But it's no use complaining. Lean thinking starts from inspecting on our own works, and improving ourselves first.

Many Chinese company executives still don't really like their staff exposing problems. He may say that he encourages staff to find more problems. But when problems were exposed, he may become angry and blame "the trouble maker". If a worker is blamed in exposing problems, if he would be discouraged to do so, then the executives or managers have to make self examinations, and change the situation if they really want to implement lean principles.

Gasgoo.com: That means the executives play a vital role in the lean implementation.

Marcus Chao: That's correct. You can choose implementing lean from the top to the bottom or the other way around, but I recommend the from-top-to-bottom approach. The bottom workforce may don't know the challenges a company is facing with, but company leaders know the challenges and goals of their company. On the other hand, company leaders should also listen to workers' advice, because workers have the first hand knowledge. So leaders should often make on-site visits and help workers solve problems. The power of exemplary actions is unlimited. If the high level leaders can do so, the middle and low level leaders will follow suit. Then the lean operation can be implemented thoroughly . So in lean implementation, leaders play a vital role.

Gasgoo.com: So the leaders must convince the whole company that "we must stick to lean principles". The leaders must be able to mobilize everyone's efforts in implementing lean principles.

Marus Chao: Certainly. But crisis awareness is also a must. Few companies, if any, will take steps to adopt lean thinking unless they have a sense of crisis. Don't compare you to others; compare you to yourself and see if you are making progress.

Recently, I visited Toyota's factory in Taiwan. At the entrance to a workshop, I saw a bulletin board. On the board, there are goals laid out by this workshop: what objectives it will achieve in the next three months. If every department of a company works this way, the company will be undoubtedly successful .

Gasgoo.com: So they are very clear about their goals.



Marcus Chao: Exactly. They are always improving themselves. Improving has been part of their corporate culture. They use charts and diagrams to indicate their goals. Even before you enter their factory, you can have a sense of what they are doing now and what objectives they want to achieve.

Gasgoo.com: It must be very difficult to keep improving all the time. Is Toyota's success a unique phenomenon to the Japanese culuture? The American auto makers also want to learn from Toyota's success, but the result is not as good as expected. It seems that lean principles work only in Japanese enterprises?

Marcus Chao: Well, if we say Lean production works only for Japanese enterprises. Let's take a look at Japanese companies. There are many failed Japanese enterprises, which are even worse than Chinese or American enterprises. In the Japanese automotive industry, Toyota, which is followed by Honda, is the only successful company. Nissan merged with Renault, Isuzu and Suzuki are also not very successful either. Another point is, why Toyota does better than American companies in America, while both Japanese and American companies in America hire American technicians and American workers? Why Toyota is also doing well in Europe and Asia? I think lean implementation is not an issue of culture.

But Toyota's corporate culture has a great impact on its lean implementation. There are five principles in its culture:

1. How to identify your value. Why the customer should buy your products, not other companies?

2. Truly understand the the work process, from the raw material purchase to designing to manufacturing and to sales. Many Chinese companies don't really understand what we call the " Value Stream ." They think they know, but what they know is different from the actual process workers are doing.

3. Let the value stream flow and eliminate any wastes in time and effort.

4. Convert a process to a lean operation according to the customer's requirements,

5. Constinuously improve yourself under the principle of PDCA.

Gasgoo.com: Some leaders may know the process, but they haven't mapped it, so it may be distorted in the implementation. How to make the process consistent in the whole company?

Marcus Chao: It's simple: with a pencil and a piece of paper, you can map the value stream. Others can express their opinions on the map. After discussion, a final map comes out. Then, the company can moving forward to achieve its goal. Without the clear value stream mapping, much efforts and time would be wasted.

Challenges of lean implementation in China

Gasgoo.com: What's the challenge of lean implementation in China?

Marcus Chao: First, many Chinese companies still have some misunderstanding on lean production. Some think that lean is a tool for cutting jobs, while actually it is the efficient use of current resources, so it is especially useful to a rapidly growing company. Some think that lean is applicable only to the production stage, while it can apply to the entire process.

Secondly, some companies are not steadfast in implementing lean. When their lean practices don't work out, they think lean is useless; They start to learn six sigma, but they find six sigma still useless. They are changing from one method to another, but they get nowhere. Toyota, however, is always moving forward and improving.

Just emerged from a planned economy to a market economy, China has some unique problems that can only be solved by the Chinese people. Now it seems that there is still some old mindsets in China, such as "more work, more pay". But in the developed countries, this idea is old, because nowadays there is hardly a product done by one person only; workers have to cooperate with each other. In modern industry, if we still believe in "more work, more pay", then we may produce more than customers' actual needs and result in waste. How to cast off the stereotyped ideas is a problem that not all the Chinese companies have solved. I think those who have solved the problem can share their experience with others. Then, we see the Chinese labor force is flowing too fast. Many rural labors are jumping from one temporary job to another, and the high quality talents also jump from one company to another. Another long standing belief is that leaders' knowledge, opinion and decisions are the most authoritative, disregarding the workers' expertise on a specific area and opinions on the actual implementation of a decision. The workers are not encouraged to identify problems, and they are only asked to implement the leaders' decision, no matter it is right or wrong. So I think it's a challenge for the Chinese leaders to encourage the company to find problems and solve problems one by one. Instead of confronting a problem, the Chinese people have a tendency to hide a problem or sweep them under rugs.

Gasgoo.com: Many companies may be too eager to learn the lean tools, and they have ambitious goals. But when they feel the goal is too difficult to achieve they conclude that lean thinking does not work in China.

Marcus Chao: That's possible. Every action a company takes should be consistent with its objectives. But many actions in some Chinese companies are not result-oriented, so the top managers don't see any visible results, they would back away from these objectives. So the company is very blind in implementing lean, or six sigma, or lean six sigma, etc.

Gasgoo.com: For those Chinese enterprises that are successful in lean production, what do they have in common?

Marcus Chao: I think the entire workforce of a company, from the top to the bottom, should work together to enhance quality, identify wastes from the routine work, and eliminate these wastes, and ultimately have a clearer understanding of customers requirements. The most important thing is the five principles I said just now.

I have just visited over 70 corporations in different industries. I cannot tell which one is most successful in lean practices. But I will invite the good companies to share their achievements at our Lean Summit. I hope to get better understanding on the challenges the Chinese lean learners face, and we should solve the problems together with corporate leader and the experts in the industries. My dream is that some day every company can get useful information from LEC, and share their improvements with other companies. I wish the dream can come true.

Gasgoo.com: Thank you very much joining us.
To keep the demand growing, German luxury car maker today introduced the locally built GLC SUV (both petrol and diesel versions) in Pune. The company has began to assemble the GLC at its Chakan Plant, helping the company reduce the popular SUV's price further. With this, expands its Made-in-India portfolio to nine models in total.

"The GLC has already become one of Mercedes-Benz's highest-selling products and we are very confident that it will replicate the global success in India as well. With the localisation and availability in petrol and diesel, we are confident that the GLC will become an attractive proposition for our discerning buyers with enhanced value propositions and increased availability," said Roland Folger, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.
On Thursday, as the day unfolded with the Indian Army announcing it had conducted strikes on terrorist locations, a review meeting of Coast Guards and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was held for security at ports. Simultaneously, the Indian civil aviation ministry sounded off airlines to maintain caution, while flying over Pakistani airspace. Besides, oil refining and marketing decided to take a closer look at their stocks.
The US-based Henry Ford System has forayed into India by signing up technology licensing arrangement with Pearl Human Care Pvt Ltd to set up a hospital near Chennai. The not-for-profit organisation also said it is talking few more people to set up hospitals in other parts of the country.

It has signed a 20 year technology licensing arrangement with Pearl Human Care Pvt Ltd, which was started by G V Sampath, who is the elder son of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT's) promoter.
BJP President on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army after troops carried out surgical strikes across the LoC.

"I congratulate Modi and Indian Army for surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir," Shah tweeted.

Shah said the Indian Army had inflicted heavy damage on terrorists. The action "reaffirms army's valour and commitment to the nation's security", he added.

He said it was for the first time in the fight against terrorism that India was feeling secure.

"I again salute the valour of the Indian Army for giving a befitting reply to those attacking innocent Indians and ensuring zero tolerance on terror," he said.
Setting restraint aside, India undertook surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in the early hours of Thursday. It, however, made clear that this was the only military action for the moment and did not intend to go to war with Pakistan.
on Thursday hailed the armed forces following the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC and lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his government believes in action and not words.

"A salute to armed forces and to the leadership of the Prime Minister for securing our borders and defending from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. A responsible government acts and talks less. And that has been the practise of this government under Modi's leadership," party secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, "Proud of our armed forces for their heroic surgical strikes on terror launch pads.

"Surgical strikes were conducted when Pakistan did not mend ways after repeated diplomatic efforts to check terrorism originating from their soil.

general secretary Ram Madhav said that Prime Minister

Narendra Modi has "walked the talk".

"PM Modi Ji has walked the talk. Punishing the perpetrators of terror from across has begun," Madav wrote on twitter.

He took a dig at Pakistan for downplaying the surgical strikes conducted by Army across the LoC.

"Some Pak guys r trying 2 downplay claiming it was just a cross LoC firing", Madav Said.

"They y from Pak President to PM to Def Min vowing to protect Pak (sic)?", he said.

He complimented the Indian army for the operation.

"Army has done a great job. However Army has restrained to area specific," Madav said.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has extended the deadline for submission of request for proposal (RFP) for the Navi Mumbai International Airport up to November 7 from mid-October. This was necessary after Hiranandani Developers and its consortium partner Zurich Airport received security clearance from the Union home ministry in the second week of August, allowing it to file RFP.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reacted to India's claim of surgical strikes across the warning that it's intent for a peaceful neigbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness.
India, Afghanistan and Iran participated in a trilateral meeting here on Thursday with regard to discussing the modalities for establishing an international transport and transit corridor, the Chabahar Agreement forward.

Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister of Afghanistan, Dr Mohammadullah Batash and Road and Urban Development Minister of Iran, Dr Abbas Ahmed Akhoundi participated in the meeting.

The Chabahar Agreement was signed on May 23, 2016 in Tehran in the presence of the Prime Minister of India and the Presidents of Iran and Afghanistan.

During the meeting, the three ministers reiterated the importance of Chabahar as a hub for regional connectivity and their commitment to work towards this objective.

It was decided to organise a connectivity event involving all stakeholders at Chabahar within two months to increase awareness about the new opportunities offered by Chabahar Port.

They expressed satisfaction that the three countries are taking prompt measures for completing internal processes for the ratification of the agreement. They also exchanged views on the next steps to be taken for an early implementation of the agreement.

It was decided to evolve protocols related to transport and transit, ports, customs procedures and consular affairs. It was also decided to convene an expert level meeting of senior officials of the three countries within one month in Chabahar.

Development of ports, road and rail connectivity will open up new opportunities leading to new jobs and prosperity in all three countries.

All three agreed that trade is recognised as driving economic growth and development, and that the implementation of the agreement would provide the eco-system for the private sector to seize the business opportunities emerging due to substantial reduction of logistic costs for trade among the three countries,.

Gadkari separately had a bilateral meeting with Dr Abbas Akhoundi to review implementation of Chabahar Port

Akhoundi said the agreement was a turning point in regional connectivity and it will have positive impact. The ministers also emphasised the importance of International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The two sides agreed to take steps for the promotion of the same. It was also decided to expedite the implementation of other projects between India and Iran including construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway and India's investment in Chabahar Free Zone. They also discussed new projects relating to regional connectivity.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister warned on Thursday any military confrontation between India and Pakistan could lead to a disaster of epic proportions.

"If urgent steps are not taken to bring down the tensions, confrontation between India and Pakistan would bring a disaster of epic proportions to the state," she said.

"Both New Delhi and Islamabad must open channels of communication because of the dangerous consequences of the ongoing escalation along the borders," the Chief Minister said.

Mehbooba spoke after India said it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani territory.

She said the people of the state had the highest stake in peace as many tragedies had befallen them due to violence in the last over two decades.

"For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit.

"Like siblings India and Pakistan have remained locked in rivalry, but the consequences of continued animosity will be worse."

Mehbooba said there was no alternative to talks as India and Pakistan had to return to the negotiating table to resolve their disputes even after two wars.

"I am sure that amidst the prevailing gloomy scenario in the region, the hope for peaceful means of resolving the issues will again stand the ground and political leadership of the two countries shall have to revive the peace and reconciliation with fresh resolve.

"It will be in the interest of both the countries to solve their problems through the bilateral framework as it is the only way forward given the dicey parameters of international power ."
India undertook surgical strikes across the Line of Control, breaching self-imposed military discipline, destroying infrastructure as well as killing terrorists who were poised to cross the border and damage Indian cities and Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday night on launchpads where terrorists had amassed and positioned themselves to infiltrate into India, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh informed the gathered members of the press at the joint briefing following the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting held on Thursday.



According to Times Now, a total of eight surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian Army. There were no Indian casualties during the operation.
The Indian Army, still hurting after losing 18 soldiers in a cross-Line of Control (LoC) terrorist strike on one of its camps in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) on September 18, claimed on Thursday that it had carried out a surgical strike on a terrorist launch pad in Pakistan-controlled territory across the .





ALSO READ: India strikes back as Army conducts surgical strikes across LoC in Pakistan
Barely hours after the surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) had been confirmed on Thursday, Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi asked crowds in Mewat: Raise your hands. How many of you are with [the prime minister] in his fight against this enemy of India?
Commerce and Industry Minister is leading a high-level delegation at the 3rd India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue on Thursday in Toronto, Canada.

Both India and Canada have realised that there is enormous scope for enhancing bilateral trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his bilateral visit to Canada in April 2015, stressed on the importance of bilateral business and commercial linkages as key drivers of India-Canada partnership.



During his visit, both nations recognised the need for early finalisation of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and expeditiously conclude a progressive, balanced, and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as a basis for expanding two-way trade and investment.

Considering the potential and given the fact that bilateral trade between both the countries has grown at a decent pace, the trade ministers of both countries (Sitharaman and Chrystia Freeland) are likely to discuss the following major issues:-

1. Exploring ways of expeditious early conclusion of FIFA and CEPA.

2. Exploring options for Indian interest in addressing the Temporary Foreign Workers Programmes (TWEP) of Canada which is affecting the Indian IT Industry; address equivalance by Canadian Food Inspection Agency for Indian organic product exports; and exploring investment opportunities in different sectors of India.

In addition, both leaders are expected to discuss regarding recent commercial achievements between both countries, bilateral FDI flows, issues relating to intellectual property, etc in addition to other issues relating to trade and investment.

Sitharaman is also scheduled to meet top business leaders of Canada on 30th September to discuss the various reforms undertaken in India and prospects for investment in various sectors.
In yet another ceasefire violation after the Uri terror attack, Pakistani troops on Wednesday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

However, there was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing, a police officer said.

"Pakistani troops resorted to firing by small arms along the LoC in Sabzian area of Poonch district this evening," a police officer said.

Earlier on September 20, two days after the terror attack in Uri, Pakistani troops violated the border ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian army positions with small firearms.

On September 6, Pakistani Army pounded Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the LoC in Poonch district.

On September 2, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district.
Two months ago, Ramji Gupta and his wife Manju Devi decided to discontinue patrolling and whistling every morning to warn villagers against open defecation in Jayapur village of Varanasi district.
The Board Bureau, tasked to advise the government on selecting bosses of public sector banks, has sought a wider role. The original terms of reference for the bureau headed by Vinod Rai have not been made public yet. The bureau and government are in discussions to amend the scope of work, according to bank executives.Appointments of non-executive directors and a greater role in governance of were expected to be part of the bureaus revised terms of reference, an official said.The bureau was set up as an autonomous body to improve the governance of public sector . Its mandate, as spelt out by the government, was to recommend names for selection as heads of state-owned banks and financial institutions and help them develop strategies and capital-raising plans.While the bureau has taken over a part of the appointment process, the final decision is taken by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Also, the government on its own chooses non-official directors for bank boards. Raghuram Rajan, during his stint as governor of the Reserve Bank of India, had strongly favoured a role for the in selecting non-official directors. As the bureau gained experience, it would make sense to allow these decisions also to be taken by it, Rajan had said. Over time, as the bank boards were professionalised, executive appointment decisions should devolve from the bureau to the boards themselves, Rajan had said.Public sector bank executives said the bureaus working pace was perceived as slow. The time taken between selection and recommendation of candidates is considerable.Plus, Rai has been speaking on a range of topics, from consolidation in banking to bad loans to governance. This has created the impression the bureau is working on all fronts, diluting its focus as a talent hunter. The bureau is not specifically engaged in driving banks to clean up their books, but Rai has commented on that as well with some authority. In August, Rai said banks clean-up should precede their consolidation.But the bureau has not been very proactive in building strong bank boards, going by the number of vacancies in key positions.An RBI official familiar with the bureaus operations said work would gather pace in the second half of this financial year. Much of it will involve appointments and, perhaps, capital raising. Many top slots at public sector banks will become vacant in 2017 and 2018 and work has to start now.RBI Deputy Governor SS Mundra warned about the severe talent crunch in public sector banks on Wednesday. Of 20 CEOs, eight are retiring in 2017 and 10 are retiring in 2018, he said at the State Bank of Indias banking and economic conclave.

"Executive directors, either already retired or retiring in 2016 is five; 2017- is seven; 2018-10; 2019-12; and only three remaining will retire in 2020, he said.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's spokesman has refused to be drawn into a controversy over whether India and Pakistan were "getting ready to go to war", saying he would only reiterate earlier statements that called for dialogue between the two nations.

Asked by a reporter on Wednesday if Ban had spoken to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif because of the situation developing on the subcontinent "getting ready to go to war", spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, "I think we know what the situation is, and (as) I said, our position on good offices and the current situation remains the same."

Repeatedly asked about the Kashmir situation and if Ban would "call the leaders of the India and Pakistan to ratchet down the war rhetoric", Dujarric said, "I think we've stated clearly our position on the situation between those two countries."

To a question about UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein criticising India and Pakistan for not allowing his teams to visit Kashmir, Dujarric said he was not familiar with that case.

In past statements, Ban has said that dialogue was the way to solve the Kashmir problem and said his "good offices" would be available if the two countries asked for it.

In a recent letter replying to Sharif's complaints over Kashmir, Ban wrote, "The United Nations remains convinced that it is only through dialogue that the outstanding issues between Pakistan and India, including on Kashmir, can be addressed."

"I deplore the loss of life and hope that all efforts will be made to avoid further violence," he added.

Ban has also condemned the recent terrorist attack on an Indian army base in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri that killed 18 soldiers and expressed his condolences.

Ban "hopes the perpetrators of this crime will be identified and brought to justice," said the statement by his spokesman.

"The United Nations is following developments closely and shares the concerns of people living in the region for peace."

"The Secretary-General hopes that all involved will prioritise the re-establishment of stability and prevent any further loss of life," the statement said, adding "The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders to meet their respective responsibilities to maintain peace and stability."
A crumpled instant-noodle bowl ground into the mud is an unlikely symbol of economic vitality. But during China's boom years those bowls were as ubiquitous around Chinese construction sites as the high-rise cranes above them. That was no accident. For millions of Chinese workers, instant noodles were the convenient meal of choice, available for a few cents in every commissary and convenience store. And China's instant-noodle makers prospered. Between 2003 and 2008, annual instant-noodle sales expanded to $7.1 billion from $4.2 billion. But just as China's economy has slowed, so ...
In a market full of crowded trades, few have become as fashionable as the bet that Deutsche Bank's stock price will keep on falling.
Nepal, the current Chair of Saarc, on Wednesday confirmed that four nations  India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan -- have conveyed they are pulling out of the 19th summit in Islamabad, and urged for a "conducive environment to be created soon" to ensure that all member states can participate.

In a statement, the Nepal Foreign Ministry said the four nations pulled out citing that "current regional environment is not conducive to the successful holding of the Summit".

Nepal said it has taken the development seriously.

"As the current chair of Saarc, the government of Nepal strongly urges that a conducive environment be created soon to ensure the participation of all member states in the 19th in line with the spirit of the Saarc Charter," it said.

With four of the eight nations backing out, the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit, slated for November 9-10 in Islamabad, automatically stands postponed.

Pakistan has said it has not received any official note on the summit from Nepal.

A final decision rests on the current Saarc Secretary General Arjun Bahadur Thapa, who is currently in New York and will return in two days.

The Saarc process is based on consensus, and even if one member does not attend the summit it automatically stands postponed or cancelled.

India on Tuesday announced that it was pulling out due to increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in the internal affairs of Saarc member states "by one country" which have created an environment that was not conducive to the successful holding of the 19th .

Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan also conveyed their inability to attend on Tuesday, citing increased terrorism in the region.
Oil prices rose nearly 3 per cent on Thursday, extending their rally on optimism over Opecs first output cut plan in eight years, despite some analysts doubts that the reduction would be enough to rebalance a heavily over-supplied market.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed on Wednesday to cut output to 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd) from around 33.5 million bpd, estimated by Reuters to be the output level in August.

Opec made an exceptional decision today ... After two and a half years, Opec reached consensus to manage the market, said Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, who had repeatedly clashed with Saudi Arabia during previous meetings.

He and other ministers said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would reduce output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day. Opec estimates its current output at 33.24 million bpd.

We have decided to decrease the production around 700,000 bpd, Zanganeh said.

The move would effectively re-establish Opec production ceilings abandoned a year ago.

Prices rose 6 per cent on Wednesday, feeding general risk appetite and boosting energy shares. The European oil and gas index was up 4 per cent on Thursday and the pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 2 per cent. But oil prices retreated as scepticism over the effectiveness of the deal led to profit taking. Benchmark Brent crude futures were down 33 cents a barrel at $48.42 by 1038 GMT, after earlier climbing to a high of $49.09, its strongest since September 9. Brent settled up $2.72 a barrel, or 5.9 percent, on Wednesday.

US light crude oil was down 17 cents at $46.88 a barrel, after first hitting $47.47, its highest since September 8. Many analysts said there was a lack of clarity over too many details and there was a risk the deal could unravel. With such uncertainty around the minutiae, we expect uncommon volatility in the oil market until Opecs November meeting, analysts at ING said.

How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal Opec meeting in November, when an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-Opec countries such as Russia.

It is not clear when the agreement would come into effect, how compliance with the agreement will be verified, what new quotas for countries would be and how long the deal would remain in effect, analysts said. reuters



And a cut in OPEC production might do little to reduce oversupply, given uncertainty about output from Iran, Libya and Nigeria.

The problem of surpluses will not be solved if these countries take full advantage of their capacities, Commerzbank chief commodities analyst Eugen Weinberg said.

Moreover, if oil prices were to rise, it could also lead to a surge in non-OPEC output.

U.S. bank Goldman Sachs expects the OPEC deal to add $7-$10 to oil prices in the first half of 2017.

We think that OPEC is running a dangerous game if the aim is to push the crude oil price higher from here in the short term as it would just activate more U.S. shale oil production, said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodity analyst at Nordic bank SEB.

CONSENSUS REACHED
In the wake of India pulling out of the Saarc Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November after the cross-border terror attack on an army base in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this month, the US has reiterated that must "take effective action to combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorists and terror groups.

US National Security Adviser Susan E Rice spoke to her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Wednesday and "strongly condemned the September 18 cross-border attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters in Uri and offered condolences to the victims and their families," US National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price said in a press statement.

"Ambassador Rice affirmed President (Barack) Obama's commitment to redouble our efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world," Price said.

"Highlighting the danger that cross-border terrorism poses to the region, Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that take effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates."

The early morning attack on the Uri army base on September 18 claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers.

India has blamed the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the attack.

The attack came amid large-scale violence in Jammu and Kashmir that has claimed around 90 lives following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani in July.

After India announced its decision on Tuesday to pull out of the 19th South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 9-10, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan too followed suit citing state sponsorship of terrorism as the reason.

In his statement, Price said that in the context of the strong India-US relationship, Rice, in her conversation with Doval, "discussed our shared commitment with India to pursuing peace and regional stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations."
UN Secretary-General condemned the attacks today on the two largest hospitals in rebel-held parts of Syria's Aleppo as "war crimes."

"Let us be clear. Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing. They know they are committing war crimes," Ban told the Security Council.

"Imagine the destruction. People with limbs blown off. Children in terrible pain with no relief," he said. "Imagine a slaughterhouse. This is worse."

The two biggest hospitals in rebel-controlled parts of Aleppo have been bombed in what non-governmental organisations and residents say are deliberate attacks by the Syrian regime and its Russian allies to eliminate these structures.

In a statement, UNICEF said at least 96 children have been killed and 223 wounded in the rebel-held sections of the city since Friday. It said the health system was crumbling with only 30 doctors left to treat the wounded.

"The children of Aleppo are trapped in a living nightmare," said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Justin Forsyth. "There are no words left to describe the suffering they are experiencing."

In May, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the protection of health workers and facilities during armed conflicts, but there has been no letup in these kinds of attacks in Syria and Yemen.

" law is clear: medical workers, facilities and transport must be protected. The wounded and sick -- civilians and fighters alike -- must be spared," Ban said.

"Deliberate attacks on hospitals are war crimes. Denying people access to essential health care violates humanitarian law."

He addressed ambassadors from the 15 UN Security Council members in a meeting focused on medical aid to civilians in conflicts.

He reminded them of a series of recommendations that have been made to prevent and stop attacks on medical facilities and for impartial and systematic investigations of any incidents that arise.

Ban cited statistics gathered by Physicians for Human Rights that show that 95 per cent of the medical personnel who were in Aleppo before the war "have fled, been detained, or killed."

"There must be action. There must be accountability," he said.

Joanne Liu, president of Doctors Without Borders, asked Ban to name a special representative with a mandate to document and report on attacks on medical facilities, health workers and patients, stressing "impunity must end.
Google is one of the most valuable companies in the world, but its future, like that of all tech giants, is clouded by a looming threat. The search company makes virtually all of its money from ads placed on the World Wide Web. But what happens to the cash machine if web search eventually becomes outmoded?



That worry isn't far-fetched. More of the world's computing time keeps shifting to smartphones, where apps have supplanted the web. And internet-connected devices that may dominate the next era in tech - smartwatches, home-assistant devices like Amazon's Echo, or virtual reality machines like Oculus Rift - are likely to be free of the web, and may even lack screens.
The tow-day offer for sale (OFS) of garnered full subscription on Thursday, helping the government mop up Rs 400 crore as part of its 2016-17 disinvestment programme. The 64.76-million share sale has so far received bids for 80 million shares, according to data from the BSE.
Indias $782-million worth of exports to Pakistan is likely to come to a halt, with exporters keen to divert shipment to other scarce countries, following talks of withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to its neighbour.
After a good start, benchmark indices lost a bit of their momentum, but are still trading higher on September expiry, supported by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC's) decision to slash output for the first time in eight years.

The global cues remained strong as oil rallied, boosting investor risk appetite.

Sustained buying was seen in oil and gas, energy, realty, auto, utilities and consumer durable counters. Healthcare and telecom stocks saw some buying.

The 30-share index was quoting at 28,364.09 at 1100 hrs, a rise of 71.28 points, or 0.25 per cent, from its last close.

The NSE 50-share Nifty was also trading up 28.10 points, or 0.32 per cent, at 8,773.25.

Major gainers were GAIL, Reliance, ONGC, M&M and PowerGrid, rising by up to 1.89 per cent.

However, ICICI fell 0.90 per cent, along with Axis Bank, HUL and Bharti Airtel.

Closer home, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 73.83 crore yesterday, according to provisional data.

In overseas markets, Asian stocks rose tracking a strong finish in US stocks yesterday, after the OPEC took an important step towards a cap on crude-oil output, which helped lift oil prices.
The Indian Army's "surgical strike" on launch pads of terrorists across the Line of Control in the early hours of Thursday weighed on the domestic stock markets, eroding Rs 2.5 lakh crore of investors' wealth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a review meeting today over the status of 'Most Favoured Nation' granted to Pakistan.

It is expected that officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Commerce Ministry would attend the meeting.

Meanwhile, speculations are high that India is considering withdrawal of the MFN status to Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack, in which 18 soldiers were killed, bringing ties between the two nations to an all time low.

The MFN status was accorded in 1996 as per India's commitments as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

According to the MFN principle of the WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) - to which India is a signatory/contracting party - each of the WTO member countries (including India and Pakistan in this case), should "treat all the other members equally as 'most-favoured' trading partners."

On the other hand, India continues its diplomatic warfare on Pakistan by boycotting the upcoming SAARC summit in November, which was backed by Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan, who also pulled out of the event.

Speaking exclusively to ANI here, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup stated that when one head of state decides not to participate in the SAARC summit, then there is no choice but to postpone the event.

"All heads of the SAARC countries have to be present for the summit. So if any one country decides not to participate, then it has to be postponed. In the current case as you know, not just India, but Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan have also written to the current chair of SAARC that is Nepal, that they are unable to participate in the summit, which means there is no option but to postpone the summit," Swarup said.

However, he added that the formal announcement of this effect can only be made by Nepal after they have done their internal consultations.

Continuing to berate Pakistan for relentlessly pursuing a path which has led to this current decision, the MEA spokesperson emphasised that India has made it very clear that regional cooperation and terror cannot go hand-in-hand.

"Our commitment to SAARC, to regional connectivity, to regional contact and regional prosperity remains intact, but we cannot conceive of a SAARC summit happening at the same time as cross border terrorism continues, as cross interference in our internal affairs continues," he said.

With three other countries in the region joining India in conveying the same message to Pakistan, Swarup stated that its time for Pakistan to introspect on the kind of relationship it wants within the SAARC.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hundreds of female Anganwadi workers stage a protest outside the Himachal Pradesh State secretariat here, demanding wage increases and adequate food and nutrition for children.

The Anganwadi women also demanded that unfilled posts of workers be filled and an increase in the retirement age, besides a government promise made in 2015 to increase their honorariums by at least 50 percent.

Participants in the protest threatened to give an aggressive twist to their movement by December if their demands were not met.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), on Thursday said that the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), which were ready to carry out terrorists strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country around midnight.

Singh said that the operation of the Indian Army was basically focussed to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carry out destruction endangering the lives of citizens of the nation.

"Now based on the specific and credible information which we received yesterday that some terrorist team had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control (LoC) with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorists strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads," said Singh.

"The operations were basically focussed to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties have been caused to the terrorist and those who are trying to support them. The operation aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since seized. We do not have any plans for further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrive," he added.

Singh further said that he spoke with the Pakistani DGMO and expressed New Delhi's concern and meanwhile, shared information over the operation conducted by the Indian Army.

"I have spoken to the Pakistani DGMO and explained our concerns and also shared the operation we had conducted last night. It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country," said Singh.

"We expect the Pakistan Army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region," he added.

Elucidating the involvement of Pakistan in the recent infiltration bids and terrorist strikes the Indian DGMO said that the captured terrorists have confessed that they were trained by the estranged Asian neighbour.

"Captured terrorists hailing from Pakistan or Pakistani occupied Kashmir have confessed to their training and arming in Pakistan or territory under the control of Pakistan. The matter has been taken up at the highest diplomatic levels and the military levels at regular times. India has also offered counsellor access to the apprehended terrorists to Pakistan to verify their confessions," he said.

"Despite our persistent urging that Pakistan respect it's commitment that it made in January 2004 'not to allow its soil or territory under its control be used for terrorism against India. There has been no let up in infiltration or terrorist actions inside our territory. If the damage was limited its has been primarily due to the efforts of the Indian Army who are deployed in multi tier counter infiltration grid. And most of the infiltration bids have been foiled at those locations. The Indian armed forces have been extremely vigilant in the face of continuing threat," he added.

The DGMO also added that India had proposed to Pakistan to make available finger prints and DNA samples of terrorists who have been killed in the Uri and Poonch encounters their investigations.

Meanwhile, Singh also expressed his concern over the continuing and increasing infiltrations by terrorists across the lone of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Almost 20 infiltrations attempt have been foiled by the Indian army successfully this year. During these attacks and infiltration attempts we have recovered items including global positioning systems and stores which have had Pakistani markings," he said.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N Vohra, Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti were briefed on the surgical strikes by the Indian Army.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pep Guardiola's winning streak with Manchester City came to a halt after they settled with a 3-3 draw against Celtic in their Champions League Group C clash at the Celtic Park on Thursday.

Celtic made the breakthrough via striker Moussa Dembele, who diverted in Erik Sviatchenko's header in the third minute of the match to put his side ahead.

Midfielder Luis Fernandinho soon levelled the score for City in the 11th minute before Raheem Sterling struck a goal in his own net to hand Celtic with the lead again just nine minutes later, the Guardian reported.

Sterling, however, made the amends soon by pulling one back for the visitors in the 28th minute.

The second-half saw City striker Manuel Agudo Nolito cancel out Dembele's 47th-minute goal to avoid suffering a defeat.

Although City tried their best to score another goal in order to seal victory, they failed in their efforts as Celtic managed to hold them to a frustrating draw and gain one point.

City will now lock horns with group leaders Barcelona, who registered a 2-1 win over Monchengladbach at Borussia-Park.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Thursday said the centre is taking various measures to promote the farming of coconut in Kerala.

Addressing a conference on the theme "Possibilities of coconut sector" at ICAR- Central Plantation Crop Research Institute situated in Kayamkulam, Singh said, "Under the Coconut Technology Mission, nearly 402 coconut processing units have been set up, where every year, 242 crore coconuts are processed. As a whole 61 coconut producing companies have been set up in the country so far. Out of them 29 are located in Kerala."

He further stated that the government has enhanced the minimum support price of milling copra from Rs. 5550 to Rs. 5950 and the price of Bal copra has been increased Rs. 5830 to Rs. 6240.

In addition, he said the government has increased import duty related to oil palm to enhance the coconut related products, resulting in the price shoot up related to oil palm and increased demand of coconut oil. After having value additions in coconut, we can expect a prosperous scenario for the farmers.

Singh further added that the export of coconut oil is being carried to Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka during fiscal 2016-17. Similarly, for the first time, India is exporting dried coconut to America and Europe.

Singh said the government is supporting the promotion of the crops related to organic farming and spices and is committed to enhance the agricultural product in the state.

He also participated in a farmer fair in Kerala and expressed the hope that researchers working on coconut development and all the stakeholders will hold talks together and will take coconut farming to new heights in the state

The conference was part of the function related to centenary year of coconut research in India.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After the Indian armed forces conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) to neutralise terrorists planning to infiltrate into the Indian territory, China on Thursday without mentioning the Indian Army's foray urged both India and Pakistan to properly resolve relevant disputes through dialogue and consultation.

"China is a friendly neighbour to India and Pakistan. China always hopes that India and Pakistan can properly resolve relevant disputes through dialogue and consultation, improve bilateral relations, strengthen all-round cooperation and jointly promote regional peace, stability, and development," said a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Office here on Thursday.

On Pakistan special envoys on Jammu and Kashmir Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar and Alam Dad Laleka's meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin on September 28, the Chinese Foreign Office said, "Zhenmin listened to Pakistani envoys' briefings on the situation in Kashmir and Pakistan's standpoint, and emphasised that China has been following the Kashmir situation and takes seriously Pakistan's position on Kashmir."

"China believes that the Kashmir issue is a left-over from history, which shall be resolved by relevant parties through dialogue and consultation. China hopes that Pakistan and India will strengthen channels for dialogue, properly handle their differences, improve bilateral relations and together protect the regional peace and stability," it added.

Speaking on the China-India Counter-Terrorism Security Dialogue on September 27, the Chinese Foreign Office said, "The two sides exchanged views on how to enhance counter-terrorism security cooperation and jointly meet security threats. Important consensus was reached."

With regard to India-Pakistan tension, the statement said, "China is in touch with both India and Pakistan through various channels. We hope that they can carry out dialogues to properly resolve disputes and maintain regional peace and security. We have released information of this security dialogue."

Holding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as an "important mechanism for promoting cooperation and development of South Asia", the statement said, "China, as an observer state of SAARC, has been a long-term supporter of the SAARC cooperation process. We hope that SAARC will continue to move ahead and play a constructive role for regional peace, stability, prosperity and development."

Recalling the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) predictions that "the BRICS countries are important engines driving the economic growth", China said, "When the economic recovery is feeble and unbalanced, the BRICS countries still boast great potential and a bright prospect for growth. There is so much to be expected. Their contributions to the economy are indispensable."

"When leaders of the BRICS countries meet for the Eighth Summit in Goa, India, in October, we hope that we can uphold the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, cooperation and win-win results, strengthen partnership, deepen practical cooperation, and make joint efforts to promote a strong, sustained and balanced economic growth and improve global governance," the Chinese Foreign Office added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress Party on Thursday stood solidly behind the Centre and the Indian armed forces for carrying out surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) to neutralise terrorists planning to infiltrate into Indian territory.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a statement issued here said. "The Congress Party congratulates the armed forces on the success of the operation and offers its support to the government in our country's continuing battle against cross-border terrorism."

"The Congress Party stands with the government in its actions today to protect our country's security and deal with the menace of terrorism from across the border. This is a strong message that conveys our country's resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people," she said.

Stating that the Congress hopes that Pakistan will recognise that it bears a great responsibility in the continuing cross-border terrorist attacks against India, Gandhi added, "The party expects that Pakistan will take effective action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism that it has supported and it ensures that its territory and the territory under its control is not used for terrorist purposes against India."

Saluting the Indian armed forces for carrying out successful surgical strikes on terror launch pads, former defence minister and senior Congress leader A.K. Antony said, "It is a fitting reply against the continuing infiltration by terrorists supported by the Pakistani Army It is a fitting reply against the continuing infiltration by terrorists supported by the Pakistani Army. I salute the Indian armed forces for a successful operation."

Hailing the action taken by the Government of India and the India Army, Antony said, "We fully support the action taken by the Indian Army and we also support the government also in its endeavour to protect our security."

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who is also Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, said, "I am very proud of the Indian Army, the real message has been sent to Pakistan. Well done. Whatever Indian Army did was very sensible, measured and proportionate form of retaliation."

What does Pakistan mean by 'unprovoked', questioned former diplomat Tharoor, while seeking to know from Islamabad that if the "killing 18 of our soldiers is not provocation?"

All India Congress Committee (AICC) communications in charge, Randeep Singh Surjewala in a tweet said, "INC wholeheartedly supports the surgical strike on terror pads in POK by Indian Army. Salute the valour of our armed forces (sic)."

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel tweeted, "We congratulate the Indian Army for undertaking surgical strikes on terror launch pads. We stand completely behind our armed forces."

"We stand united with govt in the nation's fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan & will support any action required to mitigate it (sic)," tweeted Patel again.

Congress leader Rajeev Shukla tweeted, "Well Done Indian Army. I salute your valour for the surgical strike to destroy the terrorist camps. The entire country stands with you."

Addressing a press conference, Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh said "significant casualty was caused to terrorists during the operation".

Lt. Gen. Singh said, "Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads."

"The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them. The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he added.

"I have just spoken to the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations and explained our concerns and also shared with him the operations we had conducted last night. It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country," he said.

The DGMO said, "It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been continuing and increasing infiltration by terrorists across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This is reflected in the terrorist attacks at Poonch and Uri on September 11-18, respectively. Almost 20 infiltration attempts have been foiled by the Indian Army successfully during this year. During these terrorist attacks and infiltration attempts we have recovered items including Global Positioning Systems and stores which have had Pakistani markings."

"Further, captured terrorists hailing from Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have confessed to their training and arming in Pakistan or territory under the control of Pakistan. The matter has been taken up at the highest diplomatic levels and the military levels at regular times. India has also offered consular access to the apprehended terrorists to Pakistan to verify their confessions," said the DGMO.

"In line with Pakistan's commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region," Lt. Gen. Singh added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today appeared before the Guwahati court in connection with a criminal defamation case filed by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteer and was allowed to go after putting up a bond of Rs 50,000.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) has appeared before the court and has been allowed to go on a bond of Rs 50, 000," said Bijan Mahajan, RSS lawyer.

Earlier in the morning, Rahul went all guns blazing at the RSS for their 'divisive' ideology, saying he will not be deterred and will continue to fight for the poor, unemployed youth, for the unity and harmony of this country, no matter how many cases are filed against him.

RSS volunteer Anjan Bora filed a criminal case against the Congress vice-president for making false statements to tarnish the image of RSS. Gandhi had said that women were made to sit at the entrance of a satra (a monastery) so that he would not be able to enter.

"I would like to thank the people of Guwahati for the love and affection they have showed. I am against the ideology of the RSS and all such other organisation, which is there to divide India and are harmful for this country. Regardless of which religion they come from, I am for the unity of this country and for the love and affection between the people," Gandhi said.

"These cases are being put against me because I am fighting for the poor people of this country because I am fighting for the rights of the farmers, unemployed youth who have aspirations, who have dreams and who are being denied those aspirations because our government is running in the interest of 12 or 15 people. The idea is to make sure that I do not fight for the young, unemployed youth," he added.

The Congress vice-president is facing another criminal defamation charge because of the speech he made in Bhiwandi.

The RSS, the ideological mentor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi for his speech at a rally in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, in 2014.

In the speech he had said that "people belonging to the RSS had killed Gandhiji and now they speak about Gandhi".

The case started in a court in Bhiwandi and then went to the Mumbai High Court before finally coming to the Supreme Court.

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Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who has been designated a "global terrorist" by the United States, has formally signed a peace agreement through a video teleconference played at ARG Palace today.

The agreement was then ratified by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani as he delivered a speech on the occasion of the conclusion of the historic agreement, reports the Khaama Press.

The ceremony was attended by several government officials and prominent political figures, including members of Hezb-e-Islami led by Hekmatyar.

The draft peace agreement concluded between Hezb-e-Islami delegation and the Afghanistan High Peace Council last Thursday and was signed by the two sides.

Hezb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar signed the draft peace agreement in order to pave the way for the formal signing by President Ghani, the party's chief negotiator Karim Amin said.

The peace agreement with Hezb-e-Islami concluded after almost six months negotiations which started earlier this year with the formation of a Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) for the Afghan peace talks.

Hezb-e-Islami was the first anti-government armed militant group to join direct peace talks with the Afghan government.

QCG comprised of representatives from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States which was formed to revive peace talks with the Taliban group.

However, the Taliban group rejected to participate in direct peace talks with the government.

On Saturday, the Members of Parliament welcomed the peace deal with Hizb-e-Islami but called on both sides to adhere to their commitments, as prescribed in the accord.

The agreement sparked widespread reaction among Afghans with some supporting the deal, but others expressed their doubts over the agreement.

In response to the deal, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement on Thursday that it was encouraged by the signing of the peace agreement.

Alongside the UN, the European Union (EU), and the US embassy also welcomed the peace agreement, calling the move a sign of strong hope for suffering Afghans.

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Hours after the Indian Army conducted surgical attacks on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister on Thursday said it was a befitting reply to Islamabad, adding that the move should be welcomed and appreciated.

"This has been a befitting reply from the Indian Army. This move should be welcomed and appreciated. This move has filled the entire nation with enthusiasm. This is a great morale booster for us, our security forces and army," Singh told ANI.

"Pakistan has been continuously carrying out cowardly acts, be in Uri or other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Their terrorists have been getting training by the Pakistan Army in their camps. Pakistan was behaving like a terrorist state," he added.

Earlier, in the day, addressing a joint press briefing organised by the Ministries of External Affairs and Defence, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), said, "The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC in which significant casualties have been caused."

Here is what we know about the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army along the Line of Control (LoC) according to what army sources have revealed:

-Seven terror launch pads destroyed by Army across LoC, Indian Army Special Forces were para-dropped

-The surgical strikes were carried out between 12:30 am to 4:30 am.

-Location was 500 meters to two kilometres across the LoC.

-The surgical strikes were conducted on Pakistani terror camps belonging to multiple terror groups.

-There were no Indian casualties.

"The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory. We don't have a plan to further conduct such strikes. India has spoken to Pakistan. I spoke to the Pakistan DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night," said Lt Gen Ranbir Singh.
In the wake of surgical strikes carried out along the Line of Control (LoC) late on Wednesday night, the Indian Army has started evacuating people living in the adjoining areas in anticipation of a possible retaliation by Pakistani troops.

The Army has initiated the evacuation process in Naushera district.

All schools within ten kilometres of India-Pakistan border have been shut down, informed the District Education Officer in Ferozepur, Punjab.

Meanwhile the all party meeting at the Home Ministry in North Block, New Delhi, has begun.

On intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, said the Director General of Military Operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh.

The motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into Indian territory.

"The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties have been caused to the terrorist and those who are trying to support them. The operation aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since seized. We do not have any plans for further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrive," he added.

Singh further said that he spoke with the Pakistani DGMO and expressed New Delhi's concern and meanwhile, shared information over the operation conducted by the Indian Army.

"I have spoken to the Pakistani DGMO and explained our concerns and also shared the operation we had conducted last night. It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country," said Singh.

"Almost 20 infiltrations attempt have been foiled by the Indian army successfully this year. During these attacks and infiltration attempts we have recovered items including global positioning systems and stores which have had Pakistani markings," he added.

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The Iranian Border Guards fired mortar shells in Balochistan. However, no causality was reported.

According to the Levies force, the Iranian side fired three mortar shells in the city of Panjgur on Wednesday, reports the Express Tribune.

The Levies officials said that the mortar shell explosions created fear among the people living near the area.

Islamabad has taken up the issue with Iranian officials in the Joint Pak-Iran Border Session.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre border with Iran and the two countries in 2014 decided to boost intelligence coordination to combat terrorists from the border region.

However, Iran has violated border treaty many times.

Last year, Iranian border guards had also fired three mortar shells in the Mashkel area of Washuk district of Balochistan.

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Expressing grave concern over the heightened tension between India and Pakistan over surgical strike across the Line of Control, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the confrontation could lead to a "disaster of epic proportions if urgent steps are not taken to bring down the heightened tensions in the region".

"New Delhi and Islamabad must open the channels of communication realizing the dangerous consequences of any escalation of ongoing confrontation along the borders," Mehbooba said.

Asserting that peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba expressed hope that the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit.

"Like siblings locked in an endless rivalry, India and Pakistan have bickered for well over six decades and transforming that rivalry into a mature, productive relationship will be difficult. But the consequences of continued animosity will be much worse," she said while adding that the necessity of dialogue has assumed more significance in the post-nuclear phase.

Maintaining that war is never an option to resolve the issues, the Chief Minister said India and Pakistan should instead together fight poverty and economic deprivation plaguing the region.

"The two nuclear armed neighbors must cooperate in the fields of social development, including eradication of poverty and with their growing economies and energy needs, and the need for newer, more diverse markets and trading opportunities, the future of the troubled region has to be defined by common economic interests instead of hostilities," she said.

The Chief Minister called for reviving the spirit of the joint statement issued in Islamabad on December 9, 2015 following the meeting of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with her Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz.

She said that India and Pakistan, in a Joint Statement, had agreed to begin a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue on Peace and Security, Confidence Building Measures, Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project, Economic and Commercial Cooperation, Counter-Terrorism, Narcotics Control, Humanitarian Issues, People to People exchanges and religious tourism.

Asserting that there is simply no alternative to talks, Mehbooba said history is witness that even after having fought two wars, India and Pakistan had to time and again come back to the negotiating table to resolve their issues.

"I am sure that amidst the prevailing gloomy scenario in the region, the hope for peaceful means of resolving the issues will again stand the ground and political leadership of the two countries shall have to revive the peace and reconciliation with fresh resolve," she said while adding that it would be in the interest of both the countries to solve their problems through the bilateral framework.

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With Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to review the Most Favoured Status (MFN) status bestowed to Pakistan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday urged the Centre to scrap the provision until Islamabad becomes truly democratic in its functions.

Swamy claimed that Pakistan is governed by its military and the ISI with civilian government reduced to zero, adding that such a country does not deserve to be bestowed with a MFN status.

"I am of the view that Most Favoured Nation Status should be suspended till Pakistan becomes a truly democratic country. But as of now with military in charge there, ISI in charge there, Taliban in charge there and civilian government being reduced to zero I think we should repeal the Most Favoured Nation status. I hope the Prime Minister and his cabinet will scrap this provision for the time being," said Swamy.

However, the meeting which was scheduled today to review the continuance of 'Most Favoured Nation' (MFN) status granted to Pakistan, has been postponed to next week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to chair the meeting regarding the MFN status and related logistics.

Speculations are high that India is considering withdrawal of the MFN status to Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack, in which 18 soldiers were killed, bringing ties between the two nations to an all time low.

The MFN status was accorded in 1996 as per India's commitments as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

According to the MFN principle of the WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) - to which India is a signatory/contracting party - each of the WTO member countries (including India and Pakistan in this case), should "treat all the other members equally as 'most-favoured' trading partners."

On the other hand, India continues its diplomatic warfare on Pakistan by boycotting the upcoming SAARC summit in November, which was backed by Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan, who also pulled out of the event.

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After the Joint Investigation Team's (JIT) report on the Malaysian flight MH17stated that the Buk missile that downed the flight was brought from Russia, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Thursday the country will continue to pursue Moscow.

Turnbull said the perpetrator, the criminals responsible for the tragedy, would be brought to justice, reports the Guardian.

"We will be tireless in our efforts to ensure that justice is done," he said.

A two-year investigation found close to 100 people were linked to the transport and firing of the missile, and that it had been driven from Russia into an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed rebels.

All 298 people aboard the flight, including 38 Australian citizens or residents, died in the attack.

Turnbull said he had discussed the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in recent weeks.

Russia has consistently rejected suggestions the missile was fired by its military or rebels it backed and theorised the plane was in fact brought down by the Ukrainian army.

But the interim findings, released on Wednesday, showed the missile was launched from a Buk trailer that was brought from Russia and returned there after launch.

The independent joint investigation team (JIT) was led by Dutch authorities but includes representatives of Australia, Malaysia, Ukraine and Belgium.

The investigation team said they based their findings on information collected from radar images, thousands of pieces of wreckage, photos, videos, tapped phone calls and testimonials from people who have seen the Buk missile being driven.

Russia immediately dismissed its findings and said the investigation was biased and politically motivated.

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The Joint Investigation Team's (JIT) report on the Malaysian flight MH17 has stated that the Buk missile, that downed the flight, was brought from Russia and fired from a region in eastern Ukraine controlled by the pro-Russian rebels.

According to the report released on Wednesday by the Netherlands Public Prosecutor's Office, the weapon was fired from a field in the Ukrainian village Pervomaysk, which at the time of the disaster was in the hands of pro-Russian rebels, reports Xinhua.

The launcher was then brought back to Russia, according to the JIT's initial probe.

In a response to the report, Russia's Foreign Ministry said it was "disappointed" by the findings and the investigation was biased and politically motivated.

The investigation team said they based their findings on information collected from radar images, thousands of pieces of wreckage, photos, videos, tapped phone calls and testimonials from people who have seen the Buk missile being driven.

The report added that this conclusion was supported by material which the investigation team recently obtained from the United States and the European Space Agency.

The JIT also announced they will continue its investigation to get a better picture of the chain of command with regard to the use of the weapon.

In the JIT, the Netherlands Public Prosecutor's Office and the Dutch National Police work together with police and judicial authorities of Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, and Ukraine.

MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 people on board died, most of them Dutch citizens.

Western investigators and Kiev have been claiming that pro-independence insurgents in eastern Ukraine shot down the aircraft, while Moscow has been denying the allegations and retorting the plane was shot by a missile from the territory controlled by Ukrainian government troops.

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Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Effectiveness Conference here on Thursday.

Parliamentarians, politicians, diplomats and journalists from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Pakistan besides Nepal will deliberate on how the effectiveness of South Asian Association for Regional Conference (SAARC) could be enhanced at international level, reports the Himalayan Times.

Organised by the International Relations and Labour Committee under the Legislature-Parliament for the first time, some seven working papers on different five themes would be presented during the two-day event.

The conclusion drawn by the conference will be presented at the forthcoming SAARC Summit.

Nepal had chaired the regional body from the 18th SAARC Summit which was organised in Kathmandu in 2014. The 19th SAARC Summit is to be held in Islamabad of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Summit stands apparently cancelled after India and three other member-countries - Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh - informed the SAARC Chair, Nepal, their unwillingness to attend the summit that was scheduled for November 9-10 in Islamabad, citing Pakistan's role in exporting terrorism.

Yesterday, the Nepal Government had urged that a conducive environment be created soon to ensure participation of all member states in the Summit.

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Awami League presidium member and Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim on Thursday said question does not arise in regard to inviting Pakistan to the 20th national council of Awami League.

"We came to know while going through newspapers that Pakistan has been invited to the 20th national council of Awami League. Who has given the invitation? Where have you got such information? It's not right to publish news upon guesswork," Nasim said while replying to a question at a press conference, reports the Daily Star.

The press conference was organised at the political office of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina at Dhanmondi in the city to brief the media on the meeting of the Awami League (AL) Reception Sub-committee constituted earlier to make success the party's national council.

Nasim said, "News was published in a section of the press that a few persons from Pakistan are coming to attend the council. The question doesn't arise in regard to inviting Pakistan, which has interfered into the internal affairs of Bangladesh and talked in its national parliament in favour of the killers of 1971. None has dispatched any invitation and won't do it."

Nasim further said the work on their invitation process is going on.

"We will let you know the names of the invitees as and when they (invitees) would confirm their presence after accepting the invitation," he added.

Earlier, Mohammad Nasim, also convener of the AL Reception Sub-committee, chaired the meeting, also attended, among others, by AL presidium member Advocate Sahara Khatun, joint general secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif, international affairs secretary Col (Retd) Faruque Khan, state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam and AL Central Working Committee member Aminul Islam Amin.

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Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale was on Thursday summoned by the Pakistan Foreign Office following cross-border escalations triggered by surgical strike carried out by the Indian Armed forces.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry condemned the 'unprovoked' firing by the Indian forces on the Line of Control' which resulted in 'shahadat' (killing) of two Pakistani Armed Forces personnel, and rejected the "baseless" Indian claim of the "so-called" surgical strikes.

Citing these incidents as a "continuation of a pattern of ceasefire violations committed by India", the Foreign Secretary said the Armed Forces of Pakistan would continue to give a befitting response to any act of aggression.

The Foreign Secretary also said, "India deliberately escalated tensions at the LoC in order to divert the attention of the International Community from the grave situation in Kashmir."

The Foreign Secretary also conveyed Pakistan's deep concerns over life threats to Pakistan's High Commissioner B.S. Basit in New Delhi, and urged the Indian Government to ensure the safety and security of Basit and other officials and their families in accordance with the Vienna Convention.

Chaudhry also expressed Pakistan's "deep disappointment" over India's decision not to participate in the SAARC Summit, saying that "it is committed to the objective of regional cooperation, envisaged in the SAARC Charter".

The Foreign Secretary also condemned India's "baseless accusation" against Pakistan for the Uri attack, within a few hours after the incident. He recalled that "it has been a practice in India to blame Pakistan for every such incident but later investigations prove otherwise".

The Foreign Secretary stated that Pakistan remains a victim of "interference and Indian State-sponsored terrorism". In this regard, he referred to the "confession statement of serving Indian Naval Officer, KulbushanYadav, who had been carrying out terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and Karachi".

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Appreciating the surgical operation carried out by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Thursday hoped that Pakistan would learn a lesson from it.

"We hope that Pakistan will learn something from this incident, as India is now not going to tolerate all these nonsense anymore," said Singh.

He said the people residing near the Line of Control (LoC) has been moved to safer place in view of the prevailing tension, while adding that the army is fully prepared to handle the situation in case of any escalation.

Meanwhile, people residing in Poonch and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir and border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot in Punjab have been shifted to safer places.

Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh earlier said the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), which was ready to carry out terrorists strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country around midnight.

Lt. Gen. Singh that the operation of the Indian Army was basically focussed to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carry out destruction endangering the lives of citizens of the nation.

Lt. Gen. Singh further said that he spoke with the Pakistani DGMO and expressed New Delhi's concern and meanwhile, shared information over the operation conducted by the Indian Army.

Elucidating the involvement of Pakistan in the recent infiltration bids and terrorist strikes the DGMO said the captured terrorists have confessed that they were trained by the Asian neighbour.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on the prevailing situation on the Line of Control (LoC).

The meeting comes in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations being carried by the Pakistani troops along the LoC.

Reviewing the functioning of the Border Security Force, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asked the BSF to set up a real time intelligence sharing grid and seal all vulnerable points along the Indo-Pak border to effectively check infiltration bids.

Directing the BSF to discuss and expedite pending issues related to infrastructure development, welfare of troops and various other issues concerning the border management at the meeting that was attended by top officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the BSF, which guards Indo-Pak and Indo- Bangladesh borders, the Home Minister expressed concern over infiltration from across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) and "gaps and lapses" in border guarding.

Singh had last week reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, especially along the LoC, during a meeting attended by Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, top officials of the home ministry, defence ministry, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies.

As per reports, on September 20, two days after the dastardly Uri terror attack, Pakistani troops violated the border ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian army positions with small firearms.

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High Court of Kenya litigates its first competition case

The High Court of Kenya handed down judgment on the first competition case in Kenya, in the matter between Mea Limited and the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), in August this year. The ruling confirms the principle that dawn raids, provided they are based on a reasonable suspicion which is supported by facts, are legal and no prior notice that a search warrant is being sought is required to be given to the company that is to be raided. This position is consistent with international best practice.

The Court in this matter also touched on the fact that it is not always necessary for the CAK to even obtain a search warrant before conducting a dawn raid. However, while the Court did not decide in what circumstances this would be applicable, it did point out that at a minimum, the Constitution of Kenya and the Fair Administrative Action Act would need to be complied with.

While the Court in this case specifically lent its support to the CAKs submissions that, given the role the CAK plays, it ought to be able to perform its statutory mandate with minimal interference, the CAK is a relatively young regulator and both its powers and the ambit of the Competition Act are largely untested.

Business leaders, for instance, may be concerned about inordinate disruptions to their business operations during the course of the regulators investigation. While a level of discomfort is necessary and possibly is even by design (as a deterrent against anti-competitive conduct), it must be accepted that not all investigations lead to findings of a contravention. In the circumstances, both the regulator and the broader competition community need to consider whether there is a reasonableness standard to the level of disruption to the respondents business that the CAK is afforded during dawn raids.

Having carried out its first dawn raid and at the back of this recent success before the courts, it remains to be seen whether the CAK will have an increased appetite for dawn raids or whether it will opt for the softer approach of leniency policies, which appear to be the favoured approach by comparable regulators.

This is the first time that the Kenyan courts have examined the dawn raid process under the provisions of the Kenyan Competition Act and it is a somewhat welcome development since there is a need to build up competition law jurisprudence in Kenya.

What would perhaps have been interesting, and which may not have been applicable to this case, is whether the CAK is obliged to wait for the respondent companys legal counsel before commencing the dawn raid and/or interviewing staff. And if so, how long the CAK should wait for the respondent companys legal counsel before it commences the raid.

This is particularly important in circumstances where the Kenyan Competition Act contemplates criminal sanctions for contraventions of the restrictive trade practices provisions. As such, the consequences of not being afforded legal representation can be dire.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address chief ministers, ministers, elected representatives of people, district collectors, municipal commissioners of 500 AMRUT cities and other stakeholders in New Delhi tomorrow.

He will inaugurate a day-long INDOSAN (India Sanitation Conference) on Friday meant for taking stock of the progress under the Swachh Bharat mission.

After the inaugural session, Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will co-chair a plenary session on 'behavioral change' aspects of Swachh Bharat mission.

Later, Cabinet Secretary P.K.Sinha will chair a session on 'Inter-Ministerial Cooperation'. There will be six thematic sessions on various aspects of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Prime Minister, other leaders and participants would a sign a declaration reiterating the country's commitment to ensure Open Defecation Free and Clean India.

Eleven individuals and organisations who have made significant contribution for generating awareness about sanitation and motivating people in this regard would be honoured during the conference.

Swachh Bharat Mission, launched on October 2,2014 envisages a Clean India by October 2,2019 coinciding with the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

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A recent report prepared by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has highlighted that the whole institution of police in Pakistan is 'crooked' and needs drastic transformation.

It says that public surveys and reports of government accountability and redress institutions show the police to be one of the most widely feared, complained against, and least trusted government institutions in Pakistan.

The report further goes on to say that the institution lacks a clear system of accountability and is plagued by corruption at the highest levels.

The report mentions that district-level police personnel are often under the control of powerful politicians, wealthy landowners and other influential members of society which makes them prone to corruption.

Also, there are numerous reported cases of police extra-judicial killings of criminal suspects, torture of detainees to obtain confessions, and harassment and extortion of individuals who seek to file criminal cases, especially against members of the security forces.

The poor and other vulnerable or marginalized groups invariably face the greatest obstacles to obtaining justice in a system that is "rigged" against them.

Several police officers who spoke to HRW openly admitted to the practice of false or faked "encounter killings," in which police stage an armed exchange to kill an individual already in custody.

The reasons for these killings vary as of pressure from higher command or local elites, or because the police are not able to gather enough evidence to ensure convictions.

Moreover, police are rarely held accountable for these killings and families of victims are deterred from filing complaints against police out of fear of harassment or being accused of false charges.

As one senior police officer said, the FIR is often used as a "tool of oppression. by the ruling elite against the weak and powerless."

Human rights organizations have also noted that registration and subsequent investigation of cases is particularly arduous for female victims of sexual assault. Such cases remain highly underreported because of the misogynist and biased attitude of state institutions, such as the police and judiciary, and society at large.

Pakistani Police also use their extensive powers of registration of cases, arrest, and detention at the behest of powerful societal to bring false charges against perceived opponents as a form of intimidation or punishment.

Many are arbitrarily arrested as under Pakistan's Criminal Procedure Code, police are empowered to arrest without a warrant any person against whom there is "reasonable suspicion" of being involved or "concerned in" certain types of criminal offenses .

The HRW also discovered that practice of custodial beating, torture and other ill-treatment of suspects in police custody is also a widespread problem there.

Custodial deaths resulting from torture are not uncommon.

Sharing information about encounter killings, a Pakistani Police Officer said that it is seen as a way of ensuring that a known criminal does not escape justice because of lack of evidence and witnesses. Others sought to frame the practice as a means of delivering justice to "hardened criminals" and circumventing an inefficient judicial system.

Police officers also said that increasing demands placed on the police have made maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety more arduous in Pakistan. In addition to regular policing duties, the government has placed the burden on the police to counter threats and violence posed by armed extremist groups and organized crime related to the arms and drug trades and land-grabbing.

The report further says that institutional constraints that have long hampered the police, such as insufficient human and financial resources, poor infrastructure, problems in the criminal justice system, and interference and influence from internal and external sources, have undergone no serious reforms.

All of these issues pose obstacles to the Pakistani police's ability to enforce law and order in a manner consistent with human rights, and free from corruption and improper influence.

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With media reports emerging that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit scheduled to take place in Islamabad in November has been postponed, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said that it should come as no surprise because most of the countries in the region are not happy with what Pakistan does in terms of interference and internal matters.

"Cooperation and terrorism cannot walk hand in hand. Pakistan is following this policy whereby it is constantly perpetrating terror and encouraging terror against India and in their interest, our citizens and soldiers die. And this is not only restricted to India. There are other countries as well which are not happy with what Pakistan does in terms of interference and internal matters," BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli told ANI.

"So, in this entire context, if such news is coming that the SAARC Summit is not going to be held or is being postponed or cancelled, then it should come as no surprise," he added.

Pakistani media have reported that the scheduled meet has been postponed after India and three other countries announced their decision to pull out of the 19th SAARC Summit.

As per the SAARC charter, a formal announcement about the fate of the summit will be made by Nepal, which is the co-chair of the summit.

"The government of Nepal has received communications from the SAARC Secretariat transmitting the diplomatic notes from four SAARC member states namely, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India in which they have conveyed their inability to participate in the 19th SAARC summit scheduled for November 9 and 10, 2016 in Islamabad stating that current regional environment is not conducive to the successful holding of the Summit. We have taken this development seriously," said a statement issued by the Nepal Foreign Ministry.

"As the current chair of SAARC, the government of Nepal strongly urges that a conducive environment be created for the 19th SAARC Summit soon by ensuring the participation of all member states in line with the spirit of the SAARC Charter," it added.

India on Tuesday announced that it was pulling out of the summit after the Uri terror attack of September 18 that claimed the lives of 18 soldiers.

Subsequently, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also pulled out of the summit citing their own reasons.

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AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday downplayed Centre's 'Progress Panchayat', a campaign to reach out to the minorities and dubbed the entire initiative as a propaganda.

Owaisi said by taking such initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not doing any favour to the minority.

"All this is propaganda. If this government is doing anything, it is not like it is doing a favour. In 2016-17 the budget of ministry of minority affair was Rs. 3800 crore, only12 percent of that has been released. In Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP) only 12 percent funds have been used," said Owaisi.

"Mewat from where this program is going to be commenced in 2016 Rupees 50 crore were sanctioned for Mewat, but not a single rupee has been released. And if you are going to conduct a panchayat on the name of empowerment then why are you not giving reservation to Muslims in the field of education as directed by the Bombay High Court," he added.

Centre will today launch Progress Panchayat to reach out to the minority community and publicise the various welfare measures taken by the NDA government for their betterment.

Minister of State for Minority Affairs (independent charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will kick-start the programme from Mewat region of Haryana. The programme will be organised in 100 places across the country in the coming days where union ministers will interact with people about the several schemes.

Besides holding the panchayat, Naqvi will also inaugurate a 100-bed hostel building for girls at Hathni in Palwal and staff quarters at schools in Nuh and Nagina. He will also lay the founding stone for a model school in Chilwali.

The special outreach programme comes days after Prime Minister Modi's remarks quoting BJP idealogue Deen Dayal Upadhyay during party meet in Kerala, that the community must be empowered and not treated only as items of the vote market.

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The Supreme Court will pronounce the order on the cancellation of bail granted to former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Mohammad Shahabuddin on Friday. The latter is facing criminal charges in around 50 cases.

Earlier in the day, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, who has filed one of the petitions, argued before the apex court that Shahabuddin did not follow any rules and walked out of jail on his own will.

"The jail authorities were terrified of him. Bhushan sought cancellation of bail of Shahabuddin on the ground that if he be enlarged on bail, then the life of the last witness, who was testify in a case, would be in danger," Bhushan said.

A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh and Justice Amitav Roy, said, "We will pronounce the order tomorrow."

The argument, which was inconclusive yesterday in the apex court, will continue today, where a victim's lawyer and the Bihar government have pleaded to the division bench to cancel his bail.

Bhushan had earlier on Monday told the apex court that there were 45 cases against Shahabuddin, out of which nine are related to murder and ten are related to convictions.

The top court had on September 19 issued a notice to Shahabuddin while hearing pleas of the Bihar Government and Chandrakeshwar Prasad against the bail granted to him.

The Bihar Government had earlier filed an appeal before the apex court, challenging the Patna High Court's order of granting bail to Shahabuddin.

The petition has been filed by Bhushan on behalf of the victim's family, which was upset to see Shahabuddin walk free.

Shahabuddin, who had been in jail for more than 10 years in connection with multiple cases, was granted bail by the Patna High Court on September 7 in connection with the murder of a man who witnessed the killing of two brothers in Siwan.

Shahabuddin's release from jail evoked widespread criticism of the grand alliance in the state with the opposition accusing the government of paving way for his release by not opposing the bail strongly in the court.

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Thursday said the way the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control without any loss of life explains its valour and capabilities.

Shah also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the Indian Army in this regard.

Shah in a statement said, "The Indian army has shown their courage and valour by successfully carrying out surgical strikes and destroying terrorist launch pads."

"It has happened for the first time that the Indian Army has carried out such a serious attack without losing any life. The Indian Army has made the whole nation proud," the statement added.

Union Ministers Manohar Parrikar and M. Venkaiah Naidu also congratulated the Indian Army for carrying out successful surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan.

"Congratulations to the Indian Army for the successful operation," Defence Minister Parrikar said on Twitter.

Speaking to media here in the capital, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu said, "These operations are a part of a mandate of the Indian Army to foil any attempts of infiltration into our soil. In recent past, many attempts have been made to infiltrate in Indian soil. I compliment the Indian Army for their surgical operations against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control. The army operation was a part of their responsibility in defending unity, safety and security of the country."

"The country is safe in the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army. The Prime Minister has reassured nation that such acts will not be tolerated. Prime Minister Modi said that befitting measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the country," he added.

The Union Minister said that terrorism has become a threat to India and the world at large.

"Pakistan has chosen the path of encouraging terrorism. India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan that its territory should not be allowed for terror activities. Our positive gestures were only reciprocated with further encouragement to terrorists (by Pakistan)," he said.

Naidu insisted the Uri terror attack in which 18 Indian Army soldiers lost their lives, left the people of India outraged.

"Indians are appreciating steps taken by Indian Army. At least now Pakistan will stop terrorism against India. We are a peace loving country. However, Pakistan should realize its responsibility to maintain peace," he said.

Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control. Speaking to media today, Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh said that the motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into the Indian Territory.

Lt General Singh informed that significant casualty was caused to terrorists during the operation.

The DGMO said, it is a matter of serious concern that there have been many infiltration bids by terrorists at the LoC and it was reflected in the terror attacks in Poonch and Uri on 11th and 18th of this month.

He said nothing was done despite India's persistent request to Pakistan not to allow territory under its control to be used for terror activities. He said Pakistan gave a commitment to India in 2004 that it will not allow its soil to be used for anti India terror activities.

He informed that almost 20 infiltration attempts have been successfully foiled by Indian Army this year. He said India has also offered consular access to apprehended terrorists from Pakistan and finger prints and DNA samples of the terrorists killed in Uri and Poonch attacks can also be made available to the neighbouring country.

The DGMO said that he spoke to his Pakistani counterpart to share India's concerns and told him about the surgical strikes. He said, India cannot allow terrorists to operate across the LoC.

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Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in the wake of increased infiltration bids along the Light of Control (LoC).

"Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces along the Line of Control which resulted in martyrdom of two Pakistani soldiers," said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's House.

The statement further quoted Sharif as saying, "Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness, as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of country."

Sharif's statement came after Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Defence Ministry on Thursday in a joint statement announced that the Indian Army had carried out multiple surgical strikes in various locations along the Line of Control late on Wednesday night.

Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh announced that Indian Army had carried out multiple surgical strikes in the wake of the infiltration bids by terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC), including at Uri and Poonch earlier this month.

"Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC and significant casualties have been caused," he said adding that the Indian forces have foiled over 20 infiltration bids in the past week.

The DGMO added that despite persistent messages to Islamabad not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activities, such action was continuing and this necessitated a firm response.

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Ace Indian shuttler Ajay Jayaram produced a gritty performance, outlasting China's Huang Yuxiang in straight games to progress through to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Korea Open Super Series here on Thursday.

Jayaram, ranked 27th in the world, defeated Yuxiang 23-21, 21-18 in an enthralling second round contest that lasted 40 minutes. He will next face Lee Hyun Il from Korea on Friday.

In another match, B Sai Praneeth went down 9-21, 15-21 to sixth seed Son Wan Ho from Korea.

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Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is leading a high-level delegation at the 3rd India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue today in Toronto, Canada.

Both India and Canada have realized that there is enormous scope for enhancing bilateral trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his bilateral visit to Canada in April 2015, stressed on the importance of bilateral and commercial linkages as key drivers of India-Canada partnership. During his visit, both nations recognised the need for early finalisation of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and expeditiously conclude a progressive, balanced, and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as a basis for expanding two-way trade and investment.

Considering the potential and given the fact that bilateral trade between both the countries has grown at a decent pace, the trade ministers of both countries (Sitharaman and Chrystia Freeland) are likely to discuss the following major issues:-

1.Exploring ways of expeditious early conclusion of FIFA and CEPA.

2.Exploring options for Indian interest in addressing the Temporary Foreign Workers Programmes (TWEP) of Canada which is affecting the Indian IT Industry; address equivalance by Canadian Food Inspection Agency for Indian organic product exports; and exploring investment opportunities in different sectors of India.

In addition, both leaders are expected to discuss regarding recent commercial achievements between both countries, bilateral FDI flows, issues relating to intellectual property, etc in addition to other issues relating to trade and investment.

Sitharaman is also scheduled to meet top leaders of Canada on 30th September to discuss the various reforms undertaken in India and prospects for investment in various sectors.

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Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) last night were aimed at foiling attempts of Pakistan and abet terrorism against India.

"This operation was made in order to foil attempts of our neighbour, because our neighbour has been aiding, abetting and funding terrorists for long. This is the response to what they have done in recent days and what they were planning to do in the future also," Naidu said after attending an all meeting organised by the Centre to explain the surgical strike in detail.

"Now, Pakistan will know that we will not tolerate these kinds of incidents in the future," he added.

Naidu said the army carried out the surgical strikes on the bass of intelligence inputs.

The all party meeting took place at the Home Ministry and was headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, besides leaders of other parties was also present.

Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), earlier today said that the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), which was ready to carry out terrorists strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country around midnight.

Singh said that the operation of the Indian Army was basically focussed to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carry out destruction endangering the lives of citizens of the nation.

Singh further said that he spoke with the Pakistani DGMO and expressed New Delhi's concern and meanwhile, shared information over the operation conducted by the Indian Army.

Elucidating the involvement of Pakistan in the recent infiltration bids and terrorist strikes the Indian DGMO said that the captured terrorists have confessed that they were trained by the Asian neighbour.

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In her wish to attain Moksha (freedom from the cycle of rebirth), an 83-old year patient of throat cancer has undertaken the controversial Jain ritual 'Santhara' of voluntary fast-unto-death.

A resident of Kolkata, Sohini devi Duggar, who was undergoing cancer treatment since 2015, decided to opt for Santhara when she felt that she would no longer be able to sustain her life through medication.

"Throat cancer was not the sole reason for this. This has to do with the kind of spiritual background she had and her wish to attain moksha," said Sohini devi's son Anant Duggar.

"She took this step when she felt that it was no longer possible to sustain her life on just external medicines and treatments, and that it was time to let go all attachments, humanly connections and welcome death as a proper partner. The whole concept of Santhara is o prepare for next stage in life," he added.

Sohini Devi Duggar has been on a fast sans water (called 'nirjala') since September 20.

On August 10 last year, the Rajasthan High Court had banned Santhara or Sallekhana, comparing it to an act of suicide.

However, the Supreme Court subsequently restored the Jain practice of the ritualistic fast unto death by staying the order.

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Key benchmark indices hovered in positive terrain in morning trade as firmness in Asian stocks boosted sentiment. At 10:23 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 115.69 points or 0.4% at 28,406.96. The Nifty 50 index was up 32.70 points or 0.39% at 8,779.55.

In overseas stock markets, Asian stocks rose tracking higher finish in US stocks yesterday, 28 September 2016 after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) took an important step toward a cap on crude-oil output, which helped in lifting oil prices. OPEC said it would reduce output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd), a reduction of 0.7-2.2% from OPEC estimates of its current output at 33.24 million bpd. In economic data, US orders for durable or long-lasting goods flattened out in August after a sizable gain in the prior month, pointing to ongoing difficulties for American manufacturers.

Closer home, the broad market depicted strength. There were more than two gainers against every loser on BSE. 1,343 shares rose and 633 shares fell. A total of 133 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index was currently up 0.24%, underperforming the Sensex. The BSE Small-Cap index was currently up 0.58%, outperforming the Sensex.

Shares of oil production and exploration firms rose after global crude oil prices spurted in the previous session. Cairn India (up 1.39%), Reliance Industries (RIL) (up 1.53%), and ONGC (up 2.03%) gained. Higher crude oil prices would result in increase in realizations from crude sales for oil exploration firms.

Oil India rose 0.96%. Indian Oil Corporation rose 0.94% and BPCL gained 0.4%. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, 28 September 2016 gave its approval to an Indian consortium comprising Oil India (OIL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Bharat Petro Resources (BPRL), a subsidiary of BPCL for acquiring 23.9% stake in JSC Vankorneft and 29.9% stake in LLC Taas-Yuryakh from Rosneft Oil Company (Rosneft), the National Oil Company (NOC) of Russian Federation (Russia). Rosneft operates Vankor and Tass-Yuryakh fields and are its wholly owned subsidiaries.

The acquisition of stake in Vankorneft will provide 6.56 million metric ton of oil equivalent (MMTOE) and 29.9% stake in Taas-Yuryakh will provide 0.5 MMTOE initially and 1.5 MMTOE by 2019. The acquisition is in line with India's stated objective of adding high quality international assets to its exploration & production portfolio and thereby augmenting India's energy security. The consortium will be paying $2.02 billion for acquiring stake in Vankorneft and $1.2 billion for acquiring stake in Taas-Yuryakh. Earlier in May 2016 ONGC Videsh (OVL) completed the formalities of acquiring 15% stake in Vankorneft at the cost of $1.284 billion which gave OVL 4.11 MMTOE.

The acquisition will add 8.06 MMTOE to India's overseas oil and gas asset. It will also provide an opportunity to Indian public sector Oil and Gas companies to absorb newer technologies with Rosneft and British Petroleum (BP). BP acquired 20% stake in Taas-Yuryakh from Rosneft last year.

HPCL gained 0.62%.

In the global commodities markets, Brent for November settlement was down 5 cents at $48.64 a barrel. The contract had jumped $2.72 a barrel or 5.91% to settle at $48.69 a barrel during the previous trading session after OPEC members agreed to curb output in a surprise deal.

Capital goods stocks gained. Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) (up 0.42%), Havells India (up 1.13%), ABB India (up 0.3%), Bharat Electronics (up 0.62%), Thermax (up 1.16%), and Siemens (up 0.32%) gained.

L&T rose 0.67% after the company said its construction arm won orders worth Rs 2046 crore across various business segments. The announcement was made during trading hours today, 29 September 2016.

Eros International Media rose 3.22% after the company said it tied up with UAE's Phars Film for co-production and distribution of Malayalam movies. The company announced its association with UAE's largest film distribution and exhibition network (Hollywood & Bollywood), Phars Film. The partnership will entail the two companies jointly co-producing Malayalam films along with exploration of theatrical rights between the two entities. The deal licenses Eros to exploit the distribution of all Malayalam movies produced jointly in India, while Phars Films would present the same overseas where it enjoys a dominant market share. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 28 September 2016.

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Even as the telecom industry finds itself in a tariff war with entry of a major player, an ASSOCHAM-KPMG paper has pointed towards the operators grappling with a huge debt burden of Rs 3.80 lakh crore, reinforcing a case for rationalisation of taxes and other levies along with spectrum charges.

The telecom operators have an accumulated debt of around INR3.8 lakh crore. An additional customs duty of 10 per cent will lead to an increase in cumulated duty to 29.44 per cent, reveals the joint study.

" Even though consumers are having a last laugh with competitive offers from the major players , the service providers need to penetrate further into the fast expanding data market and create a volume that would make their cash flow running, " ASSOCHAM Secretary General Mr D S Rawat said.

Simplification and rationalization of tax regime will provide required financial stability to Indian telecom industry. Presently, multiple charges and taxes are levied on the sector in addition to the charges paid by other industries (such as corporate tax, VAT, etc.). Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) in India are comparatively higher than other economies, noted ASSOCHAM-KPMG joint study.

Telecom sector is expected to contribute 8.2 per cent or INR 14 lakh crore to the GDP by 2020 and one of the highest contributors to the GDP over the last decade, adds the study.

Industry expects that there is a no rationalisation of multiple levies imposed. TRAI has recommended that license fee should be reduced to 6 per cent and Universal Service Obligation Fund to 3 per cent from current levels of 8 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.

Further, as per a study cited by COAI, reduction in Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) by 1 per cent can increase GDP by INR1.76 lakh crore, highlighted the study.

The Telecommunication Industry is committed to realize the government vision of Digital India. A quick resolution on issues, that will facilitate ease of doing business will accelerate the same. "We are confident that the government which has set a fast pace of policy and execution will support this endeavour" said Mr. P. Balaji Chairman, ASSOCHAM National council on Telecommunications & Director-Regulatory, External Affairs & CSR, Vodafone India.

Telecom industry, due to its dynamic nature, witnesses continuous changing business and technology environment.

In the recent past, India has witnessed a surge in data usage. Mobile data traffic grew by 50 per cent in 2015. Such tremendous growth is associated with mature network, device and content eco-system. In the current environment, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Overthe-Top (OTT) service providers have leveraged on their synergies to work towards fulfilling the 'Digital India' vision.

OTT service providers are playing a significant role in driving data consumption and transforming consumer behaviour. A major contributor to the increased data traffic is the growing customer demand for video which is expected to experience a further boost with the advent of 4G services.

Telecom service providers make huge investments in deployment of networks as well as in acquisition of spectrum. However, electromagnetic interference issues faced result in poor quality of services to the subscribers, customer dissatisfaction, losses to the TSPs and the exchequer at large, in spite of the huge investments made.

Among the major sources of interference are air-waves from nearby international borders and out of band emissions by institutions deploying links in free WiFi band or from illegal repeaters, boosters, jammers.

Non-coordinated use of frequencies is the primary cause of interference from telecom service providers in neighboring countries. Usage of frequencies should be regionally coordinated and globally harmonised to overcome this issue. There is a need to engage actively with the neighboring countries for specific regions where the TSPs are facing interference issues. Alternatively, the DoT should allocate the TSPs with spectrum in alternate frequency bands, wherever such issues cannot be resolved with the neighboring countries, noted the study.

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Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) strongly refutes all claims of having installed faulty LED street lights in their project in the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) area.

Under the Government of India's Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) over 1.98 lakh conventional street lights have been replaced with LED street lights in Delhi. A social audit of about 4,500 people was conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) in SDMC area in May 2016. The audit shows that at an average 99.5% people feel that the LED street lights have contributed in enhancing the security of the vulnerable groups during nights. About 99.75% of the people responded that the intensity & the brightness of the LED street lights is better than the earlier street lights.

EESL procurements conform to BIS specification & carry a 7-year warranty against technical defects. EESL conducts appropriate quality checks right from the bidding stage to the field level. This has resulted in the LEDs' overall technical fault being less than 2% in the 14 lakh lights installed by EESL in the country. As per the contract, EESL is required to maintain an uptime of 95%, which in the present case is more than 97%. This is one of the highest in the country.

EESL is also taking proactive measures for grievance redressal, such as use of social media platforms, BSES toll free helpline, email complaint system and use of mobile vans for night patrolling.

EESL is installing Centralized Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) at a fast pace to enable remote operation and monitoring of the street lights across the Nation.

For complaints against non-functioning LED street lamps the consumers can send a message via WhatsApp on 7827999222 or they can send their complaints to info@eesl.co.in. Alternatively, complaints are also being recorded on the EESL social media handles. Strict action against erring vendors is being taken by EESL.

All complaints are redressed in a period of 48-72 hours and for that EESL has deployed its own staff as well as other Project Management Companies. EESL has received just 14,850 complaints in the last two months out of 1.98 lakh streets that have been installed. EESL has already resolved over 12,406 complaints in entire SDMC area.

To address all grievances, EESL has doubled its on-field teams which are deployed for maintenance. There are regular weekly meetings and reviews with SDMC to rectify the problems faced on field which are not covered in the MoU signed by the tri-parties.

EESL has guaranteed reduction in energy consumption by 53%. This project will result in annual reduction of 26.2 million kWh of energy during peak hours. SDMC will benefit by Rs. 41.47 crore over the said period without having to invest any capital upfront.

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Hindustan Copper fell 3.83% to Rs 62.85 at 11:19 IST on BSE as the offer for sale by the Government of India to sell a 7% stake in the company through the stock exchanges mechanism began at 9:15 IST today, 29 September 2016.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 28 September 2016.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 71.68 points, or 0.25%, to 28,364.49.

On BSE, so far 1.37 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 1.76 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 63.40 and a low of Rs 62.50 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 73.60 on 22 August 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 42.30 on 19 February 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 28 September 2016, rising 0.15% compared with 0.18% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 22.72% as against Sensex's 4.79% rise.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 462.61 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5.

The government is offering a 7% stake in the company through a two-day offer for sale (OFS) beginning today, 29 September 2016. The government has set a floor price of Rs 62 per share, a 5.12% discount to the stock's Wednesday's closing share price of Rs 65.35 on BSE.

While the trading window is open for non-institutional investors today, 29 September 2016, retail investors can subscribe tomorrow, 30 September 2016. Retail investors will be allocated shares at a 5% discount to the cut-off price, the company said.

As at 11:15 IST, the OFS received bids for a total of 1.75 crore shares from non-retail investors as against 5.18 crore shares on offer for this category of investors.

The OFS, comprising 6.47 crore shares, will help the government raise Rs 401.54 crore. The government's stake will decline to 82.95% following the sale. The Government of India holds 89.95% stake in Hindustan Copper (as per shareholding pattern as on 30 June 2016).

Hindustan Copper reported net loss of Rs 2.88 crore in Q1 June 2016 as against net profit of Rs 20 crore in Q1 June 2015. Net sales declined 12.2% to Rs 205.99 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

Hindustan Copper is a vertically integrated copper producing company encompassing mining, beneficiation, smelting, refining and casting of refined copper metal.

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ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company debuts on the secondary equity market today, 29 September 2016. The company had priced the initial public offer (IPO) at the top end of the Rs 300 to Rs 334 price band. The bidding for the IPO concluded on 21 September 2016. The issue received bids for 138.77 crore shares and it was subscribed 10.48 times.

Hindustan Copper said the government will sell a 7% stake in the company through a two-day offer for sale (OFS) beginning today, 29 September 2016. The government has set a floor price of Rs 62 per share, a 5.12% discount to Wednesday's closing share price. The secondary market transaction, comprising 6.47 crore shares, will help the government raise Rs 401.54 crore. The government's stake will decline to 82.95% following the sale. The government holds an 89.95% stake in the copper producing company as on 30 June 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 28 September 2016.

Corporation Bank said that the securities allotment committee of the board of the bank at its meeting held on 28 September 2016 allotted 12.45 crore equity shares at an issue price of Rs 40.78 per share to Government of India on a preferential basis. Consequently, Government of India holding gets increased from 67.20% to 70.76%. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 28 September 2016.

Manappuram Finance said that financial resources and management committee of board of directors of the company allotted 1500 secured redeemable non-convertible debentures by way of private placement, having face value of Rs 10 lakh each aggregating to Rs 150 crore on 27 September 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 28 September 2016.

Pidilite Industries announced its sales and distribution tie-up with WD-40 Company. In India, WD-40 Company has joined with Pidilite Industries to distribute and sell WD-40 Multi-Use Product. WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a multi-purpose maintenance product with more than 2000 uses. It protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture, lubricates moving parts, and removes grease and grime from most surfaces. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 28 September 2016.

Oil India, Indian Oil Corporation and BPCL will be in focus. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday, 28 September 2016 gave its approval to an Indian consortium comprising Oil India (OIL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Bharat Petro Resources (BPRL), a subsidiary of BPCL for acquiring 23.9% stake in JSC Vankorneft and 29.9% stake in LLC Taas-Yuryakh from Rosneft Oil Company (Rosneft), the National Oil Company (NOC) of Russian Federation (Russia). Rosneft operates Vankor and Tass-Yuryakh fields and are its wholly owned subsidiaries.

The acquisition of stake in Vankorneft will provide 6.56 million metric ton of oil equivalent (MMTOE) and 29.9% stake in Taas-Yuryakh will provide 0.5 MMTOE initially and 1.5 MMTOE by 2019. The acquisition is in line with India's stated objective of adding high quality international assets to its exploration & production portfolio and thereby augmenting India's energy security. The consortium will be paying $2.02 billion for acquiring stake in Vankorneft and $1.2 billion for acquiring stake in Taas-Yuryakh. Earlier in May 2016 ONGC Videsh (OVL) completed the formalities of acquiring 15% stake in Vankorneft at the cost of $1.284 billion which gave OVL 4.11 MMTOE.

The acquisition will add 8.06 MMTOE to India's overseas oil and gas asset. It will also provide an opportunity to Indian public sector Oil and Gas companies to absorb newer technologies with Rosneft and British Petroleum (BP). BP acquired 20% stake in Taas-Yuryakh from Rosneft last year.

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Key benchmark indices suffered heavy losses on geopolitical concerns after Indian Army in a press conference today, 29 September 2016 revealed that India conducted surgical strikes against terror launchpads inside Pak occupied Kashmir late last night. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex slumped 400.34 points or 1.41% to 27,892.47, as per the provisional closing data. The Nifty 50 index skidded 133.90 points or 1.53% to 8,611.25, as per the provisional closing data. The Sensex provisionally closed below the psychological 28,000 mark after falling below that mark in afternoon trade. All the nineteen sectoral indices on BSE were in the red. Except TCS all the rest of the scrips from the 30-share Sensex pack dropped.

The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads yesterday, 28 September 2016 night across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, killing several terrorists and causing significant casualties to their hideouts. The press conference was jointly conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. Based on very specific and credible information which Army received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned itself along the line of control, the Army carried out surgical strikes last night at these launch pads. The operations were focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in endangering lives of citizens in India. The Pakistani military reportedly said no such strike had taken place but that there had been an exchange of firing at the frontier.

Key indices languished in the red after witnessing a steep drop in afternoon trade after announcement of surgical strikes carried out by Indian Army across LoC on terrorists camps. Earlier, key indices hovered in positive terrain after opening higher. The Sensex slumped 572.89 points or 2.02% at the day's low of 27,719.92 in afternoon trade, its lowest level since 29 August 2016. The barometer index gained 182.76 points or 0.64% at the day's high of 28,475.57 in early trade. The Nifty shed 186.90 points or 2.13% at the day's low of 8,558.25 in afternoon trade, its lowest level since 28 August 2016. The index gained 55.50 points or 0.63% at the day's high of 8,800.65 in early trade, its highest level since 26 September 2016.

The broad market depicted weakness. There were more than five losers against every gainer on BSE. 2,288 shares fell and 449 shares rose. A total of 194 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index provisionally down 3.6%. The BSE Small-Cap index provisionally shed 4.62%. The fall in both these indices was higher than Sensex's decline in percentage terms.

In overseas stock markets, global stocks rose after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) took an important step toward a cap on crude-oil output, which helped in lifting oil prices. OPEC said yesterday, 28 September 2016 that it would reduce output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd), a reduction of 0.7-2.2% from OPEC estimates of its current output at 33.24 million bpd. In economic data, US orders for durable or long-lasting goods flattened out in August after a sizable gain in the prior month, pointing to ongoing difficulties for American manufacturers.

The total turnover on BSE amounted to Rs 5413.86 crore, higher than turnover of Rs 2932.59 crore registered during the previous trading session.

Metal and mining stocks fell. Vedanta (down 3.32%), JSW Steel (down 5.26%), Tata Steel (down 3.63%), Steel Authority of India (Sail) (down 7.08%), National Aluminium Company (down 3.99%), Hindustan Zinc (down 1.67%), Jindal Steel & Power (down 8.4%), Hindalco Industries (down 3.91%), NMDC (down 6.24%) edged lower.

Hindustan Copper fell 5.28% to Rs 61.90 as the offer for sale by the Government of India through the stock exchanges mechanism began today, 29 September 2016. The government is offering a 7% stake in the company through a two-day offer for sale (OFS) which ends tomorrow, 30 September 2016. The government has set a floor price of Rs 62 per share, a 5.12% discount to the stock's Wednesday's closing share price of Rs 65.35 on BSE. While the trading window is open for non-institutional investors today, 29 September 2016, retail investors can subscribe tomorrow, 30 September 2016. Retail investors will be allocated shares at a 5% discount to the cut-off price, the company said. The OFS, comprising 6.47 crore shares, will help the government raise Rs 401.54 crore. The government's stake will decline to 82.95% following the sale. The Government of India holds 89.95% stake in Hindustan Copper (as per shareholding pattern as on 30 June 2016). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 28 September 2016.

Realty stocks slumped. Sobha (down 4.53%), Indiabulls Real Estate (down 8.27%), Unitech (down 4.9%), NBCC (down 2.76%), Godrej Properties (down 0.65%), Housing Development & Infrastructure (HDIL) (down 8.35%), DLF (down 8.97%), and Omaxe (down 1.39%) edged lower.

Lupin declined 3.2%. The company announced that it has received final approval for its Memantine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules, 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market a generic version of Allergan's Namenda XR Capsules, 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg.

Lupin's Memantine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules, 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg are the AB rated generic equivalent of Allergan's Namenda XR Capsules, 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg. Memantine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules, 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg are indicated for treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Namenda XR Capsules had annual sales of $1.22 billion in US as per IMS MAT June 2016.The announcement was made during market hours today, 29 September 2016.

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Volatility ruled the roost in afternoon trade as the key benchmark indices trimmed losses after a steep intraday sell-off triggered by reports of India conducting surgical strikes against Pakistan. At 13:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 284.86 points or 1.01% to 28,007.95. The Nifty 50 index was down 91.45 points or 1.05% to 8,653.70. The Sensex regained the psychological 28,000 mark in volatile trade after hitting an intraday low below that level in afternoon trade.

As per reports, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads yesterday, 28 September 2016 night across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, killing several terrorists and causing significant casualties to their hideouts.

The broad market depicted weakness. There were more than five losers against every gainer on BSE. 2,215 shares rose and 382 shares fell. A total of 163 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index was currently down 2.6%. The BSE Small-Cap index was currently down 3.28%. The fall in both these indices was higher than Sensex's decline in percentage terms.

In overseas stock markets, European stocks rose in early trade as investor sentiment was buoyed by a surge in the oil price after major oil producers agreed to cut production levels. Asian stocks rose tracking higher finish of US stocks yesterday, 28 September 2016 after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) took an important step toward a cap on crude-oil output, which helped in lifting oil prices. OPEC said yesterday, 28 September 2016 that it would reduce output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd), a reduction of 0.7-2.2% from OPEC estimates of its current output at 33.24 million bpd. In economic data, US orders for durable or long-lasting goods flattened out in August after a sizable gain in the prior month, pointing to ongoing difficulties for American manufacturers.

Metal and mining stocks fell. Vedanta (down 2.66%), JSW Steel (down 2.55%), Tata Steel (down 2.2%), Steel Authority of India (Sail) (down 5.13%), National Aluminium Company (down 4.53%), Hindustan Zinc (down 0.7%), Jindal Steel & Power (down 6.38%), Hindalco Industries (down 3.4%), NMDC (down 6.05%) edged lower.

Hindustan Copper fell 4.44% to Rs 62.45 as the offer for sale by the Government of India through the stock exchanges mechanism began at 9:15 IST today, 29 September 2016. The government is offering a 7% stake in the company through a two-day offer for sale (OFS) which ends tomorrow, 30 September 2016. The government has set a floor price of Rs 62 per share, a 5.12% discount to the stock's Wednesday's closing share price of Rs 65.35 on BSE. While the trading window is open for non-institutional investors today, 29 September 2016, retail investors can subscribe tomorrow, 30 September 2016. Retail investors will be allocated shares at a 5% discount to the cut-off price, the company said. The OFS, comprising 6.47 crore shares, will help the government raise Rs 401.54 crore. The government's stake will decline to 82.95% following the sale. The Government of India holds 89.95% stake in Hindustan Copper (as per shareholding pattern as on 30 June 2016). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 28 September 2016.

Pharma shares declined. Cadila Healthcare (down 3.08%), Cipla (down 0.99%), Dr Reddy's Laboratories (down 1.77%), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (down 3%), Lupin (down 1.11%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (down 2.26%), Alkem Laboratories (down 3.35%), GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (down 0.83%), Aurobindo Pharma (down 3.56%) declined.

Wockhardt lost 2.58%. The company announced that inspection of the company's manufacturing unit at L-1, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra by UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has since been completed without any critical observations and the approval status of the said unit continues. The announcement was made during trading hours today, 29 September 2016.

Shares of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company were trading at Rs 306 on BSE, a discount of 8.38% over the initial public offer price of Rs 334. The stock debuted at Rs 329, a discount of 1.5% to the initial public offer (IPO) price. So far the stock hit a high of Rs 333.90 and low of Rs 297.10. On BSE, so far 1.04 crore shares were traded on the counter. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company had priced the IPO at the top end of the Rs 300 to Rs 334 price band. The bidding for the IPO concluded on 21 September 2016. The issue received bids for 138.77 crore shares and it was subscribed 10.48 times. ICICI Prudential is the largest private sector life insurer in India by total premium and assets under management at 31 March 2016. ICICI Prudential is a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential Corporation Holdings, a part of the Prudential Group, an international financial services group. The company is one of the first private sector life insurance companies in India. It commenced operations in October 2000 and offers a range of life insurance, health insurance and pension products and services.

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Key benchmark indices may open with strong gains tracking firm Asian stocks. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could gain 90.15 points at the opening bell.

In overseas stock markets, Asian stocks rose tracking strong finish in US stocks yesterday, 28 September 2016 after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) took an important step toward a cap on crude-oil output, which helped in lifting oil prices. OPEC said it would reduce output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd), a reduction of 0.7-2.2% from OPEC estimates of its current output at 33.24 million bpd. In economic data, US orders for durable or long-lasting goods flattened out in August after a sizable gain in the prior month, pointing to ongoing difficulties for American manufacturers.

Closer home, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 73.83 crore yesterday, 28 September 2016, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 69.53 crore yesterday, 28 September 2016, as per provisional data.

The market may remain volatile today, 29 September 2016 as traders roll over positions in the futures & options (F&O) segment from the near month September 2016 series to October 2016 series. The near month September 2016 derivatives contracts expire today, 29 September 2016.

Among corporate news, Oil India, Indian Oil Corporation and BPCL will be in focus. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday, 28 September 2016 gave its approval to an Indian consortium comprising Oil India (OIL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Bharat Petro Resources (BPRL), a subsidiary of BPCL for acquiring 23.9% stake in JSC Vankorneft and 29.9% stake in LLC Taas-Yuryakh from Rosneft Oil Company (Rosneft), the National Oil Company (NOC) of Russian Federation (Russia). Rosneft operates Vankor and Tass-Yuryakh fields and are its wholly owned subsidiaries.

The acquisition of stake in Vankorneft will provide 6.56 million metric ton of oil equivalent (MMTOE) and 29.9% stake in Taas-Yuryakh will provide 0.5 MMTOE initially and 1.5 MMTOE by 2019. The acquisition is in line with India's stated objective of adding high quality international assets to its exploration & production portfolio and thereby augmenting India's energy security. The consortium will be paying $2.02 billion for acquiring stake in Vankorneft and $1.2 billion for acquiring stake in Taas-Yuryakh. Earlier in May 2016 ONGC Videsh (OVL) completed the formalities of acquiring 15% stake in Vankorneft at the cost of $1.284 billion which gave OVL 4.11 MMTOE.

The acquisition will add 8.06 MMTOE to India's overseas oil and gas asset. It will also provide an opportunity to Indian public sector Oil and Gas companies to absorb newer technologies with Rosneft and British Petroleum (BP). BP acquired 20% stake in Taas-Yuryakh from Rosneft last year.

Meanwhile, key benchmark indices snapped three-day losing streak yesterday, 28 September 2016 to settle with small gains as firmness in European stocks boosted sentiment. The Sensex rose 69.11 points or 0.24% to settle at 28,292.81, its highest closing level since 26 September 2016.

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TRAI Chairman, Mr R S Sharma speaking at an industry interaction at FICCI, said that the controversy regarding the interconnection issues between the telecom operators, can be resolved through an across-the-table discussion with the CEOs. He said that a meeting of the CEOs is being called soon, with a view to finding a resolution to the problem that has dominated the sector for the last two months. The interactive session was moderated by Mr. Virat Bhatia, Chairman, FICCI ICT and Digital Economy Committee.

When asked as to why the industry finds itself in this position, and whether it was due to lack of proper regulation or licensing issues, etc., he said that he did not want to elaborate, given the sensitivity of the matter, but that the regulations do not leave scope for ambiguity.

Chairman, TRAI, spoke on a range of issues, including the 20 consultation papers, in various stages, released in the last 18 months. These, according to Mr. R S Sharma, are necessary for removing ambiguity in the telecom sector and allowing the stakeholders to function in harmony. TRAI felt the need for consultation papers in order to bring about a comprehensive regulatory framework which will plug the gaps in the system and facilitate the industry to grow seamlessly.

He told members of the FICCI ICT and Digital Economy Committee that, with the advent of technology such as cloud computing and internet of things (IOT), ICT is transforming every sector and telecom should also leverage it. Earlier, technology was on the periphery but in the last decade with disruptive technologies coming in, it has become a central tool. He added that ICT also brings with it efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Speaking on competition issues in general, in the telecom sector, Mr. Sharma said that TRAI promotes healthy competition.

He added that the idea is to encourage healthy competition and ensure that interest of the consumers is safeguarded. He added that for TRAI, the consumers' interest is paramount and they must not suffer on any account.

Mr. Sharma said that India already has a world class network and with new technology coming in the service should also become world class. India should strive for next generation network by employing new technologies such as Loons, Solar Planes, and White Spaces. He said that there was a need to harmonize the issues of business interest with disruptive technologies. To achieve this, it was necessary to put down licensing rules, norms and quality aspects through regulation.

Mr. Sharma said that TRAI was one of the regulatory bodies that engaged in a consultative process with industry before coming out with any policy or guidelines. Industry has an opportunity to share its concerns with TRAI to work out a feasible and sustainable framework.

Responding to the queries raised by industry regarding restriction in experimentation and use of new technologies, Mr. Sharma said that TRAI and he were in favor of trying out new technologies with appropriate permissions. However, he added that these technologies should be interoperable with open APIs and should not be in silos.

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A Trilateral meeting was held between Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Sh. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Afghanistan, Dr. Mohammadullah Batash and Minister of Road and Urban Development, Iran, Dr. Abbas Ahmed Akhoundi in the capital. The three Ministers held discussions on Trilateral Agreement on Establishment of International Transport and Transit Corridor i.e.

Chabahar Agreement which was signed by them on 23rd May, 2016 in Tehran in the presence of Prime Minister of India and Presidents of Iran and Afghanistan.

During the meeting the Ministers reiterated the importance of Chabahar as a hub for regional connectivity and their commitment to work towards this objective. It was decided to organize a connectivity event involving all stakeholders at Chabahar within two months to increase awareness about the new opportunities offered by Chabahar Port.

The Ministers expressed satisfaction that the three countries are taking prompt measures for completing internal processes for the ratification of the Agreement. They also exchanged views on the next steps to be taken for an early implementation of the Agreement. It was decided to evolve protocols related to transport and transit, ports, customs procedures and consular affairs. It was also decided to convene an Expert level meeting of senior officials of the three countries within one month in Chabahar.

Development of Ports, Road and Rail connectivity will open up new opportunities leading to new jobs and prosperity in all three countries. Trade is recognized as driving economic growth and development, the implementation of the Agreement would provide the eco-system for the private sector to seize the business opportunities emerging due to substantial reduction of logistic costs for trade among the three countries.

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At least 33 persons were reported missing in China's Zhejiang province after heavy rains triggered landslides, authorities said on Thursday.

A landslide occurred on Wednesday evening at Sucun village where 27 residents were missing following a heavy downpour brought on by typhoon Megi, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Roughly 400,000 cubic metres of debris slid down the mountains and buried 20 houses and 17 other houses were also flooded. A township cadre who rushed to help relocate villagers is among the missing," an official said.

Six persons in Baofeng village were also missing on Wednesday night after their homes were destroyed by another landslide.

The government has mobilised more than 1,200 persons, 21 excavators, four pumps, and other emergency equipment for the rescue work.

A temporary relocation site was set up in a nearby village, where 118 persons were settled and a total of 176 beds, 50 items of clothing and some food packets were sent to the victims.

--IANS

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Writer-producer Agnes Nixon, known as the grande dame of daytime drama for creating, writing, and producing soap operas including "All My Children", "One Life to Live" and "Search for Tomorrow", is dead. She was 93.

Nixon died on Wednesday in Rosemont, Illinois, after suffering complications from Parkinson's disease, reports nytimes.com.

Nixon was regarded as a pioneer for women in television, who transformed the traditional soap opera by weaving real-world issues into her shows.

She famously modelled the fictional Pine Valley setting of "All My Children" on the suburban region where she lived outside Philadelphia. She kept her home base there even as the TV production company she ran with her husband, Robert Nixon, expanded.

A native of Chicago, Agnes attended Northwestern University and decided to focus on a career as a writer.

Over her long career, Nixon earned five Daytime Emmy Awards and five Writers Guild Awards, among many other honours. She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2010. She received a lifetime achievement honour from the Daytime Emmy Awards the same year.

Nixon is survived by three daughters, a son, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Robert Nixon died in 1996.

--IANS

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BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the Indian Army after the troops carried out surgical strikes across the LoC.

"I congratulate Modi, Parrikar and Indian Army for surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," Shah said in a statement.

"The army has shown exemplary valour and courage by carrying out surgical strikes on the launching pads and trainning camps of terrorists in PoK," the Bharatiya Janata Party leader added.

Shah said it was for the first time that the army had inflicted heavy damage on terrorists without any loss to the Indian side.

"After a long battle against terrorism, for the first time, damage was inflicted on the breeding centres of terrorism and a befitting reply given to terrorists. Today, all countrymen feels proud of the army," Shah said.

Earlier, in a series of tweets Shah hailed the army and said the action "reaffirms the army's valour and commitment to the nation's security".

--IANS

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A Dhaka court on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against Tarique Rahman, son of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in a sedition case, media reported.

Along with Tarique, who is Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP, the former ETV chairman Abdus Salam, its chief reporter Mahathir Faruqui Khan and special correspondent Kanak Sarwar were also accused in the case.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sharafuzzaman Ansari passed the order after accepting the charge sheet filed in Tejgaon police station, Dhaka Tribune reported.

The court has also asked the officer-in-charge of the police station to submit a report regarding the execution of the arrest by November 1.

On September 7, the Detective Branch pressed charges against the four in connection with the sedition case filed in January last year, the Daily Star news reported.

The case was filed against them on charges of broadcasting a "false, fabricated, and provocative" speech given by Tarique on January 5, last year.

Tarique, also the elder son of former President Ziaur Rahman, was accused in 19 other cases.

--IANS

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Philippine President said on Wednesday that the joint war games between the United States and the Philippine marines in October will be the last.

"So I am serving notice now to the Americans. I will maintain the military alliance, the PH-US pact which our countries signed in the early 50s. But I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce. I will serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," Xinhua news agency quoted Duterte as saying in a speech before the Filipino community in Hanoi, Vietnam where he is on an overnight working visit.

Starting Tuesday next week, about 1,400 US marines, sailors based in Okinawa, Japan will take part in the Amphibious Landing Exercise with about 500 Philippine troops on multiple locations in the Philippine main Luzon island and Palawan, the province facing the South China Sea.

Duterte said on Monday that he would open up all avenues of trade and commerce for China and Russia, adding that he is about to "cross the Rubicon between me and the United States".

"I am about to cross the Rubicon with the US It is a point of no return," he said in a speech during an oath-taking event at the Malacanang presidential palace.

On Tuesday, Duterte accused the United States of "undermining" the Philippines currency, causing the Philippine peso to tumble against the US dollar.

"The Americans are undermining us now. They are manipulating.. the peso weakened," Duterte said in a speech at the Philippine marine headquarters in Taguig.

The Philippine peso hit a seven-year low on Monday, closing at 48.25 to a dollar, the weakest since the close of 48.335 on September 15, 2009.
The second edition of the European Higher Fair that kicks off here Friday has attracted a record 125 institutions, including a few in the Top 100 in world university rankings.

It is for the first time that so many institutions from the 26 European Union (EU) member-states are coming together on a single platform in India.

Aimed at Indian students looking to go abroad for higher studies, the fair allows them an opportunity to interact with university representatives and explore educational, scholarship and career opportunities in the EU, a release said.

With almost 50,000 Indian students, the EU has emerged as their second-most preferred destination globally -- next only to the UK.

The fair will showcase some of the top institutions in Europe. As many as 21 participating universities are ranked in this year's Times Higher World University Rankings Top 400, and four figure in the Top 100.

Although the UK attracts the most Indian students, EU countries like Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Finland and Spain are becoming increasingly popular.

Even lesser-known European countries like Cyprus or Lithuania are now hosting more than 500 Indian students, the release said.

Most Indian students go to Europe for engineering degrees -- mainly computer science, information systems, mechanical, electronics and electrical streams.

The trends are, however, changing as Indian students are now also choosing EU for courses in accounting and finance, bio-science, economics, law, medicine or the arts.

Though popular perception is that the EU presents language problems, the release said that some 12,500 undergraduate programmes and a significant proportion of graduate programs are taught in English in all 28 EU countries.

--IANS

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India said on Thursday it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan and inflicted heavy casualties. Islamabad insisted there had been only cross-border clashes that left two of its soldiers dead.

Eleven days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Special Forces targeted "some terrorist teams" positioned on the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday night, the military said.

"During these counter-terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who support them," Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Director General Military Operations (DGMO), told the media.

As Indian authorities ordered a high alert along the border areas of Punjab and Gujarat and said it was ready for any retaliation by Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sounded a warning to New Delhi.

Villagers in a 10-km border belt in Punjab in India were ordered to move to safer places, while schools were shut in the entire area. Leave of police as well as medical personnel there was cancelled.

Across the border in Neelum Valley in Pakistan, authorities banned the movement of vehicles near the LoC, ordered primary schools shut and warned people not to loiter in the vicinity, according to Geo News.

Minutes after India announced the surgical strikes on Thursday, Sharif denounced what he said was "unprovoked and naked aggression" by Indian forces.

"Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness," he said. Pakistan can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan", he added.

The Pakistani military said there were no surgical strikes by India, and "instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon.

"The same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops," it said. "The notion of surgical strikes linked to alleged terrorist bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India."

Terrorists fighting Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir are known to be based in the Pakistani part of divided Kashmir and are said to enjoy the backing of both the Pakistani military and terrorist groups aligned with Pakistani intelligence.

As temperatures mounted in the region, with the Saarc summit scheduled in Islamabad in November under a shadow following a boycott by India, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, the government convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi and shared details of the overnight surgical strikes.

The Indian forces did not release details but some reports said that Indian Special Forces had gone three kilometers across the LoC and eliminated 38 terrorists before retreating.

Gen Ranbir Singh said the terrorists in the surgical strikes had planned "to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country.

"The operation was basically focussed to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country," he said.

The DGMO said the operation had since ceased. "We do not have plans of further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise."

The Indian action was based on "very specific and credible information", he added.

Thursday also saw Pakistani military shelling Indian positions across the LoC -- which divides Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries -- at Danesh and Lakshmi posts in Naugam sector, the state Police said. The Indian military retaliated.

Pakistan said the exchange of fire began at 2.30 a.m. and continued till 8.00 a.m., leaving two Pakistani soldiers dead.

"Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors," it said.

The Indian DGMO said he also spoke to his Pakistani counterpart and told him about the operation.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region but we cannot -- certainly not -- allow the terrorists to operate across the LoC with impunity and attack the citizens of the country.

"We expect the Pakistan Army to cooperate with us to erase the menace of terrorism from our region," he added.

--IANS

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India said on Thursday it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC inflicting heavy casualties, triggering a sharp warning from Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Eleven days after terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Special Forces targeted "some terrorist teams" positioned at launch pads on the Line of Control (LoC), the military announced.

"During these counter-terrorist operation, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who support them," Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Director General Military Operations (DGMO), told the media here.

The announcement followed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pakistan denied any surgical strike by India but admitted to the death of two soldiers in cross-LoC firing by Indian troops.

Sharif warned that Pakistan's "intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness".

Gen Ranbir Singh said the targeted terrorists had planned "to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country.

"The operation was basically focussed to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country," he said.

Gen Ranbir Singh said the operation had since ceased. "We do not have plans of further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrived."

The surgical strikes were based on "very specific and credible information", he said.

The Pakistani military said there were no surgical strikes by India, "instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon.

"As per rules of engagement, the same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops. The notion of surgical strikes linked to alleged terrorist bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India."

On Thursday, Pakistani military shelled Indian positions across the Line of Control -- which divides Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries -- at Danesh and Lakshmi posts in Naugam sector, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said. The Indian military retaliated.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations said the exchange of fire began at 2.30 a.m. and continued till 8.00 a.m., leaving two Pakistani soldiers dead.

"Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors," it said.

Minutes after India announced the surgical strikes on Thursday, Prime Minister Sharif denounced what he called was an "unprovoked and naked aggression" by Indian forces.

"Our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of our country," Sharif said.

He said Pakistan can "thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan".

The Indian DGMO said he spoke to his Pakistani counterpart and "explained our concerns and also shared with him the operation that we had conducted.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region but we cannot -- certainly not -- allow the terrorists to operate across the LoC with impunity and attack the citizens of the country.

"We expect the Pakistan Army to cooperate with us to erase the menace of terrorism from our region," he added.

"Indian troops are effectively retaliating Pakistani firing. Exchanges are still going on in the area," the police added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
PHOENIX -- Saying the move will harm First Amendment rights, Attorney General Mark Brnovich late Wednesday asked a federal judge to block or at least delay Sunday's proposed handover by the federal government of the agency in charge of coordinating Internet names and addresses.

The lawsuit comes barely 48 hours before the Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are slated to turn over the reins of a little-known organization responsible for assigning Internet domain names and addresses. Brnovich, in his lawsuit joined by three other attorneys general, listed a series of harms he said could befall not just government agencies like his but the ability of U.S. citizens to post their views for all the world to see, including the effective censorship of some Internet voices by making them impossible to find.

He acknowledged, though, that it could be difficult to get a federal judge to act fast enough.

At the heart of the legal spat is Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.

In essence what ICANN does is assure that each web site has its own unique multi-digit address. As the Internet developed, it also allowed for unique domain names so someone could go to"Arizona.gov" instead of having to remember "159.87.85.253" which is the official address.

Finally, it decides on appropriate suffixes for names, like .com, .gov and .org, specific suffixes for individual countries like .at for Austria, as well as authorizing new suffixes like .xxx for adult sites.

While ICANN has operated under contract with the federal government, that is set to expire at the end of the day Saturday. At that point, control would go to an international consortium of business, public interest groups and governments.

Congress has debated the advisability of the U.S. government losing control but has yet to approve any legislation. It also has become a political issue with even Donald Trump wading in against the transfer.

But with time running out, Brnovich is making a federal case of it, literally.

Part of the lawsuit is based on the contention that the authority to oversee ICANN is a "property right.''

"Absent congressional permission, government officials may not release or otherwise dispose of government property,'' he argues.

But Brnovich said there are bigger concerns for individuals.

He said Commerce Department oversight ensures "accountability'' that the system is fairly administered. Brnovich said an international organization, one potentially under the influence of terrorist states, could make changes that would undermine all that.

"We all want the Internet to be free of state control,'' he said. "You could end up in a situation where you could have other third parties controlling the Internet.''

For example, he said the key to people having access to publish information on the Internet lies with that "root zone file,'' the list of unique addresses. It is that, coupled with the attached name, that ensures others can find the site.

"Without inclusion in the root zone file, a person wishing to speak on the Internet could publish content, but that content would be near-impossible to find and the speaker would be virtually deprived of any audience that could hear the speech,'' Brnovich is arguing to the federal court.

He also said it amounts to requiring people to get a license to use the Internet from a group that would have "unbridled discretion'' of who gets one. And that, he said, becomes "prior restraint that may result in censorship.''

Brnovich acknowledged to Capitol Media Services that he is working on the premise that the United States government would do a better job protecting the Internet than a new international group. But the attorney general said there is reason to be wary.

"If you like what the United Nations has done for peace in the world, that's what you can expect an international organization will do for the Internet,'' he said. He specifically mentioned the kind of resolutions that are passed by the U.N. Security Council, resolutions that sometimes are stopped only by the fact the United States exercises veto power.

That still leaves the question of timing, with Brnovich and AGs from Texas, Nevada and Utah seeking federal court action between now and Sunday.

Brnovich acknowledged that he and the others have known for months about the handover plans. But he said they were hoping that Congress would have acted by now.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Thursday said it would be "impossible" for Brexit talks to result in a deal that gave Britons more rights than others outside the European Union (EU).

Renzi told the BBC that he had been shocked and saddened by the referendum result, but repeated Prime Minister Theresa May's vow that "Brexit is Brexit" saying democracy had to be respected.

But he said that a debate could only begin once the UK had triggered article 50 -- the official procedure for it to start leaving the EU -- and he warned: "It will be impossible to give to British people more rights than other people outside the EU."

"The people of the UK decided the way for the future," Renzi said.

"Now the situation is that we can -- and we have to -- build the best alliance between the UK and the EU for the future because we will be the best friends for the next years."

"And at the same time I think this decision could push European leaders to invest in a new way for Europe," the Italian Premier added.

Renzi also blamed the exit on David Cameron, saying the former Prime Minister had tried to solve internal problems within the Conservatives by calling the EU referendum.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Valley on Thursday remained shut for the 83rd consecutive day with heavy security deployment in Srinagar and other parts as the separatists have issued another weekly protest calendar extending the shutdown till October 6.

However, there was no curfew anywhere in the Valley, a senior police official said.

Main markets, public transport and other businesses have remained suspended.

All educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities have remained shut since the present unrest began on July 9.

Eighty seven civilians have died and nearly 12,000, including civilians and security forces were injured in clashes during this period.
US Secretary of State John Kerry earlier this week called up External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and conveyed his condolences for those killed in the Uri terror attack and "offered full cooperation", sources said on Thursday.

Kerry called up Sushma Swaraj on September 27 in New York and welcomed her to the US as she had gone there to address the UN General Assembly.

Kerry "conveyed his condolences on the Uri terrorist attack, offered full cooperation, and complimented India for its decision to ratify the Paris Climate Change Agreement," according to sources.

The September 18 terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir left 18 Indian soldiers dead. The attack has led to a marked downslide in bilateral relations.

--IANS

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Ladakh -- once the hub of the ancient Silk Route -- is aptly described as a place where Buddhist spirituality and its ancient culture reign supreme amidst virgin nature.

It's a cold desert in northern India, dotted by tiny hamlets spread over the Himalayan peaks adjoining Tibet, where one can simultaneously have a close brush with sunburn and frostbite in summer.

Leh, the headquarters of Ladakh, is connected by road -- open only five months a year due to heavy snowfall -- from Srinagar and the distance of 434 km takes two days with a night halt at Kargil town; and almost equidistant from the picturesque Manali tourist resort in Himachal Pradesh via the picturesque Lahaul Valley. The latter route is more treacherous.

Travelling by air is the most convenient way to reach Leh, available round the year.

"It's a place where spirituality and culture co-exist, where traditional life is thriving by adapting green, modern technologies. It's truly called a crown jewel," remarked British tourist Alfred Martin.

For Malaysia-born Michelle Yeoh, famous for her role in Ang Lee's Oscar-winning martial arts love story "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", visiting the "rooftop of the world" is a spiritual journey. The analogy, however, was not exactly appropriate as the expression "Roof of the World" generally refers to Tibet.

"It's a spiritual journey for me every time. This land of high mountain passes always reminds me of a stronghold of Buddhist art, culture and spirituality and this spirit of purity is rarely seen elsewhere in the world," Yeoh told IANS.

She was in Ladakh earlier this month for the week-long Naropa festival, a once-in-12-year celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Indian saint Naropa, at the famed 17th century Hemis monastery, located 40 km from Leh.

"From July till late October is the best period to explore ancient monasteries and trek to a host of mountain passes," remarked tour operator Sonam Dawa in Leh.

Ladakh reported a tourism boom in 2015, attracting 146,501 visitors, including 19,075 foreigners, up more than 25 percent from the previous year, according to the local administration.

This year, till July, it saw 161,444 tourists and a majority of the foreigners were from Israel, France, Britain and the US.

The entire Ladakh region is populated mainly by tribals. The climatic conditions are harsh as much of the land is a cold desert where the mercury remains below minus 30 degrees Celsius in winter for weeks on end.

The staple food is barley, wheat, peas, rice, rapeseed and salted tea mixed with yak butter.

From the world-acclaimed Hemis monastery to Druk Padma Karpo School, also known as "Rancho's School" after the Aamir Khan character in the film '3 Idiots', these places speak about the unique spirit of Ladakh, from an ancient past to the innovative present.

Built in 1630 by Druk Staktsang Raspa, a student of the fifth Gyalwang Drukpa, the monastery holds the Hemis Festival every year in summer in honour of Guru Padmasambhava, the eight century Indian guru revered for spreading Buddhism in the Himalayas.

The monastery's museum is a repository of an astounding 1,500 artefacts, some dating back 1,400 years.

Just an hour's steep uphill hike from the Hemis Monastery takes you to the Gotsang cave and retreat centre, a spiritual journey.

Chemdrey, one of Ladakh's greatest fortress monasteries, is 45 km from Leh, en route to the picturesque Nubra Valley and the world's highest salt water lake Panggong that freezes in winter.

The statute of Padmasambhava is the most important statue in the Chemdrey monastery.

The Shrey Palace, located 15 km south of Leh, houses a 12-foot statute of Buddha in the temple of Shakyamuni, one of the largest metal statues in Ladakh.

The palace, which boasts of a view of 108 stupas , is owned by a royal family of Ladakh. Monks of the Drukpa lineage are taking care of it.

Adventure and thrills lie west of Leh.

The mighty Indus and Zanskar rivers are popular for whitewater rafting. The place where the blue waters of the Zanskar and the green of the Indus join, some 36 km from Leh, is known for its most beautiful views.

There is also the famous Sikh shrine, Gurdwara Patar Sahib, managed by the Indian Army, 20 km from Leh.

Getting to Leh:

How to travel: In summer, by public or private transport. From Manali to Leh via Keylong; From Srinagar to Leh via Kargil.

Leh is connected by air from Delhi and Jammu.

Where to stay in Leh: Small hotels, guest houses and even homestays with local people. Interestingly, there are no houses left in Leh, only guest houses.

Buddhist leader The Gyalwang Drukpa, the spiritual head of the 1,000-year-old Drukpa Order, is promoting homestays among the locals by adopting eco-friendly ways.

(Vishal Gulati was in Leh at the invitation of the Gyalwang Drukpa. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Popularly known as Bollywood's heartthrob, actor Ranbir Kapoor says love is a magical addiction and beyond one's control.

The 34-year-old has melted many hearts with his effortless portrayal of a romantic boy in films like "Saawariya", "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", "Barfi!", and will next be seen in "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil".

"Love is a magical addiction and a feeling beyond your control!" Ranbir said in a statement.

Ranbir will be seen talking about his idea of 'love' in an exclusive promo shot for the second season of "Addicted to Love" on Romedy Now.

Talking about the promo, Ranbir said: "The classics, all time romantic Hollywood movies lined up for the 'Addicted to Love S2' on Romedy Now will help you relive the indefinable feeling through these love stories!"

The "Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani" star is hoping that the audience will like his next "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", which also features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan.

"My latest release, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', is one such love saga that I hope the viewers will enjoy! Being a romantic myself, I could not have got a better platform than this to talk about my upcoming release," he added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government would continue to hold peace talks with the Manipur-based terror outfit  Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) and the second round of the bi-partite talks is scheduled on October 5, an official said here on Thursday.

The first round of talks between the government and the HPC-D was held on August 10.

"We would continue to hold talks with the HPC-D. The second round of talks between the state officials and the representatives of the outfit would be held on October 5 in Aizawl," Home Department Additional Secretary Lalbiakzama said.

He said: "We are hopeful that a positive outcome might emerge out of the talks."

The official, however, refused to divulge the issues discussed at the first round.

An official of the Home Department told IANS that the HPC-D delegation did not include cadres of the extremist outfit but six human rights activists and civilians from Mizoram and Manipur.

The negotiations between the state government and the HPC-D reached a standoff in 2013 on the issue of extension of the period of suspension of operations.

A six-month ceasefire between the Mizoram government and the militant outfit expired on July 31, 2013.

After the talks broke down previously over suspension of operations against the terror group, a host of leaders of the outfit were arrested.

The Manipur based militant outfit of the Hmar tribals has been triggering intermittent violent activities in Mizoram since 1994 demanding a separate autonomous district council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution by carving out areas adjoining southern Manipur, northern Mizoram and southern Assam.

On March 28, 2015, the HPC-D guerillas attcked a legislator's convoy near Zokhawthlang village in north Mizoram, leaving three policemen dead and six others seriously wounded.

Mizoram is the first and only state in India which received Rs 182.45 crore from the central government in 2000-01 as "Peace Bonus" for keeping peace after decades of insurgency.

After Mizo Front's founder leader Laldenga, a former Indian Army official, became Chief Minister in 1986 when his group took to mainstream politics, peace and law and order had returned to the Christian-majority Mizoram.
Harley-Davidson Indias music and motorcycle festival will travel from Friday to November 2016 across Hyderabad, New Delhi, Nagpur, Kolkata, Lucknow and Jaipur.

Pulsating music and roaring Harley-Davidson engines will set the tone yet again as Harley Rock Riders (HRR) return for the event's Season 7. The festival has been instrumental in promoting homegrown bands and artistes by giving them a platform to showcase their talent.

This year, Bengaluru-based heavy metal band Girish and The Chronicles will begin the first leg of HRR at Hyderabad on Friday and one of India's pioneers in rock music, Valentine Shipley will take centre stage at New Delhi, Nagpur, Kolkata, Lucknow and finally at Jaipur on November 19.

Pallavi Singh, Director - Marketing, Harley-Davidson India, said in a statement: "Over the past six years, we have successfully created a platform to bring music and motorcycle lovers together, both bound by their burning desire for self-expression. This year, we are excited to take the Harley Rock Riders experience to newer audiences and destinations where there is a growing aspiration of the Harley-Davidson lifestyle."

Festival-goers can also indulge in the Harley-Davidson lifestyle through the spectacular fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that will be on display at the venue along with customised Harley-Davidson motorcycles at the exclusive Harley parking only zone.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Information and Broadcasting Minister on Thursday urged Pakistan to "realise" its responsibility and make up for its "folly" in aiding and abetting terrorism against India.

"Pakistan should realise the folly and stop aiding and abetting terrorism," Naidu told reporters here.

The Union minister also asserted that the country is "safe" in the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army.

"The country is safe in the hands of Prime Minister and the Indian Army, and that is why, Indians from across the globe are appreciating the operation carried out last night," Naidu pointed out.

He said now that India had shown firmness in dealing with terror and made the surgical strikes, at least now "Pakistan should realise its responsibility to ensure peace in the region".

The remarks come close on the heels of announcement made by Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh that the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes against terror launch pads across the Line of Control.

The I&B Minister said the operation carried out by the Indian Army on Wednesday night was in line with the mandate the armed forces were given to "counter and foil" terror strikes against India.

"India has been urging Pakistan that its territories should not be used for terror activities," he said adding that nothing much had, however, happened on that front.

Moreover, Naidu said the promise made by Pakistan in January 2004 during the stint of Atal Bihari Vajpayee that its territories would not be allowed to be misused to support terrorism was also not kept.

"They did not walk the talk and have been aiding, abetting and funding terrorism and supporting them to infiltrate into India," he said.

It is "unfortunate" that Pakistan had chosen to support terrorism, the minister said, pointing out that such actions had only threatened peace not only in the region but across the world.
A North Korean soldier defected to the South on Thursday through the border separating the two countries, defence officials said.

The soldier crossed the frontier through the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on foot and unarmed, a spokesperson from the Defence Ministry told EFE news.

He added South Korea has opened an investigation to find out details of the defection, including what led to it.

The South's armed forces posted near the border have also raised their alert owing to the possibility of a "provocation" from the North's army in retaliation to the defection, he stated.

The DMZ, a strip of land with tight security on both sides, is a rare choice of place to flee from North Korea to South Korea, and only 60 dissidents, including both civilians and military personnel, from the Kim Jong-un-led country have managed to make the crossover since 2010.

The last North Korean soldier to have made the passage through the DMZ was in June last year, in a week-long journey through the forest in order to escape the beatings he received in the North's Army.

In the last few years, between 1,000 to 3,000 North Koreans, including soldiers, have crossed over to the South but mostly through North Korea's northern border with China.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reached an agreement to freeze oil output after an meeting held here on Wednesday.

The Head of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said at a press conference after the meeting, during which the cartel's members agreed to cap its oil output between 32.5 and 33 million barrels a day, Xinhua news agency reported.

The OPEC official dubbed the meeting of Algiers "historical", thanking Algeria for offering such an opportunity to gather and decide on a crucial issue related to oil market.

Al-Sada noted that after a six-hour meeting, the 14 members agreed to reduce oil output, adding that a committee has been set up to consider the output share of each member nation.

A report should be drawn up by the committee, and then filed to the next OPEC meeting due in Vienna in November, the head of OPEC specified.

The official further indicated that the committee is also meant to coordinate a collective agreement between the cartel's members in a bid to accelerate the process of re-balancing the oil market "by sharing the burden of adjusting the output between both OPEC and non-OPEC producers".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Derek Thiam Soon Heng was seven-years-old watching the hit movie Raiders of the Lost Ark when he got hooked on history and the past became his future.

I never quite lost the passion for seeking treasures from the ancient past, said Heng, the new Department of History Chair at Northern Arizona University, who brings to campus expertise in world trade issues, historic economics, Asian culture, socio-political structures, South China Sea shipwrecks and more.

From a boyhood spent marveling at Taipeis National Palace Museum, to participating in an archaeological dig in Singapore at age 21, to his recent research on the Khmer Empire and Asian economics, Heng will use his love for the past to help students succeed today.

Heng said he will build an awareness of the global competition students face upon graduation and entry into the job market. He also plans to develop new areas of teaching and research highlighting Southeast Asia and China.

Prior to coming to NAU, Heng was the Head of Studies for History at Yale-NUS College in Singapore  one of only a handful of liberal arts colleges in Asia. He has received fellowships, numerous research grants, authored many scholarly papers and book chapters.

Heng earned a PhD in Southeast Asian Studies, History from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, a masters degree in Art and Archaeology from School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, and a bachelors degree in History and European Studies from the National University of Singapore.

He served in the Singapore Armed Forces, worked as a translator in international trade fairs in Singapore, marketed antiquities at a commercial art gallery in London and most recently served as a board member for the National Heritage Board in Singapore.

Heng can be reached at Derek.Heng@nau.edu.
US National Security Advisor Susan Rice spoke to her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and said that the US has reiterated that Pakistan must "take effective action to combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorists and terror groups.

Rice spoke to Doval just ahead of the Indian Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday night.

On September 18, in a cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army garrison at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, 18 soldiers lost their lives.

In a press statement on Wednesday, US National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price said that Rice "strongly condemned the September 18 cross-border attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters in Uri and offered condolences to the victims and their families".

"Ambassador Rice affirmed President (Barack) Obama's commitment to redouble our efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world," Price said.

"Highlighting the danger that cross-border terrorism poses to the region, Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that Pakistan take effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates," he said.

India has blamed the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the Uri attack.

The attack came amid large-scale violence in Jammu and Kashmir that has claimed around 90 lives following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani in July.

On Tuesday, India announced its decision to pull out of the 19th South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 9-10.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan too followed suit citing state sponsorship of terrorism as the reason.

In his statement, Price said that in the context of the strong India-US relationship, Rice, in her conversation with Doval, "discussed our shared commitment with India to pursuing peace and regional stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations".

On Thursday, India's Director General Military Operations Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, at a media briefing in New Delhi, said that the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and caused "significant casualties" to the "terrorists and those who support them".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nearly 600 more US troops will be dispatched to Iraq in coming weeks to reinforce Iraqi government forces to take back the city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS), announced on Wednesday.

Currently there are some 4,647 US soldiers authorised to deploy in Iraq. The additional forces will enhance the authorised level to about 5,200, Xinhua news agency reported.

These troops will not spearhead the attack, said spokesman Peter Cook. Instead, they will provide logistics support, training and advice for the Iraqi forces.

The Iraqi governmental forces also got Apache attack helicopters and a HIMARS rocket system. Large amounts of funding were sent to the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, local media reported, quoting sources as saying that an offensive in Mosul might begin in October.

Earlier this month, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met privately with US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, seeking for more logistics support from Pentagon.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wants to end joint military drills with the US to emphasise his country's independence from that country, the presidential spokesperson said on Thursday.

Duterte on Wednesday announced his intention to put an end to the regular military exercises between the US and Philippine armed forces in a speech in Vietnam where he is on an official visit, EFE news reported.

"(Duterte) wants to mark the course of a free and independent Philippines ... He sees it as something that will bring well-being and prosperity to the nation," spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

Although Abella seemed to be hinting at a shift in the country's foreign policy, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay had clarified after the speech that Duterte was referring to joint patrols in international waters.

Duterte said the drill between the US and the Philippines starting from October 4 and 12 in Luzon and Palawan regions, with the participation of around 2,000 soldiers, will be the last ones.

In recent weeks, Duterte has been reaching out to Russia and China, and moving away from the US, a country that has historically been one of its major allies.

So far, both countries have maintained the same strategy against Beijing in the South China Sea territorial dispute, with Washington supporting Manila in modernization and training of its armed forces.

Although Duterte has assured that he will respect the military agreements that allow the US to use Philippine bases and increase its presence in the region, he has also expressed on numerous occasions his desire to seek a more independent foreign policy.

Bilateral relations have deteriorated since Duterte assumed presidency in June and began a violent campaign against drug trafficking, which has left more than 3,500 dead.

The President has come under severe criticism for his aggressive anti-drugs campaign from Washington and others.

In a counter-attack, he had denounced the hypocrisy of the US and protested against the massacres the latter allegedly carried out in the early 20th century in southern Philippines, which was once an American colony.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Villages along Punjab's border with Pakistan were put on high alert on Thursday after the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on the LoC, official sources said.

Schools in the border belt were ordered closed following the escalation of tension along the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir, the sources said.

There were reports that the Punjab government, following directions from the union home ministry, could order evacuation of villages in a 10-km area along the border with Pakistan in Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called a meeting in this regard later on Thursday.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan that is manned by the para-military Border Security Force (BSF)

Being a frontier state, Punjab has seen most action in both the wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Punjab was on maximum alert on Thursday while villagers close to the border with Pakistan have been told to move to safer locations following Indian "surgical strikes" across the LoC.

"Punjab is in a state of maximum alert," Harcharan Bains, the advisor to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, said here.

He said appropriate steps were being taken to ensure the safety of people in the border areas with Pakistan.

Bains said the state cabinet would meet on Thursday evening, to be chaired by Badal, to take stock of the situation and take appropriate action.

The Punjab government has ordered the evacuation of villages in a 10-km belt along the border with Pakistan following the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the Line of Control.

The union Home Ministry on Thursday directed the Punjab government to get the border villages evacuated.

Local authorities used loudspeakers of gurdwaras to announce to residents in the border villages to leave their homes and villages and move to safer zones.

All schools and other institutions in the border belt have been ordered shut. All leave of Punjab Police and medical personnel in the border areas has been cancelled.

Punjab's border districts include Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Abohar and Fazilka.

Informed sources said the Border Security Force (BSF) was mobilizing its troops and strengthening the security along the border.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.

The BSF has cancelled the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border joint check-post (JCP) at Attari, 30 km from Amritsar, officials said.

The BSF and district authorities have asked visitors and tourists not to move towards Attari for the ceremony on Thursday. It is not clear when the ceremony will resume.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Shortly after an announcement that India carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday informed key national leaders and chief ministers about the military operations.

According to official sources here, the Home Minister also informed Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.

The government has convened an all-party meeting in the capital on Thursday which will be addressed among others by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the all-party meeting, Rajnath Singh was likely to brief leaders about internal security situation in the country, sources said.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari were also apprised about the strikes.

On Thursday, Pakistani military shelled Indian positions across the Line of Control (LoC) -- which divides Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries -- at Danesh and Lakshmi posts in Naugam sector, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said. The Indian military retaliated.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations said the exchange of fire began at 2.30 a.m. and continued till 8.00 a.m., leaving two Pakistani soldiers dead.

--IANS

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The Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale over the "unprovoked" cross-border firing by Indian Army in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

According to Foreign Office sources, Pakistan "strongly" condemned the firing across the Line of Control, Geo TV reported.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry handed over the protest note to Bambawale, sources said.

India on Thursday said that its army carried out cross-border "surgical strikes" on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani territory.

Pakistan has denied that surgical strikes were carried out.

The Foreign Office, earlier in a statement, strongly condemned the "unprovoked ceasefire violations at LoC by Indian forces", which it termed as "a continuation of a pattern of cease fire violations committed by the Indian forces".

It said that "any such aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished".

Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in the cross-border firing.

--IANS

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Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) on Thursday hailed the Indian Army for conducting surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control, inflicting massive casualties and said that the entire country is in support of the government.

"By conducting successful strikes on terrorists launching pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Indian Army has proved its capability. Congratulations Indian Army," the said in a statement.

"Keeping aside our internal differences, the entire country is in support of the Indian government in any such action," the statement added.

An unspecified number of terrorists and Pakistani troops were killed in the late Wednesday operation across Kupwara and Poonch sectors as the army moved Special Forces into Pakistan-held Kashmir.
The Supreme Court will pronounce its order on the Bihar government's plea, challenging the bail granted to criminal-turned-politician in Rajiv Roshan murder case, on September 29.

The two-judge-bench constitutted by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Amitava Roy, will pass the ruling after hearing the concluding arguments from both sides, where Shahabuddin's counsel had shifted the blame on the state government.



The defense lawyer said that despite taking cognizance of thye case on February 25, 2015, Shahabuddin had not been served the chargesheet till date--a mandatory requirement under the criminal law.

Shahabuddin's counsel told the court that Bihar government was delaying the trial.

Senior counsel, Shekhar Naphade, told the court that shifting Shahabuddin from Siwan to Bhagalpur Central Jail was also part of the delay.

"It is a conscious attempt on their (Bihar government) part that trial should not proceed. The moment the trial starts it will not stand as there is no evidence of alleged conspiracy against me," Naphade told the court.

Countering this, the Bihar government said that Shahabuddin had challenged the order taking cognizance of the chargesheet and it is unthinkable that he could have done it without having a copy.

(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.)
Suspected scam

A Flagstaff woman reported being bilked out of money by a con man pretending to be her grandson.

According to the Flagstaff Police Department report, the woman received a phone call from a blocked number at approximately 11 a.m. Sept. 22. She told police the man on the other end of the line sounded like her grandson. He told her he was in a jail in Mexico City for accidentally injuring someone and needed her to send money to bail him out. He also told her a drug cartel would come after him if she told anyone else about his imprisonment.

The suspect had the woman speak with someone claiming to be her grandson's lawyer. He instructed the woman to purchase a large number of iTunes gift cards, then give him the pin numbers.

The suspect called again the next day telling her to purchase more iTunes gift cards and give him the pin numbers, which she did.

The victim reported the calls to the police this Monday after she was able to get in touch with her actual grandson. He was not in a Mexican jail and had no knowledge of the suspected scam.

The investigation is ongoing.

Charged with DUI

 Flagstaff police arrested Katie Marie Chatham, 27, of North Main Street on DUI and hit-and-run charges at 12:24 a.m. Tuesday.

City and county residents who want to report a crime but wish to remain anonymous may call Silent Witness at 774-6111 or (877) 29-CRIME, submit a tip online at www.coconinosilentwitness.org, or text the word Flagtip along with your information to 274637 (CRIMES). Rewards of up to $2,000 are given for information that leads to an arrest.
The Supreme Court will pronounce on Friday its order on the Bihar government's plea challenging the bail granted to RJD strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin in the Rajiv Roshan murder case.

The September 7 order of the Patna High Court granting bail to Shahabuddin was initially challenged by one Chandrakeshwar Prasad, whose three sons -- third one being Rajiv Roshan -- were killed allegedly by Shahabuddin's henchmen.

The bench of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Amitava Roy gave the ruling at the conclusion of arguments.

Shahabuddin's counsel Shekhar Naphade told the court that although cognizance of the case was taken on February 25, 2015, he had not been served the charge-sheet to date, despite its being a mandatory requirement under criminal law.

Naphade on Thursday told the court that it was the Bihar government that was delaying the trial, and the shifting of Shahabuddin from Siwan to Bhagalpur Central Jail on May 18, 2016, was also a ploy to that end.

Criticising the alleged delays engineered by the state government, Naphade said that it was contrary to the principle of natural justice, as Shahabuddin was not given a hearing.

"It is a conscious attempt on their (Bihar government) part that the trial should not proceed. The moment the trial starts, it will not stand, as there is no evidence of alleged conspiracy against me (Shahabuddin)," Naphade told the court.

Fortifying his client's bail request, Naphade told the bench that it could saddle him with any condition. The accused would stay in Delhi and never go to Bihar till the end of trial, he added.

Countering this, the Bihar government's counsel argued that Shahabuddin had challenged the order after taking cognizance of the charge-sheet before the session's court, and it was not possible that he did it without having a copy of the document.

Senior counsel Dinesh Dwivedi recounted to the court that the trial court took cognizance on February 25, 2015, and it was challenged by Shahabuddin in a criminal revision on May 25, 2015, and that case lasted for 14 months till his plea was rejected by the session's court on July 22, 2016.

Dwivedi told the bench that when the high court on February 3, 2016 ordered that trial in the case be completed in nine months, it was not told that the entire record of the case was with the session's court, which was seized of the revision petition challenging February 25, 2015, order of cognizance by the trial court.

Counsel Prashant Bhushan, who appeared for Chandrakeshwar Prasad, said that cognizance of charge-sheet was taken on February 25, 2015, thereafter Shahabuddin challenged the order of cognizance. He moved the court thrice for grant of bail, but he never aired the grievance that he had not been given the copy of the charge-sheet, he pointed out.

Bhushan asked that even if there was delay of nine months, could it be the basis for grant of bail to a criminal who had been convicted in 10 cases, awarded life imprisonment in two cases, 10-year sentence in one and also facing charges under the Arms Act.

It was only now that his counsel was telling the top court, that too in an oral argument, that he had not been provided the copy of the charge-sheet. He said that there was not even a whisper since February 25, 2015, when cognizance was taken, that he had not been supplied with a copy of charge-sheet.

Defending Shahabuddin's shifting to Bhagalpur jail, Bhushan told the bench that jail authorities in Siwan were at the beck and call of Shahabuddin and he used to leave the jail at his will and was present when Chandrakeshwar Prasad's two sons were killed by his henchmen.

--IANS

pk/nir/sac

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The army on Thursday launched a search for terrorists along the Loc in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district after the Indian and Pakistani militaries exchanged fire.

"Search operations have been started in Mendhar sector following the ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army," a police official said here.

He said the searches were mounted to find out if terrorists had sneaked into India under the cover of Pakistani fire.

The Pakistan Army resorted to firing and mortar shelling at Indian positions in Mendhar sector of the Line of Control around 4 a.m.

--IANS

sq/nir/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Security has been tightened in Rajasthan along the country's border with Pakistan after India's surgical strikes across the Line of Control, official sources said on Thursday.

"Troops in Rajasthan are in a state of high alertness and preparedness to meet any eventuality," army sources told IANS.

A high-level meeting was called by Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria with senior security and state government officials on Thursday.

"The meeting was called to review the situation on the border," a state government official said, adding that villagers living near the border in Rajasthan are not being evacuated at present.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and, in case of any emergency or any eventuality, we will review it," the official added.

Patrolling has been increased along the border, especially during night hours, and police asked to step up search operations in villages and hamlets and keep an eye on suspicious persons or activities.

Eleven days after a terror attack killed 18 soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, India carried out "surgical strikes" on terrorist launch pads across the LoC, inflicting massive casualties and dramatically heightening tensions in the region.

--IANS

as/tsb/dg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A high level delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is attending the 3rd Annual Ministerial Dialogue here on Thursday to enhance bilateral business and commercial linkages between the two countries, an official statement said.

Considering the potential and growth of bilateral trade at a decent pace, the trade ministers of both the countries are likely to explore ways of expeditious conclusion of Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as a basis for expanding two-way trade and investment, a statement from the Commerce Ministry said.

"During the dialogue, India will also address the Temporary Foreign Workers Programmes (TWEP) of Canada which is affecting the Indian IT Industry, equivalance by Canadian Food Inspection Agency for Indian organic product exports and woo investment in different sectors of India," the statement said.

Sitharaman is also scheduled to meet some top business leaders of Canada on Friday to discuss the reforms undertaken in India and prospects for investment in various sectors.

"In addition, both the leaders are expected to discuss regarding recent commercial achievements between both countries, bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, issues relating to intellectual property, in addition to other issues relating to trade and investment," it said.

It is recognised that India and Canada have enormous scope for enhanced bilateral trade relations but the bilateral trade between the two countries has not been up to the potential.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Canada in April 2015, stressed the importance of bilateral business and commercial linkages as key drivers of India-Canada partnership.

--IANS

mm/ask/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fiona Mackeown, mother of slain British teenager Scarlett Keeling, on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure a fair probe into her daughters death by setting up a SIT.

Her lawyer meanwhile accused the CBI of compromising the probe and letting the drug dealers get away.

"I obviously hope, but I will try not to have any expectation against after the verdict in court. I think I have got more of a chance of getting a fair response from the Prime Minister. We thought he would be the best person to go to rather than local judicial authority," Fiona told a press conference here.

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation probe, Scarlett was allegedly sexually assaulted by beach shack workers Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho in February 2008 after plying her with drugs, later leaving her to die at Anjuna beach.

After eight years, since the offence was registered, the Goa Children's Court on Friday had acquitted the two due to lack of evidence.

In her letter, Fiona has requested setting up of a SIT to probe her daughter's death.

"The only person who can possibly intervene in the matter and take it so that the entire complexity of the crime is investigated is the Prime Minister of India, as head of the government and head of the people. So we have written a letter to the Prime Minister and appealed for justice," her counsel Vikram Varma said.

Varma accused the CBI of compromising the probe.

"Keeping in mind the observations of the trial court, we understand this case required not only to be looked at from the perspective of limited evidence available but also to investigate and prosecute those who have destroyed evidence," Varma said.

"People selling cocaine have not been arrested.. . No arrest made against drug mafia or buying and selling cocaine... She (judge) has cast doubts on the integrity of the CBI," he said.

--IANS

maya/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over one lakh tobacco growers across the country on Thursday submitted a written appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow their participation in the official Indian delegation to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Conference of Parties (FCTC COP7).

The farmers, under the banner of Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), have demanded the policy makers to promote balanced regulations to safeguard the interests and livelihood of millions of small farmers and rural workers.

According to FAIFA, the appeal is a demonstration of disappointment and resentment towards WHO-FCTC regulations.

FCTC COP 7 meeting is being hosted by India in Noida between November 7 and 12, 2016.

"It requests the government to reject the extreme FCTC proposals, which are not evidence-based. The farmers plead with the policy makers to promote balanced regulations to safeguard the interests and livelihood of millions of small farmers and rural workers and their families," said B.V. Javare Gowda, President of FAIFA.

"A democratic and participative approach in the formation of the Indian delegation to COP7 will ensure that the farmers' and the industry viewpoint on various proposals arising out of the COP7 agenda is taken cognizance of," said Gowda.

The appeal has also been submitted to various concerned ministries such as the the Health Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, Finance Ministry and the Commerce and Industry Ministry.

--IANS

rup/ask/vt

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said the government was preparing to extend the state of emergency for another three months, a media reported.

Erdogan said the current three-month state of emergency, imposed following the July 15 coup attempt, was not enough, Xinhua news agency reported.

Turkey needs more time to clean all extensions of Gulenists and Kurdistan Workers' Party terrorist organisations, Erdogan said, referring to Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric accused of masterminding the coup attempt.

He noted that the state of emergency does not affect daily life in Turkey and is only for fighting terrorism more effectively.

According to the Turkish constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum of six months.

Erdogan criticised opponents to the state of emergency in Turkey and abroad, saying no one has the right to intervene in Turkey's domestic affairs.

On Wednesday, Turkish National Security Council proposed an extension of the state of emergency beyond the initial three-month period.

--IANS

sm/dg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US State Department has agreed to process for public release before the November 9 election almost 3,000 pages of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's emails recovered by the FBI during their recent probe.

A federal judge previously ordered the State to review 1,050 pages of the Clinton messages before the election. The deal that State submitted to two other federal judges on Wednesday will add 1,850 pages to those already scheduled for processing, Politico reported.

The new agreement calls for the releasable portion of the additional 1,850 pages to be made public on State's website on November 3. The existing schedule, in a case brought by conservative group Judicial Watch, calls for processing sets of 350 pages for posting on each of three days: October 7, October 21 and November 4.

While State has now agreed to process 2,900 pages of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-found emails by the election, far fewer than that may actually be made public by then.

State officials have said their initial appraisal deemed about 5,600 messages sent over by the FBI to be work-related, which could amount to more than 10,000 pages. However, about half those messages could be duplicates and some could still be determined to be personal and withheld in their entirety, Politico reported.

The set of 54,000 pages of messages Clinton turned over to State in late 2014 was made public in a process that wound up in February of this year.

The new messages were recovered by the FBI from various sources, including old computer equipment used by Clinton and her aides. Messages retained by others but not by Clinton are also believed to be part of the FBI collection.
Refusing to support India's decision to pull out from the scheduled 19th followed by Bhutan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Nepal, the present Chair of Saarc, has strongly urged the member countries to ensure the summit was on time.

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement late Wednesday calling all member states to create a conducive environment for the summit scheduled for November 9 and 10, in Islamabad.

As the current Chair of Saarc, the government of Nepal strongly urged that a conducive environment be created for the summit soon by ensuring participation of all member states in line with the spirit of the Saarc Charter, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Nepal's statement might not appease India, as other member nations - Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan - also have not made their position clear on India's decision to pull out from the summit.

The statement further added that the government of Nepal has received communications from the Saarc Secretariat transmitting the diplomatic notes from four Saarc member states - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India, in which they have conveyed their inability to participate in the summit stating that current regional environment was not conducive.

"We have taken this development seriously," the Nepalese government said in the statement.

Officials told IANS that as current Chair of the Saarc, it should be Nepal's priority to resume the regional engagement rather than derailing it.

However, the reason as to why Nepal tried to play the balanced role instead of going against India's interest in the matter was not known.

The eight members regional grouping was now equally split for and against India's position to pull out from the summit.

The September 18 killings of 18 Indian soldiers in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir that India holds Pakistan-based militants responsible for, has renewed tension between the two nations.

In retaliation, India on Tuesday unilaterally announced that "in the prevailing circumstances, the government of India is unable to participate in the proposed summit in Islamabad."

According to the statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs, "the growing interference in the internal affairs of member states by one country have created an environment that is not conducive to the successful holding of the 19th in Islamabad."

Though one country's inability to participate in the summit meant automatic cancellation or postponement, officials in Kathmandu said the it was now the host, Pakistan, who should take a call.
There was high drama in the national media over the last 24 hours. The Director General of Military Operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, said the Indian Army had conducted the previous night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control. The Pakistani army accused India of fabrication of truth. In all this, one thing is clear: India seems to be desperately searching for an option to adequately respond to Pakistan in the aftermath of the attack on the security forces in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir by the Pakistani-sponsored terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad. However, this was not the first attack of its kind. There have been similar provocations in the past  the last one being the attack in Pathankot on an Indian air base in which a number of soldiers were killed, though material damage to the airbase was somewhat less. This time, the search for options against Pakistan is intense because the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is in power now, has been talking of tough actions against Pakistan to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The real options, however, still seem elusive.
A falloff in retail sales in stores has forced Goodwill of Northern Arizona to cut back and reexamine the organizations focus, but leaders hope strengthening partnerships will help the organization continue to serve the community.

Goodwill of Northern Arizona President and CEO David Hirsch said the nonprofit had to make the difficult decision to eliminate 15 of the 203 team members on our payroll. Hirsch said six of the employees work in Flagstaff, two in Cottonwood and seven in Mohave County.

Jackie OClair said her daughter, who has cerebral palsy, was laid off from her position as a greeter at Goodwill, and said she was concerned about job opportunities in the community for adults with disabilities.

However, Hirsch said Goodwill is hoping to rehire many of the people affected by the layoff, or help connect them with other resources to get a new job.

Team members whose positions have been eliminated have first priority in being considered for other available positions for which they are qualified, and it is our hope to be able to keep several of these valued team members on our payroll, Hirsch said in an email.

October 1 will be the last day of work for some employees and October 15 will be the last day for others affected by the layoff.

In the midst of the cut, Hirsch said the organization remains committed to its mission of providing adults with disabilities or other barriers to employment with job opportunities within the organization, and training and experience to receive jobs throughout the community.

Hirsch said 22 percent of Goodwill of Northern Arizonas employees are people with disabilities.

Hirsch said sales from the Goodwill retail stores were not providing enough revenue to support Goodwills job training for people outside of the Goodwill payroll, but said the organization is strengthening its partnership with Quality Connections, another nonprofit organization focused on finding employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, to fill the void.

Goodwill, in keeping with our utmost concern for those we serve, is offering use of our stores to other community based organizations under mutually agreeable, yet-to-be determined terms to minimize disruption for those we serve by allowing training to continue in the same environment, ensure timely and seamless transition, while increasing the capacity of other community based organizations to provide these services, Hirsch said.

As part of the partnership, some Quality Connections employees will use Goodwills facilities for job training and work experience, including Goodwill retail stores and other resources like Goodwills Safeway training facility.

Without the collaboration, we would not be able to have the continuity in services, Hirsch said.

Armando Bernasconi, the CEO of Quality Connections, said a partnership between competing nonprofits like Goodwill and Quality Connections is rare, and said both groups will be able to increase their ability to provide services through the partnership.

You would be hard-pressed to find a partnership like this in any other community, Bernasconi said. I think its a Flagstaff thing.

Bernasconi said the organizations had been working to build the partnership for about three years, but are now trying to grow their collaboration to better serve the disabled community.

The effort comes at a time of growth for Quality Connections, Bernasconi said, which is in the process of moving into a larger facility and increasing its own hiring ability.

Hirsch and Bernasconi agreed access to Goodwill facilities will help both organizations better serve their clients. Goodwill houses Coconino Countys Arizona@Work facility, which helps connect job seekers with employers. Clients of both organizations can benefit from the one-stop shop for use of the computer bank and other resources the facility provides.

Hirsch said Quality Connections employees and clients will have access to Goodwills other facilities to use as well, depending on what the needs are. Goodwill has 15 locations in northern Arizona including three in Flagstaff. An employment specialist employed by Quality Connections will work at the Goodwill location to work with clients.

Hirsch said the Goodwill organization is working to shift its focus to providing employment for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment within Goodwill, while leaving services like job training for other employers to organizations like Quality Connections or other qualified providers.

Instead, Goodwill will be centering its focus on its Good Futures program, which has always existed within the Goodwill organization, but Hirsch said it will take a more prominent place in the nonprofits mission.

Good Futures centers upon four pillars: career advancement, career pathways, financial stability and family strengthening. Hirsch said Goodwill plans to focus more on improving the credentials and providing services to those already employed by Goodwill.
Few would have been aware of the third Urbanisation Forum held in Visakhapatnam in mid-September, where representatives of five major emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, got together to deliberate on the theme "Urban Transition in BRICS". In fact, leaders of 11 countries, including the heads of the nations, would again come together for the eighth summit in Goa on October 15. At a time when urbanisation is progressing fast in the country, with its concomitant problems of inadequate basic infrastructure and mobility issues, there are lessons to be learnt about how these countries have reached high urbanisation levels - 84 per cent in Brazil, 73 per cent in Russia, 64 per cent in South Africa and 56 per cent in China - while addressing the complexities of change.
With reference to Archis Mohan's report, "India to boycott SAARC meet, review MFN status to Pak" (September 28), the Narendra Modi government seems to be engaged in a full-scale diplomatic war trying to isolate Pakistan in the international arena.
The Union labour ministry on Thursday decided to hike the exposure of the Employees Provident Funds incremental corpus in equity markets from five per cent to 10 per cent for the current financial year, without consulting the Central Board of Trustees (CBT).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to hold a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on Friday. The meeting is likely to discuss Indias preparedness in case of a retaliatory strike by Pakistan-based terror outfits.
Delhi Chief Minister on Thursday demanded a probe into the alleged links of BJP President Amit Shah with CBI officers and officials named in the suicide note of senior bureaucrat B K Bansal.

"Read Bansal's suicide note. Unable to sleep. Sanjiv Gautam (CBI) etc should be immediately arrested. Their links with Amit Shah investigated (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted.

Corporate Affairs Ministry officer Bansal, who committed suicide along with his son at his house in Neelkanth Apartments in east Delhi on Tuesday, claimed in his suicide note that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers not only tortured him but also his wife and daughter, which drove them to suicide as well on July 19.

The suicide note, accessed by IANS, named CBI Deputy Inspector General Sanjeev Gautam, Superintendent of Police Amrita Kaur, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rekha Sangwan, Investigating Officer Harnam Singh and an unnamed Head Constable for "murdering his wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27".

The suicide note, a copy of which was also widely circulated on Twitter, cites DIG Gautam as claiming that he was "Amit Shah's man".

"The whole country knows (the) criminal background of Amit Shah. Can India be mute spectator to CBI being turned into an agency of his henchmen," Kejriwal tweeted.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal expressed shock over the suicides of the Bansal family and said that the media should tell the full story.

"Absolutely shocking. Are we living in a democracy? More shocking is the media's reluctance to tell the full story," Kejriwal tweeted while referring to an earlier tweet that alleges "conspiracy by Amit Shah" against B K Bansal.

Bansal and his 31-year-old son Yogesh were found hanging in their Patparganj apartment on Tuesday morning.

Bansal's wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27, committed suicide by hanging on July 19 after Bansal was questioned by the CBI in the bribery case.
A 27-year-old labourer was killed and five others, including three firefighters, were injured after a building collapsed due to fire in outer Delhi's Narela area, even as rescue operations continued with at least three persons still feared trapped under the debris, officials said today.

The fire in the three-storey building, a plastic factory, was reported last evening and 35 fire tenders were rushed to douse the blaze, which led to the collapse of the building leaving Sanjan Kumar dead, they said.

Three firefighters -- assistant divisional officer A K Jaiswal, sub-officer Tejpal and fireman Anup Kumar, along with two others who were injured during the rescue operations have been hospitalised, fire officials said.

Fire department officials said cooling and rescue operations are still underway as they feared that three more people were trapped in the rubble.

"Three people-- two firemen and a labourer-- are still feared trapped under the debris," said Atul Garg, chief fire officer, Delhi Fire Service.

He said the firemen were facing difficulty to carry out the rescue operation since the front portion of the building was still intact while its rear part has collapsed.

"We cannot raze down the front portion as the adjoining structures will get affected. Even though we have an excavator at work we are still forced to continue the excavation manually," Garg added.

According to fire department officials, the fire started on the ground floor of the factory and spread to the upper floors of the warehouse where plastic glasses were made.

Delhi PWD Minister Satyendar Jain visited the site of the incident and took stock of the situation.

"The back portion of the three-storey building has completely collapsed and only the front portion is standing. This is affecting our rescue work and there is a lot of debris.

"Thirty-five fire tenders have been pressed into service and an NDRF team is also assisting in the rescue operation. We have also asked PWD engineering department to pitch in," he said.

When asked about the people still feared to be trapped in the rubble, he said, "There are heavy beams which cannot be removed manually. We are trying to figure out a way to rescue them."



The rescue operations are still going on and an excavator is at work at the site, the fire department official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid rising tensions, 19 girls from Pakistan who are in the city to take part in a youth festival are likely to cut short their visit even as their security cover has been strengthened.

The girls came to the city Tuesday night on a visit of seven days to take part in the ongoing 11th Global Youth Peace Festival.

Pramod Sharma, the event organiser told PTI the girls are "under a lot of pressure" from their parents who want them to go back in light of the developments that have taken place since Army's surgical strike across the LoC.

"The authorities will take a call and they (the girls) may be sent back as early as tomorrow," Sharma said.

As per their earlier schedule, the girls were scheduled to visit Shimla also later this week.

Sources said the event organisers have been asked to keep a close watch on all who meet the girls to ensure their safety.

A senior Chandigarh police official said adequate security measures had been taken since their arrival in the city Tuesday night.

"These measures had been further strengthened in the wake of developments after the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army across the LoC," he said.

For most of the girls, who have come here under the banner of Pakistan's Girls for Peace Group, this is their first visit to India.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Police today claimed to have busted an inter-state syndicate of illegal arms suppliers with arrest of two persons and recovery of 20 country-made pistols and six live cartridges from them.

Prem Pal Singh (62) and Avnesh Babu (20) have been arrested and a case under relevant sections of the Arms Act has been registered against them, Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police (Crime), said.

With the rise in the use of illegal firearms by criminals, the Crime Branch has been taking action against the gangs supplying illegal arms in Delhi, he said.

Yesterday, police received information that Prem Pal, leader of one of the syndicates operating in Uttar Pradesh, will be coming to deliver a huge consignment of arms to one of his contacts near Ganda Nala in Najafgarh, Yadav said.

A trap was laid and he was arrested with a rucksack bag that contained 20 firearms and six live cartridges, said the officer.

He said Singh led them to Avnesh Babu, who was supposed to receive the consignment. Babu was arrested today from Kakrolla village in Dwarka, he said.

During interrogation, Pal said he had made contacts with arms suppliers in Madhya Pradesh and in Uttar Pradesh.

"Pal had been arrested in 2014 in Delhi along with two other persons with eight illegal pistols. He used to get the weapons at Rs 10,000 per pistol from suppliers in UP and MP and sell them around Rs 15,000 per piece through Babu thus earning around Rs 5,000 on each transaction," said Yadav.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three NSCN(IM) cadres were arrested by Assam Rifles from Senapati town of Manipur, triggering protest by people that stopped vehicular movement in the town.

The trio, belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), were arrested from near a college with one 9 mm pistol, 3 live rounds and Rs 10,000 in cash, an official release said.

They were handed over to Imphal West police station.

Following the arrest, local people demonstrated in front of the Assam Rifles in the town, and stopped vehicular movements there, the release said.

Services of inter-state buses, taxis and trucks were affected due to the protest.

The NSCN-IM and the Government of India have signed a Framework Agreement in August last year. However, the ceasefire agreement was not extended to Manipur.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Authorities in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas say seven men were shot to death in the state capital as part of disputes between criminal gangs seeking to control the city.

The state government says the men were killed in three separate incidents yesterday in Ciudad Victoria. Factions of at least three drug gangs are fighting turf battles in the city.

The first shooting occurred at a home where four men were shot in the head by attackers who first questioned the victims about a member of a rival gang.

The second shooting occurred at a taco stand. One man died at the stand and another nearby. The final attack involved a man who was shot five times at a house. Another man was wounded.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University police officers will not face criminal charges for shooting an armed man to death in the Plaza Vieja neighborhood earlier this year.

The actions of the three Flagstaff Police Department officers and one NAU Police Department officer involved in the fatal shooting of Verl Bedonie on May 23 "were legally justified under Arizona law." That was the conclusion of the Navajo County Attorney's Office, which reviewed the case at the request of the Coconino County Attorney's Office due to a potential conflict of interest.

In its decision issued Thursday, the Navajo County Attorney's Office declined to pursue criminal charges against any of the police officers. The office also stated that the standards for charging decisions related to officer-involved shooting incidents are the same as those used in all criminal cases.

"For charges to be filed, the county attorney must find that there is a reasonable likelihood that all the elements of the crime charged can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, unanimously, to 12 jurors, at trial, after considering all reasonable defenses," wrote Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon in his report.

The Navajo County Attorney's Office reviewed more than 60 reports from NAUPD, FPD, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner, as well as officer body camera footage and other evidence before deciding not to press charges against any of the officers.

Two officers fatally shot Bedonie on the morning of May 23 after pursuing the Kaibeto man from the High Country Conference Center into the Plaza Vieja neighborhood and making repeated attempts to apprehend him. Two other officers fired at him earlier in the pursuit but missed.

According to the Navajo County report, Bedonie spent May 22 hanging out with an old high school friend in Kaibeto, which is located about 40 miles southeast of Page on the Navajo Nation. The two men went shooting with his friend's Ruger 9 millimeter handgun. The friend then fell asleep at about 7 p.m. When he woke up at 9 p.m., his gun and his Chevrolet Impala were missing.

Bedonie drove his friend's vehicle to Flagstaff for an unknown reason. It was later recovered from the High Country Conference Center parking garage. He arrived at least 3 hours before the deadly shootout.

According to the NAUPD report, university maintenance workers used one of the campus' blue light emergency phones to call 911 at approximately 7:47 a.m. May 23 after they saw Bedonie with a gun in his right hand in the lobby of the High Country Conference Center. The maintenance workers noted that he was acting strangely. A July toxicology report released by the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office found that Bedonie tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and cannabinoids.

Flagstaff and NAU police found Bedonie in one of the conference rooms with a gun in his hand.

"The officers had reasonable suspicion for a temporary detention of Bedonie to determine if a trespass was taking place and why he was holding a weapon in his hand," the Navajo County attorney wrote.

He left out a side door but officers caught up to him in the Drury Inn parking lot. Body camera footage released by both police departments shows the officers shouted for Bedonie to drop the gun. Instead, he pulled the weapon back out of his pocket and pointed it at the officers just a few feet away from civilian bystanders. Bedonie did not fire but two FPD officers did.

Cpl. Ben Sandoval fired four times at Bedonie and Officer Eric Tomperi fired once. They broke the window of an unoccupied vehicle but missed Bedonie, who walked across South Milton Road with the gun still in his hand. The Navajo County attorney found their actions reasonable.

"It is disingenuous to argue that pointing a handgun towards a law enforcement officer would not place the officer at a risk of serious bodily harm or death," he said in the report.

NAUPD and FPD officers chased him through Plaza Vieja, where they believe he fired one round in an alley between South Florence Street and South Park Street.

Police said Bedonie then attempted to carjack a passerby near the intersection of South Park Street and West Phoenix Avenue. The driver told police Bedonie pointed the gun at him and demanded to be taken to Phoenix. The police body camera footage showed an officer ramming the car with an undercover FPD truck to stop Bedonie, who exited the vehicle.

Bedonie then pointed the gun at officers a second time. According to information from FPD, he got off one shot before FPD Sgt. Collin Seay and NAUPD Officer Dillon Jenkins fatally shot him. He was declared dead at the scene.

"While the actions of Cpl. Sandoval and Officer Tomperi in shooting at Bedonie placed Bedonie in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury with a deadly weapon, and the actions of Sgt. Seay and Officer Jenkins resulted in the death of Verl Bedonie, their actions were legally justified under Arizona law," Carlyon wrote in his report.
As many as 75,000 children will die over the next year in famine-like conditions created by Boko Haram if donors don't respond quickly, the UN Children's Fund is warning.

That's far more than the 20,000 people killed in the seven-year Islamic uprising.

The severity of malnutrition levels and high number of children facing death make the humanitarian crisis confronting northeastern Nigeria perhaps the worst in the world, according to Arjan de Wagt, nutrition chief for UNICEF in Nigeria.

He said children already are dying but donors are not responding.

Most severely malnourished children die of secondary illnesses like diarrhea and respiratory infections, de Wagt told The Associated Press. "But with famine, you actually die of hunger," and that is what is happening, he said.

Severe malnutrition is being found in 20, 30 and even 50 percent of children in pockets of the region, he said.

"Globally, you just don't see this. You have to go back to places like Somalia five years ago to see these kinds of levels," de Wagt said. Nearly 260,000 people died in Somalia between 2010 and 2012 from severe drought aggravated by war. At the time, the United Nations said aid needed to be provided more quickly.

UNICEF today doubled the amount of its appeal for Nigeria, saying USD 115 million is needed to save children whose "lives are literally hanging by a thread." Only USD 24 million has been raised so far, the agency said.

The lack of money has meant some 750,000 people living in accessible areas could not be helped this year, spokeswoman Doune Porter told the AP.

Most of the estimated 2.6 million people who fled Boko Haram's insurgency are subsistence farmers who have been unable to plant for two years or more.

Several thousand people returned this month from refugee camps to towns being secured by Nigeria's military, but it's too late to plant as the rainy season draws to an end.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram still attacks outside urban areas. Of 4 million people in desperate need of food are about 2.2 million people trapped in areas where Boko Haram is operating or in newly liberated areas that still are too dangerous to reach by road, de Wagt said. Among them, 65,000 are living in famine-like conditions.

The crisis has reached "catastrophic levels" for people who have sought refuge in towns controlled by the military but who are "entirely reliant on outside aid that does not reach them," aid group Doctors Without Borders said yesterday.

"Many families are only able to eat once every few days and usually only watered-down porridge," said Oxfam aid group spokeswoman Christina Corbett. "They are going to bed hungry and waking up with no way to change that.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Abbott company logo is pictured at the reception of its office in Mumbai

Drug firm on Thursday appointed Ambati Venu its new managing director.

"The board at its meeting held today approved the appointment of Ambati Venu as an additional director on the board and managing director of the company for a term of 5 years effective September 29, 2016, subject to approval from the central government and shareholders of the company," said in a BSE filing.

In February this year, announced resignation of its managing director Rehan A Khan. Khan's resignation was effective close of business hours on April 30, 2016.

Shares of Abbott India were trading 0.41 per cent down at Rs 4,701 on the BSE.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed a peace treaty with a notorious warlord today, pledging to lobby the US and the United Nations to remove him and his party from terrorist blacklists.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar signed the agreement via a video link into Kabul's presidential palace. The ceremony was broadcast live on television.

It is the first peace treaty the Afghan government has completed since the war with the Taliban began in 2001.

It has been welcomed by the international community as a possible template for any future peace deal with the Taliban, who have been fighting to overthrow the Kabul government for 15 years.

Once international sanctions are lifted, Hekmatyar is expected to return to Afghanistan after 20 years in exile. He is believed to be in Pakistan.

The head of his delegation in Kabul, Amin Karim, told The Associated Press yesterday that he believes the sanctions could be lifted within weeks.

Hekmatyar's party, Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin, is listed by the United Nations as a foreign terrorist organization.

Hekmatyar himself was designated by the U.S. As a "global terrorist" in 2003.

He is widely disliked and distrusted by ordinary Afghans for his past extremism, including his support for al-Qaida, and for carrying out sustained rocket attacks on Kabul during the 1990s civil war that are believed to have killed thousands of people.

Human Right Watch, the New York-based watchdog, last week branded Hekmatyar "one of Afghanistan's most notorious war crimes suspects" and said his return would "compound a culture of impunity" that has denied justice to the many victims of warlords' forces.

The 25-point peace agreement gives Hekmatyar and his followers immunity for past actions, and grants them full political rights.

In a speech greeted with chants of "Long Live Hekmatyar" from his supporters, who had gathered in the presidential palace, he called on the Afghan government to start peace talks with the Taliban.

Ghani, who has said the deal with Hezb-i-Islami should be an example to the Taliban, said that "now is the time for the Taliban to decide whether they want to continue the war, or participate in peace talks."



The Taliban did not immediately comment on the agreement.

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Actor Alec Baldwin will debut his Donald Trump impression on the upcoming season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" on October 1.

He will play Trump for the entire season, sources have told The Hollywood Reporter.

The reality star turned Republican presidential nominee was played last season by Darrell Hammond, a onetime castmember, who returned to the show in 2014 as its announcer.

Hammond will remain with the series as its announcer and continue to appear on the show periodically. Before Hammond, Trump was played by castmember Taran Killam, whose contract was not picked up for season 42.

Trump himself hosted the show in November 2015, amid much controversy.

Executive producer Lorne Michaels made the decision to cast the 58-year-old Baldwin in the part of Trump over the summer.

A close personal friend of Michaels', who also starred on the Michaels-produced NBC sitcom "30 Rock", Baldwin officially signed on earlier this week and taped a promo that debuted on social media yesterday.

The arrangement is similar to the casting last season of Larry David to play Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders over multiple episodes, an idea that paid off in huge comic dividends with winning sketches like "Bern Your Enthusiasm," a send-up of David's long-running HBO hit.

Baldwin has deep ties to SNL, having guest-hosted a record-setting 16 times since his debut in 1990.

The premiere will feature actress Margot Robbie as host and musical guest The Weeknd.

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The Ambassadors of 31 countries from Asia, the Far East and Europe, which were on the 'ancient Spice Route', will attend a second round of meetings in Delhi in November, to discuss the sharing of knowledge on the ancient trade with Kerala for the Muziris Heritage Project, an official said here today.

Benny Kuriakose, the architect behind the project, said at the Kerala Travel Mart today that a lot of the materials related to this trade, such as maps, ancient accounts, paintings and artefacts are in other countries, and "we will discuss the sharing of knowledge they have with our Muziris initiative".

He was speaking at seminar at the Samudrika Convention Centre.

The largest heritage conservation project in India, done solely as a state government initiative, the Muziris Heritage Project, involves the renovation of ancient places of worship, old markets and buildings and the construction of museums, while preserving and resuscitating community life and livelihoods.

Benny also announced that in two years, the Muziris project area will boast a maritime museum that will be a must-visit for not only tourists, but also for local people.

Set at the site of the ancient trading port called Muziris on the River Periyar in present-day Kodungallur, the region traded in pepper and other goods, and has found mention in the accounts of ancient Greece and Rome.

It was also the earliest site of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the country.

The ongoing project is scheduled for completion in ten years.

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US First Lady Michelle Obama took a dig at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying America "needs an adult in the White House" and not a person who is "erratic and threatening".

"When making life-or-death, war-or-peace decisions, a president just cannot pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you," she said at an election rally in support of Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia as she made a strong pitch for the 68-year-old Democratic presidential candidate.

Michelle, without mentioning Trump, 70, said the US needs someone who is compassionate.

"Someone who will be a role model for our kids. Someone who is not just in this for themselves but for the good of this entire country - all of us. At the end of the day, the presidency does not change who you are, it reveals who you are and the same is true of a presidential campaign," she said.

US presidential campaigns, Michelle said, are very long - nearly two and a half years, or half of one presidential term.

"So if a candidate is erratic and threatening; if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fears and lies on the campaign trail; if a candidate thinks that not paying taxes makes you smart, or that it is good business when people lose their homes; if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act - well, sadly, that is who that candidate really is. That is the kind of president they will be," she said.

Michelle said a candidate is not going to suddenly change once they are in office - just the opposite, in fact.

"Because the minute that individual takes that oath, they are under the hottest, harshest light there is, and there is no way to hide who they really are. But see, at that point, it is too late. They are the leader of the world's largest economy, Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful military force on Earth. With every word they utter, they can start wars, crash markets, fundamentally change the course of this planet," she warned.

Michelle said Clinton is the best one to be the next president of the US.

"We know that Hillary is the right person because we have seen her character and commitment not just during this campaign but over the course of her entire life. We have seen her dedication to public service - how after law school, she became an advocate for kids with disabilities. She fought for children's health care as First Lady and for quality childcare as a Senator.

"When she did not become president in 2008, Hillary did not throw in the towel. She once again answered the call to serve and earned sky-high approval ratings for the outstanding job she did for us as our Secretary of State," Michelle said.

Michelle said for those who question Clinton's stamina to



be president, her resilience is more than proven.

Clinton is the only candidate in this race who has travelled to 112 countries; who has negotiated a ceasefire, a peace agreement, a release of dissidents; who has spent 11 hours testifying before a congressional committee, she said.

"Hillary is tough. When she gets knocked down, she does not complain. She does not cry foul. No, she gets back up. She comes back stronger for the people who need her most.

"Hillary is one of the few people on this entire planet - and clearly the only person in this race - who actually has any idea what this job entails, who has seen it from every angle - the staggering stakes, the brutal hours, the overwhelming stresses. And here is the thing - she still wants to do this job because she believes that she has an obligation to use her talents. What do we teach you all? To use your talents to help as many people as possible. That is why Hillary Clinton is running," Michelle said.

The First Lady said she is inspired by the persistence of Clinton, by her heart and by her guts.

"I am inspired by her lifelong record of public service. No one in our lifetime has ever had as much experience and exposure to the presidency - not Barack (Obama), not Bill (Clinton), nobody - and, yes, she happens to be a woman," she added.
Leading brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev will pay USD 6 million to the American authorities for settling charges of making "improper payments" to government officials in India to push sales and production.

Besides, the maker of popular beer brands such as Budweiser and Corona would settle charges that it "chilled a whistle blower who reported the misconduct".

The SEC was assisted by the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

Announcing the settlement agreed to by Anheuser-Busch, the SEC said the company "used third-party sales promoters to make improper payments to government officials in India to increase the sales and production of Anheuser-Busch InBev products in that country".

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also said that despite repeated complaints from employees, Anheuser- Busch had inadequate internal accounting controls to detect and prevent the improper payments. Further, the company failed to ensure that transactions involving the promoters were recorded properly in its books and records, it added.

According to the American regulator, the Belgian brewer entered into a separation agreement that stopped an employee from continuing to voluntarily communicate with it about potential FCPA violations due to a substantial financial penalty that would be imposed for violating strict non- disclosure terms.

The company has "agreed to pay USD 6 million to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and chilled a whistle blower who reported the misconduct", SEC said in a release on Wednesday.

Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division's FCPA Unit said Kara Brockmeyer said the company "recorded improper payments by its sales promoters in India as legitimate expenses in its financial accounting". It then exacerbated the problem by including language in a separation agreement that chilled an employee from communicating with the SEC, Brockmeyer added.

Anheuser-Busch was also found to have violated the books and records provisions and the internal controls provisions of federal securities laws as well as Securities Exchange Act.

"Anheuser-Busch InBev agreed to pay USD 2,712,955 in disgorgement plus interest of USD 292,381 and a penalty of USD 3,002,955," the release said.

Apart from the settlement, the company would have to cooperate with the SEC for two years and report its FCPA compliance efforts.

Further, the firm has to make "reasonable efforts to notify certain former employees that Anheuser-Busch InBev does not prohibit employees from contacting the SEC about possible law violations".

SEC probe was conducted by Morgan B Ward Doran, Sonali Singh and Carol Shau, and supervised by Alka Patel.

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Issues related to aerospace safety were reviewed at the annual Aerospace Safety Council Meeting held by the Maintenance Command of Indian Air Force at the Air Force Station at Sulur here today.

The meeting, attended by about 100 IAF officers and 200 Air Warriors, reviewed issues related to IAF aerospace safety during maintenance, operations undertaken at units under the Maintenance Command and current trends and developments in the field of aerospace safety.

It holds a special significance as the Maintenance Command provides support to platforms and systems across the entire IAF, thereby making noteworthy contributions to its operation potential and aerospace safety, an official release said.

The meeting was chaired by Air Marshal Pankaj Aneja, Air Officer Commanding in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Maintenance Command.

Director General (Inspection and Safety), Air Headquarters, Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer (SAASO), Maintenance Command, Deputy Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, Maintenance Command, other senior officers of Air Headquarters and representatives of other Command Headquarters as well as all units under HQ Maintenance Command attended the council meeting.

Air Vice Marshal SC Chafekar, SAASO, Maintenance Command and Air Marshal Anil Khosla, Director General (Inspection and Safety), Air Headquarters addressed the gathering, the release said.

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Vice President Hamid Ansari today arrived in Bamako from Nigeria on the second leg of his two- nation African tour, the first high-level visit to Mali by any Indian leader.

Ansari was received at the airport by Prime Minister Modibo Keita and was given a ceremonial reception. He will hold talks with Prime Minister Keita later in the day.

He will tomorrow address the Malian National Assembly, meet CEOs of Indian origin and Indian companies in the West African country and also Indians posted in Mali under United Nations Mission.

He will also meet President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita before leaving for home late night.

Ansari arrived here after concluding his four-day visit to Nigeria where he met with senior government and business leaders and members of the large Indian diaspora in the West African country.

In Nigerian capital Abuja, Ansari held talks with President Muhammadu Buhari and his counterpart Yemi Osinbajo, addressed members of the Nigerian and Indian industry and also the Indian community besides delivering a speech at the National College of Defence.

From Abuja, he reached Lagos where he met members of the Indian community and also delivered a speech at the University of Lagos.

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In preparation for their search to find a permanent superintendent, members of the Flagstaff Unified School District board discussed how to recruit and then narrow down the candidates in the coming months.

One of the first steps is to determine what the FUSD community wants from their superintendent. Evaluations were sent to all FUSD staff as well as parents and others involved in the community asking them to rank the qualities they expect in eligible candidates. There was about a 10 percent response rate, said Deitrich Sauer, director of human resources.

Out of 94 community participants who returned the evaluations, the top three skills listed were political savviness, approachability and district acumen. Sauer received 114 responses from FUSD staff whose top priorities included political savviness, delegation effectiveness and district acumen.

Another position currently in need of being filled is the special education director. The general timeline of recruitment aims to have someone chosen by a committee by March.

Karin Eberhard, district relations coordinator, announced that the district received over $150,000 from the Arizona Community Foundation. Some of the programs that were gifted included Friends of Camp Colton, Marshal Elementary's Suzuki violin program and United Way.

Sauer also presented ideas for a new marketing plan for the district with an updated logo and tagline of "Discover your path." Through a partnership with MAKA Digital, a marketing firm founded partly by Coconino High School graduate Katherine Romero, he hopes to increase enrollment and expand recognition of the district.

Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School Principal Tammy Nelson presented an update to the board about all that has been accomplished during the schools first year as a magnet. She was proud of how excited the students were to learn through the hands-on activities and field trips classes take. A recent Kinsey graduate who came to the meeting told the board that her experiences camping in the Centennial Forest prepared her for Mount Elden Middle Schools Alpine Preparatory Academy where she also went on a camping trip.

Legendary Teachers were also announced at Tuesday nights school board meeting. Kathy Baron, Barbara Campbell, Curt Craig, Jan Hayes and Irene Tsosie were presented with certificates as recognition for all the hard work they do for their students and the district.
India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army was made today by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the terror strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.

"Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads." Gen Singh told a conference during which External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

The strikes were carried out across the LoC, he said.

Pakistan, however,dismissed as "fabrication of truth" India's claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC to target terrorist launching pads, terming it as a "quest" by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon," Pakistan army said in a statement in Islamabad.

The announcement of the strikes by the Indian army was made soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS).

Prime Minister Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, J and K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former Premier Mahmohan Singh among others on the surgical strikes.

Details of duration of the surgical strikes or when exactly it was conducted or the places targeted were not immediately given.

Sources said that at least two terror camps were struck during the surgical strikes.

Sharing details, Gen Singh said the operations were basically focused to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country.

"During these counter terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

"The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said.

The DGMO said he had spoken to the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations and explained India's concerns and also shared with him details of the operation.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country.

"In line with Pakistan's commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region.

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In the first such action, India carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army saying today its special forces inflicted "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK).

Defence sources said seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC) were destroyed by special forces of the Indian Army on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 in a nearly five-hour-long operation during which heliborne and ground forces were deployed.

The sources said the launch pads in PoK were in the range of 2 to 3km from the LoC and were under surveillance for over one week while Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the strikes targeted 5-6 places across the LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Naidu said there was no casualty on the Indian side.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army to prevent fresh terror attacks was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.

"Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads," Gen Singh told a conference during which External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

Pakistan, however, dismissed as "fabrication of truth" India's claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC to target terrorist launching pads, terming it as a "quest" by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon," Pakistan army said in a statement in Islamabad.

The announcement of the strikes by the Indian army was made soon after Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS).

Prime Minister Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, J and K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former Premier Mahmohan Singh among others on the surgical strikes.

Sharing details, Gen Singh said the operations were basically focused to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country.

"During these counter terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

"The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said.

The DGMO said he had spoken to the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations and explained India's concerns and also shared with him details of the operation.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country.

"In line with Pakistan's commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian Army today rejected as "false and baseless" reports in a section of Pakistani media that eight Indian soldiers were killed and one captured by Pakistani military in retaliatory fire.

Indian Army sources said, "As regard (to the) report of killing of eight Indian Army personnel reported in sections of Pakistan media, the report is completely false and baseless."



Army's reaction came after Dawn reported that Pakistani military has claimed that it has killed eight Indian soldiers and captured one while retaliating to India's firing at the first line of defence at the Line of Control (LoC) at Tatta Pani.

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A Bangladesh court today issued an arrest warrant against the 'fugitive' eldest son of opposition leader and former premier Khaleda Zia in a sedition case.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sarafuzzaman Ansari issued the order against Tarique Rahman, who is senior vice president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and a former journalist of a private channel after accepting the chargesheet against four persons.

BNP chairperson Zia's eldest son, who is an accused and wanted in several other cases, has been living in the UK for the past eight years.

The case was initiated in January last year.

ETV's former chief reporter Mahathir Faruki Khan is the second person who is now on the wanted list, court police prosecution wing Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Anisur Rahman told bdnews24.Com.

Following the home ministry's clearance, police set the sedition case rolling three days after the TV channel broadcast live Tarique's speech delivered at an event in London.

The case had initially accused only Tarique and former ETV chairman Abdus Salam, but later Khan and the channel's senior reporter Kanak Sarwar were named in the chargesheet.

Only Salam is currently in jail. Sarwar is out on bail while Khan is still on the run, Rahman said.

Police had accused Tarique and Salam of "threatening Bangladesh's sovereignty and trying to create hatred against a legally constituted government by broadcasting and dishing out false and fabricated information".

Tarique in his speech in January last year had made controversial remarks regarding Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War.

That same month, the High Court slapped a ban on the publishing and broadcasting of his statements in any form of media in the country.

The BNP leader was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and fined 200 million taka by the High Court on July 21 this year in a money laundering case.

Earlier, arrest warrants were also issued for him in four cases, including one related to the August 21 grenade attack.

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A member of a banned Islamist militant outfit who is a close aide of Bangladesh cafe attack mastermind Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury has been arrested by a counter-terrorism unit here.

Salauddin Kamran, 30, a member of the Neo-Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), was arrested yesterday and during investigation, he told police that he was close to Abu Hakim, a militant killed in the Kallyanpur raid on July 25, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Masudur Rahman said.

Kamran said he came to Dhaka in May, after joining the militant group, and was trained in Paikpara area by now- detained militant suspect Rakibul Hasan Regan.

Kamran was also close to killed militant Tamim Chowdhury and other top ranks of the New-JMB, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

According to police, Kamran told them that he had been working on to spread the ideology of JMB and gave momentum to its activities. He also confessed to planning and carrying out subversive activities in the country.

Police had named Tamim, a Canadian-Bangladeshi who led the 'Neo-JMB', as the one who orchestrated the July 1 attack on the upscale Holey Artisan Bakery and O' Kitchen restaurant in Dhaka's diplomatic zone in which 22 people, including an Indian girl, were killed.

ISIS had claimed responsibility for the cafe attack. But police believe that New-JMB, which is close to the ISIS, was involved in organising the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Bengal government emphasised on new smaller twonships in the state but so far its proposed theme cities had failed to attract bidders for development in PPP model.

"I am interested in new tier II and III townships," state Finance Minister Amit Mitra said on the sidelines of the CII organised realty conclave.

But, a real estate developer on the sidelines said, "The theme cities have not able to attract bidders' interest and so the state government has decided to develop Bolpur theme city of their own."



The state governemnt had decided to promote six theme based cities with government land - Siliguri, Baraipur, Asansol, Kalyani, Bolpur and Howrah.

Mitra asked investors to come forward for the theme townships.

Meanwhile, Mitra said state has taken several reforms to boost real estate sector.

"We have rationlised circle rate, 10 per cent higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for green building. For buildings within metro railway stations 10 per cent more FAR. New private township policy," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The bid to launch an international probe into the conflict in Yemen failed today, in a defeat for the UN rights chief who demanded an inquiry.

Rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said last month that a fully independent, international investigation was needed to end impunity for a raft of grave violations against the Yemeni people.

A group of European states, led by the Netherlands, then spearheaded a push at the UN Human Rights Council for a resolution setting up an international inquiry.

Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military coalition in support of the Yemen's government against Iran-backed Huthi rebels, has been staunchly opposed to such a probe.

In the end, the EU-backed resolution was scrapped, leaving only a competing and far milder text on the table, drafted by Sudan.

That resolution, which was adopted without a vote today, mandated Zeid's office to enhance cooperation with Yemen's own National Commission on the conflict.

Rights groups including Amnesty International have described that commission as feckless, one-sided, and lacking the expertise needed to conduct a credible inquiry.

But before it was adopted, today's resolution was beefed up to say that -- while assisting Yemen's own investigation -- UN experts should be "collecting and preserving information to establish the facts and circumstances of alleged violations and abuses."



Zeid was instructed to provide his own reports on the conflict, presumably using information gathered by his own staff.

"It's a step in the right direction", John Fisher of Human Rights Watch in Geneva told AFP, noting that the resolution "fell short" of the hoped-for inquiry.

Salma Amer, UN Advocacy Officer at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, said in a statement that the text "puts Saudi Arabia's desire for impunity above the need to protect the people of Yemen."



But speaking on behalf of the EU after the resolution was adopted, Slovenia's representative to the UN in Geneva, Vojislav Suc, described the text as a "good and reasonable compromise."



A similar effort to set up a UN inquiry was withdrawn at the Council last year, under Saudi pressure.

More than 6,600 people, including civilians, have been killed in the Yemeni conflict since the Saudi-led coalition began its air campaign in March 2015, the UN says.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The BJP today announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of the two slain soldiers of Uri terror attack who hailed from Jammu.

The announcement was made by the chief of BJP's state unit Sat Sharma at a meeting of the party's Working Committee in Udhampur.

"The BJP stands with the bereaved families of Uri martyrs and will provide compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of both the soldiers from Jammu province", said Sharma.

Sharma hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army for taking "courageous step in destroying the terrorist launching pads across LoC".

"India has not attacked Pakistan but the terrorist launching pads, wherein the terrorists were waiting to cross into our territory and cause extensive damage to the citizens and properties," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said the surgical attacks will not only send a very strong message to Pakistan, "the perpetrator of terrorism, but also the separatists and the sympathizers of terrorists".

"The present government at the Centre is very clear that India will not tolerate any such activity which pose threat to the unity and integrity of the country or cause loss of lives of soldiers and innocent civilians," he said.

During the meeting, ministers, MLAs and MLCs were told to prepare their "report card" as the same will be helpful in mobilising the public in favour of the party by making them aware about various initiatives undertaken by the elected representatives.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior leader La Ganesan will file his nomination papers tomorrow for Rajya Sabha bypoll to the lone vacant seat from Madhya Pradesh.

president Amit Shah had earlier announced the name of Ganesan, former state president of Tamil Nadu and executive member, as party candidate for the byelection to Rajya Sabha from MP, party sources said.

Ganesan will file his nomination papers on Thursday before the Returning Officer in the state Assembly.

The seat fell vacant when former Union Minister Najma Heptullah resigned from it on August 20 after she was appointed as Governor of Manipur.

As the tenure of her seat was till April 2, 2018, the bypoll for the same was necessitated.

The Election Commission recently issued notification for the by-poll.

Principal Secretary of Vidhan Sabha, A P Singh, has been nominated as the Returning Officer for the bypoll.

The nominations filing process will end on October 3. The scrutiny of nominations will be done on October 4 and last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 6.

If necessary, polling will be held on October 17 from 9 AM to 4 PM and soon after counting of votes will take place, an Assembly official said.
The BSF has put all its units along the International Border on "high alert" in the wake of the surgical strikes by India on terror launch pads across the LoC last night.

Officials said the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters here has issued orders to all its units along IB in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat to step up vigil and bolster their numbers at the posts by bringing in all personnel who are in the reserve.

In order to ensure civilian safety, they said, members of the public will not be allowed today to witness the Attari-Wagah retreat ceremony from the stands right next to the designated border pillar in Punjab.

The officials said BSF has also restricted all civilian movement along borders with Pakistan.

The border guarding force, they said, has also been asked by the Centre to provide manpower to local administration for helping in evacuating people from border villages to safer locations.

Officials said border units have been asked to undertake special patrols and conduct ambushes.

The force has also been asked to augment the number of personnel and officers who work under theoperational command of the Army at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across LoC last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

The announcement of the sudden action by the Army was made today by DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the terror strike by Pakistan-based JeM on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Kashmir which left 18 Indian soldiers dead.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It was two against one in the Monday night presidential debate. We had moderator Lester Holt, who apparently assumed he was a candidate, too, and Hillary Clinton, well-equipped with policy malformations, against Donald Trump. Trump wasnt nearly as bad as I anticipated  much closer to reality on the economy, police, guns and Iran, for instance, if issues still count in this contest.

Again and again, the ill-informed, biased Holt asked Trump tough, personal questions and, when he didnt like the answers, interrupted him in a way that should have been left up to Clinton, who was spared an equivalent assault. They call it fact-checking, but this was a debate, not a reporters interview, and he had some facts utterly confused.

The economy was issue number one, and Clinton espoused the usual, worsening federal interventions, the most absurd being President Barack Obamas global warming plan. Now before the Supreme Court, the clearly unconstitutional plan could cost all kinds of fossil fuel jobs, as Trump pointed out.

Through subsidies, it could also hurt the green industry, which would do better by heeding market demands. It would raise utility rates, damn the economy with energy deprivations and, according to experts, do next to nothing by itself to affect global warming by centurys end.

Trump had it right when he talked about a hefty reduction of the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world and otherwise arranging a means to bring home billions earned abroad. Clinton said he had no plan to do either, which is either a lie or ignorance. Holt, ever alert on Trumpian mishaps, said nary a word.

Trump went overboard as usual on his trade attacks, although reviewing some provisions in some treaties could make sense. Both are wrong on the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal that could be important economically as well as diplomatically. The difference is that Trump comes at it sincerely, while Clinton, who helped formulate it and praised it to the skies, is now against it as a matter of political convenience. In other words, deviousness remains her middle name.

Clinton was also wrong on thinking background checks are the answer to too many guns in criminal hands. Go ahead and expand them, but there is no evidence that they work, whereas there is plenty of evidence about the effectiveness of stop-and-frisk as recommended by Trump to save thousands of lives in Chicago. Both Clinton and Holt made it sound as if stop-and-frisk was now illegal, at least in New York City, when what we have had instead is an officially condemned ruling by a federal judge that it had been unconstitutionally applied in the city.

There was lots more to the debate, of course, and Trump repeated old stupidities along with too much self-defensive focus on himself. But that was caused in no small part by Holt hitting him with questions on such things as not turning over his tax returns, his long-term refusal to give his birther theory a funeral and his saying Clinton did not look like a president. If Holt thought that was a service to the American people, why didnt he think it a service to bring up the Clinton Foundation, the FBIs condemnation of how she handled classified material as secretary of state or her own ways of being hurtful to women.

Clinton, at the end, smashed Trump with things he should never have said about individual women, and  showing signs of needed self-control  he was gentlemanly enough not to bring up the way her husband ruined the lives of multiple women and she colluded in their defamation.

Thats real trashiness to go along with continued leftism sufficient to devastate America as we have known it. Just as Trump decided not to invite Gennifer Flowers to the debate, its now his job to correct himself sufficiently to keep Clinton out of the White House. Impossible? We will see.
Delhi High Court today asked the government if it was willing to allow Bharti Airtel to adjust over Rs 3000 crore, which as per the company, is owed by the government towards the disputed licence fees for its Punjab circle for 1996-98 against future licence fees.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal asked the lawyer appearing for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to take instructions on whether Airtel will be allowed to adjust the amount, including interest, if the telco agreed to secure the amount.

Airtel, represented by senior advocate Harish Salve, has offered to give a bank guarantee to secure the DoT for the adjusted amount or give an undertaking to refund the money if the government succeeded in the litigation between them over disputed licence fees of Rs 399.92 crore paid by the telecom major in 2001 for its Punjab circle for the years 1996-98.

The telecom major has claimed that the government owed it an amount of over Rs 3000 crore, including interest on the amount of Rs 399.92 crore from 2001 till date.

The court was hearing Airtel's plea challenging a single judge order holding that company was not entitled to refund.

In its plea, the telecom major has contended that it was not liable to pay licence fees for Punjab circle for April 1996 to March 1998 as the government "had of its own accord unilaterally, illegally and without any basis brought about a de-facto suspension of the licence during that period".

It has said that prior to going for arbitration, it had in 2001 deposited the amount with DoT on the understanding that if the company wins, the amount would be refunded.

The arbitrator had dismissed the refund claim of the company against which it came to high court which in 2012 had set aside the arbitral award, Airtel said in its petition.

The 2012 decision was challenged by DoT and is still pending before another bench of Delhi High Court which rejected the government's plea for stay, the company has said.

Airtel told the court today that it can either give a bank guarantee securing the government for the adjusted amount during pendency of DoT's appeal or it can give an undertaking to refund the money if the department succeeds.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on November 24.

In its plea, Airtel has said it had sought refund of the



amount after the High Court had refused to grant DoT a stay, but the department had not returned the money claimed.

Thereafter, the company had moved a writ petition which was decided on May 11, 2016, by the single judge who by referring to some previous verdicts of the high court had refused to grant the relief sought by the company.

As per Airtel's plea, once the arbitral award was set aside and as the order was not stayed on DoT appeal, retaining of the licence fees by the government amounts to "unjust enrichment".
Union Minister Uma Bharti is presiding over a meeting convened by the Centre to find a political solution to the "impasse" over sharing of Cauvery water by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Tamil Nadu PWD Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy are taking part in the meet which is being held in line with the Supreme Court's order asking Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to facilitate a meeting to reach a solution to the inter-state water crisis.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister MB Patil, chief secretaries of the two states Arvind Jadhav (Karnataka) and Rama Mohana Rao (Tamil Nadu) are the other officials present in the meeting.

Prior to attending the meeting, Siddaramaiah reiterated Karnataka's "severe difficulties" in meeting its water requirement and expressed hope that the meeting would arrive at a solution which is in the interest of its people.

"22 of our districts have been declared drought-hit for the Kharip 2016 season. We are struggling with managing water requirements. We hope for a solution in state's interest," he said.

Ahead of the meeting, Karnataka had on Thursday decided to defer release of 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu as per the Supreme Court direction, awaiting outcome of the trilateral parleys.
The Bombay High Court today gave six weeks time to CBI to obtain the reports of forensic science laboratory of Scotland Yard on evidence in the murder cases of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, communist leader Govind Pansare and scholar M M Kalburgi.

The evidence was sent to Scotland Yard to find out whether there were links between the murders of the three rationalists, as it is suspected that same kind of weapons were used in all the killings.

However, a division bench headed by Justice S C Dharmadhikari told CBI that this was the last opportunity being given to it to obtain forensic lab reports from abroad and cautioned that no further adjournments will be given.

"We have given you (CBI) enough time since May 2016 to obtain forensic lab reports of Scotland Yard and no more time will be given after the next hearing," said the bench.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh informed the court that all the necessary permissions and clearances had been obtained from the authorities for going to Scotland Yard. He also said an officer would personally go abroad along with the documents and obtain reports from the foreign lab.

The bench also asked the Special Investigating Team of the Maharashtra government, which is probing the Govind Pansare murder case, to exercise caution when it comes to witnesses' protection and not to disclose any investigation details to the media.

Justice Dharmadhikari said an SIT officer had been quoted in a newspaper report on investigation details in Pansare murder case. Because of these revelations, the absconding accused would get alerted and might escape thereby hampering investigations, the judge said.

The matter has been posted for hearing on November 23, when CBI has been asked to submit forensic reports on alleged links in these three murder cases.

While Dabholkar and Pansare were killed at different places in Maharashtra, Kalburgi was shot dead in Karnataka.

The bench is hearing a batch of petitions filed by the families of Dabholkar and Pansare seeking monitoring of probes in both the cases by the high court.

Dabholkar was killed in Pune on August 20, 2013 while Pansare was shot on February 16, 2015 in Kolhapur. He succumbed to his injuries four days later. Kalburgi was shot dead on August 30 last year at his residence in Dharwad district of Karnataka by two unidentified men.

During investigation, CBI had noticed a pattern in the



killings which indicated that the same group might have been involved as the weapons used in the crime were similar. Hence, the agency sent bullets and empty cartridges that it recovered for forensic analysis.

CBI, probing the Dabholkar killing, and Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Maharashtra, investigating the Pansare killing, today submitted fresh reports on their probe.

The reports were presented to the court in a sealed cover by Additional Solicitor General (for CBI) Singh and government pleader Mankunwar Deshmukh (for SIT), and were perused by both the judges.

Abhay Nevadi, lawyer for Pansare and Dabholkar families, argued that the probe in these two cases should conclude fast and culprits should be brought to book.

The bench said, "If the investigations do not conclude fast, it might give an impression to the people at large that you do not want to arrest certain people."



CBI and CID have been submitting periodical progress reports of their probe to the high court.

The bench also asked both the investigating agencies (CBI and SIT) to bring their probe to its logical end at the earliest as the families of the rationalists had moved the high court and also because the common man had faith in the administration and police machinery.

Right-wing activist Sameer Gaikwad, an alleged member of Sanatan Sanstha, was arrested by Kolhapur Police on September 16 last year in connection with Pansare's murder.

Another Sanatan Sanstha activist Virendra Tawde was arrested by CBI from Panvel in Navi Mumbai in June this year in connection with Dabholkar's murder.
Pakistani troops today violated the ceasefire twice along the Line of Control (LoC) by opening fire in Naugam sector and Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This is the third ceasefire violation by Pakistan in two days.

"Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts in Naugam sector around 7 AM," an Army official said in Srinagar.

He said the Pakistani troops used small fire arms and mortars but there were no reports of any casualty. The troops exercised restraint and have not retaliated so far, he added.

The second ceasefire violation took place in Mendhar sector today.

A senior police officer in Jammu said, "There was firing from across the border on forward areas along the LoC in Balnoie belt of Mendhar in the district around 4.30 AM."



There were no casualties, he added.

Yesterday, Pakistani troops had targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Sabzian belt of Poonch district.

On September 20, two days after the terror attack in Uri, Pakistani troops had violated ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian army positions with small firearms.

On September 6, Pakistani Army pounded Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the LoC in Poonch district.

On September 2, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district.

(REOPENS DEL15)



In another case of ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops, one woman was injured in Keran sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, officials said here.

Pakistani troops fired shells from across the LoC to the Indian side early this morning in which one woman -- Shaheena Begum -- was injured, the officials said.

They said the Indian army retaliated the "unprovoked" Pakistani aggression "in equal measure".
The Centre today called for reforms in prisons saying circulation of drugs, gang wars and other such menace bring bad name to jail administration.

Inaugurating the fifth National Conference of Heads of Prisons of States and UTs on Prison Reforms, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said Rs 1,800 crore has been provided in the current budget for modernisation of police force, including prisons, and it can be raised if needed.

Asserting that circulation of drugs, gang wars and other such menace brought a bad name to prison administration, he called for clean administration and said the conduct of the authorities should improve to reform the inmates.

Ahir asked prison administrations to adopt the Prime Minister's Skill Development programme to accelerate reforms.

Inmates can be imparted training in vocations like farming, sericulture, beekeeping, fisheries and animal husbandry so that they can be rehabilitated and reintegrated with the society, he said.

The Union minister said some prisons in Maharashtra have initiated building residential colonies and open jails for the inmates where they can live a normal life with their families while being under a sort of house arrest situation.

Though the Supreme Court has issued guidelines making it easier for undertrials to obtain bail, there is slow progress in reducing the overcrowding of prisons, Ahir said.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development Meeran Borwankar said overcrowding of prisons is a matter of grave concern.

There are around five lakh inmates in prisons across the country, of whom about 68 per cent are undertrials and as many as 2.4 percent are women, she said, adding almost 35 per cent vacancies in jail staff made it impractical to implement prison reforms.

All prison staff are tied down in prison security, administration and court procedures, leaving little or no time for inmates' rehabilitation and reintegration, an official statement said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadakri has said the work on the will begin soon once the tender process is over and hoped the project will open a new gateway for development of India, Iran and Afghanistan by boosting regional connectivity and trade.

All the three nations are keen on expediting tripartite transit agreement on the Chabahar port, Gadkari told PTI after holding a meeting with delegations from Iran and Afghanistan.

"We are keen on expanding scope of cooperation to cover development of the entire ...This port is going to open a new gateway not only for the development of India but at the same time the development of Afghanistan and Iran. This is a win-win situation," Gadkari said.

Gadkari along with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi and Afghan's Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamadullah Batash held discussions on expediting trilateral agreement on establishment of International Transport and Transit Corridor i.e, the Chabahar Agreement signed on May this year in Tehran in presence of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Presidents of Iran and Afghanistan.

Gadkari said India is committed to developing the in Iran and the work would commence soon after the completion of the tender process.

Wednesday's meeting was held barely a fortnight after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, during their talks in New Delhi, had stressed that expediting the trilateral pact would augment connectivity among the three nations.

Gadkari said, "We will try to complete the project within the time schedule. We are also finding out what are the new things for which we will have opportunity for development and investment. The Iranian Minister has given lots of innovative suggestions regarding the development of business."

"We are in the process and our Prime Minister is very keen on the project. The distance between Kandla to Chabahar is less than the distance between Delhi and Mumbai. So there are lots of opportunities. Gas and petroleum products in Iran are available. We will get the market of Afghanistan also and the material from Afghanistan to Chabahar will be accessible to India," he added.

He said the problems in the project have been sorted out and the nations are looking on building up on this friendship and creating more business opportunities.

A milestone pact on the strategic Chabahar port in southern Iran, which will give India access to Afghanistan and Europe bypassing Pakistan, was inked by India and Iran in May this year after detailed discussions between Modi and the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Besides the bilateral pact to develop the Chabahar port, for which India will invest $500 million, a trilateral agreement on Transport and Transit Corridor was also signed by India, Afghanistan and Iran, which the Prime Minister Modi has said could "alter the course of the history of the region".

Gadkari and the visiting ministers reviewed the latest situation on contract between Iran and India on the project, as well as procurement of equipment and financing.

They also stressed on the need for expanding scope of cooperation to cover development of entire Chabahar Port, projects for funding by EXIM Bank of India and reviewing participation of India in the Chabahar-Zahedan rail construction project.

During the meeting it was decided to organise a connectivity event involving all stakeholders at Chabahar within two months to increase awareness about the new opportunities offered by the Chabahar Port, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

The ministers expressed satisfaction that the three countries are taking prompt measures for completing internal processes for the ratification of the agreement.

"They also exchanged views on the next steps to be taken for an early implementation of the agreement. It was decided to evolve protocols related to transport and transit, ports, customs procedures and consular affairs. It was also decided to convene an expert-level meeting of senior officials of the three countries within one month in Chabahar," it said.

Development of ports, road and rail connectivity will open up new opportunities leading to new jobs and prosperity in all three countries. Trade is recognised as driving economic growth and development, the implementation of the agreement would provide the ecosystem for the private sector to seize the business opportunities emerging due to substantial reduction of logistic costs for trade among the three countries, it said.

During the meeting, it also came up that the road transit from Chabahar to Zahedan and Milak is very limited at present and it needs to be augmented, apart from building the rail link.

Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Persian Gulf nation's southern coast, lies outside the Persian Gulf and is easily accessed from India's western coast, bypassing Pakistan.

"The bilateral agreement to develop the Chabahar port and related infrastructure and availability of about $500 million from India for this purpose is an important milestone," Modi had earlier said in a joint media interaction with Rouhani.
China today said it was highly concerned about the security of its workers involved in the USD 46 billion economic corridor passing through Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province after a Baloch militant leader warned of attacks targetting the project.

"China is highly concerned about the security of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC). We appreciate great efforts made by Pakistan side in ensuring the security of corridor and Chinese workers there. We hope that Pakistan side will continue to do so in future," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters here today.

He was replying to a question about the threat of attacks by Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the Baluchistan Liberation Front (BLF), who has vowed to target the corridor connecting China's Muslim-majority Xinjiang province and Gwadar Port.

Geng saidCPEC is the result of the consensus reached between the leaders of China and Pakistan.

"It is of great importance to improving the well being of the people of the two countries" and improving their economic and social development, he said.

A doctor-turned guerrilla leader, Allah Nazar had said "we not only wish India should support the Baloch national struggle diplomatically and financially, but the whole world".

He had also welcomed the statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on human rights violations in Balochistan.

India has raised objections to the corridor as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. China has brushed aside the objections, saying it is an economic project aimed at improving conditions of people in the region.

The strategic project which included highways, rail and pipelines to pump oil from the ships docked in Gwadar to Xinjiang was also expected to provide access to China to Arabian Sea opposite the Mumbai coastline.

But in recent monthsChina is increasingly getting worried about safety of thousands of its workers involved in the project even though Pakistan is forming a new security force providing two security men to every Chinese workers.

Yet a Chinese worker was wounded in a bomb attack in May.

China showed signs of unease since Pakistan ramped up the violent campaign in Kashmir leading to India-Pakistan tensions as Modi came out in support of Baloch people criticising the human rights violations by Pakistan security forces.

For the first time, Chinese official media said this month that Beijing is concerned over "increasing cost of security" and the "potential setbacks" to the project.

In an article on September 13, state-run Global Times said the project is unlikely to have a "plain sailing".

"China may not want to put too much focus on the region. At the very least, it would be unwise to put all its eggs in one basket," it said, highlighting for the first time China's increasing disquiet over the project which also also cast a major shadow over India-China relations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China today said it is in touch with India and Pakistan through different channels to bring down tensions, asking them to properly deal with their differences and work jointly to maintain peace and security in the region.

"As for the tension between Pakistan and India, recently Chinese side has been in communication with both sides through different channels," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media briefing here.

"We hope that Indian and Pakistan can enhance communication and properly deal with difference and work jointly to maintain peace and security of the region," he said replying to questions whether the current tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in the aftermath of Uri attack figured in the first anti-terrorism dialogue held between China and India here earlier this week.

Asked at what level China is in touch with both countries, Geng said China maintains frequent engagement at different levels with both India and Pakistan.

"China is friendly neighbour to India and Pakistan. China hopes that both the countries could properly deal with their differences dialogue and consultant and improve their bilateral relationship, strengthen cooperation in different fields and work jointly for regional peace and development and stability," he said.

Geng also reacted guardedly to reports of cancellation of



the next SAARC summit, which was scheduled to be held in Islamabad, following boycott by India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan.

"SAARC is an important mechanism to promote regional cooperation. China is an observer in SAARC. We have long been supporting the cooperation process. We hope to see the continuous development and contribution made by the association to peace and stability," he said.

About Pakistan Special envoys on Kashmir who met China's Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, Geng said Liu listened to the introduction made by the Pakistan delegation and told them that China is following the situation closely.

A foreign ministry press release here last night said China "attaches importance" to Pakistan's stand on Kashmir but hoped that New Delhi and Islamabad resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation to "safeguard" peace and stability in the region.

Liu "emphasised that China pays attention to the recent situation in Kashmir and attaches importance to Pakistan's relevant position", the statement said.

"China believes that Kashmir issue is an issue left over from history and should be resolved by relevant parties through dialogue and consultation. China hopes that India and Pakistan can strengthen their communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, improve relations and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region," it said.

The delegation was reportedly part of a move by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to send special envoys to brief foreign countries on the situation in Kashmir.

Significantly, the delegation had to meet the Chinese vice minister and not Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Actor Chris Hemsworth has joined the "polished man" movement, a campaign supporting child abuse charity.

In a bid to raise awareness of child abuse, the new campaign from YGap sees men painting one fingernail for a whole month, to symbolise that one in five children suffers from abuse or violence before the age of 18.

"I just signed up to the@YGAP @polishedman campaign! One in five children fall victim to physical and/or sexual violence, before they turn 18. That's one too many.

"For the month of October, I'll be painting one nail to represent this statistic and raise awareness and funds to end violence against children. Sign up today at ww.Polishedman.Com and donate !#polishedman," the "Thor" star posted on Instagram.

Hemsworth, 33, recently joined his "Thor" co-star Tom Hiddleston in character as Thor and Loki, as they visited sick children at Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Industry body CII has launched an India Business Forum (IBF) for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, to promote Indian businesses and identify challenges and opportunities there.

The CII IBF, a group of 25 Indian companies operating in the LAC region, also proposes to have regular dialogues with all stakeholders in the region and in India raise pertinent issues related to the industry.

Anita Praveen, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for the LAC Region, officially launched the India Business Forum on September 28 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

India-LAC commercial ties have steadily increased from approximately USD 2 billion in 2001 to around USD 50 billion in 2015.

India has become a key trading partner for countries in the region like Venezuela, which is presently its largest source of oil after Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

"Indian exports to Brazil, the largest export market in LAC, stood at USD 5.96 billion in 2014-15, more than India's exports to France or Japan. Similarly, Mexico has become a key partner for the Indian automobile sector, and in 2014-15, was the single largest destination of India's automobile exports," CII said.

India exports pharmaceutical products, automobiles and auto parts, chemical fertilisers, etc to LAC.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Newly-appointed CISF chief O P Singh today called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and briefed him about the security measures undertaken by the force at various civil airports in the country and vital installations in the aerospace and nuclear domain.

Officials said Singh, who took over as the Director General (DG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on September 26, met the Home Minister at his office and briefed him about the activities of the force.

The DG later called on Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju.

Singh, a 1983-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer, was till recently serving as the NDRF chief before the Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister appointed him as the new CISF DG.

The 1.47-lakh personnel strong force is tasked to secure 59 major civil airports, the Delhi Metro and sensitive installations in the aerospace, nuclear, government establishment and those in private sector.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Israeli leaders, former US president Bill Clinton and tens of thousands of mourners gathered outside parliament today to pay last respects to Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, whose body was lying in state.

A major security operation was being put in place ahead of Friday's funeral, which is to be attended by leaders from across the world, including US President Barack Obama and Britain's Prince Charles.

In a rare visit to Jerusalem, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was also planning to attend, Palestinian officials told AFP.

Peres's death yesterday at age 93 after suffering a major stroke triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes that hailed the Israeli ex-president's transformation from hawk to fervent peace advocate.

Today morning, a solemn ceremony saw President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, parliament speaker Yuli Edelstein and opposition leader Isaac Herzog lay wreaths beside Peres's flag-draped coffin at a plaza outside parliament.

Later in the day, Clinton arrived in Israel and travelled directly to view Peres's coffin, appearing moved as he stood silently before it.

Clinton had helped usher in the Oslo peace accords of the 1990s, which resulted in the Nobel prize for Peres.

The plaza was opened to the public following the visit by the Israeli leaders, and an estimated 30,000 mourners made their way into the grounds after passing through stringent security checks.

Many took photographs as they approached. A cordon kept them around five metres (yards) from the coffin.

"It's important that my children understand and respect what this man did, his values, his love for Israel, his want for peace," said Marielle Halimi, who arrived with her three children and waited for more than an hour to enter before leaving in tears.

In a career spanning seven decades, Peres held nearly every major office, serving twice as prime minister and as president, a mainly ceremonial role, from 2007 to 2014.

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

Peres's body was to lie in state until 9:00 pm (1800 GMT). Israel's blue and white flag had been lowered to half-mast around the world.

Around 8,000 police were being deployed for the commemorations today and Friday, and roads were being closed in Jerusalem.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hillary Clinton campaigned in Iowa as early voting began in the pivotal swing state, seeking to pry it away from Republican Donald Trump and spur turnout that could ultimately decide the presidency.

The businessman-turned-populist stumped in Iowa a day earlier, appealing to white, blue-collar workers who have helped push him into the lead in the Hawkeye State, where the latest polls put him up nearly five points.

Iowa has long been an essential staging post on the path to the White House.

Barack Obama's primary win in Iowa in 2008 propelled him to a thumping presidential victory that year and in 2012 that all but secured his re-election.

But Clinton has seen a decade-long Democratic advantage reversed, and it now appears like one of the toughest of seven swing states for the former secretary of state to win.

Her trip here coincides with the launch Thursday of non-postal early voting, which both campaigns see as a potentially critical opportunity for voters to cast ballots in person over the next several weeks.

"We are starting to vote in Iowa today," Clinton told a 2,000-strong rally in Des Moines that at times struggled to drown out a small but voluble gaggle of Trump protestors.

"We have 40 days to win an election that is going to affect the next 40 years of our country.

"You, every one of you, can make the difference in this election," she said hitting Trump for bilking contracts in a message the campaign hopes will resonate with Iowans famed for their messianic fairness.

Locking down as many as half of all votes now could help the campaign tailor time and resources as the election enters the final stretch.

But more vital for Clinton will be to ensure that chunks of the electorate actually turn out to vote and reverse Trump's lead.

Trump is most likely to win if the coalition of young, African American and Latino voters who voted for Obama decide to stay at home on November 8.

Clinton's main tool to inoculate against that possibility is likely to be Trump himself.

Her campaign has framed the election as an existential moment for the republic: a choice between Clinton's safe pair of hands and the latent authoritarianism of an erratic and duplicitous mogul.

Clinton hammered away at Trump's propensity to stretch the truth, as her camp released a video highlighting several moments during the pair's first debate when Clinton pointed to past Trump statements, only for him to insist he never made them despite clear evidence.
The three-day-long 17th National Conference on Catholic Psychologists of India will begin at Old Goa near here from tomorrow.

According to organisers, the conference, which will have a series of panel discussions will be held at St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre at Old Goa, between September 30-October 2.

"The conference will start with Eucharistic Celebrations to be presided over by Archbishop Filipe Nery Ferrao," the organizers told PTI.

The inaugural session will have a keynote address by Fr Alban D'Souza.

During the conference there will be a panel discussion on "Psycho-Socio Care of Our Earth", "Environmental Psychology", "Sustainable Development" and "Eco-Spirituality".

In yet another session, there will be a discussion on Psycho-Social Care of Our Children, POSCO 2012 Act - its implication to psychologists and other professionals, module for empowering children towards preventing child sexual abuse.

The discussion would also be held on alcoholism - its impact on children, treatment module for the family members of the alcoholic and strategies in suicidal prevention.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opposition Congress today sought a CBI probe into the alleged killing of "innocent" boys in the "fake" encounter between security forces and suspected Naxals in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh recently.

"It is very unfortunate that innocent tribals are being targeted in Bastar in a conspiracy of the ruling BJP to kick them out of the region. Tribals are being killed in the name of Maoists by police," Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee chief Bhupesh Baghel said in a press conference here this evening.

According to police, on September 24 early morning, a joint team of DRG, CAF and local police had gunned down two unidentified ultras in Sanguel village forest under Burgum police station area of Bastar.

The operation was conducted based on the input that a group of rebels was heading towards Bastanar valley after crossing Indravati river to receive a top Maoist leader, police had said.

However, relatives of the deceased had later alleged that their sons were killed in a fake encounter and demanded a high-level probe into it.

The two youths, who had been killed, were identified as Sonaku Ram (16), son of Payaku Kashyap, and Bijlu (19-20 yrs) son of Naugu, both residents of village Gauda under Barsoor police station, Baghel said.

Fathers and other relatives of both the youths were also present during the press conference held at the Congress office.

"A fact-finding team of Congress legislators from Bastar, including Dantewada MLA Devti Karma, had yesterday visited the region to take stock of the incident," he said.

Briefing about the details of the report of the team, Baghel claimed, both the young boys, who were from the same extended family, had gone to Sanguel village under Burgum police station on September 23, to inform their aunt, Mase, about the demise of a six-year-old child in their family.

"They decided to spend the night at Sanguel itself. While they were sleeping in the wee hours, security forces entered the house and dragged out the two boys, in full view of their families. After some time, their relatives heard the gunshot and later the dead bodies of the two were found," Baghel said.

As per documents, Sonaku studied in Pota Cabin school till last year, while Bijlu was also a student, he added.

"Why the police had to shoot the two innocent unarmed



boys? Who had ordered them to do so? All these questions can only be answered after a CBI probe into the matter," Baghel said, seeking a CBI probe into the incident and stern action against those found guilty.

He also demanded Rs 20 lakh compensation for the kin of the boys killed in the encounter.

"Congress party wants to set Bastar free from the menace of Naxalism but not at the cost of innocent tribals," he added.

Baghel also demanded termination of Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) SRP Kalluri for the "series" of alleged fake encounter in Bastar.

Notably, a magisterial enquiry has been ordered into the incident by the local administration as is the norm in encounter cases.
Congress today said people of the state will teach Shiv Sena a lesson for refusing to apologise over the cartoon that "lampooned" the Maratha community.

"This stand has exposed Shiv Sena's double standards of making people apologise forcibly," Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant told reporters.

"People of the state will teach Shiv Sena a lesson for refusing to apologise for the cartoon lampooning the Maratha community," he said.

Sawant hit out at Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray for saying that the Opposition parties politicised the cartoon.

"In November 2013, the Yuva Sena cadre had made a college professor give a written apology for asking 'Who Aaditya Thackeray?'. In 2010, Aaditya had forced Mumbai University to withdraw a book from its curriculum just because it contained criticism of Shiv Sena," he charged.

Recently, Shiv Sena was very critical of actor Salman Khan's anti-women remark, Sawant said adding why the party had no feelings about insult to women in the cartoon.

An office of Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' at Sanpada in Navi Mumbai was recently stoned over the cartoon it had carried alluding to the ongoing Maratha rallies. The cartoonist Shrinivas Prabhudesai had yesterday expressed regret over his work.

However, Executive Editor of the Sena mouthpiece, Sanjay Raut had said there was no reason for tendering an apology.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Punjab Congress Legislature Party leader Charanjit Singh Channi today assured one job per family if his party forms government in the state after Assembly election in 2017.

Congress party will have a separate department to ensure that this promise is accomplished in the first year of the governance, he said.

The senior Congress leader is at present undertaking 'Jawani Sambhal Yatra' on the issues of drugs, unemployment and goonda raj allegedly unleashed by the Parkash Singh Badal government.

The week-long yatra would culminate at Talwandi Sabo on October 3.

Slamming the Badal government for its "dismal record" on the issue of giving unemployment allowance despite making tall promises, Channi said as per the official figures, only 1,913 unemployed were given allowance since 2012 till now.

He said his party's RTI cell activist Jasdeepak Singh had procured the information under the RTI Act.

He called upon the people in the state to assess the promises made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab in the context of the performance of the Kejriwal government in Delhi.

With regard to Delhi, he said the total number of placements made by directorate of employment from February 2015 till date was 117 through online employment portal and 1,300 through employment summits.

The total number of unemployed registered with the employment directorate till date was 13,49,794, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Maharashtra chief minister and senior Congress leader said his party will fight forthcoming civic body polls in Mumbai and Thane on the issues of "rampant corruption and misrule" even as he expressed hope to win 70-75 seats here.

Addressing a meeting of party workers here on Wednesday Rane came down heavily on Shiv Sena saying he will at an "appropriate" time "expose rampant corruption and misrule" of the party which "ruined" both the civic bodies.

"The government has not fulfilled its promises and hence citizens are waiting for the polls. Development has come to a grinding halt, the state is bankrupt, and the government has failed to do any work. People are annoyed with this dispensation," Rane, who is the party's district in-charge said.

"If you want development and good governance, vote us to power," he said.

Talking to newsmen, he said his party was hopeful of bagging at least 70-75 seats in Thane Municipal Corporation.

The senior leader also warned those defecting from the party saying will face defeat in the polls.

The "BJP wave has ended" and the "Congress wave is at its peak", he claimed appealing partymen to do away with infighting and work for victory.

Rane said his committee had recommended 16 per cent quota in government jobs and educational institutes for the Maratha community.

It had recommended the inclusion of Marathas in the socially-and economically backward class, which forms the basis of the 16 per cent reservation without infringing on the reservation in the above sectors for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other communities.

We had suggested reservation based on the formula already existing in Tamil Nadu, he said.

Sena rules the 130-member TMC with more than 58 seats while in the 227-member house in BMC, Sena has 75 corporators.

Atleast 10 municipal corporations including Mumbai, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi, Pune, Pimpari-Chinchwad, Solapur and Akola are going to polls by February 2017.
The Congress and the BJP in Kerala today came out against the CPI-M-led LDF government for allegedly not according a ceremonial Guard of Honour by Kerala police when the annual 'Navarathri' procession started from Suchindram in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, a tradition followed for several years.

In a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition leader and former KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala said not giving guard of honour was "a violation of tradition and condemnable".

"Government action has inflicted wounds in secular minds in the state," he added.

Former state health minister V S Sivakumar said according guard of honour for the procession of idols, when it starts from Suchindram, to be installed at Sreepadmanabhaswamy temple here during Navarathri was an age old tradition and the state police also used to accompany the procession.

BJP state president Kummanom Rajasekharan, while condemning the move, said it was "an attempt to create division among people".

"The festival has been social and secular for long and government wants to create division among the people. Government should explain whether it denied guard of honour as the festival is associated with Hindu religion," he said.

As per the practice, the idol from Suchindram temple--'Munnuthitha Nangai, along with Goddess Saraswati from Thevarakattu Temple at Padmanabapuram Palace and Velayudhaperumal (Murugan) from Velimalai at Kumaracoil will be taken to the Padmanabhaswamy temple in a ceremonial procession before the commencement of the festival.

The deities will be taken back to their respective temples after the festival.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Expressing hope that onslaughts like the ones in Pathankot and Uri will not recur, CPI(M) today appealed to the government to continue with diplomatic and political moves to defuse tensions along the LoC after all-party leaders were briefed about army's surgical strikes on terror launching pads in PoK.

"The CPI(M) expresses the hope that now incidents like at Pathankot and at Uri will not recur. The CPI(M) has all along maintained that the safety and security of our people from cross-border terrorism must be ensured.

"We urge upon the Government of India to continue with the diplomatic and political moves to defuse tensions," CPI(M) Politburo said in a statement.

Party general secretary Sitaram Yechury had taken part in the all-party meeting.

Meanwhile, CPI leader Atul Anjan insisted that the government put all the facts before the country relating to the surgical strikes conducted last night, targeting terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Strathmore Foods brand, Cone Bakes has released an innovative new food-to-go snack that can be served with hot or cold fillings inside a bread cone.

Cone Bakes is a unique way of presenting food-on-the-go that is easily prepared and customers can grab and go  a tasty snack in their hand with no mess, no fuss and easy to handle.

The cones are versatile and can work with any breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert item. It is a bread dough based product that is formed by machinery into a partly baked cone shape, which is delivered frozen.

The product has been trialled at several schools in the Scottish borders and universities around the country, which reacted well to the baked cone.

Ray Gillaspy, Business development manager at Cone Bakes told British Baker: The first stage release for us will be distribution via wholesalers, which was the main reason for being at the lunch! show.

It looks like Brakes in Scotland will have it first around about mid-October and we think it will be very successful.

The brands future business strategy is to take the cone cakes into the food service and hopes to generate a new brand for Strathmore Foods.
Corporation Bank's marginal cost of funds based lending rate will be in range of 9.05 - 9.5 per cent from October 1.

Bank's tenor based marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) for all new rupee loans and advances including renewables with effect from October 1 will be in range of 9.05 to 9.5 per cent, it said in a filing.

For overnight duration, it will be 9.05 per cent, 9.5 per cent for one year, 9.4 per cent for six months and 9.3 per cent for three months.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India's demand for cement is expected to rise to 6 per cent in the current financial year against 4.6 per cent in 2015-16, ratings agency ICRA has said.

This (demand) is expected to support the cement prices in the near term. However, the energy cost benefits are expected to reverse in second half of 2016-17, given the recent hike in the pet coke and coal prices, it said in a statement today.

ICRA Ratings Senior VP Sabyasachi Majumdar said demand in 2016-17 is likely to be mainly driven by the pick-up in the infrastructure segment, primarily road projects and housing segment and the likelihood of a recovery in the rural demand from second half of this fiscal, given the better monsoons.

"This is likely to support cement prices in near term. Notwithstanding the improved sentiments in these sectors, a number of structural constraints need to be sorted out for project implementation to gather pace in the other infra sub segments," he added.

Government's emphasis on the infrastructure projects is likely to result in increased public sector investments, revival of the public private partnership (PPP) is critical to improve the pace of infrastructure development, he said.

While, the energy cost savings supported profitability of the cement manufacturers during Q4 2015-16 and Q1 2016-17, the benefits of the same are likely to get diluted going forward, given the recent increase in the coal and pet coke prices, Majumdar added.

Despite a decline in the energy cost savings during Q2 2016-17, North Indian cement manufacturers would report better profit numbers for H1 2016-17 vis-a-vis H1 2015-16 supported by the significant increase in cement prices.

Pet coke prices have been increasing since February 2016 and reached to around Rs 6,400 pet tonne in August 2016, an increase of around 78 per cent when compared to the low of January 2016, ICRA said.

This has been due to the higher domestic demand for the product, coupled with the supply constraints. Pet coke prices during July-August 2016 have been higher by 8 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year, giving rise to the likelihood of dilution in cost savings, it added.

Further, coal prices, which declined during 2015-16, witnessed some recovery during May-July 2016. In July 2016, coal prices were higher by 12.5 per cent as against the price in July 2015 The recovery in coal prices can be primarily attributed to supply side cuts and improved demand from China.

Also, during April-August 2016, there was a nearly 15 per cent increase in diesel prices when compared to Q4 2015-16 and around 6 per cent when compared to April-August 2015 trends. This is likely to put pressure on the freight costs for cement companies during 2016-17, Majumdar said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Vice President Hamid Ansari has asked Indians living in Nigeria not to get disheartened by an incident "here or there" following some instances of attacks and kidnappings in the African country.

Talking to members of the Indian community at a reception here last night, he said, "Small and sporadic incidents take place. Don't be disheartened by an incident here or there".

He also said that these problems are not the making of the government.

Some Indians have been affected by criminal incidents especially kidnappings and armed robberies in various parts of Nigeria.

Apart from kidnapping of Indian nationals from time to time, there was an incident of sea piracy off Nigerian coast in February when 18 crew members of a merchant vessel including 11 Indian nationals were taken hostage by pirates.

However, all of them later got released with the help of Nigerian Navy.

There is an approximate 35,000-strong Indian community in Nigeria.

Ansari lauded the role of Indians, particularly teachers and doctors, saying they have been contributing immensely to the national developmental work.

There is a CBSE-affiliated Indian language school here with 2,500 students.

Over 100 Indian companies have made Nigeria their base to operate in West Africa, employing the largest number of Nigerians after the Federal Government, and covering diverse sectors of the economy.

It is estimated that the Indian investments have exceeded USD 10 billion so far, and another USD 5 billion are committed. Indian investments are in diverse sectors such as communications, power, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, automotive sector and oil, among others.

The vice president and his wife Salma Ansari also interacted with the members of the Indian community and posed for photographs.

Ansari had attended a similar event in Abuja. He inaugurated the High Commission of India Chancery complex, the foundation stone of which had been laid by the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Eicher Polaris, a 50:50 JV between Eicher Motors and Polaris Industries, has inked a pact with Punjab & Sind Bank to provide loans to customers for buying its personal utility vehicle Multix.

Through this partnership, Punjab & Sind Bank intends to offer convenient, quick and easy access to attractive vehicle financing options to prospective Multix's consumers across India, Eicher Polaris Pvt Ltd said in a statement.

With this, auto retail finance for Multix will now be available throughout 1,400 branches of Punjab & Sind Bank and at all proposed dealerships of Multix across India, it added.

* * * * * * *



OPPI re-elects its office bearers



* Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) today said its members have elected Shailesh Ayyangar, Managing Director India and VP South Asia, Sanofi as the President for 2016-17.

Ayyangar has held this position for the past three years.

At the recently held Statutory Annual General Meeting of members also unanimously elected four vice-presidents - Sudarshan Jain (Managing Director - Healthcare Solutions, Abbott Healthcare), Sharad Tyagi (Managing Director, Boehringer Ingelheim India), K G Ananthakrishnan (Vice President & Managing Director, MSD India) and Sanjiv Navangul (Managing Director, Janssen India-Johnson & Johnson), a release from OPPI said.

* * * * * *



New productslaunched by Kishco Limited



Thiruvananthapuram: Cutlery brand Kishco today announced the launch of a new range of cookware under the brand name Kishco Innochef.

Kishco has partnered with all top e-com players to make the products readily available to customers across India.

The brand will soon be available in Europe, the Middle East and other global markets, Kishco Managing Director Namita Jain said here.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Investments up to Rs two lakh crore is expected in India in the electronics system design and manufacturing space within the next four years, says industry body IESA.

IESA (India Electronics and Semiconductor Association) president M N Vidyashankar said applications cleared at the Central and state level are worth about Rs 1.5 lakh crore over the last two-and-half years, under various programmes in the ESDM (Electronics System Design and Manufacturing) space.

"As per industry estimates, up to Rs two lakh crore is expected to be invested in India in the ESDM sector in the next three to four years, making use of policy dispensations available at the Central and state levels," he told PTI in an interview.

Vidyashankar said IESA, the trade body representing the ESDM industry in India, would set up front offices in Taiwan (Taipei) by December and Japan (Fukoka) soon to attract investment.

IESA is also mulling opening offices in the US and South Korea.

"People need not come to India to get info on the most preferred location and all policy related issues will be available in the proposed Front offices," he said, adding "We are also thinking of opening front offices in the Silicon Valley in the US and Seoul, South Korea."



On the impact of GST on ESDM industry, he said GST would introduce an element of certainty with the rate becoming same/uniform all over India, adding, it's a huge positive.

"The kind of mad rush that we are seeing with states engaged in one-upmanship to offer lower rates to attract investment will be a thing of the past. Now, comparative advantage and a level-playing field will come into force. Investors will go to states with natural/comparative advantages," he said.

Vidyashankar also said that a lot of things are happening on the ground which is conducive for the ESDM sector to grow.

"Today, private sector is playing a complementary role in providing land and related infrastructure with plug and play environment. They are developing and selling/leasing land on terms as required by market and investors. Host of private business parks have come up in different states. Things are taking shape in the product development space," he said.

He said automobile sector also saw a similar phase of growth.

"They (automobile sector) took about 20 years to become what they are today. Starting from mid-1990s when Toyota came to India, and subsequently Honda, Scania and Volvo, we are today one of the best global players in the automobile sector. That's what we are going to replicate in ESDM sector. Not in 20 years, but in less than half that time," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actress Elle Macpherson says she regrets appearing on the American sitcom "Friends" as Joey Tribbiani's (Matt LeBlanc) roommate-turned-lover Janine Lecroix.

The 52-year-old actress, who appeared in five episodes of the popular TV series in 1999, said she would not have signed onto the show had she known how popular it would be decades later, reported Digital Spy.

"If I'd known how important it was in the US or how long it would be on TV, I may not have chosen to do it.

"It was a lot of pressure if you look at it in the way that it will be around for 20 or 30 years," she said.

Macpherson also revealed that NBC offered her more of a storyline, but she turned it down as she was living in London at the time.

"Friends is still very popular where we live in America, and reruns are on constantly.

"(My son and his friends) know me as Janine Lecroix and they are always like, 'Oh you know, Cy's mum, she is on Friends'," she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Special Police official (SPO) was injured today in an encounter near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

"The encounter is going on in Mankote forest belt (near LoC) in Poonch district," a senior police officer said.

One SPO suffered minor injuries, he said, adding intermittent firing is going on.

Army and other security forces have cordoned off the area, he said. Further details are awaited.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Government will provide a line of credit of USD 87 million to Zimbabwe through Exim Bank.

Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) had entered into an agreement on October 27, 2015 with the Government of Zimbabwe for USD 87 million soft loan for financing renovation and up-gradation of Bulawayo Thermal Power Plant.

"Subsequently, Exim Bank has signed first Amendatory Dollar Credit Line Agreement with the Government of Zimbabwe on May 31, 2016 on account of the revision of the Guidelines on Lines of Credit extended by Government of India to various countries under its Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) dated December 7, 2015," RBI said.

Out of the total credit by Exim Bank under this Agreement, the goods and services including consultancy services of the value of at least 75 per cent of the contract price will be be supplied by the seller from India and the remaining 25 per cent may be procured from outside India.

The credit agreement under the LOC is effective from August 19, 2016, RBI said.

Under the LOC, last date for opening letters of credit disbursement is 60 months after the scheduled completion date of the project.

In a line of credit loan, interest is not usually charged on the credit that is unused. Also, the borrower can draw on the line of credit at any time.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tobacco farmers body Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) today asked the government to reject 'extreme' proposals which "are not evidence-based" at the upcoming WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control COP7.

In an appeal signed by tobacco farmers from various states, FAIFA requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and government to include tobacco farmers in the official Indian delegation to the upcoming WHO FCTC COP7.

The WHO is holding the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Conference of Parties (COP7) meeting in India from 7-12 November, 2016.

"Ad hoc decisions on tobacco control at this conference, as in previous such meetings, will affect the livelihood of millions of tobacco farmers and farm labourers involved in tobacco cultivation in the country," FAIFA said in a statement.

FAIFA President BV Javare Gowda said, "A democratic and participative approach in the formation of the Indian delegation to COP7 will ensure that the farmers and the industry view point on various proposals arising out of the COP7 agenda is taken cognizance of and no unilateral and discriminatory one-sided decision is taken by the parties to the conference that is hostile to the livelihood of millions dependent on tobacco in India."



Claiming to represent farmers of the commercial crop across states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, FAIFA said it has also applied to the WHO FCTC Secretariat to give observer status to tobacco farmers in the FCTC COP7.

This will allow farmers, one of the key stakeholders of the tobacco community, to understand the future course of actions being proposed by the WHO on tobacco control and the impact of these measures on their tobacco crops.

The applications and requests of the farmers have not been acknowledged by the WHO, it added.

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Expressing concern over the "alarming situation" along LoC, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today made an appeal to India and Pakistan to uphold the ceasefire agreed upon in 2003 and work together to de-escalate the situation for peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

"We hope cooler heads will prevail and the ceasefire of 2003 will be upheld. Our thoughts are with the people living along the LoC and the International Border as it is them who suffer the most in times of such escalation," he said.

Both India and Pakistan, he said, should exercise restraint and open all channels of communications to de-escalate the situation along the LoC and the International Border.

"Confrontation and hostility between New Delhi and Islamabad have not yielded favourable results for either country in the past. All outstanding issues and concerns should be discussed with sincerity and the overarching common goal of achieving peace, stability and cooperation in the region," he said.

The former chief minister said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered the most because of "hostility and confrontation" between India and Pakistan.

"This is precisely why we reiterate that there is no alternative to a cooperation and peaceful engagement between the two neighbours. All outstanding issues should be resolved peacefully and effectively," Abdullah said.

The National Conference leader said New Delhi and Islamabad should work together to ensure an immediate and effective ceasefire. Mutual declarations of peace and cooperation should be used as building blocks for a new bilateral diplomatic process, he added.

"Be it the Lahore Declaration, the Agra Summit or numerous bilateral engagements ever since, including the recent Joint Statement issued by the External Affairs Ministers of India and Pakistan in 2015- both New Delhi and Islamabad have expressed their commitment towards the mutual goals of peaceful co-existence and cooperation. It is this spirit of responsibility that should encourage and inspire both governments towards sustained efforts aimed at ensuring peace," he added.

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Snacks and Cereal manufacturer, Kelloggs has appointed Dave Lawlor as managing director of its UK and Ireland division.

Lawlor joins the UK and Ireland operations from Kelloggs in Russia, where he was the general manager for eight years and led the integration of United Bakers Group after it was acquired by the cereal manufacturer.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Lawlor has been at Kelloggs for the last 25 years holding a number of roles around the world in the Middle East and around Europe.

Lawlor commented: Kelloggs has been a part of life in the UK and Ireland for generations and around eight out of 10 homes have one of our products in their kitchen cupboard.

He added: Im excited about the opportunity to work with my new team to grow our business. With almost half of breakfasts in the UK and Ireland being a cereal one, we see lots of potential in the future.

The UK and Irelands Kelloggs business is its largest unit outside of the US and employs 2,000 people across its four sites.

In June, Action on Sugar used a bowl of Kelloggs Coco Pops as a reference point when it said most breakfast bars have the same or more sugar than a bowl of the sugary cereal (30g).
Delhi High Court today directed CBI to file a status report on a petition which has sought investigation into severeal alleged graft cases relating to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal asked the probe agency to furnish the "latest status report" in the matter by December 9, the next date of hearing.

"You (CBI) file the latest status report as several cases are there," the bench told the CBI counsel.

Former Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of AIIMS, Sanjeev Chaturvedi, had earlier accused the Health Ministry of not doing anything in several graft cases relating to the institution by allegedly sitting over the charge sheets and CBI reports against the individuals involved.

Chaturvedi had made the accusation in an affidavit filed before the high court in a PIL by an NGO, seeking recusal of Union Health Minister from acting as a disciplinary authority, alleging that he had "unfettered powers to influence the course of proceedings in all the corruption cases".

The PIL by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation has also sought a CBI probe into various graft cases in AIIMS.

Health Minister J P Nadda had earlier told the court that the PIL was "actuated by ulterior motive" to gain political mileage and "malign" the government's image.

In his reply, he had refuted allegations that Chaturvedi was removed from the post as he was conducting a probe in several graft cases related to malpractices in the AIIMS.

However, Chaturvedi has claimed in his affidavit that the Health Ministry has not replied since February 2 on Central Vigilance Commission's (CVC) letter seeking the ministry CVO's comments on whether they have taken any action on CBI's case registered against some individuals.

Earlier, Chaturvedi had claimed in his first affidavit that previous Health Minister Harsh Vardhan as well as CBI had recommended major penalty proceedings against some AIIMS officials in connection with alleged irregularities in the construction of porta cabins at the Jhajjar campus of the institute but no action had been taken.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in its reply, had also termed as "incorrect" that after Chaturvedi's removal as CVO, no vigilance office is functioning at AIIMS as a Joint Secretary-rank official has been assigned charge of the post.

AIIMS, on its part, had said the PIL has been filed in "personal interest" with a view to damage the reputation of the institute.

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Reports of Disney India pulling plug on its Hindi movies production business and Balaji Motion Pictures shutting shop got experts speculating about future of studios in India but filmmaker Karan Johar doesn't think it's a sign of worry and he says India cinema will survive this phase too.

"We are not in grave crisis. There is absolutely no crisis that is looming large. There is a reason why studios start, there is a reason why they end.

"If there is one thing in common between all the panelists is that we are all filmmakers trying to tell stories," he said.

The filmmaker was speaking at a special event of Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star.

Johar, who owns Dharma Productions, one of the biggest film production companies in the country, said ouster of studios is not something new and hence people should not panic.

"The other day someone thrust a mic on my face while I was coming out of the airport saying 'Will Indian cinema vanish?' I was like 'When did this happen?'



"When studios came it was surprising, when some of them are leaving it is equally surprising. The producer, the director and the film will always survive. We were trying to control budgets since I could remember. That congenial problem has remained."



Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, the managing director of Disney India, said he looks at the situation as a great opportunity to improve the financial condition of the film industry.

"In every time of crisis there is a time of opportunity as well. I think it is an interesting time for the industry right now for us to take stalk and figure out what's going on.

"See what we can do for the next generation of Indian cinema to actually be much more effective financially than it has been over the last few years," he said.

Disney India, which owns UTV Motion Pictures, announced last month it is going to focus on its Hollywood films distribution and television and licensing and merchandising businesses effectively pulling the plug on its Hindi film production business.

There have been reports that owing to the back-to-back box-office debacles like "Kya Kool Hai Hum 3", "Azhar" and "Great Grand Masti", Balaji Motion Pictures is shutting down.

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A volunteer firefighter stopped a teenager who shot two students and a teacher outside a South Carolina elementary school after killing his father at their home, authorities said.

Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said the shooter was apprehended yesterday afternoon outside rural Townville Elementary School before he could get inside the building.

Firefighter Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department down the road from the school, "just took him down," the sheriff said. Deputies arrived minutes later.

Brock says he doesn't want attention for his actions.

He "wants to remain humble and quiet about it" as he believes "he did nothing any of the other volunteer firefighters wouldn't have done," said Scott Stoller with Anderson County Emergency Management.

Regardless, he said, "Firefighter Brock is absolutely a hero."



Authorities said the shooting spree began at the teen's house about 2 miles from the school, where he gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne. Authorities have not released the suspect's name or age beyond saying he's a teen.

Crying and upset, the teen called his grandmother's cellphone at 1:44 pm, Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said.

The grandparents couldn't understand what was going on, so they went to his home just 100 yards away. When they got there, they found Osborne dead and their grandson gone.

About one minute later, authorities received a 911 call from a teacher at the school in this rural town about 110 miles northeast of Atlanta.

The shooter drove a truck into the school parking lot and immediately started firing as he got out and moved toward the school, Skipper said. He did not know who the truck the teen drove was registered to and declined to say how many shots were fired.

One student was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, sheriff's Capt. Garland Major said. Both students were male. The female teacher was hit in the shoulder.

"We are heartbroken about this senseless act of violence," said Joanne Avery, superintendent of Anderson County School District 4. She canceled classes at the school for the rest of the week.

Television images showed officers swarming the school after the report of an active shooter. Some were on top of the roof while others were walking around the building. Students were driven away on buses accompanied by police officers to a nearby church.

Authorities said they don't yet know a motive for the shooting and they were not sure if the students and teacher were targeted. The sheriff said the teen had been homeschooled.

"There are no racial undertones there. There's no terrorism involved," Major said. "We're confident we have the sole shooter and no one else is involved."



Skipper said the teen's mother was at work at the time of the shooting.

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A former senior army officer was today awarded one year jail term by a special court here for amassing assets worth over Rs two crore, disproportionate to his known sources of income in a 2007 case.

Special CBI Judge Vinod Kumar also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on convicted Anand Kumar Kapur, a former Major General in the South Western Command in Jaipur.

The court had on September 27 held Kapur guilty in the case while acquitting his wife Mridula of the charges of abetting the offence of acquiring illegal assets.

The FIR was lodged by CBI on October 8, 2007 and searches carried out in Anand's Sainik Farms house here and other places on October 10, 2007.

According to CBI, Anand, while working as a public servant in different capacities in the Army between November 14, 1971, to May 31, 2006, had allegedly amassed huge assets by corrupt and illegal means, either in his own name or in the name of his family members.

His wife had allegedly actively abetted him in acquisition of huge assets, the agency had alleged.

The CBI had claimed that assets, including movable and immovable property, worth Rs 5.51 crore were found in the posession of Anand and his family, out of which the source of Rs 3.86 crore could not be explained by him.

The charge sheet was filed against the accused under the sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act.

Both the accused had denied the allegations levelled against them.

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Four women have been arrested from South Delhi for allegedly stealing handbags from high-end restaurants, police said today.

On September 21, a woman complained to police that her handbag containing cash, mobile phone, credit cards and other important documents was stolen from a restaurant in South Extension, Ishwar Singh DCP(South) said.

The victim claimed that when she returned to her seat at the restaurant after seeing off her friend, the bag she had left on the table was missing. On checking the CCTV footage she found that a group of women had stolen it, the officer said.

Police analysed the CCTV footage and deployed special teams to nab them. On receiving a tip-off, a trap was laid and the four women, identified as Manisha, Neelam, Varsha and their leader Rano, were arrested yesterday, the officer said.

The accused would dress up in a prim and proper and mostly targeted high-end restaurants, police said, adding Varsha, Manisha and Neelam were previously involved in a number of criminal cases.

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Gabon's opposition leader today called for sanctions against regime members he accused of electoral fraud and scorned any idea cooperating with re-elected head of state Ali Bongo.

Jean Ping, a former foreign minister who according to official results lost narrowly to Bongo in the August 27 vote, said Gabon had been the victim of a "military-electoral coup d'etat."



He called for "targeted sanctions against those responsible," including a freeze on assets held abroad and a ban on foreign travel.

Bongo was installed on Tuesday for his second term as president, three days after the Constitutional Court rejected Ping's demand for a recount.

In his first act after the court's announcement, Bongo had called for "all political leaders" to engage in a "dialogue" to steer the country out of crisis.

His new prime minister, Emmanuel Ngondet, also tended an apparent olive branch today, saying negotiations were still under way for forming an "inclusive government" that would be unveiled on Sunday.

But Ping, speaking at a press conference, angrily slapped down any notion of cooperation.

He reiterated he did not recognise Bongo as president, lashing him as "an imposter calling for dialogue."



"What dialogue?" he asked.

"This is someone who has been disavowed by the people and defeated at the ballot box, who is asking the person from whom he stole the election to come and dialogue with him... We won't go to any dialogue staged by this imposter."



He announced that October 6 would be set as a "national day of remembrance" for those killed in the post-election violence.

A former French colony in central-western Africa, Gabon has vast assets in oil, minerals and timber, and has a per-capita national income that is far above the average for sub-Saharan Africa.

But a third of the population of 1.8 million still live below the poverty line, the result, say specialists, of chronic inequality and corruption.

Critics lay much of the blame at the door of the Bongo family, which has ruled the country for decades.

Ali Bongo, 57, took over from his father Omar Bongo, who ruled for 41 years until his death in 2009.

Violence erupted on August 31 after Bongo was declared the winner by a wafer-thin margin, prompting Ping, 75, to allege fraud and declare himself "president-elect.

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A 'Gandhi Peace Exam' will be organised in jails across Maharashtra on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a city-based organisation which propagates the values of the Father of the Nation said today.

"Around 450 jail inmates, including surrendered Naxalites and about 1.7 lakh students will appear for the Gandhi Peace Exam to mark the 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi which is also observed as an International Non-violence Day," a statement issued by Mumbai Sarvodaya Mandal said.

"Gandhiji believed in change of heart. While inculcating Gandhi's ideology among the youth, it is essential to help bring about a change of heart amongst the jail inmates and make them responsible citizens," the mandal's managing trustee Tulsidas Somaiya told PTI.

He said, objective type questions have been prepared and students as well as examinees are given the literature on Gandhiji well in advance to study for the examination.

The mandal has got permission from the state's Inspector General of Prisons, to conduct the examination in all the jails of Maharashtra, so as to give the prisoners an opportunity to evoke a sense of remorse through inculcation of moral values in their minds and make them realise the power of truth and non-violence, he said.

During the Gandhi Jayanti Week, nearly 450 inmates from Chandrapur, Akola, Yervada, Bhandara, Nagpur and Byculla jails will appear for the examination. The examinees include 90 surrendered Naxalites of Chhattisgarh.

The trust has already announced to sell the books written by Mahatma Gandhi or those penned on him at 50 per cent discount beginning from October 2.

Set up in 1952 during the Bhudan Andolan (land gift movement) of Acharya Vinoba Bhave, the trust has been engaged in programmes to spread the message of Gandhi by holding seminars, workshops, meetings, youth camps etc.

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After a sluggish growth in last two years, FMCG major Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) sees a revival in the rural demand on account of good monsoon.

"With monsoon happening, towards-November end or December end, we should see a revival in rural demand for sure. Then, it should accelerate around quarter four," GCPL Business Head-India and SAARC Sunil Kataria told PTI here.

"There are other factors like 7th Pay Commission, GST, next year we would be seeing a boom in Indian economy, but I think the revival will start by next quarter itself," he added.

The company today forayed in the outdoor and personal repellent category under its flagship brand Good Knight by launching Good Knight Fabric Roll-On for Rs 75.

It has also launched Good Knight Cool Gel and Good Knight Patches, in the outdoor range.

"A reason for low adoption of outdoor and personal mosquito repellents has been the lack of innovative products. No product in the market can make it amenable for users to use it everyday," he further said.

"Keeping this in mind, we have launched the new Good knight outdoor personal repellent range of products which are not only safe and easy to use but give 8 hours of protection against mosquitoes," he said.

The personal repellents market in India is pegged at Rs 126 crore but only forms 2.9 per cent of the overall insecticide market.

"In US, roughly around 40 per cent is out of home segment. In Indonesia, it is 18-20 per cent. Given that India has so much of vector borne diseases, this is a stark comparison," Kataria said.

Noting that the out of home mosquito repellent category is quite small, he said, the company would like to grow the category to Rs 250 crore in three years time with it having at least half the market share.

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Genesis Colors, which owns luxury brands like Satya Paul and Bwitch, has filed draft papers with markets regulator Sebi to raise an estimated Rs 650 crore through an initial public offering.

The IPO comprises fresh issue of shares worth Rs 380 crore and offer for sale up to 1,916,741 equity scrips by the existing shareholders, as per the Draft Red Herring Prospectus.

According to sources, the public issue is expected to garner about Rs 650 crore.

Founded in 1998, Genesis Colors is the holding company of well known Indian fashion brands -- Satya Paul and Bwitch-- Besides, it holds the marketing and distribution rights in India for several international luxury labels under its arm Genesis Luxury Fashion, according to the company's website.

Genesis Luxury Fashion distributes premium international brands like Jimmy Choo, Armani, Paul Smith and Bottega Veneta. The Genesis Group also has joint ventures with the British brand Burberry, Italian menswear Canali and Villeroy & Boch of Germany for tableware.

The funds raised through the issue would be utilised for purchase of shares of the company's subsidiary Genesis Luxury Faishon from Splendor Distributions and promoter Sanjay Kapoor and for general corporate purpose.

The IPO is being managed by ICICI Securities, Edelweiss Financial Services and Ambit.

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Disinvestment of government's seven per cent stake worth Rs 400 crore in Hindustan Copper Ltd today got off to a flying start with all the portion reserved for non-retail investors lapped up within hours.

The two-day Offer for Sale opened today with 5.18 crore shares reserved for non-retail investors being put under the hammer.

At 1155 hrs, 6.49 crore shares or 125 per cent of the size reserved for non-retail investors was bid for, according to BSE data.

The government is selling a total of 6.47 crore equity shares at a floor price of Rs 62 a share. It holds 89.95 per cent stake in Hindustan Copper.

Over 1.29 crore shares reserved for retail investors, who would also be given a 5 per cent discount to the share allotment price, will go up for subscription tomorrow.

SBICAP Securities, ICICI Securities, Edelweiss Securities and Deutsche Equities India are acting as brokers for the sale, which is part of government's disinvestment plan to raise Rs 56,500 crore in current fiscal.

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The Coast Guard and Gujarat Fisheries Department have issued instructions to Indian fishing boats sailing in the Arabian Sea not to venture beyond 15-20 nautical miles in view of surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC, even as the state's coastal parts have been put on high alert.

Fishing boats sail from coastal districts of Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar and Junagadh into the Arabian Sea for their catch, at times coming perilously close to the International Maritime Boarder (IMB) that India shares with Pakistan.

"The Indian Coast Guard and Fisheries Department have instructed fishermen not to go beyond 15-20 nautical miles into the Arabian Sea and asked us to recall those who have gone beyond as a precautionary measure," National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF) secretary Manish Lodhari told PTI.

"The association, acting on instructions, has begun sending out messages to fishing boats that are already sailing into the sea while alerting the fishing boats preparing to sail," he said.

Hundreds of boats go into the sea when the fishing season begins from mid August.

Already around 465 fishermen, mostly from Gujarat, are languishing in Pakistani jails after being apprehended by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency from near the maritime border, he added.

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An executive of a prominent media house in Pakistan has been abducted by unidentified gunmen in the northwestern city of Peshawar, police said today.

Abid Abdullah, executive director Jang group, has been kidnapped last night at gun point near Jang press in Hayatabad industrial estate bordering Khyber Agency.

Six to eight armed men were involved in the crime, the driver of Abdullah said in the FIR.

Abdullah's driver told police that unidentified gunmen intercepted their car late in the evening and moved Abdullah into another vehicle, and sped away.

The motive behind the kidnapping was not clear.

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National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) today said it has awarded two contracts worth Rs 3,918 crore in Karnataka under NHDP.

The projects on NH 63 include "four-laning of Hubli-Hospet section at Rs 2,293 crore to BSCPL-KNR (JV) and four-six Laning of Hospet-Bellary-Karnataka/AP Border Section for Rs 1,625 crore to Gammon India Ltd", the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a statement.

The projects would be executed on EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) mode under National Highways Development Project Phase IVB.

The 144 km long Hubli-Hospet section connects major district headquarters Gadag, Koppal, Hubal-Dharwad city to Hospet town which is a mineral rich belt and is home to many iron and steel industries.

The 95 km long Hospet-Bellary-Karnataka/AP border section falls in Bellary district and covers important towns like Hospet, Toranagallu and Bellary.

Hampi, near Hospet, is a World Heritage Site and attracts large number of tourists in the region, the statement said adding that a large number of thermal plants are located along this section which require transportation of coal and other ingredients for their smooth functioning.

Considering the current traffic volume and potential traffic growth, the stretch demanded upgradation and capacity augmentation along with improved geometrics and introduction of Bypasses, Bus Bays and Wayside amenities.

"The development of Hubli-Hospet section involves construction of 4 Major Bridges, 37 Minor Bridges, 1 Railway- over-bridge, 7 Flyovers, 9 Vehicular Underpasses, 4 Truck Laybyes, 12 Major Intersections and Junctions, 316 Culverts, 42 Bus Bays, 4 Wayside amenities," the statement said.

The scheduled time for completion of the project is 3 years.

"The Hospet-Bellary-Karnataka/AP border section will have 2 Major Bridges, 41 Minor Bridges, 09 Grade Separated Structures, 3 Railway-over-Bridges, 153 Culverts, 24 km long Service Road, 37 Bus Bays, 8 Major at Grade Junctions and 50 km long 7 Bypasses at Bellary, Hospet, Toranagallu, Vadrahalli, Dharmasagara, Kudithini and Joladarashi," it said.

The scheduled time of completion of the project is 2 years.

Development of Hubli-Hospet-Bellary-Karnataka/AP Border section would not only facilitate transportation of minerals, iron, steel and coal but also promote tourism.

This section is also a crucial link between eastern and western coasts of the country, connecting through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

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In a major reshuffle, Haryana government today transferred 31 Haryana Civil Services (HCS) officers with immediate effect while an IAS officer has been given additional charge.

Dhirendra Khadgata, who holds the post of Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chief Executive Officer (ADC-cum-CEO), District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and Special Officer, APZ, Bhiwani, has been given the additional charge of Secretary, Haryana Board of School Education, Bhiwani, relieving Pankaj Yadav of the charge.

Among the transferred HCS officers are Additional Labour Commissioner, Haryana and Additional Director, ESI Monica Malik who has been posted as Additional Director(Admn.), Urban Local Bodies and Special Secretary Urban Local Bodies Department in place of Ritu who has been posted as Additional Director(Admn.), Elementary Education and Additional Secretary, School Education Department, an official release said here.

Rajesh Jogpal has been posted as Commissioner of Municipal Corporation, Sonepat.

Joint Commissioner of Ballabgarh Municipal Corporation Mahabir Parsad and Joint Commissioner of Old Faridabad Municipal Corporation Amardeep Jain will swap their respective places of posting.

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Delhi High Court today directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to arrest Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh's son Vikramaditya who has been called for interrogation in a money laundering case registered against his father and others.

"You (ED) should tell your officer (before whom Vikramaditya will appeal) that no arrest should be made," Justice Vipin Sanghi said.

ED counsel Sanjeev Narula maintained that the agency had no such plan and he would communicate this to the officer concerned.

Taking note of the ED counsel's assurance, the bench in its order said, "In view of what has transpired in court today, no orders are being passed."



Vikramaditya has been asked to appear on September 30 by ED for questioning in connection with the case following his non-appearance for interrogation earlier.

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, appearing for the CM's son, contended that he apprehends that his client may be detained during questioning and he should be protected from arrest.

He contended that Vikramaditya's name was not mentioned in the FIR, nor in the enforcement case investigation report (ECIR) registered by the agency.

Krishnan further submitted that the agency had recorded the statement of Virbhadra's wife in the case last month.

"Vikramaditya will participate in the interrogation, but a request is made that he need not be arrested," he added.

ED had also filed the first charge sheet in the case at a court here against arrested accused, LIC agent Anand Chauhan.

The agency had attached assets worth about Rs eight crore earlier this year. Virbhadra had denied the allegations of any wrongdoing by him and his family.

The ED had filed a case under provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by CBI in this regard in September last year.

The agency is probing allegations against Virbhadra and his family members of having amassed wealth of Rs 6.1 crore, which is alleged to be disproportionate to his known sources of income between 2009 and 2011 when he was the Union Minister of Steel.

CBI's FIR had named Virbhadra, his wife, Chauhan and his brother, who were all accused of violating the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

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The menace of burning crop stubble in northern states that is a major cause of pollution in the national capital region, led the Delhi High Court to ask, On Spetember 29, the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab to share their action plans aimed at ending this practice.

A bench, comprising Justice B D Ahmed and Justice Ashutosh Kumar, sought to know the steps the states intend to take to curb caused by the burning of the residue of harvest to clear the fields before sowing the next crop after Diwali.

It directed the states to ensure that their action plans are followed in "letter and spirit" and asked them to file status reports before the next date of hearing on October 6.

Earlier the court had asked Delhi government to ensure "zero burning" of bio-mass this year by the neighbouring states.

The court's direction came as a response to a self-initiated PIL raising the issue of in the national capital.

Replying to the court's direction, the Delhi government's environment and forest department special secretary said they were "very serious about the issue of burning of any kind of garbage, leaves, waste, plastic and rubber, apart from the dust control on construction sites".

"Ministry of Enviornemnt, GNCTD, has been taking monthly meetings on the issue," Delhi government's counsel told the court.

It further said they have sent a letter to Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to stop leaf burning and crop burning in the neighbouring states.

In November, farmers sow crops like wheat and vegetables. They often set fire to their fields to clear them before planting new crops, which leads to creation of "blinding and suffocating" smog over large parts of the national capital region.

The court had earlier observed that the government should not only think of eliminating the burning of stubble, but should also suggest alternatives to farmers in this regard.
Uttarakhand High Court has sent a notice to Chief Minister Harish Rawat's advisor on a petition of former Congress MLA Rekha Arya alleging threat to her life and that of her husband from Rawat and others.

A division bench of the high court comprising justices KM Joseph and Alok Singh sent the notice to the CM's media advisor Surendra Kumar yesterday asking him to file his response within two weeks.

In her writ petition, Arya had made a plea for security for herself and her husband citing threat to their lives from the CM and others.

Formerly a Congress MLA from Jageshwar, Arya had cross voted against Harish Rawat during the floor test in the state Assembly and subsequently joined the BJP prompting Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal to disqualify her under the anti- defection law.

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Lack of infrastructure, logistical constraints, and myths and stigma attached to organ donation are the major hurdles keeping the rate of heart transplant in India at an "abysmal low" vis-a-vis in the west, according to health experts.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally, leading to more deaths annually than from any other cause.

The World Heart Day is being observed globally today by doctors, experts and civil societies.

While an increasing population, including youth, is growing susceptible to heart ailments with changing lifestyle, doctors say the country is not catching up on heart donations which could save several lives.

"India's record when it comes to heart transplant is very dismal. One of the main factors is medical infrastructure and many times brain deaths in ICUs are not notified, thus losing precious time.

"Besides, there are logistical constraints, when the harvested heart doesn't reach the donor in stipulated time through the green corridor," says Balram Airan, Professor of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at AIIMS.

Airan was part of the team at the premier institute which performed the country's first heart transplant at AIIMS on August 3, 1994.

Heart transplant is warranted for patients with end- stage heart failure or irreparable coronary artery disease. In this procedure, doctors replace the ailing heart with a healthy one harvested from a brain dead patient.

Mukesh Goel, Senior Consultant, Cardiovascular Surgery at Apollo Indraprastha Hospital here, says, in the country itself, "north India is lagging behind its southern counterpart".

"In the south, there are well laid-out procedures and government is very active, besides people being aware about organ donation. In Delhi and other parts of north India, the coordination work is quite informal and hence not smooth and efficient, leading to delay," Goel told PTI.

He says, at Apollo Indraprastha, "no transplant has been performed yet, but, there are four-five patients on waiting list, from Delhi and Ghaziabad and Bareilly, among other places."



Tamil Nadu is leading the way at present with nearly 200 transplants, Delhi about 50-60, Kerala 20, a single transplant in Rajasthan and nothing else from Lucknow to Kolkata, he said.

"Sometimes the harvested heart fails to reach the recipient in golden time due to lack of agency and traffic coordination in the green corridor. After harvesting, the heart must reach its recipient within 3-4 hours or it dies," says Rajeev Maikhuri, Senior Organ Transplant Coordinator at AIIMS.

Doctors also say that sometimes people refuse to donate organs due to superstition, like "they won't be getting that organ in next life, if donated.

As per the Global Burden of Disease study estimate of



age-standardised CVD death rate of 272 per 100,000 population in India is higher than the global average of 235 per 100,000 population.

An estimated 17.5 million people died from CVDs in 2012, representing 31 per cent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.4 million were due to coronary heart disease and 6.7 million were due to stroke.

Kewal Krishan, Program Head, Heart Transplant and Ventricular Assist Devices at Max Hospital here, says, "India continues to lag behind the west by a large margin in terms of organ donations."



"While the needle has moved slightly with increase in green corridors, more transplants etc, there continues to be a deeply entrenched stigma associated with organ donation. At present, there are 50-100 transplants happening in India every year. However, these are largely in south India. North India continues to struggle with donors," he said.

In India, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is the apex body for coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of organs and tissues.

"Besids NOTTO, we should have state-level coordination bodies, and going through one agency delays the process. Since south India is faring better in this area, so much so that the number of donors somewhat exceed the number of recipients there. A recipient list is also maintained by the state," Goel said.

Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of heart ailments. Hypertension, high lipid level and smoking are the main risk factors for heart ailments. Changing lifestyle, erratic sleeping patterns, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical exercise, increasing consumption of alcohol are other causes.

"Studies have estimated that CVDs will account for one- third of all deaths in India by 2020. In fact, a recent Delhi- NCR survey showed that most patients suffering from heart diseases fall in the age group of 25-45. Cases of cardiac arrest and heart attacks have been reported in people as young as 18-19 years," Krishan said.

An ASSOCHAM study last year said Delhi was followed by Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru in terms of heart-related problems.

"According to an estimate, the incidence of heart failure in India is about 10 to 20 per 1000 people over the age of 65 years," he added.
India has "all legal and globally accepted right" to respond to any attack on her sovereignty and territory, Bangladesh said today after Indian Army carried out surgical strikes against terror bases across the LoC but called for "restraint" from all sides.

"India has got all legal, internationally accepted right to make a response to any attack on her sovereignty and her soil," Iqbal Chowdhury, Advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said.

Commenting on the Kashmir issue, he said it is a "bilateral dispute" and there has been a "violation from the other side".

"It (Kashmir issue) has been a long, continued dispute and there has been a... Violation from the other side and Bangladesh always believes that any aggression or attack on the sovereignty of the independence and legal right of a country is not acceptable and Bangladesh always feels that any country must honour and respect the sovereignty of a third country," he said.

Chowdhury said after Bangladesh premier Hasina came to power, she had asserted that Bangladeshi soil will not be allowed to house any terrorist group and to plan or organise any attack or activity on the Indian side, and has been "very committed on this point that (there is) zero tolerance to any (such) type of activity."



"...I think that the Indian government and the people have all the right to rebuff and to combat any type of aggression from any quarter whether it is from a neighbouring country," he told an Indian TV channel over phone.

He, however, appealed for "restraint" from all sides for a peaceful neighbourhood.

"Bangladesh always feels that in these type of things, there should be restraint from all sides because we believe that in the SAARC countries, we need to live in a peaceful environment, honouring the sovereign rights of each member country," he added.

His comments came after India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

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Tiger trafficking across Asia goes on unabated with India reporting the largest number of seizures.

However, there has been a "significant decrease" in the number of seizures reported in India since 2010.

A report from TRAFFIC and WWF has said the national rail network in India is the preferred method for transporting tigers and their parts.

It found that a minimum of 1,755 tigers were seized between 2000 and 2015 - an average of more than two animals per week.

Published ahead of a critical debate on illegal tiger trade at the world's largest wildlife trade meeting underway in South Africa, the report says at least 30 per cent of the big cats seized in 2012-2015 were captive-sourced tigers.

"During the 16-year period under review India has recorded the greatest number of seizures of all Tiger Range Countries (TRCs), accounting for 44 per cent (355) of the total - a minimum of 540 Tigers seized, accounting for 30 per cent of the total.

"Location information demonstrates that while the southern region remains a hot spot, there also appears to have been a greater number of seizures reported in the central zone in and around Madhya Pradesh," the report 'Reduced to Skin and Bones Re-examined' sent by WWF said.

With only an estimated 3,900 tigers left in the wild, evidence indicates that an increasing number of seized animals undoubtedly originate from captive breeding operations.

The report said that a smaller cluster of seizures has also been observed along the border of Nepal in Uttar Pradesh.

"The research found that the national rail network in India is the preferred method for transporting tigers and their parts and is greatly determined by the fact that many train lines traverse through many protected areas across India, in contrast to the national bus service for example," it said.

It said that despite the highest number of seizures recorded by India, the overall trend line indicates a statistically significant decrease in the number of seizures being reported, particularly since 2010, as described earlier in the report.

WWF said this week representatives from more than



180 countries meet at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and flora (CITES).

Conservationists will be urging those countries with tiger farms - including China, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos - to commit to providing a clear time frame for the phasing out and final closure of these facilities.

In a move to combat the poaching of tigers, India is asking other governments at CoP17 to share photographic evidence of seized tiger skins for comparison with camera trap images of wild tigers held in a database.

"India remains vulnerable to tiger trade along the country's borders in the east and north. This knowledge, based on sound analysis of past data and information, should help in optimising the resources at our command", said Shekhar Niraj, Head, TRAFFIC India.

WWF said that the report also highlighted an apparent rise in the seizures of live tigers, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam, with 17 animals seized from 2000-2004 and 186 animals in the last four years. It is widely believed the increase in live seizures is directly related to the rise in tiger farms.

Recent seizures have highlighted hot spots for trafficking in Vietnam, which has come under scrutiny at the CITES conference for its lack of progress in tackling the illegal trade in rhino horn, ivory and tigers.

"This analysis provides clear evidence that illegal trade in tigers, their parts and products, persists as an important conservation concern.

"Despite repeated government commitments to close down tiger farms in Asia, such facilities are flourishing and playing an increasing role in fuelling illegal trade," said Steven Broad, Executive Director, TRAFFIC.
The Rs 30,000-crore Indian denim industry, which has been growing 15 per cent annually for the last five years, is expected to be worth Rs 54,600 crore by 2023, according to experts.

"Denim revolution started in India in 80s and 90s which gradually shifted to lifestyle and more so fashion of late. With 7.4 per cent of India's GDP growth and USD 1,362 per capita income, India continues to be one of the largest producers of denim in the world," Reliance Brands business head - Diesel & GAS - Deval Shah said during the session "New Opportunities in Denim" at the 32nd IAF World Fashion Convention here.

The two-day International Apparel Fashion (IAF) concluded here on Wednesday and was jointly organised by the Clothing Manufacturers' Association of India (CMAI) with support from Union Ministry of Textiles and Union Ministry of Commerce.

"With the emergence of denim demand from Bangladesh to which India exports huge quantity, Indian businesses have doubled installed capacity denim to 1.3 billion meters per annum over the last five years with an estimated investment of Rs 60 crore per million meters," Shah said.

Number of denim manufacturers has almost doubled to 42 now from 25 five years ago. But around 30 per cent of this capacity remained idle due to excess production capacity.

"India is selling cheapest pair of jeans which nowhere in the world is available. If we bring down the price of jeans to USD 10 a piece as is currently prevailing in the US, India's denim demand would increase resulting into this sector's growth at 20 per cent per annum," Subir Mukherjee, business head (Denim) Bhaskar Industries said.

"Brands are getting disturbed due to rapid change in fashion and technology," added Manjula Tiwari, CEO of Future Style Lab.

The convention witnessed participation from all leading brands in apparel and denim sectors with over 500 participants from all across the world.

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India's surgical strikes across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were carried out in self-defence and would receive support from the US but risk further escalation of tensions, top American experts said today.

"India can rightly note that the United States has conducted numerous unilateral counter terrorist operations inside Pakistan against targets like Osama bin Laden and Mullah Mansour. India can cite its right to self-defence," said Bruce Riedel of the Brookings Institute.

"The Indian operation ups the stakes. The situation is dangerous and escalating," Riedel, a former CIA analyst who was stationed at the White House during the time of Kargil war and played a key role in US policies then, told PTI.

"The question is will this escalates further? With or without outside assistance, the Kashmiri situation will get worse for India unless (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi addresses the legitimate demands of Kashmiri Muslims," Riedel said.

Alyssa Ayres, a former State Department official and currently with the Council on Foreign Relations, hoped that the Obama Administration "sends a firm message" to Islamabad that it "bears responsibility for escalated tensions" by its own refusal to rein in terror groups.

Responding to a question, Ayres said she thinks the US will, as expected, express concern about the possibility of escalation.

"Pakistan's irresponsible threats about using nuclear weapons yesterday was extremely disturbing especially since they have done nothing in response to the terrorist attack in Uri," she said.

"It's clear that the (Narendra) Modi government, having tried sari and shawl diplomacy, then birthday diplomacy, has sent a new signal about their redlines -- which have included more diplomatic options considered than we've seen in the past," Ayres said.

Lisa Curtis from The Heritage Foundation said that while the US is concerned about "military escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals", US officials would find it difficult to criticise India for seeking to prevent future attacks on its territory.

"India's reported launch of surgical strikes across the LoC against militant infiltrators demonstrates the Modi government's unwillingness to merely absorb Pakistani provocations," Curtis said.

The attack on Uri eleven days ago was the second major Pakistani provocation in the space of nine months, she said, adding that the Pathankot attack in early January was bad enough.

"With the Uri attack, Pakistan upped the ante, seeking to draw international attention to Kashmir at a time when civil protests had been wracking the state," she said.

The Pakistan government's denial of involvement in the September 18 attack is not credible, given that Pakistanis have done little to nothing to shut down terrorist groups operating from their territory, Curtis said.

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Pakistan today claimed that India has not shared any evidence about the assault on an army camp in Uri town in Kashmir that left 18 Indian soldiers dead and accused India of blaming others for terror attacks.

Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan would wait for any investigation by India into the Uri attack.

"I want to draw a distinction between evidence and information. What they have shared with us is just a piece of paper. In the previous incidents too, there has been exchange of papers. We are waiting for details to come," he said.

He said Pakistan cannot comment prior to independent investigation report of the Uri attack.

He alleged that India was desperate to divert attention from Kashmir and had demonstrated capability of staging terrorists attack on its soil and blaming it on others.

"We have seen time and again that India would blame another country for terrorist activity and somewhere down the line it would turn out to be the handiwork of its own security agencies. A glaring example of this is the Samjhauta Express terrorist attack in Feb 2007," he said.

Zakaria said "unprovoked violations on the LoC by the Indian security forces" killed two Pakistani soldiers.

Commenting on the situation in Kashmir, he said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif effectively highlighted in the UN and apprised the world community about it.

He said Pakistan will continue to raise the issue of Kashmir at the UN, OIC and all other international forums as also with the HR Organizations across the world.

The spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to extending complete diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris' movement for self-determination.

He said Pakistan had learnt "India's unfortunate decision of not attending the Summit" and alleged that India has a track record of impeding the SAARC process.

He said that India's negative attitude has had a direct bearing on the welfare and betterment in this region, "which is highly regrettable".

To a question that India was isolating Pakistan, he said Pakistan cannot be isolated by mere statements of the Indian Prime Minister.

"Pakistan enjoys friendly and close relations with the comity of nations and Prime Minister of Pakistan's engagements on the sidelines of the 71st UNGA session, China's massive investments, joint exercises with Russia, visit of Iranian Naval ships, signing of mega project agreements with Central Asian States, Russia, China and International Financial Institutions make Indian claim a laughing stock," he said.

He said Pakistan had not received any formal communication from India on Indus Water treaty, which is binding on both India and Pakistan and has no exit provision.

"According to the sub-provisions (3) and (4) of the Article XII of the IWT, the Treaty cannot be altered or revoked unilaterally," he said.

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India is embarking on significant reforms and will grow at more than 7 per cent, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde has said.

"China is rightly rebalancing from manufacturing to services, from investment to consumption, and from exports to domestic services - which should produce a more sustainable, albeit slower growing economic model. Even so, it will continue to grow at a robust rate of about 6 per cent.

"So too will India, which is also embarking on significant reforms, at more than 7 per cent," the International Monetary Fund (IMF) quoted Lagarde as saying at an event in Northwestern University, US.

She said the world has changed fast over the past 20 years and it will not stand still.

"In the emerging and developing countries - home to 85 per cent of the world's population - we have seen more progress for more people than at any time in history: child mortality is down, life expectancy is up, absolute poverty has declined, school enrollment is on the rise," she said.

Recently, Asian Development Bank also said India's economy will remain on a strong growth path this fiscal and clock a growth of 7.4 per cent, aided by implementation of key structural reforms, robust consumer demand and higher agricultural output driven by a good monsoon.

India recently adopted structural reforms to attract more foreign direct investment and passed a legislation to allow a national tax that will create a more integrated and productive economy.

The government intends to implement the goods and services tax (GST) from April 1, 2017.

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A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman was killed with multiple blows from an axe allegedly by her ex-banker husband who was suffering from stress, a UK court has been told during an ongoing trial.

SonitaNijhawanwas discovered in a pool of blood in her family estate in Surrey, south England, in May this year.

Her husband Sanjay Nijhawan is accused of killing her with as many as 124 blows from an axe.

Prosecutor Sally O'Neill told the jury at Guildford Crown Court in Surrey this week that the 46-year-old former banker with Barclays hit his wife on the head and neck before slitting her throat, 'The Times' said in a court report.

O'Neill told the jury: "The number and nature of her cuts make it clear that she was the victim of a fatal and sustained attack. She had a very large number of cut and stab injuries to her neck and head. Underneath her body was an axe.

"He (Mr Nijhawan) was sitting on the kitchen floor next to her body repeatedly stabbing himself to the legs with a small knife.

"Sonita had 124 significant injuries to her body including 40 cut and blunt force injuries to her head, of which 18 were to the back of the head, 11 to the side and 10 to the left-hand side of her skull. These were all likely to be caused by an axe."



A post-mortem examination revealed that the blows from the axe were carried out with a severe degree of force.

The stab wounds cut her carotid and jugular blood vessels and the cuts on her thighs were up to 9 cm deep.

The court was told that after he was arrested, Sanjay Nijhawan told officers that he had become "deranged" and had suffered a nervous breakdown.

He had reportedly quit his job with Barclays Capital Wealth after suffering from depression and anxiety and got further upset when his wife sought a divorce.

Nijhawan had also grown increasingly anxious about his 670,000 pound mortgage on the couple's 2.6-million pound home in Surrey.

He denies murdering his wife and O'Neill said the defence case was expected to be that he had an abnormality of mental function.

The victim's younger brother, Amit Parkesh, said: "They appeared very happy and I'm sure they were both very much in love. I had never seen them argue or be in anyway violent towards each other. Prior to this, I would have said Sanjay would not hurt a fly. He is a lovely guy."



The couple's four-year-old son was reportedly in the home during the murder and alarmed family members rushed to the home after receiving some bizarre phone calls and text messages from the accused.

The trial is ongoing and is expected to last another few weeks.

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Four persons suspected to be members of an inter-state gang were arrested for allegedly attempting to withdraw Rs 3.92 crores from the accounts of a public sector petroleum unit here fraudulently, police said today.

"The attempt to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 3.92 crores was prevented due to alertness of Vaidehinagar's SBI branch manager and four members of the white-collar criminal gang were arrested last night," Commissioner of Police (Rachakonda Commissionerate) Mahesh M Bhagwat said.

Vaidehinagar's SBI branch manager B Ramgopal in his complaint lodged on September 19 stated that Nallapureddy Jalireddy, who opened a bank account in the name of Jeevan Jyothi Trust Chairman presented four cheques worth Rs 3.92 crores belonging to the public sector petroleum unit in the branch for withdrawing the amounts.

However, on scrutinising the cheques, it was found that they were forged in the name of the chairman of the petroleum unit, the senior official said.

A case was registered under charge of cheating and other relevant sections of the IPC.

During the course of investigation, Jalireddy was first taken into custody and he confessed to police that Bodapati Venkata Nagaraju had handed over the four cheques through anothe rpersons named Balu and he presented the cheques at the Vaidehinagar branch of the bank.

Subsequently, Bodapati Venkata Nagaraju was nabbed and based on his confession, police apprehended K Chiathanya and Singireddy Rama Krishna, the CP said.

Further, Nagaraju confessed that the cheques have been handed over to him by Prasanth, who is absconding. Police said Prasanth was handed over the cheques by a person named Mishra from Lucknow, who is also absconding.

"Efforts are continuing to apprehend Prasanth, Mishra and others," Bhagwat said.

Police also seized nine cheque books of various banks, two passbooks and other documents.

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Thousands of Israelis flocked to parliament today to view the casket of Shimon Peres, paying final respects to the former president and prime minister whose life story mirrored that of his country.

Dignitaries began arriving for a funeral that is expected to be Israel's largest since that of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Peres' partner in peace who was slain by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.

Peres' office said more than 90 delegations from 70 countries have confirmed their participation, including US President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck, Prince Charles of Britain and King Felipe VI of Spain.

After an initial hesitation due to the collapse of peace efforts, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also confirmed his participation, as did representatives from Egypt and Jordan the two Arab countries at peace with Israel.

That was a testament to the wide reach of Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who was his country's strongest advocate for ending the conflict in the Middle East.

In contrast to an outpouring of grief from Western leaders, Arab leaders have remained largely silent over Peres' death. Abbas was one of the few to express sorrow.

A representative said he wanted to attend the funeral to send a message to Israeli society that despite the current stalemate, Palestinians still believe in peace and appreciate men of peace like Peres.

Many in the Arab world are deeply critical of Peres because of his role in building Israel's defense arsenal, his early support for West Bank settlements and for waging war in Lebanon while prime minister.

Israeli Arab leaders, whose community Peres championed, were also conspicuously quiet.

"We have strong objections and criticism to Peres of the occupation, of building the settlements and the crimes in Qana (in Lebanon)," said Ayman Odeh, head of the Arab Joint List in parliament. Arab social media sites also featured caricatures depicting Peres as the angel of death.

However, Khalid al-Khalifa, the foreign minister of Bahrain, issued a rare Arab tribute.

"Rest in peace President Shimon Peres, a man of war and a man of the still elusive peace in the Middle East," he tweeted.

Police were preparing for a complicated security operation, which will include the closing of the major highway from the airport, as well as shutting down a large part of Jerusalem.

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Israel's imprisoned former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert faces an additional eight months behind bars after the country's Supreme Court rejected an appeal.

Olmert is already serving a 19-month sentence after being convicted of bribery and obstructing justice.

The court this week unanimously rejected the appeal of a separate set of charges that included accepting cash-stuffed envelopes from a US businessman. He began his sentence in February.

Olmert was a longtime fixture in Israel's hawkish right wing when he began taking a dramatically more conciliatory line toward the Palestinians as deputy prime minister a decade ago.

He played a leading role in Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005.

He became prime minister in January 2006 after then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a debilitating stroke.

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A jawan was awarded a compensation of Rs 16 lakh by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) here for the death of his 24-year-old pregnant wife in a road mishap in 2008.

In a order passed here, the member of MACT, Mridula Bhatia said the owner of the offending bus and the insurer (Bajaj Allianz) should jointly and severally make the payment of the compensation to the jawan and his minor son (who was one-year-old then) with an interest at 9 per cent from the date of filing of the claim in 2008.

As the respondent, MER Travels and Transport (owner of the bus) did not appear in court,the matter was decided ex-parte against him. As for Bajaj Alianz General Insurance Co. Ltd, it was represented by its counsel Himanshu Thanawalla who contested the case but his submissions were rejected by the Tribunal.

The claimant Ulhas Gopal More (30), a resident of Khadakpada in Kalyan who had filed the claim along with his one-year-old son Sarvesh told the Forum that his wife Trupti More (24) was working with a private firm Robonik India Pvt Ltd at Mhape from June 26, 2008 as a purchase assistant and was drawing a salary of Rs 7,156 per month.

The counsel for the claimants Advocate Pradeep Tillu told the Tribunal that Trupti met with the accident on September 1, 2008 when she along with her colleague (Trupti Aarke) got down from an auto-rickshaw at Mhape bridge and was proceeding towards Turbhe railway station. When they were walking towards the station a speeding bus hit them, leaving both of them injured.

The victim (Trupti More) was immediately rushed to Gagangiri Hospital at Koparkharine. Subsequently, she was treated at the Ashwini Hospital in Navy Nagar, where she succumbed to her injuries on October 2, 2008.

The claimants blamed the driver of the bus for the accident and claimed an amount of Rs 15 lakhs from the owner of the bus and the insurance company.

Counsel Tillu further submitted that his eyewitness Trupti Aarke was herself injured in the accident and had filed a claim at MACT which was amicably settled for Rs 30,000 by the same insurance company which goes on to show that they (insurer) had admitted the negligence of the bus driver.

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Campaigning on the new-look Japanese economy, which re-emerged on the strength of 'Abenomics', Japan today welcomed an enhanced volume of investment from India.

"With Asia contributing only 16 per cent of inward FDI to Japan, there is scope for Indian businesses to explore Japan," Junya Tashiro, Director General, Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Bengaluru, said here.

"The Japanese economy is throwing up a new appeal, and now is the perfect time to invest. Doing business in Japan is rewarding for Indian businesses," Tashiro explained while speaking at a seminar jointly with the CII.

Easing out of corporate taxes, a transparent, safe and secure business environment with highly skilled resources make Japan one of the prime investment destinations, he said while eyeing on inward FDI worth 35 trillion yen by 2020.

Speaking on the occasion, Yasuhiko Tanaka, Acting Consul General, Consulate of Japan in Kolkata, spoke of the strong ties between the two countries share.

He said the volume of FDI to Japan from India is quite low compared to Japanese investments in this country and requested the businesses present to utilise the huge scope of doing business in Japan.

Tanaka also spoke of the Internet of Things (IoT) investment initiative understanding signed between Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Modi and hoped "from the 100th year of Rabindranath Tagore's visit to Japan, India-Japan business relations will see a new turn."



Sanjay Sinha, Global HR Manager, Hinduja Tech Pvt Ltd and Prashant Halari, Synoverge Technologies Pvt Ltd shared their experiences of starting business in Japan.

Both Sinha and Halari spoke highly about the commitment, value addition and guidance of JETRO in setting businesses in Japan.

Hirofumi Suzuki, Economist, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, said, "Since over 80 per cent of the growth in demand comes from Asia and since spending by the middle class populace from Asian countries will increase from 23 per cent now to 55 per cent in 2030, it makes sense to expand business in the Asia Pacific region."



Suzuki said a good ranking of Japan in terms of ease of doing business would help it in securing more FDIs.

Former chairman of the CII Eastern Region Aloke Mookherjea said Indo-Japan bilateral relations are based on long-term political, economic and strategic interests.

"Japan and India are natural partners as the largest and most developed democracies of Asia, with a mutual stake in each other's progress and prosperity," he added.

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Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and his team today visited the Palo Alto based HPE Worldwide corporate headquarters in the USA and discussed with its officials issues relating to technology-based development in the state.

During the course of the meeting, Das said the main objective of their visit to the US is to encourage investment in Jharkhand, an official release said here.

He said Jharkhand has entered the industrial era and there were enormous possibilities for investors in mining and invited the company to invest in the state.

An MoU was recently signed between Jharkhand government and HP on tele-education.

Amit Shah of the HPE Worldwide Corporate headquarters gave a presentation on smart city, development and HPE's work schemes.

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Tearing into Karnataka for treating the Supreme Court orders on release of Cauvery water with "utter contempt", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today said such "deliberate defiance" goes against the spirit of the Constitution and amounts to "contempt" of the Court.

In her speech, read out by Chief Secretary P Ramamohana Rao, at the meeting of the Chief Ministers of two states convened by the Water Resources Ministry, she said her state has "scrupulously" adhered to every Apex Court order.

"By contrast, the State of Karnataka has treated the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court with utter contempt. Successive orders of the Honourable Supreme Court have been deliberately and systematically defied," by the neighbouring state, she said.

Jayalalithaa, recuperating at a corporate hospital here, said she could not attend the meeting as she was hospitalised.

She said she participated in the discussions "with the hope Tamil Nadu would get its legitimate share in Cauvery water".

The Chief Minister said that as of August 31, 2016, Tamil Nadu had a shortfall of 60.983 tmc ft of water as per the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

It was in this context of such a "huge shortfall" and with the intention of saving at least a single samba crop in the Cauvery delta that her state was "forced" to approach the Supreme Court for interim directions, she said.

She recalled the Apex Court directions to Karnataka to initially release 15,000 cusecs and later modify it to 12,000 cusecs per day up to September 20, totalling 17.366 tmc ft.

"But "Karnataka failed to release the requisite quantity of water," she said.

The Apex Court had later modified the quantum of water to be released to 6,000 cusecs, she said.

"In utter disregard and in complete contempt of the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court, Karnataka failed to release the stipulated quantity of water to Tamil Nadu and in addition, failed to make good the shortfall," as per its earlier orders, she said.

"This deliberate defiance goes against the spirit of the Constitution itself and amounts to contempt of the Apex Court. Karnataka has not followed the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court and has on the other hand permitted unruly elements to create law and order issues," she said.

Jayalalithaa said it "is very unfortunate" that not only



was water not released as stipulated, but ever since Supreme Court gave its first interim directions on September 5, "an orchestrated spate of arson and violence was unleashed, directed at Tamils living in Karnataka".

She said many large and small properties and establishments owned by Tamils were systematically targeted, ransacked and burnt.

Also a large number of vehicles bearing Tamil Nadu registration number plates were burnt and vandalised.

"Tamils had been persecuted and attacked with impunity by frenzied mobs with little or no effective restraint or action by the Karnataka authorities. We are led to believe that many of these instances of mob violence were deliberately fanned by various political formations and high level instigators charged with maintaining law and order, who watched the incidents with glee," she charged.

"In contrast", her government ensured law and order was "maintained" in Tamil Nadu and no "person from Karnataka or institutions, commercial establishments, educational bodies, properties belonging to persons from Karnataka were affected in Tamil Nadu in any way," she said.

"Absolute restraint was observed by all sections in Tamil Nadu, including farmers. Even one or two very minor incidents were acted on promptly, cases registered and the miscreants arrested. On the other hand, in Karnataka the situation was grave," she said.

She recalled that in 1991 the Tribunal had issued interim order on water release, but Karnataka did not honour it and had promulgated an ordinance nullifying it.

The Supreme Court had, however, struck it down, she said.

"Even in 1991, when the interim order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was passed, a reign of terror was unleashed and Tamils in Karnataka were targeted.

"Tamil people living in Karnataka have been living in fear whenever Tamil Nadu has claimed its rightful share of water in judicial forums, though all judicial forums have seen merit and justice in our case," she said.

Jayalalithaa said Karnataka never honoured the Tribunal's interim order and had only allowed surplus waters which its reservoirs could not hold, to flow to Tamil Nadu.

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Jayalalithaa said the tribunal allocated 419 TMC ft. Of water to Tamil Nadu, of which an annual quantity of 192 TMC ft. Has to be ensured at the Inter-State border.

"But this quantum was far below the actual requirement of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has not released that in any of the years except when its reservoirs could not hold the surplus flows," she said.

She recalled her "vigorous and spirited efforts to get the Tribunal's final order notified," which was done in 2013 following a Supreme Court direction to the Centre.

She said it must not be forgotten the final order now has the status of a Supreme Court decree and therefore is law of the land and mandates formation of Cauvery Management Board.

She urged the forum to recognise Karnataka's pattern of "arrogating" to itself waters of the inter-State Cauvery river "in defiance" of the Apex Court.

She recalled the court's observation in 1991 that though the inter-State river pass through territories of riparian states, such waters cannot be said to be located in any one state.

Tamil Nadu is a lower riparian state with long established irrigation systems based on unhindered water flow in Cauvery river. But agricultural patterns had been adversely affected by systematic actions by Karnataka to deprive Tamil Nadu of its legitimate share of water, she said.

The state "had no option" but knock the SC's doors for water release after its pleas to Karnataka and to the Centre "fell on deaf ears", she said.

"The Honourable Supreme Court has been very magnanimous in its latest directions to direct that a meeting may be held at the level of Executive Heads of the two State Governments to find a way out of the present impasse.

"However, as Karnataka continues to take a defiant stance, I wonder whether the meeting would serve its intended purpose unless Karnataka can be prevailed upon to honour the Hon'ble Supreme Court's directions," she said.

Stating that Tamil Nadu is in dire need of water,she said that in the spirit of the Supreme Court order, she was urging Government of India to ensure Karnataka complies and releases water to Tamil Nadu forthwith.

They should also release the stipulated quantity of water as per the Tribunal's final order, including backlog of 76.042 TMC ft, she said.
In a fresh rhetoric, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said that Kashmir was "unfinished agenda of partition" and Pakistan would continue to provide support to Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination.

"Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an unfinished agenda of the partition of the sub-continent," Sharif said.

"No power can deter us from supporting our Kashmiri brethren in their just and legitimate struggle for the exercise of their right to self-determination guaranteed to them by the UNSC relevant resolutions," he said.

Sharif condemned what he described as Indian violation of LoC and said Pakistan was capable of defending itself.

"No external force has the capability or capacity to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. We have the best armed forces in the world and we are proud of that," he said.

According to several statements by PMO, Sharif spent hectic day, consulting his aides on the security situation.

Sharif was briefed regularly by the security institutions on the situation on the LOC.

National Security Adviser Nasir Janjua submitted a comprehensive report on the LOC situation to the PM office.

Sharif showed satisfaction on the level of preparedness of Pakistani armed forces.

Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan met Sharif and discussed the security situation.

Sharif has convened a cabinet meeting tomorrow. He also called a meeting of National Security Committee on Tuesday with special invitation to all the Chief Ministers to deliberate at length the emerging scenario across the Line of Control and "brutal state oppression" in Kashmir.

Another statement said that he convened the joint session of the Parliament on Wednesday to reaffirm the national resolve for safeguarding the sovereignty and preserving the territorial integrity of the motherland against any kind of external or internal threat as well as reiterating the moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir.

Sharif will take nation and Parliament into confidence, it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had vowed to expose the "conspiracy" behind the FIRs against him, AAP ministers and MLAs, may scale down his attack on the Centre during the Special Assembly session tomorrow following the prevailing situation after the cross-LoC terror strike.

Sources said "political unanimity" was the need of the hour following which the decision was taken.

"The Chief Minister is likely to postpone the revelations of conspiracy hatched against him and his partymen in the Assembly tomorrow.

"However, other issues related to dengue and chikungunya will be taken up by the ruling party MLAs on the floor of the House tomorrow," they said.

Kejriwal, on Tuesday had tweeted, "False cases against AAP MLAs n ministers, FIR against me, CBI raid on me - why? A v big conspiracy. Will expose in Del Assembly on Fri (sic)".

The move had come after Kejriwal was named in an FIR in alleged irregularities in Delhi Commission for Women by Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) even as the anti-graft body said that he would not be questioned.

The chief minister had alleged that the FIR has been registered against him at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi Chief Minister was to hold a press conference, but it was first postponed and later called off following the "surgical strikes" by the Indian Army.

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Secretary of State John Kerry says the US is on the verge of ending Syria talks with Russia.

Kerry says such discussions are "irrational" at a time when Russian and Syrian warplanes are bombing Aleppo. He says the US has no indication of Russia's "seriousness of purpose."



The US has been working with Russia for months to try to secure a cease-fire in Syria. The latest truce collapsed last week after several days of relative calm.

Speaking today at the Atlantic Council, Kerry outlined no new approaches for bringing peace to Syria. The administration has made clear it won't use military force against Syria's government.

Kerry said only that the US would "have to pursue other alternatives for a period of time.

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Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West wants to get a restraining order against Vitalii Sediuk, the prankster who has allegedly attacked her twice in two years.

The 35-year-old star was attacked by Ukrainian former TV presenter Sediuk recently at the Paris Fashion Week, and she is said to want some serious action taken against him, reported TMZ.

Sources close to the Kardashian clan have said that Kim is planning to file a police report over the incident, which occurred as she was attending the Balmain fashion show.

She is calling in her lawyers and wants a restraining order against Vitalii, who attacked Gigi Hadid at Milan Fashion Week last week, after he also targeted her at Paris Fashion Week in 2014.

During the latest incident, the prankster tried to kiss the raven-haired beauty's posterior but her security team managed to wrestle him to the ground just beforehand.

Sediuk has targeted Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in the past.

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Kolkata Police would share with its Assam counterpart information gathered from interrogation of the arrested Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) militants and, if needed, may go for joint exercise with them in search of more militants in the North Eastern state.

"We will share information with Assam Police and if needed, will hold joint exercises with them," a senior officer of Kolkata Police said.

The Special Task Force of Kolkata Police has arrested one of the six JMB men, Jabirul Islam alias Jahidul Islam, from Cachhar district of Assam and seized Fake Indian Note Currency (FICN) from his possession.

While grilling Jabirul, the police came to know that he was named by the NIA in its chargesheet for the Khagragarh blast of 2014, and about the other five top JMB leaders including its West Bengal unit head Anwar Hussain Farooq and the second-in-command Yusuf Sheikh.

Except Farooq, all the five were named by the NIA in its chargesheet for the Kharagarh blast.

Earlier, Assam Police had arrested one suspected militant of another group active in the NE region and Kolkata Police were mulling to take Jabirul to Assam for interrogating them together, the officer said.

It was also learnt that the STF was in touch with Bangladesh Police in connection with its probe into the roles of these arrested JMB militants.

Of the six arrested JMB leaders, three were Bangladeshi nationals and were on the most wanted list for their roles in different terror-related incidents the neighbouring country.

Asked whether the arrested militants had any link with Pakistan's ISI, the officer said, "As of now, nothing of such sort has been established. But questioning is yet to be over. We are expecting that more information will surface.

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President Maithripala Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) today rejected a call for a federal solution to the ethnic minority question demanded by the chief minister of the Tamil-majority northern province.

Chief minister C V Wigneswaran led a large Tamil demonstration in Jaffna last week urging a federal solution by merging the north and eastern provinces.

"We will not grant a federal solution," Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Minister of Transport said.

Explaining the ongoing process to formulate a new constitution for the country, de Silva said the constitution- making steering committee report which is being prepared will be subject to a review in parliament.

"We shall seek views of everyone before drafting the constitution. There may be the need to hold a referendum also," de Silva said in comments seen to pacify majority Sinhala concerns that the present unity government would opt to concede a Tamil federal state in the north and east.

The Sinhala majority has opposed the Tamil demand for federalism since the very early days of the ethnic conflict that sparked a 30-year civil war that killed 100,000 people.

Wigneswaran during his demonstration in Jaffna on Saturday said the Sinhalese fear federalism through ignorance and a federal solution would not mean a division of the island into ethnicity-based provinces.

Wigneswaran has been accused of accused of trying to fan communal flames and has also come under fire for organising the demonstration from his own Tamil National Alliance party.

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Former Union minister M M Pallam Raju today cautioned the NDA government not to "pat its back" for the "surgical strike" across Line of Control, saying it should be prepared for possible retaliation from Pakistan.

However, the senior Congress leader appreciated the timing as "perfect" for the strike on Line of Control (LoC).

"I would like to commend the Indian armed forces on the well planned surgical strike across the Line of Control. India has been exercising restraint and that has unfortunately been interpreted as weakness by Pakistan. I hope the strong message that has been delivered by the armed forces will be taken note of by Pakistan," Raju said.

"I think this is a good retribution. But at the same time we have to be prepared also. Let's not pat ourselves on our backs. We should also be prepared for retaliation from their end. In what form the retaliation comes, will it be (in the form of) stepped up terror attacks or would it step up (its activities) that would lead to war. This is what we have to be prepared for," Pallam Raju told PTI.

DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh today said India carried out surgical strike on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

Replying to query, Raju said the ruling NDA government has given sufficient freedom to the armed forces which yielded good results.

"I am happy that they have given the armed forces the freedom to step across the Line of Control and take action. Before that they have also built up sufficient international pressure to give a justification for the strike," he said.

The former Minister of State for Defence blamed Pakistan's Army and ISI for terror attacks on India, saying they are encouraging such acts as the neighbouring country can never win a conventional war against India.

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A little-known Sikh radical outfit has claimed responsibility for assassinating senior Punjab RSS leader Jagdish Gagneja and Shiv Sena leader Durga Prasad Gupta, police said today.

Dashmesh Regiment sent emails claiming responsibility of the fatal attacks to media houses in Jalandhar yesterday. The email in Punjabi was sent from regimentdashmesh@gmail.Com, police said.

Gagneja was shot on August 6 by two assailants and later succumbed to injuries last Thursday.

The letter, with one Rajinder Singh Jinda as signatory, said,"Gangneja was killed because he was involved in anti-Sikh activities."



"He was taking the RSS' Shakhas to village after village and was trying to make Sikhism a part of the Hindu religion."



"The Shiv Sena leader, Durga Prasad Gupta, too was doing the same thing," the letter said.

Gupta was shot dead at Lalheri Chowk in Khana on April 23.

The police commissioner said efforts are being made to track the IP address from where the e-mail originated and authenticate the letter.

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Burdened with heavy school bags, a 12-year-old student from neighbouring Chandrapur district in Maharashtra is all set to stage an agitation here to highlight the plight of thousands of children like him who carry a load of 5-7 kg on their shoulders daily to attend classes.

Rugved Raikwar from Vidyaniketan School will be holding a sit-in at the RBI square here on October 2, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti to draw the attention of the state administration towards the hardships and health hazards which the students face due to the cumbersome bags.

"Reducing the weight (burden) is the core remedy," Rugved told reporters here yesterday ahead of the agitation, which he says is "the first tiny step in the direction" of resolving this issue.

Earlier, Rugved had written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in this regard.

"A 15-day time would have been sufficient for the government to formulate norms on reducing burden of school bags and thus fulfill my demand. But nothing has been done so far. This apathy has forced me to battle it out with them at the RBI square. And Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) is the best day to wage a war against the bag burden of students," he said.

Rugved has applied to the local police for a formal permission for his proposed day-long dharna.

However, he has not received a nod in this regard, considering his age.

"I will go ahead with the agitation for the sake of thousands of students like me. After all, it is the question of health as well as the future of students," he said.

Last month, Rugved, along with one of his classmates held a press conference in Chandrapur on the issue and offered some alternatives to resolve this problem, which they said failed to strike a chord with the school principal when they approached him.

They suggested that the authorities make arrangements for keeping their daily work books in school or reduce the number of periods per day.

As per directives of Bombay High Court, the state government had earlier this year issued a circular underlining guidelines on reduction of weight of school bags carried by students on the recommendations of a committee.

The state had informed the HC that it had also fixed the responsibility on principals and school management to follow the circular and would take action against those not obeying this rule.

According to government pleader, there are 1.06 lakh schools in the state and the circular is binding on them.

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As the Maratha community held a silent march at Baramati here, Maratha strongman and NCP chief Sharad Pawar stayed away from the event.

Pawar's daughter and Baramati MP Supriya Sule and his nephew and former deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also did not take part in the march.

Ajit Pawar had participated in the Maratha march in Pune on Sunday, and it was expected that Pawar family may take part in the march at Baramati, the hometwon of the NCP chief.

Apart from Marathas, the town has a sizable population of Dhangars and other other backward communities.

The silent march began from Kasba area at 11.30 AM. President of the Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha, Rajendra Kondhare claimed that around seven to eight lakh people participated in the event.

The march had a sizable presence of women and youth.

Later, a memorandum of demands was submitted to the local administration.

The politically dominant Maratha community has been holding marches at various cities across Maharashtra. Its demands include stern action against the culprits of Kopardi rape and murder case, reservations for the community and scrapping of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The silent marches began after the alleged rape and murder of a Maratha girl by Dalits at Kopardi in Ahmednagar district in July.

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The Congress-led UDF Opposition today boycotted the Assembly proceedings after the Kerala government refused to reconsider its agreement with private medical college managements on fee structure and admissions.

With the stalemate continuing, the agitation by five opposition MLAs over the issue on the foyer of the Assembly hall entered the second day.

MLAs Shafi Parambil and Hibi Eden (both Congress) and Anoop Jacob (KC-J) are on an indefinite fast while K M Shaji and N Shamsuddin (both IUML) are on a sit-in dharna to express solidarity with the three.

The Assembly witnessed noisy scenes after Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan refused leave for a motion moved by UDF for a debate on the matter, leading to adjournment for an hour.

The Speaker then convened a meeting of leaders of ruling and opposition sides to find an amicable solution to the deadlock in the House.

When the House met after the break, Sreeramakrishnan said that no consensus had been reached and took up other business slated for the day.

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala then announced that in view of the government's "non-compromising" attitude, the UDF was boycotting the proceedings.

Earlier, opposition members, who wore black badges, abstained from asking questions during Question Hour as a mark of protest.

While replying to the notice for adjournment motion, Health Minister K K Shayalaja reiterated the government stand that the pact has actually benefited the students community.

The agreement also had the approval of Supreme Court, she said while referring to the apex court decision not to interfere in the admission process underway in the state.

She also said the LDF government was in favour of centralised counselling for medical college admission on NEET list and it would be implemented from next year.

"We have submitted this in the Supreme Court," she added.

Attacking the government, Chennithala said, "LDF and private managements are hand in glove and the government is helping the managements to exploit the students community."



He also demanded that the government reexamine the fees structure.

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Later, a meeting of UDF leaders decided to step up the



protest against the government on the medical college issue.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Chennithala said the MLAs would continue their agitation in the Assembly.

He alleged that the government was helping private college managements.

The front has asked me to work out the future course of action on the issue, he said.

A meeting of the Congress' students wing and UDF partners will be held here on October 3, Chennithala added.
A North Korean soldier walked across one of world's most heavily fortified borders today and defected to the South, military authorities said.

The man crossed the military demarcation line around 01:00 GMT on the central-eastern part of the border, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

There was no exchange of fire during the defection.

"He is now being held in custody for questioning", the JCS added.

It is rare for North Korean defectors to walk across the mine-riddled border, which is guarded by tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides.

The last time in happened was June last year when a teenage North Korean soldier surrendered himself to South Korean border guards at Hwacheon, north-east of Seoul.

Hundreds of North Koreans flee their isolated and impoverished homeland each year.

Most cross the porous frontier with China first before travelling through a south-east Asian nation and eventually arriving in South Korea.

In 2012, a North Korean soldier walked unchecked through rows of electrified fencing and surveillance cameras, prompting Seoul to sack three field commanders for a security lapse.

In August 2014, two North Koreans swam across the Yellow sea border to a South Korean frontline island.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's views on communal harmony, Vice President on Thursday told Nigerian students here that India's Constitution comprehensively defined secularism as separation of religion from politics and the state.

Delivering a lecture on 'The Legacy of India's Movement' at the University of Lagos, he said from its early days, the nationalist movement was committed to secularism.

"Secularism was defined in a comprehensive manner which meant the separation of religion from politics and the state, the treatment of religion as a private matter for the individual, state neutrality towards or equal respect for all religions, absence of discrimination between followers of different religions, and active opposition to communalism," he said.

"Gandhi expressed it succinctly in 1942: 'Religion is a personal matter which should have no place in politics'," he said. Yet the dark forces of communalism were powerful and led to the partition of India in 1947, he rued.

"That traumatic event resulted in a wave of communal carnage. Despite it, the strong secular commitment of the movement enabled independent India to make secularism a basic pillar of its Constitution, as also of its state and society," he said.

He stressed on the need for youths to have a sense of history and know that the environment that encourages their aspirations was built on the sacrifice and toil of others.

"It was this tradition which is reflected in the Indian Constitution. It belied the view that democracy and civil liberties would not survive in a society so divided by language, religion, caste and culture and in the absence of a minimum of prosperity, economic development and literacy of the developed world".

He said, Gandhi's political strategy inspired many.

"The best known example is in South Africa where Nelson Mandela was inspired by the Gandhian virtues of forgiveness and compassion, values that served him and his country very well on his assumption to power. In West Africa, nationalist leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah in the British colony of the Gold Coast were inspired by Gandhi's success. In Poland, Lech Walesa consciously tried to incorporate elements of Gandhian strategy in the Solidarity Movement," he said.

Noting that the freedom struggle was built around the basic notion that the people had to and could play an active role in politics and in their own liberation, he said it succeeded in politicising and drawing into political action, a large part of the Indian people.
An NGO has written a letter to the Maharashtra government seeking to know why the jailed NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has been kept in a hospital when he is not suffering from any serious ailment, and demanded a judicial probe into the issue.

Bhujbal, arrested in a money-laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate in March this year, was admitted to the state-run J J Hospital on September 17 after he showed degnue-like symptoms.

The former Deputy Chief Minister was shifted to the hospital from Arthur Road Jail where he is under judicial custody.

The NGO 'Society for Awareness of Civil Rights', in a letter written to the Governor, the Chief Minister, Medical Education Minister and Chief Secretary, has questioned his prolonged stay in the hospital despite being tested negative for dengue.

It also demanded action against the J J Hospital authorities and inquiry by a sitting High Court judge into circumstances under which he was shifted from the jail to the hospital and his overstay there.

R P Yajurvedi Rao, president of the NGO, alleged that VIPs were meeting Bhujbal during non-visiting hours, and said if his tests for dengue were negative, he should not be staying in the hospital.

However, J J Hospital's Dean Dr T P Lahne defended Bhujbal's hospital stay. "Bhujbal has severe health disorders, and is suffering from cardiac aliments. His muscles have swollen and he has a low pulse rate. To treat him in the case of emergency, he has been kept under observation," Dr Lahane said.

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The bodies of nine murder victims have been found in a river in western Mexico, near a lake popular among American expatriates, authorities have said.

Eight men and one woman were recovered between Monday and Wednesday in the Lerma River and authorities are still searching for other possible victims, said Eduardo Almaguer yesterday, the top prosecutor in Jalisco state.

At least two victims had bullet wounds and two others were mutilated, but Almaguer did not give more details about the way the rest were killed.

"All the bodies show signs of violence," he said, adding that they were found near the mouth of the river, which flows into Lake Chapala.

The bodies were recovered in a fishing area but the lake is also surrounded by a large expat community.

The western state has been hit by violence perpetrated by the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal groups.

But Almaguer said it was unclear where the bodies were dumped. Jalisco is next to Michoacan, another state that has endured years of drug violence.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today hailed the surgical operation conducted by the Army across the Line of Control to destroy terror camps.

"We are proud of our Indian Army and we salute and appreciate their bravery and valour," Kumar said in a release issued by the government.

"We sincerely congratulate the Central government and our brave armed forces for the decisive action taken against terrorism," Kumar, who is the JD(U) national president, said in a tweet.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up the Chief Minister regarding the Army's surgical operations in the intervening night yesterday.

Kumar had recently said he would back the Centre's steps to reply to Pakistan sponsored terror attack at the Uri Army camp, which left 19 soldiers dead.

The Army's successful military operation across the LoC was also hailed by other political leaders of the state.

Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said the operation was the reflection of NDA government's resolute determination.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated what he had promised in dealing with the misdemeanour of Pakistan," he said.

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US President Barack Obama will join other world leaders in attending the funeral of Israeli ex-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner in Jerusalem, the White House has said.

The president "will lead the US delegation to Jerusalem to participate in the funeral," the White House said yesterday. He is to depart for Israel Thursday and return after the ceremony on Friday.

Obama led tributes to the elder statesman as a friend who refused to give up on the dream of peace.

Peres' commitment to Israel's security and pursuit of peace was "rooted in his own unshakable moral foundation and unflagging optimism" the US leader said in a statement.

Obama is to join world leaders including former US president Bill Clinton, French President Francois Hollande and German President Joachim Gauck and Britain's Prince Charles in attending Peres's Friday funeral at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl, where many Israeli dignitaries are buried.

Peres, who was 93, held nearly every major office in the country, serving twice as prime minister and also as president, a mostly ceremonial role, from 2007 to 2014.
The Odisha government today approved two new projects of IFFCO and Well Spun Odisha Steel, which are expected to bring Rs 224 crore investment to the state.

The proposals, which got the nod of the Single Window Clearance Authority headed by Chief Secretary A P Padhi at a meeting here today, were earlier submitted by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperatives (IFFCO) and Well Spun Odisha Steel Private Limited.

"The project proposal of IFFCO for setting up a railway siding at the new Paradeep station yard was approved in the meeting. The project envisaged investment of Rs 63.55 crore," Kalyan Mohanty, General Manager of Industrial Promotion And Investment Corporation Of Odisha Limited (IPICOL), said.

The project would provide employment to around 97 persons and is targeted to complete within 14 months, he said.

Around 49 acre of land required for the siding has also been identified, he said, adding IFFCO would also allow other companies to use its proposed siding.

In regard to the second proposal, Mohanty said Welspun Odisha Private Limited would set up a 0.27 MTPA long product (steel) facilities centre at Dosingha near Dhamara in Bhadrak district.

The proposal envisaged an investment of around Rs 160.15 crore and would provide employment to around 915 persons.

Land required for the purpose was around 40 acres, Mohanty said.

The State Level Watershed Committee (SLWC) also reviewed the status of the investment proposals mobilised in the 'Make in India' week in Mumbai and at the Odisha Investors' Meet in Bengaluru, earlier this year.

So far, 14 project proposals envisaging investment of around Rs 70,959 crore have been mobilised from the investors' meet held in Mumbai.

Similarly, from the meet held in Bengaluru, around 26 companies have been mobilised to submit detail project proposals envisaging investment of around Rs 90,670 crore.

The Chief Secretary has advised principal secretaries and secretaries of respective departments to fasten the investment intentions through facilitating the proposals.

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The government said it will spend Rs 2,628.51 crore for establishment of model schools in all 314 blocks in the state in the next five years.

"We have earmarked Rs 2,628.51 crore for building infrastructures of model schools in five years and the corporate sector of the state has evinced interest in the construction work," School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra said, replying to a question in the Assembly.

Mishra said the Tata company would set up 30 model schools while the Mining Corporation (OMC) and JSPL would construct 25 and ten schools each respectively.

The minister alleged that though the model school project was launched during the previous government at the Centre, the NDA government stopped funding for the scheme.

The state government, however, has decided to carry forward the programme, he said.

The Opposition, however, alleged that the state government was not serious about setting up more colleges for differently-abled students.

There are only two such colleges in the state and the students after completion of their 10th standard have to stop education, they alleged.

Congress MLA Krushna Chandra Sagaria demanded schools for the differently-abled be established in similar to the Karnataka model.
One person was confirmed killed today in the crash of a New Jersey commuter train at a station in Hoboken, New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie said.

"We need to pray for the one fatality we did have so far and for the other victims," Christie said in an interview on CNN.

Earlier, media reports said three people were killed in the crash, which resulted in scores of injuries.

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A packed commuter train ploughed into a station in New Jersey during the morning rush hour today, killing one person and injuring 108, some of them critically, the state's governor said.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said the train entered the station at Hoboken "at a high rate of speed" and "crashed through the barriers, bringing it into the interior wall" of the terminal.

A woman who was standing on the platform was hit and killed by debris from the crash, Christie told the conference. She was the only confirmed fatality.

The train's driver was in serious condition and being treated at a local hospital but was cooperating with the crash probe, he said.

"We have no indication that this is anything but a tragic accident," Christie said, adding that an investigation was underway.

Video and photos on social media showed major damage to the transit choke point just over the Hudson river from Manhattan, with the train tangled in wires and debris from what appeared to be caved in portions of the roof.

The Hoboken terminal is a major transfer point for New Jersey trains and buses, as well as ferries and the PATH commuter train that take passengers to New York.

Kenneth Garay, chief medical officer at Jersey City medical center, said its surgeons were "all hands on deck" as they treated patients suffering from broken bones internal injuries and lacerations.

"None at this point are life-threatening. They're critical and stable and being carefully monitored," he told CNN.

Garay said that another 40 people were transported from the train station by bus to be treated for "walking types of injuries."



Christie said he had been contacted by the White House and was working with federal, state and local authorities to "make sure this investigation is seamless and coordinated."



Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she "was terribly upset this morning."



"It's a horrible accident," the former New York senator said at a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa. "I just want to send our thoughts and prayers."



Donald Trump also expressed his sympathies with the victims on Twitter.

"My condolences to those involved in today's horrible accident in NJ and my deepest gratitude to all of the amazing first responders," the Republican candidate said.

Alongside Christie was New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who canceled his trip to Israel for the funeral of Peace Prize Winner Shimon Peres.

"These are difficult times over these past weeks and months, between terrorist attacks and natural disasters," said Cuomo, referring to a recent string of bombings in New York in New Jersey.

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Procurement of paddy has started in Haryana, with 41,844 Metric Tonnes (MT) of the crop arriving in the grain markets today.

Nearly 40,906 MT of paddy had arrived in the grain markets in the State during the corresponding period last year, a spokesman of the State's Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department said here today.

He said that out of the total arrival during the current season, 40,001 MT of paddy was leviable. While the government procurement agencies have purchased 39,011 MT of the crop, millers and dealers have purchased 2,833 MT paddy.

Referring to arrival of paddy in the grain markets of different districts, he said that so far, 19,391 MT of paddy has arrived in Kurukshetra, 12,280 MT in Kaithal, 6,353 MT in Ambala and 3,820 MT arrived in Yamunanagar.

He said that out of the total arrival, 31,281 MT has been purchased by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, 2,925 MT by HAFED, 2,065 MT by the Haryana Agro-industries Corporation and 2,740 MT has been purchased by the Haryana Warehousing Corporation.

Also, 195 MT of bajra has arrived in the mandis, he added.

He said that farmers have been advised to clean and dry their produce properly before bringing it to the market.

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Pakistan today strongly condemned "unprovoked" ceasefire violations on the LoC by India and rejected as "baseless" the Indian Army's claim that it had carried out "surgical strikes" inside the country.

Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that its "armed forces have given and will continue to give a befitting response to any aggression".

"Pakistan also rejects the baseless claim that Indian armed forces carried out surgical strikes into Pakistan. The Indian side has chosen to share this falsified claim with the Indian media," it said adding that the alleged ceasefire violations were "continuation of a pattern of unprovoked violations committed by Indian forces".

"Such falsified, concocted and irresponsible statements can only escalate the already fragile security situation in the region, especially in the wake of the Indian brutalities and war crimes in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir," the statement said.

It said India has deliberately escalated tension at the LoC in order to divert attention from the continued deteriorating situation in Jammu and Kashmir and "horrendous Indian brutalities" there.

It said India was trying to "make a fool of its own people and the international community".

"We can assure India that any such aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished. Pakistan is ready to defend its people and territory from any Indian aggression or Indian state-sponsored terrorism on Pakistani soil," it said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain said that India was trying to destroy peace in the region by "fanning jingoism".

In a statement, he strongly condemned India's cross LoC firing and urged India not to put regional peace at risk.

The president said "people of Pakistan and armed forces are one in defending the motherland" adding the "armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any aggression".

(Reopens FGN15)



Meanwhile, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) President Sardar Masood Khan termed India's conduct as "irresponsible" which will escalate the situation.

He "strongly condemned the unprovoked cross-LoC fire" that resulted in killing of two Pakistan soldiers and sent his deepest condolences to the families ofthe soldiers.

"India's conduct is irresponsible and designed to escalate the situation and push the region towards war and strife," he said in a statement.

He alleged India has tried to deliberately mischaracterise its aggression to hide its crimes against humanity in Kashmir.
After India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC last night, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today voiced hope that Pakistan will realise its folly and stop aiding and abetting terrorism against India.

Emphasising that the operations are a "part of the mandate" of the Indian army to "foil any attempts of infiltration" into Indian soil, Naidu said Pakistan has "not walked the talk" on the promise it made in January 2004 that it would not allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities against India.

"India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan that its territory should not be allowed for terrorist activities....

"They have not walked the talk (on the promise). On the contrary, it has been engaged in aiding, abetting and funding terrorist all these days. In the recent past, many attempts have been made to infiltrate into Indian soil," he said.

Stressing that Pakistan should realise its responsibility towards ensuring peace in the region, he said, "Hope at least now Pakistan will realise its folly and stop aiding and abetting terrorism against India."



He said the state sponsored terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil has become a threat not only to India but for the entire region as well as the world.

"We have made all meaningful possible efforts to engage with Pakistan to discuss all issues through dialogue but unfortunately Pakistan has chosen the path of encouraging terrorism," he said.

Naidu said India's "positive gestures" were only reciprocated through "further encouragement" to terrorists and also "justifying" the terrorist acts.

After the Uri terrorist attack, the minister said people of India were outraged and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reassured the nation that such condemnable acts will not be tolerated anymore and befitting measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the country.

"The operations by our Army yesterday night were part of their responsibility in defending the unity, safety and security of the country," he said, adding that it is proved that country is safe in the hands of Modi and Army.

He said Indians across the world are appreciating the steps taken by the Army in countering the terrorist infiltration.

Naidu said India is a "peace loving" country but it takes both the countries to realise this goal and asked Pakistan to understand its responsibility.

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Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale over "unprovoked firing" by India in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry "condemned the unprovoked firing by" Indian forces on the Line of Control (LoC) in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed, Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.

"These incidents are a continuation of a pattern of ceasefire violations committed by India. He (Chaudhry) conveyed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan will continue to give a befitting response to any act of aggression," the statement said.

Earlier, Pakistan rejected as "baseless" the Indian Army's claim that it had carried out "surgical strikes" inside the country.

India carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from PoK.

While summoning Bambawale at the Foreign Office, the Foreign Secretary claimed that India has "deliberately escalated tensions" at the LoC in order to "divert the attention of the international community from the grave situation" in Kashmir.

"The Foreign Secretary condemned India's baseless accusation against Pakistan for the Uri attack, within a few hours after the incident. He recalled that it has been a practice in India to blame Pakistan for every such incident but later investigations prove otherwise," the Foreign Office said.

Chaudhry claimed that Pakistan remains a "victim of interference" and "state sponsored terrorism".

In this regard, he referred to the "confession statement of serving Indian Naval Officer, Kulbushan Jadhav", whom Pakistan has accused of "carrying out terrorist and subversive activities, especially in Balochistan and Karachi".

The Foreign Secretary also expressed Pakistan's deep disappointment at India's decision not to participate in the SAARC Summit.

For its part, Pakistan is committed to the objective of regional cooperation, envisaged in the SAARC charter, he said.

Chaudhry also conveyed to Bambawale, Pakistan's deep concerns over "life threats to Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi" and urged the Indian government to ensure his safety and security and that of other officials and their families, in accordance with the Vienna Convention.

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Panic gripped the residents of villages in many border districts of Punjab today after reports of escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan spread, following a surgical strike by the army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Authorities have also began evacuating people residing in the villages falling within 10 kilometre of international border. Heads of local gurdwaras, temples with the help of Sarpanches have asked the people to evacuate at the earliest in the light of escalating situation.

Border Security Force (BSF) has put international border on further alert after the Indian Army's surgical strike.

Punjab shares 553-km border with Pakistan. It has six districts which lie close to international border. There are some 135 villages which lie very close to the IB.

Inhabitants of border villages in Amritsar district like Rasoolpur, Bhania, Doekey, Bheropal, Hardo Rattan, Dhariwal Udhar, Dhaoney, Rajatal, Mahawa, Bachiwnd, Shahura, Kiralgarh, Chak Allahbaksh, Kakar Rania, Ajnala, Ramdas have already begun evacuation on mass level and taking shelter in gurdwaras and other places.

Similar situation prevailed in border villages Patti, Khemkaran, Gazal, Khalra, Nausher Dhalla, Mehndipur, Ratokey, Chhina, Muthiawall, which fall in Amritsar's adjoining district Tarn Taran.

Due to escalating situation, long queues could be seen at all the petrol pumps as people feared that situation could take any turn and could be seen filling vehicles including the commercial vehicles used for agriculture purposes.

Emergency wing of Pathankot Civil hospital has been vacated and patients undergoing treatment have been shifted to other wards.

"Eight beds will remain vacant for any war-like emergency," Pathankot's Senior Medical Officer, Dr Bhupinder Singh said.

He also said that the staff has been asked to remain on duty and leaves have been cancelled.

Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee President Avtar Singh Makkar directed the heads of all the Gurdwaras in villages to accommodate the people who were leaving their houses due to escalating situation.

Makkar also said that affected people must be accommodated with food and accommodation.

Virsa Singh Valthoa, SAD MLA from border constituency of Valthoa, said there was no army deployment in the border villages though there was heavy deployment of BSF.

He said that temporary camps in the village gurdwaras were also set up with arrangements of food and other basic facilities.

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Market watchdog Sebi has said participation of large number of investors is desirable for democratising the price discovery process and making best use of the markets.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) also said that investors will get attracted to the market only when they feel the platforms are free from manipulation and in case of any manipulation, the regulator will take suitable action.

In this context, the role of surveillance and investigation departments in the regulation of any jurisdiction is important, Sebi's Whole Time Member Rajeev Kumar Agarwal said at the fourth 'Asia Pacific Regulators Dialogue on Market Surveillance' here, according to a press release issued today.

Sebi hosted the two-day event in Mumbai starting September 22, in which nine Asia Pacific countries participated.

Agarwal said that surveillance of the market by the regulator is very crucial for maintaining market integrity, which is directly linked to investor protection.

Investor protection is the most important mandate given to Sebi by the statute and as such most of the regulations flow from this mandate, he said.

"Participation of as large number of investors as possible is desirable from the angle of democratising the price discovery process as well as from the angle of making best use of the markets," he added.

Agarwal also said that in view of globalisation of markets interaction amongst regulators is need of the hour.

The Asia Pacific Regulators Dialogue on Market Surveillance was started three years back by the Securities Commission, Malaysia, along with other fellow regulators responsible for market surveillance in the Asia Pacific region.

The aim behind this initiative is to create a platform for the regulators to come together and discuss surveillance strategies, share their views on market integrity, maintaining fair and efficient markets, among others.

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Putting aside their differences, political parties today came together to hail the anti-terror surgical strikes carried out by Army across the LoC, with BJP saying it signals the "rise of new India" and Congress terming it as a "strong message" to Pakistan to stop aiding terrorism.

However, BJP ally and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti struck a note of caution as she voiced concern over escalation of situation along the borders and warned that confrontation could lead to a "disaster of epic proportions" for the state.

Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi said a "strong message" has been sent with the surgical strikes by Army and insisted that Pakistan bears a "great responsibility" in the continuing cross-border attacks in India.

Offering her party's support to the government in the battle against terror, she said in a statement that "this is a strong message that conveys our country's resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people".

Her son and party's Vice President Rahul Gandhi said that all stand firmly united against terrorism and those who support and sponsor it.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah said every Indian today feels safe in the fight against terrorism under his leadership.

"Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the Government doesn't get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists," Shah said.

BJP ally Shiv Sena, which has often taunted the central government over its alleged lack of action against Pakistan- based terrorists, congratulated the Prime Minister and said armed forces have the capacity "to unfurl the tricolour in Lahore and Karachi".

Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "We congratulate the armed forces and government over this action. We should not step back and go ahead as India and armed forces have the capacity to unfurl the tricolour in Lahore and Karachi. We congratulate the Prime Minister."



NCP President and former Defence Minister Sharad Pawar also lauded the army while JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said the whole country is one in support of the defence forces and the government.

"Bravo Brave hearts! Feel proud of Jawans for Surgical Strike on terrorist camps in PoK," Pawar tweeted.

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The Beatrice Area Retired School Personnel (BARSP) met on Sept. 28, 2016, at Valentino's. After lunch, the group heard an interesting and informative presentation on the Nebraska LEAD Program presented by Brooke Engelman, an alumna of the program. The Program was established in 1981 under the direction of the Nebraska Leadership Council and is privately funded. The term, LEAD, is an acronym standing for Leadership, Education, Action, and Development, and it entails a 2-year development program for Nebraskans involved in agriculture.

Each summer a new group of up to 30 individuals is selected to begin participation in the fall. During the first year, participants attend seminars and learn about local, state and national agricultural issues. The second year addresses global perspectives and includes a 14-16 day travel to several countries in the world. Since many of the world's most critical problems are tied directly with agriculture, the international studies provide learning opportunities for more globally effective agricultural leadership.

Ms Engelman provided interesting pictorial documentation of her trip abroad along with informative agricultural data. For example, she reported that in the United Arab Emirates there is no ground water; they must distill water from the ocean. Since there is little agriculture they import 99% of their food. Conversely, in Nepal and India agriculture plays a far greater role. In India 50% of the population is involved in agriculture, and in Nepal, 80% of the population is involved in farming, practically all done by hand.

Following the program, there was a brief business meeting during which President Betty Brackhahn read the slate of officers for the next term: Betty Brackhahn, President; Merna Greer, Vice-President; Marjorie Brubaker, Secretary; and Janice Schnier, Treasurer.

Faye Hagan reported that the VFW and the VFW Auxiliary are again sponsoring an essay contest at the middle school and high school levels. She requested volunteers from the teachers in the group to read and rate the entries. President Brackhahn then read a note from the American Red Cross thanking the group for their continued support at the bloodmobile. She then announced that the next meeting will be November 16, 2016, at Valentino's.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he was giving notice to the United States, his country's long-standing ally, that joint exercises of Filipino and American troops next week will be the last such drills.

He told the Filipino community in Hanoi late yesterday night that he will maintain the military alliance with the US because of the countries' 1951 defense treaty. But he added next week's exercises will proceed only because he did not want to embarrass his defense secretary.

Duterte said during a two-day visit to meet Vietnam's leaders that he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia, and that the war games were something Beijing does not want.

"I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," he said. "Jointly, Philippines-US, the last one."



"I will maintain the military alliance because there is an RP-US pact which our countries signed in the early '50s," he said, referring to the Republic of the Philippines. "I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce and you are scheduled to hold war games again, which China does not want."



Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr., however, told reporters in Hanoi that the joint military exercises as agreed upon by the previous administration will continue until 2017, and that the two sides will review whether there is a need for them to continue beyond 2017.

"He simply said based on the reality there does not seem to be a need for the joint military exercise, but the 2017 joint military exercise that has already agreed upon will continue," Yasay said.

Yasay said there will no longer be joint patrols by Philippine and US forces in the disputed South China Sea as they do not want to further increase tensions.

"What the president was emphasizing were only joint patrols in the area of South China Sea, the disputed area. He said there will be none, this is not covered by any military agreement or treaty with the Philippines," he said.

"But we will certainly respect all of our agreements especially with the United States," he said.

Yasay said the Philippines pursues an independent foreign policy that serves its national interests and that his country will strengthen its relationship with China, while not alienating its traditional friendship with the United States and other allies.

Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the United States since he won a presidential election in May. He says he is charting a foreign policy not dependent on the U.S., and has taken steps to revive ties with China, which had been strained under his predecessor over longstanding territorial conflicts in the South China Sea.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The third edition of the Kochi Muziris Biennale will recreate the historic tradition of pichwai paintings to suit the tastes of urban art connoisseurs.

The exhibition titled, "Pichwai Tradition and Beyond" by Pooja Singhal, at the 108-day-long biennale will showcase contemporary interpretations of the art form in a "nascent new avatar."



Pichwai paintings, which have their origin in Rajasthan's Nathdwara region, have conventionally been majestic and luxuriously detailed hand-painted textile works of art that narrate tales from the life of Krishna where he is portrayed in different moods, body postures and attires.

They were traditionally hung behind the idol of Shrinathji, an incarnation of Krishna, worshipped by the Vaishnavite sub-sect of the Pushtimargis that houses the shrine.

"Over the last century, intricately painted Pichwai paintings that left the shrine have taken on a new role as wall art and are much sought after by the cognoscenti for their effervescent aesthetics, inciting a fresh demand among collectors," organisers said.

While the old religious practises continue, the art form is undergoing a "renaissance" with Singhal contemporising it in order to create a more accessible market for contemporary cultural consumers as well as offer a platform for the artisans flourish.

"Recognising the need to create a platform to support and sustain the few remaining supremely skilled painters who learnt the rapidly declining tradition from a long line of past masters," the organisers said.

According to Pramod Kumar KG, who has curated the exhibition, traditional arts need to be re-interpreted and contextualised constantly, for them to have resonance and relevance to contemporary audiences.

"Singhal's 'Pichwai Tradition and Beyond' has brought to the public eye, artworks that have been reworked with layered historical inferences in newer scales, formats and themes.

"These artworks thus have moved away from their purely religious connotations to representations of aesthetic modes, seasons, forms, colours and secular iconographies that every layperson can see and appreciate," says Kumar.

The project has inculcated a fresh group of artists in the



time-honored genre to breathe a new life into the art form by combining older traditional techniques and contemporary application and ingenuity.

Touted to be the largest festival of its kind in South Asia, the Biennale this year has been titled, "Forming in the pupil of an eye" and will be curated by eminent artist Sudarshan Shetty.

The main exhibition, scheduled to be held from December 12, 2016 to March 29, 2017, will be supported by ancillary programme of talks, seminars, the Students Biennale, the Art By Children exhibition, workshops, film screenings and music sessions.

It will also feature works by visual artists, poets, musicians and performance professionals from across India and abroad including France, Russia, Turkey, Germany, Poland Slovenia, Australia, Mexico, USA, Japan, Argentina, Pakistan, Spain, Hungary among others. The biennale will be held across heritage properties, public spaces, and galleries. While the primary setting in Fort Kochi will be Aspinwall House, other venues will include Pepper House, David Hall, and Durbar Hall, in Fort Kochi and Ernakulam.
The gunning down of a string of candidates ahead of nationwide municipal elections this Sunday is stoking fears that Brazil's toxic politics are headed into dangerous new territory.

The main headline from Sunday's polls is expected to be the hammering of the leftist Workers' Party, which many here blame for Brazil's punishing recession and sprawling corruption scandals.

Already reeling from the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff and her replacement by center-right rival Michel Temer, the once-dominant Workers' Party looks set to lose a slew of local seats, including the mayor of Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo.

But analysts say that a recent spate of killings around Brazil points to a darker political shift.

The latest victim was Jose Gomes da Rocha, running for mayor in Itumbiara in the state of Goias.

He was shot dead, along with a police officer, while campaigning yesterday, Globo site reported. The state's deputy governor was also wounded in the attack in which the gunman was killed by security guards.

Worries about violence have prompted deployment during the election of extra army and elite police forces to 266 municipalities in 11 states, according to Globo.

The main hotspot is Rio de Janeiro, where 15 candidates or politicians have been murdered over the last 10 months, police say.

Just last Monday, Rio city council candidate Marcos Vieira de Souza, nicknamed Falcon, was shot while campaigning for the rightwing Progressive Party in Madureira, northern Rio.

His execution-style slaying remains unsolved but Brazilian analysts and media quickly linked it to shadowy armed groups known as militias.

De Souza, who headed one of Rio's biggest and richest carnival samba schools, was also a police officer and had been cleared of militia-related charges back in 2011.

Another candidate for municipal government -- Jose Ricardo Guimaraes, who headed a private security firm -- was shot dead the previous day at a rally in Itaborai, also in metropolitan Rio.

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Punjab was on maximum alert as the authorities today launched an exercise to evacuate those residing in villages near the International Border in view of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, with Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal saying they will ensure "minimum inconvenience" to people.

"I have directed the officials that villagers should face minimum inconvenience in the process of evacuation," Badal said here this evening after chairing an emergency meeting of his cabinet in the wake of Indian Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC.

He said all schools situated within a distance of 10km from the border have been closed till further orders.

"I have asked my MLAs to help people in the evacuation process from villages," he said.

He directed Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal to immediately release Rs one crore each to all the Deputy Commissioners of six border districts as "preliminary expenditure".

Asking people "not to panic", Badal told reporters here "all preventive arrangements have been made in the boder areas."



He said leaves of officials have also been cancelled.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Badal over telephone to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people residing in the villages falling within 10 kilometres of the International Border in view of the escalating situation.

Badal directed the Chief Secretary and DGP Suresh Arora, who were present in the meeting, to ask the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) concerned to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.

The Chief Minister directed the DCs to identify suitable location for setting up camps and ensure that none of the residents being evacuated was put to any sort of inconvenience or hardships.

Badal asked Cabinet Ministers and MLAs to camp in these border districts in which their Assembly constituencies fall, to keep close liaison with the district administration to ensure the safe movement of the residents of the villages within the close proximity of the International Border.

The emergency meeting of state Cabinet this evening reviewed the entire situation in the wake of recent developments on the border and advisory issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Meanwhile, Punjab Council of Ministers hailed the "apt,



timely and effective surgical operation undertaken by the Indian Army across the Line of Control in J&K last night against terrorists and those providing support to them."



The Council of Ministers lauded Prime Minister Narnedra Modi for "decisively ordering" this surgical operation to demolish the bases and camps of those acting with impunity against our citizens.

"The operation has been executed with clinical and professional precision by the brave men of the Indian army," the cabinet said.

"We deem it our sacred duty to take every step required to protect and safeguard life and property of our citizens living in these border areas," it said.

The entire state government machinery is geared to function most sensitively and effectively round the clock at the service of the people to ensure that these brave and patriotic Punjabis are put to minimum inconvenience and discomfort, Badal said.

The Council of Ministers appealed to the people of Punjab to remain united and vigilant against the enemy and keep their calm and composure in the lofty traditions of patriotic fervor and selfless service.

Kaushal said that authorities have earmarked schools, community centres, marriage halls and gurudwars to keep the evacuated people.

"All earmarked places will have electricity, generator facility, doctor and ambulance besides food," he said. Besides, police will be kept at villages which are evacuated.

He said that 300 villages have been affected in Ferozepur, 60 in Fazilka, 135 in Tarn Taran, 137 in Amritsar, 290 in Gurdaspur and 65 in Pathankot.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal congratulated Modi for successful surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC, calling the strikes a "befitting reply to Pakistan".

Interacting with mediapersons after unveiling the statue of Mother Teresa during a function here at Airport Road, Badal said the entire nation is with the Prime Minister "in his bold decision to ensure the sovereignty and security of the country".

"The strikes conveyed a clear cut message to all that India would retaliate in the same manner as adopted by its neighbouring country," said Badal.
Radiation threat due to operation of Uranium mines is negligible as compared to the dose of radiation from natural background, Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) officials said.

Human beings in their day to day life are continuously exposed to natural background radiation, the UCIL officials told an awareness programme attended by over 100 students and teachers.

The programme was held at Sidhu Kanhu High School, at Kedo near the Uranium township of Jadugora, about 22 km from here, yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, S Tripathy, Assistant Superintendent (Geo) and Deputy Manager (Pers and CC), S Hembrom explained the basics of exploration of uranium, its mining and milling as well as the basics of radiation and the myths about radiation.

Doubts raised by the participants were clarified and an interactive session involving a mix of powerpoint presentation, pictorial display and audio visual films were used to convey the message across the students and teachers.

It was the second such programme organized by UCIL in schools, Hembrom said adding that one such programme had been organized in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Surda, near Jadugora on September 14 last.

Hembrom said the UCIL will continue to conduct the awareness program on regular interval to reach out to school children and community of the surrounding region.

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Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today held a meeting with senior members and officials of the party's Assam unit after he was granted relief by a local court in a criminal defamation case filed against him by an RSS functionary.

"Gandhi met state leaders and took stock of the political scenario here. He appreciated former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's active participation in all party programmes. He said Gogoi is still working like a youth," Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) spokesperson said.

Gandhi also lauded the organisational skills of new Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora and hoped the party will be stronger now, he said.

"The Congress vice president also discussed strategies for bye-election of Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat which fell vacant after Sarbananda Sonowal became the Chief Minister of Assam," the spokesperson said.

Gandhi also met the party workers here and appealed to them to work for the poor and marginalised section of the society, he added.

Gandhi had appeared as accused before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Kamrup and was granted Personal Recognisance (PR) bond as he appeared personally and in deference to his status as MP.

The complainant had filed a criminal defamation case against Gandhi alleging that he had brought down the image of the RSS by saying he was not allowed by RSS members to enter Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery, in Assam on December 12 last year.

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As part of government's efforts to take all political parties on board, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today informed Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab and Bihar and several opposition political leaders about the Army's surgical strike across the Line of Control.

Soon after the announcement of the surgical strike on the terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the Home Minister informed Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee, Naveen Patnaik, Parkash Singh Badal and Nitish Kumar about the surgical strikes.

Singh also spoke to former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury and informed them about the military action on terror launch pads, official sources said.

India conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads last night across the LoC and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damages.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army to target terrorists was made by DGMO Lt Gen Ranveer Singh.

(REOPENS DEL42)



The Home Minister also briefed Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on the latest developments along the Line of Control.

"Union Minister for Home Rajnath Singh over telephone briefed Chief Minister KCR on the latest developments along the Line of Control," the Chief Minister's Office said.
RBI has directed banks to furnish data on credit assistance to minority communities on a half yearly basis to the finance ministry and the central bank.

"With a view to monitoring the performance of banks in providing credit to the specified minority communities, data on credit assistance provided to members of minority communities should be furnished to Reserve Bank and to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Minority Affairs, on half yearly basis as on the last Friday of March and September every year," the RBI said in a notification.

The statements should reach the RBI within one month from the close of each half year, it added.

According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Sikhs Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Jains are the listed minority communities in India.

Further, lead banks in the identified districts will also be required to furnish relevant extracts of agenda notes and minutes of the meetings of the District Consultative Committees and respective State Level Bankers Committee to Finance and Ministry of Minority Affairs on a quarterly basis for their use.

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will need guarantees from the British government over the impact of Brexit on its business before committing to further investment in Nissan's plant in the northeastern English city of Sunderland, the automaker's boss said on Friday.

"If I need to make an investment in the next few months, I cannot wait until the end of the Brexit," Carlos Ghosn said at the Paris car show.

"I'm going to have to make a deal with the UK government," he said, adding that he would be looking for compensation if his company's tax regime became less favourable or cross-border duties had to be paid once Britain left the European Union.

"If these kinds of principles are accepted we can go ahead because it will neutralise some of our concerns," said Ghosn, who is the CEO of the alliance.

"We would like to stay.... We're happy, we have a good plant, which is productive but we cannot stay if the conditions do not justify that we stay," he added.

The Sunderland plant is Nissan's biggest factory in Europe, with a production capacity of around 500,000 cars per year.

The site, which employs 6,700 people, makes Nissan's Juke, Qashqai and Leaf models.

In a separate call for action on Brexit, Japanese carmaker Honda today urged the British government to take "a fast decision."

"Then what we need is free trade," Jean Marc Streng, Honda's general manager for Europe, told the BBC.

"The sooner we have a clear statement on Brexit the better it is for us," he said.

Around 1.59 million cars were manufactured in Britain last year, and some 80 percent of them were exported, most of them to European countries.

Some 800,000 people are employed in the carmaking industry in Britain.

Britain voted to leave the European Union in a historic vote on June 23, though it remains unclear when exactly the government will trigger Article 50, the two-year process for leaving the bloc.

Part of the negotiations will involve Britain's level of access to the European single market and whether it imposes controls on immigration from EU countries.

Fears abound among business leaders of a total divorce between Britain and the European Union, which would have massive implications on trade agreements, and movement of people and goods.
The meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan has been postponed till next week.

"The meeting regarding and related logistics scheduled for Thursday is postponed to next week," official sources said here.

The decision to review the MFN, which was granted by India unilaterally in 1996, was taken in the wake of the Uri attack over which India is weighing options to respond.

The status was accorded in 1996 under WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Both India and Pakistan are signatories to this which means they have to treat each other and rest of WTO member countries as favoured trading partners.

According to Assocham, out of India's total merchandise trade of $641 billion in 2015-16, Pakistan accounted for a meagre $2.67 billion.

India's exports to the neighbouring country worked out to $2.17 billion, or 0.83 per cent, of the total Indian outward shipments while imports were less than $500 million, or 0.13 per cent, of the total inward shipments.
Rahul Gandhi, who is here in connection with a case filed by an RSS functionary, on Thursday flayed the ideology of the RSS saying organisation like it try to "divide" India and said he is not deterred by such cases.

"I am for unity of the country and love and affection among the people of this country," Gandhi said, flanked by former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and a huge number of Congress supporters.

"These people (RSS) want that I don't fight for the farmers, but I can't do that. It is in my DNA, it is inside me. I am not scared. I will not be deterred. I am happy... Let them put as many cases against me as they want," he said.

The Congress leader said he stood for the unity of the country and was against the ideology of RSS and all such other organisations "which try to divide India and are harmful for the country".

Gandhi claimed such cases are filed against him to disturb his ongoing UP Yatra.

"Such cases are filed against me to stop me from working for the rights of poor farmers, weaker section of society, labourers and unemployed youths. In UP my yatra is on.... Such cases are to disturb it," Gandhi told reporters after coming out of the CJM Court.

Howsoever many cases are filed against me, that much more I will go ahead and fight to help the poor farmers, weaker section of society, labourers and unemployed youths. My purpose is to help them," Gandhi said.

Accusing the government of working for the betterment of only 10-15 people, Gandhi said "acche din (good days) have come only for those people while farmers, labourers and the unemployed are sad".

Anjan Bora, a 'Bibhag Chanchalak' of RSS had filed the criminal defamation case against stating that he(Gandhi) had tarnished the image of the RSS by saying he was not allowed by the members to enter Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastary, in Assam on December 12, 2015.
Russian officials accused the US today of siding with "terrorists" in Syria, in a sign of escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington amid the battle for Aleppo.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby's warning that the collapse of US-Russian cooperation in Syria could lead to a rise in extremism and potential attacks against Russia drew Moscow's anger.

The Russian Foreign and Defense Ministries both cast it as US encouragement of terror attacks on Russia.

"We can't assess those statements as anything else but a call, a directive for action," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

Defense Ministry spokeswoman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Kirby's statement amounted to "the most frank confession by the US side so far that the whole 'opposition' ostensibly fighting a 'civil war' in Syria is a US-controlled international terrorist alliance."



"What makes Kirby's statement particularly shocking is that the scale of direct US influence on terrorists' activity is global and reaches as far as Russia."



The remarks by Russian officials have shown a degree of mistrust and strain between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of the US-Russia-brokered truce and the Syrian army onslaught on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes.

The growing friction makes it increasingly unlikely that the cease-fire could be revived.

US Secretary of State John Kerry threatened yesterday to cut all cooperation with Moscow on Syria unless an onslaught on Aleppo ends.

Kirby, asked what the consequences would be for Russia if cooperation with the US in Syria collapsed, said "that extremists and extremists groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there ... Which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags."



Konashenkov interpreted Kirby's statement as a direct threat to the Russian military in Syria. He said that Russia remains open for dialogue with Washington on Syria, but added that the US needs to "exclude even a hint at threatening our military and Russian citizens.

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Russia has a "special responsibility to calm violence and give a political process a chance" in Syria, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said today.

"The latest offensive by the Syrian regime against Aleppo -- supported by Russia -- has made the suffering of the civilian population yet worse," the two leaders agreed in a telephone conversation, according to a statement released by Merkel's office.

Russia said today that it would continue its Syrian air campaign in the face of warnings from US Secretary of State John Kerry that Washington would pull the plug on any more talks unless Moscow stopped the bombing of the besieged city.

Syrian government forces backed by Russian air power have launched a renewed assault on the rebel-held eastern half of Aleppo, after a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States and Russia broke down.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday labelled bombings that hit the two main hospitals in Aleppo's rebel district "war crimes".

"The repeated flagrant violations against humanitarian international law which have been reported are unacceptable. A ceasefire is more urgent than ever," Merkel and Erdogan agreed in their conversation, which also touched on the fight against the Islamic State group.

Turkey launched an offensive dubbed "Euphrates Shield" on August 24 to drive IS jihadists and Kurdish rebel fighters away from its southern frontier.

Ankara supports rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia's air force has been supporting the government forces for a year.

Ties between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan were badly shaken in November, when Turkish forces shot down a Russian bomber they said had strayed into their airspace from Syria.

But Moscow and Ankara have since removed their relations from the deep freeze with promises of closer cooperation.

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Russia today said it is pressing on with its bombing campaign in Syria despite the US warning it will end talks on the conflict if Moscow does not halt the assault on Aleppo.

A ceasefire deal hammered out between Moscow and Washington that could have led to the two countries coordinating strikes on jihadists has unravelled in acrimony, with both sides blaming each other for the failure.

Russia is backing up a ferocious assault by the forces of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to seize the rebel-held eastern half of the city of Aleppo that has sparked condemnation from the West.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted Moscow was still interested in seeing the deal with the US work out, but said Washington had failed to deliver on its side of the bargain.

"We have unfortunately taken note of the rather unconstructive character of the rhetoric from Washington over the past few days," Peskov said.

"Moscow maintains its interest in cooperating with Washington for the realisation of the agreement."



In the meantime, Peskov said "Moscow is continuing its air operation to support the anti-terrorist actions of the Syrian armed forces."



US Secretary of State John Kerry told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday that possible plans to set up a joint US-Russia military cell to target jihadist groups in Syria could also be put on hold.

Kerry and Lavrov have been leading international efforts to bring Syria's five-year-old civil war to an end, and on September 9 agreed to demand a ceasefire.

Moscow was to order its ally Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to rein in his military and end the bombardment of civilian communities, and Washington was to persuade rebel forces to separate themselves from the jihadist Fateh al-Sham, the former Al-Qaeda affiliate once known as Al-Nusra Front.

But fighting continued and the truce collapsed.

In Moscow, the defense ministry said Wednesday that it was "ready to continue joint work with our American partners on the Syrian issue" but gave no sign that Russia is ready to ground the Syrian air force.

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A team of top scientists is telling world leaders to stop congratulating themselves on the Paris agreement to fight climate change because if more isn't done, global temperatures will likely hit dangerous warming levels in about 35 years.

Six scientists who were leaders in past international climate conferences joined with the Universal Ecological Fund in Argentina to release a brief report Thursday, saying that if even more cuts in heat-trapping gases aren't agreed upon soon, the world will warm by another 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) by around 2050.

That 1.8 degree mark is key because in 2009 world leaders agreed that they wanted to avoid warming of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

Temperatures have already risen about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit), so that 2 degree goal is really about preventing a rise of another degree going forward.

Examining the carbon pollution cuts and curbs promised by 190 nations in an agreement made in Paris last December, the scientists said it's simply not enough.

"The pledges are not going to get even close," said report lead author Sir Robert Watson, a University of East Anglia professor and former World Bank chief scientist who used to be chairman of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

"If you governments of the world are really serious, you're going to have to do way, way more."



If carbon pollution continues with just the emission cuts pledged in Paris, Earth will likely hit the danger mark by 2050, Watson and colleagues calculated, echoing what other researchers have found. They said with just a few more cuts, the danger level might be delayed by 20 years.

In Paris, the countries also added a secondary tougher goal of limiting warming to just another 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit (half a degree Celsius) as an aspiration.

There "is no hope of us stabilizing" at that temperature because the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere already commits the world to hitting that mark, Watson said.

Watson said a few weeks ago he was in Washington at an event with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and former Vice President Al Gore celebrating the accord as a victory.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said sealing the Indo-Bangla border stretch in the state is a top priority of his government as the country's security will be compromised if it is allowed to remain porous.

"The matter has been taken up with the Centre in right earnest and the Army will be called in to construct the border fencing," Sonowal said at the conference of the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police here.

He said the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is critical for the state as well as the nation and directed the DCs and SPs to complete the process meticulously and without any error.

The Chief Minister called upon the DCs and SPs of all districts to be proactive in freeing state land from encroachers and act sternly against them.

Sonowal also called upon officials to visit the interior rural areas to get an exact sense of people's expectations from the government and also come up with ways to ensure swift delivery of services.

He told the officers to work sincerely for the benefit of the people and ensure that their grievances are redressed with priority and sincerity at all government offices.

"The dignity of the poorest person coming to a government office must be upheld at any cost so that faith of the people on the government system remains intact," Sonowal said.

People have complained on several occasions about corruption and delay in official procedures in the government, the Chief Minister said and told the DCs and SPs to set an example of dedication and remove corrupt practices totally.

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Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar today said the Shiv Sena will pay heavily for "mocking and belittling" the Maratha community, adding that the 'Saamana' cartoonist has been made a scapegoat by the saffron party.

The office of Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' at Sanpada in Navi Mumbai was stoned two days ago over a cartoon it had carried alluding to the ongoing Maratha rallies. The cartoonist Shrinivas Prabhudesai had yesterday expressed regret over his work.

Addressing reporters here today, Pawar said, "People from across the political spectrum agree that the demands of the Maratha community are valid. At a time when they are organising peaceful and silent protests, the Sena is busy mocking and belittling them. I am hundred per cent sure that they will pay a very high price for doing this."



"While the cartoonist has expressed his regret, everybody knows that it is the editor of the newspaper, who is finally responsible for ensuring that no content that hurts sentiments gets published in his newspaper, or does not cause a law and order problem. In this case, the cartoonist was merely made a 'bali ka bakra' (scapegoat)," he said.

'Saamana' Executive Editor Sanjay Raut had said that there was no reason for him to apologise and that the cartoon had not caused any kind of dent or electoral damage to the party.

Pawar further said the NCP has not yet got into an alliance with the Congress for the upcoming local body polls.

"We are still in the process of a dialogue and no concrete decision has been taken as yet. But, this is clear...We want an alliance that gives us a respectable share of seats," he said.

"We will not back any Congress candidate until we have fixed a formula. If the Congress puts up its candidates without a consensus, we will put ours as well," Pawar added.

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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday reviewed the defence preparedness, holding talks with army chief Raheel Sharif and other top aides after India carried out surgical strikes against terror bases across the LoC.

Sharif and Raheel had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed situation at the Line of Control (LoC), The News reported, citing sources.

Raheel apprised the premier over the firing incidents at the LoC, the sources said, adding that the army chief told him that Indian claims of surgical strikes were "baseless".

Sharif told the army chief that the entire nation had high morale and was committed to defend the motherland along with the armed forces.

The Prime Minister was also briefed on the LoC situation by National Security Advisor (NSA) General Nasir Janjua after Indian Army carried out 5-6 surgical strikes against terror bases across the LoC.

The NSA has submitted a comprehensive report on the LoC situation to Sharif, Radio Pakistan reported.

It added the Prime Minister is also briefed regularly on the situation on the LOC by the security institutions.

Sharif has shown satisfaction on the level of preparedness of Pakistani armed forces to match any "provocation" by Indian security forces, the report said.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has dismissed as "fabrication of truth" India's claim that it conducted a military operation across the LoC, terming it as a "quest" by India to create media hype by rebranding cross- border fire as surgical strike.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon," it said.
A Singapore-based healthcare IT services provider is planning to reach out to hospitals in India to help them modernise and electronically manage patients' health records, a senior official said.

Napier Healthcare, which markets globally specialised healthcare IT solutions engineered from its centres in Chennai and Hyderabad, is looking for partners to reach out to more hospitals in India and its rural areas, Napier chief executive officer Tirupathi Karthik said.

"India is a key market for us," said Karthik, pointing out that "India is the brain and nerve centre for producing software and technologies" that the company has put on global markets for more than a decade.

Founded in 1995, the company built its Singapore brand 'Napier Hospital Information System' for managing hospitals.

Touching on his firm's increasing focus on the Indian market in the coming years, he said: "There are fundamentally transformative forces currently underway that will change the face of healthcare in India, and also potentially healthcare in the rest of the world.

"Napier sees itself playing a central role in carrying this reverse flow of innovation into the developed markets."



The company already has specific target areas in mind for transformation through innovation, he said.

"Almost every state government is investing a lot in technology to manage electronically healthcare administration and the health records of patients," he said.

"We are now participating in tenders called by healthcare sectors at state levels," Karthik said, adding that Napier is aiming to play an integral part in the development work in the ongoing "modernisation and automation" of hospitals across the country.

At present, Napier predominantly services private hospitals in India but the potential of the Indian market is huge, added Karthik.

He stressed that Napier is also looking to improve the healthcare of the elderly, tap on the ever-expanding mobile/cell phones network to reach out to the masses, and build databases of essential health information, as well as bring together physicians/doctors and the patients.

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Skill India certified workforce will now be available on leading mobile market place for local services .

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed an agreement with Technologies India to this effect.

will target absorption and verification of 300-500 candidates per month from NSDC's skilled workforce database, onto their platform.

Gradeup launches CAT and JEE module Gradeup, a mobile test prep community, recently added courses for CAT and JEE exams, following which it will be catering to more than 70 per cent of the test prep market in the country.

Within the first three weeks of the launch, the new modules have been downloaded by over 50,000 students with the total user base (for Gradeup app) crossing 16 lakh users across more than 190 cities.

Gradeup has received a huge number of registrations from Delhi, Maharashtra, Kolkata, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, with more aspirants expected to join the e-community over the next few months, a company release said.

After the launch of CAT and JEE online modules, the number of daily registrations on Gradeup has shot up by over 20 per cent.
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."
South Western Army Commander Lt Gen Sarath Chand today visited Kota military station to review operational and administrative responsibilities of Gandiv division.

During the two-day visit which ended today, Major General Anil Chaudhary of the Gandiv division briefed the Army commander of the welfare and other activities undertaken for troops and their families.

The Army commander, accompanied by his wife Bindu Sarath Chand, visited the military station and reviewed the infrastructural development projects including new accommodations under Married Accommodation Project (MAP) and amenities created within the station to improve quality of life of the soldiers as well as their families.

During the visit, the Army Commander was also apprised of the issues related to Armed Forces veterans, defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Ojha said.

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In a suspected gas leak incident, more than 25 students and two teachers of a Government Higher Secondary School in an industrial area near here were hospitalised after they complained of suffocation and headache.

Around 28 students and teachers were admitted to hospitals in Thrippunithura and Ernakulam, police said.

School authorities said some foul smell started emanating in the school premises in the morning and it got worse at around 9.30 AM.

They told TV channels that they soon alerted police and health authorities. Some of the students swooned, they said.

Police said the state pollution control board has initiated a probe as the incident occurred in the area where many companies, including the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and fertiliser PSU FACT, are located.

A BPCL spokesman denied any gas leak from its refinery.

District authorities have declared a two-day holiday for the school.

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The surgical strikes by the Army across the Line of Control were a "necessary step" which had not been taken for many years, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said today.

"The surgical strikes on terrorists across LoC has been welcomed across the country because it was a necessary step, which had not been taken for many years," the HRD minister said.

He said that as this step has been taken now, a confidence has been generated in the country that its defences are safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Javadekar said that the SAARC Summit will not be held in Pakistan as several countries have supported India, while the issue of Indus waters is also being looked at.

He also said that from the way External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj presented India's viewpoint at the UN, Pakistan has been completely exposed.

"These surgical strikes have given a new confidence to the people and strength to the forces," he said.

In a post on Twitter, Javadekar said that the "nation is proud of PM @narendramodi for isolating #Pakistan & now conducting surgical strikes to give a befitting reply to proxy war.

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In the wake of the "surgical strikes" by India on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today directed the state police to remain alert and take required security measures.

"I have already reviewed the security measures two days back. Today we sensitised and alerted all (Police) Commissioners, Range Inspector Generals of Police and Superintendents of Police to take all measures," Fadnavis told PTI.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, was responding to a query about Maharashtra's security preparedness in the wake of the "surgical strikes".

Sources in the Mantralaya said the task of carrying out coordination among various security agencies like the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Police and agencies involved in disaster management falls under the Home department.

"So far, the home department has not intimated the departments concerned about any security-related meeting. However, the Chief Minister cancelled his meeting with a Shiv Sena delegation scheduled to be held this evening," sources said.

The Sena leaders were scheduled to meet Fadnavis to seek a special session over Maratha community's demand for reservation.

Meanwhile, NCP workers celebrated the Army action by bursting fire crackers and distributing sweets at Worli naka here.

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Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today said the surgical strikes against terror launch pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) was "highly" required as the neighbouring country had failed to check the use of its soil for terror attacks on India.

"It was highly required as Pakistan had failed to take measures to stop attacks on Indian soil and installations, and it was continuously on denial mode," he said.

Congratulating the Army for the "cleanly executed" strikes in which many terrorists were killed, he said, "India was left with no option but to resort to the surgical operations against terrorists. The strikes have proved India's claims, not leaving any doubt, that they were being trained in and launched from Pakistan or PoK with Pakistan army's help."



"It has exposed Pakistan's complicity which otherwise it has been denying so far," Amarinder said.

He also cautioned against creating panic by asking people living within 10 km of the Indo-Pak border in Punjab to evacuate.

"Such measures are not required at this stage. In the 1965 war, we did not evacuate people living in 10 km of the international border," Amarinder said, adding it was absolutely uncalled for.

He asked the government not evacuate people without making proper arrangements and when harvesting season is round the corner.

Speaking about his personal experience in the 1965 war, he said, "I have seen people harvesting crops while shelling was going on between the two armies. Asking people to move out would created unnecessary harassment and misery.

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External Affairs Minister on Thursday met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to brief her about the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across LoC.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also met Gandhi, who is recovering from illness, before Swaraj.

Gandhi was hospitalised after she fell ill during her roadshow in Varanasi on August 2.

In a statement, the Congress chief has said a "strong message" has been sent with the surgical strikes by Army against terror bases across the Line of Control (LoC) and insisted that Pakistan bears a "great responsibility" in the continuing cross-border attacks in India.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an all-party meet to brief the leaders of major political parties on the situation.

India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army was made today by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the terror strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.

Congress hailed the surgical strikes declaring that it stood completely behind the armed forces.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said a state-level task force would be set up to curb malnutrition in the state.

The government is sensitive on the issue, and hence, a state-level task force committee would be set up under the chairmanship of the state health minister, he said at a press conference after chairing the Konkan division review meeting here.

"In order to eradicate the problem of malnutrition, there is a need for co-ordination among different departments. Taking this into account, the task force committee is being set up. It will comprise minister for medical education, women and child welfare, tribal development and secretaries of these departments," he said.

This committee will coordinate with all departments and plan activities.

Deaths, allegedly due to malnourihsment reported from some districts, especially Palghar, took centre stage last week after National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the state government, giving it four weeks time to submit a report on deaths of children in Palghar.

The NHRC had taken suo motu cognisance of media reports which stated that 600 children have died allegedly due to malnutrition in Palghar this year.

"Nutritional food will be given through a centralised kitchen and arrangements would be made in that directions. A detailed plan would be drafted to extend the coverage of this kitchen," Fadnavis said.

He cited the example of Gram Vikas Kendra, Bal Upchar Kendra, Poshan Punarvasan Kendras in Palghar district and said that time-bound programmes are being planned to curb child deaths.

Medical examination of children in the age group of 0-6 years is being conducted and as per need they are further treated or lodged at the respective centres, the Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, a group of people from Palghar staged protest outside the meeting venue here. Over 50 protesters under the banner of Shramajeevi Sanghatana, raised slogans against the government, accusing it of failing to check rampant malnourishment in the region.

As many as 55 people, including women, were arrested under relevant sections of Bombay Police Act, SHO of Thane Nagar Police Station said.

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A 17-year-old blogger in Singapore was jailed today for six weeks and fined USD 1,465 for insulting Muslims and Christians.

Amos Yee, who had last year attacked Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, yesterday pleaded guilty to producing and uploading a photograph and two videos that were deliberately intended to insult Muslims.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to three charges of wounding feelings of Muslims and Christians and two charges for failing to show up at a police station.

During his trial, the court heard that 24 police reports had been lodged against Yee, in relation to the total of six counts he faces for wounding religious feelings.

Yee left Singapore in December last year after being served a notice for attending a police interview two days later. He travelled to Hong Kong where he published several posts about being served the notice.

After he returned in April, the police served another notice on Yee. He tried to leave the country the day before the interview and was arrested on May 11.

Principal District Judge Ong Hian Sun said Yee is not lacking in his mental capacity to make rational choices in the way he conducts himself, adding that he has the capability to do good or harm with what he does and says.

"He has, on several occasions, deliberately elected to do harm by using offensive and insulting words and profane gestures to hurt the feelings of Christians and Muslims. His contemptuous and irreverent remarks have the tendency to generate social unrest and undermine the religious harmony in our society," the judge said.

"It is therefore in the public interest that such conduct by (Yee) should not be condoned or tolerated by this court," the judge added.

If Yee, who will start his sentence on October 13, does not pay the fine, he will have to spend another 10 days in jail, according to a report by The Straits Times.

The prosecution had sought six weeks' jail and a fine of 2,000 Singapore dollars (USD 1,465) in total, while Yee's lawyer asked for four weeks' jail and a fine of 1,000 dollars, in default five days' jail.

The blogger was convicted of similar charges last year and sentenced to four weeks' jail.

Yee first came to the attention when he uploaded an expletive-laden video in March last year, four days after the death of Lee Kuan Yew. He was sentenced in July to four weeks' jail but released the same day as the punishment was backdated to include his time in remand.

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Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has charged the government with inflating the cost of various projects many times and also not allocating funds to panchayats.

"They ( government) have increased the value of each project by 100 to 200 times. They are taking everyone for a ride, not fulfilling their election promises," the party General Secretary alleged while talking to PTI.

Singh, incharge of Congress affairs in Telangana, said he was "really amused" when the Prime Minister praised the Chief Minister and KCR praised Narendra Modi (during his recent visit to the state).

"Then, Mr Amit Shah (BJP national President) comes and he says it (Telangana) is one of the most corrupt governments in India. So, either Mr Modi is fooling the people, or Amit Shah is fooling the people and Mr KCR is fooling both the persons," the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister alleged.

"It's for the people to understand as to who is correct? whether Modi is correct, or KCR is correct or Amit Shah is correct. The Congress party feels that all three people are fooling the people. Mr Modi fooled the people of the country by making election promise of paying Rs 15 lakh in every account by bringing all the black money back from foreign banks," Singh charged.

Congress is prepared to "take on" KCR and also "expose him in the minds of the people because of the false promises he has made," he said, and alleged that the state government has not given any funds, power and authority to panchayats.
Actor Justin Theroux says the secret to his happy marriage with Jennifer Aniston is the fact that they appreciate each other's sense of humour.

The actor said as a couple they are perfectly content, reported Digital Spy.

"We appreciate each other's sense of humour, we respect one another and we get along. I know it sounds simple but it's true!" Theroux said.

The actor's insight comes just after rumours plagued that Aniston had split from her husband after a massive row while he was shooting "The Leftovers" in Australia.

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A group of traders from Assam's Mankachar area were abducted by armed militants in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills district this morning today even as security forces have launched a search operation to rescue them, the police said.

The traders were on their way to a weekly market in Silkigre area when they were abducted at around 5.30 AM by armed cadres suspected to be of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), district SP Anand Mishra said.

While the driver of the vehicle was let off, the traders were taken to the jungle at Songotagre under Chokpot PS in the district, he said adding the actual number of those abducted was yet to be ascertained.

The police have launched a search and rescue mission to trace the victims, he said.

"We are hopeful of a breakthrough soon on the matter. We suspect the kidnapping to be the handiwork of GNLA," the SP said.

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Two persons, who were arrested for possessing fake Indian currency notes, have been sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment by a district court here.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Manoj Kumar sentenced Shalin and Sada Hassan to imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs one lakh on each.

They were found guilty under section 489 C (possession of forged or counterfeit currency or bank notes) of IPC, public prosecutor Javed Ali said.

"The duo was arrested on November 29, 2005 with Rs 3 lakh worth of fake currency notes from a house at Kairana village in Shami district," he said, adding that during police interrogation they "accepted" to supplying fake notes.

The third accused in the case, Anwar, could not appear for the hearing as he is lodged in a jail in Bihar, he said.

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The Royal Society of UK today appointed the first of nine Tata University Research Fellows(URFs) to its prestigious research scheme.

The three appointments today come as part of a joint partnership between Tata companies, includingTata Sons, Jaguar Land RoverandTata Consultancy Services (TCS), andthe Royal Societyto fund the establishment of nine Tata University Research Fellowsin the areas ofPhysical SciencesandEngineeringover a period of 10 years.

The partnership will support the selected candidates in their respective area of research for a period of five years, with the option to apply for a further three years of funding.

"It is the Tata group's vision to touch the lives of 25 per cent of the world's population. To accomplish this vision, we are engaging with the best research institutions around the world to enable sustainable market development in the regions we work and live," said Gopichand Katragadda, Group Chief Technology Officer, Tata Sons.

"Our partnership with the Royal Society is part of this strategic outreach to academia, and through this collaboration, we aim to empower these young talented Tata University Research Fellows to achieve their full potential," he said.

The newly appointed research fellows who will be working on a wide range of research areas include Dr Alistair Boyer, a Ramsay Memorial Research Fellow at theUniversity of Glasgow; Dr Simon Horsley, a Research Fellow at theUniversity of Exeter; and Dr Samuel Stranks, a Marie Curie IOF Fellow based jointly at theMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)and theUniversity of Cambridge.

The partnership with the Royal Society is part of a global university collaboration programme of Tata companies aimed at supporting university faculty and students through funded research programmes, sabbaticals, fellowships, and engagements with university leadership, as well as studying long-term research outcomes related to key market needs.

Other leading academic institutions with which Tata companies have entered into a collaboration areHarvard University(in the areas of soft robotics, advanced materials, and sensor technologies),Yale University(in the areas of network sciences, consumer behaviour and microbiome) and theIndian Institute of Technology Madras(in the area of advanced materials).

The participating Tata companies, namely Tata Sons, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Chemicals, Tata Communications, Tata Steel and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), have extended financial support of overUSD 25 millionacross these four partnerships.

According to the Royal Society, the spirit of innovation is strongly embedded in the Tata ethos. The group has to its credit many firsts with respect to visionary and pioneering initiatives from the time of its inception, and continues to engage in various programs and activities to promote a culture of innovation.

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The UN today asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and encouraged them to continue their effort to resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue, UN secretary general's spokesperson said.

"We are obviously following the situation with great concern concerning the increase of tensions across the Line of Control," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here today.

The UN military observer group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) is aware of the reports of ceasefire violations and right now is liaising with the concerned authorities to obtain further information, he said.

"The UN calls on the government of India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and encourage them to continue their effort to resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue," he said.

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The UN envoy for Syria said today there was little prospect of an imminent restart of negotiations to try to end the raging conflict.

"At the moment, when bombs are falling all over, it is very difficult to justify resuming talks," Staffan de Mistura told AFP after he met Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Russia said yesterday it was ready to relaunch talks in Geneva with the United States following the collapse of a ceasefire.

But Washington threatened to suspend its engagement with Russia following escalating bombardments on rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo.

De Mistura said he welcomed Francis's willingness to speak out over the attacks, after the pontiff warned on Wednesday that God would hold those responsible for the Aleppo bombing to account.

"We are in a very critical moment, that's why it is so essentially urgent to have the voice of people with the moral authority of the pope about the fact that there is no military solution," de Mistura said.

"You can't bomb your way to peace in Syria."



The Swedish official said he had not given up all hope of re-establishing a ceasefire.

"I do recognise that sometimes in war you can talk and have the war going on," he said. "At this moment it is the breakdown of an agreement which was the beginning of a new phase.

"I'm very worried and concerned that all this may lead to just a militarisation of the conflict but I m not pessimistic because I know there is no alternative (to talks).

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The United Nations in Afghanistan says at least 15 civilians were killed and another 13 injured in an air strike in eastern Nangarhar province.

In a statement today, UNAMA calls for an independent investigation.

The US military told The Associated Press yesterday it had been conducting air operations against Islamic State group loyalists in Nangarhar's Achin district at the time.

Spokesman Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland said the claims of civilian casualties were being investigated. He had no further details today.

UNAMA says the strike happened as a crowd gathered at the home of a tribal elder to welcome him back from his pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj ritual.

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Sending a strong message to Pakistan that it needs to act against UN-designated terrorist groups, the White House called for de-escalation of tension between India and Pakistan.

"What I can tell you is that we have seen some reports from the region. Those reports include that Indian and Pakistani militaries have been in communication with one another and we encourage continued discussions between India and Pakistan to avoid escalation," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.

Earnest said the US National Security Advisor Susan Rice spoke to her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Thursday and asked to "combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorist entities, including LeT and JeM.

"Ambassador Rice made it clear that the United States continues to be concerned by the danger that cross-border terrorism poses to the region. The United States fully expects that Pakistan will take effective action to combat and delegitimise UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities," he said.

The US, he said, is firmly committed to its partnership with India, and to their joint efforts to combat terrorism. We are prepared to deepen collaboration on UN terrorist designations," Earnest said.

At the same time, US continues to be in close contact with Pakistan and value the important partnership that they have formed with them on a range of issues, including security, the press secretary said.

Meanwhile a State Department official called for de-escalation of tension.

"We urge calm and restraint on both sides," the official said.

"We understand that the Indian and Pakistani militaries have been in communication, and we believe continued communication is important to reduce tensions," the official added.

The US has repeatedly expressed its concerns regarding the danger that cross border terrorism poses to the region, including the recent attack in Uri.

"We continue to urge actions to combat and delegitimise terrorist groups like Lakshar-e-Taiba, Haqqani Network, and Jaish-e-Mohammed," the official said.

India has blamed Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM for the attack in Uri. In the backdrop of the heightened tension with Pakistan over Uri terror attack, India on Tuesday announced its decision to not participate in the SAARC Summit, citing increased "cross-border" attacks.

Other Pakistan-based terror group LeT has been accused by India of attacking military and civilian targets in the country, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attack.

India wants UN to impose sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar. Hafiz Saeed, a co-founder of LeT and the chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, carries a bounty of $10 million on his head for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that America's alliance with the Philippines was "ironclad," despite that country's president vowing a day earlier to end joint military exercises.

"As it has been for decades, our alliance with the Philippines is ironclad," Carter said, addressing troops aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, docked in San Diego.

Yesterday, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said he would soon end joint military exercises with the United States.

Speaking in Hanoi during a two-day visit to Vietnam, Duterte said next month's military drills with America would be the last.

"I will serve notice to you now, that this will be the last military exercise, jointly Philippines-US, the last one," he said in a rambling speech to several hundred Vietnam-based Filipinos.

Carter was in San Diego on his way to Hawaii, where on Friday he will host a meeting for defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He did not discuss the Philippines further, except to note that the United States will continue to support the modernisation of the Philippines's armed forces, through the so-called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Carter's trip to Hawaii comes with less than four months of the Obama administration remaining.

A key question at the meeting will be future plans for America's "rebalance" to Asia, during which Obama has tried to shift the US focus away from Middle East quagmires and toward rapidly growing Asia.

He has mended relations with Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos, while bolstering regional blocs and providing a counterbalance to China's regional ambitions.

Regional nations are deeply concerned by China's rapid push to build up and militarise islets in the South China Sea and its far-ranging claims over much of the strategically and economically vital waterway.

Carter stressed, as he has repeatedly in recent months, that the US Navy would continue to ignore China's territorial claims and sail through waters surrounding the islands.

"The US-China relationship will have elements of cooperation but also competition," he said.

"We hope that China chooses to join the rest of the region in strengthening and upholding the shared principles that have helped so many nations around the region, including China, to rise and prosper."

Carter stressed the Asia focus would continue into the future.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, in a tightened race against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton ahead of the November 8 election, has called mutual defense treaties with South Korea and Japan into question.
The United States said that it conducted drone strikes against Al-Qaeda in Yemen last week, killing four members of the terror group.

The first attack occurred on September 20 in Marib province and left two Al-Qaeda operatives dead, the military's central command for the Middle East said in a statement yesterday.

The second attack, on September 22 in central Baida province, killed two Al-Qaeda members, it said.

The two drone strikes had been reported by Yemeni security officials but this was the first time the United States claimed them.

Washington has been involved in a years-long unmanned drone campaign in Yemen and considers Al-Qaeda's Yemen-based franchise -- Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) -- to be its most dangerous.

"These were Al-Qaeda operatives who continue to support their organization's destabilizing effects in Yemen," said Army Major Josh Jacques, US Central Command spokesman, in the statement.

"US Central Command continues to protect the US, its allies and partners from these threats by denying Yemen as a haven for AQAP."



AQAP and the Islamic State group have exploited a power vacuum created by the conflict between the government and Iran-backed Huthi rebels to expand their presence in the Arabian Peninsula country.

President Barack Obama has sought to make the moral case to the public about lethal drone strikes, which have multiplied under his nearly eight-year presidency.

He pledged that the United States would be more transparent about the deadly attacks, and would provide an annual toll of the number of people killed.

A third lethal drone strike last week was reported by Yemeni security officials. The attack happened Friday in Marib province and killed a local Al-Qaeda commander and four of his guards, they said.

The United States has not claimed that attack.

A Saudi-led Arab military coalition that backs the Yemeni government against the Huthis has also turned its sights on AQAP, targeting it with air strikes.

More than 6,600 people, including civilians, have been killed in the Yemeni conflict since the coalition began its air campaign in March 2015, the UN says.

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US wants Pakistan to "combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorist entities, including LeT and JeM, National Security Advisor Susan Rice told her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval amidst the war of words between India and Pakistan after the "cross-border" Uri terror attack leading to India pulling out of the SAARC Summit.

Rice spoke to Doval yesterday and "strongly condemned the September 18 cross-border attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters in Uri and offered condolences to the victims and their families," US National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price said in a press statement.

"Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that Pakistan take effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates," Price said.

She affirmed President (Barack) Obama's commitment to redouble America's efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world, Price said.

"Ambassador Rice discussed our shared commitment with India to pursue regional peace and stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations," Price added.

India has blamed Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM for the attack in Uri. In the backdrop of the heightened tension with Pakistan over Uri terror attack, India on Tuesday announced its decision to not participate in the SAARC Summit, citing increased "cross-border" attacks.

Other Pakistan-based terror group LeT has been accused by India of attacking military and civilian targets in the country, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attack.

India wants UN to impose sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar. Hafiz Saeed, a co-founder of LeT and the chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, carries a bounty of USD 10 million on his head for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.

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Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned a decision by an Iranian appeals court to uphold a 10-year jail sentence against journalist and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi.

Mohammadi, 44, is one of Iran's best-known journalists and was awarded the City of Paris medal earlier this year for her work as a defender of women's rights.

She was the spokesperson of the Centre for Human Rights Defenders and campaigned for an end to the death penalty in Iran.

Initially arrested in May 2015, the mother-of-two was sentenced to a total of 16 years in April, according to a statement from RSF.

Under a law passed last year, she will only serve the sentence linked to the most important charge - in this case 10 years for "forming and managing an illegal group" which pressed for an end to capital punishment.

RSF said her lawyers received the as her colleague, 2003 Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi who founded the Centre for Human Rights Defenders, was meeting with Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo and RSF secretary general Christophe Deloire in the French capital.

"I condemn this sentence imposed by the Iranian judicial system as Narges's only crime is to be a human rights defender in a country that flouts these rights," Ebadi told RSF.

Mohammadi went on hunger strike in June after being denied phone contact with her children, who live with their father in France. The authorities relented after 20 days of the hunger strike.

There has yet to be any official confirmation of the appeal court verdict from within Iran.

Iran was this year ranked 169th out of 180 countries in RSF's World Press Freedom index.

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Why is it mandatory for students from minority communities to apply online for scholarships meant to benefit them, the Delhi High Court asked the Centre today.

"Why have you made it mandatory to apply online only," a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal said and asked the Centre to file its response to it.

The bench told a petitioner that the challenge to Centre's decision making Aadhaar card mandatory for students from the minority communities to apply for scholarships has been taken care of by the Supreme Court, which was seized of the matter.

"The first prayer (for making Aadhaar card mandatory) has been taken care of by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is seized of the issue and we do not need to pass any order," the bench said.

The petitioner, West Bengal-based Nasimuddin Educational and Charitable Trust, said they would not press for the first prayer but were challenging the decision which has made it mandatory to apply for scholarships online only.

"Lakhs of minority students may not be able to apply online. They (government) should allow offline application also," advocate Pranav Sachdeva, appearing for the petitioner, said.

The Centre, however, said the apex court has already dealt with these issues.

The court fixed the matter for hearing on December 7.

In its plea, the petitioner has claimed that the policy of making Aadhaar card mandatory for applying for pre-matric, post-matric and merit-cum-means scholarships meant to benefit students from minority communities, was "arbitrary".

Challenging the constitutional validity of the need for



Aadhaar card and applying online for the scholarships, the plea alleged it was a violation of Supreme Court's judgement which had said that Aadhar would not be mandatory for availing the benefits of government's welfare schemes.

The plea said that Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been notified as minority communities under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.

It claimed that the policy of "compelling" students to apply through the online process "smacks of non-application of mind since the students most in need of scholarship might not have access to computer, internet or the requisite knowledge of online application".

The petition referred to the July 14 communication of the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) which had asked the chief secretary or administrators of states to advertise for various national scholarships of the ministry.

It has also sought setting aside of this communication, besides a direction to the government to allow students to apply for national scholarships through offline means.
Days after a Hindu Munnani functionary was hacked to death by a four-member gang, his wife attempted suicide in her house here today, police said.

30-year-old S Yamuna, wife of C Sasikumar, consumed poison and had been admitted to a private hospital, they said.

Her relatives saw her consuming the poison and falling unconscious. They rushed her to the hospital.

Hindu Munnani State Spokesperson Mookambikai Mani said Yamuna's condition was stable.

She is responding to treatment, he said.

40-year-old Sasikumar was hacked to death on September 22 here, leading to tension in the district and neighbouring Tirupur.

Sasikumar, district spokesperson of the organisation, was returning home in Subramaniampalayam, in the outskirts, on a two-wheeler when the unidentified assailants chased him on motorcycles and attacked him with sickles.

The killing had triggered protests which turned violent during the funeral procession here. Senior BJP leaders, including Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan had condemned the murder. The probe in the incident has been transferred to the Crime-Branch CID.

(REOPENS MDS6)



Meanwhile, a top CB-CID official today said vital leads had already been obtained in the case and the assailants would be nabbed soon.

CB-CID ADGP Karan Singha, who is camping here since yesterday, said the investigation team of the city police had taken efforts to get leads about the killers.

"(Local) Police have done a good job, they have received vital information, which will lead us to solve the case," he told reporters here.

The documents in connection with the case had been handed over to CB-CID by the local police, he added.

Singha, who yesterday inspected the murder spot in Thudiyalur, held discussions with senior police officials, including city Police Commissioner A Amalraj about the case.
IT industry body Nasscom will take up the issue of "skill gap" hampering the growth of the industry in the state with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

"Tomorrow our discussion with chief minister is mainly going to be around skill gap. It is not that we don't have millions of youth in Gujarat, it is the question if do we have the right talent," Nasscom Chairman C P Gurnani told reporters here today.

He was in the city to attend NASSCOM's two-day executive meeting which will take place on September 30 - October 1.

Gurnani, who early in the day visited some prominent institutes in the city, including the National Institute of Design and Gujarat Technological University, said he is impressed with talent in the institutes, but expressed dissatisfaction with the infrastructure and curriculum.

Gurnani, who is also MD and CEO of Tech Mahindra, expressed surprise that despite entrepreneurial spirit inherent in the state, it has failed on IT front and did not emerge as a strong outsourcing destination.

"Clearly Gujarat never became the outsourcing destination. There are forty seven companies in the state, but none of them is actually of the scale that you could say that companies like HCL, no large companies are headquartered here," he added.

"If government becomes a sponsor, we have a huge way forward, particularly by leveraging the startup and entrepreneurial spirit that actually flow in Gujarat," he said.

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Producer of the popular "Munnabhai" series, Vidhu Vinod Chopra today said the work on the third installment of the francise will start next year.

"It will come next year (go on floors). I am writing it," Chopra told PTI when asked about the status of "Munnabhai 3".

Loved by the audiences as 'Munna Bhai', actor Sanjay Dutt walked out of jail this February after serving a sentence in connection with the 1993 serial Bombay blasts.

On being asked if "Munnabhai 3" will lift Dutt's career, Chopra said, "Yes, sure, absolutely I am hoping (it does). Sanjay is a great actor. He deserves the best."



Helmed by Rajkumar Hirani, the Munnabhai series follows the comic adventures of Munnabhai aka Murli Prasad Sharma and his sidekick Circuit, played by Arshad Warsi.

Asked if he feels a sense of pressure surrounding the forthcoming project, Chopra replied in negative, saying he is "too lazy to think about pressure."



"I believe in writing a good story. I don't think anything else. I believe in chasing excellence and not success as said in (his film) '3 Idiots'," he added.

Chopra was talking on the sidelines of the Jagran Film Festival here.

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The World Bank announced it will release $300 million in loans to help facilitate the labour market for Syrian refugees in .

The funds will be used to attract investors and create reforms that will help grant access to the Syrian labour force, the Bank said in a statement.

More Syrians will receive work permits and be able to "access formal jobs and decent labour conditions," the statement said.

"By creating the conditions for increased investment and jobs, and by allowing refugees, during their time in the country, to seek work and contribute to the economy, is shifting from a purely humanitarian approach to a forward looking development drive," said Ferid Belhaj, director of the Bank's Middle East Department.

In creating favourable economic conditions for Syrian refugees in the country, will help lead the way for the community in what "still today are unchartered territories," he said.

Jordan says it currently hosts nearly 1.4 million refugees  with more than 600,000 registered with the United Nations.

Amman regularly complains of a lack of aid for the refugees it hosts, saying it has "reached its limits."

In early September the UN denounced the living conditions of some 70,000 Syrian refugees stranded at the border, where Jordan has blocked their entry and passage of aid after a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group killed seven of its soldiers in the desert area.
A 23-year-old Yemeni student was found dead outside his hostel in Malviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) here today.

Musa Ahemad Ali, who was a student of seventh semester of Mechanical Engineering, was found dead outside the hostel this morning, police said.

The body has been shifted to the mortuary of SMS hospital and the Yemen embassy in New Delhi has been informed about the incident, they said, adding postmortem will be conducted once Ali's family members arrive.

The matter is being probed to ascertain whether it is a case of suicide or an accidental death, police said.

Registrar, MNIT, A K Solanki said the hostel warden informed the police about the incident.

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A fastrack court sentenced a youth to four years imprisonment for attempting to rape a girl.

Judge Punam Rajput also imposed a fine of Rs 7,000 on Ram Kumar yesterday for attempting to rape the victim when she was alone in her house at Baseda village in this district.

Kumar had attempted to rape the victim on August 4, 2009.

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By Maytaal Angel

SCUNTHORPE, England (Reuters) - British Steel has returned to profit in its first 100 days of trading after being spun off as a loss-making division in April by India's Tata Steel after it decided to exit the troubled British steel sector.

Investment firm Greybull Capital LLP bought the steelworks, based in Scunthorpe, northern England for 1 pound, reviving the historic British Steel brand, saving some 4,000 UK steel jobs and up to four times that amount in sectors dependent on steel making.

"I am delighted to be able to announce that we have returned the business to profitability. We've been gaining market share and should come back to the position of being a (key) UK construction supplier, but we're not there yet," Executive Chairman Roland Junck told journalists at the plant on Thursday.

British Steel plans to inject 50 million pounds ($65 million) of capital in the current financial year, and Junck said it would need to do this several times over in the coming years.

Some 5,000 jobs have been axed in the British steel sector since last October, equal to about a fifth of the workforce, as it struggles to compete with cheap Chinese imports and some of the highest energy costs and green taxes in the world.

British Steel's announcement that it has turned a profit making steel in Britain and expects to continue doing so in the year to end-March 2017 offers some hope for the sector, and for the community around Scunthorpe.

"We went through 14 months of hell, we thought we were going to shut down," Paul McBean of the Community union said.

"I now bump into people who thank me for the work I've done - a shop owner who thought he was going out of business and is now in a position to open another shop."

The Greybull deal with Tata Steel included a 400 million pound investment and financing package and the investment firm did not take on any pension liabilities.

Tata Steel, which wants to reduce its exposure to the European steel sector by merging its EU assets with Germany's Thussenkrupp, said this month its net loss widened to $477 million in the quarter to end-June due to the sale of its Scunthorpe based business to Greybull.

British Steel employs 4,400 people in the UK and another 400 in France. It makes more than 2.8 million tonnes of steel a year and has a 4.5 million tonne capacity, enough for 615 Eiffel Towers.

The company is working with the British government to secure a level playing field for British steelmakers, which it says continue to face many challenges, including the uncertainty created by Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

"There are differences which handicap the UK in terms of business rates, energy prices," Junck said. "What we would like to see fundamentally, is what every country has, which is a long term industrial strategy."

($1 = 0.7696 pounds)

(Reporting by Maytaal Angel; Editing by Adrian Croft and Susan Thomas)

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Eleven days after the terror strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir, India on Thursday carried out surgical strikes targeting 'launch pads' for terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC).

According to India's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), India conducted "surgical strikes" to inflict heavy damage on terrorists gathered at their launch pads behind the LoC. "Significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those trying to shield them. We don't have a plan to further conduct such strikes," DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said.

" Now, based on very specific and credible information we received yesterday, that some terrorist teams had positioned themeselves at launch pads along the LoC with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in J&K and various other metros in our country. There were launch pads at the LoC where terrorists were present waiting to infiltrate the nation and attack areas in Kashmir and metros across the country," the DGMO said.

Hours after Lt General Ranbir Singh in a joint press conference confirmed the strike, Pakistan Army's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the Indian claims were false. However, it accepted that two of its soldiers got martyrdom while responding to India's "unprovoked" firing. "Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing" on four sections of the line of control, a Pakistan army statement said.

Highlights Of The Surgical Operation

Operation begins around 12.30 am on Wednesday and lasted for 4 hours. Paratroopers from Special Forces were airdropped at the LoC, from where they crossed over to the Pakistani side.

Indian commandos entered three kilometres across the Line of Control and conducted the 'surgical strikes'in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel & Lipa sectors. The location was 500 meters-2 Km across LoC

38 terrorists and 2 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Indian Army surgical strikes, no Indian casualties. Those killed included terrorists, their guides and handlers.

7 terror launch pads were destroyed during the surgical strike which ended at 4:30 AM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitored the cross-LoC strike by the Indian Army on Wednesday night and approved it as India wanted to "turn off the tap of infiltration at its root" in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The entire operation was monitored for the entire night by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval from the Army headquarters in New Delhi.

After surgical strike, India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked Punjab govt to evacuate villages falling within ten kilometres of the International border in view of the escalating situation.

An all party meeting to discuss the Indian Army surgical strike is underway in North Block. Senior leaders, including Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and NSA Ajit Doval, are present at the meeting.

A military operation to neutralise the targets with the aim of minimum collateral damage to the nearby areas and civilians is a surgical strike. Neutralisation of targets with surgical strikes prevents escalation to a full blown war. Surgical strikes attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special operation teams.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemns



Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif strongly condemns the ''unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces resulting in martyrdom of two Pakistani soldiers along the LOC''. He further said, ''our intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as our weakness as our valiant forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of country and can thwart any evil design made to undermine the sovereignty of Paksitan."



BJP president Amit Shah responds

BJP president Amit Shah said surgical strikes signal the rise of a new India where the government doesn't get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists. "Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the GoI doesn't get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists," Shah tweeted.
Indian army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, causing significant casualties, Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Army announced in a joint press conference on Thursday.

"The Army has conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC and significant casualties have been caused. The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory," Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) Lt General Ranbir Singh said today in a joint press conference with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs.

"I spoke to the Pakistan DGMO and shared our concerns. I told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night," Lt Gen Singh said.

The Pakistani Army has also admitted that two of its soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire with Indian forces across the LoC in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

Pakistan, however denied any claim of a "surgical strike" across LoC, saying that the incident was "cross-border fire".

"The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists' bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects," the military said in a statement.



In a statement, Pakistan's military press wing said the exchange of fire took place in the Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors, and lasted about six hours early on Thursday.

(With inputs from Reuters)


Leading industrialist Ratan Tata on Wednesday commended the government's decision to boycott the SAARC Summit in the wake of Uri attacks.

"So proud of Indian govt's firm stand on bycot of SARC mtg & overwhelming support by member nations (sic)," Tata tweeted.

The tweet by Tata Group Chairman Emeritus received over 3,200 likes and was re-tweeted more than 2,000 times.

Amid heightened tension with Pakistan over Uri terror attack in which 18 jawans were killed, India had announced its decision of pulling out of the Summit late last night citing increased "cross-border" attacks.

Apart from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have also pulled out of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November, indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an environment which is not right for the successful holding of the meet, resulting in its collapse.
In the January-March quarter, Parle Agros flagship brand Frooti regained the second spot in the Indian mango drink market, outselling PepsiCo's Slice, after a decade. While Coca-Cola's Maaza was still perched at the top with a 48 per cent share, Frooti had a 25.6 per cent share of the Rs 6,300-crore mango drink market, according to Nielsen.

About a year and a half ago, Parle Agro had relaunched Frooti in an effort to differentiate it from rival brands. The company began intensive campaigns with its celebrity brand ambassador, actor Shah Rukh Khan, to woo both children and adults. The effort seems to have paid off. "We have increased the market share after the relaunch. Touch wood, we are going strong," says Schauna Chauhan Saluja, Chief Executive Officer, Parle Agro. Indeed, Frooti's market share rose 160 basis points in one year.

The 40-year-old Saluja, the eldest daughter of company founder Prakash Chauhan, leads the charge of Parle Agro amid growing competition from multinational beverage giants. "As a retailer, we are the largest seller of Frooti. The relaunch of Frooti has worked out well, connecting the brand with the youth. The company has expanded well amidst intense competition from MNCs," says Devendra Chawla, Group President - Food, FMCG, Brands at Future Group. Frooti grew its sales by 12 per cent last year while the category growth rate was just 1 per cent. Parle Agro has now embarked on repositioning of its carbonated apple juice Appy Fizz, roping in actor Priyanka Chopra as its new brand ambassador. The company has seven beverage products including bottled water brand Bailley. It has also forayed into the food market with its brand Hippo.

Saluja counts the construction of a manufacturing plant in Uttarakhand as her biggest achievement this year. "It is a plant that has been designed with the best process flow for manufacturing? We are also focusing a lot on simplifying the business with the use of automation," she says. The plant would be up and running by December 2016. Saluja plans to set up the next plant in Karnataka in 2017/18.

Saluja, who completed schooling from International School at Kodaikanal, got a Bachelors degree from the Business School in Lausanne. Joining the family business subsequently was a logical step. After all, Saluja had grown up watching her father work from close quarters. She joined the companys board as a director in 1999 and became the CEO in 2006. "I never joined the business for becoming rich. I wanted to make a difference to the people who work at Parle Agro." She believes that her confidence came from her parents.

Parle Agro has 14 beverage and 48 Bailley packaged drinking water manufacturing plants. Schauna travels a fair amount, along with her technical and quality team, visiting the manufacturing units spread across the country.

A major challenge for Saluja, she says, is developing a robust leadership pipeline in the company. "Its relatively easier to identify and assess experts in specific functional or technical arenas. But it is difficult to determine whether they have the required people skills, leadership capabilities, business breadth and global diversity sensibilities," she says.

Saluja sees competition as healthy. "The competition drives companies to cut costs and focus on innovations." Its also important to learn from your failures, she says. "Remember to stand up again and reroute your path."

According to the latest data available, Parle Agro Pvt Ltd had registered a revenue of Rs 1,260.99 crore in the financial year ended in March 2015, up 26 per cent over the previous financial year. The net profit rose to Rs 107 crore from a loss of Rs 66 lakh in the same period.

Meanwhile, its all in the family for Prakash Chauhan. Salujas sister Nadia is the Joint Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer of Parle Agro. "When we are stuck on something and neither of us would like to compromise, our father's decision is final," says Saluja.

She already has plans to pass the baton on to her son Jahaan in the future. She will consider herself successful if the transition is seamless, Saluja says.


Oil futures extended gains on Thursday after rising nearly 6 per cent the day before on a surprise move by OPEC to curb crude output.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to limit its production to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd) in talks held on the sidelines of an energy conference in Algeria.

But how much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal OPEC meeting in November, when an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-OPEC countries such as Russia.

"The decision really took market by surprise - prices took a big leap, now there's pause for reflection," said Ben Le Brun, markets analyst at Sydney's OptionsXpress.

"An agreement to have an agreement - I don't know where that leaves us," he said.

A drop in US crude stocks for the fourth straight week also supported oil prices.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 had risen 28 cents to $47.33 a barrel by 0020 GMT, after closing the previous session up $2.38, or 5.3 per cent.

Brent crude LCOc1 climbed 31 cents to $49.00 a barrel, having settled up $2.72, or 5.9 per cent.

"More cynical traders have pointed out the complete lack of detail, including the potentially problematic question of which nations will curtail production," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at Sydney's CMC Markets.

"A 6-per cent jump in crude prices makes a nice headline, but is within normal bounds for the currently highly volatile energy markets. Although this rally may quickly fade, energy stocks are likely to receive a boost at this morning's opening," McCarthy said.

OPEC will agree to production levels for each member country at its Nov. 30 meeting in Vienna, group officials said.

That came as US crude stocks fell 1.9 million barrels to 502.7 million barrels in the week to Sept. 23, against analyst expectations for a 3 million barrel increase, data from the US Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration showed. [EIA/S]

"US crude oil inventories are at historically high levels for this time of year," EIA said in a statement.

Inventories were expected to rebound after the big drop a few weeks ago, but instead stocks have continued to decline with imports.

While oil prices remained range-bound at between $40-50 a barrel, a push beyond $50 barrel could see "shale oil producers turn the taps back on", said Le Brun at OptionsXpress.

"If this proposed (output) cut is strictly enforced and supports prices, we would expect it to prove self defeating medium term with a large drilling response around the world," Goldman Sachs said in a note.
The market posted its biggest decline since the Brexit vote in June, after India said it had conducted "surgical strikes" on suspected militants preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Nifty ended down 1.76 per cent to 8,591.25, posting its biggest daily percentage fall since June 24, the day after the Brexit vote. Early in the day, the index dropped as much as 2.1 per cent to its lowest intraday level since August 29.

The Sensex closed down 1.64 per cent at 27,827.53.

India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those harbouring them.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army was made today by DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after a terror strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir which left 18 soldiers dead.

After the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.

We look at what experts said on the course of market in the near future.

Dinesh Thakkar (Chairman and Managing Director, Angel Broking)

Markets may remain under pressure over uncertainty about geopolitical situation between two countries and take wait and watch approach in the short term. It is pertinent to note that during 1999 Kargil war, markets eventually bounced back with more than 13 per cent gains between the start to the end of the war. In my view, once the current issue also de-escalates, the markets will revert back to its fundamentals which remain strong for India.



Jimeet Modi, CEO, SAMCO Securities

Indian markets had not witnessed any meaningful correction since last 6 months. The rise of 25% was almost uninterrupted without any significant correction. Often over heated market takes the clue from external events to jumpstart the correction. This time cross border skirmishes seems to be the reason for the bulls to release some pressure in the markets.

For those investors who are sitting on unrealized gains should book partial profits and raise cash levels, as in any case Indian markets were enjoying premium valuations and it is time to en cash some of them. All the positives are discounted, and therefore in the short term, risk to reward ratio is unfavorable for the bulls. Therefore short term traders and medium term investors should actively consider booking profits and stay on the sidelines.

A fall of 2% in Nifty50 compared to the gains of 25% in previous 6 months should not deter investors to pull the trigger.



Nitasha Shankar, senior vice president and Head of Research, YES Securities



From a fundamental perspective, markets are still attractive for long term investors. Therefore such dips present a good buying opportunity which is visible in the recovery from the day's lows. Escalation in geo political tensions was the reason behind today's fall in the markets.

Kunj Bansal, ED & CIO - Centrum Wealth Management



After moving up by almost 30% in last six months, market had been looking for some reasons to take a correction. On economic parameters, no negatives had been visible so market seems to have taken recourse to a non-economic reason to take a correction. Today's correction will be followed by RBI's monetary policy review on Tuesday, October 4. Taking these 2 events together, we can witness some kind of consolidation in the market before it takes a fresh direction. Post these events, September quarter results are likely to be good and we should see market sentiment improving accordingly.



Shreyash Devalkar, Fund Manager - Equities, BNP Paribas Mutual Fund



Key benchmark indices traded deep in the red today as geo-political tensions grew due to surgical strikes conducted by the Indian army on terror launch pads last night, 28 September 2016 across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, killing several terrorists and causing significant casualties to their hideouts. The Sensex hit a one-month low and the Nifty hit more than a one-month low in afternoon trade, after witnessing a steep fall.

Both the benchmark indices closed the day with losses of more than 1.5%. Overseas stock markets on the other hand traded with some strength as investor sentiment was buoyed by a surge in the oil price after major oil producers agreed to cut production levels.

All the sectoral indices on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) traded in negative territory with the metals, healthcare and PSU banks indices losing more than 3% for the day.
The S&P BSE Sensex on Thursday plunged 573 points intraday, while the broader Nifty50 slipped below its key resistance of 8,600-mark, amid surgical strike by India on militants in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.



The market took a severe knock in a kneejerk reaction to reports that India conducted "surgical strikes" on suspected militants in Pakistan. The derivatives expiry of September series and the details of OPEC deal also contributed to losses.

The Sensex plunged as much as 572.89 points, or 2.02 per cent, to 27,719.92, with all sectoral indices led by realty, healthcare, power and metal slumping by up to 5.05 per cent.

On similar lines, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty dropped by 186.90 points, or 2.13 per cent, to 8,558.25.

The 30-share index settled the day at 27,827, down 465.28 points, while the broader Nifty50 ended the day at 8,591, down 153.90 points.



Below are three reasons why benchmark indices dropped in today's session:

1) India gives it back to Pakistan

India conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads last night across the Line of Control (LoC) and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damages. The announcement of the sudden action by the army to target terrorists was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranveer Singh at a hurriedly called news conference during which External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

"It was a well-planned, well-coordinated and well-designed move, which was long called for. It should be seen positively. The market should feel confident and comfortable about it," told Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog to CNBC-TV18.

2) Derivatives expiry

Short-covering of bets with today being the last session of September expiry in the derivatives segment kept the momentum in the market tepid.

3) OPEC deal: Devil's in the details

Investors remained cautious, eyeing details of an OPEC deal after the oil-producers group agreed for the first time since 2008 to reduce output in an oversupplied market. Global oil prices though held onto gains on Thursday after soaring 6 per cent in the previous session, but those were capped as investors awaited the details of the deal.

"We have to wait and see whether they will take real action and how long it would last," told Kim Woo-kyung, spokeswoman at SK Innovation, owner of South Korea's largest refiner to Reuters.

How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal OPEC meeting in November, when an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-OPEC countries such as Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)


A couple of months back billionaire Anil Ambani declared that that his company Reliance Communications (RCom) and Reliance Jio Infocomm, owned by his elder brother Mukesh, have 'virtually' merged. Whether they will really merge or not, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since their family split in 2005. Both had fought each other bitterly and built their empires separately. Who did what in these years?



The revenues of Mukesh's Reliance Industries (RIL) has grown by 278 per cent to Rs 2,76,544 crore in 11 years despite the dip in crude and petroleum products' prices. The profit rose by 263 per cent to Rs 27,504 crore - largely unaffected by the huge capital investments.



ALSO READ: Indian telcos gear up for the spectrum auction



Anil Ambani group's (Reliance Group) revenues increased by 270 per cent to Rs 59,685 crore (a comparison of the combined consolidated revenues of the companies in 2004-05 or since each one's listing, with the last financial year numbers) - thanks to the listing of Reliance Communications, creation of Reliance Power and acquisition of Pipavav Defence. The total of the consolidated profits of five companies comes to Rs 4,226 crore in the last financial year. It cannot be directly compared to 2004/05 since there were just two listed companies with him then - Reliance Energy and Reliance Capital - with a combined profit of Rs 626 crore. Their profits improved 169 per cent and 1,176 per cent, respectively, in the 11 years. In FY 2007, RCom posted Rs 2,409 crore profit, but it dipped to Rs 703 crore in the last financial year. Reliance Power registered a profit of Rs 854 crore in FY 2008 improved to Rs 1,362 crore in FY 2016.

FLASH BACK

Beyond the numbers, the past describes how they strategically built their empires. After the death of India's corporate czar Dhirubhai Ambani in 2002, his two sons launched into a bitter and public battle, leading to a split of the family's business empire in 2005. Their mother, Kokilaben, announced the settlement on June 18 by sending out a statement to the press saying: "With the blessings of Srinathji, I have today amicably resolved the issues between my two sons, Mukesh and Anil, keeping in mind the proud legacy of my husband Dhirubhai Ambani."

{blurb}

Elder brother Mukesh got the flagship oil business, RIL and IPCL, while Anil got the control of Reliance Infocomm (telecom), Reliance Energy (power), Reliance Capital and Reliance Natural Resources (RNRL).



The peace was over all too soon. The legal battle between the Ambanis started in 2006 with RNRL filing a petition against RIL for effective implementation of the demerger scheme. The contentious issue was the supply of natural gas from RIL's KG D6, in Andhra coast, to RNRL for power generation at a price of $2.34 per million British thermal unit (mBtu) for 17 years. In its verdict in 2009, the Bombay High Court upheld the arguments of Anil's RNRL. But the Supreme Court reversed the order next year and Mukesh won the battle.



Two weeks after the apex Court order, the Ambani brothers called a truce and scrapped the non-compete agreement, leading to Mukesh's re-entry into telecom through Reliance Jio Infocom. (It was he who conceptualised and implemented Reliance Infocomm during Dhirubhai's time.) It was peaceful after 2010, when both were pursing businesses separately and their coming together at any venue was celebrated by the media.



Out of the four companies that Anil got, RNRL became a shell company after it lost the court case and it vanished from the public domain. Reliance Infocomm went to the public in 2005 and was rechristened as Reliance Communications (RCom). The next one was big, the Reliance Power initial public offering in 2008. Meanwhile, Anil had won the bids for developing ultra mega power projects in the country, triggering the rise in valuation. During the infrastructure boom, Anil renamed Reliance Energy as Reliance Infrastructure and transferred power generation businesses to Reliance Power. The corporate expansion included Anil's purchase of controlling stake in Pipavav Defence about a year ago. It was recently renamed as Reliance Defence and Engineering.



Reliance Petroleum's IPO in 2006 (which later delisted and merged with the parent) was the one big initial move from Mukesh. He created the organised retail business and launched it in the same year amidst protests from kiranas and political parties. In parallel to expanding the retail business, he launched one of the huge investment programmes of around Rs 60,000 crore for two big projects - the second refinery at Jamnagar and development of KG D6 gas field. Both completed by 2009. Later KG D6 production fell, but British oil giant BP Plc picked 30 per cent stake in RIL's assets at around $7.2 billion.



After that his sole focus was launching the 4G business, though he also invested heavily to expand the traditional petrochemical business. RIL invested over Rs 1 lakh crore to build Jio. The service launch of Jio with three months of free-voice and free-data offer has been crazily picked up by the consumers, eventually disrupting the telecom industry. Full-fledged commercial operation of Jio will begin from next year.



On the telecom front, Anil's RCom was struggling because of its debts and lower margins. It tried to sell off its tower business to pay off part of the debts, but failed to fructify. The debt stands now at Rs 42,364 crore. Another step taken by RCom was the merger with Aircel for creating the country's fourth largest telecom operator. Russia's Sistema already holds 10 per cent stake in RCom. Reliance Capital was the best performer in Anil's stable (see above chart). Reliance Infrastructure has also performed on par with market.

RIL's market capitalisation stands at Rs 3,53,500 crore on September 29, 2016, compared to the combined market value of five group companies of Anil at Rs 57,200 crore.

The third generation of Ambanis has already joined both the groups. The next level of growth is in their hands.


Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the world's biggest smartphone maker, said on Thursday more than 1 million people globally are now using Galaxy Note 7 smartphones with batteries that are not vulnerable to overheating and catching fire.

Samsung on September 2 initiated a voluntary global recall of at least 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones due to faulty batteries causing some of the flagship devices to catch fire, a deeply embarrassing crisis for a firm that prides itself for its quality control. The recall could cost the company billions of dollars and tarnish its brand image, analysts say.

The South Korean firm has said the Note 7 phones that were sold starting on the official Sept. 1 launch date use a different battery than the recalled devices. But a string of reports by users in China, the world's top smartphone market, that their Note 7s caught fire have dogged Samsung in a country where they have already fallen out of the top five in terms of market share.

Samsung, in a statement issued on its China website, apologised to its consumers for failing to providing a detailed explanation why the smartphones on sale in China were safe, as they used batteries that came from a different supplier to those that could overheat.

"Currently, the brand new Note 7 products that have been swapped in overseas markets are using identical batteries to those that were supplied and used for the Chinese version," Samsung said.

Samsung said it takes reports of Note 7 fires in China very seriously and has conducted inspections on such devices. Batteries for the burnt phones were not at fault, Samsung said, adding its conclusion was also backed up by independent third-party testing.
Tom Campbell

Considering that Hillary Clinton, from the recently concluded email investigation, is charged with gross negligence, dereliction of duty, was recommended that she lose her security clearance, while pathologically lying to congress, the press and the American People; and even though she was not referred for indictment because she is a Clinton: Will you? 11.84% Vote for Hillary 78.78% Vote for The Donald 9.39% Vote for none of the above 245 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

And now for your additional voting pleasure:

What should be the priority of the Federal Government after the "Pulse" massacre: Should we turn our attention toward destroying, earadicating ISIS as Candidate Trump suggests, or, as Democrats' President Obama suggests, broaden our efforts to effect stricter Gun Control laws to limit "Gun Violence?" 88.24% After many years of trying to degrade and contain the murderous ISIS, we should make it the nation's policy to destroy ISIS immediately. 3.68% Gun Violence in America can be eliminated by limiting access to guns for all American citizens. 8.09% I don't care either way; I just live here. 136 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

Should Americans be thankful for North Carolinians setting precedent in taking a stand for their state's right to manage the safety of their public facilities, where separation of the sexes remains, or should they follow Bruce Springsteen's lead and boycott the state as bigots since they will not allow grown Transgender men to use the same bathrooms /locker rooms as pre-pubescent girls? North Carolina is right to control the separation of the sexes as a matter of decorum and safety. North Carolina is a bigoted state to not require that children of opposite sexes share the same public facilities with adults of the opposite sex, although misidentified - the Transgender. I generally prefer the natural environs of the vacant, although rather public, large tree. 236 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



As a longtime critic of televised political debates I feel compelled to applaud Monday night's debate between our two presidential candidates. Others have voiced opinions as to whether Hillary or Donald won (Trump supporters believe he prevailed while Clinton faithful were confident she did) but to our mind the big winners were the voters.Kudos to the nonprofit Commission for Presidential Debates for recognizing the many problems with recent staged-for-television events and for changing the format of this debate. In far too many instances the candidates' campaigns have dictated rules that focused more on process and not enough on content, resulting in a product that was often awkward, unsatisfying and uninformative. This time around the Commission introduced common sense guidelines that really gave us a chance to see and hear the candidates, their positions and how they respond under pressure.Our only minor criticism was that perhaps it was overly ambitious to attempt to cover six major topic areas in one 90-minute debate, but there was much to like in this debate. The refusal to allow commercial breaks within the debate prevented the disruption of the flow and tone, which previously seemed to occur at the most inopportune times. Having just one moderator instead of several ensured continuity and better control, and one of the more satisfying changes was allowing the moderator to determine the topics and the questions. We appreciated the removal of distracting lights and buzzers signaling when a candidate had gone beyond a prescribed time limit and especially enjoyed the split-screen video that allowed us to both hear and see who was talking, while also showing us facial expressions and reactions from the other candidate. The end product was no glitzy made-for-television production with splashy graphics and effects so often present in previous debates. It was just good television. We felt well served in witnessing an honest debate that allowed candidates to speak to each other instead of to a timekeeper, moderator or even to pander to the live audience.Give much of that credit to moderator Lester Holt from NBC. His was not an easy task but Holt clearly understood his role was not to be a distraction but rather the traffic cop, making sure each had time to speak, and referee if one candidate dominated or got out of hand. Many suggested that the moderator play the role of fact checker, calling out participants if they exaggerated or made false claims, but Holt correctly recognized that was not his role. Viewers wanted to hear what the candidates had to say and to see if they would call each other to task if necessary, so Holt deftly inserted himself only a few times. He introduced the subjects, ask the first question for each topic area equally to the candidates then pretty much got out of their way and let them stand or fall on their own. He did a masterful job.Regardless of who you thought won or lost we had the chance to truly see how both candidates reacted and responded in real time give-and-take debate. Voters were able to get a good sense of both candidates and we hope this format will be continued, not only in future presidential debates, but also adopted for all future political debates.
France and Germany have persuaded their EU counterparts to discuss pending global banking rules at their next finance ministers' meeting amid concerns the bloc may refuse to sign on to the new regulations.

The Basel Committee, a body of banking supervisors from nearly 30 countries, set a December 2016 deadline to conclude an overhaul of existing banking rules known as Basel III. Opponents reckon the new rules go too far, including increasing what banks must hold in capital against risk.

European Union finance ministers agreed a common position on the reform in July calling on global regulators not to increase capital requirements. The ministers will now address the issue again on Oct 11, two EU officials said, as negotiations in the Basel Committee have hit a snag.

While Europeans are sceptical, U.S. regulators and other supporters of the proposals say they are needed to make sure banks have enough spare capital to match the amount of risk they have taken..

Last week, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and his French counterpart Michel Sapin said it was critical that new rules did not put European banks at a disadvantage.

The French and German banking federations warned the new rules may increase capital requirements for banks "in some cases by up to a further 50 percent."

"The discussion at the council of finance ministers may result in a new joint statement," an EU official said.

In July, ministers called for the Basel reform not to result in a "significant increase in the overall capital requirements for the banking sector".

Industry sources said they are still confident a compromise can be reached by the end of the year. The Basel Committee will meet again in November.

The core of the review is the introduction of models to calculate bank risks based on common standards, rather than on benchmarks developed internally by banks, a change that would hit mostly European banks with higher capital requirements, European officials and lenders fear. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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Greece is forecasting 2.7% economic growth next year, its first rebound after seven years of crippling recession, as investment picks up and tourism surges, a government official familiar with the draft budget said on Thursday.

The recipient of three international bailouts, Greece's economy has shrunk by a quarter since its debt crisis exploded in 2010, forcing it to adopt harsh austerity, throwing millions out of work.

The 2017 budget is due to be tabled in parliament on Monday.

The economic growth forecast compares with a 0.3% contraction in 2016 anticipated by the lenders.

The Greek economy expanded by 0.2% in the second quarter. It was the first quarter-on-quarter expansion since late 2015 and followed a 0.2% contraction in the first quarter.

While Athens has managed to fix its twin imbalances - its primary budget and current account deficits - over the last six years through painful fiscal adjustment, economic output has been stagnating and unemployment remains high.

Under the 86 billion euros bailout deal clinched in mid-2015, Greece must achieve a surplus, excluding debt servicing costs, of 0.5% of GDP this year and 1.75% in 2017.

"The primary surplus will exceed the bailout's target of 0.5% this year," the official said, adding that the budget draft would probably not include a specific figure.

He added that the draft will project a primary surplus of 1.75% of GDP for next year in line with the bailout.

The most indebted country in the euro zone would see its debt pile falling to 175.8% of output next year, compared with about 180 percent of gross domestic product this year. Authorities say they anticipate negotiating a deal in coming months with lenders on debt relief.

Government officials say growth will be generated through a string of investments under the country's privatization program. That plan is expected to reap some 5.8 billion euros in revenue by 2018, while unemployment is expected to slightly ease and tourism earnings were expected to rise by between 1 and 2% to around 15 billion euros in 2016.

"We are already seeing increasing signs of recovery in domestic investment ... (and) public investment is expected to continue to draw support from a number of public projects," said Platon Monokroussos, an economist from Eurobank. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
The total number of corporate insolvencies to the end of Quarter 3 2016 have totalled 765, according to the latest analysis from Deloitte.

This represents a 3% increase on the same period in 2015 and is a reversal of the decreases seen in the first half of 2016. The total number of insolvencies in the third quarter of the year alone was 255, an increase of 18% on the equivalent period last year.



An analysis of industry sectors shows that the services sector experienced the most corporate insolvencies so far this year, with 220 (29% of the total), up 104% from the same period last year where there were 108 insolvencies.

This is followed by the construction industry at 133 (17%), up from 92 last year, an increase of 45%. The hospitality industry was third with 84 (11%) corporate insolvencies, largely unchanged from the previous year. The retail industry was fourth with 76 (10%), down 29% on 2015.



Of these 765 corporate insolvencies, creditors voluntary liquidations accounted for the majority with 448 recorded in the period (59%). This is down 10% from the same period last year where there were 497 creditors voluntary liquidations.

Receiverships accounted for 274 (36%) of the total corporate insolvencies so far in 2016, up by 79 appointments from 195 in the same period last year.

There were 32 court liquidator appointments in the nine month period, which is similar to the same period in 2015 where there were 34 appointments.



Geographically, the highest number of corporate insolvencies in the period was recorded in Leinster with two thirds (66%) of the total appointments. This is a slight increase on the same period last year where Leinster had approximately 64% of all corporate insolvency appointments.

Munster had 23% of appointments, up from 21% the previous year while Connaught was consistent with last year at 9%. Finally, Ulster with just 3%, was down from 6% with last year.



Partner in Deloitte Restructuring Services at Deloitte, David Van Dessel says, "It is clear that the upturn in economic conditions has not lifted all boats. While many companies survived through the eye of the recession the pressure that factors such as rising costs and a more cautious consumer bring means that companies have succumbed before the upturn can have a meaningful impact on their business."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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For many companies, an initial impression is gathered from a companys website. Taking control of your online content is one of the most important communication decisions you can make.

How your website looks, in terms of text, updates and graphics is hugely important to how your company and brand is perceived.

In this day and age maintaining your website is fundamental to your online presence, which is key to your business flourishing.

According to all leading search engine providers, the best way to do this is to add timely relevant content to your site.

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An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny today opened the Irish Management Institute National Management Conference 2016 and addressed over 250 executives in attendance.



The conference is focusing on the theme of Managing Disruption  Seizing Opportunity.



Speaking from the conference, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny commented, "In the first six months of 2016, 115 new investments were secured, creating 9,100 new jobs in the coming years. Just as important as new jobs and investments is our reputation for policy stability, a business friendly environment and a highly skilled workforce. Indeed, skills are top of the agenda for business, and we must ensure that Ireland continues to excel in this area."

He added, "Key Government Departments and Agencies have also worked with the IMI to develop and implement programmes for future leaders with great success. I congratulate the IMI on these accomplishments and wish them every success in their continued development."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Commerzbank on Thursday said it would cut nearly 10,000 jobs and stop paying dividends for the time being as it restructures to become profitable on a more sustainable basis by 2020.

Germany's second biggest lender said in a statement it expected restructuring costs of 1.1 billion euros as it combines business segments and works to cut costs.

It said it would slash 9,600 full-time positions or about 20% of staff as part of the revamp but plans to add 2,300 jobs in areas where business was growing, for a net reduction of 7,300. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
In 2010, a seemingly insignificant event in a far-off land caught my eye. The Israeli academic world was having a fracas over the actions of "post-Zionist" faculty that raised important questions about the principle of academic freedom.Briefly, Zionism is support for a religious Jewish state; post-Zionism refers to the desire for Zionist Israel to become secular. The post-Zionist academics were demanding not only that Israel became secular, but that it also permit the "right of return" to anybody who once lived within its borders. If denied, they called for an economic and intellectual boycott of their own nation, even in classes they taught at state-supported universities.Perhaps from a secular U.S. perspective, post-Zionism may seem like an innocuous goal. However, the post-Zionist's ultimatum about the right of return has some potentially dire consequences. The rapidly growing Islamic population would quickly gain the demographic majority and wrest control from the Jewish Israelis. Given much Palestinian rhetoric, the change could even mean a possible campaign of genocide against the Jewish people.With that potential catastrophe in mind, an organization named Im Tirzu (Hebrew for "if you will it") called for donors, alumni, and legislators to put pressure on the universities to stop faculty members' post-Zionist activities. The post-Zionists then offered a defense that they believed ended the debate: their right to academic freedom.Throughout history, Western civilization has generally afforded scholars the right to explore and teach the truth according to their own consciences; that right we now call academic freedom. The continuance of the modern open society requires allowing scholars and scientists wide latitude to explore and draw conclusions, for without such freedom, education and knowledge are likely to calcify into indoctrination and orthodoxy and to inhibit innovation.Once the post-Zionist academics claimed academic freedom for their activism, many in the Israeli political, academic, and media establishment regarded the controversy over. Yet the matter did not seem to me to be as clear-cut as some suggested. Israel's size-roughly the size and population of New Jersey-and location-surrounded by bitter enemies who openly call for its destruction-make its existence precarious; it must seek advantage where it can find it. It survives mainly because of its intellectual and economic superiority, along with some aid from the United States.Should it lose that superiority and its American aid, Israel's situation becomes dire. That's basically the corner the anti-Zionist academics were painting the nation into. Israel could accept secularization, along with the right to return and its fearful implications, or the nation could suffer an end to the exchange of intellectual advances, trade, and aid because of boycotts by other institutions and nations. Such isolation would, if of sufficient intensity and duration, surely weaken Israel's ability to survive.The question that immediately sprang to mind when I read of this controversy wasOr is it such an ethical imperative that nations should observe it even unto their own destruction?It turns out I was not the only one asking such questions. Amnon Rubenstein, a law professor and former member of the Knesset (Israeli legislature) wrote thatI was also drawn to an assertion made by conservative intellectual Russell Kirk.he wrote in his 1955 book Academic Freedom: An Essay in Definition.If we are not compelled to extend freedom to those who would subvert freedom, then we are even less obligated to extend it to those who would sabotage our survival. For it is unlikely that our Founding Fathers (and initially John Locke) nonchalantly placed "life" first among our inalienable, God-given rights, ahead of "liberty." Survival can occur without freedom, but without survival freedom is impossible.Therefore, I decided that Im Tirzu and Amnon Rubinstein were correct; the post-Zionist academics who sought to cripple Israel through boycotts unless the nation submitted to a course of self-destruction were undeserving of academic freedom.Yet, such common sense fell on deaf ears. The post-Zionists went on undermining their own nation uninterrupted. But my interest in the controversy kicked off an "on-again, off-again" six-year investigation into the nature of academic freedom that resulted in my new report: Academic Freedom in the Age of Political Correctness. I discovered that academic freedom is hardly best conceived as some all-powerful imperative that automatically shuts down debate about the conduct of academics. It is instead an exceedingly complex subject that defies easy solutions and readily leads to misconceptions. For instance, it is often incorrectly confused with the right to free speech. But as University of Wisconsin political scientist Donald Downs has written, there isAt the same time, a professor who said the world was flat outside the classroom may very well be permitted to keep his or her job if he or she taught an unrelated subject such as English composition and refrained from repeating the inanity in class. And one could continue at length to parse special situations that would change the decision to hire or fire according the particular facts.I set out to cut through all the complexities and fallacies. I based my report on three fundamental principles: one is that academic freedom is best perceived as an immutable "natural right" revealed by its consistent and proven utility over time, as suggested by Kirk, rather than as a professional standard determined through faculty consensus. Next, that the justification for granting a scholar academic freedom is the sincere and open investigation into truth. Third, that academic freedom comes with obligations as well as rights, and that academic freedom's underlying framework must weigh both rights and obligations in a search for proper balance.An important reason why academic freedom falls short when grounded as a professional standard is because the interests of many different stakeholders need to be satisfied in its determination. It is only natural that the faculty professional organization, the American Association of University Professors, is prejudiced in favor of the rights of its members and less concerned about protecting the rights of students, administrators, trustees, and society. It was open about this from the start, with its founding document, the 1915 Declaration of Academic Freedom and Tenure, stating that,Even that blatant self-interest pales compared to the AAUP's pro-faculty bent today. It not only has become a union organizer and collective bargaining unit for the faculty at many schools, but its leadership has became so radicalized that even former AAUP president Cary Nelson-a self-avowed communist-seems conservative by comparison at times.Today, the AAUP defends almost any action by faculty members. For example, it supported Melissa Click, a journalism professor at the University of Missouri caught on camera calling for "muscle" to remove a student reporter who was legitimately covering a protest in which she was involved.Given that other campus interests require protection of their rights, I reached the conclusion that court cases are perhaps the best source of reasoning about academic freedom. They present arguments for both conflicting parties, not just one. And the final decision is reached by a disinterested third party.With that in mind, college and university administrations need to review their policies to make sure they are in line with the legal record. For academia in the United States is becoming a minefield of academic freedom controversies. One reason is the radicalization of the professoriate, which is pushing against longstanding limitations on their ability to indoctrinate students or silence opposition.Another reason is the increasing resistance to such indoctrination by conservative students and the growing presence of organizations that will help them expose and litigate infringements on academic freedom. A third is the increasing presence of students who demand a "right" not to be offended by anything they see or hear-an absurd claim that inevitably comes into conflict with the legitimate rights of everybody else on campus.States, too, are likely to press harder in the future for public universities to serve the public interest rather than fund unaccountable intellectual sanctuaries.The great genius of our Founding Fathers was to create a constitution that balanced competing interests rather than serving only the most powerful. I posit that the best perspective on academic freedom is also "Madisonian" in its treatment of multiple concerns-there are times when academic freedom must be constrained to best serve the truth.
Kathy Manos Penn

I thought it must be a slow news day when I spotted an article about the increasing presence of casual attire in the workplace. I've been retired for less than a year after many years in corporate America, and I can't imagine things have changed all that much since I left. Business casual clothing has been acceptable for at least a decade.Yes, I did work in banking, where employees who were customer-facing had to continue to wear business suits or dresses, but the rest of us had begun to dress down. By around 2005, I was only buying pantsuits and soon after I gave up suits entirely. The issue years ago was the same as it is today: many employees struggle with the definition of business-casual and often cross the line to unacceptable attire.In the 80's, it was a spandex problem. Believe it or not, when we first instituted casual Fridays, way too many folks who had no business wearing spandex anywhere chose to wear it to work. Managers never wanted to touch that conversation, so it was always the Human Resources professional who was called in to address that thorny issue.Next came the era of bra straps as an accessory. Actually, what was once a trend seems now to be a fixture in the fashion universe. I recall one young lady venting to me fifteen years ago about it taking too long for her to get promoted to SVP, as she sat there in her spaghetti strap tank top with bra straps on display. Call me old-fashioned, but I felt compelled to have the "dress for the job you want to have" conversation. When I asked whether she had ever seen me or any other female SVP at the bank with bra straps hanging out, she stumbled over a response.I worked at home for the last half of my career but frequently traveled to corporate headquarters and still needed to dress appropriately. It never occurred to me to wear cropped pants, tank tops or flip-flops, though I saw others who did. Giving up suits didn't mean I gave up looking professional. I always had a few go-to dresses, skirts, and dress pants for a week away, and I considered it fun to find just the right combination of tops, jackets and jewelry to pull those outfits together.For years, I counted on Lord & Taylor for business and dressy wear, and I'm sure I'm not the only Atlanta woman who went into mourning when they closed all of their local stores. I soon became a regular at Chico's and Coldwater Creek, but it was Consigning Women that ultimately replaced Lord & Taylor for me. There, I continue to find plenty of stylish dresses, tops, and skirts; and I still wear a gray sweater dress I found there the first year they were open.The owner of my favorite consignment shop says that these days "most customers are looking for dresses or tailored separates to fill their business wardrobe needs rather than suits." That trend translates into Consigning Women "carrying only a very limited selection of suits."It's nice to know I'm not alone in my view of appropriate business attire. Still, when I read articles that quote managers as saying their employees dress "too casually" or show "too much skin," I'm convinced I'd be forever overdressed were I still working in today's business world.
Rising unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan and Indias growing assertiveness in laying claim to this region has set alarm bells ringing in Islamabad and Beijing. After all, Pakistans control over Gilgit-Baltistan is essential for the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. China is pressing Pakistan to legalize its relationship with Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistans options are fraught with risk.

BACKGROUND: The US$ 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a network of highways, railway lines, oil pipelines, electrical power grids, fiber optic cables and special economic zones, linking the Chinese trading hub of Kashgar in Xinjiang province with the Pakistani port city of Gwadar, which is located near the strategic Straits of Hormuz, has run into some trouble in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Huge protests have erupted there over the CPEC project.

As in Baluchistan where Gwadar is located, in Gilgit-Baltistan too local residents are not opposed to the project itself but fear that they are being excluded from its benefits. They are not being consulted on the project. Although Gilgit-Baltistan plays a key role in the CPEC project  all roads and pipelines crossing into China from Pakistan will run through this mountainous region  not a single Special Economic Zone is being set up there. Adding to local ire is the polices heavy-handed response to mass protests; a crackdown in August resulted in the arrest of over 500 locals, including Gilgits top political activist, Baba Jan. Several activists have been slapped with sedition charges. Calls for a rollback of the CPEC project and withdrawal of Pakistani security forces from Gilgit-Baltistan are growing louder.

Gilgit-Baltistans strategic significance is enormous. It nestles between Xinjiang Province in China, Afghanistans Wakhan Corridor, Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, and Indias Jammu and Kashmir. It is the only land link between Pakistan and China.

A part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan constitutes a large chunk of the territory that Pakistan occupied during the 1947-48 India-Pakistan war. India lays claim to this territory and accuses Pakistan of illegally occupying it. It has protested Chinas infrastructure projects in Gilgit-Baltistan and is strongly objecting to the CPEC project running through this territory.

In addition to Gilgit-Baltistans disputed status is its undefined relationship with Pakistan. At international forums Pakistan maintains that Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the dispute with India over Kashmir and that its future should be decided after a plebiscite as stated in United Nations resolutions. Hence, it has not been made a part of Pakistan and is not mentioned in the Pakistani constitution. Neither are its people conferred with Pakistani citizenship. They do not vote in national elections and are not represented in Pakistans parliament. Although a Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly was created in 2009, it is the federal government that wields real power in the region.

Thus, Pakistan is not only occupying Gilgit-Pakistan but also its standing there does not have the legal cover of its own constitution. This has implications for the CPEC project.

IMPLICATIONS: The CPEC project runs through restive regions. While Xinjiang is home to a secessionist movement, the western alignment of the Pakistan leg of the corridor runs through the insurgency-wracked provinces of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. The Gwadar port complex is also in Baluchistan. There is concern in Pakistan and China that roads, pipelines and other CPEC infrastructure in Baluchistan could come under attack from Baluch insurgents and others opposed to the project. In March 2015, for instance, five oil tankers carrying fuel from Karachi for a Chinese company working at the Saindak copper project in Baluchistan were set ablaze by suspected militants of the Baluchistan Liberation Army. In May this year, a Chinese engineer was injured in a roadside blast carried out by a group opposed to the CPEC project. Then in August, a suicide bombing in Baluchistans capital, Quetta, which lies on the Western Alignment of CPEC, killed 70 people.

Consequently, investment in the restive provinces of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan is being kept to a minimum, much to the chagrin of the Baluchis. Additionally, Pakistan is setting up a Special Security Division (SSD) comprising 9,000 soldiers and 6,000 paramilitary personnel for the security of the project and individuals, especially Chinese nationals working on CPEC-related projects.

Gilgit-Baltistan is less restive than Baluchistan. However, it has witnessed serious sectarian conflict in the past and Sunni extremists have carried out major attacks against the predominantly Shia local population. Besides, mass protests against the CPEC project and Pakistani authorities are gathering momentum. Complicating Pakistans troubles with Gilgit-Baltistan is Indias claim to this region, which has lately articulated more robustly.

In his speech on the occasion of Indias independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an oblique reference to the grave human rights situation in Baluchistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and other areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Only a few days earlier, he had stressed the need to raise the plight of people in these three areas at international forums. The Modi government can be expected to step up efforts to reach out to Baluchi nationalists and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming months and to assert its claims over Gilgit-Baltistan more vigorously. Not surprisingly, China and Pakistan are worried. Will Indias stirring of the bubbling cauldrons in Baluchistan and Gilgit-Baltistan exacerbate the security situation there? Importantly, what would happen to Pakistans already tenuous and illegal control over Gilgit-Baltistan?

Pakistan considers elevating Gilgit-Baltistans status to that of a province or a provisional province. China presses for this as it wants legal cover for its billion dollar investments in the CPEC project. But this is fraught with problems for Islamabad. Granting provincial status to a Shia-dominated region is unpopular in Sunni-dominated Pakistan. It is seen as paving the way for its secession from Pakistan. Additionally, legally absorbing Gilgit-Baltistan into Pakistan would require Islamabad to shift away from its decades-old stance of supporting a plebiscite in all territory of the former princely state. It would involve Islamabad compromising on its larger Kashmir agenda and be seen as a betrayal of the Kashmiri cause. It would also be opposed by pro-independence Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control. Consequently, whether or not to make Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistans fifth province will not be an easy decision for Islamabad.

While India would object initially to Pakistans formal integration of Gilgit-Baltistan, the move could open up an opportunity to settle the Kashmir dispute with Pakistan. After all, India is in favor of freezing the status quo, allowing both countries to keep territory under their control by making the LoC the International Border.

Could CPEC then trigger a process to end the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir?

CONCLUSION: The Gilgit-Baltistan region is almost as central to the CPEC projects success as the Baluchistan province. Unrest there and questions regarding Pakistans control over the latter are making Pakistan and China nervous, especially in the context of India asserting its rights over Gilgit-Baltistan. The implications for the CPEC project are enormous. As a former Indian foreign secretary recently observed, Without Pakistani control over this disputed territory [Gilgit Baltistan] there would be no CPEC. What steps Pakistan takes to strengthen its control over Gilgit-Baltistan and importantly, to endow its relationship with the region with some legality will be keenly watched in Beijing as well as Delhi.

AUTHORS BIO: Dr. Sudha Ramachandran is an independent researcher / journalist based in India. She writes on South Asian political and security issues. Her articles have been published in Asia Times Online, The Diplomat, China Brief, etc. She can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Image source: commons.wikipedia.org, accessed on September 26, 2016
GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Eye shadows from the MAC Selena makeup collection are displayed during a news conference Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi.

By Esther Hackleman, Esther.M.Hackleman@caller.com

When MAC Cosmetics ramped up for the launch of the highly anticipated MAC Selena line, the Tejano icon's family knew there was only one place that would do as host: her hometown.

"It's a day of celebration," said Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga, Selena's sister and CEO of Q-Productions. "It's the largest launch in MAC history, and it's happening here in Corpus Christi."

The makeup collection  including blush, lipsticks, eye shadows, eyeliner and mascara  started as a dream. More than a year ago, 40,000 fans signed an online petition that started more than a year ago, asking MAC Cosmetics to commemorate Selena Quintanilla Perez with a makeup line.

"The journey with MAC has been top-notch," Quintanilla Arriaga said. "To have them partner up with Selena to create a line that's actually based on her personal makeup speaks volumes to us."

The hues selected for the collection were chosen based on shades Selena had in her own makeup case.

"MAC matched her colors to what you see right now," Quintanilla Arriaga said. "The lipsticks are the go-to for me. Selena was known for the bolder lip whenever she would perform. Those (colors) bring back memories of us in the back of the bus getting ready for a performance ... This is Selena."

Selena's widower Chris Perez said the line would not be possible without the support of fans across the globe.

"It's amazing that things like this are still happening, that she has that kind of popularity and that her legacy has come to this point," Perez, said. "With her fans, the reaction has been incredible to say the least."

Fans like Mari Salas are ready to descend on Corpus Christi for the highly anticipated line.

"I've been excited for months," the San Antonio resident said.

Salas will be among hundreds of people expected to attend world premiere dedicated to the singer Friday at the American Bank Center.

"I've been a fan since I was really young. I had the honor of meeting her, and she was a really, really amazing person both on stage and offstage," Salas said. "After she passed, I was trying to do anything I could to help keep her memory alive."

The American Bank Center will open at 10 a.m. Friday for fans to purchase the cosmetic collection ahead of its worldwide availability online Saturday.

"It's beautiful that you feel so much love. You know that everyone is there for the same reason," Salas said. "I just know the vibes tomorrow is going to be amazing. ... Everything that they do for her is not enough. She deserves it. She deserves everything and more."

Twitter: @Caller_Esther

IF YOU GO

What: MAC Selena World Premiere

When: Doors open at 10 a.m. Friday. Fans can line up beginning at 4 a.m., but no camping will be allowed.

Where: American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend; makeup prices vary.

Information: maccosmetics.com/macselena-event

Live Blog MAC Selena World Premiere
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By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times

The Gregory-Portland Independent School District's board of trustees approved the high school band director's resignation during a special called meeting Wednesday.

Chuck Young was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 19 pending an investigation into a Sept. 16 incident that landed five overheated students in the hospital. He's worked for the district about 10 years.

His attorney, Tiger Hanner, said the resignation was submitted Tuesday.

The board discussed the resignation in closed session for about an hour. The motion to accept the resignation passed with a 5-2 vote.

Several band students fainted during the outdoor practice that day. They rehearsed outside for about 35 minutes. The heat index was about 104 degrees that day, according to the National Weather Service.

Superintendent Paul Clore declined to comment on the decision. Board president Randy Eulenfeld gave a statement to attendees after the meeting.

"I want you all to know the safety of our students is the main concern. After the incident the administration conducted an investigation and considered what improvements may be needed to better facilitate the hydration of the band," he said.

"As a result of the investigation, G-PISD has already strengthened and implemented new hydration procedures in band in order to assure water is always available to students," Eulenfeld said. "Students are provided with regularly scheduled water breaks and educated on the importance of hydration. We're going to continue to monitor the effectiveness of these procedures and look forward to the continued success to our band program."

Hanner spoke on Young's behalf.

"We have seen where parents have come out upset with what happened, some in support of (Young), and he just felt like regardless, this was not good for the program," Hanner said. "This division among families is not good for program he spent a decade building."

The resignation will go into effect Jan. 26, Hanner said. Young will remain on paid administrative leave until then.

Twitter: @CallerBetty Reporter Fares Sabawi contributed to this report.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Border Patrol agents discovered 14 undocumented immigrants hiding among bags of onions Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016.

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By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times

Border Patrol agents discovered 14 people hiding among bags of onions Tuesday evening, according to a news release.

A tractor-trailer with a driver and a passenger was referred for secondary inspection at the Falfurrias checkpoint after a canine alerted agents.

When agents searched the vehicle, the undocumented immigrants were found hiding in the trailer among the cargo with no means of escaping. One of the people in the trailer required medical attention, according to the release.

The driver and the passenger, both lawfully admitted residents from El Salvador, were arrested and referred for prosecution.

Twitter: @Caller_Fares
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By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times

A Corpus Christi man who escaped a halfway house was sentenced to more jail time Wednesday after tossing urine on jail guards, according to a Department of Justice news release.

Desmond Deon Jones, 29, was completing a prison sentence at a federal halfway house for being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the release. Jones escaped the house on Dec. 15, 2015, before authorities captured him on Jan. 4.

While awaiting sentencing for his escape in the Coastal Bend Detention Center, Jones threw urine and other liquids on 12 guards, according to the release. Jones pleaded guilty to the charges on June 13.

U.S. District Judge Hayden Head on Wednesday sentenced Jones to 28 months in federal prison for the assault and for escaping from the halfway house. The sentence will be served concurrently after he completes the prison time that remains on his firearm conviction, according to the news release. Jones will serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence.

Twitter: @Caller_Fares
When is hurricane season? Here's what you need to know in South Texas
Caller-Times File Motorists traveling north on Interstate 37 pass a hurricane evacuation route sign near Calallen in 2006. The signs show motorists which lanes to use when contraflow is in effect during an evacuation.

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By John Moritz, USA Today Austin Bureau

AUSTIN  State, federal and local authorities charged with keeping Texans safe during hurricanes need to begin preparations at least five days before the storm is expected to make landfall, the state's top emergency management official said Wednesday.

"We call it 'H minus 120,' " said Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, meaning that the planning to protect property and evacuate as many as 2 million people from 22 coastal counties starts 120 hours in advance.

Kidd told the House Transportation subcommittee studying issues related to natural disaster response that the process requires extensive communication at all levels of government and swift decisions affecting life and death.

"We preach 'all disasters are local,' " Kidd said.

Under state law, only mayors and county judges can issue evacuation orders. But once an order is issued, state agencies like the Texas Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety launch numerous operations simultaneously. Fleets of buses assemble in San Antonio, special ambulance vehicles that can transport 24 patients each are dispatched to hospitals and long-term care facilities. Prisons near the coast make ready plans to securely move hundreds of inmates to inland facilities.

One of the ways to move large numbers of people from the Gulf Coast inland is to shut down the inbound lanes of the major highways and allow outbound traffic to crossover. It takes more than 40 hours of planning and coordination to safely implement that process, which traffic and emergency experts call "contraflow." On at least one occasion, a stretch of Interstate 45 from Galveston to Dallas was turned into a contraflow evacuation route, the panel was told.

"If a mayor or county delays (issuing an evacuation order) we can't get people out," Kidd said.

Twitter: @JohnnieMo
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By Marty Schladen, USA Today Network Austin Bureau

AUSTIN  Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has a reputation of suing the federal government  often over environmental regulations.

Whether those regulations amount to government overreach, as Abbott says, or are vital protections of human health and against global warming was the topic of a Texas Senate hearing on Wednesday.

The meeting of the Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee came on the heels of arguments Tuesday before the U.S. District Court for the D.C. Circuit. In that hearing 27 states  including Texas  challenged the federal Clean Power Plan.

The plan is perhaps the United States' biggest effort to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement to keep global temperatures from rising to catastrophic levels. In part, it requires states to reduce carbon emissions by electricity generators.

Mike Nasi is an attorney for Balanced Energy for Texas, a group of coal companies and electricity generators. Testifying in Austin on Wednesday after attending Tuesday's court hearing in Washington, Nasi called the Clean Power Plan "All pain, no gain."

The plan leaves it to states figure out how to meet emissions goals. But Nasi said it will force some rural electric cooperatives to shut down carbon-emitting, coal-fired power plants while they still have 15 years' worth of useful life. It will be left to rate payers in those coops to pay off the debt on those plants and to pay for new sources of power, Nasi said.

"There's an irreparable-harm aspect to this rule," he said.

Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, is worried about the effect the rule would have on his East Texas district, which is heavily dependent on electricity-intensive manufacturing.

"I guarantee you I would lose thousands of jobs in my district" if the Clean Power Plan forces up Texas electricity prices 40 percent or more, as some predict, he said.

However, John Hall of the Environmental Defense Fund said that with its mix of natural gas, wind and solar-generated electricity, Texas is on track to exceed the Clean Power Plan's goals for 2030. That means Texas utilities could sell emissions credits to their counterparts elsewhere, he said.

"We have more clean energy assets than any other state in the country," Hall said.

Cyrus Reed of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club said competition from cheap natural gas and a growing wind and solar generation is killing coal, not any federal regulation. Coal plants and aging gas-fired generators face further challenges from proposed federal air-quality standards that Texas also is fighting in court, Reed said.

And to industry claims that the EPA rules are a federal attack on the Lone Star State, Reed said, "These EPA rules have a basis in law. It's not just pickin' on Texas."

Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, is the retiring chairman of the committee. During his tenure, he helped champion the growth of wind power in Texas  something he thinks the feds should recognize.

"I would, again, call on the EPA to give us credit for the things we have done right, which are enormous," he said.

Among the other rules the committee discussed Wednesday is an EPA requirement that oil and gas producers more frequently inspect production sites for leaks of methane and other pollutants. In a statement, the EPA said that methane is 25 percent more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and that the new rule would cut methane emissions from oil and gas production sites by more than 40 percent by 2025.

But Steve Hagle, deputy director for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, said the feds don't grasp what their asking of Texas energy companies with the new requirement.

"We feel EPA has vastly underestimated the number of sites that will be subject to this," he said.

John Tintera, executive director of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, said the rule was part of the EPA's "unprecedented onslaught against Texas."

"We believe this will produce no improvement in global warming," he said.

However, Colin Leyden of the Environmental Defense Fund said that methane is a heavy contributor to climate change. He also said that new research is showing that random emissions of it from production sites are much greater than previously thought.

"Natural gas can make a positive contribution to a cleaner environment, but only if gas development is based on reasonable rules to ensure that its more damaging impacts are limited," he said.

Marty Schladen can be reached at 512-479-6606; mschladen@gannett.com; @martyschladen on Twitter.
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We all know that many politicians are prone to exaggeration. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's recent statement that private school vouchers, or "school choice" as he puts it, is a civil rights issue is such an exaggeration and far from the truth. In fact, Patrick's costly voucher schemes could drain billions from local schools and deny many students their right to receive a quality education.

The history of vouchers indicates that they were a way to avoid granting civil rights to others. Historically, vouchers were developed in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954 that schools integrate and end the charade of "separate but equal" treatment of students. For at least a decade some states simply ignored the ruling but with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states began to implement "freedom of choice" programs that would allow white parents to take their child to a select school and thereby leave segregation patterns untouched. Mississippi even had "segregation academies" where only white children could attend.

No voucher plan introduced in Texas to date has provided adequate accountability for taxpayer dollars. Other states have seen dire results when state funds are handed out to individuals and organizations without state accountability for quality of education. Storefront schools with improper supervision that endanger the lives and education of students spring up with investors concerned only about profit and not the future and well-being of children. Any serious plan concerned with civil rights would hold the recipients of state funds to the same curriculum and accountability standards as public schools. This must be done to ensure the welfare of our children.

It is not enough to separate our children from the public schoolhouse and then simply treat them equally. All students are not the same and often must be treated differently. My child with spina bifida requires a different level of treatment in the educational environment than another child. A weighted public education funding system ensures that he receives every opportunity to learn  something that voucher plans typically omit. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) he receives facilities accommodations that are not readily available in most private organizations. If we are concerned with civil rights, then any voucher must come with the requirement that the receiving institution comply with all federal codes affecting those with disabilities.

Historically, transportation has not been fully covered in any voucher bill. A civil rights approach would demand that transportation costs to any school the child wanted to attend be included. Otherwise, poor kids stay on the poor side of town and rich kids stay on the rich side and de facto segregation results. Besides, the current transportation allotment for public schools is woefully inadequate and has not been updated in more than 20 years. It's doubtful the state will find new money to transport children with vouchers.

Any plan truly concerned with civil rights would meet the requirements I have outlined. Over the past few years I have seen a growing number of parents, community members, ministers, businessmen, and stakeholders in education join the ranks of those who oppose vouchers for a variety of reasons. There is history to show that vouchers disguised as "school choice" have repeatedly been used to further segregation around both race and income and there is ample case law to show that civil rights advocates have fought long and hard to ensure quality educational opportunities for all children. To call vouchers a "civil rights issue" denies their history and denigrates a hard-fought battle to ensure a free and appropriate public education for all children.
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Cambridge's world-famous Chelsea buns, beloved of Stephen Fry, could be pitched into a sticky situation  by the City Deal traffic-busting master plan.

Thats the claim by bun-makers Fitzbillies, who fear proposed peak-hour road closures could force their delivery vans into a crazy five-mile detour via the M11.

Other city businesses providing fresh food daily could also be plunged into chaos, says Fitzbillies boss Alison Wright.

One of the City Deal proposals suggests introducing peak time congestion control points (PCCPs) on six key routes in the city - Grange Road, Queens Road, East Road, Coldhams Lane, Mill Road and Hills Road. During the morning and evening rush-hours, only buses, cyclists, local taxis and emergency vehicles could use them.

City Deal officials have been asking for peoples views on the idea, although no exact times of operation have been fixed yet.

Alison told the News: The cafes, farm shops and local food shops in Cambridge depend on deliveries of fresh food every single morning. Theyre time-critical as most of these shops and cafes start serving customers between 8am and 10am and they need fresh produce to sell.

If the road closures go ahead as planned these businesses will not be able to make or receive their deliveries. So, we need the City Deal team either to reconsider the road closures overall or to issue passes/exceptions for food businesses.

At Fitzbillies, we wont be able to get the Chelsea buns from our bakery in Trumpington Street to our new branch in Bridge Street without going on the M11. It is crazy.

Our bakers start work at Trumpington Street at 5.30am, and the first batch of Chelsea buns comes out of the oven at 7.15am. At 7.30am, four large trays of Chelsea buns and all the croissant, pastries, cakes, rolls and other supplies needed for the morning are loaded into the delivery and are driven over Fen Causeway, along Queens Road and over Magdalene Bridge. It takes less than 10 minutes as it is before the traffic is busy and against the main morning flow of traffic. At 7.45am, they arrive at our new Bridge Street branch and the counter is stocked and set up for the morning before customers start coming in at 8am.

Deliveries to other customers typically start going out at this time - various companies around Cambridge regularly place orders of pastries for breakfast meetings, or coffee time.

We do use bicycle deliveries for smaller deliveries of robust cakes in an around town, but we know from experience that delicate cakes, larger orders and longer distance (for instance to the Science Park) dont really work on bicycle deliveries.

The famous bakery also gets deliveries from local suppliers each day between 7am and 10am, she said. She added: How will they be able to make deliveries?

Fitzbillies was rescued by Alison and husband Tim Hayward after it had suddenly shut down in 2011, when Cambridge alumnus Stephen Fry was among those leading a public outcry about its closure.

The actor and TV host tweeted at the time: No! No! Say it aint so - not Fitzbillies? Why I tweeted a pic of one of their peerless Chelsea buns but a sixmonth ago.

Hilary Holden, who leads the City Deal team working on tackling congestion, said: Now is the time for businesses such as Fitzbillies to tell us about how they think this plan might affect them but also to consider what opportunities exist to adapt in the future - and what support they would need to make this happen - to play a part in solving the citys congestion problem.

The plans include expansion of a travel planning service that would work directly with businesses, of all shapes and sizes, to help them and their employees manage this change.

Peak-time congestion control points will, in effect, expand the core scheme that currently operates in the historic city centre and to which local businesses have adjusted and thrived. Removing high levels of traffic has made the core area extra special - a place where people can relax and enjoy spending time.

Feedback now will help us develop the detailed recommendations. In the case of PCCPs, this includes the number and exact location, times of operation, whether they are one-way or two-way, any special cases for exemption and innovative ideas for how businesses can adapt.

Any final decision will take into account the varied needs of people and business, balancing this with introducing measures that will effective, long-lasting and that can keep the city and its economy moving.

More information, and an opportunity to respond to the consultation, is online at www.gccitydeal.co.uk/congestion.

A petition against road closures is running at www.stopcambridgeroadclosures.org.uk.
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Campaigners say a car that crashed just metres from a school crossing in Cambridge highlights the need to keep lollipop men and women working on it.

Cambridgeshire police were called at 10.22am this morning to the incident at the McDonald's roundabout in Newmarket Road.

A force spokesman said a Ford Focus had gone through the barrier outside the fast food chain and a woman had gone to hospital as a precaution.

But campaigners say this latest crash highlights the need to keep the crossing guards which help children cross Newmarket Road on their way to school.

In January, the county council's highways and community infrastructure committee voted against axing Cambridgeshire's school crossing patrols as part of plans to save 41 million this year.

Residents in and around Newmarket Road had been particularly outspoken in their protests, having presented a protest signed by more than 1,400 people to the council in December.

But now campaigners say these jobs are under threat again.

Local campaigner Nicky Shepard said: "We campaigned successfully earlier this year to reverse Country Council cuts that would have made the lollipop crossing guards redundant.

"But the council have done a complete u-turn and those job are yet again under threat. This latest incident only further highlights how removing the crossing guard will expose our children to unacceptable risk."

(Image: Oliver Pritchard)

Colin McGerty, 43, of Ditton Lane, said: "As a local parent, my children commute to school across the crossing. That car was coming directly towards the crossing.

"I don't see the council argument for removing that when they've already got the money in the budget.

"The local people will be really outraged their voice was heard in the beginning then ignored.

"There's no doubt the seriousness of accidents we see on that particular junction, that's so close to the crossing, highlights the need for extra safety measures rather than the removal of the lollipop people."

Cambridgeshire County Council said the lollipop lady and lollipop man in Newmarket Road and one in Coates, Harston and Fen Ditton were under threat of redundancy but was "not a cost cutting exercise", it was to comply with guidelines set out by Road Safety GB.

Andy Swallow, school crossing patrol manager for the county council, said the proposals had gone out for consultation at the beginning of the month with a decision likely to be made by next week.

He said Road Safety GB released a document in 2014 which advised that school crossing patrols on light controlled crossing had statistically been proven to give conflicting messages to drivers.

"A driver could look up and the light could be on green to go but the patrol could be in the middle of the road," he said. "It increased the risk by having someone there.

"The best practice is to remove them. That's been happening nationwide.

"Cambridgeshire is one of the few counties left in the country to do this. "It's not a cost-cutting exercise, the budget was allocated for this. It's purely so we adhere to this practice. If anyone would like to object, write to Richard Lumley so do it through the patrols."

He added if the proposals go through, the crossing patrols will be removed by Christmas.
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A jealous and angry man who endangered lives by starting a fire at his ex-partners house with three people sleeping inside has been jailed for four years.

Michael Keates, 22 of Pickersleigh Court, North End Lane in Malvern, Worcestershire, was sentenced after pleading guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether lives would be endangered at Cambridge Crown Court today.

He pleaded not guilty to a more serious charge of arson with intent to endanger life, and this was ordered to lie on file.

Sara Walker, prosecuting, said the blaze was started at a house in the Maltings, St Neots, in the early hours of May 7 2016.

The blaze caused more than 1,000 of damage to the property involved and it was only thanks to one resident in the house being awake at the time that things did not escalate further, the court was told.

Ms Walker added: The occupier of the house involved was previously in a relationship with the defendant, and this ended amicably until the defendants ex-partner started seeing a new boyfriend.

At 11.10pm on May 6, the defendants ex-partner was at a cocktail bar in St Neots with her new partner when she spotted the defendant also there, and an argument began about money the defendant believed was owed to him.

The woman and her new partner then went home, and the defendant began walking home at 1am on May 7 with a friend, who he then also argued with.

At 1am the womans new boyfriend saw the defendant walk up to the front door of the house before setting something on fire.

He, together with another man, rushed downstairs to see that various papers had been set alight and shoved through the letterbox, the court was told.

The two men managed to stamp on the fire to extinguish it, but the flooring was left scorched.

Ms Walker added: The two men chased after the defendant and punched him numerous times, leaving him with an eye injury.

One of the men held the defendant down while another called the police, but he managed to escape before police arrived. At 10.30pm the same day however he was arrested.

He was interviewed and admitted setting fire to receipts and travel tickets. The defendant said he had drank 10 pints, cocktails and gin on the night involved  but knew what he did was wrong.

A victim impact statement from Keates ex-partner said she was still in disbelief about what he had done, and had been left feeling nervous and anxious.

In mitigation, Jason Stevens said what happened was a hideous one off for Keates, who also recognised he was a lucky man that the blaze did not escalate.

Judge David Farrell said starting the fire was a highly reckless act motivated by anger, resentment and jealously.

He told Keates: Your behaviour clearly endangered the lives of a number of occupants in that house, three of which were sleeping. It was by no act of yours that the fire was luckily put out.

Cases of arson are looked at by courts extremely seriously.
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After a Cambridge punt company vowed to equip its touts with body cameras, the council is fighting back, with proposals to give similar cameras to its officers.

Last week the News reported how the Traditional Punting Company was giving body-mounted cameras to its touts, in a bid to prove they are not breaching new rules.

The city councils public spaces protection order (PSPO) came into effect on September 15 and prohibits touting for punt tours within specified areas of the city centre, with anyone found in breach of the order facing a 75 fixed penalty notice.

In response the company said the wording of the order is vague" and is issuing body cameras to store evidence.

Now Cambridge City Councils enforcement teams could be taking to the streets with cameras of their own, under new plans to be considered next month.

The 3,000 plan would see the enforcement officers, who police the PSPO as well as combating littering and dog fouling, recording their own video evidence.

The cameras, which would be worn on officers uniforms, have been used by other councils around the UK, and have helped to provide recorded evidence needed to prosecute those who flout the law.

Strict guidelines are proposed for their use, with officers on only switching on the cameras if they have reason to believe video evidence may be needed.

(Image: Warren Gunn)

This means they would not be recording for a whole patrol but only in a situation that the officer believes may become confrontational, may involve them being abused or where they are witnessing an offence.

As well as providing video evidence of crimes being committed, the council hopes the cameras will protect its employees from abuse by members of the public.

It says 75 per cent of instances in which officers issue a fixed penalty notice involve them being subjected to verbal abuse by members of the public.

Plans for the scheme were published in a report this week, in advance of the councils Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Committee meeting on October 10.

Council leader Lewis Herbert said: Tackling environmental crime is a priority for the council and its important that our members of staff, who are at the sharp end dealing with sometimes very difficult situations, have the kit they need to do the job.

After all, this is all about our officers trying to deter people from committing anti-social offences such as dropping litter, dumping waste or allowing their dog to foul our streets  all things that blight the city we all care about so much.

Body worn cameras could also provide our staff with additional benefits in a similar way to Cambridgeshire police officers. We have learnt plenty from the police experience in implementing body worn cameras and we would ensure their use is guided by a similar code of practice.

There would be plenty of safeguards in place and the cameras would be used in a way that respects peoples privacy and adheres to all the recommended guidelines.

If councillors approve the recommendations eight cameras would be purchased using money from fixed penalty notices, costing a total of 3,000.

A recent Cambridge University study of body camera use found their use led to a 93 per cent drop in complaints from the public about police officers.

Researchers think this is because the use of such cameras results in behavioural changes that cool down potentially volatile encounters.

The year-long study of almost 2,000 police officers from the UK and US was led by the universitys Institute of Criminology.
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The largest NHS genetics lab has joined a Cambridge platform which makes genetic testing for rare diseases more widely available.

GeneAdviser will be working with the Birmingham Women's Hospital to give users access to the hospital's solid tumour sequencing. It will enable clinicians using GeneAdviser to offer an individual approach to their patients, tailored to their tumour's genetic makeup.

Each tumour has a different genetic makeup, which makes it react to therapies very differently. By analysing and monitoring the presence of genetic sequences in a tumour, patients can be prescribed more targeted treatment and screening.

Dr Jelena Aleksic, GeneAdviser CEO, commented: Birmingham Women's Hospital combines outstanding and comprehensive genetics research and clinical expertise, making it an internationally renowned clinical laboratory. We are delighted to make their excellent genetic testing more accessible to doctors worldwide, helping them provide better care for their patients."
The leaders want consensus on universal criteria such as preparation, organization, conduct of polls and proclamation of results.

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Leaders of radical opposition parties in Congo on Saturday, December 26, 2015 denounced President Denis Sassou Nguessos intention to organize anticipated elections in the country and insisted that any election organized in the first quarter of 2016 in contravention of the July 2016 previewed period will be illegal.



The opposition leaders grouped under the umbrella organizations Initiative for Democracy in Congo (IDC) and Republic Front for the Respect of Constitutional Order and Democratic Change (FROCAD) met in the capital Brazzaville. They said that to guarantee peace in the country, they would only participate in the election in case there is consensus on universal criteria such as preparation, organization, conduct of the polls and the proclamation of results.



The leaders further insisted that the participation conditions include an electoral commission whose independence is acknowledged by all. Other conditions include a viable electoral register drawn up with the expertise assistance of institutions such as the International Organisation of the Francophonie and accepted by all, biometric voters cards and identification of electors as well as a unique ballot paper. IDC and FROCAD leaders called on the population to remain united and alert to stop any attempts to organize anticipated elections.



Government on its part, has drawn up a draft electoral law that focuses on the creation of an Independent National Commission and the use of unique ballot paper in the upcoming elections. Communication and Media Minister who is also governments spokesman, Thierry Moungalla, reportedly told the press the draft law has been submitted to the Council of Ministers for scrutiny and endorsement. He said it was in line with National Dialogue held in Sibiti last July. President Sassou Nguesso, the minister said gave guidelines with regard to the draft electoral law with emphasis on greater consensus in its conception.

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| BY Lynchy |

One lucky young creative from Australia and two from New Zealand will be making their way to Las Vegas early in October thanks to Campaign Brief and the London International Awards.

Tim Pashen (left), senior copywriter at The Monkeys, Sydney ~ Campaign Briefs 2016 Agency of the Year ~ willrepresent Australia at the 2016 London International Awards Creative LIAisons program in Las Vegas, featuring some of the worlds most respected creative directors as speakers.

Representing New Zealand are Zoe Edwards (below left) and Kate Lill (below right), creative team at Y&R New Zealand, Campaign Briefs 2016 NZ Agency of the Year.

2016 will be the fifth year in which LIA will host Creative LIAisons, a mentoring program fully funded by LIA that runs concurrently with the LIA Awards judging. Not only are the attendees being given the opportunity to listen to some of the industrys biggest names, but theyre also invited to sit in with the Juries on statue discussions. This represents a unique opportunity for the creatives to experience the judging process at a relatively young age.

Ted Royer  Chief Creative Officer, Droga5, Mark Tutssel  Global Chief Creative Officer Leo Burnett Worldwide, Creative Chairman Publicis Communications, Leo Burnett Worldwide, Matt Eastwood, Worldwide CCO of J. Walter Thompson, Malcolm Poynton  Global CCO, Cheil Worldwide, are among the speakers at the 2016 London International Awards Creative LIAisons program.

The top creatives front a star-studded lineup of speakers from the industry and beyond, including Daymond John  Founder & CEO of FUBU, Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, Star of ABCs Shark Tank and CEO of The Shark Group, Kevin Harrington  Inventor of the Infomercial, Original Shark on ABCs Shark Tank, co-founder of Entrepreneurs Organization, Saras Sarasvathy, Isidore Horween Research Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Pum Lefebure, co-founder and CCO of Design Army.

John and Harrington will be bringing InnerVation Lab, a one-day workshop on lessons from expert entrepreneurs, to Creative LIAisons on Thursday October 13th. The interactive lecture, designed by world-renowned researcher and educator Dr. Sarasvathy, will teach attendees how to think like an expert entrepreneur and practice what theyve learned with the two hosts.

2016 Creative LIAisons Speakers:

Ted Royer  Chief Creative Officer, Droga5

Mark Tutssel  Global Chief Creative Officer Leo Burnett Worldwide, Creative Chairman Publicis Communications, Leo Burnett Worldwide

Matt Eastwood  Worldwide CCO, J. Walter Thompson

Malcolm Poynton  Global CCO, Cheil Worldwide

Taras Wayner  EVP/ECD, US, R/GA

Chris Smith  Group Creative Director, The Richards Group

Dorte Spengler-Ahrens  Chief Creative Officer, Jung von Matt Elbe

Ralph van Dijk  Founder and CD, Eardrum

Daymond John  Founder & CEO of FUBU, Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, Star of ABCs Shark Tank and CEO of The Shark Group

Kevin Harrington  Inventor of the Infomercial, Original Shark on ABCs Shark Tank, co-founder of Entrepreneurs Organization

Saras Sarasvathy  Isidore Horween Research Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Virginia Darden School of Business

Pum Lefebure  co-founder / CCO, Design Army

Chris West  Managing Director, Verbal Identity Ltd.

This year, for the first time ever, LIA opened up 50 seats to Creative LIAisons, previously an invitation-only event, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can still be purchased by emailing patricia@liaawards.com

CreativeLIAisons will take place in Las Vegas from 11th October to 14th October, while Judging will run from 6th October to 14th October. The shortlists will be announced on CB as each judging session concludes, with Winners announced 8th November.
| BY Ricki Green |

Full service agency Spinach has created a campaign to launch Choctober for Reclink Australia, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to provide programs for people experiencing disadvantage.

Choctober challenges people to give up chocolate for the month of October and help raise funds to provide opportunities specifically for disadvantaged women.

With the theme Give up a little, change a lot, Spinach created a campaign that highlights the emotional attachment people have to chocolate and the mood swings chocolate deprivation can cause.

Says Frank Morabito, ECD, Spinach: Giving up chocolate for a month sounds like an easy way to help raise funds for disadvantaged women, but we all know how grumpy some people get if they miss their daily chocolate fix. So we believed our job was to warn people that Choctober might cause some unexpected mood swings in friends and colleagues who are giving up chocolate during October.

The campaign consists of two 30 second videos and warning posters that can be downloaded when participants sign up on the Choctober website. The tongue-in-cheek warning messages include: Were not going to lie, it could get ugly and Please be 10% less annoying, Im chocolate deprived.

The campaign will run across digital and traditional media channels.

Says Morabito: Its a great cause and we hope to raise raise much-needed funds. A big thank you to all the people who helped us create the campaign, particularly our generous and talented friends at Otto and Front of House.

Client: Reclink Australia

CEO: John Ballis

Media and Communications Director: Ben OHalloran

Agency: Spinach

Executive Creative Director: Frank Morabito

Senior Creative/Writer: Jacqui Paterson

Agency Designer: Jenna Tomkins

Production Company: The Otto Empire

Director: Tim Potter

Executive Producer: Jo de Fina

Producer: Sophie Woods
Hunters are being warned that reclamation work along the border of what has been a hotly contested slab of public lands in central Montana is underway, right during the height of the archery elk season.

For safety, we are asking public land users in the Durfee Hills to avoid areas where crews are at work, said Pete McFadden, Bureau of Land Management Lewistown Field Manager, in a press release. Crews will be working with machinery, chain saws and other equipment. Workers may not be able to see or hear people approaching.

The work is being done when elk are in the middle of their mating season, known as the rut. Thats a time prized by archery hunters because it makes the bulls somewhat easier to lure into bow and arrow range.

I did hear from a few people concerned about it, said Doug Krings, of the Central Montana Outdoors group. Its almost like its a little bit on purpose to keep the elk out of there.

The work is being conducted along the border of a 2,700-acre parcel of BLM property, known as the Durfee Hills, that is surrounded by ranchland owned by billionaire Texas brothers Dan and Farris Wilks.

Settlement

The reclamation work is being performed after a contractor hired by the Wilkses inadvertently strayed on to BLM land in 2014, cut down trees and tore up the ground while erecting nine miles of new fence. It took complaints by conservationists to convince BLM officials that the fence crossed on to federal lands and damaged federal property.

After the BLMs law enforcement arm conducted an investigation, McFadden and Farris Wilks signed a settlement for the encroachment and damage in July. Wilks Ranch Montana Ltd. agreed to conduct stabilization work valued at $150,000. Under the agreement the Wilkses will also pay the BLM $71,000 for loss of timber and the expenses the BLM paid its staff to conduct a survey along the propertys border. The survey was undertaken to find out where the fence strayed on to public land.

Part of the settlement is a stipulation that the work be done by Oct. 15.

We feel its important to get the resource fixed because we know it does impact the hunters, said Adam Carr, a Bureau of Land Management supervisory natural resource specialist overseeing the reclamation work.

Elk season

Im happy the restoration work is happening, said Lewistown hunter Mark Schwomeyer. Im unhappy the restoration is starting in September. It just feels like another shenanigan.

Some hunters were adamantly opposed to the proposal that BLM trade the Durfee Hills for a portion of another ranch owned by the Wilkses north of the Missouri River Breaks. The Wilks brothers had proposed the trade to consolidate their N-Bar Ranch holdings along Flatwillow Creek in Fergus County.

The only way for the public to reach the Durfee Hills is by airplane or helicopter. With such exclusive access, some conservation groups supported the trade. But the BLM decided not to even consider the trade, leaving the Wilkses upset that their proposal never got a public hearing.

Border marking

After the BLM decided not to consider the trade, the Wilkses began building the new fence around the Durfee Hills, citing concerns about trespassers. According to Bozeman conservationist Kathryn QannaYahu  who was the main force in pushing the BLM to examine the new fence  the enclosure initially blocked a road used to land planes on BLM land. Hunters have also accused employees of the Wilkses of hazing elk away from the fringes of their property to ensure they stay on the N-Bar Ranch. QannaYahu sees the timing of the rehab work as one more way for the Wilkses to get back at the hunters who opposed their land trade.

This is not beneficial to the public hunter to have them in there doing all these erosion control efforts, she said. Thats going to seriously interfere with elk populations in there, which doesnt bother the Wilkses, Im sure.

A representative of the Wilks brothers could not be reached for comment. But the BLMs Carr denied the timing of the work was deliberately directed at hunters.

It wasnt necessarily their (the Wilks brothers') choice, or an intentional thing in our eyes, Carr said. They had done some work previously and we had to get some people out to see if it met the intent (of the agreement).

Timetables

The BLMs own settlement agreement says the work was supposed to begin earlier in the year. But negotiating convenient times for the BLM and the Wilkses contractor to be on the ground at the same time has been a challenge, Carr said.

We do have staff out there today and tomorrow providing feedback to the crew, he said on Tuesday.

We didnt want to be out there during the hunting season. That wasnt the intent when the agreement was signed in July.

Mixed emotions

Hunters have mixed emotions about the timing of the work. Although they want the restoration done to rehabilitate the landscape and make the fence more wildlife friendly, they say the dates for the work could have been scheduled at a less disruptive time for hunters.

As part of the settlement the Wilks brothers also agreed to voluntarily modify the fence by raising the bottom wire and lowering the top wire to make it easier for wildlife to cross. BLM has also asked the Wilkses to leave gates open when they dont have cattle in the area so wildlife can more easily move across the landscape.

Thats something we ask all of our grazing permitees, Carr said.

Still hunting

The Wilkses N-Bar Ranch, because it limits public hunting and covers such a vast swath of country, harbors one of the largest elk herds in the state. Hunters see the Durfee Hills and other public lands adjoining the Wilkses property as prime real estate for filling their elk tag. Harboring elk on private lands has become a particularly contentious and difficult political issue for Montanas wildlife agency to deal with given the superiority of private property rights.

Schwomeyer said he did talk to some hunters who were using the Durfee Hills while the contractors were working and there was no problem.

(The contractors) did not bother them and it didnt appear to bother the elk, he said.

Schwomeyer has successfully hunted the Durfee Hills, saying its much like other public land hunting: when the elk are there its great, when they are not it is frustrating. In the meantime, hes looking at the latest bump in the Durfee Hills' road optimistically.

I know as a public land user I am happy the restoration is happening, he said.
| BY Ricki Green |

Rhino Rack has today announced it has appointed Kontented to oversee its marketing strategy, content creation and activations for Australia, New Zealand and the US.

Rhino Rack is one of Australias true business success stories, built from the ground up by Aussie entrepreneur Richard Cropley from a simple outfitting business to the #1 roofrack brand in Australia.

Says Matt Hankin, head of marketing and communications, Rhino Rack: As we look to refocus the brand here in Australia and make a real impact in the US, I cannot think of another business that I would prefer to work with as we take on this challenge. Kontenteds keen insights and strategic thinking along with their ability to create relevant and sticky content gives me the confidence in achieving our goals both here locally and in the US.
| BY Ricki Green |

Sydney agency Pollen has developed a new digital strategy for Australian fine food retailer Simon Johnson, including the design and development of a new e-commerce platform, social launch campaign and overarching content strategy.

As part of the new digital strategy, Pollen has launched a social campaign centred on hiring a new social media content creator and food stylist for the Simon Johnson brand.

Driving awareness and traffic to the website and encouraging conversation amongst millennial audiences about the Simon Johnson brand, the social campaign aims to unearth a passionate foodie for this dream stylist role, whilst relaunching the brand across the maker culture and foodie community.

The winner will be personally selected by Simon Johnson with help from two of Australias highly awarded chefs Quays, Peter Gilmore and The Bridge Rooms, Ross Lusted. The role will be based out of the Simon Johnson office in Sydney. The chosen candidate will manage, create content and curate the Simon Johnson primary social channels and website.

In order to participate, foodies just pick any Simon Johnson product, style it, shoot and post it to Instagram using the hashtag #hiremesimon tagging @simonjohnsonprovidore.

Says Brett Mitchell, director, Pollen: This campaign is a prime example of what Pollen sets out to do in relation to redesigning todays digital businesses from the ground up.

Its a completely new take on the future of hiring disconnected millennials and we trust it will also be adopted by other future minded businesses.

The campaign idea is playing to the whole Instagram food porn obsession, there is a lot of people doing this now and if they love it that much, and are good at it, they can now score themselves a job.
| BY Lynchy |

McCann Health Singapore is celebrating, following two of its young creatives winning the prestigious Young Spikes 2016 Integrated competition.

Emily Mok (pictured left) and Tan Yuan Ling (right) are recent additions to the McCann Health family, having successfully completed the Agencys internship programme. Both junior designers, they outperformed teams from across the region in an exciting two-day challenge that took place during the Spikes Asia Festival last week.

This saw creatives under 30 years of age, tasked with creating an integrated campaign in response to a brief set by a non-profit organisation, followed by a rigorous live judging session.

Michael Banner, general manager for McCann Health Singapore commented on the win, We couldnt more proud of Emily and Yuan. They worked tirelessly on their entry and we are thrilled it paid off for them. Though this isnt their first creative victory; they won our nearly as prestigious internal creative competition we call AdFarm! In all seriousness, its great to see our commitment to finding and developing young local Singaporean talent produce so many gifted youngsters.

McCann Health has been running an internship programme since 2013, tying in with Singapores Economic Development Board mandate around providing skills development and training opportunities for young talent.

What started as a partnership with a few local universities science and communications departments, has now developed into an established relationship with Nanyang Technological University where students undertake a six month paid internship for credits towards their graduation. Over 20 students have since completed the programme, with the offer of employment in the account management department for the best candidates.

In 2016 the programme was broadened out to include creative internships, with Emily and Yuan being in the first class.
Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend

Relatives in Seoul search for missing loved ones after a deadly crowd surge. And Nancy Pelosi makes first remarks about her husband's attack. It's the weekend's news.
The Magic City Fly Fishers will celebrate women in fly fishing at their Tuesday meeting at the Billings Rod and Gun Club.

A panel presentation features members of Casting for Recovery showing how their annual retreat for breast cancer survivors helps women psychologically and physically. The Sisters of the Fly, a national women's outdoor group, will explain how their members travel around the country fly fishing and having fun. Finally MCFF board member Kellie Saville will discuss fly-fishing opportunities for women in the Billings region.

Karen Page opens the meeting at 7 p.m. by demonstrating how to tie the Pink Pookie fly, a favorite of trout throughout Montana. Casting for Recovery members will serve pink lemonade and snacks.

The meeting is free and open to the public, especially all women interested in fly fishing or getting started in the sport.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 11:10PM

Cathay Pacific Airways, together with travel SIM card provider ZIP SIM, will be giving away free travel SIM cards with free talk, text, and data plans to select Canadian travelers heading to the U.S. Some of those travelling from Vancouver to New York will be given the SIM with either a three- or seven-day Talk + Text + Data plan with unlimited U.S./Canada calling, global messaging, and 500MB of 4G LTE data.

ZIP SIM offers short-term, contract-free cellular service to travelers in the U.S. and these plans are already preloaded onto the SIM so you just need to select which type of plan you prefer (talk, text, and data or data-only) and insert the SIM when you arrive in the U.S. Both companies plan to extend the offer to other departure and arrival cities in Canada and around the world.
A marriage breakdown and a move to Braidwood with her new husband in 1981 saw the beginnings of Geier's continuing relationship with Canberra. She began teaching at the (then) Canberra School of Art and remained there until 1991 when she resigned in order to devote herself full-time to her art practice. Her new rural environment "was a revealing opposite to the urban environments of Melbourne and London that had been her recent homes" (Haynes). Landscape ("place") however "is not explicitly articulated (in her art). Geier prefers to infer its actuality in her life through subtle pictorial and spatial infusions into the amalgam of devices and aesthetic strategies that constitute her art" (Haynes). For Geier the 1980s was a "decade of exploration, discovery and interpretation and a decade rich in expressive complexity and aesthetic interrogation" (Haynes). It was also a time when unbeknownst to her she was suffering from a brain tumour that was affecting, among other things, her sight and her balance.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast up to 40 millimetres of rain to fall, mostly in the morning, but by 6pm about 18 millimetres were recorded in the city and only about 25 millimetres had been recorded, although those totals were expected to rise with late showers forecast that night.
It was five long years ago, but Dean Waltee vividly recalls what the winter of 2010-11 did to mule deer in southeastern Montana.

The record cold and snow we saw that year decimated mule deer populations in our region and throughout eastern Montana, says Waltee, at the time the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist in Broadus.

FWP Region 7s mule deer population, the states largest, bottomed out in 2012 but has since rebounded to where it had been and beyond. Biologists attribute the increase to three consecutive mild winters, the replacement of older deer that died with younger, more productive deer, and a cutback by FWP in antlerless mule deer harvest. By spring of 2016, biologists estimated the population had grown to 47 percent above the long-term average.

We havent seen numbers like this since the late 1990s, says John Ensign, FWP Region 7 wildlife manager.

More tags

Because of the rapid increase FWP wildlife biologists say now is the time to start moderating the population growth by issuing more B licenses, or tags, which allow hunters to harvest additional antlerless deer. That will prevent muleys from overpopulating and eating themselves out of house and home.

Boosting antlerless harvest this fall is a smart move, say FWP officials. But to many hunters issuing more B tags seems illogical. If deer numbers are increasing, they ask, why not let the population continue growing and then hold it at a high level year after year?

Creating confidence

We havent always done the best job of explaining to the public how mule deer management works, Waltee says. Basically, what we do is survey mule deer populations and estimate mule deer harvest, and then use that information to decide on appropriate harvest levels for the upcoming fall hunting season.

Twice each year biologists count, from airplanes, the number of deer in large survey areas across Montanas mule deer range.

We cant go out and count every deer. Thats literally impossible, says John Vore, chief of FWPs Game Management Bureau. What we and many other states do is count deer in areas representative of the regions habitat, private and public land ownership, and public hunting access. That and other information tell us whether the overall mule deer population trend from year to year is increasing, decreasing, or staying stable.

High flying

Biologists fly over the states 101 survey areas between Dec. 1 and Jan. 15 to determine the proportion of bucks, does and fawns. They fly the same areas again from March 15 through April 30, when deer are concentrated in open areas during spring green-up, to see how well fawns and adults survived the winter.

Hunters who dont see as many deer as biologists report may wonder if the surveys are focusing too much on private property, where deer numbers might be higher than on public land. Vore says thats not the case. In the states main mule deer regions of central and eastern Montana 41 percent of the survey areas are on public land or private Block Management Area property.

Thats a higher percentage of land open to free public hunting than exists in the regions as a whole. So we are surveying representative areas accessible to all hunters, Vore says.

Still, isnt it possible that deer move far from the survey areas by the time the fall hunting season rolls around  which might account for why some hunters dont see as many deer as FWP says are out there?

We looked into that, says Justin Gude, chief of FWPs Wildlife Research and Technical Services Bureau.

Biologists tracking radio-collared deer found that one-third stay in survey areas during the fall, while the other two-thirds move away from the wintering areas only three miles on average.

Where we see the deer in the winter is pretty much where they will be next fall, Gude says.

Other ways

FWP also takes the pulse of mule deer populations by monitoring hunter harvest at check stations and with winter phone surveys.

That harvest information almost always tracks with what we saw in the aerial surveys, Gude says. If our winter and early spring surveys show an upward trend in deer numbers we usually see more hunters with deer in the back of their pickups the following fall.

Another way biologists assess deer numbers is by regularly talking with landowners about wildlife populations they see on their property and by monitoring and addressing game damage complaints. Whats more, over the past several years FWP has radio-collared and tracked 1,134 mule deer to see how well the animals survive and where they go.

All that information, added to the harvest data and aerial surveys, gives us confidence that we know whats going on with the mule deer population, Vore says.

Overbrowsing

Even though FWP biologists know that mule deer populations in southeastern Montana are rebounding, how can they know for sure when to start increasing antlerless harvest to scale back that recovery? A 34-year-long experiment in the region provides answers.

Muley populations rise and fall naturally based largely on how weather and habitat conditions affect deer survival and reproduction. A major factor is the amount of forage (forbs, or wildflowers) and browse (shrubs) available to deer each year. When summer vegetation is lush, deer put on a thick layer of body fat to help them through the following winter. When plant growth is sparse, a hard winter can cause large numbers of malnourished deer to perish or, in the case of does, reabsorb developing fetuses.

Deer population extremes are a problem. When overabundant, mule deer overbrowse shrubs such as mountain mahogany and bitterbrush, which can take years to recover.

Because continual overbrowsing reduces the amount of browse through time, it slowly reduces the number of deer the habitat can sustain, says Waltee, now the FWP biologist in Sheridan. Thats what were seeing in southwestern Montana.

Hungry deer also cause problems for landowners by raiding hay bales and grazing pasture.

Population extremes are always a problem for someone, Waltee says. Too many deer, and landowners get mad. Not enough deer, and hunters get mad.

Wildlife biologists can use hunting regulations to moderate deer population extremes, but only if timed correctly.

Before 1982 our mule deer hunting regulations here in Region 7 were reactive, meaning we would wait too long to increase antlerless harvest when populations were increasing, says Melissa Foster, FWP wildlife biologist in Baker.

Foster explains that when a deer population increases naturally due to several years of abundant vegetation, it eventually exceeds the lands carrying capacity, or ability to support that many deer.

It might seem that having a lot of deer is great for hunters, but in the long run its not, she says.

With less browse available, undernourished does produce fewer fawns, leading to depressed populations over the long term.

The land cant sustain a super high deer population for extended periods, Foster says.

The most striking example of this boom-bust effect came in the early 1970s. Mule deer numbers in Region 7 were skyrocketing because FWP had restricted antlerless harvest, even during years of abundant browse. In 1973 hunters harvested a record 19,335 mule deer bucks. During the next few years FWP finally increased antlerless harvest, but by then the population was already dropping naturally, as mule deer found little left on the landscape to browse. Coming too late, the increased antlerless harvest accelerated the population decline. By 1976 the buck harvest had plummeted to just 3,498, a decrease of 82 percent.

Thats a prime example of reactive harvest management, Waltee says. In hindsight, we now see that the increased antlerless deer harvest came two years too late to prevent severe habitat stress and an extreme population decline.

Newer approach

Since 1998 FWP has followed an adaptive harvest management approach for mule deer in Montana. Like a similar process long used for waterfowl management, AHM is based on decades of research and experience and allows FWP to accurately detect changes in mule deer populations and respond quickly with appropriate hunting regulations.

FWPs AHM document  the agencys mule deer management bible  recommends restrictive, standard, or liberal harvests each year based on two main criteria: how the number of fawns per 100 adults each spring compares to the long-term average, and how the springtime deer population compares to the long-term average. Biologists also consider factors such as deer age structure, winter survival, buck-to-doe ratios, habitat conditions and hunter preference and satisfaction.

This year our Region 7 mule deer population was well above the long-term average, but fawn production wasnt quite high enough to trigger the full liberal harvest package, says John Ensign, FWP regional wildlife manager in Miles City. To stay as true as possible to the AHM prescriptions while still proactively addressing burgeoning deer populations, we decided to issue 7,500 B licenses this year.

Ironing out extremes

Starting in 1982, Region 7 made two major mule deer management adjustments. One was to change from setting seasons and issuing licenses for each of 35 different hunting districts to creating a regionwide season and issuing licenses valid across the region.

Its like we became one big hunting district, explains Ensign.

Under this approach, biologists, hunters and landowners working together can quickly increase hunting pressure in areas with high deer densities and decrease it in areas with too few deer. And they can make these adjustments during the deer season, rather than waiting a year to adjust regulations for the following season.

If a landowner has too many deer we can direct hunters to that property as soon as he calls, Ensign says. We didnt have that kind of flexibility under the old system.

Region 7s other big deer management change was to begin issuing more B tags when fawn production and populations started taking off, rather than waiting until numbers reached a peak.

In the past, by the time hunters said, Jeez, youve got a lot of deer out here, those populations had already stressed the habitat and were starting to decline, Ensign says. Using this proactive approach, we increase harvest a few years before populations would otherwise hit their peak. That way vegetation stays healthy, fawn production remains steady and we reduce those wide population oscillations.

The proactive approach has ironed out the extreme mule deer population highs and lows across Region 7.

That in turn allows hunters to predict and plan for the coming years, and it also reduces game depredation on farms and ranches, Ensign says.

He notes that landowner complaints in Region 7 have steadily declined over the past three decades to just 20 percent of what they were in the early 1980s.

Landowner feedback

Vore says that Region 7s proactive management approach could work in other regions, and for whitetails too.

For instance, many whitetail hunters in Region 1 (northwestern Montana) dont want us to issue B tags until the population is at its peak, he says. But by then its too late, and there are too many deer. That leads to the crashes weve seen in the past.

To prevent a collapse in Region 7, FWP is increasing the number of B licenses available this fall, based on an adaptive harvest management process the department uses for deer management. In July, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved selling 7,500 regionwide B licenses for 2016, up from zero just two years ago. The commission will also allow the region to issue up to 11,000 B licenses in the future if surveys show continued growth in fawn production, fawn recruitment (young deer that survive their first winter), and overall deer numbers. Hunters usually fill about half of those tags, Vore adds.

Hoping that high deer numbers can be sustained, some hunters wonder if FWP is acting rashly.

The belief is that we can protect the herd by not harvesting does, Waltee says. But invariably a too-high deer population leads to a crash. Theres simply not enough habitat to support high deer populations year after year.

Such a plummet is likely if Region 7s burgeoning mule deer population continues rebounding at the current pace.

Having lots of deer is great for hunters in the short term, but already were seeing habitat degradation, Vore says. Within a year or two, those increasing numbers of deer will be back hammering the habitat again, and we dont want that.

This story is featured in Montana Outdoors SeptemberOctober 2016 issue.
MISSOULA  The Montana Democratic Party expanded its attacks on Greg Gianfortes business record this week, saying the Republican candidate for governors claims about job creation are hollow.

For months the party directly, or through volunteer letter writers, has claimed that the Bozeman company Gianforte founded with his wife in 1997, RightNow Technologies, laid off Montana workers and outsourced their jobs, even though Democrats had previously apologized to Sen. Steve Daines, a former VP, for similar attacks made during his 2012 campaign.

On Monday, the criticisms of Gianfortes business strategy grew as Democrats highlighted the companys application for 66 foreign worker visas over a 10-year period and as they revived questions about the companys ties to broader outsourcing trends nationally.

One of the candidates in this race is running really exclusively on his business record and the more and more we find out the more we learn his record is eliminating jobs, Bullock Campaign Manager Eric Hyers said. And when hes asked about this by Montanans, he misleads and distracts.

Gianforte has flatly denied the claims, calling them false or misleading, and said he stands by his companys record of adding hundreds of jobs in Bozeman and hundreds more around the world.

This furrow has been plowed before, he told The Billings Gazette editorial board on Tuesday. "In fact, I have an apology letter from the Democrats saying charges of outsourcing are not correct."

Outsourcing claims

In 2012, the Montana Democratic Party claimed in campaign materials attacking Steve Daines that RightNow had laid off Montana workers in order to outsource their jobs to India. Gianforte sued the Democrats for making false claims, which led the party to issue an apology letter that was obtained by the Bozeman Chronicle in 2013. At that point, the suit was dropped.

We said that employees at Right Now Technology were laid off in order to outsource Montana jobs to India. We now believe this is not correct, read the letter from then-Chairman Jim Elliott. We also said that money from government contracts was used to ship jobs overseas. We also now believe that is not correct. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Hyers said the Democrats criticisms of Gianforte are different from what they made in 2012.

In reviewing press releases from the party this cycle, the difference seems to be, at least in part, semantic. Rather than saying Gianfortes company laid off employees because it was going to outsource their jobs, the Democrats have not directly tied the two events. In a Monday press release, the party mentioned about 40 Bozeman layoffs several sentences before it discussed the companys outsourcing, but it did not expressly say one caused the other.

Susan Carstensen, who worked as chief financial officer or vice president at RightNow for 12 years, said that while the hiring of workers in Armenia and India were not tied to the layoffs, they still were deliberately outsourced jobs.

We did, at different points, outsource some jobs with an engineering team in Armenia, and the strategy for that was a lower cost of labor. We did have contracts with an Indian outsourcing firm that provided more lower-cost labor for service work, she said, noting it affected probably less than 100 jobs.

Gianforte campaign Spokesman Aaron Flint declined multiple requests to discuss in detail the 2001 layoffs or the jobs that Carstensen said were outsourced, but he did provide emailed statements on other questions.

Flint questioned Carstensens motives. She is a frequent contributor to Democratic campaigns, has worked with Bullock on some initiatives related to preschool and the gender-pay gap, and is a leader of OpenSourceMT, an independent political action committee supporting Bullocks re-election.

"RightNow served global companies all over the world, Flint wrote. Take Nikon for example. RightNow provided their Montana-made solutions to help them deliver better customer service in 50 countries and 33 different languages. Many RightNow clients had call centers all over the world because of the global nature of their businesses."

RightNow employed more than 1,000 people at its peak, with about half of those workers based in Bozeman. Other offices were in Texas, New York, California, England and Japan, among other places. Financial disclosure filings to the Securities Exchange Commission note that almost a third of the companys business was with overseas clients. In 2012, Oracle bought Gianfortes company for $1.8 billion. Earlier this month, Oracle announced it would be laying off about 100 Bozeman workers and moving those jobs to Texas where they could reapply, according to the Bozeman Chronicle.

'Darts and arrows'

Hyers said the core difference between the 2012 attacks on Daines and those on Gianforte is that they are focused primarily on honesty.

The issue is he says one thing but his record says another, he said. His company was developed to help eliminate and outsource jobs.

Hyers cites several interviews with Gianforte in business publications over the years in which he discussed the connection between RightNow, which provided software platforms for customer service, and growing interest in outsourcing. For instance in the transcript of a 2005 earnings call by Fair Disclosure Wire, Gianforte attributed the companys growth to outsourcing and did not see voice-over IP technologies as competition.

I would say that the bigger drivers in our business have been the movement toward outsourcing, he said. Now, voice over IP is making it easier to deploy multi-location call centers. So, in that sense it is impacting our business, but it is indirect and positive.

The Gazette editorial board on Tuesday asked Gianforte how he could campaign on creating jobs when he had, in previous interviews with business media, repeatedly linked RightNows success to the growing number of companies that have outsourced American jobs.

For people to attack our record, honestly for me, Ive already put myself in the public square, I take the darts and arrows wherever they come because I love this state more than I love my reputation, he said, noting how many people the company employed in Bozeman. This is insulting, we did everything in our power to employ Montanans. We spent 15 years recruiting Montanans back to our town through our website, through our hiring practices, and the average wage in Bozeman was almost $90,000 a year.

I stand by our record, he said. Im proud of what weve accomplished.

Foreign hires

Democrats also have released audio of a February campaign stop in Plentywood where Gianforte was asked whether computer science graduates needed to worry about competition from the H-1B visa program, which allows companies to hire foreign workers for specialized jobs. Recent media reports and nonprofit analyses have suggested that the tech industry in particular has used the visas to cut costs and depress wages of American employees.

We have spent 15 years recruiting people into Bozeman and our greatest success was getting Montanans to come back home, Gianforte responded in the 25-second audio clip. Thats where we focused our energy. Not getting foreign nationals to come.

Hyers said Gianfortes response is at best misleading.

On Monday, the Montana Democratic Party noted that RightNow Technologies applied for 66 H-1B visas between 2001 and 2011. A review of federal records confirms the count. The jobs, some of which were in other states, included openings for software developers and engineers as well as some management positions, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to $200,000. The granting of a visa does not necessarily mean someone was hired, and Gianfortes campaign didnt say how many employees were employed under the program.

Democrats drew connections between the visas and layoffs of about 40 people from RightNow in 2001 in April and in October. The summer between the two cuts, RightNow submitted two applications for H-1B visas. At the time of the second layoffs, Gianforte attributed the cuts to clients freezing spending after 9/11.

Carstensen disagreed somewhat with the Democratic Partys implicit characterization of the visas as linked to layoffs.

The visas from a strategy standpoint werent about lower-cost labor. That was seeking specialized talent that wasnt available, she said, noting that most of those visas were for workers who had applied to job openings and who they wanted to hire, not people they had actively recruited overseas.

She said she doesnt see anything inherently wrong with outsourcing from a business perspective, but thinks it becomes relevant to Gianfortes campaign because he has focused on his record as a job creator.

He did both, create jobs and eliminate jobs, she said. I think its a more balanced look at what hes done.

Flint declined to answer questions about the relevancy of RightNows business strategy to Gianfortes bid to become governor.
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An assistant U.S. Attorney in Billings was chosen to replace Carolyn Ostby as magistrate judge in U.S. District Court.

Timothy J. Cavan will assume the position on Dec. 2 in the Billings courthouse. He has been an assistant U.S. Attorney since 2002, working as defense counsel for civil cases against federal defendants, according to a release from the State Bar of Montana.

Current U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby announced her resignation in February. She is the longest-serving full-time magistrate in Montana and was the court's first female federal judge. She held the position for 14 years.

Cavan graduated from Eastern Montana College in Billings in 1981 before moving on to law school at the University of Montana. Following graduation, he practiced law in a private firm until 1996, when he served as an assistant federal defender.

He went to the U.S. Attorney's Office in 2002 and has worked there since.

Cavan will be the fourth full-time magistrate at the Billings courthouse, according to the state bar.
The Supreme Court has ordered centralised counselling for all medical seats in the state of Maharashtra. Clearing the confusion over admissions to deemed medical institutions in Maharashtra, the SC has directed the universities to consider NEET 2016 scores for admissions.

The apex court directed that second or third counselling for the MBBS/BDS courses would be conducted as a joint exercise by a committee comprising officials from Maharashtra government and representatives of the deemed universities.

"Insofar as second or third counselling is concerned, that shall be a joint exercise which means that it shall be done by the Committee of the State Government which shall include one representative each from these universities. The respondent universities shall nominate their respective representatives forthwith," a bench comprising Justices AK Sikri and L Nageswara Rao said.

Top Medical Colleges in India 2016

The court has however extended the time limit for the completion of the admission process from September 30, 2016 to October 7, 2016. It has also directed Maharashtra and the universities of the state to ensure that all the admissions into medical colleges must be done in the stipulated time.

The apex court vacated the stay order by the High Court allowing deemed universities to conduct admissions to medical courses and said it "shall not continue for future years". This, however, will not disturb the admissions already made by the respondent universities. This direction is given keeping in view that respondents are deemed universities.

"Insofar as admission process of subsequent years is concerned, it shall depend upon the outcome of the central issue raised in the writ petitions," the bench said.

The high court had on August 30 stayed the Maharashtra government's decision mandating centralised counselling for the students who appeared for the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) this year for medical and dental courses. [Read the complete story here.]
Police arrested a Billings woman on reports that she broke into a home west of Billings.

Kacie Elde Perryman, 37, was charged with felony burglary after her arrest. She appeared Thursday in Yellowstone County Justice Court.

Pro Tem Judge Greg Murphy released Perryman after the prosecutor indicated there was concern about the high female population at the jail.

Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a burglary report at Danford Drive on Aug. 29. The resident at the home said that someone had broken into her home and took "several items and cash," court documents state.

The resident had been getting calls from an unidentified phone number. After the resident discovered the burglary, she called the number and Perryman answered, charges state. The two had a verbal argument.

The resident told deputies that she knew Perryman as a friend.

A neighbor had a video security system, which identified Perryman as the burglar, according to court documents.

She is scheduled to appear in Yellowstone County District Court on Oct. 5.
A New York state court judge warned Maurice Hank Greenberg, the 91-year-old former chairman of American International Group Inc., that his fraud trial might last a year unless he answered questions more fully.

The admonishment came during Greenbergs second day of testimony, following repeated claims by the former AIG boss that he didnt remember details of a 16-year-old business deal that prosecutors say was drummed up to hide the insurers financial condition from shareholders.

If you dont want this trial to last a year we will need direct answers, New York State Supreme Court Justice Charles Ramos, who is presiding over the case without a jury, told Greenberg.

Assistant Attorney General David Nachman spent most of the day questioning Greenberg about his relationship with Joseph Umansky, a former senior AIG senior vice president who cooperated with the government investigation. Greenberg and former AIG Chief Financial Officer Howard Smith are accused of concocting a scheme to shield more than $200 million of underwriting losses from a failed auto-warranty program and assigned Umansky to handle it.

Greenberg considered underwriting results to be the key measure of AIGs success and sought to disguise those losses in order to preserve the companys image, according to the lawsuit.

The concept of converting underwriting losses to investment losses was intriguing to me, Greenberg testified. He said any such move would have had to have been approved by accounting experts and lawyers.

It had to pass muster, he said. Until that happened, I was not interested.

During often-testy exchanges with Nachman, Greenberg denied dispatching Umansky to Switzerland to find investors for CAPCO Reinsurance Co. The Barbados-based company allegedly was used to offload the underwriting losses from the auto-warranty program.

Greenberg said Umansky didnt report directly to him and was seeking business for the company on the investment side.

I had just come back from Switzerland and I said, Why dont you get in touch with some Swiss banks?' Greenberg said when asked by Nachman if he helped move the project forward. That was the extent of me helping him.

The attorney general has argued that Greenberg was so upset at the failure of the auto-warranty program that he got involved personally and directed Umansky to the president of a private bank in Switzerland controlled by AIG to find three straw man investors for CAPCO.

What did you understand these investors were for? Nachman asked. What were they for? What was their purpose?

I have no idea, Greenberg said. The lawyers and accountants structured it.

The case is State of New York v. Greenberg, 401720-2005, New York state Supreme Court (Manhattan).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
A judge sentenced a Billings woman to five years with the Montana Department of Corrections after she was caught with meth in the house with a teenager present.

Rhonda Jean Smith, 39, had been convicted of endangering the welfare of children and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, both felonies. She was sentenced Thursday in Yellowstone County District Court.

District Judge Mary Jane Knisely sentenced Smith to 10 years for each count, with five years suspended on both. Those sentences are concurrent.

A misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed, which was part of a plea agreement filed in June.

Police entered Smith's home in February after the Montana Probation and Parole Division reported a probation violation, according to court documents. Officers found various pieces of drug paraphernalia and a bag containing 3.2 grams of methamphetamine.

A 14-year-old child was also at the home.

Smith was convicted twice before for drug possession, most recently in 2014. This new sentence will run consecutive to other cases. She's currently an inmate at the Montana Women's Prison.
U.S. lawmakers on Thursday expressed doubts about Sept. 11 legislation they forced on President Barack Obama, saying the new law allowing lawsuits against Saudi Arabia could be narrowed to ease concerns about its effect on Americans abroad.

A day after a rare overwhelming rejection of a presidential veto, the first during Obamas eight years in the White House, the Republican leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives opened the door to fixing the law as they blamed Obama, a Democrat, for not consulting them adequately.

I do think it is worth further discussing, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters, acknowledging that there could be potential consequences of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, known as JASTA.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said Congress might have to fix the legislation to protect U.S. troops in particular.

Ryan did not give a time frame, but Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he thought JASTA could be addressed in Congress lame-duck session after the Nov. 8 election.

The law grants an exception to the legal principle of sovereign immunity in cases of terrorism on U.S. soil, clearing the way for lawsuits by the families of victims of the attacks seeking damages from the Saudi government. Riyadh denies longstanding suspicions that it backed the hijackers who attacked the United States in 2001. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals.

Riyadh is one of Washingtons longest-standing and most important allies in the Middle East and part of a U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

JASTA will add tension to U.S.-Saudi relations, after friction over Obamas 2015 nuclear deal with Saudi rival Iran, but it is not expected to have a lasting effect on a relationship with advantages for both countries.

The Saudi-U.S. relationship has endured multiple times of deep outrage over 70 years, said Thomas Lippman, a Saudi Arabia specialist at the Middle East Institute.

The two countries need each other as much today as they did before the day before yesterday, Lippman said.

Rapid Onset Buyers Remorse

White House spokesman Josh Earnest mocked lawmakers for shifting within minutes from overwhelmingly voting to override the veto to wanting to change the law.

I think what weve seen in the United States Congress is a pretty classic case of rapid onset buyers remorse, Earnest told a White House briefing.

Corker criticized the White House, saying he had tried to work with the administration to find a compromise before the veto override, but the administration declined a meeting.

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, who championed JASTA in the Senate, said he was open to revisiting the legislation.

Im willing to look at any proposal they make but not any that hurt the families, he said at a news conference.

However, he said he would oppose a suggestion that the measure be narrowed to only apply to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

You know what that does? It tells the Saudis to go ahead and do it again, and we wont punish you, Schumer said.

Corker said another suggestion was establishing an international tribunal so experts could determine whether there was culpability, and that the Saudis had been willing to sit down and work on a compromise.

Never in their conversations has there been any kind of threat, he said. They are making observations about where this could lead. Weve had other Arabs in the region weigh in and express concerns.

Trent Lott, a former Republican Senate Majority Leader now at a Washington law firm lobbying for the Saudis, said attorneys would look carefully at JASTAs language.

I do feel passionately this is a mistake for a variety of reasons, in terms of threats to troops, diplomats, sovereignty, theres serious problems here. Hopefully we can find a way to change the tenor of this, Lott said.

(Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton, Susan Cornwell, David Morgan, Yara Bayoumy, David Alexander and Susan Heavey.)
Logan Old Elk is an official dancer, now that he debuted at Crow Fair earlier this year, according to his grandpa, Walter Old Elk.

The younger Old Elk is a student at Head Start's North Park preschool, his grandpa said, which held a family and community night celebrating Native American culture Wednesday.

"We want to embrace all cultures of all of our children," said Head Start community relations director Tera Clough. "A lot of our children aren't aware of their friends' (cultural background).

"It's exciting when you get to come in and talk about your family and your heritage and have that sense of pride of where you come from."

Logan Old Elk had a traditional dancing outfit, but some children grow up without knowing much about their own background.

"Too many people have forgotten," said Jeremiah McClenahan, an eighth-grader at Medicine Crow Middle School. "No, that's not right, they haven't remembered where they come from."

McClenahan is part of a student drum group, Soaring Eagle, that performed Wednesday evening. Dozens of children and parents attended the event.

Native American families are usually well-represented in Head Start, Clough said. Events like the one Wednesday help the preschool program connect with parents and community members.

Students at Head Start earlier Wednesday read books about Native American culture and learned how to erect a tepee and make a headdress.
Though we dont get any them in the United States, Renault has one of the largest lineups of electric vehicles in the business. Arguably chief among them is the Zoe, its only proper dedicated EV. And it brought out a vastly improved version at the Paris Motor Show today.



With the new ZE 40 battery pack, the latest Renault Zoe is rated to travel 400 kilometers (250 miles) on a single charge. Thats based on the New European Driving Cycle, by whose standard the Zoe was initially rated at little over half that (210 km or 130 miles) when it first launched in 2012.

The manufacturer itself has slightly more conservative expectations of its battery-powered hatchback, saying it will realistically go for 300 km (or 186 miles) before needing to plug in. That would be enough to drive from Paris (where the vehicle is now on display) way up to the north of the country to Calais on the southern bank of the English Channel without having to stop.

It also puts it (almost) within spitting distance of the Chevy Bolt and some Tesla models, and well ahead of the rest of the field  including the recently updated Leaf from Renaults corporate ally Nissan. Unfortunately, like we said, you cant get it in the US, so well just have to look at these photos from the the show stand at the Port de Versailles instead.

Photo Gallery
Honda has just dropped the first video of its brand new Civic Type R Prototype ahead of the vehicles public debut at the Paris Auto Show later today.



As recent spy shots of the model suggested, it combines many of the overt styling elements of the current Civic Type R into the new body of the latest-generation Civic. As such, the front end includes a custom splitter and new air intakes/grilles. Theres also flared wheel arches, a large hood scoop, bespoke 20-inch wheels and an entirely revised rear fascia with a towering wing, distinctive diffuser and three central exhaust pipes.

Although the first video barely features more than a few seconds of driving footage, it goes without saying that as with all Type R-badged models before it, the new hardcore Civic will put the driver first.

As such, power from the current 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engine is expected to rise over the current 306 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Its possible that a horsepower figure near the Ford Focus RSs 350 hp is on the cards. Unlike the Ford, the new U.S.-bound Civic Type R remains front-wheel drive and will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission.

We promised the most ambitious, sportiest Civic lineup ever and were delivering on that promise with each new Civic, said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of Honda America. For the first time ever in America, Honda fans and enthusiasts will have access to the ultimate in Civic performance in the form of the new Type R.

After Paris, the prototype will make its North American debut at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas running from October 31 to November 3, before being revealed in its final production form and going on sale in the US, Europe and elsewhere around the world, in 2017.

VIDEO
The first images of the European-spec 2017 Honda Civic Sedan have emerged online before the public gets its first taste of the four-door model at the Paris Auto Show.



Set to enjoy its Euro debut alongside the 10th-generation Civic hatch, the new sedan will be built at the marques production facility in Gebze, Turkey.

For the most part, 2017 Civic Sedan models that will be sold throughout Europe will look almost identical to those already available in the United States. The only obvious styling changes are the implementation of clear indicators rather than the orange ones required in the United States.

In the U.S., the current Civic sedan is offered with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering up to 180 hp and a 2.0-liter with 158 hp. In Europe, the petrol range could be joined by at least one diesel powertrain, although its displacement, power and torque figures remain unknown for the time being. In either case, both manual and automatic transmissions will be available.

PHOTO GALLERY
The Italian automaker has unveiled their celebratory anniversary logo at the 2016 Paris Auto Show, meant to represent 70 years of history while also pointing to the brands future. Naturally, the logo will only be used on a small number of cars.



The first to get it will be the LaFerrari Aperta hypercar, Ferraris latest limited-edition special series, which also represents a unique model in terms of technology and styling.

Another huge announcement is the 70 different individual liveries created by the Tailor Made atelier, which are to be used to create a maximum of 350 unique cars  where each can be used once on one example of five models from the current Ferrari range.

Naturally, some if these liveries made it to Paris so that people could admire the likes of the Stirling F12berlinetta, Schumacher 488 GTB, Steve McQueen California T, the Green Jewel 488 Spider or the 1953 375 MM-based 488 Spider featuring a three-layer Bianco Italia exterior.

To start things off, the F12berlinetta Stirling is of course inspired by the Stirling Moss-driven 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, a former winner of the 1961 Tourist Trophy. The F12 sets itself apart by sporting a Blue Scuro racing livery which comes with its own horizontal white stripe and number roundel.

The Schumacher on the other hand, which is a 488 GTB, is an homage to the F2003-GA F1 car that took home the Constructors title back in 2003 with Michael Schumacher behind the wheel.

As for the California T Steve McQueen and 488 Spider Green Jewel, the former is inspired by the 1963 250 GT Berlinetta lusso, while the 488 features the signature green livery of a British David Piper Racing team 365 P2.

PHOTO GALLERY
These videos will offer you another glimpse inside the D-Van Grand Prix, arguably Japans most outrageous racing series.



Weve seen what these machines are capable of on the track, so well call the culture vanzoku for the time being. Basically, everything started at the Ebisu Circuit, in Fukushima Prefecture, thanks to impromptu racing challenges held during Arakakis motorcycle schools racing pauses.

The Dodge vans were used for hauling the schools motorcycles, but one day someone thought it would be a great idea to pit them against each another while the track was clear  despite being told that vans are not allowed on the circuit.

In retrospective, Takura Abe  an event organizer and D-Van racer  says what they did was stupid, even though everybody who saw them having fun in the vans wanted to participate.

Some of the Rams arent heavily modified, sporting just a few cooling upgrades for the stock 5.2 and 5.9-litre V8, while others are in full-track mode. A few even have plexiglass windows, composite bumpers, stripped down interior and racing seats  for getting a good time around the track.

These machines are a clash between cultures, representing an American lifestyle (they even have U.S. air fresheners), but are being raced and used like the car maker never intended; in true Japanese fashion. If you want to find out more about them, check the videos down below.

H/T to Automobilemag!

VIDEO
During the official presentation of the new Ateca X-Perience in Paris, Seat has confirmed a product offensive for next year, which will be pulled the new Arona.



Named after a city in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, and a place in Italys Piedmont region, the crossover will be developed and manufactured at the Spanish brands Martorell facility, in Barcelona, once it will join the range in 2017, along with the updated Leon and new Ibiza.

Present at the French automotive event, Luca de Meo, Seats President, said that the Leon, the Ibiza and the new Arona, together with the Ateca, are going to strengthen Seat from a commercial, financial and brand image standpoint, adding that 2017 is going to be a very special year for Seat.

Official details on the Arona have yet to be released, but previous reports indicate that the crossover will be based on the next generation Ibiza, which will target the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka and others in the segment. Rumor has it that it will be underpinned by the smallest version of the MQB platform and share many components with the upcoming VW Polo-based SUV.

Seat IBX Concept pictured

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The most adventurous version of Seats first-ever SUV, the Ateca X-Perience, ventured off into the virtual world for its official presentation in Paris.



Instead of sticking to the traditional press conference, the Spanish brand presented the new rugged version of the Ateca in an unusual way.

The audience will be immersed in a 4D experience in the interior area, created by SEAT through which it will be possible to see the new SEAT Ateca X-Perience in a totally new and unprecedented way, and, on the outdoor area the attendees will have a place for socializing, a press centre and a chill-out zone, the automaker explained right before the show kicked off.

Moving on to the SUV, the Ateca X-Perience sets itself apart from the regular variants through its scratch-resistant green paint, higher ground clearance and a beefed-up body kit, complemented by the roof rails and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Seat Ateca X-Perience has suede-trimmed sporty seats, Easy Connext, Seat Full Link connection, 8-inch screen with Media System plus, Connectivity box to enable in-car charging for smartphones, and the brands exclusive app, ConnectApp.

It comes with a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine churning out 190 horsepower thats connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a four-wheel drive system. Pricing has yet to be announced.

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEOS
Toyota has unveiled the CH-R in full at the ongoing Paris Auto Show after its design preview earlier in the new at Geneva.



Standing for Coupe High-Rider, the new Toyota model bares a striking resemblance to its concept variant unveiled two years ago in Paris. Its been spawned to rival vehicles like the Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke and Honda JR-V.

Beneath the skin, the CH-R is based around the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and when it hits the market, will be available in a number of guises. The range-topping model features a 2.0-liter petrol four-cylinder engine delivering 142 hp and mated to a CVT. However, this variant will only be available in select markets.

Elsewhere, like the UK, the range will be topped out by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated to an electric motor to produce a total of 120 hp and achieving 78.5 mpg over the combined cycle, all while emitting just 82 g/km of CO2 emissions. Last but not least is a 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine already available on the Prius, outputting 114 hp and 185 Nm of torque. This engine can be joined to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT and will also be offered in front and all-wheel drive configurations.

The models exterior design is clearly reflective of the marques current design language, combining edgy and eye-catching body panels into a sleek package not dissimilar to the NX offered by Lexus. The car itself measures 4,360 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and 1,550 mm high with a 2,640 mm wheelbase.

Inside, the Toyota C-HR has an eight-inch touchscreen incorporating the companys Touch 2 multimedia system. Also found within are a selection of piano black and satin silver trim and a shallow dashboard design, providing the driver with an excellent field of vision.

Numerous safety features come standard on all versions, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist and a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian warning. Heated seats are also available as is rear privacy glass, 18-inch alloy wheels and a smart entry system.

PHOTO GALLERY
Ruf is well established for creating many of the most thrilling sportscars based on the Porsche 911, with this particular example being the only AWD RCT model of the 964 generation.



The car started its life as a wide-body Carrera 4 Anniversary model, a special edition to commemorate the 30 years of the 911, featuring Turbo-body styling, chassis, brakes, suspension with a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre flat six engine.

Alois Ruf Jr, the boss of Ruf Automobile, spotted the car himself and used it to perform a revolutionary conversion at the time, one that would combine a turbocharged 3.6-litre engine with all-wheel drive, a combo that eventually was presented by Porsche later on with the 993 Turbo. The turbocharged flat-six was built in-house and features twin-plug ignition, Motronic engine management and of course a turbocharger. The results are fairly obvious as the engine now makes 385hp, up from the original motors 300hp. The gearbox was rebuilt by Ruf which also added a limited-slip differential. Other upgrades include stronger brakes, new suspension, new exhaust system, a electronically controlled AWD system and the iconic 5-spoke 18in Speedline wheels.

The cabin features all the things that distinguish a Ruf from a plain Porsche, meaning the companys own steering wheel, gauges and pedals. Ruf has produced more than 100 RCT models (which stands for Ruf Carrera Turbo) but this particular example is the only one fitted with the wide Turbo body and all-wheel drive in the world.

Finished in Schwartz Metallic, the paintwork is described to be in stunning condition and the panel fit to be excellent. The same goes for the grey full leather interior which features electrically adjusted comfort seats.

The car remained in a private collection until 2007, when it was sold to a known UK collector and enthusiast. Coming with a complete service history file and supplied with its original German paperwork, this 1993 Ruf 964 RCT is not only a unique opportunity to get a Turbo AWD version of the 964, is also offering genuine value when compared to a regular 964 Turbo.

Silverstone Auctions estimates its price to fall between 120,000 and 140,000 ($156k-$182k in current exchange rates) when itll go under the hammer at the 2016 Porsche Sale on October 15th.

PHOTO GALLERY
Self defense is a two-word topic for Carla Verbsky.

"If you don't feel safe in your own skin, how can you stand up for yourself?" she told West High freshmen Thursday.

Verbsky runs G.R.E.A.T. Self-Defense, a free course for area schools that has expanded to 11 schools this year. Thursday was the first of three rounds of classes at West for the year.

Students learn some martial arts basics, but much of Verbsky's message focuses more on self than defense. She emphasized that classmates treat each other with respect and noted Montana's nation-leading suicide rates.

"All you have to do is ask, 'Are you OK?'" she said.

Other parts of her presentation are more intense. A presentation included graphic photos of assault victims. "Psychopaths," "predators" and "evil" people can be a real threat, Verbsky said.

But students shouldn't have to worry about them at school, she said. That starts with treating each other with respect.

The message resonated with students.

"It was awesome," freshman LaKeema Williams said. "She really, like, burned it into my brain."

Verbsky emphasized that martial arts skills are about control as much as being able to defend oneself.

"A weapon must not be given to people if they can't handle it safely," she said.

Students started the class learning basic punches and kicks. Then, after the presentation, they went through a line of students holding pads to practice.

G.R.E.A.T. is a nonprofit, and Verbsky purchased much of the equipment herself. She was helped by Dennis Forleo from Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts School on Thursday.

Verbsky is a diminutive woman who grew up in Brazil. She wasn't much taller than some students even as she stood on a bench. She exudes energy no matter whether she's punching and shouted at some point in almost every sentence. She demands that students address her as "ma'am," and resembles a drill sergeant at times.

After class wrapped up, Verbsky broke away from a conversation to hug a student she knew from previous classes.
Sony Pictures Classics has unveiled a U.S. trailer for Michael Dudok de Wits hotly anticipated The Red Turtle, which it will release in North America and Latin America in 2017.

If the straightforward narrative presented in the trailer seems like it gives away too much, fear not because it doesnt. Theres a lot going on in this dialogue-free film beneath its seemingly basic surface.

The Red Turtle won a special jury prize at the Cannes festivals Un Certain Regard category earlier this year, and was the opening night film at the Annecy animation festival. While produced entirely in Europe, the film has benefitted in awareness due to its association with Japans revered Studio Ghibli, which is a co-producer on the film.
Photo: Falcon Ridge Farm

The B.C. government wants to ensure its new rules on agri-tourism are followed.

To that end, the province has approved hiring four more enforcement officers. That brings to six the number available to follow up on complaints.

A story, published in The Province, states deputy agriculture minister Derek Sturko made the announcement Tuesday at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria.

Rules were loosened earlier this summer, allowing farmers to hold special agri-tourism events such as weddings on their property without a permit, providing certain conditions are met.

These include a maximum of 150 people in attendance, no more than 10 events per year and a stipulation no new permanent buildings are erected.

As is the case with municipal bylaws, officers will deal with complaints only.
Photo: Getty Images

The B.C. government is often accused of failing students  now a Supreme Court judge has ruled that it did.

Decisions in the ruling will benefit the francophone community in Penticton, while snubbing Kelowna.

A group of parents and the francophone school board, Conseil-scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF), took the province and Ministry of Education to court for what they called a violation of Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees minority-language education to francophones in areas where numbers warrant it.

CSF called for new or improved school facilities in 17 communities, as well as demanding a new school board office. Parents have complained the francophone system is small and underfunded.

In the 1,600 page B.C. Supreme Court decision released on Monday, Justice Loryl Russell ordered the province to pay $6 million.

That decision comes three years after the trial began in 2013.

That money is set to be used in communities across the province to fix a chronically underfunded transportation system students use to get to francophone schools. She said the system was underfunded during a funding freeze between 2002/03 and 2011/12.

While the justice did not agree that all 17 of the identified communities required assistance and further funding, some communities may see immediate benefits.

According to the CSF, Penticton, Vancouver-West, Abbotsford and Sechelt should benefit quickly from the judgment.

With respect to Abbotsford, the provinces failure to fund any new projects to construct new spaces for students between 2005 and 2011 materially contributed to the right breach. The lack of funding and the defendants policy of ranking the linguistic minoritys capital project proposals against the projects proposed by majority school boards with more resources materially contributed to the rights breaches. None of those breaches is justified in a free and democratic society.

Justice Russel noted that those four communities lacked adequate facilities and the provincial government was responsible.

Other noted communities such as Squamish, Burnaby, the North-east of Vancouver and Whistler (secondary instruction) have been identified as not having access to an equivalent infrastructure, which needs to be addressed.

Kelowna was noted in the decision, but was not considered by Justice Russell as a francophone community in dire straits.

I find that rightsholders in the following communities are receiving appropriate facilities in light of the number of children that would avail themselves of a programme in the best possible circumstances: Whistler (elementary education), Nelson, Richmond, Southeast Vancouver, Nanaimo, Kelowna and Chilliwack, read Russel's judgment.

The justice also denied the plaintiffs claim for a new school board office.

The president of the francophone parent's association, Marie-Pierre Lavoie, said while they did not win on every point of the lawsuit they did win the most important one  changing the funding system applicable to the construction and rehabilitation of francophone schools to better meet their needs

Lavoie added that the judgment will have major repercussions in B.C. and may also affect francophone minority communities throughout Canada.
Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

RCMP are finishing up a three-day investigation on Hein Road following a serious assault.

Two men are in custody after an incident that unfolded on Monday at about 7 p.m.

Const. Jesse ODonaghey said police were notified of a person at Kelowna General Hospital who was receiving treatment for injuries consistent with an assault.

An investigation was sparked, which led officers to the arrest of two suspects who are related to two properties on Hein Road, both of which remain the subject of a continuing investigation.

One home that was a focus of investigation by RCMP on Wednesday is just two doors down in a quadruplex house, from where Benjamin Cory Virgint, 35, was found shot to death in August.

This appears to be an isolated incident, said ODonaghey. All suspects have been arrested in connection to this incident and the public is not at risk."

Clayton Zeleniski, 46, faces an assault charge.

A second 46-year-old Kelowna man, faces potential charges including assault, weapons and drug-related charges. Both men remain in police custody at this time and appeared in court Wednesday.

Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP General Investigations Section (GIS) at 250-762-3300.
Photo: Ad from Craigslist

A CTV Vancouver undercover investigation has uncovered some startling truths.

There are landlords in Vancouver willing to forgo rent in exchange for sex. And there are women desperate enough for accommodations to say yes.

Several dozen online ads offer female tenants free lodging in exchange for sex.

One such ad seeks a "sexy slut." Another offers free rent in exchange for "light housekeeping and other personal services."

A hidden-camera investigation showed several landlords making sexual propositions to the female reporter.

Im outraged. Im disgusted, said Louisa Russell of Vancouver Rape Relief & Women's Shelter.

She said rent in Vancouver is so high some women have little choice but to make alternative arrangements.

The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is estimated at $1,700 a month. The vacancy rate is about 0.6 per cent.

The CTV undercover reporter met with several landlords. One, whose ad offered a "free room share for a nice, clean person," admitted it was actually a "bed share."

While the practice is illegal, Vancouver police said the issue is not a priority because those involved are consenting adults.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Getty Images

The B.C. government is spending $10 million to help prevent illicit drug overdoses and deaths, with half of the funding going towards creating a new centre on substance abuse.

Premier Christy Clark says the centre will focus on addiction research, education for health care providers and providing guidance for clinical care.

Speaking today at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, Clark said the province is home to some of Canadas leading addiction and recovery experts and the funding will help them continue important work that will prevent more tragedies.

The other $5 million will fund strategies identified by the provincial Joint Task Force on Overdose Prevention, including issuing naloxone and naloxone training to police to treat overdoses in emergency situations.

British Columbia has been the epicentre of opioid deaths in Canada, and the province declared a public health emergency in April.

After the public health emergency was declared, the coroner's service began collecting and releasing monthly statistics on overdose deaths.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The Pacific NorthWest LNG project may have secured the federal government's blessing, but it could not have come at a more inopportune time.

The world market is awash in liquefied natural gas, a glut that has some wondering whether Malaysian energy giant Petronas and other backers are able to move ahead with the development.

"We're just at the start of one of the largest buildups of LNG capacity in history, and we won't see the peak of that until some point in the early 2020s," said Alex Munton, an analyst with global energy consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie.

The project, which would include the construction of an $11-billion export terminal near Prince Rupert, is expected to produce about 19.2 million tonnes of LNG per year at full capacity  production the world won't need for some time, Munton said.

"Petronas has to be confident it can find a home for that LNG and a good price for that LNG," he said. "Right now it's difficult to be able to say conclusively that it can do that."

Shortly after the federal government announced its approval late Tuesday, the president of Pacific NorthWest LNG issued a statement saying it will announce its next steps after a project review over the coming months.

Since the project was proposed in 2012, LNG prices have deteriorated in the years as a wave of production came online. LNG spot prices in Japan, a key market for the commodity, were under US$6 per million British thermal units this August compared with over US$18 per mmBtu in March 2014.

Both the Canadian Energy Research Institute and CEDIGAZ Insights, an international natural gas research group, estimated last year that Canadian LNG projects need a price of over US$11 mmBtu in Japan to be profitable.

Munton said Pacific Northwest LNG is already towards the top end of development costs compared with other projects globally. He said Petronas and its partners will have to figure out if they can reduce those costs, while also adhering to the 190 conditions that come with the federal sanctioning.

Munton said he also doesn't see the project disappearing, given the amount of money Petronas and others have already invested in it, though he could see it further delayed.

He said if Petronas wants to expand in world markets, they will likely need Pacific Northwest LNG.

"This is their flagship international project," he said. "Globally, this is the biggest opportunity they have."
Photo: Thinkstock.com

A man is in custody after a confrontation with Midway RCMP on Highway 33 on Saturday.

Officers were called to a domestic disturbance between a man and a woman at 8 p.m. Saturday evening at the 5800 block of Highway 33 in Beaverdale.

Upon arriving to the scene, RCMP note the man was confrontational with police and attempted to flee on foot.

The man stopped and confronted the police in the middle of the highway, where he allegedly threatened police with a knife.

The highway was closed for two-and-a-half hours, as officers attempted to deal with the man, who police say was intoxicated, in a safe manner.

A detour was set up to allow the police to deal with the situation without harm to the public.

Officers eventually disarmed the unco-operative man using a stun gun.

The man was safely subdued, without injury and taken into custody, and will be facing numerous charges.
courtesy of the artist

In Greenwich Village in 1969, raids of gay bars weren't particularly noteworthy events. In a social climate where very few establishments were openly warm to LGBTQ patrons, police-led public moral raids were all too commonplace. The Stonewall Inn was no exceptionfrequented by drag queens, transgendered people, butch lesbians and many more outside the prevailing heteronormative worldit had been raided before. But the raid on June 28, 1969 ended quite differently than the ones before it. This time, the LGBTQ community fought back, kicking off the three-day demonstration known as the Stonewall Riots, an event that set the course for the modern gay rights movement. The second night [of the demonstrations] there was a group of men, some of them drag queens, [who] decided to do a kick linelike the Rockettes, sort ofto push the police officers back, PJ Sedillo explained. Sedillo serves as Director of Fontana DeVine Productions, the group that organizes the annual drag extravaganza Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are in honor of National Coming Out Day. I think female impersonators have a long history of fighting for LGBTQ rights in the United States.  I think about that and think, what better way to celebrate National Coming Out Day?

This year, National Coming Out Daywhich falls on Oct. 11will mark its 28th year and, in anticipation, Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are will hold its 18th and final show on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the KiMo Theatre (423 Central SW), the proceeds from which will provide vital funding for local nonprofits. Born from Sedillo's reign as the Empress of the United Court of the Sandias, Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are is an annual drag show that has consistently showcased strikingly talented local and visiting performers while bolstering the efforts of organizations doing essential work in the city. The proceeds from this year's iteration, the theme of which is Stepping Out, will go to Casa Q, a nonprofit that provides support and housing for LGBTQ youth and the Anita Salas Foundation, which assists women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer. We're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our main goal is to raise money and give it back to the community, Sedillo said. I'd say in the last 18 years we've raised $40,000.

Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are will hold its 18th and final show on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the KiMo Theatre (423 Central SW), the proceeds from which will provide vital funding for local nonprofits.

Sedillo himself will perform on Oct. 1, as well as emcee (with beloved radio personality Chaz Malibu) as Fontana DeVine. Sedillo, who works in education, spent 21 years as President of Albuquerque PRIDE and was recently elected Chair-Elect of the LGBTQ network for the National Association for Gifted Children. He saw an opportunity to expand his personal and professional mission of giving back through these productions, saying, I can raise more money by being Fontana DeVine than by being PJ Sedillo. There's lots of PJ Sedillos out there, but there's only one Fontana DeVine. This time around, the singular persona of Fontana DeVine will impersonate the equally unparalleled Liza Minnelli to perform the production's namesake tune, Stepping Out. Others on-hand for the evening include local heavy-hitters like Raquel Del Rio and visiting artist Jasmine Masters, of season 7 of Ru Paul's Drag Race. Sedillo described the 12 acts of the show as something of a journeywith all the high-energy glitz you expect, tempered with heart-stopping balladry, too.

It takes months on end to prepare for the productionthe artful transformation into Fontana DeVine alone takes Sedillo around three hours and a whole role of duct tape, he laughed. Where Fontana comes alive is when those eyelashes go on. Despite the thousands of dollars Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are has been able to garner and the pride and celebration it has precipitated in the community, this will be the final year for the long-running series. For those involvedall of whom are volunteersplanning and producing the show is a second job, and while there will be shows produced by Fontana DeVine Productions, this particular incarnation has reached its end. But along the way it has empowered many, ecstatically marked National Coming Out Day and provided a safe place for audiences and performers for nearly 20 years.

In 1989, I had just graduated and gotten my B.A., Sedillo said. I started teaching when I was 20. That year I went to a PRIDE event, and I was hiding the whole time because the news was there. I was afraid that I could be fired.  I remember going home and having sort of a breakdown. [I thought], this is wrong, I shouldn't be hiding, I should be proud of who I am. [After that] I had a metamorphosis, and I decided that I would no longer be silent. And since then Sedillo (and in turn, Fontana DeVine) have found a voice of their own, and used it to invite, encourage and empower. Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are isn't just a celebration of National Coming Out Day and the ebullient power of Albuquerque's LGBTQ scene to generate change and give back to the communityit is a powerful articulation of just how far we've come since the pre-Stonewall days. Flex your pride by buying a ticket ($15-$25) at sinatradevine.org.
Funding for the group backing a pro-medical marijuana ballot measure prompted Safe Montana founder Steve Zabawa to file a campaign complaint.

Safe Montana, which is campaigning against the measure, drafted its complaint Tuesday and sent it to the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.

The complaint, signed by Zabawa, alleges deceptive funding practices and incomplete financial disclosures by the group Montana Citizens for I-182. He also names the incidental committee, the Montana Cannabis Industry Association, which is the main funding source for the I-182 campaign.

"The Commissioner should investigate the deceptive dark money reporting practices of both committees to ensure full transparency in the funding of the ballot issue," the complaint stated.

The political practices office is the latest venue in the medical marijuana policy battle, which has been ramping up as Election Day nears. Zabawa released the document a week after Montana Citizens for I-182 filed its own complaint.

Jeff Krauss, treasurer for the I-182 campaign, said that the financial disclosures have been transparent. The group has been campaigning to remove restrictions on the state medical marijuana program.

Weve reported every penny donated to or spent on the I-182 campaign, he said.

While Montana Citizens for I-182 has received individual contributions, the majority of its funding comes from the Montana Cannabis Industry Association. The Montana Citizens group has received $227,500 from the MTCIA since March, according to financial filings.

The MTCIA set up an incidental committee to support the I-182 campaign and hired a consulting firm, M+R Strategic Services, to run it.

Zabawas complaint takes issue with how the MTCIA and Montana Citizens for I-182 filed their respective financial documents. Reports show that money flowing out from the MTCIA goes to M+R.

According to the complaint, the expenditures to M+R present ambiguity because it doesnt name I-182 in its line items and the spending is linked to activities like polling and field staffing.

But MTCIAs incidental committee was initially registered to support the ballot item. Montana Citizens for I-182 lists those funds as in-kind donations from the MTCIA with the same activity descriptors.

In another portion of the complaint, Zabawa maintains that for the money coming straight from the MTCIA, the donors should be listed. He called the funds dark money and illegal federal drug money, according to the complaint.

We believe that the measure should be pulled because of that dark money, he said. Theres $227,000 thats unaccounted.

By state law, an incidental committees main function cannot be a political ballot or candidate. Disclosure of every donor is not required if a business or organization sets up an incidental committee and uses its own revenue to aid a political cause. That organization just has to have other interests.

MTCIA Vice Chairman Greg Zuckert said that 75 percent of the money theyve raised over five years has gone toward lawyer fees.

As the MTCIA fought a legal battle over a 2011 law restricting medical marijuana, he said that most of the organizations money came from providers in Montana.

State law requires the disclosure of incidental committee donors who give specifically to support the political cause. The MTCIA reported $49,752 from individual medical marijuana providers, who are listed by name.

Zuckert said that those donations were earmarked for the I-182 campaign. The rest, he said, comes from the organizations own general fund, which he said aligns with laws on incidental committees.

Given those disclosures, it would appear that the MTCIA has acted as an incidental committee and not the primary ballot issue committee, as Zabawa alleged.

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl said that if the group uses funds from its normal business, they dont need to be disclosed.

If what you have here is a medical marijuana-related business contributing money that it made from its business, thats a true incidental expense, he said Wednesday.

He added on Wednesday morning that he hadnt yet seen the allegations in the complaint.

Montana Citizens for I-182 is listed as the primary ballot committee and must disclose its donors. The contributions are listed as in-kind donations from the MTCIA on the I-182 campaigns financial disclosures. Zabawa called the MTCIA a shell primary ballot committee.

Krauss said that this in-kind donation was the proper way to set up the funding and that there should be no ambiguity about where the money comes from.

You couldnt read the Montana Cannabis Industry Association and scratch your head and say, What are they about? he said.

Zabawas complaint also dings the committees for late financial reports, something that was an allegation in the I-182 campaigns complaint against Safe Montana. Public records back up those claims for both groups.

This new complaint hasnt yet been added to the docket at the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices office. The previous complaint, filed against Safe Montana, is on the docket.

Motl said Wednesday that his office will work on decisions to the complaints promptly with less than six weeks to Election Day.
Photo: Mike Youds - File photo

A state of emergency has been declared by a B.C. First Nation after Highway 99 was closed.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure closed the stretch of road known as the "Ten-Mile Slide", due to accelerated deterioration of the road, prompting the Xaxli'p of Lillooet to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday.



The closure, located approximately 15km northeast of Lillooet, severs an important route connecting local First Nation and B.C. communities to Cache Creek, Kamloops, and northern B.C., according to a news release.



Xaxlip will be rerouting band members that require vital services in Kamloops through Highway 12 (Lytton) and 1 (Cache Creek).



Xaxlip supports the closure, and during this time of emergency, we will be working closely with MOTI and the Regional District of Lillooet to make sure public safety comes first, said Xaxlip Chief Darrell Bob.

Everyones involvement is crucial to restoring the highway to full operation because it is an important artery. If the road goes it will have immeasurable and irreversible impacts on our entire region.



The band said the Ten Mile Slide has been a long-standing concern for Xaxlip, which has been slated by MOTI for much-needed repair work in 2017.

Right now, it is important that all parties, including those that operate the railway line, honour the closure so that MOTI engineers are able to go in and effectively assess the cause of the aggressive deterioration, said Bob.



The Xaxlip band said they will remain in close communication with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation, CN Rail, the District of Lillooet, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and will be monitoring progress with respect to addressing next steps.



For further information, contact Chief Darrel Bob at 250-256-4800.
Photo: CTV

UPDATE: 10:30 a.m.

More than two years of fundraising for a new playground at a Surrey elementary school has been wiped out.

RCMP confirm they are investigating what are called "banking irregularities" in an account held by the parent advisory committee of K.B. Woodward Elementary.

A letter from the advisory committee to school parents says the committee's bank account has been cleaned out and recovery of the cash may be "unlikely."

Surrey School District spokesman Doug Strachan describes K.B. Woodward as an inner city school and says the loss of up to $30,000 is devastating for the community.

He says the fundraising amounted to a lot of hard work and many people have been hurt by the disappearance of the assets.

The bank account is held solely by the parent advisory council at K.B. Woodward and has no connection to the school district or the elementary school.

 The Canadian Press

ORIGINAL: 6 a.m.

RCMP are investigating the disappearance of thousands of dollars from a Surrey elementary school.

The parent advisory council at Ecole K.B. Woodward School discovered the depleted bank account last week.

The fundraising account had been completely drained.

Surrey RCMP were alerted to the missing money, and a letter to parents was sent out informing them of the incident.

"We are all devastated to hear this news. We hope the police investigation will result in a better understanding of what has occurred and perhaps even provide the possibility of recovering some or all of the missing funds," the letter states.

PAC members are organizing a fundraising event to rebuild some funds, and the group was expected to meet Wednesday night.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Contributed

Oliver's history buffs are getting a grant to replace the roof on the town's museum.

The Oliver and District Heritage Society is getting a $10,000 boost through the Heritage Legacy Fund, overseen by Heritage BC, to restore the aging roof of the museum, which once stood as Oliver's B.C. provincial police station.

The grant will pay a portion of the total cost, with the remainder covered by a planned gift from the late Carolyn Cope, a long-time Oliver resident. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the Town of Oliver also provided funding.

The roof was originally constructed of cedar shakes in the early 1920s, when it was known as the Oliver lockup, and will be restored using the same materials and style as the original construction to preserve the historic character of the building.

The roof was clearly in need of restoration, with the old cedar shakes in pretty rough shape," said heritage society executive director Manda Maggs. "With this project, we'll be preserving not just the building itself, but also the artifacts housed within it."

Maggs added that the museum will likely be closed to visitors while the roof is being removed, which is expected for the first week of October and last two to three weeks of the month.

The Heritage Legacy Fund was set up in 2003 through a $5-million endowment from the provincial government, and has offered $1.8 million toward over 100 projects since 2005.
Photo: The Canadian Press

It was bunnies, bubbles and balloons at a garden party Thursday in Victoria where Prince George and Princess Charlotte made their second public appearance during the royal tour of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Princess Charlotte, 16 months old and ambling like a toddler, bee-lined for some colourful balloons before climbing into her mother's arms to spend time in a petting zoo with goats, rabbits, sheep and miniature horses.

The princess also took a shine to Moose, a large white poodle and golden retriever cross breed that is a cancer therapy dog when he isn't entertaining royals. Charlotte patted Moose's head and then decided to sit on the dog who was lounging in the grass.

Prince George, 3, dressed in red shorts and a blue sweater, held his father's hand, but eventually towed his dad towards a bubble making display where it didn't take him long to get hold of a squirt gun and start blasting out bubbles.

The royal play date was held in a secluded, tree-sheltered green space at Victoria's Government House, where the duke and duchess and their children have been staying on their week-long visit to B.C. and the Yukon. Musicians, puppeteers and entertainers sporting brightly-coloured costumes wandered the grounds.

Inside the petting zoo, enclosed with a white picket fence, were young 4-H Club members who were ready to show off their animals.

The party with the royals was held for the children and families of military service members. Twenty-four families were invited to the party at Government House, the official residence of B.C.'s lieutenant-governor.

Submariner Andrew Matheson, who serves on HMCS Victoria, said his daughters, Lily and Isabelle, and his wife Kristy met the royal couple and their children.

"It was surreal at first, absolutely," he said. "They are both very personable people. At the heart, they are parents. So, I think we had a common ground to stand on as we were trying to watch our kids play and keep an eye out as well."

Isabelle and Prince George chased bubbles together, said Kristy.

Asked if they mentioned whether George and Charlotte were enjoying themselves, Andrew said: "They did. They said they were having a great time, absolutely. They enjoy where they are staying here," he said. "They love Victoria. The weather's fantastic."

Lucas Kenward, commanding officer of the ship HMCS Edmonton, said the event felt like a normal, everyday family get-together with friends. He said it was amazing to see George making bubbles and seeing the family interact with their children and others just like other families would on a day at the park.

"For me, I think that was one of the most fascinating things," said Kenward, who came to the party with his wife, Andrea Callaghan and their three-year-old daughter Brielle. "It didn't feel like a scripted or forced event. It was very natural. Children did what children did."
Photo: Penticton Indian Band

UPDATE: 12:25 P.M.

The family of Dorothy Ward announced on Facebook on Thursday that Ward passed away in the morning.

Ward was the social worker for the Penticton Indian Band for nearly 35 years, as well as sitting on several boards and committees.

Ward received the Courage To Come Back award, which is put on by Coastal Mental Health, in 2000.

ORIGINAL: 11:44 A.M.

A respected elder in the Penticton Indian Band has died, postponing an all-candidates forum.

The forum was planned for Wednesday and Thursday evenings, but the family of the elder got a call during the pre-forum dinner to join the elder, who hasn't been named, at the hospital.

PIB spokeswoman Dawn Russell said with a population of less than 400 on the reserve, the death of someone respected touches everyone in the community.

"When something happens like that, we all just stop everything and come together," she said.

She said the elder was related to an electoral officer, but noted the event would have stopped for the woman regardless of whom she was related to.

"She was a language speaker, she was a beautiful woman," Russell said.

New dates for the forum have not been formalized, yet, but Russell said it could come as early as Oct. 7, but that won't be confirmed until next week.

The forum was set to provide a chance for the three candidates for chief to speak, including current Chief Jonathan Kruger, former councillor Chad Eneas and community member Joe Jack.

Councillor Clint George was previously nominated, but Castanet has learned that he has since dropped out of the race.
Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

The Midas on Main Street in Penticton is the latest business in the city to be targeted by thieves.

Owner/operator Jean-Francois Parent said he got a call about 3 a.m. Thursday that the alarm was going off.

Shortly thereafter, he got a call from police telling him there was no lock on the door and it looked like someone had broken in.

There was no damage to the interior, but a cash drawer with nearly $300 in it was stolen.

"It's frustrating, because we have to work for that money," he said on Thursday.

There will also be an additional cost to fix the door.

Parent said he wasn't aware of any prior break ins at the 1599 Main St. location.

RCMP Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth said no one was found fleeing the scene.

The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300.
Photo: historicbridges.org

A report to Translink warns an aging bridge in Metro Vancouver may not be able to withstand an earthquake or even a powerful wind storm and must be replaced, or closed, in less than a decade.

The recommendations are contained in a report from Sany Zein, Translink's acting vice-president of Infrastructure,Management and Engineering.

The report says the 79-year-old Pattullo Bridge connecting Surrey and New Westminster, "represents TransLinks most urgent major infrastructure risk."

It says a feasibility study is underway to determine if systems can provide advance warning of wind storms or earthquakes powerful enough to affect the bridge.

But Zein also warns that any upgrades would be technically challenging and too expensive for serious consideration.

The report says the lifespan of the bridge  which is used by more than 80,000 vehicles every day  is estimated at about seven years.

"Management does not consider the existing bridge as viable from a risk and financial management perspective beyond the 2023-2024 timeframe," Zein writes.

He also advises Translink that if a clear source of funds for a new bridge is not identified by the third quarter of 2017, staff must begin making plans to close the crossing and divert traffic elsewhere.
Photo: Google Maps

The B.C. Coroners Service is asking for the public's help in identifying a man who was found dead in West Vancouver more than 20 years ago.

His body was discovered in a wooded area along the Trans-Canada Highway at the 15th Street exit.

The service estimates the man who was between 50 and 65 died in the late summer or early fall of 1995.

At the time of his death, he was wearing a dark blue padded jacket, a light-coloured shirt with red stripes, jeans and black Riddell-brand running shoes.

The service says that at some point in his life, the man suffered severe trauma resulting in several broken bones, including a fractured nose and a head injury.

Healed fractures were also noted on his right elbow, right upper leg and several ribs, and the service says it's possible they resulted from a single major incident.
Photo: CTV

A Vancouver-area city with a large population of ethnically Chinese residents is requiring that all bus-stop signs be at least half English.

Richmond has signed a contract with Pattison Outdoor, an advertising agency, which includes a provision ordering all foreign-language ads to include 50-per-cent English in terms of space, font size, content and detail.

The contract came into effect on Aug. 1.

According to the 2011 census, nearly 50 per cent of Richmond residents identify as having Chinese ancestry and almost 40 per cent report speaking some form of Chinese as a first language.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie says the idea for the bus-stop sign requirement came more than two years ago when the city was debating putting similar restrictions on business signage.

Brodie says the city eventually backed down from that idea over concern that the law might not comply with the charter's right to freedom of speech.
Photo: Facebook

The Okanagan's next food-truck rally is setting up shop tonight in West Kelowna.

The popular foodie event will see a dozen local food trucks parked side by side to provide guests an abundance of dining options.

Thursday's rally is kid and dog friendly and features a bouncy castle, DJ, face painting, family fun and, of course, food.

Check out the event tonight at the Westbank Lions Club, 2466 Main Street, on Sept. 29 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Two Bozeman men associated with a medical marijuana provider business denied federal drug charges in Billings on Wednesday.

Charlton Victor Campbell, 39, and Michael James Mason, 33, each pleaded not guilty to a four count indictment filed on Tuesday in U.S. District Court.

The indictment charges two counts of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana and two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Campbells attorney, Herman Watson of Bozeman, said Campbell is cooperating with authorities.

We did cooperate immediately, he said. Campbell is seeking an early and reasonable resolution to the case, he added.

Campbell operated Montana Buds, he said. The business, located at 160 Zoot Way west of Bozeman, was a source of medical marijuana for patients in Gallatin County and around the state, he said.

State and federal drug task force agents served search warrants at the business earlier this year.

The indictment said that from March through May 18, Campbell and Mason conspired with others to manufacture and distribute more than 1,000 marijuana plants in the form of butane hash oil.

In addition, a forfeiture count seeks property associated with the crimes, including $30,000 in currency and real property located at 160, 152 and 154 Zoot Way.

If convicted, Campbell and Mason face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine on one of the conspiracy counts and one of the possession counts.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby released both men without bond pending trial. The case will be heard by U.S. District Judge Susan Watters.
A well service company will be fined $2,800 after one of its employees, Dennis McCulloch, fell from a workover rig July 14 in Midwest, according to state documents.

State investigators determined the 28-year-old derrick hand was not connected to an appropriate safety anchor for the job he was performing.

McCulloch was employed by C L Well Service. A person who answered the phone at the company office hung up on a reporter seeking comment Wednesday.

The company was a contractor working with FDL Energy, which operates the oil field. McCulloch fell between 74 and 78 feet and died as a result of impact injuries, according to the Natrona County coroner.

Failing to provide appropriate safety lines and anchors for employees is considered a serious violation by the Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

However, in this case, proper equipment was available. It was improperly used, state investigators said.

When he first hooked up, he was hooked up in the right location, said John Ysebaert, the Department of Workforce Services standards and compliance administrator, who oversees the OSHA division. He did some work going around the derrick at the top and did not move his anchor point along with him. That is when it came across the block, and it ended up cutting the line.

McCulloch was considered a highly competent worker by those interviewed by investigators, Ysebaert said. The incident appeared to be a momentary lapse in judgment, he said.

The penalty levied on C L is well below the maximum penalty for a serious violation, which is $7,000. By federal regulations, C Ls small company size led to a 60 percent reduction in that fee. The maximum fine for serious violations will increase in February by 78 percent to $12,471.

Despite the circumstances of this incident, the company is still considered responsible for providing a safe and supervised work environment, Ysebaert said.

Employers can argue that their workers were negligent and thus mitigate their liability. In that case, a company must provide evidence, including its written rules, proof of training, proof of appropriate enforcement and consequences for noncompliance.

C L has yet to ask regulators for an informal meeting where they would be able to discuss the fines, Ysebaert said.

Wyoming is often cited for having a poor worker safety record, though some argue the method for calculating occupational deaths inflate the state's rates. Wyomings small population and its large percentage of workers in dangerous jobs also counts against the state, some say.

Later this week the Department of Workforce Services will release a report detailing 2015 workplace fatalities by industry and cause.
The operation of a municipal landfill, also known as a solid waste facility, involves legal risk, such as damage caused from a landfill leaking or by landfill contamination of groundwater. Modern landfills are created with liners and other collection systems designed to prevent contamination of the ground, groundwater and the air. Despite good practices, in 2003 the U.S. Geological Survey (citing the EPA) opined that all landfills eventually will leak into the environment.

In North Dakota, municipalities are required in the event of a spill or leak to show their financial ability to take corrective action, but only after the event has already occurred. North Dakota does not require municipal landfills to maintain environmental or pollution liability insurance. Consider a landfill just west of Watford City, which was recently found storing thousands of pounds of illegal radioactive material. The costs to clean up a landfill leak can be beyond the financial capability of a municipality if adequate preparations are not made. An operating landfill is not the only party who might be on the hook to pay for leaks. By way of illustration, Grand Forks has promised to indemnify the operator of their landfill from any and all claims, suits or causes of action that arise from the landfill.

To put this liability issue in financial perspective, the cost to clean up a leaking 150-acre landfill next to a drinking water supply in Burnsville, Minn., was recently estimated by the state at $64 million. These clean up events are the type addressed by landfill pollution insurance, but few municipalities seem inclined to carry the insurance. I am not aware of any North Dakota municipal landfill that carries pollution liability insurance. This is akin to riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Landfills in the state are, in many cases, owned and run by cities and counties. Understand that municipal landfills are dutiful in complying with state and federal environmental regulations. State regulators and municipalities are following relevant statutes and rules. That is not the issue. The challenge is the risk of pollution liability, also called environmental liability  no small matter in todays world, with costs that can reach into the millions.

Municipalities in North Dakota are not necessarily alone when a leak occurs. North Dakota maintains the Municipal Waste Landfill Release Compensation Fund, which would reimburse municipalities for reasonable corrective costs, including labor, testing, machinery, and consulting fees. However, the owner or operator must pay the first $100,000 for corrective action. Moreover, the Fund will not protect owners and operators who are negligent, or who caused the leak through misconduct, at the sole determination of the State. The Fund will not even reimburse for costs incurred through bodily injury or property damage. It is not a catch-all for landfill environmental liability.

If the Municipal Waste Landfill Release Compensation Fund cannot handle the issue, the release might be enough to trigger the State Disaster Relief Fund, which is there to help deal with a variety of issues, including widespread and severe water or air contamination. A problem on the scale experienced in Burnsville could be met with this State fund to help. A $64 million cleanup would however reduce the Disaster Relief Fund to near-empty, as North Dakota has just over $70 million currently in the fund.

Unfortunately for municipalities, when a serious landfill leak that cannot be handled at the city level occurs, the Environmental Protection Agency may become involved, triggering a Federal cleanup. Once the EPA gets involved, costs can skyrocket for everyone, and the EPA will bring suit against every party, including a negligent municipality involved in the leak to pay for the cleanup costs. Facing off against the EPA in a million-dollar suit is the last place a municipality wants to be. It would be better to handle landfill leaks with insurance, rather than involving other bureaucratic organizations who will use money inefficiently and then demand repayment.

This fund or security account held by the state is not a complete answer, but it is a good start. Compare this with South Dakota which leaves municipalities buck naked to the law. South Dakota leaves municipalities at great legal risk. The South Dakota delegating law states that owners or operators of landfills are forever responsible for any pollution or legal problems caused by stored solid waste. The state has no special fund to deal with this issue. South Dakotas rules allow a municipality to keep a separate fund (money deposited in a bank account, for example) to protect against the costs of a leaking landfill, or alternatively for coverage of such a leak by purchasing pollution insurance. Nevertheless, to maintain a separate fund large enough to cover a landfill leak is beyond the financial capability of municipalities in both states. Brown County, the third largest county in South Dakota, maintains a separate fund in the amount of $240,000. That is not enough money to cover a possible leak. Brown County is one of the municipalities that does not carry landfill pollution liability insurance. This is a problem, especially considering that the Brown County landfill makes a profit for the county. Yet Brown County will not consider pollution liability insurance to protect the landfill.

Just because the North Dakota has some financial support for landfills does not mean that preventative measures should be ignored. Government operated enterprises should not be so callous. The old concept of sovereign immunity (the king can do no wrong) is quickly becoming old law. The growing need for landfills is not going away. To the contrary, solid waste is increasing yearly. While North Dakota is more prepared than its neighbor to the south, there are still things that should be done. The State should protect municipal landfills by requiring landfills to hold insurance covering operating pollution events, and municipal landfills should choose to do so whenever possible.

David Ganje practices law in the area of natural resources, environmental and commercial law. His website is Lexenergy.net
Philippines: Eagle Cement to break ground on Davao plant

ICR Newsroom By 29 September 2016

Eagle Cement has said that it will begin construction work on its new 2Mta cement plant in Davao in the south of the country on 20 October, according to reports in the Business Inquirer.

Eagle Cements owner, Ramon Ang, first announced plans to expand Eagles capacity in June 2015, proposing to build two new plants in Davao and Cebu, as well as expanding the companys existing facility in Bulacan.

Mr Ang said that he expected the facility to begin commercial operations by March 2019.

Published under
The North Dakota Department of Healths public information director has resigned over comments she inadvertently posted from the departments official Twitter account during the first U.S. presidential debate, calling it a dreadful mistake.

Colleen Reinke offered her resignation immediately after the incident Monday and it was accepted as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to emails provided by Human Resources Director Dirk Wilke in response to an open records request.

Reinkes tweets during the Monday night debate included Grow a pair Lester, an apparent reference to debate moderator Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News; and a comment that Republican candidate Donald Trumps hair was weirder than usual.

The debate was referenced heavily on Twitter, with the social networking platform announcing a record number of tweets during the 90-minute debate.

Reinke explained in her emails that she had inadvertently grabbed her work phone instead of her personal phone to post her comments on the debate.

I am in big trouble. During the debate, I was tweeting rather inappropriate comments accidentally on my work phone, she wrote in an email to her bosses, State Health Officer Terry Dwelle and Deputy State Health Officer Arvy Smith, at 9:05 p.m. Monday.

About an hour later, Reinke emailed Dwelle and Smith a statement.

This was a dreadful mistake. The tweets were deleted when the mistake was discovered but not before a great deal of damage was done, she wrote. I am sincerely sorry for my actions and have resigned my position effective immediately. The tweets in no way reflect the policies or positions of the Department of Health and reflect only my own personal views. I apologize to all of my wonderful co-workers.  I am so very sorry for causing this mess.

Reinke said in a phone interview Wednesday she wasn't sure how long the tweets were up on the department's Twitter account.

To tell you the truth, its kind of like being in a car accident, you know? The timeline is all screwed up. Ive got no idea," she said.

Reinke was hired as the departments public information director on Aug. 12, 2013. She was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday while the department reviewed the situation, according an email from Smith.

Wilke said he believes it was an honest mistake.

I think due to the nature of her position, she kind of understood the impact of her mistake, and thats why she made the decision she made to resign, he said.

Reinke said her resignation was completely voluntary.

Im the communications director. To make such a huge communications mistake was really inexcusable," she said.

The department conducts annual training on appropriate use of social media, Wilke said.

Reinke's position is now open, said Wilke, adding that he imagines, in the meantime, another public information employee will take over Reinke's job duties.

Reinke said she's not sure what she will do now.

This is pretty unexpected, of course. I wasnt planning to Twittercide (sic) my career, she said. "As you can imagine, I threw a giant pity party for myself yesterday, and then Im kind of trying to regroup today. So well see how it goes."

Bismarck Tribune reporter Blair Emerson contributed to this article.
Two measures on the November ballot would cost the state millions of dollars to implement, according to officials charged with reviewing fiscal impacts. A third measure, which would increase the state's tobacco tax, would add revenue to state coffers if passed.

The North Dakota Legislative Management Committee heard from state agency officials Thursday as to the potential effects of each of the three citizen-initiated measures on their offices as well as on revenue.

Measure 5

The medical marijuana initiative could cost the North Dakota Department of Health about $7.35 million for the 2017-19 biennium, according to Deputy Health Officer Arvy Smith.

Measure 5, which would legalize medical marijuana in the state, outlines how much of the substance could be possessed by individuals and how it would be distributed and regulated by the state.

Depending on how quickly Measure 5 were implemented during the current biennium, Smith told members of Legislative Management the cost could range from $1 million to $2.4 million. One-time startup costs for the department, such as equipment, IT programs and staff, consisted of about $1.38 million of the high-end figure, she said.

The Department of Health does not have the funding, appropriation authority or authorized FTE to implement the measure in the current biennium, said Smith.

She added that given the states tight budget situation, the Health Department would have to consider asking the Emergency Commission for funds to deal with one-time funding or get a deficiency appropriation from the Legislature.

Smith said the fees, as outlined in Measure 5, wouldnt cover the $7.35 million in 2017-19; an estimated gap of more than $2.5 million would have to be filled. The expenses for next biennium include costs for 32 full-time staff.

In her presentation, she also said the Bureau of Criminal Investigation estimated impact per biennium was nearly $2.8 million with a need for 15 additional full-time staff. The fiscal note didnt include impacts on other divisions of the North Dakota Attorney Generals Office.

The impact on other agencies, including the tax department, Workforce Safety and Insurance, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, was unknown.

Measure 3

Office of Management and Budget Director Pam Sharp provided an overview of the impact of Measure 3. The crime victims rights measure, widely known as Marsy's Law, would elevate victims rights to the constitutional level rather than keeping them on a statutory level.

The fiscal impact for the remainder of the 2015-17 biennium is $1,156,846 and the fiscal impact for the 2017-19 biennium is $3,966,330, Sharp said in prepared testimony.

The estimated cost per biennium would be split among several state agencies. County governments also would have expenses involved in providing staff and addressing potential delays in court proceedings.

Sharp said the figure for the current biennium comes from pro-rating costs for the final seven months of the current biennium from the full 2017-19 biennium total estimated cost.

Measure 4

Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger said his department used a standard formula thats been used by other states to determine the potential impact of the proposed tobacco tax increase.

Measure 4 would boost the state tobacco tax on cigarettes from 44 cents per pack to $2.20 and increase taxes on other nicotine products from 28 percent of the wholesale purchase price to 56 percent. The state hasnt raised its tobacco tax, one of the lowest in the nation, since 1993.

Rauschenberger said the fiscal 2017 impact of Measure 4 would be $28.7 million in additional revenue. For the 2017-19 biennium, total revenue collected is estimated at $141.7 million.

New tax revenue created through Measure 4 would be split between health-related programs in the states Community Health Trust Fund and a Veterans Tobacco Tax Trust Fund that will be established if the measure passes.

A lot of moving parts, Rauschenberger said.

Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, asked about the potential loss of revenue resulting from people going to Native American reservations to buy tobacco products -- as well as other items purchased in the same trip -- to avoid the increased tax.

Does this factor in? he asked.

Rauschenberger said they hadnt taken that into account. We didnt look at the ripple effect, he said.

More information on the ballot measures can be found at www.sos.nd.gov.
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The Morton County Sheriff's Department said a plane did not drop gas on people Wednesday during a protest at construction sites near St. Anthony.

Spokesman Rob Keller said the department investigated a spray plane, which was alleged to have dropped mustard gas on protesters.

"Thats a rumor," Keller said. Its not mustard gas.

Keller said it was an agricultural spray plane that had been contracted by a farmer to spray a field.

On Wednesday, the plane had made several trips from the Mandan Airport to various sites in Morton County, he said. On its way back "as a safety protocol," it dumped vegetable oil into its exhaust, which created white smoke.

The smoke was used to make the plane visible to other aircraft in the area, Keller said.

The smoke was "the same kind seen routinely at air shows," he said.

Its foolish to think we would drop mustard gas," he said.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol said the plane was flying 400 to 500 feet above the ground, about a half-mile from demonstrators.

Twenty-one protesters were arrested Wednesday on charges including resisting arrest, criminal trespass on private property and possession of stolen property.
North Dakotas congressional delegation joined the majority of federal lawmakers to override the presidents veto of legislation to allow families of Sept. 11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged backing of the attackers.

We are sending a clear message to any foreign power abetting or harboring terrorists that they will be held responsible for terrorist acts on U.S. soil, Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said in a statement Wednesday.

The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act amends a 1976 law granting other countries immunity from American lawsuits. The bill initially passed the Senate on May 17 and the House on Sept. 9. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on Friday.

No family member who has lost a loved one to terrorism should be denied their right to seek justice, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a government or a country," Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., said in a statement.

The Senate veto override vote was 97-1, and the House vote was 348-77.

Todays veto override by Congress is a strong affirmation of accountability and justice. Fifteen years later, it gives the victims and their families of the 9/11 attacks another avenue to seek justice and have their day in court, Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said in a statement.
Alexis Joy Duxbury, 61, Bismarck, died peacefully on Sept. 24, 2016, at CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck, after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, followed by a luncheon at the funeral home.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Parkway Funeral Service. Cremation has taken place.

Alexis was born in Beaver Dam, Wis., on Dec. 30, 1954, the daughter of William John Duxbury, M.D. and Mitzi (Libke) Duxbury, Ph.D. After a few years in Washington, D.C. and California, she grew up in Madison, Wis. She received her B.S. in botany in 1981 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was on the deans honor roll. She studied in Indonesia as a student and while there developed an appetite for eastern foods.

After graduating, she worked as a preserve design intern/botanist for the Nature Conservancy in Minneapolis; naturalist for the Louis Rollin Head Arboretum and University of Wisconsin Arboretum; natural areas inventory assistant for Wisconsin DNR; and field assistant/plant taxonomist for the University of Wisconsin. Alexis moved to North Dakota in 1983 and worked as a resource specialist-biologist/botanist for the North Dakota Natural Heritage Inventory from 1983 to 1988. In 1988, she was hired as a conservation biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, a position which she held until present.

Alexis was an active member of the North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society, the Monday Club, a life member in the Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and many other organizations. She was passionate about empowering women, promoting diversity and encouraging students in the wildlife society and natural resources field. Alexis had a deep passion for prairies and plants. A devoted botanist, she was one of the leaders of North Dakota (later Great Plains) Natural Science Society.

Alexis constantly advocated that conservation should be on an equal level with development. In 2015, she received the prestigious North Dakota Award of the North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society. The North Dakota Award is presented to an individual for outstanding contribution to the profession of wildlife management. Alexis was devoted to her community and an active participant. She was committed to finding truths central to the understanding of whatever subject she was exploring. Her determination to see that officials acted responsibly and followed the law was untiring. Her research skills were helpful to many civic groups in Bismarck and to environmentalists and conservation groups with national and regional interests.

She loved her family and her best friend and sister, Melanie, her animals  cats and dog, and she loved life. We will miss her zest for life, her sense of humor, positive outlook and passion for the resources she worked so hard to protect.

Alexis is survived by her mother, Mitzi Duxbury, Ph.D., Madison, Wis.; her sister, Melanie Lynn Duxbury, Houston, Texas; her brother, Gerritt Dean Duxbury, Baldwin, Wis.; her special friends, Judy Maxwell, Darlene DeChandt and Judy Atkinson; many cousins, colleagues and friends; and special neighbors, Sue and Gary Nather.

Alexis was preceded in death by her father, William John Duxbury, M.D.

Go to www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories of Alexis and sign the online guest book.
Our governor, Susana Martinez, will convene a special session of the legislature on Friday. Action items include managing a huge state budget shortfall as well as discussion and debate regarding the death penalty in New Mexico.

PNM customers (this means you, Burquenos) will soon see a 10-13 percent rate increase under a plan modified and approved by the state Public Utility Commission.

The prosecution has rested in the murder trial of now-retired Albuquerque police Detective Keith Sandy and former APD Officer Dominique Perez.

Yesterday, New Mexico's Supreme Court heard arguments related to the "Copper Rule," a controversial law that regulates the amount of pollution big mining operations in the state can produce. At issue: the massive amount of ground water pollution such operations generate. A decision is forthcoming.

Legalizing weed in the land of enchantment could produce over $400 million in revenue for state coffers during the first year of such a program. So says a new study published by Ultra Health.

Meanwhile, long snakes caused a power outage in Rio Rancho.

A US presidential candidate from the Socialist Party visited our state's flagship university on Tuesday.

An astronaut from Albuquerque recently appeared at Kirtland Air Force Base.

Finally, in state angling news outta Storrie Lake, "Nicholas Gonzales and Marcelino Zaragosa teamed up to land a 33-inch, 13-pound catfish on the night of Sept. 17. They were using chicken liver."
Sometimes a goal can have merit but the method of achieving it can fall short. Such is the case with Measure 4.

Supporters of Measure 4 argue it will discourage young people from trying tobacco products by raising the tax to an unaffordable level. It has worked in other states, supporters say, and it can work in North Dakota.

The state hasnt increased its tobacco tax since 1993 and only three states have a lower tax. During the last session the Legislature rejected a bill raising the tax. That prompted tobacco opponents to get Measure 4 on the ballot.

The Tribune Editorial Board believes Measure 4s intentions are good but it goes too far. Voters should reject Measure 4.

If approved, Measure 4 will increase the tax on cigarettes from 44 cents per pack to $2.20. Taxes on other nicotine products would be increased from 28 percent of the wholesale purchase price to 56 percent. The national average tax on a pack of cigarettes is $1.61. The increase in the tax doesnt bother the Tribune, what happens to the money concerns the editorial board.

New tax revenue generated through the measure would go to health-related programs in the state's Community Health Trust Fund and a newly created Veterans Tobacco Tax Trust Fund. The funds would be overseen by boards appointed by the governor. Its estimated the measure will result in about $100 million in new funds per biennium.

Health and veterans programs serve a good purpose and an argument can be made for more funding. The Tribune believes, however, that the Legislature is in the best position to make funding decisions. How the new revenue created by Measure 4 is allocated should be decided by the Legislature. Lawmakers are responsible for looking at the big picture every session and making budget decisions. Not everyone is happy with what they decide but they are elected to make the tough decisions.

The Tribune has opposed measures in the past that took budget decisions out of the hands of the lawmakers.

The Tribune agrees the tobacco tax should be increased and the Legislature should do so in 2017. Legislators should consider veterans and health programs when deciding how to use the new revenue. In the end, how the money is allocated should be based on the states most pressing needs.

Mike Rud, president of the North Dakota Retail Association, argues a tax increase could have a dire impact on low income smokers and small businesses. During the 2015 legislative session the retail association and others were able to persuade the Legislature to reject two bill raising tobacco taxes. The main reason for a higher tobacco tax is to discourage smoking and reduce health costs. The Tribune doesnt believe a higher tax will result in businesses closing.

Voters should reject Measure 4 and legislators should approve a higher tobacco tax in 2017.
RURAL KILLDEER  Killdeer Mayor Scott Muscha said the $30 million spent on a bypass shifting highway traffic around town will definitely improve life for local residents.

Its all about safety, the mayor said, noting that he had personally seen semi trucks' front tires rear up as the drivers slammed on their brakes navigating the steep Highway 22 hill that serves as the towns main street. Daily traffic climbed from 2,000 to 10,000 vehicles during the oil boom, making it so dense that the public school had to bus kids from one side of the street to the other.

This will make it safer for everyone, even the truckers, the mayor said after Wednesdays formal ceremony to mark the opening of the bypass, which skirts Killdeer to the northwest and connects Highways 22 and 200.

This is the sixth oil patch bypass to be completed in the past three years. The Department of Transportation has invested $420 million in them to take the load of oil semis and service trucks out of small communities. A second New Town bypass is on the drawing boards, and a second one for Williston is further out in the planning process.

Killdeers bypass is unique because both ends of the bypass come to roundabouts, where traffic circles through rather than uses traffic signals.

DOT director Grant Levi said the community asked for the roundabouts because the one it already has at the intersection of Highways 22 and 200 worked so well to keep traffic moving smoothly and safely.

Theyre accepted locally, and people said they wanted one at both ends. Because there already is one here, it fit in well, Levi said.

The ceremony was lightly attended, but the brief event on the new concrete roadway was an enjoyable workday pause on a warm fall day.

Levi said the current downturn in oil activity means highway traffic isnt at the peak it once was, but the overall $2.3 billion in one-time funding for state highways was intended to address whatever tomorrow brings.

Thats why theyre designed the way theyre designed. Energy will come back, Levi said.

Dunn County Commissioner Reinhard Hauck made special note of the landowners who cooperatively sold farmland, in some cases splitting fields, to make the bypass possible.

Weve put a lot of skin in this, and now were getting some payback. With all the money collected out of this area, were pleased to have some come back, said Hauck, adding that farmers will benefit by not having to haul extra-wide implements through the community.
JAMESTOWN -- A New Rockford man pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder in a wedding dance shooting under a plea deal on Wednesday.

David Troske, 52, pleaded guilty to the murder of Donald Donnie Perleberg, Pingree, and the attempted murder of Mary Seiler, New Rockford, at the dance on Sept. 6, 2015, at the New Rockford Eagles Club.

The change-of-plea hearing was held before Judge Thomas Merrick in Southeast District Court in Jamestown under an agreement by both parties in the case and the families of the victims. Troske will be sentenced in December.

Travis Peterson, Eddy County states attorney, provided the factual basis for the guilty plea. Peterson said Troske and Seiler had dated but were friends at the time of the shootings. He described Troskes movements on the night in question based on video security camera footage and eyewitness accounts.

Troske approached the table where Perleberg and Seiler were seated from behind, Peterson said. Thereafter and without provocation, David Troske fired one shot into the neck of Donald Perleberg, killing him, he said.

Peterson went on to describe Seiler standing up before Troske shot her once in the neck, then a second time in the chest once she was on the floor in a fetal position.

Troske agreed that the essential elements of Petersons description were correct. He did not comment during the proceeding other than responding to yes-or-no questions from Merrick.

Merrick ordered a presentencing investigation be completed by Nov. 9. Troskes sentencing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15 at the Eddy County Courthouse in New Rockford.

The murder charge, a Class AA felony, carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole. The attempted murder charge, a Class A felony, is punishable by 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Charges of aggravated assault (a Class B felony), three counts of reckless endangerment (Class C felonies) and possession of a firearm in a bar (a Class A misdemeanor) were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Civil lawsuits against Troske filed by Perlebergs son, J.R. Perleberg, and Seiler are proceeding, with motion hearings scheduled for Jan. 27.
A persons IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a highly contentious method of using one score to measure someones intelligence gathered from a series of standardized tests. However, opinions over the validity of IQ have shifted over the years greatly due to concerns of everything from test bias to flat out scientific racism. Still, the American Psychological Association has not completely disavowed the process and it has been shown to display statistical reliability  meaning if someone takes the test when theyre young, the score appears to stay consistent through the years.

So all that being said, what is a genius IQ? Well, thats another place for debate and semantics. Different organizations have different definitions, but generally anything above 130 (which is about average for a doctor) is considered exceptional. Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, for example, has an IQ of 160. But amazingly, some of these celebrities give Hawking a run for his money  at least when it comes to raw IQ score.

1. Dolph Lundgren

The fact that Dolph Lundgren shows up on this list might be the most surprising of the bunch, simply because his movie persona feels so opposed to the man behind such roles as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV or He-Man in Masters of the Universe.

An action star of the late-80s and early-90s who is endlessly recognizable to those who grew up in that era, but relatively unknown to those who didnt, the Swedish-born actors IQ has been placed anywhere from 150 to as high as 160  the latter of which he says is overblown.

However, Lundgren did receive degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology  with a Fulbright Scholarship no less  meaning if it is exaggerated, it cant be exaggerated by much. And intelligence isnt the only thing fascinating about Lundgren. Loads of stuff from his life seem to put him in the running for most interesting actor working today.

2. Quentin Tarantino

The early life of Quentin Tarantino, the director of modern classics such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, has often been discussed as the stuff of legends. Having dropped out of high school around the time he was 16, Tarantino bounced around odd jobs that included stints as a porn theater usher, an aerospace industry recruiter, and most famously, a clerk at the now-defunct Manhattan Beach video store, Video Archives where he met writer and director, Roger Avary.

But theres probably another reason for his rags-to-riches success: his IQ. According to some sources, Tarantinos IQ has been measured to be as high as 160, which would put him even with Hawking.

3. Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow has made a career of playing ditzy characters like Phoebe Buffay from Friends or Valerie Cherish from The Comeback, but her background paints a completely different picture. As an undergrad at Vassar College, Kudrow studied biology and partnered with her father, a world renowned headache specialist, in his research before deciding to pursue acting and eschew graduate studies in the field. And with a reported IQ of about 154, theres a good chance she would have had success in the academic path if she had continued.

4. Conan OBrien

Intelligence isnt essential to be good with comedy, but it certainly doesnt hurt when you can process lots of information and situations for laughs. Take Conan OBrien for example  he reportedly has an IQ of 160, having graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University where he was president of the The Harvard Lampoon (which publishes a humor magazine) while majoring in history and literature. His thesis? A 72-page piece entitled, The Old Child in Faulkner and OConnor in which he argues that the New Souths emerging identity is manifested in the literature of William Faulkner and Flannery OConnor via the motif of children that age too quickly.

5. Steve Martin

Steve Martin is another comedy legend whose intelligence definitely helped him get to where he is today. With an IQ of 142, Martin is a member of Mensa  the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world  and even wrote a piece for The New Yorker in 1997 about his journey to become a member. Its also easy to forget that aside from his work as an actor, he has written over 10 feature films including classics like The Jerk.

6. Sharon Stone

Sharon Stones career took off in 1992 when she starred in the neo-noir erotic thriller, Basic Instinct as a relative unknown. She became an it girl overnight with her performance as femme fatale, Catherine Tramell. But be sure not to stereotype her on appearances, because Stone reportedly possesses an IQ of 154 according to her biography on Edinboro University of Pennsylvanias website  the university she attended on scholarship when she was only 15-years-old.

7. Matt Damon

According to reports, Matt Damons IQ is as high as 160, which puts him in the same group as both Tarantino and Hawking  a strange trio to be sure. Look no further than Good Will Hunting to catch a glimpse of some of Damons talents, as the actor wrote an early version of the script while still attending Harvard University. While he never graduated from Harvard, choosing instead to pursue acting full-time, he later teamed up with Ben Affleck to complete the draft of Good Will Hunting that would later win them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

8. James Woods

The legends surrounding James Woodss IQ often precede him  and how could it not when he has said himself that he has been measured at a 184 IQ? If that is true, Woods, who is a Mensa member, would have an IQ over 20 points higher than Stephen Hawking and possibly higher than Albert Einstein. He also scored a nearly perfect SAT score on the pre-1995 test  you know, when perfect SAT scores were exceedingly rare  and attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology on a scholarship where he studied political science. If Woods is telling the truth about his IQ score, he would certainly be among the top 1% of IQs in the entire world.

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Pedestrians are reflected in a window as they walk by a sign displaying mortgage rates inside a Bank of America office on June 7, 2012 in San Francisco. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

If you want to buy a home and go to a bank for a mortgage, you may get a warmer welcome than people have received in years.

The mortgage lending market is thawing. Banks are providing more mortgages after essentially closing up shop when the housing crash and financial crisis devastated mortgage brokers and many lenders in 2008, according to new research by the Urban Institute Housing Finance Policy Center.

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During the first half of this year, banks originated and held on to 34 percent of the mortgages people obtained to buy homes, said researcher Karan Kaul. That contrasts with just 15 percent in 2008, a period when government-related lending was essentially the only game in town after deeply injured banks went into hibernation.

"Before we get too excited, remember that most of the mortgages are going to the best of the best, of the best of the best borrowers," said Kaul. Borrowers approved for mortgages recently had an average FICO score of 746, the report said. Those who received Federal Housing Administration loans averaged 680. Before the crash in housing, low 600 scores were welcomed.

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Banks still don't want to take on risks, and so they concentrate on people with the highest credit scores  people who are very unlikely to fail to make their payments, Kaul noted. The highest possible FICO credit score is 850.

Still, despite tough lending standards continually making it hard for many people to get loans, the fact that banks are lending more is a good sign, Kaul said. Lending could trickle down somewhat to people with slightly lower scores, and it takes some of the burden off government-related entities.

Before the housing crash, banks and other private lenders provided about half of the mortgages. After the crash, government entities were taking on nine of 10 loans, according to Urban Institute. More recently, seven of 10 mortgages were government related.

"We have made great progress in bringing back private capital," noted the report. But more needs to be done to further reduce the government's role, it said.

gmarksjarvis@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @gailmarksjarvis
This photo taken July 8, 2014 shows a person walking past an Everest Institute sign in a office building in Silver Spring, Md. Nearly 80,000 students of defunct for-profit giant Corinthian Colleges are facing some form of debt collection, even though the U.S. Department of Education unearthed enough evidence of fraud to forgive their student loans. (Jose Luis Magana / AP)

Nearly 80,000 students of defunct for-profit giant Corinthian Colleges are facing some form of debt collection, even though the U.S. Department of Education unearthed enough evidence of fraud to forgive their student loans, according to an investigation by the staff of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

Before it shut down last year, Corinthian, which ran Everest Institute, Wyotech and Heald College, became an example of the worst practices in the for-profit education sector, including high loan defaults and dubious programs. Amid allegations of deceptive marketing and lying to the government about its graduation rates, Corinthian lost its access to federal funds in 2014, forcing the company to sell or close its schools.

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On Thursday, Warren sent a letter urging Education Secretary John King to provide the immediate debt relief that Corinthian students are entitled to under federal law. The department has broad authority to cancel federal student loans when colleges violate students' rights and state law, exactly what education officials accused Corinthian of doing. Yet the agency continues to collect on debt owed by tens of thousands of people eligible for forgiveness.

"It is unconscionable that instead of helping these borrowers, vast numbers of Corinthian victims are currently being hounded by the department's debt collectors -- many having their credit slammed, their tax refunds seized, their Social Security and Earned Income Tax Credit payments reduced, or wages garnished -- all to pay fraudulent debts," Warren wrote to King.

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Warren's staff asked the department for information about the outcomes of former Corinthian students with federal loans. They learned that there are 79,717 people who are eligible to apply for loan forgiveness but are being pursued by debt collectors. The government is using its extraordinary collection powers to seize the tax refunds, tax credits and other benefits of more than 30,000 of those borrowers, while garnishing the wages of another 4,000, according to department data.

All of those borrowers attended Corinthian when education officials discovered the school committed widespread fraud by lying about its job placement rates, making a clear case for their loans to be discharged under a process known as borrower defense to repayment, Warren said. Anyone who can show a school used illegal or deceptive tactics to persuade them to borrow money for college can file a defense claim. Just 23,185 former Corinthian students had filed claims as of June, and just 3,787 of them have been approved.

"This suggests an obvious failure in the effort to inform students of their rights to a discharge," Warren said of the low submission numbers. It also "highlights the absurdity and ineffectiveness of requiring Corinthian victims who are covered by the department's own fraud findings to actively apply for relief while at the same time subjecting them to aggressive, automatic and draconian debt collection actions."

In a statement, Education Undersecretary Ted Mitchell said the department shares Warren's commitment to former Corinthian students and has conducted "ongoing, extensive direct outreach" to those who may be eligible for debt relief.

"This fall, we will build upon that outreach, including through a targeted effort to reach Corinthian borrowers who have loans in collections or subject to Treasury tax offsets or wage garnishment," Mitchell said.

Warren's letter arrives a day after Darnell Williams, a former student at Everest Institute in Massachusetts, filed a lawsuit against the department and Treasury for seizing his tax refund, despite evidence that the school defrauded students. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey submitted a group defense claim on behalf of students who attended the Everest campus, still Williams' $10,833 student debt remains in collections, according to the complaint.

"The department knows that these borrowers, who have already been cheated of an education, are entitled to relief," said Deanne Loonin, an attorney at Harvard Law School's Project on Predatory Student Lending, who is working on the case. "Williams is asking for a court decision that the widespread fraud of Corinthian is a bar to the collection of defaulted loans from former Corinthian students through the mechanism of Treasury offset."

In the wake of Corinthian's collapse, Education Department officials said they would use findings from a joint investigation with state attorneys general to expedite the claims process. More than 250,000 students who attended Corinthian schools in 24 states were supposed to benefit from this effort, with education officials promising to notify people through mailers, email and partner organizations. But relief has been slow.

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Education officials appointed an independent monitor to oversee and streamline the process last year, and they hired attorneys to review and analyze state laws involved in the claims received. The government is in a precarious position. Granting blanket relief could mean the loss of billions of dollars, but critics say drawing out the process betrays students' trust and the spirit of the law.

"For years, the Department of Education sat passively while Corinthian Colleges and other predatory for-profit institutions defrauded students and ripped off taxpayers," said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. "While it's good the department has finally held Corinthian accountable, it now has an obligation to provide defrauded students with complete, immediate and automatic relief."
A patient enters the Harken Health Wicker Park location May 11, 2016, in Chicago. The insurer has announced that it will not participate in the state's Obamacare exchange in 2017. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Harken Health is abandoning the state's Obamacare health insurance marketplace.

Harken, a subsidiary of UnitedHealthcare, said Thursday it will not offer plans on the exchange next year. Insurers Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Land of Lincoln already have announced they won't offer plans on the exchange next year.

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"It's just another reduction in options for Illinois consumers," said Phil Lackman, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois.

Harken's departure will leave Cook County residents who buy insurance through the exchange with three choices of insurers, according to Illinois Department of Insurance data. Harken hadn't planned to offer individual exchange plans in Illinois next year outside of Cook County.

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Harken will continue to offer individual plans for purchase off the exchange, but consumers who buy those plans won't be eligible for government subsidies. Harken also is leaving Atlanta, the only other area in which it offered exchange plans.

Harken "remains committed to our innovative model of insurance paired with access to relationship-based care, and we look forward to continuing to offer plans to individuals and employers who purchase coverage outside of the exchange," spokesman Jeff Shoemate said in a statement.

Harken did not address the reason for its exit but other insurers that have left have cited financial struggles on the exchange. In addition to several other insurers

announcing their exits, premiums also are expected to climb significantly next year for individual, on-exchange plans.

Some don't think Harken's exit will dramatically affect Cook County residents. Harken wasn't a major player on the exchange in Illinois, noted Kathy Waligora, director of the health reform initiative of EverThrive Illinois, a maternal and child health advocacy organization.

Harken declined to say how many on-exchange, individual members it had this year, but in a recent filing with the state it said it expected its proposed rate increases for next year for exchange plans to affect 22,845 people.

The state Department of Insurance recently submitted to the federal government rate increases ranging from averages of 43 to 55 percent for some types of plans that will be offered on the exchange next year. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will finalize those rates.

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

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Ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is meet in Algiers, Algeria, on Wednesday. (Associated Press)

Algiers, Algeria  OPEC nations reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday to curb oil production for the first time since the global financial crisis eight years ago, pushing up prices that had sunk over the past two years and weakened the economies of oil-producing nations.

Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar's energy minister and current president of OPEC, announced the deal after several hours of talks in the Algerian capital. The levels must still be finalized at an OPEC meeting in Vienna in November.

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The preliminary deal will limit output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day, he said. Current output is estimated at 33.2 million barrels per day.

Benchmark U.S. crude jumped $2.38, or 5.3%, to $47.05 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, the international standard, was up $2.72, or 5.9%, to $48.69 a barrel in London.

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Long-running disagreements between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran had dimmed hopes for a deal at Wednesday's talks.

Iran had been resistant to cutting production, as it's trying to restore its oil industry since emerging from international sanctions over its nuclear program earlier this year. According to Wednesday's deal, Iran will be allowed to increase production to 3.7 million barrels a day, according to Algerian participants at the meeting. It is currently estimated to be pumping around 3.6 million.

The OPEC officials met informally on the sidelines of an energy conference in Algiers to try to find common ground on how to support oil markets.

"We reached a very positive deal," said Nigerian Oil Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu. He said all countries will reduce output but the specific quotas will be set in Vienna in November.

Earlier, Iranian Petroleum Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh had played down the OPEC gathering, calling it "just a consultation meeting."

The price of crude oil has fallen sharply since mid-2014, when it was over $100 a barrel, dropping below $30 at the start of this year.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil producer and Iran's rival for power in the Middle East, appeared to be more amenable to some sort of production limit, certainly more so than in April, when OPEC failed to agree on measures to curb supplies.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih this week promised to "support any decision aimed at stabilizing the market."

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Over the last couple of years, OPEC countries, led by Saudi Arabia, had been willing to let the price of oil drop as a means of pressuring some U.S. shale oil and gas producers. Shale oil and gas requires a higher price to break even.

Those lower prices have hurt many oil-producing nations hard, particularly OPEC members Venezuela and Nigeria, but also Russia and Brazil.

Associated Press
Jose Zapata stands Sept. 27, 2016, with the 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI he purchased last year, before it was discovered that VW had rigged the diesel vehicles to pass emissions tests. Zapata and other owners must decide whether to sell their cars back to VW or wait for a fix. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

Jose Zapata faces a decision about what to do with his 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI.

It was a year ago that the 40-year-old Crete resident, a self-described "hippie at heart" who also recycles, learned, along with more than 475,000 other VW and Audi owners and lessees nationwide, that the German automaker had rigged its supposedly clean 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection diesel cars to cheat on emissions tests.

Software that VW installed in the vehicles could sense whether emissions testing was occurring. If it wasn't, the cars ended up spewing nitrogen oxides up to 40 times over the allowed limit.

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Hundreds of lawsuits ensued and later were consolidated into a class-action case. A proposed $15 billion settlement got preliminary approval in a federal court in July, and is scheduled to get a final hearing Oct. 18. Once the court approves the settlement, the claims process can officially begin. Most affected VW owners still possess the vehicles, which number about 30,000 in Illinois.

The owner of a problematic Volkswagen says he would buy another if VW can work out the problems. (Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Zapata, a sous chef at Les Nomades in downtown Chicago, paid about $38,000 for his new Passat in spring 2015 at a Highland, Ind., dealership. He said he was motivated by the combination of exceptional gas mileage and horsepower in an environmentally friendly car.

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Under the class-action settlement, he and other owners have two options: sell back their vehicles to VW at pre-scandal trade-in values, adjusted for mileage, or wait for VW to come up with a free fix for the cars, if and when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board approve the emission-reducing modifications. Owners making either choice also will receive restitution generally ranging from $5,100 to $10,000. If no fix is approved for the car by May 1, 2018, owners will be told that no emissions repair is available, and they can still sell their cars back to VW.

The website for settlement details, www.vwcourtsettlement.com, includes instructional videos, case documents and frequently asked questions. It also allows owners such as Zapata to enter their names, contact information, vehicle identification numbers, mileage and financing details, such as the balance owed on any loans, to see the expected total restitution and buyback offer.

Zapata said his calculation at the settlement website shows VW would pay him more than $7,800 for his car, after paying off his loan.

He said he also might consider waiting to see if VW comes up with a fix for his car, which was the first diesel he ever bought. His previous vehicle was a 1995 Lexus.

"If VW can fix it where I won't lose gas mileage and horsepower, that would be great," said Zapata, who is still driving the car. "At the same time it's a moral issue  why did VW lie?"

If VW can fix it where I won't lose gas mileage and horsepower, that would be great. At the same time it's a moral issue  why did VW lie?  Jose Zapata, VW owner

If he takes the buyback, he said he'd probably apply the proceeds toward a Toyota Prius. "I'd love to get a Nissan Leaf ," an electric car, but he's concerned about its need for charging.

He doesn't completely rule out a future VW purchase.

"If Volkswagen can come out with a diesel car that's environmentally friendly, that would be awesome," he said. "It's a very good car."

Of the approximately $15 billion settlement, $10 billion will be spent on restitution and buybacks, $2.7 billion to lessen the impact of the excess emissions, and $2 billion to promote clean cars. The $10 billion was calculated assuming all owned vehicles will be bought back, and all leased vehicles have their agreements terminated.

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"Although we called for buybacks at full purchase price, $10 billion for buybacks and additional compensation is a win for consumers," said Mike Litt of U.S. PIRG Education Fund, a consumer advocate group.

Litt also is pleased by a requirement in the proposed settlement that VW get off the road or fix at least 85 percent of the 2.0-liter cars by June 30, 2019. If it fails to meet that threshold, it must pay additional funds into an environmental mitigation fund.

In this Thursday, April 21, 2016, file photo, Joyce Ertel Hulbert, owner of a 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI, holds a sign while interviewed outside of the Phillip Burton Federal Building in San Francisco. (Jeff Chiu / AP)

John Voelcker, editor of GreenCarReports.com, said he expects that "the vast majority of the affected vehicles will be bought back and removed from the road."

Ankura Consulting Group has been hired as claims supervisor. The Washington, D.C.-based firm is owned by Chicago-based buyout firm Madison Dearborn Partners.

Volkswagen Group of America also plans to hire 250 to 300 people in Michigan to work on the settlement in such areas as claims, dealer and tech support, as well as parts and dealership logistics, according to the preliminary approval order signed in July by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, the brother of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer . Additionally, Volkswagen will train at least 250 settlement specialists to help consumers and dealerships. About 40 "key" VW employees already spend their time carrying out the settlement.

Peter Haralovich, 68, a Chicago and Indiana resident, owns a 2010 Jetta TDI and was one of the lead plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit filed against Volkswagen in federal court in Chicago when the scandal first broke.

He said he finds the settlement agreement to be "a complex legal document" but plans to take the buyback. His lawyers also are recommending that course of action, he said.

According to the settlement website, the owner or lessee will be asked to upload required documents, such as the registration or title, driver's license and loan information, and consent for his or her financial institution to release details to VW. Outstanding loan balances, for example, will be verified with the bank.

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This file photo taken on September 30, 2015 shows a view of German auto giant Volkswagen historical manufacturing plant in Wolfsburg, central Germany. One year after 'Dieselgate', Volkswagen faces lawsuits around the world. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images)

Once the offer is made and accepted, the customer schedules a buyback or lease turn-in appointment online. The customer will bring the vehicle to a dealership and meet with a settlement specialist, who'll inspect the vehicle and verify documentation and mileage. The vehicle will be surrendered, and the customer will get either funds through an electronic transfer or paper check.

"Owners will have to schedule appointments, visit dealers, study jargon, learn new vocabulary, weigh the offer, sign off on documents to be rid of these cars, and then go borrow more money to replace it," Haralovich said. "My guess is most of us would just like to cut to the quick and get this behind us."

Loaners may be available for owners who choose to keep their cars and find the approved repair takes more than three hours. Volkswagen also is offering lease terminations without penalty and giving restitution to those drivers too.

As part of the settlement, class members agree to release all claims against Volkswagen once they receive a benefit.

Shannon McNulty, a partner with Chicago-based Clifford Law Offices, which has represented some VW owners, said most consumers are indicating that they will sell the car back to VW.

"For consumers who are undecided, I recommend that they consult with a lawyer in their home state concerning the relief available to them under their state's consumer fraud laws," McNulty said. "Consumer fraud laws vary from state to state, and if you're unsure as to whether you should take the relief currently offered vs. opting out of the settlement and proceeding with a separate case against VW, understanding your state's consumer fraud laws could help you decide."

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A Colorado couple, Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari, who stopped in Chicago last January on a cross-country drive to return their 2011 diesel Volkswagen Jetta to the automaker's U.S. headquarters in Virginia, said they plan to sell back their car to VW and won't buy any cars from the company in the future.

"The punitive part of the damages  approximately $6,000 for us  seems relatively reasonable, and the repurchase price of the car reflects its market value at the time the scandal broke," Moench said.

But the couple said that, for ethical reasons, VW should buy back the cars at their original price, plus be forced to make a punitive payment for its deceit as well as cover other costs incurred while a settlement was being reached. The couple, for example, is still paying for insurance on the Jetta.

Also, since the couple considered it unethical to continue driving the Jetta regularly, they bought another low-emission vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, for daily use.

"When the court settlement comes through, we will use the funds to pay off as much as possible of the loan we've taken for purchasing the Nissan Leaf," Moench said.

VW executives also should be held criminally responsible for the deceit, he said. "That's essential to changing the culture of the company," Moench said.

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VW sales through the first seven months of 2016 were down by 13 percent compared with the same period before the news of the emissions scandal.

By some measures, the brand shows signs of improvement.

"People have been talking in the industry about how VW seems to have recovered over the last year, and our data shows a somewhat similar story," said Alex Klein, vice president of data science for Autolist, a website that allows consumers to search multiple new and used car websites.

Average prices for the scandal-plagued vehicles hit an all-time low in April, representing a drop of more than $2,500, to about $16,000, from the scandal onset.

"Prices have recovered considerably in recent months and now sit about $1,200 below the pre-scandal level," Klein said.

"My sense is that dealers are much more optimistic about their ability to sell the cars post-settlement and as a result don't want to take as large a loss," Klein said.

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Scandal vehicles on average have been on the market for 396 days.

In contrast, nonscandal VWs on average have been on the market 91 days, which itself is about 16 percent longer than the average of 78 days for a control group.

"So while dealers are raising prices on scandal vehicles, the scandal cars still aren't selling," Klein said. "Nonscandal VW vehicles, while selling slower than the average, are still turning over at a reasonable clip."

Rebecca Lindland, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book, said VW shoppers have shown "amazing loyalty" over the past year.

"We continued to see owners shopping for VWs at levels that are in line with other brands, and most perceptions of the brand have rebounded," she said. The company isn't out of the woods yet, "but news of its death are greatly exaggerated."

A Kelley survey shows about 56 percent of Volkswagen owners are actively looking to leave the brand, but that's not measurably different than it was prior to the diesel matter, Lindland said.

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"It's higher than ideal, which is under 50 percent, but it's not catastrophic," she said. "None of the metrics we track are terrible and in fact, most are on an upswing."

byerak@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @beckyyerak
Aleksandr Zhitomirsky, one of the chief political artists of the former Soviet Union and a master of photomontage, turned Lady Liberty into a gallows from which a black man could still be hung in 1948.

Over the course of a half-century-long career, he translated complex Communist Party positions and current events into vivid and sometimes gruesome illustrations for Pravda and a shelf of other Russian publications. He made a crooning chimpanzee of Nazi minister Joseph Goebbels, and a devilish drummer boy of President Harry Truman. All of this Zhitomirsky did by cutting up and splicing together multiple photographs, touching them up with paint and rephotographing them.

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Long since marginalized by Western art history and somewhat sidelined in Russian chronicles as well, Zhitomirsky is the subject of "Humanism + Dynamite = The Soviet Photomontages of Aleksandr Zhitomirsky," his first Western museum exhibition. Though staid in installation, the work and its politics are as bold as can be, startling even to a left-wing viewer. The accompanying catalog by art historian Erika Wolf comprises a hefty study of the artist, who died in 1993 at the age of 86, two years after the collapse of the USSR.

The confluence of that display, which just opened at the Art Institute, and "Petcoke: Tracing Dirty Energy," less than 1 mile south at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, has me wondering what Zhitomirsky would have done with the controversial petroleum byproduct as an assignment. And assignment it was for the eight artists and artist duos commissioned by the MoCP, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Southeast Environmental Task Force. Wall text states that the goal of their joint endeavor is "to raise awareness of the hazards of petcoke." Even for the MoCP, which has long favored weighty topical shows  recent forays include contemporary Iranian pictures, a look at North Korea and the postwar life of a Bosnian immigrant  that's an unusually polemical position for a museum to take.

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Mind you, apart from Big Oil and its collaborators, hardly anyone seems to think petroleum coke is anything but hazardous. A waste product of the refining process used to extract oil from tar sands  the kind being mined in booming quantities in Canada  petcoke can be burned for cheap but dirty energy in American coal plants and in countries with laxer environmental standards like China. It produces more carbon dioxide than almost any other energy source.

That's all trouble enough, but the organizers of the MoCP show are particularly concerned with uncovered stockpiles of the black dust on the Southeast Side of Chicago that until earlier this year had been growing ever more mountainous. In a grass-roots victory, local residents won a legal battle against KCBX  a storage facility owned by a subsidiary of Koch Industries  and had the mounds removed, so they could no longer blow toxic particles through nearby neighborhoods on windy days. Earnest portraits by Terry Evans tell the activists' stories. But as "Petropolis," an overwhelmingly detailed and distressing interactive map by scholar-activist Brian Holmes, makes clear, it's all still there and then some: oil carried via fragile pipelines across precious ecosystems and ill-equipped trains loaded with explosive crude on tracks running through Chicago represent disasters waiting to happen.

The stuff itself is present in the gallery, sealed in a plexiglass box, in a legalistically and logistically tricky installation by Geissler/Sann that would be fetishistic if petcoke weren't so legitimately scary. Claire Pentecost brings in raw matter, too, suspending toxic sludges and powders alongside dead honeybees and stained feathers, all of it in hand-blown glass drops that hang from the ceiling like so many tears.

The oddest and most entrancing artwork is a video by Marissa Lee Benedict and David Reuter that offers a sci-fi approach to petcoke, imagining a near-future in which the black particles are prized for their communicative powers. Across three screens pans a beautiful abstract vision of drifting smoke, concrete and glass buildings, swirling dust and very few people.

Yes  beautiful. "I Can Only See Shadows," as the video is titled, rides the edge of a paradoxical category of art that might be called Beautiful Disasters. There, too, is a gorgeous set of aerial photographs by Evans that documents the view of Big Oil from above: shadowy yellow sulfur hills, swirly green marshes, the stark geometry of a red barge being loaded with dark petcoke. The look of these images, as with the feel of the video, is as formally sumptuous as its subject is horrifying. There's a risk that the viewer will be so moved by pleasing appearances she'll forget to be upset.

With the exception of Holmes' maps and Evans' interviews, the artworks at the MoCP take care not to be too didactic. Even hardcore documentary footage  a photographic grid of ships sailing near the largest U.S. petroleum port and a film that tracks the path of oil from the Athabasca tar sands all the way down to the private estates of the Koch Brothers  depends on the viewer's prior acknowledgment of the evils of petcoke.

Zhitomirsky never took such chances. He preferred grotesquerie to beauty, satire to subtlety, whether the subject was apartheid in South Africa, fat cats on Wall Street or disappearances in Chile. It isn't really fair to compare the effectiveness of Soviet propaganda aimed at a mass public with contemporary American political art aimed at museum viewers, but it's also hard not to. How might Zhitomirsky have caricatured the Koch brothers for the book series "Masters of the Capitalist World," alongside the pipe-smoking shark in a suit that stands in for the head of General Motors? It would have been ugly, but also right.

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"Humanism + Dynamite = The Soviet Photomontages of Aleksandr Zhitomirsky" runs through Jan. 10 at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., 312-443-3600, www.artic.edu; "Petcoke: Tracing Dirty Energy" runs through Oct. 9 at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S. Michigan Ave., 312-663-5554, www.mocp.org.

Lori Waxman is a freelance critic.

ctc-arts@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @chitribent

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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)
In this Aug. 21, 2014, file photo, Illinois Attorney Gen. Lisa Madigan speaks at a news conference, in Chicago. A federal judge on Thursday denied Madigan's request to overturn a decision to end same-day voter registration because he said it benefited Democratic strongholds and disadvantaged rural areas. (M. Spencer Green / AP)

CHICAGO  A federal judge has denied an Illinois attorney general's office request for him to reverse his own decision halting same-day voter registration at polling stations.

A Thursday hearing in Chicago federal court lasted just minutes as Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan told lawyers the request is denied.

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He ruled earlier this week that the same-day registration option as written benefited Democratic strongholds, like Chicago, and disadvantaged rural regions

Lisa Madigan's office argued that yanking the option so close to the Nov. 8 election would unfairly deny some citizens voting rights. But in a two-page written explanation Thursday explaining his latest ruling, Der-Yeghiayan says, "This court did not restrict the rights of any voters. The legislation did."

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Madigan's office will appeal next to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Associated Press
 WCC Invites Israel-Hating Conspiracy Theorist to Interfaith Event in Switzerland | Main | Deutsche Welle Misreports Latest Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem 

September 29, 2016

Australian Broadcasting Corp. Vilifies Israel While Writing About its Humanitarian Efforts

Last week journalist Sophie McNeill published a heartrending story about Gazan babies and toddlers with cancer at the Australian Broadcasting Corp. This is a topic that is bound to stir up deep emotions on the part of readers. By omitting important information about the context within which these children are receiving treatment, however, McNeill manages to vilify Israel while writing about its humanitarian efforts.

McNeill focuses her story on four children that have traveled to Israel or the West Bank for cancer treatment accompanied either by grandparents or older family friends, and on the fact that their parents were not permitted to accompany them. She omits, however, that terrorists have, in the past, attempted to exploit entry permits granted for medical reasons. In December of 2014, for example, Israeli forces discovered and stopped a woman who planned to obtain an entry permit from the West Bank for medical reasons, and then disguise herself as being pregnant in order to detonate a suicide bomb.

McNeill does not inform her readers about Hamas actions that may contribute to the lack of available or appropriate medical care within Gaza. She fails to discuss that during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, Hamas and other terrorist groups used hospitals to launch attacks into Israel, and omits that in some cases medical facilities were damaged by misfired rockets from within Gaza. Moreover, while billions of dollars in international aid flow into Gaza, the IDF reported in July that Hamas spends hundreds of thousands of dollars each month on tunnel infrastructure.?

These omissions are compounded by two factual errors in the story. First, McNeill claims that Israels blockade on Gaza is almost ten years old. The blockade was actually imposed in 2009, two years after Hamas took control of the strip, and it was found to be legal in a U.N. Report. McNeill also writes that to exit Gaza, you need permission from the Israeli authorities.? Egypt, however, controls the Rafah crossing at one of Gazas borders.

Maybe more can be done for Gaza's sick children... mostly by Hamas that rules the territory and ill-treats its residents.



--KB

Posted by SC at September 29, 2016 04:57 PM

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Revolution Brewing's Fist City is one of many suds you can drink at the Logan Square Beer Festival. (Hilary Higgins / RedEye)

1. Get beer-y eyed in Logan Square

Returning to the Logan Square Auditorium for its fourth year, the Logan Square Beer Festival hosts 20 breweries pouring every style of beer, from ciders to cask-conditioned to a number of collaborations, across two sessions. Participants include Off Color, Revolution, Middle Brow, Metropolitan, Half Acre, Lagunitas and more. Among other reasons to go: Pipeworks will pour its Doppel Blud, a new blood-orange red ale brewed with honey, for the first time. $40. 1-4 p.m. or 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave., www.logansquarebeerfestival.com

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2. Pig out at our favorite fall party

Don't miss Oyster Fest, one of the biggest outdoor parties of the year. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

Let's raise a half shell to Shaw's Crab House's Oyster Fest, a lively evening of seafood and live blues bands. Joining the 28th annual event is sister restaurant Oyster Bah, which will serve roasted oysters topped with poached butter and Bad Seed hot sauce. Bourbon and tequila cocktails, plus beer from Founders, will be on offer. $20. 3-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 at Hubbard and Rush streets, www.oysterfestchicago.com

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3. Feast and fest in the West Loop

Stephanie Izard, pictured in the kitchen at Duck Duck Goat, will come together with fellow West Loop chefs at a fall food festival this weekend. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

We're entering autumn, so street fests are numbered. Take advantage of the few remaining nice weekends at the Fulton Market Harvest Fest, organized by chefs Stephanie Izard and Paul Kahan. The two will dish out fare alongside pals from throughout the neighborhood (El Che Bar, Au Cheval, Cemitas Puebla and more). Chefs will also demo dishes, while plenty of drinks will be on hand. Live music from JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound rounds out the family-friendly fest. Pre-sale entry $25 (includes $20 in food and drink tickets). 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 on Fulton Market between Peoria and Halsted streets, www.fultonmarketharvestfest.com/tickets/

4. Hit up a bacon bacchanal

Celebrate bacon at Soldier Field. (Bill Hogan / Chicago Tribune)

Hordes will descend on Soldier Field this weekend, and not for sportsball: The Bacon and Beer Classic returns to the stadium. During the afternoon or evening session, gorge on candied bacon from Belly Up, bacon sausage from Big Fork, bacon potstickers from Inspiration Kitchens and much more. Battle your meat sweats with beer from Ale Syndicate, 4 Hands and Forbidden Root, among others. $69; $99 VIP. 11 a.m to 3 p.m. or 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, www.baconandbeerclassic.com

5. Celebrate Oktoberfest with Rick Bayless

Cruz Blanca celebrates German beer at a Saturday event. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

New Rick Bayless brewery and taco restaurant Cruz Blanca honors Germany this weekend with its Das Bueno Oktoberfest event. Mexico has a history of brewing that began long before European colonization, but German immigrants in the 19th century introduced darker styles to the nation. Das Bueno celebrates that with two new Cruz Blanca brews, the Oktoberfest Vienna Lager and Das Bueno Dopplebock, served with Strasbourg bretzels by La Fournette and bratwurst tacos by Bayless. Tickets include a beer stein, 1 liter of beer and 1 bretzel; additional food and drink priced a la carte. $20. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Cruz Blanca, 904 W. Randolph St., www.eventbrite.com

jbhernandez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @joeybear85






Goose Island announced this year's lineup of Bourbon County Stout beers, from left, Bourbon County Stout, Bourbon County Coffee Stout, Bourbon County Barleywine and Proprietors Bourbon County Stout. The beers will be relased the day after Thanksgiving.

Goose Island announced this year's lineup of Bourbon County Stout beers, from left, Bourbon County Stout, Bourbon County Coffee Stout, Bourbon County Barleywine and Proprietors Bourbon County Stout. The beers will be relased the day after Thanksgiving. (Goose Island)

When Goose Island releases its celebrated Bourbon County beers  Bourbon County Stout, Bourbon County Coffee Stout, Bourbon County Barleywine and Proprietors Bourbon County Stout  on the day after Thanksgiving, the dark, boozy brews will feature one new wrinkle: pasteurization.

The decision to pasteurize beer for the first time in Goose Islands 28-year history was made after four of six Bourbon County releases in 2015 developed off flavors because of unwanted bacteria.

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The brewery will use a process called flash pasteurization, which typically involves heating the beer to about 160 degrees for at least 30 seconds, then cooling it rapidly. Large craft brewers, including Deschutes, New Belgium, Anchor and New Glarus, flash pasteurize at least some of their beer. (Larger brewers typically use tunnel pasteurization, which exposes the beer to high temperatures for more time.)

RELATED: WILL FANS STILL LINE UP FOR BOURBON COUNTY STOUT?

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On Thursday, Goose Island brewmaster Jared Jankoski said he is well versed with flash pasteurization from his time working at New Glarus and that the process will not affect the flavor of Bourbon County beers. Due to last years infection issues, pasteurization was a clear decision, he said. There are no plans to pasteurize other Goose Island beers.

Goose Island has also implemented new standards for quality control that Jankoski described as more sensitive and specialized media (and) advanced detection and more sampling points.

It covers all barrel-aged brands and bleeds over into our other brands, simply because it gives a more thorough picture of our beer quality, he said. Its quite advanced and very thorough.

The brewery has also set very strict limits on where our barrels come from and how long we will allow from the time of whiskey extraction to when they arrive here for filling, Jankoski said in a blog post posted Thursday.

RELATED: BOURBON COUNTY STOUT OFFERS 2ND ROUND OF REFUNDS

Deschutes brewmaster Veronica Vega said the Oregon brewery began flash pasteurizing the barrel-aged portions of its beers in 2010 after a contamination issue the previous year.

The 2016 BCS beers, details of which were announced Thursday, include:

Proprietor's Bourbon County Stout, made with chipotle peppers and cocoa nibs and aged in bourbon barrels that previously held maple syrup.

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Bourbon County Coffee Stout, made with a Costa Rican bean called flecha roja, a roast that blends flavors of fruit and cherry, chocolate and nuttiness and a sublime aroma, the brewery said.

Bourbon County Barleywine will be aged in "second-use" barrels that previously held bourbon. Previously, the beer has been aged in "third-use" barrels that held both bourbon and Bourbon County Stout. The change is expected to produce a bolder, boozier flavor.

Bourbon County Stout, the original member of the Bourbon County family, first produced in the 1990s at Goose Island's brewpub on Clybourn Avenue.

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In recent years, Goose Island and its fast-growing barrel-aging program have produced five or six Bourbon County beers each winter. While the brewery had labels approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for a Proprietors aged in Scotch barrels and a beer called Maple Rye Stout that was a version of Proprietors (Stout aged in bourbon and rye whiskey barrels with maple syrup, chipotle peppers and cacao nibs added, according to the label), the beer aging in rye barrels wasnt ready for extraction when we tasted them, so those are continuing to age, Jankoski said.

No further information was available about the version of Proprietor's aged in Scotch barrels.

jbnoel@chicagotribune.com

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I grew up in love with New York, thanks to the movies. I also grew up terrified of New York, also thanks to the movies. The medium thrives on mixed messages from which we never fully recover.

The original "Death Wish" starring Charles Bronson came out in 1974 (I caught it much later). It took place in New York City at a brutal, bloody low point in the popular imagination. And that is where Chicago finds itself today.

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Think back to when New York City was a punchline, and the preferred shorthand for urban terror. In 1974, playing to audiences who'd already panicked in Needle Park, and chuckled nervously through the grim yocks of Neil Simon's "The Out-of-Towners," New York was in the dumper, and all a movie had to do to evoke big-city hostility and rampant criminal scum was to tell a New York story. "The French Connection." "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." And so forth.

Check out the trailer for director Michael Winner's "Death Wish" sometime. It's an ironic sick joke, with an opening voice-over line coaxing moviegoers to "enjoy a typical afternoon in New York City." Seconds later: home invasion; rape; murder; and Bronson's character, the architect and Korean War veteran Paul Kersey, becomes a widower.

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More voice-over, as the recovering pacifist murders mugger after mugger after mugger: This, we hear, is "the story of a man who decided to clean up the most violent town in the world." That's right. There was a time, before the squeaky-cleanup of Times Square, when New York's image in the popular culture was rougher, meaner, scarier than Chicago's. The tragedy of 9/11 didn't make that image worse; instead, it had the cultural after-effect of making the city more vulnerable, and human.

Bruce Willis stars in a remake of "Death Wish," which will be shooting some chase sequences in Chicago this week.

This week in Chicago, the forthcoming remake of "Death Wish" starring Bruce Willis and directed by Eli "Hostel" Roth is filming some action sequences in the Loop and in the Pilsen neighborhood.

Most of the picture is being shot in cost-effective and versatile Montreal. We'll have to wait until 2017 to find out if the new "Death Wish" uses Chicago as generic background or as a pointed, loaded, famously violent character in the update.

Brian Garfield's novel, published in 1972, didn't have a lot in common with the Bronson franchise; its stance on vigilante justice was much more skeptical in its attitudes than the bloodthirsty films it inspired.

It's absurd to talk about a movie as unforgettable and troubling as Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" in relation to "Death Wish." (They were released two years apart.) But they belong to the same genre. Just as Shakespeare toned up his era's revenge thrillers, "Taxi Driver" showed what the right artists can do with pulp, and the right subject: New York, feverish hellhole.

Scorsese took his New York nightmare far above the grubby ambitions of Winner's film. He and screenwriter Paul Schrader didn't want to treat their protagonist, vigilante Travis Bickle, like a straight-up hero, although plenty of paying customers saw the movie in those less complicated "Death Wish" terms.

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In the '74 "Death Wish," the implicit and overt racism is pretty stunning and very much of its era. The characters take the omnipresent threat of their city for granted. "Stick 'em in concentration camps, that's what I say," says one of Kersey's colleagues, referring to all the criminals and creeps lurking in the bushes and on the subways. At one point another character says: "Decent people are gonna have to work here and live somewhere else," a variation on a line I've heard once too often at social gatherings here in Chicago.

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Kersey's teased by his colleague for being "one of them knee-jerk liberals." But like the Dustin Hoffman character in "Straw Dogs," released three years before "Death Wish," Kersey is one violation away from rethinking his politics and increasing the murder rate, in the "right" direction.

The makers of the film "Big Bad Wolves," Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado, were on board to make "Death Wish" until they came to a creative-differences impasse with the producers, leading to Roth taking over as director. There was not enough preproduction time, they later wrote on Facebook, according to Deadline.com's Mike Fleming Jr., to adapt the reboot's script properly. What they had in mind, they said, was part "Taxi Driver," a little bit of "Falling Down" (Michael Douglas, cleaning up LA after a hard, hard day) and "a bloodcurdling finale like 'Sicario.'"

In a fortuitous handoff of locales, at the end of the original picture Bronson moves to Chicago with the blessing of the NYPD detective who discovers the vigilante hero's identity. Kersey gets off the train, meets his new work colleague in Union Station, turns his head, and there it is, like clockwork: another mugging in progress. Bronson eyes the assailants, and with a smile, he points his finger at him, like a gun. Audiences loved it. Soon enough we'll know if the new "Death Wish," filmed partly in Donald Trump's favorite punching bag of a city, will feel the love amid the carnage all over again.

Movies on TV: Friday night on Turner Classic Movies, Michael concludes his September guest-host duties as he introduces "Reds" and "Under Fire" as part of TCM's Star of the Month tribute to Gene Hackman.

Michael Phillips is a Chicago Tribune critic.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

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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)
The former Trumbull Elementary School in Chicago features a mural above the auditorium entrance. The TimeLine Theatre Company's plans to build at the school have hit a roadbloack after Svigos Asset Management decided to pursue federal tax credits for historical preservation within the landmark building. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune 2013)

After setting its sights on moving to a new home in the former Trumbull Elementary School in the Chicago neighborhood of Andersonville, and investing a great deal in the process, the TimeLine Theatre Company now finds itself back at square one.

The issue? The anointed redeveloper of the decommissioned Chicago public school, Svigos Asset Management, made the decision to pursue federal tax credits for historical preservation efforts within the landmark building, That brought scrutiny by both the state of Illinois and the National Park Service, the rule makers for those credits from a preservation standpoint, on the auditorium in that school, which was the part of the building that TimeLine was set to occupy. The rest is to be residential.

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Trumbull is indeed an architecturally significant building  inside, for example, are a variety of murals that date to 1913. One of them is above the door to the auditorium. There also is a rotunda within the auditorium.

TimeLine would not have touched that mural  which depicts Christopher Columbus and his arrival in the Americas  nor the rotunda, but the theater did want to adapt the auditorium to its own needs. In essence, its plan had called for building a black-box type of theater within the auditorium space. As the space exists, it has the kind of sloping floor and small, fixed proscenium common to elementary schools. But that's no good for a professional theater like TimeLine, which needs a flexible environment.

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"We were told we would not even be able to level the floor," said PJ Powers, artistic director of TimeLine, in an interview this week. "We just realized it was not a good fit with this developer."

TimeLine originally partnered with another developer on the project. But that developer did not win the bid. The business and residential communities of Andersonville, however, had expressed a desire for a theater in that space, ideally TimeLine, and it thus became part of the official request for proposals. So with the matchmaking help of Ald. Patrick J. O'Connor, 40th, TimeLine and Svigos, the winning bidder, took part in something of an arranged marriage.

One that now has resulted in divorce.

Although he said he was reluctant to talk to the media, Nick Vittore of Svigos said that his company was sorry "this did not work out" and was, he said, "now actively looking for another theatrical partner."

The question, however, will be whether any professional theater could make such a space work.

In Evanston, the now-defunct Next Theatre struggled greatly within the confines of its own former elementary school auditorium at what is now the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Such spaces with their small, end-on stages, sloping floors and fixed seats are difficult to adapt to today's environment for professional theaters. Powers said that TimeLine had been hoping for an arrangement similar to the one enjoyed by the Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Pumping Station. Lookingglass was allowed to build a very flexible and viable space within the historic exterior.

That's what TimeLine thought was the deal at Trumbull (there are many other similar examples of arts adaptive re-use in Chicago) and it seems to be what the neighborhood wanted. But once you prohibit any changes to the configuration of the auditorium, it kills the deal from TimeLine's perspective. From this ambitious theater's point of view, it would have meant spending a great deal of money to get something they didn't think would work well for them from an artistic standpoint.

What now? Powers said that TimeLine basically has to start over in its search for a new space. The company has its current home on Wellington Avenue in Lakeview inside a church building. And, Powers said, there it will remain until that search is successful. I am headed there this weekend to review "The Last Wife."

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Meanwhile, Svigos, according to O'Connor, still has the contractual obligation to find a theater company for the Trumbull building, 5200 N. Ashland Ave., since that was part of their purchase deal in the first place. No theater, no deal. For the moment, anyway.

"What is not restricted," he said, "is the ability for the developers to build a theater at the back of the building, on the north side, and then leave the auditorium as a community space. I am trying to make that work. I have not given up on the idea."

TimeLine, however, is not going to be that theatrical partner.

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@tribpub.com

Twitter @ChrisJonesTrib
The pilot for NBC's Tuesday-night drama "This Is Us" shocked a lot of viewers when it revealed how the lives of its ensemble cast of characters intersect. But the tearjerking plot twist isn't the only thing that sets the drama apart.

One of the show's main characters is Kate (Chrissy Metz), a 36-year-old woman confronting an ongoing struggle with her weight. In the pilot, we see her attend a weight-loss support group and go to extreme lengths to stop herself from eating junk food. But we also see her go on a date with a sweet guy who makes her laugh and makes it clear he's attracted to her.

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Television hasn't had the best track record with overweight female characters, who have typically been the subject of punchlines. Recent efforts, including the late CBS sitcom "Mike and Molly," Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva" and the short-lived ABC Family drama "Huge" took a step in the right direction, but tended to focus on the fact that a lead character was overweight.

There is similar criticism when it comes to Kate, whose storyline so far revolves around her desire to "lose the weight." (Salon's Melanie McFarland called her storyline "distressingly awash with problematic messages about food and fat shame.") But Kate is one of several characters with dynamic stories, and there is also something to be said about seeing a plus-size woman court a genuine love interest in a non-comedic way.

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Last year, "Empire" got people talking when one episode opened with a steamy love scene between Lyon family confidant Becky (Gabby Sidibe) and her slimmer paramour, rapper J Poppa (Mo McRae). The somewhat unexpected scene provoked both praise and ridicule, which Sidibe addressed in an recap for EW.com:

"I, a plus sized, dark-skinned woman, had a love scene on primetime television. I had the most fun ever filming that scene even though I was nervous. But I felt sexy and beautiful and I felt like I was doing a good job. I'm very proud of the work we all did to make that scene a great opening for the episode. I keep hearing that people are 'hating' on it. I'm not sure how anyone could hate on love but that's OK. You may have your memes."

To some extent, the scene -- which also spurred the hash tag #MyFatSexStory -- was refreshing. Sex scenes are not uncommon on the Fox drama. And as prone as Hollywood is to pairing schlubby men with beautiful, put-together women, it's far less common to see a physically fit man relish a tryst with an overweight woman (let alone, one who exudes confidence). On the other hand, it's hard to believe that "Empire," a show that seems intent on delivering one over-the-top scene after another, was aiming for anything deeper than shock value.

In 2014, Louis C.K.'s FX dramedy "Louie" got attention for an episode (titled "So Did the Fat Lady") that offered some insight into dating as an overweight woman, or "the fat girl," as a love interest (played by Sarah Baker) for the title character called it in a nearly seven-minute speech. The episode (written by C.K.) was widely praised, though some critics deemed elements of the speech condescending.

In a piece for Vulture, Danielle Henderson wrote that she liked the episode until the last few minutes of the speech. "I'm uncomfortable because I'm not sure if C.K. is using this monologue to reveal something about himself, or if he's actually trying to get inside the heads of fat women and take a stand on our behalf." Henderson continued:

"To me, the entire monologue was heavy-handed and aimless, relying too much on tropes of fat girl-ness (we can't tell anyone how bad it sucks, but all we want to do is scream at men about how bad it sucks) instead of the usual curiosity into the weird complexity of the human condition that we've come to expect from "Louie." This didn't feel like a joke - it felt like a plea, a plea I'm not sure he's qualified to make. I was bothered that he took this previously badass woman  and turned her into a pathetic showcase of hidden weaknesses just looking for the right man to unleash her unhappiness upon. The real kicker is when after all of her pleading, she says 'I don't need a boyfriend or husband, I just want to hold hands with a nice guy.'"

"This Is Us" has an opportunity to shift the dating conversation through Kate's relationship with Toby, who she meets at her weight-loss support group. While the pilot is fairly one-note when it comes to Kate's issues, her resolve to change her life indicates that we could see character exploration that isn't tied to a love interest. In this week's episode, Kate told Toby that her lifelong weight struggle was "at the core" of who she is: "It's always going to be about the weight for me ... It's been my story ever since I was a little girl, and every moment that I'm not thinking about it, I'm thinking about it."

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But the NBC drama can still ensure that Kate's story evolves beyond her efforts to lose weight. That may happen with impending changes for Kate and her twin brother, Kevin, whose own story took a significant turn in this week's episode. There is nothing wrong with having a very real, common struggle be a part of Kate's story, but it should not be the entirety of it.

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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)
Certain treatments can cause harm, but with physicians who have experience in treating pregnant women with breast cancer, individually designed plans of action can successfully treat the cancer while keeping the baby healthy. (Tetra Images)

Sarah Mital, a 35-year-old resident of New York was trying to get pregnant when she discovered a lump in her right breast.

The next month, at her annual OB-GYN visit, Mital was referred to Dr. Sharon Rosenbaum Smith, a breast surgeon at Mount Sinai West in New York to assess the lump.

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Rosenbaum Smith diagnosed Mital with invasive ductal carcinoma in her right breast and ductal carcinoma in situ in her left breast after a series of scans and biopsies.

A week after the diagnosis, Mital learned she was pregnant.

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Worried about her health and that of the baby, Mital began a series of consultations with surgeons, medical oncologists and obstetricians/gynecologists to design a plan to treat her cancer while ensuring the delivery of a healthy baby.

Rosenbaum Smith stressed that surgery is completely safe during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During the first trimester, however, the organs of a baby are forming and any treatment is discouraged. Second- and third-trimester surgery is safe provided the anesthesiologist and surgeon work together to decide on the best timing and the safest anesthetics to use.

Mital had a lumpectomy in each breast and a sentinel node biopsy that showed that some cancer cells were detectable in the lymph nodes, but not enough to cause increased concern.

Every year 1 in 3,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, according to the National Cancer Institute. Terminating pregnancies was encouraged in the past for women who were diagnosed with cancer. It's been learned that termination does not improve a mother's chance of surviving cancer, however, and no evidence exists to indicate that a mother's cancer harms a baby in utero.

Certain treatments can cause harm, but with physicians who have experience in treating pregnant women with breast cancer, individually designed plans of action can successfully treat cancer while keeping the baby healthy.

In 2015, a significant study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine comparing 129 babies born to women diagnosed with breast cancer who were treated during pregnancy with a similar group of babies born to women who did not have breast cancer. The study showed no difference in outcomes, including length of pregnancy, size and cognitive development of babies, and infant heart disease or malformation.

"With the proper team and attention, breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is treatable and beatable," said Dr. Ann Partridge, founder and director of the Breast Cancer Treatment Center at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center in Boston.

According to the American Cancer Society, although breast cancer in pregnant women is rare, it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women who are pregnant.

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The risk is slightly higher for older women who decide to have a baby because the chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age.

The increase in breast density during pregnancy makes lumps harder to detect, and a diagnosis of cancer is often made later than it might be otherwise. Once a lump or other sign of breast cancer is discovered, though, the next steps are what will determine the outcomes for mother and baby. The ultimate goal is to control the cancer and keep it from spreading, while protecting the fetus.

The NCI noted that all treatment decisions are individual and the result of tests that show how quickly the cancer may be growing, how likely it is to spread, how well certain treatments might work and how likely it is that the cancer will recur. The prognosis, said the NCI, depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of breast cancer, the age of the unborn baby when cancer is diagnosed and the mother's general health.

Dr. Joanne Stone, director of maternal fetal medicine at Mount Sinai Health Care Systems in New York, said it's important for women to know that if breast cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy, they have options and safe treatments can be administered that don't adversely affect the outcome.

"Our job is to work with a team of doctors and to discuss these options with the patient to achieve the best possible results," said Stone.

Rosenbaum Smith recommended that Mital have an oncotype or genomic test that, for some cancers, can predict the chance of metastasis or the likelihood of the disease spreading to other organs. Based on the oncotype score and a range of other factors, a joint decision was made by Rosenbaum Smith and Dr. Tessa Cigler, Mital's medical oncologist, to give Mital chemotherapy during the second and third trimesters of her pregnancy. She received six rounds of chemo every three weeks.

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While experts agree that chemotherapy is safe for pregnant women after the first trimester, radiation treatments to reduce the risk of the return of cancer should never be administered during a pregnancy.

At the end of March, Sasha Mital made a safe and healthy entrance into the world. In May, her mother began daily radiation treatments for a month. She will be followed for another year and will be taking hormone drugs for the next 10 years.

Because the risk of recurrence is highest in the near term, a woman who has undergone treatment for cancer during pregnancy will often remain on hormone treatment for two or three years. If she decides she wants to have another baby, her doctor would advise her to stop taking hormones, try to get pregnant and to resume hormone treatments after the baby's birth.

Partridge and Dr. Erica Mayer work together daily with women who are pregnant and have breast cancer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's breast oncology center. They say the most important ingredient in delivering a healthy baby and curing a mother with cancer is to assemble an integrated team of experienced and collaborative colleagues who together and individually get to know their patients, because the decisions that have to be made involve fitting various pieces together in order to maximize the efficacy of the treatment for each patient. "Women need to know," says Partridge "that the evidence shows that pregnant women with breast cancer can be successfully treated."

Barbara Sadick is a freelancer.

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A new study found that women who use the pill may have a slightly higher risk of developing depression, and teenagers may be most vulnerable. (Dimitri Otis / Photographer's Choice)

Women who use hormonal methods for birth control, such as "the pill," may have a slightly higher risk of developing depression  and teenagers may be most vulnerable, a large study in JAMA Psychiatry suggests.

Researchers said the findings confirm the link between hormonal birth control and depression symptoms. However, the association does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

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Manufacturers already list "mood changes," including new or worsening depression, on their products' list of potential side effects. But this new study of more than 1 million women strengthens the evidence of a connection, said Dr. Ojvind Lidegaard, of the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark.

Lidegaard said women with a history of depression symptoms might want to consider nonhormonal contraception  such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg.

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Lidegaard's team tracked more than 1 million women ages 15 to 34 for six years, on average.

Women on hormonal birth control were anywhere from 23 percent to two times more likely to start an antidepressant, compared with women not on hormonal contraceptives. And the risks were larger when the researchers focused on teens ages 15 to 19.

Teenagers using hormonal patches or vaginal rings, or IUDs containing progestin, were roughly three times more likely to be prescribed an antidepressant, versus other teens, the findings showed.

Still, the differences in absolute terms were small, Lidegaard's team found. Just over 133,000 women started on an antidepressant during the study period.

Dr. Jill Rabin, a New York obstetrician-gynecologist who was not involved in the study, said it's important to keep the issue in perspective. The small increase in depression risk has to be weighed against the "pro" of using effective birth control.

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This excerpt from video released to the public shows the most complete version of the shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. It is edited for length by the Chicago Tribune. Warning: This video contains graphic images. (Chicago Tribune)

Alma Benitez had just stopped for a bite to eat at a Southwest Side Burger King in October 2014 when she witnessed the now-infamous killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer.

Benitez, who was headed home from the night shift at a nearby sandwich shop, was adamant from the beginning that Officer Jason Van Dyke had no reason to fire at McDonald, who was shot 16 times, including numerous times as he lay wounded in the street.

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But a federal lawsuit filed this week alleged Benitez was detained at a police station for hours and pressured to change her story by detectives who falsely claimed video of the shooting showed McDonald had lunged at officers with a knife, contradicting her account.

The dashboard camera video from a squad car at the scene, however, showed that Van Dyke opened fire as McDonald walked away with the knife in his hand, according to the lawsuit.

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The suit also alleged a long-standing code of silence within the Police Department allowed officers to cover up details of the shooting and keep the dashcam video out of the public eye for more than a year.

A city Law Department spokesman declined to comment Thursday on Benitez's lawsuit, citing the pending litigation.

Van Dyke was charged last November with first-degree murder just hours before the court-ordered release of the video caused a firestorm of controversy that led to weeks of street protests, the firing of police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and a U.S. Justice Department investigation of Chicago police practices that is ongoing.

Benitez's lawsuit, filed Monday, marks the first by a witness to the McDonald shooting that alleges pressure by police to cover up Van Dyke's actions.

But in the weeks before the city agreed to pay $5 million to McDonald's estate, lawyers representing the teen's family alleged in a scathing letter to city attorneys that at least two other witnesses to the shooting in addition to Benitez were treated in similar fashion. All three were questioned for hours at the Area Central police headquarters and pressured into changing their accounts to match the official police version, according to the March 2015 letter.

Benitez testified last year before a federal grand jury investigating the shooting, according to multiple sources, but no criminal charges have been filed.

Speaking to reporters after an address at the City Club of Chicago this week, U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon confirmed only that "there is and was a federal investigation related to" the McDonald shooting.

Meanwhile, a Cook County special prosecutor who has been appointed to probe a possible cover-up by other officers and supervisors at the scene is impaneling a grand jury.

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The accounts of multiple officers at the scene differed sharply with what the video showed.

Benitez could not be reached for comment Thursday. Her lawyer, Amanda Yarusso, told the Tribune the 31-year-old mother of three was headed home at about 10 p.m. on Oct. 20, 2014, when she and a friend stopped at the Burger King drive-thru in the 4100 block of South Pulaski Road to get something to eat.

After McDonald was shot, Benitez was interviewed by television news crews at the scene and featured in several news reports the next day saying McDonald was clearly not a threat to the officer. She said Van Dyke had no reason to open fire.

"It was superexaggerated," Benitez said in one report aired on WMAQ-Ch.5. "You didn't need that many cops to begin with. They didn't need to shoot him. They didn't. They basically had him face to face. There was no purpose why they had to shoot him."

According to the lawsuit, Benitez had tried to take photos and video of the scene with her cellphone but wasn't sure the recordings worked. Once police "became aware" she was trying to record the incident, they demanded she surrender her phone and accompany officers to the detective headquarters at 51st Street and Wentworth Avenue, where she was detained for as long as six hours, the suit alleges.

The suit accuses several officers and detectives of then writing false reports misstating what Benitez and other witnesses at the scene had told them.

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According to handwritten police reports released by the city in the weeks after Van Dyke was charged, Benitez told detectives she saw a black male running south on Pulaski being followed by a "lot of police." She tried to grab her phone and record the "chase" but wasn't sure she was able to record anything, according to the detective's account of what she told police. She then heard at least eight "continuous" shots and saw a police officer pointing a gun at the black male, who at that point was on the ground, the report stated.

The report stated Benitez allowed the detective to check her phone but that it was "negative for any video recording."

A handwritten note near the top of the report stated Benitez "refused to remain" at the Area Central headquarters "for further interview" and left with her friend.

Benitez, however, alleges in her lawsuit that she was never told she was free to go. Detectives kept her at the police station until about 4 a.m., when she was finally allowed to leave, she alleges.

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According to the March 2015 letter from McDonald's family attorneys, Benitez reported she was "appalled by what she witnessed, and actually screamed out 'stop shooting!' as Officer Van Dyke continued to discharge his weapon while Laquan was laid in the street." The letter claimed she was allowed to leave the station only after she demanded to see a lawyer and that she was "threatened and harassed" on multiple occasions after she was featured in news reports.

Police reports noted another witness, a truck driver who was updating his logbook in the Burger King parking lot, said he heard shots but did not see the actual shooting. But the truck driver later told the McDonald family lawyers he had witnessed the shooting and told police in an interview at the area headquarters that it was "like an execution," according to a second letter sent to the city's deputy corporation counsel on March 23.

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But officers on the scene reported a far different scene in their written accounts. At least one patrol officer said McDonald was advancing on the officers in a menacing way and swung his knife at them in an "aggressive, exaggerated manner" before he was fatally shot. Officers claimed, too, that even after McDonald had been shot by Van Dyke, the teen tried to lift himself off the street with the knife pointed toward the officers.

Detective David March ruled the shooting a justifiable homicide, saying McDonald had committed an aggravated assault against the three officers and forced Van Dyke to shoot "in defense of his life," according to the reports. March also found no discrepancies between the video and officers' statements, though city and law enforcement officials now acknowledge inconsistencies.

In August, 22 months after McDonald's shooting, police Superintendent Eddie Johnson moved to fire Van Dyke, three other patrol officers and a sergeant he accused of lying about the shooting.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
Surveillance video shows bystanders running following the fatal shooting of a Mundelein man near the University of Illinois in September 2016. (City of Champaign) (Chicago Tribune)

The 18-year-old suspect in the shooting death of a Mundelein man in Champaign had been arrested earlier this month, less than two days after being paroled from a state corrections department boot camp, authorities said Thursday.

Robbie Patton, who turned himself in to authorities late Thursday in the deadly shooting, was charged on Sept. 11 with giving University of Illinois police a false name during a traffic stop, campus police said.

Authorities allege that, just after midnight on Sunday, Patton pulled out a weapon and started shooting when a fight broke out in U. of I.'s bustling Campustown district. George Korchev, 22, of Mundelein, was killed, and three others were struck by gunfire and injured, including a longtime friend of Korchev from Round Lake, Erik Lasaine, also 22.

The men who were shot had been passing by and weren't part of the altercation, according to police and Lasaine, who has spoken publicly about the pandemonium that ensued and the realization that he'd been shot in the back.

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Authorities announced Wednesday that an arrest warrant for first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm had been issued for Patton, a Champaign resident.

A little more than two weeks prior to the shooting, Patton had successfully completed a four-month stint in a boot camp  effectively staving off an eight-year prison sentence for a separate felony firearm offense, authorities said. In that case, Patton pleaded guilty to discharging a weapon in broad daylight at a Steak 'n Shake in December.

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But within two days of his release from boot camp, University of Illinois police stopped a vehicle Patton was traveling in for failing to signal a turn, department spokesman Patrick Wade said. Officers smelled a "strong odor of cannabis emanating from the vehicle," and when they searched passenger Tyren Mercier, they found 25 plastic bags of suspected cocaine in his wallet, according to Wade and the Champaign County state's attorney's office.

Robbie Patton, 19, of Champaign, was convicted Sept. 28, 2017, of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in the 2016 shooting that killed George Korchev, 22, of Mundelein, and wounded three others. (Champaign Police Department)

Mercier, 18, of Champaign, was arrested and charged with delivery of a controlled substance, Wade said, while Patton was arrested and charged with obstructing identification, a misdemeanor, for allegedly lying to police about his name.

"He later admitted he had just been released from (the Department of Corrections) a day earlier, and he lied because he was on parole," Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz said Thursday.

Authorities said Patton had $600 in his pockets when he was arrested. His bond was set at $1,500 and he posted the necessary $150 to be freed, Rietz said. A post on what appears to be his Facebook page later the same day read: "Police Took All My Money Lastnight."

Patton pleaded not guilty on Sept. 15 to the obstruction charge. Another post on his Facebook account indicated he had to visit a parole officer.

The Illinois Department of Corrections is notified when a parolee is arrested.

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"However, department policy does not require an immediate violation on misdemeanor charges," a department representative said in an emailed statement. "Those who are arrested receive a sanction, which is included in their file."

Authorities said the argument that led to Sunday's shooting started during a party at a nearby apartment, possibly over a spilled drink. The confrontation led to a number of physical altercations in a nearby parking lot, including the severe beating by several individuals of a male believed to be one of Patton's associates.

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GRAPHIC CONTENT: Naperville resident Kathryn Lawlor captured on Snapchat some of the gunfire that killed George Korchev near the University of Illinois in September 2016. (Chicago Tribune)

Korchev was a 2012 Mundelein High School graduate who had recently earned a degree in nursing at the College of Lake County. He was scheduled to start a nursing job on Monday at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Champaign-area law enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service's Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team continue to search for Patton.

Anyone with information on the shooting or Patton's whereabouts is asked to contact Champaign police at 217-351-4545 or police@champaignil.gov.

tbriscoe@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @_tonybriscoe
A man was fatally shot as he and another man attempted to rob two men in a car in the 4300 block of South State Street late on Sept. 28, 2016, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Nancy Quintero was working at her father's Southwest Side restaurant late Wednesday when she heard about eight gunshots fired nearby.

She told the worker making tacos on a grill outside to come inside and she called police.

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About 11:50 p.m., a 36-year-old man was shot in the leg and a 26-year-old man was shot in the face, Chicago police said. The men had been standing in the 4700 block of South Kedvale Avenue in the Archer Heights neighborhood when someone began shooting at them.

The men were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where their conditions were stabilized. No one was in custody.

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A 22-year-old man who did not want to be identified said he was outside when the shooting happened.

"It was just instant," he said. "It just happened."

He had gone to the Illinois Bar & Grill, at the intersection where the shooting took place, with three other friends. One friend recalled that the men went into the bar after the shooting, describing one of the men as having blood all over his face.

A woman who was with the 22-year-old man said she goes to the Illinois Bar & Grill once every couple of weeks for the food.

"This never happens," she said. "That's why I'm in shock."

The friends huddled together outside of the bar while police searched for evidence.

Quintero's father's restaurant is down the street from where the shooting took place. It wasn't the first time she's heard gunshots in the area, but she said Wednesday's shooting was distinct, because people were injured.

"It's never sounded so ugly," Quintero said in Spanish.

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Five other men were shot, one fatally, in separate shootings in Chicago since midafternoon Wednesday, police said.

A male, whose age was not yet known, was fatally shot while trying to rob two people inside a vehicle in the 4300 block of South State Street in the Robert Taylor Homes neighborhood on the South Side, police said.

The robbery happened about 8:20 p.m. Wednesday as a 22-year-old man and another man sat inside the car. Two men who had been walking in the area approached the car armed with guns and announced a robbery, police said.

That's when the 22-year-old man, who has a valid concealed gun license, shot one of the offenders, police said. The second offender left the area. No one else was injured. Detectives continue investigating the incident.

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Other shootings:

In the Brighton Park neighborhood about 4:20 a.m. Thursday, a 20-year-old man was shot on the arm while sitting in his parked car in the 3000 block of West 39th Place, police said. He was listed in good condition at Mount Sinai Hospital.

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About 6:30 p.m., a 21-year-old man was shot while driving in the 2800 block of East 79th Street in the South Shore neighborhood, said Kevin Quaid, a police spokesman. The man was driving east on 79th when he was shot in the back and left arm, Quaid said.

The man's vehicle crashed into a parked car, and he was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition, Quaid said.

About 5:25 p.m., a 38-year-old man was shot in the 6600 block of South Damen Avenue in the West Englewood neighborhood, Quaid said. The man was standing in front of a business when he heard gunshots and ran into the business. Once inside, he realized he'd been shot in the left shoulder, Quaid said.

The man was taken in critical condition o Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

About 3:40 p.m., a 28-year-old man was shot in the neck in the 700 block of South Kedvale Avenue in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. The man was sitting in a parked vehicle when someone fired at the car from outside.

The man escaped the vehicle and fled, Quaid said. He transported himself to Stroger Hospital, where he is in serious condition.
Police provided sketches of a person whose head was found Sept. 23, 2016, in the McKinley Park Lagoon. (Chicago Police Department sketch)

Chicago police have released two sketches of a person whose severed head was found last week in the McKinley Park Lagoon.

City officials this week had been draining the lagoon to see if other human remains might have been disposed of there. The draining was completed Wednesday, according to police, but information on the results of the further search wasn't immediately available.

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A maintenance worker found the head inside a bag Friday morning while cleaning the lagoon near Pershing Road and Damen Avenue on the South Side.

Officials investigate at McKinley Park where a worker found what was believed to be a human head in the lagoon Friday morning and police recovered other human remains. Sept. 23, 2016. (WGN-TV) (Chicago Tribune)

Police have not yet determined the person's gender but say the person is believed to have been black and between the ages of 15 and 25.

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Divers from the Police Department's marine unit later found in the lagoon a container carrying ashes, possibly from another human body, police officials told the Tribune on Tuesday.

Anthony Guglielmi, a police spokesman, said detectives were treating the severed head and ashes as "two separate discoveries." The ashes might have been discarded by family members or a crematorium, he said.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Members of Chicago Water Management work to drain the McKinley Park Lagoon on Sept. 26, 2016, at McKinley Park. A severed head was found Sept. 23, 2016, in the lagoon. This discovery has prompted the Police Department to work with Chicago Water Management to drain the lagoon. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

City workers started draining the lagoon Tuesday in an attempt to ensure no other human remains had been dumped there, Guglielmi said. The work will probably take several days to complete, he said.

On Tuesday, the entire lagoon was cordoned off with red and yellow police tape as several police vehicles were stationed at the south end. On the north end, at least two pumps were drawing water from the lagoon through hoses that stretched into sewers along 37th Street.

Anyone with information about the person depicted in the sketches is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8730.
A 22-year-old woman arrested Tuesday has been charged with selling two guns to someone who wasn't allowed to own them, authorities said.

Simone Mousheh, of northwest suburban Mount Prospect, was charged with illegal transfer of firearms and selling firearms to a person who doesn't have a valid state-issued firearm owner's identification card, according to Chicago police.

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The case against Mousheh began when she legally purchased a .40-caliber gun and soon afterwards reported it stolen, police said. That gun was later recovered by officers from a juvenile suspect on the West Side.

Mousheh, who had no criminal record, called a sergeant from the Chicago police firearm investigation team and inquired as to how to get her stolen gun back, police said.

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The firearm investigators then looked more into Mousheh's background and learned she had legally bought at least four firearms within a six-month period, with each weapon costing about $600.

Mousheh, who works in a chocolate factory with no known additional source of income, also made a $1,000 cash deposit on a military-style gun capable of firing bullets that can pierce a bulletproof vest, police said. That weapon costs about $1,300.

The firearm investigation team eventually learned that Mousheh sold two guns to a Hoffman Estates man who told authorities that he has ties to Chicago gangs, police said. She met the man on Facebook and sold him one of those guns a little over a week after buying it herself, police said.

Authorities, once they were in contact with Mousheh, allowed her to arrange for the man to give her back that gun, police said. Police then recovered it, along with another gun and ammunition that she stored at her home, authorities said. She also admitted to buying a 50-round magazine for a Glock firearm, according to authorities.

When Mousheh sold guns to the Hoffman Estates man, police said, she was aware that he did not have a valid FOID card and that he was on probation for a domestic battery conviction.

The firearm investigation team said Mousheh "is not an uncommon example of a female with a valid FOID card that illegally sells guns for profit."
A Chicago woman and her younger sister who were found dead at a luxury resort on a tropical African island died of excess fluid in their lungs and brain, the Seychelles News Agency is reporting.

The bodies of Robin Korkki, 42, of Chicago, and her sister, Annie Korkki, 37, of Denver, were found in their resort villa last week in Seychelles, an archipelago nation off Africa's east coast in the Indian Ocean.

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Their bodies were found Sept. 22 at the Maia Luxury Resort. The news began to spread among friends and family last weekend.

An autopsy performed on the sisters found that Robin Korkki died of "acute pulmonary edema," or excess fluid in the lungs, while Anne Marie Korkki died of "acute pulmonary and cerebral edema," according to the news agency.

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A forensic pathologist from a neighboring island performed the autopsy, and specimen samples from both women will be analyzed for toxins, the agency reported.

Island officials gave no indications about what could have triggered the deaths of both women, described by friends as physically fit and active.

The mystery surrounding the sisters' deaths will last a bit longer, said one noted forensic pathologist who told the Tribune the vagueness of the cause of the death will make the toxicology results and the investigation by local police all the more important.

"When we see pulmonary edema, it's a non-specific finding you see in lots of different things," said Dr. Judy Melinek, an author and forensic medical expert who provides testimony for criminal and civil trials. "So if you have an elderly person, it could be from heart failure," she explained.

Poisons and drug use could also trigger a pulmonary edema, she said.

Their brother, Chris Korkki, of Lakeville, Minn., said Thursday the family had learned nothing through official channels about the deaths.

Robin Korkki's Facebook page displayed photos of the sisters' trip, including one of the bikini-clad sisters three days before they were discovered.

Korkki worked as a commodities trader in Chicago since the mid-2000s and lived in the Wicker Park neighborhood. A longtime neighbor said Thursday that she was still too devastated by the news to comment.

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A friend, personal trainer James Everhart, said he was heartbroken after hearing of the deaths last weekend while out of town to attend a wedding. "I just broke down right there," he recalled Thursday in an interview with the Tribune.

Everhart said his professional relationship with Robin Korkki at a Lincoln Park gym quickly blossomed into a friendship, which eventually also led to a friendship with Annie. He said the elder sister's face "would light up when she talked about Annie."

The Korkki sisters  part of a large, tight-knit Minnesota family  were inseparable, Everhart said, whether they were traveling to exotic locales or just out for a day of shopping.

Robin Korkki, he added, was her happiest when she was traveling the globe.

"She was just so excited about all the trips she would take because she's somebody who just wanted to see the world. That was her thing," Everhart said. "She just really cared about life, itself. She put her life and soul into her work and family  and everything that she did and wanted to do."

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Everhart recalled how his friendship with Robin Korkki, which included long phone conversations and at least one trip to a Bulls playoff game, reached a deeper level when his mother became ill and eventually died in 2012.

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Korkki, he said, brought the same intensity she brought to her workouts, her career and her family to her friendship with him, insisting on being by his side and constantly helping.

"She was probably the most loving, caring person that I've ever come across," he said.

Chris Korkki told the Star Tribune that his mother and brother have traveled to Seychelles to press officials for answers. He said his mother also has been talking with the U.S. Embassy.

The Associated Press contributed.

wlee@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MidNoirCowboy
The Cook County medical examiner's office has changed its ruling in the death of a man found shot in a parked car on the Southwest Side last week, determining after further input from police investigators that his death was a suicide.

Omar Rangel, 20, was found in the 8200 block of South Scottsdale Avenue and pronounced dead at the scene at 6:30 a.m. Sept. 25, according to the medical examiner's office.

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Rangel, who the medical examiner's office said lived in the 8400 block of South Kilbourn Avenue, was discovered about 6:10 a.m., police said.

Police said the man had been shot in the head and the chest. Following an autopsy the next day, the medical examiner's office determined Rangel died of multiple gunshot wounds in a homicide, according to an office spokeswoman.

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Monday morning, the spokeswoman stated that the ruling was later changed to suicide after additional evidence from the police investigation was obtained.

Spent shell casings were found in the car, and a weapon was found in the man's hand, according to preliminary information from a law enforcement source on the day of the incident.
Two men were killed and a woman was wounded in two separate shootings on the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago within six hours of each other, according to Illinois State Police.



The first shooting took place shortly before 6 a.m. in the westbound lanes near Laramie Avenue, hitting 22-year-old Johnathon Ortiz and a 22-year-old woman traveling in a white Jeep Commander, according to state police. Ortiz, who was driving, was dead on arrival at Stroger Hospital, and the woman was taken there in critical condition, according to police.



State police shut down all outbound lanes of the expressway between California and Central avenues for several hours to canvass the area for evidence. Police found bullet casings near the scene, and the SUV was being processed at state police headquarters in Chicago, said Illinois State Police Master Sgt. George Jimenez. The expressway reopened to traffic about 9:30 a.m., police said.



The family of Ortiz, who lived in the 3100 block of West Monroe Street, said they believe the shooting is a case of mistaken identity.



"He's not a gangbanger. He's not affiliated with gang members," his older brother Pedro Ortiz, 28, said outside Stroger Hospital, where family and friends gathered. He said his brother did not have any gang tattoos. "He never did no harm to no one."



Pedro Ortiz said his younger brother was at home, where he lived with his mother and two brothers near Kedzie Avenue and Monroe Street, when his girlfriend called him to go get something to eat with her.



"We didn't expect my little brother to be dead and we've got to make funeral arrangements," he said.



Johnathon Ortiz was an aspiring rapper who performed under the stage name John Doe, his friends and relatives said. "He was one of those quiet types, kept to himself, hardly talked to anybody. Music pretty much helped him break out of his shell," Pedro Ortiz said.



The second shooting, around noon in the eastbound lanes on the Eisenhower at Central Avenue, left a male passenger wounded, according to Illinois State Police. Police said the uninjured female driver took the passenger to West Suburban Medical Center, where the medical examiner's office said he was pronounced dead 20 minutes later.



The man was identified as Devon Almon, 23, of the 200 block of North Kilbourn Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.



The second shooting appears to be gang-related and not connected to the first shooting, said Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Jason Bradley. The ramp at Central Avenue was closed for the investigation.



Illinois State Police said the second shooting Thursday marks the 44th on Chicago-area expressways since Jan. 1, including both accidental and police-involved shootings. Last year there were 38 shootings on Chicago-area expressways, police said. Another incident last year included in earlier numbers released by state police involved a BB gun and not a firearm.



Check back for updates.
Thursday 29

Mighty Magiswords (Cartoon Network 7:30pm) Two clumsy sibling go on a quest to collect all the stabby things to aid them in their heroes for hire business.

Friday 30

Marvels Luke Cage (Netflix streaming anytime) Marvel Comics streetsmart tough guy gets his own series after hanging around Jessica Jones for a season.

Crisis In Six Scenes (Amazon streaming anytime) Woody Allen helms his own TV series, a comedy about a middle-class family in the turbulent 1960s. Woody Allen, Miley Cyrus and Elaine May star. No, really.

Doomsday: 10 Ways the World Will End (History 9pm) If youre looking to get your mind off the hideous presidential election, heres a soothing antidote.

Saturday 1

Versailles (Ovation 8pm) This opulent historical docudrama follows King Louis XIV as he travels to Versailles after the French revolt to build the worlds fanciest palace.

Saturday Night Live (KOB-4 10:30pm) The 42nd season of the venerable sketch comedy show starts off with host Margot Robbie and musical guest The Weeknd.

Sunday 2

The Irresistible Blueberry Farm (Hallmark Movie Channel 7pm) Since its HMC, Im assuming this is sentimental and romantic. But that title is creeping me out. It sounds like some kind of Goosebumps book.

Westworld (HBO 7pm) Michael Crichtons 1973 thriller about robots run amok inside a Wild West theme park gets a creepy update with Ed Harris taking over for gunslinging Yul Brynner.

Monday 3

Kuu Kuu Harajuku (Nickelodeon 2pm) Remember back in 2004 when Gwen Stefani was obsessed with Harajuku, Tokyos trendy center of youth culture and fashion? Well, she still is. Heres a new cartoon shes producing about a group of giant-headed girls who form a band and have adventures in Harajuku World. Mattel has signed on as the global master toy licensee. So theres that.

Timeless (KOB-4 9pm) A futuristic fugitive steals a state-of-the-art time machine and proceeds to muck around with history. Naturally, a diverse team of attractive people are tasked with hunting him down and fixing his mistakes. On a weekly basis.

Conviction (KOAT-7 9pm) Hayley Atwell left Marvels Agent Carter for this confusing crime/courtroom drama about a lawyer/former first daughter busted for cocaine possession who gets an offer to avoid jail if shell lead the new Conviction Integrity Unit, a judicial task force seeking to overturn court decisions in cases where there is credible suspicion of a wrongful conviction. Got all that?

Tuesday 4

The Vice Presidential Debate (KASA- 2/ KOB- 4/ KOAT- 7/ KNME- 13 7pm) This should be a thrill a minute.

No Tomorrow (KWBQ-19 8pm) In this slightly off-kilter dramedy, a young woman meets a charming, free-spirited man who tells her that the apocalypse is fast approaching and encourages her to live life to its fullest.

Wednesday 5

Frequency (KWBQ-19 8pm) If you think hard, you may recall the 2000 sci-fi movie about a police detective who somehow contacts his dead father via shortwave radio and then tries to broadcast information that will stop him from being murdered in the past. Dennis Quaid was in it. This time the police officer is female, and Quaid has been replaced by Riley Smith from Nashville.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel sips a smoothie as Whole Foods co-CEO Walter Robb and managing partner of DL3 Realty Leon Walker stand near the entrance of the new Englewood store Sept. 28, 2016. ( Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield.

Topspin

Mayor Rahm Emanuel was all smiles at the Englewood Whole Foods opening, where instead of a ribbon cutting there was the breaking of a massive loaf of bread.

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"I want you all to give yourselves a hand for making this possible, for never giving in and never giving up to the cynics who said it never was possible, that it couldn't happen in Englewood," Emanuel said from a stage in the grocery store's parking lot. "This is a new day."

Emanuel then mingled with guests before heading into the store. His first stop was the coffee bar, where he purchased an Englewood Smoothie, a blend of apple juice, strawberries, ginger and honey. The mayor walked down a couple of aisles before stopping near the checkout counters, where he sipped the pink drink from a straw and chatted some more with Whole Foods co-CEO Walter Robb.

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Emanuel, a millionaire from his brief stint as an investment banker following his time in the Clinton White House, offered Robb some initial feedback on his purchase: "$5.62," noted a joking Emanuel, holding up the smoothie. "It's a little pricey." (Bill Ruthhart)

What's on tap

*Mayor Emanuel will break ground on a new development at 1001 W. Chicago Ave. He's not scheduled to take questions, but likely will face some about the Chicago Teachers Union setting an Oct. 11 strike date.

*Gov. Bruce Rauner's public schedule was not available.

*Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Jeffrey Tobolski, D-McCook, will take part in a Vietnam-era veterans commemoration ceremony at Brookfield Zoo. Later, Preckwinkle will cut a ribbon at an affordable housing complex in Melrose Park.

*Chicago City Council committees: Housing at 9:30 a.m., Transportation at 11 a.m. and Rules at noon. At Rules, the city is looking at adding a rule allowing public comment at all committee meetings: limiting it to three minutes on-topic only and calling on speakers to refrain from "profane language or obscene conduct," or "irrelevant, repetitious or disruptive comments." Agendas here.

What we're writing

*Trump raises $2 million in Bolingbrook, dispatches Illinois coordinator to Ohio, talks to Polish group on Northwest Side.

*Obama to headline Chicago campaign fundraiser for Duckworth next month.

*Chicago Teachers Union sets Oct. 11 strike date (which doesn't necessarily mean there will be a strike).

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*Emanuel seeks to borrow $25 million more to buy cars for all those new cops.

*City Council looks to ban police from threatening immigrants. The video that inspired the change.

*Federal judge approves latest plan to try to overhaul Illinois' child welfare system.

*Chicago loses major food trade show at McCormick Place.

*State audit details lax leadership at College of DuPage.

What we're reading

*Architect of Cubs' pending World Series victory gets contract extension.

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*Suspect in deadly U. of I. shooting was paroled two weeks before.

*D'oh! Man accused of spraying "Simpsons" graffiti around Naperville says cops illegally searched his phone.

From the notebook :

*Gay-rights GOP super PAC backing Kirk: American Unity PAC, a federal super political action committee backing Republicans who support gay rights, said it's launching a digital ad buy through Google to help re-election-seeking Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.

The group said it has dedicated $125,000 to Google's online platforms, including YouTube, to run an ad about atrocities the Iranian government allows to be committed against women, Christians and gays.

The ad is based on Duckworth's support of the U.S.-led effort to reach a deal aimed at curbing Iran's ability to develop a nuclear weapon.

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"Tammy Duckworth supported giving billions to that regime without concessions for human rights violations. When we had leverage, Tammy Duckworth didn't stand up for the vulnerable," a woman narrator says.

Tyler Deaton, a senior adviser for the super PAC, said, "Sen. Kirk was one of the first Republicans in Congress to endorse the freedom to marry. He's been a strong voice for LGBT freedom and a leader on national security." (Rick Pearson)

*Bishop Flip Flop? To kick off the grand opening of the new Whole Foods in Englewood, Bishop James Dukes was called upon to offer a prayer.

But first, the South Side pastor paused to praise Mayor Emanuel.

"Before we pray, I want to acknowledge a promise kept by the mayor that he made six years ago, that he was going to bring quality food to our community," Dukes said before going on to describe Englewood as "once a wasteland, where now we have created a great community."

Dukes joked with Emanuel on stage, at one point placing his hand on the mayor's shoulder. It was a far cry from January, when Dukes organized a boycott of prominent black pastors of the mayor's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Breakfast in the wake of the Laquan McDonald police shooting controversy.

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"It would be a horrible slap in the face to Dr. King and the pioneers of the civil rights movement to attend the mayor's breakfast while the mayor, his aides, his Law Department, his Police Department and his alleged independent police board have all engaged in cover-ups and shenanigans against African-Americans in this city," Dukes said then.

The South Side pastor even accused Emanuel of taking advantage of senior citizens to cover all the seats in the breakfast ballroom.

"The mayor had to go to his old tactics of bringing busloads of people in from the nursing homes, retirement centers to bring some black faces in to fill the room," Dukes said in January. "Those aren't normally the people who are here." (Bill Ruthhart)

*Emanuel praying for no recession? The city's largest worker pension fund could go broke if its investments tank  even if Mayor Emanuel's plan to hike contributions and require bigger payments into the retirement system from new employees goes into effect.

That's what board members of the Municipal Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund were told Wednesday by analysts for Segal Consulting, which the fund hired to evaluate the mayor's proposal.

They also were told the mayor's plan to increase the share of city employee wages deducted from their paychecks for the fund to 11.5 percent from 8.5 percent would not be such a hot deal for those workers. If new workers contributed that higher amount, they would be putting more into the fund than it costs to provide their retirement benefits, the analysts said.

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Those observations may be more than academic, with Emanuel still needing state approval for his plan, even though he's already succeeded in getting the City Council to approve a new water and sewer tax to increase the city's contributions to the retirement fund. Illinois lawmakers will want to hear from pension fund and union representatives when the mayor seeks approval of his legislation, and opposition could harm its chances of passage.

Kim Nicholl, Segal's senior vice president, told fund board members that if the fund lost a fair amount of its investments during the five years Emanuel wants to ramp up city contributions, that "would effectively make the fund go insolvent." And it wouldn't even take the kind of losses seen during the Great Recession, she said.

Emanuel's proposal  which would see the fund lose money but stay in the black until 2022, when the amount of money in its accounts would begin to rise again  relies on an assumed 7.5 percent return on investment.

Last year, the fund saw a 1.8 percent return on its investments. If the fund were to get a 0 percent rate of return, its balance would dip to about $2 billion, about what current employees have contributed. That money is held in reserve, and it's not clear if it could be used to pay benefits.

The fund, meanwhile, has legislation pending in Springfield that would ramp up city contributions to the fund at a brisker pace. If approved, that could force the city to further increase taxes. (Hal Dardick)

Follow the money

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*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

Beyond Chicago

*Congress overrides Obama veto of 9/11 bill. It's a first for him.

*U.S. threatens to suspend Syria bilateral cooperation with Russia.

*U.S. to protect families' right to take nursing homes to court, NYT reports.

*FBI's Comey on Clinton email probe: "Don't call us weasels."
Almost too small to reach the microphone, Zianna Oliphant stepped to the podium at the Charlotte City Council meeting on Monday.

Six days had passed since the fatal police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott - a period marked by anger and unrest in North Carolina's largest city. Zianna had come to discuss race relations. More specifically, the young girl wanted to talk to city leaders and police about being black.

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"I've come here today to talk about how I feel, and I feel like that we are treated differently than other people," she said. "I don't like how we're treated. Just because of our color - doesn't mean anything to me.

"I believe that . . ."

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Then, she bowed her head and broke down in tears.

"You're doing great," someone shouted from the crowd. "You're doing a great job."

"Don't stop," another adult quickly chimed in. "Do not stop!"

At the first council meeting since Woods was fatally shot, many Charlotte residents sharply criticized Mayor Jennifer Roberts, Police Chief Kerr Putney and other city leaders for how they responded to the deadly encounter and for how information was conveyed to the public.

Protesters had clogged the city's streets night after night, calling on police to release video of the shooting. Putney first said he had no plans to release the footage to the public, telling reporters that "transparency is in the eye of the beholder."

The department ultimately released two videos, neither of which answered a key question: Was Scott pointing a gun at police when he was fatally shot? (As it turned out, one of the officers failed to turn on his body camera when he responded to the call, which goes against department policy.)

On Monday night at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, less than 10 miles from the scene of Scott's fatal encounter with police, residents flooded the council meeting to voice their displeasure.

"Hands down! Shoot back!" they shouted. "No justice, no peace!"

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They also demanded that authorities "release, release - the whole damn tape," according to the Charlotte Observer.

One speaker, Henry Lee, demanded that the mayor and police chief step down.

"The way it was handled, the secrecy, the lies - we don't deserve this," he told the council, according to the Observer. "People are losing their lives, and you are backing these people with these policies. You don't deserve to be the mayor of this fine city. You are on the verge of bringing this fine city to its knees - step down."

During the emotionally charged meeting, Zianna got up to say her piece.

She wore a T-shirt decorated with a rainbow-colored skull-and-crossbones, with hearts floating from it.

A young boy helped her lower the microphone.

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"We are black people and we shouldn't have to feel like this," Zianna said, sobbing. "We shouldn't have to protest because y'all are treating us wrong. We do this because we need to and have rights."

The girl, whose age was reported by some local news outlets as 10, said she was born and raised in Charlotte. But until recently, she said, "I've never felt this way."

"I can't stand how we're treated," she said, as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"It's a shame that our fathers and mothers are killed and we can't even see them anymore. It's a shame that we have to go to that graveyard and bury them. And we have tears, and we shouldn't have tears.

"We need our fathers and mothers to be by our side."
WASHINGTON  A team of top scientists is telling world leaders to stop congratulating themselves on the Paris agreement to fight climate change because if more isn't done, global temperatures will likely hit dangerous warming levels in about 35 years.

Six scientists who were leaders in past international climate conferences joined with the Universal Ecological Fund in Argentina to release a brief report Thursday, saying that if even more cuts in heat-trapping gases aren't agreed upon soon, the world will warm by another 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit by around 2050.

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That 1.8 degree mark is key because in 2009 world leaders agreed that they wanted to avoid warming of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels. Temperatures have already risen about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, so that 2 degree goal is really about preventing a rise of another degree going forward.

Examining the carbon pollution cuts and curbs promised by 190 nations in an agreement made in Paris last December, the scientists said it's simply not enough.

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"The pledges are not going to get even close," said report lead author Sir Robert Watson, a University of East Anglia professor and former World Bank chief scientist who used to be chairman of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. "If you governments of the world are really serious, you're going to have to do way, way more."

If carbon pollution continues with just the emission cuts pledged in Paris, Earth will likely hit the danger mark by 2050, Watson and colleagues calculated, echoing what other researchers have found. They said with just a few more cuts, the danger level might be delayed by 20 years,

In Paris, the countries also added a secondary tougher goal of limiting warming to just another 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit as an aspiration.

There "is no hope of us stabilizing" at that temperature because the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere already commits the world to hitting that mark, Watson said.

Watson said a few weeks ago he was in Washington at an event with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and former Vice President Al Gore celebrating the accord as a victory.

"It struck me that this was naive," Watson said. "This is a real major challenge to stay even close to 2 degrees Celsius."

That 2-degree danger mark is on a continuum with harmful effects already being felt now at lower warming levels, Watson said. But he added: "As you go more and more above 2, the negative effects become more and more pronounced, more and more severe."

The report wasn't published in a scientific journal. Six outside scientists looked at for The Associated Press and said the science behind it was sound and so were the conclusions.

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"It is a good summary of what is common knowledge in the climate expert community but not widely appreciated by members of the public and even policy makers," said Stefan Rahmstorf, head of Earth system analysis at the Potsdam Institute in Germany. "So indeed it is a useful reminder notice to the world about what is at stake."

On Tuesday, scientists at Climate Interactive In Asheville, North Carolina, who weren't part of the report ran computer simulations using pledges from the Paris agreement and found that dangerous mark arrives around 2051, said group co-director Drew Jones.

Associated Press
Senate Democrats said Wednesday they are satisfied with a deal struck by House leaders late Tuesday to deliver federal aid to address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, removing a major flash point in negotiations to keep the government fully operating past Friday.

Under the deal, the House will vote Wednesday on an amendment to a pending water-projects bill that would authorize up to $170 million in infrastructure funds for communities such as Flint whose water systems are blighted by "chemical, physical, or biological" contaminants.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., addressing the Economic Club of Washington Wednesday morning, said the amendment would "help unlock" the spending bill. "We should be able to move this through, I believe, before Friday," he said.

An aide to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the amendment vote "represents a bipartisan agreement . . . that will, at the end of the day, provide the necessary funding Flint needs" once the bill passes and is reconciled with a Senate bill that authorizes $220 million in aid.

The breakthrough came after the Senate blocked progress Tuesday on a stopgap spending bill, raising the possibility of a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday. Most of those opposed were Democrats who vowed not to support any spending extension until Congress guarantees federal funding to address the Flint crisis.

By Wednesday morning, Senate Democrats were satisfied that, thanks to the House deal, Flint would be addressed once Congress returns after the Nov. 8 election.

"I am convinced that there is going to be help for Flint in the lame duck," Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said on the Senate floor. "They've been waiting for help, they deserve help, and I am very happy it is going to come."

Reid said the House deal "should lead to our being able to move forward" on the stopgap spending bill but a "couple of other outstanding issues" still needed to be resolved.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., unveiled a stopgap last week that addressed several Democratic demands, including a deal on funding for responding to the Zika virus and the elimination of several contentious policy riders. But it did not incorporate the $220 million Flint aid package that passed the Senate in separate legislation earlier this month.

With Democrats demanding funding for Flint, the bill failed to advance Tuesday on a 55-to-45 vote. The vote could be retaken as soon as Wednesday, setting up a vote on final passage no later than Friday.

Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., who co-authored the amendment with Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., said the agreement was "a step forward" to ensuring Flint gets aid but that work would have to continue.

"The people of my hometown have waited over two years for their government to help them in their time of need," he said in a statement. "We will continue to fight until Flint aid reaches the President's desk."

Top Democrats in both chambers, as well as members of the Michigan congressional delegation, pushed Thursday for action on Flint as the shutdown deadline drew closer.

"We just want to get it done," Pelosi told reporters. "We want a result, and we don't see a result right this minute."

Republican leaders countered by pointing out that Flint aid is likely to pass later this year as part of the separate water-projects bill, which cleared the Senate on Sept. 15 on a 95-3 vote. They instead charged Democrats with trying to create a shutdown crisis for political reasons.

"It's almost as if a few Democratic leaders decided long ago that bringing our country to the brink would make for good election-year politics, and then they've just made up the rationale as they go along," McConnell said Tuesday.

Democrats have sought federal relief money for the Flint crisis since January, and they have been eager to get the funding passed into law. The issue has stirred resentments over the inequities in the treatment of a majority-black city, and it has stayed near the top of Democrats' congressional agenda for months.

"We understand the communities that we represent, and our minority caucuses do not want to vote for a bill that does not have Flint in it," Pelosi said.

The Flint crisis is now into its second year, with most households and businesses in the Michigan city still unable to use their lead-tainted tap water for drinking or cooking. A decision made by a state-appointed emergency manager to switch water sources led to the corrosion of water-supply pipes that now must be replaced at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars.

The federal aid package would fund a portion of those costs while also helping Flint and other communities deal with the public-health implications of lead exposure.

Democrats had preferred that the aid be attached to the stopgap spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, or CR, because it is a must-pass bill that is guaranteed to become law. Even if the water-projects bill passes the House this week, the two chambers will have to resolve differences between the two bills in a process that might stretch into November or December. The deal struck Tuesday, however, should assure that the final product will include Flint aid.

Democrats on both sides of the Capitol were skeptical on Tuesday that House Republicans would deliver on Flint. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., an architect of the Senate aid package, said Tuesday she had adopted a "trust but verify" approach toward the House; Pelosi said that while McConnell had been "pretty firm" about delivering aid, "I don't get that from the House."

The White House said Monday that "Congress should quickly pass targeted funding to support Flint, Michigan, whether in the Water Resources Development Act or another vehicle."

Also aggravating Democrats was McConnell's decision to include in the stopgap spending bill $500 million in disaster relief for flooding in areas largely represented by Republicans - mainly Louisiana and Texas.

"We are happy to help with the disaster that took place in Louisiana . . . but couldn't they help Flint?" Reid said on Tuesday. "The Republicans are essentially saying the disasters in our states are more important than the disasters in your state. It is unfair, and it is wrong."

McConnell had suggested Tuesday that one solution would be to drop both the flood relief and the Flint package from the bill. But Democrats maintained said there was no need to delay aid to any of the ailing communities.
A Kashmiri Muslim protester holds a bamboo stick as he stands in tear gas smoke during a protest after funeral prayers for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross-border firing on Sept. 29, 2016. (Dar Yasin / AP)

NEW DELHI  India said Thursday it carried out "surgical strikes" against militants across the highly militarized frontier that divides the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan, in an exchange that escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Pakistan dismissed the reports that India's military had targeted "terrorist launch pads" inside the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir. Islamabad said instead that two of its soldiers were killed in "unprovoked" firing by India across the border.

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Tensions, which are always simmering between India and Pakistan, spiked after an attack earlier this month on an Indian military base in Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of sending militants belonging to the outlawed Jaish-e-Mohammed group, headquartered in Pakistan, to carry out the attack. Pakistan denied the charge.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been under heavy pressure to respond to the attack on the military base.

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Indian officials gave few details about the strikes across the disputed border late Wednesday night.

"Significant casualties were caused to the terrorists and those who support them," Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, director general of military operations for the Indian Army, told reporters in New Delhi. Singh said the operations were over and India has no plans for more strikes. He said he shared details of the strikes with his Pakistani counterpart.

Indian soldiers traveling on foot crossed the Line of Control into the Pakistani-controlled portion to attack several targets based on intelligence about imminent attacks, said a high-ranking Indian official who would only brief reporters on condition of anonymity. He said the Indian forces killed at least 10 people before retreating back into Indian-controlled territory. The Indian soldiers suffered no losses, he said.

The Pakistani military flatly denied any "surgical strikes" had occurred.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India," a Pakistani military statement said.

Pakistani officials said two of their soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded in the exchanges at five different places along the disputed border.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the "unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces."

The Pakistan military said in a statement that it "befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing"  implying it returned fire  along the Kashmir border near the villages of Bhimber, Kel and Lipa.

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Pakistan has sharply criticized India over its heavy-handed clampdown in Indian-controlled Kashmir following the killing of a Kashmiri militant leader nearly three months ago. Some of the biggest and most violent protests in recent years have broken out against Indian rule in Kashmir since the July 8 killing of Burhan Wani by Indian soldiers. A rolling curfew has been in place and more than 80 civilians have been killed by Indian troops who have used live ammunition and shotgun pellets to quell angry crowds.

Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both.

Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favor independence or a merger with Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over control of Kashmir since winning independence from British colonialists in 1947.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the insurgents and pushing them into the Indian portion of Kashmir to attack government forces and other targets. Pakistan says it provides only political and diplomatic support to the insurgents, who have been fighting since 1989.

Associated Press
WASHINGTON  The FBI will have up and running within two years a database that tracks instances of police use of deadly force, FBI Director James Comey told lawmakers Wednesday at a congressional hearing that reflected the sustained political interest in the Hillary Clinton email investigation.

The database is intended to capture how often police officers kill citizens in the line of duty and to correct a record-keeping gap that Comey said has resulted in uninformed conversations, based on anecdotes and not facts, about use of force. Demands for more complete records have grown in the past two years amid a series of high-profile deaths at the hands of police officers.

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"Everybody gets why it matters," Comey said of the planned database at an oversight hearing of the House Judiciary Committee.

Much of the hearing, though, focused on the FBI's handling of the now-closed investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server as secretary of state. Republican lawmakers demanded to know why the Justice Department had granted immunity to multiple individuals interviewed during the investigation, including Clinton's former chief of staff, and questioned whether someone in a less-powerful position than Clinton would have received the same treatment.

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The FBI recommended against prosecution in July and the Justice Department closed the matter. Comey again rejected the idea of a double-standard and that political considerations were factors in the case.

"You can call us wrong, but don't call us weasels. We are not weasels," Comey said.

It was the second time in two days that Comey has faced questions from members of Congress. He is the sole witness as the House Judiciary Committee reviews the FBI's performance in what is likely to be the agency's final oversight hearing this year.

On Tuesday, Republican senators on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee pressed Comey on whether anything could have been done differently to prevent recent acts of extremist violence, such as the Orlando nightclub massacre or the Manhattan bombing. Comey told senators that the FBI is transparent about mistakes, but under questioning from Republicans, he did not agree that anything should have been done differently.

Republicans in the last two days have seized on revelations that the Justice Department granted some form of immunity to nearly a half-dozen individuals tied to the Clinton email investigation.

Comey said agents granted immunity to Cheryl Mills, Clinton's former chief of staff, because they wanted to inspect her laptop as part of the investigation. The immunity deal was limited to information contained on her laptop, Comey said.

Republicans have assailed Comey's decision not to prosecute Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, accusing her of mishandling classified information.

"It defies logic and the law that she faces no consequences for jeopardizing national security," said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia.

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Comey also is likely to be grilled about a former State Department employee who helped set up the email server. The House could vote as soon as Thursday on a resolution to hold computer specialist Bryan Pagliano in contempt of Congress.

Associated Press
Peter Sonderby enjoyed the challenge of the law, said his wife, a retired federal bankruptcy judge. (Family photo)

Peter R. Sonderby was a longtime securities attorney in Chicago who was active in numerous legal groups and was a past president of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois' history association.

"He cared about the courts. When our court celebrated its 190th anniversary, Peter thought it'd be a good idea to develop pictorial murals of the court's history and because of Peter's foresight, those murals now hang on the 25th floor" of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, said retired Northern District Chief Judge James Holderman, a longtime friend.

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Sonderby, 75, died of complications from lung cancer on Aug. 17 while in hospice care in Joliet, said his wife of 26 years, retired federal bankruptcy Judge Susan Pierson Sonderby. Sonderby had been a Loop resident until 2014 and since then had divided his time between homes in Grand Beach, Mich., and Naples, Fla.

Born in Chicago, Sonderby was the son of Max Sonderby, a onetime investigative and courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times who later published the Cook County Jury Reporter, a news sheet that was a must-read for the legal community and was later sold to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

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Sonderby grew up in Beverly and graduated from Morgan Park High School. After earning an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1964, Sonderby completed a law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he was an editor of the law review.

After law school, Sonderby moved back to Chicago, where he was a partner at the Chadwell & Kayser firm from 1967 until 1987 and for Keck, Mahin & Cate from 1988 until 1994.

"He enjoyed the challenge of the law, and he liked helping people and working things out," Sonderby's wife said. "He was always looking for innovative ways of doing things."

Clarence Redman, who knew Sonderby in law school, brought Sonderby to join Keck, Mahin & Cate.

"He took his cases very seriously as one should, but he also had a levity and an engaging personality," Redman said. "I valued his legal talent and sought him out for matters that pertained to clients for which I was responsible, but he also had a good sense of humor and was an interesting person."

In 1994, Sonderby began practicing law on his own. About a decade later, he affiliated with the law firm Ulmer & Berne, helping to start a Chicago office. Ken Berg, an Ulmer & Berne partner, praised Sonderby's work in representing a family-owned business in a suit against a giant brokerage firm, in which Sonderby's client prevailed and won a substantial judgment.

"There were long odds on that case for Peter for a couple of reasons," Berg said. "The case was extremely important to (the client), and Peter worked on it for a couple of years and put his heart and soul into it and got a great result for his client."

Holderman said Sonderby was "a courageous lawyer to take on that case."

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"He had the substance and courage to do the right thing," Holderman said.

In addition to time as president of the Northern District of Illinois Court History Association, Sonderby was a board member of the Federal Bar Association of Chicago and was an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, the National Association of Securities Dealers and the National Futures Association.

He also was one of the honorees awarded the 2012 Award for Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

After retiring from practicing law in 2012, Sonderby and his wife traveled extensively, including taking trips to India, Nepal and Antarctica.

Two previous marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Sonderby is survived by two daughters, Kathleen and Jennifer; a son, Christopher; eight grandchildren; and a brother, Michael.

Services were held.

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Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
You probably heard the big news Thursday that Chicago Public Schools teachers set a strike date.

But maybe you missed the even bigger (if less splashy) news a few days earlier: CPS enrollment is in a stomach-churning decline.

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This year, the district's preliminary enrollment number plummeted by 13,804 students, or 3.5 percent, to 378,481. That staggering plunge is more than double CPS' projection from a few weeks ago. It's three times the loss of last year. It's easily the steepest annual decline in more than a decade.

In other words, CPS just lost the equivalent student population of perhaps a dozen schools or more. That translates into even more hollowed-out schools that are still open for business. More on this in a moment.

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The numbers will change before CPS issues its final tally after the 20th day of classes. But it's not expected to rise much or significantly change the downward trajectory.

Why are students fleeing Chicago Public Schools? CPS blames sinking birth rates. That's part of it. But look closer: This is a district in chaos.

About 300 public schools in Chicago will lose a total of $45 million in funding because enrollment this fall fell below projections. (Photo: E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune | Video by Brandon Howard) (Chicago Tribune)

Teachers ready their picket signs because they refuse to pick up a 7 percent pension tab  of the employees' portion  that the district can no longer afford. They reject a generous contract offer, recommended by an independent arbitrator and briefly embraced by CTU leadership. They're ready to walk because they can't accept fiscal reality, which is: The district has recklessly borrowed its way to within shouting distance of Bankruptcyland.

A few days ago, Moody's Investors Service sent the district's bond rating reeling deeper into junk territory. The district's finances remain "precarious," Moody's said, because its budget relies on "unrealistic expectations" of help from Springfield.

Yet CTU members want more money. Which doesn't exist.

Whether you see this enrollment plunge as a referendum on parents' confidence in CPS' future (we do) or mainly the result of demographic trends, the upshot is clear: Fewer students means teacher layoffs, more half-empty classrooms and more pressure to close underattended schools.

So why aren't we hearing about plans to close schools? Because Mayor Rahm Emanuel isn't eager to talk about that after the community backlash from the 2013 closings of nearly 50 schools. During that debate, Emanuel and CPS officials foolishly pledged a five-year moratorium on further school closings.

No CPS official or mayor should ever make a similar self-defeating pledge again.

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Enrollment numbers play a big role in calculating the flow of state and federal education dollars to school districts. When students leave, or fail to materialize, school officials can't wish away the repercussions. School districts are organic. They swell or shrink to fit student population. CPS must shrink, sooner rather than later. CPS leaders should be planning now for those closings.

No, Emanuel probably doesn't crave another closings brouhaha, especially if he's planning to run again in 2019. Nobody does. Nor do we imagine Emanuel relishes Round 2 with Karen Lewis and the CTU after the union gained much of what it wanted after an seven-day walkout in 2012.

Chicago Teachers Union members count ballots for a strike authorization vote on Sept. 23, 2016, at the union's Merchandise Mart headquarters. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

But this is 2016. The mayor shouldn't have as tough a time persuading Chicagoans that half-empty schools must consolidate. He gets that break because many parents are making the argument for him. They're yanking their children from CPS. They're finding alternatives to the chaos and uncertainty.

And if the teachers abandon the students who remain? Will Chicagoans, whose taxes already are rising to help pay for CPS, be as strongly supportive of CTU as they were in 2012? Or will those tapped-out Chicagoans stand with CPS? How patient will they be with generously compensated educators who don't want to pay their own share into their pension accounts?

We'll soon learn the answers. But one thing is certain. Even the threat of another Chicago teachers strike prompts more parents to ask: Why am I doing this to my kids?

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
Pascagoula Bicentennial meeting.jpg

Pascagoula residents met at the library Tuesday evening to listen to Mary Margaret Miller, who is with the State of Mississippi's Creative Economy & Culture Bureau department discuss plans for the state's bicentennial in 2017. (Tyler Carter/Gulflive.com)

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The 200th anniversary of Mississippi's inception as a state will be celebrated in December 2017 and Mary Margaret Miller, Bureau Manager of Creative Economy & Culture for the state of Mississippi, spoke Tuesday evening to let the residents of Pascagoula know what is planned and how they can be involved in next year's celebration.

"The objective of next year's bicentennial is to create a strategic, year-long celebration of the birthday of the 20th state," Miller said.

Miller outlined three goals she considered to be paramount in the celebration of the state's birthday. Those included collaboration between state agencies; recognizing the resilient character of the state, which makes people want to live and work here; as well communities coming together to create something with integrity that the state can be proud of.

While next year's celebration will be kicked off at the old capitol in Jackson with elected officials, a series of concerts will be held in south Mississippi, north Mississippi and central Mississippi.

The city of Gulfport will host the south Mississippi concert on April 1 at Centennial Park. Oxford is next up to bat on June 24, with an event that will be held at the Gertrude Ford Center for Performing Arts on the campus of the University of Mississippi. The concluding concert will take place Dec. 9 at the Jackson Convention Center.

The state will also unveil its "Legacy" project which includes the opening of two museums in the capital City consisting of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Mississippi Museum of History. According to Miller, Mississippi is the first state in the Union to fund a Civil Rights Museum.

Miller said she expects there to be many celebrations throughout the Gulf Coast.

"Some will be in conjunction with our MS Bicentennial Grants program and I imagine others will work independently," she said.

Per city public relations specialist Ravin Floyd, Community and Economic Director Jen Dearman and Community Events Coordinator Suzanne Steinberger are working on the city's plans to join the bicentennial celebration.

"What do those plans look like? We're not exactly sure, yet," Floyd said. "We've been meeting over the last week to figure out what we want to do. The city of Pascagoula will definitely have a presence in the Southern kick-off celebration in Gulfport."

Floyd stated that Pascagoula Mayor Jim Blevins and Councilwoman at-large Brenda Simkins have attended a few meetings in hopes to join efforts with the Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society.

"We plan to continue conversation with other cities within the county to figure out what we can do in our area," Floyd said. "We are still in the brainstorming phase but we are definitely trying to figure things out."

For more information regarding the bicentennial celebration, residents can visit http://ms200.org/ or email Miller at mmmiller@mississippi.org.
Community Unit School District 308 elementary- and middle-school students performed better on last year's PARCC exam than state averages, district administrators said.

Between 40.7 and 60.3 percent of students who took the controversial assessment exam in third through eighth grades met or exceeded expectations on each part of the exam, though exact percentages varied by grade and subject, according to preliminary data made public at a meeting Monday by the Oswego-based district.

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"At every grade level, School District 308 scores higher than the state in last year's PARCC," Superintendent John Sparlin told the school board.

The district did not make public information about high school performance, administrators said, because the state ended the PARCC exam for high-schoolers and instead plans to give juniors the SAT college entrance exam.

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The district also made public information showing that more students took the College Board's Advanced Placement exams last school year than during the 2009-2010 school year. While the number of exams that earned a 3, 4 or 5  the scores needed for college credit  went up during that time, the percentage of exams taken that earned those scores went down, district data show.

"With legislation in the state, that 3, 4 or 5, that correlates directly into money," Executive Director of Secondary Education Jamie Max said. "Because state universities, they must in one way, shape or form count that 3, 4 or 5 as a course for the students as they are enrolling into college."

The district made exam data public as the state is expected to release in coming weeks detailed, official results of the second year of PARCC testing.

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers tested students in third through eighth grades and high school in English language arts and math. The 2016 exam was set to be shorter and simpler than the previous year's test, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

The previous year, District 308 saw more students meet or exceed expectations than the state averages for each grade.

Last year, preliminary data showed between 21.8 and 39.6 percent of students tested statewide were considered proficient  meaning they met or exceeded expectations  in math, and between 34.1 and 39.1 percent of students were considered proficient in English language arts/literacy. High school results were the lowest among all grade levels in both subjects.

In District 308, elementary- and middle-school students meeting or exceeding expectations on the English language arts exam ranged from 42.2 percent of sixth-grade students to 59.7 percent of fourth-grade students. In math, the numbers ranged from 40.7 percent of eighth-graders and 60.3 percent of third-graders.

The district did not make public information about the number of students who did not take the exam.

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sfreishtat@tribpub.com

Twitter @srfreish
Kids play in a backyard on the 100 block of Iroquois Drive after a storm in the spring of 2015. (Danielle Burger / HANDOUT)

A group of Clarendon Hills residents has submitted a petition to the Village Board, asking for stormwater drainage remediation.

The petition was signed by 63 people, 61 from Iroquois Drive, and two who reside on Mohawk Drive, in the village's Blackhawk Heights neighborhood in the western part of town.

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"We're hoping the village can remedy some of the issues," said Danielle Burger of the 100 block of Iroquois Drive, who coordinated the petition effort.

"I really focused on Iroquois with this, but we did have two people from Mohawk sign, and I know this is an issue to various degrees beyond our block. It's especially bad on Iroquois, between Norfolk and Burlington avenues."

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The petition states that improvements are needed to withstand increasingly hazardous storm water conditions exacerbated by drainage patterns and inadequate infrastructure.

"I grew up in the area and moved back three years ago," Burger said. "This has continued to be an issue in backyards, easements and culverts. Even with a normal storm, water pools. Kids sometimes play in it when that happens, and there are safety concerns with that."

She said she is concerned about electrocution, drowning and increased mosquitoes, which can spread disease.

Petitioners are asking the village to implement a comprehensive plan for storm water remediation, within a timely manner.

"We're very willing to work with the village on trying to do something about this," Burger said. "I know some things that might help fix this probably are way too expensive, but we'd like to see something done to help this situation."

Village manager Kevin Barr said the village sought engineering proposals two years ago for ways to deal with stormwater issues in Blackhawk Heights.

The problem is that possible solutions are not easy and not cheap, he said, noting that preliminary estimates ranged from about $400,000 to $800,000.

"This has been an issue throughout the village for a number of years, although it's more local to a particular house or two in some areas," Barr said.

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He said village staff likely would bring the petition back to the Village Board in the future for additional discussion.

"There may be an alternative way to fund something, maybe like we do with our road program," he said, referring to the special service areas for which the village and residents in a specific area receiving improvements share costs.

"There's also the issue that backyards are private property, so that opens the question as to who is responsible," he said

cfieldman@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @chuckwriting
Lincoln-Way Superintendent Scott Tingley said he does not see a need for a full-time compliance officer. (Daily Southtown / Allen Cunningham)

Lincoln-Way High School's teachers union president called on the District 210 school board to hire a full-time person to ensure it is meeting state and federal deadlines.

Speaking at a recent board meeting, Lincoln-Way Education Association president Tim Conway said, "there is a long list of incidents that you are aware of where we missed important dates." The latest was a delay in posting "student growth measures"  a new requirement for teacher evaluations.

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"It is inconceivable that we have a $100 million business and have no one keeping track of filing state and federal forms," Conway, who represents the district's 400 teachers, said.

The responsibility is "so spread out" among personnel that sometimes things get "lost in the shuffle," and contractual deadlines have been missed, he said, adding, "This is how we ended up with the driver's ed fiasco."

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The district has been forced to refund hundreds of thousands of dollars in students' driver's ed fees for two recent academic years because it had not obtained the proper waivers from the state.

With "a whole variety of forms to be filed  virtually in every department," the district needs a dedicated staff member who will make sure all reports are done in a timely fashion, he said in an interview later.

"A compliance officer would make sure that what we are doing is not just fiscally responsible, but morally responsible," Conway said.

Superintendent Scott Tingley said the student growth measures, which were required to be posted for teachers on the first day of school were posted a couple of weeks later.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

This is the first year that the state has required all school districts to use the new teacher evaluation system which incorporates student growth measures.

The delay did not impact teacher evaluations which have not yet taken place, "but it was an oversight," Tingley said. "It's one of the concerns we have in a big district with a lot of moving parts."

"In a normal school year, in normal times, this would not be a problem. But we are under a lot of pressure, a lot of scrutiny," he said. "We have a number of people in new positions, who are learning their roles as we work through this. We will continue to monitor it and do the best we can."

Tingley said he does not see a need for a full-time compliance officer.

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The district has a number of people who are required to file reports for special education, Title 1, homeless children, student data and financial pieces, he said.

The district is "lean" on administrative staff, but is "improving" on its oversight.

slafferty@tribpub.com
One thing we learned from this year's election primaries is how the choice for presidential candidates is largely in the hands of private organizations.

The two major political parties use various tools to control the nominations, sometimes regardless of the will of voters. Party rules vary by state and some closed caucuses shut out the public altogether.

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Colorado Republicans, for example, canceled their public poll and awarded 100 percent of the state's bound delegates to Ted Cruz. Supporters of Bernie Sanders complained about the weighted power of Democratic superdelegates. Donald Trump repeatedly said the system was rigged.

Much like the way some states cut out the public from presidential nominations, the process for filling a vacant, elected seat on the Cook County Board is largely in the hands of a few members of a private organization.

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Political insiders will choose the replacement for 6th District Cook County Board Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy, who died of cancer Sept. 18 at age 79.

South suburban voters won't have much say in selecting their representative on the Cook County Board of Commissioners until 2018. The decision on a replacement will be up to Democratic Party committeemen from the south suburbs, who plan to meet Oct. 8 in Richton Park to consider nominations for Murphy's successor.

Cook County's 6th District is a snake-shaped area that meanders through parts of Bedford Park, Justice, Bridgeview, Hickory Hills, Palos Hills, Chicago Ridge, Worth, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Alsip, Blue Island, Crestwood, Robbins, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Country Club Hills, Matteson, Frankfort, Richton Park, University Park, Park Forest, Chicago Heights, South Chicago Heights, Steger, Sauk Village, Ford Heights, Lynwood, Lansing, Glenwood, Flossmoor, Homewood, Thornton, East Hazel Crest, South Holland, Calumet City and Dolton.

The process for filling a vacancy is set by a county ordinance that says the district committee shall choose a replacement.

"The appointee shall be of the same political party that the incumbent commissioner was at the time of election or appointment," the ordinance states.

Murphy was a Democrat, which means the 6th District Democratic Committee will select her replacement.

"It's completely up to the local committeemen," Jacob Kaplan, executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party, told me.

By law, the County Board plays no role in filling the vacancy. That may seem alien to citizens who follow local school boards, village boards, city councils and park boards. When a vacancy occurs on those units of government, typically nominations are sought and sitting board members vote publicly on a chosen replacement.

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That's not how it works on the Cook County Board. There's no public vote, and no possibility of a special election as there would be for state or federal legislative or executive offices.

"The committeemen from the party that held the seat select the next commissioner through weighted vote," Frank Shuftan, press secretary for County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, told me. "This is the same process that followed the resignation last year of Commissioner (Elizabeth) Gorman, though in that case it was the Republican committeemen who selected her replacement, now-Commissioner (Sean) Morrison."

By ordinance, the district committee consists of the committeemen for each ward or township "contained in whole or in part within the County Board district." Each committeeman casts one vote for each vote received for the commissioner in the most recent general election. That's where the "weighted vote" part of the equation comes into play.

Murphy received 65,796 votes in the 2014 general election, according to Cook County clerk records. Committeemen will be awarded percentages depending on how many votes were cast for Murphy from their areas. Since no part of the 6th District is within the City of Chicago, that means ward committeemen have no role. Rather, it will be up to the Democratic committeemen for each of the townships within the 6th District.

"Joan Murphy's district only touches a little part of my district. My percentage of the weighted vote looks to be about 3 percent," said Michael Carroll, Democratic Committeeman for Orland Township.

Carroll is an attorney with a private practice, but often the party committeemen are also elected officials. The Democratic committeeman for Bremen Township, for example, is Maggie Crotty, who is also Bremen Township supervisor. The committeeman for Calumet Township is Robert Rita from Blue Island, state representative for the 28th District.

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The Palos Township party committeeman is Robert Maloney, who is also the township's assessor. The Thornton Township committeeman is Frank Zuccarelli, the township supervisor and South Suburban College trustee.

Kaplan, the county Democratic Party director, told me the committeeman with the largest representation in Murphy's 6th District is Rich Township's Tim Bradford, who is also township administrator and serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Olympia Fields Park District.

Kaplan told me it was up to Bradford to set the time frame for choosing Murphy's replacement.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Bradford told me Thursday he was not yet ready to name any individuals potentially interested in Murphy's seat.

"When I look at who the players are interested in seeking the appointment, I'll let you know," Bradford said.

Serving on the Cook County Board is a prestigious and well-compensated opportunity. Each of the Cook County Board's 17 commissioners represents about 300,000 residents. Commissioners are paid annual salaries of $85,000  plus expenses and benefits  and each commissioner's office spends about $350,000 per year, mostly on staff salaries.

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I'm not singling out Bradford or any other individual for personal criticism. Bradford indicated he's receptive to suggestions for potential nominees to replace Murphy, and that he intended to place a public notice about the Oct. 8 meeting in Richton Park.

I do have a problem with a process that places control over filling a vacancy for an elected office in the hands of a few members of a private organization. Everyone knows incumbents enjoy advantages. Party committeemen are basically giving their choice to replace Murphy a two-year head start to retain the office when the next election is held in 2018.

tslowik@tribpub.com

Twitter @tedslowik
Members of Carpentersville Middle School's Parent Teacher Organization know a well-rounded education is about more than just academics.

But at a school where a majority of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, experiences such as class trips and after-school programs aren't always feasible.

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The PTO is inviting community members to help provide those opportunities by participating in the organization's inaugural Cougar Run, a fundraiser that includes a 5-kilometer run and a 1-mile walk. Proceeds will be used to help bring down the costs for the eighth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C., and the seventh-grade class trip to Springfield.

PTO President Brenda Sandoval is a CMS alum and graduate of Dundee-Crown High School.

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"This is the community I grew up in and the community I am raising my children in," said PTO President Brenda Sandoval, a CMS alum and Dundee-Crown High School graduate. "Some of the members of CMS PTO share the same story I do. We want to do as much as we can for the students and community of Carpentersville Middle School. Our goals are small right now, but our dreams are very big."

The school had been without a PTO for almost a decade due to lack of interest until its relaunch last year.

Initially, members considered forming a Parent Teacher Association rather than a PTO because of its connection to the state. For instance, the Illinois PTA has trained volunteers and staff available to assist members with programs, problem solving and resources.

But, said Sandoval, "there were a lot of guidelines that as a new organization were hard for us."

"We didn't have a lot of parent involvement to be able to execute the requirements of a PTA," she said.

They would also be required to charge a membership fee of $4.25.

"While it may seem like a minimal amount, we thought it might be discouraging parents from becoming involved," Sandoval said.

Today, about 15 members make up the organization. Last year they were able to provide a $100 scholarship to an essay winner that went on the Washington, D.C., class trip, and breakfast was donated to all the seventh-graders and chaperones who went to Springfield.

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"We hope that in the future the funds that the PTO raises are able to allow access to these types of trips for all students at CMS," Sandoval said.

Beginning this month, students from Carpentersville Middle School's AVID will be attending meetings.

"To give the student perspective and assist with child care for members who need to bring smaller children to the meeting," Sandoval said.

Saturday's Cougar Run will kick off at 10 a.m. at Carpentersville Middle School.

The early registration cost for adults is $20 and $15 for students. Fees on the day of the race are $25 for adults and $20 for students. Everyone receives a T-shirt for participating.

Registration forms, which can be found in the middle school's main office, can be mailed or dropped off at Carpentersville Middle School, 100 Cleveland Ave., Carpentersville, IL 60110. Make checks payable to CMS PTO. Registration forms are also available at Van's Frozen Custard and Piece-A-Cake Bakery in East Dundee.

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Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- An Ocean Springs teenager was killed early Thursday morning in an accident on Belle Fontaine Road in Ocean Springs.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell, a silver Ford Mustang was traveling southbound on Belle Fontaine Road, south of Ocean Springs High School, about 12:30 a.m. Thursday when the vehicle -- traveling at a high rate of speed -- left the roadway and went about 200 yards before overturning and striking a tree.

The two passengers -- Graham Kyle Lance, 18, of Ocean Springs and 22-year-old Calvin Butler of Pascagoula -- were ejected from the vehicle.

Lance was pronounced dead at the scene, while Butler and the driver, 18-year-old Seth Lee McGee of Ocean Springs, were transported to Ocean Springs Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition as of Thursday afternoon.

Lance was a 2016 OSHS graduate.

The accident remains under investigation.
Nearly 40 parents attended the District 225 Board of Education meeting Sept. 26 to listen to a presentation about violations of the district's drug and alcohol policy and student drug and alcohol use statistics. (Alexandra Kukulka / Pioneer Press)

Some District 225 parents concerned about possible drug use at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South high schools have recently suggested the district use drug-sniffing dogs to deter the use of illegal substances on campus.

But Supt. Michael Riggle said the Board of Education believes using the dogs would negatively affect "the culture of trust" where students and staff feel comfortable sharing their concern for another student.

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"It is important that our schools maintain the culture of trust that has been created over time, so that students will feel comfortable seeking support for any issue, including drugs, alcohol, social, emotional or mental health issues," he said in a recent interview.

His comments come as a group of parents have urged the district to do more to address alleged teen drug use at the schools. Two recent board meetings were attended by some 40 parents, several of whom addressed the board and urged it to do more to deter students from using drugs.

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Christine Suffet, whose son is a junior at Glenbrook North, said in an interview that District 225 should bring drug-sniffing dogs to the schools for random checks.

"It may not be foolproof, but I think it's a good start," said Suffet, who said the dogs should be used twice a week. "Try it. Try it for a year and see how it goes."

Riggle, however, said in the interview that there is little research available about the effectiveness of drug dogs. But he said the district wouldn't be opposed to using them if there was a "huge" problem on either campus that threatened student security.

"If (drug and alcohol use) is a very significant threat to our security, we feel that might be an action to take," said Riggle, adding that the district used bomb-sniffing dogs in the 2007-2008 school year at Glenbrook North after someone wrote a bomb threat on a wall.

District 225 students can face punishments for drug and alcohol use including suspension and expulsion. Riggle said the district has a number of other deterrent measures in place: officials supervise school entrances and parking lots; school resource officers are posted at both schools; and student searches are conducted when there is a "reasonable suspicion" that a student has violated the law or a school rule.

The district also installed cameras in the parking lots and inside the buildings of both high schools in 2008, and upgraded and added more cameras in 2014, said Ron Bean, Glenbrook South dean of students. There are currently 96 cameras at Glenbrook North and 103 cameras at Glenbrook South, Riggle said.

No matter what policies are in place, he said, students will find a way to bring alcohol and drugs to school.

"So whether (the drug dogs) are planned or random, it really doesn't make a difference," he said.

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Use of drug-sniffing dogs differs by district

Some neighboring school districts use drug-sniffing dogs; New Trier Township High School District 203 doesn't.

"We have researched that type of program in the past, and what we found is that those sorts of sweeps are known for a high amount of false positives (and) that dogs trained in those sorts of activities get tired after about 20 or 30 minutes," New Trier spokeswoman Nicole Dizon said.

But for at least 20 years, Adlai E. Stevenson High School has conducted random searches using drug-sniffing dogs, according to spokesman Jim Conrey.

"Occasionally the dog will find something at random, but usually, especially when it is something inside the building, we have some kind of idea that there is a good reason to go down a particular hallway to look at a locker," he said.

Conrey said the dog sends a message that the school takes drug use seriously. False positives can happen, but school officials are able to determine "fairly quickly if it's a misread," he said.

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"The dogs are pretty well spot-on when they find something, because they are very well trained," Conrey said.

Grayslake Community High School District 127 also uses drug-sniffing dogs, according to associate superintendent Renee Zoladz.

But Zoladz said drug dogs alone don't prevent students from using drugs, and school districts need to establish a program that teaches students to make healthy choices.

"If a school just uses dogs, they won't get the results they are looking for," Zoladz said. "Drug testing, breathalyzers before a dance, dog searches - those are just some tools in our arsenal with working with students."

akukulka@tribpub.com
Bird protection glass was used on buildings at Rosewood Beach in Highland Park. Picuted on May 19, 2015. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)

Much to the dismay of local bird conservationists, Highland Park won't require bird-friendly construction in new commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings.

Worried about stifling development and burdening city staff, city council members decided Sept. 26 not to impose a requirement that new buildings meet bird-collision deterrence standards.

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"At this point, the city is leaning more toward education than regulation," said Mayor Nancy Rotering. "Our goal is to provide guidelines that will be available through city hall and the planning department so that residents and developers will be aware of bird-friendly building practices."

Highland Park is located along the Lake Michigan flyway zone, a key route for migrating birds heading south for the chillier months and traveling north in early spring to build nests, attract mates and raise their young.

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According to the American Bird Conservancy, birds are unable to perceive glass as a barrier and are easily confused by window reflections of the sky or trees. As a result, millions of birds are killed each year when they fly full speed into windows, according to the conservancy.

For more than a year, the city has studied whether to require developers to satisfy the bird-friendly standards in a pilot credit program from the Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, commonly known as LEED. A building is assigned a "threat factor" taking into account materials, design and lighting, as well as proximity to trees, shrubs and bodies of water attractive to bird populations. To meet LEED's guidelines for bird-friendliness, the building's threat factor must be 15 or less.

The proposal was backed by the city's Natural Resources Commission and the Plan and Design Commission, which further recommended the city consider including single-family residential properties.

More recently, however, a nine-member Bird Friendly Task Force disbanded without reaching a consensus, though seven members supported the code change, according to local conservationist Donnie Dann, who chaired the panel.

Dann said supporters offered numerous concessions during the process, including exempting single-family residences, removing the Route 41 corridor and raising the permissible "threat factor".

Addressing the city council Sept. 26, task force member Stuart Koch disputed that a bird-friendly code would add to staff's workload based on letters received from San Francisco, Oakland and Sunnyvale, Calif. as well as Toronto.

"Builders can easily use calculations in their software to spit out the 'threat factor' of their building design," Koch said. "There is very little the planning department needs to do beyond confirming that the calculations were done and the 'x' generated meets Highland Park's building code requirements."

Speaking as a "bird lover," Highland Park orthodontist Kurt Silberstein lamented that on a recent walk through the central business district, he saw two "spectacularly beautiful little birds" dead on the sidewalk in front of a storefront.

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"I would hope we can put together something that works for everybody, including the birds, because it's very important," Silberstein said.

City Manager Ghida Neukirch said the city would need to educate third-party plan reviewers and contractors about bird-friendly requirements since they are not part of other municipal codes in the region.

"Every aspect that makes our regulations a little bit different, certainly does take time," Neukirch told council members during a committee meeting. "One thing we regularly hear from property owners, business owners and contractors is, 'Simplify your process.'"

kberkowitz@pioneerlocal.com

@KarenABerkowitz
Danette Riehle, a retired teacher from Monroe School, talks to first-graders before they start to harvest vegetables in August that they planted last spring. (Kimberly Fornek / Pioneer Press)

Monroe School on Wednesday became the sixth of Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181's nine schools to be named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Monroe joins Clarendon Hills Middle School (2009), Hinsdale Middle School (2009), Madison School (2009), The Lane School (2011) and Oak School (2014) as Blue Ribbon schools.

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Monroe principal Justin Horne was a teacher at The Lane when that school received National Blue Ribbon School recognition five years ago.

"It's just a huge accomplishment for any school to receive this honor," Horne said. "Before, I was proud of my individual contributions as a fifth-grade teacher at The Lane; now I'm proud to support all the teachers."

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Horne said the National Blue Ribbon School recognition at The Lane had a positive impact on teachers and students there, and he expects the same to be the case at Monroe.

"It has a positive impact on morale," he said. "There's a boost in excitement, and because it's an exciting recognition, it also helps the performance of teachers and that positively impacts the students."

Horne said he believes the national recognition is long overdue for Monroe.

"Monroe is a very special school with a longtime history of excellence," he said. "We have parents who attended Monroe that are now sending their own children here. We have many retired staff who come back to serve as substitute teachers. We have a community committed to supporting our school. And most of all, we have students who come prepared to learn and eager to make a difference."

The Illinois State Board of Education nominated Monroe to apply for the award in February.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement. The program is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices.

District 181 Superintendent Don White said the Blue Ribbon honor is well deserved students and staff, as well as the parents and community who contribute to the school's success.

"I am very proud to join in recognizing Monroe not only as an exemplary high performing school, but as a place where students are nurtured and have the opportunity to grow as individuals and as leaders," he said.

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Monroe families, staff and community members will celebrate the Blue Ribbon honor during the Oct. 5 Walk to School Day. Horne and a Monroe staff member will attend the Nov. 7-8 program in Washington, D.C., recognizing Blue Ribbon schools from across the country.

cfieldman@pioneelocal.com

Twitter @chuckwriting
Officials announced Friday that 21 alleged members and associates of the 4 Corners Hustlers Street Gang were arrested after a months-long investigation that recovered large quantities of cocaine, heroin, prescription pills and marijuana.

Lake County States Attorney Mike Nerheim, Lake County Sheriff Mark C. Curran and other local and federal law enforcement officials held a press conference to announce the arrests in Mundelein Friday morning.

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Operation Shut Down the Hustle resulted in charges under the Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, officials said. Charges include murder and trafficking of guns, heroin, cocaine and prescription drugs, among other offenses.

Heroin is something you dont have to drive to the west side of Chicago for anymore, Nerheim said. It affects all communities.

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He also said the heroin was coming from Mexico.

Officials said they could not comment on the exact quantity of drugs, guns and money that was seized during the arrests, since that is still being counted.

Nerheim said this was the first RICO case in Lake Countys history, adding that anybody involved in street gang activity should know that it will not be the last.

Evidence includes video and audio recording, phone taps and testimony from undercover agents who penetrated the gang, officials said.

All arrests were done in the early morning hours of Oct. 30, and were coordinated between the FBI, DEA and Lake County Sheriffs Office as well as the Mundelein, Zion and Waukegan police departments, according to authorities.

Several of the defendants are also suspected of being involved in violent crimes in the area, according to the Lake County States Attorneys Office. Gregory Harris Sr. allegedly led the ring, supervising and organizing the sale and distribution of narcotics and guns, the states attorneys office said, while other people who were arrested are suspected to be top leaders with in the gang.

Our strategy is to strike the heads of these organized groups, said FBI Assistant Special Agent Ricardo Pagan.

We rely heavily on the sharing of information and intelligence because we all have the common goal of reducing drug and gun trafficking, as well as violent crimes in our communities.

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The investigation began in January 2014 as part of the federal governments Safe Streets Program, which targets drug trafficking gang organizations.

This case signifies a commitment to our new approach at tackling gangs, guns and drugs, Nerheim said. We will continue to aggressively seek out and prosecute those that bring drugs and violence into our community.

Mundelein Police Chief Eric Guenther also stressed the importance of an aggressive stance on drugs.

Weve got to be more offensive, in the sense that we go out and find these issues before they come to our towns and thats what this operation was all about, he said. We brought in multiple agencies and made an offensive move to these organization that might sell drugs in our towns or to our kids, or who drive guns from the east side of the county to the west using our roads.

He said none of the people who were arrested live in Mundelein, but local police were involved with the arrests because theyre part of a regional task force.

This was an FBI investigation from the get-go, but we assign officers to the FBI to assist with various operations, he said. We decided to hold the press conference in Mundelein because two of our officers played critical roles within the FBI team that coordinated this investigation and eventual sting.

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The individuals arrested include:

Gregory Harris Sr. also known as Chili-G, 42,

Tyrone Springs, 47,

Harlin Barnes, also known as H.B. and Cool Kid 40, 33,

James Allard also known as Jimmy, 41,

Demetrius Spencer, 49,

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Ryan Hawkins also known as Big-Lo, 33,

Fabian Golden, also known as Golden Child, 31,

Jill Dotson, 61,

Brittany Pickens, 28,

Shaleshea Keller, 39,

Anthony Glover also known as Tully, 29,

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Nigel Patrick also known as Jilla, 43,

Gregory Harris Jr. also known as Lil Greggo, 20,

Jason Anaya-Whitaker also known as D.J. Gold, 36,

Desmond Washington, 42,

Clifton Johnson also known as Dot, 21,

Luis Melendez also known as Speedy, 33,

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Kenneth Fitzhugh, 22,

Seneca Davis,28,

Garland Bone, also known as Killa Krame, 33,

and Derek Gordon, 35.
Members of the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) attend a broadcast of the signing of the peace accord at a rebel camp on Sept. 26. (RAUL ARBOLEDA / AFP/Getty Images)

"Bullets wrote our past. Education, our future."

That is the inscription on the pen used on September 26 to sign the final peace agreement between the government of Colombia and the FARC. The writing instrument was made from a recycled bullet, apt symbolism for sure.

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The agreement still must be ratified by the voters in October. That remains a major hurdle, given controversy over the deal and unpopularity of President Juan Manuel Santos. Another major radical group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), has indicated willingness to cooperate in the peace process  for now.

During the past half century, almost a quarter of a million people are estimated to have been killed, and five million displaced, as a result of the brutal warfare. Now, after complex and painful negotiations, both sides have reached agreement to end the fighting.

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The term FARC is an acronym for the Spanish name of the powerful rebel army, known in English as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. The movement has found inspiration and effective recruitment through communist ideology. At the same time, the FARC is rightly notorious for enormous illegal drugs dealing.

Officials from the United Nations were present for the signing, along with representatives of Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Uruguay and the United States. Cuba has played a significant role long-term in brokering these negotiations. That is important not only in symbolic terms, but as a direct reflection of the substantial real strategic changes over the past quarter century.

Soon after the remarkable success in early 1959 of the revolutionary forces led by Fidel Castro, Cuba became rightly viewed as a force fomenting and supporting communist subversion throughout the Western Hemisphere. That commitment survived the collapse of the Soviet Union, a close ally and sponsor of Castro's Cuba, and has only faded in recent years.

President Barack Obama's March visit to Cuba, the first since President Calvin Coolidge, represented economic opening. However, in political terms, Cuba remains a brutal and repressive dictatorship.

Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Early in this century, the FARC seemed to be gaining momentum. The evolving conflict resembled the first years of the United States' long and costly military involvement in Vietnam. More and more civilian and uniformed advisers were being sent, along with a steadily growing array of helicopters, arms and ammunition, and other materiel.

The administration of President George W. Bush significantly expanded aid that began in the Clinton administration but also tried to minimize media attention. This effort was eerily reminiscent of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, which endeavored before 1965 to deflect Vietnam from the news even as U.S. involvement increased. Then, violence in Colombia began to decline, in great contrast to the evolution of the war in Southeast Asia.

The long war in Colombia made the nation an inviting place for international criminals. In November 2011, Viktor Bout, the "Merchant of Death," was convicted and imprisoned. A Soviet army veteran, he became enormously rich dealing weapons and drugs on a global scale. Colombia was a major profit center. Drug Enforcement Administration agents posing as Colombia rebels arrested him.

Also in 2011, the U.S. Congress ratified free trade agreements with Colombia, along with Panama and South Korea. The Colombia agreement may result in positive regional cooperation. The Summit of the Americas, begun in 1994, is held every three to four years. The Organization of American States, formed in 1948, is one of the world's oldest regional organizations.

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Cooperation helps undercut destructive walls.

Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War."

acyr@carthage.edu
We'd never suggest that public officials stop inadvertently blurting out the truth, as long as they know what truth they're sharing.

So when Waukegan School District 60 board member and former board president Anita Hanna pondered the results of the state's new educational measurement, she saw a truth she apparently had not known and insinuates had been kept from her.

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Current president Michael Rodriguez saw the scores and experienced a similar epiphany.

As "Casablanca" movie gendarme Claude Rains told bistro owner Rick, "I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!" But of course he wasn't shocked. That's the joke.

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As for Rodriguez and Hanna, they were shocked to find out how little verifiable, effective education was being conducted in District 60.

PARCC, the state-mandated Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, has shocked public school leaders from our end of the state all the way to Cairo.

The results of the spring test are "kind of an indictment on everybody in the district," Hanna told newly christened Supt. Theresa Plascencia, who delivered her first grim state-of-the-district message.

As Rodriguez added: "If you intended to shock us with these numbers, you did. I thank you for doing that because we need to see reality. We need to see where we are in order to know that's not where we want to be."

There was no explicit admission that Hanna or Rodriguez were indicting themselves. Hanna has been on the board for 21 years. In a 2013 recorded interview, Rodriguez suggested then-superintendent Donaldo Batiste was so perfect and professional that he made the board's job easy.

What the first delivery of these statewide test results suggests is that great school systems are not nearly as good as they thought, the mediocre ones are even more mediocre than they admit and the worst-performing districts are abominable.

Of course, new test regimes need repetition and refinement to gain an accurate, useful measurement. They might be measuring skills that are not being taught.

So perhaps PARCC, once fully implemented and merged with curriculum, will not show what every other testing system has shown.

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Those older tests all reflected the Waukegan district as a decade-long, abysmal, unrelenting failure for its 17,000 students.

Not all students. Every failing school district has students whose natural skill, intelligence and human perseverance overcome the worst handicap  mediocre schools. Those who have achieved life goals and professional success after attending District 60 for 12 years might be the most amazing people of all. They are survivors.

But both Hanna and Rodriguez seemed to be shocked, and that in itself is a shocking failure on several levels.

Being shocked is an excuse they didn't earn.

No one on District 60's board deserves surprise at the record they  personally and professionally  helped produce. It was their job. While students, parents, teachers, administrators and, particularly, the superintendent all contributed their own part in the long drama, the Board of Education played the lead.

The board is the legally empowered, publicly mandated adult in the room. They are the designated managers of the fiscal, educational and moral fitness of District 60.

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They are not allowed to be surprised that the district they manage is flopping. If they are not responsible, who is?

The board's reaction to Plascencia's PARCC interpretation seemed to imply that the outward-bound Batiste had been at least imprecise in telling them the truth for a decade.

But none is so blind as he (and she) who will not see. Being startled by PARCC now means the board had not reacted to  and remedied  derelict performance ratings for 10 years.

No more than 19 percent of elementary school and middle school students in any grade district-wide achieved the PARCC math standard. No more than 21 percent in any grade met the reading standard.

This failure does not deviate from District 60's pattern of student under-performance. It's disheartening but relentless.

Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Board members insisted they had never been told those facts in such a precise way. And they were not curious enough to educate themselves.

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But "don't ask, don't tell" does not absolve the District 60 Board for its failures to demand management performance. They let that happen.

Waukegan's parents and taxpayers can be happy that reality at least and at last has intruded.

But the parents also might be wondering.

Why did it take this long to see incompetence?

David Rutter was editor for 40 years at six newspapers.

David.Rutter@live.com
Ed Sullivan Jr. announced he will not seek a seventh term as Fremont Township assessor, a decision that comes a year after he also declined to seek another term as a state representative in the 51st district.

Sullivan, whose father Ed Sullivan Sr. also has a long history in politics, said he wants to operate his own private business, EOSullivan Consulting, which will focus on government lobbying and property tax appeals.

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"I have little kids that are starting to get active and I want to spend more time with them," Sullivan told Pioneer Press. "I've been in public service for half my life. It's a good time to move on."

Sullivan said setting his own hours also better helps him manage the diabetes he was diagnosed with last year.

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Sullivan has held various posts in the House's Republican leadership. .

"The shifts I've seen are the tones and rhetoric of campaigns," Sullivan said. "I saw first hand when I voted for marriage equality the negative aspect of a small group within the Republican Party  the far right social conservatives. That certainly has something to do with it. They're entitled to their beliefs, but I don't have to keep putting up with it."

A group of environmentalists protested Sullivan's Mundelein district office a few years ago, and he said they later went to his house and it scared his family.

Sullivan said he does not yet know what types of lobbying he will do, as he's still a state representative until Jan. 10, 2017 and too much consideration could become a conflict of interest.

Similarly, Sullivan said the Fremont Township assessor job doesn't change hands until Jan. 1, 2018  even though the election is in April 2017  and he therefore hasn't put much thought into how that part of his business will work.

Sullivan, 47, was 23 years old when he ran against the incumbent assessor and won. He said he had just graduated from college and was working with then U.S. Congressman Phil Crane when then-Mundelein Mayor Colin Mcrae asked him to run.

"Winning that office is truly what started my political career," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said he's most proud of how he "oversaw the computerization of all assessment functions in Fremont Township as well as all of Lake County."

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He said the process now much more understandable to the public, too.

"I've been reelected five times since then, albeit I've been unopposed those five times since, but I like to think people are satisfied with my work," Sullivan said. "Not a lot of people are beating on the door to run for assessor."

Waiting in the wings is Joe Herchenbach, who is part of Fremont Township Supervisor Diana O'Kelly's slate. Herchenbach confirmed that he's begun collecting signatures and has made the appropriate copies of his legally required credentials in order for Lake County to put him on the ballot.

However, Sullivan said he's not supporting Herchenbach's bid.

"I met with him and he's a nice guy. I'm not going to support him for assessor, so that's another reason to let people know of my decision so it's out there and other people can consider running," Sullivan said. "The problem I have with him, which could change, is that he's an appraiser and he's going to continue. I think that's a conflict of interest."

Herchenbach confirmed that he's the sole employee of a company that does appraisals for lending institutions. He said becoming Fremont Township assessor is a logical next step in his career, but based on what he's seen with other assessors he doesn't think it would be a conflict if he continues his job outside of the Fremont Township boundaries.

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Sullivan said real estate clients can have properties throughout the region and he reaffirmed his belief that Herchenbach would have a conflict of interest if he's assessor and still operating an appraisal company.

"As long as I'm transparent about it, I don't see a conflict," Herchenbach said. "I've been an appraiser for 28 years and have served as an alternate to the Lake County Board of Appeals in recent years. I think I have credibility."

Herchenbach said he chose to run after he heard that Sullivan might not seek another term.

rkambic@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @Rick_Kambic
Naperville School District 203's Kennedy Junior High in Lisle was named as one of the top 279 public schools in the nation.

U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., announced Wednesday that Kennedy Junior High School was selected as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School.

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"We are very pleased to be recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School," said Kennedy Principal Brian Valek in a statement. "This is the third time Kennedy has received the award. Our continued recognition is the result of the partnership among staff, students, and parents to provide an atmosphere that is supportive of all students and pushes them to recognize and reach their potential. Earning the award demonstrates the shared commitment and contributions of our school community."

Schools are nominated for the award by the state department of education, and then complete a comprehensive application about school practices. Now in its 34th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has given this award on fewer than 8,500 schools.

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School administrators, including Valek, will represent Kennedy Junior High at a two-day awards ceremony Nov. 7-8 in Washington, D.C.

Kennedy has previously been a Blue Ribbon recipient in 2002 and 2008.

Last year, District 203's Meadow Glens Elementary School in Naperville and Indian Prairie School District 204 May Watts Elementary School in Naperville were named Blue Ribbon schools.

A half dozen public and private Naperville schools have earned the honor over the years.

In a video message, King praised the 2016 schools: "As a former social studies teacher and a school administrator, I understand the tough choices you have to make. It takes courage to do the right thing for children, even in the face of significant obstacles. All of you-students, teachers and administrators-deserve our highest praise. You are shining examples for your communities, your state, and the nation."

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
For more than 50 years, Saint Rosalie has kept its name as the only Catholic church in Harwood Heights. (Natalie Hayes / Pioneer Press)

For more than 50 years, Saint Rosalie has kept its name as the only Catholic church in Harwood Heights, but parishioners could face an uncertain future as the Chicago Archdiocese undertakes a plan to merge and close some churches.

The church, on the 6700 block of West Montrose Avenue, is one of the 347 Catholic churches throughout the Chicago area under review by the Chicago Archdiocese as part of a massive plan to merge and close some parishes.

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Known as the "Renew My Church" initiative, the campaign is a multi-year project to reimagine the Chicago Archdiocese by addressing issues including declining membership and increasingly thinly spread resources, including a dwindling number of priests.

No concrete decisions have been made yet about which churches  if any  will close, but part of the campaign calls for some churches to merge, either by combining programs or entire parishes or to close down completely.

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The archdiocese plans to address several factors including the impact of changing demographics and the availability of priests, according to archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Burritt.

"Its primary focus is to foster mission vitality and ensure all parishes are vibrant, vital and life-giving for generations to come," Burritt said in an email. "Some parishes will merge, and some parishes will close, but all of those considerations will be balanced by the more important question  how will this lead to a spiritual renewal of the people we serve?"

That question and others will be addressed by pastors of the churches that have been included on the archdiocese's list. They were asked to submit feedback by the end of September that will be reviewed by regional bishops and the Chicago Archdiocese.

Once that feedback is received, officials are expected to announce groups of churches that will be considered for mergers or to work together toward combining resources, according to the archdiocese. Saint Rosalie was tentatively grouped with two Chicago churches  St. Francis Borgia and St. Priscilla  on the 8000 and 6900 blocks of West Addison Street.

"Pastors are currently gathering feedback from parish leaders on the suitability of the proposed groupings," Burritt said in an email. "It has been proposed to the pastors of St. Rosalie, St. Francis Borgia and St. Priscilla parishes that, going forward, they work together as a grouping, however none of the groupings are final at this time."

When reached by phone, priests at all three churches declined to comment until after the archdiocese formally announces the groupings.

Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
The Northbrook Village Board Tuesday cleared Edward R. James Companies to build its controversial 32-house development at Voltz and Waukegan roads in a 5-1 vote.

Trustee Kathryn Ciesla was the only board member to vote no, calling the project "horrible," and saying that it didn't "add any value to the village of Northbrook."

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She said she knew that at this final approval stage of the process, the plans had to be passed if they were in substantial conformance with those tentatively approved April 12, then checked off by the village Plan Commission Sept. 6, but she was going to vote against them anyway.

In earlier meetings, Ciesla said that the number of houses should be reduced "into the 20s," and that the Anets Woods houses, proposed to cost a little less than $1 million each, should be more expensive, and rise on bigger lots to better fit in with some of the others in the area.

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Trustee Bob Israel said he had problems with the project, including the transponder-activated gate on the Lee Road side designed to let only residents into that entrance, which he disliked because it cuts off a public street. But he was voting for the project because it conformed to the April 12 plans.

He had voted for the project on April 12, as did all board members except Ciesla and Village President Sandy Frum, absent for the final vote.

The project, which preserves some of the familiar urban forest on the old Anetsberger estate, has gone through a lot of changes since it was first presented to Northbrook trustees in July 2014, with 38 houses on 16 acres. Many of those changes came at the behest of complaining neighbors from Country Lane, Voltz and Lee Roads, and Walters Avenue.

The village plans to start to address concerns of the traffic in the neighborhood in general with an open house 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, in the Northbrook Elementary School District 28 Administration Building, 1475 Maple Ave.

Trustee A.C. Buehler invited questions from the Village Board audience on the project, then the vote was called by President Pro Tem James Karagianis with several of them unanswered.

"You asked us to ask questions," Lee Road's Sherwin Zaban said. "Where are the answers? Was that gratuitous?"

Later, Karagianis said the questions were left hanging "because the questions had been answered earlier."

One question, asked by Zaban's wife Thelma "B" Zaban and fellow Lee Road resident Jill Nicholson, had not been answered: how could James have run half-page ads in the Northbrook Star seeking to sell the homes when it wasn't approved?

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Village attorney Steve Elrod said after the meeting there was nothing wrong with them advertising their product without final approvals: "They're welcome to do that, at their own risk."

The trustees were also asked why those ads did not mention that the homes, which the builder had sold to the board as targeting "empty nesters," weren't described using that term in the ads. Earlier, officials had mentioned that such claims should be held to a minimum, because they could be viewed as discriminatory.

Trustees, led by Ciesla, agreed that construction traffic should proceed through the Voltz Road side of the project, mostly sparing Lee Road, with no sidewalks. But some trucks would have to enter through the Lee side, they said, and a couple of residents said they were worried about that, and about trucks waking them early in the morning.

Ciesla said the project would be well-enforced, but if work violations were seen, residents should document them with their smart phones.

"Sometimes, in a village, you've got to put up with some inconvenience," Trustee Todd Heller said. "But we'll do what we can."

ileavitt@pioneerlocal.com

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Twitter @IrvLeavitt
The union representing Oak Brook firefighters had its first negotiations session for a new contract with representatives of the village Monday, nearly nine months after the previous deal expired.

Union president Dave Kornfeind, an Oak Brook firefighter/paramedic, said firefighters presented proposals for a new contract, but wouldn't provide details. The next negotiations session is scheduled for Oct. 14.

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"We have agreed to not discuss specifics while negotiations are ongoing," Kornfeind said. "There are several economic and several non-economic issues we're negotiating."

Fire Chief Barry Liss said the contract covers all sworn firefighter/paramedics and lieutenant/paramedics, totaling 28 people.

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The previous contract ran for three years  from Jan. 1, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2015  and remains in place until a new agreement is reached.

The final year of the previous three-year contract called for firefighters to have a salary range of $62,154 to $83, 907, and for lieutenants to have salaries ranging from 73,599 to $99,358.

While that contract was effective as of Jan. 1. 2013, it wasn't executed until June 23, 2014, about 1 years after the effective date.

Liss said it wasn't necessarily unusual that it took almost nine months for a negotiations meeting to take place.

"We have had dialogue throughout the time period," he said.

Kornfeind, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local Union 4646, echoed Liss, saying that dialogue has taken place about a new contract.

"Typically, in the past, we've gone over and haven't had a contract settled when the old one ends," Kornfeind said. "Both sides have continued to do research, and there has been communication on both sides."

Village President Gopal Lalmalani said he isn't concerned about starting negotiations for a new firefighters' contract almost nine months after the last one expired.

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"Negotiations could take longer than that," he said.

cfieldman@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @chuckwriting
A 30-year-old woman and 26-year-old man  both Chicago residents  have been charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm after the Illinois State Police said shots were fired Sunday morning on Interstate 290 in Oak Park.

Police said Joenglish L. Lewis, 30, and Norris A. Stevenson, 26, have been charged. Police said there were no injuries. According to a news release, troopers responded at 10:50 a.m. Sunday to reports of shots fired at the ramp to Harlem Avenue.

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As of Thursday evening, Lewis and Stevenson were held at the Cook County jail, each with a $50,000 bond. Police ask anyone with information regarding the incident to call 847-294-4400. Police said callers can remain anonymous.
Not everyone completes an undergraduate degree in four years. Many students take time off before completing their degrees. Some need to work, want to travel, join the military or just take the time to focus on what they really want to do with their lives. This should present no problem should they intend to apply to a top law or business school later on and could work to their advantage.

Most professional schools prefer applicants that have experience in the real world before they apply, but there are exceptions. Math and physics majors are prized right out of college. Outstanding analytical skills are increasingly in demand in the private sector. Still, most top law and MBA programs prefer students to have a few years life and work experience behind them.

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The admissions process is the same for all students. Students who take five or more years to graduate must keep in mind that they will still be evaluated on the same criteria as other students. Their GPA and LSAT/GMAT scores have to be competitive. An important aside: while it isn't always well known students may be required to submit their LSAT/GMAT scores when applying for an actual job. Reporting test scores is becoming standard practice. Companies are paying six figure starting salaries and don't want to risk a disappointing hire.

I have a client who went back to college after taking five years off to pursue a film career. It didn't work out and now he wants to complete his undergraduate degree and apply to Harvard Business School. His grades and SAT scores are in the top 10 percent so he is building on solid fundamentals.

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The first task I gave him was to write a short autobiography. This is extremely important if one has to account for more than a few gap years. A strongly written autobiography can often tip the scale in your favor. It can even be used to help best students with better academic records. Many of my clients spend a month or more writing their autobiography before they get it right. The first sentence of the first paragraph is the most important one. It must be powerful and make the reader want to read the rest of the story.

My client started out this way. "I arrived in Hollywood with only the name of a soup kitchen in my pocket." From there he went on to write about his experiences as a prop man, standup comedian, a waiter at Wolfgang Puck's Spago in Beverly Hills and finally his time in China. At first he left out his interesting experiences as a waiter. He felt that they would bore the reader and were non-academic and so he played them down. I thought they were amazingly interesting and allowed the reader to easily identify with the young man and offering brilliant insights into his drive and personality. It told of how he bucked the traditional four years of college and went off on his own for a few years to try something different. Now he is ready to assume the responsibilities of a career in business. I believe Harvard or any other MBA program will give him fair scrutiny.

After the autobiography I recommended that he take a few extra math classes to round out his Asian Studies major. He spent a year in China learning Mandarin. These math classes will show that he also understands how important quantifiable skills are becoming in the business world.

Students who take off a few years before graduating should have no fear of falling behind. In most cases the experiences gained will work in your favor. It is fairly easy to get back in the groove once you return to college. Just don't forget to take those years spent away seriously.

Gerald Bradshaw is an international college admission consultant with Bradshaw College Consulting in Crown Point.

gerald_bradshaw@post.harvard.edu
Compassion Marketplace fundraiser

The Compassion Marketplace, in conjunction with the Key Club of Hanover Central High School, will host its fourth annual fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the high school field house, 10120 W. 133rd Ave., Cedar Lake. Created to raise money and awareness for God Water, a not-for-profit organization providing clean water to people in Liberia, the family-friendly event will feature direct-sale companies, raffle prizes and food booths. More information is with Sue Syverson at Mrssyvo@juno.com or 630-247-9455.

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Book launch for local jewelry designer

Local artist Stephanie Swanson will launch her book "Playing with Fire: A Jeweler's Guide to Metalsmithing" with a signing from noon-4 p.m. Oct. 15 at The Flower Cart, 145 S. Calumet Road, Chesterton. A step-by-step how-to guide on metalsmithing and creating jewelry from materials such as copper, silver and gold, the book is the result of Swanson's many years of experience with creating custom jewelry as owner of her own business. More information is at www.stephanieswanson.net or 219-926-8615.

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Community invited to help create mural

The Memorial Opera House Foundation invites the public to participate in creating an original piece of art from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 15 on the stage of the Opera House, 104 E. Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. Using the Connected Paint process, the mural will consist of 105 canvas panels to be painted individually. At the end of the evening, the completed panels will be assembled to reveal the overall theme. There will be appetizers and a cash bar. The Public Broadcast System will be filming the event as part of a documentary about the Connected Paint system. Participants can reserve a panel to paint for $50, or sponsor a panel to be painted by someone else at http://tinyurl.com/ConnectedPaintMOH. All proceeds will benefit the Memorial Opera House Foundation. More information is at memorialoperahouse.com or 219-548-9137.

Sunday Supper at Lubeznik Center for the Arts

The community is invited to attend a four-course Sunday Supper from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St., Michigan City. The evening will feature a family-style farm-to-fork dinner by Chef Barry of Shoreline Brewery, along with entertaining and educational conversation with food supplier Greg Gunthorp, author and journalist David Hoppe, and restauranteur Joe Vuskovich. Tickets are $60 at www.lubeznikcenter.org or 219-874-4900.

ORCH-TOBERFEST to benefit local orchestra

South Shore Orchestra will host ORCH-TOBERFEST from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 16 at The Market, 2405 Morthland Drive, Valparaiso. Featured will be a German style food buffet with five German wines, an optional Flight of Four local microbrews and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 per person at http://orchtoberfest2016.brownpapertickets.com. Proceeds will benefit the South Shore Orchestra, which performs at Memorial Opera House. Information is with Pete Brannen at 219-464-7816.

Seminar to help ease knee and hip pain

Porter Regional Hospital hosts Top 10 things You Can Do for Knee and Hip Pain from 1-2 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Community Room at the hospital, 85 E. US Highway 6, Valparaiso. The seminar will focus on the importance of a proper diagnosis for knee and hip pain, anatomy of the joints and the range of treatment options. Registration is at 800-541-1861 or PorterJOINTCARE.com. Information is with Joel Phillips at 219-983-8536.

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Staff report
Voter Armando Garcia checks in with election clerk Sarah Farrell before casting his ballot in the Indiana primary Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at the Greater Hammond Homing Pigeon Club in the 4300 block of Wabash Avenue in Hammond, Ind. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune)

INDIANAPOLIS  New numbers from the Indiana Secretary of State's office show that 200,000 more residents have registered to vote in this year's presidential election than eight years ago.

The Indianapolis Star reported that 4.7 million residents are currently registered to vote  more than the 4.5 million who were registered in the 2008 race between President Barack Obama and U.S. Sen. John McCain.

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There is still more than a week to go before the Oct. 11 registration deadline.

"The Indiana Democratic Party and our campaigns are running a robust program, including voter registration, early voting and turnout efforts across the state," said Drew Anderson, communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party.

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Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell also said his team has been driving voter registration statewide.

"We're expecting this race to have a large turnout, similar to what we saw in May during the primary," Cardwell said.

Social media site Facebook began running a promotion Friday, providing links for its users to register to vote. That day, 21,000 signed up to vote in Indiana. That number rose to 30,000 through the weekend.

"Going back to 2008, we've been reminding people on Facebook to vote on Election Day and directing them to information on where to vote," said Samidh Chakrabarti, Facebook's product manager for civic engagement. "This is the natural next step. We want people to have a voice in the process, and getting registered means that there's one less hurdle for them."

The secretary of state's office said Friday was the third-highest daily total ever for online registrations.

Associated Press
Mark Bouman, president of the Calumet Heritage Partnership, gives a presentation Wednesday at the Porter County Museum on the proposed Calumet Heritage Area. (Amy Lavalley / Post-Tribune)

What a heritage area should include and what its boundaries might look like were up for discussion Wednesday at the Porter County Museum.

Representatives from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Portage parks, and conservation groups gathered for a meeting sponsored by the Calumet Heritage Partnership to go over the proposed Calumet National Heritage Area, which would stretch from the newly established Pullman National Monument in Chicago to the eastern edge of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

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"The heritage area project in some ways has been on a very fast track the last couple of years but it's been gestating for a long time," said Mark Bouman, president of the partnership.

The effort toward the partnership began in the late 1990s, he said, but has gained steam in recent years for a number of reasons, including more savvy marketing, an interest in outdoor recreation, and a growing conservation movement.

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"On our clock to move this thing into the station, we're at 11:59," he said. "This is one of the last major listening sessions that we're having."

The findings of a feasibility study on the heritage area will be presented at the partnership's annual conference. That takes place starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 29 at Lake Etta County Park, 4801 W. 29th Ave., Gary.

The National Park Service would oversee the heritage area, as it does 49 others across the nation, and Congress would create it, Bouman said.

For logistical reasons, Bouman said the boundary for the heritage area could go to the southern edges of Lake and Porter counties before jutting north to include part of LaPorte County.

Those taking part in the discussion suggested stretching the heritage boundaries to include more of LaPorte County, possibly going further east to encompass South Bend, and going as far south as North Judson in Starke County.

"There's a point where you put pen to paper and realize it's a starting point," said Paul Labovitz, superintendent of the national lakeshore, adding areas always can be expanded.

Regardless of its boundaries, the heritage area would encompass places of cultural, historical and environmental significance in the region. Those areas would be united by branding, way-finding signs and other measures to provide cohesiveness, Bouman said, but would not affect property rights for those living in the heritage area.

"These are lived-in landscapes, the stories that get told in and around everyday life," he said, adding heritage area could have an economic impact as well, because every $1 of federal investment into a heritage area generates $5.50 back to that region.

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Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
More than 50 business owners and community leaders assembled for a roundtable discussion Wednesday at the Merrillville office of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce, with many expressing concerns of community blight and business loss when the Radisson Hotel and Star Plaza Theatre closes in 2017. (Philip Potempa / Post-Tribune)

South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Speros Batistatos said Wednesday Northwest Indiana communities are posed to lose more than a half billion dollars in revenue through 2018 as a result of the 2017 closing of Radisson Hotel and Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville.

"Not a half million, it's a half billion in losses we're facing if we don't act now and do something to maintain our destination status and have a someplace in Northwest Indiana to attract these groups that book here and spend money in the surrounding communities," Batistatos told more than 50 business owners and community leaders assembled for a roundtable discussion Wednesday at the Merrillville office of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Representatives from Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza said 95 convention groups and 15 weddings, all booked for 2017, have been canceled, resulting in more than 5,000 room bookings lost to alternative cities.

"The only conference and convention space we had in Northwest Indiana connected with lodging was at Radisson Star Plaza," Batistatos said.

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"Once it's closed, we lose 30,000 square feet of flexible conference space combined with the additional loss of 37,000 square feet of event space the theater afforded. Our convention and meeting space was already smaller compared to what we compete with, such as the 75,000 square feet in South Bend, 225,000 square feet in Fort Wayne, 566,000 square feet in Indianapolis and 70,000 square feet in Tinley Park."

Batistatos continues to recommend a new convention center be built for Northwest Indiana to attract convention dollars, with funding for the project raised with a proposed 3 percent new Lake County food and beverage tax.

"Spend $10 on a couple of Happy Meals at McDonald's and that's an additional 30 cents added with this tax, which isn't too much to ask," he said.

"Right now, without the Radisson space, Northwest Indiana currently has no sizeable group or convention numbers for 2017 or 2018 or beyond and that's going to impact all of us with reduced spending and the result is going to be less employment opportunities in our area and you're going to see a noticeable decline for everything around us."

John G. Bosak, owner of Bosak Auto on U.S. 30 in Merrillville, said he supports Batistatos, the added tax and construction of a new convention and event space.

"My family has had this business for 90 years and we're originally from Gary and we've seen what can happen to communities when dollars aren't spent," Bosak said. "I can see how our area could be headed in the direction of decline if we don't act."

Batistatos said a petition to support the proposed new tax has seen steady traffic at his organization website at www.southshorecva.com.

"Our first step was to determine that yes we need this facility and then we can explore where it would be located," Batistatos said. "Now, we're ready for a feasibility study before we continue the discussion of how to pay for the facility. I'll be the first to say that the convention center itself will never make money, because of the cost of the overhead associated with something this size. But it will provide the return on the investment to all of our communities because of the visitor spending revenue it will generate."

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Batistatos said he close to finalizing a firm to accept the feasibility study, which he said would be completed within nine months.

Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Former Lake Station Mayor Keith Soderquist and his wife Deborah Soderquist arrive at the Federal Courthouse in Hammond for a hearing earlier this year. At sentencing hearings Wednesday, Keith Soderquist was sentenced to prison for four years while Deborah was sentenced to two years for misusing campaign and food pantry money on gambling trips. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune)

Federal judges had strong words for a former Lake Station mayor and his wife Wednesday, particularly about the money they used from the Lake Station food pantry.

"What were you thinking? Are you goofy or what?" Judge James Moody asked in a raised voice to Keith Soderquist.

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After a brief, silent pause, Moody asked Soderquist to answer him, and Soderquist replied, "no."

"You took full advantage of (the poor)," Moody said. "Shame on you."

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In a full day of parties shuffling between courtrooms, medical documents and court transcripts, Keith and Deborah Soderquist were sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Hammond.

Keith Soderquist was ordered to spend four years in prison  42 months for his crimes with his wife followed by 6 months for aiding his stepdaughter  while Deborah Soderquist was sentenced to two years in prison. The couple must also pay more than $26,000 in restitution to the city of Lake Station and to the IRS.

Last September, a jury found the couple guilty of using money from his campaign fund and the food pantry on dozens of gambling trips to Michigan.

Earlier this year, Keith Soderquist also pleaded guilty to helping his stepdaughter, Miranda Brakely  who was sentenced to six months of home detention  hide thousands of dollars she stole from the city when she worked there as a court clerk.

And this summer Soderquist admitted in court documents to recording and listening to thousands of phone calls city hall employees made since 2011, including a call made from a phone in the private chambers of a Lake Station City Court judge. Though he wasn't charged for the wiretapping, it factored into the sentencing, documents state.

Wiretapping

Before the couple was sentenced Wednesday, the prosecution read excerpts from grand jury transcripts from former Lake Station Police Chief Kevin Garber and the ConvergeOne employee who installed the phone system revealing new details about Soderquist's admitted wiretapping.

Garber testified in the transcripts that he walked in on Keith and Deborah Soderquist chatting about listening in on a city employee's phone call with the employee's mother and Deborah laughing and saying something along the lines of, "Don't they know we can listen in on them?"

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The recording system was set up during the construction and move to the new Lake Station City Hall in late 2011, according to court documents. While it is fairly common to record police and fire department phone calls, Soderquist specifically asked the installers to record calls of all city hall employees without them knowing, the ConvergeOne employee testified in the transcripts, allowing Soderquist to access the recordings at any time on his computer.

When the system was initially set up, there was a function that notifies callers they are being recorded, the installer testified, but Soderquist requested that be disabled, making employees unaware of the recordings until the government began investigating earlier this year.

Medical ailments

The Soderquists' trial before the wiretapping revelations was accompanied by discussion of their medical ailments, and their sentencings were no exception.

The prosecution argued Wednesday that Soderquist should be taken into custody immediately after sentencing because Soderquist violated his bond in the case by continuing the wiretapping as his trial progressed, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Benson.

"I can't think of anything more egregious," Benson said, noting how "incredibly serious" wiretapping is.

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But there is a medical issue that poses a problem with going straight into custody, defense attorney Scott King argued. After exhausting all non-surgical options, a doctor scheduled Keith Soderquist for neck surgery on Oct. 13, according to King.

"This isn't about getting his affairs in order," King said. "This is about getting his neck fixed so he doesn't spend the next three-plus years in agony."

Judge Rudy Lozano agreed Soderquist could have the surgery and time for recovery, but he must report to prison on Nov. 14. However, if the surgery gets canceled, he has to go to prison sooner, Lozano said.

Deborah Soderquist also highlighted her medical concerns Wednesday. Last week, Deborah Soderquist asked for her hearing to be pushed back in light of a CT scan scheduled the day after her sentencing. Her life has been filled with medical ailments, from her diagnosis of muscular dystrophy in her 20s, to her degenerative joint diseases to her more recent kidney cancer diagnosis, defense attorney Visvaldis Kupsis said.

Additionally, the defense asked she be able to serve her sentence in a halfway house to make it easier for her to receive cancer treatment.

But if the sentence was lenient, "I think the message to society is that if you're sick, you can do any crime you want," Judge Lozano said.

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While Lozano allowed Deborah Soderquist to start her sentence on Nov. 14 like her husband, he decided she would have to serve her sentence in a prison equipped with a medical facility.

Apologies

In each of the defendant's sentencing hearings, Judge Lozano repeatedly expressed how "bothered" he was by the layers of crimes the two committed.

Kupsis described the case as "a story of two people in love who make a lot of mistakes." And the mistakes came when Soderquist "succumbed" to the "flashing lights" of casinos with his gambling addiction, King said.

"It doesn't excuse, but it does serve to explain," King said.

Family members of the Soderquists filled a bench in the courtroom Wednesday, and letters from family, friends and coworkers were filed in the couple's court docket leading up to the sentencing, saying their crimes were out of character of the positive impacts the couple made on Lake Station.

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Keith and Deborah Soderquist each made brief statements to the court before they were sentenced.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to my wife, my two daughters, my family, my friends and to all those who had to endure this process. I am sorry," Keith Soderquist said.

His wife followed, saying, "I would just like to apologize to everyone that was affected by my actions."

But it's the people of Lake Station the couple should apologize to, Benson said.

"Maybe he should apologize to them because he lied to them and stole from them," Benson said.

"Lake Station is not a rich community, but a very proud community, and they have every right to expect that it will be run properly," Judge Lozano said, as he sentenced the couple.

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Judge Lozano admitted that people make mistakes, and Keith Soderquist did try to help his wife and stepdaughters.

However, "I wish you had had the same respect for the people of Lake Station," Lozano said.

rejacobs@post-trib.com

Twitter @ruthyjacobs
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Food News Reel Brews A brand new 8-screen theater/ restaurant/ microbrewery is slowly rising from the dust out on Coors and La Orilla. The Flix Brewhouse, a movie theater that serves you food and drinks while you watch, promises to be one hell of a money magnet whenever it opens (which has yet to be announced).

Thanks to an E. coli outbreak last year that started in one of its restaurants, Chipotle has been having trouble getting customers to trust its food again. Starting this week, they're running a media campaign attempting to let people know about their new additions to the menu, and new additions to their food safety process. Sheesh.

Laura Leal, owner of Leals Mexican Restaurant in Clovis, was named Restaurateur of the Year by the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Congrats, Ms. Leal, and expect a visit from your's truly in the near future.

It's about to be that time of year when the air is crisp and the drink is beer. That's right. Time for the seventh annual New Mexico Brew Fest, hosted at Expo New Mexico this Saturday. With live music and tons of food trucks, if this festival doesn't scratch it, then it doesn't itch.
Republican Joan McCarthy Lasonde, running for U.S. congresswoman in the 9th District, addresses a group of supporters at the El Fuego restaurant in Skokie. The Niles Township Regular Republican Organization held a debate-watching-party attended by local and regional candidates. (Mike Isaacs / Pioneer Press)

Republican candidates vying for upsets in a handful of local and regional races in November made their cases last week in downtown Skokie just before Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton duked it out in their first national debate.

The Niles Township Regular Republican Organization (NTRRO) called the event at the El Fuego restaurant a "candidates' forum" and a "debate-watching party." What that really meant was a meet-and-greet with the candidates, brief speeches and then watching the highly-anticipated Clinton-Trump debate on one of a handful of televisions.

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The candidates in each of these races are trying to win seats that traditionally have been dominated by Democrats. But each of the candidates expressed optimism and said it was past time for a change.

Among those Republican underdogs on hand were Christopher Pfannkuche, running for Cook County state's attorney, Diana Shapiro, Cook County Circuit Court clerk, Jonathan Edelman, state congressman in the 15th District, and Joan McCarthy Lasonde, U.S. congresswoman in the 9th District.

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Lasonde has the difficult task of trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowskywho has not faced a serious challenge for a long time. Lasonde said that she believes she has a chance  if she can get her poll numbers closer to 44 percent. If she is in striking range, she said, that's when the Republican Party could kick in some serious funding to mount a challenge.

"No one bets on a losing horse," she said.

The candidate, who lives in Wilmette, said her top priority for the district is the economy.

"I know because I'm out every weekend and knocking on doors and you know what? People are nervous," she said.

Pfannkuche, who will face Kim Foxx for state's attorney in November after the latter's victory over Anita Alvarez, has served as a prosecutor for many years. Pfannkuche's campaign, he said, focuses on prosecuting violent felons, repeat offenders and domestic abusers "to make our communities safer."

Pfannkuche on Sept. 26 echoed some of the comments he has made in his campaign literature.

"Cook County needs a new state's attorney," he says on his website. "The reputation of the state's attorney's office has been greatly damaged under the current leadership. Justice is no longer being pursued. I intend to restore respect, integrity and professionalism."

Diana Shapiro, facing Dorothy Brown for Circuit Court clerk, said the county faces "dire financial strains on our economy due to corruption and wasteful pay-to-play politics of our elected leaders who would rather raise taxes than cut costs and operate within a balanced budget."

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On her website, she has called ethics her "guiding light."

She promised to "reform the office of the Circuit Court clerk, end wasteful spending, lead by example and be an honorable public servant who will restore efficiency, reliability and dignity."

Jonathan Edelman, running for state representative against John D'Amico in the 15th District, handed out his own "Common Sense" pamphlet in the tradition of Thomas Paine.

"I have the strange notion that if you're running for public office, you ought to tell people what you believe, what you're going to do and how you're going to be in office," he said.

In Edelman's booklet, he advocates for term limits, balanced budgets and addresses pensions, taxes, business, labor and trade, education, college, crime, prison reform and more.

"One of the things we have to do in Illinois politics is we have to get rid of political royalty," he said.

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misaacs@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @SKReview_Mike
A Chicago man was sentenced to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty at the Skokie courthouse this week to stabbing another man during a 2015 fight in a Skokie bar, court records show.

James I. Vechiola, 52, of the 2800 block of West Touhy Avenue in Chicago pleaded guilty to aggravated battery at the Skokie courthouse on Monday and was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay fees and fines, records show. An attempted murder charge was dropped in exchange for Vechiola's pleading guilty to one count of aggravated battery.

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Vechiola and a 52-year-old Wheaton man got into an argument at Skokie House Bar in the 7800 block of Lincoln Avenue in Skokie in March 2015 that escalated into a fight, authorities said. They said Vechiola pulled a knife and stabbed the other man several times.

Brian L. Cox is a freelancer.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)'s Ghana office, in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), on Wednesday premiered an art exhibition in Accra to address issues pertaining to open defecation.

The exhibition is the work of 21 artists using varied visual art forms to address open defecation under the "Let's talk sh*t" project, which aims at focusing attention on matters using informal words.

Various mediums of fine arts such as painting, sculpture, photography, installation, videography and theatre are being used to show how shitting outside designated toilets threaten public health and balloons government budget on dealing with poor sanitation.

The Minister of LGRD, Collins Dauda, said he was extremely happy to see how the creative artworks produced could significantly address the issues of open defecation in Ghana.

He said this initiative added value to the government's program on the elimination of open defecation.

Statistics indicate that about 5 million Ghanaians defecate in the open and 43 percent of schools are not equipped with proper sanitation facilities or do not even have water.

According to the education management information system, more than two in five basic schools in Ghana have no toilets.

According to the WHO, 3600 children under-five die annually in Ghana from diarrhea.

Susan Namondo Ngongi, Representative of UNICEF Ghana, which is spearheading the campaign in collaboration with the Alliance Francaise in Accra, said while the title of the program might sound shocking to some people, it was expected to generate attention and initiate a dialogue on the issue.

The Director of the Alliance Francaise, Frederic Dart, said the program would provide the artist community with a great opportunity to show that their role was not about "decoration" or beauty but about engaging on social issues.

"This collaboration demonstrates that visual art can contribute to arouse critical thinking and place this issue into the public sphere," said Dart.

In November, the artists will take the exhibition on tour to three selected communities practicing open defecation in Accra to generate a dialogue directly with the people.
We talk about Chinese food in the West as if it's a single, unified cuisine, but anyone who has visited China knows that's not the case.

Chinese food. [Photo/Xinhua]

There is East China food, West China food, and North and South China food, and that's before we even start talking about the combinations between them and the sub-categories.

Imagine trying to methodically work your way through successive regional variants until you've tasted every dish and cooking style this vast country has to offer. You might start your tour from some central point and swing out in an ever-growing arc, each day anew savoring new foods or culinary variations.

But let's face it. You could no more taste every variation of Chinese cuisine than you could see every gradation of hue in the seven colors of the rainbow's palette from red through orange, yellow, green, blue and indigo to violet.

The culinary expanse boggles the mind.

So how do I fit in here?

There are two kinds of Westerner.

There are the bold, for whom no challenge is too great - like, say, the swashbuckling privateer Sir Francis Drake, who plundered Spain's silver shipments from the New World in the 16th century to serve Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Then there are the lily-livered ones ... why single them out by name? They already have enough burdens in life. As Drake's contemporary William Shakespeare wrote: "A coward dies a thousand times before his death, but the valiant taste of death but once".

I don't mean to compare myself to Drake, but I, too, can easily think of things far worse than the taste of death. The taste of jellyfish, for example.

A sense of courtesy compelled me once to eat jellyfish - a creature that in my country we loathe even stepping on at the beach, let alone putting in our mouths - at a welcoming dinner for a new China Daily editor in Beijing. I expected rigor mortis to set in soon after my jaws clamped down.

The cowards among Westerners will always choose familiar foods, the blander the better. Hence, the success of fast food restaurants. They give Westerners wherever they may find themselves in the world something boring and familiar to eat.

The Chinese, on the other hand, cast caution to the wind when they travel abroad. Recently, eight Chinese tourists in Israel made the news for a meal they ate.

They went to a restaurant famous for its hummus. There must have been a shortage of other delicacies on the menu because, according to The Washington Post, they ordered only some side dishes, lamb for a main course, dessert and vodka.

What do you do if you can't order a lot of different types of food? They ordered a lot of what there was and paid premium prices. Thirty kilos of lamb for the eight of them, and multiple $400 bottles of vodka. At the end of the meal, the bill amounted to $4,400.

Oh well, you only live once. So live it up while you can.
This year's Tokyo International Film Festival is set to take place in less than a month, and two Chinese-language films are in the final competition for the top Tokyo Grand Prix.

A promotional photo for the film Mr. No Problem by Chinese director Mei Feng. [Photo: Tokyo International Film Festival]

The two films are Mr. No Problem by mainland director Mei Feng and Shed Skin Papa by Hong Kong director Roy Szeto. Mr. No Problem, shot in stylish black-and-white, is a three-act fable set in wartime Chongqing. It focuses on the indifferent rich, the head clerk on a farm, and some young intruders. Based on a 1943 short story, the film is screenwriter Mei Feng's directorial debut and stars well known comedian and actor Fan Wei.

Comedy Shed Skin Papa calls to mind the tale of Benjamin Button. As a frustrated director faces debt and a divorce, his elderly father suddenly regains his youth. Elements of history and romance then unfold. Adapted from a play by Norihiko Tsukuda, the film stars Hong Kong actors Francis Ng and Louis Koo.

A total of sixteen films have been selected to compete for the highest honors in Tokyo. They also include Italy-France-Switzerland co-production Seven Minutes and After You're Gone from Russia.

Established in 1995, the Tokyo International Film Festival is among the most competitive film festivals in Asia. This year's event will open on October 25th and feature more than 200 films from around the world.

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Fasten your seat belt, because China's air industry is ready to take off!

The numbers of China's international air passengers and new international air routes both increased by more than 30 percent in 2015, according to statistics released at the World Route Development Forum, which concluded Tuesday in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan.

At the four-day forum, Shuangliu International Airport of Chengdu inked deals to launch nine regular direct international flights, while the southern metropolis of Guangzhou had negotiations with more than 30 airline companies.

China's air market has picked up speed in recent years. Its air routes to Europe and North American have increased from a mere 15 in 2009 to 235 in 2016, linking 14 Chinese cities, many of which are second-tier, inland cities, according to Richard Evans, senior consultant at Flight Ascend Consultancy.

By the end of 2015, 20 Chinese airlines had flights linking China and 138 cities in other countries and regions, and 129 foreign entities operated flights from 126 cities overseas to 57 Chinese cities, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

"These (figures) show business insiders' great interest and growing confidence in the future of China's civil aviation industry," said CAAC deputy head Dong Zhiyi.

Skyrocketing industry

With China's air industry development gaining speed, aeronautical specialists say the sky is the limit for aviation in the world's most populous country.

China's outbound passengers stood at 120 million last year, allowing many foreign airlines to launch flights to China, said Zheng Lei, director of the center for aviation research at the University of Surrey in Britain.

"If the current trend continues, by 2034, there will be 14,000 more planes flying to Asia," Lei said.

Vinoop Goel, Asia-Pacific regional director of airport, passenger, cargo and security at the International Air Transport Association, said that China is one of the world's major five markets, and with such growth potentials it will likely surpass the United States.

The western inland is particularly a magnet for those looking to enter the Chinese market.

Take Sichuan for example. In 2015, the province's total economic output exceeded three trillion yuan (450 billion U.S. dollars), making it sixth nationwide. So far, 278 of the top 500 global companies and 70 percent of the world's most renowned brands have offices in the provincial capital Chengdu.

During the forum, Chongqing Airport Group, in neighboring Chongqing Municipality, spoke with more than 30 foreign airliners, while Yunnan Airport Group agreed to cooperate with multiple airline companies in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as reaching out to airlines from Europe, the United States and Japan.

"The economic growth rates posted by Chinese provinces and cities are amazing and we are very excited to enhance cooperation," said Khalil Lamrabet, director of Dubai airports aviation business development. "We expect to bring more tourists and more job opportunities [to Chongqing]."

But with the opportunities have emerged some challenges.

Vinoop said that the major obstacle was transporting capacity; the ability to carry increasing numbers of passengers.

"If transporting capacity is insufficient, the industry will suffer," he said. "To solve this problem, airports and airlines must enhance coordination."

Hou Wei, vice president of Hainan Airlines, said that it was necessary to coordinate air transportation policies, air traffic control and airport services, if the industry is to become stronger.

Meanwhile, aviation specialists say that airline companies, airports and tourism authorities should improved communication to address the problem of flight delays.

"In the past few years, we have had very close cooperation with airline companies and reduced flight delays," said Susan Kurland, deputy commissioner for air service development with Chicago Department of Aviation. "We also stepped up investment in the aviation industry, improved efficiency in terminals, and built many hotels near airports to meet the demand of our customers."
A woman walks past billboards of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (L) and Galaxy S7 (R) at a mobile phone shop in Seoul on September 12, 2016. [Xinhua]

A government department in Chengdu, Sichuan province, banned its employees from using Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in the office, following moves by domestic airlines and national civil aviation authorities to ban the use of the phone model on airplanes.

Chengdu Service, the micro blog account of Chengdu's Government Affairs Service Center, posted a notice to employees on Monday that it would ban the use of the smartphones for safety reasons.

The notice said monitoring would be increased in an area outside its office that was set up to provide free internet and recharging services for visitors.

"If visitors are found recharging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones, you should persuade them to stop," the notice said.

However, after some media outlets reported that the ban was targeting visitors to the service center, the post was removed with an explanation that the rule is an in-house policy for employees, not visitors.

Jing Rong, an office worker at the center, said on Tuesday that she has been informed of the new policy, and she would use her old phone, an iPhone 5, to replace her Galaxy Note 7.

"My superior said the center's decision-makers thought the phone's battery might cause a fire or explosion when it is recharged," she said.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China has banned passengers from using or recharging Galaxy Note 7 cellphones on domestic flights. It has also banned them in checked luggage.

At least five Galaxy Note 7 users in China have reported that their phones exploded, although it's unknown whether the incidents were related to battery issues.

The latest incident was reported on Tuesday, with Liaoning TV reporting that a resident experienced his Galaxy Note 7 vibrating, becoming hot and burning.

Samsung said it will recall 1,858 Galaxy Note 7 cellphones that were manufactured between July 20 and Aug 5 and distributed in China through a Samsung website as part of a trial before the official Sept 1 launch date, according to the country's product quality watchdog.

Globally, since the debut of the Galaxy Note 7 last month, there have been about 100 reported incidents of battery explosions.

On Taisheng South Road in downtown Chengdu, which is the busiest street for cellphone transactions in the city, almost all stores specializing in Samsung cellphones sell the Galaxy Note 7 for 5,988 yuan ($898).

"Few buyers are showing interest in the model," said Ke Xiqian, a sales representative at a Samsung store.
The Sino-Kazakh border gate is seen at the Alataw Pass in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, July 28, 2016. China's far western Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is becoming better connected with the international community after the implementation of the Silk Road Economic Belt. Trade volume at Alataw Pass, the region's largest land port on the Kazakhstan border, reached 25 million tons in 2014, after an average annual growth of 27 percent since 1991. [Photo/Xinhua]
A China Evergrande salesperson introduces the property developer's apartment project to customers at a real estate expo in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

China Evergrande, one of the Chinese mainland's top two real estate companies, has decided to sell all of its non-core businesses in the grain and oil, dairy products and spring water sectors for the aggregate price of 2.7 billion yuan ($409 million), in order to put more focus on its property development business, as mainland house prices are going wild recently.

The Guangdong-based developer will sell its grain and oil business for 600 million yuan, the dairy products business for 300 million yuan and the spring water business for 1.8 billion yuan, according to a filing made to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The sales agreements were signed on Wednesday, and Evergrande will receive 10 percent of the value for each sale within three days, with the remainder paid out by buyers within three years. The company said in the filing that the sale of the three businesses is expected to yield a before-tax gain of 5.7 billion yuan.

The non-core businesses have dragged down the company's performance in the past years. For example, the spring water unit incurred a 2 billion yuan loss in 2015, following a 2.37 billion shortfall the previous year, according to the data compiled by Bloomberg.

Analysts seemed unimpressed by the company's move. "I don't think the disposal of the non-core businesses will much help the company's performance, because the biggest problem for Evergrande is its heavy debt," Kingston Securities Research Executive Director Dickie Wong Tak-kei told China Daily.

According to Evergrande's interim results, although the company registered a 12.6 percent jump in sales in the first half, its income attributable to shareholders slumped 74 percent to 2.46 billion yuan, due to the 60 percent rise in payments on the company's perpetual bonds as well as a surge in marketing costs.

The share price of Evergrande rose as much as 3.4 percent on the news on Wednesday morning to a three-week high in Hong Kong, but then the gains were trimmed to 0.37 percent in the afternoon to close at HK$5.39. The benchmark Heng Sang Index slightly increased 0.2 percent to 23,619 points.

Evergrande's move is in line with the currently buoyant property market. Official data showed that average new home prices in 70 major Chinese cities climbed for 11th months in August, up 9.2 percent from a year earlier, and higher than 7.9 percentage growth in July, with economically-strong areas reporting drastic price rises, and less developed areas marking mild price growth.

House prices in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing rose 37.8 percent, 37.3 percent and 25.8 percent year on year respectively, compared with 33.1 percent, 41.4 percent and 22.7 percent in July.
Volkswagen AG has built a company dedicated to mobility service as part of its goal to stay competitive as it has been, said a senior executive of the German car giant on Sept 29, the eve of the Paris auto show.

Addressing several hundreds of journalists, Matthias Muller, CEO of Volkswagen AG, said a company dedicated to mobility service has been established in Berlin and the management has been put in place.

Muller said the company, though its name has not been decided yet, will work on ride hailing, shuttle service as well as sharing urban mobility, with more details to be revealed in November.

Muller said the company, which he calls as the 13th brand, will rank among top three provider of urban mobility solutions and become a market leader in Europe by 2025.

All the other 12 brands are automakers, including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Porsche.

Besides mobility service, Muller is betting big on new-energy vehicles, saying that the group is to roll out more than 30 electric vehicles by 2025 besides those that have already hit the market.

"The future is electric," said Muller. He said Volkswagen is showcasing a concept car called ID with a range of up to 600 km.

The car is based on MEB, the carmaker's new platform dedicated to new energy vehicles, and the new platform will be rolling out in the group from 2020.

Experts believe that some of its electric cars will be produced in China as it is in talks with Chinese automaker JAC on building a joint venture to develop and build new-energy vehicles.

Besides electric cars, Volkswagen AG is introducing 17 plug-in hybrids by 2018, with the first being Porsche's Panamera E-Hybrid also showcased at the Paris auto show.

Muller said Volkswagen is also working on a rapid-charging project for new-energy vehicles as he believes "the breakthrough for e-mobility cannot be achieved without substantial progress in batteries and infrastructure".
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China's top graft-buster Wang Qishan has urged disciplinary inspectors to use the Communist Party of China's (CPC)constitution and rules and speeches made by Chinese President Xi Jinping to help them in their investigations.

Wang Qishan (3rd R, rear), secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, attends a symposium on anti-corruption inspections in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Wang, secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), made the remarks at a symposium held Wednesday in Beijing on anti-corruption inspections.

He said inspectors must "see through appearances and perceive the essence," to discern the true root cause of corruption.

In particular, they must scrutinize whether officials in supervising positions should be held accountable for corruption under their watch, he said.

China is in the middle of an anti-graft drive, and CCDI inspectors play a major role.

Late last year, CCDI said it would finish inspecting all 280 government bodies or Party organizations by the end of 2017.
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The Syrian military intensified its airstrikes on rebel positions in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, a military source told Xinhua.

The air raids targeted rebel posts in Khan Touman, Miratah, Dar Ezzah, Qbaitan al-Jabal and other towns in Aleppo and its countryside, the source said on condition of anonymity.

Many rebels were killed and their military equipment destroyed, the source said without elaboration.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 23 people were killed Wednesday during airstrikes targeting rebel-held al-Shaar and al-Mashad, in the eastern part of Aleppo.

The London-based monitor group, which says it relies on a network of activists on the ground inside Syria, said the death toll will most likely rise as dozens of people are still trapped under rubble.

It said an entire building collapsed in al-Shaar following intensified airstrikes.

The escalation in attacks comes amid a large-scale military showdown in Aleppo, after the Syrian army, backed by Russian air force, captured the al-Farafira district in Aleppo's old quarter on Tuesday.

A recent two-week truce in Aleppo ended without extension as tension rose between Russia and the United States, which backs so-called moderate rebels fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Earlier this week, the Syrian military announced a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Aleppo, with government officials and President Bashar al-Assad pledging to capture the whole city from rebel hands.

Aleppo, Syria's largest province near the Turkish border and its economic hub before the crisis, is strategically vital to the warring parties.
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Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Wednesday said the Iraqi government asked for more U.S. troops as trainers and advisers to help liberate the last major Islamic State (IS) stronghold in Mosul.

"U.S. President Barack Obama was consulted on a request by the Iraqi government for a final increase in the number of U.S. trainers and advisers under the umbrella of the international coalition in Iraq to provide support for the Iraqi security forces," Abadi said in a statement issued by his office.

However, Abadi stressed that the role of the trainers and advisers is not combating, and that those who will liberate the land are only Iraqi forces, the statement said, adding that the "number of trainers and advisers will be reduced immediately after the liberation of Mosul."

About 4,400 U.S. troops are currently in Iraq, a number expected to increase before the battles in Mosul, located some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
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The Turkish National Security Council on Wednesday proposed to extend the country's ongoing state of emergency which was declared after the July 15 coup attempt, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

The National Security Council, which convened on Wednesday in Ankara under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, made a number of statements on the coup attempt, Turkey's Syria policy and counter-terrorism.

The council advised to extend the state of emergency beyond its initial three-month period.

According to the Turkish constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum period of six months.

Following the initial declaration, opposition leaders expressed doubts about the decree laws being passed too rapidly.

The council meeting also declared July 15 as "Day of Democracy and Freedom."

The National Security Council insisted on a "terror-free zone" and a "no-fly zone" in the north of Syria.

Turkish army launched a cross-border Euphrates Shield operation on Aug. 24, along with the U.S.-led coalition in Syria's northern border town of Jarablus to clear the area of the Islamic State.
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The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Wednesday reached a "historical" agreement to ceil oil output from 33.24 million barrels a day to 32.5 or 33 million barrels a day.

Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo (R) and President of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada attend a press conference in Algiers, Algeria on Sept. 28, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

President of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada told a press conference after a six-hour extraordinary meeting that the cartel's members reached the agreement to cap the oil output.

The OPEC official hailed the efforts made by Algeria, "which offered such an opportunity to gather us and decide on a crucial issue related to oil market."

Al-Sada noted that the participants agreed to set up a committee to consider the output share of each member nation, and then file a report to the next OPEC meeting due in Vienna in November.

He further indicated that the committee is also meant to coordinate a collective agreement between the cartel's members in a bid to accelerate the process of rebalancing the oil market, saying both OPEC and non-OPEC producers (in reference to Russia) have to share the burden of adjusting the output.

When asked whether the Algiers meeting outcomes would push oil prices higher, he noted that market is the only factor that controls the prices.

Earlier on Wednesday, reports suggested that Algeria has proposed the members of OPEC to cut oil outputs by 796,000 barrels a day.

The North African nation proposed Saudi Arabia, one of major oil producers, to cap its supply to around 10.3 million barrels a day. It also proposed Iran to limit its supply to 3.7 million barrels a day.

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Tuesday met with Saudi Deputy Oil Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al-Saud and Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh.

Sellal attempted to approach divergent views between Iran and Saudi Arabia to facilitate the process of the informal OPEC meeting, which is seen as an opportunity to reach an agreement to either freeze or reduce outputs.

Algeria made considerable diplomatic efforts in the last few months to persuade OPEC and non-OPEC producers to gather "informally" in Algiers to revive the slumping oil market.

Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Bouterfa said earlier this week that oil price at 50 to 60 U.S. dollars per barrel would be favorable for both consumers and producers, as it would help maintain investments and therefore assure the availability of this key energy product in the long term.
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Nearly 600 more U.S. troops will be dispatched to Iraq in coming weeks to reinforce Iraqi government forces to take back the city of Mosul from the extreme Islam State (the IS), Pentagon announced Wednesday.

Currently there are some 4,647 U.S. soldiers authorized to deploy in Iraq. The additional forces will enhance the authorized level to about 5,200.

These troops will not spearhead the attack, said Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook. Instead, they will provide logistics support, training and advice for the Iraqi forces.

The Iraqi governmental forces also got Apache attack helicopters and a HIMARS rocket system. Large amounts of funding were sent to the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, local media reported, quoting Pentagon sources as saying that an offensive in Mosul might begin in October.

Earlier this month, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met privately with U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, seeking for more logistics support from Pentagon.
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Two children and a teacher were wounded on Wednesday in a shooting incident at a South Carolina school, according to local authorities.

The suspected shooter was a teenager and was in custody after shooting the three victims at an elementary school in Townville, South Carolina, according to a spokesman for local county's Emergency Management Department.

Local newspaper Anderson Independent Mail cited Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore as saying that the students did not appear to have life-threatening injuries.

Due to lax gun control measures, past shooting incidents claimed dozens of lives on campus across the country. In 2012, a heavily armed gunman forced his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and started a shooting rampage, killing 20 children and six adults. He later killed himself.

In recent years, after high-profile mass shootings occurred, such as the carnage at Sandy Hook Elementary School, U.S. President Barack Obama tried but failed each time to reform the country's flawed gun laws.

In 2013, the Obama administration's gun control initiatives, including expanded background check and bans on assault weapons, were stymied in Congress after staunch opposition from Republican lawmakers and gun-rights lobby groups.

After the shooting spree in San Bernardino, California, last year, in which 14 were killed and 22 more injured, Democrats downgraded efforts trying to pass a measure to keep people on terrorism watch list from purchasing gun. That legislative effort again failed.

During his presidency, Obama has been confronted with more than a dozen of high-profile mass shootings, and in an interview last year he called the failure to reform U.S. gun laws "one of the greatest frustrations" of his presidency.

"If you ask me where has been the one area where I feel that I've been most frustrated and most stymied, it is the fact that the United States of America is the one advanced nation on Earth in which we do not have sufficient common-sense gun safety laws, even in the face of repeated mass killings," Obama told BBC in July, 2015.
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Russia is disappointed with the investigation of the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday after a Dutch-led team announced its findings about the ill-fated plane.

"The findings of the Dutch Prosecutor's Office confirm that the investigation is biased and politically motivated," the ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

The Boeing 777 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 people on board died, most of them Dutch citizens.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), consisting of representatives of the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine, announced that the airplane had been hit by an anti-aircraft Buk missile from the territory controlled by pro-Russian insurgents.

The JIT said during an online press conference that it has managed to collect data, including tapped phone calls, pictures and video, proving that the Buk was brought to Ukraine from Russia and then transferred back after the missile launch.

The international team added that it had identified around 100 suspects involved in the incident, but it was not ready to make accusations, saying it would be done during the following stages of the investigation.

Zakharova said international investigators have suspended Moscow from full participation in the investigative process, while Ukraine was made a full member of the JIT, thus having an "opportunity to forge evidence and wrap the case in its own favor."

She said Moscow hoped that the JIT would change its opinion after receiving "indisputable evidence" from the Russian side.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday that it planned to provide Dutch investigators with objective radar observation data, which could help "determine the true causes of the crash."

The JIT said at the press conference that it had not yet received information from Russia, but it was ready to study it, although the team did not believe it would change the investigation results.
When Donald Trump released his plan to dramatically expand school choice earlier this month, those who support vouchers, education savings accounts, and various forms of choice were generally pleased with, at the very least, the turn in the spotlight for their issue. But some of the subsequent reaction, while it retains that general satisfaction that the Republican presidential nominee has addressed choice, is not quite as enthusiastic.

Take Chad Miller, the director of education policy at the American Action Forum, a nonprofit organization in Washington that supports free markets and limited government. Miller has also worked for the U.S. House education committee and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. In a recent piece for the AAFs website, he went so far as to say that Trumps proposal should actually discourage friends of school choice .

Why? Miller ticks off several reasons why Trumps plans lacks details, or worse. Among his concerns:



Supply might fail to meet demand, he says, noting that there are concerns about barriers-to-entry at many private schools that students might wish to attend.

The focus on students in big urban districts leaves out many in rural areas.

Trumps plan could distort or put a strain on school budgets because of inadequate funding for students tuition.

Individual schools autonomy could be diminished.

And then theres the issue of federal influence. Miller says its ironic that Trump has railed against the Common Core State Standards, which some conservatives believe the federal government pushed too hard on states in exchange for additional aid.

So how exactly is prioritizing funding for states that adopt Trumps policies any different? Its not, and therein lies another problem of offering half-baked policy proposals, Miller wrote.

In an interview, Miller said hes hopeful that whatever happens to Trumps presidential aspirations, school choice fans will be able to leverage Trumps public discussion of the issue into broader support for choice over the long term. But thats not enough to counterbalance what school choice fans should be worried about with a big, Washington-backed program. (Rep. Luke Messer, R-Ind., who has favored allowing federal Title I dollars for disadvantaged students to be used at the public or private school of their choice, has also worried about creating, essentially, a federal department of educational choice one of Messers staffers, Rob Goad, is now Trumps education adviser.)

What comes along with that are the regulations that either undercut or hamstring the state and/or the schools that are willing to participate, Miller said.

Helpful Theatrics?

Millers viewpoint is not universal, of course. For example, in a piece for the conservative news website Town Hall, Robert Holland, a senior fellow at the Heartland Institute wrote on Sept. 28 that, If nothing else, Trumps theatrics cast the spotlight on parental choice as a serious election issue more than any recent presidential campaign has done. And Miller himself calls the plan commendable.

However, theatrics aside, Miller told me one other reason hes skeptical about Trumps long-term commitment to this issue if hes elected: his track recordor lack thereof. (Trump has written in favor of school choice in at least one of his books, The America We Deserve.)

Trump has never come up as someone out there supporting these issues for us, Miller said.

Photo: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at Saint Anselm College Monday, June 13, 2016, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

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Opponents of Georgia Gov. Nathan Deals plan to amend the state constitution to create a new statewide school district that will take over chronically failing schools have taken their fight to court, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.

A lawsuit filed in Fulton County Superior Court on Tuesday challenges the language of Amendment 1the question that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot, asking voters to allow the state to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance, the paper reported.

The plaintiffsan Atlanta parent, a teacher, and a pastorare asking the court for an injunction to stop the law from going into effect if the ballot measure passes in November, according to the paper.

They call the ballot questions language misleading, the newspaper reported.

Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, and Secretary of State Brian Kemp were named as defendants.

Gov. Deal has pushed the bill to create an Opportunity School District, modeled after Louisianas Recovery School Districtwhich took over the majority of schools in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrinaand Tennessees Achievement School District.

Georgia voters must approve a constitutional amendment for the district to become a reality.

The Opportunity School District will be run by a superintendent, who will be appointed by the governor (with senate confirmation) and report to the governor.

Under the law, the district will take in no more than 20 failing schools annually, but it could have as many as 100 such schools under the superintendents jurisdiction at any given time. Schools will remain in the district for up to 10 years before returning to local control, according the bill approved by the legislature last year.

If the ballot question passes in November, 127 schools, the majority of them in DeKalb County and Atlanta, will be eligible for takeover in the districts first year. Eligibility is based on an analysis of things like test scores and students academic growth over a three-year period.

Once in the district, schools can be subjected to a number of intervention efforts, including direct management by the OSD, management in collaboration with the local school district, or management by a charter organization. Schools can also be closed.

The AJC reported that the plaintiffs odds of succeeding are very low.

In a twist, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported last week that Gov. Deal has enlisted Democrats to help sell his school plan, while the Democratic-led opposition to the plan is hoping to appeal to Republican conservatives who hold local control sacrosanct.

A number of school districts have passed symbolic resolutions opposing the measure. The Georgia PTA has also come out against it.
For traders and buyers in Russia or Mongolia who order fresh food from China will see soon the transit time reduced by two-thirds to three days, as the China-Mongolia-Russia international road freight route was launched in Tianjin last month, which aims to shorten cargo transportation time between Tianjin, Mongolia and Russia.

It usually took more than 10 days for goods to reach Mongolia and Russia from Tianjin by rail before the international road freight route was established, and the options were limited as mostly storage-tolerance goods could be transported to maintain the quality of the goods.

Now the situation has changed as Tianjin is accelerating the construction of China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor by eliminating the traffic bottleneck of road transport.

So far, Tianjin has been connected to two kinds of transport routes, namely rail transport and road transport, which both directly go to Ulan Bator of Mongolia and Ulan-Ude of Russia.

"Not only the transport time but also the cost will drop significantly," said Guo Xin, general manager of Nanning Xin Jin Hang Materials Co Ltd.

Starting from Guangxi, trucks can exit to Mongolia or Russia through Tianjin port whereas previously they needed to drive extra 1,000 kilometers via Sui Fenhe port, he added." At least 10 percent cost is reduced."

"Shortly, our company will import fish produced in Lake Baikal and Russian beer that are popular with Chinese, shortening the transport time will also lead to reduction in sales price."

Jia Kefu, secretary of party branch of Tanggu dangerous goods carriage yard of Tianjin Transportation Group Binhai Co Ltd, said: "Freight can directly reach Mongolia or Russia without a double transfer." His company used to trade goods to Mongolia, and goods must be transferred to local trucks.

"Special cross-border pass and frontier office will be set up on the China-Mongolia-Russia international road freight route to save clearance time," said Zheng Ping, vice-director of Tianjin Municipal Transportation Commission.

The three regions - Tianjin, Mongolia and Russia - are forging closer economic ties as cargo transport lines are continuously being improved.

"We plan to set up a logistics park located in Tianjin to promote the trade between Tianjin and Mongolia, and design of the logistics park has already begun," said Bart Kiki G, minister-counselor of the Mongolian embassy in Beijing.

"More vegetables and fruits from Tianjin will be exported to Mongolia with a good cold-chain logistics system to form," he added.
Postal Savings Bank of China Chairman Li Guohua (left) and Executive Director and President Lyu Jiajin pose with a gong during the listing of the bank at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Wednesday. [Photo/China Daily]

Lender's president says it may soon be in Hang Seng China Enterprises Index

State-owned Postal Savings Bank of China made a lackluster stock market debut on Wednesday in Hong Kong, despite notching up the world's largest initial public offering in two years.

Shares of the Beijing-based lender fluctuated in a tight range of HK$4.76 (61 cents)-HK$4.77, after opening flat with its initial offer price at HK$4.76 apiece. It ended its first trading day at HK$4.77.

The bank raised $7.4 billion in Hong Kong, a mega deal which was the biggest IPO globally since mainland internet behemoth Alibaba Group's $25-billion offering in 2014.

Postal Savings Bank Chairman Li Guohua said at the listing ceremony in Hong Kong on Wednesday that the bank will plough 10 percent of its future net profits into dividends.

He said he believed the bank's sheer size would mean that it will be included in the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index very soon, when mainland investors could buy and sell its shares through southbound trading on the cross-border stock connects.

The tepid stock performance in the very first trading day may reflect lingering market concern over its above-average valuations, noted Xu Xueming, the bank's vice-president.

Even although the megabank priced its IPO near the bottom of a marketing range of HK$4.68 to HK$5.18 per share, its price-book ratio of 1.2 makes the stock overvalued compared with mainland lenders typically priced at around 0.8 times their book value.

For the first three months of the year, the lender's nonperforming loan ratio remained low at 0.81 percent, dwarfing the average 1.73 percent for the mainland's four major State-owned commercial banks.

Previously completely State-owned, Postal Savings Bank of China raised 45.1 billion yuan ($6.8 billion) by selling a 16.92 percent stake to 10 high-profile strategic investors at a cheaper valuation of $40.6 billion.

"Such a buying spree among institutional investors comes in a sign that the stock is viewed as a worthwhile investment," said analysts from Bank of East Asia's securities branch.

Following the trail blazed by China Zheshang Bank's $1.9 billion float and Bank of Tianjin's $989 million offering in March, the mainland's financial services sector continues to be the catalyst for the Hong Kong IPO market.

But this also raised the much-discussed issue of diversifying new share listings in Hong Kong.

"A diversified IPO market is something that the government has no control over. It should be decision for the market," said Hong Kong Financial Services and Treasury Secretary Chan Ka-keung.

"The SAR government will discuss with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd on how to attract new types of companies to float in HK."
A staff member demonstrates the process of 3D printing of a car wheel at the expo in Shanghai, June 2, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

Private equity and venture capital investment in the telecommunications, media and technology (TMT) sectors reached a new high in the first half of 2016, and the trend will continue in the second half, according to a report issued by PricewaterhouseCoopers on Wednesday.

There were 1,351 PE and VC deals made in the TMT sectors in the first six months, and their investment amount totaled $34 billion, increasing 93.8 percent year-on-year. The second quarter proved particularly notable, with their value hitting a record high of $20.1 billion, according to the report.

The TMT sectors saw a total of 45 deals with a single deal value of more than $100 million during the first half of the year.

The highest single deal value in the first quarter was $3.3 billion by group-buying player Meituan, while the second quarter included two deals of ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing and financial company Ant Financial Services Group, each with investment value of $4.5 billion, marking the highest single-deal value on record.

"We are seeing an increase in the scale and range of investments in the TMT sectors, which can be seen in the emergence of unicorn companies, as well as recently established companies developing into more mature organizations," said Amanda Zhang, PwC North China technology industry and private equity group leader.

With regard to activity by TMT sectors, the internet was the most popular sub-sector, generating deal value of $21.3 billion. Other popular ones include technology, telecommunications and mobile internet.

Sunny Dong, PwC China assurance partner, said core investment sectors in the TMT sectors were all closely linked to smart modern lifestyles, such as internet finance, e-commerce and mobile services.

"This trend indicates that investors pay attention to new companies with innovation and entrepreneurship in fields that are changing people's lifestyles and living environments," said Dong.

Mergers and acquisitions for the first time became the most popular way to exit by private equity and venture capital investors in TMT deals in the first half. There were 57 exits through M&As in the first six months.

"IPOs in A-shares are still facing a long waiting period at present, which is a big challenge for TMT companies that have seen relatively big fluctuations and this is a key factor underpinning the recent trends by TMT companies considering strategic sales, and other exit methods," said Zhang.
Deutsche Bank AG Chief Executive Officer John Cryan said he has not sought help from German Chancellor Angela Merkel amid investor concern that his firm may need more capital, according to a German newspaper report.

Raising capital "is currently not an issue", and accepting government support is "out of the question for us", German newspaper Bild quoted Cryan as saying in an interview. "At no point did I ask" Merkel "for support. Neither did I suggest anything like that."

Shares of Germany's largest bank have been pushed lower, dropping to a record this week, after the US Justice Department earlier this month requested $14 billion to settle an investigation into residential mortgage-backed securities.

The claim sparked investor concerns that the lender will have to raise capital to weather mounting legal costs at a time when Cryan restructures businesses and eliminates thousands of jobs.

The company has lost about 53 percent of its market value this year.

Germany's Focus magazine reported earlier this month that the government had ruled out any backing for the company.

Deutsche Bank has said it expects to whittle down the settlement amount, just as other Wall Street banks did, with talks only in the early stages.

Bloomberg
China will develop uniform standards and improve its legal environment to build itself into an internationally recognized and influential arbitration center, said the president of the nation's Supreme People's Court.

"China will further improve the judicial examination system for arbitration, in order to create a good judicial environment for the development of arbitration," Zhou Qiang, president of the Supreme People's Court, said at the 2016 China Arbitration Summit on Wednesday.

Data from the Legal Affairs Office of the State Council showed that 244 Chinese arbitration commissions accepted 136,924 cases regarding trade, investment and legal issues in 2015, up 20 percent year-on-year. The cases involved 411.2 billion yuan ($61.6 billion), up 55 percent from the previous year.

The main task in international economic and trade arbitration involves accepting international and domestic cases related to individuals and organizations, offering dispute resolution services in accordance with the agreement of the parties, and accepting cases on the authorization of domestic and foreign governments and international organizations.

As an alternative to litigation, international commercial arbitration resolves disputes that arise under commercial contracts.

With regard to making China's arbitration more effective, Renuad Sorieul, secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, told China Daily: "It always takes time.

"Experience shows that creating an arbitration center is not enough. The opening of a center is not the end. What truly ensured the success of a center is the willingness of people from outside to go and arbitrate there."

"China's arbitration has been developing quite rapidly," Sorieul said.

"Efforts have already been made in modernizing the system in order to make China more arbitration-friendly."

"In order to build China into an influential arbitration hub, we need to conduct thorough research on new issues such as deciding the nationality of an arbitral award, the scope of business disputes that are eligible for arbitration, the execution of investment arbitral awards related to host governments, and the introduction of online arbitration," said Zhou.

Zhang Wei, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said that China would further improve its arbitration system to build an open economic and trade environment, as Chinese enterprises accelerate the pace of developing their business abroad under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Visitors enjoy rides at Hong Kong Disneyland. The Hong Kong Economic Times said that 60 percent of mainland individual visitors choose Macao and that Hong Kong is no longer their top choice. [Photo/China Daily]

With the National Day holiday (Oct 1-7) just around the corner, tourist industry chiefs on Wednesday voiced concerns that Hong Kong would continue to suffer from shrinking mainland visitors, after a brief rebound in July, to resume the past 12 months of dwindling numbers.

Hong Kong Travel Industry Council Chairman Jason Wong Chun-tat said the city now receives about 180 tour groups from the mainland every day. He projected that the number would slightly increase to 200 during the holiday week, down about 30 percent year-on-year.

According to the HKTIC, the daily average number of mainland group tours to Hong Kong during previous seven-day National Day holiday was 260 and 300 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As for individual tourists, booking data from Ctrip.com International Ltd, a leading online travel agency in China, indicate that Seoul has beaten Hong Kong to become the number one overseas destination for this coming golden week.

Victor Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Hotels Association, said price rates for local hotels had been reduced by 10 percent and bookings were not as good as those of last year.

However, industry insiders found Macao, on the contrary, was becoming more attractive to mainland visitors.

The Hong Kong Economic Times reported 70 percent of mainland individual tourists chose to visit Hong Kong in previous years, but this year 60 percent of them turned to Macao.

The amount of time tourists are spending in the two cities is also expected to change. One travel agency manager said that taking a five-day trip as an example, some mainland tourists who usually spent only one day in Macao are now allocating four days there.

The manager said he believes the opening of two new resort hotels in Macao was proving to be a potent lure for many tourists.

Ricky Tse, founding president and chairman of the Hong Kong Inbound Tour Operators Association, said he was concerned that Hong Kong was being increasingly left on the sidelines, as Macao connected with Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Hengqin in Guangdong province in the various package tours on offer.

Analysts have noticed the trend, saying another factor is at play. Besides Macao, more and more destinations have relaxed their visa policiesincluding the United Statesin a development that is continuing to draw mainland tourists away from Hong Kong, said Wang Yi, a Shenzhen-based analyst at Ctrip.

She said many mainlanders now asked for a few more days off to travel further afield and the United Kingdom had become a very popular destination this year, thanks to the depreciation of the pound leading to falling traveling costs and greater spending power for shopping.

Latest Ctrip data indicated that the prices of UK travel products had decreased about 20 percent compared with last National Day holidayand half of them were fully booked one month in advance.
Wind turbines whirl to generate electricity at a wind farm in Urumqi city, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, April 18, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Origin Energy Ltd, the Sydney-based energy producer and retailer, has received expressions of interest from at least five Chinese suitors for the sale of its Australian Stockyard Hill wind farm project, company sources said.

The asset has attracted State-owned companies including China General Nuclear Power Group, China Datang Corp and China Guodian Corp, the sources added.

Golden Concord Holdings Ltd and Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co have also expressed interest, they said.

First-round bids are reportedly expected at the end of next month.

A sale of Origin's planned Stockyard Hill project is expected to add to the recent surge of interest in alternative energy in the Asia-Pacific region. Chinese companies have announced at least $5.5 billion worth of overseas acquisitions in the sector during the past 12 months, compared with $808 million in the previous year.

Chinese firms are exploring wind-power assets as the country seeks to boost national investment in non-fossil fuels to cut pollution. Beijing-based State Power Investment Corp bought Australian renewable energy developer Pacific Hydro Pty in January, giving the company a platform for expanding abroad.

China Guodian is considering a joint bid with Shanghai-based Envision Energy, the people said. Buyers may have to commit about A$1 billion ($762 million) to the project, including the purchase price and construction costs, sources said.

Bloomberg
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday granted review in a case about the level of education benefit a child must receive for a school district to have provided an appropriate level of service under the main federal special education law.

The case, Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1 (No. 15-827), raises an important question that has divided federal appeals courts: What level of educational benefit must a child receive under his or her individualized education program, or IEP, to satisfy the demands of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, in Denver, ruled last year in the case of a Colorado child with autism that because the childs public school IEP had provided him with some educational benefit, the Douglas County district had provided a free, appropriate public education under the IDEA.

The 10th Circuit court thus rejected a private school reimbursement for the parents of the boy identified as Endrew F. after the parents had pulled him from public school amid the dispute over his 5th grade IEP.

In an August 2015 decision, the 10th Circuit court panel acknowledged that several other federal courts of appeals have adopted a higher standard that requires an IEP to result in a meaningful educational benefit.

But the 10th Circuit, agreeing with a lower court in Endrew F.'s case, said that a key 1982 Supreme Court precedent on special education, Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley , merely requires an IEP to provide some educational benefit.

The courts of appeals are in disarray over the level of educational benefit that school districts must confer on children with disabilities to provide them with a free appropriate public education under the IDEA, says the appeal filed on behalf of Endrew F. and his parents by his Denver lawyers and the Supreme Court Litigation Clinic at Stanford Law School. This court should use this casewhich cleanly presents the legal issue on a well-developed set of factsto resolve the conflict over this important question.

In May, the Supreme Court invited the U.S. solicitor general to file a brief expressing the views of the Obama administration. On Aug. 18, Acting Solicitor General Ian H. Gershengorn filed a brief that urged the justices to take up the appeal.

This court should grant certiorari and overturn the 10th Circuits erroneous holding that states must provide children with disabilities educational benefits that are merely ... more than de minimis in order to comply with the IDEA, the brief states. The 10th Circuits approach is not consistent with the text, structure, or purpose of the IDEA; it conflicts with important aspects of this courts decision in ... Rowley, and it has the effect of depriving children with disabilities of the benefits Congress has granted them by law.

Lawyers for the Douglas County district argued in briefs, including one filed in response to the solicitor generals recommendation to grant review, that the asserted split among the federal appeals courts is shallow and that only the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, in Philadelphia, has consistently applied a purportedly more demanding meaningful benefit standard.

The government contends that the IDEA demands something more robust than the some benefit standard, says the school district brief. The question is whether a state has satisfied its substantive obligations if the IEP it offers provides a child more than a de minimis educational benefit. Under Rowley the answer is yes.

Despite the districts arguments, the Supreme Court on Sept. 29 granted review, one of eight cases the justices added to their docket just before the formal start of their new term on Oct. 3.

The Endrew F. case is likely to be argued sometime early next year.
Volkswagen CEO Matthias Muller speaks at their media reception during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, January 10, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Volkswagen AG has built a company dedicated to mobility service as part of its goal to stay competitive as it has been, said a senior executive of the German car giant on Sept 29, the eve of the Paris auto show.

Addressing several hundreds of journalists, Matthias Muller, CEO of Volkswagen AG, said a company dedicated to mobility service has been established in Berlin and the management has been put in place.

Muller said the company, though its name has not been decided yet, will work on ride hailing, shuttle service as well as sharing urban mobility, with more details to be revealed in November.

Muller said the company, which he calls as the 13th brand, will rank among top three provider of urban mobility solutions and become a market leader in Europe by 2025.

All the other 12 brands are automakers, including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Porsche.

Besides mobility service, Muller is betting big on new-energy vehicles, saying that the group is to roll out more than 30 electric vehicles by 2025 besides those that have already hit the market.

"The future is electric," said Muller. He said Volkswagen is showcasing a concept car called ID with a range of up to 600 km.

The car is based on MEB, the carmaker's new platform dedicated to new energy vehicles, and the new platform will be rolling out in the group from 2020.

Experts believe that some of its electric cars will be produced in China as it is in talks with Chinese automaker JAC on building a joint venture to develop and build new-energy vehicles.

Besides electric cars, Volkswagen AG is introducing 17 plug-in hybrids by 2018, with the first being Porsche's Panamera E-Hybrid also showcased at the Paris auto show.

Muller said Volkswagen is also working on a rapid-charging project for new-energy vehicles as he believes "the breakthrough for e-mobility cannot be achieved without substantial progress in batteries and infrastructure".
Compact drone Mavic Pro, made by DJI Innovation Technology Co. [Photo provided to China Daily]

DJI Innovation Technology Co, China's largest commercial drone manufacturer, unveiled its foldable and compact drone Mavic Pro on Wednesday, to compete with US action camera manufacturer GoPro Inc's new Karma quadcopter.

Mavic Pro is DJI's first personal drone designed to be taken just about anywhere. Its folding design compresses the entire drone to the size of a water bottle.

It is equipped with a stabilized 4K camera and a visual navigation system, with 27-minute flight time, and can be controlled by a smartphone, according to the company.

The Mavic Pro is also able to avoid obstacles, follow users as they walk around and circle subjects, and fly at a constant height. Users can control the drone completely with just their gestures and take a hands-free selfie. It is priced at $999 with the remote control included.

Compact drone Mavic Pro, made by DJI Innovation Technology Co. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The $799 Karma launched by GoPro last week features a compact design which can fit in a small backpack. The company also unveiled the action camera Hero 5 and the smaller, cube-shaped Hero5 Session.

GoPro said its Karma drone can operate for 20 minutes, but it lacks the capacity to avoid objects. After DJI's announcement, GoPro shares declined 0.77 percent to $16.79.

The two companies are competing fiercely in the burgeoning consumer drone market. Founded in 2006, DJI has a share of about 70 percent of the world's consumer drone market. In addition to consumer drones, DJI launched its first agricultural drone last year.

GoPro, which was founded by surfers who wanted to record some waves, is in need of a new hit product. The release of its Karma drone was delayed from earlier this year. Both companies are now facing fierce competition from Chinese drone makers, such as EHang Inc and Yuneec International.

"Easy-to-carry and foldable drones represent the future development trend in the consumer drone market. DJI is likely to maintain a dominant position worldwide in technology, marketing and channels, compared with its rivals," said Zhao Ziming, an analyst at internet constancy Analysys in Beijing.
Boom in artificial intelligence projects promises to energize Chinese startups

Every year, about 9 million students in China sit for the gaokao, the national college entrance test. Intensive preparations for a year mark the run-up to the annual test, arguably the world's toughest, that determines which university a student will go to eventually.

In four years, all this will likely change. Not just students, even robots, powered by artificial intelligence, may ace the test.

Such is the pervasiveness of the technology that large investments are pouring into AI firms in China.

iFlytek Co Ltd, a Shenzhen-listed AI company, is developing a robot that will seek to beat 80 percent of Chinese students and become eligible, theoretically, for admission into a top-level university in 2020.

Hu Yu, the rotating president of iFlytek, said the scholarly robot project, unveiled in December, is making brisk progress.

"Our artificial intelligence system enables robots to accomplish tasks like reading and comprehension as intelligently as a 6-year-old," Hu said.

Students watch intelligent robots developed by a Beijing company for use in education, elderly care, household chores and security purposes. [Photo provided to China Daily]

For example, when a computer "reads" out a story about a duck catching fish, with some words removed and others replaced with names of other animals like pig and cow, the scholarly robot can fill in the blanks with the right words.

It can also recognize that the main character of the story is a duck, not a pig.

iFlytek's efforts are part of a broader AI wave sweeping China. Since supercomputer AlphaGo defeated a world champion in the ancient strategy game Go earlier this year, AI has become one of the most popular fields for investments.

"This boom in AI is chiefly driven by advances in big data technology," said Luo Jun, CEO of the Asian Manufacturing Association.

"The massive consumer base and 650 million internet users in China, which means a huge volume of online data, presents the most promising opportunities for local enterprises to compete head to head with international giants."

Baidu Inc, the Chinese internet search giant that has obtained a permit to test its self-driving cars in California earlier this month, said it would double down on its bet on a venture capital firm focusing on AI. Its initial investment fund will be $200 million.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd are also eyeing the sector. Both of them have cloud computing units. They have also invested in AI startups.

For its part, iFlytek has set up a 1-billion-yuan investment fund, to boost the overseas presence of its voice-recognition technology.

According to a report by Beijing-based research firm iResearch Consulting Group, there are roughly 100 AI startups in China. As of December 2015, 65 of them had received 2.9 billion yuan ($434 million) from venture capitalists.

Fueling the trend is the Chinese government's three-year initiative to discover and nurture potential global leaders in AI through financial support. Priority has been accorded to application of cutting-edge technologies in smart home appliances, self-driving vehicles, robots and security products.

"By 2025, most consumer electronics products will be AI-enabled, and have 'eyes' and 'brains' to interact with the environment and make decisions," Yu Kai, CEO and founder of Horizon Robotics, a Beijing-based startup focused on building chips to power AI, said at a conference earlier this year.

The firm, set up by the former Baidu veteran, has raised an undisclosed amount of investment from Yuri Milner, the well-known Russian investor behind internet giants such as Facebook Inc and Alibaba.

Zhao Ziming, an analyst at Beijing-based internet consultancy Analysys, said though AI is still nascent, Chinese firms have demonstrated strong capabilities in voice- and image-recognition technologies.

iFlytek, for instance, prevailed in the 2016 Winograd Schema Challenge, a well-recognized global competition to test machine intelligence.

"But the relatively poor technology infrastructure among Chinese traditional industries may be an obstacle for rapid application of AI. It is important to remain sober-minded amid the tide," Zhao said.
Mobvoi's smart watch. [Photo/chumenwenwen.com]

Mobvoi Inc, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup backed by Google Inc, is eyeing to take on Apple Inc in the latter's home turf with a smart watch, which enables consumers to order pizzas, hail cabs and make restaurants bookings via voice control.

The Beijing-based firm, which has so far landed $75 million from investors including Google, is bringing Ticwatch 2 to the United States, after its products stood out in China with self-developed voice search technology.

"Unlike rival products which rely on Google's operating system, we have developed software, voice recognition algorithms and hardware all on our own, which gives us full autonomy on development plans and thus ensures rapid upgrades of products," said Li Zhifei, founder and CEO of the four-year-old company.

Equipped with a 1.4-inch color OLED display and wireless charging technology, Ticwatch 2 will soon be available on Amazon.com. The sensor-rich gadget also has a unique design, allowing consumers to roll their fingers along the side of the face to shift between apps and screens.

In July, the firm brought Ticwatch 2 on Kickstarter, a crowd-fund platform dedicated to turn creative ideas into products, and managed to raise over $2 million from more than 9,900 consumers on it.

"Currently, the global smart watch market is about three to four times the size of China market. Compared with their Chinese counterparts, overseas consumers are more willing to lay their hands on products from startups," said Li, who is among the group of ex-Googlers behind the startup.

The move to boost global presence came after the firm made waves in the domestic market with appealing products. It already has amassed more than 100,000 users via its first-generation smartwatch. The Chinese version of Ticwatch 2 also raised over 15 million yuan ($2.2 million) on a domestic crowd-fund site, the firm said.

"Offering a high-performance smart watch at an affordable price is one of our biggest edges. This is especially important when the market is still in development and low prices can prompt more consumers to try on new things," Li said.

Price-wise, Ticwatch 2 starts from 999 yuan. In comparison, Apple watch is priced from 2,500 yuan.

Mobvoi has been offering voice recognition technology to Chinese firms since its founding. And making smart watches is part of its broad efforts to commercialize AI. In June, the firm unveiled a voice-activated smart rear-view mirror for automobiles.

In the April-June quarter, the global smart watch shipments declined 32 percent to 3.5 million units, data from International Data Corp show.

Xiao Jing, an analyst at IDC, said currently smart watches are just not smart enough to justify their high price, which is denting consumers' interest.

"Mobvoi has an obvious edge in AI technology which allows it to add more functions to the watch, but it needs to beef up resources to expand offline retailing channels, if it wants to enter the US mainstream market," she said.
A man walks past an advertisement for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in London, Britain, September 2, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

A government department in Chengdu, Sichuan province, banned its employees from using Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in the office, following moves by domestic airlines and national civil aviation authorities to ban the use of the phone model on airplanes.

Chengdu Service, the micro blog account of Chengdu's Government Affairs Service Center, posted a notice to employees on Monday that it would ban the use of the smartphones for safety reasons.

The notice said monitoring would be increased in an area outside its office that was set up to provide free internet and recharging services for visitors.

"If visitors are found recharging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones, you should persuade them to stop," the notice said.

However, after some media outlets reported that the ban was targeting visitors to the service center, the post was removed with an explanation that the rule is an in-house policy for employees, not visitors.

Jing Rong, an office worker at the center, said on Tuesday that she has been informed of the new policy, and she would use her old phone, an iPhone 5, to replace her Galaxy Note 7.

"My superior said the center's decision-makers thought the phone's battery might cause a fire or explosion when it is recharged," she said.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China has banned passengers from using or recharging Galaxy Note 7 cellphones on domestic flights. It has also banned them in checked luggage.

At least five Galaxy Note 7 users in China have reported that their phones exploded, although it's unknown whether the incidents were related to battery issues.

The latest incident was reported on Tuesday, with Liaoning TV reporting that a resident experienced his Galaxy Note 7 vibrating, becoming hot and burning.

Samsung said it will recall 1,858 Galaxy Note 7 cellphones that were manufactured between July 20 and Aug 5 and distributed in China through a Samsung website as part of a trial before the official Sept 1 launch date, according to the country's product quality watchdog.

Globally, since the debut of the Galaxy Note 7 last month, there have been about 100 reported incidents of battery explosions.

On Taisheng South Road in downtown Chengdu, which is the busiest street for cellphone transactions in the city, almost all stores specializing in Samsung cellphones sell the Galaxy Note 7 for 5,988 yuan ($898).

"Few buyers are showing interest in the model," said Ke Xiqian, a sales representative at a Samsung store.
China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva said Wednesday that Beijing remains firmly dedicated to building a prosperous nation for all of its 1.3 billion citizens by the end of the decade.

"We are going to build a well-off society in an all-round way by 2020, laying the foundation for a prosperous, democratic, modern and harmonious socialist country that promises a better life for all Chinese citizens," Ma Zhaoxu said in a speech marking the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 45th anniversary of the restoration of China's seat in the UN.

"The 1.3 billion people in China are striving for the realization of the Chinese dream. We are firmly committed to peaceful development, and will work with all the friends and partners in the world for our shared future," he added.

Since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, Ma highlighted that much economic and social growth has been achieved, and that the country is now considered the world's second biggest economy.

The diplomat also reminded that since 1979, 700 million Chinese have been lifted out of poverty, with the remaining 57 million poor people in the country's rural areas set to do so by 2020.

The country has also maintained high GDP growth (6.7 percent in the first half of 2016) despite a sluggish global economy which is struggling to recover from the financial crisis of 2008.

Much as China has benefited over the years from international cooperation to reach these achievements, other developing nations also stand to gain from China's economic clout, Ma explained.

This can be achieved by supporting Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed "Belt and Road Initiative" as well as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank which will initially prioritize investment in energy, power generation, transportation, rural infrastructure, environmental protection and logistics in Asia.

As a dedicated and responsible member of the United Nations, Ma reminded that China has always upheld its aim to promote peace and development across the world.

The official said that China is the largest troop-contributing country among the five UN Security Council members for UN peacekeeping missions.

Furthermore, China wholly backs the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is a ratifying state of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change reached in 2015, a year which also saw Beijing pledge to establish a 10-year, 1 billion U.S. dollar China-UN peace and development fund to further support the UN's mandate across the globe.

"As China grows, we will make even more contributions to the world," Ma concluded.
5 New DUI Laws to Know About

Welcome to FindLaw's DUI Law series. If you have been charged with a DUI, know someone who has, or just want to know about the law and how to protect your rights during a DUI stop, please come back each week for more information.

It may seem odd, but a DUI in Maryland isn't the same as a DUI in Pennsylvania. And a fourth offense in Kentucky might be treated differently than a fourth offense in Colorado. State DUI laws can vary, and they're subject to change from year to year.

Here's a look at some recent changes to state DUI laws and what they could mean for your DUI case.

1. Colorado's Felony DUI Law

Rocky Mountain residents seemed pleased that the state finally made a fourth DUI conviction a felony. They seem less pleased that the new law still leads to a wide variance in sentencing, including 22 percent of 4-time DUI convicts serving no jail time at all.

2. Kentucky's Felony DUI Law

The Bluegrass State also toughened up its law regarding repeat offenders, by allowing courts to look further back in time for prior convictions. The old Kentucky law counted DUIs for five years, but the new "look-back" period is now a decade and has caught some DUI defendants (and their lawyers) off-guard.

3. Maryland's IID Law

Just about every state will require repeat DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device in their car. IIDs measure a driver's blood alcohol content before he or she can start the car (and, in some cases, keep it from turning off). In October, Maryland is joining 27 other states in requiring IIDs after a person's first DUI offense. (Pennsylvania is also joining this group in 2017.)

4. Tennessee's Juvenile DUI Law

The Volunteer State had to volunteer up some revisions to a recent juvenile DUI law, lest it lose out on some $60 million in federal funding. The old new law set the maximum allowable BAC for drivers under 21 at .08, which was in conflict with the federal zero tolerance law, which sets the bar for those drivers at .02. Tennessee lawmakers amended the law just in time.

5. New Hampshire's Restricted License Law

Bucking the trend in stiffer DUI penalties, New Hampshire will finally start letting first-time DUI offenders to get a "limited privilege" license to allow them to drive to work, school, and medical appointments. The restricted license is contingent on court approval and installation of an interlock device in the car.

DUI statutes are always changing. For the best information about DUI laws where you live, contact an experienced DUI attorney near you.

Related Resources:
BEIJING - Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for closer cooperation to pursue reforms to the global governance system and advance the noble cause of peace and development for mankind.



Xi made the remarks Tuesday at a study session attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.



Gao Fei, a professor with the China Foreign Affairs University gave a lecture at the session with the themes of the G20 summit and global governance system reform,

As the international balance of power has shifted and global challenges are increasing, global governance system reform has emerged as a "trend of [the] times," Xi said.



China must take the chance and ride the wave to make the international order more reasonable and just to protect the common interests of China and other developing countries, Xi said.



He said China has been making efforts to maintain the international order with the principles of the United Nations Charter as the core, and has been engaged in the process of setting rules for new areas such as oceans, the polar regions, cyberspace, outer space, nuclear security, anti-corruption and climate change.



Praising the recent G20 summit in China, Xi said China had "charted the course for the world economy, provided momentum for world growth and reinforced the basis for international cooperation" and had "left a Chinese mark in the G20 history."



Xi said the global governance structure depends on the international balance of power and reforms hinge on a change in the balance.



He called on the country to hone-in on economic development and domestic affairs, and to increase China's voice in international affairs.



"We must actively participate in global governance, we will take more international responsibilities, and in so doing we will try our best but not overreach ourselves," Xi said.



Global governance system reforms, which matter to the whole international community, must be backed by consensus and joint efforts, Xi said.



Xi said the G20's role as a major platform in global economic governance should be further developed to make it a long-term mechanism.



Moreover, the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and regional cooperation mechanisms such as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the East Asia Summit, should all be strengthened, he said.



China needs to play a bigger role in making rules for new areas including the Internet, the polar regions, deep sea and outer space, and will extend greater support to cooperation mechanisms and projects on educational exchange, dialogue among civilizations and ecological conservation, according to Xi.



China has been promoting the shaping of a new type of international relations, one which is characterized by win-win cooperation, building a community of common destiny, and advocating the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi said.



Noting that these initiatives had received international acclaim, Xi said China will continue to pursue cooperation instead of confrontation.



Xi stressed that China needs to improve its ability of participating in the process of rule-making, agenda setting, publicity and coordination in global governance, requiring for better building of a talent pool in this regard.
Wu Gencheng prepares spring onion pancakes in his stall in Shanghai on Monday.[Yin Liqin/for China Daily]

60-year-old vendor with a disability had sold popular food for 13 years

A street vendor of spring onion pancakes whose popularity skyrocketed because of a favorable review in a BBC documentary has been shut down for operating without a license.

It is not expected to reopen until the authorities decide how to handle the matter.

The roadside stall, specializing in the traditional Shanghai snackalso known as scallion pancakeshas drawn a huge number of fans who wait every day to buy them, even lining up before dawn without knowing or caring that the owner, Wu Gencheng, can't get his expired license renewed.

The commercial administration department of the city's Huangpu district said on Wednesday that it will discuss the situation with environmental protection authorities and the neighborhood committee to draw up a solution for Wu, who has been making and selling the snack at his home on the first floor of an old residential building for 13 years.

"No matter how popular it is, we can't give special privileges. We'll help the stall to operate legitimately," the department said in a written statement delivered to China Daily.

Wu, 60, lives with a disabilitya severe humpback. He has been making the pancakes since 1982 at different locations in Shanghai until he moved the microbusiness back to his home.

Although the license could not be renewed because doing business at a private residence is not allowed, the tasty pancake, depicted as "deliciously crisp, doughy and very savory" in the BBC documentary broadcast earlier this year, won many people's hearts.

"I thought about applying for a business license, but I knew I'd fail because it was in a residential building," Wu said.

It's not the first time Wu's stall has been at the center of controversy. He was ordered to shut down in July after someone complained of the stall's kitchen exhaust and the inconvenience caused on other residents in the building.

Other companies offered to cooperate with Wu and produce the snack at a legal venue, but he rejected all of them, citing health, rent and other reasons.

"I made about 10,000 yuan ($1,500) every month by selling the pancakes," he said. "But rent for a shop in the area is nearly 30,000 yuan, and I don't want to work far away from home as I cannot stand it physically."

Despite being of retirement age, he said he needed the business to carry on because it's the only source of income for him and his younger brother, who has a mental disorder.

Wu's story generated widespread sympathy among web users, who said bureaucracy was to blame for shutting down the popular stall over a trivial matter like licensing, not over food safety or other good reasons.

Customers unaware of the stall's closure continued to come on Wednesday.

"Local snacks are usually a name card of a place and the taste of a hometown," said Zhong Peng, who works nearby and who bought Wu's pancakes regularly. "But such low-profit businesses are disappearing in the waves of soaring real estate prices."
Prison terms have been handed down to several members of the Mentuhui group (Disciples Sect) for organizing a cult and causing deaths, according to the central leading group for the prevention and handling of cult-related activities on Tuesday.

The Mentuhui, with tens of thousands of followers, has spread pseudoscience and evil thoughts under the guise of Christianity, according to the leading group.

Mentuhui was classified as a cult by the government in the 1990s.

Yao Xiangzhi, 35, a member of the group, was sentenced for causing the death of a cult member surnamed Xu, who suffered from schizophrenia. Xu was denied freedom, as well as food and drinks for a week, while other members prayed for his recovery in June 2015 in Jianli county, Hubei province.

Yao, who only completed primary school, was sentenced to three years in prison for organizing and taking advantage of a cult and causing death. She is serving her sentence in Wuhan.

"It is a sham to treat any illness by praying to expel evil spirits," said a cult member who has serious rheumatism.

The cult accumulated more than 40 million yuan ($6 million) between 2011 and 2014 through donations and businesses including supermarkets, said Yu Shaochao, deputy police chief of Yunxi county, Hubei.

The group never deposited money in banks but kept cash in the hands of its leaders, who often took the money for their personal use, Yu said.

Xu Tao, a religion scholar at Wuhan University, said the government should let religious people play a role in fighting cults, as they are most sensitive and can help prevent their formation at early stages.
A Chinese mainland spokesman urged people across the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday to safeguard the Diaoyu Islands and the South China Sea islands as China's ancestral possessions.

The mainland also hopes to maintain the peaceful development of relations across the Straits, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said during a news conference when asked about remarks by former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou.

Ma Ying-jeou had said that the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea and islands in the South China Sea are China's inherent territory and that Japan's territorial claim to the Diaoyu Islands amounts to an act of theft. He also said peace is highly important to cross-Straits relations and will bring prosperity.

Since 2008, the two sides have followed a path of peaceful development based on the 1992 Consensus, which holds that the mainland and Taiwan are parts of one China.

The new Taiwan administration must make a clear response to the common political foundation for the two sides to continue on this path, Ma Xiaoguang added.

He also stressed the importance of the 1992 Consensus at Wednesday's news conference.

The Democratic Progressive Party has long pursued a secessionist position of "Taiwan independence", damaging the political foundation for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and severely impacting the ties and the potential for achievements since 2008, Ma Xiaoguang said.

A delegation of county and city officials from Taiwan that came to Beijing earlier this month expressed continued adherence to the 1992 Consensus, he said.

The mainland responded positively to their visit by announcing eight measures to promote exchanges with the counties and the city represented by the delegation, he added.

The delegation included officials from New Taipei City and the counties of Hsinchu, Hualien, Taitung, Kinmen, Lienchiang, Miaoli and Nantou.

Ma said the counties and city are planning a farm produce and tourism promotion fair on the mainland within the year. Additionally, mainland companies are planning to visit each of the areas to discuss the purchase of their farm produce.
A national online system to search for the property information of people who have failed to carry out court judgments is taking shape, an official of China's top court said on Wednesday.

The system, which will cover all regions of the country, aims to help courts discover what property and other assets are held by defaulters, with a view toward liquidating them to enforce monetary judgments, according to Jiang Bixin, vice-president of the Supreme People's Court.

"Our goal is to figure out various property information through the system, including defaulters' lands, houses, savings, financial products, securities, stocks and vehicles," Jiang said.

Meanwhile, every court is required to increase connectivity with other courts, making sure each step of verdict enforcement is transparent and taken without delay, he said.

In June 2015, the system was opened at courts in seven municipalities and provinces, including Shanghai. Now, more than 3,500 courts across the country are connected, the top court said.

The number of banks linked to the system has also grown to more than 3,000 from the initial 20, and searching has expanded.

Enforcement is also taking place. For example, a lawsuit against a Beijing development and construction company over its late payment of engineering fees was decided against the company. But the company did not pay.

To enforce the judgment, Beijing No 1 Intermediate People's Court judge Liu Jinlong ordered the auction of three properties owned by the company in the city's Chaoyang district. Funds received from the sale were used to settle the debt.

To speed up verdict enforcement, the top court established a website to disclose the information of defaulters in July 2013. The names of defaulters in more than 5 million cases have now been posted online, Jiang said.

The top court has also joined hands with various government departments to pressure defaulters to comply by creating inconveniences in some other areas of life, such as buying railway and flight tickets, and applying for loans.

As of Aug 31, the court had recorded 1.55 million instances in which a defaulter had been barred from buying a train ticket, and 4.71 million instances for flight tickets, the top court said.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/29/2016 page4)
Through the centuries, leftover jade was discarded and buried in Tengchong, a city boasting 600 years of history in the jade industry.

Now, rumor had it that someone had found a bracelet at a road construction site in an old part of the city and sold it for 390,000 yuan ($58,400).

The rumor, which went viral online on Monday, sparked a rush of treasure hunters with shovels who wanted to dig for treasure.

It turned out to be false.

The hunters didn't find valuable jade, and the rumormonger was arrested.

Situated near the Myanmar border in southwestern China, Tengchong boasts 600 years of history in the jade industry.

Many jade fragments were buried during the construction of roads and houses years ago.

But Du Maosheng, chairman of the Tengchong Jewelry and Jade Association, said the pieces are generally just waste materials, leftovers from processing, and that it's unreasonable to expect anything of great value to be found.

Cai Wenwen, a woman who rushed to the construction site when the rumor broke out, told China Daily that the jade she unearthed consisted of nothing but small, broken pieces.

Even so, an ad hoc jade-trading market was formed on the street where people sold pieces they said they had found. There were even scammers who buried pieces of jade before digging them out and offering them for sale, according to Beijing Youth Daily.

The city's publicity department made an announcement on Tuesday afternoon, warning that it was dangerous to enter the area because the road remains under construction. It also warned people not to believe "the rumor of getting rich overnight" and not to repost unfounded hearsay.
Insisting on a combination of innovation and tradition is what helped Northeastern University gain recognition in the 2016-17 World University Rankings published by Times Higher Education last week, according to Zhao Ji, the university's president.

"A university is a community of scholars, an open system," Zhao said. "Therefore, as a university, we should open the door to the world to keep pace with the times.

"At the same time, a university is the best system for passing down cultural traditions. Every university is unique, with its own character, but should maintain a balance between innovation and inheritance. We can also show the charm of Chinese culture and absorb the essence of foreign culture through exchanges with different countries."

Northeastern is making its first appearance in the rankings, sitting in 22nd place among the 52 Chinese mainland universities listed.

Founded in 1923 in Shenyang, Liaoning province, NEU is one of the national key universities under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education. It has a strong discipline structure and maintains a leading national position in many sections, including scientific research and teaching of metallurgy, mechanical engineering, automation and biomedical engineering.

With its policy of being open to the world, NEU has established long-term stable academic cooperation with 198 universities and institutions in 34 countries and regions. More than 300 well-known overseas experts are invited to give lectures or participate in cooperative scientific research projects annually.

Nearly 700 NEU faculty members and more than 500 students participate in various international academic exchange programs each year. In 2015, there were 1,233 foreign students from 78 countries and regions at NEU for academic exchanges.

"There are four main characteristics of NEU'S internationalization," Zhao said. "First, we are developing fast. Second, internationalization has infiltrated many fields. Third, our internationalization has geographical features, with emphasis on Northeast Asia. Finally, we have a great deal of international cooperation in our courses, teaching materials, teaching resources and scientific research."

"Although NEU is behind when compared with many globally famous universities, we are on the way."

According to Zhao, the number of overseas students will reach 3,000 in the future, accounting for 10 percent of all students, which signals a high degree of internationalization.

"The internationalization of higher education is the inevitable outcome of economic globalization," Zhao said. "But universities with higher internationalization levels around the world don't give up their own traditions.

"Moreover, the internationalization of universities cannot follow the same model everywhere. It should have its own path in line with each nation's and university's situation. We cannot measure internationalization by any single index. However, there are some key points, such as educational philosophy and the number of international students, and teachers that can reflect the degree of internationalization."

To achieve its goals, NEU is using more international evaluation criteria for teachers. The proportion of teachers with overseas exchange experience will be increased.

Also, the university will expand its cooperation with foreign universities, especially on student exchange projects.

And it is building more exchange platforms. For example, NEU will hold a Sino-Japan forum and take part in an Asian university forum next year.

"We will keep an open mind to the world and actively embrace the world," Zhao said.
Professors from prestigious institutions around the world have been invited to teach in English

Xie Heping, president of Sichuan University, has his own ideas for building the 120-year-old institution into a world-class beacon of higher education.

"The most important thing for us to do during the process is to nurture talent with an international vision and competitiveness," he said.

Xie is also an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a dynamicist, or an expert in rock mechanics.

To equip students with vision and competitiveness, the university, which is located in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, launched its immersion program during summer vacation in 2012. It invited eminent professors from prestigious universities around the world to teach courses in English for two weeks.

Excellent students from around the globe have also been invited to visit the campus and communicate with students there.

"We did so because we hope that each student at Sichuan University - whether from a rich family or an impoverished one - will spend time with the best teachers and peers, acquire the knowledge and ability needed in international society and finally grow up as outstanding adults who are capable of participating competitively in international affairs," Xie said.

So far, the program has been run with an annual investment of 20 million yuan ($3 million). More than 500 experts and scholars from some of the world's best universities, including Oxford, Harvard and Yale, have taught 657 courses in English.

Over the past five years, at least 100,000 students - not only from Sichuan University, but also from 10 other higher education institutions in Southwest China, such as University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu - benefited from the program.

Xie also believes that Sichuan University must encourage global collaboration and offer intelligent support if it wants to be recognized beyond China's borders.

To realize this goal, an international consulting council was recently set up to "make key suggestions on issues such as carrying out development strategies and selecting and recommending talent for the university", Xie said.

The consulting council consists of 53 educators, entrepreneurs, officials and scientists from China and abroad, including Samuel Chao Chung Ting, a Nobel Prize laureate in physics.

With the help of such great minds, Xie believes that Sichuan University will make rapid strides in the coming decades.

"We would be very happy to share the experience with other universities of China if we succeed," he said.
Closer collaboration between the United Kingdom and China in the fields of education and research has been urged by the recently announced new chancellor of the University of Bristol, a prestigious higher education institution in the UK.

Sir Paul Nurse, who was jointly awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was appointed the eighth chancellor of the university in July.

Defining his role as "ceremonial and ambassadorial", Nurse said he hoped to use his position to help raise Bristol's profile and advance its interests nationally and internationally, including with China.

"A key part of the university's new strategy is building on its world-leading reputation for research. This includes further work to increase the productivity of strategic partnerships with universities and other organizations overseas, and a focus on attracting the very best students from all around the world," he said.

"I know that the University of Bristol sees building its partnerships in China as being a top priority. The UK is already China's largest collaborator in Europe, co-authoring more scientific research papers than any other country in the world, except the US and Japan."

Britain has long been a favored destination for Chinese studying overseas and last year alone more than 70,000 visas were issued to students from China. However, the UK's vote to leave the European Union has triggered concerns over its future attractiveness to Chinese students.

Nurse said that although the Brexit vote has caused some short-term uncertainty, he believes the quality of higher education in the UK still remains among the best in the world.

"The ambition of British universities to retain this position will not change, and nor will their international outlook. I am confident that Chinese students will still want to come and study in Britain because of the world-class education and the cultural experience they will receive living in the UK," he said.

Last year, Nurse was elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China's top think-tank on science and technology, as a foreign academician. As an international scientist himself, he said he would like to see more young Chinese researchers working in the UK and more young UK researchers working in China.

The University of Bristol is already working closely with the Chinese Scholarship Council to enable young Chinese to pursue their studies or research in the UK.

"Historic links between our staff and these early-career Chinese researchers will be the cornerstone of future research and progression," he said.

The United Kingdom will collaborate with Jiangsu province on education, according to Jo Johnson, UK minister of universities, science, research and innovation, who recently visited Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou, Jiangsu province.

"We want to work with China to address challenges in education, to develop globally aware citizens equipped with the skills and cultural understanding that is essential in today's globalized economy," said Johnson, whose visit focused on innovation and higher education collaboration between the two universities.

He said Chinese already account for the largest group of international students in the UK, with more than 90,000 in higher education at present and more than 600,000 graduating from UK universities since 1978.

Meanwhile, increasing numbers of UK universities are forging sustainable long-term partnerships with Chinese institutions.

The UK has become the top transnational education provider in China, with more than 270 joint initiatives at the higher education level, he said.

"The Beijing Statement" was announced jointly by China and the UK in March, the first statement of shared principles for quality assurance in UK-China transnational education programs," Johnson said.

"Increasingly, an essential part of the relationship is about people, the growing cultural and educational connections between us. It is essential that we not only work together, but that we also understand each other and our respective cultures."

He addressed students and staff at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, calling the university an "extraordinary achievement" and saying that those involved in its development should be "tremendously proud".

He also praised the high standard of education on offer at the university, telling students that they would acquire "some of the most desirable qualifications available from any institution anywhere in the world" and that they are the future of UK-China partnerships.

"You are all ambassadors of the UK-China friendship and the bedrock of the strong relationship between our two countries. I know that you will all contribute greatly to the deepening relationship between the UK and China in the months and years to come," Johnson said.

Six agreements to deepen collaboration in research, innovation and higher education between Chinese institutions and British organizations were signed on his visit, including one between the British Council and financial services provider Gold Finance to introduce scholarships for British students to study film and television in China.

After his speech, Johnson unveiled the university's International Research Center, located on its newly opened south campus, which will serve as a hub for entrepreneurship, research commercialization and international technology transfer, driving economic activity in Suzhou and the surrounding region.

Founded in 2006, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is the largest international joint venture university in China, a partnership between Xi'an Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool.

It has enrolled more than 10,000 students, in more than 70 undergraduate programs, master's programs and PhD courses.

Other joint academic ventures with UK institutions include the University of Nottingham Ningbo, which only enrolls Chinese students, and Manchester Business School that opened in Shanghai in 2008, offering domestic students triple international accreditations.

Shanghai New York University was the first Sino-US joint venture university approved by the Ministry of Education, while Duke University partners with Wuhan University in Kunshan, Jiangsu province.
A professor of marketing at Tan Kah Kee College of Xiamen University in Fujian province has been helping students to focus by encouraging them to hand in their mobile phones before class starts and collect them after it finishes. It is not obligatory, but those who hand in their phone get a point each time as a reward, which will be added to their final examination score. The professor's tactic to encourage his students to concentrate in class has been met with both praise and criticism.

Praise:

"I think it's quite an innovative move by the professor. As a student myself, I understand how easy it is to get distracted in class by all kinds of apps on mobile phones, which makes you miss lots of useful and interesting course content. It has been a headache for quite a lot of college professors. The move is controversial and cannot be applied across the board, but at least it will help to highlight the problem the professor is trying to address."

Lei Zhihong, a graduate student of the Communication University of China

"Mobile phones are becoming increasingly well-known for their capabilities, as well as their potential to distract students. I appreciate that the professor is attempting to create an ideal environment for students to learn. It is also an example of marketing, by promoting the reward of test points for those that invest in the system."

Wang Haifeng, a Beijing resident whose son is in fifth grade at primary school:

Criticism:

"As a professor myself, I understand the intention of helping students focus on their studies. But I will not take the same measures, because the policy of adding points is not fair to those who always mute their mobile phones and never use it during class. Usually, I tell my students in the first class of each semester that they should not use mobile phones in class unless they want to be removed from the classroom."

Zhang Shaoduo, deputy director of Shanghai International Studies University's Graduate School

"I think it's a superficial measure that will not be so effective in helping students to concentrate, particularly those who don't care about tests or points. Students using mobile phones in class rather than listening carefully to the teacher is usually the result of unstimulating content. So a better idea is for teachers to make their classes more engaging for students."

Liu Hua, a primary school teacher of English in Weinan city, Shaanxi province
Students at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics sign up for a course on internet finance by scanning a code with their mobile phones.Photos By Gao Erqiang / China Daily

Topics of study include mobile payments, crowdfunding and internet banking

China's first-ever university course on internet finance, intended to enhance students' ability to understand and manage their wealth online, has begun at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

Jointly developed with Ant Financial Services Group, an arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, the eight-session, elective course features talks from both university professors and online finance practitioners.

Topics covered include new forms of finance, such as mobile payments and crowdfunding, as well as practical business examples in the areas of internet banking and fund management.

"The rapid development of China's economy has brought so many new matters to the fore, and we wanted to renew our curriculum to reflect this," said Wei Hang, vice-president of the university's School of International Business Administration.

"The fact that the course was oversubscribed showed that our decision was quite correct."

During the first class of the new course on Sept 22, students discussed the necessity of financial management while at university.

Such topics are relevant because Chinese born in the 1980s and '90s are the main users of online platforms to manage wealth and make investments, according to a report released in January by Alipay, Alibaba's online payment platform.

"Every one in five of those who turn to internet platforms for wealth management is a high school or a university student," the report said.

Xu Jie, vice-president of Ant Financial Business School, said wealth management education in China lags far behind that in the United States and the United Kingdom, where classes on managing money and savings begin in primary schools.

She said that a lack of awareness in these areas has led to cases where students spend impulsively, run up credit card debts and end up being swindled out of a large amounts of money.

At least two student suicides this year have been investigated by police amid claims of the involvement of fraudsters.

It is hoped that by enhancing students' financial education, they will be better able to understand and manage such risks.

Live video clips of classes from the new course will be made available to all university students via Alipay's mobile app.

Wei, from the university, said they are also considering adding other new subjects to the curriculum.

"E-commerce and how it affects international business and trade, for example, is a new and thriving topic in the new environment of world economics," he said.

Students use drama to convey the importance of wealth management at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in Shanghai.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.[Photo/Xinhua]

The deck of China's 55km-long Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was fully joined up on Sept 27, officially making it the longest cross-sea bridge in the world.

Just 20 years ago this would have been unthinkable as China was still trying to build a bridge with a span of 400 meters. Today bridges over 1km in length are nothing unusual in the country. China is home to over half of the world's longest span suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, steel arch bridges, and cross-sea bridges.
Chongqing police have cracked down on multiple telecom frauds in the Yuzhong district, seizing over 6,000,000 yuan($900,000), as well as numerous other valuables.[Photo from Sina Weibo]
China to step up efforts to protect rights of special groups (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-09-29 10:47

BEIJING - China pledged more efforts to prioritize the development of ethnic-minority areas and protect lawful rights and interests of ethnic minorities, according to an action plan released Thursday.



The right of ethnic minorities to participate in the management of state and social affairs on an equal footing shall be guaranteed by the state, said the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020), issued by the Information Office of the State Council.



The proportion of women delegates to the people's congresses and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) committees at all levels shall be gradually increased, so shall the proportion of women in the leadership of the people's congresses, governments and CPPCC committees at all levels, it said, adding that by 2020, women members shall make up over 30 percent of total members of villagers' committees, over 10 percent of the villagers' committee chairpersons, and about 50 percent of the members of urban residents' committees.



The state shall also enhance the prevention and treatment of childhood diseases and injuries. By 2020 the mortality rate of infants and kids under the age of five shall be no higher than 7.5 per 1,000 and 9.5 per 1,000, respectively, it said.



A mechanism to address population ageing shall be developed to effectively protect the legal rights and interests of elderly people, it said, adding that the old-age service market shall be open fully, and various market players shall be encouraged to increase the provision of old-age services and products by multiple means such as buying services and equity cooperation.



By 2020 the old-age service facilities shall appear in over 90 percent of urban communities and 60 percent of rural communities, it noted.



It also said the system of the protection of the rights and interests of the disabled shall be improved, the level of social security and basic public services for the disabled shall be raised, and efforts shall be made to bring them more opportunities to participate in social life on an equal footing and protect their human rights.



It said that community-based rehabilitation services shall be promoted for mental patients. By 2020 there will be one mental health social welfare center at each prefecture-level city, over 70 percent of counties (cities and districts) will have a community-based rehabilitation institution for mental disorders or entrust social organizations to carry out rehabilitation services through services purchased by the government.



In addition, China shall standardize the work of national human rights education and training bases.
Death penalty upheld for China arsonist (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-09-29 12:27

YINCHUAN - The Higher People's Court of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday rejected the appeal of an arsonist who was sentenced to death by Yinchuan Municipal Intermediate People's Court on July 3.



The court upheld the arson conviction and death sentence of Ma Yongping.



Ma set a bus on fire using a bottle of gasoline on January 5 in Helan County, motivated by anger over a personal dispute.



The fire, which quickly burned the bus into an empty shell, killed 18 people and left 32 injured.
A man loads coal briquettes onto his tricycle cart at a coal process station in Tangxian in North China's Hebei province on Nov 27, 2014. [Photo/IC]

Hebei, a neighboring province of Beijing, will put stricter control on the use of coal in an effort to curb severe air pollution in the region, reported Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday.

Bulk coal consumption will be banned in 18 counties that neighbor Beijing by the end of next year, according to a new action plan issued recently by the anti-air pollution working group of Hebei.

The plan aims to apply central heating or clean energy heating systems in urban areas, and replace coal with electricity or natural gas as the source of heat in rural areas.

Bulk coal consumption has been proven to be more polluting than coal consumption in industries, according to the recently released China Air Quality Management Evaluation Report.

For example, bulk coal consumption, including those used in households for heating in winter, account for less than 10 percent of the total consumption in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

But half of the total airborne pollutants emitted were generated from bulk coal consumption, said Wang Lisha, one of the authors of the assessment report, in an earlier interview.

Coal will not be used as a fuel since November 2017, while power plants consuming petroleum coke  a petroleum refining byproduct that is high in contaminants  will no longer be built, according to the plan.

The ban on coal will exclude coal-powered electricity plants, central heating supply factories and enterprises using coal as raw materials.

Hebei is home to five of China's top 10 polluted cities in August, according to the monthly report published by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

Stricter control on coal consumption would facilitate the green growth of industries and also help China reduce greenhouse emissions to offset global warming, said Xie Hongxing, secretary general of the Clean Air Alliance of China, a green organization based in Beijing, in an earlier interview.

China has promised to reach the carbon emission peak by 2020, in a bid to deal with climate change, and has undertaken a mix of measures such as expanding the use of green energy, such as solar power, to reduce coal consumption.
The Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau confisticated large quantities of fake luxury items in a special campaign named

The fake products are estimated to be worth more than 100 million yuan ($15 million), according to Liu Kefeng, director of the bureau's division of inspection and investigation.

The items include products resembling famous brands such as Armani, Hermes, Gucci, Citizen, Versace, Chanel, Cartier, Thom Browen, Chloe, Fendi, Converse, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Tory Burch, Head & Shoulders, J.M Weston and Calvin Klein Jeans, Liu told a news conference in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, on Thursday.

The bureau has cracked down on 64 cases involving the illegal importing and exporting of fake brand-name products in the first eight months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 39.1 percent.

"Guangdong's manufacturing industry is well developed and the cost of producing fake products is very low. In addition, the poor management of the myriad private-run firms has caused a rise in the number of counterfeit cases in the province," Liu said.

Shoes and clothing accounted for about 60 percent of all confisticated items this year, Liu said.

Law enforcers confisticated between 8,000 and 10,000 pairs of counterfeit Converse sneakers in one container earlier this year, with an estimated value of more than 10 million yuan, Liu said.

Handbags, wallets, leather belts and sunglasses accounted for another 30 percent of all fake items confisticated this year, Liu said.

Meanwhile, the bureau has destroyed 362 tons of substandard imported frozen meats in the first eight months of the year.

Liu said Cool Breeze has dealt a heavy blow to the counterfeit goods industry. He hinted that more special operations to fight the import and export of counterfeit products will be launched in the coming months.
Wang Donghui, co-founder of Ameba Capital, poses for a photo in Hangzhou, Sept 21, 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Related story: Zhongguancun releases 2015 unicorn report

Frontier technologies, the next big leap forward

Beijing is China's Silicon Valley, says co-founder of billion-yuan fund

Chic. Unicorn locater. This is what Wang Donghui, the co-founder of Ameba Capital, is probably best-known as in China's venture capital circle.

The former chief financial officer of Kingsoft, the country's leading antivirus software and internet service company, has made a successful transition from an executive to an angel investor.

He is best-known for investments that Ameba Capital made in three startups which later turned out to be unicorns, or companies with $1 billion valuations or higher, based on fundraising.

Co-founded by Wang in 2011, Ameba Capital focuses on early-stage investments in the TMT (Technology, Media, Telecom), e-commerce, healthcare, education, financial services, and corporate services sectors in China.

The average return on investment for Ameba is currently 20 times, just five years after its launch.

Now Ameba Capital has completed its second round of funding by raising 700 million yuan ($105 million), bringing the firm's total asset under management to 900 million yuan.

The lion's share, or 40 percent of the second round, will be invested in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry, Wang told chinadaily.com.cn.

SaaS means that software and data are hosted in remote servers and delivered on users' demand.

The digitalization of the country's enterprises means there is a high growth potential in the industry.

"Compared with China, the US sector is dozens times bigger. This is mismatched since China's GDP is about 60 percent of US's," said Wang Donghui, who looked chic when he met reporters in Hangzhou recently.

Wang claimed that in corporate internet, China lags the United States by more than 20 years. "China's consumer internet developed much faster than corporate internet."
Employees of a private hospital in Chongqing municipality are banned from using iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus cell phones in their office, and have been warned that they risk losing their jobs if they are caught doing so, Chongqing Economic Times reported on Thursday.

A 30-year-old man who uses the pseudonym "Wuyu" posted online that he bought his wife, a nurse in the hospital's gynecology department, an iPhone 7 before the hospital announced the ban on Tuesday.

The notice said that "to encourage thrift and reject extravagance, any violator of this code of conduct will be deprived of qualification for annual performance awards; those who purchase these products beyond their capability will be counseled out".

The director of the hospital, surnamed Li, 57, said the decision was made to support domestic products.

"Our hospital won't force employees not to use them; what we do is to list this code of conduct among one of the standards for performance appraisals," Li said.

Duan Qin, a lawyer at Chongqing Luoshu Law Office, said it is employees' right to choose the brand and model of their cell phones, adding that if they were fired for this, they could claim for compensation from the hospital, according to the Labor Contract Law.

Gu Jingwen contributed to this story.
China and Belarus agreed to enhance cooperation in several areas, including investment, trade, education and science, on Thursday during the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

President Xi Jinping and Lukashenko also signed a joint declaration to establish mutual-trust and win-win comprehensive strategic partnership. During the meeting, Lukashenko awarded Xi the "Peace and Friendship" medal of Belarus.

Calling Lukashenko "an old friend of Chinese people", Xi spoke highly of his efforts in improving bilateral ties.

"We have exchanged views for many times on bilateral relationship and jointly concerned issues," Xi said, adding that the two sides have reached wide consensus.

Xi said that China deems Belarus as a good friend and partner, and that the bilateral ties are experiencing the best period. The political mutual trust has been continuously enhanced, and the two sides have maintained frequent coordination in regional and international issues, he added.

Lukashenko said that Belarus and China has jointly implemented the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative in recent years. The initiative, proposed by China, aims to connect Europe and Asia through reviving the ancient Silk Road.

China-Belarus Industrial Park, or the Great Stone, which the two countries are building together, is an important part of the Silk Road Economic Belt, he said. In a statement the two countries issued in May last year, China and Belarus said the park "is a strategic project in line with both countries' developmental interests".

The aim is for the 90-square-kilometer park, which is 25 km away from the Belarusian capital of Minsk, to become not only a logistics hub but also an industrial and high-tech base, said Kiryl Rudy, Belarusian ambassador to China.
A pack of newborn panda twins will greet visitors to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda during the seven-day National Day holiday that starts on Oct 1.

About 23 giant pandas born in 2016 are seen on a display at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on Thursday in Chengdu, Sichuan province. She Yi / For China Daily

"They can have a close look at the twins in the nursery and be separated from the cubs from a glass window only," according to Zhang Zhihe, chief of the center in Sichuan province.

Sixteen cubs in eight pairs of twins were born at the center this year.

"In addition to the 16 twins, seven individual cubs were born this year," he said.

In the mid-1980s, wild pandas were on the brink of extinction as the bamboo they eat blossomed, causing a food shortage. Bamboo plants die after they bloom.

Zhang's center was set up in 1987 to save six hungry and sick pandas rescued from the wild in the aftermath of bamboo blossoming. It is home to 176 captive pandas.

The rising number of captive pandas has a lot to do with techniques to change their natural reluctance to mate.

The base is making male pandas walk on two legs. The dancelike routine strengthens the pelvic and hip area and also boosts the animal's sexual stamina, zookeepers say.

In an effort to encourage breeding, the center also relies on a special odor to remind pandas of sex during the spring, when they are in heat.

"We place male pandas in the dens of female pandas and vice versa. A male panda can smell the odor left behind by the female panda, which contains information pertaining to sex and vice versa," said Fei Lisong, a senior researcher of the base.

"When they show symptoms at the same time of wanting to have sex, the base places them together in the same den. The symptoms include anxiety," he said.

The center also relies on its more senior pandas to show the way.

"We arrange lovemaking between two accomplished pandas in front of inexperienced pandas, which have never had sex. It does work," Fei said. "More than 30 percent of pandas at the base can have sex naturally, compared with only 10 percent about 20 years ago."

"The purposes of breeding captive pandas are to increase their number, save them from extinction and return them to the wild to enlarge the natural panda population," said Hu Jinchu, professor of the school of life science of China West Normal University in Nanchong, Sichuan province.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko before their talks in Beijing, Sept 29, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

Two presidents sign declaration to enhance mutual trust and build strategic cooperation

China and Belarus signed 26 documents on Thursday in Beijing to enhance cooperation in areas including investment, trade, education and science.

President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attended the signing ceremony. The two leaders also signed a joint declaration to enhance mutual trust and establish a win-win comprehensive strategic partnership.

During the meeting, Lukashenko awarded Xi the "Peace and Friendship" medal of Belarus.

China has agreed that Belarus will set up a general consulate in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province.

Calling Lukashenko "an old friend of the Chinese people", Xi spoke highly of his efforts in improving bilateral ties.

"We have exchanged views many times on the bilateral relationship and issues of joint concern," Xi said, adding that the two sides have reached broad consensus.

Xi said that China considers Belarus a good friend and partner, and that the bilateral ties are experiencing their best period. The political mutual trust has been continuously enhanced, and the two sides have maintained frequent coordination in regional and international issues, he added.

Lukashenko said that Belarus and China have jointly implemented the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative. The initiative, proposed by President Xi in 2013, aims to connect Europe and Asia through reviving the ancient Silk Road.

The China-Belarus Great Stone Industrial Park, which the two countries are building together, is an important part of the Silk Road Economic Belt, he said.

In a statement the two countries issued in May last year, China and Belarus said the park "is a strategic project in line with both countries' developmental interests".

The aim is for the 90-square-kilometer park, which is 25 km from the Belarusian capital of Minsk, to become not only a logistics hub, but also an industrial and high-tech base, said Kiryl Rudy, Belarusian ambassador to China.

Li Huilai, China's assistant foreign minister, said that the two leaders have agreed to enhance cooperation in areas including trade, investment, industry and finance.

China and Belarus have maintained close high-level exchanges in recent years. In September last year, Luka-shenko came to Beijing to attend a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the world's victory against fascism. In May last year, during Xi's state visit to Belarus, the two countries pledged to combine strategies of development.

Ma Junchi, a researcher of European studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that through attracting Chinese investment, Belarus hopes to improve its industrial structure, which currently relies heavily on energy.




China's Global Newspaper





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Closer collaboration between the United Kingdom and China in the fields of education and research has been urged by the recently announced new chancellor of the University of Bristol, a prestigious higher education institution in the UK.

Sir Paul Nurse, who was jointly awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was appointed the eighth chancellor of the university in July.

Defining his role as "ceremonial and ambassadorial", Nurse said he hoped to use his position to help raise Bristol's profile and advance its interests nationally and internationally, including with China.
Feng Shaofeng wins the Hundred Flowers Awards' best actor. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Acting awards are supposed to go to those who have demonstrated excellence in acting.

So, a strong sense of irony is bound to emerge if the least qualified end up nabbing such honors.

This was exactly what happened over the weekend at the Hundred Flowers Awards.

A collective response of shock followed the announcement on Saturday night of winners for three of the four acting categories. Not only did Feng Shaofeng in Wolf Totem win best actor, Li Yifeng in Mr Six win best supporting actor and Yang Ying in Mojin: The Lost Legend win best supporting actress, but they all trumped contenders whose performances were widely hailed as far superior.

Only if you judge a performance purely by the physical appeal of the actor would you come to the conclusions reached in this edition of the Hundred Flowers Awards.

Yes, Feng Shaofeng is better looking than Feng Xiaogang in Mr Six or Huang Bo in Dearest, but any other standardno matter what school of acting you choosewould not have supported this choice.

To make sense to those readers not familiar with the names, one would have to make up an equivalent because it does not exist elsewhere in the real world. For instance, Justin Bieber defeating both Johnny Depp and Robert DeNiro in nailing the acting kudos.

The result cannot be justified by the subjective nature of evaluation alone.
The ceremony host Zhang Wenxing gives ritual orders. [Photo by He Keyao/ chinadaily.com.cn]

A grand traditional ceremony was held Wednesday in Beijing to mark the 2,567th birthday of Chinese ancient Sage Confucius.

The event took place at the Beijing Confucian Temple and the Imperial College, with more than 300 people from all walks of life attending the function. Traditional rites, such as "Three Tribute" (San Xian Li), "Four Bowing Etiquette"(Si Bai Li) and "Eight-Row Dance" (Ba Yi Wu), were practiced during the ceremony.

"The ceremonial sense evokes worship and respect," said Ji Jiejing, head of Chengxian Sinology Institute, who organized the event. "Through ceremonies like this, Chinese traditional culture is planted in people's heart so that it can be advanced to our next generation."

Memorial ceremony of Confucius was one of the biggest national events in ancient times. Confucius (BC551-479), a well-known Chinese ideologist and educationist, was the founder of Confucian school that has spread across the world.
File photo shows Seoungju residents chant slogans during a protest against the government's decision on deploying a US THAAD anti-missile defense unit in Seongju, in Seoul, South Korea, July 21, 2016. The banner reads "Desperately oppose deploying THAAD". [Photo/Agencies]

With Washington determined to rush its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system to the Republic of Korea "as soon as possible", the matter looks more than ever like a "done deal". Which Daniel Russel, United States under-secretary of state for East Asia, said already is.

The costs and benefits of the highly controversial, divisive deployment for all parties concerned have become obvious through tense, intensive prior discourse.

While gaining the illusive sense of security from THAAD, Seoul will face an angrier, unbridled Pyongyang and greater threat from the north, lasting grudge from Beijing and even Moscow, which find their security interests compromised.

Washington may find Seoul bound more tightly to its bandwagon on its Northeast Asia chessboard, but will see China and Russia less cooperative on key regional and global issues.

It is obvious that Washington and Seoul have ignored the strong opposition from Beijing and Moscow to the THAAD deployment on the Korean Peninsula as the system far exceeds the ROK's actual defense needs.

And since Seoul and Washington stubbornly proceed with THAAD's deployment, an almost definitive all-lose game, no reasoning or arguing may suffice to deter them.

Beijing, given this fact, should be realistic and stop fancying THAAD's deployment can be prevented in the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. As THAAD is posing a substantial security threat, now is time to refocusrid itself of the helpless war of words, concentrate instead on effective countermeasures.

A sane approach is critical here, as without cool-headed, all-round evaluation of what degree of threat THAAD constitutes, subsequent response may end up being inadequate or excessive.

Of course, Seoul deserves to pay a price for an act that undermines a key Chinese national interest. But it takes a lot of weighing and balancing to come up with sensible, targeted, well-tailored countermoves.

This is not just about China-ROK relations, whose failure may not be crippling for either side. Nor is it about treating Seoul as a less-than-considerate neighbor, or a rival's proxy. It is more about how Northeast Asia defines security relations in the region, the consequences of which will be felt for many years to come.

If every country in the region goes its own way, the already difficult processes of regional integration will be at stake.

In a narrower sense, they are at a make-or-break moment on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. If they continue perpetuating the current state of hopelessness, they will only raise the stakes higher.
The company logo is displayed at the Samsung news conference at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, January 7, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Despite Samsung's recent attempt to ease Chinese consumers' concerns over the safety of its Galaxy Note7 smartphone, its reputation in China could take a beating if it doesn't take substantial remedial measures to ensure users' safety. Just saying that two Galaxy Note7 phones caught fire recently because of "external heating" will hardly help the company win back the trust of Chinese consumers.

After similar problems were reported in the United States, the Republic of Korea-based electronics' company recalled its products worldwide, except those sold on the Chinese mainland. Samsung said the fires were sparked by the batteries supplied by a different provider. Such an explanation will make Chinese consumers feel discriminated against.

Can Samsung explain why the same batteries supplied by the same provider do not cause fire in mobile phones of other brands?

On Sept 20, consumers' rights and interests protection department officials in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, asked Samsung to respond within 10 days to consumers' questions: Why it didn't recall the Note7 smartphones on the Chinese mainland? And why it agreed to recall 1,858 phones after it had had an "appointed meeting and talks" with China's quality watchdog?

As the deadline nears, it is hoped the company will give Chinese consumers a reasonable reply.

Following the reports on the Samsung product, some administrative offices and public places in China have banned the entry of Note7 users. Some airlines, too, have issued similar bans, not allowing Note7 in hand baggage or checked-in luggage.

Samsung responded swiftly and sincerely to consumers' fears in other markets, but has failed to address Chinese customers' concerns. Chinese consumers don't have to teach public relations to Samsung, but they can vote with their feet. And the impact could be devastating for Samsung, for Chinese are one of the largest groups of consumers of its products.--SZNEWS.COM
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The AAPP General Secretary, U Bo Gyi said that the report calls for reform of the judiciary system to make it independent and fair and reform of the police and the prison system.

Because these are issues of national security the AAPP hopes that they can be addressed at the Union Peace Conference (The 21st Century Panglong Conference).

U Bo Gyi said: Countries that have recently become free from military administration carry out security reforms. They consider not only the armed groups issues but also issues of reforming the prison [system] and the police, ensuring an independent and fair judiciary [system], and reducing poverty. The prison issue is one of the issues. Thats why the government, the Tatmadaw [Burma Army] leaders, and the Members of Parliament need to have a wider consideration for security reform.

The discussion on prison reform was led by The 88 Generation student leader U Ko Ko Gyi, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) general secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin and U Bo Kyi from AAPP, all of whom are former political prisoners.

U Ko Ko Gyi said: A prisoner is a citizen and a human resource. Even though he has received a prison sentence for various reasons, the law cannot be neglected to the point of him losing his citizens rights and human rights. By placing the prisons under the judiciary system, one can inspect and protect against lawless acts.

The AAPP report, which was written over two years, consists of six chapters, including ones on international norms and rules governing prisons, torture of prisoners, health conditions, prison labour, and visitation rights.

The report also includes a draft Prisons Law written by the AAPP and the Former Political Prisoners Society (FPPS).

U Bo Gyi said that the report is incomplete because while they were compiling the report the AAPP was unable to visit the prisons to gather extra information. He urged the Burmese government to cooperate so that the AAPP could produce a more complete report.

The AAPP was founded by former political prisoners in Thailand in 2000 and it provides assistance to former political prisoners and their families.

Reporting by Saw Tun Linn for KIC News

Translated by Thida Linn

Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
Sun Xin, previously one of China's most-wanted economic fugitives, stands trial at Beijing No 2 Intermediate People's Court on July 26, 2016. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

That some grassroots civil servants in Shijiazhuang, North China's Hebei province, embezzled large sums of government money ostensibly to reduce excess capacity shows how far removed the local government is from the rule of law, Beijing Times said on Tuesday.

Some officials of the environmental protection and industrial administration departments asked for millions of yuan in kickbacks from enterprises, which could receive government grants for suspending production to reduce overcapacity.

After pocketing the money, the officials reported to higher authorities that the enterprises had already eliminated their overcapacity. But the factories had not ceased operation.

The case damages the government's image and credibility, and could hamper the implementation of the central government's economic restructuring plan.

The ongoing economic transformation and reform provide officials with opportunities to trade their power for money. In the Shijiazhuang case all the disciplinary and supervisory mechanisms failed to pull away the officials from the temptation to make big money.

Despite the government reform over the past four years, financial, personnel and approval powers at the grassroots level are still controlled by a few key government departments. They play important roles in the implementation of policies, rules and reform. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely.

The central government needs to think of better ways of expediting the economic restructuring plan rather than simply awarding enterprises taxpayers' money. Before the rule of law is implemented in its entirety, money-driven economic restructuring is likely to give rise to corruption, which can slow the momentum of reform and diminish people's belief in the reformers.

Professional and independent agencies, instead of officials, should evaluate enterprises' efforts to reduce or eliminate overcapacity and protect the environment. There should also be independent disciplinary and supervisory mechanisms to monitor the exercise of power by government officials.

If the government reform lags behind the economic reform, neither will succeed.
US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton waves as she arrives for a meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a hotel in New York, US September 25, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

The first TV debate between the two US presidential candidates, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, was held at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York, on Monday. Beijing News analyzes their performances:

Who won the debate? According to a CNN opinion poll, 62 percent of the respondents said Clinton and 27 percent, Trump. The poll result may be debatable, but Trump did commit mistakes. First, he confused the debate, even the election in November, with the Republican nomination race. In that race, he faced his own party's leaders, the majority of whom shared his class, education and political stance. That's why he could say almost whatever he wanted to against them, including raking up their private lives.

However, in the presidential debate with Clinton, his audience cut across party and social dividesRepublicans and Democrats, rich and poor. He persisted with his earlier strategy of "shooting from the hip" instead of speaking through his mind, which didn't appeal to many people.

The other mistake he made is to mistaken "winning an argument" for "winning a debate" or "winning the election". He interrupted Clinton 25 times in the first 26 minutes of the debate, which was rather impolite. When Clinton asked him about his tax records, he responded by raising her email issue. He might have gained the upper hand in the argument, but he lost the debate and the trust of the audience.

If Trump continues in the same vein in the other debates, he might lose the election, because people won't trust him. His approach is not the way US presidents have won elections. As Clinton said, she felt she was "going to be blamed for everything", yet she came to the debate to run for the US presidency. And Trump proved her right.

The US presidential election is still six weeks away and no one knows who will win. But if Trump loses the election, he will live to rue his performance on Monday.
A potato pancake.[Photo from Internet]

The Shanghai industry and commerce bureau plans to stop a pancake vendor from plying his three-decade-old business. A Da's homemade garlic oil pancakes became famous after BBC Two's Taste of Shanghai featured him in the "China Season" in February. The local authorities, however, say A Da can no longer sell his pancakes from his house without a license. Beijing News commented on Wednesday:

For more than 30 years, A Da has been waking up at 5 am to prepare his pancakes. Despite being physically challengedhe has a hunched backhe has persisted with his pancake business and lived with dignity.

Of course, food safety should not be ignored. But a flexible solution could be foundone that will allow A Da to vend his pancakes and ensure food safety, as well.

Perhaps the experience of Taiwan can help. The night street food market is one of Taiwan's iconic tourist spots. But all the vendors there have to get business licenses from the local authority and face random food safety checks.

A Da could not have sold his pancakes for more than 30 years without winning the trust of his customers. So instead of asking him to stop vending his pancakes, which will deprive him of his livelihood, the Shanghai authorities could put his product to test and, if it passes, issue him a business license.
A photo of Chinese 100 yuan banknotes [Photo/VCG]

The official inclusion of the yuan as a reserve currency by the International Monetary Fund on Saturday will be mainly of symbolic importance for now. It is a long overdue recognition of the rise of the yuan, powered by the remarkable growth of the Chinese economy over the past more than three decades.

However, for the yuan to play its greater international role, of substantially helping global trade and facilitating cross-border investment in the future, Chinese policymakers must take preemptive measures to avoid periods of extreme volatility that could plague the world's second-largest economy and engine for global growth.

Therefore, intensifying concerns over the health of the housing markets in big cities should prompt policymakers to thoroughly analyze how safe is the property sector, for it has been absorbing huge amounts of financial resources and thus affecting China's broad economic growth. It is shocking to know that almost all Chinese banks' new loans in July went to the real estate sector at a time when the overall economy is suffering from a slowdown. Even the August data that the property sector consumed about half of increase in bank loans cannot be justified by assuming that it alone can contribute up to one-fifth of the country's GDP growth.

At a crucial time of the economic transformation, it seems Chinese banks are competing against each other to put as many eggs as possible in a basket that will neither facilitate enough economic growth in the short term nor improve the health and productivity of the overall economy in the long run.

In spite of recent sporadic efforts by local governments to cool the red-hot property market, housing prices in more major Chinese cities are going through the roof to unrealistically high levels compared with either local GDP or people's income.

Some couples in Shanghai even filed for divorce after registering their properties in the name of either the wife or the husband to enable the other to buy apartments at lower down payment rates. To add fuel to the fire, some real estate agents spread rumors of massive purchases to create a panic over shortage of supply while some property developers manipulated prices to attract potential buyers.

Admittedly, local governments have taken prompt action against such rumors that could otherwise have further inflated the housing market bubble. But their piecemeal efforts are not a potent enough response to the unprecedented rapid surge in housing prices, a phenomenon that has had terrible consequences for many economies.

Though the volatile stock market at the beginning of this year left Chinese investors just bruised, the unfettered rise of property prices have made many of them blind to the increasing danger of dumping all their savings into the highly illiquid housing asset.

Given the huge boost a property boom can give to local fiscal revenues from land sales, it doesn't look like local officials will voluntarily take effective measures to stop the surge of housing prices.

And as long as local growth relies excessively on easy credit and a property boom, the Chinese economy can't achieve more productivity gains to raise people's incomes and living standards, the latter being the ultimate driving force behind the rise of the yuan.

As a major international currency, the yuan's value will have a greater impact on the Chinese and world economies. A stable yuan is a prerequisite for the country to press ahead with its economic transformation toward more sustainable and inclusive growth and the world economy to eventually recover without cheap money.

It is, therefore, more urgent than ever for policymakers to take the necessary measures to make the property basket safe.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily.

zhuqiwen@chinadaily.com.cn
The Beijing municipal government said on Tuesday that it successfully implemented a regional compensation mechanism for water preservation last year.

The mechanism follows the principle of "polluters pay for pollution". If the water quality of a river falls by one gradeChina has five grades of surface water qualitythe district or administrative area upstream has to pay a compensation of 300,000 yuan ($45,000) a month to the one downstream for every monitoring section. Beijing has 83 water-preservation monitoring sections covering almost all the rivers in the city.

Last year, district governments in Beijing paid 970 million yuan in such compensation. In the first eight months of this year, the amount had reached 560 million yuan.

According to Beijing water supply bureau, the mechanism is aimed at raising the water preservation awareness of local governments, which is very important for a water-starved city like Beijing. And the money they receive as compensation will help local authorities to improve water preservation in their areas.

The bureau said Fengtai district paid 158 million yuan as compensation, Chaoyang district 109 million yuan, and Shunyi district 106 millionthe top three compensators last year among Beijing's 16 districts and two counties.
My name is Hodan and I'm from Somalia. Currently, I'm a PhD student in Communication Studies in Zhejiang University. Ever since I was a teenager, I wanted to study abroad after high school. I graduate from university at 22, got my master's degree at 25 and became a PhD student at 28. My goal is to be an influential culture envoy around the world and help women from both Arab and African countries to get their foot in education.

I came to Hangzhou in the autumn of 2005. I was dazzled by the deep and profound Chinese culture. I was deeply attracted to the dreamy and picturesque landscape in Hangzhou. I fell in love with West Lake, which is "always charming with either light or heavy make-up", with the poems of Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo, and even more with Hangzhou people who speak with a soft dialect. After the first year here, I began to learn Chinese with great eagerness. In just two semesters, I completed three years of Chinese language courses, and successfully passed the level 5 of the HSK Chinese proficiency test.

In September 2006, I began my undergraduate life in Zhejiang Normal University. I was a little worried about my Chinese at the beginning, so every day after class I would go to the library to review sections, listen again to recorded courses, and copy notes. Through sheer determination, I completed four years of undergraduate studies in just three years, and became the first overseas student to graduate a year early at Zhejiang Normal University. After graduation, I got a scholarship from the Confucius Institute, and began the following two years of a Master of International Education program. After that, I won the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship for Outstanding Students and began studying for doctorate degree at Zhejiang University.

I am certainly not a bookworm. I participate in many organizations, conferences and contests in my spare time. In August 2010, I participated in the third session of "Chinese Bridge" held by CCTV and won the silver award. In October 2013, I participated in the speech contest themed "My Chinese Dream", held by Zhejiang Education Department, and won the first prize. In 2014, I also participated in a writing and composition contest organized by Zhejiang University and my essay won the first prize.

In addition, because of my love of languages and translation, I also participated in many learning and practice activities during the course of earning my doctorate degree. I worked as a distinguished translator and counselor of the Africa Research Institute and China-Africa Business School of Zhejiang Normal University, during which time I assisted them to complete many projects, and received ambassadors and representatives from many countries. Moreover, in 2011, I participated in the second session of China-Arab Economic and Trade Forum - Radio and Television Cooperation Forum held in Ningxia. Due to my excellent performance, I received an invitation from Al Jazeera for a half-year internship at their Qatar headquarters in 2013. During the internship, I had the honor to meet the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and interviewed him.

I intend to engage in the work of China-Africa and China-Arab cultural exchanges after my graduation. I hope to introduce excellent literary and fine art works of Africa and Arab countries to China, and China's 5000 years of cultural brilliance to Africa and Arab countries, allowing more Arabs, Africans and Chinese to cross the language barrier and get to know different cultures and their subtle connotations.

Socrates once said: "The happiest thing in the world is to fight for your ideals." The past 10 years have been the happiest in my life. I devoted my youth completely to the ideal of acquiring knowledge, and got incalculable rewards. I especially appreciate Li Kaifu's words, when he said: "Lead your life with a dream. Lead your life with gratitude, and a sincere and helping attitude. Lead your life with persistence, fearlessness and an optimistic attitude." Thanks for the cultivation of Yangzhou University, Zhejiang Normal University and Zhejiang University, and thanks for the help of CSC. I hope my dream can come true in the near future!

The original blog is at: http://blog.chinadaily.com.cn/blog-2480030-37013.html
Photo taken on Sept 27, 2016 shows the scene of an event to promote tourism in China's Guizhou province, held in San Francisco, the United States. From tourism to big data, Guizhou Province in southwestern China has presented itself as a tourism destination as well as an information technology pilot for the world to see.[Photo/Xinhua]

From tourism to big data, Guizhou province in Southwestern China has presented itself as a tourism destination as well as an information technology pilot for the world to see.

Mr Chen Gang, deputy director of a task force directing the national big data pilot project in Guizhou, a mountainous province known for its scenic landscape and ethnic diversity, has spent almost a week on the U.S. west coast to talk about what is going on with his province.

On Monday, Chen led a provincial delegation to Santa Clara, at center of Silicon Valley in northern California, to promote a big data pilot zone in Guizhou, the only one receiving designation and funding from China's central government to build big data infrastructure, experiment on internet of things (IoT) and cloud computation, and other applications.

On Tuesday, he was in downtown San Francisco, north of Silicon Valley, to showcase Guizhou's tourism resources.

With a doctoral degree in chemistry and a top leadership position within government institutions at Guiyang, the provincial capital, Chen did not see tourism and big data as two industries far from each other.

At the Santa Clara event, he cited city management as an area where big data has a role. For instance, data mining helps Guiyang municipal authorities to see where passengers, both local residents and tourists from outside the city, need short rides to go from one place to another. The city, already overloaded with private cars, therefore is able to improve taxi services and car-sharing practices while cracking down on unlicensed cabs.

He told more than 150 people at the event, including some from businesses in Silicon Valley, that multinational American companies such as Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Intel, Qualcomm, Dell, International Business Machine (IBM) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) have joined Baidu, Alibaba, Huawei, ZTE, China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom and other leading Chinese information technology companies to operate research and development (R&D) centers or projects in Guizhou.

Baidu, an internet company headquartered in Beijing, the Chinese capital, has explored the possibility of road testing its self-driving vehicles in the province, once hard to reach with any transportation means for centuries but now proud to have a web of highways and local roadways through mountainous terrains reaching every county and city seats and rural villages.
China and Japan should have got along well given that their trade relations are largely complementary and hugely beneficial for both sides. Geographic proximity, too, is supposed to make them good partners.

China and Japan are very important trade partners. But mutual distrust between them has run deep over the past decade, when both have undergone considerable changes.

Two recent polls in China and Japan shed light on the views of their peoples about each other. Their findings are alarming and thought-provoking.

According to a Pew Research Center survey of 7,618 people in China, Japan, South Korea and India in April and May, only 11 percent of the Japanese respondents have a favorable opinion of China, while 14 percent of the Chinese have the same view of Japan.

People in the two countries have been developing negative stereotypes about each other since 2006. About 80 percent of Japanese describe the Chinese as arrogant, while 70 percent of Chinese see the Japanese in that light.

Despite the negative stereotypes, however, a survey jointly conducted by the China International Publishing Group and Japanese think tank Genron NPO in August and September showed that more than 60 percent of the respondents in the two countries deem people-to-people exchanges important for improving relations.

A record 4.99 million Chinese visited Japan in 2015; the figure has already crossed 3 million this year and the weeklong National Day holiday may see a huge flow of Chinese tourists into Japan. In contrast, about 2.5 million Japanese visited China last year.

No longer are Chinese shoppers just buying made-in-Japan products in bulk, they are also spending huge amounts on Japanese cultural products or to learn the nuances of Japanese culture, such as trying kimono and partaking in tea ceremonies. And most Chinese visitors leave Japan with a positive impression of the country and its people.

A visit to Japan opens Chinese tourists' mind to the country's culture, cuisine and history, and helps improve their understanding of its people. Slightly more than 13 percent of the Chinese respondents in 2016 had visited Japan, compared with only 1.3 percent in 2005. And 58.8 percent of the Chinese respondents who had visited Japan had a favorable opinion of their Asian neighbor.

The figures drive home the message that simple exchanges help change perceptions.

The joint poll also shows that a striking 60 percent of Chinese respondents and 30 percent of their Japanese counterparts said that there would be a military conflict between the two countries at some point in the future.

The only way to avoid this is to genuinely increase people-to-people exchanges. This will help create a solid foundation of mutual trust.

Are public opinions in the two countries shaped by their respective foreign policies or by the people themselves? Public sentiment and its influence on foreign policy has been a matter of debate. We may not have a clear answer, but the two surveys drive home a vital point: there is a need to create an environment for people in both countries to break down barriers.

The two countries have much more to gain from cooperation than from conflict. They should learn to live with each other by shelving their differences, which can be solved later and peacefully. And they can gain by working together in areas of mutual interest and address their differences constructively.

The author is China Daily Tokyo bureau chief.

caihong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 09/26/2016 page12)
Anderson County sheriff's deputies and investigators walk out of Townville Elementary School after a shooting in Townville, South Carolina, US, September 28, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

CHARLESTON, S.C. - A 14-year-old South Carolina boy shot and killed his father then drove to an elementary school where he opened fire with a handgun, wounding two children and a teacher before being tackled by a firefighter who held him for police, authorities said on Wednesday.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, was accused by police of shooting dead his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, then driving a pickup truck about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Townville Elementary School where he crashed into a fence surrounding the playground.

After the teenager began shooting, volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock pinned him down while staff led children to safety inside the building, Anderson County emergency services director Taylor Jones said in a news conference. Police arrived within 7 minutes of a teacher calling 911 to take the suspect into custody at the school in Anderson County, located near the Georgia state line about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta. The shooter never entered the building, said Chief Deputy Keith Smith.

US schools have taken added security precautions since 2012 when a gunman shot dead 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, was hailed on social media as a hero and credited with preventing another school massacre.

"(He) was there in the hot scene and risked his life to mitigate this incident," Jones said. "He just used enough force to take him to the ground."

The shooting left a 6-year-old boy in critical condition and undergoing surgery, Scott Stoller, Anderson County's director of emergency services, told the Anderson Independent Mail.

The other boy and a female teacher were treated and released, said Ross Norton, a spokesman for AnMed Health Medical Center. Both boys were 6 years old, the Independent Mail reported.

One male student was shot in the leg and the other boy was shot in the foot. The female teacher was shot in the shoulder, authorities said. The shooter and victims were white.
The KWO said that there had been fighting along the Myaing Gyi Ngu to Mae Tha Wor Road in Hlaingbwe Township in the districts of Hpa-an and Hpa-pun, both of which are under the control of the Karen National Union (KNU).

The KWO Joint Secretary (1), Naw Ta Mla Saw, said on 28 September: The skirmishes broke out in areas under [the control of] the KNU, which has signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement [NCA]. In other words, you can call them [those areas under KNU control] ceasefire areas, so [the skirmishes] shouldnt have happened.

She added that the Burma Army and the Splinter DKBA should solve their issues through non-military means.

According to the terms of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) in ceasefire areas the ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) that signed the NCA and the Burma Army must not carry out: reconnaissance, recruitment, armed attacks, mine laying, acts of violence or destruction of property. They are also forbidden from moving troops for territorial gain or launching military offensives.

Though the BGF claimed to have gained control of the Myaing Gyi Ngu to Mae Tha Wor Road on 19 September skirmishes are still breaking out along the road and according to the KWO people displaced from the area are still unable to return home due to security concerns.

Saw Way Lay, a Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) spokesperson told KIC News that local residents are concerned about human rights violations in the areas of the fighting.

He said: In the past, human rights have been violated in areas where fighting broke out, so they [the local residents] are worried it could happen again. The war refugees [IDPs] will only receive temporary assistance. If the skirmishes continue to break out, they [local residents] are worried that their livelihoods will be affected.

After fighting broke out in the Mae Tha Wor area on 11 September the KNU released a statement on 13 September that said the KNU objected to the resumption of military activities and conflict during this peace-building period.

Translated by Thida Linn

Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
Senior officials from Guizhou province are visiting Silicon Valley to promote their big data comprehensive pilot zone, hoping the preferential policies Southwest China provides and its abundant resources will help generate more collaboration and exchanges between Guizhou and San Francisco.

Director of Asia-Pacific marketing of Visit California, Kassie Fraser (left) and Guizhou Provincial Tourism Development Committee Member, Shi Jingyi (right) sign tourism cooperation memorandum between California and Guizhou in San Francisco on Tuesday.Congjiang Wang / for China Daily

Chen Gang, secretary of the CPC Guiyang Municipal Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, said the Chinese central government has pinned high hopes on the development of the big data industry nationwide and chose Guizhou to start the pilot zone.

He spoke at a seminar on Monday in Santa Clara, California, which drew researchers, industry insiders and local officials.

"We can explore big data sharing, data center integration, the whole industry agglomeration, besides big data flow and dissemination," said Chen, who is also deputy director of the leading group on the construction and development of the Guizhou Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone.

Since Chen and his 20-member delegation arrived in the Bay Area six days ago, the team reached out to the high-tech industries in Silicon Valley, and scholars at universities such as UC Berkeley.

"They are shuffling back and forth around the Bay Area in order to meet more professionals and better present Guizhou and their big data industry," said Ren Faqiang, deputy consul general at the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco, who also attended the seminar.

"The United States remains the world's most important economy powerhouse, and Silicon Valley is the most famous cradle for innovation and high-tech incubation," said Chen Gang, who used to work in Beijing and supervised the capital city's high-tech industry.

"Through my many business trips to the US and the Silicon Valley in particular, I'm glad that a lot of collaborations and cooperation took place which benefit both sides," Chen said.

Now stationed in Guiyang, capital city of the mountainous Guizhou province, Chen and his team are eager to showcase the vigor and potential of his new territory and facilitate more China-US cooperation in the big data industry.

Citing the case about how the Guiyang government uses big data to administer unlicensed taxi vehicles and clean up the on-demand transportation industry, Chen said the government has adopted big data applications across settings to help raise efficiency and accountability.

Guizhou occupies an important position regarding China's national strategic layout of the big data industry, said Chen Gang.

"Guizhou National Big Data Pilot Zone is the only zone of its kind approved by the central government to carry research and development. The habitat is fully functional  the cloud service platforms, open data resources and a wide range of big data industry clusters are emerging here."

In recent years, Guizhou has launched cooperation with international companies at home and abroad and offered them preferential policies.

"Cloud computing and big data have been the driving force of Guizhou's economy," said Chen, adding that Alibaba, Baidu, Qualcomm, Dell, HP, Oracle, Microsoft and Google all operate in Guizhou with business scope ranging from unmanned vehicles, smart city and server chips to energy transmission and storage.

Guizhou started sponsoring the Guiyang International Big Data Expo two years ago and drew more than 20,000 guests worldwide.

"If you have missed the investment opportunity in Guangdong or Zhejiang 30 years ago, by no means should you miss that of Guizhou today," said Jack Ma, founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba, who attended the expo for two consecutive years.

Through its big data platform, Guizhou on the Digital Cloud, which allows integral data storage, specification, exchange and sharing, the government vows to increase efficiency. "We believe the platform will bring benefits to enterprises and startups by facilitating more innovation through data sharing," Chen said.

In addition, the energy richness and geological stability enables Guizhou to construct a large green data center in South China. Similar to the US West Coast in terms of energy diversity and climate conditions, Guizhou was positioned when the central government was looking for a place to build its national big data center.

To date, the province has the rack capacity for 2 million servers, which makes it a world-class computing center on data storage, analysis, exploration and data flow.

In 2016, Qualcomm launched its local offices in Guizhou with a focus on the production of high-end server chips.

"We are making more and more friends based on the shared idea that big data is the trend and will benefit the entire world," Chen said. "We look forward to welcoming American investors, entrepreneurs and big data talents from the Silicon Valley."
A Chinese company's planned $2 billion, 850-acre paper mill in Virginia took another step forward when a contractfor design services and permit acquisition was awarded.

The contract signed on Wednesday with Jacobs Engineering Group Incis for supporting permit acquisition and developing the overall site design, which includes pulping facilities, tissue making and fertilizer production using the proprietary technology of Vastly, also known as Tranlin Inc, the US subsidiary of Shandong Tranlin Paper Co Ltd.

"It's a complex project and as Jacobs lays out the design for the site a major part of the work will involve all the environmental permits that will be required," John Stacey, senior vice-president of marketing and product development at Vastly said.

In 2014, Shandong Tranlin Paper said it would invest $2 billion over five years to build its first US manufacturing operation in Chesterfield County, which is about 20 miles from Richmond, the state capital. The plant is expected to generate 2,000 new jobs by 2020. It is the largest Chinese investment and job-creation project in Virginia.The company broke ground on the plant's site along the James River in 2015.

"We are within the schedule to begin full operations by 2020," said Stacey.

The plant is expected to begin limited production of bathroom tissues, paper towels and napkins in 2018 by importing rolls of paper from China. "In 2020 everything including the rolls of paper will be made in America with American materials," Stacey said.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our global consumer products business. We have a long history of assisting our clients in growth and expansion in global manufacturing. We look forward to forging a strong, ongoing partnership with Vastly as we work together to develop this state-of-the-art facility," Bob Pragada, president of Jacobs Industrial Line of Business, said in a statement.

Stacey said Tranlin has decided to use the Vastly name to represent "our brand in the US.

"The selection of Vastly was made after detailed market research and collaboration with a nationally recognized branding firm," continued Stacey. "The research indicated that often Americans associated the name, Tranlin, with a transportation or language translation company. Given the massive scale and many facets of the manufacturing operations, multiple product lines and our earth restoration efforts we wanted a big name with virtually endless possibilities."
The reconstructed wreckage of the MH17 airplane is seen after the presentation of the final report into the crash of July 2014 of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine, in Gilze Rijen, the Netherlands, October 13, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has called for firm action against the perpetrators in the downing of flight MH17, saying "we have promised that those who were responsible will be brought to justice."

Following the release of an investigation report on the tragedy on Wednesday, Malaysia's national state news agency Bernama quoted the prime minister, who is on an official visit to Germany this week, as saying that "The families want justice. So we will pursue this."

According to Najib, Malaysia will call for a meeting with the other countries which lost their citizens, namely the Netherlands and Australia, to decide the next course of action.

"We must see to it that those responsible are punished," he said.

Malaysia Airlines MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 people on board died, most of them Dutch citizens.
OPEC President, Qatar's Minister of Energy Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada speaks during a news conference after an informal meeting between memebrs of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Algiers, Algeria September 28, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

ALGIERS -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Wednesday reached a "historical" agreement to ceil oil output from 33.24 million barrels a day to 32.5 or 33 million barrels a day.

President of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada told a press conference after a six-hour extraordinary meeting that the cartel's members reached the agreement to cap the oil output.

The OPEC official hailed the efforts made by Algeria, "which offered such an opportunity to gather us and decide on a crucial issue related to oil market."

Al-Sada noted that the participants agreed to set up a committee to consider the output share of each member nation, and then file a report to the next OPEC meeting due in Vienna in November.

He further indicated that the committee is also meant to coordinate a collective agreement between the cartel's members in a bid to accelerate the process of rebalancing the oil market, saying both OPEC and non-OPEC producers (in reference to Russia) have to share the burden of adjusting the output.

When asked whether the Algiers meeting outcomes would push oil prices higher, he noted that market is the only factor that controls the prices.

Earlier on Wednesday, reports suggested that Algeria has proposed the members of OPEC to cut oil outputs by 796,000 barrels a day.
A series of high-level meetings are being planned between senior Chinese and British officials in coming months, aimed at bolstering mutual political trust between the two countries, according to China's Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming.

Chinese Vice-Premier Ma Kai will join UK Chancellor Philip Hammond to co-host the eighth China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, the ambassador said.

UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will also go to China to co-host the fourth meeting of the China-UK High Level People to People Dialogue.

Liu said at a reception on Tuesday to mark China's National Day that State Councilor Yang Jiechi will visit London in coming months to meet with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

The meetings form part of the momentum generated by President Xi Jinping's successful state visit to the UK last October, when both countries said a "golden era" in Sino-British relations had started. During Xi's visit, 40 billion pounds in Chinese investment was announced.

This month, UK Prime Minister Theresa May approved construction of the nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in southwest England, using French technology and with China providing 6 billion pounds of the 18 billion pounds price tag.

Liu, citing an ancient Chinese proverb, said, "If two people are of the same mind, their strength can cut through metal, and their consensus-based argument is as appealing as the fragrance of orchid flowers."
Onlookers view a New Jersey Transit train that derailed and crashed through the station in Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S. in this picture courtesy of David Richman taken September 29, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

At least one person was killed and about 100 were injured, some of them critically, when a New Jersey Transit train derailed and crashed through the station in Hoboken, New Jersey, during the morning rush hour on Thursday, officials said.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told MSNBC at least one person was killed and all victims from inside the station were removed in the morning. Initial reports provided to NBC News placed the number of fatalities at three.

Photos posted by commuters showed a train carriage that appeared to have smashed right through the station concourse, collapsing a section of the roof, scattering debris and wreckage and causing devastation.

ABC News said on its website that New Jersey Transit was reporting many passengers were trapped.

Hoboken is on the west bank of the Hudson River across from New York City. Its station, one of the busiest in the metropolitan area, is used by many commuters traveling into Manhattan from New Jersey and further out.

Linda Albelli, 62, said she was sitting in her seat in one of the rear cars when the train approached the station. She said she knew something was wrong just before the impact.

"I thought to myself, 'Oh my God, he's not slowing up, and this is where we're usually stop,'" Albelli said. "'We're going too fast,' and with that there was this tremendous crash."

Passengers helped each other off the train and onto the platform. They ultimately had to cross the tracks to get to safety, she said: "When we got on the platform there was nowhere to go. The ceiling had come down."

The injured sat on benches in the station while they waited for first responders, said Albelli, who lives in Closter, New Jersey. She did not know how many had been hurt.

"There was just so much, a lot of people in need of attention," she said. "There were a lot of people who were really hurt."

The train had about five or six carriages and was not full because many passengers exit at Secaucus, Albelli said.

The worst passenger train crash in recent years in the United States was the crash of an Amtrak train in Philadelphia in May 2015 that killed eight passengers and injured 186.
A commuter train plowed into a station in New Jersey at the height of Thursday's morning rush hour, killing a woman on the platform and injuring more than 100 people as it brought down part of the roof and scattered debris over the concourse.

Witnesses described terrifying scenes as the front of the train smashed through the track stop at high speed and into the Hoboken terminal, toppling support columns and creating chaos at one of the busiest transit hubs in the New York City area.

One woman from Hoboken died when she was struck by debris from the crash, said the city's mayor, Dawn Zimmer. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told reporters that 108 people were injured.

The train's engineer, or driver, was critically injured and taken to a hospital where he was cooperating fully with investigators, Christie said.

"We have no indication that this is anything other than a tragic accident but ... we're going to let the law enforcement professionals pursue the facts," Christie said at a news conference in Hoboken alongside New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo said it was obvious the train came into the station too fast, but it was unclear why. The cause could be human error or technical failure, Cuomo said. He added that it was too early to say whether an anti-collision system known as positive train control (PTC) could have prevented the crash. PTC is designed to halt a train if the driver misses a stop signal and advocates cite it for helping to combat human error.

A couple of hundred emergency workers spent the morning shuttling in and out of the station, some carrying the injured on stretchers to ambulances outside. Federal investigators later began examining the wreckage.

Hoboken, the last stop on the lines it serves, lies on the Hudson River's west bank across from New York City. Its station is used by many commuters traveling into Manhattan from New Jersey and further afield.

Linda Albelli, a 62-year-old from Closter, New Jersey, was sitting in one of the train's rear cars and described how she had felt something was wrong a moment before the impact.

"I thought to myself, 'Oh my God, he's not slowing up, and this is where we usually stop,'" Albelli said. "'We're going too fast,' and with that there was this tremendous crash."

'RUNAWAY TRAIN'

As investigators searched for clues to the cause of the accident, some said it could and should have been prevented.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a Democrat on a senate committee that includes transportation matters, said the crash was "hauntingly similar" to past tragedies involving insufficient or unsafe practices or equipment. Blumenthal has advocated for the roll out of the anti-collision system.

"This catastrophe was caused by a runaway train - traveling too fast and out of control. There is no excuse," Blumenthal said in a statement. He said there was an urgent need for better safety technology, new equipment and improved training.

The historic green-roofed Hoboken Station is served by NJ Transit commuter trains connecting much of New Jersey with the country's largest city, as well as the Port Authority Trans-Hudson subway-like system known as PATH, a light rail service and ferry service to New York.

Train #1614 was on the Pascack Valley line, which goes through Northern Bergen County, and had originated at Spring Valley, New York. It was on track five when it hit the Hoboken terminal building at about 08:45 a.m. EDT (1245 GMT).

In May 2011, a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey train crashed at Hoboken station, injuring more than 30 people. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board determined excessive speed was the main cause of the accident.

An NTSB official said the agency would look at similarities between that one and Thursday's crash.

The Hoboken crash was the latest in a string of fatal train crashes in the United States. The worst in recent years involved an Amtrak train that crashed in Philadelphia in May 2015, killing eight people and injuring more than 200.
Family members say they have not been in contact with 13 Arakanese from Haigyi Island in Ayeyarwady Region for more than a month, after they were...
(Photo : getty images.) Singapores ambassador to China on Wednesday wrote a second letter to Global Times newspaper, questioning once again the credibility of controversial South China Sea report that was published on September 21.

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The war of words between Singapore's ambassador to China and The Global Times over a South China Sea report intensified further after the ambassador wrote a second open letter to the state-owned tabloid.



In a letter addressed to editor-in-chief Hu Xijin's, Singapore's ambassador Stanley Loh has again questioned the creditability of the tabloid on Wednesday.



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"Global Times did not attend the meetings and had to rely on information from unnamed sources," Loh alleged in the letter.



Loh also said that Hu Xijin's criticism of Singapore's position on South China Sea was "not relevant" with regards to the controversial South China Sea report.



He pointed out that "Our positions are not identical, but neither are we opposed. So we need to understand each other's position, accept differences, and work towards enlarging shared interests with one another."



Loh alleged anew that the published article was factually inaccurate.



The Global Times has yet to respond to the second letter. However, the newspaper has decided to stand by its story on Tuesday. This, after Loh wrote his first letter to Hu Xijin's on the same day, accusing the tabloid of publishing "irresponsible report replete with fabrications and unfounded allegations with no regard for the facts."



The controversial article, published on Sept. 21, claimed that Singapore had raised the international tribunal's verdict on South China Sea in the recently concluded NAM summit. It further claimed that Singapore's attempt to embarrass china was foiled by an 'opposing bloc' formed by several countries.



The tabloid said that the story was backed by an unnamed source, which Hu Xijin called "serious and reliable" on newspaper's official micro blogging account.



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TagsSouth China Sea, Global Times, Singapore, Singapore and China
(Photo : YouTube Screenshot) The skeletons excavated at the site in Lant Street, Southwark.

(Photo : YouTube Screenshot) A researcher examining the remains of the skeletons that are believed to be dated between 2nd and 4th Century AD and are of Asia descent.

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Museum of London researchers unearthed two ancient skeletons of Asian ancestry buried at a Roman cemetery in London, giving new insights into the links between the Roman Empire and Imperial China.



Analysis found that the two skeletons, excavated at the site in Lant Street, Southwark, are dated between the 2nd and 4th Century AD and believed to be Chinese, History noted.



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"This is absolutely phenomenal. This is the first time in Roman Britain we've identified people with Asian ancestry and only the 3rd or 4th in the empire as a whole," Dr. Rebecca Redfern, curator of human osteology at the Museum of London, told BBC Radio.

According to Independent, the latest findings challenge traditional notion that Roman Britain was a homogenous society.

In fact, the evidences suggest that the relationship between the Roman and Chinese empires may have been deeper than previously thought. These also raise the possibility that trading took place via an old route known today as the Silk Road, Daily Mail noted.

"The expansion of the Roman empire across most of western Europe and the Mediterranean led to the assimilation and movement of many ethnically and geographically diverse communities," Redfern said.

However, historians and archaeologists differ in their views of how and why the Chinese individuals reached the Roman Britain.

The findings raise the possibility that London may have been an ancient cosmopolis rich with immigrant population. And the Chinese remains are believed to be among those ancient immigrants who settled in the area and possibly put up their own business.

Meanwhile, Redfern is also considering the idea that the individuals "were themselves or were descended from enslave people originating from Asia, as there were slave-trade connections between India and China, and India and Rome."

While there is no definite answers to the questions yet, researchers hope that rigorous study of the remains will shed some light on the mystery.

The study is published in the October issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science.



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Tagschina, chinese, history, Roman Empire, London, ancient, Skeletons, Silk Road
(Photo : Getty Images) Rodrigo Duterte answers questions from journalists during a press conference on May 10, 2016 in Davao City, Philippines.

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China is looking forward to the visit of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, saying the relations between the two nations are improving "beautifully" under his term.



While the date of the visit is yet to be confirmed, the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing is in close communication with Philippine officials, the Philippine Star reported.



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"We have expressed our welcome to President Duterte's visit on many occasions. We hope that he can make this trip as soon as possible," Geng Shuang, spokesperson from China's foreign ministry, said.



Meanwhile, Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said China and the Philippines have been engaging in "friendly interactions" since the tough-talking leader assumed office in June.



"The clouds are fading away. The sun is rising over the horizon and will shine beautifully on the new chapter of bilateral relations," Zhao said in a speech at an embassy relation late Tuesday.



Zhao further added that China "firmly supports" Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs that received criticism from the West for alleged extrajudicial killings, according to the Inquirer.



"The Chinese side fully understands and firmly supports the Duterte administration's policy that [prioritizes] the fight against drug crimes," Zhao said, adding that China would help in the anti-drug campaign.



According to the Philippine Star, Zhao believes that the Philippines is warming up its relations with China not to brandish the July 12 ruling on Beijing's claim on South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.



"I don't think that's the intention of the Filipino government I think warming up relations with China has its own merits. The advantages that will promote not only friendship and cooperation between the two countries and will also contribute to the development of the Philippines," he said.



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TagsPresident Duterte, china, Philippine China relations, international relations, Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, Rodrigo Duterte, Philippines
(Photo : getty images.) China on Tuesday said that it is upset over US decision to sanction a Chinese firm in connection with North Korea nuclear program.

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China disapproved United States' decision to impose sanction over a Chinese industrial firm, Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co, following an allegation that it is connected with North Korea's controversial nuclear program.



America's Treasury Department on Monday said that the Chinese company was allegedly involved in money laundering to facilitate North Korea's nuclear program. It added that it would sanction the firm including its founder, Ma Xiaohong, and other three top executives under U.S law targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.



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"I want to stress that we oppose any country enacting so-called long arm jurisdiction, using its own domestic laws against a Chinese entity or individual," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said during a news briefing on Tuesday. "We have already communicated this position to the US side."



US accused the Chinese firm, which is into the wholesale of industrial machinery and equipment, of acting on behalf of North Korean company Korea Kwangson Banking Corp (KKBC). The latter has already been placed under UN and US sanction for supporting proliferation of WMD.



China's disappointment over US' decision comes despite its assurance that it will earnestly work to implement UN sanctions against North Korea. The UN sanctions were passed in March this year and have been described by many experts as the toughest which North Korea has ever faced.



Meanwhile, many expressed doubt over China's assurance on the implementation of UN sanctions, as the country is the closest ally of North Korea. It can be noted, though, that China's relationship with Pyongyang has been strained over the years. This is mainly because of North Korea's failure to pay heeds to China's concern over its controversial nuclear program.



Experts, however, claimed that China is mindful that over-isolation can lead to the collapse of political and economic system in North Korea, a problem that can snowball into a huge refugee concern on China-North Korea border.



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Tagschina, China and US, North Korea nuclear program, North Korea Nuclear Sanctions, China US North Korea
(Photo : Getty Images) Weathered rocks.

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All of us air breathers won't asphyxiate to death anytime soon but news from the science world the Earth's oxygen levels continue to drop is a puzzle begging to be solved.



The Earth's not losing life threatening amounts of oxygen, however. Scientists trying to explain the mystery of the vanishing oxygen said oxygen levels have only fallen by 0.7 percent over the past 800,000 years. But it's a trend and that's worrisome.



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A new study published in the journal, Science, by Princeton University professor Daniel Stolper presents data measured from small air bubbles trapped in ice on Greenland and Antarctica that suggest Earth's oxygen levels continue to fall.



Air bubbles trapped within ice provides clues to the atmospheric composition at the time of "deposition" and can be analyzed for paleo-oxygen levels. The study found that over the past 800,000 years, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere fell by 0.7 percent and continues to drop. It reassures everyone that the 0.7 percent decline can't cause significant problems for life on Earth.



Scientists said oxygen levels are controlled by complex global systems that tend to regulate and dampen large swings from the average. This makes it a difficult task to pinpoint why exactly oxygen levels have been falling for almost a million years.



Scientists, however, have several hypotheses to explain the steady and persistent decline.



One hypothesis is a global increase in erosion rates has led to a steady decline in free oxygen within the atmosphere. In a process similar to iron rusting (where iron binds with oxygen during oxidation), weathering rocks can remove free oxygen from the atmosphere. Good receptors for oxygen during oxidation are pyrite, or fool's gold, and organic carbon.



Another hypothesis is tied to the global on-average cooling seen for the past 56 million years since the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). This prolonged cooling period cooled the global oceans, allowing them to hold more dissolved oxygen through increased solubility.



It's a scientific fact liquids can hold more dissolved gas when cooler and this might have led to more oxygen dissolved into the Earth's oceans. This, in turn, might be responsible for the gradual decline in atmospheric oxygen concentrations.



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TagsOxygen, Earth, Daniel Stolper, Princeton University, erosion, weathering, oceans, water
(Photo : YouTube) Meiz's upcoming smartphone would be as powerful as the Samsung Galaxy S7.

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Rumors have been brewing on the tech community regarding Meizu's plan to once again use Samsung's Exynos chipsets to power some of the company's upcoming flagship devices.



It was reportedly a very divisive move when Meizu decided in the past to use MediaTek chipsets instead of the one's manufactured by Samsung. However, these recent rumors are once again fueling speculations about a renewed collaboration between the Chinese and South Korean tech giants.



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The screenshots leaked recently in several tech forums showed a mystery device dubbed only as the Meizu m96, which was theorized to sport a Samsung Exynos 8890 chipset, 5GB memory, 12-megapixel camera sensor, 2560 x 1440 display and run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.



An Antutu benchmark test of the Meizu m96 also confirmed that the phone will have a Mali T880 graphics processing unit.



Amid the fact that not much is known about the Meizu m96, it was surmised that it may be unveiled soon, especially that it surfaced on the Antutu benchmark website.



While most Meizu fans prefer the MediaTek chipset compared to the Exynos chips from Samsung, the recently leaked benchmark test will no doubt cause them to decry their favorite smartphone manufacturer.



On the other hand, much to the delight of many Meizu fans, the leaked benchmark result appeared to be a fake one with obvious Photoshop magic made on the chipset details, according to Giz China.



Regarding its upcoming smartphone models, Meizu has kept its silence about it. No one really knows for sure what the company's plan is when it comes to its series of smartphone devices.



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TagsMeizu, meizu news, Meizu chipset, chipset, Exynos, Samsung, Meizu Samsung Exynos Chipset
Alfred Okwera Olango, who was black, was fatally shot by police in El Cajon, California on Tuesday. Police in the San Diego suburb city say the 38 year old Ugandan immigrant pointed a vape pen or e-cigarette device at them, before police shot the man to death.

Officers were responding to a call of a man behaving erratically, and walking in traffic. Olango's friends and supporters say court records show that he suffered from mental illness, and may have been experiencing a seizure before his death. An El Cajon police officer is believed to have shot Olango within as little as one or two minutes after arriving at the scene.

Here is a portion of the El Cajon Police Department's Wednesday night statement on the killing of Mr. Olango:

Today, the El Cajon Police Department received calls of a man who was "not acting like himself". He was walking in traffic, not only endangering himself, but motorists. Two officers located him behind a local restaurant in the 800 block of Broadway. The subject described as an adult African American male in his 30's, wearing a black tank top and blue jeans. The subject refused multiple instructions by the first officer on scene to remove his concealed hand from in his pocket. Because the subject did not comply the officer drew his firearm and pointed it at the subject while continuing to give him instructions to remove his hand from his pocket. The second responding officer arrived on scene and immediately prepared to deploy a less lethal electronic control device while the other officer covered. The subject paced back and forth while officers tried to talk to him. At one point, the subject rapidly drew an object from his front pants pocket, placed both hands together and extended them rapidly toward the officer taking up what appeared to be a shooting stance. At this time, the officer with the electronic control device discharged his weapon. Simultaneously, the officer with the firearm discharged his weapon several times, striking the subject. Officers provided first aid on scene until medics arrived and transported the subject to an area hospital for treatment. The subject has passed away as a result of his injuries. While detectives where on scene investigating the officer involved shooting, a witness came forward and notified officers they had video footage of the incident. That witness voluntarily provided their phone to the police department and gave written consent for the officers to view the video. Investigators have been able to download the video. This was the only phone provided to officers in this investigation. No other phones were taken from witnesses. Investigators are reviewing the video and other video recovered from the scene. All video recovered so far in this investigation clearly shows the incident as described above.

From USA Today:

The vape smoking device had a silver cylinder that was three inches long and one inch wide, police said. The electronic cigarette was collected as evidence from the scene, according to the statement. Police also said that members of the police agency's Psychiatric Emergency Response Team may accompany police on calls, but the team was on a different call and not available when police responded to the call regarding Olango.

A woman who is identified as Olango's sister appears in a YouTube video saying that her brother had mental problems. The woman says she called authorities three different times to help her subdue him. Her brother was walking in traffic, she said.

"They shouldn't have called police  they should have called crisis communications," the woman is heard saying on the video as she sits on a curb, her head in her hands.

"They just killed him," she said, weeping.

The ambulance carrying Olango's body drives away without her.

Reuters reports that protesters gathered in El Cajon on Wednesday shouting "murder," and demanded a federal investigation.

Mr. Olango had dreamed of opening an African family-style restaurant in the San Diego area:

His Facebook profile listed jobs as head chef at a Hooters restaurant and a Western-themed steakhouse in Arizona, and said he studied at San Diego Mesa College. Olango was developing plans to open a restaurant with his family that would share "the wonderful tastes of Africa with Americans," his brother said. "We suffered too much with the war in Africa, and we come here just to suffer again?" said Agnes Hassan, from Sudan, who said she spent time with Olango in a refugee camp.

The investigation just started, but based on the video voluntarily provided by a witness, the subject did NOT have his hands up in the air  El Cajon Police (@elcajonpolice) September 28, 2016

Officer Involved Shooting Update: https://t.co/FJpzgiQjYb  El Cajon Police (@elcajonpolice) September 29, 2016
(Photo : USAF) U.S. air strike softening up Mosul

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The United States will deploy 600 more of its soldiers to Iraq to support the Iraqi army's forthcoming offensive against the city of Mosul, the last city in Iraq held by ISIL, in October.



President Barack Obama authorized the reinforcements expected to help with logistics as well as providing intelligence for Iraqi security forces in the fight for Mosul. The U.S. has repeatedly said its soldiers will not engage in combat although some doubt if this stricture applies to U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOFs) whose numbers aren't included in the official tally of U.S. forces in Iraq.



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At the end of July, there were officially 4,647 service members in Iraq, excluding SOFs. The U.S. had over 130,000 service members in Iraq a decade ago. The additional 600 men will bring the total today to over 5,100.



Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last week that Iraqi forces will be ready to recapture Mosul by early October.



The Americans will assist Iraqi and Kurdish forces that will lead the fight to retake Mosul and ISIL's shrinking territory in Iraq.



American attack aircraft are currently softening up Mosul with almost daily air strikes against ISIL positions and troop concentrations.



Attempts by ISIL fighters trapped in the Iraqi desert city of Mosul to shuffle men and supplies between the two halves of the city bisected by the Tigris River has led to a record number of ISIL-operated boats of its ragtag "navy" being sunk by American and allied aircraft.



The U.S. military is planning an offensive against Mosul, a Sunni city, in stages. In early October, the Iraqi Army and its militia allies will retake northern Nineveh province from ISIL with the final battle in Mosul at month-end. Experts believe the rising number of aerial attacks supports the upcoming effort by the U.S. and Iraq to retake Mosul.



One military analyst said ISIL is going to try and move fighters up and down the river when it defends Mosul. The stepped-up allied campaign to destroy any boat plying the Tigris seeks to prevent ISIL from using the river to deploy its forces.



The massing of U.S., Iraqi and militia forces for the attack on Mosul continues. This September, the number of US troops in Iraq rose from 4,000 to 4,460 in preparation for the campaign against Mosul.



Mosul had a population of two million in its metropolitan area before ISIL seized the city in June 2014. Mosul is probably defended by 4,000 ISIL fighters, who are turning the city into a killing zone packed with IEDs and booby traps.



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TagsUnited States, Mosul, Iraq, ISIL, President Barack Obama, Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr.
(Photo : Syrian Army) Syrian Army soldiers en route to Aleppo.

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Russia is trying to buy more time to ensure the success of the current offensive by the Syrian Army, telling the United States of its willingness to resume peace talks unilaterally ended by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad last week.



Analysts said Russia and Assad are now convinced they can win the war against a hodge-podge of rebel groups, including Kurds, U.S.-backed rebels, ISIL and other Islamic terrorist groups.



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The massive Syrian Army offensive against the city of Aleppo supported by the heaviest and most indiscriminate aerial bombing in the five-year old Syrian civil war indicates an all-out push -- perhaps a final offensive -- to win the war for Russia and Assad.



What Russia and Assad now desperately need is more time for the offensive to continue. Pursuing a new round of "peace talks" with a gullible United States will give Russia and Assad the time they need to secure a decisive military victory that will end the war.



The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation said Sept. 28 it's ready to resume contacts with its U.S. counterparts over the situation in Syria. This seems to follow a threat yesterday by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to suspend cooperation with Russia unless the offensive against Aleppo ends.



Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir of the military's General Staff said Russian experts are ready to travel to Geneva, Switzerland to restart consultations with the U.S. to "search for possible ways of normalizing the situation in Aleppo."



A U.S.-Russian truce in Syria collapsed last week when the Syrian government backed by Russian warplanes launched an offensive to conquer all of Aleppo.



Kerry threatened to "suspend U.S.-Russia bilateral engagement on Syria," including talks on a proposed counter-extremist partnership, unless Russian and Syrian government attacks on Aleppo end.



"It's expected that Russian experts will be sent to Geneva shortly to resume consultations with the American side," said Gen. Poznikhir. "We hope that American partners are also ready for joint work."



The Russians are expected to allow the new talks to drag on but won't grant a ceasefire until victory for Assad is in sight.



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TagsRussia, Syrian Army, Aleppo, Bashar al-Assad, Secretary of State John Kerry, Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir
(Photo : Getty Images) Rescuers race against time to pump water from a flooded coal mine where 22 miners were trapped underground on April 7, 2014 in Qujing, Yunnan Province of China.

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A gas explosion at a coal mine left at least 18 workers dead and two others missing, Chinese state media reported on Wednesday.



Chinese authorities are blaming illegal mining activities for the explosion that occurred Tuesday morning at a small coal mine in the city of Shizuishan in the western region of Ningxia as 20 miners were working underground, state-backed Xinhua News agency reported.



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The owner of the mine Linli Coal Mining Co. Ltd. is already under police custody, local officials said in a press conference on Wednesday. Linli Coal Mining Co. Ltd. is a relatively small company that can produce up to 450,000 metric tons of coal annually.



Preliminary investigations pointed illegal mining as the cause of the explosion, but officials refused to elaborate details.



Meanwhile, Wu Yuguo, the city's vice mayor, said the destruction of the mine shaft plus the hazardous gas concentration make the rescue efforts difficult. But in spite of the dangerous situation, firefighters and coal mine rescue specialists continued to look for the two missing mine workers on Wednesday, the Voice of America News reported.



The recent incident has the second biggest number of fatalities in a single coal-mining accident in 2016, The Wall Street Journal noted. Last March, 20 workers died after a colliery explosion occurred in central Shanxi province.



However, Beijing has seen positive outcomes after it consolidated its coal sector. In fact, in 2015, coal mines-related death decreased steeply from 6,995 in 2002 to 768 in 2015.



Furthermore, as part of the push for a wider state control on coal operations, the government ordered to phase out half a billion tons of coal capacity by the end of the decade.



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Tagscoal explosion, coal mine, Chinese coal mine, Gas Explosion, explosion accidents, coal
(Photo : YouTube Screenshot) Postal Savings Bank of China did not fare so well on its first trading day at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Wednesday.

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Despite raising $7.4 billion in the world's largest initial public offering (IPO) in 2016, Postal Savings Bank of China did not fare so well on its first trading day at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Wednesday.



Stocks traded in a very tight range on its first day with shares closing at HK$4.77 ($0.62), up by just 0.21 percent from the opening price of HK$4.76 ($0.61). This came in at the lower end of a marketing price range of HK$4.68 ($0.60) to HK$5.18 ($0.67), BBC reported.



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It was a lackluster performance for the Postal Savings Bank of China considering that it raised a staggering $7.4 billion, the largest IPO since Alibaba's $25 billion IPO in 2014, CNN Money noted.



However, the flat debut comes as Postal Savings shares were not cheap at above one times its book value, Barron's Asia noted. Several investors criticized as the IPO was valued at a premium to other banks, which trade at a 10 percent to 30 percent discount to their book value, The Wall Street Journal pointed.



"The shares are being offered at 20 to 33 percent premium on a price-to-book basis and a 42 to 57 percent premium on price-earnings ratio to comps," Sumeet Singh, an analyst from Smartkarma, told South China Morning Post.



"Institutional investors don't want to pay for something that's grossly expensive compared to what you can get in the marketplace," Ken Wong, an Asian equity portfolio specialist from Eastspring Investments, told The Wall Street Journal.



Furthermore, six cornerstone investors secured more than three-fourths (77%) of the shares. But if the lockup period of six months end, it could create an overhang of potential selling, according to CNBC.



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TagsPostal Savings Bank, Postal Savings Bank of China, IPO, trading, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, trading debut, banks, banking, stocks
(Photo : Getty Images) Baidu plans to bring its first autonomous car to the market by 2018 and start mass production by 2020.



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Baidu is planning to take the lead on artificial intelligence for autonomous driving in China by bringing its first autonomous car to the market by 2018, while its mass production is expected to commence by 2020.



The Chinese search engine giant's CFO, Jennifer Li, while reiterating the quick timeline the company has announced this summer, cited their track record on strong investments in AI as a key towards meeting their deadline.



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It can be noted that the company has started focusing on few industries to commercialize, as Forture reported that AI will change the financial and transportation industries in China.



We think the automobile is the next major computing platform," Li said in conference in Hong Kong. "We want to have our autonomous vehicle commercialized in three years, and mass production in five years. Thats our goal.



Wang Jing, a senior vice-president at the Chinese online search giant and the general manager of its autonomous driving unit, said Baidu is creating autonomous vehicles with a goal of improving the passenger safety and diminish traffic congestion as well as pollution in China, according to South China Morning Post.



However, industry experts pointed out that Baidus timeline is unrealistic, without discounting the fact that with huge investment and unwavering commitment, the desired goal can still be attained.



The Beijing-based tech firm hinted about their optimism about this new endeavor, especially that its latest product has undergone extensive research and development as well as several successful test drives on the complex roads in Chinas capital.



Earlier this month, Baidu unveiled its US$200 million venture capital unit to invest in AI projects. The new enterprise is called Baidu Venture and headed by company founder and chief executive Robin Li Yanhong. It will focus its resources on augmented and virtual reality initiatives.



Aside from Baidu, other leading tech companies such as Tesla, Googles Alphabet, Apple, General Motors and Microsoft, reportedly dominates the autonomous car market as well.



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TagsBaidu, Autonomous Cars, Self-Driving Car, autonomous driving, Artificial Intelligence, apple, Tesla, Baidu Autonomous Driving Market
(Photo : Getty Images) President Duterte has said the scheduled military exercise between the US and the Philippines will be the last between the two countries

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he has given notice to the United States that the upcoming US-Philippine military drill next week in Manila will be the last joint military exercise between the two countries.



In an impromptu speech he delivered on his first state visit to Vietnam this week, Duterte said he wants to put an end to the joint military exercises because "China does not want it."



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The Philippine leader said that although the Philippines has a defense treaty with the US, it will not take part in any patrols in the disputed South China Sea to avoid getting involved in any conflict between Washington and Beijing.



War games



"We are scheduled to hold war games again, which China does not want. I would serve notice now that this will be the last military exercise (between the two countries). Jointly, Philippines-U.S., the last one," Duterte announced.



He said that Manila would honor all its existing security treaties with the US and will maintain the military alliance between the US and the Philippines according to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between both nations.



Duterte said he is looking forward to establishing new alliances for trade and commerce.



US patrols



He made it clear that Manila would not join any future US patrols in the disputed South China Sea to prevent the possibility of a clash with Beijing.



"I will not join in the patrol in the China Sea," he said. "There will never be an occasion that I will send warships there, not because I am afraid. Anyway, I have this ruling of the international arbitration court which is that the South China Sea, the entitlements there are ours."



US and Philippine troops will converge in Manila on October 4 for an annual joint military exercise that will be conducted in various parts of Luzon. The nine-day exercise will include amphibious landing exercise as well as humanitarian activities.



Duterte had earlier called for the withdrawal of US special forces stationed in the southern part of Mindanao saying they are prone to being kidnapped by extremists and the Abu Sayyaf criminals.



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TagsSouth China Sea, President Rodrigo Duterte, US-Phl military exercises, US patrols, china
(Photo : GettyImages/KevinFrayer) The station will be located at Badaling, which is the most visited section of the Great Wall.

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China will construct the world's deepest high-speed railway station under its Great Wall.



The station will be located at Badaling, which is the most visited section of the Great Wall. The station will sit along a railway network which links the cities of Zhangjiakou and Beijing. These cities will host the 2022 Winter Olympics.



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The proposed station would be situated 102 meters below the surface and will span the construction area of 36,000 square meters. These measurements make this station the deepest and largest high-speed railway station in the world.



The station will feature three floors and will have separate levels for departures and arrivals. Another record-setting characteristic of the station is its two escalators with vertical heights of 62 meters, which is the highest in the country.



Luo Duhao, chief engineer of the railway group for the Badaling section, said that careful measures would be taken to ensure that there is no damage caused to the Great Wall. For this purpose, the most advanced explosion technologies will be used for the construction of the train station.



The Badaling station is part of the still-under-construction 174-kilometer Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway network. This railway network will have a top speed of 350 kilometers per hour, cutting the commute time between the Beijing North Station and the Olympics venues in Chongli of Zhangjiakou to 50 minutes. Currently, this journey takes more than three hours.



Badaling is located 50 miles northwest of Beijing. According to the China National Tourism Administration, the site received 30,000 visitors a day during the Chinese New Year holiday week.



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TagsGreat Wall, china, Winter Olympics 2022
(Photo : GettyImages/Sean Gallup) China plans to generate 10 gigawatts of electricity from solar energy by 2020.

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China is looking to increase the user of clean energy in the country. To this end, Shanghai Electric Group Co Ltd. has signed a deal with BrightSource Energy, a California-based company, to build a solar farm.



The collaboration will lead to the construction of a 135-megawatt pilot project in Qinghai province in northwest China.



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The solar thermal project called Delingha will feature six towers. Each tower will have the capacity to generate 135 megawatts, with 3.5 hours of thermal energy storage. During the first stage of construction, two towers will be erected to power 452,000 homes. The project is expected to be operational in 2017.



The new project will replace conventional solar panel technology with mirror technology. Under this technology, thousands of mirrors are used to generate power by concentrating sunlight on a water-filled boiler placed on the top of a tower. The steam generated is used for moving a turbine, which in turn generates electricity. The conventional solar panels use semiconductors to convert sunlight directly into electricity.



China is currently bullish on solar power. The country plans to generate 10 gigawatts of solar energy by 2020.



The Delingha power project is one of seven US-China clean energy initiatives. Earlier this month, National Energy Administration (NEA) announced a list of 20 projects to be completed by the end of 2018. The projects are located throughout China including Hebei, Gansu and Inner Mongolia region. These solar thermal projects are expected to have a combined capacity of 1,349 MW.



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Tagssolar power, BrightSource Energy, Delingha
(Photo : Getty Images ) China's defense ministry has warned Japan against getting involved in the South China Sea dispute.

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China has once again asked Japan to stay out of South China Sea dispute.



The Chinese defense ministry on Thursday issued a strong warning to Japan over its plan to hold joint naval exercises with the United States in the contested waters.



"We must solemnly tell Japan this is a miscalculation. If Japan wants to have joint patrols or drills in waters under Chinese jurisdiction this really is playing with fire," China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said during a monthly press briefing in Beijing.



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He also said Beijing would retaliate if Japan's "interference" continued in the South China Sea. "China's military will not sit idly by," Yang added.



In July, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China in favor of Philippines in a long-standing territorial dispute over the South China Sea. Japan, the United States, and other developed countries have repeatedly asked China to respect the ruling. Beijing has, however, refused to recognize the verdict and described it "null and void."



Japan's new Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, a critic of China, recently announced that Tokyo would take part in a joint naval exercise with the United States in the South China Sea.



Beijing's warning comes amid growing strains between China and Japan over ownership of the Senkaku Islands. Both Asian powers have been engaged in a bitter territorial dispute over Senkaku islands in the East China Sea. Tokyo on Monday issued a warning to China's People Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force against provocative actions in the contested waters.



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TagsSouth China Sea, South China Sea Dispute, Japan, china, Philippines
(Photo : PLA) DF-10 cruise missile battery.

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The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is focusing on developing a new generation of precision guided cruise missiles to thwart U.S. Navy freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) patrols in the South China Sea that China expects will continue in the years ahead.



These new missiles will also prevent U.S. Navy aircraft carriers from approaching China's coast, a deterrent that will greatly restrict the combat capability of the U.S. Navy, claims Li Jie, a leading researcher at the People's Liberation Army Navy Naval Military Studies Research Institute.



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He's also a retired Senior Captain of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The institute is PLAN's think tank.



Li said China has enhanced the capability of its Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) system so the U.S. can't take reckless military action. He believes the U.S. is very worried about anti-ship missiles, strategic bombers and other weapons that might severely challenge its FONOPs and overflights of coastal waters of other countries.



Against the threat brought on by China's long-range anti-ship missiles and precision-guided weapons, there are concerns U.S. aircraft carriers might not perform in future operational environments, said Li.



Li is also confident the DF-10 ground based land-attack cruise missile; the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile and the DF-26 intermediate range ballistic missile and other weapons paraded at last year's V-Day parade in Beijing will keep the U.S. Navy at bay.



The maximum range of the DF-26 is 4,000 km while the distance from the Chinese mainland coast to Guam is only 2,800 km. Li said Guam is within the range of Chinese missiles, and this is the biggest concern of the U.S.



He noted there are some experts that want faster and more flexible small aircraft carriers to replace heavy and inflexible large aircraft carriers to better avoid enemy fire. Unmanned aerial vehicles can also land on small aircraft carriers.



There is also the notion of equipping aircraft carriers with more radar technology and surface-to-air missiles. Li said there some that worry aircraft carriers will be out of date in the future.



The U.S. Navy, however, is confident their aircraft carriers' force projection capability and fighter jets are a decisive military advantage compared to the rest of the world.



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TagsPeople's Liberation Army, Freedom of navigation patrols, FONOPS, US Navy, People's Liberation Army Navy, Li Jie
Prompted by allegations made against celebrity Bill Cosby, California is ending its 10-year statute of limitations on rape.

Current California law requires prosecution for rape to begin within 10 years of the alleged offence, with some exceptions.

Under the new legislation, SB813, there will be no time limit. The change will also apply to crimes for which the statute of limitations has not expired as of 1 January 2017. Senator Connie Leyva, who introduced the bill, said it told victims of sexual assault that they could seek justice "regardless of when they are ready to come forward". "Rapists should never be able to evade legal consequences simply because an arbitrary time limit has expired."

Historical cases (such as many of Cosby's victims) are not addressed in the bill, as it will not apply retroactively to crimes that reach the 10-year-limit before Jan 1, 2017. Which is to say, Dec 31, 2006 is the last date for crimes to escape the new legislation.

The U.S. has a patchwork of state-level sexual assault laws, with 43 applying a statute of limitations to rape. The lengths differ widely: Minnesota has the shortest, at 3 years, whereas Ohio's is 20 years.
(Photo : Getty Images) Street view of the Katutura Black Township, located in Windhoek, Namibia, August 1995

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The Chinese government is sending 4,000 tons of rice to drought-stricken Namibia to fight hunger, Chinese state media reported.



According to the Chinese embassy to Namibia, drought has ravaged the country for three years already, and hunger is staring down upon most parts of the nation.



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Charge d' Affaires Wu Wei said that China has been following the ongoing drought crisis of the country and felt it can help, according to Independent Online.



"To aid our Namibian brothers and sisters in difficulties, the Chinese government has announced the assistance of 4,000 tons of rice," Wu said.



"We are busy with the preparation work now and I believe the rice, which embodies our true friendship of going through thick and thin together, will be shipped soon to Namibia."



Namibian President Hage Geingob officially declared the country under a state of emergency in June because of the worsening drought situation.



Earlier this month, Zimbabwe has also received 5,500 tons of rice from China, which is part of the total 19,000 tons worth $24.6 million dollars donated by the Chinese government to Zimbabwe.



Huang Ping, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, said the donation is in fulfillment of the drought relief pledge for African nations made by President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in South Africa last December, Xinhua reported.



Meanwhile, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is also teaming up with China to ensure national food security in African nations. Peter Annadumba, Director for South-South Coopeartion of FAO, further revealed that the organization has several other big partnerships with China.



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Tagschina, Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, drought, China-Africa Cooperation, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, food security, rice, food aid
(Photo : YouTube Screenshot) Alipay will start offering its payment service in international airports to offer convenience to its 450 million users.

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Alipay will be making travels of Chinese tourists more convenient as the online payment platform will soon be accessible in some international airports. So instead of shelling out foreign currencies, Chinese travelers can eventually pay their bills through the app.



In a press conference earlier this week, Alipay revealed it closed a deal with ten international airports in Germany, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Macau through its "Airport of the Future" initiative. The program is part of its efforts to offer convenience to its nearly half a billion users, Global Times reported.



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"Alipay is built into the daily lives of over 450 million users when they are in China, and we want to replicate the experience for them when they travel abroad," Douglas Feagin, Senior Vice President of Ant Financial, which owns Alipay, said.



"Airports are travelers' first stop and by working with the world's most popular airports, we are providing our users with payment and location-based information to make their visits to a foreign city more comfortable."



Other than paying for the purchases, Alipay can also come as a handy guide that will help travelers locate shopping malls and dining areas partnered with Alipay. Furthermore, it is also offering other services such as flight reminders, hotel reservation, indoor navigation, and Wi-Fi connection through the Alipay app, according to state-run Xinhua News agency.



Alipay's service will begin to roll out in nine of the airports next month, just in time for the start of the "Golden Week" when many Chinese people are expected to travel. On the other hand, the Singaporean airport will start the business by the end of the year, China.org noted.



Alipay targets to penetrate at least 30 airports in the future.



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TagsAlipay, digital payment, Airport of the Future, airports, Travel
(Photo : Getty Images) A red Apple logo is seen on the Apple store on December 1, 2015 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China.

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Apple has established its first research and development (R&D) center in China in Zhongguancun Science Park, Beijing.



Apple's new R&D center has a registered capital of 100 million yuan ($16 million), while the total investment would likely reach 300 million yuan ($50 million), according to a statement released by the Zhongguancun Park Management Committee on its official WeChat account.



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It will be located in Chaoyang Park, a subpark of Zhongguancun that was built by the government to cater technology enterprises, Caixin reported. The hub is home to research centers of international tech firms such as AMD, Google, Intel, Sony, and Microsoft.



The center is poised to hire at least 500 employees and will focus on developing computer hardware and software products; communications, audio and video equipment; and consumer electronics technology and information technology, Economic Times reported citing People's Daily.



Other than research, the Digitimes also noted that the R&D center will also be used to integrate Apple's engineering and business teams to boost sales and services. The center is expected to complete this year.



Meanwhile, the move comes shortly after Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed in August that an R&D center will be set up by the end of 2016 in China.



The announcement follows as the company saw global sales decline in the last two quarters on its flagship iPhone, Caixin noted. In fact, Apple slid down to the fifth spot in terms of Chinese smartphone shipments last May, lagging behind domestic brands including Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Apple's R&D center aims to set a foothold on the world's second largest economy.



Apple has also put up other R&D Centers in Japan, Israel, and the UK. It plans to expand more in Canada, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam to localize resources.



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Christian and Muslim collaborate on translation of Quran 29 September, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

NEW YORK (Christian Examiner)  A Christian doctor and a Muslim businessman have partnered together to produce a new English translation of the Quran with a unique feature.

It includes a modern reading of the ancient text, but alongside it parallel passages from Christian Scriptures.

While most Christians will likely reject the innovation, the publishers claim The Quran with References to the Bible will help create a new level of understanding between the faiths and reduce tensions between Muslims and Christians in America.

Dr. Safi Kaskas, a Muslim businessman, and Dr. David Hungerford, a Christian orthopedic surgeon, met while serving as board members for Bridges to Common Ground, a Christian-Muslim interfaith group. Hungerford told The Church Boys podcast that Kaskas had been mulling over the idea for some time.

"When we met, Dr. Kaskas had this as a dream and (it was) something he had been working on in his mind," Hungerford told Deseret News. "We were both kind of prepared for this project (and the) collaboration just became so obvious to us and we've been working on it together ever since."

Kaskas said he was partly motivated to share the Quran with the American people because of the welcome he received when he first came to the U.S.

"When I first came to the United States, if it wasn't for my American neighbors opening their hearts and their homes for me, I wouldn't have made it," Kaskas said. "I feel a debt to this country."

"I hate to see that the same Americans are feeling bad about Muslims now. I want to repair this relationship," Kaskas also said.

Hungerford and Kaskas claim that, through their research, they were able to identify more than 3,000 verses that in some way correspond to the contents of the Bible. So they added footnotes at the bottom of each page that included similar verses from Scripture.

According to Hungerford, they hope to dispel what they believe are myths about Muslims in America.

"What our hope is is that Christians will read it and the eyes of their misunderstanding and the depth of their ignorance will be dispelled so they can now look upon Muslims as part of the Abrahamic tradition," Hungerford said.

In anticipation of their critics, both men have claimed they are not interested in forming Islam and Christianity into a single religion. Both men claim to be committed exclusively to their faiths.

"I am a practicing Muslim, David is a practicing Christian," Kaskas said. "I want him to have the freedom to practice worshipping God his way and I want him to give me the freedom to worship God my way."

Still, Kaskas said many Christians will be shocked to find out how well some of the central teachings of the Bible align with Islamic practice  especially where Jesus is concerned.

"The way Jesus was born in the Quran, he had a miraculous birth, his life was miraculous, the Quran states miracles that were not even stated in the Bible," he said. "Everything about Jesus as far as we're concerned is miraculous."

Kaskas said he hopes the book is widely read by Christians and by Muslims who are losing faith the ideals America is built upon, such as religious liberty.

Many comments about the new version online are negative, with Christians suggesting the two men have mixed the truth of Scripture with the error of Islam.
Hezbollah leader declares ISIS is 'more evil' than Israel & has damaged image of Muslims worldwide 29 September, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

BERUIT (Christian Examiner)  There's no question Hezbollah, the Iranian-supported Shiite terror group and political party in Lebanon, hates the Jewish people and nation of Israel.

It turns out, however, there is another group of people it hates just as much, if not more  the Islamic State and other "Wahhabist" sects like al Qaeda.

During an annual meeting with Muslim organizers of commemoration ceremonies which take place during the lunar month of Muharram in Lebanon, Hezbollah's Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah told an audience of clerics that Wahhabism is worse than the Jewish nation and Zionism.

"Wahhabism is more evil than Israel, especially [in] that it seeks to destroy others and eliminate whatever thing that has to do with Islam and its history," the Arabic-language newspaper Al-Akhbar reported.

He also said ISIS and other groups like it have damaged the image of Islam worldwide and turned many Muslims against each other.

Wahhabism is more evil than Israel, especially [in] that it seeks to destroy others and eliminate whatever thing that has to do with Islam and its history.

"This program was launched in 2011 and it is not a Shiite and Sunni matter," Nasrallah said. "We should use this opportunity to pin Wahhabism down and deal a blow to it."

Hezbollah is aligned with Syrian President Bashar Assad and Iran. It has supported the Syrian dictator against ISIS, which Nasrallah indicated was funded and supported by Wahhabist Saudi Arabians in Riyadh.

Wahhabism draws its name from the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abd-al Wahhab, a 18th century Muslim cleric in what is today Saudi Arabia. He believed in eliminating innovations in Islam and returning it to its primitive state  the state it was in during the time of its founder, Muhammad, and his followers.

For that reason, Wahhabists are considered "fundamentalists" or "Islamists." They are usually very brutal in implementing their primitive vision of Islam.

Nasrallah said the commitment shared by Wahhabists is ideologically insurmountable, so there is little chance they will cease their attacks in Syria and other countries. He said what happens on the battlefield will determine the outcome of the country.

That is just what ISIS wants, as well. According to their eschatology, or their belief in the end times, the great apocalyptic battle between the forces of Allah and the "armies of the infidel" will occur in a field outside the small town of Dabiq in Syria.
Fragments of Horror

by Junji Ito

Viz Media

2015, 224 pages, 5.8 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches (hardcover)

$12 Buy a copy on Amazon

Fragments of Horror is a collection of eight wonderfully grotesque and creepy short stories. A seemingly bright and pretty architecture student terrorizes a family while having a bizarre relationship with their house. A boy tries to hold his body together after cheating on his girlfriend. The number one fan of a novelist finds herself in a sick situation trapped in the writer's basement. A young woman who just eloped can't understand why her new husband won't come out from under his futon covers.

Written by horror manga artist Junji Ito, whose influences include H.P. Lovecraft, the stories are as weird as they are original, while the art is crisp and expressive. What I love is the way these stories, set in modern Japan, are about seemingly normal lives that take a twisted turn into the bowels of darkness. They remind me of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes, the ones that start off in a stylish, mid-century modern house or office where sharp-looking people go about their ordinary lives until a crack in normality suddenly appears, the creep factor sets in, and they enter the twilight zone. My only regret is that there aren't more stories here, but fortunately Ito isn't new to the genre and has many other titles that I'll be picking up soon.

 Carla Sinclair
In many areas of the world, Christians are suffering for their faith. From Nigeria to North Korea, from China to Syria, many believers are ostracized from their communities and face imprisonment, torture, and even death for their commitment to their faith.

In some countries, the targeting of Christians has even been called genocide. Just in the past week, Christians in Syria have been caught in the crosshairs of the Syrian Civil War, facing bombings and dwindling basic necessities, and a report surfaced that many Christians in North Korea are crucified, burned, and even steamrolled to death for their faith.

The case of persecuted Christians is dire and many need encouragement and hope.

But what can we do?

It may surprise you to learn that even if we feel powerless to do anything to help our Christian brothers and sisters around the world, there are actually a number of things we can do.

1. Keep up with news of Christian persecution so you know what is going on. Many of us read major news publications such as CNN, Fox News, or at least Facebook every day--consider also going a step further and seeking out publications that specifically cover Christian persecution news.

Just a few suggestions would be World Watch Monitor, Morning Star News, Open Doors, and of course, Christian Headlines. Perhaps your church also has regular missionary updates where you may be able to find Christian persecution news, depending on the countries where the missionaries are serving.

2. Consider petitioning those with political power to do something about Christian persecution.

According to a Fox News article, the U.S.s long-delayed decision to recognize Christian persecution in the Middle East for what it is--genocide--only came about after pressure from people who knew this issue was an important one.

Secretary of State John Kerry declared Thursday that the Islamic State is committing genocide against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East, after facing heavy pressure from lawmakers and rights groups to make the rare designation, the article notes (emphasis added).

3. Donate financially to those suffering persecution. Its important to know that the organization you are donating to is actually helping those in need, but there are many worthy organizations out there. Samaritans Purse is a well-known one, but there are many others such as the American Center for Law and Justice which has petitions you can sign to stop persecution of Christians, as well as ways to financially contribute to stopping Christian persecution.

4. You can write letters to encourage Christian brothers and sisters who are suffering persecution. Open Doors has a ministry that allows anyone to write a letter of encouragement to Christians around the world. You can choose where and who you want to write the letter to.

Open Doors reminds Christians what a huge impact these letters can have on those facing persecution:

By writing a letter of encouragement to a persecuted Christian, you remind them that they are not alone and that believers around the world are praying for them. This brings hope, peace and encouragement to stand strong in the face of persecution!

5. Pray regularly for persecuted Christians. The Bible tells us that we can have confidence as we approach God to make requests.

1 John 5:14 says: And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

Prayer is a powerful tool. God wants us to draw near to Him in prayer, and He also wants us to be thinking about the needs of fellow believers as we come before His throne.

How can you put these five things into practice in your life? Which one can you begin today?

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: September 29, 2016

Veronica Neffinger is the editor of ChristianHeadlines.com
A poll conducted by the CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation showed that a majority (76 percent) of the white working-class evangelicals would consider voting for Donald Trump.

Additionally, the poll found that as many as 89 percent of the working-class white evangelicals think that Christian values are under attack in the U.S. They are followed by mainline Protestants (73 percent), Catholics (61 percent), and people with no religious preference (41 percent), who hold the same opinion.

According to the poll, about 48 percent of evangelical Christians, 39 percent of mainline Protestants, and 28 percent Catholics say that diversity threatens American culture.

Trump has promised to repeal the Johnson Amendment which prohibits churches and religious organizations from endorsing politics or political candidates.

"I feel the country was founded on Christian principles. They came here to get away form being persecuted for their beliefs. And now, if our ministers don't marry a gay couple or refuse to marry a gay couple, they can be arrested and taken to jail," Sandra Long, a resident of Pennsylvania state told CNN.

About 70 percent of white working-class evangelicals said that immigrants from Latin American countries were "good, honest" people, but were skeptical on how immigration impacts crime and jobs.

Good paying jobs (30 percent), trade (18 percent), taxes (17 percent), government regulation (12 percent), and income gap (11 percent) were some of the major concerns of white working-class Trump supporters.

A majority of people irrespective of whether they support Trump (79 percent) or don't (61 percent) think that trade agreements have taken jobs away from the U.S.

The random survey on 1,614 working-class whites was carried out by the CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation between August 9 and September 5, via telephone.

The study teams define "working class" as those individuals who have not attained a 4-year college degree.
An estimated number of one million or more students gathered to pray around the flag pole at their respective schools at 7 AM on Wednesday morning for the annual See You at the Pole prayer event.

This year focused on the verses in Psalm 23:3-6, with the theme, We Cry Out, and organizers also encouraged students to find unique ways, places, and times to pray throughout the week of September 25 to October 1.

There are a lot of kids who go to church and do good things for God, Zane Duke, a 16-year-old student of Leeds High School in Alabama, told AL.com. We want to bring other people to faith in Christ. We want to pray for whatever situation theyre in, whatever struggles anyone is going through.

The prayer event began in 1990 at a school in Texas, and takes place in both public and private schools across the country as well as overseas, including in South Korea, Japan, Canada, Turkey, and the Ivory Coast. Organizers say more than 3 million students participate in the event each year.
A majority of Americans are vague about theology and do not rely on everything in it even though they maintain that Bible is written by God, according to a new study conducted by LifeWay Research.

About 58 percent of Americans say that the Bible is inspired by God, and 52 percent say that this is the only book inspired by God. A majority (64 percent) of Americans believe that it is a historical fact that Jesus rose from the dead.

A significant proportion (66 percent) agree that Jesus Christ's atoning death on the cross is the only way our debt of sin can be removed.

Most people (69 percent) agreed in one true God, and 65 percent said he is perfect (65 percent). A high proportion of 66 percent believe that he answers prayers.

About 54 percent believe that only those who trust in Jesus as their Savior receive the free gift of salvation.

But, many Americans appeared to have an incohesive theology, and did understand the deeper themes of Bible.

A majority (65 percent) of Americans say that "everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature." Only 28 percent do not think so.

As many as 74 percent disagree that even the smallest sin deserves eternal punishment. A tiny proportion (19 percent) believe this to be true.

However, 57 percent do say that God would be fair in showing his wrath against sin. Some 27 percent disagreed.

Only 40 percent of the people believed that hell is an eternal place of judgement where God sends people who do not personally trust in Jesus Christ.

While 69 percent of the Americans say that there is one true God in three persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, some 56 percent say that Holy Spirit is a force and not a personal being. Some 51 percent disagreed with the idea that Holy Spirit is a divine being but is not equal with God the Father and Jesus.

Some 77 percent of Americans thought that people must work as well for personal salvation. About 52 percent said that doing good works will get them a place in heaven.

About 64 percent of Americans think that God has his ears equally inclined to the worship of Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

As many as 60 percent of Americans believe that all people will be united with their loved ones in heaven.

The online survey was conducted on 3,000 US adults between April 14 and 20, and they were asked 47 questions covering basic tenets of Christian theology.

Evangelicals were more likely than the rest of Americans to be more grounded in theology.

Only 48 percent of evangelicals held the view that God accepts worship of all religions. An absolute majority of 84 percent said that hell is a real place of eternal judgement. Some 30 percent of evangelicals did not have this view.

A slightly higher proportion of evangelicals (64 percent) as compared to other Americans (60 percent) believe that heaven is a place where all people will be reunited with their loved ones. But, at the same time they do believe that only people with faith in Jesus Christ receive eternal salvation.

"Much depends on how a question is phrased," Timothy Larsen, professor of Christian thought at Wheaton College, told Christianity Today. "There is a lot in this survey which shows that the respondents are not even being internally consistent, but have been led to contradict themselves based on how the question sounded to them."

Theological experts said that while the survey results may not necessarily accurately show the belief patterns of Americans, they point to a vacuum of sound doctrinal teachings in churches around the country.
Today, when we think Holocaust, we imagine extravagant anti-Semitism, says Timothy Snyder, a Yale historian. But what if the Holocaust wasnt propelled by racism so much as by politics? Thats the claim Snyder makes in Black Earth: The Holocaust as History and Warning, and its an unsettling one. A society might take measures to reduce racism. But it can hardly purge itself of politics. So Snyders proposal comes as a blow to our tacit historical assumptionsand to our sense of moral immunity. While the particular political circumstance that made the Holocaust possible may have expired, Snyder warns, its kind lives on; in fact, we know it well.

Snyder awakens us to the political dimensions of the Holocaust with an array of little known facts. To wit: prior to World War II ten times as many Jews lived in Poland as in Germany; most Germans, in fact, didnt know any Jews and had to be taught how to recognize them. Ninety-seven percent of the Jews the Nazis killed lived beyond pre-war Germany. Only 700,000 were citizens of Germanys allies. Three-quarters of Frances Jews survived; 80 percent of Italys. What does this mean?

It meansand this case Snyder persuasively builds, chapter by chapterthat while Nazi politics were thrusting the Final Solution forward, the political structures of other states proved able to stop it. Nazi malice stopped at the passport, he concludes. They did not proceed with killing Jews until states were actually destroyed or had renounced their own Jews. Even Nazi Germany, with all its vaunted bureaucratic precision and efficiency, found itself stalled in the face of structures designed to protect ...

1
After a nine-year legal saga, a Turkish criminal court today sentenced five men to life in prison for the torture and murder of three Christians in southeast Turkey in 2007.

The Malatya First Heavy Penal Court found Salih Gurler, Cuma Ozdemir, Abuzer Yildirim, Hamit Ceker, and Emre Gunaydin guilty on three counts each of premeditated murder, and sentenced them all to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Despite the conviction and sentencing, however, all five walked out of court free men while their case awaits higher legal review, infuriating Turkish Christians.

Gokhan Talas, close friend of the three slain Christians and witness at the murder scene, said he was okay with the decision, but was angry that the convicted men walked away free while the sentence is reviewed by higher courts.

They need to be in jail right now, Talas said. This process is unjust. Theres no justice for Christians in this country. This is the proof of that. They ...

1
On two of three contentious issues at the intersection of religious liberty and nondiscrimination concerns, Americans remain evenly divided.

Though most Americans believe employers should be required to supply birth control in their health insurance plans, they are split down the middle on whether businesses should be required to provide wedding services for same-sex couples, as well as on whether transgender people should be allowed to use the restroom of their choice, says a study released this week by the Pew Research Center.

As expected, most evangelicals take a strong stance against making businesses provide wedding services to same-sex couples or allowing transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice. Theyre more comfortable with requiring employers to offer birth control to employees.

Pew also asked whether Americans sympathized with one side or the otheror bothin each debate.

In order to facilitate that, researchers asked the questions in an unusual way. ...

1
In a recent essay in New York Magazine, English author Andrew Sullivan states that the greatest threat to faith today is not hedonism but distraction. He criticizes how churches have traded their places of sanctuary and contemplative prayer for spaces drowned with light and noise and emotional spasms. He praises solitude and meditation as a balm for those who are drained from constant web interaction.

The quiet retreat of a contemplative church might draw what Sullivan calls a frazzled digital generation to its doors, but that doesnt mean churches can expect to reach the app-addicted without having an online presence. According to Darrel Girardier, digital strategy director at Brentwood Baptist Church in Tennessee, churches will indeed have to start asking themselves how they will provide solace from those who are overly connected, but they cant deny the impact they have when they become part of a persons daily digital habit. Whether we like it or not, this is going to be the future, Girardier said. We have to figure out how to get there.

For two churches in Valdosta, Georgia, however, apps are the future theyre embracing right now.

The Virtual Gathering Place

Building an online presence for CrossPointe Church in Valdosta, Georgia, was never a question for its leaders. According to the churchs communications director, Janetta Oni, if there were simply one physical place in town where everyone gathered, the church would need to go there to meet and minister to people. The space to be right now, however, is virtual.

All the media on peoples cell phonesFacebook and Instagram and appsit ...

1
'Forming' Devout Catholics - A Click Away Online platform is the new "Roman road" for the new evangelization



Contact:



DENVER, Sept. 29, 2016 /



Dr. Tim Gray, president of the Augustine Institute, is urging us to take up the zeal of the early Church fathers who took to the Roman roads to spread the good news: "There is a new Roman road today. The new Roman road is the internet and the digital age. We need to take up these roads for the faith, for Jesus Christ."



FORMED, a Netflix-like VOD and digital content service for both seeker and believer, connects users to this new "Roman road," where the best audio, video, e-books and feature-length films are available from the Catholic worldview. With the producers of this content coming from such credible sources as Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press and Word on Fire ministries, the interest in the FORMED platform is skyrocketing. In just its first year, the number of users has grown to more than 150,000 registered users representing approximately 2,300 parishes. Dioceses are jumping on board as they recognize the value in being able to extend the ways parishioners evangelize beyond the four walls of their local churches. Over the past year, the dioceses of Baker, Cincinnati, Lincoln, Colorado Springs, Philadelphia and Cheyenne have been using FORMED with incredible results, and recently several new dioceses have adopted the platform, including Arlington, Birmingham and the largest diocese in the U.S.: the Archdiocese of New York.



In the Archdiocese of New York, 2.6 million parishioners throughout its 296 parishes will have unlimited access to the expansive FORMED content, at no cost for the next year. And that reach can be multiplied to include anyone who lives within the boundaries of the archdiocese, whether they are Catholic or non-Catholic. A multi-day training in the archdiocese for priests, diocesan leaders, including youth ministers and directors of evangelization, concluded last week.



"FORMED has been amazing for evangelization," said Dr. Edward Sri, vice president of mission outreach for the Augustine Institute. "Some of the stories we're hearing have been just incredible."



Christian Ketel from Colorado Springs was shocked when his mother left their Evangelical Protestant faith to convert to Catholicism. His mother shared a FORMED access code with him so he could understand what exactly she now believed. His exposure to the FORMED content played a significant role in leading him toward the Catholic Church.



"It has been an ongoing process to shift from my Protestant worldview to the truth guarded and proclaimed by the Roman Catholic Church," said Ketel. "FORMED has been an invaluable resource in my journey towards a fuller and deeper understanding of our Faith, and it has helped bring me closer to our Lord Jesus Christ and Our Blessed Mother. What else could anyone ask for?"



Rev. Thomas Wray, director of the office of evangelization and discipleship at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, also praised FORMED.



"Because Archbishop Dennis Schnurr has called us to create a 'culture of vocations,' there is no single better digital source of faithful, relevant and accessible Catholic teaching in cyberspace," Wray says of FORMED. "FORMED allows us to reach our faithful's lives in personal, portable and conversion-oriented ways."



Listen to what Dr. Tim Gray of the Augustine Institute has to say about FORMED



To learn more about FORMED, please visit



For more information, to receive a media test drive of the FORMED platform, or to interview spokespersons associated with FORMED, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or

Share Tweet Contact: Kevin Wandra , 404-788-1276DENVER, Sept. 29, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- According to a Digital TV Research forecast, the number of streaming video households in North America is expected to reach 76.5 million by 2020. This new pathway has expanded the field for engagement in the new evangelization to the TVs, tablets and smartphones of this time.Dr. Tim Gray, president of the Augustine Institute, is urging us to take up the zeal of the early Church fathers who took to the Roman roads to spread the good news: "There is a new Roman road today. The new Roman road is the internet and the digital age. We need to take up these roads for the faith, for Jesus Christ."FORMED, a Netflix-like VOD and digital content service for both seeker and believer, connects users to this new "Roman road," where the best audio, video, e-books and feature-length films are available from the Catholic worldview. With the producers of this content coming from such credible sources as Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press and Word on Fire ministries, the interest in the FORMED platform is skyrocketing. In just its first year, the number of users has grown to more than 150,000 registered users representing approximately 2,300 parishes. Dioceses are jumping on board as they recognize the value in being able to extend the ways parishioners evangelize beyond the four walls of their local churches. Over the past year, the dioceses of Baker, Cincinnati, Lincoln, Colorado Springs, Philadelphia and Cheyenne have been using FORMED with incredible results, and recently several new dioceses have adopted the platform, including Arlington, Birmingham and the largest diocese in the U.S.: the Archdiocese of New York.In the Archdiocese of New York, 2.6 million parishioners throughout its 296 parishes will have unlimited access to the expansive FORMED content, at no cost for the next year. And that reach can be multiplied to include anyone who lives within the boundaries of the archdiocese, whether they are Catholic or non-Catholic. A multi-day training in the archdiocese for priests, diocesan leaders, including youth ministers and directors of evangelization, concluded last week."FORMED has been amazing for evangelization," said Dr. Edward Sri, vice president of mission outreach for the Augustine Institute. "Some of the stories we're hearing have been just incredible."Christian Ketel from Colorado Springs was shocked when his mother left their Evangelical Protestant faith to convert to Catholicism. His mother shared a FORMED access code with him so he could understand what exactly she now believed. His exposure to the FORMED content played a significant role in leading him toward the Catholic Church."It has been an ongoing process to shift from my Protestant worldview to the truth guarded and proclaimed by the Roman Catholic Church," said Ketel. "FORMED has been an invaluable resource in my journey towards a fuller and deeper understanding of our Faith, and it has helped bring me closer to our Lord Jesus Christ and Our Blessed Mother. What else could anyone ask for?"Rev. Thomas Wray, director of the office of evangelization and discipleship at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, also praised FORMED."Because Archbishop Dennis Schnurr has called us to create a 'culture of vocations,' there is no single better digital source of faithful, relevant and accessible Catholic teaching in cyberspace," Wray says of FORMED. "FORMED allows us to reach our faithful's lives in personal, portable and conversion-oriented ways."Listen to what Dr. Tim Gray of the Augustine Institute has to say about FORMED here To learn more about FORMED, please visit www.formed.org For more information, to receive a media test drive of the FORMED platform, or to interview spokespersons associated with FORMED, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com ) of Carmel Communications.
home US New Jersey Hoboken train crash latest news 2016 (Photos): 3 dead, 100+ injured as train crashes into station

Three people were killed and more than 100 people were injured, some of them critically, when a New Jersey Transit train derailed and crashed through the station in Hoboken, New Jersey during the morning rush hour on Thursday, U.S. media and a transit official said.

MSNBC reported that three people were killed, citing medical officials.

There were well over 100 people with injuries, many of them with critical injuries, New Jersey Transit spokeswoman Jennifer Nelson told reporters. She did not say if there were any fatalities.

Dramatic pictures posted by commuters showed a train carriage that appeared to have smashed right through the station concourse, collapsing a section of the roof, scattering debris and wreckage and causing devastation.

ABC News said on its website that New Jersey Transit was reporting many passengers were trapped.

Hoboken lies on the west bank of the Hudson River across from New York City. Its station, one of the busiest in the metropolitan area, is used by many commuters traveling into Manhattan from New Jersey and further afield.

Linda Albelli, 62, said she was sitting in her seat in one of the rear cars when the train approached the station. She said she knew something was wrong a moment before the impact.

"I thought to myself, 'Oh my god, he's not slowing up, and this is where we're usually stop,'" Albelli said. "'We're going too fast,' and with that there was this tremendous crash."

Passengers helped each other off the train and onto the platform. They ultimately had to cross the tracks to get to safety, she said: "When we got on the platform there was nowhere to go. The ceiling had come down."

The injured sat on benches in the station while they waited for first responders, said Albelli, who lives in Closter, New Jersey. She did not know how many had been hurt.

"There was just so much, a lot of people in need of attention," she said. "There were a lot of people who were really hurt."

The train had about five or six carriages and was not full because many passengers exit at Secaucus, Albelli said.

New Jersey Transit said in a post on Twitter that rail service in and out of Hoboken was suspended due to a train accident.

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey did not have an estimate of when PATH service will resume, a spokesman said.

The Federal Railroad Administration said in post on Twitter that its investigators were en route to the scene.

New Jersey State Police said it was sending "multiple assets" to the station and monitoring the situation.

The worst passenger train crash in recent years in the United States was the crash of an Amtrak train in Philadelphia in May, 2015 that killed eight passengers and injured 186.
The always-engaging George Pendle (Strange Angel, The Remarkable Millard Fillmore) has a fascinating piece on Atlas Obscura on the history of space art and NASA's (and the government's at large) current awkward relationship with the art world.

Yet when the NASA scientists asked the attendant artists to refrain from posting pictures of the meeting on social media, it seemed to sum up both a generational and a temperamental mismatch. (In an email, a NASA spokesperson said that "participating artists are free to discuss their attendance.")

From a NASA perspective, the secrecy was a budgetary imperative. In 2003, the renowned performance artist Laurie Anderson was appointed NASA's first "artist-in-residence" with the remit of creating art about the agency's exploration of space. Republican congressmen quickly seized on the move as a sign of wanton profligacy. "Mr. Chairman," sputtered Representative Chris Chocola of Indiana on the floor of Congress, "nowhere in NASA's mission does it say anything about advancing fine arts or hiring a performance artist." There has been no artist-in-residence since and the reverberations were no doubt part of the reason why NASA's workshop at Grace Farms seemed tentative and vague.

In the not-so-distant past, though, space and art intermingled happily. Artists were crucial to NASA's development, at times outpacing the science of space travel itself. What happened?
home World Dozens of Christians deported from Saudi Arabia for 'un-Islamic prayer'

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have deported 27 Lebanese Maronite Christians, including women and children, for participating in an "un-Islamic" prayer and for possessing the Gospel.

The Christians were celebrating the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady when the religious police raided their home in Aziziyah. The Christians argued that their prayers did not insult Islam because the Blessed Virgin Mary is also highly regarded in the Quran.

Saudi Arabia allows non-Muslims to practice their religions in private, but the Christian advocacy group Open Doors International (ODI) reported that Christian practice is still heavily restricted even when done in private.

"Although the government formally recognizes the right of non-Muslims to worship in private, the religious police often do not respect this right," ODI noted, according to World Watch Monitor.

Privately held Christian services are still heavily restricted by gender segregation. Men and women who are not closely related are not allowed to worship together in the same room.

"Christians who engage in such activities risk arrest, imprisonment, lashing, deportation, and sometimes torture," ODI added.

Last April, it was reported that Saudi Arabia has limited the powers of the religious police or "Haia." The religious police are no longer allowed to detain anyone and they must report the offenders to the police or drug-squad officers.

Henriette Kats, a researcher at ODI's World Watch Unit, is not convinced that the new rule will have any effect on the state of religious freedom in the country.

"The religious police could, for example, inform the regular police officers if they discover a meeting of Christian migrants, and the result would be the same. In that case, this decision is only cosmetic," said Kats.

The Haia came under international scrutiny in 2015 when the agency was accused of "beating, whipping, detaining, and otherwise harassing individuals."

Open Doors has ranked Saudi Arabia as the 14th most dangerous country to be a Christian. Conversion from Islam is still forbidden and punishable by death. The advocacy group reported that the number of Christian converts from Islam is increasing despite the stringent laws.
home World Uganda woman attacked by husband for going to church

A woman who attended a church service in a village in Eastern Uganda's Budaka District was beaten unconscious by her husband on Sept. 18.

Fatuma Baluka, a daughter of an Islamic leader, said that her husband Hussein Kasolo called her an infidel before hitting her with a metallic object.

The neighbors who came to Baluka's rescue reported that she was bleeding from head and leg injuries.

"We found Baluka unconscious, and we were able to overpower the husband's brutal attack," a witness who wished to remain anonymous told Morning Star News.

Baluka was taken to the Budaka District Hospital and remained there until she was released on Thursday, Sept. 22.

"I have become an enemy to my husband, and my parents will not receive me either just for attending the church," Baluka said. "I feel disowned and helpless."

The pastor at the church said that Baluka prayed at the service and became a Christian.

"She was among those who were prayed for in the church service, and on Thursday she mentioned to me that the very Sunday when she was prayed for, she felt convicted in her heart that she was a sinful lady, and that immediately a heavy burden rolled away," the pastor said, adding, "She is now being discipled to be rooted in the Christian faith."

The pastor said that Baluka is in need of prayers for her recovery from physical and emotional distress.

Although religious freedom is guaranteed by the Ugandan constitution, Christians are still in danger from attacks committed by civilians. In June, a nine-year-old boy from Kamuli District suffered from burns inflicted by his Muslim father for converting to Christianity. Last May, a woman from the Mayuge District was strangled to death by her husband when she embraced Christianity.

About 85 percent of the Ugandan population is Christian and 12 percent are Muslims, the U.S. State Department estimates. The government allows the freedom to practice or promote any religion but religious groups are required to register. The Iganga District in the eastern region of the country has the highest concentration of Muslims.
Crossway's U-Turn On ESV: Permanent, Final Translation Was A 'Mistake'

The publishers of the English Standard Version of the BIble, who in August announced a permanent, final edition which would not be updated again, have now said the decision was a "mistake".

Crossway announced in August that the new and final edition, which had changed 52 words in 29 verses, would "remain unchanged in all future editions". The move provoked controversy and critique not only for its attempt to finalise one translation but for its attempt to canonise a particularly conservative interpretation of gender roles.

In a statement released yesterday, Crossway president and CEO Lane Dennis said: "We have become convinced that this decision was a mistake. We apologize for this and for any concern this has caused for readers of the ESV, and we want to explain what we now believe to be the way forward. Our desire, above all, is to do what is right before the Lord."

One key criticism of the final edition had been over its denial of the need for updates as biblical scholarship progresses and as the English language evolves.

The statement goes on: "Our goal at Crossway remains as strong as ever to serve future generations with a stable ESV text. But the means to that goal, we now see, is not to establish a permanent text but rather to allow for ongoing periodic updating of the text to reflect the realities of biblical scholarship such as textual discoveries or changes in English over time.

"These kinds of updates will be minimal and infrequent, but fidelity to Scripture requires that we remain open in principle to such changes, as the Crossway Board of Directors and the ESV Translation Oversight Committee see fit in years ahead."

The other criticism was that the edition attempted to finalise an issue still under debate in evangelical circles, that of male and female gender roles. The new edition translated Genesis 3:16 in a way that emphasised male headship. It had formerly read: "Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you." The new edition read: "Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you."

As New Testament scholar Scot McKnight wrote, such a reading was not only dubious in the way it translated "for" as "contrary to" but because it made the subordination of women not merely descriptive, but prescriptive. McKnight said the new ESV had "sneaked in a translation that is not only mistaken but potentially dangerously wrong".

Christian today contributor Ian Paul accused the ESV of attempting to "fix" the Bible, in translating it to fit one particular point of view.

Crossway's statement makes no comment about this verse, but many welcomed their decision to continue updating the translation.

McKnight said on Twitter: "Good for the ESV. That's step one."

Andrew Naselli, Professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary, tweeted: "Crossway (humbly) reverses its decision to make the ESV text permanent. (Phew!)"
Five Sentenced To Life For Torture And Murder Of Christians In Turkey

The torture and killing of three Christians in Turkey in 2007 has seen five men sentenced to prison after being found guilty of premeditated murder.

Tilmann Geske, a 45-year-old German missionary, Ugur Yuksel, 32, and Necati Aydn, 36  the latter both Turks who had converted from Islam to Christianity  were bound together, tortured and then had their throats slit in the office of the Zirve Publishing House in Malatya, southeastern Turkey, on Easter Sunday in 2007.

The defendants were found and arrested at the publishing house  which printed Bibles  immediately after the crime. A number of other people were arrested later in connection with the incident.

In total, 21 defendants stood trial on Wednesday in the 115th hearing of the case. The five men found guilty of premeditated murder  Emre Gunaydn, Cuma Ozdemir, Hamit Ceker, Salih Gurler and Abuzer Yldrm  received three consecutive life sentences each.

Two military officers were sentenced to 14 years in prison for "violating secret communications and forging official documents" and 16 people were acquitted.

According to Christianity Today, some local Christians say Gunaydin pretended to be interested in Christianity in order to get close to the three men killed.

Rev Ihsan Ozbek of the Association of Protestant Churches in Turkey said Gunaydin's last words in court on Wednesday showed no sign of remorse. "I am thankful that I did not shame my country or cause any embarrassment," Gunaydin said.

Though the perpetrators were yesterday found guilty, they were allowed to walk free from court because they have already served five years in detention  the legal limit for detention pending trial in Turkey  and their case now moves to the Court of Appeals.

This has caused outrage among campaigners, as the suspects were already released from prison in March 2007 on condition they wore electronic bracelets.

"Of course the legal process will continue as the case proceeds to the regional administrative court, and then will go to the Supreme Court. This process can take years, and the killers of our brothers brutally murdered can move around freely for years to come. The repeated postponement of the punishment they deserve severely wounds confidence in justice," Ozbek said in a statement.

"As the Protestant community we want the procedure for the case to be performed quickly in order that the trial will be brought to a just conclusion with the punishment of the perpetrators. We hope that the dark powers... will be brought to light soon."

Turkey has a strong Christian heritage  the apostle Paul and Timothy were both born there, and the city of Antioch, now Antakya, was known as "the cradle of Christianity"  but a series of genocides in the early 20th century killed much of the Christian population. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1923 also forced many Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks and Georgians to leave the country, and the population of Turkey is now more than 97 per cent Muslim.
Hillsong Pastor Calls Out 'All Lives Matter' Mantra

The lead pastor of the influential Hillsong Church in New York City has publicly backed the Black Lives Matter movement sparked by police shootings of black men.

Pastor Carl Lentz, who leads the popular evangelical congregation, spoke on Facebook of his church's support for the movement, refusing to use the alternative slogan "All Lives Matter".

He said in his post: "At THIS church, we are not saying 'all lives matter' right now because this is a logical assumption that most reasonable people agree with. All lives are not at risk right now."

He continues: "We ARE saying BLACK LIVES MATTER. Because, right now, black lives apparently are worth LESS on our streets. It's 'our fight' not 'their fight'."

Lent'z statement has come at a time of increasing racial tension in the US following the highly controversial police shootings of Keith Scott, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and most recently Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The latter case has raised particular controversy since Crutcher was unarmed and according to lawyers posed no threat to police.

So far in 2016 174 black people have been shot and killed by police and the recent cases have provoked further outcry about racial bias in US policing. The Black Lives Matter movement has been the leading voice of protest on this issue. Lentz's support is more controversial however, since conservative Christian groups have generally been less forthcoming in their support of the movement. In a survey in July less than a third (29 per cent) of evangelical Christians said people of colour were unfairly targeted by law enforcement.

But more recently conservative evangelicals have been more vocal in their support of Black Lives Matter. High profile Christian rapper Lecrae has emphatically deplored the "All Lives Matter" mantra, calling it an insult to the black community.

In an Instagram post last week Lentz spoke about how he had met with other pastors of Hillsong NYC to discuss the reality of racial discrimination in America. He said in his post: "We talked about things that were very frustrating/sad/uncomfortable and vulnerable...I would encourage anybody who cares about people, to somehow find a way to hear voices of those that don't share your journey. It will impact you."

Meanwhile Benjamin Houston of Hillsong Los Angeles also spoke about his church's conversations about "the realities of racial injustice". He said on Instagram: "This was the start of many conversations that need to be had; and even when the media goes quiet, the church will remain loud at fighting injustice of all description."
How Christians In Iraq are Starting To Rebuild Lives Out Of The Ashes Left By Islamic State

Remarkable stories of how refugees who lost everything are now rebuilding their lives from scratch have emerged from Iraq.

There are many Christians among the many thousands of Iraqis and Syrians living in displacement camps in Iraq after fleeing Islamic State, according to World Watch Monitor which reports on Christian persecution around the world.

It is estimated that 3.3 million Iraqis have been displaced within their own country. Nearly 100,000 have sought refuge in Erbil, in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, since June.

Even when Mosul is liberated from Islamic State after the push to take it back begins later this year, there are growing fears that Christians will struggle to return to their ancient homelands because so much has been appropriated and there will be many people competing for the same properties.

One of those who has begun to make a new life for himself, his wife and his three children in Erbil is Ghazan, 47. He ran his own transport company in Mosul and was wealthy and successful. He began attending church in Erbil and the Christian community there found him a job in a bakery, with his income now a tenth what it was.

"We had a good life until IS came and forced us out. I heard that IS stole all our cars and are using them in Mosul right now. It was hard to see my family displaced. We lost our home, our place to stay," he said.

"Although I don't earn much here and I have to work much longer hours than I did in my last job, I can at least pay rent so my family doesn't have to live in a camp. I have lost everything, but I thank God that my family is still with me."

Jonas lost his farm in Syria to an Islamic State assault where he was himself shot and his caretaker was murdered in front of his eyes.

"They took all my cows and I heard they sold them in Turkey," he said. "I had about 2,000 olive trees here too. They're now all gone. IS destroyed everything  the house, the buildings, they cut down all the trees. I lost everything there."

He fled with his family to Lebanon where they live in a small flat and he helps with building work in refugee camps. "The first year here I became depressed. But I started to pray more to God and that has helped me. I pray very often but have all these questions about why (this) happens to Christians."

Even when the war ends, he fears more bloodshed in revenge attacks in Syria. "If the Christians really disappear from Syria it will be a disaster for Christianity all around the world. You know, we Christians love our country, we would love to stay, would love to return, but we need the basic conditions to live there."
It's Time For Christians To Go To War On Antisemitism

Check the calendar. It's 2016 still, right? Yet we're still debating antisemitism.

Nearly 80 years on from Kristallnacht, the infamous day when the outright persecution of Jews became commonplace in Nazi Germany, for some reason we are still discussing how to deal with antisemitism online, in person, even in major political parties.

It seems that in spite of its idiocy, we can't rid ourselves of the pernicious virus of antisemitism. Is it because, in fact, this ancient prejudice is somehow baked into Western culture?

When a debate on anti-Semitism is held on the fringe of the Labour Party conference, one might expect universal condemnation of this horrific racism aimed at a minority. Instead, rambling, incoherent bilge is spewed by an academic. Despite clear examples of antisemitism in Labour, the row within the party was described as "a monstrous souffle of moral panic being whipped up". The speaker making this claim went on to say: "We need to ask about this souffle, who the cooks are? Where's the kitchen? What are the implements? How's it been done?"

What on earth is this supposed to mean? How can such absurd sentiments be considered part of public debate in the 21st century?

When the Archbishop of Canterbury himself feels moved to write an essay on the evils of antisemitism, you know there's a problem. Justin Welby said antisemitism "is not a problem for one political party, one community or one sector of our society" but instead it "permeates and pervades all that it touches when it is swept under the carpet, denied and not confronted head-on".

Why are we still having this conversation? As Welby argues, the Church has to take much of the blame. "[The] habits of antisemitism have been burrowing into European and British culture for as long as we can remember," he argued, "It is a shameful truth that, through its theological teachings, the Church, which should have offered an antidote, compounded the spread of this virus."

In this, Welby puts his finger on the deep-seated root of the problem of antisemitism. From relatively early in the history of the Church, the treatment of Jews was chequered at best. In the early Church, many of the believers were of course Jewish. As the message spread, the number of ethnic Jews in the Church became fewer.

The idea of Jews as "Christ Killers" began. As Giles Fraser has argued, "Christianity bears primary responsibility for historic antisemitism. Few ideas can have been as poisonous as, and inspired more murderousness than, the idea that Jews were the Christ-killers."

By the time of St John Chrysostom in the 4th century, Christianity had gone from persecuted minority to being the official religion of the Roman Empire. Chrysostom spoke in uncompromising terminology about Jews.

Much has been written about his motivation for writing Eight Homilies Against The Jews. What is clear is that Chrysostom's sentiments were deeply unhelpful in ongoing relations. Michael Walzer argues: "Chrysostom... was such a violent opponent of 'the Jews' that earnest scholars have assumed that Judaism must have posed a clear and present danger to Christianity in his time. In fact... if Saint John feared the Jews, "it was because his theology had taught him to view other dangers in Jewish terms".

Chrysostom was not alone. Other Church Fathers showed hostility to Jews. Walzer says: "By the time of writers like Eusebius, Ambrose, and Augustine, the Jews had been... 'a twice-defeated people'  first militarily by the Romans and then religiously by the imperial establishment of Christianity."

This stain of the early Church was carried on through the Crusades, where Jews were killed by Christians, into the Reformation. Martin Luther's antisemitism was discussed by Mark Woods, in a piece for Christian Today earlier this year. He said, "the charges of antisemitism are absolutely true. In his book On the Jews and their Lies, he describes Jews as 'venomous beasts, vipers, disgusting scum' and 'devils incarnate'."

Luther went further than just writing, though. "He called for their them to be expelled from their homes, saying: 'Their private houses must be destroyed and devastated, they could be lodged in stables. Let the magistrates burn their synagogues and let whatever escapes be covered with sand and mud.'

A full history of the Church and antisemitism is more than I have space for here. But given the crucial role of Christianity in the development of Western thought, it is not hard to see why it continues to this day.

Into the modern era, via warning events such as the Dreyfus Affair, antisemitism reached its cataclysmic nadir during the Holocaust. Six million Jews were slaughtered by a supposedly Christian country.

Surely this horrific suffering endured by the Jewish people would finally shake western people, influenced still by Christian culture, even if they weren't Christians, from the grip of antisemitism.

Sadly, not yet. Christians continue to recycle the outrageous 'Christ killer' trope. Antisemitism is rife on social media  with a few clicks I have been able to find Nazis sympathizers happily posting away without censorship. It isn't just words. Antisemitic violence and killing continue to this day in Western Europe.

As we mark 80 years this week since the people of east London  Jews and gentiles  stood together proudly to oppose fascism at The Battle of Cable Street, now is the perfect time for us to renew our commitment to fighting antisemitism.

It seems appalling that we should need to restate this in 2016, yet here we are. There is no justification for antisemitism whatsoever. Christianity has been guilty of stoking the fires of hatred of Jews for far too long and we must have zero tolerance for this despicable attitude whenever it rears its head in our communities.

We must accept our share of the blame, make every physical and online space totally safe for Jewish people and clamp down heavily on those who perpetrate this despicable hatred. Anything less and we are complicit in an ancient and hateful crime.

Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy
At the first presidential debate this week, GOP nominee Donald Trump fat-shamed a fictional IT character he made up. Speaking about a series of hacks on Democratic National Committee organizations, Trump said, "I mean, it could be Russia, but it could also be China. It could also be lots of other people. It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, OK? You don't know who broke in to DNC."

Trump's mean trope of a hacker "sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds" is nothing new to "XXL and greater" sized information security professionals.

At this year's Derbycon in Louisville, KY, there were two really interesting talks about the phenomenon of obesity in the security community.

A word to the fat-shamey: While both talks focus on weight loss, it's good to remember that large people are human beings with thoughts, feelings, and the right to not be hassled about their bodies. That is shitty and cruel, just like Donald Trump.

Hackers and otherwise, bigger human beings deserve respect and courtesy, just exactly as they are right now.

Full stop.

So if you're reading this and you are a heavy hacker, we at Boing Boing are here to say that you do not have to lose weight to be a worthy human being.

Anyway. These talks are cool.

"I was the 340 lb. hacker!" says Michael Schearer. He lost a bunch of weight, and shared how that happened in a talk. From "Confronting Obesity in Infosec,"

Our industry has an obesity problem. The numbers back it up, too: those who work in office environments (as many of us do) are more obese, exercise less, and suffer pay discrimination. Many travel a lot and live out of a suitcase. Our meals come from airports and fast-food restaurants. Who has time left over for the gym? Add to that the hidden health dangers of obesity and you have a recipe for disaster. Whether you're obese (like I was) or not, you can learn something from this rant: our community is the biggest support group you'll ever have to get yourself on the right track. I'll share my personal story as an example of what you can do. It's time we come together as a community to help fight this problem. Won't you join us?

Nathan Magniez gave a related talk, "Body Hacking 101 (or a Healthy Lifestyle for Security Pros)."

Security consulting is a beast of a lifestyle. Travel, airport food, late night report writingIt leads to accumulating a spare tire and unhealthy habits. If you have wondered how to overcome this unspoken issue in our community then this talk is for you. I was there. Flying. Eating. Ignoring my health. If you are wondering how to get started in a healthier lifestyle without the inundation of pseudo/false information from fitness magazines then this workshop is for you. Every attendee will walk away with the knowledge and ability to control their own body weight and shape their own health goals. This will be a no non-sense, no body shaming, no bullshit approach to helping people achieve what they want out of themselves. We all have root level privileges of ourselvescontrolling that absolute power is half the battle.

[via @irongeek_adc]
Jeremy Camp Writes Song In Honour Of Rachel Joy Scott, Columbine Massacre Victim Murdered Because Of Her Faith

Before she was shot in the head in cold blood, 17-year-old Rachel Joy Scott was asked by the two killers, "Do you still believe in your God?"

She replied without hesitation, "You know that I do."

That dastardly murder took place at Columbine High School in Columbine, Colorado on April 20, 1999. Scott was the first of 12 students and one teacher who were gunned down by students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who specifically targeted Scott because of her overt Christian faith.

Seventeen years later, contemporary Christian music artist Jeremy Camp wrote a Christian anthem in honour of Scott, The Christian Post reports.

The song "I'm Not Ashamed" is the title track of a new movie of the same title, which is set for release on Oct. 21. The title of the movie and the song is taken directly from Scott's writings.

The movie is based on Scott's journals, which detailed her honest and heartfelt accounts of her life.

In one of her journal entries featured in the film, Scott wrote: "I've always been drawn to hands. I think it's because it's the way we touch people. If one person could go out of their way to show compassion, it could start a chain reaction."

Also written in her journal was a heartfelt line from one of her prayers. "Father, use my life to touch the world and let your light shine through me," she wrote.

"Rachel wrote that she would one day touch the lives of millions, and we're honoured to help make this dream a reality," said Benny Proffitt, executive producer of the movie and founder of the youth organisation First Priority.

Scott's mother, Beth Nimmo, serves as executive producer of the movie, which was filmed in and around Nashville, Tennessee.

The cast includes Duck Dynasty's Sadie Robertson, newcomer Masey McLain as Rachel, Ben Davies ("Courageous"), Jennifer O'Neill ("Summer of '42") and Jaci Velasquez ("Let The Lion Roar").
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Asks Where God Is When Babies Are Raped And Killed

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte does not see eye to eye with the church when it comes to the death penalty. While the church promotes compassion for criminals, Duterte is pushing the other way as he favours the reimposition of capital punishment in his country.

In his defence of the death penalty, Duterte said in a recent speech that a tough stance on criminals must be implemented because the country's safety and security can't be ensured unless this is done.

"The bleeding hearts, the priests and all, said there was death penalty before, and nothing happened. Then I can simply say, death penalty didn't work because it wasn't imposed. Every president along the way would just say, one because of the Catholic Church; second the bleeding hearts, because only God can kill. The problem there, I ask you, what if there is no God? So we allow the criminals?" Duterte said, according to The Manila Times.

Duterte clarified that he believes in the existence of God, but that he is continuously asking Him what He is doing to protect innocent babies and children. "So where is now God when a one-year-old baby, 18-months-old baby is taken from the mother's arms [and] brought under a jeep [to be] raped and killed. So where is God?" he said.

"My God, where are you? I believe in God, but that is my perpetual question to Him. Where were you when we needed you? It's not enough to say that at the end of the world, He will judge the living and the dead," Duterte continued.

Duterte said those who are calling on God to bring justice must also be wondering why wars still exist in Iraq and Syria, and why the Islamic State is getting away with carrying out atrocious acts of torture, rape and murder.

"What would be the purpose of all of that if the heartaches, sorrows and agony have already been inflicted in this world?" he asked.
Songs For The Faithless: 13 Highlights From The Secular Hymn Book

What happens when you take God out of religion? It probably sounds a pretty unappealing prospect to anyone who holds a faith, but to others who don't believe in the Almighty, there seems to be a recognition that some of the stuff his worshippers do could still be of value to anyone. Meditation is a case in point; consuming holy books as a kind of well-meaning self-help is another. But perhaps the greatest example of all is when you try to take God out of worship.

On that front, may I present Exhibit A: The Secular Hymnal, a book of new 'hymns', set to famous religious tunes, but with all mentions of God strained out. Instead of gazing upward, the words focus on humanist themes: tolerance, inclusivity, the value of everyone and so on. The results are, I hope you'll agree, remarkable. Written by the prolific and mysterious 'Secretary Michael', who has philanthropically placed all 144 of his songs in the public domain, these songs might one day become the staple fare of school assemblies and town hall gatherings everywhere. Here are just a few of the many highlights which might be on the way to an earnest communal singalong near you.

(Oh, and just in case it's unclear, this isn't a spoof or a parody.)

'Bad' is not a name for a woman

Set to the tune of the old French hymn Picardy, this is a valuable reminder that people  and primarily ladies  should not be labelled as evil. Instead it says, "bad is just a name for that which causes pain"; or in other words, there's a force in the universe which takes hold of all of us and causes us to do objectively bad stuff. You know, like sin. But obviously not sin.

All the seven deadly sins come to visit now and then

Confusingly this song does recognise the concept of sin and our inability to battle it, but we'll forgive the humanist logic slip because it's a lyrical cracker. Includes the line "Wrath's the one I fear the most, angry even over toast", which is word-perfect poetic sizzle of Shakespearean proportions. It's set to the tune of Just a closer walk with thee, which deals powerfully with the issue of sin by recognising our own inherent weakness and simply leaning on Jesus to keep us from all wrong. But I'm sure that's just a coincidence.

Accommodating others is kind of fun to do

Removing the classic lyrics of In heavenly love abiding and replacing them with words like "it doesn't mean we're toadies" is, as it turns out, kind of fun to do. It also creates an uncredited affirmation of Jesus' vision for the Kingdom, where we all submit to, love and serve one another. Whoops.

There are certain topics that divide

I mean, let's just picture the scene for a moment: hundreds of people standing around holding the secular hymnal, singing that "There are times when feelings can collide: don't choose sides." Like a flawed cover of We Are The World, this rewrite of a 200-year-old German hymn seems to think the world would be a better place if no-one ever argued about anything. It's like a vision of a world beyond this one where there's no more pain, and where every tear has been wiped away. Now where have I heard that idea before...?

Everyone must make a living

This is a song of praise... just not toward God. Instead the line "Praise to the worker, praise to the job" is expertly rhymed with "praise to the farmer and the corn on the cob". Perhaps the next time the world's great worship leaders get together for one of those clandestine songwriting retreats they could challenge themselves to keep it real like Secretary Michael.

For those who have beliefs bizarre...

"...we'll always love you for who you are. Although your thoughts seem sad and strange, we'll never leave you or force you to change." I mean this is interesting isn't it? This song of acceptance, set to the tune of the old hymn We cannot measure how you heal seems to suggest that the non-religious should be fully accepting of, and full of love for those who hold devoted and heartfelt personal beliefs. Someone should send a copy of this to the New Atheists.

I surrender, I surrender

Now this is interesting. This one takes the actual theme and lyrical gist of one of the great hymns (I surrender all), not just the melody. However, instead of surrendering all foolish things to God above, Secretary Michael just wants to sort of dump them in the ether. In fact he says he takes off "all my shiny things, jewellery and rings", so it might be worth following him around for a couple of days to see if he discards anything valuable.

No cheers for David, no cheers for Goliath

This song decides to directly take on the biblical narrative by suggesting that we shouldn't glory in a story about violent redemption. Which is fine I suppose, as long as you're not a humanist who glorifies the story of human progress, which is mostly built on the oppression and violent deaths of millions of people through the ages.

I think I could work in a castle

Yes, that's really the title. And even more spectacularly, it's used to overwrite the opening of one of the world's most profound and heart- wrenching hymns: Turn your eyes upon Jesus. The full line is "I think I could work in a castle, by sweeping and mopping the floors"; just try singing that to the familiar tune and see if the tears don't start welling up.

Informed people tend to live their lives responsibly

Another lyrical zinger, this is a wonderfully earnest tribute to the value of information in increasing our awareness of diversity and helping us to live responsibly. All of which is of course right and true and sounds fantastic when you say it on Twitter, although of course people who talk like this never get invited to good parties. I'm not going to be too hard on this one however as it includes a whole section about the value and importance of journalists. Again, just picture singing that one at the school carol service.

People are more than the worst they've done

It feels like the author had a moment of weakness when he wrote this one, which is basically an understanding of grace so deep and dramatic that it is positively Christian. "Even a killer with a gun. People are more than the worst they've done" he writes. Amen and amen.

Ultimately we may not have free will

Time to get a bit more theological now, as Secretary Michael takes aim at the idea of there being any order in the prevailing chaos. In fact, he says: "We may just be pebbles rolling down a hill, tumbling and bouncing in a random race." Inspirational stuff, and surely a much safer bet for primary school assemblies than that nasty, dangerous stuff about Jesus' love being very wonderful.

Unconscious bias, it poisons all of us

Forget the majestic lyrics to Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus, they've been bettered in this ditty, about the dangers of not recognising our own blind spots and privileges. Thankfully the author has a fantastic antidote to the problem: "Say 'how do you do' and meet someone new, for bias can't win where knowledge has been." You can't argue with that, and if you do, it's probably because of some unconscious bias you have against pacifist humanist hymn-writers.

I could go on, but thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Secretary Michael, I don't need to. The whole library can be accessed for free here. Enjoy exploring the master hymn-writer's oeuvre; perhaps you'll want to include classics like "I use a spoon to eat my soup" and "We're not alone when ants are marching in a line" in your next seeker-friendly service.

Martin Saunders is a Contributing Editor for Christian Today and the Deputy CEO of Youthscape. Follow him on Twitter @martinsaunders. Thanks to Rachel Warwick for her help with this article.
The Chutzpah Of Israel's Dealings With Pope Francis

The Vatican has been forced to contradict reports that Pope Francis will attend the funeral of Shimon Peres in Israel tomorrow. Instead, the pope will carry out a planned visit to Georgia.

The announcement in Rome came after the Israeli Foreign Ministry yesterday briefed the world's media that the pope would attend alongside Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Francois Hollande and some 80 other world leaders.

The potentially embarrassing mix-up is not the first time Pope Francis has been caught up in a diplomatic flurry with Israel under its tough and somewhat pushy prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Anyone in the Holy Land covering the pope's May 2014 visit would struggle to forget a bizarre episode which followed the pope's iconic prayer at the West Bank security barrier.

At the height of his popularity, Francis found himself at the centre of a propaganda war between Israel and the Palestinians following his gesture, that became the defining image of his three-day visit to the Middle East.

It ended up with the pope hastily agreeing to make an unscheduled visit to a monument for Zionism and a memorial to victims of terrorism in Jerusalem with Netanyahu.

After Israeli officials were alarmed by the West Bank gesture, Netanyahu persuaded the pope to visit the Memorial To The Victims of Terror on Mount Zion, after laying a wreath at the tomb of Theodore Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism. Netanyahu showed Pope Francis a panel with the names of 85 victims of an attack in Buenos Aires on a Jewish community centre in 1994, and the pope briefly laid his hand on the memorial and called terrorism "evil."

Then, with characteristic chutzpah, Netanyahu later issued a statement confirming that he had asked the pope to make the stop and that he had briefed him on the advantages of the security barrier, which Israel claims has prevented suicide bombings.

"I want to thank the pope for accepting my request to visit this memorial," he said. "I explained to the pope that the establishment of the barrier he visited yesterday has prevented many more victims of Palestinian terror that continues to this very day and that Palestinian terrorists were planning and continue to plan."

Over at a press briefing in Jerusalem the pope's official spokesman, Fr Federico Lombardi was repeatedly questioned about the unscheduled visits. Asked to confirm that Israeli officials were "angry" after the pope prayed at the security barrier, he confirmed that he had heard such reports, adding that the visit to the memorial was "very appreciated" by Israel.

Then as now, the pope could be forgiven for empathising with various world leaders, including Barack Obama, who have found dealings with Netanyahu at times tricky, to put it mildly.

But in a sign of what Israel has lost in its late president, there was no such complication with Francis' relationship with Peres, which was straightforwardly one of mutual admiration.

On the day the 2014 row with Israel erupted, the pope was probably relieved to be having a meeting with Peres, whom Francis praised as a "man of peace and a peacemaker", the same words he used to describe Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, but not Netanyahu.

"I appreciate and admire the approach you have taken," the pope told Peres. "Peacemaking demands first and foremost respect for the dignity and freedom of every human person, which Jews, Christians and Muslims alike believe to be created by God and destined to eternal life... Here I renew my plea that all parties avoid initiatives and actions which contradict their stated determination to reach a true agreement and that they tirelessly work for peace, with decisiveness and tenacity."

In what some in the Middle East had hoped might be the start of a fresh peace initiative, the pope brought Peres and Abbas together the following month, along with the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, at the Vatican.

Yesterday he echoed his call for peace in a heartfelt tribute to Peres, whom he last met with at the Vatican in June.

"I fondly recall my time with Mr Peres at the Vatican and renew my great appreciation for the late President's tireless efforts in favour of peace," he said.

"As the State of Israel mourns Mr Peres, I hope that his memory and many years of service will inspire us all to work with ever greater urgency for peace and reconciliation between peoples. In this way, his legacy will truly be honoured and the common good for which he so diligently laboured will find new expressions, as humanity strives to advance on the path towards enduring peace."
Trump Calls Out Non-Christian Conservatives And Suggests They Leave The Room

Donald Trump has been widely criticised for suggesting at a political rally that anyone who was not a Christian conservative could be booted from the room.

The Republican presidential candidate was speaking in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

He held up a sign with a blue background reading: "Christian Conservatives For Trump. Make America Great Again."

He told the cheering crowd: "We have our Christian conservatives for Trump today. And they're in the room. Let's go. That's what we want. That's beautiful."

He said: "Raise your hand. Christian coservatives. Everybody."

The room then went almost silent when he continued: "Raise your hand if you're not a Christian conservative. I want to see this. Right."

He paused and looked around until he spotted a few hands. "That is a couple of people. That's alright. I think we'll keep them, right? Shall we keep them in the room? I think so."

Christians and others took to Twitter to criticise Trump for his remarks.

Billy Byler, young adults pastor at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene in Kansas, tweeted:

As I follow this presidential election it seems that, from a Christian perspective, Donald Trump is running for president of Babylon.  Billy Byler (@TheByler) September 29, 2016

Alan Pierce tweeted:

"Donald Trump Seemingly Asks If He Should Eject Non-Christian Conservatives From Rally" - Response: https://t.co/buxxRxmbr0  Alan Pierce (@entertained1) September 29, 2016

Terrance Carroll, attorney, rancher and former speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, tweeted:

I'm going to unapologetically say the very notion of Donald Trump as the Christian candidate is offensive to the gospel.  Terrance Carroll (@speakercarroll) September 29, 2016

Christian author Philip Yancey recently slammed pastors who support Trump and said he was "staggered" that some Christians saw him as a hero.

Yancey said Trump was a "bully who made his money by casinos" and "a person who stands against everything that Christianity believes".

He said he was baffled by evangelical support for Trump.
US Conservative Leaders Attack 'Progressive' Evangelicals, Catholics, Clinton

Conservative Christian leaders have written an open letter attacking "progressive evangelicals" and Catholics while calling on them to repent.

They say there are a number of Christian leaders and ministries which focus on social justice, immigration reform and the environment and are "turning our nation over to the enemies of biblical faith". They are also accused of being too close to funder George Soros.

Among those criticised are Jim Wallis from Sojourners and Richard Cizik from the New Evangelical Partnership. The letter seeks to link them with Soros, the billionaire financier of liberal political causes. The move will be seen as another intervention by conservatives who remain committed to supporting the Republicans in the presidential election. Their fierce denunciation of liberal and progressive causes is allied with an attack on Hillary Clinton, who is accused of "openly declaring war on Christian believers and the Church".

"We must reclaim the Church's witness in the world," the letter reads. "Biblical truth and wisdom are the highest love for human beings. While God loves justice and mercy for all, many 'social justice' campaigns are politically crafted and not the true gospel."

The letter was published on the website of an organisation called the American Association of Evangelicals, which appears to have been created for the purpose of sending this letter and should not be confused with the main umbrella body for evangelicals  the National Association of Evangelicals.

The full-throated attack six weeks from the presidential election comes from a long list of names including author Eric Metaxas, theologian Wayne Grudem and historian David Barton. These three along with others on the list have been vocal supporters of Donald Trump's campaign for the presidency.
Why Does Barack Obama Refuse To Say 'Islamic' Terrorism?

President Obama has defended his choice not to use the word "Islamic" when referring to terrorism.

The US President has been heavily criticised for his rhetoric over global terror in particular after recent attacks in San Bernardino and Orlando. On Wednesday he was questioned by a mother whose son had died fighting in the US army.

"My son gave his life for acts of terrorism," Tina Houchins told Obama at CNN-hosted presidential question and answer session. "Do you still believe that the acts of terrorism are done for the self-proclaimed Islamic religious motive? And if you do, why do you still refuse to use the term...Islamic terrorist?"

The question has been raised of Obama repeatedly, in particular by Republican presidential candidates. Donald Trump criticised Obama in the wake of the attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando and said "we need to tell the truth about radical Islam".

Obama responded: "There is no doubt, and I've said repeatedly, where we see terrorist organisations like al Qaeda or ISIL, they have perverted and distorted and tried to claim the mantle of Islam for an excuse for basically barbarism and death.

"These are people who've killed children, killed Muslims, take sex slaves, there's no religious rationale that would justify in any way any of the things that they do."

He continued: "But what I have been careful about when I describe these issues is to make sure that we do not lump these murderers into the billion Muslims that exist around the world, including in this country, who are peaceful, who are responsible, who, in this country, are fellow troops and police officers and fire fighters and teachers and neighbours and friends.

"What I learnt from listening to some of these Muslim families both in the US and overseas is that when you start calling these organisation Islamic terrorists, the way it is received by our friends and alies around the world is, somehow Islam is terroristic.

"That then makes them feel they are under attack. In some cases it makes it harder for us to get their cooperation in fighting terrorism."

He said that as a Christian, he would not allow a militant group claiming to be Christian to hijack his religion.

"If you had an organisation that was going around killing and blowing people up and said, 'We're on the vanguard of Christianity', as a Christian, I'm not going to let them claim my religion and say, 'You're killing for Christ.' I would say, that's ridiculous.

"That's not what my religion stands for. Call these folks what they are, which is killers and terrorists."
Why One Christian Man Is Translating The Qur'an

A Christian and a Muslim have joined forces to produce a new version of the Qur'an with a special addition.

"The Qur'an With References to the Bible" is an English translation of the seventh century Islamic holy book that comes with parallel verses with the Bible. Dr Safi Kaskas, a Muslim businessman, and Dr David Hungerford, a Christian orthopedic surgeon, said they hoped their work will ease tensions between the two faiths.

The pair discovered there were more than 3,000 Qur'anic verses that had similar meanings to ones in the Bible. The text is set out with Bible verses at the bottom of each page in reference to the Qur'anic verses above.

They told The Church Boys podcast they hoped the book would dispel "ignorance" and spark an "open discussion".

Hungerford said: "What our hope is is that Christians will read it and the eyes of their misunderstanding and the depth of their ignorance will be dispelled so they can now look upon Muslims as part of the Abrahamic tradition."

He added: "If you look at religion, there has never been a time in mankind where somebody who professes religion has not taken aspects of it out of context and distorted its meaning," he said. "If we look at Christianity, Christianity was used to justify the Inquisition, burning witches, slavery."

For Kaskas the project is an opportunity for people to read the Qur'an as well as see the similarities between it and the Bible.

"When I first came to the United States, if it wasn't for my American neighbors opening their hearts and their homes for me, I wouldn't have made it," Kaskas said. "I feel a debt to this country."

He continued, "I hate to see that the same Americans are feeling bad about Muslims now. I want to repair this relationship."

"The best way to do this is from our holy books," he added.
Witness Forced To Film Father Jacques Hamel's Brutal Murder

A witness to the murder of the priest slain by Islamist militants in France was forced to record the brutal incident, he has revealed after speaking publicly for the first time.

Guy Coponet told the Famille Chretienne that the two attackers, Adel Kermiche and Abdel-Malik Petitjean, forced him to hold a camera and film them slitting the throat of 86-year-old Father Jacques Hamel.

"They even checked the quality of the image and that I wasn't trembling too much," Coponet said. "I had to film the assassination of my friend Father Jacques!"

The assailants were hoping to use the video as Islamist propaganda, "which would allow them to earn their fame as a 'martyr' of Allah", Coponet said.

Both attackers were shot dead at the scene by police.

The incident occurred on July 26 and Copenet was himself stabbed a number of times in the arm, back and throat.

The emergency doctor who treated him said it was a miracle he survived. "There was a divine hand on you because no shots have hit a vital organ," the medic said. "But it really was not far away... It's like a miracle."

"The Lord allowed me to survive to show his mercy," Coponet said. While he was lying on the ground, blood pouring from his neck, he prayed to God: "Father I abandon myself to You, do with me what you please... I commend my spirit into your hands."

He continued: "I was convinced that I would die, but... I was calm. I have never been so serene. Completely at peace. I had no remorse, only love... In fact, it was a moment of great happiness."

Copenet and his wife Janine were at the parish church at Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, near Rouen, to attend a mass led by Father Jacques.

Pope Francis has signalled that he is preparing to canonise the priest, who could be made a saint without needing miracles because he died a Christian martyr.

His last words were "Satan, get out of here, get out, Satan", Sister Danielle, who was also a witness to the killing, told Famille Chretienne.

But she added that Father Jacques was not claiming that his killers were possessed, but that "Satan was at work in a powerful way".

"Father Jacques wanted to exorcise this evil," she said. "Satan does not like the Eucharist."

Sister Danielle also said that Kermiche had asked one of her fellow nuns: "Are you afraid of dying?" The nun replied: "No... Because I believe in God and I know I'll be happy."

The jihadist reportedly replied: "I also believe in God and I am not afraid of death."

The Copenets say they are able to forgive their assailants, even for the murder of their beloved priest.

"We are just saying, 'Father, forgive them, they know not what they do'," the couple said.
So, that huge hack of 500 million Yahoo user accounts last week that Yahoo blamed on a "state-sponsored actor"? A private internet security firm is calling bullshit on the "state-sponsored" part.

The hack of more than 500 million account credentials was the work of an Eastern European criminal gang, claims InfoArmor.

The Arizona-based firm released a report Wednesday challenging Yahoo's claims that a nation-state actor was behind the data heist.

Dustin Volz at Reuters writes:

InfoArmor, which provides companies with protection against employee identify theft, said the hacked trove of user data was later sold to at least three clients, including one state-sponsored group. Reuters was unable to verify the report's findings. Yahoo declined comment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the hack, did not return a call seeking comment. A U.S. government source familiar with the Yahoo investigation said there was no hard evidence yet on whether the hack was state-sponsored. Attribution for cyber attacks is widely considered difficult in both the intelligence and research communities. The task is made especially challenging by the fact that criminal hackers sometimes provide information to government intelligence agencies or offer their services for hire, making it hard to know who the ultimate mastermind of a hack might be.

After examining a small sample of the compromised accounts, InfoArmor decided the hackers known as "Group E" were criminals rather than spies. Andrew Komarov, the firm's chief intelligence officer, said in an interview Wednesday that "Group E" has a history of offering stolen user data for sale on the so-called "dark web." Reuters reports that they're linked to earlier hacks of LinkedIn, Tumblr and MySpace.

"They have never been hired by anyone to hack Yahoo," Komarov added. "They were simply looking for well known sites that had many users."

The details of Komarov's report methodology are interesting reading. Here are his conclusions, at the end of the InfoArmor report:

The actual Yahoo data dump is still not available on any underground forums or marketplaces, and has been distributed from so called Group "E" to one of their proxies for further monetization based on the sale of particular records from the dump, which can be delivered based on the specific criteria of the buyer (login, recovery e-mail, geography, etc.). According to InfoArmor, the data theft of the Yahoo customer database may be the key in several targeted attacks against US Government personnel, which resulted after the disclosed contacts of the affected high-level officials of intelligence community happened in October 2015. It should be noted that after the LinkedIn breach, the company acted proactively by notifying their subscriber base and implementing new security measures to avoid further incidents. InfoArmor recommends that the Security Community use appropriate due diligence in evaluating any threat actor claims regarding legitimate data sources. Given the nature of the relationships between threat actor groups, proxy organizations and parsing of data, as shown above, enterprises, agencies and individuals are encouraged to be on high alert for espionage, infiltration, and impersonation. InfoArmor will continue to monitor this situation and provide further updates as pertinent information becomes available.

In equally embarassing news for Yahoo and CEO Marissa Mayer, leaks are making their way out about how little of a priority the company is said to have placed on the security of the many millions of people around the world who use Yahoo. Security simply took a back seat to profits, no matter how hard the security experts Yahoo hired fought.
Eric Gay/AP

KKR and Venado Oil and Gas are consolidating their assets in the Eagle Ford Shale region of South Texas and seek additional investments.

Both companies made the brief joint announcement on Thursday. Leaders of the respective companies both mentioned their goals of working together to acquire Eagle Ford assets with long-term value.
School dress codes have been getting more and more ridiculous over the years, with students  specifically girls  getting sent home or to the principal's office for wearing outfits that are "too provocative."

OK, that would make sense as the outfits were actually provocative, but often the outfits are within dress code and just deemed inappropriate because they are form-fitting or too short or whatever.
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Texas is known for our southern hospitality and for many it just come naturally - you treat others how you would want to be treated.

Regrettably, Dallas isn't living up to that reputation, according to the Independent. The online British publication gathered its top travel writers to ask them what city left the most sour taste in their mouth. Dallas was one of the cities named.

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Travel writer Simon Calder minced no words:

"Texas is a land apart, a big-hearted state with three warm and welcoming cities: Houston, Austin and San Antonio. But not Dallas."

He goes on to explain that he has visited several times, the first being in 1994, but every time he feels unwelcome. After all, he points out, his tourism is bringing income into the city.

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One commenter, blu_texas, noted at the bottom of the Independent article:

"Have you ever stopped to think that if all these cities seem so unfriendly that maybe it's not them, it's you? In my experience you get as good as you give. When you approach people in a friendly non-judgemental way, people treat you the same way. But when you go into a room with a chip on your shoulder, should you wonder why people don't embrace you? BTW, there's lots to do in Dallas, but you have to get in a car and move around. We aren't here to entertain you."

Yeah, bro. You're not helping Dallas' reputation with that comment.

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Another American city, Miami, landed on the list because of the "dead-eyed" service the writer experienced. He attributes it to the years of Spring Breakers taking over the city every springtime.

The other cities on the list included a few from Eastern Europe and one Asian capital. Click through the gallery above to see the full list and the travel writers' reasons for including them.
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Like many tech businesses, Automattic, the company that operates WordPress, the world's most popular blogging software, is headquartered in San Francisco. But the company's founder and creator, 32-year-old Matt Mullenweg, calls Houston home.

Mullenweg spent about eight years in California, where he turned WordPress, which he co-created at the age of 19, into a content management system now used by more than 60 million websites. Then he returned to the city where he was born and raised. Houston is now home base, though he often makes trips to San Francisco and New York City - he estimates that he traveled roughly 400,000 miles last year alone.

"I found I could get a lot of the benefits of San Francisco being there a few times a year, and I didn't feel like I needed to be there every day," Mullenweg said. "I missed my family and my friends and everything in Houston."

Mullenweg graduated from the Houston Independent School District's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in 2002. There, he studied music and jazz saxophone. In his teen years, he also began building websites. He decided to combine his love of music and tech skills.

More Information Timeline 2003 Matt Mullenweg creates WordPress with Mike Little. 2004 Mullenweg is offered a job with CNet and leaves school to take the job in San Francisco. 2005 Mullenweg leaves CNet and founds Automattic, the company behind WordPress. 2007 PC World lists Mullenweg as 16th of the 50 most important people on the web. 2011 Business Insider names Mullenweg one of the top 10 most influential people online for changing the face of the internet. See More Collapse

"Some of the first money I made was building websites for musicians around town," he said. Mullenweg said local jazz musicians such as David Caceres, Warren Sneed, Woody Witt and Kelly Dean were a few of his first clients.

Caceres also was one of Mullenweg's music teachers. He describes him as a "wunderkind" who always knew about the latest technology and always wore a smile on his face.

When Caceres said his computer started getting older, Mullenweg suggested that instead of purchasing a new one, he could help him build one.

Now, millions of musicians all over the world use WordPress to publish their own websites.

"And that's really cool, especially when it's folks who also went to (HS)PVA, like Robert Glasper, who's now won a couple of Grammys," Mullenweg said.

After graduating high school, Mullenweg attended the University of Houston, but his stint there was short. During his freshman year, he co-created WordPress with Mike Little. The two met online as they sought to improve upon an older blogging tool they both used. By the following year, Mullenweg was offered a job at CNet in San Francisco. He accepted and left school.

His father, a computer scientist, and mother, a stay-at-home mom, were a bit skeptical of the decision, wanting him to finish his education, but they were supportive, he said.

"I think that support is actually part of what has allowed me to take more risks in my life because I can sort of know I have that backstop," he said.

In 2005, a year after moving to San Francisco, Mullenweg left CNet to concentrate on WordPress full time. The same year, he founded Automattic, the development company behind WordPress and other web software.

"We have an office that's technically the headquarters in San Francisco, and there's about five to 10 people in the office on any given week, and the other 490 employees are all over the world and typically work from home," he said.

Since creating WordPress more than a decade ago, Mullenweg has been recognized often as an innovator. By 2007, PC World listed him 16th out of the 50 most important people on the web, and in 2011, Business Insider named him one of the top 10 most influential people online for changing the face of the internet.

To Mullenweg, innovation is the combination of two things that existed previously, but perhaps not together.

"The vast majority of what impacts our whole life is taking something and making it better or taking two things that didn't work together before and putting them together, like peanut butter and chocolate," he said. It's this view that helped him create WordPress. "I was taking many things that were out there before like open-source, publishing, blogging, everything, and putting them together."

The key to innovation is "relentless improvement," he said.

"It requires incredible dedication and perseverance and hard work and elbow grease to making innovations actually matter in the world," he said. "Otherwise, it's just an idea, and ideas are a dime a dozen."

When Mullenweg left Houston, he wasn't even old enough to get into a bar. Living here again, Mullenweg said he's enjoying experiencing the city as an adult, whether it's getting a cocktail at Julep or a meal at MF Sushi.

He said he'd like to be a benefactor to the arts and the culinary scene but has no ambitions or desires to open a restaurant.

"But if I could support someone who was, that would be great," he laughed.

Mullenweg, now a multimillionaire, credits his hometown with influencing his technological and creative endeavors.

"When you think of what open source is, it's a community coming together to create something and then giving it away to the rest of the community," he said. "Growing up, I saw so much of that in Houston."

Mullenweg is now giving back, making several contributions to nonprofit organizations, from the Alaska Wilderness League to The Innocence Project, according to his blog.

Another influence he drew from Houston was its diversity, a quality Mullenweg said he missed when he lived in San Francisco.

"I think that power and creativity comes from diversity," he said. "So having friends from all different walks of life who were at HSPVA, being surrounded by people who were passionate about things, all of that combined. The melting pot or the gumbo of Houston, I couldn't imagine growing up in a better place, and that's one of the things I love returning to."

Mullenweg noted that growing up in Houston, he attended all public schools, an experience for which he is grateful. He expressed his appreciation, too, for the city's police, firefighters - his best friend is a Houston firefighter - and teachers.

Caceres, who still sees Mullenweg, said that he's the same positive and humble guy he's always been.

"All the success hasn't seemed to have affected him at all," Caceres said. "You might just see him driving a fancier car."
Dateline: Canada

An employee of the Royal Canadian Mint is accused of stealing nearly $140,000 worth of gold by sticking it in his rectum and walking out. According to the Ottawa Citizen, 35-year-old Leston Lawrence of Barrhaven has been charged with theft, laundering the proceeds of crime, possession of stolen property and breach of trust. Prosecutors for the Crown allege that, on multiple occasions, Lawrence took small circular chunks of goldknown as pucksto Ottawa Gold Buyers in the Westgate Shopping Centre. The pucks weighed about 210 grams apiece, or just under half a pound. Lawrence was paid via check about $6,800, in Canadian dollars, for each one. He then deposited the checks at the Royal Bank in the same mall. One day a teller became suspicious at the size and number of Ottawa Gold Buyers checks being deposited, and of the clients request that the money be wired out of the country. When the teller noticed on Lawrences account profile that he worked at the Mint, the RCMP was called to investigate. Lawrences defense layer Gary Barnes described the Crowns case as appalling, saying it was based on an underwhelming collection of circumstantial evidence. This is the Royal Canadian Mint, your Honor, and one would think they should have the highest security measures imaginable, Barnes said in his closing submission earlier this month. And here the gold is left sitting around in open buckets? According to records, 18 gold pucks and dozens of gold coins were exchanged by Lawrence between Nov. 27, 2014, and March 12, 2015, totaling $CAD179,015 ($137,213). Lawrence reportedly set off the mints metal detector more than other employees, but regularly passed a second manual search with a hand-held wand. Investigators found a container of Vaseline in Lawrences employee locker and simply put two and two together. We do have compelling evidence, Crown attorney David Fiesen told the court, of someone secreting [gold] on his person and taking it out of the Mint. A security employee even went so far as to test the Vaseline, gold puck and anal cavity theoryproving that gold thus hidden could not be detected by the facilitys hand-held wands. Prosecutors also showed that the pucks Lawrence sold to the gold exchange precisely fit the Mints custom dipping spoon made in-house and not available commercially. Nonetheless, Lawrences attorney maintained his clients innocence, saying the gold he sold regularly could have been acquired from anywhere. Lawrence was fired from his job at the Mint earlier this year. Justice Peter Doody has until Nov. 9 to render his decision on the case.

Dateline: England

Police in Northumbria released a series of strange calls to their non-emergency 101 phone line including one from a man who complained to authorities that his ex-girlfriend was overfeeding their hamster. The man contacted Northumbria police to let them know his ex-girlfriend would not return the hamster in the wake of their breakup. I don't want to cause any trouble whatsoever, the man is heard saying on the recording. Shell not give it back because she says I look after it better than you. But its ended up looking like a fat little pig. The unnamed caller went on to call the hamsteralso unnamedhis pride and joy and said, I need him back now. He has only got a couple of years left in him because they only live so long, and I love him. After the calls were released, Northumbria Police Chief Supt. Patsalos told the Sunderland Echo, What we are trying to do is educate people about when it is appropriate to call the police and when it is appropriate to contact another organization. He did not clarify which organization should be contacted when youre ex-girlfriend is making your hamster fat.

Dateline: California

Security camera footage from a YMCA in Indio shows a burglar breaking into through the ceiling of the building and stealing money from a cash register unfortunately for the inattentive thief, it was play money from a toy cash register. The footage, captured on Sept. 10 at the YMCA Doris Mechanick Child Development Center and broadcast on KESQ-3, shows an as-yet-unidentified man dropping into the childrens playroom from the overhead ductwork system. The thief immediately targets what he clearly things is a real cash register. The blue and red plastic toy, however, was filled with fake cash and bogus coins. Authorities did not say how much fake money is missing. The YMCA said it is working to repair the ceiling and air conditioner damaged in the burglary.
A federal district judge in Houston Wednesday joined a majority of her colleagues nationwide in refusing to suppress evidence obtained during a 2015 FBI sting on a child pornography site, where all visitors were cloaked in anonymity on the dark web.

U.S. District Judge Melinda Harmon referenced her "sister courts" in ruling that Louis Clifford Smith, of Missouri City, could not suppress the agents' findings that they said traced to his computer because he did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy on his IP address.

The judge also found there were "exigent circumstances" for the FBI to proceed in its search, that children were endangered and they would miss the chance to catch site visitors who might conceal evidence.

The FBI's massive sting on a dark website called Playpen nabbed seven defendants locally. Agents first seized the site's server and got permission to keep it running and then obtained a search warrant to hack into visitors' computers to get them to reveal hundreds of users' IP addresses.

The case led to more than 135 indictments.

Nationally, federal district judges have denied supression motions in 20 cases and granted suppression in four for defendants caught in Operation Pacifier, according to Peter Carr, a Department of Justice spokesman.

In all, Carr said, five judges found the hacking warrant was properly authorized; another 15 judges ruled that although the search warrant was not properly issued, suppression is not warranted. In the meantime, an amendment to the criminal code effective in December will vastly expand the government's ability to combat cybercrime through hacking and surveillance.

Carr said the amended provision would clarify that, once the Fourth Amendment is satisfied, "a court will have venue to consider a warrant to identify criminals who are hiding behind anonymizing technologies."

Smith, a retired IT worker with the City of Houston, had pleaded guilty to receiving, accessing and possessing child pornography, but his attorney, Guy Womack, was able to withdraw Smith's guilty plea claiming he'd been ineffective as Smith's lawyer in not raising certain issues.

Womack later argued to suppress the evidence from the 2015 search that led agents to Smith's home. The judge denied the motion.

Defense attorneys have argued that because the search warrant was granted in Virginia and the FBI's hacking software was used there, then the searches executed at each visitor's home were beyond the scope of the warrant.

The government argued that it was urgent the agents act quickly given that known child victims were identified on the site.

Harmon, in the Southern District of Texas, was not swayed by the argument that she assess the constitutional question as a matter of geography. She ruled that the language in the search warrant, to cover an "activating computer--wherever located" was sufficient.

Most district judges hearing suppression motions related to Operation Pacifier have ruled that the FBI's hacking search did not amount to "exigent circumstances," said Colin Fieman, an assistant federal public defender in Washington, who is coordinating a working group of Operation Pacifier defense lawyers around the country.

Fieman said based on his current tabulations defendants in Washington, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Iowa and Colorado have won or partially won suppression motions although 20 other defendants have lost them. He anticipates the matter will be addressed on appeal.

"Frankly, there are so many problems with these cases, if they reach the court of appeals there are likely to be many reversals," Fieman said.
A lawyer who wore a German World War II uniform complete with Nazi emblems earlier this week when he went on a shooting rampage outside his southwest Houston condominium was once in a college fraternity founded by Jews.

Nathan DeSai was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu chapter at the University of Houston from 1990 to 1993, the fraternity's national office confirmed Wednesday.

"Since his graduation more than 23 years ago, we have no record of (DeSai) having any involvement with our organization," Andy Huston, the fraternity's executive director, said in a statement.

Police still have not identified a motive for DeSai's actions, Houston Police Capt. Dwayne Ready said. Preliminary autopsy reports show DeSai was struck by six bullets, he said.

RELATED: Several questions remain after mass shooting in SW Houston

Five guns in total were recovered, two from the scene - along with 2,600 rounds of ammunition - and three at DeSai's home, including two handguns and a rifle and an unknown number of rounds. Also recovered at his home were body armor, a gas mask and other items, Ready said.

Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city and its nine citizens who were wounded in Monday's shooting were "very, very fortunate" to avoid any loss of life.

According to their website, Sigma Alpha Mu was established in 1909 at the City College of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. But, it is now open to non-Jewish men as well.

"Some of us were Jewish and some of us weren't. It was a very diverse group of people," said Houston restaurateur Ian Rosenberg, a fraternity member with DeSai.

DeSai helped restart the Sigma Alpha Mu chapter at UH that had been closed since World War II sent so many college-age men into the military.

"Our group was able to convince the national chapter and remaining alumni to give us the money that was left in the fraternity's account," Rosenberg said.

Although it has been decades since their college years together, Rosenberg said he remembered DeSai - whom he knew as Niren - as being "incredibly outgoing."

"Our little group of misfits," Rosenberg recalled. "We got involved in the university and achieved success in fraternity competitions."

Collected memorabilia

Rosenberg did not know anything about the Nazi items DeSai allegedly had at the time of the shooting that injured nine people. He heard DeSai had been collecting military memorabilia, including that of the World War II era, for several years. He said the focus shouldn't be on whether DeSai was a Nazi sympathizer but on his shooting victims.

"Those peoples' lives have been impacted. It's a terrible thing that happened," Rosenberg said.

Huston said Sigma Alpha Mu no longer has a chapter at the University of Houston.

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Monday's tragic events in Houston and their families. We condemn this senseless act of violence," he said.

Turner said he had been assured by family members of the two most severely wounded victims that they were expected to recover. "Nine people were injured, but no one has lost their lives."

In discussing the shooting, the mayor pivoted to the same topic he discussed at length a week ago: The need for sufficient resources for public safety. He had discussed the issue when City Council cut its tax rate for the third year in a row to comply with the voter-approved revenue cap, which limits the annual growth of Houston's property tax collections.

"No city is immune and we are not immune from things that may happen in New York or Baltimore or anyplace else," Turner said. "We were fortunate here, but I'm going to say the same thing again: That we still need to make sure that we have the assets we need in order to confront any sort of incident of any kind."

The mayor has said he plans to ask voters to lift the revenue cap in November 2017. The cap, over the last three years, has saved the owner of a $200,000 home about $34 a year, and has prevented the city from collecting $220 million.

Police review actions

Interim police chief Martha Montalvo said she is preparing a detailed report showing what the department could have done better in responding to Monday's incident, but on Wednesday she did not identify anything her department would have done differently if it had more resources.

"I think the officers responded quickly, they responded efficiently and they contained it," she said.

Still, the mayor said Monday proved Houston is not immune to such active-shooter incidents, calling DeSai's fatigues and arsenal of weaponry and ammunition "disturbing."

"We shouldn't have to wait until, for example, some incident occurs and police officers lose their lives or other individuals lose their lives and then we are saying, 'But if we had had more,' " Turner said. "I am saying we need it now.

"You can't keep lowering the property tax rate because of this revenue cap and expect the city to be fully equipped with all the assets that are needed. Let's use this as a warning call to get better prepared. We've been fortunate, but let's not be naive."
A man suspected of killing two people and kidnapping another during a two-day crime spree through Texas had been deported to Mexico three times since 1996 and was living in the U.S. illegally, authorities said this week.

Juan Navarro Rios, 40, was arrested Tuesday night after he barricaded himself in an apartment complex in an Austin suburb and set fire to part of the building, according to police, who said they grabbed him as he tried to flee down a staircase. He is suspected of shooting and killing two motorists in the Dallas area, and kidnapping a landscape worker in Austin.

Immigration officials said Rios was a Mexican national who had been deported in 1996, 2009 and 2014 for a range of criminal offenses, according to the Associated Press. Police initially identified him as Silvestre Franco-Luviano, but a Dallas County sheriff's spokesperson later said he used at least eight aliases and that his real name was Juan Navarro Rios.

"This is an example of the worst of the worst that we go after on a daily basis," Hector Gomez, supervisory deputy marshal of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, told the Dallas Morning News.

Crimes committed by people who enter the U.S. illegally, in particular repeat deportees, has become a major political cause among many conservatives and others arguing for tougher border controls and more aggressive action to deport those with criminal records.

The anger reached a peak last year when an undocumented immigrant, a repeat felon who has been deported five times to Mexico, was charged with shooting Kate Steinle while she was walking on a busy pier in San Francisco with her father. The accused man, who claimed his gun fired by accident, is awaiting trial. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has championed the issue, accusing the Obama administration of fostering "deadly, non-enforcement policies that allow thousands of criminal aliens to freely roam our streets."

Authorities said they began searching for Navarro Rios on Sunday night, after he allegedly opened fire on cars in Dallas, killing 33-year-old Ruben Junior Moreno.

Later that night, police in Cedar Hill, Texas, a Dallas suburb, responded to reports that someone had fired on cars, injuring one person. Police said Navarro Rios then drove to a Texaco gas station in town, where he fatally shot Welton Betts, 44, and stole his car, forcing the man's wife out of the vehicle at gunpoint.

Police said Navarro Rios's next stop was Georgetown Texas, 30 miles north of Austin, where on Monday morning he kidnapped a man doing landscape work outside a Bealls department store, according to KXAN. Authorities found the victim unharmed later in the morning at a gas station a mile away, police said.

According to the Morning News, police received a tip that Navarro Rios was hiding out at his sister's apartment in Georgetown. On Tuesday, as police evacuated the apartment complex and deployed SWAT teams to the area, Navarro Rios set fire to his sister's unit and broke through the wall to the unit next door, the Morning News reported. Police arrested him as he fled the burning building.

"The flash bombs went off, you heard them hit the door really hard, you knew they were going in and the screen comes flying out as if he was going to jump out of the third floor, so he had nowhere to go and at that point he had to know that that was it," one witness told KXAN.

Navarro Rios is being held on a murder charge in Dallas County jail on a $250,000 bond, records show. Attorney information for Navarro Rios wasn't immediately available Thursday.

It's not clear when Navarro Rios first arrived in the U.S., but he was first deported to Mexico in 1996 for what immigration officials said was a felony conviction, according to the AP. Officials wouldn't say what the conviction was, but court records show that he was convicted of assault and hindering prosecution around that time, the AP reported.

In 2009, Navarro Rios tried to reenter the country through southeastern Texas and was immediately deported for falsely claiming he was a U.S. citizen, ICE officials said.

A short time later, he returned again and was convicted twice of vehicle burglary, once in 2010 and once in 2011, according to court records. He also has convictions in Texas for felony possession of a controlled substance and driving without a license, records show. Authorities located him in an Austin jail in 2011 and charged him with reentry after deportation, the Austin American-Statesman reported. He was deported for the third time in March 2014, after serving an eight-month sentence, officials said.

In his most recent deportation, Navarro Rios likely would have been marked "Priority 1 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a category reserved for repeat offenders, people convicted of violent crimes, and others deemed to pose a threat to national security.

Immigration rights advocates have criticized the Obama administration for deporting people in record numbers, while praising the White House for using executive orders to keep families and children of undocumented immigrants in the country.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Wednesday that Navarro Rios's arrest showed that the border was too porous.

"This is an indictment against the federal government's failure to police the border and another reason that Texas must continue to focus on border security," Patrick told the American-Statesman.

The brother of Ruben Junior Moreno, the first victim, said his brother had spent the evening watching a Dallas Cowboys game before he was fatally shot in the driver's seat of his Hummer on the shoulder of the highway. Carlos Moreno described his brother as funny and outgoing, saying he'd "give you the shirt off his back."

"For my brother's life to end in his own truck, it's not right, just to be sitting there for hours until they found him," Moreno told the Morning News. "It hurts, it really hurts."
In June, a Quebec man named Farid Benzenati arrived at his house in Montreal's east end to see a dog outside, wrestling with a large object. The dog was new to the Pointe-Aux-Trembles neighborhood, and Benzenati at first dismissed the tussle in the neighbor's backyard as playful. But then he saw human hair.

"It was hard to see, but I knew it was a woman's body," Benzenati told CBC. "I saw blood, and the dog was still attacking her."

Police found Benzenati's neighbor, 55-year-old Christiane Vadnais, mauled to death. Responders pronounced Vadnais dead at the scene. Officers shot and killed the animal, which they described as a pit bull.

Vadnais's family demanded a response. Serge Vadnais, her brother, asked the Quebec government to ban dangerous dog breeds: "As soon as possible, not in two years, now," he said in a June 11 interview with CBC. Since 2005, the nearby province of Ontario had banned pit bulls, and Quebec was also considering similar legislation.

At the time of Vadnais's death, the city of Montreal had also been mulling possible restrictions on "dangerous dogs," though it was unclear which breeds would be affected. The tragedy spurred the city to action. On Tuesday, the city council voted 37 to 23 in support of a bylaw put forth by the Montreal mayor's office.

It will be illegal for anyone to adopt or otherwise acquire a new pit bull in the city. If the pit bulls are not grandfathered in, they face euthanasia.

The new bylaw, which will go into effect Oct. 3, included rules about registering cats and large dogs. If Montreal residents wish to keep their current pit bull pets, they have until the end of 2016 to purchase a permit, which costs about $115 U.S.; the Montreal Gazette estimated this will impact owners of some 7,000 dogs.

Montreal's pit bulls must be vaccinated, sterilized and microchipped. In public, owners need to muzzle their pits, keeping them on a leash no longer than four feet.

"My duty as mayor of Montreal is making sure I am working for all Montrealers," said Denis Coderre, according to CBC. "And I am there to make sure they feel safe and that they are safe."

The law is an example of what is known as breed-specific legislation. Among laws that concern animals, these are some of the most disputed, with emotions running high on both sides of the debate. Supporters of such laws say the rules protect human lives from fatal attacks. Groups like Ban Pit Bulls and Dogs Bite endorse such bans by arguing pit bull breeds are genetically more dangerous than other dogs.

Benjamin Hart, a University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine professor emeritus, told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2013 that pit bulls are responsible for 60 percent of fatal dog maulings. It is "quite common for a pit bull to show no signs of aggression," he said, until the animal attacks. (A comparative study of dog breeds in the journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science concluded in 2005 that pit bull terriers were more aggressive than average toward unfamiliar dogs, but not unusually aggressive toward humans.)

The laws are condemned by those who say the rules are ineffective and unfairly target certain dogs based on appearance.

Both the American Bar Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association oppose breed-specific bans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially recommends against the legislation as well, citing too much uncertainty in dog-bite data to target a specific breed. The Obama administration echoed the CDC's position in 2013.

In Montreal, animal advocacy groups were swift to criticize the new bylaw. "There's no evidence that breed-specific laws reduce dog bites or attacks on people, and experts have found that no breed is more likely to bite than another," the Canadian branch of Humane Society International wrote in a statement. "In fact, no jurisdiction has been able to prove that public safety has been improved thanks to this kind of legislation."

On Wednesday, the Montreal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals filed a lawsuit against the city. It argued provisions in the bylaw run counter "to article 898.1 of the Civil Code of Quebec, which grants animals the status of sentient beings." The Montreal SPCA said earlier in September that, if legally forced to kill pit bulls, it would cease dog-control services in the city's boroughs.

The organization also warned the new rule is too vague in definition of a pit bull. The Montreal bylaw defined a pit bull as an American Staffordshire terrier, an American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, any mix of the listed breeds or any dog with the characteristics of these breeds. SPCA director Alanna Devine told the Canadian Press it was an "arbitrary looks-based category." A common criticism of breed-specific legislation is that a DNA test, not visual identification, is the best way to accurately determine a dog's breed or inheritance.

What type of dog killed Vadnais remains in question, three months later. The Humane Society International claimed in July that the dog's registration papers revealed the animal was a boxer, not a pit bull. Montreal police said Tuesday the results of a DNA analysis are pending.

--

Ben Guarino writes for The Washington Post's Morning Mix.
JUST IN: "Texas AG: Stop internet name control handover," by the Houston Chronicle's Mike Ward: "After Congress refused to do so in a spending bill, Texas and three other states have filed suit to stop federal officials from turning oversight of the internet over to an international organization in an move that critics say would endanger national security.

"Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt and Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced Thursday that they filed the suit in federal court in Galveston.

"The government's contract with ICANN is set to expire on Friday and the Obama Administration has announced that it plans to let ICANN become fully independent, Paxton said in a statement. As a result, "authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, and Iran will now have the ability to interfere with what should be a free and open internet," he said."

"Houston ISD takes front seat in push against recapture" by the Chronicle's Andrea Zelinski: "Houston took center stage before state lawmakers Wednesday as they mulled whether to change laws that allow the state to take money from one cash-strapped school district and give it to another.

"Forcing the high-poverty Houston Independent School District to make millions of dollars in so-called recapture payments to the state "is proof the system is broken," said Mike Lunceford, a HISD board member to a panel of state representatives.

"Houston voters are poised to vote in November whether to allow the state to recapture $162 million from the school district next year in a move that will amount to losing an estimated $1 billion to the state in four years, officials said.

"Should Houstonians reject sending the money to the state, the Texas Education Agency will have the power to pluck the highest-value commercial properties from the tax pool that pays into HISD and permanently assign the tax revenue to a poorer school system, officials said Wednesday."

Deal funds Zika, averts federal shutdown," by the Houston Chronicle's Kevin Diaz: "Facing a Friday deadline to avert a government shutdown, lawmakers on Wednesday scrambled through a flurry of votes to pass a stopgap funding measure with money to combat the Zika virus and provide flood relief in Louisiana and Texas.

"In a defeat for Sen. Ted Cruz, congressional leaders left out a politically charged measure to retain federal control of the internet's address system, an issue the Texas Republican has championed for months.

"The House passed the funding measure in a 342-85 vote, almost 24 hours after Speaker Paul Ryan and Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi struck a deal to provide $170 million for the lead-water crisis in Flint, Mich., the last major hurdle to a bipartisan funding agreement."

"Texas Lawmakers Criticize Border Surge For Moving Crime but Not Stopping It," by the Texas Tribune's Julian Aguilar: "The $800 million border security operation passed by state lawmakers has helped seal off parts of the state's southern border. But the surge has also made the rest of the area more of a hotbed for illegal activity, the state's top law enforcement officer told lawmakers on Wednesday.

"The assessment by Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw came during a House Homeland Security and Public Safety meeting in Brownsville, where Democrats hammered away at the DPS chief and questioned whether the buildup is successful is if it's not securing the entire 1,254-mile border.

"In 2015, lawmakers approved money to fund 250 more DPS officers on the border and to flood the area with cameras and other detection equipment to help stop illicit activity."

"Shooter with Nazi emblems once belonged to fraternity started as Jewish group." by the Chronicle's Mike Glenn and Mike Morris: "A lawyer who wore a German World War II uniform complete with Nazi emblems earlier this week when he went on a shooting rampage outside his southwest Houston condominium was once in a college fraternity founded by Jews.

"Nathan DeSai was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu chapter at the University of Houston from 1990 to 1993, the fraternity's national office confirmed Wednesday.

"Police still have not identified a motive for DeSai's actions, Houston Police Capt. Dwayne Ready said. Preliminary autopsy reports show DeSai was struck by six bullets, he said."

Quote of the Morning

"You can call us wrong, but don't call us weasels. We are not weasels" -- FBI Director James Comey, at a U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing, defending his agency over lingering questions about its handling the Hillary Clinton e-mail investigation.

Capitol Daybook

House

9 a.m.: Appropriations [E1.030], Public Education [E1.030]

10 a.m.

Pensions [University of Texas at Arlington]

Senate

10 a.m.

Property Tax Reform & Relief, Select [Houston Community College - West Loop Center]

Speed Read

Mayor says city 'fortunate' after this week's shooting, Houston Chronicle

Authorities: Suspect in Georgetown kidnapping was deported 3 times, Austin American-Statesman

Texit Forces Welcomed At A Russian Separatist Conference, Texas Monthly

EPA wants to remove toxic waste from San Jacinto River Superfund site, Houston Chronicle

OPEC deal could boost Houston drillers, economy, Houston Chronicle

Tomlinson: What's been shoring up oil prices: flimsy Saudi and Iranian words, Houston Chronicle

UT Regent Hall Appeals to Texas Supreme Court in Fight With Chancellor, Texas Tribune

Feds accuse popular midtown bar of discriminating against non-white patrons, Houston Chronicle

Astrodome parking lot typifies Houston's business genius, Houston Chronicle

Dems are Missing Their Chance to Give Obama His Transformational Legacy, Texas Observer

Adler fires back at transportation bond critics, Austin-American Statesman

Massive Texas District Isn't Big Enough for Either Candidate, AP

Democratic National Committee Expands Presence in Texas, Texas Tribune

Parkland Hospital slashes 300 jobs amid budget cuts, Dallas Morning News ($)

Race to the White House

"Will 'Saturday Night Live' take down Trump?" by Politico: "Monday night was live from Hofstra. Saturday night is live from New York.

"While Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton argue over who won Monday night's debate, inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the winner in the all-important satirical showdown is still being scripted. That's where the cast and crew of "Saturday Night Live" gathered Monday night to watch the debate. And it's where they're still sketching out portrayals that will shape how Americans see their presidential candidates.

"SNL, which timed the launch of its 42nd season for the weekend after the first Clinton-Trump clash, made one big reveal Wednesday: Actor Alec Baldwin will debut as Trump."

"Awkward questions for Clinton as Trump campaign airs husband's infidelities," by The Washington Post: "Hillary Clinton has wrestled with allegations surrounding her husband's infidelities for much of their 40-year marriage, including a sexual harassment lawsuit, a grand jury investigation and an impeachment vote centered on his untruthfulness about a relationship with a White House intern.

"Now, her Republican opponent Donald Trump and his surrogates have signaled that he may bring up the subject in the next presidential debate, treacherous territory, given his own infidelities and treatment of women.

"Clinton's friends say they have seen her deal with Bill Clinton's conduct before, bristling at threats and countering them with steely determination. Her reaction, said longtime Arkansas friend Jim Blair, is to face accusers and respond thusly: "These people are not going to run over us."

"Hillary Clinton Pounds Away at Donald Trump's Mysterious Tax Record" via Bloomberg: "Hillary Clinton is hammering Donald Trump over his tax record, sensing a chance to turn a successful debate encounter into a decisive campaign issue.

"With her Republican rival refusing to release his tax returns, she is filling in the blanks herself by offering up the least charitable interpretation: that the Republican has exploited the system to avoid paying taxes."

Hillary Clinton Struggles to Win Back Young Voters From Third Parties, New York Times

Trump Claims Google Suppressed Bad News About Hillary Clinton, BuzzFeed

Split Over Donald Trump and Cut Off by Culture Wars, Evangelicals Despair, The New York Times

Trump sets Oct. 11 for 2nd S.A. campaign visit, San Antonio Express-News

FBI director again defends integrity of Clinton email probe, Houston Chronicle
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.
Canada Welcomed a Record 320,932 New Immigrants Over the Past Year, With Immigration Numbers Set to Increase Even Further CIC News Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Increase in immigration numbers appears to be the largest in more than a century

More than 320,000 new permanent residents settled in Canada in the past year, the highest total number for many decades. In the period from July, 2015 to July, 2016, a total of 320,932 new immigrants landed in the country as permanent residents. That is an increase of more than one third over the previous year, when 240,844 immigrants came to Canada, representing the fastest growth in nearly three decades. Moreover, the government of Canada is planning to welcome even more newcomers over the coming years.

Statistics Canada (Statscan) revealed these latest figures this week in its annual population count. Though earlier data are not strictly comparable, the latest Canadian immigration numbers appear to be the largest in more than a century at least 1971, when comparable records began, according to Statscan.

Under the current data-gathering methodology, the previous record for new immigrants was set in 2009-2010, when 270,581 people arrived in Canada.

Where are new immigrants going?

According to the Statscan report, the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) are becoming more popular destinations than ever before. In the past year, 27.9 per cent of new immigrants settled in one of these provinces. Alberta, which received 57,384 people, ranked as the second most popular destination for newcomers of all the provinces. Manitoba (17,238) and Saskatchewan (15,006) also boosted their immigration numbers.

Ontario remained the most popular destination province, with 37.3 percent of all newcomers landing there. Meanwhile, Quebec welcomed 55,164 new immigrants, (17.1 percent of the total). More than half (54.4 percent) of all new immigrants to Canada landed in Ontario or Quebec.

Most provinces broke records

Not only did all provinces welcome more immigrants, six provinces actually took in record numbers of immigrants in 2015-16. In Eastern Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador (1,406), Nova Scotia (5,390), and New Brunswick (4,435) all took in record numbers, as did Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

British Columbia received 42,832 newcomers, while Prince Edward Island (2,008) and the Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, 512 in total) also continued to welcome new immigrants.

Significant reduction in processing times

In the 12-month period under review, processing times for all permanent residence programs together decreased by a massive 42 percent. The shortest average processing times are for applications submitted under one of the federal economic programs managed through the Express Entry selection system: the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class, and the Canadian Experience Class. Complete applications submitted under one of these programs are typically processed to in 3-5 months. Express Entry allows the government to select which individuals are able to submit an application through a federal economic program. As a result, the government can manage supply, and therefore reduce processing times.

In addition, the government continued to work through a backlog of applications that were submitted before Express Entry came into operation. It was also revealed that processing times on these applications were reduced.

Other reductions occurred in Quebec Skilled Worker application processing times, which are down by 28 percent year-over-year for the federal stage, as well as Family Class applications, which have seen an overall reduction in processing times of 15 percent.

The programs that come under Canadas Humanitarian immigration category saw a reduction in processing times of 38 percent. Canadas refugee settlement programs come under this category.

Reasons for the increase in immigration numbers

Express Entry and the backlog

Since Express Entry was first launched in January, 2015, the government has processed applications through the new system, in addition to working through a backlog of applications submitted before Express Entry came into operation. The period under review in the report runs from July, 2015 to July, 2016, and we know that far more newcomers who submitted applications through Express Entry landed in the second half of 2015 than the first half of 2015. Throughout 2016, the government has continued to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the pool.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Over the past year or two, Canadas Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have become more dynamic, with an increasing number of applications being submitted under these programs. When the government revealed its 2016 Immigration Plan in March, it set a target of up to 48,000 for new arrivals through the PNPs this year alone. Provincial governments have also been active in lobbying the federal government for larger allocations for the PNPs; Nova Scotia and British Columbia, in particular, have been successful in this regard.

Most provinces and territories have at least one PNP dedicated to attracting Express Entry candidates for immigration to Canada, with more categories being introduced on an ongoing basis. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination certificate through one of these enhances PNP categories benefit from quick processing times.

Syrian refugees

One of the first signature acts of Canadas new Liberal government was the arrival of Syrian refugees, which began in November, 2015. This spike in refugee immigrants partly explains the overall increase. At last count, Canada had welcomed 30,862 refugees, with thousands more still to be processed.

New government

The Liberal government of Canada, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has been vocal in its support of immigration and immigrants across all categories. The government has recognized that Canada faces demographic and labour challenges, and that immigration is an important part of solutions to these challenges. Moreover, the Liberal Party has traditionally embraced multiculturalism and is generally perceived as a pro-immigration party.

Government wants to substantially increase immigration

Over the summer months, Canadas Minister of Immigration, John McCallum, stated his intention to substantially increase the number of new immigrants to Canada in order to fill labour shortages and confront the demographic challenges of an aging population.

Speaking in August, 2016, McCallum said, Why not substantially increase the number of immigrants coming to Canada? The direction in which I would like to go is to increase substantially the number of immigrants.

Were going to reduce some of the barriers in our immigration system . . . we think it can be simplified. We think there are some rules which are no longer necessary, added McCallum.

The Liberal government, which took office less than one year ago, plans on unveiling its overall immigration strategy in the near future, with a three-year plan expected to be released in November of this year.

An optimistic vision for Canada

Though it is still relatively early days in the life of this government, its work on the immigration front has been positive. The government has approached immigration in a realistic way, while retaining an optimistic vision for the country, says Attorney David Cohen.

While other countries increasingly look inward from the world, Canada is actually going out there and laying out the welcome mat for an increasing number of newcomers from around the globe. This includes professionals, families, international graduates, relations of current Canadian permanent residents and citizens, and those fleeing hardship.

We can expect future figures to show not only that Canada is increasing immigration numbers, but ultimately that newcomers are building successful lives in Canada for themselves and their families. Canada has a government that is prepared to invest in the country, its people, and its immigrants.

To find out if you are eligible for immigration to Canada, please fill out a free online assessment today.

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During the 1960s and 1970s, the consensus in Western academic and intellectual institutions was very much on the left. Writers like Michel Foucault and Pierre Bourdieu shot to eminence by attacking the civilization they dismissed as bourgeois. The critical-theory writings of Jurgen Habermas achieved a dominant place in the curriculum in the social sciences, despite their stupefying tediousness. The rewriting of national history as a tale of class struggle, undertaken by Eric Hobsbawm in Britain and Howard Zinn in the United States, became a near-orthodoxy not only in university history departments but also in high schools. For us dissidents, it was a dispiriting time, and there was scarcely a morning when I did not wake up during those years, asking myself whether my teaching at the University of London was the right choice of career. Then came the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe, and I allowed myself to hope.

For a while, it looked as though an apology might be forthcoming from those who had devoted their intellectual and political efforts to whitewashing the crimes of the Soviet Union or praising the peoples republics of China and Vietnam. But the moment proved short-lived. Within a decade, the Left establishment was back in the drivers seat, with Zinn and Noam Chomsky renewing their intemperate denunciations of America, the European Left regrouped against neoliberalism (the new name for the free economy) as though this had been the trouble all along, Habermas and Ronald Dworkin collecting prestigious prizes for their barely readable defenses of ruling leftist platitudes, and the veteran Marxist Hobsbawm rewarded for a lifetime of unswerving loyalty to the Soviet Union by his appointment as Companion of Honour to the Queen.

True, the enemy was no longer described as before: the Marxist template did not easily fit the new conditions, and it seemed a trifle foolish to champion the cause of the working class, when its last members were joining the ranks of the unemployable or the self-employed. But one thing remained unchanged in the wake of Communisms collapse: the conviction that it was unacceptable to be on the right. You might have doubts about certain leftist doctrines or policies; you might entertain the thought that this or that leftist thinker or politician had made mistakes. But that was as far as self-criticism could go; by contrast, merely to entertain a right-wing thought was to place yourself in the devils camp.

Thus, within a couple of years, the Manichaean vision of modern politics, as a fight to the death between the good Left and the evil Right, returned to its dominant position. Assuring the world that they had never really been taken in by Communist propaganda, leftist thinkers renewed their attacks on Western civilization and its neoliberal economics as the principal threat to humanity in a globalized world. The term right-wing has remained as much a term of abuse today as it was before the fall of the Berlin Wall, and leftist attitudes have adapted themselves to the new conditions with little moderation of their oppositional zeal.

There has, however, been one important change. A new kind of leftist thinker has emergedone who clothes his revolutionary zeal in a layer of irony, half-dismissing his own impractical idealism as though speaking through the face paint of a clown. If you set out to study in a humanities department at an American university, it wont be long before you come across the name of Slavoj Zizek, the philosopher who grew up in the comparatively mild regime of Communist Yugoslavia, qualified as a dissident during the declining years of Communism in his native Slovenia, but is now making waves as a radical critic of the West, though one whose tongue is always in his cheek.

It is proof of the Yugoslav regimes leniency that Zizek was able to spend time in Paris during the early 1980s. There, he came across the psychoanalyst Jacques-Alain Miller, whose seminar he attended and who also became Zizeks analyst. Miller is the son-in-law of Jacques Lacan, the unscrupulous power-maniac whom Raymond Tallis has described as the shrink from Hell, and it is an unfortunate price to pay for the endeavor to understand Zizek that you have to engage with Lacan, too.

Lacans collected Ecrits, published in 1966, were one of the sources drawn upon by the student revolutionaries in May 1968. Thirty-four volumes of his seminars followed, published by his disciples and subsequently translated into English, or at least into a language that resembles English as closely as the original resembles French. The influence of these seminars is one of the deep mysteries of modern intellectual life. Their garbled regurgitation of theories that Lacan neither explored nor understood is, for sheer intellectual effrontery, without parallel in recent literature. Unexplained technicalities, excerpted from set theory, particle physics, linguistics, topology, and whatever else might seem to confer power on the wizard who conjures with them, are used to prove such spectacular theorems as that the erectile penis in bourgeois conditions is equal to the square root of minus one or that you do not (until worked on by Lacan) ex-sist.

Another Lacanian conceptthat of the big Otheris crucial to understanding Zizek. Following the famous lectures on Hegel by Alexandre Kojeve, delivered at the Institut des Hautes Etudes before World War II and attended by everybody who was anybody in the Parisian literary world (Lacan included), the idea of the Other became a fixture in French philosophical writing. The great and subtle argument of Hegels Phenomenology of Spirit, to the effect that we attain self-consciousness and freedom through the recognition of the Other, has been recycled again and again by those who attended Kojeves lectures. You find it in Jean-Paul Sartre, Emmanuel Levinas, and Georges Bataille. And you find it, horribly garbled, in Lacan.

For Lacan, the big Other (capital A for Autre) is the challenge presented to the self by the not-self. This big Other haunts the perceived world with the thought of a dominating and controlling powera power that we both seek and flee from. There is also the little other (lowercase a for autre), who is not really distinct from the self but is the thing seen in the mirror during that stage of development that Lacan calls the mirror stage, when the infant supposedly catches sight of himself in the glass and says Aha! That is the point of recognition, when the infant first encounters the object = a, which, in some way that I find impossible to decipher, indicates both desire and its absence.

The mirror stage provides the infant with an illusory (and brief) idea of the self, as an all-powerful other in the world of others. But this self is soon to be crushed by the big Other, a character based on the good-breast/bad-breast, good-cop/bad-cop scenario invented by psychoanalyst Melanie Klein. In the course of expounding the tragic aftermath of this encounter, Lacan comes up with astounding apercus, often repeated without explanation by his disciples, as though they have changed the course of intellectual history. One in particular is constantly repeated: there is no sexual relation, an interesting observation from a serial seducer, from whom no women, not even his own analysands, were safe.

In addition, Lacan is credited with the view that the subject does not exist beyond the mirror stage until brought into being by an act of subjectivization. You become a self-conscious subject by taking possession of your world and incorporating its otherness into your self. In this way, you begin to ex-sistto exist outwardly, in a community of others.

Lacans ruminations on the Other appear constantly in Zizeks writings, which offer proof of one feature in which the Communist system had the edge on its Western rivals: they are the products of a seriously educated mind. Zizek writes perceptively of art, literature, cinema, and music, and when he is considering the events of the daybe it American presidential elections or Islamist extremism in the Middle Easthe always has something interesting and challenging to say. He has learned Marxism not as a flamboyant pursuit of an academic leisure class but as an attempt to discover the truth about our world. He has studied Hegel in depth, and in what are surely his two most sustained pieces of writingThe Sublime Object of Ideology (1989) and Part I of The Ticklish Subject (1999)he shows how to apply this study to the confused times in which we live. He has responded to the poetry of Hegel as well as to the metaphysics, and he has retained the Hegelian longing for a total perspective, in which being and nothingness, affirmation and negation, are brought into relation and reconciled.

If he had stayed in Slovenia, and if Slovenia had stayed Communist, Zizek would not have been the nuisance he has since become. Indeed, the release of Zizek into the world of Western scholarship could almost suffice to make one regret the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe. By seizing on Lacans psychoanalytic vision as the transcendental ground for his new socialist philosophy, Zizek raises the level of excitement beyond anything achieved by the dreary socialists who are the normal product of the Western academy. And his slick, all-inclusive style offers constant hints of persuasive argument. He can sometimes be read with ease for pages at a time, with a full sense that he is sharing matters that could form an understanding between himself and his reader. At the same time, he passes quickly over outrageous statements that seem, at first, to be slips of the pen but that the reader discovers, in time, to be the true content of his message.

As an indication of Zizeks style, here are some of the topics touched on in three consecutive pages, chosen more or less at random, from his engaging 2008 book In Defense of Lost Causes: the Turin shroud; the Koran and the scientific worldview; the Tao of physics; secular humanism; Lacans theory of fatherhood; truth in politics; capitalism and science; Hegel on art and religion; postmodernity and the end of grand narratives; psychoanalysis and modernity; solipsism and cyberspace; masturbation; Hegel and objective spirit; Richard Rortys pragmatism; and is there or is there not a big Other?

The machine-gun rattle of topics and concepts makes it easy for Zizek to slip in his little pellets of poison, which the reader, nodding in time to the rhythm of the prose, might easily swallow unnoticed. Thus, we are not to reject terror in toto but to re-invent it; we must recognize that the problem with Hitler, and with Stalin, too, is that they were not violent enough; we should accept Maos cosmic perspective and read the Cultural Revolution as a positive event. Rather than criticizing Stalinism as immoral, we should praise it for its humanity, since it rescued the Soviet experiment from biopolitics; besides, Stalinism is not immoral but too moral, since it relied on the figure of the big Other, which, as all Lacanians know, is the primordial mistake of the moralist. We must also recognize that the dictatorship of the proletariat is the only true choice today.

Zizeks defense of terror and violence, his call for a new Party organized on Leninist principles, his celebration of Maos Cultural Revolution, the countless deaths notwithstanding and, indeed, lauded as part of the meaning of a politics of actionall this might have served to discredit Zizek among more moderate left-wing readers, were it not for the fact that it is never possible to be sure that he is serious. Maybe he is laughingnot only at himself and his readers but at an academic establishment that can seriously include Zizek alongside Kant and Hegel on the philosophy curriculum, with a Journal of Zizek Studies now in its fourth year of publication. Maybe he is cheering us all on in a holiday from thinking, scoffing at the idiots who imagine that there is anything else to be done with thinking than to escape from it:

Here, however, one should avoid the fatal trap of conceiving the subject as the act, the gesture, which intervenes afterwards in order to fill in the ontological gap, and insist on the irreducible vicious cycle of subjectivity: the wound is healed only by the spear which smote it, that is, the subject is the very gap filled in by the gesture of subjectivization (which, in Laclau, establishes a new hegemony; which, in Ranciere, gives voice to the part no part; which, in Badiou, assumes fidelity to the Truth-Event; etc.). In short, the Lacanian answer to the question asked (and answered in a negative way) by such different philosophers as Althusser, Derrida and BadiouCan the gap, the opening, the Void which precedes the gesture of subjectivization, still be called subject?is an emphatic Yes!the subject is both at the same time, the ontological gap (the night of the world, the madness of radical self-withdrawal) as well as the gesture of subjectivization which, by means of a short circuit between the Universal and the Particular, heals the wound of this gap (in Lacanese: the gesture of the Master which establishes a new harmony). Subjectivity is a name for this irreducible circularity, for a power which does not fight an external resisting force (say, the inertia of the given substantial order), but an obstacle that is absolutely inherent, which ultimately is the subject itself. In other words the subjects very endeavor to fill in the gap retroactively sustains and generates this gap.

Notice the sudden intrusion into the logorrhea of a long italicized sentence, no clearer than any others, as though Zizek had paused to draw a conclusion before passing exultantly to the next half-formed conception.

The passage is part of a contribution to the Lacanian theory of subjectivization. But its main import is to bring home to the reader that, whatever might be said by the other purveyors of fashionable nonsense, Zizek has said it, too, and that all truths, all insights, all useful nuggets of leftist nonsense, are tributaries flowing into the unstanchable flood of his all-comprehending negativity. The prose is an invitation: you the reader should plunge in, so as to be washed clean of the taint of reasoned argument and to enjoy, at last, the refreshing waters of the mind, which flow from topic to topic and from place to place unimpeded by realities, always flowing to the left.

Zizek publishes at the rate of two or three books a year. He writes at an ironical distance from himself, aware that acceptance is obtainable in no other way. But he is also concerned to undermine the superficial plausibility of the consumerist society that has replaced the old order of Communist Yugoslavia and to discover the deep spiritual cause of its ailments. When he is not writing allusively, jumping like a grasshopper from topic to topic, he is trying to unmask what he sees as the self-deceptions of the global capitalist order. Like his other master, the far-left French philosopher Alain Badiou, he fails to provide a clear alternative. But absent a clear alternative, an unclear alternativeeven a purely imaginary onewill do, whatever the consequences. As he puts it, using Badious language: Better a disaster of fidelity to the Event than a non-being of indifference towards the Event. (The Event being the always longed-for, and always postponed, Revolution.)

To summarize Zizeks position is not easy: he slips between philosophical and psychoanalytical ways of arguing and is spellbound by Lacans gnomic utterances. He is a lover of paradox and believes strongly in what Hegel called the labor of the negative, though following Lacan in taking negation to its extreme pointnot simply as a way of setting limits to a concept but as a way of ruling it out. We become self-conscious by an act of total negation: by learning that there is no subject. Instead of the subject, there is the act of subjectivization, which is a defense against the subjecta way in which I prevent myself from become a substance, an identity, a center of being. The subject does not exist before subjectivization. But through subjectivization, I read myself back into the condition that preceded my self-awareness. I am what I become, and I become what I am by filling the void of my past.

For Zizek, as for Lacan, there is the little other, which appears as the object of fantasy, and also of desire; and the big Other, the mother imago, which dominates the growing child, the authority-bringing order, the consistent, closed totality to which we aspire but that always eludes us, since there is no big Other. As with the subject, so with the objectit doesnt exist, and nonexistence is its way of existing. This is the aspect of Lacan that Zizek finds most excitingthe magic wand that conjures visions and promptly waves them to nothingness.

Zizek uses this mystical vision to take shortcuts to many of his surprising conclusions. It is because Stalinism relies on the figure of the big Other that it is too morala nice excuse that nobody is in a position to refute. Democracy is no solution because, though it implies a barred big Other, as Jacques-Alain Miller has apparently shown, there is another big Otherthe procedural big Other of electoral rules, which have to be obeyed, whatever the result.

But perhaps the real danger is populism, in which the big Other returns in the guise of the People. Or is it okay to invoke the People, if you do so in the spirit of Robespierre, whose invocation of Virtue redeems the virtual content of terror from its actualization? There is no knowing, but who cares? Certainly not Zizek, who takes refuge behind the skirts of the big Other whenever the little others come with their irritating questions. In this way, he can defend himself from the antitotalitarians, whose thoughts are a worthless sophistic exercise, a pseudo-theorization of the lowest opportunist survivalist fears and instinctslanguage that has all the authenticity of those Newspeak denunciations that composed the editorials of Pravda, Rude Pravo, and the Slovenian Delo in the days of Zizeks youth.

From Lacan, Zizek also takes the idea that mental processes fall into three distinct categories: fantasy, symbol, and the reaching for the Real. Desire comes through fantasy, which proposes both the object = a (the objet petit a), and the first subjectivization: the mirror stage, in which desire (and its lack) enter the infant psyche. The notion of fantasy is connected with that key term of Lacanian analysisa term that incidentally entered and dominated French literary theory under the influence of Roland Barthesnamely, jouissance, Lacans substitute for the Freudian pleasure principle. Fantasies enter our lives and persist because they bring enjoyment, and they are revealed in symptoms, those irrational-seeming fragments of behavior through which the psyche protects its achieved terrain of enjoyment from the threatening realities of the world beyondfrom the unvisitable world of the Real.

This thought gives rise to a spectacular emendation to Freuds idea of the superego, expressed in terms that unite Kant with the Marquis de Sade:

It is a commonplace of Lacanian theory to emphasize how [the] Kantian moral imperative conceals an obscene superego injunction: Enjoy!the voice of the Other impelling us to follow our duty for the sake of duty is a traumatic irruption of an appeal to impossible jouissance, disrupting the homeostasis of the pleasure principle and its prolongation, the reality principle. This is why Lacan conceives Sade as the truth of Kant.

Having pushed the nonsense machine this far, so as to identify Kant and Sade, and thereby to dismiss as a kind of obscenity the Enlightenment morality by which Western society has tried for two centuries to anchor itself, Zizek is able to offer a new theory of ideology, one that renews the Marxist critique of capitalism.

Ideology, in the classical Marxist analysis, is understood in functional terms, as the system of illusions through which power achieves legitimacy. Marxism offers a scientific diagnosis of ideology, reducing it to a symptom, showing how things really are behind the fetishes. By doing so, it opens our eyes to the truth: we see exploitation and injustice where previously we had seen contract and free exchange. The illusory screen of commodities, in which relations between people appear as the law-like motion of things, crumbles before us and reveals the human reality: stark, unadorned, and changeable. In short, by tearing away the veil of ideology, we prepare the way for revolution.

But in that case, Zizek reasonably asks, why has the revolution not come? Why is it that capitalism, achieving this consciousness of itself, continues to assert its ever-growing dominion, sucking more and more of human life into the maelstrom of commodity consumption? Zizeks answer is that ideology is renewed through fantasy. We cling to the world of commodities as the scene of our deeper jouissance, and we shun the reality beyond, the Real that refuses to be known. We come to understand ideology not as serving the capitalist economy but as serving itselfit is enjoyable for its own sake, in the way that art and music are.

Ideology becomes a toy in our handswe both accept it and laugh at it, knowing that everything has its price in our world of illusions but that nothing of value will ever appear there. This, at least, is how I read remarks like this one, which is about as clear as Zizek gets on the topic:

Why must this inversion of the relation of aim and means remain hidden, why is its revelation self-defeating? Because it would reveal the enjoyment which is at work in ideology, in the ideological renunciation itself. In other words, it would reveal that ideology serves only its own purpose, that it does not serve anythingwhich is precisely the Lacanian definition of jouissance.

It is at this point, however, that clarity is imperative. Is Zizek telling us that the world of commodities and markets is with us to stay and that we must learn to make the best of it? What does it mean that he has arrived at his position by deploying those strange Lacanian categories that appear throughout his prose in lieu of foundations but that are themselves entirely foundationless? Is there a real argument here, one that might be convincing to a person who has not had the benefit of brainwashing by Jacques-Alain Miller? Almost always, at the critical juncture, when a clear argument is needed, Zizek takes refuge behind a rhetorical question, into which he packs all the mysterious incantations of the Lacanian liturgy:

Is not the paradoxical topology of the movement of capital, the fundamental blockage which resolves and reproduces itself through frenetic activity, excessive power as the very form of appearance of a fundamental impotencethis immediate passage, this coincidence of limit and excess, of lack and surplusprecisely that of the Lacanian objet petit a, of the leftover which embodies the fundamental, constitutive lack?

The syntactical pressure exerted by such rhetorical questions is directed toward the response: Of course, I should have known that already. The goal is to escape the real question, which is that of the meaning and foundation of the terms. I give another and spectacular example, since it is directly relevant to the theme:

Is not the ultimate domain of psychoanalysis the connection between the symbolic Law and desire? Is not the multitude of perverse satisfactions the very form in which the connection between Law and desire is realized? Is not the Lacanian division of the subject the division that concerns precisely the subjects relationship to the symbolic Law? Furthermore, is not the ultimate confirmation of this Lacans Kant avec Sade, which directly posits the Sadeian universe of morbid perversion as the truth of the most radical assertion of the moral weight of symbolic Law in human history (Kantian ethics)?

If you answered no to any of those questions, the response would be No? What on earth do you mean, no? For the real question is: What exactly do you mean?

But this brings me to the heart of Zizeks leftism. The Real, touched by Lacans magic wand, vanishes. It is the primary absence, the truth that is also castration. The wand waves away reality and thereby gives fresh life to the dream. It is in the world of dreams, therefore, that morality and politics are now to be implanted. What matters is not the discredited world of merely empirical events but the goings-on in the dream world, the world of the exalted intellectuals, for whom ideas and enthusiasms cancel mere realities.

Thus, in a singularly repulsive essay on Revolutionary Terror, Zizek praises the humanist terror of Robespierre and Saint-Just (as opposed to the anti-humanist, or rather inhuman, terror of the Nazis) not because it was particularly kind to its victims but because it expressed the utopian explosions of political imagination of its perpetrators. No matter that the terror led to the imprisonment of hundreds of thousands of innocent people and the deaths of as many more. The statistics are irrelevant, waved away by Lacans wand, reduced to the square root of minus onea purely imaginary number. What is relevant is the way in which, through speeches that Zizek would recognize to be self-vaunting bombast did his critical faculties not desert him in the face of a revolutionary hero, Robespierre redeemed the virtual content of terror from its actualisation.

In this way, for Zizek, thought cancels reality, when the thought is on the left. It matters less what you do than what you think you are doing, provided what you think you are doing has the ultimate goal of emancipationof egaliberte, as the Marxian theorist Etienne Balibar expresses it. The goal is not equality or liberty conceived in the qualified sense that you or I would understand those terms. It is absolute equality (with a bit of liberty thrown in, if you are lucky), which can, by its nature, be achieved only by an act of total destruction. To pursue this goal might also be to acknowledge its impossibilityis that not what all such total projects amount to? No matter. It is precisely the impossibility of utopia that fastens us to it: nothing can sully the absolute purity of what will never be tested.

We should not be surprised, therefore, when Zizek writes that the thin difference between the Stalinist gulag and the Nazi annihilation camp was also, at that moment, the difference between civilization and barbarism. His only interest is in the state of mind of the perpetrators: Were they moved, in however oblique a manner, by utopian enthusiasms, or were they moved, on the contrary, by some discredited attachment? If you step back from Zizeks words, and ask yourself just where the line between civilization and barbarism lay, at the time when the rival sets of death camps were competing over their body counts, you would surely put Communist Russia and Nazi Germany on one side of the line, and a few other placesBritain and America, for instanceon the other. To Zizek, that would be an outrage, a betrayal, a pathetic refusal to see what is really at stake. For what matters is what people say, not what they do, and what they say is redeemed by their theories, however stupidly or carelessly pursued, and with whatever disregard for real people. We rescue the virtual from the actual through our words, and the deeds have nothing to do with it.

Reading Zizek, I am reminded of a visit I once made to the cemetery of Devichye Pole in Moscow, in the days of Gorbachev. My guide, a dissident intellectual not unlike Zizek in appearance and manner, took me to the grave of Khrushchev, on which stood a monument designed by Ernst Neizvestny. The sculptor had been singled out for particular denunciation by Khrushchev, when, following a visit to an exhibition of modernist art, the Soviet leader had decided to attack the entire artistic community. My guide regarded this particular tantrum of Khrushchevs far more seriously than his destruction of 25,000 churches and found nothing wrong in his burial here, in what was once consecrated ground.

The monument shows Khrushchevs head, mounted on two intersecting trunks of stone, one black, one white, symbolizing the contradictions in the leaders character. After all, my guide insisted, it was he who denounced Stalin and showed himself thereby to be the friend of the intellectuals, just as it was he who denounced artistic modernism, and so declared himself to be the enemy of the intellectuals. It was brought painfully home to me that the Russian people have counted for nothing in the intellectual history of Russian Communism, either in the minds of its champions or in the minds of its critics, for whom the entire modern period has been a kind of dialogueconducted at the top of the voice and with every available weaponbetween the Party and the intelligentsia. Millions of serfs have gone silently to the grave simply to illustrate some intellectual conclusion and to give to the arguments of power the decisive proof of anothers helpless suffering.

This discounting of reality reminds us of the crucial fact: that the goal of a supreme emancipation, which will also be the reign of total equality, is a matter of faith, not prediction. It expresses a religious need that cannot be discarded and that will survive all the evidence adduced toward its refutation. For a while, in the wake of 1989, it looked as if the Communist agenda had been defeated and that the evidence pointed to the rejection of the ideas that had enslaved the people of Eastern Europe since the war. But the nonsense machine was wheeled on to obliterate the shoots of rational argument, to cover everything in a mist of uncertainty, and to revive the idea that the real revolution has yet to come and that it will be a revolution in thought, an inner liberation, against which rational argument (mere bourgeois ideology) has no defense. The reign of nonsense buried the question of revolution so deeply beneath the possibility of rational inquiry that it could no longer be directly stated.

At the same time, the alchemists never ceased to propose revolution as the goal, the thing that was to be conjured from the darkness that their spells created. What exactly were they hoping for? Let us step back into the world of rational analysis, so as to notice that there are at least two kinds of revolution and that it is important, when we make an idol of this word, to ask ourselves which of the two we mean by it. There is the kind exemplified by the English Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the American Revolution of 1783, in which essentially law-abiding people attempt to define and protect their rights against usurpation. And then there is the kind exemplified by the French Revolution of 1789 and the Russian Revolution of 1917, in which one elite seizes power from another and then establishes itself by a reign of terror.

The difference between those two kinds of revolution is enormous and of vast significance to us, looking at the course of modern history. But Zizek and other postmodern leftists dismiss the distinction with a sneer. For them, the English and American Revolutions did not scintillate in the imagination of exultant intellectuals but merely pressed themselves into being through the needs of real people. Instead of examining what such revolutions achieved, whether it might not have been sufficient and, in any case, the best that can be hoped for, thinkers like Zizek prefer to bury themselves in scholastic disputes with fellow leftists, shifting blocks of formidable Newspeak around the sanctuary where the idol has been hidden.

Those who imagined, in 1989, that never again would an intellectual be caught defending the Leninist Party, or advocating the methods of Stalin, had reckoned without the overwhelming power of nonsense. In the urgent need to believe, to find a central mystery that is the true meaning of things and to which ones life can be dedicated, nonsense is much to be preferred to sense. For it builds a way of life around something that cannot be questioned. No reasoned assault is possible against what denies the possibility of a reasoned assault. And thus it is that utopia stepped again into the place vacated by theology, to erect its own mysterium tremendum et fascinans in the center of intellectual life. A new generation rediscovered the authentic voice of the proletariat, which speaks the language of the nonsense machine. And despite all the disappointments, they were reassured that the dictatorship of the proletariat remains an optionindeed, the only option. The proof of this is there in Zizeks prose; you have his word for it.

In Zizek, we find astonishing evidence of the fact that the Communist hypothesis, as Badiou calls it, will never go away. Notwithstanding Marxs attempt to present it as the conclusion of a science, the hypothesis cannot be put to the test and refuted. For it is not a prediction or, in any real sense, a hypothesis. It is a statement of faith in the unknowable. Zizek unhesitatingly adds his weight to every cause that is directed, in whatever way, against the established order of the Western democracies. He even sets himself against parliamentary democracy and has no qualms in advocating terror (suitably aestheticized) as part of his glamorous detachment. But his few empty invocations of the egalitarian alternative advance no further than the cliches of the French Revolution and are soon wrapped in Lacanian spells by way of shielding them from argument. When it comes to real politics, he writes as though negation is enough. Whether it be the Palestinian intifada, the IRA, the Venezuelan Chavistas, the French sans-papiers, or the Occupy movementwhatever the radical cause, it is the attack on the System that matters.

As in 1789, as in 1917, as in the Long March of Mao, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution, the work of destruction feeds on itself. Zizeks windbaggery serves one purpose: to turn attention away from the actual world, from real people, and from ordinary moral and political reasoning. It exists to promote a single and absolute cause, the cause that admits of no criticism and no compromise and that offers redemption to all who espouse it. And what is that cause? The answer is there on every page of Zizeks writings: Nothing.
We have to tackle the plague of gun violence, which is a big contributor to a lot of the problems that were seeing today, said Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton Monday night, in her answer to debate moderator Lester Holts question about bridging the nations racial divide. Republican candidate Donald Trump, using more Trumpian language, observed, We have a situation where we have our inner cities, African-Americans, Hispanics are living in hell because its so dangerous. You walk down the street, you get shot.

Academics, the media, political operatives, and even unengaged voters know how this discussion is supposed to go: the Democrat proposes gun-control measures, the Republican questions their effectiveness and constitutionality, and the Democrat equates opposition to the measures with tolerating continued violence. Not at this debate. Trump jumped in first, offering stop and frisk as a solution to the spiraling problem of inner-city violence. It worked very well in New York, he argued. It is the way to take the gun away from criminals that shouldnt be having it. Clinton parried by claiming that the policy is unconstitutional and ineffective. Its important, she said, not to go to things that sound good that did not really have the kind of impact that we would want.

Refusing to accept Trumps contention that the issue was caring about inner-city violence and taking guns away from gangs and people that use them, she countered: Who disagrees with keeping neighborhoods safe? But lets also add, no one should disagree about respecting the rights of young men who live in those neighborhoods. This demand to take other rights into account echoed President Obamas recent argument that not only the Bill of Rights but also the inalienable right to life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness was important and that we have to be able to balance themexcept that she was making exactly the opposite point. The right that concerned her wasnt young mens right to stay alive in dangerous neighborhoods but the right of freedom from unreasonable searches.

For Clinton and Obama, when the constitutional amendment at issue is the Fourth, it takes priority; when it is the Second, it must be carefully balanced. If a police officer thinks you look suspicious, your Fourth Amendment rights remain inviolate; if the FBI places you on a terror watch-list, your Second Amendment rights evaporate. Stop-and-frisk must end because it fails to deliver the kind of impact that we would want in Clintons words; but for gun-control measures, according to Obama, the standard should be that maybe we could try to stop one act of evil, one act of violence.

Neither side is likely to appreciate that comparison. Gun-control advocates reject judicial construction of the Second Amendment as a significant individual right. But what constitutes a reasonable search under the Fourth Amendment must be judicially constructed as well. Stop-question-and-frisk advocates insist that interactions with the police are a minor inconvenience, which is what gun-control advocates say about their own proposed restrictions. Both highlight studies showing the effectiveness of their strategy and the futility of the other.

Instead, both sides might do well to ask themselves: To what extent must individual rights be subordinated to addressing the crisis of gun violence? What standard of theoretical or empirical evidence should we require before deploying a policy? And why is it that the extent of our concern for infringement on a groups rights seems so closely correlated with the political support that we receive from that group?

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Bowalley Road Rules



The blogosphere tends to be a very noisy, and all-too-often a very abusive, place. I intend Bowalley Road to be a much quieter, and certainly a more respectful, place.

So, if you wish your comments to survive the moderation process, you will have to follow the Bowalley Road Rules.

These are based on two very simple principles:

Courtesy and Respect.

Comments which are defamatory, vituperative, snide or hurtful will be removed, and the commentators responsible permanently banned.

Anonymous comments will not be published. Real names are preferred. If this is not possible, however, commentators are asked to use a consistent pseudonym.

Comments which are thoughtful, witty, creative and stimulating will be most welcome, becoming a permanent part of the Bowalley Road discourse.

However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen.


More and more news sites are shutting down the troll-ridden comment sections on their articles, but my experience as co-founder of a religion website that helped pioneer these kinds of online comments makes me think the troll infestation didnt have to happen, and that news sites can and should preserve this valuable service.

We all know about the ugliness that has arisen as moderation has grown rarer. When FoxNews.com posted an article about Beau Bidens death last year, the following comments accumulated in a matter of minutes:

I wish this was Chelseas funeral. Lol

blah blah blah blah. One down, so many more to go!

I think this story is false: Dont you have to have a brain to get brain cancer

A Good Biden is a Dead Biden

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How did we get here? The site I started in 1999, Beliefnet, was one of the first to run reader comments attached to articles rather than in a separate forum area, as many sites did then. When we first offered this feature, it was met with some concern from our staff and outside writers. How would we get people to write for us if the authors knew theyd be subjected to immediate, in-their-face criticism? Wouldnt it dilute our authority to have people publicly declaring that our prose was shoddy or, since we were a religion site, an abomination unto the Lord?

Struggling to come up with traditional-media lingo to explain this digital innovation to colleagues, I initially called the comments instant letters to the editor. That helped the new format go down a bit easier.

But we also operated under the assumption that online community didnt just happen; it had to be cultivated. I dont just mean policing. Our community staffers (as well as those at other quality websites) were part police, part social workers, and part cruise directors, guiding the conversation, suggesting topics, and encouraging productive behavior.

It was fairly expensive and labor intensive. At one point, we had four paid staff and 80 volunteers just to moderate comments and encourage civil discussion. The results were spectacular: vivid, detailed personal testimonials and surprisingly reasoned polemics about religion. It was early proof that great content could be created by readers themselves.

Of course, we also had plenty of trolls, though they had not yet been so-named. We rode them hard. We had community standards requiring civility, and we actually enforced them.

Good community managers understand troll psychology. For instance, we found that if you banned a user, hed just come back with a new name, angrier than ever. Our staff ingeniously decided that instead of ejecting them, we would send them to special message boards where they could yell at each other as much as they wanted. We called these areas dialogue and debate boards. Sometimes they spurred fascinating discussions; at other times, they acted as rubber rooms for the unhinged. By segregating such users, we helped other areas of the sitesuch as our online support groupsfeel safer. The fulminators became like pigs rolling around in their own vitriol.

Over time, the idea of attaching comments to articles spread. Soon, technology improved so message boards could be moderated with less human effort. Evermoreresponsive flagging systems were developed, better filters caught profanity, and companies like Disqus started helping publishers empower visitors to vote comments up or down. It was considered another bit of digital-era magic: A combination of technology and the wisdom of crowds would bring order to the chaos.

Good community managers understand troll psychology. For instance, we found that if you banned a user, hed just come back with a new name, angrier than ever.

Except it didnt. Instead of using the new tools and algorithms to better empower community managers, some news sites cut back on the number of moderators to save money.

Perhaps they were susceptible to wishful thinking about the wisdom of crowds because it aligned with their desire to cut costs. Financially, message boards were considered low-revenue areas because they could not attract blue-chip advertisers (who were nervous about appearing amidst unregulated chatter). So it became hard to justify putting more staff resources into maintaining them.

Such non-moderation also could be rationalized as being more in sync with the freedom-of-speech ethos of the internet. But too often, with the cops and cruise directors gone, the trolls have taken over.

The primacy of comments on news sites has faded over the years as conversation has shifted to social media. But the move to Facebook and Twitter doesnt entirely solve the problem because many of the old pathologies have simply migrated over there. As long as news organizations want people to visit their websites and read articles, theyre going to need on-site ways of engaging them.

News outlets could actually maintain meaningful and informative comments sections if they took certain steps:

1) Devote real staff resources. Technology works better when overseen by a sufficient number of humans. Perhaps news organizations will determine its not worth the money to employ more moderators, but at least lets be honest about why online comments sections have failed: It wasnt because the trolls took over, but because we werent willing to put the money into making them work

2) Forbid anonymous posting. Most news sites do this anyway, and its amazing to see the self-incriminating sentences people will write alongside their real names and pictures. Still, its a first step.

3) Restore some selectivity. The First Amendment does not require news sites to publish every comment submitted; their websites are their property. If a madman came into the newsroom and started shouting about government spies hiding in his backpack, the security guard would escort him out. Theres nothing wrong with taking that approach in the newspapers public spaces, too. Set community standards and abide by them. Leave it to Reddit or Twitter to conduct the social experiment in how vile people can be if given enough freedom.

Ive come to think more news sites should institute prior-approval, as The New York Times mostly does. Yes, this would prompt cries of bias. But before the internet, newspapers routinely made editorial judgments about user generated content (a.k.a., letters to the editor). News organizations cant be so afraid of bias accusations that they surrender the right to exert judgment about quality.

People have plenty of places they can post their opinions without interference. Why not make news websites the places where readers have to show some level of thoughtfulness? We could have quasi-editorial standards relating to whether the person offers evidence or personal experiences for their conclusions, makes a novel point, or seems to understand his opponents arguments. Admit that the standard is subjective, and be transparent about how it was derived and implementedas the Times did in this brilliant quizbut stick to it.

This would not only raise the quality of the comments areas, it would make news websites different and more special than more free-wheeling social media areas. I have a friend who emails me every time the Times approves one of her comments. Its an accomplishment for her, akin to getting a letter to the editor published. She could easily write the same thing on Facebook, but the very fact that its so easy to do makes it seem less worthwhile.

In the short term, such measures might reduce pageviews, but I suspect they eventually will generate more traffic as comments areas became worth reading again.

Having vicious, slander-filled comment areas is not defensible for a news organization. Having no comment areas silences readers voices at a time when news organizations should be better engaging them. So why not try making comments a more curated, special, exclusive area. It has worked before.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Steven Waldman is founder of LifePosts.com, co-founder of Beliefnet, and a former newsmagazine journalist.
A battalion chief who had been considered a rising star in the Fire Department of New York was killed Tuesday when a row house exploded as he was supervising an evacuation following a report of a gas leak, and authorities are looking into whether the building was being used to grow marijuana.

Later Tuesday, investigators said they were questioning a person of interest but provided no details.

The two-story house and adjoining homes in the Bronx had already been emptied of occupants and fire personnel had been on the scene for an hour when the 7:30 a.m. blast jolted neighbors awake, tore off the buildings roof and hurled pieces of wood and brick into the street.

Michael Fahy, a 17-year fire department veteran and father of three, was directing operations from the street when he was hit by falling debris, authorities said.

It is a reminder of the dangers that our first responders face every day, the dangers that the men and women of the FDNY face and the bravery with which they do their job, Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio said after meeting with Fahys family at a hospital.

Police Commissioner James ONeill said that about two weeks ago police had received information about possible drug activity on the block. Part of the investigation into the explosion will include a probe of whether the home was a marijuana grow house, he said.

The cause of the blast hadnt been determined. But across the country, marijuana is often grown legally in enclosed spaces using propane gas that powers carbon dioxide generators to boost production. New York law enforcement authorities could not immediately say whether that might have been the setup in the Bronx house.

The force of the blast moved mugs in a cabinet several houses away, said resident Mary Lahti, who also had dust covering her furniture.

Fahy, who was promoted to chief in June 2012, had a doctorate from New York Law School. He got his undergraduate degree from New Yorks Binghamton University in 1994 and his masters degree at the Center for Homeland Defense and Securitys Naval Postgraduate School, according to education records.

He was on the rise; he was a star, fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said.

The commissioner said he was a contemporary of Fahys father, who had been a fire chief before his son.

Residents milled around in the aftermath: debris strewn on the street and covering parked cars; the former house a mangled heap of walls, wiring and twisted metal. Authorities said the house had renters, and they were looking into who they were.

The explosion felt like a bomb on my house, said Nicholas Kolotouros, who lives across the street. We got scared, and we jumped out of bed. We didnt know what it was.

Within minutes, police told him to leave his house, one of a lineup of two-story homes on a tree-lined street.

Lahti woke up around 6:30 a.m. smelling something odd, but I wasnt sure what it was, she said. It didnt smell like gas, really.

She went back to sleep. The explosion woke her up an hour later.

I thought it was a car that ran into the house, the way the house shook, she said. I was jolted out of bed.

When she looked out the window, she said, it was a lot of smoke, a lot of smoke. Hours later, occasional whiffs of smoke still floated over the neighborhood.

(Associated Press writers Kiley Armstrong and Ula Ilnytzky in New York and Michael Sisak in Philadelphia contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A federal judge has ruled that an insurance company is obligated to defend the ex-wife of serial political candidate Richard Korn in a defamation lawsuit he filed against her.

Liberty Mutual argued that a homeowners policy it issued to Magda Korn does not cover her against the defamation and negligence claims Richard Korn filed in state court.

In a ruling Tuesday, the judge disagreed.

The Korns divorced in May 2012.

According to documents filed by Liberty Mutual, the underlying complaint alleged that Ms. Korn took a portable hard drive from Mr. Korn s home a month after the divorce and provided it to the New Castle County Police Department, believing it contained child pornography. Police obtained a search warrant and seized Mr. Korn s personal computer, which contained more than 25 images of child pornography. Mr. Korn was arrested in 2013 and charged with 25 felony counts of dealing in child pornograhy, carrying a possible prison sentence of 50 to 625 years. He was acquitted by a judge who said prosecutors had not proven that he knew about the images.

Korn, who has run unsuccessfully for state auditor, county executive and state legislature, later sued his ex-wife, claiming she falsely accused him to try to gain leverage in divorce proceedings as well as alleging malicious prosecution, defamation, abuse of process, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

He claims loss of reputation, lost wages and earning capacity, severe mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of relationships with his minor daughters, expenses (medical, psychiatric and psychological), shame, embarrassment and personal humiliation. Korn seeks attorney s fees, consequential damages and punitive damages.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
According to the National Climate Assessment, a report released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, climate change increases the probability of heat waves, drought, heavy downpours, floods, hurricanes and creates more extreme winter storms.

With experts suggesting the most recent flooding in Louisiana, Texas and Iowa are symptoms of a broader issue resulting from climate change, there are insurance implications associated with the risk, according to Rod Taylor, environmental expert with Aon Risk Solutions.

In a podcast interview with Claims Journal, Taylor explained that a major impact of the recent damage resulting from extreme weather is that a majority of homeowners and businesses may not be insured for damage.

Powered by InsuranceJournal.tv

People often dont realize that homeowners insurance policies dont cover floods, said Taylor.

Thats because flood insurance is typically not offered in standard lines and consumers must purchase insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Taylor explained that government operated insurance programs arent typically run well financially. As a result, rates are not high enough to cover losses each year.

The flood insurance program has been a difficult problem for the U.S to address. Its not operated on an actuarially sound basis, so the rates arent high enough to cover the losses that occur every year, Taylor said.

Since Hurricane Katrina, the losses that the NFIP has sustained are around $24 billion in the aggregate, he said.

Local governments can also hinder flood insurance purchase simply by not endorsing flood mapping, because they think they are sparing residents from expensive flood insurance. For example, statistics suggest the East Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana sustained considerable flood damage; however, only about 6 percent of its residents had purchased flood insurance coverage.

Taylor said that many will remain uninsured for extreme weather-related damage unless major changes occur at the national level or insurers re-enter the market.

Many businesses can now expect to see higher flood premiums, larger flood deductibles and stricter underwriting standards.

As climate change continues to affect weather-related damages, there is a greater need for risk management strategy, Taylor said.

Historically, personal lines insurers avoided the risk in some areas because state governmental agencies refused to allow insurers to charge appropriate rates for the risk. Thats why government insurance programs developed, explained Taylor.

For example, in Florida, the largest insurer of windstorms is the state-owned insurance company called Citizens, Taylor said.

Because the rates charged for government programs are inadequate to pay the related-claims, the programs have to receive subsidies, sometimes paid through general taxes or surcharges on other insurance products sold in the state.

Insurers have offered insurance to cover extreme weather events for a long time, it just wasnt identified as climate change insurance, he said. Rather, its known as flood insurance, windstorm coverage and wildfire insurance. Commercial insurance is available for extreme weather risks in Florida, Texas and Louisiana, said Taylor. Insurers work with policyholders to make sure properties are as prepared as possible for extreme weather events.

The insurance industry is very much involved in this and lookingto be more involved if they can somehow convince local and state governments to make rates adequate they would participate in flood programs and windstorm programs even in high risk areas, Taylor said.

Businesses are paying attention to changes in climate and weather-driven events, he said.

Most commercial account customers receive expert assistance to evaluate hazards their businesses face. These experts can provide modeling to reveal vulnerability and provide assessments of the potential for direct physical loss as well as contingent losses. The models are then used to estimate severity and frequency of losses.

Once businesses are aware of the potential hazards they face, they then work to develop risk management tools to address risks and review insurance coverage and limits. Some strategies to manage risk include businesses relocating facilities out of flood zones and moving computer equipment located below grade to higher floors, Taylor said.
CountySite.JPG

Cuyahoga County's website was redesigned to make it easier for people to find information and services.

(Cuyahgoa County )

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cuyahoga County on Thursday unveiled a new website and brand: "Together we thrive."

The motto reflects that everyone is "working hard so everyone in the county is able to thrive," said County Executive Armond Budish.

Providing economic opportunities, fairness and equity, a government that gets results and jobs and job training "is critical to everything we do," he said. "And no one can do what's necessary alone."

What does the website include? The website has been redesigned to make it easier for residents, businesses and others to find what they need, said chief communications officer Eliza Wing.

Instead of letters from agency directors, pages will be more client-centric to lead people where they need to go, she said.

One page on the site is entitled "How Do I" and includes topics including Apply For, Find, Learn About, Request, Register, View, Report and Get Help For.

The redesign was done by the county's information technology and communications staff, Wing said. Officials looked at award-winning government sites, including those for Baltimore and San Diego.

The new site includes a blog, Cuyahoga County News Now, which includes news and information from departments and across the county.

All 272,000 pages on the website will eventually be redesigned, Wing said.

What was the former slogan? Under the county's first executive, Ed FitzGerald, the county was branded "One Cuyahoga."

"OneCuyahoga is about creating prosperity, increasing public safety, and providing the social services for those who need it," the site had said. "A new spirit of collaboration and cooperation in local governments is needed. By acting as ONE Cuyahoga and removing the jurisdictional rivalries and geographical and political barriers, we can adopt a unified approach to the challenges and opportunities that lie before us."

Who developed the brand? The new brand was developed by a Columbus-based communications firm that has been associated with Budish since he ran for county executive in 2014.

Precision New Media handled communications and media relations for Budish throughout his successful campaign.

The county, at Budish's request, awarded Precision a $19,250 contract two weeks after the election to advise Budish's transition team through mid-January.

In February 2015 the county's contracts and purchasing board approved a no-bid, $28,750 contract for "communication support services" with Precision through 2015.

Precision is now receiving $3,125 a month for six months to provide general communications advice and production and social media support, Wing said.
PREVIEW

"Full of Promise" by Eric Rippert

Maria Neil Art Project (15813 Waterloo Rd.)

On display until Oct. 16

This show can be seen during Walk All Over Waterloo on Oct. 7

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It's said that hindsight is 20/20. Eric Rippert's vision of nostalgia in "Full of Promise" is an honest one - often a bit blurry. Through the lens of the "American Dream" of the 1970s, Rippert's sifts through images from his own past and presents them alongside the idealism of pop culture icons and advertising.

"Promise" began when a box of photos from Rippert's childhood unexpectedly landed on his doorstep. He started pairing his childhood memories with those of '70s culture. The show runs until Oct. 16 at Maria Neil Art Project (15813 Waterloo Rd.) in Waterloo Arts District.

It's the Brady Bunch. It's ad clippings of families packed into a Winnebago. Even the haziest, dreamlike pieces of "Promise" aren't without their tongue-in-cheek, realist undercurrents. In spite of the bright colors and familiar faces, it can be discomforting, and at times, quietly sardonic.

Among his own photos were family celebrations and road trips, especially his father's Winnebago dealership where he worked in his youth. The RVs make appearances throughout the show.

"My dad sold these vehicles that have a promise that for two weeks every year, you can erase those other 50," says Rippert. "Maybe you didn't toss the ball with the kid in the backyard. All those times that maybe you had a slight pang of regret. If you take one of these for those two weeks, it makes up for it all. It takes care of your guilt."

There's a certain lifestyle associated with the Winnebago, Rippert notes, and it often means the tempered wanderlust of exploring and seeing the world from the comfort of a rolling box. It could be said that constraints are the theme of "Promise" - parents tied to a role they weren't quite prepared for and young people told to conform to a white-picket-fence, Brady-Bunch future. What could be more tempting than letting it all go to the lure of the open road?

Rippert began printing the photos on the type of wallpaper seen in '70s homes, giving the faded photos bold pops of patterned colors. The reaction to different types of paper led to many ads and photos becoming less than crystal clear, sometimes even bleeding.

Though it's most intensely personal, it maintains the distorted imagery Rippert typically employs, often with toys and figurines instead of real people.

"Part of this was to make that sort of 'fuzzy' memory appeal. In my earlier photographs, the subjects weren't identifiable as a specific object or person," says Rippert. "I think that allows viewers to come up with a narrative of their own."

When it came to using family photos, he took a more unobstructed approach.

"I think when I talk about this force-fed American dream, I believe that it was happening universally," says Rippert. "But then some images are more personal, and that's why they're sharper. I also started using more recognizable faces from pop culture, like Walter Matthau, or Elvis Presley, or Arthur Fonzarelli."

Certain pieces juxtapose both, such as a split "Disney Dream" that shows Rippert driving a toy car around a track as a kid next to a still of the iconic, apocalyptic closing scene of "Planet of the Apes." One is a memory of his big aspirations of wanting to be a race car driver when he grew up, the other the moment when Rippert recognized mortality.

Rippert also incorporates other mixed mediums, such as making photograms from his grandmother's afghans and a series of satirical trophies.

Another showcase in Maria Neil's annex takes more of a pop art-influence. Patterns of Winnebago camping scene illustrations were repeated and plastered against the two side walls of the snug space. Muted photos of Rippert on family vacation are blown up and hung against the back wall. In the middle is a blanket fort, the ultimate childhood hideaway. Tucked underneath the fort are cups with photos made with the assistance of the neighboring studio, Brick Ceramics.

The show marks Rippert's new representation by Maria Neil. In early 2017, the gallery will publish a retrospective of his work.

"Eric's work is so carefully thought out, so meticulously created and so process driven, he was the very first photographer we wanted to work with," says Maria Neil co-owner John Farina. "As he has evolved his style and process to become a visual artist working in many different media, it became clear to us that he should be one of the first artists for our gallery to represent."

Rippert says he's not one to find catharsis through art. Though he explores the American dream through those many forms of media in "Promise," he doesn't feel he's necessarily done.

"With other bodies of work, and how I've felt afterwards, I've known when they've come to an end," says Rippert. "To me, this is like chapter one. I feel like I'm ready for chapter two. How can I continue this saga further?"
PREVIEW

Female Entrepreneur Summit

Wednesday, Oct. 26; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

700 Beta Banquet and Conference Center (700 Beta Dr., Mayfield)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The fifth annual Female Entrepreneur Summit plans to serve up insight from seven of Cleveland's top women in food. The culinary ingenues will be dishing on their role as entrepreneurs during the final hour of the Cleveland Business Connects magazine event held on Oct. 26 at the 700 Beta Banquet and Conference Center. WKYC-TV reporter Dawn Kendrick will emcee.

To close out a day of learning, beer and wine pairings will be presented alongside hors d'oeuvres between 4 to 5 p.m.

Featured chefs will be Britt-Marie Culey, owner and executive pastry chef of Coquette Patisserie, Jill Vedaa, chef and owner of Salt, Beth Gantz, owner of Get Shelf Made, Antoinette Mathis, owner of Nina Lau'Rens Cakepops, Jean Petrus-Rivera, owner of Red Lotus Foods, Lisa Pucci Delgado, private chef at Personal Chef Services by LPD and Patricia Urcuyo, co-founder of PaleoMD.

"There are more women-owned businesses than ever before - yet, those businesses still only make up 36 percent of all U.S. ventures," says Culey, citing data released by the National Women's Business Council. "One important way we can catalyze this growth and momentum is by all sitting down in the same room, sharing our experiences, learning from each other and knowing that when we walk out, we will be stronger than when we walked in."

CBC hopes to bring that synergy to the conference. Throughout the day, there will be time for networking between classes on market, sales and technology, franchising, law, finance and leadership. Keynote speaker Cindy Monroe, president and CEO of Thirty-One Gifts, will offer remarks on the rise of her Ohio company. Women in attendance will receive additional guidance from the Minority Certification Center and the Access to Capital Center.

"I'm honored to be able to provide a platform for these women to showcase their culinary creations and to tell their stories as practitioners and entrepreneurs and business owners," says CBC Publisher and Contempo Communications President Renee DeLuca Dolan in a release. "We're always talking about our male chefs in Northeast Ohio, so here's our chance to showcase the females in this industry."
Amanda Knox

This image released by Netflix shows Amanda Knox in a scene from her self-titled documentary, premiering Friday, Sept. 30 on Netflix. (Netflix via AP)

(AP)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Amanda Knox stares into the camera, coolly contemplating how she became a figure of global fascination.



"I think people love monsters. And so when they get the chance, they want to see them. It's people projecting their fears," Knox says. "They want the reassurance that they know who the bad people are, and it's not them. So maybe that's what it is: We're all afraid, and fear makes people crazy."



Such is the provocative opening of "Amanda Knox," a documentary premiering Friday on Netflix that gives the participants of one of the most sensational trials of the century a chance to tell their story, straightforwardly, directly to the camera. For a case that often seemed like a horror movie played out in the nightly news, "Amanda Knox" allows the drama's main characters to step out from their media-crafted roles.



"We thought that a new way of adding a fresh perspective to the story was to look at it from the inside out and to get to the people at the center of the story and have them tell us what it was like to be embroiled in this whole story," says Rod Blackhurst, who directed the film with Brian McGinn.



The British student Meredith Kercher was murdered Nov. 1, 2007, in Peruga, Italy. Knox, Kercher's roommate and an American student studying abroad, and her Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were arrested and convicted of the murder. Knox was sentenced to 26 years in prison, Sollecito to 25.



Three years after Rudy Guede was convicted for the murder and sexual assault of Kercher, the convictions of Knox and Sollecito were overturned in 2011, allowing Knox to return home to Seattle after spending four years in jail. But she and Sollecito were tried again in 2014, again found guilty, only to finally be exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.



The case captivated the world with its grisly details (prosecutors claimed Kercher was killed in a bloody sex game), its attractive alleged murderer (dubbed "Foxy Noxy" by the tabloids) and its culture clash, which pitted a young American abroad against a quaint old Italian city.



"Amanda Knox," five years in the making, centers on interviews with Knox, Sollecito, the Italian prosecutor Giuliano Mignini and Nick Pisa, a freelance journalist for the Daily Mail.



The film soberly follows the case chronologically, eventually leading to the forensic evidence that helped lead to Knox's and Sollecito's exoneration. But in the years in between, prosecutors and tabloid press (with Pisa playing a significant role) formed radically different images of the pair.



"The power of narrative to embed these incredibly strong opinions no matter what side you're on is something we're seeing in every aspect of our daily lives now," says McGinn, pointing to the U.S. presidential election. "It's important to remember that all of these stories are much more tangled and complicated than we like to think of them."



The filmmakers, both in their 30s, first approached Knox in 2011 through a mutual friend shortly after her return to Seattle. It wasn't until two years later that Knox agreed to participate. Their appeal was based on giving Knox, Sollecito and Mignini a more unfiltered avenue in which to tell their stories, without sensational or headline-motivated interest. The film was viewed for each before it premiered earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival.



The filmmakers have watched as their documentary has ironically returned Knox to the media's spotlight. The Daily Mail, for example, published photographs -- the kind usually reserved for jet-setting movie stars -- of Knox and her current boyfriend, writer Christopher Robinson, with whom she lives in Seattle, arriving in Toronto. (Knox attended the premiere but didn't speak at it.)



"They all would like to move on from this," says Blackhurst. "Not only has it defined their lives for the better part of a decade, but it seems like they'll forever be trapped in this narrative that might have latched on to them for the rest of their lives."



Knox, in the film, considers the implications of her being turned into "a monster," and the implications it has for others.



"If I'm guilty, it means I am the ultimate figure to fear. On the other hand, if I'm innocent, it means everyone's vulnerable. And it's everyone's nightmare," Knox says. "Either I'm a psychopath in sheep's clothing or I am you."



By JAKE COYLE, AP Film Writer



___



Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP
dredging.jpeg

This dredging operation underway in the Cuyahoga River shipping channel in May 2015 was the second-to-last time the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged the six-mile channel.

(Tom Ondrey/Plain Dealer file photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The ArcelorMittal company said this week that the steel mill will suffer "catastrophic harm" if a federal judge doesn't immediately order the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Cuyahoga River shipping channel.

If the Army Corps fails to dredge this fall, the steel mill could be forced to curtail or shut down its blast furnaces without the raw materials necessary to make steel, the company's lawyers' said in a 17-page motion to intervene filed in U.S. District Court.

As sediment has built up in the shipping channel, cargo ships have been compelled to lighten their loads to prevent bottoming out or becoming stuck in the river. Due to the lighter loads, the steel mill's inventory of iron ore pellets has reached a critically low level, the motion said.

"Each passing day decreases the likelihood that ArcelorMittal will be able to recover from that inventory shortfall without having to curtail or idle its plant," the motion said.

A spokesman for the Army Corps said the agency would not comment on the ArcelorMittal motion, and referred a reporter to the Department of Justice, which is defending the agency in an ongoing federal lawsuit brought by the Ohio EPA and the Port of Cleveland.

The Army Corps is required by law to dredge the shipping channel and Cleveland Harbor to a depth of 23 feet to maintain marine commerce. But the Corps has failed to dredge this year - arguing it isn't necessary - while contesting the lawsuit.

Federal Judge Donald Nugent has not yet decided whether to order the Army Corps to dredge and dispose of the sediment in a lakefront containment dike. The Army Corps would prefer to dump the dredged sediment directly into Lake Erie, or that someone else pay to dispose of it in a dike.

Ohio's two U.S. Senators earlier this week wrote to Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy, demanding an end to the Army Corps' "irresponsible" decision not to dredge.

By refusing to dredge, the Army Corps is breaking an 80-year precedent of annual dredging, the senators said. As sediment builds up in the river, the shrinking shipping channel forces cargo ships to "light load," impeding commerce and threatening 18,000 workers who rely on the river for their livelihood, the senators said.

The Army Corps also deferred comment to Darcy, who did not respond to a request for comment.

Glen G. Nekvasil, vice president of the Lake Carriers' Association, said cargo ships carrying limestone have not yet been as severely affected by the shrinking shipping channel as the iron ore boats. But that may change if the channel isn't dredged, he said.

"This is going to come home to roost for everyone eventually," Nekvasil said.

ArcelorMittal is responsible for dredging around its docks, but it can't dredge until the Army Corps completes its work in the center of the shipping channel, said Port of Cleveland President and CEO Will Friedman.

In a typical year, the Army Corps would have dredged the six-mile channel in May, and begun a second dredging this month. An unusually dry spring and high lake levels have kept the shipping channel navigable.

Multiple requests for a response by the Army Corps to the precedence for not dredging the shipping channel for an entire year have gone unanswered.

Last year, Nugent ordered the Army Corps to dredge, stating: "the loss of even one to two feet of depth could result in economic losses to the area in excess of $2 billion annually."

Meanwhile, the same issues have arisen in the new lawsuit. ArcelorMittal said it cannot afford to "stand by and wait" for the litigants to resolve their differences.

"Immediate dredging is the only hope that ArcelorMittal has for sufficiently increasing the loads of vessels delivering the raw material to its facility in order to continue operating," the company said in its motion.

Iron ore cargo shipments on U.S.-flagged boats in the Great Lakes were 4.7 percent larger in August than a year ago, and up 4.8 percent over the past year, according to a Lake Carriers' Association report issued this week.

Limestone shipments for steel plants and construction projects in the Great Lakes in August were down by 6.4 percent compared to a year ago, and coal shipments fell by 17.1 percent compared to August 2015, the report said.

Individual reports are not kept for commerce in Cleveland, Nekvasil said.
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Case Western Reserve University will offer full-tuition scholarships to 10 students from New Orleans in 2017.

(Case Western Reserve University)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Case Western Reserve University will provide 10 full scholarships to students from New Orleans as part of a new partnership with the Posse Foundation, a national organization that increases college access to urban students.

CWRU said it had long has wanted to partner with the foundation but could not until it changed it financial aid practices.

After more than a year of discussion, the university decided to transition from "need-blind" to "need-aware" admissions beginning in the 2017 academic year.

Under need-blind, applicants are admitted based solely on their merits, irrespective of their ability to pay for tuition. Financial aid is awarded based only on financial need so some students cannot attend unless the institution provides additional grants or aid.

Under need-aware, or 'meet full need,' a college takes financial status into account when they decide whether or not to admit a student.

CWRU students had raised concerns that the move would affect racial and socio-economic diversity, according to the student newspaper, The Observer.

Vice President of Enrollment Management Rick Bischoff told students a partially need-aware admissions policy will allow CWRU to meet students' full need by ensuring that the university has enough money to provide lower income students with the financial aid they need, the newspaper said.

Last year, 25 percent of CWRU students had a gap between what they could afford and what CWRU provided in aid, he said.

For the 2015-2016 school year 66 colleges out of 1,100, including Kenyon College and Oberlin College, reported they were need-blind but met full financial need, according to data reported to U.S. News & World Report's annual survey.

Bischoff told students in 2015 the new need-aware policy will affect applicants considered for a waitlist, or about 10 percent of applicants.

CWRU has several scholarship opportunities, including full-tuition support, for first-year students from Cleveland and East Cleveland.

CWRU said the Posse partnership will enhance the diversity of incoming undergraduate classes.

"We are pleased by the gains we have made, but know we have much more work to do," Bischoff said in a statement about the program. "This new partnership with Posse represents an important step toward helping us achieve more of our goals for diversity and inclusion on campus."

About 60 colleges, including Denison University and Oberlin, are members of the Posse Foundation, which has chapters in Atlanta, the San Francisco area, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York and Washington.

CWRU will work with the foundation to recruit and select 10 students from New Orleans and offer four-year scholarships. Institutions annually enroll groups of 10 from a single city so that the scholars have a core group of peer support on campus.

It will cost the university about $456,000 a year to support the New Orleans students in the Posse program.
I-90 Crash

The left two lanes of I-90 West into downtown Cleveland were closed near the East 152nd Street exit Thursday morning due to a crash.

(Ohio Department of Transportation)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Thursday morning crash on Interstate 90 heavily delayed rush-hour traffic into downtown Cleveland.

The crash came just before 7 a.m. on I-90 West between the East 140th Street and East 152nd Street exits, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Update: The accident has been cleared.

Police closed the left two lanes of the highway as they worked to clear the wreckage, causing traffic delays back to East 305th Street in Willowick, according to ODOT.

Drivers heading into downtown from the northeast suburbs should expect delays or plan to take a different route.

cleveland.com will update this post when the accident has been cleared.
Argentina Anime

A person dressed as the scary clown from the movie "It" poses at a convention in Argentina. It's important to separate the horror-movie image of people dressed as clowns from professional clowns, said the president-elect of the World Clown Association. (AP Photo/Agustin Marcarian)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- While creepy clown sightings are freaking people out over a large swath of the United States, the phenomenon has not yet affected the professional clown community.

"It's not as big to us as it seems to be to the rest of the world," said Pam Moody, president-elect of the World Clown Association and professional clown for more than 20 years.

It might be too recent to tell if there are going to be negative effects though, she said.

Intimidating clowns have been sighted in more than a dozen states, including Arkansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Some have been arrested, accused of making threats, according to USA Today.

In Ohio, scary clowns have been spotted near Columbus and Dayton, but Thursday there was a short investigation by Akron police into social media rumors that a clown was going to attack Firestone High School. Police told the Akron Beacon Journal that there was no "credible threat." There have been multiple reports in the Akron area of suspicious clowns.

Last week a pair spotted walking around Norwalk in clown costumes were interviewed by police, according to the Norwalk Reflector. There were also recent reports in Ashtabula and Gates Mills.

Early in September, a 14-year-old boy in Columbus said he was chased by a man wearing a clown mask and carrying a knife, reported NBC News. There have been three recent Dayton-area sightings, including an incident with a woman chased near her apartment and another with children saying that they saw a clown running around in the nearby woods, according to the Dayton Daily News.

This is nothing in state law prohibiting a person wearing a mask in public, but chasing people or intimidating them could lead to other charges.

Moody said she thinks that people know professional clowns aren't running around scaring people. Rather, people are building on the scary image perpetuated by horror movies.

A recent season of "American Horror Story" featured a murderer dressed as a clown as one of the main villains, and a reboot of the movie "It," based on the Stephen King novel, is in the works.

Halloween nearing could contribute to the phenomenon, Moody said.

"Clowns are supposed to be lovable, funny people," she said. "These movies portray them as killers. For teenagers, it's been sensationalized as part of the movies."

She said in her years of clowning, she's encountered only one case of where a person had a deep-rooted fear of clowns. The scientific name for fear of clowns is coulrophobia.

Current president Randy Christensen posted a video to the World Clown Association Facebook page addressing the sightings. In it, he encourages members to go out and show the world a positive image of clowning.

Watch the video below.
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- The city prosecutor here said the 63-year-old father charged in his daughter's death "executed" the woman by shooting her twice in the head.

Prosecutor Michael O'Shea said during an arraignment hearing Thursday in Rocky River Municipal Court that authorities are not comfortable with Jamal Mansour being anywhere outside a jail cell. Mansour faces murder, felonious assault and domestic violence charges in the death of his 27-year-old daughter, Tahani Mansour.

"A guy that's willing to murder his own daughter, the gate is open to what else he might do," O'Shea said.

Judge Donna Congenti Fitzsimmons set Mansour's bond at $3 million on the murder charge and $1 million on the domestic violence charge.

She ordered him to turn over his passport, concealed carry license and ammunition. If Mansour is able to pay the bond, he would be placed on house and must stay away from members of his immediate family who were in the home at the time of the shooting.

The shooting happened about 1:15 a.m. Tuesday at the family's Vine Court home.

Mansour's son called 911 and reported his father had shot his sister in the upstairs bedroom. He told police his sister was unconscious and breathing, but was bloodied and twitching. Officers found Tahani Mansour had been shot twice, including once in the front of her head, police said.

Tahani Mansour was a clinical pharmacist at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, but she left the hospital system earlier this month, University Hospitals spokesman George Stamatis said Tuesday night. She was also a clinical instructor at the University of Findlay.

An anonymous caller told police

that Jamal Mansour was threatening to kill himself because Tahani Mansour was in Las Vegas on a business trip, according to a police report.

Jamal Mansour's wife and members of his family told police at the scene that he was not a harm to himself, and he was only upset that his daughter was in Las Vegas, the report says.

Police noted in the report that he was "angry with his daughter, but calm and reasonable" when he spoke to them.

Members of Mansour's family attended Thursday's hearing. They declined to comment to reporters.

Mansour immigrated to the United States from Jordan in 1978, and became a U.S. citizen in 1982, his attorney, Justin Withrow, said Thursday.

"He's devastated," Withrow said.

Mansour owns a gas station in Chardon. He and other members of his family own several stores across Northeast Ohio, lawyers said.

He recently traveled to Jerusalem, where members of his family are building an apartment complex, O'Shea said.

Mansour asked for a preliminary hearing, which Fitzsimmons scheduled for Oct. 20.

To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section.
Missing Boaters

Nathan Carman arrives in a small boat at the U.S. Coast Guard station Tuesday in Boston. Carman spent a week at sea in a life raft before being rescued by a passing freighter.

(Michael Dwyer, Associated Press)

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- A man rescued eight days after a boat with him and his mother went missing on the Atlantic Ocean was a suspect in his grandfather's 2013 shooting death, reports say.

Nathan Carman, 22, vehemently denied any wrongdoing Wednesday after his connection to his grandfather's death was reported by the Hartford Courant.

"He loved me very dearly," Carman tells the Courant of his grandfather, John Chakalos. "I was like a son to him; he was like a father to me."

Although Carman was a suspect, he was never charged. However, Windsor police Capt. Thomas LePore tells the Associated Press the case is still open and Carman remains a "person of interest."

A passing freighter rescued Carman on Sunday about 100 miles south of Martha's Vineyard after he and his mother, Linda Carman, 54, had been missing for eight days.

Carman was found in good health in a life raft, two days after a Coast Guard search had been called off. His mother has not been found and is presumed dead.

It's unknown what caused Carman's 31-foot aluminum fishing boat to sink. Police searched his home Tuesday as part of the investigation into the incident, but he has not been charged with anything, the Associated Press reports.

"My belief when we went out was that the boat was seaworthy," Carman tells the Boston Globe. "Clearly something happened, but I don't know what, and I don't know how it could have been prevented."

Carman tells the AP he did everything he could to find his mother when the boat sank, saying he blew a whistle and called out to her for hours.

"I was yelling, 'Mom! Mom!'" Carman said. He added: "I loved my mother and my mother loved me."

Reports say Carman and his mother routinely took fishing trips together, but the Globe reports that court documents show the most recent trip went farther out to sea than the mother expected. Documents also show Carman made repairs to the boat himself that may have made it unsafe.

"The investigation revealed that Nathan's boat was in need of mechanical repair and that Nathan had been conducting a portion of these repairs upon his own volition which could have potentially rendered his boat unsafe for operation,'' South Kingstown, R.I., police wrote in a search warrant affidavit, according to the Globe. "The investigation has also revealed that Nathan had intended to go fishing farther off-shore in a different location than what were his mother's intentions and understanding."

Hubert Santos, Carman's lawyer, tells the AP that Carman is cooperating with investigators and called Linda Carman's death a "tragic accident."

To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
trump church.jpg

Donald Trump smiles as he listens to introductory remarks at New Spirit Revival Center in Cleveland Heights on Sept. 21, 2016.

(Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In many, many ways, Donald Trump and religious conservatives don't seem to be a natural fit.

But if the biographical differences between Trump, a brash and sometimes vulgar casino owner with a colorful personal life and, say, George W. Bush, are a liability in the eyes of Ohio evangelical voters, it's not clear that it matters all that much.

Trump's outreach to social conservatives, who are Republican leaning anyway, since clinching the GOP nomination in May appears to be paying dividends here.

Top socially conservative groups in Ohio are lining up for Trump, and say they are printing hundreds of thousands of voter guides, for distribution in churches across the state, that will make favorable comparisons between Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on social issues.

"We're not talking about somebody whose past is pristine," said Chris Long, president of the Ohio Christian Alliance, which hopes to distribute 1.5 million printed and digital copies of a soon-to-be-released voters' guide. "We're talking about one of the two candidates who is reaching out to evangelicals, and addressing Christian concerns and fundamental religious liberty issues. He has shown himself to be respectful in the dialogue, and I think that's important to evangelicals."

Mark Caleb Smith, a political science professor at Cedarville University, a conservative Christian school in Southwest Ohio, said Trump seems to have won over otherwise skeptical evangelicals primarily by promising to appoint conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"They view the Supreme Court as the primary mover on things like abortion, same-sex marriage and religious liberty," Smith said. "And since they believe that a Trump presidency will get them better Supreme Court justices, they're willing to swallow an awful lot and vote for Donald Trump."

Smith added: "If you would have asked me six months ago, I would have said that a lot of evangelical voters might sit this one out, or even oppose Trump. But now that doesn't look like it will be the case at all."

How important is the evangelical vote in Ohio?

While not to the same extent as southern states, white evangelicals, who generally favor Republicans, make up a significant slice of the electorate in Ohio.

White evangelical protestants have made up about 25 percent of the Ohio electorate for each of the last three presidential elections, according to exit poll analysis by the Pew Research Center.

The last time a Republican presidential candidate won Ohio was 2004, when then-President Bush, whose status as a born-again Christian was a central aspect of his political persona, narrowly beat Democrat John Kerry 51 percent to 49 percent. That year, 76 percent of white, evangelical voters supported Bush, 52 points more than John Kerry, a Democrat.

In 2012, Republican Mitt Romney, a Mormon who was cautious about publicly discussing his faith, drew 71 percent support from the same pool of voters, compared to 28 percent for Democratic President Barack Obama, a 43-point margin for Romney. Obama won Ohio that year by three points.

While the Pew Research Center describes the 9-point swing among evangelicals as not statistically significant, anecdotally, political observers have described a lower degree of enthusiasm for Romney among evangelicals than Bush in 2004.

And likewise, they sense increased enthusiasm for Trump this year. Polling in July by the Pew Research Center found 78 percent of white evangelicals nationally backed Trump.

"There were large chunks of voters in Western Ohio that just refused to vote for Mitt Romney for a whole host of reasons," said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, the anti-abortion group. "I travel to all those counties on a regular basis, and you're not seeing those social conservatives who are anti-Trump."

Why are evangelicals supporting Trump?

Gonidakis said his group made a calculation in endorsing Trump, who identified as pro-choice as recently as 1999, but more recently has said he is opposed to abortion.

"I have an 85 percent chance that Donald Trump is going to appoint a pro-life, socially conservative judge to the [U.S. Supreme Court]," he said. "I have a zero percent chance that Hillary Clinton is going to appoint a pro-life, socially conservative judge to the court. I'm going to go with the odds on this one."

The next president is expected to appoint two or three Supreme Court justices during his or her term, Gonidakis said. Trump has shared the names of about 20 conservative judges he said he would consider appointing, a move met with approval by Ohio Right to Life and other aligned groups.

"That is motivating more social conservatives than I've seen since 2004," when the Ohio constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage was on the ballot, Gonidakis said. "Those justices are going to tilt things in the favor of either a pro-life or a pro-abortion court."

Trump also has expressed support for cutting off federal funding for Planned Parenthood, while also praising the non-abortion healthcare it provides for women.

Another issue Trump has latched onto is promising to repeal the so-called Johnson Amendment, a section of the U.S. tax code that limits religious groups' ability to engage in political activity.

The Trump campaign has a paid staffer in Ohio whose job is to engage with Christian voters, according to Bob Paduchik, Trump's state campaign director.

"Just because Ohioans go to church on Sundays, that doesn't make them single issue voters," Paduchik said in an email. "Mr. Trump's America First message of bringing back jobs for working families, appointing judges who respect the Constitution, and defending the Second Amendment is resonating with a large number of voters across Ohio, including people of faith."

Why would some conservative evangelicals not back Trump?

There are plenty of reasons why a conservative Christian may be skeptical of Trump. Many pertain to his personal life -- he has been married three times, has bragged of his affairs with married women and has appeared on the cover of Playboy Magazine. He has said he is a churchgoing Presbyterian, but also said in a June 2015 interview that he has never asked God for forgiveness.

Some reservations also have to do with his temperament. While campaigning, Trump has insulted female candidates over their looks, encouraged his supporters to rough up protesters at his campaign rallies, endorsed torturing terrorists, ambiguously played on racial divisions and has joked about the size of his male anatomy.

While he opposes same-sex marriage, Trump also has made statements that could place him somewhat to the left of other Republicans on social issues. In December 2005, he wrote positively about Elton John's wedding to his long-time partner. This year, he was critical of a North Carolina bill that aims to restrict bathroom use by transgender people. In July, he cast himself as an ally to "LGBTQ" voters -- notably using the full acronym -- saying at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland that he would fight to protect them from a "hateful foreign ideology."

Smith, the Cedarville University professor, said Trump's candidacy has divided influential conservative evangelical figures, as well as his university's student body.

"I'm personally willing to say that as an evangelical Christian, it's a little stunning to me that the evangelical movement has moved so heavily for Trump," Smith said. "If you look at his lifestyle, his background, if you look at his issue positions and his lack of emphasis on social issues, it's hard to understand why he's getting as much support as he is."

Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo, a Republican who identifies as a conservative Christian, refuses to vote for Clinton or Trump.

"I'll be honest, Christians who are voting find ourselves in a real quandary," Mingo said. "Many of us don't believe that Donald Trump has the right character, temperament and conduct to serve as president. And we certainly don't believe that Hillary Clinton has the right policy perspectives to serve as president. So we find ourselves in a very difficult position."

Trump appeared last week at a Cleveland Heights church owned by the Rev. Darrell Scott, who has emerged as a highly visible Trump supporter.

In an introduction to a group that included dozens of clergy members, Scott, who argued that God often chooses unexpected figures to be great leaders, described what he said were surprising characteristics about Trump that are only apparent to those that meet him.

"I found him to be gracious, hospitable, charming, very, very, very respectful of clergy, and, very humble," Scott said.

The last word caused people to begin laughing, including Scott.

"An excellent listener, and totally unlike the media," Scott said, pausing again to laugh, "totally unlike the media mis-characterization of him."

An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Donald Trump has gotten divorced three times. He has gotten divorced twice.
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About Censored News Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell. Since 2006, Censored News has received more than 20 million pageviews. As a collective of writers, photographers and broadcasters, we publish news of Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Contact publisher Brenda Norrell: brendanorrell@gmail.com

From the publisher Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell, a journalist in Indian country for 40 years. Norrell created Censored News after she was censored and terminated as a staff reporter at Indian Country Today in 2006. She began as a reporter at Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She was a stringer for AP and USA Today and later traveled with the Zapatistas through Mexico. She has been blacklisted by all the mainstream media for 14 years. Contact brendanorrell@gmail.com

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clinton kaine.jpg

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and running mate Tim Kaine take the stage Monday at the 11th Congressional District Community Caucus' Labor Day festival in Cleveland.

((David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com))

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hillary Clinton will visit Ohio on Monday for the first time in more than three weeks, according to her campaign.

The campaign did not say where Clinton will specifically campaign in the Buckeye State. Clinton is expected to ask Ohioans to register to vote ahead of the Oct. 11 deadline.

"Clinton will also lay out her plans to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top," according to a news release.

Clinton last visited the state on Labor Day, kicking off her general election campaign in Cleveland.

Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, will campaign in the state next on Tuesday and Wednesday. He's set to visit Stark County, Athens County and Jefferson County.
Campaign 2016-Pence

Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence orders a hot dog with chili sauce from the Jib Jab Hot Dog Shoppe during a campaign stop in Girard, Ohio, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)

Mike Pence stops by the Mahoning Valley. Cleveland's police union is weighing a Donald Trump endorsement. And Ted Strickland looks for his lost tree. Read more in today's Ohio Politics Roundup, brought to you today by Andrew J. Tobias.

Mike Pence stumps for Trump: The GOP nominee for vice president touted his running mate, Donald Trump, as a fighter and a winner during Pence's Wednesday night visit to Leetonia High School in Columbiana County, writes David Skolnick of the Youngstown Vindicator.

Skolnick also reports that seated in the front row of the audience "was Kathy Miller, who resigned last Thursday as Trump's Mahoning County campaign chairwoman and as a Republican member of the Electoral College, after an interview ... in which she said there wasn't any racism until President Barack Obama - among other remarks - went viral."

Pence told the crowd of about 650 that the November election is about "security, prosperity and the Supreme Court of the United States and our Constitution," characterizing Trump as the only candidate who can get the job done, wrote Skolnick.

Clinton gets post-debate boost: Hillary Clinton's lead in Cuyahoga County over Donald Trump widened this week following the first presidential debate, according to a poll by Baldwin Wallace University and cleveland.com, reports cleveland.com's Rich Exner. "A post-debate Battleground Cuyahoga poll conducted Tuesday and Wednesday found Clinton receiving 66.6 percent support from likely voters and Trump at 25.1 percent - providing Clinton with a 41.5-point advantage," Exner writes. That support nearly matches the landslide results posted in 2012 in Cuyahoga County by Barack Obama over Mitt Romney.

Cleveland cops could endorse Trump: There's turmoil inside the union representing rank-and-file Cleveland police officers over a possible Trump endorsement, cleveland.com's Cory Shaffer writes.

"Many officers predict that members of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association's will vote to endorse... Trump, whose hardline stances on policing and immigration have sparked outrage and fear within black and Hispanic communities," Shaffer writes.

"You're dealing with a community that is predominantly African-American and Democratic," Lynn Hampton, president of the Black Shield, the union that represents black police officers, told Shaffer. "You can't keep drawing lines in the sand and taking certain stances when the community is as frustrated as it is."

FYI: CPPA President Steve Loomis, who declined to comment, has made himself visible as a Trump supporter, having attended multiple public Trump campaign events, as well as a private Sept. 8 fundraiser. Trump has won support from law enforcement, including the national Fraternal Order of Police, by loudly backing them amid ongoing tensions that spawned the "Black Lives Matter" movement.

Ohio Senate could pursue 20-week abortion ban: Ohio Right to Life is pushing for the Ohio Senate bill to be introduced in the lame-duck session after the Nov. 8 election, cleveland.com's Robert Higgs reports.

"The push ... is an effort to set a new standard - one that that could ultimately be used to take on Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that established abortion as a constitutional right," according to Higgs.

GOP Sens. Peggy Lehner and Jay Hottinger are the bill's sponsors.

Kasich 2020: Ohio Gov. John Kasich is continuing his unofficial run for the Republican Party's elusive establishment lane, according to a report by cleveland.com's Jeremy Pelzer.

Kasich appeared alongside former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Columbus on Wednesday to critique Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's foreign-policy stances.

"Speaking at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the two Republicans said diplomacy and foreign aid are the best tools to improve America's national security...'The notion we can just sort of set the rules in this kind of a globalized economy and isolate ourselves from everybody else, I think, is just completely unrealistic,' Gates said, pointing to how strict tariffs passed in 1930 crippled U.S. exports."

Kasich also went after Trump for his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Pelzer. Neither Kasich nor Gates mentioned Clinton or Trump by name, though.

A Columbus Dispatch headline puts it well: "Kasich criticizes Trump without mentioning Trump."

Marcia's Mix: Warrensville Heights Rep. Marcia Fudge -- she of the "high-calorie surname" -- is hoping to fight childhood obesity in song form, cleveland.com's Sabrina Eaton reports.

Fudge released a Spotify playlist that includes such hit songs as Michael Jackson's "Thriller," James Brown's "Super Bad," and Zapp and Roger's "More Bounce to the Ounce."

Gamblers, keep gambling: A five-year-old case challenging the legality of gambling in Ohio was dismissed by a Franklin County judge on Wednesday, cleveland.com's Karen Farkas reports.

"Frederick Kinsey of Columbiana County had argued his constitutional right of equal protection was violated because only a few companies could operate casinos and he could not apply to be a casino operator," according to Farkas.

Judge Chris Brown ruled that "gambling is not a fundamental right, and Ohio has "a rational basis for implementing the casino restrictions and regulations at issue."

Click away: Cleveland.com's Robin Goist wants to introduce you to 121 Republicans who oppose Donald Trump.

Among them: Barbara Bush, George H. W. Bush and Mitt Romney.

Ted talks: Cleveland.com's Jeremy Pelzer last weekend accompanied former Gov. Ted Strickland on a search for a tree he planted years ago at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

"Like he was in the search for his tree, Strickland's campaign has been trying for more than a year to point voters toward his accomplishments as governor and, previously, congressman," Pelzer wrote.

Strickland remains bullish on his chances, despite being down in the polls. He referenced to Pelzer the "unprecedented" spending against him in his quest to unseat GOP Sen. Rob Portman.

'I'm a little behind, but I'm not so far behind that I can't catch up and win -- and I think that says something...This is going to sound like I'm bragging about myself, but I think that says something pretty positive about me."

New Portman ad: The new 60-second ad is titled "Hero" stars the father of fallen Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Maupin, of Batavia, and will air across Ohio and online, according to a campaign spokeswoman. You can view it here.

Musical chairs: Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor has tweaked her official and political teams as she continues to ponder a run for governor in 2018, cleveland.com's Henry Gomez reports.

To her political team, Taylor added Grant Shaffer, who ran the pro-Kasich New Day for American PAC's New Hampshire campaign. To her official team, she added as her chief of staff Mehek Cooke, an alumnae of the governor's office. Cooke replaces Chris Brock, who is headed to the Department of Insurance for a job that "would allow him more time to spend with his wife and three young children," Gomez writes.

New pro-Hillary ad stars Obama: A pro-Clinton Super PAC has wasted no time producing an ad out of a recent speech by President Barack Obama, cleveland.com's Mary Kilpatrick reports.

"The ad uses footage of Obama's recent passionate speech to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in which he implored the audience to 'go vote' if they want to preserve his legacy," according to Kilpatrick.

Pull out the couch cushions: Ohioans now have a legal option costing just $25 to help resolve public records disputes, cleveland.com's Jackie Borchardt writes

"For $25, a complaint can be filed in the Ohio Court of Claims, where staff attorneys will attempt to resolve disputes through mediation," according to Borchardt. "All mediation will happen via phone or video conferencing, so neither party has to travel to Columbus."

Get Battleground Briefing, our FREE politics newsletter, delivered to your inbox: Sign up here. Tips or links? Send here. Follow along on Twitter: @andrewjtobias
2016 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Viewers gather to watch Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump face off in the first 2016 Presidential debate, Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at Rooftop Brewing Company in Seattle, Wash.

(Genna Martin, seattlepi.com via Associated Press)

Have you lost friends over the election? A national Monmouth University poll released Wednesday shows that political polarization over the presidential election is ending friendships, reports Politico. While 93 percent said the race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump hasn't cost them any friendships, 7 percent said it has. Those figures, however, are similar to the results of registered voters' answers to the same question from previous election years.

Arizona Republic endorses Clinton: "Since The Arizona Republic began publication in 1890, we have never endorsed a Democrat over a Republican for president. Never. This reflects a deep philosophical appreciation for conservative ideals and Republican principles. This year is different," The Arizona Republic's editorial board wrote Tuesday in an endorsement of Clinton. The newspaper acknowledged Clinton's failings, but concluded that Trump's lack of discipline posed a more serious threat, according to the BBC. Trump has yet to receive the backing of a major publication.

Graham tells Trump to "prepare better" for next debate: Sen. Lindsey Graham Wednesday said Trump had some successful moments in Monday night's presidential debate, but his overall delivery was sub-par, reports Politico. "I don't know if he helped himself in this first debate," Graham said at the Washington Ideas Forum. "I thought she was really quite together. I thought Donald Trump had good moments, missed a lot of opportunities." Graham added, "And the only advice I could give him, and take it for what it's worth, prepare better."

Eric Trump praises father's "courage:" Eric Trump said his father was courageous for not bringing up Bill Clinton's extramarital affairs during the debate, reports CNN. "I mean, a lot of people came up to me, including many of the media, saying, 'Listen, he could've just crushed her on that last question and he probably would've hurt a family if he did," Trump said Tuesday on Des Moines News Radio 1040 WHO in Iowa. "I think that took a lot of courage in so many regards and I think he really answered that well and took the high ground and kept the high road."

Trump camp calls Clinton "enabler" of husband's infidelity: Trump's deputy campaign manager David Bossie said "clearly Mr. Trump held his tongue" when asked at the debate about his derogatory remarks about women, reports Politico. Clinton said Trump is "a man who has called women pigs, slobs and dogs," and Trump said after the debate that he did not bring up Bill Clinton's history because Chelsea Clinton was in the debate hall.

"I think that if you look at Hillary Clinton's background and if you look at her being an enabler, really, in the '90s and really attacking these women, it goes against everything that she now tries to spout as a candidate for president," Bossie said Wednesday on "Fox & Friends."

Chelsea Clinton calls it a "distraction:" Chelsea Clinton said Trump's threat to bring up her father's infidelities during a presidential debate is a "distraction from his inability to talk about what's actually at stake in this election," according to CNN. In an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine published Tuesday, the former first daughter said she was unmoved by the topic, responding to Trump's suggestion. "Candidly, I don't remember a time in my life when my parents and my family weren't being attacked, and so it just sort of seems to be in that tradition unfortunately."

Many debate viewers were distracted: Over the 90 minutes or so that the presidential candidates were on television, some Americans watched the showdown through the lens of Snapchat filters, reports CBS News. "If you didn't watch the debate and put a Snapchat filter on either of the candidates, are you even an American?" one viewer tweeted. Users found infinite amusement in Trump wearing a flower crown, Clinton sporting bunny ears, and of course, the visually jarring "face swap."

Clinton's shimmy goes viral: When Clinton exhaled, smiled and moved her shouldering in a way reminiscent of a shimmy, she probably didn't expect for that moment to become an internet sensation, reports USA Today. The moment came mid-debate as Trump said he has a "much better temperament" than Clinton, and she was given a chance to respond. "Whoo! OK," she says. "Then she smiles and scans the audience before closing her eyes and shaking her shoulders as many as 10 times." Some internet users have compared it to Shaquille O'Neal and a cat shimmying.

Also on Twitter: The image of a bowl of Skittles with a controversial accompanying message about Syrian refugees that Donald Trump Jr. posted to Twitter last week has been removed "in response to a report from the copyright holder," according to Politico. The image was no longer viewable on Wednesday, although the message written by the GOP candidate's son was still online. The British-based photographer who took the picture of the Skittles filed a complaint that his photo had been used without permission. The photographer, who had been a child refugee, told the BBC he was "very glad it's down, and it shouldn't have been up in the first place."

Conspiracy theories: From President Barack Obama's birthplace, to whether Clinton was sick with more than pneumonia, this presidential campaign has been consumed by conspiracy theories. Politico has compiled a list of them and how they have affected this year's election, as well as American politics throughout history.
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- Rocky River police received at least three previous calls in the past six years from the home where investigators now say a 27-year-old woman was shot and killed by her father.

Tahani Mansour was shot twice - including once to the head - about 1:15 a.m. Tuesday inside the family's house on the 22600 block of Vine Court, police said. She died at Fairview Hospital.

Her father, 63-year-old Jamal Mansour, is charged with one count of murder, one count of felonious assault and one count of domestic violence in Rocky River Municipal Court.

Records requested by cleveland.com revealed the three calls to police that came from the house since 2010. The most notable came during a 2012 dispute between the father and daughter where Jamal Mansour threatened to take his own life, according to the police reports.

Police went to the house about 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2012 after an anonymous caller said that the father threatened suicide if his daughter did not return from a business trip to Las Vegas by the next day, the report says.

Officers conducted a welfare check on Jamal Mansour, and he told officers that he was upset that his daughter left for the work conference, the report says. His wife told officers that her husband was never in danger of harming himself.

Jamal Mansour was "calm and reasonable" when explaining his anger to police, the police report says. Officers left the house about 30 minutes later.

The two other calls to police made from the Mansour household were made in 2010 and 2013.

Officers checked on the house after a 911 hang-up call was made in August 2010. It was determined the call was accidental, a police report states.

In April 2013, Rocky River police tried to serve a felony warrant on a man who was supposed to be at the house. The man was not at the residence at the time, and officers left within 20 minutes of arriving.

Jamal Mansour is expected to make his first court appearance 11:30 a.m. Thursday, court records show.

If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The term gastropub usually connotes a burger and sandwich-type joint. Maybe a few cheese and meat plates, too.

Not so at Lakewood's newest gastropub, Yuzu. This Japanese-flavored locale calls itself an Izakaya-inspired bar. In Japan that translates to a casual after-work bar that also serves food.

In Lakewood, that translates to one of the coolest, most fun new spots in town, where the creativity of the snacks, meat skewers and noodle and rice bowls is only topped by the fantastic cocktail list.

The Japanese accent was apparent from the moment we entered on a recent weekday night. "Godzilla" and "Karate Kid" were playing on the TVs, and funky Asian lanterns and pop art graces the no-frills dining room and bar area. Food is served at the both the bar and separate dining room. Since my 9-year-old was with us, we opted for a window-side table in the dining room. As a bonus, it was right near a large pile of board games diners can pick up and play. A game of Jenga was the perfect time-passer while we waited for the rest of our group.

My daughter was even more impressed with Yuzu's fun kids menu (and the fact that they also have a dog-friendly menu and doggie beer they serve on the patio). A sprite and non-alcoholic blue curacao Kiddie Kocktail ($1.25) was a tasty way to begin the evening. Meanwhile, we adults perused the wildly creative craft cocktail list, finally settling on the kicky Gojira (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple citrus yuzu juice blend, Midori, Sprite), $7.50; the Brown Sugar Bourbon Smash (bourbon, lemon juice, mint, brown sugar simple syrup), $6.50 and the Menage Trois (vanilla vodka, kyoto umeshu and sparkling pear juice), $8.

The adult treats went well with a shared Last Call Bento Box appetizer, a box of tangy but crisp Yuzu fries with panko, cusabi and chives; tender fried chicken on a skewer, a chocolate-covered toasted marshmallow and a Little Kings beer ($6.50). The irreverent - and tasty - box encapsulates the fun Yuzu has with its menu, while still turning out top-notch casual eats.

The compact entree menu includes yakitori and skewered meats, rice bowls and ramen. Nothing is priced over $7.50, and there are several vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and carnivorous options. All meat is locally sourced from Blue Ribbon, and never frozen. The small plates are ideal for sharing, or just grabbing a quick bite while sampling cocktails or playing a game.

We visited on a Tuesday, aka Teriyaki Tuesday. My daughter opted for the meal of the day, which they describe as "the mall food court classic" (just $3.75 Tuesday). The white meat filets were plump and tender, served over fluffy white rice and topped with a savory, but not too salty, Teriyaki sauce. She's too young to remember the '80s, but I had food court flashbacks - in a good way. Children's options also include PB&J and bananas on a stick ($1.25), and chicken-and-veggies on a stick ($2).

I was in the mood for something spicier, so went for the Little India, with chickpeas, coconut, curry, sweet potato, red pepper and masala ($7.50) over white rice. The rice was a bit goopy, but the flavors were wonderfully balanced. Spicy but not overly hot.

My tablemate's Southern-Style Bourbon Chicken, with red pepper, cayenne and green onion over white rice reached a whole other level of hotness, but retained nice, nuanced flavors despite the heat($7.50).

The other diners in our group chose two of the meatiest and healthiest options on the menu. The Korean beef bowl with "Cheater" bulgogi ground beef, green onion, garlic, ginger root and Korean Sriracha was also nicely nuanced despite the heat ($7.50). The meat was moist and flavorful. The Harmonic bowl with mango, avocado, red pepper, black beans, corn and cusabi was a light, sunny delight. The sweet mango and creamy avocado paired nicely with cauliflower rice (options also included fried or white rice) ($7).

Yuzu carries over their local-sourcing to dessert options, including candy from Lakewood's Fear Confections and ice cream from Ice Cream Joy. The adults passed, but my daughter had been eyeing the S'mores on a Stick since before her meal. "Only if you eat your dinner first!" said the menu, so she waited till the Teriyaki was gone. Just $1.50, the chocolate and graham-cracker covered marshmallows on a skewer were a sweet, fun way end to end our first Izakaya meal.

I was just happy to sit back and sip my Gojira and watch the rest of "Godzilla." With its laid-back pop culture kitsch aesthetic and casual menu, Yuzu may not be fine dining, but it is certainly is fun dining.

Yuzu

Contact: 440-799-8343

Address: 13603 Madison Ave., Lakewood

Online: http://www.yuzulakewood.com/

Hours: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Monday - Thursday. Noon to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Prices: All food under $7.50. Kids menu $1.25 - $2. Cocktails, $6.50 - $10.

Reservations: Not necessary.

Credit cards: All major.

Cuisine: Japanese, American, noodles,

Cleanliness: Clean.

Kids: Fun kids menu for food and mocktails.

Quality of service: Very good.

Bar service: Fantastic creative cocktail list and huge beer menu.

Accessibility: Full.

Rating: * *

Also: Yuzu has many fun weekly and monthly specials, such as "Noodle Night Thursday: $5 Ramen All-Night"; "Kids Gone Crazy Happy Hour: Kids Under 10 Eat Free From Kids Menu" from 4 - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday; a dog prom on Oct. 5; and "Catscapades Cat Costume Contest" on Oct. 15. See their website for details.
Ken Hammond / PD

Some Burque voters disagree, often strongly, with Democrat Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton on a variety of issues. But here is one reason all moody, progressive voters (and really all voters) should support Clinton enthusiastically: The future appointments of up to four Supreme Court Justices are at stake come November.

Why Should You Care?

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalias February 2016 death left the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) split between, broadly speaking, four conservative justices appointed by Republican presidents and four liberal justices appointed by Democrat presidents. Whoever moves into the White House next will nominate not only Scalias replacement, but probably three other justices. Since 1971, the average age of retirement for Supreme Court justices is just about 79 years old. As the Obama presidency winds down, Ginsberg is 83, Kennedy is 80 and Breyer is 78.

The new justices will set the direction of the Supreme Court for the next generation. Justices serve for life, holding their position until they die, get impeached by Congress or leave willingly. That means a generation of our daughters, sons, grandchildren or great- grandchildren s lives will be impacted by their decisions. Conservative Scalia served for 30 years.

The longest serving justice ever was William Orville Douglas, appointed by Franklin Roosevelt. He served for 36 years. John Paul Stevens served 35 years from 1975 to 2010. Justice Clarence Thomas is only 68 years old and he has been on the court for 25 years. The youngest member is Justice Elena Kagan, 56, who was appointed by President Barack Obama. She has served for about 6 years so far. As you can see, the nomination of a justice is a far-reaching decision.

Pick Your Battles Carefully

It is understandable that there is a great desire among disenchanted Bernie Sanders supporters and other voters to migrate to one of the third party candidates to prove a point. But lets be realistic; there is virtually no chance of a third party candidate winning this election. And all that protest votes will do is take away votes from the more reasonable candidate. Not voting is not the way to protest either.

Educate yourself about Clintons lifelong work for regular people of all types and stripes, comparing it to Trumps lifelong work against common people and for rich, profiteering white men. Then tell everyone you know the score. At a minimum finish your thought experiment by voting, but dont waste it on a third party. A third party vote this year is practically a vote for Trump.

At the Democratic Convention this past summer, Bernie Sanders said, If you dont believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country.

Young people and millennials in particular should take note: Your culture and that of the next generation is rapidly changing; ensuring it changes for the better is a vote away.

Donald Trump has said these appointments are one of the most important issues that will be decided by this election. He will appoint justices that will take the court back to a very conservative stance. That would happen pretty much right away; Scalias replacement in a Trump presidency would tip the scale back to a conservative majority.

Any subsequent Trump appointments would only make it even more difficult for the people to confront power and wealth as well as to stop racial, social and sexual discrimination, have sane gun laws, and defend the right to vote. Trump wants a national police force capable of a constitutional and national stop and frisk policy. Do you want federal law enforcement agents stopping you everywhere you go?

Hillary has already said she will appoint Supreme Court Justices that will get the big corporate money out of politics, address climate change, tackle reasonable gun control, and protect abortion, marriage equality, voter and other human rights.

Looking Back

Obama has appointed 329 federal judges, including 2 Supreme Court justices, 55 Court of Appeals judges, 268 district court justices and 4 on the Court of International Trade. His total number of appointments are on par with George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Within a couple of hours of Scalias death, Senate Majority Mitch McConnell announced that as leader of the Senate he was not going to allow a vote on any nominee that President Obama might put up for the seat and the vacancy should be filled by the next president. This type of presidential appointment obstruction is unprecedented.

It bears repeating: without Scalia the court has eight justices, four conservatives, four liberals. This leaves open the possibility of tied votes, which affirm a lower courts decisions.

One such vote struck quite a blow to millions of unauthorized immigrants when the court considered whether Obamas administration could have a program to shield these immigrants and allow them to continue to work while they muddle through the legal immigration process. Because there is not a ninth justice, the four to four tie affirmed a nationwide injunction to block implementation of this step in immigration reform.

The Long View

The United States and the world can survive the alt-right created, patently false media image of Hillarys inherent deceptiveness and cronyism, but it might not survive the ego-driven, erratic recklessness of an uneducated Donald Trump as president. Looking ahead there are a myriad of issues that could be reversed or limited, such as gender equality, marriage equality, womens reproductive rights, health care ... the list goes on.

A Trump Supreme Court could set us all back decades and decades, making discrimination lawful and fairness impossible. One of the most important cases heading for SCOTUS is a challenge to President Obamas climate change initiative, also known as The Clean Power Plan. This is what gave way to the 2016 Paris Agreement. If the plan is smacked down by the next generation of justices, the United States will lose its biggest tool in the climate change shed to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

There are 28 mostly Republican states and more than 100 labor and industry groups in the battle to overturn the plan, because profits come first, even if irreversible climate damage to our planet occurs. Any Trump appointee would most certainly side with overturning the climate change plan.

If the plan is upheldas it would most certainly be under any Hillary appointmentit has the vision to transform and improve our countrys electrical system using wind, solar and even nuclear power in some instances. Young people and millennials in particular should take note: Your culture and that of the next generation is rapidly changing; ensuring it changes for the better is a vote away.

Another popular issue is reversing Citizens United v. FEC, a previous Supreme Court ruling which gives corporations First Amendment rights. This can only be done with a Supreme Court reversal or a constitutional amendment. There is just about zero chance of this happening with a Trump win. A Clinton win makes the possibility quite good that somehow Citizens United will be overturned.

The bottom line: All forward-thinking young people should do everything possible to make sure the next Supreme Court is not a Trump-friendly court. Save your protest votes for third party candidates for the next cycle. And between now and then, channel that Bernin feelin into practical progressivism that will ultimately cause necessary changes allowing third party candidates to be a viable option in future elections.
If its survival liberals are interested in, then theyd better pray for a Clinton loss

(Bugout.news) To hear regressive liberals tell it, Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump will most certainly usher in the worlds destruction.

Democratic-leaning sycophants with money, be they in Hollywood or elsewhere, are claiming that they cant trust Trump with the nuclear codes. Thats a talking point Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton used in the first debate.

As such, more and more of them are investing in underground luxury bunkers, to escape the death and destruction they are convinced Trump will reap on the world if he wins. After all, if youre going to rough it for a few years, might as well be in style, right?

But the fact is, rich regressive limousine liberals  and ordinary Americans as well  ought to be scared of a Clinton presidency more, if their biggest worry is the end of the world as they know it. This is a woman who, because she believes she has operate in secrecy, expended the money and effort to install and use her own personal, unsecured email server to conduct official business while serving as Obamas secretary of state.

And, according to the FBI, its very likely that server  and the personal devices tied to it  were repeatedly hacked by foreign governments.

We do assess that hostile actors gained access to the private commercial e-mail accounts of people with whom Secretary Clinton was in regular contact from her personal account, said FBI Director James Comey, in announcing (surprisingly) that he would not recommend Clinton be prosecuted for obvious violations of federal law governing the handling of classified information.

We also assess that Secretary Clintons use of a personal e-mail domain was both known by a large number of people and readily apparent. She also used her personal e-mail extensively while outside the United States, including sending and receiving work-related e-mails in the territory of sophisticated adversaries. Given that combination of factors, we assess it is possible that hostile actors gained access to Secretary Clintons personal e-mail account, he said.

During her first debate with Trump, Clinton repeated her previous talking point that it was a mistake to use a private server  despite the fact that she knew she wasnt supposed to do that and despite the fact that President Obama knew she was using one. So, either Clinton is a) too incompetent to be president; b) too stupid to be president; or c) too corrupt to be president.

But Trump is the one whos a wild card, too prone to uncertainty? How does a billionaire get to be a billionaire being unpredictable, unsafe and hazardous? No one from Hollywood, or any Democrat, really, seems capable of answering that question.

All Hillary could do was put up question marks about whether Trump was actually as rich as he is, much in the same way that retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid lied about then-GOP nominee Mitt Romney not paying his taxes.

Todays uber-rich who want to build underground bunkers because they think a Trump presidency will mean the end of the world said the same thing about Ronald Reagan before he won (overwhelmingly) two terms as president. And all Reagan did was defeat communism and win the Cold War without ever having to have fired a shot at the USSR.

But in reality, if Clinton wins, that is when they should build their bunkers. Shes the one who is totally compromised and indebted to foreign governments who do not have our bests interests in mind. None of our adversaries fear her like they fear a Trump win. They know they can walk all over her because they have the goods on her (and have already bought their access).

They have no such inroads with Trump. So whos the bigger risk to our safety and security?

More:

 2016 USA Features Media.
Business / Companies

by Business reporter

LOCAL cement producers have warned of possible scaling down of operations and closures owing to an influx of cheap imported products from the region, saying protectionist measures could save the industry.There is no need for Zimbabwe to import cement from neighbouring countries because local cement producers have the capacity to meet the current demand, an industry official has said. Zimbabwe is currently importing cement from Botswana, South Africa and Zambia, thereby depressing the market.In a presentation to analyst, PPC Chief Executive, Darryl Castle told analysts that they told the Zimbabwean government that if it does not impose to curb cement imports, PPC will shut down Collen Bawn mine and also bring in cement from their Slurry plant in South Africa.Effective 1 October 2016 the authorities have introduced import tariffs of US$100 per ton of cement.Among some of the measures that industry is pushing for are a protection tariff to equate the landed price of imported cement to the cost of local manufacturers (US$50/t cement), granting of import licences to local producers, cancellation or review of all issued permits that are circulating in the country (estimated at 5000 tonnes/month or 5% total demand) and lowering duty on raw materials.Njombo Lekula, the former managing director of PPC Zimbabwe was once quoted saying, "PPC Zimbabwe is looking to the future of the country, with today's event providing a promise of things to come. While our existing factory in Bulawayo has positioned us well in Matabeleland, it's clear that much of our country's future growth centres around Harare and northern Zimbabwe."Mr Castle in his presentation said 67 employees from the Bulawayo factory will be moved to the Harare factory and PPC will employ only 30 new employees.PPC Zimbabwe expects to commission its new Harare cement plant in 2016 at a cost of $80 million in addition to a new clinker mill on the Zimbabwean border with Mozambique for $200 million.The group says the plant is expected to help boost operating efficiencies for the company which is set to close two mills at its Bulawayo plant as they are now inefficient.Official figures show that all three players invested nearly US$185 million in the last five years in kiln upgrades, packing, grinding and other cement processes in order to improve efficiency to the existing equipment and reduce costs of manufacturing.Sino has finished a significant upgrade at a cost of US$4 million, making a total of US$15 million in the last five years.PPC has on its part invested US$53 million on kiln and mill upgrades and quarry optimisation at its two existing operations and is setting up a new grinding plant at a cost of US$80 million. Lafarge invested US$37 million over the last five years in quarry rehabilitation and equipment, cooler upgrade and systems automation.
watch now

Hyundai Motor , the world's fifth-largest automaker, is no stranger to worker strikes but the current episodeits biggest everis raising alarm bells. The company's labour union in South Korea conducted its first nationwide, full-day walkout in 12 years on Monday over demands for wage increases. The strike is expected to continue until next week depending on the company's response, a union spokesman told Reuters.

For the past three decades, Hyundai workers have gone on strike nearly every year but this year's stoppage is particularly severe, according to statistics from brokerage Kiwoom Securities. Unionized members have gone on strike 21 times and engaged in 27 rounds of wage negotiations so far this year, a new annual record.





That's resulted in a production loss of 117,000 cars, worth more than 2.5 trillion won ($2.5 billion), Hyundai's largest strike-related output loss.





Because this week's strike is illegal, there is a "no work, no pay" policy in effect. Income loss is estimated at about 2 million won ($1,790) per worker, the highest ever recorded.

Impact on Hyundai

This week's events are sure to dent the company's third quarter earnings, due October 1, and while the direct impact is expected to be limited, the outlook is not rosy.

Hyundai's operating profit will likely to take a 2.5 percent hit from strike-related losses, said Daniel Yoo, head of global wealth management at Kiwoom. The relatively mild overall impact on earnings meant Hyundai does have more room to increase labour costs and end the current deadlock, he continued. But because recent earnings growth has been poor, bosses may be wary to give into worker's demands, Yoo suggested. The company's second quarter net profit fell 2.6 percent on year, the 10th straight quarterly decline. "Korea's overall corporate earnings peaked in 2011 and there hasn't been much earnings growth since then so you can't blame management," Yoo said. The larger, impact, however, could be on the company's reputation. "Hyundai's image is currently having a hard time; there's a perception that the firm is behind the curve when it comes to electric cars so this strike is magnifying the negative image," Yoo said.



watch now

Wider implications
Samsung Electronics said it was working with a U.S. consumer product safety regulator to address safety issues related to some of its top-load washing machines.

The world's top smartphone maker is already reeling from a global recall of at least 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

Samsung said it was in "active discussions" with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address potential safety issues of some of its top-load washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016.

"Affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items," the company said.

CPSC said it was advising consumers to only use the delicate cycle when washing bedding, water-resistant and bulky items.

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The United States is investigating a number of Chinese companies for suspected breaches of sanctions on North Korea, and Chinese banks and firms should understand that dealing with North Korea is "risky," a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday.

China said it opposed any country using its own laws for "long-arm jurisdiction," after the United States on Monday sanctioned China's Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development for using front companies to evade sanctions on North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

It was the first time the United States has taken such a step against a Chinese firm, and Daniel Fried, sanctions policy coordinator at the U.S. State Department, told a U.S. Senate hearing the action should serve as a warning. He said it would be better if China took such actions itself.

Fried declined to name other Chinese firms under investigation, or firms elsewhere in the world, but added: "We are actively looking at a number of targets ... Clearly our actions on Monday indicate that we are willing to sanction Chinese companies who are evading U.S. and U.N. sanctions."

"Of course, the preferred option is for China to do more," Fried said.

"It would also be useful if Chinese banks and companies understood that increasingly, dealing with North Korean companies, especially those that are sanctioned, is going to be risky; frankly not worth it."

The United States acted against the Chinese firm after North Korea conducted its fifth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 9. Discussions are also under way on a possible new U.N. sanctions resolution on North Korea.
The Australian dollar would suffer most if Donald Trump were to win the U.S. presidential election, according to one foreign exchange strategist who calls the currency a "surprise trade" in this arena.

Boris Schlossberg, managing director of FX strategy at BK Asset Management, pointed out the Mexican peso has been the "inverse proxy for Trump's political fortunes in the currency market for the last month," appearing to rise and fall conversely on the Republican nominee's favorability in the polls.

Trump has made global trade his biggest issue in the election, taking an especially dim view of America importing goods from Mexico, and his policies are thus expected to hurt the Mexican economy.

"But frankly, I think a lot of that trade has already been priced in," Schlossberg said Wednesday on CNBC's "Trading Nation."

To get to the Australian dollar, Schlossberg points out that after Mexico, China is Trump's "biggest nemesis."

Trump has repeatedly pointed to China as a problem for the U.S. economy. He has proposed implementing higher taxes on Chinese imports and says American leaders should take a hard line on the management of China's currency.

"Since Australia pretty much supports all of the commodity product to China, it's going to create a very big backlash onto them," Schlossberg said.

China is Australia's largest trading partner, according to the Parliament of Australia, and Australia is China's sixth-largest trading partner. This relationship has developed over the years as "the Chinese economy moves from a focus on investment in physical infrastructure to developing social infrastructure," according to the Parliament.

Further, since the Australian dollar benefits from the rate differential with the U.S. dollar , the Aussie currency could suffer if Trump were to clinch the win and likely raise rates, Schlossberg added.

According to an NBC News/Survey Monkey poll, 52 percent of likely voters said Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton "won" the first presidential debate, and 21 percent believed Trump prevailed. The Mexican peso strengthened dramatically against the U.S. dollar during the debate, while the Australian dollar rose slightly.
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Catalonia will hold a referendum on independence from Spain next year whether or not the central government in Madrid agrees to one, the region's head Carles Puigdemont said on Wednesday. Puigdemont told the Catalan parliament that he was willing to discuss the terms of a referendum with Madrid, which has steadfastly opposed any such vote in the northeastern region, but that otherwise he would hold one next September.

Spain's Constitutional Court in August annulled a resolution by Catalonia's assembly to press ahead with independence, sharpening the stand-off between the separatists and the central government of the conservative People's Party (PP).



"There is an enormous consensus that the ideal formula is a referendum agreed with the Spanish state," Puigdemont told parliament. He said he would discuss the wording of the question in a vote and its date. "But if by July there has been no positive response (from the central government), we will be prepared to climb the last step and call a referendum for the second fortnight of September next year," he said.

Support for Catalan independence has grown in recent months, with almost 48 percent of Catalans supporting it in a poll in July, as Spain's national parties have failed to break a deadlock over the formation of a central government.

Puigdemont, who was sworn in as leader in January, said the Catalan parliament would approve all of the laws needed for an independent state by the end of July next year, when an 18-month roadmap for his government's planned transition finishes.
Following are excerpts from a CNBC interview with CNBC reporter Julia Chatterley and Greek Economy Minister, Giorgos Stathakis.





JC: Minister thank you so much for speaking to us. You managed to pass a number of reforms last night to unlock the latest tranche of money. You must be relieved?

GS: Yes, I think it was another step in this process. We have completed the first review, this was the last bit of the first review. And we have ahead of us the second review in the coming months and we are optimistic again that things will go quite well.



JC: The prime minister is also optimistic - he said you'll have the second review done by the end of this year. You'll manage to get further details on debt relief and you'll get access to the ECB's QE program. There are those out there, and there's many of them, that say you are wildly optimistic and unrealistic.

GS: Well after the completion of the second review, actually there isn't much left from the current program. There are some reviews in 2017 but in reality the whole package is there. Obviously we have already the first review some very strong mitigation. The European Central Bank finances the group banking sector with the common rules as every other European system. And everybody expects that with the second review QE might be in the picture particularly if we get the debt deal until Christmas. So, those are the facts. I mean everybody expects that step by step



JC: Do you think you could get access then to the QE program without getting any further details on debt relief even just getting a sign off on the second review  could that open that up?



GS: Well I think that the second review is directly related with the debt  that's what the schedule is all about that we have by Christmas to have completed both. So the optimism lies on both issues having a deal rather than getting some deal on the debt at a later that stage.



JC: Do you think QE and access to that program will unlock crucial investment for Greece?



GS: It will help the banking system with fresh cash - obviously that's a major effect. But on the other hand I think it has a very strong symbolic message because it's the strongest indication that the economy is back to normality - things have moving okay so the foreign investors would be safe enough to express their interest in the Greek economy again.



JC: You know I talk to companies here and they say actually they're still struggling with liquidity but the time that they have to make payment to their supplies is instantly a give the people that they produce goods for actually 120 days to pay. So they've always got this mismatch. The banks aren't lending. The banks obviously have got tensions over the time it takes to resolve their non-performing loans. The government's got tensions with the central bank. That entire sector feels very complicated. What's the situation?

GS: Well obviously there complex issues to be resolved. The NPL issue is a huge issue. The legislation is there nowadays concerning the NPL's management, their establishment of a secondary market interest.

JC: Why is it being used then?

GS: I think it was completed last May so practically it required three or four months to establish the market. Everybody expects prior to Christmas the market to be there. But on top of this I think that nowadays the banks have a specific time table to their NPL's by 2019 - 40 percent. So they have targets, they know which tool - it's their choice - to use and they think that there are on all these complexes issues, there are certain processes that are starting. Everybody would feel confident that things are moving on this front as well.

JC: You've also had changes with the exec boards of the banks and there's been a degree of frustration I think on the behalf of the government with the central bank governor with him suggesting that your choices are not fit and proper. That's right isn't it?



GS: Well there was obviously some different views on specifics small banks actually that was the case but at the end of the day they were resolved. And I think that our relations with the Central Bank are excellent and will remains so.



JC: Are they, because there was a raid on the offices of the Central Bank Governors' wife and she said that was "politically motivated" - Is she wrong?

GS: I think that this issue has been resolved. There was no relation at all. That's an independent process done by judges has no relation actually with the role of her husband as a central banker.



JC: So just to be clear, the government isn't in any way trying to intimidate the Central Bank Governor or force him to resign?

GS: Not at any point. I think we're working very closely - I mean economic ministers - we're working very closely with the Bank of Greece on all the issues, NPL's and others on the program itself so I don't think that is, by any means, there is an issue for not continuing this collaboration.

JC: And your message to the European Central Bank if they're concerned about some kind of impingement on the independence of the Central Bank. What's your message to them?

GS: My message is straightforward: the independence of the central bank is there and it will be protected. And there is no intention at any level of really making an issue of the independence of the Greek Central Bank. Actually the ECB and the rest are a primary factor and a major agency in the Greek program. I don't think that there is an issue of creating troubles at this level.

JC: Let's tie the issues as you mentioned as well in the banking sector that there is still a lack of investment that needs to be resolved to the growth picture because you're still suggesting that growth could be more than two and a half percent next year. And again there's lots of scepticism. So what are the growth drivers going to be?

GS: There are three or four very strong indications which we have this optimistic version that that will have 2.5 percent rate of growth. The one very important index is that we have the second quarter with the positive rate of growth they held down during 16. That makes the tendency much stronger. The second index is for the first time we have a very positive capital formation index in the Greek economy indicating that there is a lot of investment going on at various levels which reverses the previous quarter. And the third indicator is that unemployment rate has been reduced by 4 percent during the last 12 months which is another strong indication that things may move faster. So we tend to undermine those basic indexes in order to say something very simple: we to tend to think that the recession is back and we are at the turning point, where the positive rates will be the name of that day.



JC: I read recently that eight out of 10 jobs have been created, if we look over the summer, in particular in the tourism industry. So obviously we're going into the off season now and then we look at some of your exports in July they were quite significantly down. Obviously, you are tackling and dealing with a broad environment not just the Greek economy but then we also look at your tax policy. And that's also quite stringently impacting consumers too. So there's lots of different angles actually that are going to be a drag on growth rather than adding to growth?

GS: The economy is going to go in and is affected by various developments in the international economy. Our exports are doing well towards the European community But they were very much affected by Russia, Ukraine and Turkey because, a lot of our exports are directed there. We are doing quite well in having good performance for much of the tourist industry but we are affected negatively by the shipping industry which is facing an international crisis. So yes we have this indication of back and forward. But if we take into detail the exact data that we strongly support the idea that exports are doing much better than last year. Particularly towards European economy and on top of this that stand strong standards indicating that things in the export sector would do quite well next year.

JC: The refugee crisis also was a critical factor in the tourism industry in particular certain islands that were hit. Have you been surprised actually by how well they performed and in light of the refugee issue and of course the VAT hikes that you acted on the islands as well?

GS: I think that was a great year for tourism for Greece. I think the refugee problem and the way that we treated the refugee problem last year was a positive element in our tourist business. Obviously the more sensitive islands were affected negatively. And the government does a lot of work to support those islands. But overall the big story there was of a very positive year for Greek tourism and good news.



JC: The prime minister has reiterated that more needs to be done on the part of other Europeans to help with their with the refugee crisisfinancially?. If that's the case, do you need more financial support?

GS: I think we have reached a deal on financial support and we are implementing the program, financed by European money. That's one point something billions and I think this is not the issue. The issue is at the political level to have the European Union united the very center at least instead of having different strategies pursued by each and every country which is not good news.

JC: Greek voters are getting frustrated. They think it's more to do with the economy or do you think it is the impact and the ongoing impact of the refugee crisis and the politics of that are denting your support as a government?

GS: You know we that's what is indicated in the policies is a mixed signal. Because I think the one strong messages is that we continue to have widespread support. And This indicates that there is a perception that the governments should be allowed to complete this four year period and develop its policies one by one. On the other hand obviously there is some dissatisfaction because things are moving under very strict conditions which is also understandable. But we tend to view the situation that political tension has been lowered quite a lot compared with the past and the government is committed to go on, implement its policies and complete the four year period which is the mandate that the electorate in the last election.

JC: Are you following the right mix of policies, do you think? Because again you're coming under criticism for focusing too much on tax rises rather than anything else, like are there other things like, again, tackling the public sector for example that you could be doing better to save money rather than putting the burden on the Greek people.

GS: Well that was a choice that was done by the government last year. We had the feeling, and I think we were right, that no further cuts were possible in the public sector. Wages and salaries were slashed by 40 percent during the last three or four years, public expenditure in education and health had reached a very marginal level. So we made the choice that no further cuts were there. Our fiscal targets would be attained by having A: a more gradual adjustment of the fiscal targets and B: raising taxation where it has less effect, which is the most wealthy part of our society. So we made this choice. Our taxation system became more progressive. We made the major reform in the insurance system, again on the same idea for a more progressive reform.

JC: Do you believe this bailout deal is actually preventing you providing serious growth policy?

GS: It's a, on the one hand I think that the program, by providing fiscal and financial stability, is good for growth, obviously. Because that's the most important factor. On the other hand, having to adjust to a program that produces surpluses, particularly the 3.5% surplus, obviously it affects growth. Taking into account both considerations, I still consider that growth is possible with the program.



JC: And it's a positive message that this government will continue to fight on?



GC: Well the government I think might be criticised for the mix of policy, for a whole range of issues, it's up to opinions, nobody cannot criticize this government that made an agreement, it is committed to implementation of agreement, that it attains targets, particularly the fiscal and other targets. And is a government that is committed to the other things will move according to what have been agreed.






On Wednesday, OPEC agreed to modest production cuts for the first time since 2008. Yet, Cramer only regarded the deal as "alleged" because Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih specifically exempted Iran, Nigeria and Libya from the November production freeze agreement.

"Don't get too excited about the action in oil. If you want to profit off it, go to the oil companies that have continued to lower their break even costs  They have been the beneficiaries of anything that keeps oil in the $40s, which this statement might have done," the " Mad Money " host said.

The news of a planned OPEC production freeze seemed to Jim Cramer a final act of desperation for petroleum producing countries to manipulate the price of crude above $40.

That meant only the Saudis would cut back themselves, or the other three would cause oil prices to crater if they had their new production online.

"Remember, both Libya and Nigeria have a lot of bouncing back to do because they have had their production shut down by rebels," Cramer said.

Cramer broke down the math:

Libya produced 470,000 barrels a day two years ago, and it fell to 292,000 recently. Nigeria went from 1.9 million barrels a day before insurgents cut production to 1.4 million. Iran threatened to increase to 4 million, perhaps in later months, up from 3.6 million a day.

By year end, OPEC would have been producing an additional 1 million barrels a day versus what it was pumping in August. To have this happen without a deal would have crushed the oil market, Cramer said.

Hence, Cramer suspects that the deal is merely talk, and less action.

If Libya, Nigeria and Iran are not part of the agreement, that means Saudi Arabia would have to cut back the 1.2 million barrels needed to reach OPEC's target, and Cramer does not think that is likely.

"I don't think the Saudis will give up all that market share. I do not see the Iraqis cutting back  So, the deal itself seems plainly fanciful on the face of it," Cramer said.

But by just saying it had a deal, OPEC managed to keep the price of crude from plummeting, which was about to happen.

The only thing that could make the production freeze work is higher demand, he added. Until that happens, the oil producers want the price of oil to go higher, and so they will keep up the chatter.

Demand is actually stable to slightly weaker, and the market won't comply without production cuts. No country is actually seriously cutting production.

"That is why I am calling it a desperate action to prevent oil prices from collapsing again. OPEC can't reveal details because there are none," Cramer said.

By November, the market will find out if the production targets were actually hit. Investors may find out that the target was missed, and prices won't be able to sustain themselves without higher demand. Once again, the price of $40 will be in question.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Government has dismissed as shallow, attacks on President Mugabe by opposition functionaries following his weekend address at the airport where he said Africa might consider pulling out of the United Nations if the continent is not accorded two permanent seats in the world body's Security Council.According to the State controlled media, President Mugabe's Press Secretary Mr George Charamba said the opposition exposed its little understanding of world affairs adding that the position in question was a continental position adopted in Swaziland.He said the agreement that was known as the Ezulwini Consensus was not an invention by President Mugabe and it was shocking that the opposition came to know of it through President Mugabe's weekend address."There has been a very shallow response from the opposition to the President's address at the airport," he said."Firstly, the President was not developing a new idea. He was merely representing the position of Africa regarding changes we want to see happening in the Security Council. That position is now known as the Ezulwini Consensus. It was developed in Swaziland and we have spoken about it repeatedly."It's a continental position and that is what is going to be Africa's negotiation with the rest of the world in respect of the Security Council reforms."The Indians have their position, the Japanese have their own position, Latin America has its own position  similarly Africa has its own position, and it so happens that the President who was coming from the General Assembly reiterated, not invented, reiterated the position of Africa."Mr Charamba said Africa's position was that the continent should get two seats with veto if veto was kept, or two seats without veto if the veto was abolished.Following President Mugabe's address at the airport, members of various opposition political parties took turns attacking the Head of State and Government saying his views were not in order.They interpreted his address as Zimbabwe's lone position when it comes to the reforms of the UN Security Council.
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The news of a planned OPEC production freeze seemed to Jim Cramer a final act of desperation for petroleum producing countries to manipulate the price of crude above $40. "Don't get too excited about the action in oil. If you want to profit off it, go to the oil companies that have continued to lower their break even costs  They have been the beneficiaries of anything that keeps oil in the $40s, which this statement might have done," the "Mad Money" host said. On Wednesday, OPEC agreed to modest production cuts for the first time since 2008. Yet, Cramer only regarded the deal as "alleged" because Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih specifically exempted Iran, Nigeria and Libya from the November production freeze agreement. "I don't think the Saudis will give up all that market share. I do not see the Iraqis cutting back  So, the deal itself seems plainly fanciful on the face of it," Cramer said.





Peter Parks | AFP | Getty Images

With the price of oil up, Cramer expected Thursday to be a great day for the market. Instead, worries over Deutsche Bank , the biggest bank in Germany, had ripple effects all over the world. "You can always count on the banks to screw things up royally," Cramer said. Whenever the market worries about the possible solvency of any bank, Cramer only sees negative pin action for investors. "So if a company like Deutsche Bank may be having real problems, and that's sure how it looks with the stock down 6.7 percent today, then several things are going to play out, and none of them are good," Cramer said. While many are glued to election season and the Federal Reserve right now, Cramer is watching the one thing no one is talking about  China. Major signs show China could be making a comeback, and Cramer says this could be a game changer for investors. "Everyone acts like China is still decelerating or even stagnating, because that is just what we have become accustomed to. What if I told you the data was spinning a different story?" the "Mad Money" host said. " At a certain point it starts looking pretty obvious that China could be in rebound mode, and that is a huge deal." Not only is China the world's most populous country, but it also has the second-largest economy on earth and is the third largest consumer of U.S. exports.

Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco Ashlee Espinal | CNBC
"So if a company like Deutsche Bank may be having real problems, and that's sure how it looks with the stock down 6.7 percent today, then several things are going to play out, and none of them are good," Cramer said.

Whenever the market worries about the possible solvency of any bank, Cramer only sees negative pin action for investors.

"You can always count on the banks to screw things up royally," the " Mad Money " host said.

With the price of oil up, Jim Cramer expected Thursday to be a great day for the market. Instead, worries over Deutsche Bank , the biggest bank in Germany, had ripple effects all over the world.

The first scenario that Cramer said could happen is that Deutsche Bank's credit lines could get pulled, causing it to fall, and take down other banks with it. Many banks lend money to one another, and the presumption will be that money should not be lent to Deutsche Bank right now.

The collapses of banks in the recent financial crisis were not caused by depositors pulling out cash, but by credit getting cut off, Cramer said. That is what happened on Thursday.

This is the systematic risk that many fear. If this happened, Cramer expects a multi-day decline in markets around the world. Cramer thinks the German government will likely not allow this to happen.

"However, until we know that for sure and the systematic risk is totally taken off the table, you can expect the pressure on all stock markets worldwide to continue," Cramer said.

The second scenario is that Deutsche Bank will need to raise money quickly to meet demands. This is bad for shareholders, but would not prove catastrophic for the financial system. Cramer referred to this scenario as stock-specific risk. Until Deutsche Bank raises the money, it will pull European financials lower, and push U.S. stocks down initially.

This scenario would be resolved by shareholders coming in with new capital, or the government taking a stake in the company in exchange for cash it needs to get out of trouble. Cramer saw this as the more likely scenario, as he suspects the German government will be willing to step in and offer the capital it needs as a loan or return of equity.

The third scenario stood somewhere in between the first two, with Germany delaying stepping in and causing multiple days of pressure on the European banks. This could bring the U.S. market down until further clarity is reached. If this situation occurs, Cramer advised to let the market come down and then pick the stocks of high-quality companies that were dragged down.

"Stick with companies that just reported good numbers stick with some PepsiCo , as we did for our charitable trust  If it goes down tomorrow, I'd buy it," Cramer said.

Ultimately, the longer the situation with Deutsche Bank lasts, the more disconcerting it will be for the market until it gets resolved one way or another.
The first downtown condominium project in decades is expected to begin construction in 2017: The Ashton Detroit will have 78 condos and five penthouses, according to Curbed Detroit. New projects are going up and prices are going up along with all of them.

The current rehabilitation of Detroit's downtown is nothing short of fierce. Quicken Loans founder and mega real estate developer Dan Gilbert is behind the city's biggest residential development in half a century, Brush Park, which is slated to break ground this fall. Old buildings are being transformed into residential apartments and lofts, and new micro-units are rising.

"She's a millennial, and they absolutely have fallen in love with the city. It's something I wish my parents could have seen," said Tarala, a real estate agent and president of the board of governors of Realcomp, Detroit's regional mutli-listing service.

Frank Tarala is a lifetime Detroiter. As a boy, he used to go downtown with his father to see Tigers games. They would always go directly home afterward. There was nothing downtown to keep them there.

"What was old is trying to be saved and renovated, and when they're done with it, the finished product is very trendy. Accessibility to technology, transportation, arts, sports," Tarala said. "It does tend to be expensive because the land cost in the city has really recovered significantly. The initial investment was much higher than it was. It jumped from distressed to expensive."



Detroit, however, is still a tale of many neighborhoods. While the downtown is growing pricey new pads for young workers, there are still thousands of distressed properties littering the rest of the Detroit landscape  neighborhoods where blight is the buzzword. But a veritable army of community bankers and nonprofit groups are fighting the good fight, and slowly but surely, seeing results.



"We've made a lot of headway, but there is a lot more work to do, so we remain optimistic," said Krysta Pate, program director at Detroit Home Mortgage, a program launched in February and designed to make home ownership more affordable and accessible to local Detroiters. "I'm born and raised Detroiter, so I understand the market conditions."



One of the biggest barriers to homebuyers in Detroit is what city officials call the appraisal gap. The city's median home price is just $24,000, according to RealComp, due to the fact that so many homes are foreclosures or have been purchased by investors using cash. Investors renovate the homes, driving up the values, but the original, low sale prices are still used as comparables for neighboring appraisals. Regular, mortgage-dependent buyers who want to rehab homes and live in them, are unable to get large enough mortgages because the homes they want to buy are appraising too low. Detroit Home Mortgage is offering an option.



"We're in this cyclical mess, so we are trying to stop that cycle and provide the financing to buyers," said Pate.



Through a combination of private funding and cooperation of five different banks, the program offers 3.5 percent down payment, fixed-rate loans to buyers with at least a 640 FICO score. They split the loan in two, with the first covering the appraised value of the home and the second loan covering the "appraisal gap," which would be the value of the home once renovated and on the open market. The second loan is held by a nonprofit.



"We understand that you're putting someone in an underwater mortgage based on standard appraisals, so we split it so we could create equity protection. We split the mortgages up based on the value. If there is a hardship, or life event, then what happens is that they would submit paperwork to the nonprofit and we would forgive the amount of the second mortgage over the appraised value," Pate said.



So far, they have looked at about 1,000 inquiries, closed 10 loans and approved 23 others.



"Nothing is going to happen overnight. No one is going to wave a magic wand," added Pate.



But rehabbing the old bones of old Detroit homes is all part of both neighborhood stabilization and revitalization. That's the foundation of another program run by another Michigan native. Detroit LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) is part of national LISC, a community-based development organization that works to transform distressed communities.



"We've been working on a partnership with the City of Detroit Home Repair Program to bring capital back to neighborhoods for homeowners who have been in their home at least six months," said Tahirih Ziegler, executive director of LISC Detroit.



Through a combination of public and private funds, block grants, and $5 million from Bank of America , the program is helping current homeowners to rehab their properties, again, adding value as well as commitment to local neighborhoods. It offers zero percent interest loans over 10 years. The program has had over 4,000 inquiries and 1,500 applications so far.



"The goal is really for the existing homeowners who have roots in the city to improve their properties. If they don't have access to capital, they become part of the issue in terms of blight and neighborhood disinvestment. It's getting people to have a personal commitment," said Ziegler.


Deutsche Bank told CNBC on Thursday that it has seen outflows, but the prime brokerage business is "still very profitable" for the company.

Earlier on Thursday, U.S.-listed shares of Deutsche Bank hit a new all-time intraday low of $11.19 on the back of a report that a small number of hedge funds that do derivatives business with Deutsche have reduced their exposure.

Barry Bausano, chairman of Deutsche's hedge fund business, told CNBC on Thursday that while there have been some outflows, there have also been inflows, which he said is "part of the typical ebbs and flows" of the prime brokerage business.

Deutsche still has about 800 hedge fund clients, but Bausano said there is probably a perception issue for the bank.

Earlier, Deutsche said:

"Our trading clients are amongst the world's most sophisticated investors. We are confident that the vast majority of them have a full understanding of our stable financial position, the current macro-economic environment, the litigation process in the U.S. and the progress we are making with our strategy."



 CNBC's Wilfred Frost and Patrick Allen contributed to this report.
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Eleven days out from the second U.S. presidential debate, Donald Trump's campaign is crowdsourcing ideas for how the GOP nominee might attack rival Hillary Clinton. Trump's campaign sent an email on Wednesday to supporters, titled "Trump Debate Preparation Survey," that says, "I need your immediate feedback from the first debate in order to win the second one." Most of the survey questions in the email are on issues brought up during Monday night's debate, but some go as far as addressing the framing of his opponent - a topic often reserved for a campaign's top strategists. A portion of the questions reflect on his past performance, asking, "On the subject of Hillary's emails, should Trump have brought up the fact that Hillary jeopardized our national security?". Others are forward-looking, such as, "Should Trump continue to tie Hillary to Obama's failed policies including ObamaCare and the Iran Deal?".

Republican nominee Donald Trump looks on during the first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on September 26, 2016. Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images

While the use focus groups during campaign cycles is common, sending a mass email soliciting such targeted feedback is not. It's not known how many email subscribers the Trump campaign has, but the mogul's follower count on Facebook and Twitter each exceed 10 million. "It is a very unusual move," Karthick Ramakrishnan, professor of public policy and political science at the University of California, Riverside, told CNBC. "The campaign will probably say that it indicates that the candidate is eager to listen, but many others will probably see this as a risky, and potentially desperate, move." The survey questions whether Trump should repeat some of his previous angles of attack on his rival, asking "Should Trump call out Hillary for flip-flopping on NAFTA and TPP in an attempt to gain votes from Bernie's supporters?" and "Should Trump paint Hillary as someone who has betrayed working-class policies in favor of Wall Street?".

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Of the 30 questions, 18 of them reference Clinton and give respondents the option the answer with yes, no, no opinion or other, giving space for extended feedback.

"The survey makes no mention of immigration, which was Trump's signature issue from the beginning of his campaign until just two weeks ago," Ramakrishnan said. "Perhaps the campaign sees no additional benefit of raising those issues, and might indeed be worried about the cost of pushing turnout higher among Latino and Asian American Democratic voters." The survey could even be a sign of disagreement within the Trump campaign, according to one expert. "This may be a play on the part of his senior campaign staff to gather information to validate their strategic suggestions," Chris Haynes, Assistant Professor of Political Science at University of New Haven, told CNBC. "It could also be a move on the part of the disgruntled Trump children or Donald Trump himself to seek out support for alternative strategies shot down by Trump's professional campaign strategists," he added.



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Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Jewel Samad | AFP | Getty Images

In a risky move for a thrice-married adulterous nominee, Trump is making a full-on pivot to the former president's sexual misbehavior. While the candidate demanded praise for his winking show of restraint, and top aides say he plans to take "the high road" and focus on jobs  top surrogates have been out in force to raise the issue in explicit terms. "Whether it's him directly or those around him operating with his tacit approval, Trump does not get to claim 'restraint,'" said Tracy Sefl, a veteran of Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. "He fools absolutely no one." The turn comes as the Trump team tries to regroup after a tough debate, where Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton took the opportunity in front of 80 million viewers to tell the story Alicia Machado, a former Miss Universe who weathered painful criticism from Trump two decades ago about her body and her weight.

Trump, who owns the pageant contest, refused to back down at the debate. Even the day after Trump complained that Machado had "gained a massive amount of weight" and was "the absolute worst." That debate moment is prompting backers to revisit the transgressions of Bill Clinton, who was impeached by the Republican-controlled House in 1998 after lying about his affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Tennessee Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a Trump supporter, told MSNBC on Wednesday that she did not approve of Trump's comments on Machado but moved quickly to tie Hillary Clinton to the sins of her husband. "I find it so interesting that there continues to be this conversation about what he has said when you look at what she has done: Gennifer Flowers, Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky. My goodness," Congressman Marsha Blackburn told MSNBC.

The story's relevance to Hillary Clinton, Blackburn said, was that the former secretary of state and first lady had been "vindictive" to women who had claimed a sexual relationship with the former president. Trump's deputy campaign manager David Bossie took a similar tack, telling Fox News on Wednesday that Clinton was an "enabler" of her husband's behavior. Rep. Chris Collins, another Trump surrogate, told MSNBC that "the women that Bill Clinton was involved with saw the wrath of Hillary Clinton." Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who famously used a press conference to announce he was leaving his second wife for a mistress, came up with another angle. After Monday's debate, he told an Elite Daily reporter that Clinton's failure to detect her husband's own affair with Lewinsky showed she was "too stupid to be president." The allegations around Clinton have been debated and relitigated over decades and there's scant public evidence to support claims that Hillary Clinton had been "vindictive" against women linked to her husband. Ironically, the same can't be said of Trump: He publicly called Paula Jones, who settled a harassment suit against Bill Clinton, a "loser" and mocked Lewinsky's appearance. As recently as a 2008 CNN interview, he called the conduct that led to Clinton's impeachment "totally unimportant." But Trump changed his tune as a candidate and now he's bringing his campaign with him. Over the weekend, he threatened on Twitter to invite Flowers, who had an affair with Bill Clinton, to the debate. In May, Trump called the ex-president a "disaster" with women. His inner circle notably includes several veterans of the 1990s fights with Clinton: Bossie served as a high-profile investigator for House Republicans. Roger Stone, an outside confidant of Trump, has spent years trumpeting obscure conspiracy theories about the Clintons and last year wrote a book called, "The Clintons' War on Women." Newt Gingrich, a leading Trump ally, was Speaker of the House during Clinton's impeachment.

"It's sort of Ahab and the white whale," Liam Donovan, a GOP strategist, said. "There are people fighting the old battles like it's still 1996 when this stuff doesn't matter to anyone." Republican and Democratic strategists alike told NBC News they were puzzled by the Trump campaign's full-court press, especially given the real estate mogul's own history in the tabloids, along with top surrogates like Giuliani and Gingrich. Tim Miller and Katie Packer, two Republican strategists who oppose Trump, conducted focus groups before the primaries where they tested attacks tied to the former president's sex scandals with female swing voters. They concluded it was a political dead end. "These voters were completely turned off and disgusted by it," Miller said in an e-mail. "We found time and again these attacks turned Hillary into a victim and that it engendered sympathy for her." Packer said women showed little interest in judging Hillary Clinton's behavior toward her husband's accusers or the inner workings of her marriage. "We know this is candy for Republican base voters ... but it doesn't do you any favors with women we need to win elections," Packer added in a phone interview.

Rick Wilson, a Republican consultant who worked for Giuliani, also reviewed focus group research on these kinds of attacks when Giuliani was considering a Senate bid against Hillary Clinton in 2000. He concluded it was "a recipe for blowback." "How do you make a person who is largely unsympathetic sympathetic?" Wilson said. "By engaging in a lot of attacks that most Americans find beyond the pale." Not everyone agrees. For years, a number of conservatives have raised the old Clinton scandals more freely. Some have argued that they might play differently with millennials too young to remember the impeachment era. Ben Shapiro, editor of DailyWire.com and a fierce Clinton critic, said the Trump campaign might be able to use the issue as a way to muddy the waters over Trump's behavior towards women, but not as a "first-strike launch." "Trump surrounds himself with guys who have a long history of problems with women, which precludes him from attacking Hillary unprovoked  but she's provoked him, so neutering the argument is key," Shapiro said.
Spencer Platt | Getty Images

Maybe  despite copious evidence to the contrary  Donald Trump might, as he once promised to do, plug the considerable holes in his knowledge of public policy and world affairs by "hiring the best people." But it sure looks like he wouldn't listen to them.

Before the first presidential debate  according to reports that have trickled out in the last few days  some of Trump's advisers apparently urged him to hold some traditional debate preparation sessions, instead of just watching cable news and listening to Roger Ailes tell war stories. He refused.

More from Vox:

A review of a new Hitler biography is not so subtly about Trump

The question of what Donald Trump "really believes" has no answer

A third of homeless people in America are over 50. I'm one of them They warned him he'd need to "bring in new voters," according to CNN's Gloria Borger, Dana Bash, and Eric Bradner. He shrugged them off. They even gave him zingers to use against Hillary Clinton on particular topics. "He just didn't use them," one adviser told CNN. "Nobody is really sure why." Instead, Trump is listening to sycophants: the people in his orbit happy to encourage him to keep doing exactly what he's done so far, and assuring him that he can coast to victory on the support of his base.

He listened to them before Monday's debate. He lost that debate, according to media consensus (as well as the consensus of legitimate polls). And instead of reconsidering his approach, and listening to the advisers who've been saying he needs to do some things differently before the second debate on October 9, he's yelling at those advisers for voicing their frustrations to the press.

It is not, to say the least, a good look.

Trump's doing everything he can to resist advice

When you are doing the wrong thing, you need people who will put you on course-correct.

This is true if you are a leader of any organization. It is especially true if you are the leader of the world's only remaining superpower.

If President Donald Trump is supervising a military campaign that is not accomplishing its objectives, he needs military commanders who will tell him this and he needs to listen to them so he can change course. If the US economy has a rough month, President Donald Trump needs to be able to sit in a briefing, hear  and accept  the weak jobs numbers, and be willing to entertain suggestions for anything that could be done better.

When an executive isn't willing to hear bad news the first time, good advisers find workarounds.

Good advisers try to get their message to the boss through other channels, hoping he'll be more receptive if he trusts the messenger more. In Donald Trump's case, given his obsession with watching campaign news on TV, expressing concerns to campaign reporters might be a good place to start. But it hasn't worked with Trump; instead, he's blamed the advisers themselves for creating the perception that he lost the debate.

Good advisers ignore him and strike out on their own, hoping that they'll be able to show the boss a better way  like when campaign surrogates resisted getting dragged into Trump's fight with federal judge Gonzalo Curiel this spring. That didn't work with Trump either. He held a call all but ordering campaign surrogates to get out there and defend him on Curiel (and criticized a staffer who'd apparently told them to stay quiet).

Or, good advisers simply quit, and leave the boss in the hands of sycophants. People who are not concerned with getting the right information to him, but simply in telling him what he wants to hear.

Trump can't handle the truth
Starbucks may dominate the ready-to-drink coffee scene, but there's another chain hoping to caffeinate consumers on the go.

Dunkin' Brands revealed on Thursday that it's partnering with Coca-Cola to launch a line of cold coffee beverages in the U.S. in 2017. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

This is the coffee chain's first foray into the $1.5 billion ready-to-drink coffee category, a space predominately ruled by the North American Coffee Partnership  a venture between Starbucks and PepsiCo .

The Starbucks-Pepsi partnership, which was founded in 1994, has allowed the two companies to gain 80 percent share in the market by volume and 89 percent share by dollars, according to Beverage Digest.




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The profitability of Europe's banks is in crisis rather than the system itself, the finance minister of Austria told CNBC Thursday, amid speculation over the health of Germany's top banks. "I don't think we have a bank crisis (in Europe), what we have is a profitability crisis," Austrian Finance Minister Hans Joerg Schelling told CNBC on Thursday. "They earn less money and to be resistant against shocks you have to make more profit, and that's a common opinion from the International Monetary Fund, from the World Bank, from the OECD, from everybody," he said.



Hans Joerg Schelling, Austria's finance minister. Akos Stiller/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Schelling's comments come as the fate of some of Germany's top lenders is in focus for investors amid speculation that Deutsche Bank could require state aid, although the bank insists there is "no reason to worry." Any potential state intervention could have far-reaching repercussions, however, and represents a systemic risk as it has links to many other global banking institutions. Meanwhile, Commerzbank announced on Thursday that it was cutting a net 7,300 jobs and was to stop paying dividends for the time being amid a drive to sustainably increase its profitability by 2020, the bank said in a statement.

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The good news for Ferrari lovers: The luxury automaker just unveiled its new open-topped super car.

The bad news: It's $2.2 million. And it's already sold out.

Ferrari on Thursday unveiled the convertible version its LaFerrari at the Paris Motor Show. It's called LaFerrari Aperta, which means "open" in Italian. It's got all the wonders of the LaFerrari  including a hybrid 950 horsepower V-12 engine that's derived from the company's Formula One cars.

It does zero to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds and tops out at more than 200 miles an hour. And it's got the same curvaceous, snarling looks of the LaFerrari. But this one comes with your choice: a removable carbon-fiber top or soft cover.

Ferrari will only be making 209 of these cars, and it will be keeping nine. That left only 200 for sale. But as the company had three times as many interested buyers as it had Apertas to sell, every one of those cars was sold out ahead of Thursday's launch.

The Aperta is part of Ferrari's strategy as a public company of expanding sales while keeping its brand exclusive. While the company's California T models sell for closer to $200,000, it continues to produce limited-edition, hyper-priced super cars that build the brand's halo.

The LaFerrari sold for roughly $1.5 million in 2014, but that model is now being auctioned off more than $5 million.That means whoever was lucky enough to pay $2.2 million for an Aperta has probably already made a profit.
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Only a substantial intervention by the German government can stop the collapse of the country's largest lender, Deutsche Bank , according to Stefan Muller, the CEO of Frankfurt-based boutique research company DGWA.

"Deutsche Bank doesn't realize that something serious needs to happen," he told CNBC via telephone on Thursday morning. "(CEO John) Cryan clearly showed that he has no idea how to survive."



Krisztian Bocsi | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The bank has repeatedly defended itself over recent weeks, however, telling CNBC that there is "no reason to worry" and that the bank had a "comfortable cushion."

The embattled German lender saw a respite on Wednesday from hefty selling seen in previous sessions amid contradictory reports on whether the German government had a rescue plan for the bank. Cryan also tried to reassure investors about the bank's capital strength by telling the tabloid newspaper Bild that "state aid is not an issue."

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The outspoken Muller - who does not hold a position on the bank's stock - said he believed Chancellor Angela Merkel had personally forced Cryan to do the interview with the German newspaper. He also told CNBC that there was no way the German government would admit to it, but, "of course there is a rescue plan, that's their job."

Muller added that any type of financial aid or bailout would be difficult for Merkel ahead of elections next year as well as creating "moral hazard" for other lenders - where there is a lack of incentive to guard against potential risks due to the government backstop.

Deutsche Bank's stock has slid over 50 percent so far this year and the cost of insuring exposure to its debt has risen sharply. It has come under pressure from aggressive short-selling, notably from some large hedge funds. This includes Soros Fund Management, the family office run by George Soros, which has built up a short position, according to a regulatory filing earlier this year.

The latest concerns about the bank come after the U.S. Justice Department suggested it pay $14 billion to settle a number of investigations related to mortgage securities. The probes refer to the way it sold these securities before the financial crash of 2008. It came after initial worries about Deutsche Bank surfaced earlier in the year, with investors detailing concerns over its exposure to the energy sector and a possible cash crunch.

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Many analysts also do not expect government support will come at this point, or that it will even be necessary, however. Many also don't see a systemic risk to other banks or that this could trigger a financial crash like that seen in 2008.

"It's not a Lehmans moment in the offing. Banks are generally better capitalized and able to cope with adverse shocks. And Deutsche's derivatives exposure can be overstated," Neil Wilson, a markets analyst at London-based spreadbetter ETX Capital said in a note Wednesday. "Deutsche's problem is not capitalization  it's just that its costs have soared (mainly through litigation and fines) and it's not that profitable anymore."

Meanwhile, Markus Stadlmann, chief investment officer of Lloyds Private Banking, told CNBC Thursday that investors shouldn't throw the "baby out with bath water" with regards to the bank.

"Deutsche still has a very strong franchise, I think John Cryan is a very strong CEO who can turn the ship around," he said. "It has a lot of clout in European markets but also in the Middle East, some Asian markets ... it's more of a balance sheet, liquidity, capital issue."
Greek Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis told CNBC that the government was focusing on the correct mix of fiscal policies, including higher taxes -- particularly on the wealthy -- and an easing of cuts in the public sector, amid continued pressure to fulfil the terms of its third bailout program.

Greece's economy minister is confident that the country's leftist government is making progress on its bailout program and following the right policies, despite opinion polls signaling a decline in public support for the governing Syriza party.

Greek people stage a protest against the government's austerity policy at the Sintagma square in Athens, Greece on May 22, 2016.

"(Last year) we had a feeling, and I think we were right, that no further cuts were possible in the public sector - wages and salaries were slashed by 40 percent in the last three or four years and public expenditure in education and health had reached a very marginal level, so we made a choice that no further cuts were there," he said in an interview on Wednesday.

The government had decided that its fiscal targets would be obtained by having a "more gradual adjustment of the fiscal targets and raising taxation where it has less effect  which means on the most wealthy parts of our society," he added.

Greece reluctantly signed up to a third bailout worth 86 billion euros ($96 billion) last summer after coming dangerously close to bankruptcy and an exit from the euro zone. The move was controversial, however, given that the majority of Greeks voted against more austerity measures.

As part of the bailout, Greece is required to pass a series of far-reaching reforms, including privatizing public assets, overhauling the tax system and implementing unpopular pension and labor market reforms.

While it is in the process of reforming its economy in line with the demands of its international creditors, the country has been criticized for making slow progress in achieving a series of bailout "milestones."

However, Stathakis said the government was committed to implementing its bailout program in full.

"The government may be criticized for the mix of policies and a whole range of issues butit is committed to the implementation of the bailout agreement, that it obtains its targets particularly on the fiscal (level) and that it's a government that is committed to things that have been agreed," he said.

In the meantime, the popularity of the governing Syriza party has also fallen amid straitened times for Greek citizens. Over the last week, two Greek polls  the first conducted for Eleftheros Typos newspaper and the second for Real News  have shown that the opposition New Democracy party is more popular than Syriza and that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' popularity has declined.

Stathakis insisted that opinion polls sent a mixed signal, however, and that "one strong message" was that the government "continued to have widespread support."

"This indicates that there is a perception that the government should be allowed to complete its four year period (in power) and develop its policies one by one," he said, although he conceded that it was "understandable" that there was dissatisfaction that progress was being made "under very strict conditions."

"The government is committed to going on to implementing its policies and to complete the four-year period which is the mandate of the electorate in the last election," he stressed.

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AOL co-founder Steve Case finds Donald Trump's tight-borders, back-to-the-glory-days approach unsettling. The technology executive broke his record of staying out of politics, and endorsed Hillary Clinton.

In an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday morning, Case praised the Democratic nominee for being significantly more conducive to development in the areas of technology and innovation than her opponent.

"We need to make sure we remain the most innovative entrepreneurial nation," said Case, chairman and CEO of a Washington-based investment firm he co-founded in 2005. "Some of that relates to immigration, some of that relates to investment incentives, some of that relates to getting the right regulations in place."

"I just think Clinton would be a much better president for this next future than Trump," he said, adding he's surprised Trump had not yet put out specific plans for the country's technological innovation industry.
India said on Thursday it had conducted "surgical strikes" on suspected militants preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-ruled Kashmir, making its first direct military response to an attack on an army base it blames on Pakistan.

The cross-border action inflicted "significant casualties", the Indian army's head of operations told reporters in New Delhi. It was not immediately clear whether they involved any incursion by Indian troops across the Line of Control that runs through disputed Kashmir.

The Pakistani military said no such strike had taken place but that there had been an exchange of firing at the frontier.

The Indian military announcement followed through on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warning that those responsible "would not go unpunished" for a Sept. 18 attack on an Indian army base at Uri, near the frontier, that killed 18 soldiers.

The strikes also raised the possibility of a military escalation between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan that would wreck a 2003 Kashmir ceasefire.

Lt General Ranbir Singh, the Indian army's director general of military operations, said the strikes were launched on Wednesday based on "very specific and credible information that some terrorist units had positioned themselves to infiltrate".

The strikes had caused "significant casualties", Singh also said, adding he had called his Pakistani counterpart to inform him of the casualties.

Pakistan said two of its soldiers had been killed and nine wounded in an exchange of fire across the de facto border in the Himalayan region.

"There had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India, which is an existential phenomenon," the press wing of the Pakistani military said.

"As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops."
A daily morning look at the financial stories you need to know to start the day

STOCKS/ECONOMY

-Stock futures are flat after yesterday's oil-induced rally. We get another 2nd quarter GDP estimate today along with August trade figures, pending home sales, and weekly jobless claims.

OIL/ENERGY

-US crude prices are down just a bit after Wednesday's rally. Investors still need to be convinced that the OPEC production cut deal is real.

BUDGET WARS

-Congress has passed a spending bill to keep the government funded through December 9th.
The New York attorney general's probe of Donald Trump's charitable foundation appears to have expanded based on new findings, Talking Points Memo reported Thursday.

The investigation apparently now includes questions about self-dealing raised last week by a Washington Post report, which said Trump settled legal disputes with Palm Beach, Florida, with money given to the Donald J. Trump Foundation. Self-dealing rules prevent nonprofit leaders from using charity dollars for personal or business use. A lawyer for Palm Beach told Talking Points Memo that the town has given the New York attorney general's office documents it previously provided to thePost.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office revealed the inquiry into Trump's foundation earlier this month, before thePost reporting raised self-dealing questions.

Earlier this week, Trump was asked if he was confident the foundation had not broken any laws, responding that he "hoped so."

The inquiry from the New York attorney general's office comes as Trump and his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton have attacked each other for alleged self-enrichment from charitable foundations. Heavy media scrutiny of the Clinton Foundation has found scant evidence of the "pay to play" Trump alleges, though the Clinton family has said it will make changes to the foundation to avoid potential conflicts of interest should Hillary Clinton be elected president.

Schneiderman's office declined to comment. Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read the full Talking Points Memo report here.
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The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to curb production for the first time since 2008 on Wednesday, but just a day later, energy market analysts are questioning the meaning of the deal. OPEC minted a preliminary plan to cut production to as little as 32.5 million barrels a day, from about 33.2 million barrels in August, sources told Reuters. But output quotas for each of the cartel's 14 members would be left undecided until its annual meeting Nov. 30. A lack of concrete detail has left some questioning whether the agreement is any deal at all  and wondering what might potentially derail things between now and November. "I think what this really is is an agreement to agree at some point two months from now, and there are big questions around the allocations. Is this a freeze or a cut? What's the real deal with Iran going to be?" energy analyst and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dan Yergin told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday.

Mohammed Al-Sada, Qatar's minister of energy and industry and president of OPEC Akos Stiller | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Ahead of Wednesday's meeting of producers in Algeria, Saudi Arabia reportedly offered to reduce its production if regional rival Iran agreed to cap its output at the current level of 3.6 million barrels per day. Tehran has said it wants to produce 4 million barrels a day following the lifting of sanctions in January. On Tuesday, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that Iran, Libya and Nigeria may be allowed to pump "at maximum levels that make sense," Reuters reported. The treatment for those three countries, which are all seeking to significantly ramp up production, remains an uncertainty, said Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Markit. Iran's output in particular will be a source of conflict over the next two months, he said. A question mark is also hanging over Russian cooperation, Yergin added, noting that Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak did not take part in the informal OPEC meeting, having departed Algeria when producers failed to agree to a firm plan. Russia is not a member of OPEC. The Russians "were actually the original advocates of the freeze, and to mix metaphors, they got burned when there was no freeze," he said.



Again Capital founding partner John Kilduff said Thursday that the numbers behind the deal don't work, because Russia recently boosted output by as much as 400,000 barrels to 10.7 million a day as it started new production this summer. He also pointed to reports that Russian oil companies are aiming to increase production of hard-to-extract hydrocarbons. On Thursday, Novak said in a statement that Russia would hold talks with OPEC in the coming months, but the country plans to maintain production at near-record levels. Even if a deal is reached in November, the Saudis could have a tough time enforcing it, in Kilduff's view. "OPEC's track record on adhering to production cuts to quotas is ridiculously poor  if not nonexistent. You can't believe they're going to come through on this one either," he told CNBC's "Squawk Box." Low oil prices have produced domestic budget deficits in Saudi Arabia, forcing it to cut perks for its huge pool of public sector employees. Meanwhile, Iran's return to oil markets and sanctions relief have improved the situation in the country, whose economy struggled under the weight of international sanctions for years, Kilduff said. "The Iranians see an opportunity to squeeze the Saudis, the way the Saudis saw an opportunity to squeeze the Iranians back in 2014," he said, referring to the year Riyadh declined to cut output. Both Kilduff and Yergin cautioned against reading too much into the plan to initially dial back production by 200,000 to 700,000 barrels a day. Top exporter Saudia Arabia would be reducing output in any case as the summer heat abates, as it experiences declining domestic demand for air conditioning, they said.


Workers tend to a well head during a hydraulic fracturing operation outside Rifle, Colorado. Brennan Linsley | AP

OPEC's promised production deal will probably prop up oil prices, but it may also jump-start more U.S. shale drilling  which would go against the very reason the cartel started a price war in the first place. Analysts at both Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Citigroup pointed to the possibility that OPEC's move toward a production cut would drive up oil prices, and that might encourage more drilling by the shale industry, which has finally seen rig counts pick up and production levels stabilize after a steep decline.

BofA anlysts said Thursday that flow rates in the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico have improved in recent months, meaning U.S. shale players are getting more oil out of the ground with better technology. "Worryingly for the cartel, production in the West Texas region has already started to increase sequentially. Stated differently, OPEC has declared a truce on oil prices. But relentless improvements in shale technology will keep Saudis awake at night wondering if they have made the right choice," the analysts wrote. "The $45 level was starting to bring them back. They're driving down costs all the way through the production chain," said John Kilduff of Again Capital. But shale drillers could also add more supply to the already oversupplied market, and that would cap gains in oil. Some industry experts believe more drillers could put rigs back in operation at $50, but in order to see a real resurgence, oil needs to be at $60 per barrel.

This is not a return to the old OPEC given a new world with shale and lower demand growth. Citigroup analysts

Oil prices were up over 1 percent Thursday, a day after surging more than 5 percent the promise of an OPEC production agreement. West Texas Intermediate was trading near $48 per barrel. Prices will likely stay range-bound, Citigroup analyst say. "This is not a return to the old OPEC given a new world with shale and lower demand growth. Sustained higher oil prices all else equal could see US production increase again, and hence limit the oil price move. Put differently, absent a demand driven move, we still think a rather range-bound oil market is in store for us more medium term," wrote the Citigroup analysts. OPEC has so far only reached a preliminary agreement to strike a deal to cut production by 200,000 to 700,000 barrels a day, from 33.2 million barrels. The breakdown of which countries will trim output is expected to be worked out by its November meeting. But BofA points out that Saudi Arabia normally cuts back at this time of year. the Saudis produced about 10.6 million barrels a day last month. "After all, Saudi has cut production seasonally by 320,000 (barrels per day) every year between July and January. The move in Algiers may reflect the impending fiscal pressures, as many OPEC government budgets are starved for cash. Also, it is critical to remember that pegged currency regimes across many oil producers have put a huge strain on foreign exchange reserves in key OPEC members," the BofA analysts wrote. As for the U.S., domestic oil production has been around 8.5 million barrels a day recently, down by about 1.1 million barrels a day from the all-time high in the spring of 2015. In November 2014, OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, gave up on production levels and opted for a new strategy of letting the market determine oil prices. Producers, from the U.S. to Russia and Saudi Arabia, kept pumping and created a giant oil glut. Oil plunged, and ultimately hit a bottom in February 2016 at just about $26 per barrel.

'Trim on the edges'
The campus of Columbia University in New York City Getty Images

Parents of high school seniors still have a few last-minute opportunities to maximize their college-bound student's chances at financial aid. Families can file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the form that determines your family's eligibility for financial aid, as early as October 1 this year, using income data from their 2015 tax return. (Previously, the start date was three months later, on Jan. 1, with families estimating income data for the tax return they would file that spring.) If your aim is to file soon, experts say, there are still some (legal) strategies you can employ to essentially work the formula and make you appear less affluent on paper. Asset values are reported at the time you file the FAFSA, allowing more flexibility for last-minute moves. A few caveats about FAFSA preplanning: Some colleges also ask applicants to file the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS), which uses a different formula. There are also other considerations, including parental marital status, age and number of kids in college, that can shift the formula and affect the expected family contribution.

Some families won't be able to benefit much, so it's worth estimating your aid with the before making drastic changes. "For the true high-net-worth client, regardless of how they try to manipulate their financial structure, it's going to be fairly difficult to qualify for need-based aid," Kevin Meehan, regional president of Wealth Enhancement Group, based in Itasca, Illinois, told CNBC.com earlier this year. (Even if you think that's the case, you should still file the FAFSA. Among other reasons, without it, you aren't eligible for any federal student loans and some kinds of state- or college-based aid.) While some FAFSA prep requires planning years in advance, these three moves can help families planning to file this fall.

Shelter your kid's money.

The FAFSA weights assets in the child's name more heavily than those in a parent's name. That's as much as 20 percent, versus a maximum of 5.64 percent for parental assets. The exception: 529 college savings accounts are assessed at the parent rate, even if they are in the child's name. If your child has money in a savings account or CD he or she has earmarked for college, discuss transferring those to a 529 plan to get that lower inclusion rate, Evelyn Zohlen, president of Inspired Financial in Huntington Beach, California, told CNBC.com earlier this year. (Or, if it's earned income from a summer job, your child might make an IRA contribution so the money won't be counted.) And if those savings are earmarked for something else, like a car or computer? Try to make that purchase before filing the FAFSA, so the cash won't have to be reported, she said.

Pay down debt.

It's a smart magic trick. When you use money from a reportable asset to pay debt that isn't factored into the FAFSA  like credit card balances, an auto loan or the mortgage on your primary residence  it essentially disappears, Mark Kantrowitz, vice president of strategy for college and scholarship search site Cappex.com told CNBC.com earlier this year. Paying down your mortgage has extra benefits. The net worth of the home isn't included in the FAFSA, and that equity gives you more options when it's time to pay the college bills, said Meehan  you might open a home equity line of credit. "That's going to be a lot less expensive than going out to get a private loan," he said, and the interest may be deductible.

Assess ownership.
"They're going to probably have to say that they would be willing to put funds into the bank," said banking analyst Christopher Whalen, senior managing director and head of research at Kroll Bond Rating Agency. "It's exactly like what (former Treasury Secretary Henry) Paulson did with Citi ... It's a very analogous situation. Hopefully, the German government will take a page from that particular book and look at how the U.S. responded."

Consequently, market talk intensified that it's becoming time for the German government step in and assure investors that it will be at the ready to stabilize both Deutsche and the broader system  much along the lines of what U.S. officials had to do during the 2008 financial crisis.

But at a time when investors are fearing what the future holds for the highly leveraged institution, such news is enough to cause ripples. Shares tumbled more than 7 percent in mid-afternoon trading. The plunge took the broader market down as well.

In a broad perspective, the move would represent a minor dent in Deutsche's derivatives clearing business. Barry Bausano, chairman of Deutsche's hedge fund business, told CNBC on Thursday that while there have been some outflows, there have also been inflows, which he said is "part of the typical ebbs and flows" of the prime brokerage business.

Deutsche Bank came under intensified market fire Thursday, the latest salvo being a Bloomberg report that a small number of hedge funds are trimming their sails at the German bank.

German officials could be about to find themselves in an uncomfortable position: Being called on to show they're ready to rescue a bank in a part of the world where such operations are considered taboo.

In a statement, Deutsche Bank pointed out that it is financially stable: "Our trading clients are amongst the world's most sophisticated investors. We are confident that the vast majority of them have a full understanding of our stable financial position, the current macro-economic environment, the litigation process in the U.S. and the progress we are making with our strategy"

As Citigroup teetered in late-2008 and early-2009, Paulson's Treasury stepped in with two cash injections to keep the financial contagion from spreading after Lehman Brothers failed on Sept. 15, 2008. The highly unpopular bailouts kept Citi afloat as fear spread about further implosions in the financial system.

However, the European corporate culture is different, particularly when it comes to banking. Bailouts are considered anathema, and German officials in recent days have signaled an unwillingness to step in.

"The Germans have to stop talking about this publicly unless they say, 'Yep, we got 'em, there is no issue here,'" Whalen said. "The concern is that the statements they did make were not helpful."

The situation conjured dark images of the 2008 financial crisis  with the caveat that the overall risks don't appear as great now as they were then.

"After being there I am literally sitting here with chills coming down my spine because we're in a very similar dynamic," Larry McDonald, head of global strategy at ACG Analytics, said on CNBC's "Power Lunch." "Deutsche Bank is not Lehman in terms of the overall global risk, but the political situation is almost identical."

"The politicians in Germany aren't in position right now to do anything ahead of the election," he added. "The beast in the market, the serpent in the market, knows this, and the market will push and push and push until they break the politicians in Germany to come up with public funds."

In the meantime, market angst builds.

Millennium Partners, Capula Investment Management and Rokos Capital Management are among the 10 hedge funds that have pulled cash and cut positions at Deutsche, according to the Bloomberg report, which noted that most of the 200 firms that conduct derivatives clearing with Deutsche have not altered their positions. Rokos declined comment to CNBC and the other firms did not respond to requests.

Bloomberg cited a company statement in which the bank expressed confidence that most of its clients understand the path Deutsche is taking toward resolving its issues. The bank is in the midst of negotiating a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over mortgage-backed securities. Reports indicate a figure of $14 billion is on the table, which would hit Deutsche hard.

The bank has about about $16 billion in equity and some $160 billion in debt.

"The thing that people forget is the EU has very, very strict rules on the book. The whole thing is no state assistance," Kroll's Whalen said. "The Germans have let this situation with banks fester for years, and unfortunately the guys at Deutsche have waited to settle their outstanding issues. They've always been this way."

CNBC's Wilfred Frost and Patrick Allen contributed to this report.
The Wells Fargo illegal accounts scandal is more evidence that big Wall Street banks need to be broken up, according to one lawmaker.

Amid withering criticism from both Republicans and Democrats of the nation's second-largest bank by assets, Rep. Brad Sherman said the bank's conduct and culture duped investors and turned workers into criminals.

"We have institutions that were too big to fail. In 2008, we found they that were too big not to bail," the California Democrat said during an acrimonious hearing with Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf. "We now learn that they're too big to manage, too big to regulate. It's time to break them up."

Wells has paid a $185 million penalty in connection with civil charges that it illegally enrolled customers in bank programs without their consent. The Wells board is looking to claw back $41 million in stock rewards from Stumpf.

The bank fired 5,300 workers in connection with behavior that stretched back to 2009.

"You fired 5,300 people, you took 5,300 good Americans and turned them into felons with a system that you created, benefited from and drove your stock price up by bragging about your levels of new accounts," Sherman said.



Stumpf took issue with Sherman's characterization. The CEO said during the hearing that he accepted responsibility, while denying that there were systemic issues with the bank.

Rep. Michael Capuano, a Massachusetts Democrat, predicted there would be more ramifications for the bank. He said Stumpf and some of his colleagues are guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud, conspiracy to commit identify theft, racketeering and "probably a dozen other crimes."

"Your problem is coming. It's not today. You think today's tough? It's coming," Capuano said. "When the prosecutors get hold of you, you're going to have a lot of fun."
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Shares of Deutsche Bank have hit record lows this week on mounting worries about the struggling German lender, and they were dropping again on Thursday. On Thursday, a Bloomberg report raised concerns that a handful of funds are less willing to do business with the struggling firm. The report, citing a source and review of an internal document, said that a small number of the hedge funds that do derivatives business with the German bank have cut their exposure. Deutsche Bank's U.S.-traded shares dropped after the report and were on pace to close at a record low. It's been a tough two weeks for Deutsche Bank: The German lender has been hit with billions in fines from the U.S. Justice Department  though most market watchers expect the total penalty being floated by the United States is likely to be reduced  and there have also been reports that the German government won't be helping the ailing bank.

Since a peak in July 2015, shares have fallen more than 65 percent and the stock has erased more than half of its market value, from nearly $50 billion to about $16 billion this week. Meanwhile, net revenue fell almost 21 percent in the first half of this year from last year, according to the company's interim report.

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A major concern for global markets about Deutsche Bank is its deep connections to global financial institutions, which has some investors fearing a larger bank crisis, though analysts continue to indicate that the situation is nowhere near so dire. Here are the key points of the accelerating crisis from over the last 18 months: June 2015  John Cryan, formerly chief financial officer of UBS, is appointed co-CEO. October 2015  Cryan announces details on a restructuring program called Strategy 2020 that includes a suspension of dividends on common equity, job cuts and exits from 10 countries.

Source: FactSet June 2016  The International Monetary Fund releases a report saying that Deutsche Bank "appears to be the most important net contributor to systemic risks in the global banking system."





Spillover from Deutsche Bank to globally systemically important banks

Source: IMF. Staff calculations based on the Diebold and Yilmaz (2014) methodology and daily equity returns from Oct. 11, 2007, to Feb. 26, 2016. Groupe BPCE and the Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) not included due to lack of public traded data and short sample size. July 2016  S&P Global Ratings lowers its outlook on Deutsche Bank to negative, citing challenges management faces in implementing its restructuring strategy, while affirming a "BBB+/A-2" credit rating. June/July 2016  Deutsche Bank's U.S. unit fails the U.S. Federal Reserve's stress test again, but narrowly passes the European banks stress test. However, Credit Suisse analyst Jon Peace said in a Sept. 16 report that Deutsche Bank's Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, a measure of a bank's financial strength, is below the European Central Bank's full minimum requirement of 12.25 percent and management's target of at least 12.5 percent.

Capital ratio versus regulator requirement (as of the second quarter '16)

Source: Credit Suisse, company data August 2016  Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse are removed from Europe's blue-chip STOXX Europe 50 index due to the sharp decline in the market value of both stocks.

September 2016  Shares of Deutsche Bank hit all-time lows before bouncing back 2 percent in New York trade Wednesday following a report that raised hopes of a rescue for the struggling bank. But both Cryan and the German government say they aren't working together on a plan for state aid, according to other reports.

Where things stand now

Analysts also do not expect government support will come at this point, or that it will even be necessary. If Deutsche Bank can negotiate its $14 billion settlement with the Justice Department down to the estimated sub-$5 billion figure, it may buy time for its attempt to restructure. Fitch said last week that it expects the final settlement with the department to be far lower and "much more in line with provisions the bank has already set aside." "There are no rating implications at this stage, but if the size of the final settlement turns out to be materially more than the provisions made, this could result in negative rating action," Fitch analysts said.


Donald Trump still has an excellent chance to win the White House in November. Several major polls still have him in the lead or well within the margin of error in several battleground states. But there's one supposed battleground state where Trump most likely won't win: Virginia.

Virginia was once an absolute slam dunk easy win for Republicans. From 1968 through 2004, no Democratic presidential candidate won Virginia. But Barack Obama won it both in 2008 and 2012, and no poll so far in this election cycle has shown Trump ahead in Virginia. That's in contrast to almost every other toss-up state where Trump has shown considerable strength from time to time.

So why is Virginia not budging when it was once such a red state?

You might say demographics: Virginia's non-white population grew from 22 percent of the population to 28 percent between 2009 and 2013. And the population is also getting younger. The size of the population ages 18-29 has jumped from just 15 percent to 19 percent since 2009. Both younger voters and non-white Americans are simply less statistically likely to vote for any Republican.

However, other states where Trump is doing better are also undergoing similar demographic changes. For example, Florida is also seeing its non-white population grow. And more than 20 percent of Ohio's population is 18-34 years old. But Trump is holding his own and even leading most polls now in both of those states.

So what really makes Virginia different? It's simple: government, lobbyists, and the establishment.

Trump's unconventional candidacy has transcended the usual "red-blue" divide in national elections and turned it into an establishment vs. anti-establishment affair.

And more of the wealthiest, (and most likely to back the establishment status quo), voters are now backing Hillary Clinton. In 2012, Republican Mitt Romney beat President Obama by 10 percentage points among voters earning $100,000 or more per year. Most polls now show that has completely flipped to an eight-to-ten point lead for Clinton. And Virginia is now home to the top two counties for median income in the entire country.

And so much of that growing wealth and attachment to the status quo in Virginia is because of the government. Thanks to lucrative D.C.-area lobbying jobs and the rock-solid job security Virginia's large number of federal government workers enjoy, the state is chock full of residents who rely on Uncle Sam. And with the federal government still growing robustly over the past decades under both Republican and Democratic administrations, that establishment base is getting bigger. If Trump wins, there's no guarantee he will even try to reduce the size of the government and decrease the influence of lobbyists. He may not succeed even if he does try.

But his relative weakness in the Virginia polls tells us a significant portion of the population there doesn't like the sound of this outsider threatening their way of life. Imagine if Trump came into Michigan and bashed autoworkers, or showed up in Florida and bashed Social Security? Bashing the government and insiders in Washington has a similar effect for a lot of Democrats and Republicans in Virginia.

Most of the media will focus on the racial and general demographic reasons for Trump's uphill battle in Virginia, but it's important to know the challenges he faces go much deeper. If Trump were a traditional Republican candidate like George W. Bush or Mitt Romney, it would be different.

But even if Trump wins the White House by a comfortable margin in November, it's hard to believe Virginia will ever go his way.
Billionaire Warren Buffett on Thursday denied a published report that he wants "radical transformation" at Wells Fargo and said he has only spoken with CEO John Stumpf.

"It's dead wrong to imply I've spoken to the board directly. Going to the board implies I've gone around Stumpf, the guy who is under fire," Buffett told CNBC. "I've talked to no one else on the board."



Earlier in the day, Douglas Kass of Seabreeze Partners Management wrote in The Street's Real Money blog that Buffett "expressed his extreme dissatisfaction" to the bank's board of directors and called for "a radical transformation of the bank's ethics, in no uncertain terms."

Kass later published another post on Real Money with the title "I Stand by My Post on Buffett and Wells Fargo." Kass has a small short position in Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway .



Buffett said that he spoke with Stumpf for about five minutes and told him the problem at the bank is bigger than the CEO may have originally thought. Buffett told the Wells Fargo CEO the fine "was not a metric to use in determining public reaction."

Stumpf told the House Financial Services Committee on Thursday that he has talked to "a lot of [Wells Fargo] investors" and that he has "had one coversation with Warren Buffet."



The billionaire also said that he did not think that Stumpf's interview with Jim Cramer on "Mad Money" went well. In the interview, the Wells Fargo CEO said the bank is sorry, but that he does not plan to resign.
Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf endured another round of tough Capitol Hill grilling Thursday, pledging to fix what went wrong and denying there was an "orchestrated effort" to defraud customers.

In an appearance before the Senate nine days ago, the head of the embattled bank faced blistering criticism for a scandal in which bank employees, in an effort to meet sales goals, enrolled millions of customers into programs without their approval.



Stumpf said the company would be terminating all sales goals at the end of this week.

"In fact, we don't even think they're an important requirement for us anymore to continue to grow," he said under questioning.

Stumpf used the House appearance Thursday hearing to again express contrition as his own board seeks to claw back $41 million in stock rewards he has earned. The bank has paid $185 million as a result of multiple investigations.



"I am deeply sorry that we failed to fulfill our responsibility to our customers, to our team members, and to the American public," Stumpf said.

"I want to apologize for violating the trust our customers have invested in Wells Fargo," he added. "And I want to apologize for not doing more sooner to address the causes of this unacceptable activity."

Members of Congress, however, have been frustrated with the answers they've received.

"The testimony that we have witnessed in the Senate trying to explain what happened is not satisfactory and we still do not have all the information we need to understand why this happened, when the sales culture turned toxic, who knew about it and when," said Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif.
"""Millions of Filipinos work in the Middle Easts petroleum-exporting nations, but remittances and work has decelerated since the steep decline in fuel prices. Now Filipinos need only upgrade their skills and find work in the local outsourcing sector instead of doing menial labor abroad. US-based and European companies, in the current fluctuating economy, largely outsource to the Philippines to cut costs and remain competitive."

The BPO industry is expected to generate 1.3 million jobs and achieve an annual growth of 17 percent in 2016, reflecting its stature as one of the country's most dynamic and fastest growing sectors. This continuing success is due to excellent infrastructure, cost competitiveness, adequate government support and the country's educated talent pool. A strong customer service culture is also credited for the success. When it comes to clientele, US-based companies account for 77 percent of the Philippines' BPO export while the remaining 23 percent is attributed to the countries from the Asia-Pacific region.

An Oxford Business Group article on the Philippines' BPO industry highlighted that "having grown at a compound annual growth rate of around 10 percent over the past decade, the BPO sector has become the country's largest source of private employment and the second-largest contributor of foreign exchange earnings after remittances."

The article also states that this industry has fuelled the growth of other sectors in the country. According to Gillian Joyce Virata, a former executive director at the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), each new outsourcing job created generates an estimated 2.5 additional jobs in retail, public transportation and other support services. With its significant contribution and multiplier effect, it is befitting to say that the BPO sector is a significant contributor to the well-being of the Philippines.


This 1848 Coronet $2.50 might be first U.S. commem

The CAL. punch on the reverse of this 1848 Coronet $2.50 gold quarter eagle identifies it as a coin struck from the first shipment of California gold sent to the Philadelphia Mint.

The CAL. punch on the reverse of this 1848 Coronet $2.50 gold quarter eagle identifies it as a coin struck from the first shipment of California gold sent to the Philadelphia Mint.

Heritages Sept. 7 to 13 Long Beach, Calif., auctions included the Twelve Oaks Collection of rare U.S. gold coins assembled by a Midwest collector.

Noteworthy for its scope and size, that collection realized $8.5 million across nearly 2,600 lots, and Heritages Long Beach auctions overall brought more than $31 million.

Leading the Twelve Oaks offerings was a 1795 Capped Bust gold $5 half eagle graded Mint State 62 by Numismatic Guaranty Corp. that sold for $141,000. More selections from the same collection are set for Heritages upcoming coin auctions in Dallas and New York City.

Here is one of three coins from the Long Beach auctions that we're profiling in this week's Market Analysis:

The Lot:

1848 Coronet, CAL. gold $2.50 quarter eagle, PCGS Very Fine 25.

The Price:

$32,900

The Story:

Collectors will long debate whether the 1,389 1848 Coronet gold $2.50 quarter eagles with CAL. stamped above the eagles head on the reverse are truly the first U.S. commemorative coins. The letters were stamped at the Philadelphia Mint above the eagle to identify coins minted from the first gold sent to the Philadelphia Mint from California.

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This one, graded Very Fine 25 by Professional Coin Grading Service, realized $32,900.

Coronet gold quarter eagle: The Coronet $2.50 quarter eagle series may appear to be a boring, redundant series on the surface, but it is full of scarce dates of low mintages, very low mintage Proof coins and many interesting die varieties. How much are Coronet quarter eagles worth?

The simplicity of the punch means that fakes of this issue are frequently seen, though third-party grading has removed many from the market. A single CAL. punch was used, but the exact placement of the punch varies subtly from coin to coin. On genuine examples the obverse is not flattened where the coin was punched on the reverse, since researchers believe that the stamping likely occurred while the coins were still in the press.
A Proof .925 fine silver 10, released Sept. 26 by Spain, marks the 300th birth anniversary of Charles III, who served as king from 1759 to 1788.

The Royal Spanish Mint celebrates a milestone of royal importance with a new silver coin.

The Proof .925 fine silver 10 coin, released Sept. 26, commemorates the 300th anniversary of the birth of Charles III.

Charles III was the king of Spain and the Spanish Indies from 1759 to 1788.

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He conquered the kingdoms of Naples and of Sicily, reigning as Charles VII of Naples and Charles V of Sicily.

As king of Spain, Charles III tried to rescue his empire from decay through far-reaching reforms such as weakening the church and its monasteries, promoting science and university research, facilitating trade and commerce, modernizing agriculture and avoiding wars. His reforms proved short-lived and Spain relapsed after his death, but his legacy lives on to this day.

The obverse of the coin features a profile of King Feliipe VI, the current ruler.

The reverse depicts Charles III wearing the cloak of grand master of the order that he established to reward people for their actions in benefit to Spain and the crown.

He stands by the famous Alcala Gate in Madrid. He was actually nicknamed Best Mayor of Madrid for the many public works that were tackled in the city during his reign.

The coin weighs 27 grams, measures 40 millimeters in diameter and has a mintage limit of 7,500 pieces.

Distributor Royal Scandinavian Mint carries modern Spanish coins, but pricing was unavailable for this new issue. For more information, visit the distributor website.
Family starts over after losing home, pets in Wooldridge fire

The McComb family called Wooldridge home before losing everything material to wildfire. What hurt the most was the loss of their pet dog Olaf.
Meet The Androgynous Lesbian Artist Who Created Beautiful Paintings Of Her Lovers In The 1920s

"Renata Borgatti, Au Piano" by Romaine Brooks, 1920. She was a classical musician and one of Rosmaine Brooks's lovers.

1920s Paris. Bohemian, artistic, full of expatriates and very, very queer. However, the history of queer expatriate women in France has been lost throughout the ages with all of the praise given Picasso, Matisse, and Dalijust to name a few. In an exhibition, the Smithsonian American Art Museum has brought one of those forgotten figures of queer bohemia, and her beautiful portraits, back to our attention.

"Azalees Blanches (White Azaleas)," 1910

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Romaine Brooks lived most of her life within Parisian counterculture, socializing with some of the wealthiest English and American expatriates. She was almost always the only woman in her painting classes and her first gallery show in 1910 solidified her artistic reputation. Critics praised the show almost entirely composed of portraits of women, including a nude titled White Azaeleas, which drew comparisons to Manets Olympia.

"Le Trajet (The Crossing)," about 1900

Romaine's artistic style was very unique. Her color palette always fell between shades of gray, somber tones of black and white. She captures the fashionable femininity of that era with delicate, life-like modesty. Brookss depictions of womanhood appeared cold with a stylish realism. "She really painted as though Picasso and Matisse didn't exist," Joe Lucchesi, a consultant curator for the Smithsonian, tells NPR.

"La France Croisee," 1914

Her World War I painting, La France Croisee, has the representation of France standing in the chill of a wasteland, yet she remains immaculately composed. The woman's fierce expression is punctuated like an angry kiss with the cross pinned to her breast. As Romaine's work evolved, the female subjects of her paintings became sharply modern, in possession of a kind of feminine strength that couldnt be captured by other male artists working at that time.

"Miss Natalie Barney, L'Amazone," 1920

After the death of her abusive mother, Brooks used her large inheritance to move to Paris. She began associating with the other sexually and financially independent expatriate women living there  many become her lovers as well as her portrait subjects. After a very brief, tumultuous marriage, Romaine completely swore off men and monogamy. In 1915, Brooks met Natalie Barney and their nonmonogamous relationship would continue for almost five decades. Barney herself was a leader of literary salons and introduced Brooks to other lesbians in the Parisian scene. Brooks and Barney were known for always living very independent lives when they were together. They slept in two separate rooms and they both continued to have affairs outside of the relationship. Around this time, they formed a kind of love-triangle with Lily de Gramont, Brooks's former lover, and the trio continued to see other female suitors within their marginalized social circle over the course of being together.

"Una, Lady Troubridge," 1924. She was the partner of lesbian writer Radclyffe Hall

In the 1920s, Romaine Brooks broke through the rigid gender mold. She cropped her hair and began to wear more masculine clothing such as trousers and jackets designed by mens tailors. The women of her paintings adopted the same kind of dress. To be clear, these women were not trying to become men or pass as men. This androgynous manner of dress was a kind of signal to their fellow lesbians, a way of flaunting their sexuality while remaining under the radar. In fact, many mainstream magazines believed that these women were simply being fashionable. These lesbian women moved with a kind of gender fluidity that had never been seen before in bohemian culture.

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"Peter (A Young English Girl)," 1923-1924

Peter (An English Girl) captures this movement to androgyny. The subject of the portrait is a British painter, Hannah Gluckstein, who began to go by the genderless "Gluck" in the '20s. When Brooks met her at one of Barney's salons, Gluck called herself Peyter Gluck and would appear in men's suits and fedoras. The quiet, austere space around her body emphasizes Gluck's androgynous identity and her eyes are expressive with sexual energy.



"Self Portrait," 1923

In her own self-portrait, Brooks appears brooding in an all-black ensemble of a top hat. Her eyes are obscured by shadows. Her hair, cropped to her ears, just barely sticks out from under her hat. Her jacket is cut narrow and her high collar gives her an air of regality. Her hands are painted mid-gesture, almost lady-like in their thick gray gloves. If you were to pass this painting without taking a closer look, perhaps you would not see the slightest suggestion of pink on her mouth, you would assume she was a man.

"Ida Rubinstein," 1917. She was a Russian actress and one of Romaine's lovers.

When Truman Capote visited Romaine Brookss studio in the 40s, he called it "the all-time ultimate gallery of all the famous dykes from 1880 to 1935 or thereabouts. While thats probably an exaggeration, its a shame that art history has forgotten about this lesbian painter. Within this corner of Parisian bohemia, Romaine was painting women outside of restrictive gender roles of femininity, documenting a part of queer history that occurred long before the androgynous movement of the female Surrealists. In his book Amazons In The Drawing Room, author Whitney Chadwick likens Romaine as "the first female painter since Artemisia Gentileschi in the seventeenth century to portray an ideal of heroic femininity."

Photos via Smithsonian American Art Museum

Published September 29, 2016

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Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)

The last poor person from Memphis to be admitted by court order to a state-run psychiatric hospital waited in jail 162 days.

That was in July.

The next poor person in line has been waiting in jail 156 days. The next, 148 days. The next, 120 days. The list goes on.

That doesn't include the even longer list of poor people waiting in jail to be evaluated for mental competence.

It doesn't pay to be poor in this city.

"It is unconscionable for individuals who suffer from serious mental illness to languish for so long after a judge has determined that hospitalization is required," Shelby County Public Defender Stephen Bush wrote in a letter he sent Monday to state officials.

In his response, state Mental Health Commissioner Doug Varney said he is "concerned about access to inpatient treatment in our state. This lack of availability is magnified when the patients do not have any financial resources to help pay for services."

And so it goes.

A free society demands due process and equal protection, public safety and criminal justice.

State and local officials compete for diminishing public resources to provide and pay for it all  especially for those who can't afford it.

Meanwhile, the poor sit in jail and stay in jail.

Unable to afford representation, counseling, treatment or electronic monitoring that could help them get out and stay out of jail and poverty.

Unable to cover bail, court costs, fees, fines and other debts that keep them locked up.

Woe are they, you might be thinking.

Woe are all of us.

One way or another, we're all suffering the consequences.

Several decades ago, we began shifting billions of tax dollars from inpatient psychiatric hospitals to outpatient community mental health services.

We called it deinstitutionalization. It worked for some, especially those with private means and support.

In recent years, we've been cutting billions from outpatient community services, especially for those without private means and personal support.

We called it budget balancing, but we're really just shifting costs  and responsibility for the poor  from the mental health system to the criminal justice system.

More than half of all inmates in local jails and state prisons have some sort of mental illness, according to the Urban Institute.

Of those, only one in three state prisoners, and one in six jail inmates, have received mental health treatment since they were locked up.

"The (state psychiatric) hospitals closed, but community-based clinics did not replace them, or opened and later were defunded and closed," the Treatment Advocacy Center reported in June.

"Meanwhile, the functions the hospitals once performed for people severely disabled by mental illness  treatment, structure, shelter  were lost, and the people who needed those functions were (sent) to other large settings, such as jails and prisons."

The U.S. has about 38,000 state psychiatric beds, the lowest number on record. The Center estimates that's 123,000 fewer than are needed.

The shortage leaves "the sickest of the sick" without delayed treatment or none at all.

"When there are no beds for them, people who can't be treated elsewhere instead cycle through other institutions or live on the streets," the Center reported.

"They crowd into emergency rooms and languish behind bars, waiting for beds to open. Some become violent or, more often, the victims of violence. They grow sicker and die. The personal and public costs are incalculable.

Tennessee has about 560 state psychiatric beds, or about 8 per 100,000 people. Mental health experts say we need five times that many.

Shelby County's criminal courts are served by Western Mental Health Institute in Bolivar, which has 150 beds. Occupancy has increased from 79 percent to 92 percent.

"Fewer beds and no more community services is a lethal combination," Ron Honberg, a policy adviser at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, told Pew Charitable Trust in August.

The poor already are at increased risk for mental illness. People who are mentally ill are at increased risk for going to jail and staying there.

Round and round we go.

Meanwhile, our state prisons are operating at 98 percent of capacity. Three prisons, including West Tennessee State Penitentiary, have been at or above capacity in the past year, the Tennessean reported in August.

Shelby County Jail's population  about 2,400 per day  "is greater than it has been for the prior three years and is at a critical level," Sheriff Bill Oldham wrote to county leaders in July.

Oldham said the main problem is that prisoners awaiting trial are staying longer.

Some are just waiting to go to the hospital.

Contact columnist David Waters at waters@commercialappeal.com.
July 15, 2016 - During a vigil honoring her son, Darrius Stewart, Mary Stewart pours green liquid at the spot where Darrius was fatally shot last year at New Direction Christian Church Youth Campus in Hickory Hill. Stewart, 19, was shot twice by Memphis police officer Connor Schilling during a traffic stop on July 17, 2015. (Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal)

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By Kayleigh Skinner Kskinner@Commercialappeal.Com 901-529-2492

A day after the Department of Justice announced it would not prosecute a former Memphis police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black teen last July, local players involved in the judicial proceedings surrounding the death of Darrius Stewart gathered for a panel discussion Downtown.

Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich, Chancellor James Newsom III, attorneys Arthur Horne III and Arthur Quinn were part of a panel discussion Wednesday at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law during a "Law School for Journalists" event Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors, FBI agents and attorneys from the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division in Washington launched a review last year and on Tuesday announced there was insufficient evidence to support charges against former Memphis police Officer Connor Schilling.

Stewart was fatally shot July 17, 2015, by Schilling, a white officer, in the 5700 block of Winchester Road after a traffic stop in which Stewart was a passenger. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the shooting and compiled a report. After reviewing the report, Weirich recommended Schilling be indicted on charges of voluntary manslaughter and using a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. A state grand jury declined to indict Schilling.

"Under the law, the only person that can call the TBI is the elected district attorney," Weirich said. "I did what I thought was best in terms of the file and what to do with that file and the request that I made to chancery court. It had never been done before, this was uncharted territory."

Newsom was the judge who ruled the TBI files should be open for public review.

"What a court's call to do, and frankly what I felt my call to do, was to take out my personal perspective from this and simply follow the law as best I understood it," said Newsom. "It's up to the legislature to decide public policy. And so the legislature had said that an order of public record can be made to make a file such as this public."

Quinn, Schilling's attorney, said he wished the files "had remained private or handled in the normal course of business" and criticized Weirich for publicly volunteering her recommendation. He repeatedly voiced his disapproval of press conferences to brief the media, particularly after the TBI file was released and on Tuesday, when Horne participated in a press conference after the DOJ announcement. Horne is one of the attorneys for the Stewart family that announced a multimillion-dollar federal civil rights lawsuit in July against the city, former police director Toney Armstrong and Schilling.

"The press conference yesterday, what is the intent of that? To influence a jury pool?" Quinn asked.

"No we don't have a press conference every time the grand jury makes a decision," Weirich said. "But this situation was different. This situation was an officer that shot and killed someone ... This was a situation where we wanted to tell the public 'Here's what happened today and I have filed a petition in chancery court asking for permission to release this file to the public so just be patient, stay tuned and let's see how that plays out.'"

Horne said press conferences allow the families involved in the case to choose to speak to media collectively instead of scheduling multiple interviews, and journalists can ask the legal questions necessary to write factual stories.

"A lot of the questions they ask us are simple procedure questions and all of us who are lawyers and judges learned that in law school, but they don't know," he said. "They have to convey a message to the community as to where these cases are and where they're going."

Quinn said having his clients talk to the media at a press conference would do nothing to improve the community's trust in the criminal justice system.

"I've been asked 10,000 times 'When can I speak to Mr. Schilling?'" Quinn said. "What is he going to add to this other than his feelings?"

After the discussion, a few people marched and held signs outside of the law school on Front Street in protest of the DOJ's decision in the Stewart case.

"This is showing strength, and is not a protest," said Shango Jakuta with the New Black Panther Party.

Jakuta marched in front of the law school holding a red, black and green flag. Another woman held a Black Lives Matter sign and a sign that read, "Jail Killer Cops."

Reporter Yolanda Jones contributed to this report.
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By Jody Callahan of The Commercial Appeal

The Memphis Police Association will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit the families of the 10 people killed in the recent tragic house fire.

The "A Time to Heal Fundraiser" will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Sleepy Zzz's mattress store at 2790 Kirby Whitten Road. The event will feature food trucks, a water slide, a dunk tank and more.

Proceeds go to the families of those lost in the Sept. 12 fire at the small home in the 1100 block of Severson in South Memphis. Seven children and three adults perished in the blaze.
September 28, 2016 - Mayor Jim Strickland talks Wednesday about four initiatives the city has made to help strengthen small, minority and women-owned businesses. (Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal)

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By Ryan Poe of The Commercial Appeal

A new city of Memphis website will help entrepreneurs start a business in a day, one of several initiatives touted Wednesday by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland to boost the number of city contracts going to small, minority- and women-owned firms.

The website, smartstartmem.com, will help aspiring business owners "smash through" the city and Shelby County's bureaucratic red tape to start their own firms, Strickland told a small crowd inside the Renaissance Business Center near Downtown.

Strickland also promoted Propel, a minority business accelerator partnership with Start Co.; the city's participation in a fellowship to increase the number of small, minority- and women-owned businesses getting economic development incentives; and signed an agreement that will help the city tap the Small Business Administration's (SBA) federal and regional resources.

Strickland said the initiatives showed his administration is invested in improving not only the number of small, minority- and women-owned businesses, but also developing them so they win a greater share of city contracts. The city's spending with such firms increased from 11.9 percent in January, when Strickland took office, to 14 percent in April  a 17 percent increase.

"It goes beyond words  because it has to," Strickland said of his commitment. "We need real, tangible action."

The new website will allow entrepreneurs to input their basic information into an online program "wizard" that will walk them through the process for registering their business. The city will receive a $50,000 SBA grant to pay for the website development and maintenance, said Joann Massey, director of the city's Business Diversity and Compliance office. Among the city's partners on the website project were EPIcenter and the Memphis Bioworks Foundation.

The city previously announced the Propel program, but unveiled more details Wednesday. The 12-week program is for businesses active for three or more years, with two or more full-time employees and at least $400,000 in annual revenues, according to a city leaflet.

Applications for the program were posted online Wednesday, and Start Co. will organize a program open house day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at its headquarters, 88 Union Avenue, second floor.

The first Propel class will begin Oct. 24 and finish Jan. 13.

The city will pay Start Co. $47,000 for the program, but without needing to shift funds in the budget, Massey said.

Strickland said he will assign Massey, Chief Operations Officer Doug McGowen and Housing & Community Development Director Paul Young to work with the National League of Cities, PolicyLink and the Urban Land Institute on the Equitable Economic Development Fellowship. The fellowship was crafted to educate city leaders on how to give more tax incentives to grow small, minority- and women-owned businesses.
By Ryan Poe of The Commercial Appeal

A Memphis police officer will retire with a disability pension following an investigation into what happened after the deadly 2012 shooting of fellow officer Martoiya Lang.

Timothy Goodwins twice-monthly pension of $1,439.48 was approved by the city pension board Thursday. He was suspended with pay last year when the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began looking into inconsistencies in officers statements about what happened immediately after Lang was shot in December 2012 during a drug bust in the Berclair area of northeast Memphis.

A TBI spokesperson said the agency finished its investigation March 29 and turned its case file over to Tennessee District Attorney General Garry Brown, whose district lies north of Jackson. Brown wasnt available for comment this week, according to his office.

Goodwin, 34, was one of two officers suspended with pay during the TBI investigation. His annual salary is $56,148, while the other officer suspended  Darryl Dotson  makes $56,694.

Goodwin suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the shooting of Lang, who died in a shootout between members of the Organized Crime Unit and Treveno Campbell. Lang was the citys first female officer killed in the line of duty.

Campbell, who was also shot, was charged with first-degree murder, criminal attempted first-degree murder, and employing a firearm with intent to commit a crime. A Shelby County Criminal Court judge issued a gag order to restrict information about the case, which is ongoing.

Following the shooting, Goodwin was disciplined for incidents possibly related to PTSD, said Rowena Adams, deputy chief of police Administrative Services and a member of the pension board.

According to the doctors reports, summaries of which were read to the board, Goodwin had symptoms of depression and PTSD, including nightmares, flashbacks and temper outbursts.

Goodwin wasnt present for the board meeting chaired by Mayor Jim Strickland.

The board didnt discuss the TBI investigation.
Barney Sellers/The Commercial Appeal files Announcer Ray Eddy gives the latest news on Sept. 29, 1953, while the scene is recorded by cameramen Al Clemens Jr. (left) and Ralph Chandler at WHBQ-TV, which became the nation's 225th television station. The audio announcer is Bob Roberts at left foreground. The station was located in the Chisca Plaza Hotel.

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Sept. 29

25 years ago: 1991

CHICAGO  The nation's largest public lending library's main collection, scattered for years, has come together in a $144 million library that opens to the public today. The Harold Washington Library Center, which is 10 stories high and takes up a full downtown block that once was home to adult bookstores and pawn shops, includes video directories, computerized book finders, an art gallery, auditorium, restaurant and drive-up window. It represents nearly 20 years of transience for the holdings.

50 years ago: 1966

ATLANTA  Georgia, a Deep South state that had escaped many racial troubles, Wednesday night nominated tough segregationist Lester Maddox as its Democratic candidate for governor over moderate former Gov. Ellis Arnall. In one of the major political upsets of the decade, Maddox, a political ally of Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace, rolled up a sizable margin over Arnall, who had campaigned on a program of moving the state into the 21st Century. With 1,640 of 1,908 precincts reported in to the Georgia Election Service, Maddox had 388,362 votes to Arnall's 323,176. The figures represented 54.5 per cent for Maddox.

75 years ago: 1941

High on an oak-studded bluff overlooking the Mississippi River a new national forest, the Forest of Discovery, created to observe the 400th anniversary of Hernando De Soto's discovery of the Mississippi, was dedicated yesterday near Richardson's Landing, Tenn.

100 years ago: 1916

Dave Koetzla, who will steer a Case car in the Tri-State Fair automobile races, and Sig Hugdahl, who has entered a Mercer, are due to arrive in Memphis tonight from Pueblo, Colo., where they have been battling in the Colorado State Fair races.

125 years ago: 1891

It is reported that gold to the amount of $10,000,000 is coming to America from Europe. Democratic victories in November, together with the good crops and a return of the gold exported last spring, will revive the commercial energies of the country.
Robert Maestas

Newscity
Exclusive Dating Website To Open Private Club Only For Beautiful People

Trending News: A Dating Website Is Opening A Club For Hot People Only

Why Is This Important?

Because it's so unfair that beautiful people have to share real estate with the great unwashed.

Long Story Short

An exclusive dating website for beautiful people is opening its first bar for beautiful people, with beauty evaluators deciding whos in and whos out  with the superficial scrutiny extending to staff as well as prospective members and their guests.

Long Story

Have you got what it takes? Nevermind what your kindest mirror says, theyll be the judge of that.

"They" refers to the owners of dating website BeautifulPeople.com, who announced recently that they're opening a bar in West Hollywood  and you wont get through the door of the creatively-named BeautifulPeople unless the beauty committee thinks youve got a face that dazzles.

The managing director of BeautifulPeople.com, Greg Hodge, says the new bar is giving members what they want.

We listen to our members and they are fed up of going out to expensive bars, hoping to meet similarly beautiful people only to, as Hodge puts it, spend the night wishing the lighting was lower.

Ouch. At Beautiful Peoples flagship bar, there will be no low lighting required because if you fail the beauty scan, you are escorted from the premises. Even staff members will be selected from the 800,000 current members of BeautifulPeople.com.

A lot of faces have fallen short; since it launched in 2002, the website has rejected 11 million people.

Youre welcome to give it a shot. Prospective members submit photographs and a profile. Beauty evaluators rate applicants and then vote on whether theyve got the goods.

Those beauty evaluators include actress Whitney Bibby, actor Sal Vance, model Joslyn Stabile, and celebrity trainer Derek Opperman. Once members pass inspection, they get to mingle with others considered off the chart in the beauty department.

The BeautifulPeople bar will be all about preserving beauty, serving lean meats and healthy green juices, along with the full range of alcoholic beverages. The bar will also offer "beauty cocktails" that combine ingredients like avocado, bee pollen, coconut water and aloe vera.

In the powder room, patrons will find a resident hair and makeup artist, offering free touch-ups all night long.

At many of the most exclusive clubs in the world, money gets it done. Along with wealth, membership can also be based on celebrity and entrepreneurial success. The Bohemian Club in San Francisco is a private club for gentlemen only, while the Belizean Grove in New York is for women only. Most uber-exclusive clubs require referrals and recommendations from current members.

Fear not, if your face isnt launching a thousand ships, there are always exceptions, and for BeautifulPeople, the exception to the skin deep proviso is a fat wallet.

The way we see it," explains Hodge, money can be attractive too, so on a discretionary basis we may make exceptions for certain high net-worth individuals.

Thats such a relief for so many of us.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Seriously?

Disrupt Your Feed

I sincerely want to meet the kind of person who actually wants to be a part of this to find out what it's like to encounter a real-life alien.

Drop This Fact

A recent survey rates Americans as the most attractive people in the world, with Brazil, Spain, Australia and Italy rounding out the top five.
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, (left) with with former Israeli President Shimon Peres in 2007.

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By Michael Collins of The Commercial Appeal

WASHINGTON  Rep. Steve Cohen will travel to Israel with President Barack Obama to attend the state funeral of former Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Cohen, a Memphis Democrat, is one of 15 members of Congress  and the only Tennessean  who will accompany Obama to the services. The delegation is scheduled to leave Thursday and return Saturday.

Cohen, who is Jewish, called it "a great honor" to be invited to join the U.S. delegation to Peres' funeral. He met Peres twice  once in 2007, when Cohen traveled to Israel with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and again a few years later when Peres visited Washington.

"He was one of the greatest diplomats I've ever met," Cohen said. "He was a great man who had great relations with the United States and tried to achieve peace."

Peres, 93, died in a Tel Aviv hospital on Wednesday, two weeks after suffering a stroke. A winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Peres also served twice as Israel's prime minister and was one of the country's most admired figures.

Former President Bill Clinton and a number of world leaders are expected to attend the services on Friday.
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By Jennifer Pignolet of The Commercial Appeal

The U.S. Department of Education recognized two Shelby County Schools on Wednesday for their work closing the achievement gap.

Jackson Elementary School and John P. Freeman Optional School were named National Blue Ribbon Schools, two of just six schools in Tennessee and 329 nationally to win the award.

Blue Ribbon schools are honored for either high achievement or closing the achievement gap between groups of students. Middle College High School won the award last year for high academic achievement. John P. Freeman previously won the award in 2008.

For Jackson principal Yolanda Heidelberg, the award is a validation of the work she's put into the school over the last 16 years.

"For it to be recognized, I tell you, my heart is just overwhelmed with joy," she said.

When Heidelberg became principal, 21 percent of the school's population was Hispanic, she said. Now, that number is up to 73 percent.

Sixteen years ago, she said, the district  which at the time was Memphis City Schools  had no support for Spanish-speaking students. She sought help from the Memphis Police Department to translate her parent handbook and any handouts she sent home with children whose parents only spoke Spanish.

"I never wanted language to be a barrier for us," Heidelberg said.

The district soon learned bilingual education was necessary, she said, and the school now has five teachers for students speaking English as a second language. Heidelberg said she's even learned to speak a little Spanish just to make parents feel more comfortable in her school.

"Word gets out when families members feel safe and feel like this is their school," she said.

The Tennessee Department of Education nominated the six winners from the state, which also included schools from Sumner and Williamson counties and Metro Nashville Public Schools.

"It is an honor to celebrate schools that are helping their students grow and achieve at consistently higher levels," the state agency said. "The six Tennessee public schools that were recognized as 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools today serve as clear examples of how we can improve outcomes for all students in our state. We commend these schools, especially the leadership of the dedicated educators in their buildings who work tirelessly to ensure that their students are prepared to take advantage of opportunities in the future."

The department will honor all of this year's winners Nov. 7-8 at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Gary Shorb, president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare since 2001,has been hired as the new executive director of the Urban Child Institute.

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By Kayleigh Skinner of The Commercial Appeal

The Urban Child Institute announced Thursday that it has found a new director in Methodist Healthcare CEO Gary Shorb.

Shorb is retiring from Methodist, where he has been CEO since 2001, to step into the executive director position Feb. 1, 2017, according to a statement from the institute.

Former president and CEO Gene Cashman retired Jan 1. Henry Herrod, the board's former secretary, stepped in soon afterward as interim president, but resigned April 8. Shorb will replace board member Meri Armour, who has served as interim director since Herrod's departure.

"I'm glad to continue working to improve our community in this next phase of my life," Shorb said in the statement. "I am very committed to doing all I can to help children and families. I had hoped to continue involvement in community health work after leaving Methodist and this allows me to do just that."

Shorb will earn $165,000 annually for the position, a dramatic decrease from what the institute's directors have earned in the past. Board chairwoman Jill Crocker told The Commercial Appeal in April that the board was searching for a new director with a smaller compensation package so the organization can spend more in the community.

According to Urban Child Institute's most recent 990 tax document from 2014, as president and CEO, Cashman earned $649,046 in "reportable compensation from the organization" and an additional $40,877 "estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations." That same year, Herrod earned $405,996 in reportable compensation and $32,624 in other compensation from the organizations and related organizations as secretary.

Shorb served as president of the Regional Medical Center in Memphis for four years and is a member of numerous boards in the community, including Memphis Tomorrow, People First, Committee for Economic Development and the Tennessee Business Roundtable.
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By Katie Fretland of The Commercial Appeal

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Memphis Police Department are the recipients of more than $800,000 in grants for anti-drug efforts and technology, the office of U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III announced Thursday.

"The DOJ (Department of Justice) funding allotted to both the TBI and MPD will enable them to further their unwavering efforts in crime and drug prevention," Stanton said in a statement. "Totaling more than $800,000 collectively, these grants underscore the DOJ's commitment to keeping our citizens and communities safe."

The TBI's grant is $446,802 from the Community Oriented Policing Services' program to counter methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution.

The police department was selected for $401,193 from the Technology Innovation for Public Safety Program, or TIPS.

"The TIPS funding will enable the MPD to reduce violent crime, enhance mobile operation and increase community participation in its crime-reduction efforts," Stanton's spokesman Louis Goggans said in a news release. "The proposed intervention will expand information sharing and analysis through license-plate recognition, and also expand MPD Real Time Crime Center assistance."
September 28, 2016 - Roy L. Austin Jr., Deputy Assistant to President Obama and Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity, right, talks during the 2016 Law School for Journalists event, Covering Police-Involved Shootings: A Deep Dive into the Darrius Stewart Case, at the University of Memphis Law School. (Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal)

SHARE September 28, 2016 - Roy L. Austin Jr., Deputy Assistant to President Obama and Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity, right, watches an introduction video about gun violence in Memphis before talking at the 2016 Law School for Journalists event, Covering Police-Involved Shootings: A Deep Dive into the Darrius Stewart Case, at the University of Memphis Law School. (Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal)

By Kayleigh Skinner of The Commercial Appeal

A White House official stopped in Memphis on Wednesday to meet with journalists, lawyers and criminal justice officials and discuss community policing, body cameras and related issues.

Roy L. Austin Jr., deputy assistant to President Obama and Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity, appeared during the kickoff session the "Law School for Journalists" event titled "Covering Police-Involved Shootings: A Deep Dive into the Darrius Stewart Case" held at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.

WHBQ-TV anchor Mearl Purvis started the discussion by asking Austin where the White House stands on the usage of body cameras and cited Memphis as an example, where technology and data storage issues have plagued their implementation.

Austin said he believes body cameras are a good thing for police and the community because it holds both sides accountable for their actions. However, the specifics of where all of this data should be stored is still under review, he said.

"Body camera data, who does that really belong to? Austin asked. "Does it belong to the police department? Does it belong to the prosecutor's office? Does it belong to the people and the community? The lean has to be the community. This is their video footage. This is what is happening in their communities."

Although he agreed that body camera videos should usually be shared with the public, he added best practices are still being evaluated, particularly when the videos contain footage featuring domestic assault or child abuse.

"The community has fewer questions when in fact it's all out there than they have when its not," Austin said. "But there are reasons not to put it all out there. There are privacy concerns."

Austin repeatedly stressed that for local police departments to change, the community needs to be involved. Individuals should reach out to their police director and mayor and ask how many of the task force's 59 recommendations are being followed and what can be done to help, he said.

On the law enforcement side, there is no reason why officers should not go talk to their communities and be involved, he said.

"Police officers have to recognize they are guardians not warriors," Austin said. "It starts with that initial training."

Officers need to examine the implicit bias that may affect their judgement and decision making, but this responsibility applies to educators and the rest of the community as well, he said. They also need the appropriate tools and training to be able to de-escalate a situation and avoid using deadly force.

"Can we teach officers that it is okay to back away even though the law allows them in those situations? Is the better situation talking someone down?"

Austin also offered advice to the journalists, noting that, often, media coverage of crime contributes to the public perception that black people are committing crimes more than others or are more dangerous than other people. To combat this, reporters should always strive to incorporate data in stories to put crime trends in perspective, he said.
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Shep Fargotstein

Memphis

The announcement that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee will withdraw from the Affordable Care Act in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville should be no surprise to those who follow this flawed legislation. BCBS lost over $500 million in the past three years; rather than boost rates, they are pulling out. Now Humana and Cigna will either raise rates to a level of decent profitability or follow BCBS out.

This proves government cant legislate private companies to lose money, and that there is no free ride  which is how President Obama described the plan before he shoved it down our throats. I have no answers as to how to fix Obamacare. I can assure you that without the cooperation of the insurance industry and both sides of the aisle in Congress, this plan was doomed to failure.
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By J. Michael Diehl

At Monday night's debate, Donald Trump was called out for stiffing the people who work for him. Trump has been accused of failing to pay hundreds of contractors. And so far, he hasn't seemed very sorry. When asked about failing to pay someone by Hillary Clinton this week, Trump replied, "Maybe he didn't do a good job and I was unsatisfied with his work."

I take that attack personally. I'm one of the many small-business owners who've been used by Trump, exploited and forced to suffer a loss because of his corporation's shady practices.

My relationship with Trump began in 1989, when he asked me to supply several grand and upright pianos to his then-new Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City. I'd been running a music store for more than 30 years at that point, selling instruments to local schools and residents. My business was very much a family affair (my grandsons still run the store). I had a great relationship with my customers  no one had ever failed to pay.

I was thrilled to get a $100,000 contract from Trump. It was one of the biggest sales I'd ever made. I was supposed to deliver and tune the pianos; the Trump corporation would pay me within 90 days. I asked my lawyer if I should ask for payment upfront, and he laughed. "It's Donald Trump!" he told me. "He's got lots of money."

But when I requested payment, the Trump corporation hemmed and hawed. Its executives avoided my calls and crafted excuses. After a couple of months, I got a letter telling me that the casino was short on funds. They would pay 70 percent of what they owed me. There was no negotiating. I didn't know what to do  I couldn't afford to sue the Trump corporation, and I needed money to pay my piano suppliers. So I took the $70,000.

Losing $30,000 was a big hit to me and my family. The profit from Trump was meant to be a big part of my salary for the year. So I made much less. There was no money to help grow my business. I had fewer pianos in the showroom and a smaller advertising budget. Because of Trump, my store stagnated for a couple of years. It made me feel really bad, like I'd been taken advantage of. I was embarrassed.

Today, when I hear Trump brag about paying small-business owners less than he agreed, I get angry. He's always suggesting that the people who worked for him didn't do the right job, didn't complete their work on time, that something was wrong. But I delivered quality pianos, tuned and ready to go. I did everything right. And then Trump cheated me. It's a callous way to do business.

Trump keeps saying that it's time we got a businessman to run the country. Of course, I think it's important to find someone who can bolster the economy. But I also think we need a president who cares about small-business owners, and about honoring his commitments. That's not Trump.

J. Michael Diehl is the retired owner of Freehold Music Center in Freehold, New Jersey.
Gov. Brown Signs Bill for Local Choice as California Continues to Lead Nation

Today, Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation to give citizens a greater voice in Californias democracy. With the U.S. Congress gridlocked, California is leading a wave of pro-democratic reforms passed at the state and local level across the country. Senate Bill 1107, by Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, gives local governments and the state the choice to enact citizen-funded election programs. California Common Cause sponsored the bill with the California Clean Money Campaign.

More than anything else that will happen this year, the California legislature is affirming that voters are serious about democracy reform, and politicians are going to have to listen, said Karen Hobert Flynn, Common Cause president. Hobert Flynn led the fight for Connecticuts Citizen Election Program which is now in its fifth election cycle and enjoys broad public support and 74% candidate participation. By lifting the ban on commonsense laws that ensure free speech isnt something afforded only to a wealthy few, California ensures every voter has a say in their familys future, Hobert Flynn added.

Californias leaders are hearing from voters who are fed up with playing second fiddle to wealthy special interests, stated Kathay Feng, Executive Director of California Common Cause. This bill gives Californians new options to amplify the voices of everyday voters in election campaigns.

In the wake of this clean elections victory, citizens will go to the polls on Election Day to vote on citizen-funded election proposals in Berkeley, CA, Portland, OR, Washington State and South Dakota. Momentum continues to build around the country where voters and elected officials continue to pass democratic reforms at the state and local level.

The California bill allows local governments or the state to enact citizen-funded elections programs, which give candidates an alternative to relying on wealthy donors. Programs could offer public funding to candidates, as long as any funds are available to all qualified, voluntarily participating candidates for the same office without regard to incumbency or political party preference. Six charter cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, have such programs, but current state law bans counties, districts, general law cities, and the state from enacting them.

The bill passed with a bipartisan two-thirds vote in the Legislature and was endorsed by Secretary of State Alex Padilla, numerous local governments and elected officials, and more than 30 organizations, including California Common Cause, California Clean Money Campaign the ACLU of California, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  California, CALPIRG, the California Labor Federation, the California League of Conservation Voters, the Campaign Legal Center, and the League of Women Voters of California.

This legislation will enable citizen-funded elections to take root across the state and allow elected officials to concentrate on representing their constituents instead of worrying constantly about raising money or living in fear of offending deep-pocketed special interests, said Flynn. Citizen-funded elections return democracy to the people by limiting the ability of the very richest in our society to buy undue influence.

On the Federal level a coalition of reform groups and citizens across the country urging House and Senate candidates to answer a detailed Who Will Fight Big Money? questionnaire so voters can make informed choices when selecting the next Congress. More than 200 candidates have responded so already. Their responses are posted here.
I walked into a meeting at a Silicon Valley startup and heard nothing but finger taps.

This was around the fall of 2006, or almost exactly ten years ago this week. I remember the meeting because I was covering a company that makes a projection system for virtual meetings, and it was odd to see everyone so focused on their BlackBerry devices. I had a new model in my pocket called the Pearl, and I was intent on testing it during my business trip.

Around that time, BlackBerry had a corner on business communication. People would tap out quick messages and hit send like they were on a pager. The most popular device at the time was the 8700, which has the iconic QWERTY keyboard. Really, its the one that defined BlackBerry and used the same basic shape as the original pager models from 4-5 years before then.

I took out the Pearl and sat in my chair. It was rose red, so it stuck out in the room. I dont remember what we talked about, but I do remember a sinking feeling. I typed on the angled keypad, making so many mistakes that I decided to pull out my laptop instead.

Theres always a pivotal point when companies make a decision and you can see the wheels start to come off. A crash is not only imminent but inevitable. That moment in 2006, with a freshly minted Pearl in my hand, I knew something wasnt quite right. A company known for making mobile messaging in business more viable had shot their own foot.

This week, BlackBerry announced they would stop designing their own smartphones. I imagine they will license the brand to a third party at some point, although I wouldnt say its a hot commodity. I do like what theyve done to pivot into a software company, helping with asset management and secure messaging, but you could say their slow and painful demise happened right in that conference room. I dont remember any BlackBerry device quite capturing the mobile device segment ever again. By June of the following year, Apple released the first iPhone. In 2008, Google worked with HTC to release the first Android model.

What was the shift? It wasnt just that we all learned to type on a software keyboard, or that we jumped on the app bandwagon. It wasnt even that fact that BlackBerry failed to keep up with iPhone and Android in terms of app development. The real turning point was when the Pearl and many other BlackBerry models -- the Curve, the Bold, the Priv -- made similar missteps. They were not indispensable phones, they were not indispensable communication devices. They were confusing. BlackBerry could have pivoted to become a touchscreen phone company with stellar (and highly secure) apps, but the interface at the time led to a lot of user consternation.

I handed the Pearl around the room during that meeting. No one could figure out how to use it. While iOS and Android put the most basic apps right on the home screen, BlackBerry used a more is more approach and tended to put every app on the same screen. If you look back at the icons they used at the time, it was confusing to tell the difference between the one used for files, making calls, texting, or sending an email. Any innovative product has to become useable, practical, obvious, and indispensable right away. You send your first text, you answer an email, you're hooked.

Every one of the people in that meeting gave me the phone back and said no thanks. I still tried to defend it (weakly) and talk about the benefits of loading your own apps. Obviously, that became the new normal. But the Pearl wasnt useful or intuitive enough.

The biggest lesson to learn with BlackBerry is this: Innovation requires utility. If that first Pearl and the devices that followed had someone made mobile messaging easier but added other features, if it was incredibly obvious to anyone who used that 8700 how to handle messaging, it could have become the third option after Android and iOS. Theyd still be making phones.

As it stands, there was a slow, painful decline from that moment on. I didnt like the Pearl, and I didn't like any of the other BlackBerry models. They could have been a contender. Instead, bad interface design, lack of focus, and confusing hardware made BlackBerry a bust.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has found more attempts to hack the voter registration systems of states, ahead of national elections.

The agency had reportedly found evidence in August that foreign hackers had breached state election databases in Illinois and Arizona, but it appears that there have been other attempts as well, besides frequent scanning activities, which the FBI describes as preludes for possible hacking attempts.

"There have been a variety of scanning activities, which is a preamble for potential intrusion activities, as well as some attempted intrusions at voter registration databases beyond those we knew about in July and August," FBI Director James Comey told the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Comey said that the systems that could be at risk were the voter registration systems that are connected to the Internet. The vote system in the U.S., in contrast, is hard to hack into because it's so clunky and dispersed, he added. He advised states to get the best information they can get from the Department of Homeland Security and ensure their systems are tight as there is "no doubt that some bad actors have been poking around."

We are doing an awful lot of work through our counter-intelligence investigators to understand just what mischief is Russia up to in connection with our elections, Comey said. U.S. officials have hinted that they believe Russia is behind recent attacks on servers of the Democratic National Committee, which led to the leak of embarrassing emails through whistleblowing website, WikiLeaks. But the U.S. government has not directly attributed the attacks to Russia.

Security experts and Democratic party president candidate Hillary Clinton have blamed Russia for the attack, but Republican party candidate Donald Trump said nobody knows it was the Russians, adding that the hack could have come from Russia, China or a 400-pound hacker working from his bed.

The U.S. government is not sure whether Russia, which is said to have interfered in U.S. elections since the 1960s, aims to influence the outcome of the election or try to sow seeds of doubt about the sanctity of the process, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper recently told The Washington Post in an interview.

Clapper said that theres a tradition in Russia of interfering with elections, their own and others. To ensure that hackers dont get to the electoral system, the DHS is working with state election officials on best practices on security, specially where there is any dependence on the Internet, Clapper said.

So far 18 states have requested the assistance of the DHS, said Secretary Jeh Johnson, in testimony this week before a Senate committee.
Just two days after his first debate with Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump told an audience at a political rally in Wisconsin that Google is biased against him and suppressing search results.

After saying that a new Google "poll" showed him leading Democratic nominee Clinton, he went on to accuse the market's most dominant search engine of working against him.

Google itself did not run a poll after the debate.

Instead, the Independent Journal Review commissioned a poll using Google Consumer Surveys data. That poll showed Trump was leading Clinton nationally by 1.7%, but that Clinton won the debate by 4 percentage points.

"A new post-debate poll that just came out, the Google poll, has us leading Hillary Clinton by two points nationwide and that's despite the fact that the Google search engine was suppressing the bad news about Hillary Clinton," Trump said Wednesday night at a rally in Waukesha County, Wisconsin.

The Republican presidential nominee did not offer any examples of Google changing its search results in connection with Trump or Clinton.

The Trump campaign had not responded to a request for comment at deadline.

Google declined to comment on Trump's statements.

However, in August 2015, Amit Singhal, a senior vice president for Google, wrote in a piece on Politico.com that Google does not work to influence political elections.

"Google has never ever re-ranked search results on any topic (including elections) to manipulate user sentiment," Singhal wrote a year ago. "Moreover, we do not make any ranking tweaks that are specific to elections or political candidates. From the beginning, our approach to search has been to provide the most relevant answers and results to our users, and it would undermine people's trust in our results, and our company, if we were to change course."

In July, The Washington Post posted research showing that Trump prominently appeared on the Google News homepage about twice as often as Clinton did.

Patrick Moorhead, an analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy, said it's "highly unlikely" that Google is adjusting its search engine to benefit one candidate over another.

"Trump didn't do very well at the debate, and therefore he needs to blame the aftermath on something," he said. "He's going after Google as he doesn't like what he sees on search."

Going after a search engine doesn't make a whole lot of sense, Moorhead continued. "Google search is very algorithmic, with very few people managing these things," he said. "The misconception is that there are a lot of humans involved behind the curtain at search."

While it's technically possible for Google to tweak its search algorithms, doing so could hurt the business and its dominant share of the search marketplace.

However, that doesn't mean that an allegation, even one not backed up with evidence, won't harm a company.

"It very difficult for companies to have a clean reputation with charges and counter charges always flying," said Jeff Kagan, an independent industry analyst. "I don't know whether there is a problem at Google or not, but the charge will hurt them. Charges like this always do."
John Bald is a former Ofsted inspector and has written two books on the teaching of reading and spelling.

Robert Richardson Grammar School was founded in 1910 by Ryhope miners who wanted an education for their children. It was one of the first schools to offer advanced study, the forerunner of A levels. Its most famous alumnus, Sir Thomas Allen, the international opera star, paid tribute to it in his inaugural address as Chancellor of Durham University, while describing his own childhood as something out of a Catherine Cookson novel. This was the experience of many other pupils. For New Labours David Blunkett, it was an escape hatch. For the pupils, it was a chance.

This school presents the clearest possible case of a grammar school as a vehicle for social mobility, and the comprehensive that replaced it shows what has been lost. Its ultra-progressive headmaster, Dick Copland, told his local newspaper that the grammar school had been cut out, using his three principles of mixed ability teaching, no corporal punishment, and no uniform. No rules either, or at least no rules as such. Mr Copland introduced himself to the pupils by saying, My name is Richard Copland. Call me Dick. My wife, a former pupil, tells me that the girls had no problem with this, though some preferred Tricky Dicky.

The former grammar school pupils continued to wear their uniform, partly to make a point, and partly because most could not afford to replace it. We now have uniform in almost all primary as well as secondary schools, and it promotes cohesion, pride and an ethic of work. Mixed ability removed the schools intellectual core, and the former grammar school staff soon left.

This included the physics teacher, who was not replaced, as physics was an elitist subject. My wife had to do the second year of her A level physics course from a textbook, without a teacher. The class kept each other going, and a few passed. They did not know that Mr Copland had a degree in physics, and could have taught the class himself.

Call me Dick wrote extensively about comprehensive education, including a book, Lessons In Class, endorsed by Tony and Caroline Benn. In the year it was published, John-Paul Flintoff wrote Comp, a devastating account of the Benns favourite, Holland Park. He describes incessant verbal, violent and sexual assaults by dominant pupils, terrorising both pupils and staff, drug-dealing, suicide and murder. The schools retreat from legitimate rules had allowed the imposition of others based on brute force  even the head was beaten up, and had both of his ankles broken.

Dick and the Benns have had many followers, among them a generation of statistical manipulators who have created a spurious intellectual justification for this process of destruction, usually based on Labours undue emphasis on Grade C at GCSE. The benchmark in this debate is not grade C, but grades A and A*. These are the grades that lead to social mobility for those who cannot make their way through family connections and the old school tie. However, from the early days of the Coalition, schools have not been obliged to publish them, but are allowed to produce redacted versions that let them cherry pick strengths and hide basic weaknesses. This should be reversed, beginning with the 2016 results.

One result from Mossbourne shows what can be achieved by grouping pupils according to their abilities from the start of secondary school, and then making the most able pupils work to the limit of their ability. In 2010, its first year of GCSE results, Mossbournes top sets achieved 24 A* passes in German, and 28 in Spanish. These are the best results from single classes Ive ever seen.

Whether we would be moving to the return of grammar schools had all schools taken Mossbournes approach, rather than that of Educating Yorkshire, we cannot tell. We can, though, be sure that the proponents of the mixed ability and equality of outcomes agenda still control far too much of education, and will fight to the end for what they believe in. It is time for those of us who believe in genuine education to show the same determination.
Daniel Hannan is an MEP for South-East England, and a journalist, author and broadcaster.

Im forever being asked whether I have any regrets or worries about Brexit. Regrets? None: Britain is on the way to becoming a freer, wealthier and more global nation. Worries? Only one: we could, if we mess things up, prejudice relations with our closest neighbour, Ireland. It is, though, a wholly avoidable problem.

I spent a fair bit of time in Northern Ireland during the campaign. The warm-up artist before one Belfast TV debate was a popular local drag act called May McFettridge (the alter ego of John Linehan). Which o yez is fer Leave? she asked the audience. The Leavers duly cheered. Aye, she muttered. Pradestants!

Tribal politics, which had been fading in Northern Ireland, made something of a comeback in the run-up to 23 June. I noticed audiences self-segregating frostily on more than one occasion. Being of Scottish Presbyterian origin on one side and Ulster Catholic on the other, Im perhaps more alert to sectarianism than most English people, and Ive always loathed it.

One of the happiest developments of the past decade has been the return to normal politics in Norn Iron. Relations between London and Dublin have never been warmer, and the question of territorial change suddenly looks terribly twentieth-century. In the last major survey before the referendum, only 13 per cent of Ulster Catholics, five per cent of the total population, wanted immediate moves toward a united Ireland.

Its not hard to see why. The border has, to all intents and purposes, disappeared. If I were to summarise the concerns of Nationalist and Republican Remainers in a single sentence, it would be something like this: We could end up with a hard border again because of how England voted.

In fact, there is no reason whatever to reinstate a land frontier. No political party in London or Dublin is proposing such a thing. With a modicum of common sense, the present arrangements can be maintained.

A Common Travel Area has existed throughout the British Isles since 1923. It includes the UK and the Republic of Ireland, which are in the EU, as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, which are not.

Borders regulate the movement of two things: people and goods. Let us consider them in turn. A commonly voiced concern is that, when Britain leaves the EU, it will have to impose border checks in Ireland to stop a flow of EU national across the frontier. After all, the argument goes, a Pole could move perfectly legally from Gdansk to Dublin, then drive across to Newry, and then move to Great Britain.

Well, yes he could. Alternatively he could just fly directly from Gdansk to Luton. The fear of people crossing the land border into the UK is based on a misunderstanding of how our immigration policy works. We wont require visas from EU nationals after we leave, any more than we require them today from Barbadians, Tunisians, Armenians or Senegalese.

Our immigration policy is based, not on turning people back at borders, but on knowing that they are in the country. Those who enter legally but linger illegally are unable to apply for a National Insurance number and, if they are picked up by the authorities for any reason  a driving offence, say  face deportation.

The only thing necessary to keep the current system in place is for Ireland and the UK to agree, as part of the Common Travel Area, to share all data on who has entered their territories. If a passport swiped at Rosslare or Shannon is logged in the same way as one swiped at Portsmouth or Stansted  something that was on the agenda even before the referendum  there is no need to check documentation at the land border.

So much for people; what of goods? Here, the pressure for controls is likely to come from the Irish  or, rather, the EU  side. We can fairly assume that, outside the EU, the UK will have lower tariffs than now. So why wouldnt, say, an Australian wine producer ship a consignment to Belfast, drive it across the border, and then reship it from Cork to mainland Europe, thus avoiding the EUs 32 per cent duty on New World wines?

Again, in theory, he could  though its hard to see how it would be worth the expense or the risk. But it would be extremely difficult. Goods are generally moved in bulk in freight ships, with an electronic trail to show where they originated. This is not the 19th century, where moustachioed border guards in epaulettes open every bag. We rely instead on occasional spot checks to see that the reality matches the electronic trail.

If Britain were to agree a free-trade deal with the EU, it would find itself in a similar situation to, say, Switzerland. Lorries may legally be stopped on the Swiss frontier by officials on either side, their manifests may be checked and, if there is reason to be suspicious, their contents may be inspected. In general, though, there is an assumption that, since there are no tariffs between the EU and the Helvetic Confederation, goods should pass freely.

Even if the Republic of Ireland wanted to check every consignment crossing by land from Northern Ireland  which it emphatically doesnt  the task would be impossible. The Irish border is criss-crossed by a latticework of lanes, many of them dating back to public works projects initiated to offer income to local people during the monstrous famine of the 1840s. Even during the height of the Troubles in the 1970s, it was never feasible to man checkpoints along the entire frontier.

In other words, Ireland would find the imposition of a land border impracticable as well as unpalatable. So what could it do instead? One option would be to carry out any checks when goods were loaded in the Republic for transport by sea to the rest of the EU. Another would be for the UK, on leaving the EU, to opt out of the Common External Tariff, but to retain the aspects of the customs union that pertain to veterinary checks, anti-counterfeiting measures and the like. Again, the electronic paper trail makes it possible to have different tariff rates without having to stop at every border.

All that is needed is the political will, in London and Dublin, to sustain our current partnership. And that will, Im glad to say, is as strong as it has ever been.
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A panel discussion in New Delhi by a network of peoples movements, trade unions and NGOs under the banner of Peoples' Forum on BRICS (acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), appeared to have gone soft on China, even as opposing authoritarian tendencies in three other countries  Brazil, Russia and India. The discussion was organized by the Peoples' Forum on BRICS, a collective effort of several peoples movements, networks and civil society organisations from across India and BRICS countries (click HERE ), to raise critical voices from below on social, ecological, political and economic concerns that are often ignored at big summits such as BRICS.BRICS summit is proposed to be held in Goa on October 15-16.While it was also critical of South Africa for what some panelists described neo-liberal policies and land grab, one of the top participants, Prabir Purkayastha, editor, newsclick.in, emphasised what he called the importance of Chinas One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative to create an alternative to the current control of maritime trade by the West.The discussion took place a week ahead of the Government of India-sponsored Civil BRICS meet, where civil society groups are said to have been asked to participate. To be held next from October 3-4 in New Delhi, panelists said, Civil BRICS is unlikely to discuss critical issues such as the attack on human rights in India or implications of the coup in Brazil, and raise of corporate land grabs in various BRICS countries.Called to discuss foreign policy issues to be discussed at the BRICS summit, panelists did not once recalling human rights violations in China, even as expressing lack of coherence in BRICS countries, pointing out they were working at cross purposes.Critical of India's record, senior journalist Seema Mustafa, editor, thecitizen.in, said that the Modi government's domestic posturing around nationalism, attacking Pakistan for terrorism and increased collaboration with the US through initiatives such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement (LEMOA) would isolate India from groups such as Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 countries.Achin Vanaik from the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP) said that foreign policy is an extension of national policies and priorities, adding, Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign policy is mostly about self-projection and masculinity. He warned against what he considered a reductive policy, caught in the discourse of nationalism and terrorism.Prof Ajay Patnaik from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) argued that that Russia has a keen interest in a multi-polar world and, therefore, is intent on preserving BRICS.Speaking on Brazil, Prof Sonya Gupta from Jamia Millia Islamia said that the progressive role of Brazil in establishing a post-hegemonic regional order in Latin America is being undermined by interim President Temer who has already initiated measures to further privatize key sectors of the Brazilian economy.A day before the panel discussion took place on September 27, all central trade unions, except the BJP-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), boycotted the high profile BRICS Labour Ministers' Meeting, held in New Delhi, citing lack of due process and attempts to restrict meaningful participation.
People queue up to get Jio sim

Amidst escalating corporate war over mobile operation, the powerful Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has blamed India's three topmost telecom companies, Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular, for undermining healthy competition and promoting monopolistic practices by denying people the right to choose between existing cellular services. Claiming that Reliance Jio, a new entrant in the market, has shaken up the complacency which existed among these telecom "cartels", a top RIL functionary known to be close to the Ambani family, has said, the reach for Jio is just an indicator as to the extent of customer dissatisfaction with the existing cellular "cartels".Indeed, huge rush continues in top Indian cities for Jio's 4G enables cellular sim card, offered for free for the initial period till December 31. Long queues, especially of youths, can be seen at all Reliance Digital stores, for instance, in Ahmedabad.If you want it without a queue, which begins early at 7.00 am and lasts till late evening, either you buy a 4G mobile at the store, or it is offered for Rs 500 in black, Ketan Mehta, a senior citizen, wanting to have a Jio sim, told Counterview, finding it impossible to stand in a queue.In an article titled Where Jio dares competitors, Telcos cartel connives to block Jio Parimal Nathwani, Group President of Corporate Affairs, RIL, and member, Rajya Sabha, has quoted American evangelical author on the Christian worldview Nancy Pearcy to say how monopoly renders people complacent and satisfied with mediocrity.It is a sad commentary that instead of gearing up for competition, they are busy using unfair means to block it, Nathwani says, adding, Ever since the launch of Reliance Jio, it has been a series of battles to be allowed call connect with other non-Jio networks or for mobile number portability.To launch its 4G debut, Reliance Jio acquired pan India BWA (Broadband Wireless Access) spectrum in 2010, but launched it on September 5 this year.Admits Nathwani, Ever since the Jio services began, it has witnessed 75-80 per cent call failures over the last few weeks. He adds, In over a period of 10 days alone, 52 crore calls failed cumulatively on the networks of the three incumbent operators Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular.Calling blocking of calls a breach of licence conditions with severely impacting customer interests, Nathwani says it is unfair to allow them to monopolize the space and deny customers truly world class Internet services that Jio aspires to do.He adds, In blatant disregard to licence terms and their obligations under the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations, 2009 the incumbent dominant operators have rejected all the requests made for porting between September 9 and September 12.Saying that instead of upping their game and being willing to face competitive pricing head on, the established telecom cartels are choosing every ways and means to block Jio, Nathwani warns, We will keep reminding our competitors to let the customer decide the service he chooses.Amidst the continued corporate war around Jio, the Telecom Regulatory Authoriy of India (TRAI), has decided to issue show cause notice to the three operators, even as issuing "directions" to them to "ensure compliance of licensing condition in connection with the Points of Interconnect issue.TRAI, significantly, moved only after a complaint from Reliance Jio.
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Applications & OS News

Microsoft Applications And Services Exec Qi Lu Steps Down For Reported Recuperation

Rick Whiting

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Qi Lu, the Microsoft executive in charge of the software company's Applications and Services Group, is leaving the company to continue recovering from injuries reportedly suffered in a serious bicycle accident.

The news of Lu's departure came on the same day that Microsoft announced a new Artificial Intelligence and Research Group led by executive vice president Harry Shum, a 20-year Microsoft veteran.

Lu's departure, first reported by Recode early Thursday, has been confirmed by Microsoft and was disclosed to Microsoft employees in an email from CEO Satya Nadella. The Recode story, quoting sources, said Lu is trying to recover from medical issues stemming from a bicycle accident several months ago.

[Related: 8 Major Products Unveiled At Microsoft Ignite 2016]

Lu has been with Microsoft since 2008 when the company hired him away from Yahoo to manage the software company's online services. As executive vice president of the Applications and Services Group, Lu was responsible for development of Microsoft Office and Office 365, the Bing search engine, MSN and other products.

While there were reports that Lu might continue to advise Nadella on an informal basis, his future with Microsoft  if any  is unclear.

The Recode story said that some of Lu's duties would be taken over by corporate vice president Rajesh Jha, who currently manages Outlook and Office 365 development. Jha will now report directly to Nadella.

But some of the products that Lu previously managed, specifically Bing and Cortana, will now become part of the AI research organization managed by Shum, according to Microsoft. The organization will also include the Information Platform Group and the Ambient Computing and Robotics teams. Shum also leads Microsoft Research.

Shum joined Microsoft in 1996 as a researcher and later moved to Beijing to help found Microsoft Research China. Between 2007 and 2013 he was responsible for the Bing search product development.
Managed services News

Celebrating 10 Years, MSP ComputerSupport.com Takes Aim At The Midmarket To Drive Future Growth

Jimmy Sheridan

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In 2006, Kirill Bensonoff and Alexandric Ho -- two immigrants, from Belarus and Vietnam respectively -- decided to leave their jobs and chase their American dream by starting their own IT services company, ComputerSupport.com.

And now, 10 years later, the Framingham, Mass.-based managed service provider is celebrating not only its 10th anniversary but also its 10th consecutive year of growth, which its owners attribute to the company's focus on education, hard work and a personal touch. The company landed at No 70 on CRN's 2016 Fast Growth list of North America's fastest-growing solution providers.

"It is the classic American dream," Bensonoff said, adding that he remembers coming to the U.S. when he was young with his parents, who held only a few hundred dollars in-hand. Now, he said, his American dream is realized as he celebrates his own company's first successful decade in business.

[Related: CRN Exclusive: Sophos CEO On One Year As Public Company And The Growing Endpoint Market]

Bensonoff and Ho first met each other over a decade ago, when the two were both engineers for solution provider Insight Enterprises, No. 15 on CRN's 2016 Solution Provider 500.

While working there, the two mused about starting a company of their own that would offer their top-level knowledge and cutting-edge technology to end-users with a personal touch that other companies weren't giving.

"We felt there was a void in the marketplace back then. There weren't so many providers focusing in on SMBs and bringing in Fortune 500-level consulting and IT operations management to these folks, and that is how we came to be," Bensonoff said.

In the beginning, ComputerSupport.com was a company with only two employees and one customer, offering network care. Now it has about 50 employees, over 100 clients and has grown an average of 10 percent to 15 percent annually with aspirations to grow as much as 30 percent annually as it expands into the midmarket and opens its offerings to larger clients, Bensonoff said.

Its portfolio has expanded too, including remote on-site support, proactive IT support and a managed services suite that includes their own cloud hosting offering and cloud-migration assistance. The company also provides professional services and project-based consulting.

Recently, to facilitate a focus on larger clients, the company also added its own Network Operations Center, which was opened last month.

But, according to both founders, ComputerSupport.com's most important offering is a very serious focus of their attention to their clients' needs.

It was that focus, Bensonoff said, that got the company its first client, Scott Cubellis, CEO of Whareham, Mass.-based medical billing company APS, who, ten years later is still a staunch supporter and loyal customer.

"I have been a customer since this company was started because I know if I had a problem at two in the morning, these guys would be there," Cubellis told CRN last week during a casino-themed celebration event held at The House of Blues in Boston that brought 125 employees and customers together to commemorate CustomerSupport.com's anniversary.

That feeling, Ho said, is exactly the emotion ComupterSupport.com hopes to cultivate in its clients.

"Even now, I still stay up at night working on solutions for customers or issues, and that is the value we bring, the customers want that relationship. We focus on our customers; they are not just a number," Ho said. "At the end of the day, if they know we have their back, and know that we know how to take care of their technology, that is the relationship that has kept us going through our first 10 years."

And now, after 10 years, Bensonoff said he is looking forward to the future, and although he doesn't think there is a single answer to why ComputerSuppport.com has been successful, he said the company will continue to focus on improving its internal capabilities, educating its employees and focusing on the personal touch that has gotten them through their first decade of life.
Managed services News

Continuum To Introduce Security Offering For MSPs After Suffering Own Incident

Michael Novinson

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Continuum plans to roll out security products, remediation tools and training for MSPs just months after experiencing its own security issue.

Security concerns for small and midsize companies have, over the past two years, gone from a mere nuisance to a major threat to business operations, according to Michael George, CEO of the Boston-based IT platform management company.

"Security is going to be the sharp edge of the selling sword for all of us," George told the more than 700 attendees of Navigate 2016 by Continuum Wednesday. "It is the greatest opportunity for MSPs going forward."

[Related: Continuum's CEO: We Want Partners To See More Success]

Continuum suffered its own security incident two months ago after hackers exploited the shadow of a legacy IP scanning tool left on the sever of an end-user client, George said, deploying malware and creating a few bogus admin accounts. Although Continuum's RMM agent and network appear uncompromised, George said the incident prompted Continuum to further bolster its security over the past two months.

"While unpleasant, we believe that great things will happen from it," George said. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Continuum has long been a player in the world of endpoint protection and backup and disaster recovery solutions, which are the cornerstones of any successful security strategy, said Brian Herr, Continuum's vice president of products.

"But these aren't enough in today's world of increasing threats," Herr said at Navigate 2016 Wednesday. "We will make security a more central part of our offering in the months and the years to come."

Continuum has been working on developing a security solution for more than a year now, George said, and is confident the eventual offering will be easy to deploy and easy to manage. The company will begin treating security as a priority on the level of monitoring, management and backup, Herr said.

George is confident that Continuum's upcoming security offering will utilize true security technology and be much more than just an extension of its remote monitoring and management (RMM) product. Continuum's new security products will help MSPs define, monitor and manage the multilayer defense needed by clients in a world of increasing threats, Herr said.

Continuum will also build a security operations center (SOC) so that it can quickly remediate client issues, George said. The support will be akin to the role Continuum's network operations center (NOC) plays in enabling the company's RMM and backup and disaster recovery offerings, according to George and Herr.

In the short run, Continuum is looking to introduce additional alerts and scripting to support MSPs' efforts to harden their end users' environments, Herr said. And George said Continuum will develop training and policies to address issues that stem from human behavior in secure environments.

"You need to teach and train your customers on how to avoid security threats," George said. "The greatest threat to security is posed by our lack of preparedness."

Continuum also plans to further develop and practice a response plan that includes intervention, remediation and enhanced communication, George said.

When the incident occurred two months ago, George said Continuum proactively activated its NOC, mobilizing hundreds of people to respond to new alerts and shut down any potential avenues of threat or attack. Continuum's engineers also worked around the clock disabling suspicious accounts, writing new software to flag suspicious activity and building tools to help the NOC respond to threats, he said.

Continuum immediately engaged top forensics teams, legal teams and the FBI once it became aware of the incident, George said, and deployed both an internal team and external forensic researchers to ascertain whether or not the company's RMM agent and network had been compromised.

"We were all victims in this particular case, George said. "We certainly never want to live through that again."

With 95 percent of Reliant Technology Solutions Group's (RTSG) clients having experienced Cryptolocker and many having suffered malware, the Edmonton, Alberta-based Continuum partner would love to provide its end users with an enhanced sense of protection, according to company president Dan Anderson.

RTSG already conducts monthly security reviews with its clients, and Continuum could add value by monitoring changes in accounts, classifying or diagnosing potential issues and remediating threats using automation, Anderson said.

Meanwhile, Continuum partner Computerama would love to have the assistance of Continuum's engineers in securing its SonicWall ecosystem, according to Bob Farkas, president of the Freeport, N.Y.-based company.

"I've been asking Continuum for a security offering for a year now," Farkas said.
Building up efforts in China, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) will soon have office space for 60 employees in Shanghai as the Norwegian Joy will arrive in Shanghai next June.

With a significant effort in the market from the Miami-based company, the foundation is being laid for expanded deployment and more capacity from Norwegian.

"We will put our ships wherever we think we can make the most money," said Frank del Rio, president and CEO. "Even though the yields in China are dropping year-over-year like you'd expect them to drop given the increase in supply, China is big and China is strong."

Del Rio said the next ship to be considered for the Chinese market will be the company's 2019 newbuild, with the 2018 newbuild already allocated to the North American marketplace.

"It (the 2019 newbuild) could go to China if things work out," del Rio told Cruise Industry News. "And my guess is, if it did go to China, it would go to Tianjin."

Norwegian will be the first brand to put a new ship specifically designed for China into the marketplace, promising a number of unique features for the Joy. Among them is the lack of a traditional pool deck, with the company opting for a green park-like space instead.

With its buildup in China, del Rio also noted the company has large offices in the UK, Germany and Australia, which are sales and marketing focused.

He said he expects the China office to grow past 60 employees.

Coming into the market after a number of competitors, del Rio said: "We observed what they've done right and what they've done wrong and we've planned accordingly. Every single cruise line that came before us sent old tonnage, old ships. Maybe many years ago, when the industry started here, that strategy may have worked, but today given the level of competition and sophistication of the Chinese consumer ... that won't work and that is why we are introducing Norwegian's largest, most expensive and more sophisticated vessel in a very customized manner for the Chinese consumer."

He added: "That's the strategy: brand new, state-of-the-art ships customized for the Chinese customer in a real way, not just painting a wall red and saying 'ok now it's Chinese.'"

While the Joy spends its inaugural season in Shanghai, it will rotate to Tianjin on a six-week program.

"Tianjin is a very important city to us," said Harry Sommer, executive vice president for international business and operations. "Beijing is a very large market. All of our brands call on Tianjin as a port of call and while the Joy spends much of its first season in Shanghai, it has a six-week season in Tianjin in August and September of next year."

David Herrera, president of NCLH China, said the Tianjin deployment was driven by excitement and demand from travel agents based in Beijing.

"We felt compelled to share the Norwegian Joy with the north," he said. "The demand is there and we're excited to fulfill that demand."

Addressing Chinese media, Sommer said it was likely the Chinese cruise market could surpass the U.S. cruise market in 10 years.

Genting Hong Kong, a significant shareholder in NCLH, and former outright owner of Norwegian, is not involved in the company's expansion into Asia.
Hurtigruten is opening its new U.S. headquarters in Seattle, WA on September 29th.

The opening of the offices comes at a time when Hurtigruten is "significantly growing its presence within the competitive adventure and expedition travel space in the U.S. market," said a statement.

This is a tremendous milestone for the company as we continue to expand our U.S. operations, said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten. The demand is growing within the expedition travel segment and the building of a world-class office and consumer-centric facility comes at a perfect time for our continued growth in the U.S.

Adventure and Expedition Travel are the fastest growing segments in the travel industry today and the USA is one of the largest source markets for this particular segment, said Gordon Dirker, Managing Director of Hurtigruten North America. After we reentered the US market in partnership with an external sales and marketing company nearly 4 years ago, we have grown our business to a level that justifies the opening of our very own US headquarters in Seattle. Fully staffed by a team of expert sales and marketing professionals we continue to be aggressively focused on growing our sales in the largest of all explorer cruising markets. These are very exciting times for our company.

The milestone will be marked on September 29 with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Kim Nesselquist, Norwegian Honorary Consul. A longtime resident of the Northwest, Nesselquist was selected for one of the most prestigious honors given by his native country in 2012: Knight First Class to the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
Despite an increase in security awareness training, and concern about awareness by top-level management at companies, data breaches continue to happen through employee negligence, whether malicious or not.



In the latest episode of Security Sessions, I spoke with Michael Bruemmer, vice president at Experian Data Breach Resolution, about a recent survey that said companies are unprepared to stop employee-caused data breaches.



Among the highlights of the video are the following sections:



1:15 Why its surprising that employees are still responsible for data breaches and additional discussion from the Experian survey.



2:18 Where awareness training is failing, and what companies can do to improve.



3:26 Are granular awareness programs (specific training for specific job roles) on the rise?



4:57 Should employees be fired if they fail to become more aware about security?



5:45 Why are CEOs and other C-level executives often exempted from security training?



07:04 How can CSOs motivate employees positively in thinking about security?
The health care industry is expected to continue its steady growth in Connecticut and across the nation as people live longer and choose home care more often.

Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its latest 10-year projections, basing its data on a look-ahead to 2024. Health care is projected to be by far the fastest growing sector in the nation, with 3.8 million jobs expected to be added through 2024  a 1.9 percent increase per year.

In Connecticut, 25,000 health care jobs are projected to be added to the employment rolls through 2024.

Its certainly not a surprise and it doesnt make Connecticut any different from the country as a whole, said Patrick Flaherty, an economist with the state Department of Labor. The main reason is because the average age of the population is increasing. People are living longer and as they get older they require more health care.

Most of Connecticuts growth is expected to be in ambulatory, or outpatient, settings and home health care.

There has always been a demand (for health care jobs), but as the shift goes from inpatient care to home care, weve seen more of a demand, said Mary Therien, president and CEO of the Stratford Visiting Nurse Association.

She said more people are choosing to leave the hospital earlier and finish their care in the comfort of their home. As the number of people seeking home health care rises, so must the resources needed to care for them, Therien said.

Our staff is growing, she said. Were growing, specifically in the nursing area.

Home health aides count among six of the top occupations across the country expected to add roughly 300,000 jobs or more over the next 10 years. Of those occupations, four are in the health care sector, including personal care aides, registered nurses and nursing assistants.

Food preparation and serving workers and retail salespersons are the other two major occupations expected to see a rise in the number of workers by 2024.

Personal care aide positions are expected to rise significantly in Connecticut too. With a projected increase of 6,417 jobs by 2024, the occupation is expected to see the highest increase in labor force, followed by food service workers with an expected addition of 3,159 jobs.

Connecticuts top 10 also includes home health aides and registered nurses.

Because of the rise in home care needs, Therien said it has become increasingly important to help patients take part in their own care and become more independent rather than relying on nurses and other medical staff.

Thats how were going to be able to meet the demand, Therien said.

While nursing and therapy, which require a higher education and skill level, are relatively well-paying jobs, other positions, like home health aides, are in a lower salary bracket.

The median annual wage for personal care aides in 2014 was $20,440, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Home health aides made just slightly more at $21,380, while registered nurses had a median annual wage of $66,640.

Michael Gargano, president of St. Vincent's College, said he has seen a spike in the number of people interested in their programs. At the college we see an increase in applications and our enrollments, especially in our nursing programs and certificate programs, he said.

The college also recently started a pilot program to partner with the Bridgeport public school district, with 20 students at Bassick High School to take courses at St. Vincent's College and graduate with a high school diploma, a health-care certificate, and college degree credits.

Flaherty said the projections are best guesses as to where the labor pool will go in a 10-year period. The projections are assuming a full employment economy in 2024, he cautioned. We know the unemployment will never be zero.

However, Flaherty said having an idea where the jobs will be can help states, local school and college systems and employers know how to prepare for that scenario.

You want to make sure the workforce you have has the skills needed for that economy, he said.

ktorres@hearstmediact.com; 203-330-6227
The results of the WGU Texas Higher Education Poll show that many in the state are struggling with student loan debt. Eight hundred adults took part in the survey, and 78% said they believe student loan debt is a major issue. This is especially true among those who are the first in their family to attend college.

Students across the country are struggling with student loan debt, which has topped $1.3 billion for the first time. Over 41 million college graduates are paying off a federal student loan, and others took out private loans to finance their education.

While many Texans believe student loan debt is out of control, even more believe that a college degree or, at least, a certificate is somewhat or very important. The poll shows that 94% of respondents believe they need some education after graduating high school to be competitive in today's workforce.

Many cities in the state have set up various programs to help students with finding student loan alternatives. These programs include Cafe College in San Antonio, which helps students with financial aid and other aspects of college. Through this center, and other college preparation programs, students may be able to find grants and scholarships to cover most of their tuition costs.

When it comes to paying for college, though, some students may have no choice but to take out loans.

Find out quickly at what rate you can refinance your student loan.
Before the horrors of drug cartel violence and addiction became the main images you associated with cocaine, the drug carried a fashionable quality.

The website The Worlds Best Ever gathered images of vintage magazine ads under the headline Back in the day when they used to market cocaine. Using the Netflix series Narcos, about cocaine king Pablo Escobar, as inspiration the website tried to show how perceptions of the drug have changed.
WESTPORT  I-95 south remains closed Thursday morning after a tanker truck reported to be carrying sewage crashed off Interstate 95 Wednesday bursting into flames.

One person was killed in the accident, which involved at least one other vehicle, according to State Police spokeswoman Kelly Grant.

Troopers at the Troop G Barracks in Bridgeport say there is no estimate when the southbound lanes will reopen.

If the lanes remain closed for the next few hours it could cause near gridlock conditions on I-95 and the alternate Merritt Parkway route.

The truck crashed between exit 17 and 18 going southbound just before 7 p.m., according to the state Department of Transportation.

Officials said the tanker veered off the highway just before the Saugatuck Bridge, rolling over and bursting into flames.

The accident closed I-95, until shortly after 10 p.m., when the northbound lanes reopened.

Soundbound traffic is being detoured off of I-95 at Exit 18. Traffic is backed up at least a mile to Exit 19 in Fairfield.

It was not immediately known if the victim was the driver of the truck or the of other vehicle involved in the accident. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

Staff writers Cedar Attanasio and Jerrod Ferrari contributed to this report.
Warning to residents of the Waterloo region of Ontario: for the next four days, things are going to get really loud. The inaugural FUZEnation technology and music summit has kicked off, bringing together visionary business leaders, tech innovators and the most forward-thinking artists in music.

On the eve of opening day, I spoke with co-founder Rebecca (Lambrecht) Warfield about the festival and what attendees can expect.

Beacher: In a nutshell, what is FUZEnation?

Warfield: Conceptually, FUZEnation is the celebration of music and technology, and a partnership between our company FUZE and Live Nation. It's a multi-day event featuring brilliant minds talking about tech breakthroughs and a celebration of electronic music. I am one of the co-founders and one of the executive producers of the event. This area of Ontario is called "The Silicon Valley of the North." The technology industry is just booming here and this event truly is a passion project of mine. I worked for years in management in the music industry, and you cant be involved in music and not be involved in tech. The two go hand in hand.

JB: Can you talk a little bit about your background and how it influenced your involvement with this project?

RLW: I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a kid I was always trying to make stuff that someone would buy. I started my career as a talent producer for shows like the American Music Awards and the Golden Globes and the Country Music Awards. Each of these shows would have 25 musical performances and presenters, so I was constantly working with performers, publicists, producers -- everyone involved with making these shows happen. It was this incredible mix of A-list artists and upcoming artist in all genres. I worked with Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie. Alicia Keys was always an amazing collaborator. I joined the Britney Spears team on the Circus Tour, which was the biggest tour that ever went out at the time.

Eventually, I left and formed my own company, the Chicane Group, which focuses on management, consulting and producing. I'm partners with Larry Rudolph at Maverick, managing Steven Tyler on all of his Aerosmith and solo projects, and his philanthropic efforts.

Related: How Jeff Beacher Turned Madness Into Millions

JB: I know your work with Steven has meant a lot to you.

RLW: The most touching and feel-good project was his first-ever charity, Janie's Fund, to provide hope and healing for abused and neglected girls. We researched the best way to go about it and partnered with Youth Villages. In the past nine months, we've raised $1.8 million for the programs and have provided 300 girls with 18,000 days of care over the next year. Steven had wanted to start this charity ever since he wrote "Janie's Got a Gun" in 1989, and to be a part of the launch and to make it happen is by far the most rewarding experience over the last couple of years.

JB: How did the festival come about?

RLW: I was working with a concert promoter a couple years ago in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and he came to me with a new idea about an EDM contest and concert. We brought in a local marketing and branding expert, Shevaun Voisin, who is very dialed into the booming tech industry in the area. We started brainstorming. I always loved the interactive portion of SXSW but wanted to do something sleeker. I have a talent producing company, Proven Talent, with Colleen Grillo and I knew we could book a great lineup. I sold the concept to Live Nation who gave us the green light for financing and we partnered with them to create the first of what we hope will be many global events right here.

JB: Who will be performing?

RLW: Kygo, Adventure Club, Keys N Krates, The Him, Kaneholler. The first few days will feature iconic speakers like Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, and Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. Then we have an amazing panel with local game changers and disrupters. Were kicking it off with music, A-Trak, legendary turntablist will perform.

Related: Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian 'Building a Business Mostly Isn't Fun'

JB: Talk about the connection between music and tech.

RLW: Inventors are the new rock stars. They take an idea from their head and follow it from start to finish. And I think that creative process can be very similar for musicians. It might be using the other side of the brain, but it is essentially the same: bringing a thought to life, often with a lot of trial and error and setbacks along the way. The spark of creative passion is the driving force in bringing a product to market or a work of art to the public.

Related:



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Cuba and the US to 4th Meeting of Bilateral Commission

Three new agreements in health, aeronautics, and the fight against drug trafficking; eight visits of high level and 12 technical meetings, are some of the achievements in relations between Cuba and United States, summarized in this capital Gustavo Machin, General Deputy Director for the U.S. of the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

In a press conference, he said that in the 4th meeting of the Bilateral Commission that will take place in Washington on Friday, September 30, the state of bonds will be assessed, with significant progress in the diplomatic sphere and cooperation, but not in the economic and commercial ones.

As usual, Josefina Vidal, General Director for the U.S. of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, will head the islands delegation to the meeting, while the U.S. party will be headed by Mari Carmen Aponte and Jonathan Finer, Assistant Secretary of State for Hemispheric Affairs and Director of Policy Planning of the State Department, respectively.

According to the official of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Havana and Washington will agree the next steps in the road toward the normalization of relations and the high level visits and technical meetings that will take place, and will work on new agreements for the benefit of the two parties, while talks on topics of bilateral and multilateral interest are expected.

The General Deputy Director said that Cuba won't interfere in the U.S. presidential elections, but hopes that the next President is consequent with the desire and opinion of wide sectors of society supporting the lifting of the blockade and the improvement of relations.

On the nomination of Jeffrey De Laurentis, current charge daffaires of United States to Havana as ambassador of that country to the Cuban capital, he said it is a consequent decision by President Barack Obama and welcomed that that mission can have a representation at the maximum level possible.

Since Cuba and United States reestablished diplomatic relations on July 20, 2015, 12 agreements have been signed between the two nations, referred to the environment, postal mail service, direct regular flights, security in marine navigation, agriculture and security for travelers, trade and telecommunications.

Cuba will reiterate at the 4th meeting of the Bilateral Commission the necessity to lift the blockade, to return to Cuba the illegally occupied territory in Guantanamo by the Naval Base, and to eliminate other policies that are detrimental to Cuban sovereignty. (acn)
Prosser, defense propel Berlin past Penns Manor in Appalachian Bowl

Berlin Brothersvalley made it 2 wins in a row for the WestPAC in the Appalachian Bowl with convincing victory over Penns Manor at Windber Stadium.
Boo! What are the scariest spots in Lake County?

The old courthouse. A tea room in Mount Dora. Lake County has several places that are thought to be haunted.
Darron Smith, a U of M professor, investigated police brutality as a part of his project. This project, funded by the university, will be sent to Memphis police director Michael Rallings.

Courtesy of Darron Smith Darron Smith, a U of M professor, investigated police brutality as a part of his project. This project, funded by the university, will be sent to Memphis police director Michael Rallings.

The University of Memphis sociology department plans to fund $12,000 for a proposed research project on Memphis police.

The project focuses on finding biometric indicators that reveal whether or not officers are carrying excessive amounts of stress on the job.

This research proposal is led by Darron Smith, principal investigator and adjunct faculty member at the U of M. The project is in partnership with Harvard University, which will help provide and hold data analysis.

aThis study is not necessarily about police brutality,a Smith said. aItas more so about determining the health and well-being of officers.a

Smith said cops who know how to manage their stress will be less reactive and much more effective at policing.

aUnfortunately, thereas been a lot of police shootings involving blacks,a Smith said. aNow, this doesnat mean that all police officers are bad and hate black people. It does, however, mean that thereas an inordinate amount of racial tension.a

Smithas research project aims to figure out possible causes of the racial divide amongst police.

The findings will be achieved through a number of surveys and implicit bias tests that will be used to measure 200 random policemenas unconscious thoughts toward a number of variables including certain ages, races, genders and other demographics. Officersa stress responses will also be provoked by watching images and videos that involve shootings.

aWhat weare trying to see is whose stress levels spike and go down the quickest between black and white officers,a Smith said. aThe study will also indicate if an officer has a preference towards whites.a

Smithas research proposal aims to validate the need for institutional restructure within the Memphis Police Department. If it proves stress levels are high, Smith hopes Michael Rallings, director of police services for the Memphis Police Department, allows Smith and his research team to help train police on how to control their stress levels through a meditation method called amindfulness.a Theyall then teach officers how to simply breathe and self-meditate.

aWe want officers to learn how to turn it all off, so that they arenat taking it home with them or in the patrol car or out into the community,a Smith said. aWe donat want to vilify the police; we actually need them. Therefore, we have to instead find a way to help police be less reactive and better at their jobs.a

Smith has submitted his full project proposal to Rallings and hopes to hear back with a decision during the fall of 2016. If approved, he plans to publish his research findings in various criminology and sociology journals, so his colleagues can have access and possibly push the research even further.

aThe University of Memphis has been very gracious with offering support,a Smith said. aI think that this study will serve for the good of the officers and the community.a
Former Tory minister Brooks Newmark, who resigned after 'sexting' improper images of his lower half to a young woman, has composed a learned essay for the ConservativeHome website about a 'no-fly zone' over Syria.

A cynical source says it's an attempt at rehabilitation, adding: 'A 'no-flies' zone is more his speciality.' A harsh verdict.

Former Tory minister Brooks Newmark, who resigned after 'sexting' improper images of his lower half to a young woman, has composed a learned essay for the ConservativeHome website about a 'no-fly zone' over Syria

BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell, 63, is puzzled by colleague Jeremy Paxman's ill-tempered description of him, while promoting a memoir, as a 'buttoned-up presenter who had written a book about the Loch Ness Monster'.

Currently covering William and Kate's tour of Canada, Witchell says: 'I have the utmost professional regard for Jeremy, who I've known for the best part of 40 years and I hope his book is very successful.'

Might Witchell's 1974 volume, The Loch Ness Story  still in print and regarded as a definitive study  enjoy higher regard than 66-year-old Paxman's tome, A Life In Questions?

Rachel (sister of Boris) Johnson says former Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls asked her if Botox might prevent his armpits from sweating while he gyrated on Strictly Come Dancing. 'No,' she replied, 'if you block the armpits, it will only appear somewhere else!'

Formerly a Parliamentary bruiser, might flighty Balls, 49, be offered a role in pantomime this Christmas?

New Labour peeress Baroness Chakrabarti, 47, asked by Channel 4 News's Michael Crick about her son sitting entrance exams for Eton, slyly avoids the question, remarking: 'You've been on the internet too much of late.'

A campaigner for truth and transparency, Shami is the former director of the human rights outfit Liberty.

New Labour peeress Baroness Chakrabarti, 47, asked by Channel 4 News's Michael Crick about her son sitting entrance exams for Eton, slyly avoids the question, remarking: 'You've been on the internet too much of late'

Jeremy Corbyn says in a Radio 4 interview: 'I don't think Donald Trump and I have very much in common on anything.' Actually, they've both had three wives. While Corbyn's first wife, Jane Chapman, voted against him, the first Mrs Trump  Ivana  supports 'The Donald', saying he'll be a 'great president'.

Make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury launches a lipstick called The Queen, a cerise-coloured cosmetic costing 23 a stick. It's unlikely to curry favour with the monarch, however. Clarins has the royal warrant for supplying HM's lipstick and other cosmetics, although our sovereign is always on the lookout for a bargain. During a stopover in Dubai, HM headed for the Clarins counter in duty free. A lady-in-waiting made the purchase  our head of state carries no money, passport or boarding card.
On Tuesday two weeks ago, in homes and offices all over the world, something very strange started to happen. Without any warning, tens of thousands of printers suddenly stopped working.

Bewildering error messages appeared that stated that there was a 'cartridge problem', or an 'older generation cartridge' was present, or more puzzling still, that 'one or more cartridges are missing or damaged'.

Users were perplexed, and more than a little frustrated. The cartridges in their printers were neither missing, nor damaged, nor indeed old (although they were, of course, expensive), and yet still the troublesome error messages popped up.

Computer giant HP is facing a backlash after blocking customers from using cheaper ink cartridges in its printers (pictured, stock image)

So what had happened? Within a few hours, it quickly became clear that the source of the mystery lay in the fact that all the printers were manufactured by the same company  Hewlett-Packard, or HP. More specifically, the models in question all came from the OfficeJet, OfficeJet Pro and OfficeJet Pro X ranges, which cost anywhere between 70 and several hundred pounds.

Unbeknown to the thousands of unsuspecting users around the world, HP had secretly installed the technological equivalent of a time-bomb in their printers, which effectively rendered them useless if their owners had installed cartridges which were not made by HP.

The company is unapologetic about such a move, which it brazenly calls an 'update'. Its aim, a spokesperson said, was 'to protect HP's innovations and intellectual property'.

What HP has done is the equivalent of a car manufacturer such as Vauxhall ensuring that its cars can only run on petrol manufactured by Vauxhall. Such a move would, of course, provoke a huge outcry, and might even be against the law.

But so far, apart from some grumbles on social media, there has been no collective expression of outrage that a computer giant is effectively remotely disabling products that customers have bought in good faith, and then forcing those same customers to buy its own branded products that are more expensive.

Why have we taken this lying down? How are the likes of HP able secretly to access our printers? And what can we do to stop them?

There's no doubt that most of us loathe printers. A necessary evil, we are all too accustomed to their unreliability, the shocking cost of their ink, and their mysterious capacity to stop communicating with our computers, just when we're in a hurry to get a document printed.

And yet most of us need them, as there are times we still want to read something on a piece of old-fashioned A4 paper rather than on an iPad or some other screen.

All of us know that using printers is an expensive business, that firms sell the printers at a loss, then slap horrifically huge margins onto their ink cartridges  which is where the likes of HP really coin it in.

Take, for example, HP's 4520 All-in-One Printer, which can be bought on Amazon for the 'bargain' price of 49.99, which ensures it sells by the lorry-load.

With this model, HP will charge you a whopping 38.21 to buy a package of one black cartridge and one tri-colour cartridge. This means these two measly cartridges  which with normal family usage will run out in a matter of weeks or months  cost more than 75 per cent of the value of the entire printer.

HP are not the only offenders, of course. Buy two Canon cartridges  one black, one colour  in the larger, wider cartridge size which is supposed to be more economical, and it'll set you back a staggering 56.

It's a long-running joke that it's almost cheaper to buy a whole new printer (which comes with ink supplied) rather than a new set of cartridges.

For the fact is that printer ink is far more expensive by volume than Dom Perignon champagne or even Chanel No 5 perfume. It is precisely because printer manufacturers charge a tech billionaire's ransom for their cartridges that many of us buy cheaper versions which are copies of the brand-name cartridges.

They are typically made in China and sold by online retailers in the UK. Although some of these cartridges can be inferior to those made by the printer manufacturers, many are just as good. And the savings can be huge.

To replace the six cartridges on, say, a Canon Pixma MP990 costs 75.46 if you buy the Canon-branded cartridges.

However, if you purchase a full set of so-called 'after-market cartridges' from a firm such as Inkmasters then they're just 22.98  less than a third of the Canon price. Clearly, only the lazy or naive spend the extra 52.48 on an almost identical product. This is why firms such as HP and Canon are unhappy when people buy other manufacturers' cartridges, because their business model would collapse if we all did it.

Therefore, in order to protect their business, manufacturers have gone to war on both consumers and the sellers of after-market cartridges.

Dennis Haines, 67, the managing director of Inkmasters, which turns over 6 million every year, explains the challenge faced by companies such as his.

'First, the big firms sue rival suppliers for infringing their patents. Clearly, they have deep pockets, whereas the likes of us who are far smaller find it very hard to afford to defend ourselves.

'Furthermore, the lawsuits can drag on for years, and to the best of my knowledge, not one of these suits brought in Europe has ever been resolved in court.'

The second way in which printer giants can make life difficult is to protect their businesses by installing small computer chips on their cartridges. The first company to do this was Epson, claiming its aim was to 'improve the user experience'.

However, the real reason lay in the bottom line. If the printer detected that the cartridge did not have the right kind of chip, it would not work.

This meant that manufacturers of cheaper ink not only had to copy the cartridges, but also the chips they contained if their product was to work.

For a while, they managed to do this, and an uneasy truce existed between the printer firms and the cheaper producers. But HP's recent move is clearly a new salvo.

So how exactly has HP managed to cripple so many of their customers' printers?

The answer is that printers 'update' themselves automatically via their connection to the internet, which is either directly through wi-fi or via your computer. When installing our printers' set-up software on our computers, many of us tick an 'automatic update' box, thinking little of it.

But according to Mr Haines, it's within that automatic updating that the trouble lies.

'What I suspect has happened is that the users of these HP printers, when they first installed their printer 'driver' software onto their computers, ticked a box that allowed for automatic updates,' he says.

The update to the printers' systems was delivered in March this year, but there seems to have been a built-in delay which meant HP printers would only stop accepting after-market cartridges on September 13.

'This is a very aggressive move,' says Mr Haines. 'But then again, HP, like all firms, has every right to protect its intellectual property. On the other hand, what they also have is a responsibility of fully informing their customers of what an update entails.'

The problem is that many firms are extremely opaque when it comes to telling customers an update will actually make life harder  and more expensive. The devil is often buried in the lengthy and verbose details at the end user's licence agreement, if indeed it is written there at all.

So what can printer users do to outwit the tech giants?

Mr Haines advises HP users to wait for firms like his to produce new after-market cartridges that will cope with the update, but this will involve a wait of a few months. 'It's an irritant,' he says, 'but we do try to keep on top of such things.'

Another option is to try refilling your cartridges yourself, but this is a tricky and messy business. And besides, the chip in the cartridge will, in all likelihood, refuse to acknowledge that the cartridge is once again full.

Mr Haines also suggests buying an old, second-hand printer, for which the manufacturers will no longer be bothering to update the software. 'All 80 printers in our office are more than five years old and built to last,' he reveals, 'and the company that appears to be the least sneaky with its updates is Brother.

'So look for a reliable Brother printer more than five years old and you should have no problem getting good quality, cheap cartridges.'

The final option is to give up printers altogether. As it happens, it is estimated that printer sales are declining by 5 per cent each year, as more of us read documents on tablets and smartphones.

But then again, as anyone who has ever worked in a supposedly paperless office fully knows, eschewing paper ultimately seems frankly impossible.
want to raise awareness about strokes in young children

The mums are now committed to giving the boys the best life possible

The other baby, Mason, has cerebral palsy and cannot speak

For people who have been trying to get pregnant the news that they're going to have a baby is one of the best days of their life.

For Janelle Chirio and her partner Toni, from Queensland, what was a dream pregnancy and labour turned to heartbreak after they discovered both their babies had suffered strokes in utero.

It was something they didn't even know was possible, and changed their lives forever.

Janelle and Toni Chirio conceived twin boys via IVF in 2012

The boys, Mason and Hudson, were born with seemingly no complications

The couple had been together two and a half years and were deeply in love when they decided to have a baby, Janelle told Daily Mail Australia.

Because they were a same sex couple attempting IVF, Janelle said getting pregnant wasn't easy.

Firstly, they had to find a clinic in Queensland who would do IVF for a same sex couple. Then they had to meet with a psychologist who would give their opinion on if they should become parents.

So when Janelle found out she had not only fallen pregnant on her first attempt at IVF using donor sperm, but had fallen pregnant with identical twins, she and Toni were over the moon.

Given how rare identical twins are when having IVF, doctors warned the couple that they shouldn't expect both babies to survive to full term.

Despite this, Janelle says her pregnancy was 'textbook'. 'I had a fantastic pregnancy,' she said. 'I didn't do anything I shouldn't, I didn't have any morning sickness.'

However at 12 weeks Hudson had a a seizure and his right side went limp

After an MRI, it was determined that both boys had strokes in the womb, only a few weeks before birth

Because she was carrying twins, Janelle had to leave the mining town she and Toni were living in and stay in Brisbane once she hit 28 weeks of pregnancy.

The babies came early, at 35 weeks, as is common with twins, and were in intensive care for 17 days after birth before the couple could take them home.

The named their twin boys Hudson and Mason, and were immediately in love with them both.

However, 12 weeks into the boys' lives something changed when Hudson had a seizure.

'His entire right side when limp and his head and eyes deviated to the left,' Janelle said. 'I took him to the GP but they said "Oh he's just got wind, stop eating root vegetables so much."'

Scans showed that Hudson had lost 75 per cent of the left hemisphere of his brain

Both boys were diagnosed with cerebral palsy are are unable to speak

Her mother's instinct told her something else was wrong, so Janelle went to a pediatrician. The doctor immediately told her that Hudson had a brain bleed, and ordered an MRI.

'The radiologist came and got us to show us the scans,' the mum told Daily Mail Australia. 'It showed the left hemisphere of his brain was blacked out and the right hemisphere was white.

'You don't have to be a doctor to know that's not good.'

The couple travelled to Brisbane for more tests, where a specialist explained to Toni and Janelle that due to a placenta abduction during her pregnancy Hudson had a stroke during the last few weeks in utero.

Hudson also has a hearing impairment, epilepsy, a vision impairment and a global developmental delay

Janelle told Daily Mail Australia that the day they found out that the boys had strokes changed their lives forever

Because the babies had shared a placenta, the news also meant that Mason was deprived of blood and oxygen for some time in the womb, and that both boys had disabilities.

'That changed our lives forever,' Janelle said. 'You never expect your child is going to have a disability. We were thrown into this world we knew nothing about.'

Hudson was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and a vision impairment that meant he can't see out of the right side of both eyes and has no peripheral vision.

The small child also has a hearing impairment, cannot speak, and has a global developmental delay.

Mason was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy that means he can't speak or swallow, but has fewer disabilities than his twin brother.

Janelle and Toni never expected to have a child with a disability, and said they were 'thrown into a world' they knew nothing about

Initially the family were asked if they wanted end of life care for Hudson, but the mums said no

From then on, it was incredibly tough on the family both physically and mentally.

'Very quickly we were expected to understand what doctors were talking about,' Janelle explained. 'They told us at 12 weeks that Hudson would never do anything, and asked if we wanted to do palliative end of life care.'

'But we said no, he's staying with us. We're strong women, strong parents, we will care for him forever.'

However it hasn't been an easy road. Hudson has had to have a number of surgeries, including having a neurosurgeon disconnect the left hemisphere of his brain from his right hemisphere to try and stop seizures he was suffering.

Hudson has had to have numerous surgeries, including disconnecting the left hemisphere of his brain from the right hemisphere

Now both the boys are four and are doing so much more than doctors ever expected

Despite the dire predictions doctors had for Hudson and Mason, they're now four and have made incredible progress.

Both the boys are non-verbal, so are learning sign language to communicate, and Hudson is even able to walk with some help, something doctors never expected.

The boys go both to an early developmental school twice a week and a mainstream preschool for the rest of the week.

'We don't wrap them in cotton wool,' Janelle said. 'They go on slides and play, they get bumps and bruises, they don't miss out.'

'We just want to give them the best possible life.'

Janelle and Toni want to raise awareness about children having strokes, and that it's not something that just happens to old men

The boys also have quite a special bond, with Mason very protective of his brother Hudson.

'When someone comes into the room Mason will go over to Hudson and touch him and make noises,' their mum explained. 'You have to acknowledge him and say "Yes Mason, we know Hudson is there."'

Now Janelle and Toni want to raise awareness about strokes in children. 'People think it's only old men who get strokes, but it happens to one in 250,000 kids,' Janelle explained.

And despite everything, the couple are just so proud and happy to be parents.
A Grimsby-born woman who moved to Uganda to start a new life with her younger boyfriend ended up being robbed of her $100,000 (77,000) savings and was left fearing for her life.

Lisa Morgan, 50, became engaged to Boaz Asingwire, 12 years her junior, and moved to the East African country to set up construction and money lending businesses.

But their relationship turned violent and Boaz would keep her locked in the house while he spent her savings.

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Lisa Morgan, 50, fell in love with Boaz Asingwire, 12 years her junior, from Uganda after they met working in Iraq

But despite her experiences, Lisa says she has forgiven Boaz and even still loves him, after he was killed in a car crash as she fought to get her money back through the courts.

And she has now written a book about her heartbreaking experiences called Love Has Many Faces.

Lisa, then 42, met Boaz, 30, while working as a security contractor in Iraq and they struck up a friendship, and bonded over their shared losses.

She had lost her brother to suicide, while Boaz's father had died at a young age after being shot while serving in the army.

Lisa, 50, has written a book about her experiences in Uganda called Love Has Many Faces

'It was obvious to me that Boaz and I found comfort in each other,' Lisa said. 'We had both suffered losses and were like two lost souls destined to be with each other.

'All I knew was for the very first time in my life I actually felt a connection, a bond with somebody. I could really relate to this person.

'Boaz was my Mr Right and meant everything to me. After working in the war torn Middle East I finally had the chance of love and happiness'

'I was sixteen again. I couldnt stop thinking about him. I realised there was a lot more to him than met the eye. He was quite deep and would write love notes, slip them into my bag or under the door.'

Lisa and Boaz pictured during happier times on a gorilla trek in Uganda

Lisa and Boaz had been together for a year when he proposed, and the couple decided they would start a new life together in Uganda.

'I trusted Boaz enough to leave my job and move to his country to be with him,' she explained.

'He was my soulmate and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him and he was such a responsible person. You knew he would be happy to see you happy. And whenever we were together it felt lovely, like that nice, warm glow after your first glass of wine.'

Boaz wanted to start a money lending business and buy cattle and a piece of land to build a house, while Lisa was keen to buy land and set up her own construction company.

Boaz was sadly killed in a car accident two years to the day he proposed to Lisa

He went ahead to Uganda, and Lisa transferred $69,000 (53,000) of her savings into their new joint account and took the rest of her money with her in cash.

As soon as she arrived, they set about furnishing their new home.

'We shopped in local markets and paid cash for everything out of my money,' Lisa said.

'Hed said I couldnt open a bank account as a foreigner without supplying certain documents. But that was okay. I trusted Boaz. And we had a joint account. For now, I was happy.'

Boaz was keen for them to set up their money lending business without delay and told Lisa that his brother, a lawyer, could help with the paperwork.

The couple were planning to set up money lending and construction businesses, but Boaz took control of their finances

'A contract was drawn up and I was given twenty shares in the company,' she recalled. 'I didnt understand why it was only twenty instead of fifty but Boaz said as a foreigner I could only own a certain amount.

'Of course I was his partner and hed change it after we were married. He also asked for a sample of my signature. As we were setting up a business account, it was just a formality.'

The couple forked out $20,000 (15,300) to buy a Toyota Land Cruiser, paying in cash Boaz had taken out of their joint account.

'It was Boaz who looked after the cash,' Lisa said. 'He looked after everything. He withdrew all the money; hundreds at a time.

Lisa said that Boaz became violent towards her after she asked to see their bank statements

'Sometime later I realised I hadnt seen the bank cards. I wondered if we had to collect them or they were going to be sent to our address. When I asked Boaz where they were, he would say, Dont you trust me Lisa?.

'Once I insisted on going to the bank with him but he made me wait in the car, saying he had to do something first. He deliberately parked the car so I couldnt see where he was going.'

As time passed, Boaz always seemed to need more cash and decided to get a loan using their car as collateral.

'He was doing a project with some other people. It involved a land eviction order,' Lisa said. I didnt know much about it but he needed me to sign some papers. So I did. If I ever asked any questions all hed say is, Dont you trust me Lisa? Of course I did. But now doubts were beginning to creep in.'

Soon after, she found messages from other women on his laptop and he started detaining her in the house.

Lisa, pictured gorilla trekking in Uganda, said that she feared for her life on several occasions when Boaz was violent towards her

'Boaz would leave the house early in the morning and tip toe out so I couldnt hear him. He always took the car leaving me stranded,' Lisa said.

'He was obsessed with that car. Only he could drive it. To make sure he would sometimes hide the keys and once he managed to immobilise the car through the electronic key fob. I spotted the car outside and thought right, Im off. I will go and find something to do. But, of course, the car wouldnt move.

'Another time he paid the Security Guard not to let me out if I tried to leave the compound in the car. I saw Boaz talking to the guard and slipping him some money. So of course, when the guard saw me he wouldnt let me out of the gates. I was so angry.'

As Boaz's mood swings grew worse, the relationship turned violent.

Lisa says that within just a few months of being in Uganda, most of her money was gone

'If I asked where hed been or how the business was going, he would push me out the way and tell me not to ask questions,' she recalled. 'But when I finally stood up to him he lashed out and slapped me across the face.'

Boaz promised not to hurt her again, but the violence did not stop.

'Another time he kicked my legs from under me and I fell on the floor, injuring my back. I was so shocked I burst into tears.

'He was on his knees begging for forgiveness, saying he still loved me and wanted to marry me, it would never happen again but it did.

Despite their tumultuous past, Lisa said she could never hate Boaz and actually felt sorry for him

'Im not the type of person who will put up with cheats or violence. I couldnt accept what he had done to us. I now knew our relationship wasnt going to last and I had to get out.

'From then on, if I annoyed him he would give me a slap. Once he hit me so hard across my face that he caught my lip; it ballooned to twice its normal size. Another time he throttled me so hard that I nearly passed out.'

Lisa would report the attacks to the police, but they wouldn't intervene and she ended up fearing for her life.

Boaz went missing for six weeks, and on his return Lisa demanded her money back so she could leave him. He presented her with $29,000 (22,000) and then beat her up again.

Lisa built a new life for herself in Uganda after moving from Iraq

Lisa used the money to buy a piece of land, wanting to at least salvage some security of her own.

But when it came to signing the contract, she discovered Boaz had put the land in his name.

'I didnt argue. Boaz was very domineering. And anyway, I was biding my time.'

Lisa wanted to prove that Boaz had been stealing her money and try to recoup some of it.

I felt sorry for him and always will. I could never hate Boaz. I forgave him a long time ago.

'It was a hell of a lot of money; by now it was nearly $100,000 with my last salary now transferred.

'If I asked where my money was, hed say, Lisa, you spent it, and point at the sofa or the fridge. Or, You know you cannot be trusted with money. It was like he was trying to drive me mad.'

Lisa approached Federacion Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA), a coalition of female lawyers who help women in violent situations.

'If they took my case I could get my money back and maybe my sanity I didnt know where Id go but I was ready to start over, I was sick of playing the victim. I knew I had to fight back,' I said.

At her first meeting Lisa saw her bank statement for the first time and discovered the bank account was in Boaz's name only - and all her money was gone.

Happier times in Uganda: Lisa poses at the equator

'Even my final salary that had been transferred over was gone. All I could see was withdrawal after withdrawal. One day he had withdrawn over $5,000 (3,800). He had looted my money.'

Lisa forged ahead with legal proceedings and brought a civil case to try and get her money back.

But while legal tussles continued, she received a phone call late at night from Boaz on the two year anniversary of their engagement.

It was a struggle for Lisa to come to terms with Boaz's death and she said she can never hate him

At she received another call 1.30am from his sister to say Boaz was dead after being involved in a car accident.

A heartbroken Lisa went to the morgue, where she was shown his body.

'As much as he had stripped me of my dignity and deceived me, I never wished him harm,' Lisa said. I felt sorry for him and always will.

'I could never hate Boaz; I forgave him a long time ago.'

In August 2014 Lisa managed to wrap up her life in Uganda and fly back to London.

'It had taken less than three months to have all my money taken from me. It took another six months for a court to take on my case. And it had taken another year, after Boazs death, to tie everything up and gather together enough money to leave.

'In just over two years my life had been turned upside down. Id gone from being in love to losing everything. I was still struggling to come to terms with the fact Boaz was dead.

'I dont think he was a bad person. However in the end he was extremely good at being bad. He managed to rip me to pieces both physically and mentally. No, I think he was tempted by all that money. Im sure we are all guilty of that
Penelope Laridon Burkitt, 49, is a make up artist and married to husband Karl. She lives in Cheltenham. Here, she shares her story with FEMAIL.

In 2011 I was working as a receptionist at a cosmetic surgery clinic. Karl had been coming in for hair transplants.

I fancied him like mad and my job on reception meant I got to talk to him a lot. I was really hoping Karl would ask me out. Id been married twice before and while I had a fabulous single life, I loved the idea of meeting my soul mate.

Penelope Laridon Burkitt, 49, a make-up artist from Cheltenham (pictured before, left, and after, right) had two face lifts and a nose job before she would marry her boyfriend Karl

Even so I was 44 and terrified about looking old. I have never had any intention of growing old gracefully. Ever since I was in my twenties Id joked about having a facelift. As for my nose? Id hated it all my life.

One Mothers Day my daughters Chiang, now 26 and Freesia, 24 bought me a pink money box with Facelift Fund written on it.

Id been having Botox since I was 35, but I couldnt summon up the courage for surgery.

Every day Id examine my face in a magnifying mirror, looking at my haggard eye lines and saggy jowls. I hated it when people said, you look good for your age. Why couldnt they just tell me I looked good?

When Karl finished his treatment in March 2011, I knew I wouldnt see him again. So I found him on Facebook and asked him out. We went for a coffee in Bristol where I lived. Karl seemed so much more relaxed away from the clinic. He was funny and even more attractive when he laughed.

Penelope (pictured before) met Karl when she was working on reception at a cosmetic surgery clinic where he had hair transplants

The pair soon started going out, but Penelope said she wouldn't marry him until she had a face lift. They travelled to a clinic in Istanbul, where she had a lift and a nose job (pictured recovering)

He was 51 and ran his own business consultancy company. Something clicked between us and soon we were a couple. Karl spoilt me with designer shoes and romantic weekends away.

I couldnt believe my luck. Karl was the most wonderful man Id ever met. When I told him about my surgery plans he instantly replied, you dont need a face lift.

When wed been together nearly a year, he suggested moving in together. Id left the clinic and was working as a freelance make up artist. But I didnt want to live with him until we were married. He said that was fine but then I told him I couldnt marry him unless I had a facelift.

The procedure took ten-and-a-half hours and Penelope was left with a swollen and bandaged face afterwards

Karl was flabbergasted. He thought I was mad and insisted I didnt need one. But I was adamant. I couldnt bear the thought of walking down the aisle with my craggy face.

Ive always paid my way in life, but at the time I earned a fraction of Karls income. Days later Karl surprised me, telling me hed pay for the cosmetic surgery. I was thrilled.

Even though I have worked in the British cosmetic industry, I did my research and found a clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. The female surgeon had been involved in the pioneering work behind the specific facelift I wanted.

We decide to turn the clinic visit into a holiday and went for 2 weeks in February 2014 staying in a plush villa. My surgery was booked in for Valentines Day. I joked it was my present.

I was having an endoscopic facelift to lift my forehead, cheeks and brows, as well as a nose job. It cost Karl 15,000.

We paid in cash just before the operation. A Harley Street clinic would have charged far more.

The procedure had taken ten-and-a-half hours. When I came around the next day Id Karl was there holding my hand and smiling.

I was snappy and rude to him. But it was the morphine Id been given for pain relief talking. I insisted on seeing my face.

A nurse warned me when she handed the mirror to me that I was going to be bruised for a while. I looked horrific.

Before and after: After a week in hospital Penelope (pictured after, right) recuperated at their luxury villa with three members of staff to attend to her every whim

But she wasn't happy with the results so she flew back to Istanbul for a lower face lift for free

I had two large drains coming out of each side of my head. My eyes were so swollen I could hardly see. My face was bandaged, I had purple eyes and swollen lips.

I felt like a wreck but I kept reminding myself that the pain would be worth it.

After a week in hospital I recuperated at our luxury villa with three members of staff to attend to my every whim.

We had a BMW with a chauffeur for trips into Istanbul for lunches out and shopping.

Even though I was bandaged up and looked like a freak, no one batted an eyelid. Even so my days revolved around a cocktail of painkillers antibiotics and sleeping tablets.

We ended up staying an extra five days so I could recover properly. The surgeon thought it was a good idea. She said the longer the screws after the facelift stayed in my head, the better.

On the morning of her wedding on 5 September in 2014, she said she felt 'radiant' in her ivory lace dress

She was so confident and thrilled with how she looked that she even decided to wear my hair up to show off her new face (pictured with Karl)

I travelled home still bandaged and wearing sunglasses for the entire flight.

The results were visible within weeks, but I wasnt totally satisfied with how I looked. It wasnt as tight as I wanted it to be.

So I flew back to the clinic for a lower facelift free of charge because I wasnt happy with the first operation.

For a lower facelift the surgeon cut around my ears to tighten the skin. There were small scars, but they are easily hidden under my hair.

This time I was under for 5 hours and we stayed in Istanbul for 10 days. By now there was just four months to go until our wedding.

It was plenty of time for the surgery to settle down. When the scarring had heeled, I was so thrilled with how I looked that I ditched the three wedding dresses Id bought and went for something more glam.

Penelope is 49 now and definitely thinks she look closer to 40 than 50. Ideally she would like to look 37, and would like another face lift in a year or two

On the morning of my wedding on 5 September in 2014 I felt radiant in my ivory lace dress.

I was so confident and thrilled with how I looked that I even decided to wear my hair up so I could show off my new face.

Im 49 now and definitely think I look closer to 40 than 50. Ideally Id love to look 37

As I walked down the aisle our 45 guests gasped when they saw me. All the pain from the surgery had been worth it for my special day.

It was a magical twenty-four hours and I felt completely confident in how I looked.

Im 49 now and definitely think I look closer to 40 than 50. Ideally Id love to look 37. I still look in the mirror and think oh no, Im dont look as youthful as Id like. I have been told I have face dysmorphia.

In a year or two Ill have another facelift because Im still not entirely happy with my face. Id like another nose job as its still too big.
As every woman will testify, there is one thing Mr Right never, ever wears: leather.

That particularly goes for leather trousers, a leather coat, leather knee-high boots or  heaven forbid  a leather policemans hat.

No matter the size of the bouquet of roses or carat of diamond Mr Right may bestow upon us, if he wears any of this, the romance will be declared well and truly over.

So when pictures of a reedy chap trussed up in all of these offending items  looking like one of the Village Peoples sleazier cousins  appeared in a magazine yesterday, you could almost hear female hearts breaking around the country.

Flash of leather: Tom Hiddleston looking moody in a Goth-style coat and zips

For there, clad in an array of kinky outfits, ladies, was no other than Tom Hiddleston, once the man described as every thinking womans fantasy.

The vaguely disturbing spread of pictures appeared in Interview magazine  a trendy American publication which features conversations between super-cool celebrities  alongside a suitably gushing interview with Hiddleston by Sherlock Holmes star Benedict Cumberbatch.

Hiddleston could not have looked more different to Jonathan Pine, the suave, but very conventially attired young spy he played in the hit BBC series, The Night Manager.

In a distinctly luvvie-ish interview, the star, once the subject of Middle Englands deepest fantasies, talked to his fellow thesp.

There is much fawning over Hiddlestons stellar career in the interview and some self-deprecating jokes about how humble he is.

But somewhat strangely, considering the acres of column inches it attracted, there is no mention of his painfully contrived three-month relationship with American pop star Taylor Swift or the acres of leather in the photoshoot.

Biker chic: The Hollywood actor adopting a macho motorcycle pose in this shot

Lifting the lid on his boring life away from the set, he revealed that once the cameras had stopped rolling for The Night Manager he flew home and went to my sisters engagement party. I was surrounded by family.

And they were so reassuring. And then I just live such a boring life. I potter about, read books Ive meant to read but havent had time . . . go for coffee, and read the paper and hang out with my mom and dad.

What on earth can Mom and Dad think of these pictures?

There's a difference between cartoon villain and clown

After all, is a leather flasher mac really what you wear to potter about the Home Counties  or how about a tight boiler suit complete with waist-cinching belt?

Surely this fresh sartorial car crash is the candle-snuffer to the tiny spark of a crush any of us had for the suave Old Etonian.

Oh Hiddy, why oh why have you done this? Youve put us through the pain of watching you cavort with Taylor Swift, a relationship that seemed as staged as it was unsuitable for an actor of your calibre.

In The Night Manager, you seemed so much more than your conventional, square-jawed Hollywood hunk.

If the cap fits: Tom plumbs the depths in a boiler-suit and fetish gloves

Your manners and bearing screamed old-fashioned gentleman  no doubt honed by your stint at Eton and your double first in classics from Cambridge. And, Tom, you wore a three-piece suit like you were born to it.

That Tom Hiddleston  that simmering cauldron of emotion, that loin-girding demi-god, the one we all fell madly in love with  was cooler than Bond, sexier than Poldark and cleverer (well, almost) than Stephen Hawking.

Now, something very odd seems to have happened to you, the man we all fell in love with. Either that, or your performance in The Night Manager was a fluke, a one-off flash of genius that belied your true nature.

He's dressed like a sado-masochistic male strip-o-gram

In these photos you look like a rather low-rent fashion victim. Indeed, if I may say so Tom, you look like a monumental fool. Either that, or youve taken some very bad advice from your stylist.

Because, really, why in the name of all that is holy would you allow yourself to be trussed up like a sado-masochistic strip-o-gram?

Perhaps Im being a little harsh. Perhaps youre doing it for a dare. Maybe for a charity calendar for rubber fetishists? That is the only acceptable explanation. Otherwise there can be no rationale for allowing yourself to be squeezed into this assemblage of bizarre get-ups.

Admittedly, though, you do have form for the whole full-length leather thing. Your character in the Avengers series, the evil Loki, has a definite penchant for black leather and flamboyant head-dresses.

But theres a difference between cartoon villain and total clown.

Oh, Tom! In these photos you look like a rather low-rent fashion victim

None of this is made any less embarrassing by the expression of concentrated seriousness on your face, Tom. But most of all, the question you need to answer is, why?

Why, when the world is clamouring for your services, would you stoop to doing a photoshoot that looks like it would be most at home in a seedy telephone kiosk?

What could there possibly be to gain from it? At what point do you put down the latest star-studded script to drop through your postbox and say to yourself: Actually, I think Ill say no to Spielberg for now and do a weird photoshoot instead.

With hindsight, there were always some worrying signs about your judgment. That cringe-worthy I heart Taylor Swift T-shirt for starters.

A clear sign of a man who appears impervious to making a twit of himself.

The charitable view would be that youre so unaware of your appeal that you either dont care or notice how you look. But youre an actor, so that just cannot be.
A mother-of-two has advised parents to carefully consider sterilisation after tragically losing her baby girl just two months after having tubal ligation surgery.

Katherine Lawson, 27, from Perth, had planned to have the operation right after her caesarean section as she and her partner Ben felt their young family was complete.

She gave birth to little Imogen on the 23rd of February and while she was still on the operating table, doctors performed the second surgery.

But during the operation Ms Lawson was unaware that her newborn baby was dying.

Katherine Lawson, 27, (pictured) had planned to have a tubal ligation right after her caesarean section as she felt her young family was complete

'The birth and C-section went well and when Immy cried Ben and I looked at each other and we knew she was a girl because her cry was completely different to the boys',' Ms Lawson told Daily Mail Australia.

'Off to the table she went and Ben took a few photos and sat with me because I was having more surgery.'

Ms Lawson said doctors were spending 'quite a bit of time' with Imogen but when she and Ben asked if anything was wrong they were reassured.



'They said they thought she might have a bit of fluid still in her lungs so they took her upstairs and that wasn't a problem at all,' Ms Lawson said.

'But after they had finished and I was wheeled into recovery we still hadn't heard anything so Ben went upstairs to see what was going on... that's when he saw how bad everything was.

'Imogen had been intubated and had a chest drain in because her lungs had collapsed. Ben came downstairs and told doctors I needed to get up their immediately.'

'Imogen had been intubated and had a chest drain in because her lungs had collapsed', Ms Lawson said

But as Ms Lawson was wheeled in, doctors were already wheeling Imogen out to transfer her to another hospital.

'They opened a little hole in her crib and I stuck my arm in and saw her for the first time... but my arm was pretty much being dragged by doctors trying to move her,' Ms Lawson said.

'Imogen was dying and they needed to get her to another hospital immediately.'

By this stage the couple knew how sick Imogen was, but doctors were as confused as they were as to why this had occurred.

As Ms Lawson watched her partner and her newborn head off to to another hospital, she was struggling with recovery and was throwing up after having an adverse reaction during her surgery.

'They opened a little hole in her crib and I stuck my arm in and saw her for the first time,' Ms Lawson said, talking of the moments before her girl was taken away

'I had just had a fresh C-section so throwing up wasn't friendly at all,' Ms Lawson said.

'I was just sitting there thinking "What the f**k?". Everything was just such a big blur and I couldn't believe any of it was real.'

The following day Ms Lawson was given special leave to visit Imogen who was in the Neonative Intensive Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Having had two pregnancies and two normal births it was absolute hell for me.

Imogen was being kept alive with ventilation machines and medications and doctors told Ms Lawson that her daughter had pulmonary hypertension.

'Basically she was struggling to adapt to breathing and she also had very high pressures in her heart. The machines were keeping her alive,' Ms Lawson said.

'It was shocking to see her like that. The first two weeks were touch and go so we couldn't touch her. I got my first cuddle at 2.5 weeks.

Imogen was sent to the Neonative Intensive Care Unit where she was kept alive by machines

'Having had two pregnancies and two normal births it was absolute hell for me because your kids are the one thing you are in control of. To have somebody dictate when and how I can touch and hold my child was so frustrating. I think I held her for four hours... I sat on the rocking chair just holding her.'

At this stage, Ms Lawson was still recovering from two major operations and caring for her two little boys Nicholas, seven and Matthew, two.

'It was ridiculous. Every time I spoke to someone they were like "I don't know how you are doing this" but what choice did I have? You can't wake up one morning and say "Okay this is too hard" you just have to do it,' Ms Lawson said.

'Every day Ben and I would sit there and talk to Imogen and ask her to keep fighting, but the machines were doing everything for her which was a bad sign.

'It was just a sit and wait game. The doctors are still baffled to this day as to what went wrong.'

Tragically, little Imogen lost her fight for life on May 6th

Despite Imogen showing signs of improvement, doctors decided to give her a tracheostomy operation when she was around one month and two weeks, to give her a safer airway.

'Her surgery was awful as it took us back to day one which was absolutely horrible. It was very touch and go but we knew it was the right thing as later she was smiling and seemed much happier,' Ms Lawson said.

But despite Imogen improving slightly, she soon needed to be ventilated again and tragically lost her fight on May 6th.

While Imogen's death certificate says she passed from idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, doctors are still unsure why and how it occurred.

Ms Lawson hopes that by sharing her story, others consider their options before opting to have their tubes tied shortly after birth.

'I was on the table and we had our three babies and me having it there and then would have saved us from falling pregnant straight away and also saved him from having to have surgery later on so it made sense,' Ms Lawson said.

'But now, I would never ever recommend that anybody do it immediately after having a child, you need to recover.

'It's a permanent thing and it's human nature to want what you can't have. Nothing is permanent... how you feel at that very moment isn't how you might feel in six to 12 months. Don't take options away from yourself.'

Ms Lawson and her partner have considered having another child but are waiting to make a decision

'If I could save just one mother from going through what we've been through I would be happy.'

Ms Lawson and her partner have considered having another child, but are waiting until February to make a decision.

'We have looked into it. It won't be anytime soon but I needed to know what options were available. At this stage my options are tubal reversal or IVF,' she explained.

'The reversal is more expensive than IVF and there are more risks so we will probably opt for IVF.'

If I could save just one mother from going through what we've been through I would be happy.

'Some days I desperately want another baby, but then I think, "what if it happens again?" But our bodies are healthy. Our doctors said we had more chance winning the lottery then Imogen dying the way she did,' she also told Kidspot.

Ms Lawson also advises parents who are going through a similar situation with a newborn to take it all in and recognises that in some cases, life can just be 'incredibly unfair.'

'I would have started a journal. I would have written anything and everything down because now I am left with a blur because all your days combine into one. Express yourself,' she said.

'Take it all in and be as positive as you possibly can be regardless of the outcome.'
Shani Archer thought her two young daughters were going to be the best of friends.

What she did not expect was her eldest daughter would turn on her sister with passionate dislike.

Infant daughter Shilah did not appreciate sharing the love with newborn Adelie, and the resulting animosity between the pair filled their mother with worry and guilt.

Sharing the love: Shani Archer expected her daughters Shilah (left) and Adelie (right) to be the best of friends

'Loving and excited': After Adelie was born, her eldest sister Shilah was excited to come and visit her in hospital

Mrs Archer told Daily Mail Australia how the reality of having two kids under two years old did not quite match up to what she was expecting.

'Shilah had always loved her baby dolls which is why I thought she'd love her sister so much.

'And when we bought her into hospital to see Adelie she was just so loving and excited.

'However, that all changed as soon as we bought her sister home.'

'It all changed': Shilah (right) didn't immediately take to her sister Adelie (left) when Shani brought the newborn home

A hard time: Coping with the running battle between her two daughters made Shani question her skills as a mother

The Sunshine Coast mother-of-two said the relationship between her daughters made her question whether she was doing her job as a mum.

'Shilah became really vicious.

'We'd done everything we thought we could to prepare her - but the reality was, no matter how much we showed we loved her it wasn't enough.

'It was a really hard time... you feel like you've failed as a mother.'

'Worth it': Shani said it was worth going through the pitfalls of motherhood to reap the rewards at the end

Long time coming: In the past few weeks Shilah (right), almost two, and Adelie (left), now one, have started seeing eye to eye

She now laughed about the once-torturous relationship as the girls got older and began getting along.

'There were moments where me and Shilah would do something and she'd ask if we could leave the baby outside.

'Or we would go inside and play and she'd ask if we could leave her sister in the toy basket.'

But it was worth it going through all those bad moments just to get to the good parts, she said.

In the last few weeks Shilah, now two, has started to give up on her sibling rivalry with Adelie, who recently turned one, Mrs Archer said.

'They are just starting to get along in the last few weeks.

'It's been a long time coming.'

She had written about the experience on her Awkward Mummy blog as a way of reminding others that the joys of motherhood sometimes came with drawbacks.
A woman whose facial growth became so enlarged that she would chew on her own skin while she ate has finally had the life changing surgery she dreamed of.

Starrina, from Arizona, appeared on last night's Botched By Nature where she hoped doctors would be able to help with her facial deformity.

After meeting their patient Doctors Paul Nassif and Terry Dubrow Starrina reveals that her that a previous doctor diagnosed her with a hemangioma.

Starrina had lived with her uncomfortable facial growth for decades which caused her to chew on her own skin while she ate. Pictured: Starrina before surgery

However, the medical experts reveal some shocking news that in fact she has been misdiagnosed for 30 years.

'Upon examining Starrina, we can safely say that this is a misdiagnosis,' Dr Nassif says.

He then explains that a hemangioma gets smaller as a person gets older and in Starrina's case, it has gotten larger, adding: 'This is a vascular malformation, blood just sits in there in pools.'

After appearing on Botched By Nature, Starrina has finally had the life changing surgery she needed to reduce her painful growth. Pictured: Starrina now

At the beginning of the show Doctors Paul Nassif and Terry Dubrow Starrina reveal that she was misdiagnosed with hemangioma

The pair (pictured during diagnosis) reveal that Starrina suffers from vascular malformation

After correctly diagnosing her the doctors explained that the process of making her growth smaller would be done in two stages.

The first stage is embolization, where they inject foam into her growth to shrink up the blood vessels inside.

The second stage is surgery where the doctors will operate on the growth to try to make it smaller.

The doctors say that this is especially clear as a hemangioma gets smaller as a person gets older and in Starrina's case, it has gotten larger. Pictured: Starrina as a child (left) and a teen

The dotors explain that surgery will be risky but Starrina is keen to go through with it. Pictured: Starrina before surgery

After having the embolization, it's time for Starrina to have surgery. Dr Nassif explains that the operation comes with a risk.

He says: ' This is something that's very difficult there's a risk of injuring one of those nerves, bleeding, more scar formation.

'Not that anything we do is simple but in Starrina's case is exceptionally difficult and risky. We're really not going to know what's going on until we get in there.'

After having the embolization, where they inject foam into her growth to shrink up the blood vessels inside, it's time for Starrina to have surgery

For the complicated surgery (pictured) Dr. Nassif brings in Dr. Greg Levitin, a 'super specialist' on vascular malformations

However, Starrina is keen to try anything to try and reduce her growth. She says: 'It feels like my whole life I've waited for this opportunity and I'm just excited for the furture'.

In order to give Starrina the best outcome possible, Dr. Nassif brings in Dr. Greg Levitin, a 'super specialist' on vascular malformations.

For Starrina's surgery, Dr. Nassif explains: 'We are going to start by removing a triangular piece of tissue from her lower lip.

The doctors remove as much of the abnormal mass as possible and triangular pieces of tissue from the lower lip. Pictured: Starrina post surgery

When the surgery is done, Dr. Nassif says they were able to get Starrina 'about 75 percent improved'. Pictured: Starrina now

'Next we will make incisions inside her mouth and begin conservatively removing as much of the abnormal mass as possible.

'When all is said and done, Starrina's face will have a smoother, more normal appearance.'

When the surgery is done, Dr. Nassif says they were able to get Starrina 'about 75 percent improved'.

About a month and a half after having surgery, Starrina had a second embolization. She then meets up with the doctors three months after surgery and tells them the results are 'amazing'.

Dr Nassif says: 'We took Starrina and improved her, it's not a two-month process when you try to cure something that has been accruing over 30 years.'

About a month and a half later, Starrina had a second embolization. She tells them the results are 'amazing'. Pictured: Starrina before (left) and after surgery (right)
Whether she's driving around her Balmoral estate or on one of many royal tours over the year, the Land Rover is the Queen's vehicle of choice.

So Her Majesty would not doubt have been impressed to see her granddaughter Zara Tindall promoting the manufacturer's new Discovery at its launch in Solihull last night.

Zara, 35, who is an ambassador for the brand, showed off her skills as she jumped between two of the new vehicles against a Lego replica of London's Tower Bridge.

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Zara Tindall, 35, showed off her skills as a horsewoman as she jumped between two of the brand's new Discovery vehicles at the launch in Solihull last night

Zara cut a casual figure as she arrived at the event in white skinny jeans, tan loafers and a Land Rover jacket

Before starting her performance, Zara cut a casual figure as she arrived at the event in white skinny jeans, tan loafers and a Land Rover jacket.

Zara's mother Princess Ann shunned titles for her daughter and son Peter Phillips, enabling them to build careers free from the constraints of royal protocol.

By capitalising on her background, Zara rakes in an estimated 1 million a year from sponsorship.

As well as being a brand ambassador for Land Rover, she also has deals with Rolex and the sailing brand Musto.

Zara posed with Bear Grylls (left) and Sir Ben Ainslie (right) alongside a giant Lego replica of London't Tower Bridge

Former world eventing champion Zara is a talented equestrian, but unfortunately missed out on selection for the Rio Olympics

Her husband Mike has previously spoken about how the couple do not receive financial support from the royals.

They dont give us any money, he said. We look after ourselves... we run our own life.

The couples deals have included selling pictures of their daughter, Mia, to Hello! magazine last year for a sum thought to be more than 100,000.

Adventurer Bear Grylls abseiled down a line from the top of the huge Tower Bridge installation, through the open drawbridge and on to the stage

Zara, Sir Ben Ainslie and Bear Grylls pose with a certificate to recognise the official Guinness World Record for the Number of Lego pieces uses in a single structure

They have also made a small fortune from property and letting deals.

Last year, Zara and her husband Mike Tindall sold their five-bedroom home in Cheltenham for 1.27million, having bought it for 800,000 in 2009, making a profit of more nearly 500,000.

They have now moved into a property on Annes Gatcombe Park estate, where Zara has stables and trains her horses.

Former world eventing champion Zara, 35, helped her team win a silver medal at London 2012 but was not selected for the Rio Olympics this summer.

The horsewoman was joined at last night's event by Bear Grylls and Sir Ben Ainslie who also came out to show their support .

Adventurer Bear abseiled down a line from the top of the huge Tower Bridge installation containing a record-breaking 5.8 million pieces, through the open drawbridge and on to the stage.
Some friends like to meet in the pub for a drink, but two friends from Nuneaton have found a unique way to spend their downtime - dressing up as a 'human pup' and his master.

Lucky, 35, lives with Oz, 60, and acts just as a dog would - playing fetch, enjoying a belly rub, going for walks in his 1,000 latex outfit, and sometimes sleeping in a cage.

The pair met around three years ago on an internet dating site after Oz, who had previously been a pup himself, decided to become a master after retiring.

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Lucky, 35, (left) lives with Oz, 60, and acts just as a dog would - playing fetch, enjoying a belly rub, going for walks in his 1,000 latex outfit, and sometimes sleeping in a cage

Lucky said: 'I found that it did something for me unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

'All the decisions you have to make, and the things you have to worry about as a human go away. It's like being on a holiday.

'It means the stress of the day goes away. I don't have to worry about anything, I don't have to worry about bills or work.'

Lucky, who was inspired to become a pup by the costumes in Batman, explained: 'I said on the site that I wanted to come and try it out.

Lucky fetches a stick. He became Oz's pup after replying to an ad on a dating site, but although the pair live together they are not in a relationship

'Then this year around three years later I just bit the bullet and said I would like to go to Birmingham Pride dressed as a pup.'

That was the moment that changed Lucky's life.

At the time he was living with his parents in Coventry but he has now moved in with Oz. Both men are gay but they are not a couple.

Oz, left, said his parents wouldn't understand their living arrangements, while Lucky (right) has told his mother who is supportive of his decision

Oz added: 'We are not sexually together. Some pups do it for sexual reasons but that's not the case for us.'

Oz is a retired maths teacher and the last school he worked in was in Tamworth.

Lucky has two jobs and tries to keep his work life separate from his life as a pup.

They often go for walks at night in Nuneaton dressed up but not during the day.

'At the moment I guess you could kind of say we hide away', said Oz. 'If we go to London we can go from our hotel to an event dressed up and that's fine but in Nuneaton it's just a bit different.

Lucky's latex outfit, complete with harness, lead and personalised collar, costs in the region of 1,000

'Things are gradually changing. We would like to be able to be like this all the time if we wanted to but I don't think we're quite there yet.'

Lucky has a human bed and a cage and sleeps in both.

'It's a cage for a Great Dane and it's comfortable,' he added.

However, he draws the line at dining in a canine fashion.

The pair usually go for walks around Nuneaton at night but don't go out during the day to avoid attracting too much attention

'I don't eat dog food, I don't normally eat out of a bowl, I go to the toilet like a human,' he said. 'I just find when you are a human pup you have to have certain limits.'

Lucky hasn't told his father about being a pup, but his mother is aware.

'She said "whatever makes you happy, it's not my kind of thing", which is fine,' he explained.

Lucky rolls over to have his tummy tickled. He says that being a human pup removes the stress of worrying about work and bills

Oz added: 'My parents know I am gay. They know that we are living together but they don't know why or how, I just don't think they would understand.'

He chose the name Lucky for his pet in memory of the dog he had as a child.

'I had a pup called Lucky when I was eight or nine, she was a really good dog and I loved her to bits, she was my first pet,' he recalled.

'It felt like she was more of my friend than my dog.

'I took her for a walk one day and unfortunately she had a heart attack and died. Having her name is kind of a memorial sort of thing for her.'
Prince Charles looked festive today wearing a traditional Scottish kilt for his visit to Braemar.

The royal, 67, looked to be in high spirits as he joined locals to bring a Victorian hydroelectric plant in Aberdeenshire back to life.

The scheme on the Corriemulzie burn was once used to generate power for the Mar Lodge, which belonged to Queen Victoria's granddaughter Louise, Princess Royal and Royal Duchess of Fife.

The Prince of Wales donned full Scottish attire this afternoon as he visited the Braemar Hydro Electric Plant scheme's turbine house

For the last six years, residents of the Aberdeenshire town have been working on having it rebuilt.

The development, which has been funded by around 200 investors from the town, will use water from the river to generate low-carbon electricity for the national grid and any profits made will be reinvested in the area.

Prince Charles visited the plant to meet the people who have made the development possible.

The royal looked to be in high spirits as he joined locals to bring a Victorian hydroelectric plant back to life

The scheme on the Corriemulzie burn was once used to generate power for the Mar Lodge and today Charles met with those who bought the development back to life

Project manager Michael Bestwick and director of Braemar Community Hydro Alistair Hubbard welcomed the prince as he arrived on site.

The prince then pressed a button, allowing water to flow into the turbine to signal that the initiative was well and truly complete.

The Duke of Rothesay as he is known in Scotland then moved to Braemar Village Hall where he met around 40 people who had invested in the scheme.

The royal enjoyed a cup of tea as he chatted with local residents in the hall.

Project manager Michael Bestwick and director of Braemar Community Hydro Alistair Hubbard (pictured here with Charles) welcomed the prince as he arrived on site

The prince pressed a button, allowing water to flow into the turbine to signal that the initiative was well and truly complete

The development, which has been funded by around 200 investors from the town, will use water from the river to generate low-carbon electricity

Mr Hubbard said: 'It's a relief, I'm very pleased and it's great to see all the hard work done in the community come to fruition.

'Having the Duke of Rothesay here to recognise the work is the icing on the cake for me.'

James Buchan, a development officer at Local Energy Scotland, identified the potential of the project from an early stage.

He said: 'I work at the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, we give funds at the early stage of a development and help it get planning permission.

'The plant will generate 100kw and generate an income scheme for the area.

'It will provide a huge amount of local benefit.

Following his visit to the electric plant Charles moved on to Braemar Village Hall where he met around 40 people who had invested in the scheme

The royal enjoyed a cup of tea as he chatted with local residents in the hall this afternoon

'We're moving towards a system of decentralisation of energy in Scotland where more is generated locally.'

The scheme is expected to generate between 5,000 and 10,000 every year for projects in Braemar.

Doreen Wood is among those who will get the chance to decide where the money goes.

She said: 'I'm on the committee of Braemar Community Limited, people will apply to the hydro scheme for funds and I will get the chance to distribute them.

'We're hoping to develop the play park and set up a nature trail.

'Money will also go to the third age group and to lunch clubs in Braemar.

'Each time the new profit comes in, anyone in the area will be able to apply.

'There are a lot of community groups in Braemar, being a small place can mean it's hard to get funds so the money from the hydro will be a huge benefit.'

As His Royal Highness prepared to depart from Braemar, a group of tourists had gathered on the street hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

Two of them were married couple Tom and Karen Dumble, who had travelled from their home in Essex for a holiday in the north-east.

Mr Dumble had no idea Charles would be in the area, and he described it as 'one of life's moments'.

He said: 'It's an absolute moment of chance.

'We were passing through the area and all of a sudden we saw people gathering and found out Prince Charles was here.
One might think it's pretty obvious that when committing a crime, posting details on Facebook is a bad idea. And then cursing at the judge in court when you inevitably get arrested? Also not a genius move.

Amazingly, though, these common-sense rules are not so obvious to everyone  including several of the criminals represented by West Virginia lawyer L. Scott Briscoe during his 19-year career.

Generously, Mr. Briscoe has decided to share some free legal advice for those less-than-clever people, based on actual, unbelievable things he's witnessed during his two decades in the profession.

Experienced: West Virginia lawyer L. Scott Briscoe has been a lawyer for 19 years

Doling out advice: On his funny Facebook page, he offers free legal tips to followers

Real life: All of his tips are based on things he has experienced, or a colleague has experienced

Dumb crooks: It seems a lot of criminals don't use much common sense when executing their crimes, targeting law enforcement or ignoring their presence

Since launching the page back in 2014, he has shared 50 helpful tips spanning several legal areas. In some, he addresses the act of committing crimes specifically.

'When choosing a car to break into, and the credit cards inside to buy your meth-making materials locally, please do not select the car belonging to the judge's wife,' he advised.

'After stealing someone's debit card, do not use it to pay your home utilities, unless you wanted to give a deputy directions to your house,' he also offered.

Some people seem intent to ignore warning signs, like the criminal who inspired this tip: 'If you walk by a sheriff's car in your friend's driveway, do not go into your friend's house to buy and/or sell drugs. Should you ignore this step and continue into the house, look around the room first. If you see a sheriff standing in that room with you, again, do not attempt to buy and/or sell drugs with said friend.'

Not so smart: He's seen his fair share of dumb behavior over the years

In the clink: He also offers advice for how to behave once in prison

Don't bother: He tells both men and women not to try to smuggle in drugs in their nether regions  since pills, tobacco, and 'drug burritos' will inevitably be found in a strip search

Watch you mouth! While it's understandable that a criminal might be annoyed with his judge, using profanity in court is generally a bad idea

He's got fans: Mr. Briscoe has thousands of followers on Facebook

Others make the mistake of assuming they're smarter than the system.

'When using a friend's urine in an attempt to pass a drug screen, drug test your friend first,' he wrote.

Mr. Briscoe has also offered tips for maneuvering jail and prison once getting caught  specifically, by warning those who are arrested not to attempt to hide anything up holes where it will definitely be found.

'There is a bend over and cough strip search when you check into your regional jail. They will find the "drug burrito" smuggled in your butthole,' he wrote.

Seriously, stop posting: Many people can't seem to help sharing everything online  even their criminal activity

If you have nothing nice to say... It's probably never a good idea to friend a judge on Facebook, but it's especially unwise if you intend to bad mouth them

Some people never learn! He has even dealt with criminals who try to commit more crimes in prison  where they're being watched

And the same goes for women: 'Ladies, the intake strip-search at the jail will expose any plugs of pills and/or tobacco taking a ride on your Vagina Express. Close the station and stop trying.'

Social media also seems to have become a major problem for the men and women he represents, who can't seem to grasp the fact that police can see your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, too.

'STOP TAKING PICTURES OF YOUR ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES ON YOUR PHONE. STOP. JUST STOP. GRRRR,' he wrote, reiterating a warning he has issued several times on his page.

'Avoid bashing the judge in your case on Facebook, especially AFTER you friended him on said Facebook,' he added.

Breaking all the rules: Restraining orders mean don't engage in contact  even for a ride to court

Dress the part: It seems obvious that one would look professional at court, but some people just roll out of bed

What were they smoking? Mr. Briscoe has even see someone flaunt her marijuana possession crime with pot leaf earrings

Finally, he offers some courtroom etiquette, revealing that an alarming number of people don't seem to know how to behave in a formal setting in which their freedom is on the line.

'Pajamas and bedhead. Not courtroom appropriate,' he scolded, attaching a picture of a woman in striped pajama pants and an eye-catching, Playboy bunny-print sweater.

Pot leaf earrings, too, should be avoided in court  particularly if you are at a hearing 'regarding possession of marijuana.
A three-year-old make-up lover is already on her way to becoming a YouTube star after her older sister filmed her giving an adorable impromptu beauty tutorial.

Cheyenne Peralta, 17, from Oahu, Hawaii, turned her little sister Jordyn into an online sensation when she posted a video of the tot describing her technique for applying make-up.

'My three-year-old sister's make-up tutorial,' she tweeted, using a series of emoji, including one to show that she was crying with laughter.

Future YouTuber? Cheyenne Peralta, 17, from Oahu, Hawaii, filmed her three-year-old sister Jordyn (pictured) giving an impromptu make-up tutorial

In the clip, Jordyn is using a blush brush as a microphone as she gleefully says: 'Welcome to my channel!'

The little girl brushes her hair out of her eyes and adds: 'And then if you want to join me... Okay, let's get started.'

Jordyn, who is playing with her cousin's make-up, picks up a container of Anastasia Beverly Hills Starlight Illuminator and announces she is going to start by doing her eyelashes.

Perfect technique: In the video, the adorable tot pretends to apply make-up using her cousin's blush brush

Going with it: Jordyn picks up a container of Anastasia Beverly Hills Starlight Illuminator and announces she is going to start by doing her eyelashes

'Whoopsy!' the little girl cries out as the camera falls over and points to the ceiling.

When the camera is back on her, Jordyn says: 'I'm going to start with this eyelashes thing'.

Although the powder is technically for her cheeks  and she is only pretending to apply make-up  it is hard to resist Jordyn's enthusiasm as she wipes the blush brush all over her face.

'I love this,' she says, as she smiles for the camera.

Too cute: Jordyn then picks up the highlighter and pretends to shake powder on to her hand, explaining: 'I am going to squish this on'

Make-believe: The little girl pretended to apply powder by rubbing the blush brush on top of the compact

Next, Jordyn picks up the highlighter and pretends to shake powder on to her hand, explaining: 'I am going to squish this on.'

Cheyenne told BuzzFeed that she was lying on the bed in her cousin's room when her sister came in and headed to the vanity where she started to talk to herself like she was a YouTube beauty vlogger.

She was so amused by Jordyn that she asked her to do it again while she filmed her.

Blending away: The video of Jordyn, which Cheyenne shared on Twitter, has been retweeted thousands of times

Rising star: Cheyenne (left) explained that she was in her cousin's room when Jordyn came in and headed toward the vanity where she started talking like a YouTuber

The footage of the little girl's make-up tutorial has been liked more than 3,400 times and retweeted over 2,300 times since it was posted at the end of August, and it's not difficult to see why.

Many commenters gushed that Jordyn is 'so cute', while Gloria Raquel Torres wrote: 'I can't! My heart!'
His daughter, Georgia, 31, was found to be a match and gave him hers

He was put on the donor register and family were tested for a replacement

for five years, the kidney began to fail last year

A grateful father is recovering in hospital after his daughter donated a kidney to him, 24 years after his mother gave him one of her organs.

Mark Bradley's kidney - given to him by his mother Evelyn in 1992 - began to fail last year, causing him to have headaches and feel sick.

The 54-year-old, from Carnforth, Lancashire, was put on the donor register and his family were tested in an attempt to find a new organ.

Eventually his daughter Georgia, 31, was found to be match and donated her kidney to help him get better.

Mark Bradley, 54, from Carnforth, Lancashire, was put on the donor register after his kidney donated to him by his mother began to fail. Eventually his daughter Georgia, 31, was found to be match and donated her kidney to help him get better (the pair pictured together)

He said: 'I am very lucky - I have been lucky twice. It's not often that you get one perfect match off a family member so to have two is amazing really.

'It's like lightning striking twice and I cannot believe how lucky I have been.

'It's strange to think that Georgia was a perfect match and my mum was as well.

'I can't thank her enough, words cannot explain it. It's a bit surreal how it's come around again.

Mr Bradley had his first transplant at the age of 30 after both his kidneys failed.

He had been on dialysis for four months until his mother Evelyn, now 77, was able to donate one of her kidneys to him.

Mr Bradley had his first transplant - from his mother Evelyn - at the age of 30 after both his kidneys failed (pictured, back row: his father John, Mark and his wife Dawn, front row: Evelyn, son Lewis, then four, and daughter Georgia, then seven)

But the donated kidney started to slowly deteriorate five years ago, and last year it began to fail.

In June last year, his daughter was tested as a potential tissue match along with his son, Lewis, and wife, Dawn.

In the meantime, Mr Bradley was put on the National Donor Register just in case they didn't match.

However, Miss Bradley was found to be a perfect match and in July the family was told that the transplant would be going ahead at the start of September.

The surgery took place at Manchester Royal Infirmary, as she underwent three hours of surgery to have her left kidney removed.

It was then transferred to Mr Bradley in a two-hour operation - leaving him with four kidneys in his body.

His mother's donated organ sits on his right-hand side and his new kidney is placed on his left - while the original ones remain in the same position.

New kidneys are inserted into the lower part of the recipient's abdomen to connect up the blood vessels and bladder.

The donated kidney started to slowly deteriorate five years ago, and last year it began to fail, forcing him to be put on the donor register to find a new organ (the original donation pictured on the front page of the family's local paper 24 years ago)

Doctors choose not to remove old kidneys because it is a very complex operation and only take them out if the organ is badly damaged or diseased.

Medical advancements meant Miss Bradley was able to have her operation done via keyhole surgery and avoid stitches like her grandmother.

Mr Bradley was put in an isolation ward for the first couple of days after his operation.

While his daughter was allowed back to the family home within three days.

THE WAITING LIST FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS Ideally, a kidney transplant should be performed when tests show that the extent of damage to your kidneys is so great that you'll need dialysis within the next six months. However, because of the lack of available kidneys, it's unlikely you'll receive a kidney donation at this time, unless a family member or friend who has a similar tissue type is willing to make a living donation. Most people with kidney failure need dialysis while they wait for a donated kidney to become available. The average time a person spends on the waiting list for a kidney transplant is two to three years, although it can be shorter or longer than this. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

It was only until after his operation that he had noticed how poorly he had been as he was not suffering from headaches or nausea.

Miss Bradley said: 'I was excited but I was nervous as well. Seeing him now makes it all worthwhile.

'It's hard to get my head around the fact that my dad has now got a part of me inside him which is helping him.

'It's strange because while it's made my dad better it will probably make me worse because my one kidney will have to work twice as hard.

'But it's great to see dad feeling so much better. When we first went in to hospital for tests and I saw all the other people so poorly I decided I didn't want him to end up like that.

'They said they would only be cutting me enough to fit the surgeon's hand in to remove my kidney, so when I was going down to theatre the first thing I did was look at the size of the surgeon's hands!'

Without the new kidney, Mr Bradley would have had to have dialysis again, and faced up to four years on a waiting list for another one.

He is currently having check-ups twice a week to make sure the new kidney - which should work up to 20 years - is working.
BOOK OF THE WEEK

ROGUE HEROES

by Ben Macintyre (Penguin 25)

Like everyone else, I was glued to the television in awe when men in balaclavas swung into the Iranian embassy in London on ropes and in 17 minutes of controlled mayhem rescued 24 hostages and took out the terrorists holding them, back in 1980.

These masked, macho, armed avengers burst on the worlds consciousness as if out of nowhere, did the impossible, then disappeared again. The incomparable legend of the SAS was born.

Mired in secrecy, revelling in its Who dares wins mystique but revealing nothing about itself, it was as if the regiment had appeared fully formed to take on the dirty tasks necessary to make the modern world a safer place.

Who were the SAS and where had they come from? The answer is supplied in the first ever fully authorised history of the SAS, covering its secret activities in World War II

Thats been their role ever since  undercover on secret ops in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and so on.

Every other special force in the world, from Deltas to Seals, models itself on them. They were pioneers of a new kind of warfare.

But who were they and where had they come from? The answer is supplied in the first ever fully authorised history of the SAS, covering its secret activities in World War II.

Author Ben Macintyre had access to a confidential, 500-page war diary compiled by the regiments archivists. It was a gold mine of first-hand reports from those who took part in one clandestine operation after another, from the regiments formation in 1941 until 1945.

A master at setting the pulse racing, Macintyre relates stories of raw courage and daring by extraordinary men whose chief characteristic was that they defied every convention.

The tone was set by the SASs creator, 25-year-old David Stirling, an aristocratic Scots Guards officer renowned for heavy drinking and disobeying orders, who found himself in Egypt when the British Army was getting a kicking from Rommels Afrika Korps.

Their role has been going undercover on secret ops in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan (pictured) and so on

Big Dave blagged his way into the office of a general and argued that the Brits needed to send guerrillas behind the German lines to create mayhem.

Such was the desperation of the situation, he got permission to assemble a bunch of bad-ass warriors, vagabonds and near-psychopaths to do just that.

The Special Air Service was born. From the start, it was an elite unit, barely 100 strong, but trained and tested to almost superhuman standards.

Scores of would-be recruits were rejected as not tough enough. One walked 40 miles across the desert in his socks after his boots disintegrated rather than admit defeat and be RTU-ed (returned to unit).

Those who made it were a breed apart, willing to endure conditions that would reduce other men to jelly, ruthless enough to kill with gun, knife or bare hands without a flicker of doubt or regret.

It was typical of them that in ration packs they carried biscuits so hard a Jeep could drive over without breaking them.

The sabotage missions they embarked on involved trekking up to 300 miles across relentless, un-mappable Sahara desert, at the end of which they would steal unexpectedly upon German and Italian air bases, blow apart parked planes and cut down anyone in their way.

They showed incredible daring and courage. Corporal Jack Sillito had only a revolver, a compass and a small flask of water when he was separated from the rest of his raiding party near Tobruk, Libya.

Scores of would-be recruits were rejected as not tough enough. One walked 40 miles across the desert in his socks after his boots disintegrated rather than admit defeat and be RTU-ed (returned to unit)

He knew it was 180 miles back to base across the pitiless desert, and even the slightest error in direction meant certain agonising death. But he walked rather than surrendered.

His water ran out on day two and from then on he drank his own urine, which grew steadily thicker and more disgusting.

His feet were blistered and cracked and his tongue was hideously swollen. At one point, he spotted Jeeps in the distance, only for them to drive off. He trudged on.

On day eight, by now a skeleton with sore, bleeding feet and close to death, he was found by an SAS patrol. After a fortnights R&R, he was back on duty.

Sillito was an out-and-out survivor. Others in the SAS were out-and-out killers, such as Paddy Mayne, who, as Stirlings second in command, did more damage to enemy air power than any fighter pilot on either side.

However, he also seemed to take great pleasure in slaughter, and didnt always stop to query if it was necessary. Bursting in on a mess hut in which enemy soldiers were partying, he kicked open the door and stood there with my Colt .45. We were a frightening sight, bearded and with unkempt hair.

The Germans stared at us in complete silence until I said: Good evening, at which point a young German moved slowly backwards. I shot him, then turned and fired at another.

At least 30 were gunned down in what even Stirling found indefensible, describing it as an over-callous execution in cold blood.

And a nagging doubt overcame me as I read of these men and their testosterone-fuelled exploits. What did they actually achieve?

The answer that emerges from this authorised history is inescapable  very little. The first raid ended with not a single hit on the enemy, but 34 men dead, injured or missing; only 21 returned to base.

And so it went on. Big losses, small gains, if any. Certainly they dared  as their motto promised  but they didnt win very often at all.

ROGUE HEROES by Ben Macintyre

They were a nuisance to the enemy. A lot of planes were shot up and airfields temporarily put out of action, but, in the greater scheme of the North African campaign and the course of World War II, these were pinpricks rather than devastating blows.

They also lost their charismatic leader: Stirling was captured on another botched mission and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner, ending up in Colditz.

But by then he had pulled off his greatest single achievement  which was to win over his superiors.

In the British military, there were plenty of high-rankers who turned their noses up at the SAS, the influential Monty of Alamein (General Bernard Montgomery) among them. He dismissed the boy Stirling as mad, quite, quite mad.

But Stirling played an ace that trumped the doubters. He invited the garrulous and bibulous Randolph Churchill, the son of prime minister Winston, to join a mission to Benghazi, and, though this too was a screw-up, the gung-ho Randolph reported back to Dad what brilliant fun it had been.

Here was just the sort of up-and-at-em enterprise that appealed to Winston. He gave the SAS his blessing, and they were elevated to full regimental status.

But they were never again quite the self-starting rogue band of brothers that the buccaneering Stirling had wanted them to be.

They were made to swap their distinctive sand-coloured headwear for the red berets of paratroopers, and worked to orders behind enemy lines in Italy, France and Germany.

There they aided the Allied advance to victory by destroying communications, collecting intelligence, training Resistance fighters  and sustaining horrible losses as the SS carried out Hitlers notorious Commando Order to execute on the spot any British saboteurs they caught.

They operated without drawing attention to themselves, and at the end of the war were quietly stood down and disbanded, job done. The SAS had seemingly passed into history.

But then the authorities realised that in the modern world there was still a need for a secretive guerrilla organisation of highly trained heroes capable of taking the fight into the enemys backyard.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis address in Kozhikode spelt out the broad parameters of what Indias response would be in the aftermath of the Uri attack.

He revealed that there had been a series of such attacks in Jammu and Kashmir this year, in which Indias armed forces eliminated more than 100 terrorists.

He drew attention to the fact that Pakistan is now internationally regarded as the epicentre of global terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis address in Kozhikode drew attention to the fact that Pakistan is now internationally regarded as the epicentre of global terrorism (pictured - India protesters after the Uri attack killed 18 soldiers)

Pakistan is a country that welcomes and provides safe-haven to terrorists like Osama bin Laden.

Diplomacy

Modi used the occasion to directly address the people of Pakistan. He referred to the shared yearning of the people of both countries, for progress and economic development.

He pointedly noted that it was not just India, but even other South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Afghanistan that were raising their voices against Pakistan- sponsored terrorism.

He sarcastically noted that while India was recognised worldwide for its exports of software, Pakistan had acquired a reputation of being an exporter of terrorism.

Most significantly, he went beyond his Independence Day speech by alluding not just to the persecution and sufferings of the people of Balochistan, Pakistan- occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, but also pointedly alluded to the plight of thousands of Pashtuns, who have been driven from their homes by the Pakistan Armys operations in their homeland.

The contours of Modis policies to deal with a recalcitrant Pakistan are now emerging.

The contours of Modis policies to deal with a recalcitrant Pakistan are now emerging

While he has not ruled out military options at a time and place of Indias choosing, he is also not going to be pressurised into taking any precipitate military action.

In the meantime, he is going to build up an environment internationally, to turn the heat on Pakistan for its sponsorship of terrorism.

Following the Uri attack, India has received statements of understanding and support from four permanent members of the Security Council - Russia, USA, France and UK.

Interestingly, similar statements of sympathy and support have come for the first time from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, where millions of Indians and Pakistanis reside.

Chinas reaction to the Uri attack has been relatively muted, clearly indicating unease with the attack.

Not surprisingly, Turkey is the only country voicing understanding of Pakistans position.

He pointedly noted that it was not just India, but even other South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Afghanistan that were raising their voices against Pakistan- sponsored terrorism

Japans statement has been the most forthright from East Asia.

This intense diplomatic effort is set continue, following UN address of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to the UN General Assembly.

The action will then shift to the BRICS Summit in Goa, where Pakistan has been pointedly excluded from participating, while Indias eastern neighbours Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand will be present, as members of the BIMSTEC grouping.

Boycott

In the meantime, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan appear likely to lead an effort to boycott the SAARC summit in Islamabad on November 20.

Pakistan has, after all, adopted a negative attitude and stone-walled attempts for greater economic cooperation and integration in South Asia.

It is averse to meaningful counter-terror cooperation. It has a one-point agenda of seeking to get China, which is not a South Asian country, admitted to SAARC as a full member, just to embarrass India.

It remains to be seen how this effort to review the working of SAARC, will be executed.

It is necessary to complement these efforts with moves to place reciprocal restraints on Pakistans exports to India and also encourage and facilitate our textile and cotton industries to undercut Pakistans exports in these crucial sectors.

Establishment

There has been some irresponsible talk of annulling the Indus Water Treaty and denying Pakistan waters it is entitled to receive.

PM Modi on Monday chaired a meeting to review this treaty where the government explored ways to use its share of water of rivers flowing into Pakistan, rather than outrightly scrapping the deal.

This treaty, after all, is not bilateral and has provisions for third-party involvement.

Actions seeking to annul the treaty will, therefore, be challenged internationally. There are, however, provisions in the treaty, which permit us to significantly reduce present levels of water flowing into Pakistan, which can and should be invoked by us.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Prime Minister Modis reference to Pashtuns was extremely significant, as the Pashtuns have never recognised the Durand Line, the present border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as a legal border.

They consider it as a line imposed on them by British imperialism. We should consult Afghanistan and depict the entire region between the Durand Line and the Indus river at Attock, as disputed.

Just as the Balochs across the world have appreciated and welcomed the Prime Ministers speech on Independence Day, millions of Pashtuns, on both sides of the Durand Line in Afghanistan and Pakistan, will appreciate such an action by India.

Most importantly, however, in dealing with Pakistan, we would hopefully, as the Prime Minister has enunciated, make a clear distinction between our approach to Pakistans ordinary people and professionals on the one hand, and its rogue Army establishment and those associated with it, on the other.
Pakistan has a deep-seated doubt in its ability to endure as a nation. As such it permanently suffers an existential crisis.

A product of Indias partition, not of its own natural identity, Pakistan suffered another major partition in 1971.

It remains afraid of further divisions and so to keep itself together, Pakistan has to manufacture a perpetual war against India.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addresses the 71st session of United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York

Pakistans only real identity is negative, not being Indian, not being Hindu, not even being tolerant to Islamic minorities like Shia and Ahmadiyya, being the land of the Islamic Pure, which has drawn it into jihadi violence on a massive scale.

Identity

Pakistan was constituted from disparate states of British India. Balochistan was an independent kingdom.

The Northwest Frontier provinces were historically part of Afghanistan.

Punjab, though the homeland of Pakistani nationalist sentiment and Islamic identity, was under Sikh rule before it came under British rule.

Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit during the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day celebration at Pakistan High Commission

It had to be partitioned to remove its large Hindu and Sikh population.

Yet Pakistan Punjabis still share more of a heritage with Hindu and Sikh Punjabis, than with other groups in Pakistan.

Sindh was part of Bombay Presidency under British rule.

While it initially opted to join Pakistan on religious grounds, many Sindhis including its main leader GM Syed soon regretted the decision.

Balochistan, which became an independent nation in 1947, was soon annexed by Pakistan, which many Balochis do not accept and actively challenge, resulting in an extensive and enduring insurgency that Pakistan has ruthlessly tried to crush, though so far without success.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit/Baltistan were taken by Islamabad after its invasion of the Kashmir in 1947.

Yet they hold very different cultures than Punjab, and have been suppressed accordingly.

Pakistan was formed by the demand of Indian Muslims mainly in Uttar Pradesh, the majority of which never migrated to Pakistan.

Those who did migrate become another disparate group, the Mohajirs who mainly displaced Sindhis, creating a further division in Sindh and an unclear identity of their own.

After 1971, Pakistan remains afraid of further divisions and so to keep itself together, it has to manufacture a perpetual war against India

Pakistans dominant language became Urdu, a language none of its provinces had as their mother tongue.

So, Pakistan is not a nation but a conglomeration of contrary elements moving in different directions, held together only by a state-enforced religious fanaticism and military aggression.

Pakistan reminds us of the sad state of affairs in the Middle East where the British and French created artificial nations by drawing lines on maps according to their convenience.

Modern Iraq and Syria were created in this manner. Some regions that had an historical unity like Kurdistan were partitioned among the new nations.

Iraq and Syria share a same Islamic religion, divided into Sunni majority and Shia minority groups, like Pakistan.

Their common Islamic background has not resulted in any internal unity, but instead now a Sunni-Shia civil war is devastating the region. It has given rise to the brutal Islamic State (ISIS).

Pakistan is facing similar divisions but is becoming its own Islamic State.

Religion

Pakistan was created by a religious demand. Since Muslims and Hindus existed throughout India, it required an artificial division of the entire country and a displacement of millions that could only remain incomplete.

But India as a country and a culture has a millennial existence honoured since ancient Greece and ancient China.

It has a great influence, extending to Indochina and Indonesia, now worldwide with the spread of its yogic and meditation traditions.

Indian army personnel in action inside a camp during a terror attack in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir

In spite of having a larger population and separatist movements notwithstanding, India has sustained a greater national unity, democratic rule and economic development than Pakistan.

This is because of its dharmic roots that promote tolerance and respect.

Yet many Indians have wanted to undo Partition. This has sadly made India soft on Pakistan, like a long lost brother.

Others feel that if Pakistan broke up, the resultant instability would be worse for India.

Separatism

Pakistan has emphasised the Kashmir issue to sustain its national identity as an Islamic state against India.

Under the pretext of reclaiming Kashmir, it has tried to create a common cause with its different provinces that are only kept together by religious motivations.

But even so, its Kashmir jihad has not been sufficient to calm the separatist feelings of Pakistans different regions.

India has strangely ignored these separatist movements within Pakistan, though Pakistan has continued to blatantly foster separatist and terrorist movements in India.

Such a policy did not help India or restrain Pakistan.

Only this year did Prime Minister Narendra Modi first raise the cause of Balochistan. His statements sent shockwaves through Pakistan, forcing it to see its own inherent contradictions.

The conclusion is clear: Indians should stop trying to excuse Pakistan, feeling that its break-up would be dangerous, and face the fact that since Independence, Pakistan has only become increasingly jihadist, and now it has nuclear weapons.

Pakistan is already the most dangerous country in the world and is not likely to get better.

Pakistan as a terrorist state now threatens the entire world.

Most terrorists visit Pakistan, are trained in Pakistan or are associated with Pakistanis.

Arising from its original identity as a jihadi state, Pakistan has made itself into the centre of global terrorism.

Pakistan must be dealt with accordingly, not with Gandhian sympathies but with Arjunas resolve.
Just a few days ago, DailyMail.com ran an article about how Chelsea Clinton, Bill and Hillary Clintons daughter, missed dropping her daughter Charlotte off on her first day at day care in New York (she turns two this month).

Chelsea was apparently away in North Carolina, campaigning for her mother, who just so happened to be running to be President of the United States at the time.

Other media platforms joined in on the shaming, posing a question and asking readers to send in their responses.

It doesnt matter what Chelsea was doing, whether she was campaigning for her mother, or having lunch with friends. The fact is, she was occupied, and the childs father dropped the kid at day care. (Pic Chelsea Clinton and her daughter)

In response to this mummy shaming, Scarymommy.com carried a story, where the writer Maria Guido, wrote, What planet are we on? How many households have families where both parents can make it to school drop off?

"Thats not even really a thing. The whole purpose of this article and subsequent coverage is to remind women that they are somehow going against nature by not being a mum first, all the time.

Id have to agree with Maria. It doesnt matter what Chelsea was doing, whether she was campaigning for her mother, or having lunch with friends.

The fact is, she was occupied, and the childs father dropped the kid at day care.

Busy lady: Chelsea was unable to go with her daughter, who turns two next month, because she was campaigning for her mom Hillary in North Carolina (above)

This is absolutely normal. Chelsea did not miss the milestone of the century.

Had both parents been missing, sure, that could be mildly worrisome, but the kids dad was there.

Chelsea, by the way, works at the Clinton Foundation, prior to which shes worked at NBC News, McKinsey and Company, and Avenue Capital Group; shes also taught at Columbia University and had a stint at New York University.

Its high time we stop placing the guilt on mums, while simultaneously trying to amend bills that allow women to remain in the workforce.

Be it the US or India, what we need along with legislation, is a change in mindset.

Until we believe it is perfectly normal for a woman to be busy, at work or elsewhere, and for a dad to do the stuff mums are usually associated with, well never get ahead.

Big day: Tuesday was the first day of preschool for Chelsea Clinton's daughter Charlotte in New York City (above in stroller with a nanny and her father Marc Mezvinsky)

So we can go on about being progressive and welcoming new age concepts such as the stay-at-home dad, but until we accept this situation as one of equality and stop being judgemental about the mum, its really just lip service.

I, for instance, missed my daughters first day at pre-school. I had broken two vertebrae in my back and was told to rest.

My husband dropped her off. It was fine. She wasnt scarred for life by my absence, and was equally happy to go with her father.

In fact, she doesnt even remember it.

So lets cut Chelsea - and all mums - some slack. Moreover, every rational adult is capable of judging for themselves which task at hand requires prioritisation.

If the campaign was more important, and Chelsea chose to go for that, thats fine.

Where does it say that we stop owing anything to our parents once we become parents ourselves? Why should their needs be disregarded, just because we now have a baby?

Its 2016, and technology now allows us to make babies from three parents (just happened in Mexico), allows transgender or same-sex parents to have kids using assisted reproduction techniques, and will probably soon make gene coding mainstream.
It started life as a small taxi service in a North London suburb in the early 70s.

Forty five years later, UK Mail is set to be sold to a German rival for more than 240million  handing a 110million fortune to the family of the firm's founder Peter Kane.

Britain's second-biggest post firm yesterday agreed terms with Deutsche Post in a deal which looks set to shake up the postal market and put more pressure on Royal Mail.

The tie-up will see UK Mail shareholders receive 440p a share in cash - a 43 per cent premium on the day's opening price of 307.5p.

The offer of 440p per share was unanimously backed by UK Mail's directors and major shareholders.

But Mr Kane, 69, is not set to receive a penny having transferred all of his shares to his younger brother Michael, his children and his ex-wife.

This is believed to be for inheritance tax planning purposes, with Mr Kane having collected millions in dividends over the years.

His son John is set to be the biggest beneficiary, with his 25 per cent stake worth around 60million.

Competition: Together with DHL, Deutsche Post will now be battling it out with Royal Mail in both parcels and letters.

Peter's younger brother Michael is in line for 23million, while his daughter and son-in-law will get 13.3million between them.

Ex-wife Ghislaine, who lives in a large gated house in a wealthy Buckinghamshire village, will also hit the jackpot, with 14.7million.

Kane has managed to keep an extraordinarily low profile while amassing a multi-million pound business empire, with 2,800 staff.

UK Mail collects 53million parcels and handles 2.8billion items a year.
17.35: The FTSE 100 closed up 70.04 points at 6919.42 after the oil price soared back towards $50 on a surprise Opec deal to cut production.

The US Dow Jones was down 36.9 points at 18,302.4 in early trading while Germany's DAX fell 32.8 points to 10,405.5 and France's CAC 40 was up 11.4 points at 4,443.8. Brent crude hit $49.32 and US WTI crude was at $47.85.

'Energy and other commodity-related sectors led European stocks higher on Thursday after Opec reached some form of understanding on an oil production cut,' said Jasper Lawler of CMC Markets.

All go: It's been a raucous day on the oil trading floors amid volatile price moves

'The proposed deal should keep a floor under oil prices until OPECs official meeting in November when the details will be ironed out.

'Shares of oil majors Royal Dutch Shell and BP were top risers on the FTSE 100, offsetting a dramatic slump in the shares of Capita after the outsourcing firm revised lower its sales forecasts.'

Joshua Mahony of IG said: 'The FTSEs gains have held up remarkably well, with the commodity-heavy index continuing to reap the rewards of an unexpected compromise at the Opec meeting in Algeria.

'It comes as no surprise that todays top gainers in London come from the energy and materials sectors, with Shell, Anglo American, BHP Billiton and BP leading the index higher.

'While the news of a production cut is a welcome surprise, the deal will be treated with a degree of scepticism owing to the notoriously unreliable nature of Opec discussions.

'Most notably, the meeting goes to show that Saudi Arabia and Iran can work together, despite public spats between the two nations. Arguably despite this deal, supply will continue to outstrip demand, while US production will likely fill the gap with increased output as the price rises.

'However, the key takeaway is that by ditching the market-based pricing mechanism of recent years, Saudi Arabia have re-established the relevance of Opec, with the price of oil once more being manipulated by the worlds biggest cartel.'

Royal Dutch Shell B shares leapt more than 6 per cent or 126.5p to 2,022p, while rival BP rose around 4 per cent or 18.8p to 451p. Glencore rose 6.5p to 215.9p and Anglo American was up 56.4p at 980.1p.

However, overall gains on the London market were pegged back after a profit warning from outsourcing giant Capita caused its shares to plunge.

Capita was off more than 26 per cent or 254.5p to 698p after it said pre-tax profits would come in at between 535million and 555million for the full year, compared with previous forecasts of 614million.

Shares in Alton Towers owner Merlin Entertainments were also down 27.5p to 442.1p after it said it had 'learned every lesson' from last year's Smiler rollercoaster crash, but revealed visitor numbers were still being affected. Merlin was fined 5million earlier this week after admitting health and safety breaches.

On the currency markets, the pound was down against the US dollar at $1.299 as it continued to be depressed by comments from Minouche Shafik, a key member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee.

She said on Wednesday that further stimulus was likely to be needed as the UK stomachs a 'sizeable economic shock' from the Brexit vote.

Sterling was also lower against the euro at 1.155.

The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were Royal Dutch Shell B up 126.5p to 2,022p, Royal Dutch Shell A up 119p to 1,924.5p, BHP Billiton up 71p to 1,168p, Anglo American up 56.4p to 980.1p.

The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 were Capita down 254.5p to 698p, Merlin Entertainments down 27.5p to 442.1p, Barratt Developments down 20.7p to 472.9p, Babcock International down 41p to 1,046p.

17.01: The FTSE 100 closed up 70.04 points at 6919.42. More to come.

15:20: The Footsie maintained its gains in late afternoon trading, buoyed by the prospect that Opec has promised to cut production.

The index was up 1.2 per cent, or 83.8 points, at 6,933.2 - building on yesterday's solid performance.

Wall Street was less impressed with the Opec deal though and the Dow Jones lost 11.16 points at the bell, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq was also down 8.72 points and the S&P 500 was off 3.12 points.

Meanwhile data showed that US economic growth was less sluggish than previously thought in the second quarter as gross domestic product expanded at a 1.4 per cent annual rate, compared with the prior estimate of 1.1 per cent rise.

Another report showed that the number of Americans applying for jobless claims rose less-than-expected last week.

The only other major event scheduled on the other side of the Atlantic sees Fed Chair Janet Yellen speak on banking and the economy at 8pm in Washington and her comments will be parsed for any hints on the timing of the next rate hike.

The markets have been at the mercy of every Fed deliberation as its members remain divided over whether the US economy is strong enough to absorb a rate hike in the near term.

Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harper said a rate increase in December would be appropriate, while his Atlanta counterpart Dennis Lockhart said the central bank needed more evidence on progress before making a move.

Fed Board Governor Jerome Powell and Kansas City Fed President Esther George, who have a say on interest rates, will also speak later in the day.

12:30: Investor sentiment remained high at lunch as an agreement between the world's leading oil producing nations - known as Opec - agreed to cut production.

At the mid-point the FTSE 100 index was up 76.5 points at 6,925.9, while oil prices remained buoyant with Brent crude at $48.34 a barrel.

In Europe, the German Dax was up 0.7 per cent and the Cac 40 in France increased by over 1 per cent after shares in Deutsche Bank calmed.

Scrum: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries managed to agree a deal over production - the first in eight years

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said Opec's deal was also a positive sign for FTSE 100 dividends.

He said: 'In some ways the higher the oil price goes the better it is for the FTSE 100, at least in terms of earnings and particularly dividends.'

He added: 'The FTSE 100 is forecast to yield around 3.8 per cent in 2016 and 4 per cent in 2017 but one lingering concern is that earnings cover of those dividends at 1.5 times this year and 1.7 times next year is well below the two times comfort zone.

'This is at least partly because two of the biggest dividend payers - Shell and BP - offer cover of barely 0.5 times in 2016 and one for 2017.'

Shell was the top riser on the index, up 5.5 per cent, or 99.5p, at 1,905.2. BP also increased 4 per cent, or 18.3p, at 450.6p.

Mining shares were up across the board. BHP Billiton added 4.6 per cent, Anglo American rose 4.3 per cent and Rio Tinto increased 3 per cent, while Glencore traded 3.1 per cent higher.

Energy utility firms also jumped. Centrica was up 3.3 per cent to 231.7p and SSE rose 2.8 per cent.

But airline stocks were hit by the Opec deal as aviators despise higher fuel costs.

IAG was off 1 per cent, or 5.7p, at 393.3p and easyJet lost 1.4 per cent, or 14.0p, at 1,016.5p.

And the FTSE 100 was held back from further gains by a plunge in the shares of Capita down 26.7 per cent as the outsourcing group issued a shock profit warning. The news also hurt rival Babcock - down 4 per cent.

Merlin Entertainments was in the red, down 5.2 per cent at after the attractions operator lowered earnings forecasts due to weaker trading at its London sites.

On the FTSE 250, energy and mining stocks jumped to the top of the index, with Tullow Oil leading the way, up 9.1 per cent.

Outsourcing groups fell to the bottom following Capita's warning, with G4S down 3 per cent and Serco dropping 2.9 per cent.

08:15: The Footsie was making significant gains in early trading after the oil producers' cartel - Opec - agreed a preliminary deal to cut production for the first time in eight years.

The potential deal sent oil prices surging yesterday evening, lifting shares across Asia overnight too.

In Japan the Nikkei jumped 1.5 per cent - clawing back the losses it incurred the previous day - with energy stocks the biggest gainers.

Shortly after the opening bell, the FTSE 100 was up 76.1 points at 6,924.8, having closed up 41.71 points at 6849.38 yesterday amid reports the German Government is preparing a plan to bail out Deutsche Bank.

Deal: Opec's agreement sent brent crude prices soaring by almost 6% to nearly $49 a barrel

The deal stipulates that oil output will fall by about 700,000 barrels a day, a significant gesture given that earlier attempts to reach a deal were thwarted by disagreements between Iran and its regional rival Saudi Arabia.

Oil ministers said full details of the agreement would be finalised at a formal Opec meeting in November.

Unsurprisingly shares in London listed miners and energy companies have been the biggest benefactors, after brent crude soared by almost 6 per cent to nearly $49 a barrel.

Shell was up 5 per cent, or 92.5p, at 1,961.5, BP has climbed 4 per cent, or 16.7p, at 448.9p, while Anglo American, Rio Tinto, Glencore and BHP Billiton have also pushed higher.

FXTM analyst Hussein Sayed said: 'When most traders thought an agreement to cut production was a mission impossible, OPEC surprised on Wednesday by announcing a preliminary deal to reduce output by about 700,000 barrels a day.

'Battered finances of major oil producing countries forced the leaders to put their differences to one side and end a 2-year unofficial war on shale.'

He added: 'Crude prices surged by 6 per cent following yesterdays news and sent Asian equities higher with energy stocks leading the rally.

'Such a deal should have had a stronger impact on oil, I would say at least a 10 to 15 per cent rally, but the limited details of the agreement put a limit on the upside and we will now have to wait until November 30 to see whether the agreement will translate into actions, and whether non-OPEC oil producers will follow suit.'

On the data front, the UK will release mortgage approvals for August. It is expected approvals will come in at over over 60,000, while net consumer credit is expected to rise to 1.4billion from 1.2billion.

Stocks in focus in London include:

BANKS - Credit Suisse and Barclays are in mortgage-settlement talks with the US Department of Justice, Bloomberg reported.

HINKLEY POINT - The British government and France's EDF will officially sign a contract to build Britain's first new nuclear power plant in a generation, after months of wrangling over the involvement of EDF's Chinese partner.

CAPITA - The outsourcing company cut its full-year profit outlook by as much as 13 per cent after clients delayed making decisions on projects.

Economic news scheduled today includes:

August UK mortgage approvals at 09.30am

European economic confidence at 10am

German inflation reading at 1pm

September US jobless claims at 1.30pm

US Q2 GDP at 1.30pm
The world's leading oil nations - known as Opec - have struck a landmark deal at talks in Algeria that sees the countries agree to cut output and lift prices.

Oversupply has been dogging the world's oil markets and hopes are that the first deal between the nations since 2008 will mark the end of the 'dumping' strategy previously favoured by the organisation's members.

Immediately after the deal was agreed oil prices rose, with Brent Crude - the international benchmark - rising almost 6 per cent to nearly $49 a barrel last night.

Landmark: The Opec deal marks the first time in eight years the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has come to an agreement

Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said: 'Opec made an exceptional decision today. After two and a half years, OPEC reached consensus to manage the market.'

He added: 'We have decided to decrease the production around 700,000 barrels per day.'

Oil ministers said full details of the agreement would be finalised at a formal Opec meeting in November when an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-OPEC countries.

Markets now have to wait and see whether non-OPEC producers such as Russia, the United States and Canada will make cuts of their own.

The agreement sees output fall by about 700,000 barrels a day, although the cuts will not be distributed evenly across the cartel, with Iran being allowed to increase production.

The deal is even more remarkable given that disagreements between Iran and its regional rival Saudi Arabia had thwarted earlier attempts to reach any agreement.

Analysts said the deal shows Opec - whose members account for around 40 per cent of global supply - has finally woken up to the reality of oversupply and the damage its policies has caused the oil industry.

Engrossed: Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih attends an informal meeting between members of OPEC in the Algerian capital Algiers

The cartel's richer members, particularly the Gulf states, have preferred to battle it out with non-OPEC producers such as the United States for global market share by keeping production high.

Jeffrey Halley, analyst at Oanda trading group, said: 'Saudi Arabia have perhaps reassessed their dumping oil strategy to put US shale out of business as the pressure on their budgets has clearly reached a tipping point as well.'

The plunge in oil revenues has left Saudi Arabia with a record deficit last year, prompting the country to cut the salaries of cabinet ministers and freeze the wages of lower-ranking civil servants.

Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at forex broker AxiTrader, said: 'Many OPEC members are suffering economically from low prices. Their economies are stagnating or going backwards and they face budgetary issues.

'So it appears the fiscal imperative seems to have trumped OPEC's internal politics.'

Progress: Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said: 'Opec made an exceptional decision today. After two and a half years, OPEC reached consensus to manage the market.'

Analysts now expect oil prices to creep above $50 per barrel by Christmas.

Goldman Sachs said the deal reached by OPEC crude producers should add $7 to $10 to oil prices in the first half of next year.

Michael Hewson, at CMC Markets, said: 'Obviously the higher oil prices will improve margins and improve the sustainability of future dividend prospects but it's way too early to start signalling the all clear.

'This deal does help underpin prices by implying an implicit floor in the short term.'

OPEC MEMBERS Algeria Angola Ecuador Gabon Indonesia Iran Iraq Kuwait Libya Nigeria Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Venezuela

However some analysts have questioned whether the deal will ever go through as Opec has reputation for being an unreliable institution.

West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November, has slid 34 cents at $46.71 a barrel this morning, while brent North Sea crude shed 45 cents to $48.24 a barrel.

Societe Generale said in a note to clients.'OPEC's commitment to cut output by between one-half and three-quarters of a million barrels a day has done more for oil-sensitive stocks and currencies, as well as overnight risk sentiment, than for oil prices themselves,'

'Time will tell whether oil prices will trend higher (after a knee-jerk rally), and the market will first wait to see how the cuts are divvied up between members, which will be decided at the November OPEC meeting.'

But the skepticism has not held back equity investors, who have celebrated the deal.

This morning the FTSE 100 index was up 74.7 points at 6,924.1, driven higher by BP and Shell and miners BHP Billiton, Anglo American and Glencore.

For oil companies the deal comes as welcome relief as the industry has been struggling make profits and invest in new projects over the last two years with prices well below $50.

No panic: Pump prices may rise a little in the short-term from the current 112p a litre for petrol and 113p for diesel

Jason Hollands at Tilney Bestinvest, said for investors the deal could lead to the return of the status-quo, with the oil and gas sector once again dominating the FTSE 100 index in terms of market cap and influence.

Hollands said: 'The oil and gas sector is likely to return to its pre-eminent place as the largest sector in the index, eclipsing Personal & Household Goods.

'There are of course two sides to the story and casualties this morning have been airline stocks such as Easyjet and International Consolidated Airlines.'

But for the consumer the higher oil prices will inevitably spell a increase at the petrol pumps too.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: 'From a motorists' perspective we don't feel there is cause to panic as, while pump prices may rise a little in the short-term from the current 112p a litre for petrol and 113p for diesel, we are very unlikely to see a return to the dark days of April 2012 when unleaded was 142p and diesel was 148p as a result of oil being well over $100 a barrel.'
Capita, the outsourcing firm that collects payments for London's congestion charge and the BBC licence fee, saw 1.7billion wiped off its value after issuing a shock profit warning.

The FTSE 100 firm, which saw shares plummet 26 per cent, blamed the disastrous update on corporate customers dithering over future projects and a 25million penalty from Transport for London for the late delivery of an upgrade to its computer system.

It has also become embroiled in a legal spat with another client  the Co-op Bank  in a dispute over payment.

Capita, which collects payments for London's congestion charge and the BBC licence fee, saw 1.7bn wiped off its value after issuing a shock profit warning

Capita saw its biggest share plunge ever, down 254.5p to 698p, heaping pressure on chief executive Andy Parker.

The firm provides services to banks, the NHS, retailers and utilities, and employs 75,000 staff in the United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa and India. It is the latest outsourcing giant to come unstuck.

Last week shares in arch rival Mitie fell 26 per cent after the outsourcer, which provides staff for nursing homes and offices, warned 'significant economic pressures' would cause first-half sales and profits to fall.

This comes after G4S and Serco have also struggled to recover from a series of scandals related to a raft of doomed contracts.

Parker blamed Britain's decision to leave the EU on the poor performance. 'Revenue from new major sales in the second half of this year is likely to be lower than expected due to continued delays in decision making,' he said.

Dispute: Capita has a 50 million-a-year recruitment contract with the Army

Analysts at Shore Capital feared there could be more negative news to come. Robin Speakman said client indecision following Brexit was likely to continue for several quarters.

Capita said it now expects underlying profit before tax to be in the range of 535million to 555million for 2016, compared with forecasts of 614million.

Parker said: 'We remain confident of the strength of our business model and aim to return the group to profit growth next year.'

However, he spooked the City with the latest slew of problems with some of its biggest contracts.

Parker said: 'We have experienced delays on the implementation of new IT systems on the Transport for London congestion charging contract.

'As a result, we expect to incur between 20million and 25million of one-off costs, which will be included in our underlying results.

'The systems have now gone live, the contract is performing well operationally and these costs will not recur next year.'

Capita is the UK's largest outsourcing firm and the company has managed to win some major new contracts worth 949million in the year to date.

These include being recently selected by Three as the preferred bidder for a contract to provide customer services in the UK.

However the gloom continued as Parker claimed the Co-op had not paid its bills and there was a risk of litigation. 'Furthermore, we are in a contractual dispute with the Co-op Bank regarding obligations relating to the transformation of services.'
The post-Thatcher revolution for the British economy has largely been about removing the heavy hand of the state and unleashing private enterprise.

It is on the back of this transformation that the UK has become a far more flexible economy and among the fastest growing in the Western world.

Key beneficiaries of this change have been the outsourcing companies G4S, Mitie, Serco and Capita.

They have taken the skills they learned in Britain and exported them to the rest of the world, becoming an important stream of overseas income.

Boost: Jeremy Corbyn sits on the floor of a Virgin Train critising overcrowding and citing a need for public ownership

It is a great pity then that the executives and boards in charge of these large enterprises, several of which catapulted into the FTSE 100 premier league of shares, have not shown themselves to be exemplars of Anglo-Saxon capitalism.

Serco is under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office for alleged falsifying government contracts.

G4S was found to be overbilling on public sector work and Mitie shares plunged after it revealed income has been affected by budget cuts.

Latest to admit to failings is Capita where the shares plunged by 26.7 per cent after the company disclosed that it is incurring all kinds of penalties for delays in updating the IT systems for London's congestion charge.

When it was first installed it was regarded as a model for big cities everywhere.

Just to add to Capita's woes, it says that Brexit  that catch-all excuse  is responsible for a poorer outlook for both its recruitment activities and its work for the financial sector where it is one of the registrars used by many public companies.

The reality as far as the City is concerned is that while there may have appeared to be a summer pause, there has been no shortage of work ranging from the change of control of ARM, which fell into the hands of the Japanese group SoftBank to the merger of the London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Boerse and the bid for UK Mail by Deutsche Post.

Similarly, a series of initial public offerings give lie to the idea that finance is moribund post-Brexit.

What really seems to have rattled investors in Capita is a combination of rising debt levels and falling profits. Companies doing long-term work for government and the private sector must by definition have strong balance sheets, which can withstand the ups and downs of the economic cycle.

The bruising of the outsourcing sector could not come at a more sensitive time. Theresa May has promised to clean up capitalism, but the governance of companies doing vital work for the public sector and local authorities has been found badly wanting.

We may all regard the economic policies of the Corbyn claque, with the heavy reliance on the state to do everything, as stultifying and a step back into darkness.

But unless the outsourcers can rebuild a reputation for efficiency, fairness and competence, the electorate might start to think that Labour has a point.

Fire sale

Even if Deutsche Bank succeeds in negotiating down the 11billion fine from the US Justice Department, which has sent its shares plunging and led to a European banking horror show, the bank's problems will be far from over.

It may just about avoid a rights issue and/or government recapitalisation, but its business model is broken.

Unlike the UK banks with their enormous retail and small business franchises, the German money centre banks, Deutsche and Commerzbank, are minnows in their domestic market with a 10 per cent share of business between them.

Much of the lending and deposit taking is spread among some 2,000 smaller institutions, the Sparkassen and Co-operative banks, and the larger Landesbanken.

The result is a highly competitive marketplace where it is hard to make profits and local and regional loyalties override all else.

That means that Deutsche chief executive John Cryan has few options but to sell assets to sustain his business. Abbey Life went earlier this week and its retail arm Postbank is thought to be next.

Disputes with the American authorities over capital mean that the US investment banking operation may have to be jettisoned too.

The group's asset management operations are sub-octane and unlike Credit Suisse it has little in the way of private banking to cushion the decline.

The last best hope may be a merger. Efforts to forge an alliance with Commerzbank recently failed and there has been some suggestion that BNP Paribas might be interested.

But the appalling track record of cross-border bank mergers  RBS and ABN-Amro and Franco-Belgium bank Dexia  come is wholly unattractive.

Sky fall

A tempting combination of a strong dollar and a falling share price at Sky cannot have escaped the notice of the Murdoch family. It has long been interested in acquiring the 60 per cent minority holding in the satellite broadcaster that is in outside hands. Last time out the clan was thwarted by the fallout from the News of the World scandal.

But with Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia now fully under the umbrella of the London quoted company it may be time for 21st Century Fox, which is need of regular income streams, to strike.
The Government is to close former Chancellor George Osborne's flagship Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme at the end of the year, it confirmed today.

The scheme, launched in autumn 2013, enables buyers to buy a home with a five per cent deposit, with a Government guarantee for lenders on the next 15 per cent of a property's purchase price to encourage banks and building societies to offer small deposit mortgages.

New Chancellor Philip Hammond told Bank of England Governor Mark Carney in a letter that the scheme was 'introduced with a specific purpose that has now been successfully achieved' and it will now be dropped.

Help to Buy: The scheme will end at the end of the year, Philip Hammond has confirmed

Help to Buy was a flagship policy brought in by former Chancellor George Osborne.

The first element of the scheme was aimed at new-build homes and gave a five-year interest free loan to buyers of up to 20 per cent of a property's purchase price, if they could raise a 5 per cent deposit.

This will continue until 2020 and it is only the second mortgage guarantee part of the scheme, which was open for any property purchase, which will close.

The Government said the scheme is no longer needed as confidence has returned to the market, with more private lenders offering 90 to 95 per cent mortgages.

The letter to Mr Carney revealed that 86,000 people have used the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme with an average property price of 157,000.

In total, government figures show both parts of Help to Buy have helped 185,000 people buy a home, 150,000 of which are first-time buyers.

At the time of Help to Buy's launch, it was described by the then coalition government as a 'landmark' scheme that would get thousands of Britons onto the housing ladder.

The Help to Buy mortgage guarantee was one of former Chancellor George Osborne's flagship policies

Gavin Barwell, housing and planning minister, said: 'Today's figures show that Help to Buy is helping more people realise their home ownership dream by reducing the need for large deposits and getting more new homes built.

'With hundreds of households helped every day through our range of Government-backed schemes, we are building a country that works for everyone and not just the privileged few.'

A close eye will now be kept on the market for small deposit mortgages, to see if there is any shift up in the rates on non-Help to Buy 95% home loans, or they start to dwindle in number.

Paul Smee, director general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, said: 'Help to Buy continues to give a welcome leg-up to many creditworthy buyers who may not otherwise have been able to get a foothold on the property ladder.

'The scheme has helped buyers right across the country, including a high proportion of younger borrowers and first-time buyers.

'Mortgages for those with small deposits are now becoming more common outside the scheme and Help to Buy has been a significant help for buyers when they were less readily available.'

The Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme has been criticised throughout its existence for underwriting high house prices, boosting demand for purchases but not lifting the supply of homes.

Sam Dumitriu, head of projects at the Adam Smith Institute, said: 'Philip Hammond is right to dump George Osborne's misguided mortgage guarantee scheme.

'The Adam Smith Institute has consistently called for the scheme to scrapped arguing that increasing liquidity in the housing market through government intervention will do little to solve the UK's long-run housing supply shortage.

'Britain's housing crisis is the result of supply being unable to meet rising demand. Help to Buy only served to make this problem worse, pushing up prices through cheap credit, while doing nothing to address the underlying housing shortage.

'There is a better way. Liberalise our antiquated planning laws to allow new building in the areas that people actually want to live.'
The Brexit vote was fuelled by racists who did not like seeing people who look 'foreign' on their streets, Diane Abbott has claimed

People who are concerned about freedom of movement do not like seeing people who look 'foreign' on their streets, Diane Abbott has claimed.

Labour's health spokesman said 'people who talk Brexit' had 'attacked and assaulted' ethnic minority voters and East Europeans after the referendum.

Responding to her comments, Tory MPs from ethnic minorities accused her of making 'totally inflammatory' claims that smeared Leave voters as 'stupid and racist' when they simply wanted to take back control of Britain's borders.

Miss Abbott told a fringe meeting at the Labour party conference in Liverpool: 'The Brexit vote, whatever you think of that vote, has added another turn of the screw to rising racism. The Brexit vote and the Leave people winning seems to have given far too many people permission to racially abuse and attack people all over the country.

'People, not just East Europeans, but people of all colours, are being attacked and assaulted by people who talk about Brexit ... There has been this upsurge after this Brexit vote in horrible, horrible attacks.'

Miss Abbott said that when people spoke about immigrants, they often included people like her from ethnic minority backgrounds who had been British for several generations.

'The people who complain about freedom of movement will not be satisfied because what they want is to see less foreign-looking people on their street and that's not going to happen,' she said. The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington went on to claim that voters' concerns over immigration were 'not rational'.

She said: 'It is the areas with the least immigrants by and large that feel the most viscerally about immigration. There is no point conceding because you can't go far enough.'

Miss Abbott also took a swipe at moderate Labour MPs such as Rachel Reeves and Chuka Umunna, who have argued that access to the single market could be sacrificed if that is the price of curbing freedom of movement from the EU.

And she added: 'I'm not one of these people who thinks we should vote again, I really don't, I think it would be fundamentally undemocratic.'

Miss Abbott said that when people spoke about immigrants, they often included people like her from ethnic minority backgrounds who had been British for several generations

James Cleverly, a Tory MP whose mother came from Sierra Leone in West Africa, said: 'Once again Diane Abbott has embarrassed herself and her party. She has projected her prejudices onto others and reinforced the perception that Labour are out of touch.'

Fellow Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi, who came to Britain as a refugee from Iraq, added: 'This is a stupid and totally inflammatory claim that smears 17.4 million voters, many of them of BME [black and minority ethnic] background.

'People of colour care about having politicians that are accountable to them as much as anyone else. They, like anyone else, wanted to take back control of our borders.'

An earlier version of this article stated that Diane Abbott MP had called those who voted for Brexit 'stupid and racist'. We are happy to clarify that this was in fact the phrase used by Tory MPs who responded to Ms Abbott's remarks at a meeting at the Labour party conference.
She is only seven years old, but already Bana Alabed is accustomed to nightly bombing raids and has apparently seen her best friend crushed under a collapsed building.

According to an extraordinary Twitter account, the baby-faced schoolgirl is documenting her life in Syria's second city Aleppo, where Russian and government airstrikes are believed to have killed more than 200 people in the last week.

The haunting feed, believed to be run by her mother Fatemah, opened on Saturday and purports to show Bana and her two brothers living through the fiercest bombing raid since the Syrian civil war began.

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Fatemah insisted the account was not 'propaganda' as she revealed details of the devastation around them: 'We live in hell. The sound of bombs wake us from our sleep. They have become our alarm clock.

'When the airstrikes come, my children cry and say the pilot wants to kill us.'

Innocence lost: A haunting Twitter account purports to show the horror of the bombing raids on Aleppo through the eyes of seven-year-old Bana Alabed (above)

Destruction: Her mother documents the airstrikes on her neighbourhood from her daughter's point of view, writing next to one picture (left): 'This is my friend house bombed, she's killed' and right, posts a view of the neighbourhood

Better times: Bana's home city of Aleppo, once the commercial centre of Syria, has been reduced to rubble by Russian and Syrian airstrikes trying to eradicate rebel forces. Pictured: Before war reached the area

Fatemah posts photos of Bana, often wearing her favourite pink bow, reading and playing to take her mind off the 'countless' bombs dropping around their home in Aleppo's al-Shaar district.

Other pictures on the account, which has not been independently verified, claim to show their next-door-neighbours' crumbling homes and smoke billowing from the latest explosion down the road.

'Four bombs hit us now just few steps away. Good afternoon from Aleppo,' reads one of her latest posts.

'Last year my school was bombed my friends killed injured. I was lucky to survive. I'm afraid of the bombing,' the Twitter goes on from Bana's point of view.

One of the most haunting photos shows a burka-clad woman walking casually among the remnants of a decimated home, with the words: 'This is my friend house bombed, she's killed. I miss her so much.'

Former law student Fatemah lives with Bana, her husband Ghassan, 34, a former lawyer, and their two sons Mohamad, five, and Noor, three.

She says they share the flat with her sister and husband's family and cannot flee the city because they fear being caught up in an airstrike or picked off by snipers.

Distraction: Bana's mother writes of how the young girl, often pictured wearing her favourite pink bow, reads and plays to distract herself from the coming attacks

Fatemah, who spoke to MailOnline via Skype (pictured), lives with her daughter Bana, husband Ghassan, 34, and their two sons Mohamad, five, and Noor, three

Relentless: Bana, her mother and her brothers (pictured several years ago) are trying to survive the fiercest aerial onslaught since the Syrian civil war began

Fatemah, who spoke to MailOnline via Skype, says she and her daughter joined Twitter to give the world a glimpse of life inside what is being dubbed the world's most dangerous city.

The social media account was started after the ceasefire brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry fell apart last week.

Electricity and internet is scarce in eastern Aleppo but Fatemah claims to use solar panels, fitted to some buildings, and a poor 3G connection to tweet when she can. It is not known whether she has received help from outside sources to get online.

She told MailOnline: 'We just want to show others how we live and how the bombs rain on us every day so the world may act.'

But some social media users have accused her of being exploited by the rebels battling Assad's regime, with one going as far as saying Bana does not exist.

The anonymous user wrote: 'So stop exploiting children for war propaganda. I bet we will never see rebel militants in your pics.'

Another user called Bruno dismissed Bana's tweets as coming from 'you propagandists'.

But Fatemah, who started teaching English to young boys after war broke out, flatly denied the allegations, telling MailOnline: 'I've written nothing in support of rebels - only what we have experienced.'

Indiscriminate: Bana's mother also claims the Russians are dropping cluster and phosphorous bombs, which have been banned by more than 100 countries, on civilian areas (pictured)

Praying for peace: Bana's mother pins the blame on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad saying they would 'destroy the sun' if they could. Pictured: Bana speaking to camera, left, and praying the attacks will stop, right

Electricity and internet connection is scarce in eastern Aleppo but Fatemah claims to use solar panels, fitted to some buildings, and a poor 3G connection to tweet when she can Pictured: Bana and her brother Noor inside their home

And alongside footage of Bana cupping her hands, looking up to the sky, she says: 'Praying here tonight as I hear bomb fall. My soul can be taken anytime.'

Photos apparently showing Bana playing with her two younger brothers seem all the more haunting when their purpose is not enjoyment, but distraction.

I'm reading to forget the war... Children like me are dying here in Aleppo please stop the bombing Bana Alabed's account

'Drawing with the brothers before the planes come,' Bana's mother writes of a picture showing the young girl sitting on a bed with her two brothers.

Hours earlier she wrote: 'I'm reading to forget the war.'

Bana became one of the seven million Syrian children out of education after her school in the al Shaar district was bombed just over a year ago.

Some study in underground schools but Bana's mother hired an English tutor to teach her at home, for fear she may be caught up in a bombing raid.

Safe: Bana was once a normal, outgoing young girl who went out for pizza with her family without the constant fear of airstrikes

Doomed? Bana (pictured several years ago) was just two when the Syrian uprising began and says she has lost hope of seeing the end of it

Bana, whose favourite subjects are English and Maths, told MailOnline: 'I can't learn because I don't go to school.

'To go to school, the bombing needs to stop. I want to live like a child.'

Bana was just two when the Syrian uprising began and having spent most of her life in the midst of conflict, says she has lost hope of seeing the end of it.

They were once a normal, happy family who went out for pizza and ice cream.

I can't learn because I don't go to school... To go to school, the bombing needs to stop. I want to live like a child Bana Alabed

Now their supply of rice, pasta, olives and jam is close to running out and they have been without fruit, milk and eggs - what they consider luxuries - for months.

Fatemah's husband, once a successful lawyer, now works at the local council as the Director of the Legal Department.

The war-weary mother pins the blame for the airstrikes on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad who she says would 'destroy the sun' if they could.

Fatemah claims to document in extraordinary detail when the bombings start, stop, where the rockets fall and which one of their friends or relatives was the latest victim.

She live-tweeted how her neighbours had become trapped underneath a fallen building on Monday, writing: 'All of them under the rubble now. Is my house next?'

With the hash-tag #MassacreInAleppo, another post read, from her daughter: 'Children like me are dying here in Aleppo please stop the bombing.'

Gone: Bana's best friend who lives across the road is thought to have been killed in an airstrike. Pictured: Bana before the war

Horror: Bana's mother claims to document in extraordinary detail when the bombings start and which one of their friends have become the latest victims

She also repeated claims the Russians have dropped cluster and phosphorous bombs, banned by many countries because they kill and maim indiscriminately, on civilian areas. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the claims.

Britain and the US accused Russia of war crimes over reports Russian and Syrian jets used the contentious munitions.

Two airstrikes struck the two largest hospitals in rebel-held parts of Syria's Aleppo early on Wednesday, according to the Syrian American Medical Society NGO.

When hospitals are targeted or damaged in air strikes, children die... Such disregard of civilian life is a potential breach of international humanitarian law Save the Children statement

Its spokesman Adham Sahloul said: 'The attack happened at 4am. One warplane targeted both of them directly.'

It follows what local aid workers claimed was a barrel bomb attack on another hospital in Aleppo on Sunday.

The charity Save the Children described the alleged bombing as 'outrageous', saying: 'When hospitals are targeted or damaged in air strikes, children die.

'Such disregard of civilian life is a potential breach of international humanitarian law.'

International agencies are investigating reports that sophisticated weapons including bunker-buster bombs and fuel-air explosives  which suck oxygen from the area  have been used against civilians.

Witnesses said hundreds have died in opposition areas in Aleppo since the ceasefire collapsed last Monday and hospitals have been overwhelmed with casualties.

Over the past week, Aleppo's rebel-held neighbourhoods have endured the fiercest aerial onslaught in recent memory.

Terror: Britain and the US have accused Moscow of war crimes amid reports that Russian and Syrian jets have used phosphorous and cluster munitions on residential areas. Pictured: a bombed Aleppo neighbourhood

Contentious: Hundreds have reportedly died in opposition areas in Aleppo since the ceasefire collapsed last Monday, with hospitals flooded with casualties. Pictured: the crater from a dropped bomb

Regime forces are now launching a new offensive on Aleppo's old quarter, home to the UNESCO-protected Umayyad Mosque, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

'There was intense shelling earlier. It seemed the [government] was preparing for the attack,' said Ibrahim Alhaj, a member of a local volunteer rescue group known as the White Helmets.
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Two young Thai girls accused of being pickpockets after they posed for a picture with a woman tourist have pleaded with the 'victim' to visit their home village so they can prove their innocence.

Stung by accusations that she and sister deliberately targeted the woman at a temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, one of the so called 'adorable thieves' told MailOnline that the pair was innocent, insisting: 'I didn't take your watch'.

A picture of the moment seven-year-old Kanlayanee is said to have unclasped the watch from the woman's wrist went viral after it was uploaded onto the social media site Reddit.

But her older sister Thidaret, 10, told MailOnline they had done nothing wrong and added that she would say to the woman: 'I want you to come visit me at Baan Doi Pui Village.'

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Upset: Thidaret Laojuang (left), ten and Kanlayanee Laojuang (right), seven, are the centre of the online furore when a picture of them posing with a woman went viral because the caption claimed it showed them in the act of stealing the watch

Schoolgirls: Photographs of Kanlayanee and Thidaret dressed in bright traditional Thai costume outside the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple were posted online, but the girls, pictured above in their school uniform, and their parents are upset at the furore and want the tourist to come forward so they can reassure her

Accused: Reddit user medardboss posted a photo of a woman posing with Thidaret (left) and Kanlayanee (right) with the caption, 'Girlfriend in the progress of having her watch stolen' - but it has since been removed

Stress: The girls' parents say the youngsters pose with tourists at the temple in return for money but would never steal, and said they have suffered stress as a result of the accusation. Pictured: Father Phujaras Chiapaporn and mother Lu Nithiworephob

Photographs of Thidaret and Kanlayanee dressed in bright traditional Thai costume outside the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple were posted on Reddit.

In one image, both girls are seen holding the hands of the female tourist as they stand at the bottom of the 300 steps leading up to the temple.

The picture, which swiftly went viral, shows Kanlayanee on the right with her fingers resting on the inside of the woman's forearm, curled round the strap of her watch, under the caption 'This pic solved the mystery of the missing watch'.

The Reddit poster then claimed that his girlfriend later realised her watch was missing after standing with the two youngsters.

The captions claimed it was only when they looked at the photos later that the couple believed they were victims of a scam.

After the photo was posted on Reddit by medardboss, other users weighed in and described the pair as experienced pickpockets.

Playing: After the photo was posted on Reddit by medardboss, other users weighed in and described the young schoolgirls as experienced pickpockets, but they and their parents told MailOnline they simply pose with tourists for money

Innocent: Kanlayanee (left), wants to run an ice-cream shop and Thidaret (right), would like to be a teacher. A village elder said the family were well respected and the girls should not be judged by the photo

Distressed: Lu Nithiworephob, the girls' mother, said 'After I heard the news about my children, I got very upset and I couldnt eat, couldnt sleep'

One user called them 'adorable thieves', while another wrote: 'Those kids aren't good, they're expert. That watch is long gone, It was just unlucky for the girl that the button was clicked at that exact second.'

Many others commented on the posting, which has since been removed, and said they girls were part of a well organised gang who preyed on tourists in the area.

However, the unnamed woman in the picture has claimed via Reddit that the photos were stolen from her Facebook page without permission and subsequently posted online.

Both the image and the medardboss Reddit account have been taken down.

The aggrieved parents of the girls are furious at the accusations and went to the police to protest their innocence, also telling MailOnline they were deeply concerned that the so-called incident had not been reported to police.

Phujaras Chiapaporn and his wife Lu Nithiwaraphob were interviewed by police after the photo posted by Reddit user 'medardboss' went round the world.

Mr Phujaras insisted his children had been wrongly accused and had not been brought up to steal.

Protest: The parents of Thidaret and Kanlayanee took their daughters to the police station, above, to protest their innocence

He told MailOnline: 'The afternoon when the village chief came to me explaining what had happened, I felt very sad. Why would someone post something about my girls and not go to the police first?.

'People in the village don't believe the kid could do such a thing, they are too young and don't have the skill to do it.'

His wife said she had not slept or eaten in two days after people told her about the viral photo.

'After I heard the news about my children, I got very upset and I couldnt eat, couldnt sleep.

'I got so stressed and I haven't eaten for two days and I feel very sad. Why are they doing this to my children?'

Asked what his daughter would say to the tourist, Mr Phjaras said: 'If she had a chance to speak with the tourist, she would ask them why you not tell the police in the first place and I also have a heart, I also have a feeling.' he said.

'She feel very sad about the news, she really want to meet the British tourist.' The nationality of the tourist is not yet known.

Traditional: The parents said they grilled their girls, dressed above in traditional dress, after the photo, which was 'upvoted' to Reddit's front page, went viral (file photo of the girls at the Chinag Mai temple)

Temple: The image was taken in front of 300 steps up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai. The woman pictured subsequently said it had been stolen from her Facebook page

Mr Phujaras said he wanted to know how the tourists would feel if their children were made out to be thieves on the basis of a photograph.

'If it were their children how do they think, the picture of their children are spread all over the world,' he said.

Police said the parents would have even considered filing a defamation lawsuit had the tourists still been in Thailand.

The Governor of Chiang Mai said: 'Chiang Mai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Chiang Mai takes seriously the safety and welfare of tourists in the city.

'Should any tourist be in trouble of any kind, the authorities of Chiang Mai City will do their best to solve the problem and provide a remedy as soon as possible. This case is a serious accusation. Once the Governor learnt of this matter, he instructed Chiang Mai provincial authorities to promptly launch a thorough investigation.

'All officials reported that the girls had a history of good behaviour and no prior record of offences. In addition, up to now, no one has filed an official complaint with the authorities. We have therefore concluded that there is no grounds to believe this false accusation.'

The dispute over the missing watch began when a Reddit user called medardboss posted the photo of the woman standing with the two girls on an online thread entitled 'mildly interesting'.

The caption read: 'This pic solved the mystery of the missing watch.'

Other details included the fact that the man who took the photograph said he and his girlfriend had had quite a bit to drink before going to the temple.

Medardboss then claimed later that the watch had been found and the woman contacted the 'mildly interesting' thread to say the pictures had been used without her permission.

By then, thousands of people had responded to the thread, with some Reddit users sharing their own pictures of the two girls from their own trips.

Some commented on what they called the girls' technique, noting they touched their target in several places 'so she didn't notice her watch being snatched'.

One user wrote he had 'dodged a bullet' as he decided not to pose with the girls while others speculated that the family were poor and used the girls to steal to make a living.

After local police became involved and interviewed the Kanlayanee - who wants to run an ice-cream shop - and Thidaret - who would like to be a teacher - the parents denounced the theft allegations.

A village elder called Methaphan Fuengfukitchakarn travelled with the family to the police station to vouch for their good character.

He told police the family were well respected in the village and the girls should not be judged by the photo.

Furious: Phujaras Chiapaporn and Lu Nithiworephob (pictured at a press conference, wearing blue and pink) are said to have been furious after police called them in for questioning

Police chief Anek Chaiwong said the tourists had not filed an official complaint following the watch 'theft'.

He said: 'The parents of the kids are very concerned and said they would have filed a complaint against the false accusation were the farang(tourist) still here in Thailand.'

The girls' parents explained that they were happy to take money as gifts from tourists while posing for their photos and the money was used to help pay for food, clothing and education.
It can lead to the birth defect microcephaly - babies born with small brains

Congress approved a new spending bill late on Wednesday night - avoiding an embarrassing government shutdown.

The spending deal will provide $1.1billion in delayed funding to help battle the impact and spread of the Zika virus.

The measure also includes a financial injection to help resolve the Flint water crisis.

It was passed by the House and the Senate just two days before federal agencies were set to run out of money.

An impasse between the Democrats and Republicans would have caused the second shutdown since October 2013, when the federal government closed for 16 days because the parties disagreed over Obamacare.

Congress has avoided a government shutdown by passing a new spending bill that includes money to tackle the Zika virus

The bill caps months of wrangling over money to fight the mosquito-borne virus that has been contracted by around 23,000 US citizens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Two thousand of them have been pregnant, which is worrying as the virus can cause microcephaly - a birth defect leading to babies being born with smaller heads and underdeveloped brains.

The CDC estimates that 20 babies in the mainland United States and one baby in Puerto Rico have been born with birth defects related to Zika.

The legislation will set aside $394million to help control Zika-carrying mosquitoes and another $397million to help develop a vaccine and better tests to help with diagnosis.

A further $66million will be allocated to health care for people affected by Zika in Puerto Rico and other US territories.

The House cleared the measure by a 342-85 vote just hours after a bipartisan Senate tally.

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin speaks during an interview at the Economic Club of Washington on Wednesday, just hours before the crucial vote

The hybrid spending measure was Capitol Hill's last major to-do item before the election and its completion allows lawmakers to jet home to campaign to save their jobs.

Congress won't return to Washington until the week after Election Day for what promises to be a difficult lame-duck session.

The deal will fund federal agencies through to December 9. The White House has confirmed that Obama will sign the measures.

Also in the bill is a stopgap spending measure, passed by a 284 to 141 vote, to help combat the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi struck a deal allowing a vote to include $170million in Flint relief to the House version of the water bill.

'We have sent a message of hope to the people of Flint,' Pelosi said yestetday.

'While we preferred to deliver those funds to the children in this bill, we are at least on a path to meaningful action.'

Flint's water became tinted with lead after the government changed the city's water supplier.

Lead poisoning in children can cause developmental delay and learning difficulties.

Flint's drinking water became tainted when the city, then under state control, began drawing from the Flint River in 2014 to save money

The temporary spending bill sped through the House shortly after the chamber passed a water projects bill containing the breakthrough compromise on Flint.

Democrats claimed a partial victory on Flint while the GOP-dominated Louisiana delegation won a downpayment on Obama's $2.6billion request for their state.

The politicking and power plays enormously complicated what should have been a routine measure to avoid an election-eve government shutdown.

The temporary government-wide spending bill had stalled in the Senate Tuesday over Democrats' demands that the measure include $220million in Senate-passed funding to help Flint and other cities deal with lead-tainted water.

Democrats were initially unwilling to accept promises that Flint funding would come after the election, but relented after they won stronger assurances from top GOP leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and agreed to address the city's crisis in the separate water development bill.

The Flint issue arose as the final stumbling block after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell added the flood aid for Louisiana to the spending bill.

Democrats argued it was unfair that the water crisis in Flint has gone on for more than a year with no assistance, while Louisiana and other states are getting $500million for floods that occurred just last month.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (pictured on Capitol Hill in June) added flood aid for Louisiana to the spending bill, prompting clashes over why Flint was not receiving more financial assistance in the wake of the crisis

Democrats played a strong hand in the negotiations and had leverage because Republicans controlling the House and Senate were eager to avoid a politically harmful shutdown six weeks before the election.

Many House Republicans have opposed helping Flint, arguing that the city's problems are a local issue and that many cities have problems with aging water systems.

Flint's drinking water became tainted when the city, then under state control, began drawing from the Flint River in 2014 to save money. Regulators failed to ensure the water was treated properly and lead from aging pipes leached into the water supply. As many as 12,000 children have been exposed to lead in water, officials say.

There were other winners and losers in the scramble to produce the legislation.

Democrats and some Republicans were thwarted in an attempt to allow the Export-Import Bank to approve export deals exceeding $10million even though it lacks a quorum. Ted Cruz failed to win a provision to block the US government from transferring the Commerce Department's role in governing the internet's domain name addressing systems to a nonprofit consortium known as ICANN.

And Democrats failed to use the bill to reverse a ban engineered last year by McConnell on proposals to allow the Securities and Exchange Commission to require publicly-traded corporations to disclose political spending permitted under the Supreme Court's 2010 decision allowing unlimited political spending by businesses.
A 15-year-old girl in India has become the latest victim in a 'school rape' epidemic - and only discovered she was pregnant seven months after the attack.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was attacked for an hour in a locked classroom - and while her parents are standing by her they have spoken of their distress that she may no longer find a husband.

Her mother said: Who will marry her now? She might not get a job if people get to know her story. I only hope she is not ridiculed in society and is not judged. What happened was not her fault; she is a victim here.

The case is the latest example of schoolgirl rape, with campaigners saying two schoolgirls a week are attacked in some areas.

The 15-year-old girl, above, has found out shes seven months pregnant after she was raped at her school in the latest example of attacks in India

The girl's mother said: Im completely devastated. I cannot believe it. I feel her life and future is over'

The girl told police she was looking for chalk when to boys locked her in a classroom and raped her for almost an hour

Her mother said: Im completely devastated. I cannot believe it. I feel her life and future is over. It took us several days to get over the shock. But then we decided we will fight and give my daughter all the support she deserves. We will do everything we can so this does not affect her life.

She wanted to become a doctor. She was determined to get a good job. So she still keeps herself occupied with her studies for at least five hours a day. She does nothing else.'

The girl, from a small village in Bhiwani, in Haryana, northern India, which is a state with one of the highest number of rapes in India, was in her local school, in March this year, looking for chalk to take home to study when two boys appeared.

She told police they helped her find the chalk but when they got inside a room one boy locked the door while the other raped her for almost an hour.

After the incident was over, the oldest boy threatened her to keep quiet or her family would be killed.

Her mother added: She was terrified something bad would happen to us so she didnt say anything. The first we heard about it was last month.

A worrying number of teenage girls are being raped in rural India and with limited education, police presence or any kind of local jurisdiction their lives are ruined when they fall pregnant and are labeled an outcast by society.

The 15-year-old told police that the boys pretended to help her find the chalk but when they got inside a room one boy locked the door while the other attacked her

The girl is from a small village in Bhiwani, in Haryana, northern India, which is a state with one of the highest number of rapes in India

Recent government numbers claim rape incidents in India are continually growing, but rape attacks on minors in villages in rural parts of the country are ever more worrying.

The girl didnt tell anyone about her horrific ordeal. Her father, who is currently unemployed, noticed she wasnt as talkative or happy but assumed she was worried about her studies.

He said: She was a happy child, the most jovial in our family but she started to be very quiet. Shed also been excellent in school but her grades began to drop.

Thinking back there was this constant fear in her eyes but we had no idea the reason. Wed ask her if everything was ok? Was there something she wanted to talk to us about? but she never said anything.

Her mother said she had gained a little weight but assumed she was growing with age, and she had not shown any signs of a pregnancy bump.

Then, last month, she started complaining of severe abdomen pains and her parents took her to a government hospital, in Bhiwani.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Suman Rani, from the Women Police Station, in Bhiwani, said: We have registered a case against two names given by the girl. The key accused was arrested on August 28, while were still investigating the second name'

The hospital did some tests, including a scan, and eventually told the parents their daughter was 31 weeks pregnant.

Her father said: I was numb. I couldnt understand what they were saying. It didnt make any sense. My wife and I had to sit for a short while and digest their words.

Eventually the couple sat with their young daughter and she explained everything.

After we insisted she tell us something she finally opened up, he added. After insisting, she narrated her ordeal. I was heartbroken and wondered what will happen next. An abortion at that stage was not possible.

The girl, youngest of four siblings, told her parents about the rape and identified her attackers. And then they reported the case with the police and filed a First Information Report (FIR) on August 27.

Her mother said: She has a tender mind and does not really understand what is happening at the moment. Shes a young 15-year-old, shes still very much a child and has not spoken much since we came here. She knows a boy did something wrong and painful to her but she doesnt understand anything else. But I have told her not to fear anything, well fully support her.

Recent government numbers claim rape incidents in India are continually growing, but rape attacks on minors in villages in rural parts of the country are ever more worrying

Her mother is certain she will go on to live a life like other girls her age and finish her school years.

I will make sure she doesnt suffer because of this and Ill ensure her status in society is intact, her father added. I will fight at any level for it. And I will fight to get the culprits punished. I am a poor man and I may not be able to do much but I will fight to support my daughter.

The girl has coped with the trauma by continuing her studies. While she remains in the government hospital, in Bhiwani, free of charge, until the baby arrives she has continued to study day and night.

The doctor in charge at the hospital has said the young girl is still in shock and needs counselling to come to terms with her situation.

The doctor, who wanted to stay anonymous, said: We are giving the girl and her family proper counselling for her mental health. She is very delicate and this is an extremely sensitive case. We do not want her to be in any stress so close to her delivery. We are yet to decide if she will have a normal delivery. She was anaemic when she arrived; however, her health is improving now. We will decide whether she has a c-section or natural delivery closer to the time.

The police have arrested one man  an 18-year-old - after the family reported the attack.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Suman Rani, from the Women Police Station, in Bhiwani, said: We have registered a case against two names given by the girl. The key accused was arrested on August 28, while were still investigating the second name.

Rajbala Soran, 46, chairman of the Child Welfare Committee, said: 'It is really sad to see these rapes and sexual assaults on children and teenagers. We see at least two cases every week in our district which certainly needs to be taken care of. It largely happens in villages as there is no awareness amongst the youth and no proper education system.
Remains thought to be those of U.S. troops who died in the Mexican-American War have been flown to a military mortuary in Delaware in an effort to determine whether they belonged to militia members of a Tennessee regiment known as 'The Bloody First.'

An Army twin-engine turbotrop bearing two aluminum cases topped by American flags arrived Wednesday afternoon at Dover Air Force Base, home to the nation's largest military mortuary.

White-gloved members of the 3rd Infantry 'Old Guard' unit, which stands vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery near the nation's capital, solemnly transferred the cases to a vehicle bound for the mortuary.

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Members of the Army 'Old Guard' unit escort remains thought to be those of U.S. troops who died in the Mexican-American War as they arrived at at Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday

The remains thought to be those of U.S. troops who died in the Mexican-American War have been flown to a military mortuary in Delaware in an effort to determine whether they belonged to militia members of a Tennessee regiment known as 'The Bloody First'

Army Col. Louis Finelli, chief medical examiner and director of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, said analyzing the remains will take at least a couple of months

The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System will work with a team of scientists to analyze the remains, discovered in 2011, in the hopes of gleaning more information.

The scientists will use DNA testing, elemental analysis, forensic dentistry and other methods in examining the commingled bones, which officials say appear to be those of at least 11, and possibly 13, individuals.

'We don't know how much we can get, but we have a number of experts who can try a number of different things,' said Hugh Berryman, a forensic anthropologist and director of the Forensic Institute for Research and Education at Middle Tennessee State University.

The skeleton of what is believed to be a U.S. soldier possibly killed in an 1846 Mexican-American War battle is seen in this handout picture taken in Monterrey, Mexico in May 2011

The remains were found in a part of the battlefield where a large contingent from Tennessee is thought to have fought and died

Archeologists uncovered the remains at a construction site in Monterrey, near the border with Texas

The jaw bone of a U.S. soldier possibly killed in an 1846 Mexican-American War battle is seen in this handout picture taken in Monterrey May 14, 2011

Berryman, who is leading a team of more than 20 scientists and historians that will work with the Army, acknowledged that the odds of actually identifying the remains are 'very remote.'

'But if it can be done, it's spectacular, and we're going to see if we can do that,' he said.

Troops from several states, including Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas, fought in the Battle of Monterrey in 1846. Berryman said the skeletal remains were found in an area of the Mexican battlefield where a large number of Tennesseans had died.

'We're hopeful that they're going to be found to be Tennessee men, and then we're going to bring them home to Tennessee as Volunteers,' said U.S. Rep. Diane Black, part a Tennessee contingent that traveled to Dover to witness the repatriation of the remains.

The Battle of Monterrey, a U.S. victory in which more than 160 Americans were killed or reported missing, was part of a larger conflict waged from 1846 to 1848 that marked America's first extended conflict in another country. The war significantly altered geographical boundaries, with the U.S. adding about 1 million square miles of territory that today include the states of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. The conflict also proved to be a training ground for a host of West Point graduates who later fought on both sides during the Civil War.

Above, a painting description of the battlefield of the Battle of Monterrey

Berryman suggested that skeletal analysis could help scientists determine what was in the water the men drank as they grew up, which could help narrow the possible locales where they had lived.

Army Col. Louis Finelli, chief medical examiner and director of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, said analyzing the remains will take at least a couple of months. He expects that the effort will be able to determine the number of individual remains but said it's difficult to say whether it will result in identifying particular individuals.
Many of the criminals got tattoos on the long

Australia's love affair with tattoos began with the convicts who worked on elaborate designs during the long voyage from England, making the new settlement the most heavily-inked English-speaking society.

Incredible images of the convict designs were documented as the criminals, who were often deported from their homeland for crimes like stealing food, arrived in Australia.

Simon Barnard has spent years pouring over the intricate details of the convicts including their tattoos and has written a book showing a glimpse into our pictorial past.

Examples of tattoos from Australia's convicts, pictured, who are thought to be the most inked English-speaking people of the time

Anchors and motifs about love were popular as were initials and mentions of Jesus

Mr Barnard said Australia was 'possibly the world's most heavily tattooed English-speaking people of the nineteenth century'.

Popular designs included motifs expressing love like hearts and initials or references to Jesus. Men were often more heavily tattooed than women.

'Isaac Comer, mentioned in the book, was heavily tattooed, including on his c**k. But another interesting example is Henry Findlay, who was tattooed on his chest, arms, hands, fingers, calves, and from his knees to his groin,' Mr Barnard said.

During 1788 and 1868 more than 160,000 convicts were brought to Australia.

Many of the convicts drew their own tattoos which meant they were often in easy to reach spots of the body - like the legs

Tattooed human skin from between 1800-50 is pictured. Adam and Eve, the Tree of Life, Masonic symbols and the shamrock, rose and thistle are all represented in the set of tattoos

Mr Barnard believes 37 per cent of the men had tattoos when they arrived, as did 15 per cent of the women.

Mr Barnard spoke to Vice about his book and explained he wrote his book after becoming 'obsessed' with the tattoos.

He researched using the 'black book' ledgers written at the time the convicts arrived.

These books detailed everything about the convicts including their history and appearance. Convicts who came together on the same boats were more likely to have similar designs.

A 33-year-old seaman has his physical features recorded, including an anchor tattooed on his hand

A 21-year-old woman's features are recorded, including the tattoos on her arm

The author admitted finding pictures of the tattoos was difficult but he used artifacts like snuff boxes from the time to find designs as well as preserved skin specimens which were inked.

'By examining the records of convicts that shipped together it becomes clear that tattooing was extremely popular during the voyage out. At least 31 men who sailed aboard the Lord Lyndoch were tattooed with a mermaid.'

Incredible skin specimens show a the quality of the artwork which were usually detailed using a needle, charcoal and gun powder.

Mr Bernard's book, Convict Tattoos: Marked Men and Women of Australia, can be purchased through Text Publishing.

The men and women's tattoos were documented when they got to Australia

An impression of a syphilis outbreak from 1889 is pictured. The syphilis outbreak in 1888 in England was attributed to a tattooist who 'mixed ink with spittle from his syphilitically ulcerated mouth'
Prosecutors have released composite images of a man they believed was involved in the murder of a middle school aide 24 years ago.

The rendering released created using DNA police found while investigating the 1992 murder of 24-year-old Lisa Ziegert in Agawam, Massachusetts.

The technology to produce such images were not available when the 24-year-old was raped and stabbed while working alone during a night shift at a card and gift store.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni hopes the newly-released images will help catch the killer.

'For the first time in 24 years in this investigation, we have a face to this crime,' he said.

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A prosecutor has released composite images of a suspect in the unsolved slaying of middle school aide Lisa Ziegert in 1992. This image depicts a white male who is aged 25

They also released an image of how they believe the same man would look 25 years on.The man is a mix of northern and southern European ancestry

The process, called DNA phenotyping, has been pioneered by Reston, Virginia-based Parabon NanoLabs.

They genetic material to predict the physical appearance and ancestry of an unknown individual.

It cannot account for non-genetic factors in appearance, such as hair style or scars.

'This is a scientific approximation and not an exact appearance,' Gulluni said during a press conference on Tuesday.

But he added: 'We're confident that this is a likeness of the person.'

One image released on Wednesday depicts a white male with fair to very fair complexion, with some freckling, brown or black hair, and hazel or brown eyes, at about age 25.

The other image depicts the same man, but shows how he may look now, 25 years on from the murder.

He is a mix of northern and southern European ancestry.

The technology to produce such images were not available in 1992 when the body of Lisa Ziegert (left and right) was found days after she disappeared from her night job at a gift store

Authorities pictured at in a wooded area where her body was discovered. Ziegert had been raped and stabbed

In this photo shows a detective handing another detective an article of clothing at the scene

Ziegert, a teacher's aide at Agawam Middle School, was working the night shift alone at the store when she disappeared April 15, 1992.

The clerk who arrived at work the next morning found the store open, the lights on and Ziegert's car still in the parking lot.

Her purse, her other personal belongings and the store's cash register appeared undisturbed.

Her body was found in a wooded area four miles away four days later.

Investigators have chased down thousands of leads and looked at hundreds of possible suspects without success, Gulluni said.

The DNA sample they have does not match anyone in available databases.

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announces at a press conference that a composite sketches were made of a suspect in the murder case of Ziegert made from state-of-the-art DNA analysis

'No expense, effort, or means has been or will be spared to bring the persons to justice who killed Lisa,' Gulluni said.

Ziegert's mother, Diane, said after seeing the composite photos she has a sense of hope for finding and prosecuting her daughter's murderer.

'This is more hope than we've had in many years. We always knew they were working on it. But this is huge,' she told Masslive.

'It's one thing to know (someone) killed her, but it's another to have a face.'

Gulluni's office had arranged for Diane and her husband to see the sketches before the news conference on Tuesday.

'It was shocking,' Diane recalled of when she saw the drawings for the first time. 'That's not the right word but it's the closest I can come.'

Gulluni asked anyone who recognizes the images to contact local or state police.

DNA phenotyping has been used in other jurisdictions, but Ziegert's case represents the first time the process has been used in Massachusetts, Gulluni said.

Ziegert's mother, Diane, is pictured during a vigil for Lisa marking the fourth anniversary of her brutal death
Jessica Amster is being charged with manslaughter in the death of a 17-month-old boy

A Florida baby sitter is being charged with manslaughter in the death of a 17-month-old boy.

Boynton Beach police said Wednesday that they've arrested 26-year-old Jessica Amster in connection with the August 2015 death of Christian Bent.

Detectives say two children present at Amster's home told authorities the woman hit the child's head against the wall.

According to police, one child said the woman had told Bent to stop crying.

On August 11, 2015, Christian was in a bouncer but ended up on the floor with his bouncer on top of him, his father Dwayne Bent told police, according to a report from the Sun-Sentinel.

The father didn't contact 911 and didn't believe Christian had been hurt, the newspaper reported.

The father took Christian to Amster's home on August 12, 2015. He had a nose bleed there, and Amster called Dwayne Bent to notify him, the report said.

Dwayne Bent collected Christian, and said he appeared to be alright, according to the newspaper.

Police say Christian's parents brought the severely injured boy to the hospital. He was declared brain dead on August 18, 2015

On August 14, 2015, at the babysitter's house, Christian had soiled himself and stopped breathing, so Amster performed CPR, the Sun-Sentinel described her as telling authorities.

She made a phone call to her boyfriend - and he put Amster on speaker so Dwayne Bent could hear, the report said.

Amster reportedly said that Christian was not alright yet did not say how serious things were.

Christian's parents came to get the boy, who was 'unresponsive with facial drooping and unaligned eyes,' the newspaper quoted a police report as saying.

Police say Christian's parents brought the severely injured boy to the hospital.

He was declared brain dead on August 18, 2015, and had injuries including brain swelling, bite marks, and bone fractures, the newspaper reported.
Many entertaining memes explaining the situation popped up online

But Adelaide locals have expressed their views on the issue via memes

Power was cut to South Australia after a massive storm hit the state

The power might have been down and out but South Australian residents weren't.

As the population was gripped by a state-wide blackout on Wednesday night, many people took to social media to express their feelings about the situation

From entertaining Lion King and Simpsons-themed memes, to candle-lit dinners and unimpressed people using their car heaters to get warm, residents had a range of ways sum up their night without power.

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Among the many memes being posted about the power outage were ones referencing popular move, The Lion King

References to The Simpsons were popular among people posting about the storm

South Australians have expressed their reactions to the power outage in a range of ways

These people decided to light up their lounge with candles and play cards

Others opted for a candle-lit dinner - of wine, chips, nuts and pretzels

Some seemed to be making the most of the night without electricity, playing cards or having romantic dinners by candle.

Others seemed more frustrated by the inconvenience.

At least 75,000 homes are still without power in South Australia although the lights are back on in Adelaide's metropolitan areas, as the state braces for more wild weather.

Premier Jay Weatherill says power is slowly returning to thousands of residents after super cell thunderstorms caused a state-wide blackout on Wednesday.

This Instagram user said their only source of light was the lighter they repeatedly ignited

Many people joking blamed the situation on The Simpsons character, Homer

'Overnight we've managed to restore all but 75,000 of the 900,000 homes to power, but we are not out of the woods yet - there is a very strong system that is approaching our west coast,' he told the Nine Network.

Mr Weatherill said about 35,000 of the remaining homes without power are expected to have it restored on Thursday, but it's unclear when thousands of west coast residents will be back on the grid.

'There has been catastrophic damage to our energy infrastructure up in the north of the state so it will take considerable time to restore that,' he said.

Recovery efforts are being hampered by the extreme weather, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of more wild weather to come.

One person was more worried about their ice cream melting

One person even posted a video from their car, which they had taken to driving around for the warmth of the heater

The owner of this dog said she hoped others were having a better night than she was

This was how residents of South Australia felt during the blackout

It could produce wind gusts of up to 140km/h, especially along the west coast of Eyre Peninsula and up to 100mm of rain across the Adelaide Hills, bringing the risk of flooding.

A flood warning has also been issued for Port Pirie, north of Adelaide, because of a storm surge and high waves.

The warnings come a day after wild winds ripped at least 22 transmission towers from the ground across the mid-north with about 80,000 lightning strikes hitting the state, some damaging generation facilities.

The SES responded to more than 450 calls for help on Wednesday and strike teams from Western Australia have been brought in to bolster local crews.

'There's still the potential for significant severe weather damage,' said SES chief officer Chris Beattie.

'We do have concerns for the coastal defences.'

Destructive winds ripped through parts of South Australia on Wednesday bringing down the entire power network with about 80,000 lightning strikes

A grey haze sets in over the suburbs of Adelaide as the massive deluge hit before midday on Wednesday
The elder Abedin believed that governments should help citizens live by Sharia law and that Islamic

Syed Abedin, the late father of Hillary Clinton's closest aide Huma Abedin, believed governments should uphold Sharia law, while also arguing that Islamic institutions should have to validate cultural change.

The Washington Free Beacon discovered never-before-seen interviews with Syed Abedin, who passed away in 1993, and was a professor at Western Michigan University's college of general studies.

The elder Abedin, had appeared on Western Michigan University television on a show called The World of Islam in 1971 where he used the medium to talk about Islam's 'hostile' response to the West and the state's role in the keeping of Sharia law.

Not much has been known about Syed Abedin, though Huma Abedin has been pulled into the limelight again because of her highly-publicized split with disgraced congressman Anthony Weiner, who's embroiled in his third sexting scandal.

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Huma Abedin's father Syed Abedin (pictured) believed governments should uphold Sharia law

The Washington Free Beacon uncovered TV interviews given by Huma Abedin's (left) late father. Abedin is Hillary Clinton's (right) closest aide

As for her father, the scholar argued that Arab states should make sure its citizens are abiding by Sharia, or Islamic law, in the decades-old television interviews.

'The state has to take over,' he said, according to the Washington Free Beacon's reporting. 'The state is stepping in in many countries ... where the state is now overseeing that human relationships are carried on on the basis of Islam.'

'The state also under Islam has a right to interfere in some of these rights given to the individual by the Sharia,' Abedin added.

Moving to the power struggle between the Arab world and the Western the professor explained that 'the response to the West has been of two kinds.'

'By and large the response has taken more of a hostile form,' he continued.

'The first impulse of the average Muslim in the Islamic world is that this kind of borrowing [culturally] would be somehow an alien factor into our social fabric and thereby destroying the integrity of our ethos  the integrity of our culture,' he added, according to the Free Beacon.

Abedin said that 'suspicion' runs rampant in the Muslim world, which is why Western ideologies like communism and socialism don't stick and are considered 'foreign importations.'

'In the contemporary Islamic world, religious leadership is of very crucial significance because any change that will be abiding, that will make any positive contribution to the development of Muslim life, must come from that source, and that is one reason why ideologies like socialism or communism that have been introduced into the Muslim world have never really taken root,' Abedin said.

Syed Abedin (left) argued that Arab states should make sure its citizens are abiding by Sharia, or Islamic law

The Abedin family was pulled back into the limelight because of Huma Abedin's husband Anthony Weiner's latest sexting scandal

Other modern ideas, too, he explained, may have trouble taking root because they'll have to be accepted through the prism of the faith.

'When you talk of an Islamic state  does it have to have a caliph?' he asked. 'What does it mean? What is the Islamic concept of good in the present day world?'

Cultural change then, Abedin concluded, would have to be validated by Islam.

'The main dynamics of life in the Islamic world are still supplied by Islam,' he said.
An Australian resident accused of lacing a friend's ice coffee with cyanide at a cafe in Indonesia's capital has told a court she can't remember the details of the woman's death.

Former Sydney resident Jessica Kumala Wongso, 27, took the stand on Wednesday for the first time since being charged with the premeditated murder of her friend, Wayan Mirna Salihin.

Ms Salihin died on January 6 after sipping a Vietnamese iced coffee ordered by Ms Wongso, whom police allege spiked the drink.

Australian resident Jessica Kumala Wongso is facing murder charges in Central Jakarta Court in Indonesia

She is accused of lacing a friend's ice coffee with cyanide at a cafe in Indonesia's capital

Prosecutors peppered Wongso with questions at Central Jakarta Court yesterday, demanding details of her movements at the cafe immediately before the alleged murder.

'We were just sitting and chatting, until Mirna drank her coffee,' Wongso was quoted as saying by The ABC.

'And then she said that the coffee tastes awful, it all happened so fast, so if you ask me the details of how it happened I can't answer.'

Her lawyer later said Ms Wongso appeared relaxed during proceedings because she was telling the truth.

'A little lie needs to be covered with a bigger lie and so on, and so we did not make up anything,' he told the ABC.

Both Ms Wongso and Ms Salihin studied together at Billy Blue College of Design in Sydney, but Wongso stayed to work in Australia after her graduation in 2008.

Australian police and forensic experts have been providing assistance to Indonesian investigators in the case, which has captivated Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation.

Wayan Mirna Salihin (pictured) died on January 6 after sipping a Vietnamese iced coffee ordered by Ms Wongso

Ms Wongso (left) and Ms Salihin (right) studied together at Billy Blue College of Design in Sydney

Earlier in the week the court heard that Ms Wongso's former Australian boyfriend, Patrick OConnor, requested an urgent restraining order against her, the Jakarta Post reported.

Senior Constable John Torres, from NSW Police, told the court that Mr OConnor felt he was in danger due to Ms Wongso's deteriorating psychological condition and that she was threatening self harm.

Mr Torres also read the court more than a dozen police reports about Ms Wongso between 2014 and 2015, most of which detailed self-harm incidents but one which concerned a drink driving charge, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Ms Wongso has denied the charges and Australian forensic pathologists presented by the defence have said that it was unlikely that cyanide was the cause of Ms Salihin's death.

The trial continues.

Ms Wongso partakes in a police reenactment at Cafe Olivier in Jakarta
A judge has ordered a Fort Bragg soldier to keep a picture of the puppy that he drowned in his wallet while he's on probation, along with other punishments.

Spc. John Garrett Burrow was ordered Tuesday to keep a photo of eight-month-old Riley, a Lab mix that drowned in November 2014, the Fayetteville Observer reported.

The 24-year-old Burrow had pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty for tying Riley's feet to his snout with military parachute cord and tossing the dog into a pond.

Spc. John Garrett Burrow was ordered Tuesday to keep a photo of eight-month-old Riley, a Lab mix that drowned in November 2014

Riley's body washed ashore from McFadyen Lake in January 2015, WRAL reported.

Superior Court Judge Jim Ammons sentenced Burrow to 30 days in jail, 24 months of supervised probation, and 100 hours of community service.

Riley had a broken leg and surgery would have been at least $2,500, the Fayetteville Observer reported.

A charge of accessory after the fact is pending against Burrow's wife, Kelsey (pictured)

A GoFundMe for surgery funds was created by Burrow and his wife Kelsey, the report said.

They lied to people looking after the couple's pets that Riley died in surgery and lied to police that Riley ran away, the newspaper reported.

Burrow apologized in court, saying he has no excuse for killing Riley.

The Fayetteville Observer quoted him as saying: 'I'm sorry. So very sorry, and sorry to Riley.

'I did love Riley. I did love that dog. I have no excuse.'

Ammons was also quoted by the newspaper as telling Burrows : 'What you did was horrible. Absolutely horrible.

'I don't want this to be the ruination of your life, but I hope Riley's legacy will bring awareness to animal abuse.

'There's way too much abuse of animals. Animals need to be treated humanely.'

A charge of accessory after the fact is pending against Burrow's wife, Kelsey.
It veered off the road before slamming into a retaining wall on Thursday

A bus with a passenger on board rolled down a hill before crashing because the driver left for a bathroom break and may have forgotten to put the handbrake on.

Emergency services were called to attend the accident at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, in New Zealand's North Island, at 8.40am on Thursday morning.

The bus travelled 200m down a hill before slamming into a retaining wall pushing it off the road and over an embankment, reported Stuff.

A bus crashed after the driver stopped for a bathroom break but forgot to pull up the hand brake or it failed to work, the council's operation manager said

The bus stopped just short off crashing into a Waikato Hospital building which has 15 workers inside.

The passenger, a terrified woman, escaped with no injuries.

The handbrake for the bus either failed or was not pulled up properly, Waikato Regional Council operations manager Andrew Wilson said.

A teacher at Waikato Hospital, Tanya Bavastro, said they heard a big crash before seeing the bus roll over the embankment.

'All I heard was a big crash. Next minute a bus came flying through. It slid into the building and crashed,' she said.

'It was in slow motion but really fast.'
Qantas has issued new safety measures after an iPhone caught on fire and had to be put out with fire extinguishers when it slipped down a passenger's seat and was crushed.

A report released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said the phone was crushed when it got trapped in the seat and caught alight when the passenger tried to use the recliner to get it out.

The report revealed that the lithium battery in the phone got damaged when it got caught in the seat and ignited during the Qantas flight from Los Angeles to New York on June 21.

The smartphone slipped between the seats and was crushed, but the lithium type battery in the crushed phone then went on fire

Qantas said it is now looking into a new seat design after the incident and the airline has also put in its safety regulations that passengers should not adjust their seats if they lose their phones.

The ATSB also confirmed that the airline was now looking into what overall improvements could now be made to its airline seating.

'As a result of this occurrence, the aircraft operator has advised the ATSB that the seat manufacturer is developing design solutions to prevent ingress of PEDs into the seat structure,' the ATSB report said.

The airline has also improved its safety briefing procedure since the incident took place in June.

Qantas said it is now looking into a new seat design after the smartphone caught fire

'If you lose your electronic devices at any time, it's important you don't move your seat as this could severely damage your device and may be a fire hazard,' Qantas said.

When the smartphone caught fire on board the plane it forced flight attendants to douse the blaze with fire extinguishers.

The report praised the efforts of the Qantas crew who 'quickly implemented the basic fire drill procedure'. They were trained to deal with such a scenario and acted appropriately when the phone started to smoulder.

'As a result, the incident was quickly and effectively contained. The effective implementation of this procedure also ensured the flight crew were kept informed as the situation developed,' the report said.
Students staged a walkout yesterday in protest at a university's first ever 'consent classes' aimed at preventing rape and sexual harassment on campus.

Every first-year was expected to go to the sessions at York University, although officials said that attendance had not been compulsory.

Student union leaders said the 'gender neutral' lessons were necessary to protect freshers' 'wellbeing, physically and mentally'. The aim of the classes was to make students aware of the definition of rape and how to avoid raping someone or becoming a rape victim. But others on campus branded the ten-minute classes 'patronising'.

One consent class saw a quarter of freshers walk out in disgust and handfuls walked out of several of the others.

Campus activist Ben Froughi, 23, a third-year accounting student, stood outside some of the sessions handing out fliers and encouraging students to boycott the talks if they disagreed with them.

Every first-year student was expected to go to the 'sex consent' sessions at York University

'Consent talks are patronising,' he said. 'If students really need lessons in how to say yes or no then they should not be at university.

'There is no correct way to negotiate getting someone into bed with you. In suggesting that there is, consent talks encourage women to interpret sexual experiences that have not been preceded by a lengthy, formal and sober contractual discussion as rape.

'Consent talks propagate the backward message that all women are potential victims and all men potential rapists.'

The talks at the elite Russell Group university were led by students' union women's officers Mia Chaudhuri-Julyan and Lucy Robinson.

They claimed Mr Froughi's behaviour led to a compromising of students' safety, and told student newspaper Nouse: 'The talks were gender neutral, short and solution based. They were accessible to all and invited questions and discussion.'

It follows a nationwide initiative by the National Union of Students to 'combat rape culture' through consent classes.

In NUS guidelines, class leaders are instructed to tell freshers the legal definition of rape and sexual assault and discuss the dangers of 'victim-blaming' and 'slut shaming'.

Yesterday's walkout came after Warwick University student George Lawlor was bullied online and branded a 'rapist' and 'misogynist' by activists last year after he dared to question consent workshops.

In a blog, he argued that the overwhelming majority of people 'don't have to be taught to not be a rapist'  and that men inclined to commit the crime would be unlikely to attend such a workshop.

Student unions across the country have been criticised for their 'safe space' policies. These are aimed at helping women and minorities feel safe on campuses, but many believe they have gone too far after activists campaigned to ban a range of mainstream speakers over fears their outspoken views could cause offence.

A York University spokesman said: 'The university supports the students' union's voluntary gender-neutral sexual consent briefings for new students as an aspect of the health and personal safety induction we give at the start of the academic year. The aim is to help raise awareness and to help reduce the likelihood of harassment.
A woman whose husband killed himself and their two young sons has revealed her devastation and heartbreak caused by their deaths.

In January, Damien Little is claimed to have got a coffee from McDonald's then drove his car off a wharf in Port Lincoln, South Australia, with sons Koda, 4, and Hunter, nine months, inside after shooting them.

His wife, the boys' mother, Melissa Little, has been dealing with the ruinous grief caused by the incident that shocked the country.

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The Little family, Damien, Melissa, Koda and Hunter before the tragedy in January

Mourners at the funeral of Damien Little and his two sons, Koda, and Hunter, at Unity Hill Christian Ministries Centre in Port Lincoln in January

Koda and Hunter were four and nine months, respectively, when they were murdered

Mr Little drove his car off a wharf at Port Lincoln after shooting his sons

Mrs Little, who has set up a Facebook page for her Kokoda for Koda mission, posted about her ordeal and what had driven her to write a book for children about loss and grief

In a letter about her struggle to reassemble her life, she wrote: 'As I tried to deal with each day, as well as try to understand that no one could have helped my husband with his private and personal battles, I had to face the world again'.

Her message to The Advertiser detailed how she made the decision to cherish her good memories and take step-by-step progress.

'The tragic event that took place in January has left me broken hearted. The loss ... has left me with only precious memories to hold. No matter how I chose to deal with my grief, not a single day goes by without my boys in my thoughts,' she wrote.

'The more I tried to understand the "why" behind the tragic events, the more I realised I couldn't have changed things. So, one day at a time, I tried to find strength to rebuild my life.'

Ms Little (centre) at the funeral for her husband and sons in January

The tragedy shocked Australia and a coronial inquiry into the incident continues

Mrs Little, 30, has returned to work as an early childhood teacher, written a children's book to assist with understanding grief and loss.

She also walked the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea - after which Koda was named - in July with a group of supporters and intends to do so again next year.

In the letter, she also thanked the many people who had supported her through the horrific ordeal.

Mrs Little released an emotional statement days after the tragedy occurred, saying she hoped her husband of 12 years would be remembered as a well-respected and valued member of the family.

'Words cannot express the pain I have felt since [the incident],' the primary school teacher wrote.

The vehicle Mr Little drove into the water at Port Lincoln as it is removed from the sea

Damien Little, who was 34 when he died

'Damien was my childhood sweetheart who became my husband. He was also a father who loved his two children very much.

'Damien valued and appreciated out close-knit family, he put us first, we were his whole world. He spent every hour providing quality time and teaching the boys how to live and grow.

'Damien I loved you so much you have left a huge hole in my heart, our memories I will cherish forever. You will not be forgotten.

'My wish is for Damien to be remembered as a well-respected and valued member of our family and community.'

A coronial inquiry into the deaths of Mr Little, Hunter and Koda continues to examine issues such as domestic violence and mental health, according to Mamamia.

A young girl places flowers at a memorial for the Littles at Port Lincoln
An autistic man rescued after eight days at sea following a doomed fishing trip with his mother has denied killing his grandfather and insists he didn't harm his mom, who is missing and presumed to have drowned.

Nathan Carman, who is back on land after freighter spotted him on a life raft off the coast of Rhode Island, was previously a suspect in the murder of his grandfather, John Chakalos, in 2013.

He has denied being involved in the slaying and insists his mother Linda vanished when their boat disappeared

In an interview with on Wednesday, Carman said he did everything he could to find his mother, 54-year-old Linda Carman, of Middletown, Connecticut, as their fishing boat went down off on Saturday.

The 22-year-old claims his grief over his mother's disappearance has been made worse by the fact he is being treated as a suspect.

Nathan Carman (left) has denied being involved in the death of his grandfather, who was killed in 2013, after he was rescued following a doomed fishing trip with his mother, Linda (right)

'What happened on the boat was a terrible tragedy that I am still trying to process and that I am still trying to come to terms with,' he told the Associated Press.

'I don't know what to make of people being suspicious,' he added. 'I have enough to deal with.'

The duo set out on the doomed fishing expedition together on September 17.

A recording of the phone call Carman made it to the Coast Guard after he was rescued by a freighter on Sunday has also been released.

On the recording, he says: 'I was bringing one of the safety bags forward. The boat just dropped out from under my feet. When I saw the life raft, I did not see my mom. Have you found her?'

Nathan Carman's attorney said the fishing boat sank in a 'tragic accident'. He also made a distress call saying he heard a 'funny noise' before water rushed into the boat

After the officer tells Carman they have not found his mother, he describes getting into the life raft and says: 'I was whistling and calling and looking around, and I didn't see her.'

Carman claims he frantically looked for his mother Linda, 54, after their fishing boat sank.

He told the AP that their boat sank in a matter of minutes day after they set sail. He said he heard a 'funny noise' in the engine compartment and saw water pouring in.

He claimed he saw his mother in the cockpit, and grabbed three bags containing food, flares and life jackets. But when he looked back, his mother was no longer there.

He said he swam to the boat's life raft - about 15 to 20 feet away - then blew a whistle and called out frantically for her for hours.

'I was yelling, `Mom! Mom!'' Carman said. He added: 'I loved my mother and my mother loved me.'

On Monday, authorities searched Carman's home in Vernon, Vermont. Their search warrant indicated investigators think that Carman was handling some boat motor repairs himself and that the vessel might not have been seaworthy.

'The investigation has also revealed that Nathan had intended to go fishing further off-shore in a different location than what were his mother's intentions and understanding,' the warrant said.

Carman was a suspect in the murder of his grandfather John Chakalos (right). The Second World War paratrooper was shot dead weeks after his wife Rita (left) died of cancer in 2013

He spent a week on a life raft until he was spotted by a passing freighter and brought back to Boston by the Coast Guard, while his mother was lost at sea and likely drowned.

Carman has also said his grandfather was 'like a father' to him, after it emerged he had been investigated over the unsolved shooting death in 2013.

'He loved me very dearly,' Carman, who was rescued at sea this week, said of his grandfather, John Chakalos, when speaking to the Hartford Courant.

'I was like a son to him; he was like a father to me.'

The man's grandfather, a Second World War veteran, was shot dead at his home in Windsor, Vermont in 2013, just weeks after Carman's grandmother died of cancer.

In July 2014, Windsor police submitted an arrest warrant for Carman on a murder charge, according to the newspaper.

But a prosecutor rejected it the next day and returned it with a 'request for further information.'

Carman is seen with his grandmother shortly before she died. His grandfather's murder investigation is still active

Windsor Police are still investigating the slaying. On Interstate 91 in Vermont, there is a billboard offering a $250,000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest in his death.

Carman's attorney Hubert Santos said his client 'fully cooperated' with the Coast Guard after he was taken to Boston on Tuesday by the freighter that rescued him.

Mr Santos said: 'It was a tragic accident.'

Linda Carman's friend, Sharon Hartstein, said the mother and son regularly went on fishing trips together.

On Interstate 91 in Vermont, there is a billboard offering a $250,000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest in his death

Nathan Carman's home in Vernon, Vermont, was searched by police this week after he was brought back to shore. His mother Linda is missing, presumed dead

Nathan Carman, right, disembarks at the US Coast Guard station in Boston. He later left with his father, Clark, who had flown in from his home in California

'They went fishing - that was one of their bonding things. When he was available, she tried to make time so she could spend time with him,' she said.

Carman is understood to have grown up in Connecticut but bought a home in Vermont two years ago, not long after his grandfather's death.

He previously told police he had dinner with Chakalos at his home in Windsor the night before he was found dead in 2013.

The Courant reported that Windsor police submitted an arrest warrant for Carman to a prosecutor but it was returned unsigned with a request for more information and he was never charged in connection with his grandfather's death.

A will shows Chakalos left an estate worth more than $42million to his four adult daughters. It is not clear if his grandchildren inherited any money in his will.

Nathan Carman and his mother (pictured together) often went on fishing trips together as a way of 'bonding', said one of her close friends

Relatives of Nathan Carman said he had Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism

The pair were in this boat when it sank off the coast of Rhode Island last week

Rita Chakalos, died of cancer a few weeks before her husband was murdered.

The couple were well known philanthropists who split their time between Connecticut and Chesterfield, New Hampshire, where they had an estate known for its massive holiday lights display.

Family members have said Carman has Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism that can be characterized by social awkwardness and repetitive behavior. Experts say people with Asperger's are no more likely than others to commit violent crimes.
NSW Premier Mike Baird has become one of the country's least popular politicians after his government's greyhound racing ban and controversial lockout laws.

The latest NewsPoll published in The Australian, revealed that Mr Baird's approval rating plummeted from 61 per cent to 39 per cent, and his dissatisfaction rate had more than doubled.

Two party preferred support for his government dropped from 56 per cent to 51 per cent, while Labor had a five per cent gain to 49 per cent.

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NSW Premier Mike Baird's popularity has plunged making him one of the least popular politicians in the country

His ban on greyhound racing has contributed to his plummeting approval rating

The NSW Premier has slipped behind Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Victorias Daniel Andrews and South Australias Jay Weatherill in terms of satisfaction, the poll also revealed.

In December Mr Baird was the most popular politician in the country - however his plunging ranking can be partly attributed to his ban on greyhound racing.

Country areas of the state are particularly unsupportive of the ban, and as a result the Coalitions primary vote has dropped six points to 42 per cent since December.

NSW's controversial lockout laws also had an impact on his approval rating.
A white student wearing a gorilla mask and overalls was taken away by public safety officers at East Tennessee State University after trying to hand out noose-wrapped bananas to Black Lives Matter demonstrators on campus.

Tristan Rettke, a freshman at the school, was charged with civil rights intimidation by the Johnson City Police Department after the incident took place at Borchuck Plaza on campus, WCYB reported.

The university said Rettke has been placed on interim suspension as his actions 'go against the values' of the school 'where people come first and all are treated with dignity and respect'.

Rettke told police he went to the Black Lives Matter event 'in attempt to provoke the protesters'.

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A barefoot student wearing a gorilla mask and overalls was taken away by public safety officers at East Tennessee State University after trying to hand out noose-wrapped bananas to Black Lives Matter demonstrators on campus

Tristan Rettke (above), a freshman at the school, was charged with civil rights intimidation by the Johnson City Police Department after the incident took place at Borchuck Plaza on campus

He was recorded on video that has been shared to social media walking around barefoot and wearing overalls and a gorilla mask.

Rettke handed out bananas from a burlap sack that had a marijuana leaf and a Confederate flag printed on it.

At one point in the video, he sat on the ground to tie a noose around a few bananas before trying to hand them out to event attendees at the peaceful protest.

ETSU President Brian Noland held a press conference later in the day, addressing the incident which he watched happen in almost real time via video on a student's Facebook page, Johnson City Press reported.

'I was offended, but I was also saddened,' Noland said about his personal response to Rettke's behavior. 'The nation is not only raw, but it's healing.'

Rettke told police he went to the Black Lives Matter event 'in attempt to provoke the protesters'. He was filmed trying to give out bananas from a burlap sack

The university president praised the Black Lives Matter demonstrators for their peaceful event and for not reacting to Rettke's behavior.

'We are exceptionally proud of the students who were peacefully participating in the event and the manner in which they exercised restraint, thoughtfulness and strength in the face of inappropriate and offensive behavior,' Noland said.

Sophomore Jaelyn Grimes, who is president of the school's rugby club, attended the event and carried a sign that read, 'Black Lives Matter (is not equal to) All Lives Don't.'

The university said Rettke has been placed on interim suspension as his actions 'go against the values' of the school 'where people come first and all are treated with dignity and respect.'

Grimes said that Rettke tried to hand him one of the bananas, before being taken away by public safety officers moments later.

'Of course, it's hard to stay calm because they're doing it because they know they can get under you skin,' Grimes said.

'You've just got to have thicker skin and be the bigger person and just show that ignorance is not going to override your ability to be calm.

'Because being calm is a lot more difficult than reacting the way they want us to react, which is in a violent stereotypical black way. But we're not all like that.'




Endless politics cost him his marriage  even Princess Diana wondered why his wife wasnt with him when she and Prince Charles gave him lunch at Kensington Palace.

And some saw him as an indefatigable schemer in an endless pursuit of personal power.

Yet when Shimon Peres died yesterday, following a stroke two weeks previously, he was an Israeli hero, revered and loved, a symbol of national unity in a nation of extremes.

World leaders united in paying heartfelt tributes, with Barack Obama calling him the essence of Israel itself.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres (right) welcoming Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat at the Socialist International conference in Rome, Italy, in 1997

Theresa May described Mr Peres as a visionary and courageous statesman, who worked relentlessly for peace and never lost hope that this would one day be achievable.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow about a man of vision who worked until his final days toward reconciling with our neighbours.

While Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas expressed sorrow and sadness for the man who battled for peace until the last breath.

Peres never lost his belief that there could be peace in the Middle East, even though, despite living to be 93, he failed to see his dream of two friendly states  Israel and Palestine  living side by side.

For me, dreaming is simply being pragmatic, he would say, with typically dryness.

So as he relentlessly worked for, and signed, the 1993 Oslo peace accords that resulted in him sharing the Nobel peace prize with pugnacious Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and his own Labour government colleague Yitzhak Rabin, he was also making sure Israels defence forces were equipped for anything.

He was happy for potential aggressors to know that Israel was well equipped with nuclear weapons, explaining: If people are afraid that we have them, why not? Its a deterrent.

Shimon Peres was the last of Israels founding fathers. He has left the nations stage after a political career that spanned six decades and touched on many of the defining events in the turbulent history of the Jewish state.

He never lost his optimism, or his legendary energy that left aides exhausted, even when he was in his 90s. In particular, he liked convivial and noisy lunches over bottles of wine.

Twice prime minister before becoming the countrys president until 2014, his was a remarkable feat of longevity given the carnivorous nature of Israeli politics.

Becoming the 9th president in 2007, Peres was credited with restoring honour and decency to the office, a post held before him by Moshe Katsav, who was jailed for seven years for rape and sexual harassment. (Katsav is now in the same prison as former PM Ehud Olmert, convicted of bribery and corruption.)

Veteran Israeli statesman Shimon Peres (right) with his wife Sonya (left) as they fly together in a helicopter over northern Israel to Kibbutz Alumot, a community that they both helped to found

As a journalist who reported from Israel over many years, I sometimes struggled to understand why, paradoxically, for much of his time in the public eye, Peres was deeply unpopular among ordinary Israelis across the political divides.

This urbane, courteous and cerebral man, so widely respected abroad  he received an honorary knighthood from the Queen and was decorated by President Obama  provoked visceral hostility among some of his fellow citizens.

Many saw Peres as a shifty operator who could not be trusted to put the nations interests above personal ambition. Indeed, his track record of switching parties no fewer than five times did him no favours.

Another common gripe, however unfair, was that Peres had never seen active service in any of Israels wars. In a nation accustomed to putting its trust in leaders with battlefield credentials  such as former PM Yitzhak Rabin and the present prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu  he was exposed to sniping from the sidelines.

Having led Labour to five election defeats in less than 20 years, Peres also came in for plenty of mockery as the perennial runner-up of Israeli politics. For a proud and touchy, some would say paranoid, man, that stung  and on one memorable occasion when he was running for a party position he decided to tackle the electability issue head-on. So am I a loser? he asked delegates rhetorically. Yes! came the humiliating chorused response.

The Peres back story closely resembles that of other Jews from Eastern Europe who escaped the Holocaust to reach what was then British-administered Palestine.

Born in Poland in 1923, he grew up in a middle-class family that owned a timber business  and the late Hollywood star Lauren Bacall was a distant relative through her own Polish antecedents.

Peres was strongly religious as a child, once smashing the family radio his parents were sacrilegiously listening to on the Sabbath. However, decades later, ever the pragmatic president, he would speak out against extremism among the countrys influential ultra-Orthodox community.

Peress father brought the family to Tel Aviv in 1934. After the Nazi invasion of Poland, other family members who stayed behind were rounded up and burned alive in a synagogue. (That event would never be far from his mind. A few years ago, in a speech marking Israels Remembrance Day, he declared that the Holocaust must never be allowed to sink in to the annals of history: It is always with us, burning, real.)

After a stint at agricultural college, he became actively involved in Left-wing politics and, aged 29, was fast-tracked by David Ben-Gurion, Israels first prime minister, into the Defence Ministry where he established lasting links with the military and security apparatus.

In those early years, Peres was regarded as an unrepentant hawk when it came to dealings with the Palestinians, earning the nickname Mr Security for his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state.

He was also a forceful advocate of implanting Jewish settlements  the roots and eyes of Israel  on territory captured during the 1967 Six Day war (between Israel and the Arab neighbouring states of Syria, Jordan and Egypt). To this day, those settlements remain a major obstacle to peace.

As Peress political star continued to rise, he began to move to the Left  softening his hardline stance  which meant he was willing to meet Palestinian leaders.

More significantly, he pitted himself against the hawks in his own party by supporting a landmark Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty hammered out in 1979. The fury this betrayal generated on the Israeli Right carried over into the 1981 general election, during an ugly campaign in which opponents spread rumours (never substantiated) that Peress mother was an Arab.

This didnt stop him swinging even further Left and being perceived as what one observer described as a symbol of Israels willingness to compromise.

But there was to be no compromise by his wife, Sonya, whom he wed in 1945. It was common knowledge the mother of his three children  who drove a truck for the British Army during World War II  didnt like politics. That was why she was not with him on his 1986 visit as Prime Minister to Britain, missing that lunch with Charles and Diana.

When he became president, they began living apart, with Peres later admitting to a newspaper that politics broke up my marriage.

Sonya had begged him not to run for the presidency. She said to me youve done enough, there are others who can serve the country.

Maybe, I said, but I feel I cant help but do this. So we decided to go our separate ways.

He believed it was the best decision for him and for his beloved Israel. And it ensured that Shimon Peress dream of peace was not allowed to fade away.
was in the back seat and taken to Children's Westmead Hospital

Driving on Victoria Road, Rydalmere on Wednesday night at

A 44-year-old woman has ploughed through a power pole and a brick fence at allegedly double the drink driving limit with her son, 12, in the back seat of the car.

The mother and her son narrowly avoided serious injury after she lost control of her red Mazda 6 on Victoria Road, Rydalmere in Sydney's north west, at 9pm Wednesday and smashed through a power pole before colliding with a brick fence.

The child, in the back seat during the crash, was taken to Children's Westmead Hospital for a precautionary check before being released.

Woman was allegedly drink driving when losing control of the Mazda 6 on Victoria Road

The 44-year-old driver ploughed through a power pole and brick fence in Sydney's north west

The woman, 44, allegedly blew a 0.100 drink driving reading at Granville Police Station

Rosehill police attending the scene took the driver to Granville Police Station where the woman allegedly blew a 0.100 drink driving reading.

She was charged with mid range drink driving and her license was suspended.

She is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court on November 1.

The woman, 44, had her 12-year-old son in the back seat of the car during the crash

The bonnet (Pictured) was ripped off the car after crashing into a power pole and brick fence

The accident occurred on Victoria Road, Rydalmere in Sydney's north west, on Wednesday
An ambulance service has been placed in special measures after staff took so long to answer 111 calls that almost half of patients gave up before they got help.

Regulators found the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust was so dysfunctional that 44 per cent of patients calling at the weekend abandoned their calls.

The damning report by the Care Quality Commission said there was not enough staff to keep patients safe, and that a high call abandoned rate ... may reflect a high level of clinical risk for patients.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has been placed in special measures (file photo)

CQC inspectors found serious problems with how staff were allocated to ambulances, meaning inexperienced or unqualified staff could be sent to patients.

There were also problems with ambulance handover times, with long delays affecting the availability of vehicles. But the CQC said it found little sense of urgency in tackling the issue.

And it said that a recruitment crisis and high staff turnover meant there were not enough people to answer either 999 or 111 calls.

Yesterday NHS Improvement said it would place the Secamb trust as it is known, in special measures on the CQCs recommendation and would appoint an improvement director.

Secamb is the nations worst performing trust for answering 999 calls within five seconds, and is failing to achieve targets for the highest priority calls.

The trust, which provides services to Kent, Medway, Surrey and Sussex, is already mired in controversy.

Last year chief executive Paul Sutton and chairman Tony Thorne resigned following a high-risk pilot scheme in which thousands of calls were secretly downgraded.

Between December 2014 and February 2015, patients who were put through from the 111 helpline were made to wait ten minutes longer for ambulances.

Between December 2014 and February 2015, patients who were put through from the 111 helpline were made to wait ten minutes longer for ambulances (file photo)

The trust claimed they were being re-triaged to check they were seriously ill, but the CQC said lives were put at risk.

In the new reports, the CQC ranked Secambs emergency and urgent care services as inadequate, and said its emergency operations centre and 111 service require improvement.

The watchdog also said it found allegations of bullying and harassment, and that staff morale was generally low.

We heard that staff were tired and exhausted. Paramedics told us they felt burnt out, it said.

On 111, the regulator said: The number of staff available was often below those identified as being needed to manage patients calls and this often led to long delays in calls being answered and calls being abandoned by patients, placing them at risk.

The damning report by the Care Quality Commission said there was not enough staff to keep patients safe (file photo)

Other damning findings included ambulance equipment not being adequately maintained, exceptionally weak safeguarding arrangements and poor practice over infection control.

Earlier this year an investigation by the Mail disclosed how 111 call centres run by another NHS Trust were not fit for purpose, with exhausted staff asleep when they were supposed to be taking life-or-death calls.

It led to an urgent inspection by the CQC, which in June gave the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust the first ever inadequate rating for a 111 service.

Last night Secambs acting chief executive, Geraint Davies, conceded it was a challenging time for the trust and that serious concerns needed to be addressed.
injuries to her face and blurred

A young female driver suffered horrific facial injuries after two men smashed the window of her car in an unprovoked attack.

Joanna Christodoulou, 23, said she was followed by a 'black car with tinted windows' after picking up her younger brother from a party in Lysterfield, Melbourne at 2.30am on Sunday morning.

'The car was following me for about 15 minutes- but I didn't think anything of it at the time,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

Joanna Christodoulou , 23, suffered horrific facial injuries (pictured) after a man smashed the window of her car in a brazen unprovoked attack

A young female driver suffered horrific facial injuries (pictured) after two men smashed the window of her car

Joanna Christodoulou (pictured before injuries), 23, said she was followed by a 'black car with tinted windows' after picking up her younger brother from a party in Lysterfield, Melbourne

'I was looking in the rear view mirror when the car started tailgating me.

'I thought I was driving too slow so I sped up and changed lanes- but the car kept following me.'

When she stopped for a red light at the intersection of North Road and Warrigal Road Ms Christodoulou saw the car slowly pulling up alongside her.

She noticed the black car was 'very close to hers' and saw a man behind the wheel and another man in the passenger seat with 'black hair and a beard' holding a 'long black weapon' leaning out of the window.

Ms Christodoulou said she heard someone yell 'hey' before she turned to her right and her window exploded in her face.

'The passenger smashed the window and then they sped off,' she said.

The 23-year-old was left with blurred vision, a cut to her head and four abrasions in her right eye because of the shattered glass

'It disgusts me to know how low people have become,' Ms Christodoulou said (pictured before injuries)

'All I could do was sit in my car and scream.'

After locking the doors her 17-year-old brother called the police.

Paramedics arrived soon after and her brother filled out a police report. Ms Christodoulou was escorted to Monash Hospital where she spent the night.

The 23-year-old was left with blurred vision, a cut to her head and four abrasions in her right eye because of the shattered glass.

'My eyes were full of big chunks of glass,' she said.

She posted images of her injuries online 'to make sure everyone is aware of the dangers these people are capable of inflicting.'

'It disgusts me to know how low people have become,' Ms Christodoulou said.

Police are investigating the incident.
The housing market is in crisis, rocked by a lack of new properties, land shortages and exorbitant prices, but one man claims to have come up with an answer.

Australian architect Alex Symes said flat-pack homes were the way of the future, describing them as IKEA on steroids.

He said they would 'completely disrupt the housing industry in a way we've never seen before'.

Sydney architect Alex Symes (pictured) said flat-pack homes were the way of the future, describing them as IKEA on steroids

Mr Symes (pictured) from Big World Home told Daily Mail Australia the current system was 'broken'

Mr Symes from Big World Home told Daily Mail Australia the current system was 'broken'.

'Young people who are in an employment cycle, where they live and how much money they earn means they will never be able to afford a deposit,' he said.

'For young millennials there's a real broken problem here.'

With a drill, hammer and a wrench, and just $65,000, the Sydney-based architect said people could now build their very own homes.

The design, a one bedroom, 13.75 square-metre home, can be ordered online and comes on the back of a trailer which means it's also portable.

With the DIY home, Mr Symes said he wanted to change the housing 'dream' which has become more of a nightmare.

'The starting point for housing in Australia really is quite high, so let's not think about a quarter acre block as the Australian dream, let's make home ownership the Australian dream,' he said.

There are similar problems in the UK - the average deposit for a home for first-time buyers has more than doubled since 2007.

Someone getting on the property ladder in May 2016 needs to put down 33,960 typically as a deposit - compared with an average deposit size of 16,400 in 2007, Halifax found.

In London, an aspiring first-time buyer now needs to save 95,693 on average just for a deposit.

With a drill, hammer and a wrench, and just $65,000, Mr Symes said people could now build their very own homes (render pictured)

The design, a one bedroom, 13.75 square-metre home (render pictured), can be ordered online and comes on the back of a trailer which means it's also portable

Mr Symes (pictured) said the flat pack can be built by two people over a few days with simple tools

Mr Symes (pictured) putting together the first flat pack home in Sydney

Once built, the home is energy positive, which means it creates more energy than it uses

Mr Symes (pictured) said the homes would allow young people to focus on saving until they were able to move to the next rung of home ownership

THE FLAT PACK HOME The $65,000 price tag includes everything the homeowners will need, including white goods. The flat pack will have portable water tanks, gas cylinders for cooking and water heating. The entire structure is self sufficient and totally 'off-grid' with solar panels providing electricity and running water The tiny home comes completely fitted out internally with a living room, bed, running water and a plumbed bathroom. Advertisement

The flat pack can be built by two people over a few days with simple tools.

And once built, is energy positive, which means it creates more energy than it uses.

By getting off the grid and living within the confines of a flat-pack turned home, Mr Symes said young people could focus on saving until they were able to move to the next rung of home ownership.

'It's a transitional housing product that offers a solution to people currently unable to get into home ownership,' he said.

Mr Symes said he realised just how broken the system was in the process of buying his own first home.

'Back in 2007 when Kevin Rudd was giving out deposits, I didn't have a single cent to my name,' he said.

The $65,000 price tag includes everything the homeowners will need, including white goods

The flat pack will have portable water tanks, gas cylinders for cooking and water heating

'So I took the first home owners grant and cobbled a deposit together and bought the cheapest house on Domain.

'But when I got into the market it created a lot of difficulties.

'For starters, I was over two hours away from Sydney.'

Mr Symes said the construction of houses hadn't evolved much in the last 100 years, but with new technologies it now could, and flat packing was the future.

He and his team are in the midst of assembling the first Big World Home today, and say it's just the beginning.

He said he was now hunting around for land in the Sydney area to set up the first 'community' of flat pack homes.
Fist raised: A Corbynista pictured yesterday

Cockier, dottier, high on vanity, Jeremy Corbyn yesterday gave socialism's addicts the mainline hit they craved. They rewarded him with clenched fists, yells of triumph and (in a few cases) moist-eyed ecstasy. Massed munchkins at a Pyongyang rally.

Labour leader Corbyn, even at the start of his hour-long oration, was a more confident and relaxed performer than he had been last year. He is sometimes put forward as a model of modesty but yesterday there was a distinct tang of larky self-fancy about this man.

He may not be a drinker but yesterday he spoke with the bluster of a bloke who had just necked a couple of jolting gins. If he was on a vanity kick, it was perhaps only human. Which of us, faced with a hall filled with shrieking fans, some in T-shirts adoringly emblazoned with our name and face, could fail to succumb to at least a smidgen of conceit? Even an Archbishop of Canterbury might feel a bit sexy at such a time.

'Comrades, unite behind your socialist leader,' instructed the warm-up speaker, one Sheila Coleman. And the bruising majority of them duly complied.

The moment Mr Corbyn walked on stage, he was greeted by a high-clapping, mad, loopy-doop ovation which lasted a couple of minutes. They slapped their hands like sea lions demanding sprats. Given the age of many of the faithful, it was a surprise they did not pull muscles and slip discs as they leapt to their feet, arching their backs, throwing back their shoulders.

The Corbyn of a year ago would have looked embarrassed. But yesterday he revelled in it, roasting in their juices. One of his front teeth emerged from his lips. It gleamed.

This was an unlyrical speech vacuum-packed in its certitude. No quarter was given to reality. When he (briefly) mentioned Scotland, it was to announce that Labour had recently won three council seats north of the border. The small matter of the party's disaster in the Scots Parliament elections went unmentioned. He said he would scrap the checks on benefits claimants to stop welfare cheats. No mention that the last Labour government introduced many of those checks.

He told the party to 'end the trench warfare and work together to take on the Tories'. He was so full of himself here, so imperious, that it came out as an angry blurt. Will it have any effect on his MPs? There was a small bank of them in the middle of the auditorium. They remained seated even when other delegates were ovating like maniacs.

Immediately after the speech ended, what should one find outside the hall but Chuka Umunna and Stephen Kinnock giving a joint interview to live TV?

Jeremy Corbyn was joined by eight women yesterday including Helen Pearce, second from left, Shelly Asquith, fourth from right, and Rhea Wolfson, third from right

The leader was introduced for his speech by a 'community activist' who pleaded for the party to get behind their 'socialist leader'

Neither is minded to be wildly helpful to the Corbyn regime.

He promised repeal of trade union laws. Ovation. He gave us a lecture in 'municipal socialism'. Rapture. He praised the MP who is going to stand for mayor of Liverpool.

The man in question stood and clapped himself. In the section on foreign policy there was a welcome for a peace treaty in Colombia, a country of great interest to Islington Lefties but rather less pressing fascination to swing voters in Middle England.

The Red Flag was sung, a small choir gathering round a pumped Corbyn. The woman next to him wore a shirt saying 'Proud to be a socialist'.

I must say, I expected more fervour in the singing but plenty of them did raise their fists to punch the air and near me an old geezer  even older than The Leader  shook his walking stick aloft. Perhaps he had been cured by a Corbyn miracle.
Tensions have boiled over between the mother of missing 16-year-old Cassie Olczak and the friend who saw her just before she vanished.

The teenager has been missing since she boarded a train at Banskia, in Sydney's south, about 7pm on Sunday evening.

Police have released CCTV footage of Ms Olczak getting off a train at Waterfall Station 40 minutes later.

As detectives combed the Royal National Park for clues, Cassie's mother, Connie, fumed at one of the teenager's friends on Facebook.

'Sadly Cassie made poor choice in friends! Let's pray doesn't cost her life !!!!' she said.

It came after the friend said she had been 'bombarded' with calls over the matter and wanted to sleep.

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Missing: Cassie Olczak, 16, was last seen on Sunday night and her family have issued desperate pleas for anyone with information to come forward

Ms Olczak was last seen on CCTV footage at Waterfall train station, about 7pm on Sunday

SES officers decked out in orange gear up for another day of searching for the missing girl

The friend who last saw her then claimed Cassie was 'not happy (where) she was'.

'Everyone could see this... 'event' was not (unexpected),' the friend said.

'But no please continue to attack me because that will surely help (you) find your daughter'.

The friend was with Cassie at Banksia about 6.30pm but caught a different train, Connie has told Daily Mail Australia.

When asked if Cassie was unhappy, she said: '(Cassie) had a disagreement with a friend before she left and the friend has told police that'.

Asked about reports she may have been upset over a boy, Connie said: 'I can't discuss that'.

In a radio interview, Ms Olczak said a 'substance' was involved in her daughter's disappearance. 'But we don't know what.'

She said Cassie had come home early from the Abu Dhabi - where she was visiting her father - on Saturday night because she missed her friends.

'Shes not super overly affectionate, I love you kissy kissy type things,' she said.

'The day before she came home she did put some very emotional emails because we laughed (and said) "oh my god look at Cassie shes actually displaying affection"'.

The 16-year-old has been missing since Sunday after spending the day with friends and boarding a train at Banksia Railway Station in Sydney's south-west

She had intended to get off the train at Hurstville but CCTV cameras captured the girl getting off the southbound train alone at Waterfall Railway Station at 7pm

Police said Cassie was caught on security cameras walking out of the train station and has not been seen since

TWO MORE GIRLS MISSING IN THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Friends Nikki Groves and Kate Bateup were reported missing on Wednesday after they took a walking track heading east from Waterfall Station Nikki Groves and Kate Bateup, 21, have been found after they were reported missing on Wednesday after heading east down a walking track from Waterfall Station into the national park at Sutherland. Ms Groves and Ms Bateup called National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers about 2pm on Wednesday and said they had got lost. The rangers then lost contact with them and rescue crews have been unable to speak with the pair again. A relative of Kate Bateup told Daily Mail Australia they had contact with the two friends about 5am on Thursday, who gave their location as 'on the edge of a cliff'. 'I think that was the best description they could give of where they were... they don't really know where they are, theyre lost,' the relative said. 'But it's a real worry because one of them urgently needs (diabetes) medication.' Advertisement

Cassie was supposed to be travelling to Hurstville but security camera footage captured her getting off about Waterfall railway station - about 25 kilometres away.

Police believe she may have been groggy and disoriented.

Her mother told a press conference: 'She's beautiful, she's five foot 10, she's a stunner. She had a modelling contract.

'I believe she is disorientated and jetlagged from a long flight home the night before.

'I also think she may be scared. She's not a super social person, she'll stick to herself.

'If she hears this, your friends and family are desperate for you to come home. Please come home.

'If anyone knows anything you are not in trouble. We just need information.'

Connie said her daughter had gone a long time without food or water and had no access to bank accounts.

'I need her home, my gut tells me she is alive,' she said.

Cassie had just finished school and is due to begin a TAFE hairdressing course next week.

She went to visit friends on Sunday but they sent her home when they noticed she was disorientated.

Mrs Olczak is urging those friends to give more relevant information to police.

In a statement, police said they had conducted 'extensive' inquiries to find Cassie, but had not been successful.

Cassie is about 175cm tall and of a thin build, has long, dark hair and a tan complexion, was last seen wearing grey Adidas tights, a black zip-up Miley Cyrus hoodie, Adidas Superstar sneakers with gold stripes and a Nike hip bag.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.

Cassie's mother Connie has made a public plea for people to help find her daughter

Police searching for the young women on Wednesday before they halted the search

They had to stop as it was too dark to continue their search, but returned on Thursday

Her mother Connie Olczak said Cassie (left, right on a missing poster) may have been given a substance before she went missing
Patients who regularly take Ibuprofen (pictured) and other painkillers are up to 20 per cent more likely to develop heart failure

Ibuprofen and other painkillers may trigger a heart condition which affects almost a million Britons, a major study has shown.

Patients who regularly take the pills are up to 20 per cent more likely to develop heart failure.

Long-term use of the medication causes chemical reactions in the body which place extra strain on the heart, research suggests.

This can lead to heart failure in patients who have a history of previous heart attacks or high blood pressure. An estimated 900,000 adults in Britain have heart failure which occurs when the muscle becomes too weak to pump blood around the body.

It causes extreme tiredness, breathlessness and swelling of the legs and is a long-term condition that cant be cured.

The study published in the journal BMJ Open involved ten million patients from the UK, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany.

Those prescribed painkillers known as Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)  which includes ibuprofen  were 20 per cent more likely on average to be admitted to hospital with heart failure. The findings showed ibuprofen increased the risk of heart failure by 18 per cent if taken regularly.

Diclofenac, used for arthritis, raised the likelihood by 19 per cent and Ketorolac, a less common drug, increased it by 83 per cent.

And for those who took NSAIDs daily for a year or more the risk almost doubled compared to if they were not taking them at all.

Lead author Dr Giovanni Corrao, from the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy said these types of painkillers were being inappropriately overused.

The pills are commonly taken by the elderly for long-term conditions such as arthritis and other muscular pain. But these are the patients who are also at the highest risk of heart failure, and may have previously suffered heart attacks.

Research suggests that long-term use of the medication causes chemical reactions in the body which place extra strain on the heart

Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, said: Since heart and joint problems often coexist, particularly in the elderly, this study serves as a reminder to doctors to consider carefully how they prescribe NSAIDs. And to patients, that they should only take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

They should discuss their treatment with their GP if they have any concerns. It has been known for some years now that such drugs need to be used with caution in patients with, or at high risk of, heart disease.

This applies mostly to those who take them on a daily basis rather than only occasionally.

Dr Tim Chico, an expert in cardiovascular medicine at the University of Sheffield, also said the risk was low for patients who only took NSAIDs occasionally and had no previous risk of heart attacks. In July the American Heart Association urged doctors to check patients were not taking ibuprofen or similar painkillers for long periods of time over concerns of their links to heart failure.

The organisation is one of the largest and most influential in the world and their recommendations have been closely heeded by doctors in the UK.

Helen Williams, consultant pharmacist for cardiovascular disease at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said the most commonly used drugs posed the lowest risk.
The case is of huge importance to parents and the wider community, but Mr Justice Stuart-Smith banned media from naming the school, which is known only as School X

A judge has provoked a backlash after refusing to name a strict Islamic school which is trying to quash a highly critical Ofsted report.

The school is mounting a challenge in the High Court after inspectors rated it 'inadequate' and said its gender segregation policy made girls feel inferior.

The case is of huge importance to parents and the wider community, but Mr Justice Stuart-Smith banned media from naming the school, which is known only as School X.

He said identification would be likely 'to generate a media storm and tensions and fears for parents and the local community'.

The ban will remain in place until the official judgment is published  and if the court finds in the school's favour the order could be imposed indefinitely.

It is just the latest in a series of seemingly arbitrary judgments designed to prevent communities from discovering details about cases that are clearly in the public interest.

Yesterday, critics said the ban was inappropriate for an institution funded by the taxpayer and undermined the principle of open justice.

Labour MP Khalid Mahmood said: 'I'm alarmed about the secrecy in this case. If you are sending your child to a school, you as a parent have a right to know what is going on. These steps might be taken if it's a matter of national security or there is a risk to an individual's life, but this does not apply here. The school has a right to challenge Ofsted and that is what open justice is all about.

'However, parents will want to know where they are getting the money to do that and what effect that will have on the school if they lose that money.'

Labour MP Khalid Mahmood said: 'I'm alarmed about the secrecy in this case. If you are sending your child to a school, you as a parent have a right to know what is going on'

Former Lib Dem MP John Hemming, who has campaigned on free speech, added: 'I'm not a fan of secret justice.

'People have a right to challenge the decisions of regulators but that should happen in open court. The justice system needs transparency. It's important that people understand what's being done with public money.'

Ofsted requires schools to demonstrate they are teaching pupils 'fundamental British values'. The guidelines were brought in after the Trojan Horse scandal in Birmingham, which saw hardliners infiltrate state schools and impose an Islamic agenda.

It prompted fears that children who are not well integrated could be vulnerable to radicalisation.

Supporters of strict Islamic schools say families are in favour of segregating the sexes and practising religious traditions.

But in a court hearing earlier this week, an Ofsted inspector told the court that the school's own pupils had criticised its gender segregation policy. He said they felt it 'was having a negative effect on being prepared for life in modern Britain'. The Islamic voluntary-aided School X is for ages four to 16 and separates boys and girls from age ten, for all lessons, lunchtimes, clubs and trips.

The school's interim board is applying for a judicial review to have the Ofsted report quashed.

But Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw is urging the court to reject the legal challenge. Helen Mountfield QC, for the watchdog, said the case involved unlawful sex discrimination.

She told judge Mr Justice Jay he had to decide whether school leaders were failing to protect the rights of pupils 'to equal opportunities to learn and develop'. The judgment 'will have ramifications for all schools', she said.

Peter Oldham QC, for the board, argued that Ofsted had wrongly 'singled out' School X.
Ministers were blasted last night over a faltering crackdown on illegal foreign workers after it emerged the number of arrests has slumped.

Despite repeated promises from the Home Office to tackle the problem of foreigners unlawfully employed in the UK, the number seized in 2015-16 had plummeted dramatically.

New figures revealed the number arrested in swoops on building sites, care homes and cleaning contractors had almost halved in just two years - undermining the Governments tough rhetoric.

Ministers have heralded a wave of raids that employ non-EU citizens who do not have permission to be in Britain.

Migrants run away from tear gas during clashes with riot police trying to prevent them from getting into trucks heading to Great Britain on September 21 in Calais

In 2013-14, some 8,143 illegal immigrants were found to be working illegally in the UK.

But in the last financial year this had dropped to 4,814  a decline of 41 per cent.

These figures are despite there being an estimated 1.1million illegal immigrants living in the UK.

Statistics uncovered by Freedom of Information requests also showed a sharp decline in the number and proportion of illegal workers sent back home.

During 2013-14, the Home Office deported 3,400 unlawful workers  around 42 per cent of those arrested.

But by 2015-16 the share had fallen to 27 per cent  just 1,295 of those caught.

Alp Mehmet, vice-chairman of the MigrationWatch think-tank, which campaigns for tighter borders, said: These figures simply show that the response to illegal immigration has fallen woefully short.

While the governments latest legislation has led to welcome new measures to tackle the problem, it will be just as important for those enforcing the immigration rules to have the resources they need to do the job.

Ministers have promised to get tough on illegal workers as the Government desperately battles to get a grip of the immigration crisis by sending a message to asylum seekers flooding into Calais that the UKs streets were not paved with gold.

Calais is under pressure from more than 9,000 immigrants.

They are determined to reach the UK, attracted by work, free health care and generous benefits.

Ministers have already unveiled plans to tackle immigration from outside the EU by introducing a new offence of illegal working and powers to force banks to check accounts against illegal migrant databases.

In an Immigration Act introduce earlier this year, the Government will also propose laws to dock the wages of illegal migrants and extend the deport first, appeal later regime to those living in Britain without permission.

The Act also makes illegal working a criminal offence in its own right, and allows wages from illegal working to be seized as the proceeds of crime.

Riot police disperse migrants who were trying to get into trucks heading to Great Britain, on September 21, 2016 in Calais

Employers also face civil penalties of up to 20,000 per illegal worker, unless the business can demonstrate that appropriate checks were carried out.

In July, the Mail revealed how the number of illegal immigrants caught sneaking into Britain hidden in trucks, cars and trains had almost trebled in a year.

Soaring cases of so-called lorry drops were an indictment of the authorities failure to stop stowaways exploiting the UKs porous borders.

The scale of the crisis was highlighted in a report by watchdog David Bolt, who investigated instances of lorry drops.

This is where migrants entered the UK concealed in lorries or trains and then jumped off at the first stopping-off point.

It did not include those who were caught at the border.

Between April and September last year, 6,429 illegal immigrants were found by the police or immigration officials, compared with 2,411 in the same period in 2014 - a rise of 166 per cent.

The Home Office said: Illegal working cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and means legitimate job seekers are denied employment opportunities.

That is why we have legislated to make it harder than ever to work here illegally and introduced measures which allow us to remove people with no right to be here more quickly.

We carry out regular operations to tackle abuse of the system and are determined to take action against employers who flout the law by using illegal labour.
Police are on the hunt for an unidentified man who allegedly took photos of a young boy, 11, in a shopping plaza toilet.

The 11-year-old boy was with his mother shopping at a Bateman's Bay shopping centre on Perry street on the south coast of NSW, Wednesday, just after midday when the young boy went to the toilet.

Police report a man approached the young boy in the toilet and allegedly started taking photos.

The young boy, 11 went to the toilet in the shopping centre and a man allegedly started taking photos (Stock Image)

The boy was physically unharmed and told his mother who alerted police.

The Far South Coast Local Police are investigating the incident and are calling on the public for any assistance.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

The 11-year-old told his mother of the man allegedly taking photos in the toilet and she reported it to local police in Bateman's Bay (Stock Image)
A woman has been accused of defecating in a pizza box and leaving it in a man's house after she stole wine and the keys to his BMW.

Anthea Lynell Ball, 25, allegedly broke into the 54-year-old's house at Kelvin Grove in Brisbane on Saturday night when he was home.

The young woman is alleged to have stolen some of the man's wine and his car keys before leaving the 'disgusting' calling card, the Courier Mail reports.

Anthea Lynell Ball, 25, allegedly broke into a man's house in Brisbane on Saturday night and defecated in a pizza box before stealing some of his wine and the key to his BMW

'She has also done the disgusting thing of defecate in the house,' police prosecutor Sgt Matt Kahler told Brisbane Magistrates Court.

'She defecates in an empty pizza box taken from the kitchen and placed in the laundry.'

When police arrived at the man's home, Ball was allegedly sitting in his BMW having smashed the windscreen with a wine bottle.

The 25-year-old faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with burglary, unlawful entry to a car and wilful damage

Ball faced court on Wednesday after being charged with burglary, unlawful entry to a car and wilful damage.

She was granted bail so she could be taken to hospital for a mental health assessment.
The parents of a man whose fiancee won the rights to have his testes removed after he died suddenly have revealed their heartache over the ordeal.

Tony Deane, 34, passed away unexpectedly in a Queensland hospital in April and his partner Leith Patteson, 42, said it would be 'the greatest honour' if she could still have his baby.

The couple got engaged a month after meeting online in September 2015, and were trying conceive after Mr Deane moved from New Zealand to Toowoomba to be with Ms Patteson.

Parents of Tony Deane (centre, mum Gaye left, dad right) are devastated a court ruled his fiancee could have his testes removed after he died so she could have his child

This week Mr Deane's mother Gaye Dean revealed she had been devastated by the Supreme Court decision to remove her son's testes, saying she and her husband 'would have liked our boy brought home in one piece', the ABC reported.

Ms Patteson successfully applied to the Supreme Court to have his sperm removed just one day after his death, and the court acted quickly as the tissue becomes unusable after 24 hours.

However Mr Deane's mother said she is unsure her son would be happy with his fiancee's decision.

'I believe that Tony would not have wanted a child brought into this world if he could not be there to raise it,' Mrs Deane said.

Mr Deane, 34, and Leith Patteson, 42, got engaged a month after meeting online in September 2015

She has also said that the family would fight any action that would see her son's sperm be used to impregnate Ms Patteson.

Earlier this year Justice Martin Burns granted the request to remove the testicles but said another application must be made before the sperm was used.

He said this would give Ms Patteson the chance to think about whether she really wanted to go through with her pregnancy.
Consumer groups are warning owners of top loader Samsung washing machines to be cautious amid concerns they could explode.

Samsung has recently warned customers in the US to only use the delicate cycle when washing heavy and bulking items in Samsung washing machines made between March 2011 and April 2016.

In the past, 92 Australian customers have reported fire incidents from Samsung washing machines to Fire and Rescue NSW.

Tom Godfrey from Choice Australia told Daily Mail Australia that consumers with the affected Samsung washing machines had their machine repaired, replaced or refunded.

'These machines are a potential threat. They can cause a fire. Choice is concerned someone is going to die as a result of one of these machines failing,' Mr Godfrey said.

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There have been 92 reported fire incidents from Samsung washing machines to Fire and Rescue NSW

In the past Choice Australia has urged people with Samsung washing machines, that have been recalled, to get the product repaired, replaced or refunded

A Samsung spokesperson said: Samsung Electronics Australia is aware of reports regarding select top loader washing machines sold in North America. The top loader washing machines sold in the North American market are not available in Australia.'

The US consumer product and safety commission said: 'the lower spin speed in the delicate cycle lessens the risk of impact injuries or property damage due to the washing machine becoming dislodged.'

The CPSC and Samsung are working together to address and solve the problems and prevent any potential accidents.

Mr Godfrey added that consumers with the affected machines can get refunds at the store the product was purchased from or to Samsung directly.

Choice Australia has said that customers with affected machines should exercise your right to remedy and get a refund from the store the product was purchased from or directly from Samsung

92 Australian customers have reported fire incidents from Samsung washing machines to Fire and Rescue NSW

Affected Samsung washing machines were built between March 2011 and April 2016

Check the model number, if you have one of these machines you need to act,' he added.

Its critical that if you do have one of the recalled Samsung washing machines, that you exercise your right to a remedy and get a refund,' Mr Godfrey said.

This is not the first time Samsung has come under fire for their exploding washing machines in the last year, with 220 fires or incidents Choice Australia claims.

In the past, NSW Fire and Rescue Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro they were concerned with the numbers of fires related to the product and: 'considering whether it will refer a request to the State Coroner to hold an inquiry into fires involving Samsung washing machines.'
Neighbours say they heard screaming the afternoon before she was found

but it is not clear when the woman died

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Neighbours said they heard screaming the afternoon before a woman was found stabbed to death in the affluent Sydney suburb of Potts Point.

Police were called to an apartment on St Neot Avenue about 6.20am on Thursday after they were contacted by the 35-year-old woman's father who was in Iran.

The father had received a phone call from his daughter's husband, 41, on Wednesday night to tell him the hairdresser was dead and asked police to check on her welfare.

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The body of a 35-year-old woman was found inside a Potts Point apartment a day after neighbours heard screams from inside

Police arrived on the scene just before 6.30am after the woman's father called officers with concerns about her welfare

Forensic investigators collected evidence from the apartment on Thursday, with neighbours claiming they heard screams the day before the gruesome discovery

The knife believed to be used as the alleged murder weapon was reported to be found in an Artarmon waste facility, 7News reports.

Her husband is accused of disposing the item is a bin on their street.

One neighbour said she heard a woman screaming about 4.40pm on Wednesday and then heard silence 20 minutes later.

'I saw no one running from the building but I heard screaming,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

The neighbour said she overheard detectives saying there was 'a lot of blood splatter'.

Another neighbour said St Neot Avenue was normally a 'quiet street'.

A neighbour said she overheard detectives saying there was 'a lot of blood splatter' at the crime scene, where coroners remove the body

The body of the woman was removed by coroners on Thursday who will prepare a report

The woman's family have yet to be notified as authorities were struggling to contact them

The unidentified woman's body was removed from the scene on St Neot Avenue which has been described as a normally 'quiet street'

Police were called by the 25-year-old woman's father after he expressed concerns about her safety

One neighbour said she heard a woman screaming about 4.40pm on Wednesday and heard silence 20 metres later. Pictured are police at the apartment building

'I walked past here so many times last night and she would have been dead. It's so sad,' she said.

A third neighbour, who lives across the road, told Daily Mail Australia the apartments were really 'dodgy' and two drug dealers committed suicide in them recently.

Superintendent Mick Fitzgerald said police had received a phone call from the woman's father from Iran.

'As a result police went to St Neot Avenue at Potts Point where they forced entry where they found a body of a female, 35 years old, who has suffered a number of wounds in a deceased state,' Supt Fitzgerald said.

'The person who was in a domestic relationship with the victim is now assisting police in their enquiries at Kings Cross Police Station.'

Supt Fitzgerald said police were not looking for any other suspects and were expected to charge him with murder.

Detectives started interviewing neighbours on Thursday morning to see if any suspicious activity had taken place on Wednesday

The body of a woman was found inside an apartment in Potts Point on Thursday morning

Forensic investigators also attended the scene after police made the gruesome discovery

He said the couple were from Iran and were working in Australia on bridging visa.

The woman's family were yet to be notified as they were struggling to contact them.

'They're not answering their phone,' Supt Fitzgerald said.

Police conducted a search of a garbage tip to locate the alleged murder weapon and were also seen rummaging through the front garden of the apartment building shortly after the woman's body was found.

'We believe we may have located that item but at this stage it is too early to tell,' Supt Fitzgerald said.

Officers made the gruesome discovery upon entering the ground-level apartment on Thursday and immediately established a crime scene.

Police started interviewing neighbours on Thursday morning to see if any suspicious activity had taken place on Wednesday afternoon.

Forensic investigators have also attended the scene to collect evidence.
Family members say the victim of an apparent road-rage shooting in Federal Way was a 33-year-old father on his way to see his wife and newborn son in a hospital.

Dennis Sloboda fled to his brother Anton's apartment Monday night and reported that he had cut someone off while driving, the Seattle Times reported.

The other driver reportedly pulled out a gun, then followed him to the apartment.

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Family members say Dennis Sloboda, the victim of an apparent road-rage shooting in Federal Way, was a 33-year-old father on his way to see his wife and newborn son in a hospital

Irina Sloboda shared this photograph on Facebook. Little Nickolas was recently born

Anton Sloboda said his brother asked him for a gun, which he did not provide, and then the pair waited inside until they figured the man had left.

Dennis Sloboda then departed for the hospital, but his wife told Anton he never made it.

Instead, police say nearby residents reported gunshots around 10.30pm and responding officers found Dennis Sloboda dead in his vehicle.

Dennis Sloboda's wife Irina Sloboda wrote on Facebook: 'Words cannot explain my heartbreak but all your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. God bless'

Police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock told the newspaper investigators believe the victim was in 'some type of road-rage incident that began in northeast Tacoma while he drove into Federal Way. The exact circumstances are still under investigation'.

Zakharry Sloboda told KOMO regarding his brother: 'He's the sweetest guy. Want to help everybody. He would help someone else before he'd help him, you know?'

Dennis Sloboda's wife Irina Sloboda wrote on Facebook Tuesday: 'Thank you everyone for your kind words.

'Words cannot explain my heartbreak but all your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. God bless.'

The couple is pictured together with their 5-year-old son Michael

A GoFundMe page says: 'Last night on the way to the hospital to visit his baby Nicolas and wife Irina he got shot by a crazy mad man.

'We are all in shock. Police are investigating and looking for guy who did it.

'In a tragic road rage and premeditated murder case, since the guy waited for almost an hour and a half until Dennis left the house.

'This family is in need of your prayers and support. Thank you so much in advance.'
He was taken to hospital and was given stitches for lacerations to his hand

Phill Shaw managed to fight off the animals from attacking twice

The dogs also crossed the road to attack a woman in Toowoomba, QLD

A man in his 50s was forced to fought off two vicious black dogs

A man in his 50s has been left in hospital after he fought off two black dogs who attacked him as well as a woman walking across the road.

Phill Shaw was standing on the corner of Taylor and Wyalls streets, in Toowoomba, Southern Queensland, at around 7pm on Wednesday when he found himself fighting to get away from the two dogs.

After managing to escape the dogs he realised the animals were crossing the road to attack a woman walking along the street.

Phill Shaw wasleft injured and in hospital after he tried to protect himself and a woman from being attacked by two dogs (pictured is Mr Shaw with his own pet dog)

I was attacked by two big black dogs, I fought them off and they went straight for a lady walking along Taylor street, Mr Shaw wrote on Facebook.

I chased them away from her. Im currently at the base hospital getting stitched up, the dogs kept going along Taylor towards Holberton Street.

They are very dangerous, they would seriously hurt a woman or child beware.

A spokesperson from the Queensland Ambulance Service told Daily Mail Australia they were called to assist an injured man at 7:03pm.

'[We assisted] a male in his 50s with lacerations to the hand and he was transported in a stable condition to Toowoomba hospital,' a spokesperson said.

Mr Shaw has since noted on Facebook that he had received stitches for the lacerations before being discharged from hospital on Wednesday night.

Toowoomba Regional Council has since attempted to find the canines.

'A TRC Animal Management Officer searched the neighbourhood last night following a call from Police, but could not locate the wandering dogs. No other report was made to Council,' Cr Joe Ramia from Toowoomba Regional Council said.
A Democratic lawmaker wore a Hillary Clinton campaign pin during a congressional oversight hearing about the FBI probe regarding the presidential candidate's private email server.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat representing Texas, raised quite a few eyebrows Wednesday when she sported the gold 'H' letter campaign pin to a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

FBI Director James Comey testified to the committee on the agency's decision not to charge Clinton.

Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (pictured above) wore a Hillary Clinton campaign pin during a congressional oversight hearing on Wednesday

The hearing on Wednesday was about the FBI's decision not to charge Clinton over her private email server. Above Jackson Lee is pictured with Clinton in 2015

Jackson Lee, who wore a red suit jacked that had a silk scarf draped over her shoulders that did not block the campaign pin, questioned Comey during the hearing.

'[Republicans] want you to prosecute, or ask the DOJ to prosecute, Secretary Clinton regardless of the facts,' she told Comey, while wearing Clinton's campaign pin.

'So they've engaged in an almost daily ritual of holding hearings, desperately trying to tear down the investigation.'

Comey, 55, also discussed the set of controversial immunity deals that were given to members of Clinton's staff.

Despite the House having guidelines that restrict certain forms of campaign-related activity, there are no apparent bans on wearing campaign pins for presidential candidates. Jackson Lee and Clinton are pictured above in 2008

Despite the House having guidelines that restrict certain forms of campaign-related activity, there are no apparent bans on wearing campaign pins for presidential candidates.

This isn't the first time Jackson Lee, 66, has been spotted wearing the pin.

She wore the gold 'H' during the vote to override President Barack Obama's veto of a bill that would allow September 11 victims' families to sue Saudi Arabia.

In addition, Clinton's vice presidential running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine, arrived on the Senate floor wearing a 'H' lapel pin.
Racial tensions have escalated in Cowra after an Aboriginal man was shot in the buttocks by police.

Dennis John 'DJ' Doolan, 32, is recovering at Orange Hospital in Central West NSW after he was shot by police shortly after noon on Wednesday.

About 50 Aboriginal relatives of Mr Doolan rushed to the scene on Wednesday and began shouting 'this is not America' and 'black lives matter' at police.

Extra officers have been deployed to the Central West NSW town from neighbouring regions as police urge locals to remain calm as the Cowra community reels in the aftermath of the incident.

'To the police, you better watch yourselves 'cause you started this war,' a local woman told 7 News.

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Mr Doolan is pictured laying on the road after he was shot on Wednesday. He is believed to have taken his red t-shirt

Dennis John 'DJ' Doolan, 32, is in a stable condition at Orange Hospital after he was shot in the buttocks on Wednesday

Mr Doolan's cousin, Joshua Simpson, said there had been tension between police and the Aboriginal population for years.

'There's been steps to break down those walls and those barriers but when things like this happen it's not doing nothing for the reconciliation in the town,' he told ABC News.

'More steps need to taken, especially when there's things like this.'

Mr Doolan was unfairly targeted, Mr Simpson said.

Justin Williams, another of Mr Doolan's cousins, had claimed the 32-year-old was not armed when he was shot and the incident was an example of 'racism at its finest'.

The 32-year-old was taken to Cowra Airport by ambulance and later choppered to Orange Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Assistant Police Commissioner Geoff McKechnie called for calm in a press conference at Dubbo on Wednesday afternoon.

Locals are pictured gathering near the scene on Wednesday after Mr Doolan was shot

A Critical Incident Team will now investigate the circumstances of the incident, including the discharge of a police firearm

'An incident has occurred, we will thoroughly investigate it, and the findings of that investigation will at some point be made public,' he said.

An item Mr Doolan apparently had in his hand

A Critical Incident Team will now investigate the circumstances of the incident, including the discharge of a police firearm.

That investigation will be subject to independent review.

Police said he had been armed at different stages of the 40-minute confrontation.

Mr Doolan had smashed a plate, run at police with a screw driver and run at police with an axe handle - without its blade - before he was shot, a witness told Daily Mail Australia.

A photograph of the scene shows Mr Doolan with his hands up as he appears to walk away from three police officers, as one points a gun in his direction.

However, this was not the moment Mr Doolan was shot.

A man, 32, has been shot in the buttocks by police in Cowra on Wednesday

Police had been called to the area for an unrelated incident when they bumped into Mr Doolan, who had a warrant out for his arrest.

When Mr Doolan saw police, he threw a plate at an officer before trying to run, a witness told Daily Mail Australia.

The plate smashed but did not injure the officer.

The witness said Mr Doolan then picked up a screw driver and ran at an officer, and said: 'I don't want to go on the inside.'

He then continued running away from police with the screw driver still in his hand, as an officer pointed his gun at him - as the photograph shows.

The officer closest to him in the photograph then used a baton in an attempt to whack the screw driver from his hand.

Mr Doolan then ran across the road and picked up an axe handle - which did not have its blade - and ran at an officer, the witness claimed to Daily Mail Australia.

'To the police, you better watch yourselves 'cause you started this war,' a local woman (pictured) said

A police car is pictured cornering off the street after the shooting

A detective then shot Mr Doolan, apparently not realising the axe didn't have its blade, the witness said.

Mr McKechnie said: 'My understanding is that on a number of occasions during this pursuit this morning with this person of interest that he armed himself a number of times.

'I understand that at one point he was armed with a screwdriver but not at the time he was shot.

'It's early days but we will be conducting a very thorough inquiry to get to the bottom of that incident.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mayor Bill West for comment.

Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre declined to comment on Thursday.
An angry farmer is fighting a vegan activist for the return of his five piglets after they were stolen from his home and given to her.

Victorian police are investigating the theft of the piglets from Sam McCarthy's farm in Cranbourne - with the unknown thief also releasing 30 other pigs, a goat, several rabbits and McCarthy's pet American bulldog called Junior, The Age reports.

The piglets - four of whom had to be raised inside his home because they needed to be bottle-fed every three hours - were taken from his farm on September 23.

The piglets were stolen from the farm of Sam McCarthy in Cranbourne, Victoria. Four of them had to be raised inside his home because they needed to be bottle-fed every three hours

But they were later anonymously given over to Pearcedale RSPCA centre before being transferred to animal refuge Edgar's Mission in the Macedon Ranges.

Edgar's Mission is a not-for-profit sanctuary for rescued farm animals that is run by vegan Pam Ahern, and last weekend an image of the missing piglets appeared on the refuge's Facebook page.

Mr McCarthy was made a ware of the Facebook post and went to get his piglets back from Ms Ahern, but claims that she refused to return them.

'She wouldn't let me in the door... I've done nothing aggressive or threatening, I just want my pigs back,' Mr McCarthy said.

RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker confirmed that all five piglets had been transferred to Edgar's Mission from the Peacedale centre for 'rehabilitation and further treatment' .

The piglets were eventually transferred to Edgar's Mission run by Pam Ahern (pictured)

'Over the weekend, the Pearcedale Animal Care Centre was contacted by a second individual who claimed ownership of the piglets and asked that they be returned. RSPCA Victoria is now making arrangements to return the piglets, once a final veterinary assessment has been completed,' Ms Walker said.

To make matters worse, not only was Mr McCarthy shocked to have his piglets taken, but after his pet dog Junior was also released by the thieves he mauled to death two rabbits and a goat belonging to him.

'There was blood throughout the whole house, my girlfriend was absolutely devastated. It was horrific,' he said.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Ms Ahern or any members of her staff at Edgar's Mission were involved in the theft of the piglets.
The woman locked up in a Balinese prison for murdering her mother and stuffing her body in a suitcase has opened up about the night of the killing and said that it was half pre-meditated.

Heather Mack was sentenced to ten years inside Indonesias notorious Kerobokan prison for the death of her mother, Chicago socialite Sheila von Wiese-Mack.

Macks then-boyfriend Tommy Schaefer bludgeoned Wiese-Mack to death with a metal fruit bowl at her suite at the Saint Regis Bali resort in August 2014.

In an interview with Crime Watch Daily, Mack opened up about the night her mother was killed and why they put her body inside the suitcase.

Heather Mack (above, with her daughter Stella) has opened up about the night of her mother's murder and said that it was half pre-meditated

Macks (right) then-boyfriend Tommy Schaefer (left) bludgeoned Wiese-Mack to death with a metal fruit bowl

He smacked her over and over and over again,' she said, referring to Schaefer who later confessed to the killing during their trial last year.

He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

I remember [Schaefer] trying to hug me and he had blood all over his shirt.

Mack, 20, claims she refused to leave her mothers body when Schaefer told her they had to run.

I want to bring her [with us]. I want to bring her in a suitcase. Im not leaving her here, she says she told Schaefer.

I was just hugging her and hugging her. I wouldn't let her go.

In an interview with Crime Watch Daily , Mack (above, in a video call) claims she and her boyfriend put her mother's body inside the suitcase because she didn't want to leave her

Mack was sentenced to ten years inside Indonesias notorious Kerobokan prison for the death of her mother, Chicago socialite Sheila von Wiese-Mack (above)

But Mack also said of the murder: I think it was half-premeditated and half not.

In my head, I never thought it [the murder] was going to happen, but in my heart sometimes I wanted it to.

In the interview conducted over the phone from the Bali prison where Mack is serving her sentence along with her baby daughter Stella, she also revealed the volatile relationship she had with her mother.

Mack says she had been close with her father, composer James Mack, and would tell him when her mother was abusive towards her.

She said this led to her parents being violent with each other and she admitted to hitting her mother too.

Mack's then-boyfriend Tommy Schaefer (above, with 18-month-old Stella), who confessed to killing Mack's mother, was sentenced to 18 years in prison

Mack, left, smoking a cigarette in prison and right, with her daughter Stella who was born behind bars

But after her fathers death in 2006, she said her relationship with her mother grew even more strained.

Mack claims she had been pregnant before Stella and her mother had called her a slut and threatened to kill the unborn child when she found out.

She claims her mother had had a similar reaction when she and Schaefer told her in Bali that they were having a baby  and had gone looking for a knife.

I told her I was pregnant and she went around the room looking for a knife, Mack said.

She started dropping the n-word. She was telling me that this was when I was gonna die. I said, Tommy help me and he just smacked her over and over again.

Mack said her mother went nuts when she and Schaefer told her they were having a baby. Their daughter Stella (above, with Mack) lives in prison with her mother

Schaefer had flown to Bali  with his $12,000 plane ticket paid for with Wiese-Macks credit card  because Mack was feeling suicidal, she said.

When Macks mother realized what had happened, she went nuts, according to Mack.

When Schaefer hit her mother, Mack claims she hid in the bathroom.

After her mother died, she said Schaefer  his green shirt stained red from her mothers blood  hugged her.

I remember thinking, 'Why is he hugging me with my mother's blood all over his shirt?'

At that moment I turned to ice and I didn't melt for six months.
A new species of fly has been discovered with a 'double

A new species of crane fly has been discovered with a 'double barrelled penis' in the Snowy Mountains.

Discovered by Gunther Theischinger in Kosciuszko National Park, the environmental scientist said the species was discovered by complete accident.

Complete with a forked penis and 'tiny wings', Professor Theischinger said the fly was unlike any other he'd seen in his 50 years in the job.

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A new species of crane fly has been discovered with a 'double barrelled penis' (pictured) in the Snowy Mountains

Discovered by Gunther Theischinger (pictured) in Kosciuszko National Park, the environmental scientist said the species was discovered by complete accident

For starters, he said the fly was unable to fly because 'it has hardly any wings'.

But he believed the fly's double barrelled penis 'compensated' for the fact it was unable to fly.

'The advantage could be that the top hook gives it a stronger hold when copulating,' he said.

Discovered in Alpine Creek in 2015, researchers only just determined it was a new species.

Professor Theischinger said he first thought the fly was a spider due to its long legs and almost non-existent wings.

'The wings are highly unusual, measuring only 1/10th of its body length making them nearly impossible to see without a microscope,' he said.

His 731st insect discovery, Professor Theischinger fondly named the critter 'Minipteryx Robuste'.

'Minipteryx' because it has tiny wings, and 'Robuste' because it's very robust,' he said.

Professor Theischinger (pictured) believed the fly's double barrelled penis 'compensated' for the fact it was unable to fly

'The advantage could be that the top hook gives it a stronger hold when copulating,' the professor said

'The wings are highly unusual, measuring only 1/10th of its body length making them nearly impossible to see without a microscope' the taxonomist said

Professor Theischinger said he first thought the fly was a spider due to its long legs and almost non-existent wings

UNUSUAL ANIMAL PENISES The Minipteryx Robuste, about 1.5cm in size, is the only fly in the world to be discovered with a forked penis (so far) but is not the only animal to boast extraordinary genitalia. The opossum also has a forked penis because the female opossum has a bifurcated vagina. The echidna does not have a forked penis, instead a branching penis, branching into four separate heads. A range of well-known marsupials also have multi-barrelled penises including Tasmanian devils, quolls, bilbies, bandicoots, koalas, wombats, wallabies, potoroos, numbats and glibers. Advertisement

He said it was unusual for flies to be caught in the water, and it survived for a long time, despite the odds.

'When we returned to the lab in Jindabyne it was still alive in the net with all the sand and gravel,' he said.

While dubbed robust, the New South Wales based professor said the fly was not immune to everything, claiming it would be at the mercy of climate change.

'If the climate gets a lot warmer it might have to move higher,' he said.

'And if the climate gets warmer and warmer it might not be able to move any higher.

'Or it might not be able to move because it hasn't got any wings.'

The insect taxonomist is now on the hunt to find a female Minipteryx Robusta.

Professor Theischinger named the critter 'Minipteryx Robuste'. 'Minipteryx' because it has tiny wings, and 'Robuste' because it's very robust'
Police were pelted with rocks and bottles and one officer was bitten by a dog as they attempted to break up an out-of-control party in Perth.

More than 120 teens, some as young as 13, caused chaos on Tuesday night after being thrown out of a girl's house party that was advertised on Facebook.

Disturbing footage of the aftermath shows dozens of youths brawling in the street at a nearby train station with several injured revelers seen lying on the ground.

Police were pelted with bottles and bricks and one officer was bitten by a dog while trying to break up an out-of-control party in Perth on Tuesday night

One officer was bitten on the leg by a Staffordshire cross-breed while inside the house and speaking with the community tenant who lives there, police told Dailymail.com.

The officer was later taken to hospital and treated for their injuries, though these were only minor, according to 9 News Perth.

A police van also received minor damage after a brick was thrown at it by one of the party-goers, officers said.

The housing tenant, a 34-year-old mother-of-three, has since been charged over the gathering and is due to appear before a magistrate at an unspecified later date.

Police were first called at around 7.15pm to reports of a disturbance, and moved in around 10pm after the gathering got out of hand.

Officers said they found a large amount of alcohol inside the property after the youths had been dispersed.

More than 120 teenagers, some as young as 13, attended the party and some began brawling in the street afterward, with wounded youngsters seen lying on the ground

Officers said that a teenage girl had advertised the gathering on Facebook, and that her 34-year-old mother has now been charged over the disturbance

One elderly neighbor, who spoke anonymously to WA Today, said she hid inside her house with her husband and their grandchild as the youths ran amok outside.

She said: 'There was about 20 on our front lawn, so I wouldn't let my husband who is 73 go out there.

'We were terrified. They were screaming and swearing. They were just hooligans. I could see about 50 of them running up the street screaming.'

Residents told 9 News that they have complained about the woman before, but nothing has been done.

The woman has already received a formal warning following a physical altercation with another resident last year, it is reported.
One is currently enjoying a balmy 24C, and the other has been ravaged by the worst storm in half a century.

But for one CNN weatherman, the difference between South Africa and South Australia was not clear last night as he made an embarrassing slip of the tongue live on air.

American forecaster Tom Sater was describing the powerful storm that has swept across South Australia when he confused the state for the African nation.

American weatherman Tom Sater accidentally referred to South Australia as South Africa

Pointing at a graphic showing Australia, the forecaster said: 'We're talking about the entire state of South Africa. 1.67million people without power.'

As Sater spoke, the image zoomed in on the state of South Australia, which was named twice on the screen.

Meanwhile, in Johannesburg yesterday - more than 10,000km away - it was a balmy summer's day, with not a drop of rain and 24C temperatures.

The weatherman did not appear to have realised his cringeworthy error at the time, but later acknowledged his mistake by 'liking' a tweet pointing out his blunder.

The entire state of South Australia had its power knocked out yesterday as the worst storm in 50 years swept in.

The ferocious 140km/h winds, rain and hail pummeled towns and cities across the state, causing chaos as at least 22 transmission towers were ripped from the ground.

Destructive winds ripped through parts of South Australia on Wednesday bringing down the entire power network with about 80,000 lightning strikes

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of more wild weather to hit the state as floodwater surges down the River Torrens

South Australia was thrust into darkness after power was lost across the city (pictured a severe thunderstorm in the state)

Airports were plunged into darkness, traffic lights went out and homes were illuminated by just candlelight last night after the storm wreaked havoc.

The storm will batter South Australia once again today as the intense low pressure system moves across the state.

The super cell thunderstorm is then predicted to hit Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania too.

Adelaide Metro trains will resume service from Thursday morning and most schools across the state will be open.

Travellers who were planning to fly from Adelaide Airport on Wednesday were left stranded after the wild weather caused major delays on the tarmac. But power has been restored to the airport.

Weather warnings has also been issued in New South Wales and Tasmania as a 'vigorous' cold front, or 'cyclone', moved east across the country's south on Wednesday.
Samsung customers have filed legal papers against the firm after their washing machines exploded.

The legal warning adds pressure to company bosses already reeling from a global recall of its Note 7 smartphone.

Talks are being conducted between the South Korean technology giant and a US safety watchdog over the problem.

Certain top-load washing machines made between March 2011 and April 2016 were affected by the defect which cause explosions.

Samsung customers have filed legal papers against the firm after their washing machines exploded (pictured)

Mother Melissa Thaxton, from Paulding County, Georgia, said the sound her washing machine made was 'like a bomb going off'. Her four-year-old son was near the washing machine when the explosion was heard.

'She said: 'I just remember covering my head and leaning over towards my son...and just screaming this scream that I didn't even know I could scream.

Her lawyer said Thaxton would be sue Samsung after a support rod became unfastened during the spin cycle.

Melissa Thaxton, from Georgia, said the sound her washing machine made was 'like a bomb going off' in her home

The remains of Melissa Thaxton's top loading washing machine which she said suffered a defect

Customers in Texas and Indiana have all said their washing machines have exploded.

On Samsung's website, the company said: 'In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items.'

The company said consumers with affected models should use the lower speed delicate cycle when washing those materials.

Samsung did not name the models but asked customers to go to their website for more information.

A company spokesman said models sold outside North America are not affected by the issue.

Samsung is also facing a lawsuit from other US customers who said their machines 'explode during normal use'.

Earlier this month the world's top smartphone maker, announced a global recall of at least 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

There are concerns over the safety of Samsung Galaxy Note phones

Approximately 500,000 potentially dangerous Samsung Galaxy Note 7 handsets have now been replaced with non-exploding versions in the US

Samsung customers have filed legal papers against the firm after their washing machines exploded (stock image)

The recall comes at a crucial moment in Samsung's mobile business when Apple has launched its new iPhone.

Samsung said there had been 35 incidents of Note 7s catching fire or exploding. There have been no reports of injuries related to the problem.
A second beauty pageant queen has come forward claiming Donald Trump also shamed her over her weight by telling her to 'suck her gut in' during the Miss Universe pageant.

Australia's Jodie Seal competed in the Miss Universe pageant with Alicia Machado, and now she is backing up her former competitor's claims about Trump.

In an interview with Inside Edition, Seal claims the Republican presidential candidate mocked women about their bodies regularly who were participating in the pageant the year he took over the competition, as she called him a 'Mussolini-' grade tyrant.

Seal claims that Trump even directly targeted her, by also shaming her for her weight.

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New claims: Australia's Jodie Seal (left) competed in the Miss Universe pageant with Alicia Machado (right), and now she is backing up her former competitor's claims about Trump

Tyrant? In an interview with Inside Edition, Seal (above) claims Trump mocked women about their bodies regularly who were participating in the pageant, as she called him a 'Mussolini-' grade tyrant

Harsh?: Seal said Trump (pictured above on Wednesday) called some 'girls some pretty horrible names' during the pageant contest in 1996

'He was calling some girls some pretty horrible names,' she said.

'But he said to me, myself, 'suck your gut in.' He was always wanting us to be sexy, wear swimsuits out.'

Seal described Trump as 'very brash,' 'very sexist,' 'not at all nurturing' and said he was 'very scathing.'

'He'd walk by while we were eating. He put a lot of the girls down. It was supposed to be the time of our lives,' she said. 'He would make us exercise every day.'

In the interview that aired on Wednesday night on Inside Edition, Seal defended Machado.

'She weighed less than I did, during the pageant, after the pageant. There's no way she was big,' Seal said.

Sexist?: Seal (above) described Trump as 'very brash,' 'very sexist,' 'not at all nurturing' and said he was 'very scathing.'

'I really feel for her. She was meant to be the most beautiful woman in the world  Miss Universe - and she was treated with no respect.'

However, Miss Sweden 2014, Camilla Hansson, told Inside Edition that she had a better experience with Trump and described him as the 'perfect gentleman'.

Trump has yet to comment about Seal's claims against him, which came to light after Machado came forward with her allegations against Trump.

After Machado put on weight as Miss Universe, Trump, who was the new pageant owner, invited reporters to watch her work out  encouraging her to stay the course and avoid losing her title.

Machado said this week that the process was insulting and claimed Trump called her 'Miss Piggy'.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump went after Machado while appearing on Fox News before a campaign rally in Wisconsin.

The billionaire brought up an incident where the former Miss Universe allegedly threatened to kill a Venezuelan judge.

Trump was asked about Machado repeatedly during an appearance with host Bill O'Reilly, just two days after he referenced her weight gain after Hillary Clinton brought up the fat shaming during a presidential debate.

Trump immediately mentioned damaging reports, but at first said he didn't want to say anything negative.

'A lot of things are coming out about her. I'm not gonna say anything. I couldn't care less,' Trump said.

'I really just don't know her,' he added.

But pressed by O'Reilly, Trump brought up potentially damaging information in Machado's background.

'MISS PIGGY': Machado said this week that the process was insulting and claimed Trump called her 'Miss Piggy'. They are pictured together above in 1996

'Now a lot of things are coming out that I wasn't aware of, like they say that she threatened the life of a judge and got involved in all sorts of problems,' Trump said. He referenced other unexplained reports that he said came out just 20 minutes before the live televised interview.

'If that turns out to be true, a lot of the things that are turning out to be, perhaps, true, I think it's going to make Hillary look extremely bad,' Trump said.

Clinton used Machado's experience as one of the most effective hits of the presidential debate.
The pair were struck with unrelated acute medical conditions

A female passenger and a staff member were airlifted off the Pacific Jewel

A male passenger with a head injury on the Pacific Pearl was airlifted

Two airborne medical transfers were needed on two separate P&O cruises

Three people were evacuated from two separate P&O cruises via helicopter for medical attention.

A P&O Cruises spokesman confirmed that separate helicopter medical evacuations were conducted from Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel off south east Queensland.

During the first incident, Rescue 500, the Queensland Government Air Rescue Helicopter went to the aid of a male passenger with a head injury on the Pacific Pearl.

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Three people on two separate P&0 cruise ships had to be evacuated for medical attention

The patient was airlifted in a stretcher as the vessel continued travelling at around 15 knots towards Sydney on Wednesday.

'On occasions it is deemed medically necessary for patients to be transferred to a shoreside hospital for further care,' a P&O spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'The first from Pacific Pearl yesterday involved a male guest who sustained a head injury in an onboard accident.'

A second airborne operation was deemed necessary on Thursday after a female passenger and a staff member were struck with illnesses.

'It is an unusual coincidence that airborne medical transfers were needed on consecutive days in the same area.

'The transfers today involved a female guest and a crew member with unrelated acute medical conditions requiring shoreside health facilities.'

A male passenger was evacuated after he suffered a head injury in an onboard accident
A teenager sexually abused by her father for more than three years has forgiven him for his crimes, and even wants him at her wedding.

In a victim impact statement read out at Victoria County Court in Melbourne the teenager also went as far as saying that she planned to visit him in prison, The Age reports.

On Thursday a County Court judge described the victim impact statement, which had been previously read by the teen to court, as a 'unique document'.

In a victim impact statement read out at Victoria County Court (pictured) in Melbourne the teenager forgave her father (stock image)

He said that he also took the teen's victim statement into consideration before sentencing her father before jailing the man - who cannot be named so as not to identify the daughter - for five years.

'Forgiveness is an all-too-rare commodity in the society we live in,' the judge said.

'Not only has your daughter forgiven you, but she has expressed a desire to visit you in custody and details that if she ever gets married you will be able to attend her wedding.'

The teenager's 54-year-old father pleaded guilty to incest and indecent assault. He abused the girl between 2008 and 2012, when she was aged between 10 and 13.

The teenager's 54-year-old father pleaded guilty to incest and indecent assault (stock image)

In court on Thursday the judge described the daughter as articulate and confident.

He believed that her statement clearly showed how she was dealing with the abuse and that her father had shown remorse and understood the terrible effect his crimes had on his daughter.

'You were in a position of trust and control. Your offending was prolonged and your daughter was vulnerable to you,' the judge told the man.

He will now serve two years and 10 months of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
The infamous teenage thief known as 'the Barefoot Bandit' who led police on a boat chase in the Bahamas after crashing a stolen plane has been set free on work release in Seattle.

Colton Harris-Moore, 25, was sentenced to six years is prison in 2012, but has now been transferred to a minimum-security facility just four years into his sentence.

The 25-year-old, who has been compared to Leonardo DiCaprio's character in Catch Me If You Can, will answer phones and do other clerical work for his defense lawyer, John Henry Browne, the Seattle Times reports.

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The infamous teenage thief known as 'the Barefoot Bandit' (right) who led police on a boat chase in the Bahamas after crashing a stolen plane has been set free on work release in Seattle

Colton Harris-Moore (left and right), 25, was sentenced to six years is prison in 2012, but has now been transferred to a minimum-security facility just four years into his sentence

A spokesman for the Department of Corrections confirmed to the newspaper Harris-Moore had been put into work release, but added that he is still 'considered to be in custody and will have limited freedom to be allowed to go to work'.

The recently-released robber gained global notoriety after carrying out a string of crimes over a two-year period, and then leading police on an international man-hunt.

Harris-Moore committed most of his crimes near his home in Camano Island, Washington, but he was also a suspect in Oregon, Idaho, South Dakota, Indiana, Canada, and the Bahamas.

The 'Barefoot Bandit' was caught in the Bahamas in 2010 after he crashed a stolen plane and then tried to flee in a stolen boat.

Harris-Moore (left) will answer phones and do other clerical work for his defense lawyer, John Henry Browne (right)

Harris-Moore had been put into work release in Seattle at the building pictured above

Part of the reason he became famous was that he would taunt police officers at the scene crimes.

Harris-Moore would leave sketched outlines of his bare footprint at the location of some of his robberies.
Rhino horn is trafficked to Asia-some think it can cure some ailments

The Black Mambas is an all female foot patrol group who protect

The two rhinos killed at the hands of poachers in South Africa during September are the first to be slayed for their horns in the area since the all-female 'Black Mambas' group was formed in 2013.

The two rhinos, one of which was pregnant, were shot dead and their horns hacked off by poachers on a full moon night, underlining the crisis that threatens the species.

The Black Mambas, an anti-poaching group, are made up of 36 unarmed female rangers, aged from 19 to 33, based at the Balule Game Reserve in Limpopo province on the edge of Kruger National Park.

Female members of the anti-poaching team Black Mambas conduct a routine patrol through a wildlife reserve in September 25, 2016

They have been feted worldwide as a mould-breaking experiment that has successfully helped to tackle poaching through foot patrols, intelligence gathering and community awareness work.

But the insatiable appetite for rhino horn in Vietnam and China has fuelled record killings in Africa, and the Black Mambas are struggling under growing pressure.

'It was so horrible. It feels like our fault,' Collet Ngobeni, 32, who has been with the team since they were founded, told AFP.

Protected Rhinos roam and feed in an enclosed precinct at the Kahya Ndlovu Lodge in Hoedspruit,Limpopo

'We need to be more prepared. Three rhinos (including the unborn calf) means a lot.

'There are greedy people about who don't think of the future.'

The recent deaths in Balule were in a remote area where rhinos rarely roam and had never been targeted by poachers before, so it was not covered by a regular patrol.

The Black Mambas-named after a venomous snake- won the UN 'Champions of the Earth' award last year, which Ngobeni travelled to New York to collect in a blaze of publicity.

And they have been singled out for praise at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) conference currently underway in Johannesburg.

The Black Mambas- named after a venomous snake- won the UN 'Champions of the Earth' award last year

But Ngobeni is frustrated by a lack of resources that she believes is holding the team back.

'All the attention has not been translated into help,' she said.

'If we step back, the poachers come again. Our vehicles are often broken down and we don't have enough equipment.

'To go forward, we need more training, more money and more people.'

Members of the Black Mambas are paid by the government, earning a take-home monthly pay of between 3,000 and 3,500 rand ($220 to $255)-a low salary even by South African standards.

After 21 days of back-to-back shifts, they get 10 days off to visit their families and children.

A debrief after a routine patrol in the Limpopo province of South Africa. They only cover the Balule Nature Reserve and the Greater Kruger National Park

When at work, they live next to their patrol base at Olifants West in a small cluster of huts that are each shared by three or four people.

The compound has no running water as the borehole has run dry, and there is no television or internet.

'Other women do want to join us, but we need more funding,' said Felicia Mogakane, 28, a mother of two sons, aged five and one-and-a-half.

'If you really want to protect the animals you must have the people to do the hard work, to check the fence every day.

'If we are not out on patrol, poachers notice that. There are difficult circumstances, but I do still love it.'

Rhino horn is trafficked to east Asia where it is deemed to be a miracle cure for everything from cancer to lack of virility -- and demand is soaring.

Black Mambas collect wire traps from a wildlife reserve in Hoedspruit. A record number of rhinos were poached last year in Africa

In 2008, less than 100 were poached, but numbers have rocketed alarmingly since as illegal trafficking networks channel rhino horn from Africa to overseas markets.

Last year, a record 1,342 rhinos were poached in Africa, according to a count before the CITES meeting, with nearly 1,200 of them killed in South Africa alone.

'The Black Mambas have brought crucial attention to the rhino crisis,' said Pitso Mojapelo, project manager at the Department of Environmental Affairs.

'We pay their salaries, and hope other donors will be able to come in to support their work further.

'They have really proven themselves and we would like to duplicate the idea elsewhere.'
A Nine News broadcast was brought to a halt on Wednesday evening after a series of glitches plagued the studio.

Presenter Peter Overton was reading a report on a murder in a care home when another report flashed up on the screen for a split second.

Overton - who remained calm and level-headed throughout the live TV disaster - apologised to viewers, only for yet more gremlins to affect the transmission.

A Nine News broadcast was brought to a halt on Wednesday after a series of glitches plagued the studio

'We're clearly having some serious technical problems tonight but bear with me please,' Overton told the hundreds of thousands of people watching across Sydney and New South Wales.

As he tried to continue, reporter Dimity Clancey appeared on screen, but she was unaware she was live and continued to fix her hair.

The feed switched back to Overton, who apologised again as the sound of what appeared to be wind filled the studio.

'OK, we do apologise for that. We are being run by a computer system and it looks like the computer system has decided to take control of the humans,' he said.

'So, will I read on? I'll take some advice from my producer. Would you like me to read to the next story?'

After a woman's voice can be heard, he continued: 'We'll go to the next story and then we will come back to that story in a few moments.'

The problems were noticed by viewers, who tweeted their frustrations at the broadcast.

As Peter Overton spoke, reporter Dimity Clancey appeared on screen, but she was unaware she was live and continued to do her hair

The problems were noticed by viewers, who tweeted their frustrations at the broadcast

Cale Leishman wrote: '@9NewsSyd being "run by a computer system" tonight according to @PeterOverton after SO MANY technical issues already, only 10 mins in.'

David Holt tweeted: '@9NewsSyd @PeterOverton @Channel9 hope you put the computers in line soon! #techfail'

Another Twitter user, called Jen, said: '@PeterOverton, always the professional even with the technical issues during tonights news. I applaude you.'

While Janet M wrote: 'Channel 9 news in Sydney has been possessed - @PeterOverton blaming computers but covering well.'
An Australian Muslim leader is under fire from one of the most senior members of his own organisation - after he confessed to wooing women with 'love poetry' in an attempt to marry a second wife.

Keysar Trad, the president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), this week spoke about his longing for another bride. He is searching for a second bride with the blessing of his wife of 30 years and mother of his nine children.

But AFIC's Treasurer has gone public with his 'disappointment' in Mr Trad, saying the longtime Islamic community spokesman is doing a 'disservice' to the Muslim community by speaking about the issue.

'We're facing some grave issues... and to go out and speak about polygamy and love poetry is just a disservice to the role of leadership,' said Ali Kadri.

Search for a second bride: Australian Federation of Islamic Councils leader Keysar Trad has this week spoken about his long-running search for a second wife

Mr Trad has his wife Hanifeh's blessing in his search for a second bride

Ali Kadri (centre), the current treasurer of AFIC, said Keysar Trad was doing a 'disservice' to the Muslim community by speaking about polygamy

Mr Kadri, who is also the spokesman for the Islamic Council of Queensland, said he had spoken to others who felt similarly.

'They are of the same opinion that unfortunately Keysar should be talking about other issues while he's chosen to speak about something which is a non-issue as far as AFIC is concerned'.

KEYSAR TRAD'S LOVE POETRY Mr Trad yesterday opened up about his courting of two different women. This is an except of some of the poetry he sent them: 'Giggles of joy are what I enjoy brought to you by a smitten boy who would rather talk to you all night than go, suited, to a dinner uptight' Advertisement

Pointing to Daily Mail Australia's story where Mr Trad opened up about his love poetry, he said he should refrain from speaking about the topic as president of AFIC.

'His story about love and talking to women about his poetry - and sending poetry to women he's not married to - I think it's just his personal life.

'It shouldn't be brought out in public as the president of AFIC. He can do whatever he wants in his personal life.

'But as a president of AFIC it's unsuitable, it does a disservice to the organisation and the Muslim community and I'd say the wider community as well.'

Keysar Trad is seen here (on left) recently with former Immigration Minister Phillip Ruddock

Mr Trad's love poetry to two women he courted while married is contained in a 2013 book, Forays of the Heart

He said Mr Trad should be speaking about issues like rising Islamophobia and social division.

He pointed to the recent Essential Research poll which showed 49 per cent of Australians now oppose Islamic immigration.

'We are basically fighting for the existence of multiculturalism in this country,' Mr Kadri said.

'I think that is much more important that talking about polygamy or second wife or his love affairs'.

He said 'a large section of the Muslim community' was disappointed Mr Trad had chosen to talk about polygamy.

However, he said Mr Trad had 'potential' if he used his authority wisely.

Responding to the claims, Mr Trad - who is currently in Malaysia on a work trip - fired back that he was responding to the issue after the media had raised it.

'I addressed the issue openly and honestly as my religion requires me to do - to be honest and to be open.

'I made it very clear Islam puts strict limitations on this issue and I was talking about personal experience.

'And I made it very clear I'm not seeking any changes to the law - I was merely addressing the issue honestly and as required by the religion'.

Loggerheads: Keysar Trad (left) fired back at Ali Kadri (right) by saying 'it would be a disservice to Islam and society not to speak honestly about an issue... which has become public interest'

He said he wasn't talking about the issue as a 'representation of the organisation' and said he was discussing the issue because it had become a matter of public interest.

'It would be a disservice to Islam and society not to speak honestly about an issue which impacts on the lives of people which has become public interest.'

Mr Trad said Mr Kadri was entitled to his opinion.

Both men - each long-time community spokesman - were appointed to their roles in the organisation this year.

Mr Trad's appointment hailed in a media release in late July.

daniel.piotrowski@mailonline.com
Flower not seen in 104 years blossomed on

An extremely rare flower not seen for over 100 years has blossomed in Queensland.

A tiny and 'very delicate' native lily called a Wurmbea biglandulosa was spotted by the team at Coolum Community Native Nursery while exploring the Peregian region on the Sunshine Coast on September 5.

The white lily has not been seen in the area since 1912, but is more common in New South Wales.

The tiny and 'very delicate' native lily called a Wurmbea biglandulosa has not been seen in the region since 1912

When Nursery Manager Fuschia Collard first saw the flower she didn't realise it was rare, but took a photo because it was 'a little bit different.'

After sending the photo to a flora expert and the Queensland Herbarium it was confirmed the find was the rare lily.

Upon returning to the area the following weekend Ms Collard found a total of six flowers.

'I was really excited,' she said.

'It's just one of the many benefits of working for a community group.'

Ms Collard described the flower as a 'beautiful, delicate and tiny white flower with pink flecks- which distinguish it from other lilies.'

She said her team will leave the flowers to grow naturally.
Lee and Wran went to Mr McNulty's apartment to steal his drugs in 2014

Harriet Wran's ex-boyfriend Michael Lee has been jailed for the murder of drug dealer Daniel McNulty.

Lee, 37, stabbed McNulty during a struggle on August 10, 2014, after he, his friend Lloyd Edward Haines and the daughter of former NSW premier Neville Wran went to the unit in Redfern, Sydney, to get drugs.

In the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, Haines was jailed for at least 11 years for the murder, a fortnight after Wran, 28, was released on parole in August after serving two years for being an accessory.

Michael Lee, ex-boyfriend of Harriet Wran, is escorted to a prison truck at King Street court after a hearing on his trial for murder

Both men pleaded guilty to killing Mr McNulty. The pair also robbed and assaulted Mr McNulty's housemate Brett Fitzgerald. Lee was sentenced to at least 13 years and six months.

Justice Ian Harrison set a maximum of 17 years and six months for Lee and 14 years and eight months for Haines, also adding time for the wounding offence.

He said the facts revealed that initially there was not even a plan to rob, but once the trio got into the unit Lee demanded money and drugs. Justice Ian Harrison found that the murder, assault and stabbing of Brett Fitzgerald was not planned.

The robbery 'escalated unexpectedly and quickly in a manner that neither offender anticipated or foresaw', the judge said.

Harriet Wran, the youngest daughter of former NSW Premier Neville Wran, was released on parole in August after serving two years for being an accessory to the killing

Daniel McNulty (pictured) was stabbed to death at his inner-Sydney Redfern housing commission apartment in August 2014

Wran's then-boyfriend Michael Lee (pictured in green jumper in August 2014) pleaded guilty to Mr McNulty's murder

The pair had the opportunity to retreat rather than to continue with the robbery and to inflict violence and they left the victims seriously wounded with no apparent regard for their welfare, the court heard.

Wran, high on ice and desperate for more, knocked on Mr McNulty's apartment to steal his drugs in August 2014.

He opened the door and Wran was followed in by her then-boyfriend Lee and his friend, Haines, who demanded money and drugs. Lee then stabbed Mr McNulty in the chest, stomach and neck.

Wran did not know he had a knife, or that Haines had a balaclava and believed their presence alone would frighten Mr McNulty and his housemate into parting with their drugs, agreed facts signed by Wran stated.

The Crown earlier dropped a murder charge against Wran over the death of Redfern drug dealer McNulty
Girl's mother said Day had 'taken away our daughter's innocence'

A New Zealand man who befriended a 13-year-old girl through Facebook, fed her drugs and had unprotected sex with her has been sentenced to two years and eight months' imprisonment.

The teenager was sexually abused earlier this year by 24-year-old Benjamin Day after being given Vodka RTDs and other drugs, including magic mushrooms, stuff.co.nz reports.

He pleaded guilty at Nelson District Court on Thursday to two counts of unlawful sexual connection with a young person and supplying a class A drug.

New Zealand man Benjamin Day has been jailed for plying a girl, 13, with alcohol and other drugs and sexually abusing her

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the girl's mother said Day had 'taken away our daughter's innocence' and she had to undergo health tests 'that no child should have to through'.

The court heard that Day, who is from Nelson in New Zealand's South Island, would pick up the girl in his car and drive her around while drinking alcohol - an activity he called 'piss cruising'.

He later had unprotected sex with the teenager in the passenger's seat, stuff.co.nz reported.

On another occasion, the girl became so drunk that she passed out, but that night Day again had unprotected sex with her.

He also encouraged the girl to come to his house and take magic mushrooms, a class A drug in New Zealand.

The court heard that after drinking mushroom tea the teenager became so impaired she called her mother for help from the side of the road, stuff.co.nz reported.

Day pleaded guilty to supplying the girl the drugs and having sex with her.

Judge David Ruth rejected a request for name suppression.
Coles has developed new high tech 'vegetable recognition software' in an attempt to stop customers stealing items using the supermarket's self-service checkouts.

The new technology, which is designed to stem annual losses of up to $1.1 billion a year through the self-checkouts, uses a combination of weight and image recognition technology, news.com.au reports.

The total cost of the theft through the Australia's self-service supermarkets is believed to be $2.97 billion each year.

It is reported Coles has new technology to identify and weigh fruit and vegetables for self-service checkouts (Stock Image)

One in six customers aged in their 30s have not paid for an item at a self service checkout (Stock Image)

While most customers under 40 prefer self-serve check outs, they also admit to increasing their temptation to steal from supermarkets - with men the most likely to steal items than women, according to News.com.au.

Industry research body Canstar Blue said two of the reasons given into why customers feel the urge to steal is the 'distance' customers felt during self-service and resentment towards the larger supermarket conglomerates.

Research shows the 'swipe everything as carrots' method is costing the big supermarkets $2.97 billion annually (Stock Image)

'The customer can't point to someone and say, 'That person is going to lose money if I steal from this store',' Professor Larry Neale of Queensland University of Technology told the ABC.

Simon Downes of Canstar Blue said people don't see swiping an item at a self-service checkout as stealing, but more an opportunity to take something for free.

'Some people get frustrated and just put an item in the bag. Or there are people who think: I come here every week, every month and I spend thousands and if there's an opportunity to get something free from the supermarket then I'm going to do it and it's not going to hurt Woolies or Coles,' he told News.com.au.

Mr Downes said stealing from the self-checkout was not perceived as bad as the traditional style of stealing.

However, he warned Coles are always watching and they won't sit back and just leak money.

Coles recorded a healthy $38 billion revenue for the 2014-15 financial year, still second to Woolworths' $61.1 billion.

Coles spoke with Daily Mail Australia and said the new technology would not be rolled out in Australia.
The mother of missing girl Cassie Olczak has revealed her daughter sent 'very emotional' emails home before coming home from overseas early because she missed her friends.

The teenager, 16, has been missing since she boarded a train at Banskia, in Sydney's south, about 7pm on Sunday evening. Police have released CCTV footage of Ms Olczak getting off a train at Waterfall Station 40 minutes later.

In an interview with KIIS FM, mother Connie Olczak opened up about her daughter confirming she was believed to have been on a 'substance' when she went missing. It was just a day after she returned home from Abu Dhabi.

'The day before she came home she did put some very emotional emails because we laughed (and said) "oh my god look at Cassie shes actually displaying affection"'.

Connie said her daughter was 'similar to someone with minor autistic traits where they're not super cuddly... But she has a heart of gold'. She stressed she didn't mean that remark in a 'negative' way.

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Missing: Cassie Olczak, 16, was last seen on Sunday night and her family have issued desperate pleas for anyone with information to come forward

Ms Olczak was last seen on CCTV footage at Waterfall train station, about 7pm on Sunday

SES officers decked out in orange gear up for another day of searching for the missing girl

Ms Olczak said a 'substance' was involved in her daughter's disappearance. 'But we don't know what.'

'Shes not super overly affectionate, I love you kissy kissy type things,' she said.

Connie's remarks came as she had a public spat with one of the teenager's mates on Facebook.

'Sadly Cassie made poor choice in friends! Let's pray doesn't cost her life !!!!' she said.

The friend who last saw her then claimed Cassie was 'not happy (where) she was'. 'Everyone could see this... 'event' was not (unexpected),' the friend said.

'But no please continue to attack me because that will surely help (you) find your daughter'.

The friend was with Cassie at Banksia about 6.30pm but caught a different train, Connie has told Daily Mail Australia.

When asked if Cassie was unhappy, she said: '(Cassie) had a disagreement with a friend before she left and the friend has told police that'.

Asked about reports she may have been upset over a boy, Connie said: 'I can't discuss that'.

The 16-year-old has been missing since Sunday after spending the day with friends and boarding a train at Banksia Railway Station in Sydney's south-west

She had intended to get off the train at Hurstville but CCTV cameras captured the girl getting off the southbound train alone at Waterfall Railway Station at 7pm

Police said Cassie was caught on security cameras walking out of the train station and has not been seen since

TWO MORE GIRLS MISSING IN THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Friends Nikki Groves and Kate Bateup were reported missing on Wednesday after they took a walking track heading east from Waterfall Station Nikki Groves and Kate Bateup, 21, have been found after they were reported missing on Wednesday after heading east down a walking track from Waterfall Station into the national park at Sutherland. Ms Groves and Ms Bateup called National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers about 2pm on Wednesday and said they had got lost. The rangers then lost contact with them and rescue crews have been unable to speak with the pair again. A relative of Kate Bateup told Daily Mail Australia they had contact with the two friends about 5am on Thursday, who gave their location as 'on the edge of a cliff'. 'I think that was the best description they could give of where they were... they don't really know where they are, theyre lost,' the relative said. 'But it's a real worry because one of them urgently needs (diabetes) medication.' Advertisement

Cassie was supposed to be travelling to Hurstville but security camera footage captured her getting off about Waterfall railway station - about 25 kilometres away.

Police believe she may have been groggy and disoriented.

Her mother told a press conference: 'She's beautiful, she's five foot 10, she's a stunner. She had a modelling contract.

'I believe she is disorientated and jetlagged from a long flight home the night before.

'I also think she may be scared. She's not a super social person, she'll stick to herself.

'If she hears this, your friends and family are desperate for you to come home. Please come home.

'If anyone knows anything you are not in trouble. We just need information.'

Connie said her daughter had gone a long time without food or water and had no access to bank accounts.

'I need her home, my gut tells me she is alive,' she said.

Cassie had just finished school and is due to begin a TAFE hairdressing course next week.

She went to visit friends on Sunday but they sent her home when they noticed she was disorientated.

Mrs Olczak is urging those friends to give more relevant information to police.

In a statement, police said they had conducted 'extensive' inquiries to find Cassie, but had not been successful.

Cassie is about 175cm tall and of a thin build, has long, dark hair and a tan complexion, was last seen wearing grey Adidas tights, a black zip-up Miley Cyrus hoodie, Adidas Superstar sneakers with gold stripes and a Nike hip bag.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.

Cassie's mother Connie has made a public plea for people to help find her daughter

Police searching for the young women on Wednesday before they halted the search

They had to stop as it was too dark to continue their search, but returned on Thursday

Her mother Connie Olczak said Cassie (left, right on a missing poster) may have been given a substance before she went missing
A man gave his girlfriend, 21, the MDMA capsule at a music event before she died, police allege.

Jainie Panton Roberts fell ill and died the morning after attending an event at Petersham Inn in Sydney's inner-west on Saturday June 4, Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Her boyfriend, 19-year-old Jordan Duffy, had allegedly bought three or four MDMA capsules and gave some to Ms Roberts.

Jordan Duffy (left), 19, has been charged with supplying his girlfriend Jainie Panton Roberts (right), 21, MDMA before she died

A photograph of Ms Roberts is surrounded by native flowers at her funeral service

After partying at the Petersham event, Ms Roberts became unwell the next morning at a home on Addison Road in Marrickville.

Emergency services were called about 8.45am that Sunday, but the 21-year-old died before paramedics arrived.

The pair were at a house on Addison Road in Marrickville after partying the next morning, when Ms Roberts became unwell.

She had died by the time paramedics arrived, after they were called at 8.45am on the Sunday.

Mr Duffy, a bartender from the Central Coast, was charged with supplying the drug by Marrickville detectives on Wednesday.

Ms Roberts became unwell after taking MDMA at a music event at Petersham Inn, inner-west Sydney and died the next morning

Friends have poured their grief and fond memories of Ms Roberts over Facebook.

'I'll always remember you and that bloody laugh lol think everyone will never forget that laugh haha,' one friend wrote.

'Still can't believe you're gone.'

Another said Ms Roberts was a good friend.

'Never have you ever let me down whenever I needed you're help.'

'Heaven you have gained a beautiful angel today. Take good care of our darling girl. I love you always,' another said.

Mr Duffy is due to appear at Newtown Local Court on Monday, October 10.

Inquiries continue.
A Queensland woman may have made the strangest discovery of the year after stumbling upon an elderly couple minding a car spot by sitting on deck chairs.

Personal trainer Rochelle Courtenay made the discovery at a Lower Moora Park, near the pier at Shorncliffe in southeast Queensland on Thursday.

Ms Courtenay told the Daily Mail Australia that she had just finished with some clients when she made the startling beach side discovery.

A Queensland woman has made a bizarre discovery after stumbling upon an elderly couple minding a car parking space by sitting on deck chairs

'I had just finished up with a client when I was heading back to my car at around 11.30am,' Ms Courtenay said.

'Car parks are very hard to come by on the beach as it's a very beautiful spot but this was quite extreme.'

Miss Courtenay posted the pic to a social media site and captioned the picture 'So this happened today! We all know car parks are gold at Shorncliffe at school holidays but this???'

Personal trainer Rochelle Courtenay (above) made the discovery at a Lower Moora Park, near the pier at Shorncliffe in southeast Queensland on Thursday

The pier at Shorncliffe near to where the couple were discovered in the car park

'This is minding a car park to extremes right! #carparkgold'.

Miss Courtenay, a campaigner for women's charity Share The Dignity, said she had seen some strange things in her time but nothing quite like this.
A wannabe Islamic State terrorist who was stopped from travelling to Syria was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison and told he 'would not have lasted long' if he'd made it to the war-torn republic.

Melbourne man Amin Mohamed, 26, booked a one-way ticket to Istanbul, Turkey in 2013 to lend his services to the conflict, a Supreme Court heard.

Mohamed quit his job and told his boss he needed to take his terminally ill mother to her home country to die, according to Nine News.

Melbourne man Amin Mohamed (pictured), 26, was told he 'would not have lasted long' if he'd made it to the war-torn republic in court

In sentencing the Ethiopian born, New Zealand national today, Justice Lex Lasry told him he would not have had any hope of surviving if he'd made it to Syria, according to the Herald Sun.

'You do not seem to have any previous experience that would have equipped you for what you apparently wanted to do,' Justice Lasry said.

'That may be a clear indicator of how misguided your state of mind was at the time.'

Mohamed made arrangements to fly to Turkey where he planned to cross into Syria, with the help of a fellow Islamic State fighter, set up by ISIS recruiter Hamdi Al Qudsi.

Before his passport was cancelled on September 19, 2013, Mohamed was very active in his attempts to get to the war-torn nation, the court heard.

He arranged flights from Melbourne, to Sydney, from Sydney to Brisbane, and from Brisbane to Singapore where he had flights onto Istanbul booked.

Mohamad boarded his flight from Melbourne to Sydney, and also managed to make his way to Brisbane on September 21 before he was stopped.

Before his passport was cancelled on September 19, 2013, Mohamed was very active in his attempts to get to the war-torn nation to fight for Islamic State, the court heard

Australian customs services reacted to an alert that was attached to his record, that alert ultimately stopped Mohamed from checking in to his international flight from Brisbane to Singapore.

When he was prevented from leaving, Mohamed was not dissuaded from his efforts.

He tried to make an application for a new passport, lying to New Zealand authorities and claiming he'd lost his original, the court heard.

He also told authorities he had plans to meet his fiance overseas.

But the wannabe terrorist said his attitude had since changed, claiming he was 'naive and foolish at that time'.

Justice Lasry acknowledged Mohamed's claims he was a changed man, but said it was not enough.

Mohamed made arrangements to fly to Turkey where he planned to cross into Syria, with the help of a fellow Islamic State fighter, set up by ISIS recruiter Hamdi Al Qudsi (pictured)

Mohamed booked flights to get to Turkey where he would cross into Syria, with the help of ISIS recruiter Hamdi Al Qudsi (pictured)

'I cannot be satisfied, even on the balance of probabilities, that you have fully renounced the religiously motivated desire of going to Syria to engage in hostile activities in that country,' Justice Lasry said.

Mohamed was sentenced to five-and-a-half-years in prison, eligible for parole after three-and-a-half years served, after a jury found him guilty of three acts of preparing to engage in hostilities overseas.

But Mohamed will be eligible for parole in July next year, because he's already served time in pre-sentence custody.
Mr Maghnie made no application for bail and was remanded in custody

He is facing seven offences, stemming mostly from a brawl in a brothel

in court with bullet lodged in his neck

An underworld figure hit in a shootout last week has appeared in court with a bullet lodged in his neck.

Nabil Maghnie drove himself to Melbourne's Epping Hospital after being wounded during the fatal shootout at Campbellfield Plaza on Monday.

The 40-year-old appeared in court on Thursday faced with seven offences including three related to his own shooting, reports The Age.

Nabil Maghnie was shot in the head last week in Melbourne's Campbellfield Plaza (pictured)

The 40-year-old appeared in Melbourne's Magistrate's court on Thursday with with a bullet lodged in his neck

Mr Maghnie has also been charged with assault, affray and property damage over brawl in a Gotham City brothel on August 13.

He was arrested by Echo anti-bikie taskforce officers and heavily-armed police on Wednesday to appear in court on Thursday.

Mr Maghnie had bandages taped over the bullet wound on his face, with his lawyer Michael Tovey QC telling the court his client needed urgent medical attention.

'He has very significant ongoing issues in respect to pain and infection,' he said.

The court heard he could not help police with their investigations into his shooting.

He made no application for bail and was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old appeared in court on Thursday faced with seven offences
A senior engineer whose story inspired the blockbuster Deepwater Horizon has described the moment he jumped for his life from the burning oil rig.

Mike Williams, a chief engineer technician for Transocean Ltd., was on board when the drilling platform exploded on April 20, 2010, causing the death of 11 workers and the worst oil spill in U.S. history.

Billions of barrels of oil flooded into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana and affected marine life over hundreds of miles.

It left Williams suicidal because he felt he had 'cheated death' after losing some of his friends. Six years on, he has spoken about the fateful night while promoting the new film.

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Mike Williams (right) poses with Mark Wahlberg (left) who plays him in the new Deepwater Horizon blockbuster. They are pictured at the movie's premiere in London on Monday

Williams, a senior engineer (pictured left in July 2010) was on board when the drilling platform exploded, causing the death of 11 workers and the worst oil spill in U.S. history. His story inspired the new film starring Wahlberg (right as Williams)

Williams told the Mirror: 'I had a death wish for a long time, I just wanted to be with them. It felt like I had cheated death.'

He was working on Deepwater Horizon when a blow out caused gallons of oil to be thrown into the sea.

Bolts and debris from the blast were fired around the platform. As workers battled against the emergency the oil ignited.

Williams, who was in his workshop when the blaze began, said: 'I had my hand on a metal door and it blew me 25 feet against the wall.

The terrifying moment Williams was forced to jump from the burning rig to save his life is portrayed in the film

Williams has admitted he felt suicidal after losing 11 of his friends in the spill. He is pictured during the London premiere with his wife Felicia (right), who is played by Kate Hudson

Struggling workers tried to control the fire but realized they had to escape the escalating inferno. The rig is seen burning on April 20, 2010, 24 hours after the spill began

'I had a broken ankle, broken wrists, four broken ribs. I had three lacerations to my forehead, one across my cheek and I nearly cut my finger off.'

Struggling workers tried to control the fire but realized they had to escape the escalating inferno.

Williams stayed on board as colleagues dived down into lifeboats. As they left without him, he was forced to jump off the platform and narrowly missed water covered in burning oil.

It took 87 days to cap the runaway well some 5,000ft below sea level off the coast of Louisiana.

The oil spill, which spread across 43,000 miles, is still affecting wildlife in the region, with populations of bottle-nose dolphins and sea turtles struggling

Beaches were blackened in five states and the region's tourism and fishing industries were crippled in a tragedy that riveted the nation.

The oil spill, which spread across 43,000 miles, is still affecting wildlife in the region, with populations of bottle-nose dolphins and sea turtles struggling.

Last year Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced the payout to cover the environmental damage and other claims by the five Gulf states and local governments. would clock in at about $20.8billion.
A young woman was mowed down by two thugs on a moped after ignoring their catcalls.

Pagan Lilley Motlagh-Phillips, 19, from Newham in east London, was on her way back from a shopping trip with her brother when she was targeted.

The teen was travelling through Havering, after visiting Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex, when a man allegedly shouted over to her, 'are you alright, darling?'

Pagan Lilley Motlagh-Phillips, 19, from Newham in east London, was on her back from a shopping trip with her brother when she was targeted

Pagan ignored the man and she says this made him aggressive and he began to threaten the siblings.

In a terrifying assault he then revved up his moped and drove at Pagan and her brother, knocking her to the ground and leaving her unconscious.

She was rushed to Lakeside Shopping Centre's hospital where she received treatment for injuries.

Pagan has since taken to social media to spread the word about her attack and admits she is still haunted by the incident.

On Twitter, she wrote: 'I was run over then reversed back over by two white males who I didn't know. All because I wouldn't talk to them.

'Not only did he run me over and carry on driving around whilst I was in hospital he then commented on a community page status re the issue.'

In a terrifying assault the man revved up his moped and drove at Pagan and her brother, knocking her to the ground and leaving her unconscious

A 21-year-old was arrested in relation to the attack, but Pagan says he was released mere hours afterwards.

She has criticised the Metropolitan Police for their handling of the incident and has shared an email she sent to them on social media.

Pagan claims that she when she complained to officers that the man she had identified as being her attacker had been released without charge, they said they had 'violent robberies and stabbings' to investigate.

She ranted on Twitter: 'I said how is a stabbing or violent mugging any different to what happened to me?

'He [the police officer] attempted to cut me off by saying 'when you have a stab wound victim laying in hospital bed' I stopped him. 'Let me remind you I was lying in a hospital bed.

'I was lying unconscious on the concrete and woke up to my mum over me screaming don't die.'

Police have confirmed that a man, aged 21, was arrested and released due to a lack of evidence.

Pagan said that after the incident she awoke in the hospital with her mother screaming 'please don't die'

A spokesman said: 'Prior to the incident occurring, a man and a woman had been walking along the street when they saw two men riding on a moped coming out of an alleyway from Cherry Tree Close into Cherry Tree Walk.

'As the men drove past, a short exchange took place during which one of the men threatened to run the pair over.

'The moped was then deliberately driven at them and subsequently collided with the victim, knocking her to the ground unconscious and the moped ended up coming to rest on top of her. The man was not injured.

'The men then left the scene of the accident, driving off into an alleyway towards Cherry Tree Close. The London Ambulance Service attended the scene.

'The victim was taken to an east London hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and was later discharged.

'A 21-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, 30 June but no further action was taken against him.

'Officers from Havering CID were investigating and CCTV footage was obtained but it was not possible to identify the suspects.
He wanted a three-year extension to his contract but will leave in February

His time at Scotland Yard has been hit by a number of controversies

He became commissioner after spells in South Yorkshire and Merseyside

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is to stand down as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police after five years in the job

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, is to retire on a six-figure pension despite a series on scandals during his time in charge.

The 58-year-old announced his departure today after five years dogged by controversy in which his force has been accused of leading a 'witch hunt' over historical sexual abuse.

He will stay in his post until February to allow newly-elected Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and newly-appointed Home Secretary Amber Rudd to choose his successor.

With a final salary of around 280,000-a-year, the police chief's pension is estimated to be worth up to 185,000 a year, depending on how he chooses to draw it.

Sir Bernard is credited with having played a pivotal role in tackling terrorism in the capital, but his tenure has also been hit by a number of scandals.

There was fury over his force's 'hounding' of 92-year-old war hero Lord Bramall as their VIP abuse investigation Operation Midland began to unravel.

The 2million investigation was based on evidence from one witness 'Nick', whose own family have said is a 'fantasist'.

The announcement of his retirement comes just days before his force are expected to be criticised in a report into the operation by retired judge Sir Richard Henriques.

Scotland Yard's much-criticised inquiry into alleged payments to public officials by journalists, the 20million Operation Elveden, meanwhile led to just two journalists being convicted, one of whom is appealing.

Theresa May, who was Home Secretary for nearly all of Sir Bernard's time at Scotland Yard, recommended in February that Sir Bernard be given only a 12-month extension to his contract, which had been due to expire this month.

It is understood that Sir Bernard had wanted a three-year extension.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan today denied he was involved in Sir Bernard's departure

Sadiq Khan backed the decision not to give the commissioner a longer contract and the pair's relationship has been described as fractious since Mr Khan became London mayor in May.

The Labour mayor is known to have disagreed with Sir Bernard over the use of so-called 'spit hoods' and the visibility of heavily-armed officers.

But Mr Khan denied being involved in Sir Bernard's departure today, insisting: 'I didn't want him to go, we worked incredibly well together. But I am grateful he gave me and the Home Security sufficient notice.'

Sadiq Khan also praised Sir Bernard for making the police force 'look more like London', by employing more female and black staff members.

But Steve O'Connell, from the London Assembly Conservatives, said Mr Khan had 'forced out' the Commissioner.

He said: 'It has been clear for some time that Sadiq Khan would push out Sir Bernard, not because he has a better option lined up or because Sir Bernard had failed at his job, but because Khan believes that doing so would make him look strong.'

Sir Bernard worked alongside former London Mayor Boris Johnson for much of his tenure

THE SCANDALS WHICH ROCKED TOP COP'S TIME IN CHARGE Plebgate: Sir Bernard had to travel to the House of Commons in 2014 to apologise to MP Andrew Mitchell over the so-called 'plebgate' row. The affair centred on a bitterly-contested confrontation in Downing Street in September 2012 when officers refused to let Mr Mitchell ride his bicycle through the gates. Sir Bernard apologised publicly for appearing to pre-judge what had happened and for immediately backing his officers' accounts. The Commissioner was forced to apologise to MP Andrew Mitchell over the 'plebgate' row ISIS: In 2015, Sir Bernard again backed his officers for refusing to arrest a man and a child carrying an ISIS flag outside Parliament. He enraged MPs by saying carrying the black flag of the terrorist organisation was 'not necessarily the worst thing in the world'. Elveden: One of the biggest scandals on Sir Bernard's watch was Operation Elveden, which began following the News of the World phone hacking scandal and led to 90 arrests. It became one of the largest criminal inquiries in history but many consider it an abject failure, with a series of Old Bailey juries refusing to convict journalists of any crimes. Sir Bernard was accused of a knee-jerk reaction to the political furore in 2011 and a failure to rein in the inquiry as its progress waned. Sir Bernard was criticised for spending 65,000 of taxpayers' money on a luxury Range Rover at a time of budgetary restraints Midland: Perhaps the largest controversy during Sir Bernard's tenure was that surrounding Operation Midland, a two-year investigation into claims that VIPs were linked to paedophile rings in which no one was charged. Range Rover: In January, Sir Bernard defended buying a 65,000 Range Rover with a 1,000 back seat entertainment system, insisting he uses the TVs to watch the news. Advertisement

In a statement released this morning, Sir Bernard announced his retirement, saying: 'I wish my successor well as they take on this amazing responsibility.

'It has been a great privilege to be the Met's Commissioner. I have loved my time in the role and I have loved being a police officer. It's the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys.'

He later denied he is stepping down because of fears Mr Khan would not reappoint him, saying: 'We've had an excellent relationship, still have.'

Sir Bernard faced criticism for his force's treatment of war hero Lord Bramall during its controversial Operation Midland probe

Sadiq Khan wrote on Twitter: 'I would like to thank Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe for his years of service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe.

'I'll work with the Home Secretary to ensure we find the best candidate to be the new Commissioner, so we can continue to keep Londoners safe.'

Home Secretary Ms Rudd added: 'Sir Bernard has had a long and distinguished career as a determined crimefighter and an inspirational senior officer. He has shown remarkable and consistent dedication to public service.

'Among his many achievements in London was the delivery of a safe and successful 2012 Olympics.

'I am grateful to Sir Bernard for his dedication and support, and look forward to working closely with him until his retirement next year.'

Is the Met Police set to have its first ever woman commissioner? Three female former officers are tipped as favourites to take over

The Metropolitan Police could have its first ever woman commissioner next year following Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe's planned departure.

The frontrunners to take over the top job in British policing include three women, former head of UK counter terrorism Cressida Dick, Sara Thornton, who is chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council and Lynne Owens, the director general of the National Crime Agency.

Met Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley is also said to be in the running for the position, which is decided on by the Mayor of London and the Home Secretary.

Cressida Dick (left) and Sara Thornton (right) could become the first woman Commissioner

Former Met officer Lynne Owens is also in contention. She is currently in head of the NCA

Cressida Dick, who took up her position at the Foreign Office two years ago, was in charge of the operation which led to innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes being shot seven times in the head in 2005 after being mistaken for a suicide bomber.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has previously praised her as 'a fantastic leader' and 'a role model for women across the service'.

Another possible candidate, Sara Thornton, joined the Met Police in 1986 and went on to become vice president of the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Experienced police officer Lynne Owens meanwhile joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1989.

Mark Rowley, the country's most senior counter-terrorism officer, is also in the frame

Ms Owens was appointed Chief Constable of Surrey Police in 2012 and, in 2015, she was awarded a CBE for services to policing and criminal justice.

Another contender is Mark Rowley, who was previously Chief Constable of Surrey Police before becoming Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations, making him the country's most senior counter-terrorism officer.

Last year he warned that the nation was facing the biggest terrorist threat since the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, with suspected terrorist being arrested at a rate of almost one a day.
Britons will not get more rights than others have when Brexit is finalised, Italy's Prime Minister warned today.

Matteo Renzi said 'Brexit is Brexit' and said it would be 'impossible' for Theresa May to strike a deal curbing migration to Britain without also restricting the rights of Britons to live and work on the continent.

Mr Renzi said the Brexit vote was a 'bad decision' but he blamed David Cameron for calling the referendum and said he wanted the 'best alliance' possible with the UK.

Theresa May visited Italy for talks on Brexit with prime minister Matteo Renzi in July just days after taking over at No 10

Citizens of EU member states have rights to move freely within the trading bloc while also enjoying tariff free trade but EU rules do not allow one without the other.

The balance between limiting migration and securing low-cost access to trade and work in the EU single market is set to be the defining feature of the Brexit talks.

The Italian premier urged a swift start to the Brexit process, which requires Mrs May to formally invoke Article 50 of the EU treaties.

Asked by the BBC whether there could be 'flexibility' over EU rules on freedom of movement and access to the single-market, he said: 'I think this is a very interesting debate, because this debate will be a debate about the concept of rules in the EU.'

Mr Renzi continued: 'The people of the UK decided the way for the future.

Mr Renzi, pictured (right) with French President Francois Hollande (left) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (centre) at an EU meeting in August, said the Brexit negotiations would be led by officials in Brussels

'Now the situation is that we can - and we have to - build the best alliance between the UK and the EU for the future because we will be the best friends for the next years.

WHAT DO OTHER NON-EU COUNTRIES DO ON FREE MOVEMENT? Norway and Switzerland have both been cited as potential models for Brexit as neither are EU members but both are close enough to be effected by free movement. Switzerland has a bilateral Free Movement of Persons Agreement meaning most EU citizens can live or work in Switzerland - but in 2014 the Swiss people voted to impose quotas. Quotas would breach the agreement and imposing them without a new treaty could mean linked agreements on trade would be terminated. Norway is also outside the EU, but is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). As such, Norway must apply the same free movement rules as EU member states, but has no vote on the rules. Advertisement

'And at the same time I think this decision could push European leaders to invest in a new way for Europe.'

Mr Renzi said he - together with other major European leaders in France and Germany - would not be driving the Brexit talks but instead leave them to officials in Brussels.

All 27 remaining EU countries will need to sign up to the final deal, which is supposed to be complete within two years of Article 50 being used by the UK.

Mr Renzi, who is facing pressure at home over his own referendum on political reform, was critical of Mr Cameron's decision to call June's Brexit poll.

He said: 'The problem was one problem.

'When David Cameron decided to use a referendum to solve some internal problems of the Conservative Party, this was the problem.
Investigators searching for missing toddler Ben Needham have stumbled upon a 1,500-year-old burial site in the grounds of the Greek farmhouse where he vanished.

As many as five adults bodies have been uncovered - but there is still no sign of the Sheffield toddler who disappeared on the island of Kos 25 years ago.

The discovery of the 'undisturbed' tombs came hours after police announced they had found area of 'decomposition' near a cesspit which could be Ben's body.

The investigation into the missing toddler is set to continue - but police said there could be no digging near the historic graves which were found yards from the derelict farmhouse.

Police searching for Ben Needham have stumbled upon a 1,500-year-old burial site in the grounds of the Greek farmhouse where he vanished, pictured is where the bodies were found

Ben Needham's furious mother, Kerry(left), has previously told of her anger after it took 25 years for a mystery witness to come forward with information about her missing son (right)

As many as five adults bodies have been uncovered - but there is still no sign of the Sheffield toddler who disappeared on the island of Kos 25 years ago

Investigators digging behind the farmhouse where missing toddler Ben Needham was last seen alive are also focusing their search on a cesspit at the Kos site (pictured)

Police said the graves could date to just after 500AD - when Greece was considered one of the Balkan provinces of the Roman Empire - and they handed the discovery over to local archaeologists.

'It is a historical burial ground and it is not connected in any way to this investigation,' DI Cousins said.

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins said they are trying to 'rule in or rule out' whether decomposed matter found in the soil could be related to Ben's disappearance.

When asked whether they could discount that the decomposed matter could be related to Ben's body, DI Cousins said officers were keeping 'an open mind'.

Earlier on Thursday he revealed the remains of a dog and a bat were discovered along with other unidentified matter at the Kos site.

He said scientists are still carrying out 'groundbreaking' tests on the soil samples, originally taken in April 2015, which were found near the underground cesspit.

The historic burial site was discovered in the grounds of the Greek farmhouse where Ben vanished, pictured is where the bodies were found

Police are also focusing on a fig tree after photographs revealed it was not present when the Sheffield toddler disappeared on the Greek Island 25 years ago

'There are nutrients in the soil that are consistent with the decomposition of something,' DI Cousins said

The remains of a dog and a bat have been discovered along with other matter, pictured is a police officer and a member of the Greek rescue service looking inside a septic tank today

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins said scientists are carrying out 'groundbreaking' tests on soil samples found near a cesspit, pictured is an oficer looking inside a septic tank today

Forensic police decided to return to test another area of decomposition which was deemed 'of interest' because scientists have not been able to determine what it is.

'There were signs of some decomposition,' DI Cousins told reporters on day four of the renewed search.

'One area of decomposition has not been ruled out yet and that is what we are working on.

'There are nutrients in the soil that are consistent with the decomposition of something. The scientists have been unable to determine what it is.

'It is groundbreaking work, we are able to narrow down the decomposed matter to specific animals.

'One of the samples have been revealed to be canine remains and another is a specific species of bat.'

One rescue worker, wearing breathing apparatus, was even seen being lowered into a cesspit near the farmhouse as part of the search.

The samples are still being examined back at a laboratory in Aberdeen.

Experts involved in the Body Farm project in Texas have also been drafted in to help in the investigation.

A member of the Greek rescue service carries a piece of debris for further evaluation on Thursday

South Yorkshire Police and members of the Greek rescue service excavate a site in search of missing toddler Ben Needham

Forensic police officers are pictured searching the field in Kos on Thursday

The samples are still being examined back at a laboratory in Aberdeen, pictured are forensic officers searching the field in Kos

Police said the graves could date to just after 500AD - when Greece was considered one of the Balkan provinces of the Roman Empire - and they handed the discovery over to archaeologists

DI Cousins said he wanted to 'discount' that the unidentified matter in the soil samples may be human waste from the farmhouse

DI Cousins said he wanted to 'discount' that the unidentified matter may be human waste from the farmhouse.

The cesspit, which is buried underground, is not believed to have existed on the site 25 years ago.

He confirmed a 'new separate area of interest' would shortly be examined.

Police are also focusing on a fig tree after photographs revealed it must have been planted after the Sheffield toddler disappeared on the Greek Island 25 years ago.

Officers launched a fresh bid to discover what happened to the toddler after a new witness came forward to claim he may have been run over by a digger and buried.

The witness alleged digger driver Konstantinos Barkas, who was working at the farmhouse, killed Ben.

Barkas died last year aged 62. His family have denied he had anything to do with the boy's death and he was interviewed by police after Ben disappeared.

British officers and members of the Greek rescue team search land on the south eastern Greek island of Kos this morning

A police officer could be seen taking pictures of the ground as teams of investigators worked at the site

A police officer holding a plastic evidence bag kneels down to pick up an item from the ground

But his friend reportedly saw the driver  known as Dino  'sweating and shaking' after returning from the police station.

Barkas allegedly told the friend 'it's possible' there could have been a tragic accident.

Acting on this information, a team of officers from South Yorkshire Police travelled to the Greek holiday island of Kos to begin the search earlier this month.

Earlier this week, police found pieces of light-coloured fabric during a search of the olive grove close to where Ben went missing.

The items have now be sent off for forensic testing.

Ben was wearing a white buttoned T-shirt with a green motif and brown leather sanders with a buckle when he vanished.

He was not wearing any shorts as he had wet them earlier in the day and his grandmother had hung them on a tree to dry.

A team of officers scour the ground for clues as they start the excavation process this morning

Ben's sister said her family was 'preparing for the worst' when police began the painstaking search

A new witness has claimed that 'Dino Barkas (pictured), who died of cancer last year, may have killed him in an accident with his JCB digger

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins, who is leading the new search, said the pieces of fabric - one of which was six inches square - were of 'slight interest'.

Another line of inquiry focuses on the sandals Ben was wearing on the day he disappeared.

Officers also studied a photograph taken around 10 days after his disappearance and noticed that the tree which now stands in the olive grove was not there at the time.

The picture, taken by a British press photographer, is the only record of the area from the time and police are now using it to aid them in a new search for Ben.

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins, who is leading the new search, said: 'This is the only record we have of the time that Ben disappeared in 1991.

'We have been able to analyse that with the experts who are here now and...look at the fauna and tree growth around it and as such, we are having a look at the area around a tree at the base of the farmhouse as we believe that may not have been there at the time.'

On the day he disappeared Ben's grandparents were renovating the property and looking after him while his mother, Kerry, was at work at a nearby hotel.

Photographs have emerged showing the inside of the house, which have remained virtually untouched since Ben Needham's last tragic holiday in 1991

On Wednesday, officers from South Yorkshire police allowed the Daily Mail access to the derelict farmhouse (pictured) where Ben was last seen

The family had moved from Sheffield to the Greek island of Kos in search of a better life but their adventure turned into a tragedy when Ben vanished on the afternoon of 24 July 1991.

He was aged just 21 months and has never been seen since.

Ben's mother Kerry, 43, from Sheffield, said she is trying to keep an 'open mind' about the search.

On Wednesday, officers from South Yorkshire police allowed the Daily Mail access to the derelict farmhouse where Ben was last seen.

The run-down building, in the small hamlet of Iraklis, around one mile from the seafront, has been renovated since the Needham family was last there.

It comprises of just three rooms: a kitchen and two other living rooms.

The property sits next to a dusty track and is surrounded by farmland and waste ground.

TIMELINE: A 25-YEAR SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH Here is a timeline of events charting the disappearance of Sheffield toddler Ben Needham on the Greek island of Kos 25 years ago. July 24 1991: Ben Needham vanishes while playing near the grounds of a farmhouse in the Iraklis region of Kos, which his family are renovating. His mother, Kerry Needham, and grandparents raise the alarm with local police and conduct a full search of the area. July 26 1991: Eyewitness reports claim a boy matching Ben's description was found at the local airport on the day he disappeared. That boy has never been traced. September 1991: The Needham family return to England due to illness but vow to continue the search. June 2003: The Metropolitan Police issue an image of what Ben might look like at age 12 - 14 years old. 2004: An anonymous businessman offers a reward of 500,000 for information leading to Ben's safe return. October 2010: Another public appeal is made by Ben's mother in the run-up to what would be his 21st birthday. May 2011: The BBC airs a programme called Missing 2011, which includes a piece on Ben's story and the campaign to find him. September 2011: Greek police on Kos officially re-open the case and grant the family a face-to-face meeting with the island's prosecutor. October 2012: South Yorkshire Police in Kos begin digging up mounds around the property where Ben went missing to look for his remains. December 2013: Ben's mother accuses then-Prime Minister David Cameron of not giving her case the same backing as he gave the parents of Madeline McCann. It comes as a dossier is produced containing reports from eight witnesses, none of who know each other, who all saw a boy possibly matching Ben's description with the same Greek family. December 2014: Lawyers representing Ben's family say they may take legal action to try to force the Government to make a decision about funding a new police investigation. January 2015: The Home Office agrees to fund a team of British detectives to help search for the toddler. March/April 2015: Three generations of Ben Needham's family travel to Greece to follow up a 'strong' lead that a man living there believes he may be the missing Brit due to having no photographs of himself under the age of two and no knowledge of where he was born. The man is later ruled out. May 2015: Ben's family make a fresh appeal on Greek television for information regarding the disappearance. May 2016: The Sun newspaper publishes a report that members of the police operation go on an 'eight-hour booze-up' in Kos during the latest stage of the investigation. September 2016: Ben's family are told to 'prepare for the worst' by detectives leading the investigation, amid the belief the 21-month-old was crushed to death by a digger - the driver of which died in 2015. It comes as police arrive in Kos to begin excavation work in the belief the boy's remains may be buried near the farmhouse The excavation, at what is now an olive grove, is expected to take up to 12 days, police say Digging began after a fresh line of inquiry suggested 21-month-old Ben may have been crushed to death by a digger near a farmhouse his grandparents were renovating Advertisement
Request: Elwood Sanderson-Sheard asked his mother Sarah Sanderson (pictured together) for the ear-pinning procedure

A nine-year-old who was so badly bullied for his Dumbo ears he would vomit every day had plastic surgery after researching the operation on YouTube.

Elwood Sanderson-Sheard, of Birstall, Leeds, asked his parents for the ear-pinning procedure after discovering videos online of people talking about it.

His mother Sarah Sanderson claimed her son was so badly bullied by other pupils that he would be sick daily before school and suffered regular panic attacks.

She was initially terrified of him going under the knife, but was proud of him for researching the surgery and speaking out to help other bullied children.

Ms Sanderson, 37, said: On a Sunday evening Elwood would start saying he felt sick and had tummy ache.

'Then from getting him up at 7am on a Monday morning to getting him to school he would literally be throwing up because of his nerves and would have to go to the toilet about five times.

'It was because of facing the bullies but we didnt know - he would just say he didnt want to go to school and would give every excuse apart from that the bullying was happening. When he would get into school I would get a phone call after an hour to tell me he was being sick.

Before the operation: Elwood was so badly bullied by other pupils for his 'Dumbo' ears that he would be sick daily before school and suffered regular panic attacks

Because he was so anxious and upset he would actually throw up in the classroom every day.

When we found out about the bullying we discovered children were bullying him about his ears - calling him Dumbo, and saying they were ugly.

He had no confidence at all and his ears bothered him so much. After we discovered the bullying Elwood looked up the procedure on YouTube.

(He) found other people talking about it. At first we were shocked somebody so young would go and research that on their own.

It made me upset to think children the same age as him had made him feel so low about himself.

Sarah believes year five pupil Elwood was being bullied for about a year, since he was aged seven or eight and in year four.

Brave: The family looked at private ear-pinning surgery, which would have cost 3,000, but Elwood was offered the three-hour procedure on the NHS and went under the knife in May

But she said while she had suspicions she was not certain of the cause his sickness and anxiety until his schoolwork began to suffer.

Treatment: Nine-year-old Elwood had to wear a headband for three months - 24 hours a day for the first month, then only at night

And she was called into his school for a meeting last December, which triggered a chat with her son two days before the Christmas holidays began.

Over the festive break Ms Sanderson and Elwoods father Andy Sheard, 45, a welder, were shocked when their son sat them down and told them he wanted to go under the knife.

The family looked at private ear-pinning surgery, which would have cost 3,000, but Elwood was offered the three-hour procedure on the NHS and went under the knife at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield on May 19 this year.

Doctors discovered his ears stuck out because the cartilage had not formed properly and during the operation remoulded the cartilage, inserted splints and cut and pulled back the skin behind his ears.

Elwood had to wear a headband for three months - 24 hours a day for the first month, then only at night - but despite this was excited to go back to school after the operation.

Helped: Doctors discovered his ears stuck out because the cartilage had not formed properly

Ms Sanderson said she is extremely pleased with how Elwoods school, Windmill Church of England Primary in Birstall, arranged ten weeks of counselling for him before he had his operation.

Next steps: Elwood said he hoped sharing his story would help other children who were suffering to speak out too

Staff also put strategies in place to deal with the bullying, which has now stopped.

These included separating Elwood and the bullies and allowing him to come into school earlier to pick up registers and interact with his teachers so he feels valued.

Elwood now wants to raise awareness of bullying and said he hoped sharing his story would help other children who were suffering to speak out too.

Ms Sanderson said: We had a gut feeling bullying could have been what was happening, but we didnt know if there was something seriously wrong with his health.

I was his mummy and I couldnt do anything for him as he wouldnt talk or let me in - I cried daily knowing my little boy was so broken.

We went through so many worries, so it was a relief when Elwood finally spoke out and told us about it.

Surgery: During the operation doctors remoulded the cartilage, inserted splints and cut and pulled back the skin behind his ears (left). Now, Elwood is smiling again (right)

The change in Elwood since his surgery is unbelievable - he is so much more confident and is just like Im the man now.

EAR CORRECTION SURGERY Ear correction surgery, known as an otoplasty or pinnaplasty, is cosmetic surgery to alter the size or shape of the ears or pin them back if they stick out. It is usually carried out on children over five and young teenagers although adults may wish to have it done too. In the UK, surgery costs between 2,500 and 3,500 privately and is only carried out on the NHS under exceptional circumstances, for example in rare cases where a persons ears are causing them significant psychological distress. The operation involves making a cut behind the ear to expose the cartilage, removing small pieces of cartilage if necessary and scoring and stitching the remaining structure into the desired shape and position. Advertisement

Before the operation he was laughing as he fell asleep from the anaesthetic because he knew what the outcome would be.

As soon as he came out of hospital we noticed the change. I am just so proud of him - he was adult enough to make the right decision and he never once complained about the pain.

One night I heard a crash in the bathroom at midnight and Elwood had been balancing on the toilet just to look at his new ears in the mirror.

He didnt even mind going to school in the headband and looked forward to starting the new school year this September.

He told me people can try and bully me for wearing a headband with their ugly words, but I know my ears under the headband wont be ugly any more.
Do you know the pensioner? E-mail: alex.matthews@mailonline.co.uk

Witnesses and drivers described the act as 'sweet' and 'really nice to see'

He said it was a 'civic duty' to help the man

A kind McDonald's employee took time out from flipping burgers and dishing out fries to walk an elderly customer across the street.

Crew member Jonathan Mitchell, who works at the Eltham branch of the fast food chain, in south east London, said it was his 'civic duty' to help the man in need.

Drivers spotted Jonathan assisting the pensioner as he made his way safely across a busy road - and couldn't help but take a picture of the heartwarming act.

McDonald's employee Jonathan Mitchell took time out from flipping burgers and dishing out fries to walk an elderly customer across the street

Jonathan, from Charlton, has remained modest, simply explaining that helping others was how he was raised.

He said: 'When I was growing up my parents always told me to look after people especially when they get older.

'Some may not have family members around all the time and need extra help when they're out and about.

'He's a regular and we all make sure that he has a good experience when he visits.'

Mother-of-five Michelle Griffiths was one of those who spotted Jonathan.

She said: 'We were stopped in traffic and I saw the McDonald's worker helping an old man cross the road, I took a picture as it was such a sweet moment.

Jonathan said that he thought it was his 'civic duty' to help the man, who was also a regular customer, across the road and safely to his taxi

'We were only there for about two minutes, but as soon as the man had crossed the road the McDonald's worker put his hand up to thank traffic.

'I just thought it was so cute, such a sweet thing to do and a really nice thing to see.

'It was just a pure act of kindness for him to go out of his way the help the man, he seemed a really nice guy.

'It's nice to know there are people like that out there.'

Jonathan, who won employee of the month in August, added: 'I just think that in general we should take care of the elderly and make sure they are ok.

Jonathan, pictured with an employee of the month award, said he was raised to look out for other people - especially the elderly

Jonathan said he was 'proud' that he had helped someone - but it was not unusual for he and his colleagues to assist their customers (pictured, McDonald's in Eltham)

'I'm quite proud that I've helped someone to get home but it's something that I, and other staff members, do.'

DO YOU KNOW THE MAN HELPED ACROSS THE ROAD? E-mail: alex.matthews@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

A McDonald's spokesman said: 'We are really pleased with the attitude and kindness Jonathan showed towards this customer.

'He is well known to our restaurant staff and each time he comes into our restaurant special care is given to ensure he is comfortable and that he leaves safely.
This is the moment an eight-year-old girl bursts into a rant after spotting sexist childrens clothes on sale at her local Tesco store.

In a video filmed by her mother at the store in Swindon, Daisy Edmonds blasts the supermarket for having contrasting slogans on their T-shirts for boys and girls.

While the boys shirts feature motifs like Desert adventure awaits, Hero and Think outside the box, the girls tops say Hey!, Beautiful and I feel fabulous.

Critical: In a video filmed by her mother at a Tesco store in Swindon, Daisy Edmonds (pictured) blasts the supermarket for having contrasting slogans on their T-shirts for boys and girls

Comparison: While the boys shirts feature motifs like Desert adventure awaits, Hero and Think outside the box, the girls tops (pictured) say Hey!, Beautiful and I feel fabulous'

Daisy was so enraged by what she saw as an inequality that her 36-year-old mother Becky Edmonds filmed her reaction and posted it on Facebook.

In the clip, the youngster says: Its unfair because everyone thinks girls should just be pretty and boys should just be adventurous.

I think thats wrong because why should boys and girls clothes even be separate because were just as good as each other.

Pointing out a girls top with the word Hey embroidered on it, she asks: What part of Hey is great? I dont get it.

Moving to the boys T-shirts, she then adds: Boys get Think Outside the Box which means be adventurous, go for your dreams, you know.

Struggling to contain her giggles, Daisy then fills her arms with hangers from the boys section and puts them on the girls racks.

Requesting unisex clothing: Daisy likes make-up and has a pink bedroom, but she also joined the Beavers instead of the Brownies because she likes adventurous activities

Family: Daisy is pictured (centre) with her mother Becky Edmonds (right), 36, father Ben Edmonds (top left), 35, and sisters Lauren (top centre), six, and Arabella (left), two

She adds: I always want to be adventurous and I think girls should be heroes, so Im going to put them in the girls section. The video has so far attracted 9,000 views.

Great outdoors: Eight-year-old Daisy enjoys raft-building, sailing and climbing trees

Ms Edwards, who later tweeted a message to Tesco about her daughters disappointment, said Daisy likes make-up and has a pink bedroom.

But she also joined the Beavers instead of the Brownies because she likes adventurous activities like raft-building, sailing and climbing trees.

Mother-of-three Ms Edwards, of Oaksey, Wiltshire, said: Daisy doesnt understand why there has to be separation. Its the same with toys.

She loves exploring and being brave, and there is never anything that says anything like that on girls clothes.

She thinks they should have unisex clothing. She should be able to choose what she wears. Who are Tesco to tell them what they can and cant wear?

The support worker added: When I saw what Daisy was doing I felt really really proud that she knows who she is. She is so confident.

I decided to film her for the family. I never expected it to get this big. I think she will keep on doing it until something is done.

A Tesco spokesman said: We stock a wide variety of clothes suitable for girls and boys and listen to the views of our customers when reviewing our range.
Police searching for a missing mum are planning new sea and land searches after receiving confirmation of a 'violent episode' at the home she shared with her boyfriend.

Spanish murder squad detectives are set to hire specialists to help them hunt for Lisa Brown's body using ground-penetrating radar and underwater electronic equipment.

The 32-year-old, from Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, is feared dead after disappearing from her home in Guadiaro, near Gibraltar, on November 4 last year.

LIsa Brown, pictured, vanished from her home in San Roque, near Sotogrande, Spain

Her Liverpool-born boyfriend Simon Corner, 34, has been held in jail on suspicion of killing her since being detained in Denmark on a European Arrest Warrant in April and extradited to Spain.

Civil Guard officers have previously searched woodland and a river near her home - but are now set to step up their efforts with a hi-tech search across a wider area involving external experts.

The development follows confirmation from Madrid-based forensic specialists - who analysed DNA found in bloodstains at Lisa's home - that a violent incident involving her and Mr Corner took place at the property.

DNA tests on Lisa's Ford Focus car, which Mr Corner used, have also come back with what detectives believe to be positive results.

Simon Corner vanished after being interviewed him in the luxurious port of Sotogrande (pictured) but he was later found in Denmark, where he was held under an arrest warrant

They are now preparing to analyse data from three mobile phones which Mr Corner was spotted throwing into a harbour in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, before being arrested.

He was jailed for three months in Gibraltar in May 2014 for possession of an offensive weapon after a nightclub altercation.

It was reported earlier this year that a witness had seen him hurling the phones into the water and it was thought the information they contained had been destroyed.

But a source close to the criminal inquiry, which is being coordinated by a judge based in the town of San Roque, confirmed the data on them had been recovered.

The source said: 'The phones had been in the water for several hours by the time they were recovered and officers feared they had been rendered worthless.

'But police specialists have been able to recover all the information on both the SIM cards and the handsets.

'Investigators are about to start analysing the material and are hopeful it will prove useful in the search for Lisa and the efforts to make sure those behind her disappearance face justice and punishment if proven guilty.'

Lisa (pictured) has not been seen since November 4 last year and was due to start a new job in Gibraltar two days later

Another insider added: 'The new searches are imminent. There have been other searches conducted since the ones that took place immediately after Lisa's disappearance but none as extensive and hi-tech as the ones scheduled for the next few weeks.

'The investigation has taken a major step forward with the DNA confirmation a violent episode involving Simon and Lisa took place inside her home.

'Investigators believe Lisa's body could have been disposed of at sea but are not ruling out the idea she may have been buried on land and will probe both possibilities when the searches begin.'

Mr Corner, who was born Dean Woods but changed his name after a string of run-ins with British police, is being investigated on suspicion of killing Lisa.

He was remanded in prison in May after appearing in a closed court hearing before the judge continuing to probe him.

He has not been formally charged with any crime, as is normal in Spain where charges are usually laid shortly before trial.

Six other men have been arrested in connection with the ongoing inquiry, including a pal of Mr Corner's who was jailed for four years and nine months in July after admitting trying to smuggle 17 illegal Albanian immigrants into an English south coast marina on board a boat two months earlier.

Stephen Jackson, 51, of West Wittering, West Sussex, is facing extradition to Spain for questioning over Lisa's disappearance.

Officers are hoping he can be flown to Spain for interrogation before he completes his UK sentence, although they are also considering jetting to England to question him in prison.

Further arrests have not been ruled out by Civil Guard detectives.

Mr Corner, who owned a boat, was lambasted by worried Lisa's family and friends for leaving Spain days after she vanished.

He sparked suspicion by flying to the Far East following a short police interview after he was taken away by investigators from the harbour at Sotogrande, near Gibraltar as he worked on his 30-foot yacht.

Mr Corner returned to the Costa del Sol in January promising to meet investigators but left mainland Spain again days later to travel to the Canary Islands and then Ireland before a European Arrest Warrant was put out for him.

He has said he has no idea where his girlfriend is and is innocent of any wrongdoing.

Lisa's ten-year-old son Marco has been looked after by his dad, Tony Tomillero, at his home in La Linea, near Gibraltar, since she disappeared.

Speaking after Mr Corner's arrest, Lisa's sister Helen, who has led a Facebook campaign called Find Lisa, said: 'We're very happy but we still want desperately to find out what happened to Lisa. That's been the main purpose of our campaign from the start.'

The Algeciras-based Civil Guard unit investigating the Lisa Brown case has made a series of high-profile arrests in other cases in recent months.

In June they arrested the suspected killer of a Chinese shop worker who was stabbed to death when he refused to hand over till takings to an armed robber.

They took just 24 hours to identify and hold the 40-year-old Spaniard.
Japan is 'playing with fire' with plans to step up activity in the contested South China Sea, Chinese officials have warned.

The Defence Ministry warned it would not sit watching from the sidelines as Japan takes part in joint training patrols with the United States.

China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has repeatedly denounced what it views as interference there by the United States and its ally, Japan.

Beijing has refused to accept a July ruling by an arbitration court in the Hague, which concluded that China's claims to the waterway were invalid.

The case was brought by the Philippines, but China branded the ruling a 'farce'.

Ships carrying about $5 trillion in trade pass through the South China Sea each year

Japan is strengthening its ties in the region, in particular with the Philippines and Vietnam, which contest China's claims to parts of the sea, and it aims to help build the capacity of coastal states in the busy waterway.

The move has sparked anger in China, and Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a monthly news briefing: 'We must solemnly tell Japan this is a miscalculation. If Japan wants to have joint patrols or drills in waters under Chinese jurisdiction this really is playing with fire.

'China's military will not sit idly by.'

Ties between Asia's two largest economies have long been overshadowed by arguments over their painful wartime history and a territorial spat in the East China Sea, among other issues.

Ships carrying about $5 trillion in trade pass through the South China Sea every year.
They paid tributes today to Zoe Morgan and new boyfriend Lee Simmons

Colleagues at Matalan have been left devastated by the shocking killings

Andrew Saunders, from Gwent, South Wales, has been charged with the murders of Zoe Morgan and her new partner Lee Simmons

A 20-year-old hotel worker has been charged with murdering a 'loving and funny' shop assistant, 21, and her 33-year-old boyfriend as they left a Matalan night shift.

Andrew Patrick Saunders, from Gwent, South Wales, has been charged with the murders of Zoe Morgan and her new partner Lee Simmons.

The pair were allegedly stabbed to death outside the Matalan store they worked at in Queen Street, Cardiff at about 5.50am yesterday morning, South Wales Police said.

Today, family, friends and colleagues paid tribute to the pair who had only been dating for a couple of months after striking up a friendship while working together.

As the store was reopened this morning, Matalan workers and friends placed a row of flowers on the steps outside, with heartfelt tributes written on cards.

One tribute read: 'Sadly missed. Our angels. You will always be in our hearts, love your Matalan family.' Another said simply: 'Look after each other.'

One colleague said: 'We wanted to come back to work to be together. We want to talk about them and support each other - it is very emotional. We are a family here and we have lost people who were close to us.'

Melanie Davidson, 40, was a manager at McDonald's, where Miss Morgan worked for several years until she graduated from the University of South Wales in June.

She said: 'I've never met such a kind, caring, sweet, loving and funny girl in all my 22 years of employment. She was beautiful, not just on the outside but on the inside.'

Hundreds of pounds have been donated to a JustGiving page in memory of Miss Morgan, which describes her as 'fun, sweet and exceptionally kind and honest'.

Shop workers Zoe Morgan and Lee Simmons, who were in a relationship were stabbed to death as they left a night shift at Matalan in Cardiff yesterday morning

Flowers have been placed outside the store in central Cardiff following the tragedy

A card on one of the bouquets read: 'You'll be sadly miss by your Matalan family'

She had recently graduated from the university with an honours degree in fashion marketing and retail design.

A spokeswoman for the university said: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Zoe, who had been a popular and well-liked student who was now doing well in her chosen career.

'Our thoughts are with her family as we come together, as a close-knit university community, to support our students and colleagues who knew Zoe during her time with us.'

Saunders was arrested with the assistance of Gwent Police officers at an address in Castleton within an hour of the incident being reported eaely yesterday morning.

It is believed he knew Mr Simmons, from Llandaff North, and Miss Morgan, from Grangetown, who were in a relationship.

Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

The bodies of Miss Morgan and Mr Simmons were discovered just two hours before the shop was due to open at 8am.

Post-mortem examinations will take place to determine the causes of death but it is believed that both victims sustained stab wounds.

A member of the public places flowers outside the store where the victims work this morning

A work colleague yesterday said those who knew the couple were 'in bits' over their deaths

Matalan chief executive Jason Hargreaves said: 'It is with great sadness that we can confirm that there was a fatal stabbing in Queen Street, Cardiff, this morning.

'Police discovered the bodies of a man and a woman outside the premises at 6am and arrested one man, who is currently in police custody.

'Both of the victims worked at our Cardiff branch so understandably all of our colleagues are receiving our full support.

'We request that they are given the space to deal with this at this difficult time.

'That is all we know at this stage and we are working tirelessly with the police in their investigations.

'We extend our condolences to the families of everyone involved.'

A large section of Queen Street, the Welsh capital's main shopping thoroughfare, was closed throughout the morning.

Members of the public were unable to access much of the pedestrianised area, which was treated as a crime scene.

Stores including Topshop, Zara, River Island, Boots and Primark did not open on Wednesday morning.

Floral tributes were left outside the Matalan store, which remained closed all day.

Zoe worked as a window dresser after graduating in fashion. Lee was a shop assistant

Lee recently posted a picture of Zoe on Facebook with the message 'my real life tinkerbell'

Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies, of South Wales Police, said: 'This incident occurred in the main shopping area in the heart of the city in rush-hour and it has no doubt shocked the community of Cardiff.

'Please be reassured that we have a team of officers investigating what happened and, importantly, we have a suspect in custody and we are not looking for anybody else.

'We are in the very early stages of the investigation but I would like to add that at this stage we believe the suspect was known to the victims and it was not a random assault.

'I would like to dispel speculation circulating as to the motive behind this tragic incident and make it clear that this is not being linked to terrorism and any links to the homeless community are unfounded.'
EXCLUSIVE: A self-styled multi-millionaire foreign exchange dealer who brags on TikTok about how he treats parking tickets as the cost of 'VIP parking' (left) has been behind a string of dissolved companies and lives in a rented house. MailOnline can also reveal that one of the directorships listed for Luke Desmaris (right, inset), 27, at Companies House gives his 'correspondence address' as the home of an elderly couple who live in an isolated gated bungalow and have never heard of him. Desmaris, who charges people for advice on how to make a fortune, made headlines this week after releasing a boastful TikTok video showing parking tickets on his BMW on double yellow lines near Harrods as a voiceover says: 'Broke people see a fine, but I see VIP parking'. He also regularly brags about earning 300,000 a month, living in 'multi-million mansions', and wearing two Rolex watches worth a total of 40,000 in a bid to get some of his 83,000 followers on TikTok to pay him 29.99 a month for trading advice. Many of his videos feature the exterior of his former five bedroom home and his 90,000 BMW M4 car in Harlow, Essex, with some posing the question: 'How can I afford this house and car age 27?'
Family pay tribute to the 19-year-old, calling her 'beautiful inside and out'

Teenager was in second year of international events management degree

Died from a condition which causes fatal cardiac arrest with no warning

Olivia Mae Woodward, 19, had just begun her second year of study towards a degree in international events management

The family of a student who died suddenly in her sleep have paid tribute to a daughter who was 'beautiful inside and out'.

Olivia Mae Woodward, 19, was found in The Exchange Works, her Sheffield Hallam University halls of residence on Sunday.

Olivia died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, known as SADS - a condition that causes a fatal cardiac arrest with no prior warning of heart trouble.

The teenager had just begun her second year of study towards a degree in international events management.

Paying tribute, her mother Lisa said: 'The overriding comment people have been saying is that Olivia was just beautiful inside and out. She was so caring and kind, she was just a lovely girl.

'She was so happy to be going back to university, she absolutely loved it.

'She was looking forward to meeting all her friends again and her boyfriend, Charlie, is also there.

'She loved the social side of it, to go out and party, and she loved to dance.

'She loved her family and friends and was so loyal.'

Having just returned to university for the second year of her studies, Olivia had ambitions to get into wedding planning.

Grieving Lisa added: 'We've had so much support from Olivia's friends and everyone at the university has been so supportive as well.'

Olivia Mae Woodward died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, known as SADS - a condition that causes a fatal cardiac arrest with no prior warning of heart trouble

Olivia Mae Woodward and her boyfriend, Charlie Gilbert. The teenager had just begun her second year of study towards a degree in international events management

Olivia's parents Lisa and Stuart had only dropped their daughter off on September 17, helping her to sort out her room.

Olivia later texted them, thanking them for their help and saying she 'loved them all'.

There was nothing on the night of her death to suggest anything out of the ordinary.

Lisa said: 'I received a text from her at about 11pm to say she'd met a couple of new flatmates, that she was having an amazing time and they were going to go out to a nightclub.

Having just returned to university for the second year of her studies, Olivia had ambitions to get into wedding planning

'One of her friends got a bit too drunk that night. Olivia took him back and looked after him. She got him some food and put him to bed before going to her room. I sent her a message the next day but didn't get an answer.'

Olivia died suddenly and unexpectedly from SADS after her heart stopped.

Her parents have vowed to raise awareness of SADS and raise money for the Cardiac Risk in the Young charity, or Cry.

Lisa, of Brentingby, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, said: 'Olivia was perfectly fit and active and she walked everywhere.

'SADS isn't something people are aware of which is why we want to raise awareness of it. We just want people to know about it.

Olivia was found in The Exchange Works, her Sheffield Hallam University halls of residence (pictured), on Sunday

'I think all teenagers and young people should get checked for it.'

Olivia's boyfriend Charlie and younger sister Annabelle have set up an online fundraising page in her memory to raise money for Cry, which has already raised more than 2,600.
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An ornate 19th century railway station built just so the future Edward VII could go on weekend jaunts to the races has gone on sale for 1.5million.

It is 50 years since the last train departed from Petworth Railway Station, which has since been converted into an 11-bed luxury bed and breakfast.

And this is because almost nobody other than the future King Edward VII, then the Prince of Wales, had any call to use it.

Set in the middle of the West Sussex countryside and two miles from the nearest town, it was constructed on Royal command solely to give Edward a quicker path to Goodwood race course.

Known to enjoy a wager on the horses, he also considered it an ideal location to visit his friend Sir Edward James who hosted lavish parties at his nearby country estate.

An ornate 19th century railway station built just so the then Prince of Wales could go on weekend jaunts to the races has gone on sale for 1.5million

Set in the middle of the West Sussex countryside and two miles from the nearest town, it was constructed on Royal command solely to give Edward a quicker path to Goodwood race course

It is 50 years since the last train departed from Petworth Railway Station, which has since been converted into an 11-bed luxury bed and breakfast

Railway bosses at London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, saw no need for the station to be built.

But they were ultimately over-ruled by Edward, and the lavish timber structure was erected on the branch line between Pulborough and Midhurst.

The station remained in use by passengers until 1955, when it is believed to have been transporting just one customer a week and making a loss of 38,000 a year, which is the equivalent of 1million in today's money.

It continued to be used as a freight station until 1966 but was taken out of use completely after the infamous recommendations of Dr Richard Beeching, which resulted in the mass closure of railway lines across the country.

The site lay derelict for 14 years before being brought back into use as a house in 1980, and in the last 11 years has been subject to a major 700,000 restoration project

Despite the fact the property dates from the 19th century, it has undergone a massive renovation and features several modern facilities

The lavish timber structure was erected on the branch line between Pulborough and Midhurst, where it still stands to this day

Railway bosses at London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, saw no need for the station to be built. But they were ultimately over-ruled by Edward, and the lavish timber structure was erected on the branch line between Pulborough and Midhurst. These luxury Pullman carriages have been converted into bedrooms

The renovation has seen the rotting timber panels replaced, modern fittings installed and the introduction of luxury Pullman carriages from the early 1900s for guests to stay in - four of only 100 in existence. Pictured is the hallway, and the kitchen

The site lay derelict for 14 years before being brought back into use as a house in 1980, and in the last 11 years has been subject to a major 700,000 restoration project.

This has seen the rotting timber panels replaced, modern fittings installed and the introduction of luxury Pullman carriages from the early 1900s for guests to stay in - four of only 100 in existence.

From the outside it looks almost exactly as it did more than 100 years ago, but inside now boasts all mod-cons and a few nods to its railway station past.

It possesses a host of original period features, including 20ft high vaulted ceilings, light fittings, real wood floor and the original ticket office windows.

Owner Gudmund Olafsson, 61, who bought the site more than a decade ago, is now retiring and selling up.

Known to enjoy a wager on the horses, Edward VII (left) also considered it an ideal location to visit his friend Sir Edward James who hosted lavish parties at his nearby country estate

From the outside, the station looks almost exactly as it did more than 100 years ago, but inside now boasts all mod-cons and a few nods to its railway station past

It possesses a host of original period features, including 20ft high vaulted ceilings, light fittings, real wood floor and the original ticket office windows

The luxurious interior of the property is a far cry from its appearance 50 years ago, when it ceased running as an active railway station

Owner Gudmund Olafsson, 61, who bought the site more than a decade ago, is now retiring and selling up

The property continued to be used as a freight station until 1966 but was taken out of use completely after the infamous recommendations of Dr Richard Beeching, which resulted in the mass closure of railway lines across the country

He said: 'It has been a labour of love over these last 11 years. It is a beautiful building and we have attracted visitors from across the world.

'What makes it remarkable is its history. It was built in 1892 for the Prince of Wales because he loved betting on the GGs and this was the closest line to Goodwood.

'We know that he used it frequently and would visit his friend Sir Edward James who lived at West Dean.

'But by the 1950s there was barely any demand, and it was completely taken out of use in 1966.'

A spokesman for Chesworths Estate Agents, which is selling the property, said: 'It's not every day a railway station comes to the market, but even less frequently a railway station that has been lovingly restored to the extraordinarily high standards of the Old Railway Station Hotel.'

A photo shows how the old railway station looked in 1892. It was maintained as a working station up until the mid-20th century
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These haunting photographs show the crumbling remains of a Victorian asylum that could soon be demolished.

The ruined former Rauceby Asylum building and chapel in Lincolnshire are now covered in dust and graffiti.

Few signs remain that reveal the site as a former home of mentally ill adults and children, which closed in 1998.

Chilling: This haunting photograph shows the crumbling remains of the graffiti-covered Victorian hospital, Rauceby Asylum, which was opened as Kesteven County Asylum in June 1902 to its first batch of patients who arrived by train from Grantham

Ghosts of the past: Photographer Simon Robsons pictures show only one medical bed at the former asylum in Lincolshire, which was designed to be self-sufficient and self-contained with its own recreation hall, workshops, surgery and dentist

Falling down: The ruined former hospital building and chapel in Lincolnshire are now covered in dust and graffiti. The site remained unscathed during the First World War despite a German Zeppelin dropping a bomb in a nearby field

Demolition planned: One of the rooms at Rauceby, which is located between Grantham and Lincoln, is missing a wall. In the early days of the asylum, staff worked 14-hour shifts from 6am until 8pm, before handing over to the smaller night team

Derelict bathroom: Rauceby Asylum was founded in 1897 and served primarily as a mental hospital for more than a century. It was a military hospital during the Second World War, with its non-psychiatric population peaking at about 1,000 casualties

Eerie: Few signs remain that reveal the site as a former home of mentally ill adults and children, which closed in 1998. Its population had started to dwindle in the 1970s when all British asylums were starting to at eventually closing

Left behind: Outside, a tractor tyre from the farm site of Rauceby lies across an almost-hidden path that once led to the entrance. The farm was increased in size by 70 acres in 1913 ahead of an expectation of rising patient numbers

Photographer Simon Robsons pictures show only one medical bed, and one bathroom with three broken stalls.

Outside, a tractor tyre from the farm site lies across an almost-hidden path that once led to the entrance.

Mr Robson visited Rauceby, which lies between Grantham and Lincoln, to explore the hospitals eerie remains.

Rauceby Asylum was founded in 1897 and served primarily as a mental hospital for more than a century.

The building was designed by George Hine in 1898, with the grounds laid out by William Goldring two years later.

Spooky hallway: Mr Robson visited Rauceby to explore the hospitals eerie remains ahead of its planned demolition

Former uses: During the Second World War, Rauceby Asylum served as a crash and burns unit for nearby RAF Cranwell

Overgrown: The building was designed by George Hine in 1898, with the grounds laid out by William Goldring two years later

Next steps: The hospital shut in 1998 and there are now plans to demolish it and build more than 100 homes on the site

Change on the way: The hospital's redevelopment has been a long-running issue having first been discussed 15 years ago

Graffiti on the staircase: David Wilson Homes began redevelopment work on the Rauceby Asylum site in 2004

Former chapel: Much of the landscaping and planting was carried out by the male patients on the site as part of their therapy

Much of the landscaping and planting was carried out by the male patients on the site as part of their therapy.

During the Second World War, it also served as a crash and burns unit for nearby RAF Cranwell.

The hospital shut in 1998 and there are now plans to demolish it and build more than 100 homes on the site.
He said injuries caused had left him unable to work since December 2012

Danny Hadfield tried to sue prison after he

An ex-convict who claimed a fall at HMP Manchester left him unable to work has been caught on camera climbing a ladder to fix a roof... and falling off.

Danny Hadfield tried to sue bosses at the Manchester prison for 2,750 after claiming he badly hurt his back and elbow after falling on metal stairs in 2012 because he slipped on water.

But his claim was thrown out of court this week after District Judge Daniel Moss said it was 'far more likely' he had simply lost his footing.

Danny Hadfield tried to sue bosses at the Manchester prison for 2,750 after claiming he badly hurt his back and elbow after falling on metal stairs in 2012 because he slipped on water. He said in court that he hasn't been able to work since being released from prison in 2012

But footage has emerged of him fixing a roof in February  and falling off a ladder in the process

Hadfield, from Altrincham, Trafford, said in court that he hasn't been able to work since being released from prison in December 2012 after serving nine months of a two-year sentence for wounding.

But footage has emerged of him fixing a roof in February  and falling off a ladder in the process.

One of Hadfield's former clients, from Stockport, sent the footage of him fixing their roof this year to the Manchester Evening News. The CCTV video shows him climbing a ladder before it slips and falls to the ground.

One of Hadfield's former clients, from Stockport, sent the footage of him fixing their roof this year to the Manchester Evening News.

The CCTV video shows him climbing a ladder before it slips and falls to the ground.

Hadfield crashes to the ground in the nasty fall and lies motionless on the floor

It is not known whether Hadfield sustained any injuries from the tumble

Hadfield, 52, had previously tried tried to sue HMP Manchester, claiming staff had been negligent because water was on the stairs

The resident said they paid Hadfield 4,000 for the job, which they say has since had to be redone at a cost of more than 8,000.

Hadfield, 52, had previously tried tried to sue HMP Manchester, claiming staff had been negligent because water was on the stairs.

He was ordered to pay more than 9,000 in court costs incurred by jail bosses, but is understood to have covered the bill by taking out after event insurance.

Following the Manchester Civil Justice Centre hearing, the prison's governor Rob Young said he was 'very pleased at the outcome of this case'.
This is the sad moment a big bull elk was spotted with its antlers tangled up in electricity cables.

A passing driver spotted the trapped elk by the side of a road between the town of Loukhi and the village of Suoperae in north-western Russias Republic of Karelia.

The unlucky moose was caught up in electrical cables in the northwestern region of Russia called Karelia

The poor animal was spotted by a passing motorist who filmed the scene on her phone and posted it online.

Irina Timofeeva filmed the unfortunate scene on her phone and the footage went viral on social media.

The poor animal is barely able to move as its antlers are tightly bound with the wires which are also wrapped around nearby trees.

In the video above, he can be seen to tug and pull at the cables as he tries to free himself.

The powerful elk appears to have pulled over some of small trees in its efforts to break free but there are too many of them for it to escape.

Irina Timofeeva, who shot the video, was criticised for not calling specialist animal services to help the moose

It is not known if the moose was rescued or if it managed to escape the wires bound around its antlers

Some viewers feared for the animal's life and criticised Ms Timofeeva for not doing more to help it.

They said that she should have called special services instead of just filming it with her phone to post on social media.

It is not known whether the elk managed to escape although it is likely that wildlife officials would have looked for it had they been made aware of the video.
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The ruins of an entire ancient village - complete with its own ghost - have been put up for sale.

The old village of Lawers, on the shores of Perthshire's Loch Tay, is on the market for 100,000-plus

A ruined lochside village with many romantic and historical associations, to comes complete with its own ghost.

It is said the Old Lady of Lawers, a soothsayer who predicted the coming of the railway and the construction of steam ships, now haunts the site.

The ruins of the centuries-old village of Lawers in Scotland have been put up for sale, and even come with a ghost

The ruins of the village, pictured, contain buildings believed to have been erected as long ago as the mid 15th Century

Jon Lambert, of selling agent John Clegg & Co, is seeking offers over 100,000.

He said: 'An opportunity such as this to acquire part of Scotland's historical heritage in what many believe to be the most beautiful part of the country arises very rarely.

'The word 'unique' is overused but there can be very few times when it is so appropriate as with this chance to be the owner and custodian of an area so rich in history, romance and tradition.'

The three-acre site comprises ruins - Scheduled Ancient Monuments - at each end with an 'in-field' in between, on which the villagers farmed historically.

The ruins of the House of Lawers, at the western end, are said to stand on the site of an earlier house razed to the ground by the Marquis of Montrose in 1645.

Also in the western part is the remains of Lawers Kirk, which dates from 1669.

The population of the village, pictured, dwindled as the years went on and by 1891 there were just seven people there until it was finally abandoned in 1926

The ruins, pictured, include a mill and a kiln, as well a pier master's house which was the last inhabited building

The ruined buildings to the east include a mill and a kiln, evocative of an early modern settlement on the banks of the loch and the edge of the stream which powered the mill.

'It is easy to imagine the life of the little community with the peat smoke rising from the fires,' said Mr Lambert.

The 1841 census suggests that there may have been 17 people living by the loch in the old village.

By 1891 there were only seven people, all of whom lived in the pier master's house which was abandoned in 1926.

The open ground between the two ruins runs down to the water's edge and gives loch views and an area where the owners of the site can fish for trout, picnic or camp.

The new owners will need to work with Historic Environment Scotland in safeguarding the ruins and grants may be available.

The land, pictured, is being marketed by agents John Clegg & Co who are inviting offers of more than 100,000

The three-acre site lies by Perthshire's Loch Tay, pictured, and is protected by a conservation agreement with the National Trust of Scotland, with any work done on the site subject to its approval

The area is also subject to a conservation agreement with the National Trust of Scotland, who would need to approve any work undertaken on site.

Due to the very special nature of the site, Perth and Kinross Council is unlikely to support an application for the erection of any conventional property.

In response to a pre-application inquiry, the planners have said they are more likely to consider a small building used intermittently for recreational accommodation.
The sacked Coronation Street star who called Indians 'b******' and 'p*** drinking c****' has now branded the country 'a terrorist state'.

Marc Anwar, 45, who plays love cheat Sharif Nazir in the long running soap, said this week in a YouTube apology he regretted offending anyone, 'especially people from India'.

But now he has urged his Twitter followers to sign a petition demanding the US make India a terrorist state because of its conflict with Pakistan over Kashmir.

In a defiant message to fans Mr Anwar added: 'No human controls my livelihood but My Allah. Never have never will grovel to anyone! Proud Muslim, proud Pakistani, very proud British'.

He has also said that Coronation Street didn't need to sack him over his tweets because he was planning to quit anyway.

Apology: Sacked Corrie star Marc Anwar, 45, has made a video apology over anti-Indian tweets - but has since said that India should be treated as a terrorist state

Political: Mr Anwar urged his Twitter followers to sign a petition demanding the US make India a terrorist state because of its conflict with Pakistan over Kashmir

Fighting back: He also said he would not 'grovel' and claimed he was leaving Corrie anyway

India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads over Kashmir for years and Mr Anwar's sacking from Corrie came after he lost his temper over the conflict.

During his rant last Friday  in which he inserted asterisks in the most offensive words  Anwar said: Why the **** do Pakistani artists want work in **** face India, do you love money so much.

He followed that up by tweeting an image of a clenched fist before adding: Ban #india movies in #Pakistanis LeaveIndia. B******s **** drinking *****.

Referring to clashes between the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narenda Modi the actor tweeted: ******* Indians killing our Kashmir brothers and sisters...!

In another he attacked India and called on Pakistanis to leave the country.

Anwar, who has appeared in Hollywood films such as Captain Phillips and 51st State, as well as Emmerdale and Holby City, deleted the offensive tweets and apologised.

Greater Manchester Police said this week that they are investigating his tweets after they were reported as a hate crime.

A spokesman said: ' On Sunday September 25 we received a report of a hate crime. Police have launched an investigation and enquiries are ongoing'.

Mr Anwar has lost his job on the soap and blamed a 'moment of madness' for his vitriolic abuse of Indians.

But he maintained that his tweets were borne out of anger at attacks on Kashmir and that his feelings for Pakistani people caught up in the conflict are 'sincere'.

At work: Mr Anwar as Sharif Nazir helps Roy Cropper, played by David Neilson, with Christmas dinner on the show. Bosses have had to write him out of the series

Marc Anwar, 45, who plays the role of Sharif Nazir in Corrie, referred to Indians as b******s' and 'p***-drinking c***s' on Twitter

This led to fresh outrage on Twitter with people questioning whether the star is genuinely sorry.

In a video message he said: ' I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to anyone I may have offended with my tweets on Friday evening and especially people from India. This was never my intention.

'The language was unacceptable. I feel I have let a lot of people down. My family, my friends and my former colleagues. This I sincerely apologise for.

Mr Anwar, from Rochdale, joined Coronation Street in 2014 to play the role of Kal's [Jimi Mistry] father in what was the first Muslim family on the show

'On Friday evening I saw on the news children being pulled out of rubble, people being pelted with pellets, women mourning their dead in Kashmir. This upset me very deeply and in a moment of madness I ranted out and vented my anger.

'My feelings were very sincere for the people of Kashmir and I hope that everyone that everyone I have offended can find it in their hearts to forgive me'.

Mr Anwar's tweets on Friday night have cost him his lucrative job on Coronation Street, who are having to swiftly re-write scripts up until Christmas after his sacking.

He had referred to Indians as killers and suggested on Twitter that Pakistanis should refuse to work in their country.

ITV bosses were alerted to the posts and fired the actor, who joined the soap as a member of the first Muslim family on the cobbles in February 2014, with immediate effect.

But Anwar, whose character was set to feature heavily in Christmas episodes, is still likely to appear in future episodes. It would be impossible for directors to edit him out of all scenes already recorded.

In a statement a spokesman for ITV said: We are deeply shocked by the entirely unacceptable, racially offensive comments made on Twitter by Marc Anwar. We have talked to Marc and, as a consequence of his comments, he will not be returning to Coronation Street with immediate effect.

Just two months ago he was pictured with police endorsing their campaign against hate crime

Baroness Hussein-Ece, a Liberal Democrat and vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Race and Community told the Sunday Mirror: I understand the frustration but it doesnt justify the kind of language hes used and blaming all Indians.

It is one thing to campaign and another to say these kind of things on Twitter.

There are atrocious human rights abuses occurring there. People are dying. Im not for a minute undermining that. But he is a public figure and hes gone about this in the wrong way.

Fiyaz Mughal, director of the charity Faith Matters, added: Its unacceptable. You cant just blame a whole group of people for a conflict.

If youre on Coronation Street, youre in a powerful position, you have huge influence on social media. If the reverse happened and it was said Pakistanis are bad, he wouldnt like it. Its ludicrous and those comments dont work one way or the other.
Britain's cheapest and most expensive car parks have been revealed  with the 5p it costs to buy a plastic shopping bag being the best hourly rate and 13 the worst.

Thrifty motorists can leave their vehicle at a car park in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, for up to 10 hours and still save themselves 5 on the hourly cost in London's West End.

There, in the heart of Soho, is the country's priciest parking spot  Brewer Street car park  where it costs 13 for up to an hour, 26 for two and 50 for more than three.

Thrifty motorists can leave their vehicle at a car park in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire (pictured), for up to 10 hours and still save themselves 5 on the hourly cost in London's West End

At the Railway Street car park in Dewsbury (pictured) the charge increases for those wanting to stay more than an hour, but motorists still only face forking out 50p for two hours

How Britain's cheapest and most expensive car parks stack up when comparing their price list

At the Railway Street car park in Dewsbury the charge increases for those wanting to stay more than an hour, but motorists still only face forking out 50p for two hours.

The bargain parking spot is located just off the towns ring road behind the library and Mecca Bingo.

The difference between an hours parking in the UKs most expensive and cheapest car parks is 12.95.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council suggested that the low tariff in Dewsbury had been decided on by a private land owner and not council officials.

He said: 'The council runs the car park on behalf of the land owner via their managing agent.

In the heart of London's West End is the country's priciest parking spot  Brewer Street car park (pictured)  where it costs 13 for up to an hour, 26 for two and 50 for more than three

The difference between an hours parking in the UKs priciest and cheapest car parks is 12.95

BRITAIN'S CHEAPEST AND PRICIEST CAR PARKS Prices at the UK's cheapest car park, Railway Street car park in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, are: Up to 1 hour: 5p Up to 2 hours: 50p Up to 3 hours: 1 Up to 4 hours: 2 Up to 5 hours: 3 Up to 6 hours: 4 Up to 7 hours: 5 Up to 8 hours: 6 Up to 9 hours: 7 Up to 10 hours: 8 Prices at the UK's most expensive car park, Brewer Street car park in London's West End, are: Up to 1 hour: 13 Up to 2 hours: 26 Up to 3 hours: 38 24 hours: 50 Advertisement

'The prices are set to encourage use and turnover on the site.'

Research has previously found that motorists entering central London looking for somewhere to park not only have to contend with the 11.50 congestion charge but also the most expensive parking in the world.

Drivers parking in the capital have to pay an average of 42  more than three times the price of other large cities in the UK, including 12 in Manchester and 10 in Birmingham, according to parkatmyhouse.com.

London beats notoriously expensive cities such as New York, Sydney and Tokyo in the data, which looked a mixture of commercial and private spaces.

Commercial car parks in the West End and City of London are now charging up to a whopping 75 per day as spaces become increasingly hard to come-by in busy areas.

This is more than 20 times as expensive as other city centre car parks. Parking on Cole Street, Scunthorpe, for example costs a mere 3.50 per day.
A two-year-old girl is in hospital after her sister, seven, accidentally ran her over when their mother told her to start the car.

Police say the girls' mom gave her eldest daughter permission to start the car outside their apartment in Salem at around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The youngster got behind the wheel, but mistakenly put the vehicle into reverse and inadvertently backed over her sister.

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A two-year-old in New Hampshire is in hospital after her seven-year-old sister accidentally ran her over with the family's Ford Focus

The mother was inside their home when the accident happened, WMUR reported.

'I saw the baby trying to open the door and it wasnt opening so she was going behind the car and the car was going back and it hit her and she got hurt really bad,' eyewitness Liana Gallagher told CBS Boston.

The car only stopped when it hit a neighbor's house.

The toddler suffered broken bones in her legs as well as injuries to her chin, scalp, rib cage and upper right arm.

She was rushed to a local hospital but later taken by helicopter to Boston Children's Hospital.

The injuries aren't considered life-threatening.

The 2003 Ford Focus was parked in front of the family's apartment (pictured) in Salem when the 7-year-old mistakenly put the vehicle into reverse and backed over her sister

Police say this isn't the first time the seven-year-old was allowed to start the vehicle.

'What makes this even more frightening is that this was 100 per cent preventable,' Captain Joel Dolan told CBS Boston.

Officials are now considering filing criminal child endangerment charges against the mother.

'I would say we are leaning heavily toward that direction but nothing is set in stone,' Dolan told CBS Boston.

Some neighbors said they had seen the child start the car unattended before, NECN reported.

'My kids could have been out here. I could have been out here," neighbor Jason Dumont told NECN.

'It's kind of scary.'
A playful elephant had ideas of its own when his rider tried to take selfies on his back - spraying a trunkful of water in his face.

Student Clayton Kruse and his family went on the elephant trek while on their summer holiday, where he received the surprise shower just five minutes into the trip.

The group entered the River Khwae Yai, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, for their two-hour safari, with no warning from their guides that the lively elephants may squirt them.

Clayton Kruse lining up the shot with a selfie stick as he rides the elephant's back in Thailand

The playful animal had other ideas though, showering Clayton from head to toe with a trunk full of water

The 21-year-old, from said: 'I was not warned or told anything about spraying.

'The elephant trek was about two hours along the river and about five minutes after getting in the water that the spraying began.

'I was worried that I would drop my selfie stick and have it crushed by the 30 other elephants in the area, or it would be washed away by the current of the river.

Clayton was riding the elephant in the River Khwae Yai, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, when it happened

'The water was deep enough to completely submerge an entire Thai elephant.'

Clayton from Yucaipa, California, USA, snapped himself riding the elephant, with his guide standing on the rear, totally unaware of what was to come.

Just as he is getting to grips with guiding the creature through the 12 foot deep water, it raises its trunk back over its head and drenches him - leaving him clutching to the selfie stick for dear life.

One of his fellow riders is left looking on in amusement as Clayton is soaked from head to toe by the playful elephant.
A student says the shooter jumped over the school fence, fired several shots into the air and yelled 'I hate my life'

Police say a motive for the shooting is still unclear and they had not charged the teen suspect as of Wednesday night

Six-year-old Jacob Hall remains hospitalized in critical condition while the other two victims have been discharged

Jeffrey Osborne, 47, was reportedly shot dead by his 14-year-old son before the teen went on a shooting rampage at a nearby elementary school

This is the father who was reportedly shot dead by his own son, before the 14-year-old went on a shooting rampage at a nearby elementary school.

Jeffrey Osborne, 47, was found dead at his home in Townville, South Carolina, on Wednesday and authorities believe his teen son is to blame.

After allegedly killing his father, the son - who has not yet been identified - went to Townville Elementary School just three miles away and opened fire on the playground - injuring two six-year-old boys and first-grade teacher Meghan Hollingsworth.

A student said the suspect jumped over a fence and shouted 'I hate my life' before opening fire.

A heroic off-duty firefighter, who was not armed, managed to take down the teen, who is now being questioned in police custody.

He will remain behind bars until his first hearing in a family court on Friday.

Police have still not released a motive for the shocking act.

Officials said the teen called his grandmother from his father's house crying on the phone at 1:45pm on Wednesday.

He did not tell her what was wrong or what happened, before the call ended.

She went to her son's house and found Osborne dead inside with a gunshot wound, but the teenager had already left the home.

Tiffney Osborne, the mother of the shooter, released a statement through her pastor on Thursday saying: 'Our entire family is absolutely shocked and saddened by the senseless actions of our son and grandson.

'We are praying and will continue to do so for the two precious children who were wounded, and for their courageous teacher who was wounded while rescuing the children.'

She also asked that people pray for the family.

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Jacob Hall (left), six, and Townville Elementary School teacher Meghan Hollingsworth (right) were both shot along with another student at the school on Wednesday. Hall remains hospitalized in critical condition while the other two victims have been discharged

Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran volunteer firefighter, was able to engage the gunman and tackle him, preventing further damage

A spokesman representing the teen's family said in a statement on Thursday: 'Our entire family is absolutely shocked and saddened by the senseless actions of our son and grandson.

TIFFNEY OSBORNE STATEMENT 'Our entire family is absolutely shocked and saddened by the senseless actions of our son and grandson. 'We are praying and will continue to do so for the two precious children who were wounded, and for their courageous teacher who was wounded while rescuing the children. 'We cannot express the devastation we feel at the loss of our beloved Jeff. We are thankful to have friends who have expressed their sympathy and support to Tiffney at the loss of her husband. 'Please pray for our family that the Lord will help us as we face this unimaginable ordeal.' Advertisement

A friend to the family of the suspect says the teen was being home schooled because he had been expelled from his previous school.

He was kicked out after he brought a hatchet to classes and attacked a child.

Police were called to the school just before 2pm, after reports of an active shooter.

Townville volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock arrived shortly after hearing the 911 call.

Brock then engaged with the gunman and tackled him.

Deputy Chief Keith Smith said the shooting happened on the playground behind the school and the shooter, who was carrying handgun, never entered the school.

A student told WSPA that she saw the shooter jump a fence and fire several rounds into the air while yelling 'I hate my life! I hate my life! I hate my life!'

The 14-year-old gunman was being questioned by police Wednesday night, but he has not yet charged him with a crime. Above, a bus filled with children is seen being evacuated from the school on Wednesday

The teen's grandmother reportedly received a phone call from the suspect just before the shooting on Wednesday. He seemed distraught so she went to his home and found his father dead. Above, a mother embraces her daughter at a Baptist church where the students were sent after the shooting on Wednesday

A family friend said the teen gunman was being homeschooled after he was expelled from school last year for attacking a classmate with a hatchet. Above, Lilly Chapman, eight, cries after being reunited with her father, John Chapman, on Wednesday

Student Jacob Hall, six, is listed in critical condition at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

His family released a statement through the hospital that reads: 'We appreciate the community's support, especially the Townville Rescue Squad who treated Jacob onsite and brought him to the hospital,' said Rodger and Renae Hall, Jacob's parents.

'We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy during this difficult time.'

Hollingsworth, and another male student - who has not been named publicly - were also shot but have since been released from the hospital.

Members of law enforcement investigate an area at Townville Elementary School after the shooting

An Anderson County sheriff's deputy stands outside of Townville Elementary School after the horrifying incident. The shooting took place in the playground, authorities have said

The teen suspect will appear at a Family Court detention hearing in Anderson on Friday.

Authorities say all the victims and the suspect are white and there are no racial overtones associated with the incident.

Photos taken by the Independent Mail showed busloads of crying school children being evacuated from the scene and parents clutching their children tight after reuniting at a local church.

Anderson County sheriff's deputies and investigators walk out of Townville Elementary School after the shooting

The 14-year-old gunman is accused of shooting two students and a teacher at Townville Elementary School after allegedly killing his father at his home three miles away at 150 Osborne Road

Law enforcement vehicles are seen parked at 150 Osborne Road on Wednesday. Authorities said a teenager apparently shot his father to death then opened fire at Townville Elementary School

After all of the children were evacuated from the school, SWAT teams swept the building and decreed it safe.

STATEMENT FROM THE OSBORNE FAMILY Our entire family is absolutely shocked and saddened by the senseless actions of our son and grandson. We are praying and will continue to do so for the two precious children who were wounded, and for their courageous teacher who was wounded while rescuing the children. We cannot express the devastation we feel at the loss of our beloved Jeff. We are thankful to have friends who have expressed their sympathy and support 2 Tiffney that the loss of her husband. Please pray for our family that the Lord will help us as we face this unimaginable ordeal. Advertisement

The students at the school were evacuated by bus to nearby Oakdale Baptist Church where they were reunited with their parents. Armed police officers escorted the children on the bus ride.

Parents were informed about the shooting by a reverse phone call from the district. The small school teaches 286 children from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade.

While the children seemed mostly calm at the church, parents who spoke with television reporters were noticeably shaken.

'I just pray for those families. I pray for those kids,' parent Jamie Meredith told WYFF. 'I thank God it wasn't mine, but I feel so bad for them and I'm just going to pray that they're OK and I don't know if they're my daughter's classmates or they're somebody I knew. I don't know. (I) just feel so bad.'

Meredith says her daughter told her that they were taken into a bathroom after the shooting and didn't know what was going on.

'I know her teacher was shaken up,' Meredith said. 'I know all the kids were scared. There was a bunch of kids crying. She didn't talk for about five minutes when I got here.'

Townville, South Carolina is a small town of just 4,000 near the Georgia border. It's 40 minutes from Greenville and on the main freeway between Greenville and Atlanta. Townville Elementary School will be closed on Thursday and Friday.
Three City traders stole more than 76million from their employers while staying at luxury hotels and tucking into meals at Michelin star restaurants, a court has heard.

Georgy Urumov, 37, was allegedly part of a group that swindled Russian owned banking group Otkritie.

Urumovs wife Yulia Balk, 36, is accused of laundering money from the fraud by spending 19million on a house in Millionaires Row in St Johns Wood, north west London.

Fellow traders Vladimir Gersamia, 33, and Alessandro Gherzi, 37, are also accused of being involved in the scam.

Georgy Urumov (left) was allegedly part of a group that swindled Russian owned banking group Otkritie. His wife Yulia Balk (right) is also accused of laundering money from the fraud

Urumov and Gherzi both worked at Otkritie Securities Limited (OSL), part of the Otkritie Group, while Gersamia was employed by Threadneedle Asset Management Limited (TAM), Southwark Crown Court heard.

The alleged scam is said to have taken place over a 15-month period between mid-2010 and the end of 2011.

Robert OSullivan QC, prosecuting, said: This case is about City traders and the dishonest lengths that they go to to make money, lots of money.

The first three defendants, the male defendants, were highly paid employees of city investment brokers who used their specialist knowledge and experience to conspire to extract millions of dollars from their employers through bogus trades.

They then devised an elaborate plan together with the fourth defendant to launder the proceeds of the fraud, that is to funnel the money through a series of offshore company bank accounts in quite an elaborate scheme.

At its height the first defendant, Mr Urumov, and the fourth defendant, Ms Balk, who are husband and wife purchased a house on what could be genuinely called Millionaires Row.

The prosecutor said Balk helped launder cash by purchasing a house in St Johns Wood for 19million.

Fellow traders Vladimir Gersamia, 33, and Alessandro Gherzi (pictured outside court) are also accused of involvment in the scam

The prosecution say here are individuals who lied and deceived their employers with the sole aim of enriching themselves and some others.

'Both OSL and Threadneedle, unbeknown to their senior management, played essential roles in the defendants' plans and those two companies stood to lose - or did lose - well over $100million (76.9million).

'You will be travelling to some pretty exotic places round the world - figuratively that is.'

Mr OSullivan said large sums of cash 'whistled from account to account' in the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Panama, Geneva, Zurich, Lithuania, Latvia and Bulgaria.

'When we are in London, which is where they were based and their employers had their offices, you will be dining in Michelin star restaurants and staying in five star hotels in the West End.

'This was not a fraud that was done on the cheap.

'They are all foreign-born but they lived in this country for a number of years.

'They are all educated, they are highly intelligent and they are all fluent in at least English and Russian.'

Mr O'Sullivan said Urumov initially asked for a 38.5million ($50million) 'sign on fee' from OSL a figure was agreed at 19.2million ($25million) for his trading team of five - including Gherzi.

'Perhaps it could be described as a golden hello,' the prosecutor said.

'Highly-educated' Urumov - who spent a summer studying at Harvard - had an 'impressive reputation amongst his peers' which helped him command such a fee, it was said.

'The crown say it is an important backdrop to this case, Mr Urumov's forceful personality and his self-confidence.'

He and Gherzi had previously worked at a company called Knight Capital where he was paid 800,000 a year.

Before leaving he had a 'guaranteed package of 2million for the next two years', the court heard.

Urumovs wife Yulia Balk, 36, is accused of laundering money from the fraud by spending 19million on a house in Millionaires Row in St Johns Wood, north west London (pictured)

Both were part of a five man fixed income trading team, Mr O'Sullivan explained.

'There was no doubt that OSL wanted to recruit a fixed trading team.

'Mr Urumov's team at Knight Central fitted the bill.'

Two OSL employees, Ruslan Pinaev and Sergey Kondratyuk, were said to have been friends of Urumov who helped get his team hired.

'They were to receive millions of dollars for the part they played in this first fraud,' the prosecutor claimed.

Urumov secured a package for the five man team which would see them each get a $5m (3.8m) payment following a dinner in London and a trip to watch Chelsea play Arsenal, jurors were told.

But once the full $25m was paid to an account in Geneva in the name Tenway Internaitional Ltd, Urumov actually received more than $20m (15.3m) of the cash.

Mr O'Sullivan also explained how the group allegedly used Argentinian warrants to defraud the company.

He explained to jurors that these are certificates which can be traded with performance being linked to that of the Argentinian economy.

They are all educated, they are highly intelligent and they are all fluent in at least English and Russian Prosecutor Robert OSullivan QC

'They tested the water with an initial trade on a relatively small scale,' Mr O'Sullivan said.

'That trade was manipulated so that it appeared that OSL had made a profit on the deal.

'The warrants in the first trade were purchased by OSL for a total of just over $13m (10m) - they were sold on by OSL for a total of just under $15..5m (11.9m).'

The prosecutor said those figures should have been 'Pesos' which didn't take into account the 'four to one exchange rate'.

This first alleged fraud, said to involve 100million warrants, was then allegedly followed by a further fraud featuring 1.6billion warrants.

Urumov, of St Johns Wood, denies two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud, two of conspiracy to defraud, and one of money laundering.

Balk, also of St Johns Wood, denies two counts concerning money laundering.

Gherzi, of Westminster, denies two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud, two of conspiracy to defraud, and one of money laundering.

Gersamia, of Poplar, east London, denies two counts relating to fraud and one of money laundering.
Nick Bezuidenhout, 27, was left 'traumatised' by the horrors he encountered while serving his country during the Iraq War

A grieving mother has branded the British Army 'a national disgrace' after her soldier son died in a suspected suicide - just a week before he was due to get help for PTSD.

Nick Bezuidenhout, 27, was left 'traumatised' by the horrors he encountered while serving his country during the Iraq War.

But despite suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after leaving the army in 2010 - his mother says it was only six years later he was finally offered full support.

The father-of-one was found dead in a veterans' charity hospital at 10am on September 2.

He had been due to start a recovery programme with a charity the following week having been turned down from mental health services five times previously.

Yesterday, mother Alison Davies, 52, accused military bosses of abandoning veterans after her son was also turned away from in-house army programmes.

Alison, from Hanford, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, said: 'It's a national disgrace how this country treats its soldiers.

'[These are] people who have fought for this country and seen their friends lose their lives and they are being left on the streets.

'We all know veterans are sleeping rough - these are people who would give their lives for you, and we're doing nothing for them.

'Nick had wanted to be a soldier ever since he was little, but after joining up and touring in Iraq 2005 he was not the same.

'He wasn't given any support after he left in 2010 and was diagnosed with PTSD - it was like "thanks for serving - bye now".'

The father-of-one (pictured) was found dead in a property he shared with other army veterans at 10am on September 2

The gunner for 40 Regiment, Royal Artillery, toured once in Iraq in 2005 but returned 'a changed man' after seeing his friends get blown up.

After Nick developed a drink problem due to being haunted by the horrors of war, he was not allowed on army programmes to help with the disorder.

He was about to start a detox programme with League of Friends when his body was found at the charity's hospital in Stafford on September 2.

His mother Alison Davies (pictured together), 52, accused military bosses of abandoning veterans after her son was refused help

Former security guard Alison added: 'I have been told that when the nurse came in in the morning Nick was sat up in bed with the music channel and his eyes were closed.

'She thought he was asleep, but when she went to wake him she realised he was dead.

'The other guys who lived with him said on the two days before Nick had been very very quiet.

'The death's still under investigation, so I really don't know, but I fear it could have been suicide.'

Nick moved to the UK from South Africa with his mother and two brothers, Clinton, 29, and Corne, 25, in 1995 and had a son, Nicholas-James, in 2014 with a former partner.

When Alison married ex-paratrooper Michael Davies, 65, in 2002, Nick got the inspiration to fulfill his childhood dream of joining the army.

She said: 'My husband, who died last year, gave him the last push and he joined up in 2005.

'It felt like they'd waited for him to turn 18, because he went out to Iraq the week after his birthday.

Nick with his brother Clinton, who paid tribute to his brother as 'an absolutely amazing person'

'He just did one tour, but he came he was so quiet. He had always been the life and soul of the party, but he had real problems.

'He left the army in 2010 and was diagnosed with PTSD afterwards, but it was clear all the underlying problems he'd had stemmed from that before.

'He saw one of his friends get blown up in a Land Rover in front of him, and he lost a few mates out there.

Nick Bezuidenhout with Michael, his mother's husband on the day of their wedding in 2002

'I don't know much about it though because he wouldn't open up - he would talk to Michael about it because he'd served for 22 years himself.

'Nick developed a drinking problem after leaving because he couldn't come to terms with what he'd seen.

'The army programmes, like Combat Stress, say you have to have been dry for six months before they can treat you so he was turned away time and again.

'I know he was refused help at least five times that I remember, but he wouldn't tell me much so it could have been a lot more.

'In 2011 I got a phone call from one of Nick's neighbours saying he'd tried to kill himself.

'She had found him trying to hang himself with a dog collar and he was rushed to hospital.

'But after being put in intensive care for a week he was released with no more help.

'He tried again in July 2013. He had gone to Heartlands Hospital to try and check himself in with the mental care team because he knew how unwell he was.

'But after getting turned away he said 'See what I do now'. He jumped off a bridge in front of a car.

Nick Bezuidenhout (centre) with his brothers Corne (left) and Clint (right) in happier times

'He survived, but again he was given nothing in the way of support from the army.'

Nick went back to South Africa for three months in 2015 to try and sort himself out and when he returned he came across the League of Friends.

Mrs Davies said: 'They have been absolute stars and really were helping him. But I don't even know how he found them, I think it was by chance.

Nick had been due to start a recovery programme with a charity the following week

'There are no structures in place to help our soldiers and he found them too late.

'The government needs to do something more to help those who fought in their wars.'

Brother Clinton, from Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, said: 'Nick was an absolutely amazing person.

'He was very proud to serve his country. This was his country and it always has been - it was part of he who he is.

'The whole family are very proud of him and can't believe he has been taken away from us. It is so hard to deal with.

'A part of us has gone and we'll never be the same again. This was a massive blow to the family.'

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: 'We received a call at around 10.15am on September 2 reporting the discovery of Nick Bezuidenhout's body at an address on Marston Road, Stafford.

'His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been prepared for the coroner.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
Knox was photographed arriving to the studio early Thursday with her boyfriend, writer Christopher Robinson

on Netflix on Friday and Knox said she was not paid for her

It has been more than a year since Amanda Knox was exonerated in the murder of her British roommate Meredith Kercher, but the infamous trial is once again in the spotlight thanks to a new Netflix documentary.

Knox appeared on Good Morning America to promote the special on Thursday, and acknowledged the fact that despite being cleared of all charges many still believe she is guilty of murder.

'I think I'm trying to explain what it feels like to be wrongfully convicted,' she said about her aim with the documentary.

'To either be this terrible monster or to be this regular person who is vulnerable. And what I'm trying to convey is that a regular person like me - a kid who was studying abroad, who loves languages - could be caught up in this nightmare where they're portrayed as something that they're not.'

Knox also hit out at the prosecutor in the case, saying he made the proceedings more about her and less about the actual victim - Kercher.

The 29-year-old was photographed arriving to the studio early Thursday with her new boyfriend, writer Christopher Robinson.

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Speaking out: Amanda Knox (above) appeared on Good Morning America to speak about the new documentary that reexamines her infamous murder trail

Support system: Knox was photographed arriving to the studio early Thursday with her boyfriend, writer Christopher Robinson (above)

Loved up: Robinson was seen placing a hand on Knox's shoulder prior to her segment (above)

Host Robin Roberts asked Knox about how she thought the Kercher family would deal with this new documentary, and the fact that their daughter's murder has been the subject of so much media fascination over the past decade.

'For them that's never going to end and that's the really sad part about this tragedy,' said Knox.

'As soon as the prosecutor made this about [me] she's been lost in all of that. But that doesn't change the fact that we have an obligation to everyone who could be innocent to find out the truth.'

Knox said her primary focus now is helping others who have been exonerated as they try and get their lives back on track.

'Now my attention is turning towards the next person. My name is cleared. I'm fine, I'm moving on with my life, I'm going back to graduate school, I'm redeveloping my relationships.

Knox said the prosecution in the case forgot about Meredith Kercher (above)

'I'm redeveloping my relationship with freedom.'

Knox then added: 'But there remains the fact that I'm in a unique potion as an exoneree. Once an exoneree always an exoneree. I can't go back to my life that I had before, and neither can the other exonerees that are out there.

'And a lot of times their stories go overlooked.'

Knox also revealed that she was not paid to participate in the new documentary.

Italy's highest court overturned Knox's conviction in the brutal murder and sexual assault of Kercher in March of last year.

However, the court did uphold Knox's conviction for falsely accusing her former boss, Congolese-born bar owner Diya Lumumba, of the murder.

She was sentenced to three years on that charge in January of this year but given time served as she had spent longer than that behind bars in Italy after being charged with the murder of Kercher.

Former flames: Raffaele Sollecito (left) and Knox (right) both feature in the new Netflix documentary

Moment of joy: Knox in 2015 after learning she had been exonerated of Kercher's murder (above)

In May, the European Court of Human Rights agreed to hear Amanda Knox's case challenging her slander conviction due to the fact that Knox claims her admission was coerced by police, who refused her access to food, water and the bathroom after her 2007 arrest.

Knox spent nearly four years in jail after being convicted and sentenced to 26 years in her initial trial.

The court battle went on for seven and a half years, with flip-flop decisions that saw her return to the United States after being acquitted only to face another trial after the acquittal was thrown out.

She then faced her second appeals trial and high court proceedings in absentia while living in Washington.
A mother has been left furious after her 11-year-old daughter was given a warning by her school because her shoes were 'too chunky' and 'can't be polished'.

Emma Bradbury said she was outraged when her daughter Georgia told her of the footwear 'breach' because her daughter went to school 'impeccably dressed'.

Mrs Bradbury, 43, said the girl had done nothing wrong - and that the shoes will not affect her ability to learn.

Georgia Bradbury, pictured, 11, was given a formal warning at school because her shoes were deemed 'too chunky' and 'could not be polished'

She was told the uniform infringement was that her 'chunky shoes were deemed unfit because they cannot be polished.'

Mrs Bradbury, of Chepstow, said: 'I was absolutely fuming to find the infringement sticker when Georgia came home.

'Pupils were asked to pick up their feet so they could check the soles of their shoes.

'Some pupils were advised that their shoes were not deemed fit for school uniform if they cannot be polished, however, it does not state that in the school uniform rules.

'Georgia is really upset and worried about being put in isolation by the school.'

The school uniform policy for Chepstow School in Chepstow, South Wales, states that the uniform should comprise of 'a school blazer with the logo, a light blue school shirt, school trousers that are not leggings, denim, jeggings, jean look, stretch material or tight fitting, a knee length skirt that is not stretch material or tight fitting, a school tie in house colours and black leather or leather-look shoes with a low heel.'

Mrs Bradbury added: 'I don't understand how the size of the sole on her shoe could have an impact on her learning.

'It shouldn't have any impact at all, and it has really upset her.'

Her mother Emma said Georgia, pictured, was 'impeccably dressed' and is furious

Chepstow School, pictured, said uniform policy had changed after a two-year consultation with parents and that shoes are now an 'integral part'

Chepstow School's head teacher Claire Price has had the school uniform has changed following a two year consultation process with parents, students, staff and governors.

She said: 'The school community wanted a uniform that showed pride in the school and reflected students readiness to do well.

'As part of the consultation process, it was decided that shoes, not trainers or trainer type footwear would form an integral part of the School Uniform Policy.
The US Army has apologized for calling Donald Trump a liar on Twitter.

In an errant tweet, the Army's official Twitter account posted a link to an articles saying the Republican presidential candidate 'lies once every 3 minutes, 15 seconds.'

Officials said the politically-charged post went live because a social media manager made a mistake.

The US Army apologized after this tweet was posted on its official Twitter account saying Donald Trump 'lies once every 3 minutes, 15 seconds'

'An employee responsible for the Army's social media accounts mistakenly posted a political article to the Army's Twitter page that was intended for her personal account,' the Army told CNN in a statement.

The employee, who wasn't named, had her access to the Army's social media account suspended.

'The post is not the official position of the US Army,' officials said. 'We apologize for any confusion this may have caused our followers.'

The post was quickly deleted Tuesday, but a screenshot of the post was already making the rounds on social media.

Officials said the politically-charged post went live because a social media manager made a mistake

The Facebook page US Army WTF! Moments, followed by nearly 860,000 people, criticized the mistake.

'Here at USAWTFM, we treat our page and our Twitter account very seriously,' said one recent post, featuring an image of the US Army's errant tweet.

'Our admins have clearances, great levels of responsibility, and some of us could be professionally ruined for being involved with this page.'
A man accused of killing two strangers in Texas and kidnapping a third was living in the US illegally and had been deported three times back to Mexico, immigration officials revealed on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Dallas County jail officials discovered the suspect initially identified as Silvestre Franco-Luviano was using one of his eight aliases.

The 40-year-old suspect's true identity is Juan Navarro Rios, said Dallas County sheriff's spokeswoman Melinda Urbina.

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Juan Navarro Rios, pictured left and right in mugshots, is suspected of shooting Ruben Moreno in his car in southeastern Dallas and Welton Betts at a gas station in Cedar Hill

Standoff ends: A SWAT team apprehended Navarro Rios outside an apartment complex in suburban Dallas Tuesday evening

The false identity was discovered as Navarro Rios was being booked into the Dallas County jail after his transfer from the Williamson County Jail in Georgetown.

He is accused of gunning down 23-year-old motorist Ruben Moreno in Dallas and 44-year-old Welton Betts at a gas station in nearby Cedar Hill in the course of a two-day rampage. Police have not released a motive for either killing, both of which occurred on Sunday night.

Criminal records had identified Navarro Rios over the years by some variation of Silvestre Franco-Luviano.

He was initially deported in June 1996 for a felony conviction, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Carl Rusnok said Wednesday.

ICE declined to say what the felony conviction was, but court records show the Mexican national had a 1995 assault conviction in Dallas and a 1996 conviction for hindering prosecution.

Strangers: There is no evidence Navarro Rios had met 23-year-old Ruben Moreno (left) or 44-year-old Welton Betts (right) before Sunday's shootings

Moreno was sitting in his Hummer (pictured) when he was shot to death during the crime spree

Navarro Rios illegally returned to the US some time later and was again deported in October 2009 for re-entering by falsely claiming US citizenship, Rusnok said.

He again came back into the US and was prosecuted on vehicle burglary charges in Georgetown, Texas, in 2010 and 2011. He was deported in March 2014 after completing an eight-month prison sentence for re-entry after deportation, according to a statement Wednesday from ICE.

Documents obtained by Fox 4 News indicate that the illegal immigrant used a fake passport to travel between Mexico and the US 35 times.

Navarro Rios was arrested Tuesday after a standoff with the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force at his relatives' apartment in Georgetown, about 25 miles north of Austin, according to police.

Second crime scene: Welton Betts was pumping gas at this Texaco gas station when Navarro Rios allegedly shot him

The suspect allegedly carjacked Bett's vehicle after forcing his wife, Gail (right), out of the passenger seat at gunpoint

Austin-based writer Chris Walker posted video clips of the dramatic takedown, in which stun grenades were used, and tweeted: 'Suspect started fire and kicked hole through wall of adjoining apartment.'

He was transferred Wednesday from the Williamson County jail to the Dallas County jail after his arrest on a murder warrant in the death of Ruben Moreno, who was sitting in his Hummer when he was shot.

He's also a suspect in the carjacking death of Welton Betts, who was killed at a Texaco gas station in the suburb of Cedar Hill. Police say the gunman then fled in the victim's car after forcing his wife Gail out of the vehicle at gunpoint.

Georgetown Police Chief Wayne Nero said Navarro Rios was also a suspect in the abduction and robbery of a man who was doing landscaping work outside a Georgetown department store on Monday.

Alien: Officials say Navarro Rios, pictured in handcuffs after his arrest, was living in the US illegally and had been deported three times back to Mexico

The victim of the kidnapping was later found unharmed at a gas station a mile away.

At 5pm on Tuesday, police got a tip that Navarro Rios was holed up in his sister's apartment in Georgetown and sent in a SWAT team to apprehend him.

According to authorities, the fugitive set fire to his sister's home and broke through a wall to the unit next door. He was tackled and arrested as he ran out of the Parkview Place Apartments at around 7.30pm.
A father-of-two has been shot dead while driving to visit his wife and their newborn son in hospital in a suspected road rage incident.

Dennis Sloboda was on his way to the Washington hospital at around 9pm on Monday night when he accidentally cut someone up, his family say. But the road rage incident spiraled out of control when the other driver 'pulled out a gun' when they pulled up at a light on Monday.

The terrified Sloboda fled and drove to his brother Anton Sloboda's apartment nearby in Federal Way, Washington - but the gunman followed him, his family say.

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Dennis Sloboda (with wife Irina, left and baby Nicholas, right) has been shot dead while driving to visit his wife and their newborn son in hospital in a suspected road rage incident

Sloboda (pictured with his wife and older son) had accidentally cut someone up while he was driving - who then pulled a gun on him his brother said

'I looked and I could see the guy he was talking about, but he left when he saw me,' the brother told Seattle Times.

Anton Sloboda, 30, said his brother had asked to borrow his gun but he had refused as he didn't want the situation to escalate further.

Instead, he suggested that Dennis stay at his apartment for a while, to try and relax and watch a movie together. He was sure that the gunman would give up and leave.

After spending an hour at his brother's apartment, Dennis decided to head off to the hospital at around 10pm.

Police found Sloboda dead in his car, with gunshot wounds to his head, his brother says

Police had responded to reports of gunshots at 10.30pm and found Sloboda inside his car

Anton Sloboda, who was the last person to see Dennis alive, is comforted after the devastating loss of his brother

That was the last time he was seen alive by anyone but his killer.

At 10.30pm, just half an hour after leaving his brother's apartment, police received reports of gun shots.

They found Dennis dead at the wheel of his car in the 32800 block of Hoyt Road Southwest, close to where his brother lived.

He had been shot through the head through the back of the car, Anton said.

Anton did not learn of his brother's death until he called his sister-in-law at the hospital around 1am to check Dennis had arrived OK.

She replied that her husband had never turned up.

'She looked at the (GPS) on his cellphone and saw that he looked like he was in the street,' he said. 'I went down there, but the police would not let me get close. They said I had to go to talk to the detectives.'

His devastated wife Irina (left, with him), who married Dennis Sloboda in March this year (right on the wedding day), said that 'words cannot explain my heartbreak' at losing the father of her two children

Irina Sloboda had given birth to their son Nicholas in hospital a few days ago and was waiting for her husband to arrive (Dennis with his newborn son in hospital)

Police are investigating the suspected road rage incident that began in northeast Tacoma.

Detectives said they will not yet be releasing a description of the suspect or their vehicle.

His devastated wife Irina, who had only given birth to their second child Nicholas a few days earlier, said that 'words cannot explain my heartbreak' at losing the father of her two children.

She had only recently posted a picture of her husband with their older son on Instagram writing: 'Nothing sexier than a man that's a good dad. My man crush everyday.'

The couple had only got married in March of this year.

The 33-year-old victim, who moved to Washington from Minsk, Belarus, with his parents and six siblings as a teenager in 1998, worked fixing cars with another brother and had recently got a second job as a driver for a ride-service company to support his growing family.

She had only recently posted a picture of her husband with their older son on Instagram writing: 'Nothing sexier than a man that's a good day. My man crush everyday.'

Dennis, who loved fast cars and motorbikes and dreamed of one day getting the chance to drive a formula 1 car, was very close with his family who have been left devastated by his loss.

His brother Nikita Sloboda wrote on Facebook: 'It will be tough without your presence. Words can not describe how much you will be missed.'

'To the older brother I always dreamed of having... words aren't enough to express the heartbreak our family is feeling,' his other brother Tayler Sloboda wrote.

'The strength and love you possessed were unlike any other and when I think of our times together I can just picture your contagious laugh... to say that you were respected and loved by all who met you doesn't give you enough credit.

'Our family will never be the same, you're the glue that always reminded us to stick together, and that it's a beautiful life. To imagine our future without you in it just doesn't seem fair but we're happy to know you're in a better place. Rest in peace, we love you.'

Sloboda's family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses which has already raised more than $35,000.

Dennis Sloboda's car was found in the 32800 block of Hoyt Road Southwest (pictured)

On the page, his family wrote they were still 'in shock' over the incident.

'Denis my brother became a father last week, he was getting a second job to provide for his new family,' Anton Sloboda wrote. 'Last night on the way to the hospital to visit his baby Nicolas and wife Irina he got shot by a crazy mad man.

'We are all in shock. Police are investigating and looking for guy who did it. In a tragic road rage and premeditated murder case, since the guy waited for almost an hour and a half until Dennis left the house.

'This family is in need of your prayers and support.'

As the tributes pour in to the popular father-of-two, police are continuing to investigate his murder.
The side of the van was marked f the van was marked 'Reaching Children For Christ Ministry'

He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Jackson Memorial Hospital

Miami police accompanied ambulances to hospital as his state was critical

The youngster died after he was found

A two-year-old boy has died after he was left inside a hot van, police said.

The youngster was found inside the vehicle parked outside a daycare in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, but was pronounced dead when he arrived at hospital.

Surveillance footage shows the van arriving at a Vision for Life Academy at around 8am and stayed all day.

It is believed the child was trapped inside for most of the day.

A two-year-old boy has died after he was left inside a hot van that was parked outside the Vision for Life Academy in Miami, Florida (pictured)

Miami Fire Captain Ignatius Carroll said the call came in as a child in cardiac arrest in the afternoon at around 4pm.

'There was a call that took place just before 4 o'clock this afternoon when we were dispatched to a child that was not breathing,' said Carroll. 'Little boy, inside a van, unresponsive.'

The child - who has not yet been named - was found in the rear compartment of the van, which was marked 'Reaching Children For Christ Ministry.'

Police cars guided the ambulance to the hospital, however the unidentified boy was pronounced dead by medics at the Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center.

The child showed no signs of life once paramedics arrived at the scene and they immediately began to administer CPR, officials said.

'When you see someone so young and helpless, and fragile that isn't able to tell you what's happening, what's going on, then that's when you start fearing the worst and a whole lot of things go through your mind,' Carroll added.

'The question is what happened? What happened with the child? Where the child was found. It's a very devastating moment that has taken place right now.'

The boy was unresponsive when emergency services arrived at the scene and was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital. He was found inside this white van

According to investigators, the van's driver dropped off other children at the day care center and then hours later another driver spotted the toddler in the van.

Emergency crews rushed the boy to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center where police said he died upon arrival.

NBC 6 say the center the academy's safety record is of a good standing, however records show the center doesn't provide transportation.
President Barack Obama still won't call radicals Islamists because he says he doesn't want to 'validate' their claims that they're speaking for the Muslim religion.

Confronted Wednesday by Gold Star mother Tina Houchins, whose 19-year-old son died in Iraq before he took office, Obama told her the issue 'has been sort of manufactured.'

'I've said repeatedly that where we see terrorist organizations like al Qaeda or ISIL, they have perverted and distorted and tried to claim the mantle of Islam for an excuse, for basically barbarism and death,' he told the woman, questioning him at a townhall put on by CNN.

Then, making an obvious reference to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Obama lambasted 'people aspiring...to become president' talking 'about Muslim-Americans here and the notion that somehow we'd start having religious tests.'

'You were clearly talking about the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, just then,' said moderator Jake Tapper, interrupting him.

A defiant Obama replied, 'No, I wasn't.'

Confronted Wednesday by Gold Star mother Tina Houchins whose 19-year-old son died in Iraq before he took office Obama told her the controversy over his refusal to say radical Islamic terrorism 'has been sort of manufactured'

Making an obvious reference to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Obama lambasted 'people aspiring...to become president' talking 'about Muslim-Americans here and the notion that somehow we'd start having religious tests'

'You were clearly talking about the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, just then,' said moderator Jake Tapper, interrupting him. A defiant Obama replied, 'No, I wasn't'

Obama insisted that he wasn't talking about Trump - the only candidate still in the race who has proposed a religious test for entry into the country - because that position is 'not unique to the Republican nominee.'

'And, again...I'm trying to be careful. We're on a military base,' he said. 'I don't want to insert partisan politics into this.'

Houchins' son, Aaron Goteer, was killed in Baghdad in 2007.

She said to Obama at the townhall, 'As a Gold Star mother, my son gave his life for acts of terrorism. Do you still believe that the acts of terrorism are done for the self-proclaimed Islamic religious motive? And if you do, why do you still refuse to use the term racially, I'm sorry, Islamic terrorist?'

The president thanked Houchins' son for his service and proceeded to explain why he doesn't refer to ISIS fighters as radical Islamic terrorists.

Obama said he's been cautious with his language because he doesn't want to 'lump these murderers into the billion Muslims that exist around the world, including in this country, who are peaceful.'

'Do I think that if somebody uses the phrase Islamic terrorism that it's a huge deal? No,' he claimed. 'There's no doubt that these folks think that, and claim that, they're speaking for Islam. But I don't want to validate what they do.'

He told Houchins, 'The way it's heard, the way it's received by our friends and allies around the world is that somehow Islam is terroristic. And that then makes them feel as if they're under attack.'

President Barack Obama jumps up the stairs to take the stage to speak to members of the military community, Wednesday, at Fort Lee in Virginia. He also participated in a CNN townhall there

The United States will send about 600 extra troops to Iraq to train local forces for an offensive on the Islamic State group stronghold of Mosul, the Defense Department also said Wednesday

Obama said he'd be offended if his religion, Christianity, was being demonized in the same way.

If terrorists were 'killing and blowing people up and said we're on the vanguard of Christianity, well, I'm not, as a Christian, I'm not going to let them claim my religion and say you're killing for Christ.'

'I would say that's ridiculous. That's not what my religion stands for.'

The president argued that it's fine to 'call these folks what they are, which is killers and terrorists - and that's what we've been trying to do.'

He said he won't allow them to speak for Islam, though, 'because they don't,' and he won't 'make Muslims who are well-meaning and our natural allies on this fight' feel ostracized.
Pressure is growing on the Labour party to suspend a key Corbyn ally after she criticised Holocaust Memorial Day.

Jackie Walker, vice chairwoman of the Corbyn-supporting Momentum campaign group, generated outrage for the comments and also said she hadn't found a definition of anti-Semitism she could 'work with'.

Labour MPs demanded she be 'shown the door never to return'. Ms Walker was allowed to return to the party earlier this year after claiming that 'many Jews' were chief financiers of the slave trade.

Meanwhile Mr Corbyn risked stoking more controversy after it was reported that he is set to appoint the ambitious Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti as his new shadow attorney general.

Momentum vice-chair Jackie Walker (file picture) told a Labour conference fringe meeting it would be 'wonderful' if Holocaust Memorial Day was more inclusive

She oversaw Labour's inquiry into anti-Semitism but faced widespread criticism after critics labelled it a whitewash.

A source told the New Statesman that Lady Chakrabarti's appointment to Mr Corbyn's frontbench is a 'no brainer'.

The former director of Liberty, the human rights campaign group, 'wants to do more,' according to the magazine.

Despite Mr Corbyn pledging to 'continue to take firm action' against anti-Semitism in his keynote speech to the Labour conference yesterday, the party has yet to act against Ms Walker over her Holocaust remarks.

Shami Chakrabarti (pictured with Jeremy Corbyn) is in line to be offered the shadow attorney general job in the Labour leader's shadow cabinet, according to reports

Shami Chakrabarti (pictured) oversaw Labour's inquiry into anti-Semitism but faced widespread criticism after critics labelled it a whitewash

Footage emerged of her asking a meeting at a fringe event at the conference: 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if Holocaust day was open to all peoples who've experienced Holocaust?'

As people in the room insisted this was already the case, she added 'in practice it is not circulated and advertised as such'.

Ms Walker also said extra security measures in Jewish schools in the UK were not due to fear of antisemitic attacks.

'I was a bit concerned... at your suggestions that the Jewish community is under such threat that they have to use security in all its buildings', she said.

'I have a grandson, he is a year old. There is security in his nursery and every school has security now. It's not because I'm frightened or his parents are frightened that he is going to be attacked.'

Chris Bryant, a senior Labour MP, vented his anger against Ms Walker on Twitter and demanded the Labour party kick her out.

'Just in case anyone wonders, I think Jackie Walker's comments are antisemitic and that she should be shown the door never to return,' he wrote.

In another tweet, Mr Bryant said: 'People who deny the full anti-Semitic horror of the Holocaust have no place in the Labour Party. I'm amazed I even need to say this.'

Chris Bryant, a senior Labour MP, vented his anger against Ms Walker on Twitter and demanded the Labour party kick her out

John Mann, a fellow Labour MP and chair of the All-Parliamentary Committee Against Anti-Semitism, told MailOnline: 'It would be best for all concerned if she walked herself.'

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, wrote a furious column today lashing out at Labour's on-going anti-Semitism problem.

She said Ms Walker's comments 'disregard the singular nature of the Holocaust and the particular hatred that motivated it'.

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured delivering his speech to the Labour party conference in Liverpool yesterday) pledged to 'continue to take firm action' against anti-Semitism

She added: 'This risks depriving the Jewish community of owning the pain that is still viscerally felt more than 70 years since the liberation of the camps.

'Unbelievably, it could even deprive them of the very word that describes the tragedy that befell their ancestors. How on earth has it come to this?'

Even Jeremy Corbyn supporters, including activist Aaron Bastani, called for Labour to expel Jackie Walker over the comments.

The developments came as Labour's ruling committee faced fresh criticism over its handling of the party's anti-Semitism problem.

Mike Katz, vice-chair of the Jewish Labour Movement, hit out at the party for refusing calls to write a commitment to tackling anti-Semitism in the party rulebook.

He renewed his pressure on the party to act after criticising the National Executive Committee in a speech to the party's conference in Liverpool earlier this week, when he was heckled by a fellow party member after saying the party was 'not seen as welcoming to Jews'.

Mr Katz said today: 'We've heard strong words from Jeremy Corbyn in his speech but as we saw in the response from the entire conference, the party wants action to be taken.

'The party wants something to be done now and it's a shame that we do not have a rulebook that is as well equipped to deal with this issues as it could be.'

Asked whether action would be taken against Ms Walker, a Labour party spokesperson said: 'We don't comment on individuals' membership status.

'The Labour Party treats all allegations of anti-Semitism, racism, intimidation or abuse very seriously. Any evidence of such behaviour will be looked at and action will be taken when appropriate.'

Even Jeremy Corbyn supporters, including activist Aaron Bastani, called for Labour to expel Jackie Walker over her Holocaust comments

Ms Walker apologised for her comments yesterday, but refused to step aside from her influential position.

In a statement she said: 'A number of people made comments in a private training session run by the Jewish Labour Movement. As we all know, training sessions are intended to be safe spaces where ideas and questions can be explored.

'A film of this session was leaked to the press unethically. I did not raise a question on security in Jewish schools. The trainer raised this issue and I asked for clarification, in particular as all London primary schools, to my knowledge, have security and I did not understand the particular point the trainer was making.

'Having been a victim of racism I would never play down the very real fears the Jewish community have, especially in light of recent attacks in France.

'In the session, a number of Jewish people, including me, asked for definitions of antisemitism. This is a subject of much debate in the Jewish community.
Tiffany Knapp, 21, of Idaho was taken into custody on Sunday following a six-month investigation

A southwest Idaho woman has been charged with felony injury to a child after authorities said they found her infant daughter severely malnourished.

Tiffany Knapp, 21, of Caldwell was taken into custody on Sunday following a six-month investigation, KTVB-TV reported.

On March 8, police performed a welfare check on the eight-month-old infant and found she only weighed 11 pounds, lower than the average for a child that age, according to court documents.

A healthy eight-month-old girl reportedly weighs between 17 and 21.5 pounds.

The baby girl was born three months premature and had trouble gaining weight since birth, medical records stated.

She was prescribed a special formula to help her gain weight but had only been fed Kool-Aid and watered-down milk, authorities said.

Doctors had stressed the child needed the special formula to be healthy.

Knapp, who did not fill the prescription for the formula or contact the doctor's office or any pharmacy, initially denied receiving a prescription, police said.

However she later admitted she was aware of the prescription, but 'just spaced it,' according to authorities.

The child, who was declared to be in immediate danger, was put in the state's custody and was taken to the emergency room at the West Valley Medical Center.

Police had performed a welfare check on the infant and found she only weighed 11 pounds, lower than the average for a child that age, court documents stated. The child was taken to the emergency room at the West Valley Medical Center (pictured) where doctors said she was near death due to malnutrition

Doctors told police the infant would have 'likely died of malnutrition within days of being seen had she not received medical attention due to lack of nutrition and proper care,' court documents state.

She was then placed into foster care where authorities said she gained more than four pounds over the next 20 days.

It is not clear if Knapp has an attorney and she is being held in the Canyon County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
A grown man who punched a newborn baby in the face as her mother was showing her to friends in a Tesco store has claimed he mistook the infant for a toy doll.

David Hardy, 63, approached five-day-old Elsie Temple as she lay in her carry cot inside a shopping trolley then thumped her as the youngster's mother Amy Duckers looked on in horror.

The baby was left extremely upset by the incident and was taken to hospital with a red mark to her face. She was kept in for seven hours before being allowed home.

Hardy, from Greater Manchester, was later arrested but claimed he thought Elise was a toy and didn't realise she was an actual child.

David Hardy, 63, faces a trial for punching a baby in the face in a Manchester supermarket

Hardy, who is a grandfather, appeared before a district judge at Manchester Magistrates Court today on the eve of his 64th birthday.

He admitted throwing the punch - but pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault saying he had no intention of hitting a baby. He will face a trial next month.

The incident occurred at 6pm on September 5, the first time Ms Duckers had taken her baby out after her birth, when her family were shopping for some dinner.

They saw a neighbour who worked there and began speaking about the baby when Hardy approached.

As Ms Duckers later told friends in a social media post, her baby was then hit in the face by Hardy, who she described as 'very sick' and 'not well'.

Elsie was rushed to Wythenshawe Hospital, arriving at around 9pm, and was kept in until 4am the next day.

Five-day-old Elsie Temple was punched in the face. Her mother Amy Duckers was horrified

Ms Duckers wrote about the incident on Facebook, saying: 'Words cannot describe how I feel'

Defence lawyer Chris Fallows told the hearing: 'This is an extremely unusual case. This defendant effectively a family man who has young children in the family and does not behave in a way that is suggested to this allegation.

'The crown suggest Mr Hardy deliberately punched a five-day-old baby to the face in a carry cot in a shopping trolley. The defendant says he believed - and this belief was prior to the incident - that he thought it was a doll.

'He says in his statement that he said this to the young child standing next to the shopping trolley. It is backed up in the statements of the witnesses that when he realised what he had done he was described as being shock.

'It is conceded by the defendant that what occurred was unusual, bizarre and he acted rather foolishly. The prosecution suggest that this was intentional.

'This defendant has been on the verge of suicide and his family will have to go through evidence which is already in their statements. I asked for this case to be moved forwards because Mr Hardy wants it dealt with as quickly as possible.'

The incident happened at Tesco in Baguley, Manchester on September 5 this year

Details of the incident went on Facebook, with Miss Duckers telling friends she was 'torn apart' by what happened.

She posted: 'Words cannot describe how I feel right now, and still can't get my head around what has happened in front of me and my poor Libby.

'We're all still so shook up and it's probably going to take some time for us all to recover.

'Just to let family and friends know, Elsie is currently being monitored on the children's ward for any head injuries.

'No one can get their head around why this was done, other than he's very sick, twisted, vile, not well man, and his excuse was he thought she was a doll.

'Thank you so much to Baguley Tesco for all you did tonight, you were all amazing, thank you so much for the way you dealt with the situation and treated us all.'
Shocking video shows them kicking him in the face and chest and knocking him to the ground before the pair walk away

in children's park and they 'taught him a lesson'

This is the horrifying moment two teenagers attack a homeless man for allegedly defecating in a children's playground.

The shocking attack was filmed by a friend of the two boys in the city of Novosibirsk in south-central Russia.

The video, which went viral after being uploaded to social media, begins with the youngsters walking through a wooded area.

The teenagers approach the man and ask for a cigarette. He digs in his pocket to look for one

As he looks down for the cigarette, one of the boys steps forward, shown above left, and then kicks him in the head, above right

The teenagers, named as Artyom M and Nikita K, approach the man, who was sitting on a large wooden log, and ask if he can spare them a cigarette.

The man tells them he has only one cigarette left but as he checks his pockets, one boy kicks him in the face while the other follows up with a kick to the chest.

As the first blow knocks the homeless man backwards, the boy in the red top joins in, and kicks him in the chest, above left and right

The blows send the man flying backwards, and he ends up on his back with his legs in the air, having fallen off the log he is sitting on, as his attackers walk away.

One of the boys, Artyom M, later posted the clip online, justifying his actions because of the man's 'deviant' behaviour.

Artyom claimed that he and his buddy Nikita had taught the homeless man a 'lesson in politeness'.

Some local residents defended the teenagers, saying that the man had been seen defecating in a children's playground, but most condemned their behaviour.

At the end of the video, the man's legs can be seen flailing in the air as he appears to be upside down behind the tree trunk

One viewer, going by username 'pro100 PE3kuu' said: 'Fighters, please. It is so hard to beat up a helpless man. It is so hard to throw him off his feet. Idiots.'

And 'Mikhail Polyakov' added: 'I am very concerned about this generation.'
Chipotle will have to pay $7.65 million to a Houston woman who says she was sexually harassed while working at one of the chain's restaurants as a teenager.

The woman, now a college student, was 16 years old when she worked at a Chipotle on Eldridge Parkway, where she says an assistant manager touched her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her repeatedly, KTRK reported.

The location's general manager knew about the assaults but did nothing to stop them, the woman said in a lawsuit.

Chipotle will have to pay $7.65 million to a Houston woman who says she was sexually harassed while working at one of the chain's restaurants as a teenager (file picture)

She sued both managers and Chipotle, saying the restaurant chain allowed the assaults to happen. The age of consent in Texas is 17.

A Harris County jury agreed this week, awarding her $7.65 million plus legal fees.

The assistant manager, who could be criminally prosecuted for sexually assaulting a minor, has reportedly fled to Mexico.

The girl's attorney, Ben Hall, said she left Chipotle after four months of assaults.

'It's almost like a brothel that just served food,' Hall told KPRC. 'That's the best way to characterize this restaurant.'

He added: 'The evidence showed that one of the supervisors had more than 50 [encounters of] unprotected sexual intercourse with this child and oral sex.'

The girl said: 'I never expected it to be like that,' she told KPRC.

'I just went there to work and earn some money and I never expected that from managers to treat women like they're not supposed to be treated.'

Chipotle officials characterized the incident as a 'personal relationship' that happened outside the workplace

In a statement, Chipotle said: 'We care deeply about all of our employees, but even our rigorous policies specifically designed to protect our employees cannot prevent private relationships that happen away from the workplace during non-work hours, such as occurred in this case.

'We continue to offer our support for this former employee, and hope for her well-being.'

The restaurant chain says the 'personal relationship' happened outside of work and denied any of its employees was notified.
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The decomposed body of a huge 50ft long fin whale has washed up on a popular beach on Britains south coast.

A cordon was placed around it at the Red Rock Beach near Dawlish, Devon, to stop the public getting too close.

And there also could be fears that the enormous carcass has become so bloated with gas that it might burst.

The whale is said to have been tracked in the sea for around a month but was last seen just off the coast of France.

Unusual sight: The decomposed body of the huge 50ft long fin whale washed up at the Red Rock Beach near Dawlish, Devon

Onlookers: A cordon was placed around the carcass at the Red Rock Beach to stop the public getting too close

Decomposing: It washed up ashore this morning just after 8am with a pungent smell and attracted a large crowd of onlookers

It washed up ashore this morning just after 8am with a pungent smell and attracted a large crowd of onlookers.

Coastguards were at the scene working with staff from Teignbridge District Council to ensure the area was safe.

Stranding investigator Robert Deaville heard about the whale on Tuesday when it was seen floating offshore.

Mr Deaville, from the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, said: It made landfall this morning.

(It) was initially misidentified as a sperm whale. But we've now officially confirmed it 100 per cent as a fin whale.'

He said this was due to the black and white colouration on the plates that hang from the side of its mouth.

Taking a picture: Coastguards at the scene worked with Teignbridge District Council staff to make sure the area was safe

Found: It was identified as a fin whale due to the black and white colouration on the plates hanging from the side of its mouth

He added that the discovery of fin whales was very rare, adding that they are normally found in deeper waters.

Mr Deaville said: We have been monitoring stranding for 25 years and get about 600 a year.

'That includes all whales, dolphins, porpoises etc. Out of them we get about two or three fin whales each year.'

Mr Deaville said it was the third in Britain this year, but only the second recorded in Devon over the past 25 years.

He hopes to visit the site tomorrow to take some samples to try and find out more about how the whales died.

However he said the body was so badly decomposed that a full post mortem examination would not be possible.

On the sand: The discovery of fin whales is said to be very rare, with the mammals normally being found in deeper waters

Rare: This was the third stranding in Britain this year, but only the second recorded in Devon over the past 25 years

'RAZORBACK' FIN WHALES The fin whale is the second largest mammal in the world, after the blue whale. They are nicknamed 'razorback' because of the distinct ridge along their back behind the dorsal fin. Fin whales also have an unusual distinctive feature in that their lower right jaw is bright white and the lower left jaw is black. They have a population of between 50,000 and 90,000 and are officially an endangered species. The whales, also known by their scientific name of Balaenoptera physalus, weigh about 80 tons and measure between 65ft and 80ft. Advertisement

Mr Deaville added: It is the responsibility of the council to dispose of it.

'We would like to access the site and collect samples and data.

But then there are several possibilities of what could happen.

'It could go to landfill either intact or cut into pieces.

'Or it could be incinerated. They are the main methods of disposal.

'In very isolated areas it can be buried or even left in situ.

'But here it is a very public area.

'So (it) will have to be moved from the beach and disposed of.

It is a tragedy but is something we can learn an awful lot from.

The fin whale is slowly recovering and we are seeing more stranding.

'This tells us there are probably more out there which is a good thing.

One onlooker said: Its a rather sad sight and quite an extraordinary one.

'Apparently its been around for at least a month in the sea.

It was last spotted off France. As soon as I hit the beach I could smell it.

Previous incident: The dangers of whale carcasses were made clear in 2013 when one exploded in the Faroe Islands

Three years ago, the dangers of whale carcasses were made clear when one exploded over a marine biologist.

That 45ft sperm whale died in November 2013 after beaching in the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic.

As soon as he began cutting it open, the gas trapped inside exploded, spewing organs and guts into the air.

The main part of the huge blast just missed him, and the extraordinary moment was captured on camera.
A tiny paper cut almost cost Michael Berger his life after it became infected and he was left in a coma for three weeks.

The 46-year-old New Jersey man was given a 50 percent chance of survival when he was struck by sepsis, a toxic response to an infection that can lead to rapid organ failure.

Mr Berger was placed in a medically-induced coma at the Kennedy Hospital in Cherry Hill, where the health center's nationally-recognized Sepsis Program saved his life.

Michael Berger, 46, had to be placed in a coma for three weeks when he was struck by sepsis after getting a tiny paper cut on his finger

Barely a scar remains from the nearly-lethal cut, which soon became infected. Sepsis is a toxic response to an infection that can lead to rapid organ failure

A million Americans are diagnosed with sepsis every year and it has been declared a medical emergency by the Center for Disease Control.

Sepsis kills 258,000 people annually, more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer and AIDS combined - and Berger was almost one of them.

'It scared the hell out of me,' Berger told CBS Philadelphia. 'They said I was circling the drain. I had a 50/50 shot of living.'

'I can't believe that was actually me,' he recalls, looking at a photo of himself hooked up to a respirator in his hospital bed.

Berger is one of more than 181 people whose lives have been saved at Kennedy Health's three New Jersey locations since it launched the Sepsis Program in 2012.

The hospital's sepsis mortality rate has dropped from 27 percent to an astonishing 9.17 percent, well below the national average.

Sepsis is hard to diagnose. There is no specific test for it and the symptoms can vary from fever to low blood pressure or breathing too quickly.

'The ultimate goal is to recognize it, treat it and minimize any side effects a patient may have so it doesn't progress to severe sepsis or septic shock,' said Marianne Kraemer, the hospital's administrative director for infection control.

The program has those on the floor of the ER immediately check to see if patients show at least two out of three signs that could indicate sepsis.

Mr Berger is one of more than 181 people whose lives have been saved at Kennedy Health's three New Jersey locations since it launched the Sepsis Program

WHAT IS SEPSIS? Sepsis is a toxic response to an infection that can lead to multiple and rapid organ failure. Any type of infection can lead to sepsis, but it is most commonly caused by pneumonia or infections to the kidney, bloodstream or abdominal area. Early symptoms may include a fast heart rate, fever, low blood pressure and breathing too quickly. If caught early, sepsis can be treated with antibiotics and IV fluids. But cases can develop into severe sepsis or septic shock and turn fatal. More than one million Americans are diagnosed with sepsis every year, and 258,000 die from it. You can help prevent sepsis by seeing your doctor if you have an infection and don't feel well, and getting a flu shot. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement

Known as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), the three signs are: A body temperature above 101 F or below 96.8 F, a heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute and a respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute.

If the patient shows two of these symptoms, the nurse can then order a lactate test without waiting for a physician's permission.

The test determines levels of lactic acid, which is created when the body's oxygen level drops during an infection and carbohydrates must break down for energy.

If sepsis is caught early enough patients can then be treated with antibiotics and IV fluids.

In addition to permitting nurses to order lactate tests, the hospital also worked to get faster urine and blood cultures test results as well.

'The clock is ticking,' Kraemer told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

'Every minute you don't get this done the patient is getting sicker.'

Everyone in the hospital, no matter their title or rank, must also attend a mandatory two-hour sepsis class.

Kennedy Health was recognized this month as a 2016 Sepsis Hero by Sepsis Alliance, the leading national sepsis patient advocacy organization, for its program.

'I was really overwhelmed with the award,' Kraemer said. 'It was a lot of work that went into it and a lot of people behind the scenes to really earn that award.'

And Berger, who has since fully recovered, said he is so grateful for that work.

'I had the exact people I should've had to save my life.'

Berger was placed in a medically-induced coma at the Kennedy Hospital in Cherry Hill (pictured), where the nationally-recognized Sepsis Program saved his life
Will appear before the Medical Disciplinary Board in Chicago in October

He is accused of falsely stating that he was giving children regular shots

A doctor gave children and babies homemade vaccinations made from vodka and cat saliva over a decade.

Dr Ming-Te Lin is believed to have created the concoctions in his dirty and cluttered office in Flossmoor, Illinois, before giving them to young patients.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation was alerted to the practice after receiving complaints about his unapproved oral vaccinations.

Dr Ming-Te Lin has had his license suspended for mixing unapproved vaccinations for patients at his practice at Flossmoor, Illinois (above)

He told investigators he sometimes mixed alcohol with cat saliva gathered with a swab from the animal's mouth to treat patients with allergies and also admitted using a machine to 'detoxify' mercury vaccinations.

Lin claimed to have been prescribing the mixtures for more than 10 years. Patients included a seven-day-old baby.

An emergency order was issued to suspend his license after authorities visited the practice.

He is due to appear before the Medical Disciplinary Board October 11 in Chicago.

None of the concoctions he listed to investigators are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Lin is understood to have graduated from The University of Taiwan in 1970 and specializes in children's allergies and immunology.

Patient reviews online suggest he was well-liked despite investigators' concerns.
It could take years to bring a convicted child abuser to justice after Victorian authorities failed to alert their investigation with Immigration and he was deported to Ireland.

The 74-year-old Irish citizen and former Geelong Grammar teacher was convicted of four separate child abuse offences and was set to face new charges over alleged abuse at the private school between the late 1960s and mid-1970s, and in 1980, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The Australian Border Force said it didn't know the man was being investigated in Victoria and claim the state police didn't alert them.

The serial paedophile is currently free in his home country where he was deported to on May 6 this year after serving time in a Queensland prison.

It could take years to bring a convicted child abuser to justice after Victorian authorities failed to alert their investigation with Immigration and he was deported to Ireland (stock)

The former Geelong Grammar teacher was convicted of four separate child abuse offences and was set to face new charges over alleged abuse at the private school (stock image)

The 74-year-old was accused of touching the penis of a Geelong Grammar student in church, fondling the penis of another six-year-old student and making older students perform sexual acts on one another during a royal commission last year.

One victim told the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that he was abused as a nine-year-old, he reported the exploitation in late 2014.

'I've obviously been waiting a long time for this,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'It's going to be a lot more difficult to extradite him from Ireland.'

A new civil claim is being filed by Lawyer Angela Sdrinis for eight victims of the child abuser.

'It's a very difficult thing to come forward in the first place and make a police complaint about child sex abuse,' she Ms Sdrinis told The Sydney Morning Herald.

'To go through all of that only to be told, 'Oh sorry, we temporarily lost him', is pretty soul destroying.'

If the serial paedophile is found mentally or physically unfit to face trial in Australia, there is a risk the extradition bid could be overruled.

The serial paedophile is currently free in his home country of Ireland where he was deported to on May 6 this year after serving time in a Queensland prison (stock image)

The Australian Border Force said it didn't know the man was being investigated in Victoria and said the state police didn't alert them (stock image)

The Australian Border Force said it notified the Australian Federal Police and the Queensland Police Service before deporting the man.

The Border Force said it didn't know the man was being investigated in Victoria and said the state police didn't alert them.

'The individual was not listed as having any outstanding matters with any law enforcement agencies and was subsequently removed,' a spokesman told The Sydney Morning Herald.
A Paris rabbi has claimed that every Jew is France is considering leaving the country because of anti-Semitism.

Moshe Sabbag, rabbi of La Victoire, has said that '100 per cent' of French Jews are thinking of moving, but find the prospect daunting.

The number who moved to Israel went up from 1,900 in 2011 to around 8,000 last year, and the rabbi says many more are likely to follow.

Paris' Synagogue de la Victoire rabbi Moshe Sebbag has said that all French Jews are considering leaving the country because they do not feel safe

Britain has also been a popular destination for French Jews following a rise of anti-Semitism.

Earlier this year Marc Mayer, director of the Conference of European Rabbis, said French children now made up 50 per cent of the intake at London's Jewish schools.

Before leading a service at the famous Paris synagogue, USA Today reports, he said that French Jews 'love France, they love French culture, they want to stay'.

He said: 'But Jews were targeted during huge demonstrations against the 2014 Gaza war.'

And referring to a 2012 attack on a Jewish school that killed four people, and last year's supermarket attack, he said: 'They were killed in Toulouse and Hypercacher.'

Armed security officers on patrol outside a Jewish school in the Marais district in Paris last year, amid a heightened climate of fear among the 500,000 to 600,000 French Jews

A report published earlier this year by Human Rights First said the number of anti-Semitic incidents in France had risen from 423 to 851 - with half of these happening in France, Marseille and Lyon.

But researchers also found that 82 per cent had experienced anti-Semitism, but not reported it.

Jacques Canet, president of La Victoire, echoed the fears, saying the country's Jewish population, estimated to be between 500,000 to 600,000, 'feel threatened'.

He said: 'Increasingly, Jews in Paris, Marseilles, Toulouse, Sarcelles feel they cant safely wear a kippah (yarmulke, or skull cap) outside their homes or send their children to public schools, where Muslim children bully Jewish children.'

Increasingly, Jews in Paris, Marseilles, Toulouse, Sarcelles feel they cant safely wear a kippah (yarmulke, or skull cap) outside their homes or send their children to public schools Jacques Canet

But in 2016 there has been a 40 per cent fall in the number of Jews leaving France for Israel.

Dov Maimon, who is a senior fellow at the Jerusalem-based Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), said around 100 French families had returned to France from Israel.

The JPPI believes around 5,000 people will have emigrated from France to Israel by the end of the year.

Explaining reasons for the fall he said: 'First, Jews in France are feeling more secure because the (French) prime minister has beefed up security around Jewish institutions, while the increase in terror attacks this winter in Israel may have scared off some people. It may also be that the most ideologically driven Jews have already immigrated.'

And he added that Israel could not offer them the same prospects as France, stating: 'They believed Israel would provide them with jobs and housing, but France is a welfare state. Israel is not.'

A JPPI report released this week said an estimated 200,000 French Jews - 40 per cent - have expressed an interest in moving to Israel.

It said: 'The aliyah slowdown does not necessarily indicate that the pool of French Jewish aliyah candidates has "dried up" or that interest in immigration has lessened.

'Rather, it likely indicates the existence of delaying factors that have yet to be addressed.'
The suspect in the Washington mall shooting that killed five people may have another crime to add to his rap sheet: voter fraud.

Turkey-born Arcan Cetin is a US permanent resident, or green card holder, which means he does not hold the right to vote.

Yet state records say the 20-year-old has voted in three election cycles since 2014  including the last presidential primary, KING 5 reported.

Cetin is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in in the September 24 shooting at a Macy's at the Cascade Mall in Burlington.

Arcan Cetin, the suspect in the Washington mall shooting, voted in at least three elections despite not being an American citizen

Cetin, 20, is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in in the fatal shooting at a Macy's at the Cascade Mall in Burlington.

The victims of Cetin's alleged shooting include three women, a teenage girl and a man who died hours later

Victims include three women and a teenage girl. He also allegedly wounded a man who died hours later.

Cetin would have to show proof of citizenship to register to vote  but in practice, Washington state's voting-day procedures work on an honor system.

'We don't have a provision in state law that allows us either county elections officials or the Secretary of State's office to verify someone's citizenship,' Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman told KING 5.

'So, we're in this place where we want to make sure we're maintaining people's confidence in the elections and the integrity of the process, but also that we're giving this individual, like we would any voter, his due process,' she added.

Cetin walks into the mall, apparently carrying the he rifle he allegedly used to kill five people

Pictures posted to Cetin's MySpace page show him holding what appears to be a revolver

'We're moving forward, and that investigation is really coming out of the investigation from the shootings.'

Cetin could face five years in prison and $10,000 in fines for voting as a non US citizen.

'The penalties are very serious,' Wyman told KING 5. 'That's why we want to make sure we're very measured, and this is why we want to make sure we're very calm and purposeful in how we move forward.

'The stakes are very high on both sides. You want to keep the confidence level high, but you also want to protect the voting rights of everyone.'
An adorable toddler has been captured strutting his stuff as he tried to copy some Irish dancing in the streets of Galway.

Dance teacher Emma O'Sullivan was performing in the Irish town's streets ahead of its stint as the capital of culture in 2020 when the little tot joined in, shuffling his feet in time with the classic music.

The cute toddler, wearing a bright yellow jumper and jeans, joins in with the teacher's foot movements and then copies the way she moves her arms.

An adorable toddler has been captured strutting his stuff as he tried to copy some Irish dancing in the streets of Galway

The toddler adds in some hops and kicks before looking around at the crowd, who can be heard laughing in the background of the video.

Ms O'Sullivan looks down towards the little one and helps him join in with her dancing, showing him the ropes.

Sharing the video on her own Facebook page, Ms O'Sullivan said: 'Street performance is without doubt one of the most joyful and exciting ways to showcase your art.

'If the sheer buzz of town wasn't enticing enough; it's moments like this that keep me coming back for more each day.

'Such a happy and important time sharing dance with teeny tots and future stars.'

The cute toddler, wearing a bright yellow jumper and jeans, joins in with the teacher's foot movements and then copies the way she moves her arms

The toddler adds in some hops and kicks before looking around at the crowd, who can be heard laughing in the background of the video

Ms O'Sullivan is a full-time dance teacher, who in 2009, won the All-Ireland Sean-Nos Dancing title at Oireachtas na Samhna in Letterkenny.

The video got lots of support and comments from Facebook users on the Galway Now magazine page, with Marion Clark saying: 'If this doesn't make you smile, nothing will.'
There are only seven doctors left in the Syrian city of Aleppo to treat hundreds of people who are being wounded daily as the Assad regime and its Russian allies show no sign of letting up on the bombardment.

Almost 100 children are believed to have been killed since Friday and Russia today accused the US of having an 'emotional breakdown' over the conflict.

But in an increasingly depressing picture there was at least some good news today when video emerged of a little girl being rescued from the rubble of a devastated building.

The girl was pulled out a bombed building and initially appeared to be dead

US accused of 'emotional breakdown' over Syria A top Russian diplomat says the United States' threat to halt cooperation with Moscow constitutes an 'emotional breakdown'. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also said the Kremlin is willing to support a 48-hour ceasefire in Aleppo, for humanitarian reasons. But he rejected Washington's calls for a seven-day pause in hostilities. Mr Ryabkov's comments follow US Secretary of State John Kerry's warning that the US will stop coordination with Moscow unless Russian and Syrian attacks on Aleppo end. He also reiterated Russia's stance that a seven-day pause would give rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad, Moscow's ally, too much time to regroup. Advertisement

CBS News reported Doctors Without Borders had said a 'brutal and relentless onslaught from air and land' had left the eastern half of Aleppo with just seven surgical doctors to treat the 250,000 people who are trapped by the fighting.

The organisation's head, Joanna Liu, said doctors were having to take people off life support because of a 'multitude' of wounded.

She called on the UN Security Council to 'enact an absolute prohibition of attacks on medical facilities'.

But with Russia on the UN Security Council that is very unlikely to happen.

A video has also emerged of Syrian doctors carrying out brain surgery on the floor of a hospital in Aleppo.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said six people were killed outside after the government bombarded a bread distribution centre.

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel said today Russia had a 'special responsibility to calm violence and give a political process a chance' in Syria and she was supported by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

'The latest offensive by the Syrian regime against Aleppo - supported by Russia - has made the suffering of the civilian population yet worse,' the two leaders agreed in a telephone conversation, according to a statement released by Merkel's office.

The girl, who is understood to have lived in the building, was carried out on a stretcher

When she regained consciousness she began crying (pictured) as the shock and horror of what had happened came back to her

But the Kremlin today vowed to press on with its assault in Syria as it sought an all-out military victory for President Bashar al-Assad, a long-time ally of Moscow.

Moscow and Damascus launched an assault to recapture the rebel-held sector of Aleppo this month, abandoning a new ceasefire a week after it took effect to embark on what could be the biggest battle of a civil war which has dragged on for six years.

Rebel fighters have launched an advance of their own in countryside near the central city of Hama, where they said today they had made gains.

Syrian men search for people under the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held northwestern city of Idlib

Rescuers and civilians search for survivors under the rubble of a damaged site hit by airstrikes in Idlib, Syria

People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes in Idlib, Syria September 29

Civil defence members put out a fire at a site hit by airstrikes in Idlib, Syria September 29

Syrian men carry injured people amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held northwestern city of Idlib
A doctor saved the life of a premature baby after a power blackout cut off the hospital's oxygen supply as massive storms battered South Australia.

The neonatal doctor hand pumped the infant oxygen for 90 minutes when he realised the fuel pump powering Flinders Medical Centre's backup generator had failed.

He was credited with saving the baby's life and praised by SA Health interim chief executive Vickie Kaminski for his actions during the sate-wide blackout on Wednesday.

A doctor saved the life of a premature baby after a power blackout (pictured) cut off the hospital's oxygen supply as massive storms battered South Australia

'Thankfully, within seconds, the infant was stabilised by our quick-thinking clinicians using a manual ventilator,' she told the Adelaide Advertiser.

'Our clinicians at Flinders are in close contact with the family of the patient and are providing appropriate support and information to them as their child recovers.'

The hospital was forced to get by on batteries that only powered essential wards like the intensive care unit and had to transfer 17 ICU patients to Flinders Private Hospital.

The entire state was plunged into darkness (before and after in Adelaide CBD pictured)

The neonatal doctor hand pumped the infant oxygen for 90 minutes when he realised the fuel pump powering Flinders Medical Centre's (pictured) backup generator had failed

Elective surgeries were cancelled and one patient narrowly avoided being in surgery when the power shut off as she was in an operating room just about to go under the knife.

The woman, named Dee, laughed about her ordeal where she lay on the table for an hour waiting for advice from the weather bureau.

'They were just about to put the spinal block in before they do the general anaesthetic and we heard this 'stop',' she told ABC radio.

When the power went out, hospital lifts across Adelaide stopped working and doctors and nurses had to work by torchlight

Even Adelaide Airport was largely without power for hours on Wednesday

Residents used candles when power to their homes was shut off

Empty shelves in the refrigerated section of a Coles supermarket in Adelaide on Thursday after a state-wide power blackout

'Everything just went black, and my blood pressure, I'm sure, went completely through the roof.'

When the power went out, hospital lifts across Adelaide stopped working and doctors and nurses had to work by torchlight.

Hospitals are now working on mains power again but elective surgeries were still postponed as the second wave of the storm battered the state on Thursday.

Adelaide is being battered by winds of up to 140km/h, the highest ever recorded in its history, as torrential rain pours down across South Australia

A trampoline flung onto power lines in Adelaide by the record 140km/h winds

Winds of up to 140km/h, the highest ever recorded in its history, struck the city as torrential rain poured down across SA.

It caused dams to burst, huge tides to engulf beachside houses and cover beaches in foam, while falling trees have crashed through roofs and flooded houses.

The SA Government declared a state of emergency after a cabinet meeting on Thursday evening, giving the Energy Market Operator control of the state's energy supply.

About 30,000 homes in Adelaide are still without power, either from Wednesday's blackout or from new storm damage.

Winds of more than 90km/h shown smashing into Adelaide on this map, with even worse hitting Kangaroo Island

The wind brought huge tides that crossed beaches to hit the land beyond

Hundreds of trees were uprooted, some falling onto houses

The tides left foam covering beachside buildings

The SES has responded to more than 1,000 calls for help in the past 36 hours, and was at risk of being 'stretched beyond capacity'.

Trees were uprooted and crashed through roofs in the outskirts of the city, trashing living rooms as the rain poured in.

Storm surges and huge waves also inundated some communities along the Spencer and St Vincent gulf coasts with the worst centres affected including Port Pirie, Port Broughton and Moonta.

Houses were seen on video being flooded by huge tides rushing hundreds of metres onto shore in Port Broughton, SA, while tides left foam covering beachside businesses in Henley Beach and Port Noarlunga.

Residents used their heaters to cook food during the blackout
Police Officers found Shona Gray to be growing cannabis plants in her home

A primary school teacher is facing disciplinary action after she was caught growing cannabis in her bathroom.

Police Officers found Shona Gray, a secondary school teacher from Aberdeenshire in Scotland, to be growing plants in her home when they arrived at the property to investigate a break-in.

Ms Gray, 55, accepted a caution for the drugs bust, but now faces further punishment from the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

While giving evidence to Scotland's teaching watchdog this week she informed a panel that she lied to police about the drugs to protect her son.

Ms Gray told the public hearing in Edinburgh that a friend of her son, Adam Milne, had been staying at her home in Stonehaven, and suggested that the plants belonged to him.

Although Ms Gray denied all knowledge of the drugs, a police officer gave evidence that the smell of cannabis was immediately evident in the hall of Ms Gray's home.

The officer also said Ms Gray told him she had been 'experimenting' with growing cannabis at her home to avoid using local drug dealers.

Ms Gray, who works as a support for learning teacher at Mackie Academy, as well as at two local primary schools, faces a single charge in front of the GTCS.

It states: 'On or around 11 March 2013, you did produce cannabis, a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971: (i) within your home; (ii) for your own personal use'.

PC Paul Wilson Murphy told the hearing that the report of a break-in, which turned out to be false, was made by Mr Milne, a friend of Ms Gray's son, Sam, who was living at the home at the time.

The officer, who was one of those who responded to the reported break-in, said: 'In the corner of the bath where the shower should be were three cannabis plants...and lights to help them grow'.

Ms Gray claimed that the drugs belonged to the friend of her son Sam (left), Adam Milne (right) who had been staying with the family

PC Murphy said: 'You could not live at the house without knowing cannabis was being grown. You could smell the odour from the hallway area.'

PC Murphy said Ms Gray told him the drugs 'belonged to her for her own personal use'.

PC Murphy said that books on how to grow cannabis were found at the property.

But Ms Gray told the GTCS panel: 'I was trying to protect my son. He's my number one priority. I haven't smoked cannabis since I was 21.

Asked if she was cultivating cannabis in her house, she said: 'I deny that absolutely.'

Ms Gray said that after Adam moved in to the house: 'There was a conversation early on about drugs. I found a rolled up train ticket. Sam had told me Adam had drugs.'

The teacher's lawyer at the hearing, Graeme Murray, asked her whether she could smell the cannabis, to which she replied: 'I have a very poor sense of smell.'

Ms Gray, 55, accepted a caution for the drugs bust at her Aberdeenshire home (pictured), but now faces further punishment from the General Teaching Council for Scotland

Asked if she had recently been in the bathroom where the cannabis was being grown, she replied: 'No. That bathroom didn't work. Adam was made very clear of that when he moved in.'

Case Presenter Gary Burton then told the disciplinary panel that Ms Gray's lie to the police could be considered serious enough for the GTCS to take action.

He said: 'The view could be taken that, that could be a breach of code.'

But at this stage, the chairman of the panel, John Kilpatrick, decided to halt proceedings and moved the hearing into private.

The case was then adjourned to an as yet unspecified date.

Speaking from his home in Stonehaven yesterday (Wed), Mr Milne corroborated Ms Gray's evidence to the GTCS.

He said: 'This was absolutely nothing to do with her.

'I don't know if she even knew there was cannabis growing in the house.

'If she needs someone to stand up and say she wasn't involved I'll do that.'

Mr Milne said he had been convicted of growing cannabis and had been given a fine and community service to complete.

Ms Gray and her son, Sam, who was also at the hearing declined to comment.
bordering on obese when he appeared on the

McCaskill has been open about her own weight loss after losing 50lbs

'Campaign stress,' she suggested, 'We think a public daily weigh-in is called for,' she added in the mocking tweet

Democratic senator Claire McCaskill has called for 'a public daily weigh-in' for Donald Trump after his fat-shaming comments against women.

Trump has long been criticized over his sexist attitude, or as Hillary Clinton described him during the recent debate: 'This is a man who has called women pigs, slobs and dogs.'

Days after Clinton confronted him about humiliating former Miss Universe Alicia Machado by calling her 'Miss Piggy' and inviting reporters to film her working out when she gained a little weight, McCaskill decided to take a little revenge.

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Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill said that she and a group of Democratic senators were 'concerned' about Donald Trump's weight

'The D women Senators have talked & we're concerned about Donald's weight,' Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill, 62, wrote on Twitter

'The D women Senators have talked & we're concerned about Donald's weight,' Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill, 62, wrote on Twitter.

'Campaign stress?' she suggested. 'We think a public daily weigh-in is called for,' she added in the tweet which has already been liked thousands of times.

The jibe was in reference to Trump's insulting remarks about Machado who won the 1996 Miss Universe pageant, which Trump owned at the time.

During Monday's debates, Clinton had confronted the Republican candidate about the sexist remarks, adding that he had also referred to her as 'Miss Housekeeping' because she was Latina.

Machado said the name-calling and photo op of her working out at a New York City gym after she gained a few pounds following her win,left her suffering anorexia and bulimia.

Instead of apologizing the notoriously combative Trump doubled-down.

Trump is overweight - bordering on obese - his appearance on 'The Dr. Oz Show' earlier this month revealed

Hillary Clinton called Trump out on insulting remarks he made about Alicia Machado who won the 1996 Miss Universe pageant, during the debate

'I know that person, she was a Miss Universe person and she was the worst we ever had  the worst, the absolute worst,' Trump said the morning after the debate during an interview on 'Fox and Friends.'

'She was the winner and, you know, she gained a massive amount of weight, and it was a real problem,' he added.

A second beauty pageant queen has since come forward claiming Trump also shamed her over her weight by telling her to 'suck her gut in' during the Miss Universe pageant.

Australia's Jodie Seal competed in the Miss Universe pageant with Machado, and told the Inside Edition the Donald mocked women about their bodies regularly when they were participating in the pageant the year he took over the competition.

She called him a 'Mussolini-'grade tyrant.

Trump has also made regular attacks on Hillary Clinton over her health, questioning her 'stamina' and demanding she release detailed health records.

Meanwhile, the 70-year-old candidate's doctor claims he is in 'astonishingly excellent' health.

Trump's personal physician, Dr. Harold Bornstein, wrote - in true Trump-style that his patient was the 'healthiest individual ever' to have a shot at the presidency.

Hillary Clinton says Trump humiliated former Miss Universe Alicia Machado by calling her 'Miss Piggy' and inviting reporters to film her working out when she gained a little weight after her win

Machado said the name-calling and photo op of her working out at a New York City gym after she gained a few pounds following her win, left her suffering anorexia and bulimia

Yet it appears Trump is overweight - bordering on obese - his appearance on 'The Dr. Oz Show' earlier this month revealed.

He told Dr. Oz he was 236 pounds and 6-foot-3 inches tall, giving him a BMI of 29.5. A healthy BMI is anywhere between 18.5 and 24.9. Obese is regarded as anyone with a BMI of 30 or more.

McCaskill has also battled with her weight but famously dropped 50lbs in just five months in 2011 - and credited Twitter for helping keep her on track.

She said talking about her progress on a public forum inspired her to stick to her regime.

In October 2011, she reported that her scales had hit the desired figure, and wrote: 'GOOAALLLLLLLL!! I did it! Lost 50 lbs.

It is not the first time McCaskill has attacked Trump.

Last month she launched a scathing attack on the Republican candidate following his comments that Barack Obama and Clinton were the 'founders of ISIS'.

She told Real Clear Politics that Syrian president Assad's actions had allowed the terror group to get a stronghold in his country - supported by Putin - 'who is Trump's best buddy.

'So you could say Trump and his friend Putin are the founders of ISIS, which probably would be more accurate,' she said.
Cody Kilgore (pictured) was left with a bloody gash on his leg after a pit bull bit him during a vicious attack in his family's backyard

A Texas woman grabbed a knife and stabbed a neighbor's loose pit bull as it bit her son during a vicious attack in their backyard.

The dog, which later died from its injuries, had bitten through a gate before ambushing Elizabeth Kilgore and her son Cody late Wednesday afternoon.

Cody was left with with a bloody gash on his thigh after the pit bull locked its teeth on him during the attack as he tried to save his mom.

He also suffered injuries to his foot, according to WFAA.

'Physically, I'm in a lot of pain,' Cody told the station following the attack as he showed a bleeding bruise on his leg. 'I'm in a lot of pain.'

Elizabeth said after the loose dog bit through the gate, it first jumped on her, causing her to scream for help, which was when Cody came running outside.

As the terrifying and chaotic ordeal unfolded, the pit bull then started attacking Cody, who yelled for someone to stab and kill the dog.

'It was not going down without a fight,' Cody recounted of the aggressive dog.

A frightened Elizabeth, who said the pit bull was 'trying to get Cody's neck' grabbed a knife and stabbed the dog before it ran off injured into the neighborhood.

The pit bull, which later died from its injuries, had bitten through a gate and jumped on Elizabeth Kilgore in their backyard (their Dallas home above) who screamed for help when Cody came running out and was then attacked by the dog

'He was hurting my kid,' Elizabeth told WFAA. 'I didn't know what to do.'

While the pit bull was on the run, police told a nearby school, Kleberg Elementary, to remain inside until they were able to contain the dog.

The dog was found roaming the area a few blocks away and was taken to Dallas Animal Services who confirmed it had died after succumbing to its stabbing injuries.
Missing girl Cassie Olczak 'wasn't herself' when she came home to Australia after cutting her holiday to Abu Dhabi short because she missed her friends.

The 16-year-old had been 'behaving bizarrely' before she went to visit friends in Earlwood on Sunday, according to a senior police source.

She had also spoken to her family about the idea of self-harm, The Daily Telegraph reported.

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Missing: Cassie Olczak, 16, was last seen on Sunday night and her family have issued desperate pleas for anyone with information to come forward

Ms Olczak was last seen on CCTV footage at Waterfall train station, about 7pm on Sunday

SES officers decked out in orange gear up for another day of searching for the missing girl

The teenager, 16, has been missing since she boarded a train at Banskia, in Sydney's south, about 7pm on Sunday evening. Police have released CCTV footage of Ms Olczak getting off a train at Waterfall Station 40 minutes later.

Her mother Connie Olczac has revealed her daughter was 'very emotional' in emails before returning to Australia.

The distraught mother told Daily Mail Australia Cassie's disappearance has left her 'devastated' and 'exhausted'.

'We need everyone to be messaging us with accurate information - it doesn't matter how small it may be everything is taken seriously,' Mrs Olczac said.

'She is running out of time and we need to find her.'

In an interview with KIIS FM, Mrs Olczak opened up about her daughter confirming she was believed to have been on a 'substance' when she went missing. It was just a day after she returned home from Abu Dhabi.

'The day before she came home she did put some very emotional emails because we laughed (and said) 'oh my god look at Cassie she's actually displaying affection''.

Connie said her daughter was 'similar to someone with minor autistic traits where they're not super cuddly... But she has a heart of gold'. She stressed she didn't mean that remark in a 'negative' way.

Ms Olczak said a 'substance' was involved in her daughter's disappearance. 'But we don't know what.'

'She's not super overly affectionate, I love you kissy kissy type things,' she said.

Connie's remarks came as she had a public spat with one of the teenager's mates on Facebook.

'Sadly Cassie made poor choice in friends! Let's pray doesn't cost her life !!!!' she said.

The friend who last saw her then claimed Cassie was 'not happy (where) she was'. 'Everyone could see this... 'event' was not (unexpected),' the friend said.

'But no please continue to attack me because that will surely help (you) find your daughter'.

The friend was with Cassie at Banksia about 6.30pm but caught a different train, Connie has told Daily Mail Australia.

When asked if Cassie was unhappy, she said: '(Cassie) had a disagreement with a friend before she left and the friend has told police that'.

Asked about reports she may have been upset over a boy, Connie said: 'I can't discuss that'.

The 16-year-old has been missing since Sunday after spending the day with friends and boarding a train at Banksia Railway Station in Sydney's south-west

She had intended to get off the train at Hurstville but CCTV cameras captured the girl getting off the southbound train alone at Waterfall Railway Station at 7pm

Police said Cassie was caught on security cameras walking out of the train station and has not been seen since

TWO MORE GIRLS MISSING IN THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Friends Nikki Groves and Kate Bateup were reported missing on Wednesday after they took a walking track heading east from Waterfall Station Nikki Groves and Kate Bateup, 21, have been found after they were reported missing on Wednesday after heading east down a walking track from Waterfall Station into the national park at Sutherland. Ms Groves and Ms Bateup called National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers about 2pm on Wednesday and said they had got lost. The rangers then lost contact with them and rescue crews have been unable to speak with the pair again. A relative of Kate Bateup told Daily Mail Australia they had contact with the two friends about 5am on Thursday, who gave their location as 'on the edge of a cliff'. 'I think that was the best description they could give of where they were... they don't really know where they are, they're lost,' the relative said. 'But it's a real worry because one of them urgently needs (diabetes) medication.' Advertisement

Cassie was supposed to be travelling to Hurstville but security camera footage captured her getting off about Waterfall railway station - about 25 kilometres away.

Police believe she may have been groggy and disoriented.

Her mother told a press conference: 'She's beautiful, she's five foot 10, she's a stunner. She had a modelling contract.

'I believe she is disorientated and jetlagged from a long flight home the night before.

'I also think she may be scared. She's not a super social person, she'll stick to herself.

'If she hears this, your friends and family are desperate for you to come home. Please come home.

'If anyone knows anything you are not in trouble. We just need information.'

Connie said her daughter had gone a long time without food or water and had no access to bank accounts.

'I need her home, my gut tells me she is alive,' she said.

Cassie had just finished school and is due to begin a TAFE hairdressing course next week.

She went to visit friends on Sunday but they sent her home when they noticed she was disorientated.

Mrs Olczak is urging those friends to give more relevant information to police.

In a statement, police said they had conducted 'extensive' inquiries to find Cassie, but had not been successful.

Cassie is about 175cm tall and of a thin build, has long, dark hair and a tan complexion, was last seen wearing grey Adidas tights, a black zip-up Miley Cyrus hoodie, Adidas Superstar sneakers with gold stripes and a Nike hip bag.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.

Cassie's mother Connie has made a public plea for people to help find her daughter

Police searching for the young women on Wednesday before they halted the search

They had to stop as it was too dark to continue their search, but returned on Thursday

Her mother Connie Olczak said Cassie (left, right on a missing poster) may have been given a substance before she went missing
Michael McKevitt, pictured, the man believed to have founded the Real IRA, was one of the men who tried to overturn a ruling he was responsible for the Omagh bombig

A bid by two republicans to overturn a landmark civil ruling that found them responsible for the Omagh bomb has been rejected by the European Court of Human Rights.

Convicted Real IRA chief Michael McKevitt and Co Louth man Liam Campbell were two of four republicans ordered to pay 1.6 million in damages to bereaved relatives who took the historic case.

The Real IRA outrage in the Co Tyrone market town in August 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured 200 others.

The pair took their case to Europe, arguing that the civil trial in Belfast High Court had been unfair.

They said the judge should have applied a criminal rather a civil standard of proof, due to the severity of the allegations, and further claimed that the evidence of an FBI agent heard during the trial should not have been admitted.

The seven ECHR judges unanimously rejected the case and made clear their decision was final.

'The applicants had not demonstrated that their trial was unfair, and the Court dismissed their applications,' said an ECHR statement.

McKevitt was jailed for 20 years in August 2003 after being convicted of directing a terrorist organisation and being a member of the Real IRA.

The ECHR case was the latest in a series of separate legal attempts by the four defendants to overturn the 2009 civil judgment.

The relatives who took the action are still pursuing the damages.

No one has ever been criminally convicted of the bomb, which inflicted the most bloodshed of an single atrocity during the Northern Ireland Troubles.

Maura Monaghan, aged 18 months, (left) was the youngest victim of the blast. Jamie Barker, 12 (right), was also killed in the explosion, which was the single bloodiest terrorist attack in the history of the Troubles

One of the key witnesses in the families' case was FBI agent David Rupert, who had infiltrated the Real IRA.

He did not attend the trial in person due to concerns about his security and medical condition.

McKevitt and Campbell argued that their lawyers' inability to cross-examine Mr Rupert had been unfair.

The ECHR dismissed this argument, insisting the trial judge had taken the 'appropriate safeguards and considerations' in dealing with the evidence of an absent witness.

Mena Skelton (pictured with husband Kevin on their wedding day), died in the Omagh bombing in August '98

The applicants also claimed the judge should have applied a criminal standard of proof - beyond reasonable doubt - rather than a civil one - balance of probabilities - due to the severity of the allegations facing them.

The European judges said that was not necessary because the proceedings had been for a civil claim for damages and there had been no criminal charge involved.

Rejecting both grounds for the application, the ECHR said: 'The Court found that the national court's findings could not be said to have been arbitrary or unreasonable.'

Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was killed in the bomb, described the ruling as 'vindication' for the families.

'We feel like we have been under siege since the first judgment, with appeal after appeal,' he said.

'We are relieved it is now over. The families have been vindicated.

'Enormous expense has been paid by taxpayers to make sure these people got the best of British and European justice. The British and Irish Governments must now make sure the interests of the victims comes first.'

No one has ever been convicted in the criminal courts of the Omagh bomb attack (aftermath pictured above) which claimed the lives of 29 victims, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured hundreds more

He said the authorities had to help the families recover the money owed to them.

'It would be a very hollow judgment if it was only words,' he said.

'These people value money and it's where it can hurt them and both governments must work together to make sure the families receive the money that was awarded to them.'

Mr Gallagher made clear the bereaved relatives would continue to campaign for a full cross-border inquiry into the Omagh bombing, amid persistent claims the outrage could have been prevented.

Diane Dodds, Democratic Unionist MEP, said it was unfair that the men had access to legal aid to fight their case in Europe and branded it an abuse of human rights laws.

'The reality is whilst these individuals had full access to legal aid during the appeal process, the families of those murdered in the Omagh bombing have not received a single penny from the civil ruling,' she said.

'Innocent victims are tired of these double-standards.'
Anthony Jeffrey Brodie threatened to blow up the Oakland County Courthouse in messages to a friend on Facebook

An ex-military father threatened to blow up a courthouse and judge presiding over his family's custody case after researching Oklahoma terrorist Timothy McVeigh.

Anthony Jeffrey Brodie told a friend on Facebook he would kill 'anyone he needed to' to get custody of his son, revealing plans to bomb the Oakland County Courthouse in Pontiac, Michigan.

He singled out Judge Lisa Gorcyca who he feared would not treat him fairly in court, 7 News reported.

The 24-year-old is fighting for the custody of his children after recently becoming divorced.

He now faces a False Report or Threat of Terrorism charge which can carry a penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

He took to social media to share his concerns surrounding the case with the unnamed friend, telling her he was unhappy with Gorcyca's handling of it.

His messages became increasingly upset and violent, she claimed, prompting her to report them to police.

Among them he bragged of researching Timothy McVeigh who bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995, killing 168 people, including 19 children.

At the time it was the worst act of terrorism the country had ever seen. McVeigh was executed in 2001 for orchestrating the attack.

Brodie told his friend he feared Judge Lisa Gorcyca (right) would not treat him fairly in his battle against his ex-wife for custody of their young son

The 24-year-old researched terrorist Timothy McVeigh (pictured) and is said to have told the friend he sympathised with the criminal

Brodie, who reportedly talked of bombing the courthouse in Michigan, is said to have sympathized with the terrorist.

He was arrested on Tuesday in Ann Arbor and taken into custody.

Gorcyca was earlier this year found guilty of misconduct in a separate child custody case after sending three children to juvenile detention because they refused to have lunch with their father.

Fourteen-year-old Liam, 11-year-old Roee, and nine-year-old daughter Natalie Tsimhoni were sent to a Children's Village for troubled youths in July after refusing to sit down with their father Omer in the courthouse cafeteria when Gorcyca ordered them to begin a new relationship with him after their parents' divorce.

Brodie reportedly told friends he would kill 'anyone he needed to' for custody of his son

The father threatened to blow up the Oakland County Courthouse in Pontiac, Michigan (above)

At the time Gorcyca likened their mother, Maya Eibschitz-Tsimhoni, to Charles Manson.

The siblings spent a few days in the facility after being ordered there by Gorcyca who claimed they were being alienated from their father by their mother.

They were moved to a summer camp after a few days at the correctional youth center and have since been taken in to their father Omer's custody.

Gorcyca was found guilty of misconduct by a special master appointed by a Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission in July.

The full tenure commission must uphold or dismiss his verdict. If upheld, Gorcya could be expelled. She is still able to preside over cases in the meantime.

The next hearing before the tenure commission is scheduled for October 10.
Fight on his hands: Jamal Owda, 27, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today as he battles against being sent to jail in Greece

A Palestinian asylum seeker allegedly ran a 7million smuggling operation and helped up to 100 Syrian migrants a day cross the border into Europe.

Jamal Owda, 27, who faces up to 20 years in prison, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today as he battles against being sent to jail in Greece.

He is said to have masterminded one of Europes largest people-smuggling gangs, helping Syrians to cross the European border daily for 16 months.

Owda allegedly used an asylum hostel near Sefton Park, Liverpool, as a base and had claimed asylum after entering Britain in the back of a lorry in 2014.

He was arrested in a dawn raid last December when police allegedly found 17,500 in cash hidden in a speaker in his room.

The authorities in Greece are seeking Owdas extradition from London to Athens so that he can face trial for people trafficking  but he is fighting this.

Owda allegedly used an asylum hostel (pictured) near Sefton Park, Liverpool, as a base and had claimed asylum after entering Britain in the back of a lorry in 2014

He is firstly charged with being involved in a 22-strong group which conspired to smuggle people into Europe between July 2014 and November 2015.

And Palestinian national Owda is also charged of substantial involvement in a similar operation between March and May 2015.

But Owda, whose application for asylum has been rejected by the UK, claims that returning him to Greece would be a breach of his human rights.

He claims Greek prison conditions would breach Article 2, the right to life; and Article 3, no torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, of the Human Rights Act.

Today, the court was due to hear from an expert witness in Greece to elaborate on the conditions of Greek prisons, but internet trouble scuppered the link.

James Stansfeld, representing the Greek authorities, then requested an adjournment saying he had received new documents relating to the case.

Mr Stansfield told the court: There have been discussions between the UK and Greece in relation to prison conditions.

Discovery: Owda was arrested in a dawn raid last December when police allegedly found 17,500 in cash hidden in a speaker in his room

On September 12 a large number of documents from the Greek authorities were served.

There has been information by the Greeks that is relevant to Owdas article 3 application.

District Judge John Zani accepted the application and the matter was put back until October 10.

On that date the court is set to hear evidence from a psychiatrist and a psychologist to discuss Owdas mental health.

Previously the court heard that if extradited, Owda could face 20 years behind bars in Greece.

Owda is fighting deportation on the grounds that Greek prison conditions would breach his human rights and that he is suffering post-traumatic stress after growing up in war-torn Gaza.

He had psychiatric treatment in his native Gaza between 2006 and 2008 where he was diagnosed with paranoia and hallucinations.

Where he was arrested: Owda, whose application for asylum has been rejected by the UK, claims that returning him to Greece would be a breach of his human rights

The alleged smuggler also claimed that when he was arrested in Athens in June 2011, he was attacked and locked in a cell for 24 hours a day and fed disgusting meals.

He previously said: There were other prisoners who were beaten over there, there are millions of people badly treated over there, we were put together in the police station before being transferred to prison.

I have evidence, an Egyptian man helped me after I was hit. We were just marching in the corridors on the way to the cells when they hit me with a stick.

The worst verbal abuse was in the Greek language, it was the first time I have ever been arrested in Greece and was the only time I was hit.

There were no beds, only a mattress on the floor. They provided meals as such, but they were pretty basic and disgusting.

After 14 days in jail Owda was released and given 30 days notice to leave Greece.

He then claimed asylum in Britain after arriving in the back of a lorry in May 2014 but that was refused and he is currently appealing that decision.
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Hundreds of mourners have gathered to pay fond tribute to a woman dubbed the Queen of the Travellers.

Mother-of-13 Violet Crumlish, 59, died at the weekend after a long battle with cancer.

A white carriage drawn by four white horses led the cortege for Mrs Crumlish as 10 black limousines brought grieving family and friends to St Peter's Church in Lurgan, Co Armagh, Northern Ireland.

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Hundreds of mourners turned out for the funeral of The 'Traveller Queen' Violet Crumlish, centre, in Northern Ireland today

A white carriage led by four white horses, pictured, was at the front of the funeral procession in Northern Ireland today

Her husband Owen sat on top of the white carriage, pictured, as her children, friends and family walked alongside it

Girls wore black dresses and veils as they joined the crowd of mourners who turned out to support the popular grandmother

Two flatbed lorries were required to carry the huge number of wreaths and flowers for the hugely popular member of the Travelling community.

Among the scores of colourful floral tributes were ones in the shape of a Chanel handbag, a caravan, bingo board, iPhone, lipstick, single cigarette, bottles of wine and alcopops.

A number of life-sized photos of the grandmother were also displayed inside the church and at the graveside, as well as portraits of her extended family.

Mrs Crumlish lived in the Bristol area but had returned to her homeland in Northern Ireland as her death drew nearer.

During Requiem Mass Parish Priest Fr Joseph Wozniak described her as a 'very gentle and kind person'.

'She never criticised anybody and was fondly described by family members as the Traveller Queen,' he said.

Scores of colourful floral displays saying 'goodbye mummy' and 'love big mummy', pictured, were among the tributes

Among the tributes were flowers arranged in the shape of an iPhone, hearts and even a Patsy Cline CD, pictured

Her white coffin, pictured, was covered in kisses left in visible red lipstick as friends showed their love for their 'queen'

Mrs Crumlish is said to have built a reputation as a 'mother' figure in the traveller community, caring for the poor and sick

Family and friends sang Whitney Houston's classic I Will Always Love You as they paid their respects to Mrs Crumlish

The cleric added: 'Violet was a brilliant mother and grandmother. She was also like a mother to many in the Travelling community.'

Mrs Crumlish's husband, Owen, rode a top the horse drawn carriage as the cortege made its way from the church to the graveyard. Parts of Lurgan town centre were closed to traffic to allow the funeral procession to pass through.

At the graveyard, a number of doves were released into the air as Mrs Crumlish's white coffin was lowered into the ground.

Family and friends dropped yellow roses onto the coffin lid while singing songs, including the Whitney Houston classic, I will Always You Love You.

Many of the inventive designs were based upon some of the things Mrs Crumlish loved like her phone, pictured

Many mourners placed their hands on the side of the carriage as a mark of respect to the 'Lady Diana' figure

Mourners carried yellow flowers, pictured, which they laid at her grave while singing some of her favourite songs

Mrs Crumlish was described as a 'brilliant mother and grandmother' and 'like a mother to many in the Travelling community' during her funeral service, pictured

The mother-of-13 would 'pay for fuel if you were stranded' or 'send one of her sons to help you out' if you needed it, according to her family

In August thousands of Travellers arrived in Bristol from across Europe to pay respects to Mrs Crumlish in the final stages of her illness.

Vehicles with French, Belgian, Swiss and Slovenian number plates, as well as British and Irish residents, parked up where the average house costs 770,000.

Mrs Crumlish is said to have built a reputation as a 'mother' figure who has cared for the poor and sick.

Rose Gilheaney, 45, a cousin of Mrs Crumlish, said: 'If you were stuck, if you needed help, she would pay for fuel or send one of her sons to pick you up.'

Speaking from her home in Kilmarnock, Scotland, she added: 'She is a real lady and a very religious person  she's been to Lourdes and Knock.'

But the travellers caused a stir when locals claimed they have spotted them defecating in bushes and littering.

Mourners walked alongside her coffin, pictured, as she was buried in a graveyard near to St Peter's Church in Armargh

A number of life-sized photos of the grandmother were on display in cars, pictured, and around the church

The mother-of-13, who was 59, was laid to rest by family and friends, pictured, after losing a long battle with cancer

Some flowers were even arranged in a pattern resembling a bottle of wine, pictured, as a good-humoured tribute

Mrs Crumlish lived in the Bristol area but had returned to her homeland in Northern Ireland as her death drew nearer, where many of her family and her friends, pictured, still live

Mrs Crumlish recently triggered a review of a council's housing register rules after being told she and her partner could not apply for a place on an official travellers' site.

North Somerset Council confirmed that the couple made the request around a year ago, saying they were homeless, and were rejected for not having a strong enough local connection.

A High Court challenge was launched against this decision but the case was settled before coming to court when the couple were put on the register and officials pledged to consult travellers.

A spokesman said: 'As it stands, you have to have a three year connection to the local area, and that is the part under review and what we are going to consult on.'

Friends got more and more creative with their floral tributes, coming up with pints of Guinness, bottles of champagne and even a single cigarette, pictured

An ever-increasing pile of floral displays, pictured, was a testament to how popular Mrs Crumlish was

Residents of Lurgan even gathered by their doorways to watch the procession, pictured, march through the streets

One girl was pictured carrying a truly innovative floral design in the shape of a Chanel handbag, pictured
British, French and Chinese ministers have finally signed the 18billion deal to build the Hinkley Point nuclear power station.

Officials from French energy giant EDF and Chinese firm CGN were also at the signing ceremony, which gives the green light for work to begin on Britain's first nuclear power station for a generation.

The controversial project has hit several delays and there were fears Theresa May would scrap it altogether when she announced a review of the deal shortly after becoming Prime Minister in July.

Business Secretary Greg Clark (pictured middle) signs the 18billion deal to build Hinkley Point C with EDF chairman Jean-Bernard Levy (left) and He Yu, chairman of CGN (right) in London today

She has expressed concerns about Chinese involvement in the deal, with the state-backed CGN firm having a 33 per cent stake in the deal.

The Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor, in north Somerset, will provide 7 per cent of Britain's energy for six decades from 2025 and will create around 25,000 jobs.

But the Government faced criticism over the expensive terms of the deal, with the Coalition agreeing to pay EDF a guaranteed 92.50 per megawatt - currently twice the price of electricity in the wholesale energy markets.

Opponents have also complained about the environmental impact of the project.

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark (front middle) signed the deal today along with EDF chairman Jean-Bernard Levy (front left) and He Yu (front right), chairman of CGN to finalise the deal in London today

Business Secretary Greg Clark (right) signed the Hinkley Point C deal today as he met officials from French energy giant EDF, including the firm's chief executive Vincent de Rivaz (left)

Today's ceremony, held in Westminster, was more low-key than the one originally planned for July, when the champagne was put on ice after Downing Street said it wanted more time to study the details of the deal despite the EDF board giving its final investment decision.

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark met French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Chinese Energy Minister Neur Bekri, EDF chairman Jean-Bernard Levy and He Yu, chairman of CGN to finalise the deal in London today.

Mr Clark said putting pen to paper for the Hinkley Point C project marks a 'crucial moment' for the UK's energy future.

He said: 'Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear power stations like Hinkley play an important part in ensuring our future low-carbon energy security.'

Theresa May (pictured meeting troops during a visit to the military barracks at Bulford Camp, near Salisbury today) delayed giving final approval to the Hinkley deal after expressing concerns about Chinese involvement in the deal

The original ceremony was planned to be held at the Hinkley site in north Somerset and French and Chinese officials had flown in for the party.

The UK Government finally approved the project earlier this month and today's signing ceremony completes the process.

Hinkley will produce 7GW of electricity for six million homes.

The Government published documents detailing the contractual obligations it has entered into, including a so-called value for money assessment that allowed ministers to make the decision to proceed with the project.

UK-based businesses will benefit from more than 60 per cent of the project and 26,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be created.

Unions welcomed the development, saying thousands of skilled jobs will now be created, benefiting firms across the UK.

Theresa May (pictured meeting troops during a visit to the military barracks at Bulford Camp, near Salisbury today) finally approved the Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor deal with the French and Chinese earlier this month after weeks of delays
A passenger who allegedly smelled of alcohol and was exhibiting strange behavior was escorted off a plane in handcuffs after landing in Cleveland.

The incident took place at gate C-21 at Hopkins Airport on Tuesday evening following a United Airlines flight from San Francisco.

Elizabeth Salinas, 45, was captured on video while she was being removed from the plane with her hands behind her back by two police officers.

Salinas, who is listed as a victim in the police report, was not arrested and will not face charges, authorities told Dailymail.com.

A passenger who allegedly smelled of alcohol and was exhibiting strange behavior was escorted off a plane in handcuffs after landing in Cleveland (shown above)

Elizabeth Salinas, 45, was captured on video while she was being removed from the plane with her hands behind her back by two police officers (pictured)

Police had responded to a report of a highly intoxicated woman and when they arrived, the woman was in hand constraints placed on her by crew members.

Passenger Bob Wilkinson told Fox 8 I-Team the unnerving incident unfolded shortly before the plane landed in Cleveland.

He said a flight attendant asked over the intercom if anyone on board was in law enforcement.

'I'm saying, wow, did I really hear that?' he told Fox 8.

Passenger Bob Wilkinson said the unnerving incident unfolded just before the plane landed in Cleveland when a flight attendant asked over the intercom if anyone was in law enforcement

Four officers were then filmed entering the plane and heading to the back where they retrieved the woman who had been placed in hand constraints by crew members

Minutes later, the flight attendant came back on the intercom, this time telling passengers to remain in their seats after landing while police removed a passenger.

'They were going to have the police come on, and they were going to remove a passenger. That was all they said,' Wilkinson told the station.

In video capturing the ordeal, four police officers were filmed entering the plane and walking to the back to get the woman before removing her.

The woman being escorted off the plane above. Medical personnel were called to treat her before she was transported to Southwest General Health Center

She appears to be saying something inaudible while walking down the aisle as bewildered passengers look on.

The woman had a strong odor of alcohol and came out of the bathroom 'exhibiting strange behavior,' according to the incident report.

After she was escorted off the plane, medical personnel were called to treat her before she was transported to Southwest General Health Center.
Mugshots reveal his ever-changing face as he adds more and more ink

Repeat offender has been arrested multiple times in last seven years

The 25-year-old's mugshot shows a face that is covered by tattoos

He was caught by police asleep behind the wheel in a Walmart car lot

Robert Hardister was arrested on September 23 accused of stealing a truck. Pictured is his police mugshot

Robert Hardister makes for a memorable mugshot.

Almost every inch of the 25-year-old repeat offender's face is covered in ink.

His latest mugshot, after being arrested for stealing a truck, shows three tear drops falling underneath a star under his right eye while his cheek is tattooed with a creepy half-skeletal mouth.

Hardister's forehead is a mass of solid greed, and his entire neck is given over to a graffiti 'wall'.

But it wasn't always that way.

One of his earliest arrest mugshots, in October 2009 when he was just 18, shows a fresh faced Hardister, with floppy hair and not a tattoo in sight, flashing a cheeky grin to the camera.

He would go on to be arrested multiple times over the next seven years - mostly for vehicle theft.

And every time he was back at the police station, his mugshot would boast a brand new tattoo.

Hardister hasn't always been tattooed. One of his earliest arrest mugshots, in October 2009 when he was just 18, shows a fresh faced Hardister and not a tattoo in sight (left). He would go on to be arrested multiple times over the next seven years. And every time he was back at the police station, his mugshot would boast a brand new tattoo (right, his November 2011 mug)

By the following year he had added a teardrop and had bright yellow hair (left) and in February 2013, he had added mutliple inkings; a HSL design on his neck, stars on his right cheek, the letter F on his otther cheek, and floral designs up to his forehead

His first addition appears to have been a neck tattoo, seen in his mugshot from 2011. By the following year he had added a teardrop - which can represent that a suspect has murdered someone or had someone close to them killed - and had bright yellow hair when arrested for car theft.

By his 2013 mugshot, he had added multiple inkings; a HSL design on his neck, stars on his right cheek, the letter F on his other cheek, and floral designs up to his forehead.

The following year he added 'SS' in between his eyebrows in February and by the end of 2014, when he was arrested in October, he had thick swathes of black ink on his face, 'stitches' for eyebrows and the word 'dead' tattooed across his head. B

In February 2014, he had added an 'SS' between his eyebrows (left) and by the end of 2014, when he was arrested in October, he had thick swathes of black ink on his face, 'stitches' for eyebrows and the word 'dead' tattooed across his head (right)

He has continued to add to his facial tattoos and when he was arrested in July this year, his face was covered

He has continued to add to his facial tattoos and when he was arrested in July this year, his face was covered.

'I really don't know what he has going on,' said Parker Beaudoin, a veteran tattoo artist told the Palm Beach Post. 'He's got a lot of everything.'

Beaudoin believed that most of Hardister's tattoos were 'done either at a house or prison' with homemade tools, like a guitar string.

Hardister has been arrested at least five times in Palm Beach County alone - was jailed for nine months in 2012 for motor vehicle theft.

The habitual offender was arrested on February 15, 2013, by Tequesta police for an out-of-town warrant and then just two days later on several charges including burglary.

He was arrested again in July that year for a probation violation.

His latest arrest, on September 23, came after police found him sleeping behind the wheel of a reportedly stolen pickup truck in a Walmart parking lot.

Hardister, of Florida, told police he paid a friend $20 to borrow the truck so he could move some furniture into his new place.

He claimed he had no idea it was stolen.
A Chinese doctor has been hailed as a hero after saving the life of a plane passenger who suffered epilepsy mid-flight using a spoon and a few toothpicks.

Tian Yu, 38, was on flight CA1478 with Air China on September 23 when a fellow passenger was found unconscious and foaming at the mouth at the back of the plane, according to Shanghai Daily.

Tian, with a background in traditional Chinese medicine, used toothpicks to stimulate the man's acupuncture points on the head, helping him to come around.

Heroic: Tian Yu (pictured), 38, has been widely praised after saving a passenger's life mid-air

Safe landing: The man used a spoon and several toothpicks to bring around a passenger suffering epilepsy. Pictured, the Air China flight arrived in Urumqi on September 23

Tian Yu and the patient, a male passenger in his late 30s, were on a 1.5-hour flight from Kashgar to Urumqi in western China's Xinjiang Province.

Tian works at the department of rheumatology in Shanghai's Longhua Hospital, but has been working at the Number 2 Hospital in Kashgar on secondment.

He said he heard the cabin crew broadcasting a call looking for a doctor, so he immediately went over to help.

The patient had already lost conscious and was foaming at the mouth.

The patient's friends, who were sitting next to him, said he had suffered epileptic seizures in the past, but had not been on medication, according to a report on Xinmin.cn.

Tian used toothpicks to stimulate the man's acupuncture points on the head, saving his life

The patient regained conscious after Tian performed five minutes of stimulation (file photo)

The doctor said he had decided to use toothpicks due to the restricted conditions (file photo)

Tian quickly asked for a towel and a spoon from the flight attendants.

To stop the man from choking, Tian used his fingers to remove the vomit from the patient's mouth.

Then he wrapped the spoon with the towel and put it in the patient's mouth to stop him from biting his own tongue.

In order to prevent the patient from suffering continuous seizure, Tian asked the cabin crew to give him a few toothpicks.

With the pointy sticks, he managed to bring the patient around by stimulating several acupuncture points, including the baihui aperture and sishengcong aperture on top of the head.

The doctor said he had decided to use toothpicks due to the restricted conditions on the aircraft.

He told a reporter from Shanghai Daily: 'There was no needle available on the plane, and toothpicks were the best replacement I could find.'

The patient reportedly regained conscious after Tian performed five minutes of stimulation.
At least 30 children at an elementary school in California's affluent Orange County have come down with a mysterious rash - and no one knows why.

An outbreak of bites and blisters at Lake Forest Elementary School has left children itching through the night, and worried parents searching for answers.

Ten staff members at the school have also come down with the rashes and five new cases in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District have since been reported.

The outbreak is reportedly appearing as rashes, bites and welts, on anywhere from faces to arms, feet, backs, chests and waistlines, according to parents.

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Thirty children at Lake Forest Elementary School in California's affluent Orange County have come down with this mysterious rash - and the cause remains unknown

Mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, mites and mice have all been ruled out as the source, said Jared Dever of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control.

Dever said bed bugs are also unlikely the cause, as they are noticeable and tend to strike when people are asleep or immobile, he told NBC Los Angeles.

Dozens of traps have been laid out in the last week and Dever said they are now looking for a 'wide variety of biting or stinging insects'.

But for now they still aren't any closer to finding the cause of the outbreak.

Mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, mites and mice have all been ruled out as the source

'At this time, we have not been able to collect anything that would give us a clue as to what caused these bites,' Dever told CBS Los Angeles.

The school's entire campus, including inside classrooms and outside on its two fields, was sprayed with pesticide last weekend.

But new cases have continued to appear and thus the school will be sprayed again this weekend out of 'an extreme abundance of caution', said District Superintendent Assistant Tammy Blakely.

Lake Forest Elementary closed its fields last Friday after discovering all 10 staff members affected in the outbreak were involved with the after-school program.

The program is held in a portable building next to one of the school's fields, which have since been reopened.

Staff members have continued to keep the students off the fields this week out of caution, but children are still coming home with new bites.

Darnell Grunkemeyer said her affected fifth-grade son was not exposed to the school's fields and is not involved in the after-school program.

The mother found two new bites on him Tuesday, as week after he came home with a rash on his arm.

Mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, mites and mice have all been ruled out as the source of the outbreak and officials are now looking for a 'wide variety of biting or stinging insects'

The district said it was first notified of the outbreak on September 15.

But Grunkemeyer, who at first thought the issue was bed bugs, said the school didn't notify her about the problem until September 24.

'They don't seem to be looking out for (the kids') best interests at this point,' she told the Orange County Register.

'I don't feel comfortable with my kids going there now.'

Many parents were outraged that it took the school more than a week to inform them of the outbreak.

Blakely said that district officials at first believed the problem was merely linked to individual cases of mosquito bites or bed bugs.

'This has been a learning process for all of us,' she said. 'We're trying to determine what is accurate information.'

But Lake Forest council member Adam Nick has found the school's lack of transparency to be 'unacceptable', he told KTLA.

'Students are still coming to school,' he said.

'Maybe they should have shut down the school.'
Hapless robbers attempted to plunder a village Co-Op using a tractor - but ended up fleeing empty handed when the building collapsed.

The would-be thieves ploughed a stolen John Deere tractor into the store in the early hours this morning, demolishing the entire shop in Donington, Lincolnshire.

One resident who lives nearby said afterwards: 'It reminded me of the famous Michael Cain line in the Italian Job when he says, 'you're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!'

The would-be thieves ram-raided a village store with a digger - and ended up demolishing the entire shop

The would-be thieves ploughed a stolen John Deere Teleporter into a Co Op shop in the early hours of Thursday morning

After failing to remove the ATM, the raiders fled the scene, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake and a pile of rubble where the shop stood.

Pictures of the failed raid show the digger embedded in the wrecked store.

One homeowner said: 'There was an almighty bang and then another one. Basically they reversed the digger again and again into the shop front to get the cash machine.

'There was loads of shouting and swearing from what I could hear before the revving of engines.

'Looking at the damage to the shop, it looks like the robbers didn't bank on flattening the whole shop.

'It certainly livened up our little village.'

Before: A Google street view showing the Co-Op store in Donington, Lincolnshire, before the raid

After: The robbers left a trail of devastation in their wake, taking off the entire shop front

Residents likened the botched raid to the Hollywood movie The Italian Job, adding it 'livened up' the little village

Malcolm Mills, landlord at the neighbouring Black Bull pub, described the scene as 'total devastation,' and said one of the robbers returned after appearing to have left something in the tractor.

Mr Mills added: 'I was awoken by a huge bang. We have had this before a few years ago.

'I woke my wife and she got on to the phone to the police. I got my head out the window and tried to take photographs as it was going on, but I was shaking so much.

'People around woke and a lorry came by and had to mount the pavement opposite and he looked like he was being threatened with something.

'They got in the car to flee - but then they had to come back as they had left something in the tractor.'

Police have confirmed the raid took place at 3.20am and said the tractor was used in an attempt to remove the ATM from the store in Market Place

Homeowners living nearby took photos in the aftermath of the failed raid, showing the impact of the crash

CCTV stills captured at the time show the vehicle approaching the shop at speed, before ploughing straight into it

Police have confirmed the raid took place at 3.20am and said a tractor was used in an attempt to remove the ATM from the store in Market Place.

The robbers left the scene in a dark 4x4 flat-bed vehicle and a dark blue saloon car.

Lincolnshire Police are investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact Spalding CID on 101, quoting incident number 27 of September 29.

Lincolnshire Police are investigating the incident and asking anyone with information to get in touch
A desperate father carried his sick baby daughter on his head and walked for two hours through deep floodwaters to reach the nearest hospital in India.

Pangi Satibabu, 30, a farmer, from Kudumusare village in Andhra Pradesh, carried his six-month-old daughter above his head for three miles to the nearest health centre after heavy rainfall led to a deluge.

Mr Satibabu was worried about his daughters high fever but all the roads connecting his village to other parts of the state and nearby hospitals were flooded.

Pangi Satibabu (pictured) carried his baby daughter for three miles through floodwaters because he was so concerned about her fever

But this week, when her temperature had still not come down, he decided to walk despite his family warning him of the risks.

The little girl was eventually admitted to the Primary Health Centre in Chintapalli, where she was tested and treated for a viral infection.

Dr Yerramsetty Venkatswararao said: The child is still in hospital but is out of danger.

Heavy rainfall has flooded large parts of Andhra Pradesh and made roads and railways impassable

'We tested her for several things like malaria and dengue but her reports concluded shes suffering from a viral fever and has been given proper care. We will discharge her once she completely recovers.

Recent heavy rain and flooding in the state has affected the lives of millions of people.

Srinivas Ganjivarupu, 37, a social activist in the area, said: Villagers in this area always suffer when it comes to education and healthcare.

After walking for three miles Mr Satibabu handed her over to a doctor who was able to treat her

'Nearly 40 per cent of the roads, especially in the tribal areas, are not properly connected. It has been raining for 20 days and the water has flooded many parts across the region.

'Theyre always affected the worst when we get heavy rains in the monsoon periods.
Danielle Ames, 41, has failed to win a share of her late father's estate after a judge told her to get a job

A daughter cut out of her entrepreneur father's 1million will has been refused a slice of his fortune and told by a judge to get a job.

For Danielle Ames, 41, unemployment was 'a lifestyle choice' and she was fit and able to work, said Judge David Halpern QC.

The mother-of-two had told a London court said she 'idolised' her father, Michael Ames who ran a highly successful glazing business in the capital.

She claimed he promised her 'it will be all yours one day', but was shocked when he wrote her out of his will.

She went to court arguing that she was dependent on her father and deserved a payout of about 300,000 as 'reasonable provision' from his estate.

But Judge Halpern said she had 'exaggerated' the strength of her relationship with her father and had no moral claim on his money.

He told Central London County Court: 'I conclude that her lack of employment is a lifestyle choice. That alone is sufficient to defeat her claim'.

Her situation was made worse by the estimated 130,000 legal bills she has run up while arguing about the will.

Mr Ames died suddenly, aged just 63, in 2013, and left everything he had to Danielle's step-mother, Elaine Ames.

Danielle said disinheritance had been left facing crushing debts, with her outgoings exceeding her income by 2,000-a-month.

But Judge Halpern said Elaine, 63, who was Mr Ames's life partner for over 30 years, needed every penny of his fortune to lead a comfortable retirement.

The widow earlier told the judge her husband would have been 'incandescent with rage' had he lived to see Danielle claiming a share of his money.

Ms Ames said her father, Michael Ames (pictured) with her would have wanted her to be provided for after his death, but a judge found to the contrary

She insisted he had deliberately left his daughter nothing, as he believed grown-up children should 'look after themselves.'

His powerful work ethic meant he had even made his grandchildren toil for their pocket money, the court heard.

Mr Ames divorced Danielle's mum, Carleen, in the 1970s, and lived with Elaine from 1980 onwards, marrying her in 2001.

The estate will instead go to Elaine Ames, who was Mr Ames's partner for over 30 years

His estate was valued at just over 1 million for probate, including the 650,000 family home in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire - where Elaine still lives.

Danielle claimed his decision to disinherit her consigned her to living on a shoestring in a three-bedroom rented home, in Enfield, with her partner, Lornis Branch, and their children.

They only had her partner's 800 monthly wage to get by one, plus benefits, the court was told.

But Judge Halpern said Danielle was a 'young girl' when her parents divorced and her father had been generous to her over the years.

He had given her 'considerable financial assistance', including setting her up in a picture framing business in the 1990s.

However, the court heard Danielle gave that up in 2003 when she became a mother.

Her claim that her father had told her 'it will all be yours one day' was simply 'untrue' and 'gilding the lilly', the judge said.

She was, he added, an 'unreliable' witness who was 'not above inventing or embellishing facts if she could see no other way of sticking to her story'.

Elaine's evidence impressed the judge 'more favourably' than Danielle's, but she too was 'not always accurate'.

The widow's description of the relationship between father and daughter as 'rocky and distant' was also 'an exaggeration'.

The estate, including Mr Ames home in Hoddesdon, was left to the late Mr Ames' partner

The judge ruled: 'Danielle has no disability and is fit to work. In contrast, Elaine is past working age and it is apparent that she is not well.

Elaine, he added, was not living the high life and she needed the whole of her husband's estate 'to meet her reasonable needs'.

The widow's legal costs of the case were estimated at 85,000 and Danielle's at 47,000.
A shaken railroad engineer told today how he missed being mowed down by the runaway NJ Transit train because he was buying a coffee.

William Blaine, 53, had just got off his own commuter train at Hoboken's platform 2 when he headed across the terminal to pop into a Dunkin' Donuts.

The engineer of 17 years experience then heard what he initially feared was bomb exploding in the terminal directly behind him.

'I was just looking at the menu when I heard a kaboom,' he said. 'For a few seconds later it got all quiet. The first thing you think was it was a terrorist, that's how it's going in this country.

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Witness: William Blaine told how he heard a 'kaboom' noise and rushed out of a coffee shop to see the scene of horror in front of him

Chaos: The front of the train hit the wall and Blaine and others tried to get to the cab, vut could not get past the fallen electrical wires in the way.

Horror: William Blaine, a Norfolk Southern engineer, told of stepping over a dead woman's body. In the aftermath the scene which unfolded was chaotic

Aftermath: William Blaine was among those who rushed to help passengers out of the train

Massive destruction: The roof of the station was collapsed around the train when it crashed into a wall at the statino

'Then I heard running water so I ran out and looked to the right and I could see people laying down, debris, metal all over the place. I think a pipe had broken.

'Then as it became clearer I could just see a train in the wall. 'I thought "oh my God".

'I ran over with everybody and I tried to help some people out of the train. A lot of New Jersey Transit officials ran in so I just backed up

'The hardest thing that hurts me is that I was stepping over a dead woman's body. She was at the side of the train. To me it looked like debris or metal had hit her rather the train.'

Blaine described seeing another injured man trying to get to his feet close to the wrecked locomotive.

'He was in shock, he looked like he was half in a coma or something,' he said.

'He tried to get up and blacked out. He tried to get up one more time and he passed out again.

'I went over there to help him out but someone else beat me to it. I just tried to help people off the train. America is a family man, when things like this happen everybody comes together.'

Blaine, who is an engineer with Norfolk Southern, said he saw the train's engineer 'slumped over in the front of the train'.

Debris field: Blaine said there was metal strewn around the train and that the woman he saw who appeared to be dead had been on the platform where she had been hit

Getting away: Passengers at the station had to walk across the tracks to get away from the crashed train

Injured: Around 100 people were hurt at the scene with the most seriously injured taken to the hospital by teams of EMTs

He and a group of officials tried to get closer to see if he was alive but fallen electrical wires blocked their path.

'I looked in the cab,' he said. 'You could see his shirt bent over in front of the cab. Someone heard he was alive but someone also did say that he was dead.'

Blaine's only explanation for the crash was that the driver had some sort of medical episode in the fateful final seconds of the journey into Hoboken.
A man has been left with 70 staples in his head and an uncertain future after he fell off his bike at a skate park while attempting to perform a trick for his two young children.

Paul Marney, 44, wasn't wearing a helmet when he landed face first on the bottom of a skate ramp in Sydney's Northern beaches on September 19.

The carpenter from Mona Vale was at the park with his two children, Jayne, eight, and Caleb, 12, who watched in horror as he fell over the top of his handle bars after attempting to ride down a steep 10ft ramp.

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Paul Marney, 44, (pictured) is in a critical condition in hospital after he fell from his bike and onto his head while attempting to ride down a ramp at Mona Vale skate park in Sydney

The father-of-two cam off the bike within seconds of attempting to ride down the ramp. He landed on his face and was knocked out

Jake Dickson was on the scene described the accident in horrific detail and said he thought Paul would die after he hit the concrete.

'He doesn't get up we see blood pouring out of his head and run over and he's knocked out cold,' he said.

As Paul's face turned white the spectator feared the worst.

'The first thing I think is I'm watching someone die.'

Another spectator captured the terrifying accident on tape and shared it with Paul's ex-partner, and the mother of his children, Jayne Marney.

'I have recd (sic) footage of Pauls (sic) accident I feel very very sad watching it seeing that and hearing my son scream,' she said.

The father was at the skate park with his two young children who witnessed the terrifying crash

The footage shows the father 'dropping in' on the pipe  and falling off in a matter of seconds, straight on to his unprotected head. Jayne has been keeping her friends and family up to date with Paul's condition over social media.

'Pauls Sight looking bad in his left eye. Pretty much determined no sight. He has 70 Staples in his head still weak on the right side,' Jayne wrote.

'He isn't really stringing sentences together yet.

'He knows he is in hosp but not why. Hoping to get him onto a ward soonish if they can get him swallowing tablets. Super stressed (sic).'

The whole accident was caught on video by someone who was at the skate park

Witnesses said they thought they were watching someone die when they saw the colour drain from Paul's face

But while she tells her friends on social media about Paul's critical injuries she hides it from their two children who watched the accident unfold.

'My children witnessed the accident. I have managed to keep them calm since and they don't understand the seriousness yet.'

The mother is now using the accident to promote the importance of helmet safety.

'If Paul had a helmet on he no doubt would be hurt however not to this extent by far. He's very ill. He is a poster boy for wearing a helmet,' she said.

He hit the concrete, pictured, and then didn't get up - spectators say there was a lot of blood

Paul's extensive injuries included a depressed fracture in his skull, shattered cheekbones, fractures in his face and loss of vision to his left eye.

He also has fractures in his neck and underwent a seven-hour operation to have metal plates placed in his face and his jaw wired shut.

It is not known if or when the father-of-two will be able to return to work, a fundraising page has been set up to help raise money for his future.
Ugandan refugee Alfred Olango was shot dead by police Tuesday in El Cajon, California

It took more than an hour for police to arrive at the shopping center in a San Diego suburb where a distressed black man had been wandering into traffic. It took about a minute for him to be shot and killed.

Alfred Olango pulled a large electronic cigarette, known as a vape pen, from his pocket and pointed at the police officer who fired, while a second officer stood nearby trying to subdue him with a stun gun, El Cajon police said.

The details emerged Wednesday in the shooting of Olango, who was having an emotional breakdown over the recent death of his best friend, an attorney said.

The investigation centered on a video of Tuesday's shooting taken by a bystander. Police have produced a single frame from the cellphone video to support their account, saying it shows Olango in a 'shooting stance.'

The photo shows Olango's hands clasped together and pointed directly at an officer who had assumed a similar posture with his gun a few feet away. The video has not been released.

Shot dead: Police say Olango (center left) pulled out his silver e-cigarette and pointed it at the officer who fired at him in a 'shooting stance'

The vaping device in Olango's hands had two components - a box about the size of a cellphone and a metallic cylinder that was 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Police said the cylinder was pointed right at the officer.

Olango's relatives demanded the full video be released, according to Dan Gilleon, a lawyer who says he is representing the family.

'They're cherry-picking part of the video,' Gilleon said. 'This is exactly what police have said is unfair when only portions of video are released against them.'

Mayor Bill Wells said he had seen the video and that it was not 'tremendously complicated to figure out what happened.'

Wells was asked how he would feel if it was his child that had been shot.

'I saw a man who was distraught, and a man acting like he was in great pain,' Wells said. 'And I saw him get gunned down and killed. If he was my son, I would be devastated.'

Alfred Olango (pictured) was shot dead by police in the San Diego suburb El Cajon on Tuesday

Police say it was a silver vape smoking device (above, file photo) that Olango pointed at cops before he was shot and killed

Olango, 38, arrived in the U.S. in 1991 as a refugee from Uganda. Since then he ran afoul of the law several times: selling cocaine, driving drunk, and illegally possessing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he was arrested in Colorado in 2005 with pot and ecstasy in his car, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to nearly four years for being a felon in possession of a gun.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Wednesday that Olango stopped reporting to officers in February 2015.

Officials say the tried twice to have him deported - once in 2002 and again in 2009 - but could not obtain travel documents.

In 2002 he was convicted on drug charges, but was released under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling barring detention of foreign nationals if deportation is unlikely.

Olango was then taking into custody by immigration authorities in 2009 after a firearms conviction, but were again unable to obtain travel documents.

Protests in El Cajon Wednesday night had heated moments, but remained mostly peaceful

Dozens of demonstrators protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer

People blocked streets during a protest against the police shooting of the unarmed man in El Cajon on Wednesday night

The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where violent protests broke out.

Protests in El Cajon Wednesday night had heated moments, but remained mostly peaceful.

Scores of people gathered quietly around candles lining a curb in front of bloodstained pavement at the strip mall where Olango was shot.

More than 200 people marched in the streets near the site, yelling 'no justice, no peace, no racist police!'

Police in riot gear, some of them with dogs, faced off with protesters occasionally, bringing some tense moments, but mostly kept their distance.

Experts said it was too early to conclude whether the California shooting was justified or could have been prevented.

Chuck Drago, a former Florida police chief who consults about police use of force, said that once Olango struck the shooting pose, officers would have had to react quickly if he drew an unknown object from his pocket.

Demonstrators yell at police during the shooting protest on Wednesday night

People block streets during a protest Wednesday, following Olango's death on Tuesday

A man yells at demonstrators blocking a street during a protest on Wednesday night

'An officer doesn't have enough time to wait to determine if that's a gun in his hand,' Drago said. 'If a person is pointing something at an officer and he believes it's a gun and it is a gun and that officer doesn't have his gun out, that officer will lose that gunfight.'

Police have not named the officers involved, though Wells said both were 21-year veterans and one was Officer Richard Gonsalves.

Gonsalves was demoted last year after allegations that he sexually harassed a lesbian colleague. The City Council had to defend the move to angry citizens who had called for him to be fired.

Christopher Rice-Wilson, associate director of the civil rights group Alliance San Diego, questioned why one officer felt non-lethal force was appropriate while the other did not. Both officers have been put on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, per department policy. Officials have not revealed which officer fired the shots.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took five hours to arrive at the scene of the deadly crash in Hoboken on Thursday.

When the Republican politician finally showed up at around 2:30pm, he said he didn't want to jump to conclusions about the cause of the crash that killed one person and left 108 injured.

He said it was a 'tragic accident' - even though he admitted the train was too fast - and applauded passengers who helped the injured from the train.

During the press conference, he also confirmed that the engineer survived the crash and was cooperating with law enforcement officials in hospital.

Christie said that before he arrived at the site he was travelling out of state, but wouldn't confirm where he was or what business he was attending to.

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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took five hours to arrive at the scene of the deadly crash in Hoboken on Thursday morning. When the Republican politician showed up, he said he didn't want to jump to conclusions about the cause of the crash that killed one person

Christie, who appeared alongside New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (right), said it was an 'extraordinary tragedy' and applauded passengers who helped the injured from the train

His residence, Drumthwacket, is 54 miles or a one hour drive from Hoboken. The New Jersey state capitol, Trenton, is 65 miles away or a one hour and 13 minute car journey.

Christie told WCBS-TV shortly after noon that the reason he was not yet on scene in Hoboken was 'because I wanted to give those people the unfettered opportunity without having all the commotion that comes with having a governor being on site to do their work before I go there.'

The governor says he, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and New Jersey Transit are coordinating on the response.

Christie says all victims are being taken to one of two hospitals in the area: Jersey City Medical Center and Point Care Hospital Center in Hoboken.

He says loved ones should contact the hospitals directly to get information on family members who may be hospitalized.

During the press conference, he also confirmed that the engineer survived the crash and was cooperating with law enforcement officials in hospital

The picture slammed into a platform at the Hoboken Terminal during the morning commute on Thursday. More than 100 people were injured

Injured passengers are treated in a parking lot at the scene in the wake of the horrific crash
Nicolas Sarkozy has been labelled a 'fake tough guy' by an former aide who branded his marriage to Carla Bruni was an embarrassment to France.

The former French president is also accused of allowing riots to develop just so he could quash them, in memoirs published by an adviser.

Patrick Buisson has released the book which brands the Sarkozy-Bruni marriage as immature, undignified and infantile.

Nicolas Sarkozy has been labelled a 'fake tough guy' by an former aide who branded his marriage to Carla Bruni was an embarrassment to France.

The former French president is also accused of allowing riots to develop just so he could quash them, in memoirs published by an adviser

The author claims Sarkozy deliberately allowed rioters from the suburbs to rampage in central Paris in 2006, when Mr Sarkozy was at the interior ministry

The author claims Sarkozy deliberately allowed rioters from the suburbs to rampage in central Paris in 2006, when Mr Sarkozy was at the interior ministry.

'We took the decision to allow gangs of blacks and Arabs to attack the young whites on the Invalides, and at the same time tipped off the photographers at Paris Match that there was likely to be serious trouble,' Mr Buisson quotes Mr Sarkozy as saying.

'We were petrified that someone might end up getting seriously hurt, but in the end it was worth it.'

Sarkozy is accused by Mr Buisson that in the aftermath of the demonstrations after police had quelled the trouble, he gave interviews highlighting how much more in control of the situation he was than the prime minister.

The former president's relationship with 'trophy woman' Carla Bruni also received scathing criticism, with the aide saying she harmed Sarkozy in the failed presidency race in 2012

The former aide was slapped with a 20,000 damages bill for the invasion of his ex-boss and his wife's privacy, but he said only Carla Bruni cashed her cheque.

A demonstrator kicks away a tear gas cannister during clashes with the police after protests against the CPE in Rennes, France

The former president's relationship with 'trophy woman' Carla Bruni also received scathing criticism, with the aide saying she harmed Sarkozy in the failed presidency race in 2012.

'Probably he thought deep down that the happy news of his love life would be a useful antidote to the prevailing gloom. Instead [the reaction] could be summed up in three words: immature, undignified, infantile,' said Mr Buisson, according to the BBC.

'The head of state... was in reality a fragile seducer subjugated by his conquests, a fake tough guy submerged in a permanent state of emotional dependency.'

Their working relationship broke down after Francois Hollande was elected ahead of Sarkozy to the presidency four years ago.

In 2014, it came out that Mr Buisson had been secretly recording conversations between him and his former boss during meetings, prompting Sarkozy to say: 'I have known some acts of treachery in my time, but rarely like this.'
'Charmer': Suspected Ohio serial killer Shawn Grate, 40, who has been linked to the slayings of at least four women, has been described as a magnetic person who made friends with ease

Suspected Ohio serial killer Shawn Grate could always find a place to stay and someone to give him a lift, all thanks to his magnetic personality and an uncanny ability to make friends wherever he went, according to his acquaintances.

Grate, 40, described by those who know him as a charmer with a dark side, has been charged with killing 43-year-old Stacey Stanley and 29-year-old Elizabeth Griffith, whose bodies were found in a vacant home two weeks ago after another woman called 911 and said she was being held inside one of its bedrooms.

Grate pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges outlined in a 23-count indictment, including the killings of Stanley and Griffith and abduction in Ashland.

Once in custody, authorities say he told them he had killed another woman earlier this summer and a fourth woman sometime around 2005.

Police now are looking at whether Grate was involved in the disappearance or death of a fifth woman over a year ago.

Investigators also want to know if there could be more victims from his past  a period when Grate racked up a laundry-list of arrests, was married for about a year and started a business making handcrafted wood signs that he sold at craft fairs.

Victim: Grate has pleaded not guilty to the killing of Stacey Stanley, 43, seen in old missing posters, whose body was found in Ashland, Ohio, along with another slain woman

The indictment says Grate repeatedly raped the woman who was rescued. Prosecutors say they'll seek the death penalty if he's convicted.

He was arrested on September 13 after the alleged kidnapping and rape victim called 911 to report that she was being held against her will.

After his arrest, Grates led law enforcement to a burnt out property in Mansfield, 40 minutes away, where he claimed to have killed another woman and from which a female body has been recovered.

Grate's former friend Tim Denis says that even with little money to his name and a vast criminal record, the occasional drifter could easily draw people in.

Denis and Grate's friendship fell apart nearly two years ago after he wouldn't give him a loan.

That night Denis got a string of angry text messages from Grate, ending with a warning that still gives him chills: 'Meet the other me.'

He was definitely a charmer, Denis said. He was able to get people to do what he wanted.

Grate didn't have a car, he said, so he rode his bicycle around town or relied on the kindness of friends to take him places.

Elizabeth Griffith (pictured), 29, has been identified as the second woman found dead in the Ashland home earlier this month

He worked a few maintenance jobs, but he was determined to make a living selling the wood signs. For a short time, he peddled them at a storefront in Mansfield, but they didn't bring in much money, said Denis, who still has a Home Cookin sign in his kitchen.

Outside of doing his signs, he didn't want to do much else, Denis said. He didn't strike me as motivated to get another job.

Grates legal trouble began a year after he graduated high school, spending four years in prison on a burglary charge from 1996 after violating his probation.

But most of his trouble centered on his treatment of women, with past charges including domestic violence, aggravated menacing and failing to pay child support. He has two children.

His former wife, with whom he has a daughter, filed a protection order against Grate after they divorced in 2012.

I have been estranged from my ex-husband for four years, and he is not a part of our lives, Amber Grate said in a statement that asked for privacy after his arrest.

After his marriage fell apart, he moved from place to place in Ashland and Mansfield  two cities that sit between Cleveland and Columbus.

He sometimes lived with women he had met or squatted in abandoned homes.

The home in Ashland where the bodies of Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith were found was thought to be vacant. Both women were strangled, according to preliminary autopsy reports.

Authorities have not said how Grate met the women.

Stanley, of Greenwich, was reported missing five days before her body was discovered. Her son, Kurtis Stanley, said his mother had a flat tire late at night and was at gas station a few blocks from the vacant home.

I think it was just an accidental run in, he said. He [Grate] was out preying on women and he took my mom.

Griffith had been missing in Ashland since August 16, when she was last seen in a Walmart in the town.

The body of Rebekah Leicy body was found March 16 in Ashland County, 2015, behind a large tree on County Road 1908. She died from a drug overdose

Led away: Shawn Grate in Ashland Police custody after he led officers to the bodies of three women in Ashland and in Mansfield

According to News Net 5, after his arrest earlier this month, Grate has admitted to authorities that he was involved in the murder of Rebekah Leicy in 2015, as well as the slaying of a Marion woman who was found dead in 2007.

Leicy, 31, a known prostitute, had last been seen January 22, 2015; she was reported missing on February 6 of that year.

Police said a Columbia Gas employee was checking gas wells on County Road 1908 just south of Route 30 in Mifflin Township that March when he found Leicy behind a tree.

She died from a drug overdose involving cocaine, morphine and buprenorphine. A coroner initially ruled that Leicy died of a drug overdose, having found no signs of traumatic injuries.

But police in Mansfield have since reopened the investigation into the woman's death.

Grate has provided police with information about the murders of Leicy and the Marion County victim, the source told the station.

Grate reportedly told detectives he can't remember the name of his first victim, the Marion woman, who died more than a decade ago and hasn't been identified, a sheriff said, according to the Marion Star.

Marion County Sheriff Tim Bailey said Grate thinks the woman was named something like Dana or Diane but is unsure.

'This was his first murder, and he's having trouble remembering some of the details of it,' Bailey said.

Grate has said a woman in her mid-20s was selling magazines door-to-door and sold some to his mother but failed to deliver them. So he abducted the woman, stabbed her and dumped her body, Grate confessed to authorities, Bailey said.

Authorities found a woman's body in 2007 near Marion. Grate hasn't been charged in that case.

Two weeks ago, a former partner of Grate - the mother of one of his several children - spoke to DailyMail.com about the years of abuse she suffered at his hands.

She said: For a while the relationship seemed perfect to me. I was infatuated with him. He showed me attention, he was charming  he said what he knew you needed or wanted to hear. I was in love with him.

But hes a very jealous man and hes very controlling. People would tell me to leave him, to get out, that he was bad news and I would deny that he ever did anything to me  even when he was hurting me real bad.

Pictured is the home where police said the two bodies were found

He was arrested on Tuesday after police received a 911 call from a woman who reported that she had been kidnapped and was being held, in fear of her life

The bruises would always be somewhere you couldnt see  my legs or stomach or something.

But I always thought I could fix things. I had a child - I thought I had to fix things and be with him.

Now I look back and it chills me because I truly believe that if I hadnt got out when I did I wouldnt be sitting here talking to you today.

It is several years since she last had any contact with her former lover but to this day his ex has genuine concerns that the career criminal  who worked with accomplices on several occasions  could somehow harm her or her family

She explained: Hes where he belongs now but he knows people. Who knows what he could have done if he wanted to? Im talking now because people need to know what hes capable of but I wont be named because I need to protect my family.

Certainly she knows he is capable of cruelty and violence. She recalls: I thought he was a normal person at first but the signs were always there.

He would say, You look great but youd look better if you were 20lbs lighter. That was a big thing for him, he would tell me, You should be 115lbs.

And even when he goofed around and play wrestled or punched me it was harder than it should have been, he would knock me back and I would think, Thats not right.

She cant remember the first time he hit her or how he broke her down emotionally and mentally to the point where she began to obey him out of fear of what would happen if she did not.

Authorities said a third body was then found Tuesday in neighboring Richland County after Grate confessed to killing the woman in June. Pictured is the remains of a burned out home near where police found the third body

But she said: Sexually he was very degrading and controlling. A lot of things were forced but I would do what he told me because if I didnt I never knew what would happen.

In a classic pattern of abuse Grate tried to isolate her from friends  threatening male friends in particular if they spoke to her.

On one occasion he shredded items of her clothing to prevent her from going out, taking a knife to a jacket and destroying it then hanging it back in the closet so she only discovered what had happened when she went to put it on.

She said: Sometimes he would hit me, he punched me in the stomach when I was pregnant. Sometimes he would throw things or punch holes in walls. One time he cut up my old High School photos.

One time he hid in the back of my car and popped up when I was half way home. That was very very disturbing to me.

He did things like, wed be driving down the road and one time he just pulled up the brake and we spun, just spun out of control because Id said something I wasnt meant to say or he didnt like.

She never saw him drunk or do drugs she said: He was just mean. It would never come from nowhere  it would start as an argument but then just escalate.

Eventually the degradation and abuse, along with the fact that Grate could never seem to hold down a job, became too much to bear.

Today, she says, she cannot recall what proved her breaking point only that she told him: I cant do this anymore. Im leaving.

Stacey Stanley (left and right) was last seen on September 8, with a flat tire at a gas station in Ashland, Ohio. Her body was later found at a house a few blocks away

By then she had gone to the police at least once.

She moved into a friend's house and Grate followed her there, cutting all the telephone wires to prevent either woman for calling for help and telling her, Thats how much I love you.

Attractive and well-spoken, she is visibly shaken at the memories that have come flooding back since news of Grates arrest broke earlier in the week she added: Its chilling. I was in awe of him for a while. You would never have thought that the man I first met could be capable of what he went onto do to me because he was so charming.

But for me to look back on it all now with more understanding you can definitely see how this situation now is where it could lead.

I know that at the moment everything is only alleged but he followed a classic path of physical, mental and sexual abuse.
A Tesla electric car crashed into a tourist bus on a motorway in northern Germany with the driver claiming he had activated the car's autopilot system.

The driver of the Tesla car was injured, while the 29 people on board the Danish bus were unhurt in the incident on Wednesday, police in Ratzeburg in Schleswig-Holstein state said.

The 50-year-old driver's car hit the bus as it changed lanes outside the northern town of Gudow.

Available for Tesla's Model S electric cars since October 2015, the driverless autopilot system has come under global scrutiny following fatal crashes in northern China in January and in the US state of Florida in May (file photo)

'We will now have to look into why the autopilot didn't work to prevent the crash,' police said in a statement.

Available for Tesla's Model S electric cars since October 2015, the driverless autopilot system has come under global scrutiny following fatal crashes in northern China in January and in the US state of Florida in May.

The Florida case attracted the attention of a US Senate Committee, which demanded a briefing on the autopilot's role in the accident.

Consumer activists have called on the company, founded by PayPal billionaire Elon Musk, to disable the autopilot feature until it is updated to detect whether the driver's hands are on the steering wheel during operation, as the company says they ought to be.

The driver in Wednesday's crash told police that he had not removed his hands from the wheel while the autopilot was activated, German press agency DPA reported.
Convicted felons serving jail sentences in California county jails will now get to participate in an activity besides three meals a day and recreation time: votingin elections.

Governor Jerry Brown signed new legislation into effect as part of a reform backers say will help prisoners transition back into society while still serving time for their crimes.

The bill he signed would let thousands of felons doing time in county jails to vote in California elections, the LA Times reported.

The new law also reinstates eligibility to vote for those ex-prisoners on probation or being kept under community supervision starting next year.

The new law takes effect January 1, so will have no impact on this November's elections.

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that would allow felons to vote while they are still behind bars

One state lawmaker, Sen. Patricia Bates, slammed the legislation. It is very disappointing that felons still serving their sentences behind bars will now be able to vote since Governor Brown failed to veto this really bad bill, she said in a statement.

But Daniel Zingale, senior vice president of The California Endowment health foundation, told the paper, 'Mass disenfranchisement for minor offenses is a tragic legacy of the Jim Crow era that disproportionately affects and diminishes the power of communities of color.'

California's action fits within a broader national push to expand voting rights for ex-felons, with laws getting determined state by state.

GOTV: Prisoners taking part in a rehabilitation program walk in a recreation yard at a vocational institution in Tracy, California. Under a new California law, felons serving time in county prisons would get their voting rights restored

The push for in-prison voting is part of a broader national effort to restore the franchise Americans who served time

Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe has been battling with his state's legislature in the courts over his own effort to restore voting rights. In his latest action, he individually restored voting rights to 13,000 felons.

McAuliffe cited the power of 'second chances.' Republicans in the state have sought to block him. His earlier effort to restore voting to 200,000 felons could have had a significant effect on the elections in a state that is a presidential battleground this year.

California is already expected to be heavily in Hillary Clinton's column.

In Congress, Democrats have introduced legislation to restore voting rights in federal elections to criminals upon release from jail, while Kentucky Senator Rand Paul introduced legislation to restore voting rights to non-violent offenders.

'It would be transformative if everybody voted, President Obama told a Cleveland crowd last year.
Lizzy Marriott, 19, was strangled and raped in 2012 after she refused to participate in a threesome with S&M enthusiast Seth Mazzaglia and his sex slave, Kathryn McDonough

New Hampshire's highest court decided the details of a young woman's sexual history should remain private after her brutal rape and murder.

Elizabeth 'Lizzi' Marriott, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, was killed by S&M enthusiast Seth Mazzaglia in 2014.

He strangled her, raped her lifeless body and then dumped it in a river with the help of his self-styled 'sex slave' girlfriend.

Her body was never found.

Mazzaglia wanted the court to allow him to introduce evidence about Marriott's sexual past  which he said would support his defense that she died accidentally while engaged in a consensual but dangerous sex act.

In June, the state Supreme Court ruled information about Marriott's sexual activity sealed during the trial should be made public during the appeals process.

Prosecutors and Marriott's family objected, and a judge has now ruled in the favor.

'We're in no way seeking to minimize or downplay the important public right to access, but on rare occasions that constitutional right gives way to other compelling interests,' Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley argued.

The prosecutor asked the court to hold oral arguments on Mazzaglia's appeal behind closed doors, and then release a transcript later with private information blacked out.

Mazzaglia, now 32, (center) was convicted in 2014 of strangling Marriott before raping her lifeless body and dumping it in a river with the help of his self-styled 'sex slave' girlfriend

Kathryn McDonough (pictured) testified that she lured Marriott to Mazzaglia. She finished a three-year sentence in June

'This case, we're saying, is one of those unique, rare cases in which some limited safeguards should be used.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court on Thursday decided to keep those details private after oral arguments last week.

Marriott was lured to Mazzaglia's home by her colleague and his then-girlfriend, Kathryn McDonough, now 22.

Marriott (pictured) was lured by McDonough after Mazzaglia demanded she bring him another woman for a threesome

After the murder victim disappeared in 2012, investigators traced her to McDonough's door. McDonough (right) then told all under a plea deal, implicating Mazzaglia (left)

She was lured to the couple's apartment by McDonough after Mazzaglia demanded his girlfriend bring him another woman for a threesome because she had left him alone without a sexual partner for two weeks.

But when Marriott arrived, she refused to take part in their sadomasochistic sex sessions, prosecutors said.

Mazzaglia flew into a rage and strangled Marriott with a rope and raped her limp body, which he and his girlfriend later threw into the Piscataqua River. Her body was never found.

After Marriott's disappearance in 2012, investigators traced her to McDonough's door. McDonough then told all under a plea deal.

Marriott's parents, Bob and Melissa, fought hard to keep the details from being unsealed

Mazzaglia's attorneys argued that she died accidentally and consented to the dangerous sex games they were playing.

His legal team insisted that, if these details had been included, he wouldn't have been sentenced to life without parole.

The judge disagreed, declaring the details inadmissible and sealing the relevant documents under New Hampshire's Rape Shield law, which bars defendants from using details of a victim's sex life as part of their defense.

Rus Rilee, the attorney representing parents Bob and Melissa Marriott, said the victim's sexual history as recorded in the documents is 'very much disputed' and that it was not in the public interest to air the unproven allegations.

He said unsealing the details protected by the Rape Shield law on appeal could have a 'chilling effect' on other victims coming forward.
Republican lawmakers are urging Donald Trump not bring up Bill Clinton's sexual dalliances when he takes on Hillary Clinton at the next debate.

Talking about Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers, Juanita Broaddrick and other women Clinton has admitted to sleeping with or has been accused of manhandling will only serve as a 'distraction,' they're warning - the former first lady has other vulnerabilities he can tap into that are less 'sensitive.'

'I hope he doesn't,' Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, also the chair of the GOP's campaign arm in the Senate, told Politico. 'He oughta stick to how he's going to make life better for the average American worker.'

Another Republican leader, Senator John Thune of South Dakota, told the inside-the-beltway newspaper, 'I'm not sure what purpose that serves.'

Danger zone: Republican lawmakers are warning Donald Trump not to bring up Bill Clinton's affairs with women including then-White House intern Monica Lewinsky when he debates Hillary Clinton again a week from Sunday

Gloves off? Trump said he steered away from talking in the first debate about how Hillary enabled her philandering hubby, but that could change in the second verbal slugfest

'The race is going to be won or lost on whether or not people think he's the guy that can bring about change.'

Trump said Monday that he didn't humiliate Hillary on the debate stage out of respect for her daughter Chelsea, who was once a close friend of his own daughter, Ivanka. Chelsea and her husband sat front and center at the match alongside Bill.

He indicated that he could, however, make a spectacle of her marital woes at a future showdown if he feels it's warranted.

Surrogates for his campaign have already begun to invoke the women as they defend him in his fight with Alicia Machado, the former Miss Universe who claims Trump called her 'Miss Piggy' and 'Miss Housekeeping' after gaining what he this week called a 'massive amount of weight' while she wore the crown.

'If we want to dig back through the '90s on comments made about women, we can certainly look to Secretary Clinton referring to Monica Lewinsky as a neurotic loony toon,' Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said Wednesday on MSNBC.

CNN reports that Trump backers received a set of talking points this week that said, 'Mr. Trump has never treated women the way Hillary Clinton and her husband did when they actively worked to destroy Bill Clinton's accusers.'

They were advised to claim in interviews that 'Hillary Clinton bullied and smeared women like Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers and Monica Lewinsky.'

The R-word: Trump has already used the word 'rape' once, on television, to describe Juanita Broaddrick's accusation against the former president

All the president's women: Paula Jones (left) and Gennifer Flowers (right) are among a parade of women who have accused Bill Clinton of sex abuse or harassment

'Are you blaming Hillary for Bill's infidelities? No, however, she's been an active participant in trying to destroy the women who has come forward with a claim,' says another.

Hillary Clinton seemed to reference the reports today when she mentioned the debate at a Des Moines rally. 'I have no idea what he's going to say the next time. But I will spend some time preparing for it. '

Chelsea Clinton candidly addressed the threats from Trump in an interview Cosmopolitan magazine this week.

When he takes swipes at her family, she said, 'It's a distraction from his inability to talk about what's actually at stake in this election.'

The former first daughter, whose mother advises women to grow skin as thick as a rhinoceros, said she's used to seeing her family's dirty laundry in the open air.

'I don't remember a time in my life when my parents and my family weren't being attacked, and so it just sort of seems to be in that tradition, unfortunately,' she said.

Echoing her mother on the stump, she stated, 'What I find most troubling by far are Trump's continued, relentless attacks on whole swaths of our country and even our global community: women, Muslims, Americans with disabilities, a Gold Star family.

'I mean, that, to me, is far more troubling than whatever his most recent screed against my mom or my family.'

Brian Fallon, national spokesman to Hillary Clinton, said Thursday he doesn't believe Trump will actually use Bill's infidelities as ammunition at next week's debate, on Sunday in St. Louis, Missouri.

'We just think that it will backfire on him. I think his campaign advisers think that, too. That's why after he did that tweet on Sunday night his staff went on the Sunday shows and walked it back.'

Fallon specifically pointed to Thune's comments this week and former federal prosecutor Asa Hutchinson's advice to Trump in the primary along similar lines.

Hutchinson played a central role in the impeachment hearings in 1998, and even said it would be a 'mistake' to hit Hillary with her husband's sexual history, Fallon said.

'He has shown he is easily provoked,' Fallon said of Trump. 'If he thinks he can have that effect on her, he's dead wrong.'

Trump said on Twitter last weekend that he might invite Flowers to sit in the front row at the debate. His campaign said the next morning that Flowers had not been asked and she would not be coming.

What difference does it make? Clinton could toss Trump's own infidelities back in his face, including his cheating on each of his first two wives with their successors

Eric Trump said Tuesday during a radio interview that he was 'proud' of his dad for sticking to the issues.

'I mean, a lot of people came up to me, including many of the media, saying, "Listen, he could've just crushed her on that last question and he probably would've hurt a family if he did".'

The statement was an indication that Trump's family, at least, does not want him to stray too far from policy attacks.

Republican Senators who spoke to Politico mostly agreed.

'That's a distraction away from the high ground he's got. I think talking about the economy and about how the Democrats have failed the economy and the working poor is our high ground,' said Georgia's David Perdue. 'All of this [about Bill Clinton] really doesn't matter. People back home are concerned about the economy and security issues.'
A disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney and former Marine has pleaded guilty to a bizarre kidnapping that police initially dismissed as a 'Gone Girl' hoax.

A shackled Matthew Muller admitted in federal court in Sacramento on Thursday that he snatched the woman and held her for ransom last year.

Muller calmly told U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley that he was taking antidepressant, mood-stabilizing and anti-psychotic drugs. His attorney, Thomas Johnson, later said Muller has been diagnosed as manic and depressive.

The 39-year-old previously pleaded not guilty to abducting Denise Huskins in March 2015.

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Guilty: Matthew Muller (pictured left) has pleaded guilty to kidnapping Denise Huskins (right)

Denise Huskins' boyfriend Aaron Quinn (right), said kidnappers broke into the couple's Vallejo home, took Huskins (left) and demanded $8,500 as a ransom

He could face life in prison when he is sentenced, though prosecutors have agreed as part of his guilty plea to recommend a maximum term of 40 years.

Huskins' boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, said kidnappers broke into the couple's Vallejo home, took her and demanded $8,500 as a ransom - a figure that police have said they found small for what would have been an elaborate kidnapping.

The couple say they were tied up, blindfolded and drugged, and Quinn was told that if he went to the police, Huskins would be harmed.

Huskins, a physiotherapist who was then 29 years old, said she was forced into the trunk of a car before being sexually assaulted twice during the kidnap.

Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn next to their attorney reacting to Matt Muller plea deal pic.twitter.com/ne5Cz8gFIF  Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 29, 2016

Quinns mother Marianne Quinn pictured speaking to reporters after the hearing Thursday

Harvard-educated attorney and former Marine Matthew Muller (left in Marine photo, right after college graduation)

She turned up safe two days later in her hometown of Huntington Beach, where she says she was dropped off.

After she reappeared, Vallejo police called the kidnapping a hoax.

The Vallejo Police Department released a statement that evening claiming the case 'appears to be an orchestrated event and not a kidnapping'.

Huskins sued, accusing police of wrongly likening the case to the movie 'Gone Girl' and damaging the reputations of her and her boyfriend.

Huskins and Quinn filed the defamation lawsuit in US District Court for Eastern California, in Sacramento, in March, claiming police inflicted emotional distress on them.

Huskins (pictured second from right with her mother and two brothers) was taken from her home in Vallejo on March 23, 2015 after a group of individuals entered the house and tied up the couple

The suit was also filed against police officers, including department spokesman Lieutenant Kenny Park, who referred to the kidnap of Huskins as a 'wild goose chase' at a news conference last year.

Park added that Huskins and Quinn owed the city an apology for having wasted resources, Reuters reported.

The complaint claimed that police 'created a destructive nationwide media frenzy through public statements accusing plaintiffs of faking Denise's kidnapping and rape.'

And instead of investigating the crime, police were accused of 'rubbing salt in Plaintiffs' fresh wounds in the days and weeks following the attacks'.

A news crew reports from the house in Vallejo, California, where Denise Huskins was kidnapped in March 2015

Attorneys for police said investigators doubted Quinn's account of the abduction and grew more skeptical when Huskins refused to reunite with her family soon after she reappeared.

Last year, people claiming to be behind the kidnapping provided photos, purporting to show a room filled with gear they say they used to snatch Huskins, to the San Francisco Chronicle.

A note was also sent explaining their involvement and Huskins' innocence.

The letter, which was made public by the FBI months later, also claims Huskins wasn't even her kidnappers' intended target.

'We have no prior link to [Huskins] and did not know who she was until the night of the operation. We believed the woman there was' a different woman, read the email, which was sent at the end of March.

'The... operation was meant to be a test of methods that would be used later on a higher net worth target, in an environment that was familiar to us and somewhat controlled. There was also a link to someone we thought was resident there but turned out not to be.'

Denise Huskins accused police of likening her case to the movie 'Gone Girl'. Pictured: A scene from the movie starring Ben Affleck

Marianne Quinn, mother of Aaron, said outside the courtroom that she was pleased with a tougher recommended sentence than she had expected.

'Forty years is a long time,' she said, noting that prosecutors have asked for the most intensive possible supervision if Muller is ever released from prison. She sharply criticized Vallejo police of botching the initial investigation and said Muller's mental illness isn't an excuse for what really happened. 'He also is a psychopath,' she said. 'His mental illness did not cause what happened to Aaron and Denise.'

Johnson said in an interview outside the courtroom: 'There's a tremendous amount of remorse.'

He said his client has 'tremendous potential', and he was hopeful Muller could be rehabilitated.

In a court filing this week, prosecutors asked a judge to inquire during Thursday's hearing about Muller's mental condition and medications to make sure he understands the proceedings and his rights.

Muller was admitted to practice law in California in 2011, and his state bar profile says he attended Harvard Law School.
Two Pennsylvania women have been charged with having sex with a 15-year-old boy during a pizza party where alcohol was served.

Tonia Simms, 37, and Melissa Weaver, 26, were arraigned Tuesday on multiple counts of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the sexual encounter between Simms, Weaver and the teenage boy took place on July 8 at the older woman's apartment at the Holiday Acres housing complex in Derry Township.

Women charged: Tonia Simms (left), 37, and Melissa Weaver (right), 26, are accused of having sex with a 15-year-old boy during a pizza party where alcohol was served

The incident took place July 8 when Simms invited Weaver and the teenager over to her apartment at the Holiday Acres housing complex in Derry Township, Pennsylvania (pictured)

The document, obtained by TribLive.com, states that the 15-year-old and Melissa Weaver arrived at Simms' residence for dinner, which featured pizza and some alcoholic beverages.

After they ate and drank, Simms went upstairs to put her children to bed, while Weaver and the boy stayed downstairs.

Having tucked her kids in for the night, Simms then allegedly invited her guests to her bedroom, where according to the affidavit, the trio got undressed.

'After they were all naked, the child victim said that Melissa looked at him and said, "What, you've never had a threesome before?' State Trooper John Zalich wrote in the affidavit.

The document states that the two women then proceeded to have sexual intercourse with the boy and with one another.

Confession: Simms (pictured left in mugshot) reportedly told police she and the teen had sex on more than one occasion. she called what happened between them a 'big mistake'

When the teen went to police about the incident, he reportedly showed a text message exchange between himself and Simms in which the two allegedly discussed his age.

When interviewed by police, Zalich wrote that both Simms and Weaver admitted to the sexual encounter with the minor.

Tonia said that it started out as innocent flirting and turned into a big mistake because they all had a moment of weakness, Zalich said in the affidavit.

Simms also revealed that she and the 15-year-old had sex on more than one occasion.

Devoted mom: Simms has two sons, including a special-needs boy who is in need of a kidney transplant

PennLive.com reported that Weaver was released Wednesday on $10,000 unsecured bail, while Simms remains jailed in Westmoreland County Prison on $20,000 cash bail. Both suspects are due back in court for plea hearings on November 16.
This summer has been a terrifying ordeal for the Ecclestone family after billionaire Bernie's mother-in-law was snatched from her home in Sao Paulo.

But the courageous mum, who was successfully rescued by police after being held for nine days by kidnappers on a 28 million ransom, appears to have overcome the worst of it.

Aparecida Schunk, 67, was pictured with her daughter Fabiana Flosi, 38, for the first time since surviving her nightmare in Brazil.

Aparecida Schunk, 67, right, pictured with her daughter Fabiana Flosi, 38, left

In London earlier today the pair put on a brave face for the cameras at a swish charity event.

Attending a ladies' lunch at Fortnum & Mason in London the mother-daughter team posed for pictures while enjoying a sit-down meal including sweet treats.

They were appearing at the 3rd Annual Ladies' Lunch in support of the Silent No More Gynaecological Cancer Fund, held at the prestigious high-end shop in the capital.

F1 supremo Ecclestone, 85, married Flosi three years after meeting her at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Despite amassing a U.S $3 billion fortune, allowing him an extensive security detail, his mother-in-law was not so fortunate when she was grabbed at her home in Interlagos.

The mother-daughter team put on a brave face for the camera, posing for the first time since surviving her horrific kidnapping in Brazil

Fabiana Flosi and Heather Kerzner, right attend the 3rd Annual Ladies' Lunch in London

Thieves posing as delivery drivers seized her at her home when she opened the door, and later threatened to send back her severed head in a shopping bag if the F1 boss did not pay up.

But police traced phone calls and the emails made by her captors from their Yahoo accounts, alerting members of the anti-kidnapping division in Sao Paulo to her location.

Speaking after the event, Ecclestone joked that he never intended to pay a ransom for the release.

F1 boss Ecclestone, 85, married Flosi three years after meeting her at the Brazilian Grand Prix

Attending a lunch at Fortnum & Mason Josephine Daniel, left, poses with Fabiana Flosi, centre and Tamara Beckwith, right

He said in an interview: 'All my friends know that I wouldn't pay a penny for a mother-in-law.'

Ms Schunck was not harmed in the rescue operation, after her abductors reportedly increased their ransom to 40 million.

Bernie Ecclestone has run Formula One almost single-handedly for nearly 40 years, but will step down after another three at the top after a takeover of the sport was agreed by Liberty Media.
As Hillary Clinton inches closer to the White House, Linda Tripp  who exposed Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky to the world in 1998  crawled out of the woodwork to warn of the Clintons thirst for power.

'I say today and I will continue to say, that I believe Monica Lewinsky is alive today because of choices I made and action I took,' Tripp said in a radio interview with Breitbart's Aaron Klein.

Tripp told Klein she realized she sounded 'melodramatic,' but 'I can only say that from my perspective, I believe that she and I were at the time in danger, because nothing stands in the way of these people achieving their political ends.'

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Linda Tripp (left) who was demonized in the '90s for tape recording conversations with Monica Lewinsky (right) and outing her friend's affair with President Clinton, today says she may have saved her life because nothing stands in the way of the Clintons

Linda Tripp, pictured in 1998, turned over recordings she had made of phone calls with Monica Lewsinsky to Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr

Tripp had worked in both the Bush 41 and Clinton White House, and then worked in the Pentagon alongside Lewinsky when the former White House intern opened up to her about her affair with Bill Clinton.

Tripp taped their conversations and, to get out of a wiretape charge, handed the recordings over to Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr.

She was demonized in the media, as being motivated by money and for wanting to write a book. On 'Saturday Night Live' she was portrayed by John Goodman.

During an hour-long radio interview with Klein, who also operates as Breitbart's Jerusalem bureau chief, Tripp pushed back on her public persona.

'The money I might have made on a book would never have overtaken what I gave up: My career, my pension. I was making a very decent salary. There was just no way that a book could have made up for what I would lose,' Tripp said.

'But the media, in an attempt I suppose to support the Clintons' perspective, painted me that way,' she continued. 'So there is very little the average layperson can do to fight that media saturation.'

She pointed to the fact that she never wrote a tell-all, even with the continued interest in the Clintons, especially the Lewinsky scandal, after all these years.

'It's actually kind of humorous in a way, if It weren't so pathetically said, that many of the members of the media who painted me as an avarice-driven, money-grubbing horrible villain, themselves wrote best-selling books with their version of events,' Tripp continued. 'So I find that somewhat ironic.'

Tripp's interview with Klein will air in full on Sunday night, but Breitbart's preview contained the former White House and Pentagon staffers comments on how the scandals of yesterday connect with Hillary Clinton's political problems this cycle.

For instance, Tripp recalls there being a vast difference between how classified information was treated by those working for President George H.W. Bush, a former CIA director, and Bill Clinton, who was coming to the White House from Arkansas' governor's mansion.

With Bush 'everything I had to come to know as protocol for the handling of classified was followed very strictly.'

With Clinton, Tripp observed a 'cavalier, loosey-goosey, this isnt important, dont be a prude' attitude when it came to sensitive information.

Tripp commented that there was a 'sort of disregard for any of the rules. They certainly didn't apply to them,' she said of the Clintons, 'and that was startling.'

In particular, Tripp pointed out how in the Bush years, even though her job was to staff the West Wing, she couldn't step foot in that part of the White House until her security review was completed.

'Now in the Clinton White House it was a year before I would say 95 percent of the senior advisers to President Clinton and their support staff in the West Wing even filled out the paperwork,' Tripp said.

Overall, Tripp didn't seem surprised by Hillary Clinton's scandals of today, and that she was able to get the FBI to let her off the hook for using a private email server while at the State Department.
U.S. authorities twice tried to deport a black man who was fatally shot by police in a San Diego suburb this week, but his native Uganda refused to take him.

Alfred Olango, 38, was shot and killed by police just a minute after they arrived at a strip mall in El Cajon to investigate a report of a mentally unstable man walking in and out of traffic on Tuesday.

Last year, he had stopped reporting to immigration authorities as required under terms of his freedom and it's unclear whether the government made any attempt to find him.

An explanation for why Olango remained in the country lies in a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that generally prohibits the detention of foreign nationals for more than six months if deportation is unlikely.

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U.S. authorities twice tried to deport Alfred Olango (center) who was fatally shot by police in a San Diego suburb this week, but his native Uganda refused to take him

The wife and daughter of Alfred Olango mourn their loss as the family gathers at a news conference in San Diego, California, on Thursday

The nation's highest court said in the 5-4 decision that holding people indefinitely only because no country will take them violates the constitutional right to due process.

Some of the thousands of immigrants who have been released after being ordered deported went on to commit crimes, making the Zadvydas vs. Davis decision a lightning rod for critics who say it illustrates a broken system.

Olango, who arrived in the United States as a refugee in 1991, was among those who committed crimes.

He was ordered deported by an immigration judge in 2002 following his conviction for transporting and selling narcotics, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the AP on Thursday.

However, Uganda wouldn't take him back after multiple requests, leading to his release in 2003 under an order of supervision.

Police say Olango (pictured second from left pointing at cops) ignored repeated requests to raise his hands and was shot when he pulled what turned out to be a four-inch electronic cigarette device from his pocket and pointed it at one officer while taking a 'shooting stance'

Alfred Olango's mother Pamela Benge speaks at a news conference in San Diego on Thursday

Olango later was convicted on a weapons charge in Colorado, sentenced to nearly four years in prison and ordered to be deported in 2009 after his release.

Uganda again refused to issue travel documents allowing him to return.

Olango was told to check in monthly with immigration authorities and did so until February 2015.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Virginia Kice was unaware of any efforts to find him.

A message seeking comment from the Ugandan Embassy in Washington was not immediately returned.

The country accepted 11 people who were deported from the U.S. during the 2015 fiscal year, but it was unclear how many were denied.

Olango's shooting has sparked protests in the city of 100,000 people, which is home to large numbers of Iraqi and Syrian refugees. Above, a woman faces off again police in El Cajon

Protesters lock arms in front of a police line in El Cajon, a suburb of San Diego, on Wednesday

John Sandweg, a former ICE director who left the agency in 2014, said U.S. officials had little recourse once Olango stopped checking in.

Under the Supreme Court decision they could have held him only six months and then would have to let him go because failing to report to immigration authorities is not a crime.

'When you have a recalcitrant country who won't take that individual back  won't give permission to return them to their own country or denies their identity, denies that they're actually citizens of that country  ICE has no choice but to release those individuals,' Sandweg said.

He said sanctions and other measures, such as limiting visas, are possible but he couldn't recall a time that the U.S. exerted serious pressure when he held senior positions at the Homeland Security Department from 2009 to 2014.

In some cases, the U.S. lodged formal protests known as demarches.

People blocked streets during a protest against the police shooting of an unarmed black man

ICE says it released 2,166 immigrants with criminal histories due to the Supreme Court ruling during the 2015 fiscal year, 2,457 the previous year and 3,652 the year before that.

Olango was shot and killed Tuesday by police in El Cajon who responded to calls from his sister saying her brother was acting erratically and wandering into traffic.

Officers say he ignored repeated requests to raise his hands and was shot multiple times when he pulled what turned out to be a four-inch electronic cigarette device from his pocket and pointed it at one officer while taking a 'shooting stance.'
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It's a cheap and eco-friendly way to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Urban Riggers, a company in Denmark, has developed student housing out of old shipping containers, transforming them into a floating college dorm on the Copenhagen harbor.

Architect Bjarke Ingels told Reuters there were many benefits to this type of accommodation.

'These shipping containers have already traveled collectively around 50 times around the Earth and now they've arrived here and we've placed them together, not like the typical sort of serial line-up that you use for cargo but in this star shape, this hexagonal courtyard that becomes the communal space,' Ingels said.

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The new-age dorm: This student housing complex is called the Urban Rigger and is made of nine shipping containers, stacked in two levels on a concrete pontoon

Eco-friendly: The rig uses sustainable technologies such as solar panels and hydro source heating to provide energies

The rig uses sustainable technologies such as solar panels and hydro source heating to provide energies

Welcome home, students: The rent for one room will be roughly about $600 per month. Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in the world

Ingels added: 'You have direct access to swimming in the clean harbor water of Copenhagen.

'You have a shared roof terrace, you have a solar roof, you have a green roof and then you have, of course, these amazing, compact, student homes.'

The design and construction of the Urban Rigger was built around sustainability.

Underneath the concrete pontoon, beneath sea level, is a room holding the batteries that power the rig.

The batteries receive their power from solar panels on the roof. There are 12 modest rooms in the complex, with a common room and outdoor terrace.

The first students are set to move in at the end of October, and will each pay $600 a month rent. Drone footage uploaded online shows the extent of the ingenuity.

Comfortable: Each modest room is set up like a small studio apartment, for just $600 a month

The first unit complex - with 12 dorm rooms - opened to the public on September 21. The students move in next month

A solar array on top of one of the containers (back) powers the homes, while there is an outdoor terrace on the roof

Alexander Loudrup, who studies at University of Copenhagen, said the Urban Rigger is ideal student accommodation.

'By living in one of these, you will be able to live a very healthy life because you're not living in the middle of the city, you're living by the water where the air is clean and also you'll be away from the distractions and sounds of the city so you'll be able to concentrate on your work,' he said.

Another, larger Urban Rigger structure is in development on the water in the Swedish city of Gothenburg. That complex will feature 24-interconnected rigs, with a total of 288 rooms.
An art installment featuring a 25ft laughing Adolf Hitler beamed onto an office block has caused unrest among locals.

Residents complained about the grinning face of the late Fuhrer which is displayed on a building near the spot he killed himself 76 years ago.

Despite dozens of calls to the police, and the fact Nazi propaganda is banned in Germany, officers had already given the go ahead for the light show as part of a festival.

The grinning face of the late Fuhrer was beamed on to the outside of a block of offices in the city where he killed himself 76 years ago

The huge Hitler face triggered a police call out after a stunned motorist was among dozens to ring in to say: 'I have seen a gigantic Hitler projected on to a building at Leipziger Platz.'

It turned out the beaming dictator was projected on to the wall as part of the Berlin Light art festival which draws two million visitors from around the world, and Hitler forms part of the programme.

In the display, he rolls his eyes and laughs maniacally as red flags flutter alongside him.

The black of Hitler's swastika - banned since 1945 - is replaced by black diamonds.

'Do you want total war?!' - the cry that his propaganda maestro Joseph Goebbels shouted out to Berliners in 1943 after the defeat of the German army at Stalingrad - roars over loudspeakers in the haunting 20 second light show.

The display appears just few hundred yards from the site of the Berlin bunker where he killed himself in April 1945.

Although police were called, they had already green-lighted the show.

A spokesman said: 'The face is not forbidden and no swastikas were flown.

'There was no breach of the constitution.'

The art installation will run until October 24 and covers 150 years of Berlin history - including the Nazis.

The display appears just few hundred yards from the site of the Berlin bunker where he killed himself in April 1945

Berlin Lightm organiser Andreas Bohlke defended the display, and said: 'With this art installation, German history has nothing blacked out.

'Nothing is glossed over. It is a clear warning to all.

'This must never happen again. We inspire people to deal with history.

'We do not make Nazi propaganda.'

But the group blundered when it posted on its website: 'What connects David Hasselhoff with Otto von Bismarck, why Adolf Hitler was poor but sexy, and what philosophical wisdom has the city of Berlin revealed in the last hundred years?'

When questioned on Hitler being labelled sexy, the spokesman said it was 'a mistake'.
Keith Lamont Scott, pictured with his wife Rakeyia Scott, was a 43-year-old father-of-seven from Charlotte

A Charlotte, North Carolina, police officer calls for backup, saying he has spotted a man with a gun and a marijuana joint in his SUV.

In follow-up radio traffic, the officer says a suspect has been wounded and is lying on the ground.

The two snippets of audio the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released on Thursday along with a brief 911 call appeared to back up authorities' assertion that officers believed Keith Lamont Scott had a gun.

A black officer fatally shot Scott last week, sparking violent street protests and prompting the governor to call up National Guard troops, who were stationed on downtown streets.

In the roughly 20-second 911 call, a witness can be heard asking for paramedics, then says they are already arriving.

'I can't stand y'all sorry asses,' he remarks.

The three audio clips, totaling less than two minutes, were released amid growing public demands for more details about Scott's death.

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A black officer fatally shot Scott last week, sparking violent street protests and prompting the governor to call up National Guard troops, who were stationed on downtown streets

Police on Saturday shared about three minutes of video capturing the September 20 shooting.

Scott's family has released a video taken by his wife, who was nearby.

In one of the new audio clips, which lasts about 25 seconds, an officer calls for police backup, saying that he has spotted Scott with a gun and a marijuana joint, the reason police have previously stated for engaging Scott.

An officer said: 'Roll back to this apartment complex behind you. There was a guy that's parked next to us that was rolling a joint and had a gun.'

Keith Lamont Scott was shot dead (pictured) by Officer Brently Vinson - sparking days of demonstrations that turned violent

In a later 30-second clip, an officer says shots have been fired and a suspect is lying wounded on the ground.

An officer said: 'We got shots fired, one suspect down.'

Police have said officer Brentley Vinson, 26, shot Scott after he refused to drop a pistol as he exited a parked vehicle.

People gather in uptown Charlotte to protest the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott in this September 21 photo

A protestor stands with fist raised as she confronts police officers in Charlotte on September 21

The confrontation came at an apartment complex where officers were on a stakeout, waiting to arrest someone else.

The American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP and a media coalition have urged police to release more details  including all the video taken at the scene.

The National Bar Association, an organization representing black attorneys and judges, this week became the latest group to say it wanted the U.S. Justice Department to investigate the Scott shooting.

The group said in a statement: 'There is an overwhelming feeling in the African-American community that these shootings are illegal and our system of justice is unjust and less than color blind.

'Much of this distrust can be attributed to the lack of transparency and accountability.'

The group and others, including Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, also have demanded the repeal of a state law taking effect Saturday that will prevent law enforcement agencies from releasing body camera footage without a judge's order.
Former Liberal politician Wyatt Roy has been slammed by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop after it emerged he travelled to a war zone in Iraq.

The 26-year-old was caught in crossfire between Islamic State and Kurdish Peshmerga forces on Thursday in Iraq near an area Australians are legally banned from visiting.

Mr Roy, who lost his Queensland seat in July's election, says he travelled to Iraq because he wanted to see the conflict for himself.

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Former Liberal politician Wyatt Roy (left) was caught in crossfire between Islamic State and Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Iraq near an area Australians are legally banned from visiting

In footage supplied to SBS, Mr Roy appears to be caught up in gunfire, telling the broadcaster the danger of being hit was too serious to flee initially.

'For about half an hour we were being attacked by (Islamic State) terrorists who were somewhere between one kilometre and 500 meters away with 50-cal weapons and RPG fire and mortars,' he told SBS.

'Once (the Peshmerga) had pushed them (IS) back, they were very adamant that we get in the car and drive as fast as we could in the other direction.'

Mr Roy was driven to Sinjar, which was overrun by IS in 2014 and retaken by Kurdish forces late last year.

He said the Peshmerga called in an airstrike and within half an hour jets were overhead.

Mr Roy, who lost his Queensland seat in July's election, says he travelled to Iraq because he wanted to see the conflict for himself

Julie Bishop was scathing in her criticism of Mr Roy, saying he acted in defiance of government advice in travelling to a war zone.

In footage supplied to SBS, Mr Roy appears to be caught up in gunfire, telling the broadcaster the danger of being hit was too serious to flee initially

'The advantage of doing an unofficial trip is the low profile - instead of getting whisked around on a whistlestop tour, you can really take the time to get out on the ground,' Mr Roy said in an opinion piece for The Australian.

'I was there to see a mate, get a feel for the environment and talk to policymakers and industry leaders about their experience.'

Ms Bishop was scathing in her criticism of Mr Roy, saying he acted in defiance of government advice in travelling to a war zone.

'It is irresponsible of Wyatt Roy to travel to the front line of the conflict between ISIL and Kurdish forces in Northern Iraq, in a region regarded as very high risk,' she said.

'He has placed himself at risk of physical harm and capture, and acted in defiance of government advice.

'Mr Roy did not seek nor did he receive assistance from the Australian government for his travel to Iraq.'

In footage supplied to SBS, Mr Roy appears to be caught up in gunfire, telling the broadcaster the danger of being hit was too serious to flee initially

The American University of Iraq posted a photo of Mr Roy (far left) attending a question and answer forum with some students on Wednesday

Ms Bishop urged other Australians not to follow Mr Roy's example.

Australians are banned from visiting the Mosul region, which is about 125km east of where Mr Roy was on the front line.

Federal politicians have lined up to admonish him for treating his trip to Iraq like a 'Contiki tour'.

Labor defence spokesman Richard Marles said it was a 'massive lapse of judgement'.

'We are talking about a war zone. This is not a Contiki tour,' he told the Nine Network.

'This is profoundly stupid, profoundly selfish.'

Mr Roy has been slammed by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop who said he acted in defiance of government advice in travelling to a war zone
The sister of a woman Nate Parker (above) was accused of raping in the 1990s has now claimed the star is exploiting her sibling in a film

The sister of a woman who killed herself after accusing Nate Parker of her rape has claimed the star is exploiting her dead sibling through his new film The Birth of a Nation.

Writing in a guest column for Variety, she said the inclusion of a rape scene in the film was 'sinister and self-serving' and disrespected her sister 'given what happened'.

Parker was acquitted of raping the woman in 2001 after she told police he and his roommate Jean Celestin attacked her while they were students at Penn State University in Pennsylvania.

Celestin, who co-wrote the film with Parker, was convicted of rape but successfully appealed it and was released.

Parker, who previously had consensual sex with the woman, was never found to have committed any crime.

The woman killed herself in a rehabilitation facility years later. Her family will continue to protect her anonymity as were her wishes when she was alive.

Parker plays Nat Turner in The Birth of a Nation which he co-wrote with his once co-accused, Jean Celestin. The 36-year-old is seen above in character

Celestin (left) and Parker (right) were students at Penn State University in Pennsylvania when the woman accused them of raping her

The scandal emerged earlier this year as promotion for the film, which retells the story of black slave Nat Turner in the 1930s, gathered pace.

Parker has acknowledged his involvement but maintained his innocence throughout.

Under the title 'Nate Parker's Birth of a Nation Exploits My Sister All Over Again,' the woman's sister said it was 'creepy' the pair had included a rape scene in the film.

Using the pen name Sharon Loeffler, she asserted that such a rape (of Turner's wife) had never occurred in history and was therefore the writers' invention.

'The rape of Turners wife is used as a reason to justify Turners rebellion.

'This is fiction. I find it creepy and perverse that Parker and Celestin would put a fictional rape at the center of their film, and that Parker would portray himself as a hero avenging that rape.

'Given what happened to my sister, and how no one was held accountable for it, I find this invention self-serving and sinister, and I take it as a cruel insult to my sisters memory.'

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Parker and Celestin in relation to her comments.

The actor has taken part in an interview with 60 Minutes, the first he has conducted since news of the trial emerged earlier this year, to protest he has done no wrong.

'I do not feel guilty. I was falsely accused. I went to court. I was vindicated.

'I feel terrible that this woman isn't here.

Celestin (left) was found guilty but successfully appealed his conviction. Parker went on to find Hollywood stardom

Parker is married to Sarah DiSanto. The pair met while they were studying at Penn State University where the incident involving the woman took place

Her family had to deal with that, but as I sit here, an apology is - no.'

He conceded that he only feels now as a 'Christian man' of 36 that he should not have found himself in 'that situation'.

The star told of his shock at learning the woman took her own life in 2012, 11 years after he was exonerated, and that it had 'devastated' him.

The Birth of a Nation will be released on October 7

'I had no idea, I had absolutely no idea. I found out in the news. I was devastated, it was shocking.

'I couldn't believe it,' he said.

The filmmaker went on to implore viewers to focus on the film's central character instead of his personal legal history.

'I think that Nat Turner, as a hero, what he did in history, is bigger than me,' said Parker. 'I think it's bigger than all of us.'

News of the trial threatened to thwart the film's launch initially, with viewings and press conferences cancelled at the Toronto Film Festival and The American Film Institute.

It is due to be released on October 7.

Former classmates of Parker and Celestin's spoke out in August to defend them in the wake of the scandal.

They told The Root: 'We believed some 17 years ago that Jean Celestin and Nate Parker were innocent of rape and we believe that now.'

Parker took part in a segment for 60 Minutes which will air in full on Sunday to discuss the matter
Nathan Carman, the man being investigated in the deaths of both his mother and multi-millionaire grandfather, held a fellow student hostage at knife point while in high school, and wrote extensively about how to construct homemade bombs, police documents reveal.

His own relatives hired armed security to protect themselves from him while frightened neighbors referred to the 6 ft. 3 in. Carman as Murder Boy, and a time bomb waiting to go off, even before either of his relatives died.

The stunning accusations are made in a three-year-old search warrant as detectives in Connecticut sought to tie Carman, now 22, to the murder of his grandfather John Chakalos.

He was never charged, however cops are taking a fresh look at the case following the presumed death of his mother during a freak boating accident.

Nathan Carman (left) has denied being involved in the death of his grandfather, who was killed in 2013, after he was rescued following a doomed fishing trip with his mother, Linda (right)

Carman, whose behavior was described as odd and offensive during a nationwide search after he went missing as a teenager, was rescued this week after spending eight days on a life-raft off Rhode Island

Carman, whose behavior was described as odd and offensive during a nationwide search after he went missing as a teenager, was rescued this week after spending eight days on a life-raft off Rhode Island.

Carman first hit the headlines in 2011 when he went missing after telling his parents that he was going fishing. His parents said he was upset after the death of his horse, Cruise'

He claimed his 31 ft. fishing boat, the Chicken Pox, sunk in a 1,000 ft. undersea canyon. The search for his mother, Linda, who was the only other person on board, has been called off, as the Coast Guard says there is no chance of her still being alive.

Cops asked to search the apartment where Carman lived in Middletown, Connecticut, eight months after Chakalos, 87, was shot to death in his palatial home, 30 minutes away in Windsor. Chakalos wife, Rita, had died of cancer just 30 days earlier

They based the search request on claims that Carman  who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism  had used recent threats or acts of violencetoward himself or others and his alleged history of the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force.

During the course of this investigation, investigators learned from various sources that Nathan Carman was capable of violence when his coping mechanisms were challenged, Det. Sgt. William Freeman and Det. Christopher Iovene wrote in the document.

Nathan Carman's attorney said the fishing boat sank in a 'tragic accident'. He also made a distress call saying he heard a 'funny noise' before water rushed into the boat

Carman was a suspect in the murder of his grandfather John Chakalos (right). The Second World War paratrooper was shot dead weeks after his wife Rita (left) died of cancer in 2013

Carman is seen with his grandmother shortly before she died. His grandfather's murder investigation is still active

Information was obtained by investigators that Nathan had several episodes demonstrating this while attending Middletown High School. Family members also made investigators aware of an incident in which Nathan, as a child, held another child hostage with a knife.

Additionally, it was learned during this investigation that Carman had demonstrated a familiarization with firearms, although they said during interviews he attempted to distance himself by insisting on three separate occasions that that was a long time ago.

Carman was 19 when his grandfather was murdered. A search of his apartment found guns, but not the .308 caliber weapon that killed Chakalos. However, cops discovered that he had bought a .308 rifle from a New Hampshire gun store.

Nathan, thus far, has concealed this info from investigators and failed to disclose this during any interviews with Windsor Police, they wrote.

The old man kept a collection of vintage World War II guns that could have matched the murder weapon and only Carman, who was the last person to see the wealthy real estate and nursing home magnate alive, knew exactly how many weapons Chakalos had  and whether any were missing.

Investigative efforts to establish the exact number and type of firearms owned and possessed by the victim met with negative results through interviews with family members and inquires of state and national firearms databases, the two detectives wrote.

After his grandfathers death, Carman left Middletown and bought a 160-year-old, four-bedroom house in Vernon, Vermont, for $70,000. He has extensively remodeled the house himself, adding two stories, while sleeping every night in his truck, neighbors say

Nathan Carman's home in Vernon, Vermont, was searched by police this week after he was brought back to shore. His mother Linda is missing, presumed dead

The former apartment of Nathan Carman is seen Thursday, September 29, 2016 in Middletown, Connecticut

On Interstate 91 in Vermont, there is a billboard offering a $250,000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest in his death

The only family member who appeared to have specific information on these firearms is Nathan Carman, they added. They said he had stopped cooperating and had refused to take a polygraph test.

When cops interviewed staff and neighbors at Carmans apartment complex, they found more worrying accusations.

One person, who wished to remain anonymous, described Nathan as a time bomb waiting to go off, the officers wrote. Another person, who also wished to remain anonymous, described Nathan as Murder boy, based solely upon their personal experience with Nathan, (and) believed he possessed the propensity for violence.

During the apartment search, police found handwritten notes containing details on making self-propelled Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the detectives wrote.

In addition he had notes pertaining to sniper rifles on an areal (sic) video stabilizing platform and camera with facial recognition data machines.

Sgt. Freeman spoke to members of Carmans family who, he said, expressed enough fear that they hired armed private security to protect them in their homes.

Prosecutors declined to issue an arrest warrant for Carman at the time, saying they needed more information.

Nearly three years later no-one has faced charges in the high profile case and the Chakalos family has offered a $250,000 reward for information.

Nathan Carman remains a person of interest in the case, Windsor Police say. He had been due to meet his mother at 3 am on the day after his grandfathers death to go on a fishing trip, but he did not show.

On Sunday, Carman was picked up 100 miles out to sea, by a Chinese freighter, the Orient Lucky. He said the Chicken Pox had gone down in Block Canyon, where the waters drop off suddenly from 200 ft. to 1,000 ft. He claimed that while he was grabbing supplies of food and water for the life raft, he lost sight of his mother.

Nathan Carman, right, disembarks at the US Coast Guard station in Boston. He later left with his father, Clark, who had flown in from his home in California

Nathan Carman and his mother (pictured together) often went on fishing trips together as a way of 'bonding', said one of her close friends

Relatives of Nathan Carman said he had Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism

The pair were in this boat when it sank off the coast of Rhode Island last week

Nathan and Linda Carman had set sail from the Ram Point Marina in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, around 11 pm on September 17. Linda had told a friend they were going to an area around Striper Rock, 80 miles closer to shore and in much shallower waters.

Police are investigating to see if Nathan had deliberately made his boat less safe by removing trim tabs and failing to correct problems with his bilge pump. Fellow boater Mike Iozzi told the Boston Globe that Carman had told him the tabs dont make the boat respond well.

Iozzi said Carman had fixed the boat with sealant, and that he had warned him not to go out too far at night. I dont know what happened, Iozzi said. The guy upstairs probably knows what happened.

Carman has denied being responsible in the deaths of either his grandfather or his mother, who, along with three sisters, was left the bulk of Chakaloss $42 million fortune. He told the Associated Press he did everything he could to find his mother.

What happened on the boat was a terrible tragedy that I am still trying to process and that I am still trying to come to terms with, he said.

I don't know what to make of people being suspicious, he added. I have enough to deal with.

I would not have taken my mom out fishing with me had I not believed the boat was seaworthy.

Carman said Chakalos, his grandfather, was like a father to me and I was like a son to him.

He was the closest person in the world to me, and I loved him and he loved me, and I had absolutely nothing to do with his death, Carman said.

His father Clark Carman, also insisted Nathan was not responsible for either death.

There were only two people in his life, his mother and his grandfather, the older Carman told The Hartford Courant.

Carman disembarking from a boat after his rescue earlier this month

There was no motive. There was nothing to gain with John dying, he had everything to lose. He's not the type of individual who's aggressive. He'd walk away from a situation rather than attack. Really it's not in his mental makeup.

Nathan Carman first hit the headlines in 2011 when he went missing after telling his parents that he was going fishing. A description issued by Middletown Police said: He may appear to be extremely agitated or may make statements that those who may encounter him fay find odd or offensive.

His parents said he was upset following the death of his horse, Cruise.

He was found four days later after taking a bus from Connecticut to Virginia, where he bought a moped, saying he intended to ride it to Florida.

After his grandfathers death, Carman left Middletown and bought a 160-year-old, four-bedroom house in Vernon, Vermont, for $70,000.
John Sentamu (pictured) warned that Britain should not be seen 'as a soft touch' and demanded that other EU nations offer homes to asylum seekers in their own countries

The Archbishop of York has accused European countries of 'shunting' migrants towards the Jungle camp in Calais.

John Sentamu, the Church's second most senior cleric, warned that Britain should not be seen 'as a soft touch' and demanded that other EU nations offer homes to asylum seekers in their own countries.

His extraordinary intervention will be seen as a rare example of a senior churchman stepping directly into political territory  in this case the volatile subject of immigration.

Other senior faith figures have spoken of the need to treat migrants with compassion, but Dr Sentamu has directly addressed the EU's border controls and the failure of its member states to give assistance to migrants passing through their countries.

Last night one Tory MP praised the Archbishop for speaking up about an 'awkward truth'.

Dr Sentamu said the Jungle camp only exists because of the passport-free Schengen zone, which allows refugees rom the Middle East and Africa to make their way to the shores of the English Channel.

He also warned it was impossible to know whether or not some of the migrants are members of Islamic State.

He made his comments at the Henley Literary Festival, which is sponsored by the Daily Mail.

Dr Sentamu, who was himself an asylum seeker who fled Idi Amin's regime in Uganda in 1973, visited the Jungle camp in June.

'That camp [the Jungle] has been a creation of the Schengen countries and they ought to own up to what they've created,' he told his audience.

'I think it should be that, where ever the asylum seekers arrive in that particular place, you have a responsibility for their care, their love.

'Schengen countries have not done that with the Jungle and I, for one  as much as I am sympathetic and I feel sorry for the number of people genuinely seeking asylum  I think really the issue lies with the Schengen countries and they cannot see Britain as a soft touch.'

The Schengen Area is a bloc of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and border control at their mutual frontiers.

Dr Sentamu, who was himself an asylum seeker who fled Idi Amin's regime in Uganda in 1973, visited the Jungle camp in Calais, France in June (file picture of the site)

It means that migrants arriving in one European country can travel freely within the bloc. Many choose to travel to northern France in the hope of reaching Britain.

Dr Sentamu stressed that Britain never signed up to the Schengen agreement and so should not be held accountable for migrants in Calais.

He said: 'All of the asylum seekers in Calais have come through the Schengen agreement, they've gone from nation to nation which signed up in Europe.

'Those Schengen countries ought to resolve the problem that belongs there because they have entered Europe because of free movement.

'Every nation is shunting them and shunting them and shunting them in the hope that they will end up in the UK.

Every nation is shunting them and shunting them and shunting them in the hope that they will end up in the UK. I just hope that the Schengen countries can resolve it John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York

'I just hope that the Schengen countries can resolve it because it is their free movement of people. Britain did not sign the Schengen agreement.'

Dr Sentamu blamed Tony Blair in part for the migrant crisis overwhelming Europe, saying it was a result of the disastrous invasion of Iraq.

'We never thought years would come when we would create this migration of people on a large scale, and there is now a mixture between those who are being persecuted and those who see an opportunity to get out.'

He asked how the government could be certain that among 'ten asylum seekers, going from Libya, from Iraq, from Syria' there isn't 'one or two members of IS'.

The Archbishop went on to praise David Cameron's policy of putting aid into the Middle East to help refugees stay in their home countries.

Dr Sentamu also suggested that Britain should police the Libyan coast to prevent the trafficking of migrants. 'What I never understood is, given the ability and the number of British ships we've got, why aren't they patrolling the coast around Libya to stop people getting into boats?'

The Jungle, currently home to 10,000 migrants, has become a politically toxic subject since the Brexit vote, with France and Britain clashing over its future.

LONE MIGRANT CHILDREN DRIVE UP TOTAL NUMBER IN CARE The number of children living in state care rose to a record of more than 70,000 last year  pushed up by an increase in numbers of lone migrant children coming into the country. More than one in 20 of the youngsters in childrens homes or with foster parents this spring were classed as unaccompanied asylum seekers, according to an official count yesterday. The unprecedented pressure on the state care system was also raised by a drop in the numbers of children who won permanent new families through adoption. A 12 per cent fall in levels of adoption  and an even greater drop in numbers of children being readied for adoption  follows a ruling by senior judges three years ago that no child should be permanently taken from its birth mother and father except as a last resort. The Department for Education figures showed that at the end of March there were 70,440 children in care. Advertisement

Dr Sentamu's comments were welcomed last night.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Tory MP for North East Somerset, said: 'As befits an Archbishop, he has spoken up about an awkward truth. The Schengen states would be wise to listen.'

Peter Bone, Tory MP for Wellingborough, added: 'These comments by the Archbishop of York are entirely right.

'This needs to be said, and the more people of his standing who say this, the better.

'The law is quite clear that people should be given asylum in the first safe country they reach. But they are able to travel across Europe through Schengen countries  and that has resulted in this disaster.'

This is not the first time that senior Church of England clergy have voiced concerns about how the migrant crisis is affecting the UK.
Every airline travelling to and from the UK to Spain is being urged to introduce 'dry flights' and start a blacklist of drunken passengers.

The call is being to both countries' governments is by the political coalition More for Majorca, which wants stricter controls at all airports to avoid trouble with tipsy tourists.

In the two years between March 2014 and March 2016, British police have arrested 442 people for being drunk on flights.

In the two years between March 2014 and March 2016, British police have arrested 442 people for being drunk on flights (picture posed by model)

More for Majorca say the move is not an attack on British holidaymakers, but an initiative against what they describe as 'binge tourism'.

Backing has been given by Spain's Tourism Commission which is urging the central government 'to cooperate with the UK to avoid incidents caused by alcohol abuse in airports and airplanes and to promote codes of good practice in responsible consumption.'

More for Majorca spokesman, Antoni Reus said: 'There is a problem and we have to take action.

'We believe it is the duty of all institutions to promote responsible drinking as a matter of safety and to avoid the image degrading which has happened in several tourist areas.'

'The proposals go hand in hand with measures to clampdown on binge tourism' and drunken tourists, irrespective of their nationality, origin and destination.'

The group says incidents related to alcohol lead to discomfort for other passengers and safety problems in the aircrafts.

A study by the company Jet Cost in 2014 warned that one in seven British reached their destination while intoxicated, half of them starting to drink alcohol in the airport and the other half in the plane.

The British Government has already promoted a code of good practices in the aviation sector, such as airline staff training and measures to promote responsible consumption.
A 26-year-old mother has vanished from hospital with her three-day-old baby son.

Police are looking for Brooke Altinay who was last seen at Monash Hospital in Clayton, in Melbourne's south-east, on Monday with her newborn.

They say she may have left in her older model white Holden Commodore.

Police are looking for Brooke Altinay who was last seen at a hospital in Clayton, in Melbourne's south-east, on Monday with her newborn

Brooke is described as 160cm tall, thin build, long blonde hair and a fair complexion.

Police have concerns for the safety of her and her baby boy.

She is known to frequent Endeavour Hills and Noble Park areas.

Investigators have released an image of Brooke in the hope that the public may be able to assist with locating her.

Anyone who sees Brooke is urged to contact Endeavour Hills Police Station on 9709 7666.
The government's 100million inquiry into historical child sex abuse appears to be on the brink of collapse today after its most senior lawyer quit.

Ben Emmerson QC dramatically resigned as counsel to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, 24 hours after being suspended from the role.

The departure comes amid rumours of a major bust-up with chairwoman Alexis Jay - already the fourth person to head up the probe.

Campaigning lawyer Michael Mansfield QC has offered his services to help the inquiry move forward - but also suggested it needs to be broken up.

Ben Emmerson QC, a top lawyer helping to lead the Government's child abuse inquiry, has officially resigned from the public inquiry just a day after he was suspended from the position

The development was labelled a 'disaster' for the inquiry, with some even suggesting it had been 'set up to fail'.

Raymond Stevenson, from the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association, said survivors needed to be 'convinced this is not just a circus' following Mr Emmerson's resignation.

Mr Stevenson, whose group represents those affected by abuse at children's homes in Lambeth, south London, called for a meeting with Home Secretary Amber Rudd and suggested the inquiry be split up into smaller, separate ones with their own chairman.

He said: 'We don't see it (the inquiry) working in its current form. We didn't see it working two years ago. It was never going to work, it's too cumbersome.

'It's almost like it was set up to fail. People don't want the truth to come out.'

Speaking on BBC Two's Newsnight, Labour MP Chuka Umunna said it was 'simply not credible' to say the inquiry was functioning properly.

'This is a dysfunctional inquiry and we need urgent reassurance by the chair that she is getting a grip of the situation,' he said.

Mr Umunna is a member of the Home Affairs Committee, and his Streatham constituency falls within Lambeth.

Chairwoman Professor Jay confirmed she had formally accepted Mr Emmerson's resignation from the role of Counsel to the Inquiry.

She said: 'Mr Emmerson has stepped down at this time because he considers that after two years at the helm it is now time for someone else to take the role forward and provide leadership for the counsel team.'

She added: 'There is no truth in suggestions that he has resigned due to a difference of opinion with me about the next steps for the inquiry.

'He will continue to be available to the Inquiry whilst his replacement is recruited and brought up to speed.

'I am pleased he continues to support the Inquiry's aims and objectives. He has made an enormous contribution to the inquiry and we wish him well.'

The trouble public inquiry is now in total crisis after it was revealed earlier today that a second top lawyer left the multi-million pound probe two weeks ago.

Elizabeth Prochaska, who was junior counsel to the inquiry, stepped down a fortnight ago.

Elizabeth Prochaska (pictured), who was junior counsel to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, confirmed today that she had stepped down a fortnight ago

Former director of public prosecutions Lord Macdonald today said the inquiry had to be reformed or abandoned while victims groups branded the affair a 'charade'.

IICSA is yet to hear a single day of evidence despite gathering millions of pages of material over the past two years.

Mr Emmerson is said to have to quit after falling out with Professor Jay over whether to rein in the inquiry, which is tasked with completing 13 different inquiries into abuse allegations relating to virtually the entire British establishment.

However, Professor Jay, along with Home Secretary Amber Rudd, remain determined it should stick to the original terms of reference.

Lord Macdonald said the inquiry had been 'careering out of control since its inception' and had to be reformed or abandoned.

He added: 'From the start it has fatally confused a laudable desire to bring closure to generations of victims with  a tightly focused forensic inquiry into the changes that might better protect children in the future.

'The end result is an apparent attempt at mass therapy on a grotesque scale, which is unlikely to lead to any lasting public benefit  The question now is whether it is too late to be saved.

'The departure of Ben Emmerson, who has carried the bulk of its work for months, is a categorical disaster. It will be enormously difficult to find another lawyer of stature willing to swallow this poison pill in the absence of a total redesign.

Mr Emmerson is understood to fundamentally disagree with the inquiry's fourth chairwoman, Alexis Jay (pictured), over the way the inquiry is set to run. However, Prof Jay denied this

'The Home Secretary needs to face up to reality: an inquiry lasting years into dozens of public institutions going back decades, quite unable to restrain its own remit, is destined to end as an embarrassing fiasco.

ONE ABUSE INQUIRY BUT 13 DIFFERENT INVESTIGATIONS The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is to carry out 13 separate investigations: Allegations of child sexual abuse linked to Westminster - This will be an 'overarching inquiry' into allegations of abuse and exploitation involving 'people of public prominence associated with Westminster'. It will examine high profile claims involving 'current or former' MPs, senior civil servants and members of the intelligence and security agencies. The Roman Catholic Church - This will look into the extent of any institutional failures to protect children from abuse within the church in England and Wales. The Anglican Church - This investigation will look at the extent of any institutional failures to protect children from abuse within the Anglican Church. The internet - The inquiry will look into institutional responses to child sexual abuse and exploitation 'facilitated' by the internet. This will include investigations of the policies of internet firms. Residential schools - This will investigate abuse and exploitation of children in residential schools in both the state and independent sector. Nottinghamshire councils - This will look into the extent of any institutional failures to protect children in the care of Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire councils following allegations of widespread sexual abuse and exploitation. Lambeth Council - This will examine the extent of any institutional failures to protect children after allegations of abuse in children's homes run by the London authority. Lord Janner - This will look into allegations of child sex abuse against Lord Greville Janner. The peer, who died aged 87 in December, is alleged to have abused children over a period spanning more than 30 years. Protection of children outside the UK - This will scrutinise 'grave allegations' that have emerged regarding abuse by individuals working for British institutions and organisations abroad. Sexual abuse of children in custodial institutions - This will examine the scale of abuse within the secure estate for children and young people. The inquiry has identified Medomsley Youth Detention Centre, County Durham, as the first case study. Child sexual exploitation by organised networks - This will focus on institutional responses to systematic grooming and sexual abuse of children by groups of offenders as seen in cities including Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford. Cambridge House, Knowl View and Rochdale - An inquiry into allegations of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children residing at or attending Cambridge House Boys' Hostel, Knowl View School, and other institutions where their placement was arranged or provided by Rochdale Borough Council. Accountability and reparations for victims and survivors of abuse - This arm of the inquiry will focus on the support services and legal remedies available to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. Advertisement

'It must be constrained  focused on the future and on deliverable and useful reforms. Otherwise it should be abandoned and closure left to the counsellors.'

Lord Macdonald and Mr Emmerson are both members of Matrix Chambers in London.

Stunned victims' groups said the top human rights barrister was the 'glue' that held the inquiry together.

Ian McFadyen, a campaigner and survivor of abuse, said Mr Emmerson's suspension was a 'devastating blow'.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'I think we have one of the largest inquiries that the United Kingdom is to undergo, and legal advice and counsel of his quality and expertise is essential.'

He said the news raises questions over whether the inquiry is fit for purpose, adding: 'It's just been catastrophe after catastrophe and this is a devastating blow for survivors.

'I've been involved in this inquiry for the last two-and-a-half years, trying to make sure it is fit for survivors' purposes to engage with, and have met Mr Emmerson several times and he is someone who I hold in high regard and who I think is trustworthy, so I'm more than upset.'

He said someone with huge legal expertise is needed to work with the inquiry.

The suspension has reignited debate over whether the probe should be split up to make it more manageable.

Mr McFadyen said the terms of reference cannot be altered without the full agreement of those involved but added that he 'has no issue' if it does need to be changed.

'We don't want an inquiry for an inquiry's sake,' he said. 'We want an inquiry that has teeth and that has positive outcomes for future child protection.'

Andi Lavery, of Catholic survivors' group White Flowers Alba, which represents 70 victims, said: 'This can't carry on without him.

'It has only existed because of Ben Emmerson. He has been the glue holding everything together.

'If he leaves, the victims' groups will leave. Most have lost confidence already.

'This inquiry has been a sham, a charade. Theresa May made a lot of promises, she has not kept one of them.'

Lord Macdonald and Mr Emmerson are both members of Matrix Chambers in London.

The row comes after it emerged the inquiry is receiving as many as 100 fresh allegations every week.

More than 17.9million of taxpayer's cash has already been spent, but the inquiry, which will examine sex abuse claims at dozens of institutions, is yet to hear evidence.

Mr Mansfield said the troubled probe needed an urgent overhaul and that a lawyer must be appointed to help chairwoman Professor Jay oversee it.

He said he was 'very willing to consider' being co-chair of the inquiry, which he said needed to be shaken up.

He said: 'This has been chaotic from the beginning, appalling appointments made without any consultation - that's the real problem.

'Survivors have not been consulted on each of these appointments and they were, certainly up until the present, they have been catastrophic.

'So there should have been far more consultation not just about the terms of reference but about how it's going to be managed.

'It is the most challenging public inquiry probably there has been historically and it obviously needs to be broken up into, I would say, rather obvious parts.

'First of all you have to deal with how do you investigate and record and bring about accountability for historic offences and incidents and events.

'And then you have to have another part dealing with the future.'

He said a lawyer should be appointed to help Prof Jay steer it. Asked if he would take up the post, he said: 'I'm very willing to consider it, but that's another issue as to who they want to do it.

'But they need another lawyer at the top because there are legal decisions to be made, and I'm afraid the present chair isn't a lawyer.

'I think I'm saying there should be an overarching chair and a panel of different chairs all coordinated - just because you break it up doesn't mean to say you lose anything.

'And of course you want the truth, but one person cannot possibly cope with this as an overarching inquiry.'

David Enright, a solicitor representing 20 per cent of the core participants, has called for Mr Mansfield to be made co-chairman.

He said: 'The chair Professor Jay  does not have the legal experience to do this. [Mr Mansfield] is trusted by the victims and survivors and he has the gravitas and the ability  to drive this inquiry forward.

'The victims will be stunned and worried that yet again the wheels have come off the wagon.'

One victim, Phil Frampton said: 'All these changes cause devastating uncertainty and anxiety to survivors  Mansfield has the support of many survivors.'

Previous chair Dame Lowell Goddard (left) stood down having claimed she had become tainted by its 'legacy of failure'. The first chairwoman, Baroness Butler-Sloss (right), quit in 2014 amid claims late brother Michael Havers helped cover up abuse while attorney general

NO JUSTICE FOR ALLEGED VICTIMS OF CYRIL SMITH Greater Manchester Police launched a full criminal inquiry in July 2014 in the wake of a book by the town's MP, Simon Danczuk, which detailed alleged widespread abuse at Knowl View, a residential school, by Cyril Smith (pictured) and others No further action is to be taken after a police investigation into alleged sex abuse of young boys at a Rochdale school. Greater Manchester Police launched a full criminal inquiry in July 2014 in the wake of a book by the town's MP, Simon Danczuk, which detailed alleged widespread abuse at Knowl View, a residential school, by Cyril Smith and others. The book claimed there had been a cover up by Rochdale council and a failure by police to investigate persistent calims of abuse at the now closed Bamford school between the 1960s and 90s. In September 2015 GMP confirmed they had sent a file on their investigation to the Crown Prosecution Service. But the inquiry has now closed - with just one person, who is to face trial in December, being charged. In a statement GMP said; 'Operation Jaguar was launched following reports of both physical and sexual abuse that took place at Knowl View residential school for boys from 1969 until the school closed in 1995. 'Between April 2014 and April 2015, 13 files with multiple allegations were submitted by Greater Manchester Police to the Crown Prosecution Service relating to 27 suspects and 16 victims, of both physical and sexual offences. 'In 2016, the CPS communicated their decision to GMP on the final one of the 13 files that was still under review. No further action will be taken in relation to this allegation. 'In May 2016, a further file was submitted to the CPS and in August 2016, the CPS advised that there was insufficient evidence to support a prosecution. No further action will be taken in relation to this allegation.' Advertisement

Mr Emmerson's departure will raise further questions about the Prime Minister's judgment in setting up the inquiry.

The vacancy could prove difficult to fill as a widely held view in the legal community is that the scope of the inquiry is unmanageably wide.

Tory MP James Berry, who sits on the Home Affairs Select Committee and was a barrister in the Leveson Inquiry, told Today another experienced and intelligent lawyer can be found to assist the inquiry.

The departure of Ben Emmerson, who has carried the bulk of its work for months, is a categorical disaster. It will be enormously difficult to find another lawyer of stature willing to swallow this poison pill in the absence of a total redesign Lord Macdonald QC, ex-director of public prosecutions Lord Macdonald QC, ex-director of public prosecutions

He said: 'The chair decides who to appoint as counsel to the inquiry; obviously the current chair didn't appoint Mr Emmerson.

'It has to be someone who is competent for the role who gets on with the chair.'

He dismissed calls for the inquiry to be split up, saying an overarching probe is needed to make meaningful recommendations.

Mr Emmerson is a 53-year-old deputy High Court judge, and was the British judge on the war crimes tribunals in Rwanda and Yugoslavia. He also represented the widow of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko in her legal battle to secure an inquiry into his murder.

Mr Emmerson was paid was paid a staggering 408,000 last year  almost double what Professor Jay earns. She is paid a salary of 185,000 and receives an accommodation allowance of 35,000.

Professor Jay has said: 'I am confident we can adapt our working methods to make our task more manageable and to progress with our work more quickly.'

Amber Rudd has also defended the scale of the inquiry, saying the original terms of reference were 'the right ones'.

A Home Office source said there would be 'no change' to the inquiry's focus.
Cornell University students could have all restrooms stocked with free tampons and pads thanks to a student-sponsored referendum that passed in a landslide this week.

The move comes as 78.6 per cent of more than 3,000 participants voted in favor of making the feminine sanitary products available for free in all campus bathrooms.

Students voted to have the menstrual products offered in both women's and men's restrooms on campus to be inclusive of transgender people.

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Cornell University students voted to have all campus restrooms stocked with tampons and pads thanks to a student-sponsored referendum that passed in a landslide this week

The #freethetampon initiative was introduced this week on the Student Assembly election only weeks after Brown University announced it was implementing a similar program, The Cornell Review reported.

The referendum was passed on Tuesday by the Student Assembly.

'This referendum shows that there truly is overwhelming support for this,' sophomore Matthew Indimine and Student Assembly executive vice president told The Cornell Daily Sun.

'Three thousand and thirty four students voted in favor of passing an initiative towards gender equity.

'I'm excited for the next steps, and hope that this momentum continues.'

The referendum to provide free feminie hygiene products (stock photo) in all campus bathrooms was passed on Tuesday by the Student Assembly

Student Assembly president and junior Jordan Berger said she while she was anticipated the referendum would pass, she did not expect a large margin of votes in favor of the initiative

'I worked with the Women's Resource Center to get this referendum on the ballot,' she told The Cornell Daily Sun.

'They had many supporters so I was not very surprised that it passed, but I was surprised that it passed by such a large margin.'

In statements in support of the initiative, several students wrote that menstrual products are essential and should be available for free.

In statements in support of the initiative (shown above), several students wrote that menstrual products are essential and should be available for free

As for those who voted against the initiative (shown above), some said it could make men who do not need to use the menstrual products uncomfortable

'Tampons and napkins are one in a category of supplies that are so essential, they should be available for free,' one student wrote on the Cornell Assemblies Elections page.

'Its for the same reason that bathrooms offer free toilet paper and offices have free tissue boxes.'

Another student wrote: 'This is a basic human right, like water and shelter.'

As for those who voted against the initiative, some said it could make men who do not need to use the menstrual products uncomfortable.

'I think these products should be available in female bathrooms; however, I do not believe there should be any in male bathrooms,' one student wrote.

The argument that tampons are a necessity is one that is being made across the country in efforts to stop taxing feminine hygiene products. Pictured is a protester in New York

'If they are available in mens bathrooms, it could make it very uncomfortable for men because they are not needing those items.

'I understand that some women identify as men and might use the mens bathroom, but I feel that if they are on their period, they should use the womens bathroom at those times.'

'The university has no business paying for hygiene products beyond toilet paper and soap, first of all, and second of all, men have no need for these products,' another student wrote.
Federal agents apprehended a Brooklyn man at New Yorks John Kennedy Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle a kilo of cocaine inside a pack of fudge candy.

The suspect, Noel Llewellyn, who works for Delta Airlines, landed in New York from Trinidad on Tuesday, according to the New York Daily News.

As Llewellyn, 64, was going through customs, agents noticed something unusual in his suitcase  four packs of Tortuga chocolate rum fudge.

When the agents looked closer, they noticed a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.

Agents noticed something unusual in Noel Llewellyn's suitcase  four packs of Tortuga chocolate rum fudge, seen above

A close-up of the drugs concealed in the chocolate. Llewellyn told agents that his sister-in-law was the one who packed the boxes of fudge

The federal government officially filed a criminal complaint against Llewellyn in Brooklyn Federal Court, the Daily News reported.

Llewellyn told agents that his sister-in-law was the one who packed the boxes of fudge.

Llewellyn has been known to frequently travel to and from Trinidad and Tobago.

He says he does so in order to take advantage of an employee discount offered by his employer Delta Airlines.

The suspect was freed on $100,000 bail.
It was supposed to be a friendly gesture from one English village to their neighbours in France.

However the innocent act of erecting a French and European flag raised eyebrows as it was put up next to the home of chief Brexiteer Liam Fox.

Now the neighbours who installed the flags to welcome residents from their twinned village in France have taken them down as they were so fed up with the suggestion they were to do with the vote to leave the European Union.

Liam Fox's neighbours have now taken down these flags as they were so fed up with having to deny they were put up to provoke the Chief Brexiteer next-door

The flags were erected to welcome French residents who arrived from Tickenham's twinned town of Aigne, near Le Mans, the neighbours said

The flags had been put up in the leafy and affluent Somerset village of Tickenham, close to where Dr Fox lives in his 735,000 house.

They were erected by the chairman of the Tickenham Twinning Association which organises exchanges with residents from the French town of Aigne, near Le Mans.

Speaking outside her home today, chair Sue Bracey said it was 'absolutely ridiculous' and atrocious' to suggest the flags were there to provoke the Conservative MP who is leading the Brexit negotiations.

She said: 'It has got nothing to do with Liam. Recently we had a visit from our French family. 'We all put the French flags up when they visit. It is just a French flag and a European flag.

'It has got nothing to do with my next-door neighbour.'

She added: 'It is my property and nothing to do with anyone else, just because I live next door to someone who is important.

'It's nothing to do with him and it not a reflection of my views of him or anything.'

She added: 'I think that all this is absolutely ridiculous. I think it is atrocious. I'm really upset that all this has happened.

Her husband told MailOnline he had now taken down the flags as he was fed up with people suggesting it was to do with Brexit decision.

He added: 'If I so wish to fly a flag I will do so. They were put up before the EU referendum. Liam is a hard working MP and a good neighbour.'

He declined to say which way he had voted in the European Union referendum.

Neighbours in the village said Dr Fox would see the funny side to the flags being put up near his home

Villagers said Dr Fox - who today dropped the strongest hint yet that Britain will ditch the EU's single market - would see the funny side of the flag debacle.

Mike Woodey, a parish councillor, told MailOnline: 'Everyone is entitled to their own view, but in a Conservative-type village I am quite surprised.

'I would say most people in the village are true to the UK.

'The village is amenable to everyone's views. If they wanted to fly European flags people wouldn't be upset but would find it a bit surprising.

Tickenham is a wealthy village in North Somerset and mainly consists of grand detached houses and elite farmhouses

'Poor old Liam. But he has a good sense of humour so I think he will see the funny side to it.'

One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, told MailOnline: 'We were very upset by the vote to leave the European Union but most people in the village like Liam Fox. He's very popular here. I've met him a few times and he seems a nice chap.

'I myself wouldn't put flags up outside my house. I hope Mr Fox will laugh it off and just ignore it.'

Tickenham is a wealthy ornate village in North Somerset and mainly consists of grand detached houses and elite farmhouses.

There are several fruit farms and orchards in the village, and it has a primary school and a church (of St. Quiricus and St. Julietta) that dates back to the 11th century.

MailOnline has contacted Dr Fox for a response to the flags next-door to his home.

Dr Fox said today the UK would become a 'newly independent member' of the World Trade Organisation and take an 'axe to red tape across borders'

Speaking today in Manchester Dr Fox told business leaders Brexit was a 'golden opportunity' and the UK would be in a 'prime position to be a global leader in free trade'.

The minister, who previously found himself in trouble with No 10 for his candid remarks, said Britain lost its independent seat on the WTO when it joined the European bloc in 1973.
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The victim killed in the horrific train accident that left 112 people injured when it crashed at a 'high rate of speed' into the Hoboken, New Jersey train station Thursday morning has been identified as a 34-year-old mother-of-one.

Fabiola Bittar de Kroon is the woman who died in the tragic rush hour accident after the No. 1614 Pascack Valley line train barreled into the terminal around 8.30am and crashed, according to the state medical examiner's office.

The mother had just dropped her toddler daughter off at daycare Thursday morning before rushing to the Hoboken Terminal.

'She was dropping off the daughter, I was closing up the stroller,' daycare director Karlos Magner recalled, CBS News reported. 'We had a good talk for like a minute. And she said she was in a rush.'

Officials said de Kroon was standing on the platform at the time of the accident.

De Kroon's husband was out of town on business and their child was at daycare at the time of the horrific accident. He is returning back to town.

Global software company SAP confirmed that de Kroon, a native of Brazil, previously worked there as a lawyer in a statement to DailyMail.com.

'SAP is profoundly saddened and shaken by the news of today's train crash in New Jersey,' the company said.

'We can confirm Fabiola Bittar De Kroon was an SAP employee with our legal department in Brazil but left our company earlier this year. We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those impacted by today's tragic event.'

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Tragic: Fabiola Bittar de Kroon (pictured) is the woman who died in the tragic rush hour accident, according to the state medical examiner's office. Officials said de Kroon was standing on the platform when the No. 1614 Pascack Valley line train barreled into the terminal

De Kroon's husband was out of town on business and their child was at daycare at the time of the horrific accident. He is returning back to town. Global software company SAP confirmed the Brazil native previously worked there as a lawyer

De Kroon is pictured left on her wedding day and right in a Facebook photo. De Kroon and her family had just recently moved to New Jersey, according to a post on the Hoboken Mommies Facebook page dated August 5

Thomas Gallagher (pictured), 48, was the conductor of the No. 1614 Pascack Valley line train that crashed around 8:30am after leaving Spring Valley, New York at 7:23am. It was scheduled to arrive in Hoboken at 8:38am

A witness at the scene said that he found Gallagher (pictured above with his wife) slumped over at the controls of the train. He is said to be cooperating with authorities who are questioning him, as he has been released from the hospital

A woman is seen lying on the ground next to the crashed train as NJ Transit workers survey the damage

A woman using an oxygen mask is helped by a Port Authority police officer at the chaotic scene

A passenger who was travelling on the crashed train is seen on the floor of a parking lot with a neck brace

De Kroon and her family had just recently moved to New Jersey from Brazil where she was working for SAP. The family moved to the US because her husband got a job with an international liquor company.

'Mommies, we are planning a day trip to the beach this weekend with public transportation,' she wrote in a post on the Hoboken Mommies Facebook page dated August 5.

'Just moved to NJ, so no idea which beach would be nice in a fair distance (traveling with a 18 months baby). Any tips? TIA!!'

De Kroon is seen in a Facebook photo with her husband

Daycare director Maria Sharp said the mother-of-one was always involved with her daughter and wanted to know how she was doing academically.

'You just saw a smile on her face every time she came to pick up her daughter,' Sharp said, 'and that's what I keep seeing.'

Cecilia Marques said she was saddened and shocked by the news of de Kroon's death. The pair worked together at a company that specialized in travel to Brazil.

'I am speechless and feel like the world stopped for some moments,' Marques said.

'I had the privilege to get to know and work with Fabiola for some years, and I can say she was a great, talented, big and genuine heart.'

The engineer of the train that had left Spring Valley, New York at 7:23am has also been identified as 48-year-old Thomas Gallagher. He was found slumped over at the controls of the train after the accident, but has been released from the hospital.

People are treated for their injuries in the parking lot after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal

A commuter holds a bloody tissue to his face as he talks to a medic outside of Hoboken Terminal

Some of the hundreds of passengers hurt in the crash are assessed by emergency workers outside the station

At an afternoon press conference, Gov. Chris Christie described the crash as a 'tragic accident' and said Gallagher is cooperating with investigators.

Gallagher has worked for NJ Transit for 29 years, and a union roster shows he started as an engineer about 18 years ago. Neighbors describe Gallagher and his family as good people.

Investigators will examine the engineer's performance and the condition of the train, track and signals, among other things.

Passengers said the train never slowed down as it approached the station, crashing at a 'high-rate of speed' into the terminal which tens of thousands of people use to travel into New York City every day.

Law enforcement have said that the crash did not appear to be deliberate or an act of terrorism, however the exact cause is still under investigation. It's unclear how fast the train was going when it crashed into the terminal, but it should have not been going faster than 10mph while entering the terminal.

The National Transportation Safety Board has sent investigators to the scene to investigate the cause of the crash. Investigators will be looking into whether the driver made an error or if there was perhaps a fault with the train.

William Blaine, another train engineer who witnessed the crash, told NBC New York that he was with emergency responders when they found the engineer slumped over in his chair.

When asked what could have led the train to crash into the station at such speed, Blaine speculated that the engineer may have suffered a heart attack, was sleeping or wasn't paying attention.

New Jersey governor Chris Christie speaks to media as New York governor Andrew Cuomo (right) looks on after a New Jersey Transit train derailed and crashed through the station in Hoboken, New Jersey

A train car is pictured in an aerial photo inside the New Jersey Transit Hoboken Terminal following a train crash in Hoboken

A passenger is taken away from the scene on a stretcher by paramedics

The Manhattan skyline is seen behind the Hoboken rail station after the crash which left scores injured

Emergency vehicles are seen parked outside the station in Hoboken. The NTSB is investigating what happened

Emergency personnel gather in front of the Hoboken Train Station after the horrific crash

CONSTRUCTION WORKER DESCRIBES HORRIFIC CRASH Construction worker Charles Frazer had just ordered breakfast inside the station cafe when he heard a 'large boom'. 'I saw the tail-end of the train, he said. 'It was going too fast. 'If I hadn't seen it I would have thought it was a bomb exploding. I was like ''holy s***''. 'Steel beams from the roof came crashing down on the first two carriages. Windows were popping out. 'People were trying to get out of the windows. There were live wires everywhere. 'A man was shouting at them to stay inside. They could have been electrocuted. 'A woman with a big gash on her leg crawled out. I picked her up and carried her to the sidewalk. There was blood everywhere. 'The cops and EMTs were on the scene very quickly. They started to get people out. It was very traumatic.' Advertisement

There's a bumper at the end of each track that stops trains from crashing into the station, but the train was going so fast that it pushed right over the bumper into the reception area where people wait for trains.

'It came in at a high rate of speed, went through the bumper block, through the air, took the ceiling out. It was horrific. It was an explosion of concrete, dust, electrical wires,' a NJ Transit worker said.

The train involved in the crash was allegedly lacking a new piece of technology, called positive train control (PTC), that could have automatically slowed it down as it entered the terminal.

All NJ Transit trains are supposed to be outfitted with PTC technology by December 31, 2018, but not a single train has been updated and no employees have been trained on it, a government report reveals.

The CEO of Jersey City Medical Center said at a press conference that they had taken many of the injured. Three were in serious condition in the trauma unit, eight were being treated for less-serious injuries in the emergency rooms, and 40 'walking wounded' were transported by bus to the hospital and were being treated in the cafeteria for more minor injuries.

As of 4.30pm on Thursday, only 13 people remained hospitalized at Jersey City Medical. Those 13 are in 'serious' condition, but are expected to survive their injuries.

The rest of the patients are being treated at CarePoint hospital in Hoboken.

Many survivors took to Twitter to express their good luck at surviving the crash uninjured.

'I owe my life to God today. He has a purpose for me. That train missed me by feet! I'm still in shock' Twitter user @Mark_Antonious said.

One witness said that the train actually 'flew through the air' as it crashed into the terminal.

'The first thing I heard was the explosion of it hitting the bumper block,' NJ Transit employee Michael Larsen told the New York Times. 'The first half of the first car took most of the damage.'

Nancy Bido said she was in the middle of the train when the crash happened.

A man covered in a medical blanket is taken away in a stretcher after the fatal train crash in Hoboken

Emergency workers help an injured passenger into the back of an ambulance in Hoboken

An injured woman is evacuated from the New Jersey train station after the deadly crash. Witnesses said some passengers were trapped under concrete on the platform

A man is seen being treated by EMTS in the parking lot of Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey. Most of the injured were triaged at the scene

A firefighter and an EMT carry a passenger into the back of an ambulance in the midst of the huge emergency response

Passengers run to safety through debris after the NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal

Commuters were forced to run across the tracks at the busy commuter station after the crash

A man at the scene appeared to be covered in blood after the early morning train crash

Commuters on the platform at Hoboken Terminal look at the debris from the damaged roof

Donald Trump voiced his condolences to those injured in the tragedy early Thursday on Twitter

'It just never stopped. It was going really, really fast,' Bido said. 'Basically the terminal was the brake for the train'.

Photos from the scene show that the train brought down part of the canopy of the train station, with poles and wires ripped from the ceiling.

It just never stopped. It was going really, really fast. Basically, the terminal was the brake for the train Crash survivor Nancy Bido

Another passenger, Bhagyesh Shah, said that a lot of people were standing in the first two cars of the train, since those cars are closest to the exit leading to the PATH train.

He says passengers in the second car had to break windows to get out of the train

'I saw a woman pinned under concrete,' Shah said. 'A lot of people were bleeding; one guy was crying.'

Shah himself gets on the train at Secaucus and usually stands near the window, but stood at the back of the train on Thursday.

'The next thing I know, we are plowing through the platform,' Shah said. 'It was for a couple seconds, but it felt like an eternity.'

NJ Transit employees look at the damaged to the train. Part of the station's roof collapsed and caused chaos during rush hour

Sections of the collapsed roof are seen on the platform of Hoboken station in New Jersey in the aftermath of the crash

A carriage of the NJ Transit train is seen through the wreckage. Around 28,000 people use Hoboken station every day

Passengers are seen being treated on the side of the road outside of Hoboken terminal

An ambulance leaves the scene of a train accident at the Hoboken Terminal on Thursday morning

A flood of ambulances arrived at the scene after the train slammed into a platform

A passenger who spoke to ABC News says the crash was like 'something I've never seen before'.

'We had just left Secaucus and that's where about half or if not more than half of the train gets off the car to transfer to New York [Penn Station],' Corey Futterman said.

'We were approaching Hoboken and the train did not seem to be slowing down whatsoever and then all of a sudden everything just crashed and shook,' he added.

When Futterman got out of his train car, he says he walked out into a train station thrown into chaos.

'I immediately saw like the roof caved in and the car was on top of the platform and it was wires everywhere and total destruction inside. And chaos,' he said. 'People were freaking out and crying. People's faces were bloody.'

PTC SAFETY TECHNOLOGY WAS MISSING FROM TRAIN INVOLVED IN DEADLY HOBOKEN CRASH The train that plowed into Hoboken station killing one and injuring more than one hundred people was missing the technology created to prevent major collisions. Positive Train Control (PTC), which combines satellite and computer data to monitor train movements and prevent them from going too fast or hitting other locomotives on the track. The PTC can override an engineer's actions - or lack thereof if, for any reason, they are unable to take control of the train. A mandatory report by Federal Railroad Administration revealed that the life-saving technology is not installed on any NJ Transit locomotives. Computer algorithms calculate the distance between a red light and a train. If a train is moving too fast for an engineer to stop safely, the backup safety system intervenes and automatically applies the brakes. 'It will not allow you to violate a speed restriction, a work-zone restriction or a red signal,' Joseph Szabo, a former head of the Federal Railroad Administration, told AFP. 'It just won't let you violate it.' The National Transportation Safety Board has been calling for the national implementation of positive train controls for decades. The board has said that over that time it has investigated at least 145 PTC-preventable accidents in which about 300 people were killed and 6,700 injured. An investigation into a 2008 crash between a Metrolink passenger train and a freight train in Chatsworth, north of Los Angeles, which killed 25 people and injured 135 others, found the collision could have been avoided if PTC had been installed. Following the tragedy, politicians passed a law requiring the nation's main rail firms to implement a safety system by the end of 2015. But progress has been painfully slow and last year, Congress passed a bill that grants a three-year extension to railroads before they have to install the long-sought safety technology. The bill granted railroads until December 31, 2018, to install the expensive technology, and they can seek a waiver for up to another two years if needed. Advertisement

A passenger named Jamie was in standing in the area between the first and second trains when the crash happened.

'We never really slowed down. It was the standard speed when it's going from point A to point B.

'We knew [something was wrong] because we saw that we were in the station already. But I'm not sure why it didn't slow down or if it did and he tried to brake and it didn't happened.

'We didn't see anything because the lights went off. It was more than a jolt. Everyone was thrown to the side,' Jamie said.

Jason Danady told the New York Times that there was a loud noise just before the crash.

'From the fifth car, it felt like a major skid,' he said. 'A creaking noise and a skid. I was lucky to be on the fifth car.'

When he got off the train, Danahy says he saw 'bloody noses' and 'people crying'.

Ross Bauer, an IT specialist who was heading to his Manhattan job from his home in Hackensack, was sitting in the third or fourth car when the train was pulling into the historic 109-year-old station for its final stop.

'All of a sudden, there was an abrupt stop and a big jolt that threw people out of their seats. The lights went out, and we heard a loud crashing noise  like an explosion  that turned out to be the roof of the terminal,' he said. 'I heard panicked screams, and everyone was stunned.'

Brian Klein, whose train arrived at the station after the crash, told The Wall Street Journal that transit police ushered everyone aboard his train into a waiting room, 'then quickly started yelling, 'Just get out! We don't know if the building is going to hold.''

Emergency services filled the roads outside the station after what was described as a 'mass casualty event'

An aerial image of the terminal shows the devastating structural damage on the roof

The massive emergency response to the crash is seen from above Hoboken station. Early reports said hundreds were hurt

A New Jersey Transit train crashed into the Hoboken Train Station early Thursday morning

Law enforcement sources tell NBC New York that as many as thirty people were injured

Witnesses at the scene say it was the Pascack Valley train that caused the mass injury incident

A green beam was brought down by the NJ Transit train Thursday morning

An aerial shot shows emergency vehicles cramming into the parking lot outside the station

Emergency officials walk toward the Hoboken Terminal following the deadly train crash during the morning rush hour

A helicopter drops off emergency workers near Hoboken Terminal in the middle of the huge response

All trains service in and out of the station were suspended in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

While NJ Transit train traffic at the station will be suspended for the foreseeable future, as officials evaluate the damage to the terminal, PATH train service to and from Manhattan have been cleared to start again for the evening rush hour.

The Hoboken Terminal, which handles more than 50,000 train and bus riders daily, is just across the Hudson River from New York City.

It is the final stop for several train lines and a transfer point for many commuters on their way to New York City. Many passengers get off at Hoboken and take ferries or a PATH commuter train to New York.

I immediately saw like the roof caved in and the car was on top of the platform and it was wires everywhere and total destruction inside. And chaos. People were freaking out and crying. People's faces were bloody. Corey Futterman

About 28,335 people take the PATH train into New York City from Hoboken every day.

Hoboken is NJ Transit's fifth busiest train station, with an estimated 15,000 riders a day.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who was in Washington, DC, phoned in to ABC News around noon on Thursday to discuss his government's response to the crash.

He says he is working closely with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on addressing the issue. He says he is focusing on coordinating increased ferry service from New York to Hoboken for the evening commute.

Gov. Cuomo has cancelled his planned trip to Israel, for the funeral of Shimon Peres, to be on hand to deal with the crash.

A crash at the same station on a different train line injured more than 30 people in 2011. The PATH commuter train crashed into bumpers at the end of the tracks on a Sunday morning.

The Hoboken Terminal, which was built in 1907 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has undergone waves of restoration, including a major project launched by NJ Transit in April 2004 that largely restored the building to its original condition. The station was extensively damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and underwent major repairs.

Commuters look up at the damaged roof and the front of the train at Hoboken Terminal

A crowd of emergency workers are seen waiting outside the station after the crash

Passengers are seen on the platform at Hoboken station after the crash forced services to be cancelled. The horrifying incident impacted thousands of commuters in the Tri-state area

An entrance to the station is blocked off and guarded by emergency workers as authorities investigate the crash scene

The crash appears to have happened around 8:30am, a heavy transit time for the station

NJ Police officers and NJ firefighters arrive at the train terminal after the New Jersey Transit train crashed

Commuters are left stranded outside the station after the crash disrupted their morning journeys

A police officer unwinds crime scene tape as he closes one of the entrances to the Hoboken Terminal

Photos from the scene show that the train brought down part of the station's canopy, leaving beams and wires exposed

All train travel in and out of the station has been halted. However, commuters in NJ can still travel into New York City on the PATH via the New Port and Exchange Place stations

Hundreds of commuters were left stranded after the early morning train crash in Hoboken
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump sounded like he was strongly against German President Angela Merkel before he said he was for her.

Trump got asked on NECN cable Friday to name his favorite world leader  and inexplicably came up with Merkel, a leader he has slammed on the campaign trail and used as cudgel to warn of the dangers posed by Hillary Clinton.

Asked to pick a favorite leader, Trump didn't take long to reach for the leader who has topped lists of the world's most powerful women.

'Well, I think Merkel is a really great world leader, but I was very disappointed that when she  this move with the whole thing on immigration,' Trump told the station.

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Donald Trump heaped praise on German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while also faulting her immigration policy, in unexpected comments when he was asked to name his favorite world leader

'I think it's a big problem and really, you know, to look at what she's done in the last year and a half. I was always a Merkel person. I thought really fantastic. But I think she made a very tragic mistake a year and a half ago,' he said.

Last month, Trump didn't sound like such a Merkel fan.

'Hillary Clinton is running to be America's Angela Merkel, and we've seen how much crime and how many problems that's caused the German people,' the candidate said.

Libertarian Party presidential candidate had a self-described 'Aleppo moment' when he couldn't come up with a single world leader he admired. He previously blanked about the war-ravaged Syrian city

ADMIRER: Hillary Clinton named Merkel as her favorite leader  perhaps mindful that Trump has mocked her as the 'next' Merkel

THERE'S ALSO THIS GUY: Trump could have mentioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he has hailed and who like Trump warns of the perils of the U.S. nuclear deal with Iran

UNBREAKABLE BOND: Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Trump Tower this weekend, as reflected in this official Israeli government photo

Trump made the comments about Merkel in a local TV interview after speaking at a rally in Bedford, New Hampshire

SAUER GRAPES? Trump lost out to Germany's Angela Merkel as person of the year despite getting interviewed

Also advertising her membership in the Merkel fan club was Hillary Clinton, who yesterday also named her as her top leader.

'Oh, let me think. No, look, I like a lot of the world leaders. One of my favorites is Angela Merkel, because I think she's been an extraordinary strong leader during difficult times in Europe which has obvious implications for the rest of the world, most particularly our country,' she said.

'I've known her for a long time, she and I have known each other back into the 1990s. I've spent a lot of time with her and I hope that I'll have the opportunity to work with her in the future,' Clinton said.

One reason Trump might have reached for is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he met with this weekend at Trump Tower in New York.
Israeli security forces are on high alert with world leaders set to gather for the funeral of former president Shimon Peres.

Eight thousand officers will be on duty as US President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck and Britain's Prince Charles attending.

Most will be arriving at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and travelling the 40 minutes by road to Jerusalem, and President Obama and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau are already airborne.

Eight thousand officers will be on duty as US President Barack Obama (pictured), French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck and Britain's Prince Charles attending

Most will be arriving at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and travelling the 40 minutes by road to Jerusalem, and President Obama and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau n(pictured) are already airborne

Former US President Bill Clinton, who knew Peres well in his time in office, stood between Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (left), and Knesset chairman Yuli Edelstein (right)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pays his respects to the former president at a solumn ceremony in Jerusalem this morning

Thousands gathered to pay their respects as Israel's former Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres lay in state outside parliament (pictured)

In a rare visit to Jerusalem, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas is also expected to attend the funeral for Nobel Peace Prize winner Peres, who died Wednesday at 93 two weeks after a major stroke.

The main road into Jerusalem will be closed off to the public for the hours immediately before and after the state funeral, which is taking place at the Mount Herzl national cemetery.

Enhanced security will be in place throughout, with 8,000 officers taking part in the operation, police said.

The Shin Bet internal security service will also deploy hundreds of officers, some of them under cover, a statement said.

'This operation consists of police preparations held in a short time,' Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said in a statement after carrying out an assessment.

'We are in a sensitive period, including terrorist threats,' he added, saying officers were on 'high alert'.

The funeral is taking place on a Friday, part of the weekend in Israel, and ahead of the Jewish New Year, or Rosh Hashanah, beginning Sunday evening.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, run by Islamist movement Hamas, were also calling for demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the start of the second intifada in 2000.

The Israel Airports Authority said they were expecting 750 takeoffs and landings in a 24-hour period, compared to an average of around 400.

'When you are doing an operation with these people from oversees, from Prince Charles to Obama, it is a huge operation in security,' a spokesman said.

Ofer Zalzberg, senior analyst with the International Crisis Group think-tank, said security forces had likely been working on plans since Peres had a stroke on September 13.

Thousands of mourners lined the streets to lay wreaths for former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres ahead of his funeral in Jerusalem today

Scores of foreign leaders, including President Barack Obama, are expected at the funeral at Israel's national cemetery in Jerusalem

The funeral is expected to be the largest such gathering in Israel since the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, assassinated by a Jewish nationalist in 1995

Peres died Wednesday from complications following a stroke. He was 93

Ultra Orthodox Jew passing during a memorial ceremony held for the late Shimon Peres the public at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in Jerusalem, Israel

People line up to pay respects to former Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Knesset plaza in Jerusalem

Peres was admitted to hospital to the Sheba Medical Centre on Tuesday, September 13, after suffering a stroke, and passed away a fortnight later at the age of 93

Israelis waiting in line to pass the coffin of former Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Knesset, Israel's Parliament

sraeli honor guards stand next to the coffin of the late Shimon Peres during a memorial ceremony held for the public at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in Jerusalem, Israel

Thousands of mourners lined the streets to lay wreaths for former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres ahead of his funeral in Jerusalem today.

It is expected to be the largest such gathering in Israel since the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, assassinated by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.

Peres died Wednesday from complications following a stroke. He was 93.

Former US President Bill Clinton has joined Israeli leaders and crowds of mourners paying their respects to former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, whose body is lying in state ahead of his funeral today.

Mr Clinton joined Israel's President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein and opposition leader Isaac Herzog lay wreaths beside Peres's flag-draped coffin at a plaza outside parliament this morning, where it will remain until 9pm.

None of the leaders said a word in the solemn, silent ceremony.

Bill Clinton bows his head and pays his final respects at the coffin of Shimon Peres. Mr Clinton knew Mr Peres well and they worked closely on the Middle East peace process

Shimon Peres is pictured (left) shaking hands with the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in 2001. Peres, Arafat and the third Nobel Peace Prize winner Yitzhak Rabin are all now dead. Rabin was assassinated by a Jewish settler angered by the Oslo peace accords they had agreed

Mr Clinton follows Israel's President Reuben Rivlin as they file past the coffin of Mr Peres, one of the most famous politicians in Israel

Former US President Bill Clinton (left) flew in to pay his respects. Mr Clinton (right, flanked by Israel's President Reuven Rivlin and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein) was President when Mr Peres won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994

Knesset honor guards stand next to a portrait of late Shimon Peres during a memorial ceremony held for the public today

SHIMON PERES: HOW FATHER OF THE NEW ISRAEL HAD AN UNPRECEDENTED SEVEN DECADES IN POLITICS In an unprecedented seven-decade political career, Shimon Peres has filled nearly every position in Israeli public life. Shimon Perski is born on Aug. 2, 1923 in Vishneva, then part of Poland. He moves to pre-state Palestine in 1934 with his immediate family and later enters politics where he becomes a protege of Israel's founding father David Ben-Gurion. In 1952, at age 29, he becomes the youngest person ever to serve as director-general of Israel's Defense Ministry. There he is credited with arming Israel's military almost from scratch and creating what is widely believed to be a nuclear arsenal. Shimon Peres pours water into a glass and hands it to Palestinian leader Yasser Arrafat at a symposium on the Middle East at the UNESCO in Paris in 1995 In 1959, Peres is first elected to the Knesset, Israel's parliament, serving almost uninterrupted until 2007. He is appointed deputy defense minister. In 1969, he is appointed minister of immigrant absorption, the first in a long line of Cabinet position to follow In 1977, he suffers defeat while running for prime minister, losing to Menachem Begin, whose Likud party rises to power for the first time. In 1984, he finally becomes prime minister after tying with Likud's Yitzhak Shamir and agreeing to share the job in a rotation. As prime minister, he disentangles Israeli troops from Lebanon and rescues the economy from triple-digit inflation.  In 1992, he becomes foreign minister in the Labor party-led government, serving under his longtime rival Yitzhak Rabin. Together they work to forge the first peace accord with the Palestinians and a peace accord with Jordan. In 1994, they share the Nobel Peace Prize with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. In 1995, after Rabin is assassinated by a Jewish ultranationalist opposed to Israel's peace moves, Peres became acting prime minister. Just six months later he is defeated by Benjamin Netanyahu in elections. In 2007, he is elected president, a largely ceremonial role but one that earns him the kind of national admiration that eluded him throughout his lengthy career. In 2014, Peres completes his presidential term, remaining active at his peace center until suffering a debilitating stroke on Sept. 13. Advertisement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lays a wreath beside the flag-draped coffin of former Israeli President Shimon Peres

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin paid his last respects to Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, who died aged 93

After the politicians had paid their respects, several hundred mourners began making their way into the parliamentary grounds after passing through security checks.

A cordon kept them five metres from the coffin.

Peres's funeral will be attended by world leaders including US President Barack Obama, former US president Bill Clinton, French President Francois Hollande and German President Joachim Gauck.

Prince Charles will also be in attendance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands next to the flag-draped coffin of former president Shimon Peres, as he lies in state at the Knesset plaza

Members of the Knesset guard carry the coffin of former Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, in Jerusalem

It is expected to be the largest such gathering in Israel since the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.

More than 60 private planes are expected to arrive ahead of the ceremony.

Authorities are putting a major security operation in place ahead of the funeral at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl national cemetery.

The body of Shimon Peres will lie in state in Jerusalem until this evening ahead of his funeral today

Crowds of Israelis gathered as the flag-draped coffin of former president Shimon Peres is displayed at the Knesset plaza

An Israeli army officer lays a wreath as Knesset honor guards stand next to the coffin

Peres died at a hospital in Tel Aviv on Wednesday aged 93 after suffering a major stroke.

In a career spanning seven decades, he held nearly every major office, serving twice as prime minister and as president from 2007 to 2014.

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lays flowers on the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres
Jeremy Corbyns plan to spend more than 100billion a year creating a socialist state was condemned yesterday as a blueprint to bankrupt the nation.

The hard-Left Labour leader outlined his vision of 21st-century socialism in a conference speech to the party faithful, pledging to spend more on everything from education to housing.

But analysis by the Conservatives suggests it would increase costs for taxpayers and businesses, and John OConnell, of the TaxPayers Alliance, warned: This is a plan to bankrupt Britain.

Its staggering that anyone who lived through the 1970s can seriously think its a good idea to destroy the private sector through high levels of taxation and misguided intervention by politicians.

Families and businesses are already struggling with punitive taxes and sky-high bills, and this plan will only add to the burden.

In his speech on Wednesday, Mr Corbyn pledged full employment through job-creation projects costing 500billion over ten years, or 50billion a year.

He promised to build one million homes over five years, at a cost of 15billion a year.

He also said he would create a new National Education Service to deliver lifetime access to education and training, and bring back the 30-a-week education maintenance grant for sixth-formers.

The education pledges would cost a total of around 12billion a year, funded by higher corporation tax, the Tories say.

Mr Corbyn said his party would give the self-employed access to benefits such as maternity and paternity pay, which would cost at least 2billion a year.

Scrapping the work capability assessment that checks benefit claimants are as sick and disabled as they say could result in extra costs of 3billion a year.

The Labour leader also told business to spend more on research and development, almost doubling it to 3 per cent of GDP.

That would burden firms with 26billion of extra costs.

Businesses will also have to spend at least 1billion more on wages, thanks to Labours commitment to increase the minimum wage to more than 10 an hour.

A pledge to reinstate the migrant impact fund to help councils cope with increased demand for public services as a result of immigration will cost 50million a year.

Mr Corbyn also repeated Labours support for a new National Investment Bank to spend cash on better broadband, railways and energy infrastructure.

It will have around 500million over a decade, or 50million a year.

The plans are already fuelling a party rift, with former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie warning VAT and income tax would double.

The Labour leader also promised to renationalise all rail operating companies. This will cost 9.3billion in the first year and an unknown amount after that.

In addition, Mr Corbyn said he would allow town halls to borrow billions more than they can now.

In his speech on Wednesday, Mr Corbyn pledged full employment through job-creation projects costing 500billion over ten years, or 50billion a year

Professor Philip Booth, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: On full employment, we currently have record employment rates.

The policies he proposes would produce precisely the opposite of full employment  huge numbers being thrown on the scrapheap.

He added: Nationalised industries were a huge burden on the taxpayer and provided terrible services.

'Most of the delays on the railways are caused by the nationalised Network Rail, which owns the infrastructure.

'Why does he want to privatise the successful part of the system?
Sepoy  or Private  Khudadad Khan was one of tens of thousands of Indian soldiers who had been sent to the front line to help shore up the beleaguered men of the British Expeditionary Force

Ferocious fighting was raging all along the front line, with each side trying to gain territorial advantage.

It was late October 1914 during the First Battle of Ypres in western Belgium and the Germans had been bombarding the Allies for days in a frantic attempt to break through and take the vital Channel ports of Boulogne and Nieuwpoort, which were supplying the British and Empire troops. If they succeeded, the Allies' war would be over.

Bodies were piled high in the soggy, shallow British trenches that had been hastily scraped out in the rain. The smell of death filled the air.

The Germans, unleashing an onslaught of unprecedented ferocity, had just repulsed the advancing British 2nd Cavalry Division in the Hollebeke sector of the ancient city of Ypres. They were now driving the British back, and Allied lines  pushed out in a defensive bulge or 'salient' from Ypres  were dangerously stretched.

Too many Allied men had been lost and those still fighting were exhausted and ill-equipped, with misfiring weapons. As one officer remarked, 'the line that stood between the British Empire and ruin was composed of tired, haggard and unshaven men, unwashed, plastered with mud, many in little more than rags'. It seemed inevitable the Germans would push through.

But for the extraordinary actions of an Indian private and a small team of his fellow countrymen, who were manning a vital machine-gun post as the Germans advanced, the enemy might have succeeded in doing so.

Sepoy  or Private  Khudadad Khan was one of tens of thousands of Indian soldiers who had been sent to the front line to help shore up the beleaguered men of the British Expeditionary Force.

He will always have his place in the record books  because his fearlessness and heroism that day meant he became the first Indian to receive the VC, Britain's and the Commonwealth's most prestigious medal for courage in the face of the enemy.

Perhaps more important, he was the first Muslim soldier to be awarded the VC.

Last weekend, for the first time his gallantry and service medals went on public display at the gallery in the Imperial War Museum that bears my name.

Khan's story is one of awesome bravery under the most appalling conditions. But it is also of huge significance. For it highlights the immense contribution and sacrifice so many Muslim soldiers made for the Allied effort in that terrible conflict.

Khan was born in 1888 in an area of the Punjab in India which is now Pakistan. He had enlisted as a sepoy in the 129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis, Indian Army, in August 1914.

It was a time when the regiment was recruiting to send troops to Europe. These new recruits were despatched in their tens of thousands to the cold, rain-drenched and mud-ridden battlefields thousands of miles away, most still in tropical uniforms and hopelessly ill-prepared for the carnage the Germans had unleashed.

In a letter home, one sepoy stated simply: 'The shells are pouring like rain in a monsoon.' Another wrote: 'The corpses cover the country like sheaves of harvested corn.'

The 129th Baluchis, with whom Khan was serving as a machine-gunner, reached the front line in Belgium in October 1914, and went straight into action.

They were hampered from the start by those shallow trenches which provided little or no cover, by a lack of hand grenades and barbed wire to keep the enemy at bay, and by a dire shortage of men in the defensive line.

Meanwhile, the Germans had assembled a terrifying concentration of artillery firepower. Their plan was for a devastating bombardment to crush the British line, allowing the assault infantry to sweep through its ruined trenches.

Yet the enemy had not counted on the resolution of Khan and his Baluchis, who kept firing their two Maxim machine-guns as the Germans advanced. Early on October 31, one of the guns was destroyed in an attack that wounded a British officer.

Also hurt in that attack was Khan, 26, one of six men from his detachment who had been ordered to man the second Maxim gun.

Yet Khan shrugged off his injuries  wounds to an arm and a leg that were bleeding heavily  and continued to work his gun as German shells rained down on the six men.

One by one, his team  Havildar (Sergeant) Ghulam Mahomed, Sepoy Lal Sher, Sepoy Said Ahmed, Sepoy Kassib and Sepoy Afsar Khan  were killed by enemy fire, their bloodied and maimed bodies lying where they fell.

Before his position was completely overrun by the Germans, Khan managed to put the machine-gun out of action so that the prized weapon did not fall into enemy hands.

As the Germans descended, he feigned death  but then, under cover of darkness, eventually crawled back to rejoin his company and receive medical assistance.

Khan's story is one of awesome bravery under the most appalling conditions. But it is also of huge significance. For it highlights the immense contribution and sacrifice so many Muslim soldiers made for the Allied effort in that terrible conflict

During the battle, 164 Baluchis were killed or wounded, and 64 others were missing in action. A further three British officers were killed and three more wounded, while three Indian officers were killed and two wounded.

Khan's VC was announced in The London Gazette on December 7, 1914, when his brief citation stated:

'On 31st October, 1914, at Hollebeke, Belgium, the British Officer in charge of the detachment having been wounded, and the other gun put out of action by a shell, Sepoy Khudadad, though himself wounded, remained working his gun until all the other five men of the gun detachment had been killed.'

Although the citation places the act of bravery on October 31 (the date I have used in this article), a mass of evidence suggests the actual date of his VC action was October 30, a day earlier than officially stated.

Whatever the date, and despite the fact they were eventually over-run, the actions of Khan and his fellow Baluchis helped prevent the breakthrough the Germans were desperate to achieve.

Khan was the first Muslim soldier to be awarded the VC

It meant reinforcements had time to gather  and while the crucial Ypres village of Gheluvelt was lost as the line was temporarily broken, the Allies managed to recapture it and drive the German Army back. It meant they could restore their defensive line.

The Battle of Gheluvelt had presented the Germans with their greatest chance to reach those vital Belgian and French ports and seize victory. But they had failed.

Bloodied by their losses and exhausted by the intensity of the assault they had undertaken, they never came so close again.

Khan became the first Indian and Muslim to be awarded the VC under the terms of the Royal Warrant of 1911, which extended the award of the medal to native troops.

Previously, Indians who showed exceptional gallantry had received the Indian Order of Merit (1st class).

The other five men manning the second machine-gun received posthumous gallantry awards.

This recognition of their bravery could not be more relevant today, in a world in which a tiny minority of Muslims  those fighting for Islamic State, and extremists responsible for terrorists acts around the world  so tarnish their religion.

Now, more than ever, we need to recognise and give thanks for the many loyal and brave Muslims who have risked and sometimes given their lives for Britain and its Allies.

Only two years ago, two former heads of the Army  General Lord Dannatt and General Lord Richards  called for greater recognition of the bravery of Khudadad Khan as the first Muslim soldier to be awarded the VC. Their call was intended as a 'riposte' to the 'sickening extremism' of IS militants.

Make no mistake, Muslims made an immense contribution to the Allied effort during World War I, and beyond. Of the 1.3 million Indians who constituted the volunteer force during the 1914-18 global conflict, approximately 400,000 were Muslims.

It has been estimated that some 50,000 Indians were injured and 8,500 killed on the Western Front alone. Around a third to a half of them were Muslims, who fought  and sometimes died  alongside their Hindu and Sikh countrymen.

Many of those Muslims who were missing in action are named on the famous Menin Gate war memorial in Ypres, which stands as a reminder of those whose graves are unknown.

In my attempt to champion bravery and patriotism, I have built up the world's largest collection of VCs over the past 30 years: indeed in the past few days, it has hit the 200 mark.

The honour was created by Queen Victoria in 1856 to recognise the exceptional gallantry of British troops during the Crimean War. I treasure every VC in my collection along with the story of great gallantry that accompanies each one. In 1997, I became custodian of the first VC ever awarded to a Sikh: a rare inter-war decoration in recognition of the courage of Sepoy Ishar Singh during an ambush by Mahsud tribesman on the North-West Frontier in April 1921.

Now, nearly 20 years on, I feel equally privileged to have become the custodian of this first VC awarded to a Muslim. It means that of seven VCs awarded to Muslims, four are now in my collection.

As for our gravely wounded hero Sepoy Khan, he was shipped back to Britain at the beginning of November 1914 to be treated for his wounds at a hospital in Brighton.

He was too weak to attend a first planned investiture ceremony but, some three months on, received his VC from King George V at Buckingham Palace.

In 1917, Khan was promoted to become a commissioned officer, and after the war was promoted again to the equivalent of a captain  before retiring to work as a farmer in India.

Khudadad Khan died in 1971 aged 82, and lies buried in an unmarked grave in the Punjab in Pakistan.

But his name lives on, and can be seen engraved at the Memorial Gates at Hyde Park Corner, London, and on his statue at the Army Museum in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Now, at last, the medals recognising his gallantry can be seen, too  a stirring and very timely reminder of the sacrifice made by so many Muslims during some of Britain's darkest days.
A boy in China had to have his stomach pumped after he was forced to eat pencil lead by bullies at his school.

The 10-year-old named Liu Xinze was rushed to hospital after his family saw him vomiting a black substance at their home in Daqing, northern China's Heilongjiang province.

The boy had his stomached pumped on September 23 during a three-hour operation to remove the graphite, reported Huanqiu, an affiliation to People's Daily Online.

Horrifying: The 10-year old boy suffered nausea and dizziness after swallowing pencil ends

Liu is a third grade student at Daqing Petrochemical No.4 Elementary School.

According to the report, he felt sick after eating dinner with his family on September 23.

His sister said she was shocked to see him vomiting so violently.

She told a reporter from Heilongjiang Television Station: 'There were plenty of black substances in his vomit. I wondered if he had eaten Oreo biscuits.'

The boy then dashed to the toilet to throw up.

His sister added: 'We saw graphite in his vomit. It's still hard.'

Shocking: Several tiny bits of graphite can be spotted in the vomit of the boy

Liu was admitted into the Daqing Oilfield General Hospital to have his stomach pumped.

So much graphite was found in Liu's stomach that his stomach acid had turned black.

It took the doctors three hours to remove the pencil leads from his stomach.

When Liu's parents asked him why he had eaten graphite, a frightened Liu said: 'I was just hungry.'

However, after further probing, the child admitted that he had been bullied by two older female schoolmates from the fifth grade.

The boy reportedly suffers from low self-esteem. He was reluctant to tell his parents that he had been bullied.

When asked why he felt so unwell, he told them that he was just hungry.

He later said the two girls had given him a handful of pencils and threatened to beat him up if he did not swallow the graphite.

Traumatising: Many graphite bits were found in Liu's stomach during the operation

According to doctors, the boy did not suffer lead poisoning as graphite does not contain lead.

The graphite in modern pencils is a soft form of carbon and is relatively nonpoisonous, according to US National Library of Medicine.

However, symptoms of pencil swallowing may still occur, including stomach ache and vomiting.
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A village in eastern China was slammed by a landslide caused by rainstorms yesterday as Typhoon Megi battered the region.

As of Thursday morning local time, 13 people have been rescued, 26 remain missing and one person has been confirmed dead after a sea of mud devoured Sucun, a village of 37 houses in Suichang county in Zhejiang province, according to People's Daily Online.

A separate landslide, also triggered by rainstorms, crashed into a nearby village, leaving six residents missing.

Shocking: Terrifying footage has emerged on social media showing a landslide burying buildings in Sucun, eastern China

Disastrous: As of writing, 13 people have been rescued and 26 remain missing after sea of mud had devoured the village

Destroyed: Roughly 400,000 cubic meters of debris slid down the mountains and buried 20 households, said an official

Sucun village was struck by the landslide at 5:28pm yesterday local time.

Zhou Ruichen, a local official, told a reporter from Xinhua News Agency: 'Roughly 400,000 cubic meters (around 14 million cubic feet) of debris slid down the mountains and buried 20 households. 17 homes were flooded as well.'

Apart from residents of Sucun, a township cadre who rushed to help relocate villagers was among the missing, said Zhou.

Terrifying footage has emerged on Chinese social media showing the moment the landslide crashed into buildings in Sucun until the debris completely buried the structures.

Local residents, who filmed the scene, could be heard shouting and screaming in local dialect.

Battered: Rescuers use heavy equipment to dig in the rubble of a house that was destroyed in a landslide in Sucun

Smashed: The local authority has dispatched 1,200 rescuers, 21 excavators, four pumps and other emergency equipment

Rescue: Rescuers carry out an injured resident from the site of a landslide as 26 people in Sucun still remain missing

All out: At least 33 people went missing, including the 26 in Sucun, after landslides crashed into two villages in eastern China

Slammed: Over 180,000 residents in Zhejiang province have been relocated as the typhoon made landfall in Fujian province

Zheng Quanwei, a 56-year-old resident of Sucun, said he was having dinner in a restaurant about 200 metres (656 feet) away when the landslide buried his village.

He said to a reporter from Xinhua News Agency: 'I immediately ran outside, it was very dark, but I could see the houses halfway up the mountains had been destroyed and I could hear loud bangs. I instantly cried.'

More than 1,460 residents at nearby villages have been relocated after the landslides occurred.

A large-scale rescue operation is currently underway.

The local authority has dispatched 1,200 rescuers, 21 excavators, four pumps and other emergency equipment in an attempt to find the 26 people swallowed by the avalanche.

The landslides were caused by heavy rainstorms which were brought by Typhoon Megi.

More than 180,000 residents throughout Zhejiang province have been relocated as the typhoon made landfall in neighbouring Fujian province at 4:40am local time yesterday.

One resident of Quanzhou city was killed by the typhoon, which packed winds of up to 33 metres (108 feet) per second at its center.

Typhoon Megi made landfall in Fujian province, China, at 4:40am local time yesterday, packing winds of up to 33 metres (108 feet) per second at its center. Pictured, people take a boat at a flooded area in Fuzhou

A man bicycles through a flooded street after the landfall of Typhoon Megi in Fuzhou in Fujian Province on Wednesday

Rescuers evacuate young residents through floodwaters brought by typhoon Megi in Ningde, eastern China's Fujian province

Typhoon Megi smashed into the Chinese mainland on September 28 morning, killing one person after battering Taiwan

Earlier this week, Typhoon Megi swept through Taiwan, leaving more than $10 million (7.7 million) in damages.

The third typhoon to hit Taiwan in two weeks, Typhoon Megi brought violent winds and heavy rain as schools and offices closed.

Four people were killed on Tuesday during the disastrous weather in Taiwan.
The magic of Madagascar: Staggering landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty in the world's most unique ecosystem



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This breathtaking collection of photographs documents the staggering natural beauty and scenery of the island of Madagascar home to a unique collection of animals found nowhere else in the world.

Deciated photographer Paolo Torchio, 51, spent over a month travelling through the Western region of the island just off the coast of Africa to capture the stunning shots.



On his travels he captured the island's famous Baobab Trees as well as the jagged 'stone forest' of Tsingy, carved out over millions of years by acidic tropical rain.

Cheeky chappies: Two brown Lemurs forage through the undergrowth on a Madagascan forest floor. Lemurs are unique to Madagascar. The number of known Lemur species is continuing to grow with some estimates putting the figure at 100

Rhino rock: A karst limestone formation, known as Tsingy juts out in front of a jagged backdrop. The name, 'Tsingy' translates as 'where one cannot walk', due to razor-sharp pinnacles made from limestone which have been eroded by tropical rain

Recent arrivals: A Cart pulled by a pair of Zebu cattle trundles along a dusty track. Humans only arrived on the island some 2,000 years ago at which point some Lemur species were the size of gorillas

Isolated and inhospitable, this huge collection of razor-sharp vertical rocks looks like the last place where wildlife would thrive.

But despite its cold, dangerous appearance, the labyrinth of 300ft stones is home to a number of animal species, including 11 types of lemur.

Italian Paolo, who has lived in Africa for 22 years, used a tiny flat-bottomed boat called a pirogue to move 90 miles from the centre of the island to the coast.

He said: 'I'm always looking for new experience in the wild, with new animals encounter and new environmental experience.

'These adventure trips are always full of funny moments. At one point we lost our way in the pirogue because an incredible, deep fog was covering everything.'

Madagascar is home to an extraordinarily diverse collection of animals. They include fossas - which resemble a cross between cats and dogs, 70 types of lemurs, flying foxes and narrow striped mongooses.

Its has been an island for more than 120 million years, while its animal population first appeared some time after 65 million years ago. Humans only arrived on the island some 2,000 years ago at which point some Lemur species were the size of gorillas

Rugged beauty: Another shot of the limestone formation known as Tsingy. Despite their cold, dangerous appearance, the labyrinth of stones is home to a number of animal species, including 11 types of lemur

A cluster of Baobab Trees are beautifully silhouetted against the sunset sky. There are eight different species of this curious upside-down looking tree in the world, six of which are native to Madagascar

Wonders of nature: (left) A baobab tree grows amidst the jagged rocks of the Tsingy showing the Incredible adaptation of life on the island. (right) A pair of Sifaka lemurs cling to the branches of a tree. At one stage Madagascar was covered by 85 per cent forest but this has now been reduced to just 8 per cent



But scientists have long been puzzled how the ancestors of these animals got to Madagascar.

Paolo was forced to paddle through waters teeming with crocodiles in his pirogue, which sits just a few inches above the water.

He added: "It was a lot of fun. Madagascar is a fascinating place. The rock forest is an incredible and remote place.

'This immense slab of limestone was left exposed to the erosion of acid rains that modelled and shaped those incredible figures.

'Life has adapted to this particular environment in which plants have their roots in deep caves with their leaves searching for sun hundreds of meters on top.

'Small, deep forests grow wherever soil is found between the rocks, giving food and shelter to bewildering variety of lemurs. This is a unique and still largely undiscovered place.'

Some experts claim the island used to be connected to Africa by a land bridge and that it became isolated from the rest of the continent once mammals had arrived.

Rock in a hard place: A huge lump of limestone balances precariously on a stretch of Tsingy photographed in Madagascar. The colossal 'Grand Tsingy' landscape in western Madagascar is the world's largest stone forest

A Brown lemur shows off its incredible bushy tail as gives photographer Paolo a careful once over before darting behind the cover of the rocks

A row of Baobab trees stand like telegraph poles in the hazy morning sun. As Madagascar's population is currently doubling every 25 years, there is ever growing pressure for land, mainly for slash-and-burn agriculture

Hanging out: A Sifaka Lemur mother sits back on the branch of a tree as her baby pokes its head tentatively from behind her back. Since the first humans arrived on the island a third of the lemur species have become extinct and more teeter on the brink

More than nine in ten of the Island's 103 known lemur species are threatened making lemurs the most endangered animal compared to all other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and bony fish. More than 600 new species, including the world's smallest primate and a colour-changing gecko, have been found in Madagascar in just over a decade. But many of these newly discovered plants and creatures are under threat, particularly from the destruction of the island's forests, a report by conservation charity WWF warned. Experts identified more than 615 new species on Madagascar between 1999 and 2010 - 41 mammals, 385 plants, 69 amphibians, 61 reptiles, 17 fish and 42 invertebrates. According to the World Wildlife Fund, Madagascar has lost more than a million hectares of forest in the past 20 years, and in the aftermath of a coup in March 2009 and the subsequent political turmoil tens of thousands of hectares were raided for hardwoods.

Sifaka Lemur spotted climbing a tree in Madagascar A famous Baobab Trees nicknamed 'the lovers' are entwined around each other in an embrace

Another shot of the stunning karst limestone formation known as Tsingy. Despite the inhospitable appearance the jagged rocks are home to numerous species of plants and animals




Scientists have discovered a new species of bee which makes its home by chewing its way through solid rock to create burrows in sandstone cliffs.

The new species, called Anthophora pueblo, was first spotted around 40 years ago in the arid deserts of the south-western US, but after finding a number of new nest sites entomologists have now identified it as a new species to science.

The hardy bees chew through rock with their mandibles to create a hidey-hole, but this has raised questions as to why they go to such lengths to set up home.

Scientists have found a group of burrowing bees which chew through sandstone rock to make their homes. The new species was discovered by researchers in Utah

Burrowing into rock costs the bees vital energy and older female bees were also seen to have wear and tear on their mandibles from chewing the stone.

HOW BEES MUNCH ROCK Entolologists have found the bees, Anthophora pueblo, set up their rocky homes beside sources of water. But a number of new nest sites confirmed the burrowing behaviour, identifying them as a new species to science. The insects collect water and use it to weaken the sandstone, enabling them to chew through it more easily. The water helps to dissolve the crystals of calcium carbonate that cement the sediment together, enabling them to chew through it more easily. But the burrowing comes at a price for the bees, with older females showing considerable wear and tear on their mouthparts from a lifetime of chewing through rock. Advertisement

But researchers at Utah State University, who identified the species, believe the benefits of living in such an impenetrable fortress may outweigh the costs for the insects.

The researchers believe that the sandstone burrows are a longer-term investment, which not only offers protection from the elements, but can be reused by subsequent generations.

Writing in Current Biology, the team, led by Michael Orr, from Utah State University, explained: The desert is a hard place to live. Anthophora pueblo has pioneered a suitable niche between a rock and a hard place.

Dr Orr came across samples of the sandstone nest excavated from cliffs in Utah in 1979 by entomologist Frank Parker, and noticed the burrows left by the insects.

The pair returned to the site and discovered further nests of the bees in the cliffs and similar sandstone rock formations in Utah, Nevada, Colorado and California.

The bees were first discovered 40 years ago but entomologist Michael Orr (pictured caching bees at the cliff site) recently identified a number of new nests in the south western US

Studying the sandstone revealed the bees collect water and use it to weaken the crystals of calcium carbonate which cements the sediment of the rock together, enabling them to chew through it more easily.

According to Earth and Space News, among the tunnels were small chambers for gestating larvae, with the height and rocky composition of the burrows lowering the risk of parasites and danger of flash floods.

Burrowing comes at a price for the bees, with older females (pictured) showing considerable wear and tear on their mouthparts from a lifetime of chewing through rock

Whats more, all of the nests were found near sources of water, with abandoned nests at sites where the water source had run dry.

The researcher told MailOnline: 'I think we can learn a lot about animals in general by studying this kind of system.'

'One of the biggest questions that remains for me is 'how have the limits this bee's behavior impose upon it shaped its evolution'?

'I think Anthophora pueblo should also be studied from a conservation angle,' he added.

'Climate change may severely impact this bee, as deserts are expected to become hotter and drier. This would reduce the water available to it, which would further restrict its distribution.'

The burrows were found near sources of water, with abandoned nests at sites where the water source had run dry. Researchers say the bees may be more affected by the changing climate, as desert regions become increasingly arid, and the water sources they use to excavate the rock dry out completely

Around the world bees have been discovered in a number of habitats outside the safety of a 'traditional hive', from burrowing into the earth by excavating clay a mouthful at a time, to more extreme relatives who call an active volcano home.

As the latest addition to family, the rock-munching bees have kept the surprises coming.

Mr Orr told MailOnline: 'I think one of the best things about this project, for me, is that it shows just how much we have left to learn about our world.
Russian hackers have made repeated attempts to 'intrude' upon voter registration databases ahead of the US presidential elections, according to the FBI.

FBI Director James Comey told Congress on Wednesday that the agency is looking 'very, very hard' at Russian hackers who may try to disrupt the US election.

Comey's comments come amid ongoing concern about the ability of hackers from Russia or other nations to breach voting systems.

FBI Director James Comey (pictured) told the House Judiciary Committee that there had been additional attempts to intrude upon the US voter registration system. He said the agency was looking at whether Russian hackers were behind the attacks

The FBI last month warned state elections officials to boost their election security in light of evidence that hackers targeted related data systems in at least two states - Illinois and Arizona.

HOW VULNERABLE IS THE US VOTING SYSTEM? President Barack Obama's homeland security adviser said earlier this month that it would be very hard for someone to hack into America's voting systems in a way that could alter an election outcome. Lisa Monaco said election systems by and large are not hooked up to the internet and are diffusely operated by state and local governments. There are the 9,000 different electoral jurisdictions in the US Some states allow people to vote by mail, others have widespread use of electronic voting machines, and many jurisdictions are hybrids. 'That makes it extremely disparate, extremely diffuse and, as a consequence, extremely difficult to have an effect across the board that would result in a change in results,' she said. The bigger worry, she said, involves efforts to sow 'concern or confusion' about the resilience of the system. To help counter that, the federal government is pushing out to states a set of tools, such as the ability to scan for vulnerabilities and quickly patch them, and best practices that they should apply  including encrypting their voter registration data, she said. Advertisement

But Comey said there had since been additional attempted intrusions beyond those. He did not say where the intrusions were or give any additional details.

But he told the House Judiciary Committee that the FBI is 'investigating to try to understand exactly what mischief the Russians might be up to in connection with our political institutions and the election system more broadly.'

Comey said the FBI had also detected a variety of 'scanning activities,' which he said are an early indication of hacking.

'We are urging the states just to make sure that their deadbolts are thrown and their locks are on and to get the best information they can from DHS, just to make sure their systems are secure,' he said, referring to the Department of Homeland Security.

At a separate hearing Wednesday, a Homeland Security official attempted to assuage concerns among lawmakers.

Andy Ozment, assistant secretary of cybersecurity and communications for the department, said the government has confidence in the overall integrity of the U.S. electoral system.

He stressed that the federal government is working with states to ensure that the system is not breached, but that federal authorities have no intention of taking over state election systems.

'Our voting infrastructure is diverse, subject to local control, and has many checks and balances built in,' Ozment said.

Ozment said a cyberattack could not change the outcome of the national election. He noted that there's a wide variety of machines in use in different states, and they are not all connected to one another.

The FBI has advised states to look at their cyber security to ensure their systems are secure ahead of the US Presidential election. It comes just days after the Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump had their first Presidential Debate (pictured)

There are other physical controls in place, and most aren't connected to the internet.

HACKERS TARGET THE US The attacks on the US voter registration system are the latest in a string of attmepts to penetrate the cyber security of major US institutions. Hackers recently got into the Democratic National Committee to release internal emails on the Wikileaks site. There have also been attempts to hack the White House and the Pentagon. Last month the FBI warned state elections officials to boost their election security after it emerged that hackers had targeted related data systems in two states - Illinois and Arizona. Advertisement

Lawmakers expressed concern that the Homeland Security Department may eventually designate election systems as critical infrastructure, a classification that would give the issue priority within the department.

Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee that held the hearing, said some state officials have worried about a federal takeover of election systems since the department has floated the idea.

One of those officials, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, testified at the hearing.

'This suggestion came from an agency completely unfamiliar with the elections space and raised the level of public concern beyond what was necessary,' Kemp said.

He said more federal oversight could make the systems more vulnerable and could make protected records more accessible.

The hacking attempts have raised fears that foreign powers may be attempting to influence or disrupt the result of this years presidential elections (stock picture of voting booths)

A Homeland Security Department official who is intimately involved in efforts to secure local elections but was not authorized to speak publicly said Wednesday that it is unlikely that the department will designate voting systems as critical infrastructure prior to the November elections.

A presidential directive released in 2013 details 16 sectors that are considered critical infrastructure, including energy, financial services, healthcare, transportation, food and agriculture, and communications.

The designation places responsibilities on the Homeland Security Department's secretary to identify and prioritize that critical infrastructure, considering physical as well as cyber threats.
Spanish researchers found around one in 50 early human and Neanderthal (pictured) deaths were the result of murder

Human beings really are natural born killers - biologically programmed to use lethal force on each other, a study claims.

The researchers found around one in 50 deaths in the earliest human and Neanderthal bands 50,000 years ago were the result of foul play - roughly the same frequency as apes and monkeys.

These included deaths from cannibalism, executions, infanticide and war.

Fortunately for us, culture and modern civilisation mercifully means modern humans are no longer so prone to follow our instincts.

The level of inter-human killing is now on average around 1 in 10,000 worldwide.

Deadly violence used against members of ones own species is common in the animal kingdom.

Killing rivals increases reproductive success  giving access to more mates and resources and granting higher status.

Scientists looked at around 1,024 different mammals, including mankind to assess the a genetic level of violence.

Information on humans came from 600 human populations from 50,000 years ago to the present. It found 2 per cent of early humans died from lethal interpersonal violence.

If anything, the numbers may be an underestimate, as it is easier to tell whether someone has died from a bladed weapon, which could not be a natural cause, than from being hit by a blunt object.

The study overall found roughly 40 per cent of mammals were inclined to kill each other.

Some animals, such as bats and whales, were classed among the pacifists of the animal kingdom.

Meanwhile seemingly peaceful animals such as hamsters and horses, surprisingly, can bump each other off.

But apes and monkeys  among which humans are also classed  were among the most bloodthirsty.

While this may sound high, in medieval times in Europe and in pre-conquest days in South America, violence levels were much higher.

Whales (pictured left) were considered the pacifists of the animal kingdom but seemingly peaceful animals such as horses (pictured centre), surprisingly, can bump each other off. Monkeys and apes (like the Barbary macaque pictured right) are among the most bloodthirsty

The authors state that two factors increase the likelihood of a mammal killing its own species. One is sociability, the other is territoriality. Humans are both sociable and territorial, so this increases our likelihood of beating each other to death.

Dr Jose Gomez, of the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid, said: We were - at the dawn of humankind - as violent as expected considering the common mammalian evolutionary history.

The study published in Nature also showed levels of violence have changed throughout history - mostly in conjunction with social and political changes suggesting culture plays a key role.

Dr Gomez said: This prehistoric level of lethal violence has not remained invariant but has changed as our history has progressed - mostly associated with changes in the socio-political organisation of human populations.
The hotly-anticipated iPhone 7 may have only just been released, but already Apple fans are looking towards the company's next handset - the iPhone 8.

While details on the iPhone 8 are scarce, new reports suggest it will have a totally different look from previous handsets and will come with better cameras.

An unnamed employee at an Apple site in Herzliya, Israel, where hardware is being developed for the iPhone 8, has leaked some details about the new handset.

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Rumours suggest that the iPhone 8 will be cased in curved glass made from liquid metal. Artist Martin Hajek created this concept images ahead of the iPhone 6 launch, based on similar rumours at the time

HOW WOULD APPLE MAKE ITS CURVED GLASS CASE? The firm filed a patent in 2013 for a curved glass phone case made from liquidmetal. Liquidmetal is a mix of titanium, nickel, copper and zirconium among other metals making it tough, light and scratch resistant. It also feels as smooth as glass. It is a slow cooling alloy which means it can be moulded more easily than steel or aluminium, and is more hard wearing. The patents detail a process that involves injection moulding and 3D printing using bulk metallic glasses (BMG) powder - another name for liquidmetal. Layers of BMG could be printed using a 3D printer to create the casing for phones, tablets and even TVs. Advertisement

Given that 2017 will be the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, it would make sense that Apple has something big planned.

But the unnamed employee told Business Insider that the iPhone 8 would be 'different' from previous handsets, which have been critiqued as being too similar.

Until now, little has been known about Apple's next iPhone, although reports by a source speaking to Nikkei Asian Review have said that it will have a curved screen.

If those rumours are true, the iPhone 8 could rival the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge which came out in February this year.

In January, Apple revisited a patent filed in 2013, which proposed a curved 'glass' case made from an intricate fusion of metals melted together.

The design - made from Bulk Amorphous Alloy, which is a mix of titanium, nickel, copper and zirconium melted together - is said to have the smooth texture of glass and the rigid sturdiness of rubber.

Despite widespread excitement over the unique design, it still hasn't reached the general public.

Liquid metal is a slow cooling alloy which means it can be moulded more easily than steel or aluminium, for example, and is more hard wearing.

Apple usually releases a new model, and then an 'S' version of that model the next year, so some people were expected an iPhone 7S to be released in 2017.

But the worker used the term 'iPhone 8' unprompted during the conversations, suggesting Apple may be skipping the 7S entirely.

Renders show possible designed for Apple's 2017 iPhone handsets including a curved screen

The employee also mentioned that the iPhone 8 would have a better camera  although this usually happens with every update.

The site in Herzliya is known to be used to develop hardware such as cameras, microchips and wireless technologies, and is Apple's second largest research and development facility in the world, according to The Times of Israel.
Gender was also found to play a role, with female dogs being more social

It shows some of the changes domestication has made in the dog genome

Four of these are also linked to social

Their unwavering loyalty to their owners and obedient nature has led to dogs becoming known as man's best friend.

Now new research has revealed five key genes that has enabled dogs to develop such close social ties to humans.

The findings help to reveal the genetic changes that domestication has wrought in the canine genome over the past few thousand years.

New research has found a relationship between five different genes and the ability of dogs to interact with humans (stock image)

But surprisingly, researchers from Linkoping University in Sweden also found four of the genes are related to social disorders, such as autism, in humans.

THE SOCIABILITY GENES The DNA of each dog was studied using a method called genome-wide associated studies (GWAS), which allows researchers to examine a large number of variants throughout the genome. The results showed a clear association between DNA regions containing five different genes and close human interaction. The SEZ6L gene was found to be 'significantly associated with the time dogs spent in close proximity of the human as well as in direct contact', while two other markers on the gene ARVCF 'were suggestively associated with the duration of seeking human physical contact.' Advertisement

Professor Per Jensen, who led the study, said: 'Our findings are the first to reveal genes that can have caused the extreme change in social behaviour, which has occurred in dogs since they were domesticated.'

Dogs are the oldest domesticated animal, who first adapted to a life among humans 15,000 years ago.

Since then, dogs have developed unique abilities to communicate and cooperate with humans, that other domesticated animals, such as cats, have not.

In this way, they are much more highly developed than their wild ancestors, wolves, who generally do not interact with humans.

The study involved 190 beagles, with similar experience of interaction with humans, who were given the unsolvable task of opening a tight lid containing a treat.

The scientists used video recordings to test the willingness of the dogs to seek help from a person in the room when they discovered they couldn't open it alone.

The study involved 190 beagles, with similar experience with human interaction, who were given the unsolvable task of opening a tight lid containing a treat (stock image)

The DNA of each dog was studied using a method called genome-wide associated studies (GWAS), which allows researchers to examine a large number of variants throughout the genome.

DOGS IGNORE BAD ADVICE The Canine Cognition Centre at Yale found that dogs will leave out unnecessary actions when they learn there is a more efficient way to solve the task at hand. Researchers gave 40 dogs a puzzle box that contained a treat. Attached to the side was a plastic dog toy in the shape of a stick and although it was not functionally relevant for solving the puzzle, the human moved it around as if it did. After a few sessions with the box, each dog learned that the lever was not needed to open the box. They stopped touching it and just opened the lid to retrieve the treat. Advertisement

The results showed a clear association between DNA regions containing five different genes and close human interaction.

The SEZ6L gene was found to be 'significantly associated with the time dogs spent in close proximity of the human as well as in direct contact', while two other markers on the gene ARVCF 'were suggestively associated with the duration of seeking human physical contact.'

The researchers also found that gender played a role in sociability, with females showing higher behaviour scores than males.

Mia Persson, lead author of the study, which appears in the journal Scientific Reports, said: 'Four of the genes are previously known from studies of social disorders in humans, for example, autism and ADHD.'

So far, the study has only been performed on beagles, but the researchers hope to do further studies on other breeds.

Professor Jensen added: 'If the associations we have found can be confirmed in other dog breeds, it is possible that dog behaviour also can help us to better understand social disorders in humans.'
Although parents try, many just do not have the time to be with their children every second of the day.

With that in mind, Avatar Mind has developed a robotic babysitter that takes on the responsibility of an adult, but interacts like a four to eight year old child - much to the concern of many parents.

Called iPal, this 3-foot humanoid has a touch screen tablet on its chest, communicates using natural language and provides surveillance and video chat to ease the mind of absent parents.

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Avatar Mind has developed iPal, a 3-foot humanoid designed with a touch screen tablet on its chest, can communicate using natural language and provides surveillance and video chat to ease the mind of absent parents

THE ROBOTIC BABYSITTER iPal is a robotic babysitter designed to keep children ages 3-8 years old occupied for a few hours. This humanoid is available in pink and blue, and is programmed with the latest generation natural language understanding and an autonomous learning engine. It remembers children's likes and interests in order to create unique conversations. There is also the Children Messenger app that lets kids connect with others who have an iPal. This robot can also ready your child stories, play games and offers software that teaches them how to do basic programming. Advertisement

'iPal is a great companion robot for kids. With its cute cartoon outlook, fine craftwork, latest natural language understanding technology, and cloud apps, it will be your child's best friend,' reads Avatar Mind's website.

Although iPal may be the future, it raises a few questions about the consequences of using robots to raise our children.

'Robots are a great educational tool for children,' Noel Sharkey, a professor emeritus of robotics and artificial intelligence at the University of Sheffield told The Guardian in March.

'It inspires them to learn about science and engineering.'

'But there are significant dangers in having robots mind our children'.

'They do not have the sensitivity or understanding needed for childcare.'

'It cannot replace a babysitter, but it is a social robot.'

iPal may be surrounded by controversy, but Avatar Mind's Founder Jiping Wang told The Guardian it is perfect for parents who get home from work after their child has finished school.

This is because their new innovation is designed to keep children ages three to eight busy for 'a few hours' without paying a human babysitter.

The robotic babysitter is programmed with the latest generation natural language understanding and an autonomous learning engine, which allows it to ask questions like 'why do you hiccup?'

iPal has the ability to remember what your child likes and their interests. which allows them use in unique conversations  just like a human friend would.

It also has sensors to feel touch, listen to speech and can detect motion around it.

'iPal's emotion management system senses and responds to happiness, depression and loneliness,' explains Avatar Mind.

This child-like robot is designed to keep children ages three to eight busy for 'a few hours' without adult supervision. And it has been programmed with the latest generation natural language understanding and an autonomous learning engine

This robot is a perfect companion for young children, but it also helps busy parents stay involved with their child's life. The robot is designed to take daily pictures and videos that record the child's growth, which can be viewed by parents on a smartphone

'iPal is happy when your child is happy, and encourages your child when he is sad.'

As Wang noted, this robot is a perfect companion for young children, but it also helps busy parents stay involved with their child's life.

The robot is designed to take daily pictures and videos that record the child's growth, which can be viewed by parents on a smartphone.

Parents can add information and comments to the media and save it in the cloud where it creates a digital album of memories.

This robot can also ready your child stories, play games and offers software that teaches them how to do basic programming. There is also the Children Messenger app that lets kids connect with others who have an iPal

LGS ROLLING BOT ENTERTAINS CHILDREN AND PETS The Rolling Bot can be controlled remotely over a Wi-Fi network, and the firm said it could be used as a home security product. It also comes with a Pet Care mode so users can monitor and even talk to their pets when they're not home, as well as beam a small laser onto the floor for them to play with. With the way our world is headed, it is no surprised that robotic babysitters could be the next big thing. LG developed 'Rolling Bot' (pictured) which is designed to entertain both children and pets The Rolling Bot is operated using an app on LG's new G5 handset. The G5 is expected to go on sale in early April, but LG admitted the Rolling Bot is still 'five to six months away'. The stand-out feature of the conference was the modular LG G5. It comes with a removable battery slot and additional features such as a camera and a speaker that can be slotted into this area with the battery at the base of the phone. The Korean firm's president Juno Cho described the new device as 'an adventurous theme park in your pocket'. Other features of the G5 include a 5.3-inch 'always-on' screen. This will only highlight part of the screen and use less than 1 per cent of the battery every hour, according the LG. Advertisement

And so your child is not just spending too much time with a machine, Avatar Mind developed a way for them to make human friends using its Child Messenger app.

Children can add and communicate with other kids around their own age who also have an iPal friend.

They can video chat and share information all within the app, and parents can keep an eye on everything that happens.

iPal has 25 motors that gives it intricate human-like movements, such as wiggling its fingers and dancing to music that is played from its built-in sound system. 'Its emotion management system senses and responds to happiness, depression and loneliness

In addition to the buddy app, iPal offers a range of others including a weather app, which lets your child know how to dress, a clock app that tells them when to wake up and a health app that teaches them to wash their hands before every meal.

iPal has 25 motors that gives it intricate human-like movements, such as wiggling its fingers and dancing to music that is played from its built-in sound system.

This robot can also ready your child stories, play games and offers software that teaches them how to do basic programming.

With the way our world is headed, it is no surprised that robotic babysitters could be the next big thing.
As Samsung battles with a recall of its Galaxy Note 7 due to battery problems that caused handsets to explode, one Reddit user has posted shocking pictures of an iPhone 7 that appears to have been severely damaged while being shipped.

The user, known as kroopthesnoop, from Texas, posted the series of pictures, saying 'Something happened between the factory and delivery'.

It shows a mangled box, and a blackened handset that appears to have exploded in transit.

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The user,known as kroopthesnoop, from Texas, posted the series of pictures, saying 'Something happened between the factory and delivery.'

He added 'a coworker preordered the 7 Plus, was very excited, and sent this in the team chat when it arrived.

'The phone wasn't used by my coworker because, well, see picture.'

'At least the package didn't catch on fire.'

The images reveal the handset was severely damaged, as the dented case and damaged packing show.

The post was later updated to add 'An Account Exec from Apple's Texas offices just reached out to me (verified via LinkedIn), asking for information around this post.

'Ended up giving them coworker's contact information.

'The Apple AE called coworker (about an hour later)!

'AE will work with AT&T to expedite a replacement phone.

Apple reached out to the buyer, and a new handset is being shipped.

'Don't know what the timeline for 'expedited' is with AT&T, but I will update again when the new phone arrives.'

Apple did not respond to a request for information.

It comes soon after the US Consumer Product Commission has issued a formal recall for one million smartphones in the US plagued by incidents of batteries bursting into flames.

This announcement follows reports of 92 incidences of batteries overheating, which includes 26 reports of burns and 55 reports property damage.Scroll down for videos

The US Consumer Product Commission has issued a formal recall for one million smartphones plagued by incidents of batteries bursting into flames. This official announcement comes after 92 reports of batteries overheating

The US notice affects around one million of the global total of 2.5 million handsets being recalled, which has cast a cloud over the South Korean electronics giant and world's largest smartphone vendor, reports AFP.

Samsung has encouraged consumers in 10 countries to trade in their Note 7 for a temporary replacement until the new Note 7s is released.

However, many consumers have dismissed the proposition, citing the inconvenience of switching devices for an interim period.

WHY WERE THE BATTERIES EXPLODING? Lithium batteries are use in a range of consumer electronic devices, favored by manufacturers because they are lightweight and pack much more energy into a small space than other power cells. But storing so much energy in a tiny space, with combustible components separated by ultra-thin walls, makes them susceptible to overheating if exposed to high temperatures, damage or flaws in manufacturing. If the separators fail, a chemical reaction can quickly escalate out of control. Koh Dong-jin, Samsung's mobile president told reporters in Seoul: 'The flaw in the manufacturing process resulted in the negative electrodes and the positive electrodes coming together.' It is unclear how Samsung failed to discover the battery problem before launching the Note 7. Advertisement

Following dozens of incidents where the phone malfunctioned, Samsung said the problem stems from a subtle manufacturing error in the lithium ion batteries.

This highlights the challenge electronics makers are facing when attempting to pack more battery power into much thinner phones, while rushing for faster release dates.

The recall is the largest the smartphone industry has ever witnessed, however, Samsung did receive a pat on the back from others in the technology industry for the firm's speed and decisiveness, reports The New York Times.

'I thought, 'How is it that this is happening?' ' Jennifer Shecter, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit consumer advocacy group Consumer Reports, told The New York Times.

Shecter said the group found an inconsistent response to the recall across America, as some stores and carries continued to keep selling the Note 7 even days after Samsung made the recall announcement.

'Samsung made an announcement, but the government wasn't involved, there wasn't a clear message, there wasn't an approved remedy and there wasn't a clear fix,' she said.

The US notice affects around one million of the global total of 2.5 million handsets being recalled, which has cast a cloud over the South Korean electronics giant and world's largest smartphone vendor. But US officials are acting fast as many of the phones have exploded

HOW LITHIUM ION BATTERIES WORK IN YOUR PHONE Lithium ion batteries have three basic parts - a positive cathode, a negative anode and a chemical layer in between known as an electrolyte. The electrolyte allows electrical charges flow between the electrodes. In lithium ion batteries, the cathode is usually lithium cobalt oxide while the anode is made from graphite. When your battery charges, electrons entering at the anode attract lithium ions, which then nestle in sites between the graphite's carbon layers. During use, lithium atoms at the anode start losing their electrons, allowing electrons to zip through the circuits in the phone to provide power. Meanwhile, lithium ions journey through the electrolyte to be reunited with electrons at the cathode. These processes keep going until all ions reach the cathode, causing that dreaded flashing battery symbol. Every time your battery uses 100 per cent of its charge, known as its capacity, it has been through a single charge cycle. Each charge cycle, however, reduces the battery's total capacity by a tiny amount. Advertisement

Just a week ago, the US aviation safety officials warned passengers not to turn on or even charge a Note 7 during while one the plane, after numerous incident reports surfaced.

The Federal Aviation Administration also told passengers not to put smartphones in their checked bags, citing 'recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung' about the devices.

Delta Air Lines Inc, the No.2 U.S. airline by passenger traffic, said it is still studying the issue.

Many consumers have shared their moment of horror after the smartphone burst into flames. A family in St. Petersburg, Florida, reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone left charging in their Jeep (pictured) caught fire and destroyed the vehicle

The family said the phone, which was plugged in here, was engulfed in flames which quickly consumed the rest of the vehicle

'Delta is in constant contact with the FAA and other bodies in its run of business as a global airline,' spokesman Morgan Durrant said in a statement.

'We will comply with any directive and are studying this matter. Safety and security is always Delta's top priority.'

Fortunately there have not been any reports from the airlines, however many consumers have shared their moment of horror after the smartphone burst into flames.

In one case, a family in St. Petersburg, Florida, reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone left charging in their Jeep caught fire and destroyed the vehicle.

Another incident took place this week, when a six-year-old boy was burned after a Samsung phone 'exploded' in his hands.

Samsung said the problem stems from a subtle manufacturing error in the lithium ion batteries and are encouraging consumers in 10 countries to trade in their Note 7 for a temporary replacement until the new Note 7s is released

GALAXY NOTE 7 SPECS 5.7inch curved screen Measures 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9mm, weighs 169g (5.96 oz) MicroSD card expansion slot that holds up to 256 GB Available in black onyx, silver titanium, gold platinum and blue coral Built with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Display is a super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen USB-C charger port 64 GB of internal storage, with 4 GB RAM Non-removable Li-Po 3500 3,500 mAh battery Water-resistant phone body and S Pen Advertisement

Kadim, from Brooklyn, New York, was at home with his mother, Marsha Lewis, when the Samsung Galaxy Core he was playing with burst into flames.

'First, the phone caught on fire, then the battery exploded so he threw it on the floor and it was like fireworks in the house,' Lewis told ABC7.

The Note 7 debuted to rave reviews in August thanks to its speed, new software features and - not least - the estimated nine hours it would run between charges.

But all that power comes at a price, and users began reporting the phones were catching fire or exploding, in one case incinerating the car it had been left in.

Koh Dong-jin, Samsung's mobile president, said that an investigation revealed a 'tiny error' in the manufacturing process for the faulty batteries in the Note 7s.

The end of the pouch-shaped battery cell had some flaws that increased the chance of stress or overheating, he explained.
Now, Francis Thackeray says it could be a Jesuit Priest and two other men

who found the fossil, was the culprit

In 1912 it was announced that some remains of 'the earliest Englishman' had been found in a gravel pit.

This 'hominid', Eoanthropus dawsoni, became known as the Piltdown Man.

About 50 years later, South African anatomist Joseph Weiner exposed the Piltdown Man as a hoax.

He revealed that a human skull and a modern orangutan jaw, both stained brown, had been deposited together in the gravel pit.

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In 1912 it was announced that some remains (pictured) of 'the earliest Englishman' had been found in a gravel pit. But 50 years later it was found to be a human skull and a modern orangutan jaw, both stained brown, had been deposited together in the gravel pit.

WHY WAS IT THE PRIEST? A palaeontologist from the University of the Witwatersrand doesn't believe it was Charles Dawson, an archaeologist, who pulled off the Piltdown Man hoax, but suggests it was Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French Jesuit. Almost immediately after the Piltdown announcement in 1921, Teilhard wrote to his Jesuit friend Felix Pelletier: 'We must do nothing.' 'We must wait for the criticisms that will follow.' 'Marcellin Boule [an eminent French prehistorian] will not be taken in, especially because the finds are English.' Other researchers have also agreed and noted that Teilhard was a joker. One potential accomplice, Martin Hinton, worked at a museum that had access to the the human skull and orangutan jaw. And the other, Edgar Willett, was at the excavation site with Dawson when the fossils were discovered. Advertisement

Weiner and his colleagues named Charles Dawson, a lawyer and amateur archaeologist based in Sussex, as the prime suspect in the forgery.

Dawson claimed that his involvement in Piltdown had started when workers digging for gravel found the skull fragments and handed them to him.

It later emerged that Dawson was responsible for more than 30 forgeries.

It is speculated that Dawson committed these in the hope of becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society  a distinction he never achieved.

Dawson's role in the Piltdown Man hoax appears to have been confirmed in 2016 by palaeo-anthropologist Dr Isabelle de Groote and her colleagues.

High-tech forensic analyses led them to conclude that only a single hoaxer, presumably Dawson, was responsible.

The case seems closed. But is it?

Research I have conducted recently and published in the South African Journal of Science suggests that Dawson may not necessarily have been the culprit in this particular case.

I suspect someone realised that Dawson was a fraudster and decided to play a joke on him.

Archival research in London and Paris leads me to believe that a French Jesuit priest was in on the joke  which went terribly wrong after palaeontological experts mistook Piltdown Man for the real thing.

This is a reminder that palaeontologists should always be extremely vigilant and thorough in ensuring that fossil finds are authentic.

So who was this joker?

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a French Jesuit based at Ore Place, a theological seminary nears Hastings in Sussex.

About 50 years later, South African anatomist Joseph Weiner exposed the Piltdown Man as a hoax. Weiner and his colleagues named Charles Dawson (sitting), a lawyer and amateur archaeologist based in Sussex who found the skull, as the prime suspect in the forgery

High-tech forensic analyses led them to conclude that only a single hoaxer, presumably Dawson, was responsible. Pictured is a depiction of scientists examining the Piltdown skull in 1913 and Dawson stands in the back, second from the right

THE PILTDOWN MAN HOAX In 1912, the remains of a new human ancestor that lived up to 500,000 years ago was unveiled to the world at a packed meeting of the Geological Society in London. With an ape-like mandible containing two worn molar teeth and parts of a human-like braincase, it appeared to bridge the evolutionary gap between apes and modern humans. Primitive stone tools and animal fossil fragments were found alongside the supposed human fossil. They were all stained a dark red like the gravel they were found in. The human species was named Eoanthropus dawsonii, or 'Dawson's Dawn Man', after the man who claimed to have found it, Charles Dawson. It took nearly 50 years before the specimens were found to be a fake, created by combining the remains of humans with those of an orang-utan. Advertisement

As a young man he longed to become a professional palaeontologist.

The seminary was within 50 kilometres of Piltdown, where Teilhard contributed to excavations in an amateur capacity.

In January 1913 De Chardin wrote an essay beginning with the words

There was a time when the study of prehistory deserved to be suspect, and deserved to be the subject of jokes.

His essay is about the current understanding of human evolution, but most strangely  and suspiciously  he omits all reference to the Piltdown Man even though its discovery had been officially announced just three weeks earlier.

Almost immediately after the Piltdown announcement, Teilhard wrote to his Jesuit friend Felix Pelletier, with whom he had collected fossils in Sussex:

We must do nothing.

We must wait for the criticisms that will follow.

Marcellin Boule [an eminent French prehistorian] will not be taken in, especially because the finds are English.

This convinced me Teilhard knew from the very beginning that Piltdown Man was not genuine.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (pictured) was a French Jesuit based at Ore Place, a theological seminary nears Hastings in Sussex. Corresponsents from him to a friend convinces researchers that he knew from the very beginning that Piltdown Man was not genuine

I am not, I should point out, the first to suspect him.

Distinguished scientists like Louis Leakey and Stephen Jay Gould have previously suggested that Teilhard was involved in the Piltdown case.

Gould was strongly suspicious about Teilhard because the hinge between the jaw and the skull  known anatomically as the condyle  was broken.

In 1920 Teilhard had stated that the Piltdown mandible might have been deliberately broken (comme par espres, 'as if on purpose').

Gould thought this was tantamount to Teilhard admitting that he knew of the forgery long before anyone else suspected it.

If the condyle had been preserved in the case of the Piltdown jaw, it would have been immediately recognised that it could not possibly have articulated with the human skull.

In 1977 Kenneth Oakley, a palaeontologist at the British Museum of Natural History, told me he was giving Teilhard the benefit of the doubt  because he was a priest.

SOME EXPERTS BELIEVE CHARLES DAWSON DID IT New research may have solved the 100-year-old mystery of who was responsible for creating the faked remains that became known as Piltdown man. Analysis of the collection of fossilised bones found across two sites at Piltdown, East Sussex, in 1912 points to a single individual as being behind the forgery. Modern scientists who have been conducting the work now firmly lay the blame on Charles Dawson, the amateur archaeologist and solicitor who first found the bones. They say the bones and teeth used to create the specimens appear to have come from just a single orangutan and two or human skeletons, that were possibly medieval in origin. The modus operandi in modifying the specimens is almost identical, the new study finds. Scans of the bones reveal the same dental putty was used through out the specimens to reconstruct the human bones and to piece orangutan remains onto them. The putty was also used to load the bones and teeth with gravel from Piltdown to make them look more authentic. Dr Isabelle De Groote, an expert in human evolution at Liverpool John Moores University who led the new study, said: 'Although multiple individuals have been accused of producing the fake fossils, our analyses to understand the modus operandi show consistency between all the different specimens and on both sites. 'It is clear from our analysis that this work was likely all carried out by one forger - Charles Dawson.' Advertisement

But Oakley also told me that Teilhard appeared to be agitated and very reluctant to talk about Piltdown when he was shown the evidence that led to the exposure of the hoax.

Another famous palaeontologist, Phillip Tobias, said Teilhard was known as a joker.

It is important to emphasise that both Teilhard and Martin Hinton, a palaeontologist at the British Museum, said they knew who the Piltdown perpetrator had been.

But neither disclosed this person's identity  except to say that it was not Dawson.

So were Teilhard, Hinton and a third 'Person X' complicit in a joke, directed against Dawson?

The Piltdown orangutan jaw came from Borneo.

It is probable that the jaw originated from an 1878 expedition.

Most of the material collected on that trip was deposited in the British Museum of Natural History.

Many other distinguished scientists have agreed that the Jesuit Priest was the culprit of the Piltdown hoax. Pictured is a paged from the Dakota County Herald on February 14, 1913 describing the Sussex discovery that was deemed the 'earliest Englishman'

But 'duplicates' could have been distributed elsewhere, subject to a committee's decision, as mentioned in a paper by archaeologist Andrew Sherratt.

It would seem that such 'duplicates' could have been distributed to donors of the expedition, including members of the Willett family who lived in Sussex.

Edgar Willett was trained at Oxford.

He practised as an anaesthetist and served as a curator of a museum with expertise in anatomy.

He was also at Piltdown with Dawson at some point in time.

Willett is a common name in the area of Ore in Sussex, and it was at 'Ore Place' where Teilhard de Chardin was based between 1908 and 1912  the very years in which Piltdown material was initially collected.

Researchers suspect that the Jesuit Priest may have had help carrying out the historical hoax. Pictured is a Natural History Museum scientist examines the Piltdown Man fragments during a previous investigation Read more

Did Teilhard know about a Piltdown joke through Edgar Willett who, as an anatomist, could have had access to an orangutan jaw and other specimens in a private collection or museum?

And could Edgar Willett have been in a position to facilitate a joke against Dawson with Teilhard as an adviser? Was Willett 'Person X'?

In a letter to the palaeontologist Kenneth Oakley dated November 28 1953, Teilhard wrote:

Would it have been impossible for some collector who had in his possession some ape bones, to have discarded specimens into the pit? The idea sounds fantastic.

But, in my opinion, no more fantastic than to make Dawson the perpetrator of the hoax.

This 'hominid', Eoanthropus dawsoni, became known as the Piltdown Man. Pictured is a concept drawing of the Piltdown Man that never existed

In another letter to a famous French prehistorian, the Abbe Henri Breuil, dated December 8 1953, Teilhard wrote:

I have difficulty in accepting a hoax on the part of Dawsonand as fantastic as it seems, I admitted rather that someone threw, innocently, from the cottage nearby, some 'collection' in the 'Pit' of Piltdown'.

In these two separate letters, Teilhard is probably being absolutely honest about a 'collection' which included an ape such as an orangutan.

One worked at a museum that had access to the the human skull and orangutan jaw and the othewas at the excavation site when the fossils were discovered The skull fragments (pictured) from Piltdown man were stained reddish brown like the gravels they were found in

But was he joking when he suggested that someone 'innocently' threw part of such a collection into the Piltdown pit?

To my mind, we need to take another close look at the Piltdown case.

Perhaps Dawson was hoist with his own petard: someone realised that he was a habitual forger and sought to beat him at his own game.

If this is indeed the case, Dawson may be considered a victim of a joke that went terribly wrong.
and rate on the accuracy

Users can see what Facebook claims to

Facebook knows more about you than you think - and now you can easily check how accurate it is.

ProPublica has revealed a chrome browser plugin that exposes everything Facebook claims to know about its more than 2 billion users  from how many credit cards they have to the size of their home.

Usually the information is hidden within menus - but with the new plugin, users can see and even rate how accurate it is.

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ProPublica has released a Chrome extension (pictured) that lets Facebook users see just how much the site claims to know about them, such as how many credit cards they have to the size of their home. Users also have the ability rate the data for accuracy

FACEBOOK'S STRATEGY Facebook's algorithms monitor its more than 2 billion users' every move on the social media site in order to create a personal data file on each one. The firm also looks for help from Instagram and WhatsApp to fill in any missing pieces. And if that wasn't enough, the social media giant buys data about its users mortgages, car ownership and shopping habits from some of the biggest commercial data brokers, according to ProPublica. All of the information is then sold to marketers who use it to target specific groups of people. However, ProPublica has designed a Chrome extension that shows everything Facebook claims to know about its users and lets them rate the data for accuracy. Advertisement

Facebooks algorithms watch you while you like posts, tag photos, update interests, change your relationship status, posts about a political figure and more, reports ProPublica, a New York City non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.

However, the sniffing software doesnt stop here.

As you browse through your favorite store online, book a rental car or make a hair appointment with any pages that have a Facebook share button, the social media giant is sitting in the background collecting the information.

Facebook also has helpers in this secretive task, as Instagram and WhatsApp, both owned by the social network, contribute to users files.

But if these werent enough, the firm also purchases data about its users mortgages, car ownership and shopping habits from some of the biggest commercial data brokers, according to ProPublica.

This treasure trove of data is what makes Facebook the powerhouse it is  all of the information is handed off to marketers who then have the power to target groups of people with specific ads.

ProPublica found Facebook offers advertisers more than 1,300 categories for ad targeting  everything from people whose property size is less than .26 acres to households with exactly seven credit cards, states the non-profit newsroom.

Facebooks stealth algorithms watch users online activity on the social media site and on Instagram and WhatsApp. It also purchases data from its users from some of the biggest commercial data brokers

With the US election right around the corner it is only fitting that Facebook is taking a look at American users' political preferences as well.

The social media giant has been working out peoples politics based on the pages they like and their activity on the site.

But it isn't just your politics.

For users worldwide, the site has revealed it uses 98 pieces of information it believes it knows about users.

According to the New York Times, users can see how the social media behemoth has categorized them by digging into their settings.

This treasure trove of data is what makes Facebook the powerhouse it is  all of the information is handed off to marketers who then have the power to target ads at specific groups of people. Facebook offers marketers more than 1,300 categories for ad targeting

HOW TO VIEW YOUR POLITICAL CATEGORY Facebook users in the US can see how they have been categorized by digging into the advertising preferences in their profile settings. Go to facebook.com/ads/preferences and select the Lifestyle and Culture tab under Interests. Users should be able to see a box labelled US Politics, which may be hidden under See more option. A persons political categorization can be seen in brackets next to this option. Advertisement

Among the personal data used are benign pieces of profile information - such as age, gender and location - to more complex traits, such as if someone has donated to charity to the restaurants they have eaten at and even where they have been on holiday.

But reports indicate this stretches to politics too.

Depending on whether someone has liked a particular politicians campaign page, such as Donald Trump, the platform builds up a profile.

For instance, users who like Donald Trump will be classed as conservative.

But the New York Times explains that even if users dont like the politicians directly, they can be lumped into the same political category based on their other likes which other conservatives like, such as the National Rifle Association.

According to the Times, the information is used to better target advertising. When incorporating political information, it means campaigners can actively target demographics beyond their core support, such as conservatives targeting moderate.

Depending on whether someone has liked a particular politicians campaign page, such as Hillary Clinton (pictured), Facebook is able to build up a user's ad profile

THE 98 DATA POINTS FACEBOOK USES TO TARGET ITS MEMBERS WITH ADS 1. Location 2. Age 3. Generation 4. Gender 5. Language 6. Education level 7. Field of study 8. School 9. Ethnic affinity 10. Income and net worth 11. Home ownership and type 12. Home value 13. Property size 14. Square footage of home 15. Year home was built 16. Household composition 17. Users who have an anniversary within 30 days 18. Users who are away from family or hometown 19. Users who are friends with someone who has an anniversary, is newly married or engaged, recently moved, or has an upcoming birthday 20. Users in long-distance relationships 21. Users in new relationships 22. Users who have new jobs 23. Users who are newly engaged 24. Users who are newly married 25. Users who have recently moved 26. Users who have birthdays soon 27. Parents 28. Expectant parents 29. Mothers, divided by type (soccer, trendy, etc.) 30. Users who are likely to engage in politics 31. Conservatives and liberals 32. Relationship status 33. Employer 34. Industry 35. Job title 36. Office type 37. Interests 38. Users who own motorcycles 39. Users who plan to buy a car (and what kind/brand of car, and how soon) 40. Users who bought auto parts or accessories recently 41. Users who are likely to need auto parts or services 42. Style and brand of car you drive 43. Year car was bought 44. Age of car 45. How much money user is likely to spend on next car 46. Where user is likely to buy next car 47. How many employees your company has 48. Users who own small businesses 49. Users who work in management or are executives 50. Users who have donated to charity (divided by type) 51. Operating system 52. Users who play canvas games 53. Users who own a gaming console 54. Users who have created a Facebook event 55. Users who have used Facebook Payments 56. Users who have spent more than average on Facebook Payments 57. Users who administer a Facebook page 58. Users who have recently uploaded photos to Facebook 59. Internet browser 60. Email service 61. Early/late adopters of technology 62. Expats (divided by what country they are from originally) 63. Users who belong to a credit union, national bank or regional bank 64. Users who investor (divided by investment type) 65. Number of credit lines 66. Users who are active credit card users 67. Credit card type 68. Users who have a debit card 69. Users who carry a balance on their credit card 70. Users who listen to the radio 71. Preference in TV shows 72. Users who use a mobile device (divided by what brand they use) 73. Internet connection type 74. Users who recently acquired a smartphone or tablet 75. Users who access the Internet through a smartphone or tablet 76. Users who use coupons 77. Types of clothing users household buys 78. Time of year users household shops most 79. Users who are heavy buyers of beer, wine or spirits 80. Users who buy groceries (and what kinds) 81. Users who buy beauty products 82. Users who buy allergy medications, cough/cold medications, pain relief products, and over-the-counter meds 83. Users who spend money on household products 84. Users who spend money on products for kids or pets, and what kinds of pets 85. Users whose household makes more purchases than is average 86. Users who tend to shop online (or off) 87. Types of restaurants user eats at 88. Kinds of stores user shops at 89. Users who are receptive to offers from companies offering online auto insurance, higher education or mortgages, and prepaid debit cards/satellite TV 90. Length of time user has lived in house 91. Users who are likely to move soon 92. Users who are interested in the Olympics, fall football, cricket or Ramadan 93. Users who travel frequently, for work or pleasure 94. Users who commute to work 95. Types of vacations user tends to go on 96. Users who recently returned from a trip 97. Users who recently used a travel app 98. Users who participate in a timeshare Advertisement

But this could also potentially see campaigners targeting core supporters with more hard line messages and softening their stance slightly for moderates.

MailOnline contacted Facebook for comment.

Facebook recently revamped its ad preferences settings to show its billions of users how they are being targeted by advertisers.

In the golden age of information, having insight into a persons habits, interests and political leanings can be invaluable.

The social media giant has recently revealed that it gleans 98 personal data points in order to target users with useful and relevant ads, based on everything from the device they use to where they are based.

Facebook recently revealed that it gleans 98 personal data points in order to target users with useful and relevant ads, based on everything from the device they use to where they are based

The firm states: 'We use information from a few different sources to figure out which ads might be relevant and useful to you.

'Things like your Facebook profile information, activity on Facebook and interactions with businesses can all influence the ads you see.'
They say a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips - and that rule applies on holiday, too.

A new infographic warns of the calorific dangers lurking when it comes to travel.

It highlights how packing in an 'innocent' pain au chocolat in Paris could total 300 calories while polishing off a pizza in Palermo could top 1,000 calories.

Packing in the pizza: They say a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips - and that rule applies on holiday, too, so it seems (stock image)

While travelling in the U.S. hankering after a hamburger and fries could see you consume 629 calories, while in Japan, seemingly healthy ramen noodles weigh in at 500 calories.

'A bowl of traditional ramen can contain well over the recommended daily intake of sodium,' the picture diagram warns.

In Spain, tourists are advised not to chow down on churros, as the deep-fried treats dipped in melted chocolate pack in 234 calories per portion.

Watch out: A new infographic warns of the calorific dangers lurking when it comes to travel

The infographic reveals that 40 per cent of tourists blame alcohol for their weight gain, 10 per cent admit to a lack of willpower, while 20 per cent put their paunch down to free soda refills

In the UK, fish and chips are frowned upon, with the batter laden dish serving up 838 calories.

But it's not just food - in Cuba travellers are advised to be mindful of mojitos.

The sugary cocktails can apparently contain up to 242 calories.

In a bid to battle the bulge the infographic - released by www.travelinsurance.co.nz - advises travellers to moderate their portion sizes and stick to healthy treats.

It also suggests packing a skipping rope, resistance bands or a heart rate monitor to help keep workouts in check.

Top tips to staying trim: In a bid to battle the bulge the infographic advises travellers to moderate their portion sizes and stick to healthy treats

Instead of hopping in taxis, tourists are urged to walk and invest in a pair of comfortable shoes.

In a bid to beat the bloat, the top tip is to drink ample of amounts of water.

Lastly, holidaymakers are recommended to 'sip smart' and drink alcohol in moderation.
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A hand-drawn, late 18th-century map of Detroit has joined a trove of historical artifacts from the city and America.

The University of Michigan's Clements Library now holds the map that's been authenticated by experts as an original.

Rough sketch of the King's Domain at Detroit was signed by its author, D.W. Smith, in 1790.

A hand-drawn, late 18th-century map of Detroit has joined a trove of historical artifacts from the city and America

The University of Michigan's Clements Library now holds the map that's been authenticated by experts as an original

Rough sketch of the King's Domain at Detroit was signed by its author, D.W. Smith, in 1790

Brian Dunnigan, the library's associate director and map curator, calls it a 'special find' in a Tuesday release.

He added: 'The grandson of the original owner said that the map was bought by his grandfather sometime back in the 1930s.'

He described it as a 'wonderful acquisition'.

The map, which measures 21-by-40-inches, was produced about six years before the British evacuated Detroit, making way for U.S. troops. It sketches out the city's defences, including Fort Lernoult.

Detroit is famous for being the home of Motown music. The careers of The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Marvelettes and The Four Tops all took off after they'd recorded songs in the city's famous Hitsville studios

An exhibition featuring the map, discovered in a home in Almonte, Ontario, is planned for next year.

Detroit is famous for being the home of Motown music.

The careers of The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Marvelettes and The Four Tops all took off after they'd recorded songs in the city's famous Hitsville studios.

The city is also famous for being the setting for movies Robocop and, briefly, Beverly Hills Cop.
She recently revealed that she's using her iconic modelling experience to form her own modelling agency.

However, Kate Moss focused all her attention on her beau Nikolai von Bismarck as they stepped out together in London on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old supermodel looked low-key glam as she exited the Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday alongside the 29-year-old aristocrat.

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Exiting in style: Kate Moss, 42, and her beau Nikolai von Bismarck, 29, left London's Dorchester Hotel together on Wednesday

Kate looked typically stylish as she layered a coat over an unbuttoned khaki shirt and and plain black tee.

She completed the look with skinny black jeans and boots while her dishevelled blonde hair framed her make-up free face.

Nikolai on the other hand wore a long statement navy coat which complemented his monochrome scarf.

While Kate has been flashing a diamond ring as of late, fuelling engagement rumours, The Sun has claimed that the couple have started making plans to have a low-key wedding in Greece after falling in love with the country during a summer break.

Low-key glam: Kate looked typically stylish as she layered a coat over an unbuttoned khaki shirt and and plain black tee

Natural beauty: Her disheveled blonde hair framed her make-up free face

Essentials: She completed the look with skinny black jeans and boots

Trend-setter: Nikolai on the other hand wore a long statement navy coat

According to the paper the couple are reportedly hoping to tie the knot before Christmas, but Kate wants to wait until her divorce from Jamie Hince is finalised before sending out invites.

'They fell in love with Greece after jetting there last month and got the ball rolling by planning the wedding while out there,' an insider claims, adding that unlike her traditional white wedding to Jamie, Kate wants a more intimate do.

'Both want a low key ceremony with a handful of friends and family. The plan is to head back to London to celebrate with a larger group,' a source said.

The Vogue cover regular- who has a daughter Lila Grace, 13, with ex-partner, publisher Jefferson Hack - married Jamie in 2011, but the couple separated last year.

In love: The Sun has claimed that the couple have started making plans to have a low-key wedding in Greece after falling in love with the country during a summer break

I'm waiting for you! Kate turned around to allow Nikolai to catch up with her

Making it official: According to the paper the couple are reportedly hoping to tie the knot before Christmas, but Kate wants to wait until her divorce from Jamie Hince is finalised before sending out invites

Meanwhile, having left Storm Models earlier this year, Kate revealed she is thrilled to be working on the new project, the launch of which coincides with London Fashion Week.

Speaking to Business of Fashion, Kate revealed the management agency will cover acting and singing talent and not just modelling, in the hope of 'creating stars'.

'It's a dream! It's so weird. I want to focus more on managing people's careers than just [running] a modelling agency.' she told the publication.

She added: 'I don't really want pretty people, I want people that want to sing and dance and act  I want to create stars.'

A year: Kate and Nikolai are believed to have started dating last autumn

The mother-of-one explained how leaving the agency that discovered her aged just 14 - after twenty-seven years on their books affected her decision to branch out.

Talking about her decision to leave, she said: 'Its a grown-up thing. I felt like I wanted to do things that were more than modelling.

'It didnt matter how much we would try and do it together with them, I was always going to be the little Kate that they've known since I was 14. They were like, "Yeah you've got to go now, we've done as much as we can do. I wanted to spread my wings."'

Despite all her years in the business, Kate, who boasts the record for most British Vogue covers, is still estimated to be worth 57million, ranking her 13th amongst the 20 highest earning models in the world.
She is, of course, one of the X Factor judges.

But Nicole Scherzinger was more about the sexy factor when she hit the beach in Nice, Southern France, on Wednesday.

The brunette beauty, 38, was on fine form as she paraded her body in a revealing bikini - while provocatively straddling a jet-ski, no less.

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Looking good: Nicole Scherzinger was pure sex factor when she hit the beach in Nice, Southern France, on Wednesday

Putting on a very fancy display, the former Pussycat Doll effortlessly commanded attention in her choice of swimwear.

This consisted of a multi-coloured two-piece which deftly displayed her bosoms, taut tummy and lean legs.

Adding a touch of modesty with a sarong, she accessorised with a pair of reflective sunglasses for maximum statement style.

Posing up a storm on the sands, the sunshine break wasn't all play - she was actually taking a break from filming the Judges' Houses section of X Factor.

Making a splash! The brunette beauty, 38, was on fine form as she paraded her body in a revealing bikini - while provocatively straddling a jet-ski, no less

She's not shy! Putting on a very fancy display, the former Pussycat Doll effortlessly commanded attention in her choice of swimwear

Not that she's had to do eliminate contestants on her own, of course.

She was recently joined by 32-year-old Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, who helped her assess the talent in the boys' category.

The lads jetted off to Nice to perform for the poptastic duo, with the likes of Matt Terry, Nate Simpson and James Hughes hoping to impress.

As she greeted the boys in sunny France, Nicole said: 'Bonjour Boys! Bienvenue a la South of France. I think I might have the winner of The X Factor 2016 right here but today is play time, so who wants to have some fun in the water!'

Nicole's stunning good looks certainly made an impression of the boys, as Matt Terry said: 'We did some filming where she went jet-skiing with us but when she came to meet us she walked out of the water like some sort of Bond girl. She looked so hot, I thought I was going to pass out!'

Look at me: Adding a touch of modesty with a sarong, she accessorised with a pair of reflective sunglasses for maximum statement style

Meanwhile Ryan Lawrie could not contain himself with excitement at his leader - also lauding her as a Bond girl: 'Im really excited, shes a great person. Shes young and she knows my style of music so its great shes there.

'We did some filming with her yesterday on a jet-ski and we were all saying she looks like a Bond girl. Shes hot.'

Freddy Parker delightedly gushed: 'She looks sensational on TV and then you meet her in person and shes crazy beautiful. I actually find myself lost for words when Im around her! Shes so calm and casual and Im like: "Dont say anything stupid!".'

It was clear the boys all had eyes for the stunner as Niall Sexton said: 'I dont think anyone, guy or girl, can say they dont fancy Nicole, they would be crazy. Its weird though because she makes you feel so comfortable when youre around her, which is so nice.'

Working girl: Posing up a storm on the sands, the sunshine break wasn't all play - she was actually taking a break from filming the Judges' Houses section of X Factor

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell has been assisted by Scary Spice Mel B and Emma Bunton.

In a sneak peak of the Judges Houses, Simon looked to be struggling on who to take to the live shows, while Mel and Emma gave their opinions as they flank the head judge.

Sharon Osbourne, who will be mentoring the Overs group, was joined by British hitmaker Robbie Williams.
Lupita Nyong'o has been busy promoting her latest film Queen Of Katwe.

Yet the Academy Award winner didn't seem tired in the least as she arrived to tape The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in New York City.

Dressed in a glamorous white and yellow ensemble, the actress was the picture of good cheer, waving at onlookers while she crossed the pavement.

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The chat show circuit: On Wednesday, Lupita Nyong'o was spotted arriving to tape The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in New York City

The 33-year-old buttoned up her yellow Escada coat over a white dress.

A triangle carved into the fabric offered a glimpse of cleavage, and she matched the dress with a pair of white stilettos.

Lupita's large black leather purse complemented a pair of dark cat-eye sunglasses with tortoiseshell rims. Hoop earrings and a couple of rings rounded out her assemblage of accessories.

Based on a real story, Queen Of Katwe recounts the story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, played by Madina Nalwanga.

Fan service: The 33-year-old - wearing a yellow Escada coat - waved at onlookers as she crossed the pavement

Directed by Mira Nair, and amid a cast that includes David Oyelowo, Nyong'o features as Mutesi's mother Harriet.

In an interview IndieWire published Wednesday, the Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens actress expounded on the real life Harriet, whom she met in the Katwe neighbourhood of Kampala.

The woman she plays in the film, Nyong'o explained, 'got tossed around a lot as a child, got pregnant at the age of 14, was a mother by 15, loses her husband with five children to HIV/AIDS.'

New work: The Academy Award winner is promoting her latest film, Queen Of Katwe, which tells the story of the real life Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi

Inhabiting reality: Nyong'o plays Mutesi's mother, Harriet, whom she met before playing her in the Katwe neighbourhood of Kampala

As the Mexico City native told it: 'All she knows is a hard life, preparing her children for that strife and struggle.

'Shes fearful of dreaming, wants to save her children the disappointment. It is an act of love to protect them from their own dreams.

'But,' the actress continued, 'her journey in the film is realizing that to show true love is to act without fear and instead with courage and allow her daughter to go into the world.'

Quick change: Lupita later emerged wearing a stylish asymmetrical dress with a thick belt and matching turban

Flair for fashion: The actress put her shapely legs on show in the patterned mini and black heels

Star power: The Star Wars actress added sunglasses and waved to fans after taping The Late Show

In person, 'Her presence is a special one, very quiet. She reminded me of a baobab tree, it has a very thick trunk, its stable, it grows in extreme conditions, its very full.

'Shes full of wisdom and knows who she is. I wanted to respect that. I was reminded, meeting her, that dignity does not have price tag.'

Gorgeous: The Oscar-winner opted for a bright yellow dress with a matching headscarf as she chatted about her Disney film in New York on Tuesday
It's the reality show that takes contestants out of their comfort zone.

And with no toothbrush, no shower, and no toilet paper, this season of Australian Survivor certainly is doing just that.

On Thursday, eliminated contestant Kate Campbell revealed to Mamamia just how female castaways deal with their menstrual cycle while battling it out on a remote Samoan island.

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Keeping clean: Booted Survivor castaway, 28-year-old Kate Campbell (left) has revealed that girls either take birth control tablets or are supplied with sanitary products while on the remote island

Kate opted to take birth control tablets, as she did not want have her period on the island.

She claimed that other females on the show who wanted to continue their menstrual cycle were supplied with sanitary products.

'That would have been the most disgusting thing ever,' the eliminated castaway commented.

'I could not think of anything worse than to have [my period] there on the island.'

'That would have been the most disgusting thing ever': The eliminated contestant opted to not have her period while on the remote Samoan island by taking birth control tablets

Another topic concerning hygiene on the reality show arose just last week, when another eliminated contestant, Phoebe Timmins, spoke about the toilet situation on the island.

When The Project's Meshel Laurie asked the bubbling blonde live on air if there was a 'communal hole' for a toilet, Phoebe giggled and blushed.

'Communal hole... ew - there's no communal hole,' she responded.

Lady issues: Females who wanted to continue their menstrual cycle were provided with sanitary products

Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia was happy to clear up the 'squat toilet' rumour.

Jonathan told News Corp, 'There is a porta-potty near their camp, yes. But that's it, nothing else. I don't think [the porta-potty] is particularly great, let's just say that.

'Environmentally, when somewhere like Samoa is kind enough to let us shoot there, we have the to treat the place with a certain respect, and leave it as we found it.

'Sanitation is an issue.'
She's the glamour model-turned-reality starlet, known for showing off her curves.

But The Block's Suzi Taylor opted to cover up her ample assets in a chic ensemble as she touched down in Australia on Wednesday after a trip to Doha in Qatar.

The 45-year-old sported a form-fitting top and indigo jeans, as she drew attention to an elaborate henna tattoo on both hands.

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Tatt's a new look! The Block's Suzi Taylor, 45, covered up her ample assets in a chic ensemble while debuting henna art on both hands, as she arrived back in Australia following a vacation to Doha in Qatar

Arriving back in Australia, Suzi covered her curves in a round-neck black top, while accentuating her slender legs in a pair of indigo jeans.

Accessorising with a chic black coat and pair of nude pointy-toed heels, the busty brunette was seen making her way through the airport, wheeling a medium-sized suitcase.

Allowing her long locks to fall effortlessly around her face and shoulders, Suzi sported a minimal makeup look of a bronzed complexion, defined brows and lashings of mascara.

Chic: The busty brunette opted for a simple round-neck top, teamed with a pair of skinny-leg indigo jeans, black coat and nude pointy-toed heels

While running one manicured hand through her tresses, Suzi drew attention to a large henna tattoo that ran across the entire length of her right hand.

Henna tattoos are temporary - a paste made from dry leaves of a plant and when applied to the skin results in a dark orange to maroon stain.

Ample: Suzi came to headlines again just recently, with a series of busty social media snaps

Meanwhile, Suzi came to headlines again just recently, with a series of busty social media snaps.

The personality previously confessed to having undergone a breast enhancement following the birth of her third child, and sparked new speculation that she has once again gone under the knife.

Last week Suzi showcased her seemingly endless cleavage as she posed in a black triangle bikini on the beach.

In another photo shared to her Facebook page, the jetsetter and her ample bust can be spotted once again, this time with the backdrop of her hotel in the background.

Has she gone under the knife again? The personality previously confessed to having undergone a breast enhancement following the birth of her third child, and sparked new speculation that she has once again gone under the knife

Busty display: Last week Suzi showcased her seemingly endless cleavage as she posed in a skimpy black triangle bikini

Suzi previously revealed to Woman's Day that she underwent a breast enhancement after her three children - Bella, 11, Zac, nine and Alex, seven.

She however maintained that she didn't 'need' the breast augmentation but rather that her decision to undergo surgery was a matter of personal preference.

'My breasts were perky and I never really had an issue with my looks, I just watched what I ate,' Suzi said of her former modelling days.

Say cheese! The single mother has spent the last week living it up in Qatar with several male pals, having taken to Instagram on Thursday with a photo of herself posing with a Doha local

The single mother has spent the last week living it up in Qatar with several male pals, having taken to Instagram on Thursday with a photo of herself posing with a Doha local.

'Hello 'Marhabaan' Thank you 'Shukraan' alshshaeb qatar for your kindness politeness and generosity,' wrote Suzi in the caption as she flaunted her cleavage in a plunging halterneck dress.

Suzi was flown to Doha as a guest of honour for the opening of a luxury building, where she cut the ribbon before spending a little intimate time with the VIP guests.
KIIS FM radio co-hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O have spoken to a whole host of A-list celebrities on their show.

And while it's been smooth sailing during most of their interviews, Jackie, 41, revealed on air on Thursday that she and shock jock Kyle were once blacklisted by Lea Michele's publicist because they offended the Glee star so much.

Jackie said that a few years ago she asked an 'uptight' Lea, 30, about circulating Glee paycheck rumours, and it didn't go down too well.

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Banned: KIIS FM radio co-host Jackie O (pictured) revealed she once offended former Glee star Lea Michele so much during an interview that she and Kyle were blacklisted by her publicist

'I referenced that rumour and oh my god her publicist made sure that we were banned from any other people associated with that agency for such a long time,' Jackie said.

'We were on the banned list because she was so offended by that question.'

Jackie explained that the rumour was about how the Glee cast had signed up for season one and that their paychecks wouldn't be changing for a while.

Putting her foot in it? Jackie said that a few years ago she asked an 'uptight' Lea, 30, about circulating Glee paycheck rumours, and it didn't go down too well

Meanwhile, Kyle said he had no qualms about being on the banned list.

'Every second week we're getting banned by some a***hole and I couldn't care less,' he smugly replied.

He added that publicists get a 'free ad' every time they chat to a celebrity and he couldn't give a 'rats ring' if they spoke to celebrities or not.

Lea eventually appeared on the radio show last year after the air was cleared.

No bad blood: However, Lea finally appeared on the radio show last year

In 2014, Jackie told Matt & Bruno: The Probe about some of her and Kyle's worst ever celebrity interviews.

'Publicists are getting so controlling over all the interviews now and if you ask one little thing that's not to their liking you get blacklisted for so long,' she said.

'And we've had a lot of that with people in the industry! It's often the people with them that are really precious. Although Snooki, she was terrible.'

In the past, the pair have had run-ins with Cameron Diaz, Harry Styles and Australian former Bachelor star Blake Garvey, who hung up on them.

Rubbing shoulders: The pair have spoken to a host of celebrities on their show and are seen here with Justin Bieber

Saying hello: Jackie is seen here with Renee Zellweger and Patrick Dempsey when they tried to tempt her with food while she was dieting

But Jackie claims they were a walk in the park compared to others.

The mother of one also name-checked Redfoo and US actors Dan Ackroyd and Steve Seagal as being difficult.

Actress Cameron Diaz hung up on the radio duo after a series of awkward moments, in particular when Kyle commented on her best friend Drew Barrymore's former drug habit.

Meanwhile Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo told TheWest.com this week he'd 'probably never going to do an interview' with them again.

He got offended when he was asked about his ex girlfriend after Kyle thought they were still together.

Despite the often awkward chats, Kyle and Jackie O regularly dominate the airwaves, topping the ratings almost every survey.
Agnes Nixon, who became known as the 'queen of soap opera' as the creative force behind One Life To Live and All My Children, died on Wednesday aged 93.

Nixon died at a Haverford, Pennsylvania, physical rehabilitation facility close to her Rosemont home, said her son, Bob Nixon.

She had checked in to gain strength for a planned book tour, he said.

Soap queen: Agnes Nixon, shown in June 2010 in Las Vegas, died on Wednesday aged 93 in Pennsylvania

Nixon had just finished writing her memoir, My Life To Live, on Sunday, a week before it was due to publisher Penguin Random House, her son said.

The cause of death was not immediately known, he said.

'She was really a great wife, mother and human being - but above all, a writer. She was writing up until last night,' he said, adding that Nixon had called him with a few corrections for the book.

The show creator suffered a stroke four years ago that had serious complications but had fought back, Bob Nixon said. He confirmed her birthdate as December 1922, despite media reports listing her age as 88.

Creative force: The Chicago native, shown in October 1975, created One Life To Live and All My Children

All My Children star Susan Lucci, who starred as Erica Kane for decades, paid tribute to Nixon.

'I am devastated to learn that we have lost Agnes,' the actress said in a statement.

'I adored her and admired her and I am forever grateful to her! May this liveliest and loveliest of women rest in peace.'

Nixon created, wrote and produced the long-running ABC daytime serials, which were canceled in 2011 as the network bowed to the reality that soap operas had faded as a daytime TV force.

All My Children had aired for nearly 41 years, while One Life To Live made it to 44 seasons. Both were set in fictional Philadelphia-area towns.

Famous character: Susan Lucci, who played Erica Kane on All My Children, is shown getting a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in January 2005 with Agnes by her side

Long-running soap: Agnes is shown center with actresses from One Life To Live in a 1969 photo

The shows were both known for incorporating social issues into their stories, with Lucci's character Erica Kane the first regular TV character to undergo a legal abortion in 1973.

The fictional worlds that Agnes Nixon created in the pretend Pennsylvania towns of Pine Valley and Llanview hadn't faded for her, Bob Nixon said.

'It might not have been on the air but it was in her head,' he said.

Her memoir is scheduled to be released in early 2017.
She is the star of Broadway hit You Can't Take It With You.

But the opposite was true for actress Annaleigh Ashford after she gave birth to her first child earlier this month.

The 31-year-old Masters Of Sex favourite and her actor husband Joe Tapper are overjoyed to have welcomed son Jack Clark, who was born in Los Angeles in the early hours of September 8.

Things that go bump in the morning: Annaleigh Ashford gave birth to her first child in the early hours of September 8

In a statement to People, the couple said: ' There are no words to describe our joy when we first met our Jack.'

The nipper tipped the scales at 7 pounds 3 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

Jack is the couple's first child first child, though they do have a pet dog called Gracie.

The pair, who tied the knot back in 2013, previously said how excited they were to be starting a family together at last.

'There are no words to describe our joy': It is her first child with husband Joe Tapper

She said: 'We are so excited to be having a little boy. Now well finally have a place to put all of Joes St. Louis Cardinals memorabilia.'

Annaleigh is best known to casual viewers for her turn as lesbian hooker Betty Dimello in racy Showtime series Masters Of Sex.

However she is also famed for originating the role of Lauren in Cyndi Lauper musical Kinky Boots and her Tony-winning turn as Essie Carmichael in You Can't Take It with You.

She will soon return to the small screen next month in Foxs televised musical version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
She's been a social butterfly for years.

And Paris Hilton sealed the deal on Wednesday as she stepped out in London in a black bomber jacket embroidered with colorful flowers and insects.

The 35-year-old hotel heiress looked stylish as she paired the jacket with a low-cut pale blue top and figure-hugging black pants.

Eye-catching: Paris Hilton sealed her status as a social butterlfy with a bomber jacket embroidered with colorful flowers and insects

The beauty showcased her slim figure in the PVC trousers.

She radiated uber-glamour with giant dark glasses, even though it was night time, and vertiginous heeled boots.

Her long blonde tresses were worn in her preferred long, straight style, over one shoulder.

Stunning: The 35-year-old hotel heiress looked stylish as she stepped out at the Mayfair Hotel in London on Wednesday

She's been in the limelight for over a decade.

But has traded in her reality television days for a career as celebrity DJ and recently spun the turntables for Philipp Plein's cocktail party in Milan, Italy.

She also recently returned from Serbia where she played in a club in Belgrade on Saturday.

Leggy: The beauty showcased her slim figure with tight-fitting ensemble

Dinner date: She radiated uber-glamour with giant dark glasses, even though it was night time, and vertiginous heeled boots

Glam: Her long blonde tresses were worn in her preferred long, straight style, over one shoulder

Reality star: She's been in the limelight for over a decade

Well-prepared: She clutched her iPhone which had a case designed to light selfies

Getting a lift: Paris travelled in the rear of the vehicle in London

The onetime BFF of Kim Kardashian - who she likes to boast was her assistant - Paris showed off her SIX security guards for the trip, with a group picture.

'Thank you to my amazing security team for taking care of me during my trip to #Serbia,' wrote Paris, tagging the post 'Men In Black'.

Paris - who is also launching more real estate property in Dubai, Las Vegas and New York - is expanding to the tech world as well where she is planning to create content and games for VR, according to Adweek.

Happy eater: She posted: 'Loving the new @MayFairKitchen Restaurant at my fave hotel in #London @TheMayFairHotel. Love the new design & the food is amazing!  #London'
She's the PR queen who's kept her social media followers up-to-date with her journey through a breast cancer diagnosis.

And now Roxy Jacenko has taken to Instagram to proudly share the news that she's finished radiation treatment.

The snap shared to the site on Thursday, saw the 36-year-old flashing two peace signs as she sat on a bench at one of Sydney's Gensis Cancer Care clinics.

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'And I'm DONE': PR queen Roxy Jacenko, 36, proudly took to Instagram on Thursday to share the news that she's finished radiation treatment for breast cancer

'And I'm DONE,' Roxy captioned the snap alongside a smiling face emoji.

The photo saw the businesswoman, clad in tight activewear flashing two peace signs, as she sat on a bench inside a cancer clinic.

With her blonde tresses swept into a chic ponytail and sporting a minimal amount of makeup, Roxy could not hide her content over enduring a month of radiation treatment.

Keeping up appearances: Always one to keep up with her regular day-to-day life, just hours earlier, the well-known personality was seen getting a workout in with trainer to the stars Dan Adair (R)

Always one to keep up with her regular day-to-day life, just hours earlier, the well-known personality was seen getting a workout in with trainer to the stars Dan Adair.

'Shredding,' she captioned the selfie, that saw her standing next to a buff Dan, inside Surry Hills' Riley Street Gym.

While Roxy's head was cut out of the shot, she drew attention to her svelte figure in a pair of full-length leggings and a coordinating snug tank top.

Girls' day out! On Wednesday, Roxy celebrated having just one day of radiation treatment to go by going shopping with heiress Francesca Packer Barham (L)

Just one day prior, Roxy celebrated having just one day of radiation to go, by going shopping with heiress Francesca Packer Barham, 21.

The mother-of-two shared a fun car selfie with the brunette beauty, as the pair made their way towards a Louis Vuitton store.

Roxy playfully stuck out her tongue as she sat in the front seat of Francesca's luxury car, believed to be a Range Rover.

New coat? At the store, the blonde beauty posed for a mirror selfie wearing her dress with a bright fur jacket on top, presumably picking up the piece for her wardrobe

With a golden glow, the entrepreneur sat in a pretty Louis Vuitton dress featuring patterned sleeves and a zipper up the front.

Meanwhile, Francesca dressed more casually in jeans and a black jumper.

Roxy playfully captioned the snap: 'What hump day??'

While at the store, Roxy posed for a mirror selfie wearing her dress with a bright fur jacket on top, presumably picking up the piece for her wardrobe.

Counting down! Earlier that day, the entrepreneur confirmed on Instagram she had just one more day of radiation treatment

Roxy revealed her cancer battle in July, just weeks after her husband Oliver Curtis was jailed for two years for insider trading.

She later had a tumour from her breast removed, which was filmed for a 60 Minutes documentary about her life.

Roxy also explained her decision not to have a mastectomy, saying: 'I wasn't in the head space to make rash decisions'.

Still working! Roxy revealed her cancer battle in July, just weeks after her husband Oliver Curtis was jailed for two years for insider trading

This week, The Daily Telegraph reported Roxy visited Oliver at Cooma's Correctional Facility on Saturday, taking a private plane costing $6,000.

Roxy's visit comes just days after she was allegedly spotted catching up with her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal.

They were seen having dinner together in Sydney and 'appeared relaxed with each other', The Sydney Morning Herald claimed.
She recently endured some heartbreak after her relationship with Brooklyn Beckham fizzled out.

But it appears Chloe Moretz hasn't let the split affect her adventurousness when it comes to fashion.

The 19-year-old stepped out in a posh neighbourhood of Los Angeles wearing a jumper with a number of large holes in it.

Holy moly: Chloe Moretz stepped out in a hole ridden jumper on Wednesday in LA

The Kick Ass actress completed her attire with grey leggings and white trainers.

Chloe carried a brown bag in her hand after a shopping session.

Meanwhile, it was only a week ago when her ex was seen spending time with model Adrienne Juliger in London.

The 17-year-old son of Victoria and David was seen in the early hours of Monday morning alongside the brunette beauty - who he starred on the cover of Miss Vogue with last year.

Healing: She recently endured some heartbreak after her relationship with Brooklyn Beckham fizzled out

Looking good: The Kick Ass actress completed her attire with grey leggings and white trainers

All cut up: The star's sweater showed signs of wear

It was claimed that Brooklyn decided to call time on the romance because Moretz couldn't cope with having a long-distance relationship as she lives in Los Angeles and he is based in London with his family.

A source said: 'Brooklyn is so young with his whole life ahead and although he was besotted with her at first, as time wore on Chloe wanted to become more serious and given he lives on the other side of the Atlantic, it was something he couldn't offer.'

The pair briefly dated in 2014 before getting back together earlier this year before separating.

Retail therapy: Chloe carried a brown bag in her hand after a shopping session

Chic: Just hours before Chloe lived it up at a Drake concert among a bevvy of other stars
She plays a headmistress with the ability to transform into a peregrine falcon in Tim Burton's latest film.

So Sunrise reporter Steve Hargrave thought it would be pretty apt to ask actress Eva Green who she would poo on, if she were a bird in real life.

But things turned rather awkward, when the 36-year-old star of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, was left stumped by the question and was seen shaking her head in puzzlement.

What a birdbrain! Sunrise reporter Steve Hargrave (pictured) thought it would be pretty apt to ask actress Eva Green who she would poo on, if she were a bird in real life

'And if you were a bird, anyone in the world, whose head would you poo on?' Steve Hargrave asked the Hollywood A-list actress.

Completely bewildered, Eva responded, 'What? If I were a...WHAT?'

'If you were a bird, who's head would you poo on? Anyone..in the world..,' the Sunrise reporter continued, now hoping to take back his odd question.

'If I were a bird... sorry, my brain. The blood has stopped going to my brain,' Eva managed to muster.

Puzzled: Seen looking completely bewildered, 36-year-old Eva responded, 'What? If I were a...WHAT?'

Stumped: 'If I were a bird...sorry, my brain. The blood has stopped going to my brain,' the star managed to muster

Tim Burton's latest film centres around Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children, with Eva's character houses children with special abilities.

The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Asa Butterfield and Ella Purnell.

The Paris-born star has been hot on the promotional trail, with several appearances in New York just recently.

Starring role: The Paris-born actress plays the lead in Tim Burton's latest film, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Small screen: The brunette actress also appeared on horror drama series Penny Dreadful as Vanessa Ives, opposite Josh Hartnett (L)

Eva has had a steady rise to the top, starting her career in theatre before making her film debut in 2003.

Other notable roles include Vanessa Ives in horror drama series Penny Dreadful opposite Josh Hartnett, and blockbusters Sin City: A Dame a to Kill For and Casino Royale.

She's also a regular on the red carpet, flaunting her svelte figure in a number of stunning frocks.

Red hot property: Eva has been on the promotional trail, with several appearances in New York just recently
Fixing battered superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a pretty full-on job.

Luckily Rosario Dawson got the night off to attend the Luke Cage premiere on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old wowed the red carpet in a gorgeous yellow flamenco-style dress at the screening in Harlem in New York.

Luking gorgeous: Rosario Dawson wowed in a flamenco skirt at Marvel's Luke Cage premiere in |Harlem on Wednesday

In the MCU, the New York native plays nurse Claire Temple, who has already crossed paths with Daredevil Matt Murdoch and Jessica Jones, as well as Luke Cage himself.

She has more than a nurse-patient relationship with the blind vigilante, who became romantically involved having saved one another on more than one occasion.

Meanwhile, it was Jones who brought her into contact with Cage in her season one finale, when the supposedly unbreakable hero was seriously wounded.

Night nurse: In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the New York native plays nurse Claire Temple

Involved: She has already crossed paths with Daredevil Matt Murdoch and Jessica Jones, as well as Luke Cage himself

Tough job: Meanwhile it was Jones who brought her into contact with Cage in her season one finale, when the supposedly unbreakable hero was seriously wounded

Rosario was joined at the premier by Mike Colter - who plays the bulletproof hero - looking razor sharp in a three-piece grey suit.

Simone Missick, who plays Harlem police detective Misty Knight, also turned out at the AMC Magic Johnson Harlem in a cute silky pink cocktail dress.

Alfre Woodard, who plays Mariah Dillard, a politician with divided loyalties, rocked a white floral print dress.

Power Man: The actress posed with the man himself, Mike Colter

Unbreakable: The 6'3" star looked razor sharp in a three-piece grey suit

Pretty in pink: Simone Missick, who plays Harlem police detective Misty Knight also turned out at the AMC Magic Johnson Harlem in a cute silky pink cocktail dress

Characters: Meanwhile Alfre Woodard (L), who plays Mariah Dillard, a politician with divided loyalties, rocked a white floral print dress. Also on hand was Jessica Stroup, who stars in the next Netflix Marvel series, Iron Fist

The full series of 13 episode of Luke Cage will begin streaming on Netflix on Friday.

After Daredevil, Jessica Jones it is the third Marvel TV series to hit the streaming service.

One more remains - Iron Fist, played by Game Of Thrones star Finn Jones - before the four unite in a fifth crossover series: The Defenders.
She's the former Bachelor star known for her striking looks and effortless style.

But even Keira Maguire makes the occasional faux pas as she demonstrated during a trip to Sydney's Palm Beach on Saturday.

As the 29-year-old stripped off her clothes, her armpit looked noticeably paler than the rest of her bronzed complexion.

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Missed a spot? As The Bachelor's Keira Maguire stripped off at Sydney's Palm Beach last week, her armpit looked noticeably paler than the rest of her bronzed complexion

While Keira rarely steps out these days without looking flawlessly sun-kissed, she has made a few mistakes with her fake tan routine in the past.

It would appear she did not apply her fake tan thoroughly enough or it had faded away due to sweat or deodorant use.

Earlier this month, she was photographed displaying a notably uneven tan at several venues around Sydney.

Fashion faux pas? It would appear she did not apply her fake tan thoroughly enough or it had faded away due to sweat or deodorant use

While meeting a friend at a Double Bay cafe, Keira had ghostly white hands where she presumably forgot to apply tan.

The previous day, she attended the launch of the Stylerunner store having made the same beauty mistake.

Keira was spotted in an off-the-shoulder white dress with lace-up sleeves and a daringly high hemline.

She had an extremely bronzed look but seemed to neglect one all-important detail, her hands.

Are they surgical gloves? While meeting a friend at a Double Bay cafe earlier this month, Keira had ghostly white hands where she presumably forgot to apply tan

The faux pas created the illusion she was wearing a white pair of surgical gloves with her glamourous outfit.

Last month, Keira was spotted leaving the Double Bay offices of PR queen Roxy Jacenko's talent agency.

It is understood she signed a deal with Ministry of Talent, which also represents Sally Obermeder and Pixie Curtis.
Lupita Nyong'o has suffered for her art, the Oscar-winner drew the line at gaining 100lbs for a role when she stopped by Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old actress said that amount of weight gain was not something she'd consider.

'I've battled with this one, I have, but I don't think so,' the 12 Years A Slave star told host Andy Cohen during a game of Dwheel Breakers! Career Edition.

Oscar winner: Lupita Nyong'o appeared on Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday along with her Queen Of Katwe co-star David Oyelowo

She appeared on the show with British actor David Oyelowo, 40, who also said he wouldn't do it  not even for a 'really great' film.

'I gained 30lbs to play Dr. King [Martin Luther King, Jr.] I don't think I want to do triple that,' remarked the Selma star, who remained in character for three months while prepping for the role.

When discussing other career deal breakers Lupita said lots of S&M action would be acceptable, but only if she was 'the dominator'.

'I have four children, so no,' disagreed David.

Fun game: David and Lupita played a game of Dwheel Breakers! Career Edition

Career questions: Andy asked about certain deal breakers for film roles including gaining 100lbs for a role

They both said a year without cell service on a location shot would be OK, but not in a cold place.

'That would be quite fabulous actually,' remarked Lupita.

They would also both be happy to play an 'adult baby' on stage.

No cell: Lupita and David said they could deal with being on location for a year with no cell phone service

'That sounds fun,' said David.

They both said they'd turn down big money if the script was bad.

'That is the way to kill your career,' remarked David.

Deal breaker: They both said they'd turn down big money of the script was bad

Lupita and David co-star in the uplifting family film Queen Of Katwe, which opens in the US this Friday.

'We see Africa on the big screen in a way we have not seen before,' said Lupita.

Talking of her killer red carpet looks The Jungle Book actress said she doesn't get to keep many of the outfits.

New film: Lupita and David were promoting their new film Queen Of Katwe that opens on Friday

In the clubhouse: Andy welcomed the highly acclaimed actors into the Bravo clubhouse

'They may as well go back, I mean where on earth am I going to keep all those big dresses?' she asked.

David talked about his trip to Maui with Oprah Winfrey, saying that she did not share a room with Gayle King and that Stedman Graham was there too.

'Oprah likes shots, she will drink you under the table,' revealed the actor.

Carpet star: Andy during The Vault segment showed pictures of Lupita on the red carpet

Behind the bar: Chess models were behind the bar in honor of the new movie Queen Of Katwe

They're good: Lupita and David re-enacted famous lines from Bravo reality shows during a Bravologues! competition

When asked about who picked up the tab he became coy.

'She likes me a lot, that's all I'm going to say,' he said.

'We mostly talk about food because she has the most incredible chefs in the world,' he explained.

Famous friend: David was quizzed about vacationing with Oprah Winfrey

'Have you ever heard of a Cronut, a mash up between a croissant and a donut? Oh my goodness, I'm literally salivating,' he recalled of the treat cooked up by Oprah's traveling chef.

Andy also quizzed Lupita on the new Star Wars movie.

She told him she'd read the full script, but could give no information on the plot.

Nice try: Andy peppered Lupita with questions about the next Star Wars movie but she was unable to answer most of them and just laughed instead

'J.J. Abrams is everywhere, like the force,' she explained.

On being a Nigerian prince David said: 'Its really good with the girlseven though it's a bit like being the prince of a village'.

Watch What Happens Live returns on Thursday with January Jones and Alfre Woodard on Bravo.
She's a legend in her own right in the fashion world.

But Amber Valletta came out in support of photographer Mario Testino, who was picking up the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2016 Clio Awards, on Wednesday night in New York.

The 42-year-old looked in fine form as she wore a split dress that showed off her seemingly limitless legs and unblemished flesh.

In his honor: Amber Valletta came out in support of photographer Mario Testino, who was picking up the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2016 Clio Awards, on Wednesday night in New York

While Peruvian photographer Testino, 61, looked sharp in a blue suit.

Also in attendance were actors, and real life married couple, Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, who famously played star crossed lovers in Parks And Recreation to comedic effect.

Gavin Rossdale arrived with his new wave surfer hair and a chic ensemble.

Gorgeous: The 42-year-old looked in fine form as she wore a split dress that showed off her seemingly limitless legs and unblemished flesh

Stealing the limelight: Peruvian photographer Testino, 61, looked sharp in a blue suit next to glowing Amber

While another bright fashion light on Wednesday night was Andra Day in a faux fur coat.

The Clio Awards is an annual ceremony recognizing innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design and communication.

Meanwhile, two years ago the What Lies Beneath star Amber spoke about her addiction during a live talk for MindBodyGreen.com, a site that helps people live better, healthier lives.

Proud: The photographer hoisted his trophy

Look at us! Also in attendance were actors, and real life married couple, Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, who famously played star crossed lovers in Parks And Recreation to comedic effect

'I had a multi-million dollar deal and I showed up the first day to shoot this campaign high and drunk. I didnt care,' confessed the mother-of-one. 'And thats to just show you addiction takes you to the worst places'.Valletta said her addiction started at an early age, and it took her 17 years to seek help.

'When I was about eight I would sniff markers, glue, and nail polish - anything that could give me a buzz,' she recalled.

'Then I found drugs. By age 10, I think I had been high... And by the time I was 18, I moved to Europe and found cocaine and alcohol.'

Sharp lad: Gavin Rossdale arrived with his new wave surfer hair and a chic ensemble

Oh Romeo! Baz Luhrmann showed up looking chic as ever

The model, who has starred in campaigns for Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein, was born in Arizona, and grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her single mother who worked at the post office and bought groceries with food stamps.

Amber said she doesn't blame her tough childhood for her addiction, nor does she blame the modeling industry.

'It is genetic, I'm predisposed to it... I'm just an uncomfortable human being, I feel anxious and have a need to take the edge off.'

Slaying: Another bright fashion light on Wednesday night was Andra Day in a faux fur coat

She does admit, however, that modeling was a business 'where drugs and alcohol were widely acceptable and given to me.'

She added: 'I didn't have any tools to help myself. I was this socially awkward kid thrown into a world that was very sophisticated. I couldn't manage my feelings, so I took things to cope.'

At 22, the Elle cover girl was at the height of her modeling career (she has starred on 16 American Vogue covers - more than Shalom Harlow and Kate Moss combined), but said that she 'put everything on the line' for her addiction.

She reveals that she got sober at 25 simply because she 'didn't want to die'.

'There is a misconception about addiction,' she said.

'It doesn't allow you to stop by using sheer willpower. I had to seek out support, learn how to meditate, and be humble. I had to find a spiritual compass.
Unusually for a reality couple, they have yet to walk out on each other.

But that doesn't mean former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe and fiance Shawn Booth's dog doesn't get taken out now and then.

The betrothed were spotted bringing their golden retriever Tucker out for a stroll in Vancouver on Tuesday.

Walkies! Kaitlyn Bristowe and fiance Shawn Booth took their dog for a stroll before a Bachelorette Canada event on Tuesday

The super-fit couple looked as in love as ever as they got in some last minute exercise before heading to a Bachelorette Canada event.

The 29-year-old Booth went for the sporty look, wearing Nike trainers and thermals, shorts and a fitted hoodie, with a backwards-facing snapback.

His fiancee meanwhile was a bit more style orientated, in denim short shorts and a white poncho.

Perfect fit: The super-fit couple looked as in love as ever as they got in some last minute exercise

Bachelorette fans have been watching the romance continue since the Canadian-born blogger accepted the Connecticut-born personal trainer's proposal on the show's July 27 finale last year.

Meanwhile the last man she rejected before settling on her husband-to-be - Nick Viall - is preparing to become the next Bachelor in January.

Bristowe gave Viall the bullet just as he was on his way down on one knee to propose to her on season 11 of the Bachelorette.

Winner takes it all: Bachelorette fans have been watching the romance continue since the Canadian-born blogger accepted the Connecticut-born personal trainer's proposal on the show's July 27 finale last year

On hearing the news that he would have another crack at finding love, she told Us Weekly last month: 'I'm happy for him! Everyone deserves to find someone. I hope it works out.'

When the announcement was first made on Bachelor In paradise, Kaitlyn had joked on Twitter she was oblivious.

'I just popped popcorn and turned on The Simpsons. What did I miss?' she tweeted.
Homer Simpson and his family are based in Springfield in the US.

But this week the famous fictional character visited the Sydney Opera House Down Under and got attacked by seagulls and spoke to a seal.

It's part of a hilarious short clip made by The Simpsons creator Matt Groening to announce that Matt is coming to Australia for the first time for a new festival.

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Visiting Down Under: Homer Simpson visited the Sydney Opera House to announce The Simpsons creator Matt Groening is coming to Australia for the first time for a new festival

In the clip, Homer stands on the steps of the iconic building and jokes: 'What a treat it is to visit a land where they almost speak English.'

The avid donut lover then thanked Australians for producing actors Margot Robbie and Hugh Jackman by referring to their famous characters before slamming Australian media identity Rupert Murdoch.

'On behalf of the United States of America, thank you for Wolverine and Harley Quinn. You guys can have Rupert Murdoch back though, we're done with him,' Homer said.

Getting attacked by seagulls: In the clip, Homer stands on the steps of the iconic building and jokes: 'What a treat it is to visit a land where they almost speak English'

The creator: Matt Groening will visit Sydney as part of the Graphic Festival line-up (Pictured in 2007)

Homer - a father-of-three - refers to Russell Crowe as a 'music superstar' and eventually spoke about the Graphic Festival that Matt will be appearing at next Wednesday at the Sydney Opera House.

Matt, 62, will be joining American cartoonist Lynda Barry at the event and will sit down to talk all things animation.

It will mark their only appearance in Australia.

Famous family: Homer Simpson and his family are based in Springfield in the US

Familiar face: In June, The Simpsons voice actor Harry Shearer, 72, appeared on The Project while in Australia

In June, The Simpsons voice actor Harry Shearer, 72, appeared on The Project while in Australia.

His appearance made headlines because co-host Carrie Bickmore admitted she's never watched an episode of The Simpsons.

'And I've worked at this network for ten years. I think the Simpsons has kept this network afloat for about 40 years,' Carrie said with a laugh.

'I find this, if nothing else, ingratitude,' Harry - who voices characters including Mr Burns and Smithers - told her.

'I've seen so many bits of it, but I've never watched a full episode', Carrie replied, before asking Shearer which episodes he'd recommend.

Shock horror! His appearance made headlines because The Project co-host Carrie Bickmore admitted she's never watched an episode of The Simpsons

Following Carrie's interview with Shearer viewers of The Project took to Twitter to express their shock.

'Wait, Carrie Bickmore has never seen an episode of The Simpsons.... for shame,' Tweeted one fan.

'Carrie Bickmore says she's never watched a whole episode of The Simpsons. Who allows her to be employed on television?' wrote another.
The Bachelor's Alex Nation and Richie Strahan have criticised a front page story in Woman's Day announcing their 'shock split'.

The reality TV couple told Popsugar the magazine had 'thrown (them) under a bus' after they posed for exclusive photos on holiday in Bali, Indonesia.

Richie, 31, said: 'It was like we'd bent over backwards to help them, and then it was a massive stab in the back. We were just frustrated.'

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'It was pretty disappointing': The Bachelor couple Alex Nation (R) and Richie Strahan (L) have criticised a front page story in Woman's Day announcing their 'shock split'

He added: 'We felt like we'd built a pretty good relationship over that entire three months, doing everything that they wanted and all the good stuff they required. They could have done something really beautiful.'

Alex, 25, said she could not wait to see published photos but was left disappointed by the article about their 'break-up'.

She continued: 'We'd done our absolute best to accommodate everyone and then to see that, it was like, "Gosh."'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Woman's Day for comment.

'We felt like we'd built a pretty good relationship': Richie and Alex told Popsugar the magazine had 'thrown (them) under a bus' after they posed for exclusive photos on holiday in Bali

Woman's Day is the official magazine partner of The Bachelor.

Editor-in-chief Fiona Connolly even made an appearance during a photoshoot group date early in the series.

However, this is not the first time a former Bachelor contestant has publicly criticised the magazine's coverage.

Still together: It would appear the Bachelor couple are still dating, as they continue to make media appearances together and post about each other on Instagram

Meeting the parents! Recently, Alex travelled to Perth to spend time with Richie's family

Keira Maguire, 29, claimed she was not approached before a story was published last month about her family's links to a polygamous cult.

But Fiona told The Daily Telegraph that Keira's claims were 'utterly incorrect'.

'I was shocked to hear Keiras comments as she was well aware of the story before we even put pen to paper  almost a week before we went to print.

'We worked very closely with Network Ten from the beginning,' she clarified.
Ashley Greene looked sensational at the Voyage of Time: Life's Journey premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Twilight actress looked like a proper fashionista in her nude figure hugging dress with a side split, which showed off her toned legs and slender frame.

The ombre-haired beauty posed up a storm on the red carpet.

Simply stunning: Ashley Greene looked sensational at the Voyage of Time: Life's Journey premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The beauty was seen beaming as she had her photo taken. Ashley showed off her immaculate make-up with bronzer and lashings of mascara and eye shadow.

She styled her light brown locks in a straight fashion as she also went for a nude lip.

The Terrence Malick-directed documentary drama is an exploration into our planetary past and a search for humanity's place in the future.

Work it: Ashley showed off her immaculate make-up with bronzer and lashings of mascara and eye shadow

It was narrated by Cate Blanchett and also Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt wasn't among those celebrating at Wednesday's premiere however, as the actor decided to skip the evening due to family issues.

The actor only had kind words to say about the film and the director.

'Terrences Voyage of Time is an incredibly beautiful and unique experiential IMAX film for children and families chronicling the birth of time,' Brad said to Access Hollywood.

Cheeky: The Twilight actress looked like a proper fashionista in her nude figure hugging dress with a side split

Lovely: She styled her light brown locks in a straight fashion as she also went for a nude lip

'I'm very grateful to be part of such a fascinating and educational project, but Im currently focused on my family situation and dont want to distract attention away from this extraordinary film, which I encourage everyone to see.'

Meanwhile Ashley has her own movie that she has been working on.

The talented actress will next be seen in the animation Max & Me.

Blonde moment: Rachel McAdams look lovely in a smart but casual ensemble

Golden girl: Brittany Snow looked lovely in a short golden dress

A grumpy old man mentors a rebellious and love lorn teenager telling about Polish priest Maxamillian Kolbe. Kolbe's faith and compassion ultimately lead him to sacrifice his life for another in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz.

David Henrie from Disney Channel's Wizards Of Waverly Place will also voice one of the characters in this film.

It is due for release in 2017.
Evan Rachel Wood turned heads in a sexy black gown as she arrived for the premiere of HBO's new series Westworld on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

The actress, 29, is part of a stellar cast for the sci-fi show that's a reworking of the 1973 film of the same name.

Wood looked fabulous in the full-length sleeveless dress slashed to the thigh and with a peek-a-boo bodice and neck collar.

Stunner: Evan Rachel Wood put on quite a show at the Westworld premiere on Wednesday night in a slit-to-the-thigh black gown from Cinq a Sept

She added a pair of statuesque heels that only accentuated her long lean legs.

The gown hugged her figure front and back and showcased her very toned shoulders.

Wood wore her cropped hair with a side parting and with a lighter color at the front than at the back.

Sleek: The actress, 29, showcased her curves in the clingy sleeveless number that featured a peek-a-boo bodice and a high collar

Looking good: Wood paired her gown with a pair of black stiletto heels with red soles and wore her cropped hair with a side parting

Joining Wood at the premiere were her co-stars Thandie Newton, James Marsden and Jeffrey Wright.

Newton, 43, was a standout in a brightly colored ensemble of boldly patterned long-sleeved blouse and full-length skirt with pink rose designs.

Marsden, 43, and Wright, 50, were both dapper in suits with Marsden wearing a buttoned up floral shirt with a tie and Wright leaving his shirt unbuttoned.

Starring role: Thandie Newton was a colorful presence at the premiere in a boldly patterned blouse paired with a pink rose patterned full-length skirt and platform shoes

Co-stars: Actors Jeffrey Wright, 50, (left) and James Marsden, 43, (right) were dapper in bespoke suits

Say cheese! Wright, Wood, Newton and Marsden posed for photos in front of some of the stunning artwork showing sets used in Westworld

Coordinated looks: Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro, 41, cut a dash on the carpet with his gorgeous model and actress girlfriend Mel Fronckowiak, 28

Rodrigo Santoro, 41, who also stars, showed up at the event with partner Mel Fronckowiak, 28.

The Love Actually actor and his model and actress girlfriend wore matching black outfits, with Santoro in suit pants with a white shirt, narrow black tie and bomber jacket and Fromckowiak in a low-cut jumpsuit.

J.J. Abrams, who serves as an executive producer on Westworld, showed up to support the screening in a bespoke shiny suit and polka dot tie.

Latest project: Co-creator and executive producer J.J. Abrams did his part to promote the long-in-the-works HBO sci-fi drama

Look familiar? Australian Luke Hemsworth, 35, older brother of actors Liam and Chris, makes his big Hollywood debut in Westworld in which he has a recurring role

Australian actor Luke Hemsworth, older brother of Liam and Chris, is no doubt ho[ping his recurring role in the series will launch his career stateside.

More famous in his native Australia, the 35-year-old is hoping Westworld will prove to be the project that puts him on the Hollywood map like his siblings.

However, the show is getting a mixed bag of reviews from critics who aren't big fans of the violent and sexually aggressive plotlines.

Deadline.com described Westworld as 'more Grand Theft Auto than Game Of Thrones.'

Variety called the sci-fi drama 'predictable' and with 'hollowness at its core,' while The Hollywood Reporter praises the actors' 'standout performances.'

Big break? Westworld castmembers Lili Simmons, left, and Angela Sarafyan, right, also put their best foot forward for the photo line in sexy dresses that bared plenty of flesh
She's the reality star who was reported to have been on more than 150 dates in the last year.

And Married At First Sight's Monica Vanderkley showed just how she gets so much male attention, flaunting her toned body in a skimpy bikini at a Sydney beach.

The 28-year-old project manager was then seen going through an intense workout at a waterside park.

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Monica sported a bandeau-style striped bikini top that highlighted her delicate decolletage, while deep purple high-cut bottoms elongated her slender legs.

Seen walking to and from the water, at what appeared to be Balmoral Beach in Sydney, the svelte starlet allowed her short tresses to fall effortlessly around her face.

Sporting a minimal makeup palette of defined brows, lashings of mascara and a soft pink lip, Monica looked a picture of contentment.

The self-confessed perfectionist was then seen going through an intense workout at a Sydney park.

Dressing the part, Monica opted for a light green tank top that skimmed over her petite upper frame.

Teamed with a pair of charcoal shorts and casual runners, the media personality drew attention to her lean legs.

Brave: Monica is one of 10 singles who are marrying a complete stranger in the new series of popular reality show Married At First Sight

She was seen going through a series of moves including tricep dips, lunges, an ab sequence as well as short-distance running.

Monica is one of 10 singles who are marrying a complete stranger in the new series of popular reality show Married At First Sight.

Despite being the youngest of eight children, Monica is very independent, strong and self reliant.

Monica hopes being on the show will help her open up and let someone in as she finds it difficult to trust others and show her vulnerable side.

Long process: Talking to OK! magazine, the project manager shared that it took three hours to film her arrival to her wedding

Talking to OK! magazine, the fitness enthusiast said that it took three hours to film her arrival to her wedding, where she was to marry a stranger.

As it took so long to get everything for her arrival, they didn't stop filming until five am.

This meant that Monica's family and friends were stuck at her wedding until a very late hour.
There is never a dull moment when she is around.

But Kendall Jenner seemed to be enjoying a quiet respite from the chaos as she checked her phone while wandering around New York on Wednesday.

No doubt the model was indulging in a social media catch-up as she sauntered around the Big Apple just as darkness began to fall.

It's good to be social: No doubt Kendall Jenner was checking her social media pages as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday

The 20-year-old seemed to be having a great time as she stretched her legs in a casual combo of black jumper, skinny jeans and trainers.

And while the sun may have been setting, the style-obsessed reality television personality made sure she looked as cool as the come by wearing sunglasses.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians favourite, who eschewed further education in favour of a career as a professional clotheshorse, was probably relieved to be having a bit of quiet time after a busy day doing her bit for democracy.

Twit: She may have been toying with the idea of posting some musings on Twitter

Starstruck: Some passing pedestrians could not help but stare at the reality television personality

She was the star attraction at Total Registration Live, which was encouraging young people to vote.

The saucy stunner drew attention the only way she knows how, flashing her flat stomach as she took to New York's iconic Times Square to spread the word about National Voter Registration Day.

Kendall ensured everyone would notice her as she left her abs on show in a tiny knitted black and white crop top which featured long sleeves and a shoulder cut-out.

Shady lady: She decided to wear sunglasses even though it was dark outside

What a difference a day make: She wore a far more racy ensemble at the Total Registration Live event on Tuesday

And just in that was not enough to get people excited about the democratic process, she gave an generous display of underboob in a daring Snapchat photo.

The culturally stimulating election-themed special also featured performances from Ty Dolla $ign, while other stars in attendance included Joss Wheden, Common and Vic Mensa.

No doubt famed parliamentarian Edmund Burke himself would have been thrilled to have been a part of such an exciting event.

Keeping abreast of democracy: She also promoted the event by posting this revealing image on Snapchat
He's the eldest of the Hemsworth brothers.

And just like his siblings, 35-year-old Luke Hemsworth's acting career is jumping from strength-to-strength.

Luke, who started his acting career on the set of Neighbours, was spotted at the premiere of his new HBO TV series Westworld in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

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Premiere: Actor Luke Hemsworth and wife Samantha Hemsworth attend the premiere of Westworld at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday

He attended the red carpet launch for the upcoming science fiction thriller series with wife, Samantha.

The former soap star wore a suave black suit and tie with a crisp white dress shirt and pocket square.

Wife of 10 years, Samantha, wowed in a black, floor-length halterneck gown.

Suave! The former soap star looked smart at the premiere in a black suit and tie with a crisp-white dress shirt and pocket square

Stunning! Luke's wife Samantha opted for a natural make-up palette, while wowing in a black, floor-length halterneck gown

Opting for a natural make-up palette, she accesorised her look with gold bangles, hoop earrings and clutch.

Luke will play the role of Ashley Stubbs in the series, a no-nonsense head of Security, charged with monitoring host and human interactions.

The Westworld series was developed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy for HBO, and is based on the 1973 film of the same name.

Also appearing in the series are fellow actors, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood and James Marsden.

Co-stars: The Australian actor (right) will share the silver screen on his new HBO Westworld role with known actors, Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood and James Marsden (left)

The television star and his wife were spotted in Malibu last week, catching up with brother Liam and rumoured fiance Miley Cyrus.

The brothers even managed to use their well-honed surfing abilities, as they took to the surf during the visit.

Luke and Samantha married in 2007 and share four children, three daughters and a son.

Happy: Luke and Samantha married in 2007 and have a large, happy family consisting of four children, three daughters and a son
She debuted her new chopped locks at Britney Spears' concert on Tuesday.

And Rita Ora continued to show off her new short hair do as she left the recording studio in West London on Wednesday in a jacket emblazoned with a mystery man's name.

Rocking a sailor-inspired ensemble the 25-year-old songstress beamed as she headed to her car, flashing a hint of her underwear as she did so.

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Short hair don't care! Rita Ora continued to show off her new short hair do as she left the recording studio in West London on Wednesday in a jacket emblazoned with a mystery man's name

Opting for a white T-shirt emblazoned with yellow writing, she flaunted a glimpse of her legs and underwear in a semi-sheer floor-length skirt.

And her silk navy oversized bomber embellished with a dragon sported the name Richard in fluorescent yellow letters.

Showcasing her slim waist she cinched the outfit with a tan belt.

RIP long hair! Rocking a sailor-inspired ensemble the 25-year-old songstress beamed as she headed to her car

Paying attention to detail she colour coordinated it with tan ankle boots and a chocolate brown sailor cap.

And completing her outfit she added an edgy touch with red quirky round sunglasses and a vintage style bag.

Wearing her trademark blonde tresses in a short wavy style, Rita finished her look off with a bold red lip and matching nails.

In her whites: Opting for a white T-shirt emblazoned with yellow writing, she flaunted a glimpse of her legs in a semi-sheer floor-length skirt

Put together: Paying attention to detail she colour coordinated it with tan ankle boots and a chocolate brown sailor cap

The RIP hitmaker has been hard at work on her long-postponed second album, after signing a new deal with Warner Music.

Rita was originally signed to Jay Z's label Roc Nation, but the company sued the star for $2.4 million for breaching her contract and not providing the required number of albums.

However, after battling the case since her debut album in 2012, Rita came to an agreement with the label in May, allowing her to pursue musical projects elsewhere.

Lady in red! Wearing her trademark blonde tresses in a short wavy style, Rita finished her look off with a bold red lip and matching nails

She gushed at the MTV VMAs last month: 'I just signed a new deal. I can't wait! I'm so excited, so this year [new music is coming] for sure.'

'I'm recording it in London, so I've definitely just kept it back to where I'm from, you know?'

'And who I am and everything that I've become up to this point and just working with my friends and basically just making a record that I want my friends to dance to.'
She recently tied the knot in secret with her jailbird beau Luke Hunt.

But it seems there was no time to honeymoon, with Samantha Harris appearing at an event as part of a huge fundraising initiative for the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation in Sydney on Thursday.

The 26-year-old beauty addressed the crowd and posed with fans as the chain pharmacy begins a fundraising drive for its foundation.

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Shining star: Indigenous model Samantha Harris posed with fans at a Priceline in Sydney on Thursday as part of an in-store promotion to help raise funds for the Sisterhood Foundation

Samantha turned heads in a high-waisted silver pleated maxi skirt, which cut off just before her ankles.

She teamed the eye-catching garment with a black top with cut out detail on the sleeves.

The Indigenous model elevated her already towering stature with a pair of nude chunky heels, and kept her accessories to a minimum - choosing to wear only two diamond rings .

Talking shop: The 26-year-old took a moment to address the crowd about the work of the chemist's foundation, which supports four different Australian charities

Say cheese! Samantha posed with excited fans during her in-store appearance at the franchise chemist

Her balayaged locks were curled and parted in the middle, and fell down to her shoulders.

The newly married model showed off her toned arms and bronzed skin in the unusual top, and a tattoo on her left foot through her nude heels.

After addressing the crowd on the pharmacy's fundraising goals, the Priceline ambassador posed with adoring fans and staff members.

In the five years since the Sisterhood Foundation began, it has raised $2.1million for the four Australian charities it supports.

Over the next two weeks, the chemist giant intends to raise even more through product offers, donations and in-store events.

Everybody is happy to see her! Staff members were particularly excited about the arrival of the internationally recognised beauty

Doing her bit: Samantha is an ambassador for Priceline, who are launching their annual charity fundraising drive over the next two weeks

Her charity appearance comes just a day after The Daily Telegraph revealed Sam married her fiance, tradesman Luke Hunt, less than six months after he was released from jail.

In 2014, he was charged with killing 78-year-old Kenneth Lay in a car accident with the elderly man's vehicle.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after it was revealed that he was driving at 95km/h in a 60km/h zone.

Luke was released in May after serving two years of his four year sentence.

Wedding bells! The covergirl was recently revealed to have secretly married her fiance Luke Hunt, just months after he was released from prison




Whether she's glammed up for a night on the town or rocking a casual look, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is always the picture of perfection.

And Wednesday was no exception for the supermodel when she proved she can pull off a laid-back look, attending an UGG promotion in Shanghai, China on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old star was showing off her fabulous figure in a pair of form-fitting wet look leggings, teamed with a pair of the comfy boots.

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Casual chic: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley proved she can pull off a laid-back look when she attended an UGG promotion in Shanghai, China on Wednesday

Rosie upped the glamour in a funky floral top, the Bardot style highlighting her slender frame.

The model styled her blonde locks in loose waves and toned down her make-up for the occasion.

She took to the stage with her usual grace as she addressed the audience at the event, where she was met with a rousing reception.

Looking lovely: Rosie upped the glamour in a funky floral top, the Bardot style highlighting her slender frame

Figure-hugging: The 29-year-old star was showing off her fabulous figure in a pair of black wet look leggings

Rosie recently opened up about her relationship with actor Jason Statham, who proposed in January with a five-carat Neil Lane diamond ring.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar Australia, she said: 'I have an amazing relationship with my partner. He's by far the greatest influence in my life.'

The couple have been dating for six years and live together in Beverly Hills.

Blonde bombshell: The model styled her blonde locks in loose waves and toned down her make-up for the occasion

Smitten: Rosie recently opened up about her relationship with actor Jason Statham, who proposed in January with a five-carat Neil Lane diamond ring

Earlier this month, the blonde beauty attended New York Fashion Week - including at the coveted Ralph Lauren show, where she shared the front row spotlight with Ricky Lauren, Julianne Moore, Dylan Lauren, Annabelle Wallis and Jessica Alba.

Of late, the supermodel has landed campaigns with some of the world's biggest brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger and Topshop to name a few.

She is currently a spokesmodel for UGG and just released her newest shades of lip shines from her Rosie for Autograph make-up collection.

The catwalk queen has also landed in fifth place on Forbes' 2016 list of the world's highest-paid models, earning $9 million in the past year.
She is known to be daring with her fashion choices.

And Pascal Craymer certainly pulled out all the stops on Wednesday night, as she headed to the Search For London's New Top Model event in London.

The 29-year-old put on a seriously eye-popping display in a saucy low-cut jumpsuit, which revealed her incredibly ample bust for all to see.

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Fit to bust! Pascal Craymer, 29, put on a seriously eye-popping display in a saucy low-cut jumpsuit at the Search For London's New Top Model event on Wednesday

The former gymnast left little to the imagination in the extremely low-cut ensemble, which her assets almost threatened to spill out of.

Clinging to her frame at the top the one-piece only enhanced her already ample chest, pushing them up and bulking out her generous cleavage.

The rest of the outfit remained mostly demure, featuring chic open shoulders before extending into long sleeves and full-length trousers.

What a pair: The former gymnast left little to the imagination in the extremely low-cut ensemble, which her assets almost threatened to spill out of

Eye-popping: Clinging to her frame at the top the one-piece only enhanced her already ample chest

Formed of a soft grey material, the jumpsuit cinched in at the waist to flatter her womanly figure, before skimming down and lengthening her legs.

Keeping her look trendy the reality star added a slim black choker to her neck before upping the glitz with a classic silver bangle.

Styling her hair into voluminous waves and opting for a sultry, smoky eye, Pascal looked incredibly glamorous at the model-searching event.

All eyes on me: Styling her hair into voluminous waves and opting for a sultry, smoky eye, Pascal looked incredibly glamorous at the model-searching event

As a model herself Pascal certainly showed the young hopefuls how it was done as she smouldered for the cameras.

She first draped herself on the sofa with her head casually propped up on her hand, before taking centre stage by the bar, showing off her knockout bust and fierce pout for the cameras.

Last year, Pascal opened up about her regrets of appearing on hit ITV2 show TOWIE, where viewers saw her relationship with Essex heartthrob Mario crumble to pieces.

Model material: As a model herself Pascal certainly showed the young hopefuls how it was done as she smouldered for the cameras

Gorgeous: Formed of a soft grey material, the jumpsuit cinched in at the waist to flatter her womanly figure, before skimming down and lengthening her legs

She told FUBAR radio: 'When I went on the show it was completely new to me, I didn't have a clue. My life turned around overnight.

'I thought me and Mario were going somewhere, so I had to let his fans know that he'd moved on [from Lucy].

'I'd gone out with him for a little while, and suddenly it was everywhere  "She might be the one, I want her to meet my parents."

'I was like, "Woah, this is all a bit crazy." And then trying to deal with the other people who were like: "He was with me last night at this PA he was doing this.'''

Chic: The rest of the outfit remained mostly demure, featuring chic open shoulders before extending into long sleeves and full-length trousers
As a Victoria's Secret Angel, she is known to have one of the best bodies in the world.

And Alessandra Ambrosio's knockout figure was plain to see even in casual clothing on Wednesday night, as she stormed the streets of Paris like a catwalk.

The Brazilian beauty, 35, looked truly angelic in a show-stopping Ellery white coat dress as she floated to her first appearance in the French capital for Fashion Week.

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Angel: Alessandra Ambrosio, 35, made her first appearance for Paris Fashion Week in a show-stopping white coat and racy jeans combo on Wednesday night

The mother-of-two looked incredible in the outfit, which featured a crop top to leave a hint of her washboard abs uncovered.

The model's skin-tight black jeans lengthened her seemingly endless legs and featured racy laced-up sides, upping the look's sex appeal.

Alessandra then gave the ensemble the wow-factor - by draping a soft and chic long white coat on top.

Toned: The mother-of-two looked incredible in the outfit, which featured a crop top to leave a hint of her washboard abs uncovered

Legs for days! The model's skin-tight black jeans lengthened her seemingly endless legs, but also upped the sex appeal of the look with their racy laced-up sides

The collared coat, which fell to her ankle, only buttoned at the top to allow the material to blow gracefully behind her as she walked.

The cape was fastened by a selection of chunky black retro buttons on the lapel and collar, keeping the look youthful and trendy.

Alessandra then finished her look with a pair of black pointed stiletto ankle boots, which matched the trousers by lacing across the front.

Wow-factor: Alessandra then draped a soft and chic long white coat on top, which only fastened at the top to allow the material to blow gracefully in the wind as she walked

Glamorous: The mother-of-two finished her look with a pair of black pointed stiletto ankle boots, which matched the trousers by lacing across the front

Leaving her hair in a loose bun which left a few strands loose around her face, the mother-of-two truly exuded natural glamour as she headed out in the French fashion capital.

Alessandra, who has no doubt bagged plenty of invites to PFW as a top model, had jetted from New York to Charles de Gaulle airport for the prestigious fashion event earlier that day.

The brunette showed off her naturally glowing complexion as she landed, proving her model prowess by looking just as gorgeous when bare-faced and dressed-down.

Jet-setter: Alessandra has landed at Charles de Gaulles airport for the prestigious Paris Fashion Week earlier that day

Beautiful: The brunette showed off her naturally glowing complexion as she landed, proving her model prowess by looking just as gorgeous when bare-faced and dressed-down

She sported her signature black jeans with a salmon pink jumper to keep comfy and casual.

Alessandra then added an androgynous army jacket on top and dressed her face with rounded retro shades, turning the outfit into something effortlessly cool as she wandered through the airport.

The Victoria's Secret model flew solo for the fashion event, leaving her beloved family at home.

Alessandra has been engaged to businessman Jamie Mazur, founder of RE/DONE jeans, since 2008.

The couple have two children together - Anja, 8, and Noah, 4.
They welcomed twin boys on Thursday.

And it seems Rebecca and Chris Judd were well prepared to support their growing family.

Earlier this month the pair became the proud owners of a $1.2million beachside property on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Domain reported.

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'I fell in love': After seeing the $1.2million beachside property on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Bec Judd said she just had to buy it

'As soon as I visited the property on a freezing cold winter's day and saw the kangaroos jumping around and foggy, mist coming off the large dam, I fell in love,' Rebecca told the publication.

'We will be turning it into a 'weekender' for our family of soon-to-be six, so we will be adding an extra three bedrooms.'

The Channel Nine television host revealed the home will be substantially renovated, and she will catalogue the makeover on her online renovation show.

'Sooooooo good': Bec took to Instagram expressing her excitement over the purchase. Above AFL legend Chris is seen opening the gate to the property

'I will document the entire process via filmed and photographically captured ''room by room'' reveals as part of The Style School season four, so my followers can watch the transformation of the property,' the 33-year-old revealed.

Last week, Bec took to Instagram expressing her excitement over the purchase.

'Mornington Peninsula- sooooooo good and so close to Melbs,' she shared with her 537,000 followers.

Makeover: The Channel Nine television host revealed the home will be substantially renovated

'Can't wait to show you what we have planned for 'the ranch' (it most definitely is not a ranch but we say it tongue in cheek).'

The purchase comes as the pair prepare to sell their longtime pad in the heart of Melbourne, which they moved into in 2013 after three years of planning and construction.

On Channel Nine's Today Extra earlier this year, the TV host showed off the inside of the family home.

No girls allowed: Their current home in Melbourne's inner-city includes an underground basement 'man cave' where her former AFL player husband hides out

Training hard: It also has a fully equipped gym which the pair both use

The luxury property includes an underground basement 'man cave' where her former AFL player hubby hides out.

The secret space houses a pool table, private bar, gym and lounge area as well as an exclusive glass window view of inside their backyard swimming pool.

Rebecca said: 'It is a man cave...This is a man's sanctuary. Theres the billiards table, the Chess, not that I know how to play.'

Meanwhile, Rebecca and Chris announced the arrival of twin boys Tom and Darcy on Thursday with a sweet hospital selfie.

They're here! Rebecca and Chris announced the arrival of their twin boys Tom and Darcy with a sweet hospital selfie in Melbourne on Thursday

'Tom and Darcy Judd are here! Born at lunch time today, perfectly healthy,' Rebecca, 33, wrote in part of her post on Instagram.

'We are the luckiest parents in the world.'

Rebecca and Chris are also parents to Oscar, five, and Billie, two.
She's just announced she's finished radiation treatment for breast cancer.

And Roxy Jacenko was back into the swing of things on Thursday as she ran errands in Sydney's Double Bay.

The 36-year-old PR maven was spotted cutting a casual chic figure in a grey sweatshirt and tight black leggings.

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Back into the swing of things! Roxy Jacenko was seen in tight black leggings as she ran errands in Sydney's Double Bay on Thursday, following the end of her breast cancer radiation treatment

Ditching her red carpet ready heels for more comfortable footwear, the mother-of-two slipped her feet into a pair of white running shoes.

She shaded her eyes with a pair of sassy glasses as she ambled through the exclusive suburb.

Opting for minimal make-up, Roxy's usually flowing long blonde locks were pulled up away from her shoulders.

Au natural: The 36-year-old shaded her eyes with a pair of sassy glasses as she ambled through the exclusive suburb

Earlier, the 36-year-old took to Instagram to proudly share the news that she's finished radiation treatment.

The snap shared to the site on Thursday, saw the mother-of-two flashing two peace signs as she sat on a bench at one of Sydney's Gensis Cancer Care clinics.

'And I'm DONE,' Roxy captioned the snap alongside a smiling face emoji.

'And I'm DONE': Roxy took to Instagram on Thursday to share the news that she's finished radiation treatment for breast cancer

The photo saw the businesswoman, clad in tight activewear flashing two peace signs, as she sat on a bench inside a cancer clinic.

With her blonde tresses swept into a chic ponytail, Roxy could not hide her content over enduring a month of radiation treatment.

Always one to keep up with her regular day-to-day life, just hours earlier, the well-known personality was seen getting a workout in with trainer to the stars Dan Adair.

Keeping up appearances: Always one to keep up with her regular day-to-day life, just hours earlier, the well-known personality was seen getting a workout in with trainer to the stars Dan Adair (R)

'Shredding,' she captioned the selfie, that saw her standing next to a buff Dan, inside Surry Hills' Riley Street Gym.

While Roxy's head was cut out of the shot, she drew attention to her svelte figure in a pair of full-length leggings and a coordinating snug tank top.

Just one day prior, Roxy celebrated having just one day of radiation to go, by going shopping with heiress Francesca Packer Barham, 21.

Girls' day out! On Wednesday, Roxy celebrated having just one day of radiation treatment to go by going shopping with heiress Francesca Packer Barham (L)

The mother-of-two shared a fun car selfie with the brunette beauty, as the pair made their way towards a Louis Vuitton store.

Roxy playfully stuck out her tongue as she sat in the front seat of Francesca's luxury car, believed to be a Range Rover.

With a golden glow, the entrepreneur sat in a pretty Louis Vuitton dress featuring patterned sleeves and a zipper up the front.

New coat? At the store, the blonde beauty posed for a mirror selfie wearing her dress with a bright fur jacket on top, presumably picking up the piece for her wardrobe

Meanwhile, Francesca dressed more casually in jeans and a black jumper.

Roxy playfully captioned the snap: 'What hump day??'

While at the store, Roxy posed for a mirror selfie wearing her dress with a bright fur jacket on top, presumably picking up the piece for her wardrobe.

Counting down! Earlier that day, the entrepreneur confirmed on Instagram she had just one more day of radiation treatment

Roxy revealed her cancer battle in July, just weeks after her husband Oliver Curtis was jailed for two years for insider trading.

She later had a tumour from her breast removed, which was filmed for a 60 Minutes documentary about her life.

Roxy also explained her decision not to have a mastectomy, saying: 'I wasn't in the head space to make rash decisions'.

Still working! Roxy revealed her cancer battle in July, just weeks after her husband Oliver Curtis was jailed for two years for insider trading

This week, The Daily Telegraph reported Roxy visited Oliver at Cooma's Correctional Facility on Saturday, taking a private plane costing $6,000.

Roxy's visit comes just days after she was allegedly spotted catching up with her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal.

They were seen having dinner together in Sydney and 'appeared relaxed with each other', The Sydney Morning Herald claimed.
She is a gem in the crown of the British acting circuit.

And Helen Mirren shone brighter than ever as she wowed while attending the screening for TV series Versailles in New York on Wednesday.

The 71-year-old actress looked sensational in a funky ensemble comprising of a PVC coat and a flirty white dress as she was joined by her nephew Simon, who is a co-writer on the racy BBC period drama.

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Stunning: Helen Mirren shone brighter than ever as she wowed while attending the screening for TV series Versailles in New York on Wednesday

Helen wowed as she joined the legion of TV stars in attendance, while joining her handsome nephew on his big night.

Proving herself to be cool but age-appropriate, she pulled on a chic belted PVC coat which she draped over her shoulders rather than looping her arms through.

Her pretty white dress was rich with a luxurious lace material which was cut to perfectly suit the septuagenarian's physique.

She boosted her height with a pair of gladiator-style heels, which also lengthened her tanned and toned legs.

Stunner: Proving herself to be cool but age-appropriate, she pulled on a chic belted PVC coat which she draped over her shoulders rather than looping her arms through

Helen's blonde tresses was styled into a chic bob, which skimmed her jawline in length, as a slick fringe fell across her eyes.

She added a splash of colour to the look with her berry-coloured dazzling earrings which were encased in a gold surrounding with a matching ring.

Her make-up was flawlessly applied, with a dash of plum coloured lipstick emphasising her pout and a slick of mascara helping widen her eyes.

With the crew: The 71-year-old actress looked sensational in a funky ensemble comprising of a PVC coat and a flirty white dress as she was joined by her nephew Simon, who is a co-writer on the racy BBC period drama

The racy BBC drama Versailles kicked off in June and has love scenes so saucy one Tory MP described it as porn dressed up in a cravat and tights.

Simon previously revealed his aunt was truly won over by the show as he said: Helen told me she was overwhelmed.'
Stana Katic looked stylish as she was spotted out in Manhattan on Wednesday.

The former Castle star wore an all-blue ensemble, featuring an unusual skirt and suit jacket, which flashed her slim pins for all to see.

The 38-year-old actress was in New York to perform at New York Theater on Wednesday.

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Feeling blue? Former Castle star Stana Katic, took to the streets of the Big Apple on Wednesday in an all-blue skirt and suit jacket, which flashed her slim pins for all to see

The For Lovers Only actress stood out in the bright blue co-ordinated outfit, featuring a tailored blazer and matching skirt.

The jacket was of traditional form with structured lapels and pockets and a black satin lining, which she revealed by rolling up the sleeves.

Meanwhile the skirt was of an edgier style, falling at first to a micro-mini length at the front to show off her long and lean legs.

Traditional: The jacket was of traditional form, with structured lapels and pockets and a black satin lining, revealed as she rolled up the sleeves

However the tight number was then decorated with two A-line layers that fell to her knee on each side, blowing back in the wind as she wandered around the city.

She accessorised her look with matching cobalt pointed stilettos and a pair of glamorous vintage beige sunglasses.

Not wanting to clash in any way, actress even added a slick of blue nail polish and carried a navy furry clutch bag under her arm, completing the incredibly put-together formal look.

Leggy lady: Meanwhile the skirt was of an edgier and more off-the-wall style, falling at first to a micro-mini length at the front to show off her long and lean legs

The star left her tresses effortlessly loose and natural, and showed off an enviably smooth and clear complexion as she headed out for her day.

For seven years, Stana starred opposite Nathan Fillion on the hit crime series Castle.

The series, which ended after eight seasons this year, propelled Stana into the top ten of Forbes' highest paid television actresses.

The actress pulled in $12 million from June 2015 to June 2016, according to the website, putting her in seventh place behind Kerry Washington, who reaped in $13.5 million.

Sofia Vergara topped the list at $43 million.
She's always at the forefront of fashion.

And Amal Clooney was looking better than ever when she stepped out in New York City on Wednesday, sporting an elegant Dolce & Gabbana floral skirt.

The human rights lawyer, 38, highlighted her svelte figure in the brown lace number, embroidered with beautiful yellow and pink flowers.

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Fashionista: Amal Clooney was looking better than ever when she stepped out in New York City on Wednesday, sporting an elegant Dolce & Gabbana floral skirt

Amal ensured her skirt was the focal point of her look by toning down the top part of her outfit, donning a clingy black T-shirt.

She accessorised her statement skirt with a coordinating bright yellow bag and designer shades.

The fashion-savvy star completed her attire with a pair of glitzy black heels and elegant earrings.

Coordinating to perfection: The star set off her colourful skirt with a chic matching handbag

Amal has packed quite the wardrobe for the Stateside trip, wowing in another stunning look as she headed out on Saturday.

The human rights lawyer made the most of the city sunshine in a pretty floral frock.

The wife of actor George showed off her trim figure in the chic dress, which featured a full pleated skirt and a dizzying print.

Chic in the city: Amal has packed quite the wardrobe for her trip to New York, wowing in another stunning look as she headed out on Saturday

She added a pair of classic black heels, and carried a cream bag while keeping cool in designer shades.

Tied back locks and a pop of colour from her lipstick completed Amal's ensemble.

Amal has been in New York all week, and on Thursday wowed in a striking hot pink suit as she returned back to her Upper East Side hotel.

Pretty print: The wife of actor George showed off her trim figure in the chic dress, which featured a full pleated skirt and a dizzying print

She finished her ensemble with a large and luxurious CH Carolina Herrera Baret Bag, while she let her luscious raven locks fall freely.

She ran her fingers through her tresses as she left her black SUV, and wore characteristically classy make-up including lashings of mascara which enhanced her chestnut peepers.

Earlier in the day, Amal caught the eye in a bright red dress as she left the Carlyle Hotel.

Pretty pink: Amal combined glamour and sophistication with aplomb as she arrived back at her Upper East Side hotel in New York on Thursday

Scarlet statement: Amal sported a bright red dress as she left the Carlyle Hotel in New York City on Thursday

Power dressing: Amal, nee Alamuddin, cut a ladylike figure in the long-sleeved number, featuring flattering bow detailing on the right hip

Chic from head-to-toe: She completed her ensemble with a pair of patent grey heels and a black leather handbag

Whilst Amal performs her talents off-screen, she found herself more well-known than her Hollywood husband George earlier this week.

Seemingly surprised by the recognition, the Lebanese-British activist was mobbed by adoring fans she left the UN roundtable in New York on Tuesday alongside her handsome husband.

And the silver fox looked more like a doting fan himself as he beamed at his preoccupied wife.

Perfectly polished: Amal wore her raven tresses in a bouncy blow dry and accessorised with silver drop earrings

Amal posed for selfies with her devoted fans, as George was forced to simply look on, while a bodyguard tried to reunite the pair.

The couple, who married in 2014, proved the honeymoon stage was not over as they gave a loved up display while holding hands and casting adoring looks throughout the roundtable meeting, which was also attended by President Obama.

During the summit for refugees, George thanked the President for commitments of $650-million for refugee assistance.

Busy schedule: Amal has called on the UK to take more refugees from Syria and is currently mounting a legal case against ISIS on behalf of a Yazidi sex slave, Nadia Murad

She recently unveiled a report last week on the rampant corruption in South Sudan.

Amal has called on the UK to take more refugees from Syria and is currently mounting a legal case against ISIS on behalf of a Yazidi sex slave, Nadia Murad.

She also said she would be 'delighted' to work on a prosecution of Syrian president Bashar Assad over crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Speaking to Channel 4 News alongside Nadia, Mrs Clooney said: 'I would hope that more could be taken in.
The Kardashians have always been a very close-knit family.

But Rob Kardashian overstepped the boundaries when he joked in an E! video teaser that his childhood crush was none other than his older sister, Kim Kardashian.

The 29-year-old star and his pregnant fiancee Blac Chyna were filmed discussing their former favourite pin-ups.

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Surprise admission: Rob Kardashian overstepped the boundaries when he joked in an E! video teaser that his childhood crush was none other than his sister, Kim Kardashian

Laughing, Rob declared: 'Her childhood crush is Ricky Martin'.

Blac Chyna showed no sign of embarrassment, bursting into a rendition of Livin' la Vida Loca.

She soon got her own back on the sock designer, however, outing his former crushes as Jennifer Lopez... and his sister Kim.

Childhood crush: Rob shocked fans by claiming he used to fancy glamorous sibling Kim, who is six years his senior

Confusing: Fans were a little baffled by the revelation, with one querying on social media, 'I'm sorry it's been a long day. Did he just say he crushed on his SISTER?

That's when things got a little strange as a bashful Rob blushed and replied, 'That is also pretty accurate...'

'These are facts', Blac Chyna replied.

Fans were a little baffled by the revelation, with one querying on social media, 'I'm sorry it's been a long day. Did he just say he crushed on his SISTER?! Or did my exhaustion mishear things?'

Outing his fiancee: Rob pointed at Blac Chyna and laughed, 'Her childhood crush was Ricky Martin!'

Owning it: Blac Chyna showed no sign of embarrassment, bursting into a rendition of Livin' la Vida Loca

Cringe: She soon got her own back on the sock designer, however, outing his former crushes as Jennifer Lopez and his sister Kim

Despite rumours of a break-up - and his bizarre fetish - Rob appears to be going strong with Blac Chyna.

Rob shared a Snapchat video on Wednesday night of Blac Chyna's pregnant belly, following recent reports of tension between the couple.

The 29-year-old reality star in the video was trying to capture their baby girl kicking but noted in a caption that she 'aint moving for the camera'.

It was the first public display of unity between Rob and his 28-year-old pregnant fiancee since family drama earlier in the week that culminated with Rob sharing Kylie Jenner's phone number on Twitter.

Together again: Rob shared a Snapchat video on Wednesday of Blac Chyna's baby belly - their first sign of public unity since reportedly hitting a rough patch

With the status of their relationship under scrutiny, they've reportedly decided to live separately until their baby girl is born.

The pair, who are expecting their first child together in November, are still said to be a couple but have decided to live apart for now after 'fighting more', but since they have been in separate houses they are getting on better.

A source said: 'They are living separately right now until the baby is born because they don't want the fighting to affect the baby.

'They think it is a healthier way to live until the baby is born. He is living in Calabasas and she is in Tarzana. It's just temporary and because they are living apart, the fighting has gotten less.'

Together but separate: Chyna and Rob, shown in May in Las Vegas, have decided to live separately until their baby is born

The couple - who got engaged in April after three months of dating - were said to have not spoken for 'months' and as a result of their current relationship status, Rob's sisters threw them separate baby showers, but he decided not to go to his because it was being filmed.

The sock designer, who wasn't said to have been informed of the plan, got 'really upset' that his famous family wouldn't let Chyna attend the event without him, resulting in him giving out his half-sister Kylie Jenner's number during a rant on Twitter.

The source added to Us Weekly magazine: 'Here's what happened: Kim threw the shower. Kylie [was] the one that Rob called and told he wouldn't go to the shower, because she mentioned it was being filmed.

Social media: Rob tried to share a video of the baby movie on Snapchat

Family drama: Baby shower drama earlier this week culminated in Rob posting Kylie Jenner's phone number on Twitter

'He [then] got really upset and told her he wasn't going, but that Chyna still wanted to go. Chyna was all dressed up and ready to go, [but] Kylie then told him that Chyna wasn't invited if he wasn't going to be there.

'She said it was his shower and Chyna could come if they were together - but if he was going to screw them by not going, then Chyna couldn't come. That's when Rob exploded. It caused a huge fight between Rob and Chyna too, so that's when Rob went off on Kylie on Twitter.'

However, Rob and Chyna - who also has three-year-old son King Cairo with ex-boyfriend Tyga - are still thought to be an item, and his family are 'confident that they will get through it and patch things up'.

Big ring: Chyna flashed her enormous ring in the Snapchat video

Another source told the publication: 'Rob and Chyna are not really broken up, but they are not in a good place right now.

'Filming the show has been a lot of stress on their relationship. Add to that Chyna's pregnancy and the fact that Rob and his moods go so up and down.

'Rob really loves Chyna,' the insider added.

It's also been alleged that Rob is worried his fiancee could leave him for a rapper.

According to TMZ, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star once told him, 'You'd rather date a rapper than a fat Armenian'.

Chyna has previously dated Tyga and Future, and the video vixen is said to have even stopped listening to certain hip-hop tracks when Rob's around.
Nicola Hughes has left Made In Chelsea after three seasons on the show.

The Irish beauty has emerged for the first time since her co-star Rosie Fortescue announced the news just days ago - as she stepped out in London on Wednesday looking stunning.

The 26-year-old has not filmed for the forthcoming season of the show yet did not seem bothered about her change of career as she stepped out in a sexy thigh-skimming mini for her night on the town.

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She's gone! Nicola Hughes has left Made In Chelsea after three seasons on the show

Nicola's departure was announced by Rosie, 26, who told Goss.ie: 'Shes not actually filming anymore, shes not on the show this series. I wasnt friends with her unfortunately.'

While the blonde beauty has remained relatively quiet about the news, she has however allowed her sexy self to do the talking as she wowed in her ensemble.

Ensuring her legs were the main point of the stunning look, she boosted her endless pins with chic frilled heels.

The crimson hue of the shoes perfectly suited the strawberry prints adorned all over the A-line mini which helped show off her slender physique.

Sizzling: While the blonde beauty has remained relatively quiet about the news, she has however allowed her sexy self to do the talking as she wowed in her ensemble

She's gone! The Irish beauty has emerged for the first time since her co-star Rosie Fortescue announced the news just days ago - as she stepped out in London on Wednesday looking stunning

Stunner: Ensuring her legs were the main point of the stunning look, she boosted her endless pins with chic frilled heels

Keeping things minimal on top, she gave a hint of her lace bra with her plunging black top which featured long sleeves.

Despite flouting the cardinal legs or cleavage look, Nicola pulled off the sexy ensemble with aplomb, ensuring she looked wildly sexy.

After joining the show last year in its ninth season, she starred in a total of 12 episodes and ensured she left her mark on the show.

Stunner: Despite flouting the cardinal legs or cleavage look, Nicola pulled off the sexy ensemble with aplomb, ensuring she looked wildly sexy

Stunner: After joining the show last year in its ninth season, she starred in a total of 12 episodes and ensured she left her mark on the show

Nicola hit the headlines following a nasty breakup with boyfriend Alex Mytton.

Alex broke up with her over text while she was on a family holiday in Florence, Italy.

In an interview with new! magazine last month, Nicola discussed how she felt after then discovering Alex, 25, had slept with Olivia Bentley, 21, during their summer stint in the South of France.

The Irish model said: 'It was upsetting but then I laughed about it. He's gross, a vile human.'

Secret's out: Nicola's departure was announced by Rosie, 26, who told Goss.ie : 'Shes not actually filming anymore, shes not on the show this series. I wasnt friends with her unfortunately'
They started seeing each other last year.

And Led Zeppelin rocker Jimmy Page, 72, and his much younger girlfriend Scarlett Sabet, 26, proved they were happier than ever when they stepped out together on Wednesday night.

The couple - who boast a 46 year age gap - were seen arriving at Loulou's in London's Mayfair to attend an intimate Van Morrison gig.

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Still going strong: Led Zeppelin rocker Jimmy Page, 72, and his much younger girlfriend Scarlett Sabet, 26,were seen arriving at Loulou's in London's Mayfair to attend an intimate Van Morrison gig on Wednesday evening

Jimmy looked younger than his years in a leather coat and all-black outfit, jazzing up his attire with a rock chic scarf.

Scarlett sported a silk floral jumpsuit teamed with a large leather handbag and a pair of strappy heels.

The poet and actress appeared to be having a great time, giggling in glee as they made their grand arrival.

Stairway To Heaven rocker Jimmy - famed for keeping his private life shielded from public scrutiny - is understood to have developed a close friendship with Scarlett as far back as 2013.

Close bond: The couple - who boast a 46 year age gap - were first romantically linked last year after they were spotted dining at popular restaurant Nando's

The musician - whose personal fortune is estimated at 80 million - was first seen with Scarlett at high street chicken restaurant Nando's.

Despite being known for maintaining his privacy, sources told the Daily Mail they were stunned by his new romance.

Everyone was quite surprised by this, said a source. The thing about Jimmy though is that he wont say a word about his private life - he never has.

Scarlett is the oldest child of Iranian Masoud Sabet, known as Mas, and his wife Marie-Claire, who is of French extraction.

Long time in the making: Stairway To Heaven rocker Jimmy - famed for keeping his private life shielded from public scrutiny - is understood to have developed a close friendship with Scarlett as far back as 2013

A former student at exclusive private school Hurtwood House in Dorking, her most notable acting achievement to date is appearing in 2008 film A Perfect Hideout alongside Hollywood star Billy Zane.

Meanwhile, Jimmy has been at loggerheads with Robbie Williams over the former Take That star's removation plans on his Holland Park estate in West London

Robbie, who locked horns with the rocker when he moved into his home in 2013, recently admitted he has no problem with Jimmy despite his neighbour's repeated attempts to prevent further expansion.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he said: 'I win. Did he win? I don't know if there are any winners necessarily.

'I do know it makes a great story and I'm really pleased, just for me in general for the rest of my life. I'm really pleased it's Jimmy Page and not Jimmy the accountant.

'It's actually Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin and it's a wonderful story to have in your back pocket - about, you know, the neighbour that doesn't want to help you out.'
She is best known as a fashion model, having hit the runway for the likes of Topshop, Vivienne Westwood and Henry Holland.

And Daisy Lowe proved herself to be a personal style chameleon as she wore two outfits during a day of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals on Thursday.

The 27-year-old beauty displayed her naturally smooth and clear skin before an intense day of training with partner Aljaz Skorjanec before seemingly jumping into the shower and rocking a denim jacket and black maxi dress.

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Legs for days! Daisy Lowe, 27, showed off her leggy figure and naturally glowing complexion on Thursday as she headed to the pharmacy make-up free before Strictly rehearsals

First thing in the morning, the daughter of Pearl Lowe looked natural stunning as she headed out to buy some plasters for her feet following intense dance rehearsals.

Not letting her style falter either, Daisy looked effortlessly chic in a simple black skater skirt and white tank top, emphasising her gorgeous womanly figure.

With the skirt cutting incredibly high up her thighs, the star displayed her famously long and lean legs, which she clad in tights as the London weather clouded over.

Natural beauty: Daisy proved she looks just as gorgeous without any cosmetic help as she does when dolled up for events

Stand out: Not letting her style falter either, Daisy looked effortlessly chic in a simple black skater skirt and white tank top, emphasising her gorgeous womanly figure

Adding a chic leather jacket lined with black fur and her signature black biker boots, the stunner looked comfy but cool as she embarked on some every day chores before rehearsal.

She later changed into a denim jacket with a chic maxi dress beneath while rocking wet hair.

The 27-year-old has a habit of showing off her famous legs for her dance rehearsals - having sported a similarly glamorous outfit on Wednesday.

Ready to waltz: Daisy Lowe was preparing to hit the dancefloor as she arrived at rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing

Daisy looked more than ready for the dancefloor as she flaunted her shapely legs in a tiny yellow miniskirt, which was printed with retro black polka dots.

She teamed the frilly number with a black bodysuit and a pair of black army boots.

The brunette carried her dancing gear in a large velvet bag slung over one shoulder as she arrived at the north London studios.

Statement skirt: Daisy showed off her shapely legs in a tiny yellow miniskirt bearing a black polka dot pattern

Daisy certainly had much to celebrate when she headed out earlier this week with her pals - including fellow competitor Melvin Odoom - to party at London's Gilgamesh.

The brunette model turned heads when she arrived at the Camden hotspot wearing a black sheer dress with tiny thongs - putting her entire pert posterior on display.

As Daisy left at 1:30am, she seemed far from bothered about the attention she was attracting for her risque ensemble, instead just raising a victorious hand in the air.

The sheer cheek of it! Daisy flashed her pert posterior in a sheer black skirt while partying at London hotspot Gilgamesh on Saturday night

Dancing the night away: The brunette beauty was spotted partying with fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant Melvin Odoom

As Daisy left at 1:30am, she seemed far from bothered about the attention she was attracting for her risque ensemble, instead just raising a victorious hand in the air.

The rest of her outfit was a tad more tame, as she opted to wear a white top, which was knotted above her midriff, under a letterman-style jacket with her first name emblazoned across the back.

With gold hoop earrings and a statement necklace adding some sparkle to her get-up, she added a casual touch with a pair of low-rise Converse shoes.

On top: Daisy was all smiles after topping the leader board on Saturday's episode of the show

Daisy dazzled Strictly's judges with her near-flawless waltz to Sinatra's Unforgettable on Saturday night.

Mesmerising the judges and viewers with her beautiful ballroom, Daisy and partner Aljaz Skorjanec had head judge Len Goodman claiming: 'I don't think I've seen a dance better than that for week one, ever.'

Meanwhile, Bruno Tonioli gushed: 'You are dazzling Daisy, it had old school glamour and high class fashion combined, you made it look so easy.'

What a night! Daisy and Aljaz wowed the judges and audience with their fairytale dance

Waltzing to the top of the leader board, Daisy scored a massive 32 out of 40 for her first dance - with notorious ballroom stickler Len giving her an impressive 9 out of 10.

It was an emotional evening for Daisy after she lost her grandfather known as 'Fast Eddie', who cared for her during her GCSE years, on the first day of Strictly rehearsals and dedicated her waltz to him.

'It's made me quite teary today, I'm trying to get to grips that I can't give [grandfather] a hug,' she admitted.

'Luckily I have Aljaz, he's been so warm and supportive, the perfect partner.'

Despite their instant chemistry on the floor, Daisy has insisted she won't fall victim to the famous 'Strictly curse', and start a relationship with her pro partner Aljaz.

The fashion darling recently started dating male model and actor Bradley 'Frankie' Wade and is convinced she won't be swapping her new man for Slovenian hunk Aljaz.

She shared: 'Frankie and I have been dating for just over a month, and it's going well. He's fit, really fit from the inside out.

Dazzling: Daisy dazzled Strictly's judges with her near-flawless waltz to Sinatra's Unforgettable on Saturday night

'Of course I've been asked about the Strictly curse, but there's no chance.'

Although full of praise for her new dance partner, Daisy pointed out that Aljaz, 26, is madly in love with his fiancee, Strictly dancer Janette Manrara.

She told The Sun on Sunday: 'I love Aljaz with all my heart, even after a month, because he is the most gorgeous, warm, kind-hearted human being. But it's totally platonic.

'He is like my brother. And he and Janette are so in love, they are gorgeous and engaged, and we all have so much fun together.
She previously revealed she was missing her family during her time in The Bachelor mansion.

And Kiki Morris appeared to be making up for lost time as she enjoyed a night at a French restaurant with her mum in Sydney on Thursday.

Sporting a luminous apricot-hued tan, Kiki beamed as she arrived at Cafe Del Mar in the harbour-side suburb of Cockle Bay.

Night out: Kiki Morris enjoyed a meal at a French restaurant with her mum in Sydney on Thursday

As usual the busty babe's surgically-enhanced assets were on display in a revealing floral printed dress.

With a daringly high hemline, the chic number highlighted the blonde bombshell's gym-honed pins.

The former playboy model made sure to apply a generous amount of makeup for the occasion, opting for a set of faux lashes, dark bronzer, eyeshadow, light lipstick and eyebrow pencil.

Busty: Kiki's surgically-enhanced assets were on display in a revealing floral printed dress

The glamorous blonde had her long locks slightly permed, leaving them to fall over her shoulders.

Seemingly not camera shy, Kiki's mum posed alongside the reality star for a photo, flashing a smile for the camera before heading into the popular restaurant.

Since being booted off the hit dating series, the personal assistant has been keeping busy with a string of media appearances and interviews.

Thigh's the limit! The chic number highlighted the blonde bombshell's gym-honed pins

Generous makeup: Kiki opted for a set of faux lashes, dark bronzer, eyeshadow, light lipstick and eyebrow pencil

She has also been seen hanging out with fellow Bachelor stars Noni Janur, Rachael Gouvignon and Faith Williams, enjoying a few boozy adventures in Sydney.

Since failing to capture Richie Strahan's heart, Kiki seems very much on the hunt for love, having recently signed up for dating app Bumble.

She has been spotted with a profile on the app in recent weeks.

Smile! Seemingly not camera shy, Kiki's mum posed alongside the reality star for a photo
He is a hugely talented, Oscar-nominated actor.

Yet Benedict Cumberbatch left behind life in front of the camera or treading the boards to rock out with Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night.

The Imitation Game star, 40, stunned fans as he joined the 70-year-old musician to belt out a rendition of 1979 Pink Floyd classic Comfortably Numb, a track he frequently invites all star guests to perform live duets on.

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Singing his heart out: Benedict Cumberbatch left behind life in front of the camera or treading the boards to rock out with Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night

David was playing the third of his five-night residency at London's Royal Albert Hall when he was joined by Benedict, who took his role very seriously.

The track was originally sung by former Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters - who left the band in 1985.

David has included the track in his solo sets since the band ended in 1994, he often recruits a guest vocalist to perform with him.

Benedict was in good company of guest vocalists as David Bowie has been among the stars to perform the track with David, as he stepped up to take part during a performance at the same venue in 2006.

Rock on! The Imitation Game star, 40, stunned fans as he joined the 70-year-old musician to belt out a rendition of 1979 Pink Floyd classic Comfortably Numb, a track he frequently invites all star guests to perform live duets on

All smiles: David was playing the third of his five-night residency at London's Royal Albert Hall when he was joined by Benedict, who took his role very seriously

Meanwhile Benedict is no stranger to music, as he previously sang 'Can't Keep It Inside' for his film 'August: Osage County' in 2013.

He is also a regular attendee of gigs in London when he isn't filming.

The pair were introduced by mutual friends, and Benedict has said he was "only too happy" to accept the challenge of singing with David, when the veteran rocker approached him about the subject.

All together: Meanwhile Benedict is no stranger to music, as he previously sang 'Can't Keep It Inside' for his film 'August: Osage County' in 2013

What a pair! The pair were introduced by mutual friends, and Benedict has said he was "only too happy" to accept the challenge of singing with David, when the veteran rocker approached him about the subject

Many famous faces were in attendance for the show, with some taking to Twitter to express their excitement at the collaboration.

Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet tweeted: "At the David Gilmour gig. If anyone needs me I'm in Heaven. (sic)"
Nina Agdal treated herself to a little street meat at a food truck in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old IMG Model - rocking a messy topbun - sported a long-sleeved black Nike top, orange-patterned leggings, and white high-top Converse.

The Denmark-born beauty's lunch on-the-go came a week after she showcased her enviable 5ft9in figure in a pizza-themed nude snap.

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Fast food: Nina Agdal treated herself to a little street meat at a food truck in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood on Wednesday

Lunch to-go! The 24-year-old IMG Model - rocking a messy topbun - sported a long-sleeved black Nike top, orange-patterned leggings, and white high-top Converse

 waiting for @dominos A photo posted by Nina Agdal (@ninaagdal) on Sep 21, 2016 at 8:22pm PDT

'Waiting for @dominos!' Nina - who boasts 2.7M followers - captioned the flirty b&w picture.

The SI Swimsuit stunner found a way to mix modeling with fitness while on the New York set of her latest shoot.

Agdal stars in the 2017 campaign for Brazilian activewear brand - Live! - which was shot by lensman Henrique Gendre.

'I am actually working out on set today. I'm coming up with all sort of exercises!' the Burning Man enthusiast chirped in a behind-the-scenes video.

Athleisurewear: The Denmark-born beauty found a way to mix modeling with fitness while on the New York set of her latest shoot

Working it out: Nina stars in the 2017 campaign for Brazilian activewear brand - Live! - which was shot by lensman Henrique Gendre

The SI Swimsuit stunner chirped in a behind-the-scenes video: 'I am actually working out on set today. I'm coming up with all sort of exercises! Thank you for an awesome day @liveoficial'

'Thank you for an awesome day @liveoficial.'

On Saturday, Nina reunited with her boyfriend of four months - Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio - for a romantic dinner date at Cipriani Downtown in Manhattan.

The 41-year-old Dakota Access Pipeline protester produced and stars in Fisher Stevens' globetrotting climate change documentary Before the Flood, which airs October 30 on the National Geographic Channel.

More Italian food! On Saturday, Agdal reunited with her boyfriend of four months - Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio - for a romantic dinner date at Cipriani Downtown in Manhattan
Khloe Kardashian has been working out steadily since her nasty split from husband Lamar Odom in 2013.

And the 32-year-old has not let up on her gym visits as she proved on Wednesday when she flashed her abs during an Instagram plug for tea.

This comes after the Keeping Up With The Kardashians wrote on her site khloewithak.com about the white lies she would tell her new beau Tristan Thompson.

Fit as a fiddle: Khloe Kardashian flashed her abs in this Instagram post from Wednesday

In the Instagram post, Khloe made it clear she was doing an endorsement as she used #ad up front in her caption.

The photo was eyecatching as the E! star had on a black bra top and low riding leggings that exposed her toned tummy.

She was looking in the mirror of what appeared to be her bedroom.

The new man in her life: The 32-year-old KUWTK star is dating Tristan Thompson, who she is seen with here on September 18 in Miami

In her Tuesday website post about lying, the reality star admitted she would be truthful if a guy asked her specifics like the number of serious relationships she's had, but would white-wash the facts a little if, say, you couldn't stand his mother.

'Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to relationships,' Khloe began. 'But there are some scenarios when telling the truth could really hurt someone you're dating.

'These are my rules for whether or not you should tell a white lie to your man.'

Khloe said to 'tell the truth, ALWAYS,' in regards to How Many Serious Relationships You've Been In.

In regards to that other burning question, How Many People You've Slept With, Khloe had this to say: 'I don't ask this question but I would expect him to tell me if I'm in a room with someone he used to hook up with...

Distressed? Kardashian looked serious in a pair of ripped jeans as she arrived home at LAX just hours after her sister Kim's 'butt kiss' attack in Paris

'I'm not going to lie about this one, I just don't think it's a necessary conversation.'

And If You've Hooked Up With One Of His Friends, the former Mrs. Lamar Odom warned: 'Say something! That's definitely going to come out!!'

Khloe does admit that one can lie a little to spare someone's feelings regarding something like his outfit.

'I'm very honest but it's not what you say, it's how you say it,' Khloe cautioned.

The star had this to say If You Can't Stand His Mom: 'Maybe at first grin and bear it, but if you guys are married you don't need to lie about it... But at first, you gotta lie!'

The younger sister of Kim and Kourtney Kardashian hasn't wasted time finding love again after filing for divorce from Lamar Odom earlier this year, for the second time.

Ready: The KUWTK star struck a serious-looking figure as she strode through the arrivals hall, likely on alert for any unsolicited advances on her own equally popular rear end

She and her new boyfriend, Tristan Thompson, were spotted enjoying a sushi dinner date last weekend at Nobu in Malibu, California.

Also on Wednesday Khloe arrived back at LAX just hours after her sister Kim Kardashian was lunged at by a prankster in a 'butt kiss' attack in Paris.

The KUWTK star struck a serious-looking figure as she strode through the arrivals hall, likely on alert for any unsolicited advances on her own equally popular curves.

Incoming: Luckily she made it to her car without the same fate befalling her as did her big sis Kim

Worth it? Her sister's minders had to wrestle serial prankster Vitalii Sediuk after he tried to plant a kiss on her tush

Rocking a Saint Pablo black hoodie and a pair of very distressed jeans, she slung a brown furry purse across her body.

Her strapping blonde hair flowed free around her shoulders, while being indoors at night were of course no excuse for removing those oversized shades.

Luckily, the KUWTK star made it to her car without the same fate befalling her as did her big sis Kim, whose minders had to wrestle serial prankster Vitalii Sediuk after he tried to plant a kiss on her tush earlier on Wednesday.
Nicola Roberts has defended her friend and former Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding after she received negative reviews for her performance in Ghost.

Speaking to MailOnline about the negative reviews Sarah received for her performance in the West End show, Nicola said: 'I think it was unfair. Shes taken on a new adventure and shes never done it before.

The 30-year-old flame-haired beauty also discussed her firm friendship with Cheryl and Kimberley Walsh.

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Hitting back: Nicola Roberts has defended Sarah Harding after she was slammed for her performance in the musical Ghost

She said of Sarah: 'I havent seen it but I'm sure shes doing really well we shouldnt put people down.

'Its good to have the confidence and strength to try different things and I admire her for doing it.'

Sarah's performance as Molly was heavily criticized, with audience members taking to Twitter to describe it as 'shocking' and 'poor'.

BFFs: Hitting back at the negative feedback Sarah Harding has received for her role in musical Ghost, the 30-year-old flame-haired beauty also discussed her firm friendship with Cheryl and Kimberley Walsh

Venting their spleen on the social media site, several theatre-goers were left rather underwhelmed by the production - and, crucially, Sarah's vocal ability.

One catty Twitter user said while sharing an audio clip of the musical: 'Fellow unemployed, trained, professional performers, here's Sarah Harding & Andy Moss in the roles we didn't get.'

Another added: 'I feel bad for her. She should never have been put in the position to play Molly.'

Another user then posted: 'Bawled like a baby throughout Ghost on the West End. Not one single tear for Sarah Harding. Soz love. Shocking.'

This was followed by another theatre-goer, who wrote: 'So... how many shows do we think Sarah Harding will finish before she 'leaves' the production?'

Shortly after the backlash Sarah pulled out of the show while she recovered from an upper respiratory tract infection.

Unimpressed: Venting their spleen on the social media site, several theatre-goers were left rather underwhelmed by the production - and, crucially, Sarah's vocal ability

Speaking about her other bandmates, Nicola added that she she still sees Cheryl and Kimberley Walsh regularly, describing them as her best friends.

Refusing to comment on the Cheryl and Liam Payne pregnancy rumours she revealed: 'We meet up regularly and do normal girly things like drink tea and eat crisps in front of trash TV.'

And Nicola, who is part of Special K's Strength Is campaign which encourages women to stand up for themselves, admitted the girls' bond started when they were plucked from obscurity to form Girls Aloud.

'I think it was unfair. Shes taken on a new adventure and shes never done it before.' Nicole has stood up for Sarah

'We all are naturally driven and we were so young when we started that we had this 'us against the world mentality'.

'No one else was going through what we were experiencing, so we grouped together and had this pack mentality.'

She added: 'If anybody tried to undermine us in meetings, or if someone was negative in an interview wed defend each other- we learned to protect our female friends.'

'We all are naturally driven and we were so young when we started that we had this 'us against the world mentality', she said of her days in Girls Aloud

Don't mess with them! 'No one else was going through what we were experiencing, so we grouped together and had this pack mentality

And Nicola's wealth of experience has led her to feel confident as she hits her thirties.

'You dont stand for stuff anymore - if I dont want to do something I wont. I dont suffer negativity.'

And citing Beyonce and Rihanna as her biggest idols, the songstress revealed she's just written a song for Tinashe, the huge American 2 On hitmaker who was recently linked to Calvin Harris.

'Happiness and creativity is my main goal' Nicola said of her future dreams

Speaking about her goals, Nicola revealed she wants to continue being creative, dabbling in song writing and fashion- but her main goal is happiness.

And she may just follow in Victoria Beckham's fashion footsteps if the opportunity arises, revealing that she loved judging the Styled To Rock series with designer Henry Holland hosted by Rihanna.

'I loved the Styled to Rock series so Id love to continue working in fashion and the success of my friend Henry Holland really inspires me. Fashion is like music,you can be so creative and adapt your style just like you can a music genre.'

Special Ks new Strength Is campaign is inviting people to share their definitions of strength for the chance to see their tweet held up by Nicola on a digital billboard in London Waterloo. Anyone can get involved by tweeting using the hashtag #StrengthIs.
She was left heartbroken when she discovered their affair.

And Katie Price has divulged even more details of her heartbreak following her husband Kieran Hayler and her best friend Jane Pountney's illicit romance behind her back.

The 38-year-old glamour model spoke at An Evening with Katie Price in Liverpool, when she opened up about the moment she found her friend-of-20-years 'w***ing him off' - leading to her horrific attack in front of Jane's children.

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Hurt: Katie Price has divulged even more details of her heartbreak following her husband Kieran Hayler and her best friend Jane Pountney's illicit romance behind her back

Katie is holding a string of nationwide talks in which fans can pay 75 to hear her speak about her life and times before enjoying a two course dinner.

In her latest shocking revelation she delved deeper into the soul-destroying moment she discovered Kieran kissing her married ex-best friend Jane, 49, while on holiday in Cape Verde in May 2014.

The Mirror report that Katie revealed what happened after she found Jane intimately pleasuring Kieran: 'I got up and proper got her. I thought I was a cage fighter or something... I was that angry I just clutched her hair. I'm not hard but I've done training.

'And then Kieran called security. The worst thing is Jane's two kids came in and they saw me attacking their mum. Security walked in and I just wouldn't get off her.

Furious: The 38-year-old glamour model spoke at An Evening with Katie Price in Liverpool, when she opened up about the moment she found her friend-of-20-years 'w***ing off' - leading to her horrific attack in front of Jane's children

Painful: Last year, Katie explained the exact moment she found the duo together, leading to her heartbreak and very public rows

'I said: "What state is she in?" And she said that she had a black eye and I knocked her tooth out.'

Last year, Katie explained the exact moment she found the duo together, leading to her heartbreak and very public rows.

She said: 'I remember going down to the bar one day in Cape Verde to ask the staff if they had seen my husband.

'They pointed towards the beach and said he'd gone that way. I asked them if he was with anyone and they said no. At that point, I knew he had gone to meet her.

Talking away: Katie is holding a string of nationwide talks in which fans can play 75 to hear her speak about her life and times before enjoying a two course dinner

Hurtful: Katie and Jane had known each other for 20 years when the ten-month affair came to light, and the latter was even maid of honour at Katie's weddings to Alex Reid and Kieran

'So I started walking towards the beach and in the distance, I could see these two silhouettes on the sun loungers. My heart was racing because I knew it was them. Then there they were, kissing each other.'

Katie and Jane had known each other for 20 years when the ten-month affair came to light, and the latter was even maid of honour at Katie's weddings to Alex Reid and Kieran.

The stunning glamour model - who has children Jett, two, and Bunny, 23 months, with Kieran, as well as Harvey, 14, Junior, 11, and Princess, nine, from past relationships - insists she doesn't dwell on her spouse's cheating and things between them are better than ever.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt managed to seem like a happy couple for 12 years.

But at some point things started to unravel as they formed different opinions on how to raise their six children: Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

And in the new issue of UsWeekly, it was claimed by a source: '[He] became a big yeller. And she would not tolerate him yelling at the kids. There were a few times Angie said she was terrified.'

But another source said it was not scary. 'When he raises his voice and yells at the kids, it's almost comical. He's not one of those guys with a temper. He's not a drill sergeant.'

They had fights: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had big arguments about how to raise their children according to UsWeekly; here they are seen in 2011

Plenty of little ones: Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne; here the family is seen in 2014

A representative for Brad declined to comment when contacted by DailyMail.com. A representative for Angelina was did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

While Brad, 52, wanted to stay in one place, Angelina, 41, was more interested in having the brood travel the world with them, it was claimed.

And the Maleficent star preferred a more relaxed attitude with the kids, it was alleged, while Brad liked more traditional rules.

'Brad wants them to have a normal upbringing and worries that theyll come out spoiled, elitist and not grounded,' a source told UsWeekly as far back as 2009.

'But Angie feels they should be "children of the world." They argue about it all the time: heated, screaming fights.'

Close: Jolie and Pitt are seen here with eldest son Maddox in 2013

Hands-on dad: Pitt with Pax, Shiloh and Maddox in 2014 in Hollywood

In a 2012 interview Jolie said Pitt has had to 'play bad cop more often.'

Sources added that he asked the kids to clean up after themselves and adhere to a normal bed time.

'Brad teaches them to be respectful human beings,' it was added by an insider.

Two trains of thought: 'Brad wants them to have a normal upbringing and worries that theyll come out spoiled, elitist and not grounded,' a source told UsWeekly as far back as 2009; here the couple is seen in November

Their split allegedly 'came down to differences in lifestyle and parenting,' a source told UsWeekly.

The weekly also added that they were living in separate wings of his 80,000 sq ft Hollywood Hills estate.

'Angelina basically had her own wing and he had his,' a source close to Brad told the publication. 'They began living these separate lives.'

The insider also revealed to UsWeekly that the former couple were fighting more and more ahead of the break-up.

'Their arguments progressively became more frequent,' the source said.

Brad allegedly 'didn't want to be alone' and turned to friends while working on his latest movie Allied to discuss his problems.

' He said he was just worn out and fed up with problems at home,' an insider claimed. 'He said theyve had rocky moments before, but this is the roughest patch theyd ever been through.'

Plenty of room to avoid each other: They took to staying in different parts of their 80,000 sq ft compound, which is made up of five houses and features a skate park and three pools

A source close to Angelina alleged that she wasn't happy with Brad airing their dirty laundry, telling Us Weekly: ' She cannot deal with anyone talking about their business.'

Despite all the ugliness, there is hope for a resolution as an insider told Entertainment Tonight their two camps have recently been having 'productive discussions.'

The source told the showbiz-centred programme: 'The fact that things have quieted down is a good sign for everyone.'

It seems that Jolie does have an ace-in-the-hole, however, as a Thursday report from People claims that she has enlisted in the help of crisis manager Judy Smith.

Multile sources for the weekly have claimed that the Maleficent star is working with the crisis manager who is the inspiration for Kerry Washington's fictional chracter in hit ABC series Scandal.

'Judy has been asked to consult with those working with Angelina on divorce negotiations,' People's insider said. 'Judy and her firm have a long history of handling issues that have unfortunately garnered too much attention in the public eye, and she knows how to push towards resolutions that are swift and discreet.'

Custody war: The Maleficent star is seeking sole physical custody of their six children, who they are pictured with in 2011

The couple's estate - which will be divided with their other properties as they hash out a $400million divorce agreement after signing a prenup - is made up of five houses and features a skate park, three swimming pools and a secret cave.

Angelina reportedly rented a $95,000-a-month gated Malibu mansion which she has been staying since the split announcement.

Ian Halperin, author of Brangelina: The Untold Story of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, recently said that Angelina is considering relocating to the UK to further her political career.

'Shes a woman with an agenda, she wants to leave the United States, she wants to work in the UK, she wants to get in the House of Lords, she has a non-profit foundation there. She has her sights set on England,' he told the Daily Star.

And while she will indeed be spending more time in the British capital, particularly as she has been appointed a visiting professor at the London School of Economics, a source told People that Angelina is not making a move there full time.

New digs for AG: Angelina recently rented a $95,000-a-month gated Malibu mansion which she has been staying since the split announcement

Meanwhile on Tuesday, Brad announced that he will be skipping the premiere of Terrence Malick's Voyage Of Time, which he narrated, on Wednesday.

'I'm very grateful to be part of such a fascinating and educational project, but Im currently focused on my family situation and dont want to distract attention away from this extraordinary film, which I encourage everyone to see,' he said.

At the event Voyaj Of Time producer Sophokles Tasiouli told People: 'I can understand Brad in many ways. Right now he's in a very difficult situation personally. We want people to come here for the movie, not for what is going on behind the scenes and Brad's personal life. I think it was a good decision by him and we all respect his privacy.'

The Maleficent star is seeking joint legal but sole physical custody of their children.

A source previously told Us Weekly that Brad hasn't seen the kids for the past week.
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She always ensures she's the centre of attention on the front row.

And Kim Kardashian certainly stole the show at the Balmain Spring/Summer 2017 event during Paris Fashion Week on Thursday, slipping into one of her most risque looks to date and ditching her underwear for the day.

The 35-year-old star left practically nothing to the imagination in a barely-there mesh catsuit which offered an up close and personal look at her killer figure as she arrived at the glamorous Hotel Potocki venue in the French capital.

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Sheer perfection: Kim Kardashian stole the show at the Balmain Spring/Summer 2017 event during Paris Fashion Week on Thursday, slipping into one of her most risque looks to date

Kim was hard to miss in the knitted grey number, which came complete with a matching jacket draped over her shoulders.

The skimpy look boasted large holes running down the dress, revealing her hourglass physique, flat stomach and ample cleavage.

In an attempt to cover her modesty, Kim sported a stick-on nude bra, which gave the illusion she was topless from a distance.

Naked ambition: In an attempt to cover her modesty, Kim sported a stick-on nude bra, which gave the illusion she was topless from a distance

Sitting pretty: Kim upstaged her sister Kourtney and her mother Kris Jenner as they took pride of place on the front row

Sister, sister: Kim, 35, and Kourtney, 37, opted for fresh-faced beauty looks and sleek hairstyles that highlighted their chiselled cheekbones and glowing complexions

Man of the hour: The show was presented by the Kardashian clan's close friend, Balmain's creative director Olivier Rousteing

See-through: The skimpy look boasted large holes running down the dress, revealing her ample cleavage

But it seemed the mother-of-two had omitted underwear on her lower half - and she kept her hands strategically placed at the top of her thighs in a bid to keep herself covered.

Kim sister Kourtney and her mother Kris Jenner found themselves relegated to the background while the FROW favourite worked her magic before the show, presented by the Kardashian clan's close friend, Balmain's creative director Olivier Rousteing.

Kourtney was sporting a slightly less daring gold number, drawing attention to her toned legs in the glitzy bodysuit and coordinating cover up.

Constant companion: Showbiz momager Kris Jenner was accompanied by her toyboy boyfriend Corey Gamble, 35, who joined the girls on the FROW

What an eiffel! Gigi Hadid lead the brigade of glamorous stars stripping off in the name of fashion as she stormed down the runway for Balmain's Paris Fashion Week show on Thursday ahead of Constance Jablonski, Doutzen Kroes and Jourdan Dunn

Twice as nice: And that wasn't the only glamorous look to grace the runway as Gigi slipped into a more conservative but still sexy golden gown

Say cheese: The four-piece were poised to perfection as they prepared for the show to begin

Best of friends: Fashionista Carine Roitfeld and Kim appeared to be getting along famously

Strutting her stuff: Kim ensured her followers got a good eyeful of her daring attire on social media

Meanwhile Kris, 60, dared to be different in a silk blazer and leather trousers, power dressing to perfection.

The showbiz momager was accompanied by her toyboy boyfriend Corey Gamble, 35, who joined the girls on the FROW.

Following the whirlwind of New York, London and Milan Fashion Weeks, the usual fashion crowd descended upon the fashion capital Paris for PFW.

Blonde beauties: VIP arrivals including Hofit Golan (left) pulled out all the stops to look their best for the show

Power dressing: Carla Bruni was dressed to impress in a fitted suit with gold, military inspired buttons

Cheeky: Anna Dello Russo, editor-at-large for Vogue Japan, flashed her thong in a sheer lace number

VIP guests included former First Lady Carla Bruni and socialite Hofit Golan, while famous faces Gigi Hadid and Jourdan Dunn walked the runway.

Daring to go braless beneath a risque cut away jumpsuit, Gigi proved she certainly wasn't shy as she stormed the runway ahead of Constance Jablonski, Doutzen Kroes and Jourdan Dunn.

Billowing over her lithe frame with a long train, the blonde beauty proved to be ever the professional as she smouldered down the runway whilst strutting her stuff in the sexy ensemble.

Parade of models: Designer Olivier sent models down the runway in loose, metallic-hued looks

Golden girl! Glimmering under the lights, the mini dress also featured strips of silver material, whilst a strip of fabric tugged in to show off her tiny waist

Confident and chic: Gigi's outfits weren't the scantiest of the night, as she was followed by Constance, who went braless beneath a sheer navy gown. Leaving nothing to the imagination, the Victoria's Secret model, 25, oozed confidence

Chest a glimpse! Jourdan Dunn's ensembles were slightly more conservative compared to the likes of Stella Maxwell, who flashed the flesh in another sheer garment that draped over her lithe frame

Adding to the glamour she wore her golden locks slicked back to expose her decolletage, whilst a neutral make-up palette aided in accentuating her flawless features.

And that wasn't the only glamorous look to grace the runway as Gigi slipped into a more conservative but still sexy golden gown.

Glimmering under the lights, the mini dress also featured strips of silver material, whilst a strip of fabric tugged in to show off her tiny waist.

Runway regular: Brazilian bombshell Alessandra Ambrosio was hard to miss as she made her way down the catwalk

Snakeskin sensation: Models sported funky prints in earthy tones from the new SS17 collection

Floaty silhouettes: Cut-outs were rife and hemlines were long as the clothes paraded down the runway

It's a jungle out there: The catwalk was decorated with wild foliage, creating the illusion of a jungle

Pouting as she reached the end of the runway, the beautiful blonde ensured all eyes would be on her as she sashayed down the catwalk.

But Gigi's outfits weren't the scantiest of the night, as she was followed by Constance, who went braless beneath a sheer navy gown.

Leaving nothing to the imagination, the Victoria's Secret model, 25, oozed confidence as she strutted her stuff down the star-studded runway.

Outfit change: Alessandra and Doutzen were complete professionals as they powered down the catwalk

New aesthetic: The collection speaks to the 'serene, confident, and modern manner in which the face life'

The creative director explained: 'Those women never shy away from showing their softer side, sure in the knowledge that there's no longer any need to shout'

Fresh direction: Rousteing wrote in the design notes, 'My Balmain army has shed its armor'

Doutzen, Sara Sampaio and Alessandra Ambrosio all looked picture perfect in their laid-back looks as they arrived at the runway presentation.

Sara Sampaio bore a striking resemblance to Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima, with her golden skin, full lips and green eyes.

Going bare-legged underneath knee-high boots, she showed off her toned pins.

And shielding herself against the autumnal chill in a chunky polo-neck jumper embellished with silver studs, she teamed it with a fitted button-up mini-skirt.

Here they come: The models were out in force for the Balmain show at Paris Fashion Week, with (from left to right) Doutzen Kroes, Sara Sampaio and Alessandra Ambrosio leading the way

Legs for days: Going bare-legged underneath knee-high boots, Sara showed off her toned pins in a button-down skirt

Bare-faced beauties: Doutzen, Alessandra and Natasha Poly (right), were showcasing their natural beauty as they arrived at the runway show

Snap happy: Dutch model Doutzen proved a popular draw with passers-by, who asked her for several selfies

Doutzen looked effortlessly cool in a military inspired jacket, teamed with a matching pair of navy trousers.

The high-waisted garment boasted a glitzy waistband which perfectly coordinated with the jacket, and the look was set off with gold buckled heels.

Alessandra was her usual casual yet stylish self in a beige coat and skinny jeans.

Sexy footwear: Channeling urban-chic, Josephine Skriver also flashed the flesh in a pair of racy suede over-the-knee boots

The Brazilian bombshell kept her ensemble coordinated thanks to a pair of beige heels and a matching clutch bag.

Channeling urban-chic, Josephine Skriver also flashed the flesh in a pair of racy suede over-the-knee boots.

Teaming the black statement shoes with nothing but an oversized hoodie, Josephine showed off her model credentials.

The hoodie was emblazoned with a black and white portrait as well as fluorescent writing.

On-trend: Constance Jablonskind (left) and Isabeli Fontana (right) showed off their flair for fashion

Make way: Chiara Ferragni, Natasha Poly and Kristina Bazan (from left to right) were flying the flag for Balmain




Australian glamour Mimi Elashiry is one of the world's most sought after models.

And the fresh-faced beauty glowed as she arrived at the Havaianas and Ken Done Collaboration Launch in Sydney on Thursday.

The 20-year-old has teamed up with the iconic footwear brand and the famous Australian artist to release a line of flip-flops.

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Beauty: Australian glamour Mimi Elashiry sizzled as she arrived at the Havaianas and Ken Done Collaboration Launch in Sydney on Thursday

And the Instagram star use the occasion to display her lithe, tanned figure.

The young starlet sizzled as she held a pair of thongs above her head, showcasing her slender arms and decolletage.

In another snap, her trim pins were on display in the slinky silver slip, which finished well above the knees.

Good cause: The 20-year-old is releasing the line of flip-flops to raise money for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation

During the mini photo shoot, Mimi stares at the camera with the piercing eyes that have helped make her one of the biggest names on social media.

The 20-year-old posted a clip of herself leaning in to plant a kiss on one of Ken's pieces of art as he stands in the background.

'Kissing Fishies with the gorgeous Ken Done,' she wrote alongside the clip she shared with her 831,000 followers.

Trim pins: Mimi's toned legs were on full display in the sleek number, which finished well above the knees

The thongs, printed with a unique design by the iconic Australian artist, combine bright blues and yellow with vibrant pink and black prints.

A portion of the profits from each pair sold will be donated to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which aims to raise funds for scientific research into preserving the reef.

'Ive long found inspiration in the Reef and based many of my works around its awe-inspiring natural beauty,' Ken said.

Those eyes: Mimi stared at the camera with the piercing eyes that have helped make her one of the biggest names on social media

'Kissing Fishies': The 20-year-old posted a clip of herself leaning in to plant a kiss on one of Ken's pieces of art

The limited edition pieces will hit stores on Friday.

Meanwhile, in 2013 Mimi was offered a place to be a full time ballet dancer at Joffrey Ballet School in New York, but she turned it down to finish her schooling.

But not long after, in a bit of fun, she jumped off a gully in Bryon Bay on the NSW north coast, injuring her back.

From there, she turned to modelling full time.
She is delightedly preparing for single motherhood.

Yet Stephanie Davis proved no path runs smooth as she admitted that shortly before falling pregnant, when she dyed her hair blonde and fell into a downward spiral, she was 'terrible' to her own mother.

The 23-year-old former Hollyoaks actress spoke candidly in her latest blog for OK! magazine, where she unveiled plans to get a tattoo in honour of her unborn son.

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'Terrible': Stephanie Davis proved no path runs smooth as she admitted that shortly before falling pregnant, when she dyed her hair blonde and fell into a downward spiral, she was 'terrible' to her own mother

Stephanie is in the midst of a Spanish babymoon ahead for the arrival of the baby she shares with her Celebrity Big Brother co-star Jeremy McConnell.

It appears she was feeling contemplative as she reflected on the stint shortly after meeting the Irish model when she dyed her hair blonde and fell into a volatile relationship before becoming pregnant.

Referring to the dark time as "Blonde Steph", she wrote: 'Also, 'blonde Steph' was terrible for my mum too as all I did was push her away and she just wanted to help me  I've just learnt so much from her that I'll do when my son gets here.'

As she distances herself from her toxic past and prepares for motherhood, Stephanie revealed she will provide her son with a lasting tribute by getting an inking dedicated to him.

Pregnancy glow: The 23-year-old former Hollyoaks actress spoke candidly in her latest blog for OK! magazine, where she unveiled plans to get a tattoo in honour of her unborn son

Tough times: It appears she was feeling contemplative as she reflected on the stint shortly after meeting the Irish model when she dyed her hair blonde and fell into a volatile relationship before becoming pregnant

She wrote: 'Ive also already planned to get a tattoo for him. It will either be his name or a symbol of strength somewhere. But that will be my last tattoo.'

Last week, Stephanie left fans baffled when she posted a snap in which he burgeoning bump looked like a totally flat stomach.

The Liverpool-born beauty addressed the rumours in the blog: 'I can't cope with these ridiculous rumours you know... To start, I'm nearly 6 months pregnant so my baby is sitting quite low.

'That photo didn't even show my stomach and I even have a bigger bump that I should right now! I have to just laugh at it as it's quite funny. It is ridiculous though, I just don't get it.'

Flat? Last week, Stephanie left fans baffled when she posted a snap in which he burgeoning bump looked like a totally flat stomach

Inked up: As she distances herself from her toxic past and prepares for motherhood, Stephanie revealed she will provide her son with a lasting tribute by getting an inking dedicated to him

Stephanie has kept her pregnancy well-documented following the tempestuous start to her journey after meeting Jeremy in the Celebrity Big Brother house in January.

Despite the beautiful brunette dating hunky model Sam Reece on the outside world, she struck up what would become a volatile relationship with the father of her child.

Atop many questions over the pregnancy, Stephanie even faced disbelief and denial from Jeremy after he insisted his ex is not pregnant with his child and has even called for a DNA test if she gives birth to prove she is lying.

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant called Stephanie's claims 'ridiculous,' and added she would look like a 'mug' when it is revealed any child is not his after a paternity test, Ireland's TV Now Magazine reports.

Troubled: Stephanie has kept her pregnancy well-documented following the tempestuous start to her journey after meeting Jeremy in the Celebrity Big Brother house in January

Following a bitter war of words between the former couple last week, the 26-year-old again said: 'I'm not going to be a dad. If she is pregnant, it's not mine.

'If I was a dad, I'd be 100% no, 110%, the best dad in the world. But you'll see in the future that it's not my kid, and she'll look like a mug,' he added.

A representative for Stephanie said in a statement to MailOnline: 'Our client is categorically pregnant. We do not need to continue repeating this.'
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are reportedly negotiating their divorce in private. They are allegedly already going 'full steam ahead' in the process.

TMZ reports that the estranged couple are eager to settle their negotiations over custody and visitation, temporary child and spousal support, permanent financial support, and property as quickly as possible.

However, the site reports that Brad had, at one stage, called things off as he accused Angelina's team of leaking the story about the private jet incident.

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Done:Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are negotiating their divorce in private, according to People; here they are seen in 2011

But, according to TMZ, proceedings soon resumed between the couple's teams.

According to a Thursday article from People, they will be hashing out their split behind closed doors and will only go to court when they have made an agreement.

The 41-year-old actress filed for divorce on September 18 after two years of marriage to the 51-year-old actor and a total of 12 years together.

It was claimed that during their private negotiations they have been mainly discussing custody of their six children: Maddox, aged 15, Pax, aged 12, Zahara, aged 11, Shiloh, aged 10, and twins Vivienne and Knox, aged eight.

Jolie is asking for physical custody of the kids with Pitt only getting visitation.

The brood: It was claimed that during their private negotiations they have been mainly discussing custody of their six children. Jolie filed for divorce asking for physical custody of the kids with Pitt only getting visitation; here they are seen in June 2015

In the state of California, judges favor joint custody. The two wed in France in 2014.

Negotiating a divorce in private is something Pitt did with his last wife, Jennifer Aniston.

It is also a process that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are currently in after they split in June 2015.

DailyMail.com has reached out to reps for both Jolie and Pitt for comment.

Not for sale: They also have no plans yet to sell their $60m Chateau Miraval estate in France, according to People who spoke to their Miraval partner

Despite all the ugliness, there is hope for a resolution as an insider told Entertainment Tonight their two camps have recently been having 'productive discussions.'

The source told the showbiz-centred programme: 'The fact that things have quieted down is a good sign for everyone.'

It seems that Jolie does have an ace-in-the-hole, however, as a Thursday report from People claims that she has enlisted in the help of crisis manager Judy Smith.

Multile sources for the weekly have claimed that the Maleficent star is working with the crisis manager who is the inspiration for Kerry Washington's fictional chracter in hit ABC series Scandal.

Acres and acres: The 1,000 acres also features a large lake and a vineyard which produces the couple's rose Miraval

'Judy has been asked to consult with those working with Angelina on divorce negotiations,' People's insider said. 'Judy and her firm have a long history of handling issues that have unfortunately garnered too much attention in the public eye, and she knows how to push towards resolutions that are swift and discreet.'

Wine: The property produces their rose wine Miraval

That same day People also reported the two will not be selling their prized $60m Chateau Miraval 1,100-acre estate in a village called Brignol, near from Aix-en-Provence.

The property has vineyards that produce their rose wine Miraval, which sells for about $40 a bottle. Approximately 500,000 bottles were produced in 2015.

People spoke to the couples wine-making partner, Marc Perrin, who said, 'Miraval is not for sale.'

He and his family has been working with the actors since 2012.

The harvest of the 2016 vintage 'was well underway' and that it has been 'business as usual at the estate,' he told People.

Source have added that Jolie and Pitt have been personally involved in production.

They have attended 'past harvests, blending sessions and consulting on packaging and marketing,' according to People.

It was reported that they purchased the spread together for $60 million dollars in 2008. It is also where they wed - as their six children looked on - in August 2014.

Miraval has several homes that have a total of 35 bedrooms.

The 1,000 acres also features a large lake and a vineyard which produces the couple's rose Miraval.

The top property: Their main residence is in the Eastern part of Hollywood , which borders on Los Feliz

The grounds also have an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, an indoor swimming, fountains and aqueducts.

Also featured in the main home is a billiards room, his and hers gyms, and a large banquet hall.

Jolie has said she likes to be in France because it makes her feel close to her late mother Marcheline Bertrand. Marcheline died in 2007 from cancer. But Miraval is only one of their many properties.

Jolie is believed to be on the title of all the properties, complicating matters.

Their main residence is in the Eastern part of Hollywood, which borders on Los Feliz.

The property contains several homes which have been acquired over time, making their fence line expand as the years roll on.

The main home is a traditional Craftsmans house that Brad bought in 1994 from Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark for a reported $1.7m. He lived their with wife Jennifer Aniston until they divorced in 2005 after five years of marriage.

He has since redone the home extensively.

Her digs for now: Jolie has been staying with their kids at a rental in Malibu

Brad bought two to three properties next to the main residence to add more living quarters.

The Fight Club actor also added a sprawling park for the children complete with slides and sand box, and an area they can ride their ATVs.

Though they don't stay there as often, the two also have a $5 million home in Santa Barbara that sits on 11 acres.

The coastal ranch is next to Gaviota State Park where the beaches are some of the most naturally preserved areas in the world.

Doing it for the kids: The two, seen here with Maddox in 2013, may be talking in private to shield the children from an ugly public battle

The Fury star bought the property for $4 million in 2000 and the family uses it mainly as a vacation home.

Brad and Maddox have been seen riding their ATVs on the beach. The home is about a two hour drive from downtown Los Angeles.

Pitt has been trying to sell his New Orleans home since 2015.

They originally listed their French Quarter mansion for $6.5 million, then slashed the asking price on their Big Easy home by $850,000, bringing it to $5.65 million.

The star couple bought the renovated 1830s home in late 2006 for Pitts filming of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It has five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

She likes her gems: Angelina Jolie asked for 'miscellaneous jewelry and other personal effects' in the divorce documents filed on September 19 in LA when she split from Brad Pitt; here she is seen in 2014

For keeps? The Hollywood Reporter has claimed that could mean a fortune in baubles the 52-year-old Fury star gave his wife during their 12 year romance, including that $250,000 diamond engagement ring by Robert Procop; here she is seen in 2012

The home has Venetian plastered walls, marble mantles and fireplaces, crown moldings, a grand spiral staircase and an elevator.

Theres also a two-story guesthouse.

His pal Jonah Hill live there when he was filming 21 Jump Street.

In 2007 it was reported Jolie bought a home in Laurel Canyon. It is not known if she still has it.

ABC News reported in 2007 the actors 'acquired' an apartment in the Waldorf Astoria Towers, adjacent to the famed hotel, in New York City.

Also possibly at stake is the treasure trove of stunning jewels that Angelina has received from her ex over the years.

Stunners: At the Academy Awards in 2009, the Salt star kicked off a trend for green jewelry when she wore large emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz, the jeweler that made Kim Kardashian's wedding ring from Kanye West

The Hollywood Reporter has claimed there couple be a battle over a fortune in baubles the 52-year-old Fury star gave his wife during their 12 year romance, including that $250,000 diamond engagement ring by Robert Procop.

Pitt worked with Procop for more than a year to create the graduated white-diamond engagement ring for Jolie.

It features 16 carats of gems in the elongated tablet cut, a shape suited to Jolie's long fingers, Procop said at the time.

But there are plenty more gems in her jewelry box.

Heavy duty: The $2.5m earrings were made with Colombian emeralds and weighed a total of 115 carats

At the Academy Awards in 2009, the Salt star kicked off a trend for green jewelry when she wore large emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz, the jeweler that made Kim Kardashian's engagement ring from Kanye West.

The $2.5m earrings were made with Colombian emeralds and weighed a total of 115 carats.

A large ring on her index finger matched. It was a 65-carat emerald ring, also by Schwartz, worth over a $1 million.

It is not known if she kept the gems or returned them.

A sad end to the King and Queen of Hollywood: The two were together for 12 years; here they are seen in 2011

The two are not only linked by homes and children. They also started the Jolie-Pitt Foundation together in 2006.

The foundation has donated millions of dollars to such diverse causes as efforts to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina and the tornado that ravaged Joplin, Missouri; childrens health centers in Ethiopia and Cambodia; the N/aan ku se Foundation in Namibia; GlobaL Action for Children; the HALO Trust; and Doctors Without Borders.

The foundation's site has been taken down for 'renovation.'

Jolie, who is also a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2013 for her work with the foundation.

It has also been speculated that Jolie might want to move to London after she is done with the divorce. On Wednesday People said that was not true.
He is an aspiring model.

But Brooklyn Beckham was clearly off-duty on Wednesday, when he was spotted enjoying a relaxing skating session in north London.

The 17-year-old showcased his talents as he powered through Primrose Hill, catching the attention of onlookers all around him despite his low-key approach.

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Brooklyn Beckham was clearly off-duty on Wednesday, when he was spotted enjoying a relaxing skating session in north Londo

Dressed in jeans and a casual camouflage printed T-shirt, the star rocked an edgier style, matching the grungy vibe of the activity he was enjoying.

Adding a maroon beanie to his head despite the sunshine beating down, the aspiring photographer embodied the typical 'skater boy' image for his relaxing afternoon outside.

Taking style lessons from his parents however, Brooklyn kept his outfit co-ordinated by completing his look with matching vibrant mustard trainers.

Seeming to clutch a portfolio under his arm, the teenager was potentially heading to a work-related meeting.

Man about town: Seeming to clutch a portfolio under his arm, the teenager was potentially heading to a work-related meeting

Talented: The 17-year-old showcased his talents as he powered through Primrose Hill, catching the attention of onlookers all around him despite his low-key approach

Skating is evidently a keen hobby of the youngster's, with Brooklyn always tearing up the pavements in any spare time between his school and budding modelling career.

Brooklyn signed a deal with Spanish fashion brand Pull & Bear earlier this month - making a model-worthy appearance at the company's photocall in Spain, last week.

The gig comes just weeks after signing a contract to appear in an advert for mobile phone company Huawei worth 100,000.

Busy boy: Skating is evidently a keen hobby of the youngster's, with Brooklyn always tearing up the pavements in any spare time between his school and budding modelling career

A source previously told The Sun: 'Huawei went for Brooklyn because he's young, well-presented and seen as a good role model for kids his age.

'He's got millions of social media followers and this is a good way to engage a load of youngsters.'

Additionally, the eldest of David and Victoria's talented brood modelled in Burberry's Brit perfume campaign and graced the covers of China's Vogue ME and Miss Vogue last year.




Her big brood have grown up before our eyes and while there have been some bumps along the road, fans will once again be able to share in the family fun with this larger-than-life clan.

TLC have not been having the best run when it comes to shows about big families, so they are sticking with what they know and renewing Kate Plus 8.

Kate Gosselin confirmed the news on Wednesday after replying to a fan on Instagram.

The big brood's back: Kate Gosselin confirmed confirmed she and her family twins Cara and Mady, 15, and sextuplets - Aaden, Alexis, Collin, Hannah, Leah and Joel will be back for a new season Kate Plus 8

After posting a picture of her son, Aaden, snuggling with dog in a crate last week, a fan wrote and said how much she missed seeing the mom and her eight children on television.

The Australian fan said: 'Wish you guys were still on television!'

Kate replied: 'We are! Full Season of Kate Plus 8 returning January! Yay!'

It has been a year since with 41-year-old and her eight children - twins Cara and Mady, 15, and sextuplets - Aaden, Alexis, Collin, Hannah, Leah and Joel - have been on television.

Great news: After posting a picture of her son, Aaden, snuggling with dog in a crate last week, a fan wrote and said how much she missed seeing the mom and her eight children on TV

Very excited: Kate (seen here last year) replied, 'We are! Full Season of Kate Plus 8 returning January! Yay!'

It is unlikely that all of her children will appear as Kate recently revealed son Colin is receiving in-patient therapy to deal with behavioral issues.

She explained to People: 'Collin has special needs. He is now in a program away from home.

'[There's] a fairly fluid diagnosis of what those needs are, but he needs to learn certain strategies to help him deal with things. This has been a struggle we've had for a very long time, and it's one I've dealt with on my own.

Way back when: The family are seen here promoting their original shoe Jon And Kate Plus 8

'I've felt very alone in this. By the same token, it's not something that has only impacted me or him  our entire family has been impacted.'

Kate Plus 8 was originally Jon And Kate Plus 8 but the couple have since divorced.

Kate divorced Jon in 2009 amid furious speculation of his infidelity.

Away from television Jon has done what he can to make ends meet including working as a server at TGI Fridays and as a DJ.
She's been spending much of her summer jet-setting about the globe DJ-ing at exclusive haunts.

But it seems that Paris Hilton is treating herself to some time away from the decks in London, as the hotel heiress headed out for a day out in London.

Heading out into the exclusive streets of Mayfair, the 35-year-old socialite and businesswoman cut a chic figure in a figure-flaunting sailor dress.

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Hello, sailor! It seems that Paris Hilton is treating herself to some time away from the decks in London, as the hotel heiress headed out for a day out in London

Leaving her hotel and stepping out into the noon-day sun, the former reality TV star looked to be heading off to enjoy some London's famous culture.

Opting for a casual yet chic theme, the American star slipped her lithe frame into a fitted blue and white midi dress.

Obviously feeling the cool weather in the British capital, she knitted sailor-themed number featured a red anchor embellishment on the chest.

Casually chic: Heading out into the exclusive streets of Mayfair, the 35-year-old socialite and businesswoman cut a chic figure in a figure-flaunting sailor dress.

Smiling with the stripes: Leaving her hotel and stepping out into the noon-day sun, the former reality TV star looked to be heading off to enjoy some London's famous culture

The knee-skimming dress, allowed the heiress to subtly flash and flaunt her legs.

She teamed the fitted number with a pair of black stiletto heeled boots, which only served to accentuate her body.

Rounding her look off with a quirky flare, she added a black leather biker cap, sunglasses and a padded leather handbag.

Lithe and leggy: Opting for a casual yet chic theme, the American star slipped her lithe frame into a fitted blue and white midi dress

Anchors away! Obviously feeling the cool weather in the British capital, she knitted sailor-themed number featured a red anchor embellishment on the chest

Best foot forward: She teamed the fitted number with a pair of black stiletto heeled boots, which only served to accentuate her body

She slung a black leather jacket over one arm in case the weather took a turn for the worse.

Paris wore her her trademark blonde locks arrow-straight, down past her shoulders.

Opting for a pale and simple palette of make-up, she allowed her striking features to shine through.

Paris has been keeping herself busy over September, having DJ'd is Serbia and then headed to Milan for the city's Fashion Week.
Former Victoria Secret model Miranda Kerr was spotted out running errands in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The 33-year-old leggy beauty just returned to LA on Wednesday after spending time in Milan to attend their fashion week. She looked every inch the perfect model as she showed off her slender physique in a pair of jeans and a crop top.

This comes after the stunner Stellar magazine: 'I never really had that desire to be a model.'

Simple but chic: Former Victoria Secret model Miranda Kerr was spotted out running errands in Los Angeles on Thursday

The off the shoulder long sleeved frilly crop top showed off her flawless decolletage as the high waisted jeans made sure to show off her toned tum.

The 5 9 model didn't need to add any extra height to her already tall stature, so the beauty went for a pair of black ballet pumps.

Meanwhile it looks as though he love like is only getting stronger.

Jet-setter: The leggy beauty just returned to LA on Wednesday after spending time in Milan to attend their fashion week

Miranda Kerr and tech billionaire fiance Evan Spiegel, who co-founded Snapchat, might be adding a new additional to their family.

The model opened up about her husband-to-be: 'I am definitely open to the possibility of having more,' Miranda told The Daily Telegraph's Stellar magazine

Miranda also revealed that she's set her wedding date for next year and that she will 'keep our wedding small and intimate'.

Catwalk queen: She looked every inch the perfect model as she showed off her slender physique in a pair of jeans and a crop top

Miranda first stepped out in public with Evan at a pre-Grammys gala in Beverly Hills in February.

The pair were dating prior to their first public outing after meeting at a dinner in LA for Louis Vuitton.

They were really good friends for a long time before they started dating.

Beauty: The off the shoulder long sleeved frilly crop top showed off her flawless decolletage as the high waisted jeans made sure to show off her toned tum

She also talked to Stellar about modeling.

'It's kind of weird - I never took modelling very seriously,' she said.

In October 2009, Miranda established her organic skincare line called Kora Organics and has gone on to do collections for Royal Albert and Swarovski.
She's had a hectic schedule in recent months shooting and promoting several films.

But Dakota Fanning took time out for a breathtakingly beautiful photo shoot as she graces the cover of the November issue of Elle Canada.

The 22-year-old actress donned a see-through lace blouse which exposed a black bra she wore beneath for her feature spread.

Flawless: Dakota Fanning is breathtaking as she graces the cover of the November issue of Elle Canada

Pretty in pink: The 22-year-old actress donned a sheer pale pink dress

The I Am Sam star posed in several couture ensembles with delicate fabrics, textures and luxurious materials.

She teamed the feminine sky blue top which included a ruffled neckline with a chic distressed black leather mini skirt.

Another look saw Dakota slip into a plunging corset style top that she layered over a silk camisole.

Blonde ambition: The I Am Sam star channeled her inner Eighties Madonna Material Girl with lace arm cuffs and a bold red lip

She channeled her Eighties Madonna Material Girl with lace arm cuffs and a bold red lip as her signature blonde locks flowed freely in the wind.

Dakota earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination after her onscreen performance in I Am Sam at the age of only seven.

When asked how growing up on camera has effected how the young starlet views her appearance, she didn't think there was much of an impact.

'I think of myself as a confident person,' she replied. 'Of course, everyone has things they wish they could change.'

Majestic: The award-winning actress posed in several couture ensembles with delicate fabrics, textures and luxurious materials

'Anyone who says they dont is a big liar! But when youre acting, if youre doing it for the right reasons, its about so much more than the way you look.'

However the self-assured beauty admitted that public speaking can shake her confidence.

'Ive never done theatre. Its because Im scared of it, which is probably why I should do it,' she confessed. 'And I will one day - I just want it to be the right thing.'

Meanwhile, Dakota's been busy working on several films in recent months.

Dakota's cover issue in Elle Canada magazine will hits newsstands on October 10.

Leggy blonde: The Twilight star flashed her slender pins in a blush and lavender ruffled dress

She is starring as Merry Levov who commits an act of political terrorism in the crime drama American Pastoral.

Dakota also completed Viena and the Fantomes where she plays a roadie who travels across America with a punk rock band in the 80s.

The film by Mexican director Gerardo Naranjo is due for release later this year.

The blonde beauty is also working on Please Stand By opposite Alice Eve and Helen Hunt.

But her years of experience have Dakota itching to get on the other side of the camera.

'I value the relationship that I have with a director so much, and I would be really excited to be on the other end of that relationship.' she recently told Indiewire.
Niall Horan has released his debut solo single This Town, several months after One Direction officially began their hiatus.

The Irish star surprised his fans by unveiling the track on Thursday on his Twitter account and making it available to listen to on all major streaming platforms, iTunes and Apple Music and music video hosting website VEVO.

His tweet read: 'Been workin in the studio, wanted to share this song I just wrote with u guys. thank you for always being there (sic).'

New release: Niall Horan surprised fans by dropping his new single This Town on Thursday, revealing the song with a stripped down video

In a statement he confirmed he has signed to Capitol Records and told the Directioners he was 'looking forward to the next part of this journey together'.

He said: 'I'm excited to announce I have signed a record deal with Capitol Records USA and released my first solo song.

'Thank you to all the One Direction fans for your love and support as always. I'm looking forward to the next part of this journey together.'

In the accompanying black and white video Niall gives a stripped-down performance of This Town in a 1 Mic 1 Take promo that premiered today on VEVO.

Going solo: The cover art for the single features lyrics and Niall sporting a simple white T-shirt

Proud: Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson tweeted their support for Niall

The clip, which was filmed in the historic Capitol Studios in Hollywood, simply shows the pop heartthrob singing whilst playing an acoustic guitar.

Niall, 23, recorded the song with Adele's producer Greg Kurstin and he co-wrote the track with long-time One Direction collaborators Jamie Scott, Mike Needle and Daniel Bryer.

Fans first got an indication the 1D hunk had completed his first single when a tweet was sent from the official Radio Disney Twitter account announcing the title before being swiftly deleted.

Hiatus: One Direction, pictured in July, are taking a break to focus on individual projects

Meanwhile, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne tweeted their support for their One Direction bandmate.

'Good luck boss give him all your support huge day for him proud of you boss,' Liam wrote, while Louis added: 'Feeling super proud. You sound great ! Great to see you at your bday bash!!

Last year, One Direction announced they were taking a break, beginning in March.
They are Hollywood royalty.

And now Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell are putting their palatial estate on the market.

The 70-year-old actress and 65-year-old actor have listed their sprawling 6,400-square-foot home in Pacific Palisades for $7.25 million.

Stunning: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have listed their sprawling 6,400-square-foot home in Pacific Palisades for $7.25 million

Loved up: The 70-year-old actress and 65-year-old actor in Beverly Hills back in May

No doubt potential buyers will enjoy the serenity of the property as the five bedroom, five bathroom home sits on a private 17,862 lot in the affluent coastal California neighbourhood.

The power couple have owned the estate for 12 years together as it was built in 1951.

They originally bought the gorgeous property for $4.12 million in August of 2004.

Pretty: The home features five bedrooms and five bathrooms

Not too shabby: It sits on a private 17,862 lot in the affluent coastal California neighbourhood

Relaxing: One of the first level rooms is a large master wing including a fireplace

Lap of luxury: There is also a tub, shower, dry sauna and dual closets

It's got everything: One of the rooms features French doors which lead to the yard

It has been maintained throughout the years, however, as it was remodeled in 1999 and 2006 for a modern touch.

It boasts three bedrooms on the fourth floor including a large master wing which could serve as quite the romantic area as it's features include a fire place, spa tub, shower, dry sauna and dual closets.

The second level includes two large bedrooms as one of which is currently being used for a gym/ pilates area with French doors that open to the yard below. There is also a media room.

All business: No doubt this desk would be a luxury for anyone to do work on

Cosy: It has been maintained throughout the years, however, as it was remodeled in 1999 and 2006 for a modern touch.

Home cooking: The home features a country-style kitchen

Yum: The breakfast area has a lot of character

Pretty in patterns: The area leading to the yard as full of checked patterns on the table, plates and curtains

Spacious: No doubt potential homeowners will be happy to entertain guests

Other features in the home include a sauna, skylights, wet bar, spacious and warm kitchen and breakfast area which leads to the yard.

There is also a large pool and spa and even a separate mediation room.

The couple may be moving on from their home but their relationship seems to be as strong as ever.

Goldie and Kurt have been together for 33 years but have never taken a walk down the aisle.

Sweating it out: The home includes a gym/pilates room

Making a splash: There is also a pool and outdoor spa

Stunning: There is plenty of greenery on the property

During an interview on ITV's Loose Women on Monday, the Oscar-winning actress admitted: '

She continued: 'If you need to be bound to someone, then its important to be married. If you are independent, then its important to not be married.

'We like the choice and we chose to stay. We're always asked why we are not married. Why? What is marriage going to do for us?

'Our children said years ago they don't want us to get married. But all our children wanted to marry.'
Bella Thorne's new beau Tyler Posey passed around a suspicious-looking cigarette before lunch in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Teen Wolf heartthrob - who turns 25 next month - shared his smoke with DJ pal Dylan Jetson, who was seen taking a drag off it.

Bella - who turns 19 next month - and her big sister Dani were not seen smoking, but Thorne put on quite a PDA display with her half-Mexican hunk.

Faded? Bella Thorne's new beau Tyler Posey passed around a suspicious-looking cigarette before lunch in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The Ratchet and Clank starlet bared her taut tummy in a Z Supply T-shirt, camouflage leggings, and $46 Atelier Ace x People Footwear 'Together' slides.

It wouldn't be surprising if Tyler and Dylan partook of herbal refreshment since they both rocked marijuana-print bandannas last weekend at Life is Beautiful in Las Vegas.

The foursome - nicknamed 'a**chips family' - also wigged out at EDM rave Nocturnal Wonderland earlier this month, where 428 people were arrested and five hospitalized.

Dope: The Teen Wolf heartthrob - who turns 25 next month - shared his smoke with DJ pal Dylan Jetson, who was seen taking a drag off it

Hands on: Bella - who turns 19 next month - and her big sister Dani were not seen smoking, but Thorne put on quite a PDA display with her half-Mexican hunk

Athleisure: The Ratchet and Clank starlet bared her taut tummy in a Z Supply T-shirt, camouflage leggings, and $46 Atelier Ace x People Footwear 'Together' slides

'Bella really likes Tyler,' a source told E! News earlier this month.

'It's new, but she hopes it will get to a more serious point. She loves being in a relationship and dating one guy at a time; she is really excited about him.'

Eyebrows raised when Thorne and Posey kicked off their romance the same week the wisecracking bisexual announced her split from his pal Gregg Sulkin.

Weed: It wouldn't be surprising if Tyler and Dylan partook of herbal refreshment since they both rocked marijuana-print bandannas last weekend at Life is Beautiful in Las Vegas

'The rave fam!' The foursome - nicknamed 'a**chips family' - also wigged out at Nocturnal Wonderland earlier this month, where 428 people were arrested and five hospitalized

A source told E! News earlier this month: 'Bella really likes Tyler. It's new, but she hopes it will get to a more serious point. She loves being in a relationship and dating one guy at a time; she is really excited about him'

When a Twitter follower asked the 24-year-old Englishman if Bella and Tyler's relationship was 'shady' on September 19, he replied: 'Children want attention.'

The Faking It hunk was supposedly 'good friends' with the Dude Wipes spokesmodel, and the duo co-starred in the 2012 teen dramedy White Frog.

Gregg and the 5ft8in redhead - who co-starred in the 2013 animated flick Frog Kingdom - dated for over a year and shared two cats and a home.

Burn! Eyebrows raised when Thorne and Posey kicked off their romance the same week the wisecracking bisexual announced her split from his pal Gregg Sulkin (M)

When a Twitter follower asked the 24-year-old Englishman if Bella and Tyler's relationship was 'shady' on September 19, he replied: 'Children want attention'

Breaking bro code? The Faking It hunk (2-L) was supposedly 'good friends' with the Dude Wipes spokesmodel (B-R), and the duo co-starred in the 2012 teen dramedy White Frog

'Him #mine': Gregg and the 5ft8in redhead - who co-starred in the 2013 animated flick Frog Kingdom - dated for over a year and shared two cats and a home

When Thorne - who boasts 29.8M followers - was asked on Twitter whether she and Posey were going to start a band, she replied: 'Haha we are gonna do something! Just wait.'

The Autumn's Wish author will next play rebellious teenager Rain in Boo! A Madea Halloween - hitting US theaters October 21 - which was written, directed, and stars Tyler Perry.

And the Yoga Hosers actor will conclude his star-making role as Scott McCall in the sixth (and final) season of Teen Wolf, which premieres next year on MTV.

When Thorne - who boasts 29.8M followers - was asked on Twitter whether she and Posey were going to start a band, she replied: 'Haha we are gonna do something! Just wait'

Hitting US theaters October 21! The Autumn's Wish author will next play rebellious teenager Rain in Boo! A Madea Halloween, which was written, directed, and stars Tyler Perry
Ron Jeremy, an adult film actor and director, allegedly hit a pedestrian with his vehicle in Beverly Hills on Wednesday.

The 63-year-old was making a left turn when he made contact with the person. He told police he did not see the man crossing in front of him.

'The victim was later hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries,' TMZ reported.

The incident: Ron Jeremy, 63, allegedly hit a pedestrian with his vehicle in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. He is pictured in February in LA

Ron stated that he did not see the man whom he 'nicked.' It was added the victim wore black clothing.

Alcohol and drugs were not part of the incident, according to police.

In a photo shared by TMZ, it appears that he was handcuffed, but both law enforcement and Ron dismiss the claims. He did not receive a citation but an investigation is still proceeding.

What happened: The porn actor was making a left turn when he did not see a man crossing in front of him. Ron is pictured in June in LA

On Thursday the actor participated in a debate.

The Great Porn Debate took place at the Proctors GE Theater in New York.

The evening featured the adult film actor facing off with Craig Gross, the Christian pastor of XXXChurch.com, a site aimed to assist those with marriage, porn, sex and relationship situations.

Not under the influence: Illegal substances such as alcohol and drugs were not part of the incident, according to police. He is pictured on June 29 in LA

Ron, born Ronald Jeremy Hyatt, began his career as a model for Playgirl.

The actor has reportedly starred in the most pornographic films; 2,216.

He has directed 285.
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The San Francisco house was used in the 1993 comedy Mrs Doubtfire, which starred Robin Williams.

And on Tuesday, the home hit the market with an asking price for $4.45 million, according to Open House.

The Victorian style home, which is on the junction of Steiner and Broadway in Pacific Heights, features four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.

For sale! On Tuesday, the San Francisco house which was used in the 1993 comedy Mrs. Doubtfire, hit the market with an asking price for $4.45 million, according to Open House

Mrs. Doubfire: The residence, which is located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, was made famous by the late Robin Williams

The property is a popular tourist destination in San Francisco with fans of Williams regularly stopping off to have their photograph taken outside the film's location.

The movie - about a father separated from his wife who poses as a nanny to his three children in an attempt to win them back - also starred Sally Field.

The iconic home boasts 3,300 square feet and was built in 1893.

Hit: The movie - about a father separated from his wife who poses as a nanny to his three children in an attempt to win them back - also starred Sally Field

Grand entry: The iconic Victorian style home boasts 3,300 square feet and was built in 1893

Bright and spacious: According to Open House the famous home still features many 'fine original details such as hardwood floors, classic millwork, moldings and leaded glass windows'

Inside the residence one will find that the formal rooms are stately in character and boast plantation-style shutters

The three-level residence features four bedrooms and 3.5 baths

The three-level residence features an elevated entrance from the street - complete with a brick staircase - located at 2640 Steiner.

According to Open House the famous home still features many 'fine original details such as hardwood floors, classic millwork and moldings and leaded glass windows.'

Inside the residence one will find that the formal rooms are stately in character and boast hard wood floors.

Master: The main bedroom boasts high ceilings, hard wood floors, and an adjoining master bath

More windows! The master bedroom boasts multiple curved windows for natural light

Another bedroom: A child's bedroom is featured as the second bedroom

Another room: The third bedroom is also spacious and offers lots of natural light

Lastly: The fourth bedroom looks similar to the master bedroom with the arched windows

All four bedrooms are located on the second floor of the home, which is well showcased in the photo above

The house features a lot of natural light due to the many windows - some curved- which are complemented by plantation-style shutters.

All four bedrooms are located on the second floor of the home.

In addition, the beautiful property features charming landscaping and an outside patio.

Note: Nearly 23 years ago the exterior of the home became a landmark for film buffs while the interior is less recognizable because all interior filming actually took place in a warehouse converted into a sound stage

Details: That is why the chef's kitchen, which boats modern appliances with granite and silver finishes, won't look familiar at all

From the film: A fan would remember the humorous scene of Williams catching fire in a much different looking kitchen while cooking and uttering the famous line, 'My first day as a woman and I'm getting hot flashes'

Nearly 23 years ago the exterior of the home became a landmark for film buffs while the interior is less recognizable because all interior filming actually took place in a warehouse converted into a sound stage.

That is why the chef's kitchen, which boats modern appliances with granite and silver finishes, won't look familiar at all.

A fan would remember the humorous scene of Williams catching fire in a much different looking kitchen while cooking and uttering the famous line, 'My first day as a woman and I'm getting hot flashes.'

Let's eat: The dining room features more beautiful lighting and hard wood floors

In January 2015 the beloved cinematic home made headlines for being hit by an arsonist

Ironically, in January 2015 the beloved cinematic home made headlines for being hit by an arsonist.

At the time the homeowner, plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas K. Ousterhout, told police that he had problems with a former client, but wasn't sure who was responsible for the fire.

Police believed the attacker used gasoline to star the fire which ended up damaging the home's front door and garage.

At the time the San Francisco Fire Department said the home owner was able to douse the flames after smelling smoke from inside the property.

Details: The homeowner, plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas K. Ousterhout, was able to put out the flames which only damaged the home's front door and garage
She was returning from opening a Draper James store in Dallas, Texas.

And Reese Witherspoon showed just why she runs a clothing line.

The 40-year-old actress looked stylish as she touched down at LAX Airport in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Beautiful in blue: Reese Witherspoon was spotted arriving at LAX Airport on Thursday

She was not alone on the flight home as she was joined by husband Jim Toth and her 17-year-old daughter Ava.

Reese sported a navy blue sweater with the top few buttons undone and skinny indigo-washed skinny jeans.

She teamed the look with a pair of blue velvet loafers as she chatted along on her mobile phone.

Jetset family: The 40-year-old actress was accompanied by husband Jim Toth and her 17-year-old daughter Ava

Looking good: Reese sported a navy blue sweater with the top few buttons undone and skinny indigo-washed skinny jeans

Making moves: She teamed the look with a pair of blue velvet loafers as she chatted along on her mobile phone

Relaxed: Jim sported a white top and khaki trousers as Ava opted for more colour

The Sweet Home Alabama star accessorised with large designer shades and a necklace as she had a navy blue tote bag draped over her shoulder.

Her signature blonde locks were worn down flowing over her shoulders as she sported natural, complimentary make-up on her face.

She was returning back from her Draper James store opening in Dallas on Wednesday night.

Navy seems to be her colour of choice as of late as she sported a sleeveless mini dress in the same hue.

Big night: Just the previous day, she was seen at the grand opening of her new Draper James store in Dallas, Texas

Stunning: Navy seems to be her colour of choice as of late as she sported a sleeveless mini dress in the same hue

Fashion first: The garment featured an embroidered pink and red floral detailing as she teamed the look with a pair of strappy black leather heels

Dynamic duo: She was joined by photographer Gray Malin at the event

Three's a crowd: The blonde stunner seemed to have a blast hanging out at the event

Excited: The opening of her second storefront is a big move for her company

The garment featured an embroidered pink and red floral detailing as she teamed the look with a pair of strappy black leather heels.

Reese started the company to honour her Southern heritage as she is a native or New Orleans, Louisiana.

The new storefront is the second from the company as the first flagship store is in Nashville, Tennessee.

In tune: She was flanked by musicians Jessi Alexander (left) and Jon Randall

Party people: She did not hesitate to take photos with several of the attendees

She's a star: She was joined by Dallas Cowboys great Roger Staubach (second from right) and his family
Clearly his career has not taken a hit despite his very public and nasty divorce.

Johnny Depp will lead an all-star cast in the Murder On The Orient Express it was revealed Thursday.

The 53-year-old landed the top gig in the adaptation of Agatha Christie's famed book after soon-to-be fellow divorcee Angelina Jolie bowed out.

New role: Johnny Depp will lead an all-star cast in the Murder On The Orient Express it was revealed Thursday (pictured here in May)

The head of 20th Century Fox unveiled the long list of Hollywood heavyweights on Thursday.

Aside from Johnny, the Kenneth Branagh-directed film will also star Judi Dench and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Also set to be part of the murder and intrigue is Daisy Ridley, Michael Pena while Lucy Boynton, Tom Bateman, Derek Jacobi, and Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. are also on board.

Kenneth will direct and star in the film as Detective Hercule Poirot while Johnny with portray the doomed Mr. Ratchett, previously played in the 1974 version of the film by Richard Widmark.

Didn't get on the train: The 53-year-old landed the top gig in the adaptation of Agatha Christie's famed book after soon-to-be fellow divorcee Angelina Jolie (pictured Janurary) bowed out

All aboard: Aside from Johnny, the Kenneth Branagh-directed film will also star Judi Dench and Michelle Pfeiffer

All-star cast: Daisy Ridley will also be starring in the film alongside the Hollywood actor

This role is the first to be given to the Pirates Of The Caribbean star since he was accused of being abusive his now ex-wife Amber Heard.

The couple settled their divorce battle last month with the pair making a joint statement.

'Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm.'

No career issues: This role is the first to be given to the Pirates Of The Caribbean star since he was accused of being abusive his now ex-wife Amber Heard (pictured 2014)

It is not known what role Angelina was set to play in the film with previous reports that studio bosses were eyeing Charlize Theron as a possible replacement.

In announcing the cast on Thursday, the studio pointed out there are still some key roles to fill before it starts filming in London in November.

In the studio's press release, as reported by Deadline, director Kenneth said: 'Christie's Murder is mysterious, compelling and unsettling. I'm honoured to have this fantastic group of actors bring these dark materials to life for a new audience.'

Murder most foul: Johnny with portray the doomed Mr. Ratchett, previously played in the 1974 version of the film by Richard Widmark

The book was first published in 1934, and its tale of an American businessman being killed aboard the famous train is perhaps the most famous of the Poirot canon.

It was famously adapted in 1974, with Albert Finney playing Poirot and a host of big names such as Sean Connery, John Gielgud and Vanessa Redgrave also appearing as suspects.

The film scored six Academy Award nominations, with Ingrid Bergman winning the best supporting actress gong.
US says drone strikes in Yemen killed 4 Al-Qaeda members

The United States said Wednesday it conducted drone strikes against Al-Qaeda in Yemen last week, killing four members of the terror group.

The first attack occurred on September 20 in Marib province and left two Al-Qaeda operatives dead, the military's central command for the Middle East said in a statement.

The second attack, on September 22 in central Baida province, killed two Al-Qaeda members, it said.

Washington has been involved in a years-long unmanned drone campaign in Yemen and considers Al-Qaeda's Yemen-based franchise -- Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) -- to be its most dangerous Mohammed Huwais (AFP/File)

The two drone strikes had been reported by Yemeni security officials but this was the first time the United States claimed them.

Washington has been involved in a years-long unmanned drone campaign in Yemen and considers Al-Qaeda's Yemen-based franchise -- Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) -- to be its most dangerous.

"These were Al-Qaeda operatives who continue to support their organization's destabilizing effects in Yemen," said Army Major Josh Jacques, US Central Command spokesman, in the statement.

"US Central Command continues to protect the US, its allies and partners from these threats by denying Yemen as a haven for AQAP."

AQAP and the Islamic State group have exploited a power vacuum created by the conflict between the government and Iran-backed Huthi rebels to expand their presence in the Arabian Peninsula country.

President Barack Obama has sought to make the moral case to the public about lethal drone strikes, which have multiplied under his nearly eight-year presidency.

He pledged that the United States would be more transparent about the deadly attacks, and would provide an annual toll of the number of people killed.

A third lethal drone strike last week was reported by Yemeni security officials. The attack happened Friday in Marib province and killed a local Al-Qaeda commander and four of his guards, they said.

The United States has not claimed that attack.

A Saudi-led Arab military coalition that backs the Yemeni government against the Huthis has also turned its sights on AQAP, targeting it with air strikes.
More gumption: Fans urge Trump to up debate game

It's 10 days to America's next presidential debate, but some of Donald Trump's most ardent admirers agree: he must do better -- focus more on policy, and hit Hillary Clinton harder.

Most mainstream political analysts gave Democrat Clinton, the 68-year-old former first lady, senator and secretary of state the upper hand in this week's television clash watched by 84 million.

The Republican billionaire insists otherwise. But even some of his die-hard fans agreed at a rally in Iowa Wednesday that he could do better on October 9 in St Louis, Missouri.

Even die-hard fans of presidential nominee Donald Trump agree he could do better at the next debate with Hillary Clinton Jewel Samad (AFP)

"I think he needs more gumption," said retired waitress Martha Killion, 74, in the town of Council Bluffs, separated by just a river from the neighboring Nebraska.

"I can't believe he that he did not come back and attack her," she said, recalling the 90-minute slog in which Clinton landed a series of punches on her opponent that left Trump floundering toward the end.

The New York Times reported that campaign advisers, concerned that his focus and objectives had "dissolved" during the debate, plan to drill him on crucial answers, facts and counterattacks for next time.

Iowa supporters agree, recommending he focus more on policy, press home his position as the candidate of change and skewer Clinton over her vulnerabilities.

- 'Hated to see that' -

"I think he did OK. But I think there were a lot of other things he should have brought up," said retiree Larry Storer from Nebraska.

He reeled them off: the Clintons' past, defense, illegal immigration, the refugee crisis and Benghazi, where Republicans say Clinton should have done more to prevent a deadly attack on the US consulate in 2012.

"He kinda took the bait a couple of times, I hated to see that. But then I think he did handle himself well on some of the other issues," said Storer's wife, Carol, a retired phone company worker.

"I think if he just stays on focus and doesn't take the bait he's going to be OK," she added.

But if Trump showed uncharacteristic restraint on Monday in New York he has since reverted to attack-dog mode, lashing Clinton as "crooked Hillary," corrupt, "incompetent" and failure.

Trump's entire campaign has been about dishing insults: not just against the country's would-be first female commander-in-chief, but about anyone who gets in his way: female journalists, Mexicans, illegal immigrants, Muslims and just about every political opponent.

But it is unclear how much television debate performance really matters -- either at the ballot box on November 8 or among voters already convinced that Trump is their man.

The prospect of Clinton in the White House is enough to put to bed any lingering doubts about a Trump presidency or a less than stellar performance at the podium against a far more experienced politician.

- 'Pray hard' -

Neck-and-neck in the national polls, the Republican is nonetheless ahead in Iowa on 42.8 percent to 37.8 percent for Clinton, according to RealClearPolitics poll average.

Supporters at Wednesday's rally at the Mid-America Center -- in a side room not the much larger auditorium -- said he was their only choice on November 8 given how much they despise Clinton.

"You could have 15 AK47s at my head, and I would not vote for that evil, treasonous should-be-in-prison Clinton," said 51-year-old chef Cynthia McKinney from Bellevue, Nebraska.

"Some of his facial expressions," she trailed off. "I don't know how I want to put it, he needs to stop doing that, I think that angers people, and it makes him not look so presidential."

But although Trump is the most nationally unpopular US presidential candidate in modern US history, Clinton is a close second.

She polls badly on trustworthiness. Her campaign has been buffeted by scandal over Benghazi, her use of a private email server as secretary of state; and few Americans believe she cares about people like them.

Killion, the retired waitress, had simple words of advice for the Manhattan tycoon come October 9.

"Pray hard," she said. "I think she gets under his skin. I think that prayer would protect him and he would do a good job for our country."

Trump vs Clinton: a record audience Alain BOMMENEL, Laurence SAUBADU (AFP)

Most mainstream political analysts gave Hillary Clinton the upper hand in this week's television debate with Donald Trump Jewel Samad (AFP/File)

Donald Trump's entire campaign has been about dishing insults: not just against the would-be first female commander-in-chief, but about anyone who gets in his way Jewel Samad (AFP)
Peres to lie in state as Israel honours last founding father

The body of Shimon Peres is to lie in state outside Israel's parliament on Thursday as the world pays tribute to a statesman whose funeral is expected to draw leaders from around the globe.

The ex-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner died on Wednesday at the age of 93 after suffering a stroke.

In a career spanning seven decades, he held nearly every major office, serving twice as prime minister and as president from 2007 to 2014.

In a career spanning seven decades, Shimon Peres held nearly every major office in Israel, serving twice as prime minister and as president from 2007 to 2014 Jack Guez (AFP/File)

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

US President Barack Obama, one of many world leaders expected to attend Peres's funeral on Friday, paid tribute to a friend who "never gave up on the possibility of peace".

"There are few people who we share this world with who change the course of human history, not just through their role in human events, but because they expand our moral imagination and force us to expect more of ourselves," he said.

"My friend Shimon was one of those people."

Other leaders due to attend the ceremony include Britain's Prince Charles, former US president Bill Clinton, French President Francois Hollande and Spain's King Felipe VI.

Peres's body was to lie in state for 12 hours outside Israel's parliament, the Knesset, with tens of thousands of ordinary Israelis expected to pay tribute to a man who shaped so much of Israel's history.

The country's blue and white flags would be lowered to half-mast around the world from Thursday morning.

Security was being further tightened ahead of the funeral at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl on Friday, with authorities having already increased deployments ahead of the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in October.

- 'Profound sadness' -

Tributes flowed in as soon as Peres's death was announced by his family, who praised his tireless work ethic and what they called his devotion to peace.

"He had no interest other than serving the people of Israel," said his son Chemi, his eyes moist as he read a letter on behalf of the family at the hospital in a suburb of Tel Aviv where Peres died.

Bill Clinton, who helped usher in the Oslo peace accords when he was US president, said: "The Middle East has lost a fervent advocate for peace and reconciliation.

Pope Francis said he was "deeply saddened" and UN chief Ban Ki-moon hailed Peres for working "tirelessly for a two-state solution".

However, a spokesman for Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, welcomed his death and called him a "criminal", though Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas described Peres as "brave".

While many lauded Peres as a peacemaker, Palestinians tend to view him differently, citing his involvement in successive Arab-Israeli wars and the occupation of Palestinian territory.

He was also prime minister in 1996 when more than 100 civilians were killed while sheltering at a UN peacekeepers' base in the Lebanese village of Qana fired upon by Israel.

- Active in old age -

Peres, who was hospitalised twice because of heart trouble In January, had been in hospital since September 13, when he suffered a stroke and internal bleeding.

There were signs of improvement last week, but on Tuesday he took a turn for the worse and his family arrived to be by his bedside.

In later years, he had sought to maintain an active schedule, despite his age.

When leaving hospital in January, he said "I'm so happy to return to work, that was the whole purpose of this operation".

Born in Poland in 1923, Peres emigrated to what was then British-mandated Palestine when he was 11.

He joined the Zionist struggle and met David Ben-Gurion, who would become his mentor and Israel's first prime minister.

Peres became director general of the nascent defence ministry at just 29.

He was also seen as a driving force in the development of Israel's undeclared nuclear programme in the 1950s.

The country is now considered the Middle East's sole nuclear-armed nation, but Israel has never publicly acknowledged it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Peres "as a champion of Israel's defence" who "strengthened its capacities in many ways, some of them still unacknowledged to this day".

Despite his reputation as a statesman, he never managed to outright win a national election. Many in Israel opposed to the Oslo accords also blamed him for what they saw as their failure.

But in later life, especially during his time as president, he came to be widely embraced.

He once said that the secret to his longevity was daily exercise, eating little and drinking one or two glasses of good wine.

Shimon Peres Sabrina BLANCHARD, Thomas SAINT-CRICQ (AFP)

Tributes flowed in as soon as Shimon Peres's death was announced by his family, who praised his tireless work ethic and what they called his devotion to peace Gali Tibbon (AFP)
A year of bombing in Syria stirs little debate in Russia

Veteran Russian opposition activist Sergei Davidis was among 300 people who showed up to a protest in Moscow against the start of the Kremlin's Syria bombing campaign.

But that was pretty much the last demonstration.

"As far as I know there haven't been any other events dedicated specifically to the Syria issue and the involvement of Russian forces in the conflict," Davidis told AFP.

Russian servicemen prepare an SU-24 fighter jet for a mission from the Russian Hmeimim military base in the northwest of Syria Vasily Maximov (AFP/File)

This week marks one year since President Vladimir Putin launched air strikes in support of long-time ally Bashar al-Assad, thrusting the country into the heart of a complex war that has now claimed some 300,000 lives.

The intervention -- the Kremlin's first beyond the borders of the ex-USSR since the start of the disastrous decade-long Afghanistan campaign in 1979 -- shored up Assad's flagging regime forces and shook the West.

But, while ongoing strikes by Russian jets stir furious condemnation abroad, back home in an environment tightly controlled by the Kremlin, Moscow's involvement generates only limited interest -- and even less debate.

"A faraway war that according to the popular understanding doesn't cost too much and doesn't bring us too much harm -- it has ended up on the periphery of the public consciousness," Davidis said.

After a dramatic few years, Russia is mired in an economic crisis and a standoff with the West over Ukraine, he pointed out, and even the country's marginalised opposition is not that interested in Syria.

"Society here has more important concerns to discuss," he said.

- 'Information war' -

As ever the main driver of public opinion has been the slavishly pro-Kremlin state media -- and its version of what is happening in Syria.

From the start of the conflict in 2011, Russia helped deflect criticism from Assad's regime over its brutal crushing of protests and killing of civilians. It sent arms but shied away from direct involvement.

When Putin launched the strikes -- taking both Russians and the West by surprise -- he insisted Moscow was joining forces with Damascus to support Syria's legitimate leader and battle a terrorist threat that could one day threaten his own country.

"At first people's reaction a year ago was some kind of bewilderment and even fear," said Lev Gudkov, the head of the independent Levada Centre pollsters.

"But then as the state propaganda got going they began to be convinced."

Now, as US Secretary of State John Kerry has accused his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov of being in a "parallel universe" on Syria, what Russians are being told is almost the mirror image of what Western media shows.

For the past week, media outlets around the world have carried horrific images of civilian casualties from the ferocious bombing of Aleppo and allegations of possible Russian war crimes.

But on the nightly news on Russian state channels, while they still lead with the conflict, reporters embedded with Assad's forces around Aleppo focus on alleged "terrorist" attacks on civilians and Syrian de-mining efforts.

Little mention is made of any involvement by Moscow's warplanes and Western criticism is painted as part of a campaign that began with the crisis in Ukraine and is aimed at curbing Moscow's resurgence as a world power.

"Any negative news about what Russia is doing is always framed in the context of this information war and as anti-Russian propaganda," sociologist Gudkov said.

- 'Different scale' -

So far, observers say, Russians feel that the military campaign in Syria has not cost them too dearly.

Moscow has managed to stamp its mark on the conflict with a few dozen planes and several thousand servicemen.

While advisers and special forces are deployed, the Kremlin still insists Russian troops are not fighting on the frontline and officially only some 21 Russians have been killed in combat so far.

In a park on the eastern edge of Moscow, mothers pushed prams past a rare monument to some of the 15,000 Soviet soldiers who died in the Afghanistan campaign.

Sitting on a nearby bench, former aviation plant worker Irina lowered her newspaper as she thought about Moscow's latest conflict.

"Syria -- no, people don't really discuss it very much," she said, refusing to give her surname.

"The television doesn't really show much about the operation itself nowadays -- it's mainly about how we're delivering humanitarian aid."

Despite Putin in March announcing a partial withdrawal of Russian forces in Syria -- Moscow's jets have continued to bomb just as before.

Now, as the country marks one year of its latest intervention, there is no sign of the operation ending any time soon.

A poll released Wednesday by state-run VTSIOM showed the number of people who thought the situation was improving in Syria fell from 48 percent to 27 percent between March and July this year.

But, peering over at the memorial to those who died during the almost 10 years of fighting in Afghanistan, pensioner Irina said she was sure history would not repeat itself.

"I think there are major differences between our involvement in Syria and Afghanistan," she said.

"It is not on the same scale."

Syrian civil defence volunteers carry a young boy from the rubble following reported air strikes on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Mashhad in Aleppo Thaer Mohammed (AFP/File)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during a Security Council meeting on the situation in Syria Timothy A. Clary (AFP/File)
Obama defends Syria policy in face of renewed criticism

President Barack Obama defended his refusal to use military force to end Syria's brutal civil war Wednesday, as diplomatic efforts faltered and a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions unfolded in Aleppo.

With just months left in office, the besiegement and bombardment of Syria's second city has put Obama's polices back under the spotlight and exposed deep unease within his administration.

"There hasn't been probably a week that's gone by in which I haven't reexamined some of the underlying premises around how we're dealing with the situation in Syria," Obama told a CNN town hall debate.

A Syrian boy carries a toy gun past a destroyed building in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli Delil Souleiman (AFP/File)

"I'll sit in the situation room with my Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, we'll bring in outside experts -- I will bring in critics of my policy to find out, OK, you don't think this is the right way to go."

But, Obama insisted, "in Syria, there is not a scenario in which, absent us deploying large numbers of troops, we can stop a civil war in which both sides are deeply dug in."

"There are going to be some bad things that happen around the world, and we have to be judicious."

The civil war has dragged on for more than five years and so far killed 300,000 people.

Obama has sent around 300 troops to Syria, focused on the battle against the Islamic State group, but has refused to plunge them into a civil war that is not in America's strategic interest.

Instead he has instead backed diplomacy as the only way out of the crisis.

But since a US-brokered ceasefire crashed on takeoff last week, Russia and Syria have launched rolling airstrikes on rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where a quarter of a million people are trapped.

Forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad's regime have simultaneously launched a ground assault, eying a victory that could prove decisive in the five-year war.

On Wednesday, two of the largest hospitals in rebel-held parts of the city were bombed, prompting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to describe that attack as a war crime.

Already the situation is being compared to Guernica -- a savage bombardment immortalized by Pablo Picasso's painting.

In response, Obama's administration has threatened to suspend its engagement with Russia unless the bombing stops.

But Obama again insisted that ultimately there must be a political solution, while saying that the US would try to ameliorate the suffering.

The State Department on Wednesday said it would release a further $364 million to UN aid agencies and NGOs working to help vulnerable Syrian civilians inside and outside the war-torn country.

- Diplomacy, not war -

Obama came to office on a platform of opposition to the war in Iraq and ending the war in Afghanistan.

Throughout his presidency he has been reluctant to deploy combat troops and argued for a more judicious use of American military power and assessment of the national interest.

"Historically, if you look at what happens to great nations, more often than not, they end up having problems because they are overextended, don't have a clear sense of what is their core interests," Obama said.

Critics argue that he has defined the national interest too narrowly and that the Syrian conflict has called America's reputation and commitment to the rule of law into serious question.

It has also created a refugee crisis that has destabilized Europe and has allowed Russia and Iran to assert greater power in the Middle East.

"It is long past time for the United States to reassess its shameful approach to the Syrian crisis," said Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute.

"US indecision, risk aversion, a total divergence between rhetoric and policy, and a failure to uphold clearly stated 'red lines' have all combined into what can best be described as a cold-hearted, hypocritical approach."

"At worst, Washington has indirectly abetted the wholesale destruction of a nation-state, in direct contradiction to its fundamental national security interests and its most tightly held values."

US President Barack Obama has sent about 300 troops to Syria focused against the IS group, but has refused to plunge troops into a civil war not in America's strategic interest Saul Loeb (AFP)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) US Secretary of State John Kerry attend the International Syria Support Group meeting, in New York Bryan R. Smith (AFP)
Doing it for the kids: Sanders and Clinton court youth vote

What they lack in chemistry they make up for in drive: Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are determined to stand united for the sake of defeating Donald Trump.

On Wednesday, the former Democratic primary rivals teamed up in a bid to charm America's youth, as recent polls showed Clinton's lead slip dramatically among voters aged 18-34. They are a demographic that proved key to both of US President Barack Obama's presidential wins.

Clinton is hoping that millennial whisperer Sanders can up her street cred among young voters -- a tall order the self-described democratic socialist from Vermont has taken on.

Former Democratic primary rivals Hillary Clinton (L) and Bernie Sanders teamed up in a bid to charm America's youth Brendan Smialowski (AFP)

"Is everybody here ready to transform America?" asked Sanders at a University of New Hampshire rally amid heavy applause.

Sanders won legions of young followers in his bitter primary battle against Clinton, who he ultimately endorsed to the disdain of some of his most ardent supporters.

"This election is enormously important for the future of our country," the 75-year-old told the rally. "It is imperative that we elect Hillary Clinton as our next president."

But while millennials flocked to Sanders as he pledged to fight income inequality and provide free state university education, Clinton has struggled to appeal to young voters even after ousting her primary opponent.

The latest Quinnipiac poll showed Clinton at just 31 percent among the key demographic, a razor-thin lead over Republican Trump's 26 percent. Third-party Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson jumped from 16 percent in August to 29 percent in September -- prompting hand-wringing among the Democrats less than six weeks before the November 8 vote.

After warmly embracing Sanders in New Hampshire, Clinton said she was "proud of the primary campaign Bernie and I ran, based on issues not insults."

"Bernie and I are excited about what we can do together."

- Millennial abstention -

Speaking to students who pay upwards of $28,000 annually in tuition at the University of New Hampshire, the pair focused on Clinton's education plan, which was largely inspired by Sanders's primary platform.

Sanders praised Clinton's project to eliminate tuition at in-state public universities for families making less than $125,000, as well as expanding loan forgiveness programs and interest payment breaks.

"I can assure you," Sanders said, "make no mistake about it, that I will work with president Clinton to make sure that this legislation is passed as quickly as we possibly can."

Among the crowd stood Celeste Souza, who estimates she will finish her biomedical science degree more than $100,000 in debt. Like many of her peers, the 20-year-old voted for Sanders in the primary election.

"He just stole our hearts," Souza said. And of Clinton? "People's opinions of her were already formed," the university student said.

"The campaign against Bernie Sanders burned some bridges," said Tyrell Jackson, a 30-year-old registered Democrat and MBA student at Fayetteville State University.

"It's going to take her some time to rebuild those bridges with younger people."

About 20 million Americans less than 30 years old voted in 2012 -- just 45 percent of them -- according to a US Census Bureau study.

Some 72 percent of those older than 65 turned out -- more than 30 million people, many of them conservative.

In a radio interview that aired Wednesday, Obama urged US voters to shy away from alternative candidates.

"If you vote for a third-party candidate who's got no chance to win, that's a vote for Trump," he added, referring to Libertarian contender Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

"My legacy's on the ballot," Obama said, trying to mobilize the voters who elected him twice. "You know, all the work we've done over the last eight years is on the ballot."

While millennials flocked to Bernie Sanders (L), Hillary Clinton (R front) has struggled to appeal to young voters Brendan Smialowski (AFP)
Key dates since Russian intervention in Syria

Russia one year ago carried out its first air strikes in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, in a major turning point in a multi-sided civil war.

A timeline:

Start of Russian intervention

A Syrian boy awaits treatment at a make-shift hospital following air strikes on rebel-held eastern areas of Aleppo Karam Al-Masri (AFP/File)

- September 30, 2015: Russia, at the Damascus regime's request, launches air strikes on Syria, saying it has hit Islamic State (IS) targets.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow must act preemptively to destroy jihadists in Syria before they present a threat closer to home.

Syrian rebels and their overseas supporters accuse Moscow of targeting mostly non-jihadist groups to come to the aid of the Syrian army, which had suffered a series of resounding defeats since March 2015.

Air strikes intensify

- October 7, 2015: Russia's defence ministry says that for the first time Russian warships in the Caspian Sea fleet joined in strikes in Syria with a volley of 26 cruise missile attacks against 11 targets in Syria.

- December 9, 2015: The Russian army strikes Syria from a submarine deployed in the Mediterranean.

Diplomatic offensive

- October 20, 2015: Putin launches a diplomatic initiative and invites Assad to Moscow for a high-profile visit -- his first official trip abroad since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011.

- From October 23, 2015: The US, Russian, Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers hold unprecedented talks in Vienna to try to find a way out of the Syrian crisis.

- November 14, 2015: After a first meeting on October 30, the big powers, including Russia, the United States, France, and for the first time Iran meet in Vienna where they agree on a fixed calendar for Syria but remain sharply at odds over the future of Assad.

Regime forces retake territory

- February 1, 2016: Syrian regime forces, backed by Russian air strikes, launch an offensive against rebels around the northern city of Aleppo. Rebels lose stronghold after stronghold.

- March 15, 2016: Russia's Putin announces a partial withdrawal of Moscow's forces from Syria which is widely publicised despite lack of details of how much of the contingent remains.

- March 27, 2016: The Syrian army, backed by its Russian ally, retakes the ancient city of Palmyra from IS.

- June 18, 2016: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu meets with Assad in Damascus to discuss anti-terrorist "cooperation" and inspects Russia's air base in Hmeimim in the Syrian coastal province of Latakia.

Russia-Turkey reconciliation

- August 9, 2016: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country backs the Syrian rebels, meets Putin in St Petersburg in a bid to heal ties, strained by the Syria conflict.

Tensions had soared in November 2015 between the two rival players in the Syria war when Turkey shot down a Russian warplane on the Syrian border, saying it had violated its airspace.

First strikes from Iran

- August 16, 2016: Russia says its warplanes flew out of an Iranian airbase for the first time to bomb jihadist groups in Syria.

- September 21, 2016: Shoigu says that Moscow is dispatching its flagship aircraft carrier to bolster its forces in the eastern Mediterranean off Syria.

The announcement comes as a new truce reached on September 9 between Moscow and Washington collapses after being in force for only a week.

Blitz of Aleppo

- September 22, 2016: The Syrian army announces a major offensive aimed at retaking rebel zones in Aleppo.

The rebel-held east of Aleppo has since come under a deadly bombardment by the regime and Russian airstrikes.
In Bali's deaf village, silence is golden

Balinese women dressed in gold bodices dance to rhythmic drumming while waving fans as men in purple outfits sit cross legged around them, jiggling their arms and chanting.

It appears to be just another show on the Indonesian resort island, known for its ancient culture and rituals, but there is a key difference -- the dancers are all deaf and cannot hear the beat.

They perform the moves, learnt over months of hard training, from memory.

Deaf people perform a traditional dance in the village of Bengkala in Bali Sonny Tumbelaka (AFP)

The village of Bengkala has been home to an unusually large number of deaf people for generations, and nowadays about 40 out of its approximately 3000 residents have severe hearing loss.

But unlike in other parts of Indonesia where they could face mistreatment, local people have taken the deaf residents to their hearts. In many ways, life in the small hamlet has come to revolve around them.

As well as the dance project, a unique sign language called Kata Kolok has been developed in the isolated village which has been mastered by those with hearing impairment, as well as many of those who can hear, prompting interest from scientists around the world.

In addition, deaf villagers are trained in skills such as making handicrafts that can be sold in the heaving tourist resorts of the island, and they work side by side with other villagers in the rice fields.

"Human rights are the same everywhere. So I thought, why should the deaf be ostracised?" said Ketut Kanta, who heads a community group for the village's deaf residents.

- Unique approach -

The approach is relatively unique in Indonesia, where the disabled often suffer harsh discrimination.

Bengkala, in northern Bali, has existed for about eight centuries.

Residents often scrape a living tending to the surrounding rice fields and education levels are generally low.

In the past villagers thought the high incidence of deafness was due to a curse but those superstitions -- and the prejudices they created -- have largely been abandoned after experts concluded it was due to a recessive gene common among the local population.

It was not until the 1960s that the village began to make efforts to better integrate its deaf residents and nowadays everyone is treated equally, according to village head I Made Arpana.

"We don't differentiate between deaf villagers and non-deaf villagers," he said, adding that the community did not want the hard of hearing residents to feel "inferior".

A key factor in creating this peaceful co-existence has been Kata Kolok, which literally translates as "talk of the deaf", and is used to varying degrees by around 80 percent of the villagers.

It is different to international and Indonesian sign language. It has grown organically over the decades and has its own unique signs created by villagers to reflect how they see the world.

- Bright future -

Attempts to ensure harmony in the village start at a young age, with a Bengkala elementary school teaching all children side by side.

The 77 students are all given lessons in the local sign language, and are introduced to elements of Indonesian and international signing.

Made Budiasih, whose seven-year-old son goes to the school, said she was worried for his future when they discovered he was deaf at birth, but said the inclusive educational centre had made all the difference.

"I was despairing, but then I found out about this school," she said.

Still, it is not always easy teaching deaf students as they often become frustrated and act out, according to teacher I Made Wisnu, who has been working at the school for a decade.

There are no junior high schools equipped to teach deaf students, so most have to drop out of the system once they've graduated from elementary classes.

Despite the challenges, village chief Arpana is determined to safeguard the unique culture of the hamlet's deaf community, saying he would be a "sinner" if he did not.

The clearest expression of the village's warm embrace of its hard of hearing population is the unique project "dance of the deaf", which has started to draw a trickle of foreign visitors to the out-of-the-way village, giving residents hope for a brighter future.

Tambourine player I Wayan Getar, speaking in sign language through an interpreter, told AFP: "Tourists from China and Europe are coming to watch us, and they really enjoy it."

The village of Bengkala has been home to an unusually large number of deaf people for generations, with 40 out of about 3000 residents currently suffering severe hearing loss Sonny Tumelaka (AFP)

A teacher speaks to a deaf boy using sign language at an elementary school at Bengkala village in Bali Sonny Tumbelaka (AFP)
Japan's new passenger plane completes US flight

Japan's problem-plagued new passenger jet on Thursday completed a flight to the United States for testing, its maker said, after aborting two earlier attempts.

The Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) touched down at Grant County international airport in Washington state after flying from Anchorage.

The first domestically made passenger jet, which left Nagoya airport on Monday, also stopped in Japan's northernmost Hokkaido, Russia and Alaska for fuelling.

The Mitsubishi Regional Jet passes over Moses Lake on September 28, 2016 in the US state of Washington after flying from Anchorage, Alaska

The plane's maker Mitsubishi Heavy said it will carry out multiple flight tests in the US to get a certificate necessary for starting commercial flights in 2018.

Mitsubishi added that about 2,500 flying hours would be needed to land the registration. It is planning three more "ferry" flights to the US, where it said it can accelerate its testing schedule.

Last month, the jet turned back twice due to air conditioning problems detected after take off.

The development of the MRJ, Japan's first domestically produced passenger jet for over half a century, has suffered a series of delays.

In December Mitsubishi Heavy said it was postponing delivery of the planes by one year to the second quarter of 2018 for system software upgrades and other design changes.

The twin-engine MRJ marks a new chapter in the country's aviation sector, which last built a commercial airliner in 1962 -- the YS-11 turboprop that was discontinued about a decade later.

After being barred from developing aircraft following World War II, Japan -- and its MRJ jet -- is competing with other regional passenger jet manufacturers such as Brazil's Embraer and Canada's Bombardier.

Mitsubishi Heavy unveiled the jet -- which is about 35 metres (115-feet) long and seats about 80 passengers -- in October last year and has received more than 400 orders.
N. Korea soldier defects to S. Korea across border

A North Korean soldier walked across one of world's most heavily fortified borders on Thursday and defected to the South, military authorities said.

The man crossed the military demarcation line around 01:00 GMT on the central-eastern part of the border, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

There was no exchange of fire during the defection.

The border between North and South Korea is one of the world's most heavily fortified abnd it is rare for defectors to walk across the mine-riddled military demarcation line Johannes Eisele (AFP/File)

"He is now being held in custody for questioning", the JCS added.

It is rare for North Korean defectors to walk across the mine-riddled border, which is guarded by tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides.

The last time in happened was June last year when a teenage North Korean soldier surrendered himself to South Korean border guards at Hwacheon, north-east of Seoul.

Hundreds of North Koreans flee their isolated and impoverished homeland each year.

Most cross the porous frontier with China first before travelling through a south-east Asian nation and eventually arriving in South Korea.

In 2012, a North Korean soldier walked unchecked through rows of electrified fencing and surveillance cameras, prompting Seoul to sack three field commanders for a security lapse.
Amnesty accuses Sudan of deadly Darfur chemical attacks

Sudanese government forces used suspected chemical weapons in a mountainous area of war-torn Darfur, killing scores of children and civilians, rights group Amnesty International charged on Thursday.

More than 30 such attacks are believed to have been carried out on several villages as part of a massive military campaign against rebels in Darfur's Jebel Marra between January and September, Amnesty said in a report.

The group said its investigation "has gathered horrific evidence of the repeated use of what are believed to be chemical weapons against civilians, including very young children, by Sudanese government forces in one of the most remote regions of Darfur over the past eight months".

Internally displaced people pictured in a camp in Sortoni, in northern Sudan's Darfur state on February 9, 2016

"Between 200 and 250 people may have died as a result of exposure to the chemical weapons agents, with many or most being children."

Amnesty said government forces also carried out "indiscriminate bombing of civilians... unlawful killing of men, women and children and the abduction and rape of women" in Jebel Marra, home to Darfur's most fertile land.

The nearly 100-page report contains gruesome photographs of children suffering from apparent chemical burns, satellite images of destroyed villages and displaced people, interviews with more than 200 survivors, and analysis by chemical weapons experts.

Amnesty said the attacks were part of a military operation against the rebel Sudan Liberation Army - Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) group, which Khartoum accuses of ambushing military convoys and attacking civilians.

Up to 194,000 people have been displaced in Jebel Marra since mid-January due to fighting between the two sides, the United Nations says.

Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Dahab, rejected Amnesty's report as "baseless and fabricated".

"The ultimate objective of such wild accusation is to steer confusion in the ongoing processes aimed at deepening peace and stability... in Sudan," he said in a statement.

"The situation on the ground does not need intensive bombing as there is no real presence of rebels anymore," army spokesman Brigadier Ahmed Khalifa a-Shami told AFP.

- 'War Crime' -

Amnesty's crisis research director Tirana Hassan said tens of thousands of people had been driven from their homes since the air and ground campaign began in January in Jebel Marra -- the homeland of the ethnic Fur tribe.

"The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution," she said in a statement.

"Their sweeping rejection of the evidence only underscores the need for the UN Security Council to investigate what has every sign of being a war crime," Hassan said in a separate statement late on Thursday.

Sudan, which was slapped with US trade sanctions in 1997, is a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Darfur has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since 2003 when ethnic minority groups took up arms against President Omar al-Bashir's Arab-dominated government, which launched a brutal counter-insurgency.

At least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced, the United Nations says.

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes and genocide charges related to Darfur, which he denies.

Sudan insists that the conflict in Darfur has ended, and it wants UN peacekeepers who have been deployed in the region the size of France since 2007 to leave.

- 'Horrific burns' --

Amnesty said at least 32 villages in Jebel Marra were attacked with bombs and rockets containing chemicals.

"Many photos show young children covered in lesions and blisters. Some were unable to breath and vomiting blood," Hassan said.

She added that there had been "horrific burns and skin reactions to the agents... and some of the first responders and caregivers have told us that even when they touch the skin, it actually falls off in large chunks."

The rights group said experts had concluded the victims were exposed to vesicants, or blister agents, such as sulfur mustard, lewisite or nitrogen mustard.

"When (the bomb) fell there were some flames and then dark smoke," a woman who survived an attack with her baby was quoted as saying in the report.

She said the bombing had caused vomiting, dizziness, skin problems and headaches.

"The baby is not recovering... he is swollen... he has blisters and wounds."

Amnesty urged Sudan to allow humanitarian workers and UN forces immediate access to Jebel Marra.

Darfur "has been stuck in a catastrophic cycle of violence for more than 13 years. Nothing has changed except that the world has stopped watching", Hassan said.

Map of Sudan locating area where more than 30 chemical attacks were carried out by government forces, according to Amnesty International Laurence Chu (AFP)

Rights group Amnesty International has accused Sudanese government forces of killing scores of civilians, including many children Ashraf Shazly (AFP/File)
The son of Baghdad who fathered Iraqi Frankenstein

When Ahmed Saadawi finished writing "Frankenstein in Baghdad", a dark fantasy about the war that tore Iraq apart a decade ago, he thought his novel dealt with the past.

But just like the monster Mary Shelley first dreamt up exactly 200 years ago, Saadawi's hero then took on a life of its own.

A fresh wave of violence in Iraq and the region has given renewed relevance to the novel, which was published in 2013, as the Arab Spring gave way to chaos and before a third of Saadawi's native Iraq fell to ultra-violent jihadists.

Iraqi writer Ahmed Saadawi poses with his book "Frankenstein in Baghdad" Ahmad al-Rubaye (AFP)

Saadawi won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2014 and became one of the new stars of the regional literary world.

"Frankenstein in Baghdad" was released in Italian earlier this year, a French translation hit bookshops this month and the English is due early next year.

In the novel, Hadi al-Attag, a rag-and-bone man from the old Baghdad neighbourhood of Bataween, sews together body parts scattered by bombings to form a full body.

A displaced soul then enters the figure. Hadi calls it the "shesma" -- Iraqi dialect that translates as "whatsitsname".

The creature starts killing, first to avenge bombing victims but then more randomly to get fresh parts to replace its own decomposing flesh.

- 'The shesma is us' -

"The shesma is not an imaginary fantasy creature, the shesma is us," Saadawi told AFP.

"He thinks he is doing something good but he is participating in killing and destruction," he said. "All of us have done this in one way or another, by welcoming, endorsing or not objecting to crimes."

The story begins in the spring of 2005 and ends a year later on the eve of the 2006 bomb attack on a Shiite shrine in the city of Samarra that ignited two years of sectarian-driven bloodletting.

Saadawi's book -- which includes earthy and often hilarious descriptions of Bataween, a once beautiful Jewish neighbourhood now best known for prostitution and crime -- has been something of a phenomenon on the Iraq literary scene.

The author, a genial character with salt-and-pepper stubble and a soaring forehead framing sparkling bespectacled eyes, is easily found at one of his favourite cafes and very accessible.

"Some friends have removed me from Facebook, some have made me a god, others sent me pictures of themselves burning my book," Saadawi said, waving a copy of "Frankenstein in Baghdad".

The 43-year-old doesn't seem to entirely dislike the attention.

Saadawi, who is from a family with no artistic pedigree and grew up in the humble neighbourhood of Sadr City, learned to read and write by accompanying his mother to literacy classes.

- Hollywood deal in offing -

"That got me writing earlier than other kids... By the time I was seven, I was writing many stories about animals," he said.

"I would read them to my friends and they would listen to me, it made me feel famous. So at that time I already had this idea that fiction was part of real life."

Publishing giant Penguin is releasing "Frankenstein" in the United States soon and a deal for a Hollywood adaptation is in the works.

But being a novelist in Baghdad, even a successful one, does not pay the rent and Saadawi works as a journalist and documentary maker to make ends meet and finance the next novel.

Shelley invented Frankenstein during a holiday spent trapped indoors in 1816, which became known as "the year without a summer" because the ash from the eruption in Indonesia of Mount Tambora plunged much of the world into a long volcanic winter.

Saadawi, however, bases his writing on a thorough knowledge of the street, its people and the Baghdadi slang they speak that shows at every turn of the page.

"Not every novelist is (Ernest) Hemingway, with extremely diverse life experiences," he said of the American author he cites as a major influence.

"The novelist should have the journalist's aptitude to look for stories first, venture into reality to capture details," he said.

- Inspired by grim reality -

The idea for his book is rooted in what has been Iraq's grim reality for years.

Saadawi recounted two specific incidents that shocked him and inspired him to write "Frankenstein in Baghdad".

One was in the city of Baquba when Al-Qaeda in Iraq, the previous incarnation of what is now the Islamic State group, kidnapped a man, killed him and chopped his body into pieces.

"They dropped each piece in a different part of Baquba... When the city woke up, each neighbourhood saw a different body part.

"They made the whole city see the body simultaneously," he said. "What criminal genius!"

The other moment that stuck with him was also at the height of the civil war that raged a decade ago when hospitals were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of bodies being brought in after bombings.

The fridges were overflowing and bodies simply lined up in corridors. Saadawi told of how one exhausted forensic team "lost their humanity".

"One day someone came asking about his brother... they told him that all the bodies had already been collected by their families, except for these pieces," he said.

"There were mismatched, unclaimed... body parts and they told him to assemble a man from them and take it away."

Iraqi writer Ahmed Saadawi won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2014 and became one of the new stars of the regional literary world Ahmad al-Rubaye (AFP)

A fresh wave of violence in Iraq and the region has given renewed relevance to Ahmed Saadawi's novel Sabah Arar (AFP/File)
Clinton joins Israel in paying last respects to Peres

Israeli leaders, former US president Bill Clinton and tens of thousands of mourners gathered outside parliament Thursday to pay last respects to Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, whose body was lying in state.

A major security operation was being put in place ahead of Friday's funeral, which is to be attended by leaders from across the world, including US President Barack Obama and Britain's Prince Charles.

In a rare visit to Jerusalem, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was also planning to attend, Palestinian officials told AFP.

Israelis queue to pay their respects in front of the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres at a plaza outside the Knesset in Jerusalem Gali Tibbon (AFP)

Peres's death on Wednesday at age 93 after suffering a major stroke triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes that hailed the Israeli ex-president's transformation from hawk to fervent peace advocate.

On Thursday morning, a solemn ceremony saw President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, parliament speaker Yuli Edelstein and opposition leader Isaac Herzog lay wreaths beside Peres's flag-draped coffin at a plaza outside parliament.

Later in the day, Clinton arrived in Israel and travelled directly to view Peres's coffin, appearing moved as he stood silently before it.

Clinton had helped usher in the Oslo peace accords of the 1990s, which resulted in the Nobel prize for Peres.

The plaza was opened to the public following the visit by the Israeli leaders, and an estimated 30,000 mourners made their way into the grounds after passing through stringent security checks.

Many took photographs as they approached. A cordon kept them around five metres (yards) from the coffin.

"It's important that my children understand and respect what this man did, his values, his love for Israel, his want for peace," said Marielle Halimi, who arrived with her three children and waited for more than an hour to enter before leaving in tears.

- 'Unprecedented scale' -

In a career spanning seven decades, Peres held nearly every major office, serving twice as prime minister and as president, a mainly ceremonial role, from 2007 to 2014.

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

Peres's body lay in state all day, while Israel's blue-and-white flag has been lowered to half-mast around the world.

Around 8,000 police were being deployed for the commemorations on Thursday and Friday, and roads were being closed in Jerusalem.

"We are dealing with an operation on an unprecedented scale," said police chief Roni Alsheikh.

The last time such an event was held in Israel was the funeral for Rabin, Peres's rival in the Labour party but partner in negotiating the Oslo accords.

Peres will be buried in Jerusalem's Mount Herzl national cemetery next to Rabin, who was assassinated in 1995 by a Jewish extremist opposed to the accords.

Obama led world leaders in paying tribute to Peres, calling him a friend who "never gave up on the possibility of peace".

He ordered US flags flown at half-staff.

Besides Obama and Prince Charles, other leaders due to attend the funeral include Clinton, French President Francois Hollande and Spain's King Felipe VI.

About 70 countries were expected to be represented, Peres's office said.

But while those in the West and within Israel hailed Peres as a peacemaker, many Palestinians and those from Arab nations have called him a "war criminal".

They have cited his involvement in successive Arab-Israeli wars, the occupation of Palestinian territory and his support for settlement building before his work on Oslo.

He was also prime minister in 1996 when more than 100 civilians were killed while sheltering at a UN peacekeepers' base in the Lebanese village of Qana fired upon by Israel.

Abbas, who signed the Oslo accords and negotiated with Peres, has however called him a "brave" partner for peace and is planning to attend the funeral, Palestinian officials told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which rules Gaza, called on Abbas "to reverse his decision to participate in the funeral".

From the Arab world, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is also due to attend. Egypt and Jordan are the only two Arab countries with peace treaties with Israel.

- Nuclear architect -

Born in Poland in 1923, Peres emigrated to what was then British-mandated Palestine when he was 11.

He joined the Zionist struggle and met David Ben-Gurion, who would become his mentor and Israel's first prime minister.

Peres became director general of the nascent defence ministry at just 29.

He was a driving force in the development of Israel's nuclear programme in the 1950s.

The country is now considered the Middle East's sole nuclear-armed nation, but Israel has never publicly acknowledged it.

After leaving office as president, he had sought to maintain an active schedule, particularly through his Peres Center for Peace.

Despite his reputation as a statesman, Peres never managed to outright win a national election. Many in Israel opposed to the Oslo accords also blamed him for what they saw as their failure.

But in later life, especially during his time as president, he came to be widely embraced.

Shimon Peres Sabrina BLANCHARD, Thomas SAINT-CRICQ (AFP)

Former US president Bill Clinton pays his respects next to the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres in Jerusalem on September 29, 2016 Menahem Kahana (AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walks past the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem Menahem Kahana (AFP)

Israeli policewomen salute in front of the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres at the plaza outside the Knesset on September 29, 2016 Gali Tibbon (AFP)
India carries out 'surgical strikes' along Kashmir frontier

India's military has carried out "surgical strikes" along the de facto border with Pakistan in Kashmir to thwart a series of attacks being planned against major cities, a senior army officer said Thursday.

"Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control," Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, the army's director-general of military operations, said in reference to the unofficial border in divided Kashmir.

"The Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launchpads. Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them," he told reporters in New Delhi.
'Mud Men' make rare foray outside Papua New Guinea

Wearing grotesque masks and with their bodies covered in grey clay, four "Mud Men" from the Asaro Valley in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands dance slowly in the mist, long bamboo tubes extending from their fingers.

The ghostly dance took place not in their native Komunive village, but at the Australian Museum in Sydney on Thursday.

It was their first sojourn outside PNG to share their passion for crafting the "holosa" mud masks -- considered as one of the key cultural traditions of the country's remote highland region.

"Mud Men" from the Asaro Valley in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands perform a dance, traditionally intended to intimidate their enemies, at the Australian Museum in Sydney Peter Parks (AFP)

The masks have different origin stories from the late 1800s, the museum collections officer Yvonne Carrillo-Huffman told AFP. Some say they stem from the villagers' desire to intimidate enemies with their macabre appearances.

The masks have evolved to become heavy and thick headdresses that can be worn for only a few minutes as part of brief cultural performances.

The rare appearance of the "Mud Men" outside PNG was part of the museum's move to acquire several masks for its Pacific collection, Carrillo-Huffman added.

Jim Gahiye, 51, said he had been making the masks for several decades and sculpted up to 70 each year.

"One mask takes me four-and-a-half hours (to make)," he told AFP as he moulded one for the museum's collection during his week-long visit to Sydney.

"I'm very happy because it's my first time outside PNG."
Watchdog condemns Iran journalist's 10-year sentence

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned a decision by an Iranian appeals court to uphold a 10-year jail sentence against journalist and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi.

Mohammadi, 44, is one of Iran's best-known journalists and was awarded the City of Paris medal earlier this year for her work as a defender of women's rights.

She was the spokesperson of the Centre for Human Rights Defenders and campaigned for an end to the death penalty in Iran.

Narges Mohammadi is one of Iran's best-known journalists and was awarded the City of Paris medal earlier this year for her work as a defender of women's rights Behrouz Mehri (AFP/File)

Initially arrested in May 2015, the mother-of-two was sentenced to a total of 16 years in April, according to a statement from RSF.

Under a law passed last year, she will only serve the sentence linked to the most important charge -- in this case 10 years for "forming and managing an illegal group" which pressed for an end to capital punishment.

RSF said her lawyers received the news as her colleague, 2003 Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi who founded the Centre for Human Rights Defenders, was meeting with Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo and RSF secretary general Christophe Deloire in the French capital.

"I condemn this sentence imposed by the Iranian judicial system as Narges's only crime is to be a human rights defender in a country that flouts these rights," Ebadi told RSF.

Mohammadi went on hunger strike in June after being denied phone contact with her children, who live with their father in France. The authorities relented after 20 days of the hunger strike.

There has yet to be any official confirmation of the appeal court verdict from within Iran.
African wax prints tackle rivals for place in the sun

In a bustling market in Abidjan, women browse through a bewildering array of intricately patterned wax-print fabrics, each of which has a unique and sometimes quirky name.

"Eye of my rival" is one which has an eye-like motif, while another is known as "capable husband".

Another bale of this brightly coloured fabric is labelled "jealousy".

A man checks a piece of cloth in a production line at the Uniwax factory in Abidjan Issouf Sanogo (AFP)

Each print has a name and comes in different colours, so you could have a "capable husband" in red, green or a white and the same for Eye of my rival".

Others have longer, more conversational names: "If you leave, so will I" or "If you divorce, I won't eat sand".

Known as a "pagne", this strip of printed cotton cloth can be worn in a number of different ways, tailored into a garment or used to make any type of fashion accessory or household item.

The name often reflects a key element in the pattern and those attached to the most popular styles often spread quickly as rumours and jokes around Adjame market in Ivory Coast's economic capital.

"We don't know where they come from," chuckles Didi Sangare, a market trader who has been selling fabric for 15 years.

"From saleswomen, from the clients, people give them names... and sometimes they stick," she says.

"They come and they go. When there's a successful soap opera or some political event, the pagne that appears at the same time might get its name."

- 'We can do everything!' -

One African pagne printed with cars is named "Renato's car" after a heartthrob in a Latin American soap, while other bales of fabric have been named after heroines of popular television series.

Others reflect political events, with one named "Guei's Broom" for the general who briefly headed a military junta after leading a coup in December 1999.

Similar to Indonesia's celebrated batiks, these textiles are printed with motifs which reflect African themes.

"Pagne is beautiful, pagne is good," says Korotoum Ouattara, a 28-year-old trader.

"Shirts, trousers, dresses -- clothes, but also bags, shoes, curtains, sheets, tablecloths," she says.

"We can do everything!"

Despite her enthusiasm, the fabric is not fireproof with regulations advising against its use for anything other than clothes.

And the rule is even wryly reflected in the name of one of the cheaper bolts of fabric: "Watch Out for Fire."

- Dutch origins -

Once a luxury item imported from The Netherlands, this wax-printed fabric today varies hugely in quality and the finesse of its designs.

Progress in African manufacturing and printing methods has sparked a production boom, spawning a broader range of themes, pushing down prices for customers -- and making some pagnes readily affordable.

Since the turn of the century, there has been strong competition from Asia. At Adjame market, as elsewhere in Africa, cloth imported from China and Thailand is on sale.

For the poorest customers, foreign products which cost between 2,000 and 6,000 CFA francs ($3.40-$10/3-9 euros) for six metres (yards) of fabric are more attainable than cloth from major local brands, which often sell for more than $25.

"Our main competitors are counterfeiting and fraud," says Jean-Louis Menudier, who heads Uniwax, the Ivorian subsidiary of Dutch group Vlisco and a top west African manufacturer of print fabrics.

"The products of our rivals are made in Asia, mostly in China.

"They almost exclusively reach the African continent through fraud -- contraband and tax evasion -- and much of the material is forgery using our designs."

- 'A strategy of creativity' -

Menudier estimates that more than 90 percent of fabrics on the market are counterfeit or entered the country fraudulently.

"This posed an enormous threat to our activity between 2004 and 2006. We adopted a strategy of creativity, marketing, distribution and production that enables us to fight these phenomena effectively," he says.

"We create faster than imitators can copy," he adds, inspired perhaps by a print called "I run faster than my rival".

The strategy has paid off.

Uniwax is thriving with 750 employees and a net profit of $7 million in 2015 -- a profit margin of 11 percent -- on revenues of $62 million.

At the start of September, the company announced plans to raise $17 million on the stock market to finance an investment scheme that should enable it to increase production by 70 percent over five years.

Though the firm sells 45 percent of its wares in Ivory Coast, it is benefiting from an expanding international market that is slowly opening the gates to Europe and even the United States.

The name of a cloth often reflects a key element in the pattern and those attached to the most popular styles often spread quickly as rumours and jokes around Adjame market in Ivory Coast's economic capital Issouf Sanogo (AFP)

Progress in African manufacturing and printing methods has sparked a cloth production boom, spawning a broader range of themes and pushing down prices for customers Issouf Sanogo (AFP)
Indian commandos carried out a series of lightning strikes Thursday along the de facto border with Pakistan in Kashmir, provoking furious charges of "naked aggression" from its nuclear-armed neighbour.

Amid anger in India over a recent deadly assault on one of its army bases in Kashmir, officials said troops had conducted "surgical strikes" several kilometres (miles) inside the Pakistan-controlled side of the disputed territory to prevent attacks being planned on major Indian cities.

The strikes aimed at "neutralising the terrorists" had caused "multiple casualties", according to Indian officials.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol along the border between India and Pakistan near Jammu Tauseef Mustafa (AFP/File)

Pakistan said two of its soldiers had been killed and nine more wounded in what it described as small arms fire and dismissed the talk of surgical strikes as an "illusion" designed to whip up "media hype".

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, director-general of military operations, announced news of the strikes in New Delhi, sending shares on the Indian stock market sliding nearly two percent.

"Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control," Singh told reporters.

"The Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launchpads. Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them."

Singh said the decision to launch the strikes was taken following intelligence that militants were planning "to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros" in India.

A senior government source said commandos carried out the strikes some way across the unofficial border known as the Line of Control (LoC), beginning after midnight and finishing before dawn.

"They were conducted two-three kilometres across the LoC," the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"Seven launchpads were targeted. The defence minister himself monitored the ops and the Indian side did not suffer any casualties."

Another Indian government official source put the number of dead on the Pakistani side in "double digits".

Most of the casualties were "terrorists", said the source, insisting India had not been targeting the Pakistani army.

- 'Naked aggression' -

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said two Pakistani soldiers were killed and nine wounded as authorities in Islamabad played down the scale of the strikes.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India," said a military statement.

"As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops."

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif "strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces".

Islamabad later summoned the Indian High Commissioner to voice its anger at the operation, the Pakistani foreign ministry said.

Tensions between the two arch rivals have been boiling since the Indian government accused Pakistan-based militants of launching an assault on an army base in Kashmir earlier this month that killed 18 soldiers.

India has also been on a diplomatic drive to isolate nuclear-armed Pakistan since the raid on September 18, the worst such attack in more than a decade.

On Tuesday India said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not attend a regional summit in Islamabad in November in a major snub to its neighbour.

Ashok K Mehta, a retired major general in the Indian army, said it was the first time in a decade that officials in New Delhi had acknowledged its troops had crossed into the Pakistani side of the LoC.

"We have to see whether the Pakistani army will respond in kind... Now the the ball is in Pakistan's court if they want to escalate things."

Residents on the Pakistani side of the LoC were hunkering down over fears the situation could unravel further.

"I did not send my children to school today. The situation is very tense," said Tahir Iqbal, who runs a grocery in the town of Athmuqam.

There was similar foreboding on the Indian side as villagers living along the LoC and the undisputed international border further south in the state were placed on alert to evacuate if required.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since they gained independence from Britain seven decades ago.

The Indian-controlled part of the picturesque territory has a Muslim majority and there are a number of armed separatist groups who are fighting to break free from New Delhi.

India has said the attack on the Uri army base in Kashmir was carried out by a Pakistan-based group called Jaish-e Mohammed.

Tensions had already been high in the region since the Indian army killed a leading Kashmiri separatist in a gunfight in early July, sparking a series of protests that have been staged in defiance of curfew orders.

More than 80 people have been killed in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir since July, many shot by the army at the protests.

Kashmir unrest AFP (AFP)

An Indian army soldier salutes the coffins of colleagues killed in a gunbattle with militants at the army headquarters in Srinagar on September 19, 2016 INDIAN ARMY (AFP)

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stand guard at the India-Pakistan Wagah Border, about 35 km from Amritsar after the Punjab state government issued a warning to villagers to evacuate from a 10 km radius from the India-Pakistan border Narinder Nanu (AFP)
'Butcher of Kabul' calls for peace as signs Afghan pact

Notorious Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar called for peace as he appeared by video to sign a deal with President Ashraf Ghani Thursday, marking a symbolic victory in Kabul's struggle to revive talks with the Taliban.

The deal paves the way for Hekmatyar, who heads the now largely dormant Hezb-i-Islami militant group but has been in hiding for years, to make a potential political comeback despite a history of war crimes.

But analysts have said it represents a practical success in Afghanistan's 15-year bid to negotiate peace with militant groups, and comes as a boost for President Ashraf Ghani ahead of a development aid conference in Brussels next week.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar was a prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s and stands accused of killing thousands of people in Kabul during the 1992-1996 civil war Behrouz Mehri (AFP/File)

"Now is the time for the Taliban to think about whether they want to continue the war or come for peace," Ghani said as he signed the deal at the presidential palace in Kabul.

Security was tight in the capital, with the road to the palace blocked. Chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai, delegates from Hezb-i-Islami and other politicians also attended the ceremony.

Hekmatyar, derided widely as the "butcher of Kabul", offered his congratulations to the government and "all those Afghans who want peace and stability in the region" as he signed a copy of the deal via video link.

"I pray that our country be independent and sovereign, and our innocent and war-weary nation end the fighting and ongoing insecurity, and that unity prevails," he said.

Hekmatyar was a prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s who stands accused of killing thousands of people in the Afghan capital during the 1992-1996 civil war.

He is believed to be in hiding in Pakistan, but his group claims he remains in Afghanistan.

The deal, which grants him judicial immunity, paves the way for him to make a comeback in mainstream politics in a pattern well established by other warlords, such as General Abdul Rashid Dostum, currently the country's first vice president.

But it has sparked revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital who survived the civil war, some of whom launched street protests when it was announced last week.

Human Rights Watch warned Hekmatyar's return would compound a "culture of impunity" in Afghanistan.

The deal was struck last Thursday but the government said it would not come into force until it was formally signed by Ghani and Hekmatyar.

Hezb-i-Islami has been largely inactive in recent years, and the deal is not likely to have an immediate impact on the security situation in Afghanistan.
Bahrain minister in surprise tribute to Israel's Peres

Bahrain's foreign minister paid tribute to Israel's former president Shimon Peres on Thursday, in a surprise statement that drew strong Arab criticism on social media.

"Rest in Peace President Shimon Peres, a Man of War and a Man of the still elusive Peace in the Middle East," Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said on Twitter.

The response to his tweet was swift.

Bahrain's foreign minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa (left) pictured with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Manama on April 7, 2016 Mohammed al-Shaikh (AFP/File)

Like most Arab countries, Bahrain does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, and many Arabs associate Peres with the successive wars that have rocked the Middle East rather than the Oslo accords with the Palestinians that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

"The foreign minister is paying tribute and praying for the Zionist terrorist and the killer of children," complained former opposition lawmaker Jalal Fairooz.

Another critic, Khalil Buhazaa, tweeted: "Diplomacy does not mean rudeness."

Peres died on Wednesday aged 93 after suffering a major stroke.

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.
School security guard gunned down in tense Thai south

A security volunteer was gunned down by suspected rebels while guarding a primary school in Thailand's insurgency-plagued south, police said Thursday.

Morning lessons were underway at the school in Narathiwat province when ten militants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on a group of security officers outside.

"One was shot and killed instantly and two others were wounded," said Chanawut Khaudsai, a police officer based near the school.

A child's backpack lies on the ground after a bomb at a school earlier in September in Thailand's restive insurgency-plagued south Madaree Tohala (AFP/File)

The attack comes weeks after a bomb explosion killed a four-year-old girl and her father as they arrived at a different school in the province.

Ethnic Malay Muslim militants have targeted schools and teachers for years, perceiving them as collaborators with Thailand's Buddhist-majority state.

The rebels have launched hundreds of attacks on state-run schools, killing nearly 200 teachers, despite widespread revulsion at the assaults on soft civilian targets.

More than 6,600 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the conflict flared up in 2004.

The victims of Thursday's attack were village defence volunteers, a network of civilians armed and trained by the state to assist the tens of thousands of soldiers spread across the kingdom's three violence-plagued provinces bordering Malaysia.

Security convoys routinely accompany teachers and children to and from schools in the region's most dangerous "red zones".

In a separate attack on a petrol station Thursday, a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed shortly before an explosive wounded six people, police said.

"Four attackers came on two motorcycles," an officer from Khok Pho station told AFP, adding that the woman, a Thai Buddhist, worked at the station.

The explosive was detonated as police arrived on the scene, local television reported, a so-called "double-tap" tactic frequently used by the rebels.

Since its 2014 power grab, Thailand's military government has failed to make progress in peace talks with the shadowy insurgent network, whose members rarely claim their attacks.

Experts believe a rebel faction was behind an unprecedented string of bombings in resort towns outside the conflict zone last month.

But Thai authorities have avoided linking the August attacks -- which hit the country's vital tourism sector -- to the insurgency.
Bangladesh accused of 'kneecapping' opposition activists

Human Rights Watch Thursday accused Bangladeshi security forces of "kneecapping" opposition members and supporters by deliberately shooting them in the leg and then falsely claiming to have acted in self-defence.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan rejected the report, saying police were only shooting at criminals as a "last resort".

The 45-page report quoted victims recounting how they had been shot without provocation by police officers who then claimed that they had opened fire in self-defence.

Bangladeshi police stand guard in Dhaka on November 22, 2015 Munir Uz Zaman (AFP/File)

"Security forces in Bangladesh have long killed detainees in fake 'crossfire killings', pretending the victim was killed when the authorities took him back to the scene of the crime and were attacked by one of his accomplices," said Brad Adams, Asia director of HRW.

"Now they're adopting tactics similar to those once used by the Irish Republican Army and engaging in 'kneecappings' of people they have arrested, apparently because they belong to or support an opposition party."

The New York-based group called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to invite the UN rights office and UN special rapporteurs on torture and extrajudicial executions to investigate the "kneecappings" and other alleged acts of torture.

HRW said its report includes evidence and testimony from 25 individuals, mostly members and supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami.

Several of the victims have been permanently disabled, including some who had their legs amputated after being shot, it said.

National police spokesman A.K.M Shahidur Rahman told AFP that they would comment through a press briefing only after getting a copy of the HRW report but Home Minister Khan said the allegations were baseless.

"This is not true," Khan told AFP.
Thousands of Indonesian workers protest tax amnesty

Thousands of workers rallied Thursday in the Indonesian capital Jakarta against a controversial government scheme to raise revenues that, critics claim, has allowed wealthy tycoons to avoid paying tax.

The tax amnesty programme began in July, offering low rates to people who came forward to declare their untaxed wealth stashed at home and overseas.

Wealthy Indonesians have long chosen to stash billions of dollars abroad, particularly in neighbouring city-state Singapore, to keep it out of reach of the taxman.

Thousands of workers from various factories gathered in Jakarta to demand higher wages and to protest against the government's tax amnesty programs on September 29, 2016 Bay Ismoyo (AFP/File)

The government has thrown considerable resources behind the scheme, and hopes it will generate 165 trillion rupiah ($12.4 billion) in additional state revenue this year.

Some of Indonesia's richest businessmen have participated in the scheme but the amnesty has angered unions and social justice groups, who claim it pardons tax cheats.

Signs waved by workers marching through Jakarta claimed the amnesty was unconstitutional, demanding it be rescinded immediately.

Suhan, a metal worker who like many Indonesians goes by just one name, said the scheme was unfair.

"For us, the workers, we pay taxes every month and if we don't, we get fined," he told AFP.

"In terms of social justice this is extremely unfair for us."

Said Iqbal, president of the Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions, claimed the policy could allow criminals to declare dirty money hidden abroad.

"These funds coming in could be dangerous and from corruption, trafficking or drugs, and we are opposed to that," he told reporters.

Large protests were also held in other major Indonesian cities. Apart from opposing the tax amnesty, workers are demanding an increase in the minimum wage.

The first phase of the amnesty -- offering the lowest rates on undeclared assets -- ends Friday, with penalties rising until the amnesty concludes in March next year.
Rights groups question Kenyan police account of 'terror attack'

On a Sunday morning in September three young women were killed by officers at the main police station in Kenya's second city -- but that's the only fact beyond doubt in a case that activists say is further evidence of a police force gone rogue.

In the official version of events, police thwarted an attempted terrorist attack on September 11 when the women -- who they say recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group -- entered Mombasa Central Police Station armed with a knife, a petrol bomb and a suicide vest.

It said vigilant officers fired on them while one of the attackers was burnt almost beyond recognition by her incendiary device. Subsequently, seven alleged conspirators have been rounded up.

Officers patrol outside a police station in the Kenyan city of Mombasa on September 11, 2016 following an alleged attempted terror attack

But two separate human rights groups working independently pieced together a different story.

In actual fact, they said, the three girls went to report a stolen phone, fought back when male officers attempted to forcibly remove the hijab of one, and were all then shot dead and at least one set alight to lend credence to the cover-up story.

There were no weapons, they say, no suicide vest, no terrorist plot and no conspirators.

The contradictory reports have triggered a "full-scale investigation" by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, said the watchdog's chairman Macharia Njeru. The investigation can lead to criminal prosecution, disciplinary action or exoneration for the officers involved.

- 'Unanswered questions' -

"Police in Kenya concoct stories to justify killing people," said Otsieno Namwaya, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, a New York-based advocacy organisation. "They use 'terrorism' to justify all manner of killings."

In this case, Namwaya said, "There are so many unanswered questions. The police look like they are struggling to cook a story."

That impression was strengthened by two ugly video clips filmed on the day.

One clip shows two of the girls lying on the ground outside the police station. They are Maimuna Abdirahman Hussein, 22, and Tasmin Abdullah Farah, the alleged "mastermind". One sits with her right arm in the air before collapsing next to the prone body beside her and rolling onto her back.

Over the next two minutes at least two armed officers take turns firing seven shots at the girls.

The second clip, allegedly filmed inside the police station, shows a horribly burned woman -- Ramla Abdirahman Hussein, aged 19 and the sister of Maimuna -- lying on the floor, moaning as police question her.

Khelef Khalifa, chairman of the Mombasa-based Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) group, said the call to prayer that can be heard in the clip as the woman lay dying shows she was left without medical assistance for two hours.

"We see this as extra-judicial killing," he said. "A dead person doesn't talk."

- 'This is a cover-up' -

Khalifa pointed out that if the young women were terrorists as police claim, they could have been arrested instead. He also questioned the plausibility of the alleged plot.

"It is mind-boggling! Three ladies go and attack a police station with a knife? These girls cannot even steal in my house let alone a police station," he said.

On Friday a government pathologist postponed indefinitely a scheduled postmortem of the two sisters, and the following day the bodies were buried. "In Kenya, you cannot take a death without autopsy anywhere in a court of law. This is a cover-up," said Khalifa.

Kenyan police are routinely accused of running death squads and killing suspects as well as those with whom they have disputes.

Four police officers were charged with murder earlier this year after lawyer Willie Kimani, his client and driver were tortured, murdered and dumped in a Nairobi river after a long-running legal battle stemming from an assault claim against the senior officer.

Police have made various allegations since the Mombasa incident, and neither the bullet-proof nor suicide vests the women allegedly wore, nor the knife, have been produced, while a handwritten note declaring their allegiance to Islamic State has yet to be verified.

After the attack was reported an IS-linked website claimed its "supporters" carried out the attack.

For human rights activists the contradictions and outlandish allegations are all too familiar. "It can be shocking to someone who doesn't know what police do," said Namwaya, "but this is typical."

Kenyan lawyers march in Nairobi on July 6, 2016 to protest against the murder of three men, including lawyer Willie Kimani, by police officers Tony Karumba (AFP/File)

Kenyan police are routinely accused of running death squads and killing suspects as well as those with whom they have disputes Carl de Souza (AFP/File)
China warns Japan not to 'play with fire' in S. China Sea

China on Thursday warned Japan against "playing with fire" in the contested waters of the South China Sea, after Tokyo announced it may patrol alongside the US in the region.

China also sent fighter planes for the first time over a strait near Japan on Monday as part of a group of more than 40 jets headed to train in the West Pacific.

The move followed remarks by Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada this month that Tokyo would increase its engagement in the South China Sea through joint training with the US Navy, exercises with regional navies and capacity-building assistance to coastal nations.

China claims most of the South China Sea, even waters approaching neighbouring countries, based on a vaguely defined "nine-dash-line" found on Chinese maps from the 1940s Ritchie B. Tongo (Pool/AFP/File)

The Chinese defence ministry said the aim of the announcement was "to mess up the South China Sea situation and try to gain interests from the troubled waters."

"If Japan wants to conduct any joint patrol or joint exercises in waters administered by China, it is just like playing with fire, and the Chinese military will not sit and watch," ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular press briefing.

Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, dismissing rival partial claims from its Southeast Asian neighbours. It rejects any intervention by Japan in the waterway.

In recent months Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has criticised China for rejecting a July ruling by an international tribunal, which said Beijing's extensive claims to the waters had no legal basis.

Tokyo, a key US ally, is also strengthening defence ties with other countries in the disputed region. Japan and China are already at loggerheads over a longstanding territorial row in the East China Sea.

That dispute relates to uninhabited islets controlled by Japan known as the Senkakus in Japanese and the Diaoyus in Chinese.
Oil price rally slows on doubts over OPEC output deal

An oil price rally fuelled by OPEC's deal to cut crude output ran out of steam Thursday with analysts doubting the cartel's ability to seriously tackle a supply glut.

Following a meeting that included Russia, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries stunned markets Wednesday by saying it planned to trim total production by some 750,000 barrels per day.

This followed talks in Algiers as world oil producers seek ways to prop up prices that have plunged from $100 in 2014 to near 13-year lows below $30 at the start of 2016, mainly owing to excess supplies.

Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria's Mohammed Barkindo (R), arrives for a press conference following an informal meeting between OPEC members in the Algerian capital Algiers on September 28, 2016 Ryad Kramdi (AFP)

"We are confident that OPEC countries will not stick to the agreement," commented Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch.

But even if they do, exemptions from cuts granted to Iran, Nigeria and Libya mean that "the problem of surplus will not be solved if these countries take full advantage of their capacities again", Fritsch said.

Exact details of the deal remain to be agreed and analysts said markets will now wait to see whether non-OPEC producers such as Russia, the United States and Canada will make cuts of their own.

In a reaction Thursday, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that his country intends to keep oil production at current levels.

Wednesday's deal came after OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia allowed bitter rival Iran to be exempted from the cutbacks, as the Islamic republic recovers from years of sanctions on its oil exports.

The cartel's announcement of a first official reduction in eight years at first sent crude prices surging six percent Wednesday, while energy firms across the globe have seen their share prices soar.

But early Thursday the oil price slipped lower again, before showing slight gains by the late European afternoon.

The US benchmark oil contract, West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November, was up 27 cents at $47.32 a barrel.

Brent North Sea crude for November rose 19 cents to $48.88 a barrel compared with Wednesday's close.

- Saudi 'blinks first' -

"OPEC's commitment to cut output by between one-half and three-quarters of a million barrels a day has done more for oil-sensitive stocks and currencies, as well as overnight risk sentiment, than for oil prices themselves," Societe Generale said in a note to clients.

"Time will tell whether oil prices will trend higher (after a knee-jerk rally), and the market will first wait to see how the cuts are divvied up between members, which will be decided at the November OPEC meeting."

At the end of six hours of negotiations and weeks of horse trading, OPEC said it would cut production to 32.5-33 million barrels per day from around 33.5 million in August.

"It is Saudi Arabia who has clearly blinked first, allowing Iran, its main rival, to ramp up production," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at Oanda trading group.

"We shouldn't underestimate the major shift by Saudi Arabia," he told AFP. "These two don't see eye to eye on anything so this is a huge concession by Saudi Arabia to 'lubricate' the process."

Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Middle East's foremost Shiite and Sunni Muslim powers, are at odds over an array of issues including the wars in Syria and Yemen.

The Paris-based International Energy Agency called the agreement "an important development for the oil market", but it also cautioned that it was too early to tell how it would actually affect market balances.

"The IEA continues to believe that oil prices should be determined by market fundamentals," it said.

- 'Tipping point' -

The cartel's richer members, particularly the Gulf states, have preferred to battle it out with non-OPEC producers such as the United States for global market share by keeping production high.

"Saudi Arabia have perhaps reassessed their dumping oil strategy to put US shale out of business as the pressure on their budgets has clearly reached a tipping point as well," Halley added.

The plunge in oil revenues has left Saudi Arabia with a record deficit last year, prompting the country to cut the salaries of cabinet ministers and freeze the wages of lower-ranking civil servants.

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih attends an informal meeting between members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in the Algerian capital Algiers, on September 28, 2016
Indonesia sharia stronghold wins rare praise for rights

Indonesia's Aceh province, which has gained international infamy for its strict Islamic laws, won rare praise from rights activists Thursday for introducing the country's most generous maternity leave policy.

The decision to give female civil servants six months' maternity leave, double the typical amount elsewhere in the country, is an unusual move in a province routinely criticised for breaching women's rights.

However it has sparked a row with the central government in Jakarta, which says it runs counter to national law that stipulates three months maternity leave.

A religious officer canes an Acehnese youth onstage as punishment for dating outside of marriage, which is against sharia law, outside a mosque in Banda Aceh on August 1, 2016 Chaideer Mahyuddin (AFP/File)

Andreas Harsono, Indonesia researcher for Human Rights Watch, welcomed the move: "They're becoming more progressive." However he added Aceh still "has a lot of work to do in reviewing discriminatory bylaws".

The devout western province is the only part of the world's most populous Muslim-majority country allowed to implement sharia laws and is often criticised by rights groups.

There are canings for people caught gambling, drinking alcohol, spending time with members of the opposite sex outside of marriage and having gay sex.

Public lashings, often well attended, are carried out and sharia police target women for such offences as failing to wear a headscarf.

The Aceh governor decided to introduce the policy last month to ensure women have the chance to breastfeed to combat widespread stunting caused by malnutrition, said local government spokesman Frans Dellian.

It applies to around 92,000 female civil servants in the province. Employees will be paid for the first three months although the law is not clear on what happens in the final months.

Yenni Linda Yanti, 35, a nurse at a government hospital in Aceh, was the first person to benefit from the new policy.

"I am happy -- now I have more time to spend with my child," she said.

Aceh was granted broad autonomy in 2001, including the right to introduce sharia law, in a bid to quell a separatist insurgency.
Peres funeral will bring back memories of Rabin and Arafat

When Shimon Peres is laid to rest on Friday, his funeral is likely to bring back memories of those of the other two men he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with: Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat.

But his burial is unlikely to be similar in tone to the other two men.

Israel was in a state of deep shock after then prime minister Rabin was shot dead by a Jewish extremist in 1995.

Shimon Peres (C) was jointly awarded the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize with Yasser Arafat (L) and Yitzhak Rabin (R) for their efforts to reach a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation Erik Johansen (Scanpix/AFP/File)

The assassination came only a year after the three men won the Nobel prize for their roles in brokering the Oslo peace accords, which were supposed to lead to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

When they moved Rabin's body to Jerusalem, thousands of Israeli motorists lined the highway, headlights blazing as a sign of mourning.

When his body was laid in state the day before the funeral, the queue of Israelis waiting to pay their respects to the 73-year-old premier stretched for almost three kilometres (two miles).

While thousands of Israelis were filing past Peres's coffin Thursday, the numbers are not expected to be similar.

At Rabin's state funeral, many of the world's top leaders were in attendance.

US President Bill Clinton was present, and he will also attend Peres's funeral Friday along with incumbent Barack Obama.

King Hussein of Jordan and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak attended Rabin's funeral, both making their first visits to Jerusalem since Israel occupied its eastern sector in 1967.

Dignitaries from Qatar and Oman were also present, despite neither state having diplomatic relations with Israel.

So far, no Arab countries have confirmed whether any senior officials will attend Peres's funeral.

When Palestinian leader Arafat was laid to rest in 2004 at the age of 75 there was no such political roll-call.

As the peace process stumbled, Arafat became ostracised and spent much of his final years holed up in his headquarters in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

When he died, US President George W. Bush did not attend the ceremony held in the Egyptian capital Cairo, nor did other major Western leaders -- though dozens of largely second-tier foreign dignitaries were present.

Jordan's King Abdullah II, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were in attendance, however.

There were scenes of chaos when Arafat's body was flown by helicopter from Cairo to Ramallah as bereaved Palestinians jostled to get close to the man they saw as a hero.

Thousands of Palestinians surged around the Egyptian military helicopter, with overwhelmed Palestinian security forces shooting into the air.

The crowds prevented the coffin draped in the Palestinian flag from being unloaded for some 20 minutes and then swarmed the car as it was driven to Arafat's Ramallah compound.

At one stage a wooden structure inside the compound collapsed under the weight of a throng of mourners, causing injuries.

Members of the Israeli Knesset guard stand next to the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres in Jerusalem on September 29, 2016 Gali Tibbon (AFP)
UN envoy says Syria talks 'very difficult with bombs falling'

The UN envoy for Syria said Thursday there was little prospect of an imminent restart of negotiations to try to end the raging conflict.

"At the moment, when bombs are falling all over, it is very difficult to justify resuming talks," Staffan de Mistura told AFP after he met Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Russia said Wednesday it was ready to relaunch talks in Geneva with the United States following the collapse of a ceasefire.

Syria's government and Russia have pounded rebel-held parts of Aleppo since Damascus announced an operation to recapture all of the city Karam Al-Masri (AFP/File)

But Washington threatened to suspend its engagement with Russia following escalating bombardments on rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo.

De Mistura said he welcomed Francis's willingness to speak out over the attacks, after the pontiff warned on Wednesday that God would hold those responsible for the Aleppo bombing to account.

"We are in a very critical moment, that's why it is so essentially urgent to have the voice of people with the moral authority of the pope about the fact that there is no military solution," de Mistura said.

"You can't bomb your way to peace in Syria."

The Swedish official said he had not given up all hope of re-establishing a ceasefire.

"I do recognise that sometimes in war you can talk and have the war going on," he said. "At this moment it is the breakdown of an agreement which was the beginning of a new phase.

"I'm very worried and concerned that all this may lead to just a militarisation of the conflict but I m not pessimistic because I know there is no alternative (to talks)."
'Blood diamond' suspect dies in Belgian prison

A US-Belgian businessman accused of enslavement and diamond trafficking during Sierra Leone's civil war has died in a Brussels prison, officials said on Thursday.

Michel Desaedeleer, 65, "died on Tuesday to Wednesday night, most likely of natural causes," a spokesman for the Belgian prosecutor's office told AFP.

Desaedeleer was arrested in August 2015 at Malaga airport in southern Spain, attempting to reach the United States where he resided.

A United Nations report in 2000 said Michel Desaedeleer signed an agreement in 1999 with brutal Sierra Leone rebels allowing him to exploit diamond mines Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File)

He was soon transferred to Belgium where he had been scheduled to appear before a judge next week to request release on bail pending trial.

Belgium sought his arrest following a complaint filed in Brussels in 2011 by five former diamond mine slaves.

They detailed alleged crimes in Sierra Leone's eastern district of Kono between 1999 and 2001.

"Blood diamonds" helped finance civil wars across Africa in the 1990s and often funded military dictatorships in the continent.

Desaedeleer's name was mentioned in a United Nations report on the trade in 2000.

It said he signed an agreement in 1999 with brutal Sierra Leone rebels allowing him to exploit diamond mines and ship the gems abroad via Liberia.

The gems were sold mainly in Antwerp, Belgium's second-biggest city and the heart of the global diamond trade for several centuries.

"Sadly, the victims of slavery in the diamond mines in Sierra Leone's Kono district ... will never fully achieve justice," said Civitas Maxima, a Geneva-based organisation that gives legal advice to victims of war crimes and has helped build a case against Desaedeleer.

"Nevertheless, the arrest of Michel Desaedeleer, his imprisonment and the fact that his trial was scheduled to commence in a few months represent a victory for the victims who courageously filed a complaint against him," it added.
Man arrested after 19 killed in China village: police

Chinese police on Thursday arrested a suspect in a killing spree that left 19 people dead in a village in the southwestern province of Yunnan, authorities said.

Local police detained the man named Yang Qingpei, born in 1989 and from the same village, in the provincial capital Kunming, a statement released on an official social media account of Yunnan police showed.

The killings occurred in remote Yema village some 200 km south in a mountainous area.

Police stand outside a court in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan province where a man was arrested over the killing of 19 villagers

The official Xinhua News agency reported earlier that the villagers were found dead at their homes on Thursday morning.

A list with the victims' names circulating online showed they included 11 males and eight females, with the youngest a three-year-old girl and the oldest 72.

Four names were minors under 18, the list showed.

Yunnan officers have verified the list and the news release, Beijing News reported, adding that the police have said there was no link to terrorism.

The Ministry of Public Security sent a working group to oversee the case and manage local authorities in the investigation, reports said.
Indonesian sentenced to death in fatal gang-rape case

The leader of an Indonesian gang who murdered and gang-raped a schoolgirl was sentenced to death Thursday, in a high-profile case that led to the introduction of tougher punishments for child sex offenders.

Zainal was handed the death penalty at a court on western Sumatra island while four other men were sentenced to 20 years each over the case.

The murder and gang-rape of the 14-year-old, who was attacked by a group of men and boys in April as she made her way back from school, shocked the country and sparked a national debate about a failure to tackle endemic sexual violence.

An Indonesian plain clothes police officer escorts suspects in the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl, after their trial in the town of Curup in May 2016 VAI (AFP/File)

President Joko Widodo responded to growing anger about the case in May by introducing tough new punishments for child sex offenders, including a maximum penalty of death, chemical castration and forcing convicted paedophiles to wear electronic monitoring devices.

Following the discovery of the teenager's body tied up and naked in the woods, police arrested 13 people over the attack while one alleged perpetrator is still at large.

Zainal, a 23-year-old who like many Indonesians goes by one name, was sentenced to death for premeditated murder, which was a crime already punishable by death before the new laws were introduced.

"This sentence was handed down because the defendant was the one who persuaded other defendants (to commit the crime)," presiding judge Heny Farida told the court in the town of Curup.

The mother of the victim shouted in protest after the verdicts were handed down, demanding all the defendants be sentenced to death.

Asrorun Niam Sholeh, chairman of government-backed rights group the National Commission for Child Protection, welcomed the decision to hand down the death penalty and said it highlighted that child sex attacks were "an extraordinary crime".

The others involved in the case, who were all minors, have already been jailed with most receiving 10-year sentences.

The attack captured national attention when reports of the incident went viral on social media, prompting tens of thousands to sign online petitions and sparking protests in the capital Jakarta.
Saudi could cut anti-terror ties over US law: analysts

Saudi Arabia could reduce valuable security and intelligence cooperation with longstanding ally Washington after a Congressional "stab in the back" allowing 9/11 victims to sue the kingdom, experts warn.

Cutting such cooperation is among the options available to Riyadh after Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

"I'm afraid that this bill will have dire strategic implications" for the United States, Salman al-Ansari, the president of the Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee (SAPRAC), told AFP.

People look over the north memorial pool during the 15th anniversary of September 11 at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, on September 11, 2016 in New York Bryan R. Smith (AFP)

"This partnership has helped provide US authorities with accurate intelligence information" that helped stopped attacks, said Ansari, whose committee is a private initiative to strengthen Saudi-US ties.

JASTA allows attack survivors and relatives of terrorism victims to pursue cases against foreign governments in US federal court and to demand compensation if such governments are proven to bear some responsibility for attacks on US soil.

Saudi Arabia was home to 15 of the 19 Al-Qaeda hijackers who carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States which killed nearly 3,000 people.

Riyadh denies any ties to the plotters.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have a decades-old relationship based on the exchange of American security for Saudi oil.

Ties between Riyadh and Washington became increasingly frayed under Obama, but analysts said security cooperation and intelligence sharing remained solid.

- 'Unthoughtful and unrealistic' -

Whether that will continue, analysts said, is now a question.

"Saudi has been stabbed in the back by this unthoughtful and unrealistic bill," Ansari said. "How can you sue a country that is collaborating against the very same terrorism that they are baselessly being accused of?"

Mustafa Alani, a senior adviser to the Gulf Research Center, suggested a review of the Saudi-US alliance.

"Your financial investments have to be reduced in the US, your political and security cooperation has to be reduced," he said.

A senior Saudi prince reportedly threatened to pull out billions of dollars of US assets if JASTA became law, though Saudi officials have distanced themselves from such threats.

"It will be very difficult for Saudi Arabia to continue in intelligence cooperation when they take such a hostile position," said Jamal Khashoggi, a veteran Saudi journalist and analyst.

He said Saudi officials are probably debating whether to act now or "wait until the first suit is filed in some small town in America".

Khashoggi urged caution however.

"It is important to have the Americans by our side" to face threats in Syria, Yemen, and to counter Saudi Arabia's rival Iran, he said.

The Congressional vote coincides with Western criticism of Saudi Arabia over civilian casualties from its air war against rebels in Yemen, its human rights record, and a fundamentalist Muslim ideology accused of fuelling violent Sunni extremism.

- 'Arrow launched at own country' -

Khashoggi said Saudi Arabia must "look inside our own system, our own way of thinking" and find a way to remove the kind of perceptions which led to the overwhelming Congressional vote.

Obama opposed the law, saying it would harm US interests by undermining the principle of sovereign immunity, opening up the US to private lawsuits over its military missions abroad.

The erosion of sovereign immunity is also a concern among the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Saudi Arabia is the most powerful member.

Saudi Arabia's Gulf allies have lined up beside Riyadh to criticise the law.

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan warned before the vote that the law "will have negative effects on international cooperation in the fight against terrorism."

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said on Twitter on Thursday that the law "is an arrow launched by the US Congress at its own country".

He asked: "Are there no rational people among you?"

Still, Alani and others said they were not sure the Saudi government would be willing to immediately take steps that would jeopardise such a deep-rooted relationship.

"It's not easy to have a U-turn," he said.

The rubble of the World Trade Center smouldering following the collapse of the towers Alexandre Fuchs (AFP/File)
Vietnam's growth eases off in third quarter

Vietnam's economy dipped slightly in the third quarter year-on-year, data showed Thursday, but analysts say the communist country will remain one of Southeast Asia's star performers.

GDP growth in the three months to September hit 6.4 percent, down from 6.81 percent in the same period in 2015, the Government Statistics Office said in a statement.

Vietnam has become a magnet for private investment in the region, especially in the manufacturing and consumer sectors, driven in part by a rapidly growing middle class with money to burn.

Vietnamese labourers sit waiting for employers to hire them for the day, on a roadside in Hanoi Hoang Dinh Nam (AFP/File)

But cumbersome state enterprises, banking scandals and growing public debt have pegged back the economy.

Third quarter growth rose from 5.78 percent in the previous quarter and 5.48 in the first, official data said, as foreign investment and exports rose and agriculture recovered after a devastating drought.

Analysts still view Vietnam as a bright spot in the region.

Neighbouring Thailand, once the star of Southeast Asia, has by contrast seen its economy sputter under a military junta.

"We expect Vietnam to remain a growth outperformer, bucking regional weakness in trade," Eugenia Victorino, an economist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. in Singapore told Bloomberg News.

"Reforms are slowly instituted which should prop up potential growth further in the medium term."

Vietnam has promised to privatise its bloated state-owned sector, and last month announced it would divest its majority stakes from leading government-owned brewers Sabeco and Habeco.

Lower than expected growth rates clocked in the first half of this year were blamed on a crippling drought that hammered Vietnam's rice and coffee farmers.

Mass fish deaths blamed on an industrial accident along the coast that devastated key fishing communities also dented progress.
One dead, 114 hurt as New Jersey train crash causes major damage

A speeding commuter train that plowed into a New Jersey station during morning rush hour, killing one person and injuring 114, has caused major destruction at the transport hub and gateway to Manhattan.

The train entered the Hoboken station "at a high rate of speed" and "crashed through the barriers, bringing it into the interior wall" of the terminal, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said.

A 34-year-old resident of Hoboken, who state medical examiners identified as Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, was standing on the platform when she was hit and killed by debris from the crash, Christie told CNN. She was the sole confirmed fatality.

Passengers rush to safety after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal on September 29, 2016 Pancho Bernasconi (Getty/AFP)

The train's engineer was treated at a local hospital before being released and was cooperating with an investigation into the crash, he said.

"We have no indication that this is anything but a tragic accident," Christie said.

"Was it a system failure? Was it human error? Was it a medical emergency involving the engineer? We don't know."

Video and photos on social media showed serious damage to the transit choke point just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, with the train tangled in wires and debris from what appeared to be caved-in portions of the roof.

The Hoboken terminal is a major transfer point for New Jersey trains and buses as well as ferries and the PATH commuter train that take passengers to New York.

- 'Difficult times' -

Kenneth Garay, chief medical officer at Jersey City medical center, said surgeons were "all hands on deck" treating patients with broken bones, internal injuries and lacerations.

"None at this point are life-threatening," he said on CNN. "They're critical and stable and being carefully monitored."

A total of 114 people were injured, Christie told the station. Of those, 55 were treated by emergency responders, while another 22 were transported to hospitals and 37 were walk-ins.

He said he had been contacted by the White House and was working with federal, state and local authorities to "make sure this investigation is seamless and coordinated."

Structural damage and the possible presence of asbestos had prevented investigators from accessing the train cars, Bella Dinh-Zarr, vice chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, told reporters.

Investigators would spend seven to 10 days on site, she added, saying they hoped to find the train's event recorder -- which would contain information about speed and braking -- later in the day.

- 'Horrible accident' -

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she "was terribly upset this morning."

"It's a horrible accident," the former New York senator said at a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa. "I just want to send our thoughts and prayers."

Donald Trump also expressed his sympathies with the victims on Twitter.

"My condolences to those involved in today's horrible accident in NJ and my deepest gratitude to all of the amazing first responders," the Republican candidate said.

Appearing alongside Christie was New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who canceled a trip to Israel for the funeral of former president Shimon Peres.

"These are difficult times over these past weeks and months, between terrorist attacks and natural disasters," Cuomo said, referring to a recent string of bombings in New York and New Jersey.

- 'Pretty chaotic' -

Train 1614 was arriving from Spring Valley, New York when it struck the Hoboken terminal building around 8:45 am (1245 GMT), the New Jersey Transit agency said in a statement.

Passengers described a scene of chaos with dazed and bloodied people making their way to safety.

"We crashed and the lights went out. A few people screamed," Leon Offengenden told CNN.

"It was pretty chaotic," he added. "And people just in shock and everybody has photos and cameras out and iPads. It was pretty intense."

Passengers described the train -- which was carrying around 250 people -- ramming full speed into the bumper at the end of the track.

"We never slowed down," Jim Finan, a commuter from New Jersey, told Fox News. "We plowed, I mean, right through the bumper."

Investigators will be looking for similarities to a 2011 PATH commuter train crash at Hoboken that injured several dozen people, Dinh-Zarr said.

Christie said engineers were examining the structural integrity of the Hoboken terminal, which underwent lengthy repairs after being hit during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

The last major train crash in the United States took place in May 2015, when an Amtrak train linking Washington to New York derailed in Philadelphia, killing eight and injuring 200.

In December 2013, a New York suburban train derailed in the Bronx while traveling at several times the speed limit, leaving four people dead and more than 60 injured.

Train accident in New Jersey Thorsten Eberding, Paz Pizarro (AFP)

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (C) and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (R) address a press conference outside the New Jersey transit rail station in Hoboken on September 29, 2016 Kena Betancur (AFP)

Passengers rush to safety after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal on September 29, 2016 Pancho Bernasconi (Getty/AFP)

Train personel survey the NJ Transit train that crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal on September 29, 2016 Pancho Bernasconi (Getty/AFP)
Peres's death brings Israelis together to say goodbye

Thousands braved tight security and streamed into a plaza outside Israel's parliament Thursday to have a few seconds to bow, pray and take a picture before the flag-draped coffin of ex-president Shimon Peres.

The long line of visitors overseen by dozens of security officers distributing water bottles and instructions began to file past the coffin at 9:00 am (0600 GMT) and continued uninterrupted throughout the day.

The atmosphere at the plaza was not one of enormous grief following 93-year-old Peres's death on Wednesday following two weeks in hospital after suffering a stroke.

People queue up to pay their respects at the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres (portrait) at a plaza outside the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, in Jerusalem on September 29, 2016 Menahem Kahana (AFP)

But the relaxed atmosphere may have been what he would have preferred, with the Nobel Peace Prize winner having embraced his life in the public eye, including by posing for selfies with admirers in his later years.

"I was really inspired by pausing in front of his coffin, like I wanted to absorb everything that this man could bring me," said Dani Levite, a 22-year-old Scout chief.

"If only we could all have a little of Shimon Peres in us."

The crowd included school groups and families with children who used the occasion to pass on the story of Peres, a man whose life has touched so many important moments in Israeli history.

The last remaining founding father of the country, he had held nearly every major office.

He was prime minister twice and served as president, a mainly ceremonial role, from 2007 to 2014.

He won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

Early in his career, he was also an architect of Israel's undeclared nuclear programme.

More recently, he was an advocate of technological innovation in the "start-up nation," a phrase Israelis often use to refer to their country.

- Moment of unity -

Peres had in earlier years a mixed reputation in Israel and was often seen as a political schemer.

He was initially more of a hawk than a dove, and he drew the wrath of many Palestinians and Arabs over his support for Jewish settlements before he became a fervent peace advocate.

But as he grew older, he began to be widely appreciated and respected as a sharply intelligent statesman who could charm the famous visitors who increasingly sought him out.

Because of the Oslo accords, many right-wing Israelis had trouble forgiving him, believing the peace agreements were a failure and a capitulation to the Palestinians.

"I must say that I'm surprised," said Daniel, a French-Israeli who lives in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank and who did not want to provide his last name.

"If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would pay tribute to Shimon Peres, someone whom I completely disagree with, I would have never believed him.

"But I am here and it is moving for me. He is one of the fathers of the country."

Such an atmosphere of unity can seem increasingly rare in Israel, marked by sharp political divides in recent years.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is seen as the most right-wing in the country's history.

Zohar Wenger, a young Jewish religious student wearing a skullcap, said he came to soak in such unity.

"I remember when I was a soldier, it was my dream to be able to meet him," he said.

"It never happened, but today before his coffin I was close to him for the first and last time and I just told him thank you."

He said Peres had finally managed to bring all generations and political beliefs together.
Russia has 'responsibility' to calm Syria: Merkel, Erdogan

Russia has a "special responsibility to calm violence and give a political process a chance" in Syria, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

"The latest offensive by the Syrian regime against Aleppo -- supported by Russia -- has made the suffering of the civilian population yet worse," the two leaders agreed in a telephone conversation, according to a statement released by Merkel's office.

Russia said on Thursday that it would continue its Syrian air campaign in the face of warnings from US Secretary of State John Kerry that Washington would pull the plug on any more talks unless Moscow stopped the bombing of the besieged city.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May 2016 Ozan Kose (AFP/File)

Syrian government forces backed by Russian air power have launched a renewed assault on the rebel-held eastern half of Aleppo, after a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States and Russia broke down.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday labelled bombings that hit the two main hospitals in Aleppo's rebel district "war crimes".

"The repeated flagrant violations against humanitarian international law which have been reported are unacceptable. A ceasefire is more urgent than ever," Merkel and Erdogan agreed in their conversation, which also touched on the fight against the Islamic State group.

Turkey launched an offensive dubbed "Euphrates Shield" on August 24 to drive IS jihadists and Kurdish rebel fighters away from its southern frontier.

Ankara supports rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia's air force has been supporting the government forces for a year.

Ties between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan were badly shaken in November, when Turkish forces shot down a Russian bomber they said had strayed into their airspace from Syria.
Extradited from US, Rwandan genocide suspect arrives home

A linguistics professor wanted for alleged involvement in Rwanda's 1994 genocide has been extradited from the United States, the government announced Thursday.

Leopold Munyakazi, 65, arrived in Kigali on Wednesday night aboard a charter flight from the US, said a statement posted on the website of the Rwandan Prosecutor General.

Munyakazi, from Gitarama in central Rwanda, denies participating in the genocide in which around 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, were killed. He had moved to the US in 2004 and taught French in Baltimore until his suspension in 2008.

Skulls of victims of the Ntarama massacre during the 1994 genocide are lined in the Genocide Memorial Site church of Ntarama, in Nyamata on February 27, 2004 Gianluigi Guercia (AFP/File)

He was later detained in an Alabama prison and then extradited this week after a lengthy legal battle over his failed asylum application and subsequent deportation order.

Kigali had issued two arrest warrants against Munyakazi in 2006 and in 2008. He had argued that the genocide allegations were concocted and that he was really being prosecuted for opposing the regime of President Paul Kagame.

Munyakazi is the most senior of four Rwandan genocide suspects so far extradited by the US and will be tried for genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and crimes against humanity.

A dozen Rwandans accused of participating in the genocide have already been sent to Kigali for trial, mostly from the US, Canada, Uganda as well as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which closed its doors in late 2015.
Little mourning for Shimon Peres in Arab world

Mourned internationally as a peacemaker, Israeli ex-president Shimon Peres's death has met with official silence in most Arab countries, where public opinion vilified the Nobel laureate as a "war criminal".

Of the 21 Arab states, only two -- Egypt and Jordan -- have full diplomatic relations with Israel.

Even in those countries, the legacy of their destructive wars with Israel and its policies towards Palestinians continue to influence public opinion.

A photograph of the late former Israeli president Shimon Peres is displayed before the start of a special cabinet meeting to mourn his death, in Jerusalem, on September 28, 2016 Ronen Zvulun (Pool/AFP)

Peres, who died at 93 on Wednesday, was widely viewed in Arab countries as one of Israel's founding fathers and closely associated with its policies towards Palestinians.

He is remembered internationally as the man who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 along with then prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

But Arab media coverage has focused on his role in Israeli military action.

"Peres, the engineer of the Qana massacre, dies," said a front page headline in Al-Ahram, Egypt's flagship state newspaper.

Peres was the prime minister in 1996, having taken over after the assassination of Rabin by a Jewish extremist for signing the peace treaty with the Palestinians.

During a 16-day war with the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group that year, Israel shelled a United Nations compound where Lebanese fleeing the conflict had taken refuge.

One hundred and six civilians were killed. Israel said the shelling of the compound near the village of Qana was accidental.

- 'A thousand damnations' -

"Peres dies: the 'butcher' of Qena," read a headline on the website of the Lebanese daily Al-Safir.

"A thousand damnations on his soul, although he's in hell," said Lebanese Public Health Minister Wael Abou Faour.

"I had wished for him a death that suited his crimes against Arabs and Palestinians. The only thing we mourn is that the devil is overjoyed because his counterpart has joined him."

Most other Arab officials remained silent, with the exceptions of Palestinian president Abbas, who said Peres was "brave", and Bahrain's foreign minister.

"Rest in Peace President Shimon Peres, a Man of War and a Man of the still elusive Peace in the Middle East," the minister, Khaled ben Ahmed al-Khalifa, wrote on Twitter.

There was no official comment in Jordan and Egypt, which in 1979 became the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel.

Public opinion in both countries remains hostile to Israel.

Earlier this year, an Egyptian member of parliament was attacked with a shoe by a colleague for hosting Israel's ambassador for dinner.

Parliament later voted to deprive him of his seat.

In Jordan, which signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, a majority of the population is of Palestinian origin.

Jordanian newspaper Al-Rai railed against the "hypocritical discourse of the colonising West" for describing Peres as a man of peace.

The article was headlined "The Godfather of settlements and a murderer... who feels sorry for him?" in reference to Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.

Barak Ravid, diplomatic correspondent with the liberal Israeli newspaper Haaretz, lamented the response of Arab officials to Peres' death.

"The silence from Arab leaders towards (Peres's) death especially in Egypt and Jordan is shameful.... It is inhumane and immoral," the Israeli journalist tweeted in Arabic.

"Did (Peres) ever admit or apologise for his inhumane and immoral acts and policies towards the Arabs and Palestinians?" responded a Twitter user.

Shimon Peres Sabrina BLANCHARD, Thomas SAINT-CRICQ (AFP)

Bahrain's foreign minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa (left) pictured with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Manama on April 7, 2016 Mohammed al-Shaikh (AFP/File)

Lebanese Public Health Minister Wael Abou Faour (second from right) had harsh words for late former Israeli president Shimon Peres Ramzi Haidar (AFP/File)
Russia keeps up Syria bombing as UN urges Aleppo evacuations

Russia on Thursday said it would press on with a bombing campaign in Syria, ignoring US threats, as the United Nations pleaded for medical evacuations from the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.

Speaking at the UN Security Council, aid chief Stephen O'Brien said that Aleppo had now descended into a "merciless abyss of humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed in Syria."

Moscow is backing up a ferocious assault by the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to seize the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo, which has sparked accusations over possible war crimes.

This image taken from footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry's official website reportedly shows a Russian bomber Tupolev Tu-22M3 conducting airstrikes

The United States has threatened to pull the plug on any more talks with Russia if it does not halt the attack on Aleppo as acrimony seethes between the two powers after the collapse of a truce deal.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted that despite "unconstructive" rhetoric from Washington, Moscow was still interested in seeing the tattered deal, meant to see the US and Russia eventually coordinate strikes on jihadists, work out.

He blamed the surge in violence on Washington's failure to control rebel groups fighting in Aleppo and insisted that Syrian forces were battling "terrorists".

"Moscow is continuing its air operation to support the anti-terrorist actions of the Syrian armed forces," he said.

- 'Special responsibility' -

But Moscow -- which has been flying a bombing campaign in support of Assad for a year -- was facing fresh calls to help halt the bloodshed in Syria that has claimed some 300,000 lives since 2011.

Assad opponents German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after speaking by phone that Russia has a "special responsibility to calm violence and give a political process a chance" in Syria.

"The latest offensive by the Syrian regime against Aleppo -- supported by Russia -- has made the suffering of the civilian population yet worse," the two leaders agreed, according to a statement released by Merkel's office.

The UN envoy for Syria meanwhile said there was little prospect of an imminent restart of any negotiations to try to end the raging conflict as the violence continues.

"At the moment, when bombs are falling all over, it is very difficult to justify resuming talks," Staffan de Mistura told AFP after he met Pope Francis at the Vatican.

- Medical evacuations -

In a sign of how desperate the situation is on the ground inside besieged eastern Aleppo, the United Nations warned Thursday that "probably hundreds" of people needed medical evacuation.

"Utmost on our mind is the need to address the very concerning medical situation" in the east of Aleppo, UN deputy envoy for Syria, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, told reporters in Geneva.

"The bombing must stop. Civilians must be protected. And the cessation of hostilities must be restored," Ramzy insisted.

His comments came a day after two of the largest hospitals in the city's east were bombed, prompting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to describe that attack as a war crime.

Dozens of civilians have been killed, residential buildings have been reduced to rubble and residents of east Aleppo are facing severe shortages.

The UN children's agency UNICEF said at least 96 children have been killed and 223 wounded since Friday in eastern Aleppo.

The destruction of Aleppo

Syrian pro-government forces are seen on September 28, 2016 after taking control of the Farafira district of Aleppo following days of heavy air strikes Georges Ourfalian (AFP)
Palestinian president Abbas to attend Peres's funeral

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas will attend the funeral of Israeli ex-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, Palestinian officials said Thursday, in what will be a rare visit to Jerusalem.

Several Palestinian officials confirmed his participation at Friday's funeral, speaking to AFP condition of anonymity.

An Israeli defence ministry unit also said Abbas had asked to coordinate his participation.

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas is set to attend the funeral of Israeli ex-president Shimon Peres who died aged 93 after a major stroke Ashraf Shazly (AFP)

Making the short trip from nearby Ramallah, he will join leaders from across the world at the funeral, including US President Barack Obama.

Many Arabs and Palestinians have denounced Peres as a "war criminal" following his death, but Abbas hailed him as a "brave" partner for peace and sent his family condolences.

Abbas's Fatah party dominates the Palestinian Authority, which is in power in the West Bank, though polls show most Palestinians want the 81-year-old to step down.

Officials for Fatah's rival Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, have welcomed Peres's death and called him "one of the last Israeli founders of occupation".

Hamas said in a statement that "we condemn Mahmud Abbas's condolences for Shimon Peres, and consider it disregards the blood of the martyrs and the suffering of the Palestinian people."

Abbas's attendance at the funeral comes with peace efforts at a complete standstill since April 2014.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for direct negotiations with Abbas, but the Palestinians have pursued an international strategy, saying years of talks with the Israelis have not ended the occupation of the West Bank.

Abbas's attendance raises the possibility, however slight, that the two could meet.

The last substantial public meeting between Abbas and Netanyahu is thought to have been in 2010, though there have been unconfirmed reports of secret meetings since then.

- Different views of Peres -

Both men have said they were open to meeting in Moscow in talks being pursued by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, Netanyahu has stressed that any such meeting must be without preconditions.

Palestinian leaders have said a meeting would go nowhere without a halt to Israeli settlement building, the release of prisoners and a deadline for the end of the occupation of the West Bank.

France has also been pursuing its own peace initiative, with the idea of holding an international conference on the conflict before the end of the year.

The Palestinians strongly support France's international approach, but the Israelis reject it.

Peres won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

Rabin was assassinated by a Jewish extremist opposed to Oslo in 1995. Arafat did not attend his funeral for security reasons, but he visited Rabin's wife in Tel Aviv.

Peres died on Wednesday at age 93 after a major stroke.

While those in the West and within Israel hailed him as a peacemaker, many Palestinians view him very differently.

They have cited his involvement in successive Arab-Israeli wars, the occupation of Palestinian territory and his support for settlement building before his work on Oslo.

He was also prime minister in 1996 when more than 100 civilians were killed while sheltering at a UN peacekeepers' base in the Lebanese village of Qana fired upon by Israel.

Israeli soldiers pay their respects at the coffin of former Israeli president Shimon Peres outside the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, on September 29, 2016 in Jerusalem Menahem Kahana (AFP)
700,000 will need aid once Mosul offensive starts: UN

The UN said Thursday it expected at least 700,000 people in Iraq's second city of Mosul would need assistance once an expected offensive on the Islamic State group stronghold begins.

"Mosul has the potential to be one the largest... disasters of many, many years," warned Bruno Geddo, the United Nation's refugee agency's main representative in Iraq.

Iraq is already facing one of the world's biggest displacement crises, with around 3.3 million people forced to flee their homes in the country since 2014.

The Iraqi army is deploying thousands of soldiers to a northern base in preparation for operations to retake the Islamic State (IS) group's hub of Mosul Safin Hamed (AFP/File)

IS seized Mosul along with other areas in June 2014, but Iraqi forces have since regained significant ground from the jihadists and are preparing a drive to retake the city by the end of the year.

In a sign the battle could happen soon, Washington said this week it would send some 600 extra troops to train local forces for the offensive.

Geddo warned that more than one million people might be displaced during that offensive.

"We are planning for at least 700,000 who will be in need of assistance, shelter food, water, everything that you need in a situation of humanitarian disaster," he told reporters in Geneva.

UNHCR has already begun building camps in anticipation of the exodus, but as it races against the clock, it is struggling to find available land and funds to build others, Geddo said.

The UN agency is hoping to have 11 camps finished by the end of the year with the capacity to hold 120,000 people, while Iraqi authorities expect to be able to house 150,000 more, he explained.

"This is the plan.... The capacity is much lower," he warned.

Even if the plan works, an estimated 430,000 displaced people would be left without accommodation.

To avoid leaving them without shelter, UNHCR is aiming to build a number of "emergency camps" located near the city and the surrounding villages where the battle is expected.

People would only stay at these sites for very short periods of time, he said, pointing out that once a village or an area was secured, people could hopefully return to their homes.

Geddo said the UN had already begun prepositioning work. "We will pitch our tents everywhere," he said.

While there has been much recent discussion about the launch of the drive on Mosul, preparations for it began months ago, with Iraq first announcing the launch back in March.
Wells Fargo CEO hammered over sham accounts scandal

Embattled Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf was hammered Thursday by US lawmakers who questioned his fitness to serve as the bank's chief following a sham accounts scandal.

Stumpf offered renewed contrition in an appearance before the Financial Services Committee of the House of Representatives, which is investigating the bank's sales practices after it admitted this month to opening millions of credit and debit accounts without customers' knowledge.

"I am deeply sorry that we failed to fulfill our responsibility to our customers, to our team members, and to the American public," said Stumpf.

John Stumpf, Chairman and CEO of the Wells Fargo & Company, testifies before the House Financial Services Committee on September 29, 2016 Mark Wilson (Getty/AFP)

Wells Fargo, the second largest US bank by market value, this month paid $190 million in fines and restitution over the accounts.

Stumpf announced that his bank would this week end the kind of high-pressure sales goals that had driven employees to meet targets by opening the accounts. The bank had planned to do so by January 1 but was accelerating the process, he said.

Amid persistent public outrage, California's treasurer on Wednesday suspended ties with the bank, which is based in the state, citing Wells Fargo's "venal abuse" of its customers.

On Tuesday, the bank's board announced that Stumpf would forfeit $41 million in compensation and that the its former community banking head Carrie Tolstedt will also forfeit $19 million. Neither is to receive any bonus.

Stumpf is now working without pay pending the outcome of an internal review. Federal prosecutors have also opened a probe, according to The Wall Street Journal.

- 'Beyond credibility' -

During Thursday's hearing, indignant lawmakers pressed Stumpf as to whether senior management would be held to account after the bank fired 5,300 employees over the illegal sales practices.

"It's just beyond credibility that somebody up the food chain didn't either order this, condone it, or turn a blind eye to it," said Jeb Hensarling, the committee's Republican chair.

Stumpf said an internal review would examine the roles of senior management: "The board is going to be involved. Management is going to be involved."

Committee members also noted that the sham sales tactics had spilled out into the open when the Los Angeles Times exposed them in December 2013 but that the practices had not stopped until 2015.

Stumpf said the board had gradually gained awareness of the matter between 2013 and 2015.

"It was in 2015 that we had a full report," he said. "In 2014 we were starting to get more granular information that this was a risk area for the company to focus on."

Committee members hammered Stumpf's fitness to serve as CEO. New York Democrat Gregory Meeks noted that Wells Fargo had been fined over various issues on an annual basis during Stumpf's tenure.

"You can stay being chairman and CEO, is that what you want us to believe?" asked Meeks.

"I serve at the pleasure of the board," answered Stumpf.

"If the buck stops with you, as you have come here and said... then you should be fired," said Meeks, adding that the entire board might have to be replaced as well.

Stumpf said that the bank had contacted more than 20,000 credit card holders identified by accountants to see if they wanted the accounts in their names.

He said that "fewer than 25 percent" had indicated that they either did not want those accounts or could not recall applying for them.

- Bank too big to manage? -

Critics have said that banks such as Wells Fargo, which is among the world's largest by market value, can be unmanageable due to their size.

Indiana Republican Marlin Stutzman asked Thursday whether the sales scandal at Wells Fargo meant it was "too big to manage."

Stumpf denied this.

"This was a focus problem," he said. "We know we have work to do in operational and compliance risk."

Wells Fargo's share price has lost more than 9 percent since the fines were announced on Sept 8.

Around midday Thursday the shares were trading at $44.53, down 1.7 percent.

John Stumpf, Chairman and CEO of the Wells Fargo & Company, is sworn in on September 29, 2016 in Washington, DC Mark Wilson (Getty/AFP)
ICC prosecutor opens initial probe into Gabon unrest

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Thursday she was opening an initial probe into the deadly unrest in Gabon triggered by disputed elections.

The news came only days after President Ali Bongo, re-elected by a wafer-thin margin in the August 27 vote over his rival Jean Ping, vowed to form "an inclusive government" for the oil-rich central African country.

Chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said Libreville had referred the violence to her office on September 21, asking it "to open an investigation without delay."

Supporters of Gabonese opposition leader Jean Ping demonstrate in Libreville in August 2016 after Ali Bongo was declared the winner of presidential elections Marco Longari (AFP/File)

Violence initially erupted on August 31 after Bongo was first declared the winner of the elections. Opposition demonstrators set parliament ablaze and clashed with police, who made hundreds of arrests.

Opposition figures say more than 50 people were killed. The government has given a toll of three dead.

Ping declared himself "president-elect" and asked for a recount in one province.

In the letter of referral to the ICC signed by Gabon's Justice Minister Denise Mekamne Edzidzie, the government accuses Ping and his supporters of incitement to genocide and crimes against humanity.

It highlights a speech which Ping gave during his electoral campaign, in which he allegedly called on his supporters to "get rid of the cockroaches."

"These words were an incitement to commit the crime of genocide," the letter says.

Among the other accusations of crimes against humanity the Gabonese authorities allege the ransacking and torching of government buildings and instructions given to individuals "to fire on the crowds, and take part in creating a climate of violence and terror among the civilian population."

They also allege acts of torture in Ping's campaign headquarters where "one person was tied up and the victim of inhumane and degrading treatment, his feet were pierced with nails."

But Ping's lawyer Emmanuel Altit told AFP the letter to the ICC from the Gabonese authorities was a "response to our own investigations which show probable cause of crimes against humanity."

"They only allege preparations to commit crimes. We have been investigating actual crimes.There's a difference."

"Several dozen civilians have been killed", he said, adding the opposition's dossier of investigations would be sent to Bensouda "in the near future" and would "complement her own inquiries".

- First stages -

In what will be a lengthy process, Bensouda said her office will "be conducting a preliminary examination".

This was "not an investigation," she cautioned, but would examine all the information to see if there is enough evidence for a full inquiry.

"I must consider issues of jurisdiction, admissibility and the interests of justice in making this determination," she said in a statement.

Gabon is a signatory to the tribunal's founding guidelines set out in the Rome Statute. And it acknowledged in its letter that its actions could also be open to investigation.

Bongo's family has exercised a long grip on power in Gabon with Ali Bongo taking over from his father Omar Bongo, who ruled for four decades, after his death seven years ago.

Bongo was installed for a second time as president on Tuesday, three days after the Constitutional Court dismissed Ping's claims of fraud.

But his second mandate has received a cool reception from the African Union and the United Nations, while the European Union voiced regret the vote count had not been transparent.

Gabonese opposition leader Jean Ping (L) who came in second in the vote, lashed the court's ruling as a miscarriage of justice and declared himself "president elect" Steve Jordan (AFP/File)
Bid for international Yemen war probe fails at UN

The bid to launch an international probe into the conflict in Yemen failed Thursday, in a defeat for the UN rights chief who demanded an inquiry.

Rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said last month that a fully independent, international investigation was needed to end impunity for a raft of grave violations against the Yemeni people.

A group of European states, led by the Netherlands, then spearheaded a push at the UN Human Rights Council for a resolution setting up an international inquiry.

More than 6,600 people, including civilians, have been killed in the Yemeni conflict since the Saudi-led coalition began its air campaign in March 2015, the UN says

Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military coalition in support of the Yemen's government against Iran-backed Huthi rebels, has been staunchly opposed to such a probe.

In the end, the EU-backed resolution was scrapped, leaving only a competing and far milder text on the table, drafted by Sudan.

That resolution, which was adopted without a vote on Thursday, mandated Zeid's office to enhance cooperation with Yemen's own National Commission on the conflict.

Rights groups including Amnesty International have described that commission as feckless, one-sided, and lacking the expertise needed to conduct a credible inquiry.

But before it was adopted, Thursday's resolution was beefed up to say that -- while assisting Yemen's own investigation -- UN experts should be "collecting and preserving information to establish the facts and circumstances of alleged violations and abuses."

Zeid was instructed to provide his own reports on the conflict, presumably using information gathered by his own staff.

"It's a step in the right direction", John Fisher of Human Rights Watch in Geneva told AFP, noting that the resolution "fell short" of the hoped-for inquiry.

Salma Amer, UN Advocacy Officer at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, said in a statement that the text "puts Saudi Arabia's desire for impunity above the need to protect the people of Yemen."

But speaking on behalf of the EU after the resolution was adopted, Slovenia's representative to the UN in Geneva, Vojislav Suc, described the text as a "good and reasonable compromise."

A similar effort to set up a UN inquiry was withdrawn at the Council last year, under Saudi pressure.

More than 6,600 people, including civilians, have been killed in the Yemeni conflict since the Saudi-led coalition began its air campaign in March 2015, the UN says.
In economic squeeze, Saudi seeks oil leadership

Saudi Arabia, feeling the economic pinch from low oil prices, agreed to a surprise OPEC production cut but remains determined to exert leadership over the world market, analysts say.

Over the past two years, the largest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries repeatedly turned down calls to cut output in an increasingly competitive global market.

But Riyadh agreed at an informal meeting in Algiers on Wednesday to an OPEC production curb of several hundred thousand barrels per day (bpd) to boost weak crude prices.

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih pictured at an informal meeting between members of OPEC in Algiers, on September 28, 2016

It had previously refused to cut output at a time when Iran, its regional rival, ramps up production after the lifting of international sanctions.

But the collapse in Saudi Arabia's main revenue source already created a record budget deficit last year, leading to unprecedented subsidy cuts and curbs on government spending.

Under the Algiers deal, OPEC output will fall to 32.5-33 million bpd from 33.47 million bpd in August, and Riyadh's regional foe Iran will be exempted from the cuts.

Shiite Iran hopes to return its output to a pre-sanctions level of around four million bpd.

Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Iran have no diplomatic relations and are at odds over a series of regional issues including the wars in Yemen and Syria.

"No doubt, Saudi Arabia is feeling the economic pain from low oil revenues. This is compounded by the war in Yemen and regional tensions," Kuwaiti oil analyst Kamel al-Harami told AFP.

"But by facilitating the deal, Saudi Arabia has scored an important political point. It has shown that it is still in control of OPEC. It has reasserted its leadership," he said.

In doing so, "it has made some concessions" to Iran and other OPEC members, Harami said.

Saudi Arabia has long been the only producer with spare capacity, allowing it to raise or lower production to influence the market under its traditional policy.

But since 2014 it abandoned that approach to focus on protecting market share and drive out less-competitive players, including US shale oil producers.

That policy, and internal OPEC squabbles, raised questions about the relevance of the cartel which produces about 40 percent of global output.

"Many OPEC members are suffering economically from low prices. Their economies are stagnating or going backwards and they face budgetary issues," said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at forex broker AxiTrader.

"So it appears the fiscal imperative seems to have trumped OPEC's internal politics."

-- 'Tipping point' --

London-based Capital Economics said a possible explanation for the deal was "that Saudi Arabia felt that any form of agreement, however flimsy, was needed to shore up OPEC's credibility".

Saudi policymakers may also be "increasingly concerned by the impact of fiscal austerity on the economy", it said.

Global oil prices fell from more than $100 a barrel in June 2014 to near 13-year lows of less than $30 in early 2016.

"Saudi Arabia have perhaps reassessed their dumping oil strategy to put US shale out of business as the pressure on their budgets has clearly reached a tipping point as well," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at Oanda trading group.

He sees a "major shift" by Saudi Arabia in allowing Iran to increase output.

Other analysts were more cautious.

"As things stand, the deal doesn't seem to amount to much," Capital Economics said, expecting Riyadh to "rely on further fiscal consolidation, rather than an outright shift in oil policy".

An oil industry source told AFP it is too early to say there has been a change in Saudi policy but that internal economic factors could be "a strong driving force" for a potential change.

There is "no major shift," in Saudi oil strategy, Spencer Welch, senior consultant at ISH Energy said.

"They have said for a while they would be willing to do a deal if others were also involved. It appears others have agreed," Welch told AFP.

A former Saudi oil official said the new deal does not greatly change Saudi output even if the kingdom reduced production by 500,000 bpd.

"That will only take Saudi production back to January levels," Mohammad al-Sabban, former senior adviser to the Saudi oil minister, said on BBC television late Wednesday.

Saudi-Iran tensions at that time stymied attempts at a meeting by OPEC and non-OPEC producer Russia to reach an output freeze.

OPEC oil production and reserves Adrian Leung (AFP)

Global oil prices fell from more than $100 a barrel in June 2014 to near 13-year lows of less than $30 in early 2016 Bilal Qabalan (AFP/File)
US-France court battle tied to Picasso comes to a head

A French family holding rights to photographs of Pablo Picasso's artwork won a major victory against an American art editor in US federal court this week, in a 20-year legal battle that has outlived the plaintiff.

A lawyer for American art publisher and dealer Alan Wofsy, who reproduced the photographs in volumes he sold, told AFP on Wednesday he would seek to have the court hear the case again, so the court fight may not be over.

Plaintiff Yves Sicre de Fontbrune never saw his hard-fought victory come to fruition. He died last year, leaving his wife and three children to continue the battle with Wofsy.

A French family holding rights to photographs of Pablo Picasso's artwork won a major victory against an American art editor in US federal court Atilla Kisbenedek (AFP/File)

The saga has its roots in the strong ties between the celebrated Spanish painter, sculptor and printmaker with art critic Christian Zervos, who founded the prestigious Cahiers d'art journal.

The Greek-born Zervos, who died in 1970 in Paris, produced a massive catalogue of more than 16,000 photographs of Picasso's artwork, which Cahiers d'art published as 33 volumes between 1932 and 1978.

After Zervo's death, Yves Sicre de Fontbrune, a former director of the journal, bought the intellectual property rights to "the Zervos," now widely recognized as the definitive catalogue of Picasso's work.

In the 1990s, Wofsy published two volumes on Picasso that reproduced several photographs from "the Zervos."

De Fontbrune took Wofsy to court in 1996, first in the French legal system, accusing him of counterfeiting.

A grouping of French national museums, the Reunion des musees nationaux, and Picasso's heirs joined the lawsuit, which was far more prolonged than any of the protagonists expected.

Lower court judges said the photographs and catalogue were not protected by intellectual property rights, but they were overruled on appeal.

- Obscure French legal tool -

In 2001, the Paris Court of Appeal ordered Wofsy to pay 800,000 francs (about 122,000 euros, or $136,850) -- months before euro banknotes and coins were introduced in France -- in damages to de Fontbrune, plus an added 10,000-franc judgment for each subsequent reproduction of the photographs.

The special punitive judgment triggered a second legal battle, this time fought both in Paris and across the Atlantic.

With Wofsy failing to comply with the order, de Fontbrune filed again and was awarded two million euros ($2.25 million) in 2012 linked to the French penalties.

De Fontbrune then took the award to court in California seeking enforcement and payment.

But Wofsy argued that the French judgment, which is called an "astreinte" in French and has no exact equivalent in American law, amounted to a simple penalty by the French government and could thus not be officially recognized and enforced in the United States.

In 2014, a San Francisco court agreed with Wofsy.

But de Fontbrune's estate appealed and, on Tuesday, Judge M. Margaret McKeown of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit found that "the astreinte was not essentially penal in nature... and accordingly the district court erred in concluding otherwise."

"The enforceability of the French award turns on whether, in this case, the astreinte functions as a fine or penalty -- which the Uniform Recognition Act does not recognize -- or as a grant of monetary recovery -- which is statutorily cognizable," she explained.

"The answer to this question is not a simple matter of translation, but, as we explain, requires a broader look at French law to understand the nature of the astreinte remedy in this case, in conjunction with an analysis of California law regarding the enforcement of foreign judgments."

But for Wofsy, the fight is not over just yet.

"We do expect to petition for rehearing," his international arbitration lawyer Neil Popovic told AFP.
US 'on verge' of ending Syria talks with Russia: Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Thursday that Washington was on the brink of ending its talks with Russia on the Syrian conflict over the assault on Aleppo.

"I think we are on the verge of suspending the discussion because, you know, it's irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there, trying to take things seriously," Kerry said.

"There is no notion or indication of seriousness of purpose with what is taking place right now," he told a conference in the US capital, a day after warning his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov he would end talks unless Moscow halts the assault on Aleppo.

US Secretary of State John Kerry warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov he would end talks unless Moscow halts the assault on Aleppo Matthew Healey (AFP/File)

Kerry said the United States would pursue other alternatives, "barring some clear indication by the warring parties that they are prepared to consider how to approach this more effectively."

A Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Moscow would press on with its bombing campaign in Syria, where forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad are waging a furious assault on Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector.

A top UN aid official called the situation in Aleppo a "merciless abyss of humanitarian catastrophe," in the latest appeal for a halt to fighting.

Kerry's efforts to broker a ceasefire have come under fire from Republicans who have called for tougher action against Moscow and the Syrian regime.

"It's easy to be critical of diplomatic efforts because it's difficult, but what is the alternative?" said Kerry.

He said United States would defeat the Islamic State militants operating in Syria and Iraq, "but that is different and distinct from involving ourselves directly into the civil war which is the war against Assad."

His comments echoed those of President Barack Obama who insisted on Wednesday that "there is not a scenario in which, absent us deploying large numbers of troops, we can stop a civil war in which both sides are deeply dug in."
Egypt court suspends block on island transfer to Saudi

An Egyptian court suspended on Thursday a previous ruling freezing the controversial transfer of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, which had provoked protests when announced earlier this year.

The decision by the urgent matters court may be used by the government as a green light to go ahead with the transfer of the islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia.

In June, an administrative court had overturned a maritime border agreement, signed during a visit to Cairo by Saudi Arabia's King Salman in April, that handed the two islands to Riyadh.

The Egyptian government said the Tiran and Sanafir islands were Saudi to begin with but leased to Egypt for protection in the 1950s

The deal prompted accusations that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had "sold" the islands in return for Saudi investments, and led to rare protests in Cairo.

The government said in June it would appeal the administrative court's decision.

It has said the islands were Saudi to begin with but leased to Egypt for protection in the 1950s.

In Thursday's decision, the urgent matters court issued an injunction against the freeze, at the behest of a lawyer.

The court does not rule on the substance of a case, and its decisions can be appealed.

Khaled Ali, the lawyer who had initially demanded the transfer be blocked, said on Thursday that the urgent matters court had no jurisdiction in this case.

"Only the highest administrative court can suspend the implementation of an administrative court's verdict," Ali told AFP.

Mohamed Nour Farahat, a law professor at Zagazig university, shared Ali's opinion.

But he said the government may try to use the ruling to put the transfer deal to a vote in parliament, predicting "a confrontation between powers."
First cruise ship to visit Tunisia since 2015 attack

A cruise liner will dock in Tunis next month for the first time since a jihadist attack there in March 2015 that left 21 tourists dead, Tunisian authorities said Thursday.

The ship will arrive on October 6 at La Goulette, a port on the northern edge of the city, an official at the national tourism office told AFP.

The German-operated MS Europa will bring in 350 passengers for a one-day stopover, said Mustapha Jabeur, head of the port.

Tunisians wave their national flag during a march against terrorism outside Tunis' Bardo Museum on March 29, 2015 Fethi Belaid (AFP/File)

It will be the first such visit since the gun attack claimed by the Islamic State group at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis that killed 21 tourists and a policeman.

Many of the victims were on stopovers as part of cruise liner tours. The assault prompted several operators to cancel visits to Tunisia.

"We are happy about this resumption, which is crucial for the relaunch of the cruise business and will restore the confidence of other shipowners," Jabeur said.

"Every measure will be taken, particularly security-wise, to make sure everything goes well," he said.

Prime Minister Youssef Chahed called the visit "good news".

Italian cruise operators MSC and Costa Crociere, who lost passengers in the Bardo attack, said they had no immediate plans to return to Tunisia.

"Our current programme doesn't include any stops in Tunisia in 2016, or even in 2017," said Costa Crociere.

A key sector in the Tunisian economy, tourism has been in crisis since the revolution of 2011 which led to the overthrow of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The industry used to contribute around seven percent of GDP and supported 400,000 jobs.

Dozens of hotels were forced to close last winter following the Bardo attack and another in June 2015 at a beach hotel in Sousse which left 38 foreign holidaymakers dead. Many hotels remain shut.

Handicraft businesses, which depend heavily on cruise passengers, have also been hard hit.
Aleppo humanitarian catastrophe 'unlike any' in Syria: UN

The United Nations aid chief warned Thursday that Aleppo faces a humanitarian catastrophe "unlike any" witnessed so far in Syria's brutal five-year war.

"Let me be clear: east Aleppo this minute is not at the edge of the precipice," Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council.

"It is well into its terrible descent into the pitiless and merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed in Syria," said the UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs.

Syrians refugees gather to receive food, provided by relief organizations, at the Nour camp north of Aleppo on the Syrian-Turkish border on September 28, 2016 Nazeer al-Khatib (AFP)

The council was meeting to discuss the crisis in Syria as France said it would push for a UN resolution imposing a ceasefire in Aleppo, which has been under fierce bombardment by Syrian and Russian warplanes for a week.

US Ambassador Samantha Power described the escalation as "the most savage week we've seen in an incredibly savage five-plus-year war," with more than 1,000 people killed by 1,700 air strikes on east Aleppo alone.

Power described the latest offensive as "soul-shattering" and accused Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of "unleashing a savagery" against civilians.

"We're at a turning point," she said.

O'Brien appealed for action from the council after diplomatic efforts on the sidelines of last week's General Assembly meeting ended in failure, triggering a new upsurge in violence on the ground.

"This revolting situation in Aleppo must, please, be the SOS, the May Day call, to the international community," he said.

"Syria is bleeding. Its citizens are dying. We all hear their cry for help."

More than 100,000 children remain trapped in rebel-held east Aleppo, which has come under intense bombing since the Syrian army announced on September 22 an offensive to retake the city.

Aleppo, Syria's second city, is divided between the rebel-held east and the government-controlled western part of the city.

The top UN aid official warned that evidence was being collected of the atrocities happening in Aleppo so that "one day there will be no hiding place" for those perpetrating war crimes.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters that France would "spare no effort" to try to impose a ceasefire in Aleppo through a UN resolution.
Clinton, Trump barnstorm Iowa as early voting begins

Hillary Clinton campaigned Thursday in Iowa as early voting began in the pivotal swing state, seeking to pry it away from Republican Donald Trump and spur turnout that could ultimately decide the presidency.

The businessman-turned-populist stumped in Iowa a day earlier, appealing to white, blue-collar workers who have helped push him into the lead in the Hawkeye State, where the latest polls put him up nearly five points.

Iowa has long been an essential staging post on the path to the White House.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton takes a selfie during an Iowa Democratic party early vote rally on September 29, 2016 in Des Moines Brendan Smialowski (AFP)

Barack Obama's primary win in Iowa in 2008 propelled him to a thumping presidential victory that year and in 2012 that all but secured his re-election.

But Clinton has seen a decade-long Democratic advantage reversed, and it now appears like one of the toughest of seven swing states for the former secretary of state to win.

Her trip here coincides with the launch Thursday of non-postal early voting, which both campaigns see as a potentially critical opportunity for voters to cast ballots in person over the next several weeks.

"We are starting to vote in Iowa today," Clinton told a 2,000-strong rally in Des Moines that at times struggled to drown out a small but voluble gaggle of Trump protestors.

"We have 40 days to win an election that is going to affect the next 40 years of our country.

"You, every one of you, can make the difference in this election," she said hitting Trump for bilking contracts in a message the campaign hopes will resonate with Iowans famed for their messianic fairness.

Locking down as many as half of all votes now could help the campaign tailor time and resources as the election enters the final stretch.

But more vital for Clinton will be to ensure that chunks of the electorate actually turn out to vote and reverse Trump's lead.

Trump is most likely to win if the coalition of young, African American and Latino voters who voted for Obama decide to stay at home on November 8.

Clinton's main tool to inoculate against that possibility is likely to be Trump himself.

Her campaign has framed the election as an existential moment for the republic: a choice between Clinton's safe pair of hands and the latent authoritarianism of an erratic and duplicitous mogul.

Clinton hammered away at Trump's propensity to stretch the truth, as her camp released a video highlighting several moments during the pair's first debate when Clinton pointed to past Trump statements, only for him to insist he never made them despite clear evidence.

"Donald Trump may lie, but the tape doesn't," Clinton tweeted Thursday.

The Clinton campaign also pointed to revelations about Trump's business ties with Cuba, despite a US embargo, as evidence of Trump's aversion to the truth.

"Trump will always put his own business interest ahead of the national interest -- and has no trouble lying about it," said senior Clinton campaign official Jake Sullivan.

- 'Fighting together' -

After a day on the back foot, Trump resumed his attacks on his rival during a stopover in Council Bluffs, Iowa, painting her as a pawn of special interests.

"Hillary Clinton is an insider, fighting for her donors and her insiders and mostly fighting for herself," Trump said.

"I am an outsider fighting for you. We're fighting together."

He also alluded to Iowa's early voting, and called on his supporters to demand that they and their friends "get out of bed" to go vote.

"You have no choice. You have to campaign on the streets, spread the love that we have in this room," Trump said.

"We have to get out there folks, otherwise this movement will be wonderful to read about someday."

The brash billionaire was due to hold a rally later Thursday in New Hampshire, crisscrossing with Clinton who campaigned in the small but crucial state Wednesday.

After a pneumonia-induced break that was tough for her campaign, Clinton was back on the trail, brimming with renewed confidence after experts widely declared her the winner of her showdown with Trump.

On Wednesday, she appeared with one-time Democratic rival Bernie Sanders, whose improbable journey from low-profile socialist senator to serious presidential contender was made possible by enthusiasm among young voters.

"This election is enormously important for the future of our country," Sanders, 75, told the New Hampshire rally. "It is imperative that we elect Hillary Clinton as our next president."

The latest Quinnipiac poll showed Clinton at just 31 percent among young voters, an uncomfortably small lead over Trump's 26 percent.

Third-party Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson jumped from 16 percent in August to 29 percent in September -- prompting hand-wringing among the Democrats less than six weeks before the election.

Bobblehead dolls depicting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her Republican counterpart Donald Trump Karen Bleier (AFP)

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (R) walks with Janelle Turner and her daughter on September 29, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa Brendan Smialowski (AFP)

US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump gives a thumbs up during a campaign rally at the Mid-America convention centre in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on September 28, 2016 Jewel Samad (AFP)
A week of terror in Syria's Aleppo

Rebel-held areas of Aleppo have been battered by intense bombardment since the Syrian regime announced an offensive a week ago to retake the entire city.

The escalation follows the breakdown of a week-long ceasefire brokered by Russia and the United States earlier in September that had brought brief respite to the battleground city.

More than 170 people have been killed since the latest Russian-backed offensive started, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Syrians react as the bodies of children are pulled from the rubble of a budling following government forces air strikes in the rebel held neighbourhood of Al-Shaar in Aleppo on September 27, 2016 Karam Al-Masri (AFP/File)

Residential buildings have been reduced to rubble and residents of rebel-held east Aleppo face severe shortages of food, medicines and water.

- The offensive starts -

On September 22, 2016, the Syrian army announces a major offensive aimed at retaking rebel zones in east Aleppo.

The military warns residents to keep away from posts held by "terrorists" in eastern districts, which rebels have held since 2012 and are home to an estimated 250,000 residents living under government siege.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says it is "a large-scale land offensive supported by Russian air strikes aimed at taking bit by bit the eastern sector of Aleppo and emptying it of its residents".

The attacks include artillery barrages and barrel bombings by helicopters.

- No running water -

On September 24 the UN children's agency UNICEF says nearly two million people have been left without water after regime bombardment damages a pumping station and rebels shut down another in retaliation.

- Diplomatic war of words -

Over the next two days the offensive prompts a chorus of diplomatic outrage.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon says he is "appalled by the chilling military escalation".

"What Russia is sponsoring and doing is not counter-terrorism. It is barbarism," US ambassador Samantha Power tells an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, while her British and French colleagues accuse Syria and Russia of "war crimes".

Russia riposts by condemning what it called "unacceptable" Western rhetoric.

- Army advance -

On September 27 the army makes its first advance on the ground, taking control of the rebel-held district of Farafira northwest of Aleppo's historic citadel.

A Syrian military official says the offensive to retake Aleppo, with Russian support, involves both air and ground operations, with the use of artillery.

- Hospitals hit -

On September 28, the two largest hospitals in rebel-held parts of Aleppo are hit and forced to suspend activities temporarily. The M10 facility is hit in an air strike and the M2 facility struck by artillery fire, according to the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a US-based non-governmental organisation which supports them.

Ban says attacks on hospitals are "war crimes".

- Prospects for new talks -

US Secretary of State John Kerry warns Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that Washington will end talks on the conflict unless Moscow halts the Aleppo assault.

Russia's defence ministry says Moscow is prepared to relaunch talks with the United States on the crisis.

The senior UN official in charge of bringing together the different parties in the Syria conflict, Staffan de Mistura, says there is little prospect of an imminent restart of negotiations "when bombs are falling all over".

Residential buildings have been reduced to rubble and residents of rebel-held east Aleppo face severe shortages of food, medicines and water Karam Al-Masri (AFP/File)
US-Philippines military alliance 'ironclad': Pentagon chief

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said America's alliance with the Philippines remains "ironclad" even though the Asian ally's leader has vowed to end joint military exercises.

The Pentagon chief's remarks came as he headed for a security summit in Hawaii, where concerns about Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, China's continued military expansion in the South China Sea, and the return of Islamic State group jihadists to the region were high on the agenda.

"As it has been for decades, our alliance with the Philippines is ironclad," Carter said, addressing troops aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, docked in San Diego.

Philippine and US soldiers take part in an air assault exercise inside the military training camp of Fort Magsaysay, north of Manila Ted Aljibe (AFP/File)

Duterte on Wednesday said he would soon end joint military exercises with the United States, a symbolic blow to a military alliance dating back more than 60 years.

"I will serve notice to you now, that this will be the last military exercise, jointly Philippines-US, the last one," Duterte told several hundred Vietnam-based Filipinos during a rambling address in Hanoi as he started a trip to Vietnam.

Such a move could further dampen relations with Manila's longtime ally after the firebrand leader -- who has also called for US special operations forces in the country's south to leave -- branded US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and extended overtures to China.

But senior defense officials later appeared philosophical about Duterte's outbursts.

The US-Philippine alliance has "had its ups and downs and survived," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.

"It's going to continue to survive based on what we think are strong US-Philippine common security interests."

As for the military exercises, "we can be flexible about when and if they happen again," the official added.

- South China Sea -

Carter is set to meet his Philippine counterpart, Delfin Lorenzana, in Hawaii on Friday, where the Pentagon chief is hosting an "informal" meeting for defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Previous summits have tended to focus on China and its growing reach across the South China Sea.

Beijing has in recent years rapidly expanded its physical presence in the strategically vital waterway, turning small maritime features, islets and reefs into much larger islands capable of holding military facilities.

Carter stressed, as he has repeatedly, that the US military will ignore Beijing's contentious South China Sea claims, and keep operating in waters and airspace surrounding the islands.

"We hope that China chooses to join the rest of the region in strengthening and upholding the shared principles that have helped so many nations around the region, including China, to rise and prosper," he said.

An international court in July ruled against China's sweeping South China Sea claims, prompting a furious reaction from Beijing, which promptly vowed to ignore the decision.

- Returning jihadists -

Carter's trip to Hawaii comes with less than four months of the Obama administration remaining.

A key question will be future plans for America's "rebalance" to Asia, during which Obama has tried to shift the US focus away from Middle East quagmires and toward rapidly growing Asia.

He has mended relations with Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos while bolstering regional blocs and providing a counterbalance to China's regional ambitions.

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines recently agreed to conduct joint sea patrols to fight piracy, organized crime, and terrorist activity in the Sulu Sea.

Several nations in the region, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are also concerned about the return of jihadists from the Middle East as the Islamic State (IS) group loses territory in Iraq and Syria.

The defense official said probably about 1,000 or fewer Southeast Asians are in Syria and Iraq, and "hundreds" have already returned to their home countries.

"Local governments certainly are very concerned about the possibility of a rise in ISIL-related violence, it is very high on their agenda when they speak to us," the official said, using an acronym for the IS group.

Regional allies are sure to ask Carter about the upcoming US election, which has seen a tightening race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Trump has called into question the mutual defense treaties with Japan and South Korea, which have provided the cornerstones of US policy in Asia since World War II.

The defense official indicated he was confident America would retain its Asia focus whatever the election's result.

"We've got a good thing going with the establishment of this principled, inclusive security network," he said.

"There are a lot of opportunities left over. And we want to make sure that our position in the region is solid for the next president."

Disputed claims in the South China Sea Adrian LEUNG, Gal ROMA (AFP)

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, addressing troops aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, says America's alliance with the Philippines remains "ironclad" MC2 Scott Fenaroli (US Navy/AFP/File)
Car bomb explodes near Egypt prosecutor

A car bomb exploded in a Cairo suburb after Egypt's deputy prosecutor general drove by late Thursday, wounding a passerby, the interior ministry said.

"A bomb in a car parked on the side of the road exploded after deputy prosecutor general Zakareya Abdel Aziz drove past" in an upmarket district of eastern Cairo, it said in a statement.

It said Abdel Aziz and his bodyguards were unharmed but "a civilian was wounded".

Former prosecutor general Hisham Barakat was killed in a June 2015 car bombing in Cairo, amid wave of Islamist violence in the capital Mohamed El-Shahed (AFP/File)

Amid a wave of Islamist violence, prosecutor general Hisham Barakat was killed in a June 2015 car bombing in the Egyptian capital.
Clinton hits Trump over Cuba embargo 'violation'

Democrat Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump Thursday of breaking the law by violating the US trade embargo with Cuba, slamming her rival as dishonest and willing to put his interests before the country.

Clinton said Trump's business interests in Cuba in the 1990s "appear to violate US law, certainly flout American foreign policy," as she accused him of misleading American voters.

Newsweek earlier reported that Trump hotel and casino executives spent $68,000 while trying to get a foothold in Cuba during a trip in 1998.

Newsweek magazine said it studied documents that show the Trump company spent at least $68,000 in Cuba when expenditures in the Caribbean country were illegal without US government approval

That was well before the United States loosened its decades-old embargo and when expenditures in the Caribbean country were illegal without US government approval.

A former Trump executive who spoke to Newsweek on condition of anonymity said the company did not obtain a government license for its spending before the trip.

The issue plays into Clinton's main line of attack against her Republican rival.

Her campaign has framed the election as an existential moment for the republic: a choice between Clinton's safe pair of hands and the latent authoritarianism of an erratic and duplicitous mogul.

The issue could also cause Trump problems in the swing state of Florida -- where anti-communist Cuban Americans make up a vocal slice of the electorate.

Polls show the Democrat and Republican nominees running virtually neck-and-neck there.

"This adds to the long list of actions and statements that raise doubts about his temperament and qualification to be president and commander in chief," said Clinton.

She accused Trump of continuing to "stonewall the American voters" on his taxes and business interests "before they cast their votes, early or on November 8."

Facing questions about the report, Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway all but acknowledged that his company violated the embargo.

"As I understand from the story, they paid money in 1998," she said on the ABC show "The View."

However, Trump ultimately "decided not to invest there," she added, saying the real estate billionaire has remained "very critical" of Cuba and the Castro regime.

Newsweek reported that the company did not spend the money directly, opting instead to funnel the funds through a consulting firm -- Seven Arrows Investment and Development Corp -- with Trump's knowledge to make it appear as if the spending were part of a charitable effort.

Instituted in the early 1960s, the trade embargo was designed to starve Fidel Castro's regime of US currency. Despite the recent restoration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana, the embargo remains largely in place today.

Florida's Republican US Senator and onetime presidential candidate Marco Rubio, whose parents fled Cuba, said he was "deeply concerned" about the report.

"I hope the Trump campaign is going to come forward and answer some questions about this," he told ABC's "Capital Games" podcast.
Saudi warns of 'disastrous consequences' over US 9/11 law

Saudi Arabia on Thursday warned of "disastrous consequences" from a United States law allowing 9/11 victims to sue the kingdom, in a major spike in tension between the longstanding allies.

The warning came after the US Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) on relations between states.

JASTA allows attack survivors and relatives of terrorism victims to pursue cases against foreign governments in US federal court and to demand compensation if such governments are proven to bear some responsibility for attacks on US soil.

People look over the north memorial pool during the 15th anniversary of September 11 at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, on September 11, 2016 in New York Bryan R. Smith (AFP)

A Saudi foreign ministry source on Thursday called on the US Congress "to take the necessary measures to counter the disastrous and dangerous consequences" of the law.

The unnamed spokesman, cited by the official Saudi Press Agency, said the law is "a source of great worry."

This law "weakens the immunity of states", and will have a negative impact on all countries "including the United States," the Saudi spokesman said, expressing hope that "wisdom will prevail."

In opposing the law, Obama said it would harm US interests by undermining the principle of sovereign immunity, opening up the US to private lawsuits over its military missions abroad.

The erosion of sovereign immunity is also a concern among the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Saudi Arabia is the most powerful member.

Saudi Arabia's Gulf allies have lined up beside Riyadh to criticise the law.

Analysts earlier Thursday warned that Saudi Arabia could reduce valuable security and intelligence cooperation with longstanding ally Washington after the Congressional "stab in the back."

Cutting such cooperation is among the options available to Riyadh, the analysts said.

"I'm afraid that this bill will have dire strategic implications" for the United States, Salman al-Ansari, head of the Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee (SAPRAC), told AFP.

- Decades-old ties -

"This partnership has helped provide US authorities with accurate intelligence information" that helped stopped attacks, said Ansari, whose committee is a private initiative to strengthen Saudi-US ties.

Riyadh and Washington have a decades-old relationship based on the exchange of American security for Saudi oil.

Saudi Arabia was home to 15 of the 19 Al-Qaeda hijackers who carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States which killed nearly 3,000 people.

Riyadh denies any ties to the plotters.

Ties between Riyadh and Washington became increasingly frayed under Obama, but analysts said security cooperation and intelligence sharing remained solid.

Whether that will continue, analysts said, is now a question.

"Saudi has been stabbed in the back by this unthoughtful and unrealistic bill," Ansari said. "How can you sue a country that is collaborating against the very same terrorism that they are baselessly being accused of?"

Mustafa Alani, a senior adviser to the Gulf Research Center, suggested a review of the Saudi-US alliance.

"Your financial investments have to be reduced in the US, your political and security cooperation has to be reduced," he said.

A senior Saudi prince reportedly threatened to pull out billions of dollars of US assets if JASTA became law, though Saudi officials have distanced themselves from such threats.

"It will be very difficult for Saudi Arabia to continue in intelligence cooperation when they take such a hostile position," said Jamal Khashoggi, a veteran Saudi journalist and analyst.

He said Saudi officials are probably debating whether to act now or "wait until the first suit is filed in some small town in America."
US-Russia talks on verge of ending as Aleppo faces catastrophe

The United States warned Thursday that it is on the brink of ending talks with Russia over the assault on Aleppo, where the United Nations says a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding unlike any witnessed so far in Syria's brutal five-year war.

Air strikes pounded Aleppo province while at least 11 civilians, including seven children, died during attacks on the city of Idlib, nearby Jarjanaz and central Hama province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

With no let-up in the military campaign, US Secretary of State John Kerry admitted that months of diplomacy to end the war had hit a dead-end.

US Secretary of State John Kerry warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov he would end talks unless Moscow halts the assault on Aleppo Matthew Healey (AFP/File)

"I think we are on the verge of suspending the discussion because, you know, it's irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there, trying to take things seriously," he told a conference in the US capital.

US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned what they called "barbarous" Russian and Syrian regime air strikes on Aleppo during a phone call later on Thursday, the White House said.

The Syrian government and its ally Russia "bear special responsibility for ending the fighting in Syria," the two leaders agreed, strongly condemning the strikes in eastern Aleppo, an area they said is "populated with hundreds of thousands of civilians, half of whom are children."

But Russia said it would press ahead with the air war in support of the regime, warning that Washington's refusal to work with Moscow on a settlement would be a "gift to terrorists."

"If Washington's threats to halt cooperation become concrete decisions, then there is no longer any doubt that the rebels are under the White House's protection and in the streets, terrorists will celebrate," Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said.

Russia and the United States have traded blame for last week's collapse of a ceasefire deal that would have marked the first step in a new effort to end the war that has killed 300,000 people since 2011.

- Aleppo's 'descent into abyss' -

International alarm is growing over the crisis in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where the Syrian army launched an offensive a week ago to retake the city.

UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council in New York that Aleppo is descending into a "merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed so far in Syria."

More than 100,000 children remain trapped in east Aleppo, which has come under intense bombing since the Syrian army offensive began, he said.

The siege by Syrian government forces has made food scarce and fresh water in short supply, he added, and there are mounting reports of deaths from malnutrition, disease and poisoning by those scavenging for food.

US Ambassador Samantha Power described the escalation as "the most savage week we've seen in an incredibly savage five-plus-year war," with more than 1,000 people killed by 1,700 air strikes on rebel-held east Aleppo alone.

France said it would push for a UN resolution to impose a ceasefire in Aleppo, but it remains unlikely that Russia would support such a measure.

Moscow maintains that a US-led coalition strike on a Syrian army base, on top of Washington's failure to rein in opposition rebel fighters, led to the collapse of the truce.

- 'Bombs are falling' -

Kerry said the United States would pursue other alternatives, "barring some clear indication by the warring parties that they are prepared to consider how to approach this more effectively."

The UN envoy for Syria, meanwhile, said there was little prospect of an imminent restart of any negotiations to try to end the raging conflict as the violence continues.

"At the moment, when bombs are falling all over, it is very difficult to justify resuming talks," Staffan de Mistura told AFP after meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican.

In a sign of the desperate plight facing residents of eastern Aleppo, the United Nations warned that hundreds of people probably need medical evacuation.

Two of the largest hospitals in the city's east were bombed on Wednesday in what UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described as a war crime.

Syrian men search for people under the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held northwestern city of Idlib on September 29, 2016 Omar haj kadour (AFP)

Syrian pro-government forces are seen on September 28, 2016 after taking control of the Farafira district of Aleppo following days of heavy air strikes Georges Ourfalian (AFP)

The destruction of Aleppo Laurence CHU, John SAEKI (AFP)
Obama, Merkel condemn 'barbarous' Russian, Syrian strikes on Aleppo

US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned what they called "barbarous" Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Aleppo during a phone call Thursday, the White House said.

The Syrian government and its ally Russia "bear special responsibility for ending the fighting in Syria," the two leaders agreed, strongly condemning the strikes in eastern Aleppo, an area they said is "populated with hundreds of thousands of civilians, half of whom are children."

The United Nations says a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding unlike any witnessed so far in Syria's brutal five-year war as Moscow and Damascus carry out an offensive to retake the city after a ceasefire collapsed last week.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) and US President Barack Obama (R) attend the opening ceremony of the G20 Summit at the International Expo Center in Hangzhou Mark Schiefelbein (POOL/AFP)

Russia and the United States have traded blame for the collapse of the deal that would have marked the first step in a new effort to end the war that has killed 300,000 people since 2011.

Obama and Merkel urged parties on the ground to "continue respecting the ceasefire, begin the disengagement of forces along the line of contact as quickly as possible and provide international monitors unfettered access to the entire conflict zone."

"The president and chancellor strongly condemned the barbarous Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes against eastern Aleppo," the White House said.

Two of the largest hospitals in the city's east were bombed on Wednesday in what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described as a war crime.
Police: Former Florida bank employee stole nearly $700,000

OCALA, Fla. (AP)  Authorities in Florida say a former bank employee is accused of stealing almost $700,000 from her aunt and customers.

Ocala police say 52-year-old Connie Moorman Willis turned herself in to authorities Monday and faces multiple charges of criminal use of personal identification and grand theft.

The Ocala Star-Banner (http://bit.ly/2d9st4S ) reports Willis' 77-year-old aunt reported in May that she was a victim of identity theft while her niece worked at a Wells Fargo branch. She says two credit cards were opened in her name.

Police say Willis used the cards to make purchases and to pay utility bills. They allege she transferred money from customers' accounts at the SunTrust bank where she worked after leaving Wells Fargo into another account to pay credit card bills.
South African police clash with student protesters

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South African media say police fired rubber bullets during clashes with university students protesting for free education.

The violence broke out Wednesday at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

The African News Agency says 10 students were arrested during the confrontation with police.

Several South African universities have suspended classes because of clashes between police and students as well as arson and other vandalism on campuses.

The protests, which are opposed by some students who want to study, echo larger demonstrations in 2015 that forced the government to suspend increases to university fees this year.
Friend: Starbucks shooting victim became US citizen in 2004

LAS VEGAS (AP)  The man killed in a weekend shooting at a Starbucks coffee shop in Las Vegas was a naturalized U.S. citizen from the country of Georgia, where he served in the military and learned not to back away from conflict, a lifelong friend said Wednesday.

Aleksandr Khutsishvili enlisted after his country broke from the Soviet Union, and he served a stint in a military unit protecting then-Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, said David Shtromberg, who grew up with Khutsishvili in the Georgian capital city, Tblisi.

According to police, Khutsishvili was sitting Sunday morning in a Starbucks several miles west of the Las Vegas Strip when a man later identified as Pedro Jose Garcia, a five-time felon, entered the store after his credit card was declined at the drive-thru.

This Jan. 27, 2007, photo provided by David Shtromberg shows his friend Aleksandr "Sasha" Khutsishvili in Hollywood district of Los Angeles. A court date was postponed until Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, for Pedro Jose Garcia, an ex-felon accused of killing Khutsishvili, a Starbucks customer during a weekend coffee shop shooting in Las Vegas. (David Shtromberg via AP)

An employee told detectives the man tried to make another purchase and then took a seat, according to a police report.

Another witness reported hearing people talking loudly "but not quite yelling" before the gunman "got up, pulled out a gun and shot the man in the opposite corner." An employee yelled for everyone to get down.

Khutsishvili, who police said had argued with the gunman, was shot in the chest and fell to the floor just inside the door. Other people dove for cover.

It wasn't clear from the police report what was said or if the loud exchange the witness reported was between the shooter and the victim.

Three shots were fired, police said, before the weapon malfunctioned with a bullet stuck in the barrel.

There was no evidence that Khutsishvili had a weapon, homicide Lt. Dan McGrath said Wednesday, just a cellphone and a laptop computer.

Khutsishvili, known to friends as "Sasha," didn't talk much about his military experience. But it wouldn't have been like him to be a bystander, said Shtromberg, who emigrated to the U.S. as a refugee in 1992 and lives in Los Angeles.

The twice-divorced father of three became a U.S. citizen in 2004, Shtromberg said. He worked as a longshoreman, a plumber and a construction worker in Southern California before moving to Las Vegas about three years ago.

"Because he was military, he would react," the friend told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. He said Khutsishvili also sometimes worked with him at his computer services business in Hollywood.

"He's not the type of person to walk away from a fight," Shtromberg said, "or someone else's fight."

Garcia, 34, made an initial court appearance Wednesday on murder and other charges in the slaying. A judge postponed his arraignment until Friday to let the Clark County public defender's office determine if it can represent him.

Defense attorney Edward Kane said outside court that he expects Garcia will plead not guilty.

According to a police report, a man who identified himself as Garcia called 911 and said he had shot a person who appeared to have been reaching for something.

Police later recovered a .22-caliber handgun that witnesses said Garcia used. It had been fired three times, according to police, before malfunctioning

On the 911 call, a male voice could be heard moaning in the background, according the police report, while Garcia is heard saying, "Go for it dog, I'm not gonna tell you again, go for it; play cowboy with me dog."

Pedro Jose Garcia, left, speaks with his deputy public defender Edward Kane as he makes his first court appearance at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A court date was postponed until Friday for Garcia, who is accused of killing a Starbucks customer during a weekend coffee shop shooting in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

Pedro Jose Garcia reads documents as he makes his first court appearance at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A court date was postponed until Friday for the ex-felon accused of killing a Starbucks customer during a weekend coffee shop shooting in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

Justice of the Peace Pro Tem Holly Stoberski addresses Pedro Jose Garcia as he makes makes his first court appearance at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A court date was postponed until Friday for the ex-felon accused of killing a Starbucks customer during a weekend coffee shop shooting in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

This undated booking photo provided by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Pedro Jose Garcia. Garcia, is being held pending an initial court appearance on murder, robbery, burglary and weapon charges in the Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, shooting death of a 41-year-old man at a Starbucks coffee shop in Las Vegas. (Clark County Detention Center/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via AP)

Pedro Jose Garcia stands listening to the judge as he makes his first court appearance at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A court date was postponed until Friday for the ex-felon accused of killing a Starbucks customer during a weekend coffee shop shooting in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

Pedro Jose Garcia makes his first court appearance at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A court date was postponed until Friday for the ex-felon accused of killing a Starbucks customer during a weekend coffee shop shooting in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

Pedro Jose Garcia looks to the viewing area as he makes his first court appearance at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A court date was postponed until Friday for Garcia, who is accused of killing a Starbucks customer during a weekend coffee shop shooting in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Sun via AP)
1936 Olympians receive overdue recognition at White House

WASHINGTON (AP)  Shortly after Jesse Owens returned home from his snubbing by Adolf Hitler at the 1936 Olympics, he and America's 17 other black Olympians found a less-than-welcoming reception from their own government, as well.

On Thursday, relatives of those 1936 African-American Olympians will be welcomed to the White House and will get to shake the president's hand  an honor Owens and the others didn't receive, the way some of their white counterparts did, after they returned home from Berlin 80 years ago.

U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun announced the visit Wednesday night at a Team USA Awards ceremony.

File - In this Aug. 5, 1936 file photo, American athlete Jesse Owens practices in the Olympic Village in Berlin. Shortly after Jesse Owens returned home from his snubbing by Adolph Hitler at the 1936 Olympics, he and America's 17 other black Olympians found a less-than-welcoming reception from their own government, as well. On Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 relatives of those 1936 African-American Olympians will be welcomed to the White House and will get to shake the President's hand, an honor Owens and the others didnt receive after they returned home from Berlin 80 years ago. (AP Photo/File)

"That is why I'm here 80 years later, to recognize the senselessness (of not inviting them to the White House), and to pay tribute to all the progress that has come since," Blackmun said.

The announcement came on the same night the USOC invited Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who were booted from the 1968 Olympics for their gloved-fist protest on the medals stand, to be part of the awards show. Smith and Carlos hadn't been involved in an official USOC event since being sent home from Mexico City. The gold- and bronze-medal-winning sprinters will be at the White House on Thursday, as well.

At the 1936 Olympics , Owens won four gold medals, but it was the message Owens' victories sent by winning in Nazi Germany and undercutting Hitler's white-supremacy dogma that stood as the lasting memory of those games.

Owens returned to a segregated America where he had trouble finding steady work and where, according to his interviews in later years, the president, Franklin Roosevelt, never sent him any words of congratulations or an invitation to the White House.

Decades later, Owens was acknowledged and honored at the White House. In 1976, President Gerald Ford presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The stories of the other 17 blacks on that team were less-widely known. Thursday's event was meant to give a long-overdue White House recognition to those athletes, who accounted for 14 of America's 56 medals in Berlin.

Owens' daughter, Marlene Owens-Rankin, will be among the relatives at the White House.
California officer guns down man in 'shooting stance'

EL CAJON, Calif. (AP)  The fatal police shooting of a black man who drew something from his pocket and extended his hands in a "shooting stance" happened about a minute after officers in a San Diego suburb arrived where a distraught man was reportedly walking in traffic, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

It took police more than an hour to respond because of other calls, El Cajon Lt. Rob Ransweiler said. Officers arrived at a parking lot next to a Mexican fast-food restaurant about 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, and Alfred Olango, who was unarmed, was shot about a minute later, police said.

Mayor Bill Wells said he was concerned how quickly the shooting took place, though he said video taken by a bystander was enlightening and he didn't think it was "tremendously complicated to figure out what happened."

In this Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 frame from video provided by the El Cajon Police Department, a man, second from left, faces police officers in El Cajon, Calif. The man reportedly acting erratically at a strip mall in suburban San Diego was shot and killed by police after pulling an object from his pocket, pointing it at officers and assuming a "shooting stance," authorities said. Some protesters claimed the man was shot with his hands raised, but police disputed that and produced the frame from cellphone video taken by a witness that appeared to show the man in the "shooting stance" as two officers approached with weapons drawn. (El Cajon Police Department via AP)

Police said the man had refused to comply with instructions to remove a hand from his pants pocket and paced back and forth before rapidly drawing an object from the pocket. The item turned out to be an electronic cigarette device, police said late Wednesday.

Some protesters said he was shot while his hands were raised in the air, though police disputed that and produced a single frame from the cellphone video to support their account.

The image showed the man in what police called a "shooting stance." His hands were clasped together and he was pointing directly at an officer who had assumed a similar posture a few feet away. That officer fired his handgun and a second officer, farther away, simultaneously fired his electric stun gun, Chief Jeff Davis said.

Wells was asked how he would feel if it was his child that had been shot.

"I saw a man who was distraught, and a man acting like he was in great pain," Wells said. "And I saw him get gunned down and killed. If he was my son, I would be devastated."

Olango came to the U.S. decades ago as a refugee from Uganda.

An attorney for his family said Olango was distraught over the recent death of his best friend and was having an emotional breakdown.

Olango, 38, had a history of run-ins with the law, including selling cocaine, driving drunk and illegally possessing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he was arrested in Colorado in 2005 with pot and ecstasy in his car, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to nearly four years for being a felon in possession of a gun.

The single photo is all police released depicting the incident that sparked angry protests by demonstrators demanding more information and wanting to know how police could shoot an unarmed man.

Olango's relatives demanded the full video be released, according to Dan Gilleon, a lawyer who says he is representing the family.

"They're cherry-picking part of the video," Gilleon said. "This is exactly what police have said is unfair when only portions of video are released against them."

After dark, scores of people gathered quietly around candles lining a curb in front of bloodstained pavement at the strip mall where Olango was shot.

The spot in front of fast-food restaurant has become a makeshift altar with a mound of flowers.

More than 200 people marched in the streets near the site, yelling "no justice, no peace, no racist police!"

Police in riot gear, some of them with dogs, faced off with protesters occasionally, bringing some tense moments, but mostly kept their distance.

There were no reports of any violence or arrests.

The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where violent protests broke out.

Experts said it was too early to conclude whether the California shooting was justified or could have been prevented, though it does raise questions about how police deal with mental illness, which officers are increasingly confronting nationwide.

El Cajon gives officers basic training to deal with mental illness, though a psychiatric clinician on duty was on another call and not available to intervene, police said.

A distraught woman who identified herself as Olango's sister said in a video in the aftermath of the shooting that she had called police three times to help her brother. She had told police he was troubled and not acting like himself.

"I just called for help, and you came and killed him," she shrieked.

Chuck Drago, a former Florida police chief who consults about police use of force, said officers ideally should have spoken with the sister when they arrived at the scene to learn whether he was dangerous, so they could take measures to avoid a confrontation.

Whether they spoke with the sister or were even told about her by dispatchers, however, is unknown.

Once the man struck the shooting pose, Drago said officers would have had to react quickly if he drew an unknown object from his pocket.

"An officer doesn't have enough time to wait to determine if that's a gun in his hand," Drago said. "If a person is pointing something at an officer and he believes it's a gun and it is a gun and that officer doesn't have his gun out, that officer will lose that gunfight."

Police have not named the officers involved, though Wells said both were 21-year veterans and one was Officer Richard Gonsalves.

Gonsalves was demoted last year after allegations that he sexually harassed a lesbian colleague. The City Council had to defend the move to angry citizens who had called for him to be fired.

Christopher Rice-Wilson, associate director of the civil rights group Alliance San Diego, questioned why one officer felt non-lethal force was appropriate while the other did not. Both officers have been put on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, per department policy.

The FBI and the district attorney also are investigating.

El Cajon, a city of 100,000 people about 15 miles northeast of San Diego, has become home for many refugees fleeing Iraq and, more recently, Syria. The population is 69 percent white and 6 percent black, according to 2010 census figures.

Because of the diversity and new arrivals, Wells said the police force is more culturally aware than others in the region.

Agnes Hassan, originally from Sudan, described Olango as an educated man with mental problems. She said she spent time in a refugee camp with Olango and that both of them suffered getting to the United States.

"If somebody has mental problem, how can you not deal with him with mental problem?" she said, wiping away tears and placing her hand on her chest. "This is not right. My heart has just broken."

___

Melley reported from Los Angeles.

This undated cellphone photo released by Dan Gilleon, the attorney for the family of Alfred Olango, shows Alfred Olango, the Ugandan refugee killed Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. The fatal police shooting of Olango, who drew something from his pocket and extended his hands in a "shooting stance" happened about a minute after officers in a San Diego suburb arrived at the scene where a mentally unstable man was reportedly walking in traffic, a police spokesman said Wednesday. (Olango Family via AP)

Two women raise their hands in front of a line of police during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A man covers his eyes with police tape during a protest, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Candles and other items sit along the edge of a parking lot Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif., near where a man was killed Tuesday. A black man reportedly acting erratically at a strip mall in El Cajon was shot and killed Tuesday by police after pulling an object from his pocket, pointing it at officers and assuming a "shooting stance," authorities said. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People hold signs during a protest in front of the El Cajon Police Department Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. A black man reportedly acting erratically at a strip mall in El Cajon was shot and killed Tuesday by police after pulling an object from his pocket, pointing it at officers and assuming a "shooting stance," authorities said. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Christina Griffin, left, speaks to a crowd of protesters in front of the El Cajon Police Department Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. A black man reportedly acting erratically at a strip mall in El Cajon was shot and killed Tuesday by police after pulling an object from his pocket, pointing it at officers and assuming a "shooting stance," authorities said. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A man asks other protesters to keep away from a line of police during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A man waves a shirt as he and others block a street during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A police officer talks with a man during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People ride on the hood of a car during a protest, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A man yells next to a line of police during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Police make a formation by a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People block off a street corner during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A woman raises her fist in front of a line of police during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The military's ritual of saluting for the national anthem

HONOLULU (AP)  The Navy has investigated the case of a sailor who didn't salute as the national anthem played at Pearl Harbor, in a protest that echoes recent moves by professional athletes to kneel during the anthem. The U.S. Pacific Fleet referred her case to her commander, who has the authority to punish the sailor, a Navy reservist. Saluting during the national anthem is a daily ritual for men and women in the military. Here's a look at the protocol behind it.

WHAT ARE THE MILITARY'S RULES ABOUT SALUTING FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM?

Troops learn during basic training and officer training  their first introduction to the military  about saluting when the anthem is played and the flag is raised. The ritual is referred to as the "call to colors."

FILE - This Dec. 7, 2012 file photo shows The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Navy has investigated the case of a sailor who didn't salute as the national anthem played during a morning flag-raising at Pearl Harbor on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner, File)

Military rules obligate servicemen and women to salute when they hear the anthem if they are in uniform. Those who happen to be in an area where the flag is being raised must salute the flag. If they don't see the flag around them, they're expected to stop and salute in the direction of the music.

Those not wearing their uniforms must stand and place their hand over their hearts. A 2008 law clarified that service members may salute even in civilian dress.

WHY DO SERVICE MEMBERS DO THIS?

Carl W. Baker, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, said the ritual is about paying respect to the constitution. "One of the first things you're taught is that you have to stand at attention during colors, and look toward the flag and salute to the flag," said Baker who served 32 years in the military.

DO SERVICE MEMBERS ALWAYS HAVE TO SALUTE?

As long as they can hear the music.

"If you're driving in your car and you hear the national anthem, you have to stop and get out of your car," said Baker, who is now the director of programs at Pacific Forum CSIS, a think tank in Honolulu. Viewers of this summer's Olympics may recall U.S. athlete and Army reservist Sam Kendricks stopping in the middle of his pole vault sprint to stand at attention when the anthem began playing at the track and field stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

That wasn't surprising, said Col. Bob Taradash, the deputy to Defense Secretary Ash Carter's senior adviser for military professionalism.

"That's very typical of what you can expect of somebody who feels that it's their professional obligation to pay respect to the nation that they've sworn to defend," he said.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SERVICE MEMBERS INTENTIONALLY DON'T SALUTE?

Last month, the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida, got word a sailor had filmed herself while refusing to stand during the anthem. Spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Katherine Meadows said the sailor was "properly disciplined." She declined to give further details.

This month, the U.S. Pacific Fleet investigated the case of a sailor who didn't salute as the national anthem played at Pearl Harbor. The sailor, Petty Officer 2nd Class Janaye Ervin, is an intelligence specialist in the Navy Reserve who was in Hawaii for about two weeks for an exercise.

A deleted post on a Facebook page that appears to belong to Ervin explains why she chose not to stand during the National Anthem.

"On September 19, 2016, while in uniform, I made the conscious decision to not stand for the Star Spangled Banner because I feel like a hypocrite, singing about 'land of the free' when, I know that only applies to some Americans. I will gladly stand again, when ALL AMERICANS are afforded the same freedom," the Sept. 21 post said. "The Navy has decided to punish me for defending the Constitution and has taken away my equipment I need to do my Naval job. It was my pleasure serving my country, I love it dearly, that is why I must do this for you. I will keep you all posted on what happens next!"

Ervin did not respond to efforts made by The Associated Press to verify the post, including messages sent via social media and email. A working telephone number for Ervin could not be found.

IS THERE ANY HISTORICAL PRECEDENT FOR PROTESTING BY NOT SALUTING?

The African-American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, doesn't have any record of servicemen and women protesting, said Sheila Varnado, president of the museum's advisory committee.

Varnado, who retired as colonel after 27 years in the Army, said she was taught that those wearing the uniform represented not just themselves but the military and the United States. As a result, it wasn't appropriate to express personal feelings or protest while in uniform, she said. She suggested donating money to a cause or writing a newspaper opinion article instead.

African-Americans have served in the military since the birth of the United States, including at times when "this nation definitely did not even recognize African Americans as citizens or full beings," she said.
32 people missing in China landslides following typhoon

BEIJING (AP)  At least 32 people were reported missing Thursday after rain-saturated hillsides collapsed onto villages in southeastern China following a typhoon.

A rescue operation was underway in Sucun village in China's Zhejiang province, south of the financial hub of Shanghai, after it was hit by a landslide on Wednesday evening, leaving 26 missing, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

Another six people are missing in Baofeng village, also in Zhejiang, after a landslide destroyed their homes.

An aerial view shows flooded intersections following the landfall of Typhoon Megi in Fuzhou in southeastern China's Fujian Province, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. The massive typhoon made landfall in eastern China Wednesday, a day after carrying strong winds over Taiwan that felled trees and scattered debris, killing several people and injuring hundreds. (Chinatopix via AP)

The landslides were triggered by torrential rain brought by Typhoon Megi, which lashed southeastern China on Wednesday. The storm had already killed at least five people in China and Taiwan, and forced the closure of schools and offices and the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

State broadcaster CCTV showed rescue crews, accompanied by sniffer dogs, combing through piles of mud and rock in the mountainous, forested areas.

Megi caused more than $10 million in damage as it swept across Taiwan before weakening into a tropical storm after hitting the coastal city of Quanzhou in China's Fujian province early Wednesday. At its height, it was packing winds of up to 118 kilometers (74 miles) per hour, China's National Meteorological Center said.

In Fuzhou, Fujian's capital, people were shown on state television walking through knee-deep waters that had swamped major roads. Rescue workers were seen pulling stranded residents through the streets on inflatable boats.

Taiwan's Central Emergency Operations Center reported that 625 people were injured by Megi, including eight Japanese tourists whose tour bus flipped on its side. Three people suffered fatal falls and a fourth person died in a truck crash, Taiwan's Central Emergency Operations Center said.

Megi dropped 300 millimeters (12 inches) of rain in the south and eastern mountains of Taiwan, and more than 220 flights were canceled at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport.

It was the fourth typhoon to hit Taiwan this year and the third in two weeks.

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Associated Press writer Ralph Jennings in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.

Train attendants carry their luggage as they walk through a flooded street in Fuzhou in southeastern China's Fujian Province Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A massive typhoon made landfall in eastern China Wednesday, a day after carrying strong winds over Taiwan that felled trees and scattered debris, killing several people and injuring hundreds. (Chinatopix via AP)
Man shot by police was distraught over best friend's death

EL CAJON, Calif. (AP)  The unarmed black man shot by police in a San Diego suburb had a history of run-ins with authorities and was distraught over the recent death of his best friend.

Alfred Olango was having an emotional breakdown over his friend's death when police confronted him, said attorney Dan Gilleon, who represents the Ugandan refugee's family.

Olango was shot several times after refusing to obey police commands and drawing an object from his pants pocket and pointing it at an officer in a "shooting position," police said. Officers later said the item was an electronic cigarette, or vaping, device.

Olango's sister had called 911 to say her brother was not acting like himself and was walking in traffic.

"His best friend died and he was having an emotional reaction to that," Gilleon said.

The family described Olango as a loving father who had moved back to California from Arizona and had landed a part-time job at a furniture store, Gilleon said.

The encounter was not the first time Olango was confronted by police officers and his record includes an incident in which he was illegally armed.

Olango was arrested in Colorado in 2005 after officers who pulled him over discovered 9mm semi-automatic pistol on the floor his car. He pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to nearly four years for being a felon in possession of a gun.

At the time, he had previous convictions in San Diego for receiving stolen property and selling cocaine, court records show.
Seoul says North Korean soldier crosses the border to defect

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea's military said Thursday that a North Korean soldier had crossed the border between the rivals to defect.

South Korea's Joint Chief of Staff said military officials were investigating the North Korean solider, who defected across the central-east portion of the military demarcation line, which is inside the 4-kilometer-wide (2.5-mile-wide) Demilitarized Zone that separates the countries.

The military provided no other details.

The Koreas have shared the world's most heavily fortified border since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. The conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war.

Despite the heavy military presence at the border, North Korean soldiers occasionally find room to sneak into the South. Another North Korean solider defected in June last year after crossing the military demarcation line. In 2012, a North Korean soldier managed to walk south of barbed-wire fences without being caught by guards, which led to criticism on how South Korean soldiers were guarding the border.
DIVIDED AMERICA: Minorities hopeful, whites sour on future

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  Consider two women in their 70s, both residents of the Kansas City area. One is white and affluent; the other is black and working class.

Guess which one is more optimistic about the country's future and that of their grandchildren?

More than likely, you guessed wrong.

This Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013 photo shows the Capitol building reflected in the Capitol Reflecting Pool at sunrise in Washington. The 2016 presidential campaign has underscored an economic paradox: Financially, black Americans and Hispanics are far worse off than whites, yet polls show minorities are more likely than whites to believe in the American Dream. And they are less anxious about the outcome of the election. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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EDITOR'S NOTE  This is part of Divided America, AP's ongoing exploration of the economic, social and political divisions in American society.

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This year's presidential campaign has underscored an economic paradox: Financially, black Americans and Hispanics are far worse off than whites, yet polls show minorities are more likely than whites to believe in the American Dream. And they are less anxious about the outcome of the election.

At 71, Carole Ramsey knows she has long been fortunate. She married a man who became a successful lawyer, raised their children in Kansas City's affluent western suburbs and now enjoys a comfortable retirement full of international travel.

"We've lived a very good life," Ramsey, who is white, said at an upscale shopping center in Leawood, Kansas. Even so, she says she'll vote for Donald Trump because she fears economic stagnation and global terrorism. "Our kids will not be able to live the way we did, that's for sure."

Ethel Tuggle, 72, backs Hillary Clinton, and a big reason is that her grandchildren's circumstances show how life has improved for her family. "They're starting jobs at $15, $20 an hour; I've never seen that sort of money," said Tuggle, who is black and worked construction for Kansas City government until injuries forced her to retire early.

Tuggle says she's amazed at the progress she's witnessed since her childhood in rural Missouri, when she was barred from entering shoe stores and had to trace her foot on a sheet of paper so a salesman inside could fit her for shoes. Her grandchildren live under the nation's first black president.

One factor in the surprising gap between black optimism and white pessimism is simply partisan politics: Blacks and Hispanics are overwhelmingly Democrats and more likely to feel positive about the future when one of their own is in the White House.

"When Bush was in office, Republicans thought the country was headed in the right direction," while Democrats did not, said Neil Newhouse, a Republican pollster. "Once Democrats took over, that flipped."

Still, there's evidence that the divide goes beyond party and Obama's presidency. In great measure, it has to do with the past, not the future: Minorities who have seen great improvements in their lives are more confident, while whites who have seen disintegration in their lives are more pessimistic.

The NORC at the University of Chicago has for decades asked Americans whether they think their standard of living will improve. Since 2002  well before Obama's 2008 election  NORC surveys have found that whites across all parties and income levels have been steadily less likely to think their standard of living would improve. Blacks and Hispanics, meanwhile, have increasingly believed their living standards would rise.

"This is a racial and ethnic thing  not something that's based on education, income or party," said Jennifer Benz of NORC. "It's whites' huge decline in optimism that makes the gap between whites and minorities the biggest it's been in a long time."

In a poll conducted for the Atlantic and Aspen Institute last year, minorities were more likely than whites to agree with the statement, "The American Dream is alive and well."

A Pew Foundation survey found that Hispanics were the least likely ethnic or racial group to be anxious about the outcome of the current presidential race  even though a centerpiece of Trump's platform is to deport millions of immigrants living in the country illegally and restrict overall immigration.

In a June AP-NORC poll, 62 percent of blacks said they thought America's best days were ahead. Only 40 percent of whites thought so. Fifty-three percent of blacks and 48 percent of Hispanics called the economy "good." Just 37 percent of whites did.

The level of optimism among minorities might seem to defy economic realities. Whites have a median household income of $71,300 compared with blacks' median of $43,300. A Pew foundation report found that white households' typical net worth was 13 times that of black households. A separate report from the Institute for Policy Studies has calculated that, at their current rate, it would take blacks 228 years to catch up with the wealth of whites.

Still, minorities have seen progress, while whites have stalled.

According to Census data, white men have increased their income by only 3 percent since 1973, while black men have improved theirs by 12 percent. (Incomes for all women have risen sharply since they entered and rose through the workforce since the early 1970s.)

Many Hispanics have enjoyed solid income gains. The Institute for Policy Studies found that Hispanics' household wealth has risen 69 percent over the past 30 years, albeit to a still-low $98,000 relative to whites' $656,000.

"If you're at the bottom moving up, you feel much better about your prospects than if you're at the top moving down," Democratic pollster Mark Mellman said.

There is one area where blacks, especially, register as more pessimistic than whites: Race relations and policing. Blacks particularly have polled as more negative about race relations recently, following a series of high-profile police killings of African-Americans. There is frustration, especially among younger blacks, that the incidents have continued under the nation's first African-American president.

Yet even the usually peaceful demonstrations against those killings since 2014 could be seen as evidence of optimism, said Andra Gillespie, a political scientist at Atlanta's Emory University.

"You wouldn't see people taking to the streets and demanding justice if they didn't think they had a greater chance of being able to change things," Gillespie said.

Brandon Dixon's father was asphyxiated by Kansas City police in 2009 during a psychotic episode. The incident shocked Dixon, who gave up his work in construction and decided to plow his family's life's savings into opening a restaurant in the impoverished neighborhood where he grew up.

Four years after he bought a former beauty salon to convert into an eatery, Dixon has been unable to open the restaurant because of environmental contamination from a neighboring gas station. He's struggling financially but hopes his business will finally open in a few weeks, and that it will help turn around his life and his community.

"We've always seen adversity," Dixon said. "You have to not stand still, not be stagnating, keep moving forward."

Andrew Cherlin, a sociologist at Johns Hopkins University, noted that people tend to evaluate their own prospects based on their parents' experiences.

"When whites look backwards, they compare themselves to a generation that was doing better," Cherlin said. "Blacks and Hispanics," who face less overt discrimination today, "compare themselves to a generation that was doing worse."

As incomes have stagnated for working class whites, their rates of suicide, drug addiction and mortality have surged. Two economists in December 2015 reported that death rates have been rising since 1999 for whites between ages 45 and 54, with the sharpest increase among the least educated.

By contrast, the suicide rate for black men has dropped since 1999. And the gap between black and white life expectancy is now the lowest in more than a century: 3.4 years. More whites have died than were born since 2011, and the Census Bureau projects that whites will be in the minority by 2060.

Doug Haag lives in Milwaukee. One of the city's dwindling number of working-class white residents, he feels that the social contract between employers and employees has broken down.

Haag, 59, doesn't see much job security anymore. He works for the state of Wisconsin, where a recent civil service overhaul makes it easier to fire public employees. Even though he's had a steady job the past 18 years he considers himself "lower-middle class," unable to afford vacations or nights out with friends. He worries about whether he'll be able to retire.

"There's no middle class any more  the true middle class," Haag said. "There's no loyalty from companies any more or from the employees."

A Trump supporter, Haag said he's hopeful that the reality show star can restore the country's position of strength in the world and in the economy.

"He's going to be able to do that as a businessman," Haag said.

Adrianne Bockhorst lives in a tonier spot than Haag  in the upscale Milwaukee suburb of Whitefish Bay. She's a Democrat who plans to vote for Hillary Clinton. But she, too, is worried  shaken by the scars of the recession, which tossed her family into bankruptcy, and by the vitriol of the presidential campaign.

Bockhorst, who is white, tries not to even think of the country's economic future. "I just ignore it because it scares me so much because of the collapse and what it did to us, our dreams," she said. "I'm in total denial that something bad could happen again. We don't have a retirement plan, we don't have a safety net."

Bockhorst lives worlds away from the Milwaukee streets which erupted in riots last month in the wake of the shooting of a 23-year-old black man by police after a traffic stop. Milwaukee has the fifth-worst poverty rate in the nation, based on the most recent Census data. But even there you'll find optimism among minorities.

"We used to have slaves, you know?" said Christine Ricks, whose northside neighborhood was at the center of August's riots. "There have been improvements. My grandfather and your grandfather used to not be able to drink out of the same fountain."

Ricks grew up next to what Ricks calls "the biggest dope house in the entire city"; she works as a substitute teacher and has almost no money. But she's still optimistic that her life will improve, and that Clinton will be elected.

"I think it's going to be all right; I just don't know how," Ricks said. "I would describe it as complete faith in God. Literally. From moment to moment."

Jose Estrada, 71, emigrated from Mexico to California in the 1960s. He moved to Milwaukee in 1967, became a citizen 11 years later, and retired in 2003 after working a variety of manufacturing jobs. Estrada describes himself as middle class.

"I worked very, very hard to get myself to this point," he said.

While he supports Clinton and fears Trump would damage the country, Estrada is optimistic about America's future regardless.

"We will be happy with anyone who gets into that position, and I will respect it," Estrada said. "Whoever it is, I am living in this country, it is a beautiful country and I love it. I've got more here than I ever had in Mexico."

Brandon Dixon stands outside the restaurant he is trying to open in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016. He gave up his work in construction and decided to plow his familys lifes savings into opening a restaurant in the impoverished neighborhood where he grew up. "Weve always seen adversity, Dixon says. "You have to not stand still, not be stagnating, keep moving forward." (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Adrianne Bockhorst stands with her 4-year-old daughter, Isla, in the backyard of their home in Whitefish Bay, Wis., on Aug. 2, 2016. Bockhorst, a Democrat who lives in the upscale Milwaukee suburb of Whitefish Bay, is worried _ shaken by the scars of the recession, which tossed her family into bankruptcy, and by the vitriol of the presidential campaign. Bockhorst tries not to even think of the countrys economic future. "I just ignore it because it scares me so much because of the collapse and what it did to us, our dreams." (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)
Denmark's crown prince couple kick off 2-day Boston trip

BOSTON (AP)  Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary are kicking off a two-day trade mission to Boston.

On Thursday, Frederik is scheduled to attend an event at Boston University highlighting ways to promote urban sustainability and climate resilience, including ways to "future-proof" cities.

The couple is expected to attend a business dinner with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh later Thursday and be greeted by Gov. Charlie Baker at the Statehouse on Friday.

Crown Prince Frederik, of Denmark, right, and his wife Crown Princess Mary applaud after a product demonstration while touring a medical supply company in Waltham, Mass., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Later, the prince will visit Harvard University, which he attended. The princess will visit Boston Children's Hospital.

The couple is leading a delegation of 60 Danish companies from the health care, agriculture, sustainability and maritime sectors  all of which are leading economic sectors in Denmark.

More than 650 Danish companies have subsidiaries in the U.S., employing more than 60,000 people.

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This story has been corrected to remove a reference to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh attending the Boston University event. Walsh is not attending the event.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, right, and his wife Crown Princess Mary greet children prior to touring a medical supply company in Waltham, Mass., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Crown Prince Frederik, of Denmark, cuts a ribbon prior to touring a medical supply company in Waltham, Mass., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Crown Prince Frederik, of Denmark, center, and his wife Crown Princess Mary, left, watch as a volunteer is hoisted from a bed while touring a medical supply company in Waltham, Mass., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Crown Princess Mary, of Denmark, raises the legs of a volunteer, who was hoisted in a patient sling, while touring a medical supply company with her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, in Waltham, Mass., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Rescue at sea turns new attention on unsolved 2013 killing

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  It was a crime that stunned a quiet suburb and stumped investigators: an 87-year-old real estate developer killed in his home, shot three times with a rifle.

Nearly three years later, the unsolved case has received new attention with the revelation the victim's grandson Nathan Carman, who was rescued Sunday after a week in a raft on the Atlantic Ocean, had been a suspect in the killing. Carman's mother, Linda Carman, was not found with him and is presumed to have drowned after their boat sank during a mother-and-son fishing trip that is now under investigation by federal, state and local authorities.

Nathan Carman, of Vernon, Vermont, has denied having anything to do with his grandfather's slaying. His father also said Nathan Carman could not have been involved, and his mother had told her lawyer that he was innocent.

Nathan Carman arrives in a small boat at the US Coast Guard station in Boston, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. Carman spent a week at sea in a life raft before being rescued by a passing freighter. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

"She was convinced he had nothing to do with it," Linda Carman's lawyer, Gerald Klein, said Thursday.

Police, however, were so confident they had enough evidence against Nathan Carman, 22, that they applied for an arrest warrant charging him with the murder of John Chakalos at his home in Windsor, Connecticut. A prosecutor returned the warrant unsigned to investigators with a request for more information. No arrest has been made in the case.

A search warrant said that Carman was the last person known to have seen Chakalos alive, that Carman had bought a rifle consistent with the one used in the crime and that he discarded his computer hard drive and GPS unit used around the time of the shooting. The warrant also said investigators learned Carman was "capable of violence" based on past behavior, including when he held another child hostage with a knife.

The state's attorney in Hartford, Gail Hardy, did not respond to questions about why the request for an arrest warrant was sent back. The state Division of Criminal Justice said it doesn't comment on pending investigations.

The shooting of Chakalos left friends and neighbors puzzled over who would attack a man known for having a kind word for all he met. Chakalos also kept a home in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, that was known for its massive holiday lights display. He left an estate worth more than $42 million to his four adult daughters, including Linda Carman.

Nathan Carman had dinner with his grandfather the night of the killing. Police said the grandfather was slain between 10 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 8 a.m. the next day.

Linda Carman told police she was supposed to meet her son at 3 a.m. on Dec. 20 in Glastonbury to go on a fishing trip. When he didn't show up, she went back home to Middletown. At about 4 a.m., Nathan Carman called his mother on his cellphone and said he was in Glastonbury, according to the warrant.

In an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press, Nathan Carman said he's not generally a punctual person.

"I was late in meeting my mom as I frequently was," he said. "I'm not always the person who is on time."

He denied involvement in his grandfather's killing, saying his grandfather was the closest person in the world to him. He said suspicions about his account of the sinking of his boat are compounding his grief over the apparent drowning of his mother.

Linda Carman was initially under police scrutiny for her father's killing because she had been charged in 2011 with assaulting him during an argument at a Hartford psychiatric hospital, where Nathan Carman was being treated, Klein said. The family members were fighting over Nathan Carman's care, and there was a dispute about money, Klein said. The assault charge against Linda Carman later was dropped.

On Sept. 17, mother and son set off from a marina in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, authorities said. Nathan Carman said their boat sank in a matter of minutes the next day after he heard a "funny noise" in the engine compartment and saw water pouring in.

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Associated Press writers Denise Lavoie in Boston and Michael Melia in Hartford contributed to this report.

Nathan Carman, center, disembarks from a small boat at the US Coast Guard station in Boston, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. Carman spent a week at sea in a life raft before being rescued by a passing freighter. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Nathan Carman, right, disembarks at the US Coast Guard station in Boston, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. Carman spent a week at sea in a life raft before being rescued by a passing freighter. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Nathan Carman, rescued from a life raft after a fishing trip, talks to an ABC news reporter in Brattleboro, Vt., Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. Carman, a 22-year-old man rescued from a life raft after a fishing trip that left his mother missing and presumed dead, had been a suspect in the still-unsolved 2013 slaying of his rich grandfather, adding to the multitude of questions swirling around him and what happened at sea. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)
Police fatally shoot suspect in Philadelphia stabbings

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Philadelphia police said officers fatally shot a man who stabbed two boys, one of them his son, and attacked three other people Wednesday night.

The attacks began shortly after 7 p.m. in the city's west Philadelphia neighborhood when the man grabbed his teenage daughter by the throat, WPVI-TV reported. Police said the man then slashed his 8-year-old son's throat and stabbed him before stabbing his son's 13-year-old friend.

Authorities said the man then went to the nearby home of a family friend and once allowed inside he attacked two women. One was slashed and a second was punched.

Police responded after receiving calls of a man firing a weapon.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said officers confronted the man as he came out of the friend's home with his hand in his pocket. Ross said officers ordered the suspect to remove his hand and fired when he "abruptly" took his hand out.

No gun was recovered.

The man was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The two boys, who are badly injured, are being treated at a hospital.
Suspected people smuggler charged in Australian court

SYDNEY (AP)  An Iranian citizen extradited from Indonesia was charged in a Sydney court on Thursday with attempting to smuggle 73 asylum seekers by boat to Australia.

Mohammad Naghi Karimi Azar, 56, on Wednesday became the eighth suspected people smuggler to be extradited from Indonesia to Australia since 2008, a government statement said.

Azar was charged in Sydney Central Local Court with 43 counts of people smuggling, an offense that carries a minimum five-year sentence and a maximum of 20 years.

He appeared by video from a Sydney police station.

Court documents allege Azar facilitated the passage of 73 men, women and children between 2011 and 2013. His lawyer, Archie Hallas, told the court that Azar had spent the last two and a half years in an Indonesian jail.

Azar did not apply for bail. Hallas told the court his client needed time to read the 100-page prosecution case against him. Azar is to appear in court next on Oct. 5.

Outside the court, another lawyer for Azar, Sayar Dehsabzi, told reporters his client intended to plead not guilty.

Dehsabzi said Azar told him he was a refugee registered with the United Nations and had fled Iran in fear of persecution because he was a member of an ethnic minority.

Azar's wife and children remained in Iran, Dehsabzi said.

There has not been a successful people-smuggling venture from Indonesia to Australia in more than two years.

Australian border protection ships turn back boats carrying asylum seekers from the Middle East, Asia and Africa who pay people smugglers to bring them to Australia.

The government estimates there are 14,000 asylum seekers in Indonesia who want to come to Australia by boat.

The extradition "underlines that fact that the Australian and Indonesian governments will continue to cooperate to do what we can to prosecute those who are responsible for the human misery of the people smuggling trade," Justice Minister Michael Keenan told reporters in the Australian capital, Canberra.
Ex-student gets probation in Iowa State sex assault case

NEVADA, Iowa (AP)  A student who was sexually assaulted after an Iowa State University party confronted her assailant at his sentencing hearing Thursday, telling him the attack had scarred her forever.

The March 2014 assault "turned my life upside down," 21-year-old Melissa Maher told Patrick Whetstone in a forceful statement from the witness stand.

"It's been 914 days since you shattered my college career, put it on hold and touched my soul in a way that haunts me in my sleep," Maher told Whetstone, reading from a two-page typed statement. "My life has been completely changed because you wanted to have your fifteen minutes of fun."

In this undated booking photo released by the Story County Sheriff's Office in Nevada, Iowa, former Iowa State University student Patrick Whetstone is shown. Whetstone, 21, is expected to be sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, for sexually assaulting another student, in a case that has roiled the university and led to a federal investigation of the school. (Story County Sheriff's Office via AP)

She warned: "Don't you ever mess with another woman. Don't you ever touch another girl. No means no."

Maher, who said she wanted to be publicly identified, spoke before Judge James McGlynn sentenced the 21-year-old Whetstone to two years of probation followed by 10 years of monitoring and a lifetime requirement that he register as a sex offender. Both parties had recommended that sentence in a plea agreement in which Whetstone pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor.

McGlynn said he believed the sentence was an appropriate resolution that would protect the community and allow Whetstone to be rehabilitated. He said he was encouraged that Whetstone had started to accept responsibility by pleading guilty and warned him to get consent from sexual partners in the future.

A criminal complaint says that Maher, then 19, became ill after drinking alcohol at a March 29, 2014, on-campus party where she met Whetstone, who was also drinking. Both were students at the time. After falling asleep or passing out on a couch, she says she woke up to find Whetstone sexually assaulting her.

Maher, who is now a community college student in her native state of Texas and recently engaged, said the plea agreement was "the best thing for me to go on with my life."

"I'm starting a new chapter," she said in an interview after the hearing. The Associated Press does not generally identify victims of sexual assaults, but Maher said she wanted to come forward in the hopes of bringing change to how rape victims are treated on college campuses.

Whetstone declined to speak at the hearing. Until his guilty plea last week, he had argued that the sexual encounter was consensual and that Maher was lying.

In her statement, Maher said she lost friends who didn't believe her claim that she had been raped. She spoke of dropping out of Iowa State after seeing Whetstone around campus, not feeling safe in her own bedroom and having panic attacks that have caused her to miss work.

"Let's count the number of times I've woken up in the middle of the night and found myself yelling, crying, kicking and screaming or swearing from the nightmares of you and your sad existence," she said. "Or perhaps we could count the number of times you've ruined a date for me and my fiance because I have these awesome relapses of where I can't stop reliving a memory from you."

In a lawsuit, Maher has accused the university of botching its response to the case from beginning to end.

She claims school officials discouraged her from filing charges and then assigned her to live in campus housing near Whetstone the next semester while the assault remained under investigation. She said the trauma of routinely seeing Whetstone forced her to drop out only to later learn that the school mistakenly gave her F's in classes she had withdrawn from, sent her a bill for payments that had been forgiven and put a hold on her transcript, which delayed her ability to transfer elsewhere.

After the woman filed a complaint about her treatment, the federal Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into Iowa State's handling of the case and other sexual assault allegations. That two-year inquiry remains open. Following a lengthy administrative process, Iowa State officials ruled that Whetstone had violated its sexual misconduct policy and expelled him.

Maher said she once dreamed of being a distinguished Iowa State graduate, adding that she still wants "to be somebody Iowa State will never forget."
Printing plant where Charlie Hebdo killers died reopens

DAMMARTIN-EN-GOELE, France (AP)  A printing plant north of Paris reopened Thursday for the first time since it was badly damaged during a deadly standoff between police and two brothers who gunned down cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo newspaper.

President Francois Hollande presided over the re-opening in a sign of the national significance of the drama that unfolded there in January 2015. It was among a string of Islamic extremist attacks that have rocked France.

After visiting the now-rebuilt printing plant in the suburb town of Dammartin-en-Goele, Hollande honored the two men who were taken hostage that day with the Legion of Honor.

French President Francois Hollande walks past photographs of the devastated printing plant after the attack, as the plant reopens Thursday Sept. 29, 2016 in Dammartin-en-Goele, north of Paris. The plant is reopening for the first time since it was damaged during a deadly standoff between police and two brothers who gunned down cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo newspaper in Jan. 2015. (Philippe Wojazer, Pool photo via AP)

Michel Catalano, owner of the plant, was released by the two heavily armed attackers nearly two hours into the police siege. Lilian Lepere, a graphic designer, remained hidden in a tiny space under a sink for more than eight hours before an elite unit killed the two hostage-takers and released him.

Hollande hailed the "two French citizens who have shown the greatest courage" in the face of a fearsome ordeal. He said the printing plant was both a "symbol of barbarism" and a "symbol of what the human will is able to do" in rebuilding a nearly destroyed plant and reviving a suddenly halted business.

"We are always threatened by terrorism," Hollande said during the ceremony.

Catalano, who gave a first aid to a wounded attacker, said that "barbarism will not make me head down" in a moving speech, his voice breaking with emotion and with tears in his eyes.

"It's a constant struggle against myself. Actually it's a struggle I've been going through for the past 20 months," he told The Associated Press. "There are difficult times but I know we can overcome that, and this is the image I want to give."

The two attackers, brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi, led police on a two-day manhunt after attacking Charlie Hebdo, then hid out in the printing plant. Police surrounded the building and the brothers were killed in a shootout after a day-long siege. At the same time, another attacker, Amedy Coulibaly, was taking more hostages in a kosher supermarket in Paris. He was also killed when police raided the store.

The attacks that week on Charlie Hebdo, police and the kosher market killed 17 people.

French President Francois Hollande writes "to hope" on a wall as the printing plant where the deadly standoff between police and two brothers who gunned down cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo newspaper reopens Thursday Sept. 29, 2016 in Dammartin-en-Goele, north of Paris. The attacks that week on Charlie Hebdo, police and a kosher market killed 17 people. (Philippe Wojazer, Pool photo via AP)

French President Francois Hollande writes "to hope" on a wall as the printing plant where the deadly standoff between police and two brothers who gunned down cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo newspaper reopens Thursday Sept. 29, 2016 in Dammartin-en-Goele, north of Paris. The attacks that week on Charlie Hebdo, police and a kosher market killed 17 people. (Philippe Wojazer, Pool photo via AP)

Michel Catalano, left, owner of the print plant, and French President Francois Hollande reopens the plant Thursday Sept. 29, 2016 in Dammartin-en-Goele, north of Paris. The plant is reopening for the first time since it was damaged during a deadly standoff between police and two brothers who gunned down cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo newspaper. (Philippe Wojazer, Pool photo via AP)
Suspect in killings of 4 women called charmer with dark side

ASHLAND, Ohio (AP)  An occasional drifter linked to the slayings of at least four women in little over a decade could always find a place to stay and someone to give him a lift. Even with little money to his name and a string of arrests in his past, Shawn Grate was magnetic enough to make friends with almost anyone.

"He just had this way about him that he could draw people in," said Tim Denis, who struck up a friendship with Grate that fell apart nearly two years ago after he wouldn't give him a loan.

That night Denis got a string of angry text messages from Grate, ending with a warning that still gives him chills: "Meet the other me."

FILE  This Sept. 14, 2016, file photo shows missing person fliers for Stacey Stanley that remained posted on a bulletin board in a laundromat in Ashland, Ohio. Shawn Grate is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in the Ashland, Ohio, killings of Stanley of Greenwich, Ohio, and another woman, and has pleaded not guilty. Authorities say Grate confessed to killing two other women, one in June 2016 and one around 2005, and is charged in the abduction of a woman rescued Sept. 13, 2016, in Ashland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ann Sanner, File)

Grate, described by those who know him as a charmer with a dark side, has been charged with killing two women whose bodies were found in a vacant home two weeks ago after another woman called 911 and said she was being held inside one of its bedrooms.

Grate pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges outlined in a 23-count indictment, including the killings of the two women and abduction in Ashland.

Once in custody, authorities say he told them he had killed another woman earlier this summer and a fourth woman sometime around 2005. Police now are looking at whether Grate was involved in the disappearance or death of a fifth woman over a year ago.

Investigators also want to know if there could be more victims from his past  a period when Grate, 40, piled up a long list of arrests, was married for about a year and started a business making handcrafted wood signs that he sold at craft fairs.

The indictment says Grate repeatedly raped the woman who was rescued. Prosecutors say they'll seek the death penalty if he's convicted. Messages seeking comment have been left with his attorneys.

His legal trouble began a year after Grate graduated high school, spending four years in prison on a burglary charge from 1996 after violating his probation.

But most of his trouble centered on his treatment of women, with past charges including domestic violence, aggravated menacing and failing to pay child support. He has two children.

His former wife, who he had a daughter with, filed a protection order against Grate after they divorced in 2012.

"I have been estranged from my ex-husband for four years, and he is not a part of our lives," Amber Grate said in a statement that asked for privacy after his arrest.

After his marriage ended, he moved from place to place in Ashland and Mansfield  two cities that sit between Cleveland and Columbus.

He sometimes lived with women he had met or squatted in abandoned homes.

"He was definitely a charmer," Denis said. "He was able to get people to do what he wanted."

Grate didn't have a car, he said, so he rode his bicycle around town or relied on friends to get around.

He worked a few maintenance jobs, but he was determined to make a living selling the wood signs. For a short time, he peddled them at a storefront in Mansfield, but they didn't bring in much money, said Denis, who still has a "Home Cookin" sign in his kitchen.

"Outside of doing his signs, he didn't want to do much else," Denis said. "He didn't strike me as motivated to get another job."

The home in Ashland where the two bodies were found was thought to be vacant. Both women were strangled, according to preliminary autopsy reports.

Authorities have not said how he met the women.

Stacey Stanley, 43, of Greenwich, was reported missing five days before her body was discovered. Her son, Kurtis Stanley, said his mother had a flat tire late at night and was at gas station a few blocks from the vacant home.

"I think it was just an accidental run in," he said. "He was out preying on women and he took my mom."

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Seewer reported from Toledo. Associated Press researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed to this report.

FILE  In this Sept. 13, 2016, file photo, law enforcement personnel from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ashland Police Department execute a search warrant on a home in Ashland, Ohio. Shawn Grate is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in the killings of two women in Ashland, Ohio, and has pleaded not guilty. Authorities say Grate confessed to killing two other women in June 2016 and around 2005, and is charged in the abduction of a woman rescued Sept. 13, 2016, in Ashland, Ohio. (Tom E. Puskar/The Times Gazette via AP, File)

FILE  This file photo provided by the Ashland County Sheriff Office shows Shawn M. Grate, arrested Sept. 13, 2016, in Ashland, Ohio. Grate is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in the killings of two women in Ashland, Ohio, and has pleaded not guilty in the case. Authorities say Grate confessed to killing two other women, one earlier in 2016, and one around 2005, and is charged in the abduction of a woman rescued Sept. 13, 2016, in Ashland, Ohio. (Ashland County Sheriff Office/Ashland Times-Gazette via AP, File)
The Latest: Bill Clinton, Netanyahu meet in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM (AP)  The Latest on funeral preparations and a nation in mourning at the death of Israel's ninth President, Shimon Peres (all times local):

9:45 p.m.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with former U.S. President Bill Clinton ahead of the funeral for former Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Members of the Knesset guard carry the coffin of former Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, in Jerusalem, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Peres died early Wednesday from complications from a stroke. He was 93. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Netanyahu said it was a warm meeting and that Clinton signed a guest book Thursday night. He did not elaborate.

Earlier in the day Clinton joined thousands of mourners paying respects outside Israel's parliament building in Jerusalem where Peres' casket lay in state.

Clinton is among dozens of world leaders and dignitaries attending Peres' funeral on Friday.

It is expected to be the largest such gathering in Israel since the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, assassinated by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.

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9:30 p.m.

President Barack Obama will be among the world leaders who will speak at the funeral for former Israeli President Shimon Peres.

The White House says Obama's speechwriters are working on his remarks. Obama departs Washington on Thursday afternoon, in time to be in Jerusalem by Friday morning for the funeral.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says the U.S. delegation will also include members of Congress from both political parties. U.S. national security officials also plan to attend. Rep. Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House, says he's traveling with Obama to the funeral.

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9:15 p.m.

Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza is urging Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to boycott the funeral of former Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri on Thursday said Abbas should "retract his decision to participate in the funeral of the criminal Shimon Peres."

Palestinians have been split since 2007 when Hamas gunmen ousted forces loyal to Palestinian president Abbas from Gaza in bloody street battles. Repeated attempts at reconciliation have failed.

A senior Palestinian official earlier confirmed Abbas is attending the ceremony on Friday.

He said Abbas wanted to "send a strong message to Israeli society that the Palestinians are for peace, and appreciate the efforts of peaceful men like Shimon Peres."

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8 p.m.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon remembers Shimon Peres as constant source of optimism and hope.

Speaking at a U.N. ceremony, sponsored by the Israeli mission to honor Peres' memory on Thursday, Ban said he would miss Peres' "clear-eyed perspective  of reaching across the table, of compromising with your neighbor, of finding common ground for the greater good."

U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power remembered Peres as "a believer in and a builder of peace."

"His vision of what was necessary to build peace was clear and unwavering; Israel's security, of course, which he did as much as anyone to strengthen, and Israel's diplomacy, of which he was a maestro," Power said in her remarks.

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5:15 p.m.

The office of Israel's Prime Minister says Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned Benjamin Netanyahu to express his condolences over the passing of former President Shimon Peres.

It said that Putin expressed his "great appreciation" for Peres in his call on Thursday. Putin told Netanyahu he views the friendship between Russia and Israel "with great importance," it said.

Putin's well wishes were among a large outpouring of condolences to Israel over Peres' passing this week of complications following a stroke.

Dozens of world leaders are flying to Israel to attend Peres' funeral in Jerusalem on Friday.

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4:45 p.m.

Jordan's King Abdullah II has sent his condolences to Israel over the passing of former President Shimon Peres.

A senior Jordanian minister, Jawad Anani, will represent Amman at the funeral on Friday.

The King wrote in a telegram to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Thursday that Peres' "contributions toward achieving peace and security in the region are more relevant than ever before."

The King said that "it is vital that the voices of reason prevail and the advocates of peace continue to lead the way."

Israel and neighboring Jordan signed a peace deal in 1994.

Peres' death on Wednesday was mostly greeted with official silence across the Arab world  in sharp contrast to the emotional tributes that poured in from the West.

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4:00 p.m.

When former Israeli President Shimon Peres is buried, a part of him will be left behind: his corneas.

Peres' personal physician and son-in-law Dr. Rafi Walden said Thursday that Peres signed an organ donor card.

Peres died early Wednesday of complications following a stroke. He was 93.

"At his age, other organs are not relevant for donation," Walden says.

Dvora Szerer, a spokeswoman for the National Transplant Center that manages organ donation in Israel, says older corneas are primarily used as temporary solutions in emergencies, or used in operations to treat glaucoma. In a statement, she wrote that Peres advocated organ donation when he served as Israel's president.

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3:17 p.m.

A senior Palestinian official says President Mahmoud Abbas has decided to attend Shimon Peres' funeral on Friday.

The official says Abbas will lead a delegation of top Palestinian officials, including his chief negotiator Saeb Erekat.

The official says Abbas wanted to "send a strong message to Israeli society that the Palestinians are for peace, and appreciate the efforts of peaceful men like Shimon Peres."

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment to the media.

__Mohammed Daraghmeh in Ramallah, West Bank

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1:25 p.m.

The son-in-law and personal physician of Shimon Peres says the former Israeli president left behind detailed plans for his funeral.

Dr. Rafi Walden says Peres requested that his three children speak, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin, a foreign dignitary and an Israeli cultural figure.

Walden said Thursday that Peres also requested local singer David D'or sing at his funeral. Walden predicted the song would be the prayer "Avinu Malkeinu," or "Our Father Our King."

Jews sing the prayer on the Day of Atonement, which falls this year in mid-October.

Peres loved the song. Barbra Streisand sang it to him at a gala marking his 90th birthday.

Peres died early Wednesday of complications following a stroke. He was 93. Thousands of people are expected to attend his funeral Friday in Jerusalem.

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1:00 p.m.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has joined thousands of mourners paying respects to the late Shimon Peres outside Israel's parliament building in Jerusalem.

Thousands of people were visiting the site on Thursday, where Peres' casket lay in state ahead of his funeral in Jerusalem on Friday.

Israeli police say 8,000 police officers have been deployed to maintain order during the mourning period.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Thursday that officers will also monitor social media for potential attackers.

Scores of foreign leaders, including President Barack Obama, are expected at the funeral Friday at Israel's national cemetery in Jerusalem.

It is expected to be the largest such gathering in Israel since the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, assassinated by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.

Peres died Wednesday from complications following a stroke. He was 93.

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12:55 p.m.

European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean Claude-Juncker have sent a letter of condolence to Israel's President Reuven Rivlin following the death of the country's ninth President Shimon Peres.

In their letter released Thursday, the two call Peres "a champion of peace" who forged "close ties of friendship and cooperation between Israel and other parts of the world, including Europe."

Peres died Wednesday following a stroke. He was 93.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, French President Francois Hollande and German President Joachim Gauck are among scores of world leaders, including U.S President Barack Obama, attending Peres' funeral Friday in Jerusalem.

Peres shared a Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for attempting to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since then, the peace process has collapsed. European leaders frequently criticize Israeli policies toward the Palestinians.

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10:50 a.m.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has landed in Tel Aviv to attend the funeral of Israel's ninth President Shimon Peres.

Peres died early Wednesday after suffering a stroke. He was 93.

Clinton and his wife, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, have said they lost "a true and treasured friend" in Peres.

Peres' office said Thursday Clinton will go directly to Israel's parliament. There, Israelis are lining up to pay their respects at Peres' casket, draped in an Israeli flag.

Clinton was president when Peres helped negotiate a historic interim peace agreement with the Palestinians in 1993. The following year, Peres shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Scores of world leaders are expected to attend Peres' funeral Friday in Jerusalem.

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10:30 a.m.

The foreign minister of Bahrain has issued a tribute to Israel's ninth President Shimon Peres, a rarity for an Arab leader.

Khalid al-Khalifa tweets Thursday, "Rest in peace President Shimon Peres, a man of war and a man of the still elusive peace in the Middle East."

Although Peres is hailed as a man of peace, Arab leaders have greeted his death mostly with silence. The hostility is colored by Peres' role in building his country's defense arsenal, supporting Israeli settlements in the West Bank and waging war in Lebanon.

Still, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has lauded Peres for reaching a "peace of the brave" with the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

Israel's foreign ministry says an adviser to Morocco's king will attend Peres' funeral.

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9:00 a.m.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin are laying wreaths on the casket of Shimon Peres in the plaza of Israel's parliament, the Knesset.

Peres died early Wednesday of complications following a stroke. He was 93.

His casket, draped in a blue and white Israeli flag, will remain at the Knesset throughout Thursday for Israelis to pay their respects.

Scores of world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, will attend the funeral Friday in Jerusalem.

Over his seven-decade political career, Peres held nearly every post in Israel's government, including two terms as prime minister. He transformed from a hawk to a Nobel Prize-winning advocate of reconciliation with Palestinians. As Israel's president, he cultivated admiration for his youthful optimism.

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8:45 a.m.

The body of Israel's ninth President Shimon Peres is lying in state in the plaza of the Knesset, Israel's parliament.

Peres died Wednesday from complications following a stroke. He was 93.

Israelis will pay their respects throughout Thursday.

President Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and French President Francois Hollande are among scores of world leaders who will attend the funeral in the country's national cemetery in Jerusalem Friday. It is expected to be the largest such gathering in Israel since the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, assassinated by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.
Afghan unity deal expires, but gridlocked government remains

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  Afghanistan's unity government is expected to remain in place despite the formal expiration on Thursday of the U.S.-brokered deal between two electoral rivals whose internal feuding has undermined efforts to battle the Taliban and stabilize the country.

The deal was negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in 2014 following elections in which Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory. The deal made Ghani president, and Abdullah reluctantly accepted the secondary role of chief executive.

It obliged the two to govern together for two years, during which time electoral reforms and electronic national identity cards would be introduced and parliamentary and district elections held. The deal also included the convening of a Loya Jirga  or grand council of community and religious leaders  to potentially approve the creation of a prime minister's post, which would be filled by Abdullah.

FILE - In this Friday, Aug. 8, 2014 file photo, Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah, from left, speaks, while another candidate Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai talks to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during a joint press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistans unity government is expected to remain in place despite the formal expiration on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 of the U.S.-brokered deal between two electoral rivals whose internal feuding has undermined efforts to battle the Taliban and stabilize the country. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul File)

None of the commitments have been met.

But during a visit to Kabul earlier this year, Kerry declared the unity government deal open-ended, despite it setting a 2015 deadline for parliamentary elections and specifying the Loya Jirga be held within two years.

In the two years since the deal was reached, the unity government has grappled with an increasingly potent Taliban insurgency as well as widespread corruption and economic malaise. Its failure to address those issues has been widely blamed on the internal rivalry. Ghani and Abdullah have vetoed each other's Cabinet choices and used delays in appointments as an excuse for not complying with the deal. By August, the two had not met one-on-one for three months.

But a recent threat by Abdullah and his backers to withdraw from the government appears to have forced Ghani to move forward with commitments under the deal. The president's spokesman, Haroon Chakhansuri, said Ghani has "finalized the election reform and taken practical steps to holding parliamentary and district council elections."

On Tuesday, Abdullah reassured a meeting of senior clerics that the government would not end just because elections haven't been held.

"The office of chief executive will continue to function with all its authority for the remainder of the government's term," Abdullah said. Three years remain of the government's five-year term.

Arranging elections, Loya Jirgas, or the distribution of national ID cards would take many months in poverty-stricken Afghanistan, where security after 15 years of war is deteriorating and many regions lack basic infrastructure. In past elections, ballot papers were delivered by donkeys to some rural areas so remote that they could not even be reached by helicopter.

Analyst Haroun Mir said he doubted the new talk of unity would translate into progress, and that the two men are likely to simply muddle through until the next presidential election.

"The two leaders have shown that they are not able to work together," he said. "Whereas we could and should be making progress in fighting corruption, improving the economy and security, the next three years will once again be concentrated on managing the political crisis."
Erdogan hints state of emergency can be extended to a year

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Turkey's president hinted on Thursday that the three-month state of emergency declared following the failed July 15 coup could be extended to over a year.

Addressing a group of local administrators in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed criticism over plans for Turkey to prolong the state of emergency, saying no one should determine a "calendar or roadmap" for Turkey.

"Wait, be patient. Even 12 months might not be enough," Erdogan said.

FILE - This is a Wednesday, July 20, 2016 file photo of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he speaks after an emergency meeting of the government in Ankara, Turkey. Erdogan hinted on Thursday Sept. 29, 2016 that the three-month state of emergency declared following the failed July 15 coup could be extended to over a year, a day after the national security council recommended it be extended for another three months.  (AP Photo/File)

His comments came a day after the national security council recommended that the state of emergency  which was instituted on July 20  should be extended for another three months.

The security council, made up by political and military leaders and chaired by Erdogan, said Wednesday an extension is needed in order "to take measures to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens."

Erdogan supported the move during Thursday's speech.

"This state needs time to be purged of these terrorist organizations' extensions. Right now we're racing against time. The matter is so deep and complicated it looks like three months will not be enough," he said.

The government accuses U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen of masterminding the coup. The state of emergency has allowed the government to pass legislation through decrees, facilitating a massive crackdown on his movement.

Turkey has arrested some 32,000 people in connection to the coup. Tens of thousands of people have been dismissed or suspended from government jobs including the police, military and judiciary.
Expert panel: Tokyo Olympics costs could top $30 billion

TOKYO (AP)  The price tag of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics could exceed 3 trillion yen ($30 billion) unless drastic cost-cutting measures are taken and several key venues are relocated, an expert panel warned Thursday in the latest blow to Japanese organizers.

"Naturally, anyone who hears these numbers is alarmed," panel leader Shinichi Ueyama said.

The Olympic investigation team was launched by newly elected Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike after she raised concerns about growing cost estimates and the potential burden on the city and its taxpayers.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike looks over a report during an expert panel at the Tokyo Metropolitan government office in Tokyo Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. The panel, launched by Koike raised concerns about ever-growing unofficial cost estimates and burden on the city and its taxpayers, warned that total cost for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic could exceed 3 trillion yen ($30 billion) unless they take drastic cost-cutting measures. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

The panel said the ballooning costs reflect an absence of leadership, as well as a lack of governance and awareness of cost control.

The report, submitted to Koike on Thursday, reviewed three out of seven permanent venues that Tokyo is planning to build, and proposed using existing locations rather than new facilities that could end up being white elephants. It proposed moving rowing and canoeing more than 400 kilometers (250 miles) outside the city, as well as finding new sites for swimming and volleyball.

Koike said she plans to discuss possible options with International Olympic Committee officials who are expected to visit Japan in the coming weeks.

"We cannot impose the negative legacy onto the Tokyo residents," Koike told reporters.

Preparations for Japan's first Summer Olympics since Tokyo hosted the 1964 Games have been plagued by a series of scandals and problems, including the new national stadium's high cost and design, and allegations of bribery in the bidding process.

Concerns over Tokyo's budget come amid growing global scrutiny over the costs of hosting the Olympics. Many cities have been scared off by the record $51 billion in overall costs associated with the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. Rome's bid for the 2024 Olympics was rejected last week by the new mayor, citing concerns over high costs.

The estimated 3 trillion yen cost of the Tokyo Games is more than a four-fold increase from the initial estimate at the time of the city's 's successful bid for the games in 2013.

Ueyama, a Keio University public policy professor, criticized Tokyo's Olympic organizers as irresponsible, comparing them to "a company without a president and a chief financial officer."

Tokyo organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori acknowledged in July 2015 that the total cost could exceed 2 trillion yen ($20 billion), doubling his unofficial estimate a year earlier.

Mori has said the original figures were the result of sloppy calculations which he blamed on the Tokyo metropolitan government and Japanese Olympic Committee.

On Thursday, Mori criticized the panel's proposals for venue moves, saying it would be difficult to change the existing plans approved by the IOC.

"At this point, it would be extremely difficult to turn everything upside down from the Japanese side," he said.

Tokyo has already implemented a series of venue changes which the IOC has said will save around $1 billion. Any further changes would require the approval of the IOC and relevant international sports federations.

The panel's report said venue costs had been driven up by overestimated stadium capacities, use of unnecessarily high-grade equipment and lack of a budget ceiling.

Plans for long-term use of big new permanent facilities are overly optimistic considering Japan's declining population and aging society, Ueyama said.

To cut costs, the report proposed moving the rowing and canoeing venue away from Tokyo and renovating existing facilities for two other sports.

The latest cost estimate for the rowing and canoeing venue stands at 49 billion yen ($490 million), seven times higher than the initial forecast. The current plan hopes to turn the venue, a former site of a garbage plant, into a "mecca" for the sport and attract 40,000 visitors, but the panel said that is overly optimistic in a country with only several hundred athletes in rowing and canoeing.

The panel proposed moving rowing and canoeing to Tome City, about 440 kilometers (270 miles)  or a three-hour train ride  northeast of Tokyo in the prefecture of Miyagi.

The report said a planned swimming venue with a capacity of 20,000 is way above the 12,000-seat requirement, and proposed renovating an existing Olympic-class facility in Tokyo's Tatsumi area. It urged seeking an existing venue for volleyball instead of building a new arena in Tokyo's Ariake coastal area.

Tokyo won the right to host the games in 2013 by promising a compact bid with 28 of the 31 competition venues within an eight-kilometer (5-mile) radius of the Olympic Village. Originally, only shooting, modern pentathlon and one football venue were to be outside the eight-kilometer radius.

Already, venues for basketball, taekwondo and cycling have been moved outside of Tokyo to maximize existing facilities. Cycling was moved to Izu, some 145 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of the capital.

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Follow Mari Yamaguchi at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

Find her work at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/mari-yamaguchi

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike, standing in center, speaks during an expert panel at the Tokyo Metropolitan government office in Tokyo Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. The panel, launched by Koike raised concerns about ever-growing unofficial cost estimates and burden on the city and its taxpayers, warned that total cost for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic could exceed 3 trillion yen ($30 billion) unless they take drastic cost-cutting measures. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
Teen's mother 'shocked and saddened' by school shooting

TOWNVILLE, S.C. (AP)  The mother of a teen accused of killing his father and wounding two students and a teacher at a rural South Carolina elementary school says his family is "shocked and saddened."

In a statement that Pastor James South provided to local media outlets, Tiffney Osborne says the family "cannot express the devastation we feel at the loss of our beloved Jeff."

Authorities said the shooting began Wednesday afternoon at the teen's house about 2 miles from rural Townville Elementary School, where he gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne.

A Townville Elementary student looks out of the window of a school bus as she and her classmates are transported to Oakdale Baptist Church, following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

Authorities have not released the suspect's name or age beyond saying he's a teen. South says Tiffney Osborne found out about the shooting through media reports. Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said earlier that she was at work at the time of the shooing.

Skipper said Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, "just took him down" and stopped the teen before he could get inside the school. The sheriff said the fire station is close to the school, and Brock arrived before other officers responding to the dispatch.

Brock has said he doesn't want attention for his actions.

He "wants to remain humble and quiet about it" as he believes "he did nothing any of the other volunteer firefighters wouldn't have done," said Scott Stoller with Anderson County Emergency Management.

Regardless, he said, "Firefighter Brock is absolutely a hero."

The teacher wounded in the shooting, Meghan Hollingsworth, also was reluctant to talk.

"We are not interested in giving interviews or answering questions of any kind," a sign posted on the front door of her home Thursday morning read.

"We ask that you respect our privacy," the note said, while expressing appreciation for those concerned about her.

Sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole said officers and forensic specialists were returning to the school Thursday morning to resume their investigation.

Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said the teen, crying and upset, called his grandmother's cellphone at 1:44 p.m. Wednesday, Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said. The grandparents couldn't understand what was going on, so they went to his home just 100 yards away. When they got there, they found Osborne dead and their grandson gone.

About one minute later, authorities received a 911 call from a teacher at the school in this rural town on the about 110 miles northeast of Atlanta near the Georgia-South Carolina border.

The shooter drove a truck into the school parking lot and immediately started firing as he got out and moved toward the school, Skipper said. He did not know who the truck the teen drove was registered to and declined to say how many shots were fired.

One student was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, sheriff's Capt. Garland Major said. Both students were male. The teacher was hit in the shoulder.

"We are heartbroken about this senseless act of violence," said Joanne Avery, school district superintendent. She canceled classes at the school for the rest of the week.

Television images showed officers swarming the school after the report of an active shooter. Some were on top of the roof while others were walking around the building. Students were driven away on buses accompanied by police officers to a nearby church.

Authorities said they don't yet know a motive for the shooting and they were not sure if the students and teacher were targeted. The sheriff said the teen had been homeschooled.

"There are no racial undertones there. There's no terrorism involved," Major said. "We're confident we have the sole shooter and no one else is involved."

One of the students and the teacher were released from the hospital Wednesday evening, AnMed Health spokeswoman Juana Slade said. Greenville Health System spokeswoman Sandy Dees said the other student, Jacob Hall, remained in critical condition.

The school surrounded by working farms has about 300 students in its pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade classrooms. About 90 percent of the students are white, according to state records.

"This is the country," Brandi Pierce, the mother of a sixth-grader, told The Associated Press as she began to cry. "You don't have this in the country."

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Associated Press writers Seanna Adcox, Jack Jones and Meg Kinnard contributed to this report from Columbia, South Carolina.

Korrie Bennett hugs Heather Bailey after recovering their children following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

A woman talks on the phone outside Townville Elementary after a shooting at the elementary school in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

A woman hugs a boy following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

A woman reacts following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

Lilly Chapman, 8, cries after being reunited with her father, John Chapman at Oakdale Baptist Church on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townville, S.C. Students were evacuated to the church following a shooting at Townville Elementary School. A teenager opened fire at a South Carolina elementary school on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)

Joey Taylor walks with his daughter Josie Taylor after picking her up at Oakdale Baptist Church on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townville, S.C. Students were evacuated to the church following a shooting at Townville Elementary School. A teenager opened fire at the South Carolina elementary school Wednesday. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)

In this frame from video provided by WYFF, law enforcement officers respond to reports of a shooting at Townville Elementary School in Townville, S.C., Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. (WYFF via AP)

Authorities speak as they respond to a report of a shooting at a South Carolina elementary school, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townsville, S.C. (Mike Ellis/Independent Mail via AP)

Members of law enforcement talk in front of Townville Elementary School on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townville, S.C. A teenager opened fire at the South Carolina elementary school Wednesday, wounding two students and a teacher before the suspect was taken into custody, authorities said. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)

Members of law enforcement investigate an area at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townville, S.C. A teenager opened fire at the South Carolina elementary school Wednesday, wounding two students and a teacher before the suspect was taken into custody, authorities said. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Pakistan today blamed 'cross-border fire' from India for the death of two of its soldiers in the disputed region of Kashmir as fears grow that the two old enemies may go to war again.

India and Pakistan have gone to war four times since they gained independence from Britain in 1947 and diplomats are concerned the situation in Kashmir may be the trigger for another conflict.

India said it had conducted 'surgical strikes' along the disputed border with Pakistan - known as the Line Of Control - in a bid to thwart attacks by those it claims are 'terrorists'.

The Indian army's director general of military operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh (pictured) told the media today it had targeted 'terrorist launchpads' in Kashmir

Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, which is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety.

Both countries have troops stationed on the strategic Siachen Glacier, which is so cold that soldiers are regularly warned not to fall asleep while on duty for fear of freezing to death.

Earlier this month 18 Indian soldiers were killed in an attack by Kashmiri rebels, who New Delhi suggests are supported by Pakistan.

Earlier this month Kashmiri 'terrorists' attacked this Indian Army base at Uri, killing 18 soldiers

India said the attack on the Uri army base was carried out by a Pakistan-based group called Jaish-e-Mohammed.

More than 80 people have been killed in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir since July, many of them civilians shot by the army.

India and Pakistan are both now believed to possess nuclear weapons, which makes the current tensions even more alarming.

Indian soldiers (left) and Pakistani troops (right) are both stationed on the Siachen Glacier, at the eastern end of the disputed border in Kashmir

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, India's director-general of military operations, said today it had carried out 'surgical strikes' on Wednesday night.

Pakistan's military said two of its soldiers had been killed by 'cross-border fire' and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned India's 'naked aggression'.

Lt Gen Singh said: 'Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control.'

He said they had 'very specific and credible' intelligence about 'terrorist launchpads' near the villages of Bhimber, Kel and Lipa.

India has a large military presence in Kashmir, which has a Muslim majority. Many Kashmiris want to be independent or part of Pakistan

Lt Gen Singh said: 'Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

'The operations aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since ceased.'

He said the operation was designed to stop those who planned 'to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country'.

Lt Gen Singh said: 'The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country.'

India's Prime Minister Narenda Modi (left) and Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (right) are seen meeting in 2014 but since then tensions have grown markedly

But Pakistan reacted angrily. A statement by the military read: 'There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India.

'As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops.

'The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists' bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by Indian to create false effects.

'This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth.'

Kashmiri demonstrators hurl stones at an Indian police vehicle during a protest in Srinagar last month

On Tuesday India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced he would not attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit in Islamabad in November, a major snub to Pakistan.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since they gained independence in 1947.

The Indian-controlled part has a Muslim majority and there are a number of armed separatist groups who are fighting to break free from New Delhi.

China said this week it hoped 'Pakistan and India will strengthen channels for dialogue, appropriately handle any differences, improve bilateral relations and together protect the region's piece and stability' but it is widely believed to be backing Pakistan.
Afghan president, insurgent warlord sign peace agreement

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed a peace treaty with a notorious warlord on Thursday, pledging to lobby the U.S. and the United Nations to remove him and his party from terrorist blacklists.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar signed the agreement via a video link into Kabul's presidential palace. The ceremony was broadcast live on television.

It is the first peace treaty the Afghan government has completed since the war with the Taliban began in 2001.

It has been welcomed by the international community as a possible template for any future peace deal with the Taliban, who have been fighting to overthrow the Kabul government for 15 years.

Once international sanctions are lifted, Hekmatyar is expected to return to Afghanistan after 20 years in exile. He is believed to be in Pakistan.

The head of his delegation in Kabul, Amin Karim, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he believes the sanctions could be lifted within weeks.

A U.S. official said Washington would "seriously consider" any request from the Afghan government to lift sanctions on Hekmatyar and his party.

"If the (U.N.) Security Council deems sanctions imposed on certain individuals to be outdated and no longer in the interests of Afghan peace and stability, then we will need to reconsider these measures," he said.

Hekmatyar's party, Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin, is listed by the United Nations as a foreign terrorist organization. Hekmatyar himself was designated by the U.S. as a "global terrorist" in 2003.

He is widely disliked and distrusted by ordinary Afghans for his past extremism, including his support for al-Qaida, and for carrying out sustained rocket attacks on Kabul during the 1990s civil war that are believed to have killed thousands of people.

Human Right Watch, the New York-based watchdog, last week branded Hekmatyar "one of Afghanistan's most notorious war crimes suspects" and said his return would "compound a culture of impunity" that has denied justice to the many Afghan victims of violence from warlords.

The 25-point peace agreement gives Hekmatyar and his followers immunity for past actions, and grants them full political rights.

In a speech greeted with chants of "Long Live Hekmatyar" from his supporters, who had gathered in the presidential palace, he called on the Afghan government to start peace talks with the Taliban.

Ghani, who has said the deal with Hezb-i-Islami should be an example to the Taliban, said that "now is the time for the Taliban to decide whether they want to continue the war, or participate in peace talks."
Obama saw override coming, but still it stung

WASHINGTON (AP)  The White House saw it coming, but still it stung.

When President Barack Obama was hit with the first veto override of his two terms, it was a clear reminder of his dwindling political influence, years of confounding relationships with Congress and shaky prospects for the few legislative priorities he has left.

The fiercely competitive president has said he intends to keep working with Congress until the final buzzer sounds in January, but it's not clear how much juice he'll have left.

This frame grab from video provided by C-SPAN2, shows the floor of the Senate on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, as the Senate acted decisively to override President Barack Obama's veto of Sept. 11 legislation. The White House saw it coming, but still it stung. When President Barack Obama was hit with the first veto override of his presidency on Wednesday, it landed as a clear reminder of his dwindling political influence, years of confounding relationships with Congress and shaky prospects for the few legislative priorities he has left (C-SPAN2 via AP)

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada was the only one among 44 Democrats in the Senate to stand by Obama in upholding his veto of a piece of Sept. 11 legislation.

Every Republican voted on Wednesday to override.

The Republican-led House followed suit, eagerly exceeding the two-thirds threshold necessary to push the legislation into law over the president's objections. Several lawmakers acknowledged they had problems with the bill, but charged ahead anyway.

On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said lawmakers should consider fixing the measure and that the White House was slow to raise concerns.

No modern president has made it through two full terms without Congress overriding at least one of his vetoes. Obama's record measures up well compared with his two immediate predecessors. George W. Bush had four and Bill Clinton two.

When a reporter noted that the 97-1 vote was the widest margin for an override vote since 1983, White House spokesman Josh Earnest retorted: "I would venture to say that this is the single most embarrassing thing that the United States Senate has done, possibly, since 1983."

Obama delivered a more measured, but still harsh, assessment.

"It was basically a political vote," Obama told CNN, not sparing Democrats from his critique. "Sometimes you have to do what's hard. And, frankly, I wish Congress here had done what's hard. ... But I didn't expect it."

The long-stalled bill, which allows the families of Sept. 11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia for the kingdom's alleged backing of the attackers, has long flown under the radar. The measure was kept alive by a committed group of families, despite firm opposition from the Saudi government and many in the national security establishment.

The Senate passed the bill in May and the House followed on Sept. 9, two days before the 15th anniversary of the 2001 attacks and a little more than a week before two new bombing plots in the New York and New Jersey area.

Lawmakers found themselves faced with the choice of siding with Saudi Arabia or the sympathetic and organized group of Sept. 11 families. They overwhelmingly sided with the families.

Doing so meant ignoring warnings from a president whose popularity has only inched up as he nears his term. It also meant rebuffing national security officials, who argued that the legislation will set a dangerous precedent that could endanger military personnel and diplomats serving overseas.

Democrats said the override votes weren't personal. Some did revive an oft-repeated complaint about Obama's approach to dealing with Congress. Lawmakers and aides described the White House lobbying effort as insufficient and noted it seemed to miscalculate support for the bill in the House.

Although several Democrats and Republicans publicly acknowledged problems with the legislation, the White House appeared unwilling or unable to broker changes.

"This whole thing just kind of continued on with no real involvement as if somehow through osmosis this thing was going to die of its own weight," said Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. He outlined his "tremendous reservations" with the legislation, but voted to override Obama's veto anyway.

McConnell, R-Ky., blamed the White House, saying it was too slow to warn about the "potential consequences" of the measure.

The White House dismissed cited what it said was the knotted logic of lawmakers blaming the president for failing to stop legislation he opposed and they supported. White House officials said they did their best to lobby against the measure, but also saw the politics clearly and early, leaving little hope for persuading lawmakers to take a tough vote in an election year.

Obama has much higher hopes for persuading them to take a tough vote after the election. His top priority of the postelection congressional session is the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal, a legacy-making agreement that has taken a beating amid campaign-year complaints about globalization. The deal needs support from both Democrats and Republicans to pass.

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Clinton vows to retaliate against foreign hackers

WASHINGTON (AP)  Hillary Clinton is vowing anew to respond to foreign hacking the same as any other attack against the United States. When she openly blamed Russia for recent U.S. cyber break-ins, Donald Trump wondered whether to blame overseas governments or overweight hackers working from home.

"She's saying Russia, Russia, Russia, but I don't  maybe it was. I mean, it could be Russia, but it could also be China," Trump said during this week's presidential debate. "It could also be lots of other people. It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, OK?"

These are the unanswered questions about how the U.S. government should defend itself after an attack in the internet age: Whether to fire back, how to fire back, and at whom? The Obama administration is still writing its rulebook.

In this Sept. 26, 2016, photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton answers a question during the presidential debate with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Clinton has vowed to respond to foreign hacking the same as any other attack against the United States. Shes openly blamed Russia for recent U.S. cyber break-ins while Donald Trump wondered if overseas governments or overweight hackers at home were responsible. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A lingering challenge involves identifying whose hands were on the keyboard: Foreign hacker spies, cybercriminals, disgruntled insiders or bored teenagers? Skilled hackers can cover their tracks, use software tools traceable to others and feign their location across borders or continents.

On Wednesday, Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., said during a congressional hearing that it was "now the clear consensus of the intelligence community that the Russian government was behind the hack of the Democratic National Committee and not, as some suggested, somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds."

The White House has not officially declared Russia responsible and it's unclear whether or when it might, since blaming Russia  with whom the U.S. is locked in a bitter dispute over fighting in Syria  would probably require plans for a response.

Clinton has raised eyebrows among some cybersecurity experts with her hawkish language on the campaign trail about retaliating with political, economic or even military means. Her aggressive policy proposal is especially notable since the State Department, which she led during President Barack Obama's first term, traditionally has a vested interest in avoiding overt conflict since it might complicate diplomatic efforts.

"We're going to have to make it clear that we don't want to use the kinds of tools that we have. We don't want to engage in a different kind of warfare. But we will defend the citizens of this country," Clinton said during the presidential debate, when asked how she would respond to cyberattacks.

For the first time, cybersecurity led the national security portion of the presidential debate, demonstrating its political stakes and the fact that the next president will shape 21st century cyberwarfare policies, setting rules about how the U.S. responds to foreign hackers.

Trump has not released an official position on cybersecurity. Clinton tackles the issue in one-and-a-half pages of her 288-page campaign book. At the debate Trump mentioned "the cyber" without detailing specifics.

"We should be better than anybody else, and perhaps we're not," Trump said. "The security aspect of cyber is very, very tough. And maybe it's hardly doable."

The high-profile discussion came amid a presidential race that has been punctuated by hacks that cybersecurity firms, Democrats and the Clinton campaign have pinned on Russia, as well as multiple security breaches and data leaks. The White House is grappling over how to respond to hacking that some lawmakers have said is attempting to undermine voter confidence in the election.

"We're in the process now, really the very early stages of developing those norms by virtue of the types of attacks we're seeing," said Matt Olsen, a former general counsel for the National Security Agency.

Olsen said responding is a challenge: "How do you know who's responsible for the attack (and) to what extent are the cyber actors even susceptible to the normal responses like economic or diplomatic pressure?"

Clinton's cybersecurity stance tracks with work she started while at the State Department. Even back in 2010, she said countries or individuals who hack "should face consequences and international condemnation" and that "an attack on one nation's networks can be an attack on all." In the State Department, she created the Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues to deal with global diplomacy and cyber rules.

"There was no other office in the world like mine when it was created five years ago," said Christopher Painter, who's served as the office's coordinator since its inception. "Now we have 25 counterparts around the world and more on the way. That really indicates something that was a huge priority in foreign policy."

But Clinton is hardly a technology expert herself, once struggling with how to operate a fax machine or connect a new iPad to Wi-Fi. And her cybersecurity record at the State Department is spotty. The FBI said there was no evidence her private email server in her home's basement was hacked, but agents concluded that it was possible that hackers broke into her personal email account. At the end of her term as secretary, Clinton left behind an agency with one of the lowest scores in government for its compliance with a federal information security law.

Many of the most noteworthy cyberattacks  and the administration's policy for dealing with them  occurred after Clinton left the State Department. The Obama administration has in recent years adopted a "name and shame" policy for state-sponsored hackers. It criminally charged five Chinese military officials with stealing secrets from nuclear power and solar companies and Iranian hackers with attacks on financial institutions and a small New York dam. In 2014, the U.S. publicly accused North Korea of hacking Sony Pictures and placed sanctions on the already isolated nation.

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Alabama chief justice waits for judgment day on keeping job

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore  famously removed from office 13 years ago for refusing to remove a Ten Commandments display  appeared before a judicial disciplinary panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he urged defiance of the federal courts again: This time on gay marriage.

The state's Judicial Inquiry Commission is seeking Moore's removal from the bench, arguing that in January he directed, or at least encouraged, the state's probate judges to refuse marriage licenses to gay couples.

"We are here 13 years later because the Chief Justice learned nothing from his first removal. He continues to defy the law," said John Carroll, a lawyer representing the Judicial Inquiry Commission, told the panel.

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore testifies during his ethics trial before the Alabama Court of the Judiciary at the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016. He is accused of encouraging judges to defy the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage. (Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via AP, Pool)

Carroll said Moore urged 68 probate judges to defy both what the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled on gay marriage and a federal judge's direct order to probate judges to stop enforcing Alabama's gay marriage ban.

Moore, taking the stand in his own defense, dismissed the accusation as "ridiculous."

"It would be against the principles that I hold dear to tell anyone to defy a court order," Moore, 69, said.

The outspoken Republican jurist now waits for his judgment day. The nine-member court has 10 days to rule. The chief judge, Michael Joiner, said the court would return its decision "as soon as possible."

It is not an unfamiliar place for Moore. The same panel removed Moore in 2003 after he refused to obey a federal court order to remove a 5,200-pound Ten Commandment monument from the state judicial building. He was re-elected to the bench in 2012, a victory he described as a vindication.

Moore's supporters gave him a loud ovation when he entered the ornate courtroom where he normally presides as the state's top judge.

In the five-hour hearing Wednesday, Moore was alternately portrayed as a politician on a mission to block gay couples from marrying in Alabama or a judge who was merely trying to answer questions from confused probate judges.

Alabama had been in a twisting legal battle over gay marriage that one lawyer dubbed a "game of constitutional chicken." Gay couples began marrying in some parts of Alabama after a federal judge ruled the state's same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional in January of 2015. The weddings came to an abrupt halt when the Alabama Supreme Court in March of 2015 ordered probate judges to continue enforcing the ban.

The U.S. Supreme Court in June of 2015 ruled gay and lesbian couples had a fundamental right to marry and U.S. District Judge Callie Granade ordered that she was permanently barring Alabama probate judge from enforcing Alabama's gay marriage ban.

The accusations against Moore center around a Jan. 6, 2016, administrative order he sent probate judges saying the order to refuse the licenses remained in "full force and effect."

Moore said he was only correctly noted that the Alabama Supreme Court hadn't yet ruled on what to do in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision.

"I gave them a status in the case, a status of the facts that these orders exist. That is all I did," Moore said.

But another lawyer for the commission, R. Ashby Pate, argued by that point it was "game over" and that Moore was trying to muddy what was a settled issue.

"His order sowed confusion. It did not clear it up. He urged defiance, not compliance," Pate said.

Moore stands accused during a season of political upheaval in Alabama. The house speaker was removed from office this summer for criminal ethics violations, and a legislative committee will decide if evidence supports impeaching Gov. Robert Bentley after he was accused of having an affair with a top staffer.

The 2016 proceeding took on much of the flavor of Moore's 2003 removal as Moore stood by his actions and demonstrators filled the courthouse steps.

Rainbow flags decorated one side of the courthouse steps while Moore's supporters blared Christian music and waved "Judge Moore is Right" signs.

"The truth is homosexuality is wrong," said Donna Holman, who traveled 12 hours from Iowa to support Moore.

Kim McKeand and Cari Searcy, the lesbian couple whose suit led to a federal judge declaring Alabama's gay marriage ban unconstitutional, told reporters that Moore seemed to be on a personal mission to block marriage equality in Alabama ever since the ruling in their case.

"Something happened that I didn't expect. There was a tide of love that rolled through Alabama and people were standing up and saying, 'No. This is my state too,'" Searcy said.

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore gets a standing ovation from supporters as he arrives for his ethics trial before the Alabama Court of the Judiciary at the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016. (Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via AP, Pool)

Embattled Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, top right, testifies during his ethics trial before the Alabama Court of the Judiciary at the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016. (Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via AP, Pool)

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, right, answers questions from his attorney Philip Jauregui during his ethics trial before the Alabama Court of the Judiciary at the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016. He is accused of encouraging judges to defy the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage. (Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via AP, Pool)

Audrey Egbert holds a sign in support of Roy Moore during the ethics trial of the Alabama Chief Justice on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Montgomery, Ala. Moore appeared before a judicial discipline panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he tried to block gay couples from marrying in the Deep South state. (Albert Cesare /The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Lisa Spencer holds a sign in support of Roy Moore during the ethics trial of the Alabama Chief Justice on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Montgomery, Ala. Moore appeared before a judicial discipline panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he tried to block gay couples from marrying in the Deep South state. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

From left, Aliana Xuereb, Megan Hughes, Madison Faile, Junea Childers and Jessica Dent hold a rainbow flag during the ethics trial of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Montgomery, Ala. Moore appeared before a judicial discipline panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he tried to block gay couples from marrying in the Deep South state. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Noami Grace Thomas, left, and Grace Nelson hold a sign in support of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore during his ethics trial on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Montgomery, Ala. Moore appeared before a judicial discipline panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he tried to block gay couples from marrying in the Deep South state. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

From left, Yancy Benson, Gil Mobley and Fernando Salcido walk the street while protesting Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore during his ethics trial on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Montgomery, Ala. Moore appeared before a judicial discipline panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he tried to block gay couples from marrying in the Deep South state. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Gil Mobley, of Birmingham ,marches with the Magic City Sisters as they gather during the trial of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016, at the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery, Ala. Moore appeared before a judicial discipline panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he tried to block gay couples from marrying in the Deep South state. (Julie Bennett/AL.com via AP)

William Nelson, left, of Double Springs, holds a sign while sitting amongst demonstrators during the trial of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016, at the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery, Ala. Moore appeared before a judicial discipline panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he tried to block gay couples from marrying in the Deep South state. (Julie Bennett/AL.com via AP)

Robert Dodge, of Muscle Shoals, marches with the Magic City Sisters as they gather during the trial of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016, at the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery, Ala. Moore appeared before a judicial discipline panel Wednesday to answer accusations that he tried to block gay couples from marrying in the Deep South state. (Julie Bennett /AL.com via AP)
Disbarred lawyer pleads guilty in kidnap once called a hoax

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  A disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney is trying to avoid a life prison sentence with a plea bargain in a kidnapping so elaborate and bizarre that police in California initially dismissed it as a hoax.

Matthew Muller pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Sacramento, acknowledging he used computer-generated voices, blackened swim goggles, liquid sleeping medication and numerous props in the abduction of Denise Huskins last year from the Vallejo home she shared with boyfriend Aaron Quinn.

Under the plea deal, federal prosecutors agreed to seek no more than 40 years in prison, but Muller's attorney, Thomas Johnson, said he fears U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley will impose a life term when Muller is sentenced on Jan. 19.

Lawyer Anthony Douglas Rappaport speaks at a news conference with his clients, Denise Huskins and her boyfriend Aaron Quinn, right, in San Francisco, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Matthew Muller, a disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney pleaded guilty Thursday to kidnapping Huskins in a bizarre case that police in California initially dismissed as a hoax. (AP Photo/Sudhin Thanawala)

"We're trying to find a way to get Mr. Muller to be rehabilitated and allow him to return and lead a productive life," Johnson said in an interview outside the courtroom. "I think that Mr. Muller has tremendous potential. ... There was another side of Mr. Muller that was the side that allowed him to commit these crimes."

Johnson said the 39-year-old Muller has been diagnosed as manic and depressive.

During the kidnapping Muller put blackened swim goggles over the eyes of Huskins and Quinn and headphones over their ears to play a recorded warning that Huskins' face would be cut or she would be hurt with an electric shock if they didn't comply, according to court documents.

In addition, authorities found that Muller had made a computer recording designed to simulate people whispering in an apparent attempt to make it seem as though he had accomplices.

Huskins and Quinn remain convinced that there were other people involved, Quinn's mother, Marianne Quinn, said outside court.

She also criticized Vallejo police for botching the initial investigation and said Muller's mental illness isn't an excuse for what happened.

"He also is a psychopath," she said.

The kidnapping drew comparisons to the movie "Gone Girl," in which a woman goes missing and then lies about being kidnapped when she reappears.

Investigators dropped their theory that it was a hoax when Muller was later arrested in an attempted robbery at another San Francisco Bay Area home. Authorities said they found a cellphone that they traced to Muller, and a subsequent search of a car and home turned up evidence, including a computer Muller stole from Quinn, that linked him to the abduction.

Muller held Huskins in South Lake Tahoe and sent an email to a newspaper reporter with an audio file of her voice as proof she was alive, prosecutors said. Another email contained pictures of items used in the kidnapping, including a black spray-painted water pistol with a flashlight and laser pen attached.

Federal prosecutors said Thursday that Muller sought $8,500 from two separate accounts, for a total of just $17,000 that was never paid.

Huskins turned up safe two days later and 400 miles away in her hometown of Huntington Beach, where she says she was dropped off.

Muller told a reporter in a jailhouse interview after his arrest that Huskins' kidnapping was not random, according to his plea agreement. The agreement did not elaborate, and Johnson and prosecutors did not disclose a possible motive.

"Muller committed a serious and violent crime that terrorized the victims in this case," Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said in a statement after Muller's guilty plea.

Huskins and Quinn appeared later Thursday at a news conference in San Francisco. One of their attorneys, Douglas Rappaport, said his clients were happy that they didn't have to "publicly relive the humiliation and shame they went through" by testifying at a trial.

Rappaport also called on Nunley to sentence Muller to life behind bars.

"This is not a man whose fancy law degree or background should give him a pass," he said.

Muller was admitted to practice law in California in 2011, and his state bar profile says he attended Harvard Law School.

He lost his law license last year over allegations that he took a $1,250 advance from a client then failed to file a green card application for the person's son.

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Thanawala reported from San Francisco.

FILE - This undated file photo released by the Vallejo Police Department shows Denise Huskins. Matthew Muller, a disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney, was set to plead guilty in a kidnapping case in California that police initially dismissed as a hoax, the U.S. Attorney's office said Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. Muller was expected to enter a new plea on Thursday, said Lauren Horwood, a spokeswoman for the office in Sacramento. Muller previously pleaded not guilty to a kidnapping charge that prosecutors say stemmed from his abduction of Huskins from her Vallejo home in March 2015. (Vallejo Police Department via AP)
Family of slain black man wants police to release full video

EL CAJON, Calif. (AP)  Angry protests flared again Thursday night after a family attorney charged that an unarmed black man was unjustly killed by San Diego police, and that officials were trying to sway public opinion by only releasing a single, favorable frame from video of the shooting.

Earlier in the day, Alfred Olango's family gathered with lawyers and religious leaders and urged people to continue demonstrating but implored them to do it peacefully to honor his memory.

Olango's anguished mother said her son was a good, joyful man who suffered a "mental breakdown" over the recent death of his best friend and needed compassion when police encountered him. Pamela Benge said her family had escaped strife-torn Uganda to come to the U.S. for safety and she asked why police didn't just shock her son with a stun gun or shoot him in the leg.

Pamela Benge, center, spoke of her son, Alfred Olango, at a press conference on Thursday Sept. 29, 2016, in San Diego, Calif., to address the killing of Olango, a Ugandan refugee shot by an El Cajon police officer on Tuesday. In an emotional appearance before reporters, Benge said her son Alfred was joyful and loving and was not mentally ill. (AP Photo/Don Boomer)

"He needed someone who was going to calm him down and then take care of the situation," she said, her voice thick with emotion and dark glasses covering her eyes. "Not to come and just finish his life."

Olango's sister had called police three times Tuesday to report that he was sick, "not acting like himself," and was walking in traffic. It took officers more than an hour to respond. Once they arrived, the shooting took place within about a minute.

Later, fewer but more violent protesters were in the streets for Thursday's third night of demonstrations.

Between 50 and 75 people marched through streets and blocked intersections until police used pepper-spray balls to break them up.

Some got into fights with drivers who were angry over blocked traffic, at times breaking car windows and in one case pushing a man off his motorcycle, police said. Some threw bottles at police.

Two men, ages 19 and 28, were arrested for failing to end an unlawful assembly, police said.

Authorities released a still frame from a bystander's video that showed the 38-year-old Olango with his hands together at chest level and pointed at an officer directly in front of him. Police Chief Jeff Davis said Olango refused to obey orders to remove a hand from his pants pocket and was shot after he swiftly drew an object from his front pocket and pointed at the officer in a "shooting stance."

The object turned out to be a 4-inch electronic cigarette, known as a vape pen.

A lawyer representing Olango's family said at a news conference that authorities were misinforming the public by only showing a single image from the video that supports the El Cajon Police Department's version of events.

"It's a wonderful way if you're litigating a case in the media," attorney Dan Gilleon said. "It fits a perfect narrative for them."

Family representatives demanded that the full video be shown.

The El Cajon mayor defended the decision to release the single frame, saying it accurately represented the situation the two officers faced.

"I thought it was way too incendiary to not release something," Mayor Bill Wells said.

Wells said he reached that decision with the police chief and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis to release the image to counter reports from people saying Olango had his hands in the air and was begging not to be shot. Wells said the video footage did not show either of those things.

Wells said he met with leaders of the black community Thursday who told him releasing the video immediately could help prevent violence. Wells said he wants to talk to the district attorney to discuss why the video should not be released immediately.

The San Diego district attorney's office, which controls when videos of officer-involved shootings are released, said there is no time frame for when it will release the video.

The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where violent protests broke out.

Police in both those cities have released videos of the shootings. A Tulsa officer was charged with manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a motorist.

Olango arrived as a refugee in 1991 and was twice ordered deported because of a 2001 conviction for selling cocaine, U.S. immigration authorities said.

But he was released from detention after his native Uganda refused to take him. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling bars detention of foreign nationals after six months if deportation is unlikely.

Immigration authorities took Olango into custody in 2009 after he served nearly four years for a federal firearms conviction in Colorado but were again unable to obtain travel documents.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Olango stopped reporting to officers in February 2015. Spokeswoman Virginia Kice did not know if officers tried to find him after that.

Olango's mother said the family came to the U.S. as refugees and she just wanted them to have a better, safer life.

"I wanted the children not to be running around, being in fear every night, sleeping in the bush," she said. "I thought a lovely, nice country like this would protect us."

She said she had grieved and prayed for other parents who had lost children in recent shootings by police in the U.S., but "didn't know that the next time it would be me." She now understands their suffering.

"There is nothing as painful," she said as family members stood nearby wiping tears from their eyes. "It is so much that you cannot swallow it. You try to swallow it, but the pain overweighs you. It is so bitter."

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Melley reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Amy Taxin, Elliot Spagat, Andrew Dalton and John Antczak contributed to this report.

In this Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 frame from video provided by the El Cajon Police Department, a man, second from left, faces police officers in El Cajon, Calif. The man reportedly acting erratically at a strip mall in suburban San Diego was shot and killed by police after pulling an object from his pocket, pointing it at officers and assuming a "shooting stance," authorities said. Some protesters claimed the man was shot with his hands raised, but police disputed that and produced the frame from cellphone video taken by a witness that appeared to show the man in the "shooting stance" as two officers approached with weapons drawn. (El Cajon Police Department via AP)

Demonstrators yell at police during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of Alfred Olango, a Ugandan refugee shot by an officer after authorities said he pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Julie Watson)

This undated cellphone photo released by Dan Gilleon, the attorney for the family of Alfred Olango, shows Alfred Olango, the Ugandan refugee killed Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. The fatal police shooting of Olango, who drew something from his pocket and extended his hands in a "shooting stance" happened about a minute after officers in a San Diego suburb arrived at the scene where a mentally unstable man was reportedly walking in traffic, a police spokesman said Wednesday. (Olango Family via AP)

A man covers his eyes with police tape during a protest, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A police officer talks with a man during a protest Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. Dozens of demonstrators on Wednesday protested the killing of a black man shot by an officer after authorities said the man pulled an object from a pocket, pointed it and assumed a "shooting stance." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
75,000 could starve to death in Nigeria after Boko Haram: UN

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  As many as 75,000 children will die over the next year in famine-like conditions created by Boko Haram if donors don't respond quickly, the U.N. Children's Fund is warning. That's far more than the 20,000 people killed in the seven-year Islamic uprising.

The severity of malnutrition levels and high number of children facing death make the humanitarian crisis confronting northeastern Nigeria perhaps the worst in the world, according to Arjan de Wagt, nutrition chief for UNICEF in Nigeria. He said children already are dying but donors are not responding.

Most severely malnourished children die of secondary illnesses like diarrhea and respiratory infections, de Wagt told The Associated Press. "But with famine, you actually die of hunger," and that is what is happening, he said.

FILE- In this Monday, Aug. 29, 2016 file photo, a doctor feeds a malnourished child at a feeding centre run by Doctors Without Borders in Maiduguri, Nigeria. As many as 75,000 children will die over the next year in famine-like conditions created by Boko Haram if donors dont respond quickly, the U.N. Childrens Fund is warning. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File)

Severe malnutrition is being found in 20, 30 and even 50 percent of children in pockets of the region, he said.

"Globally, you just don't see this. You have to go back to places like Somalia five years ago to see these kinds of levels," de Wagt said. Nearly 260,000 people died in Somalia between 2010 and 2012 from severe drought aggravated by war. At the time, the United Nations said aid needed to be provided more quickly.

UNICEF on Thursday doubled the amount of its appeal for Nigeria, saying $115 million is needed to save children whose "lives are literally hanging by a thread." Only $24 million has been raised so far, the agency said.

The lack of money has meant some 750,000 people living in accessible areas could not be helped this year, spokeswoman Doune Porter told the AP.

Most of the estimated 2.6 million people who fled Boko Haram's insurgency are subsistence farmers who have been unable to plant for two years or more.

Several thousand people returned this month from refugee camps to towns being secured by Nigeria's military, but it's too late to plant as the rainy season draws to an end. Meanwhile, Boko Haram still attacks outside urban areas.

Of 4 million people in desperate need of food are about 2.2 million people trapped in areas where Boko Haram is operating or in newly liberated areas that still are too dangerous to reach by road, de Wagt said. Among them, 65,000 are living in famine-like conditions.

The crisis has reached "catastrophic levels" for people who have sought refuge in towns controlled by the military but who are "entirely reliant on outside aid that does not reach them," aid group Doctors Without Borders said Wednesday.

"Many families are only able to eat once every few days and usually only watered-down porridge," said Oxfam aid group spokeswoman Christina Corbett. "They are going to bed hungry and waking up with no way to change that."

UNICEF limited its outreach to the region after Boko Haram fighters attacked a military-escorted humanitarian convoy in July, wounding a UNICEF worker and others when a rocket hit an armored car.

But de Wagt said the agency continues to deliver some therapeutic food by helicopter and to train local health workers to treat malnourished children living in dangerous areas.

Doctors Without Borders, also known by the French acronym MSF, said the highest levels of starving children are in camps in Maiduguri, the northeastern city free of conflict where aid workers have been active for two years.

"The mortality rate is five times higher than what is considered an emergency, with the main cause being hunger," it said in its statement.

The Associated Press has reported recent allegations by displaced people and aid workers that food aid is being stolen in Maiduguri. Nigeria's government has said it would investigate.

MSF said Nigerian authorities are responsible for ensuring aid is delivered and described the overall aid response as "massively insufficient, uncoordinated and ill-adapted."

Muhammad Kanar, the area coordinator for Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency, denied there is even one case of malnutrition in Maiduguri. Some officials from his agency, which manages the camps, are among several accused of stealing food aid.

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Associated Press writer Haruna Umar contributed to this report from Maiduguri, Nigeria.

FILE- In this Monday, Aug. 29, 2016, file photo, a doctor examine a malnourished child at a clinic run by Doctors Without Borders in Maiduguri, Nigeria. As many as 75,000 children will die over the next year in famine-like conditions created by Boko Haram if donors dont respond quickly, the U.N. Childrens Fund is warning. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File)

FILE- In this Monday, Aug. 29, 2016, file photo, a mother feeds her malnourished child at a feeding centre run by Doctors Without Borders in Maiduguri, Nigeria. As many as 75,000 children will die over the next year in famine-like conditions created by Boko Haram if donors dont respond quickly, the U.N. Childrens Fund is warning. ( AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File)
Amnesty alleges Sudan army used chemical weapons in Darfur

CAIRO (AP)  Amnesty International accused the Sudanese military on Thursday of using chemical weapons against civilians, including very young children, in one of the most remote corners of the Darfur region over the past eight months.

The Britain-based Human rights group said it had gathered "horrific evidence" including satellite imagery, more than 200 in-depth interviews with survivors, and expert analysis of dozens of images in an investigation that suggests at least 30 chemical attacks took place in the Jebel Marra area.

"The scale and brutality of these attacks is hard to put into words," said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty's director of crisis research. "The images and videos we have seen in the course of our research are truly shocking. In one, a young child is screaming with pain before dying; many photos show young children covered in lesions and blisters. Some were unable to breath and vomiting blood."

Amnesty estimates that the chemical weapon use it documented may have killed some 200 to 250 people, with many or most being children.

Darfur has been witness to bloodshed since 2003, when rebels took up arms against the government in Khartoum, accusing it of discrimination and neglect. The U.N. estimates 300,000 people have died in the conflict and 2.7 million have fled their homes.

A recent United Nations report, seen Tuesday by The Associated Press, says the Sudanese government continues to violate sanctions imposed by the Security Council over their actions in Darfur.

The report reported violations of the arms embargo, the use of cluster bombs by the Sudanese government and the illegal transfer of intrusion software with electronic intelligence capability among other things. It also documented numerous human rights violations attributable to the government and the financing of armed groups within the country which act as proxy forces.

Sudan's leader, Omar al-Bashir, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged atrocities in Darfur. The court issued an arrest warrant for al-Bashir in 2009 for crimes against humanity and war crimes and added genocide to the charges against him in 2010.

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Kierra Spriggs was given a 33-month prison sentence for child abuse after investigators discovered she ran a 'baby fight club' at her Virginia daycare

A former Virginia daycare worker whose horrific child abuse was likened to a 'baby fight club' faces nearly three years behind bars - the maximum term a judge could impose.

In a campaign of cruelty, Kierra Spriggs would regularly step on the toes of two-year-old children in her care, douse them with water, snap rubber bands on their wrists, feed them Flamin' Hot Cheetos and make them fight each other.

A report filed by Child Protective Services suggests the 26-year-old carried out the abuse, which happened at Minnieland Academy in 2013, for entertainment purposes.

She is the second former staff member to be convicted for child cruelty, after daycare worker Sarah Jordan was convicted on similar charges and sentenced to nearly two years in prison.

Judge Carroll Weimer agreed with a recommendation by the jurors who convicted Spriggs that she should be jailed for 33 months.

The victims were a group of toddlers who were cared for in what Minnieland designated its 'monkey room'.

More than a dozen families have filed civil lawsuits against Minnieland Academy in Virginia

Parents reported that their children became aggressive and frightful after their time in Spriggs' care, and more than a dozen families have filed civil lawsuits in the last month, collectively seeking more than $12million in damages from Minnieland.

Spriggs' co-worker Sarah Jordan was also convicted of abuse

Prosecutor Ashleigh Landers-Sutton said it's too early to know what long-term effects the abuse had on the children.

'These were children that did absolutely nothing to deserve the treatment that Ms Spriggs inflicted,' Landers-Sutton said.

The allegations against the two Minnieland workers surfaced in fall 2013, after a coworker of the women called child protective services.

Desiree Edwards, who also worked with the toddlers, said she saw Jordan trip a running child and then laugh.

On another occasion, Jordan dumped water on a little girl's head, making her cry, Edwards said.

During Spriggs' trial, teachers in the monkey room testified that they alerted their supervisors to the problems, but nothing was done.

Desiree Edwards (right) claimed she saw Sarah Jordan trip a running child and laugh

Eventually a teacher called state welfare agents, who conducted an investigation.

After the conviction, several parents testified at the trial's sentencing phase about the effect of the abuse.

Parent Brittany Hess looked at Spriggs and called her a 'monster,' fighting back tears.

In 2013, Shanna Greisen told NBC4 that she pulled her son, Preston, who was 21 months old at the time, out of Minnieland because he dreaded going to daycare.

'He would just cry,' she said. 'He would throw himself on the floor, you know. Just, 'No mommy, no mommy.'''

Another parent, Blake Buckner, told the network his then two-year-old son, Kendall, would cry every day when he was taken to school.

In 2013, parent, Shanna Greisen (left), pulled her son, Preston (right), who was 21-months-old at the time, out of Minnieland because he dreaded going to daycare

Another parent, Blake Buckner (left), the father of Kendall (right), who was two-years-old at the time, said he also witnessed a change in his son while he was at Minnieland. They are both pictured in 2013

Spriggs declined to speak when offered the opportunity at Thursday's hearing.

In a letter to the judge she wrote: 'I am whole-heartedly apologetic of the hurt, humiliation and embarrassment this tribulation has brought us all.'

Defense lawyer Patrick Foltz asked the judge to give Spriggs credit for time served, which in effect would keep her in jail for seven more months.

Foltz cited sentencing guidelines, which called for a jail term of less than six months, and Spriggs' lack of a criminal record.

He also argued there was no evidence that the toddlers in Spriggs' care suffered any lasting injury.

After the sentence was passed, Foltz said he was disappointed, but did not yet know if Spriggs plans to appeal.

James J. McCoart III, who represents the families, said he was 'extremely pleased that the court, in all its wisdom, gave the defendant the maximum allowed'.
UN warns of 'merciless abyss' in besieged eastern Aleppo

BEIRUT (AP)  Syrian government forces continued their push into rebel-held districts of Aleppo on Thursday as international officials issued dire warnings of an ongoing humanitarian disaster in Syria's largest city.

The U.N.'s humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council that the conditions in eastern Aleppo, which is besieged and assaulted by all sides by government forces, had descended into the "merciless abyss of humanitarian catastrophe."

Speaking to the Security Council via video link from Geneva, O'Brien painted a grim picture of the conditions in the war-wracked eastern part of the city, where at least 320 civilians including 100 children have been killed in the past week. An additional 765 have been wounded.

In this photo provided by the Syrian Civil Defense group known as the White Helmets, shows members of Civil Defense inspecting the cluster bombs in the Khan Sheikhoun neighborhood of Idlib, Syria, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. The U.S. and Russia escalated their war of words over Syria Thursday as government forces kept up their assault on Aleppo's rebel-held quarters and registered tenuous gains. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

O'Brien's report noted that the U.N. now calculates that 861,200 Syrians are trapped in sieges  a nearly 50 percent increase from the last estimate of 586,200. The new figure reflects the government's protracted blockade around eastern Aleppo, where an estimated 250,000 people or more live.

Most of the besieged citizens, divided across at least 18 locations around the country, are trapped by government forces, and international observers are beginning to accuse both Damascus and its close ally Moscow of war crimes.

The U.N. embarked on an ambitious plan early this year to establish regular humanitarian access to Syrians living under various sieges but was reportedly stymied by the government as well as a restrictive covenant between rebels and the government to limit assistance to 60,000 of the most distressed, divided among four towns. At that time, a total of 487,000 Syrians were estimated to be living under siege.

O'Brien said certain Security Council members bore responsibility for global inaction on Syria and ended his address saying it was time to "place the blame."

In Aleppo, rescue crews were working for the third straight day to clear the rubble and search for survivors of presumed Russian or Syrian government airstrikes on the eastern al-Shaar and al-Mashhad neighborhoods that flattened residential buildings and killed at least 23 civilians, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Germany and Turkey condemned what they called "blatant breaches of international humanitarian law" and renewed calls for a cease-fire.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who spoke by phone Thursday, said Russia, the Syrian government's chief backer on the international stage, bears "special responsibility to calm the violence and thereby give any chance to a political process," according to a statement released by Merkel's office.

The White House said Thursday that Merkel also spoke with U.S. President Barack Obama by phone as well, and both agreed that Russia and the Syrian regime "bear special responsibility for ending the fighting in Syria and granting the U.N. humanitarian access to besieged and hard to reach areas in Syria."

Meanwhile, airstrikes destroyed the last remaining bakery in Anadan, an opposition town north of Aleppo, activists said.

Adnan Medlej, an activist from Anadan, said the bakery was hit shortly after it distributed bread to the town's remaining 2,000 residents and others in nearby villages. After intense bombings that devastated the town's infrastructure, most residents have fled to other areas in rural Aleppo province.

A video shot by Medlej shows the bakery destroyed and a crater outside, with water leaking and walls scorched.

On Wednesday, government shelling near a bread distribution center in Aleppo city killed six people.

Meanwhile the U.S. and Russia escalated their war of words over the catastrophe as government forces kept up their assault on Aleppo's rebel-held quarters.

Government forces seized the Handarat neighborhood along the contested city's northern flank, forcing rebels to withdraw further from a crucial supply route to the city's east, the Castello Road, pro-government media and observers said. A government blockade of the road has kept the opposition-run east under siege since mid-July, with the exception of a month-long period where rebels broke through the government's southern line.

But gains have proven ephemeral in the battle for Aleppo: government forces captured Handarat last Saturday, only to surrender it again Sunday.

Syria's military also released a video purporting to show a freshly captured neighborhood in the city's historic center.

The video shows damaged traditional buildings, with arched ceilings and stone walls, in the Farafra neighborhood which rests at the foot of the city's towering central citadel. Soldiers and allied militants are seen walking past mounds of debris, twisted metal bars, and caved-in ceilings. The government claimed it expelled rebels from the front-line neighborhood Tuesday.

A top Russian diplomat meanwhile called a U.S. threat to halt cooperation with Russia in the Syria conflict an "emotional breakdown" and said Russia is willing to support a 48-hour cease-fire around Aleppo.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Thursday rejected Washington's calls for a seven-day pause in hostilities, but said Russia is willing to support a 48-hour truce for humanitarian purposes.

Damascus blocked assistance from reaching eastern Aleppo during a week-long cease-fire which collapsed earlier this month.

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Lawyer: Man fatally shot by police officer posed no threat

WASHINGTON (AP)  A black motorcyclist posed no threat to the life of the District of Columbia police officer who shot and killed him, an attorney for the man's relatives said Thursday as he called for city officials to release more information about the circumstances of the shooting.

Attorney Jason Downs said many unanswered questions remain about the death of Terrence Sterling, 31, of Fort Washington, Maryland, but he said Sterling, who was unarmed, did not collide with a police car with any great force. Police have said Sterling was shot after he intentionally rammed the passenger-side door of a police car while trying to flee a traffic stop.

The officer who shot Sterling, 27-year-old Brian Trainer, a four-year veteran of the department, was wearing a body camera, but he did not turn it on until after the shooting, police said. Police have not disclosed the officer's race. Downs said his understanding is that the officer is white.

Attorney Jason Downs speaks to reporters in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, about the fatal shooting of Terrence Sterling by a District of Columbia police officer. Downs said Sterling, who was unarmed, posed no threat to police before he was shot. Police have said Sterling intentionally rammed the passenger-side door of a police car. Behind Downs are Sterling's sister, Chrystal Sterling, and the family's pastor, the Rev. James Dixon Jr. (AP Photo/Ben Nuckols)

"From witness accounts, Mr. Sterling wasn't doing anything to present a threat to this particular officer and in fact, this officer is violating a general order by trying to block Mr. Sterling in," Downs said Thursday. "It appears that Officer Trainer fired his weapon from the safety of his police vehicle when Mr. Sterling did not pose any threat to him whatsoever."

Trainer has been placed on administrative leave, as is routine in cases when officers fire their weapons.

Downs spoke to reporters alongside Sterling's parents, sister and aunt, all of whom declined to comment. Downs said they were still grieving and stunned by the body-camera footage they viewed Wednesday of Sterling bleeding on the sidewalk from a gunshot wound to the neck as an officer performed CPR. Sterling died of wounds to the neck and back, according to the city's chief medical examiner, who did not detail how many times Sterling was shot.

The family was allowed to see an additional 60 to 90 seconds of body-camera footage that was not made available to the public, Downs said. That footage shows a police union representative arriving to assist the officer who shot Sterling and advising him to turn his camera off, Downs said.

The hasty arrival of the union representative raises questions about whether police officers called the union before calling an ambulance for Sterling, he said.

According to a timeline released by city officials, gunshots were heard just before 4:30 a.m. and two ambulances were dispatched at 4:30 a.m., arriving within minutes.

Downs also said it's likely that additional video exists of the shooting, either from surveillance cameras in the area or from high-resolution satellite cameras that monitor the nation's capital, and he called on city officials to release any such footage as soon as possible.

A spokeswoman for Mayor Muriel Bowser, Nicole Chapple, said she is not aware of any additional video and that if it exists, it would remain in the possession of investigators from the U.S. Attorney's office.

Sterling had worked as a heating and air conditioning technician for 12 years, Downs said. He refused to release additional details about Sterling's personal life.

It's not clear what Sterling was doing in Washington in the early-morning hours of Sept. 11 when he was shot. Police said officers stopped Sterling after getting a report of a motorcyclist driving erratically, but Downs said he's not certain that Sterling was the same motorcyclist who prompted the initial report.

His death has led to protests from activists affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement.

"The family is hopeful that any protests moving forward remain peaceful," Downs said, "but peace is only possible if this investigation is completely transparent."

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The Latest: Trump praises Germany's Merkel as 'great' leader

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on the U.S. presidential campaign (all times EDT):

9:50 p.m.

Donald Trump is holding German Chancellor Angela Merkel up as a model leader after months of repeatedly railing against her for "ruining Germany" by accepting an influx of refugees from Syria.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in Bedford, N.H. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Trump was asked Thursday by New England's NECN to name a world leader he admires. He chose the chancellor.

He says he thinks "Merkel is a really great world leader," but notes he was "very disappointed" by her immigration decisions.

The endorsement marks a rare point of agreement between Trump and rival Hillary Clinton.

She also cited Merkel when asked the same question, praising "her leadership and steadiness on the Euro crisis and her bravery in the face of the refugee crisis."

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9:16 p.m.

Donald Trump is denying a Newsweek report that he explored business opportunities in Cuba in the late 1990s, apparently in violation of the U.S. embargo.

Trump tells New Hampshire's NH1 News he "never did business in Cuba."

He adds: "No, I never did anything in Cuba. I never did a deal in Cuba."

Newsweek reported Thursday that the work was done by a consulting firm called Seven Arrows on behalf of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc. The magazine says Trump reimbursed the consulting firm for $68,000 of business expenses for its Cuba work  even though neither Trump nor the firm had sought a federal government waiver that would have allowed them to pursue such activities.

Trump is slamming Newsweek's reporter, saying he has a "bad reputation."

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5:23 p.m.

Hillary Clinton says a new report alleging that Donald Trump may have violated the U.S. embargo on communist Cuba is just more evidence that he puts his own interests ahead of the nation's.

Newsweek reported Thursday that Trump explored business opportunities in Cuba in the late 1990s, apparently in violation of the U.S. embargo.

Clinton told reporters aboard her campaign plane that "We have laws in our country," and Trump knew what they were. She added that "he deliberately flouted" the law and "puts his personal and business interests ahead of the laws and the values and the policies of the United States of America."

Newsweek reported that the work was done by a consulting firm called Seven Arrows on behalf of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc., Trump's publicly traded casino company. The magazine said Trump reimbursed the consulting firm for $68,000 of business expenses for its Cuba work  even though neither Trump nor the firm had sought a federal government waiver that would have allowed them to pursue such activities.

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5:20 p.m.

When it comes to world leaders, Hillary Clinton wants to be clear that she has lots of favorites.

The Democratic presidential candidate was asked for her picks Thursday, the day after third-party candidate Gary Johnson stumbled over the question in a television appearance. Johnson was unable to produce a single name of a foreign leader he respected during an interview on MSNBC.

Clinton showed no such hesitance with reporters on her campaign plane in Chicago.

"I like a lot of the world leaders," Clinton said, before singling out German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saying, "Her leadership and steadiness on the Euro crisis and her bravery in the face of the refugee crisis is something that I am impressed by."

Clinton added, "I hope I'll have the opportunity to work with her."

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5:17 p.m.

Hillary Clinton is shrugging off Donald Trump's reference to her husband's impeachment  and any other attacks the Republican presidential candidate might launch over the couple's personal life.

She told reporters on her campaign plane that "He can say whatever he wants to say." She added that she's going to keep "talking about what I think the American people are interested in."

Earlier in Bedford, New Hampshire, Trump invoked former President Bill Clinton's impeachment as evidence that the Clintons are "the sordid past," while his presidency would "be the bright and very clean future."

The Republican presidential nominee sought to connect Hillary Clinton to her husband's scandal-marked presidency. He urged supporters to "remember" that the House in 1998 impeached Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. Clinton was acquitted by the Senate.

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4:40 p.m.

The killing of a black man by a Charlotte, North Carolina, police officer and the aftermath together have intensified the political divide in a state critical to deciding whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump wins the presidency.

Republicans and Democrats alike say the killing of Keith Lamont Scott will energize both parties' strongest supporters in a presidential battleground state that also has competitive races for governor and the U.S. Senate. Both camps are citing the matter as part of familiar arguments on race relations, law enforcement and social unrest.

GOP consultant Dee Stewart says Donald Trump can use the events to bolster his appeal as a "law and order" candidate. Stewart says Democrats can use them to support their assertions that the United States must grapple with institutional racism.

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4:00 p.m.

Donald Trump is invoking President Bill Clinton's impeachment as evidence that the Clintons are "the sordid past," while his presidency would "be the bright and very clean future."

The Republican presidential nominee sought to connect Hillary Clinton to her husband's scandal-marked presidency. He told supporters at a rally in Bedford, New Hampshire to "remember" that the House in 1998 impeached Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. Clinton was acquitted by the Senate.

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3:24 p.m.

Donald Trump's running mate plans to spend the weekend before the one and only vice presidential debate off the campaign trail preparing back home in Indiana.

Mike Pence's spokesman Marc Lotter said Thursday that the Indiana governor plans to spend the weekend relaxing with his family and continuing with his preparation for Tuesday's debate against Democrat Tim Kaine. Pence spent two days in Wisconsin this week doing mock debates with Gov. Scott Walker, who was standing in for Kaine.

Lotter says Pence has been preparing for the debate since being picked as Trump's running mate.

Trump has faced criticism for not preparing as much as Hillary Clinton for their debate on Monday that was watched by more than 84 million people.

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3:15 p.m.

Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence is telling supporters in Pennsylvania that "our hearts are in Hoboken" following a deadly commuter train accident in New Jersey.

Pence opened his campaign rally Thursday by referring to the morning accident that killed at least one person and injured more than 100 others. Pence says the accident again shed light on the heroics of first responders "who rush in when others rush away."

Pence then slid back into his standard campaign stump speech, saying Donald Trump would ensure police have the resources and tools necessary to do their job.

Pence was speaking at Penn Waste, a garbage and recycling company in York, Pennsylvania.

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2:39 p.m.

Hillary Clinton is rolling out new endorsements from GOP officials who are supporting her presidential campaign over Republican rival Donald Trump's.

Clinton's campaign says she has received the endorsements of 40 more Republican officials, including former Republican Reps. Sherwood Boehlert of New York, Claudine Schneider of Rhode Island and Joe Schwarz of Michigan.

Former George W. Bush Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez says in a conference call with reporters that Trump's economic concepts are "alarmingly simplistic" and says his stance on trade will most likely lead to a "worldwide trade war."

Clinton has courted moderate Republicans who have been wary of Trump's candidacy.

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2:25 p.m.

Hillary Clinton is urging her supporters in Iowa to cast their ballots as soon as possible.

Clinton told voters at a rally Thursday in Des Moines: "You can go vote and we can be on the path to victory here in Iowa."

Early, in-person voting in Iowa started on Thursday.

Clinton's team is trying to follow President Barack Obama's strategy of establishing an edge in the battleground state by getting backers to the polls early.

Clinton asked supporters: "Are you ready to go to the polls?"

Clinton staffers plan to take attendees to the polls immediately after the Democratic presidential nominee finishes speaking at her campaign event.

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2:20 p.m.

Hillary Clinton is offering words of support to the victims of a commuter train crash in New Jersey.

Speaking in Des Moines Thursday, Clinton said she wanted to send her "thoughts and prayers" to the victims and their families.

She said the crash was "personal" to her as a New York resident and called it a "horrible accident."

The commuter train crashed through a barrier at a Hoboken station and lurched across the waiting area Thursday morning, killing one person and injuring more than 100.

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12:50 p.m.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid recently took to the Senate floor to call Donald Trump a racist. The man who is likely to succeed Reid as the chamber's Democratic leader next year won't go quite that far.

New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer says the Republican presidential candidate "is far too tolerant in accepting the support of racists" and "far too tolerant of racists."

Schumer made his comments to reporters Thursday. Reid, who is retiring from the Senate, called Trump a racist on Monday.

Democrats have criticized Trump for not immediately renouncing support he's received from white nationalists and supremacists, including former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke. They've also attacked him for criticizing Mexicans and proposing to curb Muslim immigration to the U.S.

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12:35 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he's not going to talk about Donald Trump, his party's presidential nominee, "because I choose not to."

The Kentucky Republican has stood behind Trump since his nomination as the Republican standard bearer. But McConnell has steadfastly avoided many questions about the impact Trump's sometimes-erratic candidacy might have on Senate races.

Republicans are defending 24 Senate seats this year, to Democrats' 10.

At a news conference Thursday, McConnell said he was there to talk about the Senate. He said how the Senate will be affected by the presidential race "is really unpredictable."

He said that in the last few decades, the presidential election has sometimes impacted the Senate's balance, sometimes not.

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12:25 p.m.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi says there's still time for a Democratic "wave" that could carry the party to a House majority in November.

Pelosi says "you make your own wave, and that's what we're doing." She says Democrats have the right candidates and the enthusiasm and have outraised Republicans.

Pelosi said Thursday she is "very confident that the makings of a wave are there," but noted the election is still more than five weeks away.

Most analysts see a Democratic takeover of the House as highly unlikely, though the party's prospects are better for winning the Senate.

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12:05 p.m.

Donald Trump doesn't take advice from Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, but the Nevada Democrat has some for him anyway: Don't bring up former President Bill Clinton's marital infidelities.

The Republican nominee has repeatedly threatened to raise the issue in his debates with his Democratic rival for president, Hillary Clinton.

Reid was asked Thursday about that possibility and told reporters that he agreed with Republicans who have urged Trump to avoid the issue. Reid said his own marriage of over 50 years to his wife, Landra, "hasn't been perfect, as no marriage is."

He added, "And Bill Clinton, I'm very proud of them, they've been married as long as they have been."

The Clintons married in 1975.

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10:45 a.m.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine is hunkered down in Raleigh, North Carolina, for three days of debate preparations.

Kaine will face Republican rival Mike Pence on Tuesday for the only vice presidential debate.

Kaine's advisers have provided few specifics about where and how he'll be preparing. Washington lawyer Bob Barnett is playing Pence in the preparation sessions.

Kaine says he's been studying Monday's debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump for pointers. He told reporters last week that Tuesday's debate is different than any others he's done because he'll be focusing more on Clinton's record than his own.

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5:00 a.m.

Hillary Clinton is kicking off early voting in Iowa on Thursday with a major effort to boost support in the battleground state.

The Democratic presidential candidate will deliver a speech in Des Moines focusing on the childcare challenges faced by middle class families, according to a campaign aide.

Clinton backers also plan to host events in 10 Iowa cities on Thursday.

Organizing early voting was a key piece of President Barack Obama's strategy four years ago. More than 4 in ten Iowa voters cast ballots before Election Day in 2012.

4:45 a.m.

Third Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson has had another "Aleppo moment"

It happened Wednesday evening as the Libertarian Party standard-bearer appeared with his running mate, William Weld, for a nationally broadcast town hall on MSNBC.

Program moderator Chris Matthews asked Johnson to name any foreign leader he had admired.

"Any one of the continents, any country," Matthews said. "Name one foreign leader that you respect and look up to. Anybody?

Johnson sighed, saying after a strained pause, "I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment." He was alluding to his failure on a recent "Morning Joe" show to answer when asked "What is Aleppo," a Syrian city caught in the maelstrom of the protracted civil war.

With Weld's intervention, Johnson finally cited Vicente Fox, who was president of Mexico from 2000-2006, saying "he was terrific."

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton listens to her introduction during a campaign stop in Des Moines, Thursday, Iowa, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Republican vice-presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence, seen behind television lights watches activity after the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2016 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Waukesha, Wis. Trump claims he won't go there. But his supporters already have. The Trump campaign is dredging up former President Bill Clinton's serial philandering in an effort to tarnish his wife, Hillary Clinton. It's a risky move that threatens to elevate Clinton among women voters. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
India says it has struck militants across Kashmir frontier

NEW DELHI (AP)  India said Thursday it carried out "surgical strikes" against militants across the highly militarized frontier that divides the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan, in an exchange that escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Pakistan dismissed the reports that India's military had targeted "terrorist launch pads" inside the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir. Islamabad said instead that two of its soldiers were killed in "unprovoked" firing by India across the border.

Tensions, which are always simmering between India and Pakistan, spiked after an attack earlier this month on an Indian military base in Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of sending militants belonging to the outlawed Jaish-e-Mohammed group, headquartered in Pakistan, to carry out the attack. Pakistan denied the charge.

A Kashmiri Muslim protester holds a bamboo stick as stands in tear gas smoke during a protest after funeral prayers in absentia for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross border firing in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been under heavy pressure to respond to the attack on the military base.

Indian officials gave few details about the strikes across the disputed border late Wednesday night.

"Significant casualties were caused to the terrorists and those who support them," Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, director general of military operations for the Indian Army, told reporters in New Delhi. Singh said the operations were over and India has no plans for more strikes. He said he shared details of the strikes with his Pakistani counterpart.

Indian soldiers traveling on foot crossed the Line of Control into the Pakistani-controlled portion to attack several targets based on intelligence about imminent attacks, said a high-ranking Indian official who would only brief reporters on condition of anonymity. He said the Indian forces killed at least 10 people before retreating back into Indian-controlled territory. The Indian soldiers suffered no losses, he said.

The Pakistani military flatly denied any "surgical strikes" had occurred.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India," a Pakistani military statement said.

Pakistani officials said two of their soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded in the exchanges at five different places along the disputed border.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the "unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces."

The Pakistan military said in a statement that it "befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing"  implying it returned fire  along the Kashmir border near the villages of Bhimber, Kel and Lipa.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters Thursday the U.S. expects Pakistan "to combat and de-legitimize" U.N. designated terrorists.

The U.S. is "firmly committed to our partnership with India and to our joint efforts to combat terrorism and we're prepared to deepen collaboration on U.N. terrorist designations," he said. "At the same time, we continue to be in close contact with Pakistan and we continue to value the important partnership that we have formed with them on a range of issues, including security issues."

Pakistan has sharply criticized India over its heavy-handed clampdown in Indian-controlled Kashmir following the killing of a Kashmiri militant leader nearly three months ago. Some of the biggest and most violent protests in recent years have broken out against Indian rule in Kashmir since the July 8 killing of Burhan Wani by Indian soldiers. A rolling curfew has been in place and more than 80 civilians have been killed by Indian troops who have used live ammunition and shotgun pellets to quell angry crowds.

Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both.

Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favor independence or a merger with Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over control of Kashmir since winning independence from British colonialists in 1947.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the insurgents and pushing them into the Indian portion of Kashmir to attack government forces and other targets. Pakistan says it provides only political and diplomatic support to the insurgents, who have been fighting since 1989.

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Associated Press writers Kathy Gannon, Munir Ahmed and Asif Shahzad in Islamabad contributed to this report.

Kashmiri protesters run for cover as tear gas shell explodes near them during a protest after funeral prayers in absentia for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross border firing in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri protester hold Pakistani flag during a protest after funeral prayers in absentia for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross border firing in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

A Kashmiri protester holds a brick before thawing it at Indian police men during a protest after funeral prayers in absentia for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross border firing in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri protesters prepare to throw exploded tear gas shell back at Indian police men during a protest after funeral prayers in absentia for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross border firing in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri Muslim protesters hold Pakistani flag as they shout pro Pakistani slogans during a protest after funeral prayers in absentia for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross border firing in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri Muslims hold funeral prayers in absentia for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross border firing in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri Muslims hold funeral prayers in absentia for Pakistani soldiers killed in cross border firing in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

A Kashmiri man looks out from the window of his house above a graffiti supporting Pakistan outside a closed shop in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016.Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri women walk past a closed market with graffiti painted on the shutter of a shop in Urdu that reads "Long live Pakistan" in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

A graffiti supporting Pakistan is seen on left as a Kashmiri girl walks past Indian paramilitary soldiers near a temporary check point in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri men sit beside a graffiti supporting Pakistan outside a closed shop in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the uneasy and nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India often trade fire in Kashmir, a Himalayan region that is split between the two countries and claimed by both in its entirety. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

FILE  In this Nov. 27, 2014 file photo, South Asian leaders, from left, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa attend the closing session of the 18th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal, the current chair of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, said four of the eight member nations have indicated they are unable to attend the Nov. 9-10 regional summit in Islamabad. Tensions between Pakistan and India have been high since a militant attack on an Indian army base in Kashmir killed more than a dozen Indian soldiers. India announced on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 that it would not participate in the summit. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha, Pool, File)

Indian villagers living close to the border with Pakistan arrive for a meeting after Indian authorities asked them to leave their villages for safety reasons at Nai bsti gulab garh in R.S Pura near Jammu, India, Thursday, Sept.29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Indian border security soldiers ride on a motorcycle as villagers living closer to the border walk for a meeting after Indian authorities asked them to leave their villages for safety reasons at Nai bsti gulab garh in R.S Pura near Jammu, India, Thursday, Sept.29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Indian villagers living close to the border with Pakistan gather for a meeting after Indian authorities asked them to leave their villages for safety reasons at Nai bsti gulab garh in R.S Pura near Jammu, India, Thursday, Sept.29, 2016. Pakistan on Thursday said two of its soldiers were killed in an "unprovoked" attack when India fired across the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, while India said it had carried out a "surgical strike" against terrorists, in an exchange that marks an escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Germany's Commerzbank to cut 7,300 jobs in restructuring

BERLIN (AP)  German lender Commerzbank says it expects to cut a net 7,300 full time jobs as part of a restructuring to concentrate on its core businesses.

The bank said Thursday that some business activities would be discontinued which, combined with the digitalization and automation of some workflows, would amount to the loss of 9,600 jobs. At the same time, some 2,300 new jobs would be created in areas of business growth.

The Frankfurt-based bank says that to cover restructuring costs of some 1.1 billion euros ($1.23 billion), it will cease dividend payments "for the time being and will retain its full earnings."

Commerzbank AG currently has some 45,000 full time employees.
Suspect in German neo-Nazi murder trial speaks for 1st time

BERLIN (AP)  A German woman on trial for being part of a neo-Nazi group suspected of killing 10 people has spoken in court for the first time to disavow the nationalist ideas she once believed in.

Beate Zschaepe is accused of membership in the National Socialist Underground, or NSU, which carried out a seven-year murder spree targeting mostly immigrants. The other two core members of the group died in November 2011 following a botched robbery.

Zschaepe told the Munich court on Thursday that she once identified with "elements of nationalist ideology." German news agency dpa quoted her as saying she now judges people "not by their origin or political mindset but according to their behavior."

Terror suspect Beate Zschaepe arrives at the court room besides her lawyers Hermann Borchert, left, and Mathias Grasel in Munich, Germany, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Zschaepe is accused of being involved in 10 neo-Nazi murders of the National Socialist Underground group, which allegedly killed eight Turkish men, a Greek and a policewoman between 2000 and 2007. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Man arrested after 19 bodies found in Chinese village

BEIJING (AP)  A suspect was arrested Thursday following the discovery of 19 dead bodies in six homes in a southwestern Chinese village, police and state media said.

Police in Yunnan province identified the "major criminal suspect" as Yang Qingpei. It said he came from the same village in Huize county where the "criminal case" occurred earlier Thursday, but didn't give any details on how the deaths took place.

Police said the suspect was arrested in the provincial capital of Kunming, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from where the bodies were found.

The official Xinhua News Agency said the dead included men, women and three children.

Xinhua described the deaths as a killing spree but provided no details. If they were murders, the deaths would be one of the bloodiest mass slayings in China in recent years.
OPEC deal shows cartel's resolve _ and desperation

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP)  OPEC's unexpected agreement to trim production shows the cartel still has the resolve  and even desperation  to try to guide oil prices higher. But don't expect triple-digit crude anytime soon.

Ministers from the oil cartel reached a preliminary deal Wednesday in Algeria to cut production for the first time since the global financial crisis eight years ago. The size of the cut was modest  to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day from just below current levels of around 33.2 million barrels per day.

Though limited, the decision came as something of a surprise  expectations were that once again the regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran would create a stalemate. Oil prices shot up by around 5 percent in the wake of the cut.

In this photo dated Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa, center, gestures as he leaves the International Conference Center in Algiers, Algeria, with Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, Bin Saleh Al-Sada, left, and acting Secretary General of OPEC Mohammed Barkindo, after a meeting of oil ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries, OPEC, in Algiers, Algeria. OPEC nations reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday to curb oil production for the first time since the global financial crisis eight years ago, in an effort to reduce a global glut of crude that has depressed oil prices for more than two years and weakened the economies of oil-producing nations. (AP Photo/Sidali Djarboub)

On Thursday, oil markets were far less frenzied, with the benchmark New York rate a further 28 cents higher at $47.33 a barrel and the international standard, Brent, 34 cents higher at $48.58.

Any failure to enact the agreement could lead to a renewed drop. And that risk remains  the deal, after all, is not done yet.

Output levels for individual countries will have to be finalized at a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna in November. OPEC agreed that Nigeria, Iran, and Libya would be exempted from making big cuts as their economies are already stymied by conflicts or sanctions.

The main concern ahead of the meeting centered on Iran, which has been resistant to cutting production, as it's trying to restore its oil industry since emerging from international sanctions over its nuclear program earlier this year.

"We see this more as an act of desperation," Commerzbank analyst Barbara Lambrecht said. "Saudi Arabia appears willing to bear the main brunt of the burden."

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest producer, played a key role in the OPEC policies that helped push oil prices sharply lower over the past couple of years.

In the summer of 2014, oil prices were trading above $100 a barrel but increased output from non-OPEC countries, particularly the U.S., created an oversupply in the market. Instead of cutting production, OPEC opted to pump at high volumes to maintain market share and, seemingly, to drive U.S. shale oil and gas producers, who have higher operating costs, out of business.

Crude prices plunged, and in January of this year fell below $30 for the first time in more than a decade. The lower prices have hit many oil-producing countries hard, particularly poorer OPEC members Venezuela and Nigeria, but also non-OPEC states Russia and Brazil. It's also taken a toll on Saudi Arabia  its public finances are not as strong as they were and the country's credit rating has been downgraded.

Oversupply isn't the only reason oil prices have remained under pressure. Weaker economic growth in energy-hungry China, for example, has had a big impact. Earlier this month, the International Energy Agency said growth in oil demand had slowed significantly during the third quarter.

OPEC's hope now is that it will be able to get non-OPEC members, such as Russia, to get aboard its strategy to trim output.

"Good luck with that one!" quipped Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets. Moscow is still smarting from economic sanctions and the period of low prices, which have caused a painful recession and blown a hole in its state budget.

One potential impact of the understanding forged in Algiers is that any material increase in oil prices could encourage U.S. shale oil and gas producers back into the market, thereby offsetting any impact in prices  in the longer-term as it takes time to kick start production given financial constraints.

As a result, analysts don't expect three-digit oil prices anytime soon.

Once the OPEC deal is confirmed, Marino Valensise, Head of Multi Asset at Barings Asset Management, said oil prices will likely drift higher to between $55 and $60.

"At those levels, shale producers in the States will inevitably increase production and there will be no potential through that price level," he said.

Whether or not the OPEC deal sticks and whether "cheating" can be controlled, analysts said this didn't herald a return to the era when OPEC could basically control the oil market through its production levels, not least because non-OPEC countries have a bigger stake than before. Four of the world's top 5 producers aren't even part of OPEC.

"It is just as impossible to restore the conditions that used to prevail on the oil market as it is to step twice into the same river," Commerzbank's Lambrecht said.

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Pylas reported from London.

In this photo dated Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, Bin Saleh Al-Sada, seated next to acting Secretary General of OPEC Mohammed Barkindo, gestures during a closing press conference at the end of meeting of oil ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries, OPEC, in Algiers, Algeria. OPEC nations reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday to curb oil production for the first time since the global financial crisis eight years ago, in an effort to reduce a global glut of crude that has depressed oil prices for more than two years and weakened the economies of oil-producing nations. (AP Photo/Sidali Djarboub)

In this photo dated Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, Bin Saleh Al-Sada gestures during a closing press conference at the end of a meeting of oil ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries, OPEC, in Algiers, Algeria. OPEC nations reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday to curb oil production for the first time since the global financial crisis eight years ago, in an effort to reduce a global glut of crude that has depressed oil prices for more than two years and weakened the economies of oil-producing nations. (AP Photo/Sidali Djarboub)
A look at Hungary's referendum on EU refugee quotas

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungarians will vote Sunday in a referendum which Prime Minister Viktor Orban hopes will give his government the popular support it seeks to oppose any future plans by the European Union to resettle asylum seekers among its member states. Here's a look at what's at stake:

WHAT ORBAN WANTS

Orban wants to stop the influx of large numbers of Muslim migrants into Europe, arguing they threaten Hungary and Europe's Christian identity and culture. Midway through his third term as prime minister, he suggested last week that the EU should build a "gigantic refugee city" in Libya, to where migrants would be deported from Europe to file their asylum claims.

FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2016 file photo Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a press conference in Budapest, Hungary. Hungarians will vote Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in a referendum called by Orbans government, seeking political support against any future plans by the European Union to resettle refugees or asylum seekers among members of the bloc. (Szilard Koszticsak/ MTI via AP, file)

Orban says the EU needs to strengthen its borders to keep out migrants, like Hungary did last year by building fences on its southern borders with Serbia and Croatia.

The referendum's question is "Do you want the European Union to be able to prescribe the mandatory settlement of non-Hungarian citizens in Hungary even without the consent of Parliament?"

Orban says "no" votes favor Hungary's sovereignty and independence. He also hopes popular pressure will encourage other EU countries to take similar steps. Critics say poll results showing rising xenophobia and anti-migrant feelings among Hungarians are linked to the government's referendum campaign.

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VOTER TURNOUT

At least 50 percent plus one of Hungary's 8.27 million voters need to cast valid ballots for the referendum to be valid.

Despite an unprecedented barrage of government billboards, advertisements and personal appearances by ministers and lawmakers nationwide urging people to vote, polls show validity is by no means assured, even though "no" votes are expected to be in the large majority.

The far-right Jobbik party supports the government's anti-migrant position, while most of the other opposition parties and many civic groups are asking voters to either stay home on Sunday or cast invalid ballots.

"It's important to show as a citizen that you want to take part," says Marta Pardavi, co-chair of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee advocacy group. "However, given the vile nature of this referendum question, we are calling for people to cast an invalid vote."

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MIGRANTS? UFOs?

Nearly 400,000 migrants passed through Hungary last year, making their way toward Western Europe. Yet, the criticized razor-wire fences and new expulsion policies have proven effective. During the first four weeks of September, police reported either zero or just one migrant breaching the border area on 12 different days. Last year, Hungary granted asylum to only 508 refugees and a similar number is expected this year.

The satirical Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party is putting up posters and distributing leaflets mocking the referendum. One of their slogans is that the average Hungarian sees more UFOs in his or her lifetime than migrants.

For the record, Hungary's Federation of UFO Research says it receives about two dozen reports a year of UFO sightings across the country.

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THE FEAR FACTOR

The disadvantaged Roma minority, struggling pensioners, young families with children and people living in municipal housing are among those being warned repeatedly of what could happen if Hungary is required to take in refugees.

According to government officials, they may face subsidy or pension cuts, become victims of terrorism and violent acts or be forced to give up their homes if that happens.

The government, assisted by state television, is constantly rehashing often months' old stories about migrant attacks.

"The image of large migrant groups nearly 'darkening the sky' last year is still present in many people, no doubt reinforced by the government propaganda," says Attila Tibor Nagy of the Center for Fair Political Analysis. "The government is also assisted by the attacks in Germany and France, which it very much likes to invoke to show that migrants are dangerous."

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HOW MUCH?

The referendum's technical costs, including printing the ballots and manufacturing ballot boxes, total 4.9 billion forints ($17.8 million). The government says it will reveal how much it spent on the billboard and media campaign after the vote, but partial data shows expenditures of at least 13 billion forints ($47.3 million).

In contrast, the Two-Tailed Dog Party and a few other opposition groups are working with campaign budgets of around $100,000, gathered from small donations.

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WHAT'S NEXT?

The government has not said what consequences a valid referendum supporting its position will have. It has mentioned possible amendments to the constitution but is shying away from specifics. Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs brushed off suggestions that an invalid referendum would hurt Orban, saying a large number of "no" votes would be enough to bolster the official position against the refugee quotas even with a low turnout.

"The referendum can never become a failure," Kovacs says. "Full stop."

But Jobbik president Gabor Vona says Orban should resign in case of an invalid ballot and former Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany says it would weaken Orban's "infallibility."

"Brussels has already priced in the referendum and knows well that Hungarian public opinion does not like the migrants," said Csaba Toth, strategic director of the Republikon Institute think tank. "Domestically, nonetheless, a low turnout would be a serious defeat for the prime minister, especially after such a huge campaign."
Nepal urges 'conducive environment' for South Asian summit

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP)  Nepal urged South Asian nations on Thursday to create a "conducive environment" so a regional summit can be held as scheduled in November in Pakistan's capital.

Nepal, the current chair of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, said four of the eight member nations have indicated they will not attend the Nov. 9-10 summit in Islamabad.

Tensions between Pakistan and India have been high since a militant attack on an Indian army base in Kashmir killed 18 Indian soldiers. India, which said the militants were from a Pakistan-based group, announced on Tuesday that it would not participate in the summit.

Soon after India's announcement, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan also said they would not join the summit in Pakistan.

In a statement issued by its foreign ministry, Nepal strongly urged the creation of a conducive environment so all members of the regional grouping could attend.

SAARC, consisting of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, was founded in 1985 to promote economic cooperation in the region, but tensions between India and Pakistan have repeatedly blocked progress.

In announcing it would not attend, India cited increasing terror attacks in the region and blamed "one member" for interfering in the internal affairs of member states. It said the atmosphere was not conducive for a successful summit. It did not name Pakistan directly.

Pakistan accused India on Thursday of impeding SAARC. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said India's decision to stay away from the summit was aimed at diverting the attention of the international community from human rights violations in the India-controlled portion of Kashmir.

More than 80 civilians have been killed in Kashmir since July in the largest protests against Indian rule in recent years, sparked by the killing of a popular rebel commander by Indian soldiers.

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AP Explains: What does OPEC's tentative deal mean for oil?

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  OPEC nations have agreed in theory that they need to reduce their production to help boost global oil prices during a meeting in Algeria, but a major disagreement between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran still may derail any cut. What happened to oil prices and why can't OPEC agree to anything more binding?

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OIL PROFITS DRY UP

FILE- In this Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 file photo, smoke rises from an oil pipe at sunset in the desert oil field of Sakhir, Bahrain. OPEC nations have agreed in theory that they need to reduce their production to help boost global oil prices during a meeting in Algeria, but a major disagreement between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran still may derail any cut. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali, File)

Crude oil sold for over $100 a barrel in the summer of 2014 before bottoming out below $30 a barrel this January. That fall largely came from a boom in U.S. shale oil and countries like Saudi Arabia keeping their production high to hold onto market share. In the time since, a deal between Iran and world powers over its contested nuclear program allowed it more firmly back into the global oil market. The Islamic Republic wants to make up for lost time by boosting its own production.

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TALKING UP OIL PRICES

The 14-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which had tremendous power in previous decades, has spent some two years trying to decide what to do. An April summit in Qatar that was widely expected to produce an output cut fell apart. Meanwhile, financial markets have hung on every vague utterance suggesting a deal, sparking mini-rallies in crude prices that later fade. The same seemed to be happening after Wednesday's meeting, as U.S. crude futures surged and later fell back.

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A DEAL TO MAKE A DEAL

Under the terms of Wednesday's deal, OPEC agreed to have a committee look at potentially cutting production to 32.5 million to 33 million barrels a day. That would be down from August's production of 33.2 million barrels a day. At the most, the possible deal would shave off 700,000 barrels a day  some 2 percent of overall production. The deal would need to be agreed to by OPEC members at their planned Vienna meeting in November.

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PAIN FOR PRODUCERS, COMFORT TO CONSUMERS

Producers like Venezuela and Nigeria face tremendous economic pain as oil prices remain low. Even mega-producer Saudi Arabia has cut salaries for senior government officials while eating through its foreign reserves and cutting subsidies as it wages a costly war in Yemen. But consumers benefit. U.S. drivers pay an average of $2.20 a gallon (58 cents a liter) for regular gasoline, down from $3.69 a gallon (97 cents a liter) in June 2014 at crude's height.

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PRODUCTION CAP OFFERS NO GUARANTEES

If ratified in November, an OPEC production cut wouldn't stop members from ignoring their quotas and pumping whatever they can. It's happened many times before. Meanwhile, any price rise in oil also could entice U.S. shale producers, whose break-even production costs are often higher than OPEC countries', back into the market. A generally weakened global economy could keep demand down as well.

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Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/jon-gambrell.

FILE- In this Wednesday, June 8, 2011 file photo, sun sets behind an oil pump in the desert oil fields of Sakhir, Bahrain. OPEC nations have agreed in theory that they need to reduce their production to help boost global oil prices during a meeting in Algeria, but a major disagreement between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran still may derail any cut. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali, File)
Cedar Rapids to remove flood evacuation zone restrictions

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP)  Authorities say they will remove restrictions Friday on access to a precautionary flood evacuation zone that was set up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Parts of downtown and the western side of the city were reopened Wednesday after the Iowa National Guard moved barricades, shrinking the evacuation zone. That gave residents and business owners access to 2,500 properties, though some areas remain closed.

City officials say the rest of the areas will be reopened at noon Friday, and the zone curfew will end at 7 a.m.

Emergency crews monitor the flood barriers along the Cedar River in Downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. Officials in Cedar Rapids say their elaborate system of temporary floodwalls is successfully protecting thousands of homes and businesses from floodwaters. (Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register via AP)

Police said Thursday there had been no breaches overnight in the city's temporary flood protection system.

National Weather Service data show that the Cedar River has dropped more than 3 feet since cresting Tuesday at its second-highest level in city history. The river is expected to return below flood stage Sunday.
US defense chief calls alliance with Philippines 'ironclad'

HANOI, Vietnam (AP)  U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter has described the U.S.-Philippines alliance as ironclad, one day after the Philippine president said joint military exercises with the U.S. would end.

"As it has been for decades, our alliance with the Philippines is ironclad," Carter said Thursday in a speech in San Diego, en route to a meeting in Hawaii with defense ministers from Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday that joint exercises of Filipino and American troops next week would be the last, although his foreign secretary quickly said the decision was not final.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reviews an honor guard with his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang during a welcome ceremony at the presidential palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Duterte is on a two-day visit to meet Vietnam's leaders. (Hoang Dinh Nam/Pool Photo via AP)

Duterte made the comments while addressing Filipino community members in Hanoi during a two-day visit to Vietnam. He noted that the Philippines will maintain its military alliance with the U.S. because they share a 65-year-old mutual defense treaty.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, acknowledged reports of Duterte's statements, but did not comment directly on them.

"Our relationship with the Philippines is broad and our alliance is one of our most enduring and important relationships in the Asia-Pacific region," he said in an emailed statement, adding that the U.S. would continue to work with the Philippines on counterterrorism and other areas of mutual interest.

Duterte said he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia, and that Beijing doesn't want the war games.

"I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," he said. "Jointly, Philippines-U.S., the last one."

State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday said they have not received any official communication from the Philippine government on the matter.

About 1,400 U.S. troops based in Okinawa, Japan, and 500 Filipino counterparts plan to participate in the Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise from Oct. 4 to Oct. 12 in multiple locations, including Palawan, the westernmost province nearest to disputed islands in the South China Sea, officials said.

The two militaries have routinely held bilateral exercises aimed at improving cooperation between the forces. Cancellation would end the annual 10-day Balikatan, or shoulder to shoulder, exercise which this year drew more than 8,000 troops, among others.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr., however, contradicted Duterte, saying joint military drills approved by the previous administration will continue until 2017, when they would evaluate whether there's a need for them to go on.

"He was just simply saying for now, taking into account the political reality, he does not want the joint military exercises to continue," Yasay said.

Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the U.S., his country's long-standing ally and former colonial power, since he won a presidential election in May.

More than 3,000 suspected drug pushers and users have been killed since July 1 under Duterte's war on drugs. Human rights advocates and Philippine allies including the United States have deplored the killings.

Earlier this month, Duterte cursed President Barack Obama and said he would not allow joint patrols of disputed waters near the South China Sea with foreign powers, apparently scrapping a deal his predecessor reached with the U.S. military.

Duterte has also said he is considering acquiring military equipment from Russia and China.

Yasay said the Philippines is pursuing an independent foreign policy that serves its national interests. This would involve strengthening relations with China while not alienating traditional friendships with the U.S. and other allies, he said.

On Wednesday, Duterte also said he's not inclined to go to war, or see Filipino soldiers massacred, in trying to enforce an international tribunal's ruling in July that supported his country's claims that China is overreaching in its territorial claims the South China Sea.

There will be "a time of reckoning," Duterte said, and when that time comes he said he would tell China: "This is ours. I will talk to you but I will not go out of the four corners of this (arbitration) paper."

Former Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, who spearheaded the case, questioned Duterte's foreign policy, saying it should not be a "zero-sum game."

He also warned the Philippines stands to lose billions of dollars in development assistance, including $140 million in foreign military financing from the U.S. for 2016, if the country is seen as violating human rights  a U.S. Congress conditionality in approving such funds.

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Associated Press writers Teresa Cerojano in Manila, Philippines, and Ken Moritsugu in Tokyo contributed to this report.

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This story has been corrected to show that the foreign secretary said previously approved drills will continue until 2017, not 2018.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, and his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang stand on a podium as Vietnamese sailors from an honor guard parade during a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Hanoi Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (Hoang Dinh Nam/Pool Photo via AP)
Man who used wheelchair in Rolex theft pleads guilty

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP)  A Connecticut man who pretended he needed a wheelchair so he could steal a $37,000 watch from a jewelry store is heading to prison.

The Connecticut Post (http://bit.ly/2dC4jOn ) reports that 36-year-old Larry Johnson of Waterbury pleaded guilty Wednesday to robbery, larceny and assault.

Authorities say Johnson entered a Stamford jewelry store in a wheelchair in May 2015 and asked to see a Rolex watch. Once he had the watch in hand, he got out of the wheelchair, used Mace on the sales clerk and the security guard and knocked the guard to the ground as he ran out of the store.

Johnson was tied to the theft by a fingerprint left on the wheelchair.

He faces a sentence of six years in prison when he's sentenced Dec. 7.

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Hotel workers seek new safety measures after freezer death

ATLANTA (AP)  Federal regulators and hotel employees are calling for new safety measures after a worker was found dead inside a walk-in freezer at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta.

Investigators believe Carolyn Mangham spent about 13 hours at temperatures below minus 10 Fahrenheit. Her frozen body was found after her husband called the hotel to report her missing.

Devices should be placed inside the large freezers so that anyone trapped or injured inside could send an alarm directly to hotel security or emergency services, union leaders say.

The Westin hotel at left rises above downtown buildings in Atlanta, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. An exit button inside the Westin hotel where a worker was found dead failed to work during an inspection, trapping multiple people who had to beat on the door to alert someone to let them out, a medical examiner found. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office has amended its autopsy for Carolyn Mangham to include the new details about the freezer exit button at the Westin Peachtree Plaza. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Hotel employees also want to carry "panic buttons" to alert others to emergencies.

"At the end of the day everyone deserves to go home to their families," said Wanda Brown, who worked with Mangham at the hotel and is president of the Atlanta chapter of the UNITE HERE union.

"We've given our demands to the hotel and we are waiting for a response, but we will not stop asking for these things to be done," Brown said.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing about $12,500 in penalties for a serious safety violation in the death of Mangham, 61, who also went by Carolyn Robinson.

In a Sept. 23 letter, OSHA recommended that the Atlanta hotel voluntarily develop a system of "notification and ongoing communication" for workers entering the walk-in freezers. The agency also recommends the hotel develop a system to periodically check on employees during their shifts.

"The OSHA report is part of an ongoing process and we are planning to contest their findings and recommendations," Carrie Bloom, a Starwood spokeswoman, said in a statement Wednesday night.

OSHA's recommendations apply only to the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel, and not to the larger Westin company or its parent firm, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, which was acquired last week by Marriott International for $13 billion, creating the world's largest hotel company.

But there's no reason these safety upgrades shouldn't be done all over, Diego Parra, a spokesman for UNITE HERE, said Thursday.

"As long as workers are safe  that's what we care about," said Parra, whose union represents 270,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada in industries such as hospitality, gaming, airline catering and food service.

Mangham was found on March 22 after her husband became concerned when she didn't return home from work. He called a hotel manager, who then began checking surveillance video. The video captured her entering the freezer the night before and never leaving, the Fulton County Medical Examiner said in its autopsy report.

In the two days after she was found dead, more than 30 tests of the exit device on the inside of the door were conducted, and the door opened properly each time, hotel spokeswoman Sally McDonald said in a statement March 24.

However, a follow-up inspection in April "proved the button to malfunction," the autopsy report states. On that day, an OSHA inspector and a hotel employee allowed the door to close as part of the test, and they became trapped. They had to pound on the door to let people outside know they couldn't get out.

The autopsy report lists her manner of death as undetermined with the notation: "Found in freezer; malfunctioning exit release button."

Employees also want the hotel to remove cooler No. 11, which has been padlocked and unused since her death.

"We'd like it to be removed from the hotel," Brown said. "We'd rather not have a reminder of Ms. Carolyn."
Brain freeze? Gary Johnson can't name favorite world leader

WASHINGTON (AP)  Call it a brain freeze or another "Aleppo moment," but Gary Johnson has stumbled again in his quixotic presidential campaign.

The third-party candidate, in a television appearance Wednesday, was unable to produce the name of a single foreign leader he respected. Prodded to come up with something, he finally settled on a former president of Mexico  but couldn't recall his name.

"I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment," Johnson said, referencing an episode earlier this month in which he was ridiculed after he came up blank when questioned about the besieged city that has become a focal point of Syria's civil war.

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2016 file photo, Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson speaks during a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa. Johnson had another self-described Aleppo moment on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, after he couldnt come up with a name when asked by MSNBC host Chris Matthews who his favorite foreign leader is. (AP Photo/Scott Morgan, File)

Johnson's latest misstep played out during an extraordinary and awkward 50 seconds of live television on MSNBC, where Johnson and running mate William Weld were appearing in a town hall. Host Chris Matthews ticked through a list of regions, hoping to jog the Libertarian Party candidate's memories, but to no avail.

"You've got to do this," Matthews said. "Anywhere, any continent: Canada, Mexico, Europe, over there, Asia, South America, Africa. Name a foreign leader that you respect."

Johnson hung his head slightly  "I'm having a brain freeze"  before Weld came to his rescue, offering the names of three former Mexican presidents. Johnson settled quickly on Vicente Fox, calling him "terrific" before Weld named his own favorite foreign leader: German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

As the slip-up ricocheted on social media, Johnson took to Twitter on Thursday in an apparent attempt to poke a bit of fun at himself.

"It's been almost 24 hours," Johnson wrote, "and I still can't come up with a foreign leader I look up to."
Myanmar leader Suu Kyi returns to capital after illness

YANGON, Myanmar (AP)  Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi returned to the country's capital Thursday after a brief bout of illness following her visit to the United States.

Suu Kyi, 71, was suffering from weakness and exhaustion after her return from two weeks of travel to the United States and Britain, the government said. It was her first visit to both countries after her party took power in March following its victory in an election last November.

The deputy director of the president's office, Zaw Htay, said Suu Kyi returned to Naypyitaw to attend a regional parliamentary assembly.

Suu Kyi's doctor, Tin Myo Win, said she was feeling better.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate's health is stable, the State Counselor office said. She spent several days recovering from stomach and neck problems at her home in Yangon.
Former Australian government minister visits Iraq front line

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  A former Australian government minister was branded "stupid" by the prime minister on Friday for visiting the Iraqi front line in a battle between the Islamic State movement and Kurdish Peshmerga.

Wyatt Roy became the youngest-ever Australian federal lawmaker when he was voted into Parliament in 2010 at the age of 20. He was assistant minister for innovation when he lost his seat in elections in July.

Australia's Special Broadcasting Service on Thursday showed video provided by Roy from Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.

The video showed Roy crouching to avoid gunfire at a Peshmerga position at Domez near the town of Sinjar west of Mosul a week ago as it was attacked by Islamic State fighters.

"Fifteen Daesh soldiers attacked the position that we were at for about half an hour," Roy said from Erbil, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he would give Roy, a staunch political ally, "some very sage and stern advice" when they next met.

"It was very stupid and I'm disappointed in Wyatt," Turnbull told Radio 3AW. "His actions were very foolish."

Turnbull said he would not speculate on whether Roy had broken an Australian law. It is an offense to support terrorist groups including the Kurdistan Workers' Party which is active in northern Iraq and to set foot in Mosul, which is held by Islamic State forces.

Roy said he and British political consultant Samuel Coates could not flee the Peshmerga outpost because of the danger of machine gun bullets, rocket propelled grenades and mortars. Five Islamic State soldiers died.

"Once they (Peshmerga) had pushed them back, they were very adamant that we get in the car and drive as fast as we could in the other direction so I drove us as fast as we could to the town of Sinjar," he said.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Roy did not ask for Australian government help to travel to Iraq.

"It is irresponsible of Wyatt Roy to travel to the front line of the conflict," she said in a statement.

Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong described Roy's travel as "very unwise and dangerous."

SBS said Roy was on a flight out of Iraq.

He wrote in The Australian newspaper on Friday that he had been at the Peshmerga outpost for no more than a minute when it came under attack.
Pope visits Georgia, Azerbaijan with peace message

VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Francis is wrapping up a Caucasus pilgrimage that began in June in Armenia and ends this weekend with a visit to two other countries with tiny Catholic communities: the Orthodox Christian bastion of Georgia and the largely Shiite Muslim nation of Azerbaijan.

Given the itinerary, Catholic-Orthodox and Christian-Muslim relations will be high on Francis' agenda. But geopolitical concerns will also lurk behind the scenes during the three-day trip starting Friday in Georgia, one of the world's oldest Christian lands.

For starters, Georgia is keen to use the trip to highlight its European and Western aspirations, and also draw attention to what it considers the Russian "occupation" of the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s. Russia effectively gained complete control over both regions after a brief war against Georgia in 2008.

Francis is unlikely to get involved beyond general calls for peace and reconciliation, given a reluctance to offend Russia or the Russian Orthodox Church after his historic meeting with the Russian patriarch in Cuba earlier this year.

The Georgian ambassador to the Vatican, Tamara Grdzelidze, said she wasn't optimistic Francis would use the term "occupation."

"But in Armenia he spoke about 'genocide,' so you never know with this pope," she said, referring to the Ottoman-era slaughter of Armenians.

Adding to the geopolitical mix, Francis will make a strong appeal for peace in Syria and Iraq, where Christians are being attacked and driven from their homes by Islamic extremists and where Francis has strongly condemned the recent assault by Russian and Syrian forces on the northern city of Aleppo. A special event is planned Friday in the Chaldean Catholic church in Tbilisi, just days after Francis warned those responsible for the Aleppo siege "will be held accountable before God."

"The message is going to be a message of peace," Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said.

A more subtle message is one of steadily improving ties between the Holy See and the two former Soviet republics.

When St. John Paul II visited Georgia in 1999 to mark the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Catholic-Orthodox tensions were so high that the Georgian Orthodox Church urged its faithful to stay away from his Mass. Relations are still strained, unlike the Vatican's more friendly relations with other Orthodox churches.

But the Vatican says an official delegation from the Orthodox patriarchate will attend Francis' Saturday morning Mass, a not-insignificant ecumenical development.

Monsignor Giuseppe Pasotto, the Catholic bishop of Tbilisi, said Georgian Patriarch Ilia had told him he was ready to greet the pope "in great joy."

"For Georgia's Catholics and personally for me, the papal visit is a great event," said Tako Peikrishvili, a 27-year-old from the village of Aral in southern Georgia's mountains.

Not all are welcoming the visit, however  evidence that the 1,000-year schism between Catholic and Orthodox is still keenly felt.

Last week, a few dozen protesters from the conservative group "Union of Orthodox Parents" demonstrated outside the Vatican's embassy in Tblisi, a sign of lingering suspicions of perceived Catholic expansion in Orthodox lands and resentment of ecumenical efforts by the Georgian church.

Ilia's office issued a statement Wednesday calling the protest "unacceptable" and urging all Georgians to be peaceful during Francis' visit.

David Tinikashvili, a Georgian Orthodox theologian, noted that historically, the Georgian Orthodox Church didn't harbor antagonistic attitudes toward Rome. Even Patriarch Ilia, who was elected in 1977, initially supported the ecumenical movement, allowing Catholic and Anglican pastors to participate in Orthodox Church services, he said.

"But this changed, sadly, after the collapse of the Soviet Union when ethnic nationalism began to grow," he said.

Ramaz Sakvarelidze, an independent political analyst in Tbilisi, said the papal visit should help to underscore Georgia's aspirations for greater Western integration, including its sought-after membership in the European Union and NATO.

"The visit will certainly have a positive impact on Georgia's image, it will help underline its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and a desire to embrace the principles of the Western world," he said.

After Georgia, Francis heads to Azerbaijan, completing the visit he had hoped would have begun in Armenia and ended in Azerbaijan to show a symbolic bridge between neighbors bitterly divided over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nagorno-Karabakh is officially part of Azerbaijan, but since a separatist war ended in 1994, it has been under the control of forces that claim to be local ethnic Armenians but that Azerbaijan claims include regular Armenian military.

While in Armenia in June, Francis called for reconciliation and for all sides to "resist being caught up in the illusory power of vengeance."

"I will also say that not making peace on account of a small patch of land  because that is all it is  is something grim," he said then.

Francis will spend only about 10 hours in the Azeri capital of Baku, using the time to highlight the country's interfaith mix, meeting with the sheik of Caucasus Muslims, as well as representatives of Azeri Jews and other religious communities.

And he will celebrate Mass for the Catholic community which represents less than 1 percent of the population: There are about 200 Azeri-born Catholics and about 15,000 Catholic foreigners who live in Baku.

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Misha Dzhindzhikhashvili in Tbilisi, Georgia contributed to this report.

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Imam: Pulse shooter prayed at mosque 4 days before attack

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)  An imam has released video footage of Orlando nightclub shooter Omar Mateen praying in a central Florida mosque four days before the attack that killed 49 people and injured 53 others on June 12.

Imam Helmi Elagha told reporters Wednesday that he was unaware that Mateen had visited the mosque until FBI investigators contacted him a couple of days after the June 12 shooting at Pulse nightclub.

The imam showed reporters a grainy, freeze-frame image of a man he identified as Mateen walking into the mosque about 10:30 p.m. on June 8. He said Mateen "kept his head down" and went to a corner, where he prayed for about 10 minutes. He says he doesn't believe anyone exchanged words with him.

"I'm just thinking, 'How are you praying? ... You were contemplating killing people in a couple of days,'" Elagha, executive director of the American Muslim Leadership Council, said at a news conference.

Mateen stopped at the mosque, which is located in a tourist strip not far from Walt Disney World, during Ramadan, which is Islam's holy month. His wife and child were with him, but they entered the building from a different entrance, Elagha said.

It's common for tourists to stop in at the mosque, Elagha said, adding that the FBI told him it was the only time Mateen visited.

At first, Elagha said, he didn't release the video clips but changed his mind after the recent stabbings in Minnesota and bombings in New Jersey and New York, and because of the backlash against American Muslims.

"We're not associated with this terrorist," he said of Mateen. "We're not associated with this murderer."
Canadian-Iranian prof thrilled to be home after detention

TORONTO (AP)  A retired professor who was released from an Iranian prison this week said Thursday it was wonderful to be home after a "bitter seven months" in detention that left her weak and tired.

Homa Hoodfar, a Canadian-Iranian, landed in Montreal Thursday morning. She had been detained with other Iranian dual-nationals swept up by hard-liners in Iran's security service.

"It's wonderful to be home and be reunited with family and friends again," she said at a news conference at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport.

Iranian-Canadian professor Homa Hoodfar smiles as she arrives in Montreal on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. The retired anthropology professor spent nearly four months in prison in Iran. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP)

Hoodfar, 65, was questioned and barred from leaving Iran in March after going there to visit relatives following the death of her husband. Her family said she was held in Tehran's Evin Prison since June.

Hoodfar, whose academic work concentrated on development, culture and gender in the Middle East, until recently taught anthropology and sociology at Montreal's Concordia University.

She was released and flown to the Arab Gulf nation of Oman on Monday before returning to Canada. She said the hardest thing was knowing her family would be worried and not being able to talk to them. She thanked those who helped secure her release, including the Canadian government and the sultan of Oman.

"I didn't feel that I would be released until I was on the jet because in Iran nothing is complete until it's complete," Hoodfar said.

Hoodfar said the most wonderful part of her release was seeing her niece, Amanda Ghahremani, upon landing in Oman.

"I just hugged her and felt free," she said.

In July, Iran announced indictments for Hoodfar and three others, without providing any details about the accusations. In recent weeks, Hoodfar's supporters described her health as deteriorating while she was in solitary confinement, saying she was "barely able to walk or talk."

"I feel weak and frail but better," she said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hailed her release in a statement this week, thanking Italy, Switzerland and Oman for their help in the matter. Canada has not had an embassy in Iran since 2012, when its then-Conservative-led government cut diplomatic ties over Tehran's contested nuclear program and other issues.

Iran does not recognize dual nationalities, meaning those detained cannot receive consular assistance. In previous cases, dual nationals have faced secret charges in closed-door hearings in Iran's Revolutionary Court, which handles cases involving alleged attempts to overthrow the government.

Several dual nationals have been arrested in the year. Analysts have suggested Iranian hard-liners hope to use them as bargaining chips with the West.

Homa Hoodfar gets a kiss from her nephew Saam Hamzavi as she arrives at Trudeau Airport Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in Montreal. Hoodfar, a Canadian-Iranian academic was held in Iran's Evin prison for more than 100 days before being released on Monday. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP)

Iranian-Canadian professor Homa Hoodfar arrives in Montreal on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. The retired anthropology professor spent nearly four months in prison in Iran. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP)
Berlin store manager allegedly beats shoplifter to death

BERLIN (AP)  Berlin police say a 29-year-old supermarket manager is under arrest on charges he beat an alleged shoplifter so badly that he died of his injuries.

Police said Thursday that they are looking into further similar occurrences at the same store.

Police say the victim, a 34-year-old Moldovan man, was seized by the market operator on Sept. 17 and accused of shoplifting. Instead of turning him over to police, authorities say he beat the man.

Two days later, the victim went to a doctor in the capital's Lichtenberg district with serious facial injuries, and was taken immediately to the hospital. One day later, he died of head injuries.
The Latest: Superintendent: Training saved students' lives

TOWNVILLE, S.C. (AP)  The Latest on a teenager who is accused of killing his father before shooting three people at a school in South Carolina (all times local):

7 p.m.

The superintendent of a South Carolina elementary school where a shooter opened fire says the staff and principal saved lives by flawlessly putting training into practice.

A bicyclist rides past a sign urging prayer for victims of a school shooting in Townville, S.C., on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Authorities say two students and a teacher were wounded by a gunman at an elementary school. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)

Anderson County 4 Superintendent Joanne Avery said Thursday that all the district's schools conducted active-shooter drills in August and Townville Elementary did another one just last week after a carjacking nearby.

Avery says the training kicked in as the gunman fired at a school door as a class left for recess and struck a first-grade teacher and two students. The injured teacher "was with-it enough" to close the door, lock it and get the students to safety.

Avery says the shooter then fired toward students on the playground but missed. A teacher who heard the first gunshot was able to get the students inside.

The superintendent says staff "put their fear to the side because they put those children first."

Authorities have not named the suspect or given his age other than to say that he is a teenager. But Avery says he attended Townville Elementary until fifth grade before transferring to a nearby district.

___

5:15 p.m.

Gov. Nikki Haley is asking South Carolinians to keep the Townville community in their prayers following a school shooting that injured three.

Haley spokeswoman Chaney Adams said Thursday the governor will continue to communicate through the weekend with the families of the two students and teacher shot Wednesday at Townville Elementary in rural Anderson County.

Six-year-old Jacob Hall remains in critical condition at a Greenville hospital. He was hit in a main artery in his thigh.

A student shot in the foot and a teacher shot in the shoulder were released from a hospital Wednesday.

Haley's office says she visited with Jacob's family at the hospital Wednesday night and called the teacher and other student's mother.

Authorities say a teen killed his father before driving to the school and opening fire.

___

4:15 p.m.

A hearing has been scheduled for the teen authorities say killed his father before shooting two students and a teacher at a South Carolina elementary school.

Anderson County Clerk of Court Richard Shirley says the teen is set to appear at 11 a.m. Friday in Anderson before Family Court Judge Edgar Long.

At issue is whether the teen will remain in jail or be allowed to go home. He was arrested minutes after he fired at a school door as a class left for recess Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities have not released the teen's name or age.

Six-year-year Jacob Hall remained in critical condition Thursday afternoon at a Greenville hospital.

Another student shot in the foot and a first-grade teacher shot in the shoulder were treated and released Wednesday from a hospital.

___

2:45 p.m.

The superintendent of a South Carolina elementary school where a teen opened fire says a teacher and two students were shot as they left the building for recess.

Anderson County District 4 Superintendent Joanne Avery posted online that the shooter never entered Townville Elementary.

Authorities say the shooter opened fire Wednesday afternoon after crashing a pickup truck into the playground fence.

Avery says on the district's website the teen shot at a door being opened for a class exiting for recess. Teachers then led the students to safety inside. She says the school was immediately put on lockdown as per district procedures.

Authorities say volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock tackled the shooter and kept him on the ground until officers arrived and arrested him. Brock says the teachers and principal should be called heroes, not him.

___

1:20 p.m.

Authorities say a volunteer firefighter confronted a teenager who shot a teacher and two students at an elementary school, holding him on the ground until police could arrest the teen.

Townville Fire Chief Billy McAdams said during a news conference Thursday that volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock was able to subdue the shooter while McAdams was inside tending to the wounded.

McAdams says Brock told him to go inside because McAdams is a trained paramedic. The chief says he and the school nurse, who had already been tending to the most gravely wounded student, continued tending to that boy until medics arrived to take him by helicopter to a hospital.

Brock subdued the shooter after he and McAdams found a pickup truck crashed into the playground area at the school.

___

12:45 p.m.

A South Carolina legislator says the 6-year-old boy in critical condition following a shooting outside his school was hit in a main artery and needed immediate surgery.

Rep. Alan Clemmons says the bullet that hit Jacob Hall tore through his femoral artery, a main artery in the thigh. Clemmons says the boy had to be revived twice, once while being flown to a Greenville hospital and also during surgery after the shooting Wednesday at Townville Elementary.

Clemmons says on his Facebook page the boy required immediate chest surgery to stem the blood flow, and more surgery will be required once his condition stabilizes.

The hospital is expected to update his condition later Thursday.

Clemmons lives in Myrtle Beach. But he says Jacob is the nephew of his friends and former neighbors. He says the family asks for continued prayers.

Authorities say a teenager killed his father before driving to the school and opening fire. Another student and teacher were wounded. They have been treated and released.

___

12:20 p.m.

First responders are holding a news conference to discuss a shooting at a South Carolina elementary school where three people were wounded.

Fire officials said on a voicemail message they planned to speak with reporters at 1 p.m. at the Townville Fire Department.

Authorities have said a volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at Townville Elementary School.

A teacher and one student were treated and released from a hospital. A second child is in critical condition Thursday.

A spokeswoman for the Anderson County Sheriff's Department said that agency had no news conferences planned and that its investigation is ongoing.

___

12:15 p.m.

The aunt of a teen suspected of killing his father, then wounding three people in a South Carolina elementary school shooting, says she wishes she could "turn back time."

Mitzi Clark Richards says in a statement provided to WHNS-TV (http://bit.ly/2dumk5i) that she has "no words to express the heartbreak" she feels after the shooting at Townville Elementary School. Richards also said the family planned to release another statement at a news conference later Thursday afternoon.

Richards' nephew is suspected of killing his father, then going several miles to the school, where he opened fire. A student and teacher were treated and released from the hospital. Another student remained in critical condition Thursday.

___

12 p.m.

The teacher who was wounded in a school shooting is in her 13th year of teaching.

Townville Elementary School's website says Meghan Hollingsworth has taught first grade since 2007.

Authorities say Hollingsworth was shot in the shoulder Wednesday by a teenager who killed his father before driving to the school and opening fire. A 6-year-old boy was wounded in the shooting and is in critical condition at a hospital. Hollingsworth and another boy who was wounded were treated and released from a hospital.

Hollingsworth has asked people coming to her home to respect her family's privacy. A note on her door says she's not interested in giving any interviews.

According to the school's website, she graduated from the College of Charleston in 2003 and earned her master's in 2007. Her husband is an engineering teacher at the career center for two nearby school districts. They have two children.

___

11:10 a.m.

A website set up to raise money for the care of a South Carolina boy hospitalized after being shot at his school has raised more than $13,000.

A GoFundMe page created by friends of Jacob Hall's family posted that amount as of Thursday morning. Organizers said they hoped to raise $50,000 to help pay for the boy's medical expenses.

Jacob remained in critical condition late Thursday morning at a hospital. Hospital officials plan to update his status again Thursday afternoon.

A teacher and another student were treated for gunshot wounds and released.

Officials say a teenager shot the students and the teacher outside the school after killing his father at their home.

___

11 a.m.

Authorities are not releasing 911 calls made after they say a teenager killed his father and opened fire at a South Carolina elementary school.

Anderson County Sheriff's Sgt. Laura Johnson said Thursday no audio is being released because it's an ongoing investigation. She did not know when the calls might be made public.

Authorities have said a Townville Elementary teacher called 911 as a teenager began shooting outside the school Wednesday afternoon. The teen was arrested within minutes.

One student remains in critical condition at a Greeneville hospital. Another student and a teacher were treated and released Wednesday from a hospital in Anderson.

Coroner Greg Shore said the teen's grandparents called 911 after finding their son, 47-year-old Jeffrey Osborne, dead in his home. They went to the home after receiving a call from the teen.

___

10:40 a.m.

Officials from the South Carolina school where two students and one teacher were wounded in a shooting are praising the "fearless" response of its teachers and staff.

Townville Elementary School also lauded first responders and community members who came to the aid of the school and its children during Wednesday's attack.

Anderson County sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole says officers and forensic specialists were going back to the school Thursday morning to resume their investigation. Officials say a teenager shot the students and the teacher outside the school after killing his father at their home.

The statement said the school's staff and teachers have practiced drills to prepare for many different events, but it took "quick thinking and common sense to act once an actual event presents on campus."

___

10 a.m.

The mother of a teen accused of killing his father and wounding two students and a teacher at a South Carolina elementary school says his family is "shocked and saddened."

In a statement Pastor James South provided to local media outlets, Tiffney Osborne says the family "cannot express the devastation we feel at the loss of our beloved Jeff."

Authorities said the shooting began Wednesday afternoon at the teen's house about 2 miles from the school, where he gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne.

Authorities have not released the suspect's name or age beyond saying he's a teen. South says Tiffney Osborne found out about the shooting through media reports.

A volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after the school shooting. A teacher and one student were treated and released from an Anderson hospital. A second child was in critical condition at a hospital in Greenville.

___

9:45 a.m.

The South Carolina teacher wounded in a school shooting says she does not want to talk to the media right now.

A note on the door of Townville Elementary School teacher Meghan Hollingsworth's home Thursday morning says her family appreciates people's concern. But she asks those coming to her home to respect their privacy. The note says she's not interested in giving any interviews.

Anderson County sheriff's officials say the teacher and two students were shot Wednesday afternoon by a teenager after he killed his father at their home. She and one of the students were treated and released from a hospital. The second student was in critical condition in Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A volunteer fighter responding to a dispatch call tackled the teen who deputies think did the shooting.

___

9:15 a.m.

Anderson County sheriff's deputies are returning to an elementary school where they say a teenager shot two students and a teacher after killing his father at their home.

Sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole said officers and forensic specialists are going back to Townville Elementary School on Thursday morning to resume their investigation.

A volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after the shooting Wednesday afternoon. A teacher and one student were treated and released from an Anderson hospital. A second child was in critical condition at a hospital in Greenville.

Investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting.

Authorities believe the teen shot and killed his father before going to the school. Officials said the teen had called his grandparents just before going to the school. The grandparents went to the house and found the boy's father dead.

___

2:50 a.m.

Authorities say a volunteer firefighter stopped a teenager who shot two students and a teacher outside a South Carolina elementary school after killing his father at home.

Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper says the shooter wounded the students and the teacher Wednesday afternoon outside rural Townville Elementary but was apprehended before he could get inside the building.

Skipper says firefighter Jamie Brock "just took him down." Brock is a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department just down the road from the school and arrived before other officers responding to a 911 call from the school.

Deputies arrived minutes later.

Authorities say they don't yet know a motive for the shooting and they weren't sure if the students and teacher were targeted.

Fire Chief Billy McAdams speaks with reporters about a school shooting during a news conference in Townville, S.C., on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. McAdams was among the first two officials to arrive on the scene of the shooting, which injured two students and a teacher at a rural elementary school. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)

Fire Chief Billy McAdams, center, speaks with reporters about a school shooting during a news conference in Townville, S.C., on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. McAdams was among the first two officials to arrive on the scene of the shooting, which injured two students and a teacher at a rural elementary school. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)

A Townville Elementary student looks out of the window of a school bus as she and her classmates are transported to Oakdale Baptist Church, following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

Korrie Bennett hugs Heather Bailey after recovering their children following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

A woman talks on the phone outside Townville Elementary after a shooting at the elementary school in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

A woman hugs a boy following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

A woman reacts following a shooting at Townville Elementary in Townville Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A teenager killed his father at his home Wednesday before going to the nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said. (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

Lilly Chapman, 8, cries after being reunited with her father, John Chapman at Oakdale Baptist Church on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townville, S.C. Students were evacuated to the church following a shooting at Townville Elementary School. A teenager opened fire at a South Carolina elementary school on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)

Joey Taylor walks with his daughter Josie Taylor after picking her up at Oakdale Baptist Church on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townville, S.C. Students were evacuated to the church following a shooting at Townville Elementary School. A teenager opened fire at the South Carolina elementary school Wednesday. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)

In this frame from video provided by WYFF, law enforcement officers respond to reports of a shooting at Townville Elementary School in Townville, S.C., Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. (WYFF via AP)

Authorities speak as they respond to a report of a shooting at a South Carolina elementary school, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townsville, S.C. (Mike Ellis/Independent Mail via AP)

Members of law enforcement talk in front of Townville Elementary School on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townville, S.C. A teenager opened fire at the South Carolina elementary school Wednesday, wounding two students and a teacher before the suspect was taken into custody, authorities said. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)

Members of law enforcement investigate an area at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in Townville, S.C. A teenager opened fire at the South Carolina elementary school Wednesday, wounding two students and a teacher before the suspect was taken into custody, authorities said. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
The Latest: Suspect in killings of 4 women pleads not guilty

ASHLAND, Ohio (AP)  The Latest on Ohio suspect in killings of at least four women (all times local):

9:15 a.m.

A man linked to the slayings of at least four women in Ohio has pleaded not guilty.

FILE  This Sept. 14, 2016, file photo shows missing person fliers for Stacey Stanley that remained posted on a bulletin board in a laundromat in Ashland, Ohio. Shawn Grate is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in the Ashland, Ohio, killings of Stanley of Greenwich, Ohio, and another woman, and has pleaded not guilty. Authorities say Grate confessed to killing two other women, one in June 2016 and one around 2005, and is charged in the abduction of a woman rescued Sept. 13, 2016, in Ashland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ann Sanner, File)

Shawn Grate entered the pleas Thursday after being accused in a 23-count indictment issued last week.

Prosecutors say they'll seek the death penalty if he's convicted.

Grate has been charged in two of the killings and the abduction of a third woman rescued by police from a vacant home two weeks ago in Ashland. That's about 60 miles southwest of Cleveland.

Authorities say the 40-year-old also has confessed to killing two other women, one earlier this year and one around 2005.

But investigators have not yet filed charges in those slayings. Messages seeking comment have been left with his attorneys.

Investigators say they're looking into whether there could be more victims.

___

2 a.m.

A man linked to the slayings of at least four women in Ohio is described by those who know him as a charmer with a dark side.

Shawn Grate has been charged in two of the killings and the abduction of a third woman rescued by police from a vacant home two weeks ago.

Authorities say the 40-year-old also has confessed to killing two other women, one earlier this year and one around 2005.

Grate is due to be arraigned Thursday in the killings of the two women in Ashland. That's about 60 miles southwest of Cleveland.

He has pleaded not guilty in the case. Messages seeking comment have been left with his attorneys.

Investigators say they're now looking into whether there could be more victims from his past.

FILE  In this Sept. 13, 2016, file photo, law enforcement personnel from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ashland Police Department execute a search warrant on a home in Ashland, Ohio. Shawn Grate is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in the killings of two women in Ashland, Ohio, and has pleaded not guilty. Authorities say Grate confessed to killing two other women in June 2016 and around 2005, and is charged in the abduction of a woman rescued Sept. 13, 2016, in Ashland, Ohio. (Tom E. Puskar/The Times Gazette via AP, File)

FILE  This file photo provided by the Ashland County Sheriff Office shows Shawn M. Grate, arrested Sept. 13, 2016, in Ashland, Ohio. Grate is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in the killings of two women in Ashland, Ohio, and has pleaded not guilty in the case. Authorities say Grate confessed to killing two other women, one earlier in 2016, and one around 2005, and is charged in the abduction of a woman rescued Sept. 13, 2016, in Ashland, Ohio. (Ashland County Sheriff Office/Ashland Times-Gazette via AP, File)
Record registration of CAT for B-school admissions

UNI, Bengaluru | Published : 28th September, 2016

Registrations for the Common Admission Test(CAT) to Indian Institutes of Management and other leading B-school shave shot up to a 7-year high, with 2,32,434 applications received by the Office of the Convenor of CAT 2016 on September 27, 2016, the registration deadline.

There were 2,18,664 registrations for the test last year.

''From the period CAT 2010 to CAT 2016, this is the highest number of applicants,'' said Professor Rajendra K. Bandi, Convenor,CAT 2016 in a statement here.

''While we still have a majority of male candidates (67 per cent), the percentage of female candidates has marginally increased by 1 percet compared to last year, which is a good sign, but not good enough,' 'he observed.

''However, if we look at the total increase in the applications compared to last year, which is close to 14,000, almost half of these additional applications have come from female candidates. This is a positive sign. That means, the increase of female candidates is more than the increase of male candidates,'' he explained.

The number of Persons with Disability applicants has increased from 901 to 938. ''In this category, the percentage of male candidates is very high (more than 80 per cent), which is something to think about. Our social systems need to encourage female PWD students. However, on the positive side, the percentage of female PWD candidates has increased from 14.76 per cent to 17.48 per cent. Small positive steps, but miles to go on this,'' Prof. Bandi added.

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Lead lawyer in troubled UK child sex inquiry suspended

LONDON (AP)  Britain's long-running official inquiry into child sex abuse has suffered another setback with the suspension of its lead lawyer.

The inquiry said Thursday that chief counsel Ben Emmerson was suspended Thursday because of concerns about his leadership.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd says she still has confidence in the 100 million pound ($130 million) probe.

Her office said the inquiry "is continuing its vital work in exposing the failure of public bodies and other organizations to prevent systematic child sexual abuse."

Emmerson says he learned of his dismissal in news reports.
Supreme Court says it will hear special education case

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court says it'll decide the minimum that public schools must do to help learning-disabled students.

The court agreed Thursday to resolve differences among federal appeals court over the standards schools must meet under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The justices will hear an appeal from parents of an autistic child in Colorado. They moved their son to private school for fifth grade after a difficult year in fourth grade. The dispute arose after they asked for reimbursement for the cost of the private schooling.

Federal law allows learning-disabled children to be placed in private schools at taxpayer expense if public schools can't provide what the law calls a "free appropriate public education."
UN warns of 'disaster' once Iraqi troops take on IS in Mosul

GENEVA (AP)  A looming Iraqi military operation against the Islamic State group in Mosul could spark "one of the largest man-made disasters" in years, the U.N. refugee agency's top official in Iraq warned Thursday, urging the international community to keep up support for displaced Iraqis before a battle that could mark a turning point for the war-ravaged country.

Bruno Geddo of UNHCR says more than 1 million people could be displaced by the campaign to retake the largest IS-held city, which has an estimated population of 1.2 to 1.5 million. The Iraqi government has pledged to retake Mosul this year, but has not announced a date for the operation  and has been gearing up with support from the United States and other allies.

Speaking Thursday to reporters after meetings with donors in Geneva, Geddo said UNHCR is preparing as well, but faces constraints in obtaining land for camps, erecting them in time, and winning full funding for its plans. He said UNHCR and partners are planning to provide tents, water, medical support and other services to the estimated 700,000 people who might flee Mosul.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 file photo, UNHCR representative in Baghdad Bruno Geddo addresses the media on the humanitarian situation in Iraq at the UN Regional Information Centre in Brussels. A looming Iraqi military operation against the Islamic State group in Mosul could spark one of the largest man-made disasters in years, the U.N. refugee agencys top official in Iraq warned Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, urging the international community to keep up support for displaced Iraqi before a battle that could mark a turning point for the war-divided country.(AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)

The military operation in the city "has the potential to be one of the largest man-made disasters for many, many years."

However, he said the agency is better prepared to act than before a similar government operation lasting 6-1/2 months to liberate Fallujah, west of Baghdad, in May and June, and noted lessons that UNCHR learned from that operation.

"The first lesson is: It is too late when you receive funding when the crisis hits the television screens, which has normally been the pattern in the past in dealing with humanitarian crises," Geddo said. "We need funding to prepare in advance of the emergency."

"This time, whereas Mosul may have dramatic  in the worst case apocalyptic  proportions, in a way we are in a better position because we know that it is coming," and funding was coming together in part, he said.

Plans are, for example, to pre-position tents closer to the theater of operations, in case people flee before camps are ready.

"In an ideal situation, we should be able to provide a roof on every family within 24 hours," he said. "It is going to be a huge challenge but we are planning to try our best to meet this."

Geddo noted that the extremist IS group had deployed tactics like using civilians as human shields, and aired concerns about how Shiite militia groups allied with Iraqi troops had reportedly mistreated civilians fleeing Fallujah as suspected IS accomplices.

He said sustained international support was essential to help Iraq's government overcome IS and stabilize the country.

"The Iraqi people deeply are traumatized. This war now, 2016-2017, might with luck mark a turning point for the country," he said. "The international community should not succumb to fatigue, should stay the course, should continue to support Iraq as much as we can, so that Iraq can mark the turning point."

___
The Latest: Northern California wildfire has burned 8 homes

MORGAN HILL, Calif. (AP)  The Latest on California wildfires (all times local):

6:30 p.m.

A fire burning in Northern California's Santa Cruz Mountains has now destroyed eight homes and sent a firefighter to the hospital.

An inmate firefighter examines a burning structure while battling the Loma fire near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

State fire officials said Thursday that the firefighter was injured and hospitalized. But they did not give any details on his condition.

Officials had only announced one burned home before Thursday. It's not clear whether the destruction of seven more is new or just newly discovered.

The blaze has grown to about 6 square miles and is 34 percent contained.

It is still threatening more than 300 structures.

Mandatory evacuations were lifted Wednesday for Santa Cruz County. Evacuation orders remain in effect for neighboring Santa Clara County, where most of the threatened structures are located.

___

5:30 p.m.

Cooler weather and more firefighters have fire officials hopeful that they will be able to fully contain in days a wildfire threatening hundreds of structures in a remote area of California's Santa Cruz Mountains.

State fire Capt. Mike Perez said full containment was expected by Monday, though wind gusts of up to 35 mph forecast for Friday night could complicate the firefight. The fire has burned 6 square miles and is threatening 325 structures. It was 22 percent contained as of Thursday morning.

Mandatory evacuations were lifted Wednesday for Santa Cruz County. Evacuation orders remain in effect for neighboring Santa Clara County, where most of the threatened structures are located.

___

6:30 a.m.

Officials say a wildfire threatening hundreds of structures in a remote area of California's Santa Cruz Mountains continues to grow.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jeremy Rahn said Thursday that the flames have scorched more than 6 square miles of trees and dry brush in steep terrain south of San Jose.

At least 325 structures are in the path of the fire, which is 22 percent contained.

Mandatory evacuations were lifted Wednesday for Santa Cruz County, but evacuation orders remain in effect for neighboring Santa Clara County, where most of the threatened structures are located.

To the north in Sonoma County, investigators say a grass fire that destroyed four homes in Petaluma may have been started by a discarded cigarette.

Vintage cars line a property after the Loma fire burned through Loma Chiquita Road near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A heat wave stifling drought-stricken California has worsened a wildfire that burned some buildings and forced people from their homes. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Fremont firefighter Collin Spencer hoses down a hot spot while battling the Loma fire near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Alameda County firefighter Wally Armstrong cools down hot spots in front of a residence leveled by the Loma fire near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A vintage car rests in a driveway after the Loma fire burned through Loma Chiquita Road near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. A heat wave stifling drought-stricken California has worsened a wildfire that burned some buildings and forced people from their homes. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighters knock down walls of a building structure while battling the Loma fire near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Anthony Lopez harvests marijuana plants as the Loma fire burns around his home near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Anthony Lopez harvests marijuana plants as the Loma fire burns around his home near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Are you owed money from a forgotten bank account?

Finding money you didn't know you had is like discovering lost treasure. For many people, there's treasure to be found in old, forgotten bank accounts.

Las Vegas resident Michael Catania was surprised when he plugged his name into MissingMoney.com , a website for unclaimed-property searches, and learned that Massachusetts was holding money for him from a forgotten bank certificate of deposit.

The adjunct music professor had lived in four states over the past decade, including Massachusetts, where he had opened the $1,500 CD that had long since matured.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, file photo, a just-cut stack of $100 bills rolls down the line at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Finding money you didnt know you had is like discovering lost treasure. Nearly $42 billion in unclaimed property is sitting in state coffers, waiting to be matched with its owners or their heirs. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

"I'm embarrassed that I forgot about an account with that much money," he says, "but I was moving around a lot and the bank didn't know how to reach me."

According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, a group of state officers, nearly $42 billion is sitting in state coffers, having come from financial institutions and other businesses with dormant accounts. In addition to old bank accounts, the property often is from unclaimed insurance policies, uncashed paychecks and abandoned safe-deposit boxes.

Does some of that $42 billion belong to you? Here are some tips to find out:

Check with the unclaimed-property divisions of states where you've lived or worked. MissingMoney.com includes links to the unclaimed-property divisions of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and some Canadian provinces. MissingMoney.com has its own nationwide search function, but as its database is sometimes incomplete, you may get more thorough results by also searching the individual states' sites.

When searching, type in your current name and any others you've used in the past, such as a maiden name. The information is public, so you can search on behalf of friends and relatives as well. You can also search the names of deceased property holders, if you think you're an heir to an owner of unclaimed property. Online searches are free and take just a few minutes.

If you find a match, contact that state's unclaimed-property agency to file a claim. You may be asked to provide a copy of your driver's license and Social Security card to prove your identity.

If the unclaimed property is associated with an old address, you may need to provide proof of residence. This could come from a previous tax return, credit report or old utility bill.

If you're an heir, you may need to provide a copy of the account owner's death certificate and proof the property should go to you. Check with the state for specific requirements.

By law, organizations that hold money for account holders must make reasonable efforts to contact the owners, says Toni Nuernberg, executive director of the Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization, a trade group that helps holders of unclaimed property comply with state regulations.

"If the organization isn't able to get in touch with the owner after a certain period  generally three to five years, depending on the state's requirements  the property has to be turned over to the state," she says. And that's where it usually remains "in perpetuity" until claimed.

Catania says once he proved he was the owner of the bank CD, Massachusetts sent the money to his new address. "The check took about six weeks to arrive," he recalls. "It was a great feeling to know I'd reclaimed all that money after spending just a few minutes searching on the web."

_______

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Email staff writer Margarette Burnette: mburnette@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @margarette.

RELATED LINKS:

NerdWallet: What is a CD?

https://nerd.me/2-nerdwallet-banking

MissingMoney.com: States and Provincial Contact Information & Websites
7 killed in Mexican border state in drug gang clashes

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Authorities in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas say seven men were shot to death in the state capital as part of disputes between criminal gangs seeking to control the city.

The state government says the men were killed in three separate incidents Wednesday in Ciudad Victoria. Factions of at least three drug gangs are fighting turf battles in the city.

The first shooting occurred at a home where four men were shot in the head by attackers who first questioned the victims about a member of a rival gang.

The second shooting occurred at a taco stand. One man died at the stand and another nearby.
Russia accuses US of siding with 'terrorists' in Syria

MOSCOW (AP)  Russian officials accused the U.S. on Thursday of siding with "terrorists" in Syria, in a sign of escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington amid the battle for the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby's warning that the collapse of U.S.-Russian cooperation in Syria could lead to a rise in extremism and potential attacks against Russia drew Moscow's anger.

The Russian Foreign and Defense Ministries both cast it as U.S. encouragement of terror attacks on Russia.

This Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 photo, provided by the Syrian Civil Defense group known as the White Helmets, shows a Civil Defense worker carrying the body of a child after airstrikes hit al-Shaar neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria. Pope Francis has decried the assault on the Syrian city of Aleppo, saying those responsible for the bombing must answer to God. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

"We can't assess those statements as anything else but a call, a directive for action," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Kirby's statement amounted to "the most frank confession by the U.S. side so far that the whole 'opposition' ostensibly fighting a 'civil war' in Syria is a U.S.-controlled international terrorist alliance."

"What makes Kirby's statement particularly shocking is that the scale of direct U.S. influence on terrorists' activity is global and reaches as far as Russia," he said.

The remarks by Russian officials have shown a degree of mistrust and strain between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of the U.S.-Russia-brokered truce and the Syrian army onslaught on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes. The growing friction makes it increasingly unlikely that the cease-fire could be revived.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday that Washington is "on the verge" of ending Syria talks with Moscow because of days of deadly bombings of Aleppo by Russian and Syrian planes.

Kirby, asked Wednesday what the consequences would be for Russia if cooperation with the U.S. in Syria collapsed, said "that extremists and extremists groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there ... which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags."

Konashenkov interpreted Kirby's statement as a direct threat to the Russian military in Syria. He said Russia remains open for dialogue with Washington on Syria, but added that the U.S. needs to "exclude even a hint at threatening our military and Russian citizens."

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Thursday that Moscow still wants to cooperate with Washington on the Syrian crisis, but blamed the U.S. for a failure to deliver on its pledge under the Sept. 9 agreement to encourage moderate opposition to sever ties with al-Qaida's branch in Syria.

"Our colleagues from Washington have tried to cover up their inability to fulfill their own obligations with verbal attacks on Russia," he said.

Russia on Friday is marking the one year since it launched its air campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad. In light of that, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a warning to Russians abroad about possible "provocations," urging them to exercise caution.
House lawmakers heap blistering criticism on Wells Fargo CEO

WASHINGTON (AP)  Angry lawmakers heaped another round of blistering criticism on Wells Fargo's CEO, pressing Thursday for details about what senior managers knew about allegedly illegal sales practices and when any concerns were disclosed.

Chief Executive John Stumpf, newly stripped of tens of millions in compensation, told the House Financial Services Committee that the bank is expanding its review of accounts and will evaluate executives' roles. But as during the grilling he received last week from a Senate panel, Stumpf remained on the defensive.

Several lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, alleged that Wells Fargo's sales practices may have violated federal laws, including the federal racketeering laws, which would constitute a criminal offense. Federal regulators have not said if they have referred the Wells Fargo case to the Department of Justice.

House Financial Services Committee member Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., right, questions Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, during the committee's hearing investigating Wells Fargo's opening of unauthorized customer accounts. Fellow committee member Rep. Terry Sewell, D-Ala. is at left. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

"Fraud is fraud. Theft is theft," committee head Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, told Stumpf.

The panel's senior Democrat, Rep. Maxine Waters of California, was adamant that the alleged abuses show that the second-largest U.S. bank is too big for senior executives to keep track of what's going on. "I have come to the conclusion that Wells Fargo should be broken up," she said.

Stumpf reiterated his previous words, that he was "deeply sorry." He said the bank was looking at accounts further back, to 2009, and that an inquiry by Wells Fargo's outside directors will review executives' roles "across the board."

U.S. and California regulators have fined San Francisco-based Wells Fargo $185 million, saying bank employees trying to meet sales targets opened up to 2 million fake deposit and credit card accounts without customers' knowledge. Regulators said they issued and activated debit cards, and signed people up for online banking without permission. The abuses are said to have gone on for years, unchecked by senior management.

Stumpf finally shared some basic information about the potential victims, saying those affected skewed to younger Wells customers. When questioned by lawmakers, Stumpf also gave some state-by-state breakdowns, including for Georgia, Delaware, Texas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Missouri. When asked by The Associated Press for a complete state-by-state count, a Wells spokeswoman declined to share that information.

The bank says customers already have been refunded $2.6 million in fees from unauthorized products.

Wells Fargo also was hit with more penalties Thursday. The Justice Department and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced a total of $24.1 million in civil penalties against the company for alleged violations of a law intended to protect military service members from predatory financial practices.

The OCC, a division of the Treasury Department, said its $20 million penalty is for Wells Fargo's failure to honor an interest cap and other violations. In a settlement with the Justice Department, the bank is paying $4.1 million to resolve allegations it repossessed 413 cars owned by service members without obtaining court orders.

For more than five hours Thursday, Stumpf came under a sustained assault from lawmakers. He insisted that Wells Fargo had taken actions prior to 2013 to bolster its legal compliance and maintain high ethical standards. He bristled at depictions of the culture of Wells Fargo  a 164-year-old bank with origins in the California gold rush  as elevating sales and profits to lure investors at the expense of ethics.

"This is the behavior of people that we found, that we did not want," Stumpf insisted.

Many of the angry lawmakers said they hold accounts with Wells Fargo or have taken out mortgages. "If I could, I'd pay it back," said Hensarling.

Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, who represents North Carolina  where Wells has a large presence due to its purchase of Wachovia in 2008  was particularly incensed. "You have broken long-standing ethical standards inside the company," McHenry said.

Stumpf noted new leadership at the retail bank business and the accelerated elimination of sales goals. He said about 10 percent of the 5,300 fired employees were branch managers, while others terminated were above that level, supervising the branch managers.

He also cited the compensation he must return. The Wells Fargo board said it is stripping Stumpf and the executive who ran the retail banking division of millions of dollars in pay. Stumpf, who earned $19.3 million last year, will forfeit $41 million in stock awards. He also is giving up any bonuses for this year.

Members of Congress also raised question whether other banks had similar aggressive sales cultures. "We have Wells Fargo before me, but I don't think you should be alone in this joyous experience," said Rep. Brad Sherman, D-California.

Stumpf insisted customers' loyalty to Wells Fargo remains as strong as ever. He also defended his dual roles as chief executive and chairman, positions that some critics have suggested should be split.

Members of Congress pushed Stumpf on when he informed Wells Fargo's board about the sales practice scandal, and whether Wells may have violated Securities and Exchange Commission regulations by not informing investors.

Wells Fargo's largest shareholder is Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, and Stumpf said Thursday that he's had one phone conversation with Buffett since the bank was fined. Buffett has praised Stumpf in the past, but still isn't saying much publicly. He's said he doesn't plan to until November, when he is required to file a quarterly update on its stock portfolio.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney, a New York Democrat, asked Stumpf about his personal sales of company shares at a time when she said he apparently had learned about the fake-account sales practices. Stumpf said he sold the stock with the proper ethics approvals and "with no view" of any misconduct at the bank.

Stumpf also said Wells did not put language in their regulatory filings until this summer, three years after a Los Angeles Times investigation and a year after a Los Angeles City Attorney's lawsuit.

The consumer banking giant, which is also the biggest U.S. mortgage lender, fired about 5,300 employees starting in 2011 in connection with the sales practices. Stumpf said all of the terminated employees were fired because of unethical conduct  not because they failed to meet sales goals.

__

This story has been corrected to reflect Stumpf said about 10 percent of the employees fired were branch managers, and others were in higher positions.

Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, before the House Financial Services Committee investigating Wells Fargo's opening of unauthorized customer accounts. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf is sworn in on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, prior to testifying before the House Financial Services Committee investigating Wells Fargo's opening of unauthorized customer accounts. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, before the House Financial Services Committee investigating Wells Fargo's opening of unauthorized customer accounts. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, right, talks with Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., center, as the committee's ranking Member Maxine Waters, D-Calif. goes over notes at left, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, prior to the start of the committee's hearing investigating Wells Fargo's opening of unauthorized customer accounts. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
'Amanda Knox' pulls back the curtain on a media circus

NEW YORK (AP)  Amanda Knox stares into the camera, coolly contemplating how she became a figure of global fascination.

"I think people love monsters. And so when they get the chance, they want to see them. It's people projecting their fears," Knox says. "They want the reassurance that they know who the bad people are, and it's not them. So maybe that's what it is: We're all afraid, and fear makes people crazy."

Such is the provocative opening of "Amanda Knox," a documentary premiering Friday on Netflix that gives the participants of one of the most sensational trials of the century a chance to tell their story, straightforwardly, directly to the camera. For a case that often seemed like a horror movie played out in the nightly news, "Amanda Knox" allows the drama's main characters to step out from their media-crafted roles.

This image released by Netflix shows Amanda Knox in a scene from her self-titled documentary, premiering Friday, Sept. 30 on Netflix. (Netflix via AP)

"We thought that a new way of adding a fresh perspective to the story was to look at it from the inside out and to get to the people at the center of the story and have them tell us what it was like to be embroiled in this whole story," says Rod Blackhurst, who directed the film with Brian McGinn.

The British student Meredith Kercher was murdered Nov. 1, 2007, in Peruga, Italy. Knox, Kercher's roommate and an American student studying abroad, and her Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were arrested and convicted of the murder. Knox was sentenced to 26 years in prison, Sollecito to 25.

Three years after Rudy Guede was convicted for the murder and sexual assault of Kercher, the convictions of Knox and Sollecito were overturned in 2011, allowing Knox to return home to Seattle after spending four years in jail. But she and Sollecito were tried again in 2014, again found guilty, only to finally be exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.

The case captivated the world with its grisly details (prosecutors claimed Kercher was killed in a bloody sex game), its attractive alleged murderer (dubbed "Foxy Noxy" by the tabloids) and its culture clash, which pitted a young American abroad against a quaint old Italian city.

"Amanda Knox," five years in the making, centers on interviews with Knox, Sollecito, the Italian prosecutor Giuliano Mignini and Nick Pisa, a freelance journalist for the Daily Mail.

The film soberly follows the case chronologically, eventually leading to the forensic evidence that helped lead to Knox's and Sollecito's exoneration. But in the years in between, prosecutors and tabloid press (with Pisa playing a significant role) formed radically different images of the pair.

"The power of narrative to embed these incredibly strong opinions no matter what side you're on is something we're seeing in every aspect of our daily lives now," says McGinn, pointing to the U.S. presidential election. "It's important to remember that all of these stories are much more tangled and complicated than we like to think of them."

The filmmakers, both in their 30s, first approached Knox in 2011 through a mutual friend shortly after her return to Seattle. It wasn't until two years later that Knox agreed to participate. Their appeal was based on giving Knox, Sollecito and Mignini a more unfiltered avenue in which to tell their stories, without sensational or headline-motivated interest. The film was viewed for each before it premiered earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The filmmakers have watched as their documentary has ironically returned Knox to the media's spotlight. The Daily Mail, for example, published photographs  the kind usually reserved for jet-setting movie stars  of Knox and her current boyfriend, writer Christopher Robinson, with whom she lives in Seattle, arriving in Toronto. (Knox attended the premiere but didn't speak at it.)

"They all would like to move on from this," says Blackhurst. "Not only has it defined their lives for the better part of a decade, but it seems like they'll forever be trapped in this narrative that might have latched on to them for the rest of their lives."

Knox, in the film, considers the implications of her being turned into "a monster," and the implications it has for others.

"If I'm guilty, it means I am the ultimate figure to fear. On the other hand, if I'm innocent, it means everyone's vulnerable. And it's everyone's nightmare," Knox says. "Either I'm a psychopath in sheep's clothing or I am you,"

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Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP
The Latest: 'Clean-burning igniter' exploded at Camp Minden

MINDEN, La. (AP)  The Latest on explosion at Camp Minden in northwest Louisiana (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

The National Guard says a bunker full of "clean-burning igniter" exploded at Camp Minden, where a company went bankrupt and abandoned about 160 tons of that substance and 7,800 tons of potentially explosive artillery propellant.

Authorities say nobody was hurt in Thursday morning's blast. It occurred about 6.5 miles from the site where a contractor is burning the M-6 propellant and will burn the remaining 100 tons of igniter

Authorities say nobody was hurt in Thursday morning's blast.

Louisiana State Police said earlier it was a bunker of M-6 that exploded. Once they were able to get closer to the site, investigators revised the analysis.

State Trooper Matt Harris called Thursday's explosion minimal compared to one in 2012 that touched off an investigation of Explo Systems Inc. That company went bankrupt the following year.

___

This item has been corrected to reflect that authorities now say "clean-burning igniter," not M-6, exploded.

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9 a.m.

Louisiana State Police say the explosion at Camp Minden happened in one of many bunkers where 7,800 tons of explosive M-6 propellant is stored.

Trooper Matt Harris says the hazardous materials unit is surveying the area by air to see the extent of damage.

Harris says once the area is deemed safe, investigators will start looking for a cause of Thursday morning's explosion. He says no one was injured in the blast.

Explosive Services International is in the process of destroying propellant that was left behind when Explo Systems Inc. went bankrupt in 2013.

Webster Parish official Jenny Reynolds says she was standing on her front porch drinking coffee when she saw a flash and then heard an explosion coming from the direction of Camp Minden.

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6:55 a.m.

Louisiana State Police say a hazardous materials unit is on the scene investigating a possible explosion in northwest Louisiana at the same site where a company was previously accused of abandoning 7,800 tons of potentially explosive artillery propellant.

Lt. Jeff White says the Troop G office in Bossier City started receiving calls around 5 a.m. Thursday.

Explosive Services International of Baton Rouge is working at Camp Minden on the burn operation to destroy millions of pounds of improperly stored M-6 propellant.

Company President Billy Poe told the Associated Press his men at the site didn't hear an explosion. He said his personnel are accounted for and no one is hurt.

Poe said he is on his way to the scene and plans to get a helicopter in the air after daylight to check out the area where the propellant is being stored.

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United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. JASON BATTS, Defendant - Appellant. No. 15-4691 Decided: September 16, 2016

Before NIEMEYER, MOTZ, and DIAZ, Circuit Judges. Rudolph A. Ashton, III, DUNN PITTMAN SKINNER & CUSHMAN, PLLC, New Bern, North Carolina, for Appellant. John S. Bruce, Acting United States Attorney, Jennifer P. May-Parker, Kristine L. Fritz, Assistant United States Attorneys, Raleigh, North Carolina, for Appellee.

Jason Batts pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C.  922(g)(1) (2012), and was convicted by a jury of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (crack), 21 U.S.C.  841(a)(1) (2012). He was sentenced to 169 months in prison for the drug offense and 120 months, concurrent, for the firearm offense. Batts now appeals, raising several issues. We affirm.

I

Batts contends that the district court improperly denied his Fed. R. Crim. P. 29 motion for judgment of acquittal. We review de novo a district court's denial of a Rule 29 motion. United States v. Reed, 780 F.3d 260, 269 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 136 S. Ct. 167 (2015). Applying that standard,  the verdict  must be sustained if there is substantial evidence, taking the view most favorable to the government, to support it. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted).

To establish a violation of  841(a)(1), the Government had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Batts possessed cocaine base, that he did so knowingly, and [that he had] an intent to distribute. See United States v. Penniegraft, 641 F.3d 566, 572 (4th Cir. 2011). Having reviewed the trial record, we conclude that there was sufficient evidence upon which a jury could have convicted Batts.

Officers responding to a shots fired call were directed by an eyewitness to an apartment, where they found Batts lying prone on a bed in the first floor master bedroom. Batts told Detective Simpson that there was some marijuana in the residence. In the bedroom where Batts was located, officers found men's shoes and clothing. On the top shelf of the bedroom closet officers saw a pistol atop a locked safe. The key to the safe was taped to the closet's frame. When they opened the safe, officers found another handgun, marijuana, jewelers bags, a large amount of crack cocaine, and smaller amounts of crack packaged in jewelers bags. The large amount of crack weighed 8.21 grams; the four smaller bags together weighed 3.6 grams.

During an interview at the police station, Batts admitted that he had been staying at the apartment. He was familiar with the contents of the safe and said he was not sure how much crack was in the safe. Batts said that a keyring inside the safe held a second key to the safe as well as a key to his vehicle. He denied using crack cocaine, admitted that he had purchased all the guns the way they were, and said that activity in the area was messing up his money. Both Detective Simpson and Officer Lovell testified that 8.21 grams of crack constitutes a distribution quantity.

Given this evidence, we conclude that the evidence was sufficient to support the jury's finding that Batts knowingly possessed the crack and that it was intended for distribution.

II

Both Officer Lovell and Detective Simpson testified that 8.21 grams of crack was a distribution amount. The district court overruled Batts' objections to this testimony. He now contends that the court's rulings were erroneous. We review a district court's evidentiary rulings for abuse of discretion. United States v. Johnson, 617 F.3d 286, 292 (4th Cir. 2010).

The district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting the testimony in question. Both officers had multiple years of experience investigating narcotics crimes. It was permissible for them to testify based on their experience that the crack in question was a distribution quantity. Further, even if the testimony effectively was expert testimony, it was not excludable because neither Officer Lovell nor Detective Simpson expressed an opinion about whether Batts intended to distribute the crack. See Fed. R. Evid. 704(b).

III

Batts claims that the district court erred when it refused his request that the jury be instructed on the lesser-included offense of possession of crack. We review an alleged instructional error for abuse of discretion. United States v. Lespier, 725 F.3d 437, 449 (4th Cir. 2013). Because evidence of the element (intent to distribute) that differentiates the offense of conviction from the lesser-included offense was not sharply conflicting, we find no abuse of discretion in the court's ruling. See United States v. Wright, 131 F.3d 1111, 1116 (4th Cir. 1997).

IV

Batts raises a number of issues related to the calculation of his Guidelines range. In assessing a district court's application of the Guidelines, we review factual findings for clear error and legal conclusions de novo. United States v. Horton, 693 F.3d 463, 474 (4th Cir. 2012).

Batts contends that the following enhancements were erroneous: a two-level enhancement based on the number of firearms (four) recovered, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual  2K2.1(b)(1)(A) (2015); a four-level increase based on an obliterated serial number on one of the handguns, see USSG  2K2.1(b)(4)(B); and a four-level enhancement based on Batts' possession of the firearms in connection with another felony offense, see USSG  2K2.1(b)(6)(B).

The presence of guns and drugs in close proximity suggests that Batts possessed the guns in connection with a felony drug offense. Further, four guns were located in the room with Batts, and two of those were either in or atop the safe containing the drugs. Additionally, there is no dispute that one of the handguns had an obliterated serial number. We conclude that the district court did not commit clear error with respect to any of the enhancements.

V

Because Batts possessed the firearm after sustaining one conviction of a felony controlled substance offense, the district court at sentencing assigned him base offense level 20. Batts unsuccessfully claimed below that the pertinent North Carolina state conviction, for which he received a sentence of 9-20 months, was not a felony and that his base offense level should have been 14. He concedes on appeal that United States v. Barlow, 811 F.3d 133 (4th Cir. 2015), cert. denied, 136 S. Ct. 2041 (2016), decided after Batts' sentencing, renders this argument meritless. We agree. See United States v. Posey, 644 F. App'x 253 (4th Cir. 2016).

VI

We therefore affirm. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

PER CURIAM:
Student protests at Mugabe-attended Zimbabwe graduation

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP)  Witnesses say a student has been whisked away by unknown people for protesting during a University of Zimbabwe graduation ceremony featuring President Robert Mugabe.

An Associated Press photographer covering Thursday's event says the graduating student held a placard complaining about joblessness in the country.

Such stunts have become common at graduation ceremonies at this southern African country's oldest university.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, left, places a cap on a student at the University of Zimbabwe, during graduation ceremony in Harare, Thursday, Sept, 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Unverified pictures circulated on social media with a student holding up a placard during the ceremony. Police said they were unaware of the incident. Activists flooded social media calling for the man's release.

Mugabe capped over 3,000 graduating students.

Zimbabwe is facing rising joblessness due to a devastating economic downturn.
The latest: Some violence, vandalism in police protests

EL CAJON, Calif. (AP)  The Latest on the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man in El Cajon, California (all times are local):

11 p.m.

Police say two men were arrested as some of the people protesting the police shooting of an unarmed black man became destructive and violent.

In this Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 frame from video provided by the El Cajon Police Department, a man, second from left, faces police officers in El Cajon, Calif. The man reportedly acting erratically at a strip mall in suburban San Diego was shot and killed by police after pulling an object from his pocket, pointing it at officers and assuming a "shooting stance," authorities said. Some protesters claimed the man was shot with his hands raised, but police disputed that and produced the frame from cellphone video taken by a witness that appeared to show the man in the "shooting stance" as two officers approached with weapons drawn. (El Cajon Police Department via AP)

El Cajon police say between 50 and 75 protesters were in the streets blocking traffic on Thursday night until they used pepper-spray balls to break up the crowd.

Some protesters fought with drivers angry about the blocked road, breaking car windows and in once case knocking a man off his motorcycle.

Some threw bottles at police in riot gear.

Police say a 19-year-old man and a 28-year-old man were arrested for taking part in an unlawful assembly. Their names were not released.

It was the third night of protests over the death of Alfred Olango, who was killed on Tuesday after pulling an object from his pocket and pointing it at police.

___

9:15 p.m.

A few dozen people gathered for a third night of protests over the shooting of an unarmed black man in a San Diego suburb.

KNSD-TV reports that some of the protesters got into arguments and shoving matches Thursday night with motorists angry about blocked intersections in El Cajon.

That brought police and sheriff's deputies in riot gear closer to the protesters, some of whom threw water bottles and beer cans at them.

The scene grew calm again soon after and there were no immediate reports of arrests or more serious violence.

The group was protesting Tuesday's shooting of Alfred Olango by El Cajon police.

The officers say he pulled a vape smoking device from his pocket and mistook it for a gun when he pointed it at them.

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5:45 p.m.

San Diego County's district attorney says there's no timetable for when she will allow the release of video of an unarmed black man being shot by police.

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said Thursday her office is working quickly to take the steps necessary before releasing the video of El Cajon police shooting Alfred Olango.

Under a countywide agreement, the DA may release the video but must first finish an independent review of the incident and provide the findings to police. She won't release the video if an officer is being criminally charged.

Mayor Bill Wells said he met Thursday with black community leaders who told him releasing the video immediately could help prevent violence. He says he wants to meet with Dumanis to discuss how it can happen.

Dumanis approved the release of a single still from the video showing Olango pointing an object at an officer before he was shot.

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4:35 p.m.

The mayor and police chief of El Cajon, California, are defending a decision to release just a single frame of cellphone video showing police shooting an unarmed black man.

Mayor Bill Wells told The San Diego Union-Tribune (http://bit.ly/2dImtAR ) on Thursday that he lobbied for the district attorney to release the frame showing Alfred Olango in what police call a "shooting stance" as he pointed an object at officers.

Police Chief Jeff Davis says he agreed with the move. Both said they wanted to dispute people's accounts to reporters that Olango's hands were up.

Wells says the video doesn't "shed much more light on the incident."

Olango's family is calling for release of the entire video. Their attorney said the single image was cherry-picked to fit the police narrative.

The district attorney controls the video's release.

___

2 p.m.

The mother of an unarmed black man who was fatally shot by police in El Cajon, California, has called for peaceful protests.

In an emotional appearance before reporters, Pamela Benge said Thursday her son Alfred Olango was joyful and loving and was not mentally ill.

Benge told of how the family came from war-torn Uganda 25 years ago and just wanted to be safe.

She referred to other similar shootings of black men around the country and said she never imagined that the pain of losing a loved one would come to her.

Olango was shot Tuesday in a suburban San Diego strip mall parking lot. Police say he pulled an object from his pants pocket and clasped it in both hands pointing at an officer in a "shooting stance."

Olango turned out to be holding an e-cigarette.

___

1:40 p.m.

A family lawyer is demanding release of a video of the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by police in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon.

Attorney Dan Gilleon told a news conference Thursday that the release of a single still photo from the video cherry-picked an image that serves the El Cajon Police Department's narrative of the shooting of Alfred Olango.

The image shows Olango with his hands clasped together and pointed to one of two officers in what police have described as a "shooting stance." Olango turned out to be holding an e-cigarette.

The Rev. Shane Harris of the civil rights group National Action Network says Olango's family is calling for peaceful, non-violent protest.

___

8 a.m.

U.S. authorities tried twice to deport the unarmed black man fatally shot by police in El Cajon, California, but his native Uganda refused to take him.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday in a statement to The Associated Press that Alfred Olango stopped reporting to officers in February 2015. Spokeswoman Virginia Kice didn't know if officers tried to find him after that.

Olango arrived as a refugee in 1991 and was ordered deported in 2002 after being convicted on drug charges. He was released under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling barring detention of foreign nationals if deportation is unlikely.

Immigration authorities took Olango into custody in 2009 after a firearms conviction but were again unable to obtain travel documents.

___

1:30 a.m.

It took more than an hour for police to arrive at the shopping center in a San Diego suburb where a distressed black man had been wandering into traffic. It took about a minute for him to be shot and killed.

Alfred Olango pulled a large electronic cigarette, known as a vape pen, from his pocket and pointed at the police officer who fired, while a second officer stood nearby trying to subdue him with a stun gun, El Cajon police said.

The details emerged Wednesday in the shooting of Olango, who was having an emotional breakdown over the recent death of his best friend, an attorney said.

This undated cellphone photo released by Dan Gilleon, the attorney for the family of Alfred Olango, shows Alfred Olango, the Ugandan refugee killed Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, in El Cajon, Calif. The fatal police shooting of Olango, who drew something from his pocket and extended his hands in a "shooting stance" happened about a minute after officers in a San Diego suburb arrived at the scene where a mentally unstable man was reportedly walking in traffic, a police spokesman said Wednesday. (Olango Family via AP)
France nabs prosperous smuggler sneaking migrants to Britain

PARIS (AP)  French authorities have arrested and convicted a top smuggler and his accomplice who had reigned over desperate migrants trying to sneak to Britain, earning 300,000 pounds ($390,000) a month and hiding travelers amid onions to keep police off their trail.

Across northern France, police are cracking down on smugglers profiting from migrants who fled war or poverty-stricken homelands and took treacherous journeys to reach northern France en route to Britain.

The arrests cracked the centerpiece of a lucrative network run out of Britain, where the investigation continues, according to Dunkirk deputy prosecutor Amelie Le Sant, who handled the case.

FILE - In this Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 file photo, a migrant walks outside the makeshift camp in Calais, northern France. French authorities have arrested and convicted a top smuggler and his accomplice who had reigned over desperate migrants trying to sneak to Britain. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A Dunkirk court convicted Twana Jamal, a 35-year-old Iraqi Kurd known as "the Pasha," earlier this month along with Kadir Pirout, 33. In a single month the two arranged passage for more than 80 migrants, and their monthly take was evaluated at 300,000 pounds, Le Sant told The Associated Press.

Jamal received a five-year sentence while Pirout got four years, plus fines and lifelong bans from France once their terms are served.

The people smuggling operation was out of the Grande Synthe camp outside Dunkirk, about 45 kilometers (27 miles) east of Calais, site of a massive makeshift migrant camp that French authorities plan to dismantle before year's end.

"The arrest was a bit messy. Police officers were set upon" by migrants trying to prevent the operation, Herve Derache of the regional border police told reporters Thursday.

"The networks are indeed very well organized," he said. He added that the smugglers are increasingly moving away from Calais and its increased security presence, to attract less attention as they try to sneak onto trucks crossing the English Channel on ferries or trains.

Authorities in the area have arrested 619 suspected smugglers so far this year, up from 586 over all of 2015, Derache said, primarily Afghans, Kurds and Albanians. He said 49,000 migrants have been caught hiding in trucks this year, up sharply from 38,000 over all of 2015.

Jamal ran his business out of the Grande Synthe camp, receiving clients and negotiating prices -- usually 4,500 - 5,000 pounds for the ride in a freight truck with no guarantee of safe passage, Le Sant told the AP. Phone taps showed he brought some potential clients into the camp, providing directions.

"Pasha was a big fish ... the nickname Pasha shows the place he had in the camp," Le Sant said. "He has lots of charisma. He had a reputation."

His accomplice, Pirout, played a crucial role as the drop-off man. He would sometimes drive migrants as far away as the Rouen area in Normandy or the Somme region south of Dunkirk "where truckers are less vigilant," the deputy prosecutor said. Pirout would try to find the most desirable trucks  those carrying onions  or pack onions in with the migrants, to sneak the human cargo past carbon dioxide scans at the port. Onions, she said, purportedly mask the CO2 from the migrants' breath.

Le Sant, who has handled numerous migrant smuggling cases, described another network run by Vietnamese who guaranteed passage to Britain for migrants using paid drivers. Seven were convicted in the scheme earlier this year. Those trips, in which migrants hidden in Paris were first taken to Dunkirk or nearby Belgium, cost 10,000 pounds each.

___
Haiti official loses powerful post after barring LGBTQ event

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  A powerful government commissioner has been transferred from Haiti's capital to a far smaller city shortly after prohibiting the launch of an LGBTQ festival.

Haiti's justice ministry says the jurisdiction of Commissioner Jean Danton Leger has been moved from Port-au-Prince to the south coast town of Jacmel.

Authorities didn't provide a reason for the transfer. But it was announced a day after Leger issued an order to stop a Port-au-Prince cultural festival celebrating Afro-Caribbean LGBTQ, saying it was in part to protect Haiti's "moral and social" values.

Organizers say the event had to be postponed due to threats of violence and the prohibition by the government commissioner.
China, Britain, France sign pact for new UK nuclear plant

LONDON (AP)  Officials from China, Britain and France have attended a signing ceremony to mark the final approval for the construction of the new Hinkley Point nuclear power station in southwest England.

The 18 billion-pound ($23 billion) project will be financed by Chinese nuclear power provider CGN and French energy group EDF. It will be Britain's first new nuclear plant in more than two decades.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Chinese Energy Minister Nur Bekri attended Thursday's ceremony.

From left: Jean-Bernard Levy chairman of EDF Group, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Greg Clark Secretary of State for Business, Chinese Energy Minister Neur Bekri and Energy and Industrial Strategy and He Yu chairman of CGN at a signing ceremony in London to finalise the deal to build Hinkley Point, England, the first new UK nuclear power station in a generation. The green light for the 18 billion pound, ($23.3 billion/20.8 billion euro) project in southwestern England, will now lead to thousands of jobs bring created during the building phase. (Philip Toscano/PA via AP)

British Business Secretary Greg Clark said the signing marked a crucial moment in Britain's effort to upgrade its energy supplies.

New Prime Minister Theresa May had delayed approval of the project while reviewing its security implications and other matters. The government says future foreign investment in infrastructure projects will face tighter reviews.

Seated, from left: Jean-Bernard Levy chairman of EDF Group, Greg Clark Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and He Yu chairman of CGN exchange documents, watched by, standing, from left: EDF Energy MD of Nuclear New Build Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, CEO of EDF Energy Vincent de Rivaz, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Chinese Energy Minister Neur Bekri, CGN General Manager Zhang Shanming and CGN Deputy Manager Zheng Dongshan at a signing ceremony in London to finalise the deal to build Hinkley Point, England, the first new UK nuclear power station in a generation The green light for the 18 billion pound, ($23.3 billion/20.8 billion euro) project in southwestern England, will now lead to thousands of jobs bring created during the building phase. (Philip Toscano/PA via AP)
US official: Russia risks being mired in Syria 'quagmire'

WASHINGTON (AP)  A senior State Department official sought to assure skeptical lawmakers that Russia is at risk of becoming mired in Syria if the civil war rages on, a prospect that gives the United States an upper hand as it pressures Moscow to end attacks in the besieged city of Aleppo.

As members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee demanded to know what "Plan B" in Syria is, Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday described the conflict as a trap that Russia doesn't want to get caught in.

"The leverage is the consequences for Russia of being stuck in a quagmire that is going to have a number of profoundly negative effects," Blinken said. Among them, he said, is that Russia will be seen throughout the world as complicit with Syrian President Bashar Assad as well as with Hezbollah and Iran "in the slaughter of Sunni Muslims," the country's largest religious group.

Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Syria. Blinken said the failure of a cease-fire in Syria poses serious consequences for Moscow and gives the U.S. leverage. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

The committee's Republican chairman, Bob Corker of Tennessee, assailed President Barack Obama and his administration for refusing to take the necessary steps to get humanitarian aid into Syria and to deter Assad's military forces from targeting civilians.

There is an "unwillingness to roll up sleeves and deal with the tough issues that we have to deal with," Corker said. "There is no Plan B. There never has been a Plan B."

Blinken said "we also are actively considering other options" at Obama's direction for ending the civil war and he would share them with Congress once the deliberations are complete.

Since last week, following the collapse of the latest truce attempt brokered by the U.S. and Moscow, Syrian and Russian aircraft have waged a major air campaign in rebel-held areas of Aleppo. The U.N. humanitarian chief said Thursday 320 civilians, including 100 children, have been killed and 765 injured in the violence.

The war, in its sixth year, has killed as many as a half-million people, contributed to Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II and given the Islamic State group room to grow into a global terror threat.

As Blinken testified, Secretary of State John Kerry said during remarks at the Atlantic Council that the U.S. is "on the verge" of ending Syria talks with Russia. Kerry said the U.S. has no indication of Russia's "seriousness of purpose."

A warning from State Department spokesman John Kirby that the collapse of U.S.-Russian cooperation in Syria could lead to a rise in extremism and potential attacks against Russia drew Moscow's anger. Russian officials struck back by accusing the U.S. of siding with "terrorists" in Syria.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Kirby's statement amounted to "the most frank confession by the U.S. side so far that the whole 'opposition' ostensibly fighting a 'civil war' in Syria is a U.S.-controlled international terrorist alliance."

At the committee's hearing, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., pressed Blinken to explain what the U.S. is doing to convince Russia to change its approach in Syria. "Why are we still engaged in a conversation in which we have a 'partner' that continues to undermine our purposes in Syria?" Menendez asked.

Blinken said Russia "has a profound incentive" to find ways out. Russia escalated its involvement in Syria's civil war because it feared losing its only foothold in the Middle East, he said. But if the war escalates and more weaponry pours into the country, Russia will be left propping up Assad in an increasingly smaller part of Syria. A bad situation, he said, will have gotten worse for Russia.

Russia is "now in a position of having gotten in, it's very, very hard to get out because Assad cannot win," Blinken said. "They can prevent him from losing, but he cannot win," he said.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., urged Blinken to settle quickly on new, viable options ending the war.

"Despite the best intentions, our policies in Syria have contributed to where we are today," she said. "The current effort is not working."

___
Police: Man fatally shoots wife and son, then himself

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP)  Authorities say a man killed his wife at their Maryland home and then drove to the Washington suburbs, where he killed his 19-year-old son and himself.

The Harford County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that deputies checking on residents of a Bel Air home on Wednesday night found 48-year-old Zarqa Siddique fatally shot. Officials say her husband, 57-year-old Nasir Siddique, was identified as the suspect, but wasn't home.

Meanwhile, Prince George's County police say officers called to a parking lot near the University of Maryland campus found Nasir Siddique and his 19-year-old son, Farhad, fatally shot in the father's vehicle. Police say Nasir Siddique killed his wife, then drove to College Park where he killed Farhad and himself.

Siddique served as a member of the Maryland Governor's Commission on Military Monuments, Gov. Larry Hogan's office confirmed. He was appointed in 2012 during the previous administration. He was not slated to be reappointed due to a poor attendance record at meetings, the governor's office said. New appointments to the commission are scheduled to take place within the next several weeks.

"This is an unspeakable tragedy and the governor's prayers are with the family of the victims of this horrific crime," said Shareese Churchill, a spokeswoman for Hogan.
Colombia president says Pope Francis to visit

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos says Pope Francis will pay a visit to his country in the first quarter of next year.

The pope promised in February to visit Colombia if the country's government and rebels signed a peace treaty to end Latin American's longest-running conflict. The treaty was signed on Monday, though it still must be ratified by voters.

Francis gave a strong push to the Colombian negotiators while he was in Cuba last year, telling them they didn't have the right to abandon peace efforts.

Pope Francis waves to the faithful as he arrives for his weekly general audience, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Russia accuses US of nurturing aggressive nuclear strategy

MOSCOW (AP)  Amid the widening U.S.-Russian spat over Syria, the Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday issued a strongly-worded statement accusing the Pentagon of nurturing an aggressive nuclear strategy threatening Russia.

The ministry cast a recent speech by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter as a veiled threat to back a hypothetical attack on Russia by its allies in Europe with U.S. nuclear weapons. The angry statement reflects a growing degree of mistrust and tensions between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of a U.S.-Russian cease-fire deal in Syria.

On Monday, Carter accused Russia of "nuclear saber-rattling" and argued that even though the Cold War is long over, nuclear weapons are still needed to deter Russia and other potential aggressors from thinking they could get away with a nuclear attack.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter greets airmen at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, after giving a speech on nuclear weapons. Carter says the Pentagon is committed to correcting what he calls decades of shortchanging its nuclear forces. Carter spoke Monday at a nuclear missile and bomber base in Minot. He says $108 billion is earmarked for sustaining and improving the forces over the next five years. (AP Photo/Robert Burns)

"Across the Atlantic, we're refreshing NATO's nuclear playbook  to better integrate conventional and nuclear deterrence, to ensure we plan and train like we'd fight, and to deter Russia from thinking it can benefit from nuclear use in a conflict with NATO," Carter said. He emphasized that "obviously, we do not seek such a conflict to begin with, rather, we seek to prevent one."

The Russian Foreign Ministry, however, interpreted Carter's statement as a declared intention to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons.

"Carter's statement means that if Russia comes under attack from U.S. allies, the Americans will be ready to back it and threaten to use their nuclear weapons against us," it said in a statement. "We would like to think that Washington understands the meaning of such statements and their possible consequences for international security and stability."

The ministry noted that the current Russian military doctrine envisages the use of nuclear weapons to fend off an attack with conventional forces that threaten Russia's very existence as a state. It accused Carter of trying to distort the document's meaning in order to cast Moscow as a potential aggressor.

"Such flagrant misinterpretation of the official Russian document means that the secretary either has used a bad translation or is plotting a dangerous game," it said.

As Russia-U.S. relations have sunk to the lowest levels since the Cold War times over the Ukrainian crisis, Moscow has angrily protested the deployment of NATO forces to the alliance's members that border Russia and the development of NATO's U.S.-led missile defense in Europe. Sharp differences over Syria have added to the bad blood.

"We note that the Pentagon chief's belligerent rhetoric helps to a large extent clarify the real goals behind the ongoing modernization of the U.S. nuclear weapons," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "The strategy of pressuring Russia by force, which in the logic of its Pentagon 'planners' apparently means nuclear brinkmanship, will receive a more sophisticated and dangerous military-technical foundation."

The ministry added that "it looks particularly cynical as all of it is being done by the administration of Barack Obama, the president who has declared the U.S. striving for nuclear disarmament and won the Nobel Peace Prize for that in advance."

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens during a meeting at the Novo-Ogaryov residence outside Moscow, Russia on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Kerry: US on verge of ending Syria talks with Russia

WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States is "on the verge" of ending Syria talks with Russia in response to days of deadly attacks on Aleppo, Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday.

Kerry said such discussions make no sense at a time when Russian and Syrian warplanes are bombing rebel-held areas of Syria's largest city. He said the U.S. has no indication of Russia's "seriousness of purpose."

Washington has been working with Moscow for months to try to secure a cease-fire in Syria. The latest truce collapsed last week after several days of relative calm.

Speaking Thursday at an event organized by The Atlantic magazine, Kerry outlined no new approaches for bringing peace to Syria. The Obama administration has made clear it won't use military force against Syria's government.

"We're on the verge of suspending the discussion because it's irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place," Kerry said.

He appeared to offer Russia another last chance, however. "It's one of those moments where we're going to have to pursue other alternatives for a period of time, barring some clearer indication by the warring parties that they're prepared to consider approaching this more effectively," Kerry said.

___
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ALI AL-KADUMI, Defendant-Appellant. No. 16-5040 Decided: September 15, 2016

BEFORE: COLE, Chief Judge; DAUGHTREY, and MOORE, Circuit Judges.

A jury convicted the defendant, Ali Al-Kadumi, for making false statements in connection with his naturalization application in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1425(a). During trial, the district court excluded the testimony of Al-Kadumi's expert witness and barred Al-Kadumi from asserting the affirmative defense of coercion or duress, finding that Al-Kadumi had failed to establish a prima facie case for that defense. On appeal, Al-Kadumi challenges those decisions, claiming violations of his constitutional right to present a defense in a criminal trial. Al-Kadumi also argues that there was insufficient evidence to sustain his conviction. For the following reasons, we affirm the district court's judgment.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

After Al-Kadumi, an Iraqi native, was released from Iraqi imprisonment for demonstrating against Saddam Hussein's regime, he sought protection from the United States military. (Page ID 539, 541) At a refugee camp in Saudi Arabia, Al-Kadumi met Alaa Naji Selman, whom he befriended. (Page ID 543) Through his conversations with Selman, Al-Kadumi learned that Selman has a brother named Hussein Naji Selman. (Page ID 451) After leaving the refugee camp, Al-Kadumi purchased an identity card that identified him as Hussein Naji Selman. (Page ID 545-46) Al-Kadumi testified that he had used Hussein's name because Al-Kadumi's name was identifiable as Shia Muslim, and he was fearful that the use of his own name would jeopardize his and his family's safety. (Page ID 544-45)

Al-Kadumi sought asylum as a political refugee with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which referred his case to the United States. (Page ID 546, 468, 471-72) On his refugee application and during his interview with a United States immigration official, Al-Kadumi stated that his name was Hussein Naji Selman. (Page ID 472-74, 546, 549, 911-12) Al-Kadumi's refugee application was approved, and he immigrated to the United States in 1998. (Page ID 912, 548) Again indicating that his name was Hussein Naji Selman, Al-Kadumi applied for permanent-resident status in the United States, which was approved. (Page ID 922) In 2005, Al-Kadumi applied for United States citizenship, again stating that his name was Hussein Naji Selman, but this time requesting a name change to Ali Sabeeh Al Kadumi. (Page ID 929) The naturalization application (Form N-400) asked, Have you EVER given false or misleading information to any US. government official while applying for any immigration benefit or to prevent deportation, exclusion or removal?, and Have you EVER lied to any U. S. government official to gain entry or admission into the United States? (Page ID 936) Al-Kadumi answered no to both of these questions. (Page ID 936) After confirming the information on the N-400 application with Al-Kadumi during an interview, a United States naturalization officer approved Al-Kadumi's application. (Page ID 498-505, 938) Al-Kadumi signed the United States oath of allegiance using the name Hussein Selman. (Page ID 938)

Several years after his naturalization, Al-Kadumi admitted to an FBI agent that he was not Hussein Naji Selman, that Hussein was another individual in Iraq, and that Al-Kadumi had used Hussein's name on the refugee, permanent-resident, and naturalization applications. (Page ID 430-31) A grand jury indicted Al-Kadumi with knowingly procur[ing] , contrary to law, naturalization of his citizenship, by making false statements on his Immigration and Naturalization  Form N-400 in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1425(a). During his trial, Al-Kadumi testified that he had applied for naturalization using the name of Hussein Naji Selman, knowing that his name was not Hussein Naji Selman. (Page ID 571) Al-Kadumi stated that he had used Hussein's name on the application because that was the name that I came with as a refugee. (Page ID 571, 575)

At trial, Al-Kadumi sought to introduce testimony from his expert, Dr. Julie Peteet, on Shia Muslim political repression and cultural practices, in support of an argument that he was under coercion or duress when he used Hussein's name. Concluding that Al-Kadumi failed to establish a prima facie case for the affirmative defense of coercion or duress, the district court excluded the expert testimony, denied the defendant's request for a jury instruction on that defense, and ruled that defense counsel could not argue that defense to the jury. (Page ID 592, 601) The jury found Al-Kadumi guilty of making false statements in connection with his naturalization application in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1425(a). (Page ID 793-94) The district court sentenced Al-Kadumi to time served, with one year of supervised release and three months of location monitoring, and stayed the revocation of Al-Kadumi's citizenship pending the disposition of this appeal. (Page ID 793-97, 806, 849)

DISCUSSION

On appeal, Al-Kadumi argues that the district court erred in preventing him from presenting the affirmative defense of coercion or duress to the jury, in refusing a jury instruction on that defense, and in excluding Dr. Peteet's expert testimony. Al-Kadumi also contends that there was insufficient evidence for his conviction because the government failed to prove that the false statements in question were material to his naturalization.

Defense of Coercion or Duress

The challenged district court decisions derive from the district court's conclusion that Al-Kadumi had failed to establish a prima facie case for the affirmative defense of coercion or duress. In order for a defendant to be entitled to present a defense to the jury, it is essential that the testimony given or proffered meet a minimum standard as to each element of the defense so that, if a jury finds it to be true, it would support an affirmative defense. Thus, a trial judge has a duty to require a prima facie showing by the defendant that he can produce evidence on each of the elements of the defense. United States v. Capozzi, 723 F.3d 720, 725 (6th Cir. 2013) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).

To establish a prima facie case for the affirmative defense of coercion or duress, the defendant must present at least some evidence in support of each of the following elements:

(1) that [the] defendant was under an unlawful and present, imminent, and impending threat of such a nature as to induce a well-grounded apprehension of death or serious bodily injury;

(2) that the defendant had not recklessly or negligently placed himself in a situation in which it was probable that he would be forced to choose the criminal conduct;

(3) that the defendant had no reasonable, legal alternative to violating the law, a chance both to refuse to do the criminal act and also to avoid the threatened harm;

(4) that a direct causal relationship may be reasonably anticipated between the criminal action taken and the avoidance of the threatened harm; [and]

(5) that [the] defendant did not maintain the illegal conduct any longer than absolutely necessary.

Id. The defendant's burden while establishing a prima facie case is not a heavy one and is met even where there is weak supporting evidence. Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Whether a defendant has established a prima facie case of coercion or duress is a question of law that is subject to a de novo standard of review. Id. We review a district court's decision to refuse a jury instruction for abuse of discretion. Id.

Al-Kadumi failed to establish a prima facie case of coercion or duress. Although Al-Kadumi might have experienced fear while he was in Iraq, he failed to present evidence that he was under a present, imminent, and impending threat at the time of his citizenship application. Indeed, Al-Kadumi even testified that he felt completely safe in [2008]. (Page ID 556) Al-Kadumi also had a reasonable, legal alternative to using a false name on his naturalization application: he could have used his own name. The fact that Al-Kadumi sought to change his name from Hussein Naji Selman to Ali Sabeeh Kadumi on the N-400 naturalization application supports the conclusion that he was not under coercion or duress at the time of his application. Therefore, the district court did not err in barring Al-Kadumi from presenting that defense to the jury and refusing a jury instruction on that defense. See Capozzi, 723 F.3d at 726-27.

The district court also did not err in excluding Dr. Peteet's expert testimony. Although a defendant has a Sixth Amendment right to present a defense in a criminal trial, this right is not absolute, and a defendant has no right to offer testimony that otherwise would violate the rules of evidence. Ferensic v. Birkett, 501 F.3d 469, 475 (6th Cir. 2007) (citing Taylor v. Illinois, 484 U.S. 400, 409 (1988)). We review de novo a district court's evidentiary ruling when the evidentiary issue relates to a claimed Sixth Amendment violation. United States v. Hardy, 586 F.3d 1040, 1043 (6th Cir. 2009) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).

Dr. Peteet's proffered testimony on the repression of Shia Muslims during Saddam Hussein's regime was not relevant to any of the elements of the defendant's charge, 18 U.S.C.  1425(a). Although the expert testimony might have been relevant to the defense of coercion or duress, Al-Kadumi was not entitled to present that defense to the jury for the reasons discussed above. The district court therefore did not err in precluding Dr. Peteet from testifying during trial. See Fed. R. Evid. 401, 402, 403.

Sufficiency of the Evidence

Al-Kadumi also claims that there was insufficient evidence to sustain his conviction, arguing only that the government did not prove that Al-Kadumi's false statements were material to his naturalization. We review sufficiency-of-the-evidence challenges de novo. United States v. Robinson, 813 F.3d 251, 255 (6th Cir. 2016). However, a sufficiency of the evidence challenge places a very heavy burden on the defendants-appellants: they must show that after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, no reasonable trier of [fact] could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. (internal marks and citations omitted).

Al-Kadumi's sufficiency-of-the-evidence claim fails in at least two respects. First, relying on United States v. Puerta, 982 F.2d 1297 (9th Cir. 1992), Al-Kadumi insists that proof of materiality is required for a  1425(a) conviction. However, whether materiality is an element of  1425(a) was an open question in our circuit at the time of Al-Kadumi's conviction, and we later expressly rejected Puerta, holding that proof of a material false statement is not required to sustain a conviction under 18 U.S.C.  1425(a). United States v. Maslenjak, 821 F.3d 675, 682 (6th Cir. 2016); see id. at 689-91. In so holding, we acknowledged that proof of materiality might be required where the contrary to law element of  1425(a) is proved through a predicate violation that itself has a materiality element. Id. at 688. However, when the government satisfies the contrary to law element of  1425(a) by proving an underlying violation of law and the underlying violation does not have as one of its elements a material false statement, no additional proof of materiality is required to obtain a conviction under  1425(a). Maslenjak, 821 F.3d at 687-88.

Second, even if proof of materiality were required for his conviction, Al-Kadumi fails to discharge his very heavy burden of demonstrating that no reasonable trier of fact could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that Al-Kadumi's false statement was material to his naturalization. See Robinson, 813 F.3d at 255. Jonathan Crawford, the government official that reviewed Al-Kadumi's naturalization application, testified that that a person's name is a critical part of the citizenship application process and that it would have mattered if a person had given a false name. (Page ID 506-07) Crawford also testified that if Al-Kadumi had disclosed during his naturalization interview that he previously had lied to a government official for an immigration benefit, Al-Kadumi might not have been eligible for naturalization. (Page ID 507-08) Al-Kadumi's sufficiency-of-the-evidence argument therefore fails.

CONCLUSION

For the reasons set out above, we AFFIRM the district court's judgment.

FOOTNOTES

. Among other things, Dr. Peteet would have testified that a cultural component of Shia faith and identity is to conceal or disguise one's opinions, beliefs, and religious identity in [the] face of serious harm or danger to one's life and well-being. (Page ID 169)

MARTHA CRAIG DAUGHTREY, Circuit Judge.
Arab responses to 9/11 bill point to US interventions abroad

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A bill passed by Congress allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government has prompted reactions of outrage and ridicule among some in the Arab world. Many critics say the bill reinforces a long-held perception in the Middle East that the U.S. only demands justice for its own victims of terrorism, despite decades of controversial U.S. interventions around the world.

Others support the bill, but point out that the U.S. is meanwhile backing a Saudi-led intervention in Yemen that has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians there.

Two Arabic hashtags were trending on Twitter when the bill was passed, one referring directly to the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, or JASTA, and the other simply titled: #TheAmericanTerrorism.

FILE - In this file photo taken Wednesday, April 9, 2003, an Iraqi man, bottom right, watches Cpl. Edward Chin of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines Regiment, cover the face of a statue of Saddam Hussein with an American flag before toppling the statue in downtown in Baghdad, Iraq. A bill passed by Congress allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government has reinforced to some in the Arab world a long-held view that the U.S. only demands justice for its own victims of terrorism, despite decades of controversial U.S. interventions around the world. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)

Some Arabic Twitter users shared a photo montage that depicted U.S. military actions in Japan and Vietnam, as well as naked Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison being humiliated by smiling U.S. troops. It read: "Japan, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan can't wait for JASTA to be implemented so they can, in turn, prosecute the U.S."

Another shared a 2005 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial cartoon of a young boy on his father's lap watching an image of the Hiroshima mushroom cloud and asking: "Which terrorist group did that?"

One post shared more than 750 times included a clip with Arabic subtitles of stand-up American comedian Eddie Griffin talking about U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying these wars are about "money, money, money."

The criticism, of course, is nothing new, says Eurasia Group's Director for the Middle East and North Africa Ayham Kamel.

"The Middle East, as a region where the U.S. has been dominant, has always been critical of U.S. policy," he said.

The U.S., for example, has supported unpopular leaders in the region, such as the Shah of Iran until 1979 and Egypt's Hosni Mubarak until 2011. Both were ousted from power after mass protests.

In America, though, "the feeling is the U.S. does more good than bad," Kamel said. "I think there's a genuine disconnect and it's not a new thing ... No matter what the U.S. does."

Yemen-based lawyer Haykal Bafana said he's lost relatives and friends to al-Qaida attacks in Yemen and fully agrees with the legislation's intent of allowing lawsuits in U.S. federal courts against foreign countries for actions alleged to have contributed to acts of terrorism in the United States.

But, he also had just one word to describe the bill: "Hypocrisy."

"That's the only way to see it," Bafana said, pointing to White House support of the 18-month-long Saudi-led intervention in Yemen and U.S. drone strikes launched from Saudi Arabia that have killed Yemeni civilians.

Stephen Kinzer, a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, said the war in Yemen may have actually contributed to a more anti-Saudi stance among members of the U.S. Congress, who have expressed their concerns about Washington's involvement.

Even so, outside the U.S. the bill could reinforce a widespread view in the world that the U.S. seeks to dominate and dictate rules to others, said Kinzer.

"They could easily see it as yet another chapter in the more than century-long history of Americans trying to apply their standards and laws to the whole world," he said.

Existing law allows lawsuits in the U.S. to be brought against countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, such as Sudan, Syria and Iran. JASTA expands that to allow any foreign country to be brought to trial for alleged involvement in terrorism acts on U.S. soil.

The bill was passed Wednesday by both the Senate and House, overriding President Barack Obama's veto.

In a letter to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid ahead of the vote, Obama wrote the U.S. relies on the principles of sovereign immunity to prevent foreign courts from second-guessing its counterterrorism operations and other actions taken daily.

Reciprocal lawsuits abroad could subject U.S. service members to litigation. Foreign courts could also decide whether classified U.S. government information is required in trials.

"My opposition to JASTA is based primarily on its potential impact on the United States," Obama wrote. "The United States has a larger international presence, by far, than any other country  we are active in a lot more places than any other country, including Saudi Arabia."

The bill doesn't take into account the foreign policy or national security interests of the United States, said Adam Ereli, a former State Department spokesman and former ambassador to Bahrain.

"Certainly this bill doesn't win America any friends," Ereli said.

Bafana, however, said he doesn't think courts in Saudi Arabia or other Gulf Arab countries will seek a reciprocal lifting of sovereign immunity on U.S. government personnel because they've cooperated with Washington in sensitive counterterrorism operations and missions.

"They can't turn around and say we want to try you for war crimes because it would be like accusing yourself," he said.

___

Follow Aya Batrawy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ayaelb

FILE- In this Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001 file photo, fire and smoke billows from the north tower of New York's World Trade Center after terrorists crashed two hijacked airliners into the World Trade Center and brought down the twin 110-story towers. A bill passed by Congress allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government has reinforced to some in the Arab world a long-held view that the U.S. only demands justice for its own victims of terrorism, despite decades of controversial U.S. interventions around the world. (AP Photo/David Karp, File)

FILE- In this Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001 file photo, thick smoke billows into the sky from the area behind the Statue of Liberty, lower left, where the World Trade Center towers stood. A bill passed by Congress allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government has reinforced to some in the Arab world a long-held view that the U.S. only demands justice for its own victims of terrorism, despite decades of controversial U.S. interventions around the world. (AP Photo/Daniel Hulshizer, File)

FILE- In this April 9, 2003 file photo, Cpl. Edward Chin, from New York, of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines Regiment, places a U.S. flag on the face of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's statue before tearing down it in downtown Baghdad in this. A bill passed by Congress allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government has reinforced to some in the Arab world a long-held view that the U.S. only demands justice for its own victims of terrorism, despite decades of controversial U.S. interventions around the world. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours, File)

FILE- In this Thursday, July 14, 2011 file photo, U.S. soldiers board a U.S. military aircraft as they leave Afghanistan, at the U.S. base in Bagram, north of Kabul, Afghanistan. U.S. A bill passed by Congress allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government has reinforced to some in the Arab world a long-held view that the U.S. only demands justice for its own victims of terrorism, despite decades of controversial U.S. interventions around the world. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq, File)
Ohio man charged with killing adult daughter has $4.5M bond

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (AP)  A man charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his adult daughter at their suburban Cleveland home had his bond increased Thursday to $4.5 million by a judge after a prosecutor said the man was a flight risk.

Jamal Mansour, 63, made a video appearance Thursday in Rocky River Municipal Court. He told the judge on Tuesday that the shooting of 27-year-old Tahani Mansour was an accident. Rocky River police have said he shot his daughter twice in the head inside her bedroom early Tuesday.

City Prosecutor Michael O'Shea on Thursday called it an "assassination," but wouldn't elaborate.

This September 2016 booking photo provided by the Rocky River, Ohio, Division of Police shows Jamal T. Mansour in Rocky River, Ohio. Jamal T. Mansour, charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his adult daughter Tahani Mansour at their suburban Cleveland home, had his bond increased Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 to $4.5 million by a judge after a prosecutor said the man was a flight risk. (Rocky River, Ohio, Division of Police via AP)

Mansour had recently returned from Jerusalem, where his family is building an apartment complex, and had the means to pay the $1.5 million bond set Tuesday, O'Shea said.

"It's tough getting them back once they go over," O'Shea said of Mansour's risk to flee the U.S.

Mansour and his extended family own gas stations and grocery stores in Ohio, the prosecutor said.

Justin Withrow, one of Mansour's attorneys, said Thursday that his client is "devastated" by his daughter's death and called the fatal shooting a "tragic situation." Mansour is willing to abide by court rules such as GPS monitoring and would live with a brother in another Cleveland suburb if he were to post bond, Withrow said.

Mansour was born in Jordan and came to the U.S. in 1978, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen, O'Shea said.

The judge on Thursday expanded a protective order that prohibits Mansour from having contact with his wife and children to include a former daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. Mansour also is charged with two counts of felonious assault and one count of domestic violence.

Tahani Mansour's life by all appearances was a success. She received a doctor of pharmacy degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 2013, worked as a clinical pharmacist for University Hospitals and taught at the University of Findlay and the medical school, according to her LinkedIn account.
Ex-CIA official to head new bureau for background checks

WASHINGTON (AP)  The CIA's former security director has been chosen to head the National Background Investigations Bureau, set up after last year's massive government data breach at the Office of Personnel Management, officials said Thursday.

Charles Phalen Jr., who starts next week as the new bureau's first director, was vice president of corporate security for Northrop Grumman Corp. after spending 30 years working in government positions, including stints at the FBI and CIA, where he headed security from 2007 to 2011.

The break-in at the OPM exposed security clearances, background checks and fingerprint records of more than 21 million current, former and prospective federal employees. That intrusion was widely blamed on China and led to the resignation of the OPM director and drew outrage over changing explanations about the severity of the hack.

The bureau will be part of OPM, but the Defense Department will design and operate the computer system that houses and processes people's personal information.
Why is Chicago a murder capital? Clues from a bloody month

CHICAGO (AP)  Fourteen-year-old Malik Causey loved the way gangs took what they wanted from people on the street, the way members fought for each other, the way they could turn drugs into cash and cash into $400 jeans.

His mother tried to stop him. She yanked him out of houses where he didn't belong. She cooked up a story about Malik punching her so the police would lock him up to keep him safe for a while.

Then on Aug. 21, Monique Causey woke to discover that her son had sneaked out of the house. Before she could find him, someone ended his life with a bullet to the back of his head a few blocks away.

In this Sept. 7, 2016 photo, Monique Causey holds a portrait of her 14-year-old Malik, who was shot on Aug. 21, 2016, at her home in Chicago. August was the deadliest month for Chicago homicides in two decades, and an analysis of the toll shows more clearly than ever that the blame lies with surging violence in a handful of the citys most impoverished neighborhoods riven by loosely organized street gangs. (AP Photo/Tae-Gyun Kim)

"I went to him and cried and told him he wouldn't make it," Causey said. "But this fighting, jumping on people ... this is all fun for them. This is what they like to do, you know, so how can you stop them?"

Malik Causey was one of 91 homicide victims in Chicago in August, the deadliest month in the city in two decades and the latest milestone for a metropolis becoming known for its murder rate. Already, killings here have jumped 46 percent over the same period last year, climbing past the 500 mark  a total larger than Los Angeles and New York combined.

An analysis of the August toll shows more clearly than ever who's dying in the Chicago slaughter and what's behind it: surging violence in a handful of the city's most impoverished neighborhoods, which are riven by loosely organized street gangs.

Young African-American men are the chief victims. In a city that's one-third black, the overwhelming majority of those murdered in August  71  were, like Malik, African American. Another 11 had Hispanic surnames. Almost half were in their teens or early 20s.

And more than 70 percent of those shot to death appeared on the Chicago police's "Strategic Subject List," which includes 1,400 people considered likely targets of violence based on gang involvement or criminal record.

To those outside Chicago, the rising murder toll might suggest a city wracked by widespread violence, but August portrays a much narrower picture of constant tit-for-tat attacks among gang members, with bystanders sometimes caught in the crossfire.

"People are arguing on Facebook over the color of some girl's hair, real simple things ... and they carry guns and when they finally catch each other, that's how it be," said Derrick House, 51, a former gang member and ex-convict who now works trying to prevent violence. "When they see the person they looking for, they don't care who else is out there, old people and kids, they just start shooting."

Ronnie Hutchen, 28, was one of the month's first victims. An acknowledged member of the Traveling Vice Lords, he was a veteran of the gang scene in the Austin neighborhood on the city's west fringe, which is dotted by boarded-up houses and of knots of men and teens standing around in the middle of the day. Most of those with jobs or options have fled.

Police don't know why someone thrust a knife into Hutchen's chest. But he had been in many scrapes with rival gangs, and had 56 arrests over the years, mostly in drug and weapons cases. Also, according to his court file, he'd told a judge that he'd worn a wire so federal agents could listen in on a cocaine buy.

The Englewood neighborhood on the south side was a particular hotspot for August murders. It's one of the city's poorest areas, with more than 40 percent of the residents living below the poverty level. This year, homicides there are up 171 percent over the same time last year.

Englewood is among four out of Chicago's 22 police districts that accounted for about a third of August's murders.

One Englewood victim was Denzell Mickiel, 24, who was shot in the face on Aug. 8 over what police suspect was a gang dispute. At the time he died, Mickiel was awaiting trial for allegedly firing shots at a group of people in 2014.

Tuesday, Aug. 23, provided a particular glimpse of how the city's murder toll steadily grew.

On that day, Victor Mata, 22, a member of a faction of the Satan Disciples, was found dead in the front yard of a house. It was the fourth time he had been shot in recent years.

Christopher Hibbler, 42, who belonged to the Black P Stones, a leading black street gang, died when people in a car sprayed gunfire at the corner where he was standing.

Tykina Ali, 20, was shot when someone opened fire on her boyfriend's car.

Johnell Johnson, a 37-year-old member of the Black Gangsters on the city's West Side, was found dead in the street, shot in the face.

According to community activists, the eagerness to kill wasn't as great years ago when these neighborhoods were dominated by larger, more organized gangs that concentrated on carving out and defending drug turf.

Now, "I don't hear much about Gangster Disciples against the Vice Lords," said Marshall Hatch, a minister in the East Garfield Park neighborhood where Causey lived. "I hear block against block."

Abner Garcia was born into the gang-dominated Back of the Yards neighborhood and knew what could happen to him. He joined the Army after high school, then upon his discharge volunteered at a YMCA program to help young men steer clear of gangs.

On Aug. 13, he was driving down the street when someone inside a van flashed gang signs at him, according to police. Words were exchanged before someone in the van shot Garcia in the head.

In Chicago's deadliest neighborhoods, a young man can be assumed to be in a rival gang just by being there.

Arshell Dennis III, 19, the son of a Chicago police officer, came home from college in New York to visit his family and was sitting on their porch when a man walked up and killed him with a bullet to the chest on Aug. 14.

"We think it was a case of mistaken identity and he was killed by someone who thought he was in a gang," said police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

Today, Monique Causey, who works for a company that makes pizzas, thinks her son might still be alive if only she'd been able to move him someplace safer. She spoke of how smart her son was, what a whiz he was with computers and how he understood that he needed to leave behind his life on the streets, go to a safer school in the suburbs, graduate and make something of himself.

After he died, she discovered, still in the package, a pair of $400 jeans in her son's bedroom. She knows where the money came from  the same place that killed her son.

"The streets," she said.

This undated family photo provided by Daniel Abrego shows his step-son Abner Garcia. Garcia was shot and killed on Aug. 13, 2016 in Chicago. Born into the gang-dominated Back of the Yards neighborhood, he joined the Army after high school, then upon his discharge volunteered at a YMCA program to help young men steer clear of gangs. August was the deadliest month for Chicago homicides in two decades, and an analysis of the toll shows more clearly than ever that the blame lies with surging violence in a handful of the citys most impoverished neighborhoods riven by loosely organized street gangs. (Courtesy of Daniel Abrego via AP)

In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo Diann Aldridge hugs her grandchildren, Summer, left, Sincere, right, and Shavae, center, during a vigil for their mother, Nykea Aldridge, in Chicago. Aldridge, a 32-year-old mother of four, was pushing her baby in a stroller near a school where she'd planned to register her children when she was shot in the head and arm. August was the deadliest month for Chicago homicides in two decades, and an analysis of the toll shows more clearly than ever that the blame lies with surging violence in a handful of the citys most impoverished neighborhoods riven by loosely organized street gangs. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, File)

This undated photo provided by the Cook County Sheriff's Department shows Victor Mata. Mata, a member of a faction of the Satan Disciples, was found dead in the front yard of a house on Aug. 23, 2016, in Chicago. It was the fourth time he had been shot in recent years. August was the deadliest month for Chicago homicides in two decades, and an analysis of the toll shows more clearly than ever that the blame lies with surging violence in a handful of the citys most impoverished neighborhoods riven by loosely organized street gangs. (Cook County Sheriff's Department via AP)

FILE - In this Aug. 7, 2016, file photo, a woman sits on the curb as police in the background investigate the scene where gunfire at a birthday party left a man dead and a woman injured. August was the deadliest month for Chicago homicides in two decades, and an analysis of the toll shows more clearly than ever that the blame lies with surging violence in a handful of the citys most impoverished neighborhoods riven by loosely organized street gangs. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, File)

This undated photo provided by the Cook County Sheriff's Department shows Ronnie Hutchen. Hutchen was an acknowledged member of the Traveling Vice Lords. A veteran of the gang scene in the Austin neighborhood on the Chicago's west fringe, Hutchen was killed when someone someone thrust a knife into his chest on Aug. 2, 2016. August was the deadliest month for Chicago homicides in two decades, and an analysis of the toll shows more clearly than ever that the blame lies with surging violence in a handful of the citys most impoverished neighborhoods riven by loosely organized street gangs. (Cook County Sheriff's Department via AP)
US Treasury head touts trade, security in Mexico visit

MEXICO CITY (AP)  U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew made a strong pitch for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact during a visit to Mexico on Thursday.

Lew strongly defended globalization, but acknowledged that "some industries, towns, and workers" in both the U.S. and Mexico "are feeling the stress of this change."

Mexico was seen as a beneficiary of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, and the pact has become an issue in this year's U.S. presidential campaign.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew speaks during a press conference at the American Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. Lew is making a strong pitch for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact in a visit to Mexico. Lew strongly defended globalization in remarks Thursday, Sept. 29, but acknowledged that "some industries, towns, and workers" in both countries "are feeling the stress of this change." (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Lew acknowledged a lot of people still have to be won over, saying, "We must win the argument, one that is supported by the facts, that fair trade will grow both of our economies."

The TPP seeks to expand free trade between North America and the Asia-Pacific region.

Lew's speech in Mexico City came at the end of a Latin American trip that also included stops in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia.

The trip was aimed at underscoring the close ties between the United States and Latin America at a time when Donald J. Trump, the Republican nominee for president, has made attacks on America's relationship with Mexico a central part of his campaign.

Trump has called the NAFTA a terrible deal for the United States and has said he would pull out of the agreement if elected president and demand that it be renegotiated on better terms for the United States.

Lew also said that "cooperation with Mexico on security matters is at an all-time high," referring specifically to joint efforts against money laundering.

"Of course, more work remains," Lew said. "Our goal is to disrupt and ultimately dismantle the networks that support drug trafficking organizations, in the formal and informal sectors on both sides of the border. "

The Treasury Department has been criticized in the past because the more than 800 "kingpin" designations issued by its Office of Foreign Assets Control seldom include enough evidence to allow Mexican prosecutors to file charges against money launderers.
US raises concerns to Venezuela about jailed Utah man

WASHINGTON (AP)  U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry raised concerns during a meeting this week with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro about a Utah man jailed in the South American country for three months.

Kerry called on Venezuela to respect due process and human rights in the case of Joshua Holt, 24, State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday. Kirby would not provide details about the conversation, but said the department is following the case closely.

Kerry's involvement has raised hopes for Holt's mother and members of Utah's congressional delegation.

His mother, Laurie Holt, said Thursday that she's pleased her son's case has reached the top levels of governments in both countries. State Department officials called her about the development, but said they did not know details of what Kerry and Maduro discussed, she said.

"I feel like this is a step in the right direction," she said. "President Maduro will see Joshua's case and the type of person he is."

U.S. diplomats visited Holt in a Caracas prison last month but the U.S. government had previously avoided ratcheting up public pressure on Venezuela amid already strained relations between two countries that haven't swapped ambassadors since 2010.

Holt was arrested on June 30 on suspicion of weapons charges after traveling to Venezuela to marry a woman he met online while looking for Spanish-speaking Mormons to help him improve his Spanish. His wife, Theresa Caleno, is also jailed as an alleged accomplice.

Venezuela authorities contend Holt was using his wife's apartment in Caracas to stockpile weapons and have suggested his case was linked to other unspecified attempts by the U.S. to undermine President Maduro's rule amid deep economic and political turbulence.

His mother said she thinks an assault rifle and a grenade found in the apartment her son shared with his wife were planted.

Holt said her son is depressed, suffered from kidney stones and respiratory illness and has lost weight, dropping from a pant size 40 to 30. She said life has come to a standstill for her, her husband and their other children as they focus on trying to free Joshua Holt and raise money to pay lawyer fees.

A court hearing on his case in Venezuela scheduled for earlier this month was canceled. A new hearing has been set for Oct. 11, she said.

Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said in a statement Thursday he received a phone call from Vice President Joe Biden about Kerry's conversation with Maduro. Hatch said Biden is committed to working with Secretary Kerry to return Holt to his family.

U.S. Rep. Mia Love has worked on Holt's behalf, co-sponsoring a resolution that passed the House this week calling for the release of Holt and other "political prisoners" in Venezuela.

____
Clinton struggling to win over the young voters she needs

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)  John Morales was interning for Bernie Sanders' campaign when the longshot Democratic candidate's hopes started to fade in the spring. That's when Libertarian Gary Johnson caught his interest.

In many ways Johnson and Sanders are ideological opposites. The Vermont senator is an opponent of foreign trade deals and won over many younger voters in the primaries by calling for enormous government spending to guarantee universal health care and free college tuition. Johnson, the former New Mexico governor, supports smaller government and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

But he shares Sanders' outsider, tell-it-like-it-is style, social liberalism and skepticism about military intervention overseas  attributes that have won over enough Sanders supporters to worry Democrats he could jeopardize Hillary Clinton's chances in November.

In this photo taken Sept. 23, 2016, a young woman talks on the phone, flanked by Bernie Sanders campaign posters still posted at the Innisfree Poetry Bookstore & Cafe, a popular hangout for students at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo. Many young Sanders supporters describe alienation from the current political process, and distaste for candidate choices, leading some to consider a third-party choice, or not voting at all. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Morales, a 22-year-old community college student and Army Reservist, is one of those converts  he's now interning for Johnson.

"He agrees with about 70 percent of what Bernie was saying," Morales said, adding that many of his friends who liked Sanders now are also drawn to Johnson. "I do believe that he's got better ideas than Hillary and Trump," Morales says.

With roughly a month until Election Day, Clinton is still struggling to win over young voters who twice helped elect Barack Obama.

"They're not brand loyal to either party  they're loyal to ideology and disruption of the status quo," said Jill Hanauer, a Denver-based Democratic strategist whose firm has polled the age group known as millennials. She said many don't remember how protest votes for Green Party candidate Ralph Nader helped elect George W. Bush in 2000.

Clinton's challenge with younger voters is part of what's keeping the race close. A recent AP-GfK poll found Johnson pulling 14 percent of voters under 30, Green Party nominee Jill Stein with 3 percent and "other" with 6 percent. Clinton had the backing of 48 percent of young voters, compared with the 60 percent Obama notched in 2012. Trump had 27 percent in the poll.

"Most of the supporters and volunteers who come in here are former Bernie people," said Woodrow Johnston, the Las Vegas-based deputy director of youth outreach for the candidate.

"I think that for the most part people buy more into themes -- or character -- than issues."

Clinton's campaign plans to have popular surrogates, including Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Sanders make her case. Their arguments to young people won't directly target Johnson but instead will focus on the potential consequences of voting for a third-party candidate.

"If you don't vote, that's a vote for Trump," Obama declared this week on the Steve Harvey radio show. "If you vote for a third-party candidate who's got no chance to win, that's a vote for Trump."

Johnson's support among younger voters has roiled the campaign, especially in Colorado, though he's hurt himself with recent gaffes. This week he's being mocked for being unable, in a television appearance, to name a single world leader he admired. That awkward moment drew a comparison by Johnson himself to his "Aleppo moment" this month, when he didn't recognize the besieged city in Syria.

Still, Clinton has struggled to win over supporters of Sanders, who handily won the Democratic primary here.

A CNN poll this week suggested third-party candidates could make a difference in Colorado: The poll found a nominal one-point lead for Trump when Johnson and Stein were included in the survey, while Clinton had a two-point lead when they were not.

Clinton's challenges are obvious in the liberal college town of Boulder. Some young voters at the University of Colorado are still pining for Sanders and unwilling to embrace her.

Payton Smith, a 21-year-old business major, had backed Sanders even though he disagreed with some of the Vermont senator's proposals. "It was something different," he said. Now he's shifted to Johnson. "I'd rather put my name behind someone who's not a liar or a thug."

At the Innisfree poetry bookshop and coffee house, a Sanders sign and an etching of the senator still hang in the window. On the patio, Dani Ballard, 21, and Cal Hoffman, 22, pondered their options. They'll probably vote for Stein and can't bring themselves to support Clinton. "I just feel like she's untrustworthy," Ballard said.

"I find the choices of both major parties so depressing," said Hoffman.

Some Sanders supporters have no problem with Clinton. "Bernie is the leader I'd like in an ideal world, but Hillary is the leader I want for America today," said Shruti Kaul, 18.

And plenty of ex-Sanders voters are willing to temper their feelings.

Brooke Long, a 23-year-old geography major, tells pollsters she supports Johnson in hopes the Libertarian candidate reaches the 15 percent polling threshold to let him into presidential debates.

"If my options were Gary Johnson, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, in a reasonable situation where Donald Trump couldn't win, I'd go with Gary Johnson," Long said.

But she knows she doesn't live in that world and is voting for Clinton. "I'm in a swing state," she. "I have a responsibility. I don't want to have a Nader problem again."

___

AP White House Correspondent Julie Pace and AP Polling Editor Emily Swanson contributed to this report from Washington.

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2016 file photo, Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson speaks during a campaign rally at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. First it was Bernie Sanders. Now it's Gary Johnson and Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein being sized up by many young people. With barely a month to go, Hillary Clinton is still struggling to convince young voters who twice helped elect Barack Obama that she deserves their support. (AP Photo/Scott Morgan, File)

In this photo taken Sept. 23, 2016, college students and former Bernie Sanders supporters Dani Ballard, 21, left, and Cal Hoffman, 22, discuss politics at the Innisfree Poetry Bookstore & Cafe, a popular hangout for students at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo. Many young Sanders supporters describe alienation from the current political process, and distaste for candidate choices, leading some to consider a third-party choice. Ballard and Hoffman say they may vote for Green Party candidate Jill Stein in the presidential race. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

In this photo taken Sept. 23, 2016, a man exits past Bernie Sanders campaign posters still posted at the Innisfree Poetry Bookstore & Cafe, a popular hangout for students at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo. Many young Sanders supporters describe alienation from the current political process, and distaste for candidate choices, leading some to consider a third-party choice, or not voting at all. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

In this photo taken Sept. 23, 2016, students and former Bernie Sanders supporters Shruti Kaul, 18, left, and Maureen McNamara discuss politics at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo. Many young Sanders supporters describe alienation from the current political process, and distaste for candidate choices, leading some to consider a third-party choice, or not voting at all. Kaul was a strong Bernie Sanders supporter during the primary but now backs Hillary Clinton. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

In this photo taken Sept. 23, 2016, college student and former Bernie Sanders supporter Payton Smith, 21, eats lunch at Cheba Hut, a popular sandwich shop for students at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo. Many young Sanders supporters describe alienation from the current political process, and distaste for candidate choices, leading some to consider a third-party choice. Smith says he may vote for Libertarian Gary Johnson in the presidential race. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
Israel's Supreme Court rejects former PM Olmert's appeal

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel's imprisoned former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert faces an additional eight months behind bars after the country's Supreme Court rejected an appeal.

Olmert is already serving a 19-month sentence after being convicted of bribery and obstructing justice. The court this week unanimously rejected the appeal of a separate set of charges that included accepting cash-stuffed envelopes from a U.S. businessman. He began his sentence in February.

Olmert was a longtime fixture in Israel's hawkish right wing when he began taking a dramatically more conciliatory line toward the Palestinians as deputy prime minister a decade ago.

He played a leading role in Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005.
Islamic school, township settle lawsuit over zoning denial

DETROIT (AP)  An Islamic academy will get $1.7 million and be allowed to build a new school after it settled a federal lawsuit against a Michigan township that initially denied its zoning request.

The Michigan Islamic Academy will move ahead with plans to build the school and housing on land in Pittsfield Township, near Ann Arbor, after township officials approved the settlement Wednesday.

The academy sued after the township rejected its request to build in 2011. The academy  which has classes in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade  says its current Ann Arbor location is insufficient to meet its religious and secular needs.

The lawsuit claimed the township violated the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which protects individuals, houses of worship and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning laws.

"This has been in litigation for 4  years," said Lena Masri, legal director for the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "They've had to make do with the overcrowded classrooms, and the students have had to compromise their education."

Construction of the new school is expected to start in the spring, Masri said.

The Muslim civil rights organization filed the lawsuit in 2012 in federal court in Detroit on behalf of the academy.

Township officials also settled a Justice Department lawsuit that was filed in 2015. That lawsuit was in response to a federal investigation launched after the Michigan Islamic Academy sued Pittsfield Township.

"Federal law protects the religious beliefs, freedoms and practices of all communities, including the right to build religious institutions free from unlawful and unfair barriers," said Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "This agreement will allow the Michigan Islamic Academy to build the facility it needs to serve its members and contribute to the community of Pittsfield."

Even with the settlement, the township denies any wrongdoing, discrimination or law violations, Pittsfield Supervisor Mandy Grewal said in an email Thursday to The Associated Press.

"The original proposal that was rejected by the township, called for high-volume, multi-use facilities with little to no buffering," Grewal said. "The township's position from the beginning was and continues to be about protecting existing residents in this region from land uses that were not originally envisioned when they purchased their homes. Traffic safety and congestion in the heart of a single-family residential subdivision were our foremost concerns, which have been addressed in the settlement."

The settlement requires significant landscape buffering between adjacent residential lots, she added.




September 29 is the feast of the Archangels: Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These three Archangels are the only angels named in Sacred Scripture and all three have important roles in the history of salvation.Michael's name means "Who is like God?" St. Michaels name is mentioned four times in the Bible: twice in Daniel and once in both the Book of Revelation and the Epistle of St. Jude. In the book of Revelation 12:7-9, we read of a great war that took place in heaven, in which Michael and his angels battled with Satan and the other fallen angels (devils). Michael became the great champion of faithfulness to God and the victor over evil. Today, he is our protector. He guards the people of God, defends the souls of the just, and brings the souls to their final judgment. To combat the forces of evil in our world today, we pray the St. Michael the Archangel prayer. Pope Leo XIII composed the prayer after experiencing a horrific vision of attacks against the Church. The prayer was said at the end of Mass prior to 1968. Today, in some areas, parishioners continue to recite this powerful prayer after daily Mass.Patron: Against temptations; against powers of evil; artists; bakers; bankers; battle; boatmen; cemeteries; coopers; endangered children; dying; Emergency Medical Technicians; fencing; grocers; hatmakers; holy death; knights; mariners; mountaineers; paramedics; paratroopers; police officers; radiologists; sailors; the sick; security forces; soldiers; against storms at sea; swordsmiths; those in need of protection; Brussels, Belgium; Caltanissett, Sicily; Cornwall, England; Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Florida; England; Germany; Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama; Papua, New Guinea; Puebla, Mexico; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Sibenik, Croatia; Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington; Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts.Gabriel's name means "the power of God." He, too, is mentioned in the book of Daniel. He has become familiar to us because Gabriel is an important person in Luke's Gospel. This archangel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of our savior. Gabriel announced to Zechariah that he and St. Elizabeth would have a son and call him John. Gabriel is the announcer, the communicator of the Good News. We can ask him to help us be good communicators as he was.Patron: Ambassadors; broadcasting; childbirth; clergy; communications; diplomats; messengers; philatelists; postal workers; public relations; radio workers; secular clergy; stamp collectors; telecommunications; Portugal; Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington.Raphael's name means "God has healed." We read the touching story of Raphael's role in the Bible's book of Tobit. He brought protection and healing to the blind Tobit. At the very end of the journey, when all was completed, Raphael revealed his true identity. He called himself one of the seven who stands before God's throne. We can ask St. Raphael to protect us in our travels. We can also ask him to help when illness strikes us or someone we love.Patron: Blind; bodily ills; counselors; druggists; eye problems; guardian angels; happy meetings; healers; health inspectors; health technicians; love; lovers; mental illness; nurses; pharmacists; physicians; shepherds; against sickness; therapists; travelers young people; young people leaving home for the first time; Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa; Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington.St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, be with me today. Protect me from whatever could cause spiritual or physical harm. Help me be faithful to Jesus and a good communicator of his divine love. Amen.St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel,We beseech thee to help us in all our needs and trials of this life, as thou, through the power of God, didst restore sight and give guidance to young Tobit. We humbly seek thine aid and intercession, that our souls may be healed,our bodies protected from all ills, and that through divine grace we may be made fit to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen.O Blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do thou intercede for us at the throne of divine Mercy in our present necessities, that as thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen.
Southern Arizona takes up bid to upgrade national monument

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)  Organizers of a campaign to redesignate a southern Arizona national monument known for its rare geological formations into a national park say it will boost tourism in the largely rural Cochise County.

Chiricahua National Monument is about 115 miles southeast of Tucson and near the New Mexico border. Its unusual rock formations and many hiking trails draw about 57,000 people annually, but local leaders believe it would be even more popular if it were designated as a national park instead of a monument.

U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Arizona, has introduced legislation for the change, which has to be approved by Congress. The bill doesn't have co-sponsors yet.

In this 2015 photo provided by Bob Gent shows, rare geological formations in Chiricahua National Monument in southern Ariz. A group of local leaders is advocating for the monument to be re-designated as a national park, which they say would bring more prestige and more tourism to the 92-year-old monument. The monument is 115 miles southeast of Tucson, Ariz. (Bob Gent via AP)

"It would be one of the highest honors," said Bob Gent, a Sierra Vista resident who is behind the campaign. Gent began working on the change over a year ago and has received wide support, including in western New Mexico, which is close to the monument. "It's a geologic wonder of the world," he said.

Many monuments have been upgraded to parks, including the Grand Canyon, which was redesignated in 1919, 11 years after becoming a monument. But the process is difficult, and few monuments in recent years have been able to make the transition. The last monument to be reassigned park status was Pinnacles National Park in central California in 2013, according to the National Park Service.

There are only 59 national parks and 80 national monuments. The key difference is that national parks are larger and have different resources that require protection, while monuments are intended to preserve usually just one nationally significant resource.

The small number of national parks means the designation comes with prestige and attracts people from all over the country, Gent says. The redesignation wouldn't expand the monument's boundaries, staff or budget, he said. The monument is a little over 12,000 acres in size and has an annual budget of $1.7 million. It was established in 1924.

Whether it's the twice-yearly wine festival in Willcox or the Wild West gun shows in Tombstone, Cochise County's economy relies heavily on tourism, said Mary Tieman, the executive director of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tieman, who also sits on the tourism commission, said tourists spent over $300 million in the county in 2015, but that the area needs to attract more people. Changing Chiricahua's designation is one piece of the puzzle.

"We know that will be a huge, huge, huge contributor. There are a lot of people who plan their whole vacation around a national park," Tieman said.
Nevada high court blocks funding for school choice program

LAS VEGAS (AP)  The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that the state's voucher-style Education Savings Accounts program  seen as the broadest school choice initiative in the country  has an unconstitutional funding mechanism that should remain blocked.

Justices issued a ruling on Thursday against the money source for the program  which has been on hold since the winter and never disbursed funds to families as it intended  but upholding some of the major tenets underlying the school voucher concept.

Parties on both sides of the hotly debated issue claimed victory, emphasizing different parts of the 35-page decision.

FILE - In this July 29. 2016 file photo, protesters for and against a sweeping Nevada school choice program voice their opinions about the measure being argued before the Nevada Supreme Court in Las Vegas. The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that the state's voucher-style Education Savings Accounts program, seen as the broadest school choice initiative in the country, has an unconstitutional funding mechanism that should remain blocked. Justices issued a 4-2 ruling on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, against the money source for the program, which has been on hold since the winter and never disbursed funds to families as it intended, but upholding some of the major tenets underlying the school voucher concept. (AP Photo/Ken Ritter, File)

"The state was taken to its knees by a group of people that believe in public education," said Rory Reid, son of Democratic Sen. Harry Reid and president of the Rogers Foundation, which supported legal challenges against the program. "This is a tremendous victory."

Proponents framed the ruling as a "landmark win" for themselves, saying it affirmed some of their most fundamental arguments and adding that the program's defects can be fixed by the Legislature.

"After today's ruling, there is only one step left to take in order to make the vision of educational choice a reality for thousands of Nevada families," said Attorney General Adam Laxalt, a Republican who enlisted star lawyer Paul Clement to help him defend the program. "Fortunately, the Supreme Court has made crystal clear that ESAs are constitutional and that the Legislature can fix this funding technicality and allow for the implementation of ESAs statewide."

With Nevada lawmakers expected to meet in coming days to consider public financing for an NFL stadium in Las Vegas, Treasurer Dan Schwartz immediately requested that Gov. Brian Sandoval include the issue on the agenda. But the governor indicated he didn't want to rush the matter.

"There may be a path for a legislative solution," Sandoval said in a statement. "However, such a solution is complex and must be well thought-out to meet constitutional muster."

Nevada lawmakers passed a Republican-backed bill on a party-line vote last year to create the ESA program. It would allow parents to access more than $5,000 in funds allocated each year for their child's public schooling and apply it toward private school tuition or other qualified education expenses.

About 8,000 people have applied.

Thursday's ruling says the program did not have its own dedicated funding source and runs afoul of the Nevada Constitution by drawing from the same pool of money allocated for public schools in the state's Distributive School Account.

Opponents described the old model as a "slush fund" available to an unlimited number of applicants, from any income level. Future efforts to fund the voucher program would need to be more defined and approved separately, opening them up to another level of scrutiny.

Tod Story, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, argued that taxpayers are unlikely to support future voucher programs because they would require either a tax increase or a deliberate cut from another part of the state budget.

But justices affirmed some central arguments from the proponents. The majority of the court agreed that money transferred to accounts controlled by parents is no longer defined as "public funds" that can't be used for "sectarian purposes;" two justices said in a dissent that the issue wasn't fully fleshed out, even though they agreed on the other points of the ruling.

One of the two lawsuits against the program argued primarily on the grounds of separation of church and state, saying the program would unconstitutionally divert money to religious schools that proselytize or can discriminate against students or staff.

The justices also affirmed that the Education Savings Account program doesn't violate the Legislature's duty to "provide for a uniform system of common schools."

Republican Assembly Majority Leader Paul Anderson, who's trying to keep his party in control of the Assembly during an election cycle that favors Democrats, said his candidates will use the issue to persuade voters to choose Republicans who are likely to support reviving the ESAs.

"It's disappointing that more legislators don't believe in school choice. It should not be a Republican-only issue," Anderson said. But the funding problem "is much easier to overcome than had they ruled differently on the other points."

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Police report gives new details on racial dustup at Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  Witnesses told police a racial slur that rekindled unrest at the University of Missouri came from a white woman walking with a group of seemingly intoxicated students toppling trash cans, according a campus police report released Thursday.

That account offers a few new details about Tuesday night's incident that led to the temporary suspension of the Columbia campus' Delta Upsilon fraternity, outside of which the flare-up escalated.

Members of the Legion of Black Collegians told police they were walking past a group of white students when a woman among them muttered a racial slur, according to the five-page police report that was released to media outlets in response to an open-records request.

The black students told police, and the dispute escalated outside the Delta Upsilon fraternity house. Some black students reported hearing racial epithets directed at them from the house and, in an act those students deemed mocking, rap music was blared at them through one of the fraternity house's windows, according to the police report.

Officers did not hear the epithets, but a black student shouted racially charged insults back, according to the report. It quoted one officer as reporting hearing someone on the sidewalk threaten damage to the fraternity house as police tried to de-escalate the situation.

The incident follows campus turmoil last year, when student protests over what some saw as administrators' indifference to racial issues culminated in the resignations of the campus chancellor and the university system's president.

Delta Upsilon International executive director Justin Kirk said Wednesday the fraternity house's emergency suspension would be in effect while the matter is investigated.

"Racism and sexism have no place in our fraternity," Kirk said. "We expect our members to be positive contributors to inclusive campus environments."

The university also suspended the fraternity on Wednesday. In a statement, school officials said the chapter had been cited for other violations of campus policy, including alcohol violations.

A suspended fraternity cannot use university facilities or participate in campus activities such as Homecoming and social events, the university said.
Ex-Delta executive to pay more than $5 million over trades

WASHINGTON (AP)  A former Delta Air Lines Inc. executive will pay more than $5 million to settle charges that he profited improperly by manipulating trades in energy futures.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission said Thursday that Jon P. Ruggles would give up $3.5 million in ill-gotten profits and pay a $1.75 million civil penalty.

Ruggles ran Delta's strategy of fuel hedging  trades that were designed to give the airline some protection against a spike in fuel prices. According to the commission, Ruggles used confidential company information to make personal trades in crude oil, heating oil and gasoline futures that were just like trades he was making for Delta.

The commission said Ruggles timed the personal and Delta trades in 2012 to get advantageous prices on his personal orders. The agency said Ruggles used personal accounts that he controlled but were in his wife's name.

Ruggles, of Orlando, Florida, was also permanently banned from trading and registering with the commission. Ruggles settled the matter without admitting or denying the accusations, according to the settlement order.
Molly Hudgens, who has worked at Sycamore Middle School in Pleasant View, Tennessee, for the last 19 years, has been called a hero after convincing a 14-year-old boy to give her a loaded gun he allegedly wanted to use to kill teachers

A school counselor prevented a potential school shooting after a student told her he had a gun and intended to kill teachers and police officers.

Molly Hudgens, who has worked at Sycamore Middle School in Pleasant View, Tennessee, for the last 19 years, has been called a hero by locals after deescalating the situation.

On Wednesday, a 14-year-old boy went to school asking to speak with Hudgens.

When he began asking her alarming questions, she asked if he had a gun.

He told her he did.

Hudgens then talked with the boy for 45 minutes until he agreed to give her the a loaded semi-automatic pistol and additional ammunition, according to the Tennessean.

The student handed over a Taurus Millennium 45-caliber pistol.

During the conversation the student said although he wanted to kill teachers and police officers, he didn't want to kill students.

Hudgens said no specific people were named or targeted.

'My previous training and experience granted me the opportunity to help a student in need while protecting our school family as well,' Hudgens said in a statement.

Hudgens then talked with the boy for 45 minutes until he agreed to give her the a loaded semi-automatic pistol and additional ammunition

Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove said the boy told Hudgens he was having problems and was hiding the gun under his clothes.

'She was an amazingly brave person to be in there that long with this young man.

'She did something even the most experienced law enforcement officer might not do.

'She's a hero in our community,' Breedlove said.

Breedlove said the student was taken into custody without incident and charged with possession of a weapon on school property and with threatening school employees.

In a statement recorded by the police, Hudgens said: 'My previous training and experience granted me the opportunity to help a student in need while protecting our school family as well'

He is in the Williamson County Jail awaiting his next hearing.

Police have not revealed the student's identity or how he came into possession of the gun.

Sycamore Middle School and High School were placed on 'lockout' as a precaution for the rest of Wednesday.
Ex-student gets year in prison for on-campus drug overdoses

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  A former Wesleyan University student who sold drugs involved in a series of on-campus overdoses was sentenced to a year and a day in prison on Thursday.

Eric Lonergan, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, appeared in federal court in Hartford. He pleaded guilty in November to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute the party drug MDMA, also known as Molly.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly has called Lonergan a "dorm-room chemist" who counseled Wesleyan students on how to ingest the drugs and put lives at risk.

Lonergan's friend, Zachary Kramer, of Bethesda, Maryland, was sentenced to four months in prison in May for his role in the drug selling.

In February 2015, 10 Wesleyan students and another person were hospitalized after taking drugs they bought from Kramer, who had bought them from Lonergan, prosecutors said. One student had to be revived after his heart stopped, authorities said.

Several students also became ill at a party in September 2014 after taking drugs they bought from Lonergan, prosecutors said. Some of them required hospitalization.

Prosecutors said the students thought they were taking Molly, but the drugs actually contained a synthetic cannabinoid called AB Fubinaca. Synthetic cannabinoids have sickened people across the country.

Authorities said Lonergan began selling Molly on and around the Wesleyan campus in November 2013, charging $200 per gram. Prosecutors said Kramer began selling Molly to Wesleyan students in the summer of 2014, buying the drug from Lonergan.

Lonergan's lawyers said he is a brilliant but fragile young man who engaged in foolish and reckless behavior and suffered from depression. They also said he is a kind person, and he takes full responsibility for his conduct.
UN oficial to monitor Colombia peace tribunals closely

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  The top U.N. human rights official said Thursday he will closely watch how special peace tribunals set up under Colombia's peace accord operate, to ensure people who committed serious war crimes during the long conflict are held accountable.

Colombians go to the polls Sunday to decide whether to ratify or reject the peace deal that was signed this week between the government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the country's biggest rebel movement.

One of the most controversial parts of the 297-page accord would forgo jail time for rebel leaders and state actors behind human rights abuses if they confess their crimes. The special tribunals will hand down alternative punishments such as reparations work in areas hit hard by the conflict, though punishment is supposed to include some sort of "effective restrictions of liberty" that have not been specified.

A man poses for a photo behind a cut-out supporting the "yes" vote ahead of a referendum on the peace deal between the government and rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Colombians will vote on Oct. 2 in a referendum where they will be asked to ratify or reject the deal. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, who accompanied U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at Monday's signing ceremony, said he reserves the right to "comment forcefully" if rulings by the tribunals stray from international standards for punishing serious abuses.

"How accountability will be applied in practice by the courts is not yet clear," he said at a news conference in the middle of his first-ever visit to Colombia. "It is an aspect of the accord which we  along with many others  will scrutinize very closely when it comes to implementation."

Zeid, a Jordanian prince and long-serving diplomat, said he met for two hours with Rodrigo Londono, the head of the FARC, and with government officials to discuss the accord that ends 52 years of hostilities. He said he told them he wouldn't hesitate to speak out against serious violations or omissions by either side during implementation of the deal.

He said that while Colombia has made progress on some areas of human rights, in other areas there has been virtually none. He cited as an example a visit to the country's predominantly black state of Choco, where he said he was staggered by the poverty.

"I was shocked that a country like Colombia can have rural areas where people are living at the most basic subsistence levels," Zeid said, citing statistics that 68 percent of Choco's people live in poverty. "For me, it was really eye-opening. So it's a country of massive potential but it needs to overcome the clutches of the past."

Zeid said the peace accord is an opportunity to address long-neglected social ills and inequality.

"There is really no excuse for a sophisticated, middle-income country such as Colombia to be producing such massive disparities in social and economic indicators between urban and rural areas," he said. "The FARC and some other armed groups were nourished by disillusionment and anger about the deprivation in rural areas, and it is therefore essential that the government invests massive human and financial resources to prevent history from repeating itself."

To more closely monitor the accord, Zeid encouraged authorities to renew his U.N. agency's mandate in Colombia, which expires in October. Its local operation was established in 1997 and through field offices across Colombia is considered one of the most-trusted sources for information about human rights abuses.

Zeid said President Juan Manuel Santos' administration had suggested some changes to the draft mandate put forward by his office and the two sides are now negotiating. "Everything we do we believe to be essential," he said.

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Joshua Goodman is on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjoshgoodman . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/joshua-goodman .

A man with a sign reading "Vote No" attends a rally organized by supporters of the "no" vote for the upcoming referendum on the peace deal signed between the government and rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Colombians go to the polls on Oct. 2 in a referendum where they will be asked to ratify or reject the deal. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

A man cycles under banners supporting the "yes" vote in an upcoming referendum on the peace deal between the government and rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Colombians go to the polls on Oct. 2 in a referendum where they will be asked to ratify or reject the deal. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Senator: Education Dept. mishandling Corinthian student debt

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Education Department is pursuing debt collection  rather than debt relief  for nearly 80,000 former students of Corinthian Colleges, despite federal and state findings that the now-defunct for-profit chain defrauded students, Sen. Elizabeth Warren said in a blistering critique of the administration's actions.

The Massachusetts Democrat reported the findings of a staff investigation in a letter Thursday to Education Secretary John B. King Jr. "It is unconscionable that instead of helping these borrowers, vast numbers of Corinthian victims are currently being hounded by the department's debt collectors," she said.

The seven-page letter described the department's approach as backward and anemic.

FILE - In this Sept. 20,2016 file photo, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Warren accused the Education Department on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, of moving forward with debt collection against nearly 80,000 former students of Corinthian Colleges, despite federal and state findings that the now-defunct for-profit chain defrauded students. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

In response, King said "it's worth pointing out that some of those students attended programs where there were findings of fraud. Others did not."

King said the department would keep making sure that Corinthian borrowers know what their options are for student loan forgiveness. He was asked about Warren's letter during a briefing with reporters following a meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama to discuss efforts to make college more affordable.

In her letter, Warren asked the department to immediately halt all collections on Corinthian students' debt and discharge their federal loans.

Warren said the debt collection has resulted in "many having their credit slammed, their tax refunds seized, their Social Security and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) payments reduced, or their wages garnished  all to pay fraudulent debts that ... are likely eligible for discharge."

Her staff's investigation found that about 30,000 Corinthian borrowers are having their tax refunds, tax credits or other government benefits like Social Security seized in order to pay off their debts. Wages are being garnished for more than 4,000 of these borrowers, the letter said.

Corinthian Colleges, one of the largest for-profit college chains, filed for bankruptcy protection last year, closing schools and leaving thousands of students with frustrated efforts to earn degrees and mountains of financial debt.

A whistleblower raised concerns about Corinthian in early 2011, alleging that employees of Corinthian fabricated employers to make it appear as though unemployed graduates had secured good jobs in their careers of study. California's attorney general filed a lawsuit in 2013, alleging rampant lies to students about job placement.

In June 2015, the department appointed a "special master" to help guide and oversee the loan forgiveness process for Corinthian students.

According to the most recent report from the department, it has received more than 23,000 Corinthian claims for "borrower defense" relief, where students allege they were defrauded by the school. Of those, about 3,800 have been approved for discharge, totaling more than $73 million.

Another 12,000 applications have been submitted because their Corinthian schools closed, with about 7,300 approved worth $97 million. Some 60 applications are pending and the rest are not eligible for "closed schools" relief, according to the department's special master.

It's all just a small fraction of the federal loans given to Corinthian students. The department has estimated that if all 350,000 Corinthian students since 2010 were to apply and be granted debt relief, the cost could total $3.6 billion.

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NJ train crash raises many familiar safety issues

WASHINGTON (AP)  The investigation into a New Jersey commuter train that hurtled into a station building Thursday raises many familiar issues from other crashes, including whether the tragedy could have been prevented or mitigated if a key safety technology had been in place.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation, has been calling on railroads to start using the safety technology, called positive train control, or PTC, for nearly four decades. New Jersey Transit is in the process of installing the technology, but it was not in operation yet on any of the agency's trains or tracks.

Govs. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Andrew Cuomo of New York cautioned at a news conference that not enough is known yet about the circumstances of the crash at the Hoboken station to say if PTC could have made a difference.

Damage is seen on a section of the roof of the Hoboken station as seen from Jersey City, N.J., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. A crowded commuter train plowed into the bustling station during the morning rush hour Thursday, injuring more than 100 in a tangle of broken concrete, twisted metal and dangling cables, authorities said. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

"Let's find out the facts first, and then let's follow the facts," Cuomo said.

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WHAT INVESTIGATORS WILL WANT TO KNOW

"Everything is on the table," said Bob Chipkevich, who formerly headed the NTSB train crash investigations section.

Investigators will look for any mechanical problems with the train or signals, whether the brakes were working and at the condition of the track. They'll also examine what the train engineer was doing at the time of the crash, his overall health and whether he was well-rested or fatigued.

Operator fatigue has been one of the most significant on-going safety problems across all modes of transportation.

Witnesses said the train failed to slow down as it entered the station.

In 2013, a Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line commuter train derailed while going around a curve near the Spuyten Duyvil station in the Bronx, New York. The train was traveling at three times the posted speed. Four passengers were killed and 61 injured. The engineer later acknowledged that he had gone into a "daze," and an investigation found that he suffered from untreated sleep apnea.

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INVESTIGATIVE TOOLS

The train was equipped with forward-facing cameras that should show what was happening on the track ahead of the train. The train's data recorder should also reveal how fast it was traveling and whether the brakes were applied before the crash.

However, New Jersey Transit trains cabs aren't equipped with inward-facing cameras. The NTSB has long urged railroads to include the cameras to help with safety investigations, but labor unions have opposed the cameras as intrusive.

That was an issue in the deadly derailment of Amtrak Train 188 in Philadelphia last year. The train's data recorder showed it was speeding at the time of the crash, but the engineer's actions remained a question mark because there was no camera or other independent means to confirm them.

Ultimately, the board concluded that the derailment was caused when the engineer became distracted by radio transmissions and lost situational awareness.

Last year, Congress ordered the Federal Railroad Administration to issue regulations requiring railroads to install the cameras. However, the agency is still drafting the regulations.

Investigators will also examine any smartphone or personal electronic device the engineer may have had in the cab at the time of the crash. The NTSB has investigated numerous crashes where operators were distracted by text messages and phone calls.

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POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL

PTC is a high priority for the NTSB and investigators will want to know whether it could have prevented the crash, said board member Bella Dinh-Zarr.

The technology uses digital radio communications, GPS and signals alongside tracks to monitor train positions. It can automatically stop or slow trains to prevent them from disobeying signals, derailing due to excessive speed, colliding with another train or entering track that is off-limits.

The NTSB has said PTC could have prevented the Amtrak crash in Philadelphia. The train was traveling at more than 100 mph shortly before it entered a curve and derailed. Eight people were killed and over 200 injured.

Last month, the Federal Railroad Administration said in a progress report that PTC is only in operation on 9 percent of freight route miles and 22 percent of passenger train miles so far.

New Jersey Transit had yet to finish equipping any locomotives with the technology and had not installed any of the radio towers necessary to make the system work or completed installation on any track segments, the report said.

Since the NTSB started urging railroads to adopt some form of train control system in the 1970s, the board says it has investigated at least 145 PTC-preventable accidents in which about 300 people were killed and 6,700 injured.

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WHY IS PTC TAKING SO LONG?

There were repeated attempts in Congress over many years to mandate the technology, but they were opposed by the railroad industry.

After a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train collided head-on near Los Angeles on Sept. 12, 2008, the industry dropped its opposition, clearing the way for passage of a rail safety bill mandating the technology.

The Metrolink engineer was later found to have been texting. Twenty-five people were killed and more than 100 injured. The NTSB said the crash could have been prevented or mitigated had PTC been in place.

The Rail Safety Improvement Act gave railroads seven years to implement PTC, setting a deadline of Dec. 31, 2015. Last year, when it became clear that nearly all railroads would miss the deadline, Congress extended it for another three years.

Railroads say the technology is more complicated and expensive to implement than was initially understood. Major freight railroads, which frequently use each other's tracks, took years to settle on systems that worked no matter which company's tracks the train was on, a key requirement of the law.

Some railroads ran into difficulties acquiring the rights to radio spectrum, which is necessary for its wireless transmissions. Some commuter railroads have complained that they lack the funds and have other pressing safety needs that should come first.

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Associated Press writers Michael Sisak in Philadelphia and David Porter in Hoboken, New Jersey, contributed to this report.

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Court upholds teen rape and murder victim's privacy rights

CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  The New Hampshire Supreme Court on Thursday decided that the details of a young woman's sexual history should remain private after her rape and murder.

Elizabeth "Lizzi" Marriott, of Westborough, Massachusetts, was a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of New Hampshire when she was killed in 2012. Seth Mazzaglia was convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence, but argued the trial court should've allowed him to introduce evidence about Marriott's past.

In June, the state Supreme Court ruled information about Marriott's sexual activity that was sealed during the trial should be made public during the appeals process. Prosecutors and Marriott's family objected.

FILE - In this June 17, 2014 photo, Seth Mazzaglia gets ready to leave the courtroom during his first-degree murder trial in Strafford County Superior Court in Dover, N.H. The New Hampshire Supreme Court decided that the details of Elizabeth "Lizzi" Marriott's sexual history should remain private after her rape and murder. Mazzaglia was convicted of the murder and is serving a life sentence, but argued the trial court shouldve allowed him to introduce evidence about Marriott's past. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)

The court issued its new ruling Thursday after lawyers argued the issue last week.

At issue was whether the state's rape shield law, which is intended to protect rape victims from having their personal information revealed during criminal proceedings, applies to both trials and appeals. Every state has such laws.

"We are pleased that the court upheld the well-established right of rape victims to not have their prior sexual history used against them. This is a victory for not just the Marriott's but for all victims of sexual assault." said Amanda Grady Sexton of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Mazzaglia's attorney, Christopher Johnson, had argued the court shouldn't conduct the appellate process behind closed doors. He noted the order said arguments on his client's appeal would be public, and there were no restrictions on them.
Ex-officer facing 2nd trial agrees to deal in wife's death

LEBANON, Ohio (AP)  A former Ohio policeman who spent over a decade behind bars for his wife's death before his conviction was overturned pleaded guilty Thursday to charges alleging he hired her killers, under a deal that lets him remain free on probation and maintain innocence.

Former Springboro Lt. Thomas "Jim" Barton was scheduled for a new trial Nov. 3. The 61-year-old entered an Alford plea on charges of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated burglary, meaning he doesn't admit guilt but concedes prosecutors had evidence to convict him.

Investigators said his wife, Vickie, was killed in 1995 as part of a botched burglary that Barton paid to have staged. Prosecutors alleged Barton wanted to scare his wife into moving from their rural home to Springboro, near Dayton, to improve his chances of becoming police chief of the small city.

Barton's actions triggered events that led to his wife's death at the hands of someone else, but authorities don't believe that he intended to kill her or that his release poses a risk to the public, said Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell, who called the plea deal "a good resolution for both sides."

A message seeking comment was left for Barton's attorney, Christopher Pagan.

Barton's 2005 conviction for aggravated burglary and involuntary manslaughter had been overturned last year based on prosecutorial misconduct and questions about witness testimony. An appeals court panel said the state's case relied heavily on a witness who presented an "unsupported, shifting and somewhat fantastical" story at trial, and suppression of evidence made it more difficult for Barton to discredit the state's theory.

Authorities said a career criminal implicated his own half brother in the crime with an unidentified accomplice, and the accused half brother killed himself months after the slaying. No one else was charged, and Barton was freed after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider reinstating his conviction.
Governor prepares Puerto Rico for control board's takeover

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Puerto Rico's governor turned over the reins of his government's finances to a federal control board and outlined what he considers priorities during a televised address Thursday to prepare the U.S. territory for a historic change.

Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla said his administration had tried everything to ameliorate a decade-long economic crisis before accepting that the creation of a federal control board was necessary.

"We should all be aware of the repercussions of this process that starts now," he said. "Like many of you, I didn't agree either with the excessive power granted to the board, and with some of the people named to it. But the truth is we had no alternative."

Established by U.S. legislation enacted in June, the seven-member board is scheduled to have its first meeting Friday in New York. It is expected to choose its president as well as outline the first steps it will take to help restructure a portion of a nearly $70 billion public debt that Garcia has said is unpayable.

Garcia urged the board to protect the pensions of retired public workers and the jobs that have been created, and to ensure that the U.S. territory receives equal benefits in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, among other things.

Garcia also said he has requested that the board consider intervening in a trial in which a federal judge is expected to decide soon whether Puerto Rico will have to pay its debts even though the U.S. legislation enacted in June also protects the island from lawsuits through February 2017.

"We're warning the board about the threat to yours and everyone else's health, education and safety if the federal court agrees to the creditors' request," he said during his address.

Garcia added that he expects to hand over a draft of a fiscal adjustment plan in two weeks and to have a final plan in place before year's end.

Gustavo Velez, a Puerto Rico economist, said in a phone interview that it is unlikely the island will see any changes before January 2017.
Dismissing risks, Trump goes all-in on Bill Clinton's past

NEW YORK (AP)  Donald Trump says he took the moral high ground at the first presidential debate by not mentioning the infidelities of former President Bill Clinton. But he hinted at them, talked about them immediately afterward and then sent his campaign's top backers out to do the same.

"An impeachment for lying," Trump said Thursday at a campaign rally in New Hampshire, referring to the effort to remove Bill Clinton from office for lying about his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. "Remember that? Impeach."

The Republican nominee's decision to dredge up the former president's sexual history is a risky move in his campaign against Democrat Hillary Clinton, whose own team isn't fazed by the attack line. Clinton was asked on her campaign plane whether she has an obligation to speak out if Trump brings up her husband's infidelities. Her answer was a terse "No."

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in Bedford, N.H. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Trump critics say it all could backfire, elevating Clinton in the eyes of female voters and motivating her base.

"The whole notion of trying to get Hillary Clinton to pay for Bill Clinton's infidelities is just strategically a bad choice," said Katie Packer, a longtime Republican strategist opposed to Trump's candidacy. Women in particular, she said, see it as cruel.

Republican pollster Frank Luntz said Trump's reference to Bill Clinton's indiscretions was his low point Monday night among the group of voters with whom he watched the debate.

"They were laughing about it because they thought that was Trump at his worst," Luntz said, adding that undecided voters are especially turned off by personal attacks.

The effort also risks drawing attention to the thrice-married Trump's own unflattering history with women. His first marriage ended following a well-publicized affair, and two of his top advisers, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, have had their own well-documented infidelities. The three have had nine wives combined.

Trump first touched on Bill Clinton's sexual past the weekend before the debate, threatening to seat Gennifer Flowers in the front row. She has said she and Clinton had an affair and he has admitted to one sexual encounter. She didn't appear.

Trump did not directly mention Bill Clinton's affairs on stage with the Democratic nominee, but did make a veiled reference.

"You want to know the truth? I was going to say something extremely rough to Hillary, to her family, and I said to myself: I can't do it. I just can't do it," he said on stage.

Moments after the debate ended, Trump raised Bill Clinton's affairs unprompted, in response to a question about Hillary Clinton's performance.

"I'm very happy I didn't mention Bill's indiscretions because that's out of respect," he told The Associated Press, adding that he'd held his tongue because the Clintons' daughter, Chelsea, was in the audience.

That restraint didn't last. In talking points later distributed by the campaign and obtained by the AP, Trump supporters were advised that "Mr. Trump has never treated women the way Hillary Clinton and her husband did when they actively worked to destroy Bill Clinton's accusers."

The document mentions Flowers, Lewinsky and Paula Jones, a former Arkansas state worker who sued Clinton for sexual harassment. The former president eventually agreed to an $850,000 settlement with Jones, but acknowledged no wrongdoing.

Trump supporters are advised to say they are not "blaming Hillary for Bill's infidelities," but rather are pointing out that she has "been an active participant in trying to destroy the women who has come forward with a claim."

His backers got the message. Giuliani said Bill Clinton "disgraced this country with what he did in the Oval Office."

As for Hillary Clinton, Giuliani said, "After being married to Bill Clinton for 20 years, if you didn't know the moment Monica Lewinsky said that Bill Clinton violated her that she was telling the truth, then you're too stupid to be president." That was in an interview posted by a reporter from the news website Elite Daily.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge told MSNBC on Wednesday, "If we want to dig back through the '90s on comments made about women, we can certainly look to Secretary Clinton referring to Monica Lewinsky as a neurotic loony toon."

While Hillary Clinton's aides aren't thrilled about having her marriage back in the spotlight, they argue Trump's new focus prevents him from making an affirmative case for his candidacy and only underscores the concerns some voters have with his temperament.

Said spokesman Brian Fallon, "She's not wired in the same way he is, prone to outbursts."

GOP strategist Packer, who has spent years working to draw women to the Republican Party, said independent, Republican-leaning and Democratic-leaning women alike don't blame Clinton for her husband's affairs or for being angry with the women he slept with. And reminders of them only boost her popularity.

"Hillary is never stronger than when she was when she's a victim," Packer said.

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Associated Press writers Lisa Lerer in Des Moines, Iowa, and Steve Peoples in New Bedford, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.

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Follow Jill Colvin on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/colvinj

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton looks out to the audience during a campaign stop in Des Moines, Thursday, Iowa, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Witness says Christie aides prepped bridge case testimony

NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  The government's key witness in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal says people close to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gathered on a conference call to prep a cover story for the gridlock prosecutors contend was political revenge against a Democratic mayor.

NJ.com reports (http://bit.ly/2devOxJ ) David Wildstein testified on Thursday that Phil Kwon, Christie's former pick for the state Supreme Court, and Regina Egea, who eventually served as the Republican governor's aide, helped prepare testimony that the closures were for a traffic study.

He says the pair prepped former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive Bill Baroni on what to tell lawmakers probing the incident.

Bridget Kelly and her attorney Michael Critchley, left, arrive at the Federal Courthouse in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. Kelly, New Jersey Gov. Christie's former deputy chief of staff, and Bill Baroni, a former executive at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, are on trial, charged with conspiracy, fraud and civil rights deprivation in an alleged political revenge plot. (Danielle Parhizkaran/The Record via AP)

Baroni is now on trial for federal crimes related to the September 2013 lane closures.

Defense attorneys countered that Wildstein's story had shifted from previous grand jury testimony.

Kwon's attorney, Geoffrey Berman said his client did not "perpetuate a cover story," and that he was never told the closures were to punish the mayor of Fort Lee.

A message left on social media with Egea was not immediately returned.

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Information from: NJ.com, http://www.nj.com
Zika travel advisory issued for 11 Southeast Asia countries

NEW YORK (AP)  U.S. health officials are advising pregnant women to postpone travel to 11 countries in Southeast Asia because of Zika outbreaks in the region.

The advisory issued Thursday targets travel to Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Zika has been in some areas of Southeast Asia for years, and some residents may be immune. But a number of U.S. travelers have become infected there in the last year, so there is a danger to visitors.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 file photo, a worker from the Ministry of Health sprays mosquito insecticide fog in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a day after two new Zika virus infection cases were detected in the country. On Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, U.S. health officials are advising pregnant women to postpone travel to 11 countries in Southeast Asia because of Zika outbreaks in the region. The advisory targets travel to Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul)

Most infected people suffer a mild and temporary illness, at worst. But infection during pregnancy can causes severe brain-related birth defects. The virus is spread primarily by bites from infected mosquitoes.

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Officer's lawyer: Jury should hear about auditory exclusion

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  A lawyer for a white Oklahoma police officer charged in an unarmed black man's death says she was so hyper-focused on the situation that she didn't hear other officers arrive on the scene or even the deadly gunshot she fired.

Tulsa officer Betty Shelby, who is expected to plead not guilty to first-degree manslaughter at her arraignment on Friday, experienced what is commonly called "auditory exclusion," a condition in which people in high-stress situations often don't hear sounds around them, said her attorney, Scott Wood.

"She didn't hear the gunshot, didn't hear the sirens coming up behind her just prior to the shot," Wood said Thursday. "And it's not only a common phenomenon described in literature, but it's the No. 1 perceptual distortion by people I have represented who have been involved in shootings  diminished sound or complete auditory exclusion."

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Tulsa Oklahoma Police Department shows officer Betty Shelby. Police say Tulsa officer Shelby fired the fatal shot that killed Terence Crutcher on Sept. 16, 2016. Shelby's attorney Scott Wood said Thursday, Sept. 29 that she was so hyper-focused on the situation that she didn't hear other officers arrive on the scene or even the deadly gunshot she fired from her handgun. Officer Shelby is expected to enter a not-guilty plea at her arraignment on Friday. (Tulsa Police Department via AP, File)

He said that while Shelby's defense won't hinge on whether she was aware of other officers when she shot 40-year-old Terence Crutcher on Sept. 16, it would be important for jurors to know.

"It's just one of the many facts that have happened, and I don't think our defense turns on whether or not she knew they were there," Wood said.

Auditory exclusion is commonly reported by officers who fire their weapons, said David Klinger, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Klinger, a former Los Angeles police officer who fatally shot a suspect just four months into the job, interviewed 80 law enforcement officers involved in 113 separate cases where they shot citizens. Diminished sound was officers' most commonly experienced perceptual distortion, reported in 82 percent of the cases either before or after the shooting, or in some cases both, his study shows.

"Other researchers have documented the phenomenon of muted sound or full auditory exclusion where you don't hear anything in a variety of circumstances outside of policing," Klinger said.

Other distortions include tunnel vision and altered perception of time, in which situations are experienced in slow motion.

Prosecutors allege in court documents that Shelby "reacted unreasonably" by escalating the situation with Crutcher, who she encountered after coming across his vehicle abandoned in the middle of a north Tulsa street. Videos from a police helicopter and a dashboard camera of the shooting and its aftermath showed Crutcher, who was unarmed, walking away from Shelby with his arms in the air, but the footage does not offer a clear view of when Shelby fired the single shot.

Shelby told investigators Crutcher refused repeated requests to stop and get on his knees and that she feared for her life and thought Crutcher was going to kill her, according to an affidavit filed with the manslaughter charge.

Another officer, who arrived on the scene after Shelby had already drawn her firearm, used a stun gun on Crutcher, but Wood said Shelby never even realized that officer was there until after she fired the deadly shot.

Despite the research, Lori Brown, a professor of sociology at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, said she believes it's dangerous to think a police officer would use auditory exclusion as a possible explanation for killing a man who was not doing anything aggressive.

"My response would be to focus on the research on implicit bias that, sadly, most of us have, even African-Americans, about black men, especially a larger black man and the fact that we tend to see them as threatening even when their behavior is in no way aggressive," Brown said. "This may be why the same behaviors in white men often end peacefully but can result in the death of a black male."

Shelby, 42, faces between four years and life in prison if convicted. She surrendered to authorities after being charged last week and is currently free on $50,000 bond. Wood said he expects to enter a not-guilty plea at her arraignment.

Wood had sought to expedite the arraignment, citing concerns for the officer's safety amid an expected "onslaught of attendance" at the Friday hearing, but a judge on Thursday denied that request.

Crutcher's shooting came four months after former Tulsa County volunteer sheriff's deputy Robert Bates was sentenced to four years in prison on a second-degree manslaughter conviction in the 2015 death of an unarmed black man. Bates has said he confused his stun gun with his handgun. A police investigator maintained Bates experienced "slip and capture," a high-stress phenomenon in which a person's behavior "slips" off the intended course of action because it's "captured" by a stronger response.

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NC regulator OKs Duke Energy-Piedmont Natural Gas merger

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina regulators are allowing Duke Energy to expand from being the country's largest electricity company to selling natural gas.

Duke Energy Corp. said in a statement Thursday that the North Carolina Utilities Commission has allowed its acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas Co. The regulatory approval is the last needed for the deal. The transaction is expected to close Monday.

Duke Energy is spending nearly $5 billion in cash for Piedmont to control natural gas costs for its own power plants. Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good has said the company also is positioning for a national expansion in future gas demand.
Bob Geldof attacks Donald Trump and Boris Johnson at Canada summit

Bob Geldof used his opening ceremony speech at the One Young World Summit to label Donald Trump a "racist" and a "liar".

Speaking in Ottawa, Canada, at a gathering of 1,300 current and future young leaders, Geldof grouped the Republican presidential candidate in a category of "commanders in the armies of stupid" that included Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

"Who believes any more that trade amongst the nations will lift us all out of the great evil that everyone has spoken of, poverty? And especially now that a liar, a fool and a racist vomits his bile on to the disinherited of the United States," the musician and activist said.

Bob Geldof delivering the keynote address at the One Young World Summit in Ottawa

"And so, let us give up on belief. Let us surrender to the post-truth politicians, those reality television actors, the Trumps, the Putins, the Erdogans, the Brexiters.

"We must not succumb to the fools. We must not be galled by the awful thuggishness of Putin, Erdogan, Xi or Trump, or the many other commanders in the armies of stupidity.

"But the future is not binary, it's not that false choice of utopia or dystopia so beloved of journalists, commentators and writers.

"Rather it's a constant adjustment of circumstance ... that an impatient electorate or distracted populace is loath to accept or acknowledge, and thus they leave us to fools like Trump, or Johnson in the UK, or bullies like Putin."

Geldof, who was speaking at the seventh annual One Young World Summit, expressed a fear that the world's population no longer has faith in global institutions.

"I'm not sure any longer that people believe that action can be achieved through these great institutions.

"I believe that we are in some terrible moment, some great retreat from the ability to at least influence the direction of world travel," said the 64-year-old, on a stage that held former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the former Irish president Mary Robinson.

"Who believes now in the European Union when it is mired in repeated crises and seems incapable of reviving itself?

"Who now believes in the United Nations as the slaughter of Aleppo continues right now, as we meet in Ottawa?"

Geldof, who has spoken at every summit since the first in London in 2010, ended his speech with a question: "What is so funny about peace, love and understanding?"
Mary Robinson suggests going vegan to reduce carbon footprint

The former president of Ireland Mary Robinson has called on developed nations to cut their consumption levels.

Mrs Robinson, 72, negotiated with world leaders ahead of the Paris Agreement on climate change, arguing strongly for "climate justice", and speaking at the One Young World Summit in Ottawa, Canada, she once again stressed the need for change.

"We don't need to consume as much as we have in the world," she said.

Mary Robinson said developed nations should cut their consumption levels to help the fight against global warming

"We have a world where there's inequity and inequality. We can be simpler in the parts of the world that have benefited from fossil fuel."

Mrs Robinson used the number of toys her grandchildren have as an example of over-consumption, adding: "We have to change, we cannot go on with business as usual.

"We need each of us to think about our carbon footprint. Eat less meat, or no meat at all. Become vegetarian or vegan.

"Let's commit to the Paris agreement. Let's commit to leave no one behind."
UK aristocrats, billionaire and Saudi prince given EU farm subsidies

Wealthy aristocrats and a Saudi landowning prince are continuing to reap hundreds of thousands of pounds from the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy.

At least one in five of the top 100 recipients of CAP subsidies in the UK last year were farm businesses owned or controlled by members of aristocratic families, an investigation by environmental campaign group Greenpeace found.

They include the Queen, the Duke of Westminster, the Duke of Northumberland, Sir Richard Sutton, the Earl of Moray, Baron Phillimore and family, and the Earl of Plymouth.

Greenpeace analysed the top recipients of CAP subsidies in the UK for the first time.

Household goods billionaire Sir James Dyson, who campaigned for Brexit, is also in the top 100.

Greenpeace analysed the top recipients of CAP subsidies in the UK for the first time.

Some 16 of the top 100 are owned or controlled by individuals or families who feature on the 2016 Sunday Times Rich List, receiving a total of 10.6 million last year in "single payment scheme" subsidies alone, and 13.4 million in total farm subsidies, Greenpeace said.

Aberdeenshire farmer Frank Smart topped the list, receiving nearly 3 million in grants for his Banchory business, Frank A Smart & Son Ltd.

The farmer has been subject to complaints that he has been "slipper farming" - a technique in which farmers buy up land principally for the grants attached to it. While not illegal, the practise has been heavily criticised.

Also on the list were organisations such as the National Trust, which Greenpeace said had used t heir subsidies for important conservation work like managing habitats.

The Government has promised to maintain CAP subsidies post-Brexit until 2020 while a domestic system is put in place.

Prince Khalid Abdullah al Saud, who owns champion racehorse Frankel, has reportedly described his farming interest as a hobby.

Juddmonte Farms, which he owns through an offshore holding company in Guernsey, received 406,826 in farm subsidies last year, of which 378,856 came from the single payment scheme.

The two large estates owned by Sir James under Beeswax Farming (Rainbow) Ltd received almost 1.5 million (1,437,706.39).

The billionaire rubbished claims that British international trade would suffer outside the EU as he backed the campaign to leave Europe.

Hannah Martin, of Greenpeace UK's Brexit Response Team, said: " It is untenable for the Government to justify keeping a farming policy which allows a billionaire to breed racehorses on land subsidised by taxpayers. It's clear that there cannot be a business-as-usual approach to farm subsidies after we leave the EU.

"Some of the recipients of these subsidies are doing great work which benefits our environment - but others are not - and it makes no sense that the CAP's largest subsidy payments don't distinguish between the two."

Christopher Price, from the Country Land Association, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "He is not getting it because he's a racehorse owner, he's getting it because he's a farmer and all developed countries support farming in one way or another."

But he agreed that Britain's departure from the EU could create an opportunity to reform the system, for which there was "certainly" a need.

Sandringham Farms, the estate owned by the Queen, received more than half a million pounds (557,706.52), while Grosvenor Farms Limited, which farms the Duke of Westminster's estate, raked in 437,433.96.

The billionaire landowner died in August and left his fortune to his 25-year-old son.

Percy Farms, described by Greenpeace as the "in-hand farming operation" of the Duke of Northumberland, was given 475,030.70

The National Trust, Natural England and the RSPB were all in the top 20.

The top 100 received 87.9 million in agricultural subsidies last year, of which 61.2 million came from the single payment scheme, where the size of the land owned largely determines the grant amount.

Greenpeace said this was more than what was paid to the bottom 55,119 recipients in the single payment scheme combined.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: " The Secretary of State has underlined the need for continuity for farmers and together with her ministerial team is looking forward to working with industry, rural communities and the wider public to shape our plans for food, farming and the environment outside the EU."

Conservative ministers Lord Gardiner and Eurosceptic George Eustice, who work in Defra, also receive subsidies.
Bodies of man and woman found on Norfolk mudbank

The bodies of a man and a woman have been found on a mudbank on the Norfolk coast.

Norfolk Police officers were called to Breydon Water near Great Yarmouth shortly after 11.20am on Thursday after a member of the public raised the alarm.

The force said that the deaths of the pair, believed to be aged between 40 and 50, were so far being treated as unexplained.

Norfolk Police said they were called to Breydon Water near Great Yarmouth shortly after 11.20am on Thursday

The bodies were recovered with the help of the Coastguard and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Detective Inspector Chris Burgess said: "It has taken some time for officers to recover the bodies due to where they were discovered.

"The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained. We are in the early stages of the inquiry and it would be inappropriate to speculate any further."

Post mortem examinations will be held to establish the cause of death.
Government calls time on Help to Buy mortgage scheme

Philip Hammond has confirmed the Government is closing its Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme in the latest of George Osborne's flagship policies to be abandoned by the new administration.

In a letter to Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, the Chancellor said the scheme was "introduced with a specific purpose that has now been successfully achieved" and it will close at the end of the year.

The Government stressed the scheme was always due to finish at the end of 2016.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said the scheme will close to new loans at the end of 2016

Launched in the autumn of 2013, it was described by the then government as a "landmark" scheme that would get thousands of Britons on the housing ladder.

It meant that buyers only needed to find a deposit of 5% of the value of their home, with a mortgage covering the remaining 95%.

New figures reveal that more than 86,000 households have been supported by the scheme.

But the Government said it is no longer needed as confidence has returned to the market, with more private lenders offering 90% to 95% mortgages.

Across all of the Government's Help to Buy schemes a total of 185,000 homes were bought, including over 150,000 properties for first time buyers.

In his letter, Mr Hammond said the Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee has assessed that the move to drop the scheme is "unlikely, in current market conditions, to affect significantly the provision of finance" to Britons hunting for a mortgage.

He added: "It is important to note that the end of this particular scheme does not diminish in any way the Government's commitment to supporting those looking to get on the housing ladder."

Ministers stressed there continue to be schemes to help Britons get on the housing ladder, including Help to Buy Isas and shared ownership.

Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said: "Today's figures show that Help to Buy is helping more people realise their home ownership dream by reducing the need for large deposits and getting more new homes built.

"With hundreds of households helped every day through our range of Government-backed schemes, we are building a country that works for everyone and not just the privileged few.

Paul Smee, director general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, said: "Help to Buy continues to give a welcome leg-up to many creditworthy buyers who may not otherwise have been able to get a foothold on the property ladder.

"The scheme has helped buyers right across the country, including a high proportion of younger borrowers and first-time buyers.

"Mortgages for those with small deposits are now becoming more common outside the scheme and Help to Buy has been a significant help for buyers when they were less readily available."

Sam Dumitriu, head of projects at the Adam Smith Institute, said Mr Hammond is "right to dump George Osborne's misguided mortgage guarantee scheme".

He added: "Britain's housing crisis is the result of supply being unable to meet rising demand.

"Help to Buy only served to make this problem worse, pushing up prices through cheap credit, while doing nothing to address the underlying housing shortage.
Breivik attack survivor says Brexit side won 'by spreading fear of immigration'

The Brexit campaign won "because they were spreading fear against immigration, against the diversity of the British community", a survivor of the Anders Breivik massacre has claimed.

Bjorn Ihler, who described the moment Breivik aimed his gun at him and fired during the massacre in Norway in 2011, only to miss, said that "by spreading that fear they also created a breeding ground for far-right extremist communities in Britain.

"We see this all the time across Europe and the world, that politicians are using various narratives to divide us ... it's extremely effective from a political point of view - that's why the Brexit side won," he said.

A survivor of the Anders Breivik massacre claims the Brexit campaign won 'because they were spreading fear against immigration'

Mr Ihler, a young leader in Kofi Annan's Extremely Together initiative, works in Norway and Europe to identify individuals at risk of becoming radicalised and to counter extreme right-wing narratives - something he has been doing since seeing many of his friends gunned down by Breivik, who blamed Muslims, immigrants and feminism for a "European cultural suicide".

"If you look to western Europe, and Britain specifically right now, the stories you are being told is that immigration is bad, they are coming here to take over the country and ruin what Britishness is," he said.

"What we do is prove that those stories are wrong, essentially," Mr Ihler said about his work with Extremely Together.

"Let's sit down, have a cup of tea and get to know the person before we believe in the stories we are being told about each other. Because we are far too often being told to be afraid of each other than to be united. So we need to start telling the story of being united and that's what Extremely Together is all about."

Mr Ihler said at the One Young World Summit in Ottawa, Canada, that he believes "integration" is important, but that local communities do not play their part in aiding it.

"I think in those communities it is also important for both immigrants and ... 'not immigrants' to meet in the middle, to reach out to each other.

"We far too often speak about integration as something that has to come from the immigrant's side, what we fail to realise quite often is that integration is something that also has to have a part played by the local side. So, in integration, it's equally important for the community that's receiving someone to be integrating people," he said.
May offers condolences to Czech PM over man's death in London

Theresa May has offered her "sincere condolences" to the Czech prime minister after the death of a Czech national in London.

Zdenek Makar, 31, was pronounced dead in the street near All Saints DLR station in Poplar on September 21.

Mrs May offered condolences to her Czech counterpart Bohuslav Sobotka in a telephone call, said a Downing Street spokesman.

Czech national Zdenek Makar died after an incident in Poplar (Metropolitan Police/PA)

He added: "She said that while we understood this particular incident was not considered to be a hate crime, the UK Government condemned hate crime in the strongest way possible and it had no place in British society."

Raymond Sculley, 29, of Sherman House in Aberfeldy Street, Poplar, has been charged in connection with Mr Makar's death.

Two others, a man aged 19 and a 16-year-old boy, have been bailed until early October pending further investigations.

It comes amid concern over rising incidents of hate crime after the EU referendum.

The latest set of figures from the National Police Chiefs' Council, released earlier this month, showed a 49% rise in incidents in the last week in July, compared with the previous year.

Earlier this month Mrs May expressed her "deep regret" over attacks on Polish citizens living in the UK in a phone call to her counterpart in Warsaw.

The Prime Minister told Beata Szydlo that "hate crime has no place in UK society", Downing Street said.

Three Polish ministers have also made an urgent visit to the UK following attacks on Polish men.

During Mrs May's phone conversation with Czech PM Mr Sobotka, she also pledged to retain strong ties with EU countries after Brexit.
John Lewis managing director to quit after selection as Tory mayoral candidate

The managing director of department store chain John Lewis is set to step down after being chosen as the Conservative candidate for metropolitan mayor of the West Midlands.

Andy Street, who rose to lead the board after joining the firm as a graduate trainee, was selected on Thursday night to fight the 2017 election.

When he announced his decision to seek the nomination at the start of September, Mr Street said he would quit as managing director, a role he has held for nine years, if successful.

Andy Street is due to deliver a speech at the Conservative Party conference this weekend

On Thursday night, he said voters in the West Midlands faced "a critical election" in May.

Mr Street said: "It will determine how we create wealth here and what type of society the West Midlands will become. I promise to work tirelessly to convince voters that I am the man to lead us through these decisions.

"The opportunity we now have is unprecedented. Our economy is being renewed, but we have much more to do to ensure everybody feels the benefit. Our mission is therefore to build the economic powerhouse of Britain in an inclusive way."

Mr Street is due to deliver a speech at the Conservative Party conference, which takes place in Birmingham this weekend.

He joined John Lewis in 1985 after reading politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at Oxford.

As well as heading the firm, he has served on a number of government bodies, including the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Group.

He has also been chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, which is tasked with driving regional economic growth.
Tony Blair nearly quit as PM 'to seek presidency of European Commission'

Tony Blair came within days of quitting as prime minister to mount a bid to become president of the European Commission, one of his closest advisers has claimed.

The diaries of Alastair Campbell, Mr Blair's high-profile director of communications, suggest Mr Blair sounded out the likes of then French president Jacques Chirac and then German chancellor Gerhard Schroder on the possibility of him taking over the top job in Europe.

Serialised in The New European, Mr Campbell claims that Mr Blair only abandoned the plan because he feared he was being driven out of office by the well documented battle between Mr Blair and his then chancellor Gordon Brown.

Tony Blair outside 10 Downing Street

Mr Campbell's diaries also claim that Mr Blair openly talked about quitting on the night he won his third election in 2005, which saw Labour's majority significantly reduced.

The diaries cover the period from 2003 to 2005, after Mr Campbell had resigned over the Iraq war but still remained a confidant of Mr Blair in an unofficial capacity.

Mr Blair is said to have plotted his move to become European Commission president in 2004.

Mr Campbell told The New European: "A lot of the time the press exaggerated our difficulties.

"This was one period where, if anything, they underplayed them because they didn't know just how bad things were.

"This was the closest Tony got to leaving and at the time I was terrified it would get out because it was one of those stories that would have taken on its own momentum.

"Tony had pretty much had enough and was being ground down by Gordon. In the end he realised that and decided he had to stay and see it though.

"Then came another on-off saga when he decided he was going to sack Gordon."

Mr Campbell said it was "amazing" Mr Brown and Mr Blair were able to work together in the 2005 general election, given the depth of division at the heart of New Labour.

Mr Blair is said to have decided to sack Mr Brown in January 2005, and won John Prescott's support for a "back me or be sacked" strategy.

Mr Blair reportedly stood down from such a bold move, despite having serious misgivings about his former friend's temperament to do the top job.

Other claims outlined in the first extract include Mr Campbell being sounded out by Mr Blair to become his full-time representative in Iraq.
Another Shrek film in the pipeline as DreamWorks boss cements Hollywood status

DreamWorks chief Jeffrey Katzenberg has revealed there is "more to come" from the Shrek movie franchise amid reports that a fifth film is in the works.

The Hollywood movie mogul said there was "great ambition" to continue the hit animation series, which features the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy.

NBC Universal announced its acquisition of DreamWorks Animation in April and reports have said the studio is keen to revive the Shrek franchise, following 2010's Shrek Forever After.

Jeffrey Katzenberg has made his mark in Hollywood

Katzenberg, who co-founded DreamWorks in 1994 with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen, told the Press Association: "I think there's more to come. It's now up to Universal. They get to decide that.

"I think there's great ambition and great excitement and fantastic ideas.

"Shrek will be around for a long time. Longer than me."

Katzenberg was honoured by Murphy and The Big Bang Theory actor Jim Parsons as he placed his hand and footprints in cement outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in the traditional Hollywood ceremony.

Parsons described Katzenberg as a "dreamer who never loses his head".

"He has a heart that puts family first, no matter how successful he's become," Parsons added. "If all this sounds like he should be running for office, he probably should."

Murphy, who voices the character Donkey in the Shrek movies, said Katzenberg was one of his "most trusted advisers".

"In all of my most memorable moments, my highest moments, have always been connected to this man," the comedy star said.

"He's one of my most trusted advisors in everything, business and personal. I'm on the phone to him first about everything. I love this man.

"Jeffrey has the mind of an executive but the heart and spirit of an artist. I love him and I love his family. He is one of the greatest dudes."
Tequila maker Jose Cuervo files for IPO with Mexican bourse

MEXICO CITY, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Mexican alcoholic beverage maker Jose Cuervo, the world's largest tequila producer, on Tuesday filed a prospectus with the Mexican bourse to conduct its long-expected initial public offering.

The filing provided few details about the IPO, but media reports have suggested the company could seek to raise between $750 million and $1 billion.

The company, known officially as Becle, said the stock sale would be handled by the local units of Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase & Co and Banco Santander, and local brokerage GBM Grupo Bursatil Mexicano.

In the filing, the company said it had 2015 sales of nearly 20 billion pesos ($1.02 billion), up from 15.2 billion pesos in 2014. In the first six months of 2016, Cuervo said it had revenue of 12.2 billion pesos.

Net profit in 2015 was 5.3 billion pesos, Cuervo said.

The company said the United States and Canada represent about two-thirds of its sales, while Mexico generates just over a fifth of revenue.

Cuervo has long resisted offers to sell a stake in the company, and talks with its former international distributor, British spirits group Diageo, ended in late 2012. At the time, analysts valued the Mexican company at about $3 billion.

In 2015, Diageo swapped its Bushmills Irish whiskey brand for Cuervo's 50 percent stake in their Don Julio premium tequila joint venture.

Started by Jose Antonio de Cuervo in the late 1700s before Mexican independence from Spain, Jose Cuervo claims to be the oldest continually producing spirits firm in North America.

With origins in the picturesque town of Tequila in Jalisco state, the business is now under the control of the Beckmann family, who married into the Cuervo family a century ago.
Zuckerberg initiative poaches AstraZeneca board member

LONDON, Sept 28 (Reuters) - The $3 billion health initiative set up by Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan has hired one of AstraZeneca's non-executive directors to head up its science drive.

The British drugmaker said on Wednesday that Cornelia Bargmann would step down from its board next month to take up a new role as president of Chan Zuckerberg Science, part of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

Leif Johansson, AstraZeneca's chairman, said the board was sorry to see her leave but understood Bargmann's decision to focus on the new assignment.

Zuckerberg and Chan unveiled their new initiative last week, with a goal to "cure, prevent or manage all disease within our children's lifetime".

Their plan echoes the big global health ambitions of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, another philanthropic endeavour funded by tech industry money that has similarly tapped the pharmaceuticals sector in the past for key staff.

On the plus side, AstraZeneca also said it had hired Columbia University genetics expert David Goldstein to the consultative role chief adviser for genomics. Goldstein, who will continue his academic jobs, had previously served as chair of AstraZeneca's genomics advisory panel.

The company unveiled a 10-year plan in April for a massive gene hunt in the biggest bet yet by a drugmaker on the potential of genetic variations to unlock routes to new medicines.
Iraq says U.S. will send more troops for Mosul battle - statement

BAGHDAD, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Wednesday that Washington would send more U.S. troops to help local forces in the battle to retake Mosul from Islamic State expected later this year.

"American President Barack Obama was consulted on a request from the Iraqi government for a final increase in the number of trainers and advisers under the umbrella of the international coalition in Iraq," a statement on his website said.

There are currently at least 4,400 U.S. troops in Iraq.
CANADA STOCKS-TSX rises as financials and Blackberry gain ground

TORONTO, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index rose on Wednesday, led by the country's heavyweight bank shares, while BlackBerry Ltd rallied after announcing a strategic shift away from hardware.

The Canadian technology company said it will outsource the development and design of its flagship smartphone. Its shares rose 4.5 percent to C$10.88.

Some of the most influential movers on the index were the country's bank stocks, including Royal Bank of Canada, which rose 0.7 percent to C$81.34, and Toronto-Dominion Bank , which advanced 0.6 percent to C$58.27.

The financials group gained 0.6 percent.

Gains for financial stocks followed a rise in European shares as the Chief Executive of Deutsche Bank said there was no need of a cash call.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen did not comment on the outlook for the economy or monetary policy in her prepared remarks for a House of Representatives Financial Services Committee hearing.

The energy group climbed 0.6 percent as oil prices firmed.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd rose 1.3 percent to C$38.99, while TransCanada Corp was up 1.1 percent at C$62.27.

U.S. crude prices were up 0.2 percent at $44.77 a barrel on speculation OPEC members gathered in Algeria could lay the foundation on Wednesday for a production-limiting deal in November, and after another weekly draw in U.S. crude stockpiles.

At 10:41 a.m. EDT (1441 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was up 65 points, or 0.45 percent, to 14,623.04.

Of the index's 10 main groups seven were in positive territory.

Industrials advanced 0.6 percent, including gains for railroad stocks.

Goldcorp Inc fell 0.9 percent to C$21.26, while spot gold was down 0.4 percent.

Convenience store company Alimentation Couche Tard Inc fell 1.1 percent to C$64.09, while the utilities group dipped 0.3 percent.
Argentina judge to rule on suspended Barrick mine soon -local gov't

BUENOS AIRES, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold Corp's Veladero mine in Argentina could reopen in coming days if a report confirms repairs were made after a leak of processing solution containing cyanide earlier this month, a provincial government said.

San Juan province Mining Minister Alberto Hensel said in a statement on Tuesday that a team of police investigators would deliver a technical report within 48 hours to the judge who ordered the temporary suspension.

"If all the repairs have been completed and the mining police give the OK... there will be no reason to sustain the injunction," said Judge Pablo Oritja, according to the provincial government's statement.

A Barrick spokesman in Argentina said on Wednesday that the company was waiting for the judge's decision.

Barrick, the world's largest gold producer, announced the spill at Veladero, one of its five main mines, on Sept. 15. The province had fined the miner nearly $10 million for an earlier leak that occurred in September 2015.

Although the local judiciary determines whether the mine can operate or not, the federal government's environment minister filed a written complaint against Veladero last week, saying Barrick might have violated a hazardous waste law and delayed formal notification of the leak.

Prosecutors and environmental groups have long said the mine's location violates a federal glacier law in Argentina.

Barrick said it used the appropriate communications channels and disclosed the spill in a timely manner. President Kelvin Dushnisky told Reuters on Sept. 19 that he thought the mine could start operating again in two weeks.

The repairs would include lifting a berm, or raised bank, over which the processing solution flowed, he said.

Hensel, the province's mining minister, said the government was also requiring additional security measures such as monitoring cameras at the mine.
Britain, France to sign Hinkley Point nuclear deal on Thursday -sources

LONDON/PARIS, Sept 28 (Reuters) - The British government and France's EDF will officially sign a contract to build Britain's first new nuclear power plant in a generation on Thursday, after months of wrangling over the involvement of EDF's Chinese partner, sources said.

British, French and Chinese government officials will be among those attending the signing ceremony in London on Thursday afternoon, which will formalise the deal for French state-controlled utility EDF to build the Hinkley Point C plant in southwest England, backed by $8 billion of Chinese cash.

It will be a second attempt at finalising the deal after a signing ceremony set for July 29 was cancelled at the last minute when British Prime Minister Theresa May unexpectedly announced she needed more time to verify the $24 billion deal.

The British government finally gave the go-ahead this month, after including the proviso that it will have the right to block the sale of EDF's controlling stake before or after completion of the project.

The delay strained Britain's ties with China just as it is trying to reach out to non-European trading partners following its decision to leave the European Union.

Thursday's ceremony is expected to be more low key than the one planned for July. It will be attended by France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Britain's Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark, as well as China's National Energy Administration Director Nuer Bekri; EDF Chief Executive Jean-Bernard Levy; and He Yu, chairman of China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), the project's Chinese state-backed investor, the sources familiar with the matter said.
8-Teen kills father, opens fire on South Carolina schoolyard -police

By Harriet McLeod

CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept 28 (Reuters) - A 14-year-old South Carolina boy shot and killed his father then drove to an elementary school playground where he wounded two children and a teacher with a handgun before being tackled by a firefighter who held him for police, authorities said on Wednesday.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, was accused by police of fatally shooting his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, then driving a pickup truck about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Townville Elementary School where he crashed into a fence surrounding the playground.

After the teenager began shooting, volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock pinned him down while staff led children to safety inside the building, Anderson County emergency services director Taylor Jones told a news conference.

Police arrived within seven minutes of a teacher calling 911 to take the suspect into custody at the school in Anderson County, near the Georgia state line about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta. The shooter never entered the building, said Chief Deputy Keith Smith.

Authorities do not know the motivation of the shooting but ruled out race as both the shooter and victims were white.

U.S. schools have taken added security precautions since 2012 when a gunman shot and killed 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, was hailed on social media as a hero and credited with preventing another school massacre.

"(He) was there in the hot scene and risked his life to mitigate this incident," Jones said. "He just used enough force to take him to the ground."

One of the victims, 6-year-old Jacob Hall who police say was shot in the leg, remained in critical condition, Greenville Health System spokeswoman Sandy Dees said.

The other boy and a female teacher were treated and released, said Ross Norton, a spokesman for AnMed Health Medical Center. The boy, who local media reported was 6 years old, was shot in the foot and the teacher in the shoulder, authorities said.

SUSPECT CALLED GRANDMOTHER

Anderson County Sheriff's Office Captain Garland Major told reporters he did not know the relationship between the shooter and those wounded at the school.

Authorities said the suspect was home-schooled and called his grandmother who went to his home and found the boy's father had been shot.

"She could not make out what he was saying because he was crying and upset and so they went to the house ... and that's when she discovered her son and called 911," coroner Greg Shore told a news conference on Wednesday night.

Immediately after the shooting, armed officers guarded students as they were evacuated from the school and taken by bus to a nearby church, local media said. Television images showed police swarming the school, with some officers on the roof while others moved around the building.

Jamie Meredith, whose daughter is in kindergarten at Townville Elementary, told WYFF news that she panicked after getting word of the shooting. Her daughter is OK but described a scene of scared and crying children.

"I'm just scared," Meredith said through tears as she was interviewed by WYFF. "I don't even want her to go to school now."

About 280 students attend the school.

The incident was the latest in a series of shootings at U.S. schools that have fueled the debate about access to guns in America.

Earlier this month, a 14-year-old girl shot and wounded a fellow student at a rural Texas high school and then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Cyber firm challenges Yahoo claim hack was state-sponsored

By Dustin Volz

WASHINGTON, Sept 28 (Reuters) - A cyber security company on Wednesday asserted that the hack of 500 million account credentials from Yahoo was the work of an Eastern European criminal gang, adding another layer of intrigue to a murky investigation into the unprecedented data heist.

Arizona-based InfoArmor issued a report whose conclusion challenged Yahoo's position that a nation-state actor orchestrated the heist, disclosed last week by the internet company. InfoArmor, which provides companies with protection against employee identify theft, said the hacked trove of user data was later sold to at least three clients, including one state-sponsored group.

Reuters was unable to verify the report's findings. Yahoo declined comment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the hack, did not return a call seeking comment.

A U.S. government source familiar with the Yahoo investigation said there was no hard evidence yet on whether the hack was state-sponsored. Attribution for cyber attacks is widely considered difficult in both the intelligence and research communities.

The task is made especially challenging by the fact that criminal hackers sometimes provide information to government intelligence agencies or offer their services for hire, making it hard to know who the ultimate mastermind of a hack might be.

Yahoo said last week that it only recently discovered the intrusion, which it blamed on a state-sponsored actor without providing technical evidence. Nation-state hackers are widely viewed as possessing more advanced capabilities than criminal groups, a perception that could benefit Yahoo as it works to minimize fallout from the breach and complete its sale to Verizon Communications Inc.

InfoArmor concluded the Yahoo hackers were criminal after reviewing a small sample of compromised accounts, Andrew Komarov, the firm's chief intelligence officer, said in an interview.

The hackers, dubbed Group E, have a track record of selling stolen personal data on the dark web, and have been previously linked to breaches at LinkedIn, Tumblr and MySpace, Komarov said.

"They have never been hired by anyone to hack Yahoo," Komarov, who is from Russia, said. "They were simply looking for well known sites that had many users."

In an illustration of the confusion about who carried out the hack and why, an NBC News report Wednesday interpreted Komarov's findings as pointing to the Russian government as the ultimate perpetrator.
WITNESS-On little sleep, Israel's Peres persevered in peace, politics

By Howard Goller

Sept 28 (Reuters) - For many years Shimon Peres, who died on Wednesday at the age of 93, got by on very little sleep.

He was in his mid-70s when I asked him how much rest he averaged each night given his tireless engagement in public life for what was already more than half a century.

"Five hours," he said.

Israel's perpetual prophet of peace, Peres held every top job in the cabinet.

He served as president, bringing vitality to a largely ceremonial job during a seven-year term that ended in 2014, days shy of his 91st birthday.

In interviews and informal chats we had through the years, Peres never abandoned his enthusiasm for the political battlefield, even when it meant enduring the scorn of countrymen who tagged him a dreamer.

Although his oratory and diplomacy made him a welcome visitor throughout much of the world, his optimism often seemed out of place in the rough-and-tumble world of Israeli politics.

He persisted nevertheless.

FROM DIMONA TO OSLO

Peres was in equal measure a hawk and a dove.

Groomed for leadership by Israel's founding father David Ben-Gurion, Peres already was building the country's defenses before its creation in 1948.

He helped turn Israel in its early years into a nuclear power by procuring the secret Dimona reactor from France. As foreign minister in 1993, he and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin sealed the Oslo accords, a groundbreaking 1993 interim peace deal with the Palestinians.

"I felt that Israel must become strong enough so she will be able to make peace," he said. He adhered to that position even as his dream of a lasting peace in a new Middle East proved to be elusive.

PEACE MOVES

Peres smiled during an interview when I asked what Rabin said to him in the moments they shook hands with Yasser Arafat to cement the Oslo accords.

We on the sun-bleached White House lawn could hardly believe our eyes when Rabin and Arafat, the Palestinian leader, reached across decades of war and enmity to shake hands.

When next Arafat extended his hand to Peres, Rabin pointed at Peres and said something.

"Now it's your turn," Rabin told him. It was "as though we are going to commit something of a terrible nature," Peres told me with a broad smile.

Nearly as surprising as the accord itself was the fact the gray-haired Peres and Rabin, rivals for decades, had made peace with each other.

A NEGOTIATING CHALLENGE

At various points in his career, Peres angered Palestinians by seeming to do little to rein in the expansion of Israeli settlements on land captured during the 1967 Middle East war.

When he and Rabin shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Arafat in 1994, Peres said he was keenly aware of the need to show respect when negotiating with the Palestinian leader.

"Occasionally I warned myself, 'Don't be too successful. It may be counterproductive. Don't press him too much. Don't try to squeeze out too much. You must be generous enough to enable him to remain a partner.'"

Asked if Arafat had shown him the same respect, Peres told me, "I am not sure. I think for him I was a strange continent ... I think deep in his heart he understood that I am not an enemy, that I mean well, but he, too ... was afraid that I am trying to overpower him, that I am trying to push him in a corner."

On Wednesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Arafat's successor, said he had sent a condolence letter to Peres's family praising the Israeli's "intensive efforts to reach out for a lasting peace ... until the last days."

A HUG, THEN AN ASSASSINATION

In November 1995, nearly 26 months after the Oslo accords ceremony, a Jewish gunman opposed to peace moves with the Palestinians killed Rabin in Tel Aviv.

Minutes earlier, the prime minister had given Peres, his onetime rival, a hug at a peace rally.

"You see," Rabin told reporters. "Things change not only in the world but also in the Middle East - also for us."

Years after the White House handshakes, his Oslo peace deal in tatters, Peres clung to power, aspiring, he said, to forge a better life for his children and grandchildren.

'YOUR OWN FATE'

In 1999, Peres was running a Tel Aviv peace center that to this day bears his name. Ehud Barak, his successor as Labor Party leader, was standing for prime minister.

Peres took a deep breath when I asked if he would prefer to be making another run at Israel's top job himself.

"Look, you have your own fate and your own luck and there is no sense to be angry or to be pessimistic. It's a total waste of time, and to be fair I got my opportunities," Peres said.
German ministry says mother, baby escape from Syria to Turkey

BERLIN, Sept 28 (Reuters) - A German woman who was kidnapped in war-torn Syria last year and gave birth while in captivity escaped with her baby to Turkey on Wednesday, the German foreign ministry said.

"The German woman and her baby who was born while she was held hostage are in good condition considering the circumstances," the ministry said in a statement. It said the two were now under the care of German consular officials and members of the German federal police in Turkey.

The German mass circulation newspaper Bild said the woman was a freelance journalist who had worked for Munich's Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily and broadcaster NDR.

Reporters without Borders Germany, a non-profit group, welcomed the news.

"This case shows again the incalculable dangers to which journalists are continually exposed in the Syrian war," said Christian Mihr, the group's director. He said it was important that most German media outlets had refrained from writing about and sensationalising the case.

"The German government is relieved about the outcome of this case given the extremely difficult overall situation in Syria," the ministry said.

A ministry spokeswoman said she could give no further details about the case, citing privacy considerations. The German federal police was not immediately available to comment.

Focus newsmagazine reported on the case in February, naming the woman as 27-year-old Janina Findeisen, who published under the pseudonym Marie Delhaes. It said she was kidnapped in October 2015 and gave birth to her son in December.

It said the woman had been held by a faction within the Islamist Nusra Front militant group, recently renamed Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS), which was demanding a ransom of 5 million euros for her release.

JFS on Wednesday tweeted a denial that it was behind the kidnapping, and said it had in fact freed the woman and her child from the prison where they were being held by a "small group" that was not named, the SITE Inteligence Group reported.

Focus, citing federal police sources, reported in February that Findeisen had been lured to Syria by a woman she knew from Bonn with the promise of exclusive information about Islamist militants.
Gabon president Bongo names new prime minister

LIBREVILLE, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Gabon President Ali Bongo promoted foreign minister Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet to the post of Prime Minister on Wednesday, a day after Bongo was sworn in following a razor-thin election victory whose integrity was questioned by international observers.

A statement read on state television said Bongo asked Ngondet to form an open government, in an apparent signal that members of the opposition could be invited to join.

Bongo's victory by less than 6,000 votes has drawn unwelcome scrutiny of the president, whose family has ruled the oil-producing state in Central Africa for 49 years. Just a handful of African leaders attended his inauguration.
U.S. weighs tougher response to Russia over Syria crisis -officials

By Jonathan Landay, John Walcott and Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Obama administration officials have begun considering tougher responses to the Russian-backed Syrian government assault on Aleppo, including military options, as rising tensions with Moscow diminish hopes for diplomatic solutions from the Middle East to Ukraine and cyberspace, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.

The new discussions were being held at "staff level," and have yet to produce any recommendations to President Barack Obama, who has resisted ordering military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the country's multisided civil war.

But the deliberations coincide with Secretary of State John Kerry threatening to halt diplomacy with Russia on Syria and holding Moscow responsible for dropping incendiary bombs on rebel areas of Aleppo, Syria's largest city. It was the stiffest U.S. warning to the Russians since the Sept. 19 collapse of a truce they jointly brokered.

Even administration advocates of a more muscular U.S. response said on Wednesday that it was not clear what, if anything, the president would do, and that his options "begin at tougher talk," as one official put it.

One official said that before any action could be taken, Washington would first have "follow through on Kerry's threat and break off talks with the Russians" on Syria.

But the heavy use of Russian airpower in Syria has compounded U.S. distrust of Russian President Vladimir Putin's geopolitical intentions, not only in the 5-1/2 year civil war, but also in the Ukraine conflict and in what U.S. officials say are Russian-backed cyber attacks on U.S. political targets.

The U.S. officials said the failure of diplomacy in Syria has left the Obama administration no choice but to consider alternatives, most of which involve some use of force and have been examined before but held in abeyance.

These include allowing Gulf allies to supply rebels with more sophisticated weaponry, something considered more likely despite Washington's opposition to this until now. Another is a U.S. air strike on an Assad air base, viewed as less likely because of the potential for causing Russian casualties, the officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The options being weighed are limited in number and stop well short of any large-scale commitment of U.S. troops, which Obama, who has only four months left in office, has long rejected, the officials said.

Critics of Obama's policy on Syria have said that his hesitancy to involve troops has allowed Russia to intervene militarily, although Moscow has been influential in Syria for decades. Some foreign policy experts inside and outside the administration said Obama made a mistake in 2012-13 when he did not enforce a "red line" he set against Assad's government's use of chemical weapons.

U.S. ADMINISTRATION CAUGHT OFF-GUARD

Two U.S. officials said the speed with which the Syrians have advanced in Aleppo and the diplomatic track has collapsed caught some in the administration off guard. The fall of Aleppo would restore Assad's rule over western Syria's most important city and deal a devastating blow to the rebels.

As a result, one of the officials said, the list of options is narrowing to supporting rebel counter attacks elsewhere with additional weaponry or even air strikes, which "might not reverse the tide of battle, but might cause the Russians to stop and think."

Another official said any weapons supplies would not include shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, or Manpads, which the Obama administration fears could fall into the hands of Islamic State militants or al Qaeda-linked groups.

The most dramatic option under consideration - but considered less likely - would be a U.S. air strike on a Syrian air base far from the fighting between Assad's troops and rebel forces in the north, officials said.

Other ideas under consideration include sending more U.S. special operations forces to train and advise Kurdish and Syrian rebel groups, and deploying additional American and allied naval and airpower to the eastern Mediterranean, where a French aircraft carrier is already en route.

U.S. officials had considered a humanitarian airlift to rebel-held areas, which would require escorts by U.S. warplanes, but this has been deemed too risky and has been "moved down the list," one official said.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday that U.S. officials involved in the interagency process that deals with national security had discussed other Syria options "that don't revolve around diplomacy." He declined to elaborate.

U.S. officials cautioned that no decisions were imminent with Defense Secretary Ash Carter traveling and Obama and other senior officials planning to attend former Israeli leader Shimon Peres's funeral in Israel on Friday.
Japan conglomerates seek to merge loss-making nuclear fuel operations -sources

By Makiko Yamazaki and Kentaro Hamada

TOKYO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Three Japanese conglomerates are in talks to combine their loss-making domestic nuclear fuel operations, people with direct knowledge of the matter said, as the outlook for restarts of reactors following the Fukushima nuclear crisis remains bleak.

Hitachi Ltd, Toshiba Corp and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd aim to merge the operations as early as spring 2017, one of the people said, declining to be identified as the discussions were confidential.

The person added that the three companies may eventually consider merging their nuclear reactor businesses, although nothing specific has been discussed so far.

Only three of Japan's 42 reactors are currently operating after they were idled in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed Tokyo Electric Power Co's Fukushima Daiichi power station. Public opposition, safety and other regulatory obstacles has made the outlook for further restarts extremely unclear.

The move has also likely been encouraged by General Electric's growing interest in the market for fuel for pressurised water reactors (PWRs), said an executive at a Japanese utility. GE has a controlling stake in a joint venture with Hitachi and Toshiba called Global Nuclear Fuel, which provides fuel for boiling water reactors (BWRs).

The traditional dividing line in the U.S. nuclear industry with GE specialising in fuel for BWRs and Toshiba's Westinghouse focusing on fuel for PWRs is no longer applicable, he said.

"The merger of Japan's nuclear fuel businesses will to a large extent take its cues from GE," said the executive, declining to be identified as he was not part of the discussions.

PWRs have been growing in popularity, particularly in emerging economies like China. As of December 2015, PWRs accounted for more than 80 percent of 66 nuclear reactors under construction.

The three Japanese conglomerates are aiming to reach a preliminary agreement by the end of the year, the person with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The companies said they were considering options for their domestic nuclear fuel businesses but no decisions had been made.

The conglomerates are likely to first form a joint holding company for their fuel businesses before merging them into one entity, the Nikkei business daily reported.

Industry sources said the government has been pushing the firms to integrate their fuel businesses, raising the chances that any merger plan will not run into any anti-trust issues.

Until the Fukushima disaster, the nuclear fuel business had been a stable source of profits for the domestic nuclear power industry.

Toshiba, which has overseas nuclear fuel operations through its U.S. unit Westinghouse, forecasts that fuel will generate 17 percent of the estimated 870 billion yen ($8.56 billion) in revenue from its nuclear power business for this financial year.

Hitachi has a global nuclear power alliance with General Electric Co while Mitsubishi Heavy has one with France's Areva SA.
Three killed in electoral campaign shooting in Brazil

BRASILIA, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Three people were shot dead and a deputy state governor was wounded on Wednesday when a disgruntled city employee opened fire on a campaign rally motorcade in central Brazil ahead of municipal elections on Sunday that have turned violent.

A candidate for city council and a security guard were killed by the gunman, a 53-year-old driver, who also died in a shootout with Vice Governor Jose Eliton's bodyguards, officials in the town of Itumbiara in Goias state said.

The shooting follows a wave of killings of local politicians in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro in recent months that law enforcement officials said appeared to be the work of organized crime trying to get their candidates elected.

Eliton, who was leading the race to become the town's mayor, was rushed to hospital for surgery to a shot wound in the stomach and his condition was not known, his press aides said.

"Everybody thought the man was coming to shake our hands when he suddenly drew a gun and began to shoot at us," said federal lawmaker Jovair Arantes, who was on the open vehicle targeted by the gunman.

Sunday's nationwide municipal polls will elect 5,568 mayors and renew town councils. The election will shape Brazil's new political landscape following the ouster of the leftist Workers Party after 13 years in power last month, when President Dilma Rousseff was dismissed in an impeachment trial.

On Sunday in Rio a candidate for councillor was shot by assailants as he sought to flee by motorcycle. It was the latest killing of a municipal candidate in Rio's suburbs, where drug traffickers and militia groups compete for dominance.
Now the hard work starts for OPEC's planned oil output cut: Russell

By Clyde Russell

LAUNCESTON, Australia, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Under-promise and then over-deliver is a well-worn tactic to boost one's fortunes, with OPEC's somewhat woolly promise to cut crude oil output the latest example of this strategy.

Virtually nobody thought the oil producer group had even the remotest chance of reaching an agreement on production at its informal meeting this week in Algeria, a view that was constantly reinforced by OPEC's energy ministers in comments and interviews.

Yet the meeting ended with the group committing to reduce output by as much as 740,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the end of the year, the first agreement on cutting production the often fractious group has managed in eight years.

This tentative deal sent the price of Brent crude soaring as much as 6.5 percent to a high of $48.96 a barrel on Wednesday, showing the value of surprising the market.

But the real question is whether this is the start of sustainable gains for the oil price, and much will depend on what OPEC actually does, and how the rest of the producers respond.

Firstly, apart from the shock value of delivering an agreement, all OPEC actually did was kick the can down the road to their November meeting.

However, let's not underestimate the significance of even a tentative agreement without flesh on its bones.

OPEC is an organisation that has been riven by regional rivalries in its recent past, which has undermined its effectiveness and credibility.

The obvious tension between top producer Saudi Arabia and would-be No.2 Iran has been palpable, so the mere fact that they can reach even what appears to be an in-principle agreement is quite an achievement.

The real work now has to be done by November, as each OPEC member figures out what it is prepared to do in order to reduce the group's output from around 33.24 million bpd currently to the newly-agreed 32.5-33 million bpd.

It would seem that the bulk of this burden will have to fall on Saudi Arabia, not only because it is the biggest producer, but also because the others such as Iran and Iraq are still trying to boost their output.

Other OPEC members such as Libya and Nigeria are currently producing well below historic levels because of internal conflicts, while others such as Venezuela and Angola are in such dire fiscal positions that they simply cannot countenance pumping any less oil.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih already hinted at this on Tuesday, in saying that Iran, Nigeria and Libya would be allowed to produce "at maximum levels that make sense" as part of any output limits.

Given that it's known that Iran wants to up its output from the current 3.6 million bpd to around 4 million bpd, this means to effect an overall OPEC reduction of about 740,000 bpd, more than 1.1 million bpd would have to be cut elsewhere.

SAUDIS, NON-OPEC THE KEY

Finding OPEC members willing to reduce output at all may be tricky, other than some token amounts from the more minor members.

Basically it comes down to whether the Saudis are prepared to pull back their production by perhaps as much as 1 million bpd, or roughly 10 percent of their current output.

Simple maths suggests that if you forego 10 percent of your output you need at least an 11-percent increase in prices to compensate for the lost revenue, meaning Brent would have to rise about $60 a barrel and stay there for it to make financial sense for the Saudis to carry the bulk of the burden of lowering OPEC's output.

This likely means that the Saudis will be pushing for Iran to limit its production, and will also be putting pressure on Iraq as well, arguing that it's not feasible for the kingdom to take all the pain alone.

The other wild card is how other producers around the world react.

Russia, the largest exporter outside of OPEC, may be prepared to join output curbs if it believed it would result in a sustainable price rise.

But oil output in the United States may well reverse its recent declines and start rising again as producers there aren't beholden to anything other than the profit motive.

U.S. shale oil output is expected to drop for an 11th straight month in October, according to the Energy Information Administration.

But higher crude prices may lead to a rapid reversal in U.S. crude output as shale producers have shown they can boost pumping fairly rapidly.

It's also likely that any sustained price rise will lift output in other non-OPEC producers such as Canada and Brazil.
Taxidermy kittens centerpiece of New York exhibit

Sept 28 (Reuters) - A New York museum seeks to explore the strange and profound connections humans have with preserved animals through an exhibit titled "Taxidermy: Art, Science & Immortality."

The exhibit, hosted by the Morbid Anatomy Museum in Brooklyn and running through Nov. 6, includes over 100 artfully preserved animals, many of which are antique pieces.

It includes some extinct creatures such as the passenger pigeon and a heath hen, a common bird in North America until it was hunted to extinction in 1932.

"Taxidermy has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence over the past few years, and we do see a lot of hobbyists making their own taxidermy," curator J.D. Powe told Reuters.

The highlight of the exhibit's anthropomorphic section, which features animals dressed up like humans and consists mostly of pieces from the Victorian era, is an elaborate wedding scene titled "The Kittens' Wedding" created by British taxidermist Walter Potter.

The tableau created by British taxidermist Walter Potter in 1890, features about 20 kittens fully dressed in Victorian-era attire including jewelry and boutonnieres.

Other works in the exhibit include dioramas of squirrels drinking tea and an adult frog spanking a child frog.

A section titled "Freaks of Nature" showcases peculiar animals, such as taxidermy of a four-tusk walrus, a cow with two heads and a co-joined calf.

Terence Ziegler, a visitor from Brooklyn, described the exhibit as "very strange."
Statewide blackout in Australia raises questions over renewable energy

SYDNEY, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Power was restored to the state of South Australia on Wednesday after storms a day earlier caused an unprecedented statewide blackout which disrupted operations at mining majors like BHP Billiton, closed ports and halted public transport.

The blackout of the country's fifth most populous state, with 1.7 million people, prompted calls on Thursday for an inquiry into the power sector and questions over whether the state's reliance on renewable energy exacerbated the situation.

Authorities said power had been restored to 90 percent of the state by Thursday morning, but further disruption was possible with gale force winds and heavy rain forecast.

"Let's focus now and take this incident as a real wake-up call...lower emissions is very important but it must be consistent with energy security," said Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Coal-fired power plants dominate the country's power sector resulting in Australia being one of the world's biggest carbon emitters on a per capita basis. Renewable energy has struggled to increase its footprint in recent years due to scepticism over climate change amongst some the country's leading politicians.

South Australia, a major wine producer and traditional manufacturng hub, is one of the few state's with a heavy reliance on renewable energy. Wind power provides roughly 40 percent of the state's electricity supply.

"Questions have to be asked: Is their over-reliance on renewable energy exacerbating their problems and the capacity to have a secure power supply," Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, a climate change sceptic, told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio on Thursday.

The blackout happened after strong winds destroyed major powerlines north of the state capital Adelaide and lightning struck a power plant, causing a surge across the grid. The network and link to neighbouring Victoria state shut down to prevent damage to infrastructure, causing a state-wide outage.

Power supply was disrupted to BHP Billiton's huge Olympic Dam copper-uranium mine, halting production until back power could be diverted to maintain "essential infrastructure". . Oz Minerals Ltd suspended copper and gold production at its Prominent Hill mine north of Adelaide, which was not damaged.

South Australian independent Senator Nick Xenophon said an inquiry should examine whether the power failure could have been avoided if more gas-burning power plants had been on standby.

Australia wants to double its large-scale renewable energy generation to 33,000 gigawatt hours by 2020, which means solar, wind and hydro-electricity would have to make up nearly a quarter of power generation by then.
Hundreds brought down from slopes of erupting volcano in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Hundreds of climbers have been brought down safely from the slopes of an Indonesian volcano that erupted this week, the disaster agency said on Thursday, although the fate of several daredevil tourists who declined to leave was not clear.

More than 1,000 tourists including 639 foreigners were in Mount Rinjani National Park when Barujari, a smaller volcano within Mount Rinjani, began erupting on Tuesday, sending a plume of ash into the sky which fell back to coat vegetation.

"They have all come down now. The Rinjani caldera is now clear," agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told Reuters via mobile phone text message.

The crater is about 8-10 hours walk from the entrance to the park.

The agency said in a statement on Wednesday several tourists hoping to document the eruption had declined to leave and hidden from rescue workers.

"They knew the dangers," it said.

Nugroho was not available for comment on their fate on Thursday.

Mount Rinjani, on the island of Lombok, just to the east of Bali island, is one of Indonesia's most visited active volcanoes.
Rights group urges Bangladesh to stop "kneecapping" detainees

By Serajul Quadir

DHAKA, Sept 29 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Security forces in Bangladesh are deliberately shooting members and supporters of opposition parties in the leg, Human Rights Watch said in a report on Thursday that compared the acts to "kneecappings" once meted out by the Irish Republican Army.

In its report, the advocacy group quoted victims as saying they had been shot in custody by security forces who then falsely said they had done so in self defence, in crossfire with armed criminals, or during violent protests.

"Security forces in Bangladesh have long killed detainees in fake 'crossfire killings', pretending the victim was killed when the authorities took him back to the scene of the crime and were attacked by one of his accomplices," Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

The Rapid Action Battalion, the special security force of the Bangladesh police, denied the main findings of the report that were put to it by the Thomson Reuters Foundation ahead of publication.

"We have not seen the report yet, but if it claims so, then definitely it is false, fabricated and baseless," said Mufti Mahmud Khan, a director and the spokesman of the unit.

USE OF FORCE

Human rights groups have accused the Bangladeshi authorities of carrying out extra-judicial killings, disappearances and detaining suspects without charge and denying them access to a lawyer.

Khan rejected these, saying that his special security force arrested or detained people only on the basis of specific allegations and evidence.

"We investigate the allegations with due legal process and also follow the legal norms and accordingly we take follow up measures as per country's law," Khan said.

Bangladesh, a South Asian nation of 160 million, is contending with a wave of attacks on foreigners, free thinkers and members of religious minorities by Islamist militants that it says are homegrown.

Security experts and Western governments see a direct link between some recent attacks - including on a Dhaka cafe on July 1 that killed 22 hostages and police - and global jihadi groups like Islamic State.

The 45-page Human Rights Watch report calls on Bangladesh to order prompt, impartial and independent probes into all alleged kneecappings and the deliberate infliction of other serious injuries by the security forces.

The rights group also called on the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and U.N. special rapporteurs on torture and extrajudicial executions to be allowed to investigate alleged acts of torture.

Adams also called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina "to make it clear that Bangladesh security forces cannot get away with killing and maiming citizens simply because they support the wrong political party".

The report includes evidence from 25 individuals, mostly members and supporters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, who said police shot them in the leg without provocation.

Several were permanently disabled, including some who underwent amputations after being shot. Most victims were unwilling to be identified, fearing arrest, disappearance, torture, or extrajudicial killing.
North Korean soldier defects to South Korea

SEOUL, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea on Thursday, South Korea's military said.

The soldier crossed the military demarcation line that runs through the demilitarized zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas, which remain in a technical state of war since their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.
Amnesty accuses Sudan of using chemical weapons in Darfur

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Sudan's government has carried out at least 30 likely chemical weapons attacks in the Jebel Marra area of Darfur since January using what two experts concluded was a probable blister agent, Amnesty International said on Thursday.

The rights group estimated that up to 250 people may have died as a result of exposure to the chemical weapons agents.

The most recent attack occurred on Sept. 9 and Amnesty said its investigation was based on satellite imagery, more than 200 interviews and expert analysis of images showing injuries.

"The use of chemical weapons is a war crime. The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution," said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International's director of Crisis Research.

Sudanese U.N. Ambassador Omer Dahab Fadl Mohamed said in a statement that the Amnesty report was "utterly unfounded" and that Sudan does not possess any type of chemical weapons.

"The allegations of use of chemical weapons by Sudanese Armed Forces is baseless and fabricated. The ultimate objective of such wild accusation, is to steer confusion in the on-going processes aimed at deepening peace and stability and enhancing economic development and social cohesion in Sudan," he said.

Amnesty said it had presented its findings to two independent chemical weapons experts.

"Both concluded that the evidence strongly suggested exposure to vesicants, or blister agents, such as the chemical warfare agents sulfur mustard, lewisite or nitrogen mustard," Amnesty said in a statement.

Sudan joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1999 under which members agree to never use toxic arms.

A joint African Union-United Nations force, known as UNAMID, has been stationed in Darfur since 2007. Security remains fragile in Darfur, where mainly non-Arab tribes have been fighting the Arab-led government in Khartoum, and the government is struggling to control rural areas.

Some 300,000 people have been killed in Darfur since the conflict began in 2003, the U.N. says, while 4.4 million people need aid and over 2.5 million have been displaced.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in 2009 and 2010 on charges of war crimes and genocide in his drive to crush the Darfur revolt.
Thailand cracks down on migrant workers as anti-immigration feelings rise

By Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Panarat Thepgumpanat

BANGKOK, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Thailand is cracking down on migrant workers from neighbouring countries, saying they are "stealing jobs from Thais", amid fears that anti-immigrant sentiment is rising as Southeast Asia's second-largest economy stagnates.

In an operation led by the Thai labour department, police and troops on Wednesday raided a fresh produce market in Bangkok and arrested 14 people, most of them from neighbouring Myanmar.

"We have received many complaints about illegal immigrants working in markets including Vietnamese and even South Asians who were stealing jobs from Thais," Thai immigration police chief Nathorn Phrosunthorn told Reuters.

"They should be doing the jobs that Thais don't want to do like work as house cleaners," he said.

Under the terms of a 2015 memorandum of understanding Vietnamese citizens are restricted in their employment in Thailand and can work only as manual labourers in Thailand's fishing or construction sectors.

Cambodians also have been nabbed in the raids, along with people from Myanmar and Vietnam.

ANTI-IMMIGRATION FEELINGS

More than 3 million migrants work in Thailand, the vast majority from neighbouring Myanmar, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Thailand became wealthy compared to its neighbours when its economy boasted annual growth rates of over 7 percent in the 1980s and 1990s, drawing migrant workers from across the Greater Mekong Delta region and other parts of Asia. They mostly did jobs Thais tend to spurn, including backbreaking work in the fishing and construction sectors.

But, more than two years after the military government seized power and with Thailand's economy on shaky ground, rights groups also see rising resentment against immigrants in Thailand, mirroring such sentiment elsewhere in the world.

"There seems to be a surge of national sentiment in Thai immigration policy claiming migrants from Vietnam, for example, are taking jobs that are reserved for Thai nationals," Sunai Phasuk from Human Rights Watch told Reuters.

"We haven't seen this kind of rise in anti-immigrant sentiment for decades. This has a lot to do economic concerns."

Sanit Choklamlert, a shop keeper in Bangkok's Silom business district, said migrants are seen as competitors for some Thais.

"There are too many Myanmar people here now and they're fighting for the same jobs as us," he said. "We need to send some back."

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Thailand's economy is on course to grow 3.0 percent in 2016 after expanding 2.8 percent in 2015 and only 0.7 percent in 2014.

Nathorn said the crackdown was not driven by an anti-immigrant policy. "We still need migrant labour. We just want to keep some order," he said.

The raids have targeted fresh markets, restaurants, supermarkets and shopping malls. Around 153 immigrants were rounded up between Sept. 1 and Sept. 26, according to labour department figures. Those caught face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 3,000 baht ($100) or deportation.

Migrants are often at risk of falling into the hands of human trafficking rings, who sell them into virtual slavery on plantations, timber mills and fishing boats, human rights groups say.

Thailand was removed from the bottom rung of the U.S. State Department's annual list of worst human trafficking offenders this year despite what the department described as "widespread forced labour" in the country's vital seafood industry.
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New Zealand, Gulf states renew efforts to seal free trade pact

WELLINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council will work to get a stalled free trade pact back on track after trade ministers from the Pacific nation and Saudi Arabia agreed to deepen trade ties.

New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay met his Saudi Arabian counterpart Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi this week, with the two leaders agreeing to push for an early completion of the deal that was wrapped up in 2009 but never ratified.

Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand's Meat Industry Association Tim Ritchie said an FTA would allow New Zealand to maintain its competitive position in these markets.

"Certainty around tariff free access would ensure a greater sense of certainty for future trade," he said.

In a joint statement, the two ministers said the trade relationship would continue to expand once the pact is finalised and agreed to continue efforts to achieve its early completion.

The next step would be for GCC countries to meet and for New Zealand officials to meet with the GCC Secretariat and member countries in order to finalise the agreement, McClay said.

Export New Zealand Executive Director Catherine Beard said the move was a positive one.

"Gulf States were good markets for New Zealand's food and beverage exports and reducing tariffs on dairy, meat, horticultural and other products would help New Zealand's competitiveness in those markets," she said.

Dairy giant Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, the world's largest dairy exporter, was also upbeat and said the deal would create opportunities for its food services business.

Two-way trade between New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain is worth about NZ$3 billion ($2.19 billion) annually and the GCC is New Zealand's sixth largest trading partner.

New Zealand's main exports to the region include dairy, sheep meat and wood, key components in the Pacific nation's export basket.

Beard noted that the FTA could also open up markets for services in areas such as education and information and communications technology.

Nathan Penny, rural economist for ASB Bank, said any progress was welcome.

"If we can make some ground on this one, while some like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and others stall, this is some good news to offset some of that," he said.
China promises cooperation with United Nations on human rights

BEIJING, Sept 29 (Reuters) - China will cooperate with the United Nations Human Rights Council, a body it has had testy relations with over the years, and invite its representatives to visit the country as appropriate, the government said in a policy paper on Thursday.

President Xi Jinping's administration has tightened control over civil society, citing a need to boost security and stability, in what activists say is the most sweeping crackdown on dissent in decades, with dozens jailed.

China frequently faces censure at the U.N. rights body, and has refused to allow in some U.N.-appointed envoys. Others have complained that when they are allowed to visit the government interferes with their work and blocks access to interviewees.

China's latest National Human Rights Action Plan, which runs to 2020, promises that China "will cooperate with the Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council".

This includes "answering letters from it, inviting, as appropriate, representatives of the body to visit China, and continuing to recommend Chinese experts for posts in the Special Procedures", said the paper, released by the official Xinhua news agency.

"China will conduct exchanges and cooperation with the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, and hold dialogues on human rights with relevant countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect," it added.

China will also offer developing countries assistance in the human rights field, the paper said.

China frequently says that it does not believe the issue of human rights should be politicised, and has for example rejected efforts by the United Nations to investigate alleged rights abuses in reclusive North Korea, which has close ties with China.

Reuters reported last year that Beijing was using intimidation tactics at the rights council, based in Geneva, to silence critics there.

China routinely rejects foreign criticism of its rights record, and says that guaranteeing things like the right to education and freedom from hunger, where it has been very successful, show its commitment to a more broader definition of human rights.

Particular opprobrium has been directed at China's treatment of ethnic minorities, especially in restive Tibet and Xinjiang.

The paper said China would put more efforts into prioritising the development of minority areas and protect their "lawful rights and interests". It did admit some problems, though.
Hong Kong, China stocks up as energy shares jump on higher oil prices

SHANGHAI, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Hong Kong and China shares rose on Thursday, with sentiment lifted by a jump in energy stocks as oil prices surged after OPEC members agreed to curb output in a surprise deal.

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index added 0.5 percent to 23,731.97 points by lunch break, while the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index gained 0.9 percent to 9,809.71.

An index tracking Hong Kong's energy sector jumped 5 percent, as Chinese oil giants CNOOC, PetroChina and Sinopec Corp rose sharply.

Oil prices extended gains after rising nearly 6 percent on Wednesday after OPEC struck a deal to limit crude output, the organization's first agreement to cut production since 2008.

Sentiment was also aided by concrete progress toward the launch of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, an eagerly-anticipated cross-border scheme that will channel more mainland Chinese money into Hong Kong's stock market.

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd published on its website late Wednesday further information on the Shenzhen Connect to facilitate business and technical preparation.

All the main sectors in Hong Kong, except for property , ended the morning session in positive territory.

In China, the blue-chip CSI300 index rose 0.7 percent, to 3,252.10 points, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.6 percent, to 3,004.64 points.

All the main sectors rose in China, with coal miners rising sharply, as investors bet higher oil prices would lead to higher consumption of coal.

Trading was thin as investors are reluctant to make fresh bets ahead of the week-long National Day holiday that starts on Oct. 1.

"The market is still in a range-bound trading pattern, and I don't see a clear trend forming in either direction," said David Dai, Shanghai-based investor director at Nanhai Fund Management Co.

"History data tells us that China's market is likely to rise after a long holiday, so we've decided to hold our positions."

Dai's view reflects investors' lingering concerns over China's economic health.

A private survey showed that China's economy was less healthy in the third quarter than a recent spate of upbeat data had suggested, with growth coming exclusively from manufacturing and property while the services and retail sectors faltered.
Investigators search for clues in South Carolina school shooting

By Harriet McLeod

CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept 29 (Reuters) - Investigators were searching on Thursday for the motive behind a shooting spree by a South Carolina teenager who killed his father and wounded two school students and a teacher before being pinned down by a volunteer fireman.

The incident was the latest in a series of shootings at U.S. schools that has fueled debate about access to guns in America.

The 14-year-old boy, whose name has not been released, shot and killed his father, Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, 47, on Wednesday afternoon.

Then he drove to Townville Elementary School, where he shot two boys and a woman teacher with a handgun, before being subdued by the volunteer firefighter, police said.

Authorities said they were checking if there was a connection between the gunman and the school victims, but had ruled out terrorism and ethnicity as motivating factors.

The suspect was in custody and interviewed by investigators on Wednesday night, Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper told a news conference.

"We are in the process of taking him through the legal process," he added.

Authorities said the suspect was home-schooled and called his grandmother, who went to his home and found his father.

"She could not make out what he was saying because he was crying and upset, and so they went to the house, and that's when she discovered her son and called 911," coroner Greg Shore told the news conference.

Next, the boy drove a pickup truck about 2 miles (3.2 km) to the school, and crashed into a fence around the playground before shooting the other three victims, police said.

One boy, Jacob Hall, 6, was shot in the leg, police said. He is in critical condition, Greenville Health System spokeswoman Sandy Dees said.

The other boy, also 6, according to media reports, was shot in the foot and the teacher was shot in the shoulder, authorities said.

Both were treated and released from hospital, said Ross Norton, a spokesman for AnMed Health Medical Center.

Volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock pinned down the teenager after he began shooting, as staff led children to safety, Taylor Jones, the emergency services director for Anderson County, told a news conference.

Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department, was hailed on social media as a hero and credited with preventing another school massacre.

Police arrived within minutes of a 911 call to take the suspect into custody. He never entered the school building, said Chief Deputy Keith Smith.

About 280 students attend the school in Anderson County, near the Georgia state line about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Atlanta. It will stay shut on Thursday and Friday as authorities investigate.

U.S. schools have beefed up security precautions since 2012, when a gunman shot and killed 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Immediately after the shooting, armed officers guarded the students as they traveled by bus from the school to a nearby church, media said. Television images showed police swarming the school, with some officers on the roof.
Poland - Factors to Watch Sept 29

Sept 29 (Reuters) - Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

GOVERNMENT

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo sacked her finance minister on Wednesday and gave the job to the influential economy minister, saying a reshuffle was needed to make a wide-reaching economic stimulus plan more effective.

PLAY

Mostly private equity funds were invited to participate in the auction to buy Polish mobile operator P4 which operates under the Play brand, Rzeczpospolita daily said, quoting unnamed sources. The initial bids in a deal valued at 2 billion euros ($2.25 billion), are expected within days, the paper said.

Separately, Parkiet daily said that five PE funds are expected to submit initial offers.

INVESTMENTS

Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told Rzeczpospolita daily in an interview that a dozen big international financial institutions see moving some of their business segments to Poland as reasonable.

AZOTY

Poland's state-run chemicals group Azoty plans to launch graphene production, Gazeta Polska Codziennie daily said, quoting the company's chief executive officer.

ZE PAK

Poland's private coal and energy group ZE PAK said late on Wednesday that it will not take a decision this year regarding the 650-million zlotys investment in a gas-fuelled 120-MW power plant in Konin due to unfavourable market conditions.

ENERGA

Bondholders at Poland's state-run utility Energa resume their meeting on Thursday. Earlier this year local media said that the company may start talks with its debtholders over its debt covenants.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****
Peugeot CEO eyes 150,000 vehicle sales in Iran in second half 2016

PARIS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen plans to sell over 150,000 Peugeot vehicles in Iran in the second half of this year and over 300,000 in 2017, CEO Carlos Tavares told reporters at the Paris autoshow on Thursday.
2-India says hits Pakistan-based militants, escalating tensions

By Sanjeev Miglani and Asad Hashim

NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Indian officials said elite troops crossed into Pakistan-ruled Kashmir on Thursday and killed suspected militants preparing to infiltrate and carry out attacks on major cities, in a surprise raid that raised tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Pakistan said two of its soldiers were killed in exchanges of fire, but denied India had made any targeted strikes across the de facto frontier that runs through the disputed Himalayan territory.

An Indian military source and a government official said Indian special forces crossed the heavily militarized border by foot just after midnight and hit about half a dozen "launching pads", where suspected militants were preparing to sneak across.

The official said troops killed militants numbering in the double digits, and that no Indian soldier was killed.

An army official based in Indian-controlled Kashmir said two Indian soldiers were wounded while returning from the raid - one stepped on a landmine and another was shot.

Pakistan also captured an Indian soldier on its side of the border, military officials from both countries said. An Indian army official said the soldier had inadvertently crossed the frontier and had nothing to do with the earlier raids.

Thursday's strikes mark a rare public announcement by India that it had launched a military operation across its de factor border with Pakistan.

They followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warning that those India held responsible "would not go unpunished" for a Sept. 18 attack on an army base in Uri, near the Line of Control, that killed 18 soldiers.

The strikes raised the possibility of military escalation between the neighbours that could wreck a 2003 Kashmir ceasefire.

India evacuated people from villages within 10 km (six miles) of the de facto border in the Jammu area as a precautionary measure.

Share markets in India and Pakistan fell after India announced the strikes at a hastily called press conference.

In Washington, the White House urged India and Pakistan to avoid escalation.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said reports indicated the Indian and Pakistani militaries had been in communication with each other and added: "We encourage continued discussions ... to avoid escalation."

Earnest said Susan Rice, the U.S. national security adviser, had spoken to her Indian counterpart on Wednesday and made clear Washington was "concerned by the danger that cross-border terrorism poses." He said he could not speak to "any specific coordination" between Delhi and Washington.

Earnest said the United States was also in close contact with Pakistan.

U.S. ambassador to India, Richard Verma, cancelled a Washington speaking engagement on Thursday to return to New Delhi. "Obviously it's a very dynamic situation and he felt it was prudent to go back," U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby told a regular news briefing.

Kirby said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry had spoken to Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday and cautioned then against escalation.

Kirby declined to say whether the United States was informed of the strikes in advance. But at the same time, he said the United States continued to urge action against Pakistan-based militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network.

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, the Indian army's director general of military operations (DGMO), said the strikes were based on "specific and credible information that some terrorist units had positioned themselves ... with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes".

Singh said he had called his Pakistani counterpart to inform him of the operation. India later briefed opposition parties, which backed the mission, as well as about 25 foreign envoys, but did not disclose operational details.

"It would indicate that this was all pretty well organised," said one diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the briefing by Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar was confidential.

"A BASELESS LIE"

Pakistan's military spokesman dismissed the Indian account as "totally baseless", saying the contact between DGMOs only included communication regarding cross-border firing, which was within existing rules of engagement.

"We deny it. There is no such thing on the ground. There is just the incident of the firing last night, which we responded to," Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa told Geo TV.

The border clash comes at a delicate time for Pakistan, with powerful Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif to retire soon and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif still to decide on a successor.

The Pakistani premier condemned India's "unprovoked and naked aggression" and called a cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss further steps.

Neither side's accounts could be independently verified. The Indian government official briefed on the operation declined to offer more evidence about how the strikes were carried out or what the militants were planning to do.

India's disclosure of such strikes was unprecedented, said Ajai Sahni of New Delhi's Institute for Conflict Management, and sent a message not only to its own people but to the world.

"India expects global support to launch more focused action against Pakistan," Sahni said. "There was tremendous pressure on the Indian prime minister to prove that he is ready to take serious action."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti warned that the confrontation could be disastrous if urgent steps were not taken to reduce tensions.

"New Delhi and Islamabad must open the channels of communication, realizing the dangerous consequences of any escalation of ongoing confrontation along the borders," she said.

HEAVY ARTILLERY FIRE

Indian officials said the strike targeted areas close to the Line of Control, where it believes militants congregate for their final briefings before sneaking across the border.

An Indian security source said the operation began with Indian forces firing artillery across the frontier to provide cover for three to four teams of soldiers to cross over at points several km (miles) apart.

The operation was over before sunrise, the official said.

A Pakistani military officer at Chhamb, near the Line of Control, contradicted the Indian version, saying the attack had been repelled.

Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in full, but govern separate parts, and have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over Kashmir.

Tensions have been high since an Indian crackdown on dissent in Kashmir following the killing of a young separatist leader by security forces in July.

They rose further when New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the Uri attack, which inflicted the heaviest toll on the Indian army in a single incident in 14 years.

India, which had already launched a diplomatic drive to isolate Pakistan, said on Wednesday it would boycott a regional summit hosted by Pakistan in November.
TI Fluid Systems looks to raise 600 mln euros in London debut

By Noor Zainab Hussain

Sept 29 (Reuters) - Auto parts maker TI Fluid Systems said it expected to raise about 600 million euros ($673 million) in an initial public offering in London, signalling a return of IPOs that were put on the back burner because of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

TI Fluid's stock market listing faced a delay due to volatility triggered by the leave vote, Reuters reported in July, citing people familiar with the matter.

Spain's Telefonica is also looking to list about 30 percent of its British mobile unit, O2, in what would be one of the biggest IPOs in London this year, sources told Reuters this month.

British fitness club chain Pure Gym Group Group said earlier this month that it had resumed plans to list, and waste management firm Biffa Plc also said it was eyeing gross proceeds of about 270 million pounds from a listing.

TI Fluid, whose first contract was in 1922 supplying fuel lines for the iconic Ford Model T, did not clarify how many shares it would sell, or their expected price.

The company said on Thursday the offer would include a partial sale of shares held by funds advised by Bain Capital Private Equity LP, members of the management and other individual shareholders.

Bain Capital had bought the company for about $2.4 billion, including debt.

TI Fluid, which supplies to all of the world's major automakers, said it would use the net primary proceeds to reduce its financial leverage to about 2 times net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization by the end of 2016.

The Oxford-headquartered company, which reported revenue of 3.1 billion euros for 2015, said it expects to have a free float of at least 25 percent after the offer.

Deutsche Bank AG, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Citigroup are acting as joint bookrunners.

HSBC Bank is the lead manager and Lazard & Co Ltd TI Fluid's financial adviser.

TI Fluid, which makes fuel tanks, pipes and pumps for cars and trucks, said it expected to start trading in November.
Romania - Factors to watch on Sept. 29

Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Thursday.

DEBT PLANS

Romanian debt managers are expected to release October debt issuance data.

EUROBOND

Romania sold 1 billion euros worth of 2028 Eurobonds on Wednesday at a yield of 2.15 percent, Thomson Reuters news and market analysis service IFR said. Early guidance stood at around 2.3 percent.

Romania tapped 1 billion euros of the paper in May at 2.88 percent. Debt managers also sold 1.25 billion euros of 10- and 20-year Eurobonds in February.

CEE MARKETS

Slovenian stocks bucked a rebound of Central European equities on Wednesday after parliament approved tax changes late on Tuesday which companies said would boost their costs.

LIBERALS

The leader and campaign manager of Romania's second-largest party resigned on Wednesday after anti-corruption prosecutors said they were investigating him on suspicion of abusing his position to illegally secure funding for the party.

FONDUL

Romania's investment fund Fondul Proprietatea Sa, managed by Franklin Templeton, said it will start its seventh share buyback programme on Sept. 29. The maximum amount alloted to the programme stands at 409.63 million lei ($103.23 million).

NEW GOVT MEASURES TO BOOST JOBS

Romania's government approved on Wednesday a series of measures that would reform the labour market, including granting subsidies to commuters, and one-off bonuses to workers willing to relocate for a job.

The measures, which would also benefit employers struggling with labour shortages in certain areas, will be financed mainly through EU funds.

FIGHTER JETS

Romania received on Wednesday the first six of 12 second-hand F-16 fighter jets it bought from Portugal to bring its air force up to NATO standards, as it phases out its outdated Soviet-made MiG-21s.

For the long-term Romanian diary, click on

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For an index of all diaries, click on
PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - Sept 29

SOFIA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

-- Bulgaria's position in the World Economic Forum's index on competitiveness improved and the country ranks 50-th among 138 countries. (Capital Daily, Standart, Trud)

CAPITAL DAILY - Bulgaria's sovereign bonds are traded at historically-low levels at below 2 percent, which can be taken as a sign that investors see lower risks for the economy.

-- Bulgaria plans to build three new refugee camps, that will be used if the migration pressure increases, Interior Minister Rumiana Bachvarova said. (Sega, Monitor)
Tajik opposition accuses govt of violent attacks

ALMATY, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Opposition politicians and activists in Tajikistan have accused the government of orchestrating lynch mob-style attacks on their families as part of a broader crackdown on dissent by President Imomali Rakhmon.

The Dushanbe government has denied directing the attacks and said it would investigate them.

Tajik authorities last year outlawed the opposition group, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT), and have since jailed most of its senior officials on charges of staging a failed September 2015 coup.

Now, politicans say, their families are being targeted by mobs acting with impunity.

"Threats, pogroms, arsons and stone-throwing attacks have begun against the homes of the relatives of opposition members and those who have spoken at this conference," Mukhiddin Kabiri, the leader in exile of IRPT, told a conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Warsaw on Wednesday.

Kabiri, who addressed the conference by Skype, said there had been at least six such attacks across the Central Asian state over the preceding three days, including those against his relatives.

U.S.-based rights group Human Rights Watch also cited several cases of mob attacks, in one of which the crowd assaulted a 10-year-old niece of a political activist, hitting and kicking her.

Circumstances "suggest that the attacks were orchestrated and coordinated by Tajik authorities", the group said.

"Tajikistan is in the midst of the worst political and religious crackdown since the end of the country's 1992-1997 civil war."

The official Tajik delegation had walked out of the same conference on September 23, protesting that the OSCE had allowed opposition activists to take part and describing them as criminals.

Tajikistan's Interior Ministry said on Thursday it had not received any requests from the alleged victims of the attacks but would investigate them.

President Rakhmon enjoys sweeping powers amid a flourishing personality cult, and strengthened his position even further this year through a referendum that amended the constitution, allowing him to run for an unlimited number of terms.
Statewide blackout plunges Australia into renewable energy debate

By Tom Westbrook

SYDNEY, Sept 29 (Reuters) - An unprecedented power outage across South Australia state has stopped production at major miners BHP Billiton and OZ Minerals and left one steelmaker struggling to prevent molten steel from hardening and damaging its factory.

The statewide outage sparked political calls on Thursday for an inquiry into the power sector and questions over the state's reliance on renewable energy. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said it was a "wake-up call" to ensure energy security.

Although power has been restored to 90 percent of the state after Wednesday's statewide blackout, caused by severe storms, industrial areas north and west of the state capital Adelaide and the steel city of Whyalla are still without power.

Whyalla steelmaker Arrium Ltd said it had a blast furnace and four ladles full of molten steel and desperately needed to restore power.

"The situation is quite serious and a lot will depend on what happens in the next hour or two," said a company spokesman.

The outage has halted more than 300,000 tonnes of annual copper production capacity and knocked out the state's only lead smelter.

In the city of Port Pirie, the 185,000-tonnes-per-year lead smelter run by Nyrstar NV will be out of action for up to two weeks, the company said on Thursday.

The blackout of the country's fifth most populous state, with 1.7 million people, not only disrupted miners and steelmakers but closed ports and halted public transport.

"Let's focus now and take this incident as a real wake-up call...lower emissions is very important but it must be consistent with energy security," said Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Coal-fired power plants dominate the country's power sector resulting in Australia being one of the world's biggest carbon emitters on a per capita basis. Renewable energy has struggled to increase its footprint in recent years due to scepticism over climate change amongst some the country's leading politicians.

South Australia, a major wine producer and traditional manufacturing hub, is one of the few states with a heavy reliance on renewable energy. Wind power provides roughly 40 percent of the state's electricity supply.

RENEWABLE ENERGY QUESTIONED

"Questions have to be asked: Is their over-reliance on renewable energy exacerbating their problems and the capacity to have a secure power supply," Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, a climate change sceptic, told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio on Thursday.

South Australian independent Senator Nick Xenophon said an inquiry should examine whether the power failure could have been avoided if more gas-burning power plants had been on standby.

Power experts said the blackout was unavoidable regardless of South Australia's energy supply

The blackout happened after strong winds destroyed major powerlines, causing a surge across the grid. The network and links to neighbouring Victoria, from which South Australia can access power, shut down to prevent damage to infrastructure.

"For the Prime Minister to use the storm as an opportunity to slowdown the uptake of renewables is reprehensible," Greens politician Adam Bandt told Reuters.

Australia's renewables have been under political pressure in recent years. The government had planned to cut funding to its renewable energy agency by a A$1.3 billion, in an effort to plug a major budget shortfall, but was forced to reduce the cut to A$500 million in September to gain parliamentary support.

Australia wants to double its large-scale renewable energy generation to 33,000 gigawatt hours by 2020, which means solar, wind and hydro-electricity would have to make up nearly a quarter of power generation by then.
Erdogan says extending state of emergency would be good for Turkey

ANKARA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Extending a state of emergency for another three months would be beneficial for Turkey as it requires more time to eradicate the threat from terrorist groups after a failed coup attempt in July, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

Speaking a day after Turkey's National Security Council recommended the extension of the emergency rule, Erdogan said the measure sped up Ankara's fight against terrorism and he believed Turks would support it.

"The government will make the necessary assessment and take the necessary steps (on this)," Erdogan said in a speech to a group of provincial administrators at the presidential palace in Ankara.
Signing peace deal, Afghan warlord calls for an 'end to current crisis'

By Hamid Shalizi

KABUL, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Afghan president Ashraf Ghani formalized a controversial accord with one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords on Thursday, a deal the government hopes will lead to more peace agreements.

Surrounded by hundreds of Afghan officials, many former warlords and rivals themselves, Ghani signed a pact that opens the door to the militant faction of Hezb-i-Islami, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, playing an active role in politics.

Despite the rhetoric of unity, Hekmatyar was not present and addressed a gathering in Kabul in a recorded video message, appearing by himself to sign the document in a small room.

"With this agreement, I hope to put an end to the current crisis in the country," Hekmatyar said in his message.

"I call on all sides to support this peace deal and I call on the opposition parties of the government to join the peace process and pursue their goals through peaceful means."

A controversial figure from the insurgency against the Soviets in the 1980s and the civil wars of the 1990s, Hekmatyar has been designated a "global terrorist" by the United States, which has been leading an international military mission in Afghanistan for the past 15 years.

"We hope that the day comes when foreign interference has ended, foreign troops have departed fully from Afghanistan, and peace has been achieved," Hekmatyar said.

Hekmatyar, who served as prime minister in the 1990s, before the rise to power of the Taliban, has long been known as close to neighbouring Pakistan.

His faction of Hezb-i-Islami has played a relatively small role in the current conflict, in which the Taliban have a leading role in battling the Western-backed government in Kabul.

But government officials hope the accord will be a first step toward eventually making similar peace deals with the Taliban and other groups.

"This is a chance for the Taliban and other militant groups to show what their decision is: To be with people and join the respected caravan of peace, like Hezb-i-Islami, or confront the people and continue the bloodshed," Ghani said.

Peace talks with the Taliban, the largest insurgent group, have yet to get off the ground, but both sides have said they are open to the idea.

Human rights groups as well as many Afghans expressed dismay that Hekmatyar is unlikely to face any punishment for his alleged role in past abuses, including firing rockets into civilian areas during a civil war in an attack that killed and injured thousands of residents.
New Yemen central bank governor says inherited bank with no money

CAIRO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Yemen's newly appointed central bank governor said on Thursday he had inherited a bank with no money, a dysfunctional monetary cycle and no working database but salaries would be paid nevertheless.

Monasser Saleh al-Quaiti told the Saudi-owned Asharq al-Awsat that his appointment had come in time to prevent the rial currency from collapsing after mishandling had led to a depletion of reserves. He pledged to keep the bank independent.

"We have to reverse the situation... I was handed over a bank empty of money, a monetary cycle that was incapable of circulating and a database that was not existent," Quaiti said.

"We will solve the salary payment problem, despite the (insurgent) Houthis keeping the database, through information stored in the branches of the central bank in the governorates."

President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi appointed Quaiti on Sept. 18 and ordered the bank's headquarters be moved from the capital Sanaa, controlled by Houthi rebels from the north, to the southern port city of Aden, where his government is based.

Hadi is backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition, which has been trying to roll back gains made by Iran-aligned Houthis since 2014 and restore Hadi to power.

His government has accused the Houthis of squandering some $4 billion of central bank reserves on their war effort, though the Houthis say the funds were used for food and medicine.

The bank has been keeping the country's economy afloat after nearly two years of civil war that has destroyed its financial system, according to central bank officials and diplomats.

Yemen resumed oil exports last month for the first time since the civil war began in March last year and relies heavily on foreign aid, mainly from Gulf Arab countries.

On Sept. 22, the International Monetary Fund said managing director Christine Lagarde met Hadi and that they had discussed the situation "including preserving the operational capacity of the central bank system so as to improve the financial stability and economic and social outcomes for the Yemeni people".
Nigerian militant group claims attack on oil pipeline in Niger Delta

By Tife Owolabi

YENAGOA, Nigeria, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A Nigerian militant group claimed an attack on Thursday on a crude pipeline operated by state oil firm NNPC in the Niger Delta.

Attacks on Nigeria's energy facilities by groups calling for the Delta region to receive a greater share of the OPEC member's oil wealth have cut crude production, which stood at 2.1 million barrels per day at the start of the year, by a third.

The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate said it bombed the Unenurhie-Evwreni delivery line in Ughelli, Delta state, at around 01:00 a.m. (0000 GMT) on Thursday. The line is operated by NPDC, a subsidiary of NNPC.

A military source said dynamite was used to blow up the pipeline. An NNPC spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

It comes days after Niger Delta Avengers, which has claimed responsibility for most of the attacks on energy facilities in the region since the start of the year, said it carried out its first attack since declaring a break in hostilities in August to pursue talks with the government.

The Avengers said on Saturday there had been no progress in meeting their demands.
China again warns against U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea

BEIJING, Sept 29 (Reuters) - China "means what it says" when it says it will consider countermeasures against the planned U.S. deployment of an advanced anti-missile system in South Korea, the defence ministry said on Thursday.

China, North Korea's neighbour and lone major ally, has repeatedly expressed anger at the United States and South Korea for their decision to deploy the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in the South to counter missile and nuclear threats from North Korea.

The South Korean defence ministry said it would announce a new location for the system on Friday, after opposition from residents for the initial site choice.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said China's opposition to THAAD was clear.

"We will pay close attention to relevant developments, and consider taking necessary actions to protect national strategic security and the regional strategic balance," Yang told a monthly news briefing.

"What needs to be stressed is that Chinese people mean what they say," he added, without elaborating.

Beijing worries the system's radar will be able to track its own military capabilities, and that the deployment will do nothing to lower temperatures on the Korean peninsula.

Russian has expressed similar opposition.
Leader of Indonesia gang which raped, murdered girl sentenced to death

By Kanupriya Kapoor

CURUP, Indonesia, Sept 29 (Reuters) - An Indonesian court on Thursday sentenced to death the leader of a gang of men and boys who raped and murdered a schoolgirl in a case that prompted the president to take steps to impose harsher punishments for attacks on children.

The gang leader, Zainal, was sentenced to death in a court on Sumatra island. Four other men were jailed for 20 years for their roles in the April attack on the 14-year-old in the western island by a group of 14 males, including eight boys.

Sexual violence against women and children is common in Indonesia but gang rape is unusual.

The case shocked the world's fourth most populous country and prompted President Joko Widodo to sign a regulation allowing for harsher punishments for child rapists, including death and chemical castration.

The regulation is pending approval in parliament.

"Because of the sadistic nature of the crime ... the court sentences Zainal to death," said presiding judge Henny Faridha.

The youngest member of the gang was 13 years old.

They attacked the girl as she was on her way to school. Her battered body was found in a rubber plantation a few days later, after her parents reported her missing.

Seven gang members were earlier jailed for 10 years, while one was ordered into a rehabilitation programme for a year. One suspect is on the run, according to police.

The victim's parents, who were in court, said the sentencing was inadequate.

"They should all get the death penalty," Yana, the victim's mother, told reporters as she broke down in tears.
South Korea's pension fund sues Volkswagen over emissions scandal

SEOUL, Sept 29 (Reuters) - South Korea's National Pension Service (NPS), the world's third-largest pension fund by assets, said on Thursday it has filed a suit against Volkswagen in a German court over the automaker's emissions scandal.

The fund is joining a raft of investors suing the German automaker, which admitted last year to selling 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide with rigged emissions systems, sending its shares plunging.

NPS, which held 26.7 billion won ($24.30 million) worth of preferred shares in Volkswagen as of the end of 2015, has made a damages claim, accusing the automaker of providing "incorrect information" to investors, an NPS spokeswoman said.

A spokeswoman at Volkswagen's South Korean unit had no immediate comment when asked about the lawsuit.

Volkswagen faces a combined 8.2 billion euros ($9.1 billion) in damages claims from investors over its emissions scandal in the legal district where the car maker is based, a German court said last week.
Heritage House Arts and Civic Center in East Brainerd will be showing two films officials say are guaranteed to get you into the proper spirit this fall season.



The first film to be shown is VIY (aka: Spirit of Evil, 1967) presented in conjunction with Chattanooga's Russian Film Club. Considered the first horror film of the modern Soviet era, VIY tells the story of a young seminary student who must preside over the wake of a witch in a remote village -- which unfortunately means spending the three nights previous alone with the corpse with only his faith to protect him. The film is based on a classic folklore story by author Nikolai Gogol,



VIY will be shown on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. The screening will be preceded by a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. attended by members of Chattanoogas Russian and Ukrainian community. Admission is free.



The film is presented in the original Russian with English subtitles. For trailer, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DdsFnSKZNU.



Heritage Houses second screening for October will be the 1959 Vincent Price classic, House On Haunted Hill. The film tells the story of eccentric millionaire Fredrick Loren and his fourth wife, Annabelle, who have invited five people to their house on Haunted Hill for a "haunted house party. Anyone who manages to stay in the house for the entire night will earn ten thousand dollars, but as the night progresses, the guests find themselves not only trapped inside, but increasingly beset by all manner of terrors.



House on Haunted Hill will be shown on Thursday, Oct. 20 with two screenings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission and popcorn are free. For trailer, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFtLw4lbgP8.



Heritage House Arts and Civic Center is located at 1428 Jenkins Road in Chattanooga.



For more information or directions, call 423-855-9474. The facility manager, Chris Holley, may also be reached at cholley@chattanooga.gov.


Kremlin says will press on with Syria operation, slams U.S.

MOSCOW, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia's air force would press ahead with its operations in Syria and dismissed a U.S. statement on the conflict there as unhelpful and clumsy.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called on Moscow to ground its planes over Syrian battle zones, including over Aleppo.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters on Thursday that the Russian air force would continue to support Syrian government troops and that what he called the "war on terror" would continue.

Peskov urged Washington to deliver on a pledge to separate moderate Syrian opposition fighters from "terrorists" and called the latest U.S. statement on Syria clumsy and unhelpful.

He was referring to a statement by U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby who said on Wednesday that Russia had an interest in stopping the violence in Syria because extremists could exploit the vacuum there and launch attacks "against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities."
Erdogan says to extend Turkey's emergency rule, rounds on rating agencies

By Seda Sezer and Tuvan Gumrukcu

ISTANBUL/ANKARA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan suggested on Thursday that emergency rule could be extended beyond a year and rounded on rating agencies after Moody's cut Turkey to "junk" status, helping send the lira to its weakest in almost two months.

In a speech in Ankara, Erdogan said Turkey would benefit from a three-month extension to the three-month state of emergency declared after a failed July 15 coup, which the government says is needed to hunt down those responsible, but which critics say is being used to stifle dissent.

"It would be in Turkey's benefit to extend the state of emergency for three months," he told a group of provincial leaders at the presidential palace.

He then went on: "They say one year isn't right for Turkey. Let's wait and see, maybe 12 months won't be enough."

Speaking a day after the National Security Council recommended the extension of emergency rule, Erdogan said the measure would strengthen Ankara's fight against terrorism, adding he believed Turks would support it.

More than 100,000 people, including members of the police, civil service and military, have been sacked or suspended since the failed coup, in which a group of rogue soldiers commandeered tanks and jets in an attempt to seize power, killing at least 240 people. Around 40,000 people have been detained.

Rights groups, some Western governments and Turkey's main opposition party have criticised the extent of the crackdown.

The head of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said this month that the state of emergency should be used only to bring the country back to normal and that innocent people were suffering in the purges.

But the head of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, said on Thursday he supported the extension.

The government blames followers of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen for the coup attempt and says the purges are necessary to root out members of his network, a stance the MHP supports.

Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, has denied involvement in the attempted coup and condemned it.

"THEY LOVE ME TOO"

Moody's cut Turkey's sovereign debt to non-investment grade, or "junk", late on Friday, citing worries about the rule of law, as well as risks from a slowing economy.

Erdogan, who has frequently lambasted rating agencies in the past, joked sarcastically about his strained relations with them and said Moody's move was political.

"I love rating agencies and they love me too ... Put a few cents in their pockets and get the rating you want, this is how they work," he said, adding investors had shown strong demand for Turkish debt at an auction on Monday.

"They suddenly cut our rating. So what? ... Cut Turkey's rating as much as you want, this isn't the reality in Turkey," he said, adding nobody took ratings agencies seriously any more.

His comments were more combative than those of some of his ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Turkey would make "intense efforts" to restore its rating.

The lira hit its weakest against the dollar since Aug. 5 not long after Erdogan spoke, in what analysts said was largely a reaction to the extension of emergency rule.

"Probably the comments about the need for 12-month emergency rule...weighed more than the latest love fest with the ratings agencies," said Nomura strategist and veteran Turkey watcher Timothy Ash.
Former BlackRock fund manager charged with insider dealing in UK

LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Mark Lyttleton, a former fund manager at the UK division of asset manager BlackRock Inc , has been charged with insider dealing by Britain's markets regulator.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on Thursday it had charged 45-year-old Lyttleton with three counts of insider dealing relating to trading in equities and a call option between October and December 2011.

Lyttleton worked at BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Ltd between 2001 and 2013, according to the FCA's register of financial appointments. He was arrested on suspicion of market abuse in April 2013, according to one source familiar with the investigation.

He has now been ordered to appear before City of London Magistrates' court on Sept. 29.

His lawyer was not immediately available for comment.

Blackrock, the world's largest asset manager, said in an emailed statement that the alleged behaviour was "totally contrary to the firm's principles and values" and that it strongly supported "aggressive enforcement of the law".

"The FCA has informed us that the charges against a former employee relate to alleged actions carried out in 2011 for his personal gain, while off our premises, and that neither BlackRock, nor any employee, was under investigation," it said.

"There was no impact to any of BlackRock's clients as a result of the alleged actions."

Insider dealing is a criminal offence in the UK and is punishable by a fine and up to seven years in jail.
Cleric Gulen says certain Erdogan behind failed Turkey coup

BERLIN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkish authorities accuse of orchestrating a failed coup in July, told a German newspaper that he was sure President Tayyip Erdogan was behind the putsch.

Gulen said in an interview with the weekly Die Zeit that the military coup attempt betrayed the principles of the Turkish government and his global movement called "Hizmet". He pointed to Erdogan's comments that the July 15 putsch was a "gift from God" because it would allow the army to be cleansed.

Asked if he was suggesting that Erdogan was behind the coup, Gulen said: "Until now I only thought that was a possibility. Now I think it's certain."

Gulen said a Turkish officer had recently said that the chief of general staff and the intelligence chief met in the army headquarters during the night of the coup, adding: "They already knew everything that would happen later."

Exactly how events unfolded on the night of the coup has yet to be fully uncovered but Erdogan has repeatedly complained of what he described as an intelligence failure, saying he found out about the putsch only from his brother-in-law.

Turkish officials have said an informant who came to Turkey's national intelligence agency provided the tip-off on the coup. The head of the armed forces, along with several other senior commanders, were abducted by the putschists.

Gulen said the coup gave Erdogan the opportunity to dismiss thousands of perceived opponents in ministries, the military, police and judiciary authorities as well as to arrest lawyers, business people, journalists and wives of Gulen supporters, and added that this must have been planned in advance.

In the post-coup crackdown, some 100,000 people in the police, civil service, military and judiciary have been sacked or suspended. Another 40,000 people have been detained.

Turkish officials have said Ankara's intelligence agency had already been tracking Gulen followers well before the coup attempt and had identified many figures previously.

Gulen distanced himself from Erdogan, saying they had only met a few times before Erdogan became prime minister in 2003.

"Neither my friends nor I were close to Erdogan ourselves, even if that is being claimed," he told Die Zeit.

The Hizmet movement once backed Erdogan because when he founded the AK Party he promised democracy and stronger human rights as well as to limit the military's political power, Gulen said. But, he said, Erdogan broke his promises after the 2011 election.

Turkey wants the United States to extradite Gulen and prosecute him on charges he masterminded the attempt to overthrow the government. Gulen denies any involvement. Washington has said it is cooperating with Ankara on the matter and asked for patience as it processes the extradition request for Gulen to meet U.S. legal requirements.
Ukraine ups gas imports from Europe - Ukrtransgaz

KIEV, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Ukraine has increased its daily imports of natural gas from European countries to 53.3 million cubic metres (mcm) from around 50 million, Ukrainian state-run gas transport company Ukrtransgaz said on Thursday.

Ukraine, which used to meet its gas needs with imports of Russian gas, has not bought gas directly from Russia since November 2015, importing instead from Europe. Relations between the two nations have suffered since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Ukraine imports gas mostly from Slovakia. Ukrtransgaz said all facilities were fully loaded and Kiev was receiving more than 40 mcm of gas a day from Slovakia. The rest comes from Poland and Hungary.

The Ukrainian government said this month Kiev would increase its gas stocks to 17 billion cubic metres (bcm) this winter, compared with the 14 bcm initially planned.

Ukraine traditionally accumulates 17-19 bcm of mostly Russian gas in storage to cover domestic consumption and guarantee stable gas transit to Europe once the weather turns cold.
Philippine officials seek clarity after Duterte suggests end of U.S. exercises

By Mai Nguyen and Manuel Mogato

HANOI/MANILA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Philippine officials said on Thursday they were awaiting clarification from President Rodrigo Duterte about military exercises with U.S. forces after he promised to honour their defence treaty, but declared joint war games would cease.

The maverick former Philippine mayor famous for his unpredictability and terse rhetoric, on Wednesday told Filipinos in Vietnam that joint marine drills with next week would be "the last", a comment he slowly repeated.

His remarks gave one of the clearest signs yet of his willingness to test the limits of a historic alliance that has provided important defence support for the Philippines and helped the United States further its Asia rebalance strategy in the face of an increasingly assertive China.

Visiting Vietnam's leadership on Thursday, Duterte did not speak to media but his foreign secretary, Perfecto Yasay, said longstanding treaties with the United States would be honoured.

He said exercises with U.S. forces planned for 2017 would go ahead, because they were agreed by the previous government, while those from 2018 onwards would be reviewed.

But he said the Philippines did not want a military ally and sought diversified relations and no enemies.

The United States embassy in Manila said it had not received any official notice from the Philippine government on the termination of joint exercises.

Philippine foreign ministry spokesman Charles Jose said it was possible that a Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States could be abrogated, but that would be up to Duterte.

"No one could clarify what the president really wants," he told reporters.

The Defence of National Defence (DND) said it was seeking guidance from the president.

"The DND will await further orders from President Rodrigo R. Duterte," it said in a statement, adding its defense secretary would "seek more clarification and guidance".

"As stated earlier, all agreements and treaties with the U.S. are still in effect," it said in a statement.

Yasay said Duterte's ruling out of joint maritime patrols with the United States had been misinterpreted, and he was referring only to exercises in waters disputed by both the Philippines and China.

UNCERTAINTY

Duterte swept an election in May on a promise to get tough on crime, and in particular to wipe out drugs.

He initially appeared to have been infuriated by a U.S. expression of concern about his bloody crackdown on drug dealers and he referred to President Barack Obama as a "son of a bitch" on the eve of a planned meeting at an summit in Laos this month.

Washington called of the meeting in response.

Duterte then set off fireworks when he declared the few remaining U.S. special forces advisers based in the rebellious Philippine south would be withdrawn.

While railing at the United States, the country's biggest foreign investor, almost on a daily basis, he has spoken warmly of China and the need to improve relations damaged earlier in the year by an international tribunal that rejected China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Duterte's snubbing of the United States and outreach towards China has added to uncertainty over a foreign policy that has often been articulated via both threats and expressions of a desire for peace.

His visit to Vietnam comes at a time when both countries are undergoing military modernisation programmes.

The Southeast Asian neighbours agreed a strategic partnership last year, in response to China's more vigorous maritime presence.

Former Philippine foreign secretary Albert del Rosario, who initiated the Philippines' successful arbitration case against China's maritime claims, said the Duterte administration should consider a rethink of its approach.
Mozambique energy minister sacked ahead of huge gas deals

MAPUTO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Mozambique Energy Minister Pedro Couto has been sacked, the presidency said on Thursday, a month before Italy's Eni is due to finalise an offshore gas project worth tens of billions of dollars.

No reason was given for the dismissal of Couto, who had held the energy portfolio since January 2015. A separate statement said he had been appointed as president of Mozambique's Cahora Bassa hydroelectric power company.

The southern African state discovered offshore gas reserves six years ago amounting to some 85 trillion cubic feet, one of the largest finds in a decade and enough to supply Germany, Britain, France and Italy for nearly two decades.

The gas offers Mozambique an opportunity to transform itself from one of the world's poorest countries into a middle-income state and a major global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter.

Negotiations with operators Eni and U.S. firm Anadarko have dragged on for years due to disputes over terms and concerns about falling energy prices. However, there have been several signs of significant progress in recent months.

Eni met with bankers in London last week about project financing to develop the Coral field, a significant step in getting the first of a series of long-delayed LNG projects off the ground.

Eni struck a deal in July with Samsung Heavy as part of a consortium with France's Technip and Japan's JGC to build a floating LNG platform in a deal worth around $5.4 billion.
U.S. may consider lifting sanctions on Afghan warlord - official

By Hamid Shalizi and Josh Smith

KABUL, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The United States may consider lifting sanctions on one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords after a peace accord was signed in the Afghan capital on Thursday, a U.S. official said.

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani formalised the controversial arrangement with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in a deal the government hopes will lead to more peace agreements.

Surrounded by hundreds of Afghan officials, many former warlords and rivals themselves, Ghani signed a pact that opens the door to the militant faction of Hezb-i-Islami, led by Hekmatyar, playing an active role in politics.

A controversial figure from the insurgency against the Soviets in the 1980s and the civil wars of the 1990s, Hekmatyar has been designated a "global terrorist" by the United States, which has been leading an international military mission in Afghanistan for the past 15 years.

As part of the deal, the Afghan government agreed to lobby international organizations to lift sanctions on Hekmatyar and Hezb-i-Islami.

"We will seriously consider any sanctions delisting request put forward by the government of Afghanistan," the U.S. official, who did not want to be identified, told Reuters.

"If the security council deems the sanctions imposed on certain individuals to be outdated and no longer in the interest of Afghan peace and stability, then we will need to reconsider these measures."

The U.S. Embassy, the United Nations, and other international organizations have publicly praised the accord as a step toward resolving the conflict in Afghanistan.

Despite the rhetoric of unity, Hekmatyar was not present and addressed a gathering in Kabul in a recorded video message, appearing by himself to sign the document in a small room.

"With this agreement, I hope to put an end to the current crisis in the country," Hekmatyar said in his message.

"I call on all sides to support this peace deal and I call on the opposition parties of the government to join the peace process and pursue their goals through peaceful means."

He reiterated his calls for an end to "foreign interference" and for all foreign troops to leave Afghanistan.

Hekmatyar, who served as prime minister in the 1990s, before the rise to power of the Taliban, has long been known as close to neighbouring Pakistan, and he received U.S. aid during the fight against the Soviets.

His faction of Hezb-i-Islami has played a relatively small role in the current conflict, in which the Taliban have a leading role in battling the Western-backed government in Kabul.

But government officials hope the accord will be a first step toward eventually making similar peace deals with the Taliban and other groups.

"This is a chance for the Taliban and other militant groups to show what their decision is: To be with people and join the respected caravan of peace, like Hezb-i-Islami, or confront the people and continue the bloodshed," Ghani said.

Peace talks with the Taliban, the largest insurgent group, have yet to get off the ground, but both sides have said they are open to the idea.

Human rights groups as well as many Afghans expressed dismay that Hekmatyar is unlikely to face any punishment for his alleged role in past abuses, including firing rockets into civilian areas during a civil war in an attack that killed and injured thousands of residents.
Ukraine reform push would pave way to support from new U.S. president -Pritzker

By Matthias Williams

KIEV, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Ukraine should ramp up economic and anti-corruption reforms to pave the way for continued support from whoever wins the U.S. presidential election, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said on a visit to Kiev on Thursday.

While acknowledging the progress Kiev's Western-backed leadership has made since taking power after a 2014 uprising, Pritzker said there was more work to be done and that the former Soviet republic had a limited window to implement reforms.

Ukraine's international backers have propped up its economy with a $40 billion bailout package after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the outbreak of a pro-Russian separatist insurgency that has killed more than 9,600 people.

The International Monetary Fund in September released a further tranche of aid as part of that package, which was swiftly followed by a $1 billion loan guarantee from Washington.

Ukraine's new government under Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has taken some politically sensitive decisions, including hiking gas prices, but overall progress on reforms and tackling entrenched graft has been patchy.

Companies such as Citigroup want to expand in Ukraine but are waiting for Kiev to tackle issues such as strengthening intellectual property rights and reforming the country's tax and customs services, Pritzker said.

"There's good news, but there's more work to do. And part of our message to the government is: the intensity and urgency needs to continue and be ramped up, because this isn't going to be an opportunity for ever," Pritzker said in an interview.

The prospect of Donald Trump - who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong leader -- taking over in the White House has stirred fears in Ukraine that U.S. policy could pivot away from supporting Kiev.

Pritzker, a wealthy businesswoman who was the national finance chair for President Barack Obama in 2008 and his campaign co-chair in 2012, declined to comment on the U.S. presidential race directly, but said:

"The point to make to the Ukrainian government is: show progress because that will be something that a new administration will want to latch on to."

Ukraine has urged European leaders to keep economic sanctions on Moscow, which were imposed two years ago over the Ukraine conflict, while some European Union member states have been pushing for them to be lifted.

"I think there currently is support but I think the onus is on the Ukrainian government to continue to show why that support should be sustained," Pritzker said when asked whether there was still a weight of international support for Ukraine.

"It's never forever, so they need to do the hard work."
Kyrgyzstan votes for constitutional referendum, seen boosting president

BISHKEK, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted on Thursday to call a referendum on constitutional change that would strengthen the powers of the prime minister, a move opponents say is aimed at getting President Almazbek Atambayev into the post when his term ends.

The Central Asian nation's constitution bars Atambayev from running for a second term when his mandate ends in 2017.

The former Soviet republic's parliament passed a bill setting the referendum for Dec. 4. It will need to be passed in two more readings to become law.

Atambayev's Social Democratic party leads the ruling coalition in parliament.

The proposed constitutional amendments include provisions granting more powers to the cabinet and to leaders of parliamentary factions.

Atambayev, 60, is being treated for suspected heart problems in Russia, but his office said this week he might return to Bishkek by next week.

His illness followed a heated exchange with several former political allies who oppose the constitutional reforms.
The Red Bank Commissioner Election Campaign Forum will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Community Center and is sponsored by Red Bank Neighborhood Pride Association.



Doors open at 6 p.m., and the Forum begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring any questions they have for the candidates.



The City of Red Bank Commission General Election will be held on Nov. 8. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 11.



The first day to request an absentee ballot was Aug. 10. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Nov. 1.



Early Voting begins Oct. 19 and goes through Nov. 3.



List of district, candidate name and contact information:



Commission District 2 -

Bill Cannon

3706 Redding Road, Chattanooga, TN 37415

Phone: (423) 304-5458

Email: wcannon@chattanooga.gov



Carol S. Rose

4717 Hunter Trail, Chattanooga, TN 37415



Phone: (423) 667-7920

Email: philandcarol@epbfi.com





Paul Thompson

3715 Pickering Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37415

Phone: (423) 505-9365

Email: paulbrysonthompson@gmail.com



Commission At-Large:



Eddie Pierce

210 Baxter Street, Chattanooga, TN 37415



Phone: (423) 242-5230

Email: ed.l.piercejr@gmail.com
Aleppo onslaught drives moderate rebels closer to jihadists

By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Tom Perry

AMMAN/BEIRUT, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A Russian-backed offensive in Aleppo is pushing nationalist rebels to work more closely with jihadists, further complicating a Western policy built around supporting the moderate opposition to President Bashar al-Assad.

As the government mounts a fierce attack on the city, some moderate rebels say the West's failure in Syria has left them with no choice but to coordinate more closely with jihadist groups - the opposite of what U.S. policy has sought to achieve.

In Aleppo, rebels fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner are sharing operational planning with Jaish al-Fatah, an alliance of Islamist groups including Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the Syrian wing of al Qaeda until it broke off relations in July.

Meanwhile, in nearby Hama province, FSA groups armed with U.S.-made anti-tank missiles are taking part in a major offensive with the al Qaeda-inspired Jund al-Aqsa group that has diverted some of the army's firepower from Aleppo.

This was not the preferred choice of the FSA rebels. They have deep ideological differences with the jihadists, and have even fought them at times. One senior rebel leader said any kind of political merger with jihadists remained out of the question.

But survival is the main consideration as the West struggles to find any way to deter Damascus and its Russian and Iranian backers from pressing a campaign that threatens to snuff out the revolt's most important urban stronghold - eastern Aleppo.

"At a time when we are dying, it is not logical to first check if a group is classified as terrorist or not before cooperating with it," said a senior official in one of the Aleppo-based rebel factions.

"The only option you have is to go in this direction."

Western powers and Assad's regional foes including Turkey and Saudi Arabia have built much of their Syria policy around supporting the FSA rebels, and have given them weapons via coordination centres run by Assad's foreign enemies.

The United States has however remained cautious about the degree of support given to these groups, opposing deliveries of anti-aircraft missiles for fear they could end up in the hands of jihadist groups.

Rebels say their foreign backers have left them hopelessly outgunned by the Russian warplanes and Iranian-backed militias that have tipped the conflict Assad's way in the last year.

Despite deep misgivings, FSA rebel groups supported U.S. efforts to promote a diplomatic solution with Russian cooperation this year. But the rebels say the U.S. approach has resulted in nothing but setbacks.

REBEL CRITICISM OF U.S.-RUSSIAN DEAL

One Aleppo group, Nour Eddin al-Zinki, last week joined an operations room to coordinate military action with the Islamist Jaish al-Fatah alliance. Steps are also being taken for other groups to join, said Abdul Hamid Turki, a senior member of Zinki's political office.

"We joined the operations room of Jaish al Fateh in the area they operate in," Turki said.

Captain Abdul Salam Abdul Razak, the group's military spokesman, said: "The revolutionary brigades cannot do anything against the aggression by a great power and its most potent weapons.

But he said the rebels could take military action to break the siege of rebel-held eastern Aleppo and could also increase coordination with other rebel factions.

Fateh al-Sham, fighting as part of the Islamist Jaish al-Fatah alliance, played a vital role in breaking a government blockade on eastern Aleppo in August, only for the government to besiege it again a few weeks later.

Under the now-shattered U.S.-Russian ceasefire deal, nationalist rebels were to disengage from the jihadist Nusra Front on the western Syrian fronts where they operate in close proximity to each other. Russia and the United States were then to begin joint targeting of both Nusra and Islamic State.

The FSA rebels were scathingly critical of the agreement, attacking what they saw as U.S. double standards that deemed the Islamist Fateh al-Sham a group worthy of attack while failing to mention the Shi'ite Islamist militias that back Assad.

Russia has cited a U.S. failure to get the rebels to disengage from the jihadists as a reason for the agreement's failure. Washington says Moscow and Assad have simply forgone diplomacy in pursuit of military victory.

A LONG-TERM GUERRILLA WAR?

In some respects, the political division between the jihadist and nationalist rebels has recently widened, notably over rebel involvement in a Turkish-backed campaign to secure the northern border from Islamic State and Kurdish groups.

Fateh al-Sham issued a statement effectively prohibiting participation in the campaign, though it is hostile to both Islamic State and the Kurdish YPG group. Its position echoes rebel criticism that the Turkish-backed campaign has been a distraction from the rebels' war with Assad.

Noah Bonsey, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said he did not expect the FSA and jihadist groups to merge, due to political and ideological divisions and the conditions attached to the state support to the rebels.

But the government's Aleppo offensive would "clearly push all non-Daesh (Islamic State) rebel groups towards more cooperation", he said.

"There is little doubt that Fateh al-Sham's efforts to convince others to join with it are likely to gain appeal if pro-regime offensives continue at this scale and the opposition's state backers are unable to provide alternative means of addressing rebel defence requirements", he said.

U.S. officials said on Wednesday that the Obama administration has begun considering tougher responses to the Russian-backed Syrian government assault on Aleppo, including military options. But it was not clear what, if anything, the president would do.

Rebel groups are meanwhile reviewing their strategy.

The senior official in an Aleppo-based faction said forgoing territory may be one element of a new military approach by the rebels. "We are in a liberation war against Russia and Iran," he said.

"The coming months or even days will witness a change in military strategy," he added. "It could turn into a long-term guerrilla war."
Spain aims to raise 8 bln eur with tax change to meet deficit

By Sarah White

MADRID, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Spain's acting government aims to raise 8 billion euros ($9 billion) by year-end as it battles to meet deficit goals by requiring companies to pay more of their tax bill upfront, a spokeswoman for the Treasury Ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry has been briefing political parties on the plans for the tax overhaul, which is due to be signed off in a decree by the cabinet on Friday, the spokeswoman said, confirming reports in Spanish newspapers.

The caretaker government, run by the conservative People's Party (PP), had previously projected it would get 6 billion euros from the tax changes.

Spain is maneuvering to avoid a potential fine from the European Commission for failing to do enough to trim its deficit at a time when a political deadlock is heightening uncertainty over how well it can control the budget.

Parties have been unable to forge a workable government for nine months after two consecutive national elections left Spain with hung parliaments. That has hampered plans to draft a new budget for 2017 in line with deficit goals and means 2016's budget will instead be rolled over.

Brussels recently relaxed Spain's deficit targets for 2016 and 2017, but even as economic growth powers ahead, doubts are growing over how even these new goals will be met.

The Bank of Spain forecast on Thursday that the deficit would end 2016 at 4.9 percent of output, very close to the 5.1 percent deficit of 2015 and above the 4.6 percent set by the Commission.

"If new measures are announced, the target would be more achievable ... but we're not in a position to assess whether these measures will be enough," the central bank's director general for economics, Pablo Hernandez de Cos, told a news conference when asked about the tax changes.

He warned Spain needed to curb public spending with a more "restrictive" budget policy to meet deficit goals.

Corporate tax income has slumped this year after a reform by the PP which, as of 2016, meant businesses paying their taxes in installments did not have to pay a minimum established amount every time and could settle the balance much later on.

The PP now aims to reintroduce this minimum threshold for each installment, setting it at 25 percent of banks' profits and 23 percent for companies, the spokeswoman said.
Cast out by custom - how one Kenyan widow won the right to own property

By Isaiah Espisu

NAIROBI, Sept 29 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Her husband's death should have meant banishment from her matrimonial home in western Kenya, according to custom, but Caroline Peres Achieng Oyumbo's return there 13 years later is being hailed as a breakthrough for widows' rights to property.

The mother of two was sent away from her village in Ngeri-Kisiambi hills in Homa Bay County in 2003, after she refused to be "inherited" - by another man - following her husband's death,

Wife inheritance is a Suba custom requiring a widow to remarry following certain sexual rituals that "end mourning". The custom has been blamed as a factor in the spread of AIDS.

Today, however, the 43-year-old primary school teacher is awaiting the completion of construction on her new two-bedroom house in the village despite not having been "inherited" - an outcome that would usually be considered unthinkable.

"Managing to bend this customary rule is a major breakthrough that gives hope to several women in this community who are suffering silently under some of these dehumanising cultural beliefs," Oyumbo said.

Oyumbo, who teaches at a school on Mfangano Island in Lake Victoria, won her reprieve through a project known as Working with Cultural Structures to Ensure Access to Justice by Widows and Orphans, run by the Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN), and elders' and widows' support groups.

With their help, she ended an isolation caused by a custom that is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and which rights groups say infringes on the rights of widows in the Suba and Luo communities to freedom, property ownership and basic dignity.

HARSH REALITY

According to Suba and Luo beliefs, becoming widowed means that a woman becomes "unclean", and needs "cleansing". Until a widow has been "cleansed" and then "inherited", she is forbidden to undertake tasks such home repairs, or growing vegetables.

If a new widow fails to initiate the "cleansing" process, the elders take matters into their hands. If she fails to comply with their orders, she is banished from her matrimonial home.

That was the harsh reality for Oyumbo, after her husband died of cancer. "I was banished, and for 10 years and for all that time, I lived in isolation with my two sons in a rental house in Mbita town, 20 km from our home," she said.

Allan Maleche, executive director of KELIN, said the organisation has resolved more than 300 similar cases in Homa Bay and Kisumu in western Kenya.

"We have come across several devastating cases where women in particular have been denied their right to own and inherit property based on cultural beliefs," Maleche said.

In order to be cleansed, custom requires a widow to undergo the "Tero Chola" ritual, where she must have sex with a member of the community who is chosen to sleep with new widows without protection for the first time after their husbands are buried.

After this ritual, the widow is expected to marry another man of her choice, known as "Jater", which means "inheritor".

A study published in the Journal of the International Aids Society in 2014 found that Luo and Suba couples, including widows, are expected to have sex before taking part in certain activities, such as agricultural work or home repairs.

Without a "Jater", Oyumbo would not have been allowed to carry out such activities, or to attend certain social events.

Maleche said people are starting to see that such customs can be harmful, including the requirement to have unprotected sex. "People are beginning to understand what is good, and what is not good for them especially in this era of HIV," he said.

KELIN builds the capacity of village elders, church leaders, local administration officers and other respected figures to understand how cultural practices are retrogressive, and their impact on an individual's health, social status and dignity.

These partners are helping to promote dialogue between those harmed by cultural practices and the community, Maleche said.

KELIN also teaches communities about their constitutional rights - including the right to own property - and to make their own decisions without interference based on customs.

NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Since she returned to her matrimonial home in 2013, Oyumbo has begun tracing other women in a similar situation to hers who may be suffering in silence, with the help of local paralegals.

She aims to help them solve their cases through KELIN's Alternative Dispute Resolution approach, a traditional justice system that is recognised by the constitution.

In the past five months, Oyumbo has traced seven widows who were cast out as she was. All have been reunited unconditionally with their families in their matrimonial villages.

"There are several known cases of widows suffering in silence," John Ouma Daniel, chairman of the paralegal team in Mfangano, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"But the only challenge is that many of them are not willing to speak out because deep down their hearts, they believe they are outcasts," he said.

"From what we have seen so far, these cases can be resolved if traced, and the affected - who are in most cases women - [can be] given a new lease of life," Daniel said.

That is true for Oyumbo, who has been allocated 10 acres of land which she will start cultivating at the end of the year, for the first time since the death of her husband 13 years ago.
South Africa's Zuma orders ministers to tackle university 'mayhem'

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 29 (Reuters) - South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has ordered his ministers to tackle student protests that have shut down most universities, a cabinet spokesman said on Thursday, amid concerns over the impact of the disruption on state finances and the economy.

The students' refusal to accept fee hikes is another blow for Africa's most advanced economy, which is at risk of being cut to "junk" by ratings agencies later this year.

"President Jacob Zuma has instructed the justice, crime prevention and security cluster to deal with the mayhem that is destroying our institutions of higher learning," Jeff Radebe, Minister in the Presidency, told a post-cabinet media briefing.

Education is an emotive issue in South Africa, where the black majority was largely excluded from higher learning during white minority rule which ended in 1994.

Last year students demanding free education marched on Zuma's offices in the capital Pretoria, prompting him to freeze fee increases. However last week the government announced fee hikes of up to eight percent, leading to the disruption of classes at most universities.

"Out of 26 universities only nine of them are operational," University of Johannesburg Vice Chancellor Ihron van Rensburg told the ENCA news channel on Thursday.

In a separate statement Zuma's office rejected rumours on social media that he had reshuffled the cabinet.

Investors are highly sensitive to cabinet reshuffles in South Africa after Zuma's decision last December to fire two finance ministers in the space of three days sent the rand currency plummeting.

His actions raised concerns about the ability of the treasury to withstand political meddling and stick to promises to cut spending.

More recently investors have been rattled by a police investigation of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

"... the political turmoil and pressures (around Gordhan) are certainly of concern," Standard & Poor's managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, Konrad Reuss, said on Thursday on the sidelines of a banking conference in Johannesburg.

In June S&P's analysts left South Africa's BBB- rating on a 'negative' outlook. Fitch has an equivalent rating of the country's debt also with a negative outlook.

Zuma, hit by scandals, survived an impeachment vote in parliament earlier this year but led the ruling ANC to its worst ever election result in August, losing three major cities to opposition parties, and bleeding support from urban voters.
Australia names Lockheed Martin as weapons system provider for new submarines

By Colin Packham

SYDNEY, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Australia has selected U.S. defence company Lockheed Martin Corp as its preferred bidder to supply the combat system for its new $38 billion fleet of submarines, the country's defence industry minister said on Friday.

Lockheed Martin beat out competition from U.S. rival Raytheon Co, which built the system for Australia's existing Collins-class submarines.

Australia chose French naval contractor DCNS Group in April to build 12 new submarines in a deal worth A$50 billion ($38 billion) - one of the world's most lucrative defence contacts.

France beat out offers from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Japan's bid had been seen as an early frontrunner, helped by a view that the United States wanted to cement security ties between regional allies Japan and Australia to counter China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and beyond.

The decision to select Lockheed Martin will see Australia share the same weapons system provider as the U.S. Navy, offering greater interoperability between the two allies.

"By partnering with an Australian-based company with strong links to the United States, we will ensure that we get the best Australian and U.S. technology, while ensuring that our sensitive technology is protected," Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said in a statement.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Pyne also announced Australia had signed the first contract with DCNS to commence the design work for the new submarines.

DCNS, which is 35 percent-owned by defence electronics giant Thales SA, was criticised last month after more than 22,000 pages outlining details relating to submarines it is building for India were published in an Australian newspaper.

The leak sparked concerns about DCNS's ability to protect sensitive data and drawing a warning from Australian defence officials.

The new fleet of submarines is a key element of Australia's increased defence spending, which will rise to A$195 billion, or 2 percent of GDP, by 2021-2022.

In addition to the submarines, Australia is buying new equipment including frigates, armoured personnel carriers, strike fighter jets and drones.
France's Ayrault says more bombing of Aleppo will fuel radicalisation

LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - France's foreign minister said on Thursday that the longer the bombardment of Aleppo continued in an ongoing Russian-backed offensive, the more it would fuel extremism in the partly-besieged Syrian city.
U.S. close to suspending Syria talks with Russia as Aleppo battle rages

By Arshad Mohammed and Tom Perry

WASHINGTON/BEIRUT, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The United States is close to suspending talks with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday, as the Kremlin vowed to press on with an assault on the city of Aleppo.

Moscow and Damascus launched a campaign to recapture the rebel-held sector of Syria's biggest city this month, abandoning a ceasefire a week after it took effect to embark on what could be the biggest battle of a nearly six-year war.

Syrian government forces made a significant advance, capturing the Handarat refugee camp a few kilometers (miles) north of the city. They had briefly seized it on Saturday, before losing it again in a rebel counter attack.

Rebel fighters have launched an advance of their own near the central city of Hama, where they said they made gains on Thursday.

The United States and European Union accuse Russia of torpedoing diplomacy to pursue military victory in Aleppo, and say Moscow and Damascus are targeting civilians, hospitals and aid workers to break the will of 250,000 people living under siege in the city.

The United States called the assault on Aleppo by Syria and Russia "a gift" to Islamic State on Thursday, saying it was sowing doom and would generate more recruits for the militant group.

Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari rejected accusations that his government was killing civilians.

But U.S. officials are searching for a tougher response to Russia's decision to ignore the peace process and seek military victory on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad.

"We are on the verge of suspending the discussion because it is irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place to be sitting there trying to take things seriously," Kerry told a public policy conference in Washington.

"It is one of those moments where we are going to have to pursue other alternatives," he added.

Kerry spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday, the U.S. State Department said but it did not announce a suspension of the diplomacy, suggesting Washington may give Moscow a little more time.

Recapturing Aleppo would be the biggest victory of the war for government forces, and a potential turning point in a conflict that until now most outside countries had said would never be won by force.

The multi-sided civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, made half the Syrian population homeless, and allowed much of the east of the country to fall into the hands of Islamic State jihadists who are enemies of all other sides.

EU CONDEMNS ALEPPO 'MASSACRE'

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini called the air strikes in Aleppo a "massacre" and said European governments were considering their response. Russia and the Syrian government say they are targeting only militants.

Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken told U.S. lawmakers President Barack Obama had asked staff to look at how Washington might respond.

"The president has asked all of the agencies to put forward options, some familiar, some new, that we are very actively reviewing," Blinken said, adding that officials would "work through these in the days ahead."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, said Russia would "continue the operation of its air force in support of the anti-terrorist activity of Syria's armed forces".

Peskov said Washington was to blame for the fighting, by failing to meet an obligation to separate "moderate" rebel fighters from those he called terrorists.

"In general, we express regret at the rather non-constructive nature of the rhetoric voiced by Washington in the past days."

U.S. officials say they are considering tougher responses to the Russian-backed Syrian government assault, including military options, although they have described the range of possible responses as limited and say risky measures like air strikes on Syrian targets or sending U.S. jets to escort aid are unlikely.

Two U.S. officials said the speed with which the diplomatic track collapsed in Syria and pro-government forces advanced in Aleppo had caught some in the administration off guard.

Possible responses include allowing Gulf allies to supply rebels with more sophisticated weapons, or carrying out a U.S. air strike on a Syrian government air base, viewed as less likely because of the potential for causing Russian casualties, the officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

One of the officials said the list of options included supporting rebel counter-attacks elsewhere with additional weaponry or even air strikes, which "might not reverse the tide of battle, but might cause the Russians to stop and think".

BATTLE FOR ALEPPO

Aleppo has been divided into government and opposition sectors for four years, and its rebel zone is now the only major urban area still in the hands of anti-Assad fighters supported by the West and Arab states. The government laid siege to it in July, cutting off those trapped inside from food and medicine.

The last week of bombing has killed hundreds of people and wounded many hundreds more, with no way to bring in medical supplies. There are only around 30 doctors inside the besieged zone, and eastern Aleppo's two biggest hospitals were knocked out of service by air strikes or shelling on Wednesday.

Bouthaina Shaaban, an adviser to Assad, denied Syrian planes had bombed the hospitals, saying the question was "insulting".

"What is the interest of the Syrian government to bomb its own hospitals?" she said on Australia's ABC TV. "This is not the first time that such an allegation is uttered and then proven to be absolutely false."

Russia says the only way to defeat Islamic State is to support Assad. Washington says the Syrian president has too much blood on his hands and must leave power.

Washington is bombing Islamic State in the east but has avoided direct participation in the civil war in the rest of the country, leaving the field open to Russia, which joined the war a year ago tipping the conflict in favour of its ally Assad.

FEROCITY OF ASSAULT

The ferocity of the assault on Aleppo is driving many of the Western-backed anti-Assad groups to cooperate more closely with jihadist fighters, the opposite of the strategy Washington had hoped to pursue, rebel officials told Reuters.

In Aleppo, rebels in the Free Syrian Army are sharing operational planning with Jaish al-Fatah, an alliance of Islamist groups that includes the former Syrian wing of al Qaeda.

Meanwhile, in nearby Hama province, FSA groups armed with U.S.-made anti-tank missiles are taking part in a major offensive with the al Qaeda-inspired Jund al-Aqsa group.

The FSA rebels have deep ideological differences with the jihadists, and have even fought them at times, but say survival is the main consideration.

"At a time when we are dying, it is not logical to first check if a group is classified as terrorist or not before cooperating with it," said a senior official in one of the Aleppo-based rebel factions. "The only option you have is to go in this direction."
ABB likely to clash with shareholder over Power Grids decision

By John Revill

ZURICH, Sept 29 (Reuters) - ABB looks likely to tell investors next week that it wants to hang on to its Power Grids business, putting the Swiss engineering group at odds with some shareholders who want it to be spun off.

Activist shareholder Cevian Capital, ABB's second-largest shareholder, has lobbied to separate the business, saying ABB is now too complex and difficult to run.

But ABB appears to be leaning towards keeping the business because of the benefits it provides to the group as a whole.

"Cevian is pressing hard for the business to be separated and other investors are saying they appreciate companies with a focused portfolio," a source close to the matter said. "But some of the world's most successful companies are conglomerates.

"Power Grids doesn't have to be spun off."

On Oct. 4, ABB's board is due to reveal plans for the business, which makes components for offshore wind farms and electricity sub-stations and generated sales of $11.6 billion, in 2015.

Chief Executive Ulrich Spiesshofer is expected to highlight how ABB can improve Power Grids and exploit trends like renewable energy and the digitalisation of power technology.

Other topics may include tweaking the company's overall sales growth target and stepping up a $1 billion savings plan.

Spiesshofer's record points towards a revamping of the Power Grids business, ABB's least profitable. He turned around ABB's discrete automation and motion business before becoming CEO in 2013.

HIGH STAKES

Cevian, which holds 6.2 percent in ABB, sees a break-up as a way to increase ABB's share price, which despite a recovery in 2016 has lagged rivals like General Electric, Siemens and Legrand over the past five years.

The stakes for Cevian are high. ABB is its largest investment at roughly 15 percent of its 13 billion euro ($14.6 billion) portfolio which also includes stakes in ThyssenKrupp and truckmaker Volvo AB

"Cevian is not in a hurry, they are not going to give up," said a person close to Cevian. "They will stay as long as the company is not performing to its full potential."

While other shareholders have backed Cevian's stance, , Investor AB, ABB's biggest shareholder, has said only that it supports the strategy review. Investor AB Chairman Jacob Wallenberg is also the vice chairman of ABB.

Some analysts have doubts about the value of a spin-off or sale, which would face obstacles such as gaining regulatory approval or attracting a high enough price.

"While a spin-off to shareholders of Grids is doable, we are not sure it would add much to the stock near term as the upside would have to be from earnings delivery long term and not the multiple," JP Morgan Cazenove said in a note.

Analysts see ABB's decision to sell the high-voltage cabling business of Power Grids as a sign that ABB wants to keep the rest of the business.

"As we have said all along, we will give an update on our strategic review at our Capital Markets Day on October 4," an ABB spokesman said.
Brexit ball in Britain's court-Austrian finance minister

By Karin Strohecker and Marc Jones

LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The Brexit ball is in Britain's court and the country should start the procedure to exit the European Union as soon as possible, Austrian Finance Minister Hans Joerg Schelling said on Thursday.

He said Britain's shock June 23 referendum vote to leave the European Union was a decision he greatly regretted but that had to be respected.

"Britain has to deliver, not the European Union...First of all, the most important step is to start the procedure by triggering Article 50 which has to be presented by Great Britain, and I hope so really soon," Schelling told Reuters in an interview.

"Second step is: Great Britain told us they don't want to leave Europe, they just want to leave the European Union so therefore it is necessary to find a way for something like a trade contract, an association contract," he said.

Such a contract could allow cooperation between Britain and the bloc on economic issues akin to the current relationship.

However, no compromise could be made on the fact that any country wanting access to the bloc's common market had to maintain the so-called 'four freedoms' -- free movement of workers along with movement of capital, goods and services.

"It is not possible to get rights without obligations...If you want to have access to the single market you have to accept the four freedoms of the European Union," said Schelling, who was due to meet his British counterpart Philip Hammond on Thursday.

"The question is: How do you make a flexibility in between this because you have many countries that are not members of the European Union like Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein - they have contracts with us," he said, adding each of those countries had specific circumstances.

"It is not a solution to say: Just let us wait (and see) what is the opinion of the European Union and then we discuss this a little bit."

Prime Minister Theresa May has said Article 50 would not be triggered this year and warned the government would reveal little about its strategy on key issues like immigration and trade as it prepares to negotiate Britain's exit from the EU.

Once the exit process has been started, Britain has an initial two-year period to negotiate its departure.
Latvia's Latvenergo plans to trade gas in the Baltics

RIGA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Lavia's state-owned utility Latvenergo plans to trade gas in neighbouring Estonia and at home as its domestic market is liberalized next year, its Chief Operating Officer said on Thursday.

Latvia has decided to open its gas market for competition from April next year after decades of a supply monopoly by Russian Gazprom.

"Yes, we are looking at this direction (of becoming a gas trader) and we are interested in that," COO Maris Kunickis told Reuters on the sidelines of an energy conference.

He said the company could start trading gas in Estonia, which has liberalized its market, from the next year, while domestic trade will start most likely at the beginning of 2018.

Kunickis said Latvenergo, the biggest gas consumer in the Baltic states, had an advantage of buying large quantities at competitive prices.

The power producer buys about 500 million cubic metres (mcm) of gas per year.

Gazprom has been the sole supplier to Latvia, but Latvenergo has said it was looking at the possibility of buying gas from neighbouring Lithuania, which started importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Norway at end-2014.

Latvia's gas consumption stood at 1.3 billion cubic metres (bcm0, while the combined demand of the three Baltic states was at 4.3 bcm in 2015.
Great grandparents Smiths wedding picture, 1845 View in Old Washington, Tn., in the 1970s, before it was leveled Great grandmother Smith in 1908 at age 80 Previous Next

Think "East Tennessee". And think of the backwoods of the year 1828 when my great-grandmother was born - on a farm, of course - "in the beautiful hills in the midst of Roane County", as an old song says.

She was Elizabeth Sarah Willett, the daughter of Enoch Willett, Sr., and the former Elizabeth Ford of the Grassy Cove community. John Ford, her mothers father, had been a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

At age 17, in 1845, she married my great-grandfather, Nathaniel Henry Smith, and the young couple wasted no time in moving from the Tennessee River port of Kingston, down to Washington, Tn., another thriving port on that river.

One bit of their new inheritance included land beside the well-known Washington Ferry which was in existence for over 100 years, and was already a well-established Tennessee antiquity and landmark at that time. Grandfather Nat was an expert cabinetmaker and master carpenter, soon building an inn beside the ferry which welcomed river travelers. He set up his woodworking business in one room of the inn, and both these businesses prospered simultaneously. Their first child was a daughter, my great aunt, Eliza. This aunt married John Wyrick, and they settled at New Market, Tn., northeast of Knoxville. I can barely remember her from my childhood - and the charming house in which she lived.

Second child was a son, whom the whole family came to respect and adore, as he became a Methodist minister of the Holston Conference following his education at Emory University. I have already written a sketch of his life. He was my mother's uncle, of course, and she always called him Uncle J. Wesley, or simply, Uncle. He wrote scientific articles for the Atlanta Constitution and also some popular books. When his father, Nathaniel, went off to fight for the Southern cause in our Civil War, Uncle J. Wesley - in his mid teens - stayed home to tend the family farm and assist his mother and siblings. Life in Rhea County was rough in those days as the county was strongly divided between northern and southern sympathies. When the news hit Old Washington that the North had won the battles of Chattanooga and Chickamauga, some neighbors who favored the North celebrated that event by burning down my great-grandfather's inn on the river banks! Fortunately, they also had a town-house inside Old Washington - a refuge to which they moved.

Enough said about those perilous times in Rhea County, as my focus is now mainly on the small town of Washington, Rhea Countys first county seat, before Dayton. Washington suddenly began to shrink immediately after a railroad was put through going north from Chattanooga. This railroad went through Dayton, several miles to the west, drying up Washington's economy and causing its continuing decline. The population largely all went away in search of new livelihoods. My great-grandparents, Nathaniel Henry and Elizabeth Smith, tenaciously held on to their home in Washington - and their house stood, constantly occupied, until within the last 10 years, (although not by any of my kinspeople).

As time passed, the many brick buildings of Washington disappeared. I have personally seen those buildings go away one-by-one. The Chattanooga Times used to report the loss of buildings there, when tornados, fire, and other acts of nature took them away. As the original county seat of Rhea County, Washington had had a fine brick courthouse, jail, nice homes, taverns and inns which all went away. John Wilson, publisher of this influential online newspaper, can personally attest to having seen many of those buildings in his early days as a reporter for the Chattanooga News - Free Press. As the population declined, leaving a virtual ghost-town, the once bustling village of Washington, Tn., acquired the name, "Old" Washington. And that is what my grandmother Smith/Young and my mom called it. Fact is that my mother could hardly say the name Washington without prefacing it with "old"! And that is how it was among all the people privy to knowledge of Washington's past.

I have a second cousin in up-state New York who descends through John Wesley Smith's line (he's the Methodist minister, above). This cousin makes very occasional trips through that Old Washington area of Rhea County and is as puzzled as I am about that community's total disappearance. Last time I was there (about five years ago) I could find not one building from the past. I have even searched on Google Earth to no avail. Nothing is left. Not even a roadside plaque stating that ONCE A TOWN CALLED WASHINGTON, TENNESSEE STOOD HERE.

I ask myself how so many BRICK structures could have vanished so completely without a trace, and that question remains, embedded in my subconscious mind - probably forever. Road construction for the new bridge which spelled doom for the ancient ferry surely had something to do with the matter, but it could NOT have wiped out an entire town. Approach to the new bridge is not very wide - certainly no super-highway...

Fortunately, I heard a few lively tales about Old Washington from my grandmother. Some of those are recorded in a book called, "The Road I Came", by Paul Jordan-Smith - son of the Methodist minister. My mother liked silly things and she liked to tell about the little dog that swam the river to stay with relatives on the far side of the river whenever he got tired of those on this side. Then, when he got tired of THEM he would swim back.(Remember that the Tennessee River was more a natural river back then before TVA created wide "lakes", so the distance across was substantially less than today). I was fortunate to have a tape recorder in the early 1960's and I got to make a tape of my mom's first cousin, Jim Young, who then lived in Dayton, and her closest living relative on earth! On it he told about "playing around on the jail grounds" when a boy growing up in Old Washington. (I was also surprised to hear him refer to my grandmother as "Aunt" Mattie - the only person I ever heard call her "aunt").

Somewhere online I found a vintage map of Washington, Tn.,, published by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. It indeed shows a meticulously well-laid-out small town with Court House, jail, and one or two churches. My great-grandparents supposedly lived on "Livingston Street" which is clearly shown on that map, however it does not agree with the site I was shown by my mom, who got the location straight from HER mom (who grew up in it!) So that shows you how mystifying and frustrating family researches can be. You must always keep an open mind, and be willing to give up some "sacred" bit of information you have erroneously treasured and believed in all your life. Be prepared to do a lot of revising, for sure!

As an interesting sidebar to all of the above, my great-grandmother had a brother, Enoch Willett, Jr., who sold all his possessions in Roane County to go "west" to "trade with the Indians". His wife, and possibly one other family member went with him. They dropped out of sight for a long time - perhaps years - before word came that they had all been killed in an Indian massacre in Texas. Curious to pry into that matter, I used Google Earth to find the roadside marker giving the name "Enoch Willett", and the others, who had died in the same massacre. They are buried in a tiny but well-marked cemetery in a kind of triangle between the confluence of two roads. The terrain is as desolate as Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia, and one can only wonder what the attraction was to lead them to such a god-forsaken spot!

My great-grandmother, Elizabeth Sarah (Willett) Smith, moved to Chattanooga following the death of my grandfather, James Lyde Young. She lived for several years with my mom and grandmom before dying

at age 84 (in 191

2

). She is buried in Forest Hills Cemetery here.

Name on her stone is simply "E.S. Smith.

And for some unexplained reason her husband - my great-grandfather

-

Nat Smith, is buried in an UN-MARKED grave in Mynatt Cemetery, Old Washington, T

ennessee!

No one today understands how or why that happened, for, among all his children there was certainly enough money to pay for a decent stone marker.

These ramblings are meaningless to most of you I am certain. But there is hope that in writing a story like this some future researcher might happen upon just the right detail or scrap of information to make his own work more authentic. It might also tip someone off as to the pitfalls of family research, as stated earlier. It is incredible how much easier the Internet has made things for the modern researcher, with such programs as Ancestry and My Heritage, but can also just lead you down a dead-end more quickly than by the traditional, more old-fashioned methods!

(Chester Martin is a native Chattanoogan who is a talented painter as well as local historian. He and his wife, Pat, live in Brainerd. Mr. Martin can be reached at cymppm@comcast.net )
In hunt for tax cheats, Denmark pays $900,000 for more Panama Papers

COPENHAGEN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Denmark's government said on Thursday it had paid some $900,000 for access to Panama Papers documents to help it identify hundreds of suspected Danish tax cheats.

Tax havens were cast into a global spotlight in April after the details of the offshore financial arrangements of hundreds of thousands of clients, including several world leaders, were leaked from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca by an anonymous whistleblower.

Denmark's move was part of growing global efforts to stamp out tax evasion and came after the Nordic country estimated that in the past three years alone it had lost 12.3 billion Danish crowns ($1.85 billion) to tax fraud.

"The next step is to dig deeper and find the people and investigate their taxation situation. This will bring us closer to whether there is reason to press charges...," Jim Sorensen, Denmark's tax authority (SKAT) chief, said in a statement.

Sorensen told Reuters the payment was made to an anonymous source in exchange for access to a wider range of Panama Papers touching on Danish citizens than those that were leaked.

Some 500-600 Danish citizens were being targeted, the tax ministry said in an earlier statement.

In a bid to recoup money paid out in the form of fraudulent tax refunds to Danes abroad, Danish authorities have already carried out raids in Britain and elsewhere.
London to launch inquiry into foreign property ownership -report

LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - London's mayor Sadiq Khan will launch an inquiry into foreign ownership of property in the British capital which has helped push up housing costs, the Guardian newspaper cited him as saying on Thursday.

"It's clear we need to better understand the different roles that overseas money plays in London's housing market, the scale of what's going on, and what action we can take to support development and help Londoners find a home," the Guardian quoted Khan as saying.

"That's why we are commissioning the most thorough research on this matter ever undertaken in Britain - the biggest look of its kind at this issue - so we can figure out exactly what can be done."

London property prices rose more than 12 percent in the 12 months to July after notching up annual gains of around 20 percent in mid-2014, according to official data.

The mayor's office has no powers over taxation of property in the city.

The Guardian said Khan's inquiry would focus on the scale and impact of different types of overseas investment in London and consider how other major cities around the world are tackling the problem.

"We welcome investment from around the world in building new homes, including those for first-time buyers," he told the newspaper. "At the same time, as more and more Londoners struggle to get on the property ladder, there are real concerns about the prospect of a surge in the number of homes being bought by overseas investors."

Real estate firm Savills estimated in 2014 that overseas purchases of property in London for investment purposes - rather than foreign residents buying a home in which to live - accounted for around 7 percent of all residential transactions in London.

Khan said there was an urgent need for more transparency in foreign investment. "Londoners need reassuring that dirty money isn't flooding into our property market, and ministers must now make all property ownership in London transparent so we can see exactly who owns what," he said.
Egypt court suspends annulment of Red Sea island deal with Saudi Arabia

CAIRO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Egypt's Court of Urgent Matters has ordered the suspension of an earlier court ruling that annulled a deal to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, judicial sources said on Thursday.

Egypt announced in April a maritime border accord with Saudi Arabia, which could see it lose control of two Red Sea islands. The accord caused a public uproar and rare protests by Egyptians, many of whom said they were taught at school that Tiran and Sanafir were Egyptian.

An administrative court voided the accord in June after a lawsuit was filed against it, saying Egyptian sovereignty over the islands held and could not be given up.

Egyptian authorities lodged a formal appeal with the Higher Administrative Court, part of the Council of State, a high-level judicial body that gives legal advice to the government, drafts laws and oversees legal cases involving public entities.

That appeal is still pending.

The Court of Urgent Matters ruled on Thursday on a separate appeal filed by Ashraf Farahat, a lawyer. But legal experts dismissed that court's ruling, saying it was not qualified to pronounce on matters related to public administration.

"This verdict is unconstitutional and void. If the government were to refer the treaty to parliament for ratification based on this verdict then it is announcing to everyone that it does not care about the constitution," constitutional expert Mohamed Nour Farahat said.

The Court of Urgent Matters' original brief was to tackle cases that needed quick resolution but risked getting bogged down for long periods in the regular court system.

But since the 2011 uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule, the court has taken on a more prominent role, ruling on cases involving bans or restrictions of political parties and other such sensitive matters.

Tiran and Sanafir islands are situated between Saudi Arabia and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in the narrow entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba leading to Jordan and Israel.

Saudi and Egyptian officials say they belong to the kingdom and were only under Egyptian control because Riyadh asked Cairo in 1950 to protect them. Ali said Cairo's sovereignty over the islands dated to a 1906 treaty, before Saudi Arabia was founded.

The maritime border accord was announced during a visit to Cairo by the Saudi king that coincided with the signing of aid deals, and this created the impression among many that the islands were sold. Egyptian authorities denied this.
UNICEF says 75,000 children could die in Nigeria hunger crisis

LAGOS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Famine-like conditions in the former stronghold of Boko Haram militants in northeast Nigeria could kill 75,000 children over the next year if they do not receive aid, the United Nations children's agency said on Thursday.

Some 15,000 people have been killed and more than two million displaced during a seven-year insurgency by the Islamist militant group that has been pushed back to its stronghold in the northeast's vast Sambisa forest in the last few months.

The U.N. has called for military escorts for aid workers trying to reach areas affected by the crisis, which has been exacerbated by soaring food prices and scarce reserves from the last harvest.

"The 75,000 is from the three states - Borno, Yobe and Adamawa," said UNICEF spokesman Patrick Rose, in an emailed response to questions, referring to the number of children in those areas who could die over the next year.

The agency has said 400,000 children aged under five would suffer from severe acute malnutrition in those states, which have been worst hit by the insurgency, and more than four million people faced severe food shortages in the region.

UNICEF also said it had increased the sum sought in its humanitarian appeal to help malnourished children in the region, where food supplies are close to running out, to $115 million - more than double the previous amount of $55 million.
Philippines businessmen to accompany Duterte to China - sources

MANILA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will visit China from Oct. 19-21 accompanied by a business delegation, business and diplomatic sources said on Thursday, signalling his intent to set sovereignty squabbles aside and forge a stronger commercial relationship with Beijing.

The decision to invite business leaders suggests Duterte is following through with his vow to make peace with China and heal wounds that have festered since Manila lodged a legal challenge to Beijing's claims to most of the South China Sea.

Several sources with direct knowledge of the plan said about two dozen Filipino businessmen would join Duterte when he goes to Beijing. Business groups had been invited to submit names of individuals to join the delegation.

According to one diplomatic source, Duterte would meet both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. It was not immediately clear who the business delegation would meet in China and what would be discussed.

The trip also shows Duterte intends to re-fashion a foreign policy for years aligned with the United States and its allies. He has spoken only vaguely of his strategy, but has singled out Russia and China as would-be commercial partners.

Duterte said on Wednesday joint marine drills with the United States would be the last.

Philippine officials said they were awaiting clarification but Duterte's comments signal he is willing to test the limits of Manila's historic alliance with Washington, which has provided important defence support for the Philippines and helped the United States further its Asia rebalance strategy in the face of an increasingly assertive China.

The Philippines president's foreign policy pronouncements have been baffling at times. Despite his outreach towards China, he has accused Beijing of bullying Filipino fishermen and being dishonest about its activities in the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

China lost to the Philippines in an international arbitration ruling in July. Beijing refuses to recognise the case.

Moves to reach out to China looked to have hit a snag on Tuesday when sources close Fidel Ramos, Duterte's special envoy tasked with rebuilding tattered ties with Beijing, said a trip planned for this week had suddenly been cancelled.

In a short statement to Reuters on Thursday, China's foreign ministry said the door was always open to Ramos.
Greece extends bid deadline for new Crete airport - official

ATHENS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Greece has extended the deadline for bids to build and operate a new airport on Crete to replace the ageing Heraklion airport to Oct. 27, a senior infrastructure ministry official said on Thursday.

The government initially set a February deadline for bids for the Kasteli project but it has been pushed backed several times due to delays in preparing documents, with the latest deadline set to expire on Friday.

"The (infrastructure) minister decided today to postpone it by a few days, after a request by four interested parties," George Dedes, secretary general for infrastructure, told Reuters.

The project is seen as a test for investors' appetite in a country which is struggling to get its economy back on track after signing up to a third international bailout last year.

Greece has made several attempts since 2009 to attract investors for the build-operate-transfer (BOT) airport project worth an estimated 850 million euros ($955 million), but the country's debt crisis has deterred investors.

The project, which will be funded by private and EU funds, is expected to turn Kasteli into the country's fourth-largest airport by traffic, replacing Heraklion which is struggling to handle nearly 6 million passengers a year.

Greek construction group GEK TERNA will bid for the project, a company official, who declined to be named, told Reuters on Thursday.

Greek media have reported that France's Vinci with Greek contractor Ellaktor, France's Bouygues with J&P Avax, China State Construction Engineering and India's GMR Infrastructure were all among potential bidders.

Dedes said there were at least five interested joint ventures, without disclosing further details.
African economic growth dips to two-decade low - World Bank

By Joe Bavier

ABIDJAN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is likely to slip to 1.6 percent this year, its lowest level in two decades, due to continuing woes in the continent's largest economies South Africa and Nigeria, a World Bank report said on Thursday.

Africa has been one of the world's fastest growing region's over the past decade, but a commodities slump has hit its oil and mineral exporters hard, bringing growth down to 3 percent in 2015.

However, other countries, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania, have continued to record GDP growth above 6 percent, according to "Africa's Pulse", the Bank's twice-yearly analysis of economic trends.

The report, which was unveiled in Ivory Coast's commercial capital Abidjan, also singled out Ivory Coast and Senegal as top performers.

"Our analysis shows that the more resilient growth performers tend to have stronger macroeconomic policy frameworks, better business regulatory environment, more diverse structure of exports, and more effective institutions," said Albert Zeufack, World Bank chief economist for Africa.

Established and improved performers made up around a quarter of sub-Saharan Africa's countries, are home to 42 percent of its people, but account for just 21 percent of economic output.

Meanwhile, 40 percent of African economies are struggling. They contain 36 percent of the continent's population but contribute 62 percent of economic activity. Nigeria and South Africa alone account for half of output.

Despite a recent timid recovery in commodities, price are expected to remain below their 2011-14 peak levels, the report said.

As a result growth is projected to pick up slightly to 2.9 percent next year, the report said, and Africa's economies are expected to expand by 3.6 percent in 2018.

However, government spending on Africa's agricultural sectors is still lagging behind developing regions, despite making up a third of GDP and two-thirds of employment.

"Improving the productivity of smallholder farms is central to lifting rural incomes and reducing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa," said Punam Chuhan-Pole, lead economist for World Bank Africa, who wrote the report.
War crimes prosecutor to examine situation in Gabon after gov't request

AMSTERDAM, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said on Thursday she has begun a preliminary examination into the situation in Gabon at the request of the country's government.

Fatou Bensouda said in a statement she would review available information before deciding whether to open a formal investigation.
Burundi arrests senior opposition politician over "armed gangs" link

BUJUMBURA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The head of one of Burundi's opposition parties has been arrested for collaborating with "armed gangs", police said on Thursday, joining a list of activists and political figures detained since the start of a political crisis.

Gervais Niyongabo, chairman of FEDES-SANGIRA, was detained in the southern Makamba region on Wednesday, police spokseman Pierre Nkurikiye wrote on his Twitter account.

Niyongabo had been one of the few opposition leaders still working inside the central African nation - many others have fled to neighbouring states and Europe.

Burundi has been mired in political crisis and sporadic violence for more than a year, triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term in office, which he secured in a disputed election in July 2015.

Opponents accuse the president of violating the constitution and a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005. The government accuses opponents of fomenting unrest, and accuses them of backing rebel groups, which officials call "armed gangs".

FEDES-SANGIRA party was among the opposition groups to boycott the elections last year.
Pope Francis to visit Colombia in first quarter of 2017 -president

BOGOTA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Pope Francis will visit Colombia in the first quarter of next year, President Juan Manuel Santos said on Thursday, days after signing a peace deal with Marxist rebels which the pontiff has actively backed.

Santos and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, rebels signed a peace accord on Monday to end 52 years of war. Pope Francis repeatedly expressed his support for the deal over four years of negotiations.

"We can confirm that he will come in the first quarter," Santos said at a business conference in Bogota. "The first quarter of next year, he will come to Colombia for four days, which is an incredible honor."
Another Jogger Was Sexually Assaulted In Chicago Last Week

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 28, 2016 9:10PM

Police are warning residents of South Shore after a female jogger was sexually assaulted along the lakefront trail last week.

The victim, 27, was jogging north on the trail, near South South Shore Drive and East 68th Street, on Thursday at around 9:45 p.m. when a man, aged 22 to 25, ran behind her, shoved her into a fence and tried to sexually assault her, according to police. The offender then fled west down 68th.

Police described the offender as a light-complected African-American, between 5'9" and 5'10", roughly 170 pounds. He has a large tattoo on his left forearm and possibly another on the right forearm, police said in an alert. At the time of the attack, he was wearing a gray T-shirt with a sports-brand logo, green camouflage knee-length shorts, and black-and-white sandals.

Police ask anyone with knowledge of the incident to call 312-747-8380.

The attack was at least the third time a female jogger was assaulted in Chicago in recent weeks. A woman was choked on Saturday, Sept. 10 in River North around 5:50 a.m. Another jogger was attacked this past Sunday, in Albany Park, at 7:15 a.m. by a stranger who grabbed and sexually assaulted her, according to police.
Nigerian minister denies involvement in alleged MTN money transfer

LAGOS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Nigeria's minister for industry, trade and investment dismissed accusations on Thursday that he was involved in an alleged illegal transfer of $13.92 billion by South African telecoms giant MTN.

A parliamentary motion named Okechukwu Enelamah earlier this week, saying MTN had used him and others to move the money out of Nigeria between 2006 and 2016.

MTN denied the allegations on Wednesday and Enelamah's office issued a statement a day later saying the accusations were "without merit and baseless".

"At no time was Dr. Enelamah in a position to transfer funds out of Nigeria on behalf of MTN Nigeria, and at no time did Dr. Enelamah transfer any funds out of Nigeria on behalf of MTN Nigeria," the statement added.

The Senate, parliament's upper house, has agreed to investigate the allegations made by one of its members against MTN, which has suffered a series of setbacks in its biggest market.

The Senate's move comes just three months after the South African firm agreed to pay a fine of 330 billion naira ($1.02 billion) to end a dispute over unregistered SIM cards.
Europe's food safety watchdog says to release studies on weed-killer glyphosate

By Kate Kelland and Alissa de Carbonnel

LONDON/BRUSSELS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Europe's food safety watchdog will release data from some of the scientific studies it reviewed in its assessment of glyphosate, an ingredient in Monsanto's widely used herbicide Roundup and subject of a fierce row over possible cancer risk.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said on Thursday it had decided to release the raw data as part of its "commitment to open risk assessment".

EFSA had received several requests for data in relation to its glyphosate assessment, including from members of the European parliament.

"Transparency and openness are essential values for EFSA because they strengthen confidence in science," EFSA said in a statement. "The information will be shared with a group of MEPs following a public access to document request".

It was not immediately clear when the information will be released.

Glyphosate, which is used in Roundup as well as other companies' weed-killers, is at the heart of a dispute in Europe and United States about whether its wide-spread use as a weed-killer on crops could heighten cancer risks.

Monsanto has long defended the safety of its herbicide, saying the renewal of glyphosate's licence in Europe was vital to European farmers.

The European Union in July granted a temporary extension of its approval for the weed-killer, pending further scientific study after a proposal for full licence renewal met with opposition from member states and campaign groups.

The issue blew up in March 2015 after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), based in Lyon and part of the World Health Organization (WHO), said that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic".

This finding was at odds with previous risk assessment in Germany and the United States, and was followed seven months later by EFSA's own assessment of glyphosate as "unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans".

Some campaign groups involved in the row have suggested EFSA was unduly influenced by studies backed by Monsanto, which analysts say could stand to lose out on up to $100 million of sales of its weed killer if it were banned in Europe.

According to data published by IARC, glyphosate is registered in "over 130 countries as of 2010" and is one of the most heavily used weed killers in the world.
France's Ayrault says Donald Trump's foreign policy "very confused"

PARIS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - France's foreign minister took a swipe at U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday calling his foreign policy objectives "confused" and warning that Paris could not forget remarks made after militant attacks in France.

Trump's campaign has been marked by insults and inflammatory rhetoric to deal with radical Islam, while on international affairs he has put into question U.S. policy on everything from Syria to Iran, Mexico and North Korea.

"I don't know what Donald Trump's foreign policy is as it's very confused," Jean-Marc Ayrault said in an interview with U.S. broadcaster CNN. "As French foreign minister I'm not going to tell Americans how to vote, but the future U.S. president is not only important for the United States, but also for the rest of the world too."

While not endorsing outright Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, Ayrault said she had done a "great job" and lived up to her responsibilities when she was secretary of State.

France has been reeling after several attacks claimed by Islamic State during the summer. Trump said in July that France was no longer France and that if it had looser gun laws then the attacks would not have happened.
Singapore's GIC, partner buy UK student housing portfolio

Sept 29 (Reuters) - GIC Private Ltd, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, said it partnered with Global Student Accommodation UK Ltd to buy a UK student accommodation portfolio from Oaktree Capital Management LP.

The transaction for the portfolio of 7,150 beds is the largest student accommodation deal so far this year, GIC said on Thursday. (http://bit.ly/2dumgxU)

Britain's property sector was hit hard by the country's historic vote in June to leave the European Union, but the market has since steadied.
Somalia seeks explanation after U.S. "friendly fire" strike

MOGADISHU, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Somalia's government on Thursday requested an explanation from the United States after Somali officials said a U.S. "friendly fire" air strike killed at least 22 soldiers and civilians in the Horn of Africa nation.

Officials in the semi-autonomous, northern region of Galmudug said a U.S. air strike killed members of its forces this week and accused a rival region, Puntland, of duping the Americans into believing those targeted were Islamist rebels.

Washington said the United States carried out a "self-defence air strike" after Somali troops faced fire from militants. It said nine al Shabaab militants had been killed but that it was looking into reports others may also have died.

"The cabinet requests the U.S. government give a clear explanation about the attack its planes carried out on the Galmudug forces," the government statement, signed by Mohamed Omar Arte, said.

It also urged both Galmudug and Puntland, which have often clashed over territory in the past, to mend fences. Protests erupted in Galkayo after the U.S. strikes, with demonstrators burning U.S. flags and chanting anti-American slogans.

The United States, a major donor to Somalia's government in Mogadishu, has often bombed al Shabaab militant positions and commanders in its bid to support the government and help the nation rebuild after two decades of war.

In a separate statement, Somali General Ali Bashi said the Somali military had confirmed that members of the Galmudug forces and civilians were killed in the strike, describing it as a case of "friendly fire".

The general also said al Shabaab was not in the area, confirming the al Qaeda-affiliated militants' earlier claim that they had no forces there at the time of the attack, which occurred overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.
U.S. lawmakers may change Sept. 11 law after rejecting veto

By Patricia Zengerle and Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers expressed doubts on Thursday about Sept. 11 legislation they forced on President Barack Obama, saying the new law allowing lawsuits against Saudi Arabia could be narrowed to ease concerns about its effect on Americans abroad.

A day after a rare overwhelming rejection of a presidential veto, the first during Obama's eight years in the White House, the Republican leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives opened the door to fixing the law as they blamed the Democratic president for not consulting them adequately.

"I do think it is worth further discussing," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters, acknowledging that there could be "potential consequences" of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, known as JASTA.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said Congress might have to "fix" the legislation to protect U.S. troops in particular.

Ryan did not give a time frame, but Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he thought JASTA could be addressed in Congress' "lame-duck" session after the Nov. 8 election.

The law grants an exception to the legal principle of sovereign immunity in cases of terrorism on U.S. soil, clearing the way for lawsuits seeking damages from the Saudi government. Riyadh denies longstanding suspicions that it backed the hijackers who attacked the United States in 2001.

Sept. 11 families lobbied intensely for the bill, getting it passed by the House days before the 15th anniversary of the 2001 attacks earlier this month after years of effort.

"We have to understand the political environment we're in right now and the tremendous support the 9/11 victims have in the United States," said Robert Jordan, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh is one of Washington's longest-standing and most important allies in the Middle East and part of a U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

SAUDI CONDEMNATION

The Saudis lobbied furiously against JASTA, and the Saudi foreign ministry condemned its passage in a statement on Thursday. "The erosion of sovereign immunity will have a negative impact on all nations, including the United States," said the statement, which was carried on state news agency SPA.

Still, the new law is not expected to have a lasting effect on the two countries' strategic relationship.

Saudi-U.S. ties have endured "multiple times of deep outrage" over 70 years, said Thomas Lippman of the Middle East Institute. "The two countries need each other as much today as they did before the day before yesterday," he said.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest mocked lawmakers for shifting "within minutes" from overwhelmingly voting to override Obama's veto to wanting to change the law.

"I think what we've seen in the United States Congress is a pretty classic case of rapid onset buyer's remorse," Earnest told a White House briefing.

Corker said he had tried to work out a compromise with the White House, but Obama administration officials declined a meeting.

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, who championed JASTA in the Senate, said he was open to revisiting the legislation. "I'm willing to look at any proposal they make but not any that hurt the families," he said at a news conference.

He said he would oppose a suggestion that the measure be narrowed to only apply to the 2001 attacks on Washington and New York. "You know what that does? It tells the Saudis to go ahead and do it again, and we won't punish you," Schumer said.

Corker said another suggestion was establishing an international tribunal so experts could determine whether there was culpability. He said the Saudis were been willing to work on a compromise, and denied they had threatened retaliation.

Trent Lott, a former Republican Senate Majority Leader now at a Washington law firm lobbying for the Saudis, said attorneys would look carefully at JASTA's language.

"I do feel passionately this is a mistake for a variety of reasons, in terms of threats to troops, diplomats, sovereignty, there's serious problems here. Hopefully we can find a way to change the tenor of this," Lott said.
U.S. expects Afghanistan conference to pledge $3 billion a year

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - An international conference on Afghanistan in Brussels next week is expected to pledge $3 billion a year in development support to the country up to the end of 2020, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday.
Syria's U.N. envoy says: 'We don't bomb civilians'

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari rejected accusations on Thursday that the Syrian government was killing civilians.

"The Syrian government is not bombing civilians. These people are our own people. We don't bomb civilians, we don't kill civilians. We don't bomb humanitarian convoys. We don't do that. Those who did it are the terrorists," Ja'afari told reporters after a U.N. Security Council meeting on Syria.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week accused the Syrian government of killing the most civilians during the country's five year conflict. More than 400,000 people have died and half the 22 million population have been uprooted in the war.
Activists cry foul as U.N. decides against Yemen rights probe

By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The U.N. Human Rights Council on Thursday declined to set up an independent inquiry into abuses in Yemen, instead calling on a national inquiry to investigate violations by all sides, including the killing of civilians and attacks on hospitals.

The move disappointed activists, who, along with the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, had called for an independent probe, especially into air strikes by a Saudi-led Arab coalition backing the Yemeni government.

The United Nations blames the coalition strikes for 60 percent of some 3,800 civilian deaths since March 2015.

The alliance has been fighting the Iran-allied Houthi movement in Yemen since March 2015 after the group took over the capital and forced the internationally recognised and Saudi-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile.

The Yemeni National Commission of Inquiry reports to Hadi.

"For now Saudi and its allies, like the U.S., have shown they can still block efforts at the U.N. to ensure accountability for war crimes in Yemen," Salma Amer, U.N. Advocacy Officer at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies said in a statement.

The 47-member rights council adopted a resolution brought by Arab countries that asks the United Nations to provide "substantive technical assistance and advice, including in the areas of accountability and legal support".

This should enable the Yemeni probe to "complete its investigatory work concerning allegations of violations and abuses committed by all relevant parties in Yemen".

Senior U.N. officials had seen the Yemeni issue as a test of the council's credibility after it also backed away a year ago from launching an independent inquiry.

"The resolution provides the Commissioner a clear mandate to send more investigators to Yemen, vigourously investigate abuses by all sides, and report publicly," said John Fisher of Human Rights Watch. "Saudi Arabia's aggressive lobbying against a full international investigation shows why the country should be suspended from the Council and should not be re-elected."

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, said last month that the national probe lacked impartiality as it focused on alleged violations committed by Houthi rebels and forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and had not worked in pursuing perpetrators.

The European Union withdrew a stronger Dutch-led text hours before the Arab resolution was adopted by consensus. Britain, an ally of Saudi Arabia, had blocked the Dutch-sponsored draft within the EU, a U.N. official said on condition of anonymity.

The Dutch resolution would have sent a U.N. fact-finding mission to Yemen to report back on violations in March 2017.
Germany's Steinmeier urges Russia to support lasting ceasefire in Syria

BERLIN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Germany's foreign minister urged Russia on Thursday to do more to bring about and enforce a lasting ceasefire in Syria, saying the situation there had escalated into "a humanitarian catastrophe."

Earlier on Thursday, Russia vowed to press on with its assault in Syria while U.S. officials cast about for a tougher response to Moscow's decision to ignore the peace process and seek military victory on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke by telephone with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and called on Moscow and Washington to resume ceasefire discussions.

He said the two sides should hammer out at least a temporary truce to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to trapped civilians, Berlin's foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Foreign Minister Steinmeier noted that the situation in Syria has worsened dramatically since the resumption of the fighting and has now turned into a humanitarian catastrophe.

Moscow and Damascus launched an assault to recapture the rebel-held sector of Aleppo this month, abandoning a new ceasefire a week after it took effect to embark on what could be the biggest battle of a nearly six-year war.

"The longer the brutal attacks of the Syrian air force and the deployment of ground forces in east Aleppo last, the further we move away from any chance of ending the boundless violence," the German Foreign Ministry statement said.
It's Official: The Tribune Tower Has Been Sold For Redevelopment

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 28, 2016 6:48PM



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Just a month after news emerged that the Tribune Tower would be sold and earmarked for mixed-use redevelopment, the transaction has been completed.

LA developers CIM Group purchased the historic towerplus additional adjacent propertyfrom Tribune Media for $240 million. CIM said the in-the-mail makeover could include retail, residential, office space and a hotel, according to the Tribune. The regrettably named (and sometimes regrettably operated) Tronc, which owns the Chicago Tribune, is still under lease at the tower through June of next year.

The tower takes up a relatively small portion (737,000 square feet) of the acquired 2.4 million square-foot property, which also includes the WGN Radio and Television Buildings. Avi Shemesh, co-founder of CIM, told the Tribune the company intends to maintain the buildings as much as possible. But CIM did confirm that a parking lot on the property will see new construction, expected to begin in 2018. A map of the property and aerial layout can be here, in the Tribunes coverage.

Tribune Media also sold off two additional real-estate assets on Wednesday: the Los Angeles Times Building, which went to a Canadian developer, and the Olympic Plant, also in LA. The company has sold nine properties for a total of $519 million this year, according to CBS Chicago.

The Tribune Tower was designed by architects Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells and built in 1925. The Gothic Revival icon was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1989.

Coupled with more news of the Chicago Reader's financial struggles, today feels like a tough one for print journalism. Maybe take John Oliver's advice from last month's Tronc callout and pick up a paper today.
Millionaires, evangelicals benefit from Brazil campaign funds ban

By Anthony Boadle

BRASILIA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A ban on companies funding election campaigns in Brazil that was meant to clean up politics amid the worst graft scandal in decades is instead helping wealthy businessmen and candidates backed by evangelical churches to dominate major races at Sunday's city elections.

A Supreme Court campaign finance ruling last year was aimed at ending billions in big business largesse showered on politicians, after a probe into corruption at state oil company Petrobras sparked outrage at crony capitalism.

Yet in the run up to Sunday's municipal polls, the first since the ban, changes to campaign funding have not leveled the political playing field as intended.

"Ending corporate donations has, in fact, favored rich candidates who have their own resources," says Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes, who heads Brazil's top electoral authority, the TSE.

Filling the funding gap left by the ban, wealthy candidates can and do donate up to 10 percent of their declared income to their own campaigns.

Nearly half the funding of Joao Doria, the millionaire businessman leading the race for mayor of Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo, came from his own pocket, according to numbers from the TSE. He has given 2.94 million real ($914,000) to his campaign.

And while contributions from individual donors remain negligible overall, organized donation drives by churches and perhaps even crime gangs are influencing some specific races for mayors and town councilors across Brazil.

The ban on corporate donations has meant an end to very expensive campaigns that encouraged illegal funding practices.

"But even with less money going into campaigns, economic power is still a strong presence distorting the elections," said Nicolao Dino, Brazil's top prosecutor for electoral crimes.

PROSPEROUS POLITICIANS

Political kickbacks at Petrobras fueled popular anger at the winner of the 2014 presidential polls, Dilma Rousseff, who was dismissed from office by Congress last month on unrelated charges of breaking budget rules.

Sunday's elections are the first since Rousseff's removal and her opponents are expected to do well at the expense of her leftist Workers Party that was in power for 13 years.

During that time, investigators say the party received upward of 20 billion reais ($6.16 billion) in donations, mostly from corporations, many of them the big construction firms implicated in the Petrobras scandal.

Under the new system, rich candidates are declaring more taxable income than ever before, allowing them to donate larger amounts to their own campaigns.

The Estado de S.Paulo newspaper reported that 1 percent of the donors account for 25 percent of all contributions, and the largest of them are from businessmen.

In the southern city of Curitiba, the leading contender for mayor, Rafael Greca, paid 40 percent of his donations himself - totaling 600,000 reais.

Brazil's 2014 presidential campaign was more than 95 percent funded by corporate donations and personal donations to candidates have never been a big part of the political culture. But such contributions from members of the public will now play a greater role after the ban on corporate cash.

Brazil's rapidly growing evangelical churches, which are well funded by the tithes paid by millions of followers, are carving out an important part of the personal donation market with preachers telling the faithful to donate to specific politicians, often ultra-conservatives.

In Sao Paulo, the No. 2 candidate Celso Russomanno is a lawmaker for the PRB, the party created by billionaire Brazilian evangelical preacher and media mogul Edir Macedo, a Datafolha poll showed.

Macedo's nephew, PRB Senator Marcelo Crivella, a bishop in his uncle's Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, is far ahead in the race for mayor of Rio Janeiro, the country's second city.

Brazil's Pentecostal Christian churches have greatly increased their clout in Congress and are pushing a conservative agenda that opposes abortion and gay marriage.

The churches cannot donate directly to candidates but their members can.

With candidates struggling to find funding for their campaigns, electoral and tax authorities say illegal contributions of undeclared money are on the rise, a traditional practice in Brazil knows as Caixa 2, or the parallel account.

DEAD DONORS

Authorities are worried that organized crime gangs, mainly drug traffickers, could step into the vacuum left by the absence of corporate funding.

"There could be illicit funding by criminal organizations, and we are particularly concerned with the elections in Rio de Janeiro, where you have drug traffickers, slum militias and illegal gambling," Mendes said.

A recent spate of murders of candidates in Rio de Janeiro points to organized crime trying to get its representatives elected, electoral prosecutor Dino said.

Electoral officials have discovered 108 dead people across the country who have been registered as contributing campaign funds and they suspect as many as 16,000 people on welfare programs making donations beyond their means that could come from others using their tax numbers.

Iagaro Jung Martins, Undersecretary of Tax Inspection, said Brazil has stepped up vigilance to detect fraud and candidates are held to drastic new rules on campaign spending that oblige them to report their accounts every 72 hours.

Sunday's elections are the first test of fundraising rules that might change Brazil's political culture.
EU must tackle Sahel population boom to curb migration - U.N.

DAKAR, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The European Union should help countries in Africa's Sahel region tackle a population boom if it wants to stop more migrants coming to its shores, a senior U.N. official said.

Toby Lanzer, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel, said governments there were already struggling to provide enough jobs, schools and food for the growing numbers that, the United Nations estimates, could treble to more 300 million by 2050 at current rates.

"The challenge across the region is gigantic," Lanzer said in an interview on Wednesday.

"In the coming 10-20 years we will see an ever-increasing number of migrants until the countries of Europe ... have a very frank conversation with each country about demography," he said, adding that the EU should also discuss measures on trade and security to curb migration.

Italian data on sea arrivals so far this year show a sharp increase in migrants from several African countries including Mali, Senegal and Nigeria.

The EU last year launched a $2 billion fund for Africa to combat the poverty and conflicts driving people to migrate to Europe. It has also proposed making development aid conditional on governments' cooperation in curbing migration.

Lanzer commended politicians like Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou for advocating what he referred to as a "demographic transition" in his re-election speech in April.

In Niger, the lowest-ranking country on the U.N. human development index, the average woman has more than seven children.

However, the question of family planning is sensitive in many parts of the Sahel, where polygamy is widely accepted.
Syria slams U.S. coalition for destruction of bridges in east

BEIRUT, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The Syrian government on Thursday criticised the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State for destroying two bridges on the Euphrates river this week in areas the jihadists hold in the east of the country.

Monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said warplanes most probably from the coalition hit the two bridges in Deir al-Zor province on Tuesday and Wednesday, making them unusable.

The attacks "confirm the so-called international coalition's intent to bomb and destroy Syrian infrastructure and economic and social establishments through repeated aggressive acts," state TV quoted the foreign ministry as saying.

Syria's ambassador to the U.N. Bashar Ja'afari said the bridges had been used by hundreds of thousands of civilians.

The Observatory said putting the bridges out of action would impede aid deliveries to areas in need and hamper movement of civilians.
Moody's says no Brazil investment grade rating before 2018

By Luc Cohen

BUENOS AIRES, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Brazil will not obtain an investment-grade credit rating from Moody's Investors Services before the current president's term ends in 2018, a Moody's analyst told Reuters on Thursday, adding that planned reforms are crucial for earning a stable outlook.

Mauro Leos, a senior vice president in charge of Latin American credit ratings, also said Mexico's spending cuts would ensure that the 2017 fiscal deficit is smaller than the current year's. Mexico's growth next year will be below 3 percent but higher than the 2 percent in 2016, Leos said in an interview.

Moody's downgraded Brazil's debt to junk with a negative outlook in February as Latin America's largest economy sank deeper into recession amid impeachment proceedings against former President Dilma Rousseff.

That political uncertainty contributed to the negative outlook, Leos said, but even though Rousseff is now out of office Brazil must pass reforms including a government spending cap and pension reforms in order for the outlook to change to stable.

"For us right now, the discussion in the case of Brazil's rating is not a discussion of investment grade," said Leos, adding that the proposed reforms were "radical" by Brazilian standards. "During the course of this administration, it is clearly not a discussion of investment grade."

President Michel Temer's term runs through 2018. Leos said Brazil's public debt, which economists forecast as high as 70 percent of GDP, is unsustainable.

Leos said Mexico's planned 2017 spending cuts of 1.2 percent of GDP were enough to tame the fiscal deficit, as falling oil prices and declining production from state oil company Pemex, along with weak growth, threaten revenues.

While growth will remain subdued, Mexico could start seeing results from its efforts to attract foreign partners to set up joint ventures, known as farm outs, with Pemex by the end of this year, Leos said.

Moody's changed Mexico's outlook to negative from stable in March, and would likely wait 12-24 months from then before deciding on another revision, Leos said.

Mexico's outlook depends on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, as Republican candidate Donald Trump has vowed to clamp down on trade with Mexico.
Islamic State is becoming more dangerous as it weakens

By Mohamad Bazzi

Sept 29 (Reuters) - By many measures, Islamic State is a weakened and demoralized force. After months of U.S.-led bombing and defeats by local troops in Iraq and Syria, the group lost thousands of its fighters, was forced to relinquish significant territory and has been cut off from routes it used to move weapons and reinforcements.

But the group remains a potent threat in other ways, especially in its ability to inspire self-radicalized militants to carry out attacks in the West and elsewhere.

The man accused of carrying out a bombing in New York on Sept. 17 appears to have been inspired - if not directed - by the leaders and ideologues of al Qaeda and Islamic State. The 28-year-old suspect, Ahmad Rahami, wrote admiringly in a journal about al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, American-born radical Islamic preacher Anwar al-Awlaki - who was killed in Yemen by a U.S. drone strike - and leading Islamic State strategist Abu Mohammad al-Adnani.

In one section of his journal, Rahami references a message in May by Adnani, urging Islamic State supporters to carry out attacks in the West during the holy month of Ramadan in retaliation for U.S.-led air strikes against the group's strongholds in Iraq and Syria. Rahami wrote that Adnani had issued a clear directive to "attack the kuffar in their backyard." (In Arabic, "kuffar" refers to unbelievers or those who reject Islam's teachings.) U.S. authorities recovered the bloodstained journal after a shootout with police in New Jersey on Sept. 19, which led to Rahami's arrest.

There are still many unanswered questions about Rahami's motivations, whether he met militants who helped radicalize him on several trips to Pakistan, or if he received training in bomb-making. If he was swayed by Adnani's appeal to undertake the New York attack, Rahami would be the latest example of a self-radicalized militant who heeded the calls of Islamic State or al Qaeda leaders to strike at targets of convenience in the West.

Over the past six months, Iraqi government forces, with U.S. air support, forced Islamic State out of the western Iraqi cities of Ramadi and then Fallujah. But as it lost territory in Syria and Iraq under pressure from Western bombing and local military forces, the group has tried to project strength by organizing or inspiring attacks around the world.

Islamic State's campaign to reassert its influence peaked during Ramadan, when operatives and sympathizers carried out a spate of bombings, mass shootings and stabbings across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Many of the attackers were radicalized, "lone wolf" perpetrators inspired by and acting in the group's name, but without taking orders directly from its leaders.

These attacks spread fear and allowed Islamic State's leaders to show perceived strength to make up for their battlefield losses. They also signaled that the group would revert to its roots as a jihadist insurgency, bent on large and small scale attacks that instill fear but do little to help the militants keep control of territory in Syria and Iraq. Islamic State also shifted its propaganda to appeal to potential "lone wolf" attackers, who could amplify the group's reach. In an audio message released on May 21, two weeks before the start of Ramadan, Adnani, who at the time was Islamic State's leading spokesman, urged sympathizers to carry out attacks in the West and to turn the holy period, "with God's permission, into a month of pain for infidels everywhere."

Despite the spate of high-profile attacks during Ramadan, Islamic State suffered a series of surprisingly quick and relatively bloodless defeats this summer, both in Syria and in the Sunni heartland of Iraq. It is a much weakened group than it was even a year ago - and it is unlikely to be able to hold on to significant territory. In late August, Islamic State lost the Syrian border town of Jarabulus to U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters. It was Islamic State's last outpost near the Turkish border, which had enabled the group to bring in recruits, money and supplies to its territory, especially its defacto capital in Raqqa.

The loss of territory has been accompanied by the high-profile targeting of Islamic State leaders by U.S. air strikes, which led to the assassination of Adnani, the top spokesman and strategist, and a senior military commander named Omar al-Shishani. This latest forfeiture of territory in Syria and Iraq; the drying up of routes for foreign fighters to reach the self-declared "caliphate;" and the assassination of senior operatives like Adnani and Shishani underscore how Islamic State is under siege in a way it has never been before.

But the jihadist group still has the capability to attract some recruits, raise funds through extortion and illicit oil sales, secure weapons and dispatch sympathizers to carry out attacks abroad. Ironically, as it gets weaker on the ground, Islamic State will have less to lose by unleashing more terror outside of Syria and Iraq.

U.S. military officials say the group's fighting force has been cut by half from a year ago - it now has as few as 16,000 combatants. "The number of fighters on the front line has diminished. They've diminished not only in quantity, but also in quality," Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, then-commander of U.S. forces against Islamic State, said at a press conference in Baghdad last month. He added, "We don't see them operating nearly as effectively as they have in the past, which makes them even easier targets for us."

Even as it lost territory and leaders, U.S. security officials warned that Islamic State still had the ability to inspire or organize attacks in the West and across the world. Intelligence officials cautioned the group would pose an even greater threat, as it gets weaker, because its foreign sympathizers might be motivated to carry out attacks in the West if they are unable to reach the cut-off "caliphate" in Syria and Iraq.

"It is our judgment that ISIL's ability to carry out terrorist attacks in Syria, Iraq and abroad has not to date been significantly diminished," Nicholas Rasmussen, director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, told the House Homeland Security Committee in July. He added that Islamic State's "external operations capability has been building and entrenching during the past two years, and we do not think battlefield losses alone will be sufficient to degrade completely the group's terrorism capabilities."
ECB's Nowotny says expects Austria to resolve Heta crisis

BERLIN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - European Central Bank Governing Council member Ewald Nowotny said on Thursday he expected Austria to resolve a crisis surrounding the "bad bank" Heta Asset Resolution.

Nowotny told Reuters he expected Austrian Finance Minister Hans Joerg Schelling to get the support of a necessary majority of creditors for a settlement offer related to Austria's worst financial disaster in 60 years.

"It's going in the right direction," Nowotny told Reuters before an event hosted by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung foundation. "I think Finance Minister Hans Joerg Schelling will get the needed majority. It's like a band-wagon effect."

Schelling last month said that he expected a two-thirds majority of creditors to accept a settlement that will make a bond buyback offer binding for all creditors.
From salesman to forest defender, Papua New Guinea activist wins U.S. award

By Sebastien Malo

NEW YORK, Sept 29 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - An auto parts salesman from remote Papua New Guinea who became an anti-logging campaigner won a U.S. environmental award on Thursday which he hoped would raise awareness about his country's environmental policies.

Paul Pavol was awarded the fifth annual Alexander Soros Foundation Award for Environmental and Human Rights Activism for his work in the South Pacific nation north of Australia that is home to the world's third largest tropical rainforest.

Researchers with the University of Papua New Guinea predicted in a 2008 report that 83 percent of the country's commercially viable forests will be lost or degraded by 2021 due to commercial logging.

Pavol, 44, a customary landowner from Pomio on the island province of East New Britain, said he could not stand by as logging companies caused environmental damage to the land held under customary tenure by his Mengen people.

Glancing at a map of his region, Pavol points a finger to his hometown, nestled deep in the jungle and a two hour walk from the nearest port, saying the change since 2010 has been dramatic.

"The destruction happened right under my eyes ... to see it go down in front of you, that's a big change in a short time," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview in New York City.

With demand for raw materials surging in recent years, Papua New Guinea has become one of the world's largest exporters of tropical timber, according to investment and economic consultancy the Oxford Business Group.

But leasing forest land to logging companies via a government program has met resistance from many of Papua New Guinea's 800 plus indigenous groups who lack title to their ancestral land.

With many people feeling powerless to stop logging, Pavol took the lead and became a protest leader, campaigning, setting up road blocks to prevent the movement of logs, and circulating petitions to build support against logging.

"I go around and talk to the people, and advise them and encourage them and support them," Pavol said.

He said logging companies have torn down much of the forest where generations of his ancestors have farmed, hunted and fished and replaced the ancient trees with oil palm plantations.

Across the riverbank from Pavol's village, heavy machinery loads oversized logs into commercial ships seven days a week, he said. Nearly all of it goes to China, according to campaign group Global Witness.

At the 2014 Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit in Sydney, Australia, Papua New Guinea voiced support for the development of a rainforest recovery plan, which would aim to halve the rate of rainforest loss by 2020.

But Pavol remained unconvinced and is determined to continue his campaigning - despite his work leading to threats and intimidation to himself and his family from the police.

"They said what I was doing is trying to stop development," he said. "But I said no, look, I'm not stopping development ... We all want development, but no one wants to be landless."
The counter-terrorist strikes undertaken by the Indian Army inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are the most significant series of operations in the recent past. The strikes came about in the aftermath of a terrorist attack by four militants on an Army camp at Uri. The attack was clearly undertaken by the terrorists with support of state agencies in Pakistan, which can be assessed on the basis of the nature of operation.

The terrorists were carrying weapons with under-barrel grenade launchers with incendiary capability. This is usually not a weapon of choice of terrorists, unless it is specifically related to the nature of target.

In this case, the target was possibly available to the terrorists for a short duration, since an additional Army unit was deployed there temporarily. An assessment of the target as well as selection of an appropriate weapon is a specialised function of a military establishment, as was witnessed in Uri.

In light of the incident at Uri and the nature of support from the Pakistani establishment, a strike at the terrorist infrastructure across the LoC presented obvious challenges. This included building up for a strike on multiple terrorist launch pads across the LoC. While these are from a few hundred to a couple of kilometres beyond the LoC, yet gaining precise intelligence in the face of Pakistani regular forces immediately behind them is dangerous.

Also, given that the surgical strike took place shortly after the attack at Uri, the preparedness of the Pakistani forces was likely to be high.

The process of coordinating multiple and simultaneous strikes is very challenging, especially when this is conducted at large distances from each other. In addition, the capability to come unscathed after the same speaks volumes about the Armys professional capability.

The strike is unique as it is possibly the first time that India has officially claimed and accepted having conducted it across the LoC. This was not only announced through a joint press conference of the Army and the external affairs senior representatives, but also officially conveyed to the Pakistani Army Director of Military Operations.

Surgical strikes along LoC: DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh addressing the media. (Photo: India Today)

This might well prove to be a master stroke by India, since its target was clearly the terrorists, an action which is likely to have international sympathy and approval.

Since the target of the strike were terrorists, the Pakistani Army is robbed of its locus standi to undertake a formal and official counterstrike.

It also sets in motion a precedence that could well be repeated in future to retaliate against terrorist strikes emanating from across the LoC. Despite the obfuscation being attempted by the Pakistani Army, in their bid to deny the action as a face-saver, the action is likely to humiliate them in public perception.

Having achieved this objective, India does not have to undertake punitive diplomatic actions like recall of its ambassador, thereby retaining the high moral ground.

Lastly, India has indicated the cost of such misadventures across the spectrum of options. From diplomatic, economic and military losses that have been inflicted, Pakistan will be forced to consider the costs that they will have to bear in case of such incidents.

Further, this is only likely to increase in the coming days. This is critical because terrorist strikes can only be controlled when the cost-benefit ratio of undertaking them becomes redundant.

Domestically, the biggest achievement of the action is in boosting the national and security forces' morale, which was repeatedly being affected negatively due to terrorist strikes.

India has proved that it has military capability to strike at targets across the LoC, which will have a cautionary effect on terrorist handlers and terrorists.

Furthermore, India has indicated that a change is imminent in terms of the manner in which the country is likely to react to such incidents in future.

Also read:
Pakistan is always in an existential crisis, a deep-seated doubt as to its ability to endure as a nation.

A product of India's Partition, not of its own natural identity, Pakistan suffered another major partition in 1971. It is remains afraid of further divisions.

To keep itself together, Pakistan has to manufacture a perpetual war against India. Pakistan's only real identity is negative, not being Indian, not being Hindu, not even being tolerant to Islamic minorities like Shia and Ahmadiyya, being the land of the Islamic Pure, which has drawn it into jihadi violence on a massive scale.

Identity

Pakistan was constituted from disparate states of British India. Balochistan was an independent kingdom.

The North West Frontier Province was historically a part of Afghanistan. Punjab, though the homeland of Pakistani nationalist sentiment and Islamic identity, was under Sikh rule before it came under British rule.

It had to be partitioned to remove its large Hindu and Sikh population. Yet Pakistan Punjabis still share more of a heritage with Hindu and Sikh Punjabis, than with other groups in Pakistan. Sindh was part of Bombay Presidency under British rule.

While it initially opted to join Pakistan on religious grounds, many Sindhis including its main leader GM Syed soon regretted the decision.

Balochistan, which became an independent nation in 1947, was soon annexed by Pakistan, which many Balochis did not accept and actively challenged, resulting in an extensive and enduring insurgency that Pakistan has ruthlessly tried to crush, though so far without success.

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were taken by Islamabad after its invasion of the Kashmir in 1947. Yet they hold very different cultures than Punjab, and have been suppressed accordingly.

From the archives: India-Pakistan Partition 1947.

Pakistan was formed by the demand of Indian Muslims mainly in Uttar Pradesh, the majority of which never migrated to Pakistan.

Those who did migrate become another disparate group, the Mohajirs who mainly displaced Sindhis, creating a further division in Sindh and an unclear identity of their own.

Pakistan's dominant language became Urdu, a language none of its provinces had as their mother tongue.

So, Pakistan is not a nation but a conglomeration of contrary elements moving in different directions, held together only by a state-enforced religious fanaticism and military aggression.

Pakistan reminds us of the sad state of affairs in the Middle East where the British and French created artificial nations by drawing lines on maps according to their convenience. Modern Iraq and Syria were created in this manner.

Some regions that had an historical unity like Kurdistan were partitioned among the new nations.

Iraq and Syria share a same Islamic religion, divided into Sunni majority and Shia minority groups, like Pakistan. Their common Islamic background has not resulted in any internal unity, but instead now a Shia-Sunni civil war devastating the region.

It has given rise to the brutal Islamic State (ISIS). Pakistan is facing similar divisions but is becoming its own Islamic State.

Religion

Pakistan was created by a religious demand. Since Muslims and Hindus existed throughout India, it required an artificial division of the entire country and a displacement of millions that could only remain incomplete.

But India as a country and a culture has a millennial existence honoured since ancient Greece and ancient China. It has a great influence, extending to Indochina and Indonesia, now worldwide with the spread of its yogic and meditation traditions.

In spite of having a larger population and separatist movements notwithstanding, India has sustained a greater national unity, democratic rule and economic development than Pakistan.

This is because of its dharmic roots that promote tolerance and respect. Yet many Indians have wanted to undo Partition. This has sadly made India soft on Pakistan, like a long lost brother. Others feel that if Pakistan broke up, the resultant instability would be worse for India.

Separatism

Pakistan has emphasised the Kashmir issue to sustain its national identity as an Islamic state against India.

Under the pretext of reclaiming Kashmir, it has tried to create a common cause with its different provinces that are only kept together by religious motivations.

But even so, its Kashmir jihad has not been sufficient to calm the separatist feelings of Pakistan's different regions.

India has strangely ignored these separatist movements within Pakistan, though Pakistan has continued to blatantly foster separatist and terrorist movements in India. Such a policy did not help India or restrain Pakistan.

Only this year did Prime Minister Narendra Modi first raise the cause of Balochistan. His statements sent shockwaves through Pakistan, forcing it to see its own inherent contradictions.

The conclusion is clear: Indians should stop trying to excuse Pakistan, feeling that its break-up would be dangerous, and face the fact that since Independence, with more jihadi and tactical nuclear weapons, Pakistan has only become worse.

Pakistan is already the most dangerous country in the world and is not likely to get better. Pakistan as a terrorist state now threatens the entire world.

Most terrorists visit Pakistan, are trained in Pakistan or are associated with Pakistanis.

Arising from its original identity as a jihadi state, Pakistan has made itself into the centre of global terrorism. Pakistan must be dealt with accordingly, not with Gandhian sympathies but with Arjuna's resolve.
Chicago Teachers Have Chosen A Strike Date. Will It Actually Happen?

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 29, 2016 4:11PM



Photo: Aaron Cynic

Just two days after announcing that most Chicago Teachers Union members had voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization, the union on Wednesday evening set a strike date: Oct. 11. As Mayor Rahm Emanuel faces down the possibility of the second teachers strike and third stoppage of his tenure, here are some issues to keep in mind.

Why October 11?

CTU must give 10 days notice before a stoppage, so Oct. 11 would be the earliest date for a strike to begin. As WBEZ notes, the date could also be strategically aligned with a Finance Committee meeting, scheduled for Oct. 12, in which aldermen consider whether or not to allocate TIF funds to schools. CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey has said that an ordinance to direct TIF surpluses toward schools would add $150 million in revenue to the budget, Progress Illinois reports.

Is the strike a certainty?

Not strictly speaking. Negotiations are still ongoing between CTU President Karen Lewis and Emanuel, and teachers also have the option of forgoing a strike if talks are making headway.

No, really, will it happen?

In one sense, it may seem probable. The Tribune reported that when whether teachers and the administration were close, Lewis said  I dont even know what close means anymore. But as WBEZ noted, neither side appears to be entirely sure how firmly entrenched the other is.

What exactly do teachers want?

A significant stumbling block remains the fact that teachers have been working without a contract for over a year, since 2015. Furthermore, CTU claims that the most recent contract proposal from CPS amounts to a pay cut for some teachers, as teachers would pay more into pensions and insurance while the so-called steps and lanes pay increases offered by CPS would only affect one-third of educators.

It could all rest on how muchif anythe mayor and City Council open up the TIF funds for CPS, which of course is dealing with a financial morass of its own. We'll all find out whether that happens within the next 10-plus days.
Logan Square's Roundabout Is Scarier Than Ever Thanks To Traffic Signal Problems

By Rachel Cromidas in News on Sep 29, 2016 8:32PM



Photo by Chicagoist Flickr Pool User Jason DeVoll

Navigating Logan Square's namesake roundabout intersection has never been easy. But 60-year-old traffic controller equipment has made the process of crossing Logan Boulevard and Milwaukee and Kedzie avenues that much more harrowing in recent weeks, according to community members.

Community members have complained on social media and to Ald. Scott Waguespack's office over traffic signaling problems at the intersection of Logan and Milwaukee. They say too many cars traveling in different directions are getting the green light at once, leading to a lot of confusion and a few near-misses.

"I was wondering what the heck was going on.....I had green and proceeded...when I almost got sideswiped and honked at....not realizing (okay, not paying complete attention) that all the lights were messed up!!" a member of the Logan Square Neighborhood Watch Facebook group wrote Thursday morning.

Chicago Department of Transportation reps told Chicagoist that they were alerted to the problem yesterday and have repaired it.

"We found the corner in flash, we made repairs and we are scheduling it for an upgraded controller to be installed," CDOT spokeswoman Susan Hofer said in an email. The equipment, she said, is over 60 years old and will be replaced. And in the longterm, she added, plans to majorly overhaul the intersection are moving forward after a two-year vetting process. That project, known as the Logan Square Bicentennial Improvements Project, was conceived in 2014 under pressure from residents concerned about pedestrian safety at the roundabout.



Map of the intersection via the Logan Square Bicentennial Improvement Project

CDOT "recently received authorization to begin the contract process on the Bicentennial Improvements Project and are hoping to begin the design process next month," according to Hofer.

The intersection has reportedly been experiencing traffic signal problems for weeks now, according to Ald. Scott Waguespack's office. His office has received several complaints from residents, but so far, no accidents have been reported to the alderman as a result of the traffic signals. The timing of the traffic lights for Logan Boulevard and Kedzie Avenue are controlled by different switches that are not functioning properly, according to Paul Sajovek, Waguespack's Chief of Staff, causing them to get out of synch for periods of time.

"Instead of the one street getting a green light while the other has a red, and vice versa, there are time periods when they both have greens at the same time. That intersection is a little bit tricky in that it's not your typical, normal intersection, and having that go on at the same time adds to the confusion," he told Chicagoist. "It seems like a recurring problem that's going to require some significant repair work."

The goal of the Bicentennial Improvements Project is to make the intersection safer and more user-friendly once it gets underway.

"Anything that can be done to make it more pedestrian-friendly and accessible and tie it in to the surrounding neighborhood and businesses and residences so it can function more as an active community space is really something that is worth pursuing," Sajovek said. "It's a once-in-a-generation type opportunity to create a traditional European square that could really provide a lot of benefits for that neighborhood."
Vote On The Sweet Sixteen Of Our 2016 Chicago Pizza Bracket

By Anthony Todd in Food on Sep 29, 2016 2:09PM



(Photo: JB Alberto's Facebook)

Last week, we began our 2016 Chicago Pizza Bracket, where you get to vote on your favorite pizza places in Chicago and crown an overall favorite. The votes from Round 1 are in, and there are some serious surprises.

The voting was heavy and one poll got more than 4000 votes. The biggest surprise of Round 1? The two Chicago pizza behemoths, Giordano's and Lou Malnati's, both got knocked out. Honestly, when we saw the randomized matchups, we felt badly for any pizzeria going up against these two. Their name recognition is so good that we assumed they would destroy the competition. We were wrong. Apart Pizza Company in Edgewater demolished Lou Malnati's 59 percent to 41 percent, while Pequod's destroyed Giordano's by an astonishing 69 percent to 31 percent.

The other big surprise was that Steve Dolinsky favorite My Pi took out cultish Coalfire (56 percent to 44 percent). Many smaller neighborhood places remain in the running, though some of the South and West side spots did get knocked out by their better known north side competitors.

Now it's time for the sweet sixteen. The complete bracket is below, as are the individual polls. This contest will remain open until Monday at 10 p.m. Go!



Roseangela's v. JB Alberto's



Roseangela's v. JB Alberto's



Apart Pizza Company v. The Art of Pizza



Pizano's Pizza and Pasta v. Pequod's Pizza



My Pi v. Bacino's



Piece Brewery and Pizzeria v. Boiler Room



Pat's Pizza v. Flo & Santos
Laquan McDonald Shooting Witness Says Police Engaged In Cover Up Tactics

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 29, 2016 5:38PM



A still from the Laquan McDonald dashcam video.

A witness to the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald has filed a federal complaint that police demanded she give up her phone as she attempted to film the scene. She also alleges that officers pressured her to retract her witness testimony and that she was detained at police headquarters without cause for six hours.

Alma Benitez charges in the lawsuit, filed on Monday, that Chicago police officers demanded [she] surrender her phone at the scene of the shooting" once they realized she was filming, according to Courthouse News Service and the Tribune. She arrived from the same nearby Burger King that reported losing over an hour of security footage after police investigation.

Benitez was then allegedly kept at a South Side headquarters with other witnesses until 4 a.m. (The shooting happened around 10 p.m.) There, Chicago police officers told her that her account was "not what really happened."

"Chicago police officers told Plaintiff they had video of the shooting that contradicted her account of what she witnessed," the suit alleges, according to the Tribune.

The complaint goes on to claim a pattern and practice of suppressing, concealing and covering up incidents of police misconduct.

Witness-documented footage has played a significant role in the public perceptions of several extra-judicial killings of black men by police nationwide this year, including Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and Keith Lamont Scott.

They didnt need to shoot him. They didnt. They basically had him face-to-face. There was no purpose why they had to shoot him, Alma Benitez told reporters in the aftermath of the killing in 2014.

Laquan McDonald was shot 16 times by police in October 2014. Officer Jason Van Dyke faces murder charges in the fatal shooting. Police footagewhich was released over a year after the factappears to contradict police accounts that McDonald was moving toward police when officers fired. The aftermath prompted large-scale demonstrations and what US Attorney Zachary Fardon recently called the largest federal probe in the history of the Justice Department. Earlier this month, a judge ruled that a grand jury will hear evidence against officers who were present at the scene. Last month, CPD moved to fire five officers who were involved in the shooting.
China's protection of ethnic minority rights won recognition from both domestic and overseas specialists at a China-Europe seminar on human rights, which opened Wednesday in the southwestern municipality of Chongqing.

Cui Yuying, deputy director of the State Council Information Office, said China's human rights cause has continued to improve following a slew of strategies rolled out since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012.

She briefed the seminar on China's human rights cause and notable achievements in ethnic minority rights. China upholds the principle of equal treatment of all ethnic groups, she said, and members of all ethnic groups have participated in national affairs across constitutional, legal and institutional levels.

The country has also taken steps to ensure ethnic minorities have equal political, economic, cultural, language, customs and religious rights, Cui said.

Hopefully, specialists from China and Europe can make use of the seminar to improve communication, mutual trust, practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, she said.

Pierre Bercis, chairman of the French New Human Rights Association, acknowledged China's promotion of exchanges and understanding between ethnic groups.

It is important to respect cultural and religious diversity when protecting the basic rights of ethnic minorities, he underscored. He also called on countries to reject hegemony in the cultural sphere.

Chang Jian, executive deputy director of the human rights center at Nankai University in Tianjin, said besides the traditional protection of political rights and equality, China has done more to support economic growth in regions inhabited by a large ethnic minority population.

In eight of these regions -- including Tibet, Xinjiang and Guizhou -- the number of people living under the poverty line has dropped sharply to 18.1 million in 2015 from 31.2 million in 2012, official data showed.

Moreover, China continues to improve the protection and teaching of minority languages.

Elizabeth Craig, a professor with Queen's University Belfast, reflected that many languages in Europe are dying and many people no longer use the language of their ethnic groups.

Liu Hainian, an advisor to China Society for Human Rights Studies, lauded bilingual education in China's ethnic minority regions.

"This not only helps promote exchanges between different nationalities, but also helps protect the language and culture of ethnic minorities," said Liu.

The seminar, sponsored by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and organized by the Institute of Human Rights of Southwest University of Political Science and Law, was attended by over 50 experts from China and Europe.
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During the 1st 2016 U.S. presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the topic of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations was raised. Clinton formerly supported the deal when she served as U.S. Secretary of State, but now she's against it.

"Clinton has called the TPP, the 'gold standard.' She loved it. She promoted it. And up until recently she was a strong advocate for it with her boss, Barack Obama," Trump said.

The U.S. State Department issued a press release on November 15, 2012, of Clinton's speech transcripts when she visited Adelaide, Australia. "This TPP sets the 'gold standard' in trade agreements to open free, transparent, fair trade," she said.

She added, "Now, that's what I call 'jobs diplomacy' and that's what I've been focused on in part as Secretary of State."

Still no delivery on 'jobs diplomacy'

The TPP has been under negotiations since the start of U.S. President Obama's administration in 2008. If signed and approved by the U.S. Congress, the agreement would cover over 40 percent of the world's total trade.

Other signatories of TPP include Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, most member states of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and other emerging markets in Asia, although the deal-makers did not invite China.

Clinton touted TPP as jobs diplomacy, but Trump said the deal would not benefit the U.S. manufacturing sector.

"The TPP is almost as bad as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)," Trump said. "TPP could destroy the American middle class. U.S. businesses are given incentives to move jobs to Asian countries for lower wages."

Clinton's job diplomacy only guarantees expansion of employment for sweatshop workers in Asia. Such practices lower wages for American workers at home.

TPP could spark small business bankruptcies

If TPP becomes reality, the greatest tragedy would be the death of small businesses. Clinton, as Secretary of State, called for TPP to be governed by the so-called "rule of law." But it's Washington, not Beijing, Tokyo or Singapore, that would set global governance standards.

The TPP is a tool for Big Business to impose tougher regulations on all nations signed on, which would be costly and mean that only major corporations could abide by them, which would drive small and medium-sized enterprises out of business.

"If we do this right, and that's what we're trying to do, then globalization, which is inevitable, can become a race to the top, with rising standards " Clinton said.

TPP may not be a winner for all countries involved, but in 2013 Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and "21st Century Maritime Silk Road," commonly known as Belt and Road (B&R) initiative, which brings together Asia, Europe and Africa via overland and maritime networks.

B&R shows proven, positive results

The B&R can boost cross-border trade and investment with the emerging markets by building economic zones, along with manufacturing, energy and transportation hubs, including roads, railways and airports.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) serves as the finance mechanism for the B&R. The benefits are already coming into fruition.

"Trade between China and B&R countries exceeded US$600 billion, 26 percent of China's total trade volume during the first eight months of 2016," Fang Aiqin, deputy head of China's Ministry of Commerce, told ECNS (English-language China News Service).

From January-August this year, China invested nearly US$10 billion in B&R countries via AIIB and Silk Road Fund.

Fang added, "Chinese companies established 50 overseas economic and trade cooperation zones in the B&R region at a total investment of US$15.6 billion, creating US$900 million in tax revenues and over 70,000 jobs in host countries."

Win-win benefits for our world

Outside Asia, few people are familiar with the Belt and Road initiative, while nearly everyone has heard of TPP. The TPP does not offer to build roads and bridges, but the B&R has already done so.

The main challenge TPP faces is that Washington controls the levers of power on the trade deal. Countries that sign on to the agreement must agree to Washington's rules or suffer the consequences.

On the other hand, the B&R allows for greater economic freedom. If a country agrees to work with Beijing, they can use the facilities when completed. Accordingly, B&R creates the "gold standard" on win-win and mutual benefits for all players involved.

Tom McGregor, an Asia-Pacific columnist based in Beijing.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. The company offers general purpose servers for multi-workload computing and workload-optimized servers; HPE ProLiant rack and tower servers; HPE BladeSystem and HPE Synergy; and solutions for secondary workloads and traditional tape, storage networking, and disk products, such as HPE Modular Storage Arrays and HPE XP. It also offers HPE Apollo and Cray products; and HPE Superdome Flex, HPE Nonstop, HPE Integrity, and HPE Edgeline products. In addition, the company provides HPE Aruba product portfolio that includes wired and wireless local area network hardware products, such as Wi-Fi access points, switches, routers, and sensors; HPE Aruba software and services comprising cloud-based management, network management, network access control, analytics and assurance, and location; and professional and support services, as well as as-a-service and consumption models for the intelligent edge portfolio of products. Further, it offers various leasing, financing, IT consumption, and utility programs and asset management services for customers to facilitate technology deployment models and the acquisition of complete IT solutions, including hardware, software, and services from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and others. Additionally, the company invests in communications and media solutions. It has a partnership with Striim, Inc. to offer high performance and mission-critical solutions with real-time analytics. It serves commercial and large enterprise groups, such as business and public sector enterprises; and through various partners comprising resellers, distribution partners, original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendors, systems integrators, and advisory firms. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Gildan Activewear Inc. manufactures and sells various apparel products in the United States, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. It provides various activewear products, including T-shirts, fleece tops and bottoms, and sports shirts under the Gildan, Gildan Performance, Gildan Hammer, Comfort Colors, American Apparel, Alstyle, and GoldToe brands. The company also offers hosiery products comprising athletic; dress; and casual, liner, therapeutic, and workwear socks, as well as sheer pantyhose, tights, and leggings under the Gildan, Under Armour, GoldToe, PowerSox, Signature Gold by Goldtoe, Peds, MediPeds, Therapy Plus, All Pro, Secret, Silks, Secret Silky, and American Apparel brands. In addition, it provides men's and boys' underwear products, and ladies panties under the Gildan and Gildan Platinum brands; and ladies' shapewear, intimates, and accessories under the Secret and Secret Silky brands. The company sells its products to wholesale distributors, screen printers, and embellishers, as well as to retailers and lifestyle brand companies. The company was formerly known as Textiles Gildan Inc. and changed its name to Gildan Activewear Inc. in March 1995. Gildan Activewear Inc. was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
Ashford Hospitality Trust is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the hospitality industry. The companys portfolio is concentrated in upper upscale, full-service hotels across the US. The portfolio strategy seeks to optimize total returns by maximizing the value of new acquisitions while paying dividends over time. The company boasts a geographically diversified portfolio of dominant branded full-service hotels. Ashford Inc externally advises Ashford Hospitality Trust.

Ashford Hospitality Trust is the culmination of decades of real estate experience dating back to the 1960s. Now based in Dallas, TX, the company was founded and went public in 2003. The company is geared to withstand the ups and downs of the hospitality and hotel cycles. The company is committed to disciplined capital market activities, has a successful transaction track record, and brings value-added asset management to the table.

Ashford Hospitality Trust is guided by five principles that best describe the company. These are Ethical, Innovative, Profitable, Engaging, and Tenacious and all key components of its reputation for integrity.

The companys portfolio is well-diversified across brands and includes but is not limited to Courtyard, Crown Plaza, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton, Marriot, Ritz-Carlton, and Sheraton. Properties are located in 25 of the 50 US states and Washington, D.C. targeting the top 25 markets in the nation. The company also owns a number of private and boutique names as well.

Ashford Hospitality Trust was founded by Monty J. Bennet who is the Chairman of the Board as well as Chairman, CEO, and President of Ashford, Inc which also trades on the NYSE. Mr. Bennet has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry including owning and operating major hotels.
Carnival Corporation & plc is a leisure travel company operating a fleet of cruise ships, hotels, and resorts with international destinations. Brands under the Carnival Corporation umbrella include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, P&O Cruises, Seaborn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Cunard. The companys goal is to provide extraordinary vacations at an exceptional value. As of 2022, the company laid claim to nearly half of the global cruising market share with several new ships in the works.

Carnival Cruise Line was launched in 1972 with one second-hand ship and a tank of fuel. The first port of call was San Juan, Puerto Rico, but soon more were added. The original growth strategy included a festive atmosphere, features and amenities unlike any other cruise line at the time. Slow to start, the growth strategy shifted into overdrive in 1980 when Carnival shocked the world by building its own ship. The Tropicale became an iconic name in the cruising industry and sparked a wave of shipbuilding that is still underway.

The companys growth hit a new stride in 1987 following the IPO which floated 20% of the company on the open market. The proceeds from the IPO allowed the company to embark on a voyage of acquisition and now Carnival is the worlds largest travel and leisure business.

Today, Carnival Corporations 87 ships visit approximately 700 ports worldwide and employ more than 120,000 people while serving more than 13 million guests annually for a total of 85 million passenger cruise days per year. Net revenue, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, peaked out at over $6.5 billion annually.

Carnival Cruise Line is the companys largest brand serving guests on all coasts of North America. The brand's 22 ships make 1500 voyages per year with trips ranging from 2 days to 3 weeks and ports of call from the Caribbean to Alaska. The company's largest ship is named Panorama and can accommodate more than 4,000 passengers.

Carnivals 9 brands provide access to a wide range of cruising styles and destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, England, and ports in Asia. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida and has offices around the world. The company also has the distinction of being the only company included in both the S&P 500 and FTSE 250 indices.
 Flash

Turkish and Chinese officials on Wednesday pledged to further promote bilateral ties that have been growing steadily lately.

Ismail Gultekin, Istanbul's vice governor, referred to the growing economic and cultural ties between Turkey and China over recent period of time, as both countries are playing a bigger role in the world economically and politically.

"During this period, we have also recognized the important role Istanbul has been playing in bilateral relationship as a financial and cultural center," he said in a speech delivered at a reception marking the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"We will continue all-out efforts to boost this relationship between our countries," added Gultekin.

Qian Bo, China's new consulate general, spoke of last meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan early this month on the sidelines of the G20 summit in eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

During their meeting, the two leaders exchanged views and reached an important consensus on the harmonization of China's Belt and Road initiative with Turkey's Middle Corridor plan as well as on advancing pragmatic cooperation, noted Qian.

"I believe the strategic cooperative relationship between China and Turkey is sure to usher in a period of even greater development," he said, pledging close communication and cooperation with the Turkish side in the efforts to advance better relations.
The following companies are subsidiares of Pfizer: AH Robins LLC, AHP Holdings B.V., AHP Manufacturing B.V., Agouron Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alacer, Alpharma Holdings LLC, Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alpharma Specialty Pharma LLC, Alpharma USHP LLC, American Food Industries LLC, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Angiosyn, Array BioPharma, Ayerst-Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, BIND Therapeutics Inc., BINESA 2002 S.L., Bamboo Therapeutics, Bamboo Therapeutics Inc., Baxter International - Marketed Vaccines, BioRexis, Bioren, Bioren LLC, Blue Whale Re Ltd., C.E. Commercial Holdings C.V., C.E. Commercial Investments C.V., C.P. Pharmaceuticals International C.V., CICL Corporation, COC I Corporation, Catapult Genetics, Coley Pharmaceutical GmbH, Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Coley Pharmaceutical Group Inc., Continental Pharma Inc., Covx, Covx Technologies Ireland Limited, Cyanamid Inter-American Corporation, Cyanamid de Argentina S.A., Cyanamid de Colombia S.A., Distribuidora Mercantil Centro Americana S.A., Encysive Pharmaceuticals, Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc., Esperion LUV Development Inc., Esperion Therapeutics, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals Inc., Farminova Produtos Farmaceuticos de Inovacao Lda., Farmogene Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Ferrosan A/S, Ferrosan International A/S, Ferrosan S.R.L., FoldRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Foldrx Pharmaceuticals, Fort Dodge Manufatura Ltda., G. D. Searle & Co. Limited, G. D. Searle International Capital LLC, G. D. Searle LLC, GI Europe Inc., GI Japan Inc., GenTrac Inc., Genetics Institute LLC, Greenstone LLC, Haptogen Limited, Hospira, Hospira (China) Enterprise Management Co. Ltd., Hospira Adelaide Pty Ltd, Hospira Aseptic Services Limited, Hospira Australia Pty Ltd, Hospira Benelux BVBA, Hospira Chile Limitada, Hospira Deutschland GmbH, Hospira Enterprises B.V., Hospira France SAS, Hospira Healthcare B.V., Hospira Healthcare Corporation, Hospira Healthcare India Private Limited, Hospira Holdings (S.A.) Pty Ltd, Hospira Inc., Hospira Invicta S.A., Hospira Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, Hospira Ireland Sales Limited, Hospira Japan G.K., Hospira Limited, Hospira Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Hospira NZ Limited, Hospira Nordic AB, Hospira Philippines Inc., Hospira Portugal LDA, Hospira Produtos Hospitalares Ltda., Hospira Pte. Ltd., Hospira Pty Limited, Hospira Puerto Rico LLC, Hospira Singapore Pte Ltd, Hospira UK Limited, Hospira Worldwide LLC, Hospira Zagreb d.o.o., ICAgen, Idun Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Santa Agape S.A., InnoPharma, InnoPharma Inc., International Affiliated Corporation LLC, JMI-Daniels Pharmaceuticals Inc., John Wyeth & Brother Limited, Kiinteisto oy Espoon Pellavaniementie 14, King Pharmaceuticals Holdings LLC, King Pharmaceuticals LLC, King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development LLC, Korea Pharma Holding Company Limited, Laboratoires Pfizer S.A., Laboratorios Parke Davis S.L., Laboratorios Pfizer Ltda., Laboratorios Wyeth LLC, Laboratorios Wyeth S.A., Laboratorios Pfizer Lda., MTG Divestitures LLC, Mayne Pharma IP Holdings (Euro) Pty Ltd, Medivation, Medivation Field Solutions LLC, Medivation LLC, Medivation Neurology LLC, Medivation Prostate Therapeutics LLC, Medivation Services LLC, Medivation Technologies LLC, Meridian Medical Technologies Inc., Meridian Medical Technologies Limited, Monarch Pharmaceuticals LLC, Neusentis Limited, NextWave Pharmaceuticals, NextWave Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, P-D Co. LLC, PAH USA IN8 LLC, PF Americas Holding C.V., PF Asia Manufacturing B.V., PF PR Holdings C.V., PF PRISM C.V., PF PRISM Holdings S.a.r.l., PF Prism S.a.r.l., PFE Holdings G.K., PFE PHAC Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Pfizer Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Wyeth Holdings LLC, PFE Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) LLC, PHILCO Holdings S.a r.l., PHIVCO Corp., PHIVCO Holdco S.a r.l., PHIVCO Luxembourg S.a r.l., PN Mexico LLC, PT. Pfizer Parke Davis, Parke Davis & Company LLC, Parke Davis Limited, Parke Davis Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Parke-Davis Manufacturing Corp., Parkedale Pharmaceuticals Inc., Peak Enterprises LLC, Pfizer, Pfizer (China) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Pfizer (Perth) Pty Limited, Pfizer (Thailand) Limited, Pfizer (Wuhan) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer AB, Pfizer AG, Pfizer AS, Pfizer Africa & Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Veterinarian Products & Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer Anti-Infectives AB, Pfizer ApS, Pfizer Asia Manufacturing Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., Pfizer Atlantic Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Australia Holdings B.V., Pfizer Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Pfizer Australia Investments Pty. Ltd., Pfizer Australia Pty Limited, Pfizer B.V., Pfizer BH D.o.o., Pfizer Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer Biofarmaceutica Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Pfizer Biologics (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, Pfizer Biologics Ireland Holdings Limited, Pfizer Biotech Corporation, Pfizer Bolivia S.A., Pfizer Canada Inc., Pfizer CentreSource Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Chile S.A., Pfizer Cia. Ltda., Pfizer Colombia Spinco I LLC, Pfizer Commercial Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Commercial Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Commercial TRAE Trading Kft., Pfizer Consumer Healthcare AB, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare GmbH, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Ltd., Pfizer Consumer Manufacturing Italy S.r.l., Pfizer Corporation, Pfizer Corporation Austria Gesellschaft m.b.H., Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Pfizer Croatia d.o.o., Pfizer Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Development LP, Pfizer Development Services (UK) Limited, Pfizer Domestic Ventures Limited, Pfizer Dominicana S.R.L, Pfizer ESP Pty Ltd, Pfizer East India B.V., Pfizer Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer Egypt S.A.E., Pfizer Enterprise Holdings B.V., Pfizer Enterprises LLC, Pfizer Enterprises SARL, Pfizer Europe Finance B.V., Pfizer Export B.V., Pfizer Export Company, Pfizer Export Holding Company B.V, Pfizer Finance Share Service (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Pfizer Financial Services N.V./S.A., Pfizer France International Investments, Pfizer Free Zone Panama S. de R.L., Pfizer GEP S.L., Pfizer Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer Global Supply Japan Inc., Pfizer Global Trading, Pfizer Group Luxembourg Sarl, Pfizer Gulf FZ-LLC, Pfizer H.C.P. Corporation, Pfizer HK Service Company Limited, Pfizer Health AB, Pfizer Health Solutions Inc., Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, Pfizer Hellas A.E., Pfizer Himalaya Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Holding France, Pfizer Holding Ventures, Pfizer Holdings Corporation, Pfizer Holdings Europe Unlimited Company, Pfizer Holdings G.K., Pfizer Holdings International Corporation, Pfizer Holdings International Luxembourg (PHIL) Sarl, Pfizer Holdings North America SARL, Pfizer Hungary Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Inc., Pfizer Innovations AB, Pfizer Innovations LLC, Pfizer Innovative Supply Point International BVBA, Pfizer International LLC, Pfizer International Markets Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer International Operations, Pfizer International S. de R.L., Pfizer International Trading (Shanghai) Limited, Pfizer Investment Capital Unlimited Company, Pfizer Investment Co. Ltd., Pfizer Investment Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Ireland Investments Limited, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 1 LLC, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 2 LLC, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Ireland Ventures Unlimited Company, Pfizer Italia S.r.l., Pfizer Italy Group Holding S.r.l., Pfizer Japan Inc., Pfizer LLC, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Limited, Pfizer Laboratories Limited, Pfizer Laboratories PFE (Pty) Ltd, Pfizer Leasing Ireland Limited, Pfizer Leasing UK Limited, Pfizer Limitada, Pfizer Limited, Pfizer Luxco Holdings SARL, Pfizer Luxembourg Global Holdings S.a r.l., Pfizer Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer MAP Holding Inc., Pfizer Manufacturing Austria G.m.b.H., Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland Grundbesitz GmbH & Co. KG, Pfizer Manufacturing Holdings LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Manufacturing LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Services, Pfizer Medical Technology Group (Belgium) N.V., Pfizer Medicamentos Genericos e Participacoes Ltda., Pfizer Mexico Luxco SARL, Pfizer Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pfizer Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Animal Health and Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer New Zealand Limited, Pfizer Norge AS, Pfizer North American Holdings Inc., Pfizer OTC B.V., Pfizer Overseas LLC, Pfizer Oy, Pfizer PFE ApS, Pfizer PFE AsiaPac Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Pty Ltd, Pfizer PFE B.V., Pfizer PFE Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Belgium SPRL, Pfizer PFE Brazil Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE CIA. Ltda., Pfizer PFE Chile Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Colombia Holding Corp., Pfizer PFE Colombia S.A.S, Pfizer PFE Commercial Holdings LLC, Pfizer PFE Croatia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer PFE Finland Oy, Pfizer PFE France, Pfizer PFE Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Ireland Pharmaceuticals Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco 2 S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Pfizer PFE Limited, Pfizer PFE Luxembourg S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Mexico Holding 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE Netherlands Holding 1 C.V., Pfizer PFE New Zealand, Pfizer PFE New Zealand Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Norway Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE PILSA Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Peru Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Peru S.R.L., Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer PFE Private Limited, Pfizer PFE S.R.L, Pfizer PFE Service Company Holding Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer PFE Singapore Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Singapore Pte. Ltd., Pfizer PFE Spain B.V., Pfizer PFE Spain Holding S.L., Pfizer PFE Sweden Holding 2 S.a.r.l., Pfizer PFE Sweden Holding S.a.r.l., Pfizer PFE Switzerland GmbH, Pfizer PFE Turkey Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Turkey Holding 2 B.V., Pfizer PFE UK Holding 4 LP, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 1 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 2 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 4 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 5 LLC, Pfizer PFE spol. s r.o., Pfizer PFE Ilaclar Anonim Sirketi, Pfizer Pakistan Limited, Pfizer Parke Davis (Thailand) Ltd., Pfizer Parke Davis Inc., Pfizer Parke Davis Sdn. Bhd., Pfizer Pharm Algerie, Pfizer Pharma GmbH, Pfizer Pharma PFE GmbH, Pfizer Pharmaceutical (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceutical Trading Limited Liability Company (a/k/a Pfizer Kft. or Pfizer LLC), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Global B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Korea Limited, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Pfizer Pigments Inc., Pfizer Polska Sp. z.o.o., Pfizer Private Limited, Pfizer Production LLC, Pfizer Products Inc., Pfizer Products India Private Limited, Pfizer Research (NC) Inc., Pfizer Romania SRL, Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A. (Belgium), Pfizer S.A. de C.V., Pfizer S.A.S., Pfizer S.G.P.S. Lda., Pfizer S.L., Pfizer S.R.L., Pfizer SRB d.o.o., Pfizer Saidal Manufacturing, Pfizer Sante Familiale, Pfizer Saudi Limited, Pfizer Seiyaku K.K., Pfizer Service Company BVBA, Pfizer Service Company Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Services 1, Pfizer Services LLC, Pfizer Shared Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Shareholdings Intermediate SARL, Pfizer Singapore Holding Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Singapore Trading Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Spain Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Specialties Limited, Pfizer Strategic Investment Holdings LLC, Pfizer Sweden Partnership KB, Pfizer TRAE Holdings Kft., Pfizer Trading Polska sp.z.o.o., Pfizer Transactions Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Transactions LLC, Pfizer Transactions Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer Transport LLC, Pfizer Ukraine LLC, Pfizer Vaccines LLC, Pfizer Venezuela S.A., Pfizer Venture Investments LLC, Pfizer Ventures LLC, Pfizer Worldwide Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Zona Franca S.A., Pfizer spol. s r.o., Pharmacia, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn S.A. de C.V., Pharmacia Brasil Ltda., Pharmacia Hepar LLC, Pharmacia Holding AB, Pharmacia Inter-American LLC, Pharmacia International B.V., Pharmacia LLC, Pharmacia Limited, Pharmacia Nostrum S.A., Pharmacia South Africa (Pty) Ltd, PowderJect Research Limited, PowderMed, Purepac Pharmaceutical Holdings LLC, Redvax, Renrall LLC, Rinat Neuroscience, Rinat Neuroscience Corp., Roerig Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Roerig S.A., Sao Cristovao Participacoes Ltda., Searle Laboratorios Lda., Serenex, Servicios P&U S. de R.L. de C.V., Shiley LLC, Sinergis Farma-Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Site Realty Inc., Solinor LLC, Sugen LLC, Tabor LLC, The Pfizer Incubator LLC, Therachon, Thiakis Limited, Treerly Health Co. Ltd, US Oral Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Upjohn Laboratorios Lda., Vesteralens Naturprodukter A/S, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AB, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AS, Vesteralens Naturprodukter OY, Vicuron Holdings LLC, Vinci Farma S.A., W-L LLC, Warner Lambert, Warner Lambert Ilac Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Warner Lambert del Uruguay S.A., Warner-Lambert (Thailand) Limited, Warner-Lambert Company AG, Warner-Lambert Company LLC, Warner-Lambert Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Warner-Lambert S.A., Whitehall International Inc., Whitehall Laboratories Inc., Wyeth (Thailand) Ltd., Wyeth AB, Wyeth Australia Pty. Limited, Wyeth Ayerst Inc., Wyeth Ayerst S.a r.l., Wyeth Biopharma, Wyeth Canada ULC, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare LLC, Wyeth Europa Limited, Wyeth Farma S.A., Wyeth Holdings LLC, Wyeth Industria Farmaceutica Ltda., Wyeth KFT., Wyeth LLC, Wyeth Lederle S.r.l., Wyeth Lederle Vaccines S.A., Wyeth Pakistan Limited, Wyeth Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Company, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals FZ-LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Limited, Wyeth Puerto Rico Inc., Wyeth S.A.S, Wyeth Subsidiary Illinois Corporation, Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH, Wyeth Whitehall SARL, Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) Limited, Wyeth-Ayerst International LLC, and Wyeth-Ayerst Promotions Limited.

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On-time high school graduation rates in Virginia public schools topped 91 percent for the most recent graduating class, continuing an upward trend in recent years that has been seen in the Charlottesville area, as well.

The percentage of students in Virginia who started high school in 2012 and graduated in 2016 increased to 91.3 percent, compared with 90.5 percent for the Class of 2015, according to a news release from Gov. Terry McAuliffes office.

Charlottesville City Schools reported a lower on-time graduation rate than the state did in that same time period but improved from the previous year. The on-time graduation rate hit 89.4 percent in 2016, versus 84.9 percent in 2015 in the city schools, according to Virginia Department of Education data.

Albemarle County Public Schools continued to report a higher rate than the state, with a 95 percent on-time graduation rate in 2016. The rate in Albemarle for 2015 was 94.3 percent.

A majority of public school divisions in the surrounding counties also reported increased on-time graduation rates from 2015 to 2016.

The rate increased by a tenth of a percentage point in Buckingham County schools to 91 percent. Fluvanna County schools saw an increase of 1.6 points to 94.4 percent and Louisa County schools reported an increase of 2.3 points to 92.7 percent.

In Madison County, the on-time graduation rate rose 1.3 percentage points to 96.5 percent. Nelson Countys rate increased 8.1 points to 92 percent and Orange County schools reported a rate of 93.8 percent in 2016, up 3.1 points from the previous year.

Greene Countys on-time graduation rate was 93.3 percent in 2016, a 2-percentage point drop from 2015.

More information can be found at vdoe.virginia.gov under the Statistics & Reports section.
DANVILLE -- In February, Hargrave Military Academy ground to a halt because of a threat made over social media that was supposedly connected to Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

On Wednesday, a juvenile charged in the incidents at the Chatham military school pleaded guilty to multiple counts.

The suspect was identified in April as a young man under the age of 18 who was a former student at Hargrave Military Academy, Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor said at the time.

Since the suspect is a juvenile, the Pittsylvania County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handled the case. The juveniles name and exact charges were not available.

The suspect was accused of committing two internet crimes against Hargrave Military Academy  one of them occurred on Dec. 24, 2015, taking the schools website offline, resulting in a loss in access of more than $1,000; and the other occurred on Jan. 10 where the schools internet was interrupted, the Register & Bee previously reported.

The former student was also charged with two counts of making false bomb threats against the school, on Feb. 16 and 18, and publishing private and identifying information on the internet about school president Gen. Doyle Don Broome Jr. on Feb. 12.

In a news release issued Wednesday afternoon, Devin Taylor, an investigator with the Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office, said the unnamed suspect was charged with multiple criminal offenses including publishing Hargraves employees personal information online, or doxing, taking down Hargraves wireless internet and its webpage resulting in a safety issue and a considerable financial cost and making a bomb threat to the school,

Restitution was ordered by the court to reimburse Hargrave Military Academy.

Numerous law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation.
At the end of this month, Virginia Quarterly Reviews publisher, Jon Parrish Peede, will turn his focus back to his own writing career after leading the publication for the past five years.

As publisher, Peede administered a $1 million budget, supervised a four-person professional staff and oversaw all business and administrative operations, including print, online and digital readership, according to a news release.

This year, Peede also oversaw the operational transition of VQR from the Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Virginia to the new Center for Media and Citizenship.

Before joining the VQR, Peede worked as the literature director of the National Endowment for the Arts.

On Friday, Peede will turn his attention to his writing career, nonprofit consulting and arts advocacy. He is currently the board president of the Piedmont Council for the Arts, on the board of the SonEdna Foundation in Mississippi and on the national council of the Margaret Walker Center Archive and Museum of the African American Experience at Jackson State University in Mississippi.

The Virginia Quarterly Review has been published continuously at UVa since 1925. For more information, visit vqronline.org.
Two candidates in the race for the seat to represent Virginias 5th Congressional District met Wednesday, wrapping up a pair of debates this week that continued the path to Novembers general election.

Although the competition between Democrat Jane Dittmar and state Sen. Tom Garrett Jr., R-Buckingham, has flared up recently with accusations of dishonesty, the candidates were relatively restrained at Wednesdays debate at the University of Virginia.

Hosted by the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, Dittmar and Garrett answered questions prepared by three Batten professors. An hour into the debate, the moderators then asked questions submitted from the audience

The candidates are vying to replace Republican Rep. Robert Hurt, who announced last year he would be giving up his seat in Congress.

While Dittmar and Garrett shared an interest in removing some government regulations to boost economic development throughout the district, as well as a general desire to change the status quo in Washington, the two candidates diverged on a few issues.

Asked what their priorities would be if elected, Dittmar said developing internet access throughout the predominately rural areas of the district could improve economic, education and health care outcomes for citizens.

We have a critical digital divide throughout this district, she said. We must correct this. We are leaving communities behind all over the country.

Answering the same question, Garrett said he would focus broadly on domestic security by implementing policies that would counter domestic terrorism. Although he didnt expand on it until later in the debate, he also mentioned a plan to tackle student loan debt and entitlement reform.

That proposal, he said, would grant individuals some level of debt forgiveness in return for deferring on their Social Security benefits for a few years.

That much debt looming over peoples heads stops them from buying homes, getting small business loans and buying cars, Garrett said. It stymies the entire economy as it relates to an entire generation of Americans.

On the topic of foreign policy, Dittmar seemed to be in favor of existing foreign policy and maintaining defense commitments to allied nations but said assessments of defense spending and troop levels in foreign nations should be considered.

Garrett agreed that commitments to allies need to be kept but questioned the strategies that are being employed to combat terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State and Al Qaida. He added that federal officials may need to reconsider where military and foreign aid is being sent.

I think it makes all the sense in the world to curtail foreign aid to any nation whose government ... would attack the United States or her allies, he said.

Dittmar said she may have a better handle on military strategy if she is elected but emphasized focusing on ways to prevent domestic terrorist attacks.

 Theres not enough coordination between local police forces and [the Department of] Homeland Security, she said. We need to double up our efforts there and [add] resources to those areas...

On immigration, Garrett said the nation needs to control the border and enforce existing immigration laws as a matter of national security. Dittmar, on the other hand, criticized stalwart Republicans for preventing immigration reform.

On health care, Garrett criticized the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, questioning whether pursuing market-based solutions may have prevented the government from getting too involved in the economy. He suggested health savings accounts could be a more appropriate solution.

Dittmar said she sees a need to reassess the act but that shes deeply concerned it could be completely overturned if nothing is done soon. If it crashes and burn, well have chaos, she said.

The candidates will meet in the Charlottesville area again for debates next month. Rural Madison is hosting a debate at Woodberry Forest School at 7 p.m. Oct. 5. Another will be held at Piedmont Virginia Community College on Oct. 10.
RICHMOND  Gov. Terry McAuliffe says he cant stop the planned Atlantic Coast Pipeline even if he wanted to.

Facing pressure from environmental activists and property owners who oppose the 600-mile project, the Democratic governor was asked about the pipeline Wednesday during a radio appearance on WTOPs Ask the Governor.

McAuliffe said he supports the project as a boon to manufacturing jobs and a safer alternative to transporting natural gas over roads or rails. The pipeline is largely under the purview of federal regulators, McAuliffe said, and the air and water permits issued by the state are decided statutorily.

I as governor do not have the right to call down to the Department of Environmental Quality  and say Well I dont like this, McAuliffe said. I cannot deny an air and water permit as governor. I dont have the authority. Its done by statute. If you dont like the regs and they get approved, then you need to talk to the legislature to change the law.

Opposition to the pipeline has been especially fierce in Nelson County. The question posed to the governor Wednesday focused specifically on the projects impact on the Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Pipeline protesters have confronted McAuliffe at several recent events, often filming the encounters and posting the videos online. One activist group, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, is planning a three-day protest outside the Executive Mansion next week focusing on pipelines and other issues.

I actually love it, McAuliffe said of the protests. Thats democracy.

McAuliffe said that under his governorship Virginia has taken strides toward clean energy, including the expansion of solar energy and the establishment of a climate change commission.

People just dont like the pipeline because they dont like fracked gas. Well theres nothing I can do about that, McAuliffe said. Were going to have fracked gas in this country. Its going to move around our country. It is going to come to Virginia.

The governor said hes been very tough on Dominion Resources, the energy giant behind the pipeline known for bankrolling state politicians from both parties. McAuliffe said hes insisted that Dominion take every step to protect historic resources and the environment while developing the pipeline.

Nobody wants it in their backyard. I clearly understand those issues, McAuliffe said. But its going to be underground. Youre not going to see it.
The rise of social media has been a boon  as well as a bane  to political commentators of all stripes. On one hand, they have the unparalleled ability to connect with readers in real time.

On the other hand are the trolls.

Its a source of fascination for Dave Weigel, the Washington Post reporter covering this years contentious presidential election.

Weigel said that scanning Twitter, in particular, has given him the opportunity to interact with people on a much larger scale  and on a much higher level of intensity  than traditional methods of journalism.

The angrier, unvarnished ranting on Twitter is much more self-selective, but I find it to be pretty useful, Weigel said. Especially when it comes to documenting the insane, rage-fueled election were going through right now.

Weigel and three other journalists discussed the impact of social media on the election at a forum held by the University of Virginias Center for Politics on Wednesday night.

He was joined by Josh Barro, senior editor for Business Insider; Taegan Goddard, editor of Political Wire; and Abby Livingston, Washington bureau chief for the Texas Tribune.

Geoffrey Skelley, the centers media relations coordinator, joined in as well.

The panelists agreed that social media is a powerful and useful tool that allows journalists and their readers to keep one another in the loop. The journalists said they often use it to check the mood among different segments of the population.

Goddard said it made Mondays presidential debate between candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, eminently more watchable.

Its a great source of information, Goddard said. Its a horrible source of commentary sometimes.

He added: I actually dont know what Id do without it.

But each of them expressed worries that peoples increased reliance on social media for information has accelerated a couple of worrying trends. First, theres the tendency for users to take refuge in ideological bubbles  which began when cable news became polarized and has continued as more and more people have started sharing and retweeting on their social media accounts.

Its changed the psychology of voters, who now seek out only the information that supports their worldview, Weigel said, while disregarding anything they disagree with as biased.

Im forever debunking things my readers sent to me via email and are easily disproved. he said. The thing thats worried me most about what will happen after this election is people dont seem very interested in informing themselves.

Then there are the trolls.

Livingston recounted hearing horror stories from other female journalists who received vulgar comments during the heated Democratic primary between Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

I dont understand the mindset of someone sitting down and typing something like that, Livingston said. Clearly something strange is going on in this country, and its frightening.

The panel touched on a number of other topics surrounding the election, including Mondays debate (which, they agreed, went to Clinton), in-fighting among Republicans and implications for the Congressional races.

They also gave their predictions for the election itself.

Goddard pointed out that fluctuating polls made the 2012 election seem much closer in the lead up to November than it really was. Goddard said he believes Clinton will win handily this year, as Obama did in 2012.

The other panelists said they werent so sure because major shifts in demographics have completely changed the electorate. Clinton is poised to capture the white college-educated vote  a demographic that usually votes Republican. Nonwhite voters, who tend broadly to vote Democratic, are a larger share of the population.

Meanwhile Trump, who has defied all expectations, is banking on his popularity with white, non-college-educated voters, Weigel said the strategy would have worked 20 years ago, but it is unlikely to work in 2016.

Goddard called it a fascinating experiment.

I dont think itll work either  but its extraordinary what hes doing, Goddard said. He has segmented our population  or played to the ability to segment our population  like no ones ever done before.
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A civil case between Orange County and the Town of Gordonsville over sales tax revenue will proceed after a judge ruled against the towns motion to dismiss last week.

On June 30, a complaint from Orange County was filed in circuit court seeking more than $115,000 in overpaid sales tax revenue from Gordonsville.

Within the five-page complaint filed by Orange County Attorney Thomas Lacheney, the county claims excessive payments were made to Gordonsville dating back to 2008 based on inaccurate school census information about the towns school-age population. The countys legal claim is one for assumpsit, an express or implied promise or contract, the breach of which may be grounds for a suit.

The 2008 Orange County Public School census numbers were clearly erroneous and the Gordonsville school age population did not actually increase by 167 percent in three years, the complaint reads.

Based on the census numbers, which determine local sales tax distribution, Orange Countys Treasurer began making payments to Gordonsville and the Town of Orange which far exceeded the actual tax allocation owed to the two towns, an error that wasnt corrected until 2014.

Orange Town Manager Greg Woods said the Town of Orange is trying to work with the county to resolve the matter. The county is only pursuing legal action against Gordonsville at this time.

The Town of Gordonsville has retained Sharon Pandak as outside counsel. Pandak is a former Orange County attorney. She sat at the defense desk with Gordonsville Attorney Angela Scolforo.

In August, Pandak filed a demurrer and motion to dismiss the countys complaint. A demurrer challenges the legal sufficiency of facts alleged in complaint. A demurrer may further contend that the complaint does not set forth enough facts to justify legal relief or it may introduce additional facts that defeat the legal effectiveness of the plaintiffs complaint.

Reliance upon statements, without sufficient supporting factual allegations, does not establish a cause of action that can survive a demurrer, the document reads.

In court Wednesday, Pandak said the county fails to allege any facts sufficient to state a claim for an assumpsit and the county fails to show a contract (valid express or implied) between the two parties.

The town referred to the case Norfolk vs. Norfolk County, which explains the rules of an assumpsit case.

In order to have a valid claim for an action in assumpsit, there must be a valid express or implied contract, and such contract must be based upon a valid and sufficient consideration, and there must be privity of contract established between the parties, the demurrer states.

According to the demurrer, the complaint makes no claim of an express contract by Gordonsville to return the money to the county.

The complaint also shows no evidence of an implied contract, the demurrer states, therefore the conditions of an assumpsit are not met. Pandak said the complaint actually makes clear the absence of such contract by stating Gordonsville has made it clear that it does not feel any obligation, moral or legal, to repay Orange County for the illicit funds it received.

Pandak said the complaint shows no indication Gordonsville did anything wrong, instead, the complaint claims the county treasurer made the only error.

The county does not allege any facts or law that the town owes a legal duty to return sales tax revenue distributed to the town by the treasurer, the demurrer continues, claiming that the county is rightfully owed the money by the town, are conclusory statements with no supporting allegations.

According to Pandak, the complaint fails to name the proper party and county action should be taken against the treasurer and not Gordonsville. The county may be able to seek relief from the treasurer, who receives a bond through the State Department of Treasury, the demurrer states.

Pandak said the countys complaint is insufficient and based upon conclusory allegations.

Tax money was paid to the town that belonged to the county, Lacheney said during the hearing.

In the Norfolk case, Norfolk County erroneously was paid tax money from two railroad companies situated in the city of Norfolk. The city filed action against the county seeking to recover the tax money and the county filed a demurrer. The Supreme Court of Virginia reversed an order that sustained the countys demurrer, noting privity of fact was not required between the two parties because a quasi-contract and privity could be implied from the circumstances. The Virginia Supreme Court said the county had a duty to repay the city because it was never entitled to the tax money.

[The taxes] belonged to the city at the time they were assessed and at the time they were paid, reads the Norfolk case document. The county, therefore, cannot in equity and good conscience retain such taxes as against the city.

Lacheney said the only difference in the county and Gordonsville case is that the taxes were paid erroneously by the treasurer.

Lacheney also presented the judge with a copy of Attorney General William Mims opinion for a similar situation in Tazewell County in 2009.

The towns receiving the amounts paid by the county treasurer clearly were not entitled to receive such funds and did so without statutory authority because the deposit was based upon the incorrect data, the opinion reads. Accordingly, the towns receiving the incorrect amount must return the overages to the county.

Mims also states if the towns dont return the money voluntarily, the treasurer is permitted to deduct the overages as other charges due from the towns.

In Madison County Court, Judge Bradley Finch overruled the demurrer and motion to dismiss, asking both parties, Have you tried to talk about this case?

Yes. Extensively, Scolforo said.

The town will next have to file its answer in response to the countys complaint.
Arvold Casting will hold a casting call for the lead role of Charles Wallace in the Disney feature "A Wrinkle in Time." Open auditions will be from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 9 at WCVE Video Productions at 23 Sesame St. in Richmond.

The call is for 5-9 year old boys to play a mixed race character in the film based on the children's book by Madeleine L'Engle. Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon have starring roles, and two-time Academy Award nominee Ava DuVernay is the director.

According to Virginia based casting director Erica Arvold, the search is on for "an intelligent, confident and exuberant actor" and that "being comfortable in front of a camera while holding a natural conversation is important, but the essence of this character is what grabs me, and thats what we look forward to seeing.

For more information, visit www.arvold.com.
From September 23 to 24, 2016, the CCC & TSPM of Donghe Distrct, Baotou City, held a dedication ceremony of the early city Beiliang in Beiliang New District. Elder Liu Lian'en, vice chairman of the Autonomous Christian Council, Liu Weidong, director of Civil and Religious Bureau of the United Front Work Department, Fengli, vice minister of Beiliang District United Front Work Department, Feng Xixi, vice director of the Beiliang District Civil and Religious Bureau and Pastor Wang Qingsuo from Taiyuan, Shanxi Province together with 8000 fellow pastoral workers from surrounding cities attended this ceremony. Pastor Wang Xiaozhen, vice president of Inner Mongolia TSPM resided upon this ceremony.

According to the Inner Mogolia CCC & TSPM website, in 2016 the government renovated the shanty towns and relocated the Guchengwan Church in the Beiliang New District, now known as Southern No.1 Beiliang New District together with Guchengwan Village. It was learned that at that time the government arranged two ground floor shops for the church, and the believers gathered money and bought another shop of the same size, combining them into the current church.
Listening to a motivational speaker wasnt Gabrielle Shoppes idea of how she wanted to spend part of Wednesday morning.

When I heard about this, I was disappointed I had to listen to a motivational speaker, said the Chippewa Falls High School ninth grader after a speech by a speaker, author and subject of Troubled Teen, an A&E documentary series. But after hearing him Im really glad I came.

What changed her mind was hearing Oklahoma native Josh Shipps story about growing up an orphan, being raped in a group home at 8 years old, bouncing around the foster care system and somehow finding someone who believed in him that helped him become the person he is today.

He told his story to Chi-His nearly 600 freshmen and sophomores Wednesday morning in the schools auditorium.

While Shoppe said shes heard about self-encouragement and believing in yourself many different ways, something about his presentation made her listen.

It surprised me how he suddenly went into his personal past, but it showed us his true strength, she said. I have gone through hard times in different ways, and I think Im pretty good at dealing with them, but this was another way. Every bit of encouragement helps.

In dealing with tough, awful, embarrassing and/or disgusting situations, Shipp told the students that those are the moments that define us.

We can get bitter, and thats your right, or we can bet better, and thats your choice, Shipp said. Instead of training yourself to make excuses, look at the situation and say, Is there one little thing I can pull from this?

It took Shipp several years and countless foster homes to figure that out. But his current set of foster parents taught him that valuable lesson, and now he has shared it with more than two million parents and adults around the country.

He compared the challenges everyone faces on a daily basis, whatever they may be, to Boo, the ghost in Mario Brothers.

Just like in Mario Brothers as in life, the only way you get that ghost to stop is to have the guts, the courage, to turn around and face it, Shipp said. You either deal with it or it will continue to haunt you.

But he understands its difficult for anyone, himself included, to deal with those demons head on. He turned to his foster parents, who told him they saw him as an opportunity, after they bailed him out of jail. He also turned to his high school teacher, who encouraged him to join DECA and saw his skill set as an opportunity, not a nuisance.

Thats why the second part of his message to students requires admitting the need for help. Shipp encourages students to talk to one single adult they can trust.

Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story, he said. One person who believes in you, sees the best in you even when you dont deserve it.

And asking for help doesnt make you weak, he reminded them. It makes you brave.

Its okay to not be okay, he said.

His foster parents helped get him into counseling, where he spent hundreds of hours reflecting on his past and learning about himself.

HSHS St. Josephs and Sacred Heart hospitals brought Shipp to the Chippewa Valley, where he spoke with Chi-Hi and Memorial High School students as well as parents Wednesday night at the State Theatre in Eau Claire.

Rhonda Brown, divisions director for HSHS, said the 3D Community Health program is really focused on mental health awareness in the community, and they wanted to find someone to speak specifically to teenagers. With Shipps ability to speak to both, he fit the bill perfectly.

Following the presentation at Chi-Hi, Brown was impressed at how he kept the students attention, constantly engaging them, and how they really listened. As he told his story, there was complete silence (and no light from cell phones) in the auditorium.

I could look and see the kids nodding, it was resonating with them, and at the same time I found myself being struck by things he said that apply to me, right now, Brown said. It takes a really unique individual to connect with both, and hes got a message that does that.

Shipp said he will only accept speaking engagements that allow him to speak to both parents and teenagers because his message to each, while slightly different, parallels each other. He helps teenagers understand themselves, and parents understand their children.

I see myself as a bridge that can give each a little bit of perspective and compassion for the other, Shipp said. If youre a teenager your mom drives you crazy, but if youre a mom your teen drives you crazy. Both are right and both are at fault, but both can make it better.

Shipp had parents submit questions for him in advance with their registration to his event Wednesday night. Although many of the concerns are similar, the process helps tailor his speech to meet specific needs.

In the end, though, his meaning is the same, and its the reason hes been successful in his talks for 13 years.

Everyone has a story, he said. I think when you tell your story honestly it gives people the courage to face their own story.
With the heaviest rains moving out of the Coulee Region, forecasters are now warning of flooding on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

Flood warnings are in effect through Monday for Galesville and Sunday through Wednesday for La Crosse as well as for counties throughout northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin.

There was major flooding Friday on the Black and Kickapoo rivers in Wisconsin and on the Cedar and Turkey rivers in Iowa, with moderate flooding of the Root River in Minnesota, according to the National Weather Service.

This is everywhere, said Mike Welvaert, service hydrologist with the National Weather Service in La Crosse.

The Mississippi is expected to reach minor flood stage Sunday in La Crosse, cresting at 12.3 feet on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

At 12 feet, Pettibone Campground and RV Park is flooded, and access to the north end of the Shore Acres development is restricted. Some lowland flooding occurs in other areas near the river.

Minor flooding is also expected in Genoa, where the Mississippi will likely crest Tuesday. Farther south, minor to moderate flooding is possible next week in Lynxville and McGregor, Iowa.

The Black River was expected to crest Saturday at 14.6 feet in Galesville, less than six inches below major flood stage. The river crested Thursday in Black River Falls at 60.3 feet, about 1.2 feet below the record crest set in 2010.

While the Mississippi River typically floods in April, its not uncommon to see a secondary crest in September. Six years ago Friday, Arcadia was hit with a record flood after receiving nearly 7 inches of rain.

More than 7 inches of rain fell in the La Crosse area between Tuesday night and Thursday, triggering localized flooding, washouts and landslides. Floyd County in northern Iowa received more than 11 inches of rain in two days.

Two people were killed in Vernon County on Thursday, and a BNSF train derailed on washed out tracks near Ferryville. Flooding and mudslides forced numerous road closures, some of which remained in effect Friday.

The National Weather Service measured 4.6 inches of rain at the La Crosse Regional Airport, about an inch more than usually falls in the entire month of September.

Welvaert said the current flooding is a result of those rains on top of an already wet summer.

Weve been pretty damp all summer, and we had a good rain event in August, he said. It doesnt help when you get 14 inches of rain in some places.

Welvaert said this is the most widespread flood event hes seen in 18 years with the La Crosse office, which covers a 28-county area of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
An industry source told Reuters after Tata Steel paused the sale that Liberty would proceed with plans to bid for the company's speciality steel and pipe businesses.

Industrial and commodity group Liberty House's bid for Tata Steel UK's speciality steel and pipe businesses is worth nearly 100 million pounds ($130 million), an industry source told Reuters on Wednesday.

Britain's largest steelmaker paused the sale of its major UK assets in July to explore a joint venture with Germany's Thyssenkrupp, but proceeded with separate talks to sell its speciality and pipe businesses.

The businesses employ around 2,000 people directly, but up to 8,000 jobs would be at risk in sectors related to steelmaking if sale talks fail.

Liberty was a bidder for Tata Steel UK's major assets.

An industry source told Reuters after Tata Steel paused the sale that Liberty would proceed with plans to bid for the company's speciality steel and pipe businesses, based in Rotherham, Stocksbridge and Hartlepool.

Tata Steel and Liberty declined to comment.
A high-level delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is there to attend the third Annual Ministerial Dialogue.

New Delhi: India and Canada are expected to deliberate on ways for early conclusion of the proposed free trade agreement and foreign investment promotion and protection pact on September 29.

The issue, among others, will figure during the meeting between the trade ministers of both the countries in Toronto. A high-level delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is there to attend the third Annual Ministerial Dialogue.

Considering the potential of bilateral trade, the trade ministers are likely to discuss "ways of expeditious and early conclusion of Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)", the commerce ministry said in a statement.

CEPA is a comprehensive free trade agreement under which two trade partners significantly reduce or eliminate Customs duties, besides liberalising trade in services and investment norms.

The negotiations for the agreement were launched by both in November 2010 to further boost bilateral trade and investment. The two-way trade stood at USD 6.25 billion in 2015-16, an increase from USD 5.95 billion in 2014-15.

Both ministers may also explore options for Indian interest in addressing the Temporary Foreign Workers Programmes of Canada, which is affecting the Indian IT industry.

The other issues that are likely to figure in the discussion are equivalence by Canadian Food Inspection Agency for Indian organic product exports and exploring investment opportunities in different sectors of India, it added.

The ministers are also expected to discuss issues relating to intellectual property, among others. Sitharaman is scheduled to meet some top business leaders of Canada tomorrow to talk about various reforms undertaken in India and prospects for investment in various sectors.

The statement said India and Canada have enormous scope for enhanced bilateral trade relation, but it has "not been up to the potential".

During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada in April 2015, both nations recognised the need for early finalisation of FIPA and and expeditious, progressive, balanced, and mutually beneficial CEPA, as a basis for expanding trade and investment.
Imports of these steel products have drastically increased to 4,95,732 tonnes during the period of investigation (July- December 2015) from 1,60,582 tonnes in 2012-13. (Representational Image)

New Delhi: The commerce ministry has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire rods from China to protect the interest of domestic players from cheap in-bound shipments. In its preliminary findings, the directorate general of anti-dumping and allied duties (DGAD) has recommended the duty.

DGAD has suggested that for certain Chinese companies, the duty should be the difference between the landed value of the steel products and USD 499 per tonne while for others, it should be the gap between the landed value and USD 538 per tonne.

The duty was recommended on imports of 'wire rod of alloy or non-alloy steel', which is used in many applications and sectors such as automotive components, welding electrodes, fasteners, including nuts and bolts, nails, railway sleepers, general engineering, binding wires for construction industry and armoured cables.

Steel Authority of India, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Usha Martin and JSW Steel had jointly filed the application to probe the dumping of these products from China. In its findings, DGAD concluded that the product has been exported to India at "below the normal value" due to which "the domestic industry has suffered material injury".

"The authority recommends imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty... so as to remove the injury to the domestic industry," DGAD said in a notification.

Imports of these steel products have drastically increased to 4,95,732 tonnes during the period of investigation (July- December 2015) from 1,60,582 tonnes in 2012-13. India has already slapped anti-dumping duty on certain cold-rolled flat steel products from four nations, including China and South Korea. While DGAD recommends the duty to be levied, the finance ministry imposes it.

Countries initiate anti-dumping probes to determine if the domestic industry has been hurt by a surge in below-cost imports. As a counter-measure, they impose duties under the multilateral WTO regime.

Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products. India has initiated maximum anti-dumping cases against "below-cost" imports from China.
New Delhi: Rejecting RJio's demand for an apology over issuing a press statement calling it a "Back Door Operator", cellular industry body COAI's DG Rajan Mathews today ruled out an immediate overhaul of proportionate voting norms of the association, as demanded by the new entrant.

"I don't believe there is any need for an apology. The Director General acts in accordance with the rules, regulations and constitution of the association. DG does not make independent statements expressing his point of view," Mathews told PTI.

On whether he has the full backing of COAI office bearers on the issue, Mathews said, "Absolutely." Asked if there is a case for COAI to overhaul its proportionate voting rules - which Jio has criticised as being skewed in favour of incumbent operators - Mathews said, "It is not necessary to move away from proportionate voting rights."

"The principal rationale is that you (members' voting rights) have to be reflective of the representation you have in the market...," he said. Mathews said COAI has also asked internal legal experts as well as external advocates to examine the recent charges levelled by RJio that the association's voting rights are in violation of Societies Registration Act and a Supreme Court ruling on BCCI.

"They (lawyers) will look at it (the charges) and tell us is there any validity - which we believe there is none  and tell us the appropriate language in which to respond to RJio," Mathews pointed out.

In a statement issued last evening, Reliance Jio had said it has "already put Rajan Mathews on notice" demanding an apology for issuing the recent press statement calling the company a "Back Door Operator" or BDO.

RJio had further asked COAI to initiate appropriate action against Mathews, and had cautioned that "should they not act upon it, RJio will pursue legal recourse with full vigour".

"The press statement of COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews (terming Jio as a back door operator on September 25) is surreptitious, defamatory, and an act of contempt of the orders of the Supreme Court and devoid of any merit," RJio had said in the statement.

RJio had said COAI and Mathews were fully aware that these allegations were part of a public interest litigation filed before the Supreme Court. "...and all of the said allegations have been duly adjudicated upon and rejected by the Supreme Court," Jio had said.
New Delhi: India is embarking on significant reforms and will grow at more than 7 per cent, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde has said.

"China is rightly rebalancing from manufacturing to services, from investment to consumption, and from exports to domestic services which should produce a more sustainable, albeit slower growing economic model. Even so, it will continue to grow at a robust rate of about 6 per cent.

"So too will India, which is also embarking on significant reforms, at more than 7 per cent," the International Monetary Fund (IMF) quoted Lagarde as saying at an event in Northwestern University, US.

She said the world has changed fast over the past 20 years and it will not stand still. "In the emerging and developing countries home to 85 per cent of the world's population we have seen more progress for more people than at any time in history: child mortality is down, life expectancy is up, absolute poverty has declined, school enrollment is on the rise," she said.

Recently, Asian Development Bank also said India's economy will remain on a strong growth path this fiscal and clock a growth of 7.4 per cent, aided by implementation of key structural reforms, robust consumer demand and higher agricultural output driven by a good monsoon.

India recently adopted structural reforms to attract more foreign direct investment and passed a legislation to allow a national tax that will create a more integrated and productive economy. The government intends to implement the goods and services tax (GST) from April 1, 2017.
New Delhi: Embattled tycoon Vijay Mallya,who is in London avoiding court summons here, has been made Principal Officer of United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd (UBHL) in the absence of a Managing Director and is 'monitoring' the operations of the company from the UK.

Mallya, who is the Chairman of the company, is wanted in India in connection with loan default of over Rs 9,000 crore from various banks linked to the defunct Kingfisher Airlines, has been based in the UK since March this year.

"In the absence of a Managing Director, the Chairman of the Board, Vijay Mallya has been made the Principal Officer of the company and has been monitoring the performance of the company through appropriate delegation of duties to various operating executives, who report to him on a regular basis," UBHL said in a regulatory filing.

The company has been without a Managing Director since the resignation of V Shashikanth in May 2014. It has appointed Chief Financial Officer, Ajay Kumar Kaushik, from April 20, 2016.

According to information available on the BSE, as on quarter ended March 2016, the company had five directors out of which three are non-executive independent directors.

Mallya and Dajlit Mahal are the non-executive non-independent directors. Kaushik Majumder, who is the Senior Vice-President Legal and Company Secretary, is the other key management team member listed on the BSE.
WAUKESHA  Forty days left in his campaign, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday doubled down on his Democratic opponents past in attempting to win over the most important conservative area of Wisconsin at a rally of nearly two thousand in Waukesha.

In his sixth stop to the state since embarking upon a presidential campaign that until recently garnered little support from establishment Republicans like those concentrated in Waukesha, Trump was helped by Former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who was previously a staunch supporter of former presidential candidate Gov. John Kasich.

Thompson told the crowd gathered in the Waukesha County Expo Center that its time to get on the train. The Trump train is moving.

The former governor likened the real estate mogul who has never been elected to any public office to President Ronald Reagan. But the states top Republicans, Gov. Scott Walker and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, were not at the rally that was held in the same venue Walker in July of 2015 announced his own presidential bid that lasted just 70 days.

Thompson said Trump, like Reagan did in the 1980s, is inspiring a movement of patriotism.

The Wednesday rally was held just two days after Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sparred in their first debate ahead of Novembers election and was held in the heart of one of the countrys most influential movements among conservatives to reject Trump as the way forward for Republicans in the 2016 presidential race.

Trump, along with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, told the crowd that Clinton could not be trusted  and electing her would be continuing a pattern of corruption that began with Clintons husband former president Bill Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas.

Its going to be a victory for you, the American people. We are going to end the Clinton corruption and restore dignity and honesty to government service, said Trump. Hillary Clinton is an insider who fights only for her donors and for herself. Im an outsider and Im fighting for you.

If she ever got the chance she would put the oval office up for sale, he said.

He also said the countrys inner cities are being left behind, and would improve lives for Hispanic and black Americans.

To the African American community I say what the hell do you have to lose? I will fix it, vote for me, I will fix it, he said.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Philip Shulman described Trumps speech as unhinged and incoherent. He said Trump does not have the temperament to be president of the United States.

Trump said Thompson three months ago urged the candidate to focus on other states because conservatives in Wisconsin wouldnt support him, but after seeing polling a couple weeks ago, asked him to come back to the state.

Even so, the real estate mogul continues to have his work cut out for him in Wisconsin with state Republicans struggling with how to handle his incendiary statements and past support for Clinton.

Trump was crushed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the states primary in April after a successful push by prominent state Republicans and conservatives who sold Cruz as the only viable candidate to stop Trump from becoming the GOP nominee and to defeat Clinton.

But on Wednesday, before Trump was set to speak to the crowd of hundreds, some state Republicans got on board with Trump.

Former GOP Senator and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, GOP Rep. Adam Neylon of Pewaukee, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp, GOP party chairman Brad Courtney and former U.S. Sen. Bob Kasten all asked the crowd there to see Trump to support the real estate mogul, who was a party outsider until his nomination.

Clinton has yet to visit Wisconsin while Trump made two trips since the GOP convention in July before scheduling the Waukesha visit.

Jane Smith of Williams Bay, a bookkeeper at an electric supply company, traveled to Waukesha with her friend Mary Ong wearing bright pink T-shirts that read Wisconsin Women for Trump in black block lettering.

Smith said her support of Trump is rooted in her opposition to Clinton.

I dont trust Hillary and I dont believe anything she has to say, said Smith, 52.

Smith said she likes Trump because he hasnt spent decades in politics like Clinton and isnt polished, as illustrated by his performance at Mondays debate at Hofstra University in New York.

She did well. I thought he could have done better, said Smith. But thats a big part of why I like him  hes not a politician.

Jay Schroeder of Neenah, a mortgage and loan officer, said the debates questions were designed to discredit Trumps qualifications. He said questioning Trump of his previous comments implying President Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. were unfair.

The country has 21 trillion in debt  I really dont care where (Obama) was born, said Schroeder, 54. If the economy collapses, thats what affects you and me  not where (Obama) was born.

Democratic strategist Paul Maslin said Trump can win the battleground states of Ohio, Florida, Nevada and North Carolina and still lose the election. He has to cut into Clintons electoral college total by winning states that are leaning Democratic, such as Virginia, Pennsylvania or Wisconsin.

Republican pollster Gene Ulm said Trump is likely making a push in Wisconsin because of its blue-collar nature, but he has struggled in the suburban Milwaukee counties. Theyre very Republican, but Republicans there are highly educated and that has been a tougher group for Trump to lock down.

Trumps support drops off among those kind of voters, Ulm said. If support drops off two to three points (in Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties) it crushes any Republican.

Ulm said the results of state polls in the wake of Monday nights first debate could influence where the candidates dedicate their time in the final six weeks before the election. The next Marquette Law School Poll wont be out for two weeks, poll director Charles Franklin said.

Though Clinton hasnt visited the state yet since the spring primary, Franklin said Chelsea Clintons visit to Green Bay on Friday is an indication the Clinton campaign is seeing Wisconsin as a much closer state than what it was a month ago.
MUMBAI: The surprise surgical strikes carried out by the Indian army across the line of control (LOC) rattled equity markets on Thursday with both the Sensex and Nifty plunging over 2 per cent in the intra-day trade.

Risk averse investors and traders were seen squaring of their long positions amidst the expiry of the September derivative series on fears that the strong retaliation by the Indian army could escalate the geo-political tension between the two nuclear-armed nations.

The Sensex tanked 572.89 points in the intra-day trade before ending the day at 27,827.53, down 465.28 points or 1.64 per cent from its Wednesdays close. The Nifty slumped 153.90 points or 1.76 per cent to close at 8,591.25. The Indian rupee also came under selling pressure and suffered sharp losses against the US currency. The rupee closed the day at 66.84 per dollar, down 35 paise from its previous sessions close of 66.46.

I feel that the markets would stabilise in due course as Indias macro fundamentals are still strong. Even in the past, when the markets have corrected sharply due to some geo-political tensions, they have bounced back sharply tracking strong fundamentals. So I think, a sharp correction would be a good opportunity for long term investors, said Deven Choksey, managing director, K.R. Choksey Securities.

According to Dinesh Thakkar, chairman and managing director of Angel Broking, markets are likely to remain subdued in the short term due to the escalating tension on the border and investors are expected to take a wait and watch approach. However, it is pertinent to note that during 1999 Kargil war, markets eventually bounced back with more than 13 per cent gains during the course of the war. In my view, once the current issue also de-escalates, the markets would revert to their fundamentals which remain strong for India, he added. As per provisional data released by the stock exchanges, FPIs pumped in Rs 3,413.37 crore, which experts said was largely on account of the rollover of the September derivative series.

Barring the stock of ITC, all the twenty-nine constituents in the Sensex ended the day in red. While the shares of Adani Ports slumped over 5 per cent, the shares of Lupin, Tata Steel, GAIL, ICICI Bank and Sun Pharma suffered losses in between 3 per cent to 4 per cent.
Mumbai: Indias every-constrained relationship with Pakistan has taken an even ugly direction after the Uri attacks, which saw 18 Indian soldiers losing their lives to sheer cruelty.

The surgical strikes by Indian Army has brought a reasonable amount of relief to otherwise battered Indian souls. Even the stars cannot help praising the heroes of the nation.

Some of the celebs took to social media to express their gratitude to the army.

Here is what they had to say:

John Abraham and Sonakshi Sinha also reacted to the strike, at the trailer launch of their upcoming Abhinay Deo, 'Force 2'.

"We are proud, we should have done this earlier. I am talking about LoC. It's high time we respond to terrorism. As a country we are very tolerant and I think we should put our foot down and show what India can do," John told reporters at the trailer launch of 'Force 2'.

Even Sonakshi Sinha, who plays the female lead in Force 2, thanks the Indian Army for taking this big step. "Thank you that they took this big step. Like John said, it is need of the hour. I am happy it is happening. We are all citizens of our country," she said.

Hastags like #ModiPunishesPak and #IndianArmy have been trending on Twitter, courtesy the surgical strikes.
Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan is currently shooting for Imtiaz Alis film opposite Anushka Sharma, tentatively titled The Ring in Lisbon. The actor has been regularly posting interesting videos and pictures right through the schedules in Prague and Amsterdam. However, his friend Karan Johar, is in a spot with political parties threatening to stall the release of his upcoming film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil for employing a Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in it. Karan had also stated that boycotting Pakistani artists is not the solution to terrorism.

And reportedly Karan recently set out to Lisbon to meet Shah Rukh and divert himself from the current controversy to calm himself down. According to reports, he even landed up on the sets of the film and was planning to direct a scene for the film. But those reports were apparently not true and he was reportedly in Lisbon for a few hours before he left for London.

The filmmaker is now back in Mumbai to honour his professional commitments. He has kept himself busy with the promotions of the film, sharing the teasers, trailer, songs from the Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer on social media.
Mumbai: Lisa Haydon, who is reportedly engaged to her telecom tycoon boyfriend Dino Lalvani, may have to face legal action after she backed out of Abhishek Pathaks Athithi in London.

Lisa had signed the film as the female lead which will also see Paresh Rawal and Tanvi Azmi in pivotal roles. Haydon has reportedly walked out of the film ten days before the start of its shooting owing to her engagement and left the movie hanging.

An angry Pathak told Mumbai Mirror, We had locked Lisa for the role, exchanged contracts and even got her visa ready. The set was ready in Filmalaya studio but we got a call from her manager ten days before the schedule that Lisa wasnt interested in doing the film anymore. Suddenly, I hear from someone that shes getting married which is why she cant do our film. We had everything ready, from visas for the entire crew to locations. Now all that money is down the drain. My crews work permit visa is valid only for a limited period so I dont know what to do now.

Despite Lisas strange demands (of not lip syncing the songs) Abhishek had decided to go ahead with her as the female lead and this news of her backing out has left him with no choice but to sue her.

These people come from abroad and dont understand how people put in effort, sweat and blood to make a film. We shouldnt be entertaining people who dont understand the value of money that a producer puts into a film. The contract was handed over to her team long ago but they kept delaying signing it because she had other plans. Her agency had stated multiple times in mails that she was doing our film; she had sent us her passport details for the London schedule as well. We had already locked dates of senior actors like Pareshji (Paresh Rawal) and Tanviji (Tanvi Azmi), my London crew had been booked. Were taking legal action against Lisa. Her talent management agency should take responsibility for this mess,

Lisa was supposed to star opposite Kartik Aaryan in the film where Tanvi Azmi and Paresh Rawal play the role of guests they will have to deal with.

A helpless Abhishek has now pushed the shoot by one week with the hope to lock a new girl. The film was originally scheduled to start its shoot from September 24.
Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan has been shooting for the film The Ring opposite Anushka Sharma in Lisbon. Some pictures from the shoot that made its way to the internet made us believe that the couple were shooting for a song and the chemistry between them was there for everyone to see.

With so much of shooting, the cast and crew of the film would definitely need a break and Shah Rukh thought of trying out something different during one of these lunch breaks. The actor posted a picture of his lunch, and wondered how he could eat something that looked so scary and had 3 hearts.

Shah Rukh has been shooting in Europe for the film in Prague and Amsterdam before this, and the makers might go on to some different part of Europe next, giving him the opportunity to have more such food items that might not be easily available in India.

The Ring, directed by Imtiaz Ali, reportedly sees Shah Rukh playing the role of a tourist guide while Anushka plays a Gujarati girl in the film.
Mumbai: Actor Brad Pitt reportedly voluntarily took a drug test during the investigation into allegations of child abuse made against him.

"The DCFS [Department of Community & Family Services] wouldn't compel someone to provide the urine sample for the drug test; it would be voluntary," a legal source has told Us magazine.

TMZ also reported that Pitt, 52, had offered to take a drug test shortly after the jet plane incident to prove that he had nothing to hide. A second source has confirmed this.

The FBI is currently gathering evidence to evaluate whether to investigate Pitt on a federal level. It was reported that Pitt misbehaved with his kids on a private flight.

Pitt has cooperated [with the investigation]. He certainly wants what's best for his kids and for them to be in the best environment, and he'll do anything that will put them in the best position," a source said.

Jolie, 41, filed for divorce on Monday, September 19. The former couple has six children.
Kim Kardashian was attacked from behind while she was on her way to a Balmain event.

Mumbai: Kim Kardashian, who was attacked by a notorious prankster, wants French law enforcements to take action against him. The accoster had allegedly tried to kiss the reality star's bottoms.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, who was attending a Balmain event for Paris Fashion Week, has filed a complaint against 27-year-old Vitalii Sediuk who has a long history of violating celebrities like Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.

On seeing Kardashian get out of her car, the prankster tried to plant a kiss on her butt but was soon overpowered by Kims bouncers. The reality star has sought a restraining order from the youth who had attacked her in 2014 as well.

In an attempt to defend his action, Sediuk took to Instagram. Here is what he said:

The assault on Kardashian happened just one week after Sediuk lifted supermodel Gigi Hadid off the ground outside Milan Fashion Week. Hadid, however, was quick to react.
National Award winning actor Prakash Raj will soon add another feather to his cap. The actor is all set to watch the Tamil film Sila Samayangel with none other than Hollywood star Sharon Stone.

The actor is currently busy promoting his upcoming Telugu film Mana Oori Ramayanam, which he has produced and directed.

Talking about Telugu cinema and the controversies surrounding him, the actor says that there are bigger things happening in his life than these controversies.

These are small issues  the controversies between me and Srinu Vaitla, or any others. There is something big and as an Indian actor, its a proud moment for me. The Tamil film Siva Samayangel will be premiering at the Golden Globe Awards, and I will be watching this film along with Sharon Stone and others that include 40 international journalists, says Prakash Raj.

He adds that everyone should be proud that an Indian actor is watching a film with several Hollywood stars and other international personalities. This is the second time that Prakash Raj and Priyadarshan (the director of the film) have joined hands after Kanchivaram (2008), a National Award winning film.

I am thinking about how the Hollywood fraternity will welcome Indian actors and here you are, asking me about small controversies, discipline and other things, says Prakash Raj.

Talking about the film, Prakash Raj gives a glimpse of the plot. The story takes place in a blood bank, where seven people come for an AIDS test. Each of them wishes to keep it a secret, says Prakash Raj.

He plays the lead character in the film. After the premiere, the actor is all set to have dinner with the Hollywood stars. Because of this event, Prakash Raj will miss the release of his upcoming film that is scheduled to take place on October 7.
Commercial truck drivers who get treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for two years may reduce their crash risk to the level of drivers without apnea, a study from Italy suggests.

For professional drivers, the screening, treatment and management of sleep disorders should be mandatory to reduce accident risk and improve road safety, the study authors write in the journal Sleep Medicine.

Screening for OSA in heavy vehicle drivers should be a major public safety priority, senior author Luigi Ferini-Strambi, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Universita Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, told Reuters Health. The study highlights the importance of a screening tool for sleep-related breathing disorders in commercial drivers clinical routines, he said by email.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that interrupts the quantity and quality of sleep, causing fatigue and impaired attention, driving performance and reaction time. Medical studies associate OSA with heightened risk for hypertension, heart disease and stroke as well as daytime sleepiness and traffic accidents.

With OSA, a sleepers airway collapses and breathing stops, often followed by gasping or choking that momentarily wakes the person, and this happens many times throughout the night. The condition is more common in men and obese people, and risk for it increases with age.

To see how much of a problem it is for commercial drivers carrying dangerous payloads, the researchers recruited among specially trained and regulated drivers who transport flammable materials like petroleum, diesel, propane and methane in northern Italy.

None of the 283 participants, all of them male, reported OSA symptoms at the beginning of the study. All filled out questionnaires, and based on their responses and other characteristics, researchers suspected 139 of them of having OSA. All of these suspected cases, and a portion of those not suspected to have OSA underwent sleep testing at home, which showed that more than a third of the drivers, 100 men, had obstructive sleep apnea.

The study team referred the 24 drivers with severe OSA to receive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which keeps airways open during sleep. For two years, all these men used the treatment for at least four hours per night on at least five nights per week.

In the initial phase of the study, the researchers also analyzed all the drivers survey responses about their past accidents and near-misses. They found that drivers with severe obstructive sleep apnea were 4.75 times more likely to be involved in near-miss accidents than non-OSA drivers.

After two years of treatment, the near-miss accidents dropped to a rate comparable to drivers without OSA. Only two drivers reported sleep-related accidents after treatment.

Recently, untreated OSA among U.S. truck drivers was shown to increase the risk of serious, preventable accidents by five-fold, said Stefanos Kales of Harvard Medical School in Boston, who published the U.S. findings in March in the journal Sleep.

The Italian study uses more encompassing screening criteria with a higher sensitivity than the U.S. study did, which is important in showing how prevalent OSA is in truck drivers, said Kales, who was not involved in the current study.

In the U.S., commercial truck drivers must receive medical tests every two years to assess physical fitness to drive. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) doesnt require sleep apnea screening. In recent years, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has urged Department of Transportation agencies, including the FMCSA, to adopt mandatory screening for drivers.

Recent data show definite increases in crash and accident risk with untreated OSA, which is the most common medical cause of daytime sleepiness, Kales told Reuters Health. Transportation regulators need to take OSA seriously and mandate rigorous screening criteria, as well as procedures for diagnosis and ensuring treatment compliance.
Gurgaon: In the wake of the attacks in Uri, the country has been on the edge with tensions between India and Pakistan on the rise. While the government is calling for restraint, a jingoistic environment has given rise to war mongering in the country.

While political parties are attracting attention by going after Pakistani artists and authorities have been trying hard to control the tense situation, there are still some who are trying to capitalise on a grave issue in a sensitive situation.

A restaurant called Burger Singh took this to another level when they thought its a good idea to send out text messages offering 20% discounts to attract customers after the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes along the LOC.

Burger Singh's new promo. With the code 'fPak20' Ahem pic.twitter.com/KCJAJWqB4M  Taruni Kumar (@TaruniKumar) September 29, 2016

The text read,

In light of the surgical strike by India defence forces on terrorist camps(POK). We offer 20% off on all orders on www.burgersinghonline.com CouponCode: fpak20.

While both governments are debating over the surgical strikes and temperatures are soaring, the restaurant took advantage of jingoistic sentiment by giving an offer with the coupon code fpak20, wonder what that means.

Over the past couple of weeks, a debate has been raging on with some people calling for war and many trying to calm the situation.
40-year-old Sasikumar was hacked to death on September 22 in Coimbatore, leading to tension in the district and neighbouring Tirupur. (Photo: DC)

Coimbatore: Days after a Hindu Munnani functionary was hacked to death by a four-member gang, his wife attempted suicide in her house in coimbatore on Thursday, police said.

30-year-old S Yamuna, wife of C Sasikumar, consumes poison and had been admitted to a private hospital, they said. Her relatives saw her consuming the poison and fallingunconscious. They rushed her to the hospital.

Hindu Munnani State Spokesperson Mookambikai Mani said Yamuna's condition was stable. She is responding to treatment, he said.

40-year-old Sasikumar was hacked to death on September 22 in Coimbatore, leading to tension in the district and neighbouring Tirupur.

Sasikumar, district spokesperson of the organisation, was returning home in Subramaniampalayam, in the outskirts, on a two-wheeler when the unidentified assailants chased him on motorcycles and attacked him with sickles.

The killing had triggered protests which turned violent during the funeral procession here. Senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan had condemned the murder. The probe in the incident has been transferred to the Crime-Branch CID.
Lucknow: When he assumed office in March 2012 as the youngest chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav was known for his focus on development and vision for the future, a much-needed change from politicians steeped in casteism and communalism.

Today, four-and-a-half years later, Yadav is known as a roll-back chief minister. He has set a record of sorts when it comes to taking back his own decisions.This has created the image of a man who is either undecided, succumbs to pressure or does not weigh pros and cons before making announcements, all unenviable characteristics for a leader.

When he started his stint as chief minister, in one of his first decision, Mr Yadav announced the closure of all shopping malls at 7 pm and restaurants at 10 pm to cope with the power crisis in summer. The decision evoked public outrage and the order was immediately withdrawn.

The chief minister then announced that all legislators would be allowed to purchase SUVs for themselves up to Rs 20 lakhs from their MLA funds. The decision was shot down unanimously by all MLAs and the chief minister had to take back his decision.

In his four-and-half-year tenure, Yadav has dismissed a total of 17 ministers, only to take back seven of them.

Similarly, a large number of bureaucrats have been victims of the chief ministers indecision or inability to stand up to his decisions.

As soon as one of the senior leaders in the party disagrees, officials are shifted back. I have been transferred eight times in the Akhilesh regime because a certain party leader does not like me, a senior IPS officer said.

A supporter of Yadav said, His goodness is being seen as his weakness. He has been rolling back his decisions on the orders of his seniors, but the message that has gone down is that he is being run by remote control. Now, when he is asserting himself, the party is said to be in a revolt mode. We really wish that Akhilesh had taken this stand from the beginning and a lot of things would have been different.

(This story originally appeared in the Asian Age)
Luckily a friend informed her about the WhatsApp service of the Uttar Kannada district administration and Poornima lost no time in sending a voice message to it for help. (Representational image)

Karwar: Promised a job as a beautician in Dubai by an agent, she was forced to work instead as a maid in a house there. With her employers seizing her passport, Poornima Bandekar had no way of returning home until the Uttar Kannada district administrations Whatsapp service came to her rescue. And on Wednesday, the relieved woman was reunited with her family in Karwar.

It was four months ago, that she answered an advertisement by an agent promising a beauticians job in Dubai.

I called the agent and he promised I would get about Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 a month as salary. And so I readily agreed to go, recounted Poornima. But on reaching Dubai she was made to work as a maid in a house instead and with her passport seized, she had no way of leaving.

Luckily a friend informed her about the WhatsApp service of the Uttar Kannada district administration and Poornima lost no time in sending a voice message to it for help. The message was immediately brought to the notice of Deputy Commissioner, S S Nakul, who contacted Mr Anis K Joy, Deputy Resident Commissioner of the Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, asking to him to get in touch with the embassy, and the strategy worked. Poornima finally found herself free and able to return home.

"I have no words to express how happy I am to return. But after my experience, I would like to advice people not to fall prey to such agents, she said.
The BJP on Thursday hailed the armed forces following the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The BJP on Thursday hailed the armed forces following the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC and lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his government believes in action and not words.

"A salute to armed forces and to the leadership of the Prime Minister for securing our borders and defending from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. A responsible government acts and talks less. And that has been the practise of this government under Modi's leadership," party national secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, "Proud of our armed forces for their heroic surgical strikes on terror launch pads. Surgical strikes were conducted when Pakistan did not mend ways after repeated diplomatic efforts to check terrorism originating frm their soil."

Meanwhile, as part of government's efforts to take all political parties on board, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday informed Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab and Bihar, and several opposition political leaders about the Army's surgical strike across the Line of Control.

Soon after the announcement of the surgical strike on the terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the Home Minister informed Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee, Naveen Patnaik, Parkash Singh Badal and Naveen Patnaik about the surgical strikes.

Singh also spoke to former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury and informed them about the military action on terror launch pads, official sources said.

India conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on Wednesday night across the LoC and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damages.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army to target terrorists was made by DGMO Lt Gen Ranveer Singh.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "walked the talk".

"PM Modi Ji has walked the talk. Punishing the perpetrators of terror from across has begun," Madav wrote on twitter.

He took a dig at Pakistan for downplaying the surgical strikes conducted by Army across the LoC.

"Some Pak guys r trying 2 downplay claiming it was just a cross LoC firing", Madav Said.

"They y from Pak President to PM to Def Min vowin to protect Pak (sic)?" he said.

He complimented the Indian army for the operation.

"Army has done a great job. However Army has restrained to area specific," Madav said.

A surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific target with aims to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Uma Bharti during a meeting on Cauvery issue with the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah and PWD Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K Palanisamy in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: A meeting convened by the Centre to iron out differences between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on the impasse over Cauvery river water sharing failed to achieve any breakthrough on Thursday.

At the meeting convened by Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, Tamil Nadu refused to accept Karnataka's proposal that an expert committee be sent to the river basin to assess water availability.

"There was a request from Karnataka government to our ministry to form an expert committee to take a view over availability of water in the Cauvery basin. The Karnataka Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) pressed for it. Tamil Nadu could not give its consent to the proposal," Bharti told reporters after the meeting.

She said ultimately, solution could not be achieved outside the court.

"Now things are again before the Honourable Supreme Court," Bharti, who chaired the meeting, said.

Besides Bharti and Siddaramaiah, Tamil Nadu PWD Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy, chief secretaries of the two states, Union Water Resources Secretary Shashi Shekhar, and officials from Central Water Commission attended the nearly three-hour meeting.

Bharti said the Ministry noted views expressed by the two states during the meeting, convened after a Supreme Court order on Tuesday, and the same will be submitted before the apex court when it hears the matter tomorrow.

Referring to the tense situation in the two states, especially in Bengaluru, Mysore and Mandya-- the hotbed of Cauvery politics-- Bharti urged people to "take care of each other" and ensure peace.

"I may go on an indefinite hunger strike along the border between the two states, if the problem persists," Bharti said, making an emotional appeal.

Speaking to after the meeting, Karnataka Chief Secretary Arvind Jadhav said his state insisted on a Central expert committee's visit to the basin area to study "ground realities, actual quantum of drinking water available and crop situation" before water was released as directed by SC.

"Before releasing water, we want a central team to come and visit the Cauvery basin and assess ground realities, look at the situation and the level of drinking water and crop situation. And whatever the central team says, we will abide by that," Jadhav said.

He also said the Tamil Nadu government reiterated the long-standing demand for setting up a Cauvery Water Management Board.

"To this, our Chief Minister replied that there is a hearing scheduled before a court in this regard on October 11 and let the issues relating to formation of the board be decided then," Jadhav said.

Meanwhile, on Karnataka's demand for sending an expert team to the basin area, Shekhar stated there is no provision under law in this regard and that the SC order in the matter also does not speak about it.
Prior to attending the meeting, Siddaramaiah reiterated Karnataka's severe difficulties in meeting its water requirement. (Photo: Representational Image)

New Delhi: Union Minister Uma Bharti is presiding over a meeting convened by the Centre to find a political solution to the "impasse" over sharing of Cauvery water by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Tamil Nadu PWD Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy are taking part in the meet which is being held in line with the Supreme Court's order asking Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to facilitate a meeting to reach a solution to the inter-state water crisis.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister MB Patil, chief secretaries of the two states Arvind Jadhav (Karnataka) and Rama Mohana Rao (Tamil Nadu) are the other officials present in the meeting.

Prior to attending the meeting, Siddaramaiah reiterated Karnataka's "severe difficulties" in meeting its water requirement and expressed hope that the meeting would arrive at a solution which is in the interest of its people.

"22 of our districts have been declared drought-hit for the Kharip 2016 season. We are struggling with managing water requirements. We hope for a solution in state's interest," he said.

Ahead of the meeting, Karnataka had on Wednesday decided to defer release of 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu as per the Supreme Court direction, awaiting outcome of the trilateral parleys.
New Delhi: Congress on Thursday hailed the surgical strikes carried out by Army against terror bases across the Line of Control (LoC), declaring that it stood completely behind the armed forces.

"We congratulate the Indian army for undertaking surgical strikes on terror launch pads. We stand completely behind our Armed Forces," Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress President, tweeted.

Echoing similar feelings, party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "INC wholeheartedly supports the surgical strike on terror pads in PoK by Indian Army. Salute the valour of our armed forces".

India conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads last night across the Line of Control (LoC) and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damages.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army to target terrorists was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranveer Singh at a hurriedly called news conference during which External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

Gen Singh said India shared with Pak army details of the surgical strikes which followed "very specific information" that terrorist were positioning themselves in the launch pads along the LoC.

As part of government's efforts to take all political parties on board, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday informed Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab and Bihar and several opposition political leaders about the Army's surgical strike across the Line of Control.

Surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific target which aims to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.
The students were beaten up by their fellow students from the same college. (Representational Image)

Chandigarh: Six students hailing from Kashmir Valley were allegedly beaten up by some fellow students in a private college in Haryana's Jhajjar district after an altercation between the two sides.

The argument started between a student from Bihar and another from Kashmir on Tuesday evening.

The student from Bihar allegedly called the student from Kashmir a "terrorist", leading to the altercation and brawl in which more students from both sides joined in.

The institutes director, Aman Aggarwal said the issue stands resolved and the student who called a Kashmiri student a terrorist, and thereby sparked the ruckus, has been rusticated, along with five others.

"Six students from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been rusticated," Aggarwal said over phone.

Kalimulla, a second year BTech student who is from Kashmir, had told reporters in Jhajjar that he was throwing water on his friends and joking around with them when a third year BBA student from Bihar who was sitting close by, also got wet.

The situation soon took ugly turn and the student allegedly abused the Kashmiri student calling him a "terrorist". Soon more students from Bihar and UP joined them and a brawl broke out between the two sides.

Seventy students from J&K are enrolled at the college.

The Kashmiri students at the college alleged that the institute's security guard on duty also got involved and beaten them up.

On Wednesday, the Kashmiri students had staged a demonstration and hunger strike on the campus demanding rustication of the students who had allegedly abused them and imposition of a penalty on them.
Soldiers patrol along a closed market in Srinagar after India carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan against terrorists. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: In the first such action, India carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launchpads across the LoC last night with the Army saying its special forces inflicted "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Defence sources said seven terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC) were destroyed by special commandos of the Indian Army on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 in a nearly five-hour operation during which heliborne and ground forces were deployed.

Sources said the launchpads in PoK were in the range of 2 to 3 kilometres from the LoC and were under surveillance for over a week while Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the strikes targeted 5 to 6 places across the LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Naidu said there was no casualty on the Indian side.

Pakistan is guilty of increasing infiltration by terrorists along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and even the recently captured terrorists have confessed to their training and arming in Pakistan. The Global positioning systems (GPS) recovered from them established their Pakistani connect, said Lt General Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), at a hurriedly called news conference on Thursday during which External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

These surgical strikes are the first major military action taken by India against Pakistan after the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed as terrorists from Pakistan crossed into an Army camp earlier this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged that the attack would not go unpunished.

General Singh said India shared with Pakistan details of the surgical strikes which followed "very specific information" that terrorists were positioning themselves in launchpads along the LoC. Pakistani troops had yesterday targetted Indian positions with small firearms along the Line of Control in Poonch district.

Prime Minister Modi had informed President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and former Prime Minister Mahmohan Singh about the strikes. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Narinder Nath Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti were also told.

Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Ranbir Singh salutes along with External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup. (Photo: PTI)

The strikes -- coordinated by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval along with the Army chief -- were carried out in Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors.

According to reports, special commandos of the Indian Army went 3 kilometres inside Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and demolished seven terror camps.

General Singh said the operation to neutralise terrorists had since ceased and India didn't have any plans for any further operation, but added the armed forces would not allow terrorists to carry out any attacks in J&K or any major Indian cities.

General Singh said the strikes were launched after getting "very specific and credible" intelligence input that the infiltrators were being pushed to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and in some major Indian cities.

"The operations were basically focused to ensure these terrorists do not succeed to infiltrate India and carry out destruction, endangering the lives of citizens of our country," the DGMO asserted. "During these counter terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who were trying to support them.

"The operations aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said.

The DGMO said there has been continuing and increasing infiltration across the Line of Control and the same is reflected in attacks in Poonch and Uri. Infiltration of terrorists across Line of Control has been a matter of serious concern. Almost 20 infiltration attempts have been foiled by Army successfully this year, said Singh.

He said some terrorists caught were residents of Pakistan. He said they were trained in Pakistan. "Despite our persistent requests that Pakistan respect its commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India, there have been no let up in infiltration or terrorist action inside our territory," he said.

Singh further said, "If the damage has been limited, it has been primarily due to the efforts of soldiers of the Indian Army who are deployed in a multi-tier counter infiltration grid and most of the infiltration bids have been foiled at those locations. The Indian armed forces have been extremely vigilant in the face of continuing threat."

He further said Indias intention is to maintain peace and tranquility in the region but it certainly cant allow terrorists to operate along the LoC. "We expect the Pakistan army to cooperate with us to erase the menace of terrorism," Singh added.

The announcement of the strikes was made soon after PM Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and DGMO Singh.

A surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific targets with the aim to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and a subsequent return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full-blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.

eanwhile, Pakistan rejected Indias claim of surgical strikes across LoC, saying India fired at us from their side.

Strongly condemning "unprovoked and naked aggression" by India along the LoC, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan's armed forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Sharif also warned that Pakistan's intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness, Radio Pakistan reported. He said Pakistan can thwart any "evil design" to undermine its sovereignty.

The Pakistan military said two of its soldiers were killed in ceasefire violation by India along the LoC today. Sharif paid rich tributes to jawans who have been killed in the firing.

The Indian claim that terrorist launching pad in Pakistan were targetted is a lie, the Pakistan army said.

Amid heightened tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours, cross LoC trade took place at Uri. 26 trucks from India crossed over, while 10 from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir came in.
New Delhi: Days after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took a dig at Pakistan at the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for supporting terror, sources have claimed that India held back surgical strikes on terror camps in the rival nation till her speech.

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, a source said that the country wanted to maintain a time lag between Uri terror attacks and India's response.

"We first focused on a diplomatic offensive. Sushmajis speech was a key element of that. And that had constrained us for ten days," a top source was quoted as saying in the report.

The idea was to make use of UNGA as a platform to expose Pakistan's support to terrorism through Swaraj's speech. Moreover, on the very next day, India took its second step and put forward the proposal to isolate Pakistan.

India also pulled out of the SAARC Summit that is scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November.

"In all his statements, Modi had been indicating that he was with the armed forces. This was meant to boost their morale and prepare them for it," the source said.

Late on Wednesday night, India carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir to thwart attacks on some of its biggest cities.

The Defence establishment said there were "significant casualties" among terrorists and among those who were trying to support them.

These surgical strikes are the first major military action taken by India against Pakistan after the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed as terrorists from Pakistan crossed into an Army camp earlier this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged that the attack would not go unpunished.

A surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific targets with the aim to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and a subsequent return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full-blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.
New Delhi: The meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan has been postponed till next week.

"The meeting regarding MFN and related logistics scheduled for today is postponed to next week," official sources said here.

The meeting, according to sources, may deliberate upon the option of dragging Pakistan in the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism for not according similar status to India.

Read: MFN status should be scraped until Pak becomes democratic in true sense: Swamy

India granted the MFN status to Pakistan in 1996 but Pakistan is yet to reciprocate to that. The neighbouring country has missed its own deadline of December 2012 for this.

Under MFN, a WTO member country is obliged to treat other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies.

According to experts, withdrawal of the MFN status by India is likely to hurt Pakistani industries as it might stop flow of raw materials at competitive prices.

In 2015-16, India's exports to Pakistan stood at USD 2.17 billion, while imports were USD 441 million. As per the WTO rules, India can roll back the MFN status from Pakistan.

This meeting comes after the Prime Minister chaired a review meeting of 56-year-old Indus Water Treaty during which it was decided that India will "exploit to the maximum" the water of Pakistan-controlled rivers, including Jhelum, as per the water sharing pact.

India's main exports to Pakistan include sugar, cotton, man-made filaments, chemicals, carpets, furniture fresh fruits and vegetables while its imports comprise mineral fuels, precious stones, wooden handicrafts among others.

Among others, officials from commerce and External Affairs ministries are expected to attend the meeting, which was convened by the Prime Minister
Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire twice along the Line of Control (LoC) in Naugam sector and Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir. (Photo: PTI)

Srinagar/Jammu: Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire twice along the Line of Control (LoC) by opening fire in Naugam sector and Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This is the third ceasefire violation by Pakistan in two days.

"Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts in Naugam sector around 7 am," an Army official said in Srinagar.

He said the Pakistani troops used small fire arms and mortars but there were no reports of any casualty. The Indian troops exercised restraint and have not retaliated so far, he added.

The second ceasefire violation took place in Mendhar sector on Thursday.

A senior police officer in Jammu said, "There was firing from across the border on forward areas along the LoC in Balnoie belt of Mendhar in the district around 4.30 am."

There were no casualties, he added.

On Wednesday, Pakistani troops had targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Sabzian belt of Poonch district.

Two days after the terror attack in Uri, on September 20, Pakistani troops had violated ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian army positions with small firearms.

Pakistani Army again pounded Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the LoC in Poonch district on September 6.

On September 2, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district.
New Delhi: The Punjab government on Thursday ordered evacuation of villages in a 10-km belt along the border with Pakistan, following surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the Line of Control.

The move came in after Home Ministry directed Punjab government to evacuate the border villages.

The ceremonial beating retreat ceremony at Attari border has also been closed for public today, officials said.

India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

The announcement of the sudden action by the Army was made on Thursday by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the terror strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.

Local authorities announced to residents of border villages to leave their homes and move to safer places and also ordered closure of schools and other institutions in the border areas till further instructions.

The Border Security Force (BSF) have mobilised its troops and strengthening the security along the border belt.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has put the entire government and political machinery in an emergency mode, an official spokesman said here. "The Chief Minister has summoned an emergency Cabinet meeting in Chandigarh in the evening," Punjab Cabinet Minister Sikander Singh Maluka said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Badal over telephone today to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people residing in the villages falling within 10 kilometres of the International border in view of the escalating situation, the spokesman said.

Badal has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to ask the concerned Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.

The Chief Minister directed the DCs to identify suitable locations for setting up camps and ensure that none of the residents being evacuated were put to any sort of inconvenience, the spokesman said.

Badal also personally spoke to the Cabinet Ministers and MLAs concerned to camp in these border districts and to keep close liaison with the district administration to ensure safe movement of residents.

The Chief Minister also directed the Chief Secretary to immediately release Rs one crore each to all the Deputy Commissioners of six border districts to meet out any exigency.

The emergency meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister S K Sandhu, DGP Suresh Arora and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Gaggandip Singh Brar.

Meanwhile, Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Varun Roojam said border residents in Amritsar district have been asked to remain vigilant and prepare for any eventuality.

Simultaneously, the situation is tense in villages along the stretch of the International Border in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts. People of Arnia, Suchetgarh, Ranbir Singh Pura, Kanachak, Pargwal and Nagri Parole sub-sectors have started moving to safer zones. "Families are moving out without any instruction from the authorities. No orders from the police or the Army have been issued," said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.

People have started talking about worst that could be in store as the war clouds are looming over the region again. The horror of the wars fought in the past is an image that sends shivers down our spines, said Abdul Majeed Piswal, a resident of Kupwara.

A surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific targets with the aim to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and a subsequent return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full-blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.
Chennai: Tearing into Karnataka for treating the Supreme Court orders on release of Cauvery water with "utter contempt", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday said such "deliberate defiance" goes against the spirit of the Constitution and amounts to "contempt" of the Court.

In her speech, read out by Chief Secretary P. Ramamohana Rao, at the meeting of the Chief Ministers of two states convened by the Water Resources Ministry, she said her state has "scrupulously" adhered to every apex court order.

"By contrast, the State of Karnataka has treated the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court with utter contempt. Successive orders of the Honourable Supreme Court have been deliberately and systematically defied," by the neighbouring state, she said.

Jayalalithaa, recuperating at a corporate hospital in Chennai, said she could not attend the meeting as she was hospitalised.

She said she participated in the discussions "with the hope Tamil Nadu would get its legitimate share in Cauvery water".

The Chief Minister said that as of August 31, 2016, Tamil Nadu had a shortfall of 60.983 tmc ft of water as per the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

It was in this context of such a "huge shortfall" and with the intention of saving at least a single samba crop in the Cauvery delta that her state was "forced" to approach the Supreme Court for interim directions, she said.

She recalled the apex court directions to Karnataka to initially release 15,000 cusecs and later modify it to 12,000 cusecs per day up to September 20, totalling 17.366 tmc ft.

"But "Karnataka failed to release the requisite quantity of water," she said.

The Apex Court had later modified the quantum of water to be released to 6,000 cusecs, she said.

"In utter disregard and in complete contempt of the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court, Karnataka failed to release the stipulated quantity of water to Tamil Nadu and in addition, failed to make good the shortfall," as per its earlier orders, she said.

"This deliberate defiance goes against the spirit of the Constitution itself and amounts to contempt of the Apex Court. Karnataka has not followed the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court and has on the other hand permitted unruly elements to create law and order issues," she said. Jayalalithaa said it "is very unfortunate" that not only

was water not released as stipulated, but ever since Supreme Court gave its first interim directions on September 5, "an orchestrated spate of arson and violence was unleashed, directed at Tamils living in Karnataka".

She said many large and small properties and establishments owned by Tamils were systematically targeted, ransacked and burnt.

Also a large number of vehicles bearing Tamil Nadu registration number plates were burnt and vandalised.

"Tamils had been persecuted and attacked with impunity by frenzied mobs with little or no effective restraint or action by the Karnataka authorities. We are led to believe that many of these instances of mob violence were deliberately fanned by various political formations and high level instigators charged with maintaining law and order, who watched the incidents with glee," she charged.

"In contrast", her government ensured law and order was "maintained" in Tamil Nadu and no "person from Karnataka or institutions, commercial establishments, educational bodies, properties belonging to persons from Karnataka were affected in Tamil Nadu in any way," she said.

"Absolute restraint was observed by all sections in Tamil Nadu, including farmers. Even one or two very minor incidents were acted on promptly, cases registered and the miscreants arrested. On the other hand, in Karnataka the situation was grave," she said.

She recalled that in 1991 the Tribunal had issued interim order on water release, but Karnataka did not honour it and had promulgated an ordinance nullifying it.

The Supreme Court had, however, struck it down, she said.

"Even in 1991, when the interim order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was passed, a reign of terror was unleashed and Tamils in Karnataka were targeted.

"Tamil people living in Karnataka have been living in fear whenever Tamil Nadu has claimed its rightful share of water in judicial forums, though all judicial forums have seen merit and justice in our case," she said.

Jayalalithaa said Karnataka never honoured the Tribunal's interim order and had only allowed surplus waters which its reservoirs could not hold, to flow to Tamil Nadu.

Jayalalithaa said the tribunal allocated 419 TMC ft. of water to Tamil Nadu, of which an annual quantity of 192 TMC ft. has to be ensured at the Inter-State border.

"But this quantum was far below the actual requirement of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has not released that in any of the years except when its reservoirs could not hold the surplus flows," she said.

She recalled her "vigorous and spirited efforts to get the Tribunal's final order notified," which was done in 2013 following a Supreme Court direction to the Centre.

She said it must not be forgotten the final order now has the status of a Supreme Court decree and therefore is law of the land and mandates formation of Cauvery Management Board.

She urged the forum to recognise Karnataka's pattern of "arrogating" to itself waters of the inter-State Cauvery river "in defiance" of the apex court.

She recalled the court's observation in 1991 that though the inter-State river pass through territories of riparian states, such waters cannot be said to be located in any one state.

Tamil Nadu is a lower riparian state with long established irrigation systems based on unhindered water flow in Cauvery river. But agricultural patterns had been adversely affected by systematic actions by Karnataka to deprive Tamil Nadu of its legitimate share of water, she said.

The state "had no option" but knock the SC's doors for water release after its pleas to Karnataka and to the Centre "fell on deaf ears", she said.

"The Honourable Supreme Court has been very magnanimous in its latest directions to direct that a meeting may be held at the level of Executive Heads of the two State Governments to find a way out of the present impasse.

"However, as Karnataka continues to take a defiant stance, I wonder whether the meeting would serve its intended purpose unless Karnataka can be prevailed upon to honour the Honble Supreme Court's directions," she said.

Stating that Tamil Nadu is in dire need of water,she said that in the spirit of the Supreme Court order, she was urging Government of India to ensure Karnataka complies and releases water to Tamil Nadu forthwith.

They should also release the stipulated quantity of water as per the Tribunal's final order, including backlog of 76.042 TMC ft, she said.
A 12-year-old student from Chandrapur district in Maharashtra will stage an agitation to against heavy school bags. (Photo: AFP)

Nagpur: Burdened with heavy school bags, a 12-year-old student from neighbouring Chandrapur district in Maharashtra is all set to stage an agitation to highlight the plight of thousands of children like him who carry a load of 5-7 kg on their shoulders daily to attend classes.

Rugved Raikwar from Vidyaniketan School will be holding a sit-in at the RBI square here on October 2, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti to draw the attention of the state administration towards the hardships and health hazards which the students face due to the cumbersome bags.

"Reducing the weight (burden) is the core remedy," Rugved told reporters here yesterday ahead of the agitation, which he says is "the first tiny step in the direction" of resolving this issue.

Earlier, Rugved had written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in this regard.

"A 15-day time would have been sufficient for the government to formulate norms on reducing burden of school bags and thus fulfill my demand. But nothing has been done so far. This apathy has forced me to battle it out with them at the RBI square. And Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) is the best day to wage a war against the bag burden of students," he said.

Rugved has applied to the local police for a formal permission for his proposed day-long dharna.

However, he has not received a nod in this regard, considering his age.

"I will go ahead with the agitation for the sake of thousands of students like me. After all, it is the question of health as well as the future of students," he said.

Last month, Rugved, along with one of his classmates held a press conference in Chandrapur on the issue and offered some alternatives to resolve this problem, which they said failed to strike a chord with the school principal when they approached him.

They suggested that the authorities make arrangements for keeping their daily work books in school or reduce the number of periods per day.

As per directives of Bombay High Court, the state government had earlier this year issued a circular underlining guideline on reduction of weight of school bags carried by students on the recommendations of a committee.

The state had informed the HC that it had also fixed the responsibility on principals and school management to follow the circular and would take action against those not obeying this rule.

According to government pleader, there are 1.06 lakh schools in the state and the circular is binding on them.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday justified Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision of not attending the SAARC Summit in Pakistan, suggesting he could not travel there under the present circumstances.

"SAARC was to happen in Pakistan and I had hopes that our PM will get an opportunity to go there but how will he go? Under what circumstances will he go there," she said.

India, along with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, have decided not to attend the 8-nation Summit because of unabated cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, the venue.

"The Prime Minister went to Pakistan as an uninvited guest (in December last year). Why did he need to go there? He went there for us (people of J and K). He understood that till both the countries do not live together, the people of J&K will continue to face miseries.

"He walked a step but unfortunately there was an attack in Pathankot. But immediately afterwards, the statement of (NSA) Ajit Doval came and he did not blame anyone, which was good. Instead a team from Pakistan came and they were shown the evidence. Pakistan only registered an FIR against one person but unfortunately nothing happened afterwards, She said.

The Chief Minister advocated joint use of resources of all SAARC countries.

"SAARC countries have so many resources - Nepal has its own, Bangladesh and Pakistan have their own, Afghanistan and our country have their own and then Bhutan has its own. We could have used these resources together but it has not happened unfortunately," Mehbooba said.

Maintaining that war is never an option to resolve the issues, Mehbooba pitched for amicable relations between India and Pakistan to fight the poverty and economic deprivation plaguing the region while underlining the need of a bilateral dialogue to resolve the issues.

"The two nuclear-armed neighbours must cooperate in the fields of social development, including eradication of poverty and with their growing economies and energy needs, and the need for newer, more diverse markets and trading opportunities, the future of the troubled region has to be defined by common economic interests instead of hostilities," she said.

The chief minister said instead of fighting wars with each other, India and Pakistan should join hands to eradicate poverty and to address social problems plaguing the region.
New Delhi/Srinagar: Amidst heightened tension with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Thursday to review the situation along the Line of Control.

The meeting is understood to have discussed various options related to the Line of Control (LoC) in the wake of the Uri attack.

The meeting is also understood to have taken stock of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.

Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire twice along the Line of Control (LoC) by opening fire in Naugam sector and Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This is the third ceasefire violation by Pakistan in two days. "Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts in Naugam sector around 7 AM," an Army official said in Srinagar.

He said the Pakistani troops used small fire arms and mortars but there were no reports of any casualty. The troops exercised restraint and have not retaliated so far, he added. The second ceasefire violation took place in Mendhar sector today.

A senior police officer in Jammu said, "There was firing from across the border on forward areas along the LoC in Balnoie belt of Mendhar in the district around 4.30 AM." There were no casualties, he added.

Yesterday, Pakistani troops had targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Sabzian belt of Poonch district.

On September 20, two days after the terror attack in Uri, Pakistani troops had violated ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian army positions with small firearms. On September 6, Pakistani Army pounded Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the LoC in Poonch district.

On September 2, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district.
Islamabad: Pakistan National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Nasir Janjua has submitted a comprehensive report on the Line of Control (LoC) cross-border escalation with Indian troops to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, reported Radio Pakistan on Thursday.

The Prime Minister is also being briefed regularly on the situation on the LoC by the security establishment.

Sharif, according to Radio Pakistan, expressed satisfaction on the level of preparedness of the Pakistani armed forces to match any provocation by Indian security forces.

Condemning the cross-border escalation, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement, "Such falsified, concocted and irresponsible statements can only escalate the already fragile security situation in the region ...India has deliberately escalated tension at the LoC in order to divert attention... It is trying to make fool of its own people and the international community."

"We can assure India that any such aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished. Pakistan is ready to defend its people and territory from any Indian aggression or Indian State sponsored terrorism on Pakistani soil," the statement added.

In the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the Indian Army claimed that it had conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control. This was confirmed by Director General of Military Operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh.

The motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into Indian territory.

"The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties have been caused to the terrorist and those who are trying to support them. The operation aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since seized. We do not have any plans for further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrive," he added.
New Delhi: Political parties and leaders have congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and lauded the Indian Army for the surgical strikes conducted across the Line of Control (LoC) on terror launch pads in Pakistan on Wednesday night.

Amit Shah, BJP President

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Thursday said the way the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes across the LoC without any loss of life explains its valour and capabilities.

Shah also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the Indian Army in this regard.

Shah in a statement said, "The Indian army has shown their courage and valour by successfully carrying out surgical strikes and destroying terrorist launch pads."

"It has happened for the first time that the Indian Army has carried out such a serious attack without losing any life. The Indian Army has made the whole nation proud," the statement added.

Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister

"Congratulations to the Indian Army for the successful operation," Defence Minister Parrikar said on Twitter.

Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister

"India is capable of repelling all forces that subvert peace in the region. We are proud of the Indian Army and leadership of @narendamodiji. We are proud of the #IndianArmy for taking pre-emptive action and repelling terrorists' attempt to destabilise peace and tranquility in the region, Finance Minister Jaitley said.

Sonia Gandhi, Congress President

"We stand with the Govt in its actions to protect countrys security" surgical strike. Party hopes Pak will recognise that it bears a great responsibility in continuing cross-border terrorist attacks against India," says Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Mehbooba Mufti, J&K Chief Minister

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti expresses grave concern over escalation of situation along the state's borders with Pakistan. She urges restraint, says Indo-Pak confrontation could lead to disaster of epic proportions.

M. Venkaiah Naidu, Urban Development Minister

"These operations are a part of a mandate of the Indian Army to foil any attempts of infiltration into our soil. The army operation was a part of their responsibility in defending unity, safety and security of the country."

"The country is safe in the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army. The Prime Minister has reassured nation that such acts will not be tolerated." he added.

Suresh Prabhu, Railway Minister

Congratulations to the #IndianArmy for carrying out #SurgicalStrikes. Our government is committed to counter the menace of terrorism, Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu said.

Prakash Javadekar, Minister of HRD

Nation is proud of PM @narendramodi for isolating #Pakistan and now conducting surgical strikes to give a befitting reply to proxy war, Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar said.

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister

Hailing the Army after the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the entire country stands behind the armed forces.

However, AAP leaders, who had earlier attacked Modi after the Uri attack for not acting against Pakistan, remained silent on the governments move.

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena MP

BJP ally Shiv Sena, which has often taunted the central government over its alleged lack of action against Pakistan-based terrorists, congratulated the Prime Minister and said armed forces have the capacity "to unfurl the tricolour in Lahore and Karachi".

"We congratulate the armed forces and government over this action. We should not step back and go ahead as India and armed forces have the capacity to unfurl the tricolour in Lahore and Karachi. We congratulate the Prime Minister, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.

Sharad Pawar, NCP President

NCP President and former Defence Minister Sharad Pawar also lauded the army while JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said the whole country is one in support of the defence forces and the government.

"Bravo Brave hearts! Feel proud of Jawans for Surgical Strike on terrorist camps in PoK," Pawar tweeted.

Shashi Tharoor, Congress parliamentarian

"I am very proud of the Indian Army, the real message has been sent to Pakistan. Well done," Congress MP Tharoor said.

Virender Sehwag

Salute to Indian Army. The boys have played really well. Jai Hind, cricketer Virender Sehwag said.

Surgical Strikes conducted

Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control. Speaking to media today, Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh said that the motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into the Indian Territory.

Lt General Singh informed that significant casualty was caused to terrorists during the operation.

The DGMO said, it is a matter of serious concern that there have been many infiltration bids by terrorists at the LoC and it was reflected in the terror attacks in Poonch and Uri on 11th and 18th of this month.

He said nothing was done despite India's persistent request to Pakistan not to allow territory under its control to be used for terror activities. He said Pakistan gave a commitment to India in 2004 that it will not allow its soil to be used for anti India terror activities.

He informed that almost 20 infiltration attempts have been successfully foiled by Indian Army this year. He said India has also offered consular access to apprehended terrorists from Pakistan and finger prints and DNA samples of the terrorists killed in Uri and Poonch attacks can also be made available to the neighbouring country.

The DGMO said that he spoke to his Pakistani counterpart to share India's concerns and told him about the surgical strikes. He said, India cannot allow terrorists to operate across the LoC.
Ratan Tata on Wednesday commended the government's decision to boycott the SAARC Summit in the wake of Uri attacks. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Leading industrialist Ratan Tata on Wednesday commended the government's decision to boycott the SAARC Summit in the wake of Uri attacks.

"So proud of Indian govt's firm stand on bycot of SARC mtg & overwhelming support by member nations (sic)," Tata tweeted.

The tweet by Tata Group Chairman Emeritus received over 3,200 likes and was re-tweeted more than 2,000 times.

Amid heightened tension with Pakistan over Uri terror attack in which 18 soldiers were killed, India had announced its decision of pulling out of the Summit late last night citing increased "cross-border" attacks.

Apart from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have also pulled out of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November, indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an environment which is not right for the successful holding of the meet, resulting in its collapse.
Guwahati: In what looks to be another round in the bout between Congress and the RSS, vice president Rahul Gandhi made a personal appearance in a Guwahati court on Thursday over a case of criminal defamation against the Hindutva organisation.

RSS volunteer Anjan Bora filed a criminal case against Gandhi for making false statements to tarnish the image of RSS. Gandhi had said that women were made to sit at the entrance of a satra (a monastery) so that he would not be able to enter.

I am against RSS ideology and will fight those who want to divide the country. I wont back down because of these cases, Gandhi said to reporters outside the court.

These cases are being put filed me because I'm fighting for poor people, rights of farmers and for unemployed youths, he added.

Gandhi is facing another criminal defamation charge because of the speech he made in Bhiwandi. In the speech he had said that people belonging to the RSS had killed Gandhiji and now they speak about Gandhi.

The case started in a court in Bhiwandi and then went to the Mumbai high court before finally coming to the Supreme Court.

In the Supreme Court, the petitioner asked Gandhi to read an apology which he refused. Now the case will go to trial in Bhiwandi.

The Congress now wants to make this issue a political one. The plank will be that Gandhi is against the forces which killed Mahatma Gandhi. In his campaign rally in Uttar Pradesh, he targeted the RSS many times. Since the matter between him and the RSS has now gone to court Gandhi wants to leave no stone unturned to ensure that political capital comes his way.

The Congress had said that it was high time that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat commented on the matter.

The Congress also says that many books and authors have also commented about RSS but the RSS has not filed any cases against any one of them. While this case is in Guwahati the Congress Vice President is also preparing for the other defamation case which is slated in November this year in Bhiwandi.
Guwahati: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday granted relief by a local court in a criminal defamation case filed against him by a RSS functionary.

Gandhi appeared as accused before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Kamrup and was granted Personal Recognisance (PR) bond as he appeared personally and in deference to his status as a Member of Parliament, his lawyer Anshuman Bora told reporters outside the high security Court.

Read: Wont back down: Rahul appears in Assam court for RSS defamation case

"We had made a bail application for him but as Rahul Gandhi appeared in person the court allowed him to go on PR bond. The next date of hearing has been fixed for November 5", Bora said.

Complainant 'Bibhag Chanchalak' of RSS, Anjan Bora's, counsel Bijon Mahajan told journalists, "We did not oppose the bail application as per the complainant's advice".

Gandhi has to be present personally again on November 5 when the court will explain to him his offence.

The complainant had filed a criminal defamation case against Gandhi that he had brought down the image of the RSS by saying he was not allowed by RSS members to enter Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery, in Assam on December 12, 2015.

CJM Sanjoy Hazarika in his August 6 order had stated, "The statement of Rahul Gandhi so published in dailies as well as in media appears to be defamatory in nature "And, therefore, the complainant prima facie fulfils the ingredients of Section 499 IPC. And accordingly I find sufficient material to proceed against Rahul Gandhi to face trial under Section 500 IPC."

Section 500 of the IPC contains quantum of punishment which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.
Soldiers guard outside the army base which was attacked suspected militants in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Uri attack on September 18 was shocking in its deadly intent as it was in its obduracy. After all, how could four armed-to-teeth terrorists cut and cross the double fence on the LoC, penetrate six km into Indian territory, breach several security layers and let loose mayhem inside an army base leaving 18 dead?

Obviously there were several lapses. Last week defence minister Manohar Parrikar admitted as much: Obviously something must have been wrong We will definitely find out what went wrong and also take steps to ensure it does not go wrong again.

Perhaps the minister might have been hinting at the critical requirement of an advanced communications interception system could have helped prevent the attack. On Wednesday, the after-effects of Uri continued to resonate in the Defence Acquisition Council meeting. Among a slew of proposals worth Rs 1,910 crore that was cleared during the meeting chaired by the defence minister was a Rs 330 crore Electronic Warfare System (EWS) for low intensity conflict operations in the beleaguered Jammu and Kashmir.

With terror elements in Kashmir and across the border taking recourse to advanced communication systems, this move, in essence, will imply a thrust to acquire the best communications infrastructure as a robust counter terror measure, a defence ministry official told this newspaper.

The main elements of EWS involve surveillance of the enemys radio and data transmissions, eavesdropping, gathering intelligence across the electromagnetic spectrum and deploying counter tactics by sophisticated jamming and other such methods including setting up of a reliable and secure radio network.

Other proposals cleared included approval for the purchase of anti-tank guided munitions for training purposes worth Rs 405 crore, setting up of a Rs 450 crore weapon repair facility in Port Blair, and a Rs 725 crore plan to set up a repair facility at Mumbais Naval dockyard specifically for the Scorpene submarines the first of which INS Kalvari is expected to join the Indian Navy soon.

The DAC is the apex procurement body of the defence ministry. After its approval, the proposals will go to the Union Cabinet for the final clearance.

(This story originally appeared in the Asian Age)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will pronounce the order on the cancellation of bail granted to former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Mohammad Shahabuddin on Friday. The latter is facing criminal charges in around 50 cases.

Earlier in the day, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, who has filed one of the petitions, argued before the apex court that Shahabuddin did not follow any rules and walked out of jail on his own will.

"The jail authorities were terrified of him. Bhushan sought cancellation of bail of Shahabuddin on the ground that if he be enlarged on bail, then the life of the last witness, who was to testify in a case, would be in danger," Bhushan said.

A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh and Justice Amitav Roy, said, "We will pronounce the order tomorrow."

The argument, which was inconclusive yesterday in the apex court, will continue today, where a victim's lawyer and the Bihar government have pleaded to the division bench to cancel his bail.

Bhushan had earlier on Monday told the apex court that there were 45 cases against Shahabuddin, out of which nine are related to murder and ten are related to convictions.

The top court had on September 19 issued a notice to Shahabuddin while hearing pleas of the Bihar Government and Chandrakeshwar Prasad against the bail granted to him.

The Bihar Government had earlier filed an appeal before the apex court, challenging the Patna High Court's order of granting bail to Shahabuddin.

The petition has been filed by Bhushan on behalf of the victim's family, which was upset to see Shahabuddin walk free.

Shahabuddin, who had been in jail for more than 10 years in connection with multiple cases, was granted bail by the Patna High Court on September 7 in connection with the murder of a man who witnessed the killing of two brothers in Siwan.

Shahabuddin's release from jail evoked widespread criticism of the grand alliance in the state with the opposition accusing the government of paving way for his release by not opposing the bail strongly in the court.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar contributed to the free run of RJD leader Shahabuddin even when he was in jail.

A bench of Justices Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Amitav Roy made this observation when senior counsel Dinesh Diwedi, appearing for Bihar submitted that while in jail Shahabuddin kept on committing crimes and no evidence was available for his prosecution. He said going to jail or remaining in jail hardly made any difference to him and this showed the influence he had.

Intervening, the Bench told the counsel that it was because the government had shown indulgence and counsel agreed that the contributory factor to some extent cannot be overruled.

Counsel Prashant Bhushan for petitioner Chandrakehswar Prasad seeking cancellation of Shahabuddins bail said all three sons of the petitioner were brutally murdered at the alleged instance of Shahabuddin. He was involved in as many as 58 cases, that includes nine murders. Mr Bhushan said every day Shahabuddin poses serious threat to witnesses.
New Delhi: The BSF has put all its units along the International Border on "high alert" in the wake of the surgical strikes by India on terror launch pads across the LoC Wednesday night.



Officials said the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters here has issued orders to all its units along IB in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat to step up vigil and bolster their numbers at the posts by bringing in all personnel who are in the reserve.



In order to ensure civilian safety, they said, members of the public will not be allowed on Thursday to witness the Attari-Wagah retreat ceremony from the stands right next to the designated border pillar in Punjab.



The officials said BSF has also restricted all civilian movement along borders with Pakistan.



The border guarding force, they said, has also been asked by the Centre to provide manpower to local administration for helping in evacuating people from border villages to safer locations.



Officials said border units have been asked to undertake special patrols and conduct ambushes.



The force has also been asked to augment the number of personnel and officers who work under the operational command of the Army at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.



India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across LoC last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.



The announcement of the sudden action by the Army was made today by DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the terror strike by Pakistan-based JeM on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Kashmir which left 18 Indian soldiers dead.
Former Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia said surgical strikes are clear and loud message to Pakistan that you cannot come and carry out terrorist strikes in India. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

New Delhi: Lauding the move of the Indian Army for conducting surgical strikes across the Line of Control, former Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia (Retd.) on Thursday said it has demonstrated New Delhi's political and military will to Pakistan.

"I congratulate the troops who had taken part. I am very proud of the fact that it has been done. I was always of the firm opinion and belief that it was not a question of if, it's a question of when, where and what. The political and military will has been demonstrated. This was a befitting reply to what the terrorists have done in Uri, where we lost many casualties," Bhatia told ANI.

Bhatia said, "It's a clear and loud message to Pakistan that you cannot come and carry out terrorist strikes in our country, you will have to pay the cost for it. If you are willing to pay the cost.you come and we will hold you to it. We have demonstrated a politico-military will and this demonstration has sent very good signals across the Line of Control."

Reacting to Pakistan's denial of India's claim of surgical strikes being conducted, Bhatia said, "Pakistan will always deny it. The terrorists have no identity as such, so they will always be in denial mode. The terrorists are a disposable commodity as far as the Pakistani Army and the Pakistan ISIS is concerned. So, Pakistan will deny it. This was a pre-emptive and a punitive operation. Launch pad usually has 8-10 terrorists, it's our work to eliminate them."

Bhatia said it was good that India took its time in conducting the surgical strikes.

"When Pakistan engineers a terror strike in India, it is already prepared for all the consequences. It knows that if retaliation comes , it should be prepared for it. In this particular case, we had taken our time. We were not too late.it's not too early. We have gone and done what we had to do," he added.

On the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, said the Director General of Military Operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh.

The motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into Indian territory.

"The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties have been caused to the terrorist and those who are trying to support them. The operation aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since seized. We do not have any plans for further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrive," he added.

Singh further said that he spoke with the Pakistani DGMO and expressed New Delhi's concern and meanwhile, shared information over the operation conducted by the Indian Army.

"I have spoken to the Pakistani DGMO and explained our concerns and also shared the operation we had conducted last night. It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country," said Singh.
These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. (Representational Image)

Srinagar: Hours after India launched surgical strikes on seven terror launchpads across the LoC in Pakistan, panic gripped Srinagar as people mistook a meteorite for a missile attack launched by the rival nation.

According to a report in The Indian Express, locals thought that the meteorite was a retaliation by Pakistan in the wake of cross-border tensions between the two countries.

Late on Wednesday night, Indian Army, in the first such action, carried out surgical strikes on terror launchpads with the Army saying its special forces inflicted "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Sources said the launchpads in PoK were in the range of 2 to 3 kilometres from the LoC and were under surveillance for over a week while Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the strikes targeted 5 to 6 places across the LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Naidu said there was no casualty on the Indian side.

These surgical strikes are the first major military action taken by India against Pakistan after the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed as terrorists from Pakistan crossed into an Army camp earlier this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged that the attack would not go unpunished.

A surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific targets with the aim to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and a subsequent return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full-blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.
The TTP is an alliance of militant groups formed in 2007 to unify groups fighting against the Pakistani military. (Representational Image/AP)

New Delhi: At a time when India is trying to isolate Pakistan on global platforms for sponsoring terror, one of the most notorious outfit that operates from its soil, the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP), has given a fresh call for attack on Indian security forces.

According to a report in DNA, the Pakistan Taliban wants to spread jihad in Kashmir and has sounded a clarion call for more attacks on the Indian army. The move comes just days after the recent Uri attack where many jawans lost their lives fighting terrorists, leading to souring of ties between India and Pakistan.

Only last month, the TTP had declared in a public statement that it was not interested in stepping into the Kashmir conflict and was focussing on fighting the Pakistan military, which it believes to be a bigger enemy for their role against the mujaheedins.

The TTP is an alliance of militant groups formed in 2007 to unify groups fighting against the Pakistani military in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan.

The main targets of the terror group have always been the Pakistani military and the US, which is why the new call for jihad in Kashmir as come as a big surprise for many.

US-based Arif Jamal, a scholar on Islamic extremist group, in the report explains that this new shift in strategy only shows that the TTP and Pakistan Army are hand-in-glove, despite public proclamations of bitter enmity.

It also shows that Pakistan Army is again activating TTP and other Deobandi groups in Kashmir and India for jihad, he said, adding how the Pakistani army currently supports the Afghan Taliban.

On the one hand, bringing Deobandi TTP and Jaish-e-Mohammad to Kashmir will divert their jihadi activities outside Pakistan and, on the other hand, it will please Afghan Taliban whose support is crucial to Pakistan Army. From the TTP viewpoint, it is a good strategy to get support from Pakistan Army and lower its pressure on the group TTP. Behind the smokescreen of jihad in Kashmir and India, they will expand their jihadist infrastructure inside Pakistan, Jamal said.
New Delhi: For the past few days, India has been aggressively trying to ramp up international pressure on Pakistan to take strong steps against terror emanating from its soil. But early Thursday morning, the Narendra Modi government sent a powerful message to Islamabad  that India was ready to walk the talk.

The Indian Armys confirmation on the surgical strikes carried out by its troops against Pakistani terrorists along the Line of Control in Pak-occupied territory was the Modi government signalling that it is no longer ready to just sit and watch its jawans getting butchered by terrorists from Islamabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed that the Uri attack, where 18 jawans lost their lives fighting terrorists, would not go unpunished. I assure the nation that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished," Modi had said.

The promise was not hollow, five days later, with no signs of remorse or action from Pakistan, the surgical strikes were launched.

Read: India destroys terror launchpads in Pakistan in surgical strikes along border

The Modi-led government had tried to take the peaceful diplomatic path with Pakistan, but with Nawaz Sharif repeatedly trying to paint his country as the victim of terror, instead of taking concrete action to rein in terror, the surgical strikes have come as much needed action from the Indian.

Lt General Ranveer Singh, Director General of Military Operations said the surgical strikes were carried out in Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors. He also informed the media that almost 20 infiltration attempts have been foiled by Army successfully this year.

Surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific target which aims to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.

The DGMO had clarified that the surgical strikes were based on specific inputs which indicated that terrorists were planning to attack Indian territory and that they have no plan to conduct more such strikes. He also spoke to his Pakistani counterpart to tell him about the surgical strikes and conveyed India s concerns. The onus is now on Pakistan to decide either to co-operate with India on its fight against terror or play the victim card again.

India had repeatedly warned Pakistan at various international fora, that it needs to stop dismantle terror havens and stop sponsoring terrorists. Three days ago, on September 26th External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj minced no words to condemn Pakistan for speaking the language of terrorism.

India even pulled out of the SAARC summit scheduled to be held in November this year in Islamabad, to protest the Uri attack. The US has tried to de-escalate the tensions between the two countries but has sided with India, asking Pakistan to to combat terrorist entities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, among others that operate from its soil.
Bengaluru: High drama prevailed at Kamagondanahalli bus stop on Thursday morning when a woman bus conductor and three college students locked horns over a trivial row.

The conductor bit two of the students and got roughed up by the latter. A traffic cop, who was present near the spot, tried to pacify them, but failed. The scuffle went on for sometime and both the parties later registered police complaints at the Gangammangudi police station. It all started on a BMTC bus (route no. 401-A) bound for Yelahanka from Peenya. The woman conductor, Aruna, attached to the Depot No. 9 in Peenya, observed that three college students, all from M.N.Technical Institute, were travelling on the footboard of the bus.

When she told them not to travel on footboard and get inside the bus, they mocked at her, which is said to have triggered the incident.

Aruna then told them to produce their students passes and refused to return. She told them to collect the passes later from the Peenya depot. The three students, Pawan, Puneeth Gowda and Guru Praveen, protested and got into an argument with her. When the bus reached Kamagondenahalli bus stop the conductor and the students started roughing up each other. In the melee, Aruna bit the hands of Pawan and Guru Praveen. The students pushed her to the ground and a traffic policeman tried to intervene. A crowd too gathered at the spot and many got busy recording the quarrel on their camera phones.

Later the two parties were taken to the Gangammangudi police station where they slapped complaints on each other. While Aruna lodged a criminal complaint against the three students for obstructing a public servant from discharging duties, and criminal assault on a public servant; the three students filed a counter complaint against Aruna act of biting and verbally assaulting two students. The police have registered cases.
New Delhi: Any woman, whether married or not, if she is having a legal right of residence in the building, is also included in the definition of family in relation to landlord and seek eviction of the tenant, if the premises is required for bonafide use, the Supreme Court has held.

A Bench of Justices J. Chelameswar and A.M. Sapre said in order to claim the benefit of expression family, a female must have a legal right of residence in the building. The Bench held that whether she is married or not, if she is able to show that she has an interest in the suit building will entitle her to claim a right of residence in such building. Such women would then be entitled to seek eviction of the tenant from such building for her personal need.

The Bench said that it was an admitted fact that the appellants husband died intestate leaving behind daughter  Dr. Naheed Parveen as one of his heirs. She inherited an undivided but specific ownership right and interest in the suit building which entitles her to claim a right of residence in the suit building. The appellant Gulshera Khanam had sought eviction of a tenant in the building for additional space for the expansion of clinic activities for her daughter.
BENGALURU: After a man died due to snake bite in Khanapur, his family made a bizarre attempt to bring him back to life! On the insistence of a snake charmer that he would bring him back to life, the body was covered by a huge amount of salt for one hour before the autopsy. When his magic failed even after an hour, the family allowed doctors to conduct the post-mortem.

The victim, Rudrappa Pijolli (24) of Avrolli, near Khanapur was allegedly bitten by a snake on Wednesday. The incident happened while he was covering his tractor with tarpaulin near his house. He did experience some pain soon after he got bitten, but he mistook it for some insect bite and ignored it.

After completing all his routine works, he had dinner and went to sleep. Around 2 am he woke up to an excruciating pain and began vomitting incessantly. His family rushed him to a hospital at Parishwad. He was declared dead by the doctors as soon as he was brought to hospital.

Shocked by the sudden death, his family approached a snake charmer from Beedi village, who assured them of doing a magical treatment to bring him back to life.

The snake charmer advised the family to cover the body with salt for some hours and assured them that he would come back to life. He was able to convince the family that the poison from the dead would come out if it was covered with salt and kept for sometime! On his insistence, the dead was brought out of the Khanapur mortuary where it was taken for post-mortem and covered with salt outside.

The crowd waited desperately for more than an hour only to find that the magic turn into a damp squib. The drama ended when the police personnel intervened and appealed to the family to hand over the body for post-mortem. The family then allowed doctors to conduct the post-mortem and later the body was taken for funeral in the afternoon.
Bengaluru: Ruling out further release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for raising their Samba crop, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the Union government to send a team of experts to the Cauvery basin of both states to verify the ground realities, storage, inflow and outflow before taking a view on the issue.

Talking to reporters after attending a meeting of the two heads of states convened by Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti in Delhi on Thursday, the CM said he explained to the Union minister the current situation in four dams in the Cauvery basin-Krishna Raja Sagar, Kabini, Harangi and Hemavathi owing to failure of monsoon. As on September 23, Karnataka had a storage of 27.6 tmc ft water in the four dams. The state implemented the Supreme Court's directive on September 5 to release 15,000 cusecs of water to TN and deferred its decision to release 6,000 cusecs daily due to low storage in its four dams.

On September 23, both Houses of the state Legislature unanimously passed a resolution deciding to reserve 27.6 tmc ft of water only for drinking purposes. On September 27, the apex court again directed Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs to TN for three days (till Sep 30). But, an all party meeting decided on September 28 not to release water to TN. The meeting said the state government should abide by the resolution adopted by the legislature.

Mr Siddaramaiah said the Tamil Nadu delegation led by PWD Minister Palaniswamy opposed Karnataka's plea to dispatch an experts team to study the ground realities for reasons best known to them. "In my view, Tamil Nadu should have agreed as a study by a third party would have revealed the ground reality in both states such as water level in dams, ground water availability and IMD predictions. With TN disagreeing, the Union minister decided to convey to the Supreme Court on Friday through its attorney general the proceedings of Thursday's meeting".

Stating that Karnataka has the highest regard for the judiciary and rule of law, the CM said the state did not have any intention of disobeying the apex court's directive. In fact, Karnataka had implemented all orders starting from September 5. But, now the state was not in a position to release water which was needed to meet the drinking water needs of Bengaluru, Mysuru and several villages. Even the National Water Policy says that priority should given to drinking water followed by agriculture, industries and power generation. Tamil Nadu has around 43 tmc ft of water in Mettur Dam, around 20 tmc ground water (as assessed by Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal) and will also benefit from the North-East Monsoon with the IMD predicting normal rain from October to December. Karnataka has no hope of rain now with the South-West Monsoon over this month. While Karnataka wants to save water for drinking, Tamil Nadu wants it for its Samba crop. Besides, they do not require water immediately to save the crops.

Siddaramaiah: SC Bench cant direct centre to form CMB

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the two-member bench of the Supreme Court currently hearing the Cauvery water case involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, has no jurisdiction to direct the Union government to constitute Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

Talking to reporters after attending a meeting of the administrative heads of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu convened by Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, the Chief Minister said that Karnataka would strongly oppose any move to constitute the Cauvery Management Board. Besides, the present bench did not have jurisdiction to direct the Centre as such a directive can only be given by a three-member judge, he claimed.

On Tamil Nadu's claim that Tamil speaking people have no security in Karnataka, Mr Siddaramaiah refuted the allegation and said his government was committed to protect all linguistic minorities including Tamilians. "They had been given protection and they will be given security in the state".
Mahant Dviyagiri of Mankameswer temple and people celebrate after armys surgical strikes in Lucknow on Thursday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Setting aside their differences, political leaders cutting across party lines Thursday hailed the anti-terror surgical strikes carried out by the Army along the Line of Control (LoC) on Thursday.

Congratulating the Army, Congress communications in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said, Our party wholeheartedly supports the surgical strike on terror launch pads in PoK by the Indian Army.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said in a statement that a strong message has been sent to Pakistan by these strikes, adding that Pakistan bears a great responsibility in the continuing cross-border attacks while offering her partys support to the government in the battle against terror.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar praised the forces as did Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, however, expressed concern over the escalation of situation along the borders and warned that confrontation could ultimately lead to disaster of epic proportions for the state. Ms Mufti was of the opinion that channels of communication should remain open between India and Pakistan.

For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit, she said. Earlier, the central government had reached out to former Prime Minister Man-mohan Singh and briefed him about the strikes.

Even external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met Sonia Gandhi and briefed her on the developments. A high-level meeting at Sonias residence was attended by Manmohan Singh, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and her political secretary Ahmed Patel.

The surgical strikes by the Army across the Line of Control were a necessary step which had not been taken for many years, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said.
Doval swung into action and set up a command control room in the South Block along with Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and DGMO Ranbir Singh.(Photo: PTI/Representational)

New Delhi: After the Uri attack on September 18, the government made up its mind that it could not be business as usual with Pakistan. Areas that are generally used to infiltrate militants across the Line of Control were studied.

Around 10 sites were identified across the LoC as possible targets. The military operations directorate finally chose four: Bhimber and Tatapani (Hot Springs) in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, Lipa opposite Baramulla and Kel that faces the Kupwara sector.

The government decided that a strike would be carried out only if it detected plans to infiltrate militants across these four sectors. The Research and Analysis Wing chief and his key officer in charge of Pakistan were asked to gather intelligence from the ground, while the technical intelligence agency, the National Technical Research Organisation, was asked to monitor satellite imagery to detect any movement of the sort associated with infiltration bids.

With the PM giving a green signal, NSA Doval swung into action and set up a command control room in South Block along with Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and DGMO Ranbir Singh. The PM, home and defence ministers were in constant touch on a hot line with the control room.

Over the past week while India was weighing the options of a surgical strike the Army had quietly positioned two of its crack commando units from the elite Special Forces, the 4 and 9 Para-commandos, close to the LoC with a clear brief to be prepared to strike within minutes.

Drones and advanced communication systems were employed to track the militants in the well-disguised launching pads, keeping the entire apparatus combat-ready. The only question was about the timing.

The forces had a window of two hours, between 2 and 4 am, to execute the operation and be back well before sunrise. The Special Forces were divided into five small teams each with 8 to 20 commandos. As part of a diversionary tactic Indian security forces opened fire while the para-commandos struck at the launch pads with clinical precision in the dead of the night with reports suggesting that they inflicted heavy casualties on the militants including killing of two Pakistani soldiers.

In one particular location as the operation was coming to a close, reinforcements had come in form of Pakistani Rangers and Border Action Teams and Rangers, sources said. But when they saw the volume of fire, they beat a retreat, a source said. By about 4 am the entire Special Forces unit was back at their base on Indian soil loaded with evidence including photographs of the operation and military hardware seized from the killed militants.

All this, while the control room in South Block kept the political leadership informed about the unfolding operation as information was being relayed to them through a wireless set by commandos on the ground. The commandos caused substantial damage to the launch pads which had militants from all major terror outfits in the operation, a senior security official said.
New Delhi: In the wake of the Armys surgical strikes along the LoC on late Wednesday night, the Central government on Thursday called an all-party meeting to brief leaders about the attacks and other related developments.

The meeting, which was chaired by Union home minister Rajnath Singh, was attended by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, defence minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval, BJP national president Amit Shah along with senior leaders of all major political parties.

It was an attempt by the ruling party and its government at the Centre to win some favour with the Opposition after facing heavy criticism following the terrorist attack at an army base in Uri. The Opposition parties have assured the government of taking a bipartisan stand on the issue.

At the meeting, Mr Doval and Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh shared details of the surgical strikes carried out by the Army, and also briefed about the Armys preparedness in case of any retaliation from across the border.

The government is also learnt to have shared the reasons behind its decision to attack the terror launch pads in PoK through which several attacks have been carried out in Indian soil in the past. Ms Swaraj told the all-party meeting about the steps India will be taking on the diplomatic front.

Extending support to the government, opposition leaders at the meeting clarified that there is no difference of opinion at the political level. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu said, all political parties unanimously supported the Armys action, which was carried out at 5-6 important places across LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in J&K and some of these terror launch pads were destroyed.

Government and the Army had reports that the terrorists had plans to infiltrate again and create havoc in J&K and some other places, he said. After the successful operation, the Army personnel had returned to their respective bases without suffering any casualty, he said.
Former Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia said surgical strikes are clear and loud message to Pakistan that you cannot come and carry out terrorist strikes in India. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

New Delhi: While Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the Uri attack have left India with no choice but to assert its military might and send a strong message to its western neighbour, there is always a possibility that any retaliation by Pakistan may result in a full-fledged war with India.

Experts unanimously agree that the effects of a full-blown war will be devastating for both the nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan has been flaunting its nuclear arsenal and warning India that it will not hesitate to use it in case its security is threatened. India has a no-first use nuclear weapons policy.

Pakistan feels its policy of nuclear blackmail will work but India has shown it is ready for any scenario forced upon it by Pakistan. It is time to call Pakistans nuclear bluff, sources said.

But the effects of even a conventional war, not to mention a scenario of nuclear strikes will leave the economies of both countries shattered. The Kargil conflict of 1999 was a localised conflict and fortunately did not escalate to a full-fledged war across all sectors.

Defence experts termed the surgical strikes as an operational necessity and said those were necessitated as the levels of tolerance were crossed. Former top guns of the military lauded the bravery and calibrated approach of the Indian security forces as also the government for allowing the military to carry out the task. They justified the strikes, saying the forces had entered into Indian territory occupied by Pakistan.

Former RAW chief C.D. Sahay said the strikes had to happen and were inescapable, contending these should not be related to the Pathankot or Uri attacks as there has been a long history of trans-border infiltration.

The red lines have (been) crossed. The levels of tolerance have (been) crossed and this had to happen. I would congratulate them, but I would still urge (India) not to go gung-ho about it. It was an operational necessity. It was a security necessity. It had to be done. I would urge everyone to move on from here and not escalate (tensions) further, he said.

Maj. Gen. G.D. Bakshi, who was involved in counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and has been a former DGMO, said it is a long-pending debt that has been paid back by the special forces in a precise operation.

He said the forces kept these people under surveillance over the last week and identified and destroyed five launch pads used by terrorists for infiltration into the Indian side. Former Air Marshal P.K. Barbora congratulated the forces for carrying out the operation at an appropriate time.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was ready to defend itself as he summoned a meeting of the federal cabinet for Friday amid growing tension with India. The PM declared that Pakistans armed forces were fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Condemning the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC), he said Pakistan can thwart any evil design to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan. He later reviewed Pakistans defence preparedness, holding talks with army chief Raheel Sharif and other top aides.

Sharif and Raheel had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed situation at the Line of Control, local media reported. Raheel apprised the premier over the firing incidents at the LoC, the reports said, adding the army chief told him that Indian claims of surgical strikes were baseless.

Sharif told the army chief that the entire nation had high morale and was committed to defend the motherland along with the armed forces. Pakistan later summoned Indian high commissioner Gautam Bambawale over the surgical strikes.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry condemned the unprovoked firing by Indian forces on the Line of Control (LoC) in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed, Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.

These incidents are a continuation of a pattern of ceasefire violations committed by India. He (Chaudhry) conveyed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan will continue to give a befitting response to any act of aggression, the statement said.
The most surprising aspect of Indias cross-border strike that wiped out seven terror posts in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir was that it caught the Pakistan military napping!

A military that had made much of being on full alert was unable to detect Indian helicopters crossing the airspace over Line of Control and para-dropping its Special Forces into PoK.

Is this another Abbottabad, when US Special Forces raided and bombed Al Qaida chief Osama bin Ladens lair? Either way, former military generals have said India must take the midnight cross-border raids to its logical conclusion and take over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and destroy all terror camps that are the staging posts for attacks on Indian civilian and military targets.

We should take over Gilgit and Baltistan where the population is anyway more sympathetic to India, after the ethnic cleansing of the local populace who are mainly Shias and Ismailis, said a general who served in J&K and admitted to leading several cross-border raids on militant targets.

They werent special forces, just the infantry. But every time Pakistan killed one of ours, we went in and took out two of theirs. The top brass never acknowledged it, but thats the way it was.
The Presidents' Bible by Military Chaplains Available at Local Bookstores Contact: Chaplain David M. Wagner, 951-787-9776, info@MilitaryBibleAssociation.com; www.MilitaryBibleAssociation.com



SAN DIEGO, Calif., Sept. 29, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Presidents' Bible is now published and released to the public. The Presidents' Bible was set for release before the 2016 United States Presidential election since the Bible has become a key topic of discussion by some of the presidential candidates. The Presidents' Bible is a deluxe, full-color, collector's red letter edition, honoring the presidents of the United States who took a stand for Jesus Christ, Christianity and the Holy Bible.



Photo: The Presidents' Bible by Military Chaplains, published by James F. Linzey, president of the Military Bible Association and managing editor of the NTV.



It features photos of these presidents and the prayers they prayed. Additional features include the Founding Fathers' quotes on religious freedom, and articles such as "The National Monument to the Forefathers" and "Leadership and Liberty." Since the historical role of the President of the United States has been limited to that of Commander in Chief, The Presidents' Bible has a military focus by including the Military Code of Conduct, Military Core Values, Military Creeds, Military Hymns, Military Oaths, Military Photos, Military Prayers by Military Chaplains, the Pledge of Allegiance, and The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Chaplains of the Armed Forces. Other articles relevant to the Office of the President of the United States and the United States Armed Forces include Church Creeds, Leadership Scriptures, The 7 Principles of Leadership, The Meaning of Marriage, a topical concordance, and maps of the Holy Land. Due to the significance of the military, the publisher, James F. Linzey, D.D., saw fit to use a new translation called The New Tyndale Version, completed by chaplains serving in the United States Armed Forces.



The New Tyndale Version of the Holy Bible was translated by an interdenominational council of Bible translators, comprised of military chaplains and civilian scholars and pastors. Their goal was to update The Tyndale Bible to preserve the legacy of William Tyndale for future generations throughout the English-speaking world. The Greek text used for the New Testament is the Majority Text. The translators are devoted to making a good translation better and ensuring that The New Tyndale Version is an accurate and responsible update of The Tyndale Bible.



The Tyndale Bible refers to the corpus of translation work by William Tyndale. His work was the first English translation from the Hebrew and Greek. Much of his Old Testament work was used in The Matthew Bible.



Tyndale's New Testament work began in 1522, during the reign of King Henry VIII. He began with a Greek text compiled by Erasmus, which was derived from manuscripts older and more authoritative than the Latin Vulgate of St. Jerome (A.D. c.340-420). Tyndale was not given permission from the Bishop of London, Cuthbert Tunstall, and such a work was considered heretical. Only the Vulgate was sanctioned by Rome. So Tyndale went to the mainland of Europe to do his work in safety.



Tyndale used a variety of texts from which to translate. He used the third edition (1522) of Erasmus's Greek New Testament (Textus Receptus or Received Text), and Erasmus' Latin New Testament, and Martin Luthers German version and The Vulgate. It is believed that Tyndale did not use Wycliffe's Bible as a source to avoid Renaissance influence. It is also believed that Tyndale used the Hebrew Pentateuch or The Polyglot Bible, or even the Septuagint. It is, however, widely believed that he made much use of Greek and Hebrew grammars.



Many well-known cliches and phrases in modern English were derived from Tyndale's pen as found in the early English bibles and many modern bibles as well, such as "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). Tyndale used "thou" rather than "you," rescuing the word from obscurity. It is thought that Tyndale shaped the early modern English and modern English more than any other individual.



In 1535, outside Brussels, William Tyndale was arrested and thrown in jail for more than a year in the castle of Vilvoorde, known today as Filford. In 1536 he was charged with heresy and executed by strangulation. Then his body was burned at a stake. His last request was that God would open the eyes of the King of England, Henry VIII. His prayer was answered two years later when King Henry authorized The Great Bible to be the authorized version of the Church of England. The Great Bible was based largely on Tyndale's translation, thereby enabling The Tyndale Bible to continue playing a large role in the Reformation, eventually impacting the British Empire. His translation was also used in The Geneva Bible, which was brought to the New World in 1607, brought on the Mayflower in 1620 to the New World, and used as the basis of the King James Version in 1604. The Tyndale New Testament comprises 90 percent of the King James Version New Testament, and 76 percent of the King James Version Old Testament.



For many years, the vision of the chief editor Verna M. Linzey, D.D., has been to update The Tyndale Bible to preserve the legacy of William Tyndale for future generations. The New Tyndale Version benefits the entire English-speaking world. The text used for the New Testament is the Majority Text (Byzantine Textform Greek New Testament by William G. Pierpont, Ph.D., and Maurice A. Robinson, Ph.D. who serves as the Senior Editorial Advisor of the NTV). The text for the Old Testament is the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Members of the translation committee include world-renowned experts such as Eugene C. Ulrich, Ph.D., Chief Editor of the Biblical Text of the Dead Sea Scrolls; Steve Herring, Ph.D., who teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies; Blake Hearson, Ph.D., who served as the editor-in-chief of the Modern English Version Old Testament; and many others.



The Dedication has been accepted by Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to the glory and praise of Almighty God. We believe that the English-speaking world may continue to receive the best possible rendering of the Word of God by means of The New Tyndale Version.



Chaplain David M. Wagner serves on the board of directors of the Military Bible Association.

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Hyderabad: A fight over GO 111 that had reached the National Green Tribunal will be coming up for arguments on Monday.

Lake protection activists had filed a petition against encroachments and illegal constructions in the restricted zone along Himayatsagar and Osmansagar and got a status quo order on constructions, which is being challenged by village sarpanchs and politicians who had impleaded in the case, seeking the appointment of a committee for fresh hydrological studies aimed at amending the GO or cancelling it totally.

The legal fight has now gained significance in the wake of Shamshabad being announced as a new district. The region has also become a hot-bed of real estate activity in Hyderabad.

GO 111, issued in March 1996, prohibits industries, major hotels, residential colonies or other establishments that generate pollution in the catchment of Himayatsagar and Osmansagar up to 10 km from the full tank level (FTL) of the lakes. This covers 84 listed villages falling in six mandals such as Shamshabad, Moinabad, Shabad, Shankarpalli, Rajendranagar and Chevella.

Human Rights and Consumer Protection Cell Trust chairman Thakur Rajkumar Singh of Serilingampally filed a petition against the TS government, HMDA and Ranga Reddy revenue officials alleging that GO 111 had been violated and that there remains a clear threat to Himayatsagar and Osmansagar lakes due to construction of illegal buildings.

Mr Singh said, The government itself had identified these illegal structures. Those who are against the GO are arguing that a committee has to be set up for a study. The GO has been tested in Supreme Court so we are arguing that it has to be strictly implemented. The case is up for arguments on Monday.

The counter filed by Ranga Reddy collector in the NGT stated that a survey had been taken up by the panchayat staff based on the orders of the NGT in 84 villages falling within the purview of GO 111 to enumerate the structures and layouts in areas excluding gramkantam area (traditional village settlement area).

The district authorities informed NGT: It was found that 426 layouts and 12,442 structures are currently in the GO 111 area of RR district... Shamshabad village with 2,981 structures and Palamakula village with 691 are the highest in number.
Srinagar/Chandigarh: People living within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have been asked to shift to safer places and schools ordered to be shut till further notice in the wake of surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control.

The Beating Retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar in Punjab was also been closed for public for Thursday, officials said. We have asked border villagers living along IB and LoC to shift to safer area as a precautionary measure, said Simra-ndeep Singh, deputy commissioner, Jammu.

All people living within 7 to 8 km of India-Pak border have been asked to move to safer areas and schools in 10 km area to be ordered to close down till further notice, he said.

The twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu are calm. So are other cities and towns across Jammu and Kashmir. Though there is not much military activity visible on the ground, the news about Indian Armys conducting surgical strikes has triggered anxiety and paved the way to edginess and tension in various areas falling in close proximity of the de facto border.

The situation is tense more in villages along the stretch of the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts than in those falling close to the 740-km long LoC in Rajouri-Poonch-Bara-mulla-Kupwara-Band-ipore-Kargil districts.

Many people of Arnia, Suchetgarh, Ranbir Singh Pura, Kanachak, Pargwal and Nagri Parole sub-sectors along the IB have started moving to safer places as they are not willing to take any risks, reports said. Some families have done that on their own. More may follow but there are no orders from us or the Army, said a police officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

India braces for Pakistan retaliation

The country was on Thursday put on high alert in wake of Intelligence inputs that terrorists may strike in retaliation to the Armys surgical strike on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan. Union home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Chief Ministers of bordering states of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

In Punjab, Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal put the entire government machinery on an emergency mode. He directed the chief secretary and director general of police to ask the deputy commissioners and senior superindents of police to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathnkot.

He also directed the Deputy Commissioners to identify suitable locations for setting up camps and ensure that none of the residents being evacuated were put to any sort of inconvenience or hardship.

Elsewhere in the country, security apparatus was beefed up in railway stations, metros, bus depots, airports, seaports, hospitals and places having high footfall like malls, multiplexes, shopping plazas and busy marketplaces.
Coimbatore: The Mahila Court here on Wednesday awarded death sentence to a construction labourer from Tirunelveli district, after he was found guilty of raping and murdering a 24-year-old college professor in Karamadai in 2014. He was also handed down another three counts of life imprisonment for other related charges.

According to the prosecution, D. Ramya, 24, an assistant professor in a private engineering college at Kinathukadavu on Pollachi road was found dead at her residence at Ganesh Nagar near Teachers Colony in Karamadai on Nov. 3, 2014.

Her mother D. Malathi (48), a homemaker lay unconscious with serious injuries.

The incident came to light when the victims father Dharmaraj (50), a Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) staff at Kothagiri in Nilgiris district, on returning home panicked after both his wife and daughter did not pick up his calls. He found his daughter lying dead in pool of a blood and wife in an unconscious state with severe head injuries.

Malathi was rushed to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, where she fortunately recovered after treatment. On 23 January, 2015, the Karamadai police arrested K. Mahesh, a native of Thenkasi in Tirunelveli district from Pappanaickenpalayam area.

He was arrested in a different case, but was found to be involved in the rape and murder of the professor during enquiry. On the day of incident, Mahesh had followed the victim, who was heading home on foot, with intent to snatch her chain, the prosecution said.

However, suspecting her to be alone, the convict barged into the house through the back door. He attacked Malathi with a wooden log, then raped and murdered Ramya in a brutal manner. The accused then fled away with 3.2 sovereigns of gold jewels from the house.

On completion of trial, the Mahila Court judge G Raja awarded him death by hanging for murder, besides three life sentences for rape, trespassing and attempt to murder. In addition, he was also given ten years of imprisonment for attempt to murder, which may be served concurrently. Also the accused was slapped with a fine of `25,000.
The delegation will also press for constitution of Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Regulatory Committee as within four weeks as directed by the Supreme Court.

Chennai: At the high-level meeting on Thursday to be chaired by the Union Water Resources Minister, Uma Bharti, Tamil Nadu will ask the Union Government to ensure that Karnataka abides by the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) and releases the pending quantum of water without any further delay.

The high-level Tamil Nadu delegation led by PWD Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy will represent the state at the meeting in New Delhi, which is taking place on the directions of the Supreme Court, will passionately push its case for release of nearly 60 tmcft water pending as of this month. Besides the Minister, Chief Secretary P. Rama Mohana Rao, PWD principal secretary S.K. Prabhakar and Cauvery technical cell chairman R. Subramanian will also represent the state at the meeting.

Highly placed sources told Deccan Chronicle that Tamil Nadu would reiterate its long-held position that non-release of water from Karnataka could affect the food security of the state since the Cauvery Delta region stares at severe drought.

Our delegation would brief the meeting about the current situation in the Delta region and how desperate the farmers are without required amount of water being released for irrigation. They are hoping to raise at least one samba crop this season. That is possible only if the water that is pending is released, a top government official said.

Quoting the CWDT final award, Tamil Nadu will point out that it should have received 100 tmcft as on September 5. But as on that date, the water realised at Biligundulu is just 35.915 tmcft, the official said.

The delegation will also press for constitution of Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Regulatory Committee as within four weeks as directed by the Supreme Court. The official said the main prayer before the meeting would be to nudge Karnataka to strictly go by the final award of the CWDT which has mandated release of 192 tmcft of water to the state.

Since the CWDT is the final word on issues related to Cauvery, we would want the orders of the CWDT implemented in letter and spirit. This will be our main talking point on Thursday, the official said.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who held a high-level meeting on Tuesday at her hospital room on Cauvery issue, has dictated the speech to be read out at the high-level meeting on behalf of the state.
Hyderabad: TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday said whatever quantities of water the irrigation projects in the state were getting was due to the efforts and foresight of previous Congress rule and the ruling TRS cannot claim any credit for the present storage levels in dams.

Mr Reddy led a TPCC delegation comprising party seniors Mohd. Ali Shabbir, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, T. Jeevan Reddy, D. Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar and Katakam Mrityunjayam, to inspect various irrigation projects in Karimnagar district, especially the Yellampally dam near Mancherial.

Speaking to the media at the Yellamally project site, Mr Reddy said, There is not even a single project the TRS government can boast of, except taking commission from contractors in the name of redesigning and reengineering of projects.

Reminding that Yellampally was completed in all respects during the Congress rule, the TPCC chief said inauguration of project was deferred as the then Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy was against the creation of Telangana state.

So far, the TRS government could not even connect the pumphouses to the project and supply water to 2.5 lakh acre ayacut, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Shabbir Ali challenged the Chief Minister and irrigation minister T. Harish Rao to show a single project conceived and completed during the last 2.5 years of TRS rule. Its shameful on their part to take credit for Yellampally project which was completed in Congress rule. The TRS government has so far not prepared single DPR for any project, yet they are criticising the Congress, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision announced earlier this week to boycott the next Saarc summit, due to be held in Islamabad in November, was almost expected. Television anchors hyperbolically asked if that spelt the death of the South Asian regional grouping. Then news came on Thursday morning that the Indian Army had carried out surgical strikes along the Line of Control against launch pads from where fresh militants were regrouping to infiltrate across the LoC. This is perhaps Indias first pre-emptive strike against Pakistani militants. Diplomatically, there was merit in not responding to Uri, showing the world India was committed to strategic restraint and would resort to an armed response only as a last resort. Pakistans high commissioner Abdul Basit was summoned twice by foreign secretary S. Jaishankar, and shown specific proof of terrorists having crossed the LoC. An arrested guide even identified one such terrorist. But the Pakistani response was of utter denial. It became a dialogue with the deaf.

Thats when the political decision was taken that the cost to the deaf must be raised. Pakistan erred again, assuming India had backed off. Realising the Valley unrest was abating, it moved a fresh set of militants from the relative security of training camps, away from the LoC, to launch pads near it. India decided to swoop on the fresh jihadi cannon fodder to neutralise them. Spiking the Saarc summit was thus only to set the stage for a new game, which someone in South Block called changing the rules of Pakistans low-cost low-risk asymmetrical war. Pakistan may now be made to pay for any adventurism across the LoC or international border. Saarc, in its current form, appears set for a long slumber, or even untimely last rites.

It is undeniable that Saarc, founded in 1985 in Dhaka in line with the then global trend towards regional cooperation as a precursor to integration, is now in crisis. Asean, formed in 1967, was Americas bulwark against Communism in the context of the Vietnam War. The European Union, then still the European Economic Community, provided a Western balance to the then Warsaw Pact. Its real growth came only after the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union imploded, still five years away when Saarc was born. As deputy secretary to then President Giani Zail Singh, whom Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi chose not to brief, I witnessed his summoning former foreign secretary Kewal Singh to learn about the implications of Saarc. Gianijis commonsense view was that as South Asias dominant power, why should India create a panchayat that may gang up on it? Three decades later it is Pakistan against whom a majority of members are uniting. The reason cited by Afghanistan and Bangladesh, hinted at by Bhutan and implicit in Nepals whisperings, is that Pakistan is not curbing terror groups targeting fellow Saarc members and is in fact abetting them.

Today, in any case, the international mood has turned against globalisation and regional integration, with even the European Union left injured by Britain voting for Brexit. The Economists Charlemagne bemoaned last week that national leaders stay mute about the bits of the European Union they like and rage against those they dont. The European Commissions president, in his mid-September state of the union address, promised to protect against terrorism, globalisation, corporations and competition. It is notable that even the EU has terror and movement of refugees created by ISIS in Syria at the heart of its current self-doubt. Anti-trade hysteria is sweeping Germany, a key beneficiary of free trade. The demonstrators distrust markets, firms and globalisation. Donald Trump, US Republican presidential candidate, would heartily concur.

Similarly, even Asean, less integrated but a more harmonious union of 10 nations, is under strain over Chinese attempts to grab most of the South China Sea. The moral is that no union is immune to acts of outside actors, state or non-state. But in any case historical reconciliation in any region is an obvious precondition for its success. A dominant India assumed in 1985 that a Pakistan vanquished in 1971 and enfeebled by the ongoing fight against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan had reconciled to the past. That was obviously a huge misperception. Post-Afghan war Pakistan inherited battle-hardened jihadi allies and a nuclear programme weaponised by 1987. Using the nuclear deterrence shield, it exploited Indian mishandling of Kashmir in 1986-87 to unleash terror on the Valley and then elsewhere in India. But ironically, its gameplan spun out of control when its proteges targeted its principal benefactor and occasional ally, the United States, in 2001. The Pakistani states depredations in Bangladesh in 1971 by sponsoring the Jamaat-i-Islami for genocide, in Afghanistan since 2001 by aiding and abetting the Taliban and the ruthless Haqqanis and against India since 1990s have built up a collective ire against it. This is also due to successful exploitation of the issue by Indian diplomacy.

Saarc made good progress on paper in climbing the ladder of regional cooperation and free trade and investment. A South Asian Free Trade Agreement (Safta) was signed in 2004, and was to see full implementation by 2015 end. Intra-Saarc trade is a mere one per cent of the GDP of eight members. Tariffs were to be reduced to below five per cent; but Pakistan will not normalise trade with India, or allow it overland access to Afghanistan, which joined Saarc in 2007. Connectivity and trade are the sine qua non of any regional grouping. Pakistan deliberately kept hobbling the association by its bilateral grouses with India. Where does Saarc go from here?

India already has FTAs with Bhutan (1995), Nepal (1991) and Sri Lanka (1998). It has also ensured the participation of these three and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic cooperation (Bimstec), which in addition to the above four plus India has Myanmar and Thailand from Asean. It is thus a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. Saarcs aim should thus not be to eject Pakistan (Paxit?), but to amend its rules and introduce Charles de Gaulles empty chair approach. Let those that dont agree sit out. Saarc, however, operates by consensus and no summit can be held without all members agreeing. A postponement, like a few times in the past, and a change of venue may have overcome the present crisis had it not been for Indias armed retaliation over the Uri attack. Matters may now escalate or simmer. In any case, an immediate return to normality is ruled out.
The social media is aflame with elated stories, tall stories really, about Indias retaliation for Uri by turning off the spigot of the three western rivers of the Indus basin that flow unhindered into Pakistan and sustain its agriculture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lent much credence to this when he said that blood and water cannot flow together. But the truth is that the flow of blood can be stopped, but water will continue to flow. The Indus river system has a total drainage area exceeding 11,165,000 sq km. Its estimated annual flow is about 207 km, the worlds 21st largest river in annual flow. Its also Pakistans sole means of sustenance. The World Bank brokered the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan after many years of intense negotiations. It was designed to allocate the Indus river basin waters after the 1947 Partition. The British had constructed a complex canal system to irrigate undivided Punjab. Partition left a large part of this network in Pakistan, but the headwork dams remained in India, fuelling much insecurity among Pakistans Punjabi landowning elite. The IWT was mainly intended to address these Pakistani fears. Jawaharlal Nehru and Field Marshal Ayub Khan signed the treaty in Karachi on September 19, 1960.

Under this agreement, control over three eastern rivers  Beas, Ravi and Sutlej  was given to India, while that over three western rivers  Indus, Chenab and Jhelum  went to Pakistan. Since Pakistans rivers flow through India, the treaty allowed India to use them for irrigation, transport and power generation, laying down precise regulations for Indian building projects along the way. The treaty was a result of the Pakistani fear that, since the source rivers of the Indus basin were in India, it could potentially create droughts and famines in Pakistan, specially at times of war. Since the treatys ratification in 1960, India and Pakistan fought three wars, but the flow of water was not hampered even for a single day. On the face of it, the pact seems generous to Pakistan as it gives the lower riparian state 80 per cent of the western rivers water. The reality, however, is that IWT makes a virtue out of necessity, as it is the regions geography that decides this, rather than any altruism.

The Kashmir Valley is just 100 km wide at its maximum and 15,520.3 sq km in area. While the Himalayas divide the Valley from Ladakh, the Pir Panjal range, that encloses the Valley from west and south, separates it from the great plains of northern India. This picturesque and densely settled Valley has an average height of 1,850 metres above sea level but the surrounding Pir Panjal range has an average elevation of 5,000 metres. Thus the Pir Panjal range stands between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, and is an insurmountable barrier that precludes the transfer of water anywhere else. Neither do the contours of the Valley allow for more waters to be stored in any part of it. As the waters cant be stored or used by diversion elsewhere, it has to keep flowing into Pakistan.

Of the three western rivers given to Pakistan, the Indus, which leaves Indian territory near Kargil, flows entirely in Pakistan-controlled territory. The Jhelum originates near Verinag near Anantnag and meanders over 200 km in the Valley before it enters Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. After flowing through Srinagar it fills up the Wular Lake and then traverses past Baramulla and Uri. The hydel projects constructed on it supply most of the Valleys electricity. The Chenab, also known as Chandrabhaga, originates in Lahaul Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and flows through the Jammu region into the plains of Pakistani Punjab. In J&K, the Chenab basin covers Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, Jammu and Rajouri districts. The catchment of the Chenab is elongated and narrow, and the catchment area mostly in India. But the Chenab runs through deep valleys and the river drops by 24 m per km, imposing physical constraints and huge costs in harnessing it.

The Uri incident fuelled much anger within India and the Modi government, that came to power promising to deter Pakistan-based terror in India by threatening retribution, is now hard pressed to deliver. It is discovering there is a yawning gap between promise and reality. The PMs pre-election speeches are being played back to taunt him. The Modi government is flailing for options, short of the use of arms. Thus the somewhat exasperated suggestion that the government would take a relook the treaty, though senior Pakistani diplomat Sartaj Aziz has made it clear that this will be tantamount to an act of war. But a relook is easier said than done. For a start, India will find it very difficult to repudiate IWT as there is no clause in it for any one party to denounce (legalese for repudiation) the treaty, making it incumbent under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties for both parties to agree on this. Pakistan will never agree to have a bullet fired into its head. Besides as Dr Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, head of earth sciences at the geology and geophysics department of the University of Kashmir, says: Let us assume we stop water supply for the sake of argument. Where would the water go? We do not have infrastructure to store this water. We have not built dams in J&K where we can store water. And being a mountainous state, unlike Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, you cannot move water to another state. So you cannot stop the water technically.

But even if it can be done, climate change is upon both nations with severe implicit consequences for both, but mostly for Pakistan. The Indus river basin is fed mostly by glacier melt, unlike the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins, that are fed mostly by the monsoons. Since climate change is first affecting the Himalayan glaciers, the water patterns in the Indus basin are already showing changes. Hence Pakistan constantly keeps up a drumbeat of false charges on non-adherence to IWT by India. It has only reinforced its determination to seize J&K in the mistaken belief that it will control the water to its irrigation network. But will there be water for very long? Widely-referenced estimates indicate a troubling long-term trend for the Indus river basins flow. River water provides 80 per cent of all irrigation water for Pakistans critical agriculture sector.

These water sources are already near their limits, with most water diverted to northern Pakistans agricultural regions at the expense of the south. In fact, so much water is diverted from the Indus before it reaches the ocean that seawater has invaded the river channel miles inland. Based on current projections, the Indus river system is expected to fall below 2,000 flow levels between 2030 and 2050. The drop-off is estimated to be most serious between 2030 and 2040, with a new equilibrium flow of 20 per cent below that of 2,000 reached after 2060. Not only is Pakistan running out of water, it seems it will soon be running out of time. As its founding father poet Allama Iqbal wrote: Watan Ki Fikar Kar Nadan! Musibat Ane Wali Hai/Teri Barbadiyon Ke Mashware Hain Asmanon Mein. (Think of the homeland, O ignorant one! Hard times are coming/ Conspiracies for your destruction are afoot in the heavens.)
September 30 will mark the last day for the European Space Agencys (ESA) Rosetta probe, which will complete its 12-year career. Rosetta was deployed to survey Comet 67P by slowly descending to its surface.

The probe will join its lander Philae before losing all its power on landing. NASA will be broadcasting the probes death with complete analysis and commentary on Friday between 6.15 am and 8 am ET.

Rosettas mission started in 2004 and arrived at Comet 67P on August 6, 2014. This is the first probe to meet up with the comet as it hurtled around the Sun.

Since the probe was moving away from the Sun, and Earth, the probes solar panels would not be able to sufficiently power the heaters, endangering its survival. Hence the mission directors planned a final rendezvous between the comet and the probe and Rosetta will send its last data to Earth before it shuts off for good. The data will contain a slew of photos and measurements of the comet.

The probe will begin its final approach to the comet at around 7.20 am ET and will begin countdown to land on the comet.

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A US government source familiar with the Yahoo investigation said there was no hard evidence yet on whether the hack was state-sponsored.

A cyber security company on Sept. 28 asserted that the hack of 500 million account credentials from Yahoo was the work of an Eastern European criminal gang, adding another layer of intrigue to a murky investigation into the unprecedented data heist.

Arizona-based InfoArmor issued a report whose conclusion challenged Yahoos position that a nation-state actor orchestrated the heist, disclosed last week by the internet company. InfoArmor, which provides companies with protection against employee identify theft, said the hacked trove of user data was later sold to at least three clients, including one state-sponsored group.

Reuters was unable to verify the report's findings. Yahoo declined comment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the hack, did not return a call seeking comment.

A US government source familiar with the Yahoo investigation said there was no hard evidence yet on whether the hack was state-sponsored. Attribution for cyber attacks is widely considered difficult in both the intelligence and research communities.

The task is made especially challenging by the fact that criminal hackers sometimes provide information to government intelligence agencies or offer their services for hire, making it hard to know who the ultimate mastermind of a hack might be.

Yahoo said last week that it only recently discovered the intrusion, which it blamed on a state-sponsored actor without providing technical evidence. Nation-state hackers are widely viewed as possessing more advanced capabilities than criminal groups, a perception that could benefit Yahoo as it works to minimize fallout from the breach and complete its sale to Verizon.

InfoArmor concluded the Yahoo hackers were criminal after reviewing a small sample of compromised accounts, Andrew Komarov, the firm's chief intelligence officer, said in an interview.

The hackers, dubbed Group E, have a track record of selling stolen personal data on the dark web, and have been previously linked to breaches at LinkedIn, Tumblr and MySpace, Komarov said.

They have never been hired by anyone to hack Yahoo," Komarov, who is from Russia, said. "They were simply looking for well known sites that had many users."

In an illustration of the confusion about who carried out the hack and why, an NBC News report Wednesday interpreted Komarov's findings as pointing to the Russian government as the ultimate perpetrator.

A Wall Street Journal report, which said that InfoArmor was able to crack encrypted passwords for some Yahoo accounts provided by the newspaper, came to the opposite conclusion.

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Washington: US First Lady Michelle Obama took a dig at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying America "needs an adult in the White House" and not a person who is "erratic and threatening".

"When making life-or-death, war-or-peace decisions, a president just cannot pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you," she said at an election rally in support of Hillary Clinton in

Philadelphia as she made a strong pitch for the 68-year-old Democratic presidential candidate.

Michelle, without mentioning Trump, 70, said the US needs someone who is compassionate.

"Someone who will be a role model for our kids. Someone who is not just in this for themselves but for the good of this entire country - all of us. At the end of the day, the presidency does not change who you are, it reveals who you are and the same is true of a presidential campaign," she said.

US presidential campaigns, Michelle said, are very long -nearly two and a half years, or half of one presidential term. "So if a candidate is erratic and threatening; if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fears and lies on the campaign trail; if a candidate thinks that not paying taxes makes you smart, or that it is good business when people lose their homes; if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act - well, sadly, that is who that candidate really is. That is the kind of president they will be," she said.

Michelle said a candidate is not going to suddenly change once they are in office - just the opposite, in fact.

"Because the minute that individual takes that oath, they are under the hottest, harshest light there is, and there is no way to hide who they really are. But see, at that point, it is too late. They are the leader of the world's largest economy, Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful military force on Earth. With every word they utter, they can start wars, crash markets, fundamentally change the course of this planet," she warned.

Michelle said Clinton is the best one to be the next president of the US.

"We know that Hillary is the right person because we have seen her character and commitment not just during this campaign but over the course of her entire life. We have seen her dedication to public service how after law school, she became an advocate for kids with disabilities. She fought for children's health care as First Lady and for quality childcare as a Senator.

"When she did not become president in 2008, Hillary did not throw in the towel. She once again answered the call to serve and earned sky-high approval ratings for the outstanding job she did for us as our Secretary of State," Michelle said.
Ohio Pro-Life Advocacy Group Wins Dismissal of Fortune 500 Company's Libel, False Light Suit Thomas More Society Wins Another Dismissal of Lawsuit by Planned Parenthood's Waste Disposal Company



Contact: Tom Ciesielka, 312-422-1333,



WAUKEGAN, Ill., Sept. 29, 2016 /



Created Equal and Harrington as well as unnamed "John Doe" defendants 1-100, were sued for having launched an aggressive publicity or "awareness" campaign against Stericycle, which they targeted as the alleged "weak link" enabling abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, to "dispose of the babies they kill," by handling waste disposal for Planned Parenthood clinics around the U.S. Stericycle and its CEO were criticized for failing to cease their business relationships with Planned Parenthood after Ohio Attorney General issued a report in December, 2015, identifying an Ohio Planned Parenthood provider whose medical waste was handled by Stericycle as the source of fetal remains found in a local landfill. Planned Parenthood's claim that it adopted a strict policy against disposing of waste from companies that failed to certify that they were not disposing of fetal remains was rejected by the defendants as inadequate.



The "David vs. Goliath" courtroom match-up teamed the small advocacy group and the Chicago-based pro-bono attorneys of the Thomas More Society against the corporate behemoth, Stericycle, and its legal team, headed by Chicago's former chief U. S. Attorney, Scott Lassar, who headed up a team of litigators from Sidley Austin LLP.



"This latest dismissal of Stericycle's lawsuit constitutes another signal victory for free speech on the part of ordinary citizens," stated Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society. "The court recognized that no business is immune from public criticism of practices that citizens deem profoundly objectionable on moral or legal grounds," he explained. "Those companies like Stericycle that partner with the abortion industry are not exempt from critiques even when  as in this case  the critiques have been scathing and vigorous." As the Supreme Court has held, our country cherishes a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues must be uninhibited, robust, and wide open even when it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks (N.Y. Times v. Sullivan, 1964).



Defendant Mark Harrington, based in Columbus, OH, said he felt vindicated by the decision. He added, "Pro-life free speech and the rule of law prevailed today. Corporate bullies like Stericycle are not immune from exposure for their involvement in abortion-killing. If Stericycle is really concerned about the impact of our publicity campaign on its public image, then it will cease enabling Planned Parenthood to transport and dispose of aborted babies' remains together with the instruments used to kill them. If Stericycle and its CEO and other officials continue to partner with the abortion industry, the campaign to expose and shame them will continue."



Created Equal's campaign included aggressive tactics, such as graphic handbills distributed throughout Lake Forest, IL, where Stericycle's headquarters is located and Alutto and many of its officials reside, depicting not only Alutto's but also directors' photos, juxtaposed with gruesome images of aborted babies' remains, and the slogans, "Killers among us" and "Stericycle enables killing children." In addition, post cards were sent to Stericycle officials' (and others') homes, and citizens were urged to contact Alutto and demand cessation of the company's business ties with Planned Parenthood. Finally, mobile billboards depicting Stericycle officials' images, including Alutto's photo, name, home address, and office phone number, side by side with graphic images of mutilated fetuses and the hash tag, "#killersamongus," were driven about Lake Forest, Bannockburn, and Lincolnshire earlier this year, when over 500 emails were sent to Alutto's business email address while over 300 voicemail messages were left on his business phone line, urging the boycott of Planned Parenthood.



Judge Marcouiller cited and extensively discussed the ruling of the Illinois Appellate Court in Van Duyn v. Smith, 173 Ill.App.3d 523 (3d Dist. 1988), leave to appeal denied, 124 Ill.2d 562 (1989), cert. denied, 492 U.S. 906 (1989), holding that precedent dispositive of both the defamation and false light claims, as Created Equal's statements  equally as the defendants' "Wanted posters" in Van Duyn, merely cited opinions, not assertions of fact, especially when read in the context of the nation's abortion debate. Opinions are not defamatory nor can they depict anybody in a false light. Thus both of those claims were dismissed with prejudice.



On the other hand, the plaintiffs' allegations of intentional infliction of emotion distress were deemed conclusory, and thus the court held it would grant plaintiff another chance to plead facts sufficient to make out a sufficient plea that defendants' conduct was "extreme and outrageous," going "beyond all possible bounds of decency." The court added that the facts pled so far fell short of that standard.



Read Judge Marcouiller's decision in favor of Harrington and Created Equal here.



About the Thomas More Society

The Thomas More Society is a national not-for-profit law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and religious liberty. Headquartered in Chicago, the society fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. Visit

Share Tweet Contact: Tom Ciesielka, 312-422-1333, tc@tcpr.net WAUKEGAN, Ill., Sept. 29, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- Today, Thomas More Society attorneys delivered another win for an Ohio-based pro-life advocacy group, Created Equal, and its National Director, Mark Harrington, when Judge Margaret A. Marcouiller of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois, dismissed the lawsuit brought by Stericycle, Inc., a reputed Fortune 500 multinational waste hauling company, and its CEO, Charles Alutto, for defamation, false light invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. While Judge Marcouiller dismissed the emotional distress count of Stericycle's complaint without prejudice, giving the company another chance to plead factual details sufficient to make out an emotional distress claim, the defamation and false light claims were dismissed with prejudice.Created Equal and Harrington as well as unnamed "John Doe" defendants 1-100, were sued for having launched an aggressive publicity or "awareness" campaign against Stericycle, which they targeted as the alleged "weak link" enabling abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, to "dispose of the babies they kill," by handling waste disposal for Planned Parenthood clinics around the U.S. Stericycle and its CEO were criticized for failing to cease their business relationships with Planned Parenthood after Ohio Attorney General issued a report in December, 2015, identifying an Ohio Planned Parenthood provider whose medical waste was handled by Stericycle as the source of fetal remains found in a local landfill. Planned Parenthood's claim that it adopted a strict policy against disposing of waste from companies that failed to certify that they were not disposing of fetal remains was rejected by the defendants as inadequate.The "David vs. Goliath" courtroom match-up teamed the small advocacy group and the Chicago-based pro-bono attorneys of the Thomas More Society against the corporate behemoth, Stericycle, and its legal team, headed by Chicago's former chief U. S. Attorney, Scott Lassar, who headed up a team of litigators from Sidley Austin LLP."This latest dismissal of Stericycle's lawsuit constitutes another signal victory for free speech on the part of ordinary citizens," stated Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society. "The court recognized that no business is immune from public criticism of practices that citizens deem profoundly objectionable on moral or legal grounds," he explained. "Those companies like Stericycle that partner with the abortion industry are not exempt from critiques even when  as in this case  the critiques have been scathing and vigorous." As the Supreme Court has held, our country cherishes a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues must be uninhibited, robust, and wide open even when it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks (N.Y. Times v. Sullivan, 1964).Defendant Mark Harrington, based in Columbus, OH, said he felt vindicated by the decision. He added, "Pro-life free speech and the rule of law prevailed today. Corporate bullies like Stericycle are not immune from exposure for their involvement in abortion-killing. If Stericycle is really concerned about the impact of our publicity campaign on its public image, then it will cease enabling Planned Parenthood to transport and dispose of aborted babies' remains together with the instruments used to kill them. If Stericycle and its CEO and other officials continue to partner with the abortion industry, the campaign to expose and shame them will continue."Created Equal's campaign included aggressive tactics, such as graphic handbills distributed throughout Lake Forest, IL, where Stericycle's headquarters is located and Alutto and many of its officials reside, depicting not only Alutto's but also directors' photos, juxtaposed with gruesome images of aborted babies' remains, and the slogans, "Killers among us" and "Stericycle enables killing children." In addition, post cards were sent to Stericycle officials' (and others') homes, and citizens were urged to contact Alutto and demand cessation of the company's business ties with Planned Parenthood. Finally, mobile billboards depicting Stericycle officials' images, including Alutto's photo, name, home address, and office phone number, side by side with graphic images of mutilated fetuses and the hash tag, "#killersamongus," were driven about Lake Forest, Bannockburn, and Lincolnshire earlier this year, when over 500 emails were sent to Alutto's business email address while over 300 voicemail messages were left on his business phone line, urging the boycott of Planned Parenthood.Judge Marcouiller cited and extensively discussed the ruling of the Illinois Appellate Court in Van Duyn v. Smith, 173 Ill.App.3d 523 (3d Dist. 1988), leave to appeal denied, 124 Ill.2d 562 (1989), cert. denied, 492 U.S. 906 (1989), holding that precedent dispositive of both the defamation and false light claims, as Created Equal's statements  equally as the defendants' "Wanted posters" in Van Duyn, merely cited opinions, not assertions of fact, especially when read in the context of the nation's abortion debate. Opinions are not defamatory nor can they depict anybody in a false light. Thus both of those claims were dismissed with prejudice.On the other hand, the plaintiffs' allegations of intentional infliction of emotion distress were deemed conclusory, and thus the court held it would grant plaintiff another chance to plead facts sufficient to make out a sufficient plea that defendants' conduct was "extreme and outrageous," going "beyond all possible bounds of decency." The court added that the facts pled so far fell short of that standard.About the Thomas More SocietyThe Thomas More Society is a national not-for-profit law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and religious liberty. Headquartered in Chicago, the society fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. Visit thomasmoresociety.org
Peres' commitment to Israel's security and pursuit of peace was rooted in his own unshakeable moral foundation and unflagging optimism, Obama said. (Photo: AP)

Washington: US President Barack Obama will join other world leaders in attending the funeral of Israeli ex-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, the White House said on Wednesday.

Obama, who ordered US flags at half-staff late Wednesday, "will lead the US delegation to Jerusalem to participate in the funeral," the White House said. He is to depart for Israel Thursday and return after the ceremony on Friday.

The US president led tributes to the elder statesman as a friend who refused to give up on the dream of peace.

Peres' commitment to Israel's security and pursuit of peace was "rooted in his own unshakeable moral foundation and unflagging optimism" the US leader said in a statement.

Obama is to join world leaders including former US president Bill Clinton, French President Francois Hollande and German President Joachim Gauck as well as Britain's Prince Charles in attending Peres' Friday funeral at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl, where many Israeli dignitaries are buried.

Flags at the White House, on all public buildings and grounds, and at US buildings overseas will be flown at half-staff through sunset Friday "as a mark of respect for the memory of Shimon Peres," the White House said in a statement.

Peres, who was 93, held nearly every major office in the country, serving twice as prime minister and also as president, a mostly ceremonial role, from 2007 to 2014.
Despite furious lobbying by both Riyadh and the Obama administration, Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to override the president's veto. (Photo: AFP)

Dubai: Bahrain warned on Thursday that the United States would be the loser from Congress's vote to override President Barack Obama's veto of a bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia.

"The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act is an arrow launched by the US Congress at its own country," Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said on Twitter.

"Are there no rational people among you?" he asked.

Bahrain is a staunch Western ally and is home to the US Fifth Fleet. But it is an even stauncher ally of neighbouring Saudi Arabia whose policies it closely follows.

Despite furious lobbying by both Riyadh and the Obama administration, Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to override the president's veto.

Families of 9/11 victims had campaigned vigorously for the law, convinced the Saudi government had a hand in the September 11, 2001 attacks that killed almost 3,000 people in the United States. Fifteen of the 19 attackers were Saudis.

Documents declassified in July showed US intelligence had multiple suspicions about links between the Saudi government and the attackers, but no link has definitively been proven.

The release of the documents further damaged relations between Washington and Riyadh, which had already been strained by Obama's engagement with Saudi Arabia's regional rival Iran.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the Indus Water Treaty was a mutually agreed arrangement between India and Pakistan brokered by the World Bank and no one country can unilaterally separate itself from the treaty. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: The World Bank, the international lender which had mediated the Indus Water Treaty, today said it was approached by India and Pakistan and it is "responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the treaty".

"India and Pakistan have informed the World Bank that each has initiated proceedings pursuant to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 and the World Bank Group is responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the Treaty," a World Bank spokesperson said.

"For further details on the proceedings brought under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, your enquiry is best directed to the member governments," the spokesman said, refusing to comment any further.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with officials to review provisions of the Indus Water Treaty. In that meeting it was decided that India will "exploit to the maximum" the water of Pakistan-controlled rivers, including Jhelum, as per the water-sharing pact.

Pakistan next day approached the World Bank, with its senior officials taking up the matter with the body.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the Indus Water Treaty was a mutually agreed arrangement between India and Pakistan brokered by the World Bank and no one country can unilaterally separate itself from the treaty.
Philadelphia: Michelle Obama told a diverse and enthusiastic crowd in Philadelphia today that candidates don't change once they become president and that America "needs an adult in the White House."

The first lady never mentioned Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during the rally at LaSalle University. But there was no question that she was warning voters that candidate Trump would be the same as President Trump.

"The presidency doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are," she told the cheering crowd.

She referred to several comments Trump made during and after Monday's debate, including his apparent acknowledgment that he's paid no taxes some years. Trump said that makes him "smart."

"If a candidate is erratic and threatening, if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fear and lies on the campaign trail, if a candidate thinks not paying taxes makes you smart, or that it's good business when people lose their homes; if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act well, sadly, that's who that candidate really is," she said. "That is the kind of president they will be."

She said the country needs a leader who is steady and measured because when making war-or-peace decisions, "the president can't just pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you."

She cast Clinton as a tough, compassionate fighter who doesn't back down and who loves her country.

"Experience matters, preparation matters, temperament matters," she said. "Hillary Clinton has it all. She's the real deal."

The first lady was heading to Pittsburgh for another rally for the Democratic presidential nominee later today.

Trump's campaign reacted to Obama's speech with a statement saying Clinton is in "panic mode" in Pennsylvania because polls show the Republican presidential nominee surging in the battleground state.
Surveillance video shows Rahami rolling a suitcase down a Manhattan street, then abandoning it on the sidewalk where that unexploded device was found, authorities said. (Photo: AP)

New York: Investigators probing bomb blasts in New Jersey and New York believe they've identified two men who walked off with a bag abandoned by the bomber on a street as Egyptian tourists.

Police began looking for the men after they were seen in security video handling a bag prosecutors say was used by bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami to conceal an explosive that failed to detonate in Manhattan.

A law enforcement official said on Wednesday the two men have since returned home to Egypt. The official wasn't authorised to discuss the investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity. US investigators have notified Egyptian authorities they want to question the men.

"They're not in any jeopardy of being arrested," Jim Watters, chief of the New York Police Department's counterterrorism unit, said last week. "We have no reason to believe they're connected."

Rahami has been accused of detonating a pipe bomb in a New Jersey shore town and a pressure cooker bomb in New York on September 17. No one was injured in the Jersey blast, and 31 people were injured in the New York blast.

Surveillance video shows Rahami rolling a suitcase down a Manhattan street, then abandoning it on the sidewalk where that unexploded device was found, authorities said.

A few minutes later, two men pass by the luggage and appear to admire it, police said. They then remove a pressure cooker from the luggage, leave the pressure cooker on the sidewalk and walk away with the luggage, police said.

"I think they were more interested in the bag, not what they were taking out," Watters said, adding that they were "very, very lucky" the bomb didn't explode.

Rahami has been hospitalised since he was caught following a shootout with police in Linden, New Jersey, last week, days after the bombings. Officials on Tuesday said he remained unconscious. He has not made an initial court appearance, and his American Civil Liberties Union lawyers declined to comment.
18 Indian Army soldiers died and more than a dozen injured in a fidayeen attack in an Army base camp in Uri. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: US National Security Advisor Susan Rice called her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and condemned the Uri terrorist attack saying the White House expects Pakistan to take "effective action to combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorist groups.

"Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that Pakistan take effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates," Spokesperson of National Security Council Ned Price said.

In the telephonic conversation with Doval, the first after Uri-terrorist attack, Susan strongly condemned the September 18 cross-border attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters and offered condolences to the victims and their families.

"He affirmed President Obama's commitment to redouble our efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world," Price said.

"Ambassador Rice discussed our shared commitment with India to pursue regional peace and stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations," Price added.
More than 100 people had gathered Tuesday evening at the scene of the shooting insisting that it was unjustified and racially motivated. (Photo: AP)

Los Angeles: Protesters marched on Wednesday in a California town following the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black man said to be mentally ill, as local officials urged calm and pledged a full investigation.

Alfred Okwera Olango, 38, was shot on Tuesday in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon after police received an emergency call about a man behaving erratically and walking in traffic.

El Cajon police Chief Jeff Davis said Olango had ignored repeated calls by responding officers to remove his hand from his pocket and one officer used a taser against him while another fired his weapon when he turned and confronted them.

"At one point, the subject rapidly drew an object from his front pants pocket, placed both hands together and extended them rapidly toward the officer taking up what appeared to be a shooting stance," Davis said in a statement.

"At this time, the officer with the electronic control device discharged his weapon. Simultaneously, the officer with the firearm discharged his weapon several times, striking the subject, the statement reads.

Authorities said Wednesday the object that Olango had in his hands was a "vape" electronic cigarette. It had a silver cylinder and Olango held the vape's box in his grip.

The shooting took place as the United States reels from a string of police killings of black men that have raised racial tensions nationwide.

Dozens of angry demonstrators marched peacefully on Wednesday in El Cajon, a town with a large immigrant and refugee population, at one point blocking an intersection as they faced off with police in riot gear.

"These senseless killings have to stop not just in El Cajon but in the entire country," community activist Estela De Los Rios said.

More than 100 people had gathered Tuesday evening at the scene of the shooting insisting that it was unjustified and racially motivated. Several shouted "black lives matter" and "hands up, don't shoot."

Police urge calm

Local officials have urged residents to remain calm, pledging that the incident would be fully investigated by police, the district attorney and the FBI.

"This will be transparent. This will be looked at by multiple sets of eyes, and not just ours," Davis vowed at a news conference.

Police have also released a still photo lifted from a video taken at the scene that shows a man in a shooting stance.

One witness posted a Facebook Live video after the shooting that showed a distraught woman who identified herself as Olango's sister and said she had called police to help her brother who was mentally ill.

"You guys came and killed my brother," the woman wails in the video that had been viewed more than 110,000 times by Wednesday afternoon.

"I called you guys to help my brother. You killed my brother in front of me."

Relatives said Olango was a refugee from Uganda.

Davis said the two officers involved in the shooting, each with more than 20 years of service, had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The deaths of black men at the hands of police have spurred protests across America, most recently last week in the North Carolina city of Charlotte. The fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, 43, triggered days of unrest, forcing the governor to declare a state of emergency and deploy the National Guard.
ISIS proclaimed a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 but has lost a significant amount of territory since then to US-backed offensives. (Photo: AFP)

Cambridge, Massachusetts: The United States is likely to face a higher risk of ISIS-inspired attacks over the next two years as the group loses land in the Middle East, a top official with the Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Wednesday.

"I'm fairly convinced that 2017 and 2018 in the homeland will be more dangerous than we've seen before, because as we shrink ISIS, they'll lash out," Michael Steinbach, executive assistant director of the FBI's national security branch, told a security conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

ISIS proclaimed a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 but has lost a significant amount of territory since then to US-backed offensives, though it still controls oil wells on Syrian land.

Steinbach was quick to say that the fact that additional attacks might be planned did not mean they would be successful. He noted that US security officials disrupted some 70 ISIS-inspired planned attacks in 2015 alone.

The US has seen a spate of attacks inspired by the terrorist group, which has been fighting a long civil war in Syria. They include the June massacre of 49 people at an Orlando nightclub and the killing of 14 people at a San Bernardino, California, social services agency last December.

Steinbach also noted that militant attacks remain rare in the United States, saying that 19 people were killed in the United States and 21 Americans killed overseas in attacks considered terrorism in 2015.

"There is no expectation that we will stop every homicide here in Boston or Chicago," he said. "For some reason, with terrorism, there is an expectation, a bar that is set at zero and every single attack that goes through is considered a failure."
I would be proud to have them serve, and I think every parent who's seen their children enter the military are proud, Obama said. (Photo: AFP)

Washington: US President Barack Obama has said that he would be proud if his daughters decided to serve in the military, but admitted he would be nervous too.

"If Malia and Sasha decided that that was an avenue that they wanted to take, I would be proud of them," Obama said at a military town hall in Virginia.

"Now, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't sometimes get nervous about possible deployments. You know, your kids are your kids. And you want to keep them tucked in, in their pajamas for the rest of their lives, if you had a chance. But I'd be proud to have them serve, and I think every parent who's seen their children enter the military are proud," Obama said.

The President was responding to a question as to what advice would he give to Malia and Sasha if they approached him and expressed their interest in serving in the military.

"I'd say go for it," he said.

"I will tell you, I signed up for Selective Service when I was 18. The Vietnam War had just wound down. There weren't any active wars. We hadn't been under attack. And so I took a different course, and I didn't end up serving in our military," he added.

Obama said a number of members of his staff in the White House who themselves have served and their children now are serving.

"And they were nervous about it initially and are now seeing the way their characters of their children are being shaped. It's terrific," he said at the Fort Lee town hall in Virginia.
After he returned in April, the police served another notice on Yee. He tried to leave the country the day before the interview and was arrested on May 11. (Representational image)

Singapore: A 17-year-old blogger in Singapore was jailed on Thursday for six weeks and fined $1,465 for insulting Muslims and Christians.

Amos Yee, who had last year attacked Singapores founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, on Wednesday pleaded guilty to producing and uploading a photograph and two videos that were deliberately intended to insult Muslims. Last month, he pleaded guilty to three charges of wounding feelings of Muslims and Christians and two charges for failing to show up at a police station.

During his trial, the court heard that 24 police reports had been lodged against Yee, in relation to the total of six counts he faces for wounding religious feelings.

Yee left Singapore in December last year after being served a notice for attending a police interview two days later. He travelled to Hong Kong where he published several posts about being served the notice.

After he returned in April, the police served another notice on Yee. He tried to leave the country the day before the interview and was arrested on May 11. Principal District Judge Ong Hian Sun said Yee is not lacking the mental capacity to make rational choices but he has the capability to do good or harm with what he does or says.
home Entertainment 'Pokemon Sun and Moon' release date news 2016: Demo will not be at Milan Games Week; Q&A session scheduled

The "Pokemon Sun" and "Pokemon Moon" demo will not be at the upcoming Milan Games Week, Nintendo Italy has confirmed.

While fans of the upcoming role-playing video games are eager to get a taste of "Pokemon Sun " and "Pokemon Moon" before its scheduled November release, Nintendo continues to be frustratingly vague about the demo. While the company seems to have confirmed that there will indeed be a demo for "Pokemon Sun" and "Pokemon Moon," there have been no updates about when and where it will be unveiled.

In addition, Serebii.net webmaster Joe Merrick commented on the cryptic Nintendo Italy announcement, saying that there is something "very odd" about it. Merrick is known in the Pokemon community and is a self-styled "Pokemon Master."

"That's odd," he tweeted on Monday, Sept. 26. "Nintendo Italy put out a press release about Milan Games Week and specifically said the demo for Sun & Moon won't be there."

"Time to put on my detective hat, something is amiss," he later wrote. "It's very odd that they'd specifically mention that it won't be there."

Despite the confirmation that the demo will not be at Milan Games Week, which takes place between Oct. 14 and 16, the announcement makes it sound like Nintendo is still planning on releasing the demo. The question now is when this will occur.

Meanwhile, there will be a "Pokemon Sun" and "Pokemon Moon" Q&A session with director Shigeru Ohmori and producer Junichi Masuda on Nov. 18. Nintendo announced the event via Twitter on Tuesday, Sept. 27. The announcement was accompanied by an invitation for fans to send in their questions for Ohmori and Masuda.

Fans hoping to have their questions answered by the "Pokemon Sun" and "Pokemon Moon" bosses can tweet their questions to @NintendoAUNZ, the Nintendo Australia and New Zealand Twitter page.

"Pokemon Sun" and "Pokemon Moon" will arrive for the Nintendo 3DS on Nov. 18.
The woman had been held by a faction within the Islamist Nusra Front militant group, recently renamed Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS), which was demanding a ransom of 5 million euros for her release. (Photo: Representational Image)

Berlin: A German woman who was kidnapped in war-torn Syria last year and gave birth while in captivity escaped with her baby to Turkey on Wednesday, the German foreign ministry said.

The German woman and her baby who was born while she was held hostage are in good condition considering the circumstances, the ministry said in a statement. It said the two were now under the care of German consular officials and members of the German federal police in Turkey.

The German mass circulation newspaper Bild said the woman was a freelance journalist who had worked for Munichs Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily and broadcaster NDR. Reporters without Borders Germany, a non-profit group, welcomed the news.

This case shows again the incalculable dangers to which journalists are continually exposed in the Syrian war, said Christian Mihr, the groups director. He said it was important that most German media outlets had refrained from writing about and sensationalising the case.

The German government is relieved about the outcome of this case given the extremely difficult overall situation in Syria, the ministry said.

A ministry spokeswoman said she could give no further details about the case, citing privacy considerations. The German federal police was not immediately available to comment.

Focus newsmagazine reported on the case in February, naming the woman as 27-year-old Janina Findeisen, who published under the pseudonym Marie Delhaes. It said she was kidnapped in October 2015 and gave birth to her son in December.

It said the woman had been held by a faction within the Islamist Nusra Front militant group, recently renamed Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS), which was demanding a ransom of 5 million euros for her release.

JFS on Wednesday tweeted a denial that it was behind the kidnapping, and said it had in fact freed the woman and her child from the prison where they were being held by a small group that was not named, the SITE Inteligence Group reported.

Focus, citing federal police sources, reported in February that Findeisen had been lured to Syria by a woman she knew from Bonn with the promise of exclusive information about Islamist militants.

The German embassy in Ankara was preparing the womans return to Germany and thanked the Turkish government and other international partners for help they provided on the case.
London: Scotland Yard Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe on Thursday announced he will retire from his post in February 2017 after five years in the job. According to the Metropolitan Police, he oversaw an 18 per cent fall in London crime figures during his tenure.

Announcing the decision, the 58-year-old said, "I am so proud of the remarkable men and women who serve Londoners as police officers and staff and make this such a safe place for people to live, work or visit.

"I want to thank all of them for what they do, and the risks they take each day to protect the public.

"I want to thank all the partners we work with in government, in City Hall and across London. And I want to thank the public for the support they show the Met, and have shown me personally, as we do our difficult jobs.

"I came into this job determined to fight crime and make the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] the best, most professional police service. I wish my successor well as they take on this amazing responsibility.

"It has been a great privilege to be the Met's Commissioner. I have loved my time in the role and I have loved being a police officer.

"It's the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys."

One of Britains senior-most police officers had first joined the Met, the UKs largest police force as Assistant Commissioner in July 2001.

He had been expected to remain in his current role until at least September next year after then Home Secretary Theresa May had extended his contract, which was due to expire this month.

UK home secretary Amber Rudd described Sir Bernard as a "determined crime fighter and an inspirational senior officer". Mayor of London Sadiq Khan thanked him "for his years of service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe".
Abu Dhabi: At least 47 children were injured on Thursday when a public transport bus and two school buses collided in United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi, police said.

Most of the children suffered only minor injuries though two were in serious but stable condition after the accident near one of the bridges connecting the island of Abu Dhabi to the UAE mainland, police said.

Local daily The National said 14 of the injured were treated at the scene of the accident.

The paper quoted Brigadier Ali Khalfan al-Dhaheri, head of central operations at Abu Dhabi police, saying the accident was due to drivers not paying attention, speeding and failing to leave a safe distance between vehicles.
Islamabad: The elusive leader of a major rebel group fighting for independence in Pakistan's Balochistan province said he would welcome cash and other help from India, words likely to alarm Islamabad which accuses New Delhi of stirring trouble there.

In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the ethnic Baloch group Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), also vowed further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province.

The planned $46 billion trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistan's Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines. "We not only wish India should support the Baloch national struggle diplomatically and financially, but the whole world," said Baloch, a doctor-turned-guerrilla believed to be about 50, in filmed responses to questions sent by Reuters.

Baloch's appeal for Indian help may deepen Pakistani suspicions that India has a hand in a decades-old insurgency in the vast southwestern province.

Historically fraught relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours deteriorated this month after 18 Indian soldiers in Kashmir were killed in an attack on an army base that New Delhi blames on Pakistan. Pakistan denies the accusation.

In the buildup to the raid, Pakistan had voiced outrage over the crackdown on protests in India's part of the Muslim-majority region, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back by accusing Pakistan of atrocities in Baluchistan.

Baloch, leader of one of three main armed groups fighting for Balochistan's independence, said that while he wanted support from India, the BLF had not received funding from Modi's government, or India's spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

"We welcome the statement that Narendra Modi gave to morally support the Baloch nation," added Baloch, clad in a traditional beige shalwar kurta outfit, with an automatic rifle across his lap and ammunition hanging from his belt.

Pakistan's military had no comment on Baloch's interview.

News coverage limited

Baloch is the only leader of a sizeable separatist group who is believed to be waging a guerrilla war from inside Balochistan; the other two leaders are in exile in Europe.

Security analysts say his fighters stage most of the attacks in the province and have borne the brunt of army operations against the insurgency. Reuters has not been able to establish the scale of the BLF campaign.

Pakistan has long suspected India of stoking the Balochistan rebellion. Those fears grew in March when Pakistan arrested a man it said was a RAW spy in Balochistan, and accused him of "subversive activities". India denied he was a spy.

Brahamdagh Bugti, the Switzerland-based leader of the Balochistan Republican Party, another major separatist outfit, last week told Indian media that he planned to seek "political asylum" in India.

BLF chief Baloch claims to have "thousands" of fighters. Domestic news coverage of the Balochistan conflict is rare and foreign journalists are broadly forbidden from visiting the province.

Baloch answered questions in a video recording, which was sent electronically.

Although the exact date of the recording could not be verified, he was responding to questions sent by Reuters six weeks ago. His responses contradicted government claims that he had been killed last year.

Chinese imperialism

China's investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought fresh focus on Balochistan, which is endowed with rich but largely unexploited reserves of copper and gold.

Several planned CPEC routes will snake across Balochistan to its deep-sea port in Gwadar.

Chronic instability in the province, which has experienced waves of revolt by Baloch nationalists since it was formally incorporated into Pakistan in 1948, is a source of concern for China, which has appealed to Pakistan to improve security.

Baloch, speaking from an undisclosed location, called CPEC a Chinese "imperialistic scheme", and vowed to attack roads, security personnel and construction crews associated with it.

Government officials say security has improved. They point to freshly-paved CPEC roads, built at breakneck speed despite Balochistan's rugged terrain, as proof of success.

To allay Chinese fears, Pakistan is also raising a force of 15,000 personnel, mainly serving army soldiers, to secure the corridor.
Dhaka: A Bangladesh court on Thursday issued anarrest warrant against the 'fugitive' eldest son of opposition leader and former premier Khaleda Zia in a sedition case.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sarafuzzaman Ansari issued the order against Tarique Rahman, who is senior vice president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and a former journalist of a private channel after accepting the chargesheet against four persons.

BNP chairperson Zia's eldest son, who is an accused and wanted in several other cases, has been living in the UK for the past eight years.

The case was initiated in January last year. ETV's former chief reporter Mahathir Faruki Khan is the second person who is now on the wanted list, court police prosecution wing Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Anisur Rahman told bdnews24.com.

Following the home ministry's clearance, police set the sedition case rolling three days after the TV channel broadcast live Tarique's speech delivered at an event in London.

The case had initially accused only Tarique and former ETV chairman Abdus Salam, but later Khan and the channel's senior reporter Kanak Sarwar were named in the chargesheet.

Only Salam is currently in jail. Sarwar is out on bail while Khan is still on the run, Rahman said. Police had accused Tarique and Salam of "threatening Bangladesh's sovereignty and trying to create hatred against a legally constituted government by broadcasting and dishing out false and fabricated information".

Tarique in his speech in January last year had made controversial remarks regarding Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War.

That same month, the High Court slapped a ban on the publishing and broadcasting of his statements in any form of media in the country.

The BNP leader was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and fined 200 million taka by the High Court on July 21 this year in a money laundering case.

Earlier, arrest warrants were also issued for him in four cases, including one related to the August 21 grenade attack.
On July 1, suspected Islamic State terrorists killed 22 people at a restaurant frequented by foreigners in Dhakas diplomatic enclave, including one US citizen. (Photo: AP)

Dhaka: A member of a banned Islamist militant outfit who is a close aide of Bangladesh cafe attack mastermind Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury has been arrested by a counter-terrorism unit in Dhaka.

Salauddin Kamran, 30, a member of the Neo-Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), was arrested yesterday and during investigation, he told police that he was close to Abu Hakim, a militant killed in the Kallyanpur raid on July 25, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Masudur Rahman said. Kamran said he came to Dhaka in May, after joining the militant group, and was trained in Paikpara area by now-detained militant suspect Rakibul Hasan Regan.

Kamran was also close to killed militant Tamim Chowdhury and other top ranks of the New-JMB, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

According to police, Kamran told them that he had been working on to spread the ideology of JMB and gave momentum to its activities. He also confessed to planning and carrying out subversive activities in the country.

Police had named Tamim, a Canadian-Bangladeshi who led the 'Neo-JMB', as the one who orchestrated the July 1 attack on the upscale Holey Artisan Bakery and O' Kitchen restaurant in Dhaka's diplomatic zone in which 22 people, including an Indian girl, were killed.

ISIS had claimed responsibility for the cafe attack. But police believe that New-JMB, which is close to the ISIS, was involved in organising the attack
China earlier snubbed Pakistan by declining to back the well-publicised reports in Islamabad that claimed Beijing's support in the event of any aggression and for its stand on Kashmir. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)

Beijing: China on Wednesday said it "attaches importance" to Pakistan's stand on Kashmir but hoped that New Delhi and Islamabad resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation to "safeguard" peace and stability in the region.

China's Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said China wants "relevant parties" to resolve the issue through consultation. Liu said this during an interaction with a special Pakistani delegation on Kashmir in Beijing.

A brief statement posted on the Foreign Ministry's website in Mandarin said Mr Liu "listened" to the briefing by the special envoys on Pakistan's position on the Kashmir situation.

Read: China snubs Pak again, declines to publicly back its Kashmir stance

Liu "emphasised that China pays attention to the recent situation in Kashmir and attaches importance to Pakistan's relevant position", the statement said.

"China believes that Kashmir issue is an issue left over from history and should be resolved by relevant parties through dialogue and consultation. China hopes that India and Pakistan can strengthen their communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, improve relations and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region," it said.

Read: China urges Pakistan, India to solve differences over disputed Kashmir

The delegation was reportedly part of a move by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to send special envoys to brief foreign countries on the situation in Kashmir. Significantly, the delegation had to meet the Chinese vice minister and not the Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Liu's comments follow earlier remarks by Foreign Ministry officials here urging India and Pakistan to peacefully resolve their differences, declining to back reports from Islamabad about Beijing expressing its support to Pakistan.

On September 26, China had snubbed Pakistan by declining to back the well-publicised reports in Islamabad that claimed Beijing's support in the event of any aggression and for its stand on Kashmir.
Islamabad: Strongly condemning "unprovoked and naked aggression" by India along the LoC, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan's armed forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Sharif also warned that Pakistan's intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness, Radio Pakistan reported.

He said Pakistan can thwart any "evil design" to undermine its sovereignty.

He strongly condemned the "unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces along the Line of Control". Meanwhile, the Pakistan military said two of its soldiers were killed in ceasefire violation by India along the LoC today.

Read: Nawaz Sharif reviews LoC situation after India's surgical strikes

Sharif paid rich tributes to the jawans who were killed in firing.

Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on Wednesday to prevent Pakistani terrorists who were positioned at launch pads along the Line of Control with aim to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and other metros, the Army said on Thursday.

Pakistan is guilty of increasing infiltration by terrorists along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and even the recently captured terrorists have confessed to their training and arming in Pakistan. The Global positioning systems (GPS) recovered from them established their Pakistani connect, said Lt General Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).

These surgical strikes are the first major military action taken by India against Pakistan after the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed as terrorists from Pakistan crossed into an Army camp earlier this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged that the attack will not go unpunished.

President, Vice President, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor and J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti were briefed on the surgical strikes by the Indian Army.

The surgical strikes coordinated by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval along with Army chief, were carried out in Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors.

According to reports, special commandos of the Indian Army entered 3 kms inside Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir for the operation and total six terror camps were demolished.

DGMO said there has been continuing and increasing infiltration across the Line of Control and the same is reflected in attacks in Poonch and Uri.

Infiltration of terrorists across Line of Control has been a matter of serious concern. Almost 20 infiltration attempts have been foiled by Army successfully this year, said Ranbir Singh.

He further said that Indias intention is to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but certainly cant allow terrorists to operate along LoC and we expect the Pakistan army to cooperate with us with a view to erase menace of terrorism.

Surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific target which aims to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.
Abdullah's driver told police that unidentified gunmen intercepted their car late in the evening and moved Abdullah into another vehicle, and sped away. (Representational image)

Peshawar: An executive of a prominent media house in Pakistan has been abducted by unidentified gunmen in the northwestern city of Peshawar, police said on Thursday.

Abid Abdullah, executive director Jang group, has been kidnapped last night at gun point near Jang press in Hayatabad industrial estate bordering Khyber Agency.

Six to eight armed men were involved in the crime, the driver of Abdullah said in the FIR.

Abdullah's driver told police that unidentified gunmen intercepted their car late in the evening and moved Abdullah into another vehicle, and sped away.

The motive behind the kidnapping was not clear.
Islamabad: Pakistan's defence minister on Wednesday said India will "disintegrate" when Kashmir gains independence, in a sign of mounting tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that Pakistan will continue to extend moral support to the people of Kashmir.

"When the freedom movement in Kashmir succeeds, it will be beginning of the end of India," he said. Asif said the sacrifices of Kashmiri people will not be in vain and that

"India will disintegrate and it will not remain united" when Kashmir gains independence.

He said Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has tried to improve ties with India, but "we did not get a positive response from them."

Sharif attended a high-level security meeting today in which he expressed concern over human rights violations in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India blamed Pakistan-based militants for a recent attack on an army base in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir that killed 18 Indian soldiers. Since then, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will work to isolate Pakistan internationally.
Each year at ProCigar Festival held in the Dominican Republic, Quesada Cigars has used to occasion to unveil a special cigar. In 2015, Quesada Cigars launched a cigar known as the Quesada Reserva Privada. The Reserva Privada is a limited production, ultra-premium offering that features Dominican San Vincente tobacco set aside from a 1997 crop covered with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. It is that 1997 tobacco that made the Quesada Reserva Privada a special cigar. For 2016, an extension to the Reserva Privada line was introduced, but this one replaced the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper with a Connecticut Broadleaf. The result is the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro. This past Spring, the new Oscuro made its way to retailers. Recently, Ive had an opportunity to smoke the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro in the Toro size. Overall I found this another outstanding offering by the Quesada family.

Back when we assessed the original Quesada Reserva Privada, we recapped what the Quesadas told Cigar Aficionado on the 1997 tobacco used for that project. This tobacco is now used in the new Reserva Privada Oscuro:

It was in 1997, current company owner Manuel Quesada convinced his father Manuel Sr. and brother Alvaro to set aside a crop of 1997 San Vincente tobacco that was considerered to be exceptional for a special project. The crop was described as Cosheca Pareja meaning that the plants were all uniform in height. The middle of the plants were also the same size indicating the nutrients had spread evenly in the plant. The tobaccos were harvested and stored in bales made from palm tree bark wrapped in palm leaves. The bark protected the tobaccos from outside conditions and allowed for a natural fermentation as they aged. A few years ago, Manuel offered the tobacco to his daughters Patricia and Raquela for a special project  and then the wheels were put in motion.

There is one additional point on this project. Like the original Reserva Privada, each cigar produced for the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro is aged for one full year after it is rolled.

Without further ado, lets take a closer look at the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro and see what this cigar brings to the table.

Blend Profile

The same tobacco components that were used in the original Quesada Reserva Privada are used in the new Oscuro offering. The primary difference is the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper used in place of the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper.

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Oscuro

Binder: Dominican San Vincente (1997 Crop)

Filler: Dominican San Vicente from the 1997 Vintage selected, Pennsylvania Ligero

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Quesada Cigars Factory)

Vitolas Available

The Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro is available in three sizes. The Robusto size is one that was offered up exclusively to members of the Tobacconist Association of America (TAA) as a part of its 2016 Exclusive Series.

All three size are packaged in ten count boxes. The TAA size was limited to 750 boxes.

Toro: 5 5/8 x 54

Corona Gorda: 6 1/2 x 46

Robusto: 4 3/4 x 52 (TAA Exclusive)

Appearance

The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper of the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro Toro isnt the darkest Oscuro I have seen, but I still would categorize this as a dark wrapper. The wrapper itself has a dark woody look to it. Upon closer examination, some darker marbling could be seen on the surface. There was a moderate amount of oil on the surface of the wrapper. While there were some visible veins and thin wrapper seams, i still found this to be a smooth wrapper.

The band of the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro is the same as the Connecticut Shade Reserva Privada. It is a black colored band with holographic font. On the center of the band is a holographic Quesada Q leaf logo. To the left of the logo are eight rows of the text QUESADA in holographic font. To the right of the logo are eight rows of the text RESERVA in holographic font. To the far left is the text HECHO A MANO in gray font. To the far right is the text LICERY REP, DOM (the location of the Quesada factory in the Dominican Republic) also in gray font. The band is finished with gold trim.

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

As I normally do, I started my cigar experience of the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro Toro with a straight cut. Once the cap was removed, I moved on to the pre-light draw. The cold draw delivered a flavor that was a cross between cocoa powder and natural tobacco. There was a very subtle cedar note I detected as well. Overall while this wasnt a complex pre-light draw, it still was quite enjoyable. At this point I was ready to light up the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro Toro and awaited what the smoking experience would bring to the table.

Flavor Profile

The Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro Toro started out with a potpourri of flavors including earth, cocoa powder , white pepper, and a slight hay note. Like the pre-light draw, the cocoa powder had an inherent tobacco quality. It didnt take long for the cocoa notes to go primary with the white pepper, earth, and hay notes were in the background. By the middle of the first third, the white pepper notes had almost dissipated. There was an additional layer of mixed pepper with a slight cocoa note on the retro-hale.

Later in the first third, the earth notes started to make their way into the forefront with the cocoa. This continued into the second third. While the earth notes were in the forefront from time to time, I still found the cocoa notes were in charge. The white pepper notes also resurfaced during the second third and slowly started to increase. Meanwhile, the hay notes remained in the background.

By the last third of the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro Toro, the white pepper notes kicked up a bit and joined the cocoa powder and earth notes in the forefront. The hay notes still hung on in the distant background. By the very end, there was some harshness, but by this point it was time to put down the cigar. The resulting nub was firm to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn and Draw

When the first Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro cigars arrived in May, I did find this to be a cigar that required a lot of re-lights. Some time in the humidor seemed to really fix this and I found a great improvement with the burn. This was a burn no longer required re-lights, but just touch-ups. The burn line remained straight and there was a slight amount of jaggedness on the actual burn line itself. The resulting ash was mostly gray with some darker speckling. The ash was on the firm side. Meanwhile the burn rate and burn temperature were ideal.

The draw to the Oscuro Toro was ideal. It had a touch of resistance to it  which is something I like. There also was a decent amount of smoke production on this cigar.

Strength and Body

From a strength perspective, I found the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro Toro to be on-par with the Ecuadorian Connecticut Quesada Reserva Privada. The cigar started out mild to medium in strength. The strength slowly increased and by the second half, the strength moved into medium territory.

Meanwhile, I actually found the body to be somewhat dialed back on the Oscuro compared to the Ecuadorian Connecticut version. This was a cigar that started out mild to medium-bodied. Like the strength, the body built up and by the second half, the flavors were medium-bodied.

In terms of strength versus body, I found both attributes balanced each other very nicely, but neither overshadowed the other.

Final Thoughts

Even before the Quesada Reserva Privada Oscuro was announced, I was intrigued by how the original Quesada Reserva Privada blend would perform with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. When the cigars hit the shelves in May, I found this to be a cigar that not only required many re-lights, but was somewhat harsh in in the second half. While this cigar was aging for one year before it was shipped, I still felt this blend needed some humidor time to settle down.

The great news is that some time in the humidor did the trick  and this cigar is now shining. Im not ready to put it at the level with the original Ecuadorian Connecticut Reserva Privada, this is still an excellent cigar and one that is responding very well to aging. Its a cigar I could recommend to a novice or an experienced cigar enthusiast. As for myself, this is a cigar worthy of a box purchase in my book.

Summary

Burn: Very Good

Draw: Excellent

Complexity: Medium

Strength: Mild to Medium (1st Half), Medium (2nd Half)

Body: Mild to Medium (1st Half), Medium (2nd Half)

Finish: Very Good

Assessment: 4.0-Box Worthy

Score: 92

References

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Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 203

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Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the Indus Water Treaty was a mutually agreed arrangement between India and Pakistan brokered by the World Bank and no one country can unilaterally separate itself from the treaty.

Sharif made the remarks at a high-level meeting in Islamabad wherein he asserted that Pakistan was fully capable of meeting any internal or external security threat.

"The meeting expressed deep concern on the increase in systematic human rights violations in Kashmir and strongly condemned brutal use of force by Indian security forces," according to statement issued after the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the Indus Water Treaty was mutually agreed arrangement between India and Pakistan brokered by the World Bank in 1960 and no one country can unilaterally separate itself from the treaty.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with officials to review provisions of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.

In that meeting it was decided that India will "exploit to the maximum" the water of Pakistan-controlled rivers, including Jhelum, as per the water-sharing pact.

Pakistan next day approached the World Bank, with senior its officials taking up the matter with the international lender which had mediated the water-sharing deal.

Sharif said the violence on Kashmiris for their right to self-determination, promised by UN resolutions, will never be tolerated and the "oppressed Kashmiris deserve not only Pakistan's support but also the support of the entire world".

He said that Pakistan will continue to extend its moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris until the issue of Kashmir is resolved as per aspirations of Kashmiri people.

Sharif said that the world is a witness that Pakistan has given tremendous sacrifices for global peace. He said Pakistan has shown unequalled and unprecedented restraint despite great provocation.

He said that Pakistan will continue to struggle for a peaceful South Asia with a view to enable its people to achieve progress and prosperity of the 21st century.

The meeting also reviewed other matters pertaining to national and regional security and expressed satisfaction over the preparedness of the armed forces to defend the territorial integrity of Pakistan.

Federal Ministers Nisar Ali and Ishaq Dar, army chief General Raheel Sharif, National Security Advisor Nasser Janjua, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry, Director General Military Operations and senior civil and military officials attended the meeting.
Islamabad: Hours after surgical strikes were carried out by India at seven terror camps in Pakistan, High Commissioner Abdul Basit said that he had received threatening calls, warning him to leave India along with his team.

Sources close to Basit said that the necessary details have been shared with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Moreover, Basit said that he has requested the Indian government to provide security to all members of Pakistan High Commissioner as well as their families under Vienna convention.

Earlier, India carried out surgical strikes on terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir late on Wednesday night to thwart attacks on some of its biggest cities.

The Defence establishment said there were "significant casualties" among terrorists and among those who were trying to support them.

Pakistan is guilty of increasing infiltration by terrorists along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and even the recently captured terrorists have confessed to their training and arming in Pakistan. The Global positioning systems (GPS) recovered from them established their Pakistani connect, said Lt General Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), at a hurriedly called news conference on Thursday during which External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

These surgical strikes are the first major military action taken by India against Pakistan after the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed as terrorists from Pakistan crossed into an Army camp earlier this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged that the attack would not go unpunished.

A surgical strike is a swift attack undertaken by military on specific targets with the aim to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to the surrounding areas and civilians, and a subsequent return to primary positions. It also prevents escalation to a full-blown war.

These attacks can be carried out via air raids, airdropping special operation teams or a ground operation. All three Indian armed forces have their separate special ops teams. It requires detailed and extensive planning to carry out surgical strikes and achieve the objective. External intelligence is vital to carry out these strikes.
Islamabad: In the wake of India's conduct of surgical strikes across the Line of Control, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called a joint session of the Parliament on October 5.

"Joint session of the Parliament will be convened on Wednesday to reaffirm the national resolve for safeguarding the sovereignty and preserving the territorial integrity of the motherland against any kind of external or internal threat as well as reiterating the moral, political, and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir," Prime Minister Sharif said, reports Geo News.

He further said that a meeting of the National Security Committee will be held on October 4 with special invitation to all the Chief Ministers to deliberate at length the emerging scenario across the Line of Control and also in the Valley.

Meanwhile, Pakistan National Security Adviser Lt. Gen.Nasir Janjua has submitted a comprehensive report on the Line of Control (LoC) cross-border escalation with Indian troops to Prime Minister Sharif, reported Radio Pakistan.

The Prime Minister is also being briefed regularly on the situation on the LoC by the security establishment.

Sharif, according to Radio Pakistan, expressed satisfaction on the level of preparedness of the Pakistani armed forces to match any provocation by Indian security forces.

In the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the Indian Army claimed that it had conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control. This was confirmed by Director General of Military Operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh.

The motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into Indian territory.

"The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties have been caused to the terrorist and those who are trying to support them. The operation aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since seized. We do not have any plans for further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrive," he added.
Islamabad : Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire with Indian forces across the de facto border in Kashmir on Thursday, the Pakistani army said, as tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours remains high.

The exchange of fire took place in the Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir , and lasted about six hours, the Pakistani military's press wing said in a statement.

An Indian Army officer said that there had been shelling from the Pakistani side of the border into the Nowgam district of Kashmir.

" Pakistan troops fired at Indian posts in Nowgam sector of North Kashmir at midnight. They also fired mortars. Army at the LoC fired back and intermittent firing is going on," the army officer said on condition of anonymity, referring to the Line of Control, or heavily militarised de facto border.

There were no casualties or damage reported on the Indian side of the LoC.

Tension between the South Asian rivals has been high since India s crackdown on dissent in Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader, Burhan Wani, by security forces in July.

They rose even further when New Delhi blamed the September 18 Uri attack which killed 18 soldiers, on Pakistan .

A senior Indian police officer said that the Army had begun searching for possible infiltration of militants in the Nowgam area after Thursday's firing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of his cabinet committee on security after the Indian Army accused Pakistan of breaching a 2003 ceasefire in Kashmir . Defence and foreign ministry officials are due to brief media in New Delhi following that meeting.

"The ceasefire violation proves that Pakistan is determined to reject international rules. This will be taken up to all global forums," an aide to Modi said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the record.
Islamabad: In a fresh rhetoric, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that Kashmir was "unfinished agenda of partition" and Pakistan would continue to provide support to Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination.

"Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an unfinished agenda of the partition of the sub-continent," Sharif said.

"No power can deter us from supporting our Kashmiri brethren in their just and legitimate struggle for the exercise of their right to self-determination guaranteed to them by the UNSC relevant resolutions," he said.

Sharif condemned what he described as Indian violation of LoC and said Pakistan was capable of defending itself. "No external force has the capability or capacity to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. We have the best armed forces in the world and we are proud of that," he said.

According to several statements by PMO, Sharif spent hectic day, consulting his aides on the security situation. Sharif was briefed regularly by the security institutions on the situation on the LOC.

National Security Adviser Nasir Janjua submitted a comprehensive report on the LOC situation to the PM office. Sharif showed satisfaction on the level of preparedness of Pakistani armed forces.

Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan met Sharif and discussed the security situation.

Sharif has convened a cabinet meeting tomorrow. He also called a meeting of National Security Committee on Tuesday with special invitation to all the Chief Ministers to deliberate at length the emerging scenario across the Line of Control and "brutal state oppression" in Kashmir.

Another statement said that he convened the joint session of the Parliament on Wednesday to reaffirm the national resolve for safeguarding the sovereignty and preserving the territorial integrity of the motherland against any kind of external or internal threat as well as reiterating the moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir.

Sharif will take nation and Parliament into confidence, it added.
A teenager killed his father at their home before going to a nearby elementary school and opening fire with a handgun, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said.





The teen was apprehended within minutes of the school shooting in this rural town about 110 miles northeast of Atlanta. One of the students was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, Captain Garland Major with the Anderson County sheriff's office said yesterday. Both students were male. The female teacher was hit in the shoulder.



Before the shooting at Townville Elementary about 1:45 PM, the teen gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne, at their home about 2 miles from the school, authorities said.



"We are heartbroken about this senseless act of violence," said Joanne Avery, superintendent of Anderson County School District 4. She cancelled classes for the rest of the week. Authorities did not release a motive for the shooting. They said they weren't sure if the students and teacher were targeted.



Asked about the teen's relationship to the students, Major said "I know they all go to school together." He later said the teen was being homeschooled and didn't clarify his earlier remark.



Authorities said they believe there was only one shooter and that all other students at Townville Elementary were safe. The students were bused to a nearby church and reunited with their parents. They hugged and kissed.



The school has about 300 students in its pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade classrooms. It is in a very rural part of the state and surrounded by working farms.



"This is the country," Brandi Pierce, the mother of a sixth-grader, told The Associated Press as she began to cry. "You don't have this in the country. It just don't exist out here."



Jamie Meredith, a student's mother, said some of the children went into a bathroom during the shooting.

"I don't know how they knew to go in the bathroom, but I know her teacher was shaken up. I know all the kids were scared. There was a bunch of kids crying. She didn't talk for about 5 minutes when I got her," she told WYFF.



Television images showed officers swarming the school after the report of an active shooter. Some were on top of the roof while others were walking around the building. Students were driven away on buses accompanied by police officers.



Governor Nikki Haley released a statement shortly after the shooting. "As we work together with law enforcement to make sure they have the support they need to investigate what happened in Townville, Michael and I ask that everyone across South Carolina join us in praying for the entire Townville Elementary School family and those touched by today's tragedy."



The rural town is located along Interstate 85 near the Georgia-South Carolina state line.
Blending its Operation 'Calm Down' with 'Jadoo ki Jhappi' (magical hug), Army is now foraying into the interiors of South Kashmir, giving semblance of law and order and building up confidence among the locals to open their establishments which have been shut for nearly three months.





At the break of dawn, Colonel Dharmendra Yadav, in-charge of the most sensitive Anantnag district, takes out his jeep to take a round of his 'Area of Responsibility' or popularly known as AOR. He mingles with locals, interacts with them, especially the children.



Col Yadav and his team is often greeted by the villagers and children while passing through. "No doubt they have restored some law and order in many areas of the district," says Ghulam Mohiudden, a teacher. He was encouraged by the army personnel to teach children in a makeshift school so that their education is not affected any further.



A resident of Gurgaon, Col Yadav often meets the village elders and is seen greeted by an affectionate hug which he calls a 'Jadoo ki Jhapi'.



"At times such colloquial terms do come handy for us to reach out to the civilians. I did watch Munnabhai MBBS some years back..the movie was a hit and so is the formula here," he says as a group of children surround him.



Col Yadav was part of a team of young Army officers involved in the encounter in Bumdoora village in which Burhan Wani and his two aides were killed.



However, he refrains from sharing any details of the encounter, saying, "this was part of my duty and we don't share operational details. The matter is over and out for me and my team."



After the army launched the 'Operation Calm Down' in South Kashmir earlier this month, Col Yadav got his men back from highway domination and started getting into the interior areas clearing maximum of the arterial roads leading to the National Highway.



"Restoration of connectivity was imperative and opening of schools a necessity as I don't want the children to become victims of the conflict," he observes. A father of two, Col Yadav spends time with the children and elders in various villages of his AOR.



"Whenever I miss my kids, I come here, talk to these children and guide them the way a father is supposed to," says Col Yadav while gently stroking the hair of Shamim, a student of Class IV.



As he starts for another adjacent village Rainpora, Col Yadav is seen off by a local Imam with a famous 'Jadoo ki Jhapi' as he also extends his gratitude to the officer for getting the schools and local shops reopened and bringing some peace to the village.



Raja Begum, who operates a shop in the adjacent Rainpora village, which is 80 km from Srinagar, is seen selling essential commodities. "My husband has gone to Srinagar to get some more stocks. While the condition here is fine, I am not sure when he will be able to return as the situation in other parts of the Valley is not as good," she quips.



Within no time, the children from the nearby locality gather near the shop because their "Army uncle" had come. "This is a name that I have not demanded but earned. Many of them want to become army officers," says Col Yadav.



Having done the rounds, Col Yadav reaches his battalion headquarters where a list as well as pictures of wanted militants, believed to be hiding in his area, are on display. After his routine pep up talk to his team and daily update, he shares his time with "Naujawan (young) club" where they enjoy Internet facility, games and gym aided by the Army.



The club is packed with young men and children engaged in various activities. Besides, a group of locals is also present there to share their worries and grievances with the army officer.



After redressing their grievances, Col Yadav does not forget to give his dose of Jadoo ki Jhappi to all those who now seem to be at some ease with his assurances of looking into their problems personally.



As troubles and turbulences continue unabated in the Valley, the army quietly moved an entire brigade to South Kashmir as part of operation 'Calm Down' to clear it of the militants and protestors.



The operation was warranted in the wake of intelligence reports suggesting a virtual 'Jungle Raj' in areas of South Kashmir where militants and their sympathisers are calling the shots, holding protests and blocking the arterial roads. Nearly 4,000 additional troops have been pressed into service to restore normalcy but with clear instructions to use minimum force.



However, the new personnel, mobilised from reserves, have fanned out in all the four districts of South Kashmir  Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam -- along the highway whereas the stationed troops have been pressed back into counter-insurgency operations.
Without any official notice from the VC, Hindi has been made compulsory as a subject in DU colleges. Many rejected the idea among who Northeastern students stood first in line.





Northeastern students from across campus wrote a letter to their Vice Chancellor last week regarding the same stating that the compulsory  condition should be removed as many students cannot understand the language at all.



The circular in few college notice boards read as follows: as per university rules Compulsory Test in Hindi (CTH) is compulsory for all Indian students of DU (BA, BCom, BSc, both hons and programme courses).



The VC has not uploaded any official notice on the website, but based on an academic council meeting held on July 19, where the matter was discussed, the programme was implemented in some colleges since August 11, said C Thanglenmang Doungel, president North East Students Society Delhi University.

Many colleges like, Zakir Hussain, PGDAV and Shivaji college have already started their classes. Last week, Vivekananda Colleges northeastern students went to their principal pleading her to scrap Hindi classes.



Dr Ramananda Singh Mayanglambam, professor Kirori Mal College, nodal officer of northeastern cell, and also part of the academic council of DU said, I was there in the academic council meeting and I rejected the idea and many supported me. But when the minutes of the meeting were out I saw that my argument was missing.



There was no executive meeting held after the academic meeting which is mandatory, and the programme has already started, he said.



He has joined the students in their protest against implementation of the programme. He himself wrote a letter to the Dean of Students Welfare requesting him to look into the matter. But there has been no revert yet, he said.



In PGDAV, Northeastern students are skipping Hindi classes along with some Afghani students, said T Raisung, president PGDAVs northeastern cell.



Northeast cell in DU is already suffering because of low funds. We are informally working for northeastern students welfare. During Delhi University Students Union elections tall promises are made for NE students but nothing is ever done, said Dr Kamei Aphun, nodal officer NESSDU, Delhi School of Economics.



This year both ABVP and NSUI proposed strengthening of northeastern cells in Delhi University in their manifestos. Every year since 2013, the programme of Hindi to be made a compulsory subject in DU is proposed but never implemented.
Releases from NASA, NASA's Galex, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, HubbleSite, Spitzer, Cassini, ESO, ESA, NASAs Chandra X-ray Observatory, Royal Astronomical Society, NRAO, Astronomy Picture of the Day, Harvard-Smithsonian Center For Astrophysics, Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Gemini Observatory, Subaru Telescope, W. M. Keck Observatory, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, JPL-Caltech, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, ICRAR, etc
In a veiled attack at police over several AAP legislators being booked under various charges, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday said lodging FIRs is their dharma but the government will keep doing its job.





He was speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of a yoga training session for teachers of Delhi government schools.



To a question on several AAP MLAs being booked in different cases, Sisodia said lodging FIRs is their dharma, but we will keep doing our job (FIR karna unka dharm hai, hum apna kaam karte rahenge).



Fifteen AAP legislators have been booked so far by Delhi Police under various charges, even as the party has been crying political vendetta behind these actions.



The yoga session was held in partnership with yoga guru Ramdevs Patanjali Yogpeeth. 16 lakh students in Delhi government schools will now be able to get better yoga education, Sisodia said.



Ramdev said the initiative is praiseworthy and other state governments should take inspiration from it.



Yoga is a scientific way of physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual growth. It is a secular lifestyle and channelises the internal energy. I thank Arvind Kejriwal for letting the teachers, and physical education teachers to be trained in yoga, so that they can train the children, Ramdev said.



Echoing the yoga gurus sentiments, Sisodia said, I hope other state governments would understand the importance of yoga in childrens lifestyle and take inspiration.
In the wake of the Income Tax Department summoning him in connection with a tax evasion probe, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Wednesday termed the development as a conspiracy, saying it will be exposed.





The IT department has asked the AAP minister to appear before it on October 4 in connection with a tax evasion probe against certain Kolkata-based firms and furnish personal financial details along with income tax returns for the last four years.



Jain had on Tuesday claimed he has severed ties with the companies which are under the IT scanner, in July 2013 before contesting the polls for the first time and added that the summons was just a reassessment and he was ready to face the probe.



Replying to questions, he said, Everyone knows this is a conspiracy, what is the big deal in it. After two days, the chief minister will expose a very big conspiracy. However, he did not give any detail.



Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said yesterday that his government will convene a special one-day session of Delhi Assembly on Friday to expose a very big conspiracy behind registration of false cases against AAP MLAs, ministers and himself.



Talking to reporters, Jain expressed surprise as to how the media was seized of the details of the events which are about to happen.



I am surprised who is leaking the information to the media. Even I, who has been summoned as a witness in the case, dont know what they (IT department) will ask me during my appearance, but the media has already reported what questions they will ask me. Is the Income Tax department briefing media about it?What is the source of information? Who is monitoring it, Jain said.



On being asked about the three companies having residential address, he said that as per his knowledge, these firms exist and there is no rule prohibiting a companys registration on residential address.
Facing flak for delay, the Labour Department of the Delhi government on Wednesday made a last-minute dash to collect information on facilities used by parliamentary secretary Sanjeev Jha before sending it to the Election Commission.





Jha, who represents the Burari constituency, is facing an EC reference on a complaint seeking his disqualification, along with 20 other parliamentary secretaries, from the Assembly for using office space, amounting to holding an office of profit.



We are giving all the details to the EC, said an official in the Labour Department on Wednesday  the deadline set for all district labour officials and Delhi Building And Other Construction Workers Board for giving details of perks, if any, enjoyed by Jha who was attached with Labour Minister Gopal Rai in March.



The attendance sheets and copies of minutes of meetings attended by Jha were sought by the Election Commission in a reminder sent earlier this month. The hectic activity in the Labour Department on Wednesday came in the backdrop of the displeasure expressed by the EC over incomplete information sent earlier.



A letter sent by the EC said: ..information has been provided only regarding attending of some meetings by the parliamentary secretaries. From the same, it could not be inferred as to in what capacity they participated in such meetings; whether these were advisory, consultative meetings or some executive decisions were considered in these meetings. Whether the meetings referred to in reply were conclusive in nature or merely in the form of continued monitoring.



Official space



The Labour Department is now furnishing details the EC on whether Jha dealt with any official file, in the capacity of parliamentary secretary.



Earlier, the Election Commission virtually saw through the AAP governments claim that some facilities like accommodation or official space were provided to the 21 parliamentary secretaries in the capacity of MLA and not aides of ministers.



In response to the AAP governments stand, the EC then sought a copy of the policy laid down on giving official space to the MLAs and inquired if The allotment was done after these MLAs were appointed parliamentary secretary? If yes, then how many other MLAs who are not parliamentary secretary have been allotted similar accommodation?



The 21 parliamentary secretaries face disqualification threat over a petition by advocate Prashant Patel alleging that they held offices of profit.



The Election Commission has also sought a copy of the policy of the legislative assembly to allot rooms to parliamentary secretaries/MLAs. Copies of room-allotment orders to the 21 parliament secretaries in the Assembly have also been sought.



The poll panel has also sought legible copy of the order of the legislative Assembly, keeping in abeyance the allotment of office space to parliamentary secretaries in the Assembly secretariat.
It is consensual sex half the times when juveniles are booked for rapes. So each delinquents case should be dealt as an individual matter requiring personal attention, according to an NGO.





Vidya Reddy, director of the NGO Tulir, said juveniles being tried for rape should be tried looking at the context of the case.



She also compared the National Crime Records Bureau statistics 2015 for juveniles in conflict with law, where juveniles booked for rape (other than custodial) are 1,841 and kidnapping and abduction of women to compel her for marriage is 732.



Parents of girls many a times get the boys booked for both kidnapping and rape as they dont want to admit that their girl child can be involved in a mutual relationship, said Reddy. Sometimes matters are also of elopement.



The fault is also in the societal norms where sex is considered as bad as rape, according to her. She said her NGO has done grassroot-level research on the matter.



We talked to police officers who admit that most often the parents want to register a rape case on the boy if they find out that their daughter has been involved with him, she said.



Tulir, a Chennai-based non-government organisation, has been working for children who faced sexual abuse and also children who commit sexual abuse for more than a decade. Reddy says that after the release of the Juvenile Justice Bill, juveniles cannot be termed as sex offenders because the term carries with it a weight which probably the offender may not even understand.



Sexually abusive



Sixteen was taken as the age after which juveniles can be arrested for rape in JJB, so that others who are sexually abusive will come under other laws, she said.



According to Indian Penal Code only husband cannot rape his wife who is below 15. If she is above 15 there is no law which admits to marital rape. On the other hand, if one is 17 and half and has consensual sex, one can be charged with rape? Therefore, the law is based only on marriage and no marriage? she said.



One can own criminal responsibility but cannot be accused of rape in cases where the victim has been kidnapped with the purpose of marriage, said Reddy.



According to study conducted by Tulir, there are three main characteristic features of juvenile rape crimes depending on sexual behaviour  sexually aggressive behaviour, harmful behaviour and inappropriate behaviour  punishment should be given accordingly, said Reddy.



In India people dont recognise sexual problem as a problem and that it can be healed, she said.
The United States is likely to face a higher risk of Islamic State-inspired attacks over the next two years as the group loses land in the Middle East, a top official with the Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Wednesday.





"I'm fairly convinced that 2017 and 2018 in the homeland will be more dangerous than we've seen before, because as we shrink ISIS, they'll lash out," Michael Steinbach, executive assistant director of the FBI's national security branch, told a security conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.



Islamic State proclaimed a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 but has lost a significant amount of territory since then to U.S.-backed offensives, though it still controls oil wells on Syrian land.



Steinbach was quick to say that the fact that additional attacks might be planned did not mean they would be successful. He noted that U.S. security officials disrupted some 70 Islamic State-inspired planned attacks in 2015 alone.



The U.S. has seen a spate of attacks inspired by the militant group, which has been fighting a long civil war in Syria. They include the June massacre of 49 people at an Orlando nightclub and the killing of 14 people at a San Bernardino, California, social services agency last December.



Steinbach also noted that militant attacks remain rare in the United States, saying that 19 people were killed in the United States and 21 Americans killed overseas in attacks considered terrorism in 2015.



"There is no expectation that we will stop every homicide here in Boston or Chicago," he said. "For some reason, with terrorism, there is an expectation, a bar that is set at zero and every single attack that goes through is considered a failure."
The meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan has been postponed till next week.





"The meeting regarding MFN and related logistics scheduled for today is postponed to next week," official sources said here.



The decision to review the MFN, which was granted by India unilaterally in 1996, was taken in the wake of the Uri attack over which India is weighing options to respond.



The MFN status was accorded in 1996 under WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Both India and Pakistan are signatories to this which means they have to treat each other and rest of WTO member countries as favoured trading partners.



According to Assocham, out of India's total merchandise trade of USD 641 billion in 2015-16, Pakistan accounted for a meagre USD 2.67 billion.



India's exports to the neighbouring country worked out to USD 2.17 billion, or 0.83 per cent, of the total Indian outward shipments while imports were less than USD 500 million, or 0.13 per cent, of the total inward shipments.
Top leaders of political parties were today briefed by the government about the surgical strike carried out by the Army on terror launching pads across the LoC to foil plans of terrorists to target some Indian towns.



Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said after the hour-long meeting that all political parties unanimously supported the Army action, which was carried at 5-6 important places across LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 6,000 feet and some of these terror launch pads were destroyed.



"The Home Minister explained the all-party meeting about the surgical strike which was carried out by the Army to foil attempts by terrorists to carry out attack not only in Jammu and Kashmir but some other important towns," he told reporters.



The Army action came in the aftermath of terror attack in Uri on September 18 in which 18 soldiers were killed.



Naidu said the terrorists had carried out strike from these launching pads and they had plans to do the same in future too.



"Government and the Army had reports that the terrorists had plans to infiltrate again and create havoc in Jammu and Kashmir and some other places," he said.



After the successful operation, the Army personnel had returned to their respective bases without suffering any casualty, he said adding further details would be available later.



The Minister said Representatives of Congress, NCP, CPI(M), BSP, Shiv Sena, LJSP AND TDP complimented the Indian Army action and assured the government of their support in any action in future.



Those who attended the meeting include Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), Satish Chandra Mishra (BSP) and Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP).



BJP President Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar besides the Home Minister and Naidu attended the meeting.



Naidu said the surgical strike was carried out as Pakistan was not mending its ways and testing India's patience. Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh briefed the all-party meeting.



The all-party meeting was convened to inform political parties across the board of the action taken by the Army.



Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had briefed President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the surgical strikes.



Chief Ministers of various states, including Jammu and Kashmir, were also briefed about the latest development. Just before the all-party meeting, Swaraj had met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on the development.



With today's action, Naidu said Pakistan should realise that India would no longer tolerate incidents like Uri in future.



"Our neighbour is aiding, abetting and funding terrorism," the minister said.

He also said the entire country is very happy with today's action undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.



Responding to a question on Pakistan denial of Indian action in PoK, Naidu said "what else can they say."



In a series of tweets, Rajnath Singh, who chaired the all-party meeting, congratulated the Army on successful counter terrorism operations against terror groups and their launching pads.



"We are proud of our armed forces. They have once again exhibited exemplary courage and valour by destroying the anti India designs. I also congratulate the Prime Minister on taking a bold decision and showing true grit and mettle in crucial times," he said.



Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad that they congratulated the Army for the "very good, successful operation".



"We have been told that there were heavy casualties on the other side and there was no harm to our soldiers and they returned back safe. We will support all action of the security forces so that terrorism comes to an end and Pakistan does not support any terror activity from its soil," he said.



Yechury said that his party supported the Army action but felt that military action is not the answer and talks should resume between the two neighbours.


Nepal has asked all SAARC members to create a conducive environment to ensure participation of all members in the next summit of the grouping in Pakistan, after four countries, including India, pulled out of the summit indirectly blaming Islamabad.





Nepal said it "has received communications" from four member-states - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India - in which they conveyed their inability to participate in the 19th SAARC summit on November 9-10 stating that the current regional environment is "not conducive" for the successful holding of the Summit.



"We have taken this development seriously," it said in a statement posted on its Foreign Ministry's website.



Nepal "strongly urges that a conducive environment be created soon to ensure the participation of all member states in the 19th SAARC summit in line with the spirit of the SAARC Charter," the statement said.



Under the SAARC Charter, the summit is automatically postponed or cancelled even if one member country skips the event.



The four countries have pulled out of the summit, indirectly blaming Pakistan for "creating an environment which is not right for the successful holding" of the meet.



That development came after tensions ran high between India and Pakistan after militants stormed an Indian Army base in Uri on September 18, killing 18 soldiers. The militants belonged to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group.



Founded in 1985, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) currently has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka as its members.


Leading brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev will pay USD 6 million to the American authorities for settling charges of making "improper payments" to government officials in India to push sales and production.





Besides, the maker of popular beer brands such as Budweiser and Corona would settle charges that it "chilled a whistle blower who reported the misconduct".



The SEC was assisted by the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).



Announcing the settlement agreed to by Anheuser-Busch, the SEC said the company "used third-party sales promoters to make improper payments to government officials in India to increase the sales and production of Anheuser-Busch InBev products in that country".



The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also said that despite repeated complaints from employees, Anheuser- Busch had inadequate internal accounting controls to detect and prevent the improper payments. Further, the company failed to ensure that transactions involving the promoters were recorded properly in its books and records, it added.



According to the American regulator, the Belgian brewer entered into a separation agreement that stopped an employee from continuing to voluntarily communicate with it about potential FCPA violations due to a substantial financial penalty that would be imposed for violating strict non- disclosure terms.



The company has "agreed to pay USD 6 million to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and chilled a whistle blower who reported the misconduct", SEC said in a release on Wednesday.



Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division's FCPA Unit said Kara Brockmeyer said the company "recorded improper payments by its sales promoters in India as legitimate expenses in its financial accounting". It then exacerbated the problem by including language in a separation agreement that chilled an employee from communicating with the SEC, Brockmeyer added.



Anheuser-Busch was also found to have violated the books and records provisions and the internal controls provisions of federal securities laws as well as Securities Exchange Act.



"Anheuser-Busch InBev agreed to pay USD 2,712,955 in disgorgement plus interest of USD 292,381 and a penalty of USD 3,002,955," the release said.



Apart from the settlement, the company would have to cooperate with the SEC for two years and report its FCPA compliance efforts.



Further, the firm has to make "reasonable efforts to notify certain former employees that Anheuser-Busch InBev does not prohibit employees from contacting the SEC about possible law violations".



SEC probe was conducted by Morgan B Ward Doran, Sonali Singh and Carol Shau, and supervised by Alka Patel.
The Bombay High Court today gave six weeks time to CBI to obtain the reports of forensic science laboratory of Scotland Yard on evidence in the murder cases of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, communist leader Govind Pansare and scholar M M Kalburgi.





The evidence was sent to Scotland Yard to find out whether there were links between the murders of the three rationalists, as it is suspected that same kind of weapons were used in all the killings.



However, a division bench headed by Justice S C Dharmadhikari told CBI that this was the last opportunity being given to it to obtain forensic lab reports from abroad and cautioned that no further adjournments will be given.



"We have given you (CBI) enough time since May 2016 to obtain forensic lab reports of Scotland Yard and no more time will be given after the next hearing," said the bench.



Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh informed the court that all the necessary permissions and clearances had been obtained from the authorities for going to Scotland Yard. He also said an officer would personally go abroad along with the documents and obtain reports from the foreign lab.



The bench also asked the Special Investigating Team of the Maharashtra government, which is probing the Govind Pansare murder case, to exercise caution when it comes to witnesses' protection and not to disclose any investigation details to the media.



Justice Dharmadhikari said an SIT officer had been quoted in a newspaper report on investigation details in Pansare murder case. Because of these revelations, the absconding accused would get alerted and might escape thereby hampering investigations, the judge said.



The matter has been posted for hearing on November 23, when CBI has been asked to submit forensic reports on alleged links in these three murder cases.



While Dabholkar and Pansare were killed at different places in Maharashtra, Kalburgi was shot dead in Karnataka.



The bench is hearing a batch of petitions filed by the families of Dabholkar and Pansare seeking monitoring of probes in both the cases by the high court.



Dabholkar was killed in Pune on August 20, 2013 while Pansare was shot on February 16, 2015 in Kolhapur. He succumbed to his injuries four days later. Kalburgi was shot dead on August 30 last year at his residence in Dharwad district of Karnataka by two unidentified men.



During investigation, CBI had noticed a pattern in the killings which indicated that the same group might have been involved as the weapons used in the crime were similar. Hence, the agency sent bullets and empty cartridges that it recovered for forensic analysis.



CBI, probing the Dabholkar killing, and Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Maharashtra, investigating the Pansare killing, today submitted fresh reports on their probe.



The reports were presented to the court in a sealed cover by Additional Solicitor General (for CBI) Singh and government pleader Mankunwar Deshmukh (for SIT), and were perused by both the judges.



Abhay Nevadi, lawyer for Pansare and Dabholkar families, argued that the probe in these two cases should conclude fast and culprits should be brought to book.



The bench said, "If the investigations do not conclude fast, it might give an impression to the people at large that you do not want to arrest certain people."



CBI and CID have been submitting periodical progress reports of their probe to the high court.



The bench also asked both the investigating agencies (CBI and SIT) to bring their probe to its logical end at the earliest as the families of the rationalists had moved the high court and also because the common man had faith in the administration and police machinery.



Right-wing activist Sameer Gaikwad, an alleged member of Sanatan Sanstha, was arrested by Kolhapur Police on September 16 last year in connection with Pansare's murder.



Another Sanatan Sanstha activist Virendra Tawde was arrested by CBI from Panvel in Navi Mumbai in June this year in connection with Dabholkar's murder.


Following the surgical strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC), officials have put birder states of Punjab, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir on high alert.



People living within 10 kms of the border with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have been asked to shift to safer places and schools ordered to be shut till further notice in the wake of surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army across



The 'Beating Retreat' ceremony at Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar in Punjab has also been closed for public today, officials said.



"We have asked border villagers living along IB and LoC to shift to safer area as a precautionery measure," Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Simrandeep Singh told PTI.



All people living within 7 to 8 kms of India-Pak border have been asked to move to safer areas and schools in 10 kms area to be ordered to close down till further notice, he said.



These directions have been passed on to people living along IB in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts and along LOC in Rajouri and Poonch, officials said.



In some areas of R S Pura, the movement of the border residents to safer places has already begun.



"We have passed directions to them to move to safer places and some of them have started to move to the houses of their relatives in safer places," a Police officer said.



Army has started evacuating people living in the adjoining areas in Noushera belt of Rajouri anticipation of a possible retaliation by Pakistani troops, officials said.



In Punjab too, people residing in villages within 10 kms of the International Border were asked to shift to safter places. Six districts of the state share border with Pakistan.



The schools in the border areas have also been asked to remain shut until further orders, they said.



Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has put the entire government and political machinery in an emergency mode, an official spokesman said in Chandigarh.



Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Badal over telephone today to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people residing in the villages falling within 10 kms of the International Border in view of the escalating situation, the spokesman said.



Badal has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to ask the concerned Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.



The Punjab Chief Minister directed the DCs to identify suitable locations for setting up camps and ensure that none of the residents being evacuated was put to any sort of inconvenience, the spokesman said.



Badal also personally spoke to the Cabinet Ministers and MLAs concerned to camp in these border districts and keep close liaison with the district administration to ensure safe movement of residents.



He also directed the Chief Secretary to immediately release Rs one crore each to all the Deputy Commissioners of six border districts to meet any exigency.



Meanwhile, Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Varun Roojam said border residents in Amritsar district have been asked to remain vigilant and prepare for any eventuality.



Gujarat



High alert has been sounded in Gujarat in the wake of the surgical strikes carried out by the Army on terror bases across the LoC, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said.



The state shares land and sea boundary with Pakistan.



"Following surgical strikes, high alert has been sounded in entire Gujarat, specially the border districts police and coastal police stations have been alerted to increase vigil after our armed forces' successful operation," he said.



Three districts of the state-- Kutch, Banaskantha and Patan-- share boundary with the neighbouring country.



"Our officers are in constant touch with the officials of BSF and Coast Guard. The BSF and Coast Guard are extremely vigilant on the land border and sea coast respectively. Police in border districts have already stepped up patrolling," Patel said.



The coastal police have also been kept on high alert and have been asked to vigilantly monitor the movement in the sea, Patel said.



"The Centre has given us a directive to evacuate people from villages within 10 kms area of the border with Pakistan. But none of our villages are located in 10-km range from the border (due to Rann of Kutch). Our villages are almost 25 km away from the border,' Patel said.



The state Home Department has also asked the entire state police to be on alert so that no anti-India elements can take benefit of the situation, he said.



"We also request the people of the state to alert police or government regarding any suspicious activity and help the state maintain law and order," Patel said.






When I walked as the only air wing cadet from Delhi at Rajpath during the Republic Day parade this year, I felt I have lived my dream. The accolades that I received from my family and my entire neighbourhood after this was overwhelming. Nobody in my family has achieved something like this, said 19-year-old Shweta Upadhyay.





Currently pursuing her graduation in BA (Programme) from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University (DU), Upadhyay is training under National Cadet Corps Air Wing (NCC). She hails from a simple family residing in Uttam Nagar of west Delhi and says she is the only member of her family who is interested in aviation.



She hopes to getting employed as the ground duty officer in Indian Air Force. While she is preparing for IAF examinations, being a part of the Republic Day Camp (RDC) has been her biggest achievement till date.



At RDC, cadets from all three wings  army, navy and air force participate. The practice for the parade begins in October. We used to wake up at 4 am dress up in our uniforms, leave for the ground for drills. The rifle drill, where we had to take rounds in the ground with that 4.5 kilo rifle in one hand in the cold weather, was the most difficult, recalled Upadhyay.



Around 400 aspiring girls in aviation, like Upadhyay, had gathered at the recently held Girls in Aviation Day in the capital, organised by The India Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI).



The initiative was aimed at highlighting the opportunities aviation sector has for women.



According to Radha Bhatia, chairperson Bird Worldwide Flight Services and president WAI (India Chapter), young and aspiring girls have limited information about career prospects in aviation.



We see women in a few segments like cabin crew or steward. There are so many other segments like baggage handling, specialised medical doctors, pre and post flight checks and so on. Only one per cent women employees are a part of these segments, Bhatia told Metrolife.



Twenty-year-old Nimisha Dayal felt proud to mention that she is the only girl from her college, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (DU), to be a part of NCC.



People in my family work for both government and private jobs, but I personally wanted to do something different. When I joined NCC, I also got the opportunity to meet fighter pilots Bhawana Kath, Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh. After that, I knew that I wanted to follow their footsteps, said Dayal.



While short height disqualifies Dayal for applying for the post of a fighter, she stays determined to join as ground duty officer.



From becoming physically fit and strong to developing a confident personality, Dayal said that she has come a long way in the past three years of her training at NCC.



I have changed a lot as compared to how I used to be in school. Now I feel more confident in talking to people. Moreover, it feels different to be pointed out as the only girl in a crowd to join the air wing of NCC. The experience has a spark to it, expressed Dayal.



As the first generation of women entering aviation, these girls are fighting all odds to establish a career in the industry.



Aviation is all about excitement, said Kajal Gera, 21, who completed her graduation in BA (Programme) from School of Open Learning. Currently preparing for Central Airmen Selection Board (CASB) exams, Gera looks forward to becoming a pilot.



I have seen that in Indian Air Force, there are mostly males but Im not afraid of that. If pilots like Kath, Chaturvedi and Singh can do it then I can too, she said adding that the day she takes her first flight, her dream of touching the sky will come true.


Actor Radhika Pandit has just returned from Norway after shooting for two songs in Santhu Straight Forward. Her latest film, Doddmane Huduga, meanwhile, is releasing today. The actor says Doddmane... is special to her in a lot of ways because it has given her the chance to work with some of the biggest names in the Kannada film industry. This also served as a great learning experience for her.

In an interview with Nina C George, Radhika talks about why Doddmane Huduga is special to her.



Tell us about your character



I portray very contrasting characters in the film. In one, I appear in a half-sari and speak in a slang that is typical to the Kolar region and in the other, I essay the role of a modern girl who is extremely independant and has a mind of her own.



Was it easy to switch between the accents?



More than changing my costumes, I had to work on getting my accent and diction right for all the scenes. In one scene, I had to talk in Kannada spoken in Kolar. I had to switch to the Bengaluru Kannada after that. It was a bit challenging but I enjoyed trying out something different.



How was it to be working with director Suri again?



What I like most about him is that he lays a lot of emphasis on the smallest of details in the film. For him, every change in expression matters a great deal. I am used to his style of working and understand exactly what he requires from a character. This understanding has helped me portray the character well.



How was it to match your dance moves with that of Puneeths?



Usually, I get to do a dance sequence to a melody but this time, I was thrilled because I got a chance to move to a typical dance number. I dont know if I have been successful in matching my steps with that of Puneeths because hes a brilliant dancer but I enjoyed the experience.



Why should one watch the film?



Suris movies always have their fair share of commercial elements. This one too has the right blend of action, drama and romance. The family scenes are shot in a house and feature senior actors such as Ambarish, Sumalatha, Ravishankar, Bharthi Vishnuvardhan.



Its not always that one gets a chance to work with so many prominent actors in one project. I am grateful for the opportunity.



Whats the best part about working on the project?



This project is dedicated to the people of Karnataka. We shot some songs in locations across the state and we were overwhelmed by the love we received from the people who thronged in large numbers to watch the shooting.



They would sometimes just wave at us or would walk up to us to strike up a conversation.



Has life changed after your engagement with Yash?



Life hasnt changed at all. In fact, it has got better.


Indian Army sources, however, said, "one soldier from 37 RR with weapon has inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control. Pakistan has been informed by the DGMO on the hotline." The sources said his crossing over was not related to the surgical strikes.



"Such inadvertent crossing by Army and civilians are not unusual on either side. They are returned through existing mechanisms," they said. A source in the Northern Command also indicated that Chohan was an army deserter.



The Dawn report said he has been shifted to an undisclosed location. The report also had said, "The dead bodies of the Indian soldiers are still to be recovered by the Indian forces as they lay unattended at the LoC."



Indian Army today rejected as "false and baseless" reports in a section of Pakistani media that eight Indian soldiers were killed and one captured by Pakistani military in retaliatory fire.Indian Army sources said, "As regard (to the) report of killing of eight Indian Army personnel reported in sections of Pakistan media, the report is completely false and baseless."Army's reaction came after Dawn News reported that Pakistani military has claimed that it has killed eight Indian soldiers and captured one while retaliating to India's firing at the first line of defence at the Line of Control (LoC) at Tatta Pani.Interestingly, the report in Dawn News that claimed that eight Indian soldiers were killed was taken off from its website in the night. Earlier, Dawn paper had also reported that an Indian soldier had been captured and was identified as 22-year-old Chandu Babulal Chohan son of Bashan Chohan from Maharashtra.
Questions left unanswered in the aftermath of Pakistans hostile reception of the Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Islamabad where he had gone to attend a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) meeting, have come back to haunt us sooner than expected.



The terror attack in Uri has reopened the question of Saarcs viability. India has decided to boycott the Islamabad summit of Saarc as part of its non/sub-military response to cross-border terrorism. However, we need to go beyond the immediate crisis and reassess the long-term usefulness of remaining committed to Saarc.



The Saarc was established in 1985 with the objectives of promoting . . . economic growth, social progress and cultural development. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were the founding members. Australia, China, European Union, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, Myanmar and the United States joined as observers between 2005 and 2008. Afghanistan joined Saarc as a member in 2007 while Myanmar applied for membership in 2008.



The expansion and growing international acceptance engendered the hope that Saarc will eventually evolve into a vibrant regional body unhindered by the state of Indo-Pakistan relations. However, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and subsequent developments belied those hopes. Pakistan failed to refrain from using multilateral fora to raise bilateral issues and remained opposed to normalisation of ties with India.



For instance, Pakistan refused to support the regional transport agreements to avoid providing India with overland access to Afghanistan. India decided to go ahead with a sub-Saarc Motor Vehicle Agreement with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal instead of waiting endlessly for Pakistan to support a Saarc agreement. This was seen as a precursor to a possible sub-Saarc grouping namely the BBIN.



More recently, India approved a major project to improve road connectivity with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. India and Bangladesh have already been experimenting with international multimodal transport arrangements and are likely to codevelop ports.



On the other hand, India has reengaged Iran to access Afghanistan via Chabahar bypassing Pakistan (Afghan-istan has threatened to block Pakistans access to Central Asia if it continued to limit overland access to India). India has also engaged with Sri Lanka and the Maldives within a trilateral format.



While India has already begun exploring alternatives to Saarc, Pakistans obstinate opposition to economic and transport integration is accentuating the urgency of this task. Pakistans sustained support to terror groups targeting Afghanistan, Bangladesh and India is a bigger challenge to Saarcs unity though.



The latter three countries did not send their ministers to the Saarc meeting of finance ministers in Islamabad. It is increasingly obvious that a dysfunctional Saarc has no future, particularly when its older cousins  the EU and the Asean  are struggling to stay together. However, the road ahead is not clear.



Any search for alternatives to Saarc has to acknowledge that a combination of geographical, historical, political and ethnic factors has gridlocked Saarc. Pakistans obsession with Kashmir is only one of these factors. A key reason for Saarcs failure is that one of its members is much larger than all other members put together.



India alone accounts for at least three-fifths of Saarcs area, population, GDP (on a purchasing power parity basis), foreign exchange and gold reserves and armed forces. The enormous resource and power differentials engender a sense of insecurity in Indias neighbourhood. It bears emphasising that no single country dominates EU and Asean, hitherto successful regional organisations.



Indias central location within Saarc accentuates the effect of its size. India shares a land and/or maritime boundary with all other Saarc countries, but they do not share boundaries with each other (except for Pakistan and Afghanistan) and have India as their sole neighbour in the sub-continent. More over, international borders in the region are still not all settled beyond dispute. Afghanistan and Pakistan, and India and Pakistan are locked in longstanding territorial disputes that fuel conventional conflicts.



Regional disputes



Geography is not the only culprit, though. History compounds the intractability of regional disputes. The successor states of British India continue to define their relationships in terms of their unfortunate formative experiences and unresolved Partition disputes. Likewise, the colonial boundary between Afghan-istan and Pakistan is a source of dispute.



Differences in political systems also hinder regional cooperation. Except for India, none of the Saarc countries is a stable, secular democracy. Indias strained relations with the Maldives, where the president has almost outlawed the opposition, and Nepal where the Madhesis have not been accommodated in the new constitutional arrangement, are cases in point. The convergence of political systems is unlikely in the near future and will continue to affect relations even if India tones down its pro-democracy rhetoric.



The sense of insecurity vis-a-vis India in the region noted above, coupled with the fact that the majority community in most of Indias neighbours is a minority in India has made them domestically susceptible to anti-India mobilisation and internationally desirous of external intervention in their conflicts with India.



The subcontinents strategic location in the middle of Southeast, Central and West Asia, and at the centre of the Indian Ocean, ensures an adequate supply of such intervention. The smaller countries try to bandwagon with outside powers or to balance between India and outside powers allowing the latter to exploit local fault lines.



It would be naive to assume that Saarc minus Pakistan will be cohesive. We need to ask if any sub-Saarc grouping we might form after abandoning Saarc or expelling Pakistan from Saarc can overcome the geographical, historical, political, and ethnic hurdles that have hitherto limited regional cooperation.



India should allow Saarc to die a natural death, but not rush to launch another formal all-purpose regional grouping. It should engage like-minded countries on issues of mutual interest. These initiatives will hopefully coalesce and serve as the foundation of Saarcs successor.



(The writer teaches economics at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru)


A woman traffic constable in Patna was arrested along with her son after the police caught her selling liquor at her apartment and seized 329 bottles of branded alcohol.



Sources said the Patna police got a tip-off that the woman cop, Meenu Jha, her son Amit and four other people were involved in selling liquor at Amrita Apartment in the state capitals Rupaspura area. Meenu resided in Flat No 403 of the Amrita Apartment from where the bootleggers gang operated. After corroborating the inputs, Patnas Senior SP (SSP) Manu Maharaj formed a team of decoy customers which landed at Amrita Apartment where they were served branded liquor. As soon as the booze was served, the raiding team arrested all the six members, including constable Meenu Jha.



The police team recovered 329 branded company liquor, including 18 bottles each of Godfather beer and Thunderbolt, 270 bottles of Royal Stag, 18 bottles of Hundred Pipers and five bottles of Scotch Whisky, said the SSP.



The woman constable has been suspended with immediate effect and sent to jail along with others. She confessed to procuring liquor from Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh and selling them at a higher price. We will soon start proceedings to dismiss her from service, the SSP said, adding that Meenu had committed an unpardonable offence.
Punjab stares at a potential crisis with the Centre directing the evacuation of thousands of people from villages within a 10-km radius of the international border with Pakistan.



Farmers could suffer heavy losses with the harvesting season already on and ripened paddy in fields. Providing alternative accommodation for such a large number of evacuees, with essential amenities such as toilets and medical care, is posing a challenge for the government.



Voices of dissent have already emerged. Punjab Congress president, Capt Amarinder Singh, on Thursday cautioned against creating panic along the border by asking people to move out. He said such measures are not really required at this stage. "We did not evacuate people, up to 10 km of international border, during the 1965 War," he said, adding this was uncalled for.



Capt Amarinder said the harvesting season was already on as the paddy had ripened. It is an ill-advised move on the part of the government, whether the state or the Centre, to ask the villagers to vacate their homes at this time and that too when there are no arrangements in place for their stay. "Where will they go, where will they live, what will they eat and what will happen to their crops?" he asked.



"Please don't try to create war refugees without, or at least, before the actual war," he warned. Reliving memories of the 1965 war, he said, he had seen people harvesting their crops amidst shelling between the two armies.
The process of evacuation of people residing in scores of villages close to the Punjab-Pakistan border began on Thursday following surgical strikes by the Army across the LoC in the early hours.



The government ordered evacuation of people living in villages within a 10-km radius from the international border as a preventive measure. Punjab shares a 543-km stretch of the international border with Pakistan. Six Punjab districts share boundaries with Pakistan. Although people celebrated the valour of the Army, tension gripped the six border districts with apprehensions of another war with Pakistan.



Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal ordered the government and political machinery to be on 'emergency mode' after Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to him over telephone. Rajnath shared the gravity of the escalating situation with Badal. The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday cancelled the retreat ceremony at the Wagha-Attari border in Punjab. Tourists and civilians have been advised to keep off the Attari border, 30 km from Amritsar. Hundreds of tourists visiting the border zone for the ceremony were stopped one kilometre short of the venue and asked to return.



Punjab border districts already have a high presence of Army and Air Force establishments. There are also some reports of Army being moved in these forward areas.



Hospitals in border towns have been put on alert. The emergency wards in civil hospital in border town Pathankot have been cleared to cater to additional load of casualties, if any. The Air Force base in Pathankot was targeted by Pakistani militants from across the border on January 1 this year. Schools in border areas have been directed to close down till further orders. Villagers in border areas were issued advisories through village Sarpanchs to pack up as quickly as possible to expedite the process of evacuation.



Deputy Commissioners have been asked to arrange alternative accommodation for the displaced villagers. Sources said, marriage halls and such other places of stay could be used as a stopgap arrangement. Badal held an emergency meeting with senior officials at his official residence. Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) have been asked to oversee the evacuation in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.


The Karnataka Forest Department has drafted the Karnataka Tree Cover Enhancement Policy 2016 with an aim of increasing afforestation.





The policy, drafted two weeks ago, is posted on the portal of the forest department www.aranya.gov.in for public opinion and support.



The department is also making efforts to maximise public reach by emailing copies of the draft to conservationists, tree activists, NGOs, corporates and government departments.



Punati Shridhar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, said they will also hold a workshop for people regarding the policy.



The department is planning to request all government departments and corporate houses to set aside a part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for afforestation. The forest cell of BBMP will also be roped in to implement the policy.



There are already many schemes being implemented on a small scale like the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, Aranya Krishi Protsaha Yojane where farmers are encouraged by giving them seedlings at subsidised rates and the Green Highways policy of the NHAI. There is also a National Forest Policy of 1988 which mandates enhancement forest and tree cover. But there is no policy of the state government with a defined focus on afforestation on agricultural land and roadsides, Shridhar said.



Jagmohan Sharma, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Water Resources Department said the objective is to enhance the forest and tree cover from the existing 21.88%, to 33%, which is the target set in the national forest policy.



Under this policy, there will be no restriction on tree species. It covers environmental and economic benefits. But native species should be planted. Farmers can undertake crop rotation and fast-growing species will also be encouraged.


Bracing for a retaliation from Pakistan following the surgical strikes, India on Thursday put security forces on extra alert along the Indo-Pak border and started evacuation of people residing in villages within 10 km of the border.



Official sources said the BSF has been asked to plug all loopholes on the International Border in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat, and bolster their numbers at the posts by bringing in all personnel who are in the reserve.



All civilian movement along borders with Pakistan has also been restricted, while all units are conducting extra patrolling along the border. The sources said precaution has been taken to avoid any problem for the civilians. Schools in the radius of 10 km in the border districts have been asked to close down for a few days.



The BSF has been asked by the Centre to provide manpower to local administration for helping in evacuating people from border villages to safer locations.



High alert

It has also been asked to increase the number of personnel and officers who work under the operational command of the army on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. The security establishment is not ruling out a retaliatory attack by Pakistan. However, sources said, the forces are prepared to thwart any adventure by the Pakistani side.



Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal about the surgical strike and the need for relocating people from border villages. Singh also offered full support from the security forces for the states in the evacuation of people.


For the first time, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a state official after obtaining the governments permission. The deputy director of mines and geology, Bengaluru Rural, has been booked for causing a loss of Rs 1 crore to the exchequer.



Prior sanction is a prerequisite for registering the FIR in cases other than those of trap and disproportionate assets.



The state government, while establishing the ACB, mandated that prior permission be obtained in crimes committed in the colour of office (acting in official capacity but taking action which is not authorised).



The official in question is Sampath Krishna, a senior geologist and in-charge deputy director, Bengaluru Rural.



He had directed a geologist named Jagadish to do a spot inspection of a stone quarrying licence (number 2403) site in survey number 18 at Makenahalli village, Nelamangala taluk, and to probe whether minerals were being transported without a valid permit.



Jagadish did the spot inspection on July 6, 2016, and filed a report stating that 40,000 tonnes of mineral was mined and transported without the valid Mineral Despatch Permit.



Royalty payment



Based on the report, Krishna should have collected a royalty payment of Rs 60 per tonne of mineral. He should have also levied a penalty five times the total royalties. But it was found that the official collected only Rs 18 lakh as royalties and forewent the remaining Rs 8.99 lakh.



This apart, the five-fold penalty on the royalties was also not levied on the lease holder.This caused a loss of Rs 1 crore to the exchequer, an official said.



Preliminary enquiry



After a preliminary enquiry, the ACB sent a report to the competent authority  appointing authority of the said official  seeking sanction to register the FIR.



We have sent requests to different competent authorities seeking sanction to

register FIRs in six different cases. Of them, sanction was granted in respect of this case recently and the FIR has been registered. The sanction orders in the other cases are still awaited, the official added.



60 cases of trap, illegal wealth



The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has so far registered 60 cases of trap and disproportionate assets (DA) till September 29. Of these, 45 are trap cases and the remaining DA cases.



Till August 17, we had registered 17 cases of trap and the DA. In the last three weeks, the number of cases has increased and so far we have arrested 46 public servants on allegations of corruption. We are also conducting extensive training for our officials at the Karnataka Police Academy in Mysuru. Officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were invited to train our officers in cases of corruption, Inspector General of Police M A Saleem told DH.
Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa on Thursday said the number of districts with drought-hit areas may increase in the days to come.





Thimmappa, who chaired a meeting to review the drought situation here, said that as of now 68 taluks in 22 districts have been declared drought-hit. Hoblis in 103 taluks are likely to be declared drought-affected, he added.



He said that unlike previous years, this year, south Karnataka, including many parts of the Malnad region is facing drought as compared to Hyderabad-Karnataka and Mumbai Karnataka. The minister said the government has imposed ban on drilling of borewells. But the rule may have to be relaxed in case there is severe shortage of drinking water, he added.
Cutting across party lines, political leaders on Thursday came out in support of the Modi governments muscular response to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Uri terrorist attack. Within hours of the surgical strikes, the Centre rallied political support for the move by arranging a special briefing by Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, who was involved in planning the cross-LoC operation.



Minutes before the meeting, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and apprised her of the fast-paced developments. Home Minister Rajnath Singh made brief remarks about the army operation, which was followed by a detailed presentation by the DGMO.



The army carried out a successful operation to destroy terrorist camps across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and returned safely, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters after the meeting.



Azad said the Congress would support any government that would take effective steps to eliminate terrorism across the border. The operations were carried across the Line of Control between Poonch and Kupwara, an arc of 250 km.



According to sources, the DGMO informed the political leaders that the army had carried out coordinated strikes on six terror camps across the LoC. The surgical strikes were launched at the same time at six places. The terror camps were destroyed and the army seized ammunition from the camps, a political leader who attended the meeting said.



Besides Azad, senior leaders, including BJP president Amit Shah, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, BSP leader S C Mishra, Lok Janshakti Party leader and Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Ramvilas Paswan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu attended the meeting.


The Federation of Bar Association in Karnataka staged a protest over continuation of Justice U U Lalit on the division bench of the Supreme Court hearing the Cauvery water dispute case.





The association, in a statement, said: It is well-known that Justice Lalit had appeared in a series of cases for Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and there is a general apprehension that he is biased towards Tamil Nadu. The apprehension is further confirmed by various unacceptable directions made to the Karnataka government.



The federation has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India Justice T S Thakur about the issue.
Signs of getting rains in the Cauvery basin have renewed with parts of Mandya district receiving showers on Thursday. The water level in the Cauvery basin reservoirs too has gone up, though not significantly.





Parts of Mandya, Ramanagaram and Mysuru districts received rains. Weather forecast by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNMDC) is that these districts may continue to get rains on Thursday night and Friday. This would help in increased baseline water flow to the Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu, they said.



The maximum rainfall recorded in Mandya district was at Nagamangala (46.5 mm), while it was Mayaganahalli which recorded the highest (21.5 mm) in Ramanagaram district. Rain was scattered in Mandya district. Intermittent rains are expected in Mysuru for the next couple of days. Kodagu started receiving rains on Thursday evening. The highest rainfall (14.5 mm) was recored at Bettadahalli in Somwarpet taluk.



Sources in the KSNMDC said that it is normal to get rains during the withdrawal phase of the south-west monsoon.



The combined water level in the four Cauvery basin dams in the state was 32.08 tmcft as on Thursday evening. It was 31.29 tmcft on Wednesday. On September 23, when the Karnataka legislature passed a resolution not to further release water to Tamil Nadu, the combined water level in the four dams was 27.6 tmcft.



The districts in the Cauvery delta region in Tamil Nadu are receiving good rains. Thiruvannamalai, on an average, received rainfall up to 90 mm, while Thiruvallur received 80 mm rain, the sources pointed out. The north-west monsoon is yet to begin in Tamil Nadu.
Transborder crimes, activities of insurgent groups based in Bangladesh and cattle smuggling will be discussed thoroughly during the upcoming meeting of border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh here.



The Directors General of Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will meet for the six-day 43rd DG-level border coordination conference beginning on Friday.



While the Indian delegation will be headed by BSF chief K K Sharma, the 22-member Bangladeshi team will be headed by Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed. Both the delegations will discuss transborder crimes, smuggling of cattle, fake currency, drugs and activities of insurgent groups based in Bangladesh.



They will also discuss prevention of illegal migration, joint efforts for effective implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and other Confidence Building Measures.



The previous BSF-BGB border coordination conference was held in May 2016 in Dhaka. A friendly volleyball match between the teams of BSF and BGB will also be played here on October 3. The first such meeting was held in December 1975 and till 1993, it was held annually.
The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the Bihar government over delay in the prosecution of ex-RJD MP Shahabuddin in the case of murder of a man, who was a witness to the killing of his two brothers.



A bench of Justices P C Ghose and Amitava Roy said the court would draw its own inference if the prosecution failed to provide a copy of chargesheet to the accused in the murder case of Rajiv Roshan.



What kind of a prosecution is this that the chargesheet is not served upon the accused even after 17 months...we have to see the balance as it is a question of liberty, the bench said while reserving its order on the pleas against the Patna High Courts judgement of September 7 granting bail to Shahabuddin.



Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Shahabuddin, contended that the accused was not even provided a copy of the chargesheet. He submitted that the court should not interfere with the high court order. The court may impose any condition on him and keep him outside Bihar, he pleaded, adding the accused was inside jail when the incident happened. The Bihar governments counsel senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi submitted that the antecedents of the accused have to be seen, who faced about 45 criminal cases. Liberty of a person is of course utmost importance but it has to be weighed with the interest of the society. Such a person cannot be unleashed on the society, he submitted.



Is it not the obligation of the prosecution to provide all papers to the accused? It is not that we are absolutely alien to the trial courts proceedings, the bench said, questioning the Bihar government.



Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing Chandrakeshwar Prasad whose three sons were killed in two separate crimes in Siwan allegedly at the instance of Shahabuddin, contended that the accused never raised a grievance earlier about the copy of chargesheet not been provided him.



We have to act on records. If papers are not provided, we would draw our inferences, though it would be onerous task for us, the bench said, reserving the judgement for Thursday.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday appeared before a Guwahati court in connection with a criminal defamation case filed against him by the RSS. The chief judicial magistrate granted Rahul relief on a Personal Recognisance (PR) bond, and set November 5 as the next date of hearing.



RSS volunteer Anjan Kumar Bora had filed a case against Rahul with regard to his visit to a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery in the state in December. Rahul had left locals fuming when he skipped the visit to the Barpeta Satra and went directly to the road show organised by his party.



He later told the media in New Delhi that the RSS had prevented him from entering the satra and incited local women to stop him, triggering verbal exchanges between the Congress and BJP ahead of this years Assembly elections. After examining various witnesses, the magistrate had ordered Rahul to appear before him on Thursday.



In the next hearing, Rahul Gandhi will have to be present. We have full trust in the justice delivery system. We have an air-tight case against him, said Bijon Mahajan, Boras legal council.



Though thousands of Congress workers had gathered in front of the court premises, they could not hold a rally or demonstration as Section 144 of the CrPC was in force.



I am against the RSS ideology that tries to divide India, Rahul said after the hearing, claiming that the BJP is scared of the momentum his yatra has been gaining in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.



These cases are foisted against me because I am fighting for the poor, farmers and the unemployed. The Modi government is running for the interest of a few people. All India Congress Committee leader C P Joshi and all state party leaders, including former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, had accompanied Rahul to court. Rahul also attended a meeting of the party workers before heading back to the national capital.




Karnataka and Tamil Nadu came close to clinching a deal at the meeting on the Cauvery row here on Thursday. But politics seems to have played spoilsport.





Sources closely involved in the deliberations told DH that the two states were close to agreeing to a solution to end the impasse for the year, which has arisen out of deficit rainfall in the Cauvery basin.



As both the states were firm on their stand at the meeting, Union Minister Uma Bharati, in a bid to break the deadlock, asked them to sit and discuss separately, whether they could alter their positions on water release.



She asked the Karnataka team, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to use her chambers on the second floor at the Shram Shakti Bhavan and suggested the Tamil Nadu team to hold discussions in the conference hall in the first floor.



Siddaramaiah and his officials discussed the suggestion from Tamil Nadu that came through water resources ministry officials that Karnataka should release at least 5,000 cusecs every day for 10 days. The argument was that it would be sufficient for the samba crop as the North East Monsoon was expected to set in within two weeks.



Karnataka officials felt that the state could agree to release 3,000 cusecs for 15 days. It was acceptable to Siddaramaiah as he could avoid facing the possible wrath of the Supreme Court, when the issue comes up for hearing on Friday.



The court had ordered Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water for three days from Wednesday. Before giving his nod, the chief minister decided to call two senior politicians from the JD(S) and BJP, who advised him against the release of water. The chief minister decided to toe their line. This upset the Union minister, who was hoping for a solution, the sources said.


A meeting chaired by Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti on the Cauvery impasse on Thursday failed to achieve a breakthrough in resolving the differences between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over sharing the river water.



Tamil Nadu refused to accept Karnatakas suggestion that an expert committee should be sent to the river basin to assess the ground realities on the availability of water. Instead, it demanded the release of water in accordance with the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal final orders.



Emerging from the meeting, Bharti said: There was a request from the Karnataka government to our ministry to form an expert committee to assess the availability of water in the Cauvery basin. The Karnataka Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) pressed for it. Tamil Nadu could not give its consent to the proposal.



Bharti, who headed the meeting on a directive issued by the Supreme Court, said ultimately, a solution could not be achieved outside the court. The issues raised by both the states have been noted down and they will be intimated to the court, she added. The apex court will take up the matter for hearing again on Friday.



Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy, chief secretaries of the two states, Union Water Resources Secretary Shashi Shekhar and officials from the Central Water Commission attended the nearly three-hour meeting. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa could not attend the meeting as she is unwell.



Promising both the states that she is always available to resolve the issue amicably, Bharti appealed to the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to maintain peace and harmony. I may go on an indefinite hunger strike along the border between the two states if the problem persists, Bharti said, making an emotional appeal.



On Karnatakas demand for sending an expert team to the basin area, Water Resources Secretary Shekhar said there was no provision under the law in this regard and the Supreme Court order in the matter also did not speak about it. However, the Centre will intimate the Supreme Court about Karnatakas demand, he said. Though Tamil Nadu demanded the immediate constitution of the Cauvery Management Board, Siddaramaiah is learnt to have said that there was a hearing scheduled before the court in this regard on October 11 and the issues relating to the formation of the board could be decided then.


The surgical strike that lasted barely four hours was planned for days. In the intervening night of September 28-29, five crack Indian Army commando teams were dropped from helicopters near the Line of Control (LoC).



Their targets were 7 launch pads  transit camps for militants looking to appropriate time to sneak into India  sources in the defence ministry said. The camps were located at five places in Kel, Lipa, Hot Spring and Bhimber regions of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). All were within a distance of 1-3 km from the LoC.



The army did not disclose where it struck, but the Pakistan army complained of artillery firing in these regions. According to Inter-Services Public Relations, the Indian Army violated ceasefire in Bhimber, Lipa and Kel sectors, targeting Pakistani positions.



The firing was a cover for the Indian Armys Special Forces teams  comprising soldiers from 4 Para and 9 Para  to move close to the targets. They had orders to kill terrorists and destroy everything in those camps.



The government did not release any casualty figures, but there are unconfirmed reports of 38-40 terrorists being killed in the surgical strike. During these counter-terrorist operations, significant casualties were caused to terrorists and those providing support to them, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the director general of military operations, said on Thursday.



Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated the army for the successful operation. The troops were aided by video footage collected by UAVs and aerostats. The Udhampur-based Northern Command was coordinating with the ground forces and the operation was videographed.



Two soldiers were injured on the Indian side, and one of them was admitted to a hospital under the Northern Command. For years, the armed forces and intelligence agencies knew about 43 terror camps and how this infrastructure was being used to bleed India.



In 2009, then army chief Gen Deepak Kapoor told US National Security Advisor James Jones about 43 terrorist camps in Pakistan, 22 of which are located in PoK. Though Pakistan raided some camps post 26/11 attacks, Kapoor asserted that some camps restarted operations within months.




India on Thursday announced carrying out surgical strikes on terrorist camps across the Line of Control, marking the first military response to the attack on the Indian Army camp at Uri by Pakistan-based militants 12 days ago.



On receiving specific and credible inputs that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at the launch pads along the Line of Control (LoC) to carry out infiltration and conduct terrorist strikes inside Jammu and Kashmir and in various metros, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes at several of these launch pads to preempt infiltration by terrorists, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Indian Armys Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), said here.



This is the first time India has officially admitted to undertaking offensive action on the terror camps located in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir, though the details of these camps have been available with the armed forces and intelligence agencies for years.



The announcement was made after the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took stock of the situation along the LoC. United States National Security Advisor Susan Rice had a telephonic conversation with her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Thursday.



Singh said it was a cross-border anti-terror operation with limited objectives. The operations were focused on ensuring that these terrorists do not succeed in their design to cause destruction and endanger the lives of our citizens. The operations aimed at neutralising terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for further continuation, he said.



The DGMO said he called up his Pakistani counterpart and informed him of Indias action. There is a military hotline between the two DGMOs and they speak with each other at least once a week. The Pakistan army as well as the foreign office denied the strikes but admitted cross-border firing.



It is Indias intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region. But we cannot allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack citizens of our country at will, Singh said.



The announcement was made at a hurriedly called press conference within minutes of the CCS meeting where top officials from the security and intelligent establishment, including the Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh and the DGMO, gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet colleagues Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh and Manohar Parrikar an update on the operations.



Subsequently, Modi apprised President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and his predecessor Manmohan Singh of the army operation.The military response comes weeks after two terror strikes in Poonch (Sept 11) and Uri (Sept 18) in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack on an Army base in Uri led to the death of 18 soldiers; one police constable was killed in Poonch. On both occasions, security forces gunned down the militants. Also, 20 infiltration attempts were foiled this year.

The stores recovered from the dead terrorists are of Pakistan origin and confessions from the captured ultras showed the involvement of the Pakistan army in training and arming these militants.






Shakti Sinha, who served as a private secretary to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is the new director of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML). The Centre has appointed the retired bureaucrat to the post, relaxing the required age limit for him, for period of three years.





Sinhas appointment to the post was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about a year after noted historian and author Mahesh Rangarajan tendered his resignation in the wake of the Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma raising procedural lapses in his appointment to the post during UPA regime.



The ACC has approved the proposal for appointment of Shakti Sinha, retired IAS officer, to the post of Director, NMML, New Delhi, in relaxation of age limit, with a consolidated pay of Rs 2.25 lakh per month, without dearness allowance and HRS for period of three years, an information note issued by the DoPT on Thursday stated.
On the eve of a special Assembly session, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal released a video message on Thursday to declare his intentions of exposing the conspiracy behind the arrest of ruling party MLAs in false cases.



In the message uploaded on social media, Kejriwal said, at 5 pm on Friday he would reveal details of the plot behind harassing legislators and creating hurdles for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in running the capital city.



Whatever I am going to say is very important for democracy. Please do see it either on TV or the Internet, said Kejriwal in a message, which coincided with the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) questioning his handpicked chief of Delhi Commission for Women, Swati Maliwal, about an alleged job scam.



Maliwal also tweeted that she cooperated with ACB interrogators and was even ready to go to jail if proved guilty. Kejriwals two-minute video set the stage for an action-packed one-day sitting of the Assembly as the chief minister made it clear that harassment of MLAs through arrests was a ploy by the central government to create problems in governance and discredit the AAP government.



Later in the evening, Kejriwal tweeted and appreciated the Army action against the terror camps near LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. In his earlier video message, the Chief Minister said the AAP governments work was being appreciated the world over but the central government was hell bent on defaming it and creating hurdles in its working.



The power rates have come down, water has been made free, 263 colonies have got new water pipes, schools and hospitals have undergone a sea change. Yet they (central government) are not hesitating in interfering in our working, he said in his message in Hindi.



Referring to the arrest of MLAs on allegedly false cases, Kejriwal said: In many cases, they have been pulled up by courts but they are not stopping. Soon after Health Minister Satyendar Jain got summons from the Income Tax department on Tuesday, an angry Kejriwal tweeted: False cases against AAP MLAs n ministers, FIR against me, CBI raid on me - why? A v big conspiracy. Will expose in Del Assembly on Fri. Jain has claimed innocence despite allegations of wrongdoings like money laundering to the tune of Rs 17 crore.
Urban mobility experts have branded the Rs 1,791 crore Chalukya Circle steel flyover a project without vision and a devious ploy to misuse public money. They urged the government to focus, instead, on improving infrastructure for public transport and boost the share of public spaces in the city.



An urban architect noted that the same amount could be spent on upgrading 250 city roads to world standards. The project planners had justified it by contending that the flyover would boost connectivity to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). But experts questioned this rationale.



Connectivity to the airport is pretty good. You just need to widen the road, sort out the congestion at Cauvery junction and preferably put a train in the middle. Proper signalling could sort out the problem near Windsor Manor, explained architect Naresh Narasimhan.



By the governments own admission, the project will necessitate axing of 812 trees. Compensating this by planting saplings elsewhere is hardly a visionary outlook, said Bengaluru Blueprint Metropolitan Action Committee (BBMAC) member V Ravichander.



Ravichander had a cheaper alternative: Increase the lanes at Hebbal flyover, have access to Palace Grounds only through Jayamahal road side, make BMTC Vayu Vajra service run as directional buses often to three places  Cubbon Road, K R Puram and Tumakuru Road.



Flyovers do not decongest, he reminded. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has on record said that his 55 flyovers in Mumbai failed to solve the traffic problem, said Ravichander.



The share of public spaces in the city, he said, has shrunk to 5.8%. It needs to be more than 15%. There should be legislation against shrinking any public space going forward. The project will also eat into Palace Grounds, Turf Club and other heritage structures.



Also, the government has to let go of its car-centric mobility strategy. There is no way this approach will fix traffic issues. We have a road-deficit infrastructure. The government must demonstrate its faith in public transport. Flyovers indicate a car mindset. It will never work, Ravichander contended.



In a Facebook post, urban policy expert Ashwin Mahesh put the projects scale in perspective: To work more efficiently with limited budgets, the government proposes to spend Rs 1,800 crore to benefit fewer than 1 lakh people, whereas the same money spent on buses would benefit 30 lakh people!



It was originally proposed that the Centre would bear 50% of the project cost. But now they have officially declined, we have to come up with all the money! Mahesh said.
A man who collects payments from retailers for a wholesale dealer said he was thrashed and robbed of Rs 10.8 lakh by some men near Chamarajpet main road, central Bengaluru, on Wednesday evening.



Ramesh Chauhan said he collected Rs 10.8 lakh from retailers and kept the cash in the utility box of his two-wheeler. He hadnt collected the payments in the last three weeks in the wake of the Cauvery protests. As a result, he collected a large sum this time. He then left for Nagarathpet where the iron and steel dealer is located, to hand over the cash.



When Chauhan reached Chamarajpet main road, two persons riding on a motorbike brushed past his scooter and picked a fight with him. Two others came on another motorbike and thrashed him.



One of the men pulled out a knife and threatened him, while another man mounted Chauhans two-wheeler and rode off, the police said. Chauhan alerted his office and filed a complaint at the Chamarajpet police station. The police have formed a team to hunt for the robbers. Someone known to Chauhan is behind the robbery, a police officer said.




A special CBI court has convicted three former employees of Vijaya Bank and seven others in a bank fraud case. The court convicted H Dinakar Shetty, the then senior manager at HAL 3rd Stage branch, K Ratnakar Shetty, the then assistant manager at Vijayanagar branch and P N Shivamurthy, the then assistant manager at HAL 3rd Stage branch for criminal misconduct.



The special court judge Ashwatha Narayana sentenced the three former bankers to five years rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 5 lakh each for criminal misconduct. The court sentenced seven private persons to five years rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 10 lakh each for criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery.



The private persons convicted are, K A Subramanya, who was the chairman of SCT Builders and Developers, his brothers K A Badarinarayana and K A Ashwathanarayana, B S Kanakalakshmi, wife of Ashwathanarayana, Nagaraj, an associate of Subramanya, M V Sheshadri, who was the principal of SCT Institute of Technology and Lakshmi Venkatesh Prasad, a lecturer at the institution.



The Home Department had entrusted the case to CBI in 2009 based on a complaint by chief manager of Vijaya Bank's HAL 3rd Stage branch. The CBI filed the chargesheet in April 2010. The prosecutions case was that the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy during 2003-04 to cheat the bank by opening 21 SB accounts in the names of employees of SCT Institute of Technology. Later, housing loans in the names of these employees were raised by preparing false documents to purchase flats constructed by K A Subramanya.



The convicted bank officials had sanctioned these loans and disbursed the amounts in favour of Subramanya without verifying the documents. Subsequently, Subramanya sold the same flats to third parties without informing the bank. This had caused a loss of Rs 1.81 crore and corresponding interest to the bank.






Punith Gowda, who is pursuing diploma in engineering, and his classmates Guru Praveen and Pavan were travelling to college on a BMTC bus plying between Peenya 2nd stage and Yelahanka around 8.30 am. The bus conductor is Aruna, who is attached to the BMTCs depot-9 in Peenya.



As his destination neared, Gowda stood near the door to get down at Kammagondanahalli. Aruna asked him to stay away from the door. He replied that he was going to alight at the next stop. The conductor walked up to him and asked for his bus pass. When Gowda took out the pass and showed it to her, Aruna reportedly snatched it and kept it in her pocket.



Just before his destination arrived, the student asked the conductor to return the pass. But she told him to collect it at the bus depot. Gowda got angry and started arguing with her. He demanded why she was refusing to return the pass immediately. At this juncture, his friends, Praveen and Pavan, joined him and asked Aruna to return the pass.



Meanwhile, the bus reached Kammagondanahalli. The students alighted from the bus but kept demanding the return of the pass. The spat got out of hand when the students reportedly pushed the conductor and snatched the pass. Aruna fell down, and in retaliation, bit the hands of Praveen and Pavan.



Personnel from the jurisdictional Jalahalli traffic police station rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the conductor, but she argued with them and tried to assault the students. The traffic personnel alerted their counterparts from the Gangammanagudi police station.



Another team of policemen came and took the conductor as well as the students to the police station. Gowda and Aruna filed complaints against each other. A senior police officer said that Aruna accused the students of abusing and manhandling her. She also claimed that Gowda was travelling on the wrong route as per his bus pass. Gowda stated that the conductor refused to return his bus pass and asked him to collect it at the bus depot for no fault of his. The police are investigating both the claims.



The officer said the conductor was known to be short-tempered and would often pick an argument with others for silly reasons.



An argument over returning the bus pass ended with a woman conductor biting the hands of two students and both the sides going to the police with conflicting claims. The incident took place near Kammagondanahalli off Jalahalli, north Bengaluru, on Thursday.
Solana Beach has long been a sustainable leader in San Diego County, having been the first in the region to ban single-use plastic bags and polystyrene food containers. Now the city is looking to create the countys first local power program and has been searching for a service provider to make that possible.

The city received proposals from three companies interested in helping Solana Beach create a Community Choice Aggregation program. Governed by state laws, CCAs allow cities, counties and other authorized entities to purchase or generate alternative energy supplies for residents and businesses within their jurisdiction while maintaining the existing power provider for transmission and distribution services.

It is very complicated but were trying to work through it, and weve been working through it for quite some time, Councilman Mike Nichols said after an update from staff about the proposed program at the Sept. 14 council meeting.

Solana Beach has discussed the issue for several years, with the concept initially brought to the council by residents about five years ago.

CCAs were first placed on the councils work plan as an unprioritized environmental sustainability issue to study in 2012. The issue was elevated to a priority in the councils work plan the following year.

Earlier this year a company conducted a technical study at no cost that indicated a CCA is a viable option for the city.

The technical analysis that we had prepared demonstrates that it is feasible, regardless of the size (of the city), City Manager Greg Wade said. Its not unusual for an energy load comparable to ours to use a CCA or direct access to purchase cleaner energy and reduced rates.

There are a number of CCAs operating in California and other states.

There are currently four established CCAs in California, including Marin Clean Energy, which launched in 2010 and now covers Marin and Napa counties, as well as several cities within the counties. Sonoma Clean Power launched in 2014, and currently covers Sonoma County and several cities within the county. The city of Lancaster launched Lancaster Choice Energy last year, and the County and City of San Francisco launched Clear Power SF this year. Finally, San Mateo County is launching Peninsula Clean Energy in October.

Other jurisdictions are currently exploring CCAs and are in various stages of forming programs. It is estimated that more than 70 percent of the current energy load in California is in areas that either have an existing CCA program or are looking into establishing a CCA program, according to the city staff report.

According to the report, the goal of a CCA is to provide a higher percentage of renewable energy at competitive and potentially cheaper rates while giving customers local choices and promoting the development of renewable power sources.

Some residents who have been following the process said they support the current proposal.

I would urge the council to move ahead with the CCA, said Judy Hegenauer, who currently serves on the citys Climate Action Commission. We have been talking about it for years.

Ive known about the possibility of a CCA for a while, agreed resident Kelly Harless. I dont feel like this has been something thats been kept secret from the public. It didnt come out of a vacuum. There are a lot of people who have been interested in exploring the option of a CCA.

Choice generates competition, and competition helps to keep the costs down, said Mary Yang, also a member of the Climate Action Commission. I believe that its very good to have a choice in our energy providers.

Still, others in the community have raised questions and concerns about the citys plan to create a CCA program, which council members acknowledged.

I think a lot of people are kind of shocked and do not know whats coming, Councilwoman Ginger Marshall said. I think maybe the cart was put in front of the horse as far as the community outreach. I was kind of surprised that that hasnt already started. It feels like were so far down the road.

Marshall said some residents she has spoken with thought the city was replacing SDG&E as the energy provider. They also believe that if the city forms a CCA and they opt out, their rates would increase.

There are a lot of unanswered questions, said Marshall, noting that the technical analysis was conducted by a company who was trying to land a contract with the city.

They had a financial interest in painting a rosy picture without any cons, she added. It would be nice to hear all sides.

Wade clarified that customers will have the option to opt out before or after a CCA is launched. He also noted that the firm that conducted the free feasibility study is no longer an entity and did not submit a proposal to the city.

Still, Marshall said she remains a bit skeptical.

If something sounds too good to be true it generally is, she said. Ive heard nothing negative. Theres got to be some sort of risk.

Resident Melissa Wilken agreed.

Im not against it. In fact, who would be? Wilken said. It fits in right with our citys model.  But after doing my own research online  its almost impossible to get straight answers.

She asked the council to outreach to the community before making a decision.

I just implore you to please take your time, please engage us as a community and let us be involved in this, she said.

In June, Solana Beach became the first city in the county to formally seek a service provider to form a CCA when it solicited a request for proposals.

The city received three bids from 3 Phases Renewables; prime contractor Pilot Power Group Inc. and sub-contractor EDMS; and prime contractor The Energy Authority and sub-contractor Noble Energy Solutions.

If the city launches a CCA program, city staff explained that SDG&E would continue to provide transmission, maintenance and billing services. A recent court decision, however, is allowing the company to form an independent marketing division to publicly oppose CCAs.

Therefore, it may be prudent to get a consultant on board soon to begin the outreach activities, Assistant City Manager Dan King said.

The city internally reviewed the three proposals. King said an independent group of experts will also review the proposals before city staff returns to council with a recommendation.

The selected consultant would help develop, finance, launch and operate a power system without impacting or risking any city funds, according to the request for proposals. Still, Mayor David Zito said the council will not make an immediate decision.

This is a complicated topic and we do need to take our time going through it, Zito said. Were likely talking about nine to 12 months, which I think is a pretty good amount of time with a lot of opportunity to have review and input in the interim.
By Derrick OKeefe

27 September 2016 (Ricochet)  On Tuesday evening in Richmond, B.C., three members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus cabinet announced the approval of a $36-billion liquefied natural gas development by the Malaysian-based multinational corporation Petronas, which would see natural gas moved by pipeline from the provinces northeast to a terminal on the coast, where it would then be exported to Asia. Indigenous and traditional knowledge will be integral to environmental monitoring of this project, said Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr from the shore of the Fraser River outside a Coast Guard station near Vancouver International Airport. Carr also touted the economic benefits of moving forward with this fossil fuel export project, which is unprecedented in scale for Canada. B.C. Premier Christy Clark spoke after the federal ministers, stating that the approval proves we can get our resources to market sustainably. Shannon McPhail is executive director of the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition. The royals were in Bella Bella just yesterday, dedicating the Commonwealth Canopy [a forest conservation initiative]. To announce this LNG approval the day after a huge announcement about protecting the Great Bear Rainforest is a little bit counterintuitive, she told Ricochet by phone from Hazelton, B.C. The Pacific NorthWest LNG project, noted McPhail, would cut through the Great Bear Rainforest to get to the proposed terminal on Lelu Island near Prince Rupert. One day youre touting how important nature is, and the next day youre approving Canadas single biggest climate polluter that will have drastic impacts on our second-largest run of salmon. All of this against the hereditary chiefs, by the way. Lelu Island, also known as Lax Uula, sits next to Flora Bank, a spawning ground vital to the health of the Skeena River ecosystem. Second in Canada only to the Fraser River in the number of sockeye salmon that can be spawned there, the Skeena River hosts a commercial fishery worth over $100 million per year. This represents yet another blatant betrayal of the promises and commitments to the Aboriginal Peoples of this country, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs told Ricochet by email. Such a decision to build such a massive LNG facility, inclusive of the necessary supporting infrastructure, would result in the imminent decimation and extinction of the Skeena River sockeye salmon fishery. In a submission to the projects environmental assessment, Marc Lee of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives described Pacific NorthWest LNG as a carbon bomb.

In the wake [of] the Paris Agreement to curb carbon emissions and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, we no longer have the luxury of entertaining proposals that would substantially contribute to increased GHG emissions at home and abroad. [more]
MTN is looking to divest a 35% stake in its Ghanaian unit in order to comply with regulatory criteria regarding its 4G spectrum holding.

The Ghanaian director general of the Securities and Exchange Commission Adu Antwi confirmed that the operator had submitted a prospectus relating to the sale of shares in MTN Ghana. The company is looking to raise around $500 million in the sale.

MTN Ghana leads the Ghanaian market with 18 million connections. The operator last year acquired a 15-year 4G spectrum licence for $67.5 million, but agreed to the stipulation that Ghanaian investors would own 35% of the business.

As it must now bring MTN Ghanas ownership in line with these criteria, the South African firm is believed to be looking to wealthy individuals in Ghana to address the issue.
While the market currently lacks even some more standard telecoms infrastructure, South Sudan has huge potential for growth, according to Research & Markets.

At only around 23% penetration, one of the lowest in Africa, South Sudan's mobile market has many years of strong growth ahead of it. The virtually untapped internet and broadband market will kick off once the country gains access to international fibre optic cables and a national backbone network is put in place.

Sophisticated infrastructure solutions are needed to reach the 80% of the population that live outside of the main urban centres. With a negligible rate of bank account ownership, mobile payment and banking solutions are set to dominate the country's financial services sector as well.

The limits to growth are currently defined by widespread poverty and a low literacy rate, but the government recognises the positive feedback loop on development that access to information and communication technologies (ICT) can have and is providing a range of investment incentives. The international community has provided $4 billion in aid to strengthen governance and institutions in the young nation.
Energy procurement consulting company Inspired Energy announced some planned board changes on Thursday, as Bob Holt stepped down from his position as non-executive chairman.

The AIM-traded firm also announced the appointment of Michael Fletcher to the role, and Mark Dickinson as non-executive director, with immediate effect.

Fletcher has been on the board since Inspired Energy listed in November 2011, and is also co-founder and managing partner of Praetura Capital - a business specialising in venture investment and corporate advisory.

He was formerly a managing director at Altium Capital.

Inspires board said Fletcher has extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance, complementing Inspired Energy's growth strategy of executing complementary acquisitions.

He is a chartered accountant and both FCA and SRA approved.

Dickinson, joining the board as non-executive director, is an energy consultancy specialist with more than 20 years of experience in developing and advising companies in the sector.

He was CEO of M&C Energy Group, where he led the buy and build strategy completing four acquisitions before selling the company to Schneider Electric in 2013.

Inspired Energys board said he brings significant industry knowledge and experience in executing acquisitions, and has a Masters in Finance from the London Business School where he was voted Accomplished Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012.

Dickinson will chair the nominations committee and Fletcher will chair the audit committee.

On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Bob for his support, said CEO Janet Thornton.

Bob has provided invaluable advice drawing on his broad experience of public company life in his role throughout the IPO process and subsequent five years which has seen Inspired Energy evolve from a 10m fledgling enterprise into a 65m group.

We are delighted that Mike has agreed to step up to the chairman's role as he was integrally involved in the IPO, has been on the board as a non-executive director since 2011 and provides the board with strong counsel and support.

Thornton said the board was also keen to welcome Mark, who is joining Inspired Energy at a very exciting time for the business.

We have grown significantly over the past five years, continuing to deliver record results through our organic growth and strategic acquisitions and look forward to another exciting year of growth and opportunity for the business.
Imagination Technologies shares fell on Thursday after Numis downgraded the stock to add from buy after the company sold its Pure digital radio business.

The group, which designs chips for iPhones, sold Pure to Austrias AVenture AT for 2.6m in cash as it looks to reduce debt. The deal also grants the buyer an option to buy one of Imaginations properties in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, for 4.5m.

The consideration for the Pure business is a little less than expectations, which were in the 5-10m range, however the delta is somewhat immaterial, said Numis.

The Pure business had been classified as for sale by the new management team as it had been consistently loss making.

Imagination made the announcement about the sale as it reported its first quarter trading update. The company said the performance of its continuing operations in the first quarter continues to be in line with the boards expectations.

Numis said its rating downgrade reflects the recent rally in the stock, amid speculation that the company could be next up for grabs after Softbank agreed to buy ARM Holdings for 24bn in August. The broker raised its target price to 280p from 220p.

The stock has rallied strongly in recent months, with the acquisition of ARM by Softbank the main identifiable catalyst, increasing focus on the strategic value of the PowerVR graphics business (which is a key strategic technology used by Apple). 

Shares dropped 2.74% to 239.75p at 1050 BST.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has said it is impossible to give Britain more rights than any other non-EU member state once it leaves the European Union.

In an interview with the BBC, Renzi said: The decision of the British people is a bad decision in my mind and I [am] sad for that but if we dont accept the result of referendum the risk is give the message that the vote is not a good thing democracy is not an asset for this continent and this is impossible.

He went on to criticise David Cameron for initiating the referendum to solve issues within the conservative party.

David Cameron decided to use the referendum to solve some internal problems of the conservative party, this was the problem. We cannot use the foreign affairs to solve internal problems, said Renzi.

The Italian prime minister has called his own referendum in Italy on whether to restructure the countrys parliamentary system.

Renzis reform, which is set to take place in December, may mean he too will have to resign due to the unpopularity of the move.

Renzi said he is willing to work with new Prime Minister Theresa May to support this very difficult process.

In a bilateral meeting with Renzi in Rome in July, May said the rights of Italians living in Britain would be guaranteed if British citizens enjoyed the same guarantees in Italy.

Renzi added that the debate about flexibility over EU rules on freedom of movement and access to the single market can only begin once the UK has triggered article 50.

"Now the situation is that we can - and we have to - build the best alliance between the UK and the EU for the future because we will be the best friends for the next years. And at the same time I think this decision could push European leaders to invest in a new way for Europe," said Renzi.
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Blue Jackets goalie Merzlikins, family threatened verbally

Aleksandra Merzlikins, the wife of the Blue Jackets goalie, has posted online about verbal abuse and threats directed at her family by fans.
With Passive House, incentives are all carrot and no stick

The genius of the Passive House approach is that it views the building itself  its skeleton and skin  as a technology.



By ZACK SEMKE

NK Architects

Semke

When I bought my Prius in 2010, the federal tax rebate for hybrid vehicles was a real win-win. The feds got one step closer to their fuel efficiency goals and I got my hands on an uber-efficient vehicle without breaking the bank.

The approach was simple: incentivize the purchase of a superior-performing product.

But imagine if that incentive had been structured differently. What if it depended on user behavior? What if I could be penalized later if my driving habits led to greater-than-modeled fuel use? Too many trips to the mountains? Foot too heavy on the gas pedal?

With the risk of such a penalty, I wouldnt have purchased the Prius. I doubt others would have either. The risk of that behavior-based penalty would have weakened the incentives power to motivate buyers to purchase hybrids, slowing adoption.

The certainty of Prius performance means that policymakers dont have to impose such a penalty. The fuel efficiency of a 2016 Prius is carefully measured and known (VW cheating notwithstanding), and each Prius that comes off the assembly line will perform essentially identically to the one before it. Regardless of driver behavior, more Priuses means increased fuel economy on aggregate.

Photo by Casey Braunger [enlarge] Orchards at Orenco, near Portland, applied lessons learned from phase one to slash the Passive House expense in phase two by more than half. Ankrom Moisan and Walsh Construction led the team.

But that kind of certainty has been lacking for green buildings. Unlike cars, every custom-designed building is a prototype, totally unique. Even for designs that are replicated over and over, each building will vary in orientation, shading, solar access, elevation and construction quality. And frankly, conventional means of predicting building energy performance, even LEED-certified ones, has seemed little better than guesswork at times.

The rational decision for policymakers crafting building efficiency incentives has been to require post-occupancy energy monitoring and to impose penalties when actual performance doesnt perform up to snuff.

While this approach removes uncertainty for policymakers, it creates it for project owners. The risk of financial penalty is a disincentive.

Passive House design can remove uncertainty for both policymakers and project owners. Its energy modeling is predictive, with modeled results highly correlated with actual energy use. This correlation is thoroughly documented and demonstrated thousands of times over in the U.S., Europe, China and elsewhere.

This certainty means that, like the Prius incentive, we can incentivize better buildings with all carrot and no stick because both policymakers and project owners know that theyll get superior energy performance at project completion.

Driving costs down

Image from NK Architects [enlarge] 11th & Republican, designed by NK Architects, combines a new apartment building with a retrofitted house targeting Net Zero Energy for multifamily projects.

Make no mistake, the stakes are high for getting catalysts for change right.

Most of us recognize that climate change represents a serious threat. We understand that humanity needs to rapidly change the way we use and produce energy. This is why Seattles Climate Action Plan calls for net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, and King County calls for an 80 percent reduction by the same date.

Real cause for climate hope has emerged recently. The plummeting price of renewable energy, batteries and electric vehicles makes meaningful GHG reductions doable. Financial analysts from Citi, Bloomberg New Energy Finance and Alliance Bernstein argue that because solar, wind and EVs are powered by technology, innovation will continue to drive costs down. This cost shift is causing a fundamental and increasingly disruptive transition away from business as usual.

The key question is whether that transition will happen quickly enough to achieve climate security.

Answering this question rests in large part on what we do with our buildings. Buildings consume nearly half of all energy in the U.S., and are responsible for over a third of GHG emissions in King County. Viewed through the lens of climate change, buildings are a problem.

But buildings could readily become part of the solution. Just as cheap renewable energy, batteries and EVs are changing the rules of the climate change game and making climate action practical, so too can Passive House design.

The genius of the Passive House approach is that it views the building itself  its skeleton and skin  as a technology. Innovation can therefore drive down both energy demand and the cost of meeting that demand. Passive House buildings routinely use 90 percent less heating energy than conventional buildings, and up to 75 percent less total energy.

When a project team does its first Passive House building, construction tends to cost a bit more, but the learning curve is short. By the second or third project this cost premium often drops 2-3 percent on multifamily and commercial buildings. When you factor in superior building quality, better comfort, indoor air quality and lower utility bills, this small cost premium leverages a lot of value in terms of higher rents, and lower vacancies and maintenance costs.

Passive House is scalable because it pencils. Other jurisdictions in North America recognize this and have begun to harness Passive House to deliver on both climate action and affordable housing goals, recognizing that low energy bills mean reduced energy poverty for building residents:

 The New York Energy Research and Development Authority made Passive House the centerpiece of its $27 million incentive for building energy efficiency.

 The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency uses Passive House performance as a key criterion for the award of Low Income Housing Tax Credits, spurring dozens of affordable multifamily Passive House projects throughout the state. Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Illinois, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Idaho have followed suit.

 The newly adopted Zero Emissions Building Plan of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, positions Passive House design and construction as the model for future building in the city. The Vancouver Affordable Housing Authority is a big proponent.

It is time for the Seattle region to reclaim its position of national leadership in green building. The citys Living Building pilot program is a great step. The next step is to scale up: capitalize on the predictive modeling of Passive House to create a catalyst that is all carrot and no stick, providing policymakers and developers with the certainty they need to make green projects happen and building-as-climate-action to scale.

To this end we are working with Passive House Northwest and others on the 20 by 2020 Building Catalyst, a campaign to reward buildings over 20,000 square feet that achieve 20 EUI (energy use intensity) by the year 2020.

Zack Semke is chief marketing officer at NK Architects in Seattle.













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Brownfields are becoming developers next frontier

In the last two years, the Department of Ecology has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of contaminated sites being reported and increased applications into the Voluntary Cleanup Program.



By MICHAEL STRINGER and JIM DARLING

Maul Foster & Alongi

Stringer

Darling

A row of empty mill buildings along a quiet river bank lined with old pilings. A sunbaked empty lot along a railroad track bordered by a chain link fence with the foundation of a former manufacturing plant barely visible beneath the weeds. These sites are symbols of the natural resource extraction economys decline.

Communities across Washington state are increasingly looking at vacant and shuttered former industrial sites as opportunities to spark revitalization.

From closed lumber mills in Aberdeen to a former rail yard in Spokane, local governments are following the examples of Tacomas Thea Foss Waterway and Bellinghams Waterfront District by taking a leadership role in cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield properties. Through a combination of market forces, land-use planning and public-private partnerships, some of Washingtons most challenged properties are now becoming catalysts for redevelopment.

Redevelopment is the cure

Photo from Maul Foster & Alongi [enlarge] More businesses like Alcobra Metals are being sought to help redevelop Hillyard in Spokane.

Brownfield properties often sit vacant for years until a compelling future use is found that attracts financing and motivates parties to go through the cleanup process. With the real estate cycles current upswing, redevelopment is becoming the remedy to re-energize contaminated properties. As market demand continues to drive urban infill development, easier properties have been redeveloped and the next tier of more complex properties with legacy environmental impacts are now being addressed.

In the last two years, Washingtons Department of Ecology has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of contaminated sites being reported and increased applications into the Voluntary Cleanup Program.

In the hottest markets, like Seattles South Lake Union, the higher value of real estate can often bear the costs of environmental remediation. But in secondary markets, public sector investments are typically needed to mitigate clean-up costs and make redevelopment financially feasible. The costs and risks of environmental cleanup are often too large for the private sector to bear, and local governments are stepping in to significantly improve financial feasibility for projects.

Communities can capitalize on multiple state and federal funding and policy tools to achieve their economic goals. Examples from the east and west ends of the state show how local governments are strategically planning to position brownfield properties for adaptive re-use.

Hillyard

Image from SRG Architects [enlarge] Seaport Landing in Aberdeen will be redeveloped into a maritime village.

Image from SRG Architects [enlarge] The maritime village will have space for boat construction and education.

The Hillyard neighborhood in northeast Spokane was once the home of the Great Northern rail yard.

Developed by JJ Hill and known as Hills Yard, the rail yard once manufactured the countrys largest locomotive engines.

When the rail yard closed in the 1980s, the community lost hundreds of jobs. The surrounding area of approximately 500 acres of industrial-zoned property has slowly become the workbench of Spokane, housing dozens of small businesses including contractors, auto repair shops, fabricators, and food processors and distributors.

The long-awaited North Spokane Highway Corridor has reached the edge of the Hillyard industrial area, and with passage of the state Legislatures latest transportation package, funding is in place to connect the highway to Interstate 90 and dramatically improve access and freight mobility to Hillyard.

The city of Spokane has established the Northeast Public Development Authority (NEPDA) to energize efforts to leverage this large infrastructure investment to create more jobs in this employment center. Real and perceived environmental contamination issues remain a challenge and need to be addressed to capitalize on this opportunity.

The city is targeting our public resources to catalyze redevelopment in Hillyard, says Teri Stripes, city of Spokane planner. Through reaching out to private-sector partners and collaborating with the NEPDA, we have learned our most effective role is to get the right public infrastructure in place, package together financial incentives, and capitalize on state and federal resources to resolve environmental issues.

The city has established Washingtons first Redevelopment Opportunity Zone. This new designation offers unique environmental risk-management tools and also prioritizes cleanup grant funding.

The city has obtained grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state Department of Commerce to support these efforts.

Maul Foster & Alongi has teamed with EcoNorthwest and Heartland LLC to conduct a market assessment, evaluate financial feasibility of redevelopment projects, inventory potential brownfield properties, plan infrastructure improvements and develop strategies to promote revitalization.

These strategies will position the city to address critical concerns and attract private investment, enabling the Hillyard area to live up to its full potential as an employment center.

Seaport Landing

On the Washington coast, the city of Aberdeen is working with a public development authority to revitalize a former industrial area.

Aberdeens south waterfront on the Chehalis River was once home to a thriving mill complex and active commercial boatyard. The closure of both of these businesses in the last 10 years left approximately 30 acres of property and 2,000 feet of waterfront vacant.

The idea of creating a maritime heritage center has been discussed in the community since the 1980s when the city established the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority (GHHSA). The public development authority has built and operates the Lady Washington tall ship and the Hawaiian Chieftain, but has not been able to complete the vision of a homeport for the ships.

Closure of the waterfront businesses created an opportunity for reuse of those properties to finally create that homeport. The city has contracted with Maul Foster & Alongi and a team of consultants to help make that vision a reality.

Approximately 5 million people per year drive through Aberdeen on their way to the Washington coast. The community is looking to encourage tourists to spend time and money in Aberdeen by designing a new gateway visitor center on Highway 12 at the citys entrance. Across the river, GHHSA is transforming a former sawmill into a maritime heritage center.

Brandi Bednarik, GHHSA executive director explains, The Seaport Landing project is an opportunity to unite education, public waterfront access and economic development. The propertys historic industrial use makes its environmental restoration and ultimate redevelopment even more significant.

GHHSA plans to establish an environmental learning center on the property, a maritime training school, a woodworking shop to highlight wooden boat building and spar construction, a waterfront public access trail, and in-water moorage for the tall ships.

Maul Foster & Alongi is working with a multifaceted team including Harbor Architects, SRG Architects, Berger Partnership, Heartland LLC and BST Associates to develop strategies to fund and implement the propertys cleanup and its future redevelopment.

Jim Darling and Michael Stringer, AICP, lead Maul Foster & Alongis Seattle-based Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment Practice.













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Still much to learn about the carbon story of buildings

The importance of carbon reduction is known in the building industry, but few designers and contractors have access to enough carbon data to feel empowered to address it during design and construction.



By STACY SMEDLEY

Skanska USA

Smedley

We know that buildings are one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions.

Thanks to efforts like the 2030 Challenge by Architecture 2030 and great leaps in terms of understanding energy consumption and a movement toward net zero energy, operational carbon is something most of us can wrap our heads around, and at least see a path to net zero energy. However, most of us would also agree that its not happening fast enough and theres still plenty to learn about the larger carbon story of buildings  specifically, in terms of what they are made of and how they are constructed.

A few recent experiences regarding carbon emissions associated with buildings has made it increasingly clear that we dont know what we dont know. Even on the operational carbon side of the story, despite the headway weve already made, there is still a lot of work to be done.

How far weve come

The tools and knowledge are now in place to implement strategies during design that reduce the energy footprints of our buildings. The ability to actively track a buildings energy footprint during operation also exists. However, we do not have enough designers that are empowered to truly integrate energy modeling into a standard integrated design and decision making process, and there are not enough building owners using available reporting tools to vet the results.

We need critical mass

At the September 2016 Design Futures Council Leadership Summit for Sustainable Design, held in Seattle, this was a hot topic.

In a room full of building design and engineering principals, the question was still How do we actively implement whole building energy modeling into the design process, on every project?

There is now data that links projects that have used these modeling tools with actual proven energy reductions during operation, which turns into cost savings to owners over the lives of their buildings. Similarly, through recent conversations with professionals that have developed building operations reporting platforms, there are now vetted examples of how a buildings operational efficiency can be tracked, shared graphically and optimized. This allows owners to demonstrate their buildings efficiencies and even improve upon them.

For operational carbon, its not a question of how do we design and track for reduced energy consumption, its a call to action to share successes and make it the industry standard.

On the embodied carbon side, theres even more work to do.

Some designers and contractors have started to try to quantify it because they are beginning to realize the impact of the materials used to construct their buildings. For example, Skanska has partnered with the University of Washington, Architecture 2030 and Siegel & Strain Architects to fund research in partnership with the Pankow Foundation, for gathering data on all buildings that have tracked their embodied carbon. The idea is to understand relative benchmarks as a starting point, then provide a playbook of strategies and tools to reduce embodied carbon across all building types.

But again, few designers and contractors have access to enough embodied carbon data to feel empowered to address it during design and construction. Additionally, very few owners are currently compelled to work to reduce embodied carbon.

It will only be through collecting the data that exists and creating acceptable benchmarks, sharing it and then demonstrating through early adopters how a buildings embodied carbon can be reduced in an impactful and fiscally positive way that we will begin to catch up with the operational carbon side of the coin.

We need both sides working in concert to successfully move toward reducing a buildings carbon emissions to zero.

Action is needed

Even when we have all of the data and tools necessary to understand and reduce carbon emissions in our buildings, there will still be hurdles for it to become the standard operating procedure in the building industry.

Unless there is a measurable accountability for a buildings carbon emissions, the necessary engagement in operational efficiency, and a more concerted industry effort, the type of carbon reductions necessary in the building industry to combat climate change wont happen.

Its time for building designers, contractors and owners to put on our advocacy hats and educate ourselves on the regulations and incentives in use or in development. It is necessary for the building industry to track and reduce carbon responsibly and in a way that does not limit our ability to continue to build infrastructure and the buildings we all need to live, work, learn, heal and play in.

What were doing

Skanska is a founding member of the Washington Businesses for Climate Action (WBCA) along with organizations including Virginia Mason, REI and Starbucks. The purpose of the WBCA is to bring together leading Washington businesses across industries and create a forum for understanding proposed climate action legislation. Its also a place for industries to voice their concerns and preferred outcomes around existing climate action proposals, and a platform for businesses to come together to advocate for responsible climate action policies.

Carbon reduction is on the forefront of proposed policies and legislation, including Initiative 732 that is on the November ballot, as well as a host of proposals coming from the governors office, legislators and other climate action groups.

If those of us in the building industry dont educate ourselves on what is coming and proactively have a voice in impacting proposed carbon reduction strategies, we will simply have to take what comes and react versus work to ensure our industry and our environment benefit.

Now is the time

Whether its an understanding and tracking of operational efficiency, a baseline understanding of embodied carbon in buildings, or an education on climate action policy and its impact on the building industry, we really dont know what we dont know, and we dont track what we dont have to. Now is the time to learn and act.

Stacy Smedley is sustainability director at Skanska USA, providing strategic guidance for local and national projects. Smedley came from KMD Architects, where she was project manager for the Bertschi School Living Science Building.













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Survey: Hart Crowser

Photo by Mark Dagel/Hart Crowser [enlarge] Hart Crowser is consulting the U.S. Forest Service on the Holden Mine cleanup near Lake Chelan.

Specialty: Environmental and geotechnical engineering, natural resources

Management: David Winter, president and CEO; Jeff Wagner, COO; Mike Ehlebracht, environmental services manager

Founded: 1974

Headquarters: Seattle

2015 revenues: $20 million

Projected 2016 revenues: $22 million

Projects: Governors Island redevelopment, New York; Holden Mine remediation and natural resource damage assessment, Chelan; County of Maui municipal stormwater, Hawaii

Hart Crowser president and CEO David Winter discussed whats ahead for the company.

Q: You were recently named CEO and Jeff Wagner was named COO. Are you making any changes? Whats at the top of your agenda?

A: We are working to diversify Hart Crowser both geographically and technically to offset the inevitable ups and downs of any marketplace. We have recently opened new offices in Honolulu and Spokane, both targeting primarily environmental clients, and we have added owners rep services for oil and gas clients around the world.

Our company has always focused on finding solutions for our clients. I dont think that will ever change  nor should it.

Q: What challenges does the company face?

A: The reduction of funding for the Ecology Toxics Fund has affected our project load from this key client. With all of the other budget challenges facing our legislators its hard to predict that full funding will come back any time soon.

We are also seeing more and more government contracts set aside for small and disadvantaged businesses and higher subcontract utilization goals for these types of firms. This can have the effect of cutting us out of opportunities for prime and sub work for government clients.

Q: Any thoughts on Washingtons carbon tax ballot measure?

A: Our general policy is to support legislation that fosters business and business opportunities in Washington. We have concerns the carbon tax measure may do the opposite.

Q: Hart Crowser has been expanding its disaster resilience services. Have clients become more concerned about preparedness?

A: Yes. A good example is at Governors Island in New York Harbor. A key design element was use of fill soil and a special planting mix designed to withstand long-term sea level rise. The design was unexpectedly tested during Hurricane Sandy, and only a fraction of the plantings were lost and there was no significant erosion.

Closer to home, Ecology and EPA are emphasizing taking into account climate change impacts on the selection and maintenance of cleanup actions. We are getting involved in a study for Ecology evaluating potential climate change impacts to existing and planned remedial actions and habitat restoration projects.

Q: How has your staffing changed over the past year?

A: We have been hiring steadily in our geotechnical engineering business unit. In our environmental and natural resources business units we have been targeting our hiring on specialized capabilities or specific locations.

I think it is a pretty typical hiring market these days, although the salary demands can be surprising.

Q: What does the company do to recruit and hold on to top talent?

A: We attract and keep senior staff by giving them opportunities to take on real responsibility and build their own strong client base. We are a very entrepreneurial company.













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On the Block: Does density have to bring displacement?

Few topics are more fraught in Seattle's hot housing market than gentrification and displacement. As the city's median income rises, The Seattle Times recently reported, the percentage of low-income households is dwindling. Those people may be getting richer, a nice thought; or they may simply be leaving for cheaper rents beyond the city limits.

Of particular concern  and confusion  for housing advocates is how to measure the tremendous inflow of new Seattle residents, mostly renters, versus long-established tenants who had been paying lower rents in older, rundown apartment buildings. Both free-marketeers and affordabilistas agree that Seattle has created an awful lot of housing during the last decade. And yet they also agree it's still not enough.

Between 2005 and 2014, city building permit records show, Seattle had about 48,000 housing units created and about 5,500 demolished  meaning a net increase of about 42,500. During the same period, the city added about 77,000 residents, not all of whom live alone.

Image courtesy Runberg Architecture Group [enlarge] Bellwether Housing breaks ground Oct. 4 on Anchor Flats at 1511 Dexter Ave. N. Rents for the 71 units will range from $840 to $1,200, about half the citys current median.

What percentage of those new units were affordable, much less low-income, is harder to judge. The city's Office of Housing only tracks units where it had a financial interest (be it subsidy or tax credit), which is to say most but not all affordable housing. Seattle Housing Authority keeps separate records. A few projects go forward without local money. Then there's the gray area of naturally occurring affordable housing  uncounted older properties where rents remain low.

From 2005 to 2014, the Office of Housing reports a net increase of about 7,000 affordable units. During the same period, SHA had a net gain of about 350 affordable units. Combined with Office of Housing numbers, that's about 17 percent of the net increase in overall Seattle housing units. But those are rough DJC estimates only.

***

Panelists at a recent AIA-sponsored discussion tried to interpret those figures. The talk was called Growing a City: Density, Displacement and Policy in an Urbanizing Seattle, and it was part of the recent Seattle Design Festival. The panel was journalist Erica C. Barnett, Alex Brennan of Capitol Hill Housing and Roger Valdez of Smart Growth Seattle.

People move and households change faster than U.S. Census data can track them, noted Brennan. If people are being displaced, he said, where are they going, and how far are they from their old neighborhoods? No one knows.

We don't have the data, said Valdez, who lobbies for developers and opposes linkage fees to create affordable housing.

Moreover, under the city's current incentive zoning, developers are already building new affordable housing  or contributing fees toward construction  and it all gets folded somewhere into that 48,000 number. Though CHH only builds affordable apartments (sometimes with for-profit partners), Brennan struck a pro-growth note that meshed with Valdez's position: We need to build a lot of new housing.

CHH sometimes acquires and upgrades older buildings, but their energy costs and upkeep make them more expensive to maintain over the long term. New construction costs more at the front end, but lasts much longer. Two examples from CHH are its planned 115-unit project on the site of the Liberty Bank Building in the Central District, and B-North apartments at the Capitol Hill light rail station, with about 90 units.

***

A third example of new, affordable and dense housing comes from Bellwether Housing, which breaks ground Tuesday, Oct. 4 on the 71-unit Anchor Flats at 1511 Dexter Ave. N. Mayor Ed Murray and other dignitaries will attend the event. Bellwether acquired the 16,000-square foot site, previously occupied by a small office building and parking lots, for $1.2 million in 2011. Adjusted to meet area median incomes from $31,000 to $43,000, rents will range from $840 to $1,200, about half the city's current median. The six-story building will have live/work units, studios, and one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 584 to 923 square feet.

Bellwether's team includes Runberg Architecture Group, general contractor Rafn Co., engineer Coughlin Porter Lundin and landscape architect Berger Partnership. Completion is scheduled for March 2018. The total budget of about $23 million comes from a variety of sources including the Seattle Housing Levy, the city's Incentive Zoning Program, Umpqua Bank, National Equity Fund (via low-income housing tax credits), SHA bonds, low-income housing tax credits from Washington State Housing Finance Commission and Bellwether's own Seattle's Future Fund.

***

Back at the AIA panel, Valdez is all about this kind of construction, and to support it he also favors using tax credits like the city's Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program. If we can create enough new housing with an affordable component, he argues, then displaced lower-income renters should be able to find a newer if smaller home. (He's also in favor of micro-apartments and congregate housing.)

Everyone deserves the right to move to a better place, he said. If that means a smaller place, even 200 square feet, so be it.

At this point Barnett, a frequent advocate for renters' rights, asked, Is there a right to stay in place? Is there  in what some call naturally occurring affordable housing  room in the city for cheap, dilapidated older apartments where the owners do little maintenance and keep rents low?

If you grant that right (though no one on the panel was advocating rent control), Brennan worried that holdout tenants and landlords would diminish the supply of available land that CHH and other low-income housing developers could afford to acquire  especially in upzoned urban areas where no parking is required.

For-profit developers, on the other hand, have easier access to capital and bank financing.

Everyone wants to invest in the Seattle housing market right now. But the catch is that the quickest, surest return on investment these days is in market-rate apartments, which seemingly sell the day after they're 90 percent leased. One solution Valdez likes is vouchers: Giving low-income renters the cash necessary to afford market rents (or some near percentage, based on area median income).

Everyone on the panel sees an imbalance between land supply and renter demand. Currently, the city says about 54 percent of land is zoned single-family. Multifamily is eight percent, though that figure blurs into the six percent commercial/mixed-use category.

In the current skewed market, said Barnett, There are people who can't afford to live here without help.

That help may come next year in the form of new fees, to Valdez's chagrin, with new zoning determined by the Housing Affordability & Livability Agenda. HALA would add multifamily incentives for developers (aka the Grand Bargain) in exchange for Mandatory Housing Affordability linkage fees linked to commercial and residential projects (usually called MHA-C and MHA-R).

A better way of achieving the same end, argued Valdez, would be to simply raise property taxes on single-family homes, thereby encouraging new development and greater density  which everyone on the panel seemed to want. (Another point of agreement: Design review boards and NIMBYs are bad.)

With a libertarian chuckle, Valdez said taxes are good to a Pioneer Square audience likely composed of renters and architects already priced out of single-familydom.





Got a tip? Contact DJC real estate editor Brian Miller at brian.miller@djc.com or call him at (206) 219-6517.





Previous columns:
Realogics Sotheby's International Realty

Photo courtesy RSIR Dean Jones of Realogics

On Monday, RSIR and Tiger Oak Media welcomed the inaugural flight of Xiamen Airlines to Sea-Tac International Airport with the second edition of its Mandarin-language magazine Seattle Luxury Living. Dean Jones, president and CEO of RSIR, said that Vancouver's new 15 percent tax on foreign buyers is steering Chinese customers from Canada to Seattle. Puget Sound's relative affordability and close proximity to China have helped to make our region an increasingly preferred market for savvy Chinese, he said. The Vancouver tax went into effect on Aug. 2. Said Jones the Chinese real estate website Juwai.com has reported that in August real estate inquiries for Vancouver fell 86 percent while they rose 146 percent for Seattle.




Columbia Asia

Columbia Asia, an affiliate of local health care company Columbia Pacific Management, announced its expansion to Africa with the recent opening of a 5,300-square-foot medical clinic in Nairobi. The clinic specializes in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, general surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology and dental care. This is also the launch of a new brand: Columbia Africa. Columbia Asia has 27 hospitals and one clinic in India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, all intended to serve those countries' rising middle class. Columbia Asia has 10,000 employees serving more than 2.5 million patients a year. In a statement, Columbia Asia CEO John Northen said, Africa has become a growing market for us. Kenya is the economic, commercial and logistical hub for all of East Africa, with Nairobi as a major center of growth and foreign investment, so the city was a great fit for our first Columbia Africa facility.




India's relations with Pakistan and Nepal have deteriorated in the past year but China remains the country's ''primary security challenge'', according to an annual strategic survey by an influential London-based think-tank released on Tuesday. The Strategic Survey 2016: The Annual Review of World Affairs of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reviewed India's troubled relationship with Pakistan and referred to the intensive ''retaliatory'' firing across the Line of Control under the Modi government, fluctuations in the dialogue process, the Ufa summit and the terror attack on the Pathankot airbase. ''India's major security threat remained the terrorism emanating from Pakistan, on which (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi took a tougher position than his predecessor,'' it said, but identified China as India's ''primary security challenge''. The survey said the challenge from China was because of its assertiveness on the border dispute with India, exacerbated by Beijing's growing trade and defence partnerships with New Delhi's South Asian neighbours and by an expansion of Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. ''For policymakers in New Delhi, this created fears of encirclement and hardened their attitude towards Beijing, even as China continued to be India's largest trading partner, and Modi sought to establish stronger trade and investment links with Beijing,'' it said. Referring to shifts in Pakistan's policies, the survey said, ''As ever, the main driver of Pakistan's security policy was its rivalry with India. This consideration trumped all other factors.'' Rahul Roy-Choudhury, IISS senior fellow for South Asia, told The Hindustan Times, ''Instead of any 'knee-jerk' military-focussed reaction that will at best be symbolic rather than substantive, India needs a calibrated and sustained multifaceted approach towards Pakistan. ''This could seek to target Pakistan-based terrorist groups, effectively operationalise counter-terror cooperation with India's strategic partners in the Gulf region and the West, and highlight India's emerging economic and global influence with the international community.'' Roy-Choudhary, who contributed to the survey, said India also ''needs to ensure that its main constituent in Pakistan - the people - is suitably empowered through the democratic process''. The survey further said that India's ''neighbourhood first'' policy has paid few dividends beyond Bangladesh and Bhutan. ''This was due to the complex domestic politics of countries in the region, their historical suspicion of India as the dominant regional power, the influence of India domestic and ethnic politics, and increasing Chinese engagement with the region,'' it said. ''Equally important was the failure to meet expectations generated by Modi's initial outreach to other leaders in the SAARC, after he invited them to his May 2014 inauguration ceremony.'' At the global level, the survey said, institutions and norms that dampen the risk of conflict are under assault from populism in developed states and the assertive behaviour of rising and reviving powers. IISS director general John Chapman said, ''The underpinnings of geopolitics have splintered so much in the past year that the foundations of global order appear alarmingly weak. The politics of parochialism now mix with the instincts of nationalism, and both clash with the cosmopolitan world order so carefully constructed by the technocrats of the late 20th century.'' (Also see: India, China hold talks on jointly countering terror)








India and China on Tuesday held discussions on enhancing cooperation on counter-terrorism as officials from both countries met in their first high-level dialogue in Beijing.

''The two sides had in-depth discussions on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, security and on measures to jointly deal with security threats and reached important consensus in this regard," said an Indian government official.

The meeting comes 10 days after a terror attack at an army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed.

The meeting was co-chaired by R N Ravi, chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, and Wang Yongqing, secretary general of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of China.

The official said the two sides exchanged views on the international and regional security situation.

They exchanged information on respective policies, systems and legislation to deal with terrorism, and further enhanced their understanding on issues of major concerns to both sides.

India has repeatedly raised the issue of terrorism with China. In his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him about terrorists crossing over from Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

(Also see: China is India's primary security challenge: UK think-tank)
The Indian Army today started evacuating border villages of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab following the brief surgical operation inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to neutralise terror launch pads across the LoC. Villages in Attari sector in Jammu and Kashmir have been evacuated and additional BSF troops have been moved into these areas, according to reports. The centre has asked the state government in Punjab to evacuate people within 10 km from the border. Schools in the border areas have also been asked to remain shut until further orders. Union home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal over telephone today to request him to speed up the evacuation process. People from the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot are being evacuated in an operation coordinated by the DGP and concerned deputy commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police. The evacuation is being carried out after India carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across LoC In the first such action, the Army said, its special forces inflicted "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Sharing details, DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said the operations were basically focused "to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country." "During these counter terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them. The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said. The DGMO said he had spoken to the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations and explained India's concerns and also shared with him details of the operation. The announcement of the sudden action by the Army to prevent fresh terror attacks comes 11 days after Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM struck on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir killing 18 soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.










Home Four wheelers Faulty Takata Airbag In A Honda Records A Fatal Crash In Malaysia oi-Rajkamal

Japanese carmaker Honda, on Wednesday said a person was involved in a fatal crash in Malaysia, as the faulty Takata airbag ruptured, resulting in the driver's death. This is the fourth death this year, linked to Takata.

{photo-feature}
Home Two wheelers Hero MotorCorp To Launch A New Commuter Motorcycle For Latin American Markets oi-Sreejith

Hero MotoCorp to launch a new commuter motorcycle in the 100-110cc or 125cc range as part of its first-ever global launch of an India-developed motorcycle in Latin American Market. The first launch will be in Argentina in January 2017.

{photo-feature}
UPDATE: Last week of January 2019 I went for my second US Visa tourist/non-immigrant (B1/B2) interview and got approved for a multiple entry valid for 10 years Visa. All I did was do the same things I did below so read on!

If you search the internet, there are so many tips you will find on how to get your US Visa Application Approved . If you ask friends and relatives they will give you a lot of tips as well. Some are useful but some are not necessary at all.

This was my first time to apply for a US Visa and I am relieved and glad to tell everyone I got approved for my first time ! Yes, first time US Visa applicant here and I got my US Visa approved! Cartwheels for me!

Honestly, it was not a trip at the candy store. For a first timer it was a nerve wracking experience. Youll never know what happens plus with all the things you hear about what goes on while inside the US Embassy was a tale until you get to experience it yourself.

So how did I get my US Visa Application Approved, how to get your US Visa approved.

STEPS for applying for a U.S. Visa (tourist)

Step 1: Pay the US Visa Application Fee first. Fee cost US$160 . You can pay at any BPI Branches just make sure to print your own receipt as the bank will ask for it. Keep your copy of the reciept you will need it in the US Embassy when your interview schedule comes.

Step 2: Complete your DS 160 Application form. Print the confirmation page. Heres the link

https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

Step 3: Get a schedule for an interview at the US Embassy. Print your appointment letter all pages. Heres the link to find a schedule and get the receipt to print https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/

What you need during your interview day:

Your valid Passport Your DS 160 confirmation page (the one with the photo) Your Appointment Letter 1 22 photo Your US VIsa Application receipt

Honestly this is all they will be asking for you when you are at the US Embassy vicinity. Theres two lines before entering the building where they will ask for you Appointment Letter, second line they will ask for your valid passport and the DS 160 Confirmation Page. When inside the embassy youll go to three steps process. Step 1 is for screening. Step 2 is photogaphing they will get your thumbprints. Step 3 is when you talk to the consul who will give the judgement if you will be granted a visa or not.

My tips on getting a good first impression from the consul:

Come in your most presentable outfit. Business attire or just like applying for a job interview. Not too flashy just decent and respectable. Not too much makeup. No makeup look works. Just answer what the consul ask, dont talk too much. Short and sweet is the way. Be straightforward, honest and frank. Be as honest as possible. Dont look so eager to get the visa and dont be too nervous while talking and no sudden movements. Make sure to be consistent with what you said on your DS 160 when you filled it up and what you will tell the consul. Small white lies are detectable. I think they are psyche major.

Heres how my US Visa Application Interview went:

Consul: Good Morning

Me: Morning

Consul: May I have your passport and DS 160 please.

Me: Here

Consul: What are your reasons for visiting the United States

Me: I am going to visit a plant in ______ (I shall disclose this to everyone when Im there!)

Consul: What plant is this?

Me: Its ________ (I will not disclose ATM )

Consul: What is this plant?

Me: Its a _________________

Consul: What is it again?

Me: (Explained with a little hand gesture because the name sounds different when its spelled haha!)

Consul: Oh! Yeah got it. So why are you visiting this plant.

Me: I won a raffle at the media event and the tour is part of the prize.

Consul: So what do you do?

Me: Im a blogger

Consul: What is your blog?

Me: Earthlingorgeous.com

Consul: What is it about?

Me: A lifestyle blog

Consul: Whats the name of the blog again?

Me: Earthlingorgeous, Earthling plus gorgeous , but one word and single g.

Consul: (Types , clicks mouse and browse the computer in front of her. Few seconds after) When are you planning to visit the plant?

Me: Sometime in ___________ (I shall not disclose the date yet until I have the flight details!) I have the invitation letter here

Consul: Its fine you say sometime in _____?

Me: Yes

Consul: Have you traveled outside the Philippines before?

Me: Yes, but only in Asian countries.

Consult: What Course did you take in College?

Me: Communications, Mass Communications

Consul: OK, I will grant you your visa. You will recieve it a week from now. Enjoy your trip.

Me: Thank you so much!

Consul: You are welcome.

Then I left the booth with a happy heart like walking in air. I think the entire process just took less than 45 minutes including waiting for your turn at the queu. Everything happened standing so I suggest wear comfortable shoes.

See, that went very smooth and easy. She didnt even ask if I was married, single or have a child. She never asked for my bank statements or even my invitation letter .

Theres only one true thing about the hearsays about having a US Visa Application Approved, it will all depend on the consul. If she or he is in a good mood, good for you, if not, pray hard you will be granted a visa.

I am so excited for having my first ever US Visa approved! Thank God for it all! I think the sun was shining bright for me that day (even if there was weather advisory that there was a Typhoon up!). I just had my interview at the US embassy this September 26, 2016 and today, I got my visa with me now, September 29, 2016!

How about you have you applied for a US Visa before how was your experience?

Stay gorgeous everyone!

P.S. this is for a tourist / non-immigrant visa only (B1/B2), theres different requirements and procedure for immigrant visa.
Guns kill. We all know that and the numbers are staggering. Family, co-workers, friends, and strangers kill 80 people a day nationwide in violent attacks. Some have guns legally, some do not. There is nothing new in this and the information we share about gun violence is not new either.

I read a quip today that said in Japan you are as likely to be killed by gun violence as an America is to be killed by a lightning strike. Yes, you read that right.

In an election year where Donald Trump continues to lie about Hillary Clinton wanting to eliminate the Second Amendment (something she cant do as president, but since when do facts matter), gun violence was barely mentioned during the Presidential Debate on Monday night.

Some issues, like gun violence, have a way of blending into the background as we get closer and closer to an election of this magnitude. Some of the reasons include, from the Left, that if the campaign does talk passionately about gun control, the Right will pile on with Second Amendment attacks, whether they are real or not. And they are NOT.

After the horrors of Sandyhook, Columbine, San Bernardino, Charlestown, Orlando and too many others to mention  not that they arent deserving of a mention  and NOTHING has been done legislatively, it is no wonder that we continue to see massive and unnecessary gun violence in this country. And we will continue to until Congress stops bowing to their NRA gods and their henchmen who are in some respects complicit to so many deaths.

To me, anyway, that is factually correct. You see, we will never know what could have been because you cant undo what has been, as we all know all too well, as do the many lives that are forever changed by gun violence.

How any member of Congress that blockades gun reform in this country can live with themselves is beyond my comprehension.

But as the gun violence debate quietly envelopes the country, that does not mean that the on-going effort to educate, reform and attempt to grow the legions of people who want and need gun control reform in this country has gone quietly away, as it has not.

Exhibit A is Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, led by Executive Director Linda Brundage, a Lansing-based Psychologist, who has been at the forefront of this education and activist movement in Michigan for years now. Her tireless efforts has seen this organization grow substantially, but there is always room for more and in that vein, I am sharing with you an event this Saturday at Michigan State University that is not just worthy of your time, but is a critical outreach to those who want to learn more, advance the message of gun control and reform and support those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.

The schedule is as follows and is FREE to attend:

Saturday, October 1Symposium

11:30 AM  1:15 PM Free screening of Making a Killing: Guns, Greed and the NRA Greenwald (dir.) Brave New Films, 2016. Running time 103 minutes (Room 12, Auditorium)

1:15-2:00 Pre-show discussion with Members of Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence (Studio Theatre, Auditorium)

2:00 Performance of Punk Rock (Studio Theatre) About a group of defiant British students on the precipice of adulthood that challenge the establishment and each other, including the issue of gun violence.

3:30-5:00 Post show round table with various law enforcement officials, student groups and related experts on the subject of gun violence. (Studio Theatre)

This is not a solicitation for donations. It is free, but not without a cost. The cost is simple: how many more lives need to be lost to gun violence before we demand that Congress do their job and create real reforms that include much harsher criminal penalties for violators of the laws that need to be on the books. We need an army to do that and that army is just not big enough yet, but with your help, it can grow.

Please consider attending and getting involved with the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. More information about Saturdays free event can be found HERE.
The contents of Cockroach Catcher Blog (text and photos) are strictly the copyright of Dr Am Ang Zhang and all rights are reserved. Other bloggers are welcome to quote and use any of the content of the articles on the internet or in their own blogs as long as it is acknowledged.

Anyone wishing to use substantial parts or all of any of the articles is asked to contact Dr Am Ang Zhang (cockroachcatcher (at)gmail (dot)com) in advance.
Microsoft on Monday announced a series of major enhancements to its enterprise cloud platform, as well as a new strategic partnership with Adobe, advancing its drive to attract new business from core competitors like Salesforce and Amazon.

Microsoft has entered a strategic partnership to make Azure the preferred cloud platform for the Adobe Marketing Cloud, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Document Cloud. Adobe Marketing Cloud will become the preferred service for Microsofts Dynamics 365 Enterprise edition.

I think we would both say that SaaS has completely disrupted how enterprises are thinking about software, said Shantanu Narayen, chief executive of Adobe, at Microsoft Ignite in Atlanta. We think its absolutely critical that we provide this integration  between sales and marketing and visualization.

The announcement of the new Azure monitoring and management updates, which allow seamless integration, was critical for Microsoft, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Microsoft is the only firm that offers both on- and off-premises implementations of the same cloud-based platform, he told the E-Commerce Times.

For ease of management for hybrid cloud solutions, which remain the IT favorite, allowing the greatest match of flexibility, performance, compliance and cost, this should put Microsoft in a position of significant advantage, said Enderle, particularly for a global enterprise.

Adobes move raises questions about why it decided to reduce its participation in the AWS platform, noted Ed Anderson, research vice president, cloud services, at Gartner.

It might be related to some of the intelligence capabilities now available through Microsofts Cortana platform, he suggested.

Its not entirely clear how or why Adobe would be interested in moving the application to Azure, Anderson told the E-Commerce Times. Regardless, this isnt a change that can happen overnight, and it will take some work on Adobes part to make the change.

Think Fast

Microsoft also unveiled several artificial intelligence innovations, including several new skills for Cortana, the companys personal assistant.

Office 365s new intelligence capabilities:

Tap, which uses Microsoft Graph to incorporate content from within the company into documents and emails;

Quickstarter for Powerpoint and Sway; and

Maps, which allows new forms of Excel charts to be converted into visualizations.

Microsofts My Analytics, formerly known as Delve Analytics, provides insights into how employees spend work time. Relationship Assistant is included in the upcoming Dynamics 365 for Sales.

The company also announced a multiyear deal with Renault-Nissan Alliance to provide advanced navigation and predictive services. Remote monitoring of car features and geofencing will provide theft protection, disabling the car if necessary. The alliance is working on a plan to unveil 10 autonomous vehicles by 2020.

Threat Protection

Further, Microsoft announced a series of security enhancements for Windows 10 and across the Office 365 platform, along with data protection tools for the enterprise customer.

Windows Defender Application Guard, which will come to Windows 10 enterprise customers in 2017, uses isolated containers and virtualization-based security technology to stop malicious code from moving across employee devices in a corporate setting.

The security announcements could be a breakthrough in terms of containing threats to Edge users, said Paul Teich, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

If Microsoft carries through with their advanced threat detection inside of their hardware secure containers, it means that most of the Web-based threats that infect peoples PCs can be stopped in the browser container  they will not get a chance to touch the rest of the PC, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Office 365 Threat Intelligence will provide alerts on the origination of specific attacks, and Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection will be extended to Word, Excel, Powerpoint, SharePoint and OneDrive, scanning attached files and examining links for malicious code.
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DHAKA  The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) will host a seminar for the textile industry In Bangladesh in November. Themed 'Business case for sustainability with organic textiles,' attendees are set to include brand representatives, senior management of manufacturers and exporters, compliance, regulation, quality assurance, 'green' chemistry and chemical management professionals, as well as trade associations.
WAKEFIELD  In a move to reflect our core values as a leading media platform for the global textile industry, we want you to help us celebrate our rebrand from MCL Global to MCL News & Media, by offering an exclusive discount across all our market leading titles at our new online portal unveiled today.

Simply visit www.mclnews.com to receive 20 per cent off new subscriptions to any of our ground breaking magazines or online news platforms, or to one of our many guidebooks and industry reports.

You can also find out much more about our company and its values by visiting the new MCL News & Media website  from the journalists behind each of our publications to our unique environmental policies and competitive advertising opportunities. We've even created a short animation to explain who we are, what we do and why we're here for you.

To discover a whole new world of refreshing content that will help you to accelerate change in our industry  as well as within your own business  visit www.mclnews.com today and become part of the unstoppable momentum towards a cleaner and more socially responsible textile and clothing industry.

MCL News & Media is the publishing company behind industry leading titles including Ecotextile News, Knitting Trade Journal, Sustainable Nonwovens and Textile Evolution.

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The Morton County Sheriffs Department, whose officers used mace and unleashed dogs on Dakota Access Pipeline protestors earlier this month, sent in armored vehicles and arrested 21 people Wednesday at two sites. But a video released by those at the Sacred Ground Camp shows unarmed protestors conducting a prayer ceremony involving the planting of willow and corn.

[facebook https://www.facebook.com/RedWarriorCamp/videos/1754720714779881/ expand=1]

We had a really nice ceremony, said a Sicangu Lakota grandmother. Then we looked and over that way, there were a few police and the next thing we knew there were 40 police all in riot gear.

Police moved in as peaceful demonstrators stood with their hands up. The video then shows officers confronting the protestors, grabbing women and ordering everyone into their cars.

Ive never had a gun pointed at me, said the grandmother. I went into shock.

[facebook https://www.facebook.com/ThomasH.JosephII/videos/10210794487923484/ expand=1]

In a press release issued Wednesday by the Morton County Sheriffs Department, they allege that a protester on horseback charged at an officer in what was viewed as an act of aggression.

Another video shows at least three riders on horseback but does not show any charging toward officers. At least one officer raised his weapon toward the civilians even as they shouted, We are unarmed. We have no weapons.

According to the Indian Country news site, Indianz.com, Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier has previously come under fire for spreading his own rumors. As thousands began to flock to North Dakota in early August, he claimed there were pipe bombs at the encampment but resisters told The New York Times that he was mistaken by the presence of sacred Chanunpa pipes used during ceremonies.

The military-style show of force came as a surprise to the 60-vehicle caravan traveling to three sacred sites. The first of these was the Sacred Ground Camp, where ancestral sites have been desecrated. This was the location of the Sept. 3 attack using dogs. In a separate video posted by Indigenous EnviroNet on Twitter, they argue that North Dakota media has portrayed the protestors as violent and stress that their movement has always been about non-violence, prayer and peace.

Help us get the right message out to the world: #noDAPL has always been a peaceful movement based in prayer #wearenonviolent #WaterIsLife pic.twitter.com/SCWkAeMtUW  Indigenous Environmental Network (@IENearth) September 27, 2016

Thomas H. Joseph II, who filmed one of the videos from yesterdays arrests, posted on Facebook, Todays action where uncalled for, the police was a direct threat to woman and children.

Famed actor Robert Redford spoke out Wednesday in defense of those opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline. If this is legal, one must seriously question the laws of the land, Redford said. They are laws that prioritize the profits of energy companies over the rights of people who actually have to live on the land, drink its water and eat its food.
A third genetically-modified (GMO) apple was commercially approved last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Arctic Fuji apple from Okanagan Speciality Fruits, which is engineered to keep from browning, joins the companys two other varietiesthe Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny.

The company said around 40 percent of apples are wasted because of superficial bruising and browning and created its apples to help keep the popular fruit from being prematurely thrown in the trash while claiming to keep its original texture and flavor. In order to prevent apples from browning, the company said it has silenced the enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO) that drives oxidation in apples.

Michael Firko, deputy administrator for the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, said the new status for the Arctic Fuji is the most scientifically sound and appropriate regulatory decision.

Neal Carter, Okanagan Specialty Fruits founder and president, said the feedback they have gotten from consumers has been very positive. The response to Arctic Fuji apples and our overall platform to deliver direct benefits to consumers has been encouraging, Carter said. We are confident the positive feedback we have received will translate to the marketplace.

However, not everyone agrees.

Many big apple buyers dont want this. Consumers dont want this. Its not only an unnecessary product, but the risks have not been fully examined, Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, said.

Regulators have glossed over the possible unintentional effects of this technology, including the potential economic impacts on farmers, the potential of contamination for non-GMO and organic apple crops and the potential impact of the non-browning gene silencing, which could also weaken plant defenses and plant health.

The USDA appeared to have made the decision in favor of the company despite feedback they received during a 30-day public comment and review on the governments regulation.gov website. Many of the more than 620 commenters said they were opposed not only to the variety, but to all GMO food. Others commented that they were concerned that the GMO apple would deceive consumers and asked for it to be labeled as such.

Carter told Capital Press the companys Arctic Golden variety will be available for test marketing in stores in the western U.S. in the fall and will be labeled as GMO in the nutritional information area of packaging when regulations require it. He also said the company will seek USDA approval for its Arctic Gala next year, hoping for approval in 2017 or 2018.

Big Food's Win Over GMO Labeling Bill Shows Failure of Democracy  EcoWatch https://t.co/gEna8OGlnI @justlabelit@food_democracy  EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) July 22, 2016

Food companies and restaurants, apple growers and growers associations, and consumers dont want GMO apples. Yet this company is introducing them, Ken Roseboro, publisher of The Organic & Non-GMO Report, said.

And of course they wont be labeled as GMO in the U.S. for at least two years with the weak GMO labeling bill that was recently passed, and even then they may just have a QR code. There are already non-GMO, non-browning apples available, including the Non-GMO Project verified Opal apple and ones developed at Washington State University, but the media ignores those options in favor of so-called high tech GMO apples.
In Mondays debate, Hillary Clinton pledged to spend $275 billion investing in Americas infrastructure. Donald Trump doubled down, promises lots more. On Tuesday the Senate failed to pass a bill to keep the government open because Democrats insistedand Republicans rejectinginclusion of a modest $220 million to repair the toxic contamination in the Flint, Michigan public water system.

The 35W bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which collapsed during rush hour on Aug. 1, 2007.

Where the disconnect? Thats a small example of the big question at the heart of Upgrading America, todays DC summit on American infrastructure. Everyone agrees our infrastructure is a shamblesD+ according to the Academy of Engineering. Almost everyone agrees that a lot of this infrastructure is essential for a strong America, and requires a federal role. But, as we are reminded today, for the past 30-40 years, we have systematically starved the critical systems that make our country safe, liveable, competitiveand yes, Donald, great. (Trump is right about the third world condition of our airports etc. He is wrong in refusing to support anything that would plausibly pay for improving them.)

A few painful reminders of how bad we have allowed things to get:

We have stored 727 million barrels of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, our insurance policy in case, say, a Middle Eastern crisis shut down Persian Gulf oil. We couldnt get it out as fast as we might need it, Energy Secretary Moniz tells us, because we dont have enough loading docks.

We have 200,000 water mains break in the U.S. every year. The average water pipe in Washington DC is 79 years old, meaning half are past their useful life. Cities as diverse as Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Cleveland have suffered lead poisoning from water just like Flint.

Enough natural gas leaks from our pipeline system every year to power 7 million homes. Every year we have a major natural gas explosion or leak that kills people or drives them from their homes.

Most of Americas railway bridges cannot handle double stacked loads. But all our planning for handling the 45 percent increase we expect in goods movement requires such double stacking.

There are new challenges as well. Every year, there are now 150 cyber attacks on the U.S. energy system. The system is simply not hardened against such threats, much less against a massive electro-magnetic pulse that a single high altitude nuclear explosion might unleash.

And some economic realities, that should, but wont, sober up Trump:

The old way of doing things is getting steadily more expensive. A single new substation in New York City can cost a billion dollars, even thought it is needed only half the time.

Cities like Baltimore, after decades of not investing in their water systems, are now raising rates at 10 percent a yeartheir citizens will soon not be able to pay for water.

Even at our present replacement rate,  of 1 percent a year, it will cost us $650 billion every ten years to maintain our water and sewer systems. At the end of that time, the average water main will be 200 years old.

The wholesale price of electricity has fallen by 30 percent over the last eight years. But the cost of the wires and poles that distribute electricity has increased so fast that the retail price of electricity is up 20 percent.

Adding new highway improvements in Washington State at a cost of $2.5 billion are considered a success if they cut 90 seconds off the average commute time.

But we have some stunning opportunities if we start thinking systemically, rather than clinging to mid-twentieth century approaches and mind-sets. Efficiency, substituting data for raw materials, and renewables for fossils, are the keys.

If we replaced outmoded, leaky water mains, we would immediately recapture 1.7 trillion gallons of water, 25 percent of the treated water we feed into them, water which after collection and treatment at great expense now leaks into the ground.

That same $1 billion NY substation became completely unnecessary when ConEdison invested $200 million in modern load smoothing strategies like energy efficiency and demand management.

Utilities are currently rewarded for wastefully investing more capital in power plants, wires and poles. Yet we have huge surplus capacity in our system alreadyNew York State uses its power plants only 54 percent of the time. Using new technology to shift demand by only a few hours using energy storage could postpone the need for new capital investment.

The cost of renewable power continues to plummet. Over the last eight years prices fell from 41 percent (wind) to 90 percent (LED bulbs). Unsubsidized solar power in the best locations now cost a trivial 2.4 cents a kwh.

New prototype Class 8 trucks can save 88 percent of the fuel used by todays models, meaning we wont need as many pipelines to deliver diesel.

And these solutions, thoughtfully designed, can have a phenomenally positive impact on our economy, inequality and our sense of national dignity and unity.

Accelerating the repairs on our natural gas pipeline system to eliminate leaks and explosions would generate 300,000 jobs.

Restoring high quality public water systems may cost more than we are used to payingbut it would cost perhaps 1/1000 of our current work-around, bottled water. And we would all be equally well served.

In California, which has put in place climate policies that generate revenues and discourage pollution, the clean energy sector is now the states largest single employer, with 500,000 jobs. The sector is growing six times as fast as the states overall economy, which in turn is growing faster than the U.S. economy.

Finally, replacing wasteful consumption of fossil fuels, leaky gas and water mains, and outmoded electrical infrastructure with knowledge driven, higher performance, low carbon infrastructure and technology is, quite simply, the single most powerful economic development strategy available to us. To cite one example, (probably the biggest, but only one), there was tremendous excitement last month at the news that the economic recovery was finally reaching the average American. Median family incomes increased by 5.2 percent. But it turns out that if energy prices in 2015 had tracked the rest of the consumer price index, instead of falling 17 percent, the household benefit would have been only 3.4 percent. And if the U.S. had not invested in more efficient cars and trucks beginning in 2007, if renewables and efficiency werent displacing natural gas and coal, then that fall in energy prices would not have occurredand household income would have grown far less rapidly.

Investing in innovative and less wasteful, less carbon and resource intensive infrastructure, does have an upfront cost: but it pays off in so many ways that voters ought to be doubling down on Donald Trumps bid. America ought to set a goalimproving our infrastructure from D- to B+ sayand make sure that politicians of both parties get it done.

Watch John Oliver as he discusses Americas crumbling infrastructure: Its not a sexy problem, but it is a scary one:
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina today issued a preliminary injunction that orders the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to stop capturing and killingand authorizing private landowners to capture and killmembers of the rapidly dwindling population of wild red wolves.

On behalf of Defenders of Wildlife, the Animal Welfare Institute and the Red Wolf Coalition, the Southern Environmental Law Center argued in a court hearing on Sept. 14 that a preliminary injunction was needed to stop the agency from harming these native wolves in the wild. Earlier that week, the agency announced its proposal to remove most members of the worlds only wild population of red wolves that roam a five county area in northeastern North Carolina and put them into captivity, abandoning all protective efforts except in one refuge where one pack lives and in a bombing range.

This is a great day for red wolves and for anyone who loves nature in eastern North Carolina, said Sierra Weaver, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center. The court was clear that its the Fish and Wildlife Services job to conserve this endangered species, not drive it to extinction. The agency cannot simply abandon that responsibility.

The groups brought the federal agency to court for its failure to protect the worlds only wild population of red wolvespreviously estimated to be more than 100 animals. Court filings detail a population decline of 50 percent over the course of two years, as well as the agencys ongoing actions and inactions that imperiled the survival and recovery of the species in the wild. Previously, USFWS stopped key conservation actions and began authorizing private landowners to kill red wolves on their land. It also has been capturing wolves throughout the five-county red wolf recovery area in North Carolina, and holding them for weeks or months before releasing them into unfamiliar territory, separated from their mates and pack.

With Only 45 Red Wolves Left in the Wild, Confinement Plan Won't Save Species https://t.co/V0azUwluGR @environmentca @wwf_uk  EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) September 13, 2016

This wolf is running out of time. We have a short window to put red wolves back on a path to recovery or we will lose the last wild population in America, said Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needs to get its red wolf program back on track and start taking actions that will help, not hinder, recovery.

A strong majority of North Carolinians support the effort to recover the native red wolf, according to a new poll conducted by Tulchin Research. The new poll revealed that 73 percent of North Carolinians said they support red wolf recovery. The survey also found that over 80 percent of registered voters throughout North Carolina believe the USFWS should make every effort to help the endangered red wolf population recover and prevent its extinction.

We are pleased the court recognized that allowing the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to issue lethal and non-lethal permits for the removal of red wolves from the wild, was a pathway to extinction, not recovery, said Kim Wheeler, executive director, Red Wolf Coalition.

As one example of USFWSs failure to protect red wolves, the groups cite its 2015 authorization of a private landowner to kill a breeding female that was exhibiting denning behavior, after minimal efforts by the agency to save the animal. The private landowner shot and killed the red wolf in June 2015, even though the wolf had not caused any problems. Under the Endangered Species Act, it is unlawful for anyone to take (i.e., harass, harm or kill) a red wolf, except in limited circumstances. Federal regulations authorize USFWS to issue permits to take red wolves on private property after a property owner requests that wolves be removed from their property and the agency abandons efforts to capture them. For 20 years, the USFWS only allowed the taking of problem wolves, those that threatened human safety or property, yet it recently expanded its activities to captureand in some cases allow private landowners to killany wolves that enter private land.

The USFWS announced in June 2015 that it would suspend the reintroduction of red wolves into eastern North Carolina. The agency also stopped its adaptive management for the population which has been critical to reducing hybridization with coyotes.

Both lethal and non-lethal takes are destroying the wild red wolf population, said Tara Zuardo, wildlife attorney with the Animal Welfare Institute. It is reassuring that the court recognized the importance of fostering the recovery of this endangered species.

Red wolves bred in captivity were reintroduced on a North Carolina peninsula within their native range in the late 1980s after the species was declared extinct in the wild. Once common throughout the Southeast, intensive predator control programs and loss of habitat decimated wild red wolf populations.
Two North Atlantic right whales were found dead off the Maine coast on Tuesday, while a third was rescued from entrapment by fishing gear off Cape Cod.

Ropes and bouys entangle a young, endangered right whale bear the U.S./Canada border in the Gulf of Maine. Campobello Whale Rescue

A study by the New England Aquarium in Boston, released earlier this month, revealed that the critically-endangered whales are threatened by a dramatic increase in lethal entanglements with fishing gear. Only 500 remain in the ocean.

The North Atlantic right whale is one of three right whale species in the worlds oceans, the other two being the Pacific right whale and Southern right whale. They are distinct species and do not interbreed. Like blue whales and humpbacks, right whales are baleen whales that get their food by filtering large quantities of water through plates of baleen, which act like a strainer. They can consume more than 2,600 pounds of tiny zooplankton and krill per day.

Right whales have led a hard life for the last 1,000 years. Thats when the earliest hunting of whales began, and they owe their name to the notion that they were the right whale to hunt. They tend to stay close to the coast and they are slow swimmers. When killed, they float on the surface. As early as the 1700s, the population of right whales became so decimated that they were no longer commercially significant.

The North Atlantic right whale flirted with extinction by the early 20th century, and whaling for this species became illegal in 1935. But almost 60 years later, there were just 295 whales and the population was well below a sustainable level. In the U.S., they were first listed as an endangered species in 1970, but recovery has been slow and uneven. The most recent data from NOAA Fisheries estimates the population at 465 individuals.

As far back as 1990, ship strikes and entanglement with fishing nets were responsible for one-third of right whale deaths. Now, fishing gear is the dominant cause of death for North Atlantic right whales. The New England Aquarium study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, reveals that from 2010 to 2015, 85 percent of right whale fatalities were due to entanglements. Ship strikes have declined as a percentage of death since shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy were moved in 2003 and the U.S. lowered ship speed limits in right whale habitats in 2008.

However, efforts to reduce kills from fishing gear have not been successful. Many whales become entangled multiple times, often able to free themselves only to get caught up once more. Young whales become trapped more often than adults. The studys authors echoed a 2016 paper from NOAA Fisheries that efforts made since 1997 to reduce right whale entanglement have not worked.

North Atlantic right whale. WDC/REGINA ASMUTIS-SILVIA / Whale and Dolphin Conservation

Off Provincetown, Massachusetts, last Thursday, rescuers removed 200 feet of fishing gear and buoys, freeing that one lucky right whale. Attached to one of the buoys was a U.S. fishing license. An investigation is under way.

One of the unlucky dead whales found floating near Boothbay Harbor was an 11-year old female, who was only at the very beginning of her reproductive years. She was well known to scientists, having been tracked and spotted 26 times since 2006. In her short life, her travels had taken her to the Florida waters, Cape Cod Bay, the mid-Atlantic and the Gulf of Maine. She died a long, painful death, with rope wrapped around her head, both flippers and in her mouth.

Seasonal migration of North Atlantic right whales. Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Graphics

It is now about the time that most North Atlantic right whales head south for the winter. Following a spring and summer off Northern New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces, theyll head for the warmer waters near Georgia and Florida. There, females may give birth, but do so only once every three to five years.

On Sept. 15, President Obama created the first marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean. The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument lies to the southeast of Cape Cod, covering some right whale habitat, but at only 4,913 square miles, it protects only a small triangle of a vast ocean.

The authors of the New England Aquarium study put it plainly: In conclusion, right whales are not yet a conservation success story.
(Photo: Ecumenical News / Peter Kenny)The Reformation Monument in Geneva on May 31, 2013.

Germany's main Protestant and Roman Catholic churches have published a "Common Word" for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.

In it they call for a "healing of memories" of past divisions and for the event to be commemorated in ecumenical fellowship, the World Council of Churches reports.

The leaders of the two churches - Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and Cardinal Reinhard Marx of the Roman Catholic Church issued a joint introduction to the text.

"Together we want to use the 500th anniversary of the Reformation as an opportunity to reflect on the concerns of the Reformers and to listen anew to their call to repentance and spiritual renewal," they say.

The anniversary marks the action of Martin Luther in publishing his 95 Theses on 31 October 1517 in Wittenberg to denounce church abuses.

This set in motion events that led to the Reformation and the separation of western Christianity into Roman Catholic and Protestant churches.

DIVISION OF WESTERN CHRISTIANITY

Luther's actions set in motion events that led to the Reformation and the division of Western Christianity into Roman Catholic and Protestant churches.

The events following the Reformation pitted Catholics and Protestants against one another for many years.

In recent years, however, Roman Catholics and Lutherans have reached agreement on the doctrine of justification, a key dividing issue between the papacy and Luther and his followers, and many doctrinal differences should no longer have a church-dividing character, Bedford-Strohm has said.

"A look at history reveals the suffering and wounds that Christians have inflicted on each other. This shocks and shames us," the two church leaders state in their joint treatise.

"We see it as an exceptional moment of our fellowship, after centuries of mutual separation, to mark a Reformation anniversary with such readiness to engage in forgiveness and a new beginning," they continue.

Bedford-Strohm is chair of the EKD council and bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria, which has its headquarters in Munich. Marx is chair of the German (Roman Catholic) Bishops' Conference (DBK) and archbishop of Munich and Freising.

They introduced the 90-page document, "Healing Memories - Witnessing to Jesus Christ," at a Sept. 16 press conference in Munich.

"In 2017, for the first time in the history of the separated churches, we will also celebrate the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in ecumenical fellowship," the two leaders said in separate statements presented at the press conference.

The EKD and the DBK are to hold a central service of penitence and reconciliation on 11 March 2017 in Hildesheim.

"In it we will confess our guilt before God on behalf of our churches, asking God and each other for forgiveness and committing ourselves before God to continue to deepen our togetherness," say Bedford-Strohm and Marx. "The service in Hildesheim is a further milestone in the process of the healing of memories."

The two churches are encouraging similar services at regional and local levels.

From Oct. 16 to 22, as preparation for the service in Hildesheim, Protestant and Catholic leaders from Germany are to undertake a common pilgrimage to the Holy Land to recall the roots of their common faith.

Later in Sweden Pope Francis and Bishop Munib Younan, president of the Lutheran World Federation, will celebrate an ecumenical service on Oct. 31 at Lund, where the Federation was founded in 1947.

They will pray for forgiveness and the healing of the wounds the confessions inflicted on each other over the centuries.
Federal Education Minister, Simon Birmingham , said the current school funding arrangements are not what were envisaged by the original Gonski review, claiming that current inequities are the result of changes made by Labor.Schools and states are receiving Federal funding that exactly matches what Labor promised ahead of the 2013 election, Birmingham said in a statement yesterday.The inequities between different State Government school systems and between different non-government schools are inequities that Bill Shorten built into the 27 different funding models he signed up.Birmingham added it was an outright lie to suggest that current Federal funding for any State or Territory or non-government school was worth anything less than what Labor originally proposed.That's why we had to reinstate in the 2014 budget the $1.2bn Mr Shorten sneakily cut from budgeted schools funding ahead of the 2013 election, he said.Labors claims about the deals done by the previous education minister are a smokescreen for their inability to explain why they corrupted David Gonski s report and created 27 different funding deals that treat both schools with identical circumstances in different ways.Earlier this week, Birmingham courted controversy when he suggested that some overfunded private schools may receive less money after a new school funding agreement takes shape at the beginning of 2017.This prompted the Labor Leader, Bill Shorten, to call on the Federal Government to provide parents with a list of schools that deserve funding cuts.What the Turnbull government is doing is reopening a damaging debate of government school versus non-government schools, Shorten said.The Turnbull government needs to release what lists of schools it thinks deserve to have their funding cut ... [or] at the very least needs to reassure non-government schools they are not about to get hit in the back of the head with a funding cut.We all know the real reason why were having a debate about the Turnbull government going after non-government schools, it is they dont want to spend more money on education, they just want to reduce the expenditure, and what theyre doing is now going after non-government schools.Meanwhile, the Australian Greens have argued that ever-increasing hand-outs to private schools are placing an unnecessary burden on the countrys public schools.In a statement yesterday, the party called on the Federal Government to reduce the amount of funding going to Australias wealthiest private schools.The wealthiest private schools in Australia have been lining up for ever-increasing handouts over recent years, but now that has to stop, the Greens education spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, said.This year alone, the Turnbull Government will give private school students more than triple the funding of their public school counterparts.She added that the nations finite resources should go to the schools that need it most.That means some private schools will need to take a haircut. The level of education you receive shouldnt be dependent on your postcode or your parents income, she said.Only a true needs-based funding model will give Australian children the future that they deserve.
LINCOLN--When all juniors in Nebraska high schools take the ACT exam this fall, it will mark a change in state testing requirements that many see as a positive for students in Nebraska.

Under Legislative Bill 390, signed into law in March, the state's 11th graders will take the ACT instead of the previously required Nebraska State Accountability test.

According to the Nebraska Department of Education, the ACT will be a more accurate measure of student achievement, while giving every student an opportunity to improve their college readiness.

"The selection of ACT represents our continued effort to provide equal opportunities across the state," said Nebraska director of education Matthew Blomstedt in a press release in early September.

One of the main benefits for high school students is that they will no longer have to pay a registration fee for the ACT, allowing students of all income levels access to the test. The test will cost the state $47 per student, which is almost the same cost as administering the NeSA test, according to the Nebraska Department of Education. The total cost will be just over $1 million.

According to ACT, Inc., the nonprofit organization that created and administers the exam, 86 percent of high school graduates in Nebraska took the ACT in 2014, while the national average is only about 57 percent. Part of the reason for the lower national average is the prevalence of the SAT exam, which is more common on the west and east coasts.

Seventy-six percent of those who took the ACT in Nebraska went on to enroll in some sort of post-secondary institution.

One of ACT, Inc.'s primary goals is to increase college readiness and help more students enroll in college.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 69.2 percent of 2015 high school graduates in the United States enrolled in some sort of post-secondary education. But that does not paint the full picture. Though nearly seven out of 10 high school graduates begin attending colleges and universities, the retention rate is fairly low, with as many as a one third of college freshmen not returning for their sophomore years.

ACT, Inc., is also concerned that even though more students are being tested, fewer students overall are meeting certain benchmarks set by the organization. It leads to students being less college ready. So even if they do enroll in a college or university, they will be overwhelmed by the challenges and will not succeed.

Community college students are particularly vulnerable, according to ACT, Inc., which said only 28 percent of students in two-year institutions and community colleges obtained a degree within eight years of enrolling.

"Until states require higher academic standards in the K-12 system, we will continue to see more students falling behind academically in earlier grades," a report by ACT, Inc., said.

ACT, Inc. and the Department of Education will be able to better examine students in Nebraska because 100 percent of students will take the test, assuming no students opt out.

Michelle Croft, a research associate for ACT, Inc., said in a report that when more students take standardized tests, whether it be the ACT or any state-level test, it will help schools better understand their students.

"Student assessment data allows for rigorous examination of programs and policies to ensure that resources are allocated towards what works," Croft said.

According to the Department of Education, the statewide ACT will also allow Nebraska to compare itself to other states in the region that have similar policies, such as Colorado and Missouri.

Though the ACT will help high school students and administrators evaluate college readiness for 11th graders, the state will continue to use the NeSA test for third and eighth graders across the state, as required by federal law.

Contact Nick Gebhart at nns.ngebhart@gmail.com.S
BOSSIER CITY, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command hosted a job fair at the Bossier City Civic Center in Bossier, City, Louisiana, Sept. 27, 2016. The event focused on hiring personnel for the Nuclear Command, Control and Communication mission, otherwise known as NC3. The president uses this system to communicate directly with the nations nuclear forces.



This event gives us the ability to give tentative job offers on the spot with prospective hires, Dr. Mischell Navarro said. This is the first time in our history where we have direct hire authority to carry out this type of event. Were looking for candidates who have an interest in cybersecurity, but were also looking for those who specialize in program management, information security and budget analysis, to name a few.



Navarro is the executive director for the commands Manpower and Personnel Directorate, which is working with the Air Force Personnel Center to meet the requirement for new personnel. The commands communications directorate, otherwise known as A6, will be the lead in carrying out the NC3 mission once those personnel are in place.



Our senior leaders in the Defense Department asked the Air Force, specifically AFGSC, with the help of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, to take on a leadership role for the NC3 mission, Russell F. Mathers, executive director of communications, said. The Air Force owns over 75 percent of the NC3 systems and supports two of the three legs of the triad (all three major components of the nuclear enterprise). Were excited to improve the capabilities we offer the president, and our nation. Were dedicated to ensuring the safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent mission.



Standing up of the NC3 Mission also leads to the transfer of the E-4B Airborne Command Post, and the creation of the Headquarters United States Air Force NC3 Center at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.



The AFGSC commander has requested approximately 104 civilians to be in place no later than Dec. 31, 2016, Nathaniel Tennyson, human resource specialist, said. The purpose of the event is to expedite hiring of a large percentage of the civilians for this mission to facilitate that in-place-date.



Many of the personnel will work in the new HQ USAF NC3 Center with others working throughout various parts of the command.



The Air Force Personnel Center managed the event and filtered candidates through the process of submitting resumes and also arranged on-the-spot interviews. They also employed a mobile Recruitment Opportunity Activity System, a digital interface where applicants could register and apply before stepping into an interview just a few feet away.



We have 226 military and civilian positions coming to stand up the center. One hundred sixty five of the 226 positions are civilian positions, Mathers said. This week at the hiring event we have been authorized by AFPC to fill 65 of the positions with special accelerated hiring authority granted to fill critical cyberspace related positions in the Defense Departments.



The Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force directed the creation of the NC3 mission, which expands AFGSCs role in the nuclear enterprise. This came about through the establishment of Program Action Directive 16-01. According to the document, Air Force and commander leadership expect the center to reach Initial Operational Capability in fiscal year 2019 and Full Operational Capability in fiscal year 2020-21.



Those who were not able to attend the event who are interested in applying for NC3 hiring positions, can apply through USAJobs, the primary hiring website for federal employment. Those jobs opened Sept. 26, 2016, and will remain open for up to 14 calendar days.




SCHUYLER  Four Schuyler residents were arrested Wednesday afternoon during a drug raid at a local house.

According to the Colfax County Attorney's Office, 28-year-old Eric Callahan, 25-year-old Christina Schutt, 32-year-old Joshua Ertzner and 42-year-old Virginia Syring were taken into custody at a residence in the 500 block of West 12th Street in Schuyler.

Law enforcement officers with the SNARE Drug Task Force, Nebraska State Patrol, Schuyler Police Department, Colfax County Sheriff's Office and Columbus Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence shortly before 4:30 p.m.

When officers knocked on the south door, Callahan and others inside the house attempted to flee out the north door, where more law enforcement personnel were waiting.

A black bag Callahan threw while attempting to flee contained more than 30 grams of methamphetamine, according to the county attorney's office. He was arrested on two counts of distribution of meth and one count of possession of meth with intent to deliver.

Law enforcement also found meth on Ertzner, who was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Schutt, who lives at the residence with Callahan, was arrested for possession of meth with intent to deliver and Syring was also arrested on a meth possession charge.

All four of the individuals are being held without bond at the Platte County Detention Facility while awaiting a Tuesday court hearing.

Callahan was found guilty Sept. 15 of aiding and abetting possession of meth with intent to deliver and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver following a jury trial in Colfax County District Court. Sentencing is set for Nov. 23 on those charges, which stem from a November 2015 incident when Callahan and Schutt left a bag containing meth and marijuana inside a local hotel.

The felony charges could result in up to 70 years imprisonment with a minimum of three years behind bars.

Schutt is scheduled for an Oct. 20 jury trial on the same charges.

Callahan was previously convicted of aiding and abetting possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and burglary in Colfax County District Court and sentenced in June 2011 to 20-48 months in prison. He was released on parole in November 2012.

Ertzner has previously been convicted of burglary, forgery and theft in Platte and Colfax counties. He was released from prison in July.
Detention Center

The inmate count at the Platte County Detention Facility Wednesday was 78, with 48 from Platte County and 30 from out of county.

Police

Sept. 11

6:10 a.m.  At the intersection of East Sixth Avenue and East 23rd Street, Jose Cano-Cebreros, 21, 3805 27th St., No. 71, was cited for a traffic signal violation.

5:21 p.m.  In the 400 block of 23rd Street, Eric Osantowski, 36, 2221 19th St., was cited for failure to maintain control.

Sept. 16

9:43 p.m.  At 510 E. 23rd St., Brittney Valdez-Wages, 22, 1356 16th Ave., was cited for procuring alcohol for minors.

Sept. 17

9:31 p.m.  At 2903 23rd St., Theodore Dreifurst, 50, 2755 First Ave., was cited for driving under the influence, refusal of a preliminary breath test and obstructing a police officer.

Sept. 20

7:43 a.m.  At the intersection of East Third Avenue and East 23rd Street, Kenneth Humlicek, 45, 3264 51st Ave., was cited for no valid registration.

Sept. 23

10:50 a.m.  At the intersection of Eighth Street and 33rd Avenue, Daniel Merrick 26, Fairmont, was cited for a truck route violation.

10:05 p.m.  At 818 E. 23rd St., Jeffrey Halvorsen, 26, no address, was cited for second-degree criminal trespass.

10:56 p.m.  At 2313 20th St., Mark Witte, 44, 3622 20th St., was cited for third-degree assault.

Sept. 24

5:28 a.m.  At mile marker 1.5 on Lost Creek Parkway, Irma Montenegro, 45, Madison, was cited for speeding, 65 mph in a 50 mph zone.

6:52 a.m.  At the intersection of 18th Avenue and 23rd Street, Jennifer Guillen, 21, 1118 16th St., was cited for no valid registration and no proof of insurance.

2:58 p.m.  At the intersection of 14th Street and 33rd Avenue, Viridiana Baro, 32, 65 Cottonwood Drive, was cited for a traffic signal violation.

Sept. 26

7:56 a.m.  In the 1500 block of First Street, a vehicle driven by Jesse Wells, 29, 14362 V Road, struck a parked vehicle owned by Luis Gonzalez, 1527 First St.

8:40 a.m.  In a parking lot at 329 E. 22nd St., traffic accident. Drivers were Claudia Ramos-Sancho, 22, 2170 25th Ave., and Scott Taylor, 54, Clarkfield, Minnesota.

1:05 p.m.  In the 1200 block of 27th Avenue, a vehicle driven by Raphael Kucera, 73, Rising City, struck a parked vehicle owned by Erika Morales, 4005 E. 25th St.

11:57 p.m.  At the intersection of 26th Avenue and 14th Street, traffic accident. Drivers were Claudia Fuentes, 22, 952 30th Ave., No. 9, and Thomas Gerhold, 34, 110 N. Parkway.

Sheriff

Sept. 27

12:02 a.m.  Traffic violation at the intersection of U.S. Highway 81 and 430th Street, Destiny Lee Bloxton-Shumaker of Henderson cited for speeding.

4:34 a.m.  Traffic violation at the intersection of Highway 81 and Highway 22, Junior Soto of Columbus jailed for no operators license.

7:38 p.m.  Wanted person at 2282 E. 32nd Ave., Jerry Morales jailed on a Platte County warrant.

Fire

Sept. 26

9 a.m.  In the 160 block of South Road, medical.

Sept. 27

8:10 a.m. - In the 17100 block of 265th Avenue, medical.

11:46 a.m. - In the 2300 block of 23rd Street, no patient transport.

3:04 p.m. - In the 2200 block of Third Avenue, medical.

3:38 p.m. - In the 3900 block of 51st Avenue, medical.
Helpline launched as tax return deadline approaches

The Treasury is offering extra help to those still needing to submit their tax returns.

Manx residents have one week left to file their information for the 2015-16 tax year.

With the Government's online facility proving more popular this year, a telephone helpline will be available from Sunday.

Those looking to complete their returns online will be able to seek help out of hours by calling 685400.

Around 30% of returns submitted so far have been completed online.

Anyone who doesn't file the necessary documents by next Thursday faces a 100 penalty.
Clean Energy Asia LLC together with its shareholders, Newcom LLC and SB Energy Corp., signed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (hereafter JICA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (hereafter EBRD) financing agreements to construct a 50MW wind farm in southern Mongolia.



Clean Energy Asia LLC, (hereafter Clean Energy Asia), is 51% owned by Newcom LLC, a Mongolian conglomerate with activities in telecommunications, property and energy. The remaining 49% is owned by a subsidiary of SB Energy Corp. (hereafter SB Energy), a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp. (the telecommunications and technology conglomerate).



Mongolia faces great challenges in meeting its growing demand for electricity, almost all of which is currently met by ageing and polluting coal-fired plants. The wind farm will help supply Mongolia's power demand with clean, eco-efficient electricity by harnessing Mongolia's vast and inexhaustible wind resources. The project will help contribute to sustainable economic development and the mitigation of climate change. Clean Energy Asia will aim to launch operations in December 2017.



Mongolia has a power-supply capacity of 1130MW, consisting of 88% coal, 6% diesel, 6% renewable energy, and 2% hydropower sources (Department of Energy, Mongolia, 2015). While being the worlds eighth country most susceptible to climate change (Climate Risk Index), electricity supply-demand balance along with its economic growth is an urgent issue for Mongolia; accordingly, Mongolia is a country that particularly requires safe and secure power sources such as renewable energy. The State Great Khural approved a national power policy in 2015 that sets Mongolias mid-to-long term target and plan for 2015-2030 in the energy sector. The policy aims to increase the power generation share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020 and to 30% by 2030, and it stipulates the promotion of investment in the energy industry in cooperation with international financial institutions and donor countries, utilizing the abundant wind and solar resources in the Gobi region. Mongolia is the first country to sign a memorandum with Japan on the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.



In these circumstances, this Tsogttsetsii wind farm project will help contribute to the increased adoption of renewable energy in Mongolia. This wind farm project is the first dollar-denominated project finance debt transaction by JICA through its Private Sector Investment Finance scheme in the renewable energy field, and the second renewable energy project in Mongolia for Newcom and EBRD following the 50 MW Salkhit Wind Farm, the first wind farm and first private power generator in Mongolia, which began its operations in 2013. The 50MW Tsetsii Wind Farm project marks the first power generation business in Mongolia for SB Energy and the SoftBank Group.



Masayoshi Son, SB Energy Chairman & CEO commented as follows:

This project marks the first step to develop renewable energy in Mongolia for the SoftBank Group. Power generated from the wind farm will supply electricity in Mongolia by connecting to its domestic grid, and I believe the project will help contribute to the stable supply of power for the nation. With this project, the SoftBank Group will have bases in Japan, India and Mongolia for its renewable energy business. We will work to further expand our global business to increase the adoption of renewable energy and reduce CO2 emissions.



Boldbaatar Tserenpuntsag, Chairman of Newcom Group commented as follows:

Having first established the Salkhit Wind Farm Project, to date the first and only wind farm and private power generator in Mongolia, Newcom is proud to continue its investments into Mongolias renewable energy sector. The Tsetsii Wind Farm project is a further demonstration of Newcoms commitment to the development of Mongolia through strengthening infrastructure and leading the liberalization of the power sector through sustainable and long-term investments.

Newcom is proud to introduce our partnership with the SoftBank Group through this pilot Tsetsii Wind Farm project. Founded and led by the internationally renowned entrepreneur and business leader Masayoshi Son, the leading global technology player, is now actively engaged in building a more sustainable and peaceful world through the development of renewable energy. Newcom is pleased to play its part in this initiative.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our international lending partners, JICA and EBRD, for their contribution and support to the project. The Tsetsii Wind Farm project is JICAs first private project financed transaction in the renewable energy sector and will be EBRDs second wind power project in Mongolia in partnership with Newcom, a clear testament to our shared goal and commitment to develop Mongolias power sector.



SB Energy, Newcom, JICA, and EBRD will work to contribute to Mongolias renewable energy business development and power infrastructure system enhancement.
OMAHA  A new national cemetery for veterans in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa opened with a service for four men who served in the military.

The ashes of the four veterans were buried with full military honors at the new Omaha National Cemetery. One deceased military member was chosen from each service branch.

Those veterans included Marine Cpl. John "Frank" Ernst of Omaha, Army Spc. Michael Brabec of Fremont, Air Force Sgt. James Edgell of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Russell Rosberg of Omaha.

Cemetery director Cindy Van Bibber said at the ceremony that the headstones will represent the veterans' sacrifices.

"We celebrate the fact that the Omaha National Cemetery is here and it's operating," said Bibber. "Long after we're gone, these headstones will still be here, representing the sacrifices these people made."

In the early 2000s, Bellevue businessmen Steve Johnson and John Richard Thompson started a group called Memorial Ridge of the Midlands to lobby federal, state and local officials for a cemetery in Sarpy County. The effort took longer than expected and also required legislation in Congress.

According to Bibber, the cemetery is expected to accommodate the burials of Nebraska and Iowa veterans and their spouses.

She said there is still work to be done, which will include a permanent headquarters, maintenance and honor-guard buildings, a visitor's center and the first 5,500 sites for casketed and cremated remains.

Families have sent requests for more than 220 deceased veterans to be buried in the cemetery, according to Bibber. More burials are scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Up to five funerals can be held each day.
Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier

Those who habitually put items in their recycling bins that don't belong there are the target of the ordinance amendment, not those who make an occasional, accidental mistake, said Public Works Director Jeff Demers.
Yesterday, we learned that Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts have broken up. Split up. Consciously uncoupled. Long story short, they were together for 11 years and are now no longer together and it seems like the most amicable thing ever, which is borderline unsettling.

Not to sound like Carrie Bradshaw at all, but it really did get me thinking: They were together for more than a decade yet marriage never came up. It's refreshing, considering that Hollywood has a trend of sending people down aisles after they've known each other for, like, two months.

It's not that marriage is inherently bad and long-term partnerships are good. The only things that separate the two are a ring, a certificate, and checking off different boxes on your tax forms. Really, if people realized how close marriage was to just sticking together and wearing rings, the wedding industry would go kaput.

The thing is, I was always taught that marriage was an end-goal. There were three big goals a woman had to meet in life in my family: financial success, a decent social life, and a marriage (with kids, duh). Up until now, I was heavy-duty focused on the first two. I'm working toward financial success via a good career that makes me happy, and I have a group of friends that I practically consider family. Marriage? Nah. Much to the dismay of my grandparents, I don't even have a boyfriend.

I don't think marriage is for me. Sure, I love weddings and I do hope to one day meet someone that I can't imagine my life without, but I don't necessarily need to be married to the guy. If he makes me happy, then does it matter if he gave me a ring or that we had a crazy wedding? Nah, I just want to be with him and live our lives together. There will be plenty of other occasions to gift me jewelry and throw an awesome party.

A ring doesn't signify happiness, nor will a wedding make me love the man I'm with any more than I already do. Besides, once upon a time 50% of marriages end in divorce thought the rate is decreasing. Basically, by slipping into a white dress and walking down the aisle, you're more likely to set yourself up for failure than you are a lifetime of happiness.

On the flip side, I consider myself a bit of a traditionalist. I want to have a first dance. I want my future hubby to break the glass. I want to say those vows. But that makes me want a wedding, not a marriage, and the two are very different.

Maybe my mind will change in several years. Maybe I'm just tired of this year being the year that love died (looking at you, Brangelina). But maybe I just want to find happiness, and whether there's a ring involved or not is totally extra.
Many believed that after the battery issues for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, Samsung is making the Samsung Galaxy S8 one of the best phones the company has produced. Many fans are still waiting for an update, but numerous leaks and rumors about the new smartphone have been spreading online.

According to Mirror UK, the new Galaxy S8 will run with new processor chips inside. It says that there is a possibility that the new phone will use an Exynos 8895 processor coupled with a Mali-G71 GPU. This will make the phone almost twice as powerful as the Galaxy S7. It will also have 6GB of RAM and will be available in 64GB or 128GB memory.

Other site also suggests that the new smartphone will have a 5.2-inch 4K-capable display since Samsung is pushing into virtual reality. Having a powerful screen resolution can enhance the experience most especially when it is used with headsets like Samsung Galaxy Gear and Google Cardboard.

For other features, BGR reported that there are suggestions that state that Galaxy S8 will have a 30-megapixel back camera and a 9-megapixel front-facing camera. It will also feature improved security features like a fingerprint scanner and an iris scanner. In addition to that, the phone will also feature Corning Gorilla Glass 5.0 glass, wireless and rapid charging, and a built-in mini projector.

This may be too good to be true for a smartphone, but it was also said that it will have a 4,200 mAh battery. The increasing battery size has been a problem with the Galaxy Note 7. If these specs are placed inside the phone, many people think that possible battery problems may emerge.

As of writing, Samsung has yet to release the official release date for the Samsung Galaxy S8. But many believe that it will be available on the market by April 2017.
The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is entering its 10th year of operation on a high note with a milestone 200 buildings rated with Green Star SA certifications.

It announced this landmark achievement during World Green Building Week 2016 (#WGBW16), which is currently underway (26 September to 2 October) under the theme Change Your Perspective.

The GBCSA is joining all other green building councils across the globe, and once again driving this important global initiative locally, to shine a spotlight on building a better world. This week, it is raising awareness of how green buildings are the most effective means of achieving a range of environmental, social and economic goals.

Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA, comments: Green building is part of the solution to global warming and the real hero in the fight against climate change. The increase in pace in green building in SA has been phenomenal. Support and innovation from across the industry has accelerated our green building movement and more green buildings have meaningful and significant positive impacts on our environment. We would like to congratulate SAs property sector on this landmark achievement and encourage them to continue to create more sustainable, green buildings.

The GBCSA is one of over 74 members worldwide of the World Green Building Council. It exists to inspire the property industry to design, build, operate and tenant better, greener buildings. It is the official certification body for Green Star SA and EDGE (residential projects)  both rigorous, standardised rating systems that rank how green projects are with tangible results to back up these claims.

GBCSA operates in the commercial, residential and public sectors, striving to preserve the planet for future generations and operating through advocacy, membership, certification and training.

As the GBCSA embarks on its 10th year of operation it continues to make huge strides in building better cities, together with its members and leaders in the South African market.

Illustrating this is the exponential growth of Green Star SA buildings in South Africa. Established in 2007, the GBCSA proudly awarded the countrys first green certification in 2009. By April 2014 this had grown to 50 Green Star SA ratings and, only a year later, it doubled. Today, a mere 18 months along, this number has doubled again, reaching the milestone total of 200.

The impact of buildings on the environment is astounding, with the built environment currently accounting for 20% of the worlds water usage and 40% of its electricity. But it doesnt have to be this way, as the savings achieved by the countrys 200 Green Star SA certified buildings prove.

The 200 Green Star certified projects  which span 2.8 million square metres or 400 rugby fields  achieve the combined annual savings of 280 million kilowatt hours of electricity. This is the equivalent of powering 19,500 households for a year and takes massive pressure off South Africas strained power grid.

They also save a total of 336 million kilograms of carbon emissions per year, which equates to taking 84,000 cars off the roads.

Importantly in water-scarce South Africa, these certified green buildings save 260 million litres of drinking water annually, which equates to the water requirements of nearly 100 million people per day for one year.

Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA, comments: SAs cities are changing, we are building better. The exponential growth of Green Star SA certifications, now numbering over 200 projects, is proof of this. They underscore the tremendous sustainability leadership and commitment of our property sector.

Whats more, the World Green Building Trends 2016: Developing Markets Accelerate Global Green Growth - SmartMarket Report predicts the rapid pace of green building growth in SA is set to continue, and the country could become a leader in the green building sector in the next three years.

Wilkinson attributes the growth in green building in SA to the many benefits that building green provides. Not only do green buildings save resources, they also save money and have meaningful positive impacts to the business, organisations and individuals that own and occupy green buildings.

The financial benefits of owning and operating green buildings are compelling. For instance, the recently released IPD South Africa Annual Green Property Indicator, compiled with the GBCSA and sponsored by Growthpoint Properties, shows that commercial green buildings deliver meaningfully higher returns than conventional buildings. They also consume around 35% less electricity and 42% less water per square metre of occupied space.

Wilkinson points out: With green building, we can do well by doing good. Resource efficiency and the financial rewards notwithstanding, green building is the right thing to do.

GBCSAs positive impacts go beyond providing valuable tools, research and support for greening, but also leading the green building movement in South Africa and across Africa.

The GBCSAs Green Star SA rating tools have grown from a single tool available in 2008, to a suite of 10 certifications including tools for commercial, residential and public sector buildings.

These tools were developed specifically for the SA context but are also a natural touch point for green building movements and councils in other parts of Africa. In this way, the GBCSA is clearing the path for fledgling green building industries across the different countries of this diverse continent which is bearing the brunt of the negative effects of climate change.

The GBCSA seeks to work with other green building councils in Africa and chairs the African Network of Green Building Councils. Green Star rating tools have been adapted for specific local contexts  this has been done through what the GBCSA calls a Local Context Report. So far, Local Context Reports have been developed for Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Namibia, Mauritius, and Uganda with the GBCSA working in collaboration with the relevant Green Building Councils to certify buildings in these countries.

Perhaps even more significant than the remarkable progress the GBCSA has already achieved so far are the ambitious goals it has set for itself and its partners in the future.

The GBCSA has pledged to introduce a net zero building certification scheme, and is targeting 2,500 commercial green building certifications  representing around 10 million square metres of gross building area  and 10,000 residential green building certified homes in South Africa by the year 2020. It made this commitment at the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP21) in December 2015.
The judgment of the Supreme Court in Rajbala v State of Haryana has to be seen as a debatable one, wherein it rejected the challenge to the constitutionality of the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act 2015. The act disbars a large electorate in Haryana from the right to contest panchayat elections on the basis of certain restrictions like educational qualifications, arrears clause, etc. This article attempts to show how the Supreme Court has failed to protect basic civil and political rights of citizens with this ruling.
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Sarpaneva Watches

Stepan Sarpaneva of Sarpaneva Watches is the highly talented watchmaker from Finland, is a consummate designer and maker of watches. He takes inspiration from the sky above his Helsinki workshops and demonstrates an empathy with nature, manifest with his various horological creations.

Angus Davies discusses what makes Stepan Sarpaneva a remarkable talent and Sarpaneva Watches so desirable.

Stepan Sarpaneva is, by virtue of his country of origin, unusual. There are not many Finnish watchmakers of his stature, save for his highly talented compatriot, Kari Voutilainen. However, unlike Voutilainen, who is now based in Switzerland, Sarpaneva chooses to craft his watches in Helsinki.

However, Stepan is no stranger to Switzerland, studying at the esteemed WOSTEP, Neuchatel before working for some of the finest purveyors of haute horlogerie, including Christophe Claret, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget and Vianney Halter. However, despite spending 10 years working in Switzerland, it was obvious when chatting to the Finnish watchmaker that home is where the heart is, and that home is Finland.

Over the years, I have seen Stepan exhibiting his timepieces at Baselworld and always felt drawn to his watches which exhibit their own very distinctive style. Indeed, there is a wonderful sense of originality with his masculine creations. He has an incredible prowess for design which some equally talented watchmakers lack.

Part of the appeal of Sarpaneva Watches is they are clearly borne out of an empathy for the nocturnal views above and, indeed, nature at large. Stepans fixation with the moon is manifest with a stylised depiction of the heavenly body on many of his watches. Moreover, there is an endearing dose of humour with the moon sporting a human-like face. Indeed, it is this characterful depiction of the moon which featured on the MB&F Moon Machine by Stepan Sarpaneva, a joint venture with the high-end Genevan watch brand.

Northern Lights

In 2015, I had the good fortune to place a 42mm rose gold version of Sarpanevas KO Northern Lights model upon my wrist. As the name suggests inspiration has been taken from the Aurora Borealis, an incredible colourful spectacle, best seen in Scandinavian countries. This natural phenomenon is caused when gaseous particles in the earths atmosphere collide with charged particles from the suns atmosphere. The collision results in the conversion of energy into light.

In this instance, Sarpaneva collaborated with James Thompson of Black Badger Composites. The two Scandinavian gentlemen created a timepiece which delivers a nocturnal appearance like no other. Indeed, the luminescent material, visible via a lattice-like upper dial grille, effervesces with life. Would-be wearers have a choice of brilliant nocturnal hues to choose from, including green, blue and violet.

The automatic watch, powered by a heavily modified Soprod A10 calibre, looks hugely impressive with its scalloped caseband. It sits comfortably on the wrist and brims with a degree of individuality that only a small independent brand can provide.

Northern Stars Black Enamel Dial

The Northern Stars watch is said to be inspired by the cruel and ruthless winter and the limited illumination granted by the Little Bear constellation or Ursa Minor. The darkest winter nights of Stepans native Finland provided the germ of an idea which delightfully grew into a gorgeous timepiece.

On the Northern Stars watch, the moon adopts a discreet persona only coming into view twice each day. The lattice-like dial grille or the Northern Lights is supplanted with a gorgeous, deep-black enamel dial crafted by the renown grand feu specialist company, Donze Cadrans. Examining the dial at close quarters reveals a delightful depth and luscious lustre which proves incredibly beguiling.

Sarpanevas Four Seasons

Recently, Sarpaneva presented four models, each referencing a season. The lattice-like dial has, once again, returned but the moons cheerful gaze has, in this instance, been omitted.

The daytime tones are comparatively soft, muted and understated when compared with some of Sarpanevas other models. Again, Stepan returned to James Thompson and suffused each watch with a vibrant nocturnal gleam. Each variant evinces a different nocturnal glow, including green, yellow, violet and blue. All models are softly spoken during daylight hours but at night reveal a startling alter ego, delivering vibrant exhibitionism that could never be overlooked.

Sarpanevas iconic Korona case, with its scalloped profile, is retained, perpetuating the house style. The 46mm case diameter provides meaningful scale for displaying time without feeling unduly cumbersome.

Closing remarks

Stepan Sarpaneva is an accomplished watchmaker and has worked on very complicated movements for some of the most prestigious practitioners of haute horlogerie. He uses a Soprod A10 movement which he heavily adapts to his own exacting standards.

In my opinion, what distinguishes Sarpaneva as exceptional is his capacity to design unique watches which bear little resemblance to any other timepieces on the market. His dial designs play with both grille-like forms and gorgeous enamel vistas. His Korona case shape is distinctive and eye-catching, yet proves comfortable to wear.

Perhaps, most pertinently, it is Stepans empathy with nature and, in particular, the sky above his Helsinki workshop which defines his work. He clearly draws on this environment when conceiving new models. Similar to terroir influencing the wine produced by a vineyard, it is Stepans choice of location which determines the character of his watches.

Related links
General Debate of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly:

20 September 2016 to 26 September 2016 Statements on West Papua by Pacific Nations Nauru

Marshall Islands

Tuvalu

Solomon Islands Vanuatu

Palau

Tonga

Rights of Reply: Indonesia , Solomon Islands, Indonesia (2nd) Nauru H.E. Mr. Baron Divavesi Waqa, President

21 September 2016 Nauru is deeply concerned regarding the situation in West Papua, including the alleged human rights abuses. As emphasized in the Pacific Islands Forum Communique, it is important that there be an open and constructive dialogue with Indonesia on this matter.[1] Marshall Islands H.E. Ms. Hilda Heine, President

22 September 2016 Given the importance of human rights to my country I request that the UN Human Rights Council initiate a credible and independent investigation of alleged human rights violations in West Papua.[2] Tuvalu H.E. Mr. Enele Sosene Sopoanga, Prime Minister

23 September 2016 In the same vein, the principle of self-determination must also be respected and honored. The violation of human rights in West Papua and their desire to achieve self-determination is a reality. This great body cannot and must not ignore these deplorable situations, it must not hide behind the guise of the principles of non-interference and sovereignty. The UN must act on this issue and find a workable solution to give autonomy to the Indigenous Peoples of West Papua.[3] Solomon Islands H.E. Mr. Manasseh Sogavare, Prime Minister

23 September 2016 Solomon Islands is gravely concerned about the human rights violations against Melanesians in West Papua. Human rights violations in West Papua and the pursuit for self-determination of West Papua are two sides of the same coin. Many reports on human rights violations in West Papua emphasize the inherent corroboration between the right to self-determination that results in direct violations of human rights by Indonesia in its attempts to smother any form of opposition. The principle of sovereignty is paramount in any institution whose core rationale is the respect for sovereignty. If the justification of sovereignty rests on a series of decisions that are questionable, then there is a case to challenge the legality of the argument of sovereignty as is the case of the New York Agreement and the Act of Free Choice. Solomon Islands adds its' voice to those of other member countries and civil society organizations who are concerned about human rights violations in the Papua and West Papua regions of Indonesia. As the chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group that includes Indonesia as an associate member and the United Liberation Movement of West Papua as an observer, Solomon Islands affirms the need for constructive engagement with Indonesia and looks forward to cooperating with Indonesia to address the violations of human rights in West Papua.[4] Vanuatu H.E. Mr. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister

23 September 2016 The problems of human rights in West Papua remain outstanding. I still stand on the podium as did my predecessors, with the same moral convictions, urging the United Nations to take concrete steps to resolve this issue and my colleague leaders to support advocacy for West Papuans. The United Nations must not turn a blind eye to human rights abuses in the province of West Papua. The people of West Papua turn to the United Nations for a glimmer of hope, a hope for freedom in the exercise of their rights on their own land to freely assert their identity.[5] Palau H.E. Dr Caleb Otto, Permanent Representative to the United Nations

26 September 2016 Additionally, we join others to advocate for an amenable resolution to the problem in West Papua.[6] Tonga H.E. Mr. Samiuela Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister

24 September 2016 We express for the welfare of the Pacific peoples that are residents and citizens in the province of Western Papua, Indonesia. Last year, on this same podium, I stood here and spoke about human rights abuses taking place in Indonesia-ruled West Papua. In the year that has passed, nothing appears to have changed in that place. I use the word appease intentionally because now we still have no way of knowing exactly what is going on in that place. Probably something is definitely wrong. Tonga supports the call for an open and constructive dialogue with Indonesia regarding the status and welfare of the people of West Papua.[7] First Right of Reply by Indonesia Nara Masista Rakhmatia, Official of Indonesias Permanent Mission to the United Nations

24 September 2016 Rakhmatia spoke in response to statements made by Pacific nations regarding West Papua. According to website of the General Debate of the 71st Session, she rejected the insinuating statements they had made, which reflected an unfortunate lack of understanding of history and progressive developments in Indonesia, including in the provinces of Papua and West Papua.[8] She stated that their statements were politically motivated and designed to support separatist groups which had engaged in inciting public disorder and armed attacks on civilians and military personnel.[9] Rakhmatia also lamented that the actions of the Pacific nations to use the United Nations to advance their agendas and deter attention from domestic problems were dangerous moves. She emphasized Indonesias commitment to protecting human rights; it was a founding member of the Human Rights Council and had begun the Organization of Islamic Cooperations Commission on Human Rights. Domestic mechanisms were in place at the provincial levels in Papua and West Papua, and Indonesia would give focus to the development of those provinces and to the best interests of all.[10] Right of Reply by Solomon Islands

26 September 2016 In response to Indonesias Right of Reply, the representative of the Solomon Islands cited ongoing human rights abuses that Indonesia has inflicted on Melanesian people in West Papua. He acknowledged efforts by Indonesia to establish human rights means, including its ratification of the Convention against Torture, however, he said Indonesia has not defined torture nor attempted to exterminate it. He asks how the United Nations could allow violations against the people of West Papua over the last 50 years. According to the website, The Organization must find a way to stop the loss of life and Member States must agree on certain rights and be accountable for them. The United Nations had a responsibility to protect all people from human rights violations and should also hold other Member States accountable, he added.[11] Second Right of Reply by Indonesia 26 September 2016 The representative of Indonesia said that allegations by the Solomon Islands of human rights violations against Melanesians were intended to support the separatist movement. They went against the principles and purpose of the United Nations Charter by violating the internal affairs and sovereignty of other States. The allegations arose from ignorance of the facts on the ground and were trash information from separatist groups.[12] [1] Statement delivered by His Excellency the Honourable baron Waqa, M.P., President of the Republic of Nauru, https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_NR_en.pdf. [2] Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands,

https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_MH_en.pdf. [3] Statement Presented by Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Honourable Enele Sosene Sopoanga, https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_TV_en.pdf. [4] Statement by Honorable Manasseh Sogavare, MP Prime Minister, https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_SB_en.pdf. [5] Declaration by Prime Minister of Vanuatu, https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_VU_fr.pdf, translated from French.

[6] National Statement - Republic of Palau, https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_PW_en.pdf. [7] Summary from https://gadebate.un.org/en/71/tonga. [8] Indonesia Right of Reply, summary from https://gadebate.un.org/en/71/indonesia. [9] Ibid. [10] Ibid. [11] Solomon Islands Right of Reply, summary from https://gadebate.un.org/en/71/solomon-islands. [12] Indonesia Right of Reply, summary from https://gadebate.un.org/en/71/indonesia. The East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) was founded in 1991. ETAN supports democracy, human rights and justice in Timor-Leste, West Papua and Indonesia. Website: www.etan.org Twitter: @etan009
Younited Italia, Nicola Manzari e il nuovo Coo, Luca Faccini e Head of Growth e Domenico Petraroli e General Counsel
This summer, the ELN produced a bold report, The Strategic Case for EU-Russia Cooperation, urging the EU and Russia to clear a path towards strategic cooperation in the midst of todays increasingly acrimonious stand-off. The dangers of continuing along the current downward path are too great, write Joseph Dobbs and Ian Kearns, while the contingent nature of this crisiss origins suggests that its resolution is not impossible.

Unsurprisingly, this view has sparked vigorous counter-reaction. Strongly rejecting the ELNs argument, the Director of the Polish Institute of International Relations, Slawomir Debski, asserts that European efforts to engage or cooperate with the current Russian leadership, an inherently aggressive partner by nature, represents the riskier and more foolhardy path for Europe.

This exchange encapsulates the core debate about this crisis: is its cause attributable more to the essence of either side or to the contingency of mistakes, neglect and dissimulation on both sides? The ELN report, which points to the greater role of contingency, makes the more compelling case, while their recommendations for policy, given current deterioration in Russia-US relations over Syria, are even more urgent.

By treating both the EU and Russia to an impartial SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), this report forces readers in both Russia and the EU/US to focus more on changeable features of the opposite region and less on the other sides seemingly immutable political nature. In doing so, it highlights areas of mutual interests and potentially shared benefits, even while acknowledging profound differences of interest between them. Explanations of contingency, rather than nature, make the consequences of the crisis seem even more unacceptable, especially since the ongoing crisis worsens weaknesses, entrenches confrontation, and exacerbates threats on all sides. The report then suggests constructive steps, including strategic dialogue that, if finally pursued in good faith by each side, could become a starting point for reconciliation and cooperation between Russia and Europe  and eventually Russia and the US.

Efforts to foster such cooperation, however, in the current circumstances of free-falling trust levels and mutual accusation may seem pointless, as this report readily concedes and its critics unyieldingly stress. After all, in the eyes of the EU, Russia is the first European country since World War II to violate international law by seizing land for itself from another country, threatening the very foundations upon which European security and international law have rested ever since. Moscow continues to condone, if not foment, unrest in a neighbouring country, (eastern) Ukraine, while baldly lying about its involvement; the Kremlin appears unmoved by the plight of helpless Syrian people as Syrian and Russian air power rains down bombs on Syrian hospitals and civilians in support of a ruthless dictator and Russias own state interests; and Moscow is strongly suspected of manipulating domestic politics in EU countries and promoting the European projects weakness, if not collapse, by supporting populists or extremists across Europe. It is not hard to understand how Dr Debski concludes that cooperating with this Russian regime would be asymmetrically risky for Europe.

Meanwhile, in Russian eyes, the West (the EU and the US) since the 1990s have dismissed or ignored Russian interests in the former USSR, missed opportunities to institutionalize Russia into Greater Europe, disregarded Russias veto at the UN Security Council against NATO attacks on Serbia over Kosovo, and broke earlier promises by expanding Western institutions and military muscle up to Russian borders in what seemed like zero-sum realpolitik dressed up as democratic peace theory. How, Russians ask, could Moscow have ever believed Western reassurances in 2014 that NATO membership was not on the agenda for Ukraine and Georgia, after previous NATO expansions had become inexorable despite earlier Western promises, and after NATO at Bucharest had promised Ukraine and Georgia membership at some point? Worse, American (and at times European) foreign policy has seemed to boil down to the pursuit of regime change in Iraq, Libya, Ukraine and Syria with little regard for international law or the consequences for those regions and their peoples. For Moscow, Washingtons appetite for regime change ultimately extends to the Kremlin itself. Its America that holds the prize for meddling in the domestic politics of foreign countries, they say. Russia has no choice but to defend itself by all means.

As is rarely done on either side of the new East-West divide, Dobbs and Kearns acknowledge this long build-up of mistakes, missed opportunities, different understandings, and divergent interests  what some call competing narratives  to explain how we got here. Or, as Robert Legvold puts it, malignant seeds were heedlessly planted over the years. As those cancerous seeds grew and metastasized, they caused an interactive, downward spiral in Russia-West relations that culminated with the 2013/14 drama over Ukraine and Russias over-reaction to it  the central event that launched Russia and the West into an orbit of new cold war.

This does not mean that mainstream Western explanations linking current Kremlin behaviour to Russias domestic context are incorrect. The increasingly authoritarian Putin leadership clearly requires enemy images for internal mobilization and Moscow obviously seeks equal status with the United States on the international stagea strategic obsession dating back to Khrushchev and long before. But on their own, such internal and essentialist explanations are grossly insufficient and dangerously misleading because they neglect the interdependent link between internal politics and external environment. In fact, such narrow explanations, dismissing the formative impact of the last 30 years on Russian perceptions, have become part of the problem, making it difficult for the West to empathize with legitimate Russian interests and genuine concerns, or acknowledge that Western action can help precipitate Russian reaction, at home and abroad.

Indeed this problem of essentialist attribution on both sides has now become so grave that both sides seem to see little good in cooperation. For the West, as Debski suggests, the risk asymmetry is too great to cooperate with the Putin regime now: Russia would pocket gains from renewed cooperation, bestowing new legitimacy on the Putin leadership, without living up to promises of its own. The result would merely condone Russias challenge to the European security order, threaten the entire security platform with collapse, and sow division between EU and NATO members. Cooperation, he suggests, would herald the return of Realpolitik in Europe.

Similarly, from the Kremlins point of view, making compromises necessary to renew Russia-EU cooperation would be counter-productive, since Moscows preferred strategy seems to be two-fold: negotiating with individual states, such as Germany, to get around the anti-Russian EU/NATO members, while hoping/waiting for a US President who might be willing to cut a Yalta-like deal. Besides, given Russias progress toward strategic partnership with China, the urgency to resolve relations with an unraveling, demanding Europe seems less acute.

It is hard to see a way out of this stand-off, given the lack of trust and political will on both sides. But two points offer hope. First, while certainly spectacular and precipitate, the loss of trust may not ineluctably be long-term. The vicissitudes in trust levels do not necessarily indicate deep-rooted transformation; rather they reflect responses to changes of environment. Trust levels vary greatly. And the willingness, however flawed, of Moscow to do business over Syria and Ukraine suggests a level of at least transactional confidence that could be tapped to good effect by the EU and the US.

Second, if all sides would or could focus more seriously on the grave consequences of the status quo path, which far exceed the risks of cooperation, then the political will necessary to overcome this crisis might begin to emerge. After all, Russia and the West are currently on a trajectory towards military conflict, by accident or not, in the Baltics, the Black Sea or over Syria. In addition, Russia and Europe are both damaging themselves economically as a result of sanctions, at a time when dangerous populist/extremist forces are rising up on all sidesin the EU, Russia and the US. Worse, confrontation strengthens Russias own authoritarian tendencies, as the Kremlin hunkers down for a long struggle and mobilizes its populations; indeed, contrary to Dr Debskis suggestion, such confrontation makes it even more unlikely, not less, that the Kremlin would ever renounce war as an instrument of policy or withdraw fromthe Donbas. For the EU, this crisis is further weakening European unity, as countries favouring engagement struggle with those in Central and parts of northern Europe who remain haunted by painful historical memories of Russian aggression. Such divisions, in turn, rekindle old European habits of Realpolitik and geopolitical manoeuvring, potentially overwhelming the EU project which remains one of the most remarkable human achievements in history. For Russia, the stand-off sharpens Russias own geopolitical and expansionist instincts in its own spheres of influence, making sustainable integration projects in Eurasia even more unlikely for Russia, and ensuring that Russia remains surrounded by wary, unstable and corrupt neighbours.

Not only is strategic cooperation less risky than the alternative, it is also not impossible  at least, not in the mid-term. We recall that Putin did not start out as an anti-Western adversary; he was the first to phone President Bush after 9/11. He remains opportunistic. So once Russia finally bumps up against its own limitations in achieving viable solutions via military might, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine, and in sustaining economic strength at home, the Kremlin could change tacks again  whether led by Putin or some other president. In the meantime, the EUs new Global Strategy makes it clear the EU is ready to talk, provided it can find a Russian interlocutor willing to make hard compromises, as well. Even the US, with its limited capacity and diminished will to shape the world in its own image, is ripe for new thinking in foreign policy. Such a serious rethinking could eventually come, especially if Russia and the EU took the lead towards a new detente, reminiscent of the late 1960s.

Finally, the mid to long-term benefits of strategic EU-Russia cooperation would be considerable for all. Strengthened by renewed economic, political and security cooperation with its western partners and its deepening partnership with China, Russia could become a genuinely influential Euro-Pacific power, to use Dmitri Trenins term, or a bridge power, as Dobbs and Kearns call it, generating the kind of unique and durable great power status that Russia has always sought. Such a Euro-Pacific Russia could become a cornerstone of US-Chinese-Russian strategic cooperation in key areas  the kind of great-power cooperation required if we are successfully to manage 21st century threats. And Europe, whose strength is not as a Realpolitik player, but a soft-power negotiator, a peace-maker bringing adversaries together (including Germany-France, Germany-Poland, and US-USSR), could help pave the way towards this more auspicious situation. Just as it did during the old Cold War.

But any hope of a new EU Ostpolitik and Russian Westpolitik would depend on a process of strategic dialogue, as Dobbs and Kearns put it, that must go deeper than pragmatic cooperation alone. Strategic dialogue requires empathy, honesty, sensitivity and humility as both sides re-examine together the contingent paths leading to this crisis. It requires vision to sketch out a strategic understanding of what each wants for the future of the relationship, and then it means working backwards to identify areas for strategic cooperation. The ELN offers some good ideas for how to spark this kind of dialogue, starting with preventing the relationship worsening further still. Ideas include (what others call) Stability Talks between Russia and NATO, confidence building measures, increased Track II diplomacy and greater civilian contacts, such as new initiatives like the University Consortium that brings Western and Russian scholars together to engage in strategic dialogue while their countries leaders refuse to do so. Critics on both sides may warn that the risks of such initiatives are too great and the benefits too few.

But the greatest risk of all remains staying on this same path. Along this path, escaping direct military confrontation between the worlds two greatest nuclear powers becomes unlikely. Stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons, without the help of the worlds second largest nuclear power, becomes impossible. Gaining control over climate change, without the cooperation of the worlds second largest gas and third largest oil producer, is a non-starter. Controlling the raging arms race in the China seas, without the help of Russia and the US, with their rich history of arms control, is improbable. Achieving security in Europe, without making peace with Europes greatest power, is oxymoronic. And gaining an empathetic interlocutor in the other side, without first becoming such an interlocutor oneself, is unattainable. It is along this current path where the risks are, indeed, most deadly.

The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security challenges of our time.
Although the Pound Sterling (GBP) exchange rates were weakened by Brexit fears, surprise oil market news allowed the GBP/ZAR to rally sharply

Despite a huge unexpected budget deficit revealed by the latest data, the South African Rand to pound exchange rate was trending bullishly as markets approached the weekend.

Instead of weakening from ZAR5 billion to ZAR 3.6 billion as forecast, South Africas balance of trade collapsed to -ZAR8.6 billion.

The Pound Sterling to South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) exchange rate has fallen by a small amount today, on account of political pressures raising the Rands appeal

While signs of an internal struggle in a countrys ruling party would usually weaken the respective currency, in the Rands case, signs of conflict in the African National Congress (ANC) have actually raised the South African currencys appeal notably. This is due to the hopes that the allegedly corrupt South African President Jacob Zuma will step down or be forced out, and that his successor will prove a steadier pair of hands on the national wellbeing and economy.

Thursday's session saw the GBP/ZAR continue to surge as demand for the emerging-market Rand plummeted.

Sterling itself lacked any strong investment factors, but the currency was able to capitalise on a Rand selloff due to expectations of lower oil prices.

However, with some analysts predicting oil prices will see little change despite OPECs announcement, the Rand could recover slightly on Friday.

Comments from several sources regarding the UKs position heading into Brexit negotiations weighed on GBP, but Pound Sterling to South African Rand exchange rates remained strong.

One of the strongest voices was that of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who warned that the UK could not secure greater rights for its citizens than are enjoyed by those in the EU.

He also launched a scathing attack on David Cameron, claiming;

When David Cameron decided to use a referendum to solve some internal problems of the Conservative Party, this was the problem. We cannot use foreign affairs to solve internal problems.

Latest Pound / Rand Exchange Rates

On Monday the Pound to British Pound exchange rate (GBP/GBP) converts at 1

Today finds the pound to pound spot exchange rate priced at 1.

FX markets see the pound vs us dollar exchange rate converting at 1.159.

NB: the forex rates mentioned above, revised as of 31st Oct 2022, are inter-bank prices that will require a margin from your bank. Foreign exchange brokers can save up to 5% on international payments in comparison to the banks.

A surprise agreement to cut oil production by oil cartel OPEC saw investors rush to the stock markets and caused the South African Rand (ZAR) to plummet.

An informal meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yielded a surprise agreement to cut production by 700,000 barrels per day.

According to Royal London Asset Management fund manager Derek Mitchell;

It sends a message that theres now a floor under the oil price. A tighter oil market will support earnings. Theres rightly a great deal of skepticism as to whether this cut will last, but for the time being, its a very nice thing to wake up to.

This ignited fresh risk appetite, with investors seeking shares over high-yield currencies, which causes the South African Rand to tumble.

Additionally, with South Africa meeting nearly three-quarters of its crude needs through imports, producer action to inflate oil prices will raise future expenditure on energy for the developing nation.

Brexit woes could weigh even more heavily on Pound Sterling (GBP) exchange rates tomorrow if the latest data disappoints.

The GfK consumer confidence survey for September is expected to show that negative sentiment in the UK eased from -7 to -5 this month.

This would help improve market sentiment following this weeks concerns, while an above-forecast figure would likely send Pound Sterling on a bullish rise.

However, if consumer confidence was shown to have fallen, or if the accompanying Lloyds business barometer has weakened, GBP/ZAR exchange rates could quickly shed todays gains.

ZAR Exchange Rates Forecast to Recover if Markets Expect OPEC Deal Complications

Danske Bank expects the OPEC agreement will be hard to implement;

Most OPEC members are staring at large public budget deficits this year due to falling revenue from oil exports. That will test the credibility of an output ceiling as each individual member will have a strong incentive to cheat on such a deal.

This could boost the South African Rand thanks to the lowered outlook for oil prices going forward.

On a data front, tomorrows South African Q3 consumer confidence is expected to edge higher, but the balance of trade is predicted to show the surplus has fallen significantly, suggesting overall downside risks for the Rand.
Hi



I and my husband have received our PR subclass 190 sponsored by Adelaide. We have to enter australia to validate our PR by April. We are planning to visit Australia for 3 -4 days in Dec and move permanently only by mid June 2017. Is it necessary for us to land in Adelaide during our first visit? Can we just spend those 3-4 days in Sydney and head back?



Sent from my SM-G900H using Tapatalk
Good day,Does anyone here have a Critical skills assessment done by IITPSA? I would like to know what and how they write the letter and how they write down the skills that you have.A government institution is going to write me a letter, but I would have to draft it, so if anyone could please send me the content of their letter that would be amazingRegards
Thursday, September 29, 2016

Many employees sign confidentiality and non-compete agreements when accepting a new job. While the stack of on-boarding paperwork for a new job seems routine, the obligations included in these non-compete agreements are anything but routine.

Employees must carefully understand and consider the obligations imposed by these agreements, especially because they generally apply whether an employee voluntarily terminates employment or the employer involuntarily terminates the employee. In other words, re-employment options are restricted whether you quit or are fired.

What can you do? The employee can try to narrow the scope of the non-compete agreement so that if it protects the new employers interests but does not impose unreasonable restrictions that could hamper the ability to find a new job. Revisions can also be added to specify competitors that the non-compete applies to rather than an entire industry. A non-compete will be unenforceable if it inhibits an employees ability to earn a living because there are no realistic employment options given the non-competes restrictions. The non-compete will be more enforceable against an employee who leaves to start up a competitor business.

Employees should carefully review any agreements he or she will be required to sign to accept the job, reflect on its impact, and seek professional advice if concerns arise.

About Tracy Jong

Tracy Jong has been an attorney for more than 20 years, representing restaurants, bars, and craft beverage manufacturers in a wide array of legal matters. She is also a licensed patent attorney.

Her book Everything You Need To Know About Obtaining and Maintaining a New York Retail Liquor License: The Definitive Guide to Navigating the State Liquor Authority will be available next month on Amazon.com as a softcover and Kindle e-book.

Her legal column is available in The Equipped Brewer, a publication giving business advice, trends, and vendor reviews to help craft breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries build brands and succeed financially.

She also maintains a website and blog with practical information on legal and business issues affecting the industry. Follow her, sign up for her free firm app or monthly newsletter.

www.TracyJongLawFirm.com

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Thursday, September 29, 2016

Those opposing voter ID requirements as a thinly-veiled Republican effort to suppress black voting maintain that there is no need for identification at the polls because voter fraud doesnt exist. Last week, discussing the controversy, I flagged a New York Times editorial titled, The Success of the Voter Fraud Myth.

It argued in part,

As study after study has shown, there is virtually no voter fraud anywhere in the country. The most comprehensive investigation to date found that out of one billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were 31 possible cases of impersonation fraud. Other violations  like absentee ballot fraud, multiple voting and registration fraud  are also exceedingly rare. So why do so many people continue to believe this falsehood?

Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, wrote in U.S. News & World Report in 2012 that voter fraud didnt exist:

Voter fraud would be a real problem if it actually happened. Its a serious crime, and one that can undermine our democracy. Fortunately, its a crime we have largely figured out how to prevent.

Huh.

Well then, what does this mean?

From King5 TV (NBC):

The Cascade Mall shooting suspect, Arcan Cetin, may face an additional investigation related to his voting record and citizenship status. Federal sources confirm to KING 5 that Cetin was not a U.S. citizen, meaning legally he cannot vote. However, state records show Cetin registered to vote in 2014 and participated in three election cycles, including the May presidential primary. Cetin, who immigrated to the United States from Turkey as a child, is considered a permanent resident or green card holder. While a permanent resident can apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain period of time, sources tell KING his status had not changed from green card holder to U.S. citizen. While voters must attest to citizenship upon registering online or registering to vote at the Department of Licensing Office, Washington state doesnt require proof of citizenship. Therefore elections officials say the states elections system operates, more or less, under an honor system. We dont have a provision in state law that allows us either county elections officials or the Secretary of States office to verify someones citizenship, explained Secretary of State Kim Wyman. So, were in this place where we want to make sure were maintaining peoples confidence in the elections and the integrity of the process, but also that were giving this individual, like we would any voter, his due process. Were moving forward, and that investigation is really coming out of the investigation from the shootings. The penalty for voting as a non U.S. citizen could result in five years of prison time or a $10,000, according to Secretary of States Office.

The options are:

1. Its an incredible coincidence! A 31 out a billion chance, and this single non-citizen who attacked the mall is responsible for three fraudulent votes, all by himself!

2. The studies showing no voting fraud have been rigged for partisan ends.

3. The researchers who interpret the data to mean there is no voting fraud are incompetent and/or stupid.

4. They are lying.

Which is it?
From: Jack Marshall -- ProEthics, Ltd. For Immediate Release: Dateline: Alexandria , VA Wednesday, September 28, 2016

As I explained here and here in 2015, the process of judicially determining whether the Defense of Marriage Act was constitutional or not was unethically sabotaged by threats to and improper lobbying of the law firm that had agreed to defend it. The Justice Department and the President had refused to do their sworn duty to uphold the laws of the United States, and same-sex marriage activists pressured the biggest client of the firm that had accepted the case to pass the pressure along. It worked. The firm dropped the case, precipitating a resignation by the partner handling it and this ringing assertion of traditional legal ethics: [D]efending unpopular positions is what lawyers do. The adversary system of justice depends on it, especially in cases where the passions run high. Efforts to delegitimize any representation for one side of a legal controversy are a profound threat to the rule of law. This was, we are learning, not an anomaly. On the Volokh Conspiracy, law professor Josh Blackmon relates how the same strategy of applying of unethical political pressure, and the unprofessional capitulation of major law firms to it, nearly made a legitimate challenge to illegal payments to insurers under Obamacare impossible. He explains in part: In House of Representatives v. Burwell, the House challenged the legality of subsidies the Obama administration paid to insurers. Judge Rosemary M. Collyer ruled that the House as an institution had standing and that the payments were made without an appropriation. .. In 2014, David Rivkin of the Baker Hostetler law firm and Florida International University law professor Elizabeth Price Foley wrote a series of articles, sketching a theory of why the House would have standing to challenge the presidents implementation of the Affordable Care Act. At the time, their writings focused on the White Houses delay of the employer mandate. Behind the scenes, Rivkin, Foley and their colleagues at Baker Hostetler were advising the House on how to take legal action. With their counsel, on June 25, 2014, then-Speaker John A. Boehner (R) circulated a memorandum to the House GOP caucus [arguing that] ..for the integrity of our laws and the sake of our countrys future, the House must act now to stop the presidents illegal executive actions. In July, Boehner would bring legislation to the floor to authorize the House general counsel to file suit in the coming weeks in an effort to compel the president to follow his oath of office and faithfully execute the laws of our country. After the House authorized the suit, Rivkin and Baker Hostetler signed a contract to litigate the case, which was capped at $350,000. The reaction from Democrats was swift. The White House called the suit unfortunate. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Cslif.) criticized the case as a waste of time and taxpayer dollars. Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.) called the suit a sorry spectacle of legislative malpractice and political theater. Soon, the law firm was ridiculed on late-night television. Jimmy Fallon aired a fake infomercial for Baker Hostetler on The Tonight Show. The parody featured an ambulance-chasing lawyer pitching his firm. At Baker Hostetler, we specialize in one thing, the actor said, suing the president. For instance, have you ever been forced to pass Obamacare, even though you didnt like it? We can help you waste thousands of dollars in taxpayer money to fight for what you sort of believe in. The New York Times reported that Rivkin was under pressure after facing criticism from his colleagues that he had taken on an overly partisan lawsuit. Partners at his firm, the Times wrote, feared the case against Mr. Obama could drive off potential clients and hurt Baker Hostetlers credibility. Within a week after the contract was announced, partners at the firm started to receive urgent calls from general counsels of clients in the health-care industry. Baker Hostetler represents many hospital management firms and insurance companies, particularly at its office in Columbus, Ohio. All the calls from the general counsels had the identical message: They were under pressure and could not continue to associate with Baker Hostetler if it litigated the Houses lawsuit. The attorney I spoke with said it was suspicious that they all gave the same message very shortly after the contract was announced. There was a concern  confirmed by at least one general counsel  that the Obama administration was quietly pushing health-care companies to drop Baker Hostetler. After these calls came in, Rivkins colleagues told him, You cant do this. The contract with the House prohibited partners at Rivkins firm from any lobbying or advocacy concerning the ACA. Many of Rivkins colleagues lobbied for health-care reform. Although the House was willing to amend the contract to strike this provision, all of the parties agreed that this would be a valid basis to cancel the representation. Note: This was the same justification used by King and Spalding to drop the DOMA defense. The House, without a lawyer for its case, frantically approached many of the top firms in Washington. They asked veteran litigator Chuck Cooper, who served in the Reagan administration, to take the case. The founding partner of the Cooper and Kirk law firm declined. The House also asked Michael Carvin and Greg Katsas of Jones Day. Katsas had argued alongside Carvin before the Supreme Court in NFIB v. Sebelius. Jones Day also declined the Houses case. An attorney at the firm told me they did not think it was a winning argument to challenge the delay of the employer mandate. Specifically, the employer mandate would go into effect in 2016, thus potentially mooting the case before it worked its way up to the Supreme Court. President Obama made a similar point in ridiculing the suit. In a July speech in Kansas City, Obama said, Its estimated that by the time the thing was done, I would have already left office. So its not a productive thing to do. After a harried search, the House selected D.C. lawyer William Burck of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP. I learned that Quinn Emanuel was deemed a better option because it was a litigation firm that did not lobby on behalf of the health-care industry. However, three weeks later, without any explanation, Burck withdrew from the case under similar pressure from his firm After two attorneys dropped out in one month, the House could not afford another miscue. An attorney advised Boehner that they needed an academic to litigate the case who would not have any conflicts. Bulgaria).They soon chose Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University. Turley, though a liberal who supported national health care, had been a staunch critic of President Obamas executive actions. Months earlier, he warned that what the president is doing is effectively amending or negating the federal law to fit his preferred approach. Democrats will rue the day if they remain silent in the face of this shift of power to the executive branch. On Nov. 18, Turley was officially hired. House Democrats still objected to the case. Rep. Robert Brady (Pa.) carped that Turley should not allow unpaid law students who have not passed the bar to be exploited by working on this case. On Nov. 21  nearly four months after the House authorized the suit  Turley filed House of Representatives v. Burwell. In addition to the employer mandate claim, Turleys complaint also asserted that the Obama administration was paying subsidies to insurances companies that were not appropriate. This additional claim proved decisive, as the court dismissed the mandate-delay claim. In May 2016, Collyer ruled that the payments were illegal. The case is already on appeal to the D.C. Circuit and will probably be argued in early 2017. Whats going on here? Whats going on is epic unethical conduct by the government, Democrats, Obamacare advocates and most of all, the legal profession. A President and his political party should seek to act only in accord with the Constitution and the limitations to power and process described therein. For a President and his allies to adopt the attitude that unconstitutional or arguably unconstitutional means should be employed as a matter of expediency, with their task being to prevent judicial examination of whether that means is legal or not, is wilful defiance of the Rule of Law. Worse, it constitutes a cynical attitude that threatens due process and democracy. An ethical, democracy-supporting leader and his party should insist on a judicial test of such questionable methods, not try to slip them through unchallenged. This is not an ethical President, and his party is thoroughly contemptuous of the Constitution, as this episode demonstrates. What was done to these law firms to intimidate them out of taking on a legal challenge to possible over-reach by the President is antithetical to the process dictated by the Constitution and the principles underlying it. As I wrote in the earlier posts, lawyers and law firms are ethically and professionally bound to resist such efforts, which literally create a conflict of interest, just as it is a conflict if a lawyer is told to drop a client or risk having his home bombed. The profession of law, however, is supposed to rise above the business of law. The sad fact, which lawyers will acknowledge behind closed doors, is that money and profit usually rule. When that is so, justice, the Rule of Law, the Constitution and democracy itself is endangered. I wrote before The requirements of big business are incompatible with the integrity required of legal professionals. Fiduciary duties in a business require responsible management decisions in the quest for profits; legal professionalism dictates that lawyers put their personal beliefs and financial needs aside in order to ensure that unpopular people, movements, organizations and positions are represented, defended and given a chance to prevail in our system on their merits.  It is unethical in every way for a lawyer to even discuss another clients matter with a second clients representative. Nobody, literally nobody, disputes it. And yet when I ask if a firm would meet with its biggest client if it expressed concerns about an adverse reaction to the firms high-profile representation of an unpopular cause, every lawyer agrees that they would. In the real world, they wont sacrifice millions of dollars worth of annual business for principle, even though it is among the defining principles of the profession.Bias has infected a profession that makes the avoidance of bias a core value, and the legal professions financial realities are corrupting its integrity. Thats one problem. Another, even more worrisome because it is existential for a democracy, is that this administration exploited this Achilles heel in our legal system to avoid Constitutional oversight. Totalitarians think like that, and operate like that. It is called the ends justify the means, and its embrace by those in power should cause bi-partisan alarm. Share this:


SAN ANTONIO, TX  Want some Lone Star State arabica in that latte?

Well, maybe not anytime soon, and certainly not in time for Thursdays celebration of National Coffee Day. But down in the flatlands of the mid-Rio Grande Valley, arabica plants are sprouting cherries, making for the first fruitful coffee farm in Texas.

For now, it's about science. The Valley site was the most tropical a team of researchers at Texas A&M Universitys Center for Coffee Research and Education could find in the state. The center launched Sept. 1 and is taking part in a global effort to study and improve coffee breeds.

Produced in more than 60 countries and providing a livelihood for more than 125 million people, coffee is easily one of the worlds top commodities. And its exploding in popularity, becoming as much an it drink for the Chinese middle class as it is a staple for the cafe culture of the European Union and the Keurig machines on American countertops. The London-based International Coffee Organization has predicted worldwide coffee bean demand to climb 25 percent in the five years ending in 2020, to 175.8 million 132-pound bags from 141.6 million bags purchased in 2015.

But that global caffeine fix is under threat of a proliferation of plant diseases that scientists say can only worsen in a warming climate. Climate change meanwhile could set in on tropical mountaintops, dwindling the number of cool nights that contribute to connoisseur-quality beans.

That could force growers in search of those temperatures to try to clear land higher up the mountains, cutting down more native vegetation and exacerbating greenhouse gases.

If you think about the environmental impact that coffee cultivation has had in (places like) Jamaica, Central America and Brazil, its huge because of the native vegetation that was displaced and removed, said Leonardo Lombardini, director of the Center. Obviously, if you want to keep growing coffee, you cant go back. But were trying to minimize cutting more forest to increase production. ... Wed like to stay where the coffee is already and make sure maybe that the new varieties, they yield more."

The Agrilife Research and Extension Service complex in semi-tropical Weslaco was the most suitable site available for A&M researchers to lend lab resources and expertise to a project led by World Coffee Research, an industry-supported nonprofit.

The 230 plants kept under shade cloths in Weslaco are in fact a germplasm collection repository, a sort of sanctuary for samples of about 30 of the top performing coffee varieties from 11 contributing countries. It is similar to coffee plant repositories in 18 countries around the world participating in a project led by World Coffee Research, an industry-funded nonprofit.

The key purpose is too see how varieties perform in different environments, similar to other multi-location trials for commodities like corn and rice, Lombardini said. And by mapping the genomes of the plants and studying their traits, researchers hope they can cultivate and produce improved if not new varieties that can hold up better to foes like coffee rust, coffee berry borer beetles and the cherry berry disease that is a particular scourge to coffee plantations in Africa.

Coffee is native to Africa; legend has it an 11th century Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi noticed the animals tended to prance around after eating the berries of certain trees. He decided to try them himself, then passed his newfound knowledge of the energy elixir on to the abbot of a nearby monastery.

The abbot figured out how a brew made from the berries helped keep monks awake during late nights of study and prayer. Word moved eastward toward the Arabian Peninsula, and global coffee trade took off.

Its a favorite story in Ethiopia, Lombardini said, but theres no proof its true.

In Yemen, they tell you they are the ones who really discovered coffee as a beverage, he said. They say the Ethiopians werent doing much with those berries, but when they crossed the Red Sea it went to Yemen, then they started using it as a beverage.

Brazil now leads the world in coffee production, according to the International Coffee Organization filling up more than 43 million of the 132-pound bags in 2015. Vietnam, producing 27.5 million bags, was second. Colombia, with 13.5 million bags, came in third. One of the biggest growth areas is China, which for the 2013-2014 crop year produced 125,663 metric tons of coffee, a 21 percent increase over 2004.

The EU topped out on the consumption side, drinking up 41.6 million bags in 2015, or 35.1 billion 5 ounce cups of coffee. The United States came in a distant second, brewing 24.4 million bags, and Japan, consuming 7.7 million bags, was third. China has proven a growth market here too, with estimates of consumption for the 2013-2014 crop year at 1.9 million bags, a 15 percent annual increase over the decade that would make China the 17th largest coffee consumer in the world.

Prices can fluctuate wildly due to political and economic instability in key producing companies, unseasonable rains or droughts, rises and falls in trading activity, and what the big four roasting companies (Kraft, Procter & Gamble, Sara Lee and Nestle) are buying.

In 2011, coffee topped $3 a pound for the first time in more than three decades due to poor harvests in Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico and Vietnam coupled with growing demand for higher-end beans among the emerging middle classes of Brazil, China, India and Indonesia.

Prices slid to below $1.10 a pound in late 2013, then rose to above $2 a pound in 2014 as prolonged drought hurt coffee production in Brazil.

Arabica coffee futures were trading at about $1.53 on Wednesday, up about 16 percent from a year ago. Analysts expected prices to continue to rise as stockpiles failed to keep up with demand.

So theres a lot of incentive for producers, their home countries, and the corporations that depend on a stable supply of high-end beans to invest in research into breeding the strongest and best varieties, Lombardini said.

Mexico for now is a case study for things gone wrong.

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.

The 1989 dissolution of a The Mexican Coffee Institute (Instituto Mexicano del Cafe), a government agency that provided technical assistance and administered export quotas to keep prices high, was done in the interest of privatization. But it ended up putting southern Mexican growers on their own against coffee rust, a plant disease that has been spreading throughout coffee regions in the Americas.

Many growers gave up, abandoning their farms or in some cases switching to poppy for the heroin trade. In 1995, Mexico produced more than 4 million 132-pound bags. By 2015, production was down to 446,000 pounds, about 10 percent of what it used to be.

Two of the Centers researchers are doctoral students from Central America who said their backgrounds gave them a passion for the crop and its importance to their countries economies.

The crop becomes part of our history since 1808 and our every day need, not just as a food, but also motivation and social importance, Fabian Echeverria Beirute, a researcher and professor who spent eight years working on coffee breeding and phytopathology at the Institute of Coffee of Costa Rica, wrote in an email. Mostly everyone in our country will know how is the smell of a coffee flower, the hard work of manual ripening or the fruit aroma when peeled in the mill process. We even have our traditions based on how to prepare good coffee and a good conversation.

Elmer Roldan Salazar hopes his research at the center will help his familys coffee farm in Santa Rosa, Guatemala, survive and grow with future generations.

His father managed to grow the small farm, but there have been difficulties. His parents are convinced the weather has gotten more humid, leading to the spread of coffee rust that in 2013 caused the country to declare a state of emergency. Prices in general are lower than they were a generation ago, making it difficult to pay workers enough to keep them from looking for more lucrative work in the cities.

But he said he has faith that knowledge of genetics, plant breeding and global production and demand can help rural Guatemala prosper.

Theres a personal idea I have that if my grandfather would have had an education or the skills or English we should have been already a big, big company. He could have built an empire, he said. This is a case where my grandfather managed to grow  He was driven to grow, but this is not the case of all the coffee growers. The main coffee growers surrounding the towns have very low incomes, and very low education. They grow coffee for subsistence.

lbrezosky@express-news.net
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In January, the expansion of the Witte Museum campus will take a giant leap when it takes ownership of the Galloway White Shaman Preserve of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands, an internationally known archaeological site. The San Antonio-based Rock Art Foundation, which owns the site and has worked to preserve and encourage the study of the American Indian rock art there, is transferring ownership to the Witte.

The preserve is northwest of Del Rio near the Seminole Canyon State Historical Park and the Lake Amistad National Recreation Area. It includes several shelters bearing pictographs dating back roughly 5,000 years. About 300 people visit annually.

Its known among rock art circles around the world, so its a fairly famous site, said Elton Prewitt, a retired archaeologist who leads tours in the Lower Pecos area and is a member of the Texas Archeological Society. The Witte is taking on some fairly significant property.

A memorandum of understanding was signed Wednesday morning by Greg Williams, executive director of the all-volunteer foundation, and Marise McDermott, president and CEO of the Witte, during a news conference.

This is a momentous day, without a doubt, McDermott said.

The museum will start managing the site Jan. 1. Among other things, it will take over the logistics for tours, which will continue to be led by the foundations guides.

The Witte will be receiving the foundations financial holdings as well, which, McDermott said, would cover the expense of running the site without the museum having to take on additional fundraising. And some costs will be covered by the fees charged for tours.

The Rock Art Foundation has owned the site since 1993, when board members Gale and Connie Galloway gave it to the organization as a gift. The foundation has been working toward transferring ownership to the Witte for about five years as a way to make sure that it is preserved in perpetuity.

Williams said several museums were considered but ultimately the Witte was the best fit.

In a small organization like ours, where all of our people are volunteers, you constantly wonder about the future, Williams said. And its my responsibility to be sure that the dream of our founders lives long after were gone. And weve just done that.

It also means that this very important piece of property will be cared for, there will be security (for the site) from the Witte, long after were gone.

The preserve is named and best known for the White Shaman mural, a 26-foot-long work in a shallow cave with a view of the Pecos River. It has been studied extensively by scholars from around the world. That includes archaeologist Carolyn E. Boyd, whose latest book, The White Shaman Mural, is slated to be released in November by University of Texas Press.

Boyd has studied the rock art of the Lower Pecos region for 25 years. She described the examples there as artistic and literary masterpieces.

The momentous day is perhaps one of the oldest known books in North America, Boyd said in an email. It is a visual narrative exquisitely detailing a very ancient and enduring story of creation  the story of how the sun was born and time began. The story it tells was, and continues to be, passed down from generation to generation. Components of this creation narrative are still told today by the Huichol and other Native American peoples.

Rock art, she said, allows for a much richer understanding of ancient civilizations, because it captures such universal experiences as playing music, worshipping and tending to children.

As archaeologists, we too often define ancient cultures solely by their material remains, she said. In the Lower Pecos, these remains engender images of simple foragers engaging simple tools in an often harsh and unforgiving landscape. Without the art, they are yet another little-understood and little-regarded population eking out a meager existence as best they could. But with the art, worlds change.

Visiting the mural can be an emotional experience, Williams said.

Its quite stunning, what you find out there, when you can sit down away from the traffic, and all you can hear is the wind and all you can ponder is the written word that sits in front of you, he said. Its stunning.

Boyd praised the Rock Art Foundations reliable and passionate care of the site.

Although change is never easy, it is made easier knowing that responsibility for the White Shaman Mural has been passed into the very capable hands of the Witte Museum, she said.

The Witte has deep ties to the Lower Pecos region, going back to the 1930s. Representatives of the museum were among the first to excavate there, McDermott said. And the museums vast collections include more than 20,000 artifacts from the area.

Reproductions of the rock shelters found there will be part of the Kittie West Nelson Ferguson People of the Pecos Gallery in the Wittes renovated and expanded main building, which is slated to open in March. It will include lifesize dioramas illustrating everyday life in that region and time period.

Running such a significant site marks a significant shift in the overall identity of the Witte, McDermott said.

We are building an absolutely state of the art, astonishing exhibit on rock art and the lifeways of the ancient people who lived here thousands of years ago, but now, to be the stewards of an ancient site, it really puts us in a class thats a top-tier museum, she said. With this, we are officially a research museum as well as a popular museum.

dlmartin@express-news.net

Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN
As luck would have it, when word came down in August that the city would be taking over the Centro de Artes building from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, the Department of Arts & Culture already had an exhibition in the works that fell nicely in line with the buildings mission of promoting Latino arts and culture.

SATX/MX: Un Viaje Lleno de Cultura, which opens Thursday, features works by 21 artists exploring what life is like in San Antonio from a Mexican and Mexican-American perspective. It originally was planned for the DACs Culture Commons at Plaza de Armas Gallery.

Curated by Sean FitzGibbons, public art specialist at DAC, SATX/MX is the first exhibition in the space in Market Square since TAMUSA moved out. The university decided to pull up stakes after the city rejected its plan to move the Daughters of the Republic of Texas library into the building. The last exhibit at Centro de Artes under TAMUSA was Roberto Gonzalez: Sacred Waters, an exhibit of more than 40 large-scale paintings, which closed in June.

Last month, the city hosted a community meeting to discuss the future of Centro de Artes. Additional meetings are planned in October.

The exhibit is a way to keep the momentum going at Centro de Artes, said Councilman Robert C. Trevino. This is a great exhibit, a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, but the conversations are the driving force behind the direction as we move forward.

While organizing the show, FitzGibbons and Sebastian Guajardo, special program manager at DAC, did studio visits with the artists over a period of six months. Initially, they requested new works from the artists. But while SATX/MX was a good thematic fit for Centro de Artes, there were too few pieces to fill the space.

That meant FitzGibbons and Guajardo had to go back to the artists for more work. As a result, they also opened the parameters of the show to allow for older pieces. The artists came through, collectively filling the first floor gallery of the building with about 100 works including drawings, paintings, prints, photographs and sculpture.

The works in the show are grouped loosely by smaller themes that emerged from the larger premise of the show. The themes include mythology and fictitious narratives; the body and personal identity; domestic life and home; work and labor; and immigration and violence on the border.

Among the first images viewers encounter in the gallery are Richard Armendarizs enigmatic visions of healers with owls perched on their heads and Ernesto Ibanezs paintings of objects  a crushed plastic bottle and a maguey  floating in space. The fanciful imagery gives way to depictions of physical work and struggle in the next gallery. Artist Raul Gonzalez used small pieces of concrete as the canvas for a series of paintings of toiling landscapers, carpenters and other laborers. Jenelle Esparzas American flags made of undyed cotton  one of them folded in a triangular memorial case  are subtle testaments to the unheralded contributions of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans to the United States.

In Claudias Bridal, an oil on canvas, Ana Fernandez captures the artistry of a window dresser of a shop she sees on the drive to her mothers home.

This is just part of my surroundings that I see frequently, and I feel like its not always going to be there, and it deserves to be documented in a way thats very respectful to the way theyve done their windows, she said. I want to try to honor it, like This is beautiful, and Im going to paint this, just like a sunset or just like a horse out on a ranch or something.

One of the works dealing with immigration, My Mothers Passport by photographer Arlene Mejorado is a double black and white image of a dark-skinned Mexican woman holding a light-skinned baby. It is a picture of Mejorados mother, who was given the baby to hold when she crossed the border illegally from Mexico to the United States. Text in script above her head reads Sin papeles (Without papers) like if she was mine.

The majority of the artists in the show are younger, emerging artists. One of the youngest is Juan Zavala-Castro, currently a student in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the Southwest School of Art.

A large-scale charcoal drawing by Juan Zavala-Castro depicts hands forming the letters for casa and home in sign language. Also by the artist is Jessi: Te Seguimos Recordando Tu Mama y Tus Hermanos, a drawing of a death shroud for a woman murdered in Juarez. The cloth is embroidered with a geometric pattern associated with her hometown. From a distance, the swath of fabric looks like nothing more than a crumpled sheet, but on closer inspection, details emerge from the folds and indentations that hint at the body underneath.

Like Zavala-Castros death shroud, a series of stone lithographs in white ink on black paper by Fernando Andrade implicitly deals with border violence. Each piece depicts a body part  an ear, a foot, hands, a shoulder, a head  surrounded by inky darkness. The works allude to the dismembered bodies left stuffed in bags or dumped along roads by killers for the Mexican drug cartels, but the blood and gore is absent from the images.

I want to attract the viewer with a pleasing image or something very well rendered. said Andrade, 29. And then I want the viewer to start reading more about my work and look at what Im doing and why Ive been doing it.

lsilva@express-news.net

Reception 6 p.m. Thursday , through January, Centro de Artes Gallery, 101 Santa Rosa Ave., 210-207-1435, getcreativesanantonio.com
The city of San Antonio is expecting a capacity crowd of 350 people at Fridays Housing Summit, an event that Mayor Ivy Taylor resurrected last year to spur discussion of the areas housing needs and policies.

Policymakers, housing providers, developers and nonprofits will gather at the Convention Center to discuss affordable housing funding sources, homelessness, ecofriendly designs, urban planning and regional planning.

All of the sessions are full, but those wishing to attend one or all of the events can register online to get on a waiting list, which closes Friday morning. There is no cost for admission.

More than a decade ago, Taylor helped plan the Housing Summit as an employee in the citys housing and community development department. The event was discontinued in later years. But as a new mayor last year, Taylor decided to bring back the annual gathering.

I think theres been some anxiety around housing and what direction were going as many of our neighborhoods experience change, with new people coming in and investment occurring, Taylor said. So I thought the timing was great for us to start having conversations about housing.

Everyone points to Austin as what we dont want to be, as far as how quickly gentrification has occurred there and how a lot of people are being forced out, she said. I dont think were at that stage. But we do have a window of opportunity to be thoughtful and proactive in relation to housing policy for our city.

The keynote speaker at this years summit will be John Fregonese, a regional planner who has done work in major cities across the country, including Dallas, Denver, Chicago and Portland, Oregon.

San Antonio will factor heavily into the days sessions. The citys Housing Commission to Protect and Preserve Dynamic and Diverse Neighborhoods will give several presentations Friday on the work it has done in the past year.

San Antonio has made some progress, such as increasing housing options downtown, Taylor said. Yet there is still work to be done. The city lacks a comprehensive approach to spurring reinvestment in distressed urban neighborhoods, such as policies that promote rehabilitation or refurbishing of homes needing significant repairs, she said.

The citys needs go beyond affordable housing for low-income residents, Taylor added. She likes to talk about creating safe and stable neighborhoods of diverse income levels throughout the city.

I think the mixed-income strategy is really important, she said. While we want to preserve options for people that are at lower income levels, they shouldnt be concentrated in specific neighborhoods or specific parts of town.

The citys Housing Summit is a helpful resource that brings together diverse interests, said Bob Jacobs, who chairs the San Antonio Board of Realtors. Jacobs will give a forecast of the housing market at the Housing Summits opening event, which begins at 8:30 a.m.

A coordinated effort where government and private individuals work together through an organized expansion is much better than everybody going after it in their own direction, Jacobs said.

pohare@express-news.net
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The smallest of the propositions in the 2017 municipal bond program expected to go on the May 2017 ballot may be the one that causes the most stir among voters.

The City Council on Wednesday publicly reviewed for the first time the proposed list of 158 projects in the $850 million proposal slated for next years ballot. The city plans to spend $20 million in a neighborhood improvements category  a proposition not seen before in San Antonios municipal bond programs. Its thrust would be to create affordable housing in San Antonio.

Unlike the other categories that are expected to go before voters  streets, bridges and sidewalks; drainage and flood control; parks and recreation; and facilities  which include lists of proposed projects, the neighborhood improvements category comprises a dozen geographic areas noteworthy for their distressed properties. But no specific projects in that category will be detailed by the May 6 election.

City officials had to jump through some hoops to arrive at Wednesdays proposal. In 1997, voters here made the city charter more restrictive, amending the citys guiding document to say that the city could sell bonds only for public-works projects for public purposes. The charter was most recently amended in May 2015, and Texas cities can only amend their charters once every two years. Because the upcoming election falls just days short of the two-year period since the charter was last amended, changing the document at the next election would appear improbable.

Officials devised a work-around that they say meets legal muster. In an interview, City Manager Sheryl Sculley said shes unsure whether there could be a legal challenge to the citys proposal for urban renewal and that she believes that voters will be OK with the plan.

Times change, she said. Our community has evolved.

If voters approve the proposition, through its Office of Urban Revitalization, the city would acquire blighted properties and conduct the requisite demolitions, site improvements and environmental remediation to make them ready for development.

Once the property is ready for development, the city would sell it to either non-profit or for-profit housing developers at fair value to construct affordable housing, Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni told the council. Fair value is typically lower than fair-market value and is used to encourage development in certain situations.

Councilman Alan Warrick asked whether there would be a minimum percentage of affordable housing under the plan. Ultimately, there may be  if the council chooses to set a level. But that wasnt part of the citys proposal.

No percentage necessary as long as we can demonstrate and show that there is some affordable housing, Zanoni said.

Early next year, the council will approve an urban renewal plan, which will prescribe exactly what can be done. Those details could help shape whether the proposition gets the votes it needs for approval.

Some officials privately say theyre concerned about the proposition. Theres at least some worry that the proposition could harm other traditional infrastructure categories. Councilman Mike Gallagher raised questions about it Wednesday, voicing concerns that voters might be upset with the matter.

Will the voters know what theyre voting on? he said. It sounds like were asking for $20 million and then well decide what were going to do with it.

Mayor Ivy Taylor said the vast majority of the bond is about addressing the citys streets and drainage. The neighborhood revitalization proposition amounts to less than 3 percent of the entire bond proposal.

I think we as a community have been looking forward to an opportunity to do something a little innovative and to be more proactive in relation to neighborhood reinvestment, and so I view this as an opportunity to kind of have a pilot program, she said.

Taylor added that people might be uncomfortable with the those old-time terms urban renewal, but thats what the federal government has labeled it, and those are the kind of statutes that were working within.

Sculley said council members have expressed interest in using the bond to help create opportunities for affordable housing and see this as a first attempt through a bond program. The charter could get amended again to make it easier for the city and future bond programs could include higher levels of funding, she said.

The other 97 percent of the bond proposal includes $450 million for 59 streets, bridges and sidewalks projects, $144 million for 18 drainage and flood control projects, $116 million for 59 parks and recreation projects and $120 million for 21 facilities projects.

Mike Frisbie, the director of the citys Transportation and Capital Improvements Department, told council members that this bond program will leverage more non-city funds than previous programs. A third of the bond  about $284 million  will be combined with $386 million of non-city funds across 37 projects, he said.

Councilman Ron Nirenberg applauded that leveraging, and inquired about how much of the $386 million was from private sources as opposed to non-city taxpayer dollars. Frisbie said that information wasnt readily available but would be calculated.

Now, citizen oversight committees will begin meeting to discuss the proposal and make their own recommendations to the council in December. In February, the council will call the 2017 bond election, setting ballot language for the May election.

jbaugh@express-news.net

Twitter: @jbaugh
Councilman Rey Saldana said Wednesday he would continue his quest to find more money for San Antonios bus system as City Council remained divided over whether the city should cough up $10 million in general fund dollars to do so.

In an unusual move, Saldana addressed council before a city staff discussion on the issue, because he said staff had presented the funding options in such a way that the proposal was doomed to fail.

It was the first of several criticisms he leveled at city staff Wednesday.

The city said diverting funds to VIA would mean having to dip into the general fund, a move staffers advised council against. Instead, they suggested the city try to secure additional funding for VIA during the next legislative session, an option that Saldana and other council members argued would get nowhere in the states conservative Legislature.

Nobody is coming to our rescue, said Councilman Ray Lopez.

All of the council members present agreed VIA needs more funding, but the majority were still hesitant to free up the general fund dollars.

Three council members agreed with Saldana: Lopez, Roberto Trevino and Ron Nirenberg. Mayor Ivy Taylor and council members Alan Warrick, Rebecca Viagran, Cris Medina and Mike Gallagher were more cautious about cutting into the general fund without going to the Legislature first. They pushed for the city to talk to other political entities in the area, like Bexar County, about helping VIA.

I see some building momentum for us to start chipping away at the local level, Taylor said.

Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales and Councilman Joe Krier were absent.

Ever since he spent a month last summer riding the bus, Saldana has tried to convince council members to help VIA close a significant funding gap. Compared with other transit systems in the state, VIA collects less sales tax annually, even though its service area is roughly the same size or larger than those other cities.

Last fall, Saldana proposed the city hand over its annual share of Advanced Transportation District revenue  about $15 million total  to VIA.

Voters approved collection of the quarter-cent ATD sales tax in 2004. Half of the money goes to VIA, and the rest is divided equally between the city and the Texas Department of Transportation.

The city has used the money for sidewalks, traffic signals and other street projects.

Many City Council members were queasy with using ATD money, so the mayor created a temporary committee to study the issue.

The committee asked VIA for a specific outline of how the agency would spend the money if the request was limited to $10 million.

VIA President and CEO Jeffrey Arndt said Wednesday the funds would enable the transit agency to significantly reduce the wait time between buses on 10 routes, so instead of the buses coming once every hour, theyd come once every 30 minutes. He said the money also would allow VIA to increase service frequency on seven highly used routes, so they would come every 10 minutes or less.

These are dollars that could make big time differences in the riders life, said Arndt, adding the money would affect 60 percent of the agencys ridership.

On June 29, the committee recommended the city annually transfer $10 million in ATD money to VIA, but phase that in starting in FY 2018.

Then, on Aug. 10, the City Council Transportation, Technology and Utilities committee recommended the city explore other funding options for VIA, besides the ATD funds.

The only other option would be to tap into the citys general fund, staff said.

City Manager Sheryl Sculley said she is a believer in public transit and wants council members to think big: she is supportive of light rail.

However, she said, the choice before them now would mean cutting other city programs if they wanted to fund VIA.

Saldana said he and Taylor will put their heads together to find a possible solution. After the meeting, he said he might pursue a council consideration request, so he can get the funding issue before council again. He remained steadfast that the city can find other levers to pull to fund streets and traffic signals.

But, he said, VIAs out of levers.

vdavila@express-news.net
BROWNSVILLE  Despite a costly program to crack down on cross-border crime, DPS Director Steve McCraw said on Wednesday that security will likely get worse in the near term.

Testifying before the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety in Brownsville, McCraw said the surge of DPS troopers in the Rio Grande Valley targeting drug-smuggling and human-trafficking operations has pushed criminal activity into other counties but not necessarily reduced it.

As lawmakers consider doubling down on its presence along the border in the months ahead, House committee members pressed McCraw to quantify how effective the states controversial border security program, dubbed Operation Secure Texas, has been since it began two years ago in response to a flood of children and families who overwhelmed immigration officials.

Instead, the director offered data that showed crime is being displaced rather than stopped at the border.

Its working exactly as we expected, McCraw assured the committee, adding that as crime moves east and west absolutely its going to get worse.

While drug seizures dropped by nearly 27 percent Starr County and 29 percent in Hidlago County between 2014 and 2015, seizures in Cameron, Zapata and Webb counties increased by double digits. McCraw explained his vision is for DPS to continue pushing criminal organizations east and west across the 1,254-mile border until they are flushed out of the state entirely.

Displacement makes it harder, and more challenging for the cartels, McCraw said. Especially when you start displacing into somebody elses territory. The Zetas are not going to embrace the Gulf Cartel.

McCraws testimony comes a month after the Texas Department of Public Safety said it will need a nearly $300 million budget increase over the next two years to hire an additional 250 state troopers, install 5,000 more cell-based cameras along the border, replace 1,240 vehicles, two helicopters and four airplanes and upgrade cybersecurity and counterterrorism initiatives. The additional funds would bring the total cost of the states border security program to more than $1 billion.

Lawmakers approved almost $800 million in 2015 to hire an additional 250 DPS officers for the border, a decision that rankled communities in Starr County and Hidalgo County, where troopers have concentrated patrols, and raised concerns among advocacy groups on the wisdom of border-security spending.

What has that increased level of security gotten us, demanded Rep. Poncho Navarez, D-Eagle Pass. I want to make sure that weve actually created a mechanism in the state to measure real security, not this faux security meant to placate an irrational fear.

Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, who has been critical of the overwhelming DPS presence in his district, asked McCraw how much funding will be enough to secure the border, suggesting if it requires an $800 million investment to reach operational control in two counties, it might cost $5.6 billion to secure all 14 border counties.

Rep. DeWayne Burns, R-Cleburne, said that while the price tag could get expensive, the price is worth paying.

But McCraw did not offer a metric to measure success or a vision for when additional funds would be necessary; ultimately, border security depends largely on federal government investment in technology and manpower, he said.

The next step for DPS will be to ratchet up enforcement in Cameron County, and west into Zapata County and Webb County, aided by the 250 troopers hired under the 2015 funding who will be stationed on the border by December.

Meanwhile, Omar Lucio, the sheriff of Cameron County, braced for the increased presence of DPS troopers in his county, even as he doubted its effectiveness.

Theyre never going to secure the border as long as the demand for drugs is here, Lucio said. If there is demand somebody is going to provide it.
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A handful of residents concerned about a rash of car burglaries at The Oaks at Cobblestone, a gated subdivision outside of Loop 1604 at Culebra Road, formed armed patrols last week intended to keep the neighborhood safe.

The approach was controversial from the start, with some homeowners saying armed patrols could lead to intimidation of their neighbors and to profiling, or suspecting a person of a crime based on the persons appearance.

I sit on the fence, said Richard Gorman, a subdivision resident and vice president of the Cobblestone Homeowner Associations board of directors. Im licensed to carry and I believe in the Second Amendment. I also feel there is a right way to handle crime.

After a shooting in the subdivision early Wednesday, in which a resident in his 60s told police he was shot with his own gun by one of two men, whom he described as Hispanic and wearing hoodies, the debate over how to keep the neighborhood safe intensified.

This increases the need for patrols, said Abigail, whose husband, an active-duty Marine, helps patrol the neighborhood. This is something that started with simple vandalism and now its shootings. It has escalated. Its worse, so we need to be out there. She didnt want to use their last name.

She disagreed with residents who said armed patrols were cause for alarm. Actually, she said, many residents support the use of patrols.

Theyre just looking out for the community, she said. Theyre not stopping anyone. Theyre only stopping suspicious people. Theyre not interrogating or playing cop.

A San Antonio Express-News analysis of calls for service to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office found there were 510 calls within 5 miles of the The Oaks at Cobblestone in the past month. Many were about minor issues, such house alarms, 911 hangups and barking dogs.

They also included:

68 calls about a suspicious vehicle, person or activity

21 calls about a verbal or neighborhood disturbance

Nine regarding shots heard

Four regarding threats

Two regarding damaged property

One call each for a burglary in progress, vehicle burglary or fight in progress

Bexar County Sheriffs Office spokesman James Keith said the department is aware of crime concerns in the subdivision. It is increasing patrols around it, although deputies are not allowed to patrol private neighborhoods, such as Cobblestone.

Additionally, Keith said, this is not the first time groups have formed armed patrols. The department is aware of similar efforts in the Alamo Ranch area. However, Keith said, if an armed resident were to ever shoot or harm someone, they would be subject to the law.

Residents wishing to take a role in fighting crime are encouraged to participate in our COP program and start a neighborhood watch, Keith said. We want neighbors to be our eyes and ears in the community and report criminal activity. We dont need assistance enforcing the law. Cellular on Patrol is a county program that encourages residents to patrol their neighborhoods and report crimes on their cellphones.

On Wednesday, the homeowners associations board released a statement saying it has not sanctioned the armed patrol and has not contracted for its services. However, the homeowners association acknowledged, the group had a right to patrol the neighborhood.

The board plans to meet this week to address how to prevent crime in the neighborhood. Gorman said there are other ways, such as hiring security guards or deputies, but that idea is controversial because the fees would come out of the homeowners associations fund.

The formation of armed patrols is not unheard of. Armed patrols have formed in New York, Oregon, Connecticut and Michigan, among other places.

However, many residents likened armed patrols to the 2012 shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African-American who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch coordinator in a gated Florida community. Zimmerman was tried and found not guilty of murder. Martins death and the aftermath touched off protests across the country.

Doshie Piper, a criminal justice professor at the University of the Incarnate Word, said armed patrols are still relatively uncommon.

Its a last resort when residents feel they cant trust law enforcement, Piper said. It speaks to a lack of trust in law enforcement and public safety.

Piper also said individuals who complete classes to carry a concealed weapon or who go through military training do not have the same expertise that law enforcement officers have.

People have preconceived notions about perpetrators of automobile theft, and it can be based on skin color or class, Piper said. Law enforcement have investigative techniques and strategies that they typically employ to figure out whats really going on.

Abigail and her family recently moved to the neighborhood, a 348-home KB Home subdivision that was built 10 years ago, where homes sell between $256,000 and $273,000.

Abigail said she became concerned about crime there after a neighbor posted a comment last week on Nextdoor.com, an online social media forum for neighborhoods, warning residents about a car break-in. It wasnt the first time, she learned. There was a wave of car break-ins last year, according to residents. Abigail decided to post a comment in the forum, saying she believed residents should arm themselves and patrol the neighborhood to deter crime.

Theyre flooding into our neighborhood and its time for us to do something about it, said Abigail, who has an 8-year-old daughter.

Her online post quickly attracted the attention of neighbors and nearby communities, some who supported the idea of armed patrols and others who didnt.

Abigail disagreed with those members who said armed patrols could lead to a deadly encounter. She and her husband are both in the military.

Were not law enforcement, but were all taught the same, she said. Force is always the last option.

Instead of debating online, Abigails husband, Daniel, and another neighbor, Bryan, decided to start a patrol team. For the past week, they have walked around the subdivision in the evening, patrolling while openly carrying guns. They wear shirts that read security so law enforcement and residents know they dont intend to be a menace.

We care about the people around here, said Bryan, who also didnt want to use his last name. These are our kids and our wives.

Daniel, Bryan and the other men schedule patrols around their work schedules and always pair up as a precaution.

These guys have sat down and set up a plan, Abigail said, dismissing concerns that the men are careless or untrained.

Early Wednesday, after the neighbor was shot, the debate intensified.

Around 1 a.m. two men approached the resident, who was sitting in his garage at his home in the 13200 block of Frog Leaps. The resident told sheriffs deputies the men asked for cigarettes and beer, but he refused.

The neighbor reported that the confrontation escalated. He had a gun in the garage, and one of the men grabbed it and shot him in the shoulder.

Keith, the spokesman with the sheriffs office, said deputies have reviewed security camera footage from the area but did not see any gunmen. Deputies are still investigating.

Abigail said the shooting demonstrates the need for patrols in the neighborhood and she suspects teenagers are the culprits in some of the crimes.

Armed patrols have motivated the teens to take it a little bit further, she said. I feel safer knowing the patrols are out there.
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An internationally recognized expert on bullying spoke to parents, teachers and students at Alamo Heights High School on Wednesday evening, explaining exactly what bullying is  and isnt  and how such behavior can be stopped.

We need to raise a generation of young people who are witnesses and defenders, said Barbara Coloroso, author of The Bully, the Bullied and the Not-So-Innocent Bystander, which lays out how kids can respond effectively when they observe bullying to short-circuit its devastating effects.

Coloroso is in San Antonio to speak at the 18th Congress on Children on Friday, an event put on by Voices for Children, a San Antonio advocacy organization.

On Wednesday, the longtime educator and parenting expert also met with the parents of former Alamo Heights student David Molak, 16, who committed suicide in January after enduring intense cyberbullying. Matt Molak, Davids father, said he heard about Coloroso from a parent in Colorado whose daughter killed herself several years ago after being similarly bullied.

Were so excited that Davids Legacy Foundation was able to bring Barbara in, because shes a real expert in this area and has done this work all over the world, Molak said. The Molaks formed the foundation after Davids death.

In her talk, Coloroso drew a distinct line, saying bullying isnt behavior that stems from anger or conflict.

Its about hating another human being and having utter contempt for them, she said. What bullying is all about is a dehumanization of the other.

Coloroso said the goal is to raise empathetic young people who understand that passively observing bullying and not acting is to be essentially complicit in this destructive behavior.

When a high-status bully, whether online or offline, says, I dont like the new girl, lets not eat with her, your daughter can be courageous and sit next to the new girl, Coloroso said. When a bully says, Hey, this new kid is different, lets mess him up, your son can say, No.

Theres a difference between tattling and telling, she said  telling helps get someone out of trouble. Theres a difference between flirting and sexual bullying. And theres a difference between teasing and taunting.

Teasing is mutually enjoyable, about laughing with someone, Coloroso said. Taunting is laughing at someone, getting pleasure in their pain.

Along with Matt Molak and his wife, Maurine, Colorosa also met on Wednesday with state Sen. Jose Menendez, who drafted David's Law, a proposed bill that would give police and school districts more authority to crack down on those committing online attacks.

Before her talk, Colorosa said about the proposed legislation, No bill is perfect, but (Menendez and others) looked at models from other states and learned from their mistakes. The bill isnt a be-all, end-all, but it says to parents and children, What youre doing can get you into serious trouble, not only with me and the kid youre harming, but with the law.

Inside the auditorium, Colorosa said parents have to walk the walk if they want their children to learn responsible, empathic behavior.

Its about how you treat the person who moves too slow in the grocery story, or the neighbors who move in who look different or speak a different language, she said, Its about how you act around bigoted relatives at family gatherings, not just rolling your eyes but saying, Im bothered by that racist or sexist thing you just said.

mstoeltje@express-news.net
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Mondays presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton brought to the podium one of humanitys longest-running battles of the sexes: the often quiet war women wage in the face of male interruptions and mansplaining, when a man overexplains and speaks over a woman to get his point across, usually in a condescending way.

Too many women know the drill. A male colleague or co-worker explains her field of expertise to her like shes new to the gig, be she a peer or even the boss. Soon that mans socially accepted talking-over takes over with interruptions, or manterruptions if you will, that make the exchange even more one-sided.

Granted, its usually unintentional or unconscious on the mans part. Still, its prominent enough that even the potential female leader of the free world cant avoid it.

And women had plenty to say about it on social media during and after the debate.

ENOUGH MANSPLAINING, DONALD, tweeted @gabmonty from the San Antonio area, while @SassyAle_XO in the S.A. area tweeted: Is okay for Trump to interrupt Clinton but not okay for Clinton to interrupt trump? lol #debatenight.

According to Vox, Trump interrupted Clinton 51 times during Mondays debate, and Clinton interrupted Trump 17 times. By Voxs count, Trump interrupted Clinton 25 times in the first 26 minutes alone.

For many women in the U.S., the debate was a televised example of what they deal with every day on the job. In 2012, Brigham Young University and Princeton researchers found men dominate 75 percent of the conference room conversation at work, leaving just 25 percent of that talk to the women.

Such behavior seems to butt into Congress, too. Yale psychologist Victoria L. Brescoll found powerful male senators spoke more on the Senate floor than their junior colleagues, while female senators did not. And those men who spoke more often were deemed more competent by 10 percent, while the female executives who spoke up were considered less competent by 14 percent.

Well, some San Antonio women have something to say about that.

Its rough out there these days, read a Facebook post from a female director of a local nonprofit conservation organization, who asked to be identified only as Sara B. We have to find a balance between being pushy to get our point across but not damage any male ego.

When reached later, Sara B. said shes not sure if mansplaining and manterruptions are getting worse or shes just more aware of it being in a management position.

It was interesting and almost scary how many similarities there were between Hillary Clinton handling being interrupted and what happens to me, she said, noting she often has to bite her lip when male co-workers or committee members interrupt, else she be considered rude for doing the same.

Rainya Mosher is a San Antonio native who works from her home in Helotes for a major technology company based out of Silicon Valley. After several instances where her male counterparts ignored or sidelined her ideas in a group, she started engaging with them primarily one-on-one to voice new ideas and opinions.

Its really exhausting and annoying, she said, noting that while that wasnt her normal personality, it was an effective approach.

In fact Mosher, whos on maternity leave for the birth of her son, left another high-profile tech company on account of an overbearing male co-worker who often left her out of business and operational decisions that should have included her.

In my own experience working in the HR profession, yes, those things do come up, said Barbara Bentley, president-elect of the local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.

She noted women are socialized to be polite and interact in a more collaborative way.

And thats not to say that men are not, Bentley said. But I think that when that politeness and that collaboration is misinterpreted as being passive, then that can lead to this kind of interruption and communication snafus that happen.

Perhaps theres a ray of hope shining right out of the Alamo City.

Trish DeBerry, CEO of the DeBerry Group marketing and public relations agency in San Antonio, said by and large she hasnt experienced such mansplaining. She noted a city with a female mayor and a female city manager is a testament to San Antonio as a tolerant and respectful community.

And ultimately, thats how women will vanquish the mansplaining monster: with respect.

You need to have confidence associated with the advice and counsel youre giving, DeBerry said.

Bentley said women should practice self-awareness and self-confidence. Avoid opening comments that are self-dismissive or apologetic. Instead, share your ideas and set expectations to be heard and to take feedback. Otherwise it may come across as seeking permission to speak, she said.

Sara B. and Mosher each stressed none of their mansplaining experiences or interruptions ever crossed the line into harassment. If anything, theyve made them consider their own conscious and unconscious biases and how to get in front of them so they dont, well, interrupt an otherwise healthy working relationship with their male counterparts.

That helps a lot with changing your reaction and changing the conversation, said Mosher.

And regardless if this nation is led by a woman for the first time in its history, DeBerry sees mansplaining and manterrupting fading into history as women move more and more into positions of leadership.

Because youre moving into a position of power that commands respect, DeBerry said. And I think women in those positions, myself included, have very little tolerance for that.

Let me clarify that: very little, if any.

rguzman@express-news.net

Twitter: @reneguz
A federal judge who retired in mid-September near the end of a years suspension for sexual misconduct apparently beat any further rap by leaving the bench. A judicial panel looking into new allegations dropped its probe because he is no longer a judge.

A judicial committee of the 5th in U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans in 2015 had found U.S. District Judge Walter S. Smith Jr. of Waco engaged in sexual misconduct years ago with a court clerk and suspended him for a year. It closed its renewed investigation into complaints of similar behavior by Smith with other women, it said in a letter released Thursday.

Under the law, Smith can continue to draw an annuity equal to his current salary, $203,100 per year, for the rest of his life.

Smith was publicly reprimanded for sexual misconduct last fall over a 1998 incident in which he groped, kissed and made sexual advances toward a court clerk in his chambers. After an appeal of the punishment by Dallas lawyer Ty Clevenger, who filed the original complaint against Smith and said the behavior warranted impeachment, the judicial committee earlier this year sent it back to a special investigative panel for more investigation.

In the light of Judge Smiths retirement from office, the Judicial Council is no longer able to impose any sanction under (rules available to the council), 5th Circuit Chief Judge Carl Stewart, on behalf of the 18 judges on the committee, wrote in a letter to Clevenger.

The Council is satisfied that the investigation was comprehensive, and has identified and defined the full scope of the potential adverse findings that could be made about Judge Smiths conduct. After considering the information obtained in the second investigation, the Council again concludes that the actions of Judge Smith, though serious, do not warrant a recommendation for impeachment.

The letter said the panel found evidence that there were other incidents involving Judge Smith similar to the incident that was the focus of the complaint but none that have occurred in many years, and it said the judges actions did not warrant  the extraordinary step of attempting the impeachment of a judge who is no longer on the bench.

Smith was appointed in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, and was the only district judge in Waco. He was widely known throughout the district as a tough judge, handing out stiff sentences to defendants. The suspension would have expired Dec. 3. Smith, at 75, was eligible to take senior status or retire.

Clevenger said he was disappointed with the discipline but said the 5th Circuit is likely correct about the consequences of Smiths retirement.

As the law is currently written, it would be nearly impossible to divest him of his post-retirement pay, Clevenger said. Obviously the law needs to be changed, and I will continue to press for reforms in the judicial disciplinary process. Federal judges are treated like gods, and its high time that they were held to the same standards as the rest of us.

Smiths resignation left yet another vacant bench in the San Antonio-based Western District of Texas, which has been waiting for numerous new judges as one of the three busiest federal judicial districts in the country.

The woman at the center of the complaint, deposed by Clevenger in March 2014, accused Smith of having the smell of alcohol on his breath when he made advances toward her in 1998. According to transcripts of her deposition, which are included in Smiths disciplinary record, the former clerk said Smith also had a reputation for drinking and for having a temper. Because she delayed in following his request to come see him in chambers, he appeared agitated when she finally did, and he closed the door behind her.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland
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The city is trying to get most of central downtown designated as a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places, giving developers access to millions of dollars in tax credits for rehabilitation projects.

The National Park Service will likely decide by the end of the year whether to create the new district, which would span about 0.33 square miles from the River Walk tourist area to just north of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, said Shanon Shea Miller, director of the citys Office of Historic Preservation. The Texas Historical Commission approved the citys application this month.

Creating the district would help speed up development downtown, especially for large historic properties that are expensive to fix up, city officials say. The city has tried to stimulate downtown growth in recent years with new policies providing subsidies to developers and fining owners of vacant buildings.

If the district is approved, developers could apply for state and federal tax credits equal to 45 percent of most renovation expenses. Nearly 200 historic buildings and other structures would be eligible, including the Tower Life Building, the Hilton Palacio del Rio and the Light building, which developer GrayStreet Partners is under contract to buy from Hearst, the publisher of the San Antonio Express-News. The newspapers building also falls within the proposed district.

Its hard to ignore the potential of getting 45 percent of the eligible project costs back, Miller said. It is definitely a powerful incentive to enable someone to redevelop a building that they may not have been able to do financially without the credits.

If developers choose to use the credits, they would have to submit their renovation plans for the approval of the Texas Historical Commission and the National Park Service, said Patrick Kennedy, a local attorney who helps developers apply for the credits. State and federal authorities would also conduct inspections, and the credits would only be given after work is done.

The tax credits have been used for local buildings that are already on the National Register, including the St. Anthony Hotel, which reopened last fall after a 30-month renovation. The majority investor, Sid Greehey, said the credits amounted to more than $5 million but declined to disclose a specific amount.

We wouldnt have started that project had we not gotten the tax credits, he said.

But Greehey said he had to pay extra to meet the strict standards of the Texas Historical Commission and the National Park Service. For example, they required him to restore the buildings flooring and roofing to its original condition.

There are some good and bad things about it, he said. Overall, though, we took advantage of it. I would say it probably represented maybe 10 percent of the cost of the project.

Mike Litofsky, a local developer who owns many properties downtown, supports creating the national historic district but said he would only use the tax credits for large-scale, well-financed projects that are worth the effort. He applied for the credits for a renovation project near Market Square but ended up withdrawing because it was taking longer than he wanted to wait.

It wouldnt be worth the effort if it was a small mom and pop, he said, noting that the district would add to the prestige of the city.

The National Register district wouldnt limit what building owners could do with their properties unless they choose to use the tax credits. In fact, large parts of two local properties that are on the National Register, the Friedrich Building and Merchants Ice House industrial complexes on the East Side, are eligible for demolition after the City Council removed the citys historic designation in December.

The owner of the complexes, Dallas developer John Miller, asked the council to remove the designation in order to make the properties easier to develop. Millers lawyer, James McKnight, said Wednesday that Miller is still considering his options and that no demolition is planned.

The federal tax credit covers 20 percent of rehabilitation costs and is subtracted from the developers income tax, Kennedy said. The state credit is equal to 25 percent of costs and reduces the developers franchise tax. Developers have the option of selling the credits at a mark-down.

Some areas of downtown are already districts in the National Register, including the areas around Alamo Plaza, La Villita and Main and Military plazas, according to the National Park Service website. Several downtown buildings are already on the register, such as the Aztec Theater, the Maverick Building and the Milam Building.

Large parts of Southtown and Midtown are national historic districts as well, including the neighborhoods of Lavaca, King William and Monte Vista. The tax credits only apply to properties that produce income, such as apartment buildings and hotels, said Anna Hudson, a historic preservation consultant for real estate firm Yndo Urban.

The proposed district would give the city another tool to encourage downtown development, which has been gaining momentum lately but still lags behind many other major cities.

Last year, the city began using fines and court actions to prod property owners to develop vacant buildings in downtown and other historic areas. Some property owners arent happy with the policy, but city officials say it has encouraged owners to fix up dozens of buildings. The council voted this month to triple the policys geographic reach.

In 2012, the city adopted the Center City Housing Incentive Policy, which offers low-interest loans, property tax relief and fee waivers to developers building downtown and in other parts of the urban center. The Inner City Reinvestment and Infill Policy, which waives city fees in downtown and other areas of the city, was created in 2010.

While approving the citys application for the district, the Texas Historical Commission requested some minor changes, Miller said. The commission will send the completed application within a few weeks to the National Park Service, which will probably make a decision by the end of the year, she said.

City officials want to create additional national historic districts elsewhere in San Antonio, Miller said  perhaps reaching farther north on Broadway.

Were definitely looking at where it makes sense to go next, she said.

The city spent about $45,000 on the application, which includes detailed descriptions of dozens of downtown landmarks.

The federal tax credit for National Register properties has been around for decades, but the states credit went into effect only last year after the Legislature passed it in 2013, Kennedy said.

Other major Texas cities have National Register districts in their downtowns, although they arent as large as the one proposed in San Antonio, according to the park services website. In Austin, the areas around Congress Avenue and Sixth Street are historic districts.

The idea of creating a National Register district has been a source of controversy in El Paso. Last year, the City Council there voted to turn down a grant from the state to fund an application to create a national historic district downtown, according to news reports. Many property owners were skeptical of creating the district, saying that preserving historic buildings can discourage other investments.
Two developers plan to build 12 homes on two acres near San Antonio International Airport, within the Alamo Heights Independent School District.

RELATED: Unique homes of Terrell Hills

The developers, Juan Fernandez and Victor Andonie, expect to break ground this fall on the project, near the intersection of Teak Lane and Sandalwood Lane, according to a news release. International architecture firm Gomez Vazquez International designed the project, known as Green Heights, while local homebuilder CVF Homes will be handling the construction.

RELATED: Luxury in the countryside: 10 lavish homes for sale in La Vernia, Texas

Each of the homes will include about 2,200 square feet of space and will have prices starting in the $500,000 range, according to the release. Construction is expected to be complete in fall 2017. The project is in the city of San Antonio but is within AHISD.

rwebner@express-news.net

@rwebner
This papier-mache Halloween lantern is actually horrifying

Most jack-o'-lanterns are made from pumpkins, but this particular papier-mache pear is a unique, antique find.
The benefits of hedgerows and trees for agriculture

Woodland patches and hedgerows are essential components of the agri-ecosystem.



The resource of trees and hedgerows on farms has declined in the UK in the twentieth century, due primarily to agricultural intensification which has driven the creation of larger more simplified field systems.
Farm subsidy payments funded by the UK taxpayer are being paid to millionaire landowners, with 400,000 going to a billionaire Saudi prince, it has been reported.

Top beneficiaries receiving EU farm subsidies include the Queen, Lord Iveagh, the Duke of Westminster, Duke of Northumberland, Saudi horse breeder Khalid Abdullah al Saud and others - each receiving upwards of 400,000 each.

The largest recipient on the list is Frank Smart, whose Aberdeenshire farm saw him receive a total payment of 2,963,732.77.

In August, Greenpeace revealed Conservative Party donors and key Leave campaigners earned 4 million from EU subsidies last year.

Supporters and donors of Vote Leave, could benefit further from large pay-outs to their estates, including Lord Bamford and Sir James Dyson.

'Country estates of the super-rich'

"As the new environment secretary, Andrea Leadsom has a crucial decision to make for the future of our environment," Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said.

There have been calls for farming subsidy reform when the UK leaves the EU

"She can allow wealthy landowners to keep millions of pounds worth of taxpayer farm subsidies or she can use this opportunity to finally sort out this broken system.

"Its hard to imagine people accepting that money promised to the NHS from Brexit campaigners, including some big landowners, could be lavished instead on the country estates of the super-rich.

"These public funds need to be targeted on helping farmers facing real hardship and in supporting schemes that protect our wildlife, prevent floods and store carbon."

Matthew White Ridley, 5th Viscount Ridley said the Blagdon estate is a business supporting jobs in Northumberland.

"All CAP subsidies received by the Blagdon estate are re-invested on the estate, including in environmental conservation such as the creation of new flower meadows, new hedgerows and new environmentally friendly field margins, for which the estate has won awards.

"In campaigning for the UK to leave the EU I was arguing in the broader public interest, and against my own immediate interest."

'Utterly broken'

Greenpeace chief scientist Doug Parr told BBC News the subsidy system is "utterly broken."

"We need public money spent on farming to be offering demonstrable public benefits," Mr Parr said.

The Taxpayers' Alliance said farmers "should be put on notice."

"Taxpayers shouldn't be handing out what are effectively land subsidies, often to extremely wealthy individuals."

But in a joint statement to Mrs Leadsom just hours after her appointment, leaders of the UK's farming unions issued a call for the maintenance of subsidies at EU levels.

During their referendum campaigns, Leadsom and farm minister George Eustice said that current levels would be kept.

"I have made it clear that I will guarantee the current level of support under a UK Agricultural Policy," Leadsom told the Countryside Alliance echoing similar statements made by Eustice that countries outside of the EU were able to give more to their farmers than the UK currently does.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told the Treasury select committee that "all farmers will continue to receive the current levels of subsidy.

"It would be at the level that they currently enjoy and that level of support would be perpetuated."
The live export of cattle must be encouraged and supported to help boost beef farmers' incomes, the Ulster Farmers Union has said.

UFU President, Barclay Bell,was speaking after an Livestock & Meat Commission seminar on reducing barriers to the live trade to Great Britain.

"For too long beef producers here have been kept at the bottom of the UK price league table," Mr Bell said.

"Last week, the difference between NI and GB on R3 steers was 24p/kg. On a 350 kg animal that is over 80.

"For too long beef producers here have been kept at the bottom of the UK price league table," Mr Bell said.

Mr Bell described this as a major financial disparity: "With margins so tight, farmers rightly question how cattle supplied to the same processing companies, to the same quality assurance standard and ending up in the same supermarket shelves can be worth so much less here than in Great Britain."

The UFU's beef and lamb committee believes the Northern Ireland government can help tackle this by encouraging an increase in cattle exports.

"This has been a priority for the agriculture minister in the Republic of Ireland, and we believe the NI minister should follow that lead," said Mr Bell.

Secure access 'to best paying markets'

The UFU President added that with prices dictated by supply and demand, farmers need the opportunity to secure access to the best paying markets.

"The improved sheep trade this year has been a good example, with a weaker pound injecting much needed competition into the live market from Republic of Ireland processors.

"However beef producers have more limited options, meaning the majority of cattle are slaughtered locally.

"This leaves processors here facing little competition for stock," said Mr Bell.

The UFU says that in the drive to open new markets, the LMC seminar helped trigger a constructive debate between industry and government about how barriers to live exports can be eased.

Some barriers that face farmers and hauliers in Northern Ireland do not exist in Great Britain, particularly in relation to the movement of healthy cattle to slaughter from TB restricted herds.
Brexit could mean a "double whammy" for the beef and dairy industries in Wales, Plaid Cymru has warned.

The partys Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Simon Thomas said that the combined effect of a loss of funding towards the bovine TB eradication scheme, and no guarantee that British beef will comply to EU standards "could spell disaster" for the dairy and beef sectors.

Mr Thomas said that currently 60% of the funding for the bTB eradication programmes funding comes from the EU, and this "important stream of funding" would be lost when the UK ceases to be a member.

He said that Wales bTB eradication scheme is currently based on EU regulations and has EU approval.

PLaid Cymru said "there is no guarantee" that after the UKs withdrawal from the EU that the Welsh standard will continue to be recognised which "could damage European sales."

'Persistently' high disease

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Simon Thomas thinks there is a danger that Brexit will jeopardise the UK's reputation

Mr Thomas said: "The Labour government has failed to get to grip with the problem of TB in Wales.

"Despite the existence of a bTB eradication programme, instances of TB infection in cattle has stayed persistently high in west Wales and is increasing in new areas in Carmarthenshire.

"Currently, 60% of the cost of our bTB eradication scheme is covered by the EU.

"This funding stream will come to an end when Britain withdraws from the EU so this could pose serious problems.

"Wales is currently part of the Single Market and our bTB eradication scheme is based on EU regulations and has EU approval.

"However there is a danger that Brexit will jeopardise our reputation which could damage sales.

"If bTB rates rise, we could face a situation where EU countries refuse to import British beef, as happened during the BSE crisis.

"Brexit could mean a double whammy for the beef and dairy sector. TB infection can devastate farms and livelihoods, so its important that we have an effective scheme that minimises infection.

"Labour has proven itself ineffective until now, but the government needs to step up and act for the sake of the industry."
The rural sector are demanding the Rural Payments Agency to explain why farmers havent received Basic Payment Scheme for the common land in their care.

The National Farmers Union, Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and the Federation of Cumbria Commoners have said they are aware no money has been paid from the 2015 BPS pot to farmers looking after a number of commons including: Birkrigg Common; Dunnerdale Fell; Woodland Fell; Torver Commons; Mungrisedale Common; Caldbeck Common; East Stainmore Common; Hartley Common and Carrack Common.

The three organisations have also said they are aware that there are "widespread issues" in the county of Lancashire also.

They have written to the RPA to express the concerns and issues which farmers are currently facing.

They are demanding that RPA meet Cumbrian commoners in person and explain what has gone wrong.

"Debts and bills are stacking up on farm kitchen tables and this ultimately puts unneeded financial pressure on them"

Clitheroe based sheep farmer Thomas Binns who represents upland farmers in Cheshire, Cumbria and Lancashire for the NFU said it is a "disgrace" that farmers in Cumbria and Lancashire are still awaiting BPS 2015 payments for their common land .

"We are only two months away from the 2016 payment window opening," Mr Binns said.

"For the last ten months they have been anticipating a payment which so far has never materialised.

"Debts and bills are stacking up on farm kitchen tables and this ultimately puts unneeded financial pressure on them and the many allied businesses which serve these farms."

'Unnecessary extra financial pressure'

Joe Relph, Chairman of The Federation of Cumbria Commoners, said the Federation of Cumbria Commoners need an "immediate response" from the RPA as to why our members 2015 BPS common land payment is now months overdue.

"This delay has added unnecessary extra financial pressure on top of all the hardship people have had to face with last years December floods," Mr Relph said.

"It is not acceptable when commoners have honoured and abided by the rules of the 2015 BPS scheme."

NFU Cumbria County Chairman David Raine, who farms sheep in Kirkoswald near Penrith, said this is an issue that has been raised with ministers and the RPA in 2015 concerning late payment of SPS 2014 on common land.

"We suggested then that payments should be made immediately using the previous years data and I find myself doing exactly the same thing twelve months on," Mr Raine said.

"Clearly lessons are not being learnt and that is unforgivable."

Businesses operating on 'incredibly tight' margins

CLA Cumbria Chairman, Mark Southern, who farms near Ulverston, said it is a "completely unacceptable" situation.

"The RPA is withholding vital payments to hill farmers, whose businesses operate on incredibly tight margins," Mr Southern said.

"I see no reason why an interim payment cannot be made to help alleviate the problems being caused by the continuing delay.

"The RPA must be held accountable and step forward to offer some kind of explanation to those of us affected."

A letter from the three organisations will be sent requesting RPA to visit Cumbria so that a number of key questions are addressed.
Opportunities for beef and lamb in a post-Brexit landscape will be addressed at the 2016 AHDB Beef & Lamb Stakeholder Seminar, which will take place in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, on 8 December.

Headline speakers will include Paul Clayton from the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), discussing the opportunities for UK beef and lamb on the American market, and David Wagstaff from Noble Foods, who will focus on the importance of innovation and creating a successful brand.

In addition, Gwyn Jones, chair of Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA, will speak about the challenges presented by anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

There will be presentations from AHDB head of exports Peter Hardwick, looking at post-Brexit options for trade, and sector strategy director Laura Ryan, who will give an overview of the organisations strategic direction for the next three years.

In a departure from previous events, the seminar will be aimed at stakeholders and industry partners, and will be followed by a series of open meetings for levy payers which will take place around the country in early January.

AHDB Beef & Lamb sector strategy director Laura Ryan said: The seminar is a great opportunity for those involved in the English beef and sheep supply chain to hear from some high-profile speakers who can offer valuable insights which will benefit their own organisations.

It will also be a chance for attendees to be briefed on some of the headline priorities of AHDB Beef & Lambs new three-year strategy, which will be launched in early 2017.
As the deadline approaches for a Women in Agriculture online survey, NFU Scotland is encouraging women from across the industry, no matter what role they play in the farm business, to take time to complete it.

The survey, launched by the Scottish government and facilitated by the James Hutton Institute, gives women of all ages who live and/or work on a farm in Scotland the chance to share their views and experiences.

This is not just open to women who are the primary producer, it is also for women who support the farm or croft through many different kinds of activities, both paid and unpaid.

The survey deadline is Saturday 1 October 2016, with a second survey, primarily for female agricultural students launching on 3 October.

NFU Scotland has said the union recognises that women play vital roles in agricultural businesses across the country, and as such has been investigating how it can encourage more women to get involved in at all levels to provide better representation.

The union currently sits on the national Women in Agriculture working group, and will be attending the annual conference at Gogarburn in November.

'Vital work carried out by women in agriculture'

NFU Scotland Policy Manager Gemma Cooper, who represents NFU Scotland on the national working group, commented: "There has been a good response to this survey so far, however we would really like to encourage women who have not yet filled this survey in to complete it too.

"We are looking for women who may have other jobs outwith the farming or crofting business, but who still do the books, assist at milking or harvest, or those who run diversifications to assist the business.

"We know there are many women that meet these descriptions, and we would urge them to participate.

"This piece of work represents a unique opportunity to provide a realistic picture of just how much vital work is carried out by women in Scottish agriculture."

Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity said women play an "integral role" in farming communities and families.

"But we need to understand more about that role," Mr Ewing said.

"The women in agriculture survey work will enable us to learn more about the views and experiences of women who live or work on Scottish farms, so we can better understand the opportunities and barriers facing women in rural Scotland.

"Id encourage women across Scotland to take part."
A wide range of universities have been successful in securing more than 1.5m of funding through six awards from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Innovation Club (SARIC).

The N8 universities, a partnership created in 2007 of eight research-intensive universities in Northern England - Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York, have won funding for ten inter-disciplinary projects.

SARIC, a public-private partnership created to address some of the challenges of sustainable intensification in agriculture.

These projects will address key issues such as increasing the resilience of cereal crops to weather damage, predicting water quality in the event of pesticide run-off, and optimising nutrient use efficiency through better decision-support systems.

University of Manchester has been awarded 200k to research the low-cost fibre optic matting for direct live-mapping of livestock weight to improve feed efficiency

Professor Bruce Grieve, N8 AgriFood Academic Lead at the University of Manchester, has been funded to develop low-cost fibre-optic matting for measuring livestock weight in real-time for the optimisation of feeding.

He said: "The awarding of this grant will enable our agri-sensors team at Manchester to prove that non-visual imaging techniques can be exploited for accurate feed-conversion monitoring in livestock.

"This should not only lead on to a commercial product and strategic partnership with AB-Agri, but also open up a new field of livestock sensors research with the other N8 partners and the Agri-Tech Innovation Centres."

'Food security one of the greatest challenges'

The N8 AgriFood Resilience Programme builds on the N8s research strengths in science, engineering and the social sciences to address global challenges in food security, including sustainable food production, resilient food supply chains, improved nutrition and consumer behaviours.

Prof Katherine Denby said food security is one of the "great challenges" of the 21st Century.

"The need to ensure the global food system is resilient and sustainable is an urgent task faced by governments, industry and society," Prof Denby said.

"The N8 Research Partnership has great capacity, expertise and resources to make progress in this area.

"Our work through this funding will see our universities continue to make a significant contribution to addressing key issues in the agricultural industry and sustainable intensification of farming," Prof Denby concluded.

In total 10 new interdisciplinary projects have received a share of 3m to improve the sustainability of UK farming.

The funding was awarded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) alongside 12 industry partners.
Milk buyers in Scotland are failing to pass on the huge lifts in market prices to their farmers, NFU Scotland have said.

One fifth of Scottish dairy farmers have signed up to a volume reduction scheme after milk purchasers were urged to 'return Scotland's dairy farmers' to a profitable production.

After two years of turmoil in the dairy sector, during which time milk prices fell to their lowest point for a generation, commodity markets have very quickly turned and milk are now approaching 40p per litre.

"Disappointingly, all milk buyers in Scotland are lagging behind in passing on the huge lifts in market prices to their suppliers with the scale and speed that the current market merits," NFU Scotland said.

"That is a huge concern as producers enter the winter period when costs of feeding and housing dairy cows escalates.

Today, the majority of Scottish producers are receiving less than 20p per litre  a staggering gap of more than 5p per litre when compared with 2007

"To illustrate the disappointing response of milk purchasers to date, figures produced by the milk levy body AHDB Dairy indicate that, in 2007, when prices for commodities such as butter and cream last reached the levels being seen today, the average farmgate milk price was in excess of 25p per litre."

Today, the majority of Scottish producers are receiving less than 20p per litre  a staggering gap of more than 5p per litre when compared with 2007.

NFU Scotland said it believed that is 'wholly unacceptable' and has been in regular dialogue with all milk purchasers in Scotland with further meetings scheduled for the weeks ahead.

One-fifth of Scottish producers are seeking to take advantage of an EU Production Reduction scheme where by producers will receive the equivalent of 12p for every litre less they produce during September to November when compared to last year.

"The uptake within Scotland for the European Production Reduction scheme shows what a perilous place Scottish dairy farmers are in"

Milk processors are 'sitting on stocks'

The Rural Payments Agency has indicated that 1800 UK farmers are looking to reduce production by 112 million litres this autumn and that includes 154 Scottish producers who are likely to reduce their production in the months ahead by 15 million litres when compared to 2015.

NFU Scotlands Milk Committee Chairman Graeme Kilpatrick said there is "every justification"  based on commodity prices, production levels and futures prices  "for every dairy farmer in Scotland to be getting 25p per litre now  and not in three or four months time."

"The price increases announced in recent weeks are welcome but they neither go far enough or fast enough in our opinion and leave almost all producers woefully short of a profitable milk price," Mr Kilpatrick said.

All dairy farmers in Scotland are acutely aware of where commodity prices for cheese, butter, cream and powder have shifted to in a matter of a few weeks.

"The unacceptable delays seen in milk buyers passing the benefits of the price lifts back to their suppliers is creating huge concern and frustration at farmer level.

"Some of those milk processors will be sitting on stocks of cheese, butter or powder, made with incredibly cheap milk, and are now set to make a windfall on them based on rapidly increasing market prices.

"Farmers cannot be left behind to continue producing at a loss.

"The uptake within Scotland for the European Production Reduction scheme shows what a perilous place Scottish dairy farmers are in.

"It must act as a wake up call to all milk buyers that almost a fifth of all Scottish producers will take advantage of a European-wide scheme where they will receive 12p for every litre less they produce between September and November this year when compared to last year.

"Dairy farmers want to produce milk and the only way milk buyers can pull the Scottish dairy sector out of this nose dive is to quickly pay them a profitable price for their milk.

"All figures suggest that they are already in a place to do that," Mr Kilpatrick concluded.
Welsh Assembly Members have been reminded of the importance of tackling bovine TB effectively.

The Farmers Union Wale reminder comes five days before the issue of bovine TB is being discussed at the Assembly on Wednesday, September 28.

In a statement, FUW President Roberts said: "I would like to remind all Assembly Members of how critical it is that Welsh Government implements a strategy that effectively tackles bovine TB in both cattle and wildlife, without that happening it is hard to see how we can secure trade deals with European Nations post-Brexit.

"The total number of Welsh cattle slaughtered in 2015 due to bTB has gone up by 27% from 2014 and now counts for 8,103 cattle slaughtered a year.

"Thats 675 cattle per month, 169 per week and 24 cattle slaughtered every day!

"I implore our elected members to not ignore those figures and to listen to the advice the Welsh Government has previously received."

The 2012 report of the Bovine Tuberculosis Subgroup of the EU Task Force for Monitoring Animal Disease Eradication details that the European Commission have recognised the link between badgers and bovine TB transmission to cattle.

The report also stressed that moving from a cull to a vaccination programme meant that the eradication programme in Wales had lost momentum.

Mr Roberts said that the official advice received by the Welsh Government in 2011 estimated that culling badgers in the Intensive Action Area could be expected to save farmers and government 31,000, whereas vaccination was likely to lead to a net cost of 3.5 million.

"As expected, the badger vaccination programme in the Intensive Action Area has not worked, and Welsh Government must grasp the nettle and tackle the disease in wildlife.

"Let me be absolutely clear: controlling the disease in both the cattle and badger populations remains imperative to achieving bovine TB eradication in Wales  this is for the sake of our future, our childrens future and with that securing trade deals for the UK as whole in light of our exit from the European Union," added Mr Roberts.
Food valued at 1.8bn wasted on UK farms each year, report says
"We are pleased that industry concerns about shared responsibility between portfolios have been addressed, and that the sector now has a minister that is going to be focused solely on agriculture and developing its potential locally, nationally and internationally," Mr York said.
"But it is also important to ensure that there continues to be a livestock facility in the South West area to service the beef and dairy industries in the broader region," Mr Barnett said.
"However, the nature of the minority interests involved, and the market position of other grain logistics providers and traders, such as GrainCorp, make it unlikely CPPIB and BcIMC would have the ability or the incentive to engage in such a strategy."
Graham Manning with his herd which he says he may have to send to an abattoir. His forebears started a dair in Mounts Bay Road, Perth, near where Jacob's Ladder is now, in the 1860s and they ran their cows on what was fenced off in the 1870s to become Kings Park.
"A lot of the big players can't do some of the things we do or supply those little niche products - so it works well for us and we will continue to do that."
"Our fear is that we could lose as much as 50 per cent of the industry over the next 18 months - this is not only smaller growers, some of largest growers aren't showing a lot of faith in the profitability going forward and they are diversifying in citrus, avocados and kiwifruit."
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That faint gobble, gobble youre hearing in the distance can only mean one thing: Thanksgiving is near! Both ACTS and SERVE are gearing up for their holiday programs, and your help is needed.
Did Cumberland County Commissioners break the NC Open Meetings Law?

The commissioners met behind closed doors to discuss a pay raise for the vice chair position.
The three leading companies in the metals technology industry  Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA, Primetals Technologies Limited, and SMS GmbH  have announced their participation in a sector-specific Collective Action Initiative in which they exchange best practice and knowledge in anti-corruption compliance and related developments within their industry.

Danieli, SMS, and Primetals are all headquartered in Europe and all manufacture the plants, machines and related technical solutions for the industries that produce steel as well as non-ferrous metals (such as copper, lead, aluminum and zinc). The three companies have all recognized the importance of a dynamic and well-implemented compliance management system and are keen to develop their respective approaches in future, striving for best practices wherever possible.

All the meetings for these three companies have been convened and organized by the International Center for Collective Action (ICCA) at the Basel Institute on Governance. In this endeavour the ICCA has accompanied the initiative since its inception in 2013, and has been working with the group to improve and develop their anti-corruption programs, to facilitate and moderate their discussions.

The companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out the companies anti-corruption commitments and proposed actions to promote their anti-corruption principles. This MoU is complementary to, and reflective of, key elements of their respective anti-corruption compliance programs. It outlines the companies commitment to acting with integrity in business practices; recognizes the essential elements in the development and implementation of anti-corruption compliance programmes and internal control systems; fair competition; and addresses key risk areas.

Anti-corruption Collective Action is increasingly being recognized as a means to bring together companies and other stakeholders to address various forms of corruption risk because it offers a sustained process whereby businesses and other stakeholders jointly tackle problems of corruption.

Anti-corruption Collective Action initiatives may involve declarations and joint activities, standard-setting initiatives, transparency pacts or integrity pacts. Initiatives can vary in their geographical scope, stakeholder composition and operating mechanisms. Collective Action builds on the fundamental principle of business-driven integrity, bringing together businesses around a set of principles to prevent bribery and corruption and improve the business environment in which they operate.

The Basel Institute on Governance hosts the B20 Collective Action Hub which provides further examples of Collective Action initiatives, tools and research.

____

Gemma Aiolfi is the Head of Corporate Governance, Compliance and Collective Action at the Basel Institute on Governance. She can be contacted here.
Emma Watson has met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss her 'HeForShe' campaign.

Emma Watson

The 44-year-old politician recently became an ambassador for the UN campaign which calls for men to advocate women's rights, and the 'Harry Potter' actress - who has been working as an advocate for the cause since 2014 - took the time to meet with him during her visit to Ottawa.

The pair met to discuss the former 'Harry Potter' star's work with the campaign, as well as the championing issues that affect women across the world.

During their meeting on Wednesday (28.09.16), Justin said: "The 'HeForShe' campaign has extraordinary impact around the world, making men champions of women's issues that are everyone's issues. Her [Emma's] voice is extremely important in making people realise how important this is."

Trudeau has been very vocal on his stance as a feminist since his election in 2015, and his cabinet - which comprises of high-ranking state officials - is split equally between men and women. After being sworn in as prime minister, a reporter asked him why he felt so strongly about gender equality and he simply replied: "Because it is 2015."

Speaking to Justin, 26-year-old Watson said: "It's been such an exciting visit for me to come visit your parliament. It was so inspiring that you made your cabinet 50/50. We're very excited that you're a 'HeForShe' Youth Ambassador. I can't wait to see what you're going to do with that title."

'HeForShe' was set up by the UN in 2014 after Emma was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador that same year.

Speaking about her role, she said previously: "Being asked to serve as UN Women's Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling. The chance to make a real difference is not an opportunity that everyone is given and is one I have no intention of taking lightly. Women's rights are something so inextricably linked with who I am."
Benedict Cumberbatch has felt like a rock star since being cast as Doctor Strange due to the response from fans.

Benedict Cumberbatch

The 40-year-old actor is taking on the role of the superhero sorcerer in the movie of the same name, which is the start of the introduction of the mystical part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Cumberbatch has been blown away by the reaction to his casting by comic book fans and likens it to being part of massive band like Pink Floyd.

In a feature for Interview magazine in which he quizzes his friend Tom Hiddleston on his career, the 'Thor: Ragnarok' star - who has regularly appeared as Loki in the MCU - turned the tables on his pal and asked: "How did you feel about joining the Marvel universe?"

To which Cumberbatch replied: "I felt it was all about the part rather than everything else. I've been to Comic-Con, and it's a very nice way to give back to the fans that drive these things. It was quite scary. I felt like Pink Floyd. It's just like, 'Hello, hi,' after the fans are all screaming. That side of it is just phenomenal, and it makes me giggle, and I don't know whether I'll get used to that. I can't wait to see how it expands the universe. I'm also part of your crew! It's an amazing cast of actors. And it's the most fun hard work you'll ever do, I think, as an actor. They really know how to treat you right. And the material is challenging, witty, and a lot of fun to do. 'Doctor Strange' is a complex, funny, but exciting character."

Hiddleston also opened up on how filming is going on the Gold Coast in Australia on the third 'Thor' movie - which sees Chris Hemsworth reprise his role as the hammer-wielding superhero, Idris Elba as Heimdall and Mark Ruffalo split off from the 'Avengers' films to portray The Hulk in Asgard.

The 35-year-old actor admits it's been fantastic to return to Loki after four years away and reunite with Hemsworth.

He said: "It's so exciting because I haven't played Loki for four years. The last time I wore the costume was at San Diego Comic-Con in 2013. The best thing about it, honestly, is working with Chris again. I first met him in Kenneth Branagh's house in England in 2009. We were mere children, in the very beginning of our acting journeys. We made an instant connection, and it's been extraordinary to share the ride with him - this mad journey with Marvel. Anthony Hopkins has been on set this week. And Taika Waititi is magnificent. He has found a way of honouring everything that came before but doing his own thing. And he's so funny. His films - and if you haven't, you must seek them out: What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople - they have this combination of light-hearted, good humour and emotion. They're very moving. Everyone's really happy. Of course, we're just at the beginning. I will be here (in Australia) until the beginning of November."

'Doctor Strange' is due for release in November, while 'Thor: Ragnarok' will hit cinemas in November 2017.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent a romantic night away from their children in the Canadian wilderness on Wednesday (28.09.16).

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The royal couple left their kids George, three, and 16-month-old Charlotte in the capable hands of their nanny in Victoria - for the first time - while they enjoyed an evening dancing to music, relaxing in jacuzzis and keeping warm with a riverside fire in Whitehorse, Yukon.

The loved-up pair - who got married in 2011 - stayed at the Coast High Country Inn in Yukon for just 95 and, along with their evening festivities, were likely to have seen the Northern Lights in the breathtaking Canadian skies, according to the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

But George and Charlotte - who have joined their parents on their nine-day trip of Canada - didn't miss out as they were taken to the Beacon's Hill Children's Farm to visit goats, pigs, sheep, chickens and llamas during the day.

The Victoria tourist board tweeted: "Prince George & Princess Charlotte met the cute critters @bhchildrensfarm yesterday!"

The royal family have had a busy few days in Canada and just yesterday the 34-year-old prince was eager to show off his dance moves as he attended a lively street party in Whitehorse, before he and his beautiful wife were whisked away to the forest for their solo evening.

Carly Fredrickson, 22 - who performed at the street party - said: "They [the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge] were really impressed and they made jokes about how he's a really good dancer and he wanted to get up and dance with us. He said he has some moves and she agreed. He said he did want to get up and dance while we were performing."

The duke and duchess will wrap up their tour of Canada on October 1.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's tour of Canada took six months to plan.

Duchess Catherine, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William

The royal couple arrived in the country last week with their children Prince George, three, and Princess Charlotte, 16 months, and, although the family are being whisked from place-to-place with ease, the Canadian government spent half a year making arrangements with the governments of Yukon and British Columbia, as well as Kensington Palace.

An official spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "The program you see being rolled out is a collaborative effort between all four groups."

And, although the pair have a jam-packed schedule to keep them busy, officials are more concerned about the tour running "smoothly, on time, safely, and successfully."

However, all that is made easier by the fact the royal family have three private secretaries, four press officers, one tour secretary, one operations manager, one PA and one nanny.

They've also got a team of Scotland Yard security guards who will accompany them on their tour, while the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will also be on hand to help.

The duke and duchess have been busy travelling between cities in the country, while they children have been staying in Victoria, British Columbia, with their experienced nanny.

Their tour will come to an end on October 1.
Princess Beatrice took part in a swim in Sicily on Tuesday (27.09.16).

Princess Beatrice

The 28-year-old royal - the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip - joined tycoon Sir Richard Branson for a 3.3km race in Italy to raise cash for the youth charity, Big Change.

The strawberry-blonde beauty slipped into a wetsuit as she clutched hold of her chest prior to the race in a bid to keep warm.

Just before the claxon rang, the princess slipped her snorkel gear over her face so that she can pick up speed under water.

Once she completed the swim, Beatrice hopped out of the water and celebrated her achievement by throwing her arms around her friend.

The princess has had a busy few weeks as just last weekend she went on a blind date following her split from Dave Clark.

However, things didn't go according to plan with her mystery suitor, as he had no idea he was being set up with a member of the British royal family and was left sweating and shaking with nerves throughout their meeting.

A source said recently: "Bea went on a date with a man who arrived with flowers but was left pouring with sweat when he realised who his date was. Beatrice found it very funny - it was great to break the ice, great practice and he was a great guy, she said."

It was previously claimed Beatrice and Dave had gone their separate ways because he didn't want to get married.

A source explained: "After ten years together, Beatrice and Dave had to wonder why they were not married.

"They talked it through and decided to take time apart to reflect on the future. They remain friends and the decision to break up was mutual."

And after the duo agreed that marriage was not a likely prospect in the near future, they decided to terminate their relationship altogether.

The source shared: "Beatrice has become a lot more assertive and confident recently. She gave Dave an ultimatum, but it backfired because he did not ask her to marry him. They both agreed that with no marriage in their future, it was time to go separate ways."
Charlotte Crosby has warned fans to "never" give their phones to her.

Charlotte Crosby

The 26-year-old television personality has hosted the first episode of MTV's new Snapchat television show called 'Show Us Ur Phone', which sees her ambush couples on the high street and scour their mobiles to see what secrets she can discover about them, and has advised people not to hand over their devices.

The first episode aired on MTV's Snapchat Discover channel on Thursday (29.06.16) and in it the blonde beauty teased: "I ask couples for their phones and then they answer questions based on what I've found on them.

"Why? For money of course! Never ever give me your phone pin!"

MTV will air the show on their website if the former 'Geordie Shore' star proves to be a hit with viewers, and there are talks the programme may even be transferred to their main UK channel later this year.

The blonde beauty has teased the show gets awkward at points, but is eager to reveal the next episode.

She tweeted: "Who's saw it ?!?! Show us ur phone gets pretty AWKS! Wait till you see what happens next EP! PLEASE let me no what you think!!! (sic)."

And Charlotte is surprised to learn the show has been such a hit with her fans and has gained a "fan account" within a few hours.

She said: "Hahahahah asif there's already a fan account @ShowUsYourPhone (sic)."

And Charlotte might be hoping 'Show Us Ur Phone' takes off after it was revealed she has previously "frustrated" bosses of 'Celebs Go Dating' after she failed to tell them she was in a relationship with Ash Harrison.

Speaking previously, a source said: "Bosses [of the show] are frustrated to say the least. The whole point of the programme was to help her find a man and move on from [her ex-boyfriend] Gaz [Beadle] but she had someone all along."
The Netherlands has recently made giant steps in animal and human rights. The Dutch government is looking to end experiments on animals and they enlisted the help of PETA scientists to drive this forward.

Vegan on Female First

A motion in parliament has already been passed to phase out such experiments and it aims to use only non-animal testing, that's also relevant to humans by 2025.

Dr Julia Baines is PETA UK's scientific policy advisor and along with a PETA Netherlands representative, she was invited to discuss alternative ways to replace animal experiments. Subsequently, PETA scientists developed a detailed dossier of information to help the Dutch government's transition to animal-free testing.

"This ground-breaking decision is the first of its kind taken by any country. It reflects both today's innovations in cutting-edge science and changing attitudes about the morality of using animals in experiments", says Dr Baines. "It is a momentous step that will save countless animals, and hopefully will inspire other countries to make similar changes."

For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.

by Lucy Moore for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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The second annual Race for Life  Turkey will be held on Sunday 2nd October, starting at 10am from Beskaza (Town Square), near the Culture Centre in Fethiye.

The entrants will complete a 5km, fundraising event along the scenic Fethiye harbour to raise money for awareness, research and treatment of cancer in Turkey.

5km is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities. You can take part however you like and choose to run, jog or walk your way around the course.

The course is also accessible for wheelchair entrants.

How far is 5km?

5 kilometres is just over three miles, which isnt that much further than when you walk your dog, go sightseeing or go on a shopping trip.

How long will it take?

Those who jog or run Race for Life often complete the 5k course in about 30 to 45 minutes.

Walkers take about an hour, but theres no pressure to finish in a certain time. Its all about uniting in the fight against cancer.

Now you know 5km is an achievable distance why not take the first step to the finish line and register to take part.

Can I still sign up?

The answer is a resounding YES!

Tomorrow is the last day to register at the Fetav Office in Fethiye. The office hours are 09.00-12.00 and 13.00-17.00.

There will also be a special registration event on Saturday 1st October at 10am at the Fethiye Culture Centre

Cancer can affect us all

This year 176,000 people in Turkey will discover they have cancer. Thats 500 people a day.

In Fethiye, 200 people who are healthy today, will be diagnosed with cancer by this time next year.

Last year enough money was raised to buy an HD endoscope for Fethiye Devlet Hospital, a vital piece of equipment for early cancer detection.

Come along and support the entrants

If you are unable to take part yourself, please come along anyway, enjoy the atmosphere and support this very worthy causeand you can always sponsor one of the participants.

For further information please click here
A research study at Plymouth University has found that around 700,000 microscopic fibres are released into the waste water while washing a load of synthetic fibre and blended fibre garments in a domestic washing machine. This water waste loaded with these fibres is likely to pass through sewage treatment, and be a cause for environmental degradation.The study examined the mass, abundance and size of fibres present in waste effluent and found hundreds of thousands of tiny synthetic particles after each wash, confirming earlier work that garment washing is a major source of microscopic fibres within the aquatic environment.

A research study at Plymouth University has found that around 700,000 microscopic fibres are released into the waste water while washing a load of synthetic fibre and blended fibre garments in a domestic washing machine. This water waste loaded with these fibres is likely to pass through sewage treatment, and be a cause for environmental degradation.#

For the study, polyester acrylic and polyester cotton items were washed at 30C and 40C using various combinations of detergent and fabric conditioner.Fibres were then extracted from the waste effluent and examined using an electron microscope to determine the typical size and any differences in mass and abundance among treatments. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has estimated cotton crop for 2016-17 season, beginning October 1, at 336 lakh bales of 170 kg each. This is same as the estimate made by the association a month ago. Cotton supply is projected to be 398 lakh bales while domestic consumption is forecast at 309 lakh bales, leaving an available surplus of 89 lakh bales.

However, cotton output would be lower than last year's production of 337.75 lakh bales.

In its state-wise estimate, CAI said cotton production in Gujarat would remain at 88 lakh bales in 2016-17. In Maharashtra, cotton output is forecast to improve from 78 lakh bales last season to 87 lakh bales.

The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has estimated cotton crop for 2016-17 season, beginning October 1, at 336 lakh bales of 170 kg each. This is same as the estimate made by the association a month ago. Cotton supply is projected to be 398 lakh bales while domestic consumption is forecast at 309 lakh bales, leaving an available surplus of 89 lakh bales.#

Southern states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are expected to produce lesser crop in 2016-17, pegged at 48 lakh bales and 15.5 lakh bales, respectively.

Among northern states, cotton production in Punjab is likely to rise by 0.5 lakh bales over last year to around 8 lakh bales in 2016-17. In Haryana, yield is expected to remain the same as last season at 17 lakh bales. Rajasthan is expected to produce 18 lakh bales, compared to last year's 16 lakh bales. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Indian denim fabric producer Nandan Denim Ltd (NDL) plans to raise Rs 100 crore from foreign investors to finance its expansion plans. NDL will issue five million convertible warrants on preferential basis to foreign investors at Rs 200 each, which includes a premium of Rs 190. The company has received shareholders approval for the same at its AGM.As per NDL, the conversion price of Rs. 200 per share represents premium of over 57 per cent to current share price of Rs 127.05 per share as on September 27, 2016.

Indian denim fabric producer Nandan Denim Ltd (NDL) plans to raise Rs 100 crore from foreign investors to finance its expansion plans. NDL will issue five million convertible warrants on preferential basis to foreign investors at Rs 200 each, which includes a premium of Rs 190. The company has received shareholders approval for the same at its AGM.#

NDL will be issuing 2.5 million fully convertible warrants each to both, LTS Investment Fund Ltd and LGOF Global Opportunities Ltd at Rs 200 each, both of whom are Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs).NDL has proposed to raise the aggregate limit for holding shares by FIIs or FPIs to 49 per cent from the earlier 24 per cent, considering the continuous increase in the holding of FIIs and FPIs and various advantages in attracting institutional investors, NDL said.The company will invest the fresh capital to fund its growth plans, as well as invest in its subsidiaries to meet long term working capital requirement and improve capital structure. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas are in the process of developing artificial muscles from highly twisted fibres of various materials like carbon nanotubes, nylon thread and polymer fishing line. Potential applications range from robotics, prosthetics and smart textiles that change porosity and shape in response to temperature.These researchers have produced actuating muscle yarns that, like their wooly counterparts, can be woven, sewn and knitted into textiles.

Scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas are in the process of developing artificial muscles from highly twisted fibres of various materials like carbon nanotubes, nylon thread and polymer fishing line. Potential applications range from robotics, prosthetics and smart textiles that change porosity and shape in response to temperature.#

According to Dr. Carter Haines, they have called these actuating fibres artificial muscles, because they mimic the fibre like form factor of natural muscles.We are very excited about their potential use for other practical applications, such as in next-generation intelligent textiles, he said. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
India's textile industry is at a very important threshold. It has a great opportunity to capture the space being vacated by the Chinese industry due to their spiraling costs. However, the isolated increase in cotton prices in India is a cause of worry, said Northern India Textile Research' Association's (NITRA's) new chairman Sanjay K Jain.

Jain was speaking immediately after becoming the chairman of NITRA's council of administration, at the 40th annual general meeting of the organisation at NITRA campus in Ghaziabad.

The textile industry is going through unprecedented challenges, which has pushed the industry to the brink. However, the space being vacated by the Chinese industry offers a great opportunity, Jain said.

India's textile industry is at a very important threshold. It has a great opportunity to capture the space being vacated by the Chinese industry due to their spiraling costs. However, the isolated increase in cotton prices in India is a cause of worry, said Northern India Textile Research' Association's (NITRA's) new chairman Sanjay K Jain.#

While being excited at the industry being at a very important threshold, Jain said he was worried about the immediate crisis of the industry due to isolated increase in cotton prices in India while global prices were stable.

He also mentioned that there is immense potential for conducting need-based R&D and intensifying other support services to the textile and clothing industry. He expressed confidence that NITRA would continue its pursuit for excellence in this direction during his tenure as its chairman. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Rishi Kapoor is a man not known to mince his words. He believes in speaking his mind. And we praise him for speaking the truth always, even about his own personal life. The veteran actor recently shot for the Simi Garewal chat show - Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, with wife Neetu Kapoor. And on the show Rishi made some shocking revelation about his relationship with son Ranbir Kapoor.

In the teaser of the chat show, Rishi said about Ranbir Kapoor, "I don't see his films. See there is a wall between us. Ek sisha hai, hum ek dusre ko dekh rahe hai but feel nahi hota kuch (there is a mirror, we can see each other but can't feel anything)." (This is so sad!). When Simi Garewal asked, ''Ranbir must crave for your love, right?" Rishi replied, "I don't know whether it has gone too far along."

Check out some really cute pictures of Rishi and Ranbir below.

Rishi On Ranbir's Casanova Tag During an interview with a famous film magazine, when Rishi Kapoor was asked about Ranbir's 'Casanova' tag, the senior actor had said that it's an image given to his son by the media. Rishi Supports Ranbir Supporting his son, Rishi Kapoor had also mentioned in the same interview that Ranbir is successful; hence, any girl would like to date him. Rishi On Ranbir's Love Life The veteran actor had said, "He's successful. Any girl would like to date him. Abhi nahi karega toh kab meri umar mein aakey karega?'' Rishi Reveals Ranbir's Secret Rishi Kapoor had further added, ''This is the age to find a soul mate. (Laughs) He's seeing everyone because I keep seeing A B C and D in the house.'' Rishi's Interview ''But I don't think that A knows about B and C knows about D. The staff knows and I know. I'm still the boss of the house. The news reaches my ears,'' he had said. Rishi Talks About Ranbir's Relationships Talking about Ranbir's relationships, Rishi Kapoor had told Filmfare, "He's had two relationships in the past with his co-actresses. We've had no problem.'' Rishi-Ranbir Rishi Kapoor had further added, ''It's up to him who he wants as a wife, as a girlfriend or work with as a co-actor.'' Rishi On Ranbir's Marriage ''He's most welcome to marry whoever he wants. We'd only be happy to have a daughter in law," Rishi Kapoor added in the same interview.

In an interview with Rajeev Masand, Ranbir Kapoor too had talked about his relationship with father Rishi, ''I assisted him (Rishi Kapoor) on Aa Ab Laut Chalen by default because my ICSE Board exams had just gotten over and you usually go for a holiday after it. So, dad was shooting in America and he told me 'why don't you come along. You can take a holiday and can assist me also.' So, it was a mixture of both and that is the time I really started bonding with him.''

Also Read: My Oh My! Pregnant Kareena Kapoor Looks Way Hotter Than Karisma Kapoor At Ranbir Kapoor's Birthday!

Ranbir Kapoor had further added, ''While I was growing up we never had a very friendly relationship because he used to stay very busy. I was petrified of him. He would tell me to eat my vegetables and I would start crying. But in the US we really bonded well because we stayed together. Every night after pack-up he would take me to these fancy restaurants. He is a big foodie and he is very particular that I taste different types of cuisine.''
Since the famous vampire movie series, The Twilight, concluded in 2012 - after its four years run through five consecutive sequels, it was expected that Lionsgate will probably draw curtains to this particular franchise with their last one named The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.

But now it appears that the production bosses are quite enthusiastic to bring back that hit movie series again with some additional stories in their basket. Only, if the author Stephenie Meyer agrees to pen down some on their behalf.

Lionsgate studio's Co-Chief Patrick Wachsberger, reveals that more Twilight movies could be possible in the future even if they had wrapped up with Edward and Bella story in their last part, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.

Patrick Wachsberger says, that the Lionsgate Studio is ready to move on with new stories in the Twilight Saga, but that would entirely depend on the author Stephenie Meyer, He said he is not certain though but yes, there is a possibility for more sequels.

'It's a possibility. Not a certainty, but it's a possibility. It's about Stephenie. If she wants to tell a story related to those characters, we're here for her.' Patrick said.

However, it will be interesting to see if the original star casts make a return in the future sequel to the Twilight Saga, as one of the leads, Robert Pattinson had earlier said he is now too old to return.

"I'd be curious what Stephenie would write, but I just think I'd probably be too old. I'm already too old. But yeah, it'd be kind of interesting," said Pattinson.
Kartik, Gayu & Naira

In the upcoming episode, Akshara joins Kartik, Naira and Gayu, Akshara in the Switzerland trip. In Switzerland too, Kartik starts dreaming about Naira, while Gayu dreams of Kartik.

Akshara Rescues Naitik

As we had revealed earlier, Naitik will be in trouble. Akshara, who is also in Switzerland, gets a clue about Naitik being at the same place. She somehow manages to rescue Naitik from Naman's clutches.

Akshara & Naitik Romance

The audiences will also get to see Akshara and Naitik's romance. The duo will be spending time together and sharing how they missed each other in their absence.

Naira Confronts Kartik

Also, Naira will be seen confronting Kartik. She lashes out at him, thinking he was behind Naitik's kidnap. Well, now that Naitik is back, Naira's misunderstanding must be cleared.

Kartik Proposes Naira

Kartik proposes Naira and she accepts his proposal. Gayu gets to know about the same, and is shattered. There are also reports that she attempts suicide after knowing about Kartik and Naira's love.

Kanchi Singh

But, Kanchi Singh has denied the reports. It has to be seen, how Gayu reacts to Kaira's love. How will Kartik and Naira react after knowing Gayu's truth!

Grand Welcome For Naitik

Finally, Akshara returns to India with Naitik. At home, everybody will be happy to see Naitik after a long time. They welcome him home in a grand way.

Naksh Jumps On Naitik!

Naksh will be the happiest, as he missed his papa Naitik a lot. He jumps in joy and hugs Naitik. The audiences will also get to see the father-son love, which they have been missing since a long time.
YOKNEAM, Israel, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Sino-Lite Ltd., an Israeli corporation, has announced the acquisition of Light Instruments Ltd, a leading dental laser manufacturer, previously owned by Syneron Medical Ltd. Owning 100% of Light Instruments' unique technology, Sino-Lite Ltd. has gained access into the prosperous global dental laser market.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407648 )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407649 )

Light Instruments Ltd., the world's leading provider of next generation dental laser technology for hard and soft tissue treatments is famed for its flagship LiteTouch' product. Developed by Light Instruments, LiteTouch' - the Laser-in-Handpiece technology, is the world's most versatile non-fibre, Er: YAG dental laser device.

"The acquisition of Light Instruments is the first step within a sequence of acquisitions of high technology companies and innovative companies that the group intends to acquire in the Israeli market," said Adv. Eric Ben Mayor - CEO of Sino-Lite Ltd, serving also as Light Instruments Ltd. CEO.

"The new leadership will drive the LiteTouch' technology brand forward and further develop its valued innovative contribution to the dentistry world," continued Ben-Mayor and added: "Sino-Lite Ltd. shall increase Light Instruments' workforce and expand the variety of high-end advanced Technology Dental Lasers offered, thus affirming its position as a worldwide global leader."

Attracted by Light Instruments' reputation for developing cutting-edge and advanced technology in the dental field, the acquisition marks the latest large investment by Chinese conglomerates in Israeli technology companies.

Light Instruments Ltd's development of a small, simple and portable laser for dental procedures is a sharp contrast from the bulky and complicated equipment common elsewhere.

The dental laser market is one of the biggest potential markets in the coming decade. There is a clear worldwide trend and a willingness from dentists to adopt painless, fast and more efficient solutions. The once-fledging market is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting developments in the healthcare industry.

About Sino-Lite Ltd

Sino-Lite Ltd specializes in the acquisitions, development and management of dental and medical companies worldwide. The company is backed by strong Chinese groups headed by Sino-Ita International Trading Company, headquartered in Beijing China, is the distributor of the Italian brand NewTom Cone Beam 3D Imaging in China and South East Asia. Sino-Ita is a whole solution provider covering the business of high end imaging equipment, high value consumable items, and high value services. Sino-Ita integrates the whole chain from research, sales to service.

For more information, visit http://www.light-inst.com

Media Contact:

Claudia Yoel

Marketing Projects Manager

+972-54-300-3429

claudiay@light-inst.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Sumner Redstone's National Amusements Inc plans to urge the boards of companies it controls- Viacom Inc. and CBS Corp. (CBS) - to explore a merger. It plans to send its message in a letter delivered before the market opens Thursday, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. National Amusements is the controlling shareholder of both Viacom and CBS, which separated from each other 10 years ago. Mr. Redstone, who is 93 years old and in ill health, remains on the board of National Amusements, though he stepped down from his role as chairman of both CBS and Viacom earlier this year amid questions about his mental capacity. 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.
SANTA CLARA (dpa-AFX) - Agilent Technologies Inc. (A), a life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical company, announced Thursday that it has signed a deal with Chinese diagnostics company Burning Rock. Under the agreement, Burning Rock will develop cancer diagnostics in China based on the Agilent SureSelect target enrichment system. Agilent provides target enrichment for next-generation DNA sequencing. Burning Rock is a fast-growing company focused on developing cancer diagnostics based on DNA sequencing. Yusheng Han, the founder and chief executive officer of Burning Rock, said, 'Collaboration between our two companies will provide additional high-quality molecular diagnostic solutions based on next-generation sequencing, including non-invasive testing, relapse monitoring, early-stage diagnosis and cancer susceptibility.' Burning Rock plans to register its molecular diagnostic kit with the China Food and Drug Administration. The company believes the kit could become the first CFDA-approved capture sequencing-based cancer diagnostic assay in the Chinese market. 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.


PEORIA (dpa-AFX) - At the U.S.-Africa Business Forum last week, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi discussed the future of Egyptian rail, infrastructure and power generation. The company affirmed commitment to Egypt's Infrastructure Development.



'Meeting with President Sisi offered an impressive vision for the future of Egypt,' said Oberhelman. 'Infrastructure development is one of his top priorities, and we are uniquely positioned to advance these efforts as Caterpillar has been involved in some of the largest infrastructure projects in Egypt's history. Egypt is on the move and Caterpillar is committed to being a central part of the exciting developments on the horizon.'



The company noted that its products helped expand the Suez Canal, while Caterpillar power generation products provided standby power for this massive infrastructure project. The company is also powering the construction of Egypt's massive Tunnels Projects. Cat machines can also be seen building thousands of kilometers of new roads as part of Egypt's National Roads project and actively participating in the construction of the New Capital City outside Cairo.



The company is exploring substantial investments in rail centers to serve Egypt and surrounding areas, bringing its rebuild capabilities in country to enhance the existing fleet.



During last week's U.S.-Africa Business Forum, Caterpillar and its dealers announced their plan to make a major investment in Africa. As part of that, Caterpillar's Egyptian dealer Mantrac intends to build a branch that will support the construction of Egypt's new administrative and business capital on the outskirts of Cairo.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - BPO services provider Capita Group plc (CPI.L) Thursday said its second-half to date performance has been below expectations. As a result, the company trimmed its forecast for fiscal 2016 results. In its trading statement, the company said the week second-half trading reflected a slow-down in specific trading businesses, one-off costs incurred on the Transport for London (TfL) congestion charging contract and continued delays in client decision making. For the year, the company now expects underlying profit before tax to be in the range of 535 million pounds to 555 million pounds, compared to the current company compiled consensus profit before tax estimate of 614 million pounds. The company now expects revenue growth for the full year to be in the range of 4-5%, including around 1% organic growth net of attrition. The company previously expected organic revenue growth of around 4% for the full year. 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.
Efficio, the procurement experts, today announced the appointment of Roger Siddle as Non-Executive Chairman, to assist the senior management team.

Roger has a strong background in consulting, having been UK Managing Partner at Bain and Company between 2001-2007 and a senior member of the global Bain management team. He has also been a successful Chief Executive of two public companies, Findel plc and BPP Holdings plc, and is currently chair of two other private equity portfolio businesses Cordium, the regulatory compliance software and consulting business, and Estera, an offshore services provider.

Roger Siddle, Non-Executive Chairman at Efficio said: "Efficio are proven experts in their field and I am excited to be joining them as they grow their already highly successful business in new markets, through new channels and service offerings and through technology. In today's economic environment procurement has never been more important, and I look forward to assisting the senior Efficio team as they continue to develop their future strategy and maintain their strong growth trajectory."

Jens Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer at Efficio commented: "Roger joins us at an important time for Efficio as we expand our business both geographically and through our eFlow technology platform. Roger's unique blend of skills and experience forged during his career make him the ideal Non-Executive Chairman for Efficio and we look forward to working with him as we implement our ambitious growth plans."

About Efficio

Efficio are procurement experts, helping clients to identify, deliver and sustain improvement opportunities. Our international team combines unparalleled procurement expertise and industry experience with a unique blend of intellectual capital and technology to deliver results and advance our clients' procurement capability.

Our service offering includes a range of deployment models, from focussed consulting engagements to long-term managed services, all facilitated and powered by our eFlow procurement technology.

Efficio supports blue chip multi-nationals, Private Equity companies and SME clients around the world to deliver increased value from procurement.

We are headquartered in London, with offices in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the USA. For further information about Efficio, please see www.efficioconsulting.com

Roger Siddle Biography

Until March 2015, Roger was the Group CEO of Findel plc, a multi-channel retailer operating across the business-to-consumer and business-to-business marketplaces. There he led a successful turnaround of the business, with performance improved significantly and net debt materially reduced. Prior to Findel, Roger was Group CEO of BPP Holdings plc (one of Europe's leading professional education providers) until its acquisition at a significant premium by the large US education business Apollo Group. He served as UK Managing Partner of Bain Company, the leading global strategy consultants, from 2001 to 2007, having joined the business in 1990. Roger is also Non-Executive Chairman of regulatory compliance consulting and software business Cordium and Non-Executive Chairman of Estera, an independent fiduciary business. He is a Senior Corporate Adviser to the NSPCC and a member of their National Development Board. He holds a BA in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005076/en/

Contacts:

Vetch Mahne

Lindsay Vetch Christian Mahne

+44 (0) 20 3488 3100

efficio@vetchmahne.com

or

Efficio

Marianne McAlindon

+44 (0) 20 7550 5677

marianne.mcalindon@efficioconsulting.com
SAN JOSE, California, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Adaptrum, the global leader in TV white space and dynamic spectrum access technologies, announced today that it has become the first TV white space device manufacturer to have its products independently certified as fully compliant with the European Harmonised Standard (ETSI 301 598 v1.1.1).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160928/412736

Testing of the Adaptrum devices was undertaken by UL, through collaboration with Nominet - which runs the first OFCOM certified TV white spaces database service in UK. Adaptrum's ACRS 2.0 product fully met the ETSI requirements and achieved Class 1 emission performance. This class rating proved that Adaptrum devices create almost no interference in adjacent channels allowing highest efficiency spectrum sharing and enabling access to more white space frequencies at higher power levels, when compared to the devices from competing TV white space manufacturers.

"This ETSI certification of compliance paves the way for commercial applications under the new UK TVWS regulations," said Haiyun Tang, CEO of Adaptrum. "Broadband operators and wireless solution providers can now take advantage of Adaptrum TVWS connectivity solution's unrivaled range and non-line of sight performance to bring broadband to areas of the UK that have previously been regarded as uneconomic."

Dr. Pasquale Cataldi of Nominet said: "TV white space exploits unused frequencies on the radio spectrum, delivering wireless connectivity that works where no other technology does. Adaptrum radios are at the forefront of this, maximizing the use of the vacant spectrum."

About Adaptrum: Driving both technological and regulatory innovations, Adaptrum has pioneered the use of previously underutilized TV White Space spectrum. Founded by leading experts in wireless communications, our creative and experienced team is committed to fundamentally changing the wireless industry and enabling universally affordable broadband.

About Nominet: Nominet is an international, internet company based in Oxford and London. It is a public benefit company with over 2,500 members. Since 1996, Nominet has managed and run domain names that end in UK and is now one of the world's largest country code registries. As an applied research group, the Nominet R&D team is hands-on with a number of applications that address real-world problems and sees great potential in the use of TV white space in both smart cities and connecting remote rural areas.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Moovly Media Inc. (TSX VENTURE: MVY)(FRANKFURT: OPV2) ("Moovly" or the "Company") announces the expansion of its cloud-based platform to mobile users who want to create engaging multimedia content on-the-go. By launching its mobile application, the Belgian-Canadian company takes a new step on its vision to become the number 1 platform for engaging, customizable multimedia content creation. Moovly's mobile app is available for free through Apple's App Store. Any Moovly user is allowed to enjoy its functionality. The launch of our mobile app is the first of several product and service advances enabled by the platform migration of Moovly in May, 2016.

While the Moovly platform offers several preloaded content libraries, customization is what makes any Moov (i.e. videos made with Moovly) unique. Of course the new mobile app allows quick and easy multimedia content creation as it comes with preloaded templates in 4 categories: generic, business, emoji and birthday. The mobile app utilized Moovly's new API technology architecture designed to make it possible for multiple ways to access the platform.

However the true added-value of the app is its ability to empower Moovly users in two important ways. First to promote, engage and teach at any place, anytime because all the user's creations are available from the cloud via smartphone or tablet. Second to capture content spontaneously for upload to the user's personal library which he or she can include in future creations.

"Our new mobile app puts Moovly in the lead of creating unique and customized multimedia content", says Brendon Grunewald, CEO of Moovly. "What is great, is that any other video or camera app can be combined with the functionality of Moovly, because you can also upload videos, pictures or sounds from your iOS camera library."

Thanks to the new mobile app users can take customization to a new level. They can literally unleash their creativity while combining their favorite iPhone application. They can use filters for pictures, special video apps to record interviews or discussions, modify sounds or compose music and then upload it to the Moovly platform for final customization and distribution. This is the first version of the mobile app, which will evolve over time based on internal as well as client demand and use cases. Moovly encourages users and clients to become involved in that process via closed user focus groups.

Moovly is a user-friendly, cloud-based platform to create appealing multimedia content in an affordable, intuitive and simple way. Today the platform is being used by close to 1 million users from businesses, schools and organizations that create and share captivating videos and multimedia presentations, video clips and dynamic infographics. The new mobile app will convince even more users and contribute to Moovly's aspiration to become the market leader for online production of video animations and multimedia content. App developments such as more content, additional feature sets and for release on Android are in the pipeline.

Key Features

1. The app is available for free through Apple's App Store. 2. Any Moovly user is allowed to enjoy the functionality of the app. 3. The only restriction is the cloud storage space of the user's license plan: -- Free: 100 MB / 20 items -- Plus: 500 MB / 100 items -- Pro: 1 GB / 200 items -- Business: 2GB / Unlimited items

As well as video feature limitations for the free plan as indicated in the table below:

To view the table, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1070950_table.jpg

4. Capture video, pictures and sounds spontaneously and add to your personal library -- Upload pictures, sounds, music, video captured in the past from your iPhone library -- Unleash your creativity while combining your favorite iPhone application. 5. Make Moovs on-the-go with preloaded templates in 4 categories: -- Generic: a simple picture and text template for any message you'd like to send. -- Emoji: express sentiments by using pictures and emojis depicting "Unbelievable", "Cat" and "Angry". -- Business: 3 templates in a business context to explain the 3 key elements of a concept to your audience. -- Happy Birthday: 4 styles for wishing happy birthdays to friends.

About Moovly:

Moovly is a cloud based multimedia platform that enables people to create engaging multimedia content by making it affordable, intuitive and simple. Users choose from extensive animated content libraries in various styles and can add their own images, movies and sounds to create captivating videos and presentations. Finished work is published on major social channels like Facebook and YouTube, shared for viewing or editing in the online Moovly User Gallery or downloaded with the click of a button.

Today Moovly is used in education, businesses of any size and government, non-government and non-profit organizations. Moovly is also adopted by private consumers and broadcasters to create videos that explain, promote, engage, inspire, educate and entertain. Videos can be played on mobile devices, TV screens, digital billboards and more.

Moovly makes video content recyclable, easy to edit, fast to update and possible to translate, all in-house. Powerful business features include API access, custom style and brand libraries, total white-label option, custom user interface capability, high-level security, premium support and commercial boost services.

For additional information regarding Moovly, please refer to its website at www.moovly.com.

Reader Advisory

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward looking statements and information with respect to Moovly's future business plans. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties, include, but are not limited to, Moovly's inability to continue to commercialize its products or demand for its products decreases of disappears. Other risk factors are set forth in detail in the Company's Management Information Circular dated March 30, 2016 which is available for review under the Company's corporate profile at www.sedar.com. Some other risks and factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information also include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; industry conditions, unanticipated operating events; failure to obtain any necessary third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, capital and skilled personnel; changes in tax laws; and the other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Dan Whittle

Phone: +1 604-345-1309

Email: daniel.whittle@moovly.com



Thorsten Strauss

Marketing Director

Phone: +32 471 343 293

Email: press@moovly.com




Analysis of Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) data by analysts Green Energy Markets has highlighted the growing impact solar power is having on the nation's electricity consumption rates and patterns. According to the data, overall NEM power consumption rose by 0.8% in 2016, continuing the recent uptick in electricity consumption evident in Australia since 2015, ending years of falling consumption. However, the analysis shows that the increase in consumption would have been as high as 1.8% were it not for solar - and energy efficiency measures - making themselves felt. The data reveals that the growing prevalence of solar power in Australia, much of it consumed at source by homeowners, aided by energy efficiency measures generated a 1% ...

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.
Voted on by readers of GIT SECURITY magazine, the award recognizes the PanoVu Panoramic Camera for its simple design, superior image quality and easy installation

HOOFDDORP, Netherlands, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hikvision, the world's leading supplier of innovative video surveillance products and solutions, is proud to announce that its PanoVu 360-degree panoramic camera has been named Best CCTV and Video Security Product in the prestigious 2017 GIT SECURITY Awards. The annual GIT SECURITY awards are recognized as one of the most fiercely contested anywhere in the world, with products nominated and voted on by the 75,000 GIT SECURITY and GIT SICHERHEIT readers to produce three winning products in each category. GIT SECURITY and GIT SICHERHEIT magazines are the highest circulating security magazines in the EMEA region and Germany.

The 16MP PanoVu DS-2DP1636-D camera provides 360-degree distortion-free Ultra HD images by seamlessly integrating eight separate 1/1.9" progressive scan CMOS sensors into each camera. These eight cameras link with the PanoVu's powerful 36x optical PTZ unit and Smart tracking capabilities to ensure that no detail within the panoramic scene is missed, and capture highly-detailed high-resolution colour images down to 0.002 Lux for round-the-clock, 360-degree monitoring, which makes it ideal for public open spaces in busy city centres.

The combination in one unit of 360-degree panoramic viewing and powerful PTZ curtails costs, reduces technical complexity and simplifies installation by allowing users to replace multiple cameras with just one PanoVu. Its all-in-one design uses a single Ethernet cable and one power supply cable for quick implementation and simple configuration.

Hikvision International Marketing Director Keen Yao says the GIT SECURITY Award is a great honour and recognition of the work done by Hikvision's dedicated designers. "We are very pleased to receive this prestigious award from the knowledgeable readers of this highly-regarded magazine. The PanoVu series features a simple, clean design and compact structure that provides ultra-high-definition panoramic images, seamlessly integrating video from multiple sensors in one unit. We believe it is the best equipped high-end panoramic solution on the market."

Hikvision PanoVu Series is designed for large-scale security monitoring applications such as stadiums, city centres, airports and parking lots. The product family is available in 8 MP - 180-degree and 16 MP - 360-degree variants, allowing users to select the ideal model for their specific surveillance application.

In April 2016, Hikvision's PanoVu Series also won an iF Design Award - acknowledged as a symbol of design excellence around the world.

To find out how the award-winning PanoVu Series works out for large-scale scenario, please stop by Hikvision booth at Security Essen, # 2A34.

About Hikvision

Hikvision is the world's leading supplier of video surveillance solutions. Featuring the industry's strongest R&D workforce, Hikvision uses its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to design and develop innovative CCTV and video surveillance products for any security need. For more information, please visit Hikvision's website at www.hikvision.com.






BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 3:55 am ET Thursday, Germany's Federal Labor Agency releases unemployment data for September. The number of unemployed is forecast to fall by 5,000 and the jobless rate to remain unchanged at 6.1 percent. Ahead of the data, the euro held steady against its major rivals. As of 3:50 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.8616 against the pound, 1.0898 against the Swiss franc, 1.1226 against the U.S. dollar and 113.98 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.
HONG KONG, Sept 29, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - Liu Chuanzhi is best known as the founder of Lenovo. But he now wants to draw attention to three funds that have quietly become his company's biggest source of profits.



According to Finance Asia's September Issue, on July 9, hundreds of Chinese investors and start-up entrepreneurs flocked to an annual conference held by Legend Holdings. They braved the oppressive heat of the Beijing summer not simply because they wanted to network or listen to the various speakers imparting nuggets of wisdom. They also came to pay their respects to the most important man in the room: Liu Chuanzhi, the 72-year-old chairman of the Chinese investment conglomerate.



Liu is widely regarded as an icon of entrepreneurial capitalism in modern China and the "godfather" of its information technology industry. He is best known as the founder of Lenovo, now the world's biggest maker of personal computers.



That alone would have made those attending the conference pay attention to Liu's every word. Lenovo, one of China's few global brands, has long been a major force outside of its home market. The company stunned analysts in late 2004 when it paid $1.25 billion for IBM's PC unit, taking on another $500 million of debt.



But Liu's standing in China's business community does not just rest on his history with Lenovo. His reputation is still growing, amid Legend Holdings' eye-catching diversification strategy.



Legend has, in recent years, been expanding beyond its struggling PC business. By teaming up with its three part-owned investment funds - Hony Capital, Legend Capital and Legend Star - the group has already dipped its toes into a number of different sectors, from food production to car rentals, from dentistry to start-up incubation.



This strategy has already paid dividends. Lenovo is still far and away the biggest part of Legend's business in revenue terms, but the majority of the company's profits now come from elsewhere.



Legend's profit breakdown shows how important the strategy has been for the company. But it has also raised questions about how exactly investors should value a firm that now combines an aging PC business with a series of vibrant - but much smaller - investment funds.



PAY IT FORWARD

Liu founded both Legend and Lenovo in 1984, long before a swathe of home-grown and foreign investors were competing to finance Chinese start-up companies. He relied instead on investment from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a state-backed scientific think tank.



That early experience showed Liu the importance of early stage support for Chinese companies - something that has formed the bedrock of his diversification strategy at Legend.



"The strength of a nation's economy relies on its companies' innovation capability and its young generation's entrepreneurship," he told the roughly 800 delegates attending the 'Will Conference', an annual gathering hosted by its angel investment fund Legend Star. "Therefore, innovation and entrepreneurship isn't just a slogan to us, but the only high road to strengthen the country and enrich the people."



He has put his money where his mouth is. Legend set up the venture capital fund Legend Capital in 2001, private equity player Hony Capital in 2003, and angel investor Legend Star in 2008. Legend Holdings owned partial stakes in Legend Capital and Hony Capital 100% of Legend Star when it issued an IPO prospectus last year.



The group itself also makes direct investments in private and listed firms to gain a controlling stake. Legend's investment portfolio includes Hong Kong-listed car rental service provider China Auto Rental, also backed by US private equity firm Warburg Pincus; Bybo Dental Group, one of China's biggest chains of private dentists; and Joyvio Group, its modern agricultural division.



This approach - mixing strategic investment by Legend and financial support from its angel investment, venture capital and private equity arms - is designed to make sure that Legend is involved in financing throughout the life-cycle of promising companies.



Perhaps fittingly for a Chinese executive who was going overseas long before many of his peers looked offshore for acquisitions, the strategy was inspired by a visit to a foreign corporation.



In 1998, Liu visited General Electric's Colorado facility on a two-week fact-finding mission. He told Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television last September that the trip inspired him to build a top-notch conglomerate. The US company had, Liu said, developed a unique model that brought together seemingly unconnected subsidiaries, such as finance, engineering and biotechnology.



The idea is not simply to spread Legend's capital far and wide in order to hit the most targets. According to Ji Chaofeng, managing director of Legend's asset management department, the approach can instead stimulate synergies across platforms - and potentially generate higher returns for the group.



"It's like we are in a gang fight," Ji said. "Every fund could help each other to find different opportunities and lower the risk of fighting alone. We focus on similar sectors but with different stages. With each other's help, we could have more comprehensive information to make fewer strategic mistakes."



PIZZAS AND PRINTERS

These funds have made a big splash in their domestic market. Among the roughly 300 companies Legend Capital has invested in are social network Renren, once hailed as Chinese equivalent of Facebook, and Joyo.com, an online bookstore acquired by Amazon in 2004 to become its local subsidiary.



But many of their most high-profile deals had taken place overseas.



Hony Capital has recently teamed up with its parent company to lead the latest financing round of US startup WeWork. The office space firm raised about $750 million from its series F round of fundraising, giving it a valuation of around $16 billion, according to one person with direct knowledge of the matter.



The investment came two years after Hony hit the hit headlines for its $1.54 billion acquisition of UK restaurant chain PizzaExpress.



Not to be outdone, Legend Capital participated in its own, recent offshore deal. In April, it joined Shenzhen-based Apex Technology and PAG Asia, the private equity buyout firm of Hong Kong investment firm PAG, snapping up US print giant Lexmark in a deal valued at $3.6 billion including debt.



According to the firm, outbound investments, mainly in the US, Korea and Japan, currently account for 15% to 20% of its assets under management totaling Rmb28 billion ($4.2 billion), while that used to take up less than 10%.



Hony is equally bullish. The investment company has amassed Rmb6.5 billion ($9.76 billion) under management across 10 funds since its establishment in 2003 and closed its Fund VIII, a $2.7 billion US dollar fund in April.



After this aggressive fund-raising, Hony still has room for more outbound acquisitions and is keen on the hospital, food, and consumer companies, according to Hony founder and chairman John Zhao.



"Apart from becoming the world's factory, China is also the world's market," he said. "To meet the needs of this market, we have to use capital to acquire products, technologies and services [overseas]."



Legend Star, founded in 2008, currently manages two funds with a scale of Rmbl.5 billion ($230 million). It is putting that money to work attempting to help China achieve its plans of eclipsing the US when it comes to tech innovation, helping fund and train entrepreneurs in Zhongguancun, sometimes dubbed the capital's "Silicon Valley".



Perhaps more impressive than the deals Legend's funds have entered in those they have got out of. Legend Capital has completed about 40 exits through IPOs in mainland China, Hong Kong, New York and Taiwan, and another 40 through mergers and acquisitions.



According to its chief executive Chen Hao, M&As have become more important as an exit route for Chinese VC and PE firms following the two IPO freezes since late 2012. Beijing last November lifted its latest ban on new listings, but has since slowed the pace of IPO approvals.



"For us, we should no longer purely rely on IPOs," he said. "We have to pay more attention to M&As and other [ways to exit a deal]. While IPOs have become more difficult due to [regulatory] changes, M&A has become more active."



The funds are taking advantage of a major trend with this strategy. Last year saw both domestic and outbound M&As reach record annual volumes of $620 billion and $105.4 billion, respectively, Dealogic data shows. This year, Chinese outbound acquisitions had hit $164.6 billion by early September.



CHIP AND WIN

It is clear that these funds have proved for successful for Liu Chuanzhi and the company he created. The question facing investors is how much the profit contribution of these funds should be allowed to make up for flagging returns at Lenovo.



The numbers are clear. Legend Holdings, the parent, managed to generate Rmb4.66 billion ($700 million) of net profit last year, up 12% year-on-year despite flagging revenues at Lenovo. That was largely the result of its financial investments - including those from the three funds. These investments contributed almost 90% of the profits over the year, giving a return around 121% more than they had the year before.



The uncertainty among investors about how to value a business combining a huge, slow-growing legacy asset with high-yielding investment funds explains some of the reason for Legend's poor stock performance, according to executives.



Legend Holdings listed in June 2015, turning to the market more than a decade after Lenovo made its Hong Kong IPO. The parent company raised $2 billion through its initial public offering, marking the fifth-largest IPO in Hong Kong last year, according to Dealogic.



But Legend's stock price has plummeted in the secondary market. By August 11, the stock had fallen around 55% from its IPO price of HK$42.98, compared to a roughly 15% drop in the Hang Seng index over the same period.



According to Liu and a few senior executives at Legend, the sharp drop was mainly due to the market volatility since last summer's stock market turmoil in mainland China and investors' limited understanding of Legend's sprawling business lines.



"Our stock price used to be closely linked with Lenovo's," he told reporters on the sidelines of a conference. "The market didn't know about Legend's other businesses well. I think it will take a while for the market to figure out what our new pillars [of growth] are."



He added that Legend had no plans to reduce its holding in the computer maker despite slumping PC sales.



Lenovo saw its global PC shipments fall 2.3% in the second quarter this year, slightly lower than the global drop of 4.5%, according to market research firm IDC.



While Lenovo posted about $44.9 billion in revenue last year - accounting for 95% of Legend's total revenue - the tech giant nevertheless reported its first annual loss in six years due to slow PC sales and fierce competition in China's smart-phone market Lenovo posted a net loss of $128 million last year, compared to its net profit of $829 million in 2014.



"In terms of revenue, Lenovo still accounts for more than 90% of the total... But in terms of profit, its proportion, which took up more than 50% [of Legend's], has dramatically declined," Ning Min, the chief financial officer of Legend, said in a small group interview on July 8. "We aim to offset the risk [of Lenovo's business] through our financial investment and other strategic investment."



Equity investors typically prefer focused plays over sprawling conglomerates. Legend is trying to defy this preference.



That will be a tough for the firm to achieve. But if its investments continue to perform as well as it does, it stands a decent chance.



Besides, the company has long proved it will not shirk from a challenge. After all, that's how legends are born.









Copyright 2016 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.





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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 29, 2016) - True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. (CSE: MJ) (FSE: TLA). A recent Globe and Mail report that Health Canada knew a year ago about dangerous chemicals in marijuana from Vancouver dispensaries yet took no action underscores the need to establish a safe and secure supply before recreational marijuana is legalized, former BC Premier Mike Harcourt said today.

Mr. Harcourt, who is Chair of True Leaf Medicine International Ltd., a BC-based Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) applicant, said the government not acting on information that marijuana sold at dispensaries contains restricted pesticides and herbicides, shows that the current chaotic situation surrounding the use of marijuana can have dangerous consequences for consumers.

It is especially unfortunate, he says, "Because a safe and secure source of supply is right under their noses."

Mr. Harcourt said the solution involves the 33 licensed producers who have been through an exhaustive seven-part process of obtaining a license to produce and distribute medical marijuana, and another 416 (including True Leaf) who are currently working their way through the rigors of the process, which include screening, security clearance, review, pre-licence inspection and, finally, licensing.

Mr. Harcourt believes that if the supply for both medicinal and recreational customers comes from these licensed, accountable producers, customers can be assured of a safe and secure supply through approved channels. Dispensaries would also be required to purchase supply from licensed companies, preventing the sale of contaminated product.

On August 17, Mr. Harcourt sent a letter entitled True Leaf Recommends Same System for Supply and Sale Of Medical and Recreational Marijuana, that outlines this proposal, to former Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, who is heading up the task force advising the government on the design of the legislation and the regulatory framework for a new system of marijuana sales and distribution.

Mr. Harcourt is following up that submission with a request to meet with Ms. McLellan and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, to discuss True Leaf's proposal, and is awaiting a response.

Mr. Harcourt said the government must act now to speed up the vetting process of applicants in the queue in order to be ready for the increase in demand when marijuana is legalized for recreational purposes. "Many of those 400+ companies are ready, willing and able to provide a safe and secure supply for distribution now," he said.

Medical marijuana patients often rely on dispensaries, even though they are considered illegal by the federal government, because it can be difficult and frustrating to obtain marijuana from legally licenced medicinal marijuana facilities.

The supply problem will only get worse once marijuana is legalized for recreational purposes, which could happen by the fall of 2017. The federal government has pledged to introduce the legislation for that purpose in the spring of 2017.

About True Leaf:

True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. is entering the $104.9 billion global pet care industry with a line of hemp-focused pet chews and supplements marketed through natural pet health and veterinary channels in Canada and the US. The company has also filed an application under Health Canada's Marihuana for Medicinal Purposes Regulations (MMPR) to become a Canadian licensed producer through its 'True Leaf Medicine' subsidiary. It has passed through the preliminary and enhanced screening process of Health Canada's review and is currently awaiting security clearance and 'pre-licensing inspection' approval.

About Mike Harcourt:

Mike Harcourt is the former Premier of British Columbia and Mayor of Vancouver. Currently he is Chair of True Leaf Medicine International Ltd and Chair of UBC's Regional Sustainability Council. He was appointed by Prime Minister to National Round Table on the Environment and Economy and was federally appointed BC Treaty Commissioner. He has chaired the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee for Cities and Communities. He received the Order of Canada in 2012.

To interview Mike Harcourt please contact:

Paul Sullivan

BreakThrough Communications

O: 604-685-4742

M: 604-603-7358

p.sullivan@breakthroughpr.com

Contact:



Kevin Bottomley

Director

True Leaf Medicine International Ltd

M: +1 778 389 9933

kevin@trueleaf.com



NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.



FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION



This press release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks various risk factors discussed in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.
VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - German shares joined a global rally on Thursday after OPEC members came together to support an output reduction deal despite internal conflicts. Investor sentiment remains upbeat despite oil prices declining in European trading after sharp overnight gains. Regional data proved a mixed bag, with German unemployment increasing unexpectedly in September, confounding forecasts for a decline, while a gauge of Eurozone economic sentiment rebounded strongly in September to its highest level thus far this year from a five-month low in the previous month. The DAX was up 70 points or 0.67 percent at 10,507 in late opening deals after hitting as high as 10,575 in early trade. The benchmark index rose 0.7 percent on Wednesday. Carrier Air Berlin rallied 3 percent after announcing job cuts to rescue its ailing business. Commerzbank slid about half a percent after the lender unveiled plans to slash 9,600 jobs and suspend dividends as part of a broader revamp exercise. 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.
Completed Acquisition Will Add $13 billion (10 billion) to Assured Guaranty's Insured Portfolio

Assured Guaranty Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries, Assured Guaranty), the leading financial guaranty insurance company, announced that its subsidiary Assured Guaranty Corp. (AGC) has entered into an agreement to acquire MBIA UK Insurance Limited (MBIA UK), the European operating subsidiary of MBIA Insurance Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, MBIA). The parties expect the transaction to close in early January 2017, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that regulatory approvals will be obtained.

Under the agreement, AGC will deliver to MBIA all of the notes issued in the Zohar II 2005-1 transaction that AGC holds, and the seller, MBIA UK (Holdings) Limited, will transfer to AGC all of the outstanding shares of MBIA UK plus $23 million (18 million) in cash. The Zohar notes to be transferred had, as of June 30, 2016, a total outstanding principal of approximately $347 million (261 million). MBIA Insurance Corporation insures all of the notes issued in the Zohar II 2005-1 transaction.

"This agreement furthers our strategy of acquiring legacy financial guaranty companies," said Dominic Frederico, President and CEO of Assured Guaranty. "In this case, we will be acquiring a seasoned insured portfolio of almost exclusively European transactions and the capital resources to support those exposures. We expect this transaction to be accretive to Assured Guaranty's earnings per share, operating shareholders' equity and adjusted book value."

Nick Proud, CEO of Assured Guaranty (Europe) Ltd. (AGE), said, "This is a landmark transaction that will significantly increase the size of Assured Guaranty's European insured portfolio, creating a total non-U.S. portfolio of approximately $45 billion (34 billion). It also sends a strong message to the market that the monoline model and Assured Guaranty specifically is an active source of infrastructure funding solutions. AGE is currently mandated on a number of primary UK transactions, and we expect this acquisition to add further momentum to our expanding European opportunities."

As of June 30, 2016, MBIA UK had an insured portfolio of approximately $13 billion (10 billion) of net par and approximately $500 million (374 million) of GAAP book value. At this point, Assured Guaranty plans to maintain MBIA UK as a stand-alone entity but could combine it with other European affiliates in the future.

BofA Merrill Lynch is acting as financial advisor to Assured Guaranty, and Mayer Brown LLP is acting as its legal advisor.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Any forward-looking statements made in this press release reflect Assured Guaranty's current views with respect to future events and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those resulting from Assured Guaranty's inability to obtain regulatory approval for its proposed acquisition of MBIA UK or any plan to combine MBIA UK with other Assured Guaranty affiliates in the future; adverse developments in the acquired portfolio; and other risks and uncertainties that have not been identified at this time, management's response to these factors, and other risk factors identified in Assured Guaranty's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made as of September 29, 2016. Assured Guaranty undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Assured Guaranty Ltd. is a publicly traded (NYSE:AGO) Bermuda-based holding company. Its operating subsidiaries provide credit enhancement products to the U.S. and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. More information on Assured Guaranty Ltd. and its subsidiaries can be found at AssuredGuaranty.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005375/en/

Contacts:

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Investor Relations:

Robert Tucker, 212-339-0861

Senior Managing Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

rtucker@assuredguaranty.com

or

Media:

Ashweeta Durani, 212-408-6042

Vice President, Corporate Communications

adurani@assuredguaranty.com

or

UK Media

MHP Communications

Mark Lunn, +44 (0) 203128 8100

Mark.lunn@mhpc.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Gold Standard Ventures Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GSV)(NYSE MKT: GSV) ("Gold Standard" or the "Company") announced today that it has appointed Bruce McLeod as a director of the Company.

Jonathan Awde, a Gold Standard director and its CEO noted that Mr. McLeod strengthens the board's engineering expertise at a time when the Company is pushing ahead with plans to begin defining the economics of its flagship Pinion-Railroad Gold Project in the Carlin Trend of Nevada. "Bruce has a great deal of experience in all aspects of strategic planning, project development, mine finance, mergers and acquisitions. His extensive knowledge of the engineering issues involved in moving gold projects through the economic assessment process will be particularly valuable. We are very pleased that he has accepted our invitation to join our board."

Mr. McLeod is a mining engineer with over 30 years of experience in all areas of the mining industry. Most recently he was a director of Kaminak Gold Corp., which was acquired this year by Goldcorp Inc. for $520 million. Mr. McLeod is currently President and CEO of Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. Prior to that, he served in a senior capacity with a number of successful junior mining ventures including: President and CEO of Mercator Minerals Ltd.; President, CEO and director of Creston Moly Corp.; and founder of both Sherwood Copper Corp. and Stornoway Diamond Corp. He also served on the board of directors of Palmarejo Silver and Gold Corp. (acquired by Coeur D'Alene Mines for $1.2 billion) and Ariane Gold (acquired by Cambior Inc.), and has been involved in numerous projects at various stages of development while with the Northair Group. Mr. McLeod was the co-recipient of AME BC's E.A. Scholz award for excellence in mine development in 2009.

Mr. McLeod commented that he was honoured to join the board of Gold Standard Ventures. "Gold Standard stands out as a unique opportunity in the junior gold mining industry today. It has outstanding assets with a rapidly growing resource in one best mining jurisdiction in the world, with the second largest land position in the Carlin Trend, an excellent technical team and the strong backing of sophisticated investors. I look forward to helping the Company realize its potential value for the benefit of its shareholders."

The Company also announced today that pursuant to its stock option incentive plan, the Company today has granted certain employees, directors and consultants incentive stock options to purchase 522,500 common shares of the company at today closing price for a period of 5 years.

The stock options are subject to the terms of the Company's stock option plan and regulatory approval.

ABOUT GOLD STANDARD VENTURES - Gold Standard is an advanced stage gold exploration company focused on district scale discoveries on its Railroad-Pinion Gold Project, located within the prolific Carlin Trend. The 2014 Pinion and Dark Star gold deposit acquisitions offer Gold Standard a potential near-term development option and further consolidates the Company's premier land package on the Carlin Trend. The Pinion deposit now has an NI43-101 compliant resource estimate consisting of an Indicated Mineral Resource of 31.61 million tonnes grading 0.62 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au), totaling 630,300 ounces of gold and an Inferred Resource of 61.08 million tonnes grading 0.55 g/t Au, totaling 1,081,300 ounces of gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.14 g/t Au. The Dark Star deposit, 2.1 km to the east of Pinion, has a NI43-101 compliant resource estimate consisting of an Inferred Resource of 23.11 million tonnes grading 0.51 g/t Au, totaling 375,000 ounces of gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.14 g/t Au (announced March 3, 2015). The 2014 and 2015 definition and expansion of these two shallow, oxide deposits demonstrates their growth potential.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the NYSE MKT accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements about our proposed exploration programs are forward looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risk factors affecting the Company include, among others: the results from our exploration programs, global financial conditions and volatility of capital markets, uncertainty regarding the availability of additional capital, fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) and with the SEC on EDGAR (available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

CAUTIONARY NOTE FOR U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING RESERVE AND RESOURCE ESTIMATES

All resource estimates reported by the Company were calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for descriptions of mineral properties in SEC Industry Guide 7 under Regulation S-K of the U. S. Securities Act of 1933. In particular, under U. S. standards, mineral resources may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Accordingly, information in this press release containing descriptions of the Company's mineral properties may not be comparable to similar information made public by US public reporting companies.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Gold Standard,

Jonathan Awde, President and Director

Contacts:

Gold Standard Ventures Corp.

Jonathan Awde

President and Director

604-669-5702

info@goldstandardv.com




Frankfurt am Main (ots) -- Funding provided for 250,000 students to date - Investments in education good for the German economy - KfW Student Loan plays a key role in equal opportunity in higher education - 100,000 students currently receive EUR 500 per month on averageThe KfW Group's Student Loan programme has been successfully supporting students at German institutes of higher education for ten years now. The KfW Student Loan helps students cover their expenses and is an important financing component along with parental financial support, a part-time job and Federal Education and Training Assistance (BAfoG). Since it was launched in 2006, the KfW Student Loan programme has granted student loans to roughly 250,000 students."Education plays a vital role in long-term economic growth, equal opportunity and social prosperity. This is why it is important that academic training and education is accessible to as many people as possible and that financing is not a prohibitive factor," said Dr. Ingrid Hengster, Member of the Executive Board of KfW. "The KfW Student Loan makes it possible for students, regardless of their financial situation or the assets and income of their parents, to meet their financial needs and pursue their studies."Educational opportunities are strongly influenced by social background in Germany. The child of an academic is three times more likely to study at university level than a child from a non-academic household. Whether or not financing is available also plays a role in an individual's decision to study or not. A recent study conducted by KfW Research shows that students with a low to medium educational background are strongly represented among borrowers. Many say that a loan made the investment in their higher education possible in the first place. As a result, student loans are a driving force behind equal opportunity in higher education.Approx. 100,000 students currently receive monthly instalments averaging around EUR 500 for a period of four to five semesters. Under the KfW Student Loan programme, students can apply for monthly disbursements of up to EUR 650 regardless of any financial guarantees. The amount can be flexibly adjusted every six months depending on the student's current study and living situation.Further information can be found at www.kfw.de/studienkredit and http://ots.de/Ib40m. The current study "Bildungshurden und Studienfinanzierung in Deutschland" [Educational Obstacles and Student Financing] can be accessed at www.kfw.de/fokus.Originaltext: KfW digital press kits: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/41193 press kits via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_41193.rss2Pressekontakt: KfW, Palmengartenstr. 5 - 9, 60325 Frankfurt Kommunikation (KOM) Sonja Hopfner Tel. +49 (0)69 7431 4306, Fax: +49 (0)69 7431 3266, E-Mail: Sonja.Hoepfner@kfw.de, Internet: www.kfw.de
Signing Ceremony

Pagbilao Thermal Power Station



Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Hideo Ikuno h.ikuno@daiya-pr.co.jp +81-3-6716-5277

TOKYO, Sept 29, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - TEPCO Fuel & Power, Inc. (TEPCO FP) and Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) today announced they have signed a basic agreement to jointly develop new business to improve efficiency for domestic and overseas thermal power plants. The business partnership will provide combined package offerings of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) solutions and thermal equipment service solutions. This alliance between a utility TEPCO FP and a plant manufacturer MHPS marks the pioneer launch, first of its kind in Japan.The partnership aims to deliver new customer value of advanced thermal plant operations by combining TEPCO FP's O&M know-how and MHPS's design, manufacturing and construction expertise. The initiative will focus to provide its services to all thermal power stations including gas turbines, steam turbines and boilers. The business will deliver end-to-end solutions improving plant availability and efficiency, and reducing fuel expenses and maintenance costs by utilizing advanced remote monitoring leveraging latest technologies of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).The two companies will install trial remote monitoring devices in Pagbilao (Note) thermal power station, operated by TeaM Energy Corporation (Note) in the Philippines. It will launch the new service offerings such as data analytics of plant operational data, improvement of operational methodology and advice of equipment upgrades for thermal power plant operators in South East Asia, Japan and rest of the world.Toshihiro Sano, President and CEO of TEPCO FP commented, "I hope to offer the best of Japanese O&M services, which are of the highest quality in the world. We will build a new type of partnership that combines manufacturer and user to accomplish such target."Takato Nishizawa, President and CEO of MHPS stated, "Moving forward, as we work closely together with TEPCO FP, I hope to partner with customers to create services that are of true benefit to them. These services are based on combining the latest AI and IoT technology with the knowledge that we have developed over many years in the design, manufacture and EPC of thermal power plant."Note:Pagbilao thermal power station was built in the south of Luzon Island in the Philippines by TeaM Energy Corporation, a company jointly operated by Marubeni and JERA. Output 375 megawatt x 2 units, fuel: coal, operation commenced in June 1996.About Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) was formed on February 1 2014, integrating the thermal power generation systems businesses of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Hitachi, Ltd. in a quest to further enhance their social response capabilities in all respects. These include the technological strength to create new products of outstanding quality and reliability, the comprehensive strength in engineering to oversee projects in regions across the globe, and finely honed sales and after-sale servicing capabilities. MHPS aims to come out a winner in global competition and achieve a solid position as a world leader in thermal power generation systems and environmental technologies. For more information, please visit www.mhps.com.Source: Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.Contact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - MBIA Insurance Corp. (MBI) announced its subsidiary, MBIA UK (Holdings), has entered into an agreement to sell MBIA UK Insurance to Assured Guaranty Corp., a subsidiary of Assured Guaranty Ltd. (AGO). The purchase price consists of the transfer to MBIA UK Holdings of notes issued by Zohar II 2005-1 CLO (Zohar II Notes) with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of approximately $347 million and a cash payment by MBIA UK Holdings to Assured of $23 million. Anthony McKiernan, CFP and President of MBIA Insurance Corp., said, 'As we have previously stated, the sale of MBIA UK is one of the elements of our plan to enable MBIA Corp. to address its insurance obligations regarding the Zohar II Notes. The acquisition of the Assured Zohar II Notes reduces MBIA Corp.'s liability under its Zohar II policy and may facilitate our ability to address the remaining Zohar II Notes on or before their maturity.' 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.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- North Springs Resources Corp. (OTC PINK: NSRS) is pleased to announce that the Company's strategic alliance partner, M & G Contracting LLC has finalized terms on laying fiber-optic lines for Industry Leader, MasTec Engineering in Austin Texas.

MasTec engineering is the general contractor for Google Fiber Optic Texas, LLC., a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Google Fiber builds networks for internet connection up to 1 gigabit, which is equivalent to 1,000 megabits per second. "The team at M & G have done a tremendous job of building confidence in their quality of work for some time now. This contract is an extension of their promise of excellence they give to the communities in Texas. We are honored to be involved with such a high caliber quality group," stated J. Douglas Pulver, President of North Springs Resources Corp.

The Company has been a technological forerunner for over three quarters of a century, historically having built telephone networks throughout the nation, as well as in the Middle East and the Pacific Islands. They laid the first underwater telephone cable from Florida to Puerto Rico, and built nearly one-fourth of the country's cable television systems. MasTec is ranked #2 in the "Top 500 Hispanic Businesses 2011" according to Hispanic business.com, and MasTec is ranked #3 in the "Top 600 Specialty Contractors" in the country by Engineering News-Record.

M & G Contracting is a vertically integrated drilling and pipeline service company. They are or have been engaged in projects for, but not limited to CenterPoint Energy, the city of Sedine, and various other pipeline companies. They are currently on track to record annual revenues of over four million dollars, ($4,000,000 US). Present management for M & G has a long history of successful operations in, but not limited to Wyoming, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, and Texas.

The financial terms of the contract are not yet being publicly disclosed, but the Company plans to update shareholders in a timely manner as details become available.

About MasTec, Inc.: About MasTec, Inc. is a leading infrastructure construction company operating mainly throughout North America across a range of industries. The Company's primary activities include the engineering, building, installation, maintenance and upgrade of energy, utility and communications infrastructure, such as: electrical utility transmission and distribution; natural gas and petroleum pipeline infrastructure; wireless, wireline and satellite communications; power generation, including renewable energy infrastructure; and industrial infrastructure. MasTec's customers are primarily in these industries. The Company's corporate website is located at www.mastec.com.

ABOUT NSRS: For more information about North Springs Resources, please visit the corporate website at: www.northspringsresourcescorp.com

Safe Harbor: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Investor and Media Contact:

North Springs Resources Corp

813-699-4098

info@northspringsresources.net




Regulatory News:

Today, Thursday 16 February 2017, Eurotunnel (Paris:GET) hosted a visit to its terminal in Coquelles, France, by the French Secretary of State for Digital and Innovation, Madame Axelle Lemaire. Eurotunnel presented to the Minister its 100 million, multi-annual investment plan, the 2020 Digital Programme.

Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Eurotunnel SE stated: "I would like to thank Axelle Lemaire for her visit, which has provided the occasion to shine a light on how the European digital industry is a vital link for Eurotunnel and an opportunity for growth in the future. Our Digital programme will enable us to provide our own staff and customers with even better and more effective information ".

The 2020 Digital Programme

Having already invested in GSM-R and GSM-P communications technologies, including the very popular 4G network in the Tunnel, Eurotunnel has a continuing programme of investment in digital technology for the future along several different lines:

The use of paperless technology for mobile Group staff on the terminals and on board the Shuttles, based on Navipad for train drivers and train captains, using WOOP for maintenance technicians and Elite, a real time performance monitoring tool.

The use of data to help terminal operations adapt to the passage of each customer so that both individual and collective activities can be optimised using complex, ever more complete and varying data,

The maintenance of Shuttles and rails which, now equipped with intelligent receptors (using the internet of things), transmit information in real time. Eurotunnel is also preparing to equip its trains with receptors capable of analysing the condition of the track whilst in service at high speed.

For an infrastructure which already provides an exceptional level of availability, the ambition is to move from two nights to just one night of maintenance per week. For Eurotunnel, the digital revolution is a major scientific, and technological project.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170216005992/en/

Contacts:

Eurotunnel

For UK media enquiries

John Keefe on 44 (0) 1303 284491

or

For other media enquiries contact

Anne-Laure Descleves on +33(0)1 4098 0467

Email: press@eurotunnel.com

or

For investor enquiries contact

Jean-Baptiste Roussille on +33 (0)1 40 98 04 81

Emailjean-baptiste.roussille@eurotunnel.com

Michael Schuller on +44 (0) 1303 288749

Email:Michael.schuller@eurotunnel.com
VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - European stocks rose notably on Tuesday, as rising oil and metals prices lifted commodity-related stocks and banking shares received fresh buying support on optimism about Donald Trump's presidency. On a relatively light day on the economic front, official data showed that U.K. public sector net borrowing, excluding public sector banks, decreased by GBP 1.6 billion from prior year to GBP 4.8 billion in October. The expected level of budget deficit was GBP 6 billion. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was up 0.32 percent at 341.32 in late opening deals after rising 0.3 percent in the previous session. The German DAX was up 0.32 percent at 10,719, France's CAC 40 index was rising 0.55 percent to 4,554 and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up 0.87 percent at 6,836. Miners Anglo American, Antofagasta, BHP Billiton, Glencore and Rio Tinto climbed 3-5 percent in London as a weaker dollar drove copper and iron ore prices higher. Energy major Tullow Oil soared 4 percent, Total SA rallied 1.5 percent, Royal Dutch Shell rose over 1 percent and BP Plc advanced 1.5 percent, as oil prices extended overnight gains on speculation that OPEC members will be able to sign a production freeze deal at next week's meeting. Banks also traded mostly higher, with Commerzbank, Societe Generale Group, Credit Agricole, BNP Paribas and Barclays climbing 1-2 percent. Essilor shares slumped 7 percent in Paris after the company cut its outlook. Likewise, Zodiac Aerospace Group tumbled as much as 6 percent after its fiscal 2016 net income declined 41.5 percent. Kingfisher shares fell over 2 percent. The British home improvement retailer reported slower growth in third-quarter like-for-like sales due to further softness in France. 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.
BONSALL, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/04/17 -- MARIJUANA COMPANY OF AMERICA ("MCOA" or the "Company") (OTC PINK: MCOA), an innovative cannabis and hemp marketing and distribution Company, is pleased to announce that it has finalized the joint venture agreement with Bougainville Ventures, Inc. ("BV") in Washington State.

MCOA will invest $1 million in cash in a newly formed entity. Bougainville Ventures, Inc. will contribute its expertise in the construction and management of a 30,000 sq. ft. greenhouse facility, which will accommodate a Tier-3 production and processing I-502 tenant that has decades of experience and a proven track record of consistency and quality. MCOA and BV will split equity and profits equally, 50/50.

As turnkey landlords, MCOA and BV will provide our I-502 tenant with a state-of-the-art facility that creates an ideal cultivation environment that they can move into and be fully operational on day one. This enables our tenants to focus on what they do best, producing top quality products and not worrying about maintaining their infrastructure.

Donald Steinberg, MCOA President and CEO, said, "This project will help to expand our operations as an ancillary business into the Washington State market. Achieving this milestone of closing this deal, as well as completing our PCAOB audit at the end of the first quarter are two more pillars of the strong foundation we are building for our shareholders."

The execution of the agreement is the final step in formalizing the Letter of Intent that was publicly announced on February 15, 2017. This joint venture partnership is formed for the purpose of greenhouse construction, management and commercial leasing to I-502 licensed producers within Washington State only and not beyond its borders.

ABOUT BOUGAINILLE VENTURES, INC.

Bougainville Venture Inc. is in the core business of converting irrigated farmland that was traditionally used to grow marginally profitable feed crops, to greenhouse-equipped farmland used to grow luxury crops with a primary focus on high-density and high-yielding crops. Bougainville is an agricultural services company that focuses on providing growers with state-of-the-art computer controlled greenhouses and processing facilities. Bougainville offers fully built out turnkey solutions to tenant-growers and provides growing infrastructure, as well as landlord services for licensed I-502 producers and processors in the state of Washington.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance or guarantee that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words like "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to: adverse economic conditions, competition, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, international governmental regulation, inadequate capital, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans, loss or retirement of key executives and other specific risks. To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, including statements as to revenue projections, business strategy, outlook, objectives, future milestones, plans, intentions, goals, future financial conditions, events conditioned on stockholder or other approval, or otherwise as to future events, such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made.

For more information, please visit the Company's websites at:

MarijuanaCompanyofAmerica.com

hempSMART.com

agoracom.com/ir/MarijuanaCompanyofAmerica

Marijuana Company of America

Investor Relations

1+(888)-777-4362

IR@mcoa.club




SUGAR LAND, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas) is pleased to be presenting a complimentary online webinar focusing on trends in the Global Oil & Gas Industry. The webinar will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. CDT (10:00 a.m. EDT).

Join Industrial Info's industry experts as they discuss what's driving the Oil & Gas Industry and what to expect in the future around the globe. The presentation will focus on the current and projected natural gas supply and demand dynamics and their effect on infrastructure development. Our experts will seek to answer several questions, including:

What amount of LNG (liquefied natural gas) liquefaction investment may move forward in the next five years?

Which industries/regions will benefit from low-cost feedstock/fuels?

How does this affect pipeline infrastructure development?

What about projected demand for natural gas-fired power development regionally?





The webinar is entirely complimentary, and participants will receive a link for "on demand" viewing after the event. Make sure to RSVP today!

Browse other 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. To contact an office in your area, visit the www.industrialinfo.com "Contact Us" page.

Contact:

Brian Ford

(713) 980-9393




PUNE, India, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The report "Emulsifier Market by Source (Bio-based and Synthetic), Application (Food Emulsifiers, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Oilfield Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agrochemical), and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market size of emulsifies is projected to reach USD 8.44 Billion by 2021, at projected CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse 76 market data Tables and 42 Figures spread through 159 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Emulsifier Market"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/emulsifier-market-240653061.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

Food Emulsifiers: The largest application segment of the emulsifiers market

Food emulsifiers are used in making creams and sauces, bakery, and dairy products. They are derived from natural products or chemicals. The raw materials used for manufacturing emulsifiers include palm oil, rapeseed oil, soy bean oil, and sunflower oil. Food emulsifiers make the food very attractive. They enhance consistency, texture, quality, and taste of food products. They help maintain freshness and quality of food. Natural food emulsifiers prevent the development of moulds in food.

Europe: The largest market for emulsifiers

Europe is the largest market in the global emulsifier market. The market for emulsifiers in Europe is growing as the demand in end-use applications such as food, cosmetics & personal care, oilfield chemicals, and pharmaceutical products is increasing. Food emulsifiers have the largest market share in the overall European emulsifiers market. The development of food processing industry is the major reason for the dominance of Europe in the global market.

Make an Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=240653061

In Europe, the market for emulsifiers in the oilfield chemicals segment is promising, especially, in countries such as Russia, Germany, and others. Most of the big players of the emulsifier market such as Solvay SA (Belgium), BASF SE (Germany), Kerry Group (Ireland), AkzoNobel N.V. (Netherlands), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Clariant (Switzerland), and DSM (Netherlands) are Europe-based and supply their products across the globe.

Some of the major players in the market are BASF SE (Germany), Dow Corning (U.S.), Kerry Group (Ireland), AkzoNobel NV (France), Evonik (Germany), Cargill (U.S.), and ADM (U.S.). These major players are focusing on organic growth strategies to gain more market share in emerging economies such as India and Brazil. Also, several companies have strengthened their distribution network in these countries.

Browse Related Reports:

Surfactants Market by Product Type (Anionic, Non-Ionic, Cationic, & Amphoteric), by Substrate Type (Synthetic, & Bio-Based), by Application (Soap Industry, Personal Care Industry, Textile Industry, Industry & Institutional Cleaning, Elastomers & Plastics Industry, Oilfield Chemicals, Crop Protection, Food Industry, & Others) - Trends & Forecast to 2020

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/biosurfactants-market-493.html

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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.

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New search function facilitates and speeds up tyre purchases at Yourtyres.co.uk.

In future, customer reviews from tyre testing platform Tyretest.com will also be visible on Yourtyres.co.uk, offering tyre dealers and workshops additional help with product selection and customer advice.

Just in time for the start of the winter season, Yourtyres.co.uk is extending its online shop to include yet more convenient features. For tyre dealers and workshops, this means that purchasing tyres in the online B2B shop provided by Delticom, Europe's largest online tyre dealer, will be even easier and quicker than before.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005678/en/

New search function facilitates and speeds up tyre purchases at Yourtyres.co.uk (Photo: Business Wire)

In future, the following options will aid dealer partners of Yourtyres.co.uk to find the right tyres:

Even more convenient tyre search based on car model:

You can now search via match code, tyre number or via car model, a totally new search option. The search results display at a glance which tyres are approved for the customer's car.

Bonus for car dealerships:

Especially for car dealerships, at Yourtyres.co.uk searching for original equipment (OE) is now possible as well as searching via the respective car model.

Customer reviews with tyre details:

This is also a new feature: From now on, all customer reviews from tyre testing platform Tyretest.com will be displayed on the relevant product pages at Yourtyres.co.uk. Dealer partners of Yourtyres.co.uk will thus have access to countless opinions and tips when selecting tyres and advising customers. At Tyretest.com, customers review many tyres that don't make it to the major magazines. Even cheap tyres often perform well here, as the price-performance ratio is good and the overall result is therefore positive.

"We see ourselves as partners to our dealer customers. That's why, on top of offering good prices, we want the new shopping functions to make shopping on Yourtyres.co.uk as simple and convenient for them as possible", explains Thorsten Orbach, Head of Merchant Business at Delticom B2B and Yourtyres.co.uk. "For many commercial customers, one thing is particularly important: flexibility. Thanks to our large product range and our in-house warehouse stock, our partners can provide products at short notice for all their customer groups and vehicles. We offer speedy delivery and fantastic flexibility. There are no minimum order quantities or ordering fees, and we offer a variety of payment methods and return options."

"In addition to the shop's many convenient functions and countless shopping benefits for dealers, our new Delticom B2B services offer great potential for attracting new customers and additional business", expands Andreas Faulstich, Head of B2B at Delticom AG, the partnership trading model. "The ability to co-operate as a fitting partner enables workshops to expand their business to include customers who buy their tyres in B2C shops such as Mytyres.co.uk."

About Yourtyres.co.uk

Yourtyres.co.uk is an exclusive British online store from Delticom AG for workshops, retailers, wholesalers, tyre fitters/service stations and car accessories. With over 15 years of expertise in the online tyre business, the specialist B2B team of www.yourtyres.co.uk offers its customers a spectacular range of car and motorbike tyres of all brands and dimensions for all types of vehicles, tyres for light trucks, trucks and buses, custom tyres, complete wheel sets, car spare parts and accessories, engine oil and batteries. In addition to favourable purchasing conditions, retail customers benefit from the online shop's time-saving tyre search function, high availability, reliable delivery thanks to in-house warehouses as well as a simple registration process with no hidden costs from the very first tyre.

Online shop for dealers and workshops in the UK: www.yourtyres.co.ukand 26 other countries.

Information about the company: www.delti.com

Tyre tests: www.tyretest.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005678/en/

Contacts:

Press contact:

insignis Agentur fur

Kommunikation GmbH (GPRA)

Henning Jahns

Tel.: +49-511-132214-14

Fax: +49-511-132214-99

delticom@insignis.de

or

Delticom AG

Anne Lena Peters

Tel.: +49-511-93634-8909

Fax: +49-511-93634-8301

anne.lena.peters@delti.com
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Cell MedX Corp. (OTCQB: CMXC), ("Cell MedX" or the "Company") a development stage company focused on the commercialization of therapeutic devices for patients living with diseases such as diabetes, is pleased to announce that on September 26, 2016 the Company cancelled options to acquire up to 17,500,000 common shares of the Company, at an initial price of $0.05 per share (the "Cancelled Options"). The Cancelled Options represent the unvested portion of those options that were initially granted to Ms. Arnett and Mr. Hargreaves on November 25, 2014.

At the same time, the Company renegotiated its consulting arrangements with Ms. Arnett and Mr. Hargreaves and agreed to pay Ms. Arnett and Mr. Hargreaves CAD$5,000 per month, each, beginning effective August 1, 2016, for a duration of six (6) months.

On September 26, 2016, the board of directors of the Company also unanimously resolved to increase the number of directors to three, and appointed Yanika Silina, the Company's current Chief Financial Officer, as a director of the Company to fill the vacancy created by the increase in the number of directors.

About Cell MedX Corp. (OTCQB: CMXC)

Cell MedX Corp. is an early development stage company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic products for patients with diseases such as diabetes, by developing technologies to help manage both the illness and related complications. For more information about the Company and its technology please visit our website at: www.cellmedx.com, for the Company's weekly newsletter, please go to www.cellmedx.com/media/newsletters/.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Cell MedX Corp.,

Frank McEnulty, Chief Executive Officer and President

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as "expects", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "anticipates", "believes", "could", and other similar words. All statements addressing product performance, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Because the statements are forward-looking, they should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties, some of which are described in the Company's Quarterly, Annual and Current Reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company's underlying assumptions prove correct, actual results may vary materially from those currently anticipated. In addition, undue reliance should not be placed on Company's forward-looking statements. In particular, the Company's eBalance Technology is still in development. The Company does not currently have any commercially marketable products based on the eBalance Technology, and there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in its development efforts. Except as required by law, Cell MedX Corp. disclaims any obligation to update or publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory body has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are advised to carefully review the reports and documents that Cell MedX Corp. files from time to time with the SEC, including its Annual, Quarterly and Current Reports.

Contacts:

Cell MedX Corp.

1-844-238-2692

www.cellmedx.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of Deutsche Post DHL Group, extends its product portfolio and launches DHL SameDay Speedline. This new air freight product offers forwarding customers a mission critical solution for emergency shipments. Providing a best flight out service at an optimal cost-performance ratio each unaccompanied shipment will be proactively monitored from origin to destination. With benefits such as 24/7/365 pickup and delivery, collection within 120 minutes and quotations within 60 minutes, the DHL SameDay Speedline product will fill the gap for a much needed global expedited solution. This new service covers urgent delivery of spare parts, critical medical supplies or newly launched products. Although DHL SameDay Speedline is a multi-sector product, it's especially attractive for aerospace & aviation, automotive, electronics, energy and life sciences industries.

"The emergency shipment market is growing with just-in-time inventories for industries from aerospace and energy to manufacturing to adapt their supply chains. The need for mission critical shipment delivery to avoid line down situations continues to arise and requires a partner that has the global reach combined with the technology to provide transparency to each sector-specific logistical challenge. DHL SameDay Speedline fills this gap and provides added value through its many service features," states Ingo-Alexander Rahn, Global Head of Air Freight, DHL Global Forwarding.

The launch of DHL SameDay Speedline's global network of 50+ stations will cover the greatest geographical demand for emergency shipments, with the expectation, that the network will grow through customer demand. A core strength of DHL SameDay Speedline are the 24/7/365 SameDay Contact Centers in the US, Singapore and Ireland, where each shipment is proactively monitored from origin to destination. Dedicated customer service representatives will handle the majority of quotes and routing option for door-to-door transits in less than 60 minutes. Customers of DHL SameDay Speedline will receive customized milestone updates of their shipments movement after the logistical event. In case of an irregularity a resolution to the issue is available within minutes.

Next to specific industry sectors solutions, the scope of DHL SameDay are those customers that need to ship time-critical cargo regularly or experience unplanned emergencies. "We see DHL SameDay Speedline as a multi sector product offering that is especially attractive for aerospace & aviation, automotive, technology, energy, marine logistics and life sciences industries, including temperature controlled, dangerous or out-of-gauge goods," Rahn adds.

After surveying more than 200 customers from various industry sectors with emergency shipment needs, DHL Global Forwarding saw a need to develop a product utilizing the best of both worlds, the leverage of the DHL relationships in country with the emergency product technology and intelligence of the DHL SameDay team. "Our customers will choose DHL SameDay Speedline for the best flight options to meet just-in-time demand at an optimal cost-performance ratio," stresses Ingo-Alexander Rahn.

On the Internet: www.dpdhl.de/press

Follow us at: www.twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL

DHL - The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL family of divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 340,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, energy, automotive and retail, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility and an unrivalled presence in developing markets, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world".

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 59 billion euros in 2015.

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Argyle Public Relationships

Tasneem Dasoo

+1-416-968-7311 ext. 2015

tdasoo@argylepr.com




DUBLIN, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Capnography Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.

The global capnography market to grow at a CAGR of 16.36% during the period 2016-2020.

Global Capnography 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.

Improvisation of capnography through breakthrough technological platforms will be a key trend for market growth. The advances in technology in the medical monitoring device market has enhanced the growth and development of the capnography market. Earlier, the bigger size of capnography made it more challenging for end-users to mount the pump and the valve onto the printed circuit board (PCB), especially when the device needed multiple valves. In addition, these earlier devices have limitations in power, weight, size, and ease of integration. Therefore, the market has witnessed the emergence of smaller capnographs to facilitate portability and device performance.

According to the report, recurring revenue from disposables will be a key driver for market growth. Capnography disposables generate recurring revenue as users need to buy disposables frequently to use them along with capnographs to analyze CO2 levels. A disposable last for one or two days on an average. Also, reusable consumables pose contamination risks, which results in HAIs. The CDC estimated that approximately 1.7 million in the US have these infections every year, of which about 99,000 individuals die. This has driven the demand for disposable consumables, where medical personnel prefer disposable consumables to reusable consumables. Few examples of disposables include Capnoxygen mask (Mercury Medical), Filter line etCO2 sampling lines (Medtronic), Evac endotracheal tube (Mallinckrodt), and Capnocheck Hand-held Carbon Dioxide Detector (Smiths Medical).

Further, the report states that the presence of alternatives for certain applications of respiratory monitoring poses a challenge for the market. By using capnography, clinicians can measure respiratory rate. However, this technique can be unreliable for non-intubated individuals as it is essential to monitor parameters other than respiratory rate of these individuals. Non-invasive respiratory volume monitors (RVM) offer a better assessment of ventilator status than capnography, because it continuously measures minute ventilation, tidal volume, and respiratory rate.

To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of capnography systems to hospitals, surgical centers, and home healthcare.

Key vendors

Masimo Corp.

Medtronic Inc.

Philips Healthcare Informatics Inc.

Smiths Medical Inc.

Welch Allyn Inc.

Other prominent vendors

ATHENA GTX

Braun & Company

COMDEK

DIXTAL Biomedica Industria E Comercio

Dragerwerk Medical

Hologic

Hospira

MEDACX

Mediana

Medilogix

Mennen Medical

Mindray

Nihon Kohden

Oridion Systems

OSI Systems

Physio-Control

Spacelabs Healthcare

Triton Electronics

Viamed

Weinmann Gerate fur Medizin

Zoll

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/jw4rrh/global

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
MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Mindoro Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: MIO) (FRANKFURT:WKN 906167) ("Mindoro" or the "Company") announces that Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated ("AMVI"), a company in which Mindoro has a direct and beneficial 40% interest has been listed among those 20 mining firms "recommended for suspension" in a press conference held by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources ("DENR") last September 27, 2016. The announcement was the result of two months nationwide audit of 41 metallic mines, 10 of which have been earlier suspended while the remaining 11 metal firms were also found with infractions but "not compelling enough" to warrant suspension. These 41 mining companies were assessed on the basis of laws related to mine environmental management, safety and health, social development, mining tenement and compliance with the Clean Air, Clean Water, Hazardous Waste and Solid Waste Acts.

The 20 affected mining firms that are "recommended for suspension" will be issued a show-cause order and a copy of the audit report and will be given seven days to explain in writing why their operations should not be halted. As of press time, AMVI has not yet received the formal order nor the copy of the audit report.

AMVI has initiated review of the three alleged infractions that may warrant suspension and it is assured that the alleged violations have no bases and is ready to submit proof of compliance upon receipt of the show cause order. AMVI has also manifested that there will be no disruption in its operations pending receipt of the order and audit report.

TVI Resource Development (Phils.), Inc. ("TVIRD"), the company that holds a 60% interest and is the operator of AMVI has issued in an earlier press release that it supports the DENR's efforts to ensure that all mining in the Philippines is carried out to the highest environmental and social standards as this is something that TVIRD has worked hard to achieve every day and has been consistently recognized for by industry regulatory bodies, including the DENR.

About Mindoro

Mindoro is a Tier 2 issuer trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (MIO) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (WKN 906167). Mindoro has joint venture agreements with TVI Resource Development (Phils.), Inc. (TVIRD) relating to the Agata & Pan de Azucar mining projects in the Mindanao and Visayas regions, respectively. It has a direct and beneficial 40% interest in the Agata Mining Joint Venture and direct and beneficial 75% interest in the Agata Processing Joint Venture with an option to acquire an additional 25% interest in the Agata Processing Joint Venture. Mindoro also holds 75% interest in the Pan de Azucar Sulphur-Copper-Gold Project, Iloilo City. TVIRD has the option to earn up to 60% interest in the Agata Processing and Pan de Azucar projects by meeting the earn-in requirements outlined in the June 24, 2013 press release, which include producing a definitive feasibility study for a nickel processing facility. As of October 16, 2015, a PMRC compliant DFS was completed by Agata Processing Inc., which would result in TVIRD earning a total of 60% interest in API shares. Mindoro also holds 75% interest and an option to acquire additional 25% interest in the Tapian San Francisco Copper-Gold Project, Mindanao.

Reader Advisory

Certain information set out in this News Release constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intent", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "scheduled", "to be", "will be" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this News Release are based upon the opinions and expectations of management of the Company as at the effective date of such statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties (known and unknown) that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, such things as inherent risks associated with the exploration and development of mining properties, ultimate recoverability of mineral reserves, timing, results and costs of exploration and development activities, availability of financial resources or third-party financing, new laws (domestic or foreign), changes in administrative practices, changes in exploration plans or budgets, and availability of equipment and personnel.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance upon the forward-looking statements contained in this News Release and such forward-looking statements should not be interpreted or regarded as guarantees of future outcomes. Forward-looking information respecting cash flows anticipated from future production of high-iron/low nickel DSO at the Agata Mining Project, is based upon high-iron/low nickel DSO prices in effect as at the date of this News Release, management's forecasts of trends in prices of high-iron/low nickel DSO, current mining rates of high-iron/low-nickel DSO from the Agata Mining Project, estimates of the size of the high-iron/low nickel DSO reserves at Agata Mining Project, the current development plan for Agata Mining Project, AMVI's current budget and overall strategy for Agata Mining Project, which plans, budget and strategy are all subject to change. Forward-looking information respecting the anticipated timing of future shipments of high-iron/low nickel DSO from the Agata Mining Project, is based upon current mining rates of high-iron/low nickel DSO from the Agata Mining Project, the terms of the third party offtake agreement for the purchase of high-iron/low nickel DSO produced at the Agata Mining Project, estimates of the size of the high-iron/low nickel DSO reserves at the Agata Mining Project, the current development plan for the Agata Mining Project, AMVI's current budget and overall strategy for the Agata Mining Project, which plans, budget and strategy are all subject to change. The forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this News Release are expressly qualified, in their entirety, by this cautionary statement. Various risks to which the Company is exposed in the conduct of its business (including mining activities) are described in detail in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed on SEDAR on April 29, 2016 and is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise the forward-looking statements included in this News Release to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Contacts:

Mary Anne B. Antazo

Interim CEO

+63 917.322.6975

mbantazo@mrlnickel.com




DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Ubiquitech Software Corp. (OTC PINK: UBQU), with pending name change to HempLife Today, is announcing a groundbreaking new development for its current line of popular CannazALL CBD products derived from hemp. Designed to improve its current line of CBD products and reach deeper into the multi-billion dollar natural health industry.

The NanoTech Infusion Process

The Company has developed the new NanoTech Infusion Process designed to enhance the current line of CannazALL CBD products by adding more hemp plant terpenes, sterols, botanicals, and other absorption enhancing hemp plant materials into its CannazALL CBD products. This scientifically designed and tested infusion process better blends the CBD (Cannabidiol), and the additional beneficial plant materials, to create a richer "full spectrum" entourage effect and benefit.

Creates a richer more full spectrum CBD product

The NanoTech Infusion Process has been developed over several months and allows for the precise blending and suspension of the additional hemp plant materials into the Company's purpose grown CBD. Creating a richer more full bodied CBD product. In testing this new process, the Company found that test subjects who ingested the new plant extracts alone said they could "feel the difference" and reported positive effects and an overall more calming experience. When added to the current CannazALL CBD formulas this process will make CannazALL the most unique CBD products available.

Even though CannazAll CBD products already contain industry leading hemp plant extracts, the Company tests have shown that the extra hemp plant materials from the NanoTech Infusion Process provide more health benefits without changing the CBD formulas, concentrates, or potencies, of its products in any way.

"This is truly an enhancement and improvement of our already industry leading CBD formulas," said Luke Dreyer, COO, "and our testing shows that this process only adds to our products' benefits, but doesn't change the actual CBD content at all because the CBD and the hemp plant extracts are two different things."

"Moving forward this is how we are going to differentiate ourselves from the competition and continue to be a forward thinking company," said James Ballas CEO. "By adding this new infusion process to our products we are taking a big step forward in the technology and science behind the benefits of hemp derived CBD products, and this will help us market our products to an ever broadening audience, helping us lead the pack throughout 2017, and beyond."

"Everything we do is designed to create the finest products we can and to increase our sales by going deeper into the marketplace and offering more and more people the CannazALL CBD experience," adds James Ballas.

Company looks to move deeper into the multi-billion dollar natural healing industry

Internal Company data show that enhancing the CannazALL CBD line will result in higher sales as this process will attract more customers interested in a more complete holistic, and natural healing aid. Giving HempLife Today an even bigger edge in the multi-billion dollar natural healing industry. The new NanoTech Infusion Process will be introduced over the next 30-60 days.

About Ubiquitech (HempLife Today)

Ubiquitech Software Corp, through its subsidiaries is a dynamic multi-media, multi-faceted corporation utilizing state-of-the-art global internet marketing, Direct Response (DRTV) Television, Radio, and traditional marketing, to drive traffic to the new and emerging multi-billion dollar industries like its subsidiary HempLifeToday.com

HempLife Today focuses on the exciting and dynamic new thinking in the world today that recognizes the important health and life enriching enhancement that CBD Oil from the Hemp plant can bring. Through its network of quality USA growers HempLifeToday.com has developed multiple and proprietary CannazALL CBD oil products that include; It's popular CBD Tinctures, Oils, GelCaps, CBD Powder, Skin Salve, Wax Crumble, and e-liquid, all offered @ www.HempLifeToday.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends', "believes', and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce operating expenses, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the OTC Markets Group. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward- looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

Contact:

Investor Relations

E-mail: Investors@UbiquitechSoftware.com




ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Dominovas Energy Corporation (OTCQB: DNRG) today announces it has formally submitted grant proposals to the Unites States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) https://www.ustda.gov for the advancement in the proliferation of its RUBICON Fuel Cell technology as well as its hydroelectric system, the ORCAS. With parallel tracks for the deployment of its energy-efficient and renewable energy systems, the Company has petitioned USTDA for a combined amount of just over US $2.1 million dollars. The submissions are specific to four distinct projects and budgets with total power output for the combined projects equal to a total of 2.9 Megawatts. The grant requests range from a low of $355,000 to a high of $800,000.

USTDA projects are assessed based upon their viability as proven technologies along with their intended and expected social and environmental impact. USTDA funding is open to private, public, and PPP beneficiaries. While there is no prescribed minimum or maximum grant amount, projects generally range between $350,000 and $1,500,000 per project. The funding is on a 100% grant basis for the project sponsor. The hallmark of USTDA's assistance is establishing links between U.S. companies and overseas project sponsors to bring private sector solutions to development challenges. Types of project preparation assistance USTDA provides includes: pre-feasibility and feasibility studies in order to provide the required comprehensive analysis for infrastructure projects to achieve successful financing and implementation; technical assistance to provide technical analysis, design, legal and/or advisory support related to commercial activities and infrastructure development; e.g. advanced engineering and design, environmental impact analysis, legal and regulatory services, equipment vendors & EPC contractor identification, project structuring activities, etc. pilot projects in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of U.S. technological solutions and provide the analysis, evaluation and empirical data needed to secure funding; support on enabling environment activities to address specific issues that block project/sector success; e.g. sector policies, master plans, capacity building, feed-in tariff studies. USTDA does not provide any financial instruments such as working capital, sub-ordinated loans, equity, risk insurance, etc. Dominovas Energy's project proposals for both the RUBICON and ORCAS systems were submitted in compliance with the USTDA requirements.

Dominovas Energy's RUBICON is a highly efficient fuel cell system that provides base-load power by converting the chemical energy of a hydrocarbon fuel (natural gas) into electricity. The core of the RUBICON is built on a Solid-oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) platform, which employs an electrochemical process resulting in a high fuel-to-electric efficiency of 60%. Due to its high electrical efficiency, the RUBICON produces significantly less pollutants (CO2, NOx, PM10) on a per kWh of produced energy than the competition (GenSets, turbine, micro-turbine). Additionally, the RUBICON has a minimal number of moving parts within its system, and thereby, operates virtually silently. SOFC cells are stacked in the RUBICON to obtain the desired power output. Heat generated within the RUBICON system can be utilized further for hot water production or space heating resulting in a combined heat and power efficiency of ~85%. The RUBICON operates nearly 100% of the time of the year requiring minimal maintenance and shutdown during the initial years of operation.

The Company's proprietary ORCAS system employs proven and long deployed "Run-of-River (ROR) technology to generate electricity. In ROR systems, running water is diverted from waterways and is guided via channels to penstocks which then leads to a generating house. Here, the force from the head and flow of the water spins turbines which, in turn, powers generators. Used water is fed back into the main river further downstream. It is important to note that the difference between run-of-river and large, conventional storage hydro, is the absence of a reservoir or dam in the conventional sense. Run-of-river relies on coursing rivers to generate electricity, as opposed to stored water.

Dominovas Energy's ROR solution is based upon proven technology that allows for short deployment times that generally range between 18 and 24 months. The Company, as previously announced, partnered with Andritz Hydro, who has been a global leader for hydro power generation for over 100 years. Andritz maintains a global presence in more than 50 locations and more than 25 countries worldwide. Andritz Hydro installed the Republic of Madagascar's first hydro-turbine in 1918, and installed additional capacity there as recently as 2003.

Dominovas Energy recently announced the addition of Dr. Emma Rasolovoahangy to its Company as Special Advisor for overseeing and directing operations of Renewable Energy. She has a keen interest for projects in the Republic of Madagascar, her native land. With her appointment Dominovas Energy intends to vigorously pursue projects there. The World Bank has identified and documented that Madagascar holds an enormous potential for hydropower generation with up to 7000MW available from over 500 potential sites. and Dominovas Energy intends to engage Madagascar's water resource via its ORCAS system with the guidance and direction of Dr. Rasolovoahangy.

The submission of the USTDA proposals helps set the stage for ultimately determining deployment feasibility, viability, and timelines for both the ORCAS and the RUBICON. The Company expects to receive the USTDA's decision on its submissions during the month of October.

About Dominovas Energy Corporation (OTCQB: DNRG)

Founded in 2005, Dominovas Energy Corporation (DEC) is a publicly traded company, based in Nevada. With its operating headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Dominovas Energy Corporation is a leading power solutions provider to emerging markets around the world. DEC seeks to deploy its proprietary RUBICON Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology and proprietary ORCAS hydro systems for deployment in multi-megawatt power generation units worldwide. The worldwide pursuit of clean and efficient production of electricity via Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technology and hydro technology inspired its founders to create an "energy solutions" company. Recognizing that "green" and "alternative energy" markets offer immense potential for growth, Dominovas Energy is aggressively moving to allocate its intellectual and financial capital forthwith, in order to strategically address a green energy solution that is 100% reliable, efficient, and measurably cleaner than GenSets and CCGT. Additionally, unlike wind and solar solutions the RUBICON and ORCAS provide baseload power 24/7/365 days a year. By manufacturing and deploying the RUBICON and ORCAS throughout of the world, Dominovas Energy is committed to creating shareholder value by not only generating guaranteed revenue streams, but also by increasing the value of "human and community capital." Devoted to core values by operating under the utmost of honesty and integrity in all its business transactions, Dominovas Energy is additionally dedicated to respecting the rights of all individuals, while acknowledging and respecting all cultures necessary to support the growth and development of the communities and countries in which it operates. The Company strongly believes in the impact this singularly advanced technology will make on the world and is resolute in its mission to provide electricity where and when economically viable.

For more information, visit www.dominovasenergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, as well as other statements made by Dominovas Energy Corporation (the "Company"), contain forward-looking statements that reflect, when made, the Company's current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's operations and business environment, which may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from any future results. All statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or the Company's strategies or expectations are forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as is applicable would be discussed under captions as follows: "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's filings as would be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as required. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. It should be remembered that the price of the ordinary shares and any income from them can go down as well as up. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Media and Investor Contact:

QualityStocks

Scottsdale, Arizona

www.QualityStocks.com

480.374.1336 Office

Email Contact



Investor Questions:

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SYH) (OTCBB: SYHBF) (the "Company") announces that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its 24.5% interest in the Baird Gold Project to TomaGold Corp. (TSX-V: LOT). In consideration for the property interest, TomaGold will issue 600,000 common shares to Skyharbour. The Baird property is owned by operator Goldcorp (51%) and New Gold (24.5%) and lies in the central Red Lake gold belt six kilometres north of the Madsen Mine and fourteen kilometres southwest of the Goldcorp Red Lake Mine.

Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour, stated: "This divestiture of a non-core, legacy property interest is consistent with Skyharbour's goal of building a preeminent uranium exploration and development company. Furthermore, our shareholdings in TomaGold will give us investment exposure to the strong portfolio of gold projects as well as the dynamic management and technical team at TomaGold. We are rapidly advancing our portfolio of uranium projects in the Basin, and we are in the planning stages of an initial drill program at the recently optioned Moore Lake uranium project from Denison Mines."

The closing of the acquisition by TomaGold is subject to standard conditions, including regulatory and TSX Venture Exchange approval. A cash finder's fee will be paid in conjunction with this sale.

Skyharbour recently announced an option to acquire 100% of the Moore Lake uranium project from Denison Mines. The 35,705 hectare Moore Lake Project is an advanced uranium exploration property strategically located in the eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, which is known for its large scale and high grade uranium deposits and producing uranium mines. Previous exploration efforts on the property discovered high-grade uranium mineralization highlighted by drill hole ML-61, which intersected 4.03% eU3O8 over 10 metres at the Maverick Zone. The depth to the unconformity on the property is relatively shallow and significant additional discovery potential remains over several conductive trends. Denison is now a large, strategic shareholder of Skyharbour and David Cates, Denison President and CEO, has joined Skyharbour's Board of Directors. The Company is currently planning an initial drill program at the flagship Moore Lake project with details and news forthcoming.

Skyharbour is also currently pursuing other option agreements and joint venture partners to value add and monetize some of its other non-core assets as the Company remains focused on building its uranium project portfolio and exploration business. Skyharbour holds a 100% interest in the approx. 1,000 acre copper-zinc-silver South Bay Project 80 kilometres northeast of Red Lake, Ontario. The property area hosts the former Selco South Bay copper-zinc-silver mine which produced approx. 1.6 million tons of 2.3% copper, 14.5% zinc, and 3.5 oz/ton silver to a vertical depth of 410 metres, and was explored to a vertical depth of 600 metres, between 1970 and 1982. The South Bay deposit was a classic Archean Volcanic associated Massive Sulfide (VMS) deposit that was hosted in an area known as the Confederation Belt. Skyharbour believes that with current geophysical survey methods allowing exploration to depths in excess of 1,000 metres, there is strong potential to identify new, highly prospective precious and base metal settings on the South Bay property. For more information on the property please go to the Skyharbour South Bay webpage:

http://skyharbourltd.com/projects/gold-projects/south-bay/

Skyharbour also announces that pursuant to its stock option plan, the Company has granted incentive stock options to its various directors, officers, employees and consultants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares in the capital stock of the Company, exercisable for a period of five years, at a price of $0.30 per share. These options are subject to a four-month hold period.

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium and thorium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with five drill-ready projects. In July 2016, Skyharbour acquired an option from Denison Mines to acquire 100% of the Moore Lake Uranium Project which is located 20 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River mine. Moore Lake is an advanced stage uranium exploration property with over $30 million in historical exploration, 370 drill holes, and a high-grade zone known as the Maverick Zone with drill results including 4.03% e U3O8 over 10 metres at a depth of 265 metres. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Falcon Point (formerly Way Lake) Uranium Project on the eastern perimeter of the Basin which hosts an NI 43-101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U3O8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO2 at 0.023%. The project also hosts a high grade surface showing with up to 68% U3O8 in grab samples from a massive pitchblende vein, the source of which has yet to be discovered. Skyharbour also has a 50% interest in the large, geologically prospective Preston Uranium Project proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. The Company's 100% owned Mann Lake Uranium project on the east side of the Basin is strategically located adjacent to the Mann Lake Joint Venture operated by Cameco with partners Denison Mines and AREVA, where high-grade uranium mineralization was recently discovered. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SYH) visit the Company's website at www.skyharbourltd.com.

SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.

Jordan Trimble, President and CEO

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS SHAREHOLDER UPDATE.

This Shareholder Update includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.

Contacts:

Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

604-687-3376 OR Toll Free: 800-567-8181

604-687-3119 (FAX)



Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

Nick Findler

Corporate Communications

604-687-3376 OR Toll Free: 800-567-8181

604-687-3119 (FAX)

info@skyharbourltd.com

www.skyharbourltd.com




RESTON, VA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Govplace, a leading solutions provider for the public sector, will provide key services as a subcontractor to ManTech for a strategic task order awarded by the General Services Administration on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide cybersecurity and cloud solutions to the federal government.

Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) and Continuous Monitoring as a Service (CMaaS) for Group F Phases 1 and 2 Implementation, was awarded under the GSA Alliant Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) vehicle. Govplace and prime contractor, ManTech, will deliver all of CDM Phase 1 and 2 to 44 federal agencies. This will be accomplished through a private, Government only, Shared Services platform utilizing a FedRAMP Moderate authorized Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) public cloud offering. The entire offering will then be authorized by DHS utilizing the recently released FedRAMP High baseline security controls and FedRAMP security policies to obtain an Agency sponsored authorization. As part of the award, Govplace will architect and deliver the shared services platform, from which ManTech will deliver the full solution to the agencies. The task order is valued at $25 million, with a period of performance of 1 base year, and 2 option years.

Ryan McCullough, SVP of Govplace, stated, "DHS and the broader federal government have truly demonstrated a desire for innovation through this Program and Task Order. We are extremely proud to deliver a robust, enterprise cyber security solution exclusively from a public cloud environment to ensure a heightened security posture that better protects federal systems and data in a cost-effective way. We are thrilled to be a partner to both ManTech and DHS on this program to pioneer an innovative approach to delivering critical IT services that improve the ability of agencies to accomplish their mission."

About Govplace

Govplace is a value-added reseller and systems integrator, exclusively focused on providing the public sector with best of breed products, services and solutions. We bring a unique combination of California innovation and beltway understanding into each engagement to ensure our federal customers are achieving measurable business and technical outcomes. Govplace takes a strategic approach to partnerships, and possesses an expansive portfolio of contracting vehicles to deliver exceptional mission results. Guided by a deep understanding of government contracting and reputable expertise of leading technologies and solutions, our core capabilities cover Cloud Computing & Infrastructure, Cyber Security & Privacy, as well as IT Automation & Orchestration.

Media Contact

A.J. Guenther

ConnellyWorks, Inc.

(571) 323-2585, ext. 2130

aj@connellyworks.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Irving Resources Inc. (CSE: IRV) ("Irving" or the "Company") is pleased announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Irving Resources Japan GK, has secured a 62.18 sq km land position encompassing the past producing Omui Au-Ag mine and surrounding areas on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Irving recently announced the purchase of a 298 hectare (2.98 sq km) mining right, the Omui mining license (please see press release dated August 29, 2016 for further details). Provisional title transfer for this purchase has recently been received from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ("METI"), Hokkaido Bureau.

To augment its land position, Irving recently filed 17 prospecting licenses covering an additional 58.20 sq km of prospective ground in the vicinity of the Omui mine and including another past producing Au-Ag mine, Hokuryu, situated about seven km west of Omui. Applications for rights to alluvial materials were filed at the same time. Acceptance of all prospecting and alluvial applications was recently granted by METI, and a multi-step review now begins for final approval. Mitusi Mineral Development Engineering Co, Ltd ("MINDECO") is assisting the Company throughout the process.

"We are excited to acquire our second precious metals project in Japan," commented Akiko Levinson, President and CEO of Irving Resources Inc. "Our new Omui project encompasses two past producing mines, Omui and Hokuryu, each of which produced significant amounts of gold and silver in the early 1900s. Little work has been done here since. We look forward to commencing our first work program here in early October."

Irving's Omui project covers an area underlain by Tertiary aged volcanic and sedimentary rocks deposited in a rift setting situated near the north end of Hokkaido. Very young, Tertiary or perhaps Quaternary, hot spring activity locally deposited bonanza grade Au and Ag along a series of east-west trending epithermal veins. In places, high densities of sheeted, parallel veins are observed and may be related to doming caused by deep, late-stage rhyolite plugs. Such a setting is present at the world class Hishikari Au-Ag mine on the island of Kyushu, Japan.

Staff from Irving recently collected grab samples from a surface outcrop of the Omui main vein and another from a subordinate parallel vein situated immediately north. An assay of the main vein sample returned 192 gpt Au and 5,240 gpt Ag while one from the subordinate vein returned 6.9 gpt Au and 1,345 gpt Ag. Both samples display distinct bands of fine-grained silica alternating with electrum and sulfide minerals, a texture referred to as "ginguro", which is a product of fluid pulsing in a boiling hot spring environment. Vein material is also typically brecciated suggesting vigorous boiling and venting occurred at the time of its formation. Remnants of siliceous sinter terraces that formed in hot spring pools are scattered across the area suggesting very little erosion has occurred here since the time of hydrothermal activity.

Deposition of bonanza grade Au and Ag mineralization like that sampled at Omui is sometimes a product of processes associated with boiling in hot spring environments. Boiling profiles can extend to depths of over 200 m in such systems. Because of strong evidence of a vigorous boiling system, the presence of bonanza Au and Ag grades, and an apparent lack of significant erosion, Irving thinks that there is good potential for discovery of significant epithermal Au-Ag mineralization at depth at Omui and surrounding areas. To better understand this potential, Irving plans to undertake reconnaissance level prospecting and mapping across the Omui property in October.

"We are highly encouraged by bonanza grade gold and silver results recently returned from samples taken from Omui," commented Dr. Quinton Hennigh, director and technical advisor to Irving Resources Inc. "Coupled with compelling field evidence including the presence of siliceous sinter and extensive hydrothermal brecciation, we think we are at a high level in a hot spring system that experienced vigorous boiling and mineral deposition. Therefore, we think Omui has good potential for discovery of high grade epithermal Au-Ag veins."

The two grab samples discussed in this news release were submitted for assay to ALS Minerals Laboratory in Sparks, Nevada. Au and Ag were determined utilizing a 30 g charge subjected to fire assay with a gravimetric finish.

Quinton Hennigh (Ph.D., P.Geo.) is the Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Hennigh is a technical advisor and director of Irving Resources Inc.

About Irving Resources Inc.:

Irving is a junior exploration company searching for opportunities in certain countries, including Japan. Irving also holds, through a subsidiary, three Project Venture Agreements with JOGMEC for joint regional exploration programs in the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Malawi and the Republic of Madagascar. JOGMEC is a government organization established under the law of Japan, administrated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and is responsible for stable supply of various resources to Japan through the discovery of sizable economic deposits of base, precious and rare metals.

Additional information can be found on the Company's website: www.IRVresources.com.

Akiko Levinson, President & Director

Forward-looking information

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the mineral resource exploration industry as well as Irving having sufficient cash to fund any planned drilling and other exploration activities.

THE CSE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Contacts:

Irving Resources Inc.

(604) 682-3234

Toll free: 1 (888) 242-3234

(604) 682-0537 (FAX)

info@IRVresources.com

www.IRVresources.com




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Merchant Advance Capital, a leading online business lender, is pleased to announce its partnership with global payments processor and acquirer EVO Payments International. The companies have joined forces to provide a technology-powered option for obtaining collateral-free financing for EVO's significant merchant base of small- to medium-sized businesses across Canada.

Both companies have built strong reputations on pioneering systems currently used by Canadian merchants. "This relationship will be hugely impactful for our clients who have often voiced a desire for a simple and convenient funding solution," EVO Canada GM and COO Kevin Lavigne says. "We've integrated our systems with Merchant Advance Capital to ensure our merchants enjoy a streamlined, tailored experience so they can get back to doing what they do best -- running their business."

EVO's strong brand identity and reputation for best-in-class products and services is grounded in its commitment to innovation. It was the first processor to introduce automated onboarding of merchants, similar to Merchant Advance Capital's proprietary 'Merchant Score,' which was put into practice earlier this year to assess creditworthiness electronically.

The amalgamation of both companies' tech resources is exciting news for Canada's fintech scene, which has been the subject of significant media coverage in recent months. As Merchant Advance Capital's founder and CEO David Gens notes, "The industry has exploded in the last couple of years. 'Fintech' is a word you just didn't hear ten years ago."

"With the technology we've built, I think we have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the Canadian landscape to offer convenient alternative financing options the market's never seen before. Our partnership with EVO is instrumental for us in reaching that goal," Gens adds.

About Merchant Advance Capital

Merchant Advance Capital is one of Canada's leading online lenders on a mission to help small- and medium-sized businesses grow. The company relies on technology and data science to reduce risk and offer lower fees and flexible repayment schedules. Founded in 2010, Merchant Advance Capital serves clients throughout Canada and has grown to include offices in Toronto and Vancouver. For more information, visit www.merchantadvance.com.

About EVO Payments International, LLC

EVO Payments International, LLC is a leading payments service provider of merchant acquiring and processing solutions for merchants, Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), financial institutions, government organizations and multinational corporations located throughout North America and Europe. A principal member of Visa and MasterCard, EVO offers an array of innovative, reliable and secure payments solutions and merchant services, backed by an uncompromising commitment to exceed the expectations of our customers and partners. For more information, visit www.evopayments.ca.

Contacts:

Yulu Public Relations

Melissa Orozco / Esther Tung

604-558-1656

merchant@yulupr.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- HUDSON RESOURCES INC. (the "Company") - (TSX VENTURE: HUD)(OTCQX: HUDRF) is pleased to announce that an independent study by Industrial Mineral Management Consulting (IMMC) of Bridgenorth, Ontario has confirmed Hudson's White Mountain anorthosite (calcium feldspar) will make an excellent mineral additive for the paint, coatings and polymer industries. Known as functional fillers or extenders, mineral additives are used for their physical properties to improve the product it is being added to. High quality functional fillers and extenders are a sought after commodity. Filler demand in the paint and coatings industry alone has been estimated to be in excess of US$2 billion (Source: Acmite Market Intelligence, Global Inorganic Filler Market, August 2015).

James Tuer, Hudson's President stated: "We are very pleased with the results of the study by IMMC which supports our business model of having several robust revenue streams from one deposit. We will now move aggressively to introduce our material to potential end users in the paint, coatings and polymer businesses with the objective of signing off-take agreements. This will complement our major supply agreement already signed for the E-Glass business line."

Hudson plans to market the anorthosite under the brand name GreenSpar, which has been trademarked. GreenSpar, reflects the fact that this unique calcium feldspar product originates in Greenland. As well, there are a number of uses of the product that are beneficial to the environment, such as reduced CO2 emissions when used in the production of fiberglass and the elimination of toxic red muds when used in the production of alumina.

Hudson will produce the paint, coatings and polymer material by upgrading a portion of the anorthosite that will be exported from Greenland for the E-Glass market. Upgrading involves fine grinding (also referred to as micronizing) the anorthosite from 250 microns in size to various grades below 45 microns. The material produced for the paint, coatings and polymer markets will be marketed as GreenSpar45. Hudson plans to establish an initial micronizing facility in the US in conjunction with material already being shipped and trans loaded for Hudson's E-Glass customers.

Hudson has based the study on achieving 40,000 tonnes in US annual sales within three years. Excellent market opportunities also exist in Europe and Asia to grow the business. Hudson recognizes that it will take time to qualify the material for the various applications and formulations and the study takes this into consideration. Once established, Hudson believes there are substantial growth opportunities well beyond its projections.

The IMMC study used Hudson's glass fiber feed sample material, which was ground and classified to minus 45 microns (325 mesh). IMMC concluded that the key technical characteristics of GreenSpar45 that will make it an attractive functional filler and extender include the following:

-- High brightness (89.3 using the TAPPI scale). Finer grinds can be expected to yield higher brightness -- Highest refractive index of the feldspar group minerals - 1.57-1.59. -- Very low oil absorption at 22.4g/100g. -- Moh's hardness of 6.0-6.5. This provides excellent scrubbing and abrasion resistance in paints. -- Low concentration of free silica (quartz). No free silica reported in the dust. -- Excellent replacement for nepheline syenite, of which there is only one producer in North America.

Feldspathic fillers, such as nepheline syenite and common feldspar, can be used with certain polymers and plastics to keep the final product clear. GreenSpar, due to its higher refractive index, offers this possibility and extends it to other important polymers, such as polystyrene and polycarbonate, which also have higher matching refractive indexes. As well, the product is a potential candidate for high clarity mineral anti-block applications used to keep plastic films from sticking together.

Construction activities are ongoing on the wholly-owned White Mountain anorthosite (calcium feldspar) project in Western Greenland with a focus on producing material for E-Glass fiberglass companies in the second half of 2017. The company was granted a 50-year mining license in 2015 and the deposit has resources defined for over 100 years of production.

Don Hains, P. Geo., is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information in this press release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

James Tuer, President

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the private placement, and other future plans and objectives of the Company 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 the Company's plans or expectations include market prices, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Hudson Resources Inc.

James Tuer

President

604-628-5002 or 604-688-3415

tuer@hudsonresources.ca




WEST NEW YORK, New Jersey, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Valuebound, Drupal development firm will be participating in and sponsoring the Cornell Drupal Camp 2016 on October 7th along with Aquia and Pantheon. With a great track record of contributions in the Drupal Community, Valuebound helps media and product companies stand out among their competition.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397428 )



Cornell University will host its third DrupalCamp on October 7, 2016, with an optional half-day Code Sprint and Drupal Basics on Thursday October 6, 2016. This time, Drupal camp will be focusing on building the community and includes tracks for developers, programmers, themers, project managers, and content managers, and for beginners to advanced users. Last year at Cornell, the camp focused on Higher Ed and Public and hosted some of the most esteemed speakers like Josh Koenig, co-Founder of Pantheon.

"Being a part of community, giving back is a very essential element of that. With a pool of great talent in our team, we make sure to encourage everyone to do their bit of contribution," says Neeraj, the CEO of Valuebound. He has been an integral part of the Drupal community and is very eager to be presenting a track there.

Valuebound is sponsoring the event at Cornell University and its chief engagement officer would be holding a session about Experience and challenges about working with media companies.

An active contributor in Drupal community and promoters of Drupal adoption, Valuebound keeps engaging in various international events. Apart from Cornell DrupalCamp, They are also sponsoring BADCamp in Berkeley, CA scheduled to happen in October this year.

With one of its developers in the top 25 contributors and one of our alumni in the top 10, Valuebound surely knows the value of community and contributions as it stands among the top 4 in the past 1 year for sponsored contributions. They take contributions seriously.

About Valuebound :

Valuebound, based out of West New York, NJ, with a development center in Bangalore, India, specializes in providing Drupal consulting, development and support for media, publishing and high-tech companies. SinceFebruary 2016, Valuebound has been consistently ranked in the top three Drupal service providers in the world and No. 1 in India at Drupal.org marketplace.

Media Contact

Puja Kumari

Call +1-201-383-5005

Email:info@valuebound.com


DUBLIN, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Energy Management Systems Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.

The global energy management systems for healthcare sector market to grow at a CAGR of 10.41% during the period 2016-2020.

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global energy management systems for healthcare sector 2016-2020. The revenue calculation is based on the technologies that help to monitor and control the energy consumption in the healthcare facility. The technologies that are included are lighting controls, HVAC, intelligent sensors, and energy management and control. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Increasing need for energy efficiency will be a key trend for market growth. With the growth in global economy, there is also a rise in energy demand, global demand for energy is likely to increase by 75% by 2030. Energy shortages are becoming a challenge for organizations. Thus, each organization is striving to solve the energy shortage crisis.

Energy efficiency is the most efficient way to reduce energy consumption, as it is much economical than buying additional power from reserve plants. Thus, the need for energy efficiency has increased as its cheaper and cleaner. As of 2015, there were more than 120 countries that has some level of energy efficiency targets in place and more than 140 countries had some kind of energy efficiency framework in place.

According to the report, one of the key drivers for market growth will be the reducing impact of energy costs on business. There is a continuous surge in electricity generation worldwide due to growing population and urbanization. Thus, utilities are running the plants at full capacity to generate more power from the existing infrastructure. Power companies are trying to make power generation efficient by adding new technological developments like substation automation, demand response system for power supply, and energy management systems to conserve energy in conventional plants.

The addition of these technologies enables them to have greater visibility of the grid's function, which allows them to find areas of inefficiencies and correct them for producing power more efficiently. The technological developments also minimize the waste without affecting the power quality, leading to lesser carbon emissions.

Key vendors

Eaton

GE-Alstom Grid

Honeywell

Johnson Controls

Schneider Electric

Other prominent vendors

Veoila

Pacific Controls

Distech

Futronix

Siemens

EnerNoc

Key Topics Covered

Part 01: Executive summary

Part 02: Scope of the report

Part 03: Market research methodology

Part 04: Introduction

Part 05: Market landscape

Part 06: Market segmentation by application

Part 07: Geographical segmentation

Part 08: Key leading countries

Part 09: Market drivers

Part 10: Impact of drivers

Part 11: Market challenges

Part 12: Impact of drivers and challenges

Part 13: Market trends

Part 14: Vendor landscape

Part 15: Key vendor analysis

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/j43mgl/global_energy

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) - Donald Trump intensified his attack on his Democratic opponent Wednesday by saying that Hillary Clinton would put the Oval Office up for sale if she becomes America's President. 'She put the office of Secretary of State up for sale - and if she ever got the chance, she'd put the Oval Office up for sale too,' the GOP Presidential nominee told a rally of nearly 2,000 people in Waukesha, the most important conservative area of Wisconsin. He began the speech by claiming that a new post-debate Google poll has him leading Hillary Clinton by 2 points nationwide. 'She is a globalist who has made a career taking jobs from our country and giving them to other countries,' Trump said. 'Follow The Money' is Clinton's motto, he said, adding that she's there for only one reason, to protect her donors and collect their money. Trump vowed to disrupt the collusion between the wealthy donors, the large corporations, and the media executives, and also fight for every neglected part of the nation. 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--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2016) - Pure Energy Minerals Limited (TSXV: PE) (FSE: A111EG) (OTCQB: PEMIF) (the "Company" or "Pure Energy") is pleased to announce that it has commenced drilling its newest exploration borehole, CV-7, on the Clayton Valley South Project ("CVS Project"). Pure Energy has all necessary permits and government permissions in hand to commence work, and the Company's drilling contractor has already completed collaring of the borehole. All ancillary works are in place to immediately commence rotary coring of the basin-fill sediments. CV-7 is located approximately 1.75 km (1.1 miles) southwest of the recently drilled CV-3 well.

The technical team selected the drill site based on a detailed review of various technical data in three dimensions, including previously conducted gravity and seismic reflection geophysical surveys as well as new subsurface data from the CV-3 well. Based on recent successful drilling and aquifer testing at CV-3, the Company expects this borehole to target depths of approximately 450 - 610m (1,500-2,000 ft) below ground level. Successful drilling of this hole should yield the deepest continuous core samples yet obtained from the CVS Project. Once completed to target depth, the Company expects to collect new brine samples for lithium analysis and integrate that data into its existing inferred lithium brine resource.

Patrick Highsmith, Pure Energy Minerals CEO commented, "The best way to grow a lithium brine resource is to identify quality targets and keep drilling. We are excited to see the results of CV-7 as we are targeting high quality geophysical and geological targets just south of our best drill hole to date, CV-3. We also expect to collar CV-8 in the very near future as we wind down the phase 3 drill program. The technical team has worked very closely on these drill holes and we look forward to the results."

Patrick Highsmith, Certified Professional Geologist (AIPG CPG # 11702), is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, and has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Highsmith is not independent of the Company as he is an officer and director.

About Pure Energy Minerals Ltd.

Pure Energy is a lithium-brine resource developer that is driven to become the lowest-cost lithium supplier for the burgeoning North American lithium battery industry. Pure Energy is currently focused on the development of our prospective CVS Lithium Brine Project, which has the following key attributes:

A large land position with excellent existing infrastructure in a first-class mining jurisdiction: Approximately 9,544 acres in three main claim groups in the southern half of Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada;

Adjacent to the only producing lithium operation in the United States (Albemarle's Silver Peak lithium brine mine);

An inferred mineral resource of 816,000 metric tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE), reported in accordance with NI 43-101;

Metallurgical and process studies underway to better understand the feasibility and economics of using modern environmentally-responsible processing technology to convert the CVS brines into high purity lithium products for new energy storage uses.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Patrick Highsmith"

Chief Executive Officer

CONTACT:

Pure Energy Minerals Limited (www.pureenergyminerals.com)

Email: info@pureenergyminerals.com

Telephone - 604 608 6611, ext 5

Forward Looking Statements: The information in this news release contains forward looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include: changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry. Forward-looking statements in this release may include statements regarding mineral processing, adaptation of test work to larger scale and/or future operational scales, estimates of reduced future capital and operating expenses, delivery of a preliminary economic assessment, future exploration programs, operation plans, geological interpretations, and mineral tenure issues. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward looking statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Alphamin Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: AFM) ("Alphamin" or the "Company") reports that Richard Robinson, the Managing Director of its Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC") subsidiary, Alphamin Bisie Mining ("ABM"), has returned to Goma after an exchange of information with a special mining sector fraud investigation commission in Kinshasa which has clarified a misunderstanding over sample exports of tin as part of the development of Alphamin's Bisie Tin Project and confirmed a common commitment to transparency and ending illegal artisanal mining on its concession.

"In a session of exchange on 26 September between the commission and ABM, Robinson responded to questions on the amount and process used by ABM to legally export samples between 2012 and 2016. ABM agreed to provide further technical information as requested. ABM was represented in the session by Robinson, the ABM attorney and the United States Consul," states Boris Kamstra, CEO of Alphamin Resources Corp.

"AMB also clarified that no artisanal mining activities are taking place at Mpama North but that at Mpama South illegal artisanal mining indeed continues on its concession beyond its control. Robinson confirmed to the commission that Alphamin Resources Corp and its local company ABM share the DRC Government's commitment to peacefully bring an end to illegal mining; consistent with the 2010 agreement with three artisanal cooperatives that was witnessed by the national Mines Ministry," explains Kamstra.

"In terms of the signed agreement, the cooperatives undertook to leave the entire concession when ABM received its exploitation permit. ABM received its permit in 2015. The artisanal miners left Mpama North after the signing of the agreement, as yet have not withdrawn from Mpama South. Alphamin shared information with the commission on this illegal activity, which the commission welcomed. Alphamin and the commission expressed their common interest in the industrial development of the Bisie Tin Project - with transparency, compliance with conflict-free minerals guidelines and respect for human rights," concludes Kamstra.

On 18 September Robinson had been requested to assist the commission in Kinshasa. During his stay in Kinshasa since this date, he was able to work and circulate freely there while waiting for the commission to schedule the exchange.

EDITORS NOTES:

Issued on behalf of the Board of Directors of Alphamin Resources Corporation by

Boris Kamstra, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +230 269 4166 Grand Baie, Mauritius

MORE INFORMATION ON ALPHAMIN RESOURCES CORPORATION:

Alphamin is a pioneering tin exploration and mining business with the vision to be respected in the international tin mining sector, unleashing the full profit and potential of its world-class tin asset in North Kivu, DRC. Alphamin's future expansion is expected to be internally funded with operational cash flows. Alphamin is expected to deliver a significant return to investors through the full range of expected tin prices.

Alphamin has the vision to become a premier tin producer:

-- Leading a world-class, profitable mining company in North Kivu, delivering results for the benefit of all stakeholders and viewed with respect by the communities and Government. -- Alphamin committed, from the date of production, to spend 4% of its in- country operating and administrative expenses on community development. This investment will be governed with representative input from local communities and managed by the Lowa Alliance, a GDRC-regulated not-for- profit foundation. Alphamin will continue to preserve its legal rights to develop Bisie and explore ways to assist artisanal miners to transition from illegal status to legal, conflict-free sites elsewhere in the region. -- The projects, supported by the foundation, will be selected following an in-depth survey of the 13 500 households (approximately 80 000 residents) across the 44 communities closest to Bisie. Representative committees will prioritise a range of projects to promote social and economic development to which they, local authorities and potentially external donors, will also contribute. Anticipated projects could include alternative livelihoods, specifically oil palm, cocoa and coffee cultivation. These would provide incentives for incomes beyond illegal artisanal mining. It would also provide educational and health infrastructure and services, like potable water, malaria reduction and treatment and primary health care capacity building. -- Alphamin Bisie Mine will deliver on the commitment to develop a first and large, commercial tin mine in that part of the country, giving Alphamin credibility locally and aboard - becoming a business transformation reference in the tin mining industry. -- Alphamin will be a profitable tin producer, while continuing with exploration to increase life of mine. ABM will operate a profitable tin mine operating in a safe environment and uplifting the local community. Developing the first, low-cost per tonne tin, commercial mine in North Kivu, while making a marked, positive impact on the communities surrounding the mine. Tin mining company that excels at the production of tin and providing leadership for the region in terms of safety, health, environment and community development. -- Alphamin is a low-cost tin producer creating value for both shareholders and the community.

Contacts:

For more media information or interview requests:

Stone team

alphaminteam@stoneconsult.net

+2711 4470168






WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits rose by less than expected in the week ended September 24th, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday.



The report said initial jobless claims edged up to 254,000, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's revised level of 251,000.



Economists had expected jobless claims to climb to 260,000 from the 252,000 originally reported for the previous week.



With the downward revision, jobless claims in the previous week were at their lowest level since hitting 248,000 in the week ended April 16th.



Even with the modest rebound, claims remained below 300,000 for the 82nd consecutive week, marking the longest streak since 1970.



The Labor Department said its less volatile four-week moving average dipped to 256,000, a decrease of 2,250 from the previous week's revised average of 258,250.



As a result of the decrease, the four-week moving average matched the 43-year low set in the week ended April 23rd.



Continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance, also fell by 46,000 to 2.062 million in the week ended September 17th.



The Labor Department said continuing claims were at their lowest level since hitting 2.052 million in July of 2000.



The four-week moving average of continuing claims dropped to a nearly sixteen year-low of 2,115,250, a decrease of 23,750 from the previous week's revised average of 2,139,000.



Next Friday, the Labor Department is scheduled to release its more closely watched report on the employment situation in the month of September.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
AB Klaipedos Nafta (hereinafter - the Company), as the operator of the liquefied natural gas (hereinafter - LNG) terminal in Klaipeda (hereinafter - the Terminal), informs that on the 29th of September, 2016 additional Terminal LNG regasification capacities for the upcoming Gas Year, which begins on the 1st of October, 2016 and will last until 30th of September, 2017, were allocated to the Terminal User UAB "Lietuvos duju tiekimas". After the allocation of additional Terminal LNG regasification capacities, the total Terminal LNG regasification capacities allocated to the Terminal User UAB "Lietuvos duju tiekimas" are equal to 2.183.016.485 kWh (with reference conditions: natural gas upper heating value - 11.90 kWh/nm3, LNG expansion coefficient- 1:578 (m3 LNG/ nm3 natural gas), combustion/measurement temperature -25/0 C, pressure - 1,01325 bar), the usage period of which lasts from the 1st of October, 2016 until the 30th of September, 2017. The Company constantly announces and updates the information regarding free capacities of the Terminal, which are available for acquisition during the Gas Year. Marius Pulkauninkas, Director of Finance and Administration Department, tel. +370 46 391763

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.
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) - At a rally in Philadelphia on Wednesday, First Lady Michelle Obama said that Hillary Clinton is the most qualified person ever to seek the US presidency and would be prepared and ready to be the Commander-in-Chief on day one. She laid out what is at stake in this election and why Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric, which includes questioning the citizenship of President Barack Obama and his repeated attacks on women for their appearance, makes him unfit for office. 'If a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act, well, sadly, that's who that candidate really is,' Michelle said. She also dismissed Trump's phony disavowal of the racist birther conspiracy theory which he promoted for years, saying the 'hurtful, deceitful questions, deliberately designed to undermine his presidency.cannot be blamed on others or swept under the rug by an insincere sentence uttered at a press conference.' She urged millennial voters in Pennsylvania to register ahead of the October 11 deadline and to commit to vote for Clinton in November, saying the stakes are too high to sit on the sidelines or give a protest vote. 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.
NEW YORK, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Anticipated stabilization of crude oil prices, implementation of favourable government initiatives, growing infrastructure construction and logistics industry to drive sales of trucks, buses & vans in the Kingdom

According to "Saudi Arabia Commercial Vehicles Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021", the market for commercial vehicles in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 9% during 2016 - 2021, on account of robust infrastructural developments coupled with growing logistics requirements arising from construction and MSME sectors. Moreover, increasing number of smart city projects and growing population coupled with growing government's focus on promoting energy efficiency are some of the other major factors anticipated to positively influence the Saudi Arabia commercial vehicles market over the next five years.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 )



Browse 7 market data Tables and 33 Figures spread through145 Pages and an in-depth TOC on"Saudi Arabia Commercial Vehicles Market"

https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/saudi-arabia-commercial-vehicles-market-forecast-opportunities-2021/794.html

On the basis of vehicle type, the market of commercial vehicles in Saudi Arabia has been segmented into four categories, namely, Buses, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) and Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV). Among these categories, LCV segment dominated the country's commercial vehicles market in 2015, and the same trend is anticipated to continue over the next five years as well. However, in terms of growth, the bus segment is forecast to outpace LCV segment during 2016-2021.

Download Sample Report

@ https://www.techsciresearch.com/sample-report.aspx?cid=794

Customers can also request for 10% free customization on this report.

Tourism industry in Saudi Arabia is cyclical and is largely restricted to religious pilgrimage. In August 2015, for over 200,000 pilgrims arrived in Jeddah and Medina, and approximately 17,700 buses were deployed for these pilgrims. In order to address increasing transportation needs to accommodate the huge number of pilgrims during Hajj, the Saudi Arabian government is importing new buses with advanced technology that can be operated even in harsh climatic conditions, consequently aiding the country's commercial vehicles market.

"In order to accommodate growing vehicle fleet demand of the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA) plans to increase investments towards strengthening and expanding the country's road infrastructure. As per the 9th Five Year Plan, which was introduced in 2010, the Ministry of Economy and Planning announced an overall spending of about USD27.06 billion for improving and expanding the country's road infrastructure. These developments are anticipated to drive sales of commercial vehicles market during next five years.", said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.

"Saudi Arabia Commercial Vehicles Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021" has evaluated the future growth potential of Saudi Arabia commercial vehicles market and provides statistics and information on market size, share, trends & forecasts for commercial vehicles in Saudi Arabia. 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 Saudi Arabia commercial vehicles market.

Browse Related Reports

UAE Commercial Vehicles Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021

https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/uae-commercial-vehicles-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2021/644.html

Morocco Commercial Vehicles Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2020

https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/morocco-commercial-vehicles-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2020/125.html

Qatar Earthmoving Equipment Market By Type (Excavators, Loader, Motor Grader & Bulldozer), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2011-2021

https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/qatar-earthmoving-equipment-market-by-type-excavators-loader-motor-grader-bulldozer-competition-forecast-opportunities-2011-2021/745.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.

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Regulatory News:

Scandic Hotels Group (STO:SHOT)

Today, Scandic held its first Capital Markets Day, The company presented its valuecreating business model at the same time as members of the Executive Committee shared their views on the market, today's operations and planned investments for future growth and profitability. The company reiterated its positive view that demand in the market will continue to be good during the rest of the year. Scandic's existing strategy, the Group's financial goals and the dividend policy remain unchanged.

Scandic, the largest hotel company in the Nordic countries that was listed on December 2, 2015, held its first Capital Markets Day today in Stockholm. President and CEO Frank Fiskers, Chief Financial Officer Jan Johansson, Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Engelhart and Head of Denmark Jens Mathiesen spoke at the event.

Among other things, Scandic presented its long-term strategy which was adopted in early 2016. The strategy aims to develop the Group's activities in accordance with the Group's financial targets. Scandic's strategy is to develop and strengthen its leading position in the Nordic hotel market, particularly in the seven biggest cities in Germany. The company intends to grow by two to four hotels per year.

Scandic's medium and long-term financial goals and dividend policy remain unchanged. Scandic's goals and dividend policy are as follows:

Annual average growth of 5 percent in net sales over a complete business cycle, excluding M&As.

Average adjusted EBITDA margin of 11 percent over a business cycle.

Net debt in relation to adjusted EBITDA of 2-3x.

At least 50 percent of annual profits.

We have good momentum within the Group and I'm proud of Scandic's strong position in our main markets in the Nordic region as well as the performance of our three hotels in Germany. It's clear that our strategies are working well and that our proactive approach and ability to identify and realize new hotel and revenue opportunities are delivering results. We are well in line with our growth goals and we continue to have a positive outlook on the market for the rest of the year, says Frank Fiskers, President CEO of Scandic Hotels Group.

Presentations and videos from the day will be available at www.scandichotelsgroup.com from September 30, 2016.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005929/en/

Contacts:

Scandic

Ann-Charlotte Johansson

VP Communications IR

Email: ann-charlotte.johansson@scandichotels.com

Phone: +46 72 180 22 44 www.scandichotelsgroup.com
29 September 2016

Queros Capital Partners PLC

("Queros" or "the Company")

Unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2016

Queros Capital Partners Plc are delighted to report its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2016.

Chairman Statement

We are pleased to announce our financial report to our stakeholders for the period ended 30 June 2016.

Overview first half 2016

Company's principal investment policy is focused in two key investment areas which is bridge financing and social housing in UK and in Europe. The Company also provides consultancy and advisory services to its corporate clients.

The Company has invested at present in interim bridge loan contracts for the initial money raised, in order to service the coupon and further subscriptions will be invested in other larger property portfolios.

Key Highlights

It has identified high yield property investments which will be acquired subject to satisfactory due diligence when further subscriptions will be raised via bond issue.

Results

For the financial period ended 30 June 2016, the Net Assets of the company are 59,137 and it has successfully maintained its quarterly interest payments to bondholders up to the reporting date and the board is determined to protect bondholders interest in the near future.

Outlook

We continue to look and explore new investment opportunities to maximise stakeholders interest and developing our existing investments. The Board forecasts to maximise return on the investments in the near future in lieu of financial and political climate around the United Kingdom and Europe.

Our board continues to maintain a high level of corporate governance and places great importance to risk management in selecting investments for the company. We expect our team to act both professionally and honestly in their day to day duties.

Notes of Appreciation

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate our team for successfully meeting targets and achieving fruitful results for the company and its stakeholders.

At the end I would be thankful to our loyal stakeholders for their continued support in the past and will welcome the same in the near future.



ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD



Marcel Samuel Boom

Chief Executive Officer



23 September 2016



The directors of Queros Capital Partners Plc accept responsibility for this announcement.



COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS:

Marcel Boom, Chief Executive Officer

Queros Capital Partners Plc

Office Suite G4,

Bredon House,

321 Tettenhall Road,

Wolverhampton,

West Midlands,

WV6 OJZ



Telephone: +44 1293 401 293

http://www.queroscapitalpartners.com/



ISDX CORPORATE ADVISER:

Alexander David Securities Limited

David Scott - Corporate Finance

James Dewhurst - Institutional Sales

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7448 9820

http://www.ad-securities.com

49 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4SA





QUEROS CAPITAL PARTNERS PLC

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

Period Year ended ended 30/06/16 31/12/15 Notes   Turnover 2 89,273 64,212 Cost of sales (31,216) (19,597) _______ _______ Gross profit 58,057 44,615 Administrative expenses (49,015) (38,911) _______ _______ Operating profit 9,042 5,704 Other interest receivable and similar income 8 - _______ _______ Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 9,050 5,704 Tax on profit on ordinary activities3 - (1,141) _______ _______ Profit for the period 9 9,050 4,563 Retained profit brought forward 4,563 - _______ _______ Retained profit carried forward 13,613 4,563 _______ _______

QUEROS CAPITAL PARTNERS PLC

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 JUNE 2016

30/06/16 31/12/15 Notes     Fixed assets Tangible assets 4 1,215,185 532,000 Current assets Debtors 5 110,381 136,037 Cash at bank and in hand 183,548 7,920 _______ _______ 293,929 143,957 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6 (55,401) (39,294) _______ _______ Net current assets 238,528 104,663 _______ _______ Total assets less current liabilities 1,453,713 636,663 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 7 (1,390,000) (582,000) _______ _______ Net assets 63,713 54,663 _______ _______ Capital and reserves Called up share capital 8 50,100 50,100 Profit and loss account 9 13,613 4,563 _______ _______ Shareholders' funds 63,713 54,663 _______ _______

QUEROS CAPITAL PARTNERS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

1. Accounting policies

1.1. Accounting convention

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).

1.2. Turnover

Turnover represents the total invoice value, excluding value added tax, of sales made during the period and derives from the provision of goods falling within the company's ordinary activities.

2. Turnover

The total turnover of the company for the period has been derived from its principal activity wholly undertaken in the UK.



3. Tax on profit on ordinary activities

Period Year ended ended Analysis of charge in period 30/06/16 31/12/15   Current tax UK corporation tax - 1,141 _______ _______ 4. Investments Total   Market Value At 1 January 2016 532,000 532,000 Additions 683,185 683,185 _______ _______ At 30 June 2016 1,215,185 1,215,185 _______ _______ Net book values At 30 June 2016 1,215,185 1,215,185 _______ _______ At 31 December 2015 532,000 532,000 _______ _______

5. Debtors

30/06/16

 31/12/15

 Trade debtors - 40,712 Other Debtors 110,381 93,072 Prepayments and accrued income - 2,253 _______ _______ 110,381 136,037 _______ _______

6. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

30/06/16

 31/12/15

 Short term loan - 15,600 Payments received on account 8,415 - Trade creditors 20,109 1,000 Corporation tax 1,141 1,141 Accruals and deferred income 25,736 21,553 _______ _______ 55,401 39,294 _______ _______

7. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

30/06/16

 31/12/15

 Bond money received 1,390,000 582,000 _______ _______

8. Share capital

30/06/16

 31/12/15

 Authorised 50,100 Ordinary shares of 1 each 50,100 50,100 _______ _______ Allotted, called up and fully paid 50,100 Ordinary shares of 1 each 50,100 50,100 _______ _______ Equity Shares 50,100 Ordinary shares of 1 each 50,100 50,100 _______ _______

9. Reserves
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Programmatic advertising company Varick Media Management announced today its partnership with cross-device technology leader, Drawbridge, to access its award-winning self-service programmatic platform. Through the partnership with Drawbridge, Varick enables a seamless experience for brands to reach and measure consumers across computers, smartphones, tablets and connected TVs.

"Today's consumer follows a very fragmented path of media consumption. With the technology that Drawbridge provides, we are able to follow the consumer journey as it begins on one device and moves to the next," explained Kaitlin Boulos, VP of Client Strategy and Partnerships at Varick Media Management. "This is especially valuable in the planning and optimization stages of a campaign. We now have the ability to identify an audience and determine the most effective cross-device targeting strategy for their individual campaign goals."

The Drawbridge Cross-Device Platform is a one-stop destination for marketers to buy media, reach consumers, and measure success across devices. Via this platform, Varick is able to set up client campaigns, enhance targeting and reach, and understand consumer paths to conversion across devices.

Specifically, Varick is able to leverage the following cross-device targeting, creative and measurement strategies and capabilities:

Cross-device retargeting

Location targeting + extension across devices

Dynamic targeting across devices

Universal frequency capping

Connected TV + linear TV companioning

Creative sequential messaging

High-impact rich media

Cross-device delivery, reach and frequency measurement

Path-to-conversion and multi-touch attribution

Audience insights

"Our self-service platform is ideal for not only reaching the perfect audiences, but for measuring the impact of every channel on the increasingly cross-device path to purchase," said Drawbridge COO Winston Crawford. "The scale and precision of our identity data, which is at the core of our platform, is extremely valuable for a programmatic leader like Varick, who can leverage clients' first-party data, our own cross-device data, as well as third-party data to deliver seamless consumer experiences across devices and measure the results."

About Varick Media Management

Varick Media Management is a programmatic advertising company servicing brands and agencies with proprietary campaign management software, Alveo. This platform enables marketers to build data-driven creative assets, buy across multiple inventory and data sources, and measure campaign performance through a single interface. Varick's service rests on three pillars for programmatic success: a world-class technology platform, transparency into all aspects of campaign deployment and optimization, and a full-service trading practice that leverages data science to drive campaign results.

About Drawbridge

Drawbridge is the leading digital identity company, building cross-device technology that fundamentally changes the way brands connect with people. The Drawbridge Connected Consumer Graph includes more than one billion consumers across more than three billion devices, and verified to be 97.3% precise. Brands can work with Drawbridge in three ways: by licensing the Drawbridge Connected Consumer Graph for cross-device data applications; managing cross-device ad campaigns in real-time using the Drawbridge Cross-Device Platform; or working with Drawbridge to execute cross-device campaigns. The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley, is backed by Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers, and Northgate Capital, and has been named to the Inc. 5000 annual ranking of the fastest-growing companies in America for the past two years. For more information visit www.drawbridge.com.

PR Contact:

Maribel Henriquez

212-352-4666

Email Contact




Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - September 29, 2016) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the agenda for the October 5 meeting of its Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies. The committee will discuss Regulation S-K disclosure requirements, research regarding corporate board diversity, and outreach to smaller companies about capital raising. It also will receive updates from the Division of Trading and Markets on equity market structure initiatives, a tick-size pilot, and the treatment of so-called "finders" that assist companies in capital raising activities.

The October 5 meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room at the SEC's headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., and is open to the public. It will be webcast live on the SEC's website and archived on the website for later viewing.

The committee provides a formal mechanism for the SEC to receive advice and recommendations on privately held small businesses and publicly traded companies with a market capitalization less than $250 million.

Members of the public who wish to provide their views on the matters to be considered by the committee may submit comments electronically or on paper. Please submit comments using one method only. Information that is submitted will become part of the public record of the meeting.

Electronic submissions:

Use the SEC's Internet submission form or send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov.

Paper submissions:

Send paper submissions to Brent Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number 265-27, and the file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used.

AGENDA
SEOUL (dpa-AFX) - Can a washing machine explode just like a bomb? A lawsuit filed in the federal court in New Jersey alleged that there was loud noise and damage to garage wall as the washing machine went off with a violent boom. Samsung is facing federal class action lawsuit from customers. There were similar reports from Texas, Georgia and Indiana. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advised consumers that certain models of top loading washing machines manufactured by Samsung can become dislodged. The company said it is in active discussions with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the appliances with potential risk could be manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016. Front loading washers are not affected. Samsung noted that the affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water resistant items. The manufacturer advised its clients to use lower spin speed while washing bedding or water resistant or bulky items to reduce the impact and damage. 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.
29 September 2016

GB0033877555

BWA GROUP PLC

("BWA" or the "Company")

Audited Results for the year ended 30 April 2016

STRATEGIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30APRIL2016

As you are aware, the objective of the Company is to find a suitable candidate for a reverse take-over and, in the meantime, to invest in smaller opportunities that may arise. The Board identified an appropriate target company during the year but, unfortunately, it was not possible finally to conclude a transaction after nearly nine months' work. An arrangement had been made with the target company which resulted in your Company being able to recover all the costs of the transaction and return a small profit as shown in the accounts.

Your Directors have continued to nurture the two early stage investments in which the Company already has a direct interest, namely Prego International Limited and Mineralfields Group Limited (formerly Natural and Mineral Assets Limited). Both investments are held as Available-For-Sale as it is the intention to realise their value as soon as possible.

Prego International Limited is a programme manager for the issuance of Prepaid MasterCards, targeted at migrant workers in the Far East and Europe, with an initial concentration in the case of Europe on Norway and the Scandinavian countries. Prego's development has been slower than we originally hoped but we remain convinced of the company's prospects for eventual success. Prego's intention remains to list its shares at the earliest opportunity and, in the meantime has raised tranches of new investment at various prices, the latest being at 1.75 per share. The Company's investment in Prego is valued at 314,000 which is the price at which BWA last sold a small part of its holding.

Mineralfields Group Limited is the holding company of a small group which is in the process of obtaining mining licences in Cameroon. This company is also at an early stage but is attracting interest. The Company's holding in Mineralfields has been valued at 0.1p per share which is the price at which shares were last issued by the company and which accounts for the value attributed to them in these accounts of 293,000. Progress at the company has been severely hampered by delays in the Cameroon authorities issuing the licences, a situation in which other licence applicants find themselves. The company continues to persevere patiently to obtain the necessary signatures.

The Board is hopeful that these two investments will yield a return over the medium term having obtained the additional finance they will require, obtained market listings or been the subject of trade sales.

In spite of the setback caused by the withdrawal of the target "acquisition company" last year, the Board continues to search vigorously for a suitable reverse acquisition to enable BWA to move forward.

Richard Battersby

Chairman

For further information, please contact:

BWA Group Plc

Richard Battersby (Non-Executive Chairman) 07836 238 172

Peterhouse Corporate Finance Limited

Mark Anwyl or Duncan Vasey 020 7469 0930







INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30APRIL2016

2016 2015   TURNOVER 225,311 - Cost of sales 136,483 - ________ ________ GROSS PROFIT 88,828 - Administrative expenses 65,115 34,510 ________ ________ OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) 23,713 (34,510) Interest receivable and similar income - 2 23,713 (34,508) Amounts written off investments - 185,000 ________ ________ PROFIT/(LOSS) ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 23,713 (219,508) Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities - - ________ ________ PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 23,713 (219,508) ________ ________ Earnings per share expressed in pence per share: Basic 0 -0.2 Diluted 0 -0.2





OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2016

2016 2015 Notes   PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR 23,713 (219,508) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Unrealised gain/(loss) on revaluation of investments 453 318,270 Impairment of A-F-S financial assets - 185,000 Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income - - ________ ________ OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR, NET OF INCOME TAX 453 503,270 ________ ________ TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 24,166 283,762





BALANCE SHEET

2016 2015     FIXED ASSETS Available-for-sale financial assets 618,477 633,024 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 20,125 8,987 Cash at bank 48,357 2,599 ________ ________ 68,482 11,586 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 106,413 105,276 ________ ________ NET CURRENT LIABILITIES (37,931) (93,690) ________ ________ TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 580,546 539,334 ________ ________ CAPITAL AND RESERVES Called up share capital 560,788 560,788 Share premium 12,663 12,663 A-F-S revaluation reserve 618,087 617,634 Capital redemption reserve 288,625 288,625 Retained earnings (899,617) (940,376) ________ ________ SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 580,546 539,334

The Company's audited accounts for the year ended 30 April 2016 contain the following statement by the Company's auditors:

"Emphasis of matter

Valuation of unlisted investments

We draw attention to Note 3 'Basis of preparation' which describes the uncertainty surrounding management's assessment of the market value of certain unlisted investments that may have an impact on the carrying amount of this asset recorded in the Company's balance sheet as at 30 April 2016.

Going concern

We draw attention to Note 3 'Basis of preparation'. The Company's current liabilities exceeded its current assets by 37,931 as at 30 April 2016 which, along with the other matter relating to the valuation of investments explained in note 3 to the financial statements, indicates the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

The directors have confirmed their commitment to provide continued financial support to the Company to enable it to continue as a going concern.

If the Company is unable to continue in operational existence, it may be unable to discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business and adjustments may have to be made to reflect the situation that assets may need to be realised other than in the normal course of business and at amounts which could differ significantly from the amounts at which they are currently recorded in the Company's balance sheet. In addition, the Company may have to reclassify non-current assets and liabilities as current assets and liabilities. No such adjustments have been made to the financial statements.

Our opinion is not qualified in respect of the matters mentioned above."

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.

The information above has been extracted from BWA's audited accounts for the year ended 30 April 2016.

The Directors of BWA are responsible for the contents of this announcement.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - September 29, 2016) - Voting has ended and Zephyr Real Estate has an impressive showing in this year's slate of officers for both the San Francisco Association of REALTORS and the Marin Association of REALTORS.

In San Francisco, Matt Fuller is the 2017 President. Fuller, long-time Zephyr agent, has served as Chief Financial Officer for San Francisco's Association. As such, his responsibilities included serving as Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, overseeing financial record keeping and accounting, serving as a member of the executive committee, and ensuring that association funds were invested in programs and products that advanced the interests of all San Francisco REALTORS and their clients.

In Marin, Mark Machado is the 2017 President-Elect. Machado, one of Marin's leading agents, takes great pride in handling any size transaction all over Marin, San Francisco and Sonoma. His broad network of connections, including as board member of the MAR for the past two years, serves him and his clients very well. Machado has been a commissioner on the San Rafael Park and Rec Department for the past five years. His passion for the industry and community makes him a fierce advocate for his clients.

Additionally, two Zephyr agents will be serving as Directors on both boards.

Michael Barnacle will serve on the San Francisco Board. Barnacle, Sales Manager at Zephyr's Pacific Heights office, is an enthusiastic and natural leader. His management style includes a commitment to empower agents, to grow the office with superior agents and to lead by example in community participation and involvement.

Chris Backer will serve on the Marin Board. In addition to his excellent credentials as an agent, Backer has an extensive background in the legal industry, particularly with contracts and disclosures. He is a dedicated educator and communicator with his clients, assuring positive and successful transaction experiences. He is committed to building long-lasting relationships throughout the community.

The list of notables continues. In the San Francisco Association, three more Zephyr agents hold key roles on the Board. Britton Jackson serves as the Vice Chair of Standard Forms Committee. Tara Donohue is a Director, and Carren Shagley is Co-Chair of Grievance Committee.

Zephyr also has representatives at the state level with the California Association of REALTORS where Matthew Borland and Matt Fuller serve as Directors.

"We congratulate these first-class individuals who are dedicated to the industry and to maintaining the highest standards and expectations," commented Randall Kostick, President of Zephyr. "Their service is greatly appreciated."

About Zephyr Real Estate

Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with nearly $2.3 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 300 full-time agents. Zephyr's highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; and local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six offices in San Francisco, a brand new office in Greenbrae, and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/9/28/11G116008/Images/Mark-Chris-Michael-Matt-84874cd19126a4509f9c23539307e607.jpg

Contact:

Melody Foster

Zephyr Real Estate

San Francisco, CA

415.426.3203

Email contact


PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwired - September 29, 2016) - Benetech, the leading nonprofit empowering communities in need by creating scalable technology solutions, today announced the appointment of human rights technology and policy pioneer Keith Hiatt to the position of Vice President of Benetech's Human Rights Program. Hiatt will lead Benetech's efforts to empower human rights defenders around the world by providing technology solutions and capacity building.

"Keith is a proven leader with vast expertise at the intersection of human rights, technology, policy and law," said Betsy Beaumon, president of Benetech. "We need the world's best and brightest leading the charge to empower human rights defenders with the tools and resources they need to document, report and manage data in pursuit of justice and policy reform. We are thrilled to have Keith join the Benetech team to lead us into the future."

Hiatt is currently a member of the Technology Advisory Board of the International Criminal Court, a Research Fellow at the Human Rights Center at UC Berkeley School of Law and an Affiliate at the Data and Society Research Institute in NYC. He previously served as Director of the Human Rights and Technology Program at the Human Rights Center at UC Berkeley School of Law, recipient of the 2015 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. After graduating from Berkeley Law, Hiatt clerked for Judge Ronald Gould of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In 2014, as a community lawyer in East Palo Alto, he received the California Bar Association President's Award for Pro Bono Service. Prior to attending law school at UC Berkeley, Hiatt worked as a software engineer at Microsoft and a systems analyst at Boeing.

"Benetech has long been the leader in providing the world's human rights defenders with the tools and solutions they need to do their work," said Keith Hiatt, newly appointed vice president of Human Rights at Benetech. "I am honored to join the team, and look forward to building on Benetech's proven successes."

About Benetech

Benetech is a different kind of tech company. We're a nonprofit whose mission is to empower communities in need by creating scalable technology solutions. Our work has transformed how over 425,000 people with disabilities read; made it safer for human rights defenders in over fifty countries to document human rights violations; and equipped environmental conservationists to protect ecosystems and species all over the world. Our Benetech Labs is working on the next big impact. Visit www.benetech.org.

About Benetech Human Rights Program

Benetech empowers human rights defenders around the world to pursue truth and justice by providing technology solutions and capacity building. The Martus platform is a free and open source toolset allowing practitioners to securely capture, encrypt and analyze sensitive information. We train human rights practitioners on secure data collection to protect at-risk communities, including women, ethnic minorities and LGBTI individuals. Visit www.benetech.org/our-programs/human-rights/.

Media Contact

Sara Gebhardt

650-644-3452

Communications@benetech.org
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - September 29, 2016) - Excelsior Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MIN) (FRANKFURT: 3XS) (OTCQX: EXMGF) ("Excelsior" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a subscription agreement for a financing, with an affiliate of Greenstone Resources L.P. ("Greenstone"), for total gross proceeds of US$14.0 million. The financing consists of a private placement of common shares (the "Private Placement") at CDN$0.45 per share for gross proceeds of US$10.0 million and the sale of a 1% gross revenue royalty on the Gunnison Copper Project (the "Royalty Financing") for gross proceeds of US$4.0 million. Upon closing, Excelsior would be fully funded through to a decision to construct and the expected completion of the permitting process. Receipt of final operating permits is expected in Q2, 2017. Construction is scheduled to begin in Q3 of 2017, with commercial production anticipated in 2018.

The Private Placement and Royalty Financing require shareholder approval under the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company intends to obtain shareholder approval for the Private Placement and Royalty Financing at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders that is scheduled to occur on October 27, 2016 in Vancouver, B.C. (the "Meeting"). Assuming shareholder approval is obtained and other conditions precedent to the Private Placement and Royalty Financing are met, then the Private Placement and the Royalty Financing are scheduled to close shortly after the Meeting.

Pursuant to the Private Placement, Greenstone will purchase, by way of a treasury offering, common shares of Excelsior at a price of CDN$0.45 per common share for total gross proceeds of US$10.0 million. Settlement will occur in United States dollars and the exact number of common shares issued has been determined based on a CDN$/US$ exchange rate of CDN$1.00 being equal to US$0.77 (the "Exchange Rate"). Based on the Exchange Rate, upon closing of the Private Placement, Greenstone will acquire 28,860,028 common shares (representing approximately 20.8% of Excelsior's current issued and outstanding common shares). Greenstone currently holds 55,550,869 common shares of Excelsior (representing 40.11% of the Company's current issued and outstanding common shares). After the closing of the Private Placement, Greenstone will hold a total of 84,410,897 common shares, which will represent approximately 50.4% of Excelsior's issued and outstanding common shares (post-closing of the Private Placement). Greenstone has agreed that it will not, for a period of four months, dispose of the common shares it acquires pursuant to the Private Placement. Upon the closing of the Royalty Financing and after taking into consideration Greenstone's existing 2% gross revenue royalty, Greenstone will own a 3% gross revenue royalty on the Gunnison Copper Project.

Stephen Twyerould, President & CEO, said, "Our ability to secure a non-dilutive royalty financing in combination with a common share equity placement priced at a premium to the current share price, and all within the context of a bottoming copper price, is another major endorsement of the Gunnison Copper Project. With all the required funding in place to see us through to the projected completion of the permitting process, we have dramatically de-risked our project and helped ensure that we will remain on schedule for production of copper cathode in 2018. Greenstone Resources is one of the most technically astute resource funds operating in the financial markets today; their continued financial support validates our industry-leading project economics and the ability of our management team to execute."

Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), each of the Private Placement and Royalty Financing constitutes a "related party transaction" as Greenstone is a related party of the Company. The Company is relying on an exemption from the formal valuation requirement of MI 61-101, based on the fact that the securities of the Company are only listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. However, the Company will be required to obtain minority shareholder approval for the Private Placement and Royalty Financing as there are no available exemptions. The Company intends to obtain such minority shareholder approval at the Meeting. The common shares that will be acquired by Greenstone will be acquired pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus requirement in section 2.3 of National Instrument 45-106.

The directors of Excelsior who hold shares of the Corporation will enter into irrevocable undertakings pursuant to which they have agreed that they will vote their shares in favour of the Private Placement and Royalty Financing at the Meeting.

The net proceeds of the Private Placement and the Royalty Financing will be used for the continued development of the company's Gunnison Copper Project, including; completion of permitting and the feasibility study, care & maintenance and deferred acquisition costs associated with the Johnson Camp Mine, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Private Placement and Royalty Financing are subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, the execution of definitive documentation, receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. The Private Placement and Royalty financing are also subject to the receipt of minority shareholder approval.

The securities being offered hereby have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state or province in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Greenstone

Greenstone is a private equity fund specialising in the mining and metals sector. The Greenstone team has over 80 years of experience in the sector covering all aspects of mining project development. Further details on Greenstone can be found at www.greenstoneresources.com.

Greenstone is acquiring the securities in the offering described herein for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Greenstone may from time to time acquire and/or dispose of securities of Excelsior or continue to hold its current position.

A copy of the early warning report required to be filed with the applicable securities commission in connection with the transaction will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and can be obtained by contacting Jo-Anna Duquemin Nicolle and Sadie Morrisson at +44 1481810100. Greenstone's address is set out below.

Greenstone Contact Information:

Greenstone Resources L.P.

1st Floor, Royal Chambers

St Julian's Avenue

St Peter Port, Guernsey

GY1 3JX

Channel Islands

About Excelsior

Excelsior is a mineral exploration and development company that is advancing the Gunnison Copper Project in Cochise County, Arizona. The Excelsior management team consists of experienced professionals with proven track records of advancing mining projects into production. Further information about the Gunnison Copper Project can be found in the technical report filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com entitled: "Gunnison Copper Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Prefeasibility Study" dated February 14, 2014.

Dr. Stephen Twyerould, Fellow of AUSIMM, President and CEO of Excelsior, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release.

For more information on Excelsior, please visit our website at www.excelsiormining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE EXCELSIOR BOARD

"Stephen Twyerould"

President & CEO

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" concerning anticipated developments and events that may occur in the future. Forward looking information contained in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to (i) the details and timelines associated with permitting, construction and production from the Gunnison Project; (ii) the details of the financings with Greenstone and the Additional Private Placement; (iii) the timing and closing of the financings; (iv) the anticipated use of proceeds of the financings; and (v) the advancement of the Gunnison Project.

Such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of the word "will". Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, copper and other metal prices, the timing and amount of future exploration and development expenditures, the ongoing care and maintenance costs associated with Johnson Camp, the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements, the estimation of labour and operating costs, that definitive agreements for the financing will be concluded, the availability of necessary financing and materials to continue to explore and develop the Gunnison Project in the short and long-term, the progress of exploration and development activities, the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, the completion of the permitting process, the estimation of insurance coverage, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward looking information involves 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 information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined including the possibility that mining operations may not commence at the Gunnison Project, risks relating to variations in mineral resources and reserves, grade or recovery rates resulting from current exploration and development activities, risks relating to the ability to access infrastructure, risks relating to changes in copper and other commodity prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of copper and related products, risks related to increased competition in the market for copper and related products and in the mining industry generally, risks related to current global financial conditions, uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral resources, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of mining activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes, increases in capital and operating costs and the risk of delays or increased costs that might be encountered during the development process, regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, including the risk that the financing necessary to fund the exploration and development activities at the Gunnison Project may not be available on satisfactory terms, or at all, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interest, environmental risks and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information.

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, and no securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this release.

For further information regarding this press release please contact:

Excelsior Mining Corp.

JJ Jennex

Vice President, Corporate Affairs

T: 604-681-8030 x240

E: info@excelsiormining.com

www.excelsiormining.com
Regulatory News:

Technip (Paris:TEC) (ISIN:FR0000131708) (ADR:TKPPY) will publish its Third Quarter 2016 results on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 7:00am Paris time. The press release and slide presentation will be available on our website: www.technip.com.

Thierry Pilenko, Chairman and CEO, as well as Julian Waldron, Group CFO, will comment on Technip's results and answer questions from the financial community on the same day during a conference call in English starting at 9:30am Paris time (8:30am London time, 3:30am New York time).

To participate in the conference call, you may call any of the following telephone numbers approximately 5 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time:

France Continental Europe: +33 (0)1 70 77 09 44 UK: +44 (0) 203 367 9453 USA: +1 855 402 7761

A replay of this conference call will be available for three months at the following telephone numbers (Access code: 303880#):

France Continental Europe: +33 (0)1 72 00 15 00 UK: +44 (0) 203 367 9460 USA: +1 877 642 3018

The conference call will also be available via a simultaneous, listen-only audio-cast on Technip's website. A replay will be available approximately two hours following the conference call for three months on Technip's website.

Technip is a world leader in project management, engineering and construction for the energy industry.

From the deepest Subsea oil gas developments to the largest and most complex Offshore and Onshore infrastructures, our close to 32,500 people are constantly offering the best solutions and most innovative technologies to meet the world's energy challenges.

Present in 45 countries, Technip has state-of-the-art industrial assets on all continents and operates a fleet of specialized vessels for pipeline installation and subsea construction.

Technip shares are listed on the Euronext Paris exchange and traded in the USA on the OTCQX marketplace (OTCQX: TKPPY) as American Depositary Receipts.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929006000/en/

Contacts:

Technip

Investor and Analyst Relations

Aurelia Baudey-Vignaud, +33 (0) 1 85 67 43 81

abaudeyvignaud@technip.com

or

Elodie Robbe-Mouillot, +33 (0) 1 85 67 43 86

erobbemouillot@technip.com

or

Public Relations

Laure Montcel, +33 (0) 1 49 01 87 81

Delphine Nayral, +33 (0) 1 47 78 34 83

press@technip.com

http://www.technip.com

@TechnipGroup
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Rockcliff Copper Corporation ("Rockcliff" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: RCU) today announced that the Company has signed an option agreement dated September 20, 2016 to earn up to 100% interest in the Bur property from Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co., Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HudBay Minerals Inc. (Hudbay) (TSX: HBM)(NYSE: HBM). The Bur property hosts a high grade, zinc-rich Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposit and is strategically located nearby Hudbay's operations in the Snow Lake mining camp within the prolific Flin Flon-Snow Lake greenstone belt in Manitoba.

Rockcliff's President and CEO Ken Lapierre commented, "The Bur deposit is one of the highest grade unmined zinc-rich deposits in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake mining camp and fits perfectly with our goal of acquiring, discovering and advancing high grade metal-rich deposits in this prolific camp. Adding high grade zinc resources near our existing high grade copper resources adds excellent diversity in metals that are moving towards a world-wide shortage. Also, it is one of the most cost effective ways to achieve significant growth within a world class mining camp known for its exceptional metal grades, outstanding infrastructure and low cost electrical power. The addition of this high grade zinc deposit enhances our ability to make significant strides towards our ultimate goal of becoming the next mine finders in one of the best mining and exploration jurisdictions in the world."

The Bur property hosts the high grade zinc-rich Bur deposit, located 22km by road northeast of Hudbay's Snow Lake copper-zinc concentrator and 28km from the Town of Snow Lake, Manitoba. The property covers 86 mining claims, totalling 3,979 hectares. A report (see Bur Deposit Report below) was prepared for Hudbay in 2007. Rockcliff is treating the estimate of mineral resources in the Bur Deposit Report as a "historical estimate" under NI 43-101 and not as a current mineral resource.

Historical Resource, Bur Deposit, Snow Lake, Manitoba

Resource Tonnes Zn (%) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated 1,050,000 8.6 1.9 12.1 0.05 Inferred 302,000 9.0 1.4 9.6 0.08 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:

1. CIM definitions were followed for the estimation of mineral resources. 2. Mineral resources are estimated at a zinc equivalent cut-off of 5%. 3. Cut-off grade was based on a zinc price of US$1.15 per pound and a copper price of US$2.35 per pound. 4. Given the tonnage, grade and orientation of the deposit, AMEC considers the Bur Deposit to be reasonably amenable to extraction using underground mining methods. 5. Specific Gravity measurements used to estimate the mineral resource tonnes ranged from 2.64 to 3.74 with an average of 3.16. 6. A minimum mining width of 3m was used. 7. Numbers may not add due to rounding 8. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. 9. The deposit was documented in a report dated October 1, 2007 and titled "Bur Project, Snow Lake Manitoba, Canada NI 43-101 Technical Report" (the "Bur Deposit Report"). The report was prepared for Hudbay by AMEC Americas Limited (AMEC) and was filed on Hudbay's SEDAR profile on January 31, 2008.

Historical estimates of grade and tonnage given in this Press Release are viewed as reliable and relevant based on the information and methods used at the time. They were prepared in compliance with resource definitions under NI 43-101 but must be considered only as historic resources as the Bur Deposit Report was prepared for Hudbay in 2007. Neither Rockcliff nor its Qualified Persons have done sufficient work to classify the historic estimate as a current mineral resource under current mineral resource or mineral reserve terminology and are not treating the historic estimate as a current mineral resource. The historic resource should not be relied upon. Additional work including surface geophysics, drilling and bore hole geophysics will need to be completed to upgrade the historical resource to current.

The Bur deposit is a stratiform, distal, massive sulphide deposit that occurs within a narrow turbidite assemblage of interbedded metagreywacke, metasiltstone and graphitic meta-argillite in a basinal area situated between a two granitic intrusions. The northeast striking deposit dips 60-70 degrees northwest, ranges from less than 0.3m up to 5m thick with a known lateral extent of approximately 4,500m. Drilling has encountered disseminated, semi-massive and massive sulphide mineralization below overburden to a vertical depth of 950m. Mineralization consists of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, galena and arsenopyrite. The Bur deposit contains up to 20% felsic or cherty nodules consisting of wall rock and late quartz fragments displaying a brecciated texture to the mineralization. The deposit remains open in all directions.

Rockcliff can earn a 100% interest in the Bur property from Hudbay by spending $3.0M in exploration over a four year period in increasing yearly expenditure requirements. The first and second year expenditure requirements are $400K and $600K, respectively. Once the 100% earn-in is complete, Rockcliff may exercise its option to own a 100% interest in the property. On exercise of the option, Hudbay will receive a 2% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty on the property. Hudbay will then have one year (the buy-back waiting period) to decide whether to buy back 70% of the property by paying Rockcliff a total of $3.0M cash over a three year period. Hudbay will also pay Rockcliff double the exploration expenditures incurred by Rockcliff during the buy-back waiting period, capped at $1.5M, if it elects to exercise its buy-back right. Upon Hudbay exercising its buy-back right, Hudbay's right to receive the 2% NSR royalty shall terminate. Hudbay and Rockcliff will then form a joint venture on a 70/30 (Hudbay/Rockcliff) basis and will be responsible for their respective pro rata share on further exploration of the property. Once a decision is made to construct a mine, Hudbay shall contribute on behalf of Rockcliff Rockcliff's proportionate share of the expenses in the form of a non-interest bearing loan, repayable in accordance with the terms of the joint venture agreement.

Ken Lapierre P.Geo., President and CEO of Rockcliff., a Qualified Person in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101, has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this press release.

About Rockcliff Copper Corporation

Rockcliff is a Canadian resource exploration company focused on the discovery, exploration and advancement of high grade metal deposits in the prolific Flin Flon - Snow Lake greenstone belt centered on Snow Lake, Canada. The Snow Lake Project, totalling in excess of 39,000 collective hectares is centered around the Snow Lake mining camp and hosts the highest grade unmined copper and zinc- rich VMS properties and a former high grade lode-gold producer. The properties include two high grade VMS NI 43-101 Resources (the Talbot deposit and the Rail deposit), two historic high grade VMS deposits (the Lon deposit and the Bur deposit), a Net Smelter Return Royalty (NSR) on the Tower property which includes the T-1 copper-rich VMS deposit and the highest grade former lode gold producer (Laguna) in the entire belt. Rockcliff also owns a zinc-silver rich NI 43-101 Resource (the Shihan deposit) in Ontario and a royalty on two gold properties in Colombia, South America.

Rockcliff is well funded with over $3.0M in its treasury and no debt.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although Rockcliff believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, exploration results, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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:

Rockcliff Copper Corporation

Ken Lapierre, P.Geo

President & CEO

Cell: (647) 678-3879

klapierre@rockcliffcoppercorp.com



CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume

CEO

(416) 868-1079 ext.231

cathy@chfir.com




SAN DIEGO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- EAG Laboratories, a global scientific services company that provides a broad range of testing services to technology-related industries, today announced the appointment of Duane Huggett, Ph.D., as Senior Scientific Advisor for the company's environmental testing group.

Dr. Huggett provides scientific consultation and advice related to environmental fate and toxicology, with particular emphasis in the pharmaceutical and personal care product sectors. He has in-depth expertise related to endocrine (estrogen, androgen and thyroid) modulation and bioaccumulation assessments in wildlife.

"We are very excited to have Duane join our company," stated Siddhartha Kadia, President and CEO of EAG. "Duane brings a wealth of expertise and leadership experience. He understands environmental testing as well as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With his unique experience, along with his passion for environmental endeavors, he is a great fit for our company and our clients. After being a consultant in this space for many years, Duane is a great asset and will be an integral part of our value proposition."

Prior to joining EAG, Dr. Huggett worked in contract laboratories, academia and industry. He began his career at Pfizer as part of an R&D team responsible for environmental risk assessments of new human health pharmaceuticals. Dr. Huggett designed and monitored acute and chronic ecotoxicological tests (e.g., invertebrates, fish, avian and plants) for new drug candidates. In addition, he reviewed and commented on assessments submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.

Dr. Huggett also served as a professor at the University of North Texas, teaching environmental science, toxicology and pharmacology, while also managing the university's toxicology and chemistry lab. There he became actively involved in method development studies related to endocrine disruption, culturing fish, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.

Most recently, Dr. Huggett performed toxicology and risk assessments at Waterborne Environmental, helping industrial clients with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program evaluations as well as the European Union's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals programs.

Dr. Huggett earned a Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Mississippi, as well as an M.S. in biological sciences. He has participated in many national and international expert work groups and is a published author, co-author and editor of over 60 academic and scientific publications. Along with Bryan Brooks, he is co-editor of "Human Pharmaceuticals in the Environment, Current and Future Perspectives" (Springer Science & Business Media), exploring topics of environmental risk assessments and international regulations.

About EAG Laboratories

EAG Laboratories is a global scientific services company serving clients across a vast array of technology-related industries. Through multidisciplinary expertise in the life, materials and engineering sciences, EAG Laboratories helps companies innovate and improve products, ensure quality and safety, protect intellectual property and comply with evolving global

regulations. EAG Laboratories employs 1,200+ employees across 20 laboratories in seven countries, serving more than 7,000 clients worldwide. Visit www.eag.com for more information.

EAG Laboratories is a trade name of EAG Inc., majority owned by Odyssey Investment Partners LLC, a leading private equity firm with more than $3.5 billion in capital under management. Odyssey makes majority, control investments primarily in established middle-market industrial manufacturing and business services companies in a variety of industries. Further information regarding Odyssey Investment Partners can be found at www.odysseyinvestment.com.

Company contact:

Kristein King

VP, Marketing & Communications

EAG Laboratories

e: Email Contact

t: +1-573-777-6209



Agency contact:

David Richardson

Managing Partner

Impress Labs

e: Email Contact

t: +1-415-994-1423




NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Hancher, University of Iowa, is the state's leading performing arts presenter and has earned a stellar reputation for commissioning national and international artists to create innovative dance and theater. In 2008 many buildings suffered tremendous damage from a devastating flood. FEMA determined that Hancher, among others, could not be salvaged and funded a substantial portion of the venue's rebuilding.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413357

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413358

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413359

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects was awarded this competitively sought after commission and began working with Chuck Swanson, Executive Director for Hancher and members of UI's Facilities group in 2010. According to Chuck, "Working with the project team on the design and construction of our new Hancher has been a once in a lifetime experience. Together we can celebrate the opening, and know that Hancher Auditorium and the arts at the University of Iowa, will enrich the lives of University of Iowa students and Iowans from across the state for generations to come."

Excitement has been percolating all summer. Hancher Auditorium is the first of four newly constructed campus buildings opening after the flood. Beginning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 9, Hancher Auditorium has opened its doors with great fanfare and public engagement. Principal-in-Charge/Design Mitchell Hirsch, AIA, LEED comments, after attending the event, "This was a wonderful celebration that commemorated the return of Greater Iowa City's cultural community living room."

Mr. Pelli describes the new Hancher as "a vision of beauty and a promise of extraordinary performances." With sweeping horizontal forms that echo the landscape and the curve of the river, the design draws from the building's natural surroundings. Parallel forms cantilever at the south end of the building, creating overhangs for the lobby and a second-level terrace. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls below the cantilevers offer panoramic views of the campus and the river.

ABOUT PELLI CLARKE PELLI:

Founded in 1977, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects is led by Senior Principals Cesar Pelli, Fred Clarke, and Rafael Pelli. The firm has designed some of the world's most recognizable buildings, including the World Financial Center in New York, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has been honored with critical acclaim and hundreds of design awards, including the AIA Firm Award and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

twitter.com/PCPArch

instagram.com/pcparch/




POMPANO BEACH, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Cyclone Power Technologies (OTC PINK: CYPW), developer of the all-fuel, clean-tech Cyclone Engine, announced today that it has signed an agreement with IBES FZ-LLC, based in Dubai Science Park Free Zone in United Arab Emirates, to manufacture and integrate Cyclone's Heat Regenerative External Combustion engines with their wood furnaces to produce electrical power.

IBES has merged with 3R group and has become the surviving entity, and IBES has taken over all the rights and responsibilities. IBES has accepted the engine that was delivered to Denmark this year under the 3R agreement. They have agreed to pay the remaining balance on the contract after successfully integrating it into the 3R furnace system and two months of testing. In addition IBES FZ-LLC has issued the first purchase order for 5 production engines for immediate delivery to Dubai where final assembly takes place.

Frank Cawkwell, CEO of IBES, commented "The 2015 Paris Climate Conference made global leaders committed to a cleaner, greener, and more energy efficient world. The need is to bring electrical power, warmth, clean water, and refrigeration to the more than 2B people still remaining without; this poses a tremendous challenge for the world. Combining Cyclone's revolutionary Rankin cycle engine and 3R's unique wood fueled furnace, IBES has a product that will be a critical component in meeting that challenge. IBES offers a low cost, highly efficient solution that generates electricity to power, for example, lighting and mobile device chargers. It also provides heat energy to operate water purification and refrigeration systems, thus offering access to 21st century standards of living to those who have missed out. We are both passionate about our products and the impact they can affect globally. The creation of IBES and its partnership with Cyclone has brought together two innovative leaders in their industries and a combined 35 years of experience with clean and renewable energy solutions."

"This agreement with IBES FZ-LLC provides us with entry into one of the fastest growing energy markets in the World. The heat and electrical 'CHP' market is expected to experience exponential growth over the next five years," stated Frankie Fruge, President of Cyclone. "We think that partnering with this team of distinguished leaders in their unique equipment operating fields and the new partners with experience in Third World Markets presents a great commercial opportunity for Cyclone. We look forward to the beginning of what we expect to be strong and mutually beneficial relationship with IBES."

Update on Cyclone

FSDS Contract: Cyclone is proud to announce that we will be delivering the S2 engine generator system to FSDS the first week of October. The system will be exhibited as their new Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for military use at their booth at the AUSA show in Washington DC. They will also be exhibiting the "Cyclone Genie APU System" The Genie is a .5 kW lightweight unit for troops to carry in the field to recharge batteries. Cyclone is excited to show support of their new licensee FSDS, and Frankie Fruge, Cyclone's President will be in attendance. FSDS is a worldwide supplier for military products. The AUSA show is the largest vendor show for Army products visit: http://ausameetings.org/2016annualmeeting/ng/

Audited Financials: Cyclone is still working diligently on getting the financials brought up to date, audited and filed; there have been some unforeseen delays due to reporting requirements associated with derivatives accounting and inventory aging. We anticipate filing within the next few weeks as these issues have now been resolved. Bruce Schames, CFO, said, "As we are all disappointed in the delays, we are working with the attorneys and auditors to get this done as quickly as possible. Everyone is fully aware and working at full speed as we all know time is of the essence."

Plunkett Power Systems: Gary Champaign of Plunkett Power Systems and Republic Energy has now renewed his long-term relationship with Lewis Precision & CNC, Inc. and has moved the Cyclone Mark 3 engine to their enhanced production facility. Please visit their website at http://lpcnc.com/. Gary Champaign states, "We feel this is a strategic move with all the space available to produce 500 engines per quarter and room to expand."

Combilift Forklift engine: Robert Moffett and his partner visited Cyclone's facility a couple of months ago to see the final beta engines that were finishing testing for delivery. They also viewed the updated pre-production versions of the Mark 1 and Mark 3 engines and want to incorporate the upgrades to the Mark 5 engine. This upgrade has a lower parts count and is easier to maintain, which is important in this type of work vehicle.

About Cyclone Power Technologies

Cyclone Power Technologies is the developer of the award-winning Cyclone Engine -- an all-fuel, clean-tech engine with the power and versatility to run everything from waste energy electric generators and solar thermal systems to cars, trucks and locomotives. Invented by company founder and CEO Harry Schoell, the patented Cyclone Engine is a eco-friendly external combustion engine, ingeniously designed to achieve high thermal efficiencies through a compact heat-regenerative process, and to run on virtually any fuel - including bio-diesels, syngas or solar -- while emitting fewer greenhouse gases and irritating pollutants into the air. The Cyclone Engine was recognized by Popular Science Magazine as the Invention of the Year for 2008, and was presented with the Society of Automotive Engineers' AEI Tech Award in 2006 and 2008. Additionally, Cyclone was recently named Environmental Business of the Year by the Broward County Environmental Protection Department. For more information, visit www.cyclonepower.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve 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. The company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cyclone Power Technologies

Frankie Fruge

President

Tel: 954-943-8721

Frankie@cyclonepower.com

Investor@cyclonepower.com



IBES FZ_LLC

Frank Cawkwell

CEO

Dubai Science Park Free Zone

Dubai, UAE

fcawkwell@isotechgroup.com




GATINEAU, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- - Elections Canada is mailing a personalized voter information card to each registered elector in Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner (Alberta). The card tells electors when and where to vote and indicates the accessibility of their polling place.

- Electors in Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner who do not receive a card by Wednesday, October 5, or whose card shows the wrong address, can register or update their address online.

- Electors whose card contains an error in the name and who cannot go online should contact the Elections Canada office in Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner.

- Electors who receive a card for a deceased person or someone unknown at that address should contact the Elections Canada office in Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner.

- The voter information card cannot be used as proof of identity or address at the polls. View the list of accepted ID.

- Contact information for the Elections Canada office in Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner.

Ready to vote.

Elections Canada is an independent body set up by Parliament.

Subscribe to our news service at elections.ca.

Contacts:

Elections Canada

Media Relations

1-877-877-9515

www.elections.ca




Successfully completed IPO raising 33 million on EURONEXT Paris

Robust cash position of 42.4 million

GeNeuro is executing its business strategy on track as presented in its IPO GNbAC1 CHANGE-MS Phase 2b on track to report in Q42017 Over half of 260 patients enrolled in CHANGE-MS study Strengthened regulatory and clinical development team Planning of new clinical trials on MS in the US and in other indications



Regulatory News:

GeNeuro (Paris: GNRO) (Euronext Paris: CH0308403085 GNRO), a biopharmaceutical company developing new treatments for autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), today reported its half-year financial results for the period ending June 30, 2016 and provided a corporate update.

"Our EURONEXT Paris IPO in April provided us with 33 million in additional funding to deliver on the development of what we believe is the most promising new potential treatment for MS, GNbAC1, a therapeutic candidate that could address not only the symptoms but also the cause of the disease," stated Jesus Martin-Garcia,Chief Executive Officer at GeNeuro. "The development of GNbAC1 is progressing ahead of schedule and we are planning to initiate additional trials in MS in the US as well as in other indications."

Product Development Highlights

January June 2016

GeNeuro's most advanced therapeutic candidate, GNbAC1, is a humanized monoclonal antibody that neutralizes a protein called MSRV-Env, encoded by human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) which constitute 8% of the human DNA. GeNeuro is conducting a European Phase 2b study, CHANGE-MS, in patients with remitting relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS), which has now passed the halfway mark in recruitment, ahead of schedule. The 6-month initial results of this study will be available in Q4 2017. GeNeuro believes that these results will establish the role of MSRV-ENV as a causal factor of MS and provide patients with a new and powerful therapeutic.

GeNeuro has also reinforced its clinical and regulatory teams by hiring four new professionals to execute on the initiation of trials for its lead candidate GNbAC1 in the US for MS and in new indications.

Outlook

Initiation of GNbAC1 trials in the US: a new focus on Secondary Progressive patients

The initiation of clinical trials for GNbAC1 in the US is a strategic priority for GeNeuro to prepare a rapid transition between the ongoing Phase 2b study and the global Phase 3 study that will be funded by Servier. The faster than expected recruitment in the European Phase 2b study in RRMS patients makes it difficult to add centers for this trial in the US without slowing the CHANGE-MS trial. Therefore, GeNeuro is planning instead to capitalize on the work it has done to prepare for clinical trials in US by initiating a separate and complementary Phase 2 study in secondary progressive MS patients, a patient population distinct from RRMS patients. This study will examine the effect of different repeated doses of GNbAC1 on safety and on biomarkers of microglial activation, remyelination and neuroprotection.

GeNeuro plans to submit an IND for this new Phase 2 trial in the coming weeks, with the objective of starting the study early next year. Results would be expected to be concomitant to the full Phase 2b RRMS study results, i.e. by mid-2018.

Launching clinical trials in other indications for GNbAC1

GeNeuro has focused its research on the HERV protein MSRV-Env and has established relationships with third-party research groups studying this protein and other HERV proteins in different diseases.

GeNeuro and third-party research groups have substantiated the presence of the toxic MSRV-Env protein in other organs affected by poorly understood diseases, such as in the pancreases of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients and in the peripheral nerves in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), an orphan neurological disease also called "peripheral MS".

GeNeuro is preparing a Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial focusing on T1D patients positive for MSRV-ENV, which will start in early 2017.

In April 2016, GeNeuro published the paper "Human Endogenous Retrovirus and Neuroinflammation in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)" in EBioMedicine, showing that a biomarker-driven therapeutic strategy targeting MSRV-Env with a neutralizing antibody such as GNbAC1 may offer new perspectives for treating CIDP patients with MSRV-Env expression. A proof-of-concept Phase 2a is being prepared, for the second half of next year.

Key Financials

"The financial results for the first half of 2016 are in line with our expectations. Mainly driven by the rapid recruitment of our Phase 2b study, our total operating expenses have increased significantly, to 10.5 million vs 2.3 million in the same period of last year. Out of this year's amount, 3.8 million are one-time costs, including 1.8 million of IPO costs," said Miguel Payro, Chief Financial Officer at GeNeuro. "As already mentioned, our agreement with Servier fully covers the costs of our on-going European Phase 2b study and also commits Servier to funding a global Phase 3 subject to the exercise of their licensing option."

On September 27, 2016, the Board of Directors of GeNeuro reviewed and approved the financial statements for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016. The Statutory Auditors have conducted a review of the interim consolidated financial statements. The half-year financial report in French and English is available in the Investors section on www.geneuro.com.

06/30/2016 06/30/2015 GENEURO Notes 6 months 6 months Consolidated Income Statement subject to a

limited review subject to a

limited review (in thousands of EUR) Income 8 3,434.4 526.3 Research and development expenses Research and development expenses 9.1 (7,298.3) (1,801.8) Subsidies 9.1 299.4 257.1 General and administrative expenses 9.2 (3,216.8) (545.6) Operating income (loss) (6,781.3) (1,564.0) Net (loss) for the period (6,814.8) (1,687.4) 06/30/2016 06/30/2015 Basic earnings (losses) per share (EUR/share) 11 (0.52) (0.14) Diluted earnings (losses) per share (EUR/share) 11 (0.52) (0.14)

Operating revenues amounted to K3,434 during 1H2016 vs. K526 for the same period of last year. This corresponds to revenue recognized by GeNeuro with respect to milestone payments already received from Servier as part of the ongoing CHANGE-MS clinical trial for GNbAC1. The increase in income during the first half of 2016 is due to the launch of the phase 2b clinical trial at the end of 2015 (for more explanations, please refer to note 8 of the notes to the Company's consolidated half-yearly accounts).

Research Development expenses increased significantly compared to the first half of 2015, growing from K1,802 to K7,298 due to the launch of the phase 2b clinical trial at the end of 2015 and its rapid recruitment. This resulted in 1H2016 costs for studies and research of K4,870 vs. K648 in the same period of 2015; the 1H2016 amount includes K1,057 of production costs for GNbAC1, which will cover the needs of our existing and planned Phase 2 studies in MS and other indications. R&D personnel expenses also increased from K778 in 1H2015 to K1,245 due to the strengthening of GeNeuro's clinical and regulatory teams. Finally, licensing costs rose from K24 in 1H2015 to K907 in 1H2016 as a result of a milestone payment of CHF 1 million (K907) to bioMerieux resulting from the start of the Phase 2b study; the next milestone payment is due upon entry into a Phase 3 study. In total, one-time R&D costs for production and licensing amount to K1,964 in 1H2016.

General and administrative expenses increased markedly to K3,217 in 1H2016 from K546 during the same period of 2015. Of this amount, K1,764 corresponds to charges related to the Company's IPO on Euronext Paris. Administrative personnel expenses increased to K779 from K267 as a result of the strengthening of the Company's management team required for its development. A charge of K273 was also recorded during 1H 2016 for share-based payments; no similar charge had been recorded during the first half of 2015.

The Company recorded a net loss of K6,815, in-line with management's expectations.

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2016 amounted to K42,408 vs. K19,560 at 31 December 2015. The increase is due primarily to the Company's IPO, which generated K31,376 in net proceeds, mitigated mostly by cash used in operations (K7,749) and cash used by the share liquidity contract with Gilbert Dupont (K750).

Capital increase. In the first half of 2016, GeNeuro successfully completed its IPO, raising 33 million on EURONEXT Paris on April 19. GeNeuro (ISIN code CH0308403085; ticker GNRO) was listed through the admission to trading of 14,658,118 shares, including 2,538,500 new shares issued under a Global Offering, made up of a Public Offering that included an Open Price Public Offering and a Global Placement with institutional investors in France and other countries. As indicated at launch of the Offering, the IPO was supported by leading French life science groups, Institut Merieux and Servier, which subscribed shares for a total amount of 9.3 million. Approximately 78% of the funds raised among the new shareholders have been subscribed by international investors, particularly from the United Kingdom and in the United States.

Business Outlook

GeNeuro is executing its business strategy on track as presented in its IPO. Specifically, GeNeuro expects full recruitment of CHANGE-MS in Q1 2017 on or ahead of schedule and to announce results in Q4 2017 as planned.

GeNeuro projects cash utilization (excluding IPO-related costs) to be roughly 17 million for 2016, of which approximately 7 million in the second half of 2016. This forecast includes:

continued progress of GNbAC1 in the CHANGE-MS Phase 2b

planning for U.S. clinical study of GNbAC1 in secondary progressive MS patients

planning for clinical studies in Type 1 diabetes and CIDP.

"The Servier milestone payments and the proceeds from the IPO cover our ongoing and planned Phase 2 studies in MS, including in the US, as well as in other indications, which puts GeNeuro in a very favourable financial situation," concluded Jesus Martin-Garcia.

About GNbAC1

The development of GNbAC1 is the result of 25 years of research into human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), including 15 years at Institut Merieux and INSERM, a French national medical research institute. Found in the human genome, certain HERVs have been linked to various autoimmune diseases. Specifically, MSRV-ENV, which is found on the active lesions of MS patients, has been shown to have both a pro-inflammatory action via interaction with the TLR4 receptor of innate immunity, as well as to stop the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, which are responsible for remyelinating brain lesions. By neutralizing MSRV-ENV, GNbAC1 could block a key factor promoting the inflammation on the plaques, as well as allowing the remyelination repair process to restart. As MSRV-ENV has no known physiological function, GNbAC1 is expected to have a good safety profile, without affecting the patient's immune system, as observed in all clinical trials to date.

About GeNeuro

GeNeuro's mission is to develop safe and effective treatments against neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis by neutralizing causal factors encoded by HERVs, which represent 8% of human DNA; a new frontier pioneered by GeNeuro since 2006 and based on research by Institut Merieux and INSERM.

GeNeuro is based in Geneva, Switzerland and has R&D facilities in France at sites in Archamps, Haute-Savoie and Lyon. It has 25 employees and rights to 16 patent families protecting its technology.

For more information, visit: www.geneuro.com.

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward looking statements and estimates concerning GeNeuro's financial condition, operating results, strategy, projects and future performance and the markets in which it operates. Such forward-looking statements and estimates may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "can," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "is designed to," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "objective," "should," or the negative of these and similar expressions. They incorporate all topics that are not historical facts. Forward looking statements, forecasts and estimates are based on management's current assumptions and assessment of risks, uncertainties and other factors, known and unknown, which were deemed to be reasonable at the time they were made but which may turn out to be incorrect. Events and outcomes are difficult to predict and depend on factors beyond the company's control. Consequently, the actual results, financial condition, performances and/or achievements of GeNeuro or of the industry may turn out to differ materially from the future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by these statements, forecasts and estimates. Owing to these uncertainties, no representation is made as to the correctness or fairness of these forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates speak only as of the date on which they are made, and GeNeuro undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929006185/en/

Contacts:

GeNeuro

Jesus Martin-Garcia, +41 22 794 50 85

Chairman and CEO

investors@geneuro.com

or

NewCap (France)

Julien Perez (investors), +33 1 44 71 98 52

Nicolas Merigeau (media), +33 1 44 71 94 98

geneuro@newcap.eu

or

Halsin Partners

Mike Sinclair (media), +44 20 7318 2955

msinclair@halsin.com

or

LifeSci Advisors

Chris Maggos (investors), +1 646 597 6970

+41 79 367 6254

chris@lifesciadvisors.com
MEMPHIS, TN--(Marketwired - September 29, 2016) - ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore, two of the largest disaster restoration and janitorial companies in the United States, announced their top-performing franchises at the joint international convention held earlier this month in New Orleans. The companies are part of ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV).

"As leaders in janitorial and disaster restoration services, our franchises are focused on innovation and growth, stopping at nothing to ensure every customer gets the best possible service," said Ian England, chief operating officer, ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore. "It's an honor for us to recognize the best of the best."

Top-performing franchisees and employees include:

Marian E. Wade Award of Honor. Named after the company founder, this prestigious award is presented annually to the franchise that led the network in all aspects of performance, including customer service, growth, sales, operations and employee development. This year's recipient is ServiceMaster Cleaning and Restoration of Mount Sterling, Ill., owned by Larry and Kathy Yingling.

Employee of the Year. Alfonso Zamora, with ServiceMaster by J&C Brown of Fresno, Calif., received this award based on a number of factors, including his trusted leadership in the business, his initiative and his passion for serving customers. Zamora joined the janitorial franchise in 2010 as a cleaner and is now control manager.

Rookie of the Year. Keith Mathews, owner of ServiceMaster Restoration Services by Crossroads in Indianapolis, purchased an existing business. In his first nine months, he posted more than $1 million in revenue, which he more than doubled the following year.

Growth Award. This award recognizes the franchise with the highest growth in qualifying customer-level revenue, and was presented to ServiceMaster Restoration Services in Concord, Calif., owned by John and Pam Sappingfield, Charles Hoage and Shawna Leon.

International Growth Award. This award recognizes the top two ServiceMaster Clean franchises in Japan that achieved the highest revenue growth over prior year. Duskin Musashino, the largest franchise in Japan, received the top growth award, followed by Duskin Nanto ServiceMaster of Tokyo.

ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore have a worldwide network of experts who are trained, equipped and ready to clean and restore homes and businesses before, during and after a fire, severe storm or other disaster, as well as providing reliable commercial cleaning services and residential floor care.

About ServiceMaster Clean

With approximately 1,300 franchised and licensed locations around the world, ServiceMaster Clean serves customers through a global network of franchises that provide a range of residential and commercial services including cleaning, janitorial services, commercial carpet cleaning, hard surface floor care, and residential carpet and upholstery cleaning. ServiceMaster Clean is a business unit of the Memphis-based ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV), a leading provider of essential residential and commercial services. Visit www.servicemasterclean.com for more information.

About ServiceMaster Restore

With approximately 2,000 franchised and licensed locations around the world, ServiceMaster Restore and ServiceMaster Recovery Management (SRM) serve customers through a global network of franchises available 24/7/365 to provide residential and commercial restoration services resulting from damage caused by water, fire or smoke. SRM is the large scale commercial catastrophic disaster restoration unit of ServiceMaster Restore. ServiceMaster Restore and SRM have operations and consulting experience on countless disasters, including clean-up after Hurricane Katrina and the Pentagon after September 11, 2001. ServiceMaster Restore is a business unit of the Memphis-based ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV), a leading provider of essential residential and commercial services. More information can be found at www.servicemasterrestore.com and www.srmcat.com.

About ServiceMaster

ServiceMaster (NYSE: SERV) solves the homeowner's dilemma. Every day, we visit more than 75,000 homes and businesses through our extensive service network of expert professionals. Technology powers our trusted experts to engage with customers so they can order, buy and receive services when, where and how they want them. Our well-recognized brands includes American Home Shield (home warranties), AmeriSpec (home inspections), Furniture Medic (furniture repair), Merry Maids (residential cleaning), ServiceMaster Clean (janitorial and residential floor cleaning), ServiceMaster Restore (disaster restoration) and Terminix (termite and pest control). Like, follow or visit us at facebook.com/ServiceMaster, linkedin.com/ServiceMaster, twitter.com/ServiceMaster, or servicemaster.com.

Contact:

Alison Bishop

901 827 6956

Email contact


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A company controlled by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump once violated the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba by secretly conducting business on the communist island, according to a report from Newsweek. The article published on Newsweek.com on Thursday cited interviews with former Trump executives, internal company records and court filings. Newsweek said documents show the company, then known as Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, spent a minimum of $68,000 for its 1998 foray into Cuba by funneling the cash through an American consulting firm. The consulting firm subsequently instructed senior officers with Trump's company how to make the transaction appear legal by linking it to an after-the-fact charitable endeavor, Newsweek said. The weekly news magazine said the payment by Trump Hotels came just before the real estate tycoon delivered a speech to a group of Cuban-Americans vowing to maintain the embargo and never spend his or his companies' money in Cuba until Fidel Castro was removed from power. While the statute of limitations ran out long ago, preventing any potential criminal charges, the report could affect Trump's support among Cuban-Americans in the crucial swing state of Florida. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) 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.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Sunset Cove Mining Inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SSM) is pleased to inform shareholders that Mr. Roger Dahn has accepted an appointment to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Dahn has over 30 years' experience in the mining and exploration industries. He has worked for Noranda Inc. and Hemlo Gold Mines Inc., for more than 16 years, also as Exploration Manager-Eastern Canada for Battle Mountain Gold Company and Vice President-Exploration with Olympus Pacific Minerals Inc. and most recently Tri-Star Resources plc. Mr. Dahn is very qualified and he has a long-standing relationship with the New Brunswick Department of Energy & Resource Development and is very familiar with our manganese Battery Hill project which is part of the Houlton Woodstock Manganese Property, previously announced on June 28, 2016.

Mr. Dahn has been involved with a number of base metal and gold discoveries that advanced to development stage and production. He will also be in charge of the Company's exploration program.

Granting of Options

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that the Company has granted 1,300,000 incentive stock options to various Employees, Directors and a Consultant. The options are exercisable at $0.15 per option for a period of 3 years from the date of grant and have no vesting conditions. The options are being issued under the terms of the Company's Stock Option Plans which were approved by shareholders at the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting on April 21, 2016. The Option Plan has been submitted, in the normal course to the TSX Venture Exchange for approval and no options can be exercised prior to the receipt of this approval.

Property Option

The addition of Mr. Dahn to the Board of directors, also adds to the supervision and support that he can provide in the potential development of the Houlton Woodstock Manganese Property located in Carleton County, New Brunswick. The Company is awaiting the approval of the TSXV for the acquisition.

The terms the option agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. (TSX: GMX)(FRANKFURT: G1M)(OTCQX: GLBXF) provide an option to the Company to earn a 100% interest in the Houlton Woodstock Manganese Property, over a two year period, upon making $200,000 in cash payments ($100,000 paid to date), issuing 4,000,000 post-consolidated common shares, undertaking an aggregate of at least $1,000,000 in exploration expenditures and delivering a Preliminary Economic Assessment to Globex on or before the fourth anniversary of the Option Agreement. The Option Agreement also includes a 3% Gross Metal Royalty.

The Houlton Woodstock Manganese Property includes the historical Moody Hill, Sharp Farm, Iron Ore Hill and Maple Hill manganese-iron zones. In July 1953, K.O.J. Sidwell, in a report titled "Preliminary Report on the National Management Limited Property at Woodstock, NB" reported, based upon limited diamond drilling and a gravity survey manganese iron, resources of 25 million tons at Iron Ore Hill, 10 million tons at Moody Hill and 8 million tons at Sharp Farm (The resources cited above are historical, are not a current mineral resource or reserve under NI 43-101 regulations, are not being considered by the Company as current resources or reserves, have not been reviewed by a geologist of the Company and should not be relied upon).

A significant drill campaign will be undertaken to outline the historical mineralized zones and delimit potential resources. The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources has reviewed the proposed initial exploration program planned for this year and has allocated a $40,000 matching grant to support the exploration.

Manganese has many uses including in new alkaline batteries and rapidly developing lithium ion manganese batteries where MnO2 acts as the primary cathode material. This developing technology is promising as the magnesium-oxide components are abundant, non-toxic and provide better thermal stability. Manganese is essential in the production of stainless steel and as an alloying agent with aluminium.

Mr. Dahn is the qualified person for this press release.

Sunset Cove's mission is to acquire and advance high potential mining prospects located in North America with the intent of supplying value added materials to the lithium ion battery and other alternative energy industries. For more information visit the website at www.sunsetcovemining.com.

Forward-Looking Statement: Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information that involves inherent risk and uncertainty affecting the business of Sunset Cove Mining. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Lorne Woods

President

1-877-234-0692



Martin Kepman

Director

1-514-802-1814

martin@kepman.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today's $36.63 million investment at Ryerson University will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Minister Morneau was joined by Han Dong, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario's Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation-one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.

The funding for Ryerson University includes:

-- $19.89 million from the Government of Canada for a new Centre for Urban Innovation on Gerrard Street East. The building will include research lab space and incubation, innovation and commercialization space. It will be home to the Centre for Urban Energy, the Ryerson Urban Water Institute, the Data Science Lab, the Smart Infrastructure Hub and the Food Research Lab. Ryerson University is providing an additional $25.8 million for the project; and -- a total of $16.74 million from the governments of Canada and Ontario to modernize and upgrade research laboratories and infrastructure in Ryerson's science, engineering and design buildings. This project will provide incubator space for the Fashion, Design Fabrication and Transmedia zones. Of this funding, $12 million is being provided by the federal government, with Ontario contributing $4.74 million. Ryerson will provide an additional $11.9 million.

Today's investments will have a transformative impact on campus research and commercialization at Ryerson and enable expansion of its world-class incubator network.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Ontario will receive more than $1.9 billion from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for-and invent-the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history-about $160 billion over 12 years-which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the Province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Quotes

"This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"As a result of this investment, people will be able to work in state-of-the-art facilities that support the country's best research. They will have better access to new partners that can help turn ideas into the products that the future marketplace most needs. Their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators. And they will play a direct role in building up Canada's inventory of brain power and excellence. Our investment today has made us partners in our future success."

- The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

"Investing in our post-secondary institutions is part of our government's plan to build Ontario up by investing in public infrastructure. Today's investment will not only further research and innovation at Ryerson University but will also help build Ontario's highly skilled workforce and deliver on our government's number one priority: to grow the economy and create jobs."

- Han Dong, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario's Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development

"The government's generous contribution will enable Ryerson to further enhance our research and lab facilities where our faculty and students will be encouraged to tackle complex problems, think creatively and develop new solutions and approaches. The changes coming to our campus will create more state-of-the-art facilities to shape Canada's future innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs."

- Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, President, Ryerson University

Quick facts

-- The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are providing more than $950 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Ontario. Ryerson University has been awarded $31.93 million by the Government of Canada for two projects. -- The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website

- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder

- Innovation Agenda backgrounder

- BuildON

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contacts:

Philip Proulx

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Innovation,

Science and Economic Development

343-291-2500



Media Relations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

343-291-1777

ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca



Allison Buchan-Terrell

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Advanced Education

and Skills Development

416-314-5475



Tanya Blazina

Communications Branch

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development

416-325-2746

Tanya.Blazina@ontario.ca




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- On October 5th & 6th, B.C. high school students are being given a rare opportunity to get behind the doors of some of Vancouver's most prestigious tech companies with a new event called Doors Open to Technology (DOT).

"Giving students a first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the tech sector - from interns to executives - helps create an awareness of opportunities at every level," said Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services. "As part of the BCTECH Strategy, providing young people with the foundation to pursue a future in tech, through updated curriculum and coding to internship opportunities, is an important part of our commitment to grow the province's tech talent right here in B.C."

The two-day event provides students with a hands-on tour of B.C. tech careers in action. Produced by Inventa, a B.C. event and experiential marketing company, in partnership with the local technology community and associations, DOT aims to engage curious minds to explore a career in the tech industry and open their eyes to the immense opportunities here in B.C. Some of the big names who have partnered for this event include Microsoft Vancouver, True Calling, SAP Canada, TELUS, ACL, Intergalactic, BC Hydro and the Government of British Columbia.

"Technology is a key driver of B.C.'s diverse, strong and growing economy and an important sector of our BC Jobs Plan. With almost one million job openings in our province by 2025, we need to ensure British Columbians have the skills they need to be first in line for these opportunities," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour. "The Doors Open to Technology event will help our B.C. students learn more about the diverse options in this growing sector, so they can pursue rewarding careers in technology in the future."

Microsoft Vancouver, DOT presenting sponsor, is excited to host students in their new state of the art studio, complete with a full maker space, called The Garage. With more than three acres of space, the open environment is organized into neighbourhoods where each team enjoys connected space, break-out areas and clustered social seating.

"We are honoured to be hosting DOT and look forward to helping students connect with technology," said Edoardo De Martin, Director of Microsoft Vancouver. "It's fantastic to be part of Vancouver's growing ecosystem and work with all of the partners to create opportunities for youth to explore a career in tech."

The event is sold out and over 200 students are expected to attend the tours and sessions. The event will feature presentations from thought leaders in the industry, including the B.C. Tech Association, followed by a circuit of hands-on tours through local offices, where students will have the opportunity to sample technology occupation skills.

"The technology sector in British Columbia has real potential to grow and diversify our economy, and we want to ensure our students are equipped to enter the workforce and be first in line for tech jobs. More than 95 per cent of businesses in the tech sector are small businesses, and programs like Doors Open to Technology will help connect youth with future career opportunities in this burgeoning industry," said Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction, and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch.

Doors Open to Technology (DOT) is produced by Inventa, in collaboration with Presenting Partner, True Calling. For more information, visit www.DOT2016.com.

Contacts:

For media inquiries please contact:

Brookline Public Relations

Lisa Libin

403.815.5626

llibin@brooklinepr.com




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 29, 2016) - Canamex Resources Corp. (TSXV: CSQ) (OTCQX: CNMXF) (FSE: CX6) ("Canamex") is issuing this news release to clarify disclosure contained in the Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Bruner gold project in Nye County, Nevada as a result of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission.

The British Columbia Securities Commission identified that the mineral resources as classified in the Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Bruner Gold Project Preliminary Economic Assessment, Nye County, Nevada, USA", dated April 5, 2016 (the Report) were classified in accordance with a 2010 version of CIM Definitions Standards rather than the most current 2014 CIM Definitions Standards.

The authors of the Report have reviewed the 2014 CIM definitions for Mineral Resource, Measured Mineral Resource, Indicated Mineral Resource, and Inferred Mineral Resource classifications. The reported mineral resource estimate contained in the Report conforms to the 2014 CIM guidelines and there is no change to the reported mineral resource or the classifications of each mineral resource component. Welsh Hagen Associates has amended the Report to reference the current CIM Definition Standards dated May 10, 2014.

The Company will update its filing on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and both its website and its corporate presentation with the Amended Report dated September 29, 2016.

Greg Hahn, President and COO and a Certified Professional Geologist (#7122) is the Qualified Person under NI43-101 responsible for preparing and reviewing the data contained in this press release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

SIGNED: "Gregory A. Hahn"

Gregory A. Hahn, President and COO

Contact: (720) 244-2022

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.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS REGARDING RESOURCE ESTIMATION

Canamex Resources prepares its resource estimates in accordance with standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum referred to in Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). These standards are different from the standards generally permitted in reports filed with the SEC. Under NI 43-101, Canamex Resources reports measured, indicated and inferred resources, measurements, which are generally not permitted in filings made with the SEC. The estimation of measured resources and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into economically mineable reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements in relation to the timing, cost and other aspects of the planned 2016 program on the Bruner property; the potential for development of the mineral resources; the potential mineralization and geological merits of the Bruner property; and other future plans, objectives or expectations of the Company. 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 the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that actual results of current and planned exploration activities, including the results of the Company's 2016 drilling program(s) on the Bruner property, will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; the geology, grade and continuity of any mineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade and/or recovery rates; fluctuating metals prices; possibility of accidents, equipment breakdowns and delays during exploration; exploration cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests; availability of capital and financing required to continue the Company's future exploration programs and preparation of geological reports and studies; delays in the preparation of geological reports and studies; the metallurgical characteristics of mineralization contained within the Bruner property are yet to be fully determined; general economic, market or business conditions; competition and loss of key employees; regulatory changes and restrictions including in relation to required permits for exploration activities (including drilling permits) and environmental liability; timeliness of government or regulatory approvals; and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions, including that the Company's 2016 programs will proceed as planned and within budget. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.
Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - September 29, 2016) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged the former senior director of regulatory affairs for Puma Biotechnology with insider trading ahead of the company's news announcements about its drug to treat breast cancer.

The SEC alleges that Robert Gadimian pocketed more than $1.1 million in illicit profits by secretly purchasing Puma stock and short-term call options based on nonpublic information he learned about positive developments in two clinical trials for Puma's drug, neratinib. Gadimian allegedly bought Puma securities before the results from the first trial were announced in December 2013 and again before the results of the second trial were announced in July 2014.

According to the SEC's complaint, Puma confronted Gadimian after learning about his trades and he admitted to trading because of "greed." Gadimian allegedly proceeded to alter his trading records before providing them to Puma for its internal investigation, deleting certain trades in Puma securities and renumbering the pages of the altered documents to hide his changes. Gadimian was fired in October 2014.

"We allege that Gadimian used valuable confidential information about his employer's drug trials to trade illegally and enrich himself," said Antonia Chion, Associate Director in the SEC's Division of Enforcement.

In a parallel case, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts today announced criminal charges against Gadimian.

The SEC's investigation was conducted by Timothy K. Halloran with assistance from Martin L. Zerwitz and Michael C. Baker of the Enforcement Division's Market Abuse Unit. The case was supervised by Deborah A. Tarasevich, Ms. Chion, and Robert A. Cohen, Co-Chief of the Market Abuse Unit. The litigation will be conducted by Jonathan P. Hooks and Mr. Halloran. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - September 29, 2016) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that casino-gaming company International Game Technology (IGT) has agreed to pay a half-million dollar penalty for firing an employee with several years of positive performance reviews because he reported to senior management and the SEC that the company's financial statements might be distorted.



In its second whistleblower retaliation case since the Dodd-Frank Act authorized the agency to bring such charges, the SEC found that the employee was removed from significant work assignments within weeks of raising concerns about the company's cost accounting model. He was terminated approximately three months later.



"Strong enforcement of the anti-retaliation protections is critical to the success of the SEC's whistleblower program. This whistleblower noticed something that he felt might lead to inaccurate financial reporting and law violations, and he was wrongfully targeted for doing the right thing and reporting it," said Andrew J. Ceresney, Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement.



"Bringing retaliation cases, including this first stand-alone retaliation case, illustrates the high priority we place on ensuring a safe environment for whistleblowers," said Jane A. Norberg, Chief of the SEC's Office of the Whistleblower. "We will continue to exercise our anti-retaliation authority when companies take reprisals for whistleblowing efforts."



According to the SEC's order, IGT conducted an internal investigation into the allegations made by the whistleblower, who did not oversee the company's accounting functions, and determined its reported financial statements contained no misstatements.



Without admitting or denying the SEC's findings, IGT agreed to pay the $500,000 penalty and cease and desist from committing or causing any further violations of Section 21F(h) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



The SEC's investigation was conducted by Brent W. Wilner, Rhoda H. Chang, and Gary Y. Leung, and the case was supervised by Diana K. Tani, John W. Berry, C. Dabney O'Riordan, and Michele W. Layne of the Los Angeles Regional Office. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- North Sea Energy Inc. ("NSE" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: NUK) announces that Premier Oil UK Limited ("Premier") have informed the Bagpuss joint-venture ("JV") partnership that they are resigning as Operator of the Bagpuss joint-venture (Licence P.1943) with the effective date of December 31, 2016. Premier have confirmed that they will work with the new Operator to assure a smooth transfer of responsibilities. In addition, Premier have agreed in principle to sell their 40.1% working interest in the Bagpuss JV to Reach Halibut Limited subject to approval by the JV partners and regulatory consent from the OGA.

About NSE:

The Company, founded in February 2007, is a UK focused oil and gas exploration and appraisal company quoted on the TSX-V. NSE, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, North Sea Energy (UK NO2) Limited, holds two high impact opportunities in the UK North Sea. These opportunities are the Bagpuss and Blofeld prospects located in blocks 13/24c and 13/25 of the UKCS.

Forward-looking statements

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "forecast", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information.

In particular, there can be no certainty that analysis of the hydrocarbons and reservoir will result in commerciality being established. Factors which may cause commerciality not to be established include risks and uncertainties such as analysis concluding that the hydrocarbons are not of a commercially interesting grade, logistical challenges associated with extracting in the North Sea, oil prices, access to financing (for a full list of risks please refer to our financial statements and management discussion and analysis filed on www.sedar.com).

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

North Sea Energy Inc.

J. Craig Anderson

Chairman & CEO

416-366-4700

canderson@northseaenergy.ca

www.northseaenergy.ca




NEWARK, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- SST, Inc., the global leader in gunfire detection and analysis, today announced that Cape Town, South Africa -- rated among the world's most violent cities -- has selected ShotSpotter as a pivotal part of its crime prevention efforts to reduce gun violence and murders. SST, Inc., the maker of ShotSpotter Flex, is working with Cape Town's Department of Safety and Security to deploy the technology over seven square kilometers (more than 4 square miles) in the high-crime areas of Manenberg and Hanover Park.

Cape Town, a port city and the capital of the Western Cape Province, has a high concentration of gang and gun violence in the seven square kilometers where ShotSpotter is being deployed.

"For the month of September, a total of 31 incidents were recorded, down from 128 in August and 211 in July, when ShotSpotter was activated. Although we would need to analyze shooting patterns over a longer period to accurately quantify the impact, the initial success of the technology has been stunning," said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. "Not only does the technology empower the police force, but also seems to give the community renewed impetus in the fight against gangsterism. During the pilot project, we saw an increasing willingness from the community to come forward with tip-offs that resulted in arrests and the confiscation of drugs and weapons. Between October 2014 and mid-November when the pilot period ended, Metro Police made nearly 30 arrests in Hanover Park, including five for the possession of illegal firearms."

"We are proud to partner with Cape Town to help crack down on gun violence and make this beautiful city safer and more secure for its residents," said Ralph A. Clark, President and CEO of SST/ShotSpotter. "We know how to help solve the problems so many cities face. More than 90 municipalities use ShotSpotter to assist law enforcement with fast, accurate gunfire data that can save lives and rein in crime. Since most gunfire goes unreported to police, ShotSpotter becomes an incredibly valuable tool to alert police to all gunfire incidents, which enables them to respond to the crime scene quickly, precisely and safely. In fact, fewer than one in five unlawful gunfire incidents are reported to police, and in the communities most impacted by gun violence, those residents are the least likely to call."

In addition to Cape Town, ShotSpotter has been in use in South Africa's Kruger National Park to help park authorities fight rhino poachers. With a very small proof of concept deployment, ShotSpotter helped detect two poaching events that led to the capture and prosecution of several poachers as well as the recovery of a baby rhino whose mother was poached.

About ShotSpotter

ShotSpotter Flex helps local law enforcement agencies by directing police to the precise location of illegal gunfire incidents enabling first responders to aid victims, collect evidence and quickly apprehend armed, dangerous offenders. The ShotSpotter actionable intelligence can then be used to prevent future crimes by positioning law enforcement when and where crime is likely to occur. With ShotSpotter Flex, police now possess a scientific barometer of success since smart policing leads to fewer shootings.

About SST, Inc.

SST, Inc. is the global leader in gunfire detection, protection and connection technology, providing the most trusted, scalable and reliable gunfire alert and analysis solutions available today. SST's ShotSpotter Flex is the leading gunfire alert and analysis solution for detecting gunshots, protecting officers with tactical awareness, and connecting law enforcement agencies to the community; while providing critical intelligence to give law enforcement agencies the detailed real-time data needed to investigate, analyze and prosecute gun related crimes. SST's ShotSpotter SiteSecure and SST SecureCampus provide critical indoor/outdoor infrastructure protection against active shooter attacks. The company's deep domain experience, intellectual property including 33 issued patents, along with cumulative agency best practice experience, enables measurable outcomes that contribute to reducing gun violence. SST is a proven solution provider with more than 90 installations across the United States and the world. Privately held and Silicon Valley based, the company has nearly two decades of innovation and deployment experience in the area of acoustic gunshot location technology. For more information on ShotSpotter Flex, visit our datasheet here. Details can be found at www.ShotSpotter.com. Details about our U.S. and foreign patents can be found at http://www.ShotSpotter.com/patents.

Media Contact:

Lisa Hendrickson

+1 (516) 643-1642

Email: Email Contact




SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/16 -- California Water Service (Cal Water), the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT), announced today that it has entered into a 50-year agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to acquire the water distribution assets of, and to provide water utility service to, the Travis Air Force Base beginning in 2018, subject to California Public Utilities Commission approval.

Travis Air Force Base is located adjacent to Fairfield, Calif., and near Cal Water's Dixon, Calif., service area. Travis Air Force Base is host to the Air Force's 60th Air Mobility Wing, which is the largest wing in its Air Mobility Command. The base handles more cargo and passenger traffic through its airport than any other military air terminal in the United States.

The water system utilizes surface water treated at a water treatment plant and groundwater from five wells, and includes distribution piping, storage tanks, hydrants, and other appurtenances to serve about 15,280 active and reserve personnel and civilians on the 6,400-acre base. Cal Water will also make initial capital improvements of about $12.7 million, with an anticipated capital investment of about $52 million over the 50-year term of the utility service contract.

"We are pleased to partner with the Department of Defense and Travis Air Force Base and serve the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve us and our country," said President and Chief Executive Martin A. Kropelnicki. "We are committed to providing our customers and communities with more than just water, but also with quality, service, and value, and we look forward to doing that here for our military and civilian personnel, and their families."

Under the terms of the utility service agreement, the California Public Utilities Commission would regulate water rates and tariffs for Travis Air Force Base utility service as part of Cal Water's three-year rate case cycle, and based on rate base and expenses associated with providing water utility service to the base.

California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service, Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc., CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services. Together, these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to approximately 2 million people in more than 100 California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii communities. California Water Service was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Water Utilities in the West" in 2016 by J.D. Power in its inaugural Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. Group's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT." Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("Act"). The forward-looking statements are intended to qualify under provisions of the federal securities laws for "safe harbor" treatment established by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and management's judgment about the Company, the water utility industry and general economic conditions. Such words as would, expects, intends, plans, believes, estimates, assumes, anticipates, projects, predicts, forecasts or variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause a result different than expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to: California Public Utilities Commission approval of the Travis Air Force Base utility service agreement; our ability to integrate the Travis Air Force Base water distribution system; other governmental and regulatory commissions' decisions; changes in regulatory commissions' policies and procedures; the timeliness of regulatory commissions' actions concerning rate relief; changes in accounting valuations and estimates; changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements; litigation that may result in damages or costs not recoverable from third parties; the ability to successfully implement business plans; changes in customer water use patterns; the impact of weather and climate on water sales and operating results; civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences of acts of this type; the involvement of the United States in war or other hostilities; labor relations matters as we negotiate with the unions; federal health care law changes that could result in increases to Company health care costs and additional income tax expenses in future years; changes in federal and state income tax regulations and treatment of such by regulatory commissions; increases in our financing costs or ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends; and, other risks and unforeseen events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in this paragraph, as well as the annual 10-K, Quarterly 10-Q, and other reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company assumes no obligation to provide public updates of forward-looking statements.

1720 North First St.

San Jose, CA 95112

Contact:

Yvonne Kingman

(310) 257-1434




Caringo, an Austin, Texas-based provider of object storage software, secured $8.8m in Series B funding.

Backers included New Science Ventures and Advantage Capital Partners.

The company, which has raised $33m in total funding, intends to use the capital to continue development, marketing and distribution of Caringo Swarm, accelerate its product roadmap, expand in key vertical market segments and continue to invest in demand generation and awareness programs.

Founded in 2005 by Jonathan Ring, CEO, Caringo provides a storage platform for data protection, management, organization and search at massive scale. Its flagship product, Swarm, eliminates the need to migrate data into disparate solutions for long-term preservation, delivery and analysisreducing total cost of ownership.

The solution is used by the Department of Defense, the Brazilian Federal Court System, City of Austin, Telefonica, British Telecom, Ask.com, Johns Hopkins University and other hundreds worldwide.

FinSMEs

29/09/2016
WikiRe, a Milan, Italy-based provider of real estate listing and management solutions, raised 300k in funding.

Backers included LigurCapital and business angels Alessandro Gatti, CEO of F.G. Invest, Fabio Massaro and Massimo Nicastro, owner and broker of real estate Miami South Beach Estates, respectively.

The company, also backed by Gabetti Property Solutions, RE/MAX Italia, and Digital Magics (AIM Italia: DM), intends to use the funds to continue to develop the platform, expand operations and partnerships.

Led by Pietro Pellizzari, WikiRe has developed WikiRe.it and WikiCasa.it. WikiRe.it is a multiple listing service social platform which allows real estate professionals to share their portfolio with their registered peers and private network of collegues. It also enables agencies to increase business opportunities and cooperate each others.

WikiCasa.it is a site for real estate ads entered only by industry professionals to improve the quality of information in terms of control, update, and precision for end users. Today it counts over 800k monthly visits from people looking at ads from over 5k real estate agencies.

FinSMEs

29/09/2016
Even as a diplomatic war wages between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Uri attacks that left 18 of our military personnel dead, the movement to evict artistes from across the border has gained momentum here.

Even as protests against Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan  who are part of the Bollywood films Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees, respectively  have become ever more shrill, it is Pakistani musicians who are already feeling the heat.

Over Wednesday, 28 September, news emerged that at least two concerts by Pakistani artistes had been scrapped.

The first was a Shafqat Amanat Ali concert planned in Bengaluru for 30 September, and the other was an Atif Aslam performance that was to take place in Gurgaon.

Aslam's gig was supposed to take place on 15 October. It was reportedly cancelled after members of the Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Kranti Dal approached deputy commissioner of Gurgaon TL Satyaprakash with their demand that the concert be called off. In view of a potential law and order situation, the organisers then decided to defer Aslam's concert.

Shafqat Amanat Ali's Bengaluru concert too came under fire from the Vishwa Hindu Parisht (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. The parties met with the city police commissioner, asking that permission to the event be denies.

However, Radio Mirchi  the organisers of the concert  pointed out that the event had already been cancelled on 20 September, much before these groups asked for a boycott, and that sales of the tickets had been withdrawn.

In the meantime, a Rahat Fateh Ali Khan song has been removed from TP Agaarwal's film Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana. The song will now be recorded by an Indian artiste.
The final trailer for the highly anticipated film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them just dropped.

The film stars Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander; Magizoologist and writer of the textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. We see Scamander travelling to America with a suitcase full of magical creatures from Britian in the 1920s.

While a lot has been speculated about the plot of the film, with JK Rowling writing the script we know it will have incredible plot twists and turns. Here's what we gauged from the final trailer:

The climate between No-Majs (non-magical people) and wizards in 1920s New York is extremely hostile. The non-magical protesters blame witches are to blame for all the unexplainable phenomenon they encounter.

There's new magic in America that we haven't seen before in the films or books.

There seems to be a connection to Gellert Grindelwald. In the Potterverse, Gellert Grindelwald was a famous dark wizard who Albus Dumbledore famously defeated in 1945, resulting in Grindelwalds incarceration European fortress of Nurmengard.

Auror Percival Graves (played by Colin Farell) is tired of living in hiding from the No-Majs (muggles). But we wonder why Graves ripping up the streets with powerful magic after declaring: I refuse to bow down any longer? Does he have a negative role?

There might be a romance brewing between Scamander and Porpentina 'Tina' Goldstein.

We'll get a look at many new creatures we've never even heard of before.

Katherine Waterson (from Inherent Vice), and Dan Fogler (Secrets and Lies) will also star in the film with director David Yates taking the helm yet again.

The film hits theaters 18 November 2016 and will be the first in a trilogy about Scamander.
New Delhi: Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio slammed the telecom lobby group COAI for calling the company a "back door operator", saying the charge has already been rejected by the Supreme court and leveling such an allegation is "contempt of court".

New entrant Jio in its September 23 letter had sought an overhaul of rules and regulations of the the Cellular

Operators Association of India (COAI) and alleged that the current norms were skewed in favour of incumbent operators, prompting the operators' body charge the company of being a "back door operator" that acquired the licence through a front entity.

"The press statement of COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews is surreptitious, defamatory, and an act of contempt of the orders of the Supreme Court of India and devoid of any merit," Reliance Jio said in a statement.

Countering Mathews' claim that issues raised by Jio were bilateral and have been addressed within the association, the company said COAI Director General himself had raised several bilateral issues in external forums in the last few months without ever discussing these within the association.

All the forums within the COAI, of which Reliance Jio is also a member, are "controlled by the incumbent dominant operators owing to their disproportionate voting rights," the statement said.

Jio, which is locked in a bitter battle with incumbents like Airtel over providing points of interconnection to help its users complete call on rival networks, said Mathews had skirted away from discussing the genuine need to deliberate its concerns and fair need to overhaul COAI's regulations.

"The allegations of Rajan S Mathews in the press statement to the effect that Reliance Jio entered the sector as a 'Back Door Operator' are on the face of it defamatory and borders on contempt of the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme

Court. COAI and Rajan S Mathews is fully aware that these allegations were part of a public interest litigation filed before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India...and all of the said allegations have been duly adjudicated upon and rejected by the Hon'ble Supreme Court," it said.

Stating it was aware of the extant COAI's regulations at the time of becoming a member, the company said "it cannot be restrained to raise its genuine and fair concerns, especially and more so, when the incumbent dominant operators are colluding to use the very same COAI regulations against Reliance Jio to promote their anti-competitive activities".

Reliance Jio said it has already put Mathews on notice demanding apology for issuing the press statement and has sought appropriate action by the COAI against him. "Should they not act upon it, Reliance Jio will pursue legal recourse with full vigour," the company added.

Reliance Jio said it had sought an overhaul of COAI's regulations by a committee comprising three retired Supreme Court Judges.

"These regulations as exist today admittedly are skewed in favour of incumbent operators, giving them de facto and de jure control over COAI to promote their vested interests," the statement said.

The company said it had in the letter quoted specific instances of flagrant misuse of COAI by the incumbent operators with the active connivance of Mathews.

The overhaul would only strengthen COAI and ensure that it works in furtherance of its stated objectives i.e. promoting the cause of the common and mutual interests of telecom operators; in accordance with basic tenets of democracy, discussions, fair and adequate representation; no alienation of its members; encouraging fair competition in the market, etc."

(Disclosure: Reliance Jio is owned by Reliance Industries, which also owns Network18, the publisher of Firstpost)
Chandigarh: The Punjab government has ordered the evacuation of villages in a 10-km belt along the border with Pakistan following the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across the LoC.

The union home ministry on Thursday directed the Punjab government to get the border villages evacuated.

Local authorities were using loudspeakers to announce to residents in the border villages to leave their homes and villages and move to safer zones.

The authorities have ordered the closure of schools and other institutions in the border belt.

Punjab's border districts include Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Abohar and Fazilka.

Informed sources said the Border Security Force (BSF) was mobilising its troops and strengthening the security along the border belt.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called an emergency meeting of the cabinet on Thursday evening.
Hours after the announcement was made that India conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) last night, sources in the Border Security Force (BSF) said that a high-level meeting will be held with the Border Guards Bangladesh in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The director generals of both the BSF and the BGB are going to participate in the meeting that will be held in an undisclosed location and discussions on issues related to strengthening of security on both sides of the Indo-Bangla border will be held.

Though the meeting may be seen as a strategic move, but according to sources, it is a routine exercise.

Director General level meetings of both the forces in India and Bangladesh are conducted twice a year. It is a mere co-incidence that this time around the meeting is being held just after the surgical strikes in PoK, said the source and added that it is a friendly exercise and everything is fine on the Indo-Bangla front. The Public Relations Officer of the BSF, however, denied of any such meeting.

Bangladesh has been reeling from a series of terror attacks carried out by homegrown militants outfits like

Jama'at ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The porous Indo-Bangla border that makes transit of terrorists, arms and ammunition easy has been a major concern for both the nations.

Only two days ago, Kolkata police nabbed three Bangladeshi nationals connected with the JMB from Assam and West Bengal, who allegedly were planning subversive attacks in the North East and south India.

After the Dhaka attacks, the Bangladesh government said that militants connected to the attack could have crossed the border and sneaked into India.

The porous Indo-Bangla border, which is seen as a cause of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh to India, has been a major political issue in North East India. Elections are fought and won in Assam on this issue, as many believe that illegal migration from Bangladesh is changing the demographic pattern of the state.

In the last Assembly election, the BJP made the issue of illegal infiltration the main election plank to win over Assam.

Even in the 2014 general election, illegal infiltration was a major issue raised by Narendra Modi.

Bangladesh has also alleged that Pakistan has been infusing terror in the nation as it does in India. Bangladesh also pulled out of Saarc Summit stating, Repeated interference of a member state in its internal affairs, in an oblique reference to Pakistan. Last year, Bangladesh expelled Pakistani Envoy Mazhar Khan for funding JMB militants.

However, Subhendu Bharadwaj, the Public Relations Officer of BSF said, "There is no such meeting today. A delegation from Bangladesh is going to arrive in the first week of next month."
New Delhi: Top leaders of political parties were on Thursday briefed by the government about the surgical strike carried out by the Army on terror launching pads across the LoC to foil plans of terrorists to target some Indian towns.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said after the hour-long meeting that all political parties unanimously supported the Army action, which was carried at 5-6 important places across LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 6,000 feet and some of these terror launch pads were destroyed.

"The Home Minister explained the all-party meeting about the surgical strike which was carried out by the Army to foil attempts by terrorists to carry out attack not only in Jammu and Kashmir but some other important towns," he told reporters.

The Army action came in the aftermath of terror attack in Uri on 18 September in which 18 soldiers were killed.

Naidu said the terrorists had carried out strike from these launching pads and they had plans to do the same in future too.

"Government and the Army had reports that the terrorists had plans to infiltrate again and create havoc in Jammu and Kashmir and some other places," he said.

After the successful operation, the Army personnel had returned to their respective bases without suffering any casualty, he said adding further details would be available later.

The Minister said Representatives of Congress, NCP, CPM, BSP, Shiv Sena, LJSP AND TDP complimented the Indian Army action and assured the government of their support in any action in future.

Those who attended the meeting include Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Sitaram Yechury (CPM), Satish Chandra Mishra (BSP) and Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP).

BJP President Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar besides the Home Minister and Naidu attended the meeting.

Naidu said the surgical strike was carried out as Pakistan was not mending its ways and testing India's patience. Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh briefed the all-party meeting.
New Delhi: A day after a tainted top government official and his son committed suicide by hanging, their maid claimed they used to complain of harassment by CBI and had lost the "will to live".

"They were quite worried because of the CBI inquiry. They used to be summoned every week. They used to say that they are being harassed," the maid, Rachna, said.

Former Corporate Affairs Director General B K Bansal (60) was arrested on 16 July for allegedly accepting bribe from a prominent pharma company. Three days later, his wife and daughter committed suicide.

Bansal's body was found hanging on Tuesday in the same bedroom of their East Delhi residence where his wife Satyabala committed suicide, while his Yogesh took the same step in the room where his sister Neha had ended her life.

In his suicide note, Bansal wrote, "This cannot be termed as suicide. It is a murder of two ladies."

"Bansal uncle would keep on saying that CBI murdered his wife and daughter. He would say, 'even if I am wrong, CBI shouldn't have tortured my wife and daughter and forced them to kill themselves'. He would often blame CBI for ruining his family," she said.

In the wake of the allegations against its officials, CBI on Wednesday constituted an internal inquiry to look into them.

"They didn't show to the outside world that they were depressed. But since they used to treat me as a family member, they would keep saying that there is nothing left in their lives," she said.

Rachna (16) said a day before Bansal and his son committed suicide, they were behaving "weirdly".

"Bansal uncle had gone for CBI interrogation around 11 am and returned around 4 pm. He told me, 'we are going'. He said they might go for three-four days or for a longer duration to Hisar. They had even ordered South Indian food that day but didn't eat at all," she said.

"I was scared to go back to that house to work after the suicides of madam (Satyabala) and didi (Neha). But Bansal uncle called me and said,'everyone has left our side in this crisis'. I felt guilty about being harsh (to them) and went back to work after they returned from Hisar 15-20 days back," she added.

Rachna, who was working at the Bansals' residence for the last six to seven months, said on Tuesday when she came to work she saw the centre table missing. She ran to the bedroom and found Bansal hanging.

"When Neha didi hanged herself, she had dragged the table and the stool from the drawing room to her room. Yogesh bhaiya also did the same," she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aggressive stance against Pakistan exporting terrorism to Indian soil has received strong support from the main opposition party Congress.

Congress may have its differences with the Modi government on several fronts, but it has openly lauded the successful surgical strike by the Indian Army against the terrorist bases across the Line of Control (LoC).

Its quite similar to the support that the Congress had given to the statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech on Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Thursday that the Congress stands with the government in its actions today to protect the countrys security and deal with the menace of terrorism from across the border.

"The Congress Party congratulates the armed forces on the success of the operation and offers its support to the government in our country's continuing battle against cross-border terrorism. This is a strong message that conveys our country's resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people," said Gandhi.

In her statement, she said the Congress hopes that Pakistan would recognise that it bears a great responsibility in the continuing cross-border terrorist attacks against India.

"The party expects that Pakistan will take effective action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism that it has supported and it ensures that its territory and the territory under its control is not used for terrorist purposes against India," the Congress president added.

Former Defence minister and senior Congress leader, AK Anthony congratulated the government and Indian Army for the operation.

"I congratulate and salute the Indian Army for this action. Its a logical action against terrorists and Pakistan should realise and stop sending terrorists across the border to India, Anthony reportedly told ANI.

I salute bravery of Indian forces, this is a befitting reply to Pak. We support the Govt: Former Defence Minister AK Antony #SurgicalStrikes  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

The chief spokesperson of Congress Randeep Surjewala remarked, "Congress wholeheartedly supports the surgical strike on terror pads in PoK by Indian Army. We salute the valour of our armed forces."

However, this is not the first time that the Congress has supported Modi governments decision. Prior to this, the Congress supported PM Modis remarks in his Independence Day speech on Balochistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir.

The PM in his speech from Delhi's Red Fort on 15 August made it clear that he has completely rerouted his policy on Pakistan, delivering an aggressive message by referring to the human rights abuses in Balochistan and PoK.

"India will be compelled to expose Islamabad's many wrongdoings in regions fighting terror and atrocities by its security forces," the PM had said.

In response, the Congress had then asked the government to raise the issue of Pakistan's human rights abuses in Balochistan and in PoK, both at the bilateral meetings with Islamabad and at international forums.

Even the Congress had distanced itself from the comment made by its senior leader Salman Khurshid, who had remarked, "PoK is our right. Our entitlement. We will support it. But by bringing in Balochistan, you are ruining our case."

"The Congress does not subscribe to the statement made by Salman Khurshid, who is a senior leader. He can have his own opinion. Our view is very, very clear. Congress party believes there are serious human rights violations in Balochistan and the voice of democratic dissent is being suppressed by Pakistani forces and agencies," the Congress party reportedly said after this, while supporting Modis statement.

Speaking to Firstpost, a senior Congress MP said, "Whenever its the issue of national security and integrity, Congress has always supported the cause, because the party strongly believes in it. And when it was in power at the Centre, it ensured that national security and integrity shouldnt get compromised. Therefore, we supported PM Modis statement on Balochistan and PoK made on Independence Day, and didnt subscribe to the statement made by our senior leader Salman Khurshid."
Post Uri attack, India boycotting the Saarc Summit is a strong diplomatic message to send to Pakistan. India on Tuesday announced that it was pulling out of the Islamabad summit in the wake of the 18 September cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army base in Uri town of Jammu and Kashmir, which New Delhi has blamed on terrorists based in Pakistan.

In a statement on Tuesday, India said increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in the internal affairs of Saarc member-states "by one country" have created an environment that was not conducive to the successful holding of the 19th Saarc summit.

Pakistan, meanwhile, termed the boycott decision as "unfortunate".

Furthering this decision, perhaps in a show of strength, India is set to hold a naval exercise  the Defence of Gujarat Exercise (DGX)  in the Arabian Sea near Pakistan's coastline, reports The Economic Times. Around 36 warships and submarines along with Indian Air Force aircraft are said to take part in this show of strength in Arabian Sea, which is reportedly Pakistan's main trading route via sea. According to defence ministry officials, this naval exercise can become another important message that India sends to Pakistan.

The Defence of Gujarat Exercise is a counter-terror activity, which takes place annually, to keep checks on India's littoral readiness and surveillance measures to prevent 26/11-type terror attacks, reported The Hindu.

Earlier, in 2013, India's maritime forces carried out the same exercise in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat and Maharashtra where it employed "massive warships, naval planes and unmanned aerial vehicles", reported The New Indian Express. A week-long exercise, it was carried out to test the preparedness of the Western Naval Command in coastal combat and defence of offshore assets, according to the Navy quoted by the report.

This year's exercise is set to include fighter, reconnaissance and patrol aircraft along with IAFs maritime role Jaguars and Su-30 MKIs, and the Navys reconnaissance and patrol aircraft, in addition to unmanned aerial vehicles, reported The Economic Times.

The exercise comes at a time when the two countries' relations have further deteriorated  at the United Nations General Assembly, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj slammed Pakistan, calling Kashmir "an integral part of India". She added that when Pakistan was confronted with evidence of terrorism, the country "remains in denial". She also offered a sharp rebuke to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the attacks on Pathankot and Uri were proof of Pakistans complicity in terrorism.

With inputs from IANS
On Thursday, Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh told the media that the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on the LoC causing significant casualties and raising tensions between the neighbours. As war between the two countries seems inevitable, we take a look at how India's military compares with Pakistan.

According to a report published in Los Angeles Times, over the last decade, India is world's no 1 "importer of military hardware and has built a growing defense relationship with the United States." But that may not be enough as the report points out that an inefficient bureaucracy, strained civil-military relations and hardware problems remains a challenge.

According to reports, India also has an upper hand over Pakistan when it comes to reserve forces. But an opinion piece in The Indian Express warns of the country's past failures when it comes to replenishing resources when needed the most. Case for example is 1971, where India took nine months for the armed forces to build up WWR before operations could commence, it said.

There's still time for the French Rafale aircraft to be a part of the Indian Air Force (almost 36 months), and while India leads Pakistan in terms of numbers, all is not well within IAF. As a Hindustan Times report points out, "IAF fighter fleet has shrunk to 33 squadrons compared to a desirable 45 to respond to a joint threat from China and Pakistan". What this means, is we stand no chance if China decides to join Pakistan, if war escalates between the the nations.

Earlier this month, Indian Navy added Mormugao, a guided missile destroyer in its fleet adding more fire to its naval power, raising its total fleet size to 295. According to this The Indian Express report, Mormugao is equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-submarine rocket launchers, and it can carry two anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

India has more than double tanks as compared to Pakistan. The number as of now stands at 6,464 for India and 2,924 for Pakistan. However, Pakistan may have an edge over India when it comes to the total number of nuclear warheads in its arsenal. India is estimated to have around 90-110 nuclear warheads whereas Pakistan may have 100-120 nuclear warheads.

Here is an infographic which compares India's military might with that of Pakistan's.
The fear of migration from border areas in Jammu and Kashmir is looming large after India carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK on several launch pads on Thursday morning.

Cross LoC raids are not unusual but what is unusual is the claim of the Indian government that its forces have carried out such attacks, making it a first time that such a claim has been made.

Jammu and Kashmir government fears that the working International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) could witness major escalation in coming days, as Pakistani forces might retaliate after the strikes.

That could be the reason the state administration has asked people living along the border and LoC to be ready in case of any eventuality arising in the coming days.

"Around 25,000 people are living along the LoC in Mendhar sector; we have identified 25 location in Mendhar sub-district where we are going to rehabilitate these people, but till now we have not asked anyone to leave their villages," SDM Mendhar Thakur Sher Singh, told Firstpost.

The shells from across the LoC started landing in several villages in Poonch and Rajouri districts in the wee hours of Thursday morning, forcing residents to take shelter in underground bunkers, as the firing continued for hours.

"We first heard artillery fire and later, shells landing in our village at around 5 am. We started running towards safety and took cover in a nearby bunkers," Sarpanch Naveen Kripal, a resident of Keri village in Rajouri district, said.

DIG Rajouri Poonch range, Johnny Williams, said that there is a lot of activity across the Pir Panjal Range and this time there was ceasefire violations even in Nowshera sector.

"People have started making underground bunkers and they have been asked to exhibit caution and advised if they hear any fire they should slip into the bunkers, which have been already constructed," DIG Williams, said.

"The massage from the government has been that in case firing again starts today we will be moving out of villages," SDM Singh, added.

The exchange of fire began at 2.30 am, and continued till 8 am, according to sources. The reports said that fire and mortar shells were exchanged in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors across the 740 kilometers of LOC that divides India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Heavy firing and shelling was reported from Sabjian, Mendhar and Nowshera in Jammu region and Nowgam sector in Kashmir. The fresh escalation has left the villagers across the LoC frightened and hopeless.

"We have been living a peaceful life for some time now but it seems we are likely to become refuges in our own country, very soon. Peace is so fragile in our lives that a mere skirmish can change our destiny," Abdul Rahim Sheikh, a resident of Sabjian village in Poonch said.

"If a war or a ceasefire breaks out between India and Pakistan, we are first ones to be effected and our lives become miserable," Sheikh added.
Bhopal: A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against Union Minister Uma Bharti by a local court today for not appearing before it in connection with a 13-year-old defamation case filed against her by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Bhubhaskar Yadav said senior police officers should execute the arrest warrant, while dismissing the Union Water Resources Minister's application, moved by her lawyer Harish Mehta, seeking exemption from appearance during court hearing today due to an important engagement.

Mehta pleaded that his client be exempted from the hearing on ground that she was engaged in a meeting regarding the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in view of Supreme Court's order.

CJM Yadav dismissed the plea saying that Bharti is not turning up to record her statement in connection with the defamation case since October 2015 and enough time has been given to her in the 13-year-old case.

Earlier in February, the then CJM Pankaj Singh Maheshwari had asked Bharti and Digvijaya Singh to be present at a mediation centre on its premises along with their lawyers to resolve their differences, but it didn't work.

The senior Congress leader had filed the case against the then BJP chief ministerial candidate Bharti in the run-up to the 2003 Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls after she alleged that a scam running in crores of rupees had taken place during Singh's tenure as the state's chief minister between 1993 and 2003.
Though Nepal, the present head (chairperson) of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), has not officially announced it as yet, the 19th summit of the regional organisation, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November, is not going to take place. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan have joined India in boycotting the forthcoming gathering of the eight South Asian heads of state/government. Nepal, with the backing of Sri Lanka and Maldives, is for the postponement, rather than the cancellation of the summit and understood to be trying for shifting the venue to another suitable place; but that looks to be a remote possibility as Pakistan is insisting that if and when the 19th Saarc summit takes place, the venue has to be Islamabad.

Is this an unprecedented development that the Saarc, which was formed in 1985 at Bangladesh capital Dhaka, thanks to the initiatives of the late Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman, is witnessing? One cannot provide an exact answer to this question, which is more complex than simple. Postponement or cancellation of a Saarc summit is not a new thing; but there are certainly new elements in the present development.

It may be noted that Article III of the Saarc Charter says: The Heads of State or Government shall meet once a year or more often as and when considered necessary by the Member States. Going by this, there should have been 30 Saarc summits, not 18 as is the case, by now. That means that Saarc has been beset with problems that are essentially political in nature (to attend or boycott a summit is essentially a political decision that a member state makes).

The fifth SAAR summit, that was due in 1989 at Colombo, did not materialise as Sri Lanka refused host the summit on the ground that New Delhi has failed to completely withdraw the IPKF (Indian Peace Keeping Force) from the northeastern part of Sri Lanka. This summit took place next year (1990) at Male. But the sixth Saarc summit that was scheduled to take place in Colombo in November 1991 was also postponed, this time by a month, following the inability of the King of Bhutan to attend as he was busy in attending to the widespread domestic violence.

Though Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh were agreeable to a suggestion that the summit could go ahead with a special representative of the King of Bhutan attending, India opposed on technical grounds that holding the summit meeting in the absence of one head of state would violate the Saarc charter. Sri Lanka was furious that India was sabotaging the meet through Bhutan. However, thanks to the deft diplomacy by the then Maldivian President Abdul Gayoom, the summit meeting in Colombo was saved, though it was postponed to be only a one-day affair on 21 December, 1991.

There have been no Saarc summits in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2015. The period between 1999 and 2003 was marked by intense India-Pakistan hostilities, including the Kargil war and attack on Indian Parliament. Atal Behari Vajpayee, the Indian Prime Minister during the period, refused to share the dais with Pakistans military ruler Parvez Musharraf, though their famous handshake during the Kathmandu summit in 2002 had dominated the headlines. Vajpayee refused in 2003 to go to Pakistan, which was to host the 12th Saarc summit. It was the subsequent thaw in the two countries relations, backed by intense back-channel diplomacy, that saw Vajpayee going to attend the postponed summit in Islamabad in 2004.

As can be seen above, India always has been a factor in the postponements of the Saarc summits in some way or the other. This time too there is no exception. But what is new this time is that there is a collective voice of four member countries for the boycott of the Islamabad meet. And the reasons given are more or less identical  that Pakistanis interfering in the internal affairs of the co-members of the SAARC and promoting terrorism in the region in violation of the Saarc charter. In fact, Principle 1 of the charter talks of Cooperation within the framework of the association shall be based on respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and mutual benefit.

In a sense, the boycott implies the diplomatic isolation of Pakistan in the region. And that is an irony for Pakistan as it had joined the Saarc in 1985 with a clear view to utilise the organisation as an anti-India platform by mobilising the smaller nations of the region. In fact, when it was requested by the Bangladesh President Rahman to join the body, there were serious debates within the country whether by so doing, Pakistans main goal of consolidating itself as a West Asian and Islamic country, with strong links with the Arab world, will be compromised. But if Pakistan finally decided to join the forum, the main reason why it did so was its strategy of using the Saarc forum "to deflect the weight of India" vis-a-vis its smaller South Asian partners. It felt that by being inside the forum it could prevent India from assuming a hegemonistic role in the region.

Pakistan was (rather is) simply not interested in the primary Saarc objectives of collective and mutually beneficial efforts to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life and to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realise their full potentials. Viewed thus, the boycott of the Islamabad summit by as many as four countries, including Bangladesh, is a big setback to Pakistans traditional Saarc-objective.

As far as India is concerned, from a short-term point of view it is a huge vindication of the present policy of the Modi government to isolate Pakistan internationally for its attack on Uri and diabolic role in the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley. But from a long-term point of view, it is also a setback to promote Modis ideas of regional amity and integration in South Asia.

It may be noted that Modis first day on office as prime Minister on 26 May, 2014 was marked by exclusive bilateral meetings with the leaders of the Saarc countries  Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka  who were specially invited to attend his swearing-in. His first foreign visit as the Prime Minister was to Bhutan and then to Nepal. In fact, there are merits in the argument that Modis Neigbours First Policy was to make a developed and prosperous South Asia a viable counterweight to China, which has succeed considerably in making significant inroads in the region.

In fact, it was Modi who had proposed in the last Saarc summit in 2014 at Kathmandu three ideas dealing with cooperation on energy (cross-border trade in electricity and create a seamless power grid across South Asia), easier access for motor vehicles (to allow vehicles of Saarc countries to travel in neighbouring countries unhindered to transport cargo and passengers), and promotion of railways in the region. But as usual, Pakistan alone did not allow the signing of agreements on these proposals during the summit. The only thing Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif agreed on was to sign the framework agreement on regional electricity connectivity, the details of which have yet to be worked out.

Lastly, what does the boycott imply for the future of Saarc? Well, the 31-year old organisation has nothing much to show so far. It remains the one of the least integrated regions of the world. The intra-trade is minimal, with less than five percent of the regions global trade taking place among Saarc nations. The Saarc agreement on Suppression of Terrorism has remained on paper. And so has been the case with the Saarcs commitment to the goals of the Saarc Charter for Democracy, with so many military coups and unstable as well as corrupt governments.

The only way ahead is to promote sub-regionalism within the Saarc to carry out the developmental projects and other integrating ideas. India and Sri Lanka on the one hand, and Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal on the other could join hands to work together. As it is, there is already the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) that connects South Asian countries (except Pakistan and Afghanistan, which are not members) with Myanmar and Thailand. Connectivity and development through the sub-regional route is very much permissible under the Saarc's Charter (Principles 2 and 3). The idea is to go ahead without Pakistan if it does not come on board.
New Delhi: Central Industrial Security Force chief OP Singh on Thursday briefed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the security arrangements at the airports, ports and other vital installations guarded by the central force.

The CISF Director General's meeting with the Home Minister and Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju followed the surgical strikes carried out by Indian forces on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control early on Thursday.

It was OP Singh's first meeting with Rajnath Singh after taking over as Director General of CISF on 26 September.

"The present security situation in the country was discussed in the meeting. OP Singh briefed the two Ministers on the steps taken by the CISF to strengthen security at vital installations, including airports and ports," a Home Ministry official said.

A group of four Jaish-e-Mohammad militants had attacked an army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on 18 September, leaving 18 soldiers dead and 30 others injured.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday reviewed the defence preparedness, holding talks with army chief Raheel Sharif and other top aides after India carried out surgical strikes against terror bases across the LoC. Sharif and Raheel had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed situation at the Line of Control (LoC), The News reported, citing sources.

Raheel apprised the premier over the firing incidents at the LoC, the sources said, adding that the army chief told him that Indian claims of surgical strikes were "baseless". Sharif told the army chief that the entire nation had high morale and was committed to defend the motherland along with the armed forces.

The Prime Minister was also briefed on the LoC situation by National Security Advisor (NSA) General Nasir Janjua after Indian Army carried out 5-6 surgical strikes against terror bases across the LoC.

The NSA has submitted a comprehensive report on the LoC situation to Sharif, Radio Pakistan reported. It added the Prime Minister is also briefed regularly on the situation on the LOC by the security institutions. Sharif has shown satisfaction on the level of preparedness of Pakistani armed forces to match any "provocation" by Indian security forces, the report said.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has dismissed as "fabrication of truth" India's claim that it conducted a military operation across the LoC, terming it as a "quest" by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike.

"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon," it said.
After some children from Uran Education Society's school claimed to have spotted a group of suspicious armed men in Pathan suits, panic spread across various parts of Maharashtra.

The Western Naval Command had issued a "highest state of alert" along the Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Raigad coasts where several sensitive establishments and assets are located. The elite commandos from National Security Guard (NSG) and state police's specialised Force One were also roped in for the investigation.

Needless to say, the Uran threat sent the police and security forces into a tizzy and created a fear of another 26 November, 2008-style attack.

But the search and investigation turned out to be a waste of precious time and resources because the account given by the children was a hoax.

According to this report in The Times of India, a 12-year-old schoolgirl who had initially reported the presence of those suspicious men revealed in a second round of questioning by the police that she had earlier seen pictures of Islamic State terrorists in black clothes with automatic weapons.

The report went on to say that this motivated the girl to spread the word that she had spotted the armed men in Uran "for some thrill".

Another report in India Today said that the police had questioned two of the schoolchildren at least ten times and the girl had told the investigators that her claim could have been a case of mistaken identity.

Despite the children being responsible for such a massive hoax, senior police officials have said that they will not take any action against them.

"We need people to come forward and share information. If we take action against the students then people wont come forward and share information with us. To counter terror, we require active participation from people and therefore we have decided not to take action against them," The Indian Express quoted an officer as saying.

Maybe the children did not face any repercussions because of the fact that immature behaviour is common among children. But as citizens, we should realise the huge cost of such a cheap 'prank'.

Apart from the highest alert issued by the Navy and involvement of the NSG commandos and state police's specialised Force One, a high alert had also been sounded along the Mumbai coast and adjoining areas. The massive combing operation in Uran and Karanja areas had taken place with the help of Navy, Coast Guard, CISF and Quick Response Team.

Navi Mumbai Commissioner of Police had monitored the situation continuously, sometimes throughout the night, alongwith other top officials.

The Navy had pressed its choppers for surveillance and heightened patrolling in the sea by its vessels and high-speed boats.

Moreover, the fact that coastal security has been top priority after the 26/11 attacks, in which multiple locations in Mumbai were targeted by Pakistani terrorists and over 160 people were killed, should shock us even more that someone in or near Mumbai could even think of playing such a nasty prank.

With inputs from PTI
After Independence in India, the Maratha Kranti Morcha is the largest silent protest by the Maratha community. It is being appreciated across the nation because of its discipline, cleanness and the absence of any of the nonsense seen in other agitations like those conducted by the Jats, Gurjars and Patels. Marathas make up nearly 35 percent of Maharashtra's population of 12 crore and of the states 288 MLA, 145 are Marathas.

Every community has the constitutional right to hold protests, marches etc if they have some demands. The Maratha marches for the past three weeks (and four subsequent weeks) will cover almost 18 districts. In each district, the average number of eight lakh Marathas taking to the street includes children, collegians, women, workers and senior citizens.

Over the past few weeks, many have been asking about the march and wondering who is behind the march. More than any political motive, the real reason for lakhs of Marathas to take to the streets is their anger over the brutal rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl on 13 July. In the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, a girl from the Maratha community was raped and tortured to death by three to four drunk people.

The incident was not covered by the mainstream media for some time. This led the youth from Kopardi as well as Nagar districts to go public about the incident on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. Angry social media posts went viral and a mob immediately gathered, leading the local police to swing into action and arrest the culprits within 24 hours. But by then, details of the incident had already gone viral across state boundaries, and youths from many parts of the state gathered to support the family.

"The first silent march was started in Aurangabad and other parts of Marathawada, however no one bothered to report this protest. The news was initially published only by a couple of vernacular media outlets, but prominent wings of the media (including television channels, Mumbai-based English and Marathi newspapers) completely ignored the march. However, we had anticipated that the traditional Brahminical media would not report the matter, so we have focused on social media to connect with the Maratha community and mobilise it. We formed several WhatsApp groups and created Facebook pages to send the message to maximum people. Today, with pride, I can say all Marathas  not only those from Maharashtra, but from across the globe are connected via this WhatsApp group. This is a big revolution. The majority of the community never come together and felt pride about themselves, but WhatsApp has changed our community's traditional mindset. This is a period of churn and we hope all good things will happen henceforth," said Bhaiya Patil, a social media expert

Ours is a silent protest. No slogans and speeches at all. We are not against any caste or region. We do not want to snatch anyone's right. We are fighting for our rights in a silent and non-violent way

Liladhar Patil, a Maratha Seva Sangh officer-in-charge for north Maharashtra elaborated on the importance of social media to the march. Speaking to Firstpost, Liladhar Patil said that in order to direct the people, they made a trained activist the admin of the group and he used to upload real-time photos and drone images of the protest. "Besides, we wrote songs and other informative messages that helped to rouse the people to participate in the movement voluntarily," he said.

"We do not rely on the traditional media, which is biased and wants to divide the community. Initially, they said that the Maratha morcha was against Dalits. When that failed, they said it was against OBCs. Now they are saying it's against the Brahmins. The traditional media only wants negative news. Therefore, we are also keeping distance from them. Now, we are focusing on opening thousands of Twitter accounts and requesting people to post morcha photos and videos, and then tag the prime minister and chief minister so as to create a larger impact. We want to see the Maratha Kranti Morcha trend worldwide on Twitter," he added.

Meanwhile, Maratha youth Satish Chavan from Jogeshwari in Mumbai said, "We hope the media does fair and factual reporting. They should not set the false 'Maratha versus Dalit', 'Maratha versus OBC' and 'Maratha versus Brahmin' narrative. Ours is a silent protest. No slogans and speeches at all. We are not against any caste or region. We do not want to snatch anyone's right. We are fighting for our rights in a silent and non-violent way. People might have seen many protests, but the Maratha protest is unique in all forms and methods. History will remember these protests."

A senior journalist and analyst Sanjay Miskin confirmed to Firstpost that the Kopardi incident was highlighted by social media, and until social media posts went viral, mainstream media had remained mum. The first protest in Aurangabad was disciplined, patient and non-violent. After three or four lakh members of the Maratha community joined the march, social media took the lead, he added. "Due to the advent of smartphones, it is easy to gather lakhs of people in one place. So while Kopardi is the cause, the real connection among the community is social media," said Miskin.

The date and timing of the Mumbai morcha will be announced soon, said a Maratha youth from Dadar. A meeting will be held to chalk out the strategy and planning on 30 September at Shivaji Mandir in Dadar, he added.
This Thursday, ten years will have passed since the Khairlanji massacre where Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange, a Dalit, lost his family in a village in Maharashtra. On 29 September 2006, Bhotmange, 61, went to work on his farm near the village, and when he came back, he found his wife Surekha, 45, daughter Priyanka, 17, sons Sudhir and Roshan, 21 and 19, murdered by a mob. The massacre enraged Dalits, who took to the streets for a wide-spread silent protest, which soon got aggressive.

The 10-year anniversary of the incident coincides with the Maratha-Kunbi movement for abrogation of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act which was triggered by the rape of a girl by Dalits in Kopardi in July. Rallies held by lakhs of people in absolute silence have been going on across Maharashtra for more than a month.

This Thursday, the Maratha movement reminds us of that fateful evening of 29 September.

The Khairlanji massacre

On 28 September 2006, Surekha, Bhaiyyalal's wife had lodged a complaint against the participants in an assault on the village policeman, another Dalit, Siddharth Gajbhiye. The accused were members of the politically dominant Kunbi caste who had received the OBC status by the Maharashtra government in 2001.

The day after the complaint was lodged, the accused were arrested but soon let off on bail after which they returned to the village and lynched the Bhotmange family.

For three hours that evening, as Bhaiyyalal was on his farm, a group of villagers surrounded the hut where the family lived, then abused, assaulted, and killed the four people. There were allegations that the women in the family were raped, however the CBI investigations concluded that they weren't.

That evening when Bhaiyyalal came home, he saw his dead family.

The incident wasn't picked up by the media immediately. However as the Dalits of the state started a widespread movement seeking justice, the details of the incident came to light. This incident triggered one of the most prominent Dalit movement.

In September 2008, six people, who were charged with wiping out the Dalit family, were given death sentence for the crime by the specially appointed Fast Track trial court.

However in July 2010, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court in the case disappointing large sections of the Dalit community as they, on appeal, commuted the death sentence on the grounds that it was "not the rarest of the rare cases" warranting the death penalty. The court modified the life terms of the accused and gave them 25-year imprisonment.

The judges presiding on the case ruled that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 was not applicable to the Khairlanji case. In their view there was no caste angle to the case. The panel who heard the appeal held that the murders of Surekha, Priyanka, Sudhir and the visually challenged Roshan was not motivated by caste prejudice; it was a case of "revenge killing."

According to an editorial by The Hindu, the caste profile of the Khairlanji village in Bhandara district was relevant to the case as the Other Backward caste (OBC) people formed a majority of the village. The village was known for its prejudice against Dalits.

The case is currently being presided over by the Supreme court and Bhaiyyalal hopes that he gets justice. Each year the Dalit-Buddhist organisations light candles on the spot where the family once lived. Today the hut is gone but Bhaiyyalal keeps the iron cot as a reminder of the events that occurred.

The Maratha agitation

In the past two months, the Maratha community has taken out various silent marches in Maharashtra in cities like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Amravati, etc. demanding justice in the rape and murder of a girl at Kopardi in Ahmednagar district two months ago.

On 13 July, a 15-year-old Maratha girl was allegedly gang raped and murdered by four Dalit youths who inflicted injuries all over her body. They allegedly broke her limbs too before throttling her at Kopardi village in Ahmednagar.

The incident had sparked public outrage as well as a political slug-fest, with the Congress demanding Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' resignation on "moral grounds".

After the gang-rape, Maratha Kranti silent morchas were held in Akola, Nanded, Beed, Osmanabad, Aurangabad, Jalgaon and Jalna districts.

Apart from demanding death penalty for the accused, the Maratha community leaders pressed for scrapping of the SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act), saying it is grossly misused, and also raised other demands like quota in education and jobs.

As pointed out in a previous Firstpost report, the entire Dalit community of Kopardi village wanted death penalty for the accused an yet they weren't allowed to be part of the protest. This has raised questions over the legitimacy of the intentions of the protests.

The situation today

The two incidents of murder have triggered responses from the two communities  Dalit and Maratha. After brutal incidents such as Kopardi incident, the Dadri lynching (where a family was massacred for allegedly consuming beef), the Una incident (where four youth were canned for carrying cow carcasses), and the Rohit Vemula case (where a Dalit scholar of the Hyderabad University committed suicide after being suspended), tempers are fraying and it remains to be seen which, if any community recieves justice.
The politically-dominant Maratha community has been holding marches in various cities across Maharashtra in the last month.

Their demands include stern action against the culprits of the Kopardi rape and murder case, reservations for their community, and the scrapping of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to The Indian Express report, the BJP-led Maharashtra government is set to recommend to the Centre that changes to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be made. This is to ensure that the law is not 'misused' according to the Marathas, who are demanding it.

However, the state government is also asserting that they want to ensure that the rights of the Dalits are not compromised.

Sources for The Indian Express say that Maharashtra government will propose a preliminary verification that should be carried out by the police, before the individual is charged under the Act.

"A group of ministers, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has started the process of addressing the demands  not just of Marathas but also of Dalits and OBCs, who are growing increasingly apprehensive in the face of the Maratha show of might, The Indian Express reported.

Dalit protest in Latur

Dalits have also taken to the streets to mobilise the community against the dilution of the law, in a counter attempt. On Wednesday, crowds protested on the streets of Latur, demanding strict implementation of the Atrocities Act.

The march started at Ambedkar Square and various activists from AIMIM joined in. The march concluded after submitting a memorandum to the district collector, reported Hindustan Times.

"We are not against the Maratha community. We want to get justice for the Dalits," said Vinod Khatake, a Dalit activist, instrumental in mobilising the community, reported Hindustan Times.

Muslims join in

Joining the pitch for quota, the Muslim community has also made demands for reservations in government jobs. This demand was backed by Maratha leaders who praised the community for supporting the Maratha Kranti Morcha by extending help to silent marches and voluntarily joining the marches at different places.

Ajay Bhosale of the Sambhaji Brigade, told The Indian Express that like the Maratha community, Muslims too have a large section that is poor and struggling to get jobs. He said that this is because they have no reservations. He said that the Marathas will support the demands of the Muslim community and that the government should hold a discussion with the community.
Jammu: Noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened another window of opportunity for Pakistan by calling for a joint war against poverty, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti asked the neighbouring country to understand that such opportunities do not come daily.

"The call of Modiji to Pakistan and its people for war against poverty has no answers (from them). Pakistan, its people and its leadership should understand its meaning," Mehbooba told a gathering in Jammu on Wednesday.

"There is no answer to his remarks... Despite Pathankot, Modiji went to Lahore for peace but Uri happened," she said.

Mehbooba said Pakistan should understand that Modi has given them another window of opportunity for friendly relations, peace and normalcy in the region.

"Despite this (Uri) and huge pressure, Modiji as a statesman gave another window (of opportunity) to Pakistan...

If Pakistan will not even today understand this, it will not get such opportunities daily," she said.

"Recently there was a cry for war and attack on Pakistan  do this and do this kind of environment. But the reply came from our the PM. It was more than hydrogen or atom bomb when he (PM) declared a war against poverty," she said.

The Chief Minister said had it been former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in such a situation, he would have said the same thing.

"I am hopeful that the strike, PM called for against Pakistan will definitely have results. Our biggest problem is poverty. If problems of conflicts and smaller problem would have not been faced by India, our country would much more developed and prosperous," she said.

Referring to the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, she said, "We are passing through trying times and a test. The situation is slowly improving in Kashmir."

Maintaining that war is never an option to resolve the issues, Mehbooba pitched for amicable relations between India and Pakistan to fight the poverty and economic deprivation plaguing the region while underlining the need of a bilateral dialogue to resolve the issues.

"The two nuclear armed neighbors must cooperate in the fields of social development, including eradication of poverty and with their growing economies and energy needs, and the need for newer, more diverse markets and trading opportunities, the future of the troubled region has to be defined by common economic interests instead of hostilities," she said.

"Instead of fighting wars with each other, the two countries should join hands to eradicate poverty and to address social problems plaguing the region... Modi went to Pakistan with this message on behalf of people of J&K but the Pathankote incident shattered that process," she said.

The Chief Minister said as in any violent situation, the women have suffered the most in Jammu and Kashmir.

"In Kashmir, women have become primary victims of the violent situation over the last three decades which hasn't led us anywhere. Our party became the harbinger of peace when my father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, spoke of nursing the wounds of people when the memory of Kargil war was still afresh," she said.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi arrived in Guwahati on Thursday to appear before a local court in a defamation case filed against him by the RSS.

Rahul Gandhi reaches court in Guwahati (Assam), summoned in connection with criminal defamation suit filed against him by the RSS pic.twitter.com/rEbuylMFDz  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Speaking to reporters near Kamrup court in Guwahati, Rahul thanked the people of Assam for showing him so much love. "I have always been against the ideology of RSS. Not just RSS, but every other organisation which aims at dividing the nation. I am for the unity of this country."

The fact that RSS is slapping cases against him in such numbers is because he fights for the poor and bats for the youth of the nation, Rahul alleged.

These cases are being put against me bcz I'm fighting for poor ppl, rights of farmers, unemployed youths: Rahul Gandhi on Barpeta Satra case pic.twitter.com/uwRBziTxHn  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

I'll not be deterred; Im happy, let them put as many cases as they want, Ill continue to fight for the unity of this country: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/QunIFp8CCy  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

The case is regarding Gandhi's visit to the Barpeta Satra, a 16th-century Vaishnavite monastery on 12 December last year. He was supposed to enter the Satra before taking part in a roadshow, organised nearby, but did not do so and instead hit the road show directly.

Later in New Delhi, he told media persons that some RSS workers prevented him from entering the Satra. He also alleged that the RSS have incited the local women to prevent him from entering the Satra.

An RSS volunteer filed the defamation suit against Gandhi not only denying the role of RSS into the incident but also alleging that Gandhi's statement to media in New Delhi had tarnished the image of Satra.

Kamrup chief judicial magistrate Sanjoy Hazarika had summoned Gandhi to face trial under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which states, whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or both.

On 2 August, the court had deferred its decision whether to issue summons against the Congress vice president as an accused in the criminal defamation case.

A spokesman for Congress' state unit said that Gandhi will appear before the court at around 10.30 am. Later he is also expected to address a meeting of party workers before returning to New Delhi Thursday evening.

Another RSS volunteer from Maharashtra's Bhiwandi slapped a defamation case against the Congress scion alleging that Rahul, at an election rally, blamed the RSS for Gandhi's death. Kunte, according to PTI, said that the Congress leader had sought to tarnish the reputation of the Sangh through his speech. Kunte then filed the defamation suit in a Maharashtra court.

With inputs from agencies
Mumbai: Putting up a brave face after a cartoon in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana provoked a strong reaction from a section of Maratha community and led to attack on the newspaper's office, its editor Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said there was no reason for him to tender an apology.

Describing cartoonist Shrinivas Prabhudesai as "non-political and innocent", Raut said Prabhudesai had already tendered apology for the cartoon which alluded to the silent marches being taken out by the Maratha community across the state.

Raut, a Rajya Sabha member, also denied media reports about Sena legislators from the Maratha community handing over resignation to the party leadership over the issue.

"The cartoon has not caused any kind of dent or electoral damage to the party. We are neither hurt nor have we suffered any loss. The Sena does not believe in caste and I do not see any reason for tendering an apology," he said.

"The Sena has seen many storms in its fifty years of existence and weathered them, we shall come out of this also," he said, reiterating the party's support for the silent marches of the Maratha community for demands such as reservation.

Without naming Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar and others who have lashed out at Sena over the controversial cartoon, Raut said, "Those who envy us and want to play politics are speaking against us."

"During the days of Babri (demolition), 140 cases were filed against me, who is afraid of such cases? Sena does not believe in caste. Marathi is the only caste for us. There is a ploy to divide the Marathi community along caste lines," he said.

Raut further said that Sena knew who were behind this caste politics and would soon expose them.

Opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party leaders were pulling the strings from behind the scenes, he alleged.

"The morchas (marches) are being taken out to target the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis," he said.
The Shiv Sena scored a self-goal by publishing a cartoon that mocks the Maratha Muk (silent) Morcha at a time when the dominant caste of Marathas is up in arms over the most emotive issue of stern action against the rapist of a girl from the community.

Its really ironic that the Shiv Sena  that used Sena supremo Bal Thackerays cartoons as a powerful weapon against partys political opponents, finds itself embroiled in a controversy over a cartoon published in the Sunday edition of its mouth piece Saamana. The caricaturist in question, Shrinivas Prabhudesai has tendered an unconditional apology to the enraged Maratha community for the cartoon showing a man planting a kiss on the cheek of a woman participating in the morcha. The cartoonist has tried to be funny by punning around the word Muka (kiss) instead of Muk.

Aggressive youths from the community led by the Sambhaji Brigade were not satisfied with the apology and pelted Sena offices in two locations with stones. The Sena known for its strong arm-tactics is not used to becoming a target itself. Although there is no reaction from Sena leaders to assuage the hurt sentiments of Maratha community, the party should sit up and take notice of the possible fallout of this controversy in the near future.

And although the Maratha community is largely supporting the Congress and the NCP due to economic interests (linked with the network of cooperatives in the state), the community has a soft corner for the Sena. The party founder Bal Thackeray invoked Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji to enhance his brand of militant Hindutva when he set up his regional party in late 1960s. In fact, the Sena has made solid inroads in the Marathwada and Konkan region by securing support from marginal Maratha farmers facing the adverse impact of the globalisation process. Unlike the BJP, the Sena has a sizable number of Maratha MLAs who were elected in the last Assembly elections in 2014. While traditional Maratha leadership that controls the rural economy through cooperatives has remained faithful to the two Congress parties, a large chunk of marginal Maratha farmers have shifted their loyalties to the rhetoric of militant Hindutva by Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Industries Minister Subhash Desai, prime ideologue and strategy planner of the Sena, has taken a few steps to control damage and end the controversy by interacting with organisers of these Maratha morchas. The Sena, that has reluctantly joined the BJP-led alliance government in the state, is facing factional feuds within the party. Saamana editor and party MP Sanjay Raut is at the receiving end for the blunder with his detractors questioning the motive behind such a devastating lapse on the part of the party mouthpiece.

The silent processions being taken out by Maratha community are being carried out on their own without the direct involvement of traditional leaders demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. The simmering discontent within the Maratha community came to the fore soon after the gangrape and murder of a 14-year-old girl from the community in the Kopardi village of Ahmednagar district in western Maharashtra. They began taking out spontaneous morchas demanding death sentence for the rapist belonging to a Sheduled Caste. They also demanded an amendment to the Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to avoid the misuse of the Act.

The massive turnout (with large numbers of Maratha women and girls) has surprised observers who are still unsure about which way the events will turn and the potential political fallout. The Congress, Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been trying to assess the situation and turn the uprising of Marathas in their own favour.

The Congress  as well as the NCP  is not going to lose the golden opportunity to use the hurt feelings of the community against the Sena. Leader of the House in the state legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil has demanded action against Saamana saying, We knew Shiv Sena was against Dalits and Muslims, but we never knew it was also against Marathas. His counterpart in the upper House, NCP leader Dhananjya Munde  who has lambasted the Sena for opposing massive morchas by the Maratha community by publishing such a cartoon  is demanding an apology from none other than Uddhav himself (who is chief editor of the paper) and executive editor Sanjay Raut.

Its really ironic that the Shiv Sena  that used Sena supremo Bal Thackerays cartoons as a powerful weapon against partys political opponents, finds itself embroiled in a controversy over a cartoon published in the Sunday edition of its mouth piece Saamana

The BJP is also not too far behind in hitting out at the Shiv Sena, since both the parties have been fighting each other even though they are running a coalition government.

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar is not satisfied with an apology by the cartoonist, he wants a public apology to the Maratha community by the Sena mouth piece Saamana.

The Sena has already began realising the gravity of the situation as some of the Maratha leaders have begun threatening to leave the party in view of the anger created over the publication of the cartoon. The Shiv Senas claim that the Opposition parties are trying to fuel the controversy for political gain is not going to help the party in assuaging the hurt feelings of the dominating Maratha community.

The author is a senior journalist and a reputed painter
Philadelphia: Michelle Obama told a diverse and enthusiastic crowd in Philadelphia on Wednesday that candidates don't change once they become president and that America "needs an adult in the White House."

The first lady never mentioned Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during the rally at LaSalle University. But there was no question that she was warning voters that candidate Trump would be the same as President Trump.

"The presidency doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are," she told the cheering crowd.

She referred to several comments Trump made during and after Monday's debate, including his apparent acknowledgment that he has paid no taxes some years. Trump said that makes him "smart."

"If a candidate is erratic and threatening, if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fear and lies on the campaign trail, if a candidate thinks not paying taxes makes you smart, or that it's good business when people lose their homes; if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act well, sadly, that's who that candidate really is," she said. "That is the kind of president they will be."

She said the country needs a leader who is steady and measured because when making war-or-peace decisions, "the president can't just pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you."

She cast Clinton as a tough, compassionate fighter who doesn't back down and who loves her country.

"Experience matters, preparation matters, temperament matters," she said. "Hillary Clinton has it all. She's the real deal."

The first lady was heading to Pittsburgh for another rally for the Democratic presidential nominee later today.

Trump's campaign reacted to Obama's speech with a statement saying Clinton is in "panic mode" in Pennsylvania because polls show the Republican presidential nominee surging in the battleground state.
Beijing: China on Thursday warned Japan against "playing with fire" in the contested waters of the South China Sea, after Tokyo announced it may patrol alongside the US in the region.

China also sent fighter planes for the first time over a strait near Japan on Monday as part of a group of more than 40 jets headed to train in the West Pacific.

The move followed remarks by Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada this month that Tokyo would increase its engagement in the South China Sea through joint training with the US Navy, exercises with regional navies and capacity-building assistance to coastal nations.

The Chinese defence ministry said the aim of the announcement was "to mess up the South China Sea situation and try to gain interests from the troubled waters."

"If Japan wants to conduct any joint patrol or joint exercises in waters administered by China, it is just like playing with fire, and the Chinese military will not sit and watch," ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular press briefing.

Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, dismissing rival partial claims from its Southeast Asian neighbours. It rejects any intervention by Japan in the waterway.

In recent months Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has criticised China for rejecting a July ruling by an international tribunal, which said Beijing's extensive claims to the waters had no legal basis.

Tokyo, a key US ally, is also strengthening defence ties with other countries in the disputed region. Japan and China are already at loggerheads over a longstanding territorial row in the East China Sea.

That dispute relates to uninhabited islets controlled by Japan known as the Senkakus in Japanese and the Diaoyus in Chinese.
Islamabad: Pakistan's defence minister on Wednesday said India will "disintegrate" when Kashmir gains independence, in a sign of mounting tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif told The Associated Press that Pakistan will continue to extend moral support to the people of the disputed Himalayan region, which is split between Pakistani and Indian control but claimed in its entirety by both.

"When the freedom movement in Kashmir succeeds, it will be beginning of the end of India," he said. Asif said the sacrifices of Kashmiri people will not be in vain and that "India will disintegrate and it will not remain united" when Kashmir gains independence.

He said Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has tried to improve ties with India, but "we did not get a positive response from them."

Sharif attended a high-level security meeting on Wednesday in which he expressed concern over human rights violations in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India blamed Pakistan-based militants for a recent attack on an army base in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir that killed 18 Indian soldiers. Since then, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will work to isolate Pakistan internationally.
Kathmandu: Refusing to support India's decision to pull out from the scheduled 19th Saarc Summit followed by Bhutan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Nepal, the present Chair of Saarc, has strongly urged the member countries to ensure the summit was on time.

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement late Wednesday calling all member states to create a conducive environment for the summit scheduled for 9 and 10 November in Islamabad.

As the current Chair of Saarc, the government of Nepal strongly urged that a conducive environment be created for the summit soon by ensuring participation of all member states in line with the spirit of the Saarc Charter, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Nepal's statement might not appease India, as other member nations  Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan  also have not made their position clear on India's decision to pull out from the summit.

The statement further added that the government of Nepal has received communications from the Saarc Secretariat transmitting the diplomatic notes from four Saarc member states  Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India, in which they have conveyed their inability to participate in the summit stating that current regional environment was not conducive.

"We have taken this development seriously," the Nepalese government said in the statement.

Officials told IANS that as current Chair of the Saarc, it should be Nepal's priority to resume the regional engagement rather than derailing it.

However, the reason as to why Nepal tried to play the balanced role instead of going against's India's interest in the matter was not known.

The eight members regional grouping was now equally split for and against India's position to pull out from the summit.

The 18 September killings of 18 Indian soldiers in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir that India holds Pakistan-based millitants responsible for, has renewed tension between the two nations.

In retaliation, India on Tuesday unilaterally announced that "in the prevailing circumstances, the government of India is unable to participate in the proposed summit in Islamabad."

According to the statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs, "the growing interference in the internal affairs of member states by one country have created an environment that is not conducive to the successful holding of the 19th Saarc Summit in Islamabad."

Though one country's inability to participate in the summit meant automatic cancellation or postponement, officials in Kathmandu said the it was now the host, Pakistan, who should take a call.
Miami: A teenage gunman, who injured three people at a South Carolina elementary school before being arrested, carried out the attack after killing his father, local officials said Wednesday.

The teen, whom the authorities did not identify, shot two boys  one in the leg, the other in the foot  as well as a teacher in the shoulder at Townville Elementary in the west of the southeastern US state, area officials told reporters.

The attack with a handgun, carried out mid-afternoon, appeared to have occurred on the playground, they said.

"The investigation is in initial stages... it's going to be a very slow, methodical and meticulous investigation," Captain Garland Major of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office said.

An active homicide investigation is underway into the death of Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, 47, the father of the alleged shooter who lives around two miles (three kilometers) from the school, the Anderson County coroner's office said.

Authorities received a call from the victim's family reporting his death shortly after the school shooting, it said.

The teenage assailant was arrested without incident and has no apparent racial motivation or connections to terrorism, Major told reporters, adding that it was still unclear whether he suffers from mental illness.

The suspect is home-schooled, and does not attend any school in the Anderson County School District, police said.

A firefighter who was one of the first responders on scene contained the teenager, who was "apprehended within a matter of minutes," Joanne Avery, the Anderson County District Four Superintendent told the news conference.

"At approximately 1.45 this afternoon, an individual with a gun entered the premises of Townville Elementary School and injured two of our students and one of our teachers," she said.

Praise for a hero

Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator for the state, praised the heroism of the unarmed volunteer firefighter who stopped the gunman and could have saved lives.

"Thank you to Jamie Brock, the volunteer firefighter who stopped the #Townville shooter. We truly admire and appreciate your service," Graham tweeted.

One of the injured students was airlifted to a local hospital and was undergoing surgery late Wednesday, local media reported, while an ambulance took the other boy and teacher for medical treatment.

One of the boys has since been released from hospital, officials said.

Live images from the school immediately after the shooting showed a large number of police officers and members of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office heavily armed, some wearing helmets and flak jackets.

Students were evacuated on school buses to a nearby church, local media reported.

"The quick response by teachers and staff has kept this from being much worse," superintendent Avery said.

"We are heartbroken about the senseless act of violence."

Fellow South Carolina Senator Tim Scott tweeted that his heart was "sick for Anderson&South Carolina.Praying initial reports of no loss of life remain true & for those injured and their families."

The school has almost 300 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, local media reported. Classes were cancelled for the rest of the week.

School shootings have become a disturbing reality of American life and many facilities have reinforced security in recent years, especially in the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012, when 26 people  including 20 young children  were killed in Newtown, Connecticut.
Washington: The US Congress voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to override Barack Obama's veto of a bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia, the first such rebuke during his eight-year presidency.

The Senate overrode the veto in a 97-1 vote, followed a short time later by the House of Representatives, which knocked it down with a 348-77 vote.

The rare act of bipartisanship was a blow to Obama, who lobbied hard against the bill, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

Obama called Wednesday's vote a "dangerous precedent."

"I understand why it happened," he said on CNN. "Obviously, all of us still carry the scars and trauma of 9/11."

But he said the decision would harm US national interests by undermining the principle of sovereign immunity, opening up the United States to private lawsuits over its military missions abroad.

"Our men and women in uniform around the world could potentially start seeing ourselves subject to reciprocal loss."

Some of the lawmakers who voted for the override didn't know what was in the bill, he said, calling the result "basically a political vote."

White House press secretary Josh Earnest earlier called the Senate vote "the single most embarrassing thing" the legislative body has done in decades.

"Ultimately these senators are going to have to answer their own conscience and their constituents as they account for their actions today," he told reporters traveling with Obama in Richmond, Virginia.

Coming in Obama's last months in office, the vote shows the White House to be much weakened.

Obama has issued 12 vetoes during his presidency. None have been overridden until now, a rare feat given Republicans' longstanding control of Congress.

His Republican predecessor George W. Bush also issued 12 vetoes, of which four were overridden. The last president to avoid an override was the legendary Democratic congressional dealmaker  and former senator and congressman  Lyndon Johnson.

'Devastating consequences'

In a letter to Republican and Democratic Senate leaders obtained by AFP, Obama had previously warned of "devastating" consequences for the Pentagon, service members, diplomats and the intelligence services.

The 9/11 measure would "neither protect Americans from terrorist attacks, nor improve the effectiveness of our response to such attacks," he warned.

"The United States relies on principles of immunity to prevent foreign litigants and foreign courts from second-guessing our counterterrorism operations and other actions that we take every day."

RNC chair Reince Priebus said Obama's veto "showed remarkable disregard for the families of 9/11 victims, and the Senate has done the right thing by overwhelmingly overriding his poor decision."

Meanwhile, Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio said the override was "about holding anyone who supports terrorists accountable, and getting their victims the justice they deserve."

Families of 9/11 victims have campaigned for the law, convinced the Saudi government had a hand in the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens, but no link to the government has been proven. The Saudi government denies any ties to the plotters.

Declassified documents showed US intelligence had multiple suspicions about links between the Saudi government and the attackers.

"While in the United States, some of the 9/11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi government," a finding read.

The bill's co-sponsor, New York Democrat Chuck Schumer, told senators it "would allow the victims of 9/11 to pursue some small measure of justice."

Behind the scenes, Riyadh lobbied furiously for the bill to be scrapped.

A senior Saudi prince reportedly threatened to pull billions of dollars out of US assets if it were to become law, although Saudi officials now distance themselves from that claim.

The US-Saudi relationship had already been strained by Obama's engagement with Saudi's Shia foe Iran and the July release of a secret report on Saudi involvement in the 9/11 attacks.
Edu-tech company Udacity has collaborated with Google VR, HTC Vive and Upload to launch VR Developer Nanodegree Program in India. The course is aimed at prospective budding VR developers in the country.

Udacity has partnered VR companies in order to build a world-class curriculum that gives latest insight into the growing world of virtual reality. They can learn skills like Mobile phone-based VR and Desktop VR, Game engines, VR design and user interaction, VR platforms including HTC Vive, Google Cardboard, Daydream and Oculus Rift and much more. Students will also work on game engines, design and user interaction, performance and ergonomics, and more.

Shernaz Daver, Chief Marketing Officer, Udacity International, said,

The global VR market will reach USD500 million in 2016 and USD 90.8 billion in 2020. We are excited to be launching a course that will provide exciting career opportunities in an expanding global industry, which is currently enjoying +800% year-over-year job growth. This is going to be a one-of-a-kind course where one can master the latest technologies with experts from our amazing partner companies.

Vardhan Koshal, India Head, Udacity, said,

Our vision for this VR Nanodegree course is to bring the focus on learning-by-doing, so the majority time will be spent building real experiences. India, with its immense mobile penetration is bound to emerge with wide range of career opportunities in this sector and this specialized course will be highly instrumental in creating real products, and building professional portfolios. This is first time Indian students will have access to training in Virtual Reality and we are truly excited to bring creative revolution in India.
Food delivery, once largely the narrow purview of nearby restaurants, is morphing into a dynamic marketplace. Much already has been written about retailers efforts to develop effective e-commerce models, but another aspect of the category is meal kit delivery, an emerging segment that has captured the attention of food companies, startups and retailers.

The strategy behind many meal kit ventures is simple: to deliver a box of pre-measured fresh ingredients so consumers may prepare their own home-cooked meals following a step-by-step recipe that is included. The goal of such ventures is to provide consumers with a premium experience that answers the question of whats for dinner? in a format that is perceived as adventurous and convenient.

The market currently features a diverse range of competitors, including Amazon, Blue Apron and Hello Fresh. Business models vary, with some meal kit delivery businesses using a subscription-based model and others using an order-based model.

Food companies showing interest in the market include Tyson Foods and the Hershey Co. Earlier this year Tyson Foods introduced Tyson Tastemakers, a line of dinner kits that may be made fresh at home. During an investor conference in March, Donnie Smith, president and chief executive officer of Tyson, said the platform, which is part of a partnership with Amazon Fresh, will educate the home chef by addressing questions they have around knowledge, preparation and exploration. Varieties in the line include tandoori chicken thighs, Thai basil boneless chicken breast and Korean steak tacos.

The Hershey Co. is partnering with the Los Angeles-based Chefd to deliver dessert kits. The kits feature recipes from Hersheys Kitchens and Scharffen Berger. Options include smores cookies, red velvet cream cheese squares, flourless chocolate raspberry torte and fudge brownies, among others. Prices range from $2 to $4 per serving.

The categorys national leader is New York-based Blue Apron, Inc., which generates $1 billion in annual sales. On its web site, Blue Apron promises farm-fresh specialty ingredients that are fresher than the supermarket. Blue Apron is capitalizing on the transparency trend by sourcing its ingredients from family-run businesses, which it showcases on its web site along with its recipes that feature those businesss products.

The emergence of the meal kit delivery market is attracting the attention of retail and food service operators, according to the financial services firm Rabobank. In its report Food Delivery 2.0, Rabobank suggests the practice of browsing supermarket aisles is increasingly obsolete when compared to the convenience of selecting and ordering food with a few clicks on a cell phone.

Retailers have taken notice of the trend and are formulating their own meal kit ventures. This past July Whole Foods Market said it is considering launching a program. In June, Kroger Co. said something similar, noting the retailer would be open to creating its own program or working with a partner.

While the trend is still emerging, it is clear that the ubiquity of the smartphone and the rise of the on-demand economy will have a powerful impact on the food industry. Rabobank rightly notes that the success of the meal kit delivery model will be a focus on the food and not just the technology used to place an order.

Logistics will play a critical role in the categorys future success. It is this notion that will give food companies an edge, because there are few entities outside of food manufacturing that understand logistics and the investment and effort it takes to deliver foodstuffs in a fresh and wholesome manner.

While it remains to be seen whether meal kit delivery efforts will expand beyond a niche category, the segment still offers food companies several opportunities. Most notably, they will allow companies to capitalize on investments made in developing brand awareness, and they will allow companies to participate in a premium category with the potential for wider margins than in other categories.
Givaudan

About Givaudan

Givaudan is the global leader in the creation of flavours and fragrances, with its heritage stretching back over 250 years, the Company has a long history of innovating tastes and scents. From a favourite drink to your daily meal, from prestige perfumes to cosmetics and laundry care, its creations inspire emotions and delight millions of consumers the world over. The Company is committed to driving purpose-led, long-term growth while leading the way to improve happiness and health for people and nature. In the fiscal year 2019, the company employed over 14,900 people worldwide and achieved sales of CHF 6.2 billion and a free cash flow of 12.7% of sales. Lets imagine together on www.givaudan.com.

About Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing

Powered by innovation and creativity, Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing aims to shape the future of food by becoming the co-creation partner of choice to its customers. Built on its global leadership position in flavours and taste, the Company goes beyond to create food experiences that do good and feel good, for body, mind and planet. With an expanded portfolio of products across flavours, taste, functional and nutritional solutions and a deep knowledge of the food ecosystem, Givaudans passion is to collaborate with customers and partners to develop game changing innovations in food and beverage. Lets imagine together the future of food. Learn more at www.givaudan.com/taste-wellbeing.
Next time you fly, you might want to have this man on your plane a Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, took down a rowdy, drunken passenger on an American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) flight bound for North Carolina over the weekend.

He joined the FOX Business Networkas Stuart Varney to describe what happened.

aThis goof took the cabin over like it was his private jet. He was moving up and down the aisles, he was in different seats. He was intoxicated, cursing and swearing. It was very intimidating for a lot of the passengers and the flight crew on that plane and so I kept my eyes on him the entire timea I did [what] was instinctive in me; that was to protect and take action. And I just had to pick a spot, I didnat want to have to be grappling with this guy for an hour,a he said.

Sheriff Clarke said reasonable force was required.

aWhen I told him to sit down, he wouldnat. So, then I shoved him face down into the seat, pinned him against the seat and put one arm behind his back, told him to stay there [and] not resist arrest. I told the flight attendant to radio for police at the gate, to have the police meet me there a they did. When they boarded, I asked the officer who came up to me, I said, agive me your handcuffs.a She did, and then I handcuffed him, [and] turned him over. I didnat worry about jurisdiction or that nonsense. I had to worry about protecting people,a he said.

He also said the passenger personally berated him.

aHe was using profanities at one point, you know, saying, aSheriff what the blank are you going to do about it?a...but that, like many other police officers, we donat care about that. We donat care about color and gender, whatnot, we care about what the law is, we care about protecting people, and thatas what I did,a he said.

Furthermore, Clarke questioned where the air marshals were.

aI know they donat fly every flight but it would have been kind of nice to have an air marshal on there that could have either backed me up or I could have backed him or her up,a he said.

Sheriff Clarke said the man was charged with several misdemeanors in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and has been given a future court date.
Samsung is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad month.

US regulators are warning owners of certain top-load Samsung washing machines of "safety issues," following reports of exploding appliances. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Samsung are working to address the problem, which may compromise machines built between March 2011 and April 2016.

"In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky, or water-resistant items," Samsung said in a statement.

The warning was released on Thursdaymore than a month after the filing of a federal class-action lawsuit by customers claiming their machines exploded during use.

A washer "exploded with such ferocity that it penetrated the interior wall" of a Texas woman's garage, the suit says. A Georgia woman said it felt and sounded as if "a bomb went off."

Now, Samsung recommends using the delicate cycle when washing heavy items; the lower spin speed lessens any risks due to the washing machine becoming dislodged. There have been no reported incidents while on the reduced cycle.

"It is important to note that Samsung customers have completed hundreds of millions of loads without incident since 2011," the firm said.

Consumers can go online to determine if they have an affected appliance.

Washing machines aren't the only exploding device in Samsung's repertoire: Early this month, the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone was recalled after numerous reports of erupting batteries. The company last week made available 500,000 new Note 7 handsets, identifiable by a small black square on the barcode label and a white sticker with blue letter "S." As of Friday, about half of those 500,000 had been claimed.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
Laughly wants to be Spotify, but for comedy. Yes, its CEO Dave Scott knows that Spotify already has comedy albums, but if you tell him that he'll counter with a fact that's sobering for even the most casual of stand-up fans: only 10 percent of all comedy catalogs are available for streaming.

Scott, who pitched his idea to investors at a startup competition in San Francisco this week, said his app is designed to recreate the comedy environment of 20 years ago, when people still used to buy comedy albums.

Launched a month ago, the Android and iOS apps already have 70,000 downloads, and their users can listen to more than 400 comedians, including Louis CK, Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart, and Amy Schumer. There's a free, ad-supported version and a $4-per-month premium offering.

As you'd expect from a startup app that's competing with Spotify, Laughly has some ingenious features, including a catalog that lets you search not only by comedian or album but also by individual joke.

"We actually translate every single joke into text," Scott said. He said that allows Laughly to offer the ability to create playlists based on specific categories, like Donald Trump jokes.

Laughly's 70,000 early adopters spend an average of 48 minutes listening to comedy each time they log in, which they do an average of 15 times per week. That's a lot of comedy, which suggests that those early adopters are already diehard fans.

Scott hopes to grow Laughly's subscriber base by reaching out to casual listenerspeople who like to laugh, but are disappointed to not find albums they like on Spotify or other big streaming services. He is also growing the app's library, taking advantage of the fact that the distribution of comedy albums is far less centralized than the music business, which is dominated by a few major record labels.

The less competitive nature of comedy means Laughly doesn't need to offer minimum revenue guarantees or advances to comedians in order to sign them up, which contributes to the premium offering's nominal $4-per-month fee. Still, that's 40 percent of the $10 per month that Spotify charges for ad-free access to its entire library, which includes many of the same name-brand comics.

Scott acknowledged that Laughly will ultimately have to strike a balance between revenue from ads and subscriptions. For now, it's the comedy fan who benefits: thanks to Laughly, the 90 percent of comedy that's not currently available for streaming is slowly meeting the Internet.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
Ahead of the start of high season for cruises, Puerto Rico is gearing up to welcome an estimated 1.6 million visitors for the 2017-2018 year. According to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the Caribbean island is expecting a boost in cruise travelers next year, up from 1.5 million in 2015.

Cruise companies like Norwegian (NASDAQ:NCLH), Carnival (NYSE:CCL) and Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) will all dock in San Juan this season. The worlds largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas, will arrive on December 28, 2016 in San Juan with over 6,000 passengers onboard.

From 2008 to 2013, the number of travelers coming to Puerto Rico via cruise was on a steady decline. But when Ingrid Rivera Rocafort took over as the executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, she made it a goal to make Puerto Ricos capital and largest city the most popular cruising port in the Caribbean.

We needed to put into place a logistics process of being very focused on the consumer experience, Rocafort tells FOXBusiness.com. To make the island attractive for visitors, they had to improve the infrastructure of the port and the visitor experience. Rocafort says that the port was reconstructed in nine short months to be structurally optimal for accepting cruise ships.

Adding more attractions and tourist friendly activities was on the list of improvements, which led to creating El Monstruo, the worlds longest zipline, and installing the 350-foot tall Christopher Columbus statue, the tallest statue in all of the Americas. The goal was to make San Juan a place that visitors wanted to disembark on and enjoy spending time in.

Today, Rocafort says that the Puerto Rican cruise business has posted gains of 22% over the last four fiscal years.

And cruising gives the Puerto Rican economy a big boost. According to Rocafort, in 2015, the cruising industry brought in $225 million and should increase 5 to 7% in fiscal year 2016 to 2017.

Puerto Rico, though, has faced two major issues in the last year: the Zika virus and a ballooning debt crisis. But Rocafort says that neither issue has affected the cruising numbers for Puerto Rico. People do not make decisions on vacations if the government cant pay the debt, she says. For Zika, some cruise lines did offer vouchers to reschedule vacations, but overall the virus did not weigh down cruising numbers.

Its not just cruising though thats boosting Puerto Ricos economy. The island has seen a 14% increase in air traffic from last year, with more airlines connecting through PR. Rocafort notes that the connectivity from the U.S. to Puerto Rico is strong and competitive, which according to her puts a good price check value on trips to Puerto Rico.
Image source: Taxrebate.org.uk via Flickr.

American Express (NYSE: AXP) has certainly faced some challenges lately, from stricter regulations to greater competition from other card issuers to foreign exchange headwinds. Even with all of that, the worst challenge American Express has faced in recent history has to be the loss of its Costco co-branded relationship. However, I think the company is doing what it should be doing: moving on and aggressively pursuing other opportunities.

What went wrong?

American Express lost several of its co-branding deals in the past year or so, including Fidelity, JetBlue, and most significantly, Costco, which made up 8% of AmEx's total card spending last year. In addition, foreign exchange headwinds weighed on earnings, and the competition in the credit card industry is as fierce as it's ever been.

AmEx seems to be moving on nicely

While it will take some time to replace the lost revenue from Costco, things look promising so far.

For one thing, AmEx has been aggressively pursuing ways to add new business, such as its recent deal with Sam's Club to start accepting the company's cards. And hearing merchants say "Sorry, we don't take American Express" may soon be a thing of the past, as the company has been actively trying to increase the number of merchants where its cards are accepted. In fact, American Express aims to be as universally accepted as Visa and MasterCard by 2019.

Partnerships with Uber and Airbnb are also likely to add revenue as those companies continue to grow. The company has significantly increased its marketing and promotions spending this year in order to adapt to the ultra-competitive environment, and it appears to be working with 3 million new cards worldwide.

For the most part, American Express' second-quarter earnings looked pretty good, with revenue down just 1% year over year, and a $1.1 billion windfall from the sale of the Costco portfolio. Billed business was up 3% year over year to $269.3 billion, but was actually up 8% when you exclude the effects of the lost Costco business, so this looks pretty strong. In its press release, American Express mentioned especially strong performance in its Platinum, Gold, and Delta card portfolios. CEO Kenneth Chenault praised the company's progress on its growth initiatives, while at the same time maintaining strong credit quality.

When adjusting for the loss of the Costco and other former co-branding relationships, American Express is showing nice growth in its loan portfolio. Image source: American Express.

In addition to the growth plans, American Express also intends to reduce expenses by $1 billion per year by the end of 2017.

Finally, the company has been aggressively returning capital to shareholders, mainly in the form of buybacks -- the kind of shareholder-friendly activity that is a primary reason Warren Buffett loves American Express. So far this year, American Express has spent an all-time high of $2.8 billion on buybacks, and it couldn't have come at a more beneficial time for shareholders. For much of the first half of the year, American Express was trading at its lowest level since early 2013.

AXP data by YCharts.

The company's capital plan was approved this year, and AmEx's board recently announced plans to buy back an additional $3.3 billion worth of shares over the next 12 months and increase the dividend by 10%. And, as my Foolish colleague Chuck Saletta recently wrote, it's reasonable to expect another dividend hike in 2017.

A bright future ahead

American Express has some key competitive advantages, such as an extremely strong brand name, an affluent cardholder base, and a widespread closed-loop payment network. While the end of its Costco relationship is a setback, it's a temporary one, and it looks like AmEx will make up the difference by increasing its other revenue and trimming expenses in less time than many experts thought.

This is certainly a big win for American Express shareholders, who are already up by more than 25% from February 2016 lows.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

Matthew Frankel owns shares of American Express. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Costco Wholesale, MasterCard, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends American Express. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
An exit button inside a downtown Atlanta hotel where a worker was found dead failed to work during an inspection, trapping two people who had to beat on the door to alert someone to let them out, a medical examiner found.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office has amended its autopsy for 61-year-old Carolyn Mangham to include the new details about the freezer exit button at the Westin Peachtree Plaza.

The hotel's parent firm, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, has cooperated fully with investigators, Starwood spokeswoman Carrie Bloom said.

The autopsy report, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, lists the cause of Mangham's death as "undetermined" but includes updated information about testing of the freezer exit and also accounts of other workers they say became trapped in the freezer but survived.

"Also of note, within the past 6-12 months, another employee had gotten stuck in the freezer because of the same problem, and had to beat on a back wall in order for someone to let her out," the autopsy states.

Investigators believe Mangham, who also went by Carolyn Robinson, spent about 13 hours inside the freezer before she was found in March.

"If the decedent had become stuck in the freezer due to an exit button malfunction, no one would have been in the vicinity at the time she was entrapped to let her out," the autopsy report states.

Mangham worked in the employee cafeteria of the hotel, serving her fellow workers meals.

"Miss Carolyn spent 37 years of her life working at the hotel," said Wanda Brown, one of her co-workers at the Westin Peachtree Plaza.

"She had been our lunch lady," Brown said. "She was witty, she had a beautiful smile, and she cared about us. She was loving, she was caring and she was giving."

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing nearly $12,500 in penalties stemming from the death, the agency said this month. The hotel failed to ensure the exit door was "unobstructed," OSHA said in its citation this month. The agency is continuing to investigate.

"We cooperated fully with all investigations into her death and have received the OSHA report," Bloom said in a statement. "As the OSHA process is ongoing, we will respond to OSHA appropriately."

As the case remains "an active OSHA process, we are unable to provide further information at this time," hotel spokeswoman Sally McDonald said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

In the two days after she was found dead, more than 30 tests of the exit device on the inside of the door were conducted, and the door opened properly each time, McDonald said in a statement March 24.

However, a follow-up inspection in April "proved the button to malfunction," the autopsy report states. On that day, an OSHA inspector and a hotel employee allowed the door to close as part of the test, and they became trapped. They had to pound on the door to let people outside know they couldn't get out, authorities said.

Atlanta police investigated the death, but found there was no criminal activity involved in the case, Atlanta police spokesman Kim Jones said Wednesday.

Workers have died in walk-in freezers in the U.S.  some were trapped inside and others overcome by carbon dioxide vapor  but such deaths are relatively rare, according to OSHA records.

In June 2012, a restaurant owner in Nashville, Tennessee, died of accidental suffocation by carbon dioxide inhalation after becoming trapped in a cooler, a medical examiner found. Jay Luther went into the cooler and the door shut, trapping him inside. The interior door release was broken, authorities said.

In August 2002, a 55-year-old woman froze to death after she became trapped inside a walk-in freezer at a ranch east of Meeker Colorado, Rio Blanco County Sheriff Phil Stubblefield told the AP at the time. It appeared a safety lock on the door of the freezer had failed and trapped her inside, the sheriff said.
For a long time, banks were largely free to decide how to treat their customers, as federal banking regulators prior to the financial crisis prioritized the safety and soundness of the industry over consumer harm. This changed in 2011, with the founding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB.

As The Motley Fool's Gaby Lapera and contributor John Maxfield discuss in the latest episode of Industry Focus: Financials, the CFPB's focus on consumers' interests as opposed to the industry's means that banks can no longer get away with the same shenanigans that they once did. Listen in below to learn why Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) was the latest big bank to learn this lesson.

A full transcript follows the video.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

This podcast was recorded on Sept. 12, 2016.

Gaby Lapera: Wells Fargo now knows that it's more likely to be examined by a regulator. It's under a regulatory microscope that perhaps it wouldn't have been under before. It's actually a really interesting side story to this. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau -- which was the agency that brought a lot of these fines -- they are responsible for $100 million of the $185 million fine. They're a really interesting little agency. There was some doubt earlier in the year whether or not they were constitutional and they were even going to survive. Banks had been bringing suits against them.

It's going to be interesting to see what happens with them post this Wells Fargo case because clearly they caught a bank doing something bad against consumers, which is the whole point of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We were talking earlier that all the other regulating agencies for banks, they are there to make sure banks survive and that our financial system doesn't collapse, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to be on the outlook for consumers which is the whole purpose of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Maybe this will add to their case to let them stay even if it's like they are reorganized or something.

John Maxfield: Yeah. You bring up probably the most important point for the bank industry, overall, that you can deduce from this case. Talking about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, it is pretty common that a new regulatory body comes out of a crisis in the banking industry. If you go back to the Civil War, that's when the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency came along. That's what's in charge of the national banks. After the panic of 1907, that's what led to the Federal Reserve. Then you had the Great Depression which led to the FDIC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Those are the three primary, what we call the prudential regulators of the bank industry. What they do, their primary mission is to make sure that banks are operating in a safe and sound manner. Right? We see what happens when they don't in 2008.

What that means is that these prudential regulators are actually to a certain extent, trying to protect the banks from themselves. They are doing this. They are acting on behalf of the banks, to a certain extent. Now, the banks don't always like what the regulators, the prudential regulators, do but it generally is a pretty good thing for the industry from a safety and soundness perspective.

The Consumer Financial Protection Agency is a totally different animal, because it has no interest in protecting the banks. Its exclusive focus is on protecting the consumer, and because banks got so out of control in terms of how they treated consumers the last few decades, that means that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is almost innately adverse to banks. For the first time in history in the United States, we have a regulator in the banking industry that is actually opposed to the banks as opposed to on their side.

Lapera: Oh, I don't know. This story, the more you dive into it, the more complicated it gets. I think that we are running out of time, but final thoughts, think for yourself whether or not this changes your investing thesis. I think, generally, this is why people don't like banks. As we were kind of talking earlier with our own personal investing thesis, it doesn't really change it and because Wells Fargo is the least bad of many bad options. That's why people hate the banking industry in general. This is kind of a wait and see what happens in terms of further regulation for all banks, not just Wells Fargo. John, do you have anything else you would like to say?

Maxfield: Yeah. Just to reiterate in my opinion and I'm a shareholder of Wells Fargo, this does not change my investing thesis in a material way. However, there could still be implications from all of this that could change one's investment thesis. For example, if chairman and CEO John Stumpf eventually left as a result of it. Now, that's just speculating that that will happen. I don't think that that will happen, but that could. At that stage, I think it would be worth investors' time to sit down and to think whether something like that would, in fact, trigger you to adjust your investment thesis.

Gaby Lapera has no position in any stocks mentioned. John Maxfield owns shares of Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool has the following options: short October 2016 $50 calls on Wells Fargo. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Encana Corp.

Encana (NYSE: ECA) has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three years. It went from a relatively deeply indebted natural gas company to a streamlined and focused oil growth company. The following three charts show the company's impressive progress.

Clear shift toward liquids

In November 2013 Encana announced a new vision and strategy to transform itself into a leading North American resource-play company. That strategy includes focusing its capital investment on the best oil and liquids-rich resource plays to grow margins. As the chart below shows, the company has quickly gone from a natural gas producer to a more balanced producer.

Data source: Encana Corp. Chart by author.

Three drivers fueled this shift: Encana monetizedlow-margin gas assets, acquired liquids-rich growth assets, and focused capital expenditures on drilling in liquids-rich plays. The company got the ball rolling in early 2014 by announcing a string of asset sales, including selling its Jonah Field in Wyoming and East Texas gas properties for $1.8 billion and $530 million, respectively. The company took that cash and immediately reinvested it to acquire assets in the oil-rich Eagle Ford shale from global resources giant Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX). Under the terms of that deal, Encana paid Freeport-McMoRan $3.1 billion in a transaction that not only doubled its oil output at the time but provided it with a platform for significant future growth. The company would go on to complete several more noncore asset sales throughout the year, putting it in the position to acquire Athlon Energy for $7.1 billion -- an investment that provided it with a premier oil position in the Permian Basin.

A new core comes into focus

As a result of those two transformational acquisitions, Encana has been able to refocus its efforts around a new core. The company started 2014 with five core plays, but it has shifted its attention away from three of the weaker areas and into the two newly acquired positions:

Data source: Encana Corp. Chart by author. In millions of dollars.

Consequently, the company has a focused core, centered on its prime positions in the oil-rich Permian Basin and Eagle Ford shale.

Substantial debt reduction

Despite spending more than $10 billion on acquisitions over the past couple of years, Encana has actually reduced its total debt.

ECA Financial Debt (Quarterly) data by YCharts.

Three factors are driving this decline. First, Encana has continued to sell noncore assets. Second, it issued more than $1 billion of equity in early 2015 to pay down debt. Finally, it took advantage of market conditions earlier this year and completed a tender offer to repurchase debt at a discount. In that transaction, it repurchased $489 million of senior notes for just $400 million. Overall, debt is down roughly $2 billion since the end of 2014. In addition, the company recently announced another equity offering and closed additional asset sales, which combined should bring in an additional $2 billion in cash to further improve its balance sheet.

Investor takeaway

Encana undertook bold actions to transform itself into a streamlined company with oil-rich growth opportunities. Those efforts are clearly paying off as the company's production shifts toward liquids as a result of a major reshuffling of its portfolio. What's just as impressive is that Encana has been able to accomplish this amid one of the worst downturns in decades, all while improving its balance sheet. It is a transformation that sets the company up for a bright future as industry conditions begin to normalize.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Short interest in the largest investment-grade corporate bond exchange traded fund has reached record levels, reflecting increased bearish short-term bets on the credit market.

The bearish signal in the corporate debt category is a measure of investor sales of shares that they do not hold in the believe that bond prices will fall and they can repurchase the shares at a later date for a lower price.

Some fund managers argue that the increase in short interest reflects investors desire to seek a hedge in their corporate debt exposure, the Financial Times reports.

Short interest rose almost 50% to 11.4 million shares in the two weeks ended September 15 for the iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEArca: LQD). Short interest in the iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEArca: HYG ) also remained near record high.

Matt Tucker, head of fixed income strategy for iShares in the Americas, said that it was unclear if the rise in short interest was to create an outright short in the market or to hedge an existing position.

SEE MORE: Junk Bond ETFs Shake-Off Year of Uncertainty

The rising bearish sentiment may come from expectations that the market could pullback after rallying this year. Investment-grade bonds have returned about 9.5% and U.S. junk-rated corporate debt advanced 14.5% so far this year.

The levels are unjustifiable, Jack Flaherty, a portfolio manager with asset manager GAM, said of the prices of some high-yield debt. Were not playing in nine out of 10 deals.

SEE MORE: Look to Corporate Bond ETFs in Lower for Longer Rate Environment

Corporate debt funds have experienced billions in net inflows since the U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged. Some observers argued that the inflows reflected the renewed interest in corporate debt after the prospect of a delayed tighter monetary policy. Meanwhile, loose monetary policies abroad, including a bond-purchasing program out of the European Central Bank and Japan, have pushed foreign investors to the relatively more attractive U.S. securities, which provide much better yields in an environment where almost $13 trillion in global Treasuries trades with a negative yield.

High yield continues to shrug off negative news even as many participants believe the market is overbought, John Dixon, a junk bond trader at Clearview Trading, told the FT.

For more information on credit market, visit our corporate bonds category.

This article was provided by our partners at ETFTrends.
Image source: Getty Images.

What happened

After an impressive 20% surge yesterday, shares of Seadrill (NYSE: SDRL) have risen another 13% as of 10:45 a.m. EDT today. The big gains this week are all pretty much premised on the announcement from OPEC yesterday that it plans to cut its production levels.

So what

The details of the OPEC agreement aren't completely fleshed out -- that's for the November meeting in Vienna (which just happens to be the same time and place in 2014 when OPEC decided to not curb production). The rough outline of the deal in place is to reduce the total output of all OPEC nations from its most recent production of 33.24 million barrels per day to about 32.5 million barrels per day. The hope is that by the Vienna meeting in November, OPEC will have brought some other non-OPEC producers on board such as Russia and Mexico to curtail overall production.

This is important for Seadrill and other long-suffering offshore rig companies because producers need higher prices to justify spending on more offshore production projects that would require the services of Seadrill's rigs. The company has been operating on borrowed time as its existing contracts have been slowly winding down without any new work to speak of. The hope is that this production cut will be the catalyst the industry needs to finally start spending money again on new projects.

You might have thought that energy stocks like Seadrill would have had a bit of a hangover after yesterday's stock price party, but apparently it went through the night and into today. That, more than anything else, is probably related to how pessimistic Wall Street was about this stock recently. Even after the rally over the past couple days, shares of Seadrill are still trading at just 0.12 times tangible book value.

Now what

The news that OPEC intends to cut production is indeed promising for Seadrill's future as it might signal a long-anticipated turnaround for the industry in general. Before investors get too excited, though, keep in mind that there are a lot of moving parts that need to take place before this positively impacts Seadrill's bottom line. First, supply and demand dynamics need to improve enough to increase cash flows for producers. Then, those producers need to repair the damage low oil prices inflicted on their balance sheets. Last, they need to start evaluating new projects again, and Seadrill needs to openly compete with other rig owners for these contracts.

It could take a little while to work through all these, but at least we now have some hope that the market is headed in the right direction for Seadrill.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

Tyler Crowe owns shares of Seadrill.You can follow himat Fool.comor on Twitter@TylerCroweFool.

The Motley Fool recommends Seadrill. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
John Stumpf, the CEO of embattled banking giant Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) headed to Capitol Hill again on Thursday, this time to testify before the House Financial Services Committee about a customer accounts scandal that has rocked the bank in recent weeks.

Under oath, Stumpf said he was deeply sorry for violating the trust of his banks customers and accepted full responsibility for all unethical sales practices in the Wells Fargo retail banking unit.

I am fully committed to doing everything possible to fix this issue, strengthen our culture, and take the necessary actions to restore our customers trust. Let me assure you and our customers that Wells Fargo takes allegations of sales practice violations extremely seriously and that we will not rest until the problem is fixed, he said.

In the wake of the scandal many in Washington and across the United States have called for Stumpfs resignation in the wake of the scandal, calling him and the bank he leads untrustworthy. Dick Bove, equity research analyst at Rafferty Capital Management, said indeed the bank has set off a witch hunt for the banking industry as a whole as memories of the 2008 financial crisis flash though Americans minds.

The Hensarling bill that would have eased regulation on banking is pretty much dead, you cant get it through. Getting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in control of Congress and out of the Fed is probably not going to happen now. The likelihood of more capital requirements coming out of the Fedgoing to put the squeeze on big banks again with more capital.all this happened because Wells Fargo tipped it in the wrong direction, Bove said on the FOX Business Networks Mornings with Maria.

He went on to warn, though, not to expect many new details to come to light during Stumpfs appearance on the Hill.

He cant say anything because anything he says that is meaningful will result in lawsuits, Bove explained. These guys have to stonewall because of legal issues. I think that could be enough to move Mr. Stumpf out of his position.

Bove said he expects to see more investigation into Wells Fargos internal functions, though he doesnt expect to see much progress for the next two to three years. Still, he said the damage is likely limited to the scandal at Wells Fargo, and not within the entire banking community.

I would find it hard to believe a company like J.P.Morgan, Bank of America, or even Citi is putting on this type of stress to their client base. I would be shocked if they find out that is going on, Bove said.
Maurice "Hank" Greenberg, the 91-year-old former chairman of former American International Group Inc , said at his fraud trial that he never would have considered doing a transaction that failed to pass muster with the insurers lawyers and accountants.

Greenberg defended himself during his second day of testimony over two allegedly sham transactions. The trial finally got under way this month after more than 11 years of pursuit by three New York attorneys general.

He is accused of engineering a $500 million transaction to inflate AIG's reserves, and a $200 million transaction to hide underwriting losses from the auto-warranty program by converting them into investment losses.

The day's questioning focused on the poorly performing auto-warranty program. The state claims AIG structured and invested in an offshore vehicle known as Capco to offload the losses.

"The concept of converting underwriting losses to investment losses was intriguing," Greenberg said in the Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday.

But he said he would only consider using the vehicle after the lawyers and accountants signed off on it. "It had to pass muster."

At the same time, under questioning by Assistant New York Attorney General David Nachman, Greenberg said he did not know if anyone asked for an opinion from an accounting or law firm about the propriety of the transaction.

Nachman also offered evidence that Greenberg sent Joseph Umansky, head of AIG's special reinsurance operations, to the head of AIG's private bank in Switzerland to find outside investors for the offshore entity. The attorney general views the investors as straw men.

Greenberg led AIG for four decades before he was forced out in 2005. The following year, the insurer paid $1.64 billion to settle federal and state probes into its business practices.

He still works in the insurance business as head of C.V. Starr, a privately held company.

If Greenberg is found liable, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is seeking to bar him and his co-defendant, former AIG chief financial officer Howard Smith, from the securities industry and from serving as officers or directors of public companies.

Schneiderman also is seeking to recoup more than $50 million from bonuses paid to the executives. The attorney general was forced to drop damages claims after a 2013 shareholder settlement.

Greenberg's testimony continues on Thursday. The trial, which is not taking place every day, may run into early 2017.

The case is People v Greenberg et al, New York State Supreme Court, New York County No. 401720-2005.

(Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Editing by David Gregorio)
In an interview with "60 Minutes," Nate Parker was unapologetic for a 17-year-old rape case that has surrounded his film, "The Birth of a Nation."

In excerpts from the interview to air Sunday shared exclusively with The Associated Press on Thursday, Parker said he was "falsely accused" and declined to make any apology. The woman who made the accusation killed herself in 2012.

Her sister, Sharon Loeffler, published a column in the trade paper Variety on Thursday, blasting Parker and "Nation" collaborator Jean Celestin for their role in her sister's life and for including a fictional rape scene in their film.

Loeffler said she was very close to her sister and feels "a duty to speak on her behalf." ''Nate Parker caused her so much pain, and that pain and anger are still raw for me," she writes.

Parker maintains in the "60 Minutes" interview that the accusations were unwarranted.

"I was falsely accused ... I went to court ... I was vindicated," he says. "I feel terrible that this woman isn't here ... Her family had to deal with that, but as I sit here, an apology is  no."

In the interview, Anderson Cooper presses Parker on whether he did something morally wrong.

"As a Christian man ... just being in that situation, yeah, sure," says Parker. "I am 36 years old right now ... my faith is very important to me ... so looking back through that lens ... it's not the lens I had when I was 19 years old."

Parker, who stars in, directed, co-wrote and co-produced "The Birth of a Nation," instead argued that his film, about Nat Turner's slave rebellion, deserves more attention than himself and the rape accusation, made when he was a student at Penn State. Parker was acquitted in the case.

"I think that Nat Turner, as a hero, what he did in history, is bigger than me," said Parker. "I think it's bigger than all of us."

"The Birth of a Nation" first debuted in January at the Sundance Film Festival where it was hailed as an antidote to the then-raging "OscarsSoWhite" backlash. Parker's film immediately sparked widespread Oscar expectations and a bidding war among distributors. Fox Searchlight, an Academy Awards regular, landed it for a festival record $17.5 million, with the assurance of a nation-wide release. It's to open in theaters next Friday.

But the newfound attention on Parker put a spotlight on a rape case from when he was a sophomore and wrestler at Penn State University. Parker was acquitted, though his college roommate, Celestin (who has a story credit on "The Birth of a Nation") was initially found guilty of sexual assault. That conviction was later overturned when the accuser declined to testify for a retrial.

Parker and Celestin allegedly harassed the accuser on campus. The incident spawned a successful civil lawsuit by the woman against the college. But the accuser, after several previous attempts, committed suicide in 2012. Her brother, identified only as Johnny, told The Hollywood Reporter that the rape case "was obviously that point" at which she changed.

Her sister said Thursday that she's particularly pained by the inclusion of a fictional rape scene in "The Birth of a Nation."

"Given what happened to my sister, and how no one was held accountable for it, I find this invention self-serving and sinister, and I take it as a cruel insult to my sister's memory," she wrote in the column in Variety. "I think it's important for people to know Nat Turner's story. But people should know that Turner did not need rape to justify what he did."

In recent weeks, Parker has sought to deflect attention away from himself. At a closely watched press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier in September, Parker deflected questions about the case.

"I would encourage everyone to remember, personal life aside, I'm just one person," said Parker.
In the shadow of one of China's top cancer hospitals in Beijing, a catacomb-like network of ramshackle brick buildings has become a home-from-home for hundreds of cancer patients and their families waiting for treatment.

The cluster of nine buildings, connected by dark, narrow passageways, offers cheap accommodation for patients unable to afford a coveted hospital room, a reflection of the vast inequalities in China's overburdened health care system.

These "cancer hotels" have sprung up near hospitals around the country to house some of the more than three million people diagnosed with cancer in China every year.

Patients often travel hundreds of miles to city hospitals because of poor facilities in their home regions, creating a wave of cancer "refugees" often living on a shoe-string as they struggle to pay for care.

"There's an imbalance between the big cities and small ones. Good doctors don't want to work in small places," said Liu, 46, a migrant worker who brought his wife more than 750 km (450 miles) to see a specialist in the capital in May.

His wife, Wang, 42, was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the beginning of the year, and was told by family she should leave her hometown in Inner Mongolia for treatment.

"If you have some serious illness then you'd better go to Beijing," said Liu. Both husband and wife asked that Reuters use only their surnames to protect their privacy.

A manager of one of the hotels said most patients stayed for between several months and a year while they waited for treatment.

FINANCIAL BURDEN

The costs all add up. A cheap train ticket for Wang and Liu's 16-hour journey was 321 yuan ($48), while a room at the hotel sets them back about 70 yuan a night, half the price of a hospital bed.

Their simple room, with a translucent blue shawl hanging across the door, had a television and fan. They can also cook at the hotel.

The financial burden for Chinese patients with serious conditions like cancer or diabetes can be overwhelming. Official data shows that up to 44 percent of families pushed into poverty were impoverished by illness.

Stories abound of patients or their relatives going to extremes to pay for care: turning to unapproved treatments, sleeping rough or even donning fancy dress in public to raise funds.

State health insurance does reach nearly all of China's 1.4 billion people, but coverage is basic, meaning patients, on average, foot almost half the bill. That can rise much higher for chronic or complex diseases like cancer.

"The hardest part for us is the money," said Pan, 60, who came to the Beijing cancer hotel with his wife, Huang, after she was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2013. "We are farmers, we have already spent over 270,000 yuan ($40,500) since 2013."

Many people turn to friends, relatives or shadowy lenders to pay for travel and treatment. Many end up in queues outside hospitals paying ticket touts or doctors to speed things up.

"Only half our costs can be covered by the medical insurance," said Pan.

"We're not city folk who can lend out thousands of yuan at a time. Families in our area are poor. We have to borrow money for treatment."
Health officials are urging Americans not to delay getting their flu shot after vaccination rates fell by 1.5 percentage points from 2014 to 2015. In a media briefing Thursday morning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Dr. Tom Frieden stressed that not getting vaccinated can be deadly.

Getting a flu vaccine is important for all of us, for our own protection and for the protection of those around us who may be more vulnerable to flu, such as young children, people with certain chronic health conditions and the elderly, Frieden said during the press conference, which was held with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu shot. Each year, 50 to 100 children die from the flu.

While 79 percent of health care personnel were vaccinated against the flu last year a 1.7 percentage point increase from 2014 fewer adults overall got the flu shot in 2015 than in 2014. In 2015, 45.6 percent of adults got vaccinated, a 1.5 percentage point decrease from the previous year. Older people ages 50 to 64 saw the biggest drop in flu shot rates: a 3.3 percentage point decrease to 63.4 percent in 2015, according to the NFID.

Adults age 65 years and older are disproportionally affected by flu, Dr. William Schaffner, medical director of NFID and professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said in the release. During the severe 2014-2015 season, more than three-quarters of the nearly one million people hospitalized due to influenza were age 65 years and older. Vaccination not only reduces the chance that older adults will get the flu, it can help keep them out of the hospital by reducing the severity of the infection and related complications if they do get the flu.

That recommendation contrasts news reports circulating earlier this month that suggested elderly people may want to wait to get the flu shot because its unclear how long vaccination protection lasts.

While officials are advising parents against using the nasal flu vaccine spray because its thought to be weaker than the flu shot, two new flu vaccine options are available this year, according to the NFID. One is a four-component flu shot made with virus grown in cell culture, which is different from the traditional egg-based vaccine. That vaccine is licensed for use among people 4 and older. The other is an adjuvant, an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response, and is licensed for adults 65 and older. The immune system declines with age, and this vaccine may increase protection against the flu, Dr. Wilbur H. Chen, associate professor and chief of the Adult Clinical Studies section at the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said in the release.

As well as getting vaccinated, to prevent the flu, the CDC recommends avoiding close contact with visibly ill people, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing, washing hands, and taking antiviral drugs as prescribed.
Europe's food safety watchdog will release data from some of the scientific studies it reviewed in its assessment of glyphosate, an ingredient in Monsanto's widely used herbicide Roundup and subject of a fierce row over possible cancer risk.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said on Thursday it had decided to release the raw data as part of its "commitment to open risk assessment".

EFSA had received several requests for data in relation to its glyphosate assessment, including from members of the European parliament.

"Transparency and openness are essential values for EFSA because they strengthen confidence in science," EFSA said in a statement. "The information will be shared with a group of MEPs following a public access to document request".

It was not immediately clear when the information will be released.

Glyphosate, which is used in Roundup as well as other companies' weed-killers, is at the heart of a dispute in Europe and United States about whether its wide-spread use as a weed-killer on crops could heighten cancer risks.

Monsanto has long defended the safety of its herbicide, saying the renewal of glyphosate's license in Europe was vital to European farmers.

The European Union in July granted a temporary extension of its approval for the weed-killer, pending further scientific study after a proposal for full license renewal met with opposition from member states and campaign groups.

The issue blew up in March 2015 after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), based in Lyon and part of the World Health Organization (WHO), said that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic".

This finding was at odds with previous risk assessment in Germany and the United States, and was followed seven months later by EFSA's own assessment of glyphosate as "unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans".

Some campaign groups involved in the row have suggested EFSA was unduly influenced by studies backed by Monsanto, which analysts say could stand to lose out on up to $100 million of sales of its weed killer if it were banned in Europe.

According to data published by IARC, glyphosate is registered in "over 130 countries as of 2010" and is one of the most heavily used weed killers in the world.

EFSA's executive director Bernhard Url said his agency's decision to share data that underpin its work "is a key ingredient in making science reproducible and therefore trusted."
EMTs and hospital staff in the New York-Metro area kicked into high gear on Thursday morning after a commuter train crash at a New Jersey station killed at least one and injured more than 100, many critically. Witnesses said a woman was pinned under concrete and other people were bleeding some with severe head injuries.



While officials are investigating what may have caused the train to crash through the station in Hoboken, slamming through barriers in the terminals reception area, sources told WNBC the crash appears to be accidental, not intentional.



A type of accident like this is basically an impact situation similar to what you would see in a severe car crash where a car hits a tree, said Dr. Manny Alvarez, chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.



Alvarez, senior managing editor for health at FoxNews.com, said passengers in the first few cars toward the front of the train would be at a greater risk of injuries to the head, including intracranial bleeding, as well as impact to the chest, including lung injuries. Those passengers would also be at a greater risk of tears to their major blood vessels. Victims of impact accidents such as this may also run the risk of damage to the spleen, which in turn could lead to internal bleeding and possibly cardiovascular shock. If not treated immediately, this event can lead to significant injuries, he added.



Thursday morning, more than 20 ambulances sped to the terminal to transport injured passengers to hospitals. New Jersey Transit spokeswoman Jennifer Nelson told Fox 5 the train carried about 250 passengers.



Three hospitals surround the Hoboken train station: Hoboken University Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center and Palisade Medical Center. The designated trauma center for Hoboken is Hackensack University Medical Center, Alvarez said.



A spokesperson from Hoboken University Medical Center said its hospital staff had seen some back and neck injuries among the 16 passengers transported to its facility so far.



There is a count at the scene to determine who goes where, the Hoboken University Medical Center spokesperson told reporters. Right now, the additional patients that were seeing right now are actually walking wounded because we are only about six or seven blocks from the crash site, and so some people are self-referring here.



The source said victims appear to be mostly adults, but there may be one pediatric patient.



We are not expecting more patients from other hospitals, the source said. We may be receiving more patients from the scene based upon who needs to be at the hospital soonest, and because we are the closest hospital, if somebody needs to be stabilized and moved somewhere else, then that can happen.



Dr. Kenneth Garay, chief medical officer of Jersey City Medical Center, told media Thursday that the hospital had treated 40 walk-in patients who suffered wounds in the crash and that nine to 11 patients were in the emergency room.

"There are three serious patients with orthopedic injuries, internal injuries and deep lacerations; they are being treated by our trauma surgeons as we speak," Garay told the media. They are under constant care and supervision by our trauma surgeons and our critical care nurses.



Garay said all patients at his hospital are stable and that none of their injuries are life-threatening.



In instances like these, medics attend to three levels of triage based on patients needs, Alvarez said. At the first level, EMTs are tending to injuries on site, hospital staff are tending to patients who may be stable but need more care, and trauma centers tend to patients who have significant injuries. Sometimes, patients may be transported from level I care to a trauma center after initial assessment.



Since 9/11, more hospitals in the New York region have been constantly practicing for unexpected traumatic events, Alvarez said. We live in a world today where we get exposed not only to accidents but also some of these instabilities that we continue to see in our country.


In the annals of American criminals, John Hinckley Jr. ranks as one of the most heinous.

Technically, he committed no crimes. But that makes him no less violent and despicable than, say, O. J. Simpson.

It was bad enough that Hinckley escaped punishment for his actions when he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in his attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Now, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman of Washington has compounded the injustice by ordering Hinckley released from a government psychiatric hospital.

Youre a free man, Mr. Hinckley. Have a nice day.

Lets not forget what he did.

On March 30, 1981, Hinckley was lying-in-wait outside the Washington Hilton Hotel armed with a fully loaded .22 caliber Rohm RG-14 revolver with exploding Devastator bullets. As President Reagan emerged, Hinckley fired six shots in rapid succession. Police officer Thomas Delahanty and Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy were shot in the back and chest, respectively. Press Secretary James Brady was shot in the head, critically wounded. He suffered severe brain damage.

Hinckleys final bullet ricocheted off the Presidents waiting limousine, penetrating his chest and lodging a mere fraction of an inch from his heart. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, perilously close to death. After two hours of surgery, the bullet was removed and the Presidents life was saved.

It was pure luck that that Hinckleys bullet stopped just shy of tearing into President Reagans heart. The course of history might well have changed dramatically had Hinckley succeeded.

The case against Hinckley was clear and strong. But Hinckley, like O. J. Simpson, was armed with money. Specifically, his parents oil wealth. They hired a top criminal defense team that argued insanity. Which, considering the evidence, should have been a joke.

But back in 1982, the legal framework of the insanity defense favored the accused. Once invoked, the burden shifted to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hinckley wasnot insane. It was completely backwards and inimical to common sense. Nevertheless, it should have made no difference because the evidence of sanity was obvious and overwhelming.

Of course, the defense retained experts who opined that Hinckley suffered from schizophrenia and other mental disorders that were so severe he did not understand right from wrong. That is the legal standard and the pointy-headed shrinks bought into it hook, line and sinker. In my experience as a defense lawyer, you can buy an expert to say just about anything. So, no surprise there.

And, yes prosecutors hired their own experts who said just the opposite. But the evidence of Hinckleys sanity transcended the experts. He left an extensive paper trail proving his elaborate planning and premeditation to commit murder. He penned letters and notes outlining his intended design to kill the President. He admitted its wrongfulness. His actions were both clear-headed and deliberate. Hinckleys planning was careful and cautious. Cold and calculating. The very definition of sanity.

Did Hinckley suffer from a mental illness and/or personality disorder? Maybe. Was it severe and debilitating? Not for a minute. Did he understand right from wrong? Unmistakably.

But juries are easily misled, manipulated and fooled by skilled defense attorneys. They are sometimes naive and gullible. Just ask O. J. Simpson. Or Michael Jackson, were he alive. They know that justice can be subverted. The scales are not balanced.

And that is precisely what happened on June 21, 1982 when the jury returned its verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity on all 13 criminal charges. Hinckley dodged prison and took up residency at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Setting Hinckley free is dictated by federal statute, 18 U.S. Code, Section 4243 (d):

A person found not guilty by reason of insanity has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that his release would not create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person due to a present mental disease or defect.

So, the fundamental question is whether Hinckley poses a substantial risk of harm. It requires a subjective judgment by Judge Paul L. Friedman, who was appointed to the bench by President Bill Clinton. Importantly, the law allows the judge enormous latitude and discretion.

He can listen to the experts. But really how reliable are they? After all, at trial several declared Hinckley unquestionably insane, while others said he was certainly not. Get the picture? They dont know. At best, they are merely guessing. Or hoping.

More revealing, perhaps, is how Hinckley has behaved during his time at St. Elizabeths. Lets review. He exchanged letters with serial killer Ted Bundy. He sought the address of mass murderer, Charles Manson. He continued his obsession over actress Jodi Foster, smuggling her photos and other materials into his room. In 2009, prosecutors objected to supervised visits to his mothers home because, they argued, Hinckley still posed a danger to others and had unhealthy and inappropriate thoughts about women.

As recently as 4 years ago, the Department of Justice opposed Hinckleys release, repeating its belief that he presented a serious threat to the public. DOJ argued that Hinckley was known to deceive his doctors. What a surprise. Hinckley eventually caught on and wised up. He began to behave. Or at least he pretended to. But is it the same phony act that allowed him to fool a jury?

In attempting to divine whether Hinckley will try to kill or harm again, we should consider relevant statistics. They are instructive.

On the low end, a study by the Pew Center on The States found that 43 percent of convicted felons find themselves back behind bars within 3 years after their release. The number jumps by 20 percent for those with mental illness. On the high end, a report by the federal governments Bureau of Justice Statistics found that 77 percent of released prisoners were arrested again within 5 years. The B-J-S report seems more comprehensive and reliable.

So, from a statistical point of view, it is probable or likely that Hinckley will harm someone again. Not good. And when you consider that an estimated 1,600 people are murdered each year by individuals with mental illness, it is truly frightening.

And yet, Judge Friedman assures us that Hinckleys doctors are persuaded that his psychotic symptoms, delusional thinking or violent tendencies are in remission. We are supposed to be comforted by that? Look up remission in any medical treatise and youll learn it can be a temporary decrease in the manifestation of a disease.

For all we know, Hinckleys remission could be fleeting. What if he stops taking his prescribed medication? He could turn violent and deadly in an instant. How would the judge or law enforcement know? Answer: they would not. There are numerous cases of people like Hinckley who have repeated their crimes after abandoning their meds.

Judge Friedman, in his 103 page opinion, seems to accept as faith the doctors conclusion that their patient presents no danger to himself or to others in the reasonable future. As opposed to what? The unreasonable future? What does that even mean? Now? Tomorrow? Next week or next month? It is the kind of vacuous language psychiatrists are addicted to using. And it is utterly meaningless when lives are in jeopardy.

There are some actions which are so evil, the perpetrator should never be set free. Under any circumstances. This case is one of them.

Judge Friedman had the discretion and power to keep John Hinckley Jr. locked up. His decision to set him free seems more than reckless.

It is a dangerous gamble with human life.
Editors note: The following column originally appeared in The Daily Signal.

We have, unfortunately, come to expect our elected representatives to shirk hard decisions. So it came as little surprise when the Senate released the text of a continuing resolution late last week to fund the U.S. government that did not include key objectives sought by conservatives, such as stopping taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.

Although there are many problems with this budget deal, only one is irreversible and permanent: allowing the Obama administration to cede oversight of the internet to foreign bodies. Its troubling that the Senate has failed to include language prohibiting this transfer of power.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the nonprofit organization responsible for maintaining databases for internet domain names, essentially the phone book for the internet.

The Obama administration announced the goal of ending the U.S. contractual oversight of ICANN in 2014, and asked ICANN to submit a plan to fill the gap of U.S. withdrawal and to implement stronger accountability measures to make sure ICANN does not abuse its authority.

Once the U.S. lets the contract with ICANN end, there is no going back. The future of the internet is too important to risk on a half-baked proposal.

After two years of negotiations and effort, the Obama administration says that it is satisfied with the proposal even though it is incomplete.

Many of the reforms deemed necessary by the ICANN community to make ICANN accountable absent U.S. oversight will not be complete before next summer. Likewise, important legal questions that could threaten ICANN, the transition, or the stability of the internet remain unanswered. Finally, the new governance model is untestedwe actually do not know if it will have the capability of governing ICANN and preventing it from abusing its authority.

Analysts at The Heritage Foundation warn that governments will gain new influence over the internet, that its freedom will suffer, and that ICANN leadership (both CEO Goran Marby and staff) will continue its troubling pattern of ignoring bylaws without the community holding leadership accountable.

This is important. Our economy and security are increasingly dependent on the internet. We should not be taking a blind leap into the unknown. But that is exactly what the Obama administration is proposing.

Lead Obama administration official Lawrence Strickling, administrator of National Telecommunications and Information Administration, has repeatedly said theres not a hard deadline and that its better to get this right than get it done by a specific date.

But if the administration really believed that, why would it sign off on this incomplete proposal when it could extend the contract for a year and allow all of the reforms to be adopted and actually test the new ICANN governance systems to make sure that they work like they are supposed to work?

It is quite simply reckless, but it will happen unless Congress intervenes. Absent specific instruction otherwise from Congress, the contractual relationship between the U.S. government and ICANN will cease this SaturdayOct. 1, 2016.

Once the U.S. lets the contract with ICANN end, there is no going back. The future of the internet is too important to risk on a half-baked proposal.

A free and secure internet is not just the concern of Americans, but of people across the world, especially those living under despotic regimes. Congress must think long and hard about allowing President Barack Obama to give away the internetbecause right now, thats what hes on track to do. Congress has the power to stop this. Will it?
While Israelis and much of the world mourned the death of Shimon Peres, Arab governments and commentators remained largely silent or attacked the former Israeli president and prime minister who called himself their partner in peace.

By Wednesday night, not a single Arab leader had announced his intention to join President Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Pope Francis, the U.K.s Prince Charles and French President Francois Hollande at Peres state funeral in Israel on Friday.

Some prominent Arabs and the state-controlled or influenced Arab press went so far as to welcome the death, at age 93, of the man who won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize for forging peace with the Palestinians. It was Peres who broke an Israeli taboo against talks with the Palestine Liberation Organization and negotiated the Oslo Accord, the plan for Palestinian self-rule in Israeli-occupied Gaza and the West Bank.

Peres, the butcher of Qana, read the headline of the Arabic website of Al-Jazeera, which broadcasts from the wealthy Persian Gulf state of Qatar. That was a reference to Israels 1996 bombing of a U.N. compound in the southern Lebanese village of Qana, where over 100 civilians who had sought refuge were killed. Peres, who was prime minister at the time, said he had not known there were civilians in the compound.

It was Peres who broke an Israeli taboo against talks with the Palestine Liberation Organization and negotiated the Oslo Accord, the plan for Palestinian self-rule in Israeli-occupied Gaza and the West Bank.

Peres was criticized not only by Palestinian officials who were infuriated by continued Israeli expansion of Jewish settlements on the West Bank, land that both sides claim, but also by prominent voices in other Arab states, including those that have made peace with Israel. Ten hours after the announcement of his death, there was still no official reaction from Egypt or Jordan, both of which have signed peace accords with the Jewish state.

In Egypt, the first Arab state to make peace, AlYoum7, or Seventh Day, a prominent paper with ties to the security services, called Peres "the butcher," and declared, the killer has died. Al Masry al-Youm, a popular Egyptian daily, called Peres the architect of the tripartite aggression on Egypt, a reference to the 1956 Suez Canal crisis, the failed invasion of Egypt by Britain, France and Israel. The Egyptian website Al-Youm as-Sabi denounced Peres as the engineer of genocide against Arabs.

Israel has worked closely, but secretly, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis government to destroy tunnels linking Gaza and Egypt and to combat terrorists aided by Hamas, the militant Islamists who rule Gaza. While Israeli officials say relations between the governments have never been closer, Egyptian governments since Islamic militants assassinated President Anwar el-Sadat in 1982 have relentlessly attacked Israel in popular culture and the media for its suppression of Palestinians and occupation of Arab land. As a result, Egyptians remain deeply hostile to Israelis, who, in turn, have largely boycotted travel there.

While Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed sorrow and sadness at news of Peres death, officials in Gaza and other Hamas strongholds denounced him as a war criminal. The Palestinian people are very happy at the passing of this criminal who caused their blood to shed, said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri. Mustafa Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian politician and activist, accused Peres of using his search for peace to prevent a more just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from emerging. Peres, he added, had created  nuclear power in Israel.

In Iran, whose radical Shiite government is relentlessly hostile to Israel, candy was distributed on the campus of at least one university to celebrate the occasion.

Shimon Peres was a formidable Arab foe when Israelis were building their state. As defense minister, he helped create Israels defense industry; he negotiated major arms deals with Germany and France; and he was a key figure in the development of Israels undeclared nuclear arsenal. After the 67 war, he supported the establishment of Israeli settlements on disputed land.

But once he concluded that the Jewish state was secure, Peres became a relentless, irrepressible champion of peace with Palestinians and Israels other Arab neighbors. His secret talks in Oslo in the early 1990s resulted in the first peace accord with Yasir Arafat, then chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Israels major foe. Peres also helped convince a skeptical Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin that the Oslo Accords concessions to Palestinians over land and self-rule were in Israels strategic interest.

This is the start of the real peace we have sought for so long, Peres told me after a ceremony on the White House lawn in September 1993 to mark the Oslo Accords signing. Even after Israelis soured on the prospects for peace in the wake of violent uprisings in the West Bank and Gaza  the intifadas  and growing chaos and Islamic militancy throughout the region in the wake of the Arab Spring upheavals, Peres clung to hope for peace.

At a meeting in Kiev two years ago, Peres told me that he was still confident about Israels future and an eventual peace with the Arabs. One day they will see that war and hostility towards Israel have gotten them nothing, he said. Arabs want what we all want for our children. We must continue to dream  to focus on the future.
The next U.S. president is likely to be met with multiple international crises after assuming office, and Iran may be one of the most challenging of them.

Despite the heated partisan rhetoric, the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 (United States, UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany) has been beneficial for the United States as Iran has shipped out most of its uranium stockpile, reduced the number of its centrifuges, and accepted intrusive international inspections, making it much more difficult for Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. But the JCPOA has not eliminated the fundamental differences between America and the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian regime continues to support terrorism, back the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and violate the rights of its people at home.

The election of Hassan Rouhani as president in 2013, while making JCPOA possible, has not led to any major changes in Iran.

Rouhanis biggest failing may be his inability to bridge the gap between U.S. and Iranian interests in the Middle East.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guards continue to wield unsurpassed power, often bypassing or outmaneuvering Irans president and challenging U.S. interests in the region.

Iran holds its own presidential election in 2017 and Rouhani will likely face a strong challenge from the conservative establishment. Khamenei has voiced strong criticism of JCPOA in recent months, claiming that it has not led to a strengthening of Irans economy because of U.S. treachery. While the JCPOA may have calmed some tensions in U.S.-Iran relations, a recalcitrant Iran may test the new American president by pushing the limits of the nuclear agreement and challenging U.S. interests in the Middle East more aggressively than before. Instead of seeking greater engagement with Iran, as was once hoped, Washington may have to adopt tougher policies against the Iranian regime.

Some proponents of the JCPOA hoped that it would lead to a thaw between Tehran and Washington, and perhaps even lead to the end of the long enmity between the two countries. In theory, Rouhani, often portrayed as a moderate by the Western media, would have been strengthened by the agreement and able to pursue his agenda of liberalizing Iran both economically and politically.

In reality, Rouhanis presidency has failed to deliver on most of his promises.

The Iranian economy has not improved for the average Iranian; most international banks continue to avoid doing business with Iran despite the easing of nuclear related sanctions.

Low oil prices have also been disastrous for the economy. That may be mostly beyond Rouhanis control, but the president never pushed against the economic or political role of the Revolutionary Guards, leaving Irans most powerful military and security actor to define Irans post-JCPOA agenda both at home and abroad.

The Guards arrest of dual nationals, including Iranian-Americans, has sent a chill through the Iranian diaspora community and even potential foreign investors who once viewed Iran as an attractive market. Iran is simply not a safe bet for most investors.

But Rouhanis biggest failing may be his inability to bridge the gap between U.S. and Iranian interests in the Middle East.

The president and his talented foreign minister may be suitable interlocutors for American and European diplomats, but they are unable or unwilling to pursue policies in order to promote regional stability.

The Guards, under the command of the vaunted General Qassem Soleimani, have recruited tens of thousands of Shia fighters to fight for Tehran in Iraq and Syria, and perhaps beyond.

While Iran may have fought the so called Islamic State alongside American allies in Iraq, it nevertheless helped promote the sectarianism that continues to fan the flames of conflict in the region.

Iranian officials have even bragged that their new foreign legion could be used to liberate other parts of the Middle East.

At the same time, Iranian speed boats in the Persian Gulf have harassed U.S. warships as Khamenei has called for greater resistance to the U.S. presence in the region.

The Iranian regimes repression at home is as bad as ever before. The Guards and the Judiciary continue to imprison activists, academics, journalists, and artists. Except for a few mildly worded public speeches, Rouhani has offered no resistance to the regimes repression despite his first campaigns promise to create a freer and less securitized society.

On the whole, the enthusiasm that resulted from Rouhanis first campaign is unlikely to repeat itself in 2017.

It is rare for Iranian presidents to lose a second term, but Rouhani is likely to face great resistance not only from his conservative political competitors, but also from the millions of Iranians who initially supported his efforts to improve Iran. Khamenei, the Guards, and perhaps even the new Iranian president may test a new American president as she or he confronts multiple global crises.

Challenges from Iran could come in the form of questionable nuclear activities or even more assertive actions in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East.

The partisan rhetoric around the JCPOA has obscured its ability to constrain Irans potential to develop nuclear weapons; the agreement has been largely a success for America up to this point on that front. But the next U.S. president should adopt a broader policy toward Iran that goes beyond enforcing the JCPOA or engaging Iran diplomatically.

The United States already has sizeable military forces and well-armed allies to counter Iran in the Middle East. But the next U.S. president should highlight the behavior of the Iranian regime at home.

It is not enough for the United States to maintain a strong military in the region or sell more arms to its allies; those efforts have to be accompanied by strong criticisms of Irans human rights abuses, especially given the Iranian populations disappointment with the Rouhani administration.

In addition, the United States should increase support for Iranian groups seeking a stronger civil society; some may criticize United States ties to such groups as delegitimizing them, but in the absence of meaningful reform from within the system, the U.S. must take advantage of the Iranian regimes vulnerabilities at home.

A U.S. focus on promoting democracy is often tied to past failures at regime change in the Middle East, but this does not mean that it cannot be a valuable policy.

The hope for U.S.-Iran detente appears to be over. The Iranian regime is not interested in reform or improving relations with America as long as Khamenei and the Guards reign supreme.

The JCPOA does not mandate that America stop treating the Islamic Republic as an adversary.

The next U.S. president should have the pragmatism to see the JCPOA as benefitting American interests without having to feel constrained by it.

Bottom line: The continuing climate of repression, the next Iranian presidential election, and Khameneis eventual demise may provide some important opportunities for Americas next president.
The tech specialist who scrubbed Hillary Clinton's email archive and was recently found to have sought help on Reddit for how to hide a certain "VIP's" email address was acting at the behest of Clinton aides Cheryl Mills and IT specialist Bryan Pagliano, a top House Republican charged Wednesday.

"The clincher: just last week, he's going online and trying to delete these Reddit posts," Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio said of Colorado-based tech specialist Paul Combetta, who reached a limited immunity deal with the Justice Department. "He's trying to cover up his tracks, he's trying to cover up the cover up."

After a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Jordan pointed to the FBI's timeline of the investigation released to Congress and to the public online. The FBI records show July 2014 was a pivotal month for Clinton's aides and support staff because that summer the State Department warned Clinton's then-chief of staff Cheryl Mills that "a request for Clinton's work-related emails would be forthcoming" from Congress.

On July 23, 2014 Combetta got a call from Mills and the following day, he got an email from Clinton IT specialist Pagliano, who set up the server.

On July 24, Combetta went online to Reddit where he asked for help stripping out "a VIP's (VERY VIP) email address from a bunch of archived emails." He also wrote, "Basically, they don't want the VIP's email address exposed to anyone."

Jordan told Fox after the hearing the "they" Combetta referred to could only be Mills and Pagliano, based on the FBI's own records. Like Combetta, Mills and Pagliano were granted limited immunity deals by the Justice Department, but in such a high profile case, legal experts said the deals would not go through without senior FBI leadership consultation.

Jordan's position was backed up during the hearing by the Republican chairman of the House Government Oversight Committee, Jason Chaffetz, who is running his own investigation.

"There was communication from Cheryl Mills that there was a preservation order?" Chaffetz asked FBI Director James Comey, who responded "Yes."

"And he (Combetta) did indeed use Bleachbit on these records?" Chaffetz continued.

"Sure thats why the guy wouldn't talk with us without immunity," Comey replied.

And so when he got immunity what did you learn?" Chaffetz asked.

"We learned no one directed him to do that," Comey said.

"You really think he did this by himself?" Chaffetz demanded.

Comey replied no evidence was found to contradict Combetta's story, adding "I never affirmatively believe anybody except my wife."

Republicans also alleged, based on the FBI evidence, that Combetta lied to the FBI and still kept his immunity deal.

"When I was at the Department of Justice, your word for lying to federal agents was an 18 USC 1001 charge or potential obstruction of justice charge. It wasnt immunity," Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, said.

"It depends on where youre trying to go with the investigation, Comey responded. If its a low level guy and youre trying to move up in the chain, you might think about it differently."

Ratcliffe then emphasized, "Well, he lied to an FBI agent. You dont think thats important?"

Chaffetz also alleged that Mills misled the FBI and kept her immunity deal. He produced for the panel an email from February 27, 2010 that Mills wrote to Bill Clinton aide Justin Cooper, who managed the email system.

"Fyi - hrc email coming back -- is server okay?" Mills wrote. But what Mills told the FBI in her interview last April conflicts with that. Mills told agents she didn't know about the Clinton server, used exclusively for government business, until after they left the State Department in January 2013, a full three years later.

Congressman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., challenged Comey on the Mills immunity deal, which he said was much broader than previously reported. In exchange for FBI access to her laptop, Issa said Mills was shielded from prosecution for obstruction of justice and destroying government records.

Comey said he disagreed with Issa's reading of the deal, though the congressman read it again on a break and told Comey he stood by his analysis. Comey confirmed that classified emails were found on Mills' laptop and no action was taken because it fell under the deal's protections.

Democrats said the committee Republicans were driven by politics and not facts.

"I think that the mud being thrown from the other side of the table here, continually, is only because of the presidential election, and the FBI deciding there was nothing to prosecute, it's over, we know no one would even be talking about it if Hillary Clinton weren't a presidential candidate, this is pure political maneuvering," Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York said in Comey's defense.

"I think questions are fair, I think criticism is healthy and fair, I think reasonable people can disagree about whether I should have announced it and how I should have done it," Comey said.

"What's not fair is any implication that the bureau acted in any way other than independently, competently and honestly here That's just not true. I knew this was going to be controversial, I knew there'd be all kinds of rocks thrown, but this organization and the people who did this are honest independent people. We do not carry water for one side or the other."
Republican attorneys general are making a last-ditch bid to block the Obama administration from ceding U.S. oversight of the internets domain name system, filing suit in federal court ahead of an imminent deadline for the hand-off.

The AGs from Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma and Nevada asked a judge late Wednesday to step in and stop the transition to an international oversight body, after GOP lawmakers failed to stall the move as part of a short-term spending bill.

Trusting authoritarian regimes to ensure the continued freedom of the internet is lunacy, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement. The president does not have the authority to simply give away Americas pioneering role in ensuring that the internet remains a place where free expression can flourish.

Paxton was among the four Republican AGs who filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division.

The U.S. government has been in charge of domain names for more than three decades, thanks to a Commerce Department agency's oversight of an obscure, but powerful, Los Angeles-based nonprofit called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

If the transfer takes place  as it is set to do on Oct. 1 -- the suit argues people will lose the predictability, certainty, and protections that currently flow from federal stewardship of the Internet and instead be subjected to ICANNs unchecked control.

The suit argues the looming transfer violates the property clause in the U.S. Constitution which prohibits handing over government property without Congress approval. The suit also claims the handoff would violate First Amendment rights and says ICANN, the nonprofit owners in control, would be unchecked and could start to censor speech.

Plans to transfer control over functions -- like the directories that help web browsers and apps know where to find the latest weather, maps and Facebook posts  have been in the works since the 1990s.

Momentum grew following the Edward Snowden leaks about U.S. government surveillance, and the Commerce agency said it would cede oversight. Since then the administration has tried to fast-track the transfer as a sign that the U.S. government isnt policing the internet -- and has disputed the warnings from Republicans and others.

In a blog post last month, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Lawrence E. Strickling said the transition marks the final step of a commitment that dates back nearly two decades.

He said the new model will maintain the stability, security, and openness of the Internet that users across the globe depend on today.

Republicans in Congress, though, have long-objected to the transfer, which they called a giveaway to the rest of the world. They argue that handing over control to a non-government entity would give countries like Russia and China the ability to control online speech  something supporters categorically deny.

The new lawsuit also claims ICANN has a documented history of ignoring or operating outside of its governing bylaws.

Nothing protects the Plaintiffs from additional occurrences of ICANN oversight failures, the suit says.

Mark Grabowski, an internet law professor at Adelphi University in New York, agrees.

There is currently nothing prohibiting ICANN, post-transition, from eliminating or transferring what are essentially the Web addresses for U.S. government and military websites, Grabowski wrote in InsideSources.com.

He added, A company owned by or located in Russia or China could end up managing whitehouse.gov, fbi.gov or army.mil. Losing control of these web domains would put our nations security at risk.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who aggressively campaigned against the transfer, called it a a profound disappointment when a measure stalling the move was left out of the latest government spending bill. He called the Obama administrations actions dangerous and indefensible.

Protecting free speech online should be an issue that brings Republicans and Democrats together, Cruz told FoxNews.com in a written statement. Its an issue the American people overwhelmingly agree with and they expect us to defend internet freedom. That didnt happen in the Senates continuing resolution and I think that was deeply unfortunate.

FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai told the Sean Hannity Show on Wednesday that handing over the reins to ICANN is something that should worry anyone who cherishes free expression, and free speech rights generally, and could potentially cede oversight of the Internet to foreign governments who might not share our values.

Tech companies, however, have largely supported the plan.

In a Sept. 13 letter sent to Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress, the heads of Google, Facebook, Amazon and 20 other companies and trade groups urged lawmakers to support the plan.

FoxNews.com's Barnini Chakraborty and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The U.S. Army apologized after its Twitter account misfired Monday night, linking to an article critical of Donald Trump  who could soon be designated the services next commander-in-chief.

The Armys verified account tweeted Trump Lies Once Every 3 Minutes, 15 Seconds and posted a link to an article from a left-leaning website just after Mondays presidential debate began. The tweet lambasting the Republican candidate was soon deleted.

An employee responsible for the Army's social media accounts mistakenly posted a political article to the Army's twitter page that was intended for her personal account, an Army media relations official said in a statement issued to FoxNews.com. The post is not the official position of the U.S. Army. The employee's Army social media account access was immediately suspended. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused our followers.

Hilarious  - "U.S. Army Tweets NCRM Story on Trump's Lies" https://t.co/gPoOYD8slq  Eric Bennett (@EricBennett2_0) September 29, 2016

The Army tweet was not the only official Twitter mishap as Trump faced off with Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services sent out at least two anti-Trump tweets during the debate. One read, Clintons emails? How about [Trumps] rape charges? Another asked, Donald Trump, red-face mansplainer, telling us about the middle class?

The DHSS quickly apologized for the inadvertent tweets and deleted them.

Some recent tweets were inadvertently posted to our Twitter account by a DHSS staff member who was accidentally logged into the DHSS account instead of their personal account while on their personal phone at home, Spokesperson Susan Morgan told KTUU.
Averting an election-year crisis, Congress late Wednesday sent President Barack Obama a bill to keep the government operating through Dec. 9 and provide $1.1 billion in long-delayed funding to battle the Zika virus.

The House cleared the measure by a 342-85 vote just hours after a bipartisan Senate tally. The votes came after top congressional leaders broke through a stalemate over aid to help Flint, Michigan, address its water crisis. Democratic advocates for Flint are now satisfied with renewed guarantees that Flint will get funding later this year to help rid its water system of lead.

The hybrid spending measure was Capitol Hill's last major to-do item before the election and its completion allows lawmakers to jet home to campaign to save their jobs. Congress won't return to Washington until the week after Election Day for what promises to be a difficult lame-duck session.

The bill caps months of wrangling over money to fight the mosquito-borne Zika virus. It also includes $500 million for rebuilding assistance to flood-ravaged Louisiana and other states.

The White House said Obama will sign the measure and praised the progress on Flint.

The temporary spending bill sped through the House shortly after the chamber passed a water projects bill containing the breakthrough compromise on Flint. The move to add the Flint package to the water projects bill, negotiated by top leaders in both parties and passed Wednesday by a 284-141 vote, was the key to lifting the Democratic blockade on the separate spending bill.

The deal averts a potential federal shutdown and comes just three days before deadline. It defuses a lengthy, frustrating battle over Zika spending. Democrats claimed a partial victory on Flint while the GOP-dominated Louisiana delegation won a down payment on Obama's $2.6 billion request for their state.

The politicking and power plays enormously complicated what should have been a routine measure to avoid an election-eve government shutdown.

The temporary government-wide spending bill had stalled in the Senate Tuesday over Democrats' demands that the measure include $220 million in Senate-passed funding to help Flint and other cities deal with lead-tainted water. Democrats were initially unwilling to accept promises that Flint funding would come after the election, but relented after they won stronger assurances from top GOP leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and agreed to address the city's crisis in the separate water development bill.

The Flint issue arose as the final stumbling block after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., added the flood aid for Louisiana to the spending bill.

Democrats argued it was unfair that the water crisis in Flint has gone on for more than a year with no assistance, while Louisiana and other states are getting $500 million for floods that occurred just last month. Democrats played a strong hand in the negotiations and had leverage because Republicans controlling the House and Senate were eager to avoid a politically harmful shutdown six weeks before the election.

Behind-the-scenes maneuvering and campaign-season gamesmanship between Republicans and Democrats had slowed efforts to pass the temporary spending measure, once among the most routine of Capitol Hill's annual activities. A longstanding stalemate over Zika funding spilled on to the measure, which many GOP conservatives disliked because it guarantees a lame-duck session that's likely to feature post-election compromises that they'll oppose.

McConnell has made numerous concessions in weeks of negotiations, agreeing, for instance, to drop contentious provisions tied to Zika funding that led Democrats to block prior Zika measures. A provision to make Planned Parenthood ineligible for new anti-Zika funding for Puerto Rico was dropped, as was a provision to ease pesticide regulations under the Clean Water Act. Democrats relented on a $400 million package of spending cuts.

Many House Republicans have opposed helping Flint, arguing that the city's problems are a local issue and that many cities have problems with aging water systems.

Flint's drinking water became tainted when the city, then under state control, began drawing from the Flint River in 2014 to save money. Regulators failed to ensure the water was treated properly and lead from aging pipes leached into the water supply. As many as 12,000 children have been exposed to lead in water, officials say.

Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee, Flint's congressman, had accused Republicans of ignoring the plight of the predominantly black city after Republicans initially would not permit a vote.

But Wednesday morning Kildee issued a statement that called the upcoming vote on the non-binding, $170 million promise for Flint  an amendment in his name that's less generous than he originally asked for "a step forward to ensuring that Flint families get the resources they need to recover from this crisis."

There were other winners and losers in the scramble to produce the legislation.

Democrats and some Republicans were thwarted in an attempt to allow the Export-Import Bank to approve export deals exceeding $10 million even though it lacks a quorum. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, failed to win a provision to block the U.S. government from transferring the Commerce Department's role in governing the internet's domain name addressing systems to a nonprofit consortium known as ICANN.

And Democrats failed to use the bill to reverse a ban engineered last year by McConnell on proposals to allow the Securities and Exchange Commission to require publicly-traded corporations to disclose political spending permitted under the Supreme Court's 2010 decision allowing unlimited political spending by businesses.

The spending bill also includes full-year funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. That measure permits veterans with war injuries to receive in vitro fertilization treatments. A longtime ban on such treatments  demanded in the early 1990s by anti-abortion lawmakers concerned about destroyed embryos  has been lifted.
Congress on Wednesday overwhelmingly rejected President Obamas veto of a bipartisan bill letting families of Sept. 11 victims sue the Saudi Arabian government, in the first successful veto override of Obamas presidency.

Marking a significant defeat for the White House, the House ensured the bill will become law after voting 348-77 to override Wednesday afternoon. This followed a 97-1 vote hours earlier in the Senate.

Despite last-ditch warnings from the Obama administration that the legislation could hurt national security and was badly misguided, lawmakers dismissed the concerns.

"This bill is about respecting the voices and rights of American victims," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., speaking on the Senate floor moments before Wednesday's vote in that chamber, pushed back hard on Saudi government objections to the legislation.

Its very simple. If the Saudis were culpable, they should be held accountable. If they had nothing to do with 9/11, they have nothing to fear, Schumer said.

Lawmakers in both chambers needed to muster a two-thirds majority to override, and did so easily. The lone "no" vote in the Senate was Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

With elections just over a month away, many lawmakers were reluctant to oppose a measure backed by 9/11 families who say they are still seeking justice 15 years after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. A group of senators pledged to find ways to improve the measure during a post-election, lame-duck session of Congress.

Despite an expectation that Congress would override, the White House made a last-ditch attempt to fight it. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Reid, Obama warned the bill could cause chaos in U.S. foreign affairs, as other countries would use the measure to justify the creation of ways to target "U.S. policies and activities that they oppose."

"As a result, our nation and its armed forces, State Department, intelligence officials and others may find themselves subject to lawsuits in foreign courts." Obama wrote in a letter delivered Tuesday.

But Cornyn, one of the bill's leading proponents, dismissed Obama's concerns as "unpersuasive." Cornyn, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, and other supporters said the bill is narrowly tailored and applies only to acts of terrorism that occur on U.S. soil.

The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, or JASTA, moved to the floor of the Senate in May and passed by voice vote. The bill cleared the House earlier this month, also by voice vote.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in a letter Monday to a senior member of Congress, said he's sympathetic to the intent of the measure. But the legislation could lead to the public disclosure of American secrets and even undercut counterterrorism efforts by sowing mistrust among U.S. partners and allies, according to Carter.

With the override, the bill will now become law. During his nearly two full terms in office, Obama had never had a veto overridden by Congress.

The legislation gives victims' families the right to sue in U.S. court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks. Fifteen of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers were Saudi nationals.

Courts would be permitted to waive a claim of foreign sovereign immunity when an act of terrorism occurs inside U.S. borders, according to the terms of the bill. Saudi Arabia has objected vehemently to the legislation.

Obama vetoed the measure last week, telling lawmakers the bill would make the U.S. vulnerable to retaliatory litigation in foreign courts that could put U.S. troops in legal jeopardy.

But the bill's proponents have disputed Obama's rationale as "unconvincing and unsupportable," saying the measure is narrowly tailored and applies only to acts of terrorism that occur on U.S. soil.

Kristen Breitweiser, a 9/11 widow and co-chair of September 11th Advocates, criticized Carter's assessment, saying that the defense secretary had testified before Congress last week that he wasn't an expert on the bill.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson said he was having another Aleppo moment after drawing a blank when he was asked to name is favorite foreign leader in an interview Wednesday.

Asked on MSNBCs Hardball to come up with a name, Johnson blanked in a fashion similar to a moment he had on the network earlier this month.

"I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment," Johnson said as he tried to make light of the awkward moment.

Johnson said he was thinking of the name of the former president of Mexico, but was having a brain freeze. His running mate Bill Weld chimed in that he was thinking about Vicente Fox, Mexicos president from 2000 to 2006 who has recently had spats with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump over his determination to build a wall at the Mexican border and to have the country pay for it.

Another political gaffe could hurt the presidential aspirations for the former New Mexico governor even more. Johnson failed to reach the 15 percent needed to get on stage for the first presidential debate. As of Wednesday, Johnson was polling at 6 percent in the Real Clear Politics polling average.

Johnson and Weld were speaking at town hall at the University of New Hampshire in appeal to the millennial voter, according to the Los Angeles Times. The pair have garnered enough millennial support to make some nervous. President Barack Obama has come out to say that a third-party vote was essentially a vote for Trump.

The pair also differed from which major party candidate made them more nervous for the country. Weld said it was Trump because he was clearly not qualified, while Johnson asserted that Clinton would respond more aggressively to provocation from enemies than Trump.
The Republican National Committee is launching a fresh online push to sign up new voters and boost turnout for the November election, in the party's latest bid to preserve its majority in Congress -- and tilt the balance in what has become an increasingly tight presidential race.

The RNC launched Vote.gop earlier this month, calling it a one-stop shop for driving up voter turnout across the U.S., and particularly in swing states. The site allows visitors to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, or commit to vote.

Visitors who participate give their information, allowing the RNC to follow up with via text, phone or email to make sure they have mailed in forms and remind them to get out to vote on Nov. 8.

While Republicans generally have been outpaced by Democrats in the digital realm in past presidential elections, officials say this tool can give them an edge.

"This is a one-stop shop," a senior RNC official said. "Whereas the Democrats redirect you to a states website, Vote.gop has all of the information in one place which allows us to take advantage of the instant feedback, track individual steps and create universes to drive follow-up action."

The RNC has launched an eight-figure ad campaign to drive voters to the site. It marks a stark contrast from recent election cycles, where the RNC did not invest in voter registration at all.

Officials told FoxNews.com that while the project was in conjunction with the Donald Trump campaign, it is a party-wide effort and designed to help Republicans down the ticket.

This is a tool for the entire ticket and will really help us drive turnout, the RNC official said.

Since the site launched on Sept. 10, the party reports 50,000 people have completed the first phase of the form that allows the RNC to follow up with them. Officials say they have identified more than 300,000 people who donated to Trump but werent yet registered to vote.

The move is evidence the party is also getting serious about their digital strategy in general, something sorely lacking in the 2012 campaign and widely seen as a factor in Mitt Romneys defeat to President Obama.

In 2012, the Republicans started the cycle with $20 million in debt, and no digital team. When Romney became the nominee, the digital team had six people on board. Today, officials say there are over 100 on staff, including those from the Trump campaign.

Digital is crucial to reaching the voters you want to reach and turning them out, another senior RNC official said. We are definitely closing the gap on [the Democrats].

The turnout push has been emphasized by both candidates for weeks. On Thursday, Hillary Clinton traveled to Iowa in order to encourage voters to participate in early voting in the battleground state and replicate the success President Obama had there in 2008 and 2012.
An Illinois Veterans Affairs hospital already under fire for excessive wait times, festering black mold and kitchen cockroaches faces a new shame  the bodies of dead patients left unclaimed in the morgue for up to two months without proper burial, whistleblower documents allege.

The whistleblower, whose identity is not being revealed for fear of retaliation, complained last month to the VAs inspector general about the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospitals handling of veterans remains in cases where families have not come forward to claim the body. The complaint singled out Christopher Wirtjes, chief of Patient Administrative Services, saying The Chief of PAS has the funds available, yet has no sense of urgency to lay the veteran to rest.

Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., whose office also received the complaint along with emails, is now calling for Wirtjes firing and in a statement, slammed the hospital  located in the Western suburbs of Chicago -- over its recent history of controversies.

Hines VA -- the hospital that has been overrun with cockroaches and mold and left vets waiting for care for months on secret wait lists, has reached a new low in the treatment of our veterans, Kirk told FoxNews.com. We now have reports of bodies being left to decompose in the morgue for months on end.

The whistleblower, who has spoken with Kirks office, described a horrible issue at the hospital in the letter to the IG: Some veterans remains have been left in our hospital morgue for 45 days or more until they are stacked to capacity at times.

On at least one occasion, a body had liquefied and the bag burst when staff had attempted to move it, said Alissa McCurley, Kirks deputy chief of staff.

Kirk talked to VA Secretary Bob McDonald last week in Washington and demanded the firing of Wirtjes, whom the Office of Special Counsel determined had orchestrated a secret wait list that was exposed by another whistleblower in 2014. McDonald was noncommittal, Kirk said.

Internal VA emails chronicle how a frustrated Hines clerk attempted to obtain permission from Wirtjes for burial of unclaimed veterans on three occasions.

The first email chain began on Dec. 7, 2015.

[There is] an invoice for an unclaimed veteran that has been here for over 30 days. Please approve for burial at Abraham Lincoln, the clerk wrote to Wirtjes and several others.

Three days later, the clerk wrote again: Approval of unclaimed Vet D?? Status?

On Dec. 23, the clerk wrote to human resources: Any further on my poor unclaimed? I WILL file a police report, but I hate doing that

Emails from June 14, 2016 and Aug. 29, 2016 state that two different veterans languished in the morgue for a month or more.

A manager, who is the chief of inpatient and processing, discussed the dilemma of how a local mortuary would be paid for accepting a veterans body because the family did not have the money for a burial. He said he would try to figure it out with the funeral home.  At least he would be laid to rest.

I have not heard anything as to the approval for funeral home pick up. It will be a month tomorrow, the clerk responded.

Cook County policy suggests embalming three days after death at the discretion of the medical examiner. Often, the body will be embalmed and returned to a freezer for up to a month while the medical examiner attempts to locate family members. Unclaimed bodies are then buried in a county cemetery. Veterans are interred in a national military cemetery within 60 days.

However, Hines does not employ medical examiners or embalmers to properly care for decedents locked in their freezer for 30 days or more, McCurley said.

Wirtjes could not be reached for comment despite inquiries to him, his office and a VA center spokesman. But the spokesman for the hospital, Rick Fox, disputed the allegations and said Hines was following all laws:

We take whistleblower allegations very seriously and absolutely agree that all of our veterans deserve dignity and respect, in life and in death. While our investigation into this matter is still ongoing, we have found allegations related to consistent problems with dignified and timely burials to be unsubstantiated. However, we have taken this opportunity to review our policies and procedures and are currently working to improve them.

Staff from the VAs Office of Medical Inspector were at the hospital conducting an investigation Monday afternoon, but its unclear what they found, McCurley said.

Asked about the allegations, the IG office said: "The OIG doesnt confirm or deny the existence of any ongoing investigations."

Kirk, chairman of the Appropriations Committee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, last week introduced a bill titled Respectful Interment for Passing Veterans Act which requires expeditious and respectful provision of burial and funeral services for indigent, deceased veterans and remains of deceased veterans that are unclaimed.

Earlier this year, Kirk authored a bill requiring VA kitchens to undergo regular health inspections after Hines whistleblowers repeatedly documented cockroaches served in food. The VA system currently has no required kitchen health inspections from an outside entity.

In September 2015, veterans from Hines long-term care facility complained of a black mold infestation that had gone unchecked.

Hines is planning on demolishing the kitchen in an effort to destroy the roaches and will renovate the long-term care facility within 45 days, the spokesperson said.

Kirk sent a two-page letter to the secretary Wednesday to press for Wirtjes firing. A 2014 law created after the VA wait list scandal gave McDonald the power to fire civil service employees engaged in misconduct.

If manipulating scheduling wait times putting veterans health at risk and failing to allow the burial of unclaimed veterans remains is not misconduct, then I ask you what is, Kirk wrote.

UPDATE  After the publication of this article, the VA issued the following statement:

Staff at Hines VA Hospital conducted a fact-finding investigation that shows over the last two years, the vast majority - more than 95 percent - of Veterans remains are being respectfully handled within seven days, and more than 99 percent within 30 days. Additionally, VAs Office of Medical Inspector (OMI) spent significant time at the facility last week interviewing employees and reviewing related materials. And while we are awaiting OMIs final report, we remain confident that our Veterans have been receiving dignified and timely burials.
Donald Trump thinks Justice Clarence Thomas is "very strong and consistent" and praises colleague Samuel Alito -- with those robed role-models in mind, the GOP nominee already has floated 21 people he thinks would be perfect companions on the Supreme Court.

Democrat Hillary Clinton, for her part, spontaneously "loved" the idea of a Justice Barack Obama, but has been coy on others she thinks deserve a bench nomination.

Even with the Supreme Court kicking off its term Monday, it is this election-year guessing game  over whom the eventual winner will nominate to fill the court vacancy left by Antonin Scalias death  thats captured the attention of court watchers.

The uncertainty, meanwhile, has left the court itself seemingly tip-toeing around major issues, as justices wait for a nomination  and confirmation  to break what is essentially a 4-4 split.

Nothing less than the ideological balance of the court is at stake on Nov. 8.

Despite recent GOP trial balloons hinting otherwise, President Obama's choice of Judge Merrick Garland may not get a Senate hearing and vote, leaving it for the next White House occupant to put his or her instant legacy-building stamp on the third branch of government.

A Clinton pick could signal a decisive shift to the left for the first time in decades.

"Any issue you care about, the Supreme Court is ultimately where it's going to be decided. There are a lot of people that rank this as an important issue for them during this election year," said Carrie Severino, chief counsel at the conservative Judicial Crisis Network.

She said if Clinton is elected, "it would have a very dramatic shift on the court, and an incredible impact for a generation."

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, churns along gingerly with an ideologically divided 4-4 bench, preparing to kick off its term Monday with a less-than-impressive docket so far. Caution over its short-term future may leave the justices reluctant to engage for now in divisive cases, absent a long-term five-vote majority.

Several appeals dealing with the death penalty, criminal law and voting districts have strong racial underpinnings, and will be argued this fall.

"When you think about the rights in the balance, whether it's racial equality, gender equality, reproductive access, religious liberty, all of these issues that go to the Supreme court, Americans care deeply about," said Elizabeth Wydra, president of the progressive Constitutional Accountability Center. "So I think they care deeply about who will be appointing the next justices."

Until then, some on the court worry an eight-member bench will shy from fully deciding contentious cases -- opting to rule on narrow aspects, or splitting evenly where no binding precedent is established.

"A tie does nobody any good," Justice Elena Kagan said earlier this month. "We're there to resolve cases that need deciding, answer hotly contested issues that need resolving, and you can't do that with a tie vote."

For issues like abortion, executive power, health care, and national security -- who sits on the Supreme Court matters. In the years between 1969 and 1993, Republican presidents placed 11 members on the high court, including two chief justices. Democrats got zero.

In the two-dozen years since, one Republican leader appointed only two justices -- Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts -- while a pair of Democrats successfully named four. Garland remains a wild card.

Members of the high court know that political reality all too well.

"It's likely that the next president, whoever she will be, will have a few appointments to make," an increasingly chatty Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said in July.

Her recent comments on Trump drew bipartisan scorn. "He is a faker," she told CNN. "He has no consistency about him. He says whatever comes into his head at the moment. He really has an ego."

Ginsburg offered regrets for her "ill-advised" remarks, but not a direct apology to Trump.

The GOP nominee also drew criticism for suggesting last month that "Second Amendment people" might not take kindly to Clinton's judicial choices if she wins in November. He denied suggesting violence against anyone for their views.

As for Clinton, legal and political sources close to her campaign are privately suggesting she, if elected, could preserve the status quo and re-nominate the well-liked moderate-liberal Garland next January, avoiding a bruising confirmation in her first 100 days with a potentially more left-leaning pick.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said last month he was convinced Clinton will stick with the 63-year-old Garland.

The nominee herself has said little about her options, except for one.

"I love that, wow," she told supporters in February when someone suggested she name her former boss, Obama.

Clinton also has said she has a "litmus test" for a justice nominee, and emphasized any potential appointments would have to support the Voting Rights Act and campaign finance reform.

Trumps list includes a mix of state and federal judges -- all conservatives. The Republican says he would appoint "pro-life" justices who are "very conservative" and "like Judge Scalia."
You might be busy trying to figure out the best way to get your hands on a Jet Black iPhone 7 right now, but Apple is already working on the next-gen iPhone, the one that's supposed to bring a major redesign next September. The phone is already labeled as the iPhone 8, it has already reportedly been confirmed by an Apple employee.

The unnamed employee spoke to a Business Insider reporter, sharing some details about what Apple is developing in the region. The employee said that staff in Israel are working on what's coming next in Apple's product line, including the iPhone 8.

"The worker used the term 'iPhone 8' unprompted in our conversation," Business Insider writes, which was a surprise because the next expected iPhone name would be iPhone 7s.

The employee said the iPhone 8 will be "different" than the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7, which would explain why Apple would be willing to skip the iPhone 7s next year. One other explanation for ditching the iPhone 7s moniker next year is that Apple will celebrate the iPhone's 10th anniversary, and a product name that would contain the "S" letter in it might deliver the wrong message -- that the new iPhone is essentially a minor iPhone 7 upgrade.

The person also revealed that the iPhone 8 will have a better camera than the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7, which is something expected from new Apple smartphones.

Business Insider notes that there are 800 employees at Apple's Herzliya office, which was set up after Apple bought flash memory designer Anobit in 2012 and 3D sensor developer PrimeSense in 2013. Apple has also acquired Israeli camera firm LinX since then, and its technology might be used in the just-released iPhone 7 Plus.

The facility works on chips, storage, cameras and wireless technology, sources close to Apple said. The Herzliya office is Apple's second largest R&D facility in the world, according to what Tim Cook said during a trip to the country in 2015.
A controversial transition regarding internet oversight is set to occur on Saturday, and while the tech industry largely seems to supports it, others say: not so fast.

The U.S. government will cease its regulatory role over a nonprofit group called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which coordinates a system thats frequently compared to the internets phone or address book.

Currently, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is part of the Department of Commerce, has oversight over ICANN through a government contract, but that is set to end by October 1.

Internet giant Google has come out in favor the transition, arguing in a blog post called Preserving a Free and Open Internet that the move is an important step to protect the Internet for generations to come.

When this proposal takes effect at the end of this month, you wont notice anything different when you go online, but we are transitioning the [Internet Assigned Numbers Authority] functions into good hands, Kent Walker, Google senior vice president and general counsel, said in the statement.

Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Yahoo and other companies have added their names to a letter sent to lawmakers supporting the transition.

Other tech heavyweights did not weigh in on the transition. Apple did not reply to a request for comment; and Microsoft did not provide comment one way or the other.

Gregory Shatan, a lawyer who is involved in the planning process for the transition and also part of the Intellectual Property Constituency of ICANN, said in an email to FoxNews.com that "the tech industry seems to be almost universally supportive of the transition."

"On the transition itself, I feel that this an important next step in the maturing of the Internet," he added. "The Internet is a global network of networks. Nobody controls the internet. The US oversight role was always intended to end."

But Mark Grabowski, an associate professor of internet law at Adelphi University, is concerned about the move, and said that the transition is premature.

Of course many in the tech community favor the change, since it will pretty much take the government out of controlling the internet, he told FoxNews.com in an email. If the tech community had its way, there'd be no government oversight whatsoever and the Internet would, instead, rely on self-governance.

Grabowski said that ICANNs management has drawn fire.

An independent review in July 2016 raised a lot of questions about how ICANN is managed, he said in the email. If the U.S. government gives up ICANN oversight, there will be less opportunity to critically scrutinize how ICANN operates and there's a fear that ICANN could turn into FIFA.

Ultimately, Grabowski said that he was concerned about the finality of the move.

If we dont do the transition now, the worlds not going to end, he said. But, if we do the transition, the internet as we know it might.

Brett Schaefer, a fellow with the Heritage Foundation, echoed Grabowski, and argued that proceeding with the transition was reckless.

Administration officials have stated repeatedly that there is no hard deadline for the transition and that getting it right is more important than simply getting it done, he said, in an email to FoxNews.com. If they truly believe that, they should support an extension of the contract  as they did last September  to resolve the many serious legal questions and procedural questions that remain unanswered, vet the new governance model and fully implement all accountability and transparency measures.
The Concordea plane that epitomized glamour as it whisked celebrities and dignitaries across the Atlantic in under four hourshasn't flown since 2003 (blame a combination of high costs, bad PR, and a horrific crash in 2000).

But fans of the retro jets may want to head to Toulouse, France in November for a landmark auction of some of the plane's parts, from seats to menus to toilet seats (yes, toilet seats). The sale, which is being organized by French auction house Marc Labarbe, features more than 1,000 lots taken from the remaining Concorde planes, which were operated by British Airways and Air France for 27 years. The auction, taking place from November 3-5, has a range of goodies that run the gamut from high to low opening bid-wise, so even a non-outrageously wealthy aviation geek might be able to pick up a souvenir.

So, if you don't want a Concorde brand toilet seat, what else is up for grabs? There are in-flight food and drink menus, some of which were illustrated by French style and design stars like Christian Lacroix and Jean Baggio, bright yellow inflatable life jackets, seat back tray tables, pilot instructional manuals, and even sinks straight from the airplane bathroom.

More from Conde Nast Traveler

The Friendliest and Unfriendliest Cities Around the World

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The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations of All Time

The 30 Most Terrifying Places on Earth

If you're into technology, you might want to save your bids for the nuts-and-bolts mechanical equipment like washers, bolts, and controllers, and history buffs will love the set of French and English-language newspapers commemorating the day the first Concorde took flight.

The less-likely-to-have-been-touched-by-royalty lots include parts of the reactor blower (left) and brakes (right).

While watching these iconic jets be literally broken down and sold in pieces might be disheartening for the people who believe the Concorde, despite its expense, might make a comeback someday, don't lose heart just yet.

A group of Concorde lovers, including former pilots, raised enough money to purchase one and have plans to use the plane for short charter flights one day.

RELATED: You Will Soon Be Able to Own a Piece of the Plaza Hotel

In the meantime, the technology behind the Concorde is being reinvented for a new generation, as NASA continues work on a quiet supersonic jet and U.K.-based tech startup Reaction Engines are working on SABRE, a "hypersonic" jet that could (theoretically, at least) get you from London to Sydney in a record-breaking four hours.
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The man killed in a weekend shooting at a Starbucks coffee shop in Las Vegas was a naturalized U.S. citizen from the country of Georgia, where he served in the military and learned not to back away from conflict, a lifelong friend said Wednesday.

Aleksandr Khutsishvili enlisted after his country broke from the Soviet Union, and he served a stint in a military unit protecting then-Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, said David Shtromberg, who grew up with Khutsishvili in the Georgian capital city, Tblisi.

According to police, Khutsishvili was sitting Sunday morning in a Starbucks several miles west of the Las Vegas Strip when a man later identified as Pedro Jose Garcia, a five-time felon, entered the store after his credit card was declined at the drive-thru.

An employee told detectives the man tried to make another purchase and then took a seat, according to a police report.

Another witness reported hearing people talking loudly "but not quite yelling" before the gunman "got up, pulled out a gun and shot the man in the opposite corner." An employee yelled for everyone to get down.

Khutsishvili, who police said had argued with the gunman, was shot in the chest and fell to the floor just inside the door. Other people dove for cover.

It wasn't clear from the police report what was said or if the loud exchange the witness reported was between the shooter and the victim.

Three shots were fired, police said, before the weapon malfunctioned with a bullet stuck in the barrel.

There was no evidence that Khutsishvili had a weapon, homicide Lt. Dan McGrath said Wednesday, just a cellphone and a laptop computer.

Khutsishvili, known to friends as "Sasha," didn't talk much about his military experience. But it wouldn't have been like him to be a bystander, said Shtromberg, who emigrated to the U.S. as a refugee in 1992 and lives in Los Angeles.

The twice-divorced father of three became a U.S. citizen in 2004, Shtromberg said. He worked as a longshoreman, a plumber and a construction worker in Southern California before moving to Las Vegas about three years ago.

"Because he was military, he would react," the friend told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. He said Khutsishvili also sometimes worked with him at his computer services business in Hollywood.

"He's not the type of person to walk away from a fight," Shtromberg said, "or someone else's fight."

Garcia, 34, made an initial court appearance Wednesday on murder and other charges in the slaying. A judge postponed his arraignment until Friday to let the Clark County public defender's office determine if it can represent him.

Defense attorney Edward Kane said outside court that he expects Garcia will plead not guilty.

According to a police report, a man who identified himself as Garcia called 911 and said he had shot a person who appeared to have been reaching for something.

Police later recovered a .22-caliber handgun that witnesses said Garcia used. It had been fired three times, according to police, before malfunctioning

On the 911 call, a male voice could be heard moaning in the background, according the police report, while Garcia is heard saying, "Go for it dog, I'm not gonna tell you again, go for it; play cowboy with me dog."
Pentagon: US airstrike kills 9 militants in Somalia

The Pentagon says a U.S. airstrike targeted and killed nine al-Shabab militants in Somalia on Wednesday.

Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, says Somali forces who were going after a bomb-making network in the Puntland region came under small arms fire from enemy fighters.

Davis says there were U.S. military advisers with the Somali forces, and the U.S. launched a defensive airstrike to protect them.

He says the military is looking into reports that the people killed in the strike may not have been enemy fighters. He says no U.S. forces were injured.

This is the second airstrike this week that the U.S. carried out against al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militants in Somalia.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/pentagon-us-airstrike-kills-9-militants-in-somalia
The New York Police Department says it has arrested a man in connection with a house explosion that killed a fire battalion chief.

Police say Manhattan resident Garivaldi Castillo was arrested Wednesday on charges of criminal possession of marijuana. Police haven't said how he's connected to the Bronx explosion.

Chief Michael Fahy was killed by falling debris Tuesday while directing operations from the street. He had been supervising an evacuation following a report of a gas leak at the two-story house. He was a 17-year fire department veteran and father of three.

Authorities are looking into whether the building that exploded was being used to grow marijuana.

Castillo can't be reached for comment while in custody. It's unclear if he has a lawyer.

Police are questioning another man for possible ties to the explosion.
The following excerpt is from Start Your Own Medical Claims Billing Service. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Before you start your medical claims billing service, its important to determine how much money you can expect to make.

Medical billing services charge their clients by three methods: percentage, per claim and hourly. The percentage basis is generally used by medical insurance billers (MIBs) who do full-practice management or a combination of patient billing and claims billing, and just as it sounds, the MIB charges the provider a percentage of the money they collect per month as opposed to the amount of money they bill.

Related: Startup Expenses for a Medical Claims Billing Service

We charge [the doctors] on collected revenues, not on their production levels, one MIB in Walnut Creek, California, explains. The money all comes to us, and we put it into their own personal checking accounts and then I will bill them, depending on how big the practice is, sometimes twice a month, sometimes once a month. And they pay the bill in a timely manner or we stop doing their work.

The percentages youll charge will depend on several variables: the going rate in your part of the country, the sorts of procedures your doctors are providing and their patient volume.

I take a lot of things into consideration, Maryland-based Mary V. says. With what I know about certain things, Ill charge the doctor a different percentage on the type of claim that it is. I charge a different percentage for workers comp, for personal injury. If they handle a lot of cash, Ill actually drop that percentage because I know Im not going to have to bill that out. All Im going to do is data entry. One doctor might have four different percentages. With experience, I know now how much time certain claims take. With personal injury, it might be six years before that case is settled.

Since personal injury cases take so long to pay, Mary charges a higher percentage of the claim, usually 10 percent and above, whereas routine Medicare claims are billed at anywhere from 5 percent to 10 percent.

With all these variables, estimating an annual income might seem like a task fit for a professor of Boolean mathematics, but its not really difficult. In fact, its fun! (Adding up numbers is always more interesting when it pertains to money in your bank account.)

Heres what you do: First, settle on an average percentage. Lets use 7 percent, which is the fee an MIB we know in San Diego charges.

Related: How to Determine the Best Markets to Target for Your Medical Claims Billing Service

Next, estimate how much one client will collect in a year. This is tough, starting cold, because you dont have any clients to base your figures on. If youve done your homework, however, youll have an idea of how much money doctors in your target market are billing and collecting per month.

Lets say your first doctor collects a nice round figure of $21,000 per month, which multiplied by 12 months gives them an annual collectable income of $252,000. Their billable income might be far more, and this, of course, is where you come in -- your mission being to bring their billable and collectable into alignment.

Now, all you have to do is multiply this $252,000 current collectable figure by 7 percent, which gives you a potential annual income of $17,640. We say potential because this sum, as weve just explained, can improve dramatically once youre at the helm. For example, if youre able to increase the doctors collectable income by 10 percent, theyll now be bringing in $277,000 per year, which will give you $19,404 per year.

If you increase your client base by another five providers, each with the same collectable income, youre suddenly grossing $116,424 per year.

Per-claim jumping

Some MIBs prefer to charge on a per-claim basis rather than by percentage (anywhere from $3 to $10 per claim). This is the method of choice for billers whose workload consists mainly of straight claims billing with little or no practice management tasks.

I bill per claim, says one Illinois MIB. The offices do the front-end data entry, and I do the back-end tweaking, electronic filing and some of the follow-up work. Im charging right now anywhere from $5 to $8 per claim.

In rural Virginia, one MIB charges $4.50 per insurance claim and $3.75 per patient invoice. Up in suburban New Jersey, another MIB charges $7 to $10 per claim.

When you charge via this method, you charge per claim billed rather than per claim collected. Youll want to charge the going rate in your area, which youll have determined through your market research. Since youll also have determined through your research how many claims doctors in your area are filing each month, youll have a good basis for determining your annual gross income.

Lets say your first doctor is billing 350 claims per month, which, multiplied by 12 months, comes to 4,200 claims. If you charge $5 per claim, your gross annual income will be $21,000. Now, if you take on another five physicians, your gross jumps to $126,000.

Counting the hours

The third, and least popular, method of charging clients is per hour. One San Diego biller we know feels this may be a hard selling feature for most doctors. Theyre already paying somebody on an hourly basis, she says. Why would they want to hire somebody outside the office and pay them hourly as well?

Related: Starting a Medical Claims Billing Service? Here's What You Need to Know.

You might want to consider this option if you have a client whose billing rate is so low that charging per claim or on a percentage basis isnt feasible. Or you might run into a client whos comfortable working under this arrangement and doesnt want to deviate from their norm.

Your market research will be one of the keys to determining an hourly charge. Heres one way to determine an hourly rate. Lets take an average of your annual fee for one doctor, based on the per-claim and percentage methods we used above. This will give you an annual gross income of $20,000. Now, if you divide this by 12 months, you get $1,667 per month. Assuming that your client supplies only 40 hours of work a month, you end up with an hourly charge of $42.

(Note that these are all hypothetical figures. You may far exceed these numbers, or you may find that your economic region, your level of expertise or the amount of work you choose to do puts your income somewhere below what weve given.)
Four correctional officers at a North Carolina prison were hospitalized Thursday after they were stabbed by several inmates, officials said.

The four staff members at the Lanesboro Correctional Institute in Polkton, N.C. were attacked with a broom handle, according to a news release obtained by WSOC-TV.

Two of the victims, a lieutenant and sergeant, were airlifted to the hospital with one of the victims having very serious, life-threatening injuries, an official said.

Authorities told WCNC-TV that the injuries are "very bad," as one victim had severe stomach wounds, while another was stabbed in the back, and a third was stabbed in the throat. Officials did not say where the fourth person was stabbed.

The prison was temporarily locked down during the incident, which has since been contained, WSOC-TV reported.

Three inmates are believed to be involved in the assault, and are being questioned, according to WCNC.

The Lanesboro Correctional Institute houses up to 1850 inmates of medium and minimum custody.

Click for more from WCNC-TV.

Click for more from WSOC-TV.
The man who became known as the "Barefoot Bandit" during a teenage crime spree in stolen cars, boats and planes has been transferred from prison to a work-release facility.

KOMO-TV reports that the Washington Department of Corrections confirmed Colton Harris-Moore's transfer Wednesday from prison to Reynolds Work Release in Seattle.

He's expected to work for his lawyer, John Henry Browne, and will be required to check in and out of the work-release facility.

Harris-Moore, 25, was sentenced in 2012 to seven years in prison in a deal that consolidated most of the charges against him. His spree began after he escaped from a Renton juvenile halfway house in 2008; he was ultimately captured after crash-landing a plane that he stole in Indiana and flew to the Bahamas.
Mobilegeddon was a game-changer. Google tweaked its algorithm in April 2015 to favor mobile-ready websites in searches performed on mobile devices. A little more than a year later, over half of all worldwide searches happen on mobile devices. Its a big deal in marketing.

If your site isn't mobile-friendly, youre waving goodbye to more than half of your potential. Google wants to help with useful links and tools as well as guides designed specifically for content management systems (CMS). Its good for you, and its good for Google.

A mobile world.

Its hard to remember the world before smartphones. Theyve changed everything. According to Morgan Stanley, 91 percent of Americans keep their phones within reach 24/7.

We use them all the time for whats been dubbed  micro-moments, those countless instances when we turn to our phones for information, directions, to do something, to buy something, to compare, to evaluate, to learn and more.

Consider this: Search queries using near me, close or nearby have increased 34 times since 2011. Among smartphone users, 82 percent use a search engine when looking for local businesses. It must be a magic number: 82 percent of smartphone owners also consult their devices while shopping in a store. With apologies to Stanley Kramer, its a mobile, mobile, mobile, mobile world.

Related: 15 Tips for Designing a Mobile-Friendly E-Commerce Site

Talking about mobile SEO" vs.regular SEO" is a bit of a misnomer. Its just SEO. Theyre all cogs in the same machine.

That said, if the thought of launching a mobile SEO" campaign gives you nightmares, it's worth walking through the basics. Take these steps to avoid being penalized by search engines (you need their love) and begin targeting mobile users.

Mobile-friendly is a must.

Mobile-friendly simply means a site looks good and behaves properly on a mobile device. A mobile-friendly site can be designed in a number ways:

Responsive. The site morphs depending on the size of the screen.

The site morphs depending on the size of the screen. Parallel-mobile. A second, independent site created for mobile users.

A second, independent site created for mobile users. Dynamic-serving. The server detects and loads an appropriate page depending on the user agent.

Each type of site has its pros and cons, but a responsive site is the easiest and most cost-effective to implement. It doesnt hurt that its also Googles official recommendation. You can accomplish this using a responsive theme, for which youll find free options and paid options, or a responsive plug-in.

Your first step is to determine whether your website is, in fact, mobile-friendly.

The mobile-friendly test from Google is straightforward. Enter your URL. Google's tool will tell if you're you're mobile-friendly and what you can do to improve your results if you don't pass muster.

Related: How the Future of Mobile Search Is Unfolding This Year and Beyond

Page speed matters.

We know mobile friendliness is a ranking signal. So is site speed. Mobile users expect service on demand: 40 percent of surfers will abandon a site that takes longer than three seconds to load.

Check your sites speed using PageSpeed Insights. The guide presents both mobile and desktop results, letting you know which features are issue-free and helpfully suggesting which elements need serious attention. GTmetrix is another handy resource.

Next, turn to the Google Search Console for tons of useful tools and advice. To tackle speed concerns, youll need to look into your Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) data. AMP is a stripped-down, faster HTML designed for mobile users. You can use Google AMP tools to see all pages that implement AMP, identify which of them contain errors and learn what you can do to fix those mistakes.

Pages built using AMP load anywhere from 15 to 85 percent faster, but thats only the start of the story. You can learn more at AMP Project (including tutorials for getting started). Just be aware its not for everyone or every site. Its best for news-type sites such as blogs, and thats in part because AMP doesnt support opt-in forms. Adding AMP to Wordpress is reasonably uncomplicated, and sites using it will rank higher in mobile search-engine results pages (SERPs).

Finally, explore Mobile Usability on the Google Search Console. It reports any existing errors, which might include flash usage, a font thats too small or a viewport that isnt configured. Any errors will affect your mobile SEO, so eliminate them wherever you can.

Use Google My Business.

One stop. Done. Want to be found when people search online? Google My Business gets your address, contact details and hours on both Google Search and Google Maps. You can edit it all from one convenient platform. Add photos, respond to reviews and shape how your business appears online.

Its easy. And crucial. Do it.

Claim your business.

Claim your business and check the details on local directories such as Yelp, Bing Places, Yellow Pages, CityGrid and Foursquare.

These services are increasingly popular, and people use them to find local products and services. Bonus: Theyre ranked favorably by the search engines. Follow the guidelines, and make sure everything is up-to-date.

Google Maps may lead the way in mobile location-finding, but Apple Maps still is at the party. Dont ignore it. Publish accurate information so people can find and contact you when theyre on the go.

Track mobile stats on Google Analytics.

Log in to Google Analytics and conduct some research on your mobile site visitors. Filter those results by day, time and device to discover exactly when your mobile customers are most active. Publish mobile-friendly content (more on that below) at those times to maximize your effect and reach.

Create mobile-friendly content.

Not all content is mobile-friendly, even when its on a mobile-friendly site. Focus on these tactics:

Bullet points, which are easy to scan

Short and concise text

Easily shared articles and links

Compressed images and videos that do not auto-play, so you benefit from faster load times and less data consumption

Meta-title and meta descriptions that are short and to the point -- perfect for mobile displays

Time of day is a factor here, too. Publish shorter content during morning and afternoon commutes and longer pieces during typical lunch breaks for your target market. Save your longest content for when people are likely to be at home. And remember, mobile users often look for informational content.

Related: 5 Content Strategies That Will Always Work

Use local keywords.

When conducting keyword research, be sure include local vocabulary that might be unique to your area. Think about terms and slang that dont appear anywhere else: nicknames for neighborhoods or the city itself, colorful and relevant expressions, regional specialties or whatever.

When people search for you online, what language and words might they actually use? Target them.

Optimize for voice search.

People are talking to Siri or Google Now more than ever on their smartphones. In fact, 20 percent of Google searches on Android are now done via voice search. That amounts to hundreds of millions of inquiries, with 55 percent of teens and 41 percent of adults using voice search at least once per day.

Voice search is the better option when walking (or driving -- which you shouldnt do). But it does have its own set of criteria. Voice-search queries tend to be more conversational. We pose a question or ask our phones to perform a task in the same way we would talk to another human being.

Craft your content to match those specific, real-life questions and optimize for the three biggest voice platforms.

Related: Voice Search Is Exploding and Digital Strategy Will Never Be the Same

Remember the takeaway.

Theres a lot more you could do, but this is a great jumping-off point. It is the beginners guide, after all.

If you take away only two things, these are it: Make sure youre mobile friendly, and remember that page speed matters.

Mobile optimization will get only more important. Dont be left behind.
In the midst of racial tensions in Charlotte, an African-American church in Greensboro, North Carolina, is transitioning to become the newest campus of The Refuge, a predominantly white multi-campus church aiming to have more multicultural diversity in its pews.

It was announced last Sunday that the predominantly black House of Refuge in Greensboro will become the fourth campus of The Refuge, a 2,200-member non-denominational church with campuses already established in Kannapolis, Salisbury and Brazil.

While the merger won't be complete until Nov. 6, when the House of Refuge officially becomes The Refuge of Greensboro, the announcement of the merger came just two days before riots broke out in the streets of Charlotte last week after the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott.

In an interview with The Christian Post on Monday, Refuge lead pastor Jay Stewart explained that the decision to merge the church had been made months ago. However, the fact that the planned date to announce the merger came just two days before violence broke out in Charlotte might carry some divine significance, Stewart asserted.

"The Lord knew and I don't think it is coincidental," Stewart said.

"I think it is a great opportunity for that message to not only be spoken but to be demonstrated. People don't want to hear someone talk about unity, they want to see it in action," Stewart continued. "I think this is a great chance for people to see unity in action. Unity is the prerequisite for revival. So, if we are going to see a spiritual awakening, and I do believe there is another great awakening coming, there has to be unity first."

The House of Refuge, which is a 150 to 200-member church pastored by Derrick Hawkins, was in the midst of leadership change when Hawkins decided to reach out to Stewart for guidance about two years ago after seeing a billboard advertising The Refuge of Salisbury.

After meeting with Hawkins several times to provide guidance and mentoring and even meeting with and getting to know the House of Refuge's founding pastors, Stewart asked Hawkins and the founding pastors during a meeting last November if they ever considered becoming an extension of The Refuge.

"They just all started laughing and said, 'We talk about it all the time.' I said, 'Well, that is interesting. Maybe that is something we need to begin to explore together,'" Stewart recalled. "So, we did. I brought them in to meet our board of directors. They were ready right then."

But with Hawkins set to be installed as the House of Refuge's new pastor in June, Stewart figured it would be better if all this change wasn't sprung on the congregants so fast. The group decided that it would be best to wait until late fall to have the church officially become the newest campus of The Refuge.

Click Here to Read the Full Story at ChristianPost.com
A disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney pleaded guilty Thursday to kidnapping in a bizarre case that police in California initially dismissed as a hoax.

A shackled Matthew Muller acknowledged in federal court in Sacramento that he snatched a woman and held her for ransom.

Muller calmly told U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley that he was taking antidepressant, mood-stabilizing and anti-psychotic drugs. His attorney, Thomas Johnson, later said Muller has been diagnosed as manic and depressive.

Still, Nunley said he found Muller competent to enter the guilty plea.

"Muller committed a serious and violent crime that terrorized the victims in this case," Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said in a statement. "He violated the sanctity of their home and caused fear and panic for all those affected by the kidnapping."

Muller, 39, could face life in prison when he is sentenced, though prosecutors have agreed as part of his guilty plea to recommend a maximum term of 40 years.

"There's a tremendous amount of remorse," Johnson said in an interview outside the courtroom. He said his client has "tremendous potential," and he was hopeful Muller could be rehabilitated.

Muller previously pleaded not guilty to kidnapping Denise Huskins in March 2015. Her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, said kidnappers broke into the couple's Vallejo, California, home, took Huskins and demanded $8,500 as a ransom  a figure that police have said they found small for what would have been an elaborate kidnapping.

Huskins turned up safe two days later in her hometown of Huntington Beach, where she says she was dropped off. After she reappeared, Vallejo police called the kidnapping a hoax.

Huskins sued, accusing police of wrongly likening the case to the movie "Gone Girl" and damaging the reputations of her and her boyfriend.

Attorneys for police have said investigators doubted Quinn's account of the abduction and grew more skeptical when Huskins refused to reunite with her family soon after she reappeared.

Muller was later charged.

Muller was admitted to practice law in California in 2011, and his state bar profile says he attended Harvard Law School.

"This all came out of the blue," said family friend Steve Reed, who said he has known Muller since he was a child.

Muller never told Reed why he turned to crime, but Reed blamed a mental illness he said Muller now controls with his medications.

He lost his law license last year over allegations that he took a $1,250 advance from a client then failed to file a green card application for the person's son.

Marianne Quinn, mother of Aaron Quinn, said outside the courtroom that she was pleased with a tougher recommended sentence than she had expected.

"Forty years is a long time," she said, noting that prosecutors have asked for the most intensive possible supervision if Muller is ever released from prison.

She sharply criticized Vallejo police of botching the initial investigation and said Muller's mental illness isn't an excuse for what really happened.

"He also is a psychopath," she said. "His mental illness did not cause what happened to Aaron and Denise."
A student who was sexually assaulted after an Iowa State University party confronted her assailant at his sentencing hearing Thursday, telling him the attack had scarred her forever.

The March 2014 assault "turned my life upside down," 21-year-old Melissa Maher told Patrick Whetstone in a forceful statement from the witness stand.

"It's been 914 days since you shattered my college career, put it on hold and touched my soul in a way that haunts me in my sleep," Maher told Whetstone, reading from a two-page typed statement. "My life has been completely changed because you wanted to have your fifteen minutes of fun."

She warned: "Don't you ever mess with another woman. Don't you ever touch another girl. No means no."

Maher, who said she wanted to be publicly identified, spoke before Judge James McGlynn sentenced the 21-year-old Whetstone to two years of probation followed by 10 years of monitoring and a lifetime requirement that he register as a sex offender. Both parties had recommended that sentence in a plea agreement in which Whetstone pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor.

McGlynn said he believed the sentence was an appropriate resolution that would protect the community and allow Whetstone to be rehabilitated. He said he was encouraged that Whetstone had started to accept responsibility by pleading guilty and warned him to get consent from sexual partners in the future.

A criminal complaint says that Maher, then 19, became ill after drinking alcohol at a March 29, 2014, on-campus party where she met Whetstone, who was also drinking. Both were students at the time. After falling asleep or passing out on a couch, she says she woke up to find Whetstone sexually assaulting her.

Maher, who is now a community college student in her native state of Texas and recently engaged, said the plea agreement was "the best thing for me to go on with my life."

"I'm starting a new chapter," she said in an interview after the hearing. The Associated Press does not generally identify victims of sexual assaults, but Maher said she wanted to come forward in the hopes of bringing change to how rape victims are treated on college campuses.

Whetstone declined to speak at the hearing. Until his guilty plea last week, he had argued that the sexual encounter was consensual and that Maher was lying.

In her statement, Maher said she lost friends who didn't believe her claim that she had been raped. She spoke of dropping out of Iowa State after seeing Whetstone around campus, not feeling safe in her own bedroom and having panic attacks that have caused her to miss work.

"Let's count the number of times I've woken up in the middle of the night and found myself yelling, crying, kicking and screaming or swearing from the nightmares of you and your sad existence," she said. "Or perhaps we could count the number of times you've ruined a date for me and my fiance because I have these awesome relapses of where I can't stop reliving a memory from you."

In a lawsuit, Maher has accused the university of botching its response to the case from beginning to end.

She claims school officials discouraged her from filing charges and then assigned her to live in campus housing near Whetstone the next semester while the assault remained under investigation. She said the trauma of routinely seeing Whetstone forced her to drop out-- only to later learn that the school mistakenly gave her F's in classes she had withdrawn from, sent her a bill for payments that had been forgiven and put a hold on her transcript, which delayed her ability to transfer elsewhere.

After the woman filed a complaint about her treatment, the federal Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into Iowa State's handling of the case and other sexual assault allegations. That two-year inquiry remains open. Following a lengthy administrative process, Iowa State officials ruled that Whetstone had violated its sexual misconduct policy and expelled him.

Maher said she once dreamed of being a distinguished Iowa State graduate, adding that she still wants "to be somebody Iowa State will never forget."
A man charged in a bank robbery and murder 13 years ago was captured with the help of a tipster and DNA secretly collected from an envelope when he coincidentally filed a fraud complaint, authorities said.

Richard Leon Wilbern, 56, was arrested Tuesday when he went to meet with FBI agents in Rochester, New York, for what he thought was a meeting about his complaint.

Wilbern had been on the FBI's radar since March, when a former co-worker named him as a suspect in the August 2003 robbery of a credit union on the Xerox Corp.'s Webster campus where he once worked.

Bank customer Raymond Batzel, then 51, was fatally shot in the head and another customer was wounded when a man wearing an FBI jacket, dark glasses and a U.S. Marshal's badge opened fire after telling an employee he was there for a security assessment. The robber escaped with more than $10,000.

The co-worker's tip followed a March news conference during which FBI agents released photos of the suspect and offered a $50,000 reward for help in solving what had become a cold case.

"We were given Richard Wilbern's name and hard facts and details about his history," Adam Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI's Buffalo office, said at a news conference in Rochester.

In what Cohen called "an incredible coincidence," investigators were looking into the tip when Wilbern called the FBI to report a suspected real estate scam, court documents show.

Agents met with Wilbern in July to discuss his complaint. During the second meeting, they had him sign paperwork and lick an envelope from which they obtained a DNA sample, they said.

They matched that sample to one taken from an umbrella left behind at the bank robbery 13 years earlier, U.S. Attorney William Hochul said.

Wilbern was charged Tuesday with bank robbery resulting in death and weapons counts. During an initial appearance in federal court, he requested a public defender. A detention hearing was scheduled for Oct. 19.

Wilbern, who served prison time for a 1980 bank robbery, worked at Xerox from 1997 until being fired in 2001. He had sued the copier company for racial discrimination in 2000, a complaint dismissed by a judge in December 2002 -- eight months before the deadly bank robbery.

Wilbern also admitted in 1986 to possession of a sawed-off shotgun in Richmond, Va., and spent two years in a Virginia state prison, according to the Democrat & Chronicle newspaper. He was also was arrested in Ohio for possession of stolen property in 2004, the newspaper reported.

Xerox spokesman told the paper that the company did not do criminal background checks in 1997 and was unaware of Wilbern's criminal history.

In the 2003 robbery, Wilbern walked into the credit union on the company's Webster campus and identified himself as an FBI agent.

After questioning employees about their security arrangements, he pulled two handguns from under his jacket and announced a robbery.

Batzel was shot in the head after getting into a "brief verbal altercation" with the assailant, according to the complaint against Wilbern that was obtained by the Democrat & Chronicle. Joseph Doud, then 28, was shot in the shoulder but survived.

If convicted in the Xerox Federal Credit Union robbery and murder of Batzel, Wilbern could face the federal death penalty. Wilbern is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing Oct. 19.

"It was my prayer that I would live long enough to see this case come to justice," Batzel's 89-year-old mother said at Wednesday's news conference, "and I'm sure that's what's going to happen now."

#FBI Buffalo arrests bank robber/killer Richard Leon Wilbern - call 585-279-0293 to share what you know of WILBERN. pic.twitter.com/dpibN2K3k1  FBI Buffalo (@FBIBuffalo) September 29, 2016

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Pastor Carl Lentz of Hillsong NYC said in a message posted on Facebook Sunday that he and his church won't be chanting "all lives matter" because "right now, black lives apparently are worth less on our streets."

Following the shooting deaths of Terence Crutcher and Keith Scott by police officers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, respectively, Hillsong NYC shared a message on Facebook from Lentz who elaborated on the church's stance and support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Lentz said: "At this church, we are not saying 'all lives matter' right now because this is a logical assumption that most reasonable people agree with. All lives are not at risk right now. We are saying black lives matter. Because, right now, black lives apparently are worth LESS on our streets. It's 'our fight' not 'their fight.'"

Once the post hit Facebook thousands of people liked and shared their comments concerning his statement.

"Thank you. In a time where many African-Americans in this nation are hurting, it's good to know that there are people that will stand with us and fight for us. Thanks for saying what needs to be said and not caring about backlash," one Facebook user wrote.

Another said, "When Jesus died, He died for all lives. Please think on that, God bless."

Someone else responded by adding: "Not anywhere on this post does it say all lives don't matter. It's a cry for help from the black community, and we as Christians are called to respond to the hurting."

After the shooting death of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 5, Savanna Hartman, a pastor, mother and spoken-word poet, echoed Lentz's sentiments and challenged white Christians to stand with her in supporting Black Lives Matter.

"As white people you could say this is not a color thing. You could say it's a sin thing. You could say it's not one versus the other. But the fact of the matter is that we, as white people, we've got to accept our actions, we have to accept our role in this. We have to accept where we have let them down. We have to apologize and we have to do better. We have to do better," Hartman said in a 10-minute video posted on her Facebook page titled 'my very honest thoughts on #AltonSterling and what's happening to the black community right now.'"

Click Here to Read the Full Story at ChristianPost.com
An imam has released video footage of Orlando nightclub shooter Omar Mateen praying in a central Florida mosque four days before the attack that killed 49 people and injured 53 others.

Imam Helmi Elagha told reporters Wednesday that he was unaware that Mateen had visited the mosque until FBI investigators contacted him a couple of days after the June 12 shooting at Pulse nightclub.

The imam showed reporters a grainy, freeze-frame image of a man he identified as Mateen walking into the mosque about 10:30 p.m. on June 8. He says Mateen "kept his head down" and went to a corner, where he prayed for about 10 minutes. He says he doesn't believe anyone exchanged words with him.

The mosque is located in a tourist strip not far from Walt Disney World. The imam says tourists frequently visit to pray.
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The Latest on a teenager who is accused of killing his father before shooting three people at a school in South Carolina (all times local):

5:15 p.m.

Gov. Nikki Haley is asking South Carolinians to keep the Townville community in their prayers following a school shooting that injured three.

Haley spokeswoman Chaney Adams said Thursday the governor will continue to communicate through the weekend with the families of the two students and teacher shot Wednesday at Townville Elementary in rural Anderson County.

Six-year-old Jacob Hall remains in critical condition at a Greenville hospital. He was hit in a main artery in his thigh.

A student shot in the foot and a teacher shot in the shoulder were released from a hospital Wednesday.

Haley's office says she visited with Jacob's family at the hospital Wednesday night and called the teacher and other student's mother.

Authorities say a teen killed his father before driving to the school and opening fire.

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4:15 p.m.

A hearing has been scheduled for the teen authorities say killed his father before shooting two students and a teacher at a South Carolina elementary school.

Anderson County Clerk of Court Richard Shirley says the teen is set to appear at 11 a.m. Friday in Anderson before Family Court Judge Edgar Long.

At issue is whether the teen will remain in jail or be allowed to go home. He was arrested minutes after he fired at a school door as a class left for recess Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities have not released the teen's name or age.

Six-year-year Jacob Hall remained in critical condition Thursday afternoon at a Greenville hospital.

Another student shot in the foot and a first-grade teacher shot in the shoulder were treated and released Wednesday from a hospital.

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2:45 p.m.

The superintendent of a South Carolina elementary school where a teen opened fire says a teacher and two students were shot as they left the building for recess.

Anderson County District 4 Superintendent Joanne Avery posted online that the shooter never entered Townville Elementary.

Authorities say the shooter opened fire Wednesday afternoon after crashing a pickup truck into the playground fence.

Avery says on the district's website the teen shot at a door being opened for a class exiting for recess. Teachers then led the students to safety inside. She says the school was immediately put on lockdown as per district procedures.

Authorities say volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock tackled the shooter and kept him on the ground until officers arrived and arrested him. Brock says the teachers and principal should be called heroes, not him.

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1:20 p.m.

Authorities say a volunteer firefighter confronted a teenager who shot a teacher and two students at an elementary school, holding him on the ground until police could arrest the teen.

Townville Fire Chief Billy McAdams said during a news conference Thursday that volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock was able to subdue the shooter while McAdams was inside tending to the wounded.

McAdams says Brock told him to go inside because McAdams is a trained paramedic. The chief says he and the school nurse, who had already been tending to the most gravely wounded student, continued tending to that boy until medics arrived to take him by helicopter to a hospital.

Brock subdued the shooter after he and McAdams found a pickup truck crashed into the playground area at the school.

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12:45 p.m.

A South Carolina legislator says the 6-year-old boy in critical condition following a shooting outside his school was hit in a main artery and needed immediate surgery.

Rep. Alan Clemmons says the bullet that hit Jacob Hall tore through his femoral artery, a main artery in the thigh. Clemmons says the boy had to be revived twice, once while being flown to a Greenville hospital and also during surgery after the shooting Wednesday at Townville Elementary.

Clemmons says on his Facebook page the boy required immediate chest surgery to stem the blood flow, and more surgery will be required once his condition stabilizes.

The hospital is expected to update his condition later Thursday.

Clemmons lives in Myrtle Beach. But he says Jacob is the nephew of his friends and former neighbors. He says the family asks for continued prayers.

Authorities say a teenager killed his father before driving to the school and opening fire. Another student and teacher were wounded. They have been treated and released.

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12:20 p.m.

First responders are holding a news conference to discuss a shooting at a South Carolina elementary school where three people were wounded.

Fire officials said on a voicemail message they planned to speak with reporters at 1 p.m. at the Townville Fire Department.

Authorities have said a volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at Townville Elementary School.

A teacher and one student were treated and released from a hospital. A second child is in critical condition Thursday.

A spokeswoman for the Anderson County Sheriff's Department said that agency had no news conferences planned and that its investigation is ongoing.

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12:15 p.m.

The aunt of a teen suspected of killing his father, then wounding three people in a South Carolina elementary school shooting, says she wishes she could "turn back time."

Mitzi Clark Richards says in a statement provided to WHNS-TV (http://bit.ly/2dumk5i) that she has "no words to express the heartbreak" she feels after the shooting at Townville Elementary School. Richards also said the family planned to release another statement at a news conference later Thursday afternoon.

Richards' nephew is suspected of killing his father, then going several miles to the school, where he opened fire. A student and teacher were treated and released from the hospital. Another student remained in critical condition Thursday.

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12 p.m.

The teacher who was wounded in a school shooting is in her 13th year of teaching.

Townville Elementary School's website says Meghan Hollingsworth has taught first grade since 2007.

Authorities say Hollingsworth was shot in the shoulder Wednesday by a teenager who killed his father before driving to the school and opening fire. A 6-year-old boy was wounded in the shooting and is in critical condition at a hospital. Hollingsworth and another boy who was wounded were treated and released from a hospital.

Hollingsworth has asked people coming to her home to respect her family's privacy. A note on her door says she's not interested in giving any interviews.

According to the school's website, she graduated from the College of Charleston in 2003 and earned her master's in 2007. Her husband is an engineering teacher at the career center for two nearby school districts. They have two children.

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11:10 a.m.

A website set up to raise money for the care of a South Carolina boy hospitalized after being shot at his school has raised more than $13,000.

A GoFundMe page created by friends of Jacob Hall's family posted that amount as of Thursday morning. Organizers said they hoped to raise $50,000 to help pay for the boy's medical expenses.

Jacob remained in critical condition late Thursday morning at a hospital. Hospital officials plan to update his status again Thursday afternoon.

A teacher and another student were treated for gunshot wounds and released.

Officials say a teenager shot the students and the teacher outside the school after killing his father at their home.

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11 a.m.

Authorities are not releasing 911 calls made after they say a teenager killed his father and opened fire at a South Carolina elementary school.

Anderson County Sheriff's Sgt. Laura Johnson said Thursday no audio is being released because it's an ongoing investigation. She did not know when the calls might be made public.

Authorities have said a Townville Elementary teacher called 911 as a teenager began shooting outside the school Wednesday afternoon. The teen was arrested within minutes.

One student remains in critical condition at a Greeneville hospital. Another student and a teacher were treated and released Wednesday from a hospital in Anderson.

Coroner Greg Shore said the teen's grandparents called 911 after finding their son, 47-year-old Jeffrey Osborne, dead in his home. They went to the home after receiving a call from the teen.

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10:40 a.m.

Officials from the South Carolina school where two students and one teacher were wounded in a shooting are praising the "fearless" response of its teachers and staff.

Townville Elementary School also lauded first responders and community members who came to the aid of the school and its children during Wednesday's attack.

Anderson County sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole says officers and forensic specialists were going back to the school Thursday morning to resume their investigation. Officials say a teenager shot the students and the teacher outside the school after killing his father at their home.

The statement said the school's staff and teachers have practiced drills to prepare for many different events, but it took "quick thinking and common sense to act once an actual event presents on campus."

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10 a.m.

The mother of a teen accused of killing his father and wounding two students and a teacher at a South Carolina elementary school says his family is "shocked and saddened."

In a statement Pastor James South provided to local media outlets, Tiffney Osborne says the family "cannot express the devastation we feel at the loss of our beloved Jeff."

Authorities said the shooting began Wednesday afternoon at the teen's house about 2 miles from the school, where he gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne.

Authorities have not released the suspect's name or age beyond saying he's a teen. South says Tiffney Osborne found out about the shooting through media reports.

A volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after the school shooting. A teacher and one student were treated and released from an Anderson hospital. A second child was in critical condition at a hospital in Greenville.

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9:45 a.m.

The South Carolina teacher wounded in a school shooting says she does not want to talk to the media right now.

A note on the door of Townville Elementary School teacher Meghan Hollingsworth's home Thursday morning says her family appreciates people's concern. But she asks those coming to her home to respect their privacy. The note says she's not interested in giving any interviews.

Anderson County sheriff's officials say the teacher and two students were shot Wednesday afternoon by a teenager after he killed his father at their home. She and one of the students were treated and released from a hospital. The second student was in critical condition in Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A volunteer fighter responding to a dispatch call tackled the teen who deputies think did the shooting.

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9:15 a.m.

Anderson County sheriff's deputies are returning to an elementary school where they say a teenager shot two students and a teacher after killing his father at their home.

Sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole said officers and forensic specialists are going back to Townville Elementary School on Thursday morning to resume their investigation.

A volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after the shooting Wednesday afternoon. A teacher and one student were treated and released from an Anderson hospital. A second child was in critical condition at a hospital in Greenville.

Investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting.

Authorities believe the teen shot and killed his father before going to the school. Officials said the teen had called his grandparents just before going to the school. The grandparents went to the house and found the boy's father dead.

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2:50 a.m.

Authorities say a volunteer firefighter stopped a teenager who shot two students and a teacher outside a South Carolina elementary school after killing his father at home.

Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper says the shooter wounded the students and the teacher Wednesday afternoon outside rural Townville Elementary but was apprehended before he could get inside the building.

Skipper says firefighter Jamie Brock "just took him down." Brock is a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department just down the road from the school and arrived before other officers responding to a 911 call from the school.

Deputies arrived minutes later.

Authorities say they don't yet know a motive for the shooting and they weren't sure if the students and teacher were targeted.
New trailhead signs with a less controversial name for eastern Utah's Negro Bill Canyon have been stolen.

The Deseret News reports (http://bit.ly/2ddAMg3 ) that the Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Lisa Bryant said Thursday two signs with the name, "Grandstaff Trailhead" were stolen sometime Wednesday night. She says the theft considered is a felony.

The signs were replaced last weekend in the popular recreation area even though local officials have decided not to change the official name.

Negro Bill Canyon was named after a black cowboy, William Grandstaff, whose cattle grazed there in the 1870s.

The canyon's name has long been debated. Grand County voted in August 2015 to keep the canyon's name. A similar effort to change the canyon's name was defeated in 2013.

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Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com
Philadelphia police say they've fatally shot a man who stabbed two boys and attacked three other people.

WPVI-TV (http://bit.ly/2dqrcnO) reports the attacks began shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday when the man grabbed his teenage daughter by the throat. Police say he slashed his 8-year-old son's throat and stabbed him and then stabbed his son's 13-year-old friend.

Authorities say the man walked to a friend's home and once inside slashed one woman and punched a second.

Officers responded to reports of a man firing a weapon. The city's police commissioner says officers confronted the man as he came out of the friend's home with his hand in his pocket. Commissioner Richard Ross says officers fired when the suspect "abruptly" took his hand out.

The man later died at a hospital. The badly injured children are receiving medical treatment.

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Information from: WPVI-TV, http://www.6abc.com
Authorities say a man killed his wife at their Maryland home and then drove to the Washington suburbs, where he killed his 19-year-old son and himself.

The Harford County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that deputies checking on residents of a Bel Air home on Wednesday night found 48-year-old Zarqa Siddique fatally shot. Officials say her husband, 57-year-old Nasir Siddique, was identified as the suspect, but wasn't home.

Meanwhile, Prince George's County police say officers called to a parking lot near the University of Maryland campus found Nasir Siddique and his 19-year-old son, Farhad, fatally shot in the father's vehicle. Police say Nasir Siddique killed his wife, then drove to College Park where he killed Farhad and himself.

Siddique served as a member of the Maryland Governor's Commission on Military Monuments, Gov. Larry Hogan's office confirmed. He was appointed in 2012 during the previous administration. He was not slated to be reappointed due to a poor attendance record at meetings, the governor's office said. New appointments to the commission are scheduled to take place within the next several weeks.

"This is an unspeakable tragedy and the governor's prayers are with the family of the victims of this horrific crime," said Shareese Churchill, a spokeswoman for Hogan.

University spokeswoman Crystal Brown says Farhad Siddique was a junior at the school.
Witnesses told police a racial slur that rekindled unrest at the University of Missouri in Columbia came from a white woman walking with a group of seemingly intoxicated students toppling trash cans.

That account, included in a report by campus police, offers new details about the Tuesday night incident.

Members of the Legion of Black Collegians told police they were walking when a woman with a passing group of white students muttered a racial slur. The dispute escalated outside the Delta Upsilon fraternity house, where the police report says some black students reported hearing racial epithets directed at them from the house. The report also says a black student shouted epithets back.

The incident follows racial turmoil on campus last year, culminating in resignations from two top university leaders.
A student at East Tennessee State University has been arrested over disrupting a Black Lives Matter event on campus wearing a gorilla mask, carrying around a rope and trying to hand out bananas.

Media outlets report (http://bit.ly/2d5FYBy ) that Tristan Rettke was charged with one count of civil rights intimidation.

Witnesses took photos and video of the man walking up to demonstrators on Wednesday carrying a burlap sack that had a marijuana leaf and a Confederate battle flag printed on it. Rettke told police that he went to the event to provoke protesters.

The university in a statement expressed outrage at Rettke's conduct and commended students for exercising restraint in the face of offensive behavior.
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A man linked to the slayings of at least four women in Ohio is described by those who know him as a charmer with a dark side.

Shawn Grate has been charged in two of the killings and the abduction of a third woman rescued by police from a vacant home two weeks ago.

Authorities say the 40-year-old also has confessed to killing two other women, one earlier this year and one around 2005.

Grate is due to be arraigned Thursday in the killings of the two women in Ashland. That's about 60 miles southwest of Cleveland.

He has pleaded not guilty in the case. Messages seeking comment have been left with his attorneys.

Investigators say they're now looking into whether there could be more victims from his past.
A man in northwest Las Vegas is recovering after he was robbed and tied to a chair on Wednesday morning in his own home.

Now police say one of the suspected robbers has been arrested at a local hospital after he may have shot himself in the leg on the way out.

The victim, who spoke to FOX5 exclusively, said he did not want to be identified. He said he's not sure why his house was targeted, but admits he made it too easy by leaving the garage door open with his red Ferrari inside.

He said he opened the door to get into his garage when immediately he was confronted by two men holding shotguns, dressed all in black.

I'm scared as heck, the victim recounted. I got a shotgun in my face. I never experienced anything like that in my life.

The robbers rummaged through the house for almost an hour after tying up the man with computer cables and electrical tape. At one point, the victim said, he was attacked.

I told them I dont have anything, and I got hit in the head with the butt of a shotgun, he said. I was told, Dont look at me! Shut up and look at the floor!

Police said the robbers werent exactly the smartest criminals theyve ever seen, calling the whole job sloppy.
U.S. authorities tried twice to deport the unarmed black man fatally shot by police in a San Diego suburb, but his native Uganda refused to take him, resulting in his release.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Alfred Olango stopped reporting to officers in February 2015. Spokeswoman Virginia Kice did not know if officers tried to find him after that.

Olango arrived as a refugee in 1991 and was ordered deported in 2002 after being convicted on drug charges. He was released under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling barring detention of foreign nationals after six months if deportation is unlikely.

Immigration authorities took Olango into custody in 2009 after a firearms conviction in Colorado but were again unable to obtain travel documents.

John Sandweg, a former ICE director, said Olango could not be held for more than six months for failing to report to immigration authorities last year because it is not a crime.

"The officers knew that they were not going to be able to hold this guy," Sandweg said.

Olango, 38, was shot and killed Tuesday by police in El Cajon after pulling out an electronic cigarette, known as a vape pen, from his pocket and pointing it at the police officer who fired, while a second officer stood nearby trying to subdue him with a stun gun, according to police. A family attorney said Olango was having an emotional breakdown over the recent death of his best friend.

The investigation centers on a video taken by a bystander. Police have produced a single frame from the cellphone video to support their account, saying it shows Olango in a "shooting stance."

The photo shows Olango's hands clasped together and pointed directly at an officer who had assumed a similar posture with his gun a few feet away.

The vaping device in his hands had two components, a box about the size of a cellphone and a metallic cylinder that was 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Police said the cylinder was pointed right at the officer.

Olango's relatives demanded the full video be released, according to Dan Gilleon, a lawyer who says he is representing the family.

"They're cherry-picking part of the video," Gilleon said. "This is exactly what police have said is unfair when only portions of video are released against them."

Mayor Bill Wells said he had seen the video and that it was not "tremendously complicated to figure out what happened."

Wells was asked how he would feel if it was his child that had been shot.

"I saw a man who was distraught, and a man acting like he was in great pain," Wells said. "And I saw him get gunned down and killed. If he was my son, I would be devastated."

Olango arrived in the U.S. years ago as a refugee from Uganda. Since then he ran afoul of the law several times: selling cocaine, driving drunk, and illegally possessing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he was arrested in Colorado in 2005 with pot and ecstasy in his car, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to nearly four years for being a felon in possession of a gun.

The fatal shooting happened less than two weeks after black men were shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where violent protests broke out.

Protests in El Cajon Wednesday night had heated moments, but remained mostly peaceful.

Scores of people gathered quietly around candles lining a curb in front of bloodstained pavement at the strip mall where Olango was shot.

More than 200 people marched in the streets near the site, yelling "no justice, no peace, no racist police!"

Police in riot gear, some of them with dogs, faced off with protesters occasionally, bringing some tense moments, but mostly kept their distance.

Experts said it was too early to conclude whether the California shooting was justified or could have been prevented.

Chuck Drago, a former Florida police chief who consults about police use of force, said that once Olango struck the shooting pose, officers would have had to react quickly if he drew an unknown object from his pocket.

"An officer doesn't have enough time to wait to determine if that's a gun in his hand," Drago said. "If a person is pointing something at an officer and he believes it's a gun and it is a gun and that officer doesn't have his gun out, that officer will lose that gunfight."

Police have not named the officers involved, though Wells said both were 21-year veterans and one was Officer Richard Gonsalves.

Gonsalves was demoted last year after allegations that he sexually harassed a lesbian colleague. The City Council had to defend the move to angry citizens who had called for him to be fired.

Christopher Rice-Wilson, associate director of the civil rights group Alliance San Diego, questioned why one officer felt non-lethal force was appropriate while the other did not. Both officers have been put on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, per department policy. Officials have not revealed which officer fired the shots.

El Cajon, a city of 100,000 people about 15 miles northeast of San Diego, has become home for many refugees fleeing Iraq and, more recently, Syria.
A Virginia businessman has been found guilty of international parental kidnapping after getting involved in a Vermont same-sex couple's child custody fight.

A federal jury in Buffalo returned the verdict against Philip Zodhiates (zoh-dee-YAH'-taze) on Thursday following a trial that began last week. Zodhiates was also found guilty of conspiracy.

He faces up to eight years in prison.

Prosecutors say the Waynesboro, Virginia, resident helped a woman and her 7-year-old daughter leave the country in 2009 when it was clear the woman  who had renounced her homosexuality  was losing a custody battle to her former partner.

Prosecutors say that Zodhiates drove Lisa Miller and the child from Virginia to the Rainbow Bridge, in western New York, where they crossed into Canada on their way to Nicaragua.
A volunteer South Carolina firefighter was being hailed as a hero after being able to subdue a teen gunman who opened fire at an elementary school Wednesday.

According to Fox Carolina, authorities said a 14-year-old opened fire on the Townville Elementary School playground just before 2 p.m. Two male students and a female teacher were struck by the gunfire.

Anderson County Emergency Management Director Taylor Jones said that a teacher called 911 and Townville firefighter Jamie Brock was one of the first to arrive on the scene. Jones said Brock engaged the gunman and took him down, and held him until deputies arrived.

A minute later, the gunman was in custody.

Its just another example of how all the departments in Anderson County work together when emergency situations arise, Jones said.

Brock has been a Townville firefighter for 30 years. He also volunteers with the Crossroads Fire Department in Oconee County and won the Firefighter of the year for the department, according to Fox Carolina.

Brock has said he doesnt want the attention.

He "wants to remain humble and quiet about it" as he believes "he did nothing any of the other volunteer firefighters wouldn't have done," said Scott Stoller with Anderson County Emergency Management.

Regardless, he said, "Firefighter Brock is absolutely a hero."

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted, Thank you to Jamie Brock, the volunteer firefighter who stopped the #Townville shooter. We truly admire and appreciate your service.

Authorities said the shooting spree started at the teens house about two miles from the school, where he killed his 47-year-old father Jeffrey Osborne. Authorities havent released the suspects name. Fox Carolina identified him as a 14 year old.

Crying and upset, the teen called his grandmother's cellphone at 1:44 p.m., Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said. The grandparents couldn't understand what was going on, so they went to his home just 100 yards away. When they got there, they found Osborne dead and their grandson gone.

About one minute later, authorities received a 911 call from a teacher at the school in this rural town about 110 miles northeast of Atlanta.

The shooter drove a truck into the school parking lot and immediately started firing as he got out and moved toward the school, Skipper said. He did not know who the truck the teen drove was registered to and declined to say how many shots were fired.

One student was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, Capt. Garland Major with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office said. Both students were male. The female teacher was hit in the shoulder.

"We are heartbroken about this senseless act of violence," said Joanne Avery, superintendent of Anderson County School District 4. She canceled classes at the school for the rest of the week.

Authorities have yet to identify a possible motive for the shooting and were unsure if the students and teacher were targeted because the gunman was homeschooled.

Skipper said the teen's mother was at work at the time of the shooting.

One of the students and the teacher were released from the hospital Wednesday evening, AnMed Health spokeswoman Juana Slade said. Greenville Health System spokeswoman Sandy Dees said the other student, Jacob Hall, remained in critical condition Wednesday evening.

The school surrounded by working farms has about 300 students in its pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade classrooms. About 90 percent of the students are white, according to state records.

"This is the country," Brandi Pierce, the mother of a sixth-grader, told The Associated Press as she began to cry. "You don't have this in the country. It just don't exist out here."

Jamie Meredith, a student's mother, said some of the children went into a bathroom during the shooting.

"I don't know how they knew to go in the bathroom, but I know her teacher was shaken up. I know all the kids were scared. There was a bunch of kids crying. She didn't talk for about 5 minutes when I got her," she told WYFF.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley released a statement shortly after the shooting.

"As we work together with law enforcement to make sure they have the support they need to investigate what happened in Townville, Michael and I ask that everyone across South Carolina join us in praying for the entire Townville Elementary School family and those touched by today's tragedy."

The town is situated along Interstate 85 near the Georgia-South Carolina state line.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from Fox Carolina.
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The wife of a former police officer charged in the shooting death of a homeless man in New Mexico says the couple has faced mounting legal bills, threats and uncertainty about the future as the case has made its way to trial.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Tiffanie Perez recounted the emotional and financial toll the case has taken on the family.

She says the couple's lives have been stalled until the legal case is resolved.

Dominique Perez and now-retired Detective Keith Sandy are standing trial on second-degree murder charges in the death of 38-year-old James Boyd.

Perez's legal team began laying out its case Wednesday, saying he was obligated to shoot to protect the life of a K-9 handler.

Special prosecutor Randi McGinn counters that Boyd was turning away and surrendering when he was shot.
A woman was killed and 108 others were injured when a crowded commuter train crashed through a barrier at the busy Hoboken, N.J. station and lurched across the waiting area during the height of the Thursday morning rush hour.

The New Jersey State Medical Examiner's office identified the deceased victim as Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, 34, of Hoboken. She worked for software company SAP in its legal department in Brazil but left earlier this year. SAP spokesman Andy Kendzie said the company was "shaken by the news" of de Koon's death and offered condolences to her family, friends and all those affected by the "tragic event."

Earlier, New Jersey Gov. Chris Chrstie told reporters the woman who died had been standing on a nearby platform and was hit by debris from the crash. The New Jersey Transit train ran off the end of its track as it pulled into the station, smashing through a concrete-and-steel bumper. It apparently knocked out pillars as it ground to a halt in the waiting area, collapsing a section of the station roof onto the train.

Scene at Hoboken NJ Transit Terminal right now. Tons of police and first responders. https://t.co/GSpyGFO9rx  Noah Zucker (@noahlz) September 29, 2016

"All of a sudden, there was an abrupt stop and a big jolt that threw people out of their seats. The lights went out, and we heard a loud crashing noise like an explosion" as the roof fell, said Ross Bauer, who was sitting in the third or fourth car when the train entered the historic 109-year-old station, a bustling hub for commuters heading to New York City. "I heard panicked screams, and everyone was stunned."

Commuter Jim Finan, of River Edge, N.J., told Fox News' "America's Newsroom" that the train barreled into the station in "at full tilt" and "never slowed down."

Massive train crash at #Hoboken Path Station. Injuries reported. Train apparently ran full force into station. pic.twitter.com/rgt9pycnL4  Nicolette (@NewsNicolette) September 29, 2016

William Blaine, an engineer for a company that runs freight trains, was inside the station and ran over to help. He told the Associated Press he saw the train's engineer slumped over the controls.

Finan described the crash as feeling like he was "in an off-road vehicle," adding, "It was bumpy. You were getting bounced around and then slammed forward."

"People were running up the stairs to get out," with "others pushing to get through first," WFAN Radio sportscaster John Minko, who was at the station, told Fox News.

Late Thursday, New Jersey Transit identified the engineer as Thomas Gallagher, a 29-year agency veteran. A union roster shows Gallagher started as an engineer about 18 years ago.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Vice Chairman Bella Dinh-Zarr told reporters Thursday afternoon that Gallagher had been released from the hospital and was cooperating with investigators.

"We have no indication that this is anything other than a tragic accident," Christie said.

"The train came in at much too high rate of speed," Christie added, "and the question is: 'Why is that?'"

Some witnesses said they didn't hear or feel the brakes being applied before the crash.

Dinh-Zarr said investigators were being hampered by safety issues, but were expected to retrieve the train's data recorder Thursday evening. She added that water has been leaking in all day and there may also be asbestos contamination because of the age of the station building.



CLICK HERE FOR COVERAGE FROM FOX 5 NEW YORK

People pulled concrete off bleeding victims and passengers kicked out the windows amid crying and screaming. Jersey City Medical Center received 66 patients from the crash, according to officials who said 13 people were in "guarded" condition. Doctors said they expected all the remaining patients to survive.

Hoboken University Medical Center received 23 patients, all but seven of whom had been released Thursday evening. The injuries included broken bones and head wounds. Another patient was recovering at Christ Hospital in Jersey City.

"When you see the damage and destruction, and you know how many people were on the platform, it's amazing there was only one fatality," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told Fox News' "Your World with Neil Cavuto." "It could have been much worse."

Speaking to Fox News, Christie praised the "seamless, professional" response from emergency workers in the minutes and hours after the crash.

None of NJ Transit's trains is fully equipped with positive train control, a safety system designed to prevent accidents by overriding the engineer and automatically slowing or stopping trains that are going too fast. Positive train control relies on radio and GPS signals to monitor trains' positions and speed.

The NTSB has been pressing for some version of the technology since at least 1990, and the industry is under government orders to install it, but regulators have repeatedly extended the deadline at railroads' request. The target date is now the end of 2018.

"While we are just beginning to learn the cause of this crash, it appears that once again an accident was not prevented because the trains our commuters were riding lacked positive train control," said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-N.Y. "The longer we fail to prioritize investing in rail safety technology, the more innocent lives we put in jeopardy."

But both Cuomo and Christie said that it is too soon to say whether such technology would have made a difference in the Hoboken crash.

Over the past 20 years, the NTSB has listed the lack of positive train control as a contributing factor in 25 crashes. Those include the Amtrak wreck last year in Philadelphia in which a speeding train ran off the rails along a curve. Eight people were killed.

NJ Transit trains do have an alerter system  a sort of dead man's device  that can sound a loud alarm and then stop a train if the engineer goes approximately 15 to 20 seconds without adjusting the controls. But it is not clear whether that would have made a difference either.

The train was not equipped with an inward-facing camera in the cab that could give a fuller picture of the operator's actions.

The train consisted of four passenger cars and a locomotive at the rear. Passengers said it was crowded, with standing room only in the typically popular first few cars, but authorities had no immediate estimate of how many were aboard.



The Hoboken terminal handles more than 50,000 train and bus riders daily, many of them headed into New York City. After arriving at Hoboken, they take ferries or PATH commuter trains across the river to the city.

More than 100,000 people use NJ Transit trains to commute from New Jersey into New York every day. With the Hoboken station still closed as of Thursday evening, NJ Transit trains out of Penn Station in Manhattan were crowded with commuters forced to find a detour around Hoboken.

"My 30-minute commute is turning into at least an hour and a half," said Steve Malfitano, who had to go into New York just to get from one New Jersey city to another. But he added: "It is what it is. It's better than what those people had to go through."

In 2011, a PATH commuter train crash at the Hoboken station injured more than 30 people. The train slammed into bumpers at the end of the tracks on a Sunday morning.



FoxNews.com's Cristina Corbin, Fox News' Kathleen Foster, Rick Leventhal, Bryan Llenas and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
You cant eat at San Franciscos Pythagoras Pizza: Each $20 pie is available for delivery only. The model keeps costs down, but when the shops popularity skyrocketed in 2015, founder Evan Kuo had a problem. How do you staff to endure waves of two- to three-times-demand spikes? he says. After all, he needs way more drivers (and cars) for lunch and dinner, but he cant afford to own a huge fleet that goes unused during most hours.

His solution: Uber.

In 2015, the car giant launched UberRush, which is essentially a messenger service that uses Uber drivers. It partnered with e-commerce platform Shopify and is available in San Francisco, New York and Chicago, and has become a favorite tool of businesses that deliver. Today, half of Kuos pizzas arrive via UberRush. Even if your forecasting model is 80 percent accurate, youre still either overstaffing by 20 percent or underserving by 20 percent, Kuo says. That volatility can be frustrating and really costly.

Related: The New Business Rules for Rides in Uber, Driverless Cars and More

In using Uber this way, Kuo is joining an entrepreneurial crowd: Like cord cutters who stop buying cable, a movement of car cutters are exploring life without auto ownership. Many services are helping this along. ReachNow is in beta testing in the Seattle area; its like Zipcar, in that members can rent cars in small chunks of time rather than being forced to pay for the whole day. (Bonus: ReachNow loans only BMWs and Minis, so your makeshift fleet has a built-in air of success.) Similarly, Silvercar rents on-demand Audis for just $59 a day, proving that business folks are still willing to drive themselves as long as they can do it in style.

Related: What's the Right Car for Hauling 2,000 Burritos?

Automakers themselves are exploring how to capitalize on the car-sharing game: Toyota recently invested in Uber and made a deal to offer drivers special lease rates on their cars; Volkswagen sunk $300 million into Gett, a New York City-focused Uber rival; and GM bought a $500 million chunk of Lyft and will pilot test autonomous-driving Chevy Bolt taxis in 2017. Not to be outdone, FCA inked a deal with Google parent Alphabet to be a supplier of vehicles to Googles well-publicized driverless system.

In the face of this competition, Uber is doubling down. In September, the brand launched UberCentral, which allows businesses to act as dispatchers, scheduling car services for clients and ordering multiple rides days in advance to multiple pickup locations at once. Entrepreneurs can even build UberRush into their own software, so they can allow vendors to access delivery services themselves. It just takes a couple of lines of code and then you have access to Ubers logistics network, and thats the same whether its a person or a delivery, says Uber spokesman Sarah Maxwell.

Related: What Self-Driving Trucks Could Mean For Your Next Delivery

All of this is changing the way some businesses operate, encouraging them to add services they previously couldnt afford. San Francisco-based Dijital Fix Design + Electronics, for example, sells everything from audiophile-level speakers to floor lamps and candles, and now it can get products to customers within an hour via UberRush. Shopify merchants can have the system up and running in three minutes, according to Niko Downie, partnerships lead at Shopify. He says that 1,500 of their customers (including Dijital Fix) use UberRush, and can choose how much of the cost of delivery they want to pass along to customers.

The end of ownership may mean potential big bucks for car-sharing services, but the real benefit seems to fall to small-business owners. One of the toughest things about having a real-time delivery business is anticipating demand, says Pythagoras Kuo. But now we can basically understaff by 20 percent for downside protection and still meet our demand fully, at almost no extra cost.
The U.N. Security Council came under sharp criticism Wednesday for its failure to implement a resolution aimed at protecting medical facilities and staff in conflict zones from Syria to Yemen and Afghanistan.

The U.N.'s most powerful body held a meeting on health care in armed conflict that by coincidence began just hours after two hospitals on rebel-held Aleppo were bombed, highlighting the lack of action to protect them.

Joanne Liu, president of Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, blamed the failure on "a lack of political will  among member states fighting in coalitions, and those who enable them." She told the council that the failure is evident in hospital attacks since the resolution's adoption in May which have left civilians in war with "less, if any, access to life-saving medical care."

"Many attacks ... are brushed off as mistakes," Liu said. "We reject the word 'mistake'. We denounce the deliberate and systemic failure of states to avoid attacking hospitals and to appropriately control their conduct of hostilities."

In both Syria and Yemen, four of the five veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council "are implicated in some way in these attacks," she said, a reference to Russia, the United States, Britain and France.

Liu cited the destruction of an MSG hospital in Abs, Yemen in early August carried out by the Saudi-led coalition which killed 19 people, the fourth such attack on an MSF facility in the country. A week later, an MSF-supported hospital in Idlib, Syria was destroyed in repeated air strikes, killing four hospital staff and nine patients and cutting life-saving care to 70,000 people.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon implicitly accused Syria and close ally Russia of committing war crimes in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo in Wednesday's hospital attacks. He said what was happening in the city, the target of a Syrian government offensive backed by Russia, is worse than "a slaughterhouse."

"Let us be clear: Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing. They know they are committing war crimes," he said.

Ban also urged international action and accountability, stressing that since May "there has been no let-up." In addition to attacks on health care facilities in Syria and Yemen, he cited a suicide attack on Pakistan's Sandeman Provincial Hospital in August that killed more than 70 people.

The U.N. chief urged the Security Council to take "decisive steps" to protect health facilities and medical staff. These include ensuring that laws and weapon sales respect the provision of medical care in conflict, that parties to conflict take precautions to protect medical staff and facilities, that those responsible for violating international law are prosecuted and punished  and that people and communities affected by attacks receive reparations.

Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador Evgeny Zagaynov told the council that Syria and Russia are being blamed for "the majority of strikes on civilian facilities in Syria"  including Wednesday's hospital bombings in Aleppo  without any independent investigation and verification.

He said similar unacceptable incidents have resulted from "the destabilizing policy carried out by the U.S. and its allies." He cited last October's U.S. military attack on a Doctors Without Borders trauma hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz which killed 14 staff and 28 patients and caretakers, noting that while the U.S. took responsibility, those responsible are still at work.

Zagaynov called for an end to "anti-Russian demagoguery" and a united international effort to end the Syrian conflict as soon as possible. He said "a very good basis" is Russian-American cooperation.

U.S. deputy ambassador Michele Sison said the U.S. has taken steps since Kunduz "to minimize the likelihood of future incidents."
At least 18 Islamic State leaders have been killed in Iraq and Syria in the past month, a Baghdad-based U.S. military spokesman told reporters at the Pentagon Thursday.

Fox News had reported last week on Special Report that more than a dozen ISIS leaders had been killed in Mosul ahead of the expected ground operation next month in Iraq's second largest city. Some of the ISIS leaders are Chechens who hold a "special place" with the terror group, said Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition.

One of the critical tasks facing the Iraqi government in retaking Mosul from ISIS is handling as many as 800,000 refugees expected to pour out of Mosul after ISIS is defeated, Dorrian said. He adds that refugee screening is one of the most important components of the Mosul operation, saying it's a conversation the U.S.-led coalition has with the Iraqis "every day." Dorrian says the screening process must be done under the "command and control" of the Iraqi government.

In June, following the liberation of Fallujah by Iraqi forces, hundreds of Iraqi Sunni refugees escaping the city reportedly were abducted and later killed by Iranian-backed forces outside the city, including Kataaib Hezbollah. The State Department labeled the group a terrorist organization in 2009 for attacking U.S. forces in Iraq.

The United Nations reported in July that 900 Iraqi refugees who left Fallujah were missing and at least 50 had been executed and blamed Iraqi Shia militias, many backed by Iran.

Some of these Iranian-backed forces are now located on the outskirts of Mosul, according to U.S. officials.

Dorrian said the 615 additional troops going to Iraq, an increase that Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Wednesday, would be the last boost needed to help the Iraqis take Mosul. "We believe this is all the force we will need to liberate Mosul," he said.

Dorrian said a sizable number of the new U.S. troops going to Iraq are intelligence personnel that will be needed to sift through terabytes of information ISIS fighters are expected to leave behind when they either escape the city or are killed.

When the ISIS supply hub of Manbij was liberated near Syria's border with Turkey, U.S.-backed forces recovered 20 terabytes of information, Dorian said. He called it a "treasure trove" of information about ISIS that has since been shared with Western intelligence agencies including those in Europe.

When asked why some troops are going to a remote airbase in western Iraq's Anbar province, Dorrian said the goal is to turn al-Asad airbase located northwest of Ramadi into a 24/7 airport to fly drones and support Iraqi military aircraft. At the moment, the airbase can only support daytime operations, he said.
Aid workers are warning that tens of thousands of children in northeastern Nigeria will die in famine-like conditions created by Boko Haram's Islamic uprising if food doesn't reach them quickly.

UNICEF nutritionist Arjan de Wagt says Nigeria's humanitarian crisis is currently one of the worst in the world because of its severity and the high number of children facing death. He says children are dying but donors are not responding to appeals for aid.

UNICEF estimates that as many as 75,000 children will die over the next year if they don't get specialized food and care.

De Wagt says most severely malnourished children die of secondary illnesses like diarrhea and respiratory infections. But he says that in northeastern Nigeria, children are literally starving to death.
From the point of view of Sunni Arab regimes anxious about Irans regional ambitions, Islamic Stateas repellent as it isprovides a silver lining. The extremist groups firewall blocks territorial contiguity between Iran and its Arab proxies in Syria and Lebanon.

This means that now, as Islamic State is losing more and more land to Iranian allies, these Sunni countriesparticularly Saudi Arabiaface a potentially more dangerous challenge: a land corridor from Tehran to Beirut that would reinforce a more capable and no less implacable enemy.

Pro-Iranian Shiite militias such as Lebanons Hezbollah and Iraqs Badr and Asaib Ahl al-Haq are filling the void left by Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and they are much better equipped and trained than the Sunni extremist group. They are also just as hostile to the Saudi regime, openly talking about dismantling the kingdom and freeing Islams holy places from the House of Saud.

That rhetoric only intensified after Januarys breakup in diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran.

Many Western officials see these Shiite militiaswhich currently refrain from attacking Western targetsas an undoubtedly preferable alternative to Islamic States murderous rule, and some of the groups operating in Iraq indirectly coordinate with U.S. air power. But that isnt how those militias are viewed in Riyadh and other Gulf capitals.

Abuses committed by Iranian proxies in Sunni areas are just as bad as those of Islamic State, argued Prince Turki al-Faisal, the former head of Saudi intelligence and a nephew of the current king.

They are equally threatening, and one feeds off the other, Prince Turki said in an interview. Both of them are equally vicious, equally treacherous, and equally destructive.

The West, he added, fundamentally misunderstood Iranian intentions in the region. Its wishful thinking that, if we try to embrace them, they may tango with us. Thats an illusion, he said.

Click for more from The Wall Street Journal.
The human rights group Amnesty International says it has gathered "horrific evidence" that the Sudanese military has used chemical weapons against civilians, including very young children, in one of the most remote corners of the Darfur region over the past eight months.

In a report released Thursday, the Britain-based organization says its investigation includes satellite imagery, more than 200 in-depth interviews with survivors and expert analysis of dozens of images that suggest that at least 30 likely chemical attacks took place in the Jebel Marra area.

Darfur has been gripped by bloodshed since 2003, when rebels took up arms against the government in Khartoum, accusing it of discrimination and neglect. The U.N. estimates 300,000 people have died in the conflict and 2.7 million have fled their homes.
The family of two American women was searching for answers Wednesday after the sisters were found dead at a tropical African island resort.

The Star Tribune reported that the bodies of Annie Korkki, 37, of Denver, and Robin Korkki, 42, of Chicago, were discovered in their villa while they were on vacation together in the island nation of Seychelles, their brother Chris Korkki said. He added that there hasnt been much information coming from officials about their deaths.

Chris Korkki told the paper that his mother and brother, who reside in Colorado, are in Seychelles and have urged the U.S. and local authorities to press for details and make arrangements to bring the bodies of the sisters back home. The family was originally from Minnesota.

At this point, the only details we know are the articles flying around online, Chris Korkki told the Star Tribune. My mom has been talking with people from the U.S. Embassy. I dont think theyve provided her with any information.

The brother described his sisters as adventurous and wanted to experience life to the fullest.

The Seychelles Nation, the islands major newspaper, reported that police said a Maia Luxury Resort manager found the sisters unresponsive in their villa on Sept. 22. A doctor then declared them dead.

Hotel staff had observed the pair drinking alcohol throughout the day and had to be helped to their room last Wednesday by a butler at around 8:15 p.m., according to the Seychelles Nation. Police said the butler returned to the room at around 8:30 a.m. the next day to find the door left the same as it was the night before. By 11 a.m., there was still no sign of them and thats when hotel staff entered the room.

Seychelles attracts tourists from across the globe because of its prime location near the equator and its numerous beaches.

According to Fox 9, a fund has been setup to help the family with travel expenses as they go to the island nation to bring the bodies back to the U.S.

Click for more from the Star Tribune.

Click for more from Fox 9.
A former Australian government minister has drawn criticism from the foreign minister for visiting the Iraqi front line in a battle between the Islamic State movement and Kurdish Peshmerga.

Wyatt Roy was assistant minister for innovation until he lost his seat in elections in July.

Australia's Special Broadcasting Service on Thursday showed video provided by Roy from the northern Iraqi city of Erbil.

The video purported to show Roy crouching to avoid gunfire at a Peshmerga position at Domez near the town of Sinjar west of Mosul a week ago as it was attacked by Islamic State fighters.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Roy did not ask for Australian government assistance to travel to Iraq and described his actions as irresponsible.
The Australian government says an Iranian national extradited from Indonesia is to appear in a Sydney court charged with people-smuggling offenses.

The government said in a statement Thursday that Mohammad Naghi Karimi Azar on Wednesday became the eighth alleged people smuggler to be extradited from Indonesia to Australia since 2008.

Azar faces 43 charges of people smuggling in the Sydney Central Local Court, an offence that carries a minimum five-year sentence and a maximum of 20 years.

There has not been a successful people-smuggling venture from Indonesia to Australia in more than two years.

Australian border protection ships turn back boats carrying asylum seekers from the Middle East, Asia and Africa who pay people smugglers to bring them to Australia.
Londoners traveling on the city's often overcrowded Underground subway system are not known to be particularly outgoing, but there's a campaign afoot to change that.

An unidentified group is giving out Tube Chat badges encouraging people to strike up conversations with their fellow passengers. They've already earned the ire of Transport for London, which said Thursday it is unhappy that the group has used the Underground's official logo on the badges without permission.

The transport agency said the idea is "interesting" but they don't want users to be confused by the use of the familiar logo.

The badges are being distributed with a flyer stating people will benefit from a daily chat.

The transport agency does give out "Baby on Board" badges to help pregnant women get seats.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said joint military exercises of Filipino and American troops next week will be the last such drills, although his foreign secretary quickly said the decision was not final.

Duterte made the comments while addressing Filipino community members in Hanoi late Wednesday night, noting that the Philippines will maintain its military alliance with the U.S. because they share a 65-year-old mutual defense treaty.

During a two-day visit to Vietnam, Duterte said he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia, and that Beijing doesn't want the war games.

"I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise," he said. "Jointly, Philippines-U.S., the last one."

State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday said they have not received any official communication from the Philippine government on the matter.

Some 1,400 U.S. troops based in Okinawa, Japan and 500 Filipino counterparts plan to participate in the Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise Oct. 4 to 12 in multiple locations, including Palawan, the westernmost province nearest to disputed islands in the South China Sea, officials said.

The two militaries have routinely held bilateral exercises aimed at improving cooperation between the forces. Cancellation would end the annual 10-day Balikatan, or shoulder to shoulder, exercise which this year drew more than 8,000 troops, among others.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr., however, contradicted Duterte, saying joint military drills approved by the previous administration will continue until 2018, when they can evaluate whether there's a need for them to go on.

"He was just simply saying for now, taking into account the political reality, he does not want the joint military exercises to continue," Yasay said.

Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the U.S., his country's long-standing ally and former colonial power, since he won a presidential election in May.

More than 3,000 suspected drug pushers and users have been killed since July 1 under Duterte's war on drugs. Human rights advocates and Philippine allies including the United States have deplored the killings.

Earlier this month a defiant Duterte cursed President Barack Obama, and said he would not allow joint patrols of disputed waters near the South China Sea with foreign powers, apparently scrapping a deal his predecessor reached with the U.S. military.

Duterte has also said he is considering acquiring military equipment from Russia and China.

Yasay said the Philippines is pursuing an independent foreign policy that serves its national interests. This would involve strengthening relations with China while not alienating traditional friendships with the U.S. and other allies, he said.

On Wednesday, Duterte also said he's not inclined to go to war, or see Filipino soldiers massacred, in trying to enforce an international tribunal's ruling in July that supported his country's claims that China is overreaching in its territorial claims the South China Sea.

There will be "a time of reckoning," Duterte said, and when that time comes he said he would tell China: "This is ours. I will talk to you but I will not go out of the four corners of this (arbitration) paper."

Former Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, who spearheaded the case, questioned Duterte's foreign policy, saying it should not be a "zero-sum game."

He also warned the Philippines stands to lose billions of dollars in development assistance, including $140 million in foreign military financing from the U.S. for 2016, if the country is seen as violating human rights -- a U.S. Congress conditionality in approving such funds.
Russian officials accused the U.S. on Thursday of siding with "terrorists" in Syria, in a sign of escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington amid the battle for Aleppo.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby's warning that the collapse of U.S.-Russian cooperation in Syria could lead to a rise in extremism and potential attacks against Russia drew Moscow's anger.

The Russian Foreign and Defense Ministries both cast it as U.S. encouragement of terror attacks on Russia.

"We can't assess those statements as anything else but a call, a directive for action," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

Defense Ministry spokeswoman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Kirby's statement amounted to "the most frank confession by the U.S. side so far that the whole 'opposition' ostensibly fighting a 'civil war' in Syria is a U.S.-controlled international terrorist alliance."

"What makes Kirby's statement particularly shocking is that the scale of direct U.S. influence on terrorists' activity is global and reaches as far as Russia."

The remarks by Russian officials have shown a degree of mistrust and strain between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of the U.S.-Russia-brokered truce and the Syrian army onslaught on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes. The growing friction makes it increasingly unlikely that the cease-fire could be revived.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry threatened Wednesday to cut all cooperation with Moscow on Syria unless an onslaught on Aleppo ends.

Kirby, asked what the consequences would be for Russia if cooperation with the U.S. in Syria collapsed, said "that extremists and extremists groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there ... which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags."

Konashenkov interpreted Kirby's statement as a direct threat to the Russian military in Syria. He said that Russia remains open for dialogue with Washington on Syria, but added that the U.S. needs to "exclude even a hint at threatening our military and Russian citizens."

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Moscow still wants to cooperate with Washington on the Syrian crisis, but blamed the U.S. for a failure to deliver on its pledge under the Sept. 9 agreement to encourage moderate opposition to sever ties with al-Qaida's branch in Syria.

"Our colleagues from Washington have tried to cover up their inability to fulfill their own obligations with verbal attacks on Russia," he said.
Serbian police have arrested a senior Kosovo police official on suspicion of terrorism in a sign of ongoing tensions in the volatile Balkans.

Police said in a statement on Thursday they arrested a man from Kosovo, identified only by his initials N.T., "for the criminal act of terrorism." Police say he was detained while crossing from Kosovo into Serbia Wednesday evening.

In Kosovo, police spokesman Daut Hoxha told The Associated Press that Serbian police had detained Nehat Thaci, the head of Kosovo police for the northern town of Mitrovica.

Hoxha says Thaci was traveling privately when detained, and Kosovo police have demanded an explanation.

Kosovo, a predominantly ethnic-Albanian former Serbian province, declared independence in 2008 following a 1998-99 war. Belgrade has refused to recognize the split.
Spain's central bank is warning that the political impasse in the country could have negative economic effects.

The warning came Thursday as the bank revised up its 2016 economic growth forecast for Spain to 3.2 percent from 2.8 percent, and maintained estimates for the subsequent two years at 2.3 percent and 2.1 percent.

The bank said a prolonged period of interim government would delay necessary reforms. Acting conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has headed a caretaker government since December following two inconclusive elections. If there is no government by Oct. 31, a third election will be called.

The bank also said Spain's budget deficits this year and next would be 4.9 percent and 3.6 percent of annual GDP  above levels agreed with the European Union.
A German woman on trial for being part of a neo-Nazi group suspected of killing 10 people has spoken in court for the first time to disavow the nationalist ideas she once believed in.

Beate Zschaepe is accused of membership in the National Socialist Underground, or NSU, which carried out a seven-year murder spree targeting mostly immigrants. The other two core members of the group died in November 2011 following a botched robbery.

Zschaepe told the Munich court on Thursday that she once identified with "elements of nationalist ideology." German news agency dpa quoted her as saying she now judges people "not by their origin or political mindset but according to their behavior."

Zschaepe's trial began in May 2013 and is expected to continue into next year.
Massage Heights Expands Footprint in Virginia With First Vienna Location

Fast-growing Massage and Facial Services Franchise Hosts Grand Opening Celebration, Oct. 28

September 29, 2016 // Franchising.com // Massage Heights, a leader of professional, affordable and convenient therapeutic massage and facial services, announced today it has expanded its presence in Virginia with the opening of its first location in Vienna. Located at 2674 Avenir Place, Suite B, the new Retreat is owned and operated by first-time franchisee Courtland Wyatt of Roman Republic, LLC and marks the fourth Retreat in Virginia.

Members of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce will attend the celebration alongside members of the Maryfield Business Association. Wyatt also plans to support several charitable initiatives in the area, including the local Arthritis Foundation walk later this year.

After my first experience at the Massage Heights corporate office, I knew my search for a turnkey, diverse business opportunity was matched, Wyatt said. I saw the future of the brand headed in the right direction and wanted to bring the vision back to the community of Vienna. I am excited to educate local residents of the benefits of massage therapy and look forward to providing the upmost elevated experience to consumers in the area.

Wyatt brings over two decades of industry experience to the Massage Heights team. Prior to joining the franchise, he served four years in the U.S. Army before going on to receive his masters degree in physical therapy at Howard University. Wyatt then attended Alabama State University, where he obtained his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. In addition to his new Retreat, Wyatt is also co-owner of Ergo Solutions, the largest outsourcing physical rehab company in Washington, D.C., and serves as CEO of Ergo OccMed, a physical rehab clinic specializing in outpatient services. Alongside his roles as co-owner, CEO, therapist and now franchisee, Wyatt also started a non-profit organization aimed at eliminating health disparities in socioeconomically deprived areas across the nation.

Weve been targeting the Northeast region for franchise expansion and are hopeful to continue the growth momentum in the area following the new Retreat opening in Vienna, said Shane Evans, co-founder and president of Massage Heights. Courtland embodies our same expertise and passion for massage therapy, and we plan to give our full support as he makes a name for Massage Heights in Fairfax County.

Massage Heights is on track to open 40 locations this year, with a goal of having 300 Retreats open by the end of 2018. As part of its accelerated growth strategy, the brand plans to develop franchised locations in cities like Denver, Kansas City, Tampa-St. Petersburg, San Diego, Nashville, Knoxville and Las Vegas in 2016. Additionally, Massage Heights is seeking area developers to grow the brand in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Northern Virginia, Nashville, Tampa-St. Petersburg and Salt Lake City.

As part of its nationwide expansion plans, Massage Heights is seeking qualified franchisees and area developers to join its growing brand. Prospective single- and multi-unit franchisees should have $175,000 in liquid assets and minimum $400,000 net worth per location, as well as experience in sales or retail management and managing hourly wage employees. Prospective area representatives should have $375,000 in liquid assets and minimum $600,000 net worth, as well as previous experience in franchising, sales, marketing and operating multiple sites, preferably in the retail, restaurant, hospitality or customer services industries.

Massage Heights in Vienna will be open Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.  7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.  6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.massageheightsfranchise.com, or call (703) 520-1004.

About Massage Heights

Massage Heights ;is a family-owned, membership-based therapeutic services franchise company that provides Members and Guests convenient, professional, affordable resort-quality massage and facial services that help people achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle, in an upscale Retreat environment. Regular massage and skin therapy services help people look and feel their best from the inside out by aiding in the reduction of stress, pain management and increased relaxation, all resulting in the ability to tackle daily life with a higher level of vitality and positivity, truly elevating the everyday.

SOURCE Massage Heights

Media Contact:

Tiffany Trilli

Account Coordinator

Fish Consulting, LLC

O: (954) 893-9150

C: (305) 299-4581

ttrilli@fish-consulting.com

###

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Nurse Next Door Named One of Canada's Most Successful Growth Companies by Canadian Business and PROFIT

Private Duty Home Care Company Ranked One of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies With Five-Year Revenue Growth of 193%

VANCOUVER, BC - (Marketwired - September 29, 2016) - Canadian Business and PROFIT today ranked Nurse Next Door No. 282 on the 28thannual PROFIT 500, the definitive ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies. Nurse Next Door was also ranked No. 13 in the Consumer Services category, and ranked No. 28 in the Vancouver region. Published in the October issue of Canadian Business and at PROFITguide.com, the PROFIT 500 ranks Canadian businesses by their five-year revenue growth.

"Companies become a part of the PROFIT 500 through innovative thinking, smart strategy and sheer grit," says James Cowan, Editor-in-chief of PROFIT and Canadian Business. "These firms demonstrate what Canadian entrepreneurs can achieve, both at home and across the globe."

Nurse Next Door was founded in 2001 in Vancouver, B.C., by Co-Founders John DeHart and Ken Sim. In 2013, DeHart and Sim recognized a turning point in their business; they needed to grow faster and better, or would get left behind. In 2014, DeHart and Sim transitioned leadership over to Cathy Thorpe, Nurse Next Door's President and CEO. Since joining, Thorpe has doubled the business, grown operational locations by 30 per cent across North America and has profiled Nurse Next Door as one of Canada's most successful growth companies.

"We are thrilled to have made the 2016 PROFIT 500 and to be recognized for our accelerated revenue growth," says Thorpe. "This achievement reflects the success of our disruptive leadership and our commitment to driving strong results, to developing people across our system and to enriching our customers' experience."

Thorpe will speak at the PROFIT 500 CEO Summit on October 7, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. This invitation-only event will welcome over 300 entrepreneurs and executives to learn from their peers and prominent business leaders. Thorpe will add a bold element to this year's event by speaking to her succession at Nurse Next Door and why it worked, how she drives results and the future of Nurse Next Door's leadership.

To meet the Nurse Next Door Leadership Team: [http://www.nursenextdoorfranchise.com/home-health-care-franchise/meet-the-leadership-team/].

About Nurse Next Door

Nurse Next Door is one of North America's fastest-growing home care providers with more than 130 locations across North America. Beyond providing the highest quality of care for seniors, the company improves the quality of life for their clients and delivers a unique #HappierAging experience to get clients back to doing the things they love to do. Founded in 2001 in Vancouver, B.C., Nurse Next Door's continuous innovation in the home care space is turning it into a globally admired brand. As an employer, it has been ranked among Aon Hewitt's Best 50 Small and Medium Employers, BC Business' Best Companies to Work For and Achiever's 50 Most Engaged Workplaces. The company has also garnered numerous business awards including placing on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list, being named the fifth best mid-sized franchise system in North America by Franchise Business Review and heralded as Canada's Smartest Company by Profit Magazine. To learn more about Nurse Next Door, visit www.nursenextdoor.com.

About PROFIT and PROFITguide.com

PROFIT: Your Guide to Business Success is Canada's preeminent media brand dedicated to the management issues and opportunities facing small and mid-sized businesses. For 34 years, Canadian entrepreneurs across a vast array of economic sectors have remained loyal to PROFIT because it's a timely and reliable source of actionable information that helps them achieve business success and get the recognition they deserve for generating positive economic and social change. Visit PROFIT online at PROFITguide.com.

About Canadian Business

Founded in 1928, Canadian Business is the longest-serving, best-selling and most-trusted business publication in the country. With a total brand readership of more than 1.1 million, it is the country's premier media brand for executives and senior business leaders. It fuels the success of Canada's business elite with a focus on the things that matter most: leadership, innovation, and business strategy and management tactics. We provide concrete examples of business achievement, thought-provoking analysis and compelling storytelling, all in an elegant package with bold graphics and great photography. Canadian Business -- what leadership looks like.

SOURCEt Nurse Next Door

Contact:

Jenna Ratcliffe

Project Coordinator

Nurse Next Door Home Care Services

Tel: 866.571.0032

jratcliffe@nursenextdoor.com

###

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WP Wings Launch WordPress Security, Optimization Subscription Service, and Technical Work Done For You

WP Wings is a new, low-cost subscription service that offers WordPress users unlimited tech support, performance optimization and security for their website.

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WordPress is one of the most versatile platforms for website creation available today, and with a huge range of prefabricated themes to choose from, there are limitless possibilities for style, approach, features and more. WordPress does have its limitations however, and these require advanced knowledge to get around. Fortunately, WP Wings (www.wpwings.net) is a new service that offers advanced level support on demand to WP Users, website is operating as well as it possibly can, at all times.

The WP Wings service ensures websites stay bug free, fast and secure for less than seven dollars a month. The service is fulfilled by professional WordPress developers who understand the format and programming language inside and out. They will optimize the website on an ongoing basis, and any bugs consumers identify can be fixed simply by dropping the team an email.

Thanks to the top grade protection, unmatched technical support, regular backups and constant monitoring they provide, websites experience the fastest load times, better rankings on search engines, and more conversions from visitors to the site. After set up, subscribers can rest assured issues will be identified and dealt with proactively by the team, for a hands-off experience.

A spokesperson for WP Wings explained, "WP Wings is proud to offer a fantastic new service. We allow people to retain control of their design and content updates while ensuring they aren't sacrificing speed and security for it. This is an ideal balance for most people, and at a price point people can simply forget about. For less than the price of a Starbucks once a month, a website can perform better, be more secure and more reliable than ever. We look forward to helping more clients than ever create their best possible website, by working together with our professional developers."

About WP Wings: WP Wings offer unlimited technical assistance, security enhancement and performance optimization for WordPress users for a low-cost monthly subscription. The company offers a wide range of WordPress support services that can improve security and speed. They install, update and configure plugins, make changes to core sections of the website, check page size and load times, keep the site backed up and optimize all images, making sure the site functions to the best of its potential.

For more information, please visit http://www.wpwings.net/

Contact Info:

Name: Olivier Grillo

Email: press@wpwings.net

Organization: WP Wings



Source: http://marketersmedia.com/wp-wings-launch-wordpress-security-optimization-subscription-service-and-technical-work-done-for-you/132373

Release ID: 132373

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#1 Healthy Children's Toy Maker Awards Valued Customers

As the maker of premium educational toys for children, awarding customers has been on the forefront of Mommy Please's to do list. Finally, the educational toy food company is knocking this task off their list.

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Almost overnight, the Mommy Please Organic Healthy Play Food Set has become the #1 ranked toy food set on Amazon.com. To celebrate, they will award a customer of the month award.

"We have the most amazing customers. Our success and #1 ranking on Amazon are because of them. We want to recognize our customers to thank them for their support [...] so each month we will name a customer of the month," stated Mommy Please spokesperson, Elsie Murphy. The customer of the month will receive recognition on company media announcements as a shout out of sorts.

The Mommy Please 125 piece play food set contains a variety of foods from four different food groups. Some of these foods include broccoli, bananas, carrots, corn, cucumbers, apples, eggs, pears, grapes, asparagus, ice cream, pizza, hamburger, French fries, chips, strawberries, juice, and milk. Both healthy and non-healthy food choices are included in the play food set, to introduce children to a variety of foods, and help teach them how to make healthy food choices.

The play food is made of a durable BPA-free plastic material; that is free from toxins and safe for children ages three and over.

Customers love the Mommy Please play food set for kids and imaginative play. The average customer rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars, with 99% of customers reviewing the toy saying they and their children enjoy the play food set. Over 500 happy customers have reviewed the toy food set on Amazon thus far.

Sold exclusively on Amazon.com, the Mommy Please 125 piece play food set is currently on sale for $24.99. Any order over $49 will ship for free. Mommy Please stands behind their product, and any customer not 100% happy with their play food set can return it for a full refund.

Readers can find this children's educational toy set available for sale at: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Food-Set-For-Kids/dp/B01COI9EAC/

About: Mommy Please has worked tirelessly to bring children a play set that will never cease to keep their imaginations going. Mommy Please strives to ensure that happiness, education, and creativity are all incorporated into play time every single day. As a company that focuses on family values, Mommy Please intends to influence the lives of families around the world.

For more information, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Pretend-Food-Toy-Play-Set/dp/B01COI9EAC

Contact Info:

Name: Elsie Murphy

Organization: Mommy Please

Address: 3440 Hanifan Lane



Release ID: 135023

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Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer: Global Dog Bite Treatment Cost Comparison Released

The cost of Philadelphia dog bite treatment is incredibly high, compared to global rates. To get information on filing a dog bite lawsuit to cover medical expenses, go to PhiladelphiaDogBiteLawyer.org or call (215)515-2146 now.

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A Philadelphia dog bite can turn incredibly serious quickly, which is why it's important to get dog bite treatment right away after an incident, even if the wound doesn't appear to be infected. David Lazarus of the LA Times recently spoke with Jan Kern about her experience, which not only highlights how serious canine attacks can be, but also how astronomical the cost of dog bite treatment is here in the United States, as opposed to other areas of the globe.

For dog bite lawsuit information and free legal consultations, visit PhiladelphiaDogBiteLawyer.org or call (215)515-2146 today.

Jan's story is incredibly unique in that she was bitten by a dog while she was on vacation and out of the country. Because of this, she visited four different medical facilities across three separate countries, and the dog bite treatment cost was drastically different from one place to the next, even though she received similar medications.

In Cambodia, near the Angkor Wat temple, Jan was bitten by a stray canine. When she visited Royal Angkor International Hospital, the doctor recommended standard prophylactic rabies treatments. This consists of four shots, spread out over a period of time, to ensure that the victim does not contract rabies as a result. The drug used in most of the world is called Verorab, which is less expensive than other medicines, but it's not approved for use in the United States.

Because she was traveling, Jan could only have her initial treatment performed in Cambodia. The total price for her visit, including the Verorab shot, came out to around $125. She was due for her second shot while she was in Thailand. She received it at a clinic and paid $18.50. After arriving stateside, Jan visited the emergency room at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in California. The injection ran an astounding $5,254.85. Her final dose was given by a HealthCare Partners in Redondo Beach, to the tune of $427.

Go to PhiladelphiaDogBiteLawyer.org or call (215)515-2146 to speak with an attorney regarding reparations for dog bite treatment today.

It's essential to seek dog bite treatment right away after injury because rabies shots are often necessary when a stray animal is involved. Without them, the disease can be fatal. Moreover, infections are common in puncture wounds, which is why doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics as well. These measures can save lives, but they are not cheap in the United States.

Jan's bills were covered by her travel insurance, but even those with insurance are can become overwhelmed with deductibles and copays quickly. Thankfully, Pennsylvania does have firm dog bite laws, which allow people to receive payment directly from the animal's owner or from his insurance company in most cases. While this doesn't change the fact that medical expenses are astronomically high in the United States, it does ensure families are not burdened with treatment following an attack.

About Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer provides victims and their families with information on what to do following an attack, local laws, and potential courses of treatment. The site also features experienced attorneys who specialize in dog bite law and offer consultations at no charge. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit PhiladelphiaDogBiteLawyer.org or call (215)515-2146 today.

For more information, please visit http://philadelphiadogbitelawyer.org

Contact Info:

Name: Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Organization: Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Address:

Phone: (215) 867-5399

Release ID: 134996

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Additional Surrogacy Money in Oregon Available for Those Who Can Be a Surrogate

Surrogacy money in Oregon has increased for those who are willing to be a surrogate and help families grow. Call (503) 427-1880 or go to SurrogacyOregon.com to learn more or begin the process of assisting a family today.

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Surrogacy money in Oregon continues to climb for women who are both generous enough and qualified to be a surrogate. The requirements are fairly straightforward and all relate to the safety of the baby and carrier. They include things such as being of good health, both mentally and physically, having experienced at least one healthy pregnancy and delivery, and being willing to help people grow their families, often when all other avenues have failed. Although women often meet this criteria, global demand is rising and the number of women stepping forward to help has not increased enough to assist all the families that need help. As such, surrogacy money being paid to the too few carriers is rising as well, resulting in large stipends for those who choose to be a surrogate.

To read the qualifications to be a surrogate or to begin the process, visit SurrogacyOregon.com or call (503) 427-1880 today.

The demand is going up largely due to inconsistent laws in the United States, with some states providing laws that protect gestational surrogates and intended parents, others largely ignoring the contracts, and still others outlawing the process in some form or another. Oregon is different in that the courts have routinely protected the rights of people involved in the surrogacy process, making it one of the few friendly areas of the country. This has caused people to cross the borders into the Beaver State, with the hopes of starting and growing their families.

At the same time, international interest has grown as well. Countries such as Mexico, India, and Thailand have enacted laws that ban the process or make it more difficult. On the other hand, people are also coming to the United States from countries like China, simply for the quality medical care and to avoid the stigma that's associated with the process in their home countries. According to NPR Radio, wealthy Chinese also prefer to come to America because they hope to find an egg donor at the same time; ideally a woman who is taller and possesses lighter hair and eye color.

Call (503) 427-1880 or go to SurrogacyOregon.com to learn what surrogacy money in Oregon is available now.

Women who chose to be a surrogate are not related to the baby these days, unlike the traditional process in which the gestational carrier also shares her eggs with the family. Instead, those who do not have viable eggs of their own work with two different people; one woman who donates her eggs and another who is generous enough to be a surrogate.

About Oregon Surrogate Agency

Oregon Surrogate Agency helps match up women who want to be gestational carriers with people who need assistance starting or growing their families. The agency ensures that pairs are matched based on values, expectations, and interests, and then introduces the parties so they have the opportunity to make a final decision. Going forward, OSA also makes sure that the team's interests are protected throughout the process and that important steps are taken when they need to be. For more information or to begin the process, visit SurrogacyOregon.com or call (503) 427-1880 today.

For more information, please visit http://surrogacyoregon.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Oregon Surrogate Agency

Organization: Oregon Surrogate Agency

Address: 818 SW 3rd Ave #221-2975

Phone: (503) 427-1880

Release ID: 134993

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The First iOS 10 Compatible Keylogger for iPhone has Been Launched by The Remote Keylogger Developer

( September 29, 2016 ) San Francisco, CA -- With the recent release of iOS 10 for Apple devices including iPhone and iPad, employers have suffered a blackout in data received. Tracking and delivery services have taken a backseat to traditional GPS as developers strive to make their applications compatible with the new iOS.

Officially released on September 13th Apple hit its mark with only a handful of typical iOS update problems reported. Some of the hurdles in developing the iPhone keylogger included the "raise to wake" feature. A feature similar to flicking the wrist for the Apple Watch. Without any keyboard input required to activate the iPhone's keystroke logger, the developers were forced to find alternative methods for activating the application.

This was a priority as the developers wished to use as little of the iPhone's valuable battery life as possible. The iPhone's notification bubbles are another factor affecting the parental monitoring software's compatibility in iOS 10. Notifications now take place in "bubbles" using 3D Touch. Allowing the iPhone users the ability to reply to messages without having to exit the lock screen.

The iCloud based Notes application is another major change to the iPhone. In iOS 10 notes will be accessible by multiple users via iCloud collaboration. The difficulty in incorporating this feature into the newest version of the iPhone keylogger is that the application is not capable of capturing the keystrokes of non-local users. To compensate for this the application's developers implemented a screenshot with jpg to text conversion.

The call log manager also operates differently than in the previous OS. The traditional "Do Not Disturb" feature now allows for exceptions so that certain calls will bypass the do not disturb filter. While this feature is convenient for iPhone users it has created additional development requirements in regards to the keylogger's iPhone call log reporting.

Other changes from iOS 9 to iOS 10 have been easier. The iOS 10 automatically converts voice messages to text making voice mail recording much easier. A transcript of the voice message will be sent directly to the keylogger's dashboard.

Most of the changes to Apple's new OS have had no impact on the iPhone Keylogger, and power users agree that most of the changes are for the better. While the present version of the keylogger connects directly to iCloud, iOS 10 has additional cloud storage services incorporated that Apple users may prefer.

Therefore, the developers are working with these platforms in an effort to determine compatibility as well as popularity among newer iOS 10 users. Although no serious competitor to iCloud is expected, the development team is ready to implement the required changes.

The new OS from Apple is an upgrade in comparison to iOS 9, especially in regards to new 3D Touch technology. No longer will users need to stumble around to check the doorbell camera, or have to look around to find the Night Shift setting on their iPhone's flashlight.

In summary previous iOS keylogger consumers will enjoy the same features they always have plus the benefit of the iPhone's new voicemail to text feature. To learn more about iOS 10's keylogger compatibility or for the software's roadmap visit The Official Remote Keylogger.

About Th Remote Keylogger 54687:

The Remote Keylogger is a software development company dedicated to parental monitoring applications, loss prevention, and remote accountability software.

The development team is currently focused on making all of its products iOS 10 compatible. This includes all previous iPhone keylogger releases dating back to iOS 6. The company also plans on incorporating more iCloud based keylogging solutiions allowing Apple devices to operate freely with no background processes.

Originally founded in 2005 The Remote Keylogger acquired A1 Keylogger, one of the first developers to reach the international market. Easy keylogger was later acquired in 2014 and through their developers the company was able to develop its first iOS applications.

The development has recently released all its applications in the Spanish as well as German language and plans to release future updates in the Asian market.

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Pregnancy Website Launches Week-By-Week Calendar Of Stages Of Development

Pregnancy Health offers a week-by-week accounting of the progress of a pregnancy. The recent review of information about the 18th week is helpful in understanding the symptoms of the mother and development of the baby.

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Pregnancy Health is pleased to announce that the website has posted information about the course of the pregnancy. The full 40 weeks are each covered in detail, including typical symptoms of the mother, and the growth and development of the baby. While each pregnancy is somewhat different, there are many general statements which can be made and relied on.

The website and blog is a leading source for information about pregnancy care and readers can learn complete details about pregnancy-related suggestions and issues. The main objective of the website owners is to provide accurate information regarding typical issues and health conditions during the pregnancy. The site also offers various solutions and medications for treatment of conditions to that the pregnancy can be enjoyed during the nine months.

There are various stages of pregnancy, usually broken down into three trimesters. The website provides an even more detailed description of the weeks and what the mother-to-be can expect. The early weeks of pregnancy are typically when the parents are most excited, and also when the greatest amount of development is occurring in the mother's body and also of the baby. It is important for the health of the mother and baby that as much knowledge as possible to gained about signs and symptoms.

A spokesperson for the website explained, "Often, doctors will call for a 18 weeks pregnant ultrasound in order to check on the progress of the growing baby. The experience of nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness has typically subsided, and good pre-natal care is strict about monitoring the size and development of the baby. An 18 week ultrasound will show that the baby is between five and six inches in length and will weigh more than five ounces. Measurements outside of this range may cause the health care professional to call for additional testing and consultation.

For more information, please visit http://www.pregnancyhealth.net/18-weeks-pregnant-symptoms-ultrasound/

Contact Info:

Name: Priyanka Sharma

Organization: Pregnancy Health

Phone: +91-9810492684

Source: http://www.pregnancyhealth.net/

Release ID: 135060

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GoPBN Launches A New App Improving Private Blog Network Hosting

Create a modern Private Blog Network with GoPBN's Revolutionary PBN Hosting Platform. Beta Release announced today.

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Private Blog Networks (aka PBN) are some of the oldest, tried and true methods for ranking websites. However, not all SEOs use PBNs these days, and the reason has more to do with the challenges of building a PBN, than the lack of benefits, because there are plenty.

GoPBN aims to close the gap in SEO Knowledge and Server Technology when it comes to hosting PBNs.

The GoPBN app will be able to deploy a PBN in multiple locations worldwide, and assuring a wide range of different footprint checks and balances to ensure that a PBN stays off the Google Radar for delisting.

"In the old days, SEOs would need to spend countless hours setting up a Private Blog Network." Says Udit Goenka, Co-Founder and CEO at GoPBN. He continued by stating:

"After someone had grown their PBN to a certain extent they would move on to hiring a Virtual Assistant and use multiple Google Sheets to keep up with all the logins, and important data. Today, a modern SEO can literally go to our website, and after a few clicks, in a matter of minutes, have a PBN hosted worldwide with multiple different CMS installed automatically. They don't even have to worry about server side footprints. This is the technology and SEO expertise that sets us apart."

The ease of use is a welcomed wind of change in the highly competitive and equally as profitable world of SEO. But the innovation doesn't stop there for the team at GoPBN, according to Udit Goenka:

"We are only releasing the beta now, but within a few weeks, and the coming months, you will see some exciting new features, all about SEO. Get ready for advanced analytics, proprietary algorithm checkpoints, and much, much more. GoPBN will be the only way for SEOs to host their websites, regardless of the PBN factor, which is in and of itself a huge incentive."

This is certainly an exciting time for the entire team at GoPBN, and the SEO community in general. As the search engine's algorithm complexity gets harder and harder to crack, the move to make a proven ranking method accessible to all SEO is definitely something everyone can smile about.

For more information, please visit https://gopbn.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Udit Goenka

Email: contact@gopbn.com

Organization: GoPBN

Address: 6130 W. Flamingo Road #856, Las Vegas, Nevada USA 89103

Phone: +1 844-687-4678

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/gopbn-launches-a-new-app-improving-private-blog-network-hosting/135085

Release ID: 135085

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xPosure Solutions launches first inbound marketing firm in Richmond Hill

The full-service marketing agency develops a dynamic marketing experience for their customers by reverse-engineering the process, reports http://xposuresolutions.com/.

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xPosure Solutions has just announced the launch of their brand new full-service marketing agency. The company seeks to create a different marketing experience for their customers by helping them develop an effective message and market it to those who are already looking for what they have to offer.

Bill Kwan, the owner of xPosure Solutions, stated "Marketing is a tricky subject for many business owners. While they know their industry inside and out, they sometimes face trouble understanding how to tell their story to the right audience. One problem that we've seen over and over is companies coming up with a product or service idea and then trying to sell it to people who don't necessarily want or need what they have. What makes xPosure Solutions different is that we turn this concept on its head and reverse-engineer the marketing process in a way that produces results for our customers."

xPosure Solutions is currently based in the GTA but serves customers all across the U.S. and Canada. They offer web design for businesses and organizations in the Richmond Hill area as well as offering search engine optimization, pay-per-click marketing, and social media management services for customers near and far. xPosure Solutions' unique approach to marketing starts with discovering exactly what customers are looking for. Then, they help customers create the right content for it and have it appear before their target audience at exactly the moment they are looking for it, making the customers come to the business instead of things being the other way around.

As Kwan goes on to say, "We know that our customers want one thing, and that is to grow and expand their businesses. Our team also knows that achieving that goal is going to take embracing a different marketing approach, and that's exactly what we aim to help them do. We look forward to having the opportunity to help even more clients discover the power of inbound marketing and assisting them in taking their businesses to new heights."

Those who would like to learn more about the newly-launched xPosure Solutions can visit https://xposuresolutions.com/ for more information about the company and their services.

About xPosure Solutions:

xPosure Solutions is a full-service digital marketing agency. They currently have clients throughout USA and Canada in a variety of industries including insurance, real estate, travel, finance, education and health. Their team also serves small and medium businesses with their marketing services to bring the right audience to their site, engage new clients and get their website at the top of search engines. xPosure Solutions is managed by professional SEO experts dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow their website presence through affordable online marketing campaigns.

For more information, please visit http://xposuresolutions.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Bill Kwan

Organization: xPosure Solutions

Phone: 1-844-488-6161

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/xposure-solutions-launches-first-inbound-marketing-firm-in-richmond-hill/135097

Release ID: 135097

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Drop Dead For Maple Holistics' New Pure Dead Sea Mud Mask

Maple Holistics has announced the development and launch of their 100% Pure Dead Sea Mud Mask with Essential Oils, available for purchase now through the Maple Holistics website or via Amazon.com.

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Maple Holistics, a United States-based purveyor of natural personal care products, has announced the development and launch of their new 100% Pure Dead Sea Mud Mask with Essential Oils. Available for purchase now through the Maple Holistics website or via Amazon.com, Maple Holistics 100% Pure Dead Sea Mud Mask with Essential Oils is designed to promote and maintain healthy, toned skin. The latest in their long and acclaimed line of personal care products, Maple Holistics 100% Pure Dead Sea Mud Mask with Essential Oils is another addition to an ever-growing catalogue of Maple Holistics products which are designed to fulfill every need of the personal care products consumer.

The Dead Sea in Israel is the most saline body of water in the world, with a mineral concentration of approximately 32% (Ben Gurion University, Dead Sea Resarch Center). Mud from the Dead Sea has a high content level of salts and minerals that are claimed to be essential for the face and body. Maple Holistics 100% Pure Dead Sea Mud Mask with Essential Oils is made with German Chamomile. Known to be nature's most effective anti-inflammatory,

German Chamomile is naturally rejuvenating and helps reduce inflammation. German Chamomile also contains traces of lithium to assist in calming the nerves and reducing stress. The aromatherapy aspect is heightened with the addition of Clary Sage, which helps deliver an herbaceous and relaxing scent while complementing the positive benefits on facial skin. The mud is packaged in BPA-free and re-sealable packaging, featuring the highest standards in processing methods in order to ensure that the mud retain its freshness. The 100% pure mud produced in an FDA and GMP certified facility, and aa non-GMO product.

About the Company

Maple Holistics provides industry leading, all-natural personal care products for all aspects of life. The company offers a natural, holistic range of premium products which can enhance hygiene and daily living. Company products are made in the USA.

For more information, please visit http://mapleholistics.com

Contact Info:

Name: Benjamin Ellis

Email: support@mapleholistics.com

Organization: Maple Holistics

Address: 603 Twin Oaks Drive

Phone: (844) 346-2753

Release ID: 134818

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Magora UK Publish New Blog On How Startups Can Validate Their Idea

Magora UK has published new resources on their blog, helping people to determine whether their start up idea could really go the distance and become the next big thing.

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Startups are everywhere in the modern business world. Thanks to the influx of new technologies and connectivity, and the exciting new markets in the world of consumer technology and interaction, many people can see opportunities to offer new ways of accessing products and services, and feel they could be the next big thing. Web and mobile app developer company Magora UK has just published a new guide on their blog to how people with a great idea can test whether or not it has the chops to succeed in the cut-throat world of investment.

Magora UK's new blog provides an essential roadmap covering all the major steps of bespoke software and app development for business. In this post they speaks about the digital solution for startups or realisation of fresh ideas via web or mobile apps. This includes invaluable advice on how to test and develop the idea in question, and what steps to take to get it out in front of audiences and test-drive it for further feedback and development. It even offers advice on developing a minimum viable product to prototype audience response.

The blog is part of an increasing series of resources developed by Magora UK, designed to encourage the next generation of companies that will become their future customers. Bespoke app and software development is bigger in the start-up community than anywhere else, and Magora are ideally placed to provide app development for startups, helping them punch above their weight in terms of business performance.

A spokesperson for Magora UK explained, "If ideas are robust, they should stand up to being challenged. Just as that's true in conversation and politics, it's also true in business. Making sure you can anticipate the challenges your ideas will face, and even challenge them yourselves, will ensure you have the best possible pitch to present to investors about your startup. This new blog gives you a step by step guide as to how you can go through that process. It gives anyone interested in developing their idea a useful roadmap, and anyone who might be thinking of investing in an idea a way to assess how bulletproof it really is."

About Magora UK: Magora UK has a mission is to help businesses to achieve maximum value for money through the development of bespoke software and apps. Their custom solutions can help businesses push to the front of their industry, optimize internal processes, create a more rewarding user experience or maximize ROI.

For more information, please visit https://magora-systems.com/

Contact Info:

Name: PRWhirlWind

Email: info@magora.co.uk

Organization: Magora UK

Address: 32 Cowper Street London EC2A 4AW

Phone: +44 20 3868 6533

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/magora-uk-publish-new-blog-on-how-startups-can-validate-their-idea/134764

Release ID: 134764

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The New Hypnosis Book Selling Hypnotically Released By Hypnotist Richard Barker

Richard Barker launched his new book, "Selling Hypnotically the art of suggestion", available through all major bookstores and advanced copies through the selling hypnotically website. Anyone interested in selling and hypnosis should consider this. More information is available at the website: http://sellinghypnotically.com

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Richard Barker is a World Renowned Professional Hypnotist specializing in using hypnosis and NLP to increase sales and influence. Richard Barker is launching his brand new book, "Selling Hypnotically the art of suggestion". The book is set to go live September 30th, 2016, available at all major bookstores and advanced copies can be obtained through the selling hypnotically website. The book once available, is expected to become a big hit with sales teams and organizations and people within the hypnosis world. Richard Barker's extensive experience can be reviewed at the Incredible Hypnotist Website

More information on the book can be found here: http://sellinghypnotically.com

This is the second book Barker has authored and his first one "Secrets of the stage revealed , the guide to hypnosis and stage hypnotism" was a major success. The book was written with the aim in mind to introduce the world to the power of suggestion and influence by using hypnosis. Excitement surrounds this book launch because it will be the author's much anticipated second release and will unveil the secrets to selling with hypnosis.

Selling Hypnotically the art of suggestion sets its main focus on hypnosis and how the power of influence can improve anything sold. Readers will likely find a particular interest in the way the human mind reacts to hypnosis and embedded commands and suggestions through the selling phases.. The book's cover art was created by Sandra Holly and Selling Hypnotically the art of suggestion is being released by A&A Book Publishing.

The author has a background in advanced hypnosis and sales training. His background helped shape the creation of the book by the keen interest in the art of hypnotism as well as selling and mind triggers. Persuasion is a very centralized philosophy in relation to understanding the psychology behind proper sales techniques. A good persuader is someone who can influence another into making a favorable decision in their favor, but what truly are the key principles behind persuasion? What actions or strategies can be employed to help persuade others? Is there a way to make someone say "yes" to something, even if they initially considered refusing the offer? There are methods of modern hypnosis that can work in attracting customers and helping close more deal than expected.

When asked about why they wrote the book, Barker said: "people buy based on emotion and a level of program; I am fascinated with hypnosis and how the mind works"

Barker has hopes that the book will increase the selling capacity of anyone in a position of selling anything. This positive outlook from the author is certainly a testament to their optimism considering some of the mishaps during its creation. At one point, for example Richard Barker was behind deadline to to him performing over 300 shows a year and the dozens of personal clients he has in his New York City and Orlando hypnotherapy practices.

In a recent interview, the author made a point of thanking Kent Police for the inspiration and motivation of negotiation and all the great NLP and hypnotist practitioners out there for their part in the creation of the book.

Those interested in learning more about the book can visit here: http://sellinghypnotically.com/

For more information, please visit http://incrediblehypnotist.com

Contact Info:

Name: Richard Barker

Email: incrediblehypnotist@gmail.com

Organization: Incredible Hypnotist

Address: 1299 Hill Stream Drive

Phone: (800) 658-1273

Release ID: 134954

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Arts Alive Event LaConner Washington Pastel Acrylic Oil Feature Artist Announced

Marla Baggetta has been announced as a featured artist at the 2016 Art's Alive! event being held in La Conner, Washington, November 4-6. She will be present to talk with patrons, and her works in pastel, acrylic and oil with be on display.

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The Art's Alive! 2016 event in La Conner Washington has announced featured artist Marla Baggetta with her works in pastel, acrylic and oil. She will have 12 or more pieces on display during the November 4-6, 2016 event at Maple Hall.

More information on Marla Baggetta and the event can be found on the Art's Alive! website at: http://artsalivelaconner.com.

La Conner is a small Washington town in Skagit County with a population of 891. It's a historical town on the Swinomish Channel and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Every spring it attracts tens of thousands of visitors to its Skagit Valley Tulip Festival as well as hosting the Arts Alive! event in November.

Art's Alive! is celebrating its 32-year anniversary event this year featuring visual, literary, musical and culinary arts. The weekend includes the Invitational Show, Open Show, merchant exhibits, live music and artist demonstrations at Maple Hall.

Marla Baggetta has been chosen as a featured artist at this year's event. A prolific painter and teacher, Marla's artwork and workshops are nationally sought after. Her work has been represented throughout the country for over 30 years.

Contributing to many art publications such as Pastel Journal, Baggetta is a signature Pastel Society of America (PSA) member and an International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) Master Circle Recipient. She will have 12 or more pieces in the show in a range of sizes from large 4' x 4' oils and acrylics to small 4" x 6" framed pastels.

Baggetta will be doing a demonstration on Friday evening, November 4, at the Artist Reception from 5-9pm at Maple Hall, 104 Commerical St. The reception allows visitors to meet with exhibiting artists, listen to live music and enjoy wine and hors d' oeuvres. She also will be present to talk with patrons the whole weekend.

In speaking about the passion she has in creating her art, Baggetta says, "When I have those sticks in my hand, all is right in my world."

More information about the Art's Alive! event can be found and the website listed above, and more information about Marla Baggetta and her art can be found at: http://marlabaggetta.com.

For more information, please visit http://pastelpaintinglessons.com

Contact Info:

Name: Marla Baggetta

Organization: MarlaBaggetta

Address: 10673 SE 21st Ave

Phone: 360-466-3125

Release ID: 134986

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Jacob Frydman Plans To Attend the NCFJE 76th Annual Awards Dinner

This gala celebrates the NCFJE's many achievements and volunteers making a positive impact within the local and national Jewish community.

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Jacob Frydman, New York real estate and private equities expert, has announced plans to attend the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education's (NCFJE) 76th annual awards dinner. This gala celebrates the NCFJE's many achievements and volunteers making a positive impact within the local and national Jewish community.

Founded in 1940 by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, the NCFJE assists Jewish participants through meal programs and educational initiatives. During its 76 years of operation, the NCFJE has served

thousands as a means of promoting humanitarianism. "I have had the privilege of working with the NCFJE for the past several years," Frydman said. "I have seen firsthand the impact this group has made throughout New York's Jewish community and am looking forward to attending this year's annual dinner to celebrate everything this uplifting organization offers."

Jacob Frydman has personally participated in several NCFJE charities, including its Released Time Program and Toys for Hospitalized Children project. The Released Time Program teaches Jewish students about their distinctive heritage through exposure to prayers, traditions, and the Torah. Frydman, a long-time educational activist who founded a scholarship fund in 2013, supports the Released Time Program's goal of using synagogues to teach modern-day public school children to embrace Judaism. The program works in joint with NYC public schools, offering Jewish classes for the students once a week in the last hour of school at a Jewish center nearby.

Frydman has also worked alongside the organization's Toys for Hospitalized Children initiative, directed by Mrs. Baila Hecht. This 50-year-old NCFJE project services numerous hospitals, senior residences and special needs facilities as it collects and distributes over 10,000 toys and gifts to young patients each year. As an active contributor to the Toys for Hospitalized Children, Frydman helps families across New York and New Jersey, while assisting NCFJE participants develop deep, sustainable roots within their Judaic faith.

Jacob Frydman has built a successful 30-year career in real estate investments and development. A Boston University graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Finance, and a Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Frydman left his mark throughout the United States by developing over five million square feet of commercial properties. As an innovator in the property investment market, he often lends his insight as a speaker, panelist, and consultant at industry events and televised news broadcasts. Frydman is an avid humanitarian dedicated to a wide range of charitable organizations. In addition to the NCFJE, he also contributes to The Brem Foundation and The Chabad of Duchess County.

Jacob Frydman - Property Expert and Consultant: http://jacobfrydmannews.com

Jacob Frydman - Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/jacob-frydman

Jacob Frydman (@jacobfrydman) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacobfrydman

For more information, please visit http://www.JacobFrydmanNews.com

Contact Info:

Name: Jacob Frydman

Email: contact@jacobfrydmannews.com

Organization: JacobFrydmanNews.com



Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpgwu_U5liM

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/jacob-frydman-plans-to-attend-the-ncfje-76th-annual-awards-dinner/135174

Release ID: 135174

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Dr. Saeed Bajwa Appointed Director of Neurosciences at UHS, Johnson City

A dedicated and acclaimed surgeon, Dr. Saeed Bajwa has used his vast firsthand knowledge to treat neurological conditions for decades while utilizing his commitment to serve non-profit groups.

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Dr. Saeed Bajwa, an expert brain and spine neurosurgeon, has been named Director of Neurosciences at United Health Services Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, New York. A dedicated and acclaimed surgeon, Dr. Bajwa has used his vast firsthand knowledge to treat neurological conditions for decades while utilizing his commitment to serve non-profit groups. As the Director of Neurosurgery since 1995 at Southern New York NeuroSurgical Group P.C., his significant contributions in research and experience in neurosurgery and neurology have improved the quality of life for countless patients suffering from brain and spinal injuries in Southern New York. In addition, Dr. Bajwa has used his success for philanthropic purposes for many years, and continues to do so. He brings his extensive knowledge, cutting-edge treatments, and compassionate insight to this distinguished position.

In January of 2016, Southern NY NeuroSurgical Group, headed by Dr. Bajwa, joined United Heath Services Medical Group, a multi-specialty group comprised of more than 250 physicians, based in Johnson City, and covering eight counties in the southern tier of New York. As Director of Neurosciences, Dr. Saeed Bajwa will be involved in marketing, enhancing patient care, and developing clinical research as well as coordinating and planning the expansion of services such as neuro-radiology, pain management, stroke care, neuro-intensive care service, and endovascular neurology.

United Health Services (UHS), a prominent leader in the treatment of brain and spinal disorders for more than five decades, treats patients with neurological conditions all across the globe. Ranked as one of the top neurosurgical centers in New York, UHS is a not-for-profit health care system comprised of five general hospitals. Dr. Bajwa will be working closely with the qualified staff at UHS Wilson Medical Center to provide comprehensive care to patients with spinal cord and brain injuries, seizure disorders, and other neurological conditions.

A contributor to the medical world for 30 years, Dr. Bajwa began his journey to helping others in his homeland of Pakistan, where he attended Nishtar Medical College of the University of Punjab. He pursued his career in neurosurgery after spending several years as a lecturer of Forensic Medicine and Pathology at King Edward Medical College in Lahore. After the devastating earthquake in Pakistan in 2005, Dr. Bajwa took part in treating the injured, broadening his experience and philanthropic efforts. He was recently awarded the ICNA Relief USA Award of Appreciation for his dedicated work with committee and community services. A respected professor in Neurosurgery, Dr. Bajwa received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the SUNY Health Science Center.

Currently as Chairman at the Section of Neurosurgery at Lourdes Hospital as well as Wilson Hospital, and a dedicated member of the New York Medical Society, Dr. Saeed Bajwa shares his knowledge with other medical professionals. He was involved in clinical research in CyberKnife for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and he assisted in the development of the first CyberKnife Radiosurgery Center in New York state and also later on in Karachi, Pakistan. His expertise and activity in community philanthropy have made Dr. Bajwa one of the most sought-after neurosurgeons in New York.

Dr. Saeed Bajwa - Expert Brain and Spine Neurosurgeon: http://drsaeedbajwanews.com

Dr. Saeed Bajwa -- Attends the 2016 AANS Scientific Meeting: http://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/Dr.+Saeed+Bajwa+--+Attends+the+2016+AANS+Scientific+Meeting/11728431.html

Saeed A. Bajwa - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeed-a-bajwa-a1539030

For more information, please visit http://www.ICMediaDirect.com

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Name: ICMD

Email: pr@icmediadirect.com

Organization: ICMediaDirect.com

Phone: 1.800.595.0821

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Source: http://marketersmedia.com/dr-saeed-bajwa-appointed-director-of-neurosciences-at-uhs-johnson-city/135167

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Story Highlights 67% of Republicans say the court is too liberal

67% of Democrats approve of the court

39% of Americans say court's ideology is "about right"

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the eight-person Supreme Court prepares to reconvene next Monday for its fall term, Americans' views of the court remain highly partisan. Slightly more than one in four Republicans (26%) approve of the how the court is handling its job, compared with 42% of independents and 67% of Democrats.

These results are from Gallup's Sept. 7-11 Governance poll. If Hillary Clinton wins the presidential election, it could result in a left-leaning justice filling the vacant seat left by the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia in February 2016, giving the liberal wing majority control of the court.

The current 41-percentage-point gap between Democrats and Republicans is not as large as the gap Gallup found in July 2015 -- after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage and rejected a challenge to the Affordable Care Act -- when 76% of Democrats and 18% of Republicans approved. A year before that, in a July 2014 survey, there was no party difference in approval of the court. From 2000 to 2014, partisans' views varied, influenced partly by the party of the president, but also by the direction of some of the court's decisions.

Supreme Court Job Approval Remains Below 50%

Overall, 45% of Americans now approve of the way the Supreme Court is handling its job, up slightly from 42% in mid-July, but generally in line with the range of approval ratings since 2011.

With a few exceptions, Americans' approval of the Supreme Court was significantly higher in the years before 2011, including the all-time highs of 62% in 2000 and 2001. Approval was at its lowest (42%) this past summer and in 2005. This summer, the court ruled that colleges and universities can continue to use race as a factor in their admissions decisions, a ruling that just over one-quarter of Americans supported. Meanwhile, the court deadlocked 4-4 on President Barack Obama's immigration plan. This decision essentially left in place a lower court's decision that blocked the president's immigration plan, which would have prevented up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from being deported.

"Too Liberal" Perceptions of Court Constant at 37%

Americans continue to have mixed feelings about the court's ideological bent. Currently, 37% of Americans think the court is "too liberal," while about as many (39%) say the court's ideology is "about right" and 20% say it is too conservative. These views are essentially the same as they were last year, which marked a seven-point increase from 2014 in the percentage believing the court was too liberal. That shift likely came in response to the court's 2015 landmark rulings that legalized same-sex marriage and upheld the Affordable Care Act. In the two decades prior to that, the percentage of Americans who thought the court was too liberal was consistently less than one-third. Thirty-two percent gave the "too liberal" response in 2010, soon after two new liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, replaced fellow liberals David Souter and John Paul Stevens, respectively.

Almost the same percentage of Republicans say the court is too liberal (67%) as disapprove of the court's handling of its job (66%). That is in sharp contrast to Democrats, of whom 17% say it's too liberal.

Bottom Line

Since the conservative Scalia died, the empty ninth seat has been part of the backdrop of this year's presidential election. The winner of the election will affect the court's balance of power. This reality and liberal victories in several major decisions handed down by the court in recent years, such as legalized same-sex marriage and the upholding of constitutional protection for abortion rights, help explain Americans' politically polarized views when asked to rate the court. This polarization could become even more pronounced if a liberal justice replaces Scalia, swinging the court's balance of power to the left on the political spectrum. On the other hand, as long as Justice Anthony Kennedy remains on the court as a swing vote, a conservative or moderate appointment might keep the status quo.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Survey Methods

Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted Sept. 7-11, 2016, with a random sample of 1,020 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.

Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
Write what you know. This is one of the many fantastic pieces of advice given by Ernest Hemingway. Back when I attended university, I recall a writing class wherein each student was asked to disclose the topic for their first short fiction. There was one student who began explaining her idea for a romance taking place in France: the entire setting of the story.



The teacher stopped her part way though and asked if she had ever been to France, to which she replied she had not. Needless to say, he eloquently convinced her to change settings for her story.



It was something that had always resonated with me. It makes perfect sense. Why write about Paris when a Parisian will do a far better job of transporting the reader to the city? Especially if you had never been there before. Why not write something closer to home?

The person we are today is a culmination of all of our past experiences. And it is those experiences that make each one of us unique. I find it important to stop every now and then and ask myself: what can I bring into the world no one else can?



It is this line of questioning that helped inspire the creation of Valley. Now I know that might sound ridiculous regarding a story that concerns a godly powerful exosuit, whacky pseudoscience, and magical creatures- but it all had to start somewhere.



Growing up in a small city in Alberta, I was lucky enough to have lived nearly my entire life near a forests edge. Ive spent countless hours sitting by creeks, lying in moss beds,and most enjoyably, running through the trees. It was here, within the woods, I would cultivate my thoughts and ideas. Even more lucky, if you happen to live in Alberta, youre always a short drive away from the Rocky Mountains. The mountains are a perfect forge of inspiration and imagination. Theres a reason so many adventures revolve around a mountainous setting.



The mountains also hold a treasure trove of stories stolen straight from history. Would you believe that during World War II the British prototyped an aircraft carrier built from ice up in the cold lakes of the Alberta Rockies? Truth is indeed stranger than fiction.



It was also during my time in university that I took a keen interest in World War history, enrolling in several classes focused solely on the topic. That history contained some of the wildest stories that anyone would be hard-pressed to conjure within their imagination alone.



After Blue Isle's completion of Slender: The Arrival, a game based within the forested foothills of Alberta, it was time to begin planning a new game that built off our skills developed from the last title. When tasked with brainstorming ideas for this next game, the answer quickly became quite clear: combine a love for the tranquil woods of the Rocky Mountains with the over-the-top history of the Second World War.

Naturally we had proven the ability to build large, open forested areas with Slender. And, naturally, we had proven the ability to create a compelling first-person walking simulator. But what if we did something more than just another run-of-the-mill first-person exploration? What if we could capture a particular feeling? What if we could capture that empowering feeling of running through a forest?



Thus giving rise to the L.E.A.F. suit: An exosuit that would allow a player to truly capture that awesome feeling of flying through the trees. But where would this suit have come from? What else could it do than just run and jump super fast? How can we build more gameplay from it and tie a story into it?



This brought in the military. A military known to historically have had a strong presence in the Rocky Mountains, and with a limited indie budget, a military that had long since abandoned their base and equipment as NPCs are terribly expensive. The World War narrative became a perfect fit. As I began to dig deeply into the Manhattan Project for inspiration, I learned of Robert Oppenheimers hindu education and his work in quantum mechanics. These two elements helped evolve the idea of Quantum Immortality as a gameplay mechanic, giving rise to the players Godhand ability to give and take life energy known as amrita from living things to help sustain their immortality. Valley had now grown into something truly special.

It was writing close to home that planted the seed for something that would grow into something very big. What began as a small sapling of an idea soon grew into something much larger, with many branches stretching out in a number of directions. While I began with writing what I knew, it led me down paths that allow me to now know even more. And much like Valley, I too got to grow because of it.
HTC Desire 10 Pro Release Date, News & Update: Exciting Premium Features Comparable To Leading Brands; CEO Buy-In Happening?

HTC Desire 10 Pro and Lifestyle are both expecting a Sept. 20 release, based on videos that were posted by HTC on its social media accounts. While the Taiwanese company did not give details about the posted videos, there was a mention of launching something new.

The HTC Desire 10 variants are believed to be finally released, with the videos confirming that the mobile device will come with a fingerprint reader on its back. As mentioned in the same video, the live telecast of the launch will be seen through the official website of HTC.

HTC Desire 10 Pro is also rumored to come with a 5.5-inch Full HD AMOLED display with 1080 x 1920 screen resolution. It will also be powered by a Snapdragon 617 processor with a 3GB of RAM. Some reports also claim that the mobile device may come with 32GB internal storage, including an external microSD support.

Both HTC Desire 10 devices may also come with a 13MP main and 5MP selfie camera. The Desire 10 Pro may run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Soc with 2GB RAM. However, there are not many details about the specs of Desire 10 Lifestyle, which means fans may wait until HTC releases the phones.

The upcoming HTC Desire 10 will most likely run Android Marshmallow, but there are speculations that Android Nougat update may come in the future. Given the recent announcement by HTC that some of its devices are getting the Nougat update, some customers believe that Desire 10 is part of the list.

HTC Desire 10 Pro is expected to be launched with a price tag of $325, while Lifestyle 10 is believed to be less expensive, Phone Arena reported.

Meanwhile, designer Danelle Vermeulen is reportedly the person behind the video that features a mobile phone dubbed as HTC Ocean. Based on reports, this was how someone may produce a sizzle reel to pitch an idea for CEO buy-in. Nevertheless, the creation was picked up by mobile leakster Evan Blass, who posted the video on Twitter, and wrote a caption that mentions "HTC", CNET reported.

Watch HTC Desire 10: First Impressions
Google News & Update: Huawei Mate 8 & Google Nexus 6P Flaws & Glitches Revealed; Android Nougat, Nexus 7 Failed To Deliver?

Latest updates regarding the recent released tech products such as the Huawei Mate 8 and Google Nexus 6P are filled with dubiety. There are notions that both devices may have stunning specs and features, but their flaws are affecting its standing in the tech industry.

Also, rumors of Android Nougat failing to deliver excellence has surfaced as well. Despite the speculations regarding the faulty features of Huawei Mate 8 & Google Nexus 6P, all of it remains unproven.

Although they have similar features and both uses the latest Android OS, Huawei Mate 8 has a bigger battery capacity over the Nexus 6P, reports Mobile & Apps. According to the same post, the Nexus 6P will utilize the octa-core 2 GHz Qualcomm SnapDragon 810.It is also supported by an Adreno 430 CPU and a 3 GB RAM. As for the rumored flaws and glitches of both Huawei and Google, those notions were debunked.

As for Huawei Mate 8, it is speculated to come out with a HiSilicon Kirin 950 Octa-core CPU that is also backed by Mali-T880 GPU along with a 3 GB RAM. The Qualcomm Snapdragon is also presumed to have better recognition than the HiSilicon Kirin 950, but that remains to be seen. Google has also been rumored to incorporate new features to its highly-valued Nexus segments.

On the other hand, GamenGuide formerly reported that the latest Android operating system, Android Nougat has already rolled out, but the gear is speculated to undergo an update first. Moreover, there are still no definitive proof that Google is already done with its latest products, and even Google Nexus 7 is rumored for delay as well.

Google's product line and its release date remains unsettled. Even the flaws and glitches that will affect products such as the likes of Huawei Mate 8 and Google Nexus 6P should be taken with caution as well and with a grain of salt in mind.

However, Google has already affirmed that it is working its way around its new technological innovations such as with it Google Nexus 6P, Google Nexus 7 and even with Android Nougat.
Steam Latest News & Update: Valve Will Overhaul Steam Into Organized Gaming Platform for PC, Game Ratings to Change Drastically

Steam user interface may not look the same in the next few weeks as Valve begins to overhaul PC's largest gaming platform. Valve targets organized navigation system where gamers can easily find their titles efficiently and connect to Steam audience better.

One noticeable problem with Steam is visual clutter. There were instances when pages look like half a dozen close circuit television piled together. But this time around, Valve thinks of nifty style and image clutters can be removed through visual refresh.

Organizing Steam content is Valve's ultimate goal so expect additional sections in the left navigation pane of home page. This intends for new and upcoming releases, special events, top sellers and updated game titles. Steam will also sport games recommended by the curators and those popular among fellow gamers. Sort of buyer's guide where criterion is popularity of game titles, Game Zone reported.

There are situations when gamers are irked by game titles that they don't really like nor need. Steam will pacify irritations with inclusion of costumer preference feature where certain product types can be ditched. For example, a gamer can prevent VR titles from displaying in the home page if they don't have a VR headset. They can also shun away non-game software and similar contents, according to Game Spot.

Remember that Steam plans to "rate" game titles and reach targeted gamers? Valve experienced problems in the previous system and pointed that not all titles are relevant to gamers. The new Steam will immerse gamer's favorites in more specific groups while "New on Steam" will appear differently based on preference. A title can only invade the popularity contest if it is really doing well with the gaming community.

In a nutshell, plans on Steam boils down to curators doing their part. Valve will address this by providing a tool where curators can categorize their posts better. To pull this system up, three subdivisions will be created such as recommended, not recommended and informational only posts
Twitter Sale Latest News & Update: Disney Joins Microsoft, Google, Verizon & Salesforce in $30 Billion Bidding War

Disney, Microsoft and other tech giants are now getting toe-to-toe about the prospect of buying Twitter. So the bid begins to obtain one of the biggest social platform of this internet era.

There are reports earlier that Microsoft intentionally jacked up the price to deny a smaller Salesforce the opportunity to grab Twitter. However, it appears that this move sent a message to other big guns that the war is on. Google and Verizon followed suit while the original prospect Salesforce is juicing resources to keep up with the pace.

Then the Twitter sale tussle lands into another playing field because Mickey Mouse suddenly showed interest. According to Game Spot, Disney hired experts to analyze the financial viability of Twitter and so in turn determine how much are they willing to taunt. This new big bucks' carnival resulted into Twitter's stocks skyrocketing at mind-boggling 20 percent.

One interesting or rather queer detail about this Twitter financial battle is the coincidental second square-off between Microsoft and Salesforce. The latter was originally vying for LinkedIn sales in June when Microsoft barred the deal by offering $26 billion. Then here is the second time around where the two protagonists intertwine again. Disney, Google and Verizon is now part of the rumble though.

It is noteworthy that there are no definite details yet for Twitter followers waiting an update from this soon to be power shift. According to CNBC, suitors including Microsoft, Google and Disney are all good prospects. Even better is the Twitter board amenable to selling at $18 billion low to as much as $30 billion.

The same source revealed that Twitter is coveting to start the bidding as soon as possible and close the deal before the end of 2016. However, it is still stalemate situation with these tech giants for now. This is understandable because anyone who will make the first move will surely suffer bombardment from others.
'The Fall' Season 3 Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: Paul To Face His Verdict? Kate Affected? Will There Be Season 4?

In a few hours BBC Two is about to drop the much-awaited final installment of the British crime drama, "The Fall" Season 3. After being on a hiatus for two years, fans will finally get to know how the cat-and-mouse relationship of Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan) and Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) will end.

'The Fall' Season 3 Spoilers

Stella will do everything to keep Paul alive so she could give justice to the latter's victims in "The Fall" Season 3. With that, according to Metro News, fans could expect a major twist and turn of events that would give them an intense viewing. The first episode will mostly feature hospital scenes as the role of Jamie Dornan will be seen on verge of life and death.

In spite of the struggle, Paul will definitely survive as he still has to face his verdict in "'The Fall" Season 3. Moreover, Kate Benedetto's (Aisling Franciosi) alliance with Paul will now take its toll on her. His former girlfriend, on the other hand, Sally Ann (Aisling Franciosi) will be upset knowing the real identity of the father of her children.

Will There Be 'The Fall' Season 4?

Meanwhile, "The Fall" Season 3's creator and writer, Allan Cubitt, revealed that he is also excited for the continuation of Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson's TV series. "I'm thrilled to have recently started filming the third installment of their macabre, obsessive dance of death," she said, as per The Sun. BBC controller of drama commissioning Ben Stephenson, too, bared that the screenwriter perfectly knows how will "The Fall" will unfold even from the beginning.

As Ben Stephenson described that "The Fall" Season 3 is the "one last act" of Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson, the show's conclusion left its door open for a continuation. In an interview with BBC, "The X-Files" star explained that Allan Cubitt might only need a break for continuously creating the series for about five or six years. "I like the idea of maybe revisiting it in a few years," she hinted. "The Fall" Season 3 will air on Sept. 29 on BBC Two at 9:00 p.m.
Song Hye Kyo Leaving Song Joong Ki, South Korea? Descendants of the Sun Actress Goes To Hollywood After Goddess of Asia Win?

Millions of fans have celebrated when Song Hye Kyo has been named as the Goddess of Asia. However, after her triumph in the virtual contest, new reports are claiming that the "Descendants of the Sun" actress will be leaving Song Joong Ki and South Korea to try her luck in Hollywood.

Song Hye Kyo Leaving Song Joong Ki, South Korea? 'Descendants of the Sun' Actress Goes To Hollywood After 'Goddess of Asia' Win?

There is no doubt that "Descendants of the Sun" actress Song Hye Kyo is among the most popular Asian stars today, The Inquistr suggests. Aside from all the awards she has been getting since she started working as an artist, the most-recent win of Song Joong Ki's rumored girlfriend is a valid proof that a lot of people still look up to her.

However, reports are now claiming that the latest victory of Song Hye Kyo could possibly be hinting that the "Descendants of the Sun" actress should take another step higher for her own career. Sources have claimed that the leading lady of Song Joong Ki has received a lot of offers in Hollywood and she is thrilled about it.

Rumor mill is spreading that fans might learn one day that Song Hye Kyo has already decided to leave South Korea, including the apple of her eye, Song Joong Ki. If these claims are true, then, the "Descendants of the Sun" actress could join the list of Asian stars who tried their luck in Hollywood, which include Charice, Sam Milby and Anne Curtis to name a few.

Though these reports could possibly be true, Song Hye Kyo has not yet confirmed anything up until now. So, loyalist of Song Joong Ki's leading lady in "Descendants of the Sun" should take everything with a pinch of salt until it has been proven true and correct.

Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo Announcing Relationship in 'Battleship Island' Premiere Night? 'Descendants of the Sun' Fans Think 'Song-Song' Couple Is True?

Meanwhile, GamenGuide has previously reported that Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo are planning to publicize their relationship in the "Battleship Island" premiere. Sources have claimed that the "Descendants of the Sun" stars are now very eager to let fans know about their secret affair.

Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo have been reportedly hitting on each other since "Descendants of the Sun" started airing. Well, even after its finale, the rumors did not die down and fans continue to believe that the "Song-Song" couple is real.

Both Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki are yet to comment on these reports. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for the latest news and updates about "Descendants of the Sun" stars Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo!
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall Latest News & Update: Still Has Battery Problems? Could Still Possibly Explode Due To Overheating?

The bad publicity for Samsung shows no signs of slowing down. Several reports has surfaced the internet that even the recalled and replaced devices that Samsung has provided still have battery issues.

Over 2.5 million unit were recalled worldwide due battery issues, thus massively damaging the Korean tech company's reputation. However Samsung was quick in resolving the issue stating that the new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 replacements are safe.

A Brand New Samsung Note 7 Explodes In China

Another incident with Samsung's new flagship the Galaxy Note 7 happened earlier this week in China. The incident happened just 24 hours after the smartphone was delivered from JD.com Inc. Hui Renjie, the owner of the Note 7 that exploded said that the incident happened Monday morning, causing minor burns on his two fingers and burned his MacBook Pro.

Bloomberg reported that "A Samsung representative visited him soon afterward and asked to take away the phone, he said, but he declined the offer because he doesn't trust the company to reveal the reason for the fire, and plans to publicize the issue." Samsung had stated that Chinese units of the Galaxy Note 7 were safe didn't required any recall as the units used a different battery.

Only 60% of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Phones Has Been Replaced

It has been almost a month now since Samsung announced the global recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 line. Samsung has released a statement that 60% of their customers has had their Note 7s replaced, adding that "many are choosing to stick with device."

A big part of this 40% of owner are from South Korea as Samsung is slow to provide replacement units. Waiting for a replacement unit in South Korea could be long as 5 days compared to the replacement time frame in the US and Singapore of only 2.

Stay tuned to Game & Guide for more Samsung Galaxy Note 7 news and updates!
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall News & Update: Exploding Samsung Washing Machines Being Reported As Well! How To Check If Yours Is Safe

It seems like Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 and its smartphone lineup are not the only one's that has a problem with safety standards. Several reports of Samsung's washing machines are now being reported to blowing up.

Back in April 8, 2016 Dallas, Georgia native Melissa Thaxton reported her Samsung washing machine exploded out of nowhere while she was standing next to it. On her interview with ABC News regarding the incident, she only had words that only a terrified victim can say. "It was the loudest sound. It sounded like a bomb went off in my ear," Thaxton said. "There were wires, nuts, the cover actually was laying on the floor."

Suspected to be defective exploding Samsung washing machines. https://t.co/K1kpssXqcL pic.twitter.com/OUvoGDjic7  Luis M. Gochoco (@lgochoco93) September 29, 2016

Another incident with a Samsung washing machine happened in North Carolina. Similar to Melissa Thaxton's case, a Samsung top loading washing is still the cause of the explosion. There are already 21 cases of these exploding Samsung washing machines recorded according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

How To Check If Your Samsung Washing Machine is Safe?

All cases of Samsung washing machines being defective seems to be isolated in the U.S. alone. Samsung released a statement that this issue is only affecting Samsung top load washers, all models that was manufactured from March 2011 until April 18, 2016.

You can check if your Samsung washing machine is included in the list of these defective appliances here using the washing machine's 15 digit serial number. As of the moment Samsung is advising consumers to have their washing machines set to delicate cycle to avoid any malfunctions.

Stay tuned to Game & Guide for more Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall news and updates!
Samsung Galaxy S8 Release Date, News & Update: Impressive Specs & Features Revealed! Better Than iPhone 8, Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL?

Samsung is reeling under the after-effects of its Galaxy Note 7 recall. While the device had some pretty awesome specs to boast of, the heating and exploding problem has given the brand a bad name. Hence, reports suggest that the company may be developing a Samsung Galaxy S8 with some insane features to gain back the popularity of the Galaxy segment.

International Business Times has written that the recent Samsung Galaxy S8 leaks have suggested specs and features that are too good to be true. In fact they are too crazy to be real. However, as of now, fans have nothing but the Weibo leaks to talk about and it gets interesting from here.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 could easily be the most-advanced smartphone on the planet once it release in April 2017. Yes, you heard us right. The Weibo leak, as reported by Pocket Now, has also given a Galaxy S8 release date and also price. It's going to cost $850 though the price can go up manifold considering its never-seen-before specs.

However, if the leak is to be believed, the last thing Samsung would want is another goof-up because cramming up all high-end specs into Samsung Galaxy S8 would not only require a powerhouse of a battery but also impeccable precision so that nothing goes wrong. It is unlikely that Samsung will be able to incorporate all the specs mentioned in the leak. It sounds impossible.

Going by the leak, the Samsung Galaxy S8 will have a 5.2-inch 4K display, 3.2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 6GB RAM, 4096X2160 pixel resolution, unbelievable 30MP rear camera, 9MP selfie camera, 4,200 mAh battery, dual micro SD card support and 64GB/128GB memory, writes Yahoo! News.

If you are not already shocked, Samsung Galaxy S8 will also have Corning Gorilla Glass 5.0 display, fingerprint and Iris scanner, wireless and rapid charging technology and a built-in mini projector. It will be available in white, gold, blue and black color options. Moreover, Samsung may also be dropping the 3.5mm headphone jack just like Apple.

With Apple iPhone 8 and Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones also slated to release, this kind of a Samsung Galaxy S8 configuration can result in the most "techy" war the world has even seen. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more Samsung Galaxy 8 news and updates!
Rotary got started in Long Beach in 1917 when seven local businessmen met with a New York Rotarian who talked about his club there.
As director of "The Full Monty" musical, Ruth Mandsager is often asked the same thing about the production.

"I get this question like 40 times a day: Are they actually going to go 'The Full Monty'?" Mandsager said. "I'm not going to answer that."

Mandsager understands the question: This is, after all, a musical about six former steel mill workers who become male strippers, so no wonder there's curiosity about exactly how much skin will be on view.

But she also says there's much more going on in "The Full Monty" than just that question.

"That part is fun and you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see what the guys will do next," she said.

But, she added, the play has more on its mind than just that: "The guys are all going through their own insecurities about the stereotypes that people place on each other and we place on ourselves," she said.

The Broadway musical, based on the 1997 film, debuts Friday night at the Majestic Theatre.

The musical comedy is set in Buffalo, New York, where out-of-work steel mill workers are looking for a new source of income. After seeing how their wives and girlfriends react to a traveling show featuring Chippendales dancers, they decide to start their own strip-tease act.

In fact, Jerry (Aaron Marchbanks) believes a strip show with local talent could be a bigger hit, because they'll go "The Full Monty:" All of their clothes will come off.

"As a result they all face up to their own self-imposed inadequacies, but people are way more accepting of them for who they really are," Mandsager said.

The real challenge, other than getting a car on the stage and sewing on more than 300 pieces of Velcro to make tear-away costumes, was finding the six male leads for the 20-member cast. Each had to be able to sing tenor and have a specific body type.

"It got well-cast, and I'd like to say that I did this carefully, but I had to beg, borrow and steal to find these guys," Mandsager said.

Marchbanks has to carry 80 percent of the show and has excelled, she said.

The character Dave (Craig Farrell), who sings a ballad to his own belly, has to be noticeably heavier than the other guys. He had to be comfortable undressed on stage with his belly hanging out to make jokes, Mandsager said.

"Craig is the polar opposite of Dave. It's been great watching him make this huge transformation," she said.

But before Mandsager could propose the show to Majestic management, she needed to find an African-American male who could sing and dance for the role of Noah. She found him with Mark Page.

"It turns out he's way more talented than the role requires, which the chance of finding that guy in Corvallis is just amazing," she said. "Fate brought Mark and I together."

Ted Wade, who plays former mill boss Harold, came into the role late from the show's chorus. Mandsager said he has great acting instincts for someone without much theater experience.

Mandsager, who recently went back to Western Oregon University to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree with emphasis in acting, recruited two classmates in Taylor Mead and Nick Kinz to portray younger dancers Ethan and Malcolm.

Many of the people involved with the production are also Western Oregon University students and alums, including choreographer Chano Garcia. He was charged with teaching the six men how to dance like the Broadway performers in Terrance McNally's show.

"She's taught them pelvic thrusts and hip grinds, which, believe it or not, don't come naturally to everybody," Mandsager said. "They're physically exhausting. The guys are running around and sweating up a storm."

"They do a great job of working all of the bumps in the road they've been given. The women too. They have to have the ability to dance," she said.

But it was the music that drew her to the show.

"The soundtrack is just this fantastic big band, rhythm and blues kind of soundtrack that is very different from any other musical," she said. "Jim Martinez (music director) was interested in doing this show with me because of the music."

The 20-piece band features brass instruments with guitars, bass guitars, a drum section and keyboards. It is a great opportunity for the pit musicians to do something fun and flashy, Mandsager said. Without set changes and few stops in the action, the band is featured heavily throughout the production.

"I'm a little worried they might steal the show because they are that good," she added.
A group of Ukrainian doctors are visiting the mid-valley this week as part of a Corvallis Sister Cities Association program sponsored by the U.S. Congress.

The five doctors, all in family medicine, have toured Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Northwest in Lebanon, and today will visit the neonatal intensive care unit at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield.

Pete Bober, chairperson of the Corvallis Sister City Associations Uzhhorod Council, said the visit is part of the sister cities program with funding provided by the Open World Leadership Center. According to Bober, the program is sponsored directly by the U.S. Congress and has three major goals for everyone involved: raise occupational awareness, create awareness of democratic processes and provide cultural exposure.

Bober said the visitors have met with elected officials, including Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Peter DeFazio, are staying with local host families and are having cultural experiences, like visiting the coast. They also are doing occupational training work through their visits to health care facilities, he said. The group arrived from Uzhhorod, one of Corvallis sister cities, on Sept. 22 and depart Sunday.

Bober said President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the sister cities program as a way to allow diplomacy to be done citizen-to-citizen rather than by government officials.

Politicians tend to focus on the differences it seems, but we actually find we have a lot in common, Bober said.

Bober added that the doctors selected for the program are the best and brightest, and after their exchanges many go on to prominent positions at home.

Nataliia Molanych, one of the visiting doctors, said some of the differences she observed were in insurance, as there is no public insurance like Medicare and Medicaid in Ukraine, and the structure of medical school. In Ukraine, doctors are in school longer, but their residencies are shorter.

It is a good experience to get to see the health care system in the United States, she said.

Vlasta Petrishchak, another visiting doctor, said she was impressed by the hands on training they saw for medical students. She added that shed like to see classes on what being a doctor is like taught at medical schools in Ukraine as they are in the U.S.

Nataliya Hryb, another doctor, added she was interested to see a Corvallis practice using microsurgery for things they would send people to a surgeon for in Ukraine, and she would like to see that type of care come to her country.

Petrishchak added that the doctors like getting to know Americans and experiencing American life.

We are also enjoying the program, she said.

Hryb said they also have met many people who were very friendly, particularly their host families.

The families we live with are very open-hearted, she said.
Law enforcement leaders in Oregon made news this week when they recommended that possession of small amounts of drugs be downgraded to a misdemeanor.

The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association and the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police argued that branding users as felons and locking them up doesn't help them or their communities.

In a state that has prided itself on tough mandatory sentences, that's a controversial position to take.

But it's the right one.

The joint statement from the associations came from people who have been on the front line of the war against drugs for years. Here is the message from the front: What we're doing now isn't working.

Listen to some of the wording in the statement: "Too often, individuals with addiction issues find their way to the doorstep of the criminal justice system when they are arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The penalty is often a felony drug conviction where the person may receive a jail sentence, are placed on probation and receive limited treatment services. Unfortunately, felony convictions in these cases also include unintended and collateral consequences including barriers to housing and employment and a disparate impact on minority communities."

The law officers suggested a different approach, recommending that "user-amount drug possession convictions" (that is, cases where it's clear that defendants weren't planning to sell the drugs) be treated as misdemeanors, and that "offenders be carefully assessed and given individualized, mandated treatment."

A couple of points need to be made here: First, these law officers aren't saying these things just because they've had a sudden conversion. Instead, they understand that the time their officers spend working on minor drug cases is taking time away from more important areas. In the words of the statement: "We believe our limited criminal justice resources should be focused on addressing violent crime and property crime problems that destroy community livability."

A second point needs to be made as well: It makes financial sense not to lock up drug users in prisons or jails, typically the most expensive stops in the corrections system. But the sorts of community-based individualized treatment options that might be the best fit for users still require adequate funding to work properly.

In fact, the law officers argued that reducing the money available to community-based programs such as drug courts would be a critical mistake. And the state has not adequately funded these local programs.

Here's the bottom line: You can pay now to properly fund the community-based programs. Or you can pay much more later to build additional jail and prison cells. (And there's this as well: The recidivism rate among people who have successfully completed a community program typically is much less than that among inmates released from prison.)

But don't take our word on this. Ask the people on the front lines. They'll tell you it's time to try something different. Well past time, actually.
An actual article written up in the Phoenix Gazette in 1909 told of an explorer finding caves within the Grand Canyon when riding the Colorado river in a boat. What he found was written in astounding detail in the article below. Im fascinated with the details and the intrigue.





On one site they wrote, Historian and linguist Carl Hart, editor of WORLD EXPLORER, then obtained a hiker's map of the Grand Canyon from a bookstore in Chicago. Poring over the map, we were amazed to see that much of the area on the north side of the canyon has Egyptian names. The area around Ninety-four Mile Creek and Trinity Creek had areas (rock formations, apparently) with names like Tower of Set, Tower of Ra, Horus Temple, Osiris Temple, and Isis Temple. In the Haunted Canyon area were such names as the Cheops Pyramid, the Buddha Cloister, Buddha Temple, Manu Temple and Shiva Temple. Was there any relationship between these places and the alleged Egyptian discoveries in the Grand Canyon? We called a state archaeologist at the Grand Canyon, and were told that the early explorers had just liked Egyptian and Hindu names, but that it was true that this area was off limits to hikers or other visitors, "because of dangerous caves. Indeed, this entire area with the Egyptian and Hindu place names in the Grand Canyon is a forbidden zone - no one is allowed into this large area. We could only conclude that this was the area where the vaults were located. Yet today, this area is curiously off-limits to all hikers and even, in large part, park personnel.





This is the actual article from the April 5, 1909 Phoenix Gazette:





Mysteries of Immense Rich Cavern being brought to light





Jordan is enthused

Remarkable finds indicate ancient people migrated from Orient





The latest news of the progress of the explorations of what is now regarded by scientists as not only the oldest archeological discovery in the United States, but one of the most valuable in the world, which was mentioned some time ago in the Gazette, was brought to the city yesterday by G.E. Kinkaid, the explorer who found the great underground citadel of the Grand Canyon during a trip from Green River, Wyoming, down the Colorado, in a wooden boat, to Yuma, several months ago.





According to the story related to the Gazette by Mr. Kinkaid, the archaelogists of the Smithsonian Institute, which is financing the expeditions, have made discoveries which almost conclusively prove that the race which inhabited this mysterious cavern, hewn in solid rock by human hands, was of oriental origin, possibly from Egypt, tracing back to Ramses. If their theories are borne out by the translation of the tablets engraved with heiroglyphics, the mystery of the prehistoric peoples of North America, their ancient arts, who they were and whence they came, will be solved. Egypt and the Nile, and Arizona and the Colorado will be linked by a historical chain running back to ages which staggers the wildest fancy of the fictionist.





A Thorough Examination





Under the direction of Prof. S. A. Jordan, the Smithsonian Institute is now prosecuting the most thorough explorations, which will be continued until the last link in the chain is forged. Nearly a mile underground, about 1480 feet below the surface, the long main passage has been delved into, to find another mammoth chamber from which radiates scores of passageways, like the spokes of a wheel.





Several hundred rooms have been discovered, reached by passageways running from the main passage, one of them having been explored for 854 feet and another 634 feet. The recent finds include articles which have never been known as native to this country, and doubtless they had their origin in the orient. War weapons, copper instruments, sharp-edged and hard as steel, indicate the high state of civilization reached by these strange people. So interested have the scientists become that preparations are being made to equip the camp for extensive studies, and the force will be increased to thirty or forty persons.





Mr. Kinkaid's Report





Mr. Kinkaid was the first white child born in Idaho and has been an explorer and hunter all his life, thirty years having been in the service of the Smithsonian Institute. Even briefly recounted, his history sounds fabulous, almost grotesque.





"First, I would impress that the cavern is nearly inaccessible. The entrance is 1,486 feet down the sheer canyon wall. It is located on government land and no visitor will be allowed there under penalty of trespass. The scientists wish to work unmolested, without fear of archeological discoveries being disturbed by curio or relic hunters. A trip there would be fruitless, and the visitor would be sent on his way. The story of how I found the cavern has been related, but in a paragraph: I was journeying down the Colorado river in a boat, alone, looking for mineral. Some forty-two miles up the river from the El Tovar Crystal canyon, I saw on the east wall, stains in the sedimentary formation about 2,000 feet above the river bed. There was no trail to this point, but I finally reached it with great difficulty.

Above a shelf which hid it from view from the river, was the mouth of the cave. There are steps leading from this entrance some thirty yards to what was, at the time the cavern was inhabited, the level of the river. When I saw the chisel marks on the wall inside the entrance, I became interested, securing my gun and went in. During that trip I went back several hundred feet along the main passage till I came to the crypt in which I discovered the mummies. One of these I stood up and photographed by flashlight. I gathered a number of relics, which I carried down the Colorado to Yuma, from whence I shipped them to Washington with details of the discovery. Following this, the explorations were undertaken.





The Passages





"The main passageway is about 12 feet wide, narrowing to nine feet toward the farther end. About 57 feet from the entrance, the first side-passages branch off to the right and left, along which, on both sides, are a number of rooms about the size of ordinary living rooms of today, though some are 30 by 40 feet square. These are entered by oval-shaped doors and are ventilated by round air spaces through the walls into the passages. The walls are about three feet six inches in thickness.





The passages are chiseled or hewn as straight as could be laid out by an engineer. The ceilings of many of the rooms converge to a center. The side-passages near the entrance run at a sharp angle from the main hall, but toward the rear they gradually reach a right angle in direction.





The Shrine





"Over a hundred feet from the entrance is the cross-hall, several hundred feet long, in which are found the idol, or image, of the people's god, sitting cross-legged, with a lotus flower or lily in each hand. The cast of the face is oriental, and the carving this cavern. The idol almost resembles Buddha, though the scientists are not certain as to what religious worship it represents. Taking into consideration everything found thus far, it is possible that this worship most resembles the ancient people of Tibet.





Surrounding this idol are smaller images, some very beautiful in form; others crooked-necked and distorted shapes, symbolical, probably, of good and evil. There are two large cactus with protruding arms, one on each side of the dais on which the god squats. All this is carved out of hard rock resembling marble. In the opposite corner of this cross-hall were found tools of all descriptions, made of copper. These people undoubtedly knew the lost art of hardening this metal, which has been sought by chemicals for centureis without result. On a bench running around the workroom was some charcoal and other material probably used in the process. There is also slag and stuff similar to matte, showing that these ancients smelted ores, but so far no trace of where or how this was done has been discovered, nor the origin of the ore.





"Among the other finds are vases or urns and cups of copper and gold, made very artistic in design. The pottery work includes enameled ware and glazed vessels. Another passageway leads to granaries such as are found in the oriental temples. They contain seeds of varous kinds. One very large storehouse has not yet been entered, as it is twelve feet high and can be reached only from above. Two copper hooks extend on the edge, which indicates that some sort of ladder was attached. These granaries are rounded, as the materials of which they are constructed, I think, is a ver hard cement. A gray metal is also found in this cavern, which puzzles the scientists, for its identity has not been established. It resembles platinum. Strewn promiscuously over the floor everywhere are what people call "cats eyse', a yellow stone of no great value. Each one is engraved with the head of the Malay type.





The Hieroglyphics





"On all the urns, or walls over doorways , and tablets of stone which were found by the image are the mysterious hieroglyphics, the key to which the Smithsonian Institute hopes yet to discover. The engraving on the tables probably has something to do with the religion of the people. Similar hieroglyphics have been found in southern Arizona. Among the pictorial writings, only two animals are found. One is of prehistoric type.





The Crypt





"The tomb or crypt in which the mummies were found is one of the largest of the chambers, the walls slanting back at an angle of about 35 degrees. On these are tiers of mummies, each one occupying a separate hewn shelf. At the head of each is a small bench, on which is found copper cups and pieces of broken swords. Some of the mummies are covered with clay, and all are wrapped in a bark fabric.





The urns or cups on the lower tiers are crude, while as the higher shelves are reached, the urns are finer in design, showing a later stage of civilization. It is worthy of note that all the mummies examined so far have proved to be male, no children or females being buried here. This leads to the belief that this exterior section was the warriors' barracks.





"Among the discoveries no bones of animals have been found, no skins, no clothing, no bedding. Many of the rooms are bare but for water vessels. One room, about 40 by 700 feet, was probably the main dining hall, for cooking utensils are found here. What these people lived on is a problem, though it is presumed that they came south in the winter and farmed in the valleys, going back north in the summer.





Upwards of 50,000 people could have lived in the caverns comfortably. One theory is that the present Indian tribes found in Arizona are descendants of the serfs or slaves of the people which inhabited the cave. Undoubtedly a good many thousands of years before the Christian era, a people lived here which reached a high stage of civilization. The chronology of human history is full of gaps. Professor Jordan is much enthused over the discoveries and believes that the find will prove of incalculable value in archeological work.





"One thing I have not spoken of, may be of interest. There is one chamber of the passageway to which is not ventilated, and when we approached it a deadly, snaky smell struck us. Our light would not penetrate the gloom, and until stronger ones are available we will not know what the chamber contains. Some say snakes, but other boo-hoo this idea and think it may contain a deadly gas or chemicals used by the ancients. No sounds are heard, but it smells snaky just the same. The whole underground installation gives one of shaky nerves the creeps. The gloom is like a weight on one's shoulders, and our flashlights and candles only make the darkness blacker. Imagination can revel in conjectures and ungodly daydreams back through the ages that have elapsed till the mind reels dizzily in space."





An Indian Legend





In connection with this story, it is notable that among the Hopi Indians the tradition is told that their ancestors once lived in an underworld in the Grand Canyon till dissension arose between the good and the bad, the people of one heart and the people of two hearts. Machetto, who was their chief, counseled them to leave the underworld, but there was no way out. The chief then caused a tree to grow up and pierce the roof of the underworld, and then the people of one heart climbed out. They tarried by Paisisvai (Red River), which is the Colorado, and grew grain and corn.





They sent out a message to the Temple of the Sun, asking the blessing of peace, good will and rain for people of one heart. That messenger never returned, but today at the Hopi villages at sundown can be seen the old men of the tribe out on the housetops gazing toward the sun, looking for the messenger. When he returns, their lands and ancient dwelling place will be restored to them. That is the tradition.





Among the engravings of animals in the cave is seen the image of a heart over the spot where it is located. The legend was learned by W.E. Rollins, the artist, during a year spent with the Hopi Indians.





There are two theories of the origin of the Egyptians. One is that they came from Asia; another that the racial cradle was in the upper Nile region. Heeren, an Egyptologist, believed in the Indian origin of the Egyptians. The discoveries in the Grand Canyon may throw further light on human evolution and prehistoric ages.




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YouTube Go

India is known for its slow internet speed and expensive data packs. Keeping this in mind, Google has announced a new app which goes by the moniker YouTube Go.

Essentially, it is a video streaming app tailored for the Indian market, meaning it'll work even on slow internet connections.

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Google Assistant will help you in Hindi soon

Google Product Manager, Amit Fulay, announced at the event that "a preview of the Google Assistant will be launched in Hindi by the end of 2016."

For the unknown, Google Assistant is a virtual assistant (similar to Apple's Siri) powered by AI. It is integrated into the company's recently launched Allo app to assist you in getting things done quickly.

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Faster browsing for 2G users

Unlike urban parts of the country, many of the villages in India don't have access to high-speed internet connections. Keeping this in mind, the search engine giant will soon allow its users to download apps even on low bandwidth connections like 2G networks.

Also, Google Play will offer a new option called Wait for Wi-Fi where the app will be installed only after the phone connects to Wi-Fi.

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Data Saver Feature for Google Chrome

The already existing Chrome's data saver mode that reduces the amount of data it uses on Android smartphones, computers and Chromebook will now support MP4 videos as well. It is claimed to reduce up to 67% of video data. Additionally, it will optimise web pages when it detects 2G network to load pages up to 2 times faster.

Google Station

Earlier this year, Google partnered with RailTel and Indian Railways to offer free Wi-Fi at Railway stations in India.

Taking this project further, Google announced Google Station, a public Wi-Fi platform, which offers Wi-Fi hotspots at a public place like malls, cafes, and bus stops to provide free internet by partnering with various organisations.

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Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 28, 2016  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 12 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Shadaddi, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two vehicles.

-- Near Raqqah, a strike destroyed an ISIL pump jack.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed 12 oil tanker trucks and two oil wellheads and disabled a bridge along an ISIL supply route.

-- Near Manbij, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.

-- Near Mara, five strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions and a mortar system.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 10 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government:

-- Near Qaim, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle bomb-making facility.

-- Near Kisik, a strike produced inconclusive results.

-- Near Mosul, four strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, suppressed a mortar system and destroyed an anti-air artillery system and a tunnel.

-- Near Qayyarah, two strikes destroyed two ISIL vehicles and a mortar system.

-- Near Ramadi, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, a strike destroyed an ISIL mortar system and damaged an excavator.

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 it poses to Iraq, Syria, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of targets in Syria and Iraq further limits ISIL's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

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Carter: 600 Troops to Deploy to Enable Iraqis to Retake Mosul From ISIL

By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2016  About 600 American troops will be deployed to Iraq to further enable local security forces as they prepare to retake the key Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today.

In a statement, the secretary said in anticipation of the Mosul fight, the U.S. and Iraqi governments have agreed that additional U.S. and coalition capabilities could help accelerate the campaign at this critical phase.

Carter said he and Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recommended deployment of the additional troops to President Barack Obama to further enable Iraqi forces, and that the president authorized it with the support and approval of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

Gearing Up for Mosul Offensive

The U.S. troops will work in close coordination with the Iraqi government to provide specific capabilities, such as logistics and maintenance support, and train, advise and assist teams for Iraqi security forces and Kurdish peshmerga for the upcoming Mosul operation. Expanded intelligence resources will be used to disrupt ISIL's terrorist network in Iraq and beyond, Carter said.

"The coalition to defeat ISIL continues to achieve results on the battlefield, and I congratulate Iraqi security forces on their recent progress, including the operation to free Sharqat," he said. "The coalition will continue to increase the pressure on ISIL in Mosul and wherever it seeks refuge in Iraq."

Increasing Pressure on ISIL

The addition of more than 600 additional troops in the coming weeks will bring the force management level to 5,262 U.S. troops as of today, said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, director of Pentagon press operations.

"We are continuing to increase pressure on ISIL in Mosul in particular and in anticipation of that coming fight  as we close in on Mosul," Davis said.

While most specific locations cannot be released for security reasons, Davis said, he identified two air bases where the American troops will be sent with specific missions: Al-Asad Air Base in the Euphrates River Valley north of Baghdad, and Qayyarah Air Base near Qayyarah City.

Bringing Capabilities to Air Bases

At Al-Asad Air Base, American troops will provide logistics and maintenance, and help with airfield operations to bring the base to a level that can support a greater pace of operations as the Mosul effort progresses.

Military logisticians will work at Qayyarah Air Base similarly to help the base function as the significant throughput point for the Iraqi forces as they move farther north, he said.

"Mosul is very isolated from the major population centers in Iraq, and to have a throughput point in Qayyarah will allow for greater enabling of our operations there," Davis said.

The press operations director clarified that the additional train, advise and assist teams and additional intelligence support come under existing authorities. "Nothing is changing in regard to the role of our mission, with the role of what our authorities are to do there," he noted. "This does not mean any greater role for [U.S.] service members in terms of what their mission is."

Davis added that the fight remains Iraq's, and "everything we do there is to support and enable them. They will continue to be the primary trigger-pullers."

Double-Edged Goal

Two things going on: the retaking of Mosul, and helping to ensure a lasting victory for the Iraqis, Davis said.

"From our perspective, this [force management level] increase has been long anticipated [and] long planned," he added. "We've known there would need to be another additive of capabilities prior to the final push [to Mosul]."

The roughly 600 additional U.S. forces are the number of forces expected to enable Iraq to take on its next major objective of Mosul, Davis said. "There are no major objectives after that," said he added. "This is it. This is the last big holdout in Iraq for ISIL."

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Two Strikes in Yemen Kill 4 Terrorists

U.S. Central Command

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 28, 2016  The U.S. military successfully struck two al-Qaida targets in central Yemen in the past week, killing four al-Qaida operatives.

One strike, in the Marib Governorate Sept. 20, killed two operatives of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.

Another strike, Sept. 22 in the al Baydah Governorate, killed two other al-Qaida operatives.

"These were al-Qaida operatives who continue to support their organization's destabilizing effects in Yemen," said U.S. Central Command spokesman Army Maj. Josh T. Jacques.

"U.S. Central Command continues to protect the U.S., its allies and partners from these threats by denying Yemen as a haven for AQAP," Jacques added.

Al-Qaida and its associated movements remain a significant threat, said Jacques, noting Centcom will not relent in its mission to degrade and defeat al-Qaida and its remnants.

Centcom's mission, he said, is to direct and enable military operations and activities with allies and partners to increase regional security and stability in support of enduring U.S. interests.

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-342-16 September 28, 2016

Statement from Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on additional support to Iraqi counter-ISIL efforts

The coalition to defeat ISIL continues to achieve results on the battlefield, and I congratulate Iraqi security forces on their recent progress, including the operation to free Sharqat. The coalition will continue to increase the pressure on ISIL in Mosul and wherever it seeks refuge in Iraq.

In anticipation of the Mosul fight, the United States and the government of Iraq have agreed that additional U.S. and coalition capabilities could help accelerate the campaign at this critical phase. At the request of myself and Chairman Dunford, and with the support and approval of Prime Minister Abadi, President Obama has authorized approximately 600 additional U.S. troops to further enable Iraqi forces.

The troops, in close coordination with the government of Iraq, will provide specific capabilities including logistics and maintenance support; train, advise and assist teams for Iraqi Security Forces and Kurdish Peshmerga for the upcoming Mosul operation; and expanded intelligence resources to help disrupt ISIL's terrorist network in Iraq and beyond.

The United States will continue to stay in close contact with our Iraqi partners as efforts to retake Mosul progress, including the role that the international coalition can continue to play in helping the Iraqi government defeat ISIL.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/958052/

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter September 28, 2016

Remarks by Secretary Carter in a Press Gaggle in Albuquerque, New Mexico

SEC. CARTER: Good. Well, good morning, everyone, and I have a brief announcement to make regarding our accelerating campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat, which we are doing and will certainly do.

At the recommendation of myself and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford, President Obama approved and Prime Minister Abadi has approved and they've both directed that the United States increase its contingent of forces there by approximately 600 to further enable Iraqi security forces engaged in the campaign to defeat ISIL.

These forces will be primarily to enable Iraqi security forces and also Peshmerga in the operations to isolate and collapse ISIL's control over Mosul. But also, to protect and expand Iraqi security force's gains elsewhere in Iraq.

The forces being added are in the same categories as the existing forces, that is enablers to provide logistics, a train, advise and assist and intelligence support. As we said all along, whenever we see opportunities to accelerate the campaign, we want to seize them. We have consistently done so. The president has approved them whenever General Dunford and I have presented them to him and Prime Minister Abadi too has approved, as he must, because he is the commander of this campaign, these increases in our capabilities there.

We'll stay in close contact with the Iraqi government as the campaign to defeat Daesh and expel it from Mosul intensifies in the coming weeks, including the role of all of the coalition forces there as they continue to assist the Iraqi forces in delivering ISIL a lasting defeat.

And with that, I'll take your questions.

Q: Sir, thank you. Will these approximately 600 U.S. troops go to multiple locations or will it be Q-West or can you say where they will go for sure?

SEC. CARTER: I can't -- (inaudible) -- talk about everywhere they'll go, Bob, but Q-West is one location where, as you know, we're in the process, which we'll complete shortly, of completing that as a logistics hub. Another place I'll mention -- I don't want to mention everywhere they'll be -- but is Al-Asad, once again, in a logistics role to be part of the supply especially and logistics supporting the campaign for the -- further to the north in Mosul.

Q: And a quick follow-up, if I may. For those who do go to Qayyarah West, you described their role as train and advise and assist, of course, but will they --

SEC. CARTER: And also building out the infrastructure there.

Q: Okay, yeah.

SEC. CARTER: Preparing it to be a hub so that Iraqi forces that are in the southern part of the country have an easy way of deploying up to the Mosul area, so it'd be a major logistics hub.

Q: And for those who -- will there be some who are in that vicinity who will actually go forward with Iraqi forces, and although not engaging directly in combat, will be -- find themselves in a combat situation?

SEC. CARTER: Well, they certainly will -- they're not -- the Iraqi security forces, as I think the prime minister indicated, have the combat role and we're in a support role. But I need to make clear once again, American forces combating ISIL in Iraq are in harm's way. It's a responsibility I take very seriously. No one should be any -- in any doubt about that.

The train, advise, assist, the logistics roles, the enhanced intelligence roles, all of these people put our forces in a country which is obviously where there's a lot of violence, and force protection is part of all of these packages and is an extremely important part of it.

Q: The prime minister of Iraq had said that this will be the final increase. That was the words that he used on -- I don't think he said U.S. forces, he said international troops. Can you confirm that?

SEC. CARTER: Well, the -- this is what we now foresee as required for the envelopment and seizure of Mosul. It -- we'll continue to assess with Prime Minister Abadi. It'll continue to be his decision for U.S. and other coalition forces as the head of the sovereign nation of Iraq. So anything we do in the future would be done, obviously, with the approval of President Obama, our own commander in chief, but also with Prime Minister Abadi.

But this is what we have long planned, and foresee for the campaign to expel ISIL from Mosul.

Q: A couple of follow-ups.

How did you come to the figure of 600 being what's needed to complete this Mosul campaign?

SEC. CARTER: It's built from our plan, first of all, which is now almost a year in existence and been executing in the manner and the schedule that we foresaw there. So these forces have been foreseen in that sense. And they are built up from the commanders' -- that is both the Iraqi commanders' and our own commanders' understanding of what it will take to enable the Iraqi security forces to win in the fastest possible way.

So once again, it's train, advise and assist, which we've been doing, and more as the campaign intensifies around Mosul; logistics, which is everything from transportation to spare parts and supply and all those things that go into winning a war; and then intelligence, which we're also intensifying, to put additionally a special emphasis on ISIL's external plotting that is external to the territory they control, which is being reduced, to Baghdad or the territory of our own homeland or that of our friends and allies.

That's obviously an enormous priority for both Prime Minister Abadi, but also for our own leaders -- President Obama and all of our coalition partners. So we want to intensify that effort, too.

Q: Do you also see forces being based at Taqaddum?

SEC. CARTER: You know, I -- yes. And I don't want to talk about each little piece of this uplift there. But we're already at Taqaddum, have been for quite some time, a number of months now.

Q: So, we've been anticipating this Mosul battle for a long time. You said that this is -- you expect this operation to kick off in the coming weeks. What makes you confident that this is going to happen? And what kind of fight do you anticipate Mosul being?

SEC. CARTER: Well, I'm confident it's going to happen because we have -- we're on schedule in terms of marshaling the forces there. So the force generation, which begins with training and arming and is a process that has moved along now consistently for many months; the movement, then, of those forces both Iraqi army and CTS forces, and also Peshmerga forces.

All of this -- I should say also the Peshmerga forces, with the, according to our understanding with President Barzani and his understanding with Prime Minister Abadi -- all of that is unchanged.

And with respect to the second part of it, we'll have to see. Different cities have fallen in different ways, as we've seen in the course of the Iraqi Army's campaign through Hit and Fallujah and Rutbah. All of these have -- they've had a somewhat different experience. And we -- we do not know what ISIL's plans will be for the defense of Mosul nor whether they'll be able to carry out whatever plans they have, whether their fighters will stick with them, whether they'll have morale to do that, whether the populous of Mosul will tolerate their continued presence in their city under those circumstances.

It'll depend on all of that, and so we're prepared for whatever happens there. That is the nature of our plan. But we've had a different experience in different cities there.

Q: I realize it's probably very difficult to speculate on how long the Mosul offensive will actually last for, but is the -- perhaps you could give us some idea. But is the expectation that after Mosul is presumably successfully re-captured that the U.S. troops will come home fairly quickly or will there be a -- or do you have any idea of their continued presence?

SEC. CARTER: With respect to the first part, it's related to the previous question. It'll depend on exactly what the nature of the resistance is and how much and for how long they're able to put up a defense of the city.

Thereafter, we are prepared to continue to help the Iraqi security forces consolidate their control over the country. Mosul will be the last of the very large cities that needs to be re-captured, but they'll need to continue to consolidate control over the whole city. And we'll make decisions with that in just -- about that in just the way we've made them so far, namely we'll have our own commanders and the Iraqi security forces make recommendations, they'll go to our president and to the prime minister of Iraq, who of course has the final say in all of that. But we'll see.

But we are certainly going to continue to help the Iraqi security forces in whatever measure and manner they wish to consolidate the control over their country after they've re-captured this major -- last major ISIL center.

SEC. CARTER: Thanks, everybody.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/958269/

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Hue City Renders Assistance to Distressed Fishermen

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS160928-09

Release Date: 9/28/2016 9:57:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Jessica Bloodsworth, USS Hue City (CG 66) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66), part of the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, responded to a distress call from U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Jacksonville, Florida, involving a 26-foot fishing vessel located 43 nautical miles off the coast of Mayport, Florida, Sept. 23.

The USCG reported over bridge-to-bridge communications an indication of personnel in the water from a personal indication device, as well as an urgency distress call, and requested assistance from any vessel in the area.

Hue City, approximately 13 nautical miles from the specified location of the vessel at the time of the call, immediately responded to the USCG and initiated protocol and preparations to launch a helicopter to search for the reported personnel in the water while she altered course in direction of the last known location.

Hue City arrived on station before launching the helicopter and launched a rigid-hull inflatable boat upon visual sighting, verification, and communication with the vessel that was reported as needing assistance.

The vessel was dead in the water with four passengers aboard. Assessment by Hue City's boat crew concluded the fishing vessel's engine failure required assistance.

A member of Hue City's boat crew was Chief Machinist Mate Joseph Haselberger, an avid fisherman.

"I was just doing my job and helping a fellow mariner and fisherman. I hope the favor will be returned one day," said Haselberger.

The fishing vessel was able to be repaired and the fishermen, after shaking Haselberger's hand and expressing their gratitude, proceeded on their 43 nautical mile journey back to Mayport.

Commanding Officer Capt. Dan Gillen commended the response efforts of his crew.

"I am glad we were available to assist these fishermen. Without Hue City, they could have gotten into a real bad situation," said Gillen.

Hue City is conducting routine training and operations in preparation for an upcoming deployment with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.

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FM calls on Singapore to respect China's sea stance

People's Daily Online

By Leng Shumei (Global Times) 09:24, September 28, 2016

Singapore seeks to maximize own interests with US influence: expert

China's foreign ministry called on Singapore to respect China's stance on the South China Sea issue on Tuesday, a further indication that China is upset about Singapore's enthusiasm for an increasing US presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told a daily news briefing that China hopes countries will remain fair and objective over the South China Sea disputes.

Without mentioning the name, Geng admitted having noticed a recent Chinese newspaper report saying that Singapore had insisted on rendering the issue into the final document of the 17th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, which was held on September 17 and 18 at Venezuela's Margarita Island. More than 100 countries attended the summit, including Vietnam and Laos.

"The facts are clear. Individual countries insisted on highlighting the South China Sea-related contents in the outcome document, but failed to do so, because they did not secure the approval of the majority of NAM members and these contents did not represent the consensus of parties related to the South China Sea issue," Geng said.

The NAM Summit was not an appropriate forum to discuss the South China Sea issue and the final document of the summit should be based on the long-held consensus principle to reflect all the member countries' common views, Geng said. He noted that the situation in the South China Sea is moving in a positive direction under joint efforts from China and ASEAN members.

Analysts said Singapore's action at the NAM summit would hurt bilateral relations.

"Singapore has advocated its support for the South China Sea arbitration award many times inside the ASEAN grouping. It has been getting closer to the US after former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's death, seeking to maximize its own interests in the Asia-Pacific region by using the US to contain China's regional influence," Zhuang Guotu, head of the Center of Southeast Asian Studies at Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Sino-Singaporean relations have been dampened by Singapore's improper actions at the NAM Summit, though future relations are still bright, given the strengthening economic and maritime cooperation in the region, Zhuang said.

Reliable source

The Global Times published an online article on its Chinese website last week saying that the NAM chair country Venezuela on September 18 refused Singapore's request to include an endorsement for the South China Sea arbitration award into the final document of the summit.

According to the source, the Singaporean delegation was infuriated when most of the countries objected to its request and spoke rudely to these countries' representatives, the report said.

Singapore also kept harping on the issue at the summit, delaying conferences into the night on many occasions and causing antipathy among other countries, according to the source.

In his open letter, Singapore's ambassador to China, Stanley Loh Ka Leung, called the Global Times report an "irresponsible report replete with fabrications and unfounded allegations."

Loh said that "the Singapore delegation did not raise the South China Sea or the tribunal ruling at the NAM Summit."

He noted that "the paragraphs on Southeast Asia, including those referring to the South China Sea, have been part of the NAM Final Document since 1992 and regularly updated based on the common position of the ASEAN countries."

The editor-in-chief of the Global Times, Hu Xijin, Tuesday stood his ground against Loh's accusation.

"The article was based on a serious and reliable source who attended the summit and the reporter has done solid and serious interviews," Hu said, reiterating that the article "is telling the truth."

Hu pointed out that Loh had admitted in his open letter that the NAM chair country Venezuela refused a Singaporean request at the summit, but did not mention what request it was or why it was turned down.

"The Global Times article has addressed the 'what' and 'why' that you had failed to touch upon," Hu said.

Hu also accused Singapore of favoring the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea disputes and damaging China's interests by approving the deployment of four US littoral combat ships and anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft in the country.

"Everyone knows these weapons are targeted at China," Hu wrote.

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President Duterte vows to end joint US-Philippines drills

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 7:12PM

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says his administration will end the long-running joint military drills with the United States, emphasizing that an upcoming exercise slated for next month will be the last between the two countries.

"I will serve notice to you now, that this will be the last military exercise, jointly Philippines-US, the last one," Duterte said during an address in Hanoi to Filipinos living in Vietnam.

The Philippines and the United States will hold Amphibious Landing Exercises from October 4 to 12 in the Philippines. The two countries staged in April a large set of exercises involving more than 8,000 forces from both sides. The annual joint military exercises have been a pillar of a defense alliance between Manila and Washington, which dates back to 1951.

However, Duterte has taken a hard line on the issue over the past weeks, saying the Philippine government will push US special forces out of the country's troubled south.

Earlier this month, Duterte clashed with US President Barack Obama over the West's criticism of the Philippines' human rights record. He insulted Obama during a speech before the ASEAN summit in Laos.

The Filipino president has also defended his massive crackdown on crime and drug smuggling, which has seen some 3,700 people executed and killed.

"I am the favorite whipping boy now of the human rights (groups) all over the world," said the 71-year-old leader to the cheer of the crowds at an upscale Hanoi hotel.

The Philippines, like Vietnam, has been at loggerheads with China over Beijing's increasing claims over the South China Sea. Reports say Duterte will raise the issue during his two-day trip to Hanoi.

President Duterte has not hidden his intentions for reaching new trade alliances with China and Russia in the region, brushing aside old assumptions that maintaining defense alliances with the US could serve as deterrence against China's rise.

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US to deploy 600 more troops to Iraq to help fight Daesh: Pentagon

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 4:15PM

The US military is deploying 600 more troops to Iraq to help government forces fight the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group in the city of Mosul, according to the US Defense Department.

The American soldiers will provide logistics support for the Iraqi forces and will not directly participate in the attacks, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told reporters on Wednesday.

The announcement comes as Iraqi forces are fighting to retake Mosul, Iraq's second largest city and the capital of the northern province of Nineveh, which fell to the hands of Daesh in June 2014.

The US claims its troops in Iraq are supporting government forces fighting against Daesh.

Currently there are about 4,600 US soldiers in Iraq. The additional forces would raise the level to about 5,200.

The US troops are allegedly providing air support, training and advice to the Iraqi military.

In July, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced the Pentagon would send an additional 560 troops to Iraq over the course of several weeks.

The latest troop deployment comes a week after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met privately with US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

There are also dozens of US special operations forces in Syria, who are working closely with a collection of various militant groups that are trying to topple the legitimate government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The move to increase the number of US troops comes despite growing concerns among the Iraqi public that the US is planning to use the battle against Daesh as a pretext to return to Iraq.

US forces invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple long-time dictator Saddam Hussein but the large-scale military operation deteriorated security in the Arab country and gave birth to various militant groups like Daesh.

Daesh terrorists have been committing vicious crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq and Syria, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians.

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China urges Pakistan, India to settle differences over Kashmir

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 3:27PM

China has urged Pakistan and India to settle their differences over Kashmir amid recent tensions in the disputed Himalayan region.

Deputy Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said on Wednesday that Beijing "hopes that Pakistan and India will strengthen channels for dialogue, appropriately handle any differences, improve bilateral relations, and together protect the region's peace and stability."

The deputy foreign minister said Beijing valued Pakistan's position on Kashmir.

Tensions have been on the rise between Pakistan and India since an attack on an Indian military base in Kashmir on September 18, when nearly 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

The attack on the Indian army base has triggered a war of words between the neighbors. India says the attackers were affiliated with a militant group based in Pakistan. Islamabad has rejected India's claims as "unfounded and premature."

India has long accused Pakistan of backing militant groups operating in Kashmir with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing Pakistan of "exporting terrorism."

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has accused India of engagement in an "unprecedented arms build-up" along the de facto border dividing Kashmir.

Kashmir has also witnessed an increase in mass protests over the killing of a pro-independence figure in early July. Tens of thousands of Indian government troops have been deployed to Indian-controlled Kashmir and over 80 people have lost their lives in the ensuing crackdown.

India-China border dispute unresolved

China has long been a strong military, economic and diplomatic supporter of Pakistan amid a border dispute between Beijing and New Delhi.

Last year, officials from Beijing and New Delhi pledged to settle the border dispute, which dates back to a brief border war in 1962.

China lays claim to more than 90,000 square kilometers ruled by New Delhi in the eastern sector of the Himalayas. India, however, says China occupies 38,000 square kilometers of its territory on the Aksai Chin plateau in the west.

On August 25, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman, Wu Qian, expressed concern about India's plans to put advanced missiles along the border between the two countries, saying, "We hope that the Indian side can do more to benefit peace and stability along the border and in the region, rather than the opposite."

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Fresh Saudi raids claim four Yemeni civilian lives

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:34AM

At least four civilians, including a child, have lost their lives and several others sustained injuries in Saudi air strikes against residential areas across conflict-ridden Yemen.

Saudi military aircraft struck an outdoor market in the Haydan district of the northern mountainous province of Sa'ada, on Wednesday, leaving three people dead and three others injured, Arabic-language al-Masirah television network reported.

A child was later killed when Saudi fighter jets bombarded al-Sharqabi village in the same Yemeni district.

Additionally, Saudi warplanes bombed a fuel station in the Majz district of Sa'ada. The massive explosion shook the area and caused material damage to a number of nearby buildings.

Saudi warplanes also carried out multiple air strikes against Bayhan District in the central province of Shabwah as well as Attan, Hafid and Nihm districts in the west-central province of Sana'a.

The developments took place a day after three civilians, including an elderly woman, were killed and another two injured in a Saudi aerial attack against the Kitaf wa Al Boqe'e district in Sa'ada Province.

Yemeni army soldiers also thwarted an attack by militiamen loyal to former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi against the Usaylan district in Shabwah Province, killing scores of pro-Saudi gunmen in the process.

Elsewhere in the Karsh region of Yemen's southwestern province of Lahij, Yemeni forces targeted a battle tank belonging to Saudi-backed militiamen.

Yemen has been under Saudi military strikes since late March 2015. The onslaught was launched in a bid to reinstate Hadi, who has stepped down as Yemen's president but is now seeking to grab power by force.

The United Nations puts the death toll from the military aggression at about 10,000.

Yemeni forces are fighting back the Saudi military aggression and occasionally launch retaliatory attacks on the kingdom's soil.

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Nigeria given 7-day ultimatum to release Shia cleric Zakzaky

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:57AM

A group in Nigeria has renewed its demand for the unconditional release of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky from detention.

The group, Save Zakzaky's Life, issued on Tuesday a seven-day ultimatum to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to release Zakzaky, who is the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

The group also warned that if the government fails to meet their demand, they will have no other alternative but to call on millions of his followers to take to the streets. It said the sheikh's supporters will also stage a sit-in until he is released.

The National coordinator of the group, Bashir Marafa, said they have already begun mobilizing millions of Zakzaky's followers "to storm [the capital,] Abuja, for what we called 'MOTHER OF ALL PROTESTS,' and 'SIT AROUND IN ABUJA CITY,' as long as Zakzaky is not released unconditionally, within the next 7 days."

The cleric's followers are concerned about his health condition, which has been deteriorating over the past nine months in detention. He has been detained since December 13, 2015, when Nigerian forces raided his home and killed three of his sons as well as his wife.

A day earlier, soldiers had attacked Shia Muslims attending a ceremony at a religious center in the city of Zaria in north-central Nigeria, accusing them of blocking the convoy of the army's chief of staff and attempting to assassinate him, which they denied.

They killed hundreds of members of the religious community. Some sources have put the toll at over 1,000.

Zakzaky had lost three other sons in the summer of 2014 during attacks by Nigerian soldiers on the International Quds day.

Save Zakzaky's Life had last week issued a 14-day ultimatum for his release. Thousands of his followers also held a peaceful mass protest last week in the capital. Many of the protesters were injured after police attacked the demonstrators and fired tear gas to disperse them.

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21 killed, 'mostly civilians,' in US drone attack in Afghanistan

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 8:45AM

A US drone strike has killed at least 21 people in the eastern Nangarhar province, with Afghan sources saying that more than a dozen of them were civilians.

Esmatullah Shinwari, a Nangarhar lawmaker, told the Associated Press that a crowd had gathered at the tribal leader's house in the Achin district to welcome home his return from the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia when the drone struck.

At least 12 people were wounded in the attack, including the tribal leader, he said.

Unnamed Afghan sources have said at least 13 of the victims were civilians.

The spokesman for the US military in Afghanistan, Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, confirmed that a "counter-terrorism airstrike" had been conducted in Achin district early Wednesday.

"US forces did conduct one counter-terrorism airstrike in Achin district, Nangarhar Province, Sept. 28, and for operational security reasons, we do not discuss the details of counter-terror operations," he said in a statement.

"We are aware of some claims of Afghan casualties," he said, adding that investigations were underway.

Local Afghan sources said the US drone attack left at least 25 civilian casualties.

The people of Afghanistan have been suffering from violence and insecurity since the US and its allies invaded the country as part of Washington's so-called war on terror in 2001. Many parts of the country still remain plagued by militancy despite the presence of foreign troops. The military invasion removed Taliban, but militants still push to wrest control over the war-ravaged country.

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Eavesdropping Norway Rolls Out Two New Spy Ships

Sputnik News

14:08 28.09.2016

The Nordic states have been pouring billions into their militaries, citing an imaginary Russian "threat." For the first time in history, Norway possesses two spy ships due to an unprecedented measure. It insists these are necessary due to Russia's accumulation of forces and increased activity in the North.

Russia's refurbishing of military bases and civil infrastructure along the Northern Sea Route from Murmansk to the Far East has prompted the Norwegian Intelligence Service to believe it needs more monitoring capacity; Norway claims the two spy ships it has are insufficient. Both of Norway's intelligence collection ships will be sent into the high Arctic to gather data on Russia's military maneuvers.

In a few months, the FS Marjata will therefore keep company with the ship it was originally supposed to replace, which has been renamed the FS Eger after receiving a full overhaul and becoming modernized. Both reconnaissance ships are heading to neutral waters in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea, but will be tasked with monitoring Russian activity exclusively.

"Norway's role as a monitor in the North, also on behalf of NATO, is becoming increasingly evident. This strengthens Norway's part and guarantees that our allies will come to our assistance in the event of a conflict. Intelligence is political capital," Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten's commentator Per Anders Madsen wrote.

According to Lieutenant General Morten Haga Lunde, the chief of the Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS), the FS Eger will be tasked with following activity on the surface, such as civil and military transport, including activity in the air and underwater. The FS Marjata, which has a far greater capacity than its predecessor, will patrol in the eastern part of the Barents Sea and possibly keep an eye on Russian military bases on the Kola Peninsula. The FS Eger will be based in Harstad, while the FS Marjata's home base will be Kirkenes.

"It's like buying a new computer. There is a generation difference here," Morten Haga Lunde told Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten.

Haga Lunde admitted that maintaining the two ships was not part of the original plan, as the old FS Marjata (today the FS Eger) was initially scheduled for scrapping. Subsequently, Norway's military bosses changed their mind. The FS Marjata was fitted with new material in the United States, while the FS Eger is to be updated in Norway. Haga Lunde refrained from commenting on the overall price tag, but ensured that both will be operated via the Intelligence Service budget, which has been increased.

According to Haga Lunde, both ships will be used for as long as possible in a hybrid war, yet will be withdrawn in the event of a real war.

The FS Marjata is the fourth spy ship of its kind. Its predecessors have been operated by the Norwegian Intelligence Service since the days of the Cold War. The fourth model of the reconnaissance ship is 126 meters (413 feet) long and 23.5 meters (77 feet) wide.

A report by the NIS earlier this year stated that Russia was no immediate threat to Norwegian security. However, Russia's increased presence in the north and the upgrading of its military power was estimated to have given the country a greater ability to influence Norway's freedom to act in the high north.

Earlier this year, a classified government analysis identified Russian warships and fighters as potential targets for the Norwegian fleet of F-35s.

 Sputnik

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Singapore Accuses Beijing Media of Fabricating Story on South China Sea

Sputnik News

02:17 28.09.2016

Singapore's ambassador to China has accused the Global Times, a major Chinese news outlet, of publishing an article containing falsehoods. China, however, insists the article is reporting the truth.

On September 18, the 17th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, an organization created in 1961 in opposition to NATO and the former Warsaw Pact, ended. As the organization finalized its Declaration of Margarita Island, a wrap-up document detailing plans for the organization's next three years, the Singaporean delegation reportedly raised the issue of territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The request to include the issue within the document was said to have been denied by Venezuela, the current president of the organization, a move that, according to the Global Times, "infuriated" the Singaporean delegation. The Chinese paper claimed they were citing a "reliable source," who was in attendance at the summit.

This claim that has been firmly denied by the Singaporean ambassador to China, Stanley Loh.

According to Loh, the Global Times article is an "irresponsible report replete with fabrications and unfounded allegations with no regard for the facts."

"Contrary to the claim fabricated by the Global Times, the Singapore delegation did not raise the South China Sea or the tribunal ruling at the NAM Summit," he said, in a formal letter to Global Times editor-in-chief Hu Xijin, posted to the Singaporean Foreign Ministry website.

According to the letter, Singapore "intervened to support the common position of ASEAN," of which Singapore is a member.

"Only a very small number of NAM Members outside Southeast Asia raised objections to ASEAN's updates at the NAM Senior Officials' Meeting at Margarita Island," the letter states.

Global Times editor Hu, however, refused to accept the ambassador's objections, stating in the paper's blog that he stood by the story, adding that its source was "serious and reliable" and the report accurate.

This was followed by a Chinese Foreign Ministry official statement from ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.

"The facts are clear. Individual countries insisted on highlighting the South China Sea-related contents in the outcome document, but failed to do so, because they did not secure the approval of the majority of NAM members and these contents did not represent the consensus of parties related to the South China Sea issue," Geng said.

The two countries continue to trade accusation and allegation. Regardless of whether Singapore, if indeed it made the request that the Chinese media outlet claims it did, acted on behalf of ASEAN or out of its own interest, as well as whether it was "many" or "some" countries that objected to the inclusion of the South China Sea issue; Singapore, according to the Chinese version of events, failed to win the sympathies of the majority of the delegations.

 Sputnik

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US, Philippine Marines to Conduct Joint Exercise PHIBLEX 33

Sputnik News

02:08 28.09.2016

Marines from the United States and the Philippines will conduct a landing exercise known as PHIBLEX 33 in different locations in the Philippines on October 4, the US Pacific Command (PACOM) said in a press release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  PHIBLEX 33 is designed to improve joint humanitarian assistance efforts, interoperability and advance cooperation, as well as assist in strengthening bilateral amphibious capabilities, the release noted.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Marine Corps and US Marines and Sailors from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group will participate in the 33rd iteration of the Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 33), from October 4-12 at multiple locations in Luzon and Palawan," the release stated on Tuesday.

The exercise includes an amphibious landing and live-fire training, the release added.

 Sputnik

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US to Deploy 615 More Troops to Iraq

By Carla Babb, Jeff Seldin September 28, 2016

The U.S. and Iraq have agreed on a plan that will send about 600 additional American troops to Iraq to help retake Mosul from Islamic State, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in New Mexico, Carter said the increase was part of the coalition's "accelerating campaign" to "isolate and collapse" Islamic State's control over Mosul and "expand gains by Iraqi Security Forces elsewhere in Iraq."

A senior U.S. defense official put the total number at 615, bringing the number of American troops authorized to fight IS in Iraq at 5,262. The official said the troops would arrive in Iraq in the next few weeks.

Carter said the additional U.S. military personnel will train, advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces and Kurdish peshmerga. They will be deployed to several locations, including Al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province and Quayyarah West, an airfield about 60 km from Mosul that is being built into a "major logistics hub" for the fight to retake Iraq's second-largest city.

Carter said the Iraqis plan to push into the city of Mosul "in the coming weeks."

"We're on schedule," he told reporters.

Targeting intelligence

In additional to logistics, Carter said U.S. forces will intensify intelligence support to put a special focus on IS external plotting, which has been aimed at Baghdad and Western countries.

President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi agreed on the details of the deployment, which Carter said was recommended to the president by him and U.S. Chairman of the Join Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford.

In a statement Wednesday, the Iraq prime minister said Obama was consulted on a request from the Iraqi government for a "final increase" in the number of trainers and advisers "under the umbrella of the international coalition in Iraq." The Iraqi government has to approve and agree to any significant change in American troop levels.

Carter said the U.S. had long seen this increase as the final number of American troops required "for the envelopment and seizure of Mosul," adding that the U.S. would assess future needs of the sovereign nation of Iraq with Prime Minister Abadi.

"It will continue to be his decision," Carter said.

Tough fight

Islamic State fighters trying to hold on to the terror group's shrinking, self-declared caliphate have appeared ready to turn their largest stronghold in Iraq into a "fiery inferno" before relinquishing it to Iraqi forces.

"Essentially, they've built a hell on Earth around themselves," a spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, Colonel John Dorrian, told Pentagon reporters Friday via video link from Baghdad.

The plans, Dorrian said, appear to include digging trenches around the city, to be filled with oil and set afire as Iraqi forces move in.

Islamic State leaders also have increased restrictions on civilians while their fighters penetrate schools, hospitals and mosques in the city, building elaborate tunnels underground and planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) intended to slow any advance by coalition-backed forces.

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Duterte: Next US-Philippines Military Exercise Will be the Last

By VOA News September 28, 2016

The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, says a joint military exercise scheduled to begin next week between his country and the United States will be the last between the two countries.

Duterte said the Philippines will honor its existing security treaties, but will not take part in any South China Sea patrols with the United States, in order to avoid getting dragged into any conflict between Washington and Beijing.

An annual joint amphibious landing exercise is due to begin Tuesday, Oct. 4. The nine-day exercise will take place in the northern part of the Philippines' main island, Luzon.

"So I am serving notice now to the Americans and to those around: I will maintain the military alliance because there is the R.P.-U.S. pact which our countries signed in the early '50s, but I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce," Duterte said. "And [we] are scheduled to hold war games again, which China does not want. I would serve notice ... now that this will be the last military exercise. Jointly, Philippines-U.S., the last one."

Duterte said the Philippines would bow out of any future U.S.-led patrols in the South China Sea to avoid the possibility of any worsening of the existing territorial dispute with China. He denied his government was reluctant to assert its rights in the area, however.

"I will not join in the patrol in the China Sea," he said. "There will never be an occasion that I will send grey ships [warships] there, not because I am afraid.  Anyway, I have this ruling of the international arbitration court which is that the South China Sea, the entitlements there are ours."

Earlier this month, Duterte called for the United States to withdraw special-forces units it has deployed in the southern Philippines. The American forces there have been advising local troops battling Muslim extremists.

Duterte has had a tumultuous relationship with the U.S. since becoming president in June, and he has openly criticized U.S. security policies.

One week ago, his critical comments about the United States and President Barack Obama resulted in cancellation of the two presidents' scheduled bilateral meeting at a summit in Laos. The two men did eventually hold an informal meeting before departing Laos.

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South Sudan Condemns Machar's Threats of War

By VOA News September 28, 2016

South Sudan's government has condemned statements calling for a return to armed conflict by former Vice President Riek Machar.

"It is unacceptable to the peoples of South Sudan to even contemplate, let alone be threatened with, a return to armed conflict," First Vice President Taban Deng Gai said Wednesday.

Gai said, "by threatening to return to war, my predecessor has made clear he places his own political ambitions above the government's ambitions for peace and security."

Machar, who is in Sudan's capital Khartoum, called for an armed struggle against the government of President Salva Kiir, a move that could mark a renewal of the country's civil war.

The call came in a statement issued during the weekend, following a meeting of Machar's Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

The movement signed a peace deal with South Sudan's government in August 2015, but implementation was delayed and largely fell apart after the sides clashed in the capital, Juba, in July.

South Sudan's conflict began with clashes between supporters of Kiir and Machar in Juba in December 2013, five months after Kiir fired Machar as his deputy. Fighting since then has displaced more than two million people.

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US Sanctions Congolese High-level Officials

By Isabela Cocoli September 28, 2016

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on high-level Congolese officials it says are responsible for the decline of democracy and human rights in the country.

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said in a statement Wednesday that it has placed General Gabriel Amisi Kumba, also known as "Tango Fort," head of the First National Defense Zone of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Major General John Numbi Banza Tambo, former inspector general of National Police, on its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List.

Amisi, a key member of President Joseph Kabila's inner circle, was promoted to his current position in charge of security for Kinshasa and western Congo despite having been suspended from the army because of a 2012 U.N. Group of Experts report that said he allegedly supplied arms and ammunition to poachers and illegal armed groups known to commit atrocities. The Congolese military never prosecuted him.

There have also been reports by the U.N. and British broadcasting organization BBC that Amisi made money through the conflict minerals trade.

In 2008, under Numbi, the Congolese national police was accused by human rights groups of using excessive force against an unarmed movement fighting for greater political independence in Bas Kongo province.

Also in 2010, a U.N. investigation that Numbi was heading into the murder of a human rights activist "strongly suggested official responsibility." Despite allegations, Numbi was never indicted for the murder.

The sanctions come at a time when the DRC government has increased repression. Over the past 18 months, several prominent democracy activists have been jailed, and radio and TV stations have been shut down.

Demonstrations to hold elections on time led to government crackdowns, the deaths of at least 44 people, and the arrest of dozens of protesters.

Kabila's government has attempted to hold a dialogue to secure a political transition, but it was boycotted by a majority of the opposition that said the dialogue is a ploy to extend his term.

National elections are scheduled for November 19, according to the DRC's constitution, and Kabila is due to step down December 19. But the government-led electoral commission recently announced that the elections will be delayed, potentially until 2018.

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Amnesty Cancels Thailand Torture Report Event After Police Warnings

By Ron Corben September 28, 2016

Police in Thailand's capital threatened Wednesday to arrest human rights researchers with Amnesty International over an event tied to a new report detailing allegations of "torture and other ill treatment" by the military and police.

Minar Pimple, Amnesty International's Senior Director of Global Operations, said in a statement authorities "warned that if representatives of Amnesty International spoke at the event, they could be subject to arrest and prosecution under Thailand's labor laws."

A spokesman for the group went forward with an impromptu news briefing nearby anyway, detailing a report that alleges 74 cases of Thai soldiers and police using beatings, suffocation by plastic bags, water boarding and forms of humiliation. The group says torture remains "shockingly common" despite pledges by the ruling military government to end abusive practices.

Since seizing power in a bloodless coup in 2014, Thailand's military-backed government has come under international criticism for severe restrictions on freedom of expression, political gatherings and delays in returning to democratic rule. The government argues military rule has been necessary to ensure stability.

Thai military worried

Despite the heavy-handed tactics, the public appears to continue to back the military's leadership role. Last month, voters in Thailand approved a new constitution that expands military powers, with 61 percent of voters supporting the charter.

Political scientists say upcoming memorials to bloody military crackdowns against students in October 1973 and 1976, however, have the military leadership on edge.

Steps to allow political discussion stalled after a recent clash at Thammasat University between students from opposite sides of Thailand's political divide during a public forum on national political reconciliation.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, an advisor to the defense minister, said judging from the clash, managing the "political space" for people to mark the memorials will be a challenge for the military government.

"Managing the political space in the next few weeks  if there is a riot, if there is a demonstration  big  in front of the national government agencies, something like that, embassies for example  what to do? How to negotiate with them? Ten thousand  20,000 people  we have experienced," he said.

'Semi-democracy'

Academics see Thailand as having entered a period of 'semi-democracy,' as the military presses ahead with reforms ranging from education to police and justice to anti-corruption. In the recent poll, voters backed the military's extended influence in the selection of the next prime minister.

That means it is more likely that Thailand's incumbent junta leader, Prayut Chan-ocha, is on track to remain in the post of prime minister after the next elections, slated as early as 2017.

Former constitution drafter and professor of politics at Chulalongkorn University, Suchit Bunbongkarn, sees few challenges to Prayut keeping his post.

Polls by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) also favored Prayut to return to power as prime minister.

"Who will be the next prime minister? I would say, but don't believe me, the next prime minister is likely to be General Prayut Chan-ocha. But he will not run in the election  nor will he set up a political party," Suchit said at a forum on Thailand's political outlook.

The professor said the government needs to convince "most at home and abroad of the need for this kind of democracy, at least for the time being" to move the country forward.

Stagnating political process

Pandit Chanrochanakit, a lecturer in government at Chulalongkorn University, said the government's tight rein on debate has stifled the country's political culture.

"It's very hard to imagine the future scenario of Thai politics. But I would characterize the future situation of the 'post-Prayut government as semi-democratic, with no civil society," Pandit said.

Despite the likelihood of a diminished civil political discourse, professor Suchit said that there is more politically going on "behind the scenes" in negotiations to "preposition political groups in order to be aligned with the military leaders."

Government adviser Panitan Wattanayagorn agreed. "They are now looking for opportunities to switch parties already. They are negotiating already with their bosses to run in the next election," he said.

Politicians have been sidelined since the May 2014 coup. The moves towards the next elections changes that. "[For the politicians] it's a must for them  it's a survival issue for them. They are going to be grabbing that space and campaign beginning next month [October]," he said.

Panitan, an adviser to the defense minister, says the military is still hoping to ease its tight grip over public debate.

The military recently announced an end to military trials for most civilian crimes. About 1,800 people have faced military courts over breaches of the interim charter imposed after the coup. The government has consistently prevented activists from staging protests or criticism of official policy.

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Bangladesh Will Not Attend South Asian Regional Summit in Pakistan

By Anjana Pasricha September 28, 2016

Bangladesh pulled out of a regional summit to be held in Islamabad in November, a day after India announced that it would not attend the meeting in the aftermath of a deadly attack on an Indian army base close to Pakistan's border.

Without naming Pakistan, Junior Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam of Bangladesh said repeated interference in its internal affairs by one country had prompted Dhaka to pull out of the meeting of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation, or SAARC.

Indian media reported that Afghanistan and Bhutan have also said that they will not attend, but there was no confirmation from these countries.

The action is seen as an attempt to send a message to Pakistan about cross-border terrorism, not just in India but also in other countries in the region.

Blaming Pakistan-based Islamic militants for the assault on the army base that killed 18 soldiers, India has cited increasing cross-border attacks as its reason for staying away. Denying any responsibility, Islamabad has called the Indian allegations an attempt to deflect attention from the restive situation in Indian Kashmir.

South Asia expert Sukh Deo Muni, at the Indian Institute of Defense Analyses in New Delhi, said the pullout decision by India and Bangladesh, and likely also by Afghanistan and Bhutan, demonstrates that "Pakistan is at odds with other countries in South Asia besides India."

He pointed out that while tensions between India and Pakistan spiraled recently, ties between Bangladesh and Islamabad have been frayed for a longer period. Their tensions stem from Islamabad's criticism of the execution of Islamist leaders in Dhaka for alleged war crimes in the country's 1971 War of Independence.

Responding to India's decision to not attend the summit, Pakistan said on Tuesday that it remains committed to peace and regional cooperation and accused New Delhi of perpetrating terrorism on its soil.

SAARC, which was set up in 1985 to promote cooperation in what is one of the world's least integrated regions, has been constantly overshadowed by the friction between its two biggest members  India and Pakistan.

The other countries in the eight-member group are Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives.

Saying that the summit is now unlikely to take place, analyst Muni says the development represents a serious setback to efforts to promote trade and connectivity in South Asia.

Other analysts say India's push for a boycott came as the government faces enormous domestic pressure to retaliate to the attack on the Indian army camp.

Manoj Joshi at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opted for diplomatic measures. "People are angry and they want responses and I think it is better to make this move than to get into any kind of armed conflict," says Joshi.

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Kashmir

An offensive launched in January 2020 by Indian forces in Kashmir had killed at least 116 rebels by June 2020, handing a blow to the armed rebellion that broke out nearly 30 years ago against Indian rule. At least 42 rebels were killed in June alone, according to an official tally. The security forces have pledged to wipe out armed rebellion from the region, but a slow trickle of youth continue to join the rebel ranks. Rebels enjoy popular support and those killed in gun battle are considered martyrs and were accorded mass funerals. But Indian authorities now confiscate bodies of slain rebels and transport them to remote mountainous locations where they are quietly buried.

By 2020 the current active rebel strength is between 165 and 180 - a considerable drop from the early 1990s when armed fighters ran in thousands. The numbers slowed down drastically in the early 2000s, after which street protests became more commonplace.

Kashmir's security situation has gradually worsened since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in 2014, data show, raising a question mark over his hard-line Kashmiri policy. In August 2019, India revoked a 70-year-old constitutional provision, Article 370, which guaranteed a limited autonomy to the disputed region - home to about 12 million people. India's Hindu nationalist government also rushed thousands of additional troops to the region, which is already believed to host more than half a million Indian forces, making it one of the world's most militarised zones in the world. New Delhi's decision to disband the local legislative body has also alienated sections of politicians who were previously loyal to New Delhi.

A rights group said 229 people have been killed during military operations in the Indian-administered Kashmir in the first half of 2020. The Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) said in its biannual report published on 02 July 2020 that the region witnessed the extrajudicial executions of at least 32 civilians, besides killings of 143 militants and 54 armed forces personnel from January 1 to June 30, 2020. At least 57 gunfights took place between government forces and the militants following search operations, the report added.

The Kashmir conflict dates back to 1947 when India and Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule. Both countries claim the Himalayan region in its entirety. The dispute is blamed for causing two of their three wars and in 1999 again brought the nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of war. Since the late 1980s, a widespread armed insurgency against the Indian army had been underway in India-administered Kashmir. Today, at least 250,000 Indian and over 100,000 Pakistani soldiers are stationed along the 1,000 kilometer Line of Control which divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani controlled parts.

Over the decades, Pakistan's civlian leaders have sought a political resolution of the Kashmir problem, while Pakistan's military leaders have sought to resolve matters by the force of arms. By 2016 Pakistan's sivlian government had lost control of security policy, whch was firmly in the hands of the military. The militant uprising and subsequent Indian military crackdown since 1989 killed nearly 70,000 people. Many Kashmiri favor independence from both India and Pakistan.

The Coalition of Civil Society, a local human rights group, reported and drew attention to thousands of mass graves in remote parts of Kashmir and demanded that the government investigate them to make clear who the dead were and how they were killed. The organization also wrote scathing reports on cases of brutality involving some of the hundreds of thousands of Indian troops in the region and highlighted the widespread powers granted to troops posted in the area, which led to a culture of impunity and widespread rights abuses. The Public Safety Act, which applies only in Jammu and Kashmir, permits state authorities to detain persons without charge or judicial review for up to two years without visitation from family members. Police in Jammu and Kashmir allegedly routinely employed arbitrary detention and denied detainees access to lawyers and medical attention.

Pakistans powerful military does not want war with India, but it surely is not interested in better relations with India. Real peace would mean an end to the armys elite status as saviors of the country and possible reductions in its substantial economic power. In twenty years of fighting, Kashmir lost seventy to eighty thousand people, and politically achieved nothing.

In 2019, neither India nor Pakistan wanted a large war. Both understand that the other's nuclear stockpile is sufficient to reduce their country to a "smoking radiating ruin". A small war is another matter. Pakistan's military is always vigilant against the danger that peace might break out, that the mad momentum of negotiations might reduce the intensity of conflict, and hence the political influence of the military. A new Pakistani Prime Minister, a political outsider elected with the support of the military, must be brought to heal lest he get too big for his britches. India's Naredra Modi faced general elections on 01 April 2019, and a splendid little war with Pakistan would mobilize his base and cause the country to rally around the flag.

By April 2020 Indian and Pakistani troops in disputed Kashmir were engaged in their most frequent cross-border fighting for at least two years, official data shows, even as the nuclear-armed rivals battle surging coronavirus outbreaks. Indian Army data showed 411 ceasefire violations by Pakistan's military in March, the highest number in a single month since at least 2018. That compares with 267 violations in March last year recorded by the Indian Army. Pakistan's military had recorded 705 ceasefire violations by the Indian Army since the beginning of the year. The Indian Army data showed 1,197 Pakistani violations during the same period. As summer approaches, infiltration into Kashmir typically picks up. An Indian security official said between 250 and 300 fighters were estimated to be ready to cross over from Pakistan, citing intelligence reports.





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Syrian Electronic Army Hacker Pleads Guilty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 28, 2016



Peter Romar, 37, a Syrian national affiliated with the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA), pleaded guilty today to felony charges of conspiring to receive extortion proceeds and conspiring to unlawfully access computers. Romar was previously extradited from Germany on request of the U.S.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director James Trainor of the FBI's Cyber Division and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI's Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the sentencing by U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton.

"Today's guilty plea is by the latest international offender who believed that he could operate from abroad, behind the perceived veil of anonymity offered by the Internet, and use computers to threaten the security of our citizens and their property," said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. "It shows that the Department of Justice and the FBI stand behind their pledge to hold accountable foreign actors who assist in the hacking of U.S. victims."

According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, beginning in approximately 2011, co-defendant Firas Dardar, known online as "The Shadow," and other members of the SEA engaged in a multi-year criminal conspiracy to conduct computer intrusions against perceived detractors of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including media entities, the U.S. government and foreign governments. Dardar remains at large.

Beginning in approximately 2013, Romar and Dardar engaged in an extortion scheme that involved hacking online businesses in the U.S. and elsewhere for personal profit. Court documents further allege that the conspiracy gained unauthorized access to the victims' computers and then threatened to damage computers, delete data, or sell stolen data unless the victims provided extortion payments to Dardar and/or Romar. If a victim could not make extortion payments to the conspiracy's Syrian bank accounts due to sanctions targeting Syria, Romar acted as an intermediary in Germany to evade those sanctions.

"Cybercriminals cannot hide from justice," said U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia. "No matter where they are in the world, the United States will vigorously pursue those who commit crimes against U.S. citizens and hold them accountable for their actions."

Romar faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and will be sentenced on October 21. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office, with assistance from the NASA Office of the Inspector General, the Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security and other law enforcement agencies.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maya D. Song and Jay V. Prabhu and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon L. Van Grack of the Eastern District of Virginia, and Trial Attorneys Scott McCulloch and Nathan Charles of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance.

16-1116

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Virginia, Eastern

Topic:

Counterintelligence and Export Control

Financial Fraud

National Security

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US Congress overwhelmingly overrides Obama's veto of 9/11 bill

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 5:34PM

The US Congress has voted to override President Barack Obama's veto of legislation that allows victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks to sue Saudi Arabia for any role in the plot.

On Wednesday, Senators voted 97-1 in favor of the "Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA)," which was vetoed by Obama last week, on the grounds that it would be "detrimental" to America's national security interests and its key alliances.

Only Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, voted to sustain the president's veto.

"Today is an important one for the widows and children of those murdered on 9/11. As always, I stand with them," Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, who spearheaded the bill, said before the voting began.

Hours later, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted against the presidential decree, 348 to 77. Only 18 Republicans and 59 Democrats voted not to override the veto.

After the Congress vote, the bill would become law regardless of Obama's stance.

"We can no longer allow those who injure and kill Americans to hide behind legal loopholes denying justice to the victims of terror," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte said.

Following the Senate vote, the White House condemned lawmakers.

"I would venture to say that this is the single most embarrassing thing that the United States Senate has done, possibly, since 1983," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, referring to a 95-0 vote to override former US President Ronald Reagan in 1983.

Support for JASTA runs high among US lawmakers, who voted to pass the bill with absolute majority on September 9.

The legislation effectively ends foreign countries' immunity from legal action in American courts.

In his veto message, Obama said that the bill had elicited "serious concerns" among some of America's allies.

Last Wednesday, the European Union (EU) called on the president to veto the bill, warning that it would "put a burden on bilateral relations between states."

Saudi Arabia has strongly opposed the bill, threatening to sell off $750 billion in American assets if it becomes law.

Of the 19 hijackers that allegedly carried out the attacks, 15 had Saudi Arabian nationality and available evidence suggests that some of them were linked to high-ranking Saudi officials.

"If the Saudis did nothing wrong, they should not fear this legislation. If they were culpable in 9/11, they should be held accountable," Schumer said shortly after Obama's veto.

US presidential nominees Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton said they would have signed the bill into law. Trump, the Republican nominee, has denounced the veto as "shameful."

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Intelligence chiefs warn of 'terrorist diaspora' after Daesh fall

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 6:5AM

US intelligence and counterterrorism officials warn that the military campaign to rout Daesh in Iraq and Syria will create a "terrorist diaspora" in the West, putting the US in a period of "sustained vulnerability" for years to come.

"The so-called caliphate will be crushed," FBI Director James Comey told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Tuesday. "The challenge will be that through the fingers of that crush will come hundreds of very dangerous people."

"There will be a terrorist diaspora some time in the next two to five years like we've never seen before."

US intelligence officials estimate that more than 40,000 foreign militants, including as many as 7,600 Westerners, have traveled to Syria and Iraq, with a majority of them joining the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group.

"When ISIL is reduced to an insurgency and those killers flow out, they will try to come to Western Europe and try to come here to kill innocent people," Comey said. "We must prepare ourselves."

The testimony echoed an emerging consensus within the US intelligence community about a looming diaspora of so-called foreign fighters looking to launch lone-wolf attacks in their homelands following the Daesh's downfall.

"It's not surprising. It puts us in a period of sustained vulnerability that I don't think any of us are comfortable with, but it's a reality," Nicholas Rasmussen, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told the senators.

He said that defeating Daesh physically has been such a "first-order priority" for the US and its partners that there is "a lag" between territorial success on the battlefield and constraining the group's ability to attack overseas.

"We don't think battlefield or territorial losses alone will be sufficient to completely degrade the group's terrorism capabilities," Rasmussen noted.

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson testified that his department was trying to understand a pattern of "terrorist-enabled attacks," where perpetrators may draw on methods used by Daesh and other terror groups.

"The prospect of the next terrorist-inspired attack on our homeland is the thing that keeps us up at night," Johnson said.

The testimony came in the wake of the recent bombings in New Jersey and New York.

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U.S. to deploy THAAD system in S. Korea "as soon as possible": official

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:28, September 28, 2016

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The United States intends to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in South Korea "as soon as possible," a senior U.S. official said Tuesday.

"Given the accelerating pace of North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)'s missile tests, we intend to deploy on an accelerated basis -- I would say as soon as possible," Daniel Russel, U.S. assistant secretary of state, told a hearing held by the Asia Pacific subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The senior official did not provide the timeline of the deployment, saying that "perhaps our colleagues in the Defense Department and the Republic of Korea" can comment on the timeline.

Russel also said that the THAAD system is "a defensive measure aimed not at China, but at North Korea (DPRK)."

In July, Seoul and Washington announced an agreement to install one THAAD battery in South Korea by the end of next year, claiming that it was aimed to deter ballistic missiles from the DPRK.

China and Russia have expressed strong opposition to the THAAD deployment on the Korean Peninsula as the system far exceeds South Korea's actual defense needs.

The deployment is not conducive to the denuclearization of the Peninsula nor to maintaining peace and stability, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in July.

It said the move goes against efforts to calm regional tension, and severely harms the security interests of countries in the area including China, as well as the "strategic balance" in the region.

China urged the United States and South Korea to terminate the deployment of THAAD, and not to take any action which may complicate the regional situation and harm China's interests.

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US to station THAAD in S Korea 'as soon as possible'

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 3:1AM

The United States aims to expedite the deployment of an advanced missile system to South Korea, amid ongoing threats from Pyongyang and opposition on behalf of Beijing.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Daniel Russel said on Tuesday that Washington was committed to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system in Seoul "as soon as possible" to counter threats posed by North Korea following its repeated missile tests.

"Given the accelerating pace of North Korea's missile tests, we intend to deploy on an accelerated basis. I would say as soon as possible," Russel said.

Pentagon's spokesman Commander Gary Ross also announced that THAAD would be stationed "as soon as feasible," declining to provide further details or determine a specific timeline.

Last week, Russel said that the installation of the system had been agreed upon and the deal could not be negotiated despite China's opposition.

China, North Korea's main ally, is strongly opposed to the deployment plan, but has expressed its anger over North Korea's repeated missile and nuclear tests in the region.

North Korea has conducted a series of military technology tests this year, including a fourth nuclear test in January, to counter what it describes as joint US and South Korean "provocations" in the region.

Pyongyang has pledged to develop a nuclear arsenal in a bid to protect itself from the US military, which occasionally deploys nuclear-powered warships and aircraft capable of carrying atomic weapons in the region.

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 command in South Korea.

The US is a close ally of South Korea and the two countries hold joint annual military exercises every year.

The UN and the West have so far imposed a raft of crippling sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear and missile activities, while Beijing is highly critical of imposing sanctions and tougher measures on the North.

The two Koreas have been hostile to each other since the end of their 1950-1953 war, known as the Korean War. Since then, the peninsula has been locked in a cycle of military rhetoric.

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THAAD Opposition Fades After 5th North Korean Nuke Test

By Brian Padden September 28, 2016

Opposition to the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system is weakening in South Korea's National Assembly in the face of North Korea's rapid advancement of it nuclear and ballistics missile capabilities.

"In the aftermath of the fifth nuclear test of North Korea and the firing of the SLBM [Submarine Launch Based Missile], I have felt a little bit of change in the National Assembly towards THAAD deployment," said Chung Sye-kyun, the speaker of the National Assembly in Seoul.

THAAD is a missile defense battery designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles during their final, or terminal, phase of flight. It has so far proven effective against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.

Past protests

Seoul and Washington agreed in July to deploy the system on the Korean peninsula at a time when North Korea was test-firing missiles on almost a weekly basis.

While opinion polls showed more than 50 percent public support for the anti-missile shield, the announcement to deploy THAAD sparked angry protests in Seoul and in the area where the battery was to be stationed.

Communities near the site voiced concern that they would become likely targets for a North Korean strike if hostilities broke out, and that THAAD could endanger the health and safety of people living nearby, especially from radiation exposure from the systems' powerful radar emissions.

The leader of South Korea's main opposition party, the Minjoo Party of Korea, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, also came out against THAAD in August, arguing that it will needlessly antagonize relations with China.

China paradox

Beijing has voiced strong opposition to stationing the American missile defense system in South Korea on the grounds that THAAD's powerful radar could be used against them, and that its deployment increases the U.S. military's power in the region.

There was growing concern over the summer that China might economically retaliate against South Korea or withdraw its support for international sanctions imposed on North Korea.

Beijing's criticism has been toned-down in the wake of North Korea's fifth nuclear test and indications that it is preparing another long-range rocket launch in violation of a U.N. ban on its nuclear and missile development programs.

China continues to support using international sanctions to induce North Korea to engage in dialogue, but at the same time it does not want to induce instability or collapse of the Kim Jong Un government.

Exercising a humanitarian exception in the sanctions, China has actually increased imports of North Korea coal in recent months.

And Beijing has denounced a U.S. Treasury decision this week to sanction a Chinese company, the Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Company, for allegedly doing business with North Korean officials and organizations connected to its weapons program.

Legislative oversight

As Speaker of the National Assembly, Chung Sye-kyun is not supposed to take sides on a political issue like THAAD. But he has been critical of President Park Geun-hye's decision to deploy the controversial system without consulting the legislative branch.

"The government should have engaged in sufficient or proper communication with the general public and the National Assembly, and also the government has to make some diplomatic efforts with neighboring countries who are opposed to the deployment of the anti-missile system," he said.

Even though Park's ruling Saenuri Party lost its majority status in this year's legislative elections, the executive branch has broad discretionary powers to deal with national security threats and foreign affairs.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Daniel Russel said on Tuesday Washington would will speed up the THAAD deployment to South Korea, "given the accelerating pace of North Korea's missile tests."

Youmi Kim in Seoul contributed to this report.

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Transport Ships Leave for Flood-hit Areas

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS)

Pyongyang, September 28 (KCNA) -- Transport ships loading cement leave Nampho City for the flood-hit areas of North Hamgyong Province, the DPRK one after another.

The city conducted a 3 day-long campaign to finish packing and shipment of cement and sent the first ship some days ago, while directing big efforts to packing and shipping cement in close cooperation with relevant units.

Nampho Port also pays big attention to supplying fuel and accessories in time to put wharf cranes and other facilities in full operation.

On Sept. 24, transport ship Kwangmyong set sail from the port. -0-

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US Probes More Chinese Firms for Breaching DPRK Sanctions

By Nike Ching September 28, 2016

More Chinese companies and individuals are under investigation for suspected violations of sanctions on North Korea's nuclear proliferation, a senior U.S. official indicated Wednesday.

Days after Monday's announcement that four Chinese individuals and a Chinese company face criminal charges and sanctions for their alleged support of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, the State Department's coordinator for sanctions policy told U.S. lawmakers he would not argue with suggestions that the probe could widen.

"It would also be useful if Chinese banks and companies understood that increasingly dealing with North Korean companies, especially those that are sanctioned, is going to be risky and frankly not worthy," Daniel Fried told a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Wednesday, describing the problem as "the heart of the matter."

Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Developmental Company Limited, as well as its chairwoman Ma Xiaohong and three top executives, were charged Monday with conspiring to evade sanctions against North Korea, including by facilitating money laundering through U.S. financial institutions.

Another senior State Department official said Washington is not "fully satisfied" with Beijing's North Korea sanctions implementation.

"There is much more that we believe China can and should do," said Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel when testifying at the Senate subcommittee hearing.

Russel added that President Barack Obama has raised with Chinese leaders practical ways that China can enhance the effectiveness of sanctions, including strengthening border controls and limiting access to North Korean banks.

Pyongyang changes tactics

North Korea for years has been under extremely tight international sanctions, which have largely halted North Korean trade with countries other than China. But new research says Pyongyang's state-run trading companies have adapted and are evading international sanctions by hiring more capable Chinese middlemen.

These contacts help Pyongyang access Chinese supplies and foreign firms located in China, which has actually improved the North's ability to procure banned equipment according to researchers from Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.)

In a report titled "Stopping North Korea, Inc.: Sanctions Effectiveness and Unintended Consequences," Harvard University faculty member John Park and M.I.T. researcher Jim Walsh said North Korean firms have increased use of embassies as vehicles for procurement of banned materials. Another tactic is expanding the use of Hong Kong and commercial hubs in Southeast Asia for procurement.

In Beijing this week, China voiced strong opposition to Monday's sanctions, characterizing them as legal overreach by Washington.

"If any country tries to exercise long-arm jurisdiction by enforcing its domestic laws over China's enterprises and individuals, we are firmly opposed to that," said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Geng Shuang on Tuesday.

The Dandong-based Hongxiang Company was also under investigation by Chinese authorities for its connection with Kwangson Banking Corporation, a North Korean bank suspected of financing Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.

Kwangson Banking Corporation was previously designated by the United States and United Nations for providing financial services in support of North Korea's weapons proliferation.

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Leader calls for preparedness of Armed Forces to defend country

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 28, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday called for preparedness of the armed forces to play their role in case of necessity.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks during a visit to Shahid Sattari Aviation Science Academy affiliated to the Iranian Army Air Force.

'Today, the Iranian nation is faced with a wide range of enemies for its insistence on Islam, independence, its high values and belief in the rule of divine religion,' the Supreme Leader said.

The Supreme Leader honored the memory of martyrs of the eight-year US-backed Iraqi imposed war on Iran, saying that the Sacred Defense was a difficult test for the Iranian Army.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the eight-year war was actually an international war imposed on Iran and that the big powers encouraged the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to invade Iran, identity, values, the Islamic Republic and the Islamic Revolution.

The Supreme Leader said that in the war time, the Iranian nation and the Armed forces could overcome all the world powers through reliance on God and resistance to the bullying powers.

'Your previous generation was such an honorable generation and now you, the young people have replaced them.'

The Supreme Leader forecast bright prospects for the young population of the country.

'God willing, the future of the country will be much better and brighter than what it is today,' Ayatollah Khamenei said.

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Armed Forces must stand ready against enemy threats: Leader

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:0AM

Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the country's Armed Forces should always stand ready in the face of enemy threats against the nation.

Ayatollah Khamenei was speaking during a graduation ceremony for Army cadets on Wednesday.

"Today, the Iranian nation faces a vast enemy front due to its dedication to Islam, independence and lofty values," said the Leader, adding that "the Armed Forces should always be prepared to play their part should the need arise."

Ayatollah Khamenei further highlighted the sacrifices made by Iranian soldiers during the eight-year war imposed by the former Iraqi regime on the Islamic Republic during the 1980s.

"The era of Sacred Defense served as a litmus test, during which the true essence of the Iranian Army came to light, and important and brilliant achievements were made by the Army Forces."

The eight-year Iraqi offensive, the Leader added, was in fact "an international and all-out war waged by the world's major powers, along with their global and regional followers, against the [country's] frontiers, the identity, the Islamic establishment as well as the Iranian nation's [1979 Islamic] Revolution."

Ayatollah Khamenei said Iranians, however, managed to counter all the big powers through reliance on their faith and resistance.

The ceremony culminated Iran's Sacred Defense Week, which marked the 36th anniversary of the Iraq war.

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Iraqi joint forces start operation to free Anbar district

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 8:39AM

Government and volunteer tribal forces in Iraq have kicked off an offensive to recapture a district in the conflict-ridden western province of Anbar from the Takfiri Daesh terrorists.

Operations began to liberate the Dolab district on Wednesday, al-Sumeria news agency reports.

The news agency added that Iraqi forces are advancing on the Daesh-held district from four separate directions and have so far met no resistance by the Takfiri forces.

Dolab, which is located 10 kilometers west of the city of Hit, was occupied by Daesh forces in mid-2014 and used as a military base by the terrorist group to mobilize and launch terrorist attacks on people and security forces.

Latest reports from the operation on Wednesday said army forces liberated three villages, namely Tahmaniyah, Varidiyah, and Donkeyah, in the Dolab district, neutralizing 100 traps, as well as an explosive-laden vehicle placed on their way.

In a spate incident, the unintentional explosion of a terrorist explosive belt at a group gathering attended by Daesh commanders left 16 Takfiris dead and 17 others wounded in Hawijah, southwest of the city of Kirkuk in northern Iraq.

Elsewhere, volunteer forces known as Popular Mobilization Units captured a high-ranking Daesh commander in Makhoul Mountains, in the northern province of Salahuddin.

The Daesh commander was in possession of explosives and mustard gas.

Daesh terrorists have been a source of constant fear and violence in the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since they staged an offensive more than two years ago, seizing control of swathes of Iraqi territory.

The terrorists have carried out brutal crimes against men, women and children of all ethnic and religious groups residing in the regions under their control.

Iraqi army soldiers and fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units are fighting to win back militant-held regions in joint operations.

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Japan's Naval Chief Rules Out Joint-US Freedom of Navigation Patrols

By Li Bao September 28, 2016

Japan's top naval officer has said Tokyo has no plans to conduct freedom of navigation (FON) operations in the South China Sea, either alone or with the U.S. Navy, contradicting earlier comments by Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada.

Admiral Takei said this week that although Japan strongly supports U.S. FON operations in the South China Sea, it has no such plans to conduct or join naval patrols in the region. Earlier in September, Japan's defense minister said his country would increase its military presence in the South China Sea through a series of patrols in support of the U.S. and its allies.

Takei and other foreign naval officials attended a Monday meeting in Washington at the National Bureau of Asian Research. Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, Chief of the Australian Navy, said that whether and how Australia would conduct FON operations in the South China Sea is a national decision, but that its Navy will stand ready to carry out any government orders.

Freedom of Navigation operations are designed to challenge territorial claims in oceans and airspace that are actually international waters. Vessels traveling through the area insist that their movements are allowed by the International Law of the Sea.

China has vowed to defend various geographical features in the disputed maritime regions of the South and East China seas, and warned Japan, Australia and others against "meddling" in the South China Sea in particular.

Admiral Takei also said Japan is open to resuming direct verbal engagement with Chinese naval forces following the scrambling of a fighter jet after Chinese warplanes passed by disputed islands in the East China Sea. He said personnel exchanges and port visits between Japan's maritime self-defense force and China's navy, which were suspended several years ago, and should be restarted to improve relations.

Despite strong concerns about China's "dangerous" expansion of its area of operation near islands administered by Japan, Adm. Takei said Monday that Tokyo's "door is open" to Beijing, whose state media outlets called Sunday's fly-by a routine exercise.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Mandarin Service. Some information for this report was provided by AP.

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East Libya's General Asks Russia for Weapons, Military Support Against Daesh

Sputnik News

05:32 28.09.2016(updated 05:33 28.09.2016)

Libya's Gen. Khalifa Haftar, who leads forces loyal to the Tobruk-based Council of Deputies, has requested Russia to end its arms embargo on Libya and begin supplying weapons and military equipment to eastern Libyan forces, a Russian diplomatic source said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Haftar has addressed the request to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu via his special representative Abdel Basset Badri, who also serves as Libya's ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Badri visited Moscow on Tuesday, meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian Izvestia newspaper reported, citing a diplomatic source familiar with the situation.

"The meeting really did take place. Badri came to Moscow for one day. During talks with Bogdanov, they discussed the issue of lifting the embargo on arms supplies. Libyans are asking us to send them small arms, but also equipment, including planes. Also, they asked Moscow to start an anti-Islamist military operation in Libya that is similar to the one in Syria," the source told the newspaper.

Haftar visited Russia in late June, discussing a number of issues, including weapons deliveries, with Shoigu and Russia's Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev.

Russia joined the UN Security Council arms embargo on Libya in 2011, when the country was gripped by an uprising against longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was overthrown the same year after several months of civil war. The country was later contested by two rival governments, the internationally-recognized Council of Deputies and the Tripoli-based General National Congress.

On March 31, the long-anticipated UN-backed Government of National Accord in Libya started to perform its duties. The government has so far failed to unite the country.

Daesh, which is a militant jihadist organization outlawed in many countries, including Russia, also maintains significant presence in the country, especially in and round Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte.

 Sputnik

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Bombs Away: Russia to Build Unique Mine-Clearing Robot Based on Armata

Sputnik News

15:33 28.09.2016(updated 16:08 28.09.2016)

A remote-controlled reconnaissance and demining vehicle capable of finding and defusing mines and destroying enemy fortifications is currently being developed in Russia, Izvestia wrote, adding that it is likely to use the same tracks as the Armata tank.

The new vehicle, now on the drawing board in Nizhny Novgorod, will be built around either the Armata or Bumerang combat platforms. It comes complete with a drone and is part of the KR-521 automated reconnaissance data collection and processing center.

"The system's biggest forte is that it will be remote-operated and will ensure a 100-percent increase in the speed of engineering reconnaissance operations," Russian Engineering Troops commander Lt.-Gen Yuri Stavitsky told the newspaper.

He added that the robotic vehicle will transmit reconnaissance data in real time in digital mode. As ordered by the Defense Ministry, this advanced unmanned system will reconnoiter minefields, destroy mines and break through enemy lines.

Yuri Stavitsky said that the new robotic unit would replace the Zhuk reconnaissance and demining systems that are currently mounted on BMP-1 and BMP-2 armored fighting vehicles and T-72 and T-90 tanks.

In an interview with Izvestia, Viktor Murakhovsky, editor-in-chief of the journal Arsenal Otechestva (Arsenal of the Motherland), said that he couldn't imagine a wheeled APC being hit by antitank mines and moving on.

"That's why I think we'll opt for the Armata tracked platform as all our existing systems are built around the T-72 and T-90 tanks," Murakhovsky added.

A similar robotic mine-clearing vehicle capable of quickly breaking through enemy lines is being developed in the US, and is based on the Stryker APC.

The T-14 Armata was unveiled at the May 9 Victory Day military parade in Moscow in 2015. The main battle tank is operated by a crew of three, who are housed inside an armored capsule in the front of the vehicle.

Its main armaments include a 125-mm smoothbore 2A82-1M tank cannon with 45 rounds, a 7.62-mm remote-control PKTM machine gun and a 12.7 mm (0.50 in) Kord machine gun.

The Russian Defense Ministry plans to purchase as many as 2,300 Armata tanks by 2020.

 Sputnik

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Putin's Chechnya Strongman Tightens Grip as Future Stability in Question

By Daniel Schearf September 28, 2016

At a polling station in Chechnya's capital, Grozny, children in traditional costume danced to music as voters walked past to cast their ballots.

More a celebration than an exercise in democracy as Chechen voters for the first time elected strongman Ramzan Kadyrov.

Kadyrov was directly elected for the first time September 18 by a whopping 98 percent of voters, with 95 percent of the republic voting, according to official figures, tightening his grip on power in the north Caucasus region.

The landslide win was predictable as Kadyrov has ruled Chechnya for a decade, appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, with almost total control over the republic.

Grozny's mayor, Muslim Khuchiev, accompanied by an entourage in full Caucasus regalia, arrived in a horse-drawn carriage with flags bearing the image of Kadyrov and no doubt about who would win. "Everyone will vote unanimously," he told VOA, "because they are voting not just for someone's seats in the Duma (parliament), not just for someone's seats in state bodies but, they are voting for their future."

Personality cult

Kadyrov is seen by supporters as bringing peace and development to Chechnya, after two failed wars with Russia for independence, while critics say he has become a cult of personality.

Every major street in Grozny bears an image or reference to Ramzan Kadyrov, or his father Akhmad Kadyrov, and his face is often seen on car windows, T-shirts, and souvenirs.

The government-controlled media covers his every move, lauding him as a "Hero of Russia", an award bestowed on him by Putin.

"All the environment around us speaks for itself," Kadyrov supporter Melizha Karnaeva tells VOA. "I think, I even know and I am sure, that this bright blue sky, that is thanks to Ramzan Kadyrov!"

A rebel like his father, they both switched sides to join Putin, who spent billions to rebuild Chechnya and prop up Kadyrov, who in return cracked down on militants and critics.

In Grozny, Kadyrov Prospekt runs past a modern mall and hotel and business complex "Grozny City" before passing the Akhmad Kadyrov mosque to merge with Putin Prospekt.

Stability at 'huge price'

In a nondescript apartment building on Putin Prospekt, activist Abdulla Duduev tells VOA the opposition Yabloko political party fielded candidates for the election, including himself, but did no campaigning in Chechnya out of fear opposition supporters would be persecuted.

"We keep working in the regions," he said. "What motivates this? This is our Republic! We were born here. We can't be indifferent to what is happening here," concludes Duduev.

Tight security is visible in the center of Grozny, especially around the mosque, known as the "Heart of Chechnya," Grozny City restaurant and hotel complex, and the neighboring castle-style residence of Kadyrov.

While the election lends Kadyrov a veil of legitimacy, critics say he runs the republic as his own kingdom, ignoring federal laws.

"Well, he established peace. So, that's fact. So, that's no doubt," says the Carnegie Moscow Center's Alexei Malashenko. "Chechen society, they paid a huge price for this stability," he said.

Chechnya's stability will one day be tested, say analysts, when Putin is no longer in the Kremlin or Kadyrov is no longer in power.

Officials fear that day could come sooner if the hundreds of Islamist Chechens fighting in Syria try to bring their fight back home.

Olga Pavlova contributed to this report.

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Syrian army destroys militants' tunnel in Aleppo

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 4:40PM

The Syrian army has detected and destroyed a tunnel used by the foreign-backed Takfiri militants in the northwestern city of Aleppo.

According to Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Ahed news website, the Syrian forces destroyed the tunnel in the recently-liberated neighborhood of Farafra, which is situated in the old quarter of Aleppo near the city's famous citadel.

According to the report, a number of terrorists were killed and injured in the ensuing clashes between the militants and the Syrian forces.

Aleppo has been divided over the past four years between government forces in the west and foreign-backed terrorists in the east, making it a frontline battleground.

Elsewhere in Syria, the country's warplanes launched airstrikes on positions and concentration centers of the militants as well as their supply routes in several areas, including the villages of Maardes and Atshan, in the countryside of the western city of Hama.

The Syrian army also destroyed a number of drones carrying explosives belonging to the terrorists in the countryside of the southwestern city of Dara'a.

US-led strikes target Dayr al-Zawr infrastructure

Meanwhile, Syria's official news agency, SANA, reported that US-led coalition jets destroyed two bridges over Euphrates River in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.

The bridges of al-Asharah and al-Mayadin in the eastern countryside of the provincial capital city of Dayr al-Zawr were destroyed on Wednesday.

The US and its allies have been conducting airstrikes against purported Daesh positions in Syria and Iraq since 2014, without any authorization from Damascus or a UN mandate.

The coalition, which has done little to stop Daesh's advances in Syria and Iraq, has targeted positions of the Syrian army and civilians.

On September 17, a US-led coalition attack in Dayr al-Zawr killed more than 80 Syrian soldiers and wounded 100 others.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. Over the past few months, the Takfiri militants active in the Arab country have suffered major setbacks as the Syrian army has managed to liberate several areas.

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Syria militants get 'excellent' amount of foreign-supplied Grad rockets

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 2:9PM

A militant commander in Syria says its group has received foreign-supplied surface-to-surface Grad rockets amid the escalation of fighting in the embattled northwestern city of Aleppo.

Fares al-Bayoush, the militant commander, told Reuters on Wednesday that the new type of the rockets, which have a range of 22 and 40 kilometers, were supplied in "excellent quantities" and would be used in battlefronts in Aleppo, Hama and the coastal region.

Syria's militants had already received Grad missiles with a 20-kilometer range, but Bayoush stressed that the latest dispatch was the first time the militants got this particular type of rockets.

Each salvo contains 40 rockets, he said without elaborating.

Bayoush further complained that the militants had not received anti-aircraft missiles they had demanded.

A video posted on YouTube on Monday showed members of the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) militant group firing Grad missiles at government positions near Aleppo.

Commenting on the footage, Bayoush confirmed the weapons shown in the video were newly supplied.

Aleppo has been divided over the past four years between government forces in the west and foreign-backed terrorists in the east, making it a frontline battleground.

Syrian government forces have managed to cut major militant supply routes from Turkey, which has long severed as the main gateway for the transfer of new militant recruits and weapons into the Arab country.

The United States, along with its allies, has long been supporting what it calls "moderate" militants fighting to topple the Damascus government. Some of such militant groups have also received military training overseen by the CIA in Syria's neighboring countries.

The Pentagon has on several occasions airdropped weapons for militants. Some of the weapons have ended up in the hands of Daesh terrorists.

Since March 2011, Syria has been gripped by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies.

Syrian army wipes out militants' gathering center

In another development on Wednesday, the Syrian military said in a statement that it had destroyed a meeting place of the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorist group, al-Qaeda's Syrian branch formerly known as al-Nusra Front, in Aleppo's Salah al-Din neighborhood.

Arms and ammunition depots were demolished in the Syrian army attack, the statement added without specifying whether it inflicted any casualties on the militants.

FSA commander killed in bomb attack

Additionally on Wednesday, the FSA announced on its social media account that Hussam al-Hajah aka Abu Zeid, one of its senior military commanders, was killed in a bomb attack targeting his armored vehicle on a road east of the southwestern Syrian city of Dara'a.

The FSA also said militant field commander Thabet al-Masalmah was seriously injured in the bombing.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura have put the death toll from the Syria conflict at more than 300,000 and over 400,000, respectively.

This is while the UN has stopped its official casualty count in Syria, citing its inability to verify the figures it receives from various sources.

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Syria jets pound militant bases in Aleppo

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 9:20AM

Syrian aircraft have started launching "concentrated airstrikes" against militant-held areas inside and around the northwestern city of Aleppo.

A source within the Syrian military said the raids are underway against militant bases in the town of Khan Touman to the south of the city and elsewhere in the area, AFP reported.

The strikes led to "the destruction of armored vehicles and (other) vehicles, some of which were equipped with machine guns."

Last Monday marked the last day of a week-long ceasefire in the war-weary Arab country, which had been brokered by Russia and the United States. It ushered in several days of relative calm, including in Aleppo, which has been divided between government forces and militants.

However, later through the ceasefire, violence began to creep back into the city when a US-led airstrike killed more than 80 Syrian soldiers who had been fighting the Takfiri terrorists in the eastern parts of the country.

After announcing an end to the truce, the Syrian army said the militant groups "did not commit to a single element" of the agreement.

Russia also criticized the United States for not doing enough to rein in militants in Syria and protect the truce deal, saying continued violations of the ceasefire by militants made it "senseless" for Damascus to stick to the agreement.

The Syrian forces have now begun a fresh set of operations aimed at ridding Aleppo of foreign-backed militants, where they have made a series of gains in recent days.

Syrian state TV reported on Tuesday that government forces recaptured Farafra neighborhood, situated in the old quarter of Aleppo near the city's famous citadel.

The Associated Press quoted a Syrian military official as saying on Tuesday that the operation in Aleppo will not stop before "terrorist groups" occupying the city's eastern parts have been eliminated.

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U.S. Threatens To End Cooperation With Russia Over Aleppo Assault

By RFE/RL September 28, 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has threatened to cut off all cooperation with Russia over Syria unless Moscow and its Syrian allies end an ongoing air assault on the city of Aleppo.

The State Department said Kerry issued the ultimatum to his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in a telephone call on September 28.

Kerry's spokesman, John Kirby, said Washington was preparing to "suspend U.S.-Russia bilateral engagement on Syria...unless Russia takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo."

Russia's Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, released a statement saying that Lavrov told Kerry that Washington must fulfill its obligations to separate opposition groups from terrorist groups.

Separating groups from one another on the ground has been hugely problematic, given that battlefield loyalities among the different fighting groups are fluid.

Most, if not all, of the groups share a common goal of ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. And while Washington and Moscow share some agreement in labeling those with connections to Al-Qaeda as terrorist organizations, Assad's government has labeled all of them as terrorists.

Add to that the fact that Syria's government is a longtime ally of Russia, which means that oscow's targeting decisions are usually informed by Syria's own tactical goals.

Russia and the United States are backing different sides in Syria's civil war but have tried to find some cooperation in targeting known terrorist groups.

A cease-fire that was hammered out by Washington and Moscow collapsed earlier this month. It was followed by a blistering air assault by Russia and Syrian jets on Aleppo, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped.

With reporting by AP, and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/united-states-russia- kerry-aleppo-lavrov/28019072.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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'No words left' to describe suffering of children in Aleppo - UNICEF

28 September 2016  Children in Aleppo are trapped in a "living nightmare," a senior official of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said today, stressing yet again, the direness of the situation, particularly for the children, in Syria's war-ravaged Aleppo.

"The children of Aleppo are trapped in a living nightmare," said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Justin Forsyth in a news release issued by the UN agency today.

"There are no words left to describe the suffering they are experiencing," he added.

According to UNICEF, At least 96 children have been killed and 223 have been injured in eastern Aleppo since Friday.

The UN agency further said that the health system in eastern Aleppo is "crumbling" with just 30 or so doctors left, hardly any equipment or emergency medicine to treat the injured, and an ever increasing number of trauma cases. The UN agency added that according to doctors on the ground, children with low chances of survival are too often left to die due to limited capacity and supplies.

"Nothing can justify such assaults on children and such total disregard for human life. The suffering  and the shock among children  is definitely the worst we have seen," underscored Mr. Forsyth in the statement.

Earlier this week, speaking at an emergency session of the Security Council, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura strongly appealed to the Council's membership  particularly permanent members Russia and the United States  to rescue the recently collapsed cessation of hostilities, help end the bloodshed and enable urgent aid into the iconic city, where, overall, some two million people remain trapped under a de facto siege.

Further, during the UN General Assembly's annual high-level debate, many world leaders drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and urged all parties to the conflict to urgently pursue a political solution to the conflict.

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US Warns Russia over Aleppo as UN Condemns 'War Crimes'

By Margaret Besheer September 28, 2016

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the attacks on the two largest hospitals in rebel-held areas of the Syrian city of Aleppo as "war crimes." The comments came as the U.S. threatened to cut off contact with Russia over Syria unless it takes steps to halt the assault on Aleppo.

"Let us be clear: Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing," Secretary General Ban told a U.N. Security Council session on healthcare in conflict on Wednesday. "They know they are committing war crimes."

The U.N. chief expressed his utter frustration with the situation.

"Imagine a slaughterhouse. This is worse. Even a slaughterhouse is more humane," he said.

Damage from the strikes temporarily knocked the facilities out of service, further limiting medical care in a part of the city where more than 250,000 people are besieged by the government as it mounts a fierce military offensive to retake the rebel-controlled sector.

According to UNICEF, the health system in eastern Aleppo is crumbling with just some 30 doctors remaining, hardly any equipment or emergency medicine to treat the injured, and an ever-increasing number of trauma cases.

US-Russia cooperation in jeopardy

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke by telephone with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, telling him that Washington is making preparations to suspend bilateral engagement with Russia on Syria, unless Moscow takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo and restore the cessation of hostilities agreed to by the two powers on September 9.

"The secretary made clear the United States and its partners hold Russia responsible for this situation, including the use of incendiary and bunker buster bombs in an urban environment, a drastic escalation that puts civilians at great risk," Kerry's spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attacks on the hospitals, but militaries from Syria and its ally Russia, are operating in the area.

"It is very, very clear that there are only two air forces operating over Aleppo  that is the Syrian regime and the Russians," Britain's deputy U.N. Ambassador Peter Wilson told reporters. "There is a clear responsibility on the part of the Syrian regime and the Russians to stop this campaign of violence."

Russia's deputy envoy, Evgeny Zagaynov, said information about attacks is often based on "unverified data" and that as a result, "falsified information is being spread." He urged a "rejection of provocative rhetoric" and for all efforts to be focused on ending the conflict, for which he said there is a "very good basis for this based in Russian-American cooperation."

France's envoy Francois Delattre said his delegation is working on a cease-fire resolution for Aleppo. "It seems to us that it is the only way to move ahead, to move forward and to try to get a positive vote. That's what we want at the Security Council and to leave everybody facing his/her responsibilities," he told reporters.

It was not immediately clear how a council resolution would make any impact after the collapse of the U.S.-Russian agreement.

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Syria Return Rhetoric Sparks Refugee Fears

By John Owens September 28, 2016

As bombs tear apart the buildings and families within the decimated Syrian city of Aleppo following another broken cease-fire, a few hundred kilometers away in Lebanon, one refugee contemplated the idea of returning to Syria.

"At this point there is no chance of living there," the 25-year old Mohamed,* who had been studying in Aleppo until 2014, told VOA.

"There are too many sides who want to kill me there. Not just me, but everyone, and it's something they can do easily."

He is just one of the estimated 1.5 million Syrians who fled their country for Lebanon.

While many refugees do not expect to return for years, anticipating that the war will drag on, talk of sending Syrians back is becoming ever more common among some Lebanese politicians.

Non-integration

At this week's Arab summit, Lebanon's prime minister, Tammam Salam, reportedly called for the formation of an Arab committee to help the international community establish safe zones within Syria to host refugees.

This followed his speech last week at the first United Nations summit on refugees, where alongside appealing for more international aid, he was quoted as saying he would "not accept the integration of displaced people in Lebanon. The priority is to repatriate them."

Salam, who qualified his speech afterward by stating that relocation would not be forced, reportedly gave the international community three months to begin putting the foundations in place for repatriation.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's labor minister, Sejaan Azzi, was more explicit in explaining his own plan.

Beginning this January, Azzi's plan hinges on Russian-American cooperation in the creation of cease-fires and safe zones.

Troubling rhetoric

As with much else, the government is divided on the issue, but Bassam Khawaja, Human Rights Watch's Lebanon researcher, is concerned.

"We've seen troubling rhetoric around the return of refugees to Syria for some time now, and it appears to have intensified," he said.

Dismissing the short-term prospect of creating Azzi's suggested safe zones, he said that "as a country at war, there are numerous risks of death, persecution and torture. It is not an environment to be returning refugees to."

Although Lebanon was largely welcoming in the early years of the Syrian war, by January 2015 new visa rules restricted movement between the two countries, and refugees hoping for U.N. assistance must now sign a declaration that they will not work in the country.

Jordan and Turkey have been accused of carrying out forced repatriation, an act named refoulement and deemed illegal under international law.

In April, Amnesty International released a report saying that since January, Turkey had been rounding up groups of around 100 Syrians and sending them back home on an almost daily basis, criticizing the EU deal to send newly-arrived Syrians from Greece back to Turkey in the process.

In Lebanon, cases of refoulement have occurred, though on a more limited scale, and among Palestinian Syrians specifically.

In 2014, 40 Palestinian Syrians were sent back to Syria, and since then there have been fewer than five cases in which a forced repatriation was averted after an outcry.

This January, at least 200 Syrians stuck in Beirut's Rafik Hariri Airport while on their way to Turkey were sent back to Syria.

The decision, prompted by new visa laws in Turkey, drew heavy criticism from human rights activists.

Responsibility for Lebanon's desperate efforts to handle its refugee population partly lies with the international community and its failure to respond adequately, says Lisa Abou Khaled, a spokeswoman with the U.N. refugee agency in Lebanon.

She called assistance to Lebanon "completely insufficient at this stage."

No time soon

Last year, the agency warned conditions for refugees in Syria's neighboring countries were so bad some refugees were contemplating returning home, despite the danger.

HRW's Khawaja says there is "no indication that the refugees we've spoken to are open to returning to Syria in the conditions that currently exist," he told VOA.

Now living in Beirut, like many of his countrymen, Mohamed dreams of returning to a peaceful homeland, but, with much of the country ablaze with war, and the Aleppo cease-fire in tatters, returning now is unthinkable.

Although the government is divided on the issue of repatriation, he is aware that politicians' rhetoric can ramp up already inflamed feelings among some Lebanese.

"They always talk about us like we are a problem," he said.

Only the war coming to an end could offer a feasible way of truly resolving the tensions within Lebanon over the refugee crisis, his housemate Khaled, who left Damascus in 2013, added.

"The Lebanese government knows there is a big problem, but they don't have the answers and they cannot take us Syrians out [of the country].

"They are afraid. We are waiting, and we are afraid too."

(The names of Khaled and Mohamed have been altered, or not been fully disclosed, to protect their identities.)

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DPP calls for continued dialogue between Taiwan, China

ROC Central News Agency

2016/09/28 20:56:35

Taipei, Sept. 28 (CNA) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Wednesday urged China to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and continue the dialogue and communication between the two sides.

Cross-strait peace and stability is a responsibility of both Taiwan and China, said DPP spokesman Ruan Jhao-syong (), in response to a Beijing official's comments earlier in the day on cross-strait relations.

Ruan said China should value the cross-strait status quo and the fruits of 20 years of exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

He was responding to comments by Ma Xiaoguang (), spokesman for the China's Taiwan Affairs Office, who took the DPP to task for what he said was its Taiwan independence stance and its advocacy of a policy of "one country on each side of the Taiwan Strait."

This has "destroyed the political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, prompted cross-strait confrontation and hindered cross-strait exchanges," Ma said.

Ma said that if the DPP does not abandon its Taiwan independence stance, it will be hard to find a way out of the current stagnation of cross-strait relations. Taiwan independence, whether radical or gradual, is destined to fail, Ma added.

In response, Ruan said China should not be too political at this time but rather should be empathetic toward Taiwan, which is working to recover from a direct hit by Typhoon Megi on Tuesday.

He said the DPP, which was marking its 30 anniversary Wednesday, is rooted in Taiwan and the people of Taiwan.

Thirty years ago, the DPP was founded on the collective will of the people, and it continues to embrace the values of reform and progress, Ruan said. By Lu Hsin-hui and Lilian Wu)

enditem/pc

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Turkey to finish construction of wall along Syria border in 5 months

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 6:34PM

Turkish officials say the construction of a wall along the Syrian border that Ankara plans to use against illegal crossing will be completed in five months.

An official at a Turkish state institution with knowledge of the project said on Wednesday that the wall along the length of Turkey's 900-kilometer border with Syria would be finished by the end of February.

"Construction will be completed within five months," the official said, adding that the timetable might face potential challenges due to winter conditions.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said state housing developer TOKI had been tasked with building the remaining part of the wall. He said a 200-kilometer stretch of the wall had already been completed, without elaborating on the past and future costs of the project. He also said the wall would be similar in specifications to border walls in other countries, such as the one between parts of Mexico and the United States.

Turkey began the construction in 2014 at a time when borders were open to the Syrians escaping war at home. Ankara said the wall was needed to combat smuggling and illegal migration. However, the main justification behind the project seems to be pressure from NATO on member state Turkey to seal off its border with areas that militants of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group control in Syria.

Moreover, Turkey has become increasingly wary of the rise of Kurdish militants along the border.

Local media say the wall, which will be three meters high and two meters wide, is expected to cost 2 billion lira ($672 million). The project also includes a road for military patrols alongside it.

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'32,000 arrested in Turkey for Gulen links'

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:32AM

The Turkish Justice Department says it has arrested 32,000 people for suspected links to opposition leader Fethullah Gulen, whose extradition from the US has been a top demand by Ankara and a major source of tensions with Washington.

The Justice Department arrested 32,000 people in its investigation of the Gulen movement, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Wednesday in reference to a perceived deep state run by Gulen supporters.

Ankara also claims that the US-based opposition leader orchestrated the failed coup d'etat in Turkey on July 15. Gulen has dismissed that allegation.

"A total of about 70,000 people have faced legal proceedings on suspicion of links" to Gulen, Bozdag also said.

The 75-year-old Gulen claims the wide-scale purge by the Ankara government is aimed at eliminating dissent and consolidating the ruling Justice and Development Party's control.

Bozdag, the Turkish justice minister, added that the Justice Department was also building a new courthouse in the town of Sincan, near the capital, Ankara, with more prisons needed to contain all of Gulen's followers implicated in the coup plot.

He also said US officials have vowed to respond to Turkey's demand to arrest and extradite Gulen within a couple of days.

Turkey has dismissed or suspended tens of thousands of government employees in the military, police, judiciary and the education ministry, as well as 87 staff members of the National Intelligence Organization, known as the MIT, as part of its post-coup purge.

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Not Enough Courtrooms in Turkey: 32,000 Coup Arrests Tax Country Infrastructure

Sputnik News

23:44 28.09.2016(updated 23:46 28.09.2016)

On Wednesday, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said that Ankara will need to build more courthouses in the country to accommodate the 32,000 people arrested in connection with July's failed coup.

Bozdag said that 70,000 people have been processed so far, and one new courtroom is already under construction in the town of Sincan.

"We will build new courthouses as needed Some defendants [will] be prosecuted for membership in a terror organization," he told Turkish private television company NTV.

Members of the military, media, local government officials and other have been detained, and Ankara has asked Washington to deport Fethullah Gulen, a Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania-based businessman and cleric, who authorities insist organized the botched overthrow.

In August, US Vice President Joe Biden visited Ankara to reassure the Turkish government of America's cooperation, and asked for their patience in the extradition process. After meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Biden said he understood the "strong feelings" about Gulen in Turkey and said that the US has "no interest whatsoever in protecting anyone who has done harm to an ally. None." Biden added, however, "But we need to meet the legal standard requirement under our law."

Biden explained, "Our legal experts are working right now with their Turkish counterparts on the production of and the evaluation of material and evidence that needs to be supplied to an American court to meet the requirements under our law in the extradition treaty to extradite Gulen."

A former supporter of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Gulen has denied any involvement in the attempted coup, in which some 240 were killed. Ankara has labeled Gulen a terrorist and claims that the cleric is responsible for "ordering and commanding" the plot.

Yasin Aktay, deputy chairman of the Justice and Development Party told Al Jazeera in August, "The testimony of the suspects who were arrested red-handed and documents we gave them are clear. If you add the statements of Gulen regarding the goal of his organizational movement, we believe there is nothing to question. Strong American intelligence should be well aware of who he really is."

 Sputnik

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US-Turkish Tensions Re-emerge

By Dorian Jones September 28, 2016

Turkish media reported diplomatic tensions dogged the now-concluded two-day visit to Ankara of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Brett McGurk, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter Islamic State.

McGurk was reprimanded for accepting a medal from the Syrian Kurdish militia the YPG, a key U.S. ally in the war against Islamic State. "Don't do it again," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was reported to have said at the end of their meeting.

Ankara accuses the YPG of being terrorists linked to the banned PKK, which Turkey has been battling for more than 30 years.

The dispute is one of many that has soured relations between the two NATO allies.

In the past few weeks, Washington has been working to repair relations. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visited Ankara and Erdogan met with his U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, on the sidelines of a meeting in China of the 20 biggest economies earlier this month.

Those efforts appeared to unravel during Erdogan's visit last week to New York. "Turkish-U.S. relations are incapable of getting over their tension," said international relations expert Soli Ozel of Istanbul's Kadir Has University.

"Between two weeks ago in China, a sense of OK, we've settled our differences, we've agreed to disagree to disagree, but we will get along [now]  to a position whereby everything that Erdogan says particularly on his way back home, is almost in defiance of the United States on different issues."

US presidential elections

Ankara's demand for the extradition of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it blames for July's failed coup in Turkey, also soured Erdogan's visit to the United States.

The U.S. presidential elections are increasingly seen as a complicating factor in bilateral relations.

"There seems to be a difficulty on the U.S. side to commit itself to a long-term strategy, whether it's to do with Gulen or Syria - also for strategic changes, which Turkey is asking for," said Sinan Ulgen, visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe in Brussels.

"Therefore it has become a difficult environment for the relationship. This is very much a consequence of the electoral atmosphere in which President Obama appears to be wanting to leave these decisions to who replaces him."

Former senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen says Ankara is increasingly looking beyond President Obama and the possible election of Hillary Clinton.

"Hillary Clinton knows Turkey very well because she was the secretary of state and Turkey knows her very well. And she is someone who is more inclined to have a stronger hand in Syria and who will be readier to work with Ankara on those PKK files and Syria file. So this leads me to believe...the presidential elections will be important to Ankara," said Selcen.

Turkey's ruling AK Party has, according to a government source, reached out to the other U.S. presidential hopeful, Donald Trump. "Ankara is pretty excited or optimistic about a possible Trump presidency," says international relations expert Ozel, "partially because Trump congratulated Mr. Erdogan for his stance during the attempted coup back on 15 July. And usually the Turks like the Republicans better than the Democrats, as they don't care that much about human rights abuses and don't really hold Turkey to high standards on democracy and that."

Bilateral relations, however, could continue to worsen in the short term, with conflicting messages coming from Washington.

"The electoral mood in the U.S. is making inter-agency cooperation and inter-agency cohesion more difficult," observes analyst Ulgen, "because the type of conciliatory messages Ankara receives were essentially messages by the White House and by the State Department. Whereas, the Pentagon seems to be on a different wavelength of trying to continue to support the YPG in this region."

Ankara is angered by the fact the Pentagon is considering directly arming the YPG. Erdogan reportedly challenged Biden during his meeting in New York that the U.S. military had already carried out arms drops to the Syrian militia this month.

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Russia rejects downing Malaysia plane, refutes probe findings

Iran Press TV

Wed Sep 28, 2016 3:50PM

Russia has strongly dismissed alleged involvement in the 2014 downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight over the skies of Ukraine after a Dutch-led investigation indicated the blame rests with Moscow.

In a statement published on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, expressed disappointment with the findings of the probe, denouncing the inquiry as biased and politically motivated.

"To arbitrarily designate a guilty party and dream up the desired results has become the norm for our Western colleagues," Zakharova said.

International investigators ignored "incontestable evidence" from Russia and prevented Moscow from playing a full role in the investigation while allowing Ukraine to fabricate evidence and turn the case to its advantage, she added.

The Russian diplomat further expressed hope that new radar data from the Russian military would trigger a revision of the findings.

In July 2014, all 298 people on board Flight MH17 were killed after it was blown from the skies over Ukraine during a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team (JIT), comprising prosecutors from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and Ukraine, said the missile that slammed into the plane was fired from an area in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russia forces are active.

"Based on the criminal investigation, we have concluded that flight MH17... was downed by a BUK missile of the series 9M38, that came from the territory of the Russian Federation," said Wilbert Paulissen, the head of the Dutch national detective force.

Afterwards, the missile launcher system "was taken back to Russia," Paulissen claimed, adding that over 100 people were under investigation in connection with the incident.

However, Russian arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey rejected the findings of the probe, arguing that they were not supported by technical evidence.

The company also noted that the BUK missile, which downed Flight MH17, was fired from territory held by the Ukrainian army, Russia's RIA news agency reported.

Additionally, General Eduard Basurin of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic echoed Moscow's position on the issue, saying, "The forces of the People's Republic of Donetsk could not have fired at the plane from a BUK system, because we have no such sort of weapons."

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, also insisted that Russia had provided "exhaustive information" which investigators should take into account.

"The data is unequivocal and on that data, there is no missile. Therefore, if there was a missile it could have been launched only from a different territory," Peskov added.

The downing incident came at a critical time in Ukraine and strained relations between the West and Moscow.

The self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk have witnessed deadly clashes between pro-Moscow forces and the Ukrainian army since Kiev launched military operations in mid-April 2014 to crush pro-Moscow protests there.

The crisis has left more than 9,400 people dead and over 21,500 others injured.

Culprits in downing MH17 will face justice: Malaysia

Meanwhile, Malaysia, which lost 44 of its citizens in the incident, vowed "firm action" against those behind the downing of Flight MH17 based on the JIT findings.

"We have promised that those who were responsible for the downing of the aircraft will be brought to justice," the Bernama national news agency quoted Prime Minister Najib Razak as saying during a trip to Germany on Wednesday.

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International Criminal Probe Blames Missile From Russia For MH17 Tragedy

Rikard Jozwiak September 28, 2016

NIEUWEGEIN, The Netherlands -- An international criminal investigation into the MH17 tragedy in eastern Ukraine in 2014 has determined the Malaysian Airlines passenger jet was shot down by a Buk antiaircraft missile fired from separatist controlled territory in Ukraine.

The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) further determined that the missile system was brought into Ukraine from Russia shortly before the tragedy and then smuggled back to Russia shortly afterward.

Presenting the JIT's interim findings on September 28, the team's head, Fred Westerbeke, said the investigation had ruled out all other possible explanations for MH17's crash, which killed all 298 people on board.

Westerbeke, who is also the Netherlands' chief prosecutor, added that the JIT could not currently reveal all of its findings for fear of hampering its criminal investigations. However, the investigation has identified about 100 people who are being looked at further.

Westerbeke said it is unknown how long the JIT investigation will continue or when it will be completed. He added that he thinks there is a "realistic chance" that those responsible for the tragedy will be prosecuted, although the venue for such a prosecution remains undetermined.

Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down on July 17, 2014, over Ukrainian airspace while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 passengers and crew on board perished.

"On basis of the criminal investigation, we can conclude that Flight MH17 was downed on July 17, 2014, by a rocket of the 9-M-83-38 series, fired from a Buk trailer, and that this Buk trailer came from the territory of the Russian Federation and returned to the territory of the Russian Federation after the launch," Wilbert Pualissen, the head of the Dutch police investigation, told the press conference.

The JIT showed an elaborate 10-minute animation interlaced with photographs and videos taken in July 2014 that showed the Buk system being brought into Ukraine and arriving near the town of Snizhne. It further presented audio and photographic evidence that a missile was launched. Then the same Buk unit, with only three missiles, was traced moving by night back through the Ukrainian city of Luhansk and into Russia.

An earlier report by the Dutch Safety Board, a separate agency, also concluded that MH17 was downed by a Buk fired from separatist-controlled territory.

Hans de Borst, who lost his 17-year-old daughter Elsemiek in the MH17 tragedy, told journalists in Nieuwegein ahead of the JIT presentation on September 28 that he was confident in the team's findings.

"All kinds of proof. Telephone taps, even new raw material, radars. American information, classified information which they're not allowed to bring in the open here. Witnesses... all kinds," he said. "So I have a lot of faith in this."

Ukraine, whose eastern Donbas region remains largely under control of Russia-backed separatists, welcomed the findings.

"All other possible causes of this horrible tragedy were considered and rejected during the course of the criminal investigation," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "This puts an end to all of Russia's attempts to discredit activities of the Joint Investigation Team and conclusions by spreading distorted or fabricated information."

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news conference that the probe's findings showed that it was "biased and politically motivated."

"Arbitrarily assigning blame and dreaming up the desired results has become the norm for our Western colleagues," Zakharova said.

Ahead of the report's release, Russia tried to offer other explanations. On September 26, the Russian Defense Ministry released what it claimed was new radar evidence showing the jet was downed by a missile shot from territory held by Ukrainian troops. This claim contradicted Moscow's previous assertion that it had radar evidence showing that a Ukrainian Air Force fighter jet was to blame.

A representative of the self-proclaimed separatist organization in Donetsk, Eduard Basurin, told Interfax that his forces had "no such air-defense systems" and could not have downed MH17.

In July 2015, Russia used its UN Security Council veto to block a resolution aimed at creating an international MH17 tribunal, saying that doing so would be "counterproductive."

Shortly before the JIT press conference, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists in Moscow that the international investigation must take the "latest information" into account.

"The data are unambiguous," Peskov said. "If there had been a missile, then it could have been launched from other territory."

A JIT official said Russia had not provided this information to its investigators and it had not been evaluated. Westerbeke said the JIT had made "several requests" for information from the Russian government during its two-year investigation and had received "partial answers to some of them."

In July 2015, Russia used its UN Security Council veto to block a resolution aimed at creating an international MH17 tribunal, saying that doing so would be "counterproductive."

The JIT includes representatives of the countries most affected by the tragedy -- the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, and Belgium working in cooperation with Ukraine. Its purpose is to develop evidence that could be used in criminal prosecutions in any of those countries.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department said the findings corroborated U.S. conclusions made just days after the jet crashed.

"This announcement is another step toward bringing to justice those responsible for this outrageous attack," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

The JIT has been working with the British-based open-source research group Bellingcat, which has used social media posts to track the movement of a Buk missile unit from near the Russian city of Kursk to the Ukrainian village of Snizhne in the days before the MH17 downing and to track the same units return to Russia immediately afterward.

"Obviously, the Russians are doing everything they can to undermine this press conference," Bellingcat founder and director Eliot Higgins told RFE/RL in Nieuwegein on September 28. "They released this radar data. You know, it was ridiculous really because they managed to prove that their previous press conference was a lie.

"In the first press conference, [the Russians] said there was a jet three to five kilometers away, and in the recent one they said there was nothing anyway near it. So, you know, the Russians are going to try very hard to not to admit responsibility for this."

With reporting by The Guardian, Interfax, TASS, and the BBC

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/mh17-criminal-probe-russia- buk-ukraine-jit/28018109.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russia 'Disappointed' In MH17 Investigation, Dismisses Probe As 'Biased'

By Tom Balmforth September 28, 2016

Russian officials have decried the interim results of an international investigation that found that the Malaysian Airlines passenger jet that crashed in eastern Ukraine in July 2014 was shot down by an antiaircraft missile transported from Russia and fired from rebel-controlled territory in Ukraine.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the findings, released on September 28, showed the probe was "biased and politically motivated."

She suggested that Ukraine had been allowed to forge evidence, while the manufacturer of the Buk antiaircraft missile, Almaz Antey, alleged that investigators ignored information they had shared.

Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over Ukrainian territory on July 17, 2014, while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 passengers and crew on board perished.

The Joint Investigation Team said that MH17 was shot down by a Buk missile fired from rebel-controlled Ukraine. Investigators did not blame Russia directly but said that the Buk was transported from Russia into Ukraine and later smuggled back.

In comments to Russian news agencies, Major General Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry, also criticized the findings, claiming they were based on two sources: the Internet and the Ukrainian security services.

Konashenkov denied that a missile system crossed the border between Ukraine and Russia.

Russian officials and state media have made strenuous efforts to lay the blame on Kyiv, at various times suggesting that the passenger plane was shot down by a Ukrainian fighter jet or by a Buk missile launcher in the hands of Ukrainian forces.

The Joint Investigation Team said it had ruled out all other explanations for MH17's crash.

"Arbitrarily assigning blame and dreaming up the desired results has become the norm for our Western colleagues," Zakharova said in comments published on the Foreign Ministry website.

Zakharova accused the Joint Investigation Team of "marginalizing Moscow from full-fledged participation in the investigative process, relegating our efforts to a minor role."

"It sounds like a bad joke, but at the same time they made Ukraine a full member of the JIT, giving it the opportunity to forge evidence and turn the case to its advantage," she said.

On September 26, just two days before interim findings of the international investigation, Russia's Defense Ministry released what it called new radar data showing that no missile could have been fired from rebel-held territory.

Just before the JIT findings were made public, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told news agencies that Defense Ministry radar data showed "unequivocally" that no missile was fired in rebel-controlled Ukraine.

"There are undeniable facts. In the given case, it is important to make conclusions based on the latest information that has been published, and specifically the primary radar data that identified all flying objects that could have started or been located in the air in the territory controlled by the rebels," he was quoted as saying by Interfax.

In eastern Ukraine, parts of which the separatists call the Donetsk People's Republic, rebel Eduard Basurin told Interfax that his forces had "no such air-defense systems" and could not have downed MH17.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-reaction-mh17- investigation-biased/28019166.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Dutch Investigators Present Report on MH17 Crash, Russia Considers Probe Biased

Sputnik News

23:31 28.09.2016

The Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on Wednesday presented a report on the details of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 plane in 2014, saying that it was downed by a Buk missile system which was allegedly brought from Russia, however Moscow disagreed with the team's conclusions.

NIEUWEGEIN (Netherlands) (Sputnik)  Flight MH17 crashed with 298 people on board on July 17, 2014, in eastern Ukraine, while en route to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam, leaving no survivors. Kiev and independence supporters in Ukraine's southeast have blamed each other for the downing of the MH17 plane.

According to the JIT, the flight was downed by a 938 missile launched from Buk, which was brought from Russia and later returned there, near with the Pervomayskoe settlement, which was controlled by Donbas militias. At the same time the investigators failed to prove that the system had been brought from the Russian territory. Russia's Almaz-Antey, which was Buk manufacturer, said that it's tests revealed that the missile had been launched from Zaroshchenskoe settlement.

Director of the National Criminal Investigation Division of National Police of the Netherlands Wilbert Paulissen said that at the moment of the downing, militias had resisted Ukrainian Air Force's airstrikes. At the same time, JIT chief and Dutch prosecutor Fred Westerbeke declined to formally link the crash to Russia or Russian nationals.

According to Westerbeke, the investigators have identified 100 people "in one way or another" involved in the downing, but added that they should identify people, who were in the Buk's cabin and to find out whether they acted on their own or received orders.

The investigators also reported that they would continue the probe into the flight crash until early 2018.

THOUSANDS OF EVIDENCES

Westerbeke told reporters that the results of the investigation were based on the investigation of some 1,450 debris of the plane that had been collected within the framework of the probe, as well as on the evidences collected in Internet. He added that up to 200 investigators worked on the issue during the investigation and some 100 investigators, prosecutors and experts were still involved in the inquiry.

He added that the investigators had studied about half a million of video records and photographs and listened about 3,500 intercepted phone conversations, which had been provided by Ukraine's security services by court order.

According to the investigators, the abovementioned materials contributed to clarification of the Buk's route.

During the report's presentation, the JIT showed reporters video records and photographs showing the details of Buk's movement and a phone conversation of people, who discussed the details of the Buk's delivery. The presentation had also included photos of an alleged launch site and a condensation trail.

INFORMATION FROM RUSSIA

Despite the fact that Russia is not a member of the JIT, the information from Moscow had also been attached to the case. The Russian Defense Ministry said this week it would forward the new data uncovered by one of the Almaz-Antey's radar and control system production plants to Dutch investigators.

Commenting on this fact, Westerbeke told reporters that the investigators had not received such information yet, but would thoroughly study it in future. At the same time the Dutch prosecutors were still expecting Russia's response to several requests on the issue.

Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the MH17 crash probe was accompanied by speculation and other countries' refusal to provide radar data, adding that it was necessary to make conclusions against the backdrop of all the available information, including the most recent data.

MOSCOW'S RESPONSE

The report and its conclusions could not have slipped under the radar in Moscow. Almaz-Antey rejected the findings in the probe, saying that the investigators had not got enough technical evidence to support their claims.

"The conclusions by the Joint Investigation Team announced today do not have sufficient technical evidence to support claims allegations that Russia was somehow involved in Malaysian Boeing catastrophe in summer of 2014," Mikhail Malyshevsky, an adviser to Almaz-Antey general director, told RIA Novosti.

According to Malyshevsky, Almaz-Antey has conducted three simulations that can serve as technical proof of the fact that a missile, which downed the Malaysian plane, was launched from the Zaroshchenskoe area, controlled by units of the Ukrainian army at the time of the incident.

He added that the investigators made their conclusions in accordance with the characteristics of a US missile that was different from the ones used in Buk systems.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said that the impartiality of the data provided by the investigators of the crash and the conclusions made on the basis of this data cannot help but cause doubts.

"We familiarized ourselves carefully with today's statements of the representatives of the Dutch investigation team on proving the crash of the Malaysian Boeing MH17 in the Ukrainian airspace I remind that all data presented today in the briefing of the investigation team had two main sources  the internet and the Ukrainian special services. Therefore, the impartiality of this data and consequently the conclusions made on its basis cannot help but cause doubts," Konashenkov said.

The official added that no Russian missile systems, including Buk, have ever crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Russia was disappointed with the situation around the investigation of the airliner's crash.

"Russia is disappointed that the situation regarding the Boeing crash is not changing. The conclusion of the Dutch prosecutors confirm that the case is biased and politically motivated," Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the ministry, said in a statement.

According to the spokeswoman, Ukraine was made a member of the JIT despite the fact that it is an interested side.

"It sounds like a cruel joke, but Ukraine was made a full-fledged member of the JIT, giving it an opportunity to falsify evidence and have the case develop to its advantage Everything that the so-called 'evidence base' of the Dutch prosecution is based on was provided by the Ukrainian agencies, which are indubitably an interested side," Zakharova said.

She also expressed hope that the situation would change after Russia provided "such indisputable evidence as primary radar data."

WORLD'S REACTION

The 2014 tragedy claimed lives of almost 300 people, who were the citizens of many countries, such as Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Belgium and Indonesia among others. This has contributed to the fact that representatives of different countries have commented the Wednesday report.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak promised to convene a meeting with representatives of Ukraine, Netherlands and Australia to discuss the report adding that the responsible for the crash should be brought to justice.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders welcomed the publication of the results of the investigation.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the JIT's conclusions are a significant step towards the punishment of the culprits of the crash.

"The publication of this information is an important milestone towards our ultimate common goal: bringing to justice all those responsible for downing the aircraft. It is our moral duty to the 298 victims and their relatives and friends," the ministerial statement said.

The deputy defense minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic's (DPR), Eduard Basurin, said that the JIT was wrong in its conclusions about the alleged launch of the missile from militias-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine.

"I believe that it [investigation] is brought to a deadlock on purpose. For the second time the team makes its conclusions, for the second time the conclusions are wrong," Basurin told journalists adding that neither the United State nor Ukraine provided radar or satellite data used as a basis for accusations against Donbas militias.

 Sputnik

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Joint Investigation Team Report on the Downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17

Press Statement

John Kirby

Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs

Washington, DC

September 28, 2016



The United States welcomes the interim report of the Joint Investigation Team on the shoot down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

The Team's interim findings corroborate Secretary Kerry's statement in the days following the tragedy that MH17 was shot down by a BUK surface-to-air missile fired from Russian-backed, separatist-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine.

The Team found also that the BUK launcher was transported from Russia to separatist-controlled territory in Ukraine before the incident, and returned to Russia after the launcher was used to shoot down MH17.

While nothing can take away the grief of those who lost loved ones on that tragic day, this announcement is another step toward bringing to justice those responsible for this outrageous attack.

The United States will continue to work with the Joint Investigation Team in its investigation. We call on other states that are in a position to assist to cooperate fully so those responsible are held accountable.

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Investigators: Missile that Downed MH17 was Brought in from Russia

By VOA News September 28, 2016

International investigators say a Malaysian airliner that crashed over eastern Ukraine in July 2014 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile that was transported into the country from Russia.

The findings released Wednesday confirm an earlier investigation by the Dutch Safety Board that concluded Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was brought down by a Russian-made Buk missile, a claim Russia has denied.

"It may be concluded MH17 was shot down by a 9M38 missile launched by a Buk, brought in from the territory of the Russian Federation," said Wilbert Paulissen of the Dutch National Police.

Paulissen said evidence shows that pro-Russian rebels requested the deployment of the surface-to-air missile to the village of Pervomaysk and reported its arrival in eastern Ukraine.

But Russia has dismissed the Dutch-led investigation as subjective.

"Russia is disappointed that the situation around the investigation of the Boeing crash is not changing," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement. "The conclusions of the Dutch Prosecutor's office confirmed that the investigation is biased and politically motivated."

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov told the Interfax news agency, "All of the data presented today at the briefing by the investigation team has two main sources: the Internet and security services of Ukraine. Therefore, doubts are bound to be raised over the objectivity of this information, and, correspondingly, the conclusions based on it."

Zakharova said Russia offered to assist in the investigation but the investigators "removed Moscow from full participation," relegating Russia to only a "minor role."

In a move aimed at preempting the new findings, Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters earlier Wednesday that Russian radar data proved that no rocket was fired from within territory held by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

"The most important thing in today's report is that the circle is narrowing and perhaps next year the international commission of inquiry will name the perpetrators of the crime," Bogdan Petrenko, deputy director of the Ukrainian Institute of Extremism, told VOA. "Probably, after a final conclusion, it will be possible to take the Russian Federation to court. Of course, we are talking first and foremost about the relatives of the victims of the downed Boeing."

"The investigation, a trial in this case, is very important for Ukraine. It makes it possible to sue Russia according to several international conventions," political analyst Olesya Yakhno-Belkovskaya told VOA. "One involves support and financing of terrorism. The results of the investigation of this tragedy are, in particular, proof of Russia's actions in the east of the country -- support and funding of military operations against Ukraine."

The U.S. Department of State said the findings support Secretary of State John Kerry's statement days after the attack that the plane was downed by a BUK missile that was launched from an area controlled by Russian-backed rebels.

"While nothing can take away the grief of those who lost loved ones on that tragic day, this announcement is another step toward bringing to justice those responsible for this outrageous attack," said State Department spokesman John Kirby.

Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels were engaged in intense fighting in eastern Ukraine at the time of the crash.

Ukraine reacts to findings

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry hailed the report as "an important milestone" that exposes Russia's "direct involvement" in the missile attack.

"This puts an end to all of Russia's attempts to discredit activities of the Joint Investigation Team and conclusions by spreading distorted or fabricated information," the ministry said.

Malaysia called Wednesday for the perpetrators of the missile attack to be brought to justice.

"Malaysia wants firm action to be taken," said Prime Minister Najib Razak. "We have promised that those who were responsible for the downing of the aircraft will be brought to justice."

In addition to Russia's consistent denial of any involvement in the crash, Moscow has claimed the airliner was downed either by a Ukrainian fighter jet or shot down from Ukrainian-held territory. But the evidence against that is overwhelming, military science analyst Justin Bronk of the London-based Royal United Services Institute said in an interview with VOA.

"The rebels had been firing surface-to-air missiles regularly for months at all sorts of Ukrainian military aircraft. They did not have any official contact with air traffic control. So they basically have just taken delivery of a much more powerful missile system than they had had previously, and were shooting at whatever they could see. And they, unfortunately, happened to hit an airliner."

Netherlands chief prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said investigators have identified about 100 who were involved in the attack "one way or another." He said, "A clear impression of the chain of command" must be established before it can be determined if they are culpable.

The report, which stopped short of concluding Russian soldiers were involved, was prepared by prosecutors from Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine.

The report's findings were based on thousands of pieces of evidence, including wiretaps, photographs, witness statements and forensics tests that were gathered over a more than two year period.

Possible criminal trial

Investigators say the latest findings, in addition to those from an earlier investigation, may be solid enough to be used in a criminal trial. Prosecutors cannot file charges at this time because international investigators have not agreed in which court to hold a trial.

The previous investigation identified a 320-square kilometer area where it said the rocket launch must have taken place. Authorities did not explicitly say who had fired it, although all the land was controlled by pro-Russian separatists fighting Ukrainian forces.

In a move aimed at preempting the new findings, Russia on Wednesday said its radar data proved that no rocket was fired from within territory held by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

On a conference call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian radar identified all flying objects over the rebel territory, and there was no rocket.

"The data are clear-cut...there is no rocket," he said. "If there was a rocket, it could only have been fired from elsewhere."

All 298 passengers on the Boeing 777 died after it broke apart in mid-air while traveling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The downing of the plane was a major factor in a decision by the European Union and the United States to impose sanctions on Russia, leading to a rise in East-West tensions to levels not seen since the end of the Cold War in 1991.

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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.
The George Washington High School Marching Eagles grabbed both top honors and placed first in every category during its first competition on Sept. 17.

The Marching Eagles participated in the 21st annual Blue Ridge Preview of Champions on Sept. 17 at William Byrd High School in Vinton. The band competed in the AAAA class against Floyd County High Schools band, The Pride of Floyd County.

The Eagles swept all AAAA award categories, including drum major, percussion, color guard, music, marching and general effect. The band also was awarded best in show for AAA and AAAA, beating three other bands.

Band director Reginald Purvis said the band was able to present a complete show when many others were still putting together full productions, and the judges took notice.

I think they were impressed with how the entire show was put together at this point, Purvis said.

Purvis said the judges were impressed with the presentation of the show, and how marchers were able to bring across the theme to the audience. This year, the show is entitled 2Gether and features all original music.

They marched very, very well and played well, Purvis said.

With several more contests to go, Purvis said the marching season is just getting started for the band.

With every contest, the judges give us comments, he said. We are fine tuning the things we already know and changing the things not working as well as we hoped.

For example, Purvis said the band adjusted the music this week to fix balance issues with drums and woodwinds, and then changed color guard movement for a better visual.

Last week, the band also held an exhibition performance at the end of the 39th annual Dixie Classic competition.

On Saturday, the band will head to the Falcon Invitational competition at Southeast Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The new owners of Tanglewood Mall snagged the property for $22.7 million, according to Roanoke County real estate records.

Alabama-based development company Blackwater Resources bought the property Sept. 15. The sale price was not disclosed at the time and the real estate transfer had not yet been filed in the Roanoke County courthouse.

The property is assessed at $23.5 million.

Brokers with Cushman & Wakefield/Thalhimer, which handled the sale, said there was an active marketing campaign with the property and a competitive bidding process that drew multiple offers, but Blackwater outbid the other potential buyers.

The property was last sold in 2000 for $38.7 million to Roanoke Tanglewood LLC. The property covers more than 53 acres and the main building was constructed in 1973. The mall was nearly 90 percent occupied when it was purchased, but county officials hope the property sees the beginnings of some redevelopment in 2017. Blackwater has not announced specific plans for the building.
In February, Hargrave Military Academy ground to a halt because of a threat made over social media that was supposedly connected to Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

On Wednesday, a juvenile charged in the incidents at the Chatham military school pleaded guilty to multiple counts.

The suspect was identified in April as a young man under the age of 18 who was a former student at Hargrave Military Academy, Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor said at the time.

Since the suspect is a juvenile, the Pittsylvania County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handled the case. The juveniles name and exact charges were not available.

The suspect was accused of committing two internet crimes against Hargrave Military Academy  one of them occurred on Dec. 24, 2015, taking the schools website offline, resulting in a loss in access of more than $1,000; and the other occurred on Jan. 10 where the schools internet was interrupted, the Register & Bee previously reported.

The former student was also charged with two counts of making false bomb threats against the school, on Feb. 16 and 18, and publishing private and identifying information on the internet about school president Gen. Doyle Don Broome Jr. on Feb. 12.

In a news release issued Wednesday afternoon, Devin Taylor, an investigator with the Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office, said the unnamed suspect was charged with multiple criminal offenses including publishing Hargraves employees personal information online, or doxing, taking down Hargraves wireless internet and its webpage resulting in a safety issue and a considerable financial cost and making a bomb threat to the school,

Restitution was ordered by the court to reimburse Hargrave Military Academy.

Numerous law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation.
Tunstall High School became the only public high school in Virginia to be named a Blue Ribbon School this year, it was announced Wednesday.

Tunstall was named one of just 279 public  and 50 private  National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Secretary of Education John King.

Schools are nominated for the award by the Virginia Department of Education, and then must complete a comprehensive application about school practices. Nominated schools must either be in the top percent of all state schools for reading and math test scores, or have closed the achievement gap the best among all state schools.

High schools nominated also must be in the top percent all state schools for graduation rates.

Tunstall High School and Pittsylvania County staff will represent the school at a two-day awards ceremony in Washington to celebrate their achievements.
Corning Optical Communications LLC committed Monday to a major expansion in Winston-Salem, saying yes ahead of two public hearings on local incentive packages.

The news came from Gov. Pat McCrorys office. Corning Optical operates as a subsidiary of Corning Inc.

The Winston-Salem Journal previously reported that Corning was considering adding 100 jobs in Winston-Salem, expanding the local workforce to 404, as part of a $30 million manufacturing expansion.

The company has agreed to keep all 404 jobs in Winston-Salem for at least a five-year period upon being approved for the incentives.

Corning requested up to $384,872 in performance-based economic incentives from Forsyth County. The Forsyth Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the request after a public hearing Monday.

The city of Winston-Salem on Friday disclosed a potential economic incentive deal with Corning for up to $435,300 in performance-based incentives. A public hearing has been set for 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in City Hall.

The expansion would take place at Cornings facility at 3180 Centre Park Blvd., one of the worlds largest fiber cabling plants.

The incentives in both instances would be paid over five years, with the county portion coming from its General Fund. The city did not disclose the source of its incentive package.

The governors office said Corning plans to add 105 jobs in Hickory and spend $53.5 million on capital investments  both also over five years.

Cornings decision to commit to the two expansions ahead of local incentive approvals has become part of recent pattern between the private sector and the N.C. Commerce Department.

Neither the governor nor Corning said in the statement that the expansions were conditional on being approved for local incentives, although it likely represents a quid pro quo arrangement.

However, a state grant of up to $1.93 million over 12 years from the Job Development Investment Grant is contingent on local incentives. The JDIG funds typically are offered only when a company has an out-of-state option for expansion.

Corning is in its 45th year of delivering high-performance fiber optic solutions to global network operators, Clark Kinlin, an executive vice president with Corning Optical, said in the governors announcement.

This long history in North Carolina  and our planned expansions  would not be possible without the ongoing support of local, county and state government entities. This decision is a win/win for the Hickory and Winston-Salem communities and for our highly skilled, diverse, and dedicated employees who work and live there.

The average yearly salary of Cornings new positions will be $58,151. By comparison, overall annual wage levels in Catawba and Forsyth counties average $38,238 and $49,817, respectively.

On Friday, Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said, The modest assistance requested more than pays for itself in new taxes generated. The 100 new jobs are well paying and offer good career opportunities for our citizens, he said.

The potential Winston-Salem expansion is just the latest for the company in North Carolina. It also has operations in Concord, Durham, Hickory, Midland and Wilmington with a combined work force of more than 3,000.

Corning Optical announced plans Dec. 7 to move its headquarters from Hickory to a site in northwest Mecklenburg County off Interstate 485 at Brookshire Boulevard and Mount Holly-Huntersville Road. The company said it had outgrown the Hickory building.

It would transfer 508 jobs and add 150 jobs with the move, as well as spend $38.7 million on the new headquarters, expected to open in 2018.

The headquarters jobs would pay on average $80,000 a year. The company has been made eligible for up to $2.35 million in performance-based incentives from the JDIG program, as well as up to $748,303 incentives from Mecklenburg County. It had considered a site in Fort Mill, S.C., for the headquarters.

Cornings plan to locate the headquarters for Optical Communications in Mecklenburg County builds on our 40-plus-year relationship with North Carolina, Kinlin said in a statement in Dec. 7.

This decision is further evidence of our confidence in our growing $2.7 billion business, and North Carolina as a world-class location for a technology company.

Overall, Corning Optical has more than 30 locations and 17,000 employees worldwide.
A group of area businessmen made a push Monday to the Shippensburg Area School District board of directors for possible tax incentives to help develop a local business park.

Mickey Nye, David Sciamanna, Bryan Salzmann and David Thomas spoke to the school board about development at United Business Park, located along Olde Scotland Road near Interstate 81 exit 24 in Southampton Township, Franklin County, and their hope to offer tax incentives through the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act.

Formed in 2002, the 350-acre business park is owned by the Cumberland Valley Regional Development Corp.

One of the most important things is to attract new businesses, bring new jobs and increase tax base, Nye said.

A LERTA allows businesses to pay lower taxes during development of the property. When completed, the developed property is taxed at a higher rate.

The school board granted LERTAs previously to companies like Georgia Pacific and Proctor & Gamble, but Nye said it is beneficial to have tax incentives in place when businesses first consider locating in Shippensburg.

Luhrs School

In a presentation on Luhrs School, director Steve Smith, second-grade teacher Rebecca Blahus and third-grade teacher Dawn Manetta talked about programs that enhance learning and have earned the school international recognition. Instruction focuses on the 4 Cs  critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity  they said.

Smith said Luhrs School is one of 130 lab schools across the United States.

It is located on the Shippensburg University campus, but is part of the Shippensburg School District, and is a collaboration of the university and the school district.

As a public lab school, we are expected to adhere not only to those (lab school) principles, but also to state standards, like any other public school, Smith said.

Other business

The board acknowledged the Released Time Bible Program, which is run by Joy El Generation, of Greencastle, for students in sixth to ninth grade, and tabled a decision regarding the waiving of facility-use fees for a bus driver CDL training class.

During public comment, resident Nathan Thomas asked whether the school district obtains clearances for drivers who transport children to local churches for the Bible program.

According to Superintendent Chester Mummau, churches that provide instruction and transportation are responsible for obtaining clearances.

Director Herb Cassidy said the situation is the same as when parents transport their children to church programs.

Theyre leaving school with parent consent, Cassidy said, referring to permission slips that are signed by students parents. The school releases the students with parent consent.

The CDL class would be held twice next year in an effort to recruit bus drivers.

Cassidy pointed out that fees are not waived for other groups even if their requests are beneficial to the district and its students.

Once we do this, Im going to have to support anyone who comes in (with a request) for the benefit of the kids, he said.
New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
September 29, 2016  Today, the DC Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) issued the nations first Environmental Impact Bond (EIB) to fund the initial green infrastructure project in its DC Clean Rivers Project, a $2.6 billion program to control stormwater runoff and improve the Districts water quality, creating a healthier future for District residents. This deal offers a new type of financial instrument to fund environmental capital projects.

The $25 million, tax-exempt EIB was sold in a private placement to the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group and Calvert Foundation. The proceeds of the bond will be used to construct green infrastructure practices designed to mimic natural processes to absorb and slow surges of stormwater during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing the incidence and volume of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that pollute the Districts waterways. CSO reduction has become an increasingly urgent environmental challenge as a result of climate change, which has increased the frequency and severity of intense rainfall events.

The EIB allows DC Water to attract investment in green infrastructure through an innovative financing technique whereby the costs of installing the green infrastructure are paid for by DC Water, but the performance risk of the green infrastructure in managing stormwater runoff is shared amongst DC Water and the investors. As a result, payments on the EIB may vary based on the proven success of the environmental intervention as measured by a rigorous evaluation. By financing this project through the EIB, DC Water seeks to create a model funding mechanism that other municipalities can leverage to advance the use of green infrastructure to address stormwater management in their communities.

As part of its green infrastructure program, DC Water is also undertaking an ambitious Green Jobs initiative that targets local workforce development and sustainable job creation, including training and certification opportunities for District residents interested in green infrastructure construction, inspection and maintenance.

Mark Kim, DC Waters Chief Financial Officer, said "This environmental impact bond represents the first time that DC Water has explicitly tied financial payments to environmental outcomes, in this case reducing stormwater runoff which causes the CSOs that pollute the Districts waterways.

DC Water Board Chairman Matthew Brown congratulated the financing team for creatively reducing project risk and funding an environmental program that is important to District residents. CEO and General Manager George S. Hawkins stated, This unique bond offering is the result of DC Water's relentless commitment to innovate and pursue every available avenue to provide the best service at the best price to our customers and to the greater community we serve.

Were thrilled to partner with DC Water to help pioneer this innovative financing mechanism that will not only benefit the community environmentally, but also stimulate local job creation, said Margaret Anadu, Goldman Sachs Managing Director who leads the Urban Investment Group. This first ever environmental impact bond will finance the construction of green infrastructure and support economic development in the District.

Calvert Foundation is excited to test the efficacy of green infrastructure in the District, said Investments Director Beth Bafford. This work is critical for residents in our hometown and has national implications for how to finance green infrastructure solutions to combat the effects of extreme weather on aged, vulnerable sewer systems.

"In launching a project that is the first of its kind in the nation, DC Water has opened the door for others to follow their example, said Dave Wilkinson, Director of the White House Office of Social Innovation. We are pleased to see another successful investment by the federal Social Innovation Fund, which is advancing Pay for Success strategies to scale better, more effective solutions for communities, to channel private capital towards positive impact, and to encourage innovative approaches that reward successful outcomes. Developed in part by a modest Social Innovation Fund award of less than $250,000, this project has helped make possible a $25 million green solution that will make neighborhoods healthier and more resilient while creating good jobs in the community.

DC Water would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following parties in launching the environmental impact bond: Public Financial Management, Inc. (Financial Advisor); Squire Patton Boggs LLP (Bond Counsel); Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (Technical Advisor); Quantified Ventures (Pay for Success Transaction Coordinator); and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (Investors Counsel).



###

About DC Water

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water), is an industry leading multi-jurisdictional regional utility that provides drinking water, and wastewater collection and treatment for millions of visitors, residents and employees in the District of Columbia, and also collects and treats wastewater for a population of 1.6 million in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.

DC Water's service area covers approximately 725 square miles and the enterprise operates the world's largest advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 384 million gallons per day and has a peak capacity of 1.076 billion gallons per day.

About the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group

Established in 2001, the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group (UIG) deploys the firm's capital by making investments and loans that benefit urban communities. Through its comprehensive community development platform, UIG is a catalyst in the revitalization of underserved neighborhoods. UIG has committed over $5.0 billion, facilitating the creation and preservation of over 20,700 housing units - the majority of which are affordable to low, moderate and middle-income families - as well as over 2,000,000 square feet of community facility space and over 6,100,000 square feet of commercial, retail, and industrial space.

About the Calvert Foundation

Calvert Foundation is a global impact investing institution that offers investors an accessible way to invest for social and environmental good. More than 15,000 investors have invested a total of $1.2 billion through Calvert Foundation since 1995, supporting affordable housing, education, health, job creation, access to capital, and climate solutions.

Press Contacts:

DC Water: Pamela Mooring

External Communications Manager

(202) 787-2089

pamela.mooring@dcwater.com

Goldman Sachs: Leslie Shribman

Media Relations

(212) 902-5400

leslie.shribman@gs.com

Calvert Foundation: Andrew Parrucci

Marketing

(301) 280-6074

andrew.parrucci@calvertfoundation.org
/NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES./

VANCOUVER, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Eureka Resources Inc. ("Eureka" or the "Company") (TSXV: EUK) announces that it has terminated the balance of its previously announced $420,000 private placement of up to a maximum of 3,000,000 units at the price of $0.14 per unit (the "Offering"). The Company closed on a first tranche of $147,000 of the Offering on September 9, 2016.

The Company further announces a new private placement of up to 3,500,000 units (the "Units") at the price of $0.10 per Unit (the "New Offering") with each Unit consisting of one common share and one half a share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share for $0.15 per share for two years from the date of issuance of the warrant. There is no minimum number of Units being offered.

The proceeds of the New Offering will be used for exploration on the Company's Gemini property located in the western Lida Valley, Nevada, USA. Gemini is located in Esmeralda County in south central Nevada, approximately 40 kilometres (26 miles) from North America's only producing lithium mine at Silver Peak and for working capital. The exploration program has a revised budget estimated at approximately US$400,000 Eureka's share being 50% or US$200,000.

There is no material fact or material change about the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

All share purchase warrants issued under the New Offering will be subject to an acceleration clause which will cause the warrants, if unexercised, to expire on the date which is 30 days after the date that the volume weighted average trading price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange exceeds $0.35 per share over a period of 10 consecutive trading days.

All securities issued in the New Offering are subject to a four-month hold period, during which time the securities may not be traded. The New Offering is subject to regulatory approval.

How to participate in the Offering

To participate in the New Offering, interested investors must complete the applicable subscription agreement and return the completed subscription agreement along with a certified cheque or bank draft for the total purchase price payable to Eureka Resources Inc., at Suite 1100-1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6E 3V6. A subscription agreement may be obtained by contacting the Company directly at (604) 449-2273 or by e-mailing info@eurekaresourcesinc.com. Participation is subject to available space and is at the discretion of the Company. Interested investors are encouraged to return completed subscription agreements promptly using commercial couriers or priority post. For additional information, please contact the Company directly at (604) 449-2273.

About the New Offering

The New Offering will be completed to accredited investors and friends, family and close business associates pursuant to National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions and to suitably advised investors pursuant to B.C. Instrument 45-536 Exemptions from Prospectus Requirements for Certain Distributions through an Investment Dealer.

All securities issued in the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period, during which time the securities may not be traded. The securities described herein have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Act or unless an exemption from registration is available. The Offering is subject to regulatory approval.

About Eureka

Gemini Lithium Project

Eureka owns a 50% participating interest in the Gemini lithium brine project ("Gemini"), located in the western Lida Valley, located in Esmeralda County in south central Nevada, approximately 40 kilometres (26 miles) from North America's only producing lithium mine at Silver Peak. Gemini currently consists of 247 placer claims totaling 4,940 acres (2,000 hectares). Gemini is located in a flat, desert basin hosting two interpreted sub-basins and with a similar geological setting to the Clayton Valley. Recent geophysical work at Gemini has outlined conductive zones interpreted as brine horizons, which the Company plans to test by drilling.

In August 2016, Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp. ("Nevada Sunrise") granted Advantage Lithium Corp. (TSXV: AAL, "Advantage") an option for Advantage to earn a 50% interest in Gemini as part of a transaction involving 5 lithium properties, including Gemini. Upon exercise of the option earn-in by Advantage, Nevada Sunrise would relinquish its 50% interest in Gemini, and retain a 2% gross overriding royalty in the Nevada Sunrise interest in the Project. On September 21, 2016 Eureka signed a 50-50 definitive joint venture agreement with Nevada Sunrise on Gemini.

FG Project

Eureka has held the FG Property (formerly called Frasergold) since 1982. To date, over $15.0 million of exploratory work has been completed by the Company, ASARCO, AMOCO and Hawthorne Gold Corp. The historical exploration has established a Measured and Indicated (376,000 ounces) gold resource at an average grade of 0.776 g/t gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t, and an Inferred gold resource (634,900 ounces) at an average grade of 0.718 g/t gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t. Mineralization has been outlined over a strike length of 3 kilometres, and has the potential for additional mineralization that could extend along an interpreted strike length of over 10 kilometres. Details of the gold resource can be found in "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Frasergold Exploration Project, Cariboo Mining Division, dated July 27, 2015" available on SEDAR or at the Company's website. The Company recently granted an option to Canarc Resource Corp. (TSX CCM). ("Canarc") which provides Canarc the ability to earn a 75% interest in the project.

John R. Kerr, P.Eng., is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information described in this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's proposed financing, objectives, goals or future exploration plans at the Frasergold Project, and the business and operations of the Company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE Eureka Resources Inc.
Vancouver, September 29, 2016 - Avarone Metals Inc. (CSE: AVM) (Frankfurt: W2U1; WKN: A14SVX) (the "Company" or "Avarone") announces it has completed its quotation process in the United States, and its common shares are currently trading on the OTC Open Market under the trading symbol "AVRTF". Given the approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Company is now proceeding with Depository Trust Company (DTC) eligibility, which, barring any unforeseen delays or concerns with the Company's application, is expected to take approximately 3 to 4 weeks to complete.

"Being quoted on the OTC Market increases our access to, and visibility among, retail and institutional investors in the United States. It will also provide additional liquidity for existing shareholders and new investors alike," commented Marc Levy, Chief Executive Officer of Avarone.

The Company's common shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol "AVM".

About OTC Markets Group

OTC Markets Group's financial markets provide investors with the information necessary to intelligently analyze, value, and trade 10,000 U.S. and global securities through the broker of their choice. Their markets empower companies to provide the levels of transparency necessary to create more efficient markets. Together with their SEC regulated Alternative Trading System, OTC Link(R) ATS, the combined transparency and transactional efficiency creates a compelling trading experience for investors. For more information on the OTC Markets Group, please visit www.otcmarkets.com.

About Depository Trust Company

The Depository Trust Company (DTC), a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation DTCC, manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Securities that are eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through the DTC are considered 'DTC eligible". This electronic method of clearing securities speeds up the receipt of stock and cash, and thus accelerates the settlement process for investors.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,



Avarone Metals Inc.



Marc Levy

Chief Executive Officer



For more information, please contact the Company at:

Telephone: (604) 669-9788

Facsimile: (604) 669-9768

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the

Canadian Securities 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. We seek Safe Harbor.


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Production may be cut by 740K barrels

By Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY Network

Oil prices jumped Wednesday after reports that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had agreed to slash production at a conference in Algiers.

If it sticks  and that's a big if  an accord could help ease the global glut of oil that has washed over the world in the last two years.

OPEC member countries agreed to slash production by about 740,000 barrels per day to 32.5 million, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing anonymous sources.

Allowable production figures by country will be determined at OPEC's official meeting in November, according to the newswire.

"The efforts to build a consensus have been exemplary, and I very much hope that the constructive, accommodating and encouraging nature of our recent talks carries on today," said Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar's ministry of energy and industry and president of the OPEC Conference, according to a copy of his prepared remarks.

The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil, the U.S. benchmark, soared 5.3% to settle at $47.05.

It's not all good news for energy companies. OPEC's actions come after the market for crude oil has remained depressed for a longer-than-expected period.

"Back in June, the prospects suggested that the market would re-balance by the end of this year or in the first half of 2017," Al-Sada said. "However, there are now serious questions being asked regarding this time frame, with many agencies and analysts pushing the re-balancing further into the future."

Goldman Sachs analyst Damien Courvalin on Tuesday lowered his fourth-quarter forecast for oil from $50 per barrel to $43 per barrel.

The industry has been awash in crude output after the energy boom in the U.S. and the renewal of production in Iran following the lifting of nuclear sanctions. As Saudi Arabia repeatedly refused to pull back, the commodity has suffered sharp declines.

An OPEC deal could help. But the member countries are notorious for quietly breaking agreements to squeeze out more revenue.

"History suggests that cuts are only poorly enforced, even by core OPEC members such as Saudi, Kuwait and the UAE, unless they are demand driven as in that case, weak refinery demand enforces compliance," Courvalin said Tuesday in a research note.
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By Michelle Gaitan of the San Angelo Standard-Times

Image is everything, even if it's a deception.

"Why do presidential candidates lie? For one, they have too," said Deanna Watts, of Angelo State University's Department of Political Science and Philosophy. "We build more on image than we do on the authority and the legitimacy of the offices."

Watts was one of five presenters Wednesday during an ASU panel discussion titled "Presidential Lies: Deception and the Presidential Election," which examined why people lie and the gains and losses incurred from tweaking the truth.

During her presentation, "Presidential Campaigns and Public Expectations: Promises and Power," Watts discussed embellishments candidates make about themselves that lead to high expectations, and a decline in civic education among voters.

"The other reason  they can," she said about why candidates lie. "We don't understand our government."

"You can't hold a government accountable or politicians accountable or candidates accountable if you don't understand the office that they're trying to win," she said.

The panel discussion followed on the heels of Monday night's first presidential debate between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Along with Watts, four other ASU faculty members were on the panel.

Drew Curtis, of the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work, opened with "All Lies: Overview of Deception," and told a near-full house in the Houston Harte University Center's C.J. Davidson Conference Center that people learn to deceive around age 3.

They learn to lie to get things they want and or to avoid consequences, he said, using his daughter who tried to deceive her mother to get dessert  as an example.

Citing research by Bella M. DePaulo, a professor of psychology at the University of California in Santa Barbara, Curits said on average a person tells two lies a day.

Lies vary from social everyday lies to more serious lies with greater consequences. Lies are universal, but when it comes to the presidency, honesty has always been viewed as important  even above intelligence, leadership and experience, Curtis said.

Cheryl Stenmark, of the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work, focused on deception among leaders with her presentation, "Leadership and Deception: When it Works and When it Doesn't."

"If we take what we know about leadership and deception and apply it directly to the leader of the county, either way deception is bad news," she said. "Because, best case scenario, the deception is viewed in positive light, and then we end up with a culture that has normalized deception and accepts deception as a viable means to an end."

"Worst case scenario, the deception is perceived in a negative light and the followers  the citizens of the country  cannot trust the leader and extends that distrust to the government and potentially the country as a whole."

Connie Heimann, of the Department of Biology, presented "Why We Deceive: A Biological Perspective" and remarked that "deception at its heart is a miscommunication or a misleading communication."

Deception in nature is to secure food, avoid predation, secure reproduction and gain social advantage or reduce social conflict, she said.

Communication requires cooperation and coordination. It's a paradox: For deception to work, honesty has to come first and the deception to get what you want has to be pretty rare, she said.

Jesse Taylor with the Department of Mathematics ended with a presentation titled "Making Numbers Lie."

To disseminate information to the public, politicians often use infographics and charts in a certain way to tell a specific story, Taylor said.

Numbers lend legitimacy to something, he said, and it is important to remember politicians always have an agenda.

"You have to ask yourself, 'why are they doing this?' and 'where do the numbers come from?' " he said. "We have a lot of political tension in this country that I believe is in no small part to due to misinformation," he said. "Both sides think they have the facts, and both sides have lies."

During the question-and-answer portion, the panel refrained from introducing their opinions into the conversation when an audience member asked about any deception that came out of the presidential debate.

The panel consensus supported the idea that voters must not rely on information presented to them, but make a concentrated effort to find out the truth.

The next presidential debate is scheduled Oct. 9 at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
A Rochester, New York, man stole a car left running by its owner and led officers on a chase that spanned multiple counties Wednesday, according to police in Carlisle.

Police said James Haines, 40, took the vehicle from the 600 block of Franklin Street. After taking it, he crashed into another car at the scene before fleeing.

He was spotted, and police began a pursuit that crossed over into Dauphin County, according to police. After crashing the vehicle, police said Haines fled on foot, but was ultimately apprehended by officers.

Haines was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, DUI, and recklessly endangering another person.

He was arraigned on Wednesday at the Cumberland County Prison where hes currently being held after failing to post bail. A preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Birbeck is scheduled for Oct. 5.
There are few experiences that connect modern travelers to Americas past than on a train. Our resident humanities scholar recounts his journey west in preparation to tell the story of the man called both "The Empire Builder" and "The Devil's Curse."
Several governors are using nonprofits to get themselves elected and promote their agendas once in office -- without ever having to disclose where the money came from.
to the unopened cafe where equipment is still being unboxed, everything about the Williamson Campus of Columbia State Community College feels brand-new. And it is. The Tennessee school, located in a Nashville suburb, is the newest community college campus in the state.But in August, a week before the first semester started, administrators were already worried about overcrowding. The three-building campus was about to welcome 1,800 students, far more than originally planned. In the run-up to the new year, college director of communications Amy Spears-Boyd was advising students to allow themselves plenty of extra time to get through the crowded campus. Im really thinking you need to get here about 45 minutes early, she told one incoming freshman. Im worried about you not getting a parking spot.All across Tennessee, community colleges are seeing record numbers of students this fall, thanks to a simple but sweeping promise from the state: free college education for everyone. This is the second school year that incoming college freshmen in the state can attend community college without paying any tuition, thanks to the Tennessee Promise Scholarship Act of 2014.The promise of free higher education has become a popular idea of late. Last year, President Obama unveiled a plan to make community college free across the nation. The Americas College Promise proposal would federally fund 75 percent of community college tuition, with states ponying up the rest. In July 2015, Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, then introduced Americas College Promise Act of 2015, incorporating Obamas plan into legislation. It has yet to go anywhere.But Tennessee was the first place to act. With a conservative Republican governor and an even more conservative legislature, Tennessee doesnt often align with the policy proposals of the Obama administration or liberal Senate Democrats. But universal college access is a goal that seems to bridge partisan divides. In fact, Obama hailed Tennessees program as a model, and he traveled to Knoxville to announce his national college proposal.Free college is a straightforward notion, but a complicated one to implement. Figuring out how to structure the plan was a challenge, as was convincing conservative lawmakers to fund what many of them considered an entitlement program. Whether the initiative is a success -- and how campuses are going to handle the influx of new students -- wont be known for years. But for now, says Gov. Bill Haslam, who was the architect and chief proponent of the plan, the state had no choice but to act. The rising cost of higher education was making college unattainable for more and more students. We are either going to give these kids a second chance now, or I dont know when we will, Haslam says. These kids keep getting left behind.Haslam had first experimented with free higher ed as the mayor of Knoxville, where he served two terms before being elected governor in 2010. His Knoxville Achieves initiative began offering free tuition to the areas three community colleges in 2008. Funded by philanthropic donations, it offered scholarships to lower-income Knoxville students to help them go to college with no tuition costs.As governor, Haslam wanted to expand the Knoxville program statewide. The state already had the HOPE scholarship, a lottery-funded scholarship that helped defray expenses at all public colleges and universities in the state. But it hadnt had an impact on who was actually enrolling in higher education, Haslam says. Weve had the HOPE scholarship for eight years, and we werent increasing the number of Tennesseans who were going to college, he says. We were making college affordable for the middle- and upper-middle-class families. But we werent actually expanding the number of students going to college.The way to accomplish that, he believed, was a blanket promise of tuition-free community college for every student in the state. In addition to increasing enrollment, Haslam saw the initiative as a chance to shift Tennessees reputation in the education and business communities. We havent always been thought of as the most educationally advanced state, he says. Increasing the number of college grads in the state, he believes, could attract new businesses and boost the state economy.He sent a proposal to the legislature, where several members balked at what they saw as a government handout. Haslam agreed that he didnt want the state to simply say, Heres another free thing. So he and other lawmakers added conditions and requirements to the plan. Students would have to attend informational meetings while still in high school. Once in college, theyd have to complete eight hours of community service per semester, stay enrolled full-time and maintain a 2.5 GPA. That way, the Promise program wouldnt just get more students in the door. It would, they hoped, also be a way to boost student achievement.Perhaps most crucially, Tennessee Promise was designed as a last-dollar scholarship, meaning that the money only kicks in once a student has exhausted all his or her other options for scholarships, HOPE money, financial aid and federal grants. Lawmakers compromised on how to fund the program, which costs about $34 million a year. Some of that money comes from existing lottery reserves, and some comes from funding cuts to the HOPE scholarship, with students at four-year universities receiving about $250 less per semester. The Promise program went into effect in fall 2015.Because its structured as a last-dollar program, Promise varies widely in terms of what it pays out to students. George Van Allen, the president of Nashville State Community College, says he has seen awards to students as low as $14 and as high as $2,000. But overall, he says, the program has been a boon to students who might otherwise have had to forgo college. And its had a positive effect on the schools themselves. The governor has made it clear that community colleges are a critical part of the educational system, Van Allen says. This has impacted the morale of community colleges. Theres a sense of importance that has never been associated with two-year colleges.the promise of free college as a good thing, a step forward in ensuring opportunities for more students. But there are some drawbacks and restrictions to the Promise program. For one, it only applies to graduating high school seniors, meaning older nontraditional students -- who make up the bulk of enrollment at many community colleges -- wont benefit. And while theyre often billed as a way to help low-income kids go to school, last-dollar programs like Promise tend to help middle- and upper-middle-class students the most, since the poorest students already qualify for other federal aid, such as Pell Grants.The full-time enrollment requirement is another hurdle for many students. Free tuition certainly makes college more affordable, but tuition is hardly the only cost a student incurs. There are textbooks, fees, transportation costs, living expenses and other unforeseen needs. For many lower-income students, the only way to pay for all that is to work full time. That can be difficult to do while also attending school full time, not to mention the Promise programs mandated volunteer hours.Those and other strains can cause students to drop out or delay graduating for years. Nationally, 29 percent of students in two-year community colleges obtain a degree within three years. For students in the Knoxville precursor to Tennessee Promise, the rate was lower: Only 23 percent of students who graduated from high school in 2011 and enrolled in college through the Knoxville program had graduated by 2014.Community colleges tend to have open-door policies, meaning theyll accept any student, whatever his or her academic background. You got a 10 on the ACT? Come on in, well take you, says Shanna Jackson, associate vice president for the Williamson Campus at Columbia State. But a low score on the college readiness test means that student is bound to struggle with college-level classes. As Jackson says, We have to put more resources into supporting students not just with academics but with balancing the real-life aspect of going to school -- making sure students arent dropping a class they arent doing well in, for instance, since theyll lose their scholarship.To that end, Tennessee Promise provides support to help ensure each student is equipped to maintain her scholarship status. Every Promise student is assigned a mentor during their senior year in high school -- a volunteer who helps students through the application process. This year, the state also began providing some counselors to Promise students on a few college campuses, making sure they are keeping up with their volunteer hours and maintaining full-time enrollment, along with any other hurdles they have to clear.Despite the challenges, the Promise program has already proven extremely popular. The number of students filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a prerequisite for anyone seeking Promise funds, has skyrocketed. For the past two years, Tennessee has led the nation in FAFSA applications, with 70 percent of high school seniors filling one out. Enrollment in community colleges statewide rose about 6 percent in the programs first year. In some pockets, the increase was even more dramatic. Within the five-school Columbia State system, which now includes the just opened Williamson County campus, full-time enrollment shot up 23 percent last fall. First-year retention numbers are promising, too: Retention from the fall to the spring semester was around 80 percent.(Those enrollment spikes prompt questions about other potential challenges down the road. Is the state prepared to invest in additional professors and administrative staff? Will campuses need to expand -- or will more new campuses need to be built -- to accommodate an increasing student population? Mike Krause, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, says the uptick in enrollment will actually level out what had been sagging rates at the states community colleges. But overcrowding is definitely on the states radar, he says. We have provided funding pools for campuses specifically to address Promise student success.)The idea of free higher education -- and the role that community colleges play in the higher ed system -- may be at a tipping point across the country. Were watching it happen now, says Martha Parham, with the American Association of Community Colleges. Since Promise, more free or low-cost community college programs have been cropping up every week. Oregon started offering free community college with a last-dollar scholarship this fall. Minnesota passed legislation to provide free tuition to high-demand technical schools also starting this fall. The Kentucky Legislature passed a bill similar to the Tennessee Promise this year, although it has been put on hold by Gov. Matt Bevin.Van Allen, the Nashville State Community College president, says these different initiatives are the beginning of a profound rethinking about the value of community college within the pantheon of higher education. Its not in our middle-class culture to send kids to a community college -- parents still want to send their kids to a four-year university for that full college experience, he says. But as long as governors and presidents keep talking about the importance of community college, its going to happen eventually.Thats fine by Cassie Trabucco. A freshman at Columbia States Williamson Campus, Trabucco says she knows exactly what she wants for her career. Shes already an experienced choral and theater performer -- shes been in 39 shows and musicals so far -- and she wants to further her career with classical training. After two years at Columbia State, she plans to transfer to a liberal arts school with a strong theater program. But she refuses to borrow money to pay for that education. This isnt a profession where you want to be in a huge amount of debt, she says.Trabucco -- like a growing number of other students -- sees community college as a way to get my general education classes out of the way before focusing on the courses she really wants to take. And having Promise funds to cover tuition, she says, has given me peace of mind that I dont have to go and waste money at a conservatory for just my general education classes.For Gov. Haslam, the Promise program doesnt just help students like Trabucco. Its also an investment in the states future, an attempt to help bridge the gap that has made higher education an unattainable goal for many in the state. You cant argue that income inequality isnt a big issue, no matter your politics. It simply is, he says. Some people think we can tax our way out of that, or redivide the income pie. I would say that our best hope of getting out of this is giving equal opportunity to education.
Rick Snyder understands the importance of raising money. Since taking office, the governor of Michigan has gathered funds for all manner of political and policy ventures. Often he has found that the handiest vehicle for his efforts has been a type of nonprofit group known as a 501(c)(4).Back when he was pondering a presidential run, Snyder used a 501(c)(4) as a de facto exploratory campaign committee. More recently, his 501(c)(4) gave out $1,000 checks to more than a dozen legislative allies who looked potentially vulnerable. He used another group like this to pay for public relations help amidst the Flint water crisis.All of these Snyder creations have one thing in common. They dont disclose the names of their contributors. Legally, they dont have to. (Snyders office, like those of other governors, declined to comment for this article.)Electoral politics has been all but overrun in the past couple of years by 501(c)(4)s and other vehicles that enfeeble the idea of contribution limits and free up outside groups to influence the course of campaigns with virtual anonymity. Now they are being used heavily between election years as well. Incumbent officeholders are finding that 501(c)(4)s, inelegantly named after a section of the tax code, are excellent ways to advance their personal agendas. They may not meet the definition of slush funds, but some of them come close.Most of these nonprofit groups set up by elected officials outside the election process operate under an entirely different set of rules from those that apply during a campaign. They officially list themselves as social welfare organizations, and most 501(c)(4)s indeed used to be charities set up to advance a specific mission of public benefit -- the Sierra Club promoting environmental policies, for instance.But it turns out that the definition of social welfare can be stretched by these groups to serve purely political purposes. The only formal requirement is that political activity not make up the majority of their work. But that rule is almost never enforced. The IRS not only doesnt ask 501(c)(4)s for the identities of their contributors, but it also isnt curious about what the groups are up to. Thats why the media has dubbed such operations as dark money.Its almost de rigueur in many states now for governors taking office to set up 501(c)(4)s to help defray inaugural expenses. Then they go on to use the groups to raise serious dollars to promote their goals through television and digital advertising, lobbying and donations to other politicians. They are increasingly being used to support policy agendas and keep them on the table, says Susan MacManus, a political scientist at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Its a way of showing the legislature that you have a lot of influence over an issue.In an era of permanent campaigning, the task of raising millions never ends. Over the course of a single week this summer, Turnaround Illinois, which is associated with and partially funded by Gov. Bruce Rauner, spent more than $1 million on ads promoting the idea of legislative term limits. Two governors -- Charlie Baker of Massachusetts and Nathan Deal of Georgia -- have allied groups as partners promoting their education initiatives on ballots this fall. None of these governors is on the ballot next month.Theres certainly nothing new about friends of a governor -- or aspiring friends of a governor -- helping to promote his causes. But its new for governors themselves to be setting up campaign-type organizations that collect and disburse large amounts of funds to further their own priorities. We have elected officeholders very closely involved with outside groups that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to promote their agendas, says Chisun Lee, a senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.In a way, its a relatively risk-free move for donors. Rather than supporting a candidate who may or may not be elected, they can devote their money to helping someone who is already in office. And the majority of these groups are indeed dark money operations: Only a few states impose their own disclosure requirements. Putting regulations in place -- assuming theres interest in doing so among the political class -- could be even trickier than crafting workable campaign finance regulations. The lines get blurrier and issue advocacy enjoys strong and explicit protection under the First Amendment.But secret money and politicians make for a combustible mix. The key question is how expansive these groups can be while staying within the bounds of the law. The answer, so far, is: very expansive. To the extent that the public has reservations about unlimited contributions to political campaigns, there are good reasons to be concerned about unlimited contributions to groups pushing a governors agenda. This is a frontier, says Robert Maguire, political nonprofit investigator at the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks campaign finance. This is going to be a very attractive avenue for any interests in the state that have business before these politicians, but want to keep their spending out of the eyes of the public or the people theyre trying to influence.Purely charitable organizations, known as 501(c)(3)s, dont have to disclose their donors, but they are severely restricted in terms of lobbying and political activity. Political action committees can do pretty much whatever they want in the political realm, but they have to disclose donors. The beauty of 501(c)(4)s is that they allow people and corporations to have an impact on politics and policy and to do it anonymously.Their influence over elections is clear. The full amount spent this year by 501(c)(4)s wont be known for months after the voting, but a lot is certainly a fair estimate. Back in 2006, these groups spent about $5 million on election campaigns. By 2012, they were spending more than $300 million. Political donations by outside groups have not only grown dramatically over the past decade but have also become far less transparent.In state elections in 2014, according to a recent Brennan Center study, only 29 percent of political spending from outside groups was still being done by organizations legally required to disclose their donors. That was a precipitous drop from nearly three-quarters of such spending being out in the open back in 2006. Looking at six states, the study found that dark money spending increased on average by a factor of 38 over eight years. In Maine, the amount rose from a mere $16,000 in 2006 to $1.6 million in 2014. In Arizona, the equivalent jump was from $600,000 to $10.3 million. By late summer, three out of every four ads sponsored by outside groups for the 2016 campaigns were paid for with dark money, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.In the Citizens United era of virtually unlimited political spending, donors are used to throwing large amounts at campaigns. Theres an outside group for everything. Theres an advocacy group devoted to electing Republican agriculture commissioners. Through a political action committee known as Safety & Justice, liberal billionaire George Soros has put hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past year into district attorney contests in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico, among other states.Once it became so simple to raise and spend money in elections, it was only a small additional step to use the same tools in the policymaking arena. The idea got its first big tryout with Organizing for America, a nonprofit group that spun out of President Obamas campaign arm and helped push his legislative goals early in his first term. That attracted the attention of ambitious governors. A 501(c)(4) can spend 100 percent of its money advocating, Maguire says. There are no limitations, like there are when theyre engaging in elections.The ability of a governor -- or technically speaking, a 501(c)(4) associated with the governor -- to throw around money lends weight to his promises and his threats. Turnaround Illinois and its unfettered amounts of dough have helped turn the legislature into a more partisan place, complains state Rep. Jack Franks. The money, its very intimidating to many folks, he says. It doesnt allow for any compromise because if youre in the center and compromising, you become a target.Like several other big-state governors these days, Rauner is a millionaire many times over. He and other rich governors such as Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania have put substantial amounts of money into 501(c)(4)s themselves. But they can still raise money from other interests. For less wealthy governors, raising outside money is usually the only option. In some cases, the governor has a clear and close relationship with allied 501(c)(4)s. Tom Willis, a top aide to Deal in Georgia, left Deals staff to run a 501(c)(4) called Georgia Leads, which is supporting a ballot measure favored by the governor next month to allow the state to take over failing public schools. The group has taken in five-figure checks from beer distributors, AT&T and the Hospital Corporation of America, among others, according to TheIn some instances, 501(c)(4)s operate at arms length from the governor, or at least keep enough distance to allow him to maintain plausible deniability. Early in his term, college friends of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie set up a group called Committee for Our Childrens Future, which spent $5 million burnishing his image and pushing his proposals. If they are out there helping me, I say thank you very much, Christie said during a news conference in 2011. But I have nothing to do with the group. I dont raise money for them.In Massachusetts, Gov. Baker does not have direct control over groups that are currently pushing a measure on the November ballot to expand charter schools, but they are clearly following a course that he has set. Its hard to say that any of these 501(c)(4)s are Baker-operated, but two of his top operatives are very involved in running the pro-charter school campaign, says Maurice Cunningham, a political scientist at the University of Massachusetts Boston. All of it, every last penny, is dark money.Governors know it looks bad if their rich friends or big companies are seen giving them or allied groups large checks, or if they appear to be hiding substantial donations. Thats why so many of them find dark money groups appealing. Sometimes, they use a unilateral disarmament defense. They say that deep-pocketed political foes are using 501(c)(4)s to spend heavily against their ideas, so they need to deploy outside groups as a countervailing force. People are starting to understand that 501(c)(4)s are a mechanism that can actually educate constituents, says Rick Thompson, a former Georgia ethics commission director who has worked as a consultant to Deal. Educating the constituency does not mean that they support you.If governors, with all their power and their command of the bully pulpit, need separate multimillion-dollar organizations to get their messages out, that threatens to raise the price of admission for everybody. In August,reported that current and former officials in the University of Alabama system were running a dark money nonprofit. The university system is barred from making political donations, but it had used the group to funnel more than $1.4 million into the political process. That figure included $541,000 directed to a political action committee.The University of Alabamas nonprofit is a 501(c)(6), a status meant to be used by professional associations and business leagues such as chambers of commerce. Over the past few years, the university has separately paid some $245,000 to a marketing company owned by Jon Mason. Masons wife, Rebekah, has been identified publicly as the mistress of Gov. Robert Bentley.Last year, a 501(c)(4) called the Alabama Council for Excellent Government, or ACEGOV, was founded to advance the agenda of Gov. Robert Bentley, with two of his aides listed as incorporators. The purpose of the nonprofit is for us to be able to get our message out somewhat unfiltered, Bentley said. In March, Rebekah Mason revealed that ACEGOV had paid her $15,000 in 2015 for consulting services.Weve seen this with a lot of super PACs and other political organizations, says Lee Drutman, the author of. They actually end up being ways for consultants and organizers to get very rich, raising a lot of money to pay themselves.When he was recorded talking about the possibility of selling the appointment to Obamas vacant Senate seat after the 2008 election, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich floated the possibility of getting the new presidents allies to kick in $10 million or $15 million toward a 501(c)(4), so I can advocate health care and other issues I care about and help them, while I stay as governor. He said it would also give him a place to go when he was no longer governor.Its clear that contributions to a nonprofit associated with a particular politician can present the potential for corruption. But from a policy standpoint, the bigger issue is whether 501(c)(4)s distort the regulatory and lawmaking process. Rather than personal enrichment, the concern is usually that donors with business before the government might receive a more favorable audience because they have written six- or seven-figure checks to an officials advocacy group. Politically interested parties are spending millions of dollars pushing particular policies, and most of the time the public has no way of finding out the source of those dollars. That, in a democracy, is unacceptable, says Cunningham, the Massachusetts professor.If the secrecy involved with 501(c)(4)s does lead to a backlash, disclosure requirements will have to come from the states. The IRS has made clear it will not change its policy and begin challenging such groups, even if they have pledged not to engage in significant political activity and then do exactly that. If this does become the norm at the state level, its going to become a lot harder to do anything about it, says Maguire of the Center for Responsive Politics. Theres very little that will ever happen to such groups in terms of oversight and discipline.Legislative attempts to regulate 501(c)(4)s have generally been left on the cutting room floor. New York this summer became an exception. As part of an ethics package enacted at the end of the legislative session in June, 501(c)(4)s that spend at least $10,000 per year on issue advocacy have to file reports with the state attorney general -- reports that must reveal the identities of donors who give $1,000 or more. We are strengthening disclosure requirements so we know exactly where and from whom this dark money flows, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.He should know how important that is. Before it was disbanded, a Cuomo-aligned 501(c)(4) called the Committee to Save New York raised some $17 million. In its heyday, it ran numerous TV ads touting the governors agenda and was the biggest lobbying spender in Albany.
A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld Alabama's ban on transfers between political action committees, saying it didn't affect a political group's ability to make independent expenditures.The three-judge panel ruled that the law didn't prevent the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC), which sued to overturn it, from raising the funds to support its activities."The ban does not limit the amount of money the ADC can raise; it only limits the ADC's ability to raise money through a specific type of donation -- PAC-to-PAC transfers," said the opinion, written by U.S. Circuit Judge Beverly Martin. "Moreover, the ban does not directly affect the ADC's campaign contributions or independent expenditures. The ADC can continue to make unlimited contributions and independent expenditures."The Alabama Legislature in 2010 approved a law that banned PACs from moving money to other PACs. Known as a PAC-to-PAC transfer, the practice was often used to hide the source of money given to individual candidates or groups. The ADC challenged the ban on freedom of speech and due process grounds.In a statement, Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange praised the ruling."The PAC-to-PAC transfer ban has been instrumental in limiting campaign corruption while adding greater transparency to the elections process," the statement reads. "I am pleased the federal appeals court upheld the constitutionality of this important law."Joe Reed, executive director of the ADC and a longtime leader of the Alabama Education Association (AEA), said Tuesday the decision would make it harder for his organization to raise money."Not only ADC, it's going to be harder for everybody," he said.After the law passed, the ADC created two separate bank accounts, one dealing with independent expenditures and the other aimed at political contributions. The ADC challenged the ban in 2011, arguing that in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 ruling in Citizens United, which struck down campaign spending limits by independent groups, the state of Alabama couldn't regulate those contributions."It was an effort to curb the amount of money that we could transfer," Reed said Tuesday. "It was aimed at organizations like the AEA, the ADC, organizations that really were out trying to influence legislation for the good of the common people."A lower court initially ruled in favor of the ADC, but an appeals court reversed the decision, saying the ruling in Citizens United applied only to groups making independent expenditures and not organizations like the ADC, which engage in independent spending and direct contributions to candidates.The district court upheld the ban, arguing among other items the ban didn't promote a state interest or that the state had a strong interest in banning the practice. Attorneys for the state argued Alabama's interests were promoting transparency and preventing corruption. The ADC also argued that because it kept its expenditures in separate bank accounts -- and because Citizens United said independent expenditures don't create the appearance of corruption -- the state had no compelling interest in its accounts tied to campaign expenditures.The appeals court disagreed with that, upholding the lower court's ruling that because the ADC controlled the accounts without any clear organizational separation between the two, the state had an interest in regulating them."The District Court properly recognized that the PAC-to-PAC transfer ban served the State's anti-corruption interest as applied to the ADC's account for independent expenditures," Martin wrote.Ed Still, an attorney for the ADC, said Tuesday the organization hadn't decided whether to pursue an appeal.
Most of the heaviest rain from the morning has already pushed north out of the region with some of the highest totals up to two inches of rain that occurred since last night over our southern counties.

The rain has tapered to a drizzle and occasional showers for this afternoon as we see a break from the rain. As of 4 p.m., the National Weather Service lifted the flood watch for Cumberland and Perry counties.

Another surge of moisture is possible late Thursday evening as the low continues to sit and spin, cut-off from the Jet stream. This spinning motion will throw more moisture at us from the Atlantic Ocean and along the Jersey coastline with some pockets of heavy rain arriving as early as the evening commute in Lebanon and Lancaster Counties.

Up to an additional inch of rain is possible with off-and-on showers Thursday night and Friday. A consistent easterly breeze will add to the ugly conditions.

It will be cool, damp, and breezy through Friday night. Highs will be in the 60s. Clouds will also hang around for the weekend before the low departs.

Lingering drizzle/showers stay in the forecast on Saturday before a somewhat drier outlook on Sunday.
The answer is apparently not blowing in the wind. At least not in Wyoming. At least not for the state's Republican-led Legislature, which has spent months looking for ways to close a multimillion-dollar gap in the state budget.Roiled by declining revenue from the trifecta of fossil fuels -- oil, coal and natural gas -- state lawmakers this spring turned their attention to a relatively untapped source of energy in Wyoming that is clean, abundant and suddenly in demand: the big winds that blow down from the Rocky Mountains.The plan, advanced by an interim joint revenue committee, was to raise the state wind energy production tax -- the only such tax in the nation -- to help pay for important school construction projects. Yet instead of finding new revenue, lawmakers in the conservative state found controversy and, finally, rejection.Last week, after listening to five hours of testimony from wind companies, business groups and local communities opposed to the tax increase, the revenue committee voted overwhelmingly to kill the idea.By doing so, they pleased wind advocates but made it harder for Wyoming to balance its budget."I don't know what we're going to do now," said Michael Madden, the House co-chairman of the committee who had supported the plan.In a voice vote, the committee, which spends the summer and fall deciding what measures it will sponsor when the full Legislature meets during regular session in January, voted overwhelmingly against moving forward a bill that would have raised the production tax to $3 per megawatt hour of electricity produced. The current tax is $1 per megawatt hour.Madden said the increase would have raised almost $40 million in revenue after completion of a new project that will have as many as 1,000 wind turbines and generate as much as 3,000 megawatts. That project, called Chokecherry and Sierra Madre, would be the largest wind farm in the nation.Forty million dollars would hardly close the budget gap, which has now grown to at least $200 million, but Madden and others say multiple new revenue sources, and spending cuts, are going to be needed.Opponents, however, have said that expanding the wind industry is more important than short-term tax revenue.Not a single supporter of the tax increase testified during more than five hours of discussion at a field hearing, held Thursday in Buffalo, Wyo., Madden's hometown.The Power Company of Wyoming, which is developing Chokecherry and Sierra Madre and began road construction for the project this month, was joined at the hearing by business groups, contractors and local leaders from Carbon County and the town of Rawlins, where the new project would be built.The groups repeated what they had said in individual meetings with lawmakers and Gov. Matt Mead over the summer: raising the tax could make wind companies reconsider whether to do business in Wyoming, even though experts say it has some of the strongest and steadiest winds in the nation.They argued that they already plan to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in property and sales taxes, and that uncertainty over the production tax would make it hard for them to negotiate price agreements with utilities.The major target market for the Power Company of Wyoming is California. That irks some supporters of the tax increase who say giant turbines will forever alter the rural identity of wide-open Wyoming."It looks like there's nothing in it for the state of Wyoming and everything in it for the consumers of California," Madden said, referring to the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre project.The state's tax crunch has prompted whispers of a solution far more radical than taxing the wind. Some economists and others say Wyoming, no matter how business-friendly it aspires to be, will eventually have to consider instituting an income tax. The idea even came up briefly at the hearing last Thursday. Madden, himself an economist, did not express support."That," he said in an interview, "would cause an armed conflict around here, I think."
Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Wednesday that eliminates the 10-year statute of limitations on rape -- a concern that emerged last year as dozens of women stepped forward to accuse actor Bill Cosby of rape but were unable to pursue criminal charges.The new law will not help the women in the Cosby case, however, because it applies to rapes and sexual assaults committed after the legislation takes effect Jan. 1.Victims groups praised Brown for signing the bill, which they said will ensure that those who need more time to report their crimes are still able to seek justice."California is telling victims of rape we stand behind you and there is no timeline for justice," said state Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino (San Bernardino County), who authored the bill, SB813.Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents dozens of the women accusing Cosby, pushed for the legislation to end what she called an arbitrary timeline to report sexual assaults."There is no statute of limitations on the devastating effects I have endured for two decades," said one of Cosby's accusers, "Casey," who joined her attorney, Allred, at a hearing in April at the state Capitol. She did not give her real name.Allred said she hopes other states will follow California in eliminating their statute of limitations."The passage of this new law means that the courthouse doors will no longer be slammed shut in the face of rape victims," Allred said in a statement Wednesday. "It puts sexual predators on notice that the passage of time may no longer protect them from serious criminal consequences for their acts of sexual violence."But opponents of the bill, including law professors, public defenders and the American Civil Liberties Union, warned that the change threatens a justice system that ensures that people accused of crimes have the ability to defend themselves."The statute of limitations on the prosecution of criminal charges has been a bedrock protection in our legal system since the founding of our nation -- and for good reason," a group of 62 current and former criminal law professors wrote to the governor to ask him to veto the bill.The professors, including Ty Alper, associate dean at the UC Berkeley School of Law, wrote that eliminating the statute of limitations could lead to wrongful convictions or slow the prosecution of sex crimes by removing an incentive for law enforcement and prosecutors to act quickly.Criminal statutes of limitations date back to colonial times, the professors wrote, to ensure people accused of crimes have the ability to mount a defense by collecting evidence and finding alibis.Natasha Minsker, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Sacramento office, said state law already allowed for extending the statute of limitation in cases where DNA evidence became available. She said she worries prosecutors will pursue cases based on a witness' memory in a decades-old case."We know memories change over time," Minsker said. "That's how people are wrongfully convicted."Supporters, like San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, said the bill does not change the burden of proof needed for a conviction, but instead allows prosecutors to pursue cases they can prove. The state Senate and Assembly unanimously approved the bill last month."We think this will aid in allowing sexual assault survivors to come forward and report their crimes to police," said Christine Ward, executive director of Crime Victims Action Alliance in Sacramento. "There are so many reasons a victim of sexual assault doesn't come forward at the time or soon after. This allows for justice to prevail."Brown signed the bill ahead of Friday's deadline to act on legislation. Brown also signed a bill by state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, that creates a new standard of proof for proving a wrongful conviction, which supporters said will help those seeking a new trial to prove their innocence.Other bills signed Wednesday allow people who are serving sentences in county jails for low-level felonies to vote and require ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to do comprehensive background checks on their drivers.
On Tuesday, in the morning, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC departed Brisbane for an official visit to the Gold Coast.

Following, at The Parklands Project, Southport, the Governor officially launched Gold Coast Open House 2016, addressed guests and toured a Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games athletes village prototype apartment, before returning to Brisbane.
Description

GIS - 29 September 2016: The Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Mr Anil Gayan, called on Mauritians to take responsibility for their health and well-being by adopting healthier lifestyle namely eating nutritious foods, exercising daily and avoiding risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. This appeal was made by the Minister yesterday a t the launching of activities at the Cardiac Centre in Pamplemousses in the context of World Heart Day 2016.

The Government has the obligation to provide access to healthcare but you, as individual, play an important role in maintaining your own health through more responsible attitudes and behaviours as a way to improve your health and quality of life, stressed Mr Gayan. He urged every citizen to avoid the leading factors contributing to the global burden of heart diseases which include high blood pressure, tobacco use, alcohol use, high cholesterol, obesity, and stress.

Commending the medical and paramedical personnel of the Cardiac Centre, the Minister expressed his gratitude for their dedication and hard work in catering for the increasing number of patients attending the only referral Centre for cardiac surgery in Mauritius. The Cardiac Centre saves lives and improves the quality of life of more than a thousand people every year, said Mr Gayan.

The Minister deplored the increase in the rate of heart diseases, and announced the decentralisation of cardiac services with the opening, soon, of another branch of the Cardiac Centre at Victoria Hospital. He recalled that the Trust Fund for Specialised Medical Care operates the Cardiac Centre, and invited those who wish to contribute to the Centres activities to make a donation.

For her part, the Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Specialised Medical Care, Ms Vijaya Sumputh, elaborated on the services provided by the Cardiac Centre as well as its numerous achievements. The main procedures performed at the Centre are angioplasty and bypass surgery, and more recently beating-heart surgery and it also caters for the training of young cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Mrs Sumputh added that in August this year, the Centre created a database on children with congenital heart defects in Mauritius and Rodrigues so as to improve patient care through early diagnostic and timely cardiac intervention and surgical repair.

She announced the forthcoming innovations at the Centre to improve the quality of cardiac care. These innovations consist of, among others, the acquisition of latest cardiac care technology, the setting up of an Electrophysiology Department for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmias) and an e-cardiac system which will be a compendium of patients suffering from heart diseases to allow their better follow-up.

World Heart Day, observed on 29 September annually, aims at raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases to reduce cardiovascular risks and improve heart health. The theme chosen this year is Creating heart-healthy environments in a bid to encourage people to make heart-healthy choices wherever they live, work and play. Activities scheduled by the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life for the occasion comprise an open day today when screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), talks by cardiologists and an exhibition on NCDs will be held. They also include sensitisation campaigns on cardiovascular diseases; and screening and health check-up for NCDs and their risk factors.
Description

GIS

29 September 2016:

The need for common action and stand on the part of policymakers, parents, educators and social workers so as to better protect the youth of Mauritius against the scourge of drug was stressed yesterday by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, at the opening of a three-day workshop on substance abuse and HIV-AIDS.

The three-day workshop on substance abuse and HIV-AIDS, being held at UCLAN University, in Ebene, is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the CONFEJES and the CJSOI. Some 20 participants are attending. Resource persons are from the CONFEJES and the CJSOI.

Participants are amongst others youth leaders, Youth cadres from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, officers from the Rehabilitation Youth Centre, volunteers from the Centre de Solidarite pour une nouvelle vie and Centre Idrice Goomanee, educators from the Fraternite Nord-Sud, National Youth Council, Probation Home and SOS Village.

In his address, the Minister observed that the Ministry has intensified its actions by organising several talks and prevention sessions throughout the country to sensitise young people on the harm caused by drugs.

He reiterated Governments support to help all stakeholders to bring to fruition their fight against social ills which young people have to face such as new drugs and health issues associated to the consumption of such drugs. Together, we will work tirelessly to develop the tools and strategies to better help young people, he stressed.

Speaking about the training, the Minister said that it materialises the determination of Government to lead a large scale fight against drugs and all types of deviant behaviours among young people. The participation of one and all is essential in this combat against drugs and HIV, he added.

For his part, CONFEJES programme Director, Mr Alexandre Yougbare, expressed conviction that at the end of the training participants would be better equipped to improve their strategies in the fight against all forms of substance abuse which constitutes a menace for youth of our countries.

Also present at the launching ceremony, the Secretary General of the CJSOI, Mr N. Pillay Samoo, said that it is imperative to protect our young people who are the most vulnerable against the scourge of drug which is gaining ground daily not only in Mauritius but also in countries of the region. This is why we have to mobilise all our energies to protect our young people by highlighting the dangers and effects of this scourge, he pointed out.

The workshop

The area of focus is Capacity building of youth organisations in the identification, detection and prevention of deviant behaviours. The objectives are to offer a platform to participants to acquire a better understanding in the identification, detection and prevention of deviant behaviours; as well as identify the different types of drugs and violence; and highlight the link between drugs and HIV.

It is expected that at the end of the training, participants would be able to act as facilitators in conducting training sessions on prevention among young people and thus lead actions on addictive behaviours at national or individual levels.
With the arrival of fall also comes the expectation of heavy rains and flooding. The swells of moisture can cause surface floods and flash floods, riverbanks that brim over, and sea surges spread across coastal cities. At best, its inconvenient, at worst, it turns tragic. In September alone two people died from severe flooding in Wisconsin, and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, city officials are still warning more than 10,000 evacuees not to return home. esri-brla-swipe-map.gif In fact, today flooding is so pervasive FEMA reports it as the most common natural disaster in the U.S. To alleviate impacts and improve recovery, Baton Rouge, La., and GIS mapping firm Esri partnered to launch a series of apps cities might consider to track flooding and inform residents during major weather-related events. Among these are a tracking app that offers near real-time mapping of flood zones, an app that locates open businesses and a swipe map that visualizes before-and-after images of inundated areas.The catalyst for the inventions came in the wake of severe flooding on Aug. 11. National news outlets chronicled the devastation that claimed the lives of 13 residents, damaged 40,000 homes, put more than 8,000 people in shelters and had some 70,000 people requesting for government aid. While the media spotlight has moved elsewhere, Baton Rouge residents expect to be in the recovery and rebuilding mode for quite a while.Warren Kron, GIS manager at the citys Department of Information Services, said he remembered the scramble to help residents. The rains hit on a Friday and gained force Saturday and Sunday. This sent first responders, many with affected homes of their own, darting to answer a barrage of 911 calls. While they had a rough idea, authorities didnt have exact information about the flood zones, what resources were available to help with the effort and the floods trajectories. This is where Kron and his team went to work.At the time, we didnt have much data in our hands, so we took what we had, which were a few 911 calls that were all clustered in one area of the parish and we used that to fill in some sort of estimated inundation area, Warren said. What we found as we gathered more and more data  like search-and-rescue call data, 311 calls for service and analyzing the 100-year flood area  we realized that we grossly underestimated the inundated areas on the first pass. So as the week went on, we kept compiling data and came up with something that we were pretty confident about the following Friday. br-flood-estimator.gif Warren and his fellow team members came up with a crowdsourced Web map that saw instant success. There was a boom in traffic with contributions sent in by both city staff reporting in the field and residents who were updating estimates. In the first 24 hours 20,000 people viewed the map, in three days this jumped to 30,000 unique users, and in the second week figures broke 80,000. Baton Rouge Director of Information Services Eric Romero said it was a welcome surprise.Initially it wasn't intended to be a collection mechanism, and to be honest, that's really our first foray into crowdsourcing, but once we put the map out there on Facebook, people started responding, Romero said. They give feedback like Hey, my area just flooded, and the map doesnt show this, or Hey, my house didn't flood, please take me off the map.Eventually this yielded a heightened accuracy into the number of flooded structures, which of those were residential, businesses or public facilities, and most importantly, the total number of people affected. Efficiency and effectiveness was drastically improved compared to past responses.I remember there were days [in previous natural disasters] at our [Emergency Operations Center], where we just had sheets after sheets after sheets of paper  and it's not just 8.5 x 11  it was big, 30-x-30, 42-x-42 sheets of paper that filled up rooms. We just had to keep printing maps, Romero said. Now, with Esri ArcGIS Online, we're still entering in that data, but as soon as we enter it in, it's immediately available.Esri, which has developed emergency management tools over the years for all varieties of incidents, has a Disaster Response Program that aided Baton Rouge and the state in their efforts to combat the flood. In addition to the swipe map, the business map and a precipitation map, the primary service provided was the ability to collect, combine and interpret the data.Chris McIntosh, Esris emergency management industry manager, said the company's goal is to serve the public with actionable intelligence.Through the Disaster Response Program, we assisted Baton Rouge in bringing all this information together and creating decision products that are designed for decision-makers at the emergency operations centers, he said. One of the key things they wanted help with was answering questions like 'What's going on with a certain business in the community? What's open? What's available?' And the best way to find that information out is through crowdsourcing.
Before open data became a catchphrase for innovation there was Data.gov, the first open data portal for federal agencies. Under the direction of President Obama and the guiding hand of U.S. CIO Vivek Kundra, the site went live in 2009. It was the first platform to deliver federal data to citizens, civic hackers, academics and anyone else seeking insights from government information.In the beginning, it could arguably be described as an experiment. Yet its growth soon became an inevitability as the Obama administration, along with bipartisan research and transparency groups, latched on to the site as a persuasive tool to drive policy with data. The site has gone on to publish more than 180,000 data sets from federal agencies, embracing a belief long held by successful companies like Google and Amazon that information supersedes the heated emotions and rhetoric of politics.Its this idea that fueled the presidents 2013 executive order urging agencies to make open data a default practice. Since then, the White House has leveraged technology and data to find solutions to a host of pressing societal problems. Some of these prominent works have included the Police Data Initiative, which partners with police departments to publish crime data, the Opportunity Project, which publishes open data apps to assist citizens, and coordination of the National Day of Civic Hacking, an event that encourages data-driven hackathons in communities in all 50 states.Yet its probable that the greatest gift that Obama will leave transparency advocates is a set of fundamental policy shifts. During his last term in office, he signed two defining pieces of legislation: The first law requires agencies to publish expenditures in a digital format, and the second holds agencies accountable for public record requests.The Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act), signed in 2014, established a historic precedent. Unlike most open data policies that merely encourage, this law mandates that officials publish finances online in a standardized, machine-readable format. Because of the bipartisan DATA Act, a host of financial information  including payments, procurement contracts, budgetary actions, monetary assistance and management reports  is all set to be published on Data.gov starting in May 2017.Similarly, in 2016, the president signed a bill that to transparency lobbyists represented a much needed update to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the nations first open public records law. On July 4, 50 years to the day after that law was passed, the president signed the FOIA Improvement Act, an amendment to the original that adds a presumption of openness to all records that are not protected or classified. The distinction places a burden of proof on the agencies that seek to withhold information to present a valid reason why records, if released, would cause foreseeable harm. Prior to the law, agencies could deny record requests from journalists, researchers and watchdog groups by citing FOIA exemptions without proof.
Why Web Accessibility Matters

Few Rules, Many Lawsuits

Clean, Simple Code

Making Forms Work

Think Like a Website, Not a Newspaper

The First Step Is Ownership

There Is No Such Thing as Perfection

Unplug your mouse. Now, try to log into your website and use your keyboard to navigate  try to fill in a form or download a document. How did that go? If you were on one of thousands of state, county or city government websites that are not accessible, it was probably quite a challenge.For reasons of practicality and efficiency, more and more government services are going online. But if the website is not accessible to people with disabilities  the countrys largest minority population  then millions of Americans are being excluded from vital civic services.Nearly 5 percent of the population is visually impaired, and more than 2 percent of Americans have severe limitations to their dexterity. One in six Americans has some level of hearing loss. Many of these people cannot access all the information a website offers without help, which ranges from relying on braille or screen readers to needing a color-blind-friendly palette.For those millions of Americans, plugging their mouse back in may not be an option. They rely on public websites to be able to work alongside their assistive technology. If it isnt compatible, they cannot log onto the services you provide. The idea that a person with a disability couldnt access a public building or space is unthinkable in 2016. Unfortunately our digital spaces are lagging behind.In 1998, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the international standards organization of the Internet, published the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines explained how a website should be coded and arranged to ensure it is accessible to persons with disabilities. In 2008, these were updated to keep up with technology and WCAG 2.0 continues to be the international standard for websites.Concurrently, here in the United States in June 2001, Section 508 was added to the Workforce Rehabilitation Act. This rule specified requirements for accessibility of federal agency websites, but these rules are now commonly seen as outdated and lacking in 2016.The target is moving as rules evolve. In July 2016 the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) called for public comment on final Web accessibility rules for state and local websites. These rules may be released in the next two years. Confusion reigns as of time of writing.In the meantime, lawsuits against state and local authorities continue unabated. The DOJ and the Office of Civil Rights use WCAG 2.0 as a standard, and in 2015 alone the DOJ took action against dozens of cities and counties across the country for Web accessibility violations, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to McLennan County, Texas.Regulations may be years away. So what can state and local website managers, IT departments and administrators do to make their websites more accessible?The first step to accessibility success is for designers and programmers to ensure clean, quality code. It should be W3C standards-compliant and use the tags and structures of each coding language for their intended purpose.Many sites may have been created using WYSIWYG software or may have been rushed to completion. The result is excessive or noncompliant code. This can hinder efforts to go back and make websites more accessible, and may be noncompatible for accessibility readers and special software. Even the biggest websites may have bad code that is overlooked by forgiving Internet browsers, but is not compliant with assistive technology.One of the most important functions of the modern government website is the ability to pull information from users via online forms. But if a form isnt clear and clean on the back end, it may not work for someone with a disability.Forms can be tricky. They may have to interact with a database or another form and require unforgiving pieces of code. See for yourself. Go to one of your online forms and try tabbing your way through (using the tab key to navigate to each box). You should be able to move from one box to the next in order and fill out the fields with a keyboard.If you jump around, go backward or miss sections entirely, then a person with a disability may have to abandon your form and pick up the phone. Then, a public employee will have to handle the call, possibly create a hard copy and mail it to the user. A couple of bad lines of code could not only dissuade a person with disabilities from using a cheap and efficient tool, but it could also be wasting a departments time and money.Web pages arent read like we read a book or article. Its not linear  information lives across a swath of pages, and users create their own path depending on what they need. We also skim-read online and look at the whole page as opposed as reading it from left to right, top to bottom.So to create an accessible site, one must approach a websites content hierarchy as a website, not as a newspaper. Headers are particularly important in this case  websites are constructed using header tags in descending order to organize the information. A good analogy to use is thinking of a city aquarium website. Consider how one would try and find where your kids favorite fish is located: Aquariumo Fish Saltwater Fisho Sharks Tiger Shark TankWe read and navigate websites like a bulleted list naturally, as do website readers and assistive technology, so its essential that website headers and page hierarchy are simply and correctly organized. If your website isnt correctly arranged, assistive technology may struggle to guide a user in a logical fashion.There are many more facets of a website that must be assessed to ensure they are accessible to persons with disabilities. It takes time, and it may mean a financial investment. But most importantly, Web accessibility needs to be owned by many people across an organization.To illustrate, think back 20 or 30 years and consider how your government managed making public physical spaces more accessible for people with disabilities. The construction and alteration of public buildings, and the additional renovations to the route of travel, took years to complete and are still a work in progress. Once old buildings were augmented, governments then had to ensure every new public building project thereafter was accessible. This seismic shift took many people, many hours and a more than a few dollars. It also took leadership. But we did it, and now people with disabilities can use public spaces across the country unimpeded.The overhaul of public websites is no different. It has to become part of the plan and part of the culture throughout a government organization. This is the right thing to do.A 100 percent accessible website is a very rare thing on the Internet. There will always be facets of a page that may not be accessible to every person, no matter how much time and effort is spent overhauling a website. We teach programmers and developers to understand that a site can be 100 percent usable without being 100 percent accessible. The most important lesson to take on board is that Web accessibility is a process rather than a project.Its also important to note that it takes a village to make a website accessible and governments shouldnt go it alone. There are a number of services and tools on the market that will monitor and manage website content to ensure old and new content is accessible.Governments need to begin to incorporate Web accessibility into every level of planning, training, hierarchy and culture of their organization. Its a case of continual quality improvement that will over time help more Americans log onto vital digital civic services.Access to public online spaces is a right, not a privilege, and we all must continue to fight for those rights the best we can.
(TNS)  Ever since Pennsylvania began using computerized voting machines a decade ago, critics have worried that hackers could throw an election by shifting votes from one column to another.But thats far from the only fear in 2016, a year when Illinois voter registration database has been hacked and Democratic Party emails were purportedly raided by Russian hackers.People have talked about Russia supporting Donald Trump, said University of Iowa computer science professor Douglas Jones, who co-authored a 2012 book about election security. But I think it would be to their advantage just to have a chaotic election, one that would weaken whoever won.  And if you wanted to cook an election, you dont have to do anything massive.In the 2000 presidential election, for example, irregularities from a handful of Florida counties put the nation in a monthlong limbo and cast a pall over the proclaimed winner, George W. Bush.Concerns this year are more likely to focus on Pennsylvania. Two-thirds of its counties, including vote-rich Allegheny and Philadelphia, use touch-screen voting machines for which there is no paper ballot. If a hacker corrupted or deleted those machines vote counts, there would be no physical ballots to reference.There are six or 10 states that very heavily use paperless touch-screen machines said Andrew Appel, a Princeton University professor who studies voting machine vulnerabilities. Of them, Pennsylvania is the biggest swing state.Those machines, perhaps ironically, were bought as part of a national initiative to restore faith in voting after the 2000 election. But researchers have found vulnerabilities in the new equipment, including the iVotronic system used by Allegheny and 23 other counties. In 2007, for example, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania determined that a hacker could disrupt the machines with a handheld electronic device and an ordinary magnet.I think it took us four or five minutes to reset the machines software with a Palm Pilot, said Micah Sherr, a Penn researcher who now teaches at Georgetown University. While shifting large numbers of votes without being detected would be difficult, he said, disrupting an election at certain precincts is a lot easier.Allegheny County elections chief Mark Wolosik took such concerns in stride.I dont want to have braggadocio, he said, but weve done extensive testing, and I havent seen any evidence that anything was tampered with.Among the tests: Before each election, a third-party firm pulls the firmware instructions hardwired into 20 randomly selected machines, comparing each line of code with an original version to ensure it hasnt been altered. All 4,600 machines run automatic trials to ensure they are tabulating correctly. Some are also tested manually.On Election Day, randomly chosen machines are selected for a parallel test in which an outside firm casts ballots to see how the machine counts them. Theres never been a problem, Wolosik said.The iVotronics maker, Nebraska-based Electronic Systems & Software, responded to interview requests with a statement touting security and performance standards that were developed by Scientists, Academicians and Election Officials.Dave Eckhardt credits Wolosik for going above and beyond what other people are doing. But the Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist is vice president of advocacy group Vote Allegheny, which has long been wary of paperless machines. The countys tests wont catch every attack, he said, and no other county is doing this. Most of the state is acting on faith.Motivated, trained people are attacking the U.S. every day, he said. Will they attack your countys machines? Probably not. But if they do, how prepared are we?Eckhardt and others prefer optical scan machines of the kind used in Indiana County. Voters there mark ballots by filling in ovals, like students taking standardized tests, and feed them into a reader. The physical ballot is retained, ready for counting in case electronic records are corrupted or lost.Weve never had a complaint about the system, said Robin Maryai, Indiana Countys chief clerk in charge of elections.Other officials using the iVotronic say they perform basic logic and accuracy tests, but not the more rigorous checks Wolosik oversees.I cant imagine our poll workers allowing someone to do anything behind the voting equipment, said Beth Lechman, Westmoreland Countys elections director. County officials check voting machine firmware, and while they dont conduct independent testing on Election Day, poll workers and county overseers provide a check-and-balance system, she said.Greene County elections director Tina Kiger said that while weve had very few concerns with the iVotronic, the county would consider buying optical-scan machines. That seems to be where things are going, she said.But the immediate priority is the existing machines. In light of the national hacks, the Department of Homeland Security offered to help states assess election threats, an invitation Pennsylvanias Department of State has accepted. The state has also sent advisories to county offices outlining recommended security practices. And Wolosik said his office will distribute more than 500,000 paper ballots to polling places in case of problems.Jones, the Iowa professor, said officials have to walk a tightrope, preparing for the worst without undermining public confidence.I get emails from the conspiracy fringe listing legitimate sources, including me, saying these arent potential weaknesses, but things that have already been exploited, he said.Even newspaper stories like this one risk sowing doubts when there is little time to address them.I dont mean to criticize you, Sherr said, but a few months before an election is a terrible time to write about this.
The song on the radio advertisement for a casino or some other establishment says I want money, thats what I want.

Is it okay to want it?

As we know, to love money brings us to the root of many evils. Its not about money being evil, having money being bad, or needing money making you someone destined for eternal suffering.

We have been given teachings meant to shape us into the way humans are to relate to others and to the material world. There are some things we absolutely must have. About these things we pray that we have what we need.

What might that be?

According to the Lords Prayer, we ask for our daily bread. We trust that the things we need will be provided for us. It is not something we are projecting into the future, but putting it front and center for today.

Meanwhile we fall into the false notion that we never have enough. We cling to the idea that we need more; more money, more food, more clothes, more gadgets. The list goes on.

Where is our faith? Is it in the notion that we have asked God to provide us what we need each day? Or is it caught up in the love and idolization of legal tender that makes us think we will never have enough? That kind of thinking can make life miserable.

To miss these points reflects how much of a crime is involved with loving money. The real crime might not be the toll it takes on us by worrying about our future. The real crime may be the way it affects others who are indirectly involved with us or who are in our path.

Being poor isnt a sin, yet many people treat the poor as if it were. We see this today, the poor and those on the margins of society struggling to get ahead, continue to be taken advantage of by people who dont have to worry about whether or not they can pay their rent next month.

The beatitudes might say Blessed are the poor, but that doesnt mean we leave them at the door to huddle with the dogs. Of course some humans are so inconsiderate of others that hanging out with a pack of strays just might be the better way at times.

Money can lead to crime, but it can also lead to power. True power in money isnt that it can buy you anything you want. The true power in money is that as long as we flee from the love of it, we can further our love for God and find contentment in a life lived in Holiness.

And when we are content in a Holy life, we are rich not with money, but rich in good works, we are generous, and we are ready to share. The more we share, the richer our lives, and the lives of others become. Its what we pray for, our daily bread.
The keynote address presented at the Lewis B. Puller Jr., Marine Corps League Detachment 524 Flag Retirement Ceremony Sept. 17 at the Army Heritage and Education Center:

It is my honor and privilege to speak to you this morning as part of the retirement ceremony for the Flag of the United States of America. Throughout my 30 years of commissioned service and the other 30 years of my life, the American Flag has represented and expressed the values that we collectively embrace as citizens of our great country.

If you are like me, you probably agree somewhat with the title of Robert Fulgums 2003 book, All I Really Needed to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten. Just as we have done earlier in this ceremony, our youngest school children learn to recite I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I am proud that the Republic, referred to in the pledge, began right here in Pennsylvania, in our city of Philadelphia. It began with a Declaration of Independence as we joined with 12 other colonies of our fledgling nation. Our commonwealth has been the site of numerous battles from the founding of the nation to the American Civil War, which President Abraham Lincoln said tested whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.

Such battles, campaigns, and the resulting victories have been validation of that great experiment for other nations and peoples across the globe. Our America is an ideal to which many populations aspire.

Our flag is often called the Stars and Stripes and its components hold deep symbolism: The Point of Honor with the Canton Field of Blue and 50 Stars, and 13 stripes alternating in red and white. Our flag is more than the sum of its parts. It is not one star nor just one stripe, but E Pluribus Unum  Out of many, one representing that out of many peoples, races, religions, languages, and ancestries have emerged a single people and nation  The United States of America.

As Americans, we should know that the aspiration of our Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence served as the basis for the first principles and compromises that became the United States Constitution in 1789. Recognizing even before its ratification in 1791 that the Constitution was an imperfect document, the U.S. Congress amended it with the Bill of Rights. Each of those 10 amendments has withstood the test of time through many challenges over the past 227 years. Just as our flag has 37 more stars than the original 13, our nation has added more amendments to its Constitution we are better and stronger than when we started.

I have traveled and lived in many countries; throughout my journeys, it is clear to me that our national flag is recognized and engenders respect from friends and adversaries, alike. It makes the statement of American values and principles that continues to endure through our contentious system of governance with its unique checks and balances. Even with our shortcomings, American citizens are envied throughout the world.

And for those seeking better lives for themselves and their children, our Statue of Liberty proclaims: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

And beside that door the lamp illuminates the American Flag.

Our flag serves as a rallying point for the United States Armed Forces: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Each service flag and unit guidon is subordinate to the American Flag. The Army seal bears the motto This Well Defend to signify, as with the other services, the constant readiness to defend and preserve the United States.

To do so, service members train at home, station, and deploy to accomplish domestic and international missions across the spectrum of conflict-from Peace to War. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen are separated from their loved ones and, as volunteers, they willingly place themselves at risk to protect the interests of our nation, our citizens, and our allies.

The American Flag is wherever its service members are posted  in lands and countries that are in stark contrast to the values, principles, and blessings that we citizens enjoy on American soil. I have witnessed reveille and retreat with the respective raising and lowering of the American Flag throughout my many tours of duty: at West Point and here at Carlisle Barracks, in Seoul South Korea and in Heidelberg Germany, in Soto Cano, Honduras at Joint Task Force Bravo and in Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia at the Headquarters of Task Force Eagle.

Wherever the America Flag flies, it is a clear statement of our ideals and values  such a statement is important at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Headquarters in Mons Belgium as well as the United Nations Plaza in New York City. It is a statement of commitment to our allies and partners, as well as a statement of watchful diligence to our current and potential adversaries.

We should and must recognize many forms of service. In addition to our military, we have citizens who serve within local, state, and federal government agencies. In our communities, we have first-responders in the police and fire departments as well as emergency medical teams and those members of civic organizations  all which proudly fly the American Flag.

Here in Carlisle Borough, groups like the Boy Scouts of American place small American Flags at the gravesites of veterans. You can see those flags at the old cemetery on South Street where Molly Pitcher is buried. You can see American flags honoring the service of veterans of the United States Colored Troops regiments. They are placed at the gravesites of African-Americans at the Union Cemetery on Franklin and G Streets.

As we celebrate national holidays in our Carlisle Borough, we have Color Guards from the posts of the Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion that proudly carry Old Glory during parades. For those holidays, the Sunrise Rotary and Exchange Clubs of Carlisle emplace American Flags that line the streets leading to our historic town square.

With the anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 (earlier this month), we have indelible images of a defiant and resilient American Flag raised atop the rubble of the World Trade Center site in New York City and draped on the side of the Pentagon. In a time of shock and sorrow, Our Flag provided strength and resolution  This Well Defend!

From our Carlisle Barracks family, I have attended funeral celebrations of the lives of our local veteran  retirees who have served in the Second World War, The Korean War, and The Vietnam War. The American Flag covered the caskets of Army retirees Col. Jim Price, Col. Le Crenshaw, and Maj. Don Schultz. That same American Flag has honored those who gave the last full measure of devotion during our current War on Terror. The magnitude of service and sacrifice is clear as one visits national cemeteries, like at Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania and particularly, Section 60 in Arlington, Virginia.

Sacrifices have come from young men from Carlisle Barracks  they were teens in my on-post neighborhood; Sgt. Andrew McConnell and Sgt. Patrick Hawkins are among other Cumberland County service-members that we remember  Sgt. 1st Class Randy Shughart, Staff Sgt. Kimberly Voelz, Sgt.Timothy Hayslett, Petty Officer 3rd Class John Fralish, Lance Cpl. Nicholas Morrison, Master Sgt. Scott Ball, Maj. Wesley Hinkley, Maj. Gen. Harry Greene, and most the recent, Sgt. Adam Schoeller.

Their Gold Star families received the folded American flag accompanied by words, On behalf of the President of the United States ... and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved ones honorable and faithful service.

With todays Flag Retirement ceremony, we acknowledge the symbolic service of these faded and worn pieces of cloth. I do not know where each flag has been flown or displayed, but I am certain that these flags were recognized for the nation and the citizens they represent. More important, they were recognized for the values and principles that continue to instill pride in those who serve under its Stars and Stripes.

In closing, please stand and recite with me, once again, the Pledge of Allegiance as we retire these faithful servants. I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you and May God Bless America.
The driver 'silly season' is still bubbling away in the F1 paddock.

The biggest seats still up for grabs are the ones at the works Renault team, who have told Kevin Magnussen he faces a longer wait for news.

One rumour is that Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz could head to Enstone in an elaborate deal involving cheaper engine deals for the Red Bull-owned teams.

"There's been a bit of interest, a bit of contact," the Spanish driver admitted in Malaysia.

"It's an honour to have some interest from a manufacturer team that wants to develop the car and create a good base for the future," Sainz added.

"At the moment, I have full trust in Toro Rosso," he said.

"I don't have enough information about Renault to know if they're going to perform next year, or if it's going to take two or three years," added Sainz.

Another driver linked with Renault has been Sergio Perez, who on Thursday sounded increasingly impatient about the hold-up regarding his future.

"My deals are quite complicated because of my sponsors," the Mexican, who is thought most likely to stay at Force India, told reporters.

"At the moment I am just considering one team. There are some other options on the table but I hope it works out with one team and if it doesn't by next week, we will have to look at something else," Perez added.

(GMM)
Three of the 21 grands prix scheduled for 2017 have been given only provisional status on the newly-published race calendar.

On the whole, there are few surprises and no new hosts on the schedule, with June's Baku race set to clash once again with the fabled Le Mans.

But Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly unhappy with organisers of Montreal's popular race, and the FIA confirmed the Canadian grand prix's provisional status.

However, race spokesperson Sandrine Garneau-Bel insisted: "We aren't worried at all. It's business as usual for us.

"We have been working on the 2017 grand prix for some time. We asked for the date of June 11 and that's what we got," La Presse quotes Garneau-Bel as saying.

However, promoter Octane did admit that tickets for the Montreal race are yet to go on sale because of "negotiations" with Ecclestone.

Another uncertain race is Hockenheim, with Ecclestone said to be negotiating for semi-promotional rights to safeguard the German grand prix.

And even Brazil has provisional status, amid rumours it is delayed circuit upgrades that are casting doubt on the Sao Paulo race.

In a statement, organisers of the Interlagos event said they are "surprised" with the provisional status.

"There is a valid contract until 2020 and it will be rigorously complied with, as has always been the case in these last 45 years," Brazilian media quoted the statement as saying.

(GMM)
India to invest $2 billion in Sri Lanka

Published: September 29, 2016

India is going to invest 2 billion dollars in Sri Lanka in the next three-four years. It was announced by Union Minister for State (MoS) Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to Sri Lanka.

She had visited Sri Lanka for talks on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) to discuss the terms of the agreement.

About Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA)

ETCA agreement seeks to boost cooperation in scientific expertise, technical areas and research amongst institutions between India and Sri Lanka.

It also seeks to boost standards of goods and services to compete on global market and improve opportunities for manpower training and human resource development.

The ETCA initiative follows unfruitful negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between two countries.

Objectives of ETCA: (i) Strengthen and advance the economic, trade, investment and technology cooperation. (ii) Promote further liberalization of trade in goods, trade in services and gradually establish transparent, fair and facilitative trading, investment and investment protection mechanisms (iii) Establish a cooperation mechanism and expand areas of economic cooperation.

Background

The bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka in 2015 was 4.6 billion dollars, of which Indian exports were valued at about 4 billion dollars and Sri Lankan exports 645 million dollars. India and Sri Lanka already have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) since 1998.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2016

Topics: Business  Economy  ETCA  India-Sri Lanka  Trade

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For Donna Little-Kaumo, Thursday presented her with something she hadnt faced during her 10 years in Green River.

Thursday morning, the state received an email detailing a wide-reaching bomb threat involving multiple state and local government buildings, as well as unnamed schools.

There are 50 pounds of RDX and PETN plastic explosives hidden across 40 Wyoming schools, and 10 schools have had their fire sprinkler systems filled with napalm, the anonymous email stated. Today Wyoming will be turned to dust.

A message from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security sent to school d...
State wants more access to Fontenelle water

A proposal from Gov. Matt Meads office would result in access to more water in the Fontenelle Reservoir, but requires the reservoir to be drained during construction.

Representatives from the state hosted a meeting Monday evening to discuss an upcoming study about the proposal.

The proposed project is one of many reservoir projects the state is interested in pursuing, all of which are part of the states water strategy, which was originally released in 2015.

The Fontenelle project would armor the lower portion of the reservoir with material, allowing for access to an additional 80,796...
A couple who pleaded no contest to charges related to the death of their infant have both been scheduled for sentencing hearings.

Its been more than two years since the death of the infant, but now Jacob Anthony Triplett, 28, and Amanda Dawn Triplett, 26, both of Rock Springs, are scheduled to appear in the Third District Court of Judge Nena James for a sentencing hearing.

Jacobs two-day sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place Oct. 24 and 25, while Amandas is set for Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. until noon.

Jacob previously pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, three counts of a...
We realize safety is a major concern, however that doesnt mean we should shut everything down the moment a threatening email is received. We think cooler heads could have prevailed Thursday, especially when looking at the email from a logical perspective.

Hiding 500 pounds of plastic explosives across 40 schools across the state would take an impressive amount of coordination. Couple that with filling 10 school fire-sprinkler systems with napalm, hiding 650 pipe bombs in government buildings, 50 sets of C4 explosives at Cheyenne Regional Airport and hiding one thermobaric bomb in one...
Recently I got a note from a reader of these columns who lives in Warren, Ohio. He had seen conflicting reports about next years insurance premiums. The man was skeptical of an article he had read, which reported that insurance premiums are cheaper than they were in 2010, and that the Affordable Care Act will cost $2.6 trillion less than estimated. Somehow that didnt compute with what he had read about premiums going up.

He was right to be skeptical, and his comments are important because they zoom right in on the spin thats been circulated by various interest groups that want to p...
Union Cabinet approves Closure of Hindustan Cables Limited

Published: September 29, 2016

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for closure of Hindustan Cables Limited (HCL), Kolkata as per the provisions of Companies Act, 1956/2013 and other relevant Acts.

Besides, Cabinet also approved infusion of 4,777.05 crore rupees towards payment of salaries and conversion of loan into equity etc.

The employees of HCL will be offered attractive VRS/ VSS Package at notional 2007 pay scales. The assets of company will be disposed in terms of the guidelines of Department of Public Enterprises on time bound closure of sick or loss making CPSEs.

Background

HCL was established in the year 1952 with registered office located at Kolkata.

It was set up to cater to the needs of Government-owned telecom companies BSNL and MTNL for manufacture of telecom cables.

It had four manufacturing units at Rupnarainpur (West Bengal), Naini (Uttar Pradesh), Hyderabad (Telengana) and Narendrapur (West Bengal).

The company was not able to cope up with changing time as due to rapid change in telecommunication technology (wire-line to wireless) demand for telecom cables has been drastically reduced.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2016

Topics: Business  Cabinet Decisions  Economy  HCL  National

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A massive recall of sleep apnea machines is expected to drag into next year. That's caused frustration for U.S. patients and led federal officials to consider rare legal steps to speed the replacement effort. Dutch manufacturer Philips has recalled more than 5 million machines worldwide due to foam that can deteriorate, releasing potentially harmful byproducts. While customers were supposed to receive new machines within a year, the company says shipments will continue into 2023. That's left many U.S. patients to choose between using a recalled device or trying other risky remedies. U.S. regulators have warned they may take the unprecedented step of ordering Philips to step up its effort.
The University of North Carolina was once a bastion of segregation. Today, the school takes account of race to make up for that history and to increase the number of Black students and other underrepresented minorities on campus. Its affirmative action program, using race among many factors to build a diverse student body, is similar to plans in place at other selective public and private institutions. But a Supreme Court that's twice blessed race-conscious college admissions programs in the past 19 years now seems poised to restrict their use or outlaw them altogether. The court is hearing two such cases on Monday, involving UNC and Harvard. They're the nations oldest public and private universities, respectively.
GREENSBORO  Greensboro native Elizabeth Grady won round trip airfare for two from Los Angeles to Nassau, Bahamas and a seven-day stay at Breezes Resort & Spa in Nassau on an episode of The Price is Right that aired Wednesday.

She also won two Vilano Bikes and two Pro-Tec Street Lite Bike/Skate Helmets.

The experience on The Price is Right was above all else surreal," Grady, a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, said via email. It is something I've watched on TV since I was really little.

On the long-running game show hosted by Drew Carey, contestants selected from the studio audience compete to identify accurate prices of merchandise to win cash and prizes.

While working in Los Angeles and living near CBS studios this summer, Grady went online and requested tickets.

Grady called the show a great opportunity to experience.
A carousel originally envisioned for downtown will instead be built at the Greensboro Science Center.

The Rotary Club of Greensboro will finance construction of a new custom-made carousel at the science center, to honor the clubs 100th anniversary in 2017.

The club has been searching for the proper way of recognizing our 100 years and the contributions that our Rotary has made to the quality of life in the city, said Bernie Mann, president and publisher of Our State magazine and a leader in the Rotarys carousel effort.

Mann noted that the 310-member club has helped to finance Rotary projects around the world.

Here is a chance to do something that will bring joy and pleasure to our own community and a sense of pride that we made this happen, Mann said.

The club has raised about $750,000 in pledges and commitments toward the $1.5 million project, Mann said.

It plans to contract with Carousel Works in Ohio to build it. Mann said he hopes that it will be ready by the end of 2017, but that 2018 is more likely.

The club will donate it to the science center, a nonprofit that works in partnership with the city. The city owns its Lawndale Drive property; the science center will manage the carousel and retain revenues.

Three years ago, the Rotary Club had planned to partner with Senior Resources of Guilford on the carousel project.

They hoped to locate it downtown, alongside a planned building for Senior Resources at the corner of Church Street and Friendly Avenue. The Weaver Foundation had donated the 4-acre lot for the structures.

It was a difficult time to try to raise $9.5 million to finance both the carousel and the Senior Resources building, Mann said.

Senior Resources bought another building. The Rotary Club looked at other potential carousel locations and eventually turned to the science center.

The Greensboro Science Center is doing amazing things, Mann said. We thought that it is the proper place to put it.

The science center has renovated and expanded its offerings in recent years and has plans for more.

Last year, it opened a treetop-adventure course called SkyWild and renovated Kids Alley into SciPlay Bay, with undersea and STEM technology.

Its expanded Wiseman Aquarium is expected to open late this year or early next year. Construction to change its dinosaur gallery to Prehistoric Passages is underway.

Design will begin in November on The River Gorge, which will double the size of its existing zoo.

Glenn Dobrogosz, science center president and CEO, plans for the carousel to launch the Battleground Parks District project. The 400-acre area includes the science center, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and Country Park.

He envisions the carousel at the top of a hill overlooking the lake, part of an artscape with rock and botanical features.

It will be housed in an octagonal structure, customized with partial solid window walls and drop-down garage-style doors with windows, so that it can operate year-round, Dobrogosz said.

The Nov. 8 city bond referendum will include $5 million to design and build new or upgrade existing park facilities within the Battleground Parks District.

But the carousel project will proceed regardless of whether voters approve the bonds, Dobrogosz said.

The science center, Guilford Battleground and Country Park already get nearly 1 million visitors a year, he said. The carousel and the new Battleground Parks District have the potential to attract more.

We need to capitalize on that, and the carousel is one way of doing that, Dobrogosz said.

Although the design is not finished, the wooden carousels features will reflect Greensboro and its history in its upper exterior panels and figures.

Perhaps instead of horses, Mann said, some figures could be mascots at local colleges and universities.

Our goal is for the carousel to not just be a ride but tell a story about our community, Dobrogosz said.

In addition to Mann, Rotarians John Rosser, Ray Covington and Burney Jennings lead the project. Its fundraising, design and logistics committees work on the details, with help from the city and the science center.

Meanwhile, Senior Resources proceeds with its own plans for a new location for its services to older adults.

In November, it purchased a building at 1401 Benjamin Parkway that formerly housed the Greensboro Orthopedic Sports and Rehabilitation Center.

Guilford County property records show a sale price of $1.86 million.

Senior Resources had outgrown its 12,000-square-foot space in the Dorothy Bardolph Human Services Center at Church and East Washington streets. In January, developer Marty Kotis bought the Bardolph center from the city.

The agency is renovating the Benjamin Parkway building and looks forward to relocating there in 2017, Executive Director Ellen Whitlock said.

We are looking forward to having more space and 21/2 acres of land and over 100 parking spaces, Whitlock said. There will be a lot of advantages for people who have enjoyed the Bardolph building as well as new individuals.

The Weaver Foundation retains ownership of the 4-acre lot at Friendly Avenue and Church Street, foundation President Kevin Gray said.

In 2006, the foundation bought the land from Duke Energy for $1 million and earmarked it for future community development.

Students at Elon University Law School park on the site. A city contractor replacing water lines stores equipment there, and the National Folk Festival used it for operations. All use it without charge, Gray said.

Since plans for the carousel and Senior Resources building there didnt pan out, the foundation hasnt made any other plans for the land.

It is our hope and intention to still gift it to the community when the right project comes along, Gray said.
        :         ,     FIR    
The Guilford County Board of Commissioners held a work session Wednesday to discuss the idea of opening an on-site wellness clinic for employees.

The board has held a few of these work sessions in recent years despite apparently having no interest in pursuing said clinic. But! The county's HR benefits manager presented some employee health stats, gleaned from a free biometric screening, that I thought were interesting.

(Blogger disclaimer: I like numbers, but I also just had a biometric screening to get an insurance discount through the News & Record, so I have a more immediate frame of reference for these.)

Anyway, here's what she told the board.

The county's health-care claims costs have been increasing steadily over the past few years. In 2014, claims totaled $29 million, which increased to $31 million last year. The projected cost this year is just under $32 million.

The free biometric screening was offered to county employees in February, and 1,954 - or 94 percent - participated.

1,526 employees had elevated blood pressure. Of those, 1,112 (56.9 percent) were pre-hypertensive, and 414 (21.2 percent) were hypertensive. The average blood pressure was 126/82, higher than the national average of 122/78. (Recommended blood pressure is 120/80.)

In a non-fasting glucose test, 63 employees were classified as pre-diabetic and 61 were classified as diabetic. Nationally, the average percentage of people with readings outside the normal glucose range is 2.21 percent; Guilford County had about twice that. Diabetes, according to Campbell, is the disease that most commonly drives up costs in the county's health plan. "That's true year after year," she said. It was NOT clear how many of those employees knew they were diabetic or pre-diabetic before participating in the screening.

Body-mass index (BMI) readings showed that 647 employees (33.1 percent) are classified as overweight, and 987 (50.5 percent) are considered obese. The average BMI among county employees was 31.4. Nationally, that average is 28.4. (A "normal" BMI is anything between 18.5 and 25.) It's worth noting that BMI - which assigns a person a number based on their height and weight - is widely considered an unreliable measure of health. (One reason is that muscle weighs more than fat, so body builders, for example, typically have high BMIs but are obviously in good health.)

565 employees (29 percent) classified as borderline to high risk based on total cholesterol readings, and 890 (45 percent) classified as high risik based on their ratio of good to bad cholesterol. The national average of high-risk individuals is 40 percent.

Some things to consider - Campbell did not have state averages, which are most likely more comparable to the recordings in Guilford County. (National rankings, as Commissioner Ray Trapp pointed out, include super-healthy populations that don't reside in the South, where health tends to be, on the whole, poorer.)

It's unclear whether commissioners will revisit the wellness clinic idea, but it seems unlikely to advance in the near future.
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STAMFORD  Years before the opening this week of Stamford Hospitals new building, the $450 million project already figured into the business plan of the nearest neighborhood pharmacist.

The prospect of the new building led John Ciuffo to open Cornerstone Pharmacy at 134 Stillwater Ave. in August 2013, after a successful stint as director of operations of a specialty pharmacy near the New York University medical center in Manhattan.

I moved here because I knew what was going on, said Ciuffo, who is both owner and pharmacy manager of his business. I moved in when the whole thing was starting. I liked that relationship of being close to a medical center.

The arrival of Cornerstone Pharmacy exemplifies the close relationship that the hospital maintains with many of the businesses in its surrounding West Side neighborhood. In a section of the city full of restaurants, grocery stores and other independent establishments within walking distance of the hospital, merchants see the debut of the new building as an auspicious development.

Since the hospital is expanding, more people are coming to the hospital, which brings more business to us, said Heather Uva, co-owner of Westover Pizzeria at 234 Stillwater Ave.

The 13-floor, 650,000-square-foot building will significantly expand the hospitals operating capacity. The new Emergency Department can accommodate more than 100,000 visits per year, compared with about 54,000 visits in the old complex. The hospitals total number of beds will remain at 305, with about 180 situated in the new structure.

Its good for us because well get a lot of business from them, said Pasenty Mousa, co-owner of Stillwater Sandwich Shoppe at 242 Stillwater Ave. Lots of families (of patients) from the hospital Google us and find out about us.

Yanile Cepeda, owner of Stamford Deli Grocery LLC at 10 Fairfield Avenue, said that her family has been closely following the construction of the new hospital complex. She said that her brother, Juan Cepeda, plans to open within the next three months a deli/grocery a few hundred yards from the hospital, on Spruce Street.

We think the new building will be good because itll increase the business around here, Yanile Cepeda said. There will be more service for the people around here. Its an advantage for the community.

The restaurants around the hospital have served for years as popular hangouts for hospital employees, who can walk within a few minutes from their posts to those destinations. Westover Pizzeria offers a 10 percent discount to hospital employees.

Doctors and nurses come in to pick up a quick slice, Uva said. Ambulance drivers will stop here. Theyll get a call in the meantime, well keep their food hot for them and they can come back and grab it.

In the past three years, Cornerstone Pharmacy has developed a steady supply of customers from the hospital.

I think Im a convenience to the emergency room and a convenience for discharge patients who want their medicines before they get home or right on their way, Ciuffo said. We actually deliver to the hospital sometimes.

Cornerstone Pharmacy is planning other new ventures. Next year, it will start working with a group of University of Connecticut pharmacy students.

I plan on growing with the (hospital) facility, Ciuffo said. But at the same time I like being a little neighborhood pharmacist.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
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NEWTOWN  The growing Maplewood empire is expanding in the area.

Maplewood, which builds and operates senior living and health care facilities, introduced its newest location on Thursday morning with an open house at 170 Mount Pleasant Road in Newtown. The 30,000-square-foot building will be home to a Western Connecticut Health Network office on the first floor. The second floor is currently vacant and available for lease.

This is about the change taking place in health care and how it is moving out into the community, Chris Smith, CEO of Maplewood Healthcare, said. This is a new generation of medical office buildings and Im excited to be a part of developing it.

Maplewood Senior Living now has 13 upscale senior living facilities, including six in Connecticut. The other locations are in Massachusetts and Ohio. Expansion is planned for New York City, Princeton, N.J., and Southbury. Its Connecticut locations are in Newtown, Danbury, Bethel, Norwalk, Darien and Orange.

Gregory Smith, chairman and CEO of Maplewood Senior Living, is Chris Smiths twin brother.

Maplewood Healthcare, whose buildings are home to medical offices of various specialties, launched about two years ago to build on the opportunities created by the growth of Maplewood Senior Living.

The Maplewood Healthcare buildings at 164 and 170 Mount Pleasant Road are located next to Maplewood at Newtown, a 103-unit senior/assisted living and memory care facility. Maplewood at Stony Hill, an 84-unit senior living facility, is about a mile west on Route 6 in Bethel. There is also a Maplewood Healthcare facility at 36 Stony Hill Road in Bethel.

Maplewood has really helped to coin the Medical Mile, Betsy Paynter, economic development coordinator for Newtown, said. Attracting medical facilities here is a great opportunity for growth.

The Medical Mile refers to the number of health care facilities on the stretch of Route 6 that straddles Newtown and Bethel. The area is accessible from I-84 via exits 8 and 9.

Wes Thompson of the Newtown Economic Commission said what Maplewood has been able to accomplish in a relatively short amount of time is impressive.

Its a powerful company. They reach all the communities here, he said. The services Maplewood provides are integral to the community. He (Gregory Smith) is a silent growth engine for the state.

Maplewood Healthcare is also building a 43,500-square-foot facility in the Berkshire Corporate Park in Danbury. Smith hopes it will open in the first quarter of 2017.

That will have a modern look to it, Smith said. These ones (in Newtown) have a very traditional New England or Connecticut look, which fits in with the neighborhood.

Western Connecticut Health Networks new state-of-the-art facility will open next week. It will offer internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics and other specialty care services.

The design of the space is cutting edge, said Chris Romano, project manager at Maplewood said. The design is unique in that the waiting room, or lobby, areas are completely separated from the doctors personal offices and nursing stations.

Patients will walk directly from the lobby into an exam room without having to walk through a maze of hallways and past nursing stations. Doctors and nurses will enter the exam room through a separate entrance accessible only from the staff areas. Romano said the design will keep private information and samples out of view from patients.

It will be the first WCHN facility that features the design. Smith said it will be a premier satellite office for WCHN, a network that includes Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital and Norwalk Hospital.

Its an emerging design, Romano said. Every aspect of their operation was taken into consideration.

The space also includes a training room, break room and call center.

Chris Smith said Maplewood continues to look for expansion possibilities in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. The New York City location, being built on the Upper East Side, will be 23 stories and 213,000 square feet.

Greg has done an incredible job of creating a brand that is so highly regarded, Chris Smith said. He has a terrific team and its amazing what hes done.

cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338
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STAMFORD  The Bethel-based Westchester Modular Homes of Fairfield County has opened an office at 2001 West Main St., as it seeks to expand its presence in lower Fairfield County.

The Stamford office will offer appointment-only presentations, color selection and floor-modification services. The company will keep its headquarters in Bethel, and it will maintain its overarching mission of managing modular home-building projects from financing and foundation work to the framing and finish stages.
Coffee lovers, get ready for National Coffee Day. It's coming up on September 29 and many chains are offering special deals.

Grab some freebies or support local business by getting a caffeine fix at one of southwestern Connecticut's coffee shops.

SoNo Baking Company with locations in Norwalk, Westport and Darien is offering a free cup of coffee with the purchase of a pastry from 7am to 3pm that day.

If you miss National Coffee Day because you're overseas, don' fret; International Coffee Day is October 1. This is the second year that 77 member states of the International Coffee Organization and dozens of coffee associations from around the globe will come together to celebrate.

According to the National Coffee Association, coffee can trace its heritage back centuries to the ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau.

"There, legend says the goat herder Kaldi first discovered the potential of these beloved beans. The story goes that that Kaldi discovered coffee after he noticed that after eating the berries from a certain tree, his goats became so energetic that they did not want to sleep at night."

The site also states that "after crude oil, coffee is the most sought commodity in the world."
The following excerpt is from Start Your Own Medical Claims Billing Service. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Before you start your medical claims billing service, its important to determine how much money you can expect to make.

Medical billing services charge their clients by three methods: percentage, per claim and hourly. The percentage basis is generally used by medical insurance billers (MIBs) who do full-practice management or a combination of patient billing and claims billing, and just as it sounds, the MIB charges the provider a percentage of the money they collect per month as opposed to the amount of money they bill.

Related: Startup Expenses for a Medical Claims Billing Service

We charge [the doctors] on collected revenues, not on their production levels, one MIB in Walnut Creek, California, explains. The money all comes to us, and we put it into their own personal checking accounts and then I will bill them, depending on how big the practice is, sometimes twice a month, sometimes once a month. And they pay the bill in a timely manner or we stop doing their work.

The percentages youll charge will depend on several variables: the going rate in your part of the country, the sorts of procedures your doctors are providing and their patient volume.

I take a lot of things into consideration, Maryland-based Mary V. says. With what I know about certain things, Ill charge the doctor a different percentage on the type of claim that it is. I charge a different percentage for workers comp, for personal injury. If they handle a lot of cash, Ill actually drop that percentage because I know Im not going to have to bill that out. All Im going to do is data entry. One doctor might have four different percentages. With experience, I know now how much time certain claims take. With personal injury, it might be six years before that case is settled.

Since personal injury cases take so long to pay, Mary charges a higher percentage of the claim, usually 10 percent and above, whereas routine Medicare claims are billed at anywhere from 5 percent to 10 percent.

With all these variables, estimating an annual income might seem like a task fit for a professor of Boolean mathematics, but its not really difficult. In fact, its fun! (Adding up numbers is always more interesting when it pertains to money in your bank account.)

Heres what you do: First, settle on an average percentage. Lets use 7 percent, which is the fee an MIB we know in San Diego charges.

Related: How to Determine the Best Markets to Target for Your Medical Claims Billing Service

Next, estimate how much one client will collect in a year. This is tough, starting cold, because you dont have any clients to base your figures on. If youve done your homework, however, youll have an idea of how much money doctors in your target market are billing and collecting per month.

Lets say your first doctor collects a nice round figure of $21,000 per month, which multiplied by 12 months gives them an annual collectable income of $252,000. Their billable income might be far more, and this, of course, is where you come in -- your mission being to bring their billable and collectable into alignment.

Now, all you have to do is multiply this $252,000 current collectable figure by 7 percent, which gives you a potential annual income of $17,640. We say potential because this sum, as weve just explained, can improve dramatically once youre at the helm. For example, if youre able to increase the doctors collectable income by 10 percent, theyll now be bringing in $277,000 per year, which will give you $19,404 per year.

If you increase your client base by another five providers, each with the same collectable income, youre suddenly grossing $116,424 per year.

Per-claim jumping

Some MIBs prefer to charge on a per-claim basis rather than by percentage (anywhere from $3 to $10 per claim). This is the method of choice for billers whose workload consists mainly of straight claims billing with little or no practice management tasks.

I bill per claim, says one Illinois MIB. The offices do the front-end data entry, and I do the back-end tweaking, electronic filing and some of the follow-up work. Im charging right now anywhere from $5 to $8 per claim.

In rural Virginia, one MIB charges $4.50 per insurance claim and $3.75 per patient invoice. Up in suburban New Jersey, another MIB charges $7 to $10 per claim.

When you charge via this method, you charge per claim billed rather than per claim collected. Youll want to charge the going rate in your area, which youll have determined through your market research. Since youll also have determined through your research how many claims doctors in your area are filing each month, youll have a good basis for determining your annual gross income.

Lets say your first doctor is billing 350 claims per month, which, multiplied by 12 months, comes to 4,200 claims. If you charge $5 per claim, your gross annual income will be $21,000. Now, if you take on another five physicians, your gross jumps to $126,000.

Counting the hours

The third, and least popular, method of charging clients is per hour. One San Diego biller we know feels this may be a hard selling feature for most doctors. Theyre already paying somebody on an hourly basis, she says. Why would they want to hire somebody outside the office and pay them hourly as well?

Related: Starting a Medical Claims Billing Service? Here's What You Need to Know.

You might want to consider this option if you have a client whose billing rate is so low that charging per claim or on a percentage basis isnt feasible. Or you might run into a client whos comfortable working under this arrangement and doesnt want to deviate from their norm.

Your market research will be one of the keys to determining an hourly charge. Heres one way to determine an hourly rate. Lets take an average of your annual fee for one doctor, based on the per-claim and percentage methods we used above. This will give you an annual gross income of $20,000. Now, if you divide this by 12 months, you get $1,667 per month. Assuming that your client supplies only 40 hours of work a month, you end up with an hourly charge of $42.

(Note that these are all hypothetical figures. You may far exceed these numbers, or you may find that your economic region, your level of expertise or the amount of work you choose to do puts your income somewhere below what weve given.)

Related:



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
J. Michael Diehl is the retired owner of Freehold Music Center in Freehold, New Jersey.

At Monday night's debate, Donald Trump was called out for stiffing the people who work for him. Trump has been accused of failing to pay hundreds of contractors. And so far, he hasn't seemed very sorry. When asked about failing to pay someone by Hillary Clinton this week, Trump replied, "Maybe he didn't do a good job and I was unsatisfied with his work."

I take that attack personally. I'm one of the many small business owners who've been used by Trump, exploited and forced to suffer a loss because of his corporation's shady practices.

My relationship with Trump began in 1989, when he asked me to supply several grand and upright pianos to his then-new Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City. I'd been running a music store for more than 30 years at that point, selling instruments to local schools and residents. My business was very much a family affair (my grandsons still run the store). And I had a great relationship with my customers -- no one had ever failed to pay.

I was thrilled to get a $100,000 contract from Trump. It was one of the biggest sales I'd ever made. I was supposed to deliver and tune the pianos; the Trump corporation would pay me within 90 days. I asked my lawyer if I should ask for payment upfront, and he laughed. "It's Donald Trump!" he told me. "He's got lots of money."

But when I requested payment, the Trump corporation hemmed and hawed. Its executives avoided my calls and crafted excuses. After a couple of months, I got a letter telling me that the casino was short on funds. They would pay 70 percent of what they owed me. There was no negotiating. I didn't know what to do -- I couldn't afford to sue the Trump corporation, and I needed money to pay my piano suppliers. So I took the $70,000.

Losing $30,000 was a big hit to me and my family. The profit from Trump was meant to be a big part of my salary for the year. So I made much less. There was no money to help grow my business. I had fewer pianos in the showroom and a smaller advertising budget. Because of Trump, my store stagnated for a couple of years. It made me feel really bad, like I'd been taken advantage of. I was embarrassed.

Today, when I hear Trump brag about paying small business owners less than he agreed, I get angry. He's always suggesting that the people who worked for him didn't do the right job, didn't complete their work on time, that something was wrong. But I delivered quality pianos, tuned and ready to go. I did everything right. And then Trump cheated me. It's a callous way to do business.

Trump keeps saying that it's time we got a businessman to run the country. Of course, I think it's important to find someone who can bolster the economy. But I also think we need a president who cares about small business owners, and about honoring his commitments. That's not Trump.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post  J. Michael Diehl  OPINION  Sep 28, 2016 - 10:29 AM
Water restrictions are getting tighter for select southwestern Connecticut towns.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a temporary 30-day water supply emergency in Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien, as a result of a recent request by Aquarion Water Company, the company said Thursday.

"Due to an ongoing and sustained period of drought, these towns have been faced with a significant depletion of water supply. It was determined that without increased precipitation, an emergency situation will soon be reached," an Aquarion release said. "This DPH ruling will allow Aquarion the flexibility to transfer water between systems which will provide immediate short-term help."

The water company began issuing voluntary water conservation requests to the towns in July, which evolved into a mandatory outdoor water use ban in September. The ban covered irrigation systems, sprinklers, soaker hoses, and hand-held hoses.

"Without reducing demand and absent significant precipitation, the water supply situation in Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan and Darien will not meet the needs of that region," Aquarion Water Company President and CEO Charles V. Firlotte said. "The DPH declaration of an emergency is greatly needed."

In Greenwich, First Selectman Peter Tesei said on Thursday, Sept. 15, that he and Board of Selectmen would enact a town ordinance for water conservation to prevent irrigation system use. Violators would be penalized with a $90 fine.

The September outdoor water ban was issued after Aquarion said they had not seen a decrease in water use despite voluntary water conservation requests to customers.

Connecticut's drought severity was upgraded recently to a "severe drought" level for much of the state, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Due to increased water use and below average rainfall, Aquarion reservoir levels have continued to decline.
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North East Lincolnshire Council may have to borrow money to help pay for the ongoing repairs at Grimsby's Victoria Mills.

Members of the Tourism, Leisure and Culture Scrutiny panel yesterday raised further concerns over the ongoing costs incurred from essential repair works.

Discussions during their meeting at Grimsby Auditorium suggested that the work, which has been ongoing since safety concerns were raised during high winds in February, has put a "major pressure on the capital fund," and some members said it looked as if the council would have to borrow money to help fund the mammoth bill  which currently stands at 2.1 million.

However, it also emerged that the scaffolding is costing a massive 7,000 a week.

Conservative Councillor Ron Shepherd questioned the financial implications the repairs will have on the council budget. He said: "The cost currently stands at 2.1 million however that will undoubtedly rise given that the scaffolding surrounding the building costs 7,000 a week alone. Are we still going to be responsible for the costs if these repairs continue for another year?"

In August, the council revealed that more than 1 million had already been spent on safeguarding the building with an extra expenditure of about 1.2 million likely.

The local authority had warned the costs, which they had not budgeted for, would have a knock on effect in funding for other schemes.

As previously reported, councillors have had no luck in securing finances from the owner of the building but officers continue to pursue the expenses.

The situation has also led to accusations of incompetence.

Councillor Matthew Patrick added: "Although expensive, the repairs being carried out are for a more permanent solution. The scaffolding is there to prevent ongoing issues in the future. We hope if we deal with these problems now, we won't have to face the same repairs in the years to come."

Residents were evacuated from Victoria Mills on February 1 amid safety fears in high winds.

Twenty apartments had to be vacated for safety reasons following advice from a structural engineer.

While some were able to return to their homes soon after, others were forced to stay away for more than a month.

The Quarter 1 resource monitoring report for the financial year 2016/17 states that budget amendments are required to reflect the most recent cost estimate for repair work completed during 2016 and 2017.
Not good news. Photo: Brittany Greeson/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Theres trouble in LaCroix land. In a new report, activist investment group Glaucus Research Group has accused National Beverage, owners of the trendy seltzer, of artificially inflating its stock. The companys stock subsequently plummeted by as much as 16 percent today, a sharp turn south from the 65 percent rise it had enjoyed over the last year courtesy of the anti-soda phenomenon.

Possibly unable to understand why kids are so into LaCroix these today, Glaucus blasted National Beverage as a faddish stock-market darling du jour. It also seems to believe it has unearthed a dastardly conspiracy, calling on government agencies to conduct a full investigation into the company and its accounting and practices. In what is definitely the most drama to hit the soft-drink world in a long time, National Beverage clapped back by calling the report false and defamatory and accusing Glaucus of being the one manipulating its stock.
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A couple of days ago Samsung announced that only 60% of Galaxy Note7 buyers in Korea have returned their faulty units. Today, the company said that it expects that number to rise to 80% by October 1.

Samsung is gearing up to resume sales in the country - it has restarted the advertising campaign and as an extra incentive, it promises a 50% discount on screen repairs to anyone who buys a Galaxy Note7 in October (this promo sounds like a Korea-only deal).

The company once again asked buyers to return their old Note 7s to have them replaced with new units.

Source
While there have already been reports about replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 units overheating in South Korea, a new Wall Street Journal report now says that similar complaints have been received by the company in the US as well.

In many cases, users have complained that the phablet gets very hot during calls. For its part, Samsung has acknowledged the complaints and has said that it's investigating the matter. The company is, however, assuring users that the issue "does not pose a safety concern.

"There have been a few reports about the battery charging levels and we would like to reassure everyone that the issue does not pose a safety concern," the tech giant said. "In normal conditions, all smartphones may experience temperature fluctuations."

The South Korean firm also said that it's focusing on each case separately and trying to get it resolved through its customer service and warranty process.

Via
If you don't mind running beta software on your Android smartphone or tablet, SwiftKey's got a neat little update for you. The beta version of the keyboard now lets you type in a whopping five different languages at once. This is great for the polyglots amongst you, as before you could only type in a maximum of two languages at the same time.

The new SwiftKey Beta also adds support for neural network predictions for three more languages: French, German, and Spanish. Previously, only English had the "world's first" predictions powered by neural networks. When that initial feature was released, the Microsoft-owned company promised to expand language support for it, and now it has.

Additional languages have been added to the keyboard, namely Sindhi Pakistan, Pashto, Scottish Gaelic, and Uyghur. Key press popups can be turned on or off, and in a tablet layout there's a new setting to turn on or off the dedicated emoji key that appears to the left of the space bar.

SwiftKey Beta won't replace the stable version of the keyboard, in fact you can have both installed side by side. If you're interested, get the new version from the Google Play Store.

Via
Interim President Jocelerme Privert said this week that Haitis Oct. 9 elections are irreversible, calling on government authorities and police to refrain from interference and voters to remain non-violent. Meanwhile, Haitian and international election observation groups are preparing for the vote, running simulations and collecting candidate programs. On Sep. 23, Privert addressed the 71st opening session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He told the body that Haitians would vote in two weeks, and that without honest and credible elections, it is futile to hope for a peaceful political transition. He is scheduled to pass power to Haitis next elected president on Feb. 7, 2017. On returning to Haiti on Sep. 26, Privert held a press conference to reassure a jittery nation that the elections are on track. "On Oct. 9, elections will be held in an irreversible way, Privert declared. The skeptics, who didnt believe that the government would carry out the elections, are now facing a machine that nothing can stop. The election schedule is going forward just as planned, and there is no delay in its implementation. With manifest pride, Privert said that people thought it impossible for the Haitian state to mobilize the funds required by the CEP [Provisional Electoral Council], but today we can say with satisfaction that without upsetting macroeconomic stability and without resorting to printing money, the state has been able to disburse up to $25 million from the Treasury to finance the next election. The entire election, which the U.S. government has refused to financially support, has a price tag of $55 million, including the Jan. 8, 2017 second round. What remains now is the issue of security, Privert said. He called on the CEP, government authorities, and the police to adopt a policy of zero tolerance of any disruptions of the vote. These elections are too important for the future of the country, he said. Without these elections, on the second Monday of January 2017, there will be no Government, ministers will have no legitimacy, Parliament will be dysfunctional, there will not be, like today, any judiciary because the Supreme Court has only two out of 12 judges with any constitutional legitimacy, Privert declared. So it would be the collapse of all our republican institutions. That's the importance of these elections." He appealed for electoral rallies to be held in peace and with respect for one another and for political leaders to urge your supporters to be tolerant and respect the partisans of other candidates. Privert also warned police officers, prosecutors, and other judicial authorities to refrain from any interference in the electoral process. Those disobeying this order would be fired, he said. State vehicles are also prohibited from being used to help candidates campaign. We want these elections to be carried out without interference from the authorities, Privert concluded. This is the only guarantee that the elections will be impartial, credible, democratic, and transparent. Candidates, I urge you to demand that the CEP be transparent in all of its decisions, and it is necessary that vote counting be done in the presence of candidates or their representatives. For once, let's give the country elections that everyone accepts as good. Meanwhile, international observers are beginning to arrive in Haiti, like those of the Organization of American States (OAS) last weekend. The Boston-based New England Human Rights Organization will send an observer delegation of Haitians and North Americans from Oct. 6-11. In May 2015, three Haitian organizations  JuriMedia, the Ecumenical Center for Human Rights (ECHR) and the Civil Society Initiative (ISC)  joined together to form the Citizen Observatory for Institutionalizing Democracy (OCID). Some Haitians are suspicious of OCID because it is financed and supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), an arm of Washingtons National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Furthermore, Rosny Desroches, one of OCIDs principal leaders, has historically been close to the U.S. Embassy. On Sep. 25, OCID carried out an election day simulation with 1,505 observers and 77 technicians to practice what it plans to do on Oct. 9: collect, process, and disseminate information on how the vote is proceeding. Some have warned OCID that under the 1987 Haitian Constitution and the 2015 Electoral Decree, only the CEP can disseminate information on the elections as they are being conducted. Critics fear premature OCID reports could interfere with the vote. On Sep. 22, OCID also released a report analyzing the political programs of four leading presidential candidates: Jude Celestin, Moise Jean-Charles, Jean-Henry Ceant, and Jovenel Moise. Written by Dr. Fritz Dorvilier, Ph. D, the report purports to analyze, very technocratically, the strong points and weak points of each candidates program. Glaringly absent, for unstated reasons, was any review of the program of the Lavalas Family partys Dr. Maryse Narcisse. In short, both international observer missions like that of the OAS and Haitian ones like OCID will be closely observed themselves by wary voters, who are anxious for elections free from spin and interference. None want an electoral coup like that of 2010-11. Meanwhile, candidates are campaigning around Haiti in a tense atmosphere. Large crowds have greeted the four leading presidential candidates  Dr. Maryse Narcisse (accompanied by former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide) of the Lavalas Family party, former Sen. Moise Jean-Charles of the Lavalas breakaway Dessalines Children (PD), Jude Celestin of the Alternative League for Progress and Haitian Emancipation (LAPEH), which is close to former President Rene Preval, and Jovenel Moise, the candidate of former president Michel Martellys Haitian Bald Headed Party (PHTK). There have been sporadic attacks against some of the electoral caravans. Narcisses entourage encountered rock-throwing in Gonaives and scuffles in Cap Haitien. A window on Jean-Charles car was broken when his electoral caravan was attacked near Cerca-la-Source in the Center Department.




Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.

09:44, 30 OCT 2022
Wilderness conjures up various images, such as beautiful landscape views or even challenging adventures in a back-country setting. One thing we, as wilderness managers, hope wilderness offers is an opportunity for solitude.

Solitude is defined by Merriam-Webster as the quality or state of being alone or remote from society. The Wilderness Act defines wilderness, in part, as a place that has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.

Mark Twain National Forest started a solitude monitoring project in three Congressionally-designated wilderness areas this summer: Rock Pile Wilderness (Madison County), Bell Mountain Wilderness (Iron County), and Irish Wilderness (Oregon County). The studys purpose is to better understand what the visitor to these wilderness areas will experience.

Through the solitude monitoring work, we will seek to find out how often visitors will encounter other people, and in what numbers, while in the wilderness areas. The study will also catalog unnatural sights and sounds they may encounter. Data collected will be evaluated to see if management actions are necessary to preserve or increase opportunities for solitude.

To conduct the monitoring work, the Forest Service partnered with the Student Conservation Association, otherwise known as SCA, to host a 6-month intern at the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District.

Student Conservation Association intern Jonathan Atwood, from Danbury, Connecticut, began his wilderness ranger training in April, and initiated the solitude monitoring work in May. His work involves traveling to each wilderness and hiking several miles to a specific zone, where he spends four hours each day looking and listening for unnatural sights and sounds. He will do this through the end of October.

His preliminary findings show that each wilderness area is different in terms of solitude. Bell Mountain Wilderness receives more visitors than the other two wilderness areas, especially on weekends and holidays.

If you want to avoid seeing many people at Bell Mountain, Atwood says go there on weekdays.

Leave No Trace is a key principle in wilderness, yet he found evidence of many campfire rings in the rocky glades near the summit of Bell Mountain. Such repeatedly-used sites reduce a visitors wilderness experience and can degrade habitat for sensitive species, such as the collared lizard. Atwood also documented unnatural noise at Bell Mountain and Rock Pile wilderness areas. Examples include noise from airplanes, road traffic, and a sawmill.

Irish Wilderness offered much more solitude. He came across only a few visitors and he reported that unnatural noise was minimal to nonexistent  a visitor is going to experience the sounds of nature in these two areas.

Atwood has enjoyed his SCA internship.

Not only was this a paid internship, I gained invaluable experience while working as a wilderness ranger, he said.

When he wasnt monitoring solitude, he performed trail maintenance in the wilderness areas using non-mechanized tools such as axes, folding saws, and loppers.

The SCA mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. The SCA website offers information on internship opportunities: http://www.thesca.org/.

When asked about his favorite Mark Twain National Forest memories, Atwood said the Irish Wilderness will top his list.

The Irish is the largest wilderness in the state and it has excellent opportunities for solitude, has a long trail system which is good for multi-day trips, and there is some challenging elevation change, he said.

Atwood will complete his internship at the end of October and is planning to return east to work seasonally with the National Park Service.
Law firm WBH Legal has backed down on a controversial graduate program charging applicants $22,000 for a two-year work placement.



The scheme  which was meant to be run by WBHs Adelaide-based adlawgroup  came under fire by the Law Society of South Australia (LSSA) and was subject to a Fair Work Ombudsman investigation.



Development for the business was suspended in September 2015 as a result of the controversy. This week, WBH Legal announced the firm would not be established.



Tina Hailstone, project manager for adlawgroup, defended the program last year.



The $22,000 fee is the price for participation in the program, she told ABC News. It covers a number of things and reflects to a certain extent the cost of being able to provide the opportunity for these students, or well, graduates.



This week, the firm backed down from its paid scheme despite saying in a statement that the concept [of adlawgroup] is not economically viable without asking the participating new lawyers to invest in their own futures.



While there were a significant number of applicants willing to pay the participation fee, the partners recognise that this carried the unpalatable consequence of creating an elitist solution to the fundamental problem of too many graduate and too few opportunities in law.



In September, while conducting inquiries into WBH, the Fair Work Ombudsman had also indicated that it may have been illegal to charge employees for work.



"The Fair Work Act would apply if employees were required to make the payment once they have started work, or if it was deducted from their pay," an FWO spokesperson told the ABC.



In a statement, the LSSA said it welcomed WBHs decision not to continue with the program.



In September last year, the Law Society completed its inquiry into adlawgroup and notified the firm of its serious concerns with the proposed program.



Talking with ABC, LSSA president David Caruso said that despite the benevolent motivation behind the scheme, the Society was worried about how it could create an uneven first step through which young people started their legal careers.



Marie Iskander from the Australian Law Students' Association slammed the scheme as unethical.



We'd hate to see this business model take off and become the norm, or be emulated anywhere else in Australia, she told ABC. It's clearly something thats an opportunist business model thats taking advantage of our law graduates.




Australian-based Dominos Pizza Enterprises is set to upsize both its workforce and remuneration packages with announcements of both a major recruitment drive and looming pay increases.



In a show of confidence, the organisation has said it will recruit 2,500 new employees for existing branches over the span of two weeks. It also hopes to hire an additional 1,000 workers for new stores opening before Christmas.



Our growth has meant that were continuously on the lookout for what we call our Dominoids  our people that work in our team, David Klages, group HR manager at Dominos Pizza Enterprises, told HC.



We find that we consistently have to be out in the markets getting additional team members. With the number of stores that were opening in Australia and New Zealand  even before Christmas  we need to hire additional staff all the time.



These new recruits will include drivers, instore managers and franchisees, he said.



One way in which Dominos hopes to bring in these workers is through its centralised recruitment website which both franchisees and corporate stores can use.



We also source a lot through word-of-mouth and through the local connections that our franchisees and store managers have with local TAFEs and other organisations through which we can source people, Klages said.



Thanks to the companys brand reputation, recruitment time for team members was also quite short, he added.



The CEO of Dominos Pizza Enterprises, Don Meij, has also signalled that there may be pay rises for staff on the horizon although the firm will wait on the final decision of the Fair Work Commissions review of penalty rates before moving forward.



In the event the FWC delays further though, Dominos would voluntarily most likely take another pay increase in the first quarter of 2017. But we would just do that because the business is doing so well and is just seems fair, he told the Sydney Morning Herald.



This is the second possible pay increase with Dominos already raising staff salaries in July. While Meij noted this was the right thing to do, he also said he did not want to be the pioneer out there, doing things that completely outprice you from the market.



Klages will be speaking at the HR Summit in Brisbane on 19-20 October. For more information click here.




By Jessica Isaacs | [email protected]

On Thursday afternoon, the Wells Fargo Foundation awarded a check to the High Country United Way in the amount of $21,500, which has been allocated WAMY Community Actions Total Family Development program.

The award follows a grant writing process through which the United Way sought funding to help lead families out of poverty and into self-sufficiency.

The check was presented before board members and staff representatives of all three organizations at Wells Fargo Bank in Boone.

Were certainly very proud to participate in the donation that were making today to the United Way and to WAMY, said Taylor Vickrey, vice president and senior business relationship manager at Wells Fargo. We certainly feel honored to have the opportunity to support, specifically within WAMY, the Total Family Development program because it provides monies to families that will help them get on their feet, continue the momentum and give them the groundwork to be successful ongoing, which, as we know is whats important.

Unfortunately, there are so many times you can get started, but you can get stopped so easily. Once you can give somebody an opportunity to feel that success, it makes a whole big difference.

HCUW Executive Director Dr. Gary Childers said he and the United Way team had been looking forward to the check presentation for months.

High Country United Way is grateful for its longstanding relationship with the Wells Fargo Foundation and for Wells Fargo employee contributions, he said. Wells Fargo conducts employee campaigns all across the country in support of local causes, but theyre a huge supporter of United Way all across the United States.

In my best estimate, over the past 12 years, including this grant that well be receiving today, Wells Fargo Foundation and local Wells Fargo employees have contributed at least $87,500 to help meet needs in the High Country. That is impressive, and I dont know how to express how grateful we are for that. We look forward to an even longer continued relationship with Wells Fargo as we work to try to meet needs.

WAMY Executive Director Melissa Soto said the funds will be used through the Total Family Development program to support families in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties who are working toward education or employment in an effort to rise above poverty.

Getting people above poverty is the first step. Weve learned hat self-sufficiency is more than money  its abut empowerment, education and, most of all, stability, she said. We really try to work with the families to keep their heads above water when life gets tough, and we all know life gets tough.

When one of our clients gets a job and theyre making a reasonable wage, we keep working with them. We help them with budgeting and planning and we help them with expenses until they can get a few paychecks and really get on their feet.

Soto explained that for every family theyre able to help rise above poverty, WAMY saves the state and the county about $18,000 per year.

Not only are we getting folks off public assistance, but theyre paying taxes and buying goods and services, she said.

Last year, the WAMY helped 30 families graduate the Total Family Development program and they look forward to reaching even more with new funding from Wells Fargo and United Way.

To learn more about WAMY, visit wamycommunityaction.org or call 828-264-2421.

High Country United Way board members

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The results of a meeting held Sept. 13 between the St. Francois County 911 Board's Public Safety Committee, emergency responders and local municipal officials was the main topic of discussion at the board's September meeting held last week.

At the 911 Board's August meeting board member and Big River Fire Chief David Pratte expressed concern about radio communications issues emergency responders were having with the joint communications center which, he believed, were placing them in physical danger when answering calls.

Pratte was, he said, especially concerned about area police officers. The board decided a meeting between the Public Safety Committee and emergency responders would provide an opportunity for them to discuss any issues they have with the current communications system.

"It was very well attended by the committee," said Alan Wells, 911 Joint Communications Center director. "Many of you on the board came to the meeting. We had a lot of our agencies out in the field  our police, our fire and EMS  represented, as well as some representatives from the cities. The topic was to discuss our communications issues as brought forward. It is one of our projects on our project action list. This year, with it being such a wet season, created a lot of havoc in our communications infrastructure  the moisture in the ground. We're utilizing copper wire at a lot of our receiver site locations and transmit sites.

"We've done a lot of initiative at the 911 center and from our initial dispatch out location, but all of our locations around in both counties are having some issues and it's really struggling. It's creating a lot of havoc for our responders being able to use their mobile communications equipment.

"This is a state of urgency because in this day and time with the threats against our safety responders, this is something that needs to be moved to the forefront as brought forward by board member Mr. Pratte last month."

According to Wells, the center had been studying the problem in an effort to come up with a solution. At the Public Safety Committee meeting it was decided  after consultation between the committee members, emergency responders and community members present  that the current system should be upgraded ... rather than moving to an all digital network or joining the Missouri Statewide Interoperability Network, or MOSWIN (a mobile radio network)  both of which would be expensive alternatives.

Chairman Ron Bockenkamp declared the meeting a "win-win" for the board and the emergency responders who were able to communicate their problems and concerns with the current communications system.

The board also discussed several other items including the improved financial condition of the county's 911 system since the move was made from a telephone user fee to a sales tax-based source of revenue in January 2015.

"We had a very, very good sales tax revenue collection month," Budget/Finance Chairman Ginger Taylor told the board recently. "We received a check for $313,000 this time which, when you look back at last year, for the month of August we received $306,000. We had expected it to kind of be declining this year but that hasn't been the case, so we were very excited to get that news and get that payment from the county.

"We can't thank the citizens of our community more than what we are now, because when you look at the numbers on the revenue side of life, this year our total revenues are $2.64 million and last year at this time they were about $1.5 million.

"We obviously have a lot of very important projects that we are going to be using these capital resources for. If you look at the expenses, our expense level this year is up about $318,000 over a year ago, but out of that the majority of it has been catching up. We are making our staff, our personnel, more stable and we've made some new hires where we're at a level now where we feel like we're in much better shape than we were.

"We've spent about $170,000 of that increase so far in capital costs  for operational equipment, our CAD system that we're getting ready to work with and the radio and tower projects."

Taylor said she felt the communications center's finances were "in a good place as far as moving forward" and that she wanted to see that momentum continue. She added that the board wanted to make sure that taxpayers know their tax dollars are being used wisely and noted that Wells could attest that he is having an easier time managing and directing the center when there are adequate finances available to function.

In other business, Operations and Construction co-chair Mark Allen provided the board an update on the renovations and expansion planned for the joint communications center.

"We have a meeting planned later in the month to meet with the architect again," he said. "We haven't met with him since last month, however, Alan (Wells) had mentioned that we had some core samples that were not favorable for us in the fact that we're going to have to either go up or break some rocks. When the engineer gives us some figures on that, the adjustments on how much that's going to cost, we should have a little better idea on that."

Bockenkamp said, "So, he's going to give you the cost if you go into the rock vs. the cost if we go up."

Allen said, "That's what we'll request."
The Thomas Road Bridge is now open, but county workers will still need to lay asphalt on the approaches.

St. Francois County Highway Administrator Wendell Jarvis said he is very proud of the guys who worked on the project in the very southern part of the county. He said workers have done a great job.

We used the precast culverts we had been talking about, that we built in house, said Jarvis. They are sitting on a slab and we pour a slab over the top of them. It has been great project and has went really well. We have several more bridges in this county that we need to replace.

According to Jarvis, the state is the one who will come in and give a recommendation of a load limit or not. Jarvis stressed the engineering firm is assuring him there isnt a load limit on this bridge.

The rains we had been dealing with and a few trees down here and there had affected the completion time, said Jarvis. We just cant leave our guys on a project like this because they have other things they need to attend too. So at times it may seem like it takes a little longer than it should."

Associate Commissioner Gay Wilkinson said he has received comments from residents in the area that they are very proud of it and believe it was done timely. He added they were very pleased with it and it turned out very well.

Jarvis added they did encounter some damage down there. The walls had some bracing coming across in rows before the concrete slab was poured and someone drove right through their bracing, breaking two by fours and knocking pegs over.

We never did find out who that was, but it did cost us a little bit of time, said Jarvis. It is out there in the middle of nowhere and vandalism can be expected at times.

The total cost for the Thomas Bridge replacement is more than $70,000 and they will get 80 percent back, up to $75,000, through the Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program (or B.R.O funds) - federal funds handled through the Missouri Department of Transportation. As they get the money back they will reuse it to fix other bridges and get reimbursed 80 percent of that through the B.R.O. funds as well.

Jarvis said they do have three bridges in mind to replace next year and they are in the proper steps of getting the permits.

Associate Commissioner Patrick Mullins said this bridge is the perfect example of quite a few years ago when they purchased those concrete forms to start making box culverts.

You had some naysayers out there and this is the perfect prime example of the benefit of building the culverts in-house, said Mullins. Not only did we save money, but you are going to get reimbursed 80 percent for the soft match and build that up over the next couple of years.

Jarvis said five or six years down the road they should have every bridge in the county replaced that needs to be replaced.

I will say I feel our guys worked in a very timely fashion on this project, said Jarvis. We were there for 24 days and they did a great job. The public doesnt always see everything in the background while dealing with the state and different departments and the time that it takes to get these things done. I feel we are very fast and efficient. It looks like we are slow, but we arent.

Road and Bridge Supervisor Clay Copeland added they replaced a low-water crossing with a box culvert structure.

So we raised the road surface there by nearly five feet, said Copeland. What would have been impassable during high waters, will now be passable five feet higher.

The Thomas Road Bridge was completely removed on Aug. 22 for a complete bridge replacement and reopened on Sept. 15.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a college professor who teaches a 2 1/2-hour course once a week. The length of the course obviously gets tedious, but it is only once a week. I have been having a problem with a student, "Caleb," who decides to eat a full meal during class. He comes in with a meatball sub, chips and a huge drink to wash this all down with.

I have spoken to Caleb outside of class and mentioned how his loud eating habits disrupt the class. He told me he didn't see anything in my syllabus prohibiting it, so he sees no reason to stop. How can I ask the class to put up with Caleb's munching for the rest of this semester? -- Loud Chewing, Silver Spring, Maryland

DEAR LOUD CHEWING: Schedule a meeting with Caleb to get a better sense of what's going on with him. Chances are, if he is eating during your class, it is probably because he hasn't had a moment to eat before then. Find out what he does right before your class begins. Perhaps you can invite him to come to your office and eat before class or go to a common area at school to eat in advance.

Point out that his behavior is disruptive to the class, and you want to figure out a way to take care of everyone. If he refuses to stop eating -- and there are no college rules that you can enforce to stop him -- require that he sit on the last row by an open window (if there is one) or by the door.

Rather than asking your other students to endure him, show them through your actions that you are doing your best to remedy the problem.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have an uncommon name, and other people frequently mispronounce it. However, the spelling is similar to a more common name, for example the difference between Anna and "Ah-nuh." Although people are saying my name incorrectly, they pronounce it with confidence. How can I correct people who pronounce my name incorrectly without being deemed a harsh corrector? -- Not Like the Others, Boston

DEAR NOT LIKE THE OTHERS: Come up with a creative and fun way for people to remember your pronunciation. Think of a popular word or saying or thing that sounds like your name or that you can combine with another word to make your pronunciation. The goal is to tap into others' comfort zones and then switch it up to make your unique name. By making it easy for others, you allow for the best opportunity for them to get it right.

You also have to be willing to speak up right away and tell them. You can even introduce yourself by saying your name and adding that it has an unusual pronunciation, followed by saying it slowly and with enthusiasm.

When someone mispronounces it, decide if it is more important in that moment to get the pronunciation right or for you to follow along with the conversation. This is important, because you don't want to turn into a nuisance about your name; you want to inspire people to want to get it right.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
Gardai have warned people to be wary of fraud

A man has been arrested as part of massive garda investigation into a scam involving almost 3m.

A sum of 2.8m is frozen in a bank account and gardai were quizzing the suspect, a 28-year-old Pakistani national, in Ballymun Garda Station last night.

Senior sources have revealed that detectives investigating a money-laundering and invoice-redirection fraud pounced on the suspect.

Invoice redirection fraud happens when a business falls prey to requests purporting to come from trusted suppliers or service providers, into believing that a beneficiary's bank account details have been changed.

As a result, funds that are due to be paid out are transferred to a fraudulent account.

"Typically what happens in an invoice-redirection fraud is that the fraudster finds out what company is supplying the targeted company with a particular product or service," a senior source said.

Sophisticated

"The fraudster will send a highly sophisticated e-mail which looks completely legitimate stating that the supply company is changing their bank account details and advising the targeted company to update the fraudulent details on to their system.

"When the targeted company changes these details, payment then goes into the fraudster's bank account," the source said.

While this week's bust involved an Italian company that was targeted by an Irish-based criminal, sources say that dozens of Irish companies have been the victim of this type of fraud over the past year.

"It is becoming much more prevalent in Ireland and the fraud squad, as well as gardai at a local level, are dealing with dozens of these cases across the country," the source said.

Gardai say that in many cases the organisers of the invoice direction frauds use "money mules" to transfer the stolen money out of this jurisdiction.

The organisers of the fraud employ a mule to transfer the money is because it hides the criminal's true identity and location from the victim of the crime and the authorities.

Gardai have previously appealed to the public to be aware of redirection invoice fraud.

In May, it emerged that officers stopped the fraudulent transfer of more than 2m to a UK bank account.

Gardai have produced an advice sheet on invoice redirection and how to stay protected from such scams. It is available on www.garda.ie.
A drug smuggler who fraudulently claimed almost 30,000 in benefits for three years when he was living in Lanzarote has been given a suspended sentence.

Gary Mulvany (37) has been convicted of benefit fraud in a prosecution brought by the Department of Social Protection. The offence can carry a fine of up to 2,500 and/or a six-month sentence.

Dublin District Court heard he failed to tell the social welfare authorities that from July 2008 until May 2011 he was not living in the country while he continued claiming disability allowance.

Judge John O'Neill was told his fraud came to light after Mulvany was stopped as he stepped off a flight at Knock Airport. Customs officers searched him and recovered drugs.

That resulted in him getting a three-year suspended sentence at Castlebar Circuit Court for possessing the drugs for the purpose of supply.

As a consequence of that arrest, social welfare authorities became aware of his time in Lanzarote, said prosecution solicitor Joseph Maguire.

Disability

The court heard he unlawfully received 29,520, has repaid 4,596, leaving 24,924 outstanding. Some 28 a week is now being taken from his disability allowance to pay back the social welfare authorities - at that rate it will take 17 years for the full amount to be paid back.

Defence counsel Matthew Holmes asked the court to note that Mulvany has not come to the attention of gardai since and that a positive probation report had been furnished to the court.

He had been staying in Lanzarote to get away from his problems and is now drug-free, counsel said.

The court heard the only reason he was not suitable for community service because he has a serious medical condition.

Mr Holmes pleaded with the court to be as lenient as possible.

Judge O'Neill said a substantial amount of money was still owed. Finalising the case, he imposed a three-month sentence but suspended it on condition Mulvany keeps the peace and is of good behaviour for the next 12 months.

Heroin

At an earlier stage the judge was furnished with pre-sentence reports on him and said Mulvany had a childhood "that no youngster should have gone through".

The court had also heard earlier that the accused had "a long history of offending going back 15 years" but he has turned his life around.

The court heard that he had previously been a heroin addict but has detoxed and now has a serious illness.

Mulvany - with an address at an apartment in Summerhill, Dublin 1 - was apologetic for his behaviour. He had contested the charge but was found guilty following a trial.
Rank and file gardai are set to withdraw labour in an "unprecedented" move over a dispute about pay and conditions.

Gardai will not report for duty on four days in November after rejecting a pay deal.

The force may also be hit by further industrial action, with garda sergeants and inspectors also considering a campaign after they said "significant new information" about how their pay will be determined in the future came to light.

Gardai are restricted from going on strike, as it is illegal for anyone to encourage them to withdraw their labour. However, there is a grey area in relation to whether individual members can withdraw their services.

This is the first time that gardai will stop working in an industrial relations dispute. It is understood that members of the Garda Representative Organisation (GRA) also considered using the "blue flu" method of protest. This would have involved five days of mass sick leave being taken.

The general secretary of the GRA, Pat Ennis, said emergency services would continue to operate during the strikes, including the 999 service, while other ranks in the force would be at work.

He called on the Government to re-instate the money lost in pay cuts taken during the recession and said that the State had failed gardai and compelled them to take action.

Choice

"It's not a choice that was taken easily," he said. "We are a vocational group of people and it was with great reluctance that this decision was made today, but we felt that we had no option to achieve a successful outcome to our negotiations.

"It's a momentous day. It's unprecedented."

The strikes are a blow to the Government and comes amid a number of looming strikes, including the ongoing Dublin Bus dispute and potential action by school teachers.

Rank and file members of the force had already decided they will not cooperate with the Garda Commissioner's 200m five-year plan to modernise it after the government stopped paying their increments in July.

This plan includes a new division to investigate cyber crime, including online fraud and paedophilia, new community policing teams and electronic tracking of criminal investigations.

The industrial action route was decided after gardai unanimously rejected a draft deal with the Department of Justice that would have meant the end of a pay freeze and restoration of a 4,017 rent allowance for new recruits.

Ballot

But the lack of a timetable for full restoration of 2bn in pay cuts taken during the crisis years was the last straw for many delegates.

Gardai rejected the draft deal at a Special Delegate Conference in Tullamore yesterday.

The meeting came a day after 95pc of the association's members said they were willing to take a day or days of industrial action in a secret ballot.

After rejecting the deal, almost 200 delegates, representing the association's 10,500 members in 31 divisions, mandated the conference to take industrial action.

An emergency motion from the Meath division called on the conference to proceed with the mandated action.

The strikes are scheduled for November 4, 11, 18 and 25.
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BRISTOL, Tenn.  An unemployed Bristol, Virginia, woman is behind bars after police say she attempted to rob two banks this month.

Brandy Milhorn, 34, was arrested Tuesday by the Bristol Tennessee Police Department on two counts of attempted aggravated robbery.

Detective Eric Sargent said a woman entered Tri-Cities Finance on West State Street Tuesday afternoon wearing a white costume face mask on top of her head, black gloves and a dark coat. She also had a black drawstring bag and a piece of folded paper, he said.

Several employees told Sargent the woman appeared to be very nervous and kept her head down as she approached the counter. The employee sitting behind the counter asked the woman if she could help her, according to a criminal complaint filed in Sullivan County General Sessions Court.

The woman then said she wanted to apply for a loan, Sargent said. The employee handed the woman an application and she quickly exited the store.

Employees walked to the door and attempted to get a vehicle description and tag number. They observed a blue and gray Ford F-150 leave the vicinity. An employee left the bank and followed the woman.

Bristol Virginia Police found the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near Virginia Middle School a short time later. Officers said they observed a white costume mask, black gloves and a black bag in the vehicle. After then observing an empty gun holster, officers conducted a search of the vehicle. Sgt. Steve Crawford said he found a small semi-automatic handgun inside.

The woman, later identified as Brandy Milhorn, was transported to the police department in Bristol, Tennessee, for an interview.

Sargent said Milhorn gave a written statement admitting her intention to rob Tri-Cities Finance, as well admitting to a similar incident on Sept. 13 at the Bank of Tennessee on Volunteer Parkway.

According to the criminal complaint, on Sept. 13, a suspicious woman entered the Bank of Tennessee wearing sunglasses, a bandana and black gloves. The woman, who had a black bag, approached the desk in the lobby and was greeted by employees. When an armored truck arrived, the woman grabbed a brochure and quickly exited the bank. Surveillance images from the bank revealed a woman matching Milhorns appearance and a Ford F-150, Sargent wrote.

The detective said Wednesday that Milhorn appears to have been having financial problems. She is unemployed and could not find a job, he added.

For whatever reason, it appeared she was too nervous to carry out the robberies, Sargent said. If she wasnt stopped when she had been I believe she would have continued to attempt to commit a robbery until she was comfortable enough to carry it out.

Milhorn is being held at the Sullivan County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

276-645-2531

Twitter: @RSorrellBHC
BRISTOL, Tenn.Vance Middle School students shouted with pride Wednesday when they were told the school had earned the designation of being a 21st Century Learning Exemplar School, one of only 16 schools in the nation to receive the designation.

The 600 students, who were unaware of why they were called into an assembly, along with board of education members, teachers, city leaders and a few parents, broke into applause when Monica Cougan, a board member with P21, 21st Century Learning, announced the honor.

This award is about the four Cs, Cougan said. Critical thinking, collaboration with the students, creativity in the classroom, and the college and career readiness students learn. Its a great achievement to be one of only 16 schools in the nation to win the award this year. Were thrilled to present this to you.

P21 is a national, nonprofit organization comprised of government, business and education leaders. In the five years of the program, 75 schools nationwide have earned the award.

Amy Scott, the schools principal said she was honored the school was chosen.

We are so excited and super proud, Scott said. Our teachers have taken the energy and the leadership that [schools director] Dr. Lilly has given us to be career ready and run with it. We are thrilled.

The program searches for and shares the stories of schools and districts that have successfully transformed student learning. To earn the designation, schools must be able to show how they have incorporated the knowledge, skills and expertise students need to learn in order to succeed in work and life in the 21st century.

Lilly said receiving the award validates the teachers, administrators, and community.

Our teachers are truly transforming learning for students in Bristol, he said. This is a celebration of them and their successes because they continue to facilitate meaningful learning experiences for the students. The students working with their teachers are doing some phenomenal things  earning the award shows the advances we have made over the past few years. Were very proud.

City Councilwoman Lea Powers said the communitys new mantra should be exceeding expectations.

Vance Middle School and the entire system worked tirelessly to attain this national recognition, Powers said. Its an affirmation that this school system is developing a ready workforce and that Vance is preparing their students for the future. We all learn best by doing and providing the opportunities that the school system has given the students is what has lifted Vance to be chosen as an Exemplar School.

Seven years ago the school was targeted as failing by the state.

A year after we had been targeted for achievement, our teachers dug in and we made great strides to improve our standing, Scott said. In addition to that that we implemented personalized learning, put computers in the hands of children, and have grown academically ever since. The award today is a testament to our best assetour teachers.

April Murray, whose son, Gregory, is an eighth grader at the school, said shes thankful for Vances teachers.

The teachers have worked so hard to accomplish this, Murray said. Its amazing to me that we have national recognition. So many people think that we are uneducated so for us to be among the top in the nation is amazing, but the school couldnt have done this without the teachers.

276-645-2512

Twitter@TChildressBHC
BRISTOL, Va.  The city will unveil a draft version of its new comprehensive plan next week during a series of open house meetings.

The informal open houses are scheduled Oct. 4 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., at Bristol Mall near Sears; Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., in the meeting room of Food City on Euclid Avenue and Oct. 5 from noon until 5 p.m., at City Hall council chambers, 300 Lee St.

A copy of the draft plan is expected to be available on the citys website this week.

Its important for people who live here, work here and go to school here, Planner Sally Morgan said Tuesday. This document will be used for a long time by elected officials and citizens to help guide our development for the next 10 to 20 years.

Rather than a structured meeting, residents can drop in any of the sessions at any time.

We want to have a wide opportunity for citizens to come learn about the plan and ask questions in an informal setting, Morgan said.

A number of displays will be set up for viewing and members of the citys planning consultants, Houseal Levigne Associates, will be available to answer questions.

The plan is a result of all of the community meetings we had last year, Morgan said. We had community and business workshops where we got a lot of input from citizens, a youth workshop, a visioning workshop, an online survey and interviews with community leaders. That has all been put together into a document with lots of information about strategies for future development, housing, parks and recreation.

The nearly two-year process began Oct. 2014 when the City Council hired Houseal Lavigne Associates, a Chicago-based consulting firm, to manage the planning process and produce a document to guide city growth and planning through the next decade.

The citys current comprehensive plan was completed in 2002.

276-645-2532

Twitter: @DMcGeeBHC
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Trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spring a surprise when you expect it the least. Just when it appeared the NDA government was exploring non-military response to the September 18 terror strike on the Uri army base, the armed forces launched surgical strikes on terror launchpads, or camps used to facilitate infiltration of terrorists, across the border in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday night. Its a first since Pakistan started exporting terror to India in the 1990s.

The implications and ramifications of this gambit are not clear yet. But the move underscores -- yet again -- Modis risk-taking ability that has been the defining feature of his diplomatic initiatives as well. Modi may not follow a script. But he works to a logic. Look at the Pakistan policy. First he tried to be friendly with the neighbour. When he failed, he knew that he had to live up to his image of a strong leader who cannot let terrorists keep on targeting India. So he follows a logic and his political instinct, said former foreign secretary Lalit Mansingh.

Few expected Modi to invite Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif, along with other Saarc heads, to his swearing-in ceremony in May 2014. Bomb dhamakon mein baat-cheet ki awaaz band ho jaati hai, Modi had told his Pakistani counterpart the next day of the ceremony. Sharif agreed and proposed the resumption of bilateral talks.

Read | Will give befitting response to Modi that Sharif couldnt muster: Imran Khan

That started what the foreign policy establishment described as great chemistry between the two leaders that survived many ups and downs in bilateral relations --- until the Pakistani Premier called slain militant commander Burhan Wani a martyr and dedicated Pakistans Independence Day on August 14 to the freedom movement in Kashmir.

But the preceding two years were marked by decisions that were described variously --- and paradoxically --- as knee-jerk, bold, out-of-box, et al. New Delhis decision to call off foreign secretary-level talks in 2014, after Pakistani high commissioner Abdul Basit met Hurriyat leaders, was unexpected. Again, few anticipated the NSA-level meeting in Bangkok in December 2015, which came barely a week after Modi-Sharif meeting in Paris on December 1. The country was in for another surprise last Christmas when Modi decided to make a stopover at Sharif s farmhouse in Lahore on his way back from Russia via Afghanistan.

Read | Pakistan PM reviews defence preparedness after Indias surgical strikes

Its not that Modi has reserved his surprises for Pakistan only. Nobody expected the PM to give a public reception to visiting Chinese president Xi Jinping in Gujarat, the first since 1962 war. NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya, Modis Sherpa at G 20 meet in China, said early this month that India would not be able to ratify the Paris Climate agreement by the end of this year. Modi took everyone by surprise again, declaring at a BJP meeting in Kozhikode that it would be ratified on October 2.

The list of such surprises is long. Many opposition leaders might claim to predict Modi, the politician, but could someone say the same about Modi, the Prime Minister?
India on Thursday announced that it has carried out military strikes against terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC) in response to the terror attack on a military base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18. Nineteen Indian soldiers were killed in that attack.

In carrying out this attack on Thursday, India has sent a strong signal that it is prepared to take a calculated risk and respond with violence to terrorist attacks from Pakistan-controlled territory.

Read | Indian Army targets terrorists across LoC, inflicts casualties

New Delhi has previously been in a quandary regarding how to respond to such terrorist attacks that are clearly carried out with the support of Pakistans military.

While surgical military action is always possible, the question is to whether go public with such reprisals. In the past, India has carried out such attacks and kept quiet about it  and generally found that Pakistan has preferred not to say anything either. Thus escalation does not take place and the international concern is limited or zero.

But this does not assuage public opinion and is politically difficult for the government in power. A public declaration makes it difficult for Pakistan not to respond in kind, because of an outcry among its own citizens. The threat of a downward spiral towards full-scale war then makes an appearance.

Read | High alert in Punjab villages along border after Indias surgical strikes

Two decades ago, no matter which party was in power in New Delhi would either carry out a secret strike or do nothing. Today, it seems, New Delhi feels the calculus of power has moved strongly in its favour for it to speak moderately and wield a small stick.

It helps that Pakistan has successfully isolated itself by becoming one of the worlds hubs of terrorist training and recruitment, and infuriating governments across the world. With the US having withdrawn most of its troops from Afghanistan and Pakistan, Islamabad has reduced in its strategic utility to many of its international supporters.

China remains its strategic bulwark but even Rawalpindi knows that Beijing has been careful to never fire a shot in Pakistans favour when it is in conflict with India. China will happily provide bullets and guns to Pakistan, but tries to avoid wielding its military force for a third country. Moreover, India was remarkably successful in isolating Pakistan diplomatically in the past few weeks.

Read | Indias claim of surgical strikes fabrication of truth, says Pakistan army

Surgical strikes need to be carried out in a careful and thought-out manner  which seems to be the case here.

Indias military strikes seem to have avoided any formal Pakistani military installations, focusing on camps used by Islamicist militants. It has also kept within the territory of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, allowing New Delhi to claim it is carrying out attacks on territory that it legally considers its own or whose sovereignty status is uncertain. This continues a past practice of the Indian government, providing a useful figleaf to an international community that is happy to avoid getting involved. It is a sensible recognition that India may be stronger than it was once but it should be nuanced enough to let all other players to find an excuse to support India.

Read | Sensex crashes over 500 points after India confirms strikes on Pak

India should not assume that there will not be a future reprisal by Pakistan. But if it comes, the initial Pakistani denial that such attacks even happened indicates it will be within the norms of low-level violence that characterises poor relations between the two South Asian neighbours. Hopefully, Indias response will also win it several months or a few years of relative quiet on the terror front.

Nonetheless, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should keep in mind that the present political turmoil in Kashmir, most of which is a product of domestic errors, will be too great a draw for Pakistans mischief-making tendencies to resist. In addition, he has gambled like his predecessors on a benign security environment and allowed defence preparedness to decline. Indias weapons purchases and defence reforms cannot be put off any more.

Whatever else, the past two years of bonhomie with Pakistan are over even as relations with China are at a standstill. Indias security environment is deteriorating, if gently, and spring is rapidly turning to winter on this front.

letters@hindustantimes.com
In the hours of the Uri strike that killed 18 Indian soldiers, BJP leader Ram Madhav demanded for one tooth, the complete jaw. Indias surgical strikes on Wednesday night were surely only a tooth  barely a few kilometres across the Line of Control (LoC)  but they represent one of the most important changes in Indias military posture to Pakistan in over a decade.

Contrary to those who believe that history began in May 2014, this is not the first time that India has attacked targets on the Pakistani side of the LoC. Such assaults were relatively commonplace in the AB Vajpayee years, during the latter, turbulent stage of the insurgency in Kashmir. Journalist Praveen Swami has reported a string of retaliatory Indian raids across the LoC from the 1990s through the 2000s. He gives one example of a massacre of 22 civilians at Bandala in March 1998 by irregulars backed by Indian special forces, in retaliation for an earlier massacre of Hindus. These details are contested, but it is beyond doubt that the LoC was not sacrosanct. Those who served as brigade commanders during Operation Parakram (2001-02) have also remarked, coyly, that they were not sitting idly in their posts during that standoff.

Read: Armys surgical strikes inflict terrorist casualties across LoC

The novelty here is not that India struck. It is that it chose to announce its operation with great fanfare. The hastily convened Cabinet Committee on Security set the tone, and the unusual pairing of the Director General Military Operations and ministry of external affairs spokesman underlined the strategic importance of the announcement that followed. Indias previous raids were instances of tacit signaling between the frontline military forces, with little oversight from the top brass and the foreign ministry out of the loop. They sent messages to Pakistans military, without causing Pakistan to lose face in a way that would set in motion a spiral of escalation. The downside of clandestine retaliation was that the Indian public was rarely privy to these goings-on at the LoC, beyond the odd leaked snippet.

Indias decision to go public has advantages and drawbacks. It allows the government to claim vindication for its tough rhetoric. The Army has, as it promised, responded at a time and place of its own choosing. Those criticising the Modi government for talking loudly but carrying a small stick have been temporarily quieted (though has their appetite been whet?). Even the Congress, reliably a force for mindless opposition to nearly everything the government does, has read the tea-leaves, with Sonia Gandhi expressing rare public solidarity with actions to protect countrys security. More broadly, a public strike creates a precedent in a way a private one does not, making it somewhat easier for this or a future government to repeat the action. India may also be probing Pakistans thresholds for action. If the consequences of this strike are limited, the next one may be deeper or wider, perhaps even across the International Border. And if it is true that an Indian drone recorded footage, the longer-term implications for armed drones are self-evident.

Read: We stand with govt on actions to ensure countrys security: Sonia

Publicity also carries costs. While Pakistan is, at the time of writing, denying that any raid took place, it will eventually have to contend with reality  not least if the Modi government chooses to release what it claims is video evidence. The Pakistan army will have no choice but to respond forcefully. The evacuation of Punjab border villages on Thursday suggests that India expects to face an intensification of shelling along the LoC. But we may also see encouragement of further Uri-like attacks, or even attacks in Indian cities beyond Jammu and Kashmir and on Indian interests in Afghanistan. We do not yet know whether Pakistani troops were killed  the DGMOs reference to those trying to shield terrorists suggests so  but this will also influence Rawalpindis calculus.

Diplomatically, India appears to have prepared its ground well. Having successfully corralled three of its neighbours to boycott the SAARC summit in November, Pakistan was already reeling. Then early on Thursday morning, perhaps while Indian force were returning across LoC, details of a conversation between Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and his American counterpart Susan Rice were released, with Rice demanding Pakistani action against terrorist groups. Whether or not the US was informed, the impeccable timing sent its own signal. China, too, has remained muted over the plight of its all-weather ally. Without this diplomatic space, Indian leaders might not have taken this risk.

Read: Indias claim of surgical strikes fabrication of truth, says Pakistan army

The mood today will be celebratory. Much of the Indian public believes that decades of strategic restraint are drawing to a close. There will be an impact on the full gamut of bilateral relations, from trade to regional cooperation. But, as Lieutenant General HS Panag reminded us on Thursday, war is a game of chess. And the fundamental dilemma remains: While India can impose a modest cost on terrorist groups and their supporters, any game-changing punishment carries with it the risk of a larger war that would damage Indias broader economic and diplomatic interests. The brutal fact is that Pakistan will not reverse seven decades of policy without a diplomatic process. If we may draw some hope, it is that the carnage of 1999-2002 was followed by the backchannel of diplomacy of 2004-07. As the stick grows, so too should the carrot.

Shashank Joshi is senior research fellow, Royal United Services Institute, London

The views expressed are personal
Come October, and Dusshera and Durga Puja light up peoples evenings. While The mythological drama or Ramlila, loosely based on the epic Ramayana, pick various themes every year; the Durga Puja pandals in the Capital also highlight a theme. This year, organisers have chosen to pay a tribute to Indian soldiers killed in Uri through the theme.

The Ram Lakhan Committee, Dipali which organises Ramlila in Pitampura, will have a stage themed on the Lal Qila. The Ramlila will begin with a documentary based on Kashmir and end with a speech talking about the national heroes who have sacrificed their lives, says Vijay Kumar Goel, president of the committee. And thats not all. He adds that they want to pay their tribute to the martyrs. On the day of Dussehra, we have also planned to show a thirty minute long documentary based on national heroes and Kashmir. Were expecting a footfall of around 70,000 people.

Artists from Luv Kush Ramlila Committee during performance. (Sonu Mehta/HT )

The Shri Ramlila Committee of Indraprastha burns effigies, besides the usual Ravana effigy, of social evils such as corruption. So, this time the organisers are planning to burn down an effigy with Aatanki Pakistan written on it. Every year, we choose a few topical themes and have a poll on it. The issue that gets maximum votes by the committee is then written on the effigy. Among several things being considered, Aantaki Pakistan is also one, says Suresh Bindal, President.

Some of the Durja Puja themes are also based on Uri attacks. One such Pujo is Arambagh Puja at Panchkuian Road.

Uri attacks has been a big incident and we cannot ignore it, says Abhijit Bose, executive chairman, Arambagh Puja at Panchkuian Road. He adds that the festival is in itself a symbol of the victory of good over evil. Durga Puja is all about asurik shakti ka vinash and the same goes for the end of terrorism in our country. Though we are yet in creative discussions over how to highlight the sacrifice of our martyrs, but it is sure that this incident will be highlighted this Durga Puja.

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Madhya Pradesh home minister Bhupendra Singh on Wednesday said 10 police personnel, including an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), were suspended for allegedly beating RSS pracharak Suresh Yadav in Balaghat district recently.

Singh made the announcement on the first day of the BJP state executive council meeting at Gwalior, after Madhya Pradesh BJP president Nandkumar Singh Chauhan asked the home minister to clarify on the September 25 incident. Chauhan reportedly sensed trouble at the start of the conclave, when some of the ministers sought amendments to the political resolution on his governments achievements.

The ministers could have alleged bureaucratic high-handedness, embarrassing the chief minister, a party leader said.

The Balaghat incident occurred when Javed Khan, a local resident, complained to the Baihar police that Yadav had hurt his religious sentiments by posting provocative material on social media. Following this, the RSS pracharak was allegedly summoned to the police station by in-charge Zia ul Haq and beaten up in the presence of ASP Rajesh Sharma.

Though Yadav escaped and hid in a nearby medical store, he was allegedly dragged out and assaulted again. Later, local RSS activists stormed the police station  forcing the administration to lodge a case against Sharma and Haq.

The police station in-charge and the ASP were among those suspended, the home minister said. An FIR was also lodged against them under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code, among others. However, nobody has been arrested in this connection until now.

Singh said while nine of the accused were suspended immediately after the incident, the government took some time to act against Sharma because the director general of police was conducting an inquiry.

Later, in a conversation with HT, the home minister said the police had no right to assault Yadav. The RSS pracharak, who suffered severe injuries in his head and internal organs, has been referred to Jabalpur for further treatment, he added.

Singh said stringent action would be taken against the cops to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya had denounced the incident on Tuesday, describing it as an unpardonable act.
The residents of Balaghat district are used to pamphlets and posters being freely distributed usually anti-establishment denouncements by Maoist forces active in the area. However, a new pamphlet war is doing the rounds in the district and WhastApp groups  one which questions the booking of policemen in criminal case over their alleged custodial beating of an RSS pracharak.

It all started when Suresh Yadav (28) was arrested from the local RSS office after he was accused of uploading objectionable posts about All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi. He tried to escape and took shelter in one Swami Asatis house, from where he was subsequently nabbed. While in police custody, Yadav was beaten up and suffered internal injuries. He was admitted to the district hospital in Balaghat, which referred him to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Medical College Hospital in Jabalpur.

Following Yadavs hospitalisation, Baihar police station in-charge Ziya ul Haq and other policemen were suspended and booked.

However the pamphlet, bearing the name of the Samast Police Karmi Parivar, Balaghat (police family Balaghat), questions the suspension and booking of the officers involved. Written in Hindi and circulated via WhatsApp, it says the police didnt indulge in any excesses with the RSS pracharak, and that they only performed their duty to prevent a law and order situation due to Yadavs offensive post.

The pamphlet is extremely critical of Madhya Pradesh home minister Bhoopendra Singh, who publically bemoaned police action against Hamare Sangh Pracharak (our Sangh pracharak). Dont the police belong to him and his government, it questions.

Meanwhile, senior policemen in Balaghat, including inspector general DC Sagar, professed ignorance about the pamphlet. I dont know about any such pamphlet and dont think any police jawan or officer is going to indulge in such act. However, we will look into the matter, Sagar told Hindustan Times on Wednesday.

Sources in the state police services officers body in Bhopal said on Wednesday that nobody from the ASPs side has so far talked to the associations office bearers for any help.

The Balaghat district magistrate on Wednesday also ordered a magisterial inquiry into Yadavs beating.

Additional district magistrate Manjusha Vikrant Rai will conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit a report within a month.

The additional district magistrate told HT that she will conduct probe into various aspects of the incident including beating of the RSS pracharak.
Uncertainty looms large over when the new director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal will take charge. The institute has been without a permanent director since May 2015.

VK Sharma, currently the head of the dermatology department at AIIMS, Delhi, is to join as the new director of the premier institution. He told HT on Wednesday that he has received the offer letter from the ministry of health and family welfare, but the correspondence mentioned no joining date. He also said he had no clue when he would join, adding that he will continue to work in Delhi till he gets the date of joining.

I received the letter from the ministry just two days ago. Until I get a certain date, I will continue to work here in AIIMS, Delhi. I do not know who will enlighten me about the joining date and the releasing procedure from AIIMS, Delhi, he said.

According to sources, Sharma was earlier asked to join as director with a joining date in March 2016, which he had turned down.

In 2009, Sharma was chosen as the national president of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists. He is also the vice president of the International Society of Dermatology, a post he will hold till 2017.

AIIMS organises four-day fest to calm students

AIIMS, Bhopal has organised a four-day national fest starting from Wednesday. Officials say they have organised it to calm down students protesting the poor state of the institute.

The fest, called Retina 2016, is along the lines of Pulse, the annual fest organised by AIIMS, Delhi. This is the first time a fest is being organised in AIIMS, Bhopal on a national level. It was inaugurated by Congress leader and former union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The 450 students studying in AIIMS are highly disappointed with no proper education, no training and lack of functional departments and faculty. They even protested when union minister JP Nadda visited the institute. Thus to calm them down, the administration has sanctioned an amount of `10 lakh to the organising committee of the fest, an official, who did not wished to be named, said.

Apart from `10 lakh sanctioned by the institute about 30 lakh has been arranged by the students through sponsorships and entry passes.
Filmmaker Leena Yadav has been getting death threats from Gujarats Rabari community. They have accused her of portraying them in bad light in her film Parched and insulting them.

These calls started around two weeks back. My husband Aseem Bajaj, who is the producer of the film, is getting the calls and I think they are assuming that the same number is assigned to me and they have sent me Whatsapp notes. They are not sending me any written messages but only voice notes. They are saying You dont know what we can do to you; says Yadav, whose film stars actors Radhika Apte, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Surveen Chawla in the lead roles.

They are asking Why did you use our costume? I am getting raving, ranting and screaming calls. We have not named the community. I have continuously said that its a fictional village. We have used a mix of costumes and I did not want to make a community based film, so we are were very careful about it, she adds.

Yadav says she tried to reason with the callers but it was all in vain. She eventually filed a complaint in Mumbais Oshiwara police station on Monday.

We thought we will explain to them that your identity is not what you wear. I tried talking to them. The calls started before release of the film, so we know that they have illegally downloaded the film. Tomorrow I cant even name my characters because it would upset a particular community, she says.

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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it was working with a U.S. consumer product safety regulator to address safety issues related to some of its top-load washing machines.

The worlds top smartphone maker is already reeling from a global recall of at least 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

Samsung said it was in active discussions with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address potential safety issues of some of its top-load washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016. http://bit.ly/2db232k

Affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items, the company said.

CPSC said it was advising consumers to only use the delicate cycle when washing bedding, water-resistant and bulky items.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance made a disappointing debut on the stock exchanges, with the shares of the countrys largest life insurer listing at a 1.50% discount to the issue price.

The stock listed at Rs 329 a share on the BSE, compared with the issue price of Rs 334 a share. At 10.30am today, it was down 3.3% trading at Rs 323.15.

The BSE Sensex was up 82 points or 0.3% at 28,374.85.

The 18.13 crore equity issue raised Rs 6,057 crore and was the largest IPO in India since state-run Coal India Ltd raised Rs 15,000 crore in 2010.

ICICI Bank, which held 68% stake in the company offloaded 12.63% in the IPO via offer for sale and so the life insurance arm didnt get any fresh funding.

ICICIs foreign joint venture partner Prudential Corp Holdings, which holds 26% stake in ICICI Prudential Life didnt sell any shares in the offer for sale, but will reduce its stake in the company to 20% by 2019, to enable the company meet Sebi norms, which require all listed company to at least have a 25% public float.

ICICI Prudential IPO was priced in the Rs 300-334 range and was subscribed 10.5 times.

At the upper end of the price band ICICI Prudential is valued at Rs 47,957 crore.

In November 2015, ICICI Bank sold 6% stake in the life insurance arm to Temasek and PremjiInvest, at a valuation of just Rs 32,500 crore. So, in this comparison, the current valuation was 48% higher.

Also, a key risk analysts said was ICICI Prudential was more levered to capital market movements as 82% of new business premiums come from unit linked insurance plans.
The Union government doubled on Thursday the limit on money from provident fund that can be invested in stock, bond and commodities markets, defying labour unions that say such investments are more prone to risks.

The labour ministry said the doubling of the 5% ceiling on investments in exchange-traded funds (ETF) will ensure higher returns for PF account holders.

The move bypassed the central board of trustees of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation that usually takes decisions on the provident fund corpus which gives financial security to millions of working Indians who contribute to it.

We decided to raise it... keeping the good economic situation, ground conditions and how social security funds invest globally. We are custodians of workers money and our responsibility is to see they get good returns, labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya said at a press conference.

EPFO has already invested Rs 1,500 crore in ETFs in the first half of the current fiscal and will invest about Rs 500 crore in the remaining six months.

On if the labour ministry sought the EPFO trustees approval, Dattatreya said: The issue was discussed twice in the CBT meeting. Some members had reservations against the ETF investments.

Representatives from some trade unions slammed the unilateral decision.

All India Trade Union Congress leader DL Sachdev told PTI: We strongly oppose this unilateral notification by the government to double FPO investments in ETFs despite our reservations. We will would soon discuss the issue with other unions and launch a protest against this move.

Indian Trade Union Congress vice-president Ashok Singh said, This is not the right approach. What was the emergency to do it and if it is done then what is the sanctity of the central board of trustees headed by labour minister which is the apex decision making body for the EPFO..
Sensex plunged over 500 points in afternoon trading after statements from the Indian army confirmed surgical strikes against terrorists in Pakistan. This raised worries among traders that it could escalate into a wider conflict.

The BSE Sensex, which was in positive territory in the morning session, nosedived 572 points at one point post noon just after the army made announcement in a press conference. It was trading at 27,936.58, still down 356 points or 1.3% at 1pm. Similarly, the NSE Nifty was trading down 111 points or 1.3% at 8,633.80.

Panic set in among traders after news spread that the government had conducted surgical strikes. Tensions between India and Pakistan have already been high, and there are concerns if these strikes would escalate the matter into a wider conflict, said Sageraj Bariya, vice-president at East India Securities.

ICICI Bank was the biggest loser, down 3.8% after its arm ICICI Prudential Life Insurance made a tepid debut on the stock exchanges.

Shares of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance listed at 1.5% below its issue price on Thursday, and slipped further. The stock was down 8.5% at Rs 305.65 versus its issue price of Rs 334 in afternoon trades.

Among other major losers, SBI, Sun Pharma, Adani Ports and Axis Bank were down more than 2%.
In the universe of the 24x7 media, there is literally no place to hide. Which is why it should come as no surprise that a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking out as Gujarat chief minister against the then UPA governments Pakistan policy went viral last week. The video shows Modi mocking the Manmohan Singh government for not giving Pakistan a befitting reply to a terror attack. Why are you not marching into Pakistan instead of begging the world for support, he can be heard saying in the video. Which is why the announcement of surgical strikes on Pakistan-based terror camps in the aftermath of the Uri attack is the PMs moment of truth: How far now does Modi go in living up to his pre-2014 election promise of teaching Pakistan a lesson.

In a sense, the transition from being a gung-ho Opposition politician baying for blood to creating a template for strategic restraint reflects the power of democracy, one that can temper the rough edges of political demagoguery by the challenges of governance in a complex society. In his recent speeches in Kozhikode and in Mann Ki Baat, Modi has shown a reassuring pragmatism in his remarks on Pakistan: Sending out a tough message to Islamabad without appearing bellicose or engaging in the grand-standing that his past at times might suggest. Even the surgical strikes appear to have been carried out more with the intent of a first warning rather than a declaration of war. To that extent, Modis policy has been marked by an appropriate, rather than a disproportionate, response.

Read | India takes a calculated risk by going for surgical strikes

Contrast that with his supporters, many of whom seem to believe that Modi needs to go much further. A jaw for a tooth, screamed the BJP general secretary, Ram Madhav. Another BJP leader bizarrely claimed in a TV debate that by next Independence Day the Indian flag would be flying over Islamabad. On social media, the BJPs Internet army is jubilant over reports of the surgical strike and hankers for more. Even while the military leadership has spoken of a limited operation, war has been declared in television studios and cyberspace.

This uncontrolled jingoism should again come as no surprise. The lets go to war hysteria on television is a sure-shot way of raising not just the political temperature, but also TV rating points. Warring Indian and Pakistani generals make for good TV  a euphemism for placing sensation above sense through high-decibel slugfests. TV has created a large constituency for war: There is less space for any moderate, nuanced position in a debate that is designed on the lines of a WWE-like wrestling format where noise matters more than news.

Read | Armys surgical strikes across LoC proves Modis ability to spring surprises

For the BJPs core support, strident nationalism that seeks to treat Pakistan as the permanent enemy who must be destroyed at all costs fits in with the Akhand Bharat worldview that still doesnt recognise Partition. It is almost the mirror image of those hotheads in Pakistan who would like India to bleed with a thousand cuts. The saffron Right has for long believed that the Congress presided over a namby-pamby State that gave away far too many concessions to Pakistan. A large part of their antipathy to Jawaharlal Nehru, and to some extent Mahatma Gandhi too, is the accusation that the Congress leadership never called the bluff of the Pakistanis Right from 1947, with Kashmir in particular a festering sore. Now, that there is the first majority Right-wing government led by a leader with a self-proclaimed chhappan ki chati (56-inch chest), the saffron warriors have reason to believe that the past failings will be corrected. If not the entire Pakistani State, then at the very least Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, must be re-captured.

Which is why many of Modis most ardent supporters seem to be almost goading the PM to declare war at the earliest rather than hold back. The diplomatic isolation of Pakistan that the government is attempting is a painstaking process; one that involves reaching out to numerous stakeholders . It requires skill and resolve, but most importantly, patience. Its an approach that has been attempted by Modis predecessors, Manmohan Singh and AB Vajpayee with mixed results. The only problem is that the larger-than-life image of Modi was built on a muscular politics that sees the PM as an Arnold Schwarzenegger-like Terminator, not a statesman who uses diplomacy as a preferred weapon.

Read | Four reasons why India might get away with attacking terrorists across LoC

The question then is, will the Modi administration follow up the surgical strikes with a more concerted assault on Pakistans terror machine. Elections in the key state of Uttar Pradesh are just months away and Modi is aware that he cannot afford another jhappi-pappi moment with Nawaz Sharif , which is why the Saarc summit has been called off. At the same time, he has to impose a heavy cost on Islamabad for harbouring terrorists. The calculated strikes across LoC may send out a bold message, but to what extent can the PM take risks of an escalated conflict that might end up undermining the Indian growth story is the real question. It is a moment that requires sober reflection rather than premature celebration. So far, Modi has struck the right balance but for how long can he keep the warmongers at bay.

Post-script: Its not just Modi, but even his colleague Sushma Swaraj has had to nuance her response. When an Indian soldier was beheaded in 2013, Swaraj had immediately called for 10 Pakistani heads for every one Indian killed. Now, her well crafted speech at the UN shows that playing to the domestic gallery is a very different proposition to building a global coalition against terror.

Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior journalist and an author

The views expressed are personal

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NEW DELHI: A 22-year-old man was allegedly shot dead by four men after an argument . The incident was reported from south-east Delhis Ambedkar Nagar at 5.30pm on Wednesday.

According to the police, Aman, the victim, was on his way to the market with his friends when his car reportedly brushed against a cart.

Aman and his friends allegedly had an argument with the vendor for not giving him way. While they were arguing, four men came to the spot and argued in favour of the vendor, which led to a scuffle.

The two groups had a fight and one of the men from the other group who was carrying a pistol opened fire, a senior officer said.

He fired three rounds and the bullets hit Aman. He sustained three bullet wounds in his stomach and collapsed. The men then fled the scene, the police officer said.

Amans friends informed the police control room and rushed him to the nearby Batra hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His body has been sent for a postmortem examination, he added.

Police have registered a case of murder. Sources said police have identified the four.

While police officially denied any previous enmity, sources said police are probing if the two groups knew each other before. The youth, who allegedly shot Aman, is learnt to have a criminal history, with cases of robbery and attempt to murder.

We have accessed the CCTV footage from the area and are examining it, he added.
NEW DELHI: Former bureaucrat BK Bansal and three members of his family were driven to suicide by the mental and physical torture inflicted on them by the officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), according to two purported suicide notes left by him and son Yogesh who were found dead in their East Delhi flat on Tuesday.

The provenance of the two notes remained unclear. The police said they found signed photocopies of both  dated September 26, the day before Bansal and his son allegedly killed themselves  at the scene. The originals are yet to turn up. A prominent wire service received similar signed copies of the two purported suicide notes via courier on Wednesday; the envelope, sources said, bore the name of BK Bansal as sender. Copies of the two notes were circulating in media houses and on social media through Wednesday.

The notes name five CBI officials for allegedly driving the Bansal family to suicide. (HT is withholding their names until the original notes are recovered and authenticated after due process.)

Bansals 58-year-old wife Satya Bala and 28-year-old daughter Neha were found dead in the same rooms of the Madhu Vihar flat on July 19, having hanged themselves because of what their purported suicide notes called the humiliation of the CBI search after Bansals arrest on July 16 in a bribery case.

Bansal and Yogesh were found hanging in the same rooms on Tuesday.
GURGAON: A Class 10 student was detained by police on Wednesday for allegedly sodomising an eight-year-old boy in Ashok Vihar area.

The accused, 15, was sent to a child care home in Faridabad after being produced before a Juvenile Justice court here, police said.

A resident of Ashok Vihar, phase-II lodged a complaint at Sector 5 police station in this regard on Tuesday evening alleging that the accused sodomised his son, a student of Class 3.

Based on the complaint, police lodged an FIR against the accused under section 452 (house trespass), 506 (criminal intimidation) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 6 of Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences ( POCSO) Act before detaining him.

He has been sent to the child care home in Faridabad, said a police spokesperson.
NEW DELHI: Delhi transport minister Satyendar Jain on Wednesday said the odd-even scheme may return in the winters, if lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung allows.

Jain was speaking on the WHO report on air pollution that places Delhi second on the list of most polluted cities in the world.

Delhis odd-even plan is a traffic experiment by the AAP government which allows vehicles of odd and even numbers on alternate days to reduce pollution and congestion on the capitals roads.

If Delhi wants a silver medal, this is certainly not what it should be in, Jain said.

With a population of 2 crore and the high traffic density, Delhi has always had a higher level of air pollution than the West. It reduces during the monsoons, but goes up again during the winters, the minister said.

He also took a dig at the BJPled municipal corporations for not cleaning the garbage, which, he said has also contributed to the outbreak of mosquito-borne disease. They (municipal corporations) do not do their job of keeping Delhi clean, they are just good for taking money, he said.

Jain credited the fogging drive by the AAP government for the reduction in the number of people coming to Delhi government hospitals with fever. The government has been conducting fogging for the last seven eight days and we have seen that the number of fever cases coming to the hospitals has gone down in the past 2 -3 days, the minister said.

He also assured that adequate measures have been taken for treating fever patients.

All the dispensaries and mohalla clinics are running on all seven days of the week to take care of fever patients, fever corners in the hospitals are running round-the-clock, Jain said.
A 27-year-old labourer was killed and five others, including three firefighters, were injured after a building collapsed due to fire in outer Delhis Narela area on Thursday. While rescue operations continued, at least three persons were still feared trapped under the debris.

The fire in the three-storey building of a plastic factory was reported last evening and 35 fire tenders were rushed to douse the blaze, which led to the collapse of the building leaving Sanjan Kumar dead, they said.

Three firefighters -- assistant divisional officer A K Jaiswal, sub-officer Tejpal and fireman Anup Kumar, along with two others who were injured during the rescue operations have been hospitalised, fire officials said.

Fire department officials said cooling and rescue operations are still underway as they feared that three more people were trapped in the rubble.

Three people-- two firemen and a labourer-- are still feared trapped under the debris, said Atul Garg, chief fire officer, Delhi Fire Service.

He said the firemen were facing difficulty to carry out the rescue operation since the front portion of the building was still intact while its rear part has collapsed.

We cannot raze down the front portion as the adjoining structures will get affected. Even though we have an excavator at work we are still forced to continue the excavation manually, Garg added.

According to fire department officials, the fire started on the ground floor of the factory and spread to the upper floors of the warehouse where plastic glasses were made.

Delhi PWD minister Satyendar Jain visited the site of the incident and took stock of the situation.

The back portion of the three-storey building has completely collapsed and only the front portion is standing. This is affecting our rescue work and there is a lot of debris.

Thirty-five fire tenders have been pressed into service and an NDRF team is also assisting in the rescue operation. We have also asked PWD engineering department to pitch in, he said.

When asked about the people still feared to be trapped in the rubble, he said, There are heavy beams which cannot be removed manually. We are trying to figure out a way to rescue them.

The rescue operations are still going on and an excavator is at work at the site, the fire department official said.
After Indias surgical strike across the Line of Control, the Delhi police on Thursday increased security across the city.

All senior officers were told to remain alert and ensure sufficient police presence at markets and tourist places. Home ministry sources said national security adviser Ajit Doval spoke to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Delhi police commissioner, asking them to be on high alert.

The anti-terror unit, emergency response vehicles and SWAT teams were asked to be on guard. On Thursday evening, barricades were also placed at major roads, with security personnel checking every suspicious vehicle.

We have been told to be on high alert. Not just the surgical attack but this is also a festival season. For the past few days, we are in the field in morning and evening rush hours, said a senior police officer.

On Thursday, more pickets were put up outside the residence of VVIPs and also in areas around the Parliament.

Police sources said after the Uri attack on September 18, the IB had sent alerts of possible terror strikes in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, following which security was stepped up in places that see heavy footfall.

Security has been increased on campuses, in markets, malls, airport, temples, multiplexes, metro stations, hospitals and hotels after recent intelligence inputs indicated probable terrorist strike threats against them, a police source confirmed.

With Navratras, Durga Puja, Dusshera and Diwali around the corner, tight vigil is expected in all public places. Areas through which processions will pass and other high-footfall areas are high on priority, police said.

In addition to increased patrolling and police presence across Delhi districts, all station house officers have been told to ensure that CCTV cameras in their areas are functioning. We have started the checks in phases. The CCTV cameras that were not functional are being fixed on priority. The places include crowded marketplaces, malls (and) parking lots. The district DCPs have also been asked to check the fitness of the quick reaction team vehicles and prepare a report, a source said.

Also, the police are keeping a watch on the vehicles that have been stolen in the past one week. The dates of missing and stolen vehicles are being checked and the figures are being comprehensively reviewed, as these vehicles could be used for terror-related activities, a police officer said.

The special cell has also been directed to put all its strength on the ground. The SWAT teams have been strengthened and five teams instead of three have been positioned on the ground. Leaves of all operational officers have been cancelled till the festival season, an officer said.
Four people were injured in a fire that broke out at a plastic factory on Wednesday evening in outer Delhis Narela industrial area. Five others are missing in the debris of the three-storey building that collapsed in the fire.

The fire started at 4:40 pm , reportedly from a short circuit. Twenty fire tenders were rushed to the spot, but needed 20 more to contain the spreading blaze. A quick reaction team, four police control vans and two ambulances of the centralised accident and trauma services were also dispatched. The fire was finally doused around 8:10 am on Thursday. However, rescue operations continued into the afternoon.

Only the front portion of the building is intact, while the rest of it has collapsed. The entry into the building has been blocked as the debris has covered the entrance. It is becoming difficult for the firefighters to enter the premises as the walls of the building have collapsed, locking them out. It is humanly impossible to lift them and make way. We have sought help from the NDRF to remove the mortar, a senior fire official said.

The firefighters are looking for alternate routes to get inside the building, he added.

More than 150 firefighters have been on duty since Wednesday night and the cooling operation is still on. A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been roped in.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, a labourer who contacted police, said, It was a short circuit that led to the fire. I was working inside when I saw sparks. I alerted everyone asking them to run out. The fire spread within minutes. There was smoke all over. I rushed out and immediately made a PCR call. After a few minutes, I could hear blasts from inside.

Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain reached the spot in the morning. Explaining the situation to reporters, he said rescue teams were trying to access the building through the adjacent building. Hopefully, the persons trapped inside will soon be rescued, he added.

The injured -- Anup, Naresh Kumar, Tejpal and Jaiwal -- were taken to a hospital. While Anuj sustained 30% burn wounds, others had minor injuries and were discharged after treatment.

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A decade ago today, a group of caste Hindus surrounded a Dalit villagers house in Maharashtras Khairlanji, attempting to teach the Bhotmange family a lesson for filing a land dispute-related complaint against the dominant community.

They dragged out Surekha Bhotmange, 44, her sons Roshan, 23, Sudhir, 21, and daughter Priyanka, 17, and assaulted them brutally. The victims were paraded naked in the village, sexually abused and hacked to death. The women were gangraped. The only member to survive was Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange, Surekhas husband, who was in the field and hid from the mob.

The incident unleashed a wave of fury across Maharashtra, mobilised Dalits and held a spotlight on the vulnerability of the community. The incident flew under the radar until massive crowds of Dalits across Maharashtra forced the administration to lodge a case. Six people were convicted and the case is pending before the Supreme Court.

But for the family, and millions of Dalits across India, little has changed. Crimes against the scheduled castes are committed frequently, and with impunity. In some places, Dalits have fought back--such as in Gujarats Una, where an assault by alleged cow protectors triggered a massive movement. That movement was rare: an overwhelming spectre of caste-based violence continues to haunt the 200-million-strong group. Last year, five crimes were committed against Scheduled Castes (SCs) every hour.

Nothing has changed, in fact, crimes against Dalits have only increased. Eveo in Maharashtra, the crime rate has gone up, says Anand Teltumbde, academic and writer of a book on the Khairlanji massacre. He points out that Khairlanji was part of a broader pattern of violence against Dalits that has been seen again and again: in Andhra Pradeshs Karamchedu in 1987, in Tsunduru in 1991, in Bihars Bathani Tola in 1996 and Laxmanpur Bathe a year later, and in Haryanas Bhagana in 2014.

In a majority of these cases, the legal fight has been frustrating with a long string of acquittals. Though considered one of the worlds strongest anti-discrimination statutes, it is almost impossible to get police to register and secure convictions under the SC/ST prevention of atrocities act. Even in Khairlanji, the courts refused to consider applying the SC/ST act, saying it was a simple case of revenge killing.

Conviction rates under the law remain low: just a fifth of the cases that do get registered result in convictions. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the conviction rates are just 6% and 2%, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau in 2014.

The 10-year anniversary of the Khairlanji massacre is also witnessing massive protests by the dominant Marathas demanding the scrapping of the SC/ act. Marathas are the ruling class. Dalits are just 10%. How can they misuse the law? Look at the conviction rates. The argument is self-defeating and a threat to both Dalits and the nation, says Teltumbde.

But the violence exemplified by Khairlanji isnt going away anytime and will grow as Dalits assert themselves more, feels Vivek Kumar, a professor at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University.

He says Dalits are under attack from two sides. In cases such as Una, theyre condemned to traditional practices such as manual scavenging and picking up carcasses, and any assertion against that oppression invites anger from the dominant communities. On the other side, in Khairlanji, a family trying to claw up the social ladder with modern tools such as education was brutally suppressed by caste Hindus.

A third, more endemic form of discrimination has also shown itself, most prominently with the January suicide of Rohith Vemula at the University of Hyderabad. This form of discrimination is subtle and almost impossible to monitor as it functions within the seemingly egalitarian space of universities, where Dalit students fail, are given low marks, humiliated in public and have no access to opportunities. If a professor doesnt sign a Dalit students fellowship form, nothing can be done, says Kumar.

Ten years ago, Khairlanji showed us that half a century of independence meant little for Dalits, who were still hounded and punished for any social progress or defiance of caste hierarchy. But apart from the violence, caste is an evil that lurks in our everyday lives: in the books we read, the friends we make, the people we fall in love with and the ones we mourn.

Until we recognise and start working against caste in our everyday lives, and not wait for Dalits to die, Khairlanjis will continue to happen. Until Dalits have independent political power, Vemulas will continue to die. Until the government and public commit to upholding the law and constitutional safeguards for backward communities, India will not progress.

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As the Indian Army said on Thursday that it has carried out surgical strikes and inflicted serious damage on terrorists and those supporting them across the Line of Control, Pakistan will find that it has little space to respond to the daring operations. Heres why:

1) New Delhi successfully isolated Islamabad diplomatically before it carried out the strikes. It was not merely how it quickly wrecked the Saarc summit in Islamabad, but it was also notable how it got the US to issue a strong statement against Pakistan over the Uri attacks. China may remain Pakistans all-weather friend, but it has declined to intervene militarily on Islamabads side.

2) India carefully kept up the appearance that its military actions were not aimed at the Pakistani armed forces. It said it had attacked terrorist camps and avoided any formal military structures. Also by limiting its actions to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, it maintained the myth that it was not attacking Pakistani soil but rather a piece of territory that is in theory part of India.

3) The Pakistani military, by denying such an attack, has indicated that it is not interested in escalating the battle, at least not openly. Whenever India has carried out such reprisals it has to decide whether to go public or not: the former is good for the home audience but threatens escalation, the latter is the opposite. The generals across the border have decided discretion is better than bluster this time around.

4) The snows should be coming to Kashmirs upper reaches soon, making the Line of Control infiltration difficult and generally dampening both domestic political fires over Kashmir and the ability of Pakistan army to do much from across the border. What cannot be ruled out is an attack on Indian assets in Afghanistan or a terrorist attack inside a soft target inside India. Which is why, however pleased many Indians will be with the attack, they should be extra vigilant about a possible terror strike or worse in parts of India far from Kashmir.
The governments announcement that Indian forces conducted surgical strikes against terrorist launch-pads within Pakistan is to be welcomed. Since the terrorist attacks on the army base in Uri on September 18, it has been clear that Islamabads unrestrained, unrepentant use of proxies to strike on Indian soil needed a stronger response than the usual expressions of anger. The Modi government wisely avoided the temptation of an immediate punitive counterattack, reckoning that the risk of escalation in hostilities outweighed any visceral satisfaction that instant revenge might bring. Instead, it displayed strategic patience, taking the best part of two weeks to make Indias case in the court of international opinion to isolate Pakistan. It also promised economic measures against Islamabad; these may include stripping Pakistan of its most-favoured nation status, and closing Indian airspace to flights from that country.

Read: Armys surgical strikes inflict terrorist casualties across LoC

But inflicting a diplomatic and economic cost on Islamabad was never going to be enough. The death of 18 Indian soldiers in the Uri attack meant there had to be a cost imposed on the terrorist groups, not only on their patrons. This has now been achieved through the surgical strikes. Given where the launch-pads were located, close to the line of control, it is a safe assumption that the terrorists amassed there were highly trained and motivated, the best of their breed. Taking them out of the equation alters the security calculus, at least until their masters have found adequate replacements.

Read: Punjab border villages evacuated after armys surgical strikes across LoC

Islamabads response, a blanket denial that the strikes took place, is both predictable and, in the Pakistani context, smart: it allows military and political leaders to make chest-thumping pronouncements without having to take any real military action. The Pakistani leadership is well-versed in this form of kabuki, making theatrical threats that are designed to please a domestic audience, but require no follow-through. We can expect Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his army chief Raheel Sharif to vow dire vengeance. There will also be the usual Pakistani appeals to the international community to intervene, as well as some predictable bromides from world powers about the need for New Delhi and Islamabad to exercise restraint. These can be met with equally formulaic responses from New Delhi.

Read: LIVE: All-party meet begins after announcement of surgical strikes

The real, rather than rhetorical, reprisals will come in a familiar form. The launch-pads will be moved to safer, better protected havens within Pakistan-controlled territory, and will be resupplied with men and material. For a few weeks, perhaps months, Indian security forces will be on high alert; in time, human nature will compel them to lower their guard, making India once again vulnerable to terrorist attacks. How to stop this cycle must now be the question uppermost on the minds of Indias leaders, even as they take satisfaction from the revenge, served cold and in good measure, for Uri.

Read: Armys surgical strikes across LoC proves Modis ability to spring surprises
A bride and groom got a surprise celebrity attendee at their wedding photo shoot when Hollywood star Tom Hanks stopped by as they were having their photos taken at New Yorks Central Park.

The Oscar winner was jogging on the weekend when he saw newlyweds Elisabeth and Ryan having their photos taken and joined in, even taking a selfie with the delighted couple.

Hanks, who added he was an ordained minister and joked that he could step in if the guy cancels, congratulated the couple before resuming his jog.

Ryan, youre a lucky man. Elisabeth, youve done well for yourself, Hanks told the couple as he posed for a photo with them.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
All eyes will be on the Supreme Court on Friday as the Centre failed to broker peace between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in the Cauvery river water sharing dispute.

The court had asked the Union water resources ministry on Tuesday to facilitate a meeting between representatives of the two states after Karnataka refused to release 6,000 cusecs of water to TN following the apex courts direction.

However, after chairing a three-hour meeting on Thursday, water resources minister Uma Bharti said she was disappointed as a solution outside court could not be achieved. Tamil Nadu did not agree to Karnatakas proposal that a central team of experts visits the Cauvery river basin to assess ground realities, including the quantum of water stored in reservoirs, drinking water available and crop situation, before a decision is taken to release water, Bharti said.

The minister, referring to the tense situation in the two states, urged people to exercise restraint.

Bharti added that she was ready to go on an indefinite hunger strike along the border between the two states if the problem persisted.

Read | Karnatakas defiance in Cauvery issue contempt of court: TN CM Jayalalithaa

Besides Bharti, Karnataka CM K Siddaramaiah, Tamil Nadu PWD minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy and other senior officials attended the meeting. Shashi Shekar, water resources secretary, said the Centre will put the views of the two states before the apex court, which is hearing the matter on Friday. There could have been some give and take, Shekhar, who is also the chairman of the Cauvery Supervisory Committee, added.

Earlier, TN CM Jayalalithaa in a message said, In utter disregard and in complete contempt of the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court, Karnataka failed to release the stipulated quantity of water to Tamil Nadu and in addition, failed to make good the shortfall.

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Former bureaucrat BK Bansal and three other members of his family were driven to suicide due to mental and physical torture inflicted on them by the officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), according to two purported suicide notes left by him and son Yogesh who were found dead in their East Delhi flat on Tuesday.

The provenance of the two notes remained unclear. The police said they found signed photocopies of both  dated September 26, the day before Bansal and his son allegedly killed themselves  at the scene. The originals are yet to turn up. A prominent wire service received similar signed copies of the two purported suicide notes via courier on Wednesday; the envelope, sources said, bore the name of BK Bansal as sender. Copies of the two notes were circulating in media houses and on social media through Wednesday.

The notes name five CBI officials for allegedly driving the Bansal family to suicide. (HT is withholding their names until the original notes are recovered and authenticated after due process.)

Bansals 58-year-old wife Satya Bala and 28-year-old daughter Neha were found dead in the same rooms of the Madhu Vihar flat on July 19, having hanged themselves because of what their purported suicide notes called the humiliation of the CBI search after Bansals arrest on July 16 in a bribery case.

Bansal and Yogesh were found hanging in the same rooms on Tuesday.

Read: Ex-bureaucrat, son found dead months after wife, daughter killed themselves

Even if I was at fault in the case, why were my wife and daughter pushed to suicide by CBI officials This cannot be termed as suicide. It is a murder of two ladies, Bansals note said, describing how two women officers of the CBI slapped and pinched his wife. Before their alleged suicide, Bansals wife and daughter shared details of their torture with friends and neighbours, said the note. It said that these CBI officers should be put through a lie detector test.

In his note, Yogesh has said his mother and his sister were against suicide but were tortured to such an extent that they took the extreme step. He said they were murdered by CBI officers. A neighbour who made fun of their situation added to the humiliation, it said.

The father-son duo have named a deputy inspector general- rank official, two women officials of the rank of superintendent of police and deputy SP respectively, an investigating officer and a fat constable (whose name apparently they didnt know).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the CBI said it has received communication from the Delhi Police that includes the two purported Bansal notes containing allegations against certain CBI officials. We have examined the matter and decided to probe the allegations, said CBI spokesperson RK Gaur.

Gaur added that the CBI is fully committed to conduct the investigation in a fair and professional manner. If any violation is established during the probe, strict action will be taken against the CBI officials concerned. The competent court will be informed, he said.

Read: Hours before suicide, bureaucrat BK Bansal had visited CBI headquarters

The agency had charged Bansal with accepting Rs 9 lakh as bribe and attempting to foil a probe against a Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company owned by TV actor Anuj Saxena. The CBI alleged that Bansal sought bribe in order to save Saxenas company Elder Pharmaceuticals from an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.

The Delhi Police has not registered any case related to abetment of suicide. Instead, the police sent copies of the suicide notes to the CBI for further action. DCP (East) Rishipal Singh said, We found photocopies of the suicide notes written and signed by Bansal and his son Yogesh. The notes contained harassment allegations against some CBI officials. We forwarded the notes to the CBI as they were probing the corruption case against Bansal.
The silent protests by Marathas were triggered after the brutal rape and murder of a minor girl from the community in Kopardi of western Maharashtras Ahmednagar district in July this year.

The girl, a Class 8 student, was gang raped, tortured and murdered by three Dalit labourers when she was on her way home from her grandfathers house.

Sources said a few days after the incident there were protests in Kopardi but brewing angst among the Maratha community erupted and the initial apathy from politicians resulted in it spreading to neighbouring villages, and later, to the adjoining Marathwada region, seen as a cauldron of caste politics in Maharashtra.

The first call for a big rally was held in Aurangabad by a group called Sakal Maratha Samaj  an umbrella group of around 9 organisations -- on August 10. It saw an unexpected turnout. In the last month and a half, nearly 100-odd organisations have joined and many have sprung in districts in the short span.

The first rally, which was not taken seriously by either the administration or the Maratha politicians, set a pattern for the rallies to come. It included non-violence, a marked shift from the communitys history, young women protesters, the absence of leaders and remarkable discipline.

Read: Marathas, Dalits fight over atrocities act, but cases filed on decline

While the movement has been portrayed as faceless and leaderless, it has moorings in 100-odd community organisations and importantly a core of hardline organisations like the Maratha Mahasangh, Maratha Seva Sangh, Sambhaji Brigade, Chaava and Jijau Brigade that have been working in the state for more than two decades.

These Shivaji cult organisations, that are also distinctly anti-Brahmin, are said to be close to the Nationalist Congress Party, dubbed as the party of the Marathas. They have been spearheading the communitys demands including reservations for several years. And, have successfully galvanised the unrest among the youth in the past over issues centring around a sense of injustice, honour and victimisation.

Sambhaji Brigades vandalism of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune to protest the controversial book on Shivaji by American author James Laine in 2003-04 is just one example of the groups extremism. But all those protests were seen as political and they stayed in the margins.

We had held a round table conference at Satara two years ago and envisaged massive protests across the state over reservation but a majority of the participants had political links. The community is fed up with the established leadership of the community as it has been equally exploitative and promises havent been kept, a leader active in organising the marches said.

Read: Answer to Maratha protests: Dalits hold a rally in Latur

This led to the idea of the leaderless, silent protests even though all our organisations have been active since day one, he added.

Leaders and mentors were kept out of the picture. But after the success of the first few rallies, leaders representing the organisations and political parties tried to hijack the show but were shown the door.

Spiritual leader Bhaiyyuji Maharaj, Shivaji descendants Udayanraje Bhosale and Sambhaji Raje tried to intervene at various levels, but they had to bear the brunt over social media. Even political leaders across the party lines have been kept at bay and they have been asked to join the marches from the rear rows. They have now been prohibited from giving any reaction to the media, one of the organisers of the protests said.

Recently, even the leaders of the opposition were told to stay away from the government offer to join them for the dialogue with the community, he added.

According to insiders, political leaders, industrialists and bureaucrats belonging to the community have been chipping in to fund the protests.

It takes but an hour to collect the funds. In the majority of the districts here, local politicians across party lines have contributed for fundraising in our personal capacities as just regular participants, a Congress politician from Marathwada told Hindustan Times.

Read: Maratha protests: Whom will Maha govt talk to?

The established leadership has been kept away from the organisation as the community is disillusioned with its established leaders. I would not be surprised to see if the handful Maratha empires in politics biting the dust in near future, socio-political analyst Kumar Saptarshi said.

Pradip Salukhe of Maratha Seva Sangh said that the silent protests across the state are the result of the movement run by various Maratha organisations for last few years.

Though none of the organisations is the driving force behind the protests and we have been putting a united show, we have been working on the issue for more than 15 years. Today smaller groups and organisations have been formed at district and taluka levels with different names to gather people under one flag, Salukhe said.

It is nothing but the outcome of the thought process and brainstorming put in place by us for years, he added.

Besides Kopardi, the Devendra Fadnavis governments attempt in targeting the cooperative sector controlled by Marathas has also proved to be a crucial reason for the uproar, according to observers.

The states history shows that the Maratha-led organisations have played active roles in venting the unrest against the government whenever the community realised to have loosened its grip on the power.

Read: Maratha protests: Oppn unwilling to cooperate, Maha govt to seek legal course

Some of this was felt way back in the 1980s over the appointment of AR Antulay, a Muslim Congressman, as the chief minister and the establishment of the Shiv Sena-BJP government headed by a Brahmin CM in 1995.

These organisations have played an active role in the keeping the unrest burning.

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India and Bangladesh will hold their bi-annual border dialogue here next week with a delegation of Dhakas border guarding force arriving on Friday in the country.

A 22-member team of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), led by their chief Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed, will meet their Indian counterparts -- the Border Security Force -- and discuss a host of security issues related to the 4,096 km long border the two countries share.

While the BGB delegation will arrive tomorrow in India, the talks will begin from October 3, a BSF spokesperson said.

During the conference, issues related to trans-border crimes, smuggling of cattle, fake Indian currency notes, drugs and prevention of illegal migration will be discussed between the two sides, the spokesperson said.

A senior official said issues related to activities of Indian insurgent groups in Bangladesh and initiation of new confidence building measures will also be discussed during the talks.

The Indian delegation will be led by BSF Director General K K Sharma and comprised officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Narcotics Control Bureau and the NIA.

The two sides will sign a joint record of discussions on October 4 and the BGB delegation will leave for Dhaka the next day.

This is the 43rd meeting between the two sides and the last talks happened when the Indian delegation led by BSF had travelled to Bangladesh in May this year.

Since 1975, these talks between BSF and BGB used to be held annually but they were made bi-annual from 1993.
Two Pakistani soldiers were reported killed, as Indian forces retaliated to unprovoked firing by Pakistani troops at two different areas along the Line of Control in Poonch district through Wednesday night.

The guns fell silent around 8 am on Thursday morning.

There was a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Balnoi sector in Poonch (250 km northwest of Jammu), a defence source said. The firing started around 2.30 am on Thursday. The Army returned the fire.

Officially, the Northern Command is tight-lipped on the matter.

The two truce violations by Pakistan led Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Thursday, and review the situation. On its part, the BSF stepped up security all along the 198-km international border.

The Indian army has, in a bid to prevent possible infiltration by Pak ultras in the cover of fire from the Pakistani side, cordoned the entire area. A search operation has been launched, sources added.

Read: India carried out strike across LoC, inflicted damage on terrorists: Army

A police officer confirmed that a vast area near the LoC was cordoned off in Balnoi village of Mendhar in Poonch district after the heavy exchange of fire between the armies of India and Pakistan in the small hours of Thursday.

Pakistans official media site ISPR claimed that around 2.30 am, India opened unprovoked fire in Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa areas on their side of the LoC, killing two soldiers.

On Wednesday evening, Pakistani army had violated the ceasefire agreement and opened fire on Indian positions along the 744-km LoC in Saujiyan sector of Poonch district.

At 5.33 pm on Wednesday, Pakistani troops opened fire on Indian posts, prompting Indian soldiers to respond. A gun-battle continued till 6.20 pm, after which there was a lull of 10 minutes. It resumed again and went till 8.30 pm on Wednesday.

Then, in Balnoi, a gun-battle started around 2.30 am on Thursday.

On September 18, Pakistan orchestrated an attack on an army base in Uri close to the LoC, killing 18 Indian soldiers.

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All political parties on Thursday firmly backed the Modi government on the surgical strikes across the line of control, Indias first military response to the Uri attack, and lauded the army for ensuring the countrys security.

A few hours after the army announced it had crossed the LoC early on Thursday and hit militants preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the government called an all-party meeting to brief the leaders about the raid.

Home minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting and also updated chief ministers of West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab and Bihar on the situation.

Ahead of the meeting, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj drove down to Congress president Sonia Gandhis 10, Janpath residence, sources said. She briefed the Congress leader on the series of lightning strikes that came 11 days after 18 soldiers were killed in by suspected Pakistani militants in Uri.

            Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 29, 2016

Read: Punjab border villages evacuated, no LoC trade after army surgical strike

This is a strong message that conveys our countrys resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people, Gandhi said in a statement.

Her party supported the government in its actions to protect the countrys security and deal with the menace of terrorism from across the border, she said.

The same sentiments were expressed during the meeting by all sides. The ruling BJP said the strikes signalled the rise of a new India.

But, there was a word of caution too. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, whose Peoples Democratic Party is the BJPs senior partner in the ruling coalition, expressed concern over escalation of hostilities. A confrontation could lead to a disaster of epic proportions for the border state, she said.

The home minister, defence minister Manohar Parrikar and director general of military operations Lt Gen Ranbir Singh updated the leaders but didnt share the details of the operation.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, a former defence minister, lauded the army for the meticulous operation. Sharad Yadav of the Janata Dal (United) praised the force for conducting raids past midnight in a difficult terrain. It showed the armys determination and will to ensure the nations security, he said.

The government said it was monitoring the situation for a possible retaliation from Pakistan and also shared its security plan for border states.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was of the opinion that Pakistan would not escalate the situation.

In a statement, the CPM Politburo expressed hope that now incidents like at Pathankot and at Uri wouldnt be repeated. It

also urged the government to continue with diplomatic and political moves to defuse tensions.

Party leader Sitaram Yechury was at the meeting, which was also attended by Bahujan Samaj Partys Satish Mishra and Prem Chand Gupta of the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

The BJP chief Amit Shah, too, praised the army and also Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. Todays strikes signal the rise of a new India where the government doesnt get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists, he said in a series of tweets.

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal saluted the army. Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The entire country is with the Indian Army, he tweeted.

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A court in Bhopal issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against union minister Uma Bharti on Thursday for not appearing before it in a defamation case filed against her by Congress national general secretary Digvijay Singh in 2003.

Taking serious note of the ministers non-appearance before the court for recording of her statement as accused for around a year, Bhopal chief judicial magistrate (CJM) Bhubhaskar Yadav issued the arrest warrant.

Stating that since the accused is a cabinet minister, lower-ranked officials would dither from arresting her, the court directed that the warrant be executed through the senior superintendent of police (SSP).

While rejecting the plea of Bhartis counsel for review of the order and interim stay on the execution of warrant for seven days, the CJM court held that since the case is 13 years old, proceedings cannot be stayed merely on the wish of either of the parties.

The CJM subsequently quashed the review application and ordered issuance of the arrest warrant on Thursday itself and ensure her appearance before the court on October 19, 2016.

Earlier, union ministers counsel Harish Mehta had moved two applications seeking Bhartis exemption from personal appearance in the court for examination as the accused in the case on the grounds that she is often busy with emergency meeting as a cabinet minister.

He had also submitted before the court that she had to chair the meeting of senior officials on Thursday to decide the governments response before another court in the Cauvery water dispute, owing to which she should be exempted from personal appearance and instead be allowed to respond to questions in the case through her counsel.

The court, however, rejected both applications and observed that sympathy to the minister would amount to failure of the legal system.

In November 2003, then Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh had filed a defamation case against then Bhopal MP Uma Bharti for leveling false allegations of him being involved in a Rs 15,000 crores scam. She had termed Singh as most corrupt CM of India.

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Defying a Delhi high court order against sharing user data collected up to September 25 with its parent company Facebook, the mobile message service WhatsApp has said that it is going to share information with Facebook as planned.

According to Mashable, the Delhi high courts order hasnt impacted its planned changes in WhatsApps terms and privacy policy.

The ruling has no impact on the planned policy and terms of service updates, WhatsApp spokesperson Anne Yeh was quoted as saying in a statement on Thursday.

Earlier, a division bench of chief justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal said on September 23 that WhatsApp will not share users data collected under its old privacy policy over the years up to September 25, 2016, with Facebook or any other related company.

WhatsApp has to completely delete all data of users who chooses to opt out of the instant messaging app after the coming into force of its new privacy policy, said the court.

The court also said that WhatsApp will delete users data up to September 25, even of those who choose not to opt out of the instant messaging app and agree with new privacy policy.

We have taken note of the fact that under the privacy policy of WhatsApp, the users are given an option to delete their WhatsApp account at any time, in which event, the information of the users would be deleted from the the servers of WhatsApp, the bench said.

We are, therefore, of the view that it is always open to the existing users of WhatsApp, who do not want their information to be shared with Facebook, to opt for deletion of their account, it had observed.

The court also directed the government to consider the issue of functioning of instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp and take an appropriate decision as to whether it is feasible to bring them under the statutory regulatory framework.

On August 25, WhatsApp made extensive changes to its privacy policy. Under the new norm, it announced it would and could share users personal information, including their phone numbers, with its parent company Facebook.

WhatsApp had given its users 30-days to opt out of the new privacy policy which expired on September 25.
The Delhi high court on Thursday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to arrest Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singhs son Vikramaditya, who has been called for interrogation in a money-laundering case registered against his father and others.

You (ED) should tell your officer (before whom Vikramaditya will appeal) that no arrest should be made, Justice Vipin Sanghi said.

ED counsel Sanjeev Narula maintained that the agency had no such plan and he would communicate this to the officer concerned.

Read | Money laundering case: ED questions Virbhadra Singhs wife

Taking note of the ED counsels assurance, the bench in its order said, In view of what has transpired in court today, no orders are being passed.

Vikramaditya has been asked to appear on September 30 by ED for questioning in connection with the case following his non-appearance for interrogation earlier.

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, appearing for the CMs son, contended that he apprehends that his client may be detained during questioning and he should be protected from arrest.

He contended that Vikramadityas name was not mentioned in the FIR, nor in the enforcement case investigation report (ECIR) registered by the agency.

Read | Himachal cabinet expresses solidarity with Virbhadra Singh

Krishnan further submitted that the agency had recorded the statement of Virbhadras wife in the case last month.

Vikramaditya will participate in the interrogation, but a request is made that he need not be arrested, he added.

ED had also filed the first charge sheet in the case at a court here against arrested accused, LIC agent Anand Chauhan.

The agency had attached assets worth about Rs eight crore earlier this year. Virbhadra had denied the allegations of any wrongdoing by him and his family.

The ED had filed a case under provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by CBI in this regard in September last year.

The agency is probing allegations against Virbhadra and his family members of having amassed wealth of Rs 6.1 crore, which is alleged to be disproportionate to his known sources of income between 2009 and 2011 when he was the Union Minister of Steel.

CBIs FIR had named Virbhadra, his wife, Chauhan and his brother, who were all accused of violating the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The response to the news of surgical strikes by the Indian army across the Line of Control was mixed in Kashmir: for some it was panic for the fear of a war while others questioned the truth of the news in the light of Pakistans denial.

People from different walks of life told HT they were worried that the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan might end in a war and if that happens, Kashmir might have to pay a huge price while being sandwiched between the warring nations.

The first sense is of panic and the second is that I do not want this to end in war. We cant even imagine the loss humanity can suffer in nuclear warfare, said a clothes trader from Lal Chowk area of the city.

Prominent Kashmiri novelist, Mirza Waheed, tweeted: Once again, its appalling to witness journos, TV wallas, turn into cheerleaders for a war that will have devastating consequences for SA.

A senior journalist, not wishing to be named, highlighted that many in Kashmir felt the strike was an attempt by the BJP-led government to win peoples confidence post the Uri attack and ahead of elections in states.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said the confrontation could lead to a disaster of epic proportions if urgent steps were not taken to bring down the heightened tensions in the region.

Calling for restraint, Mufti said the people of J&K have the greatest stakes in peace as they have undergone enormous tragedies. We in J&K have suffered immensely because of the violence and know very well its dangers and consequences, she said and called upon the political leadership of India and Pakistan to deescalate the war-like situation in the region. For the people of J&K, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit, she said.

The moderate Hurriyat faction, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said that military aggression and war is no solution to any problem, it instead worsens problems further, which the three previous wars between both the countries has shown.

Calling upon New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate tensions, the body said the two nuclear neighbours should behave maturely and instead of confrontations, which can only be disastrous for the entire region, engage in serious dialogue to resolve issues and bring peace.
If India and Pakistan fought a war detonating 100 nuclear warheads (around half of their combined arsenal), each equivalent to a 15-kiloton Hiroshima bomb, more than 21 million people will be directly killed, about half the worlds protective ozone layer would be destroyed, and a nuclear winter would cripple the monsoons and agriculture worldwide.

As the Indian Army reports striking terrorist camps across the border, and a member of Parliament (MP) of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urges a nuclear attack and the Pakistan defence minister threatens to annihilate India in return, these projections, made by researchers from three US universities in 2007, are a reminder of the costs of nuclear war.

Click here to see the projections

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy said, on 23 September, 2016, that if 100 million Indians died in a Pakistani nuclear attack, Indias retaliation would wipe out Pakistan.

But the real costs would be higher and not just in India and Pakistan, where the first 21 million peoplehalf the death toll of World War IIwould perish within the first week from blast effects, burns and acute radiation, according to the 2007 study by researchers from Rutgers University, University of Colorado-Boulder and University of California, Los Angeles, all in the USA.

This death toll would be 2,221 times the number of civilians and security forces killed by terrorists in India over nine years to 2015, according to an IndiaSpend analysis of South Asia Terrorism Portal data.

Another two billion people worldwide would face risks of severe starvation due to the climatic effects of the nuclear-weapon use in the subcontinent, according to this 2013 assessment by the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, a global federation of physicians.

Pakistan has an estimated 110 to 130 nuclear warheads as of 2015an increase from an estimated 90 to 110 warheads in 2011according to this report from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a global disarmament advocacy. India is estimated to have 110 to 120 nuclear warheads.

Talk of war began after a terrorist attack on an army garrison in the Kashmir town of Uri claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers. The Indian Army said the attack was carried out by four terrorists from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (Army of Mohammed) group, based in Pakistan.

Pakistans defence minister Khawaja M Asif responded to threats from India by saying, If Pakistans security is threatened, we will not hesitate in using tactical (nuclear) weapons.

Pakistans nuclear weapons capability has previously deterred India from responding to previous attacks.

At the end of the day, India has to ensure that the options it exercisesparticularly the military onesdo not leave it worse off than before in terms of casualties and costs, wrote analyst Manoj Joshi in The Wire.

It does not really matter if India has fewer nuclear weapons than Pakistan, IndiaSpend reported in April, 2015, primarily because of the doctrine of mutually assured destruction, or MAD, as it is commonly known (See this IndiaSpend report for more about Indias nuclear weapons program).

66% Pakistans nuclear weapons on ballistic missiles

As many as 66% Pakistani nuclear warheads are mounted on 86 land-based ballistic missiles, according to Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists data estimates.

Pakistans Hatf (named after the sword of Prophet Muhammad) series of ballistic missiles has been developedand is still under developmentkeeping India in mind.

A major attack by Pakistans nuclear-tipped medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) would likely target Indias four major metropolitan citiesNew Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai (depending on where the missile is fired from), according to Sameer Patil, fellow, national security, ethnic conflict and terrorism at Gateway House, a think tank in Mumbai.

The MRBMs would also target the major commands of the Indian Army, Patil told IndiaSpend.

Nearly half (40) of Pakistans ballistic missile warheads could be mated to Ghauri (named after 12th-century Afghan king Shahbuddin Ghauri, also known as Muhammad of Ghauri) MRBMs. The missile has a claimed range of 1,300 km and can target Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bhopal and Lucknow, according to this 2006 report on Pakistans ballistic missile programme by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Pakistan has an estimated eight warheads which could be mated to the Shaheen (Falcon) II. This MRBM has a range of 2,500 km and can target most major Indian cities, including Kolkata on the east coast.

(Indian Nuclear Forces, 2015; Bulletin of Atomic Scientists)

An estimated 16 warheads could be fired atop the short-range Ghaznavi (named after the 11th-century Afghan invader Mahmud Ghazni) ballistic missile. With a range of 270 km to 350 km, it can target Ludhiana, Ahmedabad and the outer perimeter of Delhi.

Pakistan has an estimated 16 nuclear-tipped Shaheen1 (falcon), short-range ballistic missiles (IRBM), having a 750 km range which can reach Ludhiana, Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.

Pakistan has an estimated six 60-km range Nasr missiles, which could be mated to nuclear weapons. These tactical nuclear missiles could target advancing battle formations of the Indian Army, according to Patil. These missiles could be what Asif referred to.

Pakistan also has eight nuclear-tipped 350-km Babur cruise missiles with nuclear warheads.

An estimated 36 nuclear warheads, accounting for 28% of Pakistans total, can be delivered using aircraft. US-made F-16 A/B aircraft can deliver 24 nuclear bombs while the French-made Mirage III/V can deliver 12.

Indias triad: Submarine, missile and aircraft

India has deployed 56 Prithvi (earth) and Agni (fire) series of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, which carry 53% of Indias 106 estimated warheads, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

This doesnt take into account the estimated 12 warheads for the K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which India has possibly produced for the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant.

Once commissioned, Arihant would give India a strategic nuclear triad and second strike capability, as this July 2015 IndiaSpend report notes.

Given the smaller geographical size of Pakistan, said Patil, India would likely target Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi and the Pakistani Army Armed Corps headquarters at Nowshera.

However, he cautioned: The fallout of the nuclear attacks on Lahore and Karachi, for instance, would not just be restricted to the Pakistani territory, and depending on the wind directions, can affect both Indian and Afghan border territories.

(Indian Nuclear Forces, 2015; Bulletin of Atomic Scientists)

The 250 km-range Prithvi SRBM acts as a delivery system for 24 of Indias warheads. These are capable of hitting major Pakistani cities, such as Lahore, Sialkot, the capital Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, according to this May 2015 IndiaSpend analysis.

India has 20 nuclear-tipped Agni I SRBM and eight Agni II intermediate range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), with ranges of 700 km and 2,000 km, respectively. These are capable of covering almost all Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Karachi, Quetta and Gwadar.

Agni III, IV and V, with their longer ranges, might be able to reach all of Pakistan, but it can be safely said that they are directed more towards China.

India also possesses an estimated two ship-launched 350-km range Dhanush SRBM, which could be fitted with nuclear warheads.

Indias aircraft can deliver an estimated 45% of 106 warheads. The Indian Air Forces Jaguar fighter bombers can deliver about 16 nuclear warheads, while the French-built Mirage-2000 fleet can deliver 32.

Update: This story has been updated to reflect news of Indian strikes in Pakistan.

(Sethi is a Mumbai-based freelance writer and defence analyst.)

The story was first published by IndiaSpend, Indias first data journalism initiative.
A meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan on Thursday morning has been deferred to the next week, official sources said. There was no immediate clarity about the reasons for postponing the meeting.

The decision comes at a time India is weighing its options to respond to an attack by militants on an army base in Kashmir that killed 18 Indian soldiers.

New Delhi is weighing the option of withdrawing the MFN status to Pakistan as a non-military retributive measure for the September 18 attack on an Uri army base that left 18 jawans dead. India blames the Pakistan-sponsored militant outfit, Jaish-e-Muhammad, for carrying out the attack.

India accorded Pakistan the MFN status in 1996 as part of its commitment under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It was to be reciprocated by Islamabad but the ruling establishment in the neighbouring country dithered over it.

The MFN status ensures equal treatment in terms of trading prices or tariffs and market access without discrimination in imports and exports. It does not suggest any special treatment. It simply means no discrimination when it comes to trade. If India revokes the MFN status to Pakistan, it would mean diminished imports from that country.

Experts say the revocation, if decided by India, will only have a symbolic impact as current levels of bilateral trade are very low. Bilateral trade between the two South Asian neighbours was just $2.6 billion in 2015-16 (of which $2.2 billion constituted Indias exports to Pakistan)  which represented a minuscule 0.4% of Indias overall goods trade worth $643.3 billion in the same year.
India said on Thursday it carried out surgical strikes along its de-facto border with Pakistan, inflicting heavy damage on seven launchpads militants were preparing to use to cross over into the country.

Live updates after Indias surgical strikes across LoC

Here is how the operation was carried out:

1) Army sources said seven launchpads or temporary bases used by militants  located up to 3km across the Line of Control -- were targeted after a week of surveillance.

2) The operation began around midnight on Wednesday and ended around 4.30am on Thursday, the sources said.

3) Paratroopers from the Udhampur-based Northern Command carried out the operation. They were airdropped at the LoC, from where they crossed over to the other side.

4) Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, director general of military operations, told a news conference in Delhi. The operations aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since ceased.

5) The army picked its targets for the surgical strikes after carrying out 24X7 surveillance of the terrorist launchpads. Singh said the strikes were launched based on very specific and credible information that some terrorist units had positioned themselves ... with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes.

6) The Special Forces teams involved in the operation had been rehearsing their assault plan for more than a week. All forces along the LoC and the Indian Air Force were placed in the highest state of alert.

7) The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modis warning that those responsible would not go unpunished for a September 18 attack on an Indian army base at Uri, near the LoC, that killed 18 soldiers. India has been stepping up pressure on Pakistan, seeking to isolate it globally at a diplomatic level.

8) The top spokesperson for the Pakistani military slammed the Indian account of its action as totally baseless and completely a lie.

9) US national security adviser Susan Rice spoke with her Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, before news of the cross-border operation broke, the White House said.

10) An Indian Army officer in Kashmir said there had been shelling from the Pakistani side of the border into the Nowgam district, near the Line of Control, and the exchange of fire continued during the day.

With inputs from agencies
Arun Kumar studied in a small government school in his village, Sikraha Panday, off the Basti-Faizabad highway in Uttar Pradesh. But he realised, as he grew older, that if he wanted money, he had to leave.

Kumar first went to Ludhiana in 2007, and worked in Sukhdeo Dhaba as a South Indian ustad. But the salary was low. Some people from his village worked in a footwear factory in Delhi and called him. He took the train, and began with Rs 7,000 a month.

Kumar worked 12-hour shifts, and his salary increased to Rs 10,000. When the factory shifted to Kundli in Haryana, he moved with them. He now spends half his salary on rent and ration.

Every Sunday, he treats himself to chicken and half a bottle of whiskey.

Across India, migrants from Uttar Pradesh form a major share of the working force. Many of them come from rural UP, and when they return, they go back not only with more money in their pockets, but a different worldview. The issue of migrants from UP is a contested political issue in Mumbai.

UP interestingly accounts for among the highest rates of inter-state, but also intra-state migration. And here, women outrank the men  for after marriage, they move to a different village.

Kumars story is striking, for he is Dalit. In the 2017 state elections, this constituency of migrant workers who return home to vote will be a key force.

The push factor

Kumars family has 12 members, and collectively owns a couple of bighas of land. Agriculture just cannot sustain everyone. And there are no factories which can absorb us. So where will I go?

He pauses and answers: Wherever money calls me.

Basti is the average UP district in terms of development indicators. Over 70% of the rural population earns less than Rs 5,000 a month, and only 8% or so have fixed salaried jobs; 43% are engaged in agriculture, and another 45% are manual casual labourers.

Anil Singh, the block development officer of Vikram Jot, where Sikraha Panday is located, is candid. Poverty is high. There is lack of housing. Some villages are inaccessible. Ten villages are flood-prone. Education is low. Sikaraha Panday is submerged when the Sarju river overflows.

While waiting for the state to deliver, citizens have increasingly decided that a more effective way to transform livelihoods and increase incomes is through personal mobility.

Two worlds, seamlessly connected.

Migration belies the false divide that is often constructed between an India living in the cities, in its own prosperous cocoon, and a Bharat, living in the interiors, more deprived. The two, as Kumars own life shows, are connected. If Bihar and UP leave your cities, they will become empty, he says, laughing.

With greater infrastructure, the connectivity is smooth and with the mobile phone, the communication is seamless. Kumar says he spend Rs 200 a week recharging his mobile phone. Doing what? He replies sheepishly: Talking to my wife, listening to songs, watching movies.

Migration has a more indirect impact. Kumar says no one cares about his caste. I cooked in a Punjab Dhaba, people ate, and no one cared. But here in the village, everyone is concerned about caste even if untouchability has changed.

Kumar points to two young men who passed by on their motorcycles. They are Brahmins here, but in Punjab, they are hotel waiters. That is their only identity.

Political choices

But while migration may have resulted in wider exposure, this has not really altered political preferences.

Kumar said he would always vote for the BSP, irrespective of whether they win or lose. Behenji (Mayawati) should come back as CM. There is a system under her. SP promotes lawlessness.

His friend, Satish Yadav, whose father works in Mumbai, is below the voting age, but was quick to rebut Kumar. I think SP will win. Akhilesh Yadav is good.

Despite their different political preferences, it is their collective aspiration that binds friends like Kumar and Yadav together. Both are eyeing the elections for a better life.

Also read | UPs incomplete tryst with vikas: A village deprived of basic development

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Britain on Thursday asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint in the wake of surgical strikes by Indian troops across the Line of Control, while China said it was in touch with both countries to reduce tensions.

Indias Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said soldiers conducted surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC, causing significant casualties. Pakistan denied the strikes and said two of its soldiers were killed in cross-border fire.

A spokeswoman for Britains Foreign Office told Hindustan Times: We are monitoring the situation closely following reports of strikes carried out by the Indian Army over the LoC in Kashmir. We call on both sides to exercise restraint and to open dialogue.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing that China was in communication with both sides through different channels and hoped Indian and Pakistan can enhance communication, properly deal with differences and work jointly to maintain peace and security.

Shuang was responding to questions on whether tensions between India and Pakistan after the terror attack in Uri had figured in the first anti-terror dialogue between New Delhi and Beijing earlier this week.

A foreign ministry statement issued on Wednesday had said China values Pakistans position on Kashmir but hopes Islamabad and New Delhi will resolve the issue through dialogue and maintain regional peace and stability by joint efforts.

India has all legal and internationally accepted rights to respond to any attack on her sovereignty and territory, Iqbal Chowdhury, advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said after the surgical strikes.

Chowdhury said there had been a violation from the other side and

Bangladesh always believes that any aggression or attack on the sovereigntyand legal right of a country is not acceptable. He appealed for restraint from all sides to ensure peace in the region.

There was no immediate reaction from the US to the surgical strikes. Hours before India announced it had carried out the strikes, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice called on Pakistan to combat and delegitimise terror groups operating from its soil, including Jaish-e-Muhammad, which Indian blamed for the attack in Uri that killed 18 soldiers.

Rice condemned the cross-border attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri and highlighted the danger that cross-border terrorism poses to the region during a phone call to her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval. She said the US expects Pakistan to take effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates.

This was seen as a major snub for Pakistan after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs attack on India in his speech at the UN General Assembly.

It were as if Rice was rebutting Sharif here, said an Indian diplomat obviously pleased with the US response, which some in India had perceived as insipid so far, given the context of terrorism being a shared challenge.

Rices comments were also seen as significant against the backdrop of the foreign policy crisis in South Asia over Indias boycott of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit in Islamabad.

Rices remarks, reaffirming President Barack Obamas commitment to redouble our efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world, were seen as an endorsement of Indias position. The US had not named Pakistan in its first reaction to the Uri attack.

The statement also tapped into a growing sense of dissatisfaction and frustration with Pakistan, a non-NATO ally and a major beneficiary of US financial aid and arms supplies.

The Indian DGMO said he had India shared with his Pakistani counterpart details of the surgical strikes, which were carried out on the basis of very specific information that terrorists were positioning themselves at launch pads along the LoC.

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan after a terror attack in Uri killed 18 soldiers.
India waited for external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to deliver her address at the United Nations General Assembly before carrying out surgical strikes across the Line of Control, a source said on Thursday.

We first focused on a diplomatic offensive. Sushmajis speech was a key element of that. And that had constrained us for ten days, the top political source told Hindustan Times explaining the time lag between the Uri attack of September 18 and Indias response on Thursday morning.

The idea was to use the UNGA to expose Pakistans role as a sponsor of terror in the speech given by Swaraj on Monday evening.

The next day, Delhi took the second step in its plan to isolate Pakistan and walked out of the November Saarc summit to be held in Islamabad. It also succeeded in mobilising Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to do so.

It was then ready to exercise the coercive option.

In all his statements, PM Modi had been indicating that he was with the armed forces. This was meant to boost their morale and prepare them for it, the source said.

The orders eventually went out on Wednesday.

While Delhi expects some escalation in clashes on the LoC, the fact that Pakistan is underplaying the strike indicates that it will not retaliate beyond a point.

Its response will determine our next moves, including issues like MFN (most favoured nation).
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been filing cases against him to prevent him from fighting for Indias poor.

Let them put as many cases on me as they want. I am happy they are doing it. I will not be deterred, the 46-year-old leader said after appearing before the chief judicial magistrates court here.

The CJM court had summoned Gandhi in connection with a defamation case filed by an RSS activist last year. The Sangh member, Anjan Bora, had taken offence to the Congress vice-presidents December 12 accusation that the RSS was using women activists to stop him from entering Barpeta Satra, a Vaishnava monastery in western Assam.

On Thursday, Gandhi said he was against the rightwing ideology of the RSS and all such organisations that try to divide India and are harmful for the country. These cases are being put against me because I am fighting for the rights of the poor, the farmers, the unemployed, and the labourers, he added.

The underprivileged, he added, have been denied their rights because the Narendra Modi government was being run in the interest of 12-15 people.

But I will continue to fight for the unity and the poor of the country despite their attempts to bury me under cases, he said, minutes after the CJM granted him a personal recognizance bond of Rs 50,000 and set November 5 as the next date of hearing.

Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi accompanied Gandhi to the CJM court, from where they went to Rajiv Bhavan, the state Congress headquarters, for a meeting with party workers.

A Pradesh Congress spokesperson said the focus of the meeting was rebuilding the party and working on the lessons learnt from the assembly election debacle earlier this year.

On his part, complainant Bora said he filed the case because Gandhi had lied about the RSS. I believe the court will ensure justice is delivered, he added.

Boras lawyer Bijan Mahajan said Gandhi could serve two years in prison or be fined if convicted in the defamation case. Mahajan is also a BJP leader.

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India said on Thursday it carried out surgical strikes along its de-facto border with Pakistan, taking out several launchpads, or temporary shelters, militants were preparing to use to cross over into the country.

The strikes were Indias first direct military response to the attack on the Uri army base earlier this month that killed 18 Indian soldiers and was blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

The cross-border action came days after New Delhi reviewed its 56-year-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and pulled out of the regional Saarc Summit in Islamabad as part of a wider diplomatic offensive to isolate its nettlesome neighbour.

Read: Punjab border villages evacuated after armys surgical strikes across LoC

The move could have wide domestic and security implications for India, where a narrative of a triumphant military campaign could influence a series of impending state polls. It could also trigger a possible escalation in tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), or the de-facto border between India and Pakistan.

The cross-border action is being seen as Prime Minister Narendra Modi following through on his warning that those responsible for the Uri attack would not go unpunished. The Indian Army had also said it would avenge the attack, which killed 18 Indian soldiers on September 18, at a time and place of its choosing.

The surgical strikes could force militants across the LoC to shift their sanctuaries further back into Pakistani territory, bolstering the image of Indian forces as a capable striking power. Such an image could also help tamp down violence in Kashmir, where two months of street protests over the killing of militant Burhan Wani have left more than 85 people dead.

As it happened: Armys press conference on operation against terrorists

Read | Cost of India-Pak nuclear war? 21 mn may die, half of ozone layer will vanish

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, chief of Indias military operations, told a press conference that the launchpads were targeted after a week of surveillance.

Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them, Singh said, without giving details of casualties. But sources said the army had informed the government that 35-40 people  who could be terrorists or handlers or guides -- had been killed.

Islamabad promptly denied the claim and said it would respond strongly were India to try a military raid on its soil. When Indian opposition parties asked Singh about this at a meeting, he remarked, What else can they say? a leader present there said.

Hours after the surgical strikes, New Delhi moved to mobilise international support for its action against what it says are hubs of terrorism that have bled India time and again. Foreign secretary S Jaishankar briefed envoys of 25 countries in New Delhi. Indian envoys abroad have also been asked to sensitise their host governments about cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

Anticipating a flare-up, the government directed the evacuation of villagers along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and the International Border in Punjab. Junior minister Jitendra Singh, who hails from Jammu region, was assigned to oversee the civilian evacuation. The Border Security Force called up reserves for any fallout of the surgical strikes.

Lt Gen Singh said the decision to launch the strikes had been taken after the military determined the launchpads had been set up with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country.

The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country, he said.

Indias official announcement of the strikes came just hours after Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the situation along the LoC.

The government briefed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and governor, the President and the vice-president about the strikes, which the commandos have photographed and filmed.

The news of the strikes unnerved the Indian stock market, which shed more than 550 points before recovering to close at levels lower than of Wednesday.
India on Thursday reached out to the global community to build opinion in support of its precise operation across the Line of Control and also to convey the message that cross-border terrorism continues to hurt the country.

Foreign secretary S Jaishankar launched the diplomatic offensive, briefing envoys posted in New Delhi about the counter-terrorism strike as well as the state of play in India-Pakistan ties.

The briefing came within hours of the Indian Armys announcement that it had crossed the LoC early on Thursday and inflicted heavy damage on seven launchpads militants were preparing to use to cross over into the country.

The raid across the LoC came 10 days after 18 soldiers were killed when suspected Pakistani suicide attackers struck an army camp in Uri in Kashmir.

Jaishankar, briefed envoys of 25 countries, including those from Russia, the US, China, UK France, Japan, Germany and Saudi Arabia, sources said.

The government was of the opinion the strikes were based on irrefutable evidence and logic, sources said. It was not directed against Pakistan military nor did India have an intention to escalate the situation, sources said.

Officials say these are convincing arguments that make New Delhis case  for both isolating Pakistan and making the world understand how India is the target of cross-border terrorism.

Read | Indias claim of surgical strikes fabrication of truth, says Pakistan army

Indian ambassadors have been asked to reach out to their host country governments on Pakistan continuous support for terrorism and surgical operation India undertook based on actionable intelligence against terrorists, sources told HT.

We conducted a counter-terrorism operation directed at the launchpads of terrorists waiting to sneak into India. It was based on actionable intelligence and target was not Pakistan army, explained an official.

He said targeting terrorists who were out to wreak havoc in India was something every country would support. We did the operation and said it was a one-off strike. Pakistan termed it a cross-border firing incident, the official said.

Indias director general of military operations had briefed his Pakistan counterpart about the counter-terrorism operation. The matter should rest there, he said.

Experts seem to be in agreement with this view.

Read | How world powers reacted to Indian Armys strikes across LoC

It was a very measured response from India in exercising the military option. It was a calibrated approach. The target was terrorists waiting to infiltrate into India and not Pakistan army, former foreign secretary Lalit Mansingh said.

But the message was clear: India can inflict pain and hurt if Pakistan continues to bleed India with cross-border terrorism. That was the larger and message sent out through the strike.

The Narendra Modi government was under immense pressure to hit back after the Uri attack, which had caused widespread anger.

Former diplomat MK Bhadrakumar agreed with Mansingh but called for caution. The Indian statement about the surgical strike was very balanced and restrained but was not being interpreted in the right sense.

We will do better without the war hysteria being whipped up. There are no winners or losers in a war between two nuclear armed countries, he said.

Read | As it happened: Army says terrorist casualties in strike across LoC

The strike was a counter-terrorism operation in nature based on specific intelligence. Thats what the official statement says. And it happened along the LoC, Bhadrakumar said.

The government now should ensure peace in the Kashmir Valley. When peace returns to the Valley, no terrorists can make use of the situation to meet his evil ends, he said.

Full coverage of Indias Pak offensive

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Pakistan on Thursday denied that Indian troops had carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control, saying it had responded to cross-border fire from the Indian side that killed two soldiers and injured nine more.

Pakistans civilian and military leadership reacted after Indias Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said Indian soldiers conducted surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC, causing significant casualties.

The Foreign Office summoned Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale and lodged a protest against ceasefire violations along the LoC, sources said.

The first reaction came from the Pakistan militarys media arm, which said in a strongly worded statement: There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon.

The military said it strongly and befittingly responded to the firing. It added, Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded.

The military dismissed the surgical strikes as an illusion, while defence minister Khawaja Asif referred to them as a lie. Asif said Pakistani troops had responded to small weapons fire in five sectors along the LoC that killed two soldiers and injured nine others.

If India tries to do this again, we will respond forcefully, said Asif, who had on Monday warned that Pakistan would use its nuclear weapons to annihilate India if the countrys survival was threatened.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif discussed the situation along the LoC during a phone call with army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, and convened a meeting of his cabinet on Friday to review the situation in Kashmir. National Security Advisor Nasser Janjua submitted a comprehensive report on the LoC situation to the Prime Ministers office.

Before the Indian DGMO announced details of the surgical strikes, the Pakistani militarys media arm said there was Indian unprovoked firing in Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors of the 742-km LoC. The exchange of fire began at 2.30 am and continued till 8 am, it said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistans intent for a peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness. He said his forces were fully capable of defending Pakistans territorial integrity.

Sharif condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces and said Pakistan can thwart any evil design to undermine its sovereignty.
Pakistan on Thursday claimed that India has not shared any evidence about the assault on an army camp in Uri town in Kashmir that left 18 Indian soldiers dead and accused India of blaming others for terror attacks.

Pakistans foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan would wait for any investigation by India into the Uri attack.

I want to draw a distinction between evidence and information. What they have shared with us is just a piece of paper. In the previous incidents too, there has been exchange of papers. We are waiting for details to come, he said.

He said Pakistan cannot comment prior to independent investigation report of the Uri attack.

He alleged that India was desperate to divert attention from Kashmir and had demonstrated capability of staging terrorists attack on its soil and blaming it on others.

We have seen time and again that India would blame another country for terrorist activity and somewhere down the line it would turn out to be the handiwork of its own security agencies. A glaring example of this is the Samjhauta Express terrorist attack in Feb 2007, he said.

Zakaria said unprovoked violations on the LoC by the Indian security forces killed two Pakistani soldiers.

Commenting on the situation in Kashmir, he said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif effectively highlighted in the UN and apprised the world community about it.

He said Pakistan will continue to raise the issue of Kashmir at the UN, OIC and all other international forums as also with the HR organisations across the world.

The spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to extending complete diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris movement for self-determination.

He said Pakistan had learnt Indias unfortunate decision of not attending the Summit and alleged that India has a track record of impeding the Saarc process.

He said that Indias negative attitude has had a direct bearing on the welfare and betterment in this region, which is highly regrettable.

To a question that India was isolating Pakistan, he said Pakistan cannot be isolated by mere statements of the Indian Prime Minister.

Pakistan enjoys friendly and close relations with the comity of nations and Prime Minister of Pakistans engagements on the sidelines of the 71st UNGA session, Chinas massive investments, joint exercises with Russia, visit of Iranian Naval ships, signing of mega project agreements with Central Asian States, Russia, China and International Financial Institutions make Indian claim a laughing stock, he said.

He said Pakistan had not received any formal communication from India on Indus Water treaty, which is binding on both India and Pakistan and has no exit provision.

According to the sub-provisions (3) and (4) of the Article XII of the IWT, the Treaty cannot be altered or revoked unilaterally, he said.
The government on Thursday said it has decided to expedite investments in Chabahar Free Zone.

The development comes after India and Iran held a bilateral meeting to review the Chabahar Port project.

During the bilateral meeting Iran was represented by minister for road and urban development Abbas Akhoundi, while India was represented by minister for road transport, highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari.

It was also decided to expedite the implementation of other projects between India and Iran including construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway and Indias investment in Chabahar Free Zone, an official statement from the Indian ministry of road transport and highways said.

They also discussed new projects relating to regional connectivity.

Both countries further said that the Chabahar Agreement will provide necessary legal framework for movement of goods and passengers across the territories of India, Iran and Afghanistan.

The agreement was a turning point in regional connectivity and it will have positive impact, said the official statement quoting Akhoundi.

Emphasising on the importance of International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the two countries also agreed to take steps for the promotion of the same.
Tearing into Karnataka for treating the Supreme Court orders on release of Cauvery water with utter contempt, Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday said such deliberate defiance goes against the spirit of the Constitution and amounts to contempt of the court

In her speech, read out by chief secretary P Ramamohana Rao, at the meeting of the chief ministers of two states convened by the water resources ministry, she said her state has scrupulously adhered to every apex court order.

By contrast, the state of Karnataka has treated the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court with utter contempt. Successive orders of the Honourable Supreme Court have been deliberately and systematically defied, by the neighbouring state, she said.

Jayalalithaa, recuperating at a corporate hospital here, said she could not attend the meeting as she was hospitalised.

She said she participated in the discussions with the hope Tamil Nadu would get its legitimate share in Cauvery water.

The chief minister said that as of August 31, 2016, Tamil Nadu had a shortfall of 60.983 tmc ft of water as per the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

It was in this context of such a huge shortfall and with the intention of saving at least a single samba crop in the Cauvery delta that her state was forced to approach the Supreme Court for interim directions, she said.

She recalled the Apex Court directions to Karnataka to initially release 15,000 cusecs and later modify it to 12,000 cusecs per day up to September 20, totalling 17.366 tmc ft.

But Karnataka failed to release the requisite quantity of water, she said.

The Apex Court had later modified the quantum of water to be released to 6,000 cusecs, she said.

In utter disregard and in complete contempt of the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court, Karnataka failed to release the stipulated quantity of water to Tamil Nadu and in addition, failed to make good the shortfall, as per its earlier orders, she said.

This deliberate defiance goes against the spirit of the Constitution itself and amounts to contempt of the Apex Court. Karnataka has not followed the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court and has on the other hand permitted unruly elements to create law and order issues, she said.

Jayalalithaa said it is very unfortunate that not only was water not released as stipulated, but ever since Supreme Court gave its first interim directions on September 5, an orchestrated spate of arson and violence was unleashed, directed at Tamils living in Karnataka.

She said many large and small properties and establishments owned by Tamils were systematically targeted, ransacked and burnt.

Also a large number of vehicles bearing Tamil Nadu registration number plates were burnt and vandalised.

Tamils had been persecuted and attacked with impunity by frenzied mobs with little or no effective restraint or action by the Karnataka authorities. We are led to believe that many of these instances of mob violence were deliberately fanned by various political formations and high level instigators charged with maintaining law and order, who watched the incidents with glee, she charged.

In contrast, her government ensured law and order was maintained in Tamil Nadu and no person from Karnataka or institutions, commercial establishments, educational bodies, properties belonging to persons from Karnataka were affected in Tamil Nadu in any way, she said.

Absolute restraint was observed by all sections in Tamil Nadu, including farmers. Even one or two very minor incidents were acted on promptly, cases registered and the miscreants arrested. On the other hand, in Karnataka the situation was grave, she said.

She recalled that in 1991 the Tribunal had issued interim order on water release, but Karnataka did not honour it and had promulgated an ordinance nullifying it.

The Supreme Court had, however, struck it down, she said.

Even in 1991, when the interim order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was passed, a reign of terror was unleashed and Tamils in Karnataka were targeted.

Tamil people living in Karnataka have been living in fear whenever Tamil Nadu has claimed its rightful share of water in judicial forums, though all judicial forums have seen merit and justice in our case, she said.

Jayalalithaa said Karnataka never honoured the Tribunals interim order and had only allowed surplus waters which its reservoirs could not hold, to flow to Tamil Nadu.
India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday night, inflicting significant casualties on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

The announcement of the sudden action by the army was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh on Thursday, 11 days after the terror strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go unpunished and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.

Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads. Gen Singh told a news conference during which external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup was also present.

Below are the latest updates:

- All of us stand firmly united against terrorism and those who support and sponsor it, tweets Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi

The Congress Party and I salute the Indian Army and our jawans for acting valiantly to defend our country & our people. Jai Hind. (2/2)  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 29, 2016

-Indian Army carried out a pre-emptive strike, It was not a military operation but an anti-terror operation: Rajyavardhan Rathore, MoS for Information and Broadcasting

Govt briefed us about the #SurgicalStrike , we congratulated the forces for being successful in the operation: GN Azad,Congress pic.twitter.com/bqdCzaH0hG  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

-All-party meeting at MHA ends, Venkaiah Naidu says all parties supported government action

- I am very proud of the Indian Army, the real message has been sent to Pakistan. Well done: Shashi Tharoor

- Congress president Sonia Gandhi said the party stands with the government in its actions to protect our countrys security and deal with the menace of terrorism from across the border.

Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi's statement on anti-terror operation by Indian Army pic.twitter.com/Pf3WXH9i9s  INC India (@INCIndia) September 29, 2016

-All-party meeting at MHA to begin shortly

(ANI Photo)

We support the Govt and its endeavour to protect our national security: Former Defence Minister AK Antony #SurgicalStrikes pic.twitter.com/C5geCfW2XS  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

We have seen our DGMO briefing, saw the Pakistani reaction, besides that we have no official information: Sitaram Yechury, CPI pic.twitter.com/BivbNmjfOE  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

- LoC trade resumes, 26 trucks from India cross over, while 10 from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir come in

- American diplomats knew about the strike and called up to stop the whole day yesterday, said sources. PM called for CCS meeting at 7:30 am, continued for 1:30 hours; general consensus was to carry out more strikes, sources added.

- BJP president Amit Shah said surgical strikes signal the rise of a new India where the government doesnt get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists

Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the GoI doesn't get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrororists. #ModiPunishesPak  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016

I again salute the valour of Indian Army for giving befitting reply to those attacking innocent Indians & ensuring zero tolerance on terror.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016

It is for the first time, in this frontal fight against terrorism, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi is feeling secure.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016

- Meeting of senior Congress leaders with Sonia Gandhi underway in Delhi, ahead of the all party meeting called by the government , reports ANI

-Top civil and military officers meet in Uri to discuss evacuation plans if Pakistan ends ceasefire and resorts to shelling

This was a pre-emptive and a punitive operation. Launchpad usually has 8-10 terrorists, its our work to eliminate them: Ex DGMO Vinod Bhatia pic.twitter.com/xFTkBNiD8j  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

- Border Security Force (BSF) calls off Beating Retreat ceremony at the Wagah border

- High alert has been sounded in Punjab villages along India-Pak border after surgical strikes by Indian Army

These ops are a part of the mandate of the Indian Army to foil any attempts of infiltration into our soil:Venkaiah Naidu on surgical strikes pic.twitter.com/plxR81vkcx  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

- Indian Army sources said seven launchpads -- their depth ranging from 1m to 2km -- were targeted after a week of surveillance.

- Indian Army stops cross-LoC trade in Uri citing ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Poonch and Nowgam. Civil administration and police say the trade is on, but army has refuseed to allow trucks across the border

- Government calls an all-party meeting at 4pm after Indian Army conducts surgical strikes

This is a lesson for all terrorists; we have the right of self-defence: BJP's Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on the surgical strikes by Indian Army pic.twitter.com/UaLRKRItxI  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

- There has been no surgical strike by India,instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon. As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops, says a statement by Pakistan military

- Responding to Thursdays LoC firing, ANI quoted Pak PM Nawaz Sharif as saying, We condemn this attack, our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness

-Nawaz Sharif said we are ready for the safety and defence of our country: ANI

- President, vice president, former PM Manmohan Singh, Jammu and Kashmir governor and chief minister briefed on surgical strikes by the Indian Army

- Sensex crashes 555 points and Nifty slides about 170 points in noon trade after reports of surgical strikes against Pakistan, reports PTI

Below are the highlights of the joint press conference:

- It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been continuing infiltration by terrorists along Loc in Jammu and Kashmir, says DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh.

- We have often recovered GPS, and other stores with PK markings, and some captured terrorists have confessed to their connections.

- Captured terrorists have confessed to their training in Pakistan

- The Indian Armed Forces have been extremely vigilant in the face of continuing threat

- Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launchpads along LoC, there have been significant casualties

- No plan to continue with surgical strikes against terrorist launchpads across LOC as of now

- India shared details of surgical strikes with Pakistan

- It is Indias intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but certainly cant allow terrorists to operate along LoC

-We expect the Pak army to cooperate with us with a view to erase menace of terrorism.

Read| Indian Army targets terrorists across LoC, inflicts casualties

Full Coverage| Indias Pakistan Offensive
Indus water treaty of September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, is one of the most liberal water-sharing pacts in the world.

There is now a clamour to use the pact to bring the neighbour to mend its ways after the Uri attack proved Pakistan is both unable and unwilling to stop its territory being used by terrorists against India.

But can India use the Indus water treaty to force Pakistan to pay the price for its sponsorship of terrorism against India? Here are some myths surrounding the water-sharing pact and also what the reality is.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday downplayed Centres Progress Panchayat, a campaign to reach out to the minorities and dubbed the entire initiative as a propaganda.

Owaisi said by taking such initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not doing any favours to minority groups.

All this is propaganda. If this government is doing anything, it is not like it is doing a favour. In 2016-17 the budget of ministry of minority affair was Rs 3,800 crore, only 12% of that has been released. In Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP), only 12% funds have been used, said Owaisi.

Rs 50 crore were sanctioned for Mewat, but not a single rupee has been released. And if you are going to conduct a panchayat on the name of empowerment then why are you not giving reservation to Muslims in the field of education as directed by the Bombay high court? he asked.

Centre will on Thursday launch the Progress Panchayat to reach out to the minority community and publicise the various welfare measures taken by the NDA government.

Minister of state for minority affairs (independent charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will kick-start the programme from Mewat region of Haryana. The programme will be organised in 100 places across the country in the coming days where Union ministers will interact with people about the several schemes.

Besides holding the panchayat, Naqvi will also inaugurate a 100-bed hostel building for girls at Hathni in Palwal and staff quarters at schools in Nuh and Nagina. He will also lay the founding stone for a model school in Chilwali.

The special outreach programme comes days after Prime Minister Modis remarks quoting BJP idealogue Deen Dayal Upadhyay during party meet in Kerala, that the community must be empowered and not treated only as items of the vote market.
Pakistan on Thursday denied that Indian troops had carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control, saying it had responded to cross-border fire from the Indian side that killed two soldiers and injured nine more.

Foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry summoned Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale on Thursday evening and rejected the so-called surgical strikes and condemned what he described as unprovoked firing by Indian forces on the LoC, state-run Radio Pakistan said.

Chaudhry said the Pakistan military will continue to give a befitting response to any act of aggression. He added that India had escalated tensions on the LoC to divert attention from the grave human rights situation in Kashmir.

Read | As it happened: Armys press conference on operation against terrorists

Pakistans civil and military leadership reacted after Indias Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said Indian soldiers conducted surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC, causing significant casualties.

The first reaction came from the Pakistan militarys media arm, which said in a strongly worded statement: There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon.

The military dismissed the surgical strikes as an illusion, while defence minister Khawaja Asif referred to them as a lie. The military also said if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded.

Asif said Pakistani troops had responded to small weapons fire in five sectors along the LoC that killed two soldiers and injured nine others.

Read | Cost of India-Pak nuclear war? 21 mn may die, half of ozone layer will vanish

If India tries to do this again, we will respond forcefully, said Asif, who had on Monday warned that Pakistan would use its nuclear weapons to annihilate India if the countrys survival was threatened.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif discussed the situation along the LoC during a phone call with army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, and convened a meeting of his cabinet on Friday to review the situation in Kashmir. National Security Advisor Nasser Janjua submitted a comprehensive report on the LoC situation to Sharifs office.

Before Indias DGMO announced the surgical strikes, the Pakistani military said there was Indian unprovoked firing in Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors of the 742-km LoC between 2.30 am and 8 am.

Read | India reaches out to global community, says Pak army not the target

Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistans intent for a peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness. He condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces and said Pakistan can thwart any evil design to undermine its sovereignty.

Pakistan also expressed disappointment at Indias decision to pull out from the Saarc Summit and conveyed its concern over threats to its envoy in New Delhi. It asked the Indian government to ensure the safety of the envoy and other officials in line with the Vienna Convention.
Amidst heightened tension with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Thursday to review the situation along the LoC.

The meeting is understood to have discussed various options related to the Line of Control (LoC) in the wake of the Uri attack.

The meeting is also understood to have taken stock of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.

Four terrorists had stormed an army camp in Uri on September 18 and killed 18 soldiers.

Pakistani troops have also twice violated the ceasefire along the LoC since Wednesday. Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Naugam sector of Kashmir on Thursday by opening indiscriminate fire towards Indian Army posts.

Pakistani troops had yesterday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Poonch district.
Punjab authorities ordered the evacuation of villages near the Pakistan border on Thursday as chief minister Parkash Singh Badal put the state government and political machinery on emergency mode following surgical strikes against terror launchpads across the Line of Control.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh talked to Badal over phone and requested him to start the evacuation of people in villages within 10 km of the border in view of the escalating tensions.

While monitoring the situation during an emergency meeting at his official residence, Badal directed chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal and DGP Suresh Arora to ask deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police to oversee the evacuation in Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.

Four reasons why India might get away with attacking terrorists across LoC

The chief minister directed the DCs to identify a suitable location for setting up camps. The chief minister also spoke to cabinet ministers and MLAs to camp in the border districts in which their assembly constituencies fall and liaise with the district administration to ensure the smooth movement of residents of villages near the border.

Badal directed the chief secretary to immediately release Rs 1 crore each to all DCs of the six border districts to meet any exigency.

The chief minister called an emergency cabinet meeting at 6pm to review the situation.

In Kashmir, the army briefly stopped cross-LoC trade in Uri, citing ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Poonch and Nowgam.

District officials said village sarpanches and local administration were told to start the evacuation process as soon as possible. Border Security Force (BSF) put the IB on further alert after the surgical strikes.

As tensions mounted between the two countries, Border Security Force officials confirmed the beating retreat ceremony, held at the Wagah border in Punjab, was called off.

Indias claim of surgical strikes fabrication of truth, says Pakistan army

BSF officials said while the Indian flag will be lowered in the evening, none of the pomp and show will take place. All tourists turning up for the ceremony were turned back.

In the three border districts of Jammu, Samba and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said no evacuation of villagers had started.

As of now, we have not evacuated villagers from the forward villages but we are keeping a constant watch on the situation, said Jammu deputy commissioner Simrandeep Singh.

Kathua district SSP, Neeva Jain said that the situation in the border district was normal and as of now no formal orders has come to her to evacuate the villagers from forward areas.

(With HTC inputs from Chandigarh)
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday said sealing the Indo-Bangla border stretch in the state is a top priority of his government as the countrys security will be compromised if it is allowed to remain porous.

The matter has been taken up with the Centre in right earnest and the Army will be called in to construct the border fencing, Sonowal said at the conference of the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police in Guwahati.

He said the process of updating the national register of citizens (NRC) is critical for the state as well as the nation and directed the DCs and SPs to complete the process meticulously and without any error.

The chief minister called upon the DCs and SPs of all districts to be proactive in freeing state land from encroachers and act sternly against them.

Sonowal also called upon officials to visit the interior rural areas to get an exact sense of peoples expectations from the government and also come up with ways to ensure swift delivery of services.

He told the officers to work sincerely for the benefit of the people and ensure that their grievances are redressed with priority and sincerity at all government offices.

The dignity of the poorest person coming to a government office must be upheld at any cost so that faith of the people on the government system remains intact, Sonowal said.

People have complained on several occasions about corruption and delay in official procedures in the government, the chief minister said and told the DCs and SPs to set an example of dedication and remove corrupt practices totally.
Gangster-turned-RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin told the Supreme Court on Thursday he was willing to move out of Bihar and stay in Delhi as a precondition for being out on bail.

Arguing before a bench headed by justice PC Ghose, senior counsel Shekhar Naphade also accused the state government of delaying the former MPs trial in the 2014 murder case. He claimed his client was denied the chargesheet in the case.

No case is made out against me. I have a fundamental right to early trial. This order is tainted with malafide. Whether judicial or administrative order is passed, I have to be heard, Naphade told the bench, which pulled up the Nitish Kumar government for violating the criminal procedure code.

After hearing the matter, the bench reserved its verdict and said it will deliver it at 1pm on Friday.

The victims father and the state government challenged grant of bail to Shahabuddin on the ground the HC had ignored the crucial fact that the man killed was a witness to the twin murder case of his brothers. He was murdered a few days before he was to record his evidence.
An Indian soldier strayed across the de-facto border with Pakistan on Thursday, an army source said amid rising tensions following a surgical strike India said it carried out against terror launchpads.

One soldier from 37 Rashtriya Rifles with weapons has inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control, the source said. Such inadvertent crossing by soldiers and civilians are not unusual on either side They are returned through existing mechanisms, he added.

Pakistan was informed about the incident by the director general of military operations Lt Gen Ranbir Singh.

Two officials based in Pakistans Chhambs sector told Reuters the Indian soldier with weapons was captured at 1.30pm local time.

India earlier said it carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control, taking out several temporary shelters militants were preparing to use to cross over into the country.

The strikes were Indias first direct military response to the attack on the Uri army base earlier this month that killed 18 Indian soldiers and was blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

The cross-border action came days after New Delhi reviewed its 56-year-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and pulled out of the regional Saarc Summit in Islamabad as part of a wider diplomatic offensive to isolate its neighbour.

Islamabad promptly denied the claim and said it would respond strongly were India to try a military raid on its soil.

Pakistans military claimed it killed eight Indian soldiers while retaliating to Indias firing at the first line of defence at the LoC at Tatta Pani, according to a Dawn report.

Citing security sources, Dawn said the killings occurred when the Indian Army opened fire across the border, killing two Pakistani soldiers.

The army source, however, denied reports of the killing of Indian soldiers at the LoC. the report is completely false and baseless, he said.

Read | Cost of India-Pak nuclear war? 21 mn may die, half of ozone layer will vanish
Border states were told to evacuate villagers living close to the Pakistan frontier, the BSF called up reserves and fishermen told to report suspicious activities as India on Thursday prepared for any fallout of its surgical strikes across the LoC.

The Union home ministry asked Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir to move to safer locations people living within 10km of the border or line of control, the de facto border with Pakistan.

The directive came within hours of the Indian Armys announcement that it had crossed the LoC early Thursday and inflicted heavy damage on seven launchpads militants were preparing to use to cross over into the country.

The raid comes 10 days after 18 soldiers were killed when suspected Pakistani suicide attackers struck an army camp in Uri in Kashmir.

Army strikes terrorists across LoC: Years of Indian indecision, inaction end

The Border Security Force put all its units on high alert in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The units were asked to step up vigil and bolster their numbers by bringing in all personnel who were in the reserve, officials said.

The ceremonial beating retreat ceremony at the Wagah border was called off, BSF sources said. The flag was lowered in the evening but without the usual fanfare as locals and tourists who were turned away, sources said. The BSF, officials said, had restricted all civilian movement along the border.

The movement of trucks on the trade routes on the LoC in Uri and Poonch sectors was also brought to a halt.

We have asked border villagers living along IB (international border) and LoC to shift to safer area as a precautionary measure, Jammu deputy commissioner Simrandeep Singh said.

An Indian army soldier patrols along a highway on the outskirts of Srinagar. (REUTERS)

Villagers started moving out from forward locations in Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts, which often bear the brunt of Pakistan shelling.

Neighbouring Punjab, which has six districts bordering Pakistan, was on maximum alert. Home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and requested immediate evacuation.

How India carried out surgical strikes on terror launchpads across LoC

The schools in the border areas were shut till further orders and leaves of police and medical personnel cancelled, sources said.

Local authorities used public address systems in gurdwaras, asking residents to move to safer zones.

Badal asked senior officials to ensure that evacuation from Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts was smooth.

Though no such orders have been given to Rajasthan -- so far -- security has been stepped up in the desert state.

Officials in the border districts were told to be ready for any situation, a home department official said. The official said light machine guns were given to all police stations in border villages and a meeting of district, police, BSF and army officials called to assess the situation.

In Kutch district of Gujarat, fishermen were asked not to venture into deep sea and report any suspicious movement.

(With inputs from agencies)
Do we build a spa there? asked a senior navy officer, pointing towards the empty bow gun deck on the pencil drawing of an Indian destroyer.

The point he is trying to make is that no decision has been taken on guns to be fitted on 12 major warships being built in the country. Italian company Oto Melara was short-listed to supply the guns but the project has been in limbo following corruption allegations against its parent firm Finmeccanica in the VVIP chopper deal, he said.

British, Korean and Israeli firms could provide an alternative but floating a new tender would delay the project by several years. The deck design is modelled on the Oto Melara 127 mm gun specifications, he said. Besides being dogged by capability gaps in its submarine fleet, navy officials said other worries include ship-borne utility helicopters, multi-role choppers for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, weapons, maritime fighters and minesweepers.

Former navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash (retd) said, Lack of decision making is a major flaw and that coupled with frequent corruption charges is creating voids in Indias military capabilities.

Hurdles faced by projects include technology transfer, partial ban on vendors, a fund crunch, as well as delays caused due to some of them being re-launched under the Make in India plan. There have been some delays but its not as if things are not moving, said navy spokesman Captain DK Sharma. He said the force was working on mitigating capability gaps but it would take time as complex acquisition programmes were involved.

The August revelations about the secret capabilities of Scorpene submarines being built in India couldnt have come at a worse time for the navy. Already grappling with diminished fighting capability, it is struggling to assess the impact of the data leak. Even before the leak, Indias underwater capabilities were a cause for concern, the officials said. The navy operates 13 ageing conventional submarines and an Akula-II nuclear-powered attack boat leased from Russia, but not all are battle ready at any given moment.

The deeper malaise of obsolescence has afflicted the military for over a decade, and the situation hasnt changed in the last two-plus years, said Commodore C Uday Bhaskar (retd), director, Society for Policy Studies.

The first of the six Scorpene submarines being built under licence from French firm DCNS was to be inducted in 2012 but will now join the fleet only next year, thanks to problems relating to transfer of technology.

Efforts to build six more next-generation submarines have not taken off. Comparatively, Chinas sub-sea warfare capability is superior  it operates 53 diesel-electric attack submarines, five nuclear attack submarines and four nuclear ballistic missile submarines.

Also, the navy is unsure about which torpedoes will arm the Scorpenes, the officials said. Just like the naval gun deal, a proposal to equip the submarines with Black Shark torpedoes is stuck as the weapon was to be supplied by Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei, again a Finmeccanica subsidiary. India imposed a partial ban on Finmeccanica two years ago. Older German SUT torpedoes will be used for upcoming trials.

The helicopter fleet is another headache as theres no indication when the navy will get new choppers. The majority of our 139 warships are without choppers. If one deal is stuck at the contract negotiating stage, the tender for another has been withdrawn, the officials said. The navy needs a mix of 242 helicopters for different roles. Navy sources said delay in placing orders for the long-range surface to air missile (LR-SAM), co-developed by India and Israel under a Rs 2,606-crore project, had upset the calculations of maritime planners. Three of our warships have the LR-SAM but we need 13 more sets for new platforms, the sources said.

The missile should have been delivered in 2012 but was test-fired for the first time last December. The retirement of INS Viraat has left India with just one aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya. Not everything is hunky-dory with the newly-acquired MiG-29K fighter planes on board the second-hand Russian carrier, as revealed by the Comptroller and Auditor General in July.

The CAG report said the MiG-29Ks had engine and airframe problems, deficiencies in its fly-by-wire system and often required maintenance.

The deficiencies in the maritime fighter have compromised its battle-readiness. The report said the availability of the single-seat MiG-29K for missions ranged from an unimpressive 15.93% to 37.63 % while that of the twin-seat trainer MiG-29KUB hovered between 21.3% and 47.14%.

The navy operates six Soviet-origin mine counter-measure vessels bought in the late 1970s, against a requirement of 24. Twelve minesweeping ships are to be built locally in collaboration with a South Korean yard under a Rs 32,000-crore Make in India project. The vessels are scheduled to be inducted only by 2026.

Also read | Rafale jets deal will do little to arrest the free fall in IAFs strength
In its strongest remarks yet on the attack in Uri, the US called on Pakistan to combat and delegitimize terrorist outfits operating from its soil, including Jaish-e-Muhammad, the group India blames for the strike that killed 18 soldiers on September 18.

In a phone call to her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, US national security adviser Susan Rice on Wednesday offered greater help on matters of counter-terrorism and designating those behind the Pakistan-based militant groups targeting Indian interest as terrorists.

Read | India hands Uri proof to Pakistan; Modi to review trade ties

Pakistan (should) take effective action to combat and delegitimize United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates, Rice said.

Highlighting the danger that cross-border terrorism poses to the region, Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that Pakistan take effective action to combat and delegitimize United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates, the White House said in a readout of the phone call.

Rices statement taps into a growing sense of dissatisfaction and frustration with Pakistan, a non-NATO ally and a major beneficiary of financial aid and arms supplies, and marks a subtle shift in thinking in the US administration.

Read | US citizens petition White House to list Pakistan as sponsor of terror

The statement also comes amid a major stand-off between the neighbouring countries, with India attempting to diplomatically isolate Pakistan.

It were as if Rice was rebutting (Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz) Sharif here, said an Indian diplomat, referring to Sharifs attack on India in his speech at the recently concluded 71st UN General Assembly.

Read | Pakistan is a terrorist state, carries out war crimes: India at UNGA

Rices comments bear further significance being issued amid a full-blown foreign policy crisis in South Asia, forced by Indias boycott of the next Saarc summit.

Her reaffirmation that President Obamas commitment to redouble our (US) efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world is being seen as an endorsement of Indias position.

US earlier response were considered insipid by some in India, given the context of terrorism is a shared challenge.

In its first response, the US had said, The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack on an Indian army base in Kashmir during the early morning of September 18. We extend our condolences to the victims and their families. The United States is committed to our strong partnership with the Indian government to combat terrorism.

It conspicuously didnt name Pakistan though.

The US followed it up shortly with another statement saying it was urging Pakistan to help in the investigation, implying Islamabad had leverage in the matter and could help.

Also read | Uri attack aftermath: Modi to review Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan
Endorsing the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army on terrorists across the Line of Control, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said what the nation was waiting for has taken place.

The RSS chiefs approval of the strikes against seven terror launchpads  that ended early on Thursday morning  came days after the Sangh announced it would back the governments Pakistan policy. It is also in line with its demand for firm and conclusive action against sponsors of terrorism.

Speaking at the millennial celebrations of Abhinavgupt, Shaivite philosopher from Kashmir, Bhagwat said: Humsab ke man mein jis baat ki prateeksha thi, vo ho gayi hai. (What we were waiting for in our hearts has happened.)

Without naming the army or the government, he extended his felicitations for the strikes that India claims inflicted significant casualties on the terrorists.

A senior Sangh functionary who was also present on the occasion said the government had paid heed to the mood of the nation. He said the strikes were in conformity with the sentiments of the people, upset by the terror attacks allegedly perpetrated by Pakistan.

Following the September 18 Uri attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 18 soldiers, the Sangh had issued a statement calling for firm and conclusive action to deal with terrorists, their masters and supporters.

Bhagwat also made an oblique reference to the opposition in the Kashmir Valley to Abhinavgupt celebrations and the demand for opening the Beerwa cave where he is said to have renounced the world.

We cannot forget personalities like him. He was not just a teacher, but an amazing expert on art and aesthetics. We talk so much about Kashmiriyat, but if those who know about and believe in Abhinavagupt are not there in Kashmir then how can Kashmiriyat exist there, he said.

Sri Sri Ravishankar of the Art of Living  who shared the stage with Bhagwat  said the Prime Minister, in choosing to deal with Pakistan, has shown both josh and hosh (might without losing control).

He said for peace, both shastra (weapons) and shastra (scriptures) are needed.

When Maharishi Vishwamitra did a yajna for world peace, even he needed protection from impediments. After Lord Ram gave him protection, then did the yajna proceed, he said.

He added that the terrorists were impediments in Indias efforts for world peace and have been shown their place.

Read | Uri response: Is RSS getting indecisive on Pak policy

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Wife of a Hindu Munnani functionary, who was hacked to death by a four-member gang, attempted suicide in her house in Coimbatore on Thursday, police said.

30-year-old S Yamuna, wife of C Sasikumar, 40, consumed poison and was admitted to a private hospital, they said.

Her relatives saw her consuming the poison and falling unconscious. They rushed her to the hospital.

Hindu Munnani state spokesperson Mookambikai Mani said Yamunas condition was stable and she is responding to treatment.

On September 22, Sasikumar, district spokesperson of Hindu Munnani, was riding his scooter back to home in Subramaniampalayam, in the outskirts of Coimbatore, when unidentified assailants chased him on motorcycles and was hacked him to death with sickles.

The killing had triggered protests which turned violent during the funeral procession, leading to tension in the district and neighbouring Tirupur. Senior BJP leaders, including Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan had condemned the murder. The probe in the incident has been transferred to the crime branch CID.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the Bombay high court on Thursday that it will take six more weeks to get the ballistics report from Scotland Yard that will help it conclude whether or not a single firearm was used to murder rationalists Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, and Kannada scholar MM Kalburgi.

While the CBI had sought the courts permission in August to send the forensic samples to the Scotland Yard, for an advanced analysis, the probe agency is yet to despatch samples.

On Thursday, however, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, who appeared for the CBI, told the high court that it was only a matter of days now, since, it was anticipating an affirmative communication from the Scotland Yard, following which, a senior official will be sent there with the samples and he will return only once he gets the ballistics report.

At this the division bench said that this was the last chance that it would grant to the probe agency to secure the report. The bench was hearing a plea filed by Dabholkar and Pansares family seeking expedition of probes and that their progress be monitored by the court. While Dabholkar was killed in Pune in 2013, Pansare was murdered in Kolhapur last year.

The CBI and the state CIDs special investigations team (SIT), which are probing the Dabholkar and Pansare murders respectively, have been citing the delay in obtaining the ballistics report as an excuse for the scanty progress made in their probes. On Thursday, the bench also pulled up the SIT saying that the progress reports submitted in sealed covers before the bench were more of a thesis than a probe report.

You (SIT) have been submitting such reports after reports in court. But when will these theses take a concrete shape and translate into action. Why dont you accept that you are incompetent for until the CBI came into the picture you had not done anything, the bench observed.

HC is likely to take up the matter for further hearing on November 23 .

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After massive rallies in various parts of the state, the Maratha community on Thursday held a silent march in Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar familys bastion Baramati.

Baramati has a large number of people from the OBC and Dhangar community. The march, which began at 11.30am, saw participation of Pawars extended family, although the face of the party -- NCP chiefs daughter Supriya Sule and nephew Ajit -- remained absent as they were in Mumbai to attend a party meeting.

Youngsters and women holding placards took part in the march that started from the main Kasba area of Baramati, which is represented in the Lok Sabha by Sule and state Assembly by Ajit. In the past three decades, Pawar senior has represented Baramati at the Centre and the state.

Although Maratha outfits such as Sambhaji Brigade and Maratha Seva Sangh are mainly organising the rallies, political circles are abuzz about NCPs hand in galvanising the community, which forms its core votebank. Political observers feel the absence of Pawar, Ajit and Sule was an indication of their cautious stand to show the NCP was not behind the current unrest in the community.

According to organisers, 2,500 volunteers ensured the march was disciplined. The march came in the backdrop of Pawar familys aggressive stand against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Pawar recently said the government should ensure the Maratha community gets reservation without disturbing the OBC quota at the earliest. Ajit Pawar, who participated in the march at Pune, said, Even though lakhs of Marathas have come out on the streets, the Fadnavis government is not taking steps to address the problems of the community.

Scores of Marathas have participated in silent marches across the state demanding reservation to the community, amendment to the Atrocities Act and capital punishment for perpetrators of Kopardi crime  where a minor Maratha girl was allegedly raped and murdered by three suspects from the Dalit community.

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Misleading claims about the safety and efficacy of statins, and a lack of awareness about them, have resulted in the underuse of these effective cholesterol-reducing drugs, cardiologists in Mumbai said on World Heart Day on Thursday. Studies have shown that only 5% of Indian heart patients use the drugs, as compared to 66% in high-income countries such as Sweden and Canada.

Statins are fat-lowering medications that have been found to reduce deaths among high-risk heart patients. In a recent review published in The Lancet, a medical journal, 23 researchers from across the globe discussed the efficacy and safety of statin therapy to help clinicians, patients, and the public to make informed decisions about it and prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Professor Rory Collins from the University of Oxford said, Evidence from randomised trials shows that statin therapy reduces the risk of major vascular events like coronary deaths, heart attacks, strokes, and bypass surgeries by about 25%, with specific reductions in LDL cholesterol each year once therapy starts. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is considered the bad cholesterol as it contributes to plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries and make them less flexible.

Heart specialists from Mumbai said many patients are averse to choosing statin therapy thanks to myths and a lack of awareness about it. Dr Jamshed Dalal, director of cardiac sciences at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Andheri, said that while an increasing number of parents are being prescribed statin therapy, the lack of awareness among clinicians is the main reason for its underuse. The major issue is that the drug is not used as a preventive measure for high-risk patients. Secondly, every drug has its share of side-effects, but the benefits of these drugs greatly outweigh their side-effects, said Dalal.

Dr Ajit Menon, an intervention cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, said he prescribes statin therapy to young patients with a history of heart disease and other high-risk patients. Numerous studies have proved that cholesterol is one the main causes of blockages and plaque. Statins are certainly more effective if monitored closely. Side-effects only occur when high doses are prescribed, which is rare. The drugs are also inexpensive; they cost about Rs150 to Rs200 a month, said Menon.

The side-effects of statins, according to Professor Collins, are myopathy (muscle pain or weakness combined with large increases in the concentration of the enzyme creatine kinase in the blood), diabetes, and an increase in strokes due to bleeding (haemorrhagic strokes).

Typically, treating 10,000 patients for five years with standard statin regimen would be expected to cause about five cases of myopathy, 50 to 100 cases of diabetes, and 5 to 10 haemorrhagic strokes. The harmful effects of statin therapy can usually be reversed, without any residual effects, by stopping it. On the contrary, harmful effects of heart attacks or strokes can be devastating, the Oxford researchers said.
More than 254 children succumbed to malnutrition in Palghar district, while 195 foetal deaths were recorded till date this year, informed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis while addressing media persons at Thane collectors office after meeting all district officials from Konkan division on Thursday. He said the worst-affected were Jawhar and Mokhada zillas, where the number of deaths has increased in comparison to the last two years.

Fadnavis, however, maintained that there is no unnatural cause behind this rise in the number of deaths. He also informed that a state-level task force, headed by the state health minister, will be formed to tackle the malnutrition issue.

The issue in Palghar district came to light after four children died of malnutrition since August 30. A presentation on the rate of malnutrition in was given by the district officials to the chief minister, who said corrective measures will be taken to address the issue.

Fadnavis said, In the year 2016-17, until August, 254 children and 195 foetal deaths due to malnutrition have been recorded so far. Figure for the year 2015-16 was 626 and 565 in 2014-15. This year, the number of deaths is comparatively low and there is no historical increase apart from those recorded in Jawhar and Mokhada talukas.

Till August this year, 47 children died in Jawhar due to malnutrition while the number for Mokhada stood at 75. The mortality rate this year so far is 19 per 1,000 children, which is more as compared to 16 in 2015-16 and 18 in 2014-15. There are 6,034 children in the severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) categories.

Fadnavis added, We are forming a task force comprising ministers from health, women and child development and medical ministries. The task force will provide better co-ordination between these ministries and also with the district facing the malnutrition problem. In Palghar, we have started surveying children below the age of six through Anganwadis and medical officers. Around 111 officers have been appointed for the same. We have also included the malnourished children in various schemes, such as Village Child Development Centre (VCDC) and Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres (NRC), among others. Four paediatricians from well-known Mumbai hospitals have also been appointed to check these children.

The state has also proposed a centralised kitchen scheme for the Ashram shalas or tribal hostels to ensure the food quality at these facilities is up to the mark.

Protest in Thane

While the meeting was on, members from Shramjivi Sanghatana protested outside the Thane collector office against the malnutrition issue. Police detained 50 protesters to prevent any law and order situation in the area. The protest started and continued for 20 minutes after the CM entered Thane collectors office to attend the meet. Despite police action, the organisation has warned of intensifying its agitation if the state failed to address the issue immediately.

CM keeps mum

Fadnavis refused to comment on the ongoing Martha protest across Maharashtra, when asked about his next step. I have already said what I wanted to and we will take proper decision when the time comes. I do not want to make any further comment on the issue, he said.

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Last weeks security scare at Uran was the result of a prank by a 12-year-old schoolgirl, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer told Hindustan Times on Thursday. The officer said the girl has confessed to her prank and apologised in writing.

The girl, a student of Uran Education Society, told the police she had seen five armed men, wearing masks and black clothes, while on her way to school last Wednesday. A boy from the same school also said he saw an armed man with a gun in the area that day, after which Mumbai, Uran and surrounding areas were put on high alert. The police, anti-terrorism squad, Force 1, coast guard and navy launched search operations for possible intruders.

However, Uran police officials said they hadnt been told about the girls confession. We are relying on the girls original statement and our search is still on. The students have not said it was prank; they have not given anything in writing, said an officer from Uran police station, who did not wish to be named.

A senior anti-terrorism squad (ATS) officer said if it was indeed a prank, the police could not take legal action against the two students, who are minors, and could only let them off with a warning.

Anand Bhingarde, general secretary of Uran Education Society, said, The police have not told us yet that it was a prank. The girl has been attending school since it opened on Monday and has been given police protection. We did our job and did not take [the allegations] casually.

A committee member of the school, who did not wish to be named, said, If it was prank, why did the entire police force and intelligence agencies conduct search operations? It means the agencies must have received some reports.

The Indian Navy and coast guard conducted searches as a naval station is located around five kilometres from the spot where the suspicious men were allegedly seen. However, they called off their searches after 24 hours, while the police continued theirs. None of the agencies have found any physical traces of intruders in the area.
Four months ahead of the 2017 civic elections, allies Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had a face-off in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over Mumbais biggest problem: potholes. BJP walked out of Wednesdays standing committee meeting along with the opposition stating that Sena was supporting the administration despite its failures to provide good roads to the city.

During a heated discussion on the death of a 21-year-old Nagpada resident owing to a pothole, Sena leader Trushna Vishwasrao also mentioned that the city has been receiving unprecedented rainfall over the last few days resulting in a high number of craters, for which she faced flak from all parties.

However, Vishwasrao later said that Sena has been continuously following up with the civic body over fixing the craters. Even today, I called officials to fix potholes at the Parel flyover. However, it seems like the civic chief was waiting for orders from the chief minister (CM) to fix the city roads, Vishwasrao said, in a jibe over Fadnavis directives to all road agencies in the city to fill potholes on Tuesday.

BJP leaders immediately retorted saying CM Devendra Fadnavis had to intervene because BMC has failed in maintaining the city roads under Senas leadership. Fadnavis on Tuesday asked BMC to fix all city roads in the next 15 days. The Sena-BJP fight comes even as both share power in the state as well as the civic body. Both the parties are equally responsible for the road mess but BJP has been trying to play the opposition role in the civic body in lieu of upcoming polls.

The genesis of the road scam as well as the desilting scam was with the BJP city chief Ashish Shelar making complaints to the CM, seeking state intervention

Manoj Kotak, BJP leader, said, If civic chief was waiting for orders from the CM then was Sena waiting for the death of a young boy to take action? Today, in the meeting, we had a chance to seek answers from the administration for Mumbais perennial problem but Sena is still supporting the administration.

The differences between the two allies have gone from bad to worse this year and with civic elections in February next year, more tussles are on cards. On Tuesday, the BJP-led state government had cleared a lease renewal policy for lands including Mahalaxmi Turf Club, putting a spanner on Senas pet project to have a theme park here. Sena has also been constantly pointing at the states interference in the civic bodys affairs.

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NEW DELHI: The government has cleared the appointment of a Rajkot-based lawyer, who had defended the accused in the Gulberg Society massacre of the 2002 Gujarat riots, as part-time member to the Law Commission of India. Abhay Bhardwaj became the second controversial appointment after Satya Pal Jain, a former BJP parliamentarian from Chandigarh who was party leader LK Advanis counsel in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case, was inducted in June.

Like Bhardwaj, Jain too is a part-time member and their appointments have drawn criticism. The Congress said the selections are part of a disappointing pattern. Party leader and former law minister Kapil Sibal accused the BJP-led government of filling up important public positions with people of its own ideology. A total of 69 Muslims were killed, including former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, in the Gulberg Society incident that was the second largest case of mass killings during the Gujarat riots. The court has acquitted 36 of the 66 accused and convicted 24, charging 11 of them with murder.

Besides Bhardwaj, who is yet to join, the government filled two crucial positions of full-time members, including the member secretary, after more than a third of the 21st commissions term is over.

Dr Sanjay Singh, former legislative secretary, took charge as member secretary, while Dr S Sivakumar, academic and honorary legal consultant to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), joined the commission as a full-time member on Wednesday.

The commission, an advisory body to the government on judicial reforms, now has three full-time members against four vacancies.

The commission so far had only one full-time member, Justice Ravi Tripathi, who retired as a judge in the Gujarat high court last May. In March this year, the government appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan as its chairman.

The law ministry notified last September the constitution of the commission for three years, till August 31, 2018.

The commission comprises a chairman, four full-time members, including a member secretary, two secretaries from the ministry as ex-officio members and not more than five part-time members.

We can now start working full-fledged on matters pending before the commission, a senior official said.

The vacancies impaired the commissions work and it has not submitted a single report, despite crucial references from the government and the Supreme Court pending with it.

The previous commission had submitted 19 reports during its three-year term, including those on amending the corruption law and death penalty.
MUMBAI/ NEW DELHI: India may review its air links with Pakistan, a move aimed at scaling down engagement with the neighbour after militants from across the border killed 18 soldiers at the Uri army base on September 18.

The government is already reviewing the 56-year-old Indus Waters Treaty to explore ways to make optimum use of three rivers flowing into Pakistan from India, but within the ambit of the World Bank-brokered agreement.

These are non-military steps the NDA government has initiated after the Uri attack, apart from efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.

If New Delhi decides to ban air links and overflight facilities with Pakistan  as it had done after the Parliament attack in December 2001  flyers of both countries might have to pay more and flying hours will increase too.

Sources said a review of the air services agreement with Pakistan was next on the agenda. The bilateral agreement says airlines from each side can operate 12 flights a week. India doesnt have flights to Pakistan, but the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates to Delhi and Mumbai.

If PIA flights are banned over Indian airspace, they will need to take a long detour to fly to Bangladesh and destinations in Southeast Asia.

Airlines are forced to change routes only in case of an airspace closure. In this case, airlines from the two countries will have to revise flight routes and prepare themselves for fat fuel bills, said a former Directorate General of Civil Aviation official who didnt wish to be named.

Industry experts were of the view that there might not be an immediate impact on fares, but airlines could pass the burden on passengers in the long run if New Delhi decides to snap air links with Pakistan. The price rise could go up to 20% since jet fuel accounts for almost half the operation cost of an airline, said a member of the Civil Aviation Economic Advisory Council, an independent think-tank appointed by the government in 2012.

When India snapped air services with its neighbour after the Parliament attack, Air India was the lone airline operating international flights. The national carriers flying time for West-bound flights increased by up to an hour and its annual fuel bills rose by around Rs 40 crore during the two-year closure, said a retired official from the air traffic control department. A similar situation now will hurt Pakistan more because all its east-bound flights will require a long detour through China.

Flights from India will get affected too. Our Europe and US-bound flights will become longer by 45 minutes to an hour, said a Boeing commander with a private airline.

An almost 10-hour Mumbai-London flight that travels through Karachi would fly above Iran and reach the destination an hour later, the pilot said. Flights from Delhi might take the same route through Ahmedabad or fly through Uzbekistan.

Airlines might face pilot shortage if the closure is for a long haul. According to DGCA rules, international flights with less than 10 hours of travel time could be operated with two pilots. But if the time extends, the airline would have to roster another pilot.
With cross-border infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir growing to between three and five times over last year, fears of an increase in violence and attacks on security forces in the state in the coming winter months have risen.

Intelligence agencies assess the number of infiltrators in 2015 at 33, while they agree that it has already touched 87 this year, with one of the higher estimates factoring in the low snowfall of March and April this year to arrive at the number of 150. In 2014, it was assessed that 65 infiltrators had crossed over the LoC.

Read | Fence it up: Expert panel suggests measures to curb border infiltration

Read | Security along Indias porous border with Pakistan needs a revamp

Adding a sinister edge to the situation is the input that more than 50 residents of the state have joined the ranks of militant groups after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

While Pakistan is using the current deterioration in bilateral ties to push in as many infiltrators as possible, there has been a lack of vigil on the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Kupwara and Uri sectors, which has led to rise in cross-border activity. These infiltrators largely belong to the proscribed Lashkar-e-Tayyebba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist groups with locals boosting the Hizbul ranks, said a senior official on condition of anonymity.

Increased infiltration has increased the number of militants / terrorists in the Valley to around 300 as compared to less than 200 in 2015 with youth getting radicalised on religious grounds, said the official.

Read | Pak army watching Indian border, fully prepared to respond

After the September 18 Uri attack, LeT leader Hafiz Saeed and JeM leader Masood Azhar have slipped below the radar but their PoK-based commanders like Muzammil and Rauf Asghar are pushing the infiltrators across with the covert support of the Pakistan Army.

The coming months may see more violence in Valley with Pakistan Army and political leaders vying with each other to be more strident on the Kashmir issue. More attacks on the security forces are expected as the Valley shuts down for winter, the official said.

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The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on appeals challenging bail of Md Shahabuddin in a murder case for Friday, prolonging the agony for Chandrakeshwar Prasad and his wife, whose three sons was killed allegedly at the RJD strongmans behest.

However, Prasad, also known as Chanda Babu, and his wife, Kalavati Devi, are hopeful that the apex court will rule in their favour and set aside the Patna high courts decision to grant bail.

Read | Former RJD MP Shahabuddins bail challenged in Supreme Court

If that does not happen, only god and the administration can protect us, for whoever dared speak against Shahabuddin could not live for long. I also know that any day could be my last day, Prasad said.

Shahabuddins counsels have argued that the bail should not be cancelled, and he should instead be sent outside the state. Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade claimed his client has been facing media trial and the state government cannot play with the liberty of an individual.

CBI officials recreate the scene of journalist Rajdeo Ranjans murder at Siwan, on Thursday. (AP Dube/HT)

But this will not be justice. For me, justice goes beyond cancellation of bail. It should be the severest punishment, he said.

The agonising wait continues, as Prasad is forced to rely on the few media people who visit his house in Siwan for updates on the court proceedings.

We do not even get cable telecast here. I cannot know of the progress of the case. I do not know whether media persons are keeping off for fear of him. Its a blackout in Siwan, on all news concerning him, Prasad said, pointing to the dish antennae he got installed solely to track the progress of the case on TV.

Read | Invoke any law, I will live in my style: Shahabuddin

SC lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who represents the family, maintains constant touch.

I have talked with him at least 10 times, while his colleagues keep informing me about the developments regularly. That is the only interest left in my life, he said.

He also wonders how chief minister Nitish Kumar will deal with dons who operate beyond the rule of law.

How many dons facing 58 criminal cases are there in Bihar? What would he do with a don who played with his prestige also by calling him a circumstantial CM.

I have lost three sons and a brother, but nobody from the government ever came to meet me, let alone compensate, he said.

The apex court had on Wednesday come down heavily on the Bihar government for not placing facts before the Patna high court, asking the state if it was in slumber till he got bail. The counsel for the Nitish Kumar government, which has the RJD as its coalition partner, was also rebuked for not being serious in pursuing the case against Shahabuddin.

Read | BJP leaders blame Bihars grand alliance for Shahabuddins release

Security personnel at Siwan on the eve of verdict. (AP Dube/HT Photo)

Ignored by the administration, Prasad and his family now live in constant fear.

During the reign of Rabri Devi, security guards were provided to me. But it was withdrawn in 2011 without notice. I dont even know by whose order the security was withdrawn, he said. Living in fear is now my destiny.

However, security has now been beefed up in Siwan after intelligence reports showed that law and order might be affected if its former MP Shahabuddins bail is cancelled on Friday.

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Following Armys surgical strike across Line of Control (LoC), the 19 young women students attending the five-day Global Peace Fest have been receiving calls from their parents in Pakistan asking them to return.

However, the NGO organising the event said it will take a final call on Friday. The girls were supposed to travel to Shimla on Friday and return to Pakistan on Monday. We are looking at all options, said Pramod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta.

He added that the security personnel were allowing people with valid papers to cross over at the border. But we would like to see how the situation develops on Friday morning before taking any decision, he said.

The parents have been calling since afternoon when the news about Indian Armys strike spread. But we told them that the girls are safe and being looked after well, said Sharma. Ive been telling them that in India, guests are treated like gods and theres no need to worry.

Sources said the intelligence sleuths have been keeping a close watch over the guests and have instructed the organisers not to allow anyone near them. Following this, the organisers altered their programme and are not allowing them to interact with the public or media.

They were taken to Indian School of Business (ISB) in SAS Nagar for plenary sessions along with delegates from 31 other countries. The girls also interacted with students of a school and gave them Indo-Pak friendship cards.

A senior Chandigarh police official said adequate security measures had been taken since their arrival on Tuesday night.

Abdul Basit cancels Chandigarh visit

Pakistan high commissioner to India Abdul Basit has cancelled his tour to Chandigarh on Saturday, where he was scheduled to address students from India and Pakistan as part of a peace event. Weve been conveyed that the High Commissioner is not coming which we can understand, said Pramod Sharma.

Read | Were told we wont return alive, say Pak women, still travelled to India

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A local court on Wednesday awarded five-year jail to a bus conductor who was booked for molesting a five-year-old girl student of a city-based private school last year.

He was convicted on Monday. The court of additional district and sessions judge Anshu Shukla also imposed a fine of Rs 53,000 on the accused, Jagjeet Singh (23), of Mullanpur.

The police on May 13, 2015, had arrested the accused for molesting an kindergarten student of Stepping Stones Senior Secondary School, Sector 38-A.

The matter came to light when the girls parents approached the school principal with a request to take action against the conductor who had committed the crime on May 7. The girls father alleged that the conductor was molesting her for many days, but she confided in her mother only after much coaxing.

After getting no satisfactory response from the principal, the parents approached the police.

This followed protests against the school authorities for inaction. School principal Sanjiv Kumar, however, had claimed that the conductor had been sacked. Later, the police also booked the principal and transporter Amrik Singh for failing to act promptly.

A case was registered on the recommendation of the Child Rights Commission under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act-2012. The commission had pointed out lapses not only on part of the school, but also transporter Amrik Singh. It was important to fight for justice. Such people need to be exposed so that other children could be saved from the trauma, said mother of the victim, who said she wanted harsher punishment to the accused.
The Punjab government has decided to seal all seven private sugar mills owned by politically connected industrialists till they release Rs 223 crore which they owe to the government and sugarcane growers.

Acting on the governments directions, the Hoshiarpur administration on Tuesday night sealed the premises of AB Sugars Limited and Indian Sucrose Limited in the district.

While AB Sugars belongs to the family of late liquor baron Ponty Chadha, Indian Sucrose is owned by Uttar Pradesh strongman DP Yadav.

Punjab Markfed chairman Jarnail Singh Wahid owns a sugar mill in Phagwara and Rana Sugar Mills (Amritsar) belongs to Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh.

The SAD-BJP government decided to crack the whip after Mondays cabinet meeting in which the issue of recovery from private sugar mills was hotly discussed.

While approving the agriculture departments proposal to recover Rs 223 crore from these mills as outstanding payment to sugarcane farmers, the cabinet had directed to take action against the erring millers.

The state government had released Rs 111 crore subsidy to the millers. The Cabinet also decided to contribute Rs 112 crore as a stopgap arrangement.

At the root of governments tough stance is an agreement/understanding between private sugar mills and the government.

The government had fixed Rs 295 per quintal the rate of cane crushing to be paid to farmers. While the government had to pay Rs 50 per quintal as subsidy  2015-16 season only the mill owners had to pay Rs 245 per quintal for this crushing season.

Sources say the government had decided to pay Rs 50 subsidy if the market sugar price was Rs 2,600 per quintal or less. It was decided that if sugar price was Rs 3,000 per quintal or more the government will not pay Rs 50 per quintal subsidy and the millers will have to pay the fixed Rs 295 per quintal to the farmers.

The sugar price in the market has been more than Rs 3,000 per quintal during the crushing season in question. This is why the government is asking millers to pay Rs 295 per quintal to the farmers and return the subsidy money to the government, a cabinet minister, requesting anonymity, said.

The government had already released Rs 111 crore to millers  50% of the total Rs 50 subsidy  and decided to contribute Rs 112 crore as a stopgap arrangement.

The millers owe the government Rs 223 crore. This includes the Rs 50 per quintal subsidy that the government paid and now wants to recover as the sugar price has been very high. These mills have earned over Rs 500 crore profit during the crushing season and are now refusing to pay the total money they owe to the farmers, the minister said.

The government had directed the district collectors concerned to issue recovery certificates to all the seven mills a few days ago following reports of unrest among farmers who had adopted a tough stance on the outstanding amount.

The collectors were directed to recover the amount as arrears of land revenue under the Revenue Recovery Act, 1890.

The mill owners were insisting that the extra promised amount of Rs 50 be paid by the state government itself.

At least Rs 20.5 crore is reportedly outstanding against the Mukerian mill and Dasuya sugar mill owes Rs 17 crore. The administration has attached the immovable assets and taken the entire stock of sugar and molasses into possession.

The millers say the continuous losses have eroded the financial health of their mills and the government should pay the subsidy as promised.

Nearly 70% of the sugarcane grown in the state is crushed by the private millers.

Excise sleuths ask Dasuya mill to furnish biz details

A team from excise and sales tax department, Chandigarh, led by assistant excise and taxation commissioner Jaskaran Brar inspected the distillery of AB Sugars Limited in Dasuya and asked the management to furnish details of their business. We have summoned them to Chandigarh with documents on October 3, Brar said.

The private mills

Rana Sugar Mills (Amritsar)

Bhagwanpura Sugar Mills (Dhuri)

Wahid Sandhar Sugars Limited (Phagwara)

Nahar Industrial Enterprises Limited (Amloh)

Chadha Sugars and Industries Limited (Gurdaspur)

AB Sugars Ltd, Dasuya (Hoshiarpur)

Indian Sucrose Limited (Hoshiarpur)
Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Indian Armys surgical strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC), inside Pakistan-Ocupied Kashmir (POK), hailing it as an apt, timely and effective operation.

Badal had called an emergency cabinet meeting here on Thursday evening to take stock of the situation and ministers also lauded the PM for decisively ordering this surgical operation to demolish the bases and camps of those acting with impunity against our citizens, a spokesman here stated.

Also read | Villages tense as evacuation begins: But we are not scared

At a press conference later, Badal said that the people of Punjab are ready to face the situation in this crisis.

Punjab, which is rightly called the sword arm of India, has suffered immensely because of the inhuman and ghastly acts of terrorism by these elements. Peace and communal harmony in the state has been one of the prime targets of these elements as was evident in the attacks on Dinanagar and Pathankot, the CM also stated in a written statement.

Badal stated that the Centre and Punjab were totally aware of the challenge posed to life and property of those residing along the border in view of the current situation.

But, what to do when the situation gets out of our hands, though the maximum damage in such a situation is done to Punjab? Badal said.

Along the border, 60 villages were being evacuated in Fazilka district, 300 in Ferozepur, 135 in Tarn Taran, 137 in Amritsar, 290 in Gurdaspur and 65 in Pathankot, that is, 987 villages in the six border districts.

Schools and colleges have been earmarked as camps for the evacuated population and medical teams were also alerted to reach the camps, while many families opted to move to their relatives or friends, Punjab chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal said.

Punjab police parties have been sent to the empty evacuated villages to guard the households, informed DGP Suresh Arora.

The council of ministers also appealed to the people of Punjab to remain united and vigilant and keep their calm in the lofty traditions of patriotic fervour and selfless service.

Leaders react

Sukhbir Singh Badal, deputy chief minister: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a courageous step. It should send a clear message to Pakistan not to meddle in our internal affairs and stop training and arming terrorists. The evacuation of border villages will be orderly and the settlement of evacuees will be proper and safe.

Captain Amarinder Singh, Punjab Congress president: Dont create war refugees before the actual war. It was required to smash terrorist camps in the PoK but uncalled for to evacuate people up to 10 km at the start of the harvesting season. We didnt do that even during the 1965 war. Shelling and harvesting went together.

Vijay Sampla, Punjab BJP chief: Its a historical moment. I salute the valour shown by our forces and the political will and diplomacy with which our Prime Minister gave a free hand to the army to strike back.
Known for its peaches, Yuba City in North California, US, is going to have the first overseas gurdwara managed by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which was looking to counter the radical hold on American Sikhs and their shrines.

Biggest American peach farmer Didar Singh Bains has donated 14 acres to the SGPC for this project and the handing-over process is on. He built one of the two present Yuba City gurdwaras, the largest in the US, while the general public raised the other. Bains son, Gurnam Singh Pamma, is president of his gurdwara. In nearby cities, Sacramento has one place and San Jose has two places where Sikhs go to worship.

Also read | SGPC did its job well... I will not seek extension as chief: Makkar

Radical-influenced Punjabi diaspora booed Akali leaders when they visited North America last year, so the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the SGPC need own platform (gurdwaras) to launch their campaigns in the continent. If we have a place of our own, we can convey ourselves better, said an Akali leader. SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said: Many Sikhs are influenced by radicals but we dont need to be afraid of them.

This gurdwara will boost dharam parchar (religious propagation) in North America. We are making the drawings and maps. We have registered as SGPC USA Inc and collected dollars worth Rs 2 crore in a US bank. Makkar said.

Foreign donations big attraction

North America accounts for a lot of donation to the faith, so the lure of NRI money also brings the SGPC to Yuba City.

This money goes to the radicals kitty mostly but having own gurdwara will help the SGPC tap moderate Sikhs.

Ripudaman offer on hold

Makkar claims that Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted in the 1985 Kanishka bombing case in 2016, offered to build a gurdwara in the Canadian province of British Columbia, which has a huge Sikh population. We have kept the offer on hold, said Makkar.

Printing of holy book

The SGPC plans to start printing Guru Granth Sahib from the Yuba City gurdwara to cater to the Sikhs and Punjabis of North America. Currently we send them the Sikh holy book from India, which requires a lot of care and caution, Makkar said. A facility in the continent will help non-resident Punjabis.

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Activist Irom Sharmila wants no one to fast like she did but stay with your cause with dedication, sincerity and perseverance. Now ready to fight the Manipur assembly polls due early next year, she said in Chandigarh on Wednesday, I would rather have won hearts of the people by offering myself, my love and kindness, my positivity and my selflessness.

Sharmila, 44, ended her 16-year-fast against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA last month and said she wants to the chief minister of Manipur to be able to fight against the draconian law from within the system. On Wednesday, she was in Chandigarh to inaugurate the 11th annual Global Peace Festival being organised by the NGO Yuvsatta.

Also read | Were told we wont return alive, say Pak women, still travel to India

For her electoral prospects, she said she wants moral support from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal and his followers to light a new fire.

Asked if she has met her mother as she had vowed not to meet her until AFSPA is repealed, she said, I had happened to meet her eventually, at a hospital for five minutes. But Sharmila, who is staying in an ashram in Imphal, has not yet planned to go back home.

For a message to the youth, she said, I want to see the youth as youth, and not as girls or boys. I want to see everybody as humanity. We really need to know ourselves: who I am, why and how I am here. Self-realisation should be there among the youth, and self-consciousness is a must.

But, do attacks such as the one recently in Uri (J&K) where 18 soldiers were killed change her stance on AFSPA?

She only said, The real need is intervention in the administrative system which is governed by the democratic representatives. We cannot remain negligent about the system in our society. Why should we depend on the government? We are humans with malleable minds; every problem can be solved like family matters.

While addressing the gathering, she turned emotional and broke down as she talked about influencing the youth, a lack of right leadership and connectivity between the leaders and the people.

Need moral support from Kejriwal

Irom Sharmila is seeking moral support of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as she gears up to contest the Manipur assembly elections in 2017. For reasons, she cites AAP convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals ability to win the elections with the force of determination and real politics. Talking about her meeting with Kejriwal in Delhi on Tuesday, Sharmila said, It was a friendly meeting. Before contesting elections, others advice is really important. But I want to go ahead with this struggle with my conscience, not with others influence. Sharmila has stated that she will soon be forming a new regional party and wants to be CM of Manipur. We do not want to attach with any other party. Our interests, our shortages are based on our mindset. Well have to form a new party inclusive of different sections of society.

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Punjab villages near the internation border (IB) were told to evacuate after the Indian army conducted surgical strikes on terror launchpads along Line of Control (LoC) on Thursday. Here is the ground report of the areas affected in Punjab:

Border on the edge, everybody wants full tank

At every village along Pakistan, they are talking about past wars and praising the Narendra Modi government. They are also packing their bags and battling their fears.

After the armys surgical strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LOC), orderly evacuation began in 333 Amritsar villages in 10-kilometre radius of the Pakistan border. Since the message flashed on gurdwara loudspeakers, 20% of the population  mostly women, children, and aged people  has left for safer areas. Showing great morale, the men have stayed back to support the soldiers.

Long queues built up for panic buying of fuel. In Attari, the first petrol-filling station after the border received its biggest rush on Thursday. Buyers carried even drums and any empty bottle they could find. Everybody wanted a full tank.

Also read | Retreat ceremony on Attari-Wagah border called off

At Daoke village, people were gathered on the streets and discussing where to go. The bags over their heads and the women in tow reminded them of the 1965 and 1971 wars. We are not scared, said villager Suba Singh (70), but leaving immediately isnt easy. Villager Gurdev Singh said: The crop is ready and, if there is no harvesting, we are finished. We arent scared of war but displacement is a concern.

The district administration led by deputy commissioner Varun Roojam had a long meeting after the evacuation orders came from Chandigarh. Officers are still trying to convince people to flee a possible Pakistani retaliation. But those living close to the fence have only two small concerns  their crop and cattle.

Also read | Chief secy told to release Rs 1 cr to border district DCs

Paramjit Kaur, who had come to her mothers house was going back to Amritsar. It is no more safe at the village, she said. At Naushehra Dhalla in Tarn Taran district, evacuation is moderate though. I am not going anywhere, said Hardev Singh, whose house is close to the fence. Let war come. The Indian forces should have struck back earlier. The young men of my village will support them.

Police are helping with evacuation and Akali legislator Harmeet Sandhu went to Naushehra Dhallla to ask people to stay vigilant.

14 Pathankot villages 70% empty

Vehicles, carts, two-wheelers, laden with women and children, are speeding away from border villages in this district. Something wrong is going to happen tonight, said a fleeing man.

Television news and the administration advisory triggered panic evacuation along the Pathankot border with Pakistan after the surgical strikes in Kashmir. The government deployed transport to get the villagers out. I had time to grab only a few, handy valuables, said Surinder Mahajan of Bamyal.

Must read | Villagers tense but not scared

Scores of rural folks who work outside were hurrying back home to fetch family. The evacuation in 14 Pathankot border villages, including the Bamyal sector, is 70% complete. People hail surgical strikes but want the dispute with Pakistan settled once and for all.

The administration will provide them with free food and shelter at Gurdwara Barth Sahib. Hospitals are on alert and the emergency ward of the Pathankot civil hospital has been cleared. Bhoa legislator Seema Kumari, most of whose constituency fall in the border area, was pleading with the villagers to move out. The electricity department has orders to cut the supply for night blackout.

Senior superintendent of police Rakesh Kaushal said crisis management was working fine.

Tarn Taran villagers rushing to banks, ATMs, arhtiyas

Villagers are rushing to banks, ATMs, and arhtiyas, moneylenders, and petrol-filling stations.

The machines ran out of petrol, diesel, and cash in a few minutes. The villagers rushed to Patti and Tarn Taran towns, farmers carrying their goods on tractor-trailers, and the others looking for pick up. Evacuation is on, not only in the 10-kilometre radius of the border but also the entire district.

Panic is natural. The people of this district suffered a lot in the 1965 and 1971 wars. At nearly 150 villages of this border district, people have started moving to safe places again before any new conflict breaks out with Pakistan.

In 1965, Asal Uttar village, scene of a great battle, took a maximum hit. During the Kargil war, too, the villagers had to vacate their homes. They have been displaced so many times that they are almost used to it now.

War doesnt scare them as much as the thought of losing their business and houses. We are settled here for decades. Our woes have only begun, said Tajinder Singh of Rajoke village. I spent my lifetime of earning in building this house. Now I must leave it. You dont know how sad I am, said Daljinder Singh of Bhura Kohna village.

There arent enough buses for everyone who needs to move to safety. All of them are overloaded. And the war is yet to start.

Anxiety in Ferozepur, Fazilka, though no major evacuation

Many were vary of moving out till the harvest. (HT Photo)

There was anxiety but no major evacuation in the border villages of Ferozepur and Fazilka on Thursday when tension between India and Pakistan escalated.

Announcements being made from the village gurdwaras and temples were pressing people to be at least 10 kilometres from the Pakistan border. The administration has created 25 rehabilitation camps for border villagers.

The warnings had little effect. In most border villages, not many people had moved out till the filing of this report. How can we leave our ripe crop? Well be ruined, Ferozepur farmer Amb Singh said. Well decide to move or not only after harvest.

More police contingents moved into Ferozepur and Fazilka villages from their respective headquarters. We have received Rs 1 crore from the state government for the rehabilitation centres. The money is for basic amenities, besides medical, veterinary, and other needs, said Ferozepur deputy commissioner DPS Kharbanda.

In Fazilka, people have started coming to the 26 rehabilitation camps outside the 10-km radius of the Pakistan border. So far, we have nothing to panic but we are taking all precautions, said Fazilka deputy commissioner Isha Kalia.

(Contributed by Gaurav Sagar Bhaskar, Surjit Singh, Aseem Bassi, Vinay Dhingra)
A Congress protest to save a park kept mayor Arun Sood parked at the MC office gate in Sector 17 here for 35 minutes, ahead of the House meeting on Wednesday.

Former mayor Poonam Sharma was atop the bonnet of Soods stranded car and Congress general secretary Sunil Sood reportedly got fractured four of his ribcage bones and another worker Rajni Talwar got injured her finger in the melee. The showdown was against the proposal to convert the Sector 38 green belt into a parking lot for Vivek High School.

For nearly half-an-hour, the mayor couldnt step out of his car. It was only after the intervention of the security personnel and a mild lathicharge that he could enter the MC building.

Must watch | VIDEO : Ex-mayor climbs on mayors car as Congress protests parking lot in park

The Congress protesters raised slogans against him and demanded his resignation.

Arun Sood in Chandigarh on Wednesday. (Ravi Kumar/HT Photo)

In the House, Congress councillors raised the issue again and a debate continued for nearly half-an-hour. Congress Councillor Darshan Garg alleged that it seemed as if there was some deal between mayor and management of Vivek High School, Sector 38. He said Sood got his brothers children admitted to the same school and now he wanted to oblige the school.

Former Congress mayor Poonam Sharma said, When the proposal was rejected in 2006, how come the mayor approved it now.

She said if UT architect Kapil Setia was the one who approved the proposal, let the UT administration spend money on this, why was the civic body spending money on this.

Congress councillors even alleged that officers of UT administration was hand-in-glove with the mayor on the issue.

Mayor Arun Sood, who has been pushed to the backfoot on the issue, said, I will hold a meeting with the residents of Sector 38 on Thursday and whatever they decide, MC will comply with that.

The issue

In the Finance and Contract Committee meeting held on September 20, a parking lot in the green belt of Sector 38 was approved. Mayor Arun Sood, through a letter in April this year, had asked the chief engineer to start work on the lot adjacent to Vivek High School, Sector 38. Following this, the architect of the UT administration, too, approved the parking lot. The section of the residents of Sector 38 had opposed the decision of the mayor.

Jannat loses it again in House meet

Chandigarh: Once again, BSP councillor Jannat Jahan made her presence felt in the House on Wednesday for what she is known for  unparliamentary language. That she also broke down during her speech only added to the variety.

She lashed out at municipal corporation chief engineer NP Singh and member Parliament Kirron Kher for ignoring her ward. Jahan spoke for nearly 15 minutes, during which she vented her anger and used words like bloody hell and what nonsense several times. Mayor Sood tried to pacify her, but in vain.

MC commissioner B Purusharta asked her to mind her language or the officers will walk away.

Nominated councillor Dr Amrita Tewari said, Whenever she speaks, she uses derogatory words like F*** Y**, shit, bloody hell. On this, Jahan said she didnt abuse anyone today (on Wednesday). She said it was unfortunate that MC chief engineer never took her calls and her ward was the most neglected in the city. Sanitation in my ward has gone from bad to worse and wards being represented by BJP councillors are being spruced up, she said.

Lashing out at Kirron, Jahan said she was trying to give an impression that only BJP councillors were working for the people they represent.
With the Indian army conducted surgical strikes on terror launchpads along Line of Control (LoC), resulting in significant casualties, on Thursday, Punjab villages near the internation border (IB) have been told to evacuate, an official from the district administration confirmed to Hindustan Times.

Nearly 1,000 villages in six districts of the state are being evacuated partially or fully.

Amritsar DC Varun Roojam conducted a meeting to discuss further plan of action following orders of the evacuation within a 10 km radius from the IB.

Also read | Villagers tense but not scared

Residents of Naushehra Dhalla village near the border area in an evacuation bus, in Amritsar district on Thursday. (Gurpreet Singh/HT Photo)

Messages have been conveyed to village sarpanches and local officers to start the evacuation process as soon as possible.

Border Security Force (BSF) has put the IB on further alert after the surgical strikes. Along with deployment of more forces along the border, the BSF has restricted movement for the evening retreat ceremony.

Also read | Retreat ceremony on Attari-Wagah border called off

A patient being taken out of the civil hospital emergency ward in Pathankot following the administrations orders to keep emergency wards ready for any eventuality. (Vinay Dhingra/HT Photo)

In Pathankot, border evacuation was scheduled to start as transportation was being sent to border villages. The evacuated people would be lodged at gurdwaras and banquet halls.

Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has directed the chief secretary and director general of police to ask the deputy commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to oversee the entire evacuation process in the six border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.

Also read | Punjab in emergency mode, chief secy told to release Rs 1 cr to border dist DCs

Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal presiding over an emergency meeting at his official residence in Chandigarh on Thursday. (Photo: CMO)

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Libertarian candidate Gary Johnsons longshot bid for the White House appears to have grown even more remote.

The former New Mexico governor who asked What is Aleppo? in an interview earlier this month was stumped Wednesday night when asked to name his favorite foreign leader during an appearance on MSNBC television.

In the cringe-worthy minute-long segment, Johnson sat speechless as host Chris Matthews posed the question: Whos your favorite foreign leader? Any one of the continents, any country, name one foreign leader that you respect and look up to, anybody.

Johnsons running mate William Weld, sitting alongside him in the townhall style interview, offered, Mine was Shimon Peres.

Im talking about living, Matthews responded.

Go ahead, he said, gesturing to Johnson. You gotta do this. Anywhere, any continent. Canada, Mexico, Europe, over there, Asia, South America, Africa, name a foreign leader that you respect.

Johnsons answer: I guess Im having an Aleppo moment.

He then said the former president of Mexico, but was unable to give a name, blaming a brain freeze.

Weld prompted Fox, referring to Vicente Fox, who served from 2000 to 2006.

Fox! He was terrific, Johnson said, but Matthews had already moved on to Weld, who had no problems in answering that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was his favorite foreign leader.

Gary Johnson had an "Aleppo moment" after @hardballchris asks who his favorite foreign leader is #JohnsonTownhall https://t.co/nRazpPL0q0  MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 28, 2016

Johnson was mocked mercilessly on Twitter earlier this month for asking an interviewer What is Aleppo? in response to a question about the ravaged Syrian city that is a flashpoint in the civil war that has ravaged the country for more than five years.

He later explained that he understands the dynamics of the Syrian conflict but in the moment blanked and thought Aleppo was an acronym.

While his party generally plays on the fringes of American politics, Johnson is expected to be the choice of at least some Americans disillusioned by the historically unpopular major party candidates, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.
U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton shared a stage with former rival Senator Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to appeal for youth votes in the Nov. 8 election as opinion polls show a close race with Republican Donald Trump.

Clinton told an audience at the University of New Hampshire that she would make college affordable if she wins the White House, the kind of promise that won Sanders many young supporters during the Democratic nominating contest. We should and we will make public colleges tuition-free for families earning less than $125,000 a year, Clinton said. She vowed to help those who already have student debt to refinance.

Clintons campaign is worried that some polls show voters under the age of 30 might not turn out in great numbers at polling stations in November, potentially giving an advantage to Trump.

Members of the crowd on Wednesday waved signs that read: I will vote.

Recent opinion polls have shown the race tightening between Clinton, a former secretary of state, and Trump, a New York real estate magnate.

A majority of Americans say Clinton won Monday nights presidential debate, but her performance does not appear to have boosted support among likely voters, according to a Reuters/Ipsos national tracking poll released on Wednesday.

The online poll found that 56 percent of American adults felt Clinton did a better job, compared with 26 percent who believed the Republican did better.

Even so, Clintons performance seemed to have little impact on her support. The poll showed 42 percent supported her, while 38 percent backed Trump.

Praising Sanders

Wednesdays event took place on a university campus, but it was not open to students without an invitation, according to attendees, many of whom were middle-aged and said they were members of local Democratic organizations or invited by the campaign.

Clinton praised Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont who was her opponent in the hard-fought struggle for the Democratic nomination earlier this year.

He is one of the most passionate champions for equality and justice that I have ever seen and someone that I am looking forward to working with, Clinton said of Sanders, who introduced her on Wednesday.

Although Sanders lost to Clinton, he consistently drew younger voters to his side with promises to take on Wall Street, make college less expensive and close the income gap.

He called on young people in New Hampshire, a swing state in the presidential election, to get behind Clinton.

Get your uncles, your aunts, get your friends to vote for Hillary Clinton, he said.

Jennifer Palmieri, Clintons communications director, said the campaign hoped to get Sanders to make more appearances on Clintons behalf before the election.
A close aide of Bangladesh cafe attack mastermind Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also member of a banned Islamist militant outfit, was arrested by a counter-terrorism unit in Dhaka.

Salauddin Kamran, 30, a member of the Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), was arrested on Wednesday and during investigation, he told police that he was close to Abu Hakim, a militant killed in the Kallyanpur raid on July 25, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Masudur Rahman said.

Kamran said he came to Dhaka in May, after joining the militant group, and was trained in Paikpara area by now- detained militant suspect Rakibul Hasan Regan.

Kamran was also close to killed militant Tamim Chowdhury and other top ranks of the New-JMB, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

According to police, Kamran told them that he had been working on to spread the ideology of JMB and gave momentum to its activities. He also confessed to planning and carrying out subversive activities in the country.

Police had named Tamim, a Canadian-Bangladeshi who led the Neo-JMB, as the one who orchestrated the July 1 attack on the upscale Holey Artisan Bakery and O Kitchen restaurant in Dhakas diplomatic zone in which 22 people, including an Indian girl, were killed.

Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the cafe attack. But police believe that New-JMB, which is close to the ISIS, was involved in organising the attack.
Notorious Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar called for peace as he appeared by video to sign a deal with President Ashraf Ghani Thursday, marking a symbolic victory in Kabuls struggle to revive talks with the Taliban.

The deal paves the way for Hekmatyar, who heads the now largely dormant Hezb-i-Islami militant group but has been in hiding for years, to make a potential political comeback despite a history of war crimes.

But analysts have said it represents a practical success in Afghanistans 15-year bid to negotiate peace with militant groups, and comes as a boost for President Ashraf Ghani ahead of a development aid conference in Brussels next week.

Now is the time for the Taliban to think about whether they want to continue the war or come for peace, Ghani said as he signed the deal at the presidential palace in Kabul.

Security was tight in the capital, with the road to the palace blocked. Chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai, delegates from Hezb-i-Islami and other politicians also attended the ceremony.

Hekmatyar, derided widely as the butcher of Kabul, offered his congratulations to the government and all those Afghans who want peace and stability in the region as he signed a copy of the deal via video link.

I pray that our country be independent and sovereign, and our innocent and war-weary nation end the fighting and ongoing insecurity, and that unity prevails, he said.

Hekmatyar was a prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s who stands accused of killing thousands of people in the Afghan capital during the 1992-1996 civil war.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, center, and former President Hamid Karzai, second from right, watch the live broadcast of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. (AP)

He is believed to be in hiding in Pakistan, but his group claims he remains in Afghanistan.

The deal, which grants him judicial immunity, paves the way for him to make a comeback in mainstream politics in a pattern well established by other warlords, such as General Abdul Rashid Dostum, currently the countrys first vice president.

But it has sparked revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital who survived the civil war, some of whom launched street protests when it was announced last week.

Human Rights Watch warned Hekmatyars return would compound a culture of impunity in Afghanistan.

The deal was struck last Thursday but the government said it would not come into force until it was formally signed by Ghani and Hekmatyar.

Hezb-i-Islami has been largely inactive in recent years, and the deal is not likely to have an immediate impact on the security situation in Afghanistan.

The government took the opportunity last week to renew its offer for peace talks to the Taliban, who have persistently refused to engage in negotiations as they ramp up their nationwide offensive against the Western-backed regime.
China said that it values Pakistans position on Kashmir but hopes that Islamabad and New Delhi will resolve the dispute through dialogue and maintain regional peace and stability by joint efforts.

The tension in Kashmir escalated in July with the death of more than 80 people, mostly civilians, in the protest against the killing of a militant. Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived further after the terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri that killed 18 soldiers earlier this month.

New Delhi has pointed fingers at Islamabad for aiding and abetting terror attacks and inciting protests in Kashmir and launched a global campaign against Pakistan, accusing it to be the hub of terrorism in the world.

Reacting to Indias latest round of campaigning and seeking urgent support from all weather ally and benefactor China, Pakistan dispatched two Kashmir envoys to Beijing on Wednesday to meet the Chinese leadership.

Parliamentarians Khusro Bakhtiar and Alamdad Laleka  designated as envoys for Kashmir to China  met vice-foreign minister Liu Zhenmin on Wednesday as a part of Pakistans international outreach drum up support against India.

According to a statement from the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA), Liu told the Pakistani delegation that China attaches importance to Islamabads position on Kashmir.

Liu listened to Pakistani envoys briefings on the Kashmir condition and Pakistans standpoint on related issues, and emphasised that China has been concerned about the Kashmir condition and attaches importance to Pakistans standpoint on related issues, the MFA statement in Chinese said.

the Kashmir issue has been a historical issue and should be appropriately handled with talks and negotiations from relevant sides, the MFA statement quoted Liu as saying

Liu expressed Chinas expectations that Pakistan and India would intensify bilateral communications, appropriately manage differences, improve the bilateral relations and maintain regional peace and stability by joint efforts, the MFA statement added.

Read: China denies its diplomat assured Pakistan of Beijings support in case of war

In August, Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif had nominated 22 parliamentarians as special envoys to highlight the Kashmir situation across the world.

Earlier this week, China denied any knowledge that one of its senior diplomats has assured Pakistan of Beijings support in case of war with India besides being on Islamabads side on the Kashmir dispute.

Last week, Chinese consul general in Lahore Yu Boren was quoted as saying that China will extend support to Pakistan in a case of foreign aggression.

When asked about Yus categorical statement, the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) had brushed it aside.

I am not aware of the situation you mentioned, MFA spokesperson Geng Shuang said at the regular presser on Monday.

China had, however, said in July that it was concerned about the mounting casualties in Kashmir.
India dominated the Pakistani media on Thursday as newspapers and TV channels covered both New Delhis decision not to attend the Saarc Summit and a meeting of top military and civilian leaders in Islamabad where a commitment was made not to give in to Indian threats.

The influential daily Dawn, in a front page report on the meeting of the civil and military leaders chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said that undeterred by Indian threats, the top leadership on Wednesday vowed to continue support for the Kashmiris struggle and pointed to the restraint shown by Pakistan in the face of recent Indian provocations.

Pakistan will continue to extend its moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris until the issue of Kashmir is resolved as per aspirations of Kashmiri people, Sharif said while presiding over the meeting. He said Indian atrocities on Kashmiris would not be tolerated. The meeting was attended by the army chief as well.

In another front page report headlined More states join India to wreck Saarc summit, the Dawn said Indias move to isolate Pakistan at multilateral forums was launched before the terror attack in Uri.

Read: Saarc summit collapses after India and three other members pull out

The daily Express Tribune led with Indias decision to pull out of the SAARC summit. The paper reported that Indias irrational anger and divisive regional strategy has all but killed the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc).

The Tribune reported that the summit of the key regional forum was unofficially postponed after New Delhi pulled out in a frantic move to isolate Pakistan politically and economically in the aftermath of the Uri assault.

According to the charter of Saarc, which brings together eight member states of the region, the summit is postponed should any member state decline to participate. The Tribune reported that this is exactly what Sartaj Aziz, the Prime Minister's top foreign policy aide, said. Even if one member pulls out, the conference cannot go on as per schedule, he told a news channel.

The decision by India was also covered by most Urdu papers, including Daily Jang, Express and Nawa-i-Waqt. The issue was also hotly debated on news channels.

Anchor Farrukh Pittafi of Pakistan Television commented that the move showed the spite with which India was operating. Pitafi said India was deliberately trying to avoid dialogue. Other commentators on TV channels also condemned the Indian move.

Read: Will ensure Saarc summit is on time: Nepal

In his column, Talat Masood, a retired general and leading defence analyst, wrote in the Tribune that (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi is going all out to exploit Pakistans soiled international image as a breeding ground of terrorism.

This was not a sentiment most Pakistani commentators shared. Analyst Ejaz Haider commented on Capital TV that India was deliberately sabotaging Pakistans attempts at conciliatory efforts at bringing all Saarc nations on the table.

Radio Pakistan on Thursday tweeted a remark by foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz that the Saarc Summit was postponed four times in the past due to Indian refusal.

Political commentator Abid Husain, in a tweet, said: Guess its time we all pull the plug on SAARC. Possibly the single most useless multi-nation organisation, and thats saying something.
The surviving member of a German neo-Nazi trio accused of a string of racist killings broke her silence in court for the first time on Thursday, claiming she no longer held far-right views.

More than three years into her trial, Beate Zschaepe condemned the murders carried out by the other two members -- Uwe Mundlos and Uwe Boehnhardt -- of the self-styled National Socialist Underground (NSU).

Nervously reading out a short statement in a soft voice, the 41-year-old admitted that as a youth in the former communist east Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall, she indeed identified with nationalist ideology.

But she insisted that today I judge people not by their origin and political affiliation but by their behaviour and told the court, I regret my own misconduct.

Zschaepe for years lived in hiding with Mundlos and Boehnhardt, who shot dead eight men with Turkish roots, a Greek migrant and a German policewoman between 2000 and 2007, before the two died in an apparent murder-suicide in 2011.

After the mens deaths, Germany was shocked to discover that the killings -- long blamed by police and media on migrant crime gangs and dubbed the doner (kebab) murders -- were in fact committed by a far-right cell with xenophobic motives.

Prosecutors charge that Zschaepe was an NSU member and aided the crimes, also including two bomb attacks and 15 bank robberies, by covering the mens tracks, handling finances and providing a safe retreat in their shared home.

Zschaepe told the Munich court on Thursday: I condemn what Uwe Mundlos and Uwe Boehnhardt did to the victims.

In December last year, Zschaepe had for the first time addressed the court through a 53-page statement read out by her lawyers, in which she described herself as a passive and innocent bystander to the bloody crimes.

At the time Zschaepe, who faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, insisted she was involved neither in the planning nor the execution of any crimes, and that she was horrified to learn about them afterwards.

In her 2015 deposition, Zschaepe also insisted she had stayed with Mundlos and Boehnhardt because she feared going to jail and because she was financially and emotionally dependent on them.

She has admitted only to an arson charge, having torched their home after the men died, and of then distributing a DVD in which the group boasted about the killings in a video set to a comical Pink Panther theme.

The random discovery of the NSU in 2011 deeply embarrassed German authorities, exposing police and domestic intelligence flaws and raising uncomfortable questions about how the cell went undetected for 13 years.
India should have no trouble getting Washington on board with regards to its surgical strikes across the Line of Control, as the US has been carrying out similar operations deep inside Pakistan for years now.

India can note that the United States has been carrying out attacks in Pakistan for over a decade to kill terrorists, including Osama bin Laden and Mullah Mansur (the Taliban chief), Bruce Riedel, a former CIA operative who was once the adviser to President Barack Obama on Pakistan and Afghanistan, told Hindustan Times.

In 2011, US Navy SEALs found and killed bin Laden in a hideout in Abbottabad, a military town not very far from Islamabad. Pakistan was angry, but helpless to do anything.

And in 2016, Mullah Mansur was killed in a drone strike in Balochistan, the restive southwestern province of Pakistan.

Scores of other terrorists, including Ilyas Kashmiri in 2013, were killed in a similar fashion.

Islamabad has tacitly cooperated in these strikes.

While the US government had not commented on the Indian strikes till the filing of this report, which in itself was indication that it did not think it to be a violation of international laws or norms, experts unanimously agreed that India had shown considerable restraint in the past and that Pakistan may have had it coming.

For years, Pakistan has refused to crack down on anti-India militant groups on its soil, despite repeated requests from India, said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert with Wilson Center, a think tank, adding, And meanwhile, through this all, India has practised nothing but restraint.

I doubt youll hear much condemnation of these attacks around from the world, and certainly not from the United States, except for the usual suspects in China and perhaps a few other places.

Alyssa Ayres, a former state department official and South Asia expert with Council on Foreign Relations, seemed somewhat impressed. What precisely took place across the LoC seems unclear, but what is new is Indias willingness to declare that something, however limited, took place.

Both Ayres and Kugelman pointed out, however, there will be concerns about an escalation of tensions and conflict between two nuclear-powered neighbours, specially on account of Pakistan.

I do think the world will continue to be concerned about prospects for escalation due to the wildly irresponsible threats of nuclear weapons use the Pakistani defence minister made yesterday, said Ayres.

Meanwhile, US ambassador to India, Richard Verma, who was in DC, cut short his visit and returned to New Delhi cancelling a think tank event he was supposed to headline on Thursday.
If India had to explain its surgical strikes across the Line of Control, it should have no trouble getting the United States on board in the least as it has been carrying out similar operations deep inside Pakistan for years now.

India can note that the United States has been carrying out attacks in Pakistan for over a decade to kill terrorists, including Osama bin Laden and Mullah Mansour (the Afghan Taliban chief), Bruce Riedel, a former CIA operative who was once adviser to President Barack Obama on Pakistan and Afghanistan, told Hindustan Times.

US Navy SEALs found and killed bin Laden in a hideout in Abbottabad, a military town not very far from Islamabad in 2011. Pakistan was angry, but helpless to do anything.

And Mullah Mansour was killed in a drone strike in Balochistan, the restive southwestern province on Pakistan, in 2016 as were scores of other terrorists, including Ilyas Kashmiri in 2013, in a similar fashion. Islamabad has tacitly cooperated in these strikes.

American experts unanimously agreed that India had shown considerable restraint in the past.

Read | How world powers reacted to Indian Armys strikes across LoC

For years, Pakistan has refused to crack down on anti-India militant groups on its soil, despite repeated requests from India, said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert with Wilson Center, a think tank. And meanwhile, through this all, India has practiced nothing but restraint.

I doubt youll hear much condemnation of these attacks around from the world, and certainly not from the United States, except for the usual suspects in China and perhaps a few other places.

Alyssa Ayres, a former state department official and South Asia expert with the Council on Foreign Relations, seemed somewhat impressed. What precisely took place across the LoC seems unclear, but what is new is Indias willingness to declare that something, however limited, took place.

Both Ayres and Kugelman pointed out, however, there will be concerns about an escalation of tensions and conflict between two nuclear-powered neighbours, specially on account of Pakistan.

I do think the world will continue to be concerned about prospects for escalation due to the wildly irresponsible threats of nuclear weapons use the Pakistani defense minister made yesterday, said Ayres.
US President Barack Obama has defended his decision not to use the term Islamic terrorism, saying it is a sort of manufactured issue and there is no religious rationale to associate Islam with those who have perverted and distorted it as an excuse for their barbarism.

The truth of the matter is, is that this is an issue that has been sort of manufactured, because there is no doubt that where we see terrorist organisations like al Qaida or Islamic State, they have perverted and distorted and tried to claim the mantle of Islam for an excuse for basically barbarism and death, Obama said at a military town hall in Virginia.

These are people who kill children, kill Muslims, take sex slaves. Theres no religious rationale that would justify in any way any of the things that they do, he said.

Obama said he has been careful to make sure he does not lump these murderers into the billion Muslims that exist around the world, including in this country, who are peaceful, who are responsible, who in this country are troops and police officers and firefighters and teachers and neighbours and friends.

What I learned from listening to some of these Muslim families both in the United States and overseas is that when you start calling these organisations Islamic terrorists, the way its heard, the way its received by our friends and allies around the world is that somehow Islam is terroristic.

That then makes them feel as if theyre under attack. In some cases, it makes it harder for us to get their cooperation in fighting terrorism, Obama said in response to a question.

If somebody uses the phrase Islamic terrorism that its a huge deal? No Theres no doubt that these folks think that -- and claim that theyre speaking for Islam. But I dont want to validate what they do.

Obama said even some people aspiring to be president should refrain from such language. He said religious tests for immigration were a slippery slope.

The dangers where we get loose in this language, particularly when a president or people aspiring to become president get loose with this language, you can see in some of the language that we use -- in talking about Muslim-Americans here, and the notion that somehow wed start having religious tests in who can come in the country, and whos investigated, and whether the Bill of Rights applies to them in the same way, he said.
Investigators probing bomb blasts in New Jersey and New York believe theyve identified two men who walked off with a bag abandoned by the bomber on a street as Egyptian tourists.

Police began looking for the men after they were seen in security video handling a bag prosecutors say was used by bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami to conceal an explosive that failed to detonate in Manhattan.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Wednesday the two men have since returned home to Egypt. The official wasnt authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

US investigators have notified Egyptian authorities they want to question the men.

Theyre not in any jeopardy of being arrested, Jim Watters, chief of the New York Police Departments counterterrorism unit, said last week. We have no reason to believe theyre connected.

Rahami has been accused of detonating a pipe bomb in a New Jersey shore town and a pressure cooker bomb in New York on September 17. No one was injured in the Jersey blast, and 31 people were injured in the New York blast.

Read: New York bombing suspect was inspired by Brother Osama

Surveillance video shows Rahami rolling a suitcase down a Manhattan street, then abandoning it on the sidewalk where that unexploded device was found, authorities said.

A few minutes later, two men pass by the luggage and appear to admire it, police said. They then remove a pressure cooker from the luggage, leave the pressure cooker on the sidewalk and walk away with the luggage, police said.

I think they were more interested in the bag, not what they were taking out, Watters said, adding that they were very, very lucky the bomb didnt explode.

Rahami has been hospitalized since he was caught following a shootout with police in Linden, New Jersey, last week, days after the bombings. Officials on Tuesday said he remained unconscious. He has not made an initial court appearance, and his American Civil Liberties Union lawyers declined to comment.

Read: Father of New York bomb suspect says he alerted FBI two years ago
South Koreas military said Thursday that a North Korean soldier had crossed the border between the rivals to defect.

South Koreas joint chief of staff said military officials were investigating the North Korean solider, who defected across the central-east portion of the military demarcation line, which is inside the 4-kilometer-wide Demilitarized Zone that separates the countries.

The military provided no other details.

The Koreas have shared the worlds most heavily fortified border since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. The conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war.

Despite the heavy military presence at the border, North Korean soldiers occasionally find room to sneak into the South. Another North Korean solider defected in June last year after crossing the military demarcation line. In 2012, a North Korean soldier managed to walk south of barbed-wire fences without being caught by guards, which led to criticism on how South Korean soldiers were guarding the border.

More than 29,000 North Koreans have defected to capitalist South Korea since the end of the Korean War, according to Seouls government. Most of them reached South Korea by travelling to China.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday reviewed Pakistans defence preparedness, holding talks with army chief Raheel Sharif and other top aides after India carried out surgical strikes on terror bases across the LoC.

Sharif and Raheel had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed situation at the Line of Control (LoC), local media reported.

Raheel apprised the premier over the firing incidents at the LoC, the reports said, adding the army chief told him that Indian claims of surgical strikes were baseless.

Sharif told the army chief that the entire nation had high morale and was committed to defend the motherland along with the armed forces.

The Prime Minister has convened a cabinet meeting tomorrow, his office said in a statement.

Agenda item number one of cabinet meeting will be discussion on present Kashmir situation, UNGA visit and bilateral meetings of PM in New York. Foreign Secretary (Aizaz Chaudhry) will brief the cabinet before the discussion, the statement said.

Sharif was also briefed on the LoC situation by National Security Advisor (NSA) General Nasir Janjua after Indian Army carried out 5-6 surgical strikes against terror bases across the LoC.

The NSA submitted a comprehensive report on the LoC situation to Sharif, the Prime Ministers Office said.

It added the Prime Minister was briefed regularly on the situation on the LoC by the security institutions today.

Sharif showed satisfaction on the level of preparedness of Pakistani armed forces to match any provocation by Indian security forces, it said in a statement.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also met Sharif and the present security situation was discussed at length, it added.

Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has dismissed as fabrication of truth Indias claim that it conducted a military operation across the LoC, terming it as a quest by India to create media hype by rebranding cross- border fire as surgical strike.

There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon, it said.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he was giving notice to the United States, his countrys long-standing ally, that joint exercises of Filipino and American troops next week will be the last such drills.

He told the Filipino community in Hanoi late Wednesday night that he will maintain the military alliance with the US because of the countries 1951 defence treaty. But he added next weeks exercises will proceed only because he did not want to embarrass his defence secretary.

Duterte said during a two-day visit to meet Vietnams leaders that he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia, and that the war games were something Beijing does not want.

I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise, he said. Jointly, Philippines-US, the last one.

I will maintain the military alliance because there is an RP-US pact which our countries signed in the early 50s, he said, referring to the Republic of the Philippines. I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce and you are scheduled to hold war games again, which China does not want.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr., however, told reporters in Hanoi that the joint military exercises as agreed upon by the previous administration will continue until 2017, and that the two sides will review whether there is a need for them to continue beyond 2017.

He simply said based on the reality there does not seem to be a need for the joint military exercise, but the 2017 joint military exercise that has already agreed upon will continue, Yasay said.

Yasay said there will no longer be joint patrols by Philippine and US forces in the disputed South China Sea as they do not want to further increase tensions.

What the president was emphasizing were only joint patrols in the area of South China Sea, the disputed area. He said there will be none, this is not covered by any military agreement or treaty with the Philippines, he said.

But we will certainly respect all of our agreements especially with the United States, he said.

Yasay said the Philippines pursues an independent foreign policy that serves its national interests and that his country will strengthen its relationship with China, while not alienating its traditional friendship with the United States and other allies.

Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the United States since he won a presidential election in May. He says he is charting a foreign policy not dependent on the US, and has taken steps to revive ties with China, which had been strained under his predecessor over longstanding territorial conflicts in the South China Sea.

Earlier this month, he said he would not allow government forces to conduct joint patrols of disputed waters near the South China Sea with foreign powers, apparently scrapping a deal his predecessor reached with the US military earlier this year.

He has said he wants US military forces out of the southern Philippines and blamed America for inflaming local Muslim insurgencies there.

Duterte has said he was considering acquiring military equipment from Russia and China.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said joint military exercises of Filipino and American troops next week will be the last such drills, although his foreign secretary quickly said the decision was not final.

Duterte made the comments while addressing Filipino community members in Hanoi late Wednesday night, noting that the Philippines will maintain its military alliance with the US because they share a 65-year-old mutual defence treaty.

During a two-day visit to Vietnam, Duterte said he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia, and that Beijing doesnt want the war games.

I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise, he said. Jointly, Philippines-US, the last one.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday they have not received any official communication from the Philippine government on the matter.

Some 1,400 US troops based in Okinawa, Japan and 500 Filipino counterparts plan to participate in the Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise on October 4-12 in multiple locations including Palawan, the westernmost province nearest to disputed islands in the South China Sea, officials said.

The two militaries have routinely held bilateral exercises aimed at improving cooperation. Cancellation would end the annual 10-day Balikatan, or shoulder to shoulder, exercise which this year drew more than 8,000 troops, among others.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr., however, contradicted Duterte, saying joint military drills approved by the previous administration will continue until 2018, when they can evaluate whether theres a need for them to go on.

He was just simply saying for now, taking into account the political reality, he does not want the joint military exercises to continue, Yasay said.

Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the US, his countrys long-standing ally and former colonial power, since he won a presidential election in May.

More than 3,000 suspected drug pushers and users have been killed since July 1 under Dutertes war on drugs. Human rights advocates and Philippine allies including the United States have deplored the killings.

Earlier this month, a defiant Duterte cursed President Barack Obama, and said he would not allow joint patrols of disputed waters near the South China Sea with foreign powers, apparently scrapping a deal his predecessor reached with the US military.

Duterte has also said he is considering acquiring military equipment from Russia and China.

Yasay said the Philippines is pursuing an independent foreign policy that serves its national interests. This would involve strengthening relations with China while not alienating traditional friendships with the US and other allies, he said.

On Wednesday, Duterte also said hes not inclined to go to war, or see Filipino soldiers massacred, in trying to enforce an international tribunals ruling in July that supported his countrys claims that China is overreaching in its territorial claims the South China Sea.

There will be a time of reckoning, Duterte said, and when that time comes he said he would tell China: This is ours. I will talk to you but I will not go out of the four corners of this (arbitration) paper.

Former Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, who spearheaded the case, questioned Dutertes foreign policy, saying it should not be a zero-sum game.

He also warned the Philippines stands to lose billions of dollars in development assistance, including $140 million in foreign military financing from the US for 2016, if the country is seen as violating human rights  a US Congress conditionality in approving such funds.
Protesters marched on Wednesday in a California town following the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black man said to be mentally ill, as local officials urged calm and pledged a full investigation.

The victim, identified as Ugandan refugee Alfred Olango, 30, was shot on Tuesday in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon after police received an emergency call about a man behaving erratically and walking in traffic.

El Cajon police chief Jeff Davis said Olango had ignored repeated calls by responding officers to remove his hand from his pocket and one officer used a Taser against him while another fired his weapon when he turned and confronted them.

At one point, the subject rapidly drew an object from his front pants pocket, placed both hands together and extended them rapidly toward the officer taking up what appeared to be a shooting stance, Davis said in a statement. At this time, the officer with the electronic control device discharged his weapon.

Simultaneously, the officer with the firearm discharged his weapon several times, striking the subject.

Read: US: Unarmed black man dies after being shot by police in California

The shooting took place as the United States reels from a string of police killings of black men that have raised racial tensions nationwide.

Dozens of angry demonstrators marched peacefully on Wednesday in El Cajon, a town with a large immigrant and refugee population, at one point blocking an intersection as they faced off with police in riot gear.

These senseless killings have to stop -- not just in El Cajon but in the entire country, community activist Estela De Los Rios said.

More than 100 people had gathered Tuesday evening at the scene of the shooting insisting that it was unjustified and racially motivated. Several shouted black lives matter and hands up, dont shoot.

Local officials have urged residents to remain calm, pledging that the incident would be fully investigated by police, the district attorney and the FBI.

Read: US: Tearful 9-year-old girl delivers speech as another black man is shot dead

This will be transparent. This will be looked at by multiple sets of eyes, and not just ours, Davis vowed at a news conference.

Police have also released a still photo lifted from a video taken at the scene that shows a man in a shooting stance.

Authorities did not identify what Olango was holding in his hands as he was shot but acknowledged it was not a weapon.

One witness posted a Facebook Live video after the shooting that showed a distraught woman who identified herself as Olangos sister and said she had called police to help her brother who was mentally ill.

You guys came and killed my brother, the woman wails in the video that had been viewed more than 110,000 times by Wednesday afternoon.

I called you guys to help my brother. You killed my brother in front of me.

Read: Wont be silent: Serena Williams joins protest against police killings in US

Davis said the two officers involved in the shooting, each with more than 20 years of service, had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The deaths of black men at the hands of police have spurred protests across America, most recently last week in the North Carolina city of Charlotte.

The fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, 43, triggered days of unrest, forcing the governor to declare a state of emergency and deploy the National Guard.
Russian officials accused the US on Thursday of siding with terrorists in Syria, in a sign of escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington amid the battle for the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

US state department spokesperson John Kirbys warning that the collapse of US-Russian cooperation in Syria could lead to a rise in extremism and potential attacks against Russia drew Moscows anger.

The Russian Foreign and Defense Ministries both cast it as US encouragement of terror attacks on Russia.

We cant assess those statements as anything else but a call, a directive for action, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

Defense Ministry spokesman Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov said Kirbys statement amounted to the most frank confession by the US side so far that the whole opposition ostensibly fighting a civil war in Syria is a US-controlled international terrorist alliance.

What makes Kirbys statement particularly shocking is that the scale of direct US influence on terrorists activity is global and reaches as far as Russia, he said.

The remarks by Russian officials have shown a degree of mistrust and strain between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of the US-Russia-brokered truce and the Syrian army onslaught on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes.

The growing friction makes it increasingly unlikely that the cease-fire could be revived.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said today that Washington is on the verge of ending Syria talks with Moscow because of days of deadly bombings of Aleppo by Russian and Syrian planes.

Kirby, asked yesterday what the consequences would be for Russia if cooperation with the US in Syria collapsed, said that extremists and extremists groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there ... which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags.

Konashenkov interpreted Kirbys statement as a direct threat to the Russian military in Syria. He said Russia remains open for dialogue with Washington on Syria, but added that the US needs to exclude even a hint at threatening our military and Russian citizens.

Read | Airstrikes hit two hospitals in rebel-held Aleppo, render them out of service
A 17-year-old blogger in Singapore was jailed on Thursday for six weeks and fined USD 1,465 for insulting Muslims and Christians.

Amos Yee, who had last year attacked Singapores founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, on Wednesday pleaded guilty to producing and uploading a photograph and two videos that were deliberately intended to insult Muslims.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to three charges of wounding feelings of Muslims and Christians and two charges for failing to show up at a police station.

During his trial, the court heard that 24 police reports had been lodged against Yee, in relation to the total of six counts he faces for wounding religious feelings.

Yee left Singapore in December last year after being served a notice for attending a police interview two days later. He travelled to Hong Kong where he published several posts about being served the notice.

After he returned in April, the police served another notice on Yee. He tried to leave the country the day before the interview and was arrested on May 11.

Principal district Judge Ong Hian Sun said Yee is not lacking in his mental capacity to make rational choices in the way he conducts himself, adding that he has the capability to do good or harm with what he does and says.

He has, on several occasions, deliberately elected to do harm by using offensive and insulting words and profane gestures to hurt the feelings of Christians and Muslims. His contemptuous and irreverent remarks have the tendency to generate social unrest and undermine the religious harmony in our society, the judge said.

It is therefore in the public interest that such conduct by (Yee) should not be condoned or tolerated by this court, the judge added.

If Yee, who will start his sentence on October 13, does not pay the fine, he will have to spend another 10 days in jail, according to a report by The Straits Times.

The prosecution had sought six weeks in jail and a fine of 2,000 Singapore dollars (USD 1,465) in total, while Yees lawyer asked for four weeks jail and a fine of 1,000 dollars, in default five days jail.

The blogger was convicted of similar charges last year and sentenced to four weeks jail.

Yee first came to attention when he uploaded an expletive-laden video in March last year, four days after the death of Lee Kuan Yew. He was sentenced in July to four weeks in jail but released the same day as the punishment was backdated to include his time in remand.
US First Lady Michelle Obama tore into Donald Trump on Wednesday, telling Hillary Clinton supporters, We need an adult in the White House.

When making life-or-death, war-or-peace decisions, a President cant just pop off or lash out irrationally, she said on behalf of the Democratic presidential candidate at La Salle University in Philadelphia. We need an adult in the White House. I guarantee you, CNN quoted her as saying.

Obama criticised Trump over his spreading of the birther conspiracy theory, continuing a rebuke she first made earlier in September while stumping for Clinton in Virginia.

Read | Obama born in US. Period: Trump retreats from birth controversy he helped create

There are those who questioned and continue to question for the past eight years whether my husband was even born in this country, Obama said to boos. And let me say: hurtful, deceitful questions deliberately designed to undermine his presidency. Questions that cannot be blamed on others or swept under the rug by an insincere sentence uttered at a press conference.

The First Lady denounced the negativity and name-calling in the election and urged supporters to choose the right person to lead our country forward.

Read | Obama founder of Islamic State, Hillary co-founder: Trump

So if a candidate is erratic and threatening, if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fear and lies on the campaign trail, if a candidate thinks that not paying taxes makes you smart or that its good business when people lose their homes, if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women -- about how we look, how we act -- well, sadly, thats who that candidate really is, CNN quoted her as saying.

The First Lady was referring to a variety of attack lines Clinton has used to hit Trump in recent days and at Mondays debate, including his 2006 remark that he hoped for a real estate market crash, his criticism of a former Miss Universes figure and his spreading of the birther falsehood.

Read | We need an adult in White House: Michelle Obama lashes out on Donald Trump

She continued: Experience matters. Preparation matters. Temperament matters. And Hillary Clinton has it all. Shes the real deal.

Also read | Trump not an unlikely candidate in US politics, he is the outsiders outsider
The White House urged India and Pakistan to avoid escalation in their dispute over Kashmir on Thursday after elite Indian troops crossed the line of control to attack militants in Pakistan-ruled Kashmir it said were preparing attacks on major cities.

White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said reports from the region indicated the Indian and Pakistani militaries had been in communication with one another and we encourage continued discussions ... to avoid escalation.

He said President Barack Obamas national security adviser, Susan Rice, had spoken to her Indian counterpart on Wednesday and made clear Washington is concerned by the danger that cross-border terrorism poses. Earnest said he could not speak to any specific coordination between India and the United States on the situation.
BEIJING: A gas explosion on Tuesday morning at a coal mine in the Chinese city of Shizuishan killed 18 miners and left two others missing. Authorities blamed illegal mining for the explosion. Local officials on Wednesday said that representatives of the company that owned the mine, the Linli Coal Mining Co. Ltd., were in police custody.

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WASHINGTON: The suspect in the bombing in New Yorks Chelsea neighbourhood this month appears to have acted on his own, with no connection to an extremist movement, the FBI has said.

We see so far no indication of a larger cell or the threat of related attacks, FBI director James Comey testified at a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday.

The suspect in the September 17 bombing that left 31 people wounded, Ahmad Khan Rahami, was arrested in New Jersey two days after the attack.

He was wounded in a shootout with police as they closed in on him. He has remained hospitalised and is unable to appear before a judge, according to the New Jersey prosecutors office.

US prosecutors, in a 13-page indictment on September 20, slapped him with four charges, including use of weapons of mass destruction.

In addition to the New York attack, he is charged with a pipe bombing, also on September 17, in Seaside Park, New Jersey, and planting several other bombs.

A naturalised US citizen born in Afghanistan, Rahami, 28, made several trips in recent years to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The terror charges came after the Federal Bureau of Investigation admitted it had investigated Rahami for terrorism in 2014 following a complaint from his father, but found no link to radicalisation or extremist sympathies.

DAD OF MUSLIM CLOCK BOY SUES CONSERVATIVE MEDIA

The father of Ahmed Mohamed, the Muslim teenager arrested in Texas last year when he brought a home-made clock to school, has launched a defamation lawsuit against several conservative media figures and organisations. Mohamed Elhassan Mohamed filed the suit last week in Dallas County on behalf of his son, whose detention and questioning last September made international headlines.
ATHENS/ BERLIN: Police in the German capital on Wednesday shot dead a man, reportedly from Pakistan, who attacked another resident with a knife in a refugee shelter. The 29-year-old man was reportedly angry at a younger man who he believed had abused his daughter. The attack happened late on Tuesday as police were arresting the 27-year-old alleged abuser in the refugee shelter in the centre of Berlin. In Athens, four Pakistani minors were arrested for allegedly gang raping a 16-year-old Pakistani boy in a Greek migrant camp, police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Sunday in the camp of Moria on the island of Lesbos. The culprits, age 16 to 17, are set to appear before a prosecutor.

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WASHINGTON: A record 84 million people watched the first presidential debate but Donald Trump, who is usually excited by TV ratings, spent the day after complaining about his microphone and unfair questions from the moderator.

He defended his offensive remarks about Alicia Machado, the 1996 Miss Universe, whom he once called Miss Piggy for gaining weight, as Hillary Clinton reminded him at the debate, and Miss Housekeeping for her Hispanic background.

Trump claimed victory citing online polls, but he may be trying to convince himself as he complained about unfair questions from moderator Lester Holt, whom he had praised earlier, and a malfunctioning microphone. Anybody who complains about the microphone is not having a good night, Clinton told her travelling pool of reporters, clearly delighted with her rivals obvious frustration at not faring well after tweeting out snap polls showing he had won.

A consensus emerged on Tuesday, at least in US media, that Clinton won the debate, watched by 84 million viewers in the US, not counting those who tuned in on social media or those abroad.

The previous best was 80.6 million for the only debate of 1980 between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. The first debate from the 2012 Obama-Romney race was the next highest at 67 million viewers.

Trump remained unimpressed, and continued to cite online polls numbers, triggering speculation that, unhappy with himself, he may switch back to being the candidate he was during the primaries. I really eased up because I didnt want to hurt anyones feelings, Trump said in a TV interview, adding he would have brought up the many affairs that Bill Clinton had but held back because Chelsea Clinton was in the audience.

I didnt think it was worth the shot, he said. I didnt think it was nice. But with his advisers such as former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who called Clinton too stupid to be president, egging him on, Trump just might stop being nice.

Clinton is prepared for it, of course. He can run his campaign however he chooses, she said. I will continue to talk about what I want to do for the American people.

Trump will indeed run his campaign as he wants to. He doubled down on his remarks about Machado gaining weight soon after winning the pageant, which he had then just bought, saying it was a real problem. We had a real problem . In a press conference call arranged by the Clinton campaign, Machado, now a political activist, said Trump always treated her like a lesser thing, like garbage .
WASHINGTON: The United States will deploy around 600 more troops to train and advise Iraqi forces for an offensive to retake Mosul, the Islamic State groups last major bastion in Iraq, US officials said on Wednesday. The reinforcements were requested by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, US officials said. A US official said the number to be announced by the Pentagon was around 600.

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The FCO funded training for hundreds of prison guards at Bahrains death row jail, where an innocent man faces imminent execution after confessing under torture, a new report by anti-death penalty charity Reprieve has found.





Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas (NI-CO), a state-owned Belfast business, received almost a million pounds in UK taxpayer money last year for work with Bahrains interior ministry. In 2015 more than a dozen NI-CO experts worked with Bahrains prison staff at jails where systematic torture took place, and trained as many as 400 guards who work at Jau, which holds prisoners awaiting execution.





Reprieves report, Belfast to Bahrain: the torture trail , highlights the case of one death row inmate, Mohammed Ramadan , a former policeman and father of three young children who was tortured into making a false confession.





The UK Foreign Office paid NI-CO to train Bahrains Ombudsman to handle complaints about abuse by security forces. However, the watchdog refused for more than two years to investigate complaints about Mr Ramadans torture, robbing him of vital evidence with which to challenge his wrongful conviction. When the Ombudsman eventually began to investigate earlier this year, it flouted international minimum standards for torture inquiries and intimidated Mr Ramadans wife by interrogating her about contact with foreign NGOs.





NI-CO is embedded in Bahrains internal security apparatus, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. A victim could be abused by NI-CO trained police, tortured in prison by NI-CO trained guards, and then have their torture allegation investigated and dismissed by the NI-CO trained ombudsman.





Reprieve's report, published today, also highlights NI-COs work with other repressive regimes, such as a 9m project in Egypt funded by the EU. NI-CO's work in Egypt appears to have continued despite the situation of Irish student Ibrahim Halawa , who faces a potential death sentence after he was swept up in a mass arrest aged just 17.





Reprieve has called on NI-CO to stop work with Bahrains Interior Ministry until the Bahraini government ratifies international laws against torture and allows independent UN inspections.





Harriet McCulloch, deputy director of Reprieves death penalty team, said:





The UK Foreign Office is financing a whitewash of Mohammed Ramadans torture and coerced confession, leaving an innocent man languishing on death row and his family afraid to speak out. UK money is complicit in covering up torture in Bahrain. The Foreign Office needs to come clean about what it has paid NI-CO to do with a repressive regime like Bahrain.





Reprieves report, Belfast to Bahrain: the torture trail, is available to download here





Source: Reprieve, September 29, 2016. Reprieve is an international human rights organization. Reprieves London office can be contacted on: communications@reprieve.org.uk / +44 (0) 790 435 1392. Reprieve US, based in New York City, can be contacted on Katherine.oshea@reprieve.org / +1 917 855 8064.

 | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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A lunar spectacle, called the Black Moon, is all set to unfold in the September night sky on Friday. However, some fear that this could mean the end of days Bible warns about.

This rare occurrence is not visible to the naked eye and will turn the Western Hemisphere sky absolutely dark, as second new moon takes birth. Caused by moon's unique position when its illuminated side is caught in the Earth's shadow, it becomes completely invisible to the eyes, thus the name.

Black moon is when a new moon appears twice in a month. Even though there is nothing much to see in the night sky during this time, some conspiracy theorists are claiming it be the day of worldwide destruction and the Second coming of Jesus.

A Facebook user posted a status, "We are approaching the end of our world and the end of life on Earth for all human being."

As if the fear of the world's end wasn't enough, the news about Black Moon just amplified things and made it worst for the devout believers.

According to a conspiracy theorist, these signs announce the coming of Jesus Christ and that we are approaching the end of the world. Early September, a ring of Fire Eclipse was noted around the moon that gave birth to speculation, "The Lord will make the moon turn red as blood ... and turn black. Sounds familiar?"

Despite the fear and trepidation by devout Christians, scientists explain that there is nothing to worry about. They explain that the Earth will carry on after the Black Moon, just like before.

Joe Rao from Space.com explained: "A second full moon in a single calendar month is sometimes called a blue moon.

"A black moon is supposedly the flip side of a blue moon - the second new moon in a single calendar month."

Black Moon will occur on Friday, September 30 at 1.11am in Western Hemisphere.

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Immigration officials arrested 15 Indonesians and four Malaysians nationals, who were carrying Philippine passport en route to the annual Islamic pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, all of them were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila by the immigration officials following a tip off.

All the accused were carrying genuine Philippine passports apparently issued through illegal means and allegedly provided by their Filipino escorts who organized the pilgrimage.

Each had reportedly paid from $6,000 to $10,000.

Meanwhile, the accused were subjected to thorough interrogation which revealed their identities. Initial investigation revealed that the Indonesians were given Philippine passports to enable them to join the hajj pilgrimage, using the quota reserved for Filipino pilgrims by the Saudi government. There were no more available hajj slots for Indonesians, according to officials.

The accused reportedly arrived in the country individually as tourists a few weeks ahead of their scheduled pilgrimage day.

The 15 Indonesians were eventually released as initial investigation revealed that they were primarily victims of crooked agents who provided them the Philippine passports using quotas.

They were released subsequent to President Rodrigo Duterte's dialogue with his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Laos.

All the Philippine passports were issued by Department of Foreign Affairs' office and the officials are still investigating how the Indonesians were able to secure valid Philippine passports. They are investigating the probability of involvement of any immigration department personnel or a possible passport scam. Last August 19, a total of 177 pilgrims were arrested as they were about to board a flight to Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Every year millions of Muslims from across the globe visit the holy city of Mecca for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

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Tucked within the ranges in southern Philippines, Mt. Matutum is home to the indigenous B'laan tribe - the makers of the rarest and most expensive coffee in the world.

Apo Pedring, now in his 80s, was among the few that carried the legacy of sustaining this rare brew-making industry from generations to generations.

He welcomed my fascination to this great brew with my first encounter with rare coffee. Served from a brewing tea pot, I gasped for its aroma letting it run to my nose to orient my senses.

It has strong chocolate-like aroma, but light that it flows smoothly from my nostril to my head without interruption. The taste will bring your senses to a surprise because it simply contradicted the coffee's persuading aroma. It has no bitter taste. It's smooth to the mouth.

A minute after my first sip, I'm sweating all over and my manhood energized. According to Apo Pedring, I just tasted "the most effective aphrodisiac in the world".

I did not argue whether or not scientific studies supported his claim. After all, who would dispute the testimony of an octogenarian who have three wives and 22 children.

Kape Alamid is made from coffee berries that are being eaten and defecated by the Asian Palm Civet, locally known as alamid or milu. The B'laan tribe pampered these civets for this very special purpose.

During the coffee season, civets flocked to the plantation undisturbed. They eat the berries. The beans passed through their system undigested.

Why does Civet coffee taste so good?

The B'laan believed that these creatures choose only the ripest and sweetest coffee berries.

When the beans pass through civet's digestive tract, enzymes break down some of the proteins producing beans of low acidity and thereby resulting in a very smooth, much less acidic brew.

The B'laan then collects the dungs from the plantation floor, wash them by the river, dried them for a couple of days, and roast them to produce the unique drink.

It's very amusing to know that the B'laan lives by the "poo" of these little creatures, selling a 100g pack at $25 USD.

In Manila, where you need to comb down the coffee shops in the metropolis to find one, a 50g pack costs between $15 USD to 25 USD.

In Australia, Europe and the United States, the cost varies from $400 to as much as $600 a kilo.

Truly, this brew matches the gold treasures of Mt. Diwalwal. But contrary to the gold rush capital in southern Philippines, people in Mt. Matutum do not destroy the environment in search for this treasure. They simply do not disrupt the order of nature, and as a result, they get the best from it.

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Miriam Defensor-Santiago, the Philippine senator and former presidential candidate known as the "Iron Lady of Asia," died on Thursday morning. She was aged 71 years.

Mrs. Santiago was suffering from lung cancer but her husband has said that she had a peaceful death in her sleep in a hospital in Manila.

She is survived by her son, Narciso Santiago III and her husband. It is worth mentioning that Alexander Robert, her younger son had died in the year 2003.

In the month of May, Mrs. Santiago ran for the country's presidency, in spite of suffering from lung cancer from 2014. Her ill health affected her election campaigns but she was confident that she was fit to hold office. However, she lost the position to Rodrigo Duterte. Notably, in the years, 1992 and 1998, she had also sought for the presidency, BBC News reported.

Mrs. Santiago had made a mark in the minds of the people for her strong stand on pressing issues concerning foreign affairs and corruption. Having served as a judge during the Philippines' martial law years, she joined President Corazon Aquino's government in 1988 as an immigration commissioner. For that, she received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1988, citing her "bold and moral leadership in cleaning up a graft-ridden government agency."

A feisty senator with a strong-willed stance on issues, Mrs. Santiago became known as the "Iron Lady of Asia." Her fame for her wittiness and quick tongue ran throughout her service in all the country's three branches of government.

Following her loss last elections, she has been described as the "best President" that the Philippines could have but never got.

It is surely mourning time for the people of Philippines as it has lost a great Filipino fit to be a role model for people and a great public servant who served the people without thinking about her ill health.

Social media is also abuzz with obituaries for the gem of a lady that Miriam Defensor-Santiago was.

May her soul rest in peace.

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One image captured by the Mars Express spacecraft, sent by the European Space Agency, shows an extraordinary valley on Mars, which might be a landing site for ExoMars 2020.

This is one of Mars' biggest valleys. Scientists confirm that the region might have been habitable 3.6 billion years ago. There seem to be signs of a large quantity of water in this region, starting at a higher plane and then falling into the northern plains.

Mawrth Vallis is located between southern highlands and the northern lowlands, according to the Esa. There seem to be some "light-toned structures" that hint of signs of water in some past era. The 205,000 square miles around Mawrth Vallis disclose that water shapes its surface.

Another interesting find is that of volcanic ash like a dark cap rock here, which probably contain faint traces of ancient microbes. There are light-toned phyllosilicates along its course, which indicate water, with the possibility that the environment was once habitable.

Scientists collected nine photos shot by the Express spacecraft's high-resolution camera and created an image. They found that the Red Planet might have been crisscrossed with networks of lakes and streams for a billion years more than imagined earlier. Nasa researchers made the discovery by dating 22 impact craters on the planet.

"We discovered valleys that carried water into lake basins," said Sharon Wilson from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

"Several lake basins filled and overflowed, indicating there was a considerable amount of water on the landscape during this time."

Wilson and colleagues examined the features of images from cameras on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Nasa's Mars Global Surveyor and the European Space Agency's Mars Express.

"One of the lakes in this region was comparable in volume to Lake Tahoe," Wilson said. "This particular Martian lake was fed by an inlet valley on its southern edge and overflowed along its northern margin, carrying water downstream into a very large, water-filled basin we nicknamed "Heart Lake".'

YouTube/ElectricScienceNews

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"The K2," tvN's new action drama, has premiered last week and received positive response from the audience. The drama is starred by Ji Chang-Wook and Girl's Generation member Im Yoona and promises non-stop action and romance.

Since tvN prepared the drama, "The K2" has been one of the most anticipated new series. The drama was shooted in many locations, including in Spain. According to Newsen, its cast member Yoona flied to Spain early this month to shoot the drama in San Roque,

The story revolves around a former secret agent from JSS special force Kim Je-Ha (Ji), who became a fugitive. Afterwards, Choi Yoo-Jin (Song Yon-A) the wife of chaebol and presidential candidate Jang Se-Joon (Jeo Sung-Ha) hired him to become her bodyguard. Se-Joon has an illegitimate daughter Go Anna (Yoona), who later became involved in a relationship with Je-Ha.

Je-Ha became entrapped in a political intrigue in Se-Joon's family, which has a lot of secrets. Anna also suffered from a traumatic experience during childhood, as she suffers fron anthrohobia (fear of people) and photofobia (fear of light). She went home to Korea from Spain so that her existence wouldn't pose a threat to his father's presidential race.

The chemistry between two lead characters is building very well, as Yoona and Ji are able to deliver good performance in "The K2". Director Kwak Jung-hwan praised them as a good actor and actress according to Soompi.

"Ji Chang Wook and Yoona are actors that will become even better in the future. There is a lot of potential for development," he said. "Both of them are putting their all into giving a passionate performance."

Furthermore, both Ji and Yoona are also playful but maintain their professional relationship as Koreaboo reported. In one interview about the drama, they doodled at each other faces and taking picture of their funny face.

"The K2" is aired every Friday and Saturday on tvN at 8:00 p.m KST (GMT+9).

Watch the teaser trailer for "The K2" series from tvN channel below:



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NASA's Kennedy Space Center could possibly sink to the ocean due to climate change. This is a warning issued by experts, especially if people continue to care less about the environment.

The $10.9 billion facility, located along Cape Canavweral in Florida , is threatened by the rising sea levels which has gone up to around eight inches from the early 1900s.

It is predicted that there will be continuous rise in the sea level , from five to eight inches by the year 2050 and nine to fifteen inches by the year 2080.

According to the Daily Mail, the center's records and images have shown that the beach fronting it has become thinner and has moved inland by 200 feet.

The Nature World News warns that if human beings do not cease from pushing carbon emission into the air , " NASA's Kennedy Space Center won't be sending people into outer space - because it'll soon be underwater. "

The website added that the space agency's future is not just threatened by the budgetary cut, which NASA often talks about, but also by climate change as it may soon be immersed into the ocean.

The Kennedy Space Center in Florida was built in 1961 and is considered one of NASA's most important assets as it has served as the launch pad for the agency's Apollo missions to the moon and a lot more of the outer space flights for the past thirty years.

Named after the former US President, the center was originally constructed for Saturn V , the launch vehicle for the Apollo moon landing which Kennedy, himself, proposed. Other famous launching from that center include the Skylab in 1973, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1974 and the Space Shuttle program done from 1981 - 2011.

Most of NASA's facilities and lift off points are situated along coastal areas for the public's safety . When failures occur during the launch of its aircrafts and rockets, it is less risky to happen in water than on land.

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Since last year, there have been comparisons between Apple MacBook Air and Lenovo Yoga 900. During the battles between the two of the best laptop brands, it was Lenovo Yoga 900 that prevailed. But it was rumored that Apple will release MacBook Air 2016 this October.

Apple recently released iPhone7 and Apple Watch Series 2. But there were speculations around the web that there were still products that is yet to be release by the company. One of those is MacBook Air 2016.

According to MacRumors, Apple is working on redesigning the MacBook Air model and rumors have it that the unit could be ready for launching in October.

If the rumors are true, it would be interesting to compare Apple MacBook Air 2016 with the Lenovo Yoga 900.

In terms of graphics, MacBook Air 2016 is rumored to use Intel GPU instead of the usual AMD, per Mobile & Apps. If this would become a reality, then MacBook Air 2016 will be a better choice as Intel GPU is much more powerful than Iris Graphic 540 of Lenovo Yoga 900.

In terms of processor, MacBook Air 2016 is rumored to employ an Intel Skylake processor. This is also better to Yoga 900's 6th-gen Intel Core i7 processor.

According to Game N Guide, Yoga 900 beat the current model of MacBook Air in terms of display resolution. Yoga 900 is using a 3200x1800 QHD+ display resolution while MacBook Air has 1440x900 resolution. However, International Business Times said that the MacBook Air 2016 will have 5k display resolution technology with equally large ppi.

If the rumors about the upcoming newer model of Apple MacBook Air is true, then it would surpass Lenovo Yoga 900 in terms of features and specs.

When this happens, will Lenovo also improve the current features of its Yoga 900 laptop models?

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There are so many lunatics in the GOP it's hard to know WHERE to start, but let's start with Cruz trying to justify his endorsement to Glenn Beck.

Beck endorsed Cruz and here is Beck's calm, sane reply: WHY NOT just cover me with a bucket of blood?

Hmmm....I guess the news did not sit well with Beck, who had campaigned for Cruz during the Republican primaries on the grounds that he had been anointed by God to save America, and who has vowed never to support Trump.

So now, after all the hatred and vitriol Cruz comes around. Why now? What has Cruz got to gain by supporting Trump and don't tell me it's 'lyin' Hillary'. Trump never saw a sweeping statement of promise that he could keep. He's the most disloyal man in America.

He's NOT a conservative. He's NOT a Christian in the traditional sense. He's NOT smart. He's NOT anything that Cruz trusts or believes in.....so why now?

Cruz is now backing a man for the nations highest office that he considers to be a liar, a coward, and amoral. AND THAT, ladies and gentlemen (and I use that word loosely) is the Grand Old Party of 2016.
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday slammed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump criticizing him for his "erratic and threatening" behavior that would put America at risk.

While addressing an enthusiastic crowd in Philadelphia, Michelle said that candidates don't need change once they become President and that America needs an adult in the White House.

The Republican presidential nominee "traffics in prejudice, fears and lies" and consistently insults women, said Michelle during a rally for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia.

Michelle added that it was insincere, among the "hurtful and deceitful" questions raised over her husband birthplace, she said that questions were deliberately designed to undermine the presidency of her husband.

Meanwhile, at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton at La Salle University, Michelle urged the audience not to vote for third-party candidates Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, explaining that casting "protest votes" would directly help Trump.

She slammed the idea of there being a "perfect candidate" in the 2016 election, saying no such person exists in any race. This one, she said, features two "very different candidates" who will have an impact on the future of United States.

The first lady took strong exception to Trump's press briefing on Sep. 16, where he finally acknowledged that President Obama was born in the United States.

Although the Obama campaign released his birth certificate in 2008 and the Honolulu Advertiser reported his birth in a standard newspaper announcement in August 1961, Trump tried to raise doubts.

The Hillary Clinton campaign is eyeing to make use of Obama's connections with young audiences, a role that Michelle has already executed for her husband during 2012 presidential elections.

The recent poll showed 42 percent American voters supported Clinton while 38 percent supported Trump. Over the past few weeks Clinton has maintained a lead of between 4 and 6 points over Trump.

Clinton has mostly led Trump in the poll during the 2016 campaign, though her advantage has narrowed since the end of the Democratic and Republican national conventions in July.

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Samsung has been working on its new smartphone, codename: Veyron, which is rumored to be a new version of flip phone with more powerful processor.

This will become a re-invention of the flip phone on a high-end level from the Korean electronic manufacturer.

The rumor about Veyron has been around for months. According to GSM Arena, Samsung Veyron is Galaxy S7 reborn in clamshell form.

The phone is reported to be equipped with a Snapdragon 820 chipset with 4GB of RAM and running Android 6.0.1. Last month, talks have it that Veyron will be powered by Exynos 8890 chipset.

But as China, which was the biggest market for flip phone, has Samsung Galaxy S7 with Snapdragon power already. Therefore, the Korean giant decides to use the same specification for Veyron.

According to Ubergizmo, the new smartphone will be built as a flip phone just like its predecessor, Galaxy Folder 2, which was also powered by Android OS.

Until now, Samsung still releases a limited version of flip phone in China as its biggest market. Although some people consider the form factor as outdated, the models are still popular in China.

Therefore it will not be a surprise if Samsung eyes the high-end market for flip phone and developing a new model.

Samsung Veyron will be a 4.2-inch display flip phone with a 1080 x 1920p resolution with Full HD capacity.

There is also another reason why Samsung need to launch this kind of phone in China. Recently, Samsung faces problem with its Samsung Galaxy series. Many customers reported their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 have burst into fire. Following the investigation, Samsung recalled 2.5 million of its flagship smartphones just two weeks after they were launched, according to US News.

Therefore, Samsung deem to be necessary to win back the heart of Chinese customers by providing them with the old style flip phone with a new look.

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It is time to keep your head high tonight as it has been reported that Northern Lights could explode over all of the state of Michigan tonight.

So no matter where you live in Michigan, it is reported that dwellers may have a pretty good chance to experience the sightings of Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.

Most likely, the Aurora Borealis may explode in all over the Michigan, but the farther you live, the chances to see the Northern Lights are much better and if you really want to experience them, then you will have to travel a bit north.

The Space Weather Prediction established that the chances to observe Aurora Boreal falls under the moderate category, which settles to a less chance of seeing them low on the Detroit horizon.

But The National Weather Service calls for cloudy skies and maintained that there is a 70% chance of precipitation combined with thunderstorm on Wednesday night, hence, creating an obstacle for anticipated Auroral activity.

"Unfortunately, with the weather, it may not cooperate for us," said Heather Orow, meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in White Lake. "It looks really cloudy; overcast in all of southeast Michigan.

But good news for the inhabitants of Traverse City, Gaylord, the Mackinac area and the Upper Peninsula, Heather Orow as clearer skies are predicted based on the reports by the National Weather Service Office.

"It is clearer up toward the Mackinac area, up in the (Upper Peninsula), even toward Traverse City and Gaylord. The forecast is mostly clear skies."

The concept of Aurora Borealis commences when there is an ongoing activity on the surface of the sun. The stream of charged particles from the sun gets amalgamated with earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, hence, creating the effects of Northern Lights.

These lights are observed at the northern end with a higher intensity, but due to strong solar storms, the visibility of the northern lights can be witnessed till the south end as well.

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced the cancellation of regular joint military exercise with American troops while addressing the Filipinos in Hanoi, Vietnam on Wednesday.

During his 2-day visit to Vietnam, Duterte said he wanted to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia who are political rivals of US.

"Beijing doesn't want the war games," he said, endangering the 65-year-old mutual defense treaty of the U.S. and the Philippines.

Duterte said the military drill between the US and the Philippines on Oct. 4 to 12 in Luzon and Palawan regions, with the participation of around 2,000 soldiers, will be the last.

Meanwhile, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby on Wednesday said they have not received any official communication from the Philippine government on the matter.

Some 1,400 US troops based in Okinawa, Japan and 500 Filipino counterparts plan to participate in the Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise in Palawan, the westernmost province nearest to disputed islands in the South China Sea.

The two military entities of the two nations have routinely held bilateral exercises, known as Balikatan, aimed at improving cooperation.

Earlier this month, a defiant Duterte cursed President Barack Obama and said he would prevent Philippine forces from joining sea patrols along the disputed waters near South China Sea.

The decision to end the joint military exercise would apparently scrap the deals entered into by Duterte's predecessors with the US government.

Duterte said he is considering procuring military equipment from Russia and China.

Bilateral relations between U.S and Philippine deteriorated since Duterte assumed presidency in June.

However, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr. contradicted Duterte, saying joint military drills approved by the previous administration will continue till 2018.

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Apple fans are not yet over with iPhone 7, but reports are now circulating in the internet on the features and design of the next Apple smartphone, the iPhone8.

Even though the release of iPhone8 is quite far, a report by Daily Mail claimed that it will have a drastically different design from all the previous iPhones. In addition, iPhone8 is expected to come with a far better camera.

The publication disclosed that an Apple employee at its site in Herzliya, Israel revealed significant details about the next handset in the series.

Even though the information is scarce, it is speculated that it could be true as it has come from someone who works at the site where the hardware components of the handset are manufactured.

Apple's iPhone 8 would be the 10th anniversary phone, therefore, speculations are high that the company may decide to do things differently in 2017. The phone is expected to have a curved screen, bigger size, smooth texture and rigid sturdiness.

Several reports indicated that iPhone will directly compete with Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge in terms of styling, performance and features. The launch of Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge took place in February 2016.

Typically, each iPhone in the series is followed by its "S" version. However, the unnamed Apple employee continuously referred the next phone as "iPhone 8." Therefore, speculations are high that the company may directly launch iPhone 8, and skip the release of iPhone 7S altogether.

Meanwhile, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Ku believed that Apple may switch to "2.5D glass" from "3D glass" in iPhone 8. The 2.5D glass has a special curvature that enables it to remain more scratch-resistant and durable than 3D glass, according to BGR.

Apple, on the other hand, has not released any official statement regarding the launch of iPhone 8.

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Once the new Albany Police Department building is completed next year, a team of investigators from four county agencies, the Oregon State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration will maintain a permanent 925-square-foot office there.

The new task force is the direct result of Linn County's recent designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). It gives the county access to federal funds in order to interdict high-volume drug commerce, which commonly moves up the I-5 corridor.

To get the designation, Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley said the county had to show that: the area is a significant center of illegal drug production; such activities have a harmful impact on the area; local agencies have committed resources to combat the problem; and a significant increase in federal resources is necessary to tackle the problem.

In 2015, the Linn County Sheriff's Office executed 20 drug-related search warrants and seized $20,000 in cash. Deputies also confiscated two pounds of methamphetamine, 15 pounds of pre-legalized marijuana, and a little more than half a pound of heroin. Sheriff's Detective Paul Timm said showing that the county is a hub for traffic from the I-5 corridor, as well as Highway 20 from the coast, was key to securing the designation.

Now that its official, Linn County will be folded into the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program and have access to a portion of a $3.42 million grant allocated to cover 13 counties in Oregon and Idaho, as well as the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon.

To acquire the funding, county agencies formed a task force to develop the framework, policies and procedures for the team, named Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement, or LINE. Agents from the Albany, Sweet Home and Lebanon police departments will join State Police, LCSO and the Drug Enforcement Administration to operate from the new police headquarters, partly because the space will be available, but also because under the rules of the HIDTA designation, the team needs to operate from a centralized location.

The consolidation will streamline efforts and make major drug interdiction operations much more efficient, said Albany Police Captain Eric Carter.

"We'll all be in one room and one house," he said, dding the designation is "long overdue."

"Until now, we were the only county along the I-5 corridor without the HIDTA designation," he said.

The HIDTA team plans to be fully operational by the middle of next year.
ALBANY POLICE

Bike vs. car  2:01 p.m. Monday, 700 block Queen Avenue S.W. A bicyclist cut through traffic and rode into the side of a car turning left. Jacob Watkins, 20, refused medical treatment and was taken to jail on contempt of court and probation violation warrants.

Burglary  3:25 p.m. Monday, 2200 block Water Avenue S.E. A caller reported that a lock was cut to a fenced-in property, and a flatbed trailer, ladder and John Deere tractor were stolen.

Burglary  3:49 p.m. Tuesday, 300 block Western Street S.E. A caller reported that while she was on vacation, collectible plates, a leather jacket and T-shirts were stolen from her home.

LEBANON POLICE

Assault report  12:04 a.m. Tuesday, 1300 block Filbert Street. A caller reported that a woman put out a cigarette on his neck and punched him in the eye. The incident was under investigation.

Mentally disabled man accidentally enters home  2:39 p.m. Tuesday, 1800 block S. Ninth Street. A male reportedly broke into an occupied apartment and was crawling around on the living room floor. The 9-1-1 caller was in a back room with her two children and escaped out the rear door. An officer arrived and could see movement inside the residence. He detained the man at gunpoint at the front door. The male was not compliant and was not communicative, but the officer recognized he had a mental disorder. Investigation revealed that the man was trying to get to his sisters residence, but entered the wrong apartment by accident.

SWEET HOME POLICE

Burglary  9:34 p.m. Tuesday, 1500 block Tamarack Street. A man reported that someone broke into his house and stole a television, video game console and video games. A report was taken for first-degree theft.
C ontemporary silvers star is shining, with a clutch of exhibitions across Britain focusing on the precious metal. However, silver itself is becoming delightfully dull  giving off more of a subtle, sumptuous gleam than a full-on shine.

The shows include Silver Speaks: Idea to Object at the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, and Confluence/Konfluenz, showcasing the work of eminent London maker Simone ten Hompel at the Ruthin Craft Centre in North Wales, while Shade is at the Holburne Museum in Bath. And now comes the two-week annual Goldsmiths Fair at the Goldsmiths Hall in the City, where silversmiths from around Britain show and sell their work.

This year several themes are emerging. The most unexpected is the idea that silver doesnt have to shine to be beautiful. In recent years silversmiths have experimented with changing the surface of the metal, so that it is not glossy and reflective but softly and gently matt. This is good news for buyers, as a disadvantage of shiny silver is that it has to be cleaned regularly. Many of todays silversmiths are playing with already darkened surfaces, so their work requires only a gentle wipe.

Oxidised: Adi Tochs hand-scribed Pair of Pouring Vessels

MYSTERIOUS BLACKENED SILVER

In a special Goldsmiths Fair display this year, curator Brian Kennedy has picked the theme of The Dark Side, selecting makers working with different ways of blackening silver, including through oxidisation, patination, enamelling and black gilding.

This may seem perverse, but Kennedy explains: Years ago in Chicago I came across a pair of Georgian candelabra. Instead of the usually gleaming silver I was confronted by two inky black oxidised pieces, mysterious and slightly sinister and oh-so contemporary. A love affair with blackened silver had begun.

Showstopper: Juliette Bigleys Containers in Steel and Sterling Silver

All the pieces in his selection are for sale and all have a slightly disconcerting yet very attractive quality. Adi Tochs Pair of Pouring Vessels  wine pourers that dont spill a drop on the table  are very anthropomorphic.

They are like a pair of little fat black ducks waddling across the table, says Kennedy. Toch explains: The finish of the pieces suggests a different approach to silver with oxidised and hand-scribed surfaces.

Juliette Bigleys Containers in Steel and Sterling Silver are like an architects model of a small village, but her five tall, patinated bronzy-black vessels, matched with a single silver one, form the real showstopper.

Angela Corks Tall Blown Vase is a seductive soft black tower, while Urchin, Karina Gills etched and oxidised silver bowl, is formed of segments folding into each other.

The dark side: Angela Corks Tall Blown Vase

Hazel Thorn takes this fragmented approach further, in a vessel that seems to be exploding. My work is influenced by my childhood in the Highlands of Scotland. I spent a lot of time in those wild landscapes. This is reflected in her work made of constructed sheets of metal that combine base and precious metals. She applies a chemical patination to the whole object, which affects the mixed metals in various ways, producing contrasting colours that highlight the structure of the sheet.

Rebecca de Quins patinated box combines two themes in one  blackened silver and a delight in box-making. Box Set, a pair of dark boxes, suggests half-opened packaging boxes or cartons, with a precious metal form inside. The decorative lines refer to string or tape.

BOXES: A SILVERWARE MUST-MAKE

Boxes seem to be the must-make item of silverware. They have a function but they also look decorative. Despite their size, they make a significant canvas for silversmiths to show their design and craft skills.

This years stars include Nan Nan Lius Shell Silver Boxes, made up of fine layers of silver wire soldered together into shell-shaped boxes, one banded with gold. Lius work is inspired by nature, particularly rippling water.

Inspired by undulating sands: Angela Corks sterling silver Ripple Box

The ripple theme is picked up by Angela Cork in her Ripple Box, where the undulating silver lid echoes ripples in the sand. Tamar de Vries Winters Boxes for Safekeeping couldnt be more different. Their austere, blackened disc forms open to reveal enamelled photographic images inside, while Kathryn Hintons Faceted Box displays a faceted geometry.

Newcomer Patrick Davisons detailed and delicate boxes are comprised of interlocking hexagon forms made of different mixed-metal processes.

Goldsmiths Fair is at Goldsmiths Hall, Foster Lane, EC2. Week one runs until Sunday October 2. Week two runs from Tuesday October 4 until Sunday October 9. Open 11am to 6pm (4pm Sunday); closed Monday October 3. Both weeks with catalogue, admission 17. One week with catalogue, 12.
T wo London-based Italian women architects, Simona Auteri and Sofia Steffenoni, call their design business Matter of Stuff because materials are at the heart of everything we do. They work with many different makers, and several pieces are in marble.

These tables are by Olga Bielawska; made by hand in the Carrara Design Factory in Italy, they are a limited edition of 12; prices on application.

The Mr Knock bookcase is designed by Londons Samuel Chan and made by his craftsmen at Channels in American white oak, and American black walnut with a clear wood lacquer.

Units can stack conventionally, or be angled. Bookcase, a single unit 90 cm wide, costs 295. Special sizes are to order.

Isokon Plus, based in Hackney, looks after the archive of the original Isokon furniture company, founded by Jack Pritchard in 1935.

Now comes a re-issue of this archchair by Bauhaus designer Marcel Breuer  only two were made in 1936. It is upholstered in a fabric by textile designer Eleanor Pritchard, and costs around 2,440.

Angie Parker uses traditional Scandinavian weaves for her handmade rugs, but her colour palette comes from a year spent in India and the dynamic graffiti in Bristol where I live and work.

Made to commission in high-quality wool, her rugs costs about 1,000.

Soft pale colours with leafy patterns are easy to live with. This is Quintessence, with nine new designs in around 40 colourways, from the new Standing Ovation collection by Harlequin, which costs 179 for a three-metre panel.

Fabric on chaise costs around 24 a metre, and cushions are in various fabrics from 24 a metre to 67 a metre for velvet. Voile costs 68 a metre.

This Sony gadget costs around 1,000 but works wonders. It is a neat portable compact 10cm cube that will project images from your smartphone (still or moving) onto any surface such as a wall or table-top.

Image size is adjustable, but can be up to 80in. It has speakers and a rechargeable battery. Or use its wireless unit (included) to connect to your TV set-top box or Blu-ray player. Called the portable ultra short throw projector, its at Harrods and The Conran Shop, and at Centres Direct.

This geometric Rain Dance design is from a new collection at Mulberry Home, printed on a linen/acrylic mix, at 139 a metre.

The Festival collection also includes painterly prints on velvet and linen, modern embroideries, stylish stripes and soft Scottish wool weaves, Find Mulberry at GP & J Baker.




Equine photographer Tony Stromberg conducts photography workshops around the world, from the American West to the South of France. His new book, Horses ( teNeues ) features a collection of his latest images from around the world. We took a stop in Morocco with some of his most fascinating photos. Here, he shares some insights on what it was like to photograph horses in Morocco.

My general impression of the horse culture in Morocco is mixed, says Stromberg. When we stayed in Marrakech, right near the markets and souks, there were many horse drawn carriages that are used for tourists, but also for transportation by the locals. I was very impressed at the condition of the horses. They were very well cared for, in good weight, with nice coats, and their hooves were in perfect condition. But as we journeyed through the countryside, we saw horses in rural areas that were clearly work horses, underweight and not in great shape.

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Stromberg explains that he and his team worked with a government agency called S.O.R.E.C., which educates people about the Barb and Arabian horses that are indigenous to Morocco, as well as offering a free breeding program to help create better quality horses throughout Morocco.

The stunning cream-colored Lusitano in the slideshow above is one that Stromberg remembers well from his photo sessions in Morocco.

This amazing stallion is owned by a man in Morocco named Sadek, and I took great pleasure in watching Sadek work with his horses, says Stromberg. When they are together, it is beautiful to watch. There are like two beings in a dance, both equals, neither dominating, but rather playing with each other. I loved seeing the softness in the horse.

The photos of that horse were taken at the ancient royal stables in Meknes, Morocco, and the nearby ruins in Volubilis. Shooting at both these locations took months to obtain special permission through various government agencies, says Stromberg. Several thousand horses once lived in the stables at Meknes, in a civilization that revered them. He describes it as amazing place with beautiful architecture. The walls are 3 or 4 feet thick, so that in the heat of the summer, the inside of the stables would remain much cooler than the outside. The royal stables also had enough water and food stored underground that they could last 20 years without needing anything from the outside. Rumor has it that the horses in Meknes lived a luxurious life, as they so loved their horses at that time, almost in reverence to them.

Reverence to the horse is a still a common thread that unites people today across all cultures. Strombergs images speak to horse lovers with an appreciation of equine beauty that honors the spirit of the horse.

Horses by Tony Stromberg

Horsesjust horsesare the focus of the latest collection of images from equine photographer Tony Stromberg. From the open spaces of the American West to stunning locations around the world, including Portugal, Morocco, France and Italy, Stromberg photographs horses in their natural state and portrays them with authentic grace and beauty.





Mustangs, ranch horses and Arabians mix with Iberian horses and a variety of breeds in this visual homage to equine spirit. Strombergs work is described as a perfect balance between light and shadow. His use of lighting, paired with unique composition and feel for the right moment, captures the majesty of the horse. Yet most of all, it is his deep personal connection to the horse that makes his images come alive.

Tony Stombergs photography was featured in the November 2016 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!
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Compared with August 2015, Europe reported an occupancy decrease of 1.5% to 75.8%. Average daily rate (ADR) was flat at EUR115.94. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) dipped 1.5% to EUR87.88.

Hotels in Europe recorded mostly negative results in the three key performance metrics when reported in euro constant currency, according to August 2016 data from STR.

Compared with August 2015, Europe reported an occupancy decrease of 1.5% to 75.8%. Average daily rate (ADR) was flat at EUR115.94. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) dipped 1.5% to EUR87.88.

Performance of featured countries for August 2016 (local currency, year-over-year comparisons):

Israel reported decreases across the three metrics: occupancy (-9.5% to 69.9%), ADR (-3.1% to ILS908.84) and RevPAR (-12.2% to ILS635.64). August performance in the country has fluctuated significantly over the past several years due to various political unrest issues, according to STR analysts.

Russia posted a 6.7% increase in occupancy to 70.6% as well as double-digit growth in ADR (+16.5% to RUB4,824.38) and RevPAR (+24.3% to RUB3,408.06). The absolute occupancy level was the highest in the country since September 2011. STR analysts cite a boost in domestic travel, as a result of a weakened Russian Ruble, as a reason behind the performance.

Malta recorded increases in each of the three metrics. Occupancy in the country increased 0.9% to 92.8%; ADR was up 4.3% to EUR155.74; and RevPAR grew 5.3% to EUR144.54. Being a particularly seasonal market, Malta has seen fairly strong performance since May, and hoteliers capitalized on high demand with higher rates throughout the summer months. The August absolute RevPAR level was the highest for any month on record in Malta.

Performance of featured markets for August 2016 (local currency, year-over-year comparisons):

Barcelona, Spain, experienced a 0.8% decrease in occupancy to 86.8%, but a 10.2% rise in ADR to EUR144.58 pushed RevPAR up 9.4% to EUR125.54. With fairly flat occupancy performances, ADR has been the driver of RevPAR in the market since the beginning of the year. Hoteliers maintained their focus on rate in August, leading to the markets highest absolute RevPAR level for any August on record.

Istanbul, Turkey, reported significant declines across the board: occupancy (-33.6% to 50.4%), ADR (-31.8% to TRY288.06) and RevPAR (-54.7% to TRY145.13). According to STR analysts, terrorism in the country along with the July coup d'etat attempt all played a role in the performance declines. At the same time, supply has grown 6.9% year to date in Istanbul, compounding the issues for the local hotel industry.

Milan, Italy, reported double-digit decreases in each metric. Occupancy dropped 23.0% to 48.9%; ADR was down 11.3% to EUR112.32; and RevPAR fell 31.6% to EUR54.88. The significant performance declines were due to comparisons with the Expo Milano months from 2015. Aside from last year, August is typically a slower month for Milan.

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About STR

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.
Compared with August 2015, the Central/South America region reported nearly flat occupancy (-0.4% to 70.1%). Average daily rate (ADR), however, increased 3.3% to US$125.13, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew 2.9% to US$87.69.

Hotels in the Central/South America region recorded mostly positive results in the three key performance metrics when reported in U.S. dollar constant currency, according to August 2016 data from STR.

Compared with August 2015, the Central/South America region reported nearly flat occupancy (-0.4% to 70.1%). Average daily rate (ADR), however, increased 3.3% to US$125.13, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew 2.9% to US$87.69.

Performance of featured countries for August 2016 (local currency, year-over-year comparisons):

Chile experienced a 3.9% increase in occupancy to 65.0%, but an 8.4% drop in ADR to CLP75,177.74 dragged RevPAR down 4.8% to CLP48,879.41. STR analysts cite the ADR comparison base from August 2015, Chiles highest on record for the month, as the reason behind the decline in the metric. However, the number of rooms sold in the country eclipsed 660,000 for the first August on record, thanks in part to strong tourism. According to the Chilean Undersecretary of Tourism, 5.6 million international visitors are expected to enter Chile for total-year 2016  which would top last years record-high 4.4 million visitors.

Costa Rica posted increases across the key performance metrics. Occupancy in the country rose 9.4% to 63.8%; ADR was up 6.8% to CRC66,406.70; and RevPAR increased 16.8% to CRC42,347.92. Costa Rica has reported 29 consecutive months of RevPAR growth in a 12-month moving average. According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, the number of visitor arrivals to the country increased 12.3% during the first half of 2016, and visitor spending reached a record level for the first six months of the year.

El Salvador reported increases in each of the three metrics: occupancy (+7.2% to 67.8%), ADR (+5.3% to US$97.98) and RevPAR (+12.8% to US$66.39). STR analysts note that supply in El Salvador remained flat through the first eight months of 2016 after decreasing slightly (-0.4%) for total-year 2015. In addition, safety in the country is improving with a 13.3% decrease in homicides through mid-September, according to the Policia Nacional Civil.

Performance of featured markets for August 2016 (local currency, year-over-year comparisons):

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, host to the Summer Olympics, reported substantial increases across the board: occupancy (+26.6% to 76.0%), ADR (+199.2% to BRL1,250.27) and RevPAR (+278.6% to BRL949.85). STR analysts highlight the spike in ADR as the driver of RevPAR. According to officials, the Olympics attracted 1.17 million tourists who spent an average of BRL424 per day.

Quito, Ecuador, saw double-digit declines in occupancy (-20.0% to 46.1%) and RevPAR (-17.1% to US$48.35). ADR was up 3.6% to US$104.93. The markets occupancy has dropped by double figures each month this year with year-to-date supply growth (+5.3%) significantly outweighing demand (-16.3%). According to STR analysts, economic issues stemming from lower oil prices have hurt hotel performance in Ecuador, and earthquake activity has only worsened matters.

Bogota, Colombia, recorded growth in occupancy (+8.0% to 60.5%) and RevPAR (+6.0% to COP176,254.77). ADR in the market was down 1.9% to COP291,462.58. Bogotas RevPAR has grown in year-over-year comparisons each month in 2016.

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About STR

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.
The hotel will be located at Zadars landmark Maraska building on the waterfront and will be within walking distance of the citys famous Sea Organ, an experimental instrument that plays music through the movement of sea waves.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Dogus Croatia yesterday announced plans for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Zadar, Croatia  the first Hyatt-branded hotel to open in the country. Hyatt Regency Zadar Maraska is expected to open in the spring of 2019.

We look forward to collaborating with the team at Dogus Croatia to open the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Croatia, and the first Hyatt-branded hotel on the Adriatic Coast, said Peter Norman, senior vice president, acquisitions and development  Europe, Africa, and Middle East for Hyatt. We are confident that the globally recognized Hyatt Regency brand will resonate with the growing base of business and leisure travelers visiting the country.

The hotel will be located at Zadars landmark Maraska building on the waterfront and will be within walking distance of the citys famous Sea Organ, an experimental instrument that plays music through the movement of sea waves. Hyatt Regency Zadar Maraska will be a great launching pad for travelers visiting Croatias Dalmatian coast, the Roman and Venetian ruins, and famous national parks, including Plitvice Lakes, Zadar Archipelago and Kornati National Park.

Hyatt Regency Zadar Maraska will deliver on the modern expectations of todays travelers and meeting planners. The 130-room hotel will feature authentic food and beverage offerings that will build off the Hyatt Regency brands history of culinary excellence. The hotel will serve as the perfect venue for a variety of events such as weddings, social banquets, exhibitions, meetings, and conferences. Additionally, the hotel will offer a fitness center, spa and an outdoor swimming pool.

We are very excited to work with Hyatt to bring the Hyatt Regency brand to Croatia, said Burak Baykan, Dogus Group regional director for Croatia and Montenegro. With Hyatt, we look forward to transforming the famous Maraska building and we believe the strong Hyatt Regency brand experience, combined with the hotels excellent facilities, will have a great appeal to those visiting the country.
Scandic announced its fifth unique signature hotel  Downtown Camper by Scandic. The hotel will open in the former Scandic Sergel Plaza at Brunkeberg square in the heart of Stockholm. The building is currently undergoing a complete rejuvenation to reopen after the summer of 2017 and offer a new hotel experience that brings nature into the big city. Guests will be invited to share in a base camp experience that centers on wellness and community.

Downtown Camper by Scandic will be a social meeting place for travelers and Stockholmers alike. The concept brings nature into Stockholms most urban district at Brunkeberg square. In line with Scandics existing signature hotels, it will have a unique interior and design  a base camp in an urban environment. In addition to a lifestyle concierge, in-room bartender and shop, guests will be able to relax year round under the stars.

 The hotel offers the same complete, unique offering as our other signature hotels at the same time as it has drawn inspiration from two worlds  the local urban environment and our longing for nature. We want to create a new type of meeting place that offers a wide range of experiences and an oasis for mindfulness in the middle of the big city, says Thomas Engelhart, Chief Commercial Officer.

A lifestyle concierge will be on hand to offer tips on unusual experiences to enjoy at the hotel and in the city such as discovering Stockholm by kayak, in-depth mindfulness sessions, rooftop tours of the city, evening group runs and rooftop yoga. There will be no traditional conference rooms here  they have been replaced by more personal rooms and spaces for events, meetings and get-togethers where the boundary between work and leisure is blurred. The hotel will have its own graphic identity and toiletries with a scent signed Downtown Camper. The hotel will open after the summer of 2017.

Signature hotels are marketed under their own hotel names with the extension by Scandic and are characterized by their unique history, personality and enhanced customer offering. The hotels have been designed as distinct meeting places with the ambition to be natural social venues for locals and travelers alike. With its collection of signature hotels, Scandic aims to attract new customers and meet the demands of travelers looking for unique hotel experiences. Today, Haymarket by Scandic and Grand Central by Scandic are operated as signature hotels. In 2017 and 2018, Downtown Camper, Hotel Norge in Bergen and Scandic Marski in Helsinki will open as signature hotels.
The white OVO Air Jordan 12 will finally be releasing this Saturday, October 1st. Additionally, Jordan Brand will be celebrating Drakes favorite month with the the release of an OVO apparel and accessory collection.

Among the items that will be releasing alongside the OVO 12s this Saturday: the $130 OVO Top Loader bag, $120 OVO hoodie, $100 OVO sweat pants, $45 OVO shirt, $40 OVO hat, and $15 headbands and wristbands. And if thats not enough OVO gear for you, there is also an OVO Jordan Hydro Slide that is inspired by the upcoming pair of 12s.

So if you strike out on this weekends release, these consolation prizes should help you cope with devastation of catching another L.

OVO Collection
London On Da Track has already established himself as one of the most sought-after producers in rap, but hes still consistely raising the bar. In a new interview with VladTV, London revealed that he has a few songs in the bank with Drake, which came together after the two met up in his hometown.

I met Drake in Atlanta at a bar or something, he recalls. Me, Keyshia Cole, and Drake Me and Drake was talking like we need 7 bangers in the club right now  We went to the studio. He had to leave  So I sent him a whole bunch of beats, and he was like we about to make history. I just bodied a whole bunch of tracks, and he let me hear it when he got back to Atlanta.

According to London, there are about four beats that Drake has laid vocals on so far, though hes not too sure where the collaborations will end up at this point. Im pretty much letting him just do what he gon do with it, he says. Im leaving that up to him.



Working with Drake was one of Londons goals, so now that he can say the two have worked together, he has yet another dream to fulfill. My other goal is to get with Taylor Swift, He reveals, Thats who Im trying to get in the studio with.



Watch the full interview below.

London On Da Track
It appears that Rob Kardashians relationship with his fiancee Blac Chyna is unraveling at the seams. According to TMZ, the couple has been fighting for months amidst their new reality show Rob & Chyna and Kardashians weight gain, depression, and belief that Chyna is going to leave him for a rapper.

Youd rather date a rapper than a fat Armenian, he reportedly told Chyna.

The couple reportedly broke up earlier this week, and while they are officially together, it doesnt look promising. Kardashians family is apparently worried for his life.

Chyna had a brief fling with Future last fall and is the mother of the child of Tyga, who dates Kardashians half-sister Kylie Jenner. Chyna is currently 33 weeks pregnant with Kardashians kid.

Rob & Chyna
Brian DArcy had promised to chat with me for about an hour, but were still going strong some five hours later. How many fingers do you have, Jason? he quips, when I say that Ive only a handful of questions left.

The interview is probably the most honest dialogue ever between an Irish Catholic priest and a journalist. Back in 2012, on the basis of articles written in 2010, Brian DArcy was warned by the Vatican that he risked being expelled from the priesthood if he refused to remain silent. Theoretically, now, he could be booted out of the Church for speaking to Hot Press.

I think Ive spoken to you as honestly as I could, he tells me in his soft Northern accent. It may have consequences for me.
Poet Conor OCallaghans debut novel Nothing on Earth is one of the most compelling books released this year.

On a swelteringly hot day in August, a twelve year old girl knocks on the door of a mans house. He is a priest and the books narrator. The girl is strangely dressed with pen marks all over her arm. Her father, she says, has gone too. The girl has been living on a ghost estate with her parents and aunt. The mother and her sister have disappeared, and now her father has as well.

Nothing on Earth is a gothic novel, although the ghost estate and the unceasing summer heat are at odds with the general tropes of the genre.
WASHINGTON - Nuclear power is not only emissions-free, but also generates constant streams of electricity, regardless of whether the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. And with pressure building to cut carbon emissions, the threat of nuclear power plants going out of business is prompting government regulators to tinker with power markets and look at direct subsidies.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is adjusting how electricity prices are set, a process Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said would indirectly aid nuclear power plants. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo decided last month to create an almost $1 billion subsidy for that state's four nuclear reactors over the next two years. State legislatures around the country are considering similar measures.

Always expensive to build, nuclear power plants have watched their profits erode in recent years, as cheap natural gas forced wholesale electricity prices down and competition increased from the wind and solar farms popping up around the country. Since 2013, five nuclear reactors have closed and eight more have been scheduled for early retirement, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute, which represents owners of the country's 100 nuclear reactors. The group says 10 to 15 more are at risk of closing over the next decade because of shaky finances.

RELATED: Fission may fizzle as nuclear power reacts to economics

Tough times for nukes Nuclear reactors operating in U.S.: 100 Nuclear reactors closed since 2013: 5 Nuclear reactors scheduled for early closing: 8 Nuclear reactors at risk of closing within a decade: 10-15 SOURCE: Nuclear Energy Institute See More Collapse

"The economics for nuclear plants in some areas require subsidies ... to make them viable in the long run," said Travis Miller an analyst at the financial research firm Morningstar.

Those subsidies can come in the form of a direct cash infusion like New York has undertaken or by subtly changing the rules upon which the country's power markets operate. For instance, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently adjusted its rules, to require grid operators around the country to allow prices to rise more freely at times power supplies run thin - raising wholesale electricity rates for all generators, but most sharply for plants, such as nuclear, that run all the time.

Lobbyists for the nuclear industry say the current rules have not been updated to reflect the dramatic shifts the power industry has undergone in recent years - between the boom in renewables and technology that better allows customers to reduce power when prices are high. So-called baseload plants like nuclear and coal, which run 24 hours a day, are watching demand for their electricity siphoned off by wind farms that at times will pay customers to take their power so they can cash in on lucrative tax credits.

"The market doesn't always price nuclear's advantages, the fact it has no emissions and high reliability, meaning it's not weather dependent and runs almost all the time," said Matt Crozatt, senior director for business policy at the Nuclear Energy Institute. "FERC started this process two years ago now. We keep encouraging them to go faster."

RELATED: Next president faces a changed energy landscape

In a Senate hearing earlier this month, Moniz testified that state and federal regulators needed to work together to prevent more nuclear plants from closing - something he said was critical to reaching the goals laid out in last year's Paris climate accord, which requires dramatic reduction in carbon to meet the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. In an interview after the hearing, Moniz said the shifts in technology over the past decade require an update to power market rules that in many cases were created "a long time ago."

"If we're going to have the grid of the future and support zero carbon power, we have to get the regulatory structures aligned," he said.

Texas' two nuclear power plants, Luminant's Comanche Peak and NRG's South Texas Power Project, are financially stable, Texas Public Utility Commissioner Ken Anderson said. But elsewhere, the potential loss of nuclear plants is worrying politicians.

Exelon, the nation's largest nuclear operator, has said it will close two nuclear plants in Illinois unless the state legislature there passes a bailout package worth $500 million a year in nuclear subsidies. Likewise, Dominion Resources has raised the possibility that it might shut its Millbrook nuclear plant in Connecticut, prompting the legislature there to debate rewriting market rules.

Longer-term, policymakers like Moniz hope that efforts will pan out to build a next-generation nuclear reactor, such as the one under development by Bill Gates' startup firm, TerraPower. The plants are theoretically smaller and incapable of suffering a reactor meltdown like that which contaminated the seaside in the Japanese prefecture of Fukushima. Nuclear power proponents say they can bring such plants in at half the cost of today's nuclear facilities.

But even by optimistic forecasts, it would be at least another 15 years before the next-gen reactors became commercially viable. In the meantime, there are no plans to begin construction on any new nuclear reactors in this country.

RELATED: When it comes to energy, everyone gets a little help

"Our nuclear industry is in great jeopardy. The average nuclear employee is 55 years old; 25 percent of the workforce is set to retire in the next five years," said Jay Faison, the North Carolina philanthropist who has launched the ClearPath Foundation to back Republican politicians supporting clean energy policies.

The nuclear industry represents more than 60 percent of the carbon-free power on the U.S. power grid, according to the Department of Energy. As nuclear capacity shrinks, in today's market it would likely be replaced by a mix of natural gas plants-fired plants and wind turbines, increasing the amount of greenhouse gases the power sector produces.

Such a scenario might worry those in the Obama administration, but the federal government is fairly limited in how much it can do to influence power markets, which are run by state and regional bodies with varying degrees of influence over pricing.

While Moniz suggested that FERC's rule change would help the nuclear industry, that did not appear to be the agency's intent. At FERC, the mission is simply to ensure power markets are operating efficiently and fairly, not to favor one power source over another, spokeswoman Mary O'Driscoll said.

And, she added: "There's been a lot of discussion about whether the markets are operating efficiently."
Will OPEC make good on its plan to cut production and boost oil prices?

Analysts were uniformly skeptical that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would follow through on the preliminary agreement reached Wednesday in Algeria, but if history is any indication, production cuts and higher prices are coming.

OPEC members have agreed to cut oil production three other times over the past two decades in response to precipitous drops in oil prices, and each time it succeeded in curtailing output and raising prices.

So far the preliminary agreement reached in Algeria appears to be working; oil has climbed more than 6 percent since the plan was disclosed, settling in New York Thursday at $47.83, the highest close in a month.

Skepticism is understandable, said Bill Herbert, a senior analyst at the investment banking firm Piper Jaffray. But conciliatory comments from Saudi Arabia and enthusiasm from Iran suggest OPEC leaders are cooperating.

"The probability it will take production off the market has risen considerably," Herbert said.

Pushing up prices has required OPEC to make multiple production cuts in the past, according to an analysis by Piper Jaffray & Co. In the summer of 1997, stock market crashes and government upheaval in South Asia sent oil prices tumbling from about $25 a barrel to under $11 by the end of 1998. OPEC cut production by 2.3 million barrels a day, and by the winter of 1999, prices were back at $25 a barrel.

Prices began falling again in 2000, a descent that steepened after the 9/11 attacks. By the end of 2001, they had fallen from about $36 a barrel to less that $20. Over 15 months beginning in late 2000, OPEC removed 5 million barrels per day from the market. By the end of 2002, crude had risen to $31 a barrel.

OPEC slashed output again after the 2008 financial crisis as U.S. oil prices plunged from a record $145 a barrel to under $35. The cartel reduced output quotas by 4.2 million barrels per day through three cuts. By the end of 2009, crude was trading close to $80 per barrel.

If the cartel can complete an agreement when it formally meets in Vienna, prices may be on their way up.

"It has worked before," Herbert said.

Andrew Slaughter, executive director of the accounting firm Deloitte's Center for Energy Solutions in Houston, said OPEC faces different market conditions from the past, largely due to the rise of U.S. shale drillers.

But, he added, "Anything that takes barrels out of the market, when we've got an overhang in stocks, will help."

That will be the ultimate test of OPEC's agreement, and Michelle Foss, chief economist at the University of Texas' Center for Energy Economics, said she doubts that OPEC will succeed.

"It's very clear to everyone they deferred all the hard decisions to the November meeting," Foss said. "When they get there, they won't be able to make any of those hard decisions, and we'll be back where we were."
Saudi Arabia's top petrochemical company made Houston its North American hub this summer and will soon decide whether to build a multibillion dollar chemical plant here that would create thousands of construction and hundreds of manufacturing jobs.

The plant would include world's largest ethane cracker, which turns a component of natural gas into ethylene, the primary building block of most plastics. The Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corp., known as SABIC, is considering sites along the Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana, and expects to make the selection by the end of the year.

The plant, a joint venture with Exxon Mobil, is another step in SABIC's ambition to grow not only in the Houston area, but also in the United States and around the world, SABIC Chief Executive Yousef Al-Benyan said in an exclusive interview with the Houston Chronicle. In July, the company finished moving more than 200 new employees from Massachusetts to Houston and its new SABIC Americas headquarters in its expanded Westchase office space.

RELATED: Exxon Mobil, Saudis look to create petrochemical venture in Texas

"The move to consolidate our activities in North America into Houston is not just for the sake of bringing people together," said Al-Benyan, who visited Houston this week. "It's looking at Houston as the hub for us to grow globally."

The chemical and plastics plant is the first U.S. joint venture for SABIC and Exxon, two of the world's biggest energy giants. The partners will choose among four potential sites in Texas and Louisiana.

Al-Benyan wants to begin construction by the middle of next year. The project could come online as early as 2020, which would coincide with the anticipated rebound in the global petrochemical market, which, like its feedstocks, oil and natural gas, is struggling with a supply glut. The plan is to take advantage of cheap and ample shale natural gas available here to make chemicals and plastics.

"We have agreed with our partners to accelerate our activities as much as we can because the timing is very important," Al-Benyan said. "We want to make sure the project comes on stream in 2020 or 2021 when, hopefully, the market is going to be in the right mood for us."

RELATED: Breakthrough could mean sharply lower energy use in making plastics

The two potential Texas sites include an area near Victoria as well San Patricio County in the Corpus Christi area. The Louisiana sites are in Ascension and St. James parishes, both between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

The project, built on more than 1,000 acres, would create 11,000 construction jobs and more than 600 permanent positions. The petrochemical complex would include the world's largest ethane cracker, capable of producing 1.8 million metric tons of ethylene annually. An ethane cracker takes ethane, a component of natural gas, heats it, and transforms it into ethylene.

The joint venture also would build units to churn out polyethylene, the most common plastic, as well as a unit for monoethylene glycol, which is used in plastics, latex paints, automotive coolants and anti-freeze, according to Exxon. Much of the products would be exported.

SABIC is the biggest publicly traded company in the Middle East, but 70 percent of the shares are owned by the Saudi government. SABIC is the world's third-largest chemical company after Germany's BASF and Michigan-based Dow Chemical.

Al-Benyan took over as SABIC's chief executive early last year. He calls Houston his second home because he lived in Houston for about 11 years during two SABIC job assignments in the 1990's and 2000's.

He first joined SABIC in 1987 and was named chief executive and vice chairman in early 2015. The move coincided with longtime SABIC CEO Mohamed Al-Mady becoming the head of Saudi Arabia's Military Industries Corp.

SABIC first developed a major U.S. presence nine years ago when it bought General Electric's plastics division for nearly $12 billion. SABIC closed its Massachusetts facilities, which were part of the legacy GE business.

The consolidation tripled SABIC's employment in Houston to more than 300 from about 100 and led the company to lease two more floors in the building at 2500 CityWest Blvd. in Westchase. SABIC also has a technology centers at Industrial Boulevard in Sugar Land, where Al-Benyan said he also wants to expand.

SABIC's Gulf Coast expansion fits with Saudi Arabia's plans to diversify its economy and grow its non-oil revenue through its new "Vision 2030" reforms, spearheaded by 31-year-old Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Al-Benyan said SABIC has a key role to play in the strategy, which aims to make Saudi Arabia a global player in refined products as well as crude oil.

The Gulf Coast petrochemical sector has taken off in recent years because its access to natural gas made cheap and plentiful by the shale drilling boom that began nearly a decade ago. The American Chemistry Council, a chemical industry trade group, estimates that more than 250 petrochemical projects are under construction or planned across the country through 2023 and they will create about 70,000 jobs. The combined cost is about $160 billion, including about $50 billion in Texas.

Exxon also is expanding its petrochemical plants in Mont Belvieu and Baytown, where it is adding a 1.5 million-ton ethane cracker. Exxon and SABIC have worked together on various projects for more than 30 years, but never within the United States.

Saudi Arabia has a major Texas presence already through its Motiva Enterprises, a refining operation and joint venture with Royal Dutch Shell. Saudi Arabia and Shell are negotiating an end to the venture, but the Saudis are expected to hold on to the Motiva brand, the Port Arthur refinery  the largest in North America  and 26 distribution terminals.

Motiva also is considered one of the bidders for LyondellBasell's Houston Refinery, which is up for sale.
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A Houston compounding pharmacy has relocated to a $4.7 million facility built to meet higher standards of quality and safety in an industry that has faced increased federal scrutiny in recent years.

Empower Pharmacy on Thursday debuted its new lab and service center near Beltway 8 and U.S. 290 on the city's northwest side, a 15,000-square-foot space that took more than two years to prepare. It's one of a relatively small number of facilities registered with the Food and Drug Administration to provide sterile, customized prescriptions to patients and physicians across the U.S.

"Registering with the FDA means not only can we meet the needs of a larger group of patients and serve them, because of our national licensing, but it means we're meeting good manufacturing practices," CEO Shaun Noorian said following a tour of the new center.

Compounding pharmacies are modern-day apothecaries that mix prescription medications to meet patients' individual needs and specifications. The multibillion-dollar industry is expected to grow in coming years, due in part to commercial drug shortages and an overall increase in demand for pharmaceuticals, according to IBISWorld research.

Empower focuses primarily on drugs to treat hormonal, sexual and other wellness needs such as weight loss and skin care. Other pharmacies within the industry serve a range of medical practices from pediatrics to hospice care, said Dagmar Anderson, vice president of communications for the International Association of Compounding Pharmacists.

"I think if you ask lot of physicians, their practices would not be possible without having compounding involved because there are so many times you have patients that just have no other options," she said.

The industry has faced challenges. In 2013, Congress passed legislation meant to tighten regulations of compound drugs following a large-scale outbreak of meningitis linked to a pharmacy in Massachusetts.

As an FDA-registered facility, Empower's products are subject to federal regulations and oversight, and parts of the new lab exceed baseline requirements, Noorian said. Sterile compounds are manufactured in a so-called "clean room" where a monitoring system constantly measures pressure, temperature, humidity and particulate levels. Equipment is sterilized in a fully automated process.

"We knew it would be significantly more costly, require more time and be more complex than simply doing the bare minimum to get our registration," Noorian said. "But when it comes to compounded medications that are injected into the body, there is no such thing as good enough."

Noorian developed an interest in the field while a patient undergoing treatment for low testosterone. He said the treatment with a compounded medicine changed his life, but he was frustrated by the quality and the service of the pharmacies he used.

He founded Empower in 2009 with one other employee in the back of a doctor's office and then moved to a 1,500-square-foot facility on Jones Road outside Beltway 8. The company employs 65 people in its new location, and Noorian said he expects that number to nearly double within the next two years.

John Crisler, an osteopathic doctor who runs a men's health practice in Michigan, flew to Houston to tour the facility. He said his practice, which recently selected Empower as its preferred pharmacy, has been working with Noorian for about two years.

"We think this is state-of-the-art right now," he said.

There are only about 65 FDA-registered compounding facilities in the U.S. Others in the Houston area include Advanced Pharma, Pharm D Solutions, QuVa Pharma and PharMEDium, according to the agency's website.

Anderson, who has been in the industry for about 20 years, said she has seen a marked increase in the quality of products and treatment.

"It has come a long way in terms of the volume of patients it's able to serve because of their specific issues," she said. "Like any other medical profession, (the quality) has continued to advance."
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OPEC talked big on Wednesday about cutting production, but don't believe it until you see it.

Traders seized their chance to send oil prices higher following news that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries talked about instating a quota of 32.5 million barrels a day. If the members follow through, and that's doubtful, the agreement would take 750,000 barrels of crude off the global market, which currently has almost a million barrels of surplus oil.

There are huge caveats, though.

The deal is not really a deal, it's a proposal that all 14 members must still agree upon at OPEC's official meeting in November. What's also not clear is how much production each country will cut, when it will happen or who will monitor it.

The big hang-up was whether Iran would back off it's goal of raising production from 3.6 million barrels a day last month to 4 million barrels a day. Iran wants to regain the market share it lost under international sanctions, but it also needs to buy a lot of new equipment to get back to 4 million, the amount it pumped before sanctions.

Is Iran willing to compromise on hitting the 4 million barrel mark because it needs a year to rebuild? Maybe, but that'll be a tough sell to the Iranian people.

Saudi Arabia, OPEC's largest producer and de facto leader, has added 1 million barrels a day since the price collapse began in 2014. They have room to cut, but they've also been burned in the past. Smaller OPEC nations have a long history of cheating on production quotas, and Saudi is tired of being a patsy.

Two of the biggest cheaters, though are exempt from cutting production: Libya and Nigeria. Since both countries are suffering from civil war, they get a pass. Venezuela, though, has a long history of over-producing and is in equally desperate straits, so it's hard to imagine that country sticking to a deal.

The real problem for OPEC, though, is that it only produces a third of the world's oil. Russia and the United States routinely challenge Saudi for the title of world's largest petroleum producer.

Russia says it will talk about cutting production once OPEC signs a deal, but that's also unlikely. Oil and gas are the only things Russian President Vladimir Putin has going for his nation's economy, and he won't cut production if that means less revenue for his government.

U.S. oil producers are simply beyond the control of anyone. The biggest surprise for the energy industry is how U.S. companies have become more efficient during the bust. Only a slight hike in prices will trigger much more U.S. oil flowing onto the global market, especially now that it's legal to export U.S. crude.

"Several non-OPEC countries, including the U.S., Russia and Kazakhstan, have announced they'll increase oil output  and that would offset an OPEC freeze," said Ed Baddour, president at Argo Consulting, which advises oil companies.

Oil traders, who make money off volatility, will profit off the price gyrations over the next two months as OPEC tries to take a vague promise made today and turn it into a legally-binding deal in November. But only a fool would make capital investments based on the oil futures markets and OPEC negotiations.

The former diplomatic correspondent in me knows that OPEC members want higher prices, but they don't want to pay for them. Given the choice of leaving today's meeting without a deal and watching oil prices drop 5 percent, they decided to put on a brave face, make a vague promise and watch the price shoot up 5 percent. That's easy money.

Let's see a little less talk, and a little more action before we take this deal seriously.

The smart money is still bullish on oil prices until storage levels go down, and real supply and demand numbers show a balanced market. There is too much cheap oil available from non-OPEC countries to see the prices rise much higher.
SAN FRANCISCO - Six years ago, Yahoo's computer systems and customer email accounts were penetrated by Chinese military hackers. Google and a number of other technology companies were also hit.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin regarded the attack on his company's systems as a personal affront and responded by making security a top corporate priority. Google hired hundreds of security engineers with six-figure signing bonuses, invested hundreds of millions of dollars in security infrastructure and adopted an internal motto, "Never again," to signal that it would never again allow anyone - be they spies or criminals - to hack into Google customers' accounts.

Yahoo, on the other hand, was slower to invest in the kinds of defenses necessary to thwart sophisticated hackers that are now considered standard in Silicon Valley, according to half a dozen current and former company employees who participated in security discussions but agreed to describe them only on the condition of anonymity.

When Marissa Mayer took over as chief executive of the flailing company in mid-2012, security was one of many problems she inherited.

With so many competing priorities, she emphasized creating a cleaner look for services like Yahoo Mail and developing new products over making security improvements, the Yahoo employees said.

The "Paranoids," the internal name for Yahoo's security team, often clashed with other parts of the business over security costs. And their requests were often overridden because of concerns that the inconvenience of added protection would make people stop using the company's products.

But Yahoo's choices had consequences, resulting in a series of embarrassing security failures over the past four years. Last week, the company disclosed that hackers backed by what it believed was an unnamed foreign government stole the credentials of 500 million users in a breach that went undetected for two years.

It was the biggest known intrusion into one company's network.

Certainly, many big companies have struggled with cyberattacks in recent years. But Yahoo's security efforts appear to have fallen short, in particular, when compared with those of banks and other big tech companies.

To make computer systems more secure, a company often has to make its products slower and more difficult to use. It was a trade-off Yahoo's leadership was often unwilling to make.

In defense of Yahoo's security, a company spokeswoman, Suzanne Philion, said that the company spent $10 million on encryption technology in early 2014, and that its investment in security initiatives will have increased by 60 percent from 2015 to 2016.

"At Yahoo, we have a deep understanding of the threats facing our users and continuously strive to stay ahead of these threats to keep our users and our platforms secure," she said.

The breach disclosed last week is the latest black eye for Mayer, whose failed turnaround effort resulted in Yahoo's agreement in July to sell its core operations to Verizon for $4.8 billion. It is unclear whether the episode will affect the sale. Although Yahoo's email users are its most loyal and frequent customers, the company has been losing market share in email for years.

"Yahoo is already suffering. I don't think they'll suffer more because of this," said Avivah Litan, a security analyst with the research firm Gartner.

Mayer arrived at Yahoo about two years after the company was hit by the Chinese military hackers. While Google's response was public, Yahoo never publicly admitted that it had also been attacked.

In 2013, disclosures by Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor, showed Yahoo was a frequent target for nation-state spies. Yet it took a full year after Snowden's initial disclosures for Yahoo to hire a new chief information security officer, Alex Stamos.

Jeff Bonforte, the Yahoo vice president who oversees its email, said in December that Stamos had pressed for Yahoo to adopt end-to-end encryption for everything. Such encryption would mean only the parties in a conversation could see what was being said, with even Yahoo unable to read it.

Bonforte said he resisted the idea because it would have hurt Yahoo's ability to search message data to provide new services.

"I'm not particularly thrilled with building an apartment building which has the biggest bars on every window," he said.

The 2014 hiring of Stamos - who had a reputation for pushing for privacy and anti-surveillance measures - was widely hailed by the security community as a sign that Yahoo was prioritizing its users' privacy and security.

The current and former employees say he inspired a small team of young engineers to develop more secure code, improve the company's defenses - including encrypting traffic between Yahoo's data centers - hunt down criminal activity and successfully collaborate with other companies in sharing threat data.

He also dispatched "red teams" of employees to break into Yahoo's systems and report back what they found. At competitors like Apple and Google, the Yahoo Paranoids developed a reputation for their passion and contributions to collaborative security projects, like Threat Exchange, a platform created by Yahoo, Dropbox, Facebook, Pinterest and others to share information on cyberthreats.

But when it came time to commit meaningful dollars to improve Yahoo's security infrastructure, Mayer repeatedly clashed with Stamos, according to the current and former employees. She denied Yahoo's security team financial resources and put off proactive security defenses, including intrusion-detection mechanisms for Yahoo's production systems. Over the past few years, employees say, the Paranoids have been routinely hired away by competitors like Apple, Facebook and Google.

Stamos, who departed Yahoo for Facebook last year, declined to comment. But during his tenure, Mayer also rejected the most basic security measure of all: an automatic reset of all user passwords, a step security experts consider standard after a breach. Employees say the move was rejected by Mayer's team for fear that even something as simple as a password change would drive Yahoo's shrinking email users to other services.

"Yahoo's policy is that if we believe a user's password has been compromised, we lock the account until the user resets the password," Philion said.

With the 500 million accounts involved in the breach disclosed last week, the stolen passwords were encrypted. Yahoo concluded the risk of misuse was low so it encouraged people to reset their passwords themselves.

This week, six Democratic senators, led by Patrick Leahy of Vermont, sent a letter to Mayer demanding more details about the 2014 breach and what Yahoo was doing to prevent a recurrence. Another senator, Mark Warner, D-Va., has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate Yahoo's disclosures to investors regarding the incident.

And the company is already the subject of several class-action lawsuits from users over the intrusion.
Ah, neighbors.

You either love them or you hate them. But odds are, you live close to them. Especially these days, as behemoth apartment buildings pop up all over Houston at a much faster rate than single-family houses.

The Census Bureau reports that building permits were issued for 5,112 single-family homes in 2015. At first glance, that appears to dwarf the number of apartment buildings going up: There were only 272 permits issued for buildings with five or more units last year. But with an average of 37 apartments or condos per building, that figure represents 9,979 units.

So for most people moving into those brand-new spaces, the neighbors aren't just over the picket fence. They're under the same roof.

Luckily, it seems most Americans get along with their neighbors. Survey results released Thursday by the real estate website Trulia show that 61 percent of Americans who have neighbors (and let's be real, everyone who lives within the Beltway has neighbors) know their next-door neighbor's first name, and only 1 percent of people describe their neighbors as hostile.

That 1 percent would be miserable in, say, downtown's 77002, where residents are stacked on top of each other. But there's one spot within Beltway 8 where people could conceivably hide out from even the worst of neighbors without much issue: In 77547, the ZIP Code for Galena Park, a small city located east of downtown, just outside the Loop 610, 90.5 percent of housing stock is made up of single-family homes.

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The space to breathe probably helps. But that's not the only asset Galena Park has going for good neighbor relations. Trulia reports that younger Americans "are the most sensitive and confrontational neighbors, suggesting that the 'get off my lawn!' attitude associated with older baby boomers may be largely a myth." Specifically, Trulia says 61 percent of millennials and 52 percent of Gen Xers had issues with their neighbors in the last year, compared with only 37 percent of Boomers.

And while much of the Houston area has seen an influx of young residents, 77547 leans more toward the Boomer crowd. Only 37.5 percent of householders in Galena Park are between the ages of 25 and 44; the rest are older, and it seems, more likely to loan their neighbors a cup of sugar.
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After two years, a rancorous feud between oyster businesses has come to an end for now in court with a decision to invalidate a lease granting 23,000 acres of Galveston Bay to a single company.

Galveston District Judge Lonnie Cox agreed Wednesday with plaintiffs who alleged in their petition filed in July that the lease would have illegally monopolized the industry and kept a valuable part of the bay from other oystermen.

"Thank you Judge Cox for protecting the lives and recognizing how many thousands of fishermen (were) going to be devastated over this lease," said Lisa Halili, one of the plaintiffs and co-owner of Hannah Reef, during a news conference Wednesday. "We've been held in bondage literally for two-and-a- half years. We have oyster reefs we haven't been able to cultivate. We've been called trespassers."

Normally, people seeking to lease acres in the Galveston Bay would obtain a lease from Texas Parks and Wildlife, but Sustainable Texas Oyster Resource Management (STORM) procured a lease in 2014 from Chambers-Liberty Counties Navigation District.

In Cox's summary judgement, he stated the navigation district "has no legal authority to regulate oysters" and did not have "legal authority under the state constitution or under state law" to lease to STORM. The navigation district's role is to raise money to improve and administer waterways.

"The lease that was entered into by the navigation district gave the better part of Galveston Bay to a private company for profit in direct violation of state law," said Cris Feldman, the attorney for the plaintiffs.

Fight over field

Halili said her husband invested $72,000 per acre on the same oyster bed that Sustainable Texas Oyster Resource Management wanted to lease. She and the other plaintiffs in the case were unable to plant or propagate any oysters during the two year period that STORM took over the lease. Halili had been working the oyster beds for years when she received a no trespassing letter from STORM.

This came as a shock to Halili who considered STORM owners Ben Nelson and Tracy Woody longtime friends and colleagues in the oyster business. Nelson and Woody had formed STORM, so they could lease the land from the navigation district. Nelson died in April.

In a statement sent Wednesday via text message, Woody said STORM plans to "maintain that the rights of property owners must be protected" and said "the law is clear in its protections of these rights." Woody also wrote "the state cannot lease to others what it does not own."

The Chronicle attempted to reach out to STORM's attorney James Galbraith but did not receive a response by press time.

Feldman expects STORM to file an appeal and is ready to continue the fight.

"We're going to have to slug it out, but this was a major first step for us," Feldman said.

Halili said that 8,000 acres of public reef is available for licensed fishermen to use, which she said would've been monopolized by STORM if the Judge had not ruled in the plaintiffs' favor.

Raz Halili, son of Lisa Halili, said fishermen became fearful based on the lease STORM obtained from the navigation district.

"We've had fishermen who have been worried, who have looked for other work because they don't know what their future was under the situation," Raz Halili said. "These individuals who started this corrupt ring were out for blood and to take over an industry that we all love and want to protect so much."

State also sues

Texas Parks and Widlife also sued STORM and the navigation district in Travis County district court. In July, the court sided with Parks and Wilidfe, stating the navigation district did not have legal authority to lease out oyster beds.

Oysterman Jure Slabic called the two-year ordeal a nightmare. His father Ivo Slabic is one of the plaintiffs in the case.

"A priceless resource was saved today. We know this battle is not going to end today but it was a huge victory for all of us," Slabic said.

Harvey Rice contributed to this report.
White-tailed deer season begins Oct. 1 for 100,000 or so of Texas' 700,000 deer hunters with the start of the 35-day, archery-only season and the five-month (October-February) season available to those hunting on some of thousands of private tracts participating in the state's Managed Lands Deer Permit program.

Weather appears poised to cooperate. Across much of the northern two-thirds of Texas, including popular deer hunting areas such as the Hill Country, Pineywoods and Cross Timbers regions, forecasts are for low humidity, light wind and, most encouraging, temperatures in the 50s.

"It should feel like a real opening day," said Gary Calkins, Pineywoods district leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's wildlife division.

While weather may cooperate, deer and the landscape may not.

"It could be tough hunting for some people," Calkins said, echoing assessments from other wildlife professionals and many hunters who have spent time afield scouting, working on blinds, feeders and food plots over the past few weeks.

Population thriving

That's not for any lack of deer or opportunity. With a couple of exceptions in small areas of the state, Texas' whitetail herd, largest in the nation with as many as 4 million animals, is thriving. And state wildlife officials earlier this year added 14 counties in the Panhandle to the list of Texas counties offering an archery-only whitetail season. Only two of Texas' 254 counties don't have an archery-only whitetail season.

And those deer are in excellent physical condition. Biologists and other wildlife managers, land managers and hunters monitoring Texas deer herds almost universally report this has been a great year for deer. Deer documented on remote-sensing "trail" cameras and observed during late-summer nighttime "spotlight" census counts have been in outstanding body condition.

"The deer are in really good shape -lot of big-bodied deer, especially where you have herds with good age structure," Calkins said. "And antler production looks great, too. The makings are there for a phenomenal season."

But the things that set the table - quite literally - for Texas whitetails to head into autumn in such great shape could create challenging conditions for hunters, especially here in early autumn.

A mild, wet winter was followed by one of wettest spring and summer Texas has seen in decades, with some stretches seeing more rain than any similar time in a century or more. That abundance of rain triggered an explosion of vegetation that provided deer with a bumper crop of forbes and browse to build their physical condition. The lush conditions also generally benefitted fawn survival by providing great cover for young deer.

That flourishing of vegetation has been almost unprecedented in its endurance.

"Most years, things will start to thin out around August, when it gets hot and dry," Calkins said. "That didn't happen this year."This August was the wettest in Texas in a century. Vegetation has continued thriving and growing.

"There's just an incredible amount of cover out there, " Calkins said. "That's going to make it tough to see deer in some places."

Challenging conditions

The situation applies across much of Texas deer range. Reports from areas in South Texas are that many senderos usually holding only scattered, knee-high bunches of grass after a typical scalding, dry August are head-high with vegetation after drenchings over past weeks.

Not only are deer going to be hard to see as they move through high, heavy cover, they aren't likely to move as much as they normally might. An abundance of natural forage means deer won't have to go far to find something to eat.

That's likely to get even more pronounced over coming weeks as acorns, one of whitetails' preferred natural foods, become available. And there could be plenty of acorns this year.

While there is no scientific survey of mast production across Texas, anecdotal evidence and reports indicate this could be a huge year for oak acorn production in some areas of the state.

"Just from what I'm seeing and hearing, this could be a great mast crop," Calkins said. "Some of the white oaks I've seen have been loaded with acorns."

There are similar reports of heavy production of acorns from oaks in the Edwards Plateau, Cross Timbers and Oak Savannah regions.

In a bit of good news for deer and not so good for many Texas deer hunters, some of those oaks are starting to drop their acorns ahead of the trees' normal schedule. In much of Texas, most trees producing hard mast such as acorns don't begin losing them in earnest until early late October, early November or even later. Already, acorns are dribbling from some oaks, attracting deer.

Odds should improve

With so much natural food out there, deer are less likely to hit corn feeders that they are in years when native forage is harder to find, Calkins said. That'll hurt many hunters.

"If deer aren't coming to feeders, I'd suggest finding some hardwoods and hunting there," Calkins said. Hardwood flats, especially if they hold trees already dropping mast, could be a great spot for a bowhunter to place a climbing stand or even a well-brushed pop-up blind.

While the combination of abundant natural food and heavy cover looks to conspire against bowhunter success early in the archery-only season, look for odds to improve as October wears on. Deer movement should increase later in the month as the start of the annual breeding season - the "rut" - approaches in some regions of the state. That breeding season, triggering increased movement of bucks as they pursue and compete for does, usually begins affecting deer movement in the southern Pineywoods, portions of the Oak Savannah and eastern reaches of the Edwards Plateau by mid-October with activity increasing as November approaches.

Until then, bowhunters are likely to face conditions even more challenging than they always are for this group that chooses to hunt using a method that limits their effective range to 40 yards or less.

But with morning temperatures in the 50s this Saturday, at least that pop-up blind won't be the sauna it usually is on Opening Day.
Texas' top criminal appeals court Wednesday restored official oppression charges against a former Harris County Pct. 4 deputy constable, five years after police dash-cam video caught him kicking a prone and handcuffed man so hard he broke a rib.

Jimmy Drummond, a sergeant with then-Pct. 4 Constable Ron Hickman, avoided a trial after a district judge agreed with his defense attorney that Harris County prosecutors had exceeded the two-year statute of limitations to bring the charge.

On Wednesday, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overruled both the district court judge and a lower appeals court, and re-instated the official oppression charge against Drummond. The state's highest criminal court found that the criminal complaint prosecutors filed a day before the statute of limitations expired was sufficient to keep the criminal charge viable.

Assistant District Attorney Julian Ramirez, who heads the DA's civil rights division, said the prosecution of the former deputy constable will proceed due to the high court's ruling.

"Both sides, including the judge, felt they were right and there were good arguments on both sides," Ramirez said of the lengthy legal challenge mounted by Drummond. "Obviously, we were pleased the Court of Criminal Appeals re-instituted the charges, and we intend to go forward."

Drummond's lawyer, Sam Cammack, disputed the high court's ruling and said he will re-review the earlier appeals to determine if filing a writ in federal court is warranted due to possible constitutional issues.

"We didn't start this fight because we thought we couldn't win officer Drummond's case in court," Cammack said. "This is about a staple of our local courts that you can't bring a case after the statue of limitations expires."

Cammack noted that Drummond was charged with official oppression, a class A misdemeanor, which can only be heard by a felony court. And he said felony courts receive their charges in the form of an information or a grand jury indictment, which was not returned until three months after the two-year statute had run.

However, the high court ruled the criminal complaint filed by Ramirez the day before the two-year deadline "constituted" an information, and reversed an earlier ruling by a lower appeals court.

"If there's no constitutional remedy for us, then we're going to set a date for trial and see if they can beat us on the facts," said Cammack, noting his client would stand trial in an atmosphere of anti-police sentiment.

The court battle had its origins five years ago, when Pct. 4 Constable deputies began a short pursuit of David Scherz after he allegedly ran a stop sign on Sept. 20, 2011 near his west Houston home. A large contingent of deputies went to Scherz's dwelling, and his family had come outside the residence to question why he was being detained and to film the confrontation.

In the end, Scherz, his mother, father, sister and an aunt were arrested and jailed, although criminal charges were later dropped.

The appeals court ruling noted the state's allegations were based on video footage that featured Drummond.

"The video showed that, while the complainant (Scherz) was held face down on the ground by two deputies, Drummond kicked him in the chest five times and wiped the underside of one of his shoes on one of the complainant's shoulders," the opinion states.

The court also noted that Drummond "forcefully" dropped his knee on the back of the neck or head of Scherz's, who was handcuffed, and then grabbed his head and pulled it back forcefully.'' Medical records given to county investigators showed Sherz right rib had been fractured.

The video also recorded Drummond kicking a small dog that ran up Scherz as he lay handcuffed in the street.

The family filed a federal civil rights suit against the county in August 2013, and soon after prosecutors filed a criminal complaint against Drummond on Sept. 9, 2013.

"It is great that Jimmy Drummond will not escape justice due to a technicality," said Randall Kallinen, a Houston civil right's attorney who filed the federal civil suits on behalf of the family. "It is unfortunate that he continued to work in law enforcement, thanks to Sheriff Ron Hickman, during the lengthy appeal process. The public has grown weary of unchecked police misconduct."
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recommending the removal of toxic waste from the San Jacinto River, a big victory for residents and local officials who for years have urged federal environmental regulators to get rid of the dioxin-laced remnants a Pasadena paper mill dumped along the riverbanks.

Federal environmental regulators said Wednesday they would prefer to remove more than 200,000 cubic yards of the waste rather than leave it under an armored cap, a structure that has been beset with problems since it was constructed five years ago as a temporary fix.

The waste removal plan is estimated to cost about $97 million, which is expected to be paid by the two companies deemed responsible for the pollution, International Paper and McGinnes Industrial Management Corp. Cleanup work is not expected to begin at the site for several more years.

Nonetheless, supporters of removing the waste applauded the EPA's proposal, which now will be presented to the public before a final decision is made in 2017.

"This is a huge step in the right direction," said Jacquelyn Young, who grew up near the site and now leads the San Jacinto River Coalition. "Local leaders and residents have wanted to see full removal of this waste and this decision brings us one step closer."

More Information Next steps The EPA proposed a nearly $97 million San Jacinto waste cleanup plan Key upcoming dates Oct 20: EPA will take public comments during public meeting at the Highlands Community Center Nov. 28: The deadline to submit comments about the plan to the EPA To submit online comments, go to www.epa.gov/tx/forms/sjrwp-comments See More Collapse

Harris County officials on Wednesday were still reading through the 900 pages of supporting documentation with the EPA recommendation, but expressed relief that the agency is considering removing the waste. That remedy also is supported by most of the region's federal elected officials.

"I might quibble with whether this will be enough to remediate the entire area, but honestly this is the best outcome I think we could hope for," said Rock Owens, the county's managing attorney for environment and infrastructure.

Texas officials discovered the waste pits in 2005 along the river, between Channelview and the small town of Highlands. The EPA determined tugboats pushed barges of waste sludge from a Pasadena mill to the pits for dumping and storage in the 1960s.

The EPA identified several hazardous substances including cancer-causing dioxins in the waste pits and declared it a federal Superfund site in 2008.

Since then, federal environmental regulators have wrestled with the basic question: should the waste stay, or should it go?

Both scenarios carry some amount of risk, according to EPA-backed studies.

But EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry said he and other agency officials came to the conclusion that removing the waste posed the least amount of risk to downstream communities and Galveston Bay.

"We do believe the plan is the most protective plan for communities and the ecosystem," Curry said. "We know that some people are not going to agree with that."

Cap woes

Indeed, not everyone supports the plan to remove the waste from the San Jacinto River.

Some residents - and at least one company deemed responsible for the pollution - insist that keeping the sludge sealed under a $9 million armored cap is safer that digging it up and hauling it away.

"Being under a cap is the least risky solution and by far is the least expensive," said Thomas Knickerbocker, an attorney who represents a group that has opposed removing the waste.

Officials with McGinnes Industrial, a Houston-base subsidiary of Waste Mangement, share the sentiment.

"It is disappointing that the EPA has apparently decided to ignore science and technical data," McGinnes officials said in a statement. "Excavation will result in resuspension of the material, worsening the river and putting nearby communities at risk for years to come."

But EPA officials on Wednesday expressed concerns about whether a cap could contain the waste, pointing to some of the problems experienced by the current temporary cap.

In December, divers discovered a hole in the northwest portion of the cap. EPA officials characterized the damage as "displacement" of the stone cover of the cap and ordered repairs.

Supporters of removing the waste have worried whether a hurricane or flood could further damage the cap, releasing toxic waste into Galveston Bay, which plays a crucial role in the economic and environmental health of the Houston area.

A recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study, authorized by the EPA, confirmed some of those fears, predicting that an extreme weather event would erode a "sizeable" portion of the cap.

Scott Jones, the Galveston Bay Foundation's director of advocacy and environmental policy, questioned whether a cap would be able to stand the test of time, pointing to studies that indicate it would take 750 years for the dioxins to degrade to a point they are no longer harmful.

"I really think the risk of a failing cap over the course of 750 years is a much greater risk than removal in a controlled fashion," he said.

'They should have removed it years ago'

The proposed cleanup plan calls for removing about 152,000 cubic yards of waste from the submerged northern section of the Superfund site. It also calls for removing another 50,000 cubic yards of contaminated materials from the southern half of the site which is not underwater.

"It is not going to be dredged," said Carl Edlund, the regional director of EPA's Superfund division. "What we're talking about is excavation behind a barrier."

The current plan calls for some kind of sheet piles to be installed at the site, removing the water from that area, excavating the material, then hauling it to a permitted disposal facility. To remove 200,000 cubic feet of waste material, the agency estimates it would take more than 13,000 truck trips to complete the job. EPA officials said they will take extra precautions to make sure their work doesn't cause the pollution to migrate off-site.

That's good news for residents of Channelview and Highlands who have worried for years about the possibility of being exposed to dioxins.

Greg Moss has lived about two blocks from the Superfund site for more than 20 years. He used to put on a pair of coveralls and ride a four-wheeler along the banks of the river, completely unaware he might have been stirring up contaminated sediment.

Today, he worries each time it floods and the San Jacinto River comes washing over his property.

He supports removing the waste from the river.

"If you've ever gone to the beach and watched how the sand shifts underneath your feet when the waves wash in you can get a pretty good idea of why leaving it there is not a good idea," Moss said. "They should have removed it years ago but I'm glad they're thinking about doing it now."
The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a civil rights lawsuit against the owners of a popular midtown bar, accusing them of discriminating against non-white patrons.

The lawsuit against 360 Midtown, a bar once known as Gaslamp, says African-Americans, Hispanic and Asians were forced to pay a $10 to $20 cover charge before they could enter the business at the corner of Brazos and Hadley streets.

The suit accused the owner, Ayman Jarrah, and his company of not requiring a similar cover charge for white patrons.

"A bar's cover charge based on skin color is prohibited by law," U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas said in a statement. "All places of public accommodation should treat their customers equally. If not, justice will be sought in our courts of law."

The lawsuit accused the club of having a race-based double standard for admitting customers since at least October 2014.

In addition to forcing minorities to pay extra, federal prosecutors said the club also had a dress code that apparently varied depending on the customer's race or ethnicity.

"Gaslamp denied numerous African-American, Hispanic and Asian-American patrons entry based on alleged dress code violations when similarly dressed white patrons were permitted to enter," the lawsuit alleged.

Prosecutors said photographs appearing on social media promoting Gaslamp show white customers wearing clothing similar to that worn by black patrons who were weren't allowed inside. "At the time of the incident, Gaslamp did not have a dress code posted and the Gaslamp website did not contain a dress code," according to the lawsuit.

The federal lawsuit cites a September 11, 2015 incident where three African-American men were told they couldn't come the three-story nightclub unless they paid a $20 cover charge while white patrons were allowed to come inside for free. They filed their own civil rights lawsuit against Gaslamp and its owner, saying they were "deeply offended by this racist and discriminatory treatment."

An attorney representing the bar could not be reached for comment late Wednesday about the federal lawsuit. But, when the allegations were first raised, the lawyer said the men were charged to keep a favorable female-to-male ratio inside the club.

"The issue is, anytime you're a group of three guys, you're going to pay a cover," attorney Tim Sutherland told the Chronicle in 2015.

Department of Justice officials said 360 Midtown's policy was a violation of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in places of public accommodation.

"When going out to eat at a restaurant or relaxing at a bar, no one should ever suffer discrimination because of the color of their skin," Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement.
For high school senior Brian Ibe, celebrating homecoming this week offered more than just a chance to dress up in costume for class. It presented an opportunity for him to make a statement.

Ibe, who attends Ridge Point High School in Fort Bend ISD, spent time planning how to dress to the week's daily themes. Monday would be character day. Tuesday? Decades day. That's when Ibe said he decided to make his voice heard.

Ibe said he donned his costume Tuesday morning at home. Photos later posted on Twitter showed it in detail: a white shirt, spattered with fake blood; thick chains hanging from his neck, connecting to each wrist; an imitation ball-and-chain dragging from his foot.

The black 18-year-old Missouri City student was dressed as a slave - a decision that would highlight the clash between a student's right to free speech versus the school's authority on campus.

His outfit choice, after all, wasn't random. Ibe said he hoped to encourage dialogue about slavery. He felt that at school the topic was sometimes covered up, he said.

"I was like, OK, I need to make my voice heard and make sure these people did know that slavery did happen back in the day," Ibe said in a phone interview Wednesday.

But, as Ibe recounts it, the costume quickly drew a negative reaction from school administrators, who told him they felt it was inappropriate and making others uncomfortable. Soon after his 7 a.m. arrival at school, the principal directed him to change clothes, he said.

A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment on the incident.

Ibe complied with the school's request to switch clothes. But he didn't let that stop him from speaking up about what happened. He felt that the way the school handled it was "really terrible," he said. Perhaps slavery did make people uncomfortable, he acknowledged, but he said, "This was history, it already happened."

Such an incident, of course, isn't unprecedented. Schools have the right to restrict expressions that are "imminently going to cause a substantial disruption," a standard that has been set since a court case known as Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District, said Frank LoMonte, executive director of the Washington-based Student Press Law Center. But determining that point can be tricky.

Avoiding disruptions

In the Tinkercase, students challenged their school over their right to wear black arm bands in protest of the Vietnam War. The school had ordered they take the armbands off, but, in 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the students' favor: the nondisruptive bands were found to be constitutionally protected.

As such, for something to be offensive or disagreeable isn't enough for it to be deemed illegal, LoMonte continued. And because the school had sponsored the costume day, it would be hard to argue it was distracting.

A general statement from the school district explained that dress code was enforced during spirit week. "It is important that the campus maintain a distraction-free learning environment," the statement said.

The school's dress code, a copy of which was provided by the district, explains restrictions against, for example, ripped clothing, bare feet and attire that causes a disturbance; it also states that administrators have "interpretive authority" beyond the guidelines to decide what is "appropriate or inappropriate grooming or appearance."

Schools have the right to enforce a dress code, but it can't be a "pretext at banning expressive conduct based on the content of the expression," said Paul Watler, a private attorney who often deals with First Amendment issues, speaking generally. "There's a lot of gray area here," he said, "a lot left to interpretation."

"It's not a bright line. It's not an on-off switch. There is room for judgment calls," said LoMonte, who encourages schools to consider not suspending or expelling students even if the law allows it.

Added LoMonte: "This kid, in his own way, is trying to make positive social change.

Ibe took to Twitter to continue to advocate, asking if anyone had pictures of him in the outfit. "Got dress coded," he wrote, posting an image of the look 13 minutes later. More pictures followed, as did messages of support.

"Don't let em stop you !!" one person wrote.

"they can't handle the truth!" exclaimed another.

"only way to equality" wrote a third.

Mom back's son's stance

State standards incorporate the teaching of slavery in high school world history, district spokeswoman Amanda Bubela wrote in an email. It can also be included in U.S. history, which begins in 1877 at the high school level but includes the civil rights movement, and world geography, she wrote.

Ibe's mother, Rose Ibe, said by phone she was proud of her son. She said she believed he dressed as he did to remind people of a time when slavery existed. "Slavery really did happen," she said.

Still, the mother said she understood the school's decision and did not take offense. Nor did she want the situation to escalate. "He's a lively, social child," she said. "He did what he did."
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Crowds of Houstonians, wearing hard hats and business suits, gather daily for lunch at Tacos Tierra Caliente on a corner of West Alabama in Montrose. Alongside the usual cilantro and guacamole, customers can now pick up a voter registration form to go with their order of street tacos.

The registration drive, sparked by a controversial statement earlier this month from a Latino surrogate for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, is one of several initiatives to sign up what is anticipated to be a record number of voters in November.

Marco Gutierrez, founder of Latinos for Trump, recently made national headlines by saying, regarding immigrants in the country illegally: "My culture is a very dominant culture, and it's imposing and it's causing problems. If you don't do something about it, you're going to have taco trucks on every corner."

That barb spurred Mi Familia Vota - a Latino voting advocacy group - to partner with the design firm Rigsby Hull to provide registration forms at a number of Houston-area taco trucks.

Such efforts have helped boost the number of people registered to vote in Harris County to 2,193,530, up almost 175,000 from four years ago, according to Mike Sullivan, the county's tax assessor-collector.

Early voting urged

It's a trend that prompted Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart to call a news conference Wednesday, just a few blocks from the Tacos Tierra Caliente truck, to encourage people to vote early and avoid the crowds. Early voting begins in Texas on Oct. 24.

"I'm planning on total turnout of 1.4 million," Stanart said. "The last presidential election, we had 1.2 million. The presidential elections stretch our whole infrastructure."

He said 60 percent of voters are expected to cast their ballots at an early voting location before the Nov. 8 election.

"Don't wait until the last two days of early voting, don't wait until the last two hours on election day," he said. "As many people as we're going to be servicing, we're going to have congestion. There could be lines."

He said he expects 100,000 people to vote on the last day of early voting.

As the county's chief election official, Stanart is tasked with administering elections in accordance with state and federal voting guidelines.

Part of those rules have changed in the past month after a federal court tossed out the state's voter identification law, requiring a photo identification to vote.

Stanart's election website, harrisvotes.com, reflects the interim guidelines imposed by the court. They allow voters who do not possess an acceptable form of photo identification, and cannot obtain one because of a reasonable impediment, to fill out a form and use a supporting form of identification, like a current utility bill, bank statement or paycheck.

Stanart was quick to point out that voters who have a photo identification, like a Texas driver's license or a U.S. passport, are required to present it in order to vote.

The county clerk defended his website, which says "voter ID required" on its front page and which has drawn fire for being misleading from the same groups who brought the lawsuit against the state's voter ID law.

"Harris County has a troubling record of voter harassment that even necessitated a recent federal court order directing their voter registration practices," said Chad Dunn, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs. "At this point, it has taken several months to get the county clerk's website where it is, which is technically accurate on the voter ID requirements in some respects but potentially misleading nonetheless."

Deadline approaching

Before going to the polls, however, voters have to register by the deadline on Oct. 11, hence the taco truck outreach.

Maria Samano, the owner of Tacos Tierra Caliente, has run her truck for nearly 17 years.

"Every person has a right to make a living. I don't care about those comments," Samano said of Gutierrez's jabs. "He's entitled to his opinion, but I am happy for my work."

Tila Hidalgo, owner of Tilas Tacos, agreed with Samano that taco trucks are convenient locations for people to register to vote. Hidalgo said she was eager to join the effort to increase Latino voter turnout because of the unique role the trucks play in the community.

In Texas, more than 14 million people were registered to vote for the primaries that began in March. Currently, 1.7 million more people are registered to vote in November than were registered for the presidential election in 2012, according to the Texas secretary of state.

Texas has the second largest Hispanic eligible voting population in the country, at about 4.8 million residents, according to a study from the Pew Research Center. But in 2012, just 39 percent of eligible Hispanic voters cast a ballot, according to a report from the polling company Latino Decisions.

To help overcome this deficit, participating taco trucks were outfitted with blue posters reading "Registrate Y Vota," voter registration forms, as well as custom made pamphlets in both English and Spanish explaining how to register.

Carlos Duarte, the state director for Mi Familia Vota Texas, said the effort also has a secondary purpose of changing public views on the Latino community.

"Latino immigrants, and Mexican immigrants in particular, not only contribute with their gastronomy - their food - but we also contribute with our work, and we also contribute with our civic engagement," Duarte said. "We are also trying to change the perception that the Latino community is not engaged."

Republicans upbeat

And while Hispanic populations tend to skew Democratic, GOP leaders in Harris County said they are optimistic about turnout and focused on getting out the vote.

"It is clear to me and others that Republicans are motivated and working to keep Harris County Republican," said Paul Simpson, the county's party chairman. "Our volunteers have already made hundreds of thousands of calls and knocked on thousands of additional doors. We will be busy turning out Republicans throughout early voting and up until the polls close on Election Day."
The vast majority of interactions between police officers and civilians end routinely, with no one injured, no one aggrieved and no one making the headlines. But when force is used, a new study has found, the race of the person being stopped by officers is significant.

The study of thousands of use-of-force episodes from police departments across the nation has concluded what many people have long thought, but which could not be proved because of a lack of data: African-Americans are far more likely than whites and other groups to be the victims of use of force by the police, even when racial disparities in crime are taken into account.
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WASHINGTON - Congress on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to override a veto by President Barack Obama for the first time, passing into law a bill that would allow the families of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to sue Saudi Arabia for any role in the plot.

Democrats in large numbers joined with Republicans to deliver a remarkable rebuke to the president. The 97-1 vote in the Senate and the 348-77 vote in the House displayed the enduring power of the Sept. 11 families in Washington and the diminishing influence here of the Saudi government.

The new law, enacted over the fierce objections of the White House, immediately alters the legal landscape. U.S. courts could seize Saudi assets to pay for any judgment obtained by the Sept. 11 families, while Saudi officials have warned they might need to sell off hundreds of billions of dollars in holdings in the United States to avoid such an outcome.

The override comes at an already freighted moment in America's relations with the kingdom. The Saudi government has vigorously denied that it played any role in the Sept. 11 attacks, and the commission investigating the attacks found "no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded the organization." But the commission left open the possibility that some Saudi officials may have played roles.

Obama angrily denounced the outcome, saying lawmakers had been swayed to cast a political vote for legislation that set a "dangerous precedent" with implications they did not understand and never debated.

"I think it was a mistake, and I understand why it happened," Obama said at a CNN town hall meeting with military personnel in Fort Lee, Va.

"It's an example of why sometimes, you have to do what's hard, and frankly, I wish Congress here had done what's hard. I didn't expect it, because if you're perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that's a hard vote for people to take. But it would have been the right thing to do."

Reservations raised

There were swift complications. Within hours of their vote, nearly 30 senators signed a letter expressing some reservations about the potential consequences of the law, including the prospect that the United States could face lawsuits in foreign courts "as a result of important military or intelligence activities."

The White House and some lawmakers were already plotting how they could weaken the law in the near future, although there was general pessimism Wednesday that Congress would agree to any changes. "You got to find consensus," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said after the vote. "Then you need a vehicle."

It is unclear whether the Saudis will make good on warnings that the kingdom could unload hundreds of billions of dollars worth of assets inside the United States, and some economists have said that such a selloff would do far more damage to Saudi Arabia's economy than America's.

But legal experts say there is cause for concern in Riyadh.

The law allows families of the Sept. 11 victims to alter ongoing lawsuits - or file new suits - to directly sue Saudi Arabia and to demand documents and other evidence. It amends a 1976 law that grants foreign countries broad immunity from U.S. lawsuits. Now, nations can be sued in federal court if they are found to have played any role in terrorist attacks that killed Americans on U.S. soil.

"From there, the ball goes squarely into the Obama administration's court," said Stephen Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law.

Intervention allowed

As Vladeck noted, a little-discussed provision of the bill allows the attorney general to intervene in the lawsuits and get a judge to stay any settlement as long as there are ongoing discussions with the Saudis about a possible resolution.

The provision was added over the summer to soften the legislation - preserving the executive branch's purview over foreign policy while still giving family members a path to sue.

At the same time, lawyers for the families will no doubt push for judges to carefully scrutinize any attempt by the attorney general to delay court proceedings.

"The families would of course expect that in the event the provision is invoked, that the courts exercise their inherent authority to assure good faith negotiations are in fact taking place and that the courts not simply rubber stamp executive branch requests for delay in resolution of their claims," said Allan Gerson, who is part of a team representing many of the Sept. 11 families.

Gerson filed the lawsuit against Libya on behalf of families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988.

In recent days, Obama, Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, all wrote letters to Congress warning of the dangers of overriding the veto.

John Brennan, the CIA director, released his own statement saying, "Any legislation that affects sovereign immunity should take into account the associated risks to our national security."

Allies split with Obama

Yet even most of Obama's strongest allies on Capitol Hill turned against him.

"This is a decision I do not take lightly," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., one of the authors of the legislation. "This bill is near and dear to my heart as a New Yorker, because it would allow the victims of 9/11 to pursue some small measure of justice, finally giving them a legal avenue to pursue foreign sponsors of the terrorist attack that took from them the lives of their loved ones."

Only one senator, Harry Reid, D-Nev., sided with the president.

The bill succeeded not with significant congressional debate or intense pressure from voters, but rather through the sheer will of the victims' families, who seized on the 15th anniversary of the attack and an election year to lean on members of Congress. That effort was aided by lawmakers' waning patience with the kingdom in recent years.

The Senate voted unanimously in May to pass the bill and send it to the House, but many lawmakers and White House officials believed the chamber would never take up the legislation.

Then this month, Speaker Paul Ryan, who had encountered families of the Sept. 11 victims at a fundraiser on Long Island, decided to put the bill on a fast track. The House voted overwhelmingly in favor, sending it to Obama's desk.

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., gave voice to the unusual ambivalence that many members of Congress have expressed since they passed the bill.

"I have tremendous concerns about the sovereign immunity procedures that would be set in place by the countries as a result of this vote," he said. Still, it was a vote he cast.
Houston-area residents urged state lawmakers pushing to cap property taxes to also scrutinize tax assessors and appraisal review boards during a legislative hearing Thursday.

More than 100 people gathered at the West Loop campus of Houston Community College to voice discontent over property taxes to the Texas Senate's Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief, a committee formed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and chaired by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, aimed at cutting property taxes. Past meetings have focused on capping the tax levies, but residents Thursday stressed the uphill battle they face when contesting their property assessments.

"I know too many taxpayers who have told me the reason they don't complain about their taxes is because they are afraid," said Doc Greene, a host and anchor for the web-based Raging Elephants Radio, who walked into the Harris County Appraisal District's office this week to take video of his confrontation with staff there before a security guard confiscated his phone and handcuffed him.

In Greene's case, he was contesting the $2,990 appraisal of his 17-year-old Honda van that had been valued at $1,200 a year ago, he said. Police later intervened and Greene was released.

"I'm so outraged by this, I don't even know what to say," said Bettencourt, a tax adviser and former Harris County tax assessor and collector who promised to propose legislation to address assessments in 2017.

City and county tax levies in Texas have increased in the last decade by 82 percent and 71 percent, respectively, but the median household income has increased by 29 percent, according to the Texas Comptroller's office.

Embarrassing situation

Roland Altinger, chief appraisal officer for Harris County Appraisal District, called Greene's altercation in his office a "major, major embarrassment," and said his office tries to remedy most appraisal disputes internally instead of pushing residents to fight them in front of the Appraisal Review Boards or the courts.

Harris County appraises about 1.7 million properties, with residents challenging about 350,000 of those, Altinger said. All but about 150,000 of those complaints are resolved informally, he said, and the rest are taken up by an appraisal review board; about 5,000 end up in state district court.

Attendees at Thursday's hearing chiefly complained about appraisal review boards, saying they were treated as though they were guilty until proven innocent for challenging their appraisals.

The special committee of state senators is nearing the end of its statewide property tax tour ahead of the 2017 legislative session, which begins in January. Lawmakers said they expect to publish a report on their findings by November and propose legislation in the coming year.

"I think down here today was more customer service more than anything else," said Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills. "When you have appointed officials instead of elected officials in charge of something, they kind of forget that their job is to serve the community and to serve the citizens that they're there for, and it seems that that is certainly missing. That appraisal review boards specifically are not really treating people with some dignity and respect."

He said he would like to see elected officials, instead of appointed ones, serve on the board or in appraisal offices.

Playing politics

Brent South, chief county appraiser for Hunt County and chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts, said adding elected officials to the offices could politically load the property tax assessment system.

"If the appraiser did their job properly, they probably wouldn't get reelected," he said.
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AUSTIN - Texas ninth-graders would be taught how to properly interact with police when they are stopped for traffic violations or if they are detained under a proposal announced Thursday by an influential state senator.

The announcement is the first of what is expected to be numerous bills be filed for the legislative session that begins in January to address citizen-police interactions as a way to de-escalate friction between law enforcement and various minority communities.

Senate Criminal Justice Committee Chairman John Whitmire, D-Houston, said his proposed legislation would require the Texas Education Agency to develop curriculum "in law enforcement duties and interaction."

If eventually approved by the Legislature, the law would be the first of its kind in Texas.

"There is no home team or visiting team. We must all come together to develop the best strategies to improve relations and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve," Whitmire said. "Increased training and education for both peace officers and our students will help foster positive relations and interactions."

Reaction to shootings

At the behest of state leaders, Whitmire said his committee has been studying law enforcement efforts to engage community leaders and increase their involvement in communities following protests in several cities across the country over the fatal shootings of black men by police officers.

As part of that, Whitmire said, his committee is studying the number of injuries inflicted or suffered by law enforcement officers. In addition, the committee is reviewing dangers to law enforcement officers, and the collection and distribution of threat assessment data.

The committee's next hearing on the issue is slated for Oct. 4.

School advocates and education groups had mixed reactions to the proposal. They noted that state-required driver training programs already instruct teenagers how to act when they are stopped by police for a traffic violation.

Clay Robison, a spokesman for the Texas State Teachers Association, said while the proposal sounds workable, the details will be important. Among those details is how the curriculum may differ from one area to another, if police agencies' procedures are different from one city to another.

"It sounds like it might have merit, and we'll look forward to seeing the bill," he said.

Tasha Rodriguez, a Pflugerville school-choice advocate who is African-American, said that while the idea sounds intriguing, "what's in the curriculum will make the difference.

"If this starts the conversation between communities of color and law enforcement, then good," the mother of three said. "But if the curriculum is one sided, then it may not make much difference. I support the police, but there needs to be dialogue between them and their community to relieve the tensions that are present in many cities."

'Not just show and tell'

Police groups contacted Thursday declined comment saying they wanted to see details of Whitmire's proposal first.

Whitmire said the goal of his proposal is to educate students on the proper way to interact with law enforcement.

"This is not just show and tell, it is the start of a serious discussion," he said. "It would probably be good for everyone in the state to take a course like this, but that probably can't happen."

He said the proposed curriculum could be different for rural areas of Texas than more diverse urban areas, but his plan is for it to be developed as a collaboration between school officials, community leaders and local law enforcement.

"Too often police encounters are ending in a tragedy, and that's what we want to stop," Whitmire said. "If you feel an officer does you wrong, you don't take it up with them out on the street, you take it up with an administrator. That's one of the things I think we'll teach."
From petty criminals to capital murder cases, criminal district judges have to strike a balance between prosecutors and defendants. That job isn't made easier in an underfunded and overcrowded criminal justice system ill-suited to handle the challenges of mental illness and the war on drugs. Voters should look for judges who can ran an efficient court while maintaining their compassion.

174th Criminal District Court:Hazel B. Jones

In this race to replace Judge Ruben Guerrero, voters should go with Democratic candidate Hazel B. Jones. The former criminal court judge has the necessary background to step onto the bench and administer justice without a learning curve. A Howard University School of Law graduate, Jones was elected to office in 2008 but lost her seat in 2012. She has also served as a federal and Harris County prosecutor, and now practices criminal defense law. Jones, 50, vows if reelected to be aggressive with respect to the use of personal recognizance bonds.

Her well-qualified Republican opponent, Katherine McDaniel, has worked for nearly two decades as an assistant district attorney in Harris County and currently serves as a chief prosecutor.

176th Criminal District Court:Stacey W. Bond

This first-term Republican judge was one of the most impressive judicial candidates that the Houston Chronicle editorial board met during this election cycle. Stacey W. Bond, a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, had a crystal clear vision of the problems facing the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, which often does more to punish the poor than the dangerous. Bond, 48, told us that she refuses to take drug cases where the only evidence is residue and that she works in the STAR drug courts to help divert people from jail and toward a productive life. Before her election 2012, Bond had worked as a prosecutor and as a white-collar defense attorney. She is also board certified in criminal law.

Her Democratic challenger, Nikita "Niki" Harmon, served for 14 years as associate municipal judge and said she's troubled by a court system where it looks like judges are allied with prosecutors.

177th Criminal District Court:Ryan Patrick

At age 37, Judge Ryan Patrick says that he's the youngest district court judge in Texas, and after four years on the bench he's developed a reputation as a fair and well-respected judge. A graduate of the Houston College of Law (formerly the South Texas College of Law), Patrick, a Republican, told the editorial board that the county needs to give more funding to pre-trial services so that fewer people have to wait behind bars. He's also a self-described "tech geek" and serves as chairman of the executive committee that oversees the Harris County Criminal Justice Center's management system. Although he is the son of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Patrick states that he's not interested in higher office. That's good news for Harris County voters, who should keep Patrick on the bench.

Robert Johnson, the Democratic challenger, has done criminal defense work for the last 13 years and makes an excellent point that the citizens of Harris County need a more diverse judiciary.

178th Criminal District Court:Kelli Johnson

As Judge David Mendoza steps down from this bench, voters should back Democratic candidate Kelli Johnson.

Johnson, 44, has been a Harris County assistant district attorney for 17 years, and over the past eight years she has served as felony chief prosecutor in the trial bureau. If elected, the Houston College of Law graduate promises to increase the use of personal recognizance bonds and speed up the appointment process for court-appointed lawyers. This single mother cites compassion as an absolute must in dealing with low-risk offenders, including those struggling with mental health and drug issues as well as veterans.

Phil Gommels, her Republican opponent, served our country for eight years as a combat medic. He worked for two years as a prosecutor and now serves as a defense attorney.

179th Criminal District Court:Kristin M. Guiney

Republican incumbent Kristin M. Guiney, 41, is an able jurist who deserves a second term. The University of Houston Law Center graduate is board certified in criminal law and enjoys overseeing her probation docket because it grants her an opportunity to witness lives transform. Guiney reports a gradual shift in the criminal courts toward rehabilitation, which she believes is appropriate.

Her Democratic opponent Randy Roll is the polyglot former judge of this court (he's fluent in five languages) who lost in 2012 after developing a reputation for poor judicial temperament.

Guiney mentioned it would be ideal if criminal justice reforms put both her and her opponent out of a job someday. Since that's not likely to happen any time soon, voters should elect Guiney to continue administering justice.

337th Criminal District Court:Renee Magee

When she met with the editorial board, first-term Judge Renee Magee, 57, made an argument for herself with two statistics: She said that she has the second-most cases in the courthouse but the lowest number of people in jail. The 21-year prosecutor accomplished this by focusing on drug rehabilitation, getting people off probation who don't need supervision and refusing to let prosecutors delay their cases. Magee, a Republican, is also one of the four mental health judges.

The former Olympic swimmer and University of Houston Law Center graduate practices a tough kind of compassion, especially in contrast to her opponent, former judge Herb Ritchie. The Democratic judge was unelected from this seat after allowing the docket to stack up in pursuit of better rehabilitation. We agree with Ritchie on his goals of more equitable justice, but Magee runs a better court.

338th Criminal District Court:Brock Thomas

It sometimes feels like the Houston Bar Association judicial qualification questionnaire tells you more about prosecutors' opinions than judicial performance.

Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that Brock Thomas received more "well qualified" votes than any other candidate for criminal district court. The University of Houston Law Center graduate, who was first elected in 2002, lost in 2008 and reelected in 2012, has a passion for criminal justice that is evident in his volunteer work. He's presided over a STAR drug court, now oversees a felony mental health docket and serves as vice chairman of the board of Mental Health America of Greater Houston. Thomas, who will be 48 on Election Day, was also an early adopter of random grand jury selection over the notorious pick-a-pal system. His Democratic opponent, Ramona Franklin, did not meet with the Houston Chronicle editorial board.

339th Criminal District Court:Maria T. (Terri) Jackson

In this hotly contested race, we endorse the Democratic sitting judge, Maria T. Jackson, over her court's former chief prosecutor, Mary McFaden, a Republican.

Both have had an inside seat as to the other's performance and neither candidate thinks highly of the other's abilities. After listening to both sides, we believe Jackson, 52, who has been on the bench since 2008, deserves another term. Jackson, a former municipal court judge, bond attorney and a certified mediator, has a reputation as a friendly and helpful judge. A graduate of Texas A&M School of Law, formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Jackson is proud that her empathic approach to the law has changed people's lives and cites stories of thank-you notes from offenders.

The well-qualified McFaden has spent 14 years as an assistant district attorney, most recently in charge of prosecuting crimes against the elderly.

351st Criminal District Court:Mark Kent Ellis

Although he has served on this bench for 20 years, Mark Kent Ellis has demonstrated a willingness to learn and evolve on the job that should earn him another term. During our screening, the Republican judge heralded the Michael Morton Act for improving the criminal justice system and ensuring that the defendants get needed material from discovery. The Houston College of Law graduate has used his institutional knowledge to compel change by instituting and continuing to improve the Harris County Mental Health Court, which works with people diagnosed with mental illness to assist them in completing probation.

Democratic challenger George Powell rightly decried some inequities of the current system, including the current bond system.
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Strong customer experience is key to building a loyal client base  and some do it better than others.

Market research company Forrester collected data from Canadians showing which companies do it best.

It published its 2016 Canada Customer Experience Index on Thursday, giving a glimpse to what brands provide the best service in sectors such as air travel, accommodation and more.

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Canada Customer Experience Index, 2016 See Gallery

Quebec telecommunications firm Videotron scored the highest of any brand in the survey, followed by lifestyle site Well.ca. The Fairmont hotel chain and Chapters/Indigo tied for third place.

Forrester said the key to customer service-fueled loyalty is emotion  or, specifically, "making customers feel appreciated, confident and respected."

The survey found 80 per cent of respondents would advocate for a brand "if they feel appreciated." Meanwhile, 70 per cent of respondents said they would be loyal to brand that appreciated them. This contrasts with 13 per cent who would stay if a company didn't value them as customers.

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Sixty-eight per cent of respondents who felt appreciated would also increase their spending with a particular company, Forrester found.

Porter flying high

Airlines ranked as respondents' least favourite industry; it was the only one to register a "poor" score.

Porter Airlines emerged as the highest-scoring airline in the survey, while United Airlines scored lowest.

Digital content-providing services were another low scoring industry, ranking in the "OK" range. Netflix earned a spot as respondents favourite service in this sector, while CraveTV was the least.

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Forrester conducted its research by surveying 74,379 Canadians aged 18 to 88 between March and June.

They looked at 193 brands in total and asked respondents about their interactions with select companies over the past year.

Only 53 companies saw their customer service scores change since last year's index.

Of those, 23 brands improved and 30 worsened. A dozen companies in the survey gained at least five points, while another 12 lost that many points.

Most trusted brands

Forrester's survey comes a week after the University of Victoria (UVic) unveiled its Gustavson Brand Trust Index.
Travelling sometimes calls for climbing aboard a plane, which can be a problem if you're afraid of flying.

But sometimes conquering your fears means jumping right into the front seat. No, we're not talking about flying first class (but the extra leg room doesn't hurt). We're talking about fastening your seatbelt and hopping into the cockpit.

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Neuroscientists and psychologists agree: one way to conquer your fears is to repeatedly force yourself to face them. The repeated exposure lowers your mental response to your phobia until it either disappears or becomes manageable.

But if that doesn't work, at least you'll have one heck of a view. Just ask "Like A Tourist" host Dan Rodo, as he and local Winnipeger Grant Calder team up with Harvs Air Flight Training to uncover a view of the city unlike any other.

That's where the two learned some of the key points to controlling a plane, and why the horizon is a pilot's best friend. For more on the lessons learned during their flight, check out the video above.

And for more on Winnipeg's cool hidden gems, head here.

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Ariel Winter is once again slamming the media for criticizing her body and wardrobe, calling the industry "disgusting."

In a new interview and photo shoot with Rogue Magazine, the 18-year-old "Modern Family" star, who has dealt with heavy criticism and body shamers over the past year, is speaking out against those who have faulted her for posting racy Instagram photos.

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Bitch betta have my money #rogue A photo posted by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Sep 28, 2016 at 12:07pm PDT

"It's called being a woman in the industry," the actress told Rogue magazine, according to E!, of the backlash and body shaming she's received. "It's complete sexism. It's really degrading, annoying, and sad that this is what the media puts out. It's disgusting to me."

However, since the premiere of "Modern Family" in 2009, Winter added that her early years in the spotlight have helped her deal with the criticism.

Rogue Magazine...thank you so much for the feature A photo posted by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Sep 27, 2016 at 12:58pm PDT

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"At this stage, you get sort of jaded after a certain period of time," she said. "I feel like I've been in the industry for so long that I have gotten to that point where people's comments and the exposure doesn't bother me as much."

A photo posted by Ariel Winter (@arielwinterh) on Sep 29, 2016 at 5:09am PDT

"It still bothers people when you get negative feedback for something, but it doesn't hit me as hard as it would somebody just entering the industry," she continued.

Ariel has established herself as a body positive activist this past year by silencing online haters with messages of love. In return, many fans have thanked Winter for her kind words and support, which she said inspires her.

Shhh #secretshoot #magazine #blonde #tb A photo posted by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Sep 7, 2016 at 10:12am PDT

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"Its somewhat life-changing in your mind when you walk down the street and somebody recognizes you as 'that girl from TV' or 'Alex, the girl with the glasses,' but its different than when someone comes up to you and says, 'Ariel Winter I love the things you say online' or 'I really love your character, its inspired me so much,'" she said. "Those are the things that really impact me that I love about the exposure I get. Then theres the other exposure that can be negative, regarding red carpets and the things that I wear."

 #summer A photo posted by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Aug 14, 2016 at 5:27pm PDT

"I've gone through a whole bunch of things, both in my personal life and my professional life and they've all contributed to where I am now and made me stronger," the young actress noted.

Keep doing you, Ariel.

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OTTAWA  Conservative leadership hopeful Kellie Leitch is acting "un-Canadian" and is "fear mongering" with her campaign to screen prospective immigrants for so-called Canadian values, says rival candidate Deepak Obhrai.

In a video launching his leadership campaign's website, the Calgary MP says the current debate over anti-Canadian values is also "anti-human rights."

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Without naming Leitch, who has made the proposal her campaign's central focus, Obhrai says the debate is "a very un-Canadian response to an issue, that in my opinion doesn't exist. The real threat to Canada is home-grown terrorist," Obhrai says.

Kellie Leitch arrives at the Conservative summer caucus retreat in Halifax on Sept. 13, 2016. (Photo: Andrew Vaughan/CP)

"That is where we should be spending our energy."

Obhrai, 66, is the longest serving Conservative MP, having been elected in Calgary first with the Reform party in 1997. His campaign slogan is: "The voice of experience."

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In his four-minute video, Obhrai says people who come to Canada are looking for the freedoms guaranteed under Canadian laws and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "The freedom to be free of all these so-called un-Canadian values that have been put forward," he says, as the video lists forced marriages, female mutilation, sex trafficking, sexual abuse, rape, and torture.

"They are running away from those and coming to our country," he said. "Women are coming to our country so they can be free of that oppression."

Mentions proposed tip line for barbaric cultural practices

Obhrai also takes aim at the Conservative party's electoral promise of an RCMP tip line for barbaric cultural practices  announced by Leitch during the campaign  saying it was one example of "where our misplaced priority was."

"There is no major crisis regarding barbaric practices, or so-called barbaric practices in this country, because we have laws and the freedom and protection," he says.

People need to pause and review Canada's history of turning back migrant boats and Jewish refugees, of imposing the Chinese head tax, interning Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, and "of course, the terrible tragedy of the residential school system, that arose from fear mongering.

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"It is important that we all work not to create any fear mongering here," he adds.

Canada is an example to the world of people of diverse background living peacefully together, Obhrai says.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we should be proud of our Canadian values which is to treat everyone equally, respectfully."

Leitch campaign blasts Scheer as 'out-of-touch elite'

Obhrai's video comes on the heels of a Leitch fundraising email sent by her campaign manager Nick Kouvalis Thursday, stating: "Conservatives shouldn't attack Conservatives."

Kouvalis was responding to another leadership candidate, Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer, who announced his bid in Ottawa Wednesday at the National Press Theatre. When asked about Leitch's plan, Scheer said he didn't think it was practical or preferable to "police what's going on in people's minds."

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Canada should focus on screening for security threats and newcomers, and be engaged in a discussion about what makes Canada great, Scheer told reporters, listing: our common-law tradition, Westminster parliamentary system, and the fundamental principles of equality.

Kouvalis labelled Scheer an "out-of-touch elite" and claimed he had attacked Leitch for her views.

Andrew Scheer, joined by MPs who support him and his wife Jill, speaks to media in Ottawa on Sept. 28, 2016. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/CP)

"What makes this one more amusing is that it was from a 'Conservative'... Announcing their desire to lead our grassroots Party from that great grassroots holy of holies... the National Press Theatre," Kouvalis wrote in the email.

Kouvalis, incredulously unable to understand why a Tory leadership candidate would want to speak to reporters in a location designed to hold press conferences, said it should come as no surprise that Scheer would pander to the "whinging media hordes by attacking Kellie and her view," which he also states is "the view of the vast majority of our members" and the vast majority of Canadians.

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Obhrai wants to bring 'inclusiveness' back

In an email to his supporters, Obhrai said he hoped to shake up the Conservative establishment and bring "inclusiveness back into our party."

Without naming her, he suggested Leitch's proposal is having a negative impact on the party.

Obhrai spent many years campaigning for the Tories in ethnic communities. He was also a vocal opponent of his government's plan to strip dual citizens of their Canadian citizenship if they were convicted of terrorism.

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Leave it up to the ever-so-fashionable Kate Middleton to wear the perfect playdate outfit.

For day six of the Royal Tour of Canada, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were the guests of honour at a children's party at Government House in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday afternoon, and from what we could see, it was an adorable affair.

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Wearing a $460 See by Chloe cream Pointelle-knit cotton-blend dress which she paired with an Acne leather belt and Monsoon Fleur wedges, Catherine looked elegant and chic in her all white look as she chased around her balloon-loving children.

Look at Prince George & Princess Charlotte have a go with the balloons!! @SkyNews#RoyalVisitCanadahttps://t.co/AnS8dPyE1d  British Royals (@britishroyals) September 29, 2016

The gorgeous dress featured a frilled neckline and sleeves, as well as an intricate lace bodice.

Pinning back her signature loose curls, the 34-year-old kept her makeup minimal with a blushed cheek, nude lip and dark lined eye.

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This was a winning look for the Duchess considering she wore ALL WHITE to a CHILDREN'S PARTY that had a PETTING ZOO (bunnies, dogs and bubbles, oh my!). In true princess fashion, Kate left the party without a single scuff on her dress, which is truly a miracle in itself.

The Duchess of Cambridge bends down to pet Moose, a Therapy Dog from St. John Ambulance. #RoyalVisitCanadapic.twitter.com/hXdExqCLqE  Brian J.J. Cole (@BrianJJCole) September 29, 2016

Catherine's Canadian Royal Tour wardrobe has been a hit so far, donning pieces from Alexander McQueen, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Canadian luxury brand, Sentaler.

For more photos from the Royal Tour of Canada, check out the gallery below:

Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Royal Visit To Canada 2016 See Gallery

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It was a proud moment for the Canadian fashion world on Wednesday when Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge donned Canadian label (and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau-fave) Sentaler during her last day in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Kate Middleton was spotted wearing Sentaler's signature ribbed sleeve alpaca coat in gull grey while meeting with mountain bikers alongside husband, Prince William, on day five of their royal tour in Canada. The $1,195 jacket was not immune to the "Kate Middleton effect," selling out immediately, with pre-orders shipping February 2017.

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The 34-year-old mother of Prince George and Princess Charlotte paired her wrap coat with dark wash jeans and her trusty cowboy boots, which she wore to the Calgary Stampede back in 2011. Her hair was pulled back into a chic chignon, showing off her earrings by Canadian designer, Shelley Silversmith.

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Of the duchess wearing her designs, Sentaler designer and creative director, Bojana Sentaler, said she was "honoured" that Catherine chose to wear Sentaler on her Canadian tour.

"From a few years ago, I had wished that the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, wears a Sentaler coat one day. Yesterday that wish came true and I couldnt be happier," Sentaler told HuffPost Canada Style.

"The best part is that it happened organically and I was thrilled when I saw her wearing not only a Sentaler coat, but the signature Sentaler coat with ribbed sleeves, what my brand is known for. She looked so graceful and elegant!

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Sentaler told the Telegraph she also realizes the effect people in the public eye, including the duchess and Gregoire Trudeau, have on her sales and brand awareness.

The #SENTALER signature ribbed sleeve wrap coat that Kate Middleton wore during the Royal Canadian Tour! #KateMiddleton #DutchessOfCambridge #Sentaler #RibbedSleeve #RoyalCanadianTour #Canadian A photo posted by Canadian Luxury Outerwear (@sentaler) on Sep 28, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT

"Being in the business of fashion, especially in Canada, I can tell you that it is challenging to build international awareness in such a competitive market place," Sentaler admitted to the Telegraph. "The Duchess and Sophie are both the epitome of influence and can excel the growth of a brand exponentially by simply wearing a piece from their collection."

Wearing Sentaler wasn't the only clever nod Kate gave to Canada on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, she wore a House of Herrera coat in Canada's flag colour, red.

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For more photos from the Royal Tour of Canada, check out the gallery below:

Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Royal Visit To Canada 2016 See Gallery
"I can't imagine anything a black man would want to be more right now than bulletproof."

So says Mike Colter, the star of new Netflix series "Marvel's Luke Cage." It's not only the comic book company's first black-led onscreen property  the character, who first appeared as a love interest in Netflix sister series "Jessica Jones," arrives two years before the "Black Panther" film  it's also Marvel's most political effort yet.

Luke Cage, after all, is a bulletproof black man in a hoodie. That is all you need to be political in the age of Black Lives Matter.

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"It's a nod to Trayvon, no question," says Colter. "Trayvon Martin and people like him. People like Jordan Davis, a kid who was shot because of the perception that he was a danger. When you're a black man in a hoodie all of a sudden you're a criminal."

"That's something we shouldn't have to deal with, but we do. It's a double standard. We can't cover our head when it's cold and raining because God forbid someone sees us and puts our life in danger. We wanted to pay homage to that  it's not something we were shying away from."

"Luke Cage" is the most timely TV series since the "Battlestar Galactica" reboot took on the war on terror in the wake of 9-11. In fact, it's more timely today than when I interviewed Colter a couple weeks ago, before the police shootings of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and of Keith Scott in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Not to mention the show itself was made more than a year ago.

"When we were filming this, there were different things going on," recalls Colter. "Eric Garner, the policemen were acquitted. No one was brought to justice. There was no handing out of any sentence. There are a couple other things that happened during the time we were filming. We were watching the news and it was always someone being shot who was unarmed, and there is no justification for it. It's mind-boggling."

Black Lives Matter See Gallery

"The writers aren't immune to the society that they live in, they are acutely aware and I'm sure it helped inspire them," he adds.

"The show isn't just Black Lives Matter, that's not what the whole show is about. That being said, it will strike a chord with some people because you can't help not think about it. The people who are watching will tell us what having a bulletproof black man means to them."

Collter is correct that "Luke Cage" isn't just about Black Lives Matter. The character, who gained his super powers of strength and invulnerability while being victimized by the American correctional system, dates all the way back to 1972. Unfortunately, the status quo from 44 years ago remains painfully familiar.

"The people who are watching will tell us what having a bulletproof black man means to them."

"This has always been going on, the only difference is that now we have camera phones. People are just more aware of it," Colter says. "I don't think Luke Cage as a superhero is something that has changed dramatically from the '70s to now. He's a black man going through the same thing as other people of colour, it's just that he has superpowers."

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His comic book origin story, slightly tweaked for the Netflix series, is that he was Harlem gang member-gone-straight Carl Lucas. Framed for heroin possession and sent to Seagate prison, he was tortured by a sadistic guard and experimented on by a prison doctor. After a scientific experiment gone awry, he gained powers, escaped prison, adopted the alias Luke Cage and became a "hero for hire" named Power Man because, unlike his white peers, he was dead broke.

Cage arrived in the wake of the civil rights era and though preceded by a pair of Stan Lee creations  African king Black Panther in 1966 and Captain America sidekick Falcon in 1969  he was the first black superhero to star in his own title. That was thanks to the commercial clout of the then-popular Blaxploitation film genre.

"It's 1972. 'Shaft' is out. 'Superfly' is on the verge of coming out. Fred Williams is making 'Black Caesar.' So they said 'why don't we try that in a Marvel context with Luke Cage,''" says showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker, who previously won a NAACP Image Award for writing the gritty cop drama "Southland."

"A lot of those movies were about black men taking on the system because what would happen in real life was that being a forthright black man was considered a threat  in some cases still is."

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To fit this mould, Luke Cage wore a mostly open, bright yellow shirt with a belt literally made out of a chain and he'd spout catchphrases like "Sweet Christmas!" But Coker notes that the power of Power Man came from the fact that for the first time he wasn't a sidekick, comic relief or "the magical negro."

He was the lead, and he was a badass.

Cage has been a consistent presence in comics for the past four decades  teaming up with martial artist Iron Fist (who will also be getting his own Netflix series), having a baby with Jessica Jones and joining the Avengers  and is no longer an outlier on the printed page.

Superhero diversity has become a huge priority for Marvel's comic book division. Sam Wilson, a.k.a. the Falcon, is now Captain America and half-black, half-Hispanic Miles Morales is Spider-Man while the Hulk is Korean-American, Hawkeye and Wolverine are both now female characters and Ms. Marvel is a Muslim teen named Kamala Khan.

But that diversity has had a harder time making it on screen, which is why Cage finds himself once again in a pioneering position. In other words, then as now, Luke Cage not only has to bear the Spider-Man lesson that with great power comes great responsibility, Coker says he also has "the responsibility of putting the community on your shoulders."

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"When the bullets bounce off Superman there is no social context because the Kryptonian alien is bulletproof. But when you have a black person with impenetrable skin and have a bullet bounce off, whether that's a criminal bullet or a police bullet, it adds a whole other swath of political overtures to that interaction," Coker says.

And not for the first time, either. Coker points out that it has always been Marvel's m.o., "to help people understand what is happening in society through the context of superheroes and super powers, and make these conversations easier."

He mentions how the conversations and perspectives of Charles Xavier and Magneto in the X-Men was intended to get people thinking of the differing approaches of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, not to mention making Magneto a Holocaust survivor to add a "never again" element to his distrust of the system.

More recently, Marvel's "Civil War" storyline balancing privacy and security was inspired by the post-9/11 Patriot Act.

"Comic books are a very natural teaching instrument," he says. "What's been happening makes the show and the character socially relevant. I wish that it was played out, I wish there wasn't such a rash of these incidents where all of a sudden having a bulletproof black man is the centre of all these things because trust me, we don't deal with these things as a means to market the show."

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But the series  which features the wrongfully convicted Cage on the streets of Harlem taking on criminal kingpins (Mahershala Ali's Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes) and shady politicians (Alfre Woodard's Mariah Dillard) as well as corrupt cops  is not running away from the subtext.

Mahershala Ali as Cottonmouth and Alfre Woodard as Mariah Dillard.

"It was important to me, as the father of two black sons, to have a black man in a hoodie and have them not be a threat," Coker says, but he also says that the show would be the same even if Black Lives Matter protests weren't roiling in the streets.

"Black art has always tried to prove that black lives matter. Langston Hughes. James Baldwin. Richard Wright. Ralph Ellison. It's always been about showing our humanity, showing that we exist, that our perspectives are important. Calling it a Black Lives Matter show erases the context that all black art, from the very beginning, from the evolution of the blues, has been about showing that our lives are equal and beautiful. The show is the personification of that. It's not a hashtag."

"And, " he adds, "I just wanted it to be cool, man. It's not a polemic. Public Enemy is political but their records don't work if they're not funky."

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"Marvel's Luke Cage" is definitely funky, or rather, jazzy. Though Coker was a former hip-hop journalist and episodes are named after Gang Starr songs, the show takes a film noir approach and the musicians that appear onstage in the villain's nightclub are retro-soul artists like Raphael Saadiq and Charles Bradley. These artistic choices give the show a timeless, slightly fantastical feel, despite its street-level grit.

And Cage, as played by Colter, is a magnificent presence whether on the streets, in the barbershop or behind bars. Though violent when the situation calls for it, he's a calm, romantic, intelligent and powerful community defender that will provide black viewers with the same sort of superheroic role model that their white peers have always enjoyed.

Colter was a fan of Spider-Man and the Hulk when growing up, and says he didn't really notice that none of the heroes looked like him. But times have changed.

"The black community wants to buy things, and want to see themselves portrayed in a certain way. And if they don't like what they see then they won't spend their money," he says. "Everyone's not gonna always relate to Captain America, everyone is not going to always relate to Thor. A lot of characters just don't speak to them. So what characters do speak to them?"

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Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Pop ("The Wire" star Frankie Faison) chilling outside the barbershop.

Coker, who grew up as a Wolverine fan, sees this issue from the same angle.

"Not being white has never prevented me from enjoying Luke Skywalker or Han Solo. These are heroes of mine. But at the same time when it comes from your experience it has a certain power to it," he says.

"I remember when my kids first saw the 'Captain America: Winter Soldier' trailer, and that moment with Anthony Mackie [The Falcon] when he jumps up and spread his wings for the first time, just the power of it. Their eyes lit up. I'll never forget it. What is it like for young black kids, from an imagination standpoint, to see people who look like them doing important things?"

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OTTAWA  Plastic toys in your McDonalds Happy Meal will be gone for good if a Conservative senator gets her way.

Contests, games, and fun surprises in the cereal boxes that marked your childhood will also be banned.

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A McDonald's Happy Meal is shown on Nov. 3, 2010 in Toronto. (Photo: Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail via CP)

These are necessary actions to limit obesity rates and encourage healthy living, says B.C. senator Nancy Greene Raine, a former Olympic athlete.

Earlier this week, Greene Raine introduced Bill S-228, the Child Health Protection Act, in the Senate. Her bill prohibits marketing techniques aimed at getting kids under 13 to eat foods that are too salty, too sweet or too fatty.

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No more cartoon characters or bright colours that catch the eye. The aim is to make packaging as plain as possible to prevent children from demanding one brand over another, she said.

Current laws are too lax and put parents in an impossible position when they go to the grocery store with their young ones, Greene Raine told The Huffington Post Quebec.

'It's tough to be a parent today'

"Parents want to do the right thing for their kids but they also give in to the children and you can't blame them because the kids are pestering them for, you know, 'I want this, I want this, everybody else has it why can't I have it?'"

"It's tough to be a parent today, and I think a law like this supports parents," she added.

Greene Raine has been pushing nutrition and healthy living since she arrived in the Senate in 2009. Two years ago, her bill to establish the first Saturday in June as Canadas National Health and Fitness Day passed unanimously in both chambers.

Now, she has her sights set on curbing the steady rise of childhood obesity across the country  rates that have tripled since 1980.

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Olympic mascot Quatchi looks on as Sen. Nancy Greene Raine addresses the media in Vancouver on Jan. 15, 2010. (Photo: Jonathan Hayward/CP)

"Obesity is a crisis. Increasingly, young people take on too much weight, and it continues throughout life. When they get to 30 or 40 years, they have diseases they would not have if they had an active and healthy life," she said.

Overweight and obese children are at increased risk of developing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint problems, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers, her bill notes. Being overweight also affects childrens mental health, and obesity can be very difficult to reverse.

The World Health Organization identified the marketing of unhealthy foods and sugar-sweetened beverages as factor in childhood obesity rates and countries such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway have already adopted restrictions aimed at changing consumption preferences.

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Quebec is the only province currently to prohibit advertising to children under 13 years. But the Consumer Protection Act was adopted in 1980, Greene Raine noted, and with technological advances, it becomes increasingly easy to circumvent the rules.

Health Minister Jane Philpott is shown on Parliament Hil on Sept. 27, 2016 in Ottawa. (Photo: Justin Tang/CP)

Health Minister Jane Philpotts office said it is reviewing Greene Raines bill and will outline the government's position "in due course."

The senator, however, feels pretty confident her bill will become law. Philpott has already encouraged her to pursue her efforts, Greene Raine said.

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In Philpott's mandate letter from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she is asked to promote public health by "introducing new restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, similar to those now in place in Quebec."

She is also asked to bringing in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and to reduce salt in processed foods, and to improve food labels by giving more information on added sugars and artificial dyes in processed foods.

Expecting a fight from food industry

While Greene Raine expects a smooth ride in Parliament, she noted that she expects a fight from the food, beverage and advertising industry.

"There is a lot of money spent advertising to kids and all of a sudden that is not going to be allowed," she said. While companies might cite freedom of expression, the senator pointed out Canada has already restricted advertising on cigarettes and alcohol.

"There is no reason why we cant do this as well," she said.

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17 Fast Food Items We Wish We Had In Canada See Gallery
Note: This article has been updated.

Phyllis Webstad was six-years-old when the new orange shirt she excitedly chose for her first day of school was stripped off her back. She never saw it again.

It was the early 70s and Webstad was the third generation of her family to attend St. Josephs Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C. Most people knew it as The Mission.

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She was a kid. She didnt know that merely being born an indigenous child surrendered her to an education system designed to break down her identity.

A childhood photo of Phyllis Webstad.

The colour orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didnt matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing, she said in a statement. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.

From the 1880s until the last school shut down in 1996, Canadas residential school system forced about 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis children to attend church-run facilities that aimed to take the Indian out of the child.

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The students faced widespread neglect and abuse in the schools, which was examined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that released a report with 94 recommendations earlier this year.

It took Webstad 40 years to find a way to re-frame her experience to fight racism and bullying under the motto every child matters  and by using orange.

Facebook Orange Shirt Day began on Sept. 30, 2013.

On Sept. 30, 2013, Webstad organized the first Orange Shirt Day in Williams Lake to acknowledge the harm that Canadas residential school system has left in generations of indigenous families and their communities.

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And every year on Sept. 30, Canadians are asked to wear orange as a sign of support.

When I was in school, I didnt know my own history, Webstad explained in a video.
When parents have a night away from their kids, they usually don't care where they bunk  they're just grateful for the quiet.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may have felt the same way, but that didn't stop British media from buzzing about the fact that they opted for a modest hotel for their visit to the Yukon.

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Will and Kate spent Wednesday touring the capital Whitehorse and the community of Carcross, according to Global News.

When they arrived on Tuesday evening, the royal couple stayed at the Coast High Country Inn, a Whitehorse hotel that has three stars on Expedia and four on TripAdvisor.

That night was their only one away from Prince George and Princess Charlotte during their Canadian tour. The children stayed back at Government House in Victoria.

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The Coast High Country Inn has a giant carved statue of a Mountie in front, and offers a variety of room options, including suites with jacuzzis and fireplaces.

The Coast High Country Inn in Whitehorse, Yukon, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent Tuesday night. (Photo: Coast Hotels)

It also has a large casual restaurant called The Deck, which serves up "rustic" food and apparently boasts one of the largest outdoor patios in Whitehorse.

According to the Telegraph, Will and Kate bunked in the spiffiest room they offer, which includes a king-sized bed, a jacuzzi and a fireplace.

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A night in the room usually costs between $128 and $153 during the fall and winter months, but since Canadians are footing the bill for Will and Kate's Canadian trip, their stay was free of charge.

The Premium King Jacuzzi Room with Fireplace, the best room the Coast High Country Inn offers. (Photos: Coast Hotels)

Reviews of the inn were mostly positive on both Expedia and TripAdvisor, but some were mixed  "average at best," wrote one Australian guest.

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Some complained about the size and cleanliness of the rooms, mold and lack of ventilation in the bathrooms and lack of air conditioning.

Others reported dicey service at the inn's restaurant.

Ron H wrote on TripAdvisor that it was "blatantly obvious" that waitresses and cooks were smoking marijuana out by the dumpster, something he blamed for "all the mistakes" they made with his orders.

The Deck, the Coast High Country Inn's restaurant, which it says boasts one of the largest outdoor patios in Whitehorse. (Photo: Coast Hotels)

But while we're sure that the staff at the hotel went to great lengths to make sure every aspect was up to the royals' standards, British news outlets could not get over where they opted to stay.

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"Kate and Wills opt for three-star hotel where visitors have complained of yellow water and tiny rooms," the Sun headlined their story.

"Kate and Wills get one night off from the kids on Canada tour... but opt for a 95 'rustic' hotel," the Daily Mail wrote.

"A 'great place to stay' or 'dirty' with 'horrible service' and 'stale' rooms? Opinions are divided," wrote the Telegraph.

If Will and Kate did have a horrible night's sleep, it didn't show Wednesday.

The couple toured the MacBride Museum of Yukon History in Whitehorse, then strolled through the streets of downtown for a community festival, according to CBC News.

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Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, leave the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, Whitehorse, Yukon on Sept. 28. (Photo: REX/Shutterstock)

William spent several minutes chatting with a First Nations artist who carved a wooden mask that included flowing black hair.

The history of the region played a major role in the royal couple's visit to Yukon, known as the Land of Gold.

At Carcross, a community ringed by snow-capped mountains about 70 kilometres south of Whitehorse, William and Kate climbed aboard a restored steam locomotive that dates back to the era of the Yukon Gold Rush.

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Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is hugged by a local as she visits Montana mountain in Carcross on Sept. 28 in Whitehorse, Yukon. (Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

They were also entertained by First Nations dancers wearing colourful regalia and furs, were taken to an alpine meadow high above Carcross, and met those involved in the Single Track to Success program at a snow-covered Montana Mountain. The program has created an extensive network of mountain bike trails and taught young people the skills they needed to build trails.

With files from The Canadian Press.

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Secretary Clinton landed many zingers during the first debate, but perhaps the most memorable exchange came when she raised the omnipresent issue of Trumps refusal to hand over his taxes.

I have no reason to believe that he's ever going to release his tax returns, because there's something he's hiding. And we'll guess. We'll keep guessing at what it might be that he's hiding. But I think the question is, were he ever to get near the White House, what would be those conflicts? Who does he owe money to?

Theres a clear, insidious answer. Throughout this election, Trump has repeatedly cast himself as an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His relationship with the Russian government is unconventional, to say the least.

For instance, consider his choice of staffers. Paul Manafort worked for Viktor Yanukovychs campaign in Ukraine between 2004 and 2010. Yanukovych ended his tenure in Ukraine wanted for mass murder, and Manafort went home to eventually work for Trump. However, the controversies blanketing Manafort ended his run with the GOP frontrunner once it was revealed he was secretly taking millions of dollars in off-the-book payments from pro-Russia political groups.

This week, Carter Page stepped down as Trumps foreign policy advisor under similar circumstances. As a foreign policy advisor, one should be free of any perceived biases. Nobody must have relayed the message to the Trump campaign, as Page has been intimately involved with Russian energy and politics since the early 2000s. Page lived in Moscow, working in the energy sector and brokering deals with Russias state-run energy giant, Gazprom. Putin personally owns 4.5 per cent of Gazprom, while the Russian government he helms owns 50 per cent of it. Carter Page has his own wealth invested in Gazprom and attends the annual investor meetings.

Before Pages resignation on Monday, Yahoo reported that U.S. intelligence officers were looking into Pages connections in Moscow after he flew there shortly before the RNC convention in Cleveland.

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TheWashington Post reports that while in Russia, Page met with some suspicious friends, although he has denied these allegations:

The U.S. government had received intelligence reports that Page met with Igor Sechin, a friend of Vladimir Putin who runs Russian oil giant Rosneft, and Igor Diveykin, a high-ranking Russian intelligence official.

Secret meetings aside, Page gave a speech while in Moscow that casts a shadow over Trumps energy policy:

In exchange for sanctions relief, Page said, American companies might be invited to partner with Russian firms to exploit Russias oil and gas fields.

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This, apparently, prompted a response from U.S. Intelligence officers. Its on our radar screen, said one official to Yahoo, regarding about Pages contacts with Russian officials. Page resigned shortly after.

When Trumps top advisors have this much invested in foreign oil conglomerates, is it any surprise that Trump isnt interested in clean energy? And since Trump is steadfast in his decision to be the first Presidential candidate since Richard Nixon to refuse to release his taxes, what exactly are his personal interests?

While Page was stepping down, Clinton was embracing renewable energy at Hofstra University. Clean and renewable energy came up within minutes of her opening remarks. Later on, she doubled down with this:

Clinton: Take clean energy. Some country is going to be the clean energy superpower of the 21st century. Donald thinks that climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. I think it's real. Trump: I did not. I did not. I do not say that. Clinton: I think science is real. Trump: I do not say that.

Imma let you finish but 

The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2012

This very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bullshit has got to stop. Our planet is freezing, record low temps,and our GW scientists are stuck in ice  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2014

Any and all weather events are used by the GLOBAL WARMING HOAXSTERS to justify higher taxes to save our planet! They don't believe it $$$$!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2014

Clinton is absolutely right. There will be a clean energy superpower, and if we play our cards right, were the first in line.

Although Trump lamented the disintegration of the automotive industry along the Rust Belt, the traditional gas-guzzling motor industry isnt coming back. Oil is on its last legs  according to BP, we have 52 years of global supplies left. The future will rely on homegrown renewable energy that doesnt require Americas dependence on unstable regions (that also fund terrorist groups like ISIL) or engage in destructive environmental practices. The future, as Clinton said, is clean, renewable energy that is manufactured in America and provides jobs for Americans.

Hypothetically speaking, if Trump did have a special relationship with Putin, the last thing Putin wants to see is a clean energy superpower  especially if its American. Sixty-three per cent of Russias exports are oil and gas. China, by the way, is one of Gazproms biggest customers. China recently loaned Gazprom $2.8 billion loan from Bank of China to secure the exportation of oil through Siberia.

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Putin has made his thoughts on alternative energy sources abundantly clear. He favours nuclear power over renewables, stating the following:

Nuclear power generation is the only available alternative to oil and gas today. These projects exist. They are viable alternatives. All other ideas are just for fun.

Its almost as if it were spoken by Trump himself.

Russia has already has exerted far too much power in this election. Putins potential influence on a Trump administration cannot be ignored. And while Trumps tax returns are filed under lock and key, we simply do not know whose interests he is protecting. But its unlikely to be those of the American people.

This article was originally published on Green Future.

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When we last left the subject of Senate reform, it was mid-June and the Senate had passed after much discussion the government's Bill C-14, the medically assisted dying bill. There was thorough study of this bill in the Senate and the version sent back to the House of Commons was much amended, substituting wording from the Supreme Court of Canada decision in the Carter case for the more restrictive version contained in the government's bill.

The government, while accepting a couple of what could be referred to as important but housekeeping-related amendments from the Senate, insisted on its original wording and sent the bill back, where it was passed by a Senate that did not insist on its amendments. What was remarkable about the deliberations in the Senate was that opinions advanced across party lines and the independent Senators, newly appointed and otherwise, offered differing opinions on various clauses.

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Picking up on the theme of an independent Senate, in the last 10 days there have been two studies that build on this notion of independence. The Public Policy Forum released a study by two retired Senators, Michael Kirby and Hugh Segal, entitled "A House Undivided: Making Senate Independence Work," and Conservative Senator Stephen Greene with Christopher Reed's jointly authored a paper entitled "The Senate's Brave New Reality" (which the Senator intends to table in the Senate). It will be remembered that Senator Greene, along with Senator Paul Massicotte, convened a three-day conference attended by over 40 Senators last fall on modernization of the Senate.

Trudeau, by only appointing independent and non-partisan Senators, has blurred the line between government and opposition.

The two papers are in fact quite complementary. Kirby and Segal deal predominantly with changes that need to be made to the Senate Rules and Standing Orders to facilitate the operation of an independent Senate as well as means by which disputes with the Commons may be resolved. Greene and Reed deal with what could be termed the big picture of Senate reform -- how it moves the Senate away from the Westminster Parliamentary system, concluding there will soon be no clear delineation between government and opposition.

The Kirby-Segal paper recommends a number of practical steps that, if adopted, would contribute positively to the functioning of this new independent Senate. The Rules of the Senate need to be completely revised to accommodate the participation of independent Senators in both the Chamber and committee. The Senate should be organized around regional caucuses, and I would add that seating in the Chamber be organized by region.

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To further reinforce independence, the Speaker should be chosen by secret ballot and chairs of standing committees be selected by the committee membership. Question period is to be organized around three purposes: "questioning of committee chairs; questioning of the Government Representative in the Senate on plans for government legislation; and the new weekly practice of weekly questioning of invited government ministers, as designated by the Senate."

The authors are concerned about the independent Senate becoming a rival to the House of Commons, and so they recommend that conferences be held between the two Houses in case of deadlock with equal numbers from both the Senate and House. Also there should be a legislated limitation of the Senate's absolute veto so that it becomes a six-month suspensive veto. A suspensive veto is not a new idea, as it was contained in most of the Senate reform committee reports in the 1980s and early 1990s.

The authors' concern regarding a deadlock is probably well-placed. However, the joint conference proposal probably has more legs than the adoption of a suspensive veto. Hard to see a group of newly minted, independent Senators limiting their own power -- at least in the short term.

Senator Greene and Christopher Reed discuss the evolution of change in the Senate from the early Harper years through to the present all in the context of the demise of the Westminster system in the Senate and then predict what this means for the future. They note that removal of the position of government leader in the Senate from cabinet by Harper in effect denied the Senate a role in questioning the government, "breaking a link between the government and the Senate."

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At the time in 2014, Liberal Senators were expelled from the national parliamentary caucus by Justin Trudeau. They make the point that government and opposition caucuses are integral for the effective functioning of the Westminster system. Next came the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada on the Senate Reference case and the fact that the court adopted the framers of the constitution vision of an independent Senate.

Trudeau, by only appointing independent and non-partisan Senators, has blurred the line between government and opposition. Even the Government Representative in the Senate does not identify with the governing party. The authors state categorically that "the death of the Westminster system in the Senate of Canada is not to be mourned; it should be celebrated for the revolution it begins." They say that "only the Senate will remain to give apolitical and non-partisan study to legislation." They also recognize the important regional and representation of minorities role that the Senate fulfills.

Looking to the future, Greene and Reed are on much the same page as Kirby and Segal, proposing that caucuses will not disappear; rather, there will be groupings of like-minded people and, of course, this could include regional caucuses. They are more optimistic than Kirby and Segal, believing that while there is potential for legislative paralysis, it is unlikely to happen. Greene and Reed believe fundamentally that partisan leanings must be put aside and that will result in improved legislation and good public policy.

The next stage in Senate reform will come with the release of the report of the Special Senate Committee on Senate Modernization next week, and with the appointment of 20 independent Senators shortly.

Senate reform would seem to be securely set on an independent track, but it will be interesting to see if the days of partisanship return upon the appearance of an issue which divides the country; only time and events will tell.

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Chris Jackson via Getty Images CARCROSS, BC - SEPTEMBER 28: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge watch a cultural welcome in Carcross during the Royal Tour of Canada on September 28, 2016 in Carcross, Canada. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte are visiting Canada as part of an eight day visit to the country taking in areas such as Bella Bella, Whitehorse and Kelowna (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

In case you hadn't heard, this week Canada is playing host to the youngest brood of British royals, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, 3-year-old Prince George and 16-month-old Princess Charlotte.

For Will and Kate's second royal tour in Canada, which began on Sept. 24 and will run through Oct. 1, the focus of their itinerary will be on the western half of the country. For their last visit in the summer of 2011 -- a more romantic Canadian trip for the newlywed couple, long before babies Georgie and Charlotte came along -- the royal couple's official itinerary kept them mostly in Eastern Canada. For this visit, the royal family will visit British Columbia and the Yukon territory, rounding out the provinces and territories they missed last time around.

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One of the perks of being a royal -- in addition to the celebrity status, fancy clothes and general global adoration - is that Will and Kate, and increasingly George and Charlotte, get to travel all around the world meeting with their international constituency and foreign friends.

In 2014, the royals made their first official visits to both the United States and New Zealand, which caused searches for travel to New Zealand by Brits to more than double on the family's first day of their tour. It's no surprise, then, that in the first days of the royal quartet's visit to Canada, flight searches to The Great White North made by our cousins in the United Kingdom increased by more than 40 per cent on Cheapflights. And here we thought Brexit would have things working the other way around.

Whether you're a lucky royal or a humble Canuck like the rest of us, you can take a cue from the family's well-planned itinerary when it comes to your own travels. From making a point to experience local fare, to hitting both major cities and spots further off the beaten path, Will and Kate (or probably their well-equipped administrative staff) know how to plan a trip right.

Here are nine ways you can take the royal approach next time you're heading on holiday.

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See a new side of an old favourite

It's no surprise The Duke and Duchess wanted to make a return trip to Canada, as they enjoyed themselves so much the first time. But like any seasoned travellers, Will and Kate decided to take a new look at a country they've already been to.

If you love a country enough to want to make a return trip, but your traveller's remorse is chiding you for double dipping in the same city when there's a whole big world to explore, strike a balance of the new and familiar by visiting a new city or region of a country you've already been to. Within countries as large as Canada, the United States and Australia, geographical differences in scenery, culture and way of life make return visitors feel like they're in uncharted territory. And within smaller countries with rich and long-lived histories and cultures, even a short geographical distance can create a vastly different architecture, local cuisine and art scene. The royals knew what they were doing when they planned their visit, which includes many of Canada's top trending destinations, so do a bit of research to find some up-and-coming areas to hit before you go.

Let the locals be your guide

Okay, so maybe you won't be greeted with open arms by thousands of flag-waving fans as you disembark from your flight, as the royal family was. But you should still make use of the fact that no one knows a place like the people who grew up there, and often no one is more proud and ready to show it off to interested visitors. Not sure how to get to that museum you're trying to find? Ask a local. Can't figure out how much money all those weird sized coins in your pocket add up to? Ask a local. Want a great place to sample local fare? Ask a local and see the side of a city that most tourists might miss out on with their noses stuck deep in guide books and eyes glued to smartphone screens.

Visit a mix big cities and off-the-beaten-track spots

They might have started out in Victoria and Vancouver, but the Duke and Duchess are also getting out into areas of Canada that are often overlooked by tourists, including Whitehorse and Carcross in the Yukon.

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While big cities might have the colourful nightlife, renowned museums and impressive architecture, the less populous and less touristy areas of a country offer visitors a unique view of daily life in a foreign place, without the air of inauthenticity that can sometimes accompany popular tourist experiences in larger cities. Rent a car or take a train or bus out to the countryside to gain a more well-rounded experience, and balance out the fast pace of city life with a more low-key, relaxed vibe.

Find nature

Sure, a big part of the anticipation of the royal visit is to see what Kate Middleton is going to wear at the couple's many events (did you guys see that emerald green Dolce & Gabbana dress she wore in Kelowna?), but it's not all red carpets and five star dinners for the royals. Kate and Will also have time set aside to get out into Canada's abundant and wild outdoors. Their itinerary includes a visit to the Great Bear Rainforest and a canoe trip in Haida Gwaii. Hiking, walking and other excursions into the great outdoors will add to your trip and bring some exercise back into your possibly indulgent "it's vacation, treat yo' self" lifestyle, all at a relatively low cost.

Research a local cause

It's a lucky thing to get to travel, and often it leaves us with a sense of gratitude. So what better time to give back and give thanks than while travelling? Kate and Will agree. That's why they set aside time in their trip to visit the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia, which provides settlement, education and employment services to over 25,000 immigrants and refugees annually. The royal couple will also be closing out their trip with a visit to The Cridge Centre for the Family and the Kelty Mental Health Resources Centre, both in Victoria.

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Voluntourism has been an increasingly popular way for travellers to not only travel on the cheap but to also connect with a community in a way that tourists often miss out on. Visit websites like www.wwoof.net, which offers volunteer work exchange opportunities on organic farms around the world, and other local tourism and volunteering websites to find out how you can contribute to a foreign community while you travel.

Experience a new culture

Local cultures often exist in their most authentic state in the less trodden paths a country has to offer. Will and Kate know that, which is why they're taking advantage of their time in the Yukon to visit with members of the First Nation, participating in celebrations honouring aboriginal students and artists, experiencing highlights of the Yukon's cultural diversity through music and dance, and gaining appreciation for native art and rituals like totem poles and elder blessings. In many countries, native culture offers an unexplored opportunity to experience a way of life completely unique to that country, so do yourself a favour and seek out these opportunities to experience a culture within a culture.

Leave room for adventure

It's hard to picture the well-groomed royals taking part in a mountain biking demonstration, getting their fingers wet on a canoe trip or coming in hot on a seaplane landing, but that's what you do on vacation, you leave a little room for the kinds of things you don't find yourself doing at home. Take a walk on the wild side while you travel. Maybe that means bungee jumping in South Africa, or sandboarding down a volcano in Nicaragua or paragliding over the Great Barrier Reef. You jumped on a plane to chase some new experiences, so why not crank it up a notch and jump out of the plane instead?

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Seek out festivals of all kinds

While in Whitehorse, Will and Kate will stop by the Youth Art Festival to see highlights of the Yukon's best young talent on display. Whether they showcase art, music, food, wine or something else, festivals are a great way for visitors to mix and mingle with proud locals while experiencing the very best of their destination. While there are great and well-known international festivals - think Carnival in Rio de Janeiro or Mardi Gras in New Orleans - local or regional festivals can add some of that off-the-beaten-path charm missing in the larger celebrations. Seek out local municipal calendars of events to get a clue as to what will be going on in your destination, no matter its size.

Take some time to yourself

Whether you're travelling with family, a group of friends or solo, take time to yourself (or with your partner away from the big group) and add some calm to a potentially overwhelming social situation. It can be exhausting trying to figure out where to go, what to do and where to eat if you're travelling in a pack. Even more so if you're travelling with kids. Take a cue from Will and Kate - who will be parting from George and Charlotte for a short time as they venture North into the Yukon - and take some time for yourself. It's no fun returning from a trip exhausted, wishing you had another vacation to actually relax. Even if it's just a meal, a walk or a short excursion away, it can recharge your mental batteries and leave you better prepared for the next adventure.
WPA Pool via Getty Images BELLA BELLA, BC - SEPTEMBER 26: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge walk through the Great Bear Rainforest in Bella Bella, Canada, during the third day of the Royal Tour to Canada on September 26, 2016. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte are visiting Canada as part of an eight day visit to the country taking in areas such as Bella Bella, Whitehorse and Kelowna. (Photo by: Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Dear Will and Kate,

Welcome to beautiful British Columbia!

You are getting a pretty epic tour this week -- from Victoria and Vancouver to Bella Bella (sorry about the rain) and Haida Gwaii. All of us watching the photo-ops are pretty jelly to be honest.

Here's the thing though: I've noticed you're hearing plenty of platitudes about "protecting the environment" from our good-looking leaders, B.C. Premier Christy Clark and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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I know you're smart people, so I don't want you to be fooled by their looks -- or their words.

Don't get me wrong: B.C. truly is a glorious place -- the type of place you can fly over in a seaplane and easily think the wilderness will never end.

But it's also one of the world's last frontiers and the race is on to cut down our old-growth forests, to send more oil tankers into our ports, to build natural gas plants in our salmon estuaries and to flood our rivers for megadams.

Here are a few things I thought you ought to know about B.C. (and which I'm doubtful you'll hear from Justin or Christy).

1. Despite all the photo ops about adding the Great Bear Rainforest to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy, I'm sure you'd like to know that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is dragging his heels on banning oil tankers from the Great Bear Rainforest.

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Prince William, I heard your speech in Bella Bella and I couldn't agree more with what you had to say about nature being "fundamental to the health of our societies."

Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, visit the Great Bear Rainforest which was dedicated to the Queen's Commonwealth conservation program during the royal visit. Photo: Province of B.C.

That's why it's so ridiculous that First Nations are still fighting Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline proposal, which would introduce hundreds of oil tankers a year loaded with oilsands bitumen to the Great Bear Rainforest.

Not only are the oilsands incredibly polluting to begin with, but a bitumen spill in the ocean would be virtually impossible to clean up.

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This year, Enbridge Northern Gateway's approval was overturned in court due to the federal government's lack of consultation with First Nations.

Plus, during the election, Trudeau made an explicit promise to ban oil tankers in the Great Bear Rainforest. Not only has he not done that, but he's also expected to approve the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain oilsands pipeline to Vancouver by the end of the year, despite being opposed by local municipalities and First Nations.

Now that you've seen what's at risk, seems worth writing home to Granny about, doesn't it?

2. Canada (and the Crown) is breaking its promise to First Nations.

Kate, I saw that smile on your face while you watched the dancers in Bella Bella. First Nations have been living off the bounty of this coast since time immemorial.

And when the English and the French came along, many First Nations agreed to share their lands in an act of good faith.

During the treaty-making process, First Nations entered a relationship with the crown on an equal footing.

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The Royals in Bella Bella, B.C. Photo: Province of B.C.

But that agreement has since "been tainted and soured" Assembly of First Nations national chief Perry Bellegarde told The Guardian.

"We didn't basically share all the land and resource wealth in Canada to perpetuate poverty and colonisation and genocide," Bellegarde said.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, made headlines around the world this week for refusing to attend a ceremony with you at Government House on Monday night, calling it a "public charade."

Your itinerary is pretty insane, so I doubt you had time to read about why he wasn't there, so let me bring you up to speed.

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Phillip and the chiefs of the 115 First Nations his organization represents decided it would not be appropriate "to feed into that public illusion that everything is okay."

He noted the crushing poverty faced by indigenous communities, missing and murdered women and the number of children in government care, as just a few examples of how everything is very not okay.

Phillip was to hand a symbolic ring of reconciliation to you, Prince William, and invite you to affix it on a special ceremonial staff, called the Black Rod.

"These events are tightly scripted. There is no speaking," Phillip told the Victoria Times Colonist. "Had I been accorded the opportunity to speak to [the royal family] and express a different view things might be different. But that wouldn't serve the illusion of peace and harmony."

May we suggest you take the time to give the Grand Chief a ring-a-ding once you get home?

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Prince William and Kate visit the Great Bear Rainforest. Photo: Province of B.C.

3. As you tour our province's gorgeous environment with your tagalong Premier Clark, we thought you'd like to know that at this very moment the Peace River valley in northern B.C. is being destroyed for a megadam authorized by the provincial and federal governments.

The Site C dam -- still being challenged in court by First Nations -- would flood more than 100 kilometres of river valley, including farmland and First Nations hunting and fishing areas. Worse, the chair of the government's own panel says it isn't needed.

So why is Clark pushing ahead with its construction? Inertia basically. She has a story and she's sticking to it. And jobs, right? Jobs funded with our own taxpayer dollars (to the tune of $9 billion), but jobs nonetheless.

4. Speaking of people who've been sharing your photo ops, your new buddy Justin Trudeau just approved a giant natural gas export terminal in critical salmon habitat on Tuesday.

If it gets built, it could be the single largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Canada. And it makes meeting our climate targets virtually impossible. We don't think Prince Charles would be too pleased about that.

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While Trudeau has been talking a good talk on the global stage, he's yet to walk the walk at home.

British Columbia is already facing intense wild fire seasons and our forests have been ravaged by pine beetles because our winters don't get cold enough any more.

So for all the beautiful photo ops, please know the truth is much more complicated.

You, like millions of visitors a year, come here to see what B.C. is known for: untarnished nature, wild beaches, free-flowing rivers, intact indigenous cultures. Let's keep it that way.

- Emma Gilchrist, DeSmog Canada

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As a business owner and communications industry veteran, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of Shikatani Lacroix, a Toronto-based branding and design agency, has seen a massive evolution in technology and customer/employee expectations over the last two decades. In this multi-part executive Q&A series I will chat with Jean-Pierre about how digital technologies are transforming businesses in every sector and what shifts he expects to see amongst these key stakeholders.

Doug:How has the technological and digital transformation over the last 25 years impacted your business?

Jean-Pierre: It has a huge impact. Everything we do now, even if it's consumer packaging or retail environment or corporate identity and branding programs, digital is a core element of that experience. It's obvious. Consumers today use their mobile phones to connect with most brands. Most retail environments are being challenged to engage with customers, competing with online, and so digital plays a really important role in being that link between online consumer behaviour and the physical environment. So every project has a digital experience component. It's at the core of what we do.

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Doug: One of the things I find in our business is that as we move through these technological changes the core values of our company stay the same. Do you see similar kind of things?

Jean-Pierre: We've seen a major shift. It's a mindset. Clients put value on where they spend their money and where they allocate their capital. For many years, the capital allocation was on hardware: screens and media players. Very little attention was given to the content or the software driving that content. I would say it's only in the last five years that we've noticed a shift in focus by our clients for many reasons. One of which is that they've already deployed a digital platform and they're looking at how to get a better ROI on this investment. It's not about saving money on hardware. It's about engaging with customers and driving more sales that's going to deliver that ROI. So our clients are shifting their attention towards effective content management. And it's about time because to us, content management is really the core of the value that digital provides for the retail environment and for corporations. Content is the element that's actually going to change behaviour. It's not the size of the screen or how many lumens go through that screen. It's really what message are you communicating with that content, and we're seeing that re-focus towards content management.

Doug: How well do you find your customers are implementing digital?

Jean-Pierre: I was just reading a quote this morning by Cisco ex-president Mr. John Chambers, and he was saying that 70% of companies have embarked on a digital transformation. However, only 30% will actually achieve effectiveness in that transformation. I think that's really representative of our work with our clients. Every single assignment that we do, specifically in retail brand transformations, has an important digital component. That client clearly identifies the need to develop that digital component and is willing to make an investment until they need to sign the cheque and deploy the digital platform. We have worked with banks that did a Request for Proposal 10 years ago and they're still trying to justify the investment for the hardware. The great news is the cost of hardware is coming down dramatically. As well, its intrusiveness in the retail environment is disappearing.

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With the cost of digital technology dropping we're seeing more and more eagerness to invest, but it's still a challenge. It is still a heart attack, "Wow, I didn't realize it was going to cost this much and I didn't realize the national deployment was going be in the millions." I think to a certain degree that those who haven't stuck their toe in the water, that ticket shock is enormous, but for those clients that have actually embarked on digital technology and the immersion of mobile and digital and online, they see a huge benefit to their business. They know that consumers shop online, and if they can make that connection from an online experience to mobile experience in the stores, they're going to retain that customer in their shopping, and, so, it's just a matter of time. The number one question that clients ask us every time is, "Can you demonstrate an ROI on the investment we're going to make?"
By Emily Grice

Working with young people on a regular basis, I see that they face an incredible amount of stress in their day-to-day lives, perhaps more so now then ever before. I see many teenagers and young adults who are feeling incredible pressure to get good marks so they can go to university or college. And many are already thinking beyond that, because they want to get good jobs and succeed at their careers and live the life they have dreamt for themselves.

There's also the seemingly daily advancements in technology and social media, which can add another layer of pressure in so many different ways. And of course, social interactions at this stage in a young person's life can be incredibly trying.

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When the pressure becomes too much

I remember being in high school and thinking about my future and how one wrong move could affect my life in the wrong way. I put so much pressure on myself it was unbearable and I ended up becoming depressed -- a long, nine-year battle that took me into my 20s until I did something about it.

I really didn't understand why I was so sad all of the time. It was a whirlwind of overwhelming emotions of loneliness, frustration and annoyance with everything, and I was stuck in this rut I thought I'd never get out of. Unfortunately, depression strikes you when you least expect it and you don't know how or why you feel the way you do, or how this sinking hole had swallowed you up before you even felt yourself drowning. You are so consumed with why you are feeling this way that you can't even think of what made you this way to begin with.

Of course, life circumstances factor into causing a person to become depressed. The reality of it is that depression can affect anybody. But depression is more likely to develop if there's a family history of depression or if you've experienced trauma or significant or tragic life events, such as loss of a job or loved one (even a family pet).

These life changes can affect your body, mind and spirit. But the fact is, everyone in their lifetime goes through ups and downs, bad and good times. You may feel on top of the world one moment and then experience times when you feel like nothing will ever get better. It's these times when you need to recognize what's happening with yourself and discover and use the tools to help you get through it.

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So what can I recommend?

Build your support system: family, friends, counsellors or whoever you know has always had your best interest at heart.

Practice self-talk: this are the positive things you say to yourself about yourself. If you can't think of anything, ask a support person. Even if you don't believe it, say it to yourself anyway because it is true.

Self-care: by this I mean taking care of yourself. Journal your feelings, good and bad, and treat yourself occasionally to something special. Rely on your support system. They really are there for you -- to help you get through hard times and share good times with you.

Get rid of anything in your life that brings you down: relationships, friendships or a job you hate, because you can find new ones. These are what I label as toxic -- any situation or person that steals your happiness is not good for you, so get rid of it; the faster, the better.

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Go after what you want in life and do what's going to make you happy: Life is all about choice and you can choose to be happy. It might take some time to get to this but, with the right tools and your supports behind you, you will get there.

Stay strong and seek help in a healthy way. It is out there waiting for you to reach out for it.

What can adults do?

To parents, caregivers and community leaders -- youth who may be struggling really just need you to be there for them. You can look into a variety of resources to help, such as youth or group counselling services, crisis lines specific for youth, or activities to help recognize what is causing their depression and how to manage it. You can also look for books or articles, even those about celebrities who have been depressed.

Or you can help find a peer of the young person who has battled depression as well. Sometimes having someone who has gone through the same thing is the best therapy around. But the end decision to seek help is a personal choice and it may be frustrating when you want them to get help and they don't want to receive it. But you need to be patient.

Getting mad at them because they aren't seeking help will only make them feel like you don't care. If you find yourself becoming frustrated and upset that they won't get help, there's help out there for you, too. You can talk with your family doctor, consult your Employee Assistance Program through your job or join a parents group for teens with depression. Supports are out there.

The truth of the matter is that sometimes a young person won't want the help. Sometimes you just need to reassure them you're there to lean on and talk to when they're ready. You can't force anybody to get help and nobody will get help unless they want it. Although sometimes it takes a little pushing to get there -- ultimately the decision is theirs -- you can be there to support them until they decide what they would like to do.

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How can you spot depression in a teen?

Look for anything that is out of the norm in their behaviour or their routine. Are they secluding themselves from normal activities? Have they stopped showering on a regular basis? Do they spend a lot of time alone or stay home from school and work? Do they sleep more or less often? Do they cry more than usual or get frustrated and snap easily, or feel defeated in something they would usually get joy out of? Watch for an increase use of drugs and alcohol as well.

Today's youth are dealing with more then we ever did and are living in a world that we can only start to try and understand. Try and be patient and understand that their stress is real. Their worries are real and even if you don't think they're significant, they are to them. If an issue is causing them enough grief to loose sleep and stop, they are silently calling out for help. But both sides need to understand and recognize that problems stay problems until something is done about it.

Stay strong and seek help in a healthy way. It is out there waiting for you to reach out for it.

Emily Grice is a Peer Support Specialist with the Canadian Mental Health Association's Mobile York South Simcoe (MOBYSS) initiative. MOBYSS travels throughout York Region and South Simcoe to meet confidential health care needs of young people in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The ground-breaking MOBYSS team includes health care from a Nurse Practitioner, specialized youth mental health worker, and peer support specialist.

If you or someone you know is at risk please contact your nearest Crisis Centre or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 to speak to a counsellor.

Frame Of Mind is a new series inspired by The Maddie Project that focuses on teens and mental health. The series will aim to raise awareness and spark a conversation by speaking directly to teens who are going through a tough time, as well as their families, teachers and community leaders. We want to ensure that teens who are struggling with mental illness get the help, support and compassion they need. If you would like to contribute a blog to this series, please email cablogteam@huffingtonpost.com

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I always look forward to the TIFF madness that descends in Toronto every year -- the celebs, the premieres, the parties, and of course, the arduous and panic-inducing process of choosing what to see. That's why when Toronto digital experience agency TWG came up with the idea to build a chatbot that navigates TIFF's insane schedule and curates film picks based on genre, actor or buzz-worthiness, I wanted to be involved. Behold, the birth of TIFFBOT.

The movie-loving chatbot can teach marketers a lot about why chatbots are the next frontier for communicating with consumers, and why every brand should be paying attention to them.

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Back up. What's a chatbot?

Chatbots are computer software programs that use artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation. Most often, they live in chat apps like Slack or Facebook Messenger, but they're also found via SMS, social (RIP PoutineBot, who used to RT any poutine-related Tweets), or elsewhere online. They can be built with various levels of intricacy, starting from a more straightforward "If A, then B" bot like BFF Trump or Mica The Hipster Cat, right up to bots that use AI and machine learning (RIP, Microsoft's Tay!) for a more fluid and human conversation experience. Their main goal is to streamline online experiences, and to eliminate the friction that's involved with native mobile apps - for example Kik's Ted Livingston showed how a chatbot can eliminate several steps when ordering a beer from your seat at a Blue Jays game.

Bots can be a fun novelty to serve a single purpose (see BFF Trump), but for marketers, they can be used to solve communication and engagement issues that have always been pain points in the customer journey. Branded mobile apps were once a huge boom for this reason, since they promised to help us connect with audiences in a new way and keep them coming back.

Except in 2016, the average person downloads less than one app per month, making it unlikely that a branded app will really stick the way marketing managers the world over hope it will. Chatbots offer the same level of customization, data gathering, and great user experience and app does, without the custom development or a huge drive for download acquisition that comes with launching or maintaining an app. Instead, chatbots let brands serve customers comfortably and conveniently, through conversation that feels personal, in an interface that's already familiar.

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Bots can be built to help with customer service (see online banking examples, or Sephora's bot that helps you find the best beauty products), booking and ecommerce (restaurants or flights, or shopping - and especially for tacos), or for customer onboarding (the Slackbot is the most famous example of this). They can also be used for content delivery - for example I use the CNN bot to find out about the latest news.

They're particularly useful in a post-digital, "segment-of-one" marketing world where consumers demand customization and relevancy at all brand touchpoints. Bots are uniquely qualified to fill this niche because they don't require extensive data-mining -- the user inputs all the data we need to create a great experience for them, meaning we now have the opportunity to be 100% relevant, 100% of the time. Plus, bots give us the option to remarket to those who've already chatted with us with reminders, sales promotion or announcements.

If you're not building a bot, chances are you're about to miss out on the next wave of social marketing - while you had a phone number for your business in the 1980s, a website in the 1990s, and an app in the 2000s, this decade will usher in chatbots as the "must-have" communication tool for businesses.

Why TIFFBOT?

If you've ever been to/attempted to go to TIFF, you know the planning process can be time-consuming and hard to navigate - timetables, ticket rushes, sorting through reviews and genres and social media to find what you want. TIFFBOT was designed to help eliminate all those pain points - it's a Facebook Messenger bot that provides movie recommendations by chatting in Messenger - way easier than navigating through "best-of" lists and doing tons of online research.

TIFFBOT prompted users to input a genre, movie star, or to check out TIFFBOT's (read: voice of TIFFBOT, Holly Knowlman) top TIFF picks. Based on the user's input, the bot would serve the best match, giving users the option to watch the trailer, visit the film's page on the TIFF website, or find more recommendations.

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In around 2 weeks, TWG had built and thoroughly tested (and gif-ified) the bot, while our team focused on building a brand identity for TIFFBOT (admit it, he's cute!), a landing page, and a PR strategy. Our bot was officially red-carpet ready - but would it work?

So, how'd it go?

TIFFBOT was covered in publications like IndieWire, BlogTO, and many others. TIFF also took notice and reached out with the offer to make us an official partner. After we solidified our partnership, TIFF helped co-promote on their social media channels, and helped add content curated by their team to the bot, including a hidden gems category. Go find one by sending TIFFBOT a diamond emoji.

Users loved it too - except the ones that took the opportunity to type obscenities at TIFFBOT and were served with a very stern Liz Lemon gif, of course. In total we had 8,600 sessions over three weeks. The award for most recommended film goes to Toni Erdmann, a critically-acclaimed European dramedy.

The big question for marketers is how you can apply chatbots to your own marketing initiatives: can chatbots solve a communications problem you have currently, and make the user experience more seamless for customers? If the answer is yes, then jump on the bot-wagon.
Chris Wattie / Reuters Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, September 21, 2016. REUTERS/Chris Wattie

Prime Minister Trudeau has just changed his mind again on climate change. After admitting at the recent G20 meetings in China that Canada is "not ready" to ratify the Paris Agreement, Trudeau has now decided to ratify it before any agreement on carbon pricing has been reached with the provinces.

Worse, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, has said that Canada would continue to use the same unambitious mitigation targets for Paris originated by the Harper Conservatives, and previously criticized by the Liberals!

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Faced with resistance to carbon pricing from Saskatchewan (now joined by Nova Scotia), the federal government appears ready to "go it alone" on this issue, imposing a federal carbon tax, which in their view will act as a "floor price" for carbon.

This smells more and more like a Meech Lake-type strategy, dragging the provinces kicking and screaming into a one-size-fits-all agreement. A bad idea historically, and not the consensus-based approach the Liberals promised during their election campaign.

So why choose this fractious route, when additional time, effort and a bit of flexibility could produce consensus? There is really no pressure to ratify the Paris Agreement, though the Liberals probably want to be part of the Big Party when the magic minimum of ratifiers is reached (as it soon will be).

Ratification will go ahead with or without Canada, and so it is far more important in the long run to achieve a consensus on the means used to meet our Paris commitments, than to use ratification as a blunt tool to force agreement.

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What's the best way to achieve a genuine national consensus? There are many options, but in my view the most effective approach would be the following:

1.Work with the provinces and territories to develop a more practical and more ambitious set of Nationally Determined Contributions -- the target documents produced by 195 countries which are basis of the Paris Agreement. The NDC submitted by the Conservatives in 2015 has been widely criticized as inadequate, and Canada has the right to revise it under the Paris Agreement.

They should do this forthwith, using the re-opening of the NDC as a means of getting the provinces back to the table. Ideally, the revised NDC would include a formula stipulating proportionality in the provincial and territorial contributions -- in short, guaranteeing that they contribute to the goals on a fair and equitable basis, by whatever method is most suitable.

2.With this in hand, negotiate a phased and flexible approach to carbon pricing, using a mixture of methods including regulations, cap and trade and taxes -- a truly national carbon mitigation program. Allow those provinces that have already committed to carbon pricing -- B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Quebec -- to institute their current programs without federal interference and with no "top up" tax. The other provinces (and territories) would commit to mitigation goals consistent with the federal goal, but would be allowed to use different methods and a realistic schedule to achieve them.

A national "accounting system" would be set up, monitoring the annual contributions of the provinces in meeting the federal goals, with provision for voluntary adjustments as needed (higher taxes, lower caps, more stringent regulation). To ensure that there is a realistic chance of meeting the national targets, these "adjustments" could include penalties administered by the federal government for provinces and territories that do not meet their own interim targets.

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3.Offer the "carrot" of carbon offsets as an alternative means of achieving both the national and provincial goals. Offsets are the surplus credits (measured in tonnes of CO2 or its equivalent) achieved by participants in a regulatory or market-based system of carbon mitigation. The surplus results from the fact that some participants will emit less than the targets or caps imposed by the central authority.

The EU, for example, allowed participants in its cap-and-trade system to purchase offset credits to satisfy a set percentage of their reduction commitments. These offset credits could be obtained from other European companies or (on a limited basis) from external sources such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

In Canada, Alberta allowed some limited trading of offsets among participants in its Specified Gas Emitters Regulation (SGER) program; both Ontario and Quebec plan to do likewise as part of their participation in the cap-and-trade program of the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), and BC also permits limited offsets from select government mitigation projects.

How would this work? Let's say that Saskatchewan agrees to work with Canada to meet the NDC targets, but prefers to do so with its current system of targeted regulation rather than with carbon taxes or cap-and-trade. To ensure that this happens as planned, the agreement with the feds would stipulate that if Saskatchewan did not meet its proportional commitment to the NDC targets, it would have to use credits purchased from other provincial programs, or from the CDM and other credible international programs, or indeed from the WCI.

As long as these offsets meet the standard set out in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement -- that offsets must be additional to business-as-usual and have "real, measurable, and long-term benefits" -- they would allow Saskatchewan to meet its commitments without an imposed carbon tax, ensuring that the province shares the burdens set out in the NDC.

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In the long run, the feds may be able to wrestle the provinces into a broad consensus on carbon pricing, but at what cost in economic and political terms? Clearly, a go-slow approach in which the provinces work together to set targets and then adopt a hybrid and varied approach to meeting these targets is more likely to produce a stable and uniquely Canadian solution to the climate change conundrum.

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By Peggy Edwards, Grandmothers Advocacy Network

On a rainy weekend in mid-September global leaders vowed to help "end HIV/AIDS for good" by pledging a total of US$12.9 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria during the Fifth Replenishment Conference, hosted by Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Grandmothers Advocacy Network applauds this commitment and Canada's leadership in making this happen. However, we are far from "ending it for good." Indeed, this laudable goal will not be achieved without a deliberate effort to include people of all genders and ages -- including older women.

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Older women/grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa are rarely recognized or included in programs and policies addressing HIV/AIDS, health-care strengthening and development assistance. Yet they are at the centre of the pandemic -- both in terms of their own vulnerability to disease and poverty, and their amazing resilience as they raise millions of young people orphaned by AIDS, and care for their dying children and others in the community living with HIV and AIDS.

UNAIDS estimates that some two million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are aged 50 and older. There may be many more since most of the survey instruments used do not include people past the age of 49. Nor are the data disaggregated by sex and age.

Similarly, there is almost no collection of data related to violence against women over the age of 49, even though we know that older women are victims of rape, sexual violence and traditions such as wife inheritance, all of which increase their risk for HIV infection.

Older women are denied basic services and protection of their rights because they are absent from official records and are therefore invisible to policy-makers and organizations providing development assistance.

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People over age 50 exhibit many of the same risk behaviours found among younger age groups. Yes -- older women have sex. However, HIV prevention and other services, including condom distribution and tuberculosis screening, rarely include older people or reflect their specific realities and needs. Excluding older women from prevention programs not only increases their own risk of exposure to HIV, but also prevents them from informing the young people in their care.

Invisibility and the misconception that women past reproductive age will not become HIV-positive mean that older women are the last in line to be tested for HIV status and to receive appropriate antiretroviral therapy (ART). This is particularly ironic since grandmothers often act as caregivers of community members with HIV and help them manage their medications.

Grandmothers also face the difficult tasks of telling a child of their HIV status and what this means, and then ensuring that the child gets and takes the medicines he or she needs. Paediatric ART, especially in formats that are easy to administer, is often unaffordable or impossible to access, especially for grandmother-headed families living in rural areas.

The Sustainable Development Goals and the UNAIDS fast track targets support the need to prioritize the most vulnerable populations. Grandmothers raising families of young people orphaned by AIDS are among the poorest of the poor and most vulnerable populations.

Most receive no pensions or grants and do not have access to free medicines and age-friendly health care. While social security measures are available in some countries in Africa, they are largely inadequate, come too late or are impossible to access due to bureaucratic requirements (such as identity papers) and a lack of transportation to government offices.

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Despite these hardships, the grandmothers in Africa, with the support and help of grassroots granny groups and community organizations, carry on. They are tireless in their efforts to provide food and shelter, and to raise and nurture the next generation who will lead Africa out of the AIDS pandemic.

At a recent gathering in Durban prior to the 2016 International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016), the courageous grandmothers of South Africa said: "As older women, we face challenges that are still ignored. The health system is failing us and HIV-positive grandmothers have special needs that are not met ... We will continue to struggle, and we will not give up on the fight against HIV and AIDS, We will never give up because this grandmothers movement is powered by love. But we should not have to do this alone."

It is time to include older women/grandmothers as a key population in national, international and global plans to fight and end HIV/AIDS. This includes:

Making HIV/AIDS services (prevention, testing, treatment and care) for older women/grandmothers a priority

Including people over the age of 50 in data collection relating to HIV/AIDS, violence and caregiving, and ensuring that all data is disaggregated by sex and age

Supporting community-level organizations and programs that address the challenges older women face in the fight to end HIV/AIDS

Ensuring that ART and other life-saving medicines (including vaccines) are provided free to older women/grandmothers and the children in their care

Supporting grandmothers in their caregiving, parenting and head-of-household roles

Supporting families and children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in countries at high risk, with direct special assistance to sub-Saharan Africa.

It is time for Canada and other countries to take an intergenerational, lifecourse approach to development assistance that considers all stages of life, that recognizes the important roles that older women play in sustainable development and HIV/AIDS, and that leads the data revolution needed to ensure that no-one is left behind.

Older women deserve to be counted and counted in.

Peggy Edwards is an active volunteer with the Grandmothers Advocacy Network, which works to engage Canadian and international support for policies and programs that will address the needs of African grandmothers as they strive to sustain their families and communities in the wake of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Peggy is a health promotion consultant, policy analyst, and author on health and aging. She is a grandmother of 11 and great grandmother of 5. In 2011, she received the Alan Thomas Fellowship from the Carold Foundation to study the role of older women as advocates for social justice. You can see her video from that work at www.grannyvoices.com.

This blog is part of the blog series: AIDS, TB and Malaria: It's High Time for Us to End It. For Good by the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development (ICAD) in recognition of The Global Fund's Fifth Replenishment. The blog series runs from August 29 to October 3, 2016 and features a selection of blogs written by our member and partner organizations. Contributors share their broad range of perspectives and insight on the work of The Global Fund and the opportunity that this moment presents us one year following the inauguration of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog series are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ICAD.

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Stuart Dee via Getty Images Rainbow flags in the wind. The rainbow flag, sometimes called 'the freedom flag', is commonly used as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and diversity.

Imam Soharwardy in Calgary, Dr. Shabir Ally in Toronto and Imam Jebara in Ottawa serve the Muslim community's interests in their respective cities. They lead their communities through tumultuous times that have stoked many incidents of anti-Muslim bigotry along with the rise of extremist Muslim groups. Retired Muslim leaders like Dr. David Liepert in Calgary do the same.

They have much on their plate as shepherds of the Muslim communities. Apart from their regular duties, they are addressing concerns of a community that feels vulnerable, addressing hatemongers and standing up against extremist Muslims. However, as an academic, I call upon them now to show leadership in addressing the concerns of LGBT Muslim youth.

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It is not easy being an Imam these days. If progressive Muslims have faced anti-Muslim bigotry despite their religiously plural, gender-equal and LGBT affirming worldview, one can only imagine the hate received by the Imams. In 2014, the aging Imam Soharwardy was even attacked by a ramming car.

Despite such ugly incidents, they continue to stand firmly against Muslim extremists. Imam Soharwardy has shown remarkable leadership as an outspoken critic of ISIS. Last year, he led many Canadian Muslim clerics in excommunicating ISIS followers from Islam.

On the Muslim LGBT issue, Imam Soharwardy even expressed that:

"Any homosexual Muslim can come to our mosque and pray without being harassed or discriminated against ... They are all God's creation, and they can come and pray."

This right to worship without judgment was one of the points mentioned by Rabbi Steven Greenberg in his book Wrestling with God and Men: Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition.

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Indeed, limiting discrimination and inhibiting prejudice is the first step towards a reasonable accommodation of LGBT Muslims in Islam.

However, an affirming Muslim position may not necessarily emerge from clerics in Muslim countries, where prohibitive laws and taboos dissuade any meaningful conversation on a delicate subject.

Yet, their position and influence in Canada confers upon Imams like Soharwardy, Jebara and Ally immense privilege and responsibility to undertake a venture that others are unwilling and unable to accept.

But working on this sensitive subject theologically is not easy. Indeed, it has taken the clergy in the Christian and Jewish faiths many years of theological discussions to assume affirming positions.

Properly address their concerns instead of viewing them as outsiders or pariahs.

A proper conversation in Islam beyond defensive posturing is in the nascent stages. Orthodox believers and LGBT Muslim activists have written much in the media. The former prescribe permanent celibacy or sham marriages to LGBT Muslim youth. The latter persist in their claim that being gay is not a choice and that they do not deserve apostasy charges for writing on the subject.

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We need to move away from framing the issue in oppositional terms. After all, the issue concerns Muslim LGBT youth and their families. These are our youth, brothers and sisters. As such, Imams and other Muslim leaders have to properly address their concerns instead of viewing them as outsiders or pariahs.

In this regard, my co-author Dr. Hussein Abdullatif and I offer Imams and Muslim leaders academic assistance through our magnum opus, Islamic Law and Muslim Same-Sex Unions. It is a consolidation of the exegetical and juristic literature on the subject in one place.

The book delves into the primary texts, the Qur'an, the Hadith and classical jurisprudence before it engages with the arguments of contemporary Muslim leaders. In his foreword to the book, Dr. Scott Kugle wrote:

"It is written by believing Muslims for believing Muslims, and for this reason, it takes piety and rectitude very seriously. It is addressed to the ulama class, the traditional scholars and legal jurists who continue to shape Muslim public opinion on matters great and small."

Likewise, Associate Professor of Islamic Law Dr. Rumee Ahmed at the University of British Columbia wrote:

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"This comprehensive and unflinching study sets the stage for serious scholarly debates to come. The authors delve deep into the Islamic legal tradition, clearly describing both the challenges involved with reconciling Islamic law and same-sex unions, and the potential for Islamic law to not only tolerate same-sex unions, but to embrace them."

I offer Imams Soharwardy, Jebara, Ally and others a way to think through this complex issue theologically. I request them to read the book and leave it up to them to decide how to best address the concerns of Muslim LGBT youth.

Dr. Mohammad Fadel, Associate Professor of Islamic Law at the University of Toronto, has already presented his views on a possible theological accommodation through necessity. Eschewing taqlid (imitation), Muslim Imams have to navigate through the theological proofs themselves and address this complex issue in their own unique ways.

In this quest, I humbly beseech the Canadian Imams to not abandon Muslim LGBT youth to the vacuous alternatives of the cloister or the closet. I fervently hope that the Islamic principles of justice, mercy and compassion will illuminate their way.

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Our book comes out in October and is available here, here and here.

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This summer, the Canadian government conducted a three-month public consultation to review a potential law that would mandate plain-packaged cigarettes. The law would effectively ban corporate branding on cigarette packages.

Now, the government appears poised to move ahead with the proposed law. Just as inevitably, Big Tobacco has begun to litter our newspapers, magazines and various electronic screens with print, online and video advertisements attacking the legislation.

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Their advertising campaign's accompanying website is a truly Orwellian dreamscape. The kinds of charlatans with the intellectual wit to construct such deceivingly genius rhetoric are increasingly too ethical in today's world for the work they do. At least that was Thank You for Smoking's didactic lesson. Alas, Big Tobacco is attempting to convince me that I was deceived by Hollywood...again.

The website, entitled Both Sides of the Argument and created by the tobacco company JTI-Macdonald Corp., is a testament to the powers of market research. It's no secret that people are statistically less likely to smoke the more educated they are, so seizing upon such basic demographic information serves stakeholders well in any tobacco debate.

Heck, as far back as twenty years ago, Statistics Canada published a report suggesting the government craft smoking-cessation marketing strategies specifically tailored to those with a "lower educational attainment."

One can easily guess that the major tobacco companies heeded such advice but for their own pro-smoking agendas.

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The Both Sides of the Argument website appeals to an oversimplified libertarian sense of freedom and the implication that the government thinks you're dumb. Don't stand for it, Big Tobacco says--we won't trivialize you. Though I'm fairly confident that's what the wolf said in his sheep costume.

For instance, the website boasts a whole page called "The Importance of Critical Thinking," featuring quotes from one Dr. Roy van den Brink-Budgen outlining the different skill-sets of critical thinking. There's also a Critical Thinking Test to see if your abilities in inference, deduction, assumptions, and arguments are up to the standards of Canada's tobacco companies.

Testimonials from concerned citizens quickly complement this strategy that plays to our emotions. I'm told right away that "hard-working Canadians like Tim [...] are critical thinkers, people who like to make sure they understand all aspects of an argument, and the evidence that backs up the claims, before they form their own opinion."

Surely I work as hard as Tim! So I sought to understand all aspects of JTI-Macdonald Corp.'s arguments and their underlying evidence before forming my own opinion.

Curiously, there is little to no mention about the affect of product branding on young, would-be smokers. I'm going to deduce that JTI-Macdonald Corp. is well aware of peer-reviewed research about the dangers of product branding for cigarettes.

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Instead, JTI-Macdonald Corp. attempts a different approach--bombarding their website visitors with meaningless stats about public awareness to conclude that if most people weren't informed about the Canadian government's consultation on plain-packaged cigarettes, it must therefore be undemocratic.

However, that's not really how our democracy functions. I don't know half of what goes on in Ottawa, but that doesn't make things unfair. It makes me lazy, maybe, but that's as scientific as you can get.

JTI-Macdonald Corp. bolsters their argument by asserting that the government was irresponsible to conduct the consultation without having first conducted a cost-benefit analysis. Maybe my critical-thinking skills aren't as sharp as Tim's after all, because the footnote for this allegation is a link to the government's "tender" (i.e., an RFP) for an independent contractor to conduct a cost-benefit analysis on plain-packaged cigarettes, dated a full two months before the consultation was announced. Am I missing something?

A second argument stipulates that plain packaging would increase the risk of counterfeit cigarettes and smuggling, potentially costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The citation for this claim is an audit conducted by the research firm KPMG. Its fine print says that cigarette companies commissioned the audit, so my critical-thinking skills compelled me to dig deeper; sure enough, the British Medical Journal refutes the smuggling fearmongering.

And what of the fact that cigarette sales marginally increased in the year after Australia mandated plain-packaged cigarettes? Is that the whole story? I want to make sure I "understand all aspects of an argument [...] to form [my] own opinion."

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Sure enough, by the own admission of the evidence presented by JTI-Macdonald Corp., the lack of corporate branding likely helped to wean pre-existing smokers off of premium brands, thus freeing them up to afford a higher quantity of cheaper cigarettes.

This is not the same thing as saying, for example, that plain-packaged cigarettes increase the rate of youth smokers. JTI-Macdonald Corp. insists that 17,000 new teenage smokers took up the habit daily in the year after the law was introduced, and that this statistic is from the Australian government's own data.

Ignoring that this is an absolute and not a relative fact, therefore really telling us nothing at all, for the life of me I couldn't find that information in any Australian-government publication. But for what it's worth, this Australian-government website is ripe with data about recent downward trends in teen-smoking rates.

The logical conclusion I have deduced, Big Tobacco, is that you are insulting the intelligence of Canadians with your sleazy website and its Critical Thinking Test.

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When I had my first post separation counselling session 20 odd years ago, my counsellor suggested I was there facing divorce as a result of a life script.

There certainly was some credibility to the statement. My former spouse left the family in much the same way his own father had left the family. Both withdrew completely to another life. The similarities were eerie, approximately same time of married life, many of the circumstances lined up.

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It was well known within the family that, prior to their divorce, his father had been unfaithful to his mother throughout the years of their marriage. Years later, my former spouse informed his father of our own marriage breakdown due to his long term infidelity. His father's response: he offered him a cigar.

My former spouse had entered out marriage dishonestly. Other than words, there was no "forsaking all others" honoured in our wedding vows. The truth was finally revealed very much later on our 25th wedding anniversary.

Lying within a family relationship was second nature to him.

Were we destined to divorce or were there other factors? It is all speculation but the attributes of life scripting make a compelling case for the possibility our marriage was doomed from the very beginning.

My parent's marriage had been solid and I went into marriage with the firm belief I'd still be married today. All the later life thrill of adult children and grandchildren would be our shared prize for a life well lived.

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Was a life script the reason that our marriage ended? According to Dr. Eric Berne's theories, life scripts begin in childhood. The seeds are sown for your life path, subconsciously. In the "children learn what they live" precept, I learned later in life that lying was acceptable within his own family. For a variety of reasons, there was a connection to lying that was constantly at work within the family. The lies were the ties that bound the family together to keep peace. It was a family tenet that twisting the truth to suit your needs was an advantage whether at home, school or out in the world.

Did that family practice factor into our marriage being a lie? Lying within a family relationship was second nature to him.

His parents were never close or comfortable with each other. Yet, in the beginning, it seemed we were. It never occurred to me that his parents' marital breakdown could be a factor in the success of our marriage. We'd note our compatibility at so many levels and his parent's lack of compatibility. We were different. As it turned out, we were different, shockingly so. It took years of therapy for me to recover.

In the early years of our marriage, he eagerly identified all the other marriages that were doomed. All those couples who would never see retirement years together. He cleverly made fun of others in marriages that were not as "perfect" as ours. Ironically, those same people are still very much married today. We were the ones whose marriage dissolved.

We small town baby boomers, for the most part, came from solid old fashioned marriages and family. My parents were depression era, making the best of whatever situation life handed them. My in-law's divorce was an anomaly in our small town. Depression-era parents in many instances, grew mellower and closer as the years went on and many proved to be models for us.

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In my situation, mid-life crisis was the original excuse bandied about by my former spouse during our divorce 20 years ago.

Yet, according to recent statistics, boomers are the reason the divorce rate has stayed over 50 per cent. Not only that, the tsunami of boomers is bringing with it a tsunami of "grey divorce." The grey divorce was definitely not something baby boomers experienced to any great extent with our own parents.

Life scripting has its basis in Transactional Analysis. Dr. Berne's theory became popular in the 1960s. It focused on the parent, child, and adult in all of us. We play those roles with different people in our lives. Our communication with each other is a "transaction" and we select the part we play in each interaction.

Berne described the TA component of life scripting as "a life plan based on decisions made in childhood, reinforced by parents, justified by subsequent events and culminating in a chosen alternative."

In my situation, mid-life crisis was the original excuse bandied about by my former spouse during our divorce 20 years ago. Initially, he ignored the fact we were staring down a life time of his lies. Was that a convenient adult/child role to justify life-long marital betrayal? Personally, that was always my belief. Eventually he admitted our whole marriage had been a lie.

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There are many aspects of the theory that supports my divorce being a life script. As Berne noted, choice is a major factor in this premise.

My counsellor's parting words were, "Don't ever feel sorry for him. He made the choices that brought you to this point in your life."

And that is a fact I know to be true.

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In the summer of 2015, an idea struck me: What if Alberta, as a province -- government, industry, not-for-profits, and everybody -- were to actively support the (then to be released) UN's Sustainable Development Goals? Or, more specifically: Would adopting/endorsing the SDGs help Alberta improve its sustainability performance and its ability to communicate this performance to the rest of the world?

For the 12 months following the SDG's official ratification, PwC Alberta, in collaboration with the global law firm Dentons, have been asking that question to hundreds of Albertans. We have asked it in one-on-one meetings, and we asked it in three separate round tables we hosted in Calgary and Edmonton in the first half 2016. We asked the question to representatives from industry, government, and the not-for-profit sector, academia, and other groups. We call it the Alberta SDG Initiative.

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As you would expect, we received a range of responses, many with conditions and qualifications, but the overall answer is probably best summed up as a "cautious yes," i.e., Yes, Alberta should consider publicly adopting/endorsing the SDGs to improve its sustainability performance and its ability to communicate this performance to the rest of the world.

If Alberta truly wants to be an world-class energy player, we can't ignore the SDGs.

Some participants were very keen on the SDGs, some a bit more skeptical. But there was general agreement amongst the participants on the following areas:

The SDGs would allow Alberta to broaden discussions with international critics from climate change to the other 16 topic areas identified in the SDGs. The province knows that despite the government's ambitious new emission regulations and carbon tax programs, in some critic's eyes Alberta will never ever be able to do enough. So let's use the SDGs to remind the world that there is more to sustainability than climate change. In fact, a lot more. So while we may still have room to improve on our climate change performance, we are actually doing quite well in many of the other 16 SDG topic areas. Let's communicate this to the world.

Alberta ought to use an internationally recognized and vetted sustainability framework and vocabulary to measure and communicate its sustainability performance to the world, rather than yet another home-made solution. The UN spent three years developing and vetting the SDGs to ensure they accurately reflected the world's sustainability priorities. They involved businesses, governments, academia, and experts from around the world. If Alberta truly wants to be an world-class energy player, we can't ignore the SDGs. It would be to our own peril. We need to use the SDGs to frame our sustainability performance and communications.

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It's already started. One of Alberta's most successful agri-products company, Agrium, already utilizes and reports on the SDGs. In June 2016 Agrium was one of five organizations that received a Canadian Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Award. Industries outside of the petroleum industry can follow Agrium's lead and get moving on this.

Now is a rough time in the Alberta oil patch. Between low oil and gas prices, the downsizing, the revenue and cost pressures, the major fire in Fort McMurray and everything else, it is very difficult for the remaining oil and gas employees to get their heads around supporting an ambitious international initiative like the SDGs.

As one person said to me "Our departments have been slashed. We feel over-committed as it is." To which I say, I hear you. But your industry will eventually recover. It always does. In the meantime, study and support the SDGs by word of mouth where you can. Keep your eye on the future -- after all the SDGs are built around the year 2030 -- and plan to actively support the SDGs when you have the resources.

So there you have it. We are planning more meetings and round tables, and maybe even a summit or two, in the months to come. For more information, feel free to contact me via LinkedIn.

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By the way, thank you to everyone who helped organize and participated in our SDG round tables, as well as those who took the time to meet one-on-one with us on this important topic. It is much appreciated.

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Imagine this. The government are reviewing the national guidelines on sugar consumption. You would think that this decision would be made by a group of experienced, intelligent and nonpartisan professionals. Unbeknownst to us, 'industry bodies' and 'corporate sponsors' are ushered into the conversations. Therefore, in amongst the doctors, politicians and health professionals, representatives from Coca Cola, Nestle and Kraft appear.

This is what is called as having 'vested interests': people or parties who stand to be affected by the outcome, but who are actively involved in making the decisions. In some industries such as pharmaceuticals, tobacco and fossil fuels, the outcomes which lend themselves to large corporate profits, are normally at-odds with outcomes which act in the best interests of society.

In climate negotiations and energy policy, there have been multiple times in recent history when fossil fuel companies have infiltrated the decision-making process to ensure that it goes in their favour.

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Last year, Halite Energy Group (a gas storage firm involved in fracking), hired the PR company Finsbury to conduct their negotiations to gain previously-refused licences in Lancashire. Coincidentally, Finsbury is owned by Roland Rudd: the brother of MP Amber Rudd - the then Department for Energy & Climate Change Minister. In fact, close relationships between current members of the UK Conservative party and directors of fossil fuel companies have led to conversations at conservative party fundraisers and private 'energy sector training' events for senior civil servants. These events have no doubt helped to shape the UK's current energy policy: which consists of heavy support for gas and significant tax breaks for North Sea drilling. The Committee on Climate Change recognises that this policy is insufficient to meet the necessary carbon budgets in line with the Climate Change Act (2008) and will not put the UK on target for limiting warming to 1.5C - as outlined in the recent Paris agreements.

Global subsidies available for fossil fuels significantly outweigh those available for renewables, demonstrating that the industry still wields significant power over global governance systems: power which has originated from corruption, bribery and establishing 'special relationships' with politicians.

In Brazil for instance, the oil giant Petrobras (once the sixth largest company in the world) has been involved in government bribery and corruption since 2004. In Australia, two Labor ministers issued multi-million dollar licences to coal exploration companies, of which they themselves owned 25%. In Nigeria, fossil fuel companies have been financing the entire political system since as far back as 1956.

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If we are going to lessen the likelihood of catastrophic warming on this planet, then we need to decarbonise our economy. Oil & gas companies have consistently demonstrated that they are not interested in this: choosing instead to fund extensive lobbying efforts, support climate denial programmes and withdraw support for renewable energy. Despite this disinterest in decarbonisation, many companies sponsor climate events and conferences: primarily to generate good PR.

In November 2014 for instance, Shell sponsored the annual Chatham House conference on Climate Change. In 2015, the international climate negotiations in Paris (COP21) had 12 corporate sponsors, 4 of which: EDF, Suez Environnement, BNP Paribas & Engie collectively own 46 coal-fired power plants around the world and are responsible for over 200million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The hypocrisy of these sponsorships is alarming, and it is rather worrying that our 'international climate leaders' have thus far failed to recognise them as such.

The 2005 WHO (World Health Organisation) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was truly innovative, as the first global health-based treaty and one of the first evidence-based policies in international law. A really revolutionary aspect however, was Article 5.3, which "requires Parties to protect their tobacco control and public health policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry." The Conference of Parties recognised that the tobacco industry was not acting in the best interest of public health, and therefore they determined that it should not be involved in any kind of policy decision-making process regarding the use of tobacco.

This type of bold leadership is needed at COP22. If we as a population are going to have any chance in addressing climate change at the scale and speed required, then we need to recognise that the involvement of the fossil fuel industry in climate negotiations is counter-productive and ineffective.

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Climate change is an issue which cannot begin to be solved if we continue to pander to industry interests, and if we continue to allow profits to be prioritised over people.

We need to exclude fossil fuels from climate negotiations, and begin our shift towards a zero-carbon future.

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I made a very deliberate decision to become involved in politics. For a very long time I'd wanted to do something that had an impact, something that helped. For a time, that was religion: I went on missionary trips, did some volunteering and prayed a fair old bit. Yet it never felt like enough: there was just too much wrong with the world and I couldn't stand it. I became an agnostic and then no longer had that outlet. It slowly dawned on me that if we were ever going to do more than slap a plaster on the world's wounds, we needed to tackle these issues by the root. Begrudgingly, I began to accept this meant getting involved in politics.

This rather late revelation, however, has meant that for the whole time I've been politically engaged, the Tories have held power. A desire for investment in public services, substantial action on climate change and a more equal economy were fringe opinions. I found a home in the Green Party, a party that I still have huge respect for, but my choices were stark: support a party that could only return one MP, or join a party welded to a system that propagated inequality and climate change. Then along came Jeremy Corbyn.

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The man is far from perfect. From appearances on Iranian TV channels that are complicit in torture, to a string of leadership gaffes, Corbyn has plenty of flaws. I do not see Corbyn as a messianic figure leading us to the utopia of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, but I do recognise he has started both a cultural shift in British politics and a movement to go with it. I did not leave the Greens when he was first elected a year ago because a movement has to be about more than one man, otherwise demagoguery follows. Following increased majority support from the membership, and huge influxes of new members, however, it's become clear to me that this movement is now the most significant one the British left has seen in decades, and represents the last, best hope my generation has of seeing an equal and sustainable world.

Corbyn wants to renationalise the railways: nationalised railways are common across Europe, would give us a chance to reduce soaring train prices for commuters and are supported by a majority of the public. He wants to scrap Trident, potentially saving up to 100 billion, taking a brave step towards a world without weapons of mass destruction and joining 99% of countries around the world that don't have any either (including Germany, Canada and Japan). He wants to scrap tuition fees, liberating students from unsustainable debt and eradicating damaging marketisation from our universities, something some of our closest neighbours (Scotland and Germany) have done recently too. He is willing to call out a biased media, challenge an entrenched political and financial elite and take the radical action needed to stop planetary catastrophe.

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There's nothing impossible about any of these proposals: the money is there and in fact numerous societies around the world are doing them already. It is, rather, a question of political will. We could massively invest in renewables but choose instead to pour money into bad-for-consumers-bad-for-the-planet projects like Hinkley Point C and subsidise the fossil fuel industry to the tune of almost 10 billion every single year. We could enforce a living wage across the country and clamp down on tax avoidance, but instead allow companies to pay poverty wages and force our welfare bill up. We could scrap Trident and give the money to the NHS instead, but we don't, because these things aren't political priorities. The money exists in our system to tackle the problems we face, it's just in the wrong hands and our leaders lack the will to change that. Jeremy, at least, is willing to tackle these vested interests.

Political will also means, of course, that we need to bring the public with us. It doesn't mean, however, what this is often mistranslated as: constantly capitulating to public opinion. Political parties are one of the key institutions in British society for shaping public opinion: when parties stop trying to do this and instead try to chase public opinion, society stands still. On top of this, evidence from my field of research, political engagement, suggests that the big decline in voter turnout between '92 and 2001 coincided with an increasingly market-style, centralised bureaucracy developing in the main parties, in which media discipline and the party line became sacrosanct, leading to decreasing ideological difference between parties (based off electoral calculation rather than genuine passion) and a sense that politicians and parties weren't being 'genuine'. In short, when parties aren't fighting passionately for a policy, but instead saying what they think is most likely to win them a vote, the general culture it breeds is disillusionment. Our role as a party is to debate, convince and challenge, not to go with what is popular.

For some of Corbyn's policies, as we have seen, the public is already there: nationalised railways, a more progressive tax system, investment in health and education and job creation are all well-supported by sizable majorities of the British public. Other areas of policy are less so, and both the party and the leader are not doing well in the polls. Despite the protestations of many on the left, this is not solely to do with the coup: Labour MP's tearing into the party on national TV for months on end has certainly not helped, but things weren't great before-hand either, and if we're to turn this around we need to first recognise these facts.

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This doesn't mean we abandon these difficult conversations: it means we embrace them. To resurrect Corbyn and Labour in the polls and to convince the public of some of our more controversial policies, we need a narrative. Policy is great, but voters very rarely vote based on policy. We need a narrative that ties it all together, that explains the story of Britain so far and provides a vision for what Britain might look like under a Corbyn-led Labour government, a vision that speaks to people but also exudes confidence and competence.

This has to tap into emotions and values: these are the life-blood of political decision making. A good start would be in reclaiming a sense of English nationalism: history is replete (to differing degrees) of examples, from James Connolly to Nicola Sturgeon of a more inclusive form of national sentiment being welded to progressive politics, rather than the narrow, exclusive form UKIP espouse and that by refusing to engage with it the left have ceded to them. Post-Brexit the political landscape is highly malleable and there are a lot of angry and disillusioned voters out there: offering a positive form of nationalism, one that takes pride in Britain's proud history, from the innovation and freedom that birthed the Industrial Revolution, to the political tradition that makes Westminster the mother of parliaments to the history of strong welfare provision and free health care, as well as a diverse and welcoming country is one of many ways Labour can provide that attractive narrative.

Welding this sort of positive telling of British nationalism, to help garner support for investment in public services, job creation schemes and a less-exclusionary rhetoric when it comes to immigration is but one example of many ways Labour can sell radical policy in a relatable way. And it's perfectly doable: look at opinion polls on a variety of issues across British history and you'll see public opinion can be changed on almost any policy, sometimes quite rapidly.

Building on Corbyn's reputation as a trust-worthy politician, one who has the smallest expenses claims and speaks his mind, can be important in reviving him in the polls: trust plays a big role in civic society, political engagement and willingness to support government intervention. On its own though, this wont be enough: Labour needs to take on the economic dogma paraded in parliament and the press pulpit if we are to convince voters that Corbyn and the party are economically competent, a key task that Labour under Miliband has made harder by ceding ground to austerity advocates and the Tory narrative of the recession. None of this is easy, but it is absolutely vital.

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The publication of the independent Boundary Commission's initial proposals to redraw constituencies in England and Wales has predictably sparked much public debate. Communities are understandably poring over the detail of the draft proposals, but as they do so it is vital we do not lose sight of why reform of our constituency boundaries is essential for a modern democracy.

It was nearly 180 years ago that the Chartists first proposed in their People's Charter of 1838 the principle of equal sized constituencies. The injustice that they saw was obvious: if the electorate in one constituency was twice the size of another, then effectively one person's vote in a smaller constituency would be worth twice that of a voter in the larger constituency.

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Today, that injustice still remains. Wirral West, with an electorate of 54,232, is given equal representation to Manchester Central, with 87,339 voters. In Bristol West 82,067 voters are given the same democratic right as nearby Bath, with just 60,996 voters, while seats such as Arfon in Wales (37,739) are judged the democratic equal of North West Cambridgeshire (89,991).

The sheer difference in size between the largest and smallest constituencies in England and Wales is perhaps best illustrated by a simple calculation. Take the total sizes of the 20 largest constituencies and the 20 smallest constituencies - the difference between the two is a similar size to the population of Cornwall. The difference in size between the largest 30 seats and the smallest 30 seats is similar to the population of Leeds. The need for reform was clear to the Chartists 178 years ago, but now- more than ever- reform is essential.

In fact, in recent years, the yawning gap between the largest and smallest seats has only grown worse, creating an even greater democratic deficit. Analysis by the Cabinet Office reveals that in every region across England and Wales, the difference in size between the largest and smallest constituencies has continued to widen. In the North West, for example, the largest seats have grown from 79,000 electors in 2000 to 87,000 in 2015, while the smallest seat has shrunk from 56,000 to around 54,000 over the same period. In Wales, it is an identical situation, with the smallest seat of Arfon shrinking from around 43,000 to 37,700, while the largest seats have grown from 68,000 to 72,300.

Current boundaries are drawn up on these vastly out of date figures from 2000. By 2020, if we continue to rely on this data, then MPs will be representing seats at the General Election drawn up on figures two decades old. This is an unprecedented situation - never has such out of date information been used as the foundation of our Parliamentary constituencies.

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The current boundary review has already been legislated for by the previous Parliament: indeed, its further delay is a result of action taken by Labour and Lib Dem MPs to vote for the boundary review to be delayed and begin now. The review was also a clear manifesto commitment of this Government. There can be no further delay to the historic injustice of unequal constituencies: it would be unprecedented if MPs were allowed to fight the next General Election on seats drawn up twenty years ago.

The proposals themselves, as the Boundary Commissions have made clear, are a 'first draft'. There will now be extensive consultation on the proposals, before revised proposals are drawn up and published next year. The Boundary Commissions are keen to hear all representations on their proposals, and there is a specially designed consultation website available at www.bce2018.org.uk to view the proposals and comment on them.

We want a democracy that works for everyone: if we are to achieve this, then the principle of equal-seats, effectively restoring the principle of one-member one-vote, ending historic inequalities in our electoral map, must be delivered by a Conservative government.
On 23 June, in voting to leave the EU, the British electorate initiated a process of far-reaching, largely unpredictable change in Britain's constitutional, legal and commercial arrangements. The legislation that set up the referendum had failed to specify how its result should be handled or interpreted.

Immediately, a lively debate about the constitutional implications of this vote began. In particular, the Conservative government argued that Brexit could be triggered by the Royal Prerogative power governing treaties, without recourse to Parliament. After all, this was popular sovereignty and the people had spoken. On the other hand, there were a flood of opinion pieces, not least from constitutional lawyers, on whether this would be either constitutional or legal.

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Missing from this debate, however, is consideration of that central facet of the British constitution, the role of precedent. Implementing a referendum without parliamentary scrutiny and approval would be a radical departure from past practice. There is no precedent for doing so by Royal Prerogative. All other referendums in Britain have involved Parliament at some point in the process. It might be objected that there were no further parliamentary votes on any of the matters put to referendums by the Blair government. However, in each of these cases legislation had already been passed specifying, in broad detail, the outcomes of these referendums. Accordingly, the electorate was asked to ratify, or not, a decision that Parliament had already taken. The same occurred with the first national referendum in 1975, when the public endorsed a decision already taken with parliamentary approval on European membership. Had they not done so, the government would have had to come back to Parliament for consideration of alternative arrangements. Parliament determined the process and held the executive to account over the outcome.

In British referendums up until 2010 Parliament usually explicitly set the terms of the referendum beforehand. Plebiscites were used to ratify decisions already taken by Parliament, not to bypass it. Even if they had gone the other way, there is no question that Parliamentary approval would have been needed to implement their outcomes.

The Brexit referendum is thus the first where it is being suggested that the outcome can be implemented through use of the Royal Prerogative without an explicit parliamentary vote either before or after the event. This possibility only arises, ironically, because it is argued that the referendum gives popular consent to the triggering of a procedure agreed by a previous Parliament in 2009. That procedure forms part of the Lisbon Treaty that Cameron had earlier decided not to hold a referendum on. The present government are only able to contemplate using Article 50 of that Treaty to circumvent Parliament by Royal Prerogative, because they broke an earlier pledge to the electorate to put that Treaty to a referendum. This is a sign of a government that wishes to interpret what popular sovereignty means and when it suits them to do so, preferably without recourse to Parliament.

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Contrary to British constitutional dogma, the present Parliament is deemed to be bound by a decision made by a previous Parliament to implement a procedure under a Treaty explicitly opposed by the present government. In no way can our current Parliament be said to have given consent to the triggering of Article 50 before the holding of the referendum. The European Union Referendum Act 2015 is entirely silent on how the results of the referendum should be interpreted- it does not even mention Article 50, in fact Parliament did not even discuss it.

Previous practice with referendums in Britain has always been that Parliament endorses the outcomes, usually beforehand but sometimes afterwards. Government intentions to circumvent Parliament on this occasion are therefore unprecedented. It might be claimed that this does not matter - the government claims the mandate of 17 million voters. Should popular sovereignty not trump parliamentary sovereignty?

The problem with this view is that democracy is not just about voting, but also about the responsible use of power. That is why general elections in Britain have historically been seen as referendums on the choice of government. Those returned to power are then held to account and eventually kicked out of power by the electorate. There is no mechanism for holding the electorate to account. Only those who exercise sovereignty on their behalf can be held to account for their actions.

Without responsible government there is no democracy, though there may be demagoguery. The forced binary choice of a referendum does not necessarily lead to those who win votes being held responsible for subsequent implementation, a standing temptation to demagogues to promise what they will never be called to deliver upon. Who then is democratically responsible for implementing the outcome of a referendum, if not the government of the day? To whom can they be held to account for giving effect to the complex detail of such an outcome if not to Parliament?

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It is only the ironic happenstance of the Lisbon Treaty which they opposed, the provisions of which Parliament did not even debate in setting up the referendum, which enables ministers now to claim that they can break with past precedent and proceed through the Royal Prerogative. This would not only be unprecedented, it would also be a transfer of power from Parliament to ministers which would set a worrying new precedent.

There are good reasons why ministers have not been able to implement referendum results without explicit parliamentary approval in the past. This has hitherto prevented ministers from using and interpreting plebiscites to suit their own purposes, as seems to be happening now.
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As a nation built on Bake Off and a good brew, the UK is pretty familiar with Fairtrade-certified food products such as coffee, tea and sugar but what about Fairtrade-certified gold? Alongside its 25-year history helping agricultural farmers, for the past decade the Fairtrade Foundation has also been transforming the lives of gold miners. Now it's ready to transform the jewellery industry too.

It's the ultimate symbol of wealth, status and desire yet the phrase 'all that glitters isn't gold' has never been more appropriate than for the precious metal itself. Tarnished with a 24-carat irony, gold mining is a dangerous industry rife with exploitation, poverty, child labour and environmental damage. As an ethical fashion writer, I try to avoid guilt-tripping readers into disinterest but sometimes a bit of enlightening is necessary to move forward. While greater attention is now (rightly) paid to improving the garment supply chain, the realities of the jewellery sector seem to remain shrouded by its own dazzling opulence.

"In 28 years of working in gold mining I have seen many people die, including close friends," says Kenyan miner Dan Odida. "People risk their lives in the pits." For the 16 million artisanal and small-scale (ASM) gold miners like Dan, who operate as individuals, families and cooperatives, the situation is desperate.

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ASMs may account for 90% of the labour force but large-scale industrial mining produces 85% of the global gold supply so is usually given preferential mining rights. As a result, small-scale miners find themselves pushed into unregulated or illegal operations to support their families, working with toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide without safety equipment or training.

The hours are long, the work backbreaking and hazardous and at the end they are exploited by middlemen, rarely receiving a fair price for their gold. While gold jewellery has a global retail value of around $135 billion a year, many ASMs still earn less than $2 a day with most living hand-to-mouth.

As with many garment factory workers, faced with economic hardship and vulnerability most ASMs enter mining with few alternatives. Their local communities often lack basic sanitation, access to clean drinking water and housing let alone healthcare and education. With families to feed, it's estimated 100 million people worldwide rely on artisanal and small-scale mining for survival.

Now here's the part where we move forward.

Dan's organisation MICODEPRO hasn't had a death since it began working with the Fairtrade Foundation in 2012. ASM organisations producing Fairtrade-certified gold meet a set of strict ethical standards such as maintaining fair and safe working conditions, banning child labour and upholding women's rights. In return the miners gain international market access, a guaranteed fair minimum price for their gold and a Premium of $2,000 per kilogram to invest in community or business development projects. Fairtrade is one of the few organisations engaged with ASMs and its ethical certification system for gold is the world's first.

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Banning chemicals such as mercury and cyanide altogether would leave millions out of work but Fairtrade is also working with miners on the safe management, reduction and elimination where possible of toxic materials. In fact miners can even earn an additional ecological premium when they recover gold without cyanide and mercury.

So far there are three certified mines in South America and nine working towards certification in East Africa and the benefits are already clear to see. The Sotrami mining organisation, which supports 500 families in the remote Andean Mountains, has been able to rebuild the local primary school, invest in dentistry for the first time and fund a not-for-profit grocery store with the help of the Premium. "When I got married I hoped to give my children a better life, education and the opportunity to go to university," says Gina Davila, a mineral sorter from the organisation. "The pre-school and creche opens up these chances to my children."

Sales of Fairtrade gold are growing steadily and it is now available in 22 markets globally yet consumers and designers rarely know it even exists. Only 16% of us in fact compared to 64% for Fairtrade tea and coffee. Last year the organisation launched its awareness raising I DO campaign, encouraging happy couples to buy Fairtrade gold wedding rings. Now following on from that, Fairtrade is launching a nationwide initiative, calling upon its 10,000 passionate local campaigning groups to spread the word to consumers and designers.

"If Fairtrade Gold becomes the norm in the jewellery industry, the impact could be enormous," says Kevin McCullough, Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation. "As consumers and campaigners, we all carry the power in our pocket to make that change."

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In fact over 250 designer-makers already work with Fairtrade gold, distinguishable by its hallmark-like stamp of traceability and trust. In the UK alone you'll find jewellery ranging from Pippa Small's beautifully crafted bohemian pieces to the sculptural work of award winning Ute Decker. Longtime Fairtrade campaigner Greg Valerio - the original founder of Cred Jewellery and now the face of Valerio Jewellery - was even honoured with an MBE in the Queen's 2016 New Year honours list for his work on Fairtrade gold.

We have few excuses not to go with the ethical option today. Besides why wouldn't you? We rarely see just gold when we look at a piece of jewellery - it tells a story, usually of love, commitment and appreciation. Why not add another chapter?

Images of gold miners by James Robinson and rings from Serendipity Diamonds

This September The Huffington Post UK Style is focusing on all things sustainable, for the second year running. Our thirst for fast fashion is dramatically impacting the environment and the lives of thousands of workers in a negative way. Our aim is to raise awareness of this zeitgeist issue and champion brands and people working to make the fashion industry a more ethical place.
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Nicolas Sarkozy's announcement on Wednesday that, if elected president of France in May 2017, he would give Britain a chance to reverse the Brexit vote, has raised eyebrows across the European Union. Can such a decision, democratically taken by the people of a sovereign member state of the EU, be overlooked? What's in it for Sarkozy?

The right-wing politician was speaking to 500 business leaders at the 'Primaires de l'Economie', in Paris. A forum organised by five associations of start-ups, investors and business leaders, where five other candidates to the primaries of the right-wing party Les Republicains were also invited to pitch for 12 minutes each about their economic, tax and social plans, before facing a Q&A. The former president, who only used three minutes of the twelve allocated, explained that his big plan to save the European Union was to negotiate a new treaty with Germany that could persuade Great Britain not to leave.

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Nicolas Sarkozy at the 'Primaires de l'Economie', in Paris, 27 September 2016. (Credit Twitter  ChefDentreprise.com)

Excusez-moi? (I beg your pardon?) How dare a French politician, a candidate for the French presidency, tell us Brits that we should not leave the European Union when a majority of us voted to very Leave? Shocking! Tea?

Well. The offer is interesting, to say the least. If Prime Minister Theresa May was seeking a way out of the EU referendum result, a way to get out of the Brexit trap, a way to keep Britain in, she may have just found one with Nicolas Sarkozy's offer.

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What Sarkozy is showing is a long-term vision of what a modern and refreshed European Union could look like. Sure, it is HIS vision only, but so far no other European leader or politician has come with anything new to offer to make the EU work. In the contrary, all the discussions and speeches from all sides of the political spectrum have been full of the same old rhetoric: "We must change the EU", "We must reform the EU", "We need a new project", "Brexit must be a wake-up call for us all", etc. The only alternative voices and comments we have heard since the EU referendum result have come from nationalists and far-right political parties across Europe, the likes of Nigel Farage, UKIP and Marine Le Pen, claiming victory and wishing for only one thing: The end of the European Union as soon as possible.

If three months after the British EU referendum result "Brexit means Brexit" still means nothing today in London, it is regrettable to see that Brexit means "same old Europe" in the 27 other European capitals. No one has come with a plan to move the EU forward. No one, but Nicolas Sarkozy.

THE LONG JOURNEY.

During the Summer, the former president himself seems to have been on a long journey to elaborate his own vision of what the EU without, or with, Britain should look like. A few hours after the Brexit result, for example, he gave an interview to the French weekly Journal du Dimanche in which he explained how he had expected the Brexit win because of the general "lack of (European) common strategies for growth and employment, the lack of Schengen reforms and the lack of answers on immigration policies", before adding: "If I were president, I would offer Germany to create a five-point project to submit to the other European leaders with no intervention from the Brussels' technocracy". He then later talked about Hollande and Merkel's inability to deal with Brexit and how the British government would take all its time to leave the EU. "Expect 10 horrible months until the French election," he even said at a weekly gathering of his party's MPs. He also talked about Brexit as "a great economic opportunity", a great time to steal the spotlight from the British. He said that it was time "to make Paris the start-ups hub", i.e. instead of London.

Then came Wednesday's announcement to the business leaders: The day after the Presidential result is announced in May, IF elected, he would fly to Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to work with her on a draft of a new EU treaty, and the following day he would travel to London. Sarkozy is then reported by the Financial Times as saying: "I would tell the British, you've gone out, but we have a new treaty on the table so you have an opportunity to vote again. But this time not on the old Europe, on the new Europe. Do you want to stay? If yes, so much the better. Because I can't accept to lose Europe's second-largest economy while we are negotiating with Turkey over its EU membership. And if it's no, then it's a real no. You're in or you're out."

The new treaty would mean that the European Union would be:

- Reforming the Schengen passport-free movement zone;

- Restricting the European Commission's privileges;

- Integrating the Eurozone further;

- Stopping the EU membership talks with Turkey.

The very fact that Nicolas Sarkozy has come with a plan - a rare thing for politicians nowadays, it seems (sic) - that would modernise and make the European Union more relevant and that could also accommodate Britain to the point it could eventually decide to stay in the EU is an important occurrence. Again, he is the first and only major European figure to have come with a plan!

WHAT'S IN IT FOR SARKOZY?

Threatened by endless scandals in France, the release of a controversial book by one of his former advisors and more recently by newly uncovered documents allegedly showing that he received 6.5 million euros from former Libyan leader Gadhafi to finance his campaign for the presidency in 2007, would Nicolas Sarkozy be using the EU and Brexit as a diversion? Very unlikely. The announcement would certainly not have had any major effect on his campaign.

By somehow 'informally' mentioning the Brexit situation to an audience of entrepreneurs rather than publicly, Nicolas Sarkozy is not really trying to appeal to the French voters - although he would probably need to as his rival, former prime minister and current Mayor of Bordeaux Alain Juppe, looks set to achieve an easy victory in the Republicains primaries, according to a Kantar-Sofres-One Point poll for RTL/Le Figaro/LCI organised on the last week of September 2016. The figures put Alain Juppe at 39 per cent of the vote, with Nicolas Sarkozy losing ground at 33 per cent.

Sarkozy's vision for the EU has nearly been unreported in the French media. There is a reason for that: The French are far less interested in the British exit from the EU than in the issues of immigration, the fight against terrorism or the recent increase of the unemployment rate.

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While it certainly is a flop in France, it is not so abroad, especially in Britain, where the news was first reported by the Financial Times. One could then accuse Sarkozy of trying to woo the French expats in Britain, who mostly voted for Francois Hollande in 2012 (53 per cent of the vote). They rightly are worried about the Brexit situation in which the British Government seems to be prepared to use them and all the other EU citizens living in the UK as a bargaining chip during the Brexit trade negotiations.

The vote of the French expats should not be left unnoticed as they could be the kingmakers when comes the May 2017 election. It is therefore likely a part of Sarkozy's thinking to indirectly tell them: 'I'm thinking of you. I want to help you. I will secure your stay in the UK. Vote for me!'

REMEMBER FRANCE 2005 AND IRELAND 2008.

It might also be interesting, this time, to look beyond the man's usual populist claims and promises. Indeed, in 2005, when 55 per cent of French voters rejected the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe via a referendum decided by the then President Jacques Chirac, the whole of Europe thought it was going to be the end of the EU. Then, in 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy became president with a pledge to renegotiate and ratify a new treaty without the need for a referendum. The treaty was to be known as the Treaty of Lisbon, which still governs the way the EU works today. In February 2008, the treaty was voted by the Parliament and ratified.

In Ireland, however, a referendum took place in June 2008 and 53.4 per cent of the voters chose to reject the new treaty. After 16 months of work and negotiations with the rest of the EU countries, Ireland held a second referendum on the same treaty and finally 67.1 per cent of the voters accepted it.

It is worth reflecting on the possibility that, as for the French and Irish referendums just mentioned, if Nicolas Sarkozy is to become president in 2017 and creates a new treaty that could satisfy the British government enough that it would decide to hold a new referendum to decide on whether Britain would remain in the new EU or leave for good and if the British people are convinced that this new treaty would benefit the UK, Brexit would just not happen at all.

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POLITICS FICTION OR SCIENCE FICTION?

Nicolas Sarkozy would be hailed a hero across Europe for saving the EU28, a strategic genius. The power of decision in the new EU would not be the usual French-German couple any longer, but a French-British-German trio. Theresa May would be regarded as the woman who saved the honour of Britain in face of an expected Brexit chaos and would easily win the General Elections in 2020 with a large majority in the House of Commons.

One day, in maybe two decades from now, Nicolas Sarkozy would run for president of Europe with the treaty that kept the EU28 together in his pocket and win - thus fulfilling his father's impossible dream of having a son president of the United States of America. (read "The Inexorable Rise of Populism in France")

Well. All this is pure politics fiction anyway. For any of the above to have a chance to happen, the former French president first needs to win his party's primaries. And according to the latest polls, Nicolas Sarkozy becoming President of France in 2017 currently looks less like reality and more like science fiction.
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So, we just had an historic debate, the first ever with a woman presidential nominee for the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the first non-traditional presidential nominee for the Republican Party - a businessman.

The stakes could not have been higher and so were the expectations...with the largest worldwide audience to ever view a debate - possibly larger than any Super Bowl.

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Although polls indicated that the voters expected the former Secretary of State to do better than Donald Trump, being is a seasoned debater, she is not a media natural the way her husband and Barack Obama are in any kind of setting.

Donald Trump who is not a policy wonk is clearly a media master - he knows how to play and manipulate the media. To date he has no rival for garnering free media attention.

Trump has put the "me" in media politics as he turned the concept of party politics on its head.

Both candidates tried to "psych out" each other by announcing audience guests to throw their opponent off balance.

The supposed Trump Gennifer Flower's invitation to the debate would have rivaled Don Michael Corleone's bringing "Frankie Five Angles" brother over from Sicily just to sit in the gallery during the Senate Crime Committee hearing.

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On Monday night Hillary not only survived the rigors of the 90 plus minute debate but she also controlled the setting, maintained her cool and rose above it all with her "Cheshire Cat" grin.

For The Donald, he tried very hard at first to look and act presidential, this was unnatural for the "Brawler from Queens" and it showed...he was not comfortable in someone else's skin.

After all, Trump is used to being a "Winner" and this strategy was not a winning one for him. Frankly, a huge part of Trump's appeal is that - people like to pick and follow a winner.

Donald Trump did not get to be the Republican nominee for president by accident - knocking off 16 GOP rivals one by one with the arrogant aplomb of a teenage boy at a carnival shooting gallery.

In fact, a lot of his criticisms of all politicians that have gone before resonate with a large block of disenfranchised voters.

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More often than not, what he says has an important grain of truth. It is true for example politicians from both political parties have failed to address the disastrous economic consequences of globalization on what was once a thriving part of our U.S. manufacturing economy and our trade deals have not worked out to everyone's advantage... Just ask lots of people in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio etc.

However, where Trump falls short no matter what criticism he may have or how valid it may be - the answer is always the same - "I am Great and because I am Great I will do better".

This is where the rubber meets the road and where Hillary is able to shine.. She is adept at picking up on the issue and spouting out the details of solutions that sound like they address the problem - whether they will or not remains to be seen.

Trump does not get mired in the details of his plans -- because he has so few.

CEO Trump wants to make the government run like business - although there is clearly room for improvement in this direction - government is not business.

In fact, sometimes government must do things that a business who answers to shareholders could never do.

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Political leaders must sometimes make decisions that are expensive and unpopular because it is the right thing to do - and we depend on their courage and conviction to do so.

The Donald does not seem to understand this concept. So for example, he might have rejected the idea of going into WWII unless someone agreed to pay for the cost of everything first.

This very idea threatens our collective safety and security.

So in essence Trump is selling "himself" as the answer to everything - he will do a better job because HE IS GREAT!

Hillary, on the other hand, is a policy wonk and manager. And she is selling her knowledge and her ability to make government "work for everyone" and to get things done.

So, in the first debate almost all the zingers Trump tried to land did not pierce Saint Joan of Arc's armor and Hillary seems to have reversed roles with the "Teflon Don".

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In the heat of the EU referendum campaign leading Leave-supporting ministers (many of whom remain in Theresa May's post-Brexit cabinet) were categorical that regions like the North East would not be financially hit if the UK voted to leave the EU. It is looking ever more uncertain that England's poorer regions will receive their full allocation of funds.

For decades, the EU has channelled vital funding to the North East of England - my home region. This is because Brussels works on a system of redistribution according to need. As a result the North-East benefitted from EU development funds more than any other English region between 2007 and 2013 receiving hundreds of millions of pounds.

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This money has underpinned our local economic strategies, securing thousands of jobs, developing key infrastructure, driving real innovation and excellence in our region. These funds have been central to the economic and physical transformation of the region funding everything from transport infrastructure, new business start-ups to the iconic Angel of the North itself.

Over the next few years we were set to receive over half a billion pounds in regional and social funding, which should be doubled with match funding from central government and the Big Lottery.

A joint letter from pro-Brexit ministers on the 14 June dismissed the concerns raised by farmers, academics, local authorities and many stakeholders about European funds stating "those who now get funding from the EU -- including universities, scientists, family farmers, regional funds, cultural organisations and others -- will continue to do so". Following on the heels of the commitment to spend 350million on the NHS, this promise quickly evaporated.

In the depths of the summer recess, on the 13 August, Chancellor Philip Hammond set out assurances for British recipients of EU funds, which have raised more questions locally than ministers answered. It was welcome news that research and farming funds have been guaranteed for the full budget period until 2020.

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However, the Tory government has only offered a partial guarantee for those regional structural and investment fund projects, including rural development schemes, signed before the Autumn Statement in November.

As a result there is a real danger that the poorest English regions, including the North East, could be heavily out of pocket. For many there is sick irony that the poorest regions of England voted to leave the EU and will be now hit the hardest, but government should not be operating on the basis of retribution but economic and social need.

Lots of the anger I heard on the doorstep during the referendum campaign was from people who felt the North East had been left behind. This anger meant that people were not willing to listen to arguments about how much EU funding had done to benefit the region. The North East's economy needs investment and that anger will only grow if it doesn't get it.

The whole situation is compounded by the fact that the latest round of funding has been long delayed as a result of the scrapping of the Regional Development Agencies in 2010. Funds for 2014-20 only started being allocated in autumn of last year and the lion's share of the funds are yet to be formally signed off. For example, Durham County Council estimates that only 25% of funds will be covered by the Autumn Statement deadline, while the Tees Valley, due to benefit from 170million of EU funding from 2014-2020, has only allocated 24.6million.

At Labour Party conference, Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said that the Labour Party will guarantee that a future Labour government will make up any shortfall in structural funding into the 2020s and beyond. The Labour Party believes that the communities who stand to lose out most from Brexit must be looked after first, and government policy must reflect this.

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Ahead of the Autumn Statement, the Treasury is set to announce further arrangements for assessing whether to guarantee funding for specific regional fund projects signed after the Autumn Statement, but while we remain a member of the EU. This week I have heard first-hand the damage that uncertainty about the future of these regional and social funding is having on businesses and vulnerable groups across the North East. Action from government is urgently needed.
When I first moved to Italy, my most poignant references to the country were De Sica's Bicycle Thief(1948), all Fellini's La dolce vita(1960), and Pasolini's Mama Roma (1962). OK, shoot me--I love cinema. Italy didn't entirely resonate uniquely from these and other films. (But then, do people move to my native New York and assume everyone says, "You talkin' to me?") That said, there was something that I found quintessentially Italian that resounded from these films after having spent several years living in the country.

When I arrived in Italy, I was picked up at Rome's Fumicino's Airport by a film producer, ironically named Marcello, in his Cinquecento and he proceeded to take me on a midnight tour of the city. In fact, if there were a more perfect way to explore Rome at night, I cannot think of one. Sure there were no paparazzi following us around the streets of Rome but driving around Rome late at night was spectacularly fun as scooters and bicycles zipped around the streets. And when Marcello asked me, "What would you like to see?" I had immediately answered, "La Fontana di Trevi." So there I was at the Trevi Fountain with a Marcello, without an Anita, and I was still unable to put my finger on why the cinematic scenes which introduced me to Italy were both too much and too little by means of conveying a cultural truth about this city. As someone who did not come to Italy as a tourist, it was not as if I was looking for tourist attractions searching for things to do in Rome. The best way to engage with with the local community is to learn the language and live and work in the region.

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It wasn't until I moved to Emilia Romagna (partigiano territory) when I experienced the quotidian movings of society and became fluent in the language that it struck me how the Italy of cinema was both too much and too little to convey the cultural complexities of this society. Too much because neorealist cinema set out to depict the dire economic and social conditions post World War II and the changes in Italian society due to economic and political oppression and sheer desperation. And Fellini, who was a part of this movement but whose body of work largely departed from neorealism after Variety Lights (1950), as his filmmaking was heavily baroque and fantastical, the cinematic version of sorts of magical realism. Yet even being informed by and coming on the heels of neorealism, Fellini's Italy depicted the passion of this society, fiery impulses surrounding the culture of food, the intrigue of romance, and all the surreal workings of various scenarios from street life, traffic, and fat men on the beaches of Rimini. It wasn't anything specific that neorealist filmmaking conveyed in the grainy documentary-like style or subject --the poverty, the cyclists, the large-breasted woman, prostitutes. There was an joie de vivre of sorts about Italians that was evidenced in the everyday, even while complaining about something.

And so one day, I went to a local enoteca to pick up a bottle of red wine and there, on the street in front of my destination was a bicyclist talking with a woman in a car and another man on foot. I have no idea what they were discussing, but as I passed them on my bicycle, the man standing with his bicycle said, "Well say what you wish about the church, but the Vatican is filled with a bunch of pedophiles!" and his interlocutors laughed in agreement with these harsh words which not only rang true to many in Italy, but there was this ability to break the sacred with the reality of the day. And Italians do not mince words when it comes to social or political scandals.
I was just reading 'Is Homework Worth the Hassle?' on the BBC news website and it reminded me how much I hate the concept of homework, as directed by schools. As a home schooling mum you could be forgiven for thinking I am anti establishment. But I'm not. Each case for attending/not attending school should be considered on an individual basis, and that is why when given the opportunity to try out a brand, spanking new secondary school in our local area we gave it a shot. One form entry, nice and small and a good gentle introduction back into the mainstream.

As much as we loved being at home together and enjoyed the outdoor life and freedom to set our own course, there is always that element of doubt about the end goal, can I do what needs to be done to ensure my son achieves his potential. So I handed him over to people I trusted to undertake that task.

The alarm bells first started ringing when we attended a meeting of parents as an introduction to the school. The freedom of expression in the way I dressed that I had come to love in my role as a home ed mum was the first thing that came under the spotlight. Apparently, having been taken aside by another parent, Union Jack Doctor Martens immediately labelled me as a racist. I had quite a collection of DM's back then and thought myself, in my other life, to be on point in my choice of footwear. They went on Ebay the next day and I stuck to the Lime, pink and floral selection from then on.

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During this meeting the deputy head (who I grew to dislike with a passion I didn't know I was capable of) was driving home the inclusion policy, 'Inclusion, Inclusion, Inclusion' he chanted over and over. And then when asked what the school's policy was, and what they would do about any children who were very, very 'naughty' he said they would be out on their ear....'exclusion'... he bellowed. Hmmm?

And so we began. From Monday to Wednesday the children had compulsory extra curricula activities which meant the school day ended anytime between 5-6pm, we were told that they wouldn't have homework on those evenings. They lied. It became clear that the teachers didn't know the school's policy on homework. I found myself reminding them from time to time. They also had a policy about not having 'whole class' detentions, again this was something I had to remind them about. My son had detention 3 times in his first 2 weeks because other people were 'playing up'.

We spent a term at this school and during that time my son who enjoyed reading and had a passion for History did very little to follow his own interests and hobbies. He was tired, pale, and had more coughs and colds than he'd had in about 5 years. There was no time for family life in the evenings, it became a never ending round of eat, homework and bed.

If you follow social media you may have seen the message that went viral from a Texan teacher, who wrote to parents saying:

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"After much research this summer, I am trying something new. I ask that you spend your evenings doing things that are proven to correlate with student success. Eat dinner as a family, read together, play outside, and get your children to bed early."

I whole heartedly agree with this teacher. You need time as a family to talk, because learning to talk to each other is what can save you great heartache during those teenage years. In a society that appears to be breeding a new generation of anti-socialism through excessive engagement with multimedia (another blog here) communication of the verbal kind is getting little enough practice as it is.
Having only been a member of the Global Citizen team for a little over two weeks, I felt incredibly fortunate - and just a little awed - to play a small part in last week's phenomenal Global Citizen Festival in New York's Central Park.

The event is our flagship and it brings together Global Citizens from around the world to celebrate what unites them behind this brilliant organisation: a desire to see a world without extreme poverty by 2030.

The Festival is unique. It's incredibly powerful. And it works.

Around 60,000 people turned out to see musicians, political leaders and a host of celebrity activists appear on what must be the largest live platform of its kind anywhere in the world. The impressive line-up of acts included everyone from Yusuf/Cat Stevens to Rihanna whose performances were interwoven with commitments from policymakers from around the world.

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The audience were all there as a result of the 1.3 million actions they'd taken in support of Global Citizen's campaigns - and they weren't disappointed. The commitments kept on coming. From the Netherlands, a total of $350 million to improve sanitation for 50 million people and access to water for 30 million worldwide. From Canada, Denmark and Australia, commitments totalling $40 million to further girls' education in the Asia-Pacific region. Organisations also took centre stage to announce accountability updates, including an announcement on behalf of UNICEF on the disbursal of $42 million for education that will benefit 1.5 million children over two years.

In total, 44 commitments were made that will help create a positive impact on 199 million lives around the world.

But as Kendrick Lamar and Neil Patrick Harris shared the stage with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Queen Rania of Jordan there was a noticeable lack of representation from the UK government. They were certainly asked. They were also contacted ahead of the Festival by British Global Citizens eager to have their own leader stand up and commit to further funding on girls' education and the eradication of polio. But there was no one present and no such commitments were made.

One person who would certainly have welcomed them was Nazish Karim, a young polio activist known as Sufi. Sufi's story is moving and utterly inspirational. As is her personal ambition to see her country free from polio by the end of this year, despite the challenges she's faced as a female health worker in her home nation of Pakistan. I was with Sufi just before she went on stage to be introduced to the crowd and it was so heartening to see her delight at having her tireless work recognised by 60,000 of her fellow Global Citizens.

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After leaving the stage, Sufi and I wandered into the crowd to look back at where she'd recently been standing. Metallica was playing. Loudly. And it struck me that there probably isn't anywhere else in the world where I could be standing with this inspirational young woman from Pakistan listening to one of the world's most renowned bands in front of a stage where commitments were being made to create positive change for millions of people around the world.

Though we missed having the UK up on stage, we are hopeful that the UK government will continue its longstanding tradition of fighting for the rights of the poorest people. The UK not only provides crucial funding, but also has a long history of convening other world leaders to do the same. I believe that with the continued support of Global Citizens, we can show our government that millions of us support UK aid and the incredible impact that it has. We can help ensure that the UK takes the necessary action to eradicate a disease that people like Sufi are committed to preventing on a daily basis.

The Global Citizen Festival is the biggest platform of its kind through which governments can be held to account for the decisions they make and encouraged to do more to help lift people from extreme poverty throughout the world.

But it is not the only platform. If you'd like to learn how you could join Sufi and thousands of other Global Citizens in a drive to eradicate polio once and for all, please read on. It will only take a few minutes of your time to add your voice to our campaign but is has the potential to help change the world forever.
Every year, on 28th September, transparency campaigners, governments and international bodies such as UNESCO celebrate International Right to Know Day. The right to access information is a fundamental human right which permits us to participate in democratic decision-making and hold our decision-makers to account.

However, as with all rights, the right to information is one that we must continuously fight to defend. Elected representatives like myself are constantly struggling to access the information we need to do our job, to protect the public interest and to defend public health and the environment. Which is where the bizarre concept of the "secure reading room" comes in - a place where elected representatives can go to view important information.

The idea behind this is that the information in the room is so sensitive that access to it must be restricted. When you enter the room you must sign a confidentiality agreement and hand over all your personal belongings, other than a pen and piece of paper. Having read what you can and frantically scribbled down some notes, you are then sworn to secrecy on what you have learnt; unable to share any findings with the people you represent.

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I previously visited such a room to look through TTIP papers - the secretive trade deal being discussed between the US and EU. Yesterday, I again handed over my phone, my laptop; had my bag searched, and signed to say I wouldn't reveal my findings with the wider world. The issue in question this time was the controversial weed killer glyphosate.

When asked why its assessment differed from that of IRAC, EFSA claimed that it had based its decision on a number of unpublished studies that IRAC had not seen. Naturally, and in the interests of transparency, not to mention public health, the Green group in the European Parliament requested access to these documents.

The EFSA has so far failed to publish the studies, falling back on arguments by the agribusiness companies funding the studies that publication would harm their commercial interests. This will do nothing to dent accusations over the years that the EFSA is guilty of conflicts of interest and lacks independence in the way their scientific assessments are carried out.

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With the EFSA refusing to play ball, step forward Monsanto - the world's largest producer of glyphosate - together with Syngenta and other agribusiness corporations, with a selection of studies buried away in a 'secure reading room', to which they deign to grant access.

Having joined forces under the dubiously named "Glyphosate Task Force", these corporations have lobbied the EFSA hard to get authorisation for glyphosate to be sold on the European market. This group of industry actors has then set about emulating the reading rooms concept, set up by the European Commission and other governments, so they can avoid making their studies on the health risks of glyphosate publicly available. So, as if the reading room concept wasn't insult enough to the idea of transparency, this one was set up by the very corporations producing the controversial chemical in question.

Unfortunately, I cannot of course reveal what I found out in the reading room. What I can say is that the whole point of publishing scientific studies is that they are then accessible for other scientists to review. Secret science is not real science.
Marketers love to make bold predictions. But how far should we trust these forecasts?

An experiment by Philip Tetlock, from the University of Pennsylvania, suggests caution. Over a 20 year period he analysed 82,361 forecasts from 284 experts and found that the predictions were just as likely to be wrong as right. In his memorable words, the average pundit fared no better than 'a dart-throwing monkey'.

Worst of all Tetlock found that the forecasters favoured by the press were less accurate than average. Media outlets preferred pundits who had a single, big idea and then twisted messy reality to fit that simple but compelling story.

He termed these forecasters "hedgehogs", borrowing from a phrase originally coined by Isaiah Berlin. His data suggest that in contrast "foxes", those who drew inspiration from many sources and accepted the uncertainty of predictions, were far more likely to be accurate.

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Unfortunately, our industry favours "hedgehogs" over "foxes". Perhaps this explains why media and marketing predictions are so often wrong. History is littered with poor predictions from impressive industry figures:

For example, Darryl Zanuck, the legendary producer at 20th Century Fox, said in 1946 "Television won't be able to hold on to any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night."

Nor have our predictions haven't improved with time.

Steve Chen, co-founder of YouTube, talked down his company's future in 2005 when he famously said: "There's just not that many videos I want to watch."

In 2007 Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, surpassed himself by saying that: "There's no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share."

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So what can we do?

I'd like to make a proposal: any prediction in the trade press has to be accompanied by the pundit's attempts from last year.

There would be two benefits. First, by publicising inaccurate historic predictions it would puncture our collective over-confidence and demonstrate that the uncertainty of "foxes" is justifiable. Second, it changes the pundit's incentives: from just being interesting to also being accurate.
John Keeble via Getty Images

The new H&M advert is being praised for its depiction of real women - which I think is great - but they are missing a huge opportunity to include disabled women.

Marketing money should certainly be spent on representing the women that are actually buying their clothes in their advertising campaigns. Although I'm only 3ft 9 inches, fashion has always been a major part of my life.

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Research by disability charity Scope found two thirds (68%) of disabled people feel the need to disguise their disability as a result of stigma and negativity. Many disabled people hide their disability because of lack of confidence and fashion can be a form of expression that breaks down barriers as a talking point.

As a teenager I had body issues which were amplified by the constant staring in the streets from people who were intrigued by my wheelchair and short stature. At one point, the staring became intolerable and I broke down in tears in the middle of a busy shopping high street. My older sister consoled me, "Do you ever think that maybe they are looking at you because your dress sense is amazing and you have so much style?"

Since that day, fashion has meant more to me than just garments to keep you warm and cover your modesty.

I'm currently residing in the trendy east London area that is Shoreditch and I would classify myself as a 'fashionista'. I go shopping on the High Street almost every week but I still don't see images of people like me staring back from the hundreds of advertisements. Are disabled people simply not interested in fashion or our appearance? Are the clothes just not catered to fit us as we sit in wheelchairs, amputees or short in stature? Are we not beautiful or aesthetically pleasing enough to grace the pages of magazines or billboards? Do we not see ourselves as sexual and people to emulate?

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I am living proof that none of those statements are true.

I am regularly stopped by people remarking on my outfit or makeup technique. I am an actress and appear regularly on the television and people are not offended by my appearance. So why is the fashion industry still ignoring those with disabilities?

People with disabilities make up 20% of the population and are consumers just like the rest of the population. Surely if there are more positive images of people with disabilities and disabled models in our shop advertisements those 20% will consume and purchase more.

It also makes good sense for businesses to target disabled people. The Government estimates that our spending power - the purple pound - is worth over 200 billion a year. Every fashion company should be looking to a get a piece of this market. There would be a huge advantage for the companies that start using disabled people in their advertising campaigns.

And it's not just advertising and the fashion industry that needs to rethink their approach to 'diversity'. Much more still needs to be done in media too to ensure disability is more visible and disabled talent is used. If only 50% of people say they have met a disabled person, then seeing people with disabilities visually in advertisements is a way of normalising disability. The disability charity Scope's 'End the Awkward' campaign looks to address this - the general public still say they feel awkward around disability and the visibility of disabled people in advertising and media could go some way to address this.
If we examine history to understand how dictators and oppressive regimes operate it is usually without moral compunction, death is a mandatory part of the ruthless course to victory. I think of Stalin and Mao, both lauded and vilified in their lifetime, in total almost 100 million died under their watch - an unprecedented figure. I also think of Pol Pot in Cambodia who systematically allowed 1. 5 million of its people die from starvation, execution, disease or slave labour in the pursuit of a nonsensical idea.

Conflict and war is a constant, and it always comes down to power. The philosopher, Nietzsche argued that the first thing that a child seeks is power, we are hard wired to try and attain it and there are those who are indiscriminate in their pursuit of it.

President Assad refuses to relinquish power. What started off as a peaceful demonstration for democracy has descended into a civil war and a situation so fractured and complex it seems the whole of Syria will be reduced to rubble in his pursuit of victory. Hospitals, civilians, children - all targets it seems in his current onslaught in the fight for control over Aleppo. He argues he will not negotiate with terrorists as he unleashes hell on his own people.

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Historically, countries and cities have been annihilated in a bid to win wars; during the Second World War the world witnessed the decimation caused by the atomic bomb in Nagasaki and Hiroshima which finally forced Japan into submission. The death toll was huge exceeding 100,000. In Germany, Dresden was bombed in February 1945 killing 25,000 on that day, which marked the end of the war. The strategy was brutal, but it worked. Japan and Germany learnt from the lessons of history and are two of the least belligerent countries on the planet.

Detail from War on a Scroll part 3 - part of a series of 10 scrolls I am creating about war - my anti-war protest, this drawing depicts a scene in the aftermath of the holocaust.

It's a shame that other countries have not learnt much from history and the lessons of war. What is ironic is that Bush and Blair took it upon themselves to remove Saddam Hussein from power seeing him as a global threat when at the time he posed little threat, there were no weapons of mass destruction, he had committed war crimes against the Kurds which were despicable, but that didn't warrant military intervention. What ensued saw the destruction of the infrastructure of Iraq and the emergence of a dangerous power vacuum, plunging the country into chaos and instability (which still continues) allowing the subsequent rise of Islamic extremism and ISIS who are battling for power in both Syria and Iraq.

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What would the world order look like if Saddam were still alive? Once Gaddafi was unceremoniously deposed Libya descended into mayhem, whatever we think about Gaddafi or Saddam Hussein dictators seem to keep their countries together and warring factions in check through oppression. If Assad did go, who would fill that power vacuum? Would the alternative fare any better? It appears that the Middle East is not ready for democracy; those countries that are flourishing like Saudi Arabia are in effect dictatorships ruled with an iron fist - no dissent is tolerated. Case in point the Saudi blogger, Raif Badawi, who faced 50 lashes for writing a blog urging for greater freedom of expression.

Assad is still around and alive, while other dictators have been deposed, he is from a dynasty and his father before him had no qualms about crushing resistance in 1982, killing 40,000 people in order to restore order and power. He has powerful allies in Russia and Iran, whatever happens Assad is staying.

We hear about Assad, but we don't see him, we do not know where he is, there are people loyal to him, soldiers that have lost their lives through decapitation for him. Then there are others that despise him, like those trapped in Aleppo, once a thriving city, with ancient beauty that now lies in ruins.

Detail from War on a Scroll Part 2 (pen and ink on 30-foot scroll of paper, mixed media 2015)

We don't hear much about Afghanistan, Iraq or Libya anymore or Yemen as the Saudi-led bombing campaign to defeat the rebels renders Yemen on the verge of famine.

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And these wars that rage are for what purpose, not the good of the people because who would inflict such hell on an individual? It is in the pursuit of power for bits of land and/or oil and resources. That's what it comes down to, land, or should I say rubble and the subsequent subjugation of a people to maintain that power.

Detail from War on a Scroll Part 3 (mixed media on 30-foot scroll of paper, 2016)

Putin is not about to give up, nor Assad, the death toll will continue to rise because history has shown us that this is what ruthless dictators consistently do to cling onto the reigns of power. They show no mercy. Syria will be reduced to nothing, the country's population has already diminished significantly as people have fled while those that chose to stay are trapped with a generation wiped out and scarred by war. There is no victory; only time will be a healer. This war is a protracted one, civil wars often are.

The world sits passively protesting but does very little knowing Russia is impervious. Countries seem more embroiled in their own problems with the US facing Trump as potential President and Europe confronting its own demons with the rise of xenophobia and right wing extremism. Despite the evident plight of the Syrians and others trapped in war torn countries, Europe has lost empathy, lost the will, lost the support of their local people to let anyone else in. They argue there is no space, that services are under strain - remember Brexit was fought and won primarily on the issue of immigration and the refugee crisis. Think back to Farage's vile 'Breaking Point' poster. Merkel has suffered in the polls and the recent election has seen the right wing party Alternative for Germany (Afd), beat Merkel's party in the state vote; once an immutable figure, she seems beleaguered and on her knees today.

As sympathies for the plight of refugees wanes, what hope is there for them in Syria and beyond? Where do these people go? Displaced and beleaguered by war? What do they do? Do we just let them die? Do we keep the door shut?

When will Syria's suffering end? When will the suffering of Iraqis end? The people of Yemen, Afghanistan... When?
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Labour started their conference by voting not to debate Brexit, and finished it with Jeremy Corbyn hardly mentioning it in his closing speech. Unfortunately it seems that on the biggest issue facing the country, Corbyn's Labour has thrown in the towel. Here was a quiet man turning down the volume, especially on Europe. Crucially, the Labour leader confirmed he won't fight for Britain's membership of the Single Market, which is vital for jobs and our economic future. Instead he called for "access" to the European market. But that could mean anything. The whole world, including North Korea, has access to the EU single market. The reality is that anything less than full membership of the Single Market, as the British car industry today made clear, would risk doing serious damage to jobs and our economy.

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Added to that, which should be enough to put off any pro-European, centrist or progressive voter, Labour still have no credible alternative plan for our country including for the NHS. There were no major policy announcements in Corbyn's speech. The proposed 1.5% increase in corporation tax would only raise around 1.2billion in its first year, hardly enough to tackle the huge cash crisis facing our NHS and social care system. The only sensible policies Corbyn did propose were longstanding Lib Dem policies, including lifting the borrowing cap for local authorities, a ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and boosting cash for disadvantaged children through the pupil premium.

Labour under Corbyn's leadership are hopelessly divided and have no plan for the economy. They are effectively now two parties, one that wants to win but is being suffocated by Corbyn, and his clique who only love the politics of the placard. Perhaps the biggest problem with them is they are obsessed with re-fighting the battles of the past, instead of preventing the damage this Conservative Brexit Government is doing to our future. Now, in the wake of the Brexit vote those divisions are more exposed than ever before.

Ultimately Jeremy Corbyn's speech on Wednesday was aimed at the hall and not the country. It was the verbal version of a safety blanket, trying to bring his warring party together. But it won't work and it won't last. As I know, when I gave my speech last week, conference speeches are always a balancing act. But my message to the wider country outside the conference hall was clear.

With our country facing huge challenges - from inequality and injustice to an NHS and social care in crisis and an economy in jeopardy - we are left with a reckless, divisive and uncaring Conservative Government and Labour fighting among themselves with no plan for our future. That's why the Liberal Democrats are needed more than ever. We are the real voice of opposition to the government and the only party fighting to keep Britain open, tolerant and united.

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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains one of the most powerful ways to reach your target audience. But Google's changes have meant that ranking websites is based on the user experience each customer gets. This means companies have to change the way they do things. SEO is not just a case of throwing in a few keywords and links to sites.

I spoke to Arya Bina, Founder and CEO of Kobe Digital, to talk about how SEO can be used to target millennials, which is one of the hardest groups to hit.

AJ: Thank you for joining me today. Could you tell me more about Kobe Digital?

CEO: Kobe Digital is a company that caters to small and medium-sized businesses. We help them to reach their target audiences. We remain a small firm with a global reach. Our role as a boutique Los Angeles digital marketing firm enables us to give our clients the personalized services they want to conquer the most competitive industries.

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AJ: Do you think millennials look at SEO differently than any other generation?

CEO: Millennials definitely view SEO differently. The main difference is that millennials perceive strong SEO to be a requirement for any company they do business with. They have grown up with the Internet and Google their whole lives, the first generation to do so, and finding a piece of information online has become second nature. They do the same when they want to find out more about a business.

For the vast majority of them, the Internet is the first place they look when learning more about a company and its products. Companies that have failed to make a strong online presence their top priority are practically invisible to millennials. They're as good as dead in the water.

AJ: As a boutique LA digital marketing firm, do you find most of your clients are from the local area?

CEO: We have found that the majority of small to medium-sized businesses enjoy working with local agencies. This is because we find that any cultural and logistical challenges are already understood by the agency. Our list of clients reflects this, and the majority of the businesses on this list are based in Southern California to enable this personalized approach.

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But Kobe Digital is a national company and there have been many companies from across the country deciding to work with us after being referred. Los Angeles is one of the biggest and best creative hubs in the country, which is why top marketing talent tends to flock here which has enabled Kobe Digital to hire some of the top millennial talent .

AJ: What direction do you think SEO is taking now?

CEO: To us, it's clear that SEO is becoming the new reality when it comes to marketing. SEO has enabled companies to execute campaigns that are targeted, scalable, and measurable. That's the gold standard in advertising. With over 90% of online experiences beginning with a Google search, SEO is the clear choice for any company that wants to hit millennial audiences.

SEO is part of an environment that's dynamic and fast-flowing. It's difficult to predict which direction it will move in over the next few years. But targeted marketing services are sure to continue their relentless advance. Companies will be able to leverage granular data, including time spent on pages, search engine users' search histories, and bounce rates. To a large extent, we've already seen this transformation.

AJ: When marketing to millennials does SEO and/or Social have the stronger place?

CEO: It's easy to think that millennials share every detail on social media, therefore social media marketing is the future of online advertising. At Kobe Digital, we have found that this is true to a certain extent. A strong social media marketing campaign is one of the most effective tools for building your brand and engaging with your customers.

But when it comes to introducing your company's products and services to new demographics, SEO is the best way to increase your visibility. Search engine users are far more likely than social media users to convert. 72% of people who perform a local search will visit the closest store to them. 61% of local searches also lead to a purchase.

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Those are numbers social media marketing has yet to reach.



Conclusion - SEO is More Important than Ever

SEO is more important than ever before and there's no doubt that it's a cornerstone for reaching millennials. SEO might have been changed, but it's not going to disappear anytime soon. Companies that fail to invest in SEO are going to be at a crippling disadvantage. And there are no signs of this changing anytime soon as SEO becomes more targeted and more affordable.
For nearly half a century, research has raised troubling questions about the practice of dangling rewards in front of people to get them to do what we want. It doesn't matter whether the people in question are male or female, children or adults. It doesn't matter whether the rewards are stickers, food, grades, or money. It doesn't matter whether the goal is to get them to work harder, learn better, act nicely, or lose weight. What the studies keep telling us is that rewards, like punishments, tend not only to be ineffective -- particularly over the long haul -- but often to undermine the very thing we're trying to promote.

Since I reviewed the first wave of research on the counterproductive effects of rewards, new studies have confirmed and extended the original findings. By now, with the exception of economists and a diehard group of orthodox behaviorists (who have restyled themselves "behavior analysts"), most social scientists acknowledge that incentives tend to backfire. Moreover, the problem isn't limited to particular kinds of incentives or ways of using them. The trouble is inherent to the very idea of incentives. Extrinsic motivators (rewards) tend to reduce intrinsic motivation (people's interest in, or commitment to, what they're doing).

Alas, too many parents, teachers, and managers persist in treating people like pets, offering the equivalent of a doggie biscuit to children, students, and employees in an effort to get them to jump through hoops. (Rewards are tools used by people with more power on those with less.) The more familiar you are with the mountain of research on this topic, the more depressed you'll be to find, for example, that schools continue to rely on Skinnerian programs such as PBIS, Class Dojo, Accelerated Reader, and the like. It's not just that they're manipulative, or even that they're ultimately unsuccessful. It's that they're actively harmful.

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The early research on rewards investigated some intriguing subsidiary questions that stemmed from the central finding. To wit: What if the reward is really large and luscious? (That tends to compound the damage to intrinsic motivation.) Are rewards damaging mostly because they distract people from the task? (Apparently not, because other distractors don't have the same negative effects.) What about verbal rewards? (Praise can be just as controlling and destructive as tangible rewards.) Which is worse, giving people a set reward for doing a task or making the reward contingent on how well they do it? (The latter, by a long shot.)[1]

And here's one of my favorite spin-off questions: If saying "Do this, and you'll get that" makes people less interested in the "this," might it also make them more interested in the "that"? The late educational psychologist John Nicholls once quipped that the predictable result of "Book It!" -- Pizza Hut's edible reward-for-reading program -- is to produce "a lot of fat kids who don't like to read." Too true: Children have been led to see reading not as something desirable in its own right, but as a means to an end, something you have to slog through to get the pepperoni payoff. But might the program also have the effect of enhancing the appeal of pizza just by virtue of framing it as a reward?

This was dubbed the "bonus effect" by a couple of researchers at the University of Colorado who tested the idea in four studies with kids of different ages.[2] They found limited support for the idea that an activity comes to seem more desirable to children who were allowed to engage in it as a reward: It depended on their age and on how familiar they already were with that activity. Two experiments by other researchers -- which were focused mostly on whether rewards reduced interest in the target activity -- also happened to look at what happened to interest in the reward itself. They found no effect.

Which brings us to what, as far as I know, is the first attempt to revisit this phenomenon in a long time. In a series of seven studies published just this month[3] -- exactly 30 years after the same journal featured the Colorado researchers' findings -- two psychologists at Northwestern University's School of Management used adults as subjects and money as the reward (in six of the seven experiments).

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What they found was both straightforward and remarkably consistent: When people are promised a monetary reward for doing a task well, the primary outcome is that they get more excited about money. This happens even when they don't meet the standard for getting paid. And when a reward other than money is used -- raffle tickets for a gift box, in this case -- the effect is the same: more enthusiasm about what was used as an incentive.

The researchers also discovered that financial rewards for good performance boosted interest in money more than financial rewards just for participating in the experiment. The more closely a reward is conditioned on how well one has done something, the more that people come to desire the reward and, as earlier research has shown, the more they tend to lose interest in whatever they had to do to get the reward. One of the new studies proved this was true not only in laboratory simulations but also in a real workplace: Monitoring salespeople at a car dealership convinced the researchers that people subjected to performance-based pay "may become more materialistic and less charitable over time."

Other research has shown that rewards not only reduce people's interest in what they're doing but also adversely affect the quality of their performance. When we're led to focus on getting an A, a bonus, or some other payoff for doing well, we tend to do more poorly on the task -- a finding that holds true regardless of age, type of reward, or what we we're doing (although rewards' destructive effect on performance is most pronounced for tasks that require creativity or sophisticated problem solving). It's long been assumed that quality drops because interest drops. But the Northwestern researchers speculated that quality may also suffer from the enhanced interest in, and attention to, the grade or money being dangled in front of people.

The most obvious practical significance of this new research concerns pay-for-performance schemes in the workplace, including bonuses and merit pay. Earlier studies had already shown that compensating people this way makes them less excited about the work they do every day. But it also apparently creates a greater focus on money (compared to other goals and values). And the studies may also be relevant to education. If we try to justify certain instructional approaches by saying they'll raise test scores, we're devaluing those approaches while simultaneously elevating the importance of test scores. The same is true of education research that uses test results as the dependent variable.

Also, as I argued not long ago, the same double whammy applies when education itself is justified in economic terms: Students' engagement declines and their materialistic values -- already a dominant feature of our acquisitive culture -- may rise. At one stroke we're teaching them to hate learning and to love money.

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The more general conclusion from the new research might be summarized as follows: If the question is "Do rewards motivate people?" the answer is "Sure -- they motivate people to get rewards."

_______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

1. I discuss, and provide citations to, all of this research in my book Punished by Rewards (Houghton Mifflin, rev. ed. 1992).

2. Ann K. Boggiano and Deborah S. Main, "Enhancing Children's Interest in Activities Used as Rewards: The Bonus Effect," Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 51 (1986): 1116-26.
Wagner would have loved it...I hope, the great surge of humanity gathered respectfully in Times Square to see opening night of Tristan und Isolde at the Met, me among them.

Confession time: I am an unapologetic Opera Snob who loves Wagner. People get confused. What's there to love? Aren't his operas long, immoral, hard to follow and loud? They are. But these are some of the reasons I love Wagner, and keep seeing his operas over and over again.

I've seen "Tristan" (as opera snobs refer to Tristan und Isolde - please note it's "und" not "and") many times. But this Tristan was different. This Tristan was to be broadcast "Live from the Met" in the heart of New York. There were even free programs!

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Which brings me to why I, who hate crowds, was there. I had time on my hands before going uptown to see the first Presidential debate. It was a glorious early autumn evening. And, most importantly, this "Tristan" is a spanking new modern rendition of the medieval Celtic myth, with characters dressed in slick suits and smart dresses, instead of sheep's skin, helmets and gold.



What's more, this new production stars Nina Stemme, a Swedish soprano I saw 16 years ago in her Met debut as a 'mousy' Senta - the way I think Senta should be played - in Der Fliegende Hollander / "The Flying Dutchman."

So there I am trudging bravely towards Times Square at four in the afternoon, hoping to get a good seat for the five o'clock curtain, wary of being chatted up by Mickey Mouse or panhandled by those pseudo-Tibetan Monks. Yet, as I approach Broadway and 44th Street, I could see no sign of what I hoped to be chorales of "OMG, OMG I'm here to see an opera."



What I saw were mainly tourists, walking around gaping at the plethora of garish neon advertisements, wondering do they or don't they let a woman dressed as one of the girls in "Frozen" chat the them up.

After asking a few cops did they know anything about tonight's opera - they didn't - I walked a few blocks up town. Suddenly, it appeared: Orderly lines of cordoned off black chairs facing an enormous screen graced by Placido Domingo's face announcing The Met, enormous speakers and young women handing out programs just like it's done in the opera house.



To my surprise there were empty seats. I could have taken any one I wanted. So I picked one at the end of a row to exit easily after the first act, to head uptown for the debate.



I was not the only New Yorker present. There were many elderly couples most likely lucky to have seen Birgit Nilsson play Isolde at the 'old' Met. But the majority were tourists, thrilled to be in Times Square and part of the action, being photographed or even videoed as part of the opening night audience.

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There was a prevailing sense of peace among the people waiting for the opera to begin, possibly the first they've even seen. But not before Sir Simon Rattle and his divinely hippie curls took to the podium to lead the Met audience and the street audience in a rousing rendition of our National Anthem.

Having confessed I am an Opera Snob, I must embellish a bit more: I love overtures. Sowing their musical seeds of what's to come gets me every time. And as I sit there, perched on the edge of my seat waiting for those first mournful notes of the overture, I feel blissful. Happy to be right here in the middle of Manhattan part of a great throng, free to leave or stay, get a coffee or over hearing people on cell phones saying, "Hey, guess where I am?"
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the General Assembly at the United Nations on September 22, 2016 in New York City. Presidents, prime ministers, monarchs and ministers are gathering this week for the United Nation's General Assembly's annual meeting. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The death of President Shimon Peres highlights the stark difference in leadership between him and Prime Minister Netanyahu--the difference between a statesman and a demagogue. Peres never hesitated to change his position and embrace policies from the left, right, or center as long as it served the country's interests and advanced peace, which he always placed above party politics. Netanyahu, however, has proved time and again that he is stuck in the past, holding fast to reactionary policies and putting his personal ambitions and ideological bent above the national interest--inadvertently charting an ominous path for the country he presumably wants to protect.

Those who expected nothing new from Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) were not disappointed. Netanyahu displayed his usual arrogant flair and confirmed what is already known, albeit indirectly--his rejection of creating a Palestinian state.

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In fact, he only further emphasized Israel's historic and biblical rights to the entire 'land of Israel,' making the prospect of peace increasingly remote if attainable at all. His 'slogan' of supporting two-states is just that--a slogan. Indeed, his actions on the ground and views on the future disposition of the Palestinians' territory points precisely to the opposite direction.

Peres' focus was and remained throughout his life on reaching peace with the Palestinians, knowing that Israel's ultimate security and well-being rests on better and progressive relations between Israel and the Palestinians, and ultimately the wider Arab world.

Netanyahu, in contrast, has been blinded by his ideological agenda and fails to consider the effect and dire implications of his policies on Israel's future security.

Peres understood that Israel has made tremendous strides and achieved unprecedented success in the defense, technological, economic, medical, and agricultural fields, but he also knew that notwithstanding its impressive achievements, Israel's viability and security rests on reaching out to the rest of the Arab world in peace.

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Netanyahu boastfully presented Israel at the UNGA as the world's savior, and as if he was the Messiah who brought the Israelis to the Promise Land and turned a barren desert into an oasis of milk and honey.

Peres demonstrated during his long life the leadership qualities and necessary flexibility to pursue different ways to make Israel better and stronger. He never forgot that Israel is at its best when it is at peace with itself and with its neighbors.

Netanyahu wants to use Israel's formidable power as a tool to subjugate the Palestinians, maintain the occupation, and create irrevocable facts on the ground that would make it impossible for his successor to reverse, thereby preventing the Palestinians from realizing their aspirations for a state.

Peres put Israel's survival first by developing a nuclear weapons program, knowing that Israel must possess the ultimate weapons to deter any sworn enemy that threatens the existence of the state--yet he never considered the Palestinians or any Arab state to fall into that category.

Netanyahu's strategy, on the other hand, is shaped by daily events to ensure his personal political survival. He uses the continuation and expansion of the settlement project ostensibly to ensure Israel's national security, when in reality the Palestinians cannot and will never pose an existential threat to Israel.

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Peres leaves a legacy, however controversial, as a statesman who deservedly earned his Nobel Peace Prize by forging the Oslo Accords in 1993, which also led to the Israeli-Jordanian peace agreement two years later that Israel considers the bedrock of its security on its western front.

Conversely, after becoming Prime Minister in 1996 Netanyahu began the systematic destruction of the Oslo Accords, ignoring the implications of his reckless actions and charting the path that led to continuing violence that eventually culminated in the Second Intifada.

Peres realized that given Israel's size and volatile neighborhood, it must become an active and supportive member of the international community to be embraced by all and respected for the strong moral tenants on which the country was founded.

Netanyahu, on the contrary, has and continues to pursue policies that increasingly isolate Israel, building fences instead of reaching out, and alienating Israel's closest friends (including the US) who revile him for his policies that undermine Israel's as well as their own interests in the Middle East.

Peres fully embraced the Arab Peace Initiative (API), which was introduced in 2002 and provides a framework for Israeli-Palestinian peace in the context of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace, which could have led to the recognition of Israel by more than 50 Arab and Muslim states.

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Netanyahu rejected the API off-hand, arguing that it was presented on a take it or leave it basis, when in fact he never contemplated negotiating peace with the Palestinians under any framework. Suggesting as he did in his UNGA speech that he welcomed the spirit of the API was nothing but a demagogic rendition to show his openness to negotiate, when in fact he wants to merely manage the conflict while further consolidating the occupation to the point of no return.

Peres was the last remaining key figure of Israel's founding generation who had a vision of where Israel should be in the future. However controversial or idiosyncratic he was, he never strayed from his vision to secure an independent, proud and democratic nation as the home of the Jewish people in perpetuity.

Netanyahu has no clue where Israel will or should be 10 or 15 years down the line. His policies are undercutting the democratic foundation of the country, and overtly discriminating against Israel's Arab population while maintaining the occupation and endangering the Jewish national identity of the state.

As Netanyahu attends Peres' funeral, he should remember that Peres was the statesman who understood that as long as Israel enjoys the upper hand, it must allow the Palestinians to live in a free and democratic state of their own.

Israelis and Palestinians are ordained to live side by side--they must now chart a destiny of amity and peace, or be doomed together.

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In February-May 2016 I volunteered at the Future Center for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi. The Community Outreach office at my university NYU Abu Dhabi promoted the opportunity and I felt a need to take it, to actively serve the society in which I had been studying for four years. The experience left me with many insights on child development and showed the concerted efforts of the UAE government to provide the most for its least protected citizens.

Ms. Kismette, or "Ms. K" how children would call her, explained to me that the group included children with various needs. I was suggested to work closely with one or two children at a time, which was a good way to learn about their personalities in greater depth, and for them to learn about me. There were a few important conclusions, some occurring momentarily and others coming in retrospect, which I would like to share.

Discipline Is ImportantSpecial needs children are as inquisitive, playful, impatient, and lazy as other children, and equally need to learn discipline. Self-discipline is especially important with special needs, because the child needs to develop a positive mental self-organization to overcome the challenges of his or her circumstances. At the Future Center I saw how self-discipline is implemented from the very early age. My group included children of 5 to 9 years old. To prepare for lunch, they washed their hands, placed their food on individual trays and carried the trays to the desk. This provided a way to learn about various manufactured objects such as trays and foster the feeling of personal belonging, since every child had their own food container and place at the table. After lunch everyone wiped their table with wet cloth, a definitely commendable group activity to motivate cleanliness.

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A difficulty to walk was not an excuse. Ms. K drove a five-year-old in a wheelchair to the niche with backpacks, where the little girl took her tray and food to the place at her desk. Afterwards she wiped the table with a wet napkin just like everyone else. The emphasis was thus on the fact that everyone was capable and had to persevere regardless of the condition.

Discipline exercises also encouraged connections with other life essentials, for instance, track of time. There were seven boxes with different toys reserved for every day of the week, and children knew exactly which day of the week it was to take the toys from the right container.

Individual Ways to Learn

Some children developed their own ways to learn more about the world. A journey to the kitchen was not part of the routine, but a five-year-old boy in the group really enjoyed to warm up his croissant every time before lunch. It was an opportunity for self-expression and independence, which Ms. K encouraged very much. Instead of heating the croissant for him, she let the boy bring it on the plate to the microwave in the kitchen and press himself the button to warm it up.

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Jump Further Than Anyone Else

Special needs children are endowed with the biggest developmental potential, because they start at a disadvantage but, given the conducive environment, have plenty of opportunities to catch up. In my first days I worked with a little boy who was very smart but had slow muscle development. We played a game to develop his arm muscles and voice chords, whereby he would circle small triangles and squares with his finger one by one and count them aloud from one to ten. At first, I had to lean closely to hear his "one, two, three..." There was not much progress right away, but repetition and perseverance are sure ways to reach miracles. After two and a half months, I was amazed to meet him in the hallway and hear him talking-singing loudly to the nurse. He no longer had to whisper!

Take Questions Seriously

When a child asks a "Why..?" question and parents respond impatiently with "because!" or simply don't answer, I personally consider it a moral crime. Children are all equally curious regardless of abilities and only learn if their curiosity is answered. At the Future Center I was once massaging the legs of a little girl that had difficulty walking. I checked her face to see if she was enjoying it, but did not expect what was coming. She looked at me with all the seriousness of an adult and asked: "Why are you touching my legs?!" I was overjoyed because of how critically she evaluated her environment, but felt also guilty for intruding in her space without properly explaining my actions. To justify myself, I described what blood circulation was and that it was important for her to walk. Later that day, she invented a game that totally struck me. In a sensory room, where children developed perceptions by interacting with light and game-friendly objects, she asked me to close my eyes and to look at her after she was standing up with a supervisor's assistance. Then she went on to do a few steps. She wanted to show off her walking abilities!

Expect More

The first piece of advice given to me when I started volunteering was to expect more from the children. Patience and repetition, I learnt, are essential for success. You could put a straw in a juice box for a child with cerebral palsy syndrome, and they would not learn it themselves, always expecting you to do it. Alternatively, you could stand by and encourage them to try, and in most cases they will eventually do it themselves. A balance between independence and assistance may be difficult to find, but ultimately it depends on patience: how much am I willing to wait and direct them until they learn? Just like other children, special needs kids progress faster if encouraged to try by their parents and supervisors.
Nick Macco is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Southtree, Legacybox, and other less mentionable organizations. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin Nick's love for entrepreneurship began in 4th grade pitching shoe designs to Nike's Phil Knight and hawking his own comic books (The Adventures of Crouton Man.) Later, he founded his first company before his 18th birthday.

Nick studied Business and Theology at Lee University. While attending Lee he founded Southtree, an internet based company, in his garage. Southtree has grown into a national leader in digitizing analog media with a team of over 100. Southtree serves all fifty states, and has preserved over 1-million home movies and digitized large collections for clients such as Disney. Southtree and Legacybox have been featured on The View, Public Radio, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, and countless others. As a self-taught designer, Nick's work has been featured by Behance's 99u and SwissMiss.

In 2010 Nick was honored as one of Chattanooga's "30 Under 30" by Cityscope Magazine. In 2011 Southtree was the recipient of the InnovateHere Grant by the Lyndhurst Foundation in support of Southtree's revitalization efforts in Chattanooga's urban areas. In 2013 Nick was selected by the Thiel Foundation as a Mentor advising start-ups and young entrepreneurs at their annual summit in New York City. In 2014 Southtree was honored as Small Business of The Year by the Chamber of Commerce. In 2016 Southtree's sister brand, Legacybox was named one of America's Fastest Growing Companies by Inc Magazine.

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Nick's blood runs green and gold, he's ridden chair lifts since the age of 4, and he made a valiant attempt at surfing off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. In his increasingly limited free time Nick enjoys reading philosophy and history. Nick lives in Downtown Chattanooga with his beautiful wife Ashley. They have twin boys and a spoiled mutt.

What does IMPACT mean to you?

For us, having an impact means that the sum of our business is providing good to the world. It ultimately comes down to people. If we do our jobs, we can be confident in knowing our product helps connect our customers with their story and memories. If we do our jobs, we can be confident our business operates above reproach, contributes to our economy, and provides meaningful work. That's what impact is all about.

What gives you the drive/passion to do what you do? In other words, what is your WHY?

We see entrepreneurship as ultimately a creative endeavor. And we measure what we create by the results it produces. Being able to see the fruits of your labor helps you as a founder to get up each day and do it again. If we can leave it a little better than we found it, we've succeeded.

HOW do you get your mission out into the world?

I think you're known by your actions, sustained over time. So it's not about a branding campaign or communications strategy. My Dad used to say, "Reputation is what people think of you, character is who you are when no one is looking." It's about all the small daily decisions that add up. Those are always the more powerful stories any how.

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We rely on marketing to introduce ourselves to customers. But the mission of our product is only seen after we fulfill our promise to those customers. And the broader mission of our organization is seen in the lives of our community and team and the excellent work they do each day.

If you can bring anyone to lunch (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

This is a tough one. There's so many great figures in history that I admire. Is it too cliche to say Jesus?

What is one thing you are doing right now that is taking your business to the next level?

Saying no. In other words, we ruthlessly prioritize the tasks that will best serve the company, and make sure we ship those. We have to say no to a lot of other things that could steal our time and attention.

How do you market to your target audience?

Mostly online, direct to customers.

What was your first concert?

It's hard to remember. I grew up playing drums and music. Some early memories were traveling with my school to jazz concerts in Chicago. The city, lights, and music were pretty enchanting to me at that age.

If you could travel back in time, what year would you travel to and why?

1776 would be interesting, or a bit earlier, in the throws of the American Enlightenment. I'd love to witness the contest of ideas that birthed our nation. We take a lot of these ideas for granted today.

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What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Business-wise, nothing. I would say every step I took at 20 has contributed to where I am today and I'm deeply grateful for that education. Personally, I'd tell myself to be less anxious and more gracious, especially in my relationships. I continue to learn those lessons the hard way.

What is your favorite quote?

One my favorites that I return to is in Emerson's Self-Reliance where he instructs us to, "Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men [and women] have always done so...accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny...obeying the Almighty effort and advancing on Chaos and the Dark."

Andi Wickman is a Personality Based Marketing strategist who helps business owners go from unknown to influential by leveraging their unique personality.

She helps them stand out and works with them to create and target a message that will reach and resonate. She teaches clients how to be authentic, relatable and consistent, allowing them to be seen as THE expert in their industry.
Bette Davis, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Martin Luther King, Muhammad Ali...all transcendental figures who have been interviewed by Playboy magazine. Now 23 year old Noor Tagouri, the first American Muslim hijabi to become an anchorwoman, has recently had her own groundbreaking interview with Playboy. There has been much thoughtful commentary on the utility and effectiveness of conducting interviews on such mediums as well as the medium itself. As a man I don't really get to have an opinion on this, and this letter is not directed at any of those folks.

Rather, this message is directed at the knee-jerk reaction that Ms. Tagouri has already been receiving from many-particularly in the Muslim community-who's analysis started and ended with reading the word "Playboy", and whose brains immediately yelled "categorically shameful/disgraceful!"

The haters. This one is for you.

Perspective and Consistent Standards

First things first: Despite its name and reputation, Playboy isn't just a "softcore adult" magazine. Like any good business, it has diversified and has long featured interviews with a range of personalities, including all of the aforementioned figures. Playboy may have cemented its legacy for risque depictions of women, but it's equally accurate to describe it as a publication which has had some of the most fascinating and insightful interviews. Given its impressive pedigree and large platform, getting an invitation to be interviewed by the magazine is actually a huge honor. More importantly, context and content is everything, and Noor will actually be discussing the importance of modesty. In Playboy magazine. Think about how provocatively brilliant of a move that is. Policy scholar and Daily Show rockstar Dalia Mogahed poetically articulates:

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"Every day, many of us are in spaces that are very polluted. Places where sin much worse than this is legitimate and normal, like murder, war, and usury. And we stand in those stained spaces and speak truth to falsehood. Barakah' comes from our effort and our intention. When God told Musa (s) to go speak to Pharaoh, He said that the tyrant had transgressed so go to him with gentle words. What was more polluted? The palace of Pharoah, or a magazine with this history? Our Prophet never turned away anyone wishing to to hear truth away, no matter their state of sin. [Noor] made dawah [to this readership]. She told them her truth."

So if you didn't know all of that before, you do know. Yet if you still persist on condemning Noor's interview on Playboy, would you similarly condemn Martin Luther King's and our own beloved Muhammad Ali's interviews? If the answer is yes, and if your answer is based on the logic that "Playboy features some haraam things, so the magazine in its entirety and everything in it must be haraam", I have just one more question:

Does this mean you will also never use YouTube, or watch professional sports? After all, YouTube contains both cartoons and children's lullabies as well as incredible levels of violence (both depicted and real) as well as sexual content. Likewise, many professional teams and tournaments are sponsored by companies which produce alcoholic beverages.

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A part of something being haraam must mean the whole thing must be haraam, right? Throw out the baby with the haraam bathwater.

She was our community's hero when she shattered long-standing barriers in an infamously closed industry-yet as soon as she does something you deem unconventional, she becomes public enemy number one.

Be Like Noor

At this point, I have to disclose that I'm not a dispassionate observer of this saga involving Noor. True story: As a clueless but agitated 2L law student, I wrote a HuffPo piece on the constitutionality and effectiveness of the NYPD's vast surveillance program targeting Muslim students, mosques, and entire communities. I also launched a Whitehouse.gov petition to demand that federal agencies stop extending support to or engaging in these programs, which got the attention of a Vancouver radio station that invited me to discuss both the article and the petition.

At that point, I was sure I was way over my head. I could certainly talk shop about high school and college Muslim Students Associations ("MSAs") all day everyday, but I was no expert on the NYPD surveillance program or civil rights in general. Muslim Advocates and a host of other dedicated civil rights organizations were already making fantastic headway in challenging the program, and i wasn't sure what impact either my article or petition would have on advancing their work. Just when I was seriously considering either nixing or limiting the interview, I got this reply from Noor about my article and petition. I had sent out feelers to a number of Muslim organizations and personalities, yet out of all the replies I received, this one stood out. A personalized reply from Noor, right as her fame was deservedly sky rocketing for shattering barriers in journalism, just a few days before my interview.

Having such a fearless and badass journalist tell you that what you're doing is "such a great initiative" makes a WORLD of a difference, and I'm convinced the only reason I did a halfway-decent job on that interview was because of Noor's encouragement and support. A few weeks after my interview, the NYPD unit responsible for those surveillance programs was disbanded. In January of this year, New York City settled two federal lawsuits on the surveillance program, resulting in what should be permanent, concrete policy changes:

The settlement, which is subject to approval by a judge, will require that police obtain factual information about possible unlawful activity before starting a preliminary investigation into political or religious activity, and will limit the Police Department's use of undercover operatives and confidential informants. It will also formalize what the city said was an existing policy, by prohibiting investigations in which race, religion, or ethnicity are a substantial or motivating factor. The Police Department will remove from its Web site a report titled "Radicalization in the West," which critics had said justified discriminatory surveillance, and will install a civilian representative within the department to serve as a check on investigations directed at political and religious activities

I am certainly not taking credit for any of those victories. Yet I would like to think that my article positively contributed to public outreach and engagement, and helped enlighten ordinary Americans about the legal, policy, and human ramifications of such programs-as well as simply what a MSA is and does. I know for a fact that without Noor's encouragement, that interview would have been a far more stressful affair and I may not have gained the courage to continue writing and engaging the public throughout my student life. Such encouragement, support, and solidarity meant the world to me then-and inspires me just as much now.

Here's the thing: We've seen this sad story before. We live at a time where the general public both in the US and around the world has record negative perceptions of Muslims and Islam. Yet anytime someone from our community finds a new platform or launches novel initiatives to help counter these narratives, you will have those who will wrack their minds to find any and all reasons to tear those endeavors down. Those who have a singular focus on undermining and discrediting rather than engagement and community building.

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Yet the old adage speaks true: It is far easier to resort to reactionary condemnation and criticism than to positively act. In the Muslim context, it is far easier to selectively quote self-reinforcing religious scripture and retreat into conventional paradigms; than to actually look at a problem which exists in our society and then apply your creativity, intellect, and energy to try and come up with a solution.

If 23 year old Noor can find the courage to engage our country in such a high-profile way-and if a still-clueless 27 year old law student like me can dare to try-then, we all can.
By Cara Giaimo, originally published in Atlas Obscura



Three weeks into fall and already sick of homework? Spain may have a tactical answer. CEAPA, a kind of mega-PTA representing the parents of schoolkids across the country, has recommended that fed-up students go on a homework strike.

Under the terms of the strike, participating parents "will formally ask schools not to set homework over November weekends," explained a statement from CEAPA, a collection of parent associations from across Spain. If the schools assign homework anyway, children won't do it, and their parents will send them to school on Monday with notes explaining their disobedience.

These measures are being taken in response to a recent CEAPA survey, which revealed that 41 percent of parents think their children receive too much homework. Many of the kids agreed, saying they didn't get enough rest or have time for extracurriculars. "The general perception is that more and more homework is being set as time goes on," Jose Luis Pazos, president of the El Pais chapter of CEAPA, told the Local.

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The first time I met Alan Khazei, founder and chief executive officer of Be the Change, Inc. and co-founder of City Year, I knew he was a unique and imaginative leader who has boldly championed the power of positive change and the importance of creating opportunities for economic and social advancement.

Over the last seven years I've had the chance to learn more about Alan through our shared interest in community, and I've continued to be inspired by his unwavering commitment to bettering the world, whether through programs for national service or policies to address poverty and youth unemployment.

Following the National Opportunity Summit on September 10, I had a chance to sit down with Alan to talk about an issue we're both passionate about: youth employment.

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Image: Alan Khazei at the 2016 Opportunity Summit; Photo by WEPS, courtesy of Opportunity Nation.

How did you get involved in issues like economic mobility and unemployment? What motivated you?



I'm a son of immigrants and the product of the American Dream. My Dad was from Iran. He left a country of dictatorship for America, a country of freedom and democracy, and became a doctor. My Mom was Italian and a nurse, and my grandfather was from Naples. He settled in Western Pennsylvania and was a shoemaker, and ran a small corner store. When Mom was growing up, Kittanning, Pennsylvania was a thriving middle class town but once the coal mines, steel plants and other factories closed, it went into an economic tailspin and still hasn't recovered. I've seen the impact of a loss of economic mobility.

My parents made big sacrifices so I could get an excellent education and taught me that you could be anything in America if you work hard and believe in yourself and our country. But, that isn't true for so many young people today.

I first went into the national service movement and co-founded and led City Year, an AmeriCorps program. All of our work was in low-income communities, so I saw first-hand how the challenge of poverty, unemployment and lack of economic mobility harmed people and communities.

What is the most urgent issue facing youth who live in low-income communities today?



One in three Americans live in poverty or on the economic brink, and half will experience at least one year of poverty or be close to it during their working years. For the first time in 50 years, a majority of public school children in America live in poverty and face a future that lacks economic mobility. That needs to be a wake-up call. The American dream has become a dream deferred for far too many.

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What I've learned from our work is that it isn't just one issue. To tackle the challenge of poverty takes a comprehensive approach that includes education, health, safety, housing, service, and jobs.

Opportunity Nation, a campaign of Be The Change, Inc., has been tracking this issue with the Opportunity Index, a tool that measures 16 key factors that influence economic and social mobility, and serves as a roadmap for what states and communities can do to advance opportunity.

As citizens across the country prepare to decide our next chapter in November, closing the opportunity gap and expanding economic mobility should be at the center of our debates. Opportunity Nation recently released a policy plan with more than 120 other organizations that highlights the barriers to fulfilling the American Dream and posits six bold goals to boost opportunity for children, youth, and families.

When you talk about "Opportunity Youth," what does that phrase mean and what role do employers play?

Today, young Americans (ages 16-24) are experiencing unacceptably high unemployment rates -- five and a half million young Americans are neither working nor in school. These "Opportunity Youth" are most in need of opportunities for meaningful pathways to education and careers. They represent tremendous potential and talent for our communities, economy, and society.

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Employers play an essential role of being able to hire, train and develop Opportunity Youth. A job with meaningful opportunities for advancement is still the best social program there is. Thankfully, there is strong energy in the private sector to engage and employ young people. Through apprenticeships, internships, and jobs, Opportunity Youth can work while also earning valuable skills and credentials. We talk more about this in "Retail's Opportunity: Exploring the Industry's Impact on People and Places," which shows how one sector is creating opportunity through its employment practices.

All employers need to work in partnership with the public and nonprofit sectors to develop strategies to ensure all young Americans are thriving in their jobs, schools, and communities.

You and your wife, Vanessa Kirsch, are both active in public and civic service while also busy raising two children. How does your role as parents inspire the work you both do?

Our children are the greatest blessings in our lives. Because we both work, we have the resources to provide our children with all of the opportunities they need to thrive while also balancing work and family time. It is a constant juggle. We are very aware that too many families and children do not have those same opportunities.

Once we became parents, our work took on even more meaning. We began directly experiencing all that children need in order to reach their potential. We have spent much of our professional lives working with young people and know firsthand that every single child has the potential to soar if they are given the love and support they need. We want our children to grow up in a community -- and a country -- where every child is recognized as a blessing and gets the love and opportunities they need and deserve.

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As you think about the future of youth in America, what is your hope?



I hope we will listen to them and empower them! I am so inspired by the millennial generation and those coming after them. They give me so much hope. I wish they were in charge now. They are the most serving generation since the "greatest generation" of World War II, and yet we still are not providing every young person who wants to do a service year with the chance to do so. They are incredible social entrepreneurs and change agents who are tackling our most pressing issues from climate change, to education, to poverty, to advancing LGBTQ rights, civil rights and human rights. They are mastering new technologies and deploying them for new movements and efforts to make meaningful change at the local, national and global levels.
In a season that has defied the laws of political gravity, going low seems to mean going high. Now, as our nation faces a serious health crisis on Zika, the debate is being filtered through a political system that isn't capable of dealing with overt racism, much less serious, nuanced health policy issues.

Donald Trump's racist, bigoted comments seem to have only propelled his candidacy. We're in an environment where even the revelation that he was bragging about his tower "now being the biggest" in New York on September 11th might not derail his candidacy. Can you imagine John Kerry getting away with this?

Rep. David Trott (D-Mich.), a Republican candidate in Michigan's 11th congressional district, has endorsed Donald Trump and, like many of his colleagues, has taken a similarly absurd bent in public policy.

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Trott is intent on ignoring national security threats like Zika. Instead, he spent his time in this congressional session ranting about how he "can't imagine how hard it must be to start a small business," while blaming, of all things, the Food and Drug Administration and Center for Disease Control as being the enemy. To be fair to Trott, he probably can't imagine how small business owners feel because he made his fortune kicking them out of their homes.

In the meantime, his Democratic opponent, Dr. Anil Kumar, the Chief of Surgery at Crittenton Hospital, has sounded the alarm on Zika.

"Dave Trott won't have to reassure a mother whose child has been born with microcephaly (shrunken head) - it'll be a Michigan doctor who does that," said Kumar in a recent press release. "It is a cold heart that ignores a mother's tears."

Public health officials say that the incidence rate of microcephaly for pregnant women infected with Zika is between 13-26%, posing serious risks to our country's health and national security. The medical treatment for a single baby with microcephaly is more than $10 million just to treat problems related to the condition.

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Certain strands of mosquito in the United States, like the Aedes Aegypti, almost exclusively bite humans and reside in urban and suburban areas. A full-scale outbreak could create long-term burdens on society with the birth of tens of thousands of children with microcephaly. Zika would also freeze travel to popular tourist destinations where the Aedes Aegypti reside like Florida, South Carolina and New Orleans.

Worse yet, the fear and panic of a Zika outbreak could be more damaging than the virus itself. Our country could easily slide into recession as entire sections of the country become paralyzed by fear. No matter how you count the numbers, failure to act on Zika would create a national security crisis.

The proposals being discussed in congress prevent such a grim future - assuming, of course, we had representation that cares about the real issues. Funding is needed to develop mosquito control training and certification, since right now mosquito control is performed by a patchwork of local, county and state organizations with no standard practices. There also needs to be more research into vaccines for Zika as well as more research on the way that Zika spreads.

All in all, the cost would be approximately $1 billion, which is equivalent to the amount spent to successfully prevent the spread of Ebola just a few years ago. While some politicians like Dave Trott and Donald Trump continue to ignore the real national security threats faced by our country, it's encouraging that there are still people, like Dr. Anil Kumar, who aren't afraid to look at solutions.

The real challenge is whether or not we can see past the noxious cloud of nonsense this political season. With robber baron-caricatures like Trump and Trott on the ballot, it's easy to get cynical and throw your hands in the air. Most voters are ready to say, "I quit!" Yet, if there's one thing Americans don't do, it's back down from a fight.

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Several weeks ago I wrote in this column about Cris and Pat Simmons. They were about to take part once again in the Motorcycle Cannonball, a wildly ambitious coast to coast rally that this year featured bikes which all had to be at least 100 years old.

Along with about 100 other riders, Cris (an accomplished motorcycle rider, writer and historian) and her husband Pat (also a cycle enthusiast as well as a founding member of the Doobie Brothers), were to leave from New Jersey and arrive in Southern California about three weeks later. The Simmons we're also riding to raise funds for the group Stand Up to Cancer. Several years ago, their son had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. He's doing great today and Pat and Cris dedicated their ride to their son, his wife and their new baby; their first grandchild.

After we spoke several weeks ago, I thought it would be fun to meet them down in Carlsbad when they arrived, to hear about the trip. Little did I know what to expect.

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On a warm and sunny day, a large crowd, several hundred thick, enthusiastically greeted the antique motorcycles as they arrived right on schedule. Rather than exhilaration on most of the riders' faces, it looked as if they had been to war. Such are the challenges when wrestling 100+ year old bikes across the United States. Gritty, grizzled and exhausted, one by one they arrived to cheers, hugs and even some tears.

When I found Cris and Pat, I learned what had happened to them. On day five, Pat's bike developed some inoperable repairs. Understand, every night in a hotel parking lot, bikes were repaired, serviced and most likely prayed over. But they can't all make it and Pat knew that his vintage Harley was done for this trip. But he didn't pack it in. Instead, he became part of his wife's crew and would ride ahead each day and wait for her at the hotel, ready to get to work on the bike and give her a little bit of rest.

Digging deep into her rider's soul, for the next 11 days, Cris rode essentially by herself, traversing the country by following the arcane set of daily directions provided to each rider. Through wild desert monsoons near the Grand Canyon, through hail and over mountains, she persevered. Of course, riding a 1914 motorcycle is nothing like riding a new bike today. They rattle and rumble in ways that are hard to imagine. They test your strength and they test your mettle. You don't own them, rather it's the other way around.

Exhausted yet smiling, in the crowded parking lot, Cris told me that as tough as the ride was, (and this is her third Cannonball), it was all worth it when she entered the area around Joshua Tree and Twenty-Nine Palms in the picturesque California desert near Palm Springs. A lone speck in the quiet and beautiful desolation, where those mythical Joshua trees knot and gnarl their way toward the heavens, she found her personal peace with the road. "That was the best part," she told me. "As rough a ride as this was, riding through Joshua Tree was worth it all. All of a sudden I felt like it was 100 years ago and my motorcycle wasn't old at all."

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That night, at a banquet with all of the riders and their collective crews, one could easily see just how magical this event is, and just what compels riders to put themselves through the rigorous challenges of this rally.

There were some awards and speeches and good-natured joking about the trip. There was a lot of emotion whenever the event founder, Lonnie Isam Jr. was mentioned. He was at the start of the race this year, but a grave illness he has been suffering from sent him home after that.

But that doesn't mean he wasn't in the room.

Honored by the riders who shared personal anecdotes, his spirit was right in the thick of it. And in that room, with Cris and Pat and almost 100 other riders, the meaning and purpose of the event revealed itself. It's not even so much about motorcycles as it is about hope and faith and teamwork. It's about camaraderie and expertise, adventure and the unknown. It's a pushing to the limit of every sense and sensibility. Somehow, they all made it cross country. Men and women, married to historic machines, trusting each other.

Cris posted a couple of days after getting back; in part it read: "Cannonball 2016. Effie (Cris' bike, named for the pioneering motorcyclist Effie Hotchkiss) and I rode 3,203 miles out of the 3,306 total possible. 103 miles short of a perfect score. We ended up in 22nd place and that's okay with me. Had a problem with a too loose primary chain. I didn't want to risk ruining my motor for that elusive perfect score. She means more to me than that... Jason Sims, the Director of the Cannonball told me I am probably the only woman to ride over the 11,000-foot summit of Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado on a 101-year-old motorcycle. We made history! Effie is now officially retired and soon on loan to the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. Go see her, she's a champion. I'm ready to start a new chapter and be the best grandmother I can be."

I had never heard about the Motorcycle Cannonball before I spoke with Cris and Pat Simmons several weeks ago. After watching all of these incredible people celebrate each other, and especially after listening to how Cris's dedication, sheer talent and force of will earned her an impressive 22nd place, I will never forget it.
There has been relatively little speculation this election year about what could possibly be the "October surprise." In a normal presidential election year, this is a fun subject to speculate about when the actual news from the campaign trail gets dull and repetitive. This year, of course, that hasn't exactly happened -- the political news has been anything but dull and repetitive, in fact. Because of this, most political reporters haven't even bothered to wonder if an October surprise will happen, much less what it might consist of. The few articles I've seen have suggested two possibilities: Wikileaks releasing more of Hillary Clinton's emails, and Vladimir Putin launching some military adventurism somewhere in the world. Both, it's interesting to note, would aid Donald Trump's candidacy. Perhaps one or the other of these will happen, but I think there's a different October surprise out there, and one which (depending on the outcome) might help Clinton, not Trump.

I would direct everyone's attention to the city of Mosul, in northern Iraq. The war against the Islamic State in Iraq has been proceeding in fits and starts, but the news over the past year has almost universally been good for the Iraqi armed forces, and very bad for the Islamic State. The government forces have retaken huge swaths of the country, including the key cities of Fallujah, Hit, and Ramadi -- pushing the Islamic State back from being almost at the gates of Baghdad to positions far out in the desert, in the western part of the country. In the meantime, Kurdish forces have retaken an important supply route into Syria in the north. During this time, the Islamic State has not gained any ground at all -- the movement has been one-sided, as they have lost ground everywhere in Iraq.

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But, as everyone knows, the big prize still remains in the Islamic State's hands. Mosul is a huge city which may still have up to a million civilians living in it. The city has slowly been surrounded on the north, east, and south by both the Kurds and the Iraqi forces. A key airfield was taken earlier this year which will be a base of operations for the final push to retake the city. Troops have been gathering, and the Iraqi government has even recently dropped leaflets over the city warning that the final push is about to begin. Just today, it was announced more Americans will be on the ground to aid the effort. From the article:

The battle for Mosul is not expected to be easy. Militants have been moving swiftly against would-be opponents in the city as they strengthen their defenses ahead of the expected attack. In a statement on his website, [Iraqi Prime Minister Haider] al-Abadi said his government had requested a "final increase" to the U.S. troop presence, but said U.S. service members would begin to go home immediately after the recapture of Mosul. U.S. officials have not said exactly when the offensive will begin, but have suggested that it could get underway next month.

Next month is October. However, you can't just assume that this timetable will hold. The Iraqis have been saying they're about to start the final push for Mosul for many months now, and it hasn't yet happened. The White House has been saying all along that it'd like to see Mosul retaken "by the end of the year," which has allowed the Iraqis some flexibility. But now the end of the year is fast approaching, so the prediction that the final battle will begin in October is more believable than previous such proclamations.

The big sticking point has always been what happens after the city is retaken. Who will govern Mosul? Will the Iraqi government and the Kurdish regional government agree to boundary lines and shared responsibilities, or will they finish off the Islamic State there and then begin attacking each other? The solution to Mosul has always been political, but so far that's been rather elusive.

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But assuming some sort of plan for the aftermath is agreed upon, the fighting could start very soon. It will probably consist of bombing Islamic State positions in the city, which might provide a lot of video for American news channels to show. Retaking Mosul will be a very big deal, since it has always been the biggest city -- in either Syria or Iraq -- under Islamic State control. Denying them this city means a real body blow for their dreams of a caliphate, to put it another way. Plus, if Mosul falls, there will only be scattered outposts of the Islamic State left in Iraq. Given six months or another year of mop-up operations, the Islamic State could be pushed out of Iraq entirely. So taking Mosul is pivotal to defeating the Islamic State altogether.

Most Americans don't know any of this, but they might learn all about it in October. The big question, of course, is what the fight for Mosul might mean to the presidential campaign. This will likely depend on how the fight goes. It's not going to be easy -- there are thousands of Islamic State soldiers in the city, they are extremely well dug-in (they've known they're going to be attacked for the past year), and the environment is urban, meaning street-by-street fighting (the worst possible military environment). Retaking Mosul is not going to be a walk in the park, and it might take a long time, in other words.

If the fight begins in October, but is not decisively over by Election Day, it's really anyone's guess how it will affect the race. If the Iraqis win back Mosul and expel the Islamic State by the time people in America vote, it would obviously be a big feather in President Obama's cap, and would likely help Hillary Clinton by giving her a "see, the plan is working" talking point to use. If, however, the fight is a disastrous failure for the Iraqis, it would obviously benefit Donald Trump, who could use his stock "Obama and Hillary don't know what they're doing" phrase to good political effect.

But the most likely outcome by the first week in November is that the fight is still underway. Perhaps the Iraqis and Kurds will have taken all the surrounding towns, and drawn the noose tight on the city -- but will still be bogged down at the city limits (where all the heaviest Islamic State fortifications have been constructed). What would that mean, politically? It's hard to predict, really. It will all depend on the public's perception of how the fight is going.

Republicans will quite likely accuse Barack Obama of scheduling the whole thing to affect the election. Obama will calmly point to statements made all year long that the Mosul fight was slated for "before the end of the year," and that the year is running out of months. But it'll leave Republicans in an odd place, because they'll essentially be arguing that the war against the Islamic State should now be slowed down for their own political benefit (of course, to be fair, they'd be arguing that Obama either sped the war up or delayed the fight until October for his own political benefit).

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No matter who convinces the public that they're right, the dialog would change in a big way out on the campaign trail. An external event that neither candidate had anything to do with would shift the whole foreign policy debate. Depending on how it turns out, it could help one candidate or the other. Which, it seems to me, is the very definition of an October surprise.

Chris Weigant blogs at:
In the days when I sold my first husband's paintings we made quite the cute team. It fooled us.

I easily parlayed his colorful renditions into cash with my multifarious connections.

While I have no inheritance I come equipped with the ability to contact anyone. Once. Then I gotta have something to say, something to sell.

I soon figured the husband was not permitted near while I was making a sale as he would inevitably wreck it. He talked too much. Except for when we were alone as then he was mute and this would grate.

Years accumulated and I got slicker with the negotiations. A friend, a Hollywood producer, was making a movie about a painter. The 'painter' would be played by Brad Pitt, then still an unknown.

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I chained hubby in his studio and gave him instructions laden with bribes and threats. Hubby loathed orders but I was the boss, because I made the sales. Sparks flew but the work got done.

The producer flew hubby and I to the shoot, a warehouse in Portland, Oregon. I prattled with Pitt one evening outside his trailer and I remember thinking he was reserved. Plus he was pretty, like a girl. He barely left a stain of a memory. Thankfully I'm not in the movie trade as I have zero instincts for future mega-stardom.

The producer suggested hubby and I play background roles. With my 19th century upbringing I was horrified and refused. Not the first wrong decision of my life.

Hubby and I earned a comfy income and this encouraged us to ignore the stifling tensions. Marriages collapse for a multitude of reasons. In our case, in retrospect, the fractures were obvious from the start.

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Blue light flasher atop of a police car. City lights on the background.

Last week in Charlotte, North Carolina, police shot and killed Keith Lamont Scott, a Black man with a disability. This happens with gut-wrenching frequency. It happened again this week in El Cajon, California, where police shot and killed Alfred Olango, a Black man with mental illness. Yet disability is often overlooked as a factor in police killings and use of force.

A recent widely cited report on the issue estimates that up to one half of all use of force incidents involve individuals with disabilities, noting that "[d]isability is the missing word in media coverage of police misuse of force." People with mental disabilities, especially people of color, are particularly at risk of being shot or beaten by the police.

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Mr. Scott's horrific killing, captured on video, is far too typical. Just before police shot and killed Mr. Scott while he was sitting in his car, his wife shouted, "He has a TBI. He's not going to do anything to you guys. He just took his medicine."

A "TBI" is a traumatic brain injury, and it's a term widely known within law enforcement and other emergency service providers. As with a number of disabilities in the U.S., African-Americans are more likely to have a TBI. People with brain injuries experience problems in cognitive skills and typically think, speak, and process information more slowly than other people. A person with a traumatic brain injury easily becomes confused with sudden changes in their environment and may not be able to immediately understand and comply with police commands.

The videos released so far do not show any attempt by the police to seek more information -- or to take into account the information provided on the scene -- regarding Mr. Scott's disability. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department must release all footage and dispatch information associated with the shooting so that Mr. Scott's family and the public can better understand whether Mr. Scott posed an immediate threat and whether de-escalation strategies such as patience, calm communication, and backing up could have prevented this latest fatal police shooting.

As in many similar incidents, police contend that Mr. Scott was shot because he failed to comply with their commands. But seeking immediate compliance from a person with a TBI, PTSD, or a similar disability and then shooting them dead for noncompliance is in effect killing someone based on their disability. Absent an immediate threat that cannot be safely contained, this type of lethal policing violates the Constitution and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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We know how to achieve safer outcomes. Last year, San Francisco police shot Mario Woods more than twenty times after surrounding him and demanding that he drop his knife. But last week, police in San Francisco safely resolved a standoff with an armed suicidal man pacing with a gun outside of city hall. Officers responding to the scene saw the weapon. But rather than confronting him, they cordoned off the area and brought in crisis negotiators to talk to the man, calm him down, and wait him out. After several hours, the man surrendered, and the police arrested him and took him to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. And last year, police in Camden, N.J., safely deescalated a situation with a man brandishing a knife by keeping their distance and using calm communication. This type of safer policing should be available to everyone.

What will it take to end the epidemic of avoidable police killings?
Simulation:the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another--Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, seventh edition.

For the last several years, a group of "seasoned" cardiothoracic surgeons from around the country gather in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where they are joined by many young surgeons who are starting their residency in the specialty. The meeting is three days of intensive training using simulation models to replicate surgical situations the residents will be confronting during their surgical training. Getting familiar with the instruments, scopes, dissection techniques, heart lung machine, valve replacements, and small vessel suturing are some of the basic skills learned.

The "boot camp", sponsored by the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association, is a rare opportunity for the residents to get individualized training with some of the most experienced surgeons in the field.

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Historically, surgical training involved the resident getting graded levels of responsibility for doing procedures in the operating room (OR) and at the bedside. The training also involved pre and post-operative care but technical skills, cognitive knowledge, and clinical acumen were usually dependent on real patients in the operating room. The residents work one on one with an "attending" surgeon who will supervise as the resident does parts of the procedure.

Jonathan Nesbitt, M.D., director of the Cardiac Simulation Program at Vanderbilt University and one of the teachers at the Chapel Hill program, says "[b]y immediately imparting these skills early in training, we significantly compress the learning curve to allow [the residents] to work effectively and safely in the clinical realm." Not only do the residents get to learn the basic technical skills required in the specialty, they get to experience realistic models of surgical catastrophes so they can learn what to do before a real patient's life is on the line.

The rise in simulation in surgical training is being driven by several factors. Minimally invasive surgical techniques make it difficult for the attending to first assist in such a way as to keep the trainee out of trouble. Only one person can drive the robot or the scope. Reductions in duty hours, mandated by law, cuts down on the actual OR time a resident may have to learn what to do and how best to do it. And, of course, the ethicists are now making it more difficult to justify allowing inexperienced physicians to learn on actual patients.

Under the stresses brought on by the Affordable Care Act, many surgeons have become employees of hospitals or medical groups. This model has forced the surgeons into a productivity model based on fees generated for services rendered. The employer looks to the surgeon to generate income and the surgical education component of the practice is suffering. The surgery residents, generally slower than the attendings, are getting to do fewer cases so the attending can generate more income.

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As third party payers are moving to pay based on quality models, attending surgeons may be even more inclined to do the operations themselves instead of helping a surgical trainee. One of my attendings in the surgical training program I went through believed that the best surgeon in the room should do the operation. Since he was always the best surgeon in the room, the resident could do no more than first assist. First assisting was frowned upon by us residents, but we did it the best we could so as to learn from this superb surgeon. However, there is no substitute from being the primary surgeon.

Although the simulators are good for teaching the basic skills, they have not reached the level needed to teach the skills that must be acquired when things go terribly wrong or when the dissections are difficult from aberrant anatomy or intense scarring.

In a patient with previous surgery, the scarring can be so dense that the blood vessels may not be seen until they are cut. The sudden fear felt by a surgeon who is confronted by hemorrhage that is so brisk as to be audible can lead to a complete inability to cope with the situation and may lead to the death of the patient. The same feeling of horror can occur with unintentional injuries to other structures like the common bile duct, ureter, heart, and brain. How to handle these potential disasters is hard to teach on the simulators.

Simulators are costly and the restrictions of the 80 hour work-week make it difficult for residents to find the time to use them. Dedicated simulation time, such as that provided in Chapel Hill, is very valuable.

Some facilities have built simulation centers that are recreating whole operating rooms, delivery suites, intensive care units, and endoscopy suites. The University of Tennessee where I work is finishing a new building devoted totally to simulation. I would expect that these large facilities can be used to train health care providers from other areas who will come in for specific training.

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It is hard to prove that skills learned from simulation training will lead to improved care for patients but I think it does based on what I see from the residents I worked with at Chapel Hill. Small sample sizes and the ability to detect small changes in skill sets make training assessments difficult. However, since practice makes perfect and since there are not enough patients to go around, I believe the role for simulation in surgery will only increase in importance.

Another benefit of simulation is to learn how to deal with possible catastrophes before confronting them with a real patient. Brilliant saves rarely occur the first time a problem is seen; saves do occur in subsequent cases.

Teaching residents to act in a professional manner is usually done by surgical mentors who serve as role models. This training could be enhanced by using actors in vignettes presented in videos which can be viewed by the residents--a form of simulation.

Outcomes research and cost comparisons need to be done but simulation is here to stay. There are cognitive skills and communication skills which are also very important in surgery and there is a role for simulation in these areas which will need to be developed--sort of like the "mock trials" that law students have to go thru. For now, we are concentrating on technical skill enhancement.

Although surgical simulation does not replace the skill sets learned from actually operating on patients, the models do allow for repetitive practice of the basic technical skills needed by the surgeon without having to rely on actual patients. The attending surgeon is more inclined to let the resident do more if the basic skills are being demonstrated on a daily basis.

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I think the time spent on simulators should not count towards the statutory mandated 80 hour work week restriction. I would consider it as time spent studying and unrelated to actual patient care. The time spent on patient care in the hospital setting is critical for surgical training and should not be further diminished.

It is said that surgeons do four things unique to patient care. These are (1) control hemorrhage; (2) drain pus; (3) restore normal (functional?) anatomy, and (4) train future surgeons. By participating in the boot camp at Chapel Hill, I am helping with #4. I enjoy doing it very much.
Six weeks to elections and counting. Americans will be voting for the entire House, a third of the Senate and the President, as well as all members of state legislative lower houses and usually half of their state senators.

It may be an historic election, an election in which many states will be operating under rules adopted only in the last half dozen years. These rules affect the value of one's vote and the ease of voting. All of this is occurring in a setting where fewer and fewer federal races are even competitive. Together these impose considerable challenges for those trying to dislodge incumbents the success of which may depend significantly on the level of voter turnout.

Voter dilution, voter suppression, turnout, the dwindling number of winnable seats. These four key factors will influence the outcome of the 2016 election and determine the future composition of the federal government.

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Voter Dilution

Every 10 years, by Constitutional mandate, the U.S. government conducts a Census that determines the number of Representatives allocated to each state. The Constitution largely, although not entirely, leaves the manner in which those Representatives are elected to the states.

According to Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, "The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of Choosing Senators."

In 1842, for the first time, Congress intervened in state elections, eliciting howls of protest from states' righters. Congress demanded that Representatives "should be elected by districts composed of contiguous territory ... no one district electing more than one Representative." In 1872 Congress added the requirement that districts have "as nearly as practicable an equal number of inhabitants." In 1901 and again in 1911, Congress also required the district be "compact."

In 1929 Congress dropped all state election requirements excepting for single member districts. For the next three decades the size and design of voting districts rested entirely in the hands of state legislatures. To protect their seats, incumbents drew wildly unequal and discriminatory election districts. Fearful of losing their legislative dominance as populations shifted to urban areas, rural legislators designed districts whose populations sometimes varied by as much as 100 to 1. Race-based gerrymandering was common.

In 1962, in a 6-2 decision, the Supreme Court finally decided that federal courts could intervene to determine the constitutionality of state voting districts. As Justice William Douglas explained, if a voter no longer has "the full constitutional value of his franchise, and the legislative branch fails to take appropriate restorative action, the doors of the courts must be open to him." In 1964 the Supreme Court clarified and amplified this decision by ruling that state Congressional districts must be similar in size so that "as nearly as is practicable one man's vote in a congressional election is to be worth as much as another's." Still another decision extended this requirement to both houses of a state legislature.

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At the same time Congress again intervened, this time with the 1965 Voting Rights Act that banned racially based redistricting and racially discriminatory voting requirements.

Since then courts have repeatedly been asked to intervene. When faced with a clear case of racially based redistricting, they've often been willing to do so, but they've adopted a hands-off approach when the shape of a district, no matter how oddly drawn, is a result only of political partisanship, no matter how stark.

Gerrymandering is not new. Indeed the word is more than 200 years old, a combination of the name of the Governor of Massachusetts, Eldridge Gerry, whose party redistricted the state in 1812, and the name of the animal the resulting map of Essex County looked like--a salamander.

The advent of computers in the 1980s made it easier to fine tune redistricting efforts for partisan purposes, and in the 1990s and 2000s, a wealth of new, easily accessible personal data enabled the creation of detailed voter profiles on a street-by-street, block-by-block basis. As one judge has commented, "Today, modern computer mapping allows for gerrymandering on steroids, as political mapmakers can easily identify individual registrations on a house-by-house basis, mapping their way to victory."

The next evolution in the redistricting process occurred in 2010 after a handsomely financed and well-coordinated Republican effort to capture state legislative seats proved wildly successful. Going into the election, Democrats held a 60-36 advantage in state legislative chambers. After the election, the legislative advantage dramatically shifted to the Republicans 57-39.

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The winners immediately set themselves to the task of ensuring permanent control. David Daley, former editor-in-chief of Salon explains how in his new book, Ratf**cked: The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America's Democracy. The effort, fittingly called REDMAP (Redistricting Majority Project ) involved the Republican Governors Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and ALEC, with funding by Walmart, tobacco companies and individual millionaires and billionaires. Their tool was an unprecedentedly finely-detailed computer model.

The shape of gerrymandered districts were at times bizarre. Consider this map of the 7th Congressional district in Pennsylvania.

The dramatic voter dilution resulting from redistricting has led one federal judge to lament,"the fundamental principle of the voters choosing their representative has nearly vanished. Instead, representatives choose their voters."

The effects of the post-2010 redistricting have been dramatic. Until 2010 Ohio Congressional districts were roughly evenly divided between the two parties. In 2012, while Ohioans cast 52 percent of their votes for Republican Congressman, their House delegation was 75 percent Republican.

In Pennsylvania, Democratic candidates for the House received half the votes, but Republicans won three-quarters of the Congressional seats. More than half the voters in North Carolina voted for Democrats, yet Republicans filled about 70 percent of the seats. Democrats drew more votes in Michigan than Republicans, but took only 5 out of the state's 14 congressional seats.

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Right after the 2012 election Mother Jones published a visually instructive chart comparing the percentage of House seats won by each party to the percentage of the popular vote that party won. A fair election would be one where the light red line was roughly the same length as the dark red line.

Republican Gerrymandering and the 2012 Election

Another way to look at this is that in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia, one Republican vote had the same voting impact as 2.5 Democratic votes. In North Carolina the ratio was 3:1.

Republicans were masters of the art of gerrymandering, but when Democrats had the opportunity they didn't hesitate to use similar techniques, although they were unable to achieve the ultimate magic trick of converting a minority of the popular vote into a majority of House seats. In Maryland Democrats won 62 percent of the combined votes for Congress and 88 percent of the seats. In Illinois they won 54 percent of the popular vote and 66 percent of the seats.

Democrat Gerrymandering and the 2012 Election

Federal courts, as noted above, have been reticent to intervene in state redistricting disputes. Even when they do, the impact is delayed and often modest. North Carolina's gerrymandered maps were drawn in 2011 but it wasn't until February 2016 that a federal court overturned them. In the interval the state had two congressional elections. As ThinkProgress observes, "the message to lawmakers is clear: go ahead and draw the most self-serving maps you can manage, because even if they are struck down it will take the courts years to do so.

Within a few days of the court's decision the North Carolina legislature convened a special session and promptly redrew the map in a way only marginally better than the previous one. Again a lawsuit was filed. In June 2016 the same federal court that had found North Carolina's redistricting racially biased in February refused to intercede. The judges did note the declaration of one of the key legislators, "[W]e want to make clear that we are going to use political data in drawing this map. It is to gain partisan advantage on the map. I want that criteria to be clearly stated and understood. I'm making clear that our intent is to use the political data we have to our partisan advantage." And the judges did not hide their distress: "The Court is very troubled by these representations." Troubled but powerless they insisted. "Nevertheless, it is unclear whether a partisan-gerrymander claim is judiciable given existing precedent." Based on precedent, "the Court's hands appear to be tied."

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Given the aftermath of the 2010 election, state legislative elections in 2018 and 2020 promise to be bitterly contested. Spending in 2018 may reach levels reached only in Presidential election years.

For those wanting to bring fairness to the redistricting process, a non-judicial remedy may be available. Take control out of the hands of self-serving legislators and parties and invest it in nonpartisan citizen commissions. In the 14 states that have direct initiatives this can be accomplished by a majority statewide vote as has already occurred in California and Arizona. In 2015, by a 5-4 decision the Supreme Court upheld Arizonans right to do this. An independent assessment of the impact of California's independent commission found that the process elicited broad bipartisan support and resulted in many more competitive legislative races. Five other states have semi-independent commissions: Washington, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii and New Jersey.

Whatever happens, at least the next two elections should be guided by the political maxim: Vote for your local state legislator as if the Congress of the United States depended on it. Because it will.

Voter Suppression

In 2008, the Supreme Court

an Indiana law requiring all voters casting a ballot in person to present a U.S. or Indiana photo ID. The facts were not in dispute. Those least likely to have state-issued identification were disproportionately poor and nonwhite. The only voter fraud addressed by photo IDs is voter impersonation fraud, which was practically nonexistent.

Indeed, according to Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School, out of one billion votes cast between 2000 and 2014, only 31 were possible cases of impersonation fraud.

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None of this mattered to the Justices. John Paul Stevens, writing for the majority, insisted the burden of proof rested not on the state to justify new voting restrictions but on the citizenry to prove they created a burden. Moreover, the burden had to be extensive and widely shared. He elaborated, "Even assuming that the burden may not be justified as to a few voters, that conclusion is by no means sufficient to establish petitioners' right to the relief they seek."

The decision reversed a century-old dynamic in America during which the franchise had been regularly broadened and the ability to vote regularly facilitated.

Since 2010, 23 states have either introduced more restrictive voter procedures or tightened those in operation.

In 2013, the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 decision, further enabled disenfranchisement by striking down the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the provision that required pre-approval by the federal government of changes in election laws. This freed the nine covered states and dozens of counties in New York, California and South Dakota to change election laws without advance federal approval. They can still be sued, but only after the fact.

Five new voter suppression laws enacted by states were in place for the 2012 Presidential election. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study found that voter ID laws alone suppressed turnout in Kansas and Tennessee in 2012 by 2-3 percent. Another study found a that the "racial turnout gap doubles or triples in states that enact strict ID laws" which is one third of Presidential election battleground states. The researchers estimated the turnout of Latinos falling a remarkable 7.1 percent in general elections in such states.

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Fifteen more laws will be tested for the first time in the 2016 elections. Seven of these enacted their laws after the Supreme Court eliminated the need for pre-clearance.

Since 2013, suits regarding these laws have been wending their way through the courts. Early this summer Courts halted the implementation of voter suppression laws in North Dakota and North Carolina.

North Carolina's voting restrictions, introduced the day after the 2013 Supreme Court decision, added a strict photo-ID requirement, cut a week off of early voting, and ended same-day registration, preregistration and out-of-precinct voting. A Circuit Court upended the stricter voting requirements, concluding the law's provisions "target African Americans with almost surgical precision," and explained, "We can only conclude that the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the challenged provisions of the law with discriminatory intent." On August 31, the Supreme Court, without Justice Scalia affirmed the Circuit Court decision by a 4-4 tie vote.

The status of all these lawsuits, as of mid August, can be found at ProPublica.

There is at least one more technique that can have a significant negative impact on voter turnout and the outcome of elections: voter roll purging.

As Brennan Center's Voting Rights and Elections Project notes, purging is widespread: 31 states and the District of Columbia engage in the practice. The process is conducted in secret, without notice, often by local officials given significant discretion. The results are often inaccurate and highly susceptible to manipulation for political ends. Consider the infamous Florida case where at least 12,000 eligible voters were thrown off the voting rolls in 2000, giving the election to George W. Bush, who officially won by 537 votes. In 2004, Florida tried again but the process turned out to be so patently flawed-- 22,000 African-Americans were purged and only 61 voters with Hispanic surnames despite Florida's large Hispanic population--that public outrage stopped it. In 2006, a purge by the Secretary of State in Kentucky was so flawed a state court ordered its reversal. Purging could well play an important role in deciding local, state and Presidential elections in 2016.

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Voter Turnout

Voter dilution makes it extremely difficult, although not impossible, to capture Congressional and state legislative seats. Voter suppression aids and abets the impact of voter dilution but also affects the capacity to win statewide elections for statewide offices, Senators and the President. Both obstacles can be overcome, at considerable expense and effort, by increasing the number of people who vote.

When it comes to voter turnout, history is clear. When turnout is high Democrats win. When turnout is low, Republicans win.

Voter turnout for Presidential elections, according to the Census Bureau, has remained fairly stable over the last generation while voting for Congressional races has declined.

In 2014 low voter turnout among groups that tend to vote Democrat may have been decisive in expanding Republican control of Congress. Overall voter turnout was 36.3 percent, the lowest percentage since 1942, when millions of men were off to war. Voter turnout among 18-29 year olds dropped to 19.9 percent, the lowest total ever recorded in federal elections and voter registration among the youth fell to 46.7 percent, the lowest in 40 years.

There has been a steady decline in voter turnout for all groups, except those age 65 and over. In Presidential elections, turnout of those over 65 has actually gone up since the 1960s and has stabilized at high levels since the early 1990s. It is unlikely that turnout can be increased among this group but there has been a considerable variability in which party they vote for. They had reliably voted Democrat but switched to the Republican column in 2012, and currently their vote appears up for grabs.

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There has also been a dramatic variability in voter turnout for those 18-24 years of age. One might interpret the increase and decrease in turnout in the 1990s as youth voting enthusiastically for Bill Clinton and then becoming so disillusioned that turnout plunged in the succeeding two elections. A massive get out the vote campaign focused on youth in 2004 may be the reason behind the rebound. In 2008, a substantial youth turnout was an important reason for Barack Obama's election. In 2016 the level of turnout among young voters could determine the Presidency.

Another way of breaking down voting patterns is to compare a cohort's share of the eligible voting age population with its share of those actually voting. What we discover, perhaps not surprisingly, is that young voters lag while those 45-64 punch high above their weight class, even more so than those 65 and older. Voting rates for those age 30-44 are only slightly below their percentage of the eligible voting population.

When we examine the impact of race and ethnicity on voting we find that black turnout has risen steadily over the past 20 years, hitting a peak with Obama's two presidential runs. Hispanic and Asian turnout, on the other hand has not risen much and lags far behind that of blacks and non-Hispanic whites.

If we compare the share of the eligible voting population with the share of actual voters non-Hispanic whites are disproportionately represented while Hispanics are disproportionately underrepresented.

How Many Races Truly Are In Play?

The Presidency may well be won on turnout, and it is conceivable that a high turnout will allow the Democratic Party can take over the Senate and more remotely, the House. But high turnout is a decreasing factor in many races.

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In 1992, according to Nate Silver, 103 House races were competitive; in 2012 this had plunged to only 35. Meanwhile, the number of landslide districts in which the presidential vote margin deviated by at least 20 percentage points from the national result has roughly doubled, from 123 in 1992 to 242 in 2012.

In the 2016 race, 270towin.com estimates, only 50 House seats out of 483 are competitive: 38 are held by Republicans and 12 by Democrats. The map starkly reveals the paltry number of competitive seats. Given that Democrats will need to add 31 seats to gain a majority, their chances are extremely slim.

For the Senate, 11 seats are considered competitive.(Tan states are considered competitive) Democrats need 4 additional seats for a 50-50 tie that can be broken by the Vice President or 5 for an outright majority.

So what does all this tell us? The system indeed is rigged, but that doesn't make elections impossible to win. The key is turnout. One part of the strategy for Democrats is to overturn state laws that suppress turnout. For Democrats winning the Presidency and winning back the Senate will require a massive get-out-the-vote effort, especially targeting the young and Hispanics. A massive effort would be insufficient to take back control of the House but it could make the margin much, much closer. For Republicans, a low turnout guarantees the status quo in Congress and could gain them the Presidency.
Co-authored by: Paolo del Vecchio, MSW, Director of SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services

"Statistics are human beings with the tears wiped off." CDC Director Tom Frieden reminded us of that Paul Brodeur quotation last year while talking to CDC workers about suicide - its devastation and its implications as a public-health issue.

We don't think this could ring more true for any topic that we work on here at CDC's Injury Center and at SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services. When we see CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System data each year and reflect on the lives lost, and the circumstances and when we review the number of Americans calling SAMHSA's National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline), it's as if the numbers are still wet with tears. More distressing still is the fact that there are so many more devastated loved ones behind those numbers. Because suicide can and should be prevented.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Each year there are more than 40,000 suicides in the US - an average of about 117 every day. In addition to these deaths, every year some 1.1 million adults attempt suicide and about 470,000 people are treated in U.S. emergency departments for nonfatal, self-inflicted injuries. For every person who dies by suicide, more than 225 people seriously consider it. Rates of suicide have increased by 28 percent since 2000, and it is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. And because these are the mere numbers behind the tears, they do not begin to tell the emotional and financial toll that suicide and suicidal behavior exacts on individuals, families, and communities.

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But everyday lives are saved--by mental health therapists, primary care providers, counselors who answer Lifeline calls, and friends, colleagues, and loved ones who notice when someone they care about is in emotional pain.

The time to act is not just on one day, week, or month, the time to act is every day. To do this we'd like to suggest three simple strategies that we all should keep in mind as we interact with colleagues, friends, loved ones, youth, and older adults - and as we care for ourselves.

1.Erase the myths and misperceptions associated with mental illness and help-seeking.

Mental health and substance use disorders are often viewed in such a negative light that people who struggle with these conditions feel too embarrassed and ashamed to talk about them or seek help. But talking, being open, and making connections with mental health services can make the difference between life and death. Research has uncovered warning signs for suicide. Learn warning signs from SAMHSA's Suicide Prevention Resource Center and an easy-to-remember warning signs mnemonic from American Association of Suicidology.

2.Use a public health approach to prevent suicide.

Mental health services are critical for people showing signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior, but we must go beyond this to address the broader community, and societal issues contributing to suicide. Find out more about protective factors and the public health approach at CDC's Division of Violence Prevention. Also, checkout the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention to learn the role every American can play in protecting their friends, family members, and colleagues from suicide and get guidance on preventing suicide in schools, businesses, health systems, clinicians, and many other sectors.

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3. Acknowledge that suicide IS preventable.

CDC data give unique insight into the problem of suicide, and these data help us devise, implement, and evaluate prevention strategies. We know what works to prevent suicide.

Let's talk honestly about this difficult issue, use broad collaborative approaches to address the problem, and do all we can to learn more about how to prevent suicide. Help get the message out.
Transcription

1 BHUTAN WILDERNESS TRAVEL Wilderness House, Buddha Point Terrace. Post Box # 1000, Olakha, Thimphu, Bhutan Tel: Fax: FACTS ABOUT VISITNG BHUTAN. ABSTRACT In this case study we lay down some few facts to your knowledge on choosing the right travel partner or your host while visiting Bhutan which can make a huge difference to your trip. It would be a short and details description on tours conducted in Bhutan. INTRODUCTION Bhutan Wilderness Travel has been established since 2006 as a trekking specialized company by Mr. Kesang Tshering who had been trained in the US and other mountaineering institution with specialization in Bhutan for over 25 years. It is an inbound travel company specialized in adventure holidays, culture tours, trekking holidays etc. In Bhutan only. The company offers various product to the interest of the clients within a maximum time period of 24 hours of correspondence depending on the time difference. Tourism in Bhutan started since 1974 where all correspondence where done through mail as internet connection were introduce in the year 1998 (25 th coronation day of the 4 th king) from where the tourism industry started expanding with 1 travel agency in 1974 to 1300 travel agency in In this process of development of tourism through time the government established a department known as the Tourism Council of Bhutan which started laying down the outline for which tourism activities can be carried out in Bhutan.

2 TARIFF INFORMATION S/L# DETAILS RATES ( USD) REMARKS 1 LAND COST (INCULDING ROYALTY 65$ PER PERSON PER NIGHT) HIGH SEASON $250 PER PERSON PER NIGHT HAULT. MARCH, APRIL, MAY. SEPT, OCT, NOV. 2 LAND COST (INCULDING ROYALTY 65$ PER PERSON PER NIGHT) LOW SEASON $250 PER PERSON PER NIGHT HAULT. 3 SURCHARGE $ 40 PER PERSON PER NIGHT HAULT. JAN, FEB, JUNE, JULY, AUG, DEC. FOR SINGLE TRAVELLER ALL SEASON. FOR 2 PERSON TRAVELLING. 4 SURCHARGE $ 30 PER PERSON PER NIGHT HAULT. 5 VISA FEE $ 40 ONE TIME VISA FEE. The minimum daily package covers the following services. A minimum of 3 star accommodation twin sharing rooms. All meals A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay All internal transport Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours All internal taxes and charges A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure. Extra charge of surcharge is also charge for traveler travelling in a group of 2 person and less. This is an form of tourism taxes which directly is taken by the government from the travel agents accounts. These rates are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the local agents host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on usage basis. The list of hotels and lodges approved to provide accommodations all listed on this website. If you accommodation is not listed on this website then it is not licensed cater for international tourists. The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan. These must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.

3 The minimum daily package does not cover the following services. Accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels ( additional charges required) Drinks and beverages on tours Meals at 4 and 5 star hotels Additional activities like mountain biking and rafting. (extra cost) Language and specialized guides ( birding, flora and fauna, photography) Air fare ( international and domestic) Supplement charges for single traveler. DISCOUNTS A) There shall be no charge for CHILDREN below the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 5-12 years accompanied by elders/ guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates. This Royalty is currently set at $65 per day. B) Full time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years, holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions, shall be given 25% discount. C) A discount of 50% on minimum daily package shall be given to one person in a group of 11 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.

4 TARIFF CHARTS TOTAL COST OF TRAVEL GOVERNEMENT [ROYALTY ($65 PER NIGHT HAULT) + SURCHARGE PER NIGHT + VISA FEE] TRAVEL AGENT [TOTAL COST (ROYALTY PER NIGHT HAULT+ SURCHARGE PER NIGHT + VISA FEE)] FREE EDUCATION, FREE HEALTH CARE, PROVEDY REDUCATION AND INFURSTRATION BULDING. ACCOMODATION AND ALL MEALS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD WITH ADDATIONAL BREAKFAST FOR ONE DAY. TRANSPORT SUV DELUXE VECHILES HIRE ON NUMBER OF DAYS PROFESSION AL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE HIRED ON NUMBER OF DAYS ALL ENTRANCE FEES AND ADDATIONAL ACTIVITIES CHARGES When we break down the cost and actually calculate, the service received by the clients is more than the amount you pay. So visiting Bhutan from our point of view is not very expensive. VISA With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors to Bhutan need a visa. Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).

5 All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport. TRANSFER OF YOUR MONEY FOR HOLIDAY After all you arrangements are confirmed then the next process is wiring of money. When you wire the money it goes into the account of the government with the travel company as the beneficiary, after which we have to submitted the transfer slip to our bank here in Bhutan and then notify Tourism Council of Bhutan who then process the Visa after receiving the fund. Later when you leave the country the fund is transfer back into the travel company s account after deducting all the taxes from where the payment for your tours would be carried out. It s always best to wire the money 45 day prior to your arrival date in Bhutan as the Bank transaction takes more time often. So the transfer of money into Bhutan is always safe as long as you get the correct address from the right people based here in Bhutan itself. DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES S/L# ACTIVITES RATES 1 BIKING 30$ PER DAY 2 BIKING CARRIAGE CHARGES 50$ PER ROUND TRIP 3 RAFTING $200 PER 6 SEATER RAFT 4 ARCHERY $20 PER LESSON AND USAGE 5 DART $20 PER LESSON AND USAGE

6 These activates can be pre-arranged before your trip or can be arranged after you reach Bhutan. These activities are charged extra and are not inclusive in the cost as it becomes expensive. COST PER PERSON INCCURED BY YOUR TRAVEL COMPANY Here we will take you a through the expenses which would be paid for your tour by the travel firm. TOTAL TOUR COST THAT YOU HAVE TO PAY S/L# PARTICULAR AMOUNT 1 LAND COST ($250 * NO OF NIGHTS) $250 2 SURCHARGE ($40 * NUMBER OF NIGHTS) $40 3 VISA FEE ($ 40 ONE TIME FEE) $40 4 AIR FARE ($840 BKK-PBH-BKK BOTH WAYS) $840 TOTAL COST $1,170 EXPENSE AFTER THE TOUR S/L# PARTICULAR AMOUNT 1 ROYALTY TAKEN BY THE GOVT ($65 * NO OF $65 NIGHTS) 2 SURCAHRGE TAKEN BY GOVT ($ 40 * NO OF $40 NIGHTS) 3 VISA FEE TAKEN BY GOVT ($ 40) $40 4 AIR FARE BOTH WAYS $ TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE $50 PER DAY) $ 50 6 GUIDING ($30 PER DAY) $ 30 7 ACCOMODATION $ 65 8 MEALS $30 9 OTHER MISC EXPENSE ON TOUR ONLY $ 20 TOTAL $1,176

7 ANALYSIS ON THE DATA We have done the calculation on one day for one person, so by looking at the chart you can just see that the expenses incurred by the travel firm is way over what you have paid, that is why there would be additional supplement cost for single room user. Even for two person the cost is shared for transportation, guide and accommodation but the profit that the company keeps to cover up its expense it still very less. So when we put all this calculation together we can conclude that the visiting Bhutan is in fact cheap with great services provided by the travel firm based here in Bhutan. RESEARCH ON WHY FEW CLIENTS ARE DISSPOINTED After all the careful finding of the tour cost we can simply put the words as if you are paying less the service provider here in Bhutan will not be able to give his services as the definition of business is to make profits. Here in Bhutan there are some travel firms who prefers to cut down the cost in various fields which enables them to come down on the cost but at the expense of the service that would be provided to you and at the same time there are third travel partners aboard who would charge you the rate published or even more and at the very end you are disappointed. Here is how the business works in Bhutan, if you are paying more you get the best of everything but when you are paying less you will be treated to very last option that would be available in the market from the point of view of the travel agent in Bhutan but in reality you are paying high as same as all the other person where the middle man has his cuts. Although we have fewer clients dissatisfied where the majority had been satisfied where the fewer people voices has been unheard of but my word of advice is try and choose the right partner or travel host to maintain the long term business as the saying goes milk a cow and eat for a life time rather than just selling it for once. WORKING DETAILS ABOUT BHUTAN WILDERNESS TRAVEL Here at Bhutan Wilderness Travel they have a minimum eligible criteria to qualify to work with them which are as follows:

8 1. When it comes to hiring of transportation the vehicles has to be below 5 years of usage in perfect condition with a driver experience not less than 7 years. The company cars are of highly maintained vehicles (Toyota) with drivers over 10 years of experiences. The company has 10 SUV cars, 3 Medium bus and 3 Coaster bus in highly maintain condition at its disposal. 2. When it comes to guides, the company hires guides with a minimum experience of not less than 5 years with clear records of the past in terms of good behaviors and very good communication skills knowledgeable in every fields. The company also have language guides in French, German and Chinese. 3. When it comes to operation skills the company has hired personal who had been working in the fields with good knowledge on Bhutan which makes the first communication easier to understand with the tour program better to be coordinated. 4. When it comes to accommodation the company has tied with the best service provider know in Bhutan with various choice in your selection. These accommodation places will be available at any time of your request even during busy season. The treatments that you will get from this places would be little different compared to others in the same place when you travel with Bhutan Wilderness travel as the company does not go for discount and asks for the highest level of their services to their clients without any failures. There would always be unexpected upgradation in your rooms from time to time. 5. When it comes to meals the company offers choices depending on the region to choose from where you can decide what you want to go for, breakfast is English continental breakfast at your hotel itself but you can have choice over your menu for lunch and dinner at any local restaurant and you can also ask for special arrangements for candle light dinner. 6. When it comes to travel partner aboard, all the travel partners with Bhutan Wilderness Travel are of the highest quality and does not have any discount rate where by the company is able to provide the best for it clients. The travel partners has their own rates which is higher than the published rates but offers the same rates to us. The companies Moto Highest quality of services with no compromise on rates 7. There are various services that are provided extra like Rafting and Biking which are also provided free of cost from the company to all its clients. This are some of the ways in which the company was able to achieve 100% fully satisfied clients in the services that was provided.

9 CONCLUSION This are some of the few facts about how tours are conducted in Bhutan, the rates which are quoted for your better understanding, and why few clients are unhappy after arriving in the land of happiness. I would like to advise all clients who plans on visiting Bhutan or any Travel partner to carefully study all this material to help you make your choice of selection. Bhutan has always been the hottest destination and with all the upcoming plans of various company and the government we hope it grows even better and bigger. Tandin Wangyel
Last week, Pennsylvania's largest utility, PECO, floated some possible pilot projects to increase solar in its service area over the coming years. If all are enacted, the projects, could double the amount of solar energy PECO delivers. So why are green jobs activists, like myself, planning to do laps around the utility's Philadelphia headquarters in a protest called the PECO Runaround?



First, doubling its solar only sounds impressive if you don't realize what a miniscule amount PECO currently procures: 0.25% of its electricity, the state minimum. That means these programs, if all are enacted, would move the utility towards half of one percent solar, doing relatively little to reduce climate change causing emissions, especially from natural gas.

In contrast, the Power Local Green Jobs Campaign is calling for 20% local solar by 2025, prioritizing rooftops in neighborhoods hardest hit by unemployment and divestment. These are the same communities hit hardest by fossil fuel hazards, like high asthma rates, as well as climate change risks, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather. In addition to mitigating climate chaos, a major shift to solar could bring a variety of economic benefits to southeastern PA, as New York state is finding as it moves toward 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

We are heartened that PECO's potential pilot projects include access for low-income people and could create hundreds of short-term jobs. Clearly the utility is feeling the pressure of our year-long grassroots campaign. However, there are no indications that PECO is ready to move away from natural gas and make the kind of major commitment to solar that could spur thousands of jobs and long-term sources of community wealth. In fact, given its history, it seems likely the company is hoping to get us off its back with as little action as possible.

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Consider how PECO has been giving Pennsylvania the runaround on solar for years:

PECO has fought clean energy for at least ten years, including successfully opposing legislation that would have encouraged solar in Pennsylvania. As a result, PA is one of only two states where utilities don't need to purchase their required solar minimums in state.

CEO Craig Adams has spoken against renewable subsidies, saying "governments shouldn't pick winners," even though PECO's parent company, Exelon, actively seeks subsidies for its aging nuclear fleet.

Completed last year, PECO rolled out a "smart" meter upgrade for every single one of its 1.6 million customers with a system so out-dated a second meter is still needed to deploy any solar. This despite a price tag of hundreds of millions of dollars.

At a recent meeting with solar and community advocates, PECO admitted that in some areas it denies up to 30% of applications for solar permits and hits others with the bill for costly infrastructure upgrades. Many applicants for solar permits have faced wait times of 6 months or more for a response to emails.

In other words, PECO has actively made it more difficult for its customers to go solar, despite plenty of evidence that its current rate structure does not account for all the ways solar adds more value to the entire system, even benefitting the utility, especially when correctly deployed.

This lobbying, stalling, and road-blocking has had a disastrous effect on the local solar industry. PA currently ranks 40th in the country in per-capita solar jobs. My own solar installer tells me he doesn't work in southeastern Pennsylvania much any more, instead driving to New Jersey, or even five hours to Ithaca, NY, for work.

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That's why we started this campaign under the banner Power Local Green Jobs. The two lead organizations--Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT) and Philadelphians Organized to Witness Empower and Rebuild (POWER)--are working together for a moral economy on a livable planet. In the past year, we have had sixteen creative actions, which included: 75 people dancing the Electric Slide on PECO's terrace to tell the company to "get moving" on solar; 150 people gathered on its terrace to map out our expansion across PECO's service area; and since then, smaller actions at sites outside of Philadelphia, led by developing leaders who are now organizing across PECO's footprint.

PECO is starting to pay attention. In addition to the new conceptual programs it is floating, the company is now meeting with frustrated solar contractors and promising to fix the second meter issue. The company also says it is planning to purchase its state-mandated 0.25% of solar locally, which could be a good start--if it really is a start. As Solar States founder Micah Gold-Markel told me at last week's meeting with PECO, "These programs are like laying a few decorative tiles on a kitchen floor without fixing the foundation of the house."

A major shift to solar will require PECO to change the way it does business, making solar an infrastructure priority rather than an inconvenient afterthought. Yet at last week's meeting, when I asked PECO general council Romulo Diaz if the company would now put its considerable lobbying weight on the side of solar, the former lobbyist was noncommittal. That's why we are continuing to take action and build pressure.
After being battered by decades of war, Vietnam has risen as one of Asia's most dynamic and rapidly growing countries. With an emerging economy that is creating opportunities, the youth of Vietnam are being empowered to take on real world challenges through nonprofit and social entrepreneurial projects.

Trinh Nguyen and Giang 'Jasmine' Phan are two such individuals. Trinh is a senior student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), majoring in Biological Engineering; while Jasmine is a graduate student in Master of Digital Media at Northeastern University. Although they both originated from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in Vietnam, they did not cross paths till they were introduced by mutual friends in Boston, USA. Through conversation, they realized that there was a noteworthy need for an event that brought together likeminded individuals who undertook social projects. Inspired by the projects that were founded and run by their Vietnamese friends, they wanted to give back by empowering the youth and creating a platform for them to cultivate ideas in the Vietnamese community in Boston. The idea of uniting social entrepreneurs who are impacting the society on the forefront of social change was the goal. Thus began the Viet Youth Projects (VYP) Conference, an annual single-day event that aims to bring together promising social projects that are spearheaded by brilliant and passionate Vietnamese youth. This year, the conference was held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA on the 10th of September.

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Throughout the 3 months that they undertook extensive planning, both Jasmine and Trinh were determined to create an event that allowed a high degree of interaction between the attendees by making it 'participant-centered'. Keeping that in mind, they centered the conference on panel talks, workshops, group discussions and presentations. This provided a collaborative platform for the discussion and exchange of innovative ideas between experts and hopefuls alike. The conference was organized in partnership with the MIT Vietnamese Students Association (VSA) and Vietnamese Women Together (VWT) organization. VWT is a project that was founded by Jasmine, with a focus on the role of women in Vietnamese society.

The projects that were showcased at their pilot conference were:

Vietnamese Women Together: a project that wants to redefine the role of Vietnamese women in society.

Math and Science Summer Program (MaSSP): a project that wants to transform math and science education in Vietnam.

Dream Project Incubator (DPI): a project that creates a mentor-mentee platform for young Vietnamese entrepreneurs and project leaders.

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#SaveSonDoong: one of the biggest activist campaigns aiming to protect Son Doong Cave, a world heritage.

The conference consisted of a welcome address by Dr. Bernd Widdig (Director of International activities at the Office of the Provost in MIT) and a keynote speech by Thao Nguyen Griffiths (Country Director at Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation and an Eisenhower Fellow). The panel at the conference sought to answer the question: 'How to build a sustainable and impactful organization?' Panelists Mike Ritz (Executive Director at Leadership Rhode Island), Thao Ly Bui Tran (Sr. Associate at Rencontres Du Vietnam) and Abhishek Syal (Sr. Research Analyst at EMC and CEO at ARISE Impact) discussed their insightful thoughts and ideas based on their invaluable experiences. The panel discussion was followed by two workshops that allowed the participants to explore topics on starting and running social projects.

Abhishek Syal, an MIT Alumni and CEO of ARISE Impact, shared his expertise on starting his organization that was centered around the concept of contextualized self-learning content on mobiles and computers. During the Question and Answer session, he highlighted the importance of valuing differences in opinion when managing a team. "We encourage team members to present different opinions, along with the 'why'. The 'why' is helpful in understanding the context of the opinion and idea as well as what the team members are passionate about."

Attendees and organizers of the event spoke with much enthusiasm about the conference. "VYP was an opportunity to surround myself with like-minded individuals who seek to make a positive difference in Vietnam. The chance to create meaningful relationships with these leaders helped give an idea of how we can work together in order to achieve our goals," said Daniel Banh, Organizing Member of VYP Conference. "I just moved from Singapore to U.S. a month ago. I was active in social work back in Singapore, and I plan to continue contributing back here. The event was a great opportunity for networking. I have built valuable connections with people who share the passion for making positive social impact, and are working to solve it. I appreciated the professionalism as well as the warmly welcome atmosphere. The refreshment with Vietnam's banh mi was delicious too. Looking forward to the next meeting," added Elle Phuong Le, VYP Conference participant.

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The victory was real. Last September at the United Nations, 193 governments adopted the most comprehensive global agenda for sustainable development ever, including a commitment to achieving gender equality. The 2030 Agenda--with the Sustainable Development Goals at its core--is a blueprint for the next 15 years that promises transformative change. Women and girls have the most to gain. World leaders recognized that realizing their rights and improving their health and lives is necessary to sustainable development. Last week, our leaders were back in New York for the United Nations General Assembly and a key focus was the Sustainable Development Goals and where we go from here.



One year later, where do we stand? On the plus side, governments, international donors, and other institutions have identified a glaring gap--gender data--and have come up with strategies to address it. There is scarce information specific to the lived realities of women and girls; data is rarely disaggregated by sex or does not include issues and challenges that primarily affect women and girls. Or, when health data is collected about women, it often focuses only on their reproductive lives. As a result, we have almost no statistics about girls under the age of 15 and women over the age of 49; they are invisible. This severely limits programs designed to improve their lives. For example, without information on the number of girls aged 10-14 who are married, how can we be successful in ending child marriage, which is a target of the Goals?



UN Women recently launched its Making Every Woman and Girl Count program to increase the availability of accurate information on gender equality and women's rights. This work will complement a partnership the International Women's Health Coalition joined earlier this year with Plan International, KPMG, the ONE Campaign, Women Deliver, and Data2X that will track implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals for women and girls. This initiative will use existing and new quantitative and qualitative data to monitor progress against strategically chosen gender-related targets, with the goal of giving women and girls the information they need to hold their governments accountable for delivering on the SDGs. The initiative will also help ensure women's and girls' development and rights remain firmly on the agenda--by shining a global spotlight on what countries are doing well, where they are falling short, and by urging bold action to realize gender equality and women's and girls' human rights.



While there is a lot of action on monitoring and closing gender data gaps, we have not seen a commensurate rise in funding to support the groups that would actually do this work. In fact, funding for women's rights groups has actually dropped significantly in recent years.
Landing pages are just as important as the homepage of your website. These onsite pages are critical to engaging potential customers, moving them further down the funnel (by providing more information about your products and services), and eventually converting them.

First off, regardless of your industry, when you're implementing digital marketing tactics, you should always use designated landing pages that are relevant to the specific product or service that you're promoting. Whether it's a PPC advertisement that's highlighting a women's running sneaker, or a Facebook ad that is discussing a new credit card offering, sending users to a general homepage once they click through would be a mistake. When you send users to your homepage after capturing their interest for a very specific item, you're failing to cater to the needs of your customers. Making the visitor search for a particular good, or dig through pages in order to find what they're looking for can be incredibly frustrating and often result in the user leaving the page altogether.

As seen in the above example, keep it as simple as possible for the user. If they are searching "women's rain boots," send them to your product page designated for "women's rain boots." So, that being said, if you're not already sending users to designated landing pages from your marketing channels, then you absolutely should. However, once users arrive on those pages, what can you do to help ensure that they're provided with a pleasant user-experience and that they move further down the conversion funnel?

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Below are 3 tactics that will allow you to optimize your landing pages so that they generate stronger engagement and more conversions:

1. Concise Messaging

Onsite messaging should always be concise and to the point. Overwhelming the user with core messages that are lengthy and take a lot of time to absorb can be discouraging for the user to continue reading. If you have a lot of content that you want to include on your site, format your landing pages so that core messages are simple at the top, and if the user wants to read more, they can scroll down for further information.

Copy on these pages should be for particular products or services, so using general wording that provides no real value or clear direction to the user is not going to be very effective. Instead, focus on tailoring your copy for the specific need that the landing page aims to fulfil.

One of Apple's landing pages, their support page, is a solid example of this key element. Messaging is concise and to the point, while still giving the user a general indication of what to expect should they click on the item to learn more.

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The more focused your landing page messaging is, the better. The more niche your landing page messaging is, the better.

2. Engaging CTAs

Whether the goal of your page is to encourage a user to request a quote, or to purchase a product, these "buttons" are your calls-to-action (CTAs). On every page of your website, landing pages of course included, there should be a specific step that you want the user to take.

A compelling and strong CTA is essential for driving conversions and engaging the user on your website. Without an enticing CTA, the user won't be very likely to click on the item, and move further down the conversion funnel.

In the example below, on the Blue Fountain Media website, we entice users to request-a-quote by providing them with a concise list of exactly what they can anticipate if they choose to click on our CTA.

3. Dynamic Imagery

Too much onsite text can be boring for users to read, and often result in visitors leaving the page because they don't want to sift through that much copy. Engaging users on landing pages is essential to driving conversions. So, if you're not capturing the interest of potential customers on these important pages, you're going to find it difficult to improve your conversion rates.

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To craft an enjoyable reading experience, and ensure that website visitors are fully grasping the value your company offers in terms of your products or services, break up text by using dynamic imagery. Images shouldn't simply be used as filler space, but instead should hold a real value, without being overly flashy or dynamic.

The service provider, Marketo, is a good example of using images that really pop out to help reinforce what their messaging is saying. Instead of using flat imagery that holds no real value, the brand uses iconography, including graphs and charts, which stands out, fits with their overall theme, and represents exactly what the service they're promoting is all about. Partnered with concise messaging and a strong call-to-action, Marketo exemplifies 3 of the essentials needed for an effective landing page design.

Optimizing Landing Pages To Drive Conversions

The layout of a homepage, including everything from navigation to the content on it, is typically a major point of focus for brands online. Companies want to make sure that they're optimizing their homepage for the best possible user-experience and for the most sales. However, to be successful online, this same mentality should be used when it comes to landing pages as well.

By taking these 3 simple steps to ensure that your brand is offering the best experience possible to your users online, you'll find it far easier to facilitate engagement and drive conversions with your users online.
In addition to giving rise to a great Broadway hip-hop play, Alexander Hamilton was the founding father of the U.S. pro-manufacturing movement. In 1791, he wrote a report to the Congress extolling the virtues of U.S. manufacturing: "Not only the wealth, but the independence and security of a country, appear to be materially connected with the prosperity of manufactures. Every nation, with a view to those great objects, ought to endeavor to possess within itself all the essentials of a national supply. These comprise the means of subsistence, habitation, clothing and defense." Report on Manufactures, 1791, Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.

Much of this remains true today, and both Presidential candidates seem to agree on that at least, but they have not come up with the formulas to solve the problem. To that end, the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (IU SPEA) has created a Manufacturing Policy Initiative, the first and only program at a United States University dedicated to developing the best public policy solutions for U.S. manufacturing. On Wednesday, September 14th, the IU SPEA Initiative held a major public policy conference at the National Press Club in Washington, entitled "What the Next President Should Do About U.S. Manufacturing, An Agenda for the First 100 Days."

One hundred and eighty-five people gathered for the event and panels were held on the key public policy issues we need to solve to revitalize U.S. manufacturing: Education and the Skills Gap, International Trade, Manufacturing and National Security, Tax Policy, Regulatory Policy, and Innovation. Representatives from business, labor, academia, and the public policy community made presentations, as did two Senators, the Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus from the House of Representatives, and senior policy advisors from both the Clinton and Trump campaigns.



Why do we need a strong manufacturing base? There are at least six reasons:

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oFirst, the jobs. Manufacturing jobs are important for the job base of the United States. Depending on when you start and stop, the United States has lost over six million manufacturing jobs, bringing us down to about 12 million. And it isn't that things aren't being made any more. There are over a hundred million people employed in manufacturing in China.

oSecondly, technology. The United States will not have a robust technology and R & D base without manufacturing. People say we can keep the research here and manufacture somewhere way off-shore. Over time, that will not work. The United States is already seeing research migrate off-shore as high technology industries are migrating off-shore. According to the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, manufacturers pay for and perform approximately 70 percent of U.S. industrial research and development, and they are about three times more likely to create innovations than other firms. Manufacturing firms receive 90% of the issued patents. If we don't have manufacturing here, we'll lose that.

oThird, the overall health of the U.S. economy. The impact of the manufacturing sector on the U.S. economy is very large--and disproportionately large in terms of its multiplier effect. According to the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation, the manufactured goods value chain accounts for one-third of U.S. GDP. It's a real driver of the whole U.S. economy.

oFourth, national security. As was discussed at the conference, the United States will not be able to maintain our national security without a strong manufacturing base. You cannot build aircraft carriers, advanced weapons filled with sophisticated semiconductors, and fighter jets that are protecting us from ISIS without a very robust United States manufacturing base.

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oFifth, manufacturing jobs have traditionally been high paying jobs with benefits, and a way out of poverty and into the middle class. Our economy is not in a state where we can say we don't need more high paying jobs and we don't need jobs that pave the way out of poverty. The United States needs both of these things.



oAnd sixth, manufacturing creates enabling technology which changes the world. For example, the microprocessor, the desk top computer, and the software related to that enabled the IT revolution and later the internet. If we had not had major manufacturing technology companies in the United States these breakthroughs might never have happened, and they certainly would not have happened in the U.S. The next economic revolution won't happen here if we don't have manufacturing here.

So what are the solutions? At the IU SPEA Conference six recommendation papers were prepared by the panel moderators on the topics mentioned above, Education, International Trade, National Security, Tax, Regulatory Reform, and Innovation. They are available on the IU SPEA website: https://spea.indiana.edu/mpp/2016-conference.html



To summarize, some of the key ideas proposed at the conference include pausing all international trade negotiations for one year, while the United States undertakes a top-to-bottom review of the effect of international trade agreements on U.S. manufacturing. If they are not beneficial, in what way should we change our trade policy? On education, we should promote apprenticeships and skills training, with the same vigor we emphasize a four year college degree. On national security, we need to make more of what we need for defense on-shore and revitalize our defense supply chains. U.S. business tax rates have to be lowered to competitive levels so manufacturing is less likely to move off-shore. We have to assure that government regulations on manufacturing do more good than harm, and the permitting process needs to be streamlined. Finally we have to fund innovation at high levels in the United States, equal to or more than our manufacturing country competitors. If we do all these six things right, it will make a real difference.

The recommendation papers were provided to each Presidential campaign, as well as to the moderators of the upcoming televised Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates. We hope this will be an active area of discussion in the rest of the campaign and in the first 100 days of the new administration.

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What happened in Great Britain is in danger of happening in other parts of Europe. The double whammy of the Great Recession and misplaced economic austerity policies have triggered a backlash of right wing nationalists that want to leave the EU, because their workers have lost so many jobs.

Brexit, the British vote to exit the European Union, was precipitated by many factors, including Brit's fear of loss of sovereignty due to the Schengen requirement that it open its borders to citizens of other EU countries. This has led to the possibility of a breakup of the Eurozone, and maybe even the European Union.

It was a fear that eastern Europeans would deprive Britons of jobs by migrating from countries where wages were lower. Great Britain's minimum wage is more than double that of countries such as Poland, Czech Republic, and Romania, for instance, which has meant that some 1 million immigrants from other EU countries have migrated to Great Britain seeking better paying jobs, and pushing out many blue collar Brits in the process.

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So there is good reason for their fear. Great Britain's unemployment rate only came down to 5 percent in 2016, after hovering at 6-8 percent since 2008, the end of the Great Recession, largely due to misguided economic policies.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron was hoisted on his own petard when he called for the referendum that precipitated Brexit, in other words. For he was a strong supporter of German austerity policies that led to two recessions in most of the EU, policies that advocated cuts in government programs combined with higher taxes for Eurozone countries.

Poor job prospects in many of those countries hardest hit by the Great Recession prompted the flight to countries least affected, such as Great Britain, even though Great Britain was still suffering from job losses. The Guardian has been trumpeting this truth since Cameron's austerity policies were instituted in the Conservative Party's 2010 ascent to power.



"Austerity - which has affected the living standards of many working people - was not imposed by the EU, but was a choice by the current government. When public finances are tight, the economic contribution made by migrants ought to be welcomed. But the climate of cuts allowed migrants to be blamed and Britain's contribution to the EU - at 8bn, just 1.2 percent of public expenditure and outweighed by our economic gains from membership - to take on disproportionate significance."

Many major economists have written about the failure of austerity policies since the end of the Great Recession, including Nobelist Paul Krugman.



"Since the global turn to austerity in 2010, said Krugman in the Guardian, "every country that introduced significant austerity has seen its economy suffer, with the depth of the suffering closely related to the harshness of the austerity. In late 2012, the IMF's chief economist, Olivier Blanchard, went so far as to issue what amounted to a mea culpa: although his organisation never bought into the notion that austerity would actually boost economic growth, the IMF now believes that it massively understated the damage that spending cuts inflict on a weak economy."

Maybe we should also mention it is the reason why the Eurozone is in danger of breaking up, all because of not knowing how to deal with the huge amount of debt incurred during and by the Great Recession. All countries suffered, as they did after WWII. But the western world had visionary leaders then, willing to rebuild those European countries in particular with something called the Marshall Plan--some $17 billion in loans and grants--one quarter of which went to Great Britain.

It was also a time when 50 percent of German debt was forgiven--that's right, it was cancelled outright. But are there any such leaders today that might help at least Greece and Portugal? Unfortunately, we are instead harking back to WWI history, and the punitive demands made on Germany for war reparations that precipitated Hitler and WWII.

London School of Economics Professor of Economic History Albrecht Ritschl conducted research into how Germany was able to pay off its debts after the two World Wars. Ritschl looked in detail at the financial assistance that was paid to Germany after the war under the Marshall Plan, in which the US gave that $17 billion - around $160 billion in today's values - in economic support to help rebuild European economies. He showed that while the transfers were tiny, the cancellation of debts was worth as much as four times the country's entire economic output in 1950 and laid the foundation for Germany's fast post-war recovery.

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It doesn't seem possible that members of the EU can't find the most obvious solution to their debt problems with a situation scarily similar to post-WWII. The Marshall Plan was created in part as a response to the threat of Russia and communism. Today, we have another Russian dictator threatening European unity with a nuclear war.

It's in such times that Europe needs great leadership. Otherwise, the possible breakup of the Eurozone--and maybe the European Union, is inevitable.

Harlan Green  2016
In April 2015, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu met in Dharamsala for a historic conversation about joy. The Book of Joy (on sale now) chronicles the week-long discussion. On the final day, co-author Douglas Abrams asked the two great spiritual giants about the importance of joy in the world today.

"Archbishop, Your Holiness, what an incredible joy and privilege it has been to join you in this conversation to prepare The Book of Joy. Today is just for a few final questions. One we received was, 'Why do you think it is important to write The Book of Joy now, and what do you hope it will do for readers around the world?'"

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"You obviously hope," the Archbishop said, speaking of himself in the second person, as he often did, "that you could be an agent for helping God's children enter into their heritage so they can have greater fulfillment and can become all that they are meant to be. And you hope that they will realize that it will happen most of all if they are generous, if they are compassionate, if they are caring."It is when without thinking about it you help someone who is less well off, when you are kind to someone else and do those things that raise others up, you end up being joyful."

The day before, at the Tibetan Children's Village, the Archbishop had answered one of the children's questions by saying, "If we think we want to get joy for ourselves, we realize that it's very shortsighted, short-lived. Joy is the reward, really, of seeking to give joy to others. When you show compassion, when you show caring, when you show love to others, do things for others, in a wonderful way you have a deep joy that you can get in no other way. You can't buy it with money. You can be the richest person on Earth, but if you care only about yourself, I can bet my bottom dollar you will not be happy and joyful. But when you are caring, compassionate, more concerned about the welfare of others than about your own, wonderfully, wonderfully, you suddenly feel a warm glow in your heart, because you have, in fact, wiped the tears from the eyes of another.

"Why now?" he continued, addressing the second part of the question. "I think that there is so much that is hurting. You almost want not to read the newspapers or watch television when, if you are going to watch television, you will see the beheading of someone's child. When you see the number of refugees, mothers running away from one source of violence and pulling children behind them. Even when you live comfortably it clutches at your heartstrings. It's very . . . it's very distressing. Particularly when we think that during the time of our struggle against apartheid, our people were refugees and exiled and were welcomed in African countries that were a great deal less well off than South Africa is. You have to be quite careless not to be sad. We look like we are hell-bent on competing to show who will be the most exquisitely cruel. I think God wants us to be joyful at every time, but right now, I think God is crying quite a lot."

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The Archbishop was gesturing to the Dalai Lama. "It's your turn now."

"This is our last session, so perhaps I will state it this way. I am one human being born in Amdo province in northeast Tibet in a very, very small village in 1935. So, at that time, the Sino-Japanese conflict was about to start. Soon after the Second World War began. Then the Korean War. Then the Vietnam War. Because of these wars, there was immense violence. At those times the human mind, or at least those who were responsible for going to war, believed that using force was the best method for solving disagreement."During the Second World War, for example, when a nation declared war on another, the citizens of the country proudly joined the war effort without the slightest question. But since the Vietnam War our way of thinking has changed. More and more people now publicly oppose war; we saw this opposition to war in Kosovo, in Iraq. Many people were against these wars and, from Australia to America, people openly protested against these wars. This is truly a hopeful sign."I think as long as we human beings remain here, there will always be some limited violence, as there is with all animals. But serious violence, mass killing, war, this we can eliminate if we have the proper vision and method. I think, certainly, it is possible to achieve a world without such sorrow."

At the Tibetan Children's Village, in response to the question of whether joy can be the ultimate source of world peace, the Dalai Lama had responded, "I think so. I think firstly people should have a clear understanding of joyfulness. You see, you might get a temporary joy in killing your enemy or bullying someone. You may get some kind of temporary satisfaction. But the true joyfulness comes from helping others. This way you get much more satisfaction. So that kind of thinking about joyfulness is really an important factor in building a happy society, peaceful society. In order to create peaceful family, first the individual person himself or herself should create inner peace, joyfulness. Then share with other family members. In that way, one family, ten families, a hundred families. That way, we can change and bring happier community, happier society, then happier humanity. Seven billion human beings, we all have same desire, same right to achieve happy life."
Last year I warned of the currency of regime change in Africa driven by profit and mineral exploitation. I called for the international community to get tough on coup makers and more importantly on the shadowy figures sitting abroad who encourage and fund the plotters.This summer we saw another coup attempt, this time in Turkey. Once again a democratically elected president faced overthrow in a plot emanating from abroad, this time driven by lust for power rather than commercial profit.What is startling is that the weight of the international response and condemnation in the aftermath of the Turkish coup attempt came down on the incumbent president and not on the criminals that plotted his and the democratic government's demise. It is the wrong signal to give if one wants to deter future illegal coups in Turkey and elsewhere around the globe.President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adept at taunting the West and his detractors, sometimes makes himself hard to like and even harder to feel pity for. So in the aftermath of the coup we saw as much criticism of Erdogan as the real criminals- the coup plotters.Criticism and condemnation of the man may be grounded. But he is not just a man; he is the democratically elected leader of not some remote or insignificant place, but of a historically and geographically key country. He did not cheat or force his way in to office but got there through the ballot box. We may perceive him to have authoritarian tendencies but he has the electoral backing of the people in a country that thrives on its own form of cultural democracy.As much as a soldier salutes the uniform of his superior officer rather than the man within, our analysis of the coup d'etat should not be based on our views and prejudices towards the man but on the office he holds. Democrats should unwaveringly condemn the coup, the coup makers and the plotters behind them. We must support all attempts at pursuing justice. For the culprits are not only criminals under international law but also terrorists. There is no difference in law between a coup maker and an Islamic State terrorist. They are the same - they seek to overthrow a legitimate government through force rather than democratic means. That the coup failed is testament to the courage of the Turkish people. Unlike the international community, most elements of Turkish society united in their rejection of unconstitutional change and came together to protect their cultural democracy. The coup attempt ironically brought a greater degree of unity to Turkey than at any time in recent years. Nevertheless it has left an existential crisis in society by sowing mistrust. The government's first task is to bring criminal conspirators to justice and to ensure that another attempt does not happen.Even Erdogan's detractors in Turkey believe that Fethullah Gulen and his movement were behind the coup attempt. Yet some in the West saw the US-based Gulen as a moderate Sufi and a useful counter to the authoritarian Erdogan. We should be as wary of Gulen as we should have been of Bin Laden, who after years of being a convenience for Western foreign policy, later shook the pillars of the world to remind us how wrong we can get it. We must help Turkey at its moment of crisis rather than sit back and do nothing. We must support their democracy and their efforts to bring justice down hard on coup makers - creating a real global deterrent at the same time. The US must treat Turkey's request for Gulen's extradition by the letter of the law. If the US has doubts about the extent to which Gulen will receive a fair trial in Turkey, it should obtain the appropriate diplomatic assurances, put monitoring arrangements in place or propose a third country option. Erdogan too must see that he needs to evolve as much as the West. He needs to demonstrate that the democracy he has built in Turkey works and is worthy of support. He must see that he needs friends abroad more than ever. Turkey needs to better explain and present its unique troubles to the rest of the world so we can better help them. The president would do well to start down that journey through better international relationships and by opening new avenues for cooperation. The coup attempt has naturally stimulated such a repositioning, recalibration, and change. Erdogan the man, the most successful domestic politician in modern Turkish history, and Erdogan the pragmatic president will readily see that both will have to make this journey.
During a hyper political season in which the media jockeys to cover which presidential candidate has courted favor or offended which minority group in our country, the largest minority group among us is largely ignored - people with disabilities (PWD). According to statistics PWD make up approximately nineteen percent of our population or roughly sixty million Americans. If we add family members of PWD to this bloc, we are talking about a plurality of American voters--a group that can easily decide any election. So then why does the media largely ignore this massive minority population and its potential impact on our upcoming presidential election? Part of this omission is no doubt rooted in the historic marginalization of PWD. However, I think it is also embedded in the disability community's lack of unification; PWD have yet to successfully join together to amplify their voice as a group.

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While there have been huge gains by the disability community this political season, such as increased attention in the wake of the recent quarter century anniversary of the ADA--the landmark legislation for disability rights--the nonpartisan #CripTheVote campaign, and both parties' National Conventions giving air time to PWD, the disability community largely segregates themselves into various groups focused on their disabilities. Although there are organizations that work towards the inclusion of all PWD, the majority are honed in on one category of disability. Whether the disability is autism, paralysis, schizophrenia, blindness, depression, deafness or any other one, there is a national organization and advocacy group for that particular disability. Many of these organizations do great work and advocate for similar causes, but by virtue of their separate efforts, the American public and the media in the United States tend to see the disability community not as a community, but rather a group of disparate agendas.

It is largely understandable that we don't readily see all people with disabilities as part of the same group. At first glance, Olympic powerhouse Michael Phelps who has written about having ADHD has little in common with a wheelchair-user. However, the fact is that both Phelps and any other person with any disability needs--and has a right to--an accommodating environment that allows them to succeed and be fully integrated in all aspects of life. Regardless of the specific needs, every group within the disability community would benefit from a unified agenda that would allow them to act as a voting bloc.

The more the disability community will work together to send a unified message that they will no longer be silent when their community is segregated by separate schools, housing, employment, religious and social life, the more the American public and our media will awake to the political power of this vast and growing community. The more the disability community will demand, in a unified voice, that an unemployment rate of sixty-five percent for PWD is unacceptable in modern day America, the more their voice will be heard.

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Last year Kiwi businesswoman, author, and philanthropist, Theresa Gattung, and good friend Barbara Gabler (Medical intuitive healer) attended a Women's conference in San Francisco which inspired the pair to create something similar in New Zealand.

With determination and excitement, the charitable trust, WorldWomen, has been launched and will host an international conference, WorldWomen17, in March next year which Theresa believes will have a positive lasting effect on New Zealand. Historically New Zealand has led the way in women's rights and was the first country to grant women the right to vote on 27 November 1893 .

Theresa the former CEO and Managing Director of Telecom NZ and co-founder of My Food Bag says WorldWomen is a catalyst to create amazing outcomes and spark meaningful change in the world.

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"It's about women coming together, agreeing challenges and taking action. We want WorldWomen17 to provide a space in time for them to learn and be inspired by powerful local and international women who are already making a significant difference in education, health and in business. We believe in women standing in their full power in private and public life."

Speakers include:

Dr Terarai Trent - Dr. Trent is one of today's most internationally recognised voices for quality education and women's empowerment.

Vicki Saunders - Entrepreneur and Founder of SheEO - a two-decade long initiative to dramatically transform how we support, celebrate and finance female entrepreneurs building new models, new mind-sets and solutions for a better world.

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Dr Neha Sangwan M.D. - CEO and founder of Intuitive Intelligence, Dr Sangwan M.D is an internal medicine physician, international speaker and corporate communication expert.

Chantelle Baxter - Co-founder and CEO of One Girl - an organisation dedicated to giving 1 million girls across Africa access to education by 2020.

Densie Arnold - A lawyer by day, Denise is passionate about education and seeing it as a way to break the poverty cycle. She established the Cambodia Charitable Trust in 2008.

Leonie Pihama - Worked as an Associate Professor in Education at the University of Auckland and was Director of the International Research Institute for Maori and Indigenous Education (IRI).

Theresa Gattung - CEO and Managing Director of Telecom New Zealand, a $5 billion telecommunications business in New Zealand and Australia from 1999 to 2007.

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Lindy Nelson - Founder of Agri-Women's Development Trust. A visionary leader, Lindy has followed a governance pathway spanning farm ownership, directorship of a crown entity and founding an organisation that is successfully developing women's leadership, business and governance capability in the agricultural sector.
I am a retired newspaperman. I am 69 and live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 45 years, Lou Ann. We grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.

More on who I am is here.

Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com
I have a confession.

I used to be ignorant about the "Cancer Loophole." I thought that if a product was on the store shelf, that meant it was safe. I naively believed that if a product contained dangerous, toxic ingredients - ingredients that could cause cancer - that the product would be banned.

But I've learned something over the past five years while making a documentary: companies don't need to disclose whether a product contains chemicals that cause cancer or disrupt hormones - even chemicals that could interfere with a child's growth, or cause reproductive problems. Even pink ribbon products, which are ubiquitous during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, might contain carcinogens. That's right: the product you are buying because you think a portion of the proceeds go to "cure" cancer might contain chemicals that could "cause" cancer.

When I found out about this outrageous Cancer Loophole, I was angry because it hit so close to home.

Seven years ago, my wife Heather died of cancer. Our daughters were 2 and 5 at the time.

Heather was the one who conscientiously watched over the products that came into our home. Now, it is up to me to keep my girls healthy. That was a promise I made to Heather, and I am doing my best to honor that promise.

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At first, I didn't understand why a company would make a product that was toxic. Why would anyone do that?

Then I learned why: it is cheap to use toxic petrochemicals, and expensive to reformulate products so they aren't toxic. Removing a carcinogen or hormone disruptor from a shampoo, or fragrance, or pajamas, or lipstick, or laundry detergent, and replacing it with a safer chemical is expensive. "Too expensive," say the manufacturers, and so far, our federal government hasn't found a way to force them to take out the toxins.

While in Europe, nearly 1,400 chemicals that cause cancer and birth defects and disrupt hormones are banned from consumer products. In America, we restrict only 11 ingredients. That's right: 1,400 in Europe and 11 in the U.S. In fact, for this reason most multinational corporations sell different versions of their products in the U.S. and in Europe. The American version is cheaper to make and has higher profit margins.

To make matters worse, companies don't have to disclose dangerous chemicals on product labels. Why don't companies want us to know all the ingredients that go into their products? The answer is simple: they're afraid of losing a sale. If you knew there were toxic chemicals in something you bought every day, you would stop buying it.

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And that's why I made a documentary called "Stink!", because no one should be ignorant about the Cancer Loophole. I mean, can we all agree that American consumers should have the right to choose whether they want to be exposed to chemicals that cause cancer, or birth defects, or reproductive harm? Apparently not.

Our elected officials need to hear from the public on this right now. Our voices are being drowned out by a very powerful industry and its lobbyists, both in Congress and in our statehouses. And only a groundswell of public anger will bring about a change in the law, so that we can get the most toxic chemicals off the market and out of our products, and get all ingredients disclosed on product labels.

So, as we enter International Breast National Cancer Awareness Month, I leave you with this: Congress needs to close the Cancer Loophole. If Congress passed a law that made companies disclose all carcinogens on product labels, we would have more informed consumers, safer products, and most importantly: less cancer.
Denmark and The United States of America has a very close and continuing relationship both in regards to people and trade.

Denmark has a long and proud tradition of supplying quality products and services. We have brought creativity and better quality of life to people all over the world.

Like the Danish fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen have lightened the everyday life of generations of people, so does the Danish health care industry aspire to create and produce quality products and services that can make a real difference for people that are challenged by disease and thereby improve their quality of life.

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Over the years Danish design and Danish products have received worldwide recognition for their ability to be both innovative and of high quality. This certainly also applies to the Danish health care industry.

Denmark has one of the strongest healthcare industries in the world - especially if you consider the size of the country.

Danish innovative solutions in areas such as diabetes, depression, allergy, skin diseases and diabetes are widely recognized for their quality. This also applies to a wide range of medical devices and hearing aids.

Denmark may be a small nation but our health care industry makes a big impact.

The strong Danish healthcare system is a result of competent corporate leadership, strong educational opportunities and strong research environment.

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The industry also benefits from a well-functioning Danish health care system, which is an essential partner for the health care industry when it comes to cooperation in order to create and develop new and better products. A strong alliance between the public and the private sector has been crucial for the success of innovative solutions.

The Danish healthcare industry has a very close relationship with The United States. And we are happy to see, that the relationship continues to grow: The Danish health care industry export to The United States has almost increased tenfold since the year 2000.

Every year the Danish healthcare industry export products worth more than 15 billion dollars. Approximately 28 percent goes to the United States. That makes the United States the greatest trading partner for the Danish healthcare industry, by far!

The industry activity creates growth and jobs in both Denmark and The United States
Secrets And Struggles Of Banking Offshore

My husband Lief and I sat in the lobby of Barclays bank on rue de l'Opera for two hours our last visit to Paris, awaiting our account manager. We wanted to obtain debit cards for our accounts. We'd inquired by email but had been told we'd need to come in person for this request.

"You would like debit cards for both of you for both of your accounts with us?" the friendly account rep asked.

"Yes, please."

"The cost will be 9 euro per card per account per month."

"Excuse me?" Lief objected. "We have to pay for our debit cards?"

"Well, yes."

"But it's only to take our own money out of our own accounts."

"Yes, that's why you need a debit card. Or you can come in person to the branch to withdraw funds."

"But we don't live in Paris. We live in Panama. It's not always convenient to come in person to the branch every time we need to take cash out of these accounts. Is there no option?"

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"There's a simpler debit card. But with it you can take out no more than 300 euro in any seven-day period."

"Is that card free?"

"No, the fee for that card is 44 euro per person per year."

It's getting harder and harder to spend your own money. Before we'd come for our meeting at the bank, we'd stopped by Conforama, a french department store, because we needed a new box spring and other bedding for the bed in the second bedroom of a rental apartment of us in Paris. When it was our turn at the checkout counter, we began writing out a check.

"That's an SCI [that is, French company]check?" asked the cashier. "In that case, I need to see company incorporation papers."

"I don't have those with me," Lief replied. "Can I write you a personal check?"

"Let me see the personal check."

Lief showed the lady the checkbook.

"You have personal ID?"

"Yes."

The lady conferred with a colleague, and the two finally agreed they would accept the personal check drawn on the French bank with our EU passports for identification.

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However, we would not have been able to write a non-French check or even a French check without the EU IDs.

And if we'd been able to take out cash of only 300 euro using our debit card during the few days we're in the city...we'd have had no choice but to pay for our new bedding with a credit card. Which would have meant various credit card fees and, for us, the euro/dollar exchange-rate factor.

On one hand, international banking is more challenging all the time. On the other hand, it's increasingly simple: You can't open a new account anywhere...and good luck spending the money you've already got in any existing accounts.

OK, I'm exaggerating, but, as you set out down the living and investing overseas path, recognize a few banking fundamentals:

You'll need a letter of reference from another bank where you hold an active account (including details of the current account balance)

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To open a new account with any bank almost anywhere in the world. But not every bank will issue such a letter. Our bank in Ireland, for example, doesn't issue letters of reference. It's a point of policy. Yet they require a letter of reference from another bank before they'll open a new account for you...



You'll also need proof of local address

Typically, this is a utility bill in your name, which can be no problem if you own a residence locally. However, if you're (understandably) renting, rather than owning, you may have a problem. Sometimes, it can make sense (for you and for the landlord) for the utilities to remain in the name of the landlord. That is, it can make sense unless you want to open a local bank account. And, often, you won't be able to rent in the first place unless you can show proof of a local bank account...

To open a bank account in the name of a corporation:

You'll also need the articles of incorporation for that company, a certificate of good standing for each of the principals, and personal financial information for every beneficiary shareholder. That is, if a corporation is owned by another corporation, a bank today may request information not only for the represented corporation's shareholders, but also for the shareholders of the holding corporation.



In addition to all this, sometimes you'll also need a personal introduction to avoid months of paperwork and back and forth.

Original feature: How To Open A Bank Account Offshore

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Earlier on Huff/Post50:


At the Standing Rock camp in North Dakota, thousands of people representing more than 300 native tribes continue their fight against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. If constructed, the pipeline will cross the Missouri River, a source of drinking water for millions of people on and off tribal lands.

Despite temperatures in the low 40s at night, attacks from security dogs, and dozens of arrests, the people refuse to give up. They're not alone.

Across the country yesterday, thousands of people who aren't able to join the fight at Standing Rock--located an hour south of Bismarck, North Dakota--instead joined together wherever they could. More than 150 cities coast to coast hosted events to stand with those on the front lines of what has evolved into a battle for safe drinking water as well as Native American rights.

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Those gatherings of support included a rally in Washington D.C., where Sen. Bernie Sanders called on President Obama to take action against the pipeline's construction.

"Today we stand united in saying stop the pipeline. Respect Native American rights. We cannot allow our drinking water to be poisoned so that a handful of fossil fuel companies can make even more in profits," Sen. Sanders said at the rally outside the White House.

Hours later in Chicago, more than 100 supporters gathered at the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago resident Jane Albright organized the event with promotional support from Sierra Club and CREDO. People met at 7 p.m. at the totem pole at Addison Street and Lakeshore Drive. They then walked by candlelight along the lakeshore.

Prior to the event, Albright sent prayer ties and care packages to the Sacred Stone Camp at Standing Rock, including a package for the young girl bitten by a security dog earlier this month. Still, Albright said she felt called to do more.

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"What I really want the people to know as they're on the frontline is how deeply we feel them and how we so clearly see all the wrongs that are being done," Albright said.

Wiyaka Eagleman, a Sicangu Lakota native from Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, has been at the camp since April. He said he felt good about the solidarity shown during Tuesday's day of action. "It's pretty awesome that people are waking up. We need to stay united, work together, and be able to help each other."

As the sun set in Chicago, Singing Man, a Southern Arapahoe from Oklahoma, stood before the crowd in a black cowboy hat, vest, and jeans. With a calm, steady voice, he set the intentions for Tuesday night's gathering.

"Would you poison your own mother?" He asked. "We're poisoning her. She's getting very ill. She's starting to run a temperature now. Please, when you go home tonight, think about Mother Earth and how we can help her."

A therapist and proud Vietnam War veteran, Singing Man said he has had to fight for the U.S. before and encouraged attendees to keep this fight peaceful.

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"You can say more in a peaceful way than you can with violence," he said.

The crowd listened. After walking for a quarter mile along the lakefront, they stopped for a ceremony at the water's edge. Supporters held stones, and after individually saying a silent prayer or well wish for the people at Standing Rock's Sacred Stone Camp, threw the stone into the lake.

"I hope they feel the support and prayers from us," Singing Man said after the ceremony. "I hope it will move the right people to do the right things. All nations have had so many things done against them--it's time for us all to unite."

Albright added that she hopes the pipeline protests happening in Chicago specifically, including the hundreds who marched downtown last week, will get the president's attention.

"President Obama, we need your help. Policymakers, we need your help. And we need it now," she said.

Back at the Standing Rock camp, Eagleman is taking things a day at a time as fall closes in and threats from law enforcement escalate. "I encourage you, if you want to stop in, to pay a visit. It's beautiful here," he said.
"Some viol consorts are more democratic groupings, but Laurence Dreyfus founded and has directed Phantasm since they were first formed in 1994 and he's been called director on each of their 17 or so recordings since then. The idea was first to develop a unified approach to sound and 'interpretation' - Dreyfus also works on all editions and manuscript sources when needed as Phantasm make their way through the entire tradition of English viol music along with Bach's Art of Fugue (and still to come, some French and Italian repertoires), and it shows, we think, in the concentrated way Phantasm plays where one person still has the final say and has an overview and oversight on the entire artistic project of the group.

"The other Phantasm players have over the years certainly become far more involved and there is very much a chamber music feel to the group but Dreyfus still has the scholarly and musical expertise to formulate the overall approach. Some famous late 19th century string quartets - Joachim or Hellmesberger for example, - were 'led', i.e. directed from the first violin, and there were only four players, and the group bore the name of the first violinist, so there's a precedent also lurking in the background."
Yes, Grandma has Dreams, Desires, and a Bucket List!

A special feature from Leslie, co-founder Grandparentslink.com

I really do not think I had a bucket list per se, but as the "kids" grew up and there was more to time to think and wonder, I've allowed myself to dream of places I would like to see and things I still want to do. After all, just because I am a grandmother, does not mean I need to sit around and not continue to explore life. Have you ever caught yourself fantasizing or aspiring to do something that you probably had not considered years ago? Obviously I have. I must admit...I now have a bucket list.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to check off the top item on that list. I've had a burning desire to go to Africa -- to travel, eat, and sleep amongst the wild of Africa, and to experience the feeling of this vast and extraordinary place. My husband of 47 years was not too keen on this, and while we share so very much together -- our grandchildren, our family, our personal interests, our love and friendship, this definitely was not at the top of his agenda. However, for 10 to 15 years, this has been a true fantasy of mine.

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Lo and behold, I was presented with a chance to realize my dreams. A dear friend of mine (with her fabulous significant other) was going to Africa with her mother to celebrate her 90th birthday! The invitation was extended to my husband and me. Now, get ready for this: Connie, the birthday girl at 90, would be returning to Africa for her 65th time. Can you imagine 65 trips to Africa? Still working every day, Connie is a travel agent, grandmother, and great grandmother, whose specialty has been in the exotic, the fascinating and ever alluring country of Africa. There was no question in my mind -- this was the opportunity I had been dreaming of.

It was indeed a trip of a lifetime. My husband loved every second. To see Connie, or as the Masai people call her, "Mama Safari," navigate her way through Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana, was inspirational. This beautiful and lively lady jumped in and out of safari vehicles, and kept us going from morning to night. Nothing stopped her, not flying on teeny bush planes, taking a balloon ride over the Masai Mara, going to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, experiencing Victoria Falls, or driving in an open vehicle through the overflowing waters of the Botswana Delta. She did everything, up earlier than all of us, ready to go and do and be. What a glorious picture of 90! We all delighted in her energy, her thirst for living, and her love of life.

There is so much to see and experience in the world, and it's easy to stay put. But, hear me out ... if we don't get out of our comfortable and content world, especially as we get older, life can become smaller and smaller. And, in order to create a bigger world fulfilled with dreams and desires, we do need to get out of our own way; it will help us to be mentally and physically active, vibrant, and stimulated. Step outside of the box and take a moment to indulge in something that is right there on the bucket list no matter how silly, serious or out of the ordinary. Life's for living, so find something that inspires you, and take the leap.

For more features click here: www.grandparentslink.com

Earlier on Huff/Post50:
Mexico City is as synonymous as you can be with "reinvention" as it is with "al pastor taco. Since the days it served as the Aztec capital when it was known as Tenochtitlan, Mexico City has always been a diaspora of culture. This is a city where the past collides with the present, often in dynamic ways, and especially, oftenmost, through food.

It didn't need a name change to reiterate that, but the city even went so far as to change its official moniker earlier this year to Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX) from the Distrito Federal (DF) designation it held for decades.

It's hard not to find a more vibrant food scene in a city of 20 million people. From long-time stalwarts Enrique Olvera and Ricardo Munoz Zurita to the abuela selling mole and tamales in the market down the street, the city is going through a cultural and gastronomic renaissance deserving of the larger changes afoot.

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Balcon del Zocalo

There's not a more literal way to get a taste of the new and old Mexico than by sitting on a terrace at Balcon del Zocalo after exploring the Templo Mayor and the Metropolitan Cathedral in the city's historic center. Opened this year, this restaurant overlooks the Plaza de la Constitucion (or the Zocalo), making it a perfect place for escamoles, ceviche, and fresh Mexican fare.

Address: Zocalo Central Hotel, Av. 5 de Mayo 61, Cuauhtemoc, Centro Historico, $$

Pujol

Since opening its doors in 2000, Pujol is less revolutionary these days and more old guard in Mexico City's fine dining scene. That doesn't mean Enrique Olvera still isn't a master of his craft--the restaurant has reinvented its menu time and time again, each time distilling flavors down to its purest essence, like its indescribable mole madre.

Address: Calle Francisco Petrarca 254, Miguel Hidalgo, Colonia Polanco, $$$$

The Hidden Kitchen

Before Pujol, Enrique Olvera hosted intimate dinner parties for his family and friends before setting out on his own. In the same vein, chef Gerardo Aguilar is making heads turn in Mexico City's underground dining scene. Aguilar hosts monthly pop-up dinners, accommodating up to 40 diners, in undisclosed locations. But visitors need not worry, since it's possible to book the kitchen in advance. It does require a minimum party of four for a reservation--if you're okay sitting with other diners--but the wine pairings and exquisite food marry the best of fine dining and the convivial intimacy of friends breaking bread together.

Address: Calle Rafael Lucio 103, Colonia Doctores, $$
On September 18, Alan Kasujja of BBC News, gathered with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and President and CEO of Save the Children, Carolyn Miles to discuss the refugee crisis at the annual Mashable Social Good Summit at the 92nd Street YMCA in New York.

"Who remembers what happened on the 2nd of September 2015?" asked Alan Kasujja of the audience and the speakers present. "Who remembers Alan Kurdi?" He asked everyone to take a moment to contemplate the life of every human being who we group under the legal and political term of 'refugee'. "I speak about these things very passionately because I am a refugee myself" he clarified. For him, Alan is not just another loosely grouped 'refugee' who died making his journey to Europe, he was a child, a human life with years ahead of him full of beauty and potential. Instead, Alan was plastered on newspapers worldwide as his lifeless body was found ashore the beaches of Turkey. Though his image spurred some countries to action, notably Canada, where Alan was fleeing with his brother and mother, children like Alan are suffering unimaginable injuries, dying inside Syria, at sea in the Mediterranean, or at the hands of smugglers and traffickers. As Alan Kasujja reminds us, "for every single Alan Kurdi, there are so many other children who go unreported".

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The UN stopped releasing numbers of individuals killed in Syria in 2014, due to its inability to confirm deaths. The Syrian Center for Policy Research estimates there have been about 11, 688 young boys and 10,707 young girls killed since then. OCHA has estimated over 6 million Syrian children in need of humanitarian aid. As more recent images of Omran Daqneesh and this past week of Mahmoud Sawas who was found dead underneath airstrike rubble, still snug inside his father' loving arms, these obscene images have highlighted the horror of the statistics. As we grapple with sharing these images, their stories, both told and untold, and the ethics of distribution which can take on an almost pornographic quality, pressure continues to result in no end in sight to the war. As Filippo Grandi stresses "building peace is difficult, we're not so good at it anymore." 50% of refugees are children and we are failing them each and single day. As Alan Kasujja reminds us, they are the ones who have no role in starting conflicts, yet, they are bearing their brunt.

If we were to grade the world, I'm don't know if we would get even 0%

-Alan Kasujja

Western leaders continue to treat human life as negotiable, demonizing those stuck without options surviving constant bombing, starvation, and the always-present threat of death, as theoretical menaces ready to commit hypothetical crimes for imaginary reasons.

Meanwhile what aid is provided to those living in camps or makeshift camps as they're discouraged from going west? If the community of refugees were a country, what would this country look like for its children? It would have the 4th worst level of education and the highest for infant mortality. It would be rampant with child marriage. As a result of the Syrian war, the rate of child marriage for girls under 15 rose 160%. Human Rights Watch has documented over a thousand cases of detained and tortured children, usually between the ages of 13 and 17, but some as young as 8 in Syrian detention centers. Europol has estimated 10,000 refugee children have been reported missing and are assumed to be trafficked, exploited, raped, or used for crime. Only 1% of all refugees have been able to attend a university. Is this the future of this world's children? How do we treat our faraway brothers, sisters, and cousins full of potential for solving the world's most pressing problems such as climate change who may never have the chance because we did not invest in their safety, literacy, and health?

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We are calling for no child out of learning for more than 30 days

-Carolyn Miles

Carolyn Miles advocates most for a sense of normalcy as the first step to psycho-social support to children fleeing war and persecution. "The best way to get people out of trauma is hope" and for children this means playing games, expressing themselves through the arts, and having the opportunity to finally be children, for adults this means agency, jobs, and resettlement. As Miles underscores,

the US refugee resettlement goal, though the bar has been lifted higher, is "still a pathetically small number", particularly for a country with the highest GDP in the world.

Alan Kasujja's native country of Uganda is one example of a country that does not have one of the highest GDPs in the world, Uganda ranks 103rd out of 195 countries, and yet provides as many opportunities as it can for refugees. The government has shown leadership on the refugee crisis because today's leaders were yesterday's refugees, including President Yoweri Museveni and his cabinet. They are aware of the difficulties but also the successes of being a refugee. Given the soil to prosper and the room to grow, the seeds of change can blossom into wonders of prosperity.

All children are very vulnerable when they become refugees

-Filippo Grandi
On Tuesday, September 13, Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders, held an event to kick off its Forced From Home tour--an interactive, educational exhibition presented to raise awareness about the world's refugees and internally displaced people, with experienced aid workers as guides.

Black and white photo of a Doctors Without Borders Forced From Home postcard. Photo credit: MSF

Today there are 65 million people worldwide who have been forced from home and "every one of those 65 million is an individual story", as stated Bryan Walsh, Foreign Editor of TIME magazine who moderated the kickoff event in NYC. Last year alone, about 24 people were forced to flee each minute. When MSF hosted this kind of tour previously in 2009, there were 33 million worldwide; meaning the number has almost doubled in the last 7 years. A third of the 65 million are refugees who have been forced to flee by violence, persecution, torture, war, the majority are IDPs, or internally displaced people, who have been forced to flee their home but have remained within their country's borders, including in formal camps and makeshift camps. In 2015, 12.4 million people were displaced, about 34,000 men, women, and children who left their homes and their lives each day to find safety elsewhere within their countries.

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Photo of the opening Forced From Home panel on September 13, 2016 at the New School. Photo credit: Mariya Parodi

Who are these people and why did they leave? That has been a question MSF has attempted to answer. These individuals are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers who have had to make impossible choices every day, choosing between leaving a spouse or a parent, one child over another. MSF has served as a bridge between us and them, attempting to close the distance between us, physical and emotional.





An MSF poster hanging at the Forced From Home moving exhibition

"Mothers will do just about anything to get good healthcare" says Dr. Africa Stewart, a doctor focusing on obstetrics and gynecology and a Forced From Home tour guide. Dr. Stewart has completed four assignments with MSF, in Sudan, South Sudan, and Nigeria. The answer for a question like "which child do I choose?" is often answered by "which child am I still nursing?" shares Dr. Stewart. "I'm a mom. I get it. I'll do it if it might be right for my babies". We forget women do not make the choice to leave, but are rather forced, that "most moms want to be surrounded by family and friends" and that they too were "a friend of a friend of a friend" once- vital members of their communities.



An MSF tent at the Forced From Home exhibit at the New York Hall of Science

Often, a large part of the services are not just providing care, but providing knowledge to the patient on their future healthcare--"this is what you will say to the next doctor you see" advises Dr. Africa Stewart. She finds providing that information is the same whether working on the field abroad or back stateside in Georgia, where the OBGYN serves as an emergency room for undocumented women. No matter where MSF operates, it provides healthcare, as well as safety and support to its patients, which means if the mother need to be in a hospital, the children are welcome and the same holds true for a child that falls sick and the siblings are welcomed to stay.

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An MSF poster at the Forced From Home exhibit at the New York Hall of Science



Jason Cone, MSF-USA Executive Director reminds us not to forget they journey that migrants make--that they too are forced from home and they too are forced to make a journey they would not otherwise make had they safety, economic opportunities, or simply adequate food. Women fleeing Central America often take birth control knowing they will be subject to rape and sexual violence. They do not make such a dangerous journey because they see a future at home, instead, to quote Dr. Africa Stewart, "the possibility of freedom is real" to them. For such freedom, those fleeing brave traffickers, gangs, corrupt border guards, physical violence, psychological duress, and the threat of death.





An MSF poster at the Forced From Home exhibit at the New York Hall of Science

Last year, MSF treated 11,100 patients medically for sexual violence and conducted 106,500 major surgical interventions, including obstetric. For Dr. Stewart, surgical repair is the part she hates the most and yet is the most needed. "It hurts every time and it doesn't go away" she says. "I always say I'll never go back and I always do". The reason she does, she explains with a smile, is because when she know when she "leaves this world", she wants to be "the person that said I will", that was needed, that was asked, and gave a resounding yes, knowing she was needed. Because of that knowledge, Dr. Stewart never felt like she made a mistake in going on humanitarian missions.



Forced From Home participants receive 'identity' cards

In response to the crisis, MSF has launched search and rescue boats in the Mediterranean where 3,675 have gone missing in 2015. It has placed pressure upon pharmaceutical companies to make life-saving vaccinations available to those fleeing, provided emergency obstetrics, mental health counseling, nutritional services, and access to safe drinking water. The Forced From Home tour sheds light on the crisis as well as ways MSF responds.



An MSF display of markets with goods that are created and sold in refugee and IDP camps



Before beginning the tour, participants are asked to pick 5 items from a choice of 20 that they could bring as they flee their homes. These include clothes, jewelry, children's toys, a bicycle, a wheelchair, a guitar, footwear, money, fishing equipment, pets, medication, a phone, keys, water, a sewing machine, photos, scarves, a passport, food, and baby formula. For me this meant 1) a phone 2) a passport 3) medication 4) money 5) and photos. As the journey progresses, each participant is asked to give up one item to 'pay' for each step in the journey. For example, for me to get in a dingy to flee, I gave up my passport, followed by my money, photos, medication, and finally all I had left was my phone. For my my husband, his last item was our family photos and as he lamented he would not have been able to get in touch with me were we making this journey, we had a taste of how decisions are made for those fleeing with each step they take.

Participants in a dingy at the MSF Forced From Home exhibit

In reality, as Dr. Africa Stewart explains, people have to leave their home without looking as if they are leaving. If they escape with luggage, items such as clothes or family photos that we as participants had the options to choose from, they would look suspicious and often be unable to make their escapes. Instead, they must look like they are just going to the market or going out to see a friend and must organize as much as possible in the folding of their clothes.

A painting at the MSF Forced From Home exhibit

"It's hard to prioritize" says Michelle Mays, nurse and project coordinator for MSF programs. For MSF, choices have to be made as well as to what to prioritize first in response. In Nigeria, Michelle witnessed individuals who had fled their homes due to Boko Haram violence using former schools, hospitals, and abandoned buildings for shelter and providing services proved incredibly difficult in such an environment. Although individuals were in need of psychological services, but first needs were an emergency response to physical rather than their psychological needs.

Beds lined up by MSF at the Forced From Home exhibit

As IDPs escape diseases such as Cholera, MSF provides specialized care. In 2015 alone, MSF treated 32,600 people for Cholera. As Cholera can be treated by keeping patients hydrated, beds are set up with individual IVs, as well as buckets for diarrhea & vomiting symptoms, which are then sterilized by staff--even the shoes are sprayed with solution.

MSF exhibit demonstrating water purification and usage

One of the causes of cholera is unsafe drinking water. As refugees and IDPs are susceptible to Cholera, diarrhea, Typhoid, Hepatis A and E, Malaria, and Dengue fever, education on health and WASH or Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, are critical. MSF provides refugee and IDP communities with safe access to water, installing filtration through chlorine packets. WASH services address potential causes of waterborne disease and malnutrition.

The Forced From Home exhibit shed light on the scarcity of water

Water is a scarce resource in the world, including in the camps. One person needs about 6 gallons of water per day. I could barely lift 2 gallons, yet the burden of carrying 6 gallons and more falls to women and young girls. While that water is necessary for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, few have the luxury. In the United States, by comparison, one person uses an average of 90 gallons of water per day.

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MSF displays the RUTF

MSF also provides therapeutic feeding programs to children 6 months to 5 years old. To test whether they are malnourished, their wrists are measured by size, categorized by color: green, yellow, and red. If they are severely malnourished, in the red, they are provided with RUTF, or Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food, of which they must eat 3 packs a day.

MSF mosquito nets

"You are an MSF worker" our Forced From Home exhibit guide, Jon, tells us. We are dealt a case which we must address urgently: a 17 year old girl witnesses her father's murder and flees her hometown, arriving to MSF sick with malaria. What services does she need? Though she may need psychological support, as well as well as medical services following possible sexual violence, what has to be addressed first is malaria Jon stresses, demonstrating the complexities in play in every case of IDPs and refugees MSF treats.



Since most vaccines are sensitive to heat, they must be kept cold through every process of distribution. For vaccines against measles, it's vital to keep them insulated in a cooler

Today, there are 2 million cases of malaria worldwide. Diagnosing it is a matter of minutes, requiring a drop of blood to test and 3 days of medication. MSF provides a drug called Coartem, packaged with images of a sun and a moon for each day, making it accessible for those who are illiterate. Moreover, MSF provides patients with mosquito nets to use when they sleep in order to prevent contracting it again.



An MSF guide explains to participants varieties of tent: some, like those seen in Nigeria, made from distributed non-food items, others, like those seen in Iraq, which serve as family tents for one large family or for two small ones with sheets serving as walls to create makeshift privacy for the families

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For all attending the Forced From Home exhibit, virtual reality transforms them from the exhibit to refugee and IDP camps, as well as makeshift camps. In the 360 degree dome, participants are transported to Greece among lifejackets, Lebanon among shoddy wires and cables, Mexico among handicapped clients and a "Bienvenidos Migrantes" sign, and South Sudan among its dry roads. For those wishing to learn more, but unable to attend, videos are still available.





Photo Credit: MSF
Today, the Earth got a little hotter, and a little more crowded.

Saving BUB, Beautiful Unique Biodiversity, as in this giant Ecuadorian rainforest grasshopper, is another reason to preserve carbon storing forests. Source www.biodiversityphotography.org

Forests: the cheapest way to store carbon

Fascinating Biodiversity Under Threat from oil pumping in Yasuni National Park, after the world refused to pay Ecuador to help maintain it.

OO Ecuador Begins Pumping Oil From Famed Biodiversity Hotspot in Yasuni National Park, believed to be one, if not the most, biodiverse places on the planet.



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Helmeted Hornbill Hammered by Palm Oil - and a vast number of other fascinating species, as their carbon-storing homes are wiped out for palm plantations.

OO The Palm Oil Industry Is Destroying Indonesia's Rainforest -- Tracts of rainforests are being cleared to plant palm plantations, releasing vast quantities of CO2 and giving poachers easy access to endangered Helmeted Hornbills.



When we harm forests, we harm ourselves.

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HOT NEWS

OO Global Warming Propels Another Month Into The Record Books: August 2016 - was the warmest such month on record, says preliminary NASA data.



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GOOD CLEAN NEWS

OO Global Investment In Energy Falls But Renewables Remain Strong - Energy investment fell 8 % in 2015, reflecting low oil and gas prices, but falling costs and government policy shift spending towards clean energy, data show.



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OO GM Commits To 100% Renewable Energy By 2050 - having just surpassed its 2020 goal of using 125 MW of renewable energy in its U.S. operations.

It now pledges to generate or source all electrical power for its 300+ operations in nearly 60 countries with 100% renewable energy -- such as wind, sun and landfill gas -- by 2050.

In doing so, GM joined nearly 70 other companies worldwide that have joined the RE100 initiative.



OO Most States On Track To Meet Emissions Targets They Call Burden - 27 such states are challenging Obama's Clean Power Plan in court despite their likelihood of meeting its emission goals.





Source www.ucsusa.org

Three Bright Spots in the Desert - the 3 towers of the Ivanpah Solar Facility have had their share of problems, but are an icon of the rise of solar power in the west. Next time you fly between LA and eastern points, look for those 3 brilliant spots of light - I saw them on my last trip!

OO Sweeping Plan To Use Mojave For Solar, Wind Development Wins OK from the Interior Department within nearly 11 million acres of public lands in California's Mojave Desert, one of the largest intact ecosystems in the continental US.



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OO Washington State Limits Carbon Pollution From Large Sources with a new rule recently, joining a handful of other states in capping emissions to address climate change.



OO Republicans Rally Around Renewable Energy In DC at a conference to take back leadership from the left on the subject, and to some degree climate change. Well, it's a start.



OO UN 'Certain' Paris Climate Deal Will Enter Into Force By End-2016 - with more than 48 countries already ratifying the treaty.



OO Brazil Just Ratified The Paris Climate Agreement - What's the big deal? It's home to the largest carbon-storing rainforest in the world, and is a large carbon emitter.



OO UN: 20 More Countries Ready To Ratify Paris Climate Deal





OO This New Electric Bus Can Drive 350 Miles On One Charge especially great news, given that buses are used in mass transit.



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SOCIAL REPERCUSSIONS

Wikimedia Commons

OO Climate Change Threatens Wheat,

One Of The World's Most Important Crops



It Was a Lake ... Lake Isabella, CA.

OO California's Drought Could Continue For Centuries says a new UCLA study, published in the journal Nature.



OO Nevada, Forgotten Victim Of The West's Drought is suffering, too, with the drought affecting farmers, ranchers, drinking water supplies, and native Americans.



OO Coping With Sputtering Taps During California's Hottest Summer On Record - In small communities scattered across California, more wells have been failing as the drought persists for a fifth year.



Super Typhoon Meranti is yet another in the trend of intensifying typhoons hitting Asia. Source NASA

OO 28 Dead, 15 Missing After Super Typhoon Lashes Eastern China and more strong typhoons have formed nearby since then, part of a trend of increasingly stronger typhoons under continuing climate change.



OO Sea Level Rise Is Already Driving People From Pacific The Marshall Islands with the tides already threatening a way of life.



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OO Sea Rise, Lack Of Services Behind Exodus From Papua New Guinea Outlying Island - Down from at least 600 in 2006, only around 50 people remain on the remote atoll of Takuu.



Doomed By Drought a phenomenon intensified by climate change. Source pinterest.com

OO South African National Park Forced To Kill Animals In Response To Severe Drought - rather than let them die a slow horrible death from lack of water, rangers are to kill about 350 hippos and buffaloes.

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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!

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MELTDOWN: DRINKING GLOBAL WARMING

MELTS ARCTIC THERMAL ICE SHIELD

Do We Really Want to Drink This? This stop-motion animation of satellite pictures really looks like an x-ray of someone swallowing (in this case) Arctic summer ice, a major planetary thermal shield, over the past 25 years - all due to global warming. Source, Modified: Climate Central

@@ Danger: Arctic Ice Declining Dramatically- shows how our icy Arctic planetary thermal shield is being swallowed up by global warming.



OO Images Show Near-Record Low 2016 Arctic Sea Ice



OO Large Crack In An Antarctic Ice Shelf To Create Giant Iceberg - having grown by 13 miles in the past six months, it threatens to detach an area of ice larger than Delaware, show satellite images.



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SPEAKING OUT

OO Bernie Sanders Protests Controversial Dakota Access Pipeline Outside White House



OO Americans Appear Willing To Pay For A Carbon Tax Policy even more than an effective climate policy is projected to cost.





Pentagon Personnel Warn of Climate Change Threats Source www.huffingtonpost.com

OO US Military Experts Say Climate Change Poses 'Significant Risk' To Security say a coalition of 25 prominent members of U.S. national security community, warning that higher temperatures and rising seas will inundate bases and fuel conflict.



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OO Australia: The Risk Is Too High -Locals don't want BP drilling in the Great Australian Bight, the largest bay in Australia; they are nervous about the risks posed to the ocean, and their livelihoods.

"One mistake and the whole lot's buggered," says one local.



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GOOD IDEAS

Where The Numbers Whip Up Weather - it is sheer math and the laws of physics that ultimately determine the dangerous climate change humanity is beginning to experience.



OO Recalculating the Climate Math - Takeaways:



The Context: A further 2 C of global warming would incur dangerous climate change, far more so than 1.5 C would.

The Basic Math:

All fossil fuel operations in use contain 942 gigatons of CO2; To have just a 50% chance of preventing dangerous (more than 1.5 C) warming, we can only emit 353 gigatons; That is, we have nearly 600 extra gigatons of CO2 that we cannot emit.

Photo Source 350.org

The Solutions:

Keep it in the ground:

Stop expanding fossil fuel sources;

Enact a dramatic managed decline in fossil fuel use, allowing a just transition for workers.

Letting current oil wells naturally decline,

As we dramatically up clean energy production,

Will cut oil use in half by 2033, for example.

"This is literally a math test," writes Bill McKibben. MEH: But not the only one we need to pass:

Credit Library Foundation of Los Angeles, AlanWeisman

The Other Math Test We Must Pass is bringing our populations down to sustainable levels, otherwise all of the solutions above are just wishful thinking.

Related Headline:

OO The Sky's Limit:

Why The Paris Climate Goals Require A Managed Decline Of Fossil Fuels production, says a new report which calculates how much CO2 could be released by current fossil fuel sources in use, which McKibben used in his piece above.

OO How To Bring On America, The Sustainable - the US government and president can:



1. Use its power to reduce fossil fuel production: stop leases and permits to expand production;

2. Create jobs and save people money by:

encouraging the growth of ever cheaper wind and solar energy, and investments in energy efficiency;

encouraging bigger grids that focus on local clean energy production and are networked broadly;

encouraging clean electric transportation;

Source dujardindesign.com

3. Shrink Farming Carbon Emissions by:

Encouraging cuts in meat consumption;

Encouraging cuts in food waste;

4. End fossil fuel subsidies to decrease the value of fossil fuels.

Credit Tom Tole at the Washington Post

5. Buck Corporate Influence by:

Allowing only public financing of political campaigns;

stopping fossil fuel corporate leaders from becoming government energy regulators;

Making the protection of people, not corporations, the top priority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

What can you do? Vote only for candidates who believe the above is possible - they have the bold vision needed to lead.

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Gas or Charge? Source Wikipedia.org

OO Electric Cars Could Be Charged At Shell Service Stations By 2017 says the energy giant.







Reykjavik Just Got More Beautiful -it is planning to go carbon neutral. Source didierjansen.net

OO Reykjavik Plans To Limit Urban Sprawl To Become Carbon Neutral By 2040 - the Icelandic capital will also improve the efficiency of public transport.



OO Wind Power Will Be A Lot Cheaper

As Wind Turbines Get Even More Enormous - As turbines get taller and access stronger winds, and as rotors increase in diameter, it becomes possible to generate ever more electricity from a single turbine.



OO Video Game Simulates Survival In A Future Devastated By Climate Change - designed by UBC researchers, it imagines a dystopian future where leaders have failed to address climate change.



Recreating This Source www.skyscrapercity.com

OO Kenya To Restore Denmark-Sized Area Of Degraded Land - aside from stemming the tide of desertification, restoration will bolster economic livelihoods, reduce carbon emissions, safeguard biodiversity, and purify air and water.



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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

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CLIMATE, OR CLUELESS LEADERSHIP: YOU DECIDE

OO What Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump Will Do On Climate Change:

Wonk Vs. Whimp



Hillary Clinton (D): Climate change is an urgent threat and a defining challenge of our time and its impacts are already being felt at home and around the world.

The Plan: Make America the Clean Energy Superpower of the 21st Century with 3 goals by 2025:

Generate half of our electricity from clean sources, with half a billion solar panels installed by 2020.

Cut energy waste in American homes, schools, hospitals and offices by a third; make American manufacturing the cleanest and most efficient in the world.

Reduce American oil consumption by a third through cleaner fuels and more efficient cars, boilers, ships, and trucks.

The Methods:

1. act and expand on the range of pollution and efficiency standards and clean energy tax incentives that have made the United States a global leader in the battle against climate change.

These standards are essential for protecting our health, saving Americans billions of dollars in energy costs, and creating thousands of good paying jobs.

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2. launch a $60 billion Clean Energy Challenge to partner with those states, cities, and rural communities that want to lead on clean energy and energy efficiency, giving them the flexibility, tools and resources they need to succeed.

Credit Mark Kauzlarich at Reuters

"In many ways the performances of Donald Trump remind me of male chimpanzees and their dominance rituals," said Jane Goodall, the famed anthropologist, shortly before Trump won the GOP nomination.

In contrast...

Donald Trump (R): There is still much that needs to be investigated in the field of "climate change."

No plan or methods. Just "perhaps":

Perhaps... we should ensure that every person in the world has clean water.

Perhaps... we should focus on eliminating lingering diseases around the world.

Perhaps... we should focus on efforts to increase food production.

Perhaps... we should focus on developing energy sources that reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Perhaps Donald Trump Would Like to Try Some Texas Corn withered by climate- change-intensified drought. Or perhaps he's full up to his eyeballs in corn already. Photo: USDA at flickr

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Perhaps Donald Trump doesn't know that burning fossil fuels:

competes with our clean water supplies;

creates pollution responsible for cancers, and other major diseases;

creates climate change that cuts food production.

Perhaps he doesn't WANT to know.

Meantime:

OO Trump's Climate Science Denial Clashes With Reality

Of Rising Seas In Florida



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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.

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NATURAL REPERCUSSIONS

All Alone Credit Jon Bragg at flickr.com

OO The Silencing Of The Seas: How Our Oceans Are Going Quiet

The oceans are filled with sounds produced by animals. However, a recent study shows that ocean sounds are diminishing as ocean life vanishes due to nutrient pollution and ocean acidification from rising, climate-changing CO2 pollution.



OO US Atlantic Seaboard: 'Ghost Forests' Appear As Rising Seas Kill Trees along this coast, where sea level rise from global warming is rapid.



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FOSSIL FUEL FOLLIES

Danger: Climate Changing Methane Going UP - due to accidental leaks from fossil fuel mining and distribution structures, as this map of Boston methane leaks shows. Source NOAA, US Navy

OO Now We Know: Fossil Fuel Methane Emissions Are Going UP - Takeaways:

methane is a far more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2,

but has a relatively short atmospheric life, and is far rarer in the atmosphere;

it is the second biggest gas driver (CO2 is first) of climate change;

emission growth rates slowed in the late 1980s -1990s,

stalling in 2005,

then shot up, as mining natural gas exploded,

even as other big sources, from wetlands, rice cultivation, and biomass burning, have fallen.

Credit Michael Lukovich

OO Fossil Fuel Money To GOP Grows, And So Does Climate Divide underscoring how much is riding on the November election for U.S. and global climate policy.



OO UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Canada Threatened

Most Often By Oil, Gas And Mining which account for nearly a third of threats to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada over the last 30 years, say a series of UN reports.



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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

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.

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SOLAR KEEPS DRIVING



Source www.solarkinguk.com

OO India Enlisting Spiritual Leaders To Spread The Use Of Solar Energy - the government has asked spiritual leaders to install solar power units in their ashrams, or hermitages, and promote this renewable form of energy among millions of their followers.



Check it out here, right now!

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WHY WE SHOULD ACT NOW: RISING RISKS

Daily Climate Change: Global Map of Unusual Temperatures, Sept 29, 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.

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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.

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, which continues to decline. Hotter than usual temperatures continue to dominate human habitats.

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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!
Bitdefender Antivirus continues to remain a top-performing security suite that improves over time by adjusting to your computer usage and performance.

Bitdefender's latest version sheds the yearly version identity and brings back the same expected arsenal of security tricks and tweaks that made version 2013 so competitive among the AV crowd. Features like MyBitdefender return to address the rising demand for multidevice protection as many other rivals like Norton and AVG have followed suit.

Bitdefender's cost has gone up for each of its products across the board: Antivirus Plus now retails for $49.95, Internet Security for $69.95, and Total Security for $79.95. Internet Security shows the greatest price hike, at $20 more, putting it at the cost of last year's Total Security suite.

Installation didn't take long but updates can take some time. After installation, Bitdefender will enable an autopilot mode and auto-gaming mode by default for a hands-off maintenance approach. It'll then follow up with a preliminary system scan to check for any existing infections.

Bitdefender dubs its new adaptive technology "Photon" and claims that the security program learns and adapts to your system's performance. It does this by monitoring the various applications and programs you already have installed and "learns" what kind of configurations are standard vs. those that are tampered with by malware. The result is reducing the load on the scanner and shortening times. Our first initial system scans averaged around 20 minutes but subsequent following scans took about two and a half minutes:

Full Scan times (Initial, post-Photon in minutes) Antivirus plus: 21:38, 2:50

Internet Security: 20:54, 2:47

Total Security: 22:45, 2:48

AV-Test has yet to release their results for this year's Bitdefender; Version 2013 scored 6/6 in protection and useability with 5/6 for performance. Cinebench scores for processor load scored as follows:

Cinebench Antivirus plus: 17292

Internet Security: 17287

Total Security: 17329

In AV Comparatives, Bitdefender scored second highest in real-world protection test at 99.8 percent, ousted only by Trend Micro. Bitdefender also had a score of 2.4 in their system impact test on AV Comparatives; though bested by Symantec, Kaspersky, and Avast!, it still remained in the top 10.

Boot time, Shutdown time (in seconds) Antivirus plus: 44.73, 10.27

Internet Security: 44.75, 9.08

Total Security: 45.07, 11.45

Conclusion

Though it might be at least a month or two before all of 2014's test results get published, current performance along with our own findings suggest a trajectory toward maintaining efficacy in overall protection.
You don't have a seat at the bargaining table as Gov. Bruce Rauner and AFSCME Council 31 attempt to create a contract for the 38,000 state employees the union represents. Nor is Rauner on the ballot this year.

But AFSCME wants to make sure, as Election Day nears, that you have an opinion on the protracted and contentious negotiations to replace a contract that expired 15 months ago.

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A new, 30-second video and TV ad titled "Negotiate" uses the headline of a Feb. 13, 2015, New York Times editorial -- "A war on workers in Illinois" -- in introducing three state workers who make their cases against the governor.

"Gov. Rauner is so far disconnected from how real people live," says one. A few seconds later, she adds that Rauner "refuses to negotiate. He gets up and walks away whenever he doesn't get his way."

"Public service workers in state government protect kids, care for veterans, keep us safe and more," AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said in a press release announcing the ad. "State workers have always been willing to do their part. We're prepared to compromise. But we can only do that if Governor Rauner puts the public good ahead of his personal demands and returns to bargaining ready to negotiate."

Though it doesn't mention any candidates or the Nov. 8 election, the ad's election implications can't be ignored. At the moment, Democrats -- and their union supporters -- are doing everything they can to link their Republican opponents to Rauner. They believe this will negatively affect Republican candidates in legislative races by linking them to an agenda that Democrats have portrayed as anti-union and extreme. This ad, which portrays Rauner as out of touch with average workers and intent on busting the union, plays into that narrative.

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(Conversely, Republicans are doing the same to Democratic candidates, whom they are linking to House Speaker Michael Madigan at every opportunity.)

The negotiations between the Rauner administration and AFSCME Council 31, whose last contract expired June 30, 2015, have brought incremental victories to both sides over the past year even as each accused the other of sandbagging talks.

A year ago, Democrats passed a bill that would have curtailed sharply Rauner's power in negotiations. He vetoed it, and the failure of an override effort in the House was a major victory for Rauner.

In January, the administration said negotiations were at an impasse and filed an unfair labor practices complaint against AFSCME with the Illinois Labor Relations Board. AFSCME filed a complaint accusing the administration of bargaining in bad faith.

The Labor Relations Board, whose members are appointed by the governor, heard the case from April to June, and the matter then was turned over to Administrative Law Judge Sarah Kerley, who will issue a recommendation to the board. Rauner in June asked that the judicial review process be skipped so the case could go directly to the board, but the board denied that request. Kerley said at the time she hoped to forward a recommendation in time for the board to discuss the case at its November meeting.

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The board does not have to accept Kerley's recommendation, and its decision could be the most significant event in Rauner's term to date. A ruling in the union's favor would send the two sides back into negotiations. A decision for Rauner would allow the administration to impose its own terms. That would force the union to choose between accepting Rauner's contract, going on strike or suing to force continued negotiations.
In recent years American voters are rediscovering a way of voting used during the country's first half-century of existence.

I'm talking about early voting.

Since the early 1990s, the number voters who cast their ballots prior to Election Day has steadily risen from less than a tenth to about a third. The rise is fueled by two phenomenon. More states are offering early voting options, and once a state adopts early voting more people vote early a part of their election regimen.



As voters cast their ballots prior to Election Day, they may be surprised to learn they are walking in the shoes of the nation's founders. At the founding, voting was held over several days so that rural voters could have ample time to travel to town and county courthouses to cast their ballots. An extended voting period could not be disrupted greatly by unexpected weather that made rural river crossings impassable. In other words, early voting was matter of convenience. Two centuries later, convenience continues to be the rallying cry of early voting advocates.

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Just as an argument for early voting echoes through time, so does an argument against. In 1845, the federal government set a uniform, single day for voting for president: the familiar first Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Among the arguments for a single day was that it would prevent people from crossing state lines to vote more than once. Today, politicians speak of early voting as one way by which elections can be "rigged."

Early voting returned to elections through the military. During the Civil War, soldiers voted absentee by mailing ballots to family members for them to cast by proxy. Later, these practices were formalized through state laws during the early 1900s that allowed ballots to be mailed directly to election officials, and also gradually extended the same privileges to civilians. These laws required voters to have a state-approved excuse for voting an absentee ballot, such as travel or illness.

In a handful of states, primarily in the South and North-East, excuse-required absentee voting is still the only early voting option. In 1980, California pioneered the modern resurgence of early voting by lifting the requirement that a voter provide an excuse to vote by mail. Since then, California and other states, mostly in the West, have innovated permanent mail ballot status and all mail ballot elections. Any qualifying voter can request and cast a mail ballot at their local election office. Meanwhile in the East, Florida, Tennessee and Texas extended in-person early voting to special satellite polling locations in 1996.

The federal law setting a uniform day of voting still stands, so why is early voting is legal? In a 2001 challenge to Oregon's no-excuse absentee voting, a federal court ruled that the election must be "consummated" on Election Day. As long as election officials don't count votes until Election Day, early voting is legal.

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There is now tremendous variation in early voting across states, mirroring the differences of states' options. A state, like battleground Pennsylvania, has excused-required absentee voting, and so we should see a single digit percentage of early voting. Other key battleground states, like Colorado, Florida, Nevada, and North Carolina, have more generous early voting. Two-thirds or more of the votes will be cast before Election Day in these states.

Early voting has transformed elections in fundamental ways. A frequent criticism is that early voters should wait until Election Day so that they can be fully informed about the candidates. This criticism would be foreign to voters two centuries ago and arises from the massive flow of information that is part of our modern lives.

I have three responses for those who say we should have no early voting.

First, there are two types of early voters, those who are in a situation where they must cast an absentee ballot and those who choose to do so. Surely, we must allow absentee voting when it is a voters' only option, such as our military deployed abroad in conflict zones.

Second, those who choose to vote early do so when they have made their decision who they will support. The earliest of early voters are people who follow politics closely and will not be swayed by new information. A good number of people could cast their vote today and will not regret their choice on Election Day. Others will continue to wait until they feel they have enough information. Indeed, many people will hold their ballot, and we will see the highest volume of early voting the week before Election Day.

Third, early voting has changed how campaigns release information. The fabled "October Surprise" - where a candidate unleashes a devastating attack the weekend before Election Day - is now mostly a thing of the past. If a campaign has damaging information about their opponent, they can't hold on to it. The target of the attack gets to respond, the media gets to fact checks the opposing claims, and voters can weigh the truth and importance of the information, rather than vote with a gut reaction. Early voting has thus transformed campaigns so that voters are more informed, not less.

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Early voting has also fundamentally changed campaigns in other ways. Campaigns now run voter mobilization efforts during the entire early voting period. This gives them a chance to ask more voters to support their candidate, and these contacts have been well-established to increase turnout.

Presidential campaigns and the major parties have more than enough resources to conduct extended mobilization efforts and the run advertising during the early voting period. Where I worry about a negative effect of early voting is for state and local elections, which do not have the same resources. However, in states that publish election results by voting method, more early voters cast a vote in down ballot races than Election Day voters. This may be due to the fact that early voters follow politics more closely than those who wait until the last minute to vote.

Finally, early voting has changed how elections are run. Fewer people voting on Election Day means shorter lines and a better voting experience for voters. Election officials track early voting and share this information with the campaigns. An election pro-tip: if you vote early, the campaigns stop sending you mail, calling you, or knocking on your door.
A handgun on the flag of the United States of America.

As a born and bred Texas gal, I grew up around guns. My dad had guns in the house and other than the 'leave them alone' safety lesson, we paid them no mind. They were as ordinary as silverware on the table. Uncles visited the deer lease each year where they killed dinner for the freezer and hung the dead heads of past hunts on the living room wall. Trucks often had rifle racks which were clearly visible as your rode down the street - and no, we didn't live in the country. This was in suburbia! At 16 I began visiting the gun range with my dad and learned how to clean and load a gun and shoot in a cluster. The safety 'lesson' now included the stern warning "Never point a gun at anyone you don't intend to kill."

Guns = a last resort method of self defense. I got it.

As a young single woman, I took a gun safety course, applied for and received my concealed carry license. I carried my gun, purchased at a gun show with my dad, when out at night and occasionally on dates. I know it sounds weird now, but at the time it seemed like the thing to do.

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Guns = because a young, single woman is only safe at the grocery store at night if she is packing. I got it.

Now, as a long married mom, I have long let the concealed license lapse and wouldn't dream of carrying a gun. I multi-task too much to be focused enough to use one... even in a dire emergency and would most likely end up hurting myself or another good guy or, God forbid, a kid could get to it. But, I get the idea behind our gun laws and the force of those who relish our 'God given and country backed' right to own and carry guns.

Guns= bad guys have guns so good guys need guns to be safe. I got it.

But then... why aren't the good guys shooting back? Why aren't any of the gazillion guns legally owned by private citizens in this country used to stop mass shootings? Or shootings in general? When was the last time you heard on the news that Joe Citizen stopped a bad guy and DIDN'T face unbelievable back lash?

I found this very interesting. Armed civilians do not actually stop mass shootings. Sometimes shootings happen in 'gun free zones' and sometimes the shooting is over by the time an armed civilian gets there. Once, the 'students' who stopped a mass shooting were actually off duty police so I'm not sure that counts. Police don't like the idea of an armed John Wayne because it makes it hard to tell the bad guys from the good guys. When bullets are flying police need to make very quick decisions and it must be hard to tell who is who.

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How many guns in America? Oddly and interestingly... there are NO exact numbers. Can you believe that? People apparently don't want big brother to know about their guns. But the closest number is 347,000,000 according to Gary Kleck from Point Blank: Guns and Violence in America. Read more and see the crazy graph here. That is a LOT of guns. So why are mass shootings... of clearly unarmed people so common?

How common is it anyway? This year, which isn't over by the way, has seen 353 mass shootings already. Sometimes more than once a day -- here in the good 'old USA. The San Bernardino, CA shooting recently overshadowed another mass shooting the same day in Georgia. Let that sink in... we were so shocked at the mass shooting in CA that we didn't even hear about the mass shooting in GA the very. same. day. Can you believe we are even discussing this insanity? How very, very sad.

Sad. And pathetic. Aren't we better than this? The GREATEST country in the world and this is the best we can do? I just don't get it.



The rest of the world laughs at us. They think of us as either gun toting John Wayne types or gansta.... weirdos. Wonderful. The greatest country on Earth and they are laughing at us.

Worse? They, foreign traveling families, are worried about visiting us.

We read all about people scared (and rightly so, I understand) about visiting Paris and Syria and Iran and Mexico and other places in the world because of violence. But we are now one of them... those places... too dangerous to visit. People getting shot in the street, in schools, and at a Christmas party.

When we visited Turkey we were a little nervous as things in Syria were heating up. In conversations with the Istanbul travel agent I worked with, I was told that her Turkish friends thought she was crazy for visiting the U.S. because so many people had guns and kids were getting shot in the schools. I was shocked at this attitude because I had never considered the U.S. an unsafe place, but... perhaps now it is... unsafe... just like "those" places we would never dream of visiting. Who am I to reassure her? I'm worried about visiting her country but there are mass shootings EVERY day here. What would you tell someone who was worried about visiting the US?

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So... what now?

I think it is time to meet in the middle. I totally 100% get that gun owners feel strongly about keeping their guns and those against guns feel strongly about getting rid of guns, but our all or nothing approach just isn't working. Let's all take a deep breath and think for a minute.

Gun owners consider this:



How prepared are you to defend yourself? Do you really carry your concealed weapon to the company Christmas party? And is your gun really accessible or is it shoved in the far bottom of your purse or briefcase? I can't find my reading glasses in my purse...imagine trying to quickly find a gun when someone was shooting at you! Are you really ready? Positive - 100% positive you could accurately shoot another person while trying not to get shot yourself while hiding under the table at the company Christmas party?

Non gun owners consider this:

What about legal hunting? Are guns ok for that? Maybe not AK47s, but a rifle? What about keeping a gun in the house for the intruder? Again not an Uzi but a handgun?

We need to put our heads together and come up with something. Something. Because the greatest country on Earth can DO BETTER.
Earlier this year, Erin Schrode, a 25-year-old Californian, ran to be America's youngest female Congresswoman. The New York University graduate and founder of the environmental nonprofit, Turning Green, waged an underdog fight against fellow Democratic incumbent, Jared Huffman. The opponents were in agreement about the issues facing the state's liberal North Coast (which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the forested Oregon border), but Schrode argued it was time for young people to take the reins in Washington. Although she came in a distant third in the June primary, Schrode brought a youthful energy to staid Congressional politics and believes she switched up the dynamics of the race.

NationSwell spoke to her recently while she was on a visit to New York City about the lessons she's learned about political organizing in the era of hashtag activism.

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1. Give people small ways to change their behavior

To most, the images of belching smokestacks and melting glaciers from Al Gore's documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" feel like problems too large to solve. "I couldn't put back together the melting polar ice caps to save the habitat of polar bears. I couldn't take my house off the grid. I couldn't get a hybrid car," Schrode says. (She still doesn't have her own vehicle.)

But there's always something that's in your control. Schrode's activist career began in 2005, when she hosted meetings about switching to environmentally friendly cosmetics. It wasn't cost-prohibitive for her friends to swap out brand-name mascara and deodorants for ones that had fewer toxic chemicals. More importantly, Schrode avoided a feeling of "doom and gloom" in the process. "Telling someone to do less bad things does not inspire action," she says. "I wanted to give people something they could do. I wanted to tell people yes." Fear-based tactics might motivate someone in the short term, but the most lasting change comes from adopting a movement you want to be a part of, Schrode believes.

2. Make your movement into a lifestyle

Millennials aren't yet caught up in a routine way of doing things. "We're not stuck in brand loyalty," Schrode says, explaining that young people are more likely to change their behavior. To get more young girls onboard with eco-friendly products, Turning Green hosted events across the Bay Area: pop-up beauty shops with trained aestheticians at local malls, makeover events on Saturday evenings and an annual ball with a huge feast and a fashion show. By tapping into distinct high school experiences, Schrode's cause gained traction. "All the programs that we're producing are emblematic teenage experiences, like prom, the dorm move-in or back-to-school, and people loved that," Schrode says. "It fit into our lives in a way that wasn't off-putting."

3. Make your claims relatable

When it comes to the environment, it's all too easy to dismiss left-wingers as spouting "hippie-dippy" eco-nonsense, Schrode says. That's why activists need to dig through the science and "arm ourselves with information to stand up against the naysayers" and big business industry, Schrode emphasizes. The real trick is not to use scientific jargon or data that people can't comprehend. Instead, you must make erudite knowledge relevant to consumers. For instance, someone glancing at a skincare product label may not know how to pronounce propylene glycol, but once she knows it's a key ingredient in antifreeze, she'll be on the lookout for it in the future. (It's debatable just how much damage trace amounts of it would actually inflict, but do you really want to rub car coolant on your face?)

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4. Use social media to activate disconnected individuals...

Social media allows young, like-minded activists across the country to unite in a way they've never been able to before. Schrode says that's particularly valuable in reaching the "lone warrior" in places like small towns or cities that politically lean one direction. With Facebook and other digital tools, an organization can connect people to a cause and provide them with specific fact-sheets, resources and programming ideas. Optimizing an online presence, the successes at one university can become a nationwide network almost overnight. One of Schrode's favorite projects assigns 21 days of action, which is particularly powerful because "thousands of people every day are logging in to take the same sorts of actions, regardless of their geography, their background or their school."



5. ...But recognize the limitations of online activities

"A lot of people think it is enough just to do something online, enough to click a button, to find something and press share," Schrode says. She has two words for them: "It's not." Politicians seldom cast votes based on the number of clicks on a Change.org petition; they'll more often listen to the constituents who take the time to travel to their offices or force them to hear with a protest outside their window.

6. Translate old learnings for today's world

After a study discovered off-the-charts breast cancer rates in Marin County, Calif., preteen Schrode joined her mom canvassing door-to-door for access to mammograms. (The study's findings may simply indicate that wealthy, white women are screened more regularly, resulting in more false positives.) She still views the experience as evidence that an older generation has valuable expertise and wisdom to share with young activists. Millennials might have a better sense of what they want the future to look like, but they don't necessarily know what prevented previous generations from getting there. By meeting with older policymakers, activists and researchers, organizers today can learn those lessons. "That sharing of ideas, of tactics, of energy and of experience is unstoppable," Schrode says.



7. Enact change on a broad scale by aspiring to elected office

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Mitt Romney weighs in on the Republican presidential race last spring. Donald Trump has outraised Romney in just three of 93 industries tracked by OpenSecrets.org, according to data going through the end of August 2016 for Trump and the same time four years earlier for the previous GOP nominee. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

By: Jack Noland

Donald Trump and Mitt Romney may not have much in common, and the 2012 GOP presidential nominee has made no bones about his visceral dislike of the pugilistic businessman who is carrying his party's banner this time around. When it comes to campaign fundraising, though, there's a lot of overlap in their pools of donors.

Through August, Trump's donors this cycle and Romney's four years ago came from many of the same interest groups. Their campaigns both counted the real estate industry, health professionals and lawyers among their top five donor industries, and retirees were No. 1 for each of them.

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The difference is that Trump has raised just a fraction of Romney's take from each industry, and lags far behind his predecessor in overall fundraising.

Retirees normally are at or near the top of candidates' donor lists. America's retired people are campaign finance juggernauts: They contributed more than any other group to both Romney and President Barack Obama in 2012, giving a total $126.6 million to presidential candidates over the course of the cycle.

Still, while they're tops on Trump's roster, by the end of August they'd given only $14.5 million, less than half the $36.1 million they had donated to Romney at the same point in 2012. Hillary Clinton, this year's Democratic nominee, had raised around $45.2 million from seniors as September began, more than either Romney or Trump -- although retirees rank second, not first, among her leading donor industries.

Wall Street ranked second for Romney; for Trump, it ranked only seventh. By the end of August 2012, Romney's campaign had pulled in more than $18.7 million from the securities and investment industry, while Trump's had raised a breathtakingly small amount from the normally high-rolling employees and PACs in the field in the same time frame this cycle: just $541,780.

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Clinton had received more than $7.2 million in Wall Street funds.

For Trump, employees and PACs in our miscellaneous business category -- chemicals, textiles, retail, restaurants and a hodgepodge of other enterprises -- gave Trump his second-highest yield, roughly $1.5 million. While the industry came in only seventh on his list, Romney had raised $4.85 million from its members.

While Trump is perhaps best known as a real estate magnate, even employees and PACs in that industry weren't as generous to Trump through August as they had been to Romney. The 2016 nominee has collected more than $1.5 million from that interest area, while Romney had taken in a full $10.7 million by the same point.

Rounding out the top five for both candidates were contributions from health professionals and lawyers, plus their related PACs, but again, Trump's numbers pale: $1.1 million and $635,000, respectively, compared with Romney's $6.6 million and $9.5 million.

Overall, in fact, there were only three industries -- out of the 93 used by CRP to classify contributions -- that have given Trump more than they gave Romney through August. But the three -- industrial unions, transportation unions and miscellaneous unions -- provided mere pocket change to each candidate, combining to give Trump $4,829 and Romney $500.

Trump has been far more successful raising money from individuals than from political action committees. In fact, only a handful of corporate PACs have shared their funds with him: Taco Bell's TACO PAC; IHOP's Pancake PAC; the PAC of Salem Media, a chain of Christian radio stations; the Ohio Coal Association's PAC; and the PACs of oil and gas firm Continental Resources and Nexstar Media.

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Trump's overall numbers are low in part because he didn't really start a concerted fundraising push until this summer; before that he said he was "self-funding" his campaign. And Kyle Kondik, managing editor at Sabato's Crystal Ball, a University of Virginia election forecasting outlet, noted that Trump's efforts have generally skewed toward small-dollar donors.

"Trump's small-dollar fundraising has actually been pretty decent," he said. "Some of the big money people aren't as excited about him." In fact, about twice as much of Trump's total haul from individuals has come from small ($200 and under) donors as from larger ones. The FEC doesn't require candidates to release detailed information -- name, address, employer and so on -- about these donors to the public, so we can't sort them by industry. Overall, 29 percent of his cash has come from small donors, compared with 19 percent of Clinton's.

The Republican's campaign said it raised $18 million on Tuesday, the day after the first presidential debate; but while some of that no doubt came from small donors, the campaign also had a "National Call Day" in which big donors were asked to come to Trump Tower and call their dearest friends and associates to hit them up for larger sums.

Trump has raised more than Clinton in just a handful of industries thus far. Predictably, he had taken more from Republican/conservative and gun rights interests, earning $529,797 and $180,204 more than the Democrat, respectively. He also holds the lead in contributions from those working in mining, building equipment and materials, poultry and eggs, trucking and a category we call "miscellaneous agriculture," into which we put donors who list vague occupations like, well, "farmer."

And there are only four industries from which Trump collected more than $1 million (the aforementioned retirees, health professionals, real estate and miscellaneous business). Clinton, on the other hand, had 31 industries that have been at least that generous to her, while Obama and Romney enjoyed seven-figure sums from 26 and 29 industries, respectively, through Aug. 31.

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Trump's fundraising capabilities going forward likely will hinge on impressions about his electoral chances, Kondik said, noting that some of the traditional Republican donors who have been wary thus far might kick in if they sense that he can win. Trump's perceived weakness in Monday's debate, though, didn't help.

"I think elite opinions of Trump have always been low," Kondik said, "but they may be lower now."
It is difficult for voters to keep track of the many legal and personal scandals surrounding Donald Trump, but it is easier to remember the many people whom he has insulted. Both pose liabilities for Trump's campaign for president, but perhaps ironically, it is the insults that are likely to do more damage than the scandals.

Supporters of Hillary Clinton seem to believe that each Trump scandal adds to voters' negative assessment of his fitness to the president, like a snowball that gets bigger and bigger as it rolls downhill. But that doesn't seem to be happening. Instead, each day's scandal seems to push the previous one out of our collective memories. There are so many of them -- and the details are so complicated and bizarre -- that it is hard to keep track of them. The most recent scandal involves the Trump Foundation, which, according to an investigation by the Washington Post, Trump has illegal used to avoid taxes, pay business expenses, and create the misleading impression that he's a generous philanthropist. Each day, the Post seems to find yet another way that Trump has misused the foundation to feather his nest. But no sooner have we started to understand the magnitude of Trump's misdeeds with his foundation than we are confronted with another scandal -- his illegal business dealings with Cuba during the U.S. embargo, which Newsweek just uncovered.

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Trying to remember the scandals over the Trump Foundation and Cuba leaves us little room in our brains to recall the U.S. Justice Department's lawsuit against Trump for discriminating against blacks in his apartment buildings; or the illegal con job he foisted on the unwitting "students" of his bogus Trump University; or the many employees (waiters, dishwashers, and plumbers, among others) and contractors he stiffed in his business dealings by failing to pay them for services they rendered; or the several women who have charged Trump of raping them as well as many others who have accused Trump of being a sexual predator; or the many stories that have linked Trump to the mafia in his hotel and casino business activities; or his misuse of at least four business bankruptcies to avoid paying his creditors and his taxes; or Trump's failure to pay federal income taxes despite his wealth; or his hiring of undocumented workers for one of his real estate projects and his failure, as a federal judge found, to pay them or to provide safe working conditions, as required by law; or Trump's repeated fines for breaking rules related to his operation of his casinos; or the Federal Trade Commission's $750,000 fine against Trump for failing to disclose his purchases of stock in two rival casino companies, which flouted the nation's anti-trust laws; or Trump's misuse of his $55,000 of campaign donations to purchase copies of his book, Crippled America: How to Make America Great Again, from which he receives royalties -- a violation of Federal Election Commission rules; or the foreign models who worked for Trump Model Management in this country without having proper visas and permits. And this is just a partial list!

One might think that all these scandals would lead voters to view Trump as a corrupt, irresponsible, law-breaker unfit to be president. But there are so many of them that it is difficult to keep Trump's crimes and calumnies straight. Most of us only have a big enough attention span to remember the most recent scandal.

On the other hand, most Americans have a pretty good memory for names and faces, so it is easier to remember at least some of the long list of people whom Trump has insulted, in part because we can identify with these individuals. We are all aware of Trump's steady use of mockery, bullying and belittlement against people with whom he disagrees, who have criticized him, or whose looks or handicaps he finds troubling.

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So while Clinton's supporters might not gain much ground reminding voters about Trump's multiple business and personal scandals, they are on firmer ground calling attention to the people who have been targets of Trump's demeaning insults. That's why Hillary Clinton scored big on Monday night when she brought up Trump's history of calling women "pigs," "slobs," and "dogs," and, in particular, the insults he hurled at former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, including calling her "Miss Housekeeping" and "Miss Piggy." Unable to let Clinton's comments pass, Trump has spent the last few days continuing his defamation of Machado for having gained weight while she was Miss Universe.



Alicia Machado

But voters might have some difficulty retrieving the specific epithets that Trump has used against people over the years. So here is a very partial list of the people he's insulted and the words he's used to attack them.

Khizr and Ghazala Khan: After Khizr Khan -- whose son Humayun, a US Army captain who was killed in Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart -- gave a speech at the Democratic convention condemning Trump for his comments about Muslims and pulled out a pocket-sized copy of the Constitution to asked if Trump knew about the right to equal protection, Trump struck back. Trump not only said that Khan had "viciously attacked" him but also erroneously claimed that Khan's wife Ghazala was not allowed to speak because she was Muslim. "She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say," Trump said on ABC News.

Judge Gonzalo Curiel: Trump attacked Curiel, a judge who is presiding over a trial brought by people who were scammed by Trump University. Trump accused Curiel of having "an absolute conflict" that should prevent him from presiding over the Trump University case because Curiel, a United States citizen who was born in Indiana to immigrants from Mexico, is "of Mexican heritage." Trump said that Curiel could not be fair because "I'm building a wall" on the U.S.-Mexican border. At a campaign rally, Trump claimed that "I have a judge who is a hater of Donald Trump, a hater. He's a hater," despite the fact that Curiel has ruled in favor of Trump on most of his lawyer's requests.



Trump (left) mocks disabled reporter Serge Kovaleski (right)

Serge Kovaleski: At a campaign rally, Trump he flailed his arms and mocked Kovaleski, a New York Times reporter who suffers from a chronic condition that limits the movement of his arms. Kovaleski had challenged Trump's claim that after 9/11 Muslims in New Jersey had celebrated the attacks.

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Megyn Kelly: After the Fox News anchor asked Trump about his many anti-women comments over the years, Trump said: "You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes. Blood coming out of her wherever."



Carly Fiorina: "Look at that face!" Trump told a Rolling Stone reporter on his private plane when Fiorina, then his Republican rival for president, appeared on a television screen. "Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?



Senator John McCain: At a candidate forum in Ohio, Trump mocked McCain, who spent more than five years as a prisoner in North Vietnam. "He's a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren't captured, OK? I hate to tell you. He's a war hero because he was captured, OK?"



Central Park Five: In 1989 five teenage men, four African Americans and one Latino, were wrongfully convicted of raping a 28-year old white woman who was jogging in New York City. The media quickly labeled them the "Central Park Five." As soon as they were arrested, Trump led the charge against them. He paid a reported $85,000 to take out advertising space in four of the city's newspapers, including the New York Times, under the headline "Bring Back The Death Penalty. Bring Back The Police!" In those ads, Trump wrote: "I want to hate these muggers and murderers. They should be forced to suffer and, when they kill, they should be executed for their crimes. They must serve as examples so that others will think long and hard before committing a crime or an act of violence." Trump's words were hardly subtle -- he was calling for the boys to die. All five boys pleaded not guilty at the trial but despite the lack of DNA evidence linking any of them to the crime scene, the jury found all five boys guilty. The judge sentenced them to serve five to 15 years in prison. Michael Warren, a respected New York civil rights lawyer who later represented the Central Park Five, said that Trump's ads "poisoned the minds of many people who lived in New York and who, rightfully, had a natural affinity for the victim. Notwithstanding the jurors' assertions that they could be fair and impartial, some of them or their families, who naturally have influence, had to be affected by the inflammatory rhetoric in the ads." In 2002, Matias Reyes, a violent serial rapist and murderer serving a life sentence, confessed to the Central Park rape, stating that he had acted by himself. When the DNA evidence was re-examined, it showed that Reyes' semen alone was found on the rape victim's body. That year, New York's Supreme Court vacated the convictions against each member of the Central Park Five, whose lives had been shattered by their prison terms and who, had Trump had his way, would have been given the death sentence for a crime they did not commit.



Pope Francis: After the pope criticized Trump's proposal to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border, Trump said that the pope's comments were "really not very nice." But then he went further, claiming that that the Islamic State (ISIS) wanted viewed the Vatican as its "ultimate trophy" and that the pope would "would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president because this would not have happened."

This list doesn't even include Trump's wholesale insults against Muslims, Mexicans, and Jews, or his nasty and misinformed comments about rivals Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, John Kasich, and others.

Trump has spread his insults so far and wide that there are few Americans who are unaware of his penchant for impulsive rants and invective against powerless and innocent people as well as against his competitors in business and politics.


Marc Kaczmarek cares for his clients with humor and charm at Aux Epices (Photos: Philip Morton)

Tucked away on a side street a half block past the border of Chinatown and Little Italy and lovingly attended in one of the classic narrow spaces one finds in New York City, sits Aux Epices (French for 'with spices'), a re-invention of 'Chinese' food as Malaysian and French cuisine which turns a typical Chinese menu on its head. The restaurant proves that a narrow foot print, often a requirement in NYC, does not limit the quality or imagination food preparation and presentation can attain. The single row of tables along only one wall, as that's all the room the restaurant affords, extends deep inside and is where I've had one of my favorite meals in NYC. And shockingly only $25 for lunch for two and we were stuffed.

The front wall is removed, so that the cafe feels completely opened and the French accordion music inside creates a calm atmosphere so that the occasional honking from the world outside is no matter.

The husband and wife team behind the curtain, Marc Kaczmarek and Mei Chau, continue their successful gastronomic adventures in this new setting (opened here in 2013) after running the well respected Tribeca bistro Franklin Station (which was opened for years and closed in 2008). The cozy seating and well spiced variations of entrees and curries presented before you is somewhat unique in a city that has many offerings, many of which excellent as they may be, feel familiar.

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Marc's Parisian elegance and charm hit us immediately as we watched him attend to each table with great care. As he offered us our water with slices of cucumber he suggested the Mango and Jicama Salad to start and did so with a comical shrug, his thick French accent purring; "you have to start somewhere." The salad, with a brown savory sauce, had mango, jicama, tofu, pineapple, bean sprouts and cucumber and was a fantastic taste combination and as far from what one would expect to be hit in the palate with in Chinatown as possible.



Mango and Jicama Salad

The Arugula and Pear salad, another light green and fruit combination balanced sour and sweet as well as being a nice palate cleanser. The Pork Buns, a more classic Malaysian selection were baked tender and flaky and the meat inside had a nicely spiced barbecue flavor, less sweet than you would expect for the American palate.



Seafood Udon

The Seafood Udon had a complex and flavorful broth and was well balanced with a generous assortment of fish, squid, salmon and greens. The Curry Chicken was a delicious coconut cream based sauce, the mint bringing out the notes of cumin and had a very velvety texture. Potatoes joined it on the side.



Curry Chicken



The lunch and dinner menu are filled with Curries, Big Bowls, French inspired salads and runs the gamut from standard Malaysian appetizers like duck rolls and pork belly buns to extremely creative creations you may not find anywhere else .

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The symphony of spices and textures in my meal left me with a feeling of delight, well satisfied and put Aux Epices on my short list of restaurants to return to when travel next takes me back to the big apple.


Martha Enoch

It was the early hours of the morning on April 14, 2014.

Martha was suddenly awakened by what had become the all-too-familiar sound of gunshots. Boko Haram, she thought. As she scurried to gather her thoughts, her husband Mark was already rushing their younger, panic-stricken children out of their home in Chibok, Nigeria. As they emerged, flames engulfed nearby homes and buildings set ablaze by Boko Haram fighters, members of the world's deadliest terror group. Amidst the scurry, a mother's mind was consumed by paralyzing thoughts of her older daughters, 20-year-old Monica and 18-year-old Sarah, both boarding students at the local government secondary school where they had been studying for finals.

Helplessness laced with panic immediately set in. As the family embraced what they hoped would be the camouflaging arms of the bush, Martha uttered prayers from the depth of her soul, trusting that God could hear her amidst the chaos. A mother's longing for the safety of her daughters compelled her husband to return to Chibok Secondary School to determine the whereabouts of their older children. Accompanied solely by the weight of uncertainty, Mark asked, "Where are our girls?" The immediate response from shock riddled faculty confirmed every parent's worst nightmare. Their girls, along with 274 other school girls, were in the crippling hands of Boko Haram.

I, on the other hand, was on a comfortable sofa in New York City awaiting a meeting when I initially heard the news of the abduction that April morning. A friend from Nigeria on the phone uttered the words, "Boko Haram attacked a girls' school last night o."

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"What? Where?" I responded.

"Chibok," the familiar voice said.

"Where?"

That was nine hundred days ago. 900 days. 2 years, 5 months and 16 days ago.

I am a Nigerian-American lawyer and activist who runs Pathfinders Justice Initiative, Inc., an international NGO that provides rehabilitation for survivors of rape, child sex abuse and sex trafficking in the developing world. I am a woman. And a mother.

I had never heard of the town of Chibok in Borno State, North-East Nigeria, even though as a child, I also went to a boarding school in the North. Hundreds of questions immediately flooded my mind, as I frantically searched online for any news on the abduction of 276 school girls. There was nothing. It wasn't until several days later than U.S. mainstream media started carrying the story, which by now was the ubiquitous narrative for Nigeria.

I was hopeful...hopeful because I naively believed that the entire world would immediately, and in community, work to find and rescue these innocent political pawns who had now been infamously dubbed "The #ChibokGirls." Those early days quickly turned to a week and then two weeks. Still nothing. As a Nigerian, I believed the Nigerian government was obligated to take the lead in the rescue effort. But from what I was learning, President Goodluck Jonathan, weeks later, had still not publicly addressed the subject, but instead had set up a fact finding committee to confirm whether or not the abduction actually took place. By all accounts, he appeared to be wishing the girls "goodluck," while parents' hearts ostensibly vacillated between pain, hope and hopelessness. It is the worst kind of suffering.

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Immediately following the abduction, Martha developed high blood pressure. Her husband Mark has since suffered a stress induced stroke. 20 parents have died, all while world leaders in a position to do something either turned a blind eye or contended that their initial efforts were thwarted or rebuffed by the Nigerian government. I knew I had to get involved and immediately joined the #BringBackOurGirls movement as an organizer.

Globally, we demanded that the entire world join efforts to bring back our girls. Our cries seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as the weeks turned to months and the months to years. Today, 900 days later, only 58 of the 276 girls who courageously escaped on their own are accounted for. 218, including Monica and Sarah, have missed three birthdays with their families and remain in the lion's den of captivity.

Why?

The simple truth is that the majority of the world, including Nigeria's leadership, has stopped caring about 218 African girls from Chibok. There has been a global sanctioning and validation of the reduced value of human life, which in this writer's opinion, translates to a global epic fail. I get that the situation is well...complicated, but complications didn't factor in when former Nigerian President Jonathan's uncle was kidnapped and quickly released or when the entire world collectively rallied arm-in-arm over the unfortunate death of 12 French citizens who were similarly ambushed by terrorists following the Charlie-Hebdo attacks in Paris, France in January 2015. Had this violent abduction of the Chibok Girls occurred anywhere in the West, 219 mothers would not have missed three Mother's Day celebrations with their daughters. The lives of poor African girls simply do not bear the same value as western lives. Period.

Unfortunately, we cannot overlook the fact that the 276 children kidnapped were girls endeavoring to level the playing field by getting an education. While the world hypocritically contends that "all lives matter," the reality I genuinely want the West to appreciate is the fact that this fight extends beyond whether or not girls have the right to be educated. There is a warped mindset permeating into the antediluvian thinking and belief that women are less valuable than men and thus, should be subjugated, disrespected and discarded. It is this mindset of inequality that needs to be re-evaluated and condemned because it certainly fuels more than just Boko Haram's ideology. Today it is education, but tomorrow it might be labor laws which justify and perpetuate inequities in pay, job access and promotions. We have already witnessed doors rudely slammed in the faces of courageous women who reach for the political stage, corporate board rooms, fortune 100 companies; these are real struggles.

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Our increasing comfort level with human disconnection avails our willingness to continue the "othering" of each other. I shouldn't have to explain why 218 missing chapters in history matter, why 218 stolen voices matter and why activists for the missing Chibok Girls cannot be silenced. These girls are human beings who are being raped, beaten, starved, forcibly married, being used as human bombs and being trained as Boko Haram fighters in an effort to detonate their minds, bodies and souls. They are collectively our daughters and our sisters, because we share this common humanity. My hope is that everyone reading this 900-day lament will be moved with indignation, anger, compassion; whatever compels action. It is not enough that the majority of us will recline comfortably in our erroneous belief that what happens in Africa stays in Africa. It does not and has already reached Western doorsteps in visible ways.

900 days later, this is a direct call to action to Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari. It is a call to President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama who held up a #BringBackOurGirls placard in solidarity 900 days ago. This is a call to all world leaders who are in a position to re-write the script for 218 girls whose resilient souls are surviving in the face of pure evil. It is fundamentally an abuse of power when leaders in a position to appropriately use their power miserably and intentionally fail to do so.

It is a call to each of us individually because more can and should be urgently done, as Chibok mothers continue to ask, "Where are our girls?" What will history say of the generation that slept while children were brutally annihilated before our very eyes? We cannot pretend we do not know.

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In this photo taken Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, prisoners from Sacramento County await processing after arriving at the Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy, Calif. California counties are thwarting the state's efforts to comply with a federal court order to reduce it's inmate population by sending state prisons far more convicts than anticipated including a record number of second-strikers. The state is trying to comply with a landmark restructuring of its criminal justice system through a nearly 3-year-old law pushed by Gov. Jerry Brown that keeps lower-level felons in county jails while reserving scarce state prison cells for serious, violent and sexual offenders.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Though it was once considered a taboo subject in this country, criminal justice reform is building momentum across the nation. Even though the election year may be slowing down the legislative side of things, waves of support to help the 70 million people living with criminal records in this country hasn't slowed down. In fact, from President Obama's efforts to restore Pell Grant access to incarcerated students using the DOE's Experimental Sites Initiative to the DOE's guidelines urging all college and universities to look "Beyond the Box" the transformative link between education and reentry is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

On September 14th, the momentum continued as the largest public university system in the nation--SUNY--voted to give applicants with criminal justice histories a chance by moving the check box off of its college application. The move finally rid SUNY's 64 colleges of the discriminatory practice forcing a potential student to submit any of 38 different supplementary documents required once an applicant has disclosed a felony conviction. These supplementary documents were often redundant, difficult or impossible to obtain, or in some cases, simply did not exist.

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I can tell you firsthand how discouraging, discriminating, and dehumanizing the box can be. Prior to prison, I had taken a few courses at SUNY Empire, but like many 18-year olds, never took it as seriously as I should have. I made some mistakes and ended up in prison for several years, in which time I discovered what an essential tool education could be to turn my life around.

When I got out, I was filled with ambition and ready for a new start on a new campus. I applied to SUNY Old Westbury, checked the box, and wrote an essay on my personal development that resulted from my educational work experience while in prison. I was devastated to find out weeks later that I had been denied, my hopes of a fresh start squashed before they even started.

Thankfully, I was able to continue signing up for classes at SUNY Empire without having to reapply and thus check a box. Eventually, I finished my degree with the support and help of a non-profit called College & Community Fellowship; an agency I have been fortunate enough to lead as Executive Director for more than a decade.

Ironically, while those with criminal justice histories are often denied access to education, evidence shows that they often constitute the hardest-working students in class. So often I hear from professors that their students with criminal justice histories are the best in their class. Quite often, it is the people who have a diverse life experience, who know how important it is to get a degree, and find a well paying job, that most appreciate the opportunity to better their lives--not just for themselves, but for their families and communities as well.

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There is no empirical evidence that criminal history screenings make a campus more or less safe. However, there is empirical evidence that the more a person is educated, the less likely they are to recidivate. One study showed formerly incarcerated people with associate's degrees had a recidivism rate of only 13.7%, those with baccalaureate degrees had a recidivism rate of 5.6%, and those with master's degrees had a recidivism rate of less than 1%. That is compared to the 67% state prison recidivism rate nationwide.

Furthermore, studies show that for every person like me denied from a school because of a criminal record, 15 people do not complete their application due to attrition. Back in May, the Education from the Inside Out Coalition, which I co-founded, stood in front of the SUNY Board of trustees and described the stigma and pre-emptive trigger of failure the box represents. We invited our members to tell their stories with the box, and how impossible some of the supplemental requirements were to obtain. Their testimony helped give a human face to the dehumanized practice of checking a box before a school can even get to know your merits as a person.

Prior to our testimony we created a video urging SUNY to Ban the Box. In it, I said that I would love to live in a world without a box. A world where I could be Vivian Nixon again, and not reduced to Vivian Nixon, felon. Words do not express how happy I am that it will be a reality for the 442,940 students who attend school in the SUNY system in the coming years.
After being raked over the coals for one of the biggest scams in Wall Street history, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf has agreed to forfeit $41 million in compensation.

Astoundingly, this is the first time a Wall Street banker has had to disgorge any of his ill-gotten pay.

But don't get out the Kleenex box quite yet. In the past three years, Stumpf pocketed nearly $200 million in compensation. And of this, $165 million was in stock-based pay that was artificially inflated by illegal conduct.

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Since at least 2011, Wells Fargo employees who were under extreme pressure to meet sales quotas created accounts without customers' consent, making these customers vulnerable to overdraft and other fees. A new Public Citizen report suggests this behavior might've started even earlier, since Wells Fargo's push to boost the number of accounts per customer, called "cross-selling," began as early as the late 1990s.

After a federal agency exposed the scam this past August, Wells Fargo fired 5,300 lower-level employees while leaving Stumpf and other top brass unscathed.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pointed out in a blistering attack during a September 20 hearing that Stumpf regularly touted the bank's aggressive sales practices in earnings calls with shareholders. His rosy, but completely false reports of increased accounts per customer boosted the Wells Fargo stock price, which increased by about $30 per share over the past four years.

This, in turn, inflated the value of Stumpf's stock-based pay. Just over the past three years, he pocketed $165 million in stock options and stock grants - all of it artificially bloated by the scam.

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What's even more outrageous is that most of this scam-inflated stock-based pay was subsidized by taxpayers. Under a loophole in the tax code, companies can deduct unlimited amounts of executive pay from their federal income taxes, as long as it is so-called "performance-based" pay. As we documented in our annual Institute for Policy Studies "Executive Excess" report, $154 million of Stumpf's pay qualified for this write-off between 2012 and 2015.

The $41 million Stumpf has agreed to forfeit in the wake of the scam revelations is unvested stock - in other words, it was granted over the past several years but has not yet come into the CEO's possession. And by the time of the stock's original vesting date, who knows how much the bank's stock will be worth.

Wells Fargo stock dropped six points between September 1 and September 29. And we may be seeing only the beginnings of the scandal's repercussions for the bank's bottom line. The California state government has just announced it will cut off business relations with Wells Fargo for at least a year because of its fraudulent activities. Specifically, the bank will no longer handle the lucrative business of underwriting California's state debt and handling the state government's banking transactions.

New York Mayor Bill De Blasio has also threatened to cut off that city's business with the bank and withdraw investments from the firm unless top executives are held accountable.

In a House Financial Services Committee hearing today, Stumpf tried to tamp down public outrage by promising a full investigation into the scam and eliminating sales quotas. But we already know the illegal behavior inflated the bank's stock price. And Stumpf, who is ultimately responsible, benefited immensely from this crime.

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China might lead the way, but Vietnam has big ambitions.

Manufacturing has seen rapid evolvement across the world in recent years, and earnings from the sector are encouraging nations to focus on developing technology-intensive infrastructure and education, Deloitte said in its Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index 2016 (GMCI).

The top manufacturing hubs on this year's index belonged to China, the U.S., Japan and Germany. Asian tiger China has secured the top place since 2010. However, moving to 2016 and looking forward to the end of this decade, advanced manufacturing driven by a focus on innovation and advanced technology has become a new trend, hence, shaping a new battleground for global competitiveness. This competitiveness is likely to heat up toward 2020 when the U.S. is expected to pass China to become the worlds favorite manufacturing destination.

Manufacturing hubs can mostly be found in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

The world also witnessed a rise of the Asian Mighty 5 (MITI-V), namely Malaysia, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, battling to be the next Asian manufacturing hub after China. Those countries are among the top 20 most competitive on the index. The MITI-V have emerged as low-cost global manufacturing destinations.

Vietnam ranked 18th on the index this year, the same as three years ago when the last survey was conducted, but is projected to climb six places to 12th by the end of this decade.

Considering the current climate of sluggish economic growth, containing costs to boost profits remains a critical imperative for manufacturers. Vietnam has become a magnet for manufacturers due to its comparatively low labor costs, and has long been seen as an alternative to China when it comes to low-cost manufacturing. A young labor force is another factor that makes Vietnam outshine its competitors. Over the last ten years, Vietnam has raised its overall productivity, prompting manufacturers to invest in billion-dollar manufacturing complexes across the country.

When it comes to manufacturing exports as a percentage of total merchandise exports, Vietnam stands slightly below Thailand but exceeds Malaysia, Indonesia and India.

Manufacturing executives cited talent as the most important driver of a countrys ability to compete on the global stage, said the survey. However, the lack of talent working in the manufacturing sector is Vietnams long-term issue. Often, Vietnamese labor is hired especially for the final assembling of products to be exported, said Pietro Masina, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Naples "L'Orientale", Italy, in an interview with VnExpress International. The country needs to enhance the quality of its human resources.

*Index methodology: The survey was conducted on 560 respondents from all over the world; respondents are mostly CEOs, CFOs/COOs and members of managing boards. Manufacturing executives were asked to rate the overall manufacturing competitiveness of 40 countries, today and in five years. The selection of the countries was based on the conclusions of a sampling of executives as well as subject matter specialists from Deloitte.

Related news:

> Vietnam ranked world's 5th happiest country

> Vietnam 'biggest winner' in intn'l survey on best countries for expats
Protecting the water and sacred sites brought people here. The experience of being here is changing lives.

Frybread making with Osh Johnson from Black Mesa, Navajo Nation. Photo by Desiree Kane.

Drive from Bismarck, North Dakota, to the Standing Rock encampment, and the sign that something unusual is happening is abrupt: a checkpoint staffed by the National Guard. Continue south, past rolling grasslands with an occasional farmhouse, until there is nothing but open space. Catch a glimpse of the Missouri River meandering back and forth, and a flock of white pelicans circling overhead.

Miles later, by the side of the road, stands a small encampment--tents, a camp kitchen, a group of people watching the road warily, banners declaring water, not oil, as sacred. Across the road is the bulldozed earth in an area that Standing Rock Sioux consider sacred. This is where the security forces with dogs attacked the people who call themselves water protectors.

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The most dramatic moment, though, comes with the approach to the main encampment. Suddenly, just below the road, is a wide field covered in tents, teepees, and trucks. Lining the main entrance is flag after flag, each representing one of the indigenous nations that has offered its support to the Standing Rock Sioux and their fight against the Dakota Access pipeline.

The impact is powerful. So many people have traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to make this pilgrimage. When people first meet, they ask each other where they're from. Some are old friends, but many represent tribes that have been estranged or enemies for generations. Many spoke of the arrival of representatives of the Crow Nation, who have a long history of supporting coal mining and working at odds with other tribes. They too came to support Standing Rock.

The purposefulness here overcomes everything--the determination that this time the damage will be stopped. This time, before the water is poisoned or another sacred site is bulldozed, the protectors will step in.

That sense of purpose pervades the camp. While some plan the next direct action or post on social media, others split wood for fires, sort the river of donations flowing unabated into the camp, or cook for thousands of people in makeshift camp kitchens.

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This time, before the water is poisoned or another sacred site is bulldozed, the protectors will step in.

I had arrived with Sweetwater Nannauck and her friend Kim Morera, pulling a horse trailer, and as we set up our tents, a young man on horseback came by to check on us. Later, a small all-terrain vehicle pulled up with jugs of water for the horse and the campers. Others stopped to offer donated kitchen supplies, food, and a garbage pickup. Nannauck set out to find people to complete the banners for the Northwest tribes' "Paddle to Standing Rock," and soon returned with a crew of young people.

Up at the ceremonial grounds by the entrance, hundreds line up for dinner. No money changes hands. The flags whip in the wind. A prayer, then a speech, then a song fills the air.

Life at the water protectors' encampment is much like life was for millions of years of human evolution--close to the earth, near a river, clustered in family and community camps. There's a rightness to these connections and to the feeling that people here will help you when you need it.

Here, with a purpose that threads through generations, work, celebration, and activism are a seamless whole. Young people ride through the camp on horseback among tents and teepees. Are they providing security, learning traditional animal caretaking, or just having fun together? Elders tell stories of Wounded Knee, say prayers, and sing. Are they educating the next generation, building coherence, or guiding the actions? These things are not separate. They are all of a piece, all about rebuilding indigenous ways of life and standing against further destruction.

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People come and go. Some depart after a few days or weeks, but their reluctance to leave shows. Others are making plans to live in wood-heated tents and teepees through North Dakota's bitter cold winter.

This is how we should be living, one person at our camp says. We give what we have to give, and take what we need.

Protecting the water and sacred sites brought people here. But the experience of being here is changing lives and creating renewed unity across indigenous nations, and with it a purpose and power and confidence that will not be easily extinguished.

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A staycation is an incredible, under-utilized way to spend your hard earned vacation days. If you're working full time, you should always keep in mind that Paid Time Off (PTO) days are part of your work contract / monthly payments and therefore your personal hours to spend how you wish. You wouldn't give part of your paycheck back to your company, so why would you leave money on the table and not spend your PTO hours!?



According to Project: Time Off, more than half of Americans workers left unused vacation days in 2015. This is to due to workplace pressures, cultural hustle expectations, heavy workloads, that dreaded feeling that work will be even more stressful when we get back - and also the thought that we can't afford to take a vacation and don't even know where to even start when planning our time off. So if you have PTO days piling up, why not start with a staycation?





Photo Credit: Strategic Stephanie



Does staying home for a vacation not sound so fun to you? Or do you worry that your co-workers will judge you for not booking a flight, or even worse, expect that you'll be available to work since you'll be in the area? Take a deep breath and let go of those fears - you can spend your money and hours however you choose to! Is your goal to catch up on some personal tasks that have fallen to the side? Or perhaps you just need to get a massage, catch up on sleep, and dive into the magazines and books piling up next to your bed? It can be wonderful playing tourist in your own town - you don't even have to worry about packing, airport security or booking a hotel!



I have explored over 25 countries across 6 continents - but my most recent vacation, a staycation - was my most refreshing PTO that I have taken in recent years. Don't get me wrong, I believe in making the most out of my vacation days, but it's not always possible to travel to the other side of the world to disconnect. Whether you can take a whole week or a long weekend, a staycation is an excellent (and free!) option for using vacation days.





Photo Credit: Strategic Stephanie



Worried that staying home will lead to checking work emails and falling into your usual routine? Make sure you set expectations prior to starting your staycation, with yourself and with your co-workers. Prepare your team for you to be fully out of the office, then shut down the work computer and remove the emails from your phone. You're the only one who can do that for you, so take control over your time off and follow your own rules.



Staycations are not a lame vacation cop out, but an amazing way to spend your hard earned time off and actually enjoy the place you live! Recognize that disconnecting and giving yourself a break will bring you back to work happier, more productive and efficient than ever, and that everyone in your life will benefit from you giving yourself time off. Take a step back and examine what you personally need to succeed. Audra Lorde stated that "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." - so take care of yourself, spend your PTO days earned, and request that time off today.
people group circle silhouette on sun sky collage

There I was sitting on the C train on my way back home from work. I had just found an empty seat and I decided to sink into it, close my eyes, and take in my day. Except, as I was about to close my eyes, I was greeted with the image you see here.

A young gentleman who looked to be about my age donned a hat with a simple handwritten message that read "I hope I don't get killed for being black today". I looked at him, the hat, then back at him again and I couldn't help but nod in quiet agreement.

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The brief escape I had planned for myself turned into a despair, then anger, then an attitude resembling "I have got to do something about this!"

This unfortunately is the reality for many black and brown people today. As you can imagine, my mind instantly went in different directions and I began to replay a couple of events in my head.

How could it be that just a few days prior to the shooting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a man had set off a bomb in Chelsea and was captured without much bodily harm? Why was HE spared and Terrence Crutcher not? Because he was big and black?

What about what has taken over the news in the last month? Colin Kaepernick's silent protest. Is he right or is he wrong? All these sentiments seemed to be the narrative that consistently won the day. Those and the following:

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"He must be starving for attention."

"He can't be sincere."

"Wait, doesn't he have white parents?"

"Respect the troops!"

ON AND ON AND ON AND ON

After listening to all this, all I kept saying to myself is this,

"some are arguing about how Colin should protest instead of trying to solve the problem in the first place"

Total misdirection.

I also started to think about how people of different races can get involved. I've heard a variation of the following constantly from my white friends "I'm white, I think what's going on is sad but I truly don't know what I can do"

In an attempt to redirect our attention to the right channels and answer this question, I want to offer the following.

Understand how history plays into what is going on today

The number one thing I always say in response to this question is educate yourself on the issues at play here. Read up on what white privilege and systemic racism is and how it plays a role in society today. There's a difference with knowing the definition of what racism is and knowing the effects it has on education, media, the economy and human psychology. There are a bunch of books that eloquently describe all these things. Crystal Paul of Bustle has a great list of 18 books Every White Ally Should Read. My personal favorite is The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.

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Reading all these books will also give you an understanding of how racial inequity creates an unfortunate cycle of poverty which in turn leads to many of the problems we experience today. One cannot fix a problem if one does not understand it. While it is impossible for a white person to feel exactly what it's like to be a person of color, it is certainly possible for white people to use their newly acquired knowledge after reading these books with the accesses they possess to stimulate change. That is action.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable

OK. So now that you have educated yourself, the next step is be ready to call out all these inequities. As you call out these inequities in the media and government, you will most likely see that many of your friends will be less willing to hang out with you because they are uncomfortable with your stance. However, one thing to realize throughout all this is this. Silence is violence. Refusing to speak up can set in motion another generation of privileged individuals not actually believing that there's a "race" problem. That's dangerous so...

If you're in media, push for stories to be more diverse. Push past the single story narrative that exists as Ngozi Chimamanda Adichie eloquently discusses in her TED Talk.

If you're in law enforcement, push for accountability and sensitivity training. Encourage superiors and subordinates to spend extensive time in the communities they serve.

If you're in ANY business, push for diversity to be the foundation of your company. An example of how a company is doing just that is August. Check out their methods here.

If you're a Christian or of any faith based denomination, encourage integration and find out about other types of churches. Sunday is easily one of the most segregated days of the year but in my opinion, that's a missed opportunity to work together.

Silence, when knowing the reality of the world we live in today is the essentially standing up for oppression. Start with your family, friends and colleagues. Basically, your circle of influence and you never know how many people you might reach. That's action.

Build a community of fellow like-minded individuals

One of the best ways to grow is to put yourself in the company of fellow progressive people who can help and are actively looking to grow. While doing some research on white allyship, I came across the following organizations doing great work

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Get involved with some of these or all. That's action.

Be Involved in your Community

A lot of my work as a media activist and a media executive involves me constantly being in between cultures and one common phrase I hear is "most black people I see on the news are criminals." Now there are layers to answering this question with everything from media misrepresenting black people while consuming black culture to news outlets highlighting criminal histories of black people that are killed unlawfully as if to say the killings were justified.

You can only know what you see and if you see something a lot on tv or in the news, it seeps into your subconscious which feeds your bias which feeds your fear and thus the way you see the world ultimately removing your empathy.

So what can you do? Be intentional about understanding different people. Make it your mission. One way to do this is to volunteer. Volunteer for a mentorship program in your city. Chances are in your city, there are a plethora of organizations looking for people to mentor the youth they supervise. A lot of these youth come from inner cities. A lot of people in inner cities unfortunately have been victims of institutional and systemic racism and so by volunteering you'll get a first hand account of the day to day realities of many black and brown youth in America today. You'll also get a much different perspective than you normally would from traditional media.

Speaking of media, diversify your media. Look for diverse sounds as faces on tv, in the movies, online and on the radio. This will give a great understanding of culture, political and the socio economic issues that exist in black and brown communities today.

That's action

In conclusion, there's a lot you can do as a white ally. We are in the midst of a new civil rights movement and I believe that white people can most certainly be involved if they want to. The problem with saying "I'm color blind" is that it's the wrong response to today's realities. One has to see color in order to appreciate it. The world is a wonderful array of people with different shades so why be blind to it.

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The problem with saying "I have black friends" is that it assumes you're not part of the problem but as addressed earlier, there's so much work that needs to be done and there is so much you can do as allies. So yes it's great to have black friends but what's better is to save black lives.

The problem with saying "All Lives Matter" is that it perpetuates a narrative that persists today which says that since black athletes can make a lot of money and Barack Obama can be president, there isn't a race problem at all. It diminishes the oppressed. Think about it this way, If you fractured your thumb and started paying more attention to it than your other fingers, does that all of a sudden mean that your other fingers don't matter? Nope. So say black lives matter with pride and fight until true equality is achieved.


By Charles J. Sykes



Where are the professors?

Nothing annoys academics more than pointing out how little time they actually spend teaching students.

The average professor at a major university rarely teaches more than two courses a semester. Since the average class hour is actually 50 minutes that translates into about five hours of teaching a week. Evidence suggests that the flight from teaching is accelerating as even liberal arts colleges and second- and third-tier universities emphasize research over classroom teaching.

The professoriate is understandably touchy about this.

In 2015, Wisconsin's Governor Scott Walker suggested that "Maybe it's time for faculty and staff to start thinking about teaching more classes and doing more work." Predictably, his suggestion was met with "incredulity" on campus. UW President Ray Cross led the chorus of indignation, saying that he was "frustrated" by the talk of having professors teach more. "I think it's a shame that people don't understand what faculty really do." One of the most voluble critics was Professor Jo Ellen Fair from UW-Madison's School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

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"Most faculty members I know are working 60, 70 hours a week," she told a reporter. She went on to list a litany of things that take up professors' time: "Preparing for and teaching classes, working with students during and outside of office hours, writing letters of recommendation for students applying for jobs and further education, advising students and grading assignments and exams..."

But for Professor Fair herself, the list of duties did not include actually teaching classes  at least not during the semester in which she was complaining about the onerous professorial workload. Ms. Fair, who made more than $120,000 a year, had no classes on her schedule during the Spring 2015 semester. She was hardly alone.

An independent journalism group looked at seven of the UW faculty members who were quoted in the media criticizing the idea that professors ought to spend more time with students. The analysis found that of the seven professors, only three taught any classes at all in the spring semester of 2015 and the three professors who did actually teach averaged just 1.66 classes per week with an average of 3.97 hours per week in the classroom.

In most other industries, this would be considered bait and switch  and it is getting worse.

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ThoughtMatters is a partnership between Macmillan Publishers and Huffington Post

A recent study by the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) based at the University of California not only found "a significant decline in time spent teaching," but also that "students are increasingly taught by part-time faculty in institutions, particularly in introductory courses."

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The number of faculty who reported minimal teaching loads of just 1 to 4 hours a week (or one scheduled class a week) had doubled in the decade from 2001-02 to 2010-2012. The study also found a sharp drop in time that professors spent in class preparation.

The abdication of teaching to TA's and the "academic underclass" of part-timers was a major theme of my 1988 book ProfScam, but that trend has also escalated. Indeed, the HERI report found that contingent faculty "now represent the majority of individuals holding academic appointments at colleges and universities..."

"Contingent faculty" encompasses part-timers, itinerants, lecturers, adjuncts, graduate students, and non-tenure track faculty. Together they comprise the Academic Underclass, a group of underpaid and generally unappreciated instructors who are increasingly being entrusted with the teaching duties that had been abandoned by their tenured betters. Most of the adjuncts make only a fraction of the salaries of tenured professors, often teaching courses for only a few thousand dollars apiece.

But over the course of decades they have become the back bone of American higher education; even as tuition skyrocketed, more or more of the teaching was turned over to non-professors.

Perhaps nothing illustrates the flight from teaching more than these numbers of instructional staff employment (which also included grad students):

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In 1975, there were roughly 783,000 college instructors in the United States. Of those, 227,381 were full-time tenured faculty, while another 126,300 were full-time tenure track faculty. Even then, they constituted a minority (45.1%) of the actual instructional staff. In 1975, there were 80,833 full-time non-tenure track faculty, 18,000 part-timers, and nearly 107,000 graduate student employees.

So, in 1975, after decades of the flight from teaching, the academic underclass already comprised nearly 55 percent of the total instructional staff in American higher education. What followed, however, was an explosion in the number of part-timers and other contingents.

Between 1975 and 1993, the number of part-time instructors more than doubled from 180,000 to 369,758. By 2011, the number of part-time faculty members had risen to nearly 762,000; the number of graduate student employed in the classroom rose to 355,916 and the number of full-time-but never-to-be tenured faculty rose to 284,303  up from just 80,833 in 1975.

The result was that by 2011, the academic underclass made up 76 percent of the instructional staff of American higher education.

The real here question is not whether the tenured professoriate work hard enough, it is whether they are actually available to students who are racking up massive student loan debt.

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Increasingly, the answer is no.


By Jeff Chang





INTRODUCTION: THE CRISIS CYCLE



We are living in serious times. Since 2012, the names of the fallenTrayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Laquan McDonald, the list never seems to cease--have catalyzed collective outrage and grief. In the waning years of a Black presidency, we saw a proliferation of images of Black people killed in the streets and the rise of a national justice movement to affirm that Black lives matter.

Young people who grew up exemplars of post-1965 American diversity while attending schools that were dramatically resegregating have taken to the streets and the university quads to march against their own invisibility and demand a renewed attention to questions of equity.

And even the machines of our culture industries, which for the past twenty years have tried to assure us that our rainbow nation is indeed a happy one, have found their gears ground down by popular protests led by people of color against their lack of access, representation, and power.

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In Who We Be, I wrote about visual culture and what I called the paradox of the "post-racial" momentthat while our images depict a nation moving toward desegregation, our indices reveal growing resegregation and inequity. The book was published a month before the announcement of the non-indictment of officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Since then, the idea that there had ever been a post-racial moment has come to seem naive, even desperately so.

Once the embodiment of hope, Obama leaves office publicly regretting his inability to reconcile the country's polarization. At the same time, Donald Trump focuses the anxieties loosed by white vulnerabilityan inchoate, inescapable sense that the social and economic present and future of whites will only get worseonto the bodies of migrants, Muslims, Blacks, women, and all those others who do not deserve the gift of America. Like climate change, the culture wars seem to have become an enduring feature of our daily lives, the permanent fog of a country that repeats the spectacle of fire in every generation.

Polls show that more Americans are concerned about race relations now than at any time since 1992, the year of the Los Angeles riots. The previous peak had come in 1965the year of the Voting Rights Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the apex of the civil rights movement, the year of the last national consensus for racial justice.

1965 was also the year of Malcolm X's assassination and the Watts riots. It was the beginning of the post-civil rights era, an era that has been defined by a vital culture reshaped under demographic change but a politics mobilized around racial backlash. That historic arcof an explosion of cultural expression that moved us forward toward mutual recognition amidst a cascade of regressive policies, laws, and political maneuvers that pushed us backward toward inequality and resegregationwas my focus in Who We Be. Over the past two years, it seems even clearer that we as a nation are caught in a bad loop of historyfrom 1965 to 1992 to right now.

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Race makes itself known in crisis, in the singular event that captures a larger pattern of abuse and pain. We react to crisis with a flurry of words and, sometimes, actions. In turn, the reaction sparks its own backlash of outrage, justification, and denial. The cycle turns next toward exhaustion, complacency, and paralysis. And before long, we find ourselves back in crisis.

Racism is not merely about individual chauvinism, prejudice, or bigotry. Ruth Gilmore reminds us that it is about the ways different groups are "vulnerable to premature death," whether at the hands of the state or the structures that kill.

We know now that implicit bias, stereotype threat, and the empathy gap are real things. People harbor subconscious biases that are hard to root out but can be unlearned. Social psychologist Jennifer Eberhardt, for example, has argued that training police to see the way in which people subconsciously associate criminality with Black faces can reduce rates of racial profiling.

But the social structures that create premature death do not harm only those individuals who have the misfortune to come into contact with bigots or quick-trigger authorities who have not yet learned how to see. They also prevent people from getting adequate food, shelter, and housing. They limit physical, economic, and social mobility. They refuse to let us all be free. Over time, these structures have proven extraordinarily adaptable.

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Inequity and injustice are not abstract things. They impact real people and real lives. In terms of poverty, annual income, wealth, health, housing, schooling, and incarceration, persistent gaps separate whites from Black, Latino, Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, and American Indian populations. And in the specific case of premature deathdefined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as death among persons under the age of seventy-fivethe death rate of Blacks is over 50 percent higher than that of whites, and higher than that of all other major ethnic groups, except for some American Indian cohorts.

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Only a small part of this statistic is attributable to homicide and that favorite digression of conservative pundits, "Black-on-Black violence." In fact, most of the reasons have to do with large disparities in access to quality food and regular and preventative health care, and with diseases such as cancer, stroke, and HIV. A shockingly large portion is the result of an African American infant mortality rate that is more than double that of white Americans, triple that of Swiss citizens, and five times that of Japanese citizens. Racism kills.

Extrajudicial police shootings have been the organizing spark of the Movement for Black Lives. But the facts of inequality and death hang over us all like a toxic haze. In the United States, segregation and resegregation happen through the disappearing of the signs of inequality. Whether through white flight, the optics of diversity, or metaphorical and actual wall building, the privileged spare themselves the sight of disparity, and foreclose the possibility of empathy and transformation.

Now this haze has blown into white America as well. More white U.S. women and men in their forties and fiftiesparticularly those with lower levels of educational attainmentare dying prematurely. This reversal of fortune for middle-aged whites is unprecedented in American history and unique among the wealthy nations. When examining the causes, researchers Anne Case and Angus Deaton found significant rises in painkiller abuse, liver disease, suicides, and drug overdoses. "Future financial insecurity may weigh more heavily on U.S. workers," they wrote, calling middle-aged whites a "'lost generation' whose future is less bright than those who preceded them." At the height of the Reagan-Bush era the writer Barbara Ehrenreich named this condition: whites, whose once solid destinies were melting into air, harbor a deep "fear of falling." That tumble is now all too real.

A turn in fortune should move us toward empathy and solidarity. When a natural disaster tears apart a village, the human tendency is for one neighbor to help another, regardless of whatever feelings they may have had for one another before the catastrophe. But we live in a time when merchants of division draw us away from mutuality and toward the undoing of democracy itself.

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David Graeber proposes that their demagoguery is not so different from schoolyard bullying, which is "a kind of elementary structure of human domination." Trump, the silver spoon-fed child who, as a second grader, punched his music teacher in the eye, aspired "to be the toughest kid in the neighborhood." He described himself as "very well liked ... the kid that others followed." Bullies, Graeber argues, don't usually lack self-esteem. They do not see themselves as outcasts but as heroes.

Dylann Storm Roof, the young man who murdered nine Black parishioners in a prayer meeting in Charleston, South Carolina, in the hope of starting a race war, wrote that he "was not raised in a racist home or environment." He had Black friends, or at least acquaintances. One who had known him from childhood said, "He wasn't like: 'When I grow up I am going to show all these kids.'" Instead, Roof wanted to lead by example.

The bully needs an audience to enable his act. "When researchers question children on why they do not intervene [to protect the bullied], a minority say they felt the victim got what he or she deserved," Graeber writes, "but the majority say they didn't like what happened, and certainly didn't much like the bully, but decided that getting involved might mean ending up on the receiving end of the same treatmentand that would only make things worse."

Culture-war extremists do two things. They water the seed of insecurity into a weed of hate. They do so by seizing on white fears of the future, conflating economic insecurity and looming demographic eclipse. The first is as tangible as monthly bills, specific, looming, and real; the second is as subrational and inarticulate as seeing Taylor Swift perform with Kendrick Lamar.

Dylann Storm Roof wrote in his conflicted, contradictory manifesto, "Why should we have to flee the cities we created for the security of the suburbs? Why are the suburbs secure in the first place? Because they are White ... Who is fighting for these White people forced by economic circumstances to live among negroes? No one, but someone has to." Roof, like other extremists, believed in the restoration of white power. The main way Roof departed from the rest was in his insistence that the restoration be violently begun and maintained. He took the metaphor of war seriously.

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But even for those who say they don't like the bullying and don't like the bully, the culture wars allow them cover to do nothing. Demagogues evoke restorationist dreaming, a deeply imagined past of order and tranquility. Reactionaries do not even need to sustain the belief or the anger of the fearful; they need only the silence and the complicity of the masses. In this way, from Wallace and Nixon to Palin and Trump, the energies of anxious whites have been diverted from class uprising toward racial division.

The culture wars continue through justificatory innocence and willed inaction. They allow the structures that produce inequality and segregation to persist. They even generate the ideas that adapt those structures to better enforce racialized exclusion.

Before the 1980s, it was mostly Marxists who used the term "politically correct" to mock other Marxists. Since then, charging someone else with political correctness has become the first line of defense for racists, one of the best ways to shut down any discussion about inequity. That silencing isolates the most marginalized communities, and demobilizes white communities. Resegregation grows not from white ignorance, but from white refusal and denial. And so a half century after the peak of the civil rights movement, the nation has moved again into crisis.

One need not be a pessimist to see the bad loop of history we are caught withincrisis, reaction, backlash, complacency, crisis. There are fires. There are calls for action. There is then a bullying politics of fear. If most Americans recoil from the kind of excessive, gleeful, cynical bigotry someone like the billionaire Donald Trump proffers, they are yet demobilized to the point of denial ("there is no problem") or justification ("there is a problem but I can't solve it"). And then we find ourselves in another crisis.

In We Gon' Be Alright, I look at some of the ways in which we have slid back toward segregation. To be sure, there has never been a time when we did not live separately. In 2014, more than 300 school districts across the country were still involved in active desegregation orders dating to the civil rights era. At the same time, even as we have come to mostly celebrate "diversity," resegregation is happening all around us: in our neighborhoods and schools, our colleges and universities, even in the culture. The culture wars have obscured and exacerbated these facts. Worse, they have left us without a common understanding or language that might help us to end them.

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What I hope to show in this book is how inequality and segregation impact us all. Our destinies are interconnected, but not all of us have the best vantage point to see our way out of the fog of the culture wars. Some of us still can't even see each other fully. But those who suffer the most have the most to teach the entire nation about how to move away from it all, if we choose to listen and act.
Darren Seals at the 2014 funeral of Michael Brown in St. Louis, Mo. Photo: Brett Myers/Youth Radio



By Brett Myers, Senior Producer

It's been three weeks since the body of 29-year-old Ferguson, Missouri protester Darren Seals was discovered inside his burning vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. St. Louis County police say the homicide investigation is still without leads. However, some community members are questioning the legitimacy of that investigation.

Darren Seals was one of the most visible and vocal activists to emerge from Ferguson following the 2014 police shooting of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown. Seals was known as a "day one-er" - meaning he was a visible presence from the very beginning.

Watching, from just outside the yellow police tape on the afternoon of August 9th, 2014, as Brown's body lay in the middle of Canfield Drive, and then demonstrating later that same day just a few blocks away on West Florissant Avenue - where clashes between police and protesters would eventually capture the world's attention.

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Youth Radio first interviewed Darren Seals in August 2014, just steps from where Michael Brown had been shot. Talking to Youth Radio reporter Myles Bess and myself, Seals described watching Brown's body baking in the sun for four hours while medical examiners and police investigated the crime scene.

"Back in the day, when a slave master would hang a slave, he would leave him there for a long time so people could see it, and strike fear in their hearts. But what they [Ferguson Police] don't understand is them doing that, it didn't make us scared. It made us more furious."

An undated photo of Darren Seals from his Facebook account.

When asked what he thought when he first heard news of Brown's death, Seals responded with his characteristic fire and directness.

"My first reaction was fight back. It's the same reaction you have as when someone comes up to you and punches you in your face. You hit 'em back. The way we've been raised in life, we've been taught from day one we were nothing. We come from slavery. Church tell you you're nothing but a sinner. Police tell you you're nothing but a n*****. They don't got nothing here. That's why everybody fights back. We don't got nothing to lose. We've been teargassed, we've been shot, we come back the next day like nothing's happened. And you know why? Because we don't got nothing to lose."

Two years later, activists in Ferguson are grappling with the meaning of Darren Seals' death.

In the early morning of Tuesday September, 6th - around 1:18 a.m. - Seals' black Jeep Wrangler was found engulfed in flames in a parking lot outside a Riverview, Mo. apartment complex, a northern St. Louis suburb about five miles east of Ferguson. Only after extinguishing the flames did authorities discover Seals' body inside the wreckage, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

Was Evidence Left At The Crime Scene?

Photographs from the site where Seals' body was found spread quickly across social media. Shared thousands of times on Twitter and Instagram, images show what appears to be the charred door from Seals' Jeep and shell casings that were purportedly left behind by investigators, prompting many to accuse police of conducting a shoddy investigation.

The St. Louis County Police Department, which is leading the Seals homicide investigation, categorically denies that evidence was left behind. Department spokesperson Officer Benjamin Granda told Youth Radio,

"The crime scene was thoroughly processed by seasoned, trained detectives. There were no shell casings left on scene. Those photos were posted to social media days after the original incident. That particular area, unfortunately, sees higher amounts of gunfire and the casings could be from anywhere. Our detectives have viewed the photos and are confident they are not a part of our investigation."

However, a group of community members disputes the claim by police. Darnell Singleton, a 46-year-old a freelance videographer from Dellwood, Mo., first visited the crime scene with a group of community leaders, fellow activists, and friends of Darren Seals.

Singleton posted the now famous crime scene photos to his Twitter account at 7:30 a.m. Central Time September 7th, only one day after the murder of Seals: not multiple days as claimed by county police.

But more to the point, Singleton says that he actually captured those images on the very same day that Seals was murdered. He provided Youth Radio with screenshots (below) which suggest that the original photographs were snapped just after 3 p.m on September 6th, only a few short hours after police completed their crime scene investigation.

iPhone screenshots shared by Darnell Singleton.

In response to the statement from St. Louis County Police that the shell casings could be from another incident, Singleton questioned,

"So you're telling me that in nine hours someone was over there shooting and no one said anything? No one reported it to the police?"

Singleton says he came to the crime scene not to play detective, but to pay his respects. He says the group was surprised to find the charred door lying there on the asphalt. Surprised that police had left it behind. Then he claims someone noticed a spent shell casing in the parking lot. And before long, "there's another one, and here's another one, and here's another one."

Of the investigation, Singleton said, "It really kind of communicated to us that they (the police) are not going to investigate."

Vernon J. Geberth, a retired New York City police commander and author of a widely used textbook on homicide investigations, reviewed Darnell Singleton's photographs at Youth Radio's request. He was careful to note that one photograph or even a small series of photographs does not offer enough information to draw categorical conclusions. However, for Geberth the images are extremely troubling.

"You only have one chance to get it right in a murder investigation. Anything and everything is considered evidence until proven otherwise."

Every shell casing is an important piece of evidence, Geberth explained, because they could prove whether there were multiple shooters and what type of weapons were involved.

"Preservation of the crime scene is paramount in an investigation. If you do not collect every piece of evidence, you are going to be embarrassed."

As for the door to Seals' vehicle which was left behind by investigators, St. Louis County Police Sergeant Shawn McGuire told Youth Radio, "I leave it up to the professionals that have experience with crime scenes on what they determine needs to be seized."

McGuire told Youth Radio that detectives with the department's Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Regional Bomb and Arson Unit, "investigate multiple crime scenes, and have gone to multiple classes and hours of training that specifically train them on how to handle a crime scene. If they didn't seize the evidence, the items were not needed as evidence."



An undated photo from Darren Seals' Facebook page.

Why Don't Police Have Leads?

Of the diverse group that traveled to the crime scene the day Darren Seals' body was discovered, Amir Brandy said there was one thing they had in common, "We all met in the streets of Ferguson."

Darrell Singleton, who recently spread Darren Seals' crime scene photographs online, is known for documenting area protests on camera. Brandy, a 50-year-old St. Louis resident who regularly reviews police investigations for his work as a paralegal, is also one of the Peacekeepers, known for de-escalating tensions between police and protesters, sometimes locking arms to form a human barrier between the two groups.

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Standing near the ashy debris where Darren Seals' Jeep had burned to the ground, these activists' individual skills proved valuable as they approached residents of the nearby apartment building, and conducted their own investigation of what happened.

Brandy and Singleton say that day they met two people who claimed to be eye-witnesses and separately told very similar stories about what they saw. Singleton recorded one of those conversations on video, which he posted online and later removed at the request of the eye-witness who said he was receiving death threats.

Singleton, did however share the video with Youth Radio so it could be analyzed for this story.

The eye-witness is a compelling character. He describes what he saw with a striking level of detail - like that Darren Seals' Jeep was being trailed by a Chrysler 300, which he guesses had a Hemi-type engine due to the roar the car made.

The witness says he assumed the whole affair was over a stolen vehicle.

"[The suspect] got out the car with some white socks on his hands."

He describes that the man didn't know how to drive stick, that he had trouble getting Seals' vehicle into gear, almost landing it in the bushes.

"I was like 'Ah man, how are you going to steal a car when you don't know how to drive it?'"

Then, another man emerged from the trees and set the Jeep on fire, says the witness who only later realized that Darren Seals' dead body was inside the Jeep the whole time he watched.

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Brandy and Singleton say that members of the group took it upon themselves to call the personal cell phone of St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar that night. They say they described the sloppy evidence gathering, and asked that the department send officers immediately to collect both what they found and what they recorded. However, Brandy and Singleton both contend that officers did not return to the crime scene until the following day.

"There seemed to be no urgency at all about what we were seeing and saying," said Darnell Singleton. Amir Brandy agrees, and says he's surprised that the county police department isn't investigating Seals' case more aggressively, especially given the brutality of the murder.

"He didn't kill. He over-killed. He killed the guy and then burned him up. I mean, who does that?"

Rumors, Suspicions, And Enemies

Despite the gruesome manner in which Darren Seals was murdered, he isn't alone. In fact Seals was the sixth St. Louis area man to die in similar circumstances in the last two years. Darnell Robinson (9/4/2014), Antonio Jones (11/10/2014), Terrell Beasley (12/19/2014), and Vincent Cascella (2/15/15) were all found shot to death inside burning vehicles. Even though some of these murders have led to arrests, rumors swirl about the possibility that they are somehow connected.

The sixth case has stirred the greatest number of conspiracy theories. On November 25, 2014, the partially burned body of 20-year-old Deandre Joshua was found shot inside a vehicle in Ferguson -not far from where Mike Brown was killed.

Joshua was murdered just hours after it was announced that former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson would not be charged for Michael Brown's death. No arrests have been made in the Dorian Joshua homicide investigation, and like Darren Seals, the St. Louis County Police are also handling that case.

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Darren Seals standing next to a memorial in August 2014 at the site where Michael Brown was shot by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. Photo: Brett Myers/Youth Radio

In the years following the death of Michael Brown, Darren Seals remained a central figure in St. Louis-based activism. He was known to be unflinching and outspoken, willing to take on a wide range of opponents - even fellow activists.

"When the rebellion started, we were the first ones to hit the ground and we stayed there ever since," said friend and fellow activist Bassem Masri. However, complained Masri, "Out of towners became the faces of the movement. Seals called those people actor-vists, questioning their true commitment to local issues.

Today makes two years since Quick Trip got torched  and the world started fake caring about #MikeBrown #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/KLHIgxPgei  King D Seals (@KingDSeals) August 10, 2016

It's not difficult to find St. Louis area activists who are critical of Black Lives Matter, an organization with no local chapters St. Louis or Ferguson, but Seals was one of the loudest critics.

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He argued that Black Lives Matter organizers swooped in from across the nation, using resources local activists didn't have access to, in order to sway the agenda - often away from the issues that mattered most to locals.

Seals was a prolific voice on Facebook, writing regularly to his nearly 15,000 followers about issues of racial equality and police violence.

A target for racist attacks, Seals published screenshots from one 2014 Facebook exchange, in which a user threatened Seals, referencing the KKK.

Seals also remained on the radar of the Ferguson Police Department. An eyewitness video posted on Facebook Live in July, shows Seals and his fourteen-year-old brother in handcuffs surrounded by at least four police vehicles.

After being released by Ferguson officers, Seals makes his way to the eyewitness (minute 10:05).

It's a moment of incredible savvy and composure. He asked the eyewitness who is live-streaming if he would also use Seals' own phone to record live.

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Then, Seals provides a full account of what he says happened. He accused officers of surrounding his vehicle at gunpoint, pulling him from the driver's seat by his hair, and holding him in handcuffs while they conducted a search without his permission. Afterward, he said in the video and in subsequent Tweets, officers asked him whether he had protested against Donald Trump, and then advised him to, "Choose your enemies wisely."

Me and my little brother just got slammed, guns pointed at our faces, and detained by Ferguson PD for being activist against Trump Posted by Darren Seals on Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Seals also wasn't a stranger to gun violence. He frequently told media outlets, including Youth Radio, that he had been shot seven times in 2013, but St. Louis County Police say they don't know anything about the incident.

Most of Darren Seals' friends and fellow activists wouldn't comment directly about the shooting. They talked about how he once slung dope and ran with a rough crowd, and how those days were behind him. The recounted that after getting out of the hospital, Seals vowed to fight against gun violence, and that he worked six days a week at a G.M. assembly plant.

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Grew up fatherless, caught cases, shot 7 times, and now I'm here today busting my ass 12 hours a day to show kids from my area better way  King D Seals (@KingDSeals) January 30, 2015

"The Passion of a Lion"

Seals rose to prominence protesting the death of Michael Brown, but two years after Darren Wilson killed the unarmed teen, not much has changed in the St. Louis area when it comes to the issue of trust between community members and police.

This past week, new videos were released in another case against a former St. Louis police officer who is facing charges of first-degree murder amid allegations that he planted a gun after shooting a man during a failed drug arrest.

A still image from a surveillance video shows Anthony Lamar fleeing a St. Louis police. Photo: via surveillance video

"We're in the same situation that we were in two years ago. Nothing changed," said friend and fellow activist Bassem Masri. "We've been having instance after instance of police murdering people."

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Masri, 29, says he is trying to hire a private investigator to look into the murder of his friend. He says Darren Seals, "Had the passion of a lion," and was a fierce protector. "He watched my back and risked his safety so that I could capture the essence of the protests," said Masri whose Livestream videos out of Ferguson have logged millions of hits.

Masri says people swarmed to Ferguson in those early days of protests searching for "riot porn."

"They left as soon as they found it," he said. "But, after the cameras left, Darren was still there trying to create change and heal our community."

Darren Seals told Youth Radio back in August of 2014 that he wanted to build a youth center in Ferguson. It was a goal Seals never gave up on, said Masri, who now hopes to complete the community center in his friend's honor - naming it The Darren Seals Youth Center.
The company wants to tap the market with huge power demand for economic growth.

The multinational conglomerate General Electric is teaming up with a partner to construct large-scale wind power plants in Vietnam with a total investment of $1.5 billion.

The company recently signed a partnership deal with the Ireland-based Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd. to develop 1,000 megawatts of wind power capacity for the national grid, according to the Wall Street Journal.

GE will be responsible for partially providing technology for the projects, considered part of its efforts to push further into fast-growing markets. Construction is expected to begin in 2018.

Vietnam is going to be a huge importer of energy as the economy grows. There is huge demand for power and they can balance the equation with renewable energy, Mainstream Renewable CEO Andy Kinsella was quoted as saying.

Vietnam's fast-growing economy is in need of more electricity.

Founded in 2008, the Dublin-based Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd. is a major independent power supplier to developing economies like South Africa and Chile.

This will be among the largest clean energy power projects in Vietnam funded by foreign investors.

Various media reports suggest that investors in general are reluctant to develop windpower projects because prices in Vietnam are not high enough to cover the investment.

In Vietnam, state-owned Electricity of Vietnam, which controls the national grid, reportedly pays 7.8 cents or VND1,731 per kilowatt-hour for wind power, much lower than the rates in China, Japan and the Philippines.

The Vietnamese government has set a target of increasing its power output from about 200 billion kWh in 2015 up to over 330 billion kWh by 2020.

Last month, German firm Terra Wood proposed a solar energy project worth $400 million in the central province of Quang Ngai.

Two months ago, Singapore's The Blue Circle was licensed to build a $60 million windpower project in Ninh Thuan, also in the central region.

Related news

> German firm jumps on Vietnam's renewable energy bandwagon

> Vietnam approves $60 mln wind power project

> Foreign investors lay eyes on Vietnams renewable energy sector
This year's 'Best of' goes to local
A worker arranges an Intel logo at the CeBIT trade fair, the world's biggest computer and software fair, in Hannover in this March 13, 2016, file photo. Photo by Reuters/Nigel Treblin/Files

Job cuts will not affect Intels $1-billion chip plant in Ho Chi Minh City, run separately by Intel Products Vietnam.

Intel Vietnam, a subsidiary of the world's largest chipmaker, has swept aside rumors that it would close its office, but confirmed that a downsizing is coming.

Media reports emerging on Wednesday said the company would call it quits and that all employees would be sacked by October 31.

Refuting the shutdown claims, Intel Vietnam has said it will continue doing business in the country but with only a small staff.

CEO Tran Duc Trung and many other employees will end their contracts at Intel Vietnam from September 30, Marketing Director Pham An Duong told VnExpress on Wednesday.

Duong himself is also named in the layoff plan, which is part of a global restructuring strategy carried out by Intel Corp.

He did not reveal the exact number of job cuts.

Local news site ICTnews quoted its sources as saying Wednesday that five employees would continue their work at Intel Vietnam. Three quit on July 30 and another seven employees would stop working from September 30, it reported.

Intel said in April that it would cut up to 12,000 jobs globally, or 11 percent of its workforce, as it refocuses its business towards making microchips that power data centers and Internet connected devices and away from the declining personal computer industry it helped found, Reuters has reported.

Intel has two companies in Vietnam, Intel Vietnam and Intel Products Vietnam. The new plan reportedly will not affect the latter, which runs a $1-billion chip manufacturing factory in Saigon Hi-Tech Park in District 9.

The restructuring at Intel Vietnam has nothing to do with Intel Products Vietnam, which is still operating as normal in the park, said Le Hoai Quoc, head of Saigon Hi-Tech Park.

About 80 percent of Intels computer chips sold worldwide are produced by the Vietnam-based plant, which employs more than 1,000 workers.

Intel Vietnam was opened in 1997 and is in charge of handling business affairs. Intel Products Vietnam was established in 2006.

Related news:

> Intel to slash up to 12,000 jobs in restructuring
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Spotify In Advance Talks To Buy SoundCloud

[UPDATED] Spotify is reportedly in advance talks to buy Soundcloud. We'd heard months ago that Soundcloud was hemorrhaging cash, after efforts to monetize had been slowed by label talks. The labels said yes, but perhaps too late; and the way out may be to sell.

____________________________________



Spotify is in advanced talks to acquire rival SoundCloud, according to the Financial Times. An announcement of the deal could be made very soon, according to the Times' sources.

The deal would give Spotify access to Soundcloud's active base of 175 million monthly users (as of Dec. 2014) including 10 million creators and their 125 million tracks. Spotify, has 40 million paid users alongside as many as 100 million free users and 35 million licensed tracks.

Soundcloud was valued at $700 million in June of 2016. That included a $70 million investment from Twitter, which is itself in sale talks with Disney, Google and several others.

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The Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services held a hearing yesterday to discuss on U.S. engagement on insurance issues with the European Union (EU).The hearing, entitled The Impact of US-EU Dialogues on U.S. Insurance Markets, was called to bring Congress up to speed on the current US-EU dialogue and how it affects Americas insurance markets.At the forefront of the hearing was the issue of the EUs implementation of its Solvency II insurance regulatory regime. Under Solvency II, non-EU insurers and reinsurers may be subjected to an alternative regulatory regime if the EU has determined that the insurers/reinsurers country of domicile is not an equivalent jurisdiction."After more than a decade of dialogue and information exchange, the EU has all the information it needs to recognize the U.S. insurance regulatory system and avoid future regulatory retaliation," commented NAIC Vice President and Tennessee Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak in a testimony during the hearing. "Instead of negotiating a potentially preemptive agreement behind closed doors to solve a problem of the EU's creation, we encourage our federal colleagues to push back on the EU and urge them to reconsider their laws before agreeing to preempt ours."U.S. Department of Treasury director Michael McRaith also shared the same sentiments.Given the prominence of the United States as an insurance market, and given the longstanding nature and success of the U.S. insurance regulatory system, the United States will not submit to the EU's formal Solvency II equivalence process to assess and rule on the adequacy of the U.S. system, McRaith said in his own testimony.McRaith suggested that a covered agreement should be negotiated with the EU to settle regulatory differences.In the covered agreement negotiations the United States seeks to level the playing field for U.S. insurers and reinsurers operating in the EU and to address critical prudential regulatory areas relating to group supervision and solvency, reinsurance supervision, including collateral, and the exchange of regulatory and supervisory information across borders, he explained.Insurance companies are concerned about how the U.S. and EU regulatory systems can work to be on the same page.AIA released a statement on the same day following the hearing, saying that the covered agreement negotiation between the U.S. and the EU is the best available option to combat these growing regulatory barriers and also provide an opportunity to promote the strengths of the state-based system.
Two years ago, the tragic loss of civilian airliner Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 left the world reeling. Now, new reports on the origin of so much loss are raising questions on coverage given that officials now believe the jet was intentionally downed by Russian-backed combatants, who will be left to pay for the loss of the plane?The answer, at least in this case, is a simple one.While a wartime exclusion is often included in aviation hull and liability policies, Malaysia Airlines carried separate war coverage from Atrium Underwriting Group that addressed the loss. In this case, final determinations on who launched the missile are unimportant for settlement of the claim.Instead, its much more likely to have an impact on rating for the niche aviation war market. Even immediately after the loss, an A.M. Best reported noted that the MH17 disaster was just the latest in a series of losses sustained by insurers in this space.For the niche war risk market, losses this year will considerably outweigh premiums written and insurers are expected to react with substantial rate increases, Catherine Thomas, director of analytics with the group, said at the time.The Boeing 777 broke apart in mid-air near the Russia-Ukraine border July 17, killing all 298 people on board. While reports that the plane was gunned down by Russian forces surfaced soon afterward, a new investigation from Dutch police is the first official declaration of such activity from international prosecutors.Wilbert Paulissen, chief Dutch police investigator, confirmed Wednesday that based on criminal investigation, his team has concluded that flight MH17 was downed by a Buk missile of the series 9M83 that came from the territory of the Russian Federation.The missile had allegedly been taken from Russia to rebel-held Ukraine the morning the plane was shot down, and the launcher was taken back to Russia the next day, Paulissen said.Russian officials have said they cannot accept the Dutch findings as the final truth.The insurance broker for the gunned-down plane, whose hull was reportedly wort $97 million, is Willis while Allianz is the lead reinsurer on hull and liability risks and Atrium managed the war coverage.
Town officials are considering incentives to encourage small businesses to revitalize the downtown.

Adams May Look at Tax Break Incentives For Businesses



The Selectmen at their workshop meeting asked if there were local programs that would attract businesses.

ADAMS, Mass.  The town may take a more in-depth look at business tax incentives to attract companies to the industrial park and downtown.



Selectman John Duval asked Wednesday during a workshop meeting if the town could benefit from offering tax breaks to businesses of all kinds in hopes of attracting some that will create jobs and vibrancy downtown.



"What are the pros and cons of offering a business that might want to move into town a few years without taxes?" Duval asked. "I say this because right now we don't have business moving into the community so you aren't gaining any taxes anyways  it's just a question."



Director of Community Development Donna Cesan said the state offers programs that mostly large industrial businesses can take advantage of. She said many businesses in the industrial park have and are taking advantage of state tax incentive programs.



She said businesses must send in information to the state as well as agree to meet hiring specifications. Usually, the state must approve these incentives as well as the town. Data must be sent to the state to make sure the businesses are keeping up their end of the bargain.



In the past, the town has been burned by similar programs, Cesan said. She noted a wood pellet company left before its tax-free time frame ended.



"That was the issue.They pretty much paid no property taxes to the town of Adams and that is where the disgruntlement came from," Cesan said.



Tax breaks had lasted 12 to 15 years, but now are much shorter to prevent this.



Cesan said a more localized program to attract business may be developed by the town from the ground up.



For example, there are programs that collect taxes from certain area businesses but invest that money directly back into the downtown.



"The businesses know their taxes are going to direct improvements that will be right for them and their customers," she said.



Cesan said that it might be beneficial to create a revolving loan account with around $500,000 so the town can give out small loans to first-time business owners.



"It would be just to get people started because there are so many startup costs ... that would be helpful in attracting businesses," she said.



The town has done similar things with business by bringing in outside help to aid first-time business owners and the facade improvement program.



She said the assessor would have more information on how to build a local tax incentive program.


Superintendent Douglas Dias and Principal Joelle Brookner address the School Committee on Wednesday about the school's spring 2016 standardized test results.

Williamstown Elementary Earns Level 1 Status, State Commendation

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Williamstown Elementary School passed its first year under a new standardized testing regime with flying colors, the School Committee learned on Wednesday.



Last spring marked the first time the school's pupils were evaluated by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or PARCC, test in place of the commonwealth's traditional Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System.



This week, the school administration told parents that the school had received a commendation from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for "high achievement and high progress."



"One of the things I found most striking and I always look at with initial test results is the gap between the general population and high-needs group," Superintendent Doug Dias told the committee. "The goal is to make sure achievement is high but the numbers are indistinguishable between groups.



"I'm very impressed with the results from last year that show that they are, in fact, very close and virtually indistinguishable from one another."



According to the Department of Education's website, all Williamstown's pupils easily passed the target of 75 on the state's "Cumulative Progress and Performance Index," hitting a score of 88 on the 100-point scale.



But what is just as significant is the fact that the subcategory of students classified by the commonwealth as "high needs" hit a score of 86 on the same PPI scale.



And the bottom line: After several years of enjoying Level 2 status on DESE's scale, Williamstown this year achieved Level 1 classification.



"Each year, you know that's been a goal," Principal Joelle Brookner told the committee. "A number of initiatives you've supported have led us to this, so we're really pleased about it.


A girl dries unhusked rice on a road in front of her home. Photo by REUTERS/Samrang Pring

Falling demand in key markets and increased competition have eaten into rice sales.

Vietnams rice exports collapsed 16.4 percent on-year to hit 3.76 million tons over the first nine months of 2016, data from the Ministry of Agriculture revealed.

Export value also went down by 12.5 percent on-year to $1.69 million.

After seeing signs of a recovery in August, the volume of Vietnamese rice exports fell 5.4 percent in September to hit 396,000 tons.

The main reason appears to be China, which tightened the management of rice imports through northern borders to prevent smuggled rice from entering its market.

Ministry official Hoang Trung said that China has switched to other rice suppliers such as India, Thailand and Cambodia, who offer lower prices.

China remained Vietnams largest rice importer, buying 1.18 million tons of Vietnamese rice over the first eight months of this year, but that was down 21.4 percent against last year.

Vietnam's rice export volume also dropped in the Philippines (down 36.4 percent), Malaysia (down 43.3 percent) and Singapore (down 35.7 percent).

The Ministry of Agriculture said that the bid Vietnam won to export 150,000 tons of rice to Phillipines has had little impact on the domestic rice market, and inventories remain high.

The country has about 1.3 million tons of stockpiled rice, of which one million tons has been designated for existing contracts. The remaining 300,000 tons is not enough to fulfill the contract between Vietnam and the Philippines, so traders are reluctant to buy more rice, said Huynh The Nang, chairman of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

The gloomy picture has forced the VFA to lower the forecast export volume for 2016 to 5.65 million tons from 6.5 million tons.

If this is accurate, it will be the first time Vietnam has exported less than six million tons of rice in the last eight years.

Related news:

> Rice exports to EU: making the most of zero tariff

> Flood crisis threatens to kill Vietnams rice bowl
A new crew of gunslingers led by Denzel Washington rides to the rescue in this updated 'The Magnificent Seven.'

'The Magnificent Seven': They Ride Again

Hombres and women folk hankerin' for a good old-fashioned horse opera with just a touch of newfangled sensibilities might want to mosey on over to a movie theater showing director Antoine Fuqua's remake of "The Magnificent Seven."



It's a rip-roaring homage to John Sturges' 1960 version, the one starring Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen, which, you'll recall, was actually a cowboy variation on Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" (1954). The gist of the morality play about emancipation from tyranny remains entertainingly intact.



Point of disclosure: In my case, seeing the movie with Hesh, my friend since childhood, arguably added about half a popcorn to the rating. There we were again, Saturday matinee, popcorn and soda, desperados traversing picturesque valleys, mountains and mesas, guns-a-blazing, all in the glorious pursuit of freeing us from the bad guys and making this a better world. Sure, some things could have been a bit more nuanced, but what's a movie flaw or two among friends? Besides, the stuff that conjures your empathy and gets your blood rushing is all there.



Wisely, there isn't an attempt to duplicate per se the sundry gunslingers, saddle tramps and bounty hunters who comprised the original seven. Instead, screenwriters Nic Pizzolatto and Richard Wenk, with astute tweaking from central casting, substitute a suitably enamoring lineup of classic types sure to please today's cowpoke. Denzel Washington as Sam Chisolm, a bounty hunter who prefers to be known as a "duly sworn warrant officer from Wichita, Kansas," is the head honcho, essentially the role Brynner played.



Commanding center stage with his usual, take charge aplomb, Washington's champion alternates between glib and dead serious. Rounding up the motley crew that will ultimately ride in defense of Rose Creek's beleaguered farmers and townsfolk, he chides his picaresque recruits with the impossibility of their mission: the meager financial reward, and the certainty that they'll all be killed. After all, the odds are daunting. Peter Sarsgaard's Bartholomew Bogue, a mining mogul, doubtlessly practices his out-of-control capitalism just so he can persecute people.



He is a sadist of the most degenerate variety, a poster child for the advocacy of abstinence. The writers don't bother to inject even the slightest contradiction to his wickedness. Practically every ne'er-do-well in the Old West calls him boss. That is, all except the title gang who, for various motivations of their own, decide to take on this daunting challenge. Though all the volunteers arrive with a sullied history, we nonetheless imbue them with the grace we sense they seek.



That makes things tough if you're a bit of a softie like me. You get to like this ragtag assortment of "good killers," and well, you know the actuarial inevitability. Staunch realists will deal with it by placing bets with themselves as to who among these adventurers will ride off into the sunset.
Page Content



Montreal, 28 September 2016  The 41st Edward Warner Award, the highest honour in international civil aviation, was conferred posthumously on Australias Dr. David Ronald de Mey Warren yesterday evening by the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu.

Dr. Warren was recognized by the ICAO Council and the international civil aviation community for the outstanding contributions to aviation safety  made possible by his invention and refinement of the first-ever aircraft flight recorder, or black box.

The award ceremony took place on the opening day of ICAOs 39th triennial Assembly, with hundreds of international dignitaries on hand to see President Aliu present the award to three of Dr. Warrens children.

Flight recorders are one of our most relied upon resources for the improvement of aviation safety, President Aliu highlighted, and I wish to acknowledge here the tremendous debt of gratitude owed to Dr. Warrens vision, commitment and tenacity, and for his far reaching contributions to international civil aviation.

In 1953, Dr. Warren was a jet-fuel expert recruited to a special team assembled to analyze the mysterious mid-air explosions being experienced by the worlds first commercial jet aircraft, the de Havilland Comet. In the course of this work he realized how valuable it would be for post-accident safety analysis if a recording were available of what had transpired on the aircraft prior to their accidents.

Having recently observed one of the worlds first miniature recorders being demonstrated at a trade fair, he began to imagine how such a device could be adapted for use in modern commercial aircraft, eventually developing a first demonstration unit.

While today we all understand and appreciate the safety benefits of Dr. Warrens inspiration, like many innovations his was first met with scepticism. But consistent with his passion for innovation, and his commitment to help prevent accidents and save lives, Dr. Warren persevered with his idea to the benefit of air transport and its now billions of yearly passengers, Dr. Aliu stressed.

As his innovation became widely adopted in the ensuing decades, Dr. Warren went on to enjoy an illustrious scientific career characterized by numerous recognitions and honorariums. Notable among these was his appointment as Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2002, and the Royal Aeronautical Societys awarding him the Lawrence Hargrave Award in 2001.

Resources for Editors



About the ICAO Edward Warner Award

Named in honour of the first President of the ICAO Council, Dr. Edward Warner of the United States, ICAOs Edward Warner Award is bestowed once every three years on an individual or institution in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the safe and orderly development of civil air transport. More information here.

About cockpit flight recorders

Audio recordings from cockpit voice recorders supplement flight data by providing related details on flight crew responses, and by aiding in assessments of how radio communications or other outside distractions may have been a factor in an accident. Their data has assisted investigators understanding of how aircraft perform, both before and during an accident or incident, as well as providing useful information for airline flight data analysis programmes.

About ICAO

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 191 Member States.



Contacts



Anthony Philbin

Chief, Communications

aphilbin@icao.int

+1 (514) 954-8220

+1 (438) 402-8886 (mobile)

Twitter: @ICAO



William Raillant-Clark

Communications Officer

wraillantclark@icao.int

+1 514-954-6705

+1 514 409-0705

Twitter: @wraillantclark


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
Vietnamese mobile phone users are losing money on add-on services they haven't known about. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Quan

Third party services that users know nothing about are costing billions per day.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has recently warned Vietnamese citizens about overcharging by mobile network providers.

The warning follows complaints by mobile subscribers who say they have to pay up to a million dong per month for add-on mobile services the network operators automatically provide them.

Duc from Ho Chi Minh City, who has four numbers from a key mobile network carrier, said that for years, he has been paying about VND900,000 ($40) per month for 10 services that he hasnt registered for.

Some days ago, he also received a message saying that he had successfully installed another service. Though Duc followed instructions about how to cancel the service, it took a long time before he was successful.

This problem is facing existing and new mobile subscribers.

Tien from Hanoi said that as soon as he bought a new SIM card and added VND100,000 ($4.4) to his account, the carrier deducted VND70,000 ($3) to renew a mobile service.

I hadnt registered for the service and my phone number was new, so how was it automatically renewed? Tien said.

Vietnamese consumers losing money for unknown services isnt something new.

Management agencies under the Ministry of Information & Communications said that they have received many similar complaints from Vietnamese mobile users. Network operators, in response, denied responsibility as the services were provided by third parties.

Hanois Department of Information recently uncovered a case involving Sam Media, a Hong Kong-based company, which cooperated with four Vietnamese carriers to steal VND230 billion ($10 million) from 94,000 mobile users over two years. These users received advertising messages from Sam Media, which they thought were free, but cost VND3,000-5,000 ($0.1-0.2) per day.

After the case was uncovered, Sam Media was given a paltry fine of VND55 million ($2,400).

Vo Van Khang from the Vietnam Information Security Association, Southern Branch, said that Vietnamese operators should be held responsible if mobile users lose money for add-on services. He explained that these operators allowed third parties to access their customers and in return, make a huge profit.

According to some experts, external service suppliers often pay 60-70 percent of the revenue they make to the operators.

Each year, an operator can make dozens of trillion of dong while Vietnamese users are being pickpocketed around VND4 billion ($176,000) a day.

Experts agree that its time the government should impose strict penalties on mobile network operators to prevent further violations.

Related news:

> Vietnamese mobile app gets Facebook's $40,000 support package

> Vietnamese mobile app gets Facebook's $40,000 support package
The practice of passing struggling students onto the next grade is not uncommon in the country. Photo courtesy of VGP

Children who can't read or write and being pushed through the education system.

When To Thi Quynh Giaos son was sent back to first grade after having just graduated from fifth grade, she was caught by surprise to find out that her 12-year-old son was not able to read and write.

The sixth-grade teacher asked me to visit the school to explain to me that my son was unable to read or write, so he couldn't move on to sixth grade," Giao said. "They decided to send Vu back to his old elementary school where he could repeat first grade.

She added that she was very happy to see her son moving onto middle school, however, her happiness didnt last long.

Vu later took a test, and much to everyones surprise, he couldnt even write his mothers name despite the fact that he had been given extra help.

The family said that they already knew Vu did not meet the grades and had asked the elementary school to hold him back, but the school refused to do so.

The teachers said my son was not making the grades, but after-school tutoring would sort things out. This is the way things have turned out, so now I dont know what I should do next, said Giao.

Vu was kicked out of his middle school and sent back to the elementary school, where administrators had no choice but to put him in a first-grade class. However, after a couple of months in the first grade, he dropped out.

Vus experience of being sent from grade to grade based on his age rather than academic ability is indicative of the confusion that reigns in schools across the country about how to deal with struggling students.

Nguyen Huynh Ngoc Hanh, the headmistress at the elementary school Vu was sent to, said the school had provided him with additional help and support every morning.

We are trying to convince the family to let him come back to school, said Hanh, who admitted it was his teachers fault for letting him move up to the next grade when he was unable to read or write.

Vu is hardly the only struggling student in Soc Trang.

Le Hong Phong Elementary School currently has eight third-grade students who are unable to read and over 10 students who are struggling with spelling.

Most people would say that allowing students to move on to the next grade is wrong if they do not have the necessary skills, but teachers are reluctant to hold kids back because they are under pressure from what is called a nationally standardized school.

At the end of the academic year, we are not allowed to hold back more than one student per class, a teacher said on condition of anonymity.

Related news:

> Vietnamese medical students caught cheating exam with high-tech gadgets

> Hanoi to deodorize toilet stink at public schools

> No fish, no school: 1,000 students forced to stay at home in central Vietnam
The district typically serves as the final stop on harvest season tours through the northern mountainous provinces since the paddies here are often the last to turn. This year, unusual weather brought the harvest early, carpeting the hillsides in a stunning greenish yellow. Photo by Le Tuan
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The 11th Fourth Plinth artwork has been unveiled in Londons Trafalgar Square by mayor Sadiq Khan.

Macclesfield-born artist David Shrigleys Really Good is a 7m-high elongated thumbs-up, described as the tallest and most positive yet and made in bronze to match the historical sculptures in the square.

Mr Shrigley, 48, was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013 and is acclaimed for his bold and opinionated drawings, animations and sculptures that explore the absurdity of 21st-century society. He currently lives and works in Brighton.

I guess this is a work about making the world a better place or it purports to actually make the world a better place, he said at the event on Thursday morning. Obviously, this is a ridiculous proposition, but I think its a good proposition. Artworks on their own are inanimate objects so they cant make the world a better place. It is us, so I guess we have to ask ourselves how we can do this.

The Fourth Plinth artworks Show all 6 1 /6 The Fourth Plinth artworks The Fourth Plinth artworks A sculpture by German artist Artist Katharina Fritsch entitled Hahn/Cock stands on the "Fourth Plinth" after its unveiling at Tafalgar Square in London. The 4.7m high sculpture occupied Trafalgar Square's empty "Fourth Plinth" for 18 months AFP/Getty Images The Fourth Plinth artworks A sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare, 'Nelson's Ship in a Bottle' is installed on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in London. The piece consisted of a scale replica of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson's ship HMS Victory in a giant glass bottle and commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar Getty Images The Fourth Plinth artworks An artwork by German artist Thomas Schutte entitled 'Model for a Hotel' s displayed in Trafalgar Square. The glass artwork was an architectural sculpture of a twenty-one storey building, weighing over 8 tonnes AFP/Getty Images The Fourth Plinth artworks A marble sculpture by British artist Marc Quinn entitled "Alison Lapper Pregnant" on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth in London. The statue was a portrait of disabled artist Alison Lapper, who was portrayed naked and eight months pregnant Getty Images The Fourth Plinth artworks A bronze sculpture of a boy on a rocking horse entitled 'Powerless Structures, Fig.101' designed by Danish artist Michael Elmgreen and Norwegian artist Ingar Dragset displayed on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in London Getty Images The Fourth Plinth artworks Gift Horse, placed on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth, was unveiled by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. The sculpture, by 78-year old German artist Hans Haacke, was the skeleton of a riderless horse with a London Stock Exchange ticker attached to its leg, intended to represent the effects of the City, power and money Getty Images



Really Good replaces German artist Hans Haackes Gift Horse and is the first piece of public art that Mr Khan has unveiled. I wanted to make sure, because Im five-foot-six, that we got the tallest artist we could, and we found him, and the tallest sculpture we could manage, and Davids managed it, he said. I wanted it to be really good, and its Really Good.

Mr Khan went on to praise the Fourth Plinth tradition, which sees contemporary artists create sculptures to fill the empty plinth in the corner of the square. The great thing about this is that we can all be art critics. David is looking forward to your criticism, or your compliments, or your comments, he said.

What this represents is so important: optimism, positivity, the best of us. Particularly post-Brexit, the three most important words I say are London is open. This sculpture shows Londoners, visitors to London, tourists, EU citizens, immigrants that London is open.

Mr Khan counted down to the unveiling, when a black covering was unzipped to reveal the sculpture. Thats a very large set of flies, isnt it? he joked.

David Shrigley with a maquette of his sculpture Really Good (Getty) (Getty Images)

Other Fourth Plinth artworks have included giant blue cockerel Hahn/Cock by German artist Kathaina Fritsch (2013), Nelsons Ship in a Bottle by Yinka Shonbiare in 2010 and Alison Lapper Pregnant by Marc Quinn in 2005.
He curses. He makes dirty jokes. He insults world leaders. Most of all, he knows hes going against all diplomatic protocols on earth. And he does not regret it.

People say the Republic of the Philippines has a president with a foul mouth. Correct, I am that president, Rodrigo Duterte said in front of more than 500 Filipinos who gathered on the evening of September 28 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Hanoi, and are among the 3,800 Filipinos currently residing in Vietnam. Many of them considered themselves lucky to be able to see the man with their own eyes and hear him with their own ears. For his part, President Duterte seemed he had a lot to share with his citizens abroad. On his first official visit to Vietnam as the president of the Philippines, he made sure he did not miss the chance to explain his domestic and foreign policies to his own people. If one had come expecting to hear how he planned to protect domestic interests in the host country, one would have been disappointed.

President Dutertes speech, which was broadcast live online, did not differ much from his usual rhetoric, now already familiar to those who follow his public deliberations. His language was as colorful as usual. He would start a sentence in English only to finish it in Filipino, causing uneasiness to those who dont speak Filipino, including a limited number of local and international journalists invited by the Filipino embassy to the meeting. This may be the reason why just minutes after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay gave the press another interpretation of what his president had said.

On top of his talking points was the security situation back home. A sector of the population of Mindanao, especially the younger ones, are allied now with ISIS. ISIS is a very terrible outfit. They are the guys who simply cut the heads of people, decapitate them in public, said Duterte. You kill people for money and there is no payment, you just kill them like chickens and goats.I would never agree to talk about peace that would include Abu Sayyaf, an Islamist militant group based in the southwest of the Philippines. He made a similar statement at home a day before visiting Vietnam, but his administration has also started peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a Filipino secessionist group based in Mindanao. While his people may be applauding his strong stance, it's unsurprising that the rest of the world has been left baffled by his actions.

Then he went on to talk about the war on drugs. I have to protect the people In my country, its never wrong, its not a crime, its never unlawful to threaten criminals. To this the audience cheered and applauded.

The part that caused the press to surround his foreign secretary after the meeting was about the countrys military ties. "I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise. Jointly, Philippines - U.S., the last one, he was heard saying. However, Yasay later denied hearing anything like that.

Its hard to know if the Filipinos present at the meeting felt disappointed because their president didnt tell them anything that can't be found on the internet, but they didnt seem to mind much. Many of them are clearly his fans. People wearing black t-shirts with Hanoi Vietnam Du30 printed on the back and Du30 was visible on the background of a fist.

Du-thirty sounds like Duterte when Filipinos pronounce it.

If we think Duterte is no conventional president, imagine his fans. That could be the most unconventional audience if you count those for such a high ranking occasion. People gathered noisily to enjoy the buffet dinner before the meeting took place, and many sat eating on the carpeted floor outside the meeting room as if they were on a picnic. The Filipinos didnt just let the three hours of waiting pass by for nothing. To conform to a positive stereotype, they sang. And of course, they took selfies with their favorite senators.

For many Filipinos living in Vietnam, they felt happy to be part of that crowd because they are thankful that Duterte is doing what his predecessors did not: waging a war on drugs. In front of his people, Duterte affirmed: I will not leave the presidency in shame. Hopefully the cheerful Filipinos will not be let down and their presidents promise will come true.

Related news:

> Philippine officials seek clarity after Duterte suggests end of US exercises

> Maverick Filipino president looking for ally in Vietnam
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Bruce Willis fans in Chicago can now appear in a movie with the actor in the upcoming remake of the action-vengeance classic Death Wish.

Willis stars in the revenge flick, directed by Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Hostel), that began principle photography in a Chicago neighbourhood this week. And casting agents are looking for extras.

We are excited to capture the unique Chicago look and remarkable architecture in film, the casting notification from Four Star Casting reads. All businesses will be open for normal hours. As always, we understand that we are guests in your neighbourhood, and will conduct ourselves accordingly.

Unfortunately for fans of the Die Hard star, Willis will only be filming in the city for a day, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The majority of the filming will include second-unit action sequences, like car chases, the Chicago Film Office told the Tribune.

Death Wish first premiered in 1974, starring Charles Bronson. It spawned four sequels over the subsequent two decades.

Vincent DOnofrio and Dean Norris will co-star in the remake.
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

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Peter Berg, 107 mins, starring: Mark Wahlberg, Dylan O'Brien, Kate Hudson, Kurt Russell, Gina Rodriguez, John Malkovich

Peter Bergs Deepwater Horizon is one of a number of recent Hollywood features that have somehow managed to find rousing examples of American courage within real-life incidents that were, in fact, utter disasters. In such films, the villains are the elite  the business leaders or politicians. Their mistakes have to be atoned for by blue collar American everyman-types.

In Michael Bays shockingly jingoistic 13 Hours: The Soldiers Of Benghazi, the heroes were the security contractors who mounted their own Alamo-like resistance against the Islamic militia attacking the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi. In Bergs 2013 feature Lone Survivor, navy SEALs in Afghanistan bungle a mission and the servicemen are caught in a mountaintop battle against the overwhelming strength of the Taliban.

Recommended Read more Interview with Deepwater Horizon director and FNL creator Peter Berg

Here, the heroes are the oil rig workers fighting for survival in the Gulf of Mexico after an apocalyptic blowout on the Deepwater Horizon. Theyve been betrayed by the executives from BP and their bosses in London, who run an $185bn company and yet still take short cuts when it comes to safety on the rig.

Every time I peel off a band-aid on this rig, I find 3 or 4 more, one engineer complains. (The BP logo here serves roughly the same function as a swastika in Second World War films. Anyone who wears it is absolutely not to be trusted.)

Thankfully, Deepwater Horizon (which is based on an article in the New York Times) drills more deeply into its material than 13 Hours did. Director Berg goes out of his way to give the story of the massive oil spill a mythic dimension. During the first few moments of the film, we dont see a human face. The earliest glimpse of the main character Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg) is of him emerging from a deep sleep. Hes at home with his wife (country girl Kate Hudson) and doe-eyed daughter but is just about to go back to work on the rig.

There is a lot of foreshadowing. Little omens hint at the disasters to come. A car wont start. We see a can of coke exploding. A BP middle manager is wearing a magenta-coloured tie  and for the superstitious rig workers, magenta is as unlucky a colour as you can get.

Head of safety on the rig is Jimmy Harrell (Kurt Russell), a whiskered old-timer with an exemplary record. Hes a crotchety type but is resourceful, selfless and very competent. Russell plays him like a slightly more benign version of his ageing cowboys in Bone Tomahawk and The Hateful Eight. Pitted against him is the BP supervisor Donald Vidrine (John Malkovich).

This is another of Malkovichs enjoyably Mephistophelian performances. Hes a purring, smiling figure with a little goatee beard that he loves to scratch but, for all his avuncularity, we know instantly that he is an utterly ruthless company man.

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Deepwater Horizon - Trailer 2

The film was produced by Participant Media, the eco-conscious company behind Al Gores 2006 global warming documentary An Inconvenient Truth. There is a certain irony in the fact that one of the backers of Deepwater Horizon is Image Nation Abu Dhabi, a state-owned media company from the United Arab Emirates.

However, the environmental consequences of the disaster  the fact that the rig leaked huge amounts of oil into the Gulf of Mexico for over 80 days  arent foregrounded here. We see one very disturbing scene in which a sea bird, its plumage thick with oil, flies around in a frenzy in the rigs control room, crashing against windows and equipment, but there is little else in the film dealing with the impact of the spill on marine life.

You cant help but marvel at the sheer resourcefulness of the filmmakers in crafting a dramatic feature film based on a newspaper article. They manage to throw in plenty of jargon  asides about blowout preventers (BOPs) and cement integrity  without ever interrupting the flow of the narrative. By including a few Skype conversations between Wahlberg and Kate Hudson back on shore, theyre able to inject a romantic element into the story too.

Early Oscars 2017 contenders Show all 19 1 /19 Early Oscars 2017 contenders Early Oscars 2017 contenders La La Land Whiplash director Damien Chapelle opens this years Venice Film Festival with this original musical starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as a couple of dreamers trying to make it big in Hollywood: she, a lonely aspiring actress; he, a cocky jazz pianist. The trailer promises a neon-soaked, dreamy take on the classic Golden Age musical, all big-hearted romance and wholesome glamour. Expect La La Land to explore some darker emotional territory alongside all the toe-tapping, too. In cinemas here on 13 January. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Silence Martin Scorseses passion project since 1991 is yet to receive a release date but rumours abound that it will be out in time for the Oscars. Based on a novel of the same name by Japanese author Shusaku Endo, the story centres on two Jesuit missionaries sent to 17th century Japan to spread Christianity and find their mentor Once there, they endure brutal persecution at the time of Kakura Kirishitan (Hidden Christians) following the defeat of the Shimabara Rebellion. Silence sounds weighty, intense and full of hard-hitting promise. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi director Ang Lee has narrowly missed out on a Best Picture win twice now but this adaptation of Ben Fountains acclaimed novel could be the film that finally wins him some overdue glory. The cast includes Kristen Stewart and Vin Diesel with newcomer Joe Alwyn in the lead as 19-year-old soldier Billy, who is brought home for a victory tour after serving in Iraq. Told in flashbacks, the drama reveals the horror of what really happened to his squad in contrast to Americas flashy, patriotic perceptions. Out here 6 January. Early Oscars 2017 contenders A United Kingdom Oyelowo plays Prince Seretse Khama, inaugural Botswana president from 1966 to 1980, in this follow-up to 2015s Belle. Films about real life people often hold clout with the Academy when done well and with Gone Girls Rosamund Pike playing Khamas eventual wife Ruth Williams, A United Kingdom should pull in cinemagoers. Khama sparked a global stir when he married the white Londoner in the late Forties and the first pictures from the movie promise beautiful costumes and cinematography. A United Kingdom will open the London Film Festival before its general release on 25 November. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Loving Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton star as Mildred and Richard Loving in this historical drama about an interracial couple sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958 for the crime of getting married. Out here just in time for the Oscars on 3 February. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, Loving earned positive reviews from critics when it competed for the Palme dOr at Cannes and received a standing ovation for understated, strong performances. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Manchester by the Sea One of the best scripts co-producer Matt Damon had ever read, this tragedy about an uncle who is forced to take care of his teenage nephew after the boys father dies while trying to reconcile with his ex-wife stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams and newcomer Lucas Hedges. It was bought at Sundance by Amazon for $10 million and arrives in the UK on 13 January. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Nocturnal Animals Designer Tom Ford has cinematic strings to his bow, as proved with 2009s Venice premiere The Single Man. Hes back in the chair for this drama-thriller starring Amy Adams as a remarried art gallery owner whose ex-husbands violent new book begins to haunt her. Jake Gyllenhaal, Isla Fisher and Armie Hammer also star. Due in UK cinemas on 4 November. Early Oscars 2017 contenders The Light Between Oceans Michael Fassbender stars alongside last years Best Supporting Actress winner Alicia Vikander in the big screen adaptation of ML Stedmans 2012 novel of the same name. Derek Cianfrance is the man behind the camera for this story about a lighthouse keeper war veteran who rescues a baby girl with his wife after she washes up on an adrift rowboat. Then, in steps another Oscar winner, Rachel Weisz, as the woman who threatens to break their happy family apart. Out in the UK on 4 November - bring tissues. Early Oscars 2017 contenders American Pastoral Ewan McGregor makes his directorial debut with this period adaptation of Philip Roths novel American Pastoral. The drama - set in the 60s - centres on a successful businessman (McGregor) whose missing daughter (Dakota Fanning) is accused of a violent bombing in post-war America. Out in the UK on 11 November. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Queen of Katwe Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding) is the director behind this long-awaited biopic of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. That Mutesi is played by 12 Years a Slave Oscar-winner Lupita Nyongo is reason enough to anticipate this Disney-produced film, out here 21 October. Disney Early Oscars 2017 contenders Free Fire Ben Wheatleys new action thriller will close the London Film Festival. Set in Massachusetts in the late Seventies, Free Fire stars Oscar-winning Room actress Brie Larson in the lead alongside Cillian Murphy. It follows the heart-stopping game of survival after shots are fired during a meeting between Justine, two Irishmen and two arms dealers who are selling them a stash of guns. Expect blood, sweat and irony with bravura filmmaking from the High-Rise director. Reaches UK cinemas sometime in 2017. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Paterson Jim Jarmuschs Palme dOr contender sees Adam Driver take the lead as a bus driver poet from Paterson, New Jersey. Each night after work, he has dinner with his wife Laura before walking his dog (2016s Palm Dog winner) to the bar for one beer. Then one day, a small disaster strikes. Early Oscars 2017 contenders The Founder Michael Keaton has starred in the last two Best Picture winners Spotlight and Birdman. Here, he takes on the role of ruthless McDonalds founder Ray Kroc, with the film telling the story of the fast food empires origins. The ambitious entrepreneur on a journey to theme didnt end so well for last years Joy, so it remains to be seen whether The Founder can live up to expectations as an Oscars contender. Out here 30 September. The Weinstein Company Early Oscars 2017 contenders Sully Clint Eastwood returns with Sully: Miracle on the Hudson, about the hero pilot who, in 2009, successfully landed his plane along the Hudson River after it was disabled by a flock of geese, saving all 155 crew and passengers. Tom Hanks takes the lead as Chesley Sullenberger in a biopic that sounds like it could tick a lot of Oscars boxes. Based on the autobiography Highest Duty, the thriller marks Eastwoods first directorial effort since 2014s American Sniper. Out 2 December. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Jackie Pablo Larrain directs Oscar winner Natalie Portman as late first lady and fashion icon Jacqueline Kennedy in what he has promised will not be another classic biopic. Set in the days immediately after John F Kennedys 1963 assassination, the film sparked great excitement among distributors after a seven-minute promo screened at Cannes. Release date unknown at this stage. Early Oscars 2017 contenders The Girl on the Train The Helps Tate Taylor is in the directors chair for this years Gone Girl about a troubled woman who becomes embroiled in a murder case after developing a fixation on a beautiful couple from her commuter train. Expect a film pulsating with creepy, voyeur vibes, a la Rear Window, based on Paula Hawkins bestselling thriller. Out in the UK on 7 October. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Florence Foster Jenkins Meryl Streep has been widely praised for her turn as the 1940s New York heiress who couldnt sing (and we mean really couldnt sing) yet somehow became an opera singer with the help of her patient husband St Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) and pianist Cosme McMoon (Simon Helberg). Directed by two-time Academy nominee Stephen Frears, the film proved heartwarming and inspiring upon its release earlier this year and was embraced by both film lovers and critics. Early Oscars 2017 contenders Christine Rebecca Hall set Sundance ablaze in January, earning five-star reviews for the performance of her career in Christine, about the news anchor who killed herself live on air in 1974 after suffering from depression. Yet to receive a UK release date, Christine arrives in US cinemas in October, with Antonio Campos also one to watch for directorial accolades come awards season. Courtesy of Sundance Institute Early Oscars 2017 contenders Arrival Paramount Pictures



The cross-cutting between the anxious faces of the rig workers and the dials on their computers helps heighten the tension. At a climactic moment, the crew says the Lords Prayer together (deliver us from evil). Just like the oil in the pipes of the rig, the pressure in the storyline keeps rising. One character feels a piece of machinery and realises there is a tiny smudge of oil on the top of his finger  a sure sign that the gushing is about to begin. Were told it will take at least 35 minutes for any helicopters to get to the scene of the catastrophe.

The actual explosion, when it finally happens, is just a little anti-climactic. The rig lights up in the darkness like Blackpool Tower. Characters in their cabins, having showers or talking to loved ones, only very slowly realise what is happening. Soon, inevitably, many of the rig workers are drenched in oil and beginning to look like glistening monsters from the deep as the fires rage around them. Just as in Titanic, there are roll calls and then an undignified scurry for the lifeboats.

If there was human error on behalf of the crew members, the filmmakers dont want to investigate it. Instead, they make the film into a celebration of blue-collar heroism. In spite of the death of 11 crew members and the unspeakable environment devastation in the wake of the explosion, Deepwater Horizon somehow manages to be upbeat  an achievement, albeit a very perverse one. The disaster may not have been good for the seagulls but at least it allowed the characters played by Wahlberg and Russell to show their mettle.
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Dir: Tim Burton, 127 mins, starring: Asa Butterfield, Ella Purnell, Eva Green, Samuel L. Jackson, Allison Janney, Judi Dench

There is a sense with Tim Burtons work that he is continually remaking the same movie. Whether he is adapting Roald Dahl or Lewis Carroll or making Beetlejuice or Batman, his preoccupations remain the same. He relishes peculiarity. The heroes and heroines of his films are always the outsiders with the most vivid imaginations.

Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children isnt his masterpiece but it will give audiences exactly what they expect from a Burton movie: Gothic flights of fantasy, ironic humour, juvenile whimsy and as much pathos as you will find anywhere this side of Charles Dickens. The Ransom Riggs novel from which it is adapted seems tailor-made for him. Like all his best work, the film is genuinely strange - creepy and endearing by turns.

With Christopher Lee and Vincent Price both now sadly dead, Burton turns to Terence Stamp to play the ageing magus found in so many of his movies. Abe Portman is a doddery old retiree, living in the Florida suburbs, seemingly suffering from dementia. His teenage grandson Jake (Asa Butterfield) dotes on him and believes implicitly in the wild stories Abe spins him about a special orphanage on a Welsh island run by the remarkable Miss Peregrine.

The grandfather has old black and white pictures of his friends from the home, all of whom seem vaguely freakish (one is actually invisible.) Jake is a likeable but gauche adolescent who works part time in the local supermarket. His parents fret about him and have sent him to a psychiatrist.

In tow with his father Franklin (Chris ODowd), Jake travels to Wales to see if he can find Miss Peregrines home and lay his inner demons to rest.

In its early scenes, the film is restrained by Burton standards. Florida looks pallid and a little murky (at least as seen through the 3D dark glasses.) Its raining when Jake arrives in Wales. The local pub is pretty grim. The teenagers who guide Jake to the remains of Miss Peregrines home (which was bombed in the war) are surly and unfriendly - and rap very badly.

Then, the time travel begins and the filmmaking takes wing. Jake is whisked back to 1943. Miss Peregrine (Eva Green, smoking a pipe and looking like a bluestocking version of Morticia Addams) and her charges are in a loop; they are living their own version of Groundhog Day, thereby avoiding the Nazi bomb which will destroy the home if time is allowed to move any further forward.

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children - Trailer 2

The residents of the home all have their own peculiarities. One little girl has shark-like teeth on the back of her neck, all the better for eating chicken. A boy has a hive of bees living inside him. Enoch (Finlay Macmillan) can make inanimate objects move. Emma (Ella Purnell) is a beautiful, blonde and ethereal: she floats through the air and has the ability to manipulate air.

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Jake is accepted warmly by these charming misfits (although the jealous Enoch frowns on his intimacy with Emma.) Pitted against the peculiars are the Hollows, giant creatures which look as if theyve stepped out of a very grotesque Francis Bacon painting - and Jake is about the only one who has the ability to see them.

Plot-wise, the film is sheer hokum. For reasons not entirely clear, the evil Barron (Samuel L. Jackson giving a pantomime villain style performance) wants to kill the peculiars and eat their eyeballs. The denouement to the story takes place on Blackpool pier. Youre never quite sure why Miss Peregrine turns herself into a bird of prey or just what purpose the cameo from Judi Dench serves. What isnt in doubt, though, is the sheer protean force of Burtons visual imagination.

Straddling a line between live action and animation, he throws in very spectacular, very surrealistic imagery. Rupert Everett pops up (again youre not quite sure why) as a camp and sinister bird watcher with an impressive array of cameras and lenses. Theres an extraordinary sequence in which Ella and Jake visit an underwater liner, sunk during the First World War, and a very strange one in which funfair skeletons do battle with the Hallows.

Youre never quite sure how seriously to take the film. It is dealing with death, bereavement and persecution. It has some very dark elements, including oblique references to the Holocaust and some notably violent deaths. Even the most fraught moments are undercut with humour. This is a romp which has its tongue firmly in its cheek. Burton again demonstrates his ability to charm the kids and intrigue the adults with the sheer outlandishness of his storytelling.
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Its finally time for the UKs Iron Maiden fans to get their shot at bagging tickets to The Book of Souls world tour.

Tickets for the 13-date UK and Ireland leg will go on sale at 9am on Friday 30 September, costing between 57.50 to stand and 64.45 to sit.

The heavy metal band will be kicking off in Nottingham in May and finishing with two nights at Londons O2 Arena. Buy your tickets for those dates by clicking on the links below:



Full dates as follows:

Thursday 4 May - Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

Saturday 6 May - Dublin 3Arena

Monday 8 May - Manchester Arena

Wednesday 10 May - Sheffield Arena

Thursday 11 May - Leeds First Direct Arena

Sunday 14 May - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

Tuesday 16 May - Glasgow SSE Hydro Arena

Wednesday 17 May - Aberdeen AECC GE Oil & Gas Arena

Saturday 20 May - Liverpool Echo Arena

Sunday 21 May - Birmingham Barclaycard Arena

Wednesday 24 May - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Founder member and bass player Steve Harris says: Its been so long since our last full UK arena tour, we really wanted to get to our fans in as many cities as possible. Were really looking forward to it, especially visiting places we havent been to for a very long time like Leeds where we havent played since 2005 and Liverpool where we havent played since 1990.

The whole band is really enjoying this tour and although we love playing festivals and stadiums, it is terrific to return to the intimacy and atmosphere of arenas. The songs from The Book Of Souls album and the new Maya-themed Eddies and stage sets have gone down really well and fan reaction has been amazing, and of course we know our fans appreciate us playing a lot of the older songs too, which we will continue to do.



Got sweaty palms already? Check out our handy tips for dealing with the demand:

1) Make sure you are ready and waiting with the web page up at least five minutes before 9am.

2) Do not let your computer, phone or whatever device holds the key to your happiness run out of battery.

3) Register your details with the website you are booking from in advance, if you can, but dont panic if you havent left enough time as your tickets will be held while you fill out your information

4) Check how many tickets you are allowed to buy in one purchase. If you try to buy more than the limited number, your booking may be cancelled without notice, meaning no-one gets to go.

5) Get your friends to try too, but stay in contact in case you all succeed and end up with a bunch of tickets you didnt want. If you do need to sell any on, do so at face value. No-one likes a tout.

6) Be patient and avoid refreshing or switching between browsers. Stick with one tab and have some faith! Be prepared to wait for an hour to get tickets.
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Carlsberg has released a bottle of lager costing 13 - based on a brew dating back to 1883 which was discovered during a cellar clearout in Copenhagen.

It is selling 600 bottles of 'Re-brew' lager for a month in the UK, after spending three years trying to cultivate the yeast strain found in the original bottle which dates back 133 years.

The brewery has even released a cheesy Da Vinci Code-style mini-documentary recreating the discovery of the old bottle, and the new beer's development.

The brew from 1883 was one of the first to use "pure" cultivated bottom-fermenting yeasts, which stopped beer from spoiling.

The style of lager at the time was far different to the one we know now, and is known as Munich dark lager, which is sweeter and darker than its modern-day cousin.

Carlsberg say they've spent three years trying to recreate the "father of quality lager" by cultivating the yeast strain and using a 19th century brewing technique to create a limited run of the product.

Carlsberg head brewer Erik Lund told The Independent: "This beer is a way for us to go back in history, it's a taste of the good old days.

"It took a lot of work but we've had it confirmed that the yeast strain we've cultivated is the same one we found in the bottle dating back all those years."

So, what does it taste like, and is it really worth the 12.95 price tag? Independent Lifestyle Editor Dave Maclean popped the cork on one of the retro bottles to find out:

"First thing's first - this stuff doesn't look like Carlsberg.

"From the old-school label to the mahogany colour, there are very few clues that this is related to its mainstream supermarket brother.

"A curious colleague with a mild yeast intolerance asked for a sip - but instantly recoiled from the smell.

"He was right to - it's got a a punchy, yeasty nose which gives a clue as to what's to come: a hearty, bready taste reminiscent of slightly overbaked sourdough loaf.

A custom bottle is created for the one-off lager (Carlsberg)

"It's got a thick, satisfying feel in the mouth, but it's not overpowering; there's a whiff of pine in there, and the sweet malty flavours come through well.

"I got a flash of sweet liquorice on the aftertaste, and a while after polishing off the bottle the whiff of cinnamonn-infused hot cross buns came through in my mouth."

Our verdict: "It's rare that you're challenged by a glass of Carlsberg but this does just that. It's not necesseraily quaffable and I'm not sure I'd part with my cash for another one, but it's definitely interesting.

"If you're into the history of beer and lager though, then the effort that has gone into recreating this will be worth the price tag - just for the heritage of the recipe and the effort that's gone into recreating it."

Carlsberg Re-brew will be available to buy from St Barts Brewery in London throughout October. All proceeds from sales of the beer will be given to the University of Nottinghams International Centre for Brewing Science, and cover the course fees of a full-time Masters student.
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Donald Trump has claimed that Google is suppressing bad news about Hillary Clinton. Hes not entirely wrong, but perhaps not for the reasons he thinks.

While discussing polling numbers at a rally in Wisconsin, Mr Trump said that Google had been manipulating its search results to avoid showing bad news about his opponent, Ms Clinton.

The Google poll has us leading Hillary by two points nationwide, said Trump. And thats despite the fact that Googles search engine was suppressing the bad news about Hillary Clinton, how about that? How about that?

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Mr Trump didnt say exactly what news had been hidden, or how he might know that Google was hiding it. But he might have intentionally or unintentionally flagged up a truth about how Google runs its search.

The site does indeed hide negative results in its autocomplete suggestions. Numerous people have pointed out that while typing something into the search, Ms Clintons name seems to mostly have positive suggestions even when more natural, negative ones might be expected.

Recommended Read more Donald Trump comes up with Google conspiracy theory

Writing Hillary Clinton crim, for instance, might be expected to bring up a suggestion that someone searches for crimes. And typing her name next to indic might be expected to bring up indictment. But neither of those actually does happen.

The same thing, however, happens for Trump. Searching for various negative things actually brings up unexpectedly good ones, next to Mr Trumps name.

And that all appears to be because Google intentionally stops its algorithm from suggesting negative things next to a persons name. The decision was presumably taken to ensure that disparaging things are left out, avoiding needless negativity and potential PR and legal problems.

In June, a video went viral that claimed Google was manipulating its search results. It gained enough traction that the site was forced to respond, and try and debunk the claims.

Google Autocomplete does not favor any candidate or cause, it told The Washington Times. Claims to the contrary simply misunderstand how Autocomplete works.

At the moment, the Google results for Ms Clinton do appear to have more positive results than those for Mr Trump. But that is largely because he has been criticised for attacking Google itself, and those articles are showing up in the search.

Google Trends suggested that more people were in fact looking up Hillary Clinton than Donald Trump, in all of the 50 states of the US. Searches for Mr Trumps name had led in the majority of the states before the debate.

Users tended to look up information about both candidates position on immigration, abortion and guns most during the debate.

 Clinton Slams Trump for Debate Comments

Google also said that people tended to fact check the claims of each candidate during the debate. The most searched for fact check for Mr Trump was what he had actually said about the Iraq War before it happened, and the biggest for Ms Clinton was whether it was true as she said that stop-and-frisk by the police had been ruled unconstitutional.
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Although his name may not be immediately familiar, Ladislao Jose Biros world-famous invention  the ballpoint pen - now used by millions across the world certainly is.

Described as a simple but remarkable invention by the Wall Street Journal, the ballpoint pen was borne after Biro, the Jewish-Hungarian journalist and artist whose name is now synonyms with his creation, noticed the speed at which newspapers were printed and how quickly the ink dried.

It was an invention, however convulsed by death and destruction the Journal said, as Biro experimented with his concept during the outbreak of WW2 in Europe as he was forced to flee Nazi forces.

Here are five facts you may not know about the inventor and his invention on what would be his 117th birthday.

1)The ballpoint pen was inspired by the newspaper printing press

As a newspaper editor in Budapest, Biro, born in 1899, became aware of how efficiently newspapers were printed and how fast the ink dried compared to the then-ubiquitous fountain pen.

Frustrated by the fountain pens smudged and blotted results and unable to get more viscous fast-drying ink to pour through its nib, Biro worked with his brother Gyorgy, a chemist, to create radical new type of pen, which rolled ink onto paper in a similar fashion to a newsprint roller.

The pair created a pen consisting of a ball that turned in a socket, which picked up a thin, fast-drying film of ink from a cartridge and transferred it onto paper.

Giving his name to the invention, Biro presented his first prototype of the ballpoint pen at the Budapest International Fair in 1931, later patenting it in 1938.

2)Biro was forced to flee Nazi forces as he experimented with his invention

Born into a Jewish family in Budapest, Hungary, Biro was forced to flee the country just two years after he patented invention when Nazi forces occupied his home country in 1940.

Gyorgy Moldovas book Ballpoint, chronicling the life of Biro, says: We see Biro refining the pen and experimenting with recipes for the ink paste essential to his concept while fleeing dangers that seemed to chase him across Europe as war brewed and then broke out.

After escaping Hungary, Biro travelled to Argentina where he found support to turn the Biro into a commercial product.

3) WW2 saw the first major buyers for the pen

The Royal Air Force became the first major buyers of the ballpoint pen with the organisation ordering 30,000 of the devices during WW2.

The pen was popular with pilots as they were able to operate at high altitudes unlike fountain pens.

The best Google Doodles Show all 50 1 /50 The best Google Doodles The best Google Doodles Mister Rogers Google Doodle celebrating children's TV presenter Mister Rogers Google The best Google Doodles Lucy Wills Google Doodle celebrating haematologist Lucy Wills Google The best Google Doodles Falafel Google Doodle celebrating falafel Google The best Google Doodles St George's Day Google Doodle celebrating St George's Day Google The best Google Doodles James Wong Howe Google Doodle celebrating Hollywood golden age cinematographer James Wong Howe Google The best Google Doodles Seiichi Miyake Google Doodle celebrating Seiichi Miyake, developer of tactile paving Google The best Google Doodles Walter Cronkite Google celebrates US broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite's 100th birthday The best Google Doodles Lantern Festival 2016 Google celebrates the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations with a doodle of the Lantern Festival Google The best Google Doodles Google Doodle celebrating Sergei Diaghilev Google Doodle celebrating art critic Sergei Diaghilev Google The best Google Doodles George Boole Google marks mathematician George Boole's 200th birthday The best Google Doodles Sergei Eisenstein Google Doodle celebrating soviet film director Sergei Eisenstein Google The best Google Doodles 41st anniversary of the discovery of 'Lucy' Google marks the 41st anniversary of the discovery of 'Lucy', the name given to a collection of fossilised bones that once made up the skeleton of a hominid from the Australopithecus afarensis species, who lived in Ethiopia 3.2 million years ago The best Google Doodles Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Google celebrates physician and suffragist Elizabeth Garrett Anderson 180th birthday The best Google Doodles Sir William Henry Perkin Google Doodle celebrating chemist Sir William Henry Perkin Google The best Google Doodles Nelly Sachs Google Doodle celebrating poet and playwright Nelly Sachs Google The best Google Doodles Thanksgiving 2018 Google Doodle celebrating Thanksgiving 2018 Google The best Google Doodles Nigerian Independence Day Google Doodle celebrating Nigerian Independence Day Google The best Google Doodles Mary Prince Google Doodle celebrating abolitionist Mary Prince Google The best Google Doodles Father's Day 2016 Google celebrates Father's Day The best Google Doodles Ebenezer Cobb Morley Google Doodle celebrating "father of football" Ebenezer Cobb Morley Google The best Google Doodles Octavia E Butler Google Doodle celebrating science fiction author Octavia E Butler Google The best Google Doodles Tamara de Lempicka Google Doodle celebrating painter Tamara de Lempicka Google The best Google Doodles Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss Google Doodle celebrating mathematician and physicist Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss Google The best Google Doodles Fanny Blankers-Koen Google Doodle celebrating Dutch Olympic gold medalist Fanny Blankers-Koen Google The best Google Doodles John Harrison Google Doodle celebrating clockmaker John Harrison Google The best Google Doodles Guillermo Haro Google Doodle celebrating astronomer Guillermo Haro Google The best Google Doodles St. David's Day Google Doodle celebrating St. David's Day Google The best Google Doodles Carter G Woodson Google Doodle celebrating Carter G Woodson, a pioneering African-American historian Google The best Google Doodles St Andrew's Day Google Doodle celebrating St Andrew's Day Google The best Google Doodles Gertrude Jekyll Google Doodle celebrating horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll Google The best Google Doodles Children's Day 2017 Google Doodle celebrating Children's Day 2017 Google The best Google Doodles Studio for Electronic Music Google Doodle celebrating the Studio for Electronic Music Google The best Google Doodles Olaudah Equiano Google Doodle celebrating abolitionist Olaudah Equiano Google The best Google Doodles Fridtjof Nansen Google Doodle celebrating Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen Google The best Google Doodles Ladislao Jose Biro Google celebrates Ladislao Jose Biro's 117th birthday The best Google Doodles Amalia Hernandez Google Doodle celebrating ballet choreographer Amalia Hernandez Google The best Google Doodles Dr Samuel Johnson Google Doodle celebrating lexicographer Dr Samuel Johnson Google The best Google Doodles British Sign Language Google Doodle celebrating British Sign Language Google The best Google Doodles Eduard Khil Google Doodle celebrating baritone singer Eduard Khil Google The best Google Doodles Fourth of July Google Doodle celebrating Fourth of July Google The best Google Doodles Victor Hugo Google Doodle celebrating author Victor Hugo Google The best Google Doodles Google Doodle celebrating Giro d'Italia's 100th Anniversary Google Doodle celebrating Giro d'Italia's 100th Anniversary Google The best Google Doodles Google Doodle celebrating St. Patrick's Day Google Doodle celebrating St. Patrick's Day Google The best Google Doodles Google Doodle celebrating St. David's Day Google Doodle celebrating St. David's Day Google The best Google Doodles Steve Biko Today's Google Doodle features anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko Google The best Google Doodles The history of tea in Britain Google celebrates the 385th anniversary of tea in the UK The best Google Doodles Nettie Stevens Google celebrates geneticist Nettie Stevens 155th birthday The best Google Doodles William Morris Google celebrates English polymath William Morris' 182 birthday with a doodle showcasing his most famous designs Google The best Google Doodles Professor Scoville Google marks Professor Scovilles 151st birthday The best Google Doodles Sophie Taeuber-Arp Google marks artist Sophie Taeuber-Arp's 127th birthday

4) Biros birthday is celebrated as Inventors Day

In Argentina, where Biro began mass producing his ballpoint pens his birthday  29 September  is celebrated as Inventors Day.

Biro died in the country in Buenos Aires in 1985, aged 86.

5) Biros are the most popular pen in the world

In 1945, Marcel Bich bought the patent for Biro's pen, which swiftly became the Bic companys main product.

The Bic Cristal biro is now the worlds most popular pen and Biros name remains synonymous with his invention in many countries throughout Europe.
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The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has struck a deal to cut production for the first time in eight years, sending crude prices surging.

In a decision led by a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, who had repeatedly clashed during previous meetings, OPEC ministers decided to cut production by 750,000 barrels a day, down to 32.5 million barrels.

This compares to the current output estimated at 33.2 million barrels per day.

OPECs agreement on Wednesday helped the price of a barrel of Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, climb above $49 overnight, before slipping back slightly on Thursday to $48.88 per barrel.

Despite some initial scepticism about the deal, the FTSE 100 index of leading blue-chip shares enjoyed robust gains on Thursday with the index up 1.02 per cent at 6,919.42  building on Wednesdays solid performance.

Shares in major oil producers also jumped at the start of trading in London and continued to power ahead throughout the day.

Shell climbed almost 7 per cent and BP was up 4.3 per cent by the close of Thursday's trading following the decision by OPEC  with other commodity firms also performing strongly,

OPEC ministers will meet again on 30 November to agree on production levels for each member country.

The decision was a surprise for analysts who did not get their hopes up ahead of the event. They argued that political tensions and long-run strategic market interests could once again keep the cartel from agreeing.

This is the first OPEC deal in eight years! The cartel proved that it still matters even in the age of shale! This is the end of the production war' and OPEC claims victory, said Phil Flynn, senior energy analyst at Price Futures Group.

But other analysts were more sceptical.

In a note to investors on Thursday, Goldman Sachs said that it was sticking with its forecasts for WTI crude at $43 a barrel for the end of this year and $53 a barrel in 2017.

If this proposed cut is strictly enforced and supports prices, we would expect it to prove self-defeating medium term with a large drilling response around the world, Goldmans analysts said.

Jeff Quigley, director of energy markets at Houston-based Stratas Advisors, said the market had yet to discover who would produce what: I want to hear from the mouth of the Iranian oil minister that hes not going to go back to pre-sanction levels. For the Saudis, it just goes against the conventional wisdom of what theyve been saying.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

The decision, to the degree it actually takes hold, will be a welcome relief to the OPEC member countries, which have all suffered from a fiscal crises because of plummeting oil prices.

The fall in oil prices in the last 18 months has been spectacular, diving from $115 (80) a barrel in the summer of 2014 to around $28 now.

The extraordinary decline has come about because of rising supply and falling demand, as the revolution in US fracking massively increases global production just as the juggernaut economies of China and Brazil run out of steam.
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The owner of the Daily Mail has announced it will cut more than 400 jobs after a double-digit decline in print advertising last year.

A strategic review of the businesses owned by Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT) has been launched in response to "challenging market conditions," said the company in a statement.

This reorganisation will result in an exceptional operating cost of 50 million  more than three times the amount suggested earlier this year.

DMGT employs around 10,000 staff worldwide, with 2,700 employed by DMG media, home of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Mail Online, Metro and US-based site Elite Daily.

"Just less than half" of the job cuts will come from DMG Media, but editorial job cuts are "not a significant part of the mix," said DMGT chief financial officer Stephen Daintith, according to the Guardian.

In May, DMGT said print advertising revenues had declined 13 per cent in the six months to the end of March 2016, and to 15 per cent in the first quarter of this year.

In an earnings update made on Thursday, the group said it had seen a growth of 4 per cent in revenue, with a 2 per cent underlying revenue decline of 2 per cent by a "weak UK print advertising market".

Online advertising driven by MailOnline has been helping offset the impact, with ad sales up 18 per cent in the first 11 months of its financial year.

Newspaper circulation revenues rose 1 per cent in July and August, helped by recent cover price hikes for its national titles.

The group increased the price of the Daily Mail for the first time in three years in February, by 5p to 65p, while it lifted the price of the Mail on Sunday in July.

Mr Daintith said the recent DMG media ad revenue decline came as it faced tough comparisons from a year earlier.

He added there had been no signs of a direct impact of the Brexit vote on the business.

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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. 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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. 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This overhaul will take place under new chief executive Paul Zwillenberg, who took over from Martin Morgan on 1 June.

Mr Zwillenberg is set to give more details on the overhaul and cost-cutting plans alongside full-year results on 1 December.

Additional reporting from Press Association
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A US rapper's concert ended in a bloodbath in Stockholm, Sweden, after a man jumped on stage and attacked a member of security.

Ghostface Killah, one of the founding members of the Wu-Tan Clan, and Killah Priest were performing at the Debaser Medis club on the island of Sodermalm in central Stockholm in Wednesday night when the attack took place.

Witnesses described the man rushing the stage and slashing at the guard's face.

One audience member told Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet: They invited a bunch of girls on to the stage to dance with them.

At the same time a guy came up who hurt a guard in the face.

The guard got a big cut, roughly from his temple to the jaw. It was a bloodbath on stage. The guard pressed a towel to his face and ran off stage.

They said at first everyone assumed it was part of the show but the crowd soon realised it wasnt when a member of the rappers entourage pushed them out of harm's way.

The assailant was then overpowered by security staff outside and was held until the police arrived.

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

The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening, The Local reported.

Police said he had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault but did not say what weapon the man had used to attack the guard with.

Police control room officer Pontus Sandulf told Aftonbladet: They say [the weapon] could have been anything from a shard of glass to a knife.

They say there was a lot of blood, but it is hard to say because I haven't seen it myself.
"This will be the last military exercise, jointly Philippines-U.S., the last one," said President Duterte.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he will soon end joint military exercises with the United States, a move that could further dampen relations with Manila's longtime ally after the controversial leader branded Barack Obama a "son of a whore".

Speaking to a raucous crowd at an upscale Hanoi hotel where he kicked off his two-day visit to Vietnam, the foul-mouthed leader said next month's military drills would be the last.

"I will serve notice to you now, that this will be the last military exercise, jointly Philippines-U.S., the last one," he said in a rambling speech to several hundred Vietnam-based Filipinos.

The Philippine-U.S. Amphibious Landing Exercises (Phiblex) are set to take place from October 4 to 12 in the Philippines, which follow the larger annual Balikatan exercises in April involving more than 8,000 forces from both sides.

The allies have quarrelled in recent weeks, with Duterte vowing to eject U.S. special forces from the country's troubled south, just days after he insulted President Obama at a regional leaders summit in Laos.

The 71-year-old leader has also come under fire for his bloody war on crime that has claimed more than 3,700 lives since he took office in June, including by Obama who has said he must conduct his crime war "the right way" by protecting human rights.

Western governments and rights groups have raised concerns about a breakdown in the rule of law over Duterte's crackdown on crime, a criticism the leader laughed off on Wednesday.

"I am the favorite whipping boy now of the human rights (groups) all over the world," he told the crowd, which gave him a rock star welcome.

Defense ties between the United States and the Philippines date back to 1951, and annual joint military exercises have been a pillar of the alliance.

Duterte will meet with Vietnam's political top brass Thursday to discuss maritime freedom and boosting economic and defense ties. Both Manila and Hanoi are locked in separate disputes with powerhouse Beijing over territory in the South China Sea (Vietnam's East Sea).

Related news:

> Maverick Filipino president looking for ally in Vietnam

> Obama cancels meeting with Philippines' Duterte after insult

> Duterte leads Philippines polls
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A ballet dancer who died on his way to perform the lead role in a top production was hit by a minicab driver allegedly using a hands-free kit to make a phone call.

Jonathan Ollivier, described by choreographer Matthew Bourne as one of the most powerful and charismatic dancers of his generation, was run over while riding his motorbike in Clerkenwell, north London.

In court yesterday it was alleged that Abdul Qayyum, who was behind the wheel of the cab, had both earphones in when he crashed into the 38-year-old last summer, according to the Times.

The collision took place at 11am on 9 August last year  just hours before Mr Ollivier was due to star in the final show of Mr Bournes The Car Man at Sadlers Wells Theatre.

After the crash, police, paramedics and an air ambulance tried to save the dancer's life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before noon.

Mr Qayyum, 44, stopped and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He is said to have been carrying a passenger and failed to give way to Mr Ollivier at a junction.

Jonathan Ollivier performs in La Traviata alongside Desire Samaai (Rex Features)

At the Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, Mr Qayyum entered no plea and requested the matter be heard at the crown court, where he will appear on 26 October, reported the Telegraph.

Mr Ollivier had been praised for his performance as Luca in The Car Man, with one critic saying he brought a brooding power and danger of a matador to the role.

The dancer, originally from Northampton, had previously won plaudits for playing as The Swan in Mr Bourne's all-male Swan Lake.

The Royal Ballet's history through an insider's lens Show all 4 1 /4 The Royal Ballet's history through an insider's lens The Royal Ballet's history through an insider's lens 527747_1.bin Colin Jones The Royal Ballet's history through an insider's lens 527745_1.bin Colin Jones The Royal Ballet's history through an insider's lens 527746_1.bin Colin Jones The Royal Ballet's history through an insider's lens 527744_1.bin Colin Jones

He graduated from the prestigious Rambert Ballet School, having started dancing as a child after he was inspired by his sisters tap and ballet classes.

Mr Ollivier then joined the Cape Town City Ballet, where he became a principal.

He returned to London in 1999 and joined the Northern Ballet, where he was principal dancer for eight years. He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Northampton in 2006.
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Kim Kardashian-West has reportedly filed a complaint with the French authorities against a notorious celebrity prankster who ambushed her on Wednesday.

Vitalii Sediuk, the Ukranian prankster who accosted Gigi Hadid in Milan last week, turned his attentions towards Kardashian-West on Wednesday. After she walked outside of L'Avenue restaurant in Paris, he slipped past her security and appeared to attempt to kiss her bottom.

The 35-year-old reality TV stars security guard reacted immediately and pounced upon Sediuk, pulling him towards the ground. Kardashian-West has since commended her security guards efforts, tweeting: My security @PascalDuvier is a G.

According to E! News, Kardashian-West has filed a complaint against Sediuk in France.

Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Show all 11 1 /11 Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments 'Selfish' The Queen of selfies actually released a book of selfies in 2015. Yes, appropriately titled Selfish the book provided a timeline from her very first selfie and filled out 352 pages. Getty Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Nude selfie row Kim divided the internet in March 2016 when she posted a nude photo of herself on social media. She addressed the controversy in open essay for International Womens Day and criticised the slut-shaming and body-shaming shed received. Kim Kardashian/Twitter Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments FDA warning Kim was accused of burying a correctional advertisement post on her Instagram in September 2015. After endorsing a morning sickness drug on Instagram previously she received a warning letter from the FDA for not including all the possible side-effects. She posted the correctional ad but in amidst numerous selfies from the MTV VMAs. Kim Kardashian/Instagram Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments 'Vampire facelift' On an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians, Kim treated herself to a vampire facial which involves being given a facial of your own blood. She vowed never to get a facelift after having the beauty treatment. @kimkardashian Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Covering Vogue Kim and husband Kanye West were chosen by Anna Wintour to grace the cover of Vogue magazine back in 2014. The high-fashion magazine faced a lot of backlash for its choice. Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Released an awful song A woman of many skills, Kim turned her attention to music in 2011 releasing the single Jam (Turn It Up). Despite the help of producer-extraordinaire The Dream, she was called the worst singer in the reality TV universe. Kim later called the song the biggest regret of her life. Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Photo with Amber Rose After her husband Kanye West became embroiled in a Twitter spat with Rose and the father of her child, Wiz Khalifa, Kim shocked the internet by sharing a selfie with Rose. Instagram/Kim Kardashian Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Twitter takedown The usually politie-on-social media Kim took aim at Bette Midler, Chloe Grace Moretz and Piers Morgan for criticising her nude selfie. Twitter Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Brands Indian food digusting Kim apologised after she branded Indian food disgusting on the show. In NO way was this intended as an insult to the Indian people or their culture, she clarified. FilmMagic Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Breaking the internet In 2014 Kim appeared on the cover of Paper magazine baring her naked famous rear. The headline Break the internet seemed appropriate given the huge attention the cover received. Kim Kardashian West's most controversial moments Eating placenta Kim advocates eating the placenta, claiming she had the placenta of both her daughter North and son Saint turned into tablets in an apparent bid to reduce her chances of experiencing post-natal depression.

Sediuk has responded to the incident in an Instagram post, saying it was intended as a protest against Kim for using fake butt implants. Kardashian-West has denied having fake bum implants on numerous occasions.

I encourage her and the rest of Kardashian clan to popularise natural beauty among teenage girls who follow and defend them blindly, he added.

Seduik said he had not planned the attack and was simply sitting outside the restaurant when he happened to catch a glimpse of Kardashian-West and her usual trail of paparazzi.

Just caught this guy literally kissing #kimkardashian ass @kimkardashian A video posted by Ondine Azoulay (@ondineazoulay) on Sep 28, 2016 at 9:15am PDT

Sediuk, who formerly worked for Ukranian TV channel 1+1, has made a name for himself for the pranks he has pulled on celebrities over the years. Back in 2014, he dived for Kardashian-Wests legs while she was walking through the pandemonium outside Balmain's Paris Fashion Week show.

Recommended Read more Gigi Hadid criticises The Sun over headline

In 2012, he attempted to kiss Will Smith on the lips at a Men in Black 3 premiere, with Smith responding by slapping him and shouting 'What the hell is your problem buddy?. In 2014, he stuck his face in Brad Pitts crotch at the premiere of Maleficent.

Most recently, Sediuk physically grabbed Hadid and picked her up by the waist in a busy crowd at Milan Fashion Week. In the footage, the supermodel can be witnessed screaming and shouting Let me go, elbowing the man and wriggling to try and set herself free. Her sister Bella was also filmed attempting to free Hadid from his grasp until Sediuk let go and started running away.

A representative for Kardashian-West and Sediuk did not immediately respond to request for comment.
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Sean Penn has become the latest Hollywood celebrity to publically rebuke Donald Trump and declared voting for the Republican presidential candidate is the equivalent of masturbating our way into hell.

Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the 56-year-old actor revealed he had not bothered watching the debut presidential debate which took place on Monday because he felt like there was a lack of genuine political debate occurring.

Penn, who was appearing on the show to promote a new audiobook he narrated titled Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff", was citing an analogy on the two presidential candidates penned by the books author Pappy Pariah.

There are two options: either you can decide to divorce yourself from loving your children and piss on a tree and show that you have the power to piss on a tree, Penn said.

People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Show all 8 1 /8 People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Miley Cyrus 'God he thinks he is the f***ing chosen one or some shit!  Honestly f*** this sh*t I am moving if this is my president! I dont say things I dont mean!' Jemal Countess/Getty Images People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Whoopi Goldberg 'I dont think thats America. I dont want it to be America. Maybe its time for me to move you know' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Samuel L. Jackson 'If that mother**er becomes president, Im moving my black ass to South Africa' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Raven Symone 'My confession for this election is, if any Republican gets nominated, Im gonna move to Canada with my entire family. Is that bad? I already have my ticket. I literally bought my ticket, I swear' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Cher 'If he were to be elected, I'm moving to Jupiter' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Neve Campbell 'Im terrified. Its really scary. My biggest fear is that Trump will triumph. I cannot believe that he is still in the game ... [I'll] move back to Canada' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Jon Stewart 'I would consider getting in a rocket and going to another planet, because clearly this planets gone bonkers' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Randy Blythe 'He could just be a clown. If he is the president, though, I am leaving America 'till he's gone'

Or you can go out and vote in a very big way for someone like Hillary Clinton - who then you can challenge and support which is the only way that any kind of president can have any success - and you stick it out for four years.

Or we can just masturbate our way into hell with a guy who looks like the only blond magician, he concluded.

Colbert chipped in: If youre referring to Trump, I dont think he can masturbate his way into hell because his hands [are] too small.

When asked about why he had chosen not to join 84 million viewers and tune into the most-watched debate in American history, Penn argued he thought the debate was a social debate rather than a political one. I dont think theres a political debate going on, so I didnt watch it. Its a social debate, he said.

After this, the talk turned to Penns Luddite ways, with the actor explaining he did not have Twitter. Colbert then succeeded in getting Penn to send his first tweet from an account he had pre-made for him. Penn was then forced to admit he had no idea what a hashtag was.
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A volunteer firefighter stopped a teenager who shot two students and a teacher outside a South Carolina primary school after killing his father at their home, authorities said.

Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said the shooter was apprehended Wednesday afternoon outside rural Townville Elementary School before he could get inside the building.

Firefighter Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department down the road from the school, just took him down, the sheriff said. He said the fire station is close to the school and Mr Brock arrived before others officers responding to the dispatch.

Recommended Read more Police respond to shooting at South Carolina school

Mr Brock has said he doesn't want attention for his actions.

He wants to remain humble and quiet about it as he believes he did nothing any of the other volunteer firefighters wouldn't have done, said Scott Stoller with Anderson County Emergency Management.

Regardless, he said, Firefighter Brock is absolutely a hero.

School and University mass shootings in America Show all 12 1 /12 School and University mass shootings in America School and University mass shootings in America Craghead County, Arkansas - 24 March, 1998 Students Mitchell Johnson,13, and Andrew Golden, 11, killed four students and one teacher, wounding ten others at Westside Middle School Reuters School and University mass shootings in America Springfield, Oregon - 21 May 1998 After killing his parents at home, 13- year-old Kip Kinkel drove to Thurston High School where he shot and killed two students and a teacher at a school dance, wounding 23 others. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Columbine, Colorado - 20 April 1999 Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, killed twelve students and one teacher at Columbine High School. They wounded 23 others before committing suicide. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Santee, California - 5 March 2001 Charles Andrew Williams, 15, opens fire on at Santana High School, killing two students and wounding thirteen others. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Red Lake, Minnesota - 24 September 2005 Jeffrey Weise, 16, kills his grandfather before driving to Red Lake Senior High School. He proceeded to shoot and kill five students, one teacher and security guard before committing suicide. Seven others were wounded. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania - 2 October 2006 Charles Carl Roberts IV,a 32-year-old milk truck driver, shot to death five Amish girls and wounded five more in an Amish school in the hamlet of Nickel Mines before committing suicide. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Blacksburg, Virginia - 16 April 2007 Seung-Hui Cho, 23, shot and killed 32 students and faculty members and wounded 17 others at Virgina Tech University. It is the deadliest attack by a lone gunman in US history. Getty School and University mass shootings in America DeKalb, Illinois - 14 February 2008 Steve Kazmierczak, 27, killed 6 and wounded 21 at Northern Illinois University before committing suicide. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Oakland, California - 2 April 2012 Gunman One L. Goh, 43, shot shot and killed seven students in a classroom at Oikos University, a small Christian college. Goh was deemed unfit for trial in January 2013 after being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Newtown, Connecticut - 14 December 2012 Adam Lanza, 20, killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He first killed his mother before taking her guns and driving to the school. He killed 20 children in the first grade along with six adults before killing himself. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Santa Monica, California - 7 June 2013 John Zawahri, 23, shot and killed five people on, or near, the campus of Santa Monica College. Getty School and University mass shootings in America Isla Vista, California - 23 May, 2014 22 year-old-Elliott Rodger went on a stabbing and shooting rampage just outside of the main campus of University of California, Santa Barbara. He killed 7 people and wounded 13 more. Getty

Authorities said the shooting spree began at the teen's house about 2 miles from the school, where he gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne. Authorities have not released the suspect's name or age beyond saying he's a teen.

Joey Taylor walks with his daughter Josie Taylor after picking her up at Oakdale Baptist Church on Wednesday (AP)

Crying and upset, the teen called his grandmother's cellphone at 1:44 pm, Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said. The grandparents couldn't understand what was going on, so they went to his home just 100 yards away. When they got there, they found Osborne dead and their grandson gone.

About one minute later, authorities received a 911 call from a teacher at the school in this rural town about 110 miles northeast of Atlanta.

The shooter drove a truck into the school parking lot and immediately started firing as he got out and moved toward the school, Mr Skipper said. He did not know who the truck the teen drove was registered to and declined to say how many shots were fired.

Pupils being driven away from Townville Elementary (Katie McLean/The Independent-Mail via AP)

One student was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, sheriff's Capt Garland Major said. Both students were male. The female teacher was hit in the shoulder.

We are heartbroken about this senseless act of violence, said Joanne Avery, superintendent of Anderson County School District 4. She cancelled classes at the school for the rest of the week.

Television images showed officers swarming the school after the report of an active shooter. Some were on top of the roof while others were walking around the building. Students were driven away on buses accompanied by police officers to a nearby church.

Members of law enforcement investigate an area at Townville Elementary School after two pupils and a teacher were wounded (AP)

Authorities said they don't yet know a motive for the shooting and they were not sure if the students and teacher were targeted. The sheriff said the teen had been homeschooled.

There are no racial undertones there. There's no terrorism involved, Mr Major said. We're confident we have the sole shooter and no one else is involved.

Mr Skipper said the teen's mother was at work at the time of the shooting.

One of the students and the teacher were released from the hospital Wednesday evening, AnMed Health spokeswoman Juana Slade said. Greenville Health System spokeswoman Sandy Dees said the other student, Jacob Hall, remained in critical condition.

The school surrounded by working farms has about 300 students in its pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade classrooms. About 90 percent of the students are white, according to state records.

This is the country, Brandi Pierce, the mother of a sixth-grader, told The Associated Press as she began to cry. You don't have this in the country.

Jamie Meredith, a student's mother, said some of the children went into a bathroom during the shooting.

I don't know how they knew to go in the bathroom, but I know her teacher was shaken up. I know all the kids were scared. There was a bunch of kids crying. She didn't talk for about five minutes when I got her, she told WYFF-TV, Greenville.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley released a statement from her and her husband after the shooting.

As we work together with law enforcement to make sure they have the support they need to investigate what happened in Townville, Michael and I ask that everyone across South Carolina join us in praying for the entire Townville Elementary School family and those touched by today's tragedy.

The town is situated along Interstate 85 near the Georgia-South Carolina state line.
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A man has been charged with the murders of two Matalan workers killed in Cardiff.

Andrew Patrick Saunders was arrested after the bodies of 21-year-old Zoe Morgan and her 33-year-old boyfriend Lee Simmons were found on the citys Queen Street.

They were discovered near the Matalan store two hours before the shop was due to open at 8am.

Saunders, a 20-year-old from the Castleton area of Gwent, is thought to have known the victims and was arrested within an hour of the murders being reported.

Detective Superintendent Ceri Hughes said: "What happened to Zoe and Lee is an absolute tragedy. Their families are devastated. Our thoughts remain with them. This has shocked the community of Cardiff.

"We are still appealing for anybody who saw what happened to contact us if they have not been spoken to by police."

"We are very conscious that people who witnessed the incident may be traumatised. We can signpost those affected to a range of support services."

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 6 September 2022 Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral, Scotland, where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA

Matalan bosses decided not to open the Queen Street store after the victims co-workers were seen fighting back tears outside.
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Detectives are appealing for information after a baby was found dead on a bus in London.

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service to reports of an unresponsive baby on a bus at around 10.20am in the east of the city.

The child - a three-month old baby girl - was taken to an east London hospital where she was pronounced dead.

A 27-year-old woman was arrested by officers at the hospital and a 52-year-old man was arrested at an address in the area the baby was found later the same day.

Both were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at separate east London police stations.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on 30 September at St Thomas' Hospital and formal identification awaits.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, who is leading the investigation, said: The death of any child is tragic and we would appeal for anyone with information to please come forward as soon as possible to help with our enquiries.

Anyone who can help is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 1570 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Thousands of Muslim men and women are being referred to the Governments flagship counter-terrorism programmes based on questionable science, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned. The College has demanded the Home Office be transparent about its Prevent policy and publish the evidence that underpins a key plank of it  for peer review and scientific scrutiny.

In its new Counter-terrorism and Psychiatry report, leading doctors also warn the policy could be traumatising refugees fleeing the horrors of groups like Isis in Syria and Iraq because it is identifying them as potential terrorists in need of de-radicalisation. The concerns centre on the Channel part of the scheme, which has already drawn criticism from British Muslim communities. Under the scheme thousands of mostly Muslim men have been flagged up as at risk and sent on de-radicalisation courses.

The report says: Those fleeing war-torn parts of the world have a high risk of psychological distress, and many are escaping terrorist violence in their country of origin. The College is concerned that there should not be a system that overly identifies them with the terrorism from which they have fled, as this could add to their trauma. Latest figures show a sharp jump in referrals to Channel after the Government placed a statutory duty on teachers, doctors and social workers to pass on the names of those they believe are vulnerable to radicalisation.

The RPC warned: The poor performance of both adult and child and adolescent tools designed to detect a propensity for terrorism may mean that individuals are unjustifiably referred to the Channel. Psychiatrists want any assessment of risk to be done on a case-by-case basis within professional safeguarding practices.

The report, which was published this month, further points out: Terrorism is a complex phenomenon, with a broad range of perspectives and many definitions; even basic concepts are open to question. For example, any assumption that there is a generally identifiable path to radicalisation, to which some individuals will be psychologically vulnerable, needs to be treated with caution.

According to the report the National Police Chiefs Council found that 80 per cent of those referred to Channel in the first few years have already left the process for more appropriate services. While Channel is a voluntary programme the RCP warns that simply being referred to one of the courses can be problematic for people, and refusal to accept support can lead to further assessments, if deemed necessary.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters 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

The report argues: There is a risk of family members coming to the attention of public agencies during investigations and being inappropriately drawn into these programmes. If it is found that they have mental health problems, they should be signposted to appropriate services. The psychiatrists also want Government to be more transparent about the science on which its counter-terrorism strategy is based.

The Government has refused to publish the scientific study which underpins the Prevent and Channel programmes. But the secret report forms the basis of Extremism Risk Guidance 22+ (ERG22+)  a tool that is used to help identify radicalisation risk factors. The report says: Data on evaluations of Prevent, as with any initiative requiring public services to alter their practice, must be in the public domain and subjected to peer review and scientific scrutiny. Public policy cannot be based on either no evidence or a lack of transparency about evidence. The evidence underpinning the UKs Extremism Risk Guidance 22+, and other data relating to this guidance, should be comprehensively published and readily accessible.

Far-right protesters in Dover in March (Picture: PA)

From 1 July last year authorities including councils and schools were placed under a statutory requirement, known as the Prevent Duty, to stop people being drawn into terrorism. As well as growing awareness of the duty, officials believe the rise in referrals may also reflect a response to world events such as the Paris attacks in November.

In the year to June 2016 there were 2,311 referrals relating to under-18s  an increase of 83 per cent on the previous year  with 352 of the children aged nine or under, 989 aged between 10 and 14 and 970 aged between 15 and 17. In the 12 months after the duty took effect referrals from schools climbed to 1,121, more than double the 537 in the previous year, statistics released by the National Police Chiefs' Council following a Freedom of Information request show.

Channel, which is part of the controversial Prevent strategy, provides support to individuals who are identified as vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. It is aimed at all forms of potential extremism. In 2015 around 70 per cent of referrals were linked to Islamist-related extremism and roughly 15 per cent to far-right extremism, according to a Government report published in July.

But the Home Office said the science had been published in two journals already: in the Journal of Threat Assessment and Management and in Vol 8, No 2. pp 15-18 of Assessment and Development Matters, published by the British Psychological Society.

Security Minister Ben Wallace said: The guidance that is used was based on a peer-reviewed study, carried out to meticulous academic guidelines and published in two publicly available academic journals.

It informed part of the process used by independent experts to assess a person's vulnerability to being drawn into terrorism, and the support which would most benefit them to stop this happening.
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A Saudi Arabian billionaire is among those handed hundreds of thousands of pounds every year in farm subsidies at the expense of taxpayers.

Khalid Abdullah al-Saud, who owns the champion racehorse Frankel, receives over 400,000 a year through Juddmonte Limited Farms, and is among the top 100 recipients of European Union farming subsidies in Britain.

Other major beneficiaries include the Queen, the Duke of Westminster, the National Trust and the RSPB.

The largest recipient on the list is Frank Smart, whose Aberdeenshire farm saw him receive a total payment of 2,963,732.77. I don't want to discuss any part of my business with the media, thank you," he has said.

Following the vote to leave the EU, the Government has pledged to cover the billions required to maintain the system after Brexit.

 Theresa May claims selling arms to Saudi Arabia helps 'keep people on the streets of Britain safe'

Greenpeace, which published the revelations as part of an investigation into agricultural subsidies, branded the payments to billionaires an outrage. Hannah Martin of Greenpeace said: We cannot continue with a broken system which sends public subsidies into billionaires bank accounts. The British Government has never had a better opportunity to reshape our farming sector for the common good.

The organisations chief scientist added: The subsidy system is utterly broken. We need public money spent on farming to be offering demonstrable public benefits.

But a spokesman for Buckingham Palace said: Subsidies are open to all farmers, and are received on the Queen's private estate. We would not comment beyond the detail that is already in the public domain.

The identities of many of the largest recipients of EU farm subsidies are hidden through the use of offshore trusts.

Prince al-Sauds Juddmonte Farm near Reading is owned through an offshore holding company in Guernsey, and paid no corporation tax in 2015 despite profits of 8.7m, due to trading losses in previous years, Greenpeaces Energy Desk website reports. Three other firms in the top 100 also use complex ownership structures in Jersey which conceal their owners identities.

Subsidies for farming have been in place since the end of the Second World War, but eventually led to the overproduction of food. The existing system is now based on the amount of land farmers own.

Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK Show all 7 1 /7 Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK Getty Images Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK Jonathan Harmsworth, 48, made his 1.3 bn fortune from publishing. Getty Images Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK Denise Coates, 48, made her $3.8 bn fortune from online gambling. Getty Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK Michael Ashley, 51, made his $3.5 bn fortune from sports retailing Getty Images Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK Charles Dunstone, 52, made his $2.1 bn fortune from mobile phones. Getty Images Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK The seventh Duke of Westminster PA Forbes youngest billionaires in the UK Getty Images

A spokesperson for Prince al-Saud's Juddmonte farm said: We have not issued a statement and have no further comment to make."

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) notes that the average farm support payment across all farms is 16,000.

In a statement, NFU director of policy Andrew Clark said: What we must remember, in the context of these sorts of reports, is that the average support payment for a dairy farmer, for example, is 25,000 a year while the average monthly running cost of a dairy farm is 40,000 - without taking wages. These farm businesses have roots that run through the rural community and their contribution is significant on both a local and national scale when it comes to the economy.

The NFU is currently carrying out its largest consultation ever with members to ask them, post Brexit, what Britains farming and food production needs in the future.
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A woman could be poised to become Britains most senior police officer for the very first time as Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe announces his retirement after five years in charge.

The Metropolitan Police said the Commissioner will remain in his post until February 2017 to allow the Home Secretary and Mayor of London to appoint a successor.

Some have suggested the top three most likely candidates for the job include the Director-General of the Foreign Office and former Deputy Commissioner at the Met Cressida Dick, chair of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Sara Thornton and Met Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley.

Sir Bernard, who was appointed in September 2011, said: It has been a great privilege to be the Mets Commissioner. I have loved my time in the role and I have loved being a police officer.

Its the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys.

Ms Dick, who was Britains most high-profile female police officer until she left to join the Foreign Office in 2014, has held several key posts within Scotland Yard during her 31-year career there.

The 54-year-old was responsible for leading the forces response to the 9/11 attacks in the US and the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005.

But she faced criticism over her handling of the Jean Charles de Menezes scandal.

The Brazilian electrican was wrongly identified as a suicide bomber after the 7/7 bombings and was shot dead in 2005 at Stockwell station. As the senior commander in charge of the operation she was heavily criticised but was cleared of wrongdoing by a jury even though the force as a whole was found guilty of unlawful killing.

Former Met Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick is reportedly in line for the role (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)

Ms Thornton was appointed as the first chair of the NPCC in April 2015 after serving as Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police for eight years.

Mr Rowley was appointed Assistant Commissioner at the Met in April 2011 after previously serving as the Chief Constable of Surrey Police.

The announcement of Sir Bernards retirement came after London Mayor Sadiq Khan hinted that he wanted to choose his own commissioner.

On the campaign trail in February, he said it would not be right to give Sir Bernard a public appraisal but suggested his priorities for the role were different.

In January, in the wake of Sir Bernards handling of the Westminster child sex abuse probe, the then Home Secretary Theresa May announced she was only extending his five-year contract  due to expire this month  by an additional year to September.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters 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

In February, Sir Bernard was forced to apologise to the widow of former Home Secretary Leon Brittan for not telling him that he would not face charges over a rape allegation from 1967.

He said he had had a private conversation with Lady Brittan and offered a full apology for not telling the former MP that he was in the clear before he died in January 2015.

The probe by four police forces including Scotland Yard, also known as Operation Midland, was shut down in March this year without any charges being brought, having cost 1.8m since its launch in November 2014.

One former MP accused during the inquiry, Harvey Proctor, called on the four police chiefs involved to resign over their conduct. He was interviewed under caution in August 2015 but has always denied any allegations of abuse.

Recommended Read more Police forced to defend VIP paedophile probe after inquiry closes

Mr Khan declined to comment on the speculation about his role in Sir Bernards departure or who his successor is likely to be.

He said: I would like to thank Bernard for his years of service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe  I have enjoyed working closely together with him over the past five months.

Bernard oversaw the excellent policing of the 2012 Olympic Games and has taken big steps towards making our police service more representative of London.

I will work closely with the Home Secretary to ensure we find the best possible candidate to appoint as the new Commissioner, so that we can continue to keep Londoners safe.
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The UK has made a "bad decision" in voting for Brexit and cannot expect to receive any special privileges when it negotiates the terms of its exit from the EU, the Italian Prime Minister has warned.

Matteo Renzi, who is fighting his own referendum campaign in Italy at the moment, blamed David Cameron for Britain's decision to leave, saying he used the Brexit vote to try and "solve some internal problems of the Conservative Party".

Speaking in an interview with the BBC in Rome, he also warned the process of leaving the EU over the next two or more years would prove "very difficult" for Britain.

But he did also strike a positive note, suggesting Britain's departure could provide new impetus to the remaining members of the bloc.

Mr Renzi said there was an interesting "debate" to be had about whether the rules of the EU allowed for "flexibility" over freedom of movement and access to the single-market.

But he told the BBC that could only take place once the UK has triggered Article 50, officially starting the process of its departure.

And he added: "It will be impossible to give to British people more rights than other people outside the EU."

He said: "The people of the UK decided the way for the future. Now the situation is that we can - and we have to - build the best alliance between the UK and the EU for the future because we will be the best friends for the next years.

"And at the same time I think this decision could push European leaders to invest in a new way for Europe."

Mr Renzi's own referendum campaign, on whether or not to limit the powers of Italy's upper house and make it easier for the government to push through reforms, is finely poised.

Defeat for what has become known as "Renzi's referendum" would be a crushing blow to his political ambitions - like with Mr Cameron, it is thought unlikely he would be able to remain as Prime Minister if he lost.

But while Mr Renzi has staked his future on reform of Italy's internal political system, he was scathing about Mr Cameron's decision to put matters of "foreign affairs" to a nationwide vote.

Asked what led Britain to vote for Brexit, he said: "The problem was one problem.

"When David Cameron decided to use a referendum to solve some internal problems of the Conservative Party, this was the problem. We cannot use foreign affairs to solve internal problems."

The interview with Mr Renzi came as the boss of Jaguar Land Rover warned tariffs on UK exports to the EU would be "disastrous" for jobs in the British car industry.

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

Hanno Kirner, executive director at JLR, issued the stark warning at a joint Government-industry Great Britain event, ahead of the Paris Motor Show.

Meanwhile, an influential think-tank with close links to Whitehall has called on the Government to appoint 500 more civil servants at a cost of 65 million to handle Brexit negotiations.

The report from the Institute for Government criticised Theresa May's opaque "Brexit means Brexit" stance on how departure from the EU will work in practice.

And it said her decision to divide Brexit up among three separate departments meant time was being "wasted" on "political squabbles and turf wars".
In this issue: interview with Nicolas Veron, and the latest podcast  on recent EU measures to tackle the energy crisis.
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MPs should vote with their conscience in parliament on new laws relating to Brexit irrespective of the views of their constituents, a top lawyer has said.

Geoffrey Robertson QC told The Independent the lack of a clear plan from Theresa Mays government meant the Brexit debate was far from finished.

The founder of the Doughty Street Chambers said the UK cannot leave the European Union until the 1972 European Communities Act is repealed, which requires a vote in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

And the longer Boris Johnson, Liam Fox and Brexit Secretary David Davis  nicknamed the three Brexiteers  stall over setting out their intentions, the more likely these votes are to be anti-Brexit, or even call for a second referendum, he said.

The failure of the three Brexiteers to produce anything like a satisfactory solution makes you think that if the [parliamentary] vote were taken now, there would be a decision to remain or a decision to have another plebiscite, said Mr Robertson.

MPs are bound to follow their conscience and to vote for what they understand to be the public good, irrespective of the views of their constituents.

I would encourage MPs to vote with their conscience; it's their duty, said the lawyer. That's how we abolished the death penalty.

Mr Robertsons comments come as former Chancellor Ken Clarke called the EU referendum a bizarre protest vote and said Theresa May does not have the first idea what to do next about Brexit.

Geoffrey Robertson QC says the UK parliament must vote to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act before the country can leave the European Union (Rex)

The Conservative politician and Remain campaigner told the New Statesman he would vote against the referendum result in parliament.

The idea that Im suddenly going to change my lifelong opinions about the national interest and regard myself as instructed to vote in parliament on the basis of an opinion poll is laughable, he said.

Nobody in the government has the first idea of what they're going to do next on the Brexit front.

Nicky Morgan, the former Education Secretary, has warned Theresa May she is allowing others to set the terms of Brexit and said the Prime Minister must be clearer on what she wants from any deal.

Ms Morgan said that instead of leaving it to cabinet Brexiteers, Ms May should herself lead policy on the European Union and set out a broad plan as early as next week.

There is a danger. At the moment, there has been a lack of a plan from our Government about the negotiating, the process, whats going to happen, what were going to ask for, she told the BBC.

The longer that gap is left, the more likely it is that, as we are beginning to see, people are taking up positions, whether its a hard Brexit, a soft Brexit."

 Theresa May tells UN the UK will not turn inwards after Brexit vote

Ms Morgan added: There is a danger that we will start finding ourselves, the Government will find itself, in a position where other people are setting the terms of the debate.

Yesterday, a senior judge ordered the Government to reveal its 'secret' legal arguments about how parliament does not have to be consulted on when to trigger Article 50.

High Court Judge Mr Justice Cranston ruled that prior to a hearing of a case from the crowd funded initiative Peoples Challenge on 13 October, the Government must publish its previously undisclosed legal arguments about why Article 50 can be triggered without parliamentary assent.

As a majority of MPs backed Remain, some anti-Brexit campaigners believe their vote could enable them to stall or entirely cancel Brexit.

The decision has been heralded as the first major victory in a series of legal challenges trying to block the result of the EU referendum from taking place.

Brexit negotiations could cost the taxpayer tens of millions of pounds due to the need to hire more than 500 extra civil servants, and through valuable time wasted by a lack of clarity about roles and responsibility of the new departments, according to a report by the Institute for Government.

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

The report said there is a gaping void in the government negotiating strategy and warned that in the absence of a clear plan, Kremlinology and off the cuff remarks are filling the void.

Theresa May has had the misfortune of taking over at the most impossible time," Mr Clarke told the New Statesman.

"She faces an appalling problem of trying to get these Three Brexiteers to agree with each other, and putting together a coherent policy which a united cabinet can present to a waiting parliament and public," he said.

Because nobody has the foggiest notion of what they want us to do.

Download a free Brexit action plan and investment ideas from Independent partner, Hargreaves Lansdown.
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International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has indicated that the UK will seek a hard Brexit when it leaves the European Union, saying that the country will become a newly independent member of the World Trade Organisation.

Acting in an official capacity as the Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr Fox gave a speech in which he said Brexit was a golden opportunity for Britain. The suggestion that the UK would become a newly independent WTO member strongly suggests the country will relinquish membership of the European single market and membership of the European customs union, which critics warn will have disastrous consequences for British businesses.

Dr Fox said Britain will be in a "a prime position to be a global leader in free trade" said those who thought the Brexit vote meant the country would "turn inwards after Brexit were "100 per cent wrong.

He said: "As a newly independent WTO member outside the EU, we will continue to fight for trade liberalisation as well as potentially helping developing markets trade their way out of poverty by giving them preferential access to our markets. 

But WTO membership imposes a complicated series of tariffs, particularly on the car industry, which are crucial to both British based car exporters to Europe and particularly German exports to Britain.

Dr Foxs new department has been set up to establish free trade deals with other leading nations outside the EU, which members are prohibited from doing, but he is formally legally prohibited from doing so until after the UK has formally left the bloc, prompting criticisms from the likes of former Business Secretary Vince Cable that his department is redundant.

Speaking to an audience of business leaders in Manchester, Dr Fox appeared to warn European leaders not to seek to impose tariffs on British business. Protectionism never actually helps anybody at all. W e want it [trade with the EU] to be as free and as open as possible and dont just look at it from a UK perspective, the European Union has a massive surplus in goods to the UK, he said.

Who does it harm more if we end up in a new tariff environment? It is in everyones interests that we have at least as free a trading environment as we have today. Anything else may not harm institutions but it will harm the people of Europe and it is the people of Europe who should be at the forefront of our thoughts.

The EUs customs union currently ensures that all goods imported or manufactured by member countries meet the EUs standards and means there are no border customs checks within the 28 member bloc. The arrangement has tremendous upsides for EU businesses, but it is argued it forces businesses exporting to non-EU countries to comply with needless regulations, which Dr Fox strongly indicated would no longer be the case after Brexit.

We will work within the World Trade Organisation to build on its successful work in taking an axe to red tape across borders, phasing out distortive export subsidies, and scrapping trillions of dollars worth of tariffs, he said.

He described the UKs decision to leave the EU as an unprecedented opportunity and an exhilarating time.

He said: " It is potentially the beginning of what I might call post geography trading world where we are much less restricted in having to find partners who are physically close to us.

"It is an exhilarating, empowering and liberating time yet this bright future is being darkened by the shadows of protectionism and retrenchment. History teaches us that such trends do not bode well for the future.

That is the glorious joy of free trade  it is not a zero-sum game, it really can be win-win."
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A former cabinet minister has warned Theresa May she is allowing others to set the terms of Brexit and said the Prime Minister must be clearer on what she wants from any deal.

Former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said that instead of leaving it to cabinet Brexiteers, Ms May should herself lead policy on the European Union and set out a broad plan as early as next week.

It comes as former Chancellor Ken Clarke claimed that nobody in the Government has the first idea what to do about Brexit.

Ms Morgan said: There is a danger. At the moment, there has been a lack of a plan from our Government about the negotiating, the process, whats going to happen, what were going to ask for.

The longer that gap is left, the more likely it is that, as we are beginning to see, people are taking up positions, whether its a hard Brexit, a soft Brexit ... there is a danger that we will start finding ourselves, the Government will find itself, in a position where other people are setting the terms of the debate.

She said cabinet ministers such as Liam Fox, David Davis and Boris Johnson had signalled that freedom of movement should be abolished, but she warned this could damage the NHS and other services reliant on foreign workers.

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Morgan said: The Prime Minister has to be the one leading this. I dont think that's something she wanted to see.

She went on: There does need to be a clear plan from the top of Government about what it is that we are looking for ... certainly in the next couple of months. Theres obviously an opportunity  the Prime Minister will be giving a speech at the party conference next week.

 Boris Johnson goes 'off script' about when Brexit should happen

I wouldnt say all the details, but a broad outline. The principles, if you like, that are important to the Prime Minister, to the Government, that balance between freedom of movement, having people come here to work, to contirubte, to pay taxes, and access to the single market."

In an interview with the New Statesman, Mr Clarke also launched an attack on Ms Mays handling of the Brexit issue.

He said: Nobody in the Government has the first idea of what they're going to do next on the Brexit front.

Slamming what he regarded as a lack of ideas coming from Dr Fox, Mr Johnson and Mr Davis, whom he called the three Brexiteers, he added: Serious uncertainty in your trading and political relationships with the rest of the world is dangerous if you allow it to persist.

 Jean-Claude Juncker says Brexit talks must start 'as soon as possible'

Whatever is negotiated will be denounced by the ultra-Eurosceptics as a betrayal. Theresa May has had the misfortune of taking over at the most impossible time. She faces an appalling problem of trying to get these three Brexiteers to agree.

Meanwhile, Dr Fox told The Spectator the Government was taking a methodical and inclusive approach, adding: Its not a question of everyone having a say. Its everyone being in the debate.
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It is Sunday morning and an anti-fracking choir of elderly women are singing outside Liverpools Black-E community centre on the outskirts of Chinatown. I'm at Momentums festival - called The World Transformed, about half a mile from Labours official conference in the city - on the first day of Labour's gathering of activists, MPs and supporters.

One of the women in the choir of about a dozen  dubbed the granny frackers by one activist  wails Theresa May is a whore as she pokes the air with her walking stick. Guess where shes an MP for? another screams.

Maidenhead. They howl with laughter.

Inside the main hall, it has the energy and vibrancy missing from the partys official conference on the Albert Dock, which feels more like a wake. But it is hardly surprising these activists have a bounce in their step: at the entrance victory editions of the Morning Star are handed out the morning after Jeremy Corbyns re-election as the messiah, with the newspaper declaring Hes gone and done it again!. The coffee is also 1.40 cheaper than what the suited delegates are paying to enjoy the vacuous displays of unity 10 minutes down the road.

Anti-fracking protestors outside Liverpools Black-E

The leader himself made two appearances at Momentums festival. On the first visit he thanked activists for their significant contribution to his campaign. Holding a copy of The World Transformed schedule of events, he added: This event here might be described as some kind of fringe extreme. I see the kind of discussions that are in this programme here absolutely central and mainstream to how people think and what we're trying to do.

But 69-year-old Maureen, a retiree turned Momentum activist, looks somewhat disappointed at the end of Corbyns speech. I was purged and couldnt vote for Jeremy, she says.

Recommended Read more Momentum activists create mock general election manifesto for Labour

On sale at The World Transformed there are T-shirts bearing Corbyns face, with one declaring, I still hate Thatcher while another adds: Im the one the Daily Mail warned you about. Among the literature one book stands out above the left-wing columnists on display  Poems for Jeremy Corbyn. It includes 50 poets on the threat to planet earth, war and peace, bullying, Brexit, the age of austerity and Jeremy Cobryn. One poem, entitled Corbyn Haiku, reads: Jeremy is not a typical leader  one reason we love him. Another by Abigail EO Wyatt added: Someone crept in and lit a candle in our hearts  that someone happened to be him.

Staffed by a small army of 65 volunteers in their twenties (who Im told were pelted with eggs as they walked down the road the night before) the festival hosted fringe meetings looking at everything from anti-Semitism in the partys ranks, producing mock election manifestos and workshops looking at media bias and how to make the left sexy.

Poster at Momentums festival (Momentum poster)

One evening, back at the gloomy official conference, I am asked by a Labour MP: How is it over there in cloud cuckoo land with the rainbows and unicorns?

However, 28-year-old Emma Rees, a former primary school teacher and one of Momentums national organisers, dismisses the comment when I put it to her as a cynical statement.

It discredits the very real experiences that lots of people are living through and I dont think its rainbows and unicorns to actually want to discuss how we can do things better  how we can structure society so that it benefits more than just the privileged few. And I actually think thats the founding principles of the Labour Party and movement, is to empower ordinary people and the decisions that affect their day-to-day lives," she added.

Rees is speaking in the Pullman Hotel lounge  a usual gathering place for inebriated journalists and special advisers  shortly after Corbyns speech on the final day of the conference. On the Wednesday, however, the lounge appears to have been used for a gathering of the left. Across the room sits Jeremy Corbyn, deep in conversation with Jon Lansman  the architect of Momentum. Seamus Milne, the leaders director of communications, appears from the lift with his suitcase. The shadow Health Secretary Diane Abbott is sat a few metres away with her political advisers. A phone on charge next to the bar rings  its Len McCluskey. It goes unanswered. If the roof of the hotel would have fallen through, Liz Kendall would be Labour leader in two weeks time.

Momentum, as an organisation, describes itself as existing to build on the energy and enthusiasm from the Jeremy Corbyn for Labour leader campaign to increase participatory democracy, solidarity, and grassroots power and help Labour become the transformative governing party of the 21st century. But just days before Labours annual conference in Liverpool began Neil Kinnock, the former Labour leader, described Momentum to me as a parasitic organisation with its own policies and purposes, leeching on the party he had led between 1983 and 1992. Obviously, they have no intention of upholding the wellbeing of Labour  they want to control the party, not advance the party, Kinnock added.

He was speaking after Channel 4 aired its expose documentary into the organisation, set up in the wake of Jeremy Corbyns resounding win in the 2015 leadership contest. The Dispatches programme secretly filmed activists in the organisation during a six-month period and promised to reveal new evidence that Momentum is being influence by hard-left revolutionaries. But a fair amount of viewers were offended, not by the one or two Trotskyists shown in the footage, but the daring, flowery shirt worn by Momentums architect Jon Lansman. Zac Goldsmith, the Tory MP who ran a widely criticised mayoral contest against Sadiq Khan in London, added the programme will only reinforce the view that the establishment wants to trash Corbyn. Suspect itll have the opposite effect.

Corbyn addresses Momentum activists the day after his victory

He was certainly right. For the ardent Corbyn supporters at the organisations festival, all the programme appeared to do was bolster their belief that the mainstream media  the so-called MSM  is a hostile bloc out to undermine the leader. In fact, 29-year-old Oxford graduate James Schneider, one of Momentums national organisers, tells me that 1,300 people have joined as members since the Dispatches programme. Momentum now has 19,000 members.

The tenuous link with Militant and Momentum and the idea the movement has been infiltrated by hard-left revolutionaries resonated little at the vibrant festival that was staffed by a small army of volunteers in their twenties. While the organisation undoubtedly has one or two fossils working hard to provide it with negative headlines, it was these young volunteers running the show at The World Transformed. Some of whom were using the sofas on the fourth-floor of the festival as their bed for the weekend  including the ones in the press room, which had more resemblance to a London budget student flat; dimly lit, and all amenities in six-foot by six-foot space. Youll find one Trot for every three nice people, one left-wing columnist told me.

On the final day of the festival they close the press room (possibly to allow a volunteer to catch up on some sleep) and Im seated in Momentums makeshift press office. They discuss an article in the Daily Express, which focused on their recent announcement of Momentum Kids  dubbed the tiny trots by some. The piece declared shock footage of a child who, when asked what is a Labour politician? replied with a lion.

Corbyn, meanwhile, was described by another child as the king.

The press officers seemed unfazed: it was greeted with laughter.

I imagine the reaction was a little different the following day when Jackie Walker, Momentums vice-chair, appeared to criticise Holocaust Memorial Day for commemorating only Jewish victims. Filmed at a members anti-Semitism training event, she said: In terms of Holocaust day, wouldnt it be wonderful if Holocaust day was open to all people who experienced Holocaust? Momentum sources told me they were fuming with her remarks but a decision, at the time of writing, is yet to be made on her position in the organisation.

When I asked Lansman whether Walker's would remain in her position, he said: "I don't know the answer to that."

Political T-shirts are seen for sale as Momentum supporters gather at Liverpool's Black-E building (Getty)

But one of the biggest issues facing the movement is how, and if ever, it will be able to properly connect members with Labour MPs  in a relationship that doesnt centre on the paranoia of deselections. Interestingly, over the course of three days I heard more talk of such manoeuvres on the Albert Dock among MPs, rather than activists at The World Transformed.

But that is not to say it doesnt exist  while those at the top of Momentum have attempted to publicly disassociate the movement with such actions, it is clear that some of the activists hold the view that if an MP dissents against Corbyn, then they face the chop. One elderly activist, wearing a Momentum badge and finishing his cigarette outside the festival on the final day, appeared agitated over Labour MP Jess Phillips. What Ill say on the doorstep is Jeremy Corbyns not on the ballot. Thats what I said about Ed Miliband, Phillips had told a meeting hosted by the Times.

The activist, stamping his cigarette on the floor, lowered his voice and added: Dont worry, well get her out.

But Rees and Schneider are optimistic for Momentum's future. I think actually theres an awful lot of consensus within the party, Rees said. There is an overwhelming degree of consensus and I think the platform that Jeremy has set up this afternoon is something the vast majority of the party  both members and the PLP  can get behind.

Momentums role within that is about mobilising people, helping people to become active and reaching out to people who havent been politically active before.
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In its short, seven-year insurgency, Boko Haram has emerged as one of the most ruthless and deadly radical militant groups on the planet.

But the 20,000 people killed in the recent clashes in northeastern Nigeria could be dwarfed by the number of children facing death through malnutrition in areas affected by the fighting, the UN has warned.

Nowhere else in the world is suffering a humanitarian crisis on the same scale, according to Unicef's chief of nutrition in Nigeria, Arjan de Wagt.

The UN Children's Fund estimates as many as 75,000 children will die in the coming year if donors do not act quickly to address the famine-like conditions in the area.

Of 4 million people in desperate need of food are about 2.2 million people trapped in areas where Boko Haram is operating or in newly liberated areas that still are too dangerous to reach by road, de Wagt said.

Recommended Read more Nigeria requests UN help in talks to bring back Chibok girls

Most severely malnourished children die of secondary illnesses like diarrhea and respiratory infections, de Wagt told The Associated Press. "But with famine, you actually die of hunger," and that is what is happening, he said.

Severe malnutrition is being found in 20, 30 and even 50 per cent of children in pockets of the region, he said.

"Globally, you just don't see this. You have to go back to places like Somalia five years ago to see these kinds of levels," de Wagt said. Nearly 260,000 people died in Somalia between 2010 and 2012 from severe drought aggravated by war. At the time, the United Nations said aid needed to be provided more quickly.

Unicef on Thursday doubled the amount of its appeal for Nigeria, saying $115 million (88 million) is needed to save children whose "lives are literally hanging by a thread." Only $24 million has been raised so far, the agency said.

The lack of money has meant some 750,000 people living in accessible areas could not be helped this year, spokeswoman Doune Porter said.

The crisis has reached "catastrophic levels" for people who have sought refuge in towns controlled by the military but who are "entirely reliant on outside aid that does not reach them," aid group Medecins sans frontieres said.

And Oxfam's aid group spokeswoman, Christina Corbett, said: "Many families are only able to eat once every few days and usually only watered-down porridge. They are going to bed hungry and waking up with no way to change that."

The rise of Boko Haram Show all 20 1 /20 The rise of Boko Haram The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The leader of the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau delivers a message. Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the mass killings in the north-east Nigerian town of Baga in a video where he warned the massacre was just the tip of the iceberg. As many as 2,000 civilians were killed and 3,700 homes and business were destroyed in the 3 January 2015 attack on the town near Nigeria's border with Cameroon AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People displaced as a result of Boko Haram attacks in the northeast region of Nigeria, are seen near their tents at a faith-based camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in Yola, Adamawa State. Boko Haram says it is building an Islamic state that will revive the glory days of northern Nigeria's medieval Muslim empires, but for those in its territory life is a litany of killings, kidnappings, hunger and economic collapse The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nitsch Eberhard Robert, a German citizen abducted and held hostage by suspected Boko Haram militants, is seen as he arrives at the Yaounde Nsimalen International airport after his release in Yaounde, Cameroon on 21 January 2015 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Officials of the Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) visit victims of a bomb blast in Gombe at the Specialist Hospital in Gombe. According to local reports at least six people were killed and 11 wounded after a bomb blast in a marketplace in Nigeria's northeastern state of Gombe on 16 January 2015. Islamist militant group Boko Haram has been blamed for a string of recent attacks in the North East of Nigeria The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People gather at the site of a bomb explosion in a area know to be targeted by the militant group Boko Haram in Kano on 28 November 2014 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People gather to look at a burnt vehicle following a bomb explosion that rocked the busiest roundabout near the crowded Market in Maiduguri, Borno State on 1 July 2014. A truck exploded in a huge fireball killing at least 15 people in the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri, the city repeatedly hit by Boko Haram Islamists The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram President Goodluck Jonathan visits Nigerian Army soldiers fighting Boko Haram Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Displaced people from Baga listen to Goodluck Jonathan after the Boko Haram killings AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan speaking to troops during a visit to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State; most of the region has been overrun by Boko Haram AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Members of the Nigerian military patrolling in Maiduguri, North East Nigeria, close to the scene of attacks by Boko Haram EPA The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Boko Harams leader, Abubakar Shekau, appears in a video in which he warns Cameroon it faces the same fate as Nigeria AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nana Shettima, the wife of Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima (C) weeps as she speaks with school girls from the government secondary school Chibok that were kidnapped by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, and later escaped in Chibok The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram South Africans protest in solidarity against the abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls in Nigeria by the Muslim extremist group Boko Haram and what protesters said was the failure of the Nigerian government and international community to rescue them, during a march to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Boko Haram militants have seized the town in north-eastern Nigeria that nearly 300 schoolgirls were kidnapped from in April 2014 AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram A soldier stands guard in front of burnt buses after an attack in Abuja. Twin blasts at a bus station packed with morning commuters on the outskirts of Nigeria's capital killed dozens of people, in what appeared to be the latest attack by Boko Haram Islamists, April 2014 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The aftermath of the attack, when Boko Haram fighters in trucks painted in military colours killed 51 people in Konduga in February 2014 AFP/Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau (with papers) in a video grab taken in July 2014 AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Ruins of burnt out houses in the north-eastern settlement of Baga, pictured after Boko Haram attacks in 2013 AP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram A Boko Haram attack in Nigeria, 2013 AFP/Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau, Boko Harams leader AP

The Associated Press has previously reported recent allegations by displaced people and aid workers that food aid is being stolen in Maiduguri. Nigeria's government has said it would investigate.

MSF said Nigerian authorities are responsible for ensuring aid is delivered and described the overall aid response as "massively insufficient, uncoordinated and ill-adapted."

Muhammad Kanar, the area coordinator for Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency, denied there is even one case of malnutrition in Maiduguri. Some officials from his agency, which manages the camps, are among several accused of stealing food aid.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The Sudanese government has been accused of launching chemical weapon attacks on its own civilians, killing hundreds of people including scores of children, in what would be a dramatic escalation of the Darfur conflict.

Amnesty International says it has compiled the first credible body of evidence to suggest the forces of President Omar al-Bashir bombed swathes of the crisis-hit Jebel Marra region with chemical agents.

The charity has released before-and-after satellite images, photographs of horrific burn wounds on children and evidence from more than 200 interviews, and called for a United Nations investigation.

Chemical weapons attacks on the African continent in the post-war era have been extremely rare, and even the accusation that it has carried them out could represent a major setback for Sudans improving relations with the international community.

But it also serves to highlight the ongoing armed conflict in Darfur that, since the peak of the violence and international attention in 2003, has continued to rage more or less unnoticed.

Satellite imagery from March 2015 (L) and April 2016 shows the village of Karmal has been almost completely razed by fire. Only a few thatched roof tukuls, on the outer edges of the village (R), appear undamaged (Amnesty International)

With the exception of Egypt and South Sudan, all African states have signed the Chemical Weapons Convention committing them to destroy any stockpiles.

Using chemical weapons for anything other than a specific set of military goals, let alone on civilians, is a war crime.

Yet between January and the most recent alleged incident earlier this month, Amnesty International says it has recorded at least 30 likely chemical weapons attacks on Darfur civilian populations.

Those attacks alone have killed around 200 to 250 people, the charity said, with many  possibly even the majority  being children. Countless others have suffered the effects of what appear to be chemical agents, and some described their symptoms to Amnesty over the course of its investigation.

Satellite imagery from November 2015 (L) and 8 April 2016 shows the destruction of the western part of Nuoguey village (top of image), while the eastern half remains relatively intact (Amnesty International)

Several bombs fell around the village and in the hills, a mother in her thirties from the village of Burro told the charity. Most of my kids are sick from the smoke of the bombardment. They got sick on the day of the attack. They vomited and they had diarrhoea, they were coughing a lot [and] their skin turned dark like it was burned.

This is first documented, substantial evidence of chemical weapons use inside the Darfur region, the report author Jonathan Loeb told The Independent.

We spoke with scores of survivors and people who cared for them about these alleged chemical weapons attacks, and they all said that the alleged chemical was released by bombs or rocket fire.

These bombs and rockets unequivocally came from Sudanese government forces, that we know beyond doubt. There are no other armed actors in the area with any air force [capable of these attacks].

Amnesty International said it had shared all of its video, photographic and testimonial evidence with two independent chemical weapons experts, and said both concluded that the injuries shown could not have been produced by conventional weapons.

This child's right arm shows large roughly circular lesions showing apparent scarring (Amnesty International)

These lesions are not inconsistent with exposure to sulfur mustard or a similar chemical-warfare-agent vesicant (Amnesty International)

The (partially censored) buttocks of this victim in particular exhibit crops of large, often semi-umbilicated lesions. Scattered nodules or papules are present on the upper thighs (Amnesty International)

The charity is calling on the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to undertake an investigation into its allegations. Only an on-the-ground probe with access to soil samples, urine samples and weapons fragments can conclusively confirm a chemical weapons attack took place.

The scale and brutality of these attacks is hard to put into words, said Tirana Hassan, Amnestys director of crisis research. The images and videos we have seen in the course of our research are truly shocking; in one a young child is screaming with pain before dying; many photos show young children covered in lesions and blisters. Some were unable to breath and vomiting blood.

The fact that Sudans government is now repeatedly using these weapons against their own people simply cannot be ignored and demands action.

The Bashir government has blocked all access to the Jebel Marra region of Darfur, including to humanitarian groups and even the UN peacekeeping force which is operating elsewhere in the country.

President Omar al-Bashir (AP)

But Amnesty said satellite images showed 171 villages had been destroyed or damaged in the last eight months alone, part of a large-scale military offensive launched in January against the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), which the government accuses of ambushing military convoys and attacking civilians.

Sudan is currently subject to an arms embargo in relation to human rights abuses in the Darfur region. Yet a report by a UN monitoring panel this week found the government continues to violate the sanctions imposed on it, leading Human Rights Watch to declare the measures now exist in name only.

But in a rare international media interview earlier this year, President Bashir denied any abuses had taken place in the mountains of Jebel Marra since the start of the government offensive.

He told the BBC: All these allegations are baseless, none of these reports is true.

We challenge anyone to visit the areas recaptured by the armed forces, and find a single village that has been torched.

In fact, there hasn't been any aerial bombing, he said.

In a lengthy response to Amnesty's report, Sudanese justice minister Awad Hassan Elnour insisted humanitarian access was available for "all relevant actors" to Jebel Marra and other affected regions.

He said a government committee had interviewed people displaced due to the fighting, and "all stated they left their villages in Jebel Marra voluntarily", adding that they "replied in the negative when asked if they had been exposed to any attack during their movement".

Elnour suggested those who gave evidence to Amnesty were "supporters of the Abdel Wahid [rebel group] or influenced by fear", calling their testimony "unreliable, contradictory and unsubstantiated".

And the minister categorically denied the use of chemical weapons in the region, saying the government was "very astonished to hear this accusation", which it "categorically repudiates".

He said a chemical weapons attack would constitute a "heinous humanitarian crime", and said the government was "keen to investigate and prosecute any allegation of human rights or IHL violation perpetrated by anyone", if such abuses were to have taken place.
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Uber is preparing to introduce panic buttons in its cars in South Africa after a series of alleged attacks linked to the app.

The company said it was testing a number of ways to improve security over the coming month, including a pilot of dashboard-mounted cameras in Cape Town and the "SOS" button service in Johannesburg, which will link cars to the company's central security system.

It comes in the wake of a high-profile incident in which a woman was allegedly picked up by an Uber driver, strangled, thrown in the boot of the car, robbed and sexually assaulted.

The woman was raped after the driver took her to an ATM and ordered her to withdraw 5,000 rand - around 280 - according to Ulrich Roux, the lawyer who is representing the victim and another passenger involved in a alleged similar assault.

"She is still traumatised from the incident," Roux told the eNCA news agency. "However, she's determined and has been working with police to make sure the perpetrators are prosecuted."

Recommended Read more Uber to require US drivers to take selfies before picking up rides

After another incident last week involving an alleged attack on a female Uber passenger, the ANC Women's League issued a statement warning "all women to be vigilant when choosing to utilise this service".

Two men have been arrested in relation to the alleged attacks on Roux's client, and Uber's general manager Alon Lits has since said one of the suspects is a former Uber driver with no criminal record, who was not a member of the service at the time of the incident.

The victims, however, have questioned that statement, saying they received official Uber receipts for the journeys in question.

A few days before the ANC Women's League statement, Uber said it was updating its service in South Africa so passengers will be told the color of the vehicle theyve requested, its model, licence plate number and details about the driver.

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

It appears the panic button will only be available to the driver in the Johannesburg pilot scheme, although there has been talk of it being made available to passengers as is the case in India.

An Uber Africa spokeswoman, Samantha Allenberg, welcomed the ANC Women's League's input, telling The Washington Post that any violence or aggressive behavior is completely unacceptable".

The Independent has approached Uber for comment.

If there is any allegation of wrongdoing by a driver, they are immediately prevented from accessing the app until an investigation can be concluded, she said.
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Alfred Olango, the mentally ill black man who was fatally shot by El Cajon police, was holding a vape pen while he was shot by an officer, authorities announced on Wednesday.

This morning protesters lined up outside the citys police department calling for a federal investigation into the police shooting. The US Justice Department answered the call late Wednesday night announcing that they joined the investigation.

Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Show all 10 1 /10 Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Demonstrators raise their fists during a rally in El Cajon, a suburb of San Diego, California on September 28, 2016, in protest of the police shooting the night before. Protesters marched in a California town following the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black man said to be mentally ill, as local officials urged calm and pledged a full investigation. The victim, identified as Ugandan refugee Alfred Olango, 30, was shot on Tuesday in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon after police received an emergency call about a man behaving erratically and walking in traffic. / AFP / Bill Wechter (Photo credit should read BILL WECHTER/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests A man speaks through a bull horn as demonstrators assemble in El Cajon, a suburb of San Diego, California on September 28, 2016, in protest of the police shooting the night before. Protesters marched in a California town following the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black man said to be mentally ill, as local officials urged calm and pledged a full investigation. The victim, identified as Ugandan refugee Alfred Olango, 30, was shot on Tuesday in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon after police received an emergency call about a man behaving erratically and walking in traffic. / AFP / Bill Wechter (Photo credit should read BILL WECHTER/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests A man carries a sign as demonstrators assemble in El Cajon, a suburb of San Diego, California on September 28, 2016, in protest of the police shooting the night before. Protesters marched in a California town following the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black man said to be mentally ill, as local officials urged calm and pledged a full investigation. The victim, identified as Ugandan refugee Alfred Olango, 30, was shot on Tuesday in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon after police received an emergency call about a man behaving erratically and walking in traffic. / AFP / Bill Wechter (Photo credit should read BILL WECHTER/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Protesters gather near the El Cajon Police Department headquarters to protest fatal shooting of an unarmed black man Tuesday by officers in El Cajon, California, U.S. September 28, 2016. REUTERS/Dan Whitcomb - RTSPXUO REUTERS Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Protesters gather near the El Cajon Police Department headquarters to protest the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man on Tuesday by officers in El Cajon, California, U.S. September 28, 2016. REUTERS/Dan Whitcomb - RTSPXU1 REUTERS Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Protesters confront San Diego Sheriff's deputies near the site where an unarmed black man was fatally shot by police on Tuesday in El Cajon, California, U.S. September 28, 2016. REUTERS/Earnie Grafton - RTSPXIM REUTERS Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Protesters shout slogans after blocking the intersection of Broadway and Mollison near the site where an unarmed black man was fatally shot by police on Tuesday in El Cajon, California, U.S. September 28, 2016. REUTERS/Earnie Grafton - RTSPXIK REUTERS Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Protester leaders try to defuse an encounter with a motorist and protesters near the site where an unarmed black man was fatally shot by police on Tuesday in El Cajon, California, U.S. September 28, 2016. REUTERS/Earnie Grafton - RTSPXIG REUTERS Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Protesters march at Mollison in El Cajon to protest the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man Tuesday by police in El Cajon, California, U.S. September 28, 2016. REUTERS/Earnie Grafton - RTSPXH6 REUTERS Police killing of Alfred Olango sparks protests Amir Rahim leads protesters gathered at the El Cajon Police Department headquarters in chants to protest the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man Tuesday by officers in El Cajon, California, U.S. September 28, 2016. REUTERS/Earnie Grafton TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTSPWG2 REUTERS

Mr Olango's sister can be heard in cellphone footage telling officers that she called to get her brother help. She says she should have called a crisis communication team.

Dont you guys have a crisis communication team to talk to somebody mentally sick? she asks. Why couldnt you tase him? Why, why, why, why?

The shooting is just the latest incident that fuels the protests against the fatal police shootings of unarmed black men in the US. It also underscores the fact that police across the states kill a person with a mental illness every 36 hours.
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Barack Obama says Congress is making a "mistake" and setting "a dangerous precedent" by passing a bill that would allow families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government for damages.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives voted by an overwhelming majority to override the President's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

The votes on Wednesday afternoon were the first time in the whole of Mr Obama's presidency that he has been overruled by Congress.

And speaking on CNN in the wake of the decision, Mr Obama warned that it left the US exposed to lawsuits from people around the world who have been affected by American foreign policy.

The law will grant an exception to the legal principle of sovereign immunity in cases of terrorism on US soil.

"It's a dangerous precedent and it's an example of why sometimes you have to do what's hard," he said. "And, frankly, I wish Congress here had done what's hard.

"The concern that I've had has nothing to do with Saudi Arabia per se or my sympathy for 9/11 families.

"It has to do with me not wanting a situation where we're suddenly exposed to liabilities for all the work that we're doing all around the world and suddenly finding ourselves subject to private lawsuits."

Mr Obama suggested that his colleagues' voting patterns were influenced by political concerns.

"If you're perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that's a hard vote for people to take.

"But it would have been the right thing to do."

John Brennan, director of the CIA, agreed with Mr Obama that the bill carries "grave implications" for US national security.

"The downside is potentially huge," he said.

The House of Representatives voted 348-77 against the veto, hours after the Senate rejected it 97-1, meaning the JASTA will become law.

"Overriding a presidential veto is something we don't take lightly, but it was important in this case that the families of the victims of 9/11 be allowed to pursue justice, even if that pursuit causes some diplomatic discomforts," Senator Charles Schumer, a top Senate Democrat, said in a statement.

Schumer represents New York, site of the World Trade Center and home to many of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 2001 attacks, survivors and families of victims.

Family members had campaigned for the bill to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the attacks this month, and on Wednesday two fire trucks displayed a giant American flag outside the Senate. The Saudi government financed an extensive lobbying campaign against the new law.

In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush was visiting Emma E Brooker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida as news of the attack on the World Trade Center broke In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 The president and his staff, including Press Secretary Ari Fleischer (L) were then brought to a holding room at the school, where he prepared to address the nation In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush was then rushed onto Air Force One and was flown to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. He watched television coverage of the attacks from his office on the plane In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush talks on the telephone at the General Dougherty Conference Center at Barksdale Air Force Base In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush is seen with his senior adviser Karl Rove at Barksdale Air Force Base In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 The president with White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card at Barksdale Air Force Base. Before leaving the base, the president held a press conference at which he said, Make no mistake: The United States will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 The president was consoled by Lt Col Cindy Wright of the White House Military Office aboard Air Force One. After leaving Louisiana, the president was flown to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska before he headed back to Washington In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush arrived at the White House Presidential Emergency Operations Center around 7 pm. Here he is shown with his wife, First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President Cheney and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 At 8:30 pm, the president addressed the nation from the White House. In his speech, he set the tone for the wars to come in Afghanistan and Iraq In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 Ive directed the full resources for our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and bring them to justice, the president said. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbour them In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 The presidents speech on the teleprompter In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 Immediately following the speech, the president had a national security meeting with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and others

"We rejoice in this triumph and look forward to our day in court and a time when we may finally get more answers regarding who was truly behind the attacks," Terry Strada, whose husband died in the attacks, said in a statement.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, also opposed the bill on grounds of national security.

But the controversy over the bill may not be finished quite yet. At least 28 senators signed a letter to JASTA's sponsors, Schumer and Republican Senator John Cornyn, asking that they work with them to mitigate any potential unintended national security and foreign policy consequences.

Additional reporting by agencies
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When 2-year-old Glenara Bates died, she was 13 pounds - a weight more typical for a 3-month-old.

The day she was killed, prosecutors say her father swung her and slammed her against a door. She cried  and then silence.

The abuse Glenara faced likely wasnt a shock to county officials in Ohio - she was briefly placed in foster care after she was born in January 2013.

Still, officials placed Glenara back in her parents Cincinnati home, where, court records say, she endured abuse at the hands of her parents for the rest of her short life.

A federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Glenaras maternal grandmother, Desana Bradley, says that social services officials knew the toddler was being abused - and still left her with her parents.

Glenara was removed from the cruel and inhumane custody of her parents and then thrown back into that squalor and depravity, according to the lawsuit, which was filed against the Hamilton County Job and Family Services, its caseworkers and county officials. The complaint also states that Glenara had five other siblings, most of whom had been in foster care at some point.

As the lawsuit remains pending, a jury found Glenaras father, Glen Bates, guilty of murder, aggravated murder and endangering children Monday, a year and a half after Glenaras death. Bates, 34, and the childs mother, Andrea Bradley, 30, were indicted last year.

The evidence is clear that Glenara Bates should never have died on March 29, 2015, Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Rick Gibson said during his closing arguments. She was literally beaten from head to toes, scars over scars, bruises, abrasions, burns.

During a jury trial that began last week in Hamilton County, Ohio, Glenaras 10-year-old sister testified that she saw Bates swing the toddler.

I saw her head get banged on the wall I guess they got mad, the 10-year-old said. He hit her, he held her and hit her head against the wall.

The 10-year-old also testified about how her mother, Bradley, treated the toddler.

My mom didnt like her, so she got beat, she said.

Some of the details of the abuse are too horrifying to recount.

Glen Bates has been found guilty of murder in the killing of his 2-year-old daughter, Glenara Bates (Hamilton County Sheriff's Office)

According to the lawsuit, which was filed last December, Bradley took Glenara to the hospital in December 2014. Doctors and medical staff noted that she was malnourished, severely underweight and unable to walk. At that time, Glenara weighed a little over 17 pounds, the complaint says.

Glenara was taken back to her parents home after the hospital visit, and the abuse was not reported to police as required by state law. In Ohio, failure to report suspicion of abuse or neglect is considered a misdemeanor. Its unclear whether anyone has been charged for not reporting the abuse.

By the time Glenara died three months later, she had lost four more pounds, weighing less than half of what an average 2-year-old girl should weigh, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gibson, the prosecuting attorney, was not available for comment Tuesday. Batess attorney, Norm Aubin, did not return a call seeking comment. But during his closing arguments Monday, he shifted the blame to Bradley, who, Aubin said, was around her children more and was responsible for feeding Glenara, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

I do not believe he purposely intended to cause the death of his child, Aubin told jurors.

Bradleys attorney, William Welsh, also did not return a call from The Washington Post. But Welsh told the Enquirer last year that Bradley herself was abused and manipulated by Bates.

Bates is facing the death penalty, while Bradley has yet to stand trial.

In a statement to ABC affiliate WCPO, Moira Weir, director for Hamilton County Job and Family Services whos also a defendant in the lawsuit, said that a preliminary review showed that we failed to follow our own policies and procedures in Glenaras case.

We are conducting further internal reviews and will also have an independent reviewer examine our casework and practice, Weir said in the statement.

The Washington Post
The Department of Education has released the latest round of cohort default rates for federal student loans, and there is good news and bad news. The good news is that the three-year cohort default ratethe share of student borrowers in default three years after entering repaymentticked down a notch in 2013 from 11.8 percent to 11.3 percent. The bad news is that in attempting to ameliorate the problem, the Department may be ignoring a large part of it.

The Department of Education tends to blame for-profit colleges for high default rates, and has consequently targeted this sector with heavy regulation. There is some justification for this. In doing so, however, the Department has largely ignored the default crisis at public colleges, which account for more than half of the problem.

Of the 593,000 borrowers entering default in the most recent cohort, roughly 52 percent of them attended public colleges. Slightly more than a third attended for-profit colleges. Yet this one-third has been the primary target of the lions share of political rhetoric and rulemaking by the Obama Administration.

Certainly, for-profit colleges deserve closer scrutiny, particularly where taxpayer dollars are concerned. For-profits have a default rate of 15 percent, which is higher than the overall public sector rate of 11.3 percent. But this rate lumps in flagship public universities with community colleges. Among two-year institutions only, public schools fare worse, with a default rate of 18.5 percent, compared to 16.9 percent in the for-profit sector.

Why do default rates matter? Whether a student is able to pay back his loans tells us something about the sort of education a school providesand whether that education is even likely to be completed. One of the strongest predictors of whether a student will default is whether he manages to graduate. While most students are better off with a college degree and student debt than they are with no degree and no debt, the worst of both worlds is no degree but a debt bill. Even dropouts who owe very little may find it difficult to pay back their loans.

Default rates also tell us something about whether it is too risky for taxpayers to take a chance on sending a student to a particular schoolbut on this score they are not a perfect measure. Indeed, they may understate the risk to taxpayers, as borrowers can use options such as deferment or forbearance to delay making payments on their student loans. In addition, borrowers are taking advantage of income-driven repayment plans in greater numbers, which will allow many to receive loan forgiveness later on.

If the Department of Education is serious about protecting taxpayers and helping students avoid poor-quality schools, it must scrutinize the public sector as well as the for-profit sector. According to the data release, 21 public colleges had default rates above 30 percent in 2013. Not a single one of them lost access to federal student aid.

The message is clear: as a college, who your owners are matters more than whether your students succeed. With default rates still in double digits, perhaps it is time to revisit that assumption.

Preston Cooper is a policy analyst at the Manhattan Institute. You can follow him on Twitter here.

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Congress staved off an October 1 government shutdown Wednesday, passing a stopgap spending measure after House Republicans agreed to address the drinking-water crisis in Flint, Michigan, removing a major obstacle in negotiations.

The bill extends current government funding levels until early December, giving appropriators time to negotiate 2017 spending measures. It also provides year-long funding for veterans programmes, $1.1 billion to address the Zika virus and $500 million in emergency flood relief for Louisiana and other states.

The House approved the bill in a 342-85 late-night vote, hours after senators voted 77-21 to pass the measure. Lawmakers have now recessed until after the November 8 election.

Both the Zika and flood funding were subject to long and painstaking negotiations between majority Republicans and minority Democrats, but it was funding for Flint that threatened to push matters past the brink with one month before Election Day.

Democrats made clear earlier this week they would not support the spending bill unless Republicans moved to guarantee Flint aid, while GOP leaders countered the Senate had approved such help earlier this month in a separate water projects bill.

The impasse was broken late Tuesday after House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) struck a deal allowing a vote to include $170 million in Flint relief to the House version of the water bill. That amendment and the underlying bill both passed the House Wednesday evening on bipartisan votes.

We have sent a message of hope to the people of Flint, Pelosi said Wednesday. While we preferred to deliver those funds to the children in this [spending] bill, we are at least on a path to meaningful action.

Ryan, addressing the Economic Club of Washington Wednesday morning, said the amendment would help unlock the spending bill. We should be able to move this through, I believe, before Friday, he said.

By Wednesday morning, Senate Democrats were satisfied that, thanks to the House deal, Flint would be addressed once Congress returns after the November 8 election.

I am convinced that there is going to be help for Flint in the lame duck, Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) said on the Senate floor. Theyve been waiting for help, they deserve help, and I am very happy it is going to come.

The Flint crisis is now into its second year, with most households and businesses in the Michigan city still unable to use their lead-tainted tap water for drinking or cooking. A decision made by a state-appointed emergency manager to switch water sources led to the corrosion of water-supply pipes that now must be replaced at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars.

The federal aid package passed by the Senate would fund a portion of those costs while also helping Flint and other communities deal with the public-health implications of lead exposure. The House version is less specific, authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake infrastructure repairs.

Wednesdays Senate votes capped weeks of frustration for Republicans, who complained that Democrats had engaged in bad-faith spending negotiations aimed at keeping vulnerable GOP incumbents in Washington rather than on the campaign trail.

Its almost as if a few Democratic leaders decided long ago that bringing our country to the brink would make for good election-year politics, and then theyve just made up the rationale as they go along, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday.

McConnell (R-Ky.) unveiled a stopgap spending measure last week that indulged several Democratic demands, including a meticulously constructed deal on Zika funding and the elimination of several contentious policy riders. But it did not incorporate the $220 million Flint aid package that passed the Senate as part of the water bill.

Democrats have sought federal relief money for the Flint crisis since January, and they are eager to get the funding passed into law. The issue has stirred resentments over the inequities in the treatment of a majority-black city, and it has stayed near the top of Democrats congressional agenda for months.

With Democrats demanding funding for Flint, the bill failed to advance Tuesday on a 55-to-45 vote. The procedural vote was retaken Wednesday after the House deal was struck.

While most Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to advance the spending bill, Michigans two Democratic senators voted against it, because Flint aid was not directly attached. But both senators, Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, praised the House deal for creating a more definitive path forward.

Quite frankly, had we not all stuck together yesterday, we wouldnt be here today talking about a House bill passing with language dealing with Flint, Peters said.

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), a Flint native who co-authored the House amendment with Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), said the agreement would create a concrete commitment from both bodies of Congress to get aid to my hometown, for my hometown, to the presidents desk.

What happened in Flint was a failure of government at every level, he said. Congress can take its rightful place in fulfilling its obligation and its responsibility to help my hometown recover.

All told, the short-term spending bill was a triumph for Democrats, who were able to exact numerous concessions from Republican leaders who were determined to avoid a distracting government shutdown in the middle of campaign season. That has prompted grumbling from House conservatives, in particular, and increased GOP pressure on McConnell and Ryan to draw a harder line when the stopgap expires in December.

Democrats accepted a partial victory on the Flint aid, which they preferred to be attached to the spending bill, because it is a must-pass measure that is guaranteed to become law.

The two chambers will have to resolve differences between the two water-projects bills in a process that might stretch into November or December. The deal struck Tuesday, however, should assure the final product will include Flint aid.

The GOP agreement to secure Flint funding was all but sealed late Wednesday when Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, publicly committed on the House floor to include it in the compromise bill that will be negotiated with the Senate.

In 2016, no one - no one - should be afraid to drink the water that comes out of their tap, Shuster said.

The Washington Post
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US presidential candidate Donald Trump has accused Google of altering search results to benefit his opponent Hillary Clinton in the wake of the reaction to a televised debate.

He also attacked the debates moderator Lester Holt who he said was biased towards Ms Clinton.

His comments follow an underwhelming performance in the debate, with scientific polls, focus groups and the markets handing the win to Ms Clinton.

In the aftermath, Mr Trump insisted every poll showed him as the winner, citing many online polls handing him the victory, but also complained about his microphone and told supporters in a subsequent appearance he had been holding back in the debate, because he didnt want to embarrass Ms Clinton.

But he has now offered a new conspiracy theory to explain why many said Ms Clinton won the debate.

Speaking at a rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, Mr Trump said he believed Google was rigging search results against him.

Recommended Read more Trump becomes his own spin doctor after the first presidential debate

He said: Google search engine was suppressing the bad news about Hillary Clinton.

How about that? How about that? he said to a cheering crowd.

Google has previously issued a statement on similar claims.

A spokesperson said: Google has never ever re-ranked search results on any topic (including elections) to manipulate user sentiment. Moreover, we do not make any ranking tweaks that are specific to elections or political candidates. From the beginning, our approach to search has been to provide the most relevant answers and results to our users, and it would undermine people's trust in our results, and our company, if we were to change course.

Mr Trump's claims followed remarks he made to Fox News, in which he said that during the debate, Mr Holt gave him harder questions than he gave to Ms Clinton.

Mr Trump had originally been complimentary about Mr Holts performance. I said good things right after the show, but after reviewing it and after seeing the way he badgered, and even the questions I got I was disappointed, he said.

[He] was much, much tougher on me than he was on Hillary, he added.

Anyone who complains about the microphone is not having a good night, Ms Clinton told reporters after the debate.

In an appearance at a rally in New Hampshire, she said the US is in the midst of one of the strangest elections she had ever seen.

US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump shakes hands with Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the conclusion of their first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures President Barack Obama embraces Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on stage at the party's convention in Philadelphia US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Donald Trump's wife Melania delivered a speech at the GOP convention in Cleveland that was later found to have been cribbed in part from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Hillary Clinton talks to reporters aboard her new campaign plane on Labour Day, 5 September, her first 'press conference' since 2015 (Getty Images) US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Donald Trump held a joint press conference with Mexican leader Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico City in August, hours before reiterating his harsh immigration plans at a campaign rally in Arizona Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Bernie Sanders officially endorsed Hillary Clinton, saying his progressive vision for a transformed America would be best served by the defeat of Donald Trump Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Khizr and Gazala Khan appeared at the DNC to slam Trump for his stance on Muslim immigration, citing the case of their son Humayun Khan, who was killed in combat while serving as a Captain in the US Army in Iraq US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson is doing better in polls than any third party candidate since Ross Perot, 20 years ago Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Green Party candidate Jill Stein (centre) marches with supporters in Colorado AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Hillary Clinton and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine at a rally in Kaine's home state in July, days before Ms Clinton tapped him to be her running mate Getty US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Trump on the campaign trail with his vice presidential pick, Indiana governor Mike Pence AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage appears at a Trump rally in Mississippi in August, where he told the crowd that he 'wouldn't vote for Hillary Clinton if you paid me'.

A new poll by Reuters/Ipsos released on Wednesday evening found that 56 percent of American adults felt that Ms Clinton did a better job than Trump at their first debate, compared with 26 percent who felt that Mr Trump did better.
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Donald Trumps personal wealth has declined by approximately $800m since he began his presidential campaign - in which he has repeatedly boasted about how rich he is.

Business magazine Forbes has revised the Republican nominees wealth estimate down to $3.7bn (2.8bn) down from $4.5bn last year.

The decline in his fortune has been put down to the worsening of conditions in the New York property market

Several of his primary assets, including Trump Tower in Manhattan and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, have declined in value compared with the previous year.

But Forbes also estimates that he has lost approximately $100m in lost deals with companies such as NBCUniversal, Univision and Macys over his controversial comments on the campaign trail.

Spanish language TV network Univision announced it would cancelled its broadcast of the Miss USA pageant - which is owned by Mr Trump - in July 2015 after Mr Trump called Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists.

He said he would build a wall to keep them out of the US and make Mexico pay.

Mr Trump later settled a lawsuit with Univision for an undisclosed amount in February this year.

US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump shakes hands with Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the conclusion of their first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures President Barack Obama embraces Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on stage at the party's convention in Philadelphia US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Donald Trump's wife Melania delivered a speech at the GOP convention in Cleveland that was later found to have been cribbed in part from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Hillary Clinton talks to reporters aboard her new campaign plane on Labour Day, 5 September, her first 'press conference' since 2015 (Getty Images) US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Donald Trump held a joint press conference with Mexican leader Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico City in August, hours before reiterating his harsh immigration plans at a campaign rally in Arizona Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Bernie Sanders officially endorsed Hillary Clinton, saying his progressive vision for a transformed America would be best served by the defeat of Donald Trump Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Khizr and Gazala Khan appeared at the DNC to slam Trump for his stance on Muslim immigration, citing the case of their son Humayun Khan, who was killed in combat while serving as a Captain in the US Army in Iraq US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson is doing better in polls than any third party candidate since Ross Perot, 20 years ago Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Green Party candidate Jill Stein (centre) marches with supporters in Colorado AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Hillary Clinton and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine at a rally in Kaine's home state in July, days before Ms Clinton tapped him to be her running mate Getty US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Trump on the campaign trail with his vice presidential pick, Indiana governor Mike Pence AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage appears at a Trump rally in Mississippi in August, where he told the crowd that he 'wouldn't vote for Hillary Clinton if you paid me'.

The presidential candidate is also estimated to have spent a further $50m on his own campaign.

Last year, Mr Trump said the beauty of his candidacy is that he was very rich and could finance his own campaign without relying on establishment donors like his rival, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Indeed, Mr Trump has struggled to bring in major donors at the same pace as Ms Clinton.

Several of Mr Trump's most iconic properties have declined in value (Getty Images)

In August, Ms Clinton raised $143m from donors for her presidential bid compared with just $90m for Mr Trump.

Mr Trump, who once claimed he was worth $10bn, is notoriously precious about disclosing his earnings.

He is so far the first major party presidential candidate since Gerald Ford not to publish his tax return.

In contrast Ms Clinton and her husband declared that they had earned a reported $10.6m in income and paid $3.6m in federal income tax in 2015.

Forbes has also claimed that no other mogul featured on their annual rich list has been more fixated on his or her net worth estimate on a year-in, year-out basis than Donald J Trump.

The magazine said that other billionaires on the list tended to complain that the estimate was too high rather than too low.

When Forbes estimated his at $4.5bn last year he complained: Im running for President. Im worth much more than you have me down [for].

I dont look good, to be honest. I mean, I look better if Im worth $10 billion than if Im worth $4 billion.
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Some 300 demonstrators gathered outside the El Cajon Police Department in suburban San Diego on Wednesday, to protest the police shooting death of an unarmed and mentally ill black man, named locally as Ugandan-born Alfred Olango.

Recommended Read more Young girl makes tearful plea over police shooting in Charlotte

The crowd yelled murder and chanted Black Lives Matter as they expressed anger at the killing of Mr Olango, less than a fortnight after protests over two dubious police shootings of black men rocked the cities of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Charlotte, North Carolina.

El Cajon police said the victim, who was in his 30s, was shot dead on Tuesday after officers responded to multiple calls to deal with a mentally ill individual walking in traffic in the Southern California suburb. According to Reuters, one of the officers had been trained as a member of the San Diego County Psychiatric Emergency Response Team or PERT.

The victim reportedly aimed an unspecified object at the officers. One officer fired his taser, while the other fired his sidearm. No weapon was recovered from the scene, police said. In a video later posted to YouTube, a woman identifying herself as Mr Olangos sister shouted at the officers, Oh my God, you killed my brother!

El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis said on Wednesday that it was a time for calm, adding: I implore the community to be patient with us, work with us, look at the facts at hand before making any judgment.

Reverend Shane Harris, president of the local chapter of the National Action Network, was among the protesters demanding police release video of the shooting and calling for a federal investigation of the incident. We are not going to stop until we get justice, he said.
 Close Video shows aftermath of Hoboken crash

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A packed commuter train has ploughed into a station in Hoboken, New Jersey, injuring over 100 people and killing one person.

The rush-hour train did not slow down as it entered the station, hit a concrete block and was raised off the tracks, hitting the station ceiling.

Part of the station ceiling has collapsed. Emergency workers are on the scene, helping passengers evacuate the carriages. Many were trapped and injured.

Dozens of ambulances lined up near the station and more than 10 people have been take to intensive care.

Follow our live updates:

What happened?

The cause of the accident is not immediately clear.

Radio station WFAN anchor John Minko told New York radio station WINS that the train went right through the barriers and into the reception area''.

In pictures: Hoboken train crash Show all 18 1 /18 In pictures: Hoboken train crash In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Emergency officials stand outside of the Hoboken Terminal following a train crash AP In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Passengers rush to safety after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Passengers rush to safety after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Passengers rush to safety after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash A NJ Transit train seen through the wreckage after it crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash A NJ Transit train seen through the wreckage after it crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash The roof collapse after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Train personel survey the NJ Transit train that crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Emergency workers arrive at New Jersey Transit's rail station in Hoboken AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash The scene in Hoboken, New Jersey, after a commuter train crashed into the rail station PA In pictures: Hoboken train crash Emergency workers arrive at New Jersey Transit's rail station in Hoboken AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Commuters gather at New Jersey Transit's rail station in Hoboken AFP/Getty Images

NJ Transit has announced that all PATH trains have been suspended at Hoboken station.

Emergency services are arriving on the scene and are helping to remove people from the train.

A Twitter user from New York City, under the name Inscrutable India, wrote, "Lucky to be alive .. we in the second car of the train that crashed in Hoboken."

Around 15,000 people travel through the train station every week, as reported by CNN.

Commuters were told to find another way to get to work, including NY Waterway allowing people to board with rail passes.
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More than 100 people have been injured and at least one person has died after a commuter train crashed into a station in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The crash happened at about 8:30am. Passengers described how the train failed to slow down as it approached the end of the line.

MSNBC reported three people had been killed, citing medical officials.

Recommended Read more Possible mass casualties as New Jersey train crash in Hoboken

Photographs from the scene show damage to the rail car and extensive structural damage to Hoboken station, which would have been crowded with rush-hour commuters.

Images posted on social media show a train that appears to have gone through the buffers stop at the end of the track.

A New Jersey Transit spokeswoman said that more than 100 people had been injured, some critically.

In pictures: Hoboken train crash Show all 18 1 /18 In pictures: Hoboken train crash In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Emergency officials stand outside of the Hoboken Terminal following a train crash AP In pictures: Hoboken train crash People are treated for their injuries outside after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Passengers rush to safety after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Passengers rush to safety after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Passengers rush to safety after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash A NJ Transit train seen through the wreckage after it crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash A NJ Transit train seen through the wreckage after it crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash The roof collapse after a NJ Transit train crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Train personel survey the NJ Transit train that crashed in to the platform at the Hoboken Terminal Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Emergency workers arrive at New Jersey Transit's rail station in Hoboken AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash The scene in Hoboken, New Jersey, after a commuter train crashed into the rail station PA In pictures: Hoboken train crash Emergency workers arrive at New Jersey Transit's rail station in Hoboken AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Hoboken train crash Commuters gather at New Jersey Transit's rail station in Hoboken AFP/Getty Images

A senior transportation official told The New York Times there had been multiple fatalities: There are a significant number of injuries. The train was going very fast. There are structural concerns about the facility.

Linda Albelli, 62, told Reuters she was sitting in one of the rear cars when the train approached the station. She said she knew something was wrong before impact.

"I thought to myself, 'Oh my god, he's not slowing up, and this is where we're usually stop,'" she said. "'We're going too fast,' and with that there was this tremendous crash."

One witness said the train was travelling so fast it rose into the air as it it hit a concrete buffer, smashing into the terminal's roof, bringing down the structure on to the first train car.

Nancy Bido, a passenger on the train, told WNBC-TV in New York that train did not slow as it pulled into the station.

"It just never stopped. It was going really fast and the terminal was basically the brake for the train," she said.

Law enforcement agencies told NBC News that initial indications did not suggest the crash was an act of terrorism, but may have been an accident or the result of operator error.

The US has a notoriously poor rail safety record. The state of the country's crumbling infrastructure has been an election issue throughout the 2016 campaign, as both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton describe how they would increase investment.

Hoboken lies across the Hudson River from New York city, and its Transit station is a major hub for commuters.

The National Transportation Safety Board will open an investigation into the crash and will send a team of investigators to the scene, said Keith Holloway, a spokesman for the board.
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Police in New Mexico are looking for a man who, they say, punched his wife after she started breastfeeding their newborn in front of a male doctor.

Rafael Orozco became angry when his wife, who had given birth earlier that day, started breastfeeding their baby girl, exposing herself to a doctor who had walked in to check on her and the infant, according to a police report.

Orozco, 22, punched his wife in the mouth as she was carrying the baby in her arms, the report said. He also slapped the infant on the head before hospital staff confronted him.

Rafael Orozco (Taos County Adult Detention Center)

The incident occurred late at night on Sept. 21, at a hospital in the town of Taos, N.M., about 130 miles northeast of Albuquerque.

Iesha Hartt told police that her husband is a very jealous man, according to the report. He called her names after she began breastfeeding their daughter and grabbed her by the throat, leaving scratches on her shoulder area, the report said.

Orozco ran out of the hospitals labor and delivery room after being confronted by hospital staff. When a security guard caught and restrained him, Orozco reached to his side and told the guard that he had a gun. He was let go, and he fled the hospital, the report said.

Breastfeeding in public controversies Show all 11 1 /11 Breastfeeding in public controversies Breastfeeding in public controversies A woman has sparked a heated debate among parents after she revealed that she breastfeeds both her and her friend's son. Jessica Colletti, from Pennsylvania, said nursing Charlie Interrante's son seemed like the natural thing to do because she was already breastfeeding her son. Colletti told the Mama Bean parenting blog that she asked permission to nurse Interrantes son when she began looking after him, after they met at a photoshoot for new mothers. Interrante agreed as her son had not taken to formula milk Breastfeeding in public controversies New Hampshire State Rep. Josh Moore said on Facebook that men should be allowed to grab the nipples of breastfeeding mothers if the law banning women exposing their breasts did not pass Breastfeeding in public controversies When Gemma Colley's photo of her son with fake tan on his fake after she breastfeed him went viral, she also saw that no parent is alone when they make a silly mistake. Over 100,000 people liked and 40,000 people shared Ms Colleys photo of her sons sleepy face with fake tan encircling his mouth and nose, after she posted it to the Unmumsy Mum Facebook page Breastfeeding in public controversies A candid image of a mother breastfeeding her young child while using the toilet has divided parents online, as some argue its an honest depiction of parenthood, while others have labelled it disgusting Breastfeeding in public controversies The exclusive Claridges hotel has been widely criticised for asking a woman to cover herself with a ridiculous shroud while breastfeeding her three-month-old daughter. Lousie Burns said she burst into tears when staff members at the five-star venue asked her to cover herself and her baby with an oversized napkin in order to avoid causing offence to other guests Breastfeeding in public controversies An Australian cafe has been praised for sticking up for a breastfeeding mother after a customer told her to cover up. Jessica-Anne Allen, owner of Cheese and Biscuits Cafe in Queensland, Australia, has described how she was approached by a male customer in the cafe to complain that he was upset by a woman in the coffee shop breastfeeding her child nearby. The customer asked the cafe owner, 29, to tell the mother to cover up. When Mrs Allen refused to do so, he took matters into his own hands and challenged the woman himself. Staff at the cafe then asked the man to leave Breastfeeding in public controversies A woman who claimed a Primark security guard had forcibly removed her child while she was breastfeeding has admitted to perverting the course of justice. Caroline Starmer sparked a series of headlines after claiming on Facebook that a store guard had taken her nine-month-old daughter Paige away from her. The mother from Leicester then repeated her claims in a number of interviews, before Primark denied the incident and handed CCTV over to the police to show there was no evidence to support the allegations. Appearing in Leicester Crown Court, she admitted the charge of perverting the course of justice by not telling the truth Breastfeeding in public controversies Pope Francis has become an unlikely advocate for public breastfeeding, by encouraging mothers to feed their babies in the Sistine Chapel. During a ceremony in Vatican City on Sunday, the Pope baptised 32 babies and told their mothers: If they are hungry, mothers, feed them, without thinking twice, because they are the most important people here Breastfeeding in public controversies Facebook has changed its community guidelines to allow users to post photos of breastfeeding. The change comes as the wide-ranging #FreeTheNipple online campaign has built pace in its attack against guidelines used by social media websites to regulate nudity  from photos of breastfeeding to topless photos post by singer Rihannas on her now defunct Instagram account. Facebooks Community Standards, which outline what users are allowed to post, never included a outright ban on photos of breastfeeding Breastfeeding in public controversies The manager of a public swimming pool at the Lux Park centre in Liskeardhas been forced to apologise after he told a mother to stop breastfeeding her son by the waterside. 23-year-old Rebecaa Hough of Torpoint, Cornwall, was feeding 10-month-old Max a few steps from the main pool, when the manager told her to carry on in the changing rooms in case the infant was sick into the water. She was also told that she should not to return for half an hour to ensure the milk was fully digested Breastfeeding in public controversies A Conservative MP has claimed allowing women to breastfeed in the House of Commons chamber would expose politicians to tabloid ridicule. Sir Simon Burns, a former transport minister, spoke on what he called a controversial subject in a debate in making Westminster more family-friendly

The guard told police that he was hit in the ribs while trying to restrain Orozco, the report said.

The hospital was placed on lockdown overnight amid the search for Orozco, according to media reports. Police also checked Orozcos home and the residence of Hartts mother, but he is yet to be found.

Taos Police Chief Randy Palmer was not available for comment on Tuesday.

According to ABC affiliate KOAT, Orozco was already wanted on a parole violation stemming from a charge of receiving stolen property.

The Washington Post
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When the zip broke on Jo Dus wedding dress, it was just hours before the ceremony and no one knew a tailor that was available on a Sunday.

The wedding photogtapher, Lindsay Coulter, suggested a bridesmaid head over to the neighbours house and ask for a pair of pliers.

What nobody had anticipated was that the neighbour in Guelph, Ontario, was hosting a Syrian refugee family, one of whom had worked as a master tailor for 28 years in Aleppo.

Ibrahim Halil Dudu, his son and the neighbour, David Hobson, came round with a sewing kit.

Ms Coulter wrote about the "incredible situation" on her Facebook page and shared photos of Mr Dudu fixing the bride's dress.

The Syrian family had moved to Canada just four days prior to the wedding, she said, and had been using Google Translate to communicate.

Mr Dudus son was reportedly curious, looking around at the bridal party, while his dad sewed the final stitches on Ms Dus dress.

The groom, Earl Lee, told CTV: "Were so lucky that happened to us."

Through a translator, Mr Dudu said: "I was so excited and so happy. I like to help Canadian people from my heart."

"Every weekend I take photos of people on the happiest days of their lives, and today one man who has seen some of the worst things our world has to offer came to the rescue," she wrote.

Ms Coulter added that she was "proud" to live in Canada, which has welcomed refugees from Syria and other countries.

"I'm in awe of the families who have welcomed these strangers in to their homes and lives, and I'm inspired by the resilience of the Syrian people.

"We are truly blessed," she wrote.

Ms Coulter set up a GoFundMe page to encourage donations to the tailors family and other Syrian refugee families who are placed under private sponsorship in Canada.
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A man who was rescued after spending a week stranded at sea off the east US coast said he did everything he could to save his mother before she drowned.

Nathan Carman set off on a fishing trip with his 54-year-old mother on 17 September from a harbour in Rhode Island.

He was found a week later on an inflatable life raft 100 miles off the coast of neighbouring state Massachusetts  but his mother had died in a terrible tragedy, he told Associated Press.

Mr Carman said their boat, a 31ft aluminium fishing vessel called Chicken Pox, sank in a matter of minutes on the second day of the trip after he heard a funny noise in the engine compartment and saw water pouring in.

He said he saw his mother in the cockpit, and grabbed three bags containing food, flares and life jackets. But when he looked back, his mother was no longer there.

Mr Carman, who has Aspergers syndrome, said he swam to the boat's life raft  about 15 to 20 feet away  then blew a whistle and called out frantically for her for hours.

I was yelling, 'Mom! Mom!' Mr Carman said. He added: I loved my mother and my mother loved me.

Nathan Carmen's mother Linda, from Middletown in the east US state of Connecticut (WTNH News8 / Youtube screengrab)

Coast Guard officials interviewed Mr Carman, and police searched his home in Vermont on Monday as part of an investigation into the ill-fated trip.

He has not been charged with anything and authorities would not discuss the investigation into the boating trip  but Mr Carman said suspicions about his account of the sinking of his boat were compounding his grief after the incident.

What happened on the boat was a terrible tragedy that I am still trying to process and that I am still trying to come to terms with, he said.

I don't know what to make of people being suspicious, he added. I have enough to deal with.

The search warrant indicated investigators think Mr Carman was handling some boat motor repairs himself and that the vessel might not have been seaworthy.

In pictures: Canada whale-watching boat sinks Show all 5 1 /5 In pictures: Canada whale-watching boat sinks In pictures: Canada whale-watching boat sinks Rescue personnel mounting a search for victims of a capsized whale watching boat park on a wharf in Tofino, British Columbia Reuters In pictures: Canada whale-watching boat sinks A woman pays her condolences from the First St. dock to passengers of a capsized whale watching boat in Tofino AP In pictures: Canada whale-watching boat sinks A candle burns on the First St. Dock in memory of those who lost their lives on a whale watching boat that capsized, in Tofino AP In pictures: Canada whale-watching boat sinks Canadian Coast Guard crew arrive at a dock in Tofino AP In pictures: Canada whale-watching boat sinks Rescue personnel mounting a search for victims of a capsized whale-watching boat park on a wharf in Tofino Reuters

The investigation has also revealed that Nathan had intended to go fishing further off-shore in a different location than what were his mother's intentions and understanding, the warrant said.

The 22-year-old had been a suspect in the still unsolved killing of his rich grandfather in 2013. According to court documents, he was the last person to see 87-year-old John Chakalos alive before he was shot dead.

Carmen had bought a rifle which matched the one used in the crime, and also thrown away his GPS unit around the time of the shooting. He was never charged.

Experts say people with Asperger's, a high-functioning form of autism, are no more likely than others to commit violent crimes.
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Since her name was used to shame Donald Trump at Monday nights US presidential debate, the Venezuelan-born actress and beauty queen Alicia Machado has embraced her new role as a high-profile Hillary Clinton campaign surrogate. But while the renewed scrutiny has thrown fresh light on Mr Trumps attitudes towards women and Latinos, it has also brought up a less savoury episode from Ms Machados own past.

Recommended Read more Former Miss Universe claims Donald Trump body shamed her

In 1998, two years after she was crowned Miss Universe, a judge in Venezuela accused Ms Machado, 21 at the time, of having threatened to kill him after he indicted her then-boyfriend for an attempted murder. The boyfriend, Juan Rafael Rodriguez Reggeti, blamed his brother-in-law for his sisters suicide, after she leapt to her death while heavily pregnant. He fired two shots at the man shortly after the funeral, wounding but not killing him.

The victims family said Mr Reggeti had fled in a car driven by Ms Machado, but she denied the charge and was never indicted. After judge Maximiliano Fuenmayor issued a warrant for Mr Reggetis arrest, however, he claimed to have received a threatening phonecall from Ms Machado. Ms Machado admitted she called Mr Fuenmayor but, according to a contemporary report in The Economist, insisted she had thanked him for his unbiased pursuit of justice.

 The First US Presidential Debate - in 90 seconds

This week Ms Machado was asked about the incident by CNNs Anderson Cooper. You know, I have my past, of course everybody has a past, And Im no saint girl, she replied. But that is not the point now ... [Trump] was really rude with me, he tried to destroy my self-esteem. And now Im a voice in the Latin community. Im in a great moment in my life and I have a very clear life.

Ms Machados history with Mr Trump began when she was named Miss Universe in 1996, just after he had taken ownership of the beauty pageant. Mr Trump was unhappy to learn she had gained weight after her victory and forced her to attend a photocall at a gym in New York, threatening to strip her of her title if she refused. She was filmed exercising as the property mogul looked on. This is somebody who likes to eat, he informed the assembled reporters.

A CNN report from the time took Mr Trumps line. When Alicia Machado of Venezuela was named Miss Universe nine months ago, no one could accuse her of being the size of the universe, the networks correspondent wrote. But as her universe expanded, so did she. Mortified by the gym session and subsequent coverage, in the years that followed the aspiring actress struggled with anorexia and bulimia.

On Monday, Ms Clinton used the story to remind debate viewers of her opponents behaviour to women and minorities. One of the worst things he said was about a woman in a beauty contest, the Democrat said. He called this woman Miss Piggy, then he called her Miss Housekeeping because she was Latina Donald, she has a name. Her name is Alicia Machado. And she has become a US citizen and you can bet she is going to vote this November.

Ms Machado, who lives in Los Angeles, recently acquired a US passport and has already appeared on the stump for Ms Clinton, tweeted her thanks to the former Secretary of State after the debate, writing in Spanish: Thanks Mrs Hillary Clinton. Your respect for women and our differences makes you great. Im with you.

On the morning after the debate, invited to explain himself on Fox News, Mr Trump recalled that he had indeed been bothered by Ms Machados weight gain after her Miss Universe victory all those years ago. She gained a massive amount of weight and it was a real problem, he said.
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The murky business dealings of Donald Trump are again under the spotlight amidst allegations that executives representing his then holding company, Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, conducted a scouting expedition in Cuba in 1998 in apparent violation of the US embargo.

Documents obtained by Newsweek as well as interviews with unnamed former Trump executives allegedly show that the candidates company spent $68,000 on the trip.

The magazine asserts that, with Trumps knowledge payment for the expedition was funneled through a consulting firm called Seven Arrows Investment and Development Corp. Only after the trip was over and the bill had been submitted for it did Seven Arrows advise Mr Trumps people that it should be made to look like a charitable undertaking to avoid legal trouble.

Payment to Seven Arrows was purportedly made just before Mr Trump launched his first presidential bid as candidate for the Reform Party in 1999. On day one of his campaign he told an audience of mostly Cuban-Americans in Miami that the then Cuban leader, Fidel Castrol, was a murderer and money spent on the island went to the regime instead of ordinary Cubans.

The report, which was expansively discussed on the MSBNC news channel on Wednesday, will give fodder to Hillary Clinton who has highlighted the obscurity of some of Mr Trumps past and present business relationships, including to whom he owes outstanding debt. A release of his tax filings could go some way to clearing up those mysteries but he continues to demur.

The report prompted Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who is running for re-election to the Senate, to suggest he may withdraw his endorsement of Mr Trump for president. The article makes some very serious and troubling allegations. I will reserve judgment until we know all the facts and Donald has been given the opportunity to respond, Mr Rubio said on Thursday.

There was no comment from Seven Arrows. According to its website, the company specialises in real estate investment and development. However, Kellyanne Conway, the Trump campaign manager, all but confirmed that the money detailed in the story had been spent in Cuba in an interview on Thursday on The View on ABC.

A company controlled by Donald Trump  secretly conducted business in communist Cuba during Fidel Castros presidency despite strict American trade bans that made such undertakings illegal, according to interviews with former Trump executives, internal company records and court filings, Newsweek explains in its latest cover story.

Written by Kurt Eichenwald and titled, How Donald Trumps Company Violated the United States Embargo Against Cuba, it states: On February 8, 1999, months after the consultants traveled to the island, Seven Arrows submitted a bill to Trump Hotels for the $68,551.88 it had incurred prior to and including a trip to Cuba on behalf of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc.'

Without obtaining a license from the federal Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) before the consultants went to Cuba, the undertaking by Trump Hotels would have been in violation of federal law, trade experts say, the magazine added.

Speaking on The View, Ms Conway said: "Read the entire story. It starts out with a screaming headline, as it usually does, that he did business in Cuba. And it turns out that he decided not to invest there. They paid money, as I understand, in 1998  and were not supposed to talk about many years ago when it comes to the Clintons."

At the time former President Bill Clinton had already signaled an interest in a thaw in relations with Cuba. Nonetheless, the embargo imposed by the US on the island in 1962 set narrow guidelines for when US companies could spend money on the island and mostly only if charitable or human rights purposes were involved.

Reassuring the Cuban-American community in Miami of his commitment to the long-standing embargo was Mr Trumps first priority after declaring his interest in the White House.

As you know - and the people in this room know better than anyone - putting money and investing money in Cuba right now doesnt go to the people of Cuba, he told the Miami event. It goes to Fidel Castro. Hes a murderer. Hes a killer. Hes a bad guy in every respect, and, frankly, the embargo must stand if for no other reason than, if it does stand, he will come down.

The leaders of Cuba and The United States celebrate detente (AP)

Mr Trump returned to the topic at a rally in Miami earlier this month when he attacked President Barack Obama for failing to stand with the Cuban people in their fight against communist oppression". Once again he was talking to an audience of mostly Cuban-Americans

The presidents one-sided deal for Cuba benefits only the Castro regime, he said. But all the concessions that Obama granted were done through executive order, which means the next president can reverse them. And that is what I will do unless the Castro regime meets our demands. They include religious freedom for the Cuban people and the freeing of political prisoners. Am I right?

Analysts told Newsweek that the arrangement whereby Seven Arrows spent the money in Cuba and billed the Trump organisation post facto would not absolve it from any wrongdoing.

Money that the Trump company paid to the consultant is money that a Cuban national has an interest in and was spent on an understanding it would be reimbursed, Richard Matheny, chair of the national security and foreign trade regulation group at the Godwin law firm in Washington DC, told the magazine. That would be illegal. If OFAC discovered this and found there was evidence of willful misconduct, they could have made a referral to the Department of Justice.
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The Hillary Clinton campaign is feeling buoyed by indications that Democrats are outpacing Republicans in early voting patterns in a few key swing states such as Florida and North Carolina.

Though in some other important states such as Iowa, where Ms Clinton campaigned on Thursday, and Maine, there are early signs of greater enthusiasm among Republicans, however.

A record 40 per cent of Americans may cast their votes ahead of the 8 November election and in many states they have already started either requesting ballots or returning them completed. Some will be sent in by post or early voting in some states can be done in person.

With each election, the numbers taking advantage of either early or absentee voting provisions grow bigger, with significant consequences for the campaigns. The more votes each side can bank in advance, the less hard they have to work to drive turnout on election day.

US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump shakes hands with Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the conclusion of their first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures President Barack Obama embraces Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on stage at the party's convention in Philadelphia US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Donald Trump's wife Melania delivered a speech at the GOP convention in Cleveland that was later found to have been cribbed in part from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Hillary Clinton talks to reporters aboard her new campaign plane on Labour Day, 5 September, her first 'press conference' since 2015 (Getty Images) US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Donald Trump held a joint press conference with Mexican leader Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico City in August, hours before reiterating his harsh immigration plans at a campaign rally in Arizona Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Bernie Sanders officially endorsed Hillary Clinton, saying his progressive vision for a transformed America would be best served by the defeat of Donald Trump Reuters US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Khizr and Gazala Khan appeared at the DNC to slam Trump for his stance on Muslim immigration, citing the case of their son Humayun Khan, who was killed in combat while serving as a Captain in the US Army in Iraq US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson is doing better in polls than any third party candidate since Ross Perot, 20 years ago Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Green Party candidate Jill Stein (centre) marches with supporters in Colorado AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Hillary Clinton and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine at a rally in Kaine's home state in July, days before Ms Clinton tapped him to be her running mate Getty US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Trump on the campaign trail with his vice presidential pick, Indiana governor Mike Pence AP US election 2016: the race for the White House in pictures Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage appears at a Trump rally in Mississippi in August, where he told the crowd that he 'wouldn't vote for Hillary Clinton if you paid me'.

It is also increasingly being used as a way for campaigns to gauge how their candidates are doing, especially in the handful of swing states that usually determine the winner.

Experts warn against reading too much into the numbers. There will be no data on how people are voting until the night of election day itself. But it is possible to say which partys registered voters are showing the most determination to vote early, which speaks of their enthusiasm.

No state may be more important than Florida, with candidates focused especially on the southeast around Miami and also along the so-called I-4 corridor further north, which includes Orlando and Tampa where the Hispanic population is fast growing. Although balloting in the Sunshine State only begins on Tuesday, an unprecedented 2.5 million people have already requested ballots. So far, Republicans are ahead in ballot requests, 43 to 38 per cent.

That, however, is a much narrower gap than was seen in 2008, the last election year for which complete statistics are available. Then, Republicans led requests 51 to 32 per cent and Barack Obama ended up winning the state by a narrow margin.

In North Carolina, which is also a key battleground, early voting ballots are already being returned and so far Democrats are leading Republicans by a healthy margin, according to data gathered by the Associated Press.

Some voters in the state are citing recent attempts by the Republican-led legislature to limit early voting possibilities and strengthen voter ID laws, which so far have been thwarted by the courts as unconstitutional. I want to make sure I dont have to deal with issues at the polls on Election Day, said Brandon Starkes, 28, adding that he was voting for Ms Clinton.

There are signs of a surge in requests for early ballots in Georgia, a state where Ms Clinton also hopes to do well even though in most recent elections it has gone Republican.

Early voting in Iowa began on Thursday morning, explaining Ms Clintons decision to spend part of the day in Des Moines, its biggest and most liberal-leaning city. You can go vote and we can be on the path to victory here in Iowa, Ms Clinton told supporters in Des Moines, before asking: Are you ready to go to the polls?

Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, campaigned in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Wednesday.

He used the rally to launch a scorching attack on Ms Clinton, once more calling her stamina and health into question in the wake of her bout with pneumonia that forced her to leave a 9/11 event in new York early and then kept her off the campaign trail for a few days in September.

All those days off and she cant even make it to her car, Mr Trump told the crowd, referencing video footage showing her losing her footing as she tried to get back into her van in New York at Ground Zero.

Even though Mr Obama won Iowa twice, the polls for now are indicating that it is Mr Trump who has the edge in the state this time, thanks to his popularity with white, working-class men.
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Two students have allegedly stabbed a teacher to death in front of their classmates after one was expelled for poor attendance.

Mukesh Kumar, a Hindi teacher at a government school in Nangloi, west Delhi, was punched and stabbed repeatedly by a student who barged into a classroom during an exam at around 5pm on Monday, according to school authorities.

He was allegedly joined by another student sitting the exam, who left his seat and took part in the attack.

The 50-year-old teacher was sent to Balaji Action Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The two pupils, who are understood to be aged 17 and 18, had been warned they would be denied permission to complete an examination due to a lack of attendance, local media reports.

The student who allegedly initiated the attack had recently been expelled, according to NDTV.

Both students were arrested hours after the attack, the Indian Express reports.

Police said the boys had "lost their temper" and attacked the teacher with a knife. They added that they had punched and stabbed Mr Kumar repeatedly and left him bleeding on the floor.

A teacher at the school told NDTV: "I was submitting exam sheets [...] suddenly I heard some noise and saw two children running. When I went there I saw [Mr Kumar] was bleeding [...] we immediately took him to hospital."

He said the students allegedly involved in the attack had failed exams several times.

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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. 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Another member of staff at the school, Gulab Sharma, told The Tribune: The incident occurred between 5 to 5.30 pm. Two students attacked Hindi teacher Mukesh with a knife. He was rushed to Balaji Hospital where authorities asked the staff to deposit money for the treatment."

Teachers from across Delhi joined in large demonstrations near the school on Tuesday demanding greater protection, with many teachers claiming they had been subjected to threats and harassment form students after punishing them for failing exams or low attendance, the Times of India reports.

Government schools in the Delhi area boycotted exams and classes as part of a protest by the Government School Teacher Association (GSTA) over Mr Kumar's death.

The GSTA are demanding that Mr Kumar's family are compensated 120,000 for the tragedy as well as a dedicated police service in schools.

Mr Kumar's family have blamed the police and school for his death alleging that warnings that his life was under threat were ignored.

Neelam, Mr Kumars wife, told The Hindu: It is a shocking incident for us. He had complained about the notorious conduct of these students to the Principal earlier, but no action was taken by the school authority."

Badan Singh, the school's vice-principal, has reportedly denied the allegations.
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Police in Majorca have arrested a British holidaymaker accused of leaving her seven-year-old son alone in their hotel room while she went out partying.

The 25-year-old woman, known only as Eleanor, had left her son while she went out for the night and returned at breakfast time to find police waiting for her at the Hotel Canarios Park.

Officers had been called after hotel guests alerted staff that the boy had been crying. When police arrived the young boy told them it was not the first time he had been left alone by his mother.

Eleanor is understood to have been given a suspended sentence and her child placed with social services.

A police spokesperson said: "A 25-year-old female British tourist was held on suspicion of abandoning her child early on Monday after leaving her seven-year-old boy alone in their hotel room.

Several guests at the hotel in Calas de Mallorca alerted receptionists a boy was crying and was alone in the hotel. Police arrived to find the youngster in a very nervous state and he was indeed alone.

"The boy told police he was on holiday with his mum in Majorca and that he had woken up alone in their hotel room. He also said it wasnt the first time he had been left alone."

Hotel staff declined to comment on the incident. A receptionist told The Independent she was unable to discuss the matter with the press.
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An Iraqi grandmother claims to be one of the people most feared by Isis and has received personal death threats from the group's leader.

Wahida Mohamed Al-Jumaily, 39, said she has beheaded and cooked the heads of Isis fighters to avenge the deaths of her family.

Isis killed her second husband earlier this year and has previously killed her father and three brothers.

Um Hanadi recently led her militia in the battle to help government forces drive Isis from Shirqat (Facebook/Wahida Mohamed)

Better known as Um Hanadi, she leads a 70-strong militia in the fight against Isis in the recently liberated town of Shirqat, which sits 50 miles south of the Isis' Iraq stronghold of Mosul.

"I fought them, I beheaded them, I cooked their heads, I burned their bodies," she told CNN.

The militia leader, who describes herself as a "housewife," has published a photo on Facebook appearing to show her carrying a severed head, and another showing two severed heads in a cooking pot.

A third photo appears to show her standing among headless bodies which have been burned.

In pictures: The rise of Isis Show all 74 1 /74 In pictures: The rise of Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters of the Islamic State wave the group's flag from a damaged display of a government fighter jet following the battle for the Tabqa air base, in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from Islamic State group sit on their tank during a parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from the Islamic State group pray at the Tabqa air base after capturing it from the Syrian government in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from extremist Islamic State group parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping A video uploaded to social networks shows men in underwear being marched barefoot along a desert road before being allegedly executed by Isis Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Haruna Yukawa after his capture by Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Khalinda Sharaf Ajour, a Yazidi, says two of her daughters were captured by Isis militants Washington Post In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Spokesperson for Isis Vice News via Youtube In pictures: The rise of Isis A pro-Isis leaflet A pro-Isis leaflet handed out on Oxford Street In London Ghaffar Hussain In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Isis Jihadists burn their passports In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A man collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A woman collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid Local civilians queue for aid administered by Isis. Since it declared a caliphate the group has increasingly been delivering services such as healthcare, and distributing aid and free fuel In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces detain men suspected of being militants of the Isis group in Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Mourners carry the coffin of a Shi'ite volunteer from the brigades of peace, who joined the Iraqi army and was killed during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Samarra, during his funeral in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Shiite Turkmen family fleeing the violence in the Iraqi city of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, arrives at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Arbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi A photograph made from a video by the jihadist affiliated group Furqan Media via their twitter account allegedly showing Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivering a sermon during Friday prayers at a mosque in Mosul. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in the territory under the group's control in Iraq and Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Smoke and debris go up in the air as Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul. Images posted online show that Islamic extremists have destroyed at least 10 ancient shrines and Shiite mosques in territory - the city of Mosul and the town of Tal Afar - they have seized in northern Iraq in recent weeks In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq A bulldozer destroys Sunni's Ahmed al-Rifai shrine and tomb in Mahlabiya district outside of Tal Afar In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces celebrate after clashes with followers of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi, in front of his home in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi at his home after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A vehicle burns in front of a home of a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman holds her exhausted son as over 1000 Iraqis who have fled fighting in and around the city of Mosul and Tal Afar wait at a Kurdish checkpoint in the hopes of entering a temporary displacement camp in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees Displaced Iraqi women hold pots as they queue to receive food during the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, at an encampment for displaced Iraqis who fled from Mosul and other towns, in the Khazer area outside Irbil, north Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A militant Islamist fighter waving a flag, cheers as he takes part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa. The fighters held the parade to celebrate their declaration of an Islamic "caliphate" after the group captured territory in neighbouring Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters travel in a vehicle as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade with a missile in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from an al-Qaida splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from the splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters hold a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A member loyal to the Isis waves an Isis flag in Raqqa In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi anti-government gunmen from Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province march during a protest in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. The United Nations warned that Iraq is at a "crossroads" and appealed for restraint, as a bloody four-day wave of violence killed 195 people. The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago, raising fears of a return to all-out sectarian conflict In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces hold up a flag of the Isis group they captured during an operation to regain control of Dallah Abbas north of Baqouba, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Isis fighters parade in the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Isis group, demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony after completing their field training in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Kurdish Peshmerga troops fire a cannon during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Jalawla, Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference Iraqi Prime Minister's security spokesman, Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference about the latest military development in Iraq, in the capital Baghdad. Iraqi forces pressed a campaign to retake militant-held Tikrit, clashing with jihadist-led Sunni militants nearby and pounding positions inside the city with air strikes in their biggest counter-offensive so far In pictures: The rise of Isis A police station building destroyed by Isis fighters An exterior view of a police station building destroyed by gunmen in Mosul city, northern Iraq. Iraq's new parliament is expected to convene to start the process of setting up a new government, despite deepening political rifts and an ongoing Islamist-led insurgency. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani issued a decree inviting the new House of Representatives to meet and form a new government In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Smoke billows from an area controlled by the Isis between the Iraqi towns of Naojul and Tuz Khurmatu, both located north of the capital Baghdad, as Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces take part in an operation to repel the Sunni militants In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An elderly Iraqi woman is helped into a temporary displacement camp for Iraqis caught-up in the fighting in and around the city of Mosul in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Christian woman fleeing the violence in the village of Qaraqush, about 30 kms east of the northern province of Nineveh, cries upon her arrival at a community center in the Kurdish city of Arbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman, who fled with her family from the northern city of Mosul, prays with a copy of the Quran AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq The body of an Isis militant killed during clashes with Iraqi security forces on the outskirts of the city of Samarra Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi civilians inspect the damage at a market after an air strike by the Iraqi army in central Mosul EPA In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Members of the Al-Abbas brigades, who volunteered to protect the Shiite Muslim holy sites in Karbala against Sunni militants fighting the Baghdad government, parade in the streets of the city AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Shia tribesmen gather in Baghdad to take up arms against Sunni insurgents marching on the capital. Thousands have volunteered to bolster defences AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A van carrying volunteers joining Iraqi security forces against Jihadist militants. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced the Iraqi government would arm and equip civilians who volunteered to fight AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters of the Isis group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An Islamist fighter, identified as Abu Muthanna al-Yemeni from Britain (R), speaks in this still image taken undated video shot at an unknown location and uploaded to a social media website. Five Islamist fighters identified as Australian and British nationals have called on Muslims to join the wars in Syria and Iraq, in the new video released by the Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Al-Qaida inspired militants stand with captured Iraqi Army Humvee at a checkpoint belonging to Iraqi Army outside Beiji refinery some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad. The fighting at Beiji comes as Iraq has asked the U.S. for airstrikes targeting the militants from the Isis group. While U.S. President Barack Obama has not fully ruled out the possibility of launching airstrikes, such action is not imminent in part because intelligence agencies have been unable to identify clear targets on the ground, officials said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants attacked Iraq's main oil refinein Baiji as they pressed an offensive that has seen them capture swathes of territory, a manager and a refinery employee said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants from the Isis group parading with their weapons in the northern city of Baiji in the in Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A smoke rises after an attack by Isis militants on the country's largest oil refinery in Beiji, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad. Iraqi security forces battled insurgents targeting the country's main oil refinery and said they regained partial control of a city near the Syrian border, trying to blunt an offensive by Sunni militants who diplomats fear may have also seized some 100 foreign workers In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group stand next to captured vehicles left behind by Iraqi security forces at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province. For militant groups, the fight over public perception can be even more important than actual combat, turning military losses into propaganda victories and battlefield successes into powerful tools to build support for the cause In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An injured fighter (C) from the Isis group after a battle with Iraqi soldiers at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis aiming at advancing Iraqi troops at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group taking position at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group inspecting vehicles of the Iraqi army after they were seized at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq One Iraqi captive, a corporal, is reluctant to say the slogan, and has to be shouted at repeatedly before he obeys Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group force captured Iraqi security forces members to the transport In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group transporting dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members to an unknown location in the Salaheddin province ahead of executing them In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A major offensive spearheaded by Isis but also involving supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein has overrun all of one province and chunks of three others In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group executing dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants taking position at a Iraqi border post on the Syrian-Iraqi border between the Iraqi Nineveh province and the Syrian town of Al-Hasakah In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis rebels show their flag after seizing an army post AFP/Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants waving an Islamist flag after the seizure of an Iraqi army checkpoint in Salahuddin Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Demonstrators chant slogans as they carry al-Qaida flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, 225 miles (360 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad. In the week since it captured Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, a Muslim extremist group has tried to win over residents and has stopped short of widely enforcing its strict brand of Islamic law, residents say. Churches remain unharmed and street cleaners are back at work

She said she head received personal death threats "from the top leadership of Isis," she said, "including from [Abu Bakr] al-Baghdadi himself".

"I'm at the top of their most wanted list, even more than the Prime Minister," she added.

"Six times they tried to assassinate me. I have shrapnel in my head and legs, my ribs were broken, but all that didn't stop me from fighting," she said in the interview, lifting her headscarf to reveal several scars.

 Shocking footage from inside Isis prison

Um Hanadi began fighting jihadists in 2004, she said, working with Iraqi forces and the coalition in the battle against al-Qaeda and later Isis.

She recently led her militia in the battle to help government forces drive Isis from Shirqat.

General Jamaa Anad, commander of Iraqi ground forces in Salahuddin province, told CNN they had provided her group with vehicles and weapons.

"She lost her brothers and husbands as martyrs," he said. "So out of revenge she formed her own force."

Isis fighters are afraid of being killed by women, according to female Kurdish soldiers, because they believe it means they won't go to heaven.
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Isis is close to military defeat and will probably have been vanquished by the end of 2017, a security analyst has said.

Firas Abi Ali, a senior analyst of terrorism in the Middle East, said the jihadist group - also known as Islamic State - was being weakened by American air power and was unlikely to survive as a military force beyond the next 12 months.

He told the BBC World Service: "The Islamic State is close to a military defeat. Its probably not going to happen in 2016 but they will probably have been defeated by late 2017.

"The US support is playing a very important role. Air cover is playing a very important role. If youre looking at it from a military perspective, the Islamic State dont stand a chance against a ground assault that is backed by air power."

Mr Ali referred to Isis's defeat against Kurdish forces in the battle for the the city of Kobani last year as an example of the role played by US air support.

"The Kurds had been trying to win it back for months," he said.

"The tides of that battle turned, so the Kurds have played an extremely important role, but modern technology has played an even more important role."

Inside Isis secret tunnels Show all 7 1 /7 Inside Isis secret tunnels Inside Isis secret tunnels Network of underground tunnels was discovered by Kurdish forces after they regained the town of Sinjar in Iraq Inside Isis secret tunnels A member of the Peshmerga forces inspects a tunnel used by Isis militants in the town of Sinjar, Iraq Reuters Inside Isis secret tunnels An entrance to the tunnel used by Islamic State militants is seen in the town of Sinjar, Iraq Inside Isis secret tunnels The secret tunnels allowed militants to freely move underground Inside Isis secret tunnels The tunnels appear to be wired with electricity Inside Isis secret tunnels Some of the tunnels are 30 feet deep Inside Isis secret tunnels Concerns remain that parts of the tunnels are rigged with explosives

Isis has suffered major blows in recent months and was recently defeated by the Iraqi army operation backed by US-led coalition air strikes in the key town of Shirqat in northern Iraq after two days of fighting.

Mr Ali added that while Isis were likely to be militarily defeat within a year, the group planned to maintain its ideology. He said: "They (Isis) are shifting their narrative to say that even though theyre losing territory the most important thing is that the ideology survives.
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The United States has said that a Syrian and Russian assault on Aleppo was a gift to Isis, while a frustrated UN aid chief lamented that the only deterrent left seemed to be "the court of world opinion and disgust."

Moscow vowed to press on with its offensive in Syria, and accused the United States of "de facto support for terrorism" in the country, while US officials searched for a tougher response to Russia's decision to seek a military victory on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"The president has asked all of the agencies to put forward options, some familiar, some new, that we are very actively reviewing," Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday, without giving details. He said officials would "work through these in the days ahead."

Speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mr Blinken said "all of the outside patrons are going to throw in more and more weaponry against Russia. Russia will be left propping up Assad in an ever smaller piece of Syria."

United Nations aid chief Stephen O'Brien called on the 15-member UN Security Council to stop "tolerating the utter disregard for the most basic provisions of international humanitarian law."

The recent focus of the fighting is a Syrian and Russian bid to recapture rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

"East Aleppo this minute is not at the edge of the precipice, it is well into its terrible descent into the pitiless and merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed in Syria," Mr O'Brien said.

"The only remaining deterrent it seems is that there will be real accountability in the court of world opinion and disgust - goodness knows, nothing else seems to be working to stop this deliberate, gratuitous carnage of lives lost," he said.

 Syria war: What is the importance of Aleppo?

French UN Ambassador Francois Delattre said he had started discussions with some council members on a draft resolution to try and impose a ceasefire in Aleppo. US Ambassador Samantha Power said she had not yet seen a draft text.

"What Assad and Russia are doing in Aleppo is soul-shattering," US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said. "What they are doing is sowing not only the doom of this country ... but it is going to generate more refugee flow, more radicalization.

"What they are doing is a gift to ISIL [Isis] and the groups that they claim that they want to stop," she said.

As Washington threatens to walk away from talks with Russia on Syria unless the fighting stops, Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters it was time "to move to a different form of diplomacy," pointing to the Security Council.

Mr Rycroft also dismissed a Russian proposal for a 48-hour humanitarian pause in fighting in Aleppo. Since July, the U.N. has been calling for a weekly 48-hour truce to allow the delivery of aid to besieged areas.

"The Russian proposal is designed to sound good, but to allow them to carry on their deadly bombing campaign," he said.

Also on Thursday, Syria's UN Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari rejected accusations on Thursday that the Syrian government was killing civilians.

The Syrian government is not bombing civilians. These people are our own people. We don't bomb civilians, we don't kill civilians. We don't bomb humanitarian convoys. We don't do that. Those who did it are the terrorists, Mr Ja'afari said.

Reuters
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What is happening in Aleppo is worse than "a slaughterhouse", UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said.

Two hospitals in besieged east Aleppo were hit by Russian and Syrian air strikes on Wednesday, amid a renewed assault on the city.

Seven people were killed and at least one of the hospitals is out of service following the bombings, which also hit a bread distribution centre.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said six people were killed outside the bread distribution centre.

 Syria war: What is the importance of Aleppo?

Speaking to the UN Security Council just hours after the hospitals had been bombed, Mr Ban implicitly accused Syria and Russia of committing war crimes.

"Let us be clear: Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing. They know they are committing war crimes," he said.

Syria's government is conducting a major offensive in Aleppo in a renewed attempt to take back rebel-held neighbourhoods after a US-Russia ceasefire broke down.

"Imagine the destruction," Mr Ban continued. "People with their limbs blown off, children in terrible pain with no relief, infected, suffering, dying. With nowhere to go and no end in sight.

In pictures: Aleppo bombing Show all 14 1 /14 In pictures: Aleppo bombing In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Smoke rises after airstrikes on the rebel-held al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family runs for cover amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man reacts as he stands on blood stains at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held area of Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria, April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damage of the airstrikes in the rebel-held area of Aleppo on April 28 Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damaged the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-backed al-Quds hospital after it was hit by airstrikes, in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians evacuate an injured man amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following an air strike on a rebel-held of Aleppo on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes, in the rebel-held area of Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man leads a woman in tears and child out of the scene after airstrikes hit Aleppo AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Civil defence members search for survivors after an airstrike at a field hospital in the rebel held area of al-Sukari district of Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian boy is comforted as he cries next to the body of a relative who died in a reported air strike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Soukour in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family walks amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike in the Bustan al-Qasr rebel-held district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers and rescuers remove a baby from under the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Kalasa in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians help a wounded youth following an air strike on the Fardous rebel held neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following a reported airstrike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo

"Imagine a slaughterhouse. This is worse. Even a slaughterhouse is more humane."

Mr Ban urged the Security Council to take "decisive steps" to protect health facilities and medical staff.

Russia's deputy UN ambassador Evgeny Zagaynov told the council that Syria and Russia are being blamed for "the majority of strikes on civilian facilities in Syria" - including Wednesday's hospital bombings in Aleppo - without any independent investigation and verification.

He said similar unacceptable incidents have resulted from "the destabilizing policy carried out by the US and its allies," and cited last October's US military attack on a Doctors Without Borders trauma hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz which killed 14 staff and 28 patients and caretakers, noting that although the US took responsibility, those responsible are still at work.

At least 96 children have been killed and 223 injured since last Friday, the UN children's agency said on Wednesday.

Children in the city are "trapped in a living nightmare," UNICEF deputy executive director Justin Forsyth said, adding that the shock and suffering among children "is definitely the worst we have seen".

Additional reporting by agencies
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Shake, shake, bang. The car jerks down another dip on the dirt track; fine volcanic dust swirls up in our wake. As it clears, moon-white faces appear brightly in the distance. They move closer, revealing three young girls with spirals and geometric patterns painted thickly onto their skin in chalk.

Im in North Tanzania, on my way to stay at a new lodge tucked up in its highlands, well away from the tourist hullabaloo that concentrates around the countrys famous Ngorongoro Crater. Here, 22km north-east of one of Africas biggest tourist attractions, there are no other lodges; just wide, open land where the Maasai roam, their lives seemingly little changed.

A view over the Highlands camp near Ngorongoro Crater (Asilia Africa)

As we pull up at the camp, after a three-hour drive from Lake Manyara Airport, the air is notably cooler  were now 2,670 metres above sea level. Overgrown grassy paths, flanked with swathes of wild flowers, lead us to a scattering of almond-coloured, bulbous domes peeking over the vegetation. There are eight of these unusual, alien-looking tented pods spread across the hillside. Its like I came looking for a safari, but found a sci-fi set instead.

Inside the main lounge of The Highlands camp (Asilia Africa)

The camp is within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a Unesco World Heritage Site and multiple land use area, where protected wildlife wanders freely among the Maasai, who number 50,000 here. While its Ngorongoro Crater that draws crowds for the incredible concentration of wildlife within, theres also a wealth of under-explored riches outside its rim.

The Empakai Crater is a quieter spot for enjoying the wildlife (Asilia Africa)

Our guests visit the Ngorongoro Crater but also Empakai and Olmoti, two less well-known craters were close to, Victor, the lodges manager, explains. We call them the silent craters because no visitors go there. This is a volatile and restless land where tectonic plates shifted more than two million years ago, ripping apart Earths crust. Volcanoes lifted their fiery heads, before some collapsed to create the peppering of calderas that now surround us.

One morning, after looking out at glorious uninterrupted mountain views over a big breakfast on the lodges terrace, we head off to explore Empakai Crater. We go with an armed ranger (its compulsory) as well as our Maasai guide, Lenganasa, because unlike in the Ngorongoro Crater, where you are vehicle-bound, we can be footloose and fancy-free. As footloose as you can be with unpredictable buffalo around, anyhow.

Looking down into the crater from the top, it resembles a big washing basin with a lake as its centrepiece, fringed with shimmering white salt. We clamber down through the forest cloaking the craters steep walls. At the bottom, flamingos lift their wings, flashing salmon-pink feathers. Decorated morans (young Maasai warriors) sit among herds of cows.

Flamingos, zebras and wildebeest in Tanzanias northern highlands (Asilia Africa)

After the one-hour climb back up we return to camp by car. Outside, hills sweep down into wide plains sprinkled with clusters of Maasai bomas (livestock enclosures). Buttercup-gold light bathes zeals of zebras and the open land accentuates kori bustards, yellow-billed kites and golden-winged sunbirds. Herds of cattle are dwarfed by the expanse. Each herd circles around a burst of colour: the Maasais red checkered shukas (traditional garments) jolt the landscape.

Back at the lodge nights are cosy. Although the days are warm, temperatures at night can drop as low as -1C. Early evening one of the housekeepers  a large percentage of the lodges staff are Maasai  lights fires in the wood burners (each dome has its own) and the enormous beds are warmed with soft, faux-fur-covered hot water bottles.

Recommended Read more Why Malawi is moving 500 elephants

The lodge is the latest from the well-respected South Africa-based safari company Asilia, and it ushers in a new species of safari camp. While in the beginning I found the alien igloos a little too at odds with the ancient land rising up around them, once I get used to the contemporary design there is much to love.

After a delicious supper of grilled beef we are escorted back to our tent by one of the camps friendly night-duty guards. Theres a leopard often seen in the camp, Victor explains. Solar lights, which hang from shepherd hooks, trail up the hill, lighting the way.

Inside the pods, animal skins cover the floor and photographs of Maasai life adorn the walls. The fronts of the tents are made of strong clear plastic, so in the mornings you can admire the sweeping views stretching out before you without leaving the bed.

You can enjoy sunrise without leaving your bed (Asilia Africa)

Next morning, Olmoti Crater entails another beautiful walk and has a waterfall tumbling down its sheer sides. Climbing back up, we are excited to pass fresh lion prints. Chameleons clamber in the grasses and old mans beard hangs from the trees. At the top we lie in the sunshine, and steppe eagles soar so close I can see their markings. We watch cows tramping down the hills like large armies. They head to the spring water which flows along the crater bottom, their steady advance relaxing to watch.

Despite my preference for safaris without crowds, we spend one day in the Ngorongoro Crater. Theres a reason why more than 400,000 people visit per year. Its one of the worlds largest unbroken calderas, and its walls form a natural enclosure for one of the biggest concentrations of wild animals on earth. The problem is theres no limit on the number of vehicles that can enter, Lenganasa explains. But fortunately our lodge is closest to the Lemala entrance, quieter than the alternative Lodoare gate on the craters opposite (and busier) side.

Lions are prevalent in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Asilia Africa)

We see zebra stallions fighting and ostriches streaking past rhino. Lions are everywhere; we watch them mate (the male roaring right by us after he rolls over), a lioness stealthily stalking a wildebeest, and a huge pride sleeping soundly, all stretched out by a stream. We count 27 spotted hyenas, their humped backs dramatic against the big sky, mingling with grey crowned cranes, jazzy with their red throats and golden mohicans. One corner of the grassland is forested, full of beautiful yellow-barked acacia trees and herds of elephants.

Our last day is spent strolling among the hills near the lodge and experiencing slivers of Maasai life up close. In other parts of Tanzania, meeting Maasai has become limited to fake encounters at a tourist boma  something The Highlands is thankfully determined not to replicate. Instead they organise for us to visit a family in their village.

The semi-nomadic Maasai people live among the wildlife in the conservation area (Asilia Africa)

As we arrive Loosidan, a Maasai man with stretched ear lobes and a dagger at his waist, finishes placing his goats inside a kraal. Women wear striking necklaces, the colour of tropical birds, around their necks and have silver beaded chains sparkling from their ears. Loosidan ushers us inside his home  made from mud, cow dung and sticks. We sit chatting with him and his wife, while their children run around and my eyes adjust to the dark, smoky interior.

Suddenly we hear a truck pull up. Several morans jump out, their silver headpieces glinting, and one carries a blackened cooking pot. Theyve just returned from spending a week in the forest, Lenganasa says. A group of them go to eat meat and medicinal roots. This tradition, called orpul, makes us strong.

Zebras are a common sight around the camp (Asilia Africa)

The majesty of these highlands is made all the more beautiful by this distinct and colourful culture. As we leave I take one last look back: the shukas and the setting sun all blaze red.

Travel essentials

Getting there

Kate Eshelby travelled with KLM (klm.com) from Heathrow to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Amsterdam. Connecting flights with Coastal Aviation (coastal.co.tz) take you on to Lake Manyara.

British passport holders require a visa to visit Tanzania, available at the airport (US$50).

Staying there

Kate Eshelby was hosted by Tanzania Odyssey (0208 704 1216; tanzaniaodyssey.com). Accommodation at The Highlands camp starts at US$760 per person per night, including full-board with house drinks and all activities. This excludes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees which are $70 per person for 24 hours and the crater descent fee which is $295 per vehicle. The Highlands camp only accepts children from the age of five. Children aged five to 18 are charged 50 per cent of the adult rate.
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Q Whats changing, and when?

From 11 January next year, anyone in economy on a short haul flight  which BA defines as five hours or less  wont get the familiar complimentary snack and their choice of drinks from the trolley. Instead, they will be invited to buy from a range of Marks & Spencer snacks, ranging from a packet of crisps at 1 to a Ploughmans sandwich at 3. Theyll also have to pay for drinks: a cup of tea will cost 2.30, a gin and tonic 6.

Q How do I pay?

Not by cash; only credit or debit cards will be accepted. However, if youve got an excess of Avios  BAs frequent flyer currency  you can pay with those, using the BA app on the smartphone.

Q So if were paying for inflight catering instead of getting it for free, will fares fall commensurately?

Not necessarily. At the prices being charged the move is not going to make a fortune for BA. Agreed, it will turn food and drink from a cost into a revenue stream. But the airline hopes it will actually make its offer more appealing, by offering passengers a better choice and quality of food. Its research shows that many passengers dont value the free catering. In a ferociously cost-sensitive market, it seems its the headline fare that matters.

The move will also align BA with its sister airlines in the IAG conglomerate: Aer Lingus and the two Spanish airlines, Iberia and Vueling: at the moment if you buy a BA codeshare flight thats operated by one of those airlines, youll have to pay for stuff, and conversely passengers who book with those airlines and happen to fly with BA find that they get food and drink. Its a messy marketing message, which this move will solve.

Q But it could also get messy if people cant immediately distinguish between BA long haul and short haul?

Yes. For most flights it will be obvious  if youre flying to Asia, Africa or the Americas, thatll be long haul, and to Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia and Europes Mediterranean nations, then youre flying short haul. But there are some oddities: Moscow, which is a four-hour flight, is classed as a long-haul service, while Larnaca (500 miles further) is short haul.

Q What logistical implications are there for the cabin crew?

At present, on short flights such as Manchester or Newcastle to London or Heathrow to Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris, the time in the air when food and drink can be less than half-an-hour. At present thats enough time to dole out a snack with a maximum choice of two items, and serve drinks without the need to collect money. With passengers now choosing from a menu of a dozen or two items, and paying for drinks  not with cash but by plastic or frequent-flyer points  its going to get quite exciting on board. But of course some passengers will decide they dont want anything if theyre paying for it, or bring their own on board, or even see if they can last for a couple of hours without eating or dirinking anything,

Q What about people with bookings that they made on the basis of BAs previous promise that: Whenever and wherever you are travelling we offer a complimentary snack or meal and bar service.

Tough. The airline is writing to such people, which include me, saying that if we were expecting free food and drink we should adjust our expectations.

Q How does this new policy compare with other European airlines?

All the budget airlines  EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian etc  charge for all food and drinks. And the full-service carriers are moving towards that model, but very slowly and without any consistency.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines charges for food and drink  but does provide free tea and coffee. Also in the north, Icelandair charges adults except for tea and coffee, but under 12s get a meal free. And that applies long-haul as well, as I discovered on the trip from Reykjavik to Anchorage in Alaska coming home, I packed a picnic.

Air France and its subsidiary KLM, as well as Alitalia, provide free food and drink, and Aegean of Greece serves generous meals even on short flights.

Lufthansa still gives free food and drink on all services, as do its subsidiaries Austrian and Swiss but its subsidiary Brussels Airlines charges in Europe  unless you are connecting from a long-haul flight, in which case you get a free soft drink or coffee on production of the boarding pass.

Click here to view UK Tours and Holidays, with Independent Holidays.
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The facial expression of the hospital consultant said it all. You must be mad, she clearly was thinking when I told her we were heading en-famille to the remotest corners of Sri Lanka.

This was not the reaction of someone whose idea of adventure was a week on the Costa del Sol. This was genuine concern from a medic at the top of her game. The problem: my daughter Issy has serious food allergies.

The issue has become a growing problem for the travel industry, with the number of people suffering allergic reactions in Europe having risen seven-fold over the past decade, according to AllergyUK. In Britain alone there was a 615 per cent increase in hospital admissions for anaphylaxis between 1992 and 2012 - and the problem is global.

Airlines and hotels are improving, yet what went on to happen proved vividly that they need to do more, so serious are the consequences when something goes wrong.

Qatar Airways on-board allergy-free breakfast consisted of a tiny bowl of unripe melon; Issy not surprisingly complained during the four-hour stopover at Doha airport that she was hungry. It being 5am, and food options in the terminal being limited, we opted for a bowl of plain fries. Having gone through the usual spiel that she was severely allergic to dairy, checking and double checking the ingredients and cooking method to avoid cross-contamination, we were assured that the fries were safe.

Qatar Airways' inflight meal was unappetising, but allergen-free (Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images)

Yet, after eating a few chips, Issy complained of a tingling sensation  the first sign of trouble. The tiny white granules that appeared to be salt were in fact miniscule shavings of parmesan cheese. As her body shut down we administered the epi pen and within minutes the airport medical team was on site.

What followed was one of the worst experiences in my 25 years of travelling, even when compared to the dangers of reporting from war-torn countries like Afghanistan. Although the Qatari medical system was superb, the countrys national airline was considerably less impressive.

As my daughter was being rushed through immigration on a stretcher to the ambulance the Qatar Airways manager claimed she could only issue one fast-track visa as these were for business class passengers and we were in economy. My son and I would need to join the normal immigration queue like anyone else, which by now was snaking around the arrivals hall. An airport manager did take pity though and marched us to the front of the queue.

The next 24 hours were chaotic trying to organise hotels and onward flights. Undeterred by the traumatic experience of the journey out we eventually arrived in Sri Lanka stressed and exhausted.

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana (Adrian Quine)

Most of the restaurants and hotels spoke good English and showed remarkable resilience and flexibility when preparing food. There was a general no problem, we can do it attitude. At every point on our trip we found people were happy to go the extra mile.

After a weeks rough travelling we reached the spectacular Minneriya National Park in the north-west and opted for some five-star indulgence at the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana. On arrival I asked to see the hotel manager to explain our culinary conundrum, and he immediately summoned the head chef. Sunanda Kumar clearly took great pride in his work and proudly whisked me off to the impressive, modern kitchen where he explained that because of the many cultural and religious differences in Sri Lanka extra care is taken to ensure that all food is stored and prepared in separate areas to avoid contamination.

I want people to be happy and if one guest is not happy then it hurts me, he said. I just want to do my best for the guests  including those with food intolerances or allergies.

Issy is served a meal cooked in closely monitored conditions (Adrian Quine)

While all the hotel guests dined in the large buffet restaurant, the potential risk of a fellow guest mixing up the serving spoons was too great, so we asked to go a la carte. In a corner near the pool, on a small terrace, we dined alongside another British couple and an important-looking Sri Lankan man with what appeared to be a minder.

At 175 for four including drinks it wasnt cheap even by luxury Sri Lankan hotel standards but was one of the most delicious meals we have had in a long time. Dad, this is the first time I have managed to have three courses eating out, Issy said.

As we were waiting for pudding to appear, our fellow guest came over and introduced himself: Im Ranil Wickremesinghe, I hope you are enjoying our country, he said. The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

Tinned food and medication alongside carefully checked local food are par for the course (Adrian Quine)

Having always restricted ourselves to UK and European holidays, Sri Lanka was to prove a big step into the unknown. Despite the obvious restrictions, with the right research, caution, common sense and a large backup of oatcakes and tinned food almost nowhere is truly out of bounds.

Travel essentials

Getting there

Qatar Airways (qatarairways.com) flies from Heathrow to Colombo via Doha.

Staying there

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana (cinnamonhotels.com) offers doubles from US$64 (49), room only.

More information

allergyuk.org

srilanka.travel
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"Its DEMOCRACY get used to it."

So said a tweet in response to an impassioned debate between myself and David Buik, the prominent city commentator who is a Brexiter friend of mine (I still have one or two of them even if the relationships have frayed). The aforementioned Twitter user blocked me when I politely suggested that they had a rather shaky understanding of what democracy actually means.

They are hardly alone. Youll regularly hear similar arguments to the one they deployed from Brexiteers when those of us on the other side put our cases. Because 17m people voted no when asked should Britain remain a member of the EU they seem to think that should be the end of the discussion.

The result of a poll following a Leave campaign characterised by a tissue of lies, exaggerations, and, occasionally, out and out racism, is used to try and stifle any and all debate. Just look at the numbers! Its democracy, so belt up.

Recommended Read more 12 reasons not to panic about Brexit

The shouty tweet that appeared on my feed is actually mild in comparison to the Facebook post by Terry Nathan, a Ukip councillor, shortly after the referendum. He suggested that it was time to start killing these people till article 50 is invoked, perhaps retainers will get the message then." He was, of course, referring to Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty which needs to be invoked before the formal process of Brexit is started. Nathan subsequently apologised and said his comments were intended to be taken with a pinch of salt as if that makes such violent and undemocratic statements alright.

Then there was the Tory MP Lucy Allan, who suggested that a 50,000 strong pro-EU march in London was "a protest against democracy". She appeared to have forgotten she got into Parliament despite having won just 39.6 per cent of the vote in her Telford constituency. These people, and their allies and fellow travellers really ought to enrol in some civics classes  elected officials in particular.

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

Democracy is about much more than simple rule by majority. To work effectively it requires freedom of speech. It has to protect the rights of minorities (Remain voters represent a very, very large minority) and it confers upon them the right to oppose.

When a political party, like Allans or Nathans, loses an election it doesnt go to sleep for four or five years. It campaigns, it debates, and it criticises its victorious opponent. It tries to convince people of its case with the aim of winning the next election. Given that our Government still doesnt have the faintest idea of what Brexit will actually mean in practice, the wide range of views among those in the Brexit camp and the misleading nature of the referendum campaign, there surely ought to be a next one when it comes to Brexit so the country can either endorse or reject the Governments plan when it finally comes up with one. All the more so given that Brexit represents a major constitutional change that is being pushed through on the back of the votes of a minority of the electorate.

A sizeable number of people didnt vote in June. Im not making excuses for them; they should have turned out and made their views clear. But, like we Remainers, they too face being stripped of numerous rights and privileges they may value. Among them is their de facto European citizenship, their right to live and work wherever they want on the continent, their ability to claim healthcare if they fall ill while working or holidaying in Europe, the visa free travel they enjoy, and much more besides.

Why dont you just leave, then? is a response youll often hear from Brexiters when raising points like this. Why the hell should I? And why the hell should anyone else who agrees with me? This is our home too.

There are 16 million people in Britain who voted to remain, and millions more who failed to back Brexit by not voting. They are entitled to express their views. Thats democracy. Get used to it.
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A bunch of experts think the world is heading for dangerous global warming within the lifetimes of most of the people alive on Earth today. So what? We dont listen to experts any more, do we? We know better than those self-interested swindlers with their biased evidence, distorted facts and rigged figures. They cant even be trusted to read a thermometer.

No, instead we see conspiracies, hoaxes and grand plots so extravagant they make David Ickes claim the world is run by alien lizards posing as humans almost seem credible.

Speaking of alien lizards, the next leader of the free world could be Donald Trump, a man who has ridden the tide of post-truth politics to the verge of the White House with a cold-blooded and otherworldly efficiency.

His opponent, Hillary Clinton, appears to take climate change seriously but may end up as hamstrung as Barack Obama by a Congress where bringing in snowballs as evidence that global warming is not happening counts as a sensible thing to do.

Clinton went out on a limb politically by taking the Donald to task in the recent television debate: Donald thinks that climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. I think its real.

Trump predictably denied he was a climate change denier  a stance somewhat undermined by some of that evidence people just ignore nowadays, such as at least four tweets by the social-media savvy tycoon in which he poured scorn on mythical global warming, global warming bullshit and blamed China.

In the stupid olden days, when stuff like this mattered, Trump would be a million miles from becoming US President, but we live in different times.

Like many intelligent, thoughtful and decent people, Obama appears to struggle to know how to react. Speaking to students at Rutgers University, the current leader of the free world recently felt the need to say this: If you were listening to todays political debate, you might wonder where this strain of anti-intellectualism came from. In politics and in life, ignorance is not a virtue.

Its not cool to not know what youre talking about. Thats not keeping it real, or telling it like it is. Thats not challenging political correctness. Thats just not knowing what youre talking about. And yet, weve become confused about this.

We Britons have a certain fondness for laughing at Americans. And it is clear our climate change sceptics are of much better quality than the snowball-wielding loons across the pond.

Nigel Lawson, the former Tory Chancellor and leading light of the Global Warming Policy Foundation, recently told a House of Lords committee that essentially all those experts were correct, climate change is happening.

However he then went on to claim it would be crazy to do anything about it because of China. (Im paraphrasing, but is anyone beginning to see a pattern here?)

The Baron of Blaby (thats his title, Im not making that up) argued something along these lines: a really big country produces lots of carbon emissions so its pointless for little old Blighty to do its bit. Lets just ignore the fact that the average Chinese persons emissions are much lower than the average Britons.

In the early days as Tory leader David Cameron portrayed himself as a green blue, a right-wing politician capable of seeing conspiracy theories for what they are and who trusted scientists to do science. A sensible, modern sort of chap, most unlike Baron Blaby.

It didnt last long. After a short stint in office, Mr Cameron decided it was time to cut the green crap.

And among Theresa Mays very first acts as Prime Minister was to scrap the Department for Energy and Climate Change, merging it into the renamed Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy or, as I think it should be called, the Department for Business, a specific kind of Business, and Business (again).

She also appointed the Trump-esque Andrea Leadsom as Environment Secretary. This was a politician who decided to publicly reveal her first question to government officials on being appointed Energy Minister in May 2015  May 2015!!!  was: Is climate change real?

Opposition politicians hardly seem like sources for optimism.

Jeremy Corbyn gave climate change a single passing mention in his speech to the Labour conference this week. And even the Green Party seems to have taken a political decision to concentrate on social issues, rather than banging on about the 'Inconvenient Truth'.

Climate change protests around the world Show all 25 1 /25 Climate change protests around the world Climate change protests around the world People rally to promote climate protection in Rome, Italy Climate change protests around the world Hundreds of demonstrators gather in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world People hold hands to form a human chain during a gathering called by ecologist organisations in Marseille, southern France, to protest against global warming a day ahead of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21) held in Paris Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators clash with French riot police during protests on Place de la Republique, ahead of the COP21 World Climate Change Conference 2015 in Paris, France Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators clash with French riot police during a protest on Place de la Republique ahead of the COP21 World Climate Change Conference 2015 in Paris, France Climate change protests around the world A group of people perform during a rally to promote climate protection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Climate change protests around the world A protester sits next to his sign that reads 'Monsanto the Devil Incorporated ' as he joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Environmentalists dance during a protest near the Place de la Republique after the cancellation of a planned climate march following shootings in the French capital, ahead of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21), in Paris, France Reuters Climate change protests around the world People protest next to characters dressed as wild animals during a march against climate change near the Monument to the Revolution, in Mexico City AP Climate change protests around the world Protesters carries a banner while they take part in a protest about climate change at New York City Hall steps in lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People take part in a protest about climate change around New York City Hall at lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People rally to promote climate protection in Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy Climate change protests around the world A woman holds a globe during a protest for the global climate day in Lugano, Switzerland Climate change protests around the world Yemenis hold banners as they participate in the Global March for Climate in the old city of Sanaia, Yemen Climate change protests around the world Protesters dressed as Santa Claus take part in a protest about climate change at New York City Hall steps in lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People gather at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, during the Global Climate March to demand action on climate change telling world leaders on the eve of a crunch UN summit that there is "no planet B". From Sydney to London, humid Rio to chilly New York, at least 683,000 hit the streets in 2,300 events across 175 countries at the weekend, co-organiser and campaign group Avaaz said, calling it the largest number of people to protest over climate change all at once Getty Images Climate change protests around the world Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators participate in the Global March for Climate in Athens, Greece Climate change protests around the world A man wearing a Bernie Sanders mask leads hundreds of demonstrators who marched near City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Patricia Hauser joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California Climate change protests around the world A woman holds a poster of a sick Earth as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Hundreds of demonstrators march around City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world A demonstrator holds cut-out of US Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world George Patten holds a sign that reads 'No Fracking Ever!' as he joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Gabrielle Sosa wears 'Rising Sea Levels' sign as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA

The title of Al Gores film was meant to be a call to action, not to be polite and stop talking about it because people were busy distrusting authority figures, transferring their road rage onto social media and pontificating about celebrities.

But it seems harsh to criticise the Greens. Their election strategy was doubtless based on the reality of who we have become. They are trying to live in the real world.

It is the experts, bemused intellectuals and those among us who still trust them who inhabit an imaginary dreamland where sense prevails and opinions are based on hard evidence and harder maths.

That is why it is proving so hard to convince some people that climate change is real. Reasoned argument is not enough and the scientists, who foolishly put such faith in their method, are stumped as to how to find another way to explain it.

Our leaders dont care because we dont  or not enough of us.

So, fellow humans, get ready. Because we are now careering towards a world of storms, floods, droughts, starvation, extinction of species, the mass movements of desperate people, Biblical plague-type stuff. The only hope seems to be that nature will give us an early taste of whats to come that is so dramatic it galvanises us into action.

But given the 1C rise in average global temperature, the infamously impassable Northwest Passage becoming navigable for the first time, the imminent prospect of an ice-free Arctic for the first time in about 100,000 years, disappearing glaciers, disappearing islands in the Pacific oh sorry, facts, I was forgetting.
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Now here is a deeply contemporary story. When the French abandoned Algeria in 1962, they also betrayed the tens of thousands of Algerians who fought for them. Stealthily  sometimes, quite literally, in the thick of night  they stole away from the barracks in which their Harki warriors were sleeping, and left them to their fate at the hands of the FLN (National Liberation Front) nationalists who were to inherit this oil-wealthy and deeply corrupt country. Often, they disarmed the Harkis first, so that their fate came more speedily upon them.

Harki  from the Arabic harka  is probably best translated as volunteers, auxiliaries who fight for the local master race, in this case France. Their end in Algeria was a despicable affair. So terrifying, in fact  so racist  that the history of the loyal Harkis who fought for France during the 1956-1962 war of Algerian independence has been the last taboo for the colony which Charles de Gaulle betrayed 54 years ago.

Some young French officers refused to obey their orders  they declined to leave their Franco-Algerian soldiers to their deaths  and smuggled them aboard military ships heading across the Mediterranean for France. These officers were disciplined for this courageous act of compassion. Those who left their colonial troops to terrible retribution maintained their ranks in the French army.

So let us first remind ourselves what happened to the 55,000  the real figure is probably nearer to 75,000  Harkis who fought for France in their native Algeria. When they awoke on the day of Frances betrayal, they were, almost all of them, taken from their beds and massacred. In villages, towns and cities across Algeria, they were dragged, unarmed, to the slaughter. One of the specialities of their murderers, the FLN whose descendants run Algeria to this very day, was to force the Harkis to swallow the French medals that they had been awarded for their bravery in combat. If they did not choke to death in this miserable performance, they were machine-gunned into mass graves.

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And so it was that Francois Hollande, who wants to be re-elected French president in seven months time (some hope), has honoured his promise, originally made four years ago, to say he is very, very sorry for what happened to the Algerians who fought for France.

Let me translate his words, uttered in Les Invalides in Paris  where the ashes of Napoleon lie, a man who would never have left his soldiers in the lurch  in the name of the [French] Republic. Hollande acknowledged the responsibility of French governments in the abandonment of the Harkis, the massacres of those who remained in Algeria and the inhuman conditions for those transferred to camps in France. This statement was made on the national day of hommage to the Harkis instituted by ex-President Jacques Chirac, himself a soldier in Algeria. (So, by the way, was the father of Marine Le Pen, the present leader of the French National Front party, who was also present at Les Invalides.)

The Algerian war was among the most sordid of colonial conflicts. French troops massacred the inhabitants of whole villages in the bled  a word which comes inevitably from the Arabic balad for village or town  and executed their opponents in mass graves or with more formal guillotining in Algiers. Algerian guerrillas routinely slaughtered their own nationalist opponents, perhaps half a million of them, in bloodbaths of insanity. The total dead of the Algerian war number perhaps a million and a half. Some of the French foreign legionnaires who murdered the Algerians were former SS officers from the Second World War.

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Hiring the locals to fight your battles for you has always been a Middle East habit. Or maybe a colonial pastime. After all, we underpaid and undervalued and underpensioned and didnt care very much about the valiant Ghurkas of the British Army.

Nor did the Americans protect their allies in Vietnam  nor the courageous translators who worked for them in Iraq after 2003, and nor did the British for that matter. Are the Americans going to protect the Afghans who fight alongside them in that most distressful country? Or the Kurds of northern Syria, or will they be betrayed as usual (be sure, it will be the latter).

The Israelis paid a slovenly south Lebanese militia to run (and torture) in their occupation zone, and then largely abandoned them when they fled Lebanon in 2000. Many managed to cross the border to Israel and were indeed protected. Their former commander opened a nightclub in Tel Aviv.

The poor Harkis who did escape in 1962, maybe 60,000, were dumped in insanitary, isolated camps around the southern French town of Rivesaltes, where they could almost smell Algeria. But they were ignored, unemployed, treated as a cancer of Frances dark colonial past. What could they expect from a nation which only acknowledged that the Algerian conflict was a war in 1999? Frances occupation lasted for 132 years but it ended when movie cameras could record the war.

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There are saddening pictures of the Harkis  most of whom spoke fluent French, wanted to be French and were told they were French  receiving their medals from French officers. They are smiling, proud, believing they are serving their own country  which then abandoned them.

Now that France has marched down the road of absolution for its own Second World War collaboration with the Nazis, its obviously time to close the Algerian chapter.

But then we have another little problem for the French. They are building some warships, corvettes, for Field-Marshal-President al-Sisi in Alexandria. The local workers  Egyptian Harkis, I suppose you could call them  have demanded higher pay. The Egyptian army has arrested 26 of the strikers and intends to put them before a military court.

The Arab world will never go away. Nor, I guess, will we ever leave it. Stand by for Frances next Algerian story.
ELKO  October programs provide opportunities to enjoy Basque Dancing, buy Native American arts and crafts, and watch mountain men compete at the California Trail Interpretive Center.

The Trail Center is presenting free, family oriented programs throughout October:

Oct. 1, 2:00 p.m.: The Elko Arinak Basque Dancers

The Elko Arinak Basque Dancers will perform a variety of folk dances. Many of the dances are illustrated stories of traditional lifeways from the Basque Country.

Oct 9., 2:00 p.m.: Flint, Steel and Smores

Fall and campfires go hand in hand. Join Ranger Rose as he demonstrates how to start a fire with flint and steel. The program concludes with smores around a crackling fire.

Oct. 15-16, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Native Market and Humboldt River Rendezvous

Purchase handmade, Great Basin Indian arts and crafts and learn about the mountain men. Watch mountain men compete in black powder shooting, primitive archery, knife and tomahawk throwing, and much more.

Oct. 22, 2:00 p.m.: For the Kids: How to Throw a Tomahawk

Join Ranger Rose and learn how to throw a tomahawk like the mountain men.

Oct. 29, 2:00 p.m.: Nevada Outlaws and their Guns

Jeff Williams will discuss Nevada outlaws and show examples of the guns they used to commit their crimes. Stories will include the Last Indian Massacre and the Battle of Kelley Creek, to the last stage robbery of the Old West at Jarbidge. Williams will also discuss the exploits of Diamondfield Jack Davis and other Nevada outlaws. Many of them died with their boots on.

For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center call 738-1849. Visit the Trail Center online at www.californiatrailcenter.org or https://www.facebook.com/californiatrailinterpretivecenter

The California Trail Interpretive Center is located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
A Catawba County school bus driver last saw Emily Jaide Dowdle, a Catawba Elementary student. A press release issued by Catawba County Schools confirmed Dowdle was dropped off at her home on Hudson Chapel Road at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday. The home is a third of a mile from Catawba Elementary.

Dowdle is 4-foot-11 with long light brown hair and hazel eyes, according to the release. She was wearing a pink shirt with an unknown design, Capri jeans and black-framed glasses Tuesday afternoon.

CCS posted a request for assistance on its Facebook page at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday citing a parent had reached out to the school system for help.

The Dowdle family has yet to make a public statement about their daughters disappearance. Authorities have yet to issue a press release, and law enforcement agencies have consistently declined to comment.

A Facebook post by the AWARE Foundation, Inc. states that an FBI spokesperson declined the assistance of volunteers in the search. Law enforcement and rescue teams are coordinating from a Bandys Fire Department station.

Anyone with information about Dowdles whereabouts is asked to call the Catawba County Sheriff's Office at (828) 464-3112.
MADISON  Built in 1908, one of this 2,200-resident hamlet's most storied historical buildings is once again the talk of the town, and now the world, courtesy of the Netflix series, "28 Days Haunted."
OASIS  For a mine that was acquired in 2011 and has been moving toward full production since having broke ground in April of last year, Newmont Mining Corp.s Long Canyon hosted its ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday among a guest list that included County and State dignitaries.

It means a lot to the whole county. Long Canyon ... will increase our sales tax revenue, (and) property tax revenues for the County, said Elko County Commission Chair Glen Guttry.

Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi called the event a great day for Elko County and Nevada, while also citing the economic benefit.

The occasion included a tour of the site, discussions by Senior Environmental Manager Steve Grosz, Mine Manager Randy Walund and Process Superintendent Clay Prothro, as well as a surface pit blast.

However, the importance of this moment was further delineated in the remarks given by Long Canyon General Manager Gordon Mountford, Newmont CEO Gary Goldberg and Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Mountford discussed the importance of Newmonts safety culture and his pride in accomplishments achieved at Long Canyon, including finishing the entire construction period without serious injuries, lost-time accidents or fatalities.

Eighteen months later, here we are now, taking this next step. Its the next step of many phases to come. This is just the first stage to go  The exploration efforts that are currently ongoing now continue to grow the resource, he said, delineating the history of Long Canyon and the companys plan to maintain its efforts.

The full complement of employees will be approximately 270 around this time next year, said Mountford.

Goldberg said Long Canyon is one of what will be the companys 12 gold complexes and called the site a Newmont success story as it demonstrates some of the companys best attributes, including the business development teams, the exploration team, the projects group and the miners.

The governor used this time to expound his pride not only in Newmont and the mining industry, but also for Elko County by sharing with the audience memories, such as catching his first fish at Wild Horse Reservoir and his first camping trip in Lamoille Canyon.

It really was exciting and eye-opening for me to take this tour and see what youre doing here, he said. Its an amazing operation.

Sandoval cited his love for Nevada industry and his appreciation of mining as the core industry that brought us into the Union.

Additionally, he said seeing Wednesdays tour and the current MINExpo 2016 in Las Vegas makes him proud as governor.

We have people from 120 different countries across the world and to be able to show them how mining is that bedrock industry for our state, how proud we are.

These international relations were even seen in a trade mission to Australia, where there were representatives from Newmont, said Sandoval.

Nevadas 230 active mines add $8.8 billion to the economy, aiding in the quality of life of the states citizens, he said.

Fourteen percent of the mineral production in the United States is right here in Nevada, he said.

The governor applauded safety in Nevadas mining industry and the part Newmont plays in that. Also, he pointed to Newmonts Legacy Fund donating $2.44 million to communities. Throughout his travels across the state, this kind of investment and philanthropy is life changing.

Another thing I would like to publicly support Newmont for is your support of the budget and your support of public education, said Sandoval, telling West Wendover Mayor Emily Carter about his visit to West Wendover Elementary. The school is part of the Victory Schools Program.

He discussed the enriched educational experience these children are receiving as well as teacher incentives, bringing in teachers from throughout the country. This is in part due to the mining companys support of the education grant.

The governor recently made Science, Technology, Engineering and Math a priority for the State.

I know that mining is the original STEM industry in our state, said Sandoval, explaining after presenting this at Sparks High School, those from other parts of Nevada, who are not familiar with mining, can now learn and see the opportunities.

More than education, mining is helping families thrive in Nevada through industry jobs.

Sandovals last point moved away from education and the economy to focus on the environment and sage grouse.

As governor I really am blessed to be able to be a part of some really special things that happen in our state, and one of those is that Credit Conservation System that would not have happened without Newmont, he said, stating his fierce advocacy of mining.

Sandoval said he would do whatever it takes for the industry as it is the backbone of Nevada.

This document is important in balancing endangered species while allowing mining to occur.

Mining and conservation are not mutually exclusive, we can work together, not only to do good work but to also create great jobs for an industry paramount to the fundamentals of Nevada and the nation, he said.

It was exciting today to see a new mine, which represents a new mineral district in Nevada open up. We hope to see that over time that will get bigger and employment will expand, and that well see more exciting things out of the new district in the Pequop Range, said Rich Perry, administrator for the Nevada Division of Minerals.

The mine is approximately 30 miles east of Wells and around five miles south of Interstate 80, utilizing the Oasis exit.

Update: This article has been updated to clarify Commissioner Glen Guttry's comments on the benefits of the operation, as the mine site is not the only one in Elko County.
Take a drive to Jackpot tonight or Friday to enjoy a Mickey Gilley performance. There will be a dinner show tonight starting at 7 p.m. in Cactus Petes. On Friday the renowned country artist plays at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $55 for the dinner show and $35 for Fridays event. Purchase passes for the show at Ameristar.com.

Gilley has been involved in the music industry for years and has had a number of top 10 and number one hits including Bring it on Home to Me and Honky Tonk Memories.

_ _ _

This year the Elko Band Fandango will be held Friday through Sunday at 1530 Silver Eagle Drive, near the colony administrative buildings.

Friday afternoon we will have our opening ceremonies at around 2 p.m., then we will have craft, native language and other tables for the community, said Clifford Banuelos, environmental coordinator for the Elko Band of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone.

Other activities include a Rain and Snow Dance, hand games, archery, drum contest and food contests.

The tribe is also celebrating the recent college graduations of four members. Dynneil Atkins, Sam Bronco, Joey R. Navarro and Lorena Torres have completed upper level educational programs at different colleges and universities.

The public is encouraged to come out and enjoy the celebration that commemorates the past year and invokes the possibility of a good year to come. Call 753-9248 for information.

_ _ _

The Lamoille Harvest Festival will be held from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. Saturday at the Lamoille Ranchers Center.

The event is held every year and is a great opportunity to pick up gifts for the coming holiday season. Vendors will be on hand selling handcrafted items and food. A petting zoo will also be set up outside, making it a good reason to bring the children.

Judy Bondo of Spring Creek will again be representing Grassroots Uganda, a fair trade organization started by her friends daughter, Lee Anne Koelzer. Proceeds from the sale will be returned to the Ugandan women involved in the program that helps them become self-sufficient and support their families.

I will have a number of new products including an adorable handmade purse with a drawstring pull that looks like a fish, said Bondo.

Bondo described the humanitarian work that is being done in Uganda by Koelzer, who was once nominated for a CNN Heroes award.

In November I will be speaking to a group of young mothers in Elko, said Bondo. I am going to tell them how Lee Anne will use bees to keep elephants from coming into the village compound.

Bondo makes it a point to talk to groups and educate them about the ongoing project in Uganda that has become very dear to her heart.
The Legislatures public lands committee has recommended four bill draft proposals for the 2017 session, but they and other land-use issues will face stiff opposition from a growing lobby.

Aside from the usual throng of wild horse advocacy groups, a new outdoor voting bloc has been spawned by the drive to transfer federal lands to state control.

Citing a poll by the Center for Western Priorities, a panel discussion is slated today in Las Vegas on the question, Are pro-outdoors positions on public lands issues the key to winning voter support in the swing state? It will be moderated by Nevada Conservation League Education Fund Executive Director Andy Maggi.

At least one of the legislative committees proposals makes sense, but lacks any punch. It is a resolution urging Congress to enact federal legislation requiring the approval of the Nevada congressional delegation prior to the designation of any future monuments in the state.

We think representatives of states  particularly those with more than 50 percent federal ownership  should definitely have a say in any monument designations. Last years declaration of the Basin and Range National Monument is a prime example of federal officials taking a good thing too far.

Unfortunately, a resolution is nothing more than an expression of collective opinion, and presidents would not be obligated to follow it.

Another proposal calls for a bill to prohibit the State Engineer from considering wildlife a beneficial use when perfecting a water right.

This is also a key issue for state rights, but we arent sure where the bill draft is going with it. The state engineer and U.S. Forest Service have been in a legal battle over the federal application for stockwater rights but deals involving water rights for wildlife have been common in the past. The Legislative Counsel Bureau even lists wildlife as a beneficial use along with stockwatering, mining, recreation and other uses.

A notice on the BLMs website states that Typically, the BLM does not apply for water rights for wild horses and burros because under the current definition of wildlife, they are covered under NRS 533.367 which requires all permit holders for springs or seeps to allow access to wildlife that customarily use it.

There have been at least 57 transfers of existing rights for wildlife purposes in Nevada river basins, according to last summers Water in the West report.

Another proposal would clarify that properly marked barbed-wire fences meet the definition of a legal fence.

Current law defines a fence as a barrier sufficient to indicate an intent to restrict the area to human ingress, including, but not limited to, a wall, hedge or chain link or wire mesh fence, but specifically excludes barbed-wire fences as a barrier to trespass.

Thats hard to believe  and certainly goes against popular conception  so we support the panel on this measure.

Finally, a fourth proposal would allow the shooting of varmints across roadways. People would also be allowed to carry a loaded weapon on or along a public way in a vehicle with the intent to shoot varmints. State Sen. Pete Goicoechea explained that residents in rural areas were complaining that by the time they step out of the vehicle the squirrel is gone.

Hmmm. This bill draft must have been sponsored by Wile E. Coyote.

We dont want people shooting across roadways any more than we want them shooting across our driveway. Sure, Nevada has lots of lonely roads out there but we dont see any way to legally distinguish them from the ones with cars and trucks on them.

Sometimes you and the squirrel just have to go separate ways ...
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Mariam Berete with a photo of her biological son. PACO PUENTES

Mariam Berete, aged 20, has a four-year-old son in Andalusia, but she doesnt know if she will ever get him back. Her fate, and that of her child, is in the hands of the law.

Two-and-a-half years ago, the child was pre-adopted and now authorities in Cadiz must determine if he would be better off with his mother, from whom he was separated at 11 months when Mariams aunt kidnapped him and took him to Spain.

One day, Mariam returned home to find her aunt had gone. She had taken the child with her

That abduction began a nightmarish journey that has taken Mariam thousands of miles, with little more than frustrating encounters with bureaucracy to show for it.

Her case has certain parallels with that of another Guinean, Maria Jose Abeng, 19, who gave birth at the age of 14 in a care home in Asturias. Her son Juan Francisco was taken into immediate care by the local social services, who arranged for his pre-adoption by a family in Sueca, Valencia.

Abeng fought a tough legal battle to get her son back, finally persuading the High Court to rule in her favor. With any luck, Mariams struggle will have a similar outcome, but Abengs case highlighted the complexity of the issues involved when minors are abandoned. Unraveling these complexities can take a frustratingly long time and the conclusion is rarely predictable.

Mariams odyssey, which began when she was just 14 in her native Guinea, is testament to her courage and determination. After being abandoned by her mother, she lived with her two sisters and her aunt Fatima in Guinea, with a marriage arranged by her father to her cousin on the cards.

Before the wedding could take place, however, her aunt forced Mariam to come with her to Europe where she had long dreamed of going. Together they traveled by car and bus across Mali and Mauritania until they reached Morocco. Mariam was raped en route on various occasions and fell pregnant. She gave birth in Rabat where she and her aunt had stopped to arrange the crossing to Spain. One day, when the baby was 11 months old, Mariam returned home to find her aunt had gone. She had taken the child with her.

I didnt want to go to Spain by boat because I was scared of the sea Mariam Berete

Her aunt was crossing the Straits of Gibraltar on one of the illegal pateras, or makeshift boats used to make the dangerous sea crossing, and planned to try to use Mariams son to persuade the authorities to let her stay when she reached the other side.

I didnt want to go because I was scared of the sea, says Mariam, who is now living in a White Cross Foundation flat in Algeciras. I knew she was arranging the crossing but I didnt know the details. After she left, I was alone for a long time.

With no one and nothing to fall back on, Mariam struggled to survive. A young man offered to help her get work in a pharmacy back in Guinea-Bissau and so she made the journey home and stayed there for a year-and-a-half. She had food and a roof over her head but was haunted by thoughts of her son.

I decided I didnt mind taking a boat across the sea after all, she says. Then I met a boy. He tried his hardest to persuade me to stay, but eventually he got me a passport and paid for me to travel from Senegal to Morocco.

From Nador, she managed to get through the police controls and cross the border into the Spanish enclave of Melilla. There she approached the immigration center and explained she was looking for her son. Miraculously, she was then given a temporary residence permit that allowed her to visit the Red Cross in Algeciras where she thought her son might be.

Mariam arrived in Spain on April 29, 2015, with the idea of seeing her son as soon as possible. But there was nothing short-term about the next phase of her quest. Her aunt had given the baby her surname and it was some weeks before she discovered he was living with pre-adoptive parents in Andalusia, a revelation that ended her hopes of a rapid reunion.

If I could speak to the family, I would beg them to give me my son back Mariam Berete

How her son had come to be with a pre-adoptive family became clear during the summer of 2015, when the authorities told Mariam that her mother, Oumou Doumbuoya, now a UK resident, was looking for her.

When Mariams aunt Fatima and her son had reached Tarifa, Fatima claimed the baby was hers. The Red Cross was not convinced, however, and reported a potential case of human trafficking. DNA tests were carried out on Fatima and the baby, who was placed in a government care center until the results came through. Meanwhile, Fatima took the opportunity to make herself scarce and fled to France.

The authorities, who were left holding the baby, began to search for his family and found the childs grandmother in the UK, though not Mariam who was at that time in Rabat. And while they knew her identity, the only clue to her whereabouts was Doumbuoyas mention of the north of Africa.

The grandmother was contacted and the UK social services investigated her suitability as the childs guardian, but found she suffered from mental health problems, which had already compromised the safety of the two children she had given birth to while she was living in the London suburb of Croydon.

The Andalusian authorities then decided in May 2014 to give the baby to a family for pre-adoption, informing the Guinea embassy and the Foreign Office of their decision.

Mariam has now been in Spain for a year-and-a-half. Shortly after her arrival, a DNA test confirmed that she was the boys biological mother. In September 2015, she went to court to try and have the pre-adoption decision revoked.

Mariam says she feels observed and sometimes judged for a situation she has explained ad infinitum to the authorities

Last November, her lawyer lodged an appeal with Cadiz Magistrate, Concepcion Carranza who had backed the authorities decision for pre-adoption the month before. The appeal froze the pre-adoption process for the family but, until a resolution is reached, Mariam cannot see her son, even on an arranged visit.

If I could just speak to the family, I would beg them to give me my son back, she says. They are not to blame for anything. I would explain to them that I never abandoned my son, that it was all down to circumstances. A mother has a right to be with her child, although I wouldnt stop them from being with him. I dont even know if they know I am looking for him.

Meanwhile, the Andalusian authorities explain that it is in in the best interests of the child that Mariam is barred from seeing him. Mariam says she feels observed and sometimes judged for a situation she has explained ad infinitum to the authorities, NGOs, lawyers and now a journalist. When they look at me out of the corner of their eye, I feel as though they are wondering whether Im telling the truth, she says. Here, I was told that I should always look someone in the eye to know if theyre lying or not.

Awaiting trial

Mariam Berete is waiting for the court hearing in Cadiz to decide her case. Previously, the Andalusian authorities were opposed to giving her custody of her son. The mothers circumstances between December 2012 and June 2015 that prevented her from looking after her son are indisputable, one government brief states.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor has sent out mixed messages, ruling that the authorities acted correctly in the mothers absence while suggesting that the re-appearance of the parent should lead to re-examining the childs family circumstances. Mariams lawyer, Rafael Huertas, says that the most sensible option would have been a simple foster home without pre-adoption. But the regional government takes matters into its own hands and does what it pleases.

Esperanza Jorge from the White Cross Foundation, who is helping to fight Mariams corner, says: I understand the regional government thinks that she has been an absent mother but imagine a 16-year-old mother with no means of earning a living in Morocco trying to recover a child from the Spanish authorities.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Charles Mills philosophical intervention, The Racial Contract, explains why the problems of race in American society cannot be boiled down to the idea that bad people are racists and everyone else is good. Instead, Mills challenges us to think of past and present racial discrimination as foundational characteristics of a larger political system. According to Mills, this system of global white supremacy is based on an implicit commitment to white racial dominance. In fact, the history of European conquest in North and South America and colonialization in Asia and Africa flows from a shared understanding and agreement with the belief in European/white superiority over everyone else. Across that history, European nations warred and fought with each other, often over land outside of Europe, but always with the explicit or implicit understanding of their shared superiority over everyone else.

While watching the gubernatorial forum sponsored by the Indianapolis Recorder and Radio One on Sunday, I could not help thinking about Mills argument and that even when whites disagreed with each other about politics, economics, or social practices, they routinely agreed to maintain white racial dominance. Consider how the North and South disagreed about slavery in Americas Antebellum Era but commonly shared a belief in white superiority that was clearly reflected in innumerable discriminatory practices in the North and slavery in the South. Indiana, for example, opposed slavery, but it also prohibited Blacks from moving into the state and arrested many who did. Legal historian Paul Finkelman explains this by noting, Indiana was both antislavery and anti-Black.

A contrary position would have required Indiana politicians to radically break with the status quo across the state of placing white well-being at the center of public discourse and the well-being of others as a secondary matter. Such radical ideas were rare at the time and still are today. All lives matter as a response to Black lives matter is an example of framing the issue of police violence against African-Americans as a universal concept that places white identity and well-being back at the center. At Sundays gubernatorial candidate forum, that kind of framing was a recurring theme. Even when direct questions were posed about racial disparities or racial inequities, with only a few exceptions, the candidates gave answers that ignored race entirely.

Clearly, getting elected in Indiana requires appealing to the sensibilities of white constituencies statewide. It is essential, however, that we recognize and acknowledge how similar that is to past practices in Indianas history of appealing to the racial proclivities of the white electorate. In this way, most politicians, across racial groups, stick to the terms of the racial contract  being careful not to challenge the privileges and benefits that Americas white majority has come to expect.

Accordingly, the candidates at the forum differed over school choice, public transportation, environmental protection and other issues, but none expressed a commitment to ending the vast disparities in experiences that African-American and other Hoosiers have in comparison with their white counterparts. The Democratic candidate affirmed the value of Black lives and committed to listening to concerns about racial inequality and then to act to address them if elected. The Republican candidate largely avoided mentioning race before the predominantly African-American audience and spoke in universal terms regarding education and policing and employment. The Libertarian candidate decried police violence against African-Americans and discrimination in school discipline in no uncertain terms but saw no significant role for the government in addressing it.

With these choices, it is would seem that the status quo racial inequalities in education, housing, criminal justice and employment in Indiana will not be changing anytime soon. If Mills is wrong and there is no implied agreement among Hoosiers to maintain the racial advantages secured from past and current discrimination, you have to wonder why the focus of politicians and the policies they adopt so neatly match the contract terms that Mills proposes.

Regardless, we should also remember from the past that it was far better to live in Indiana with its anti-Black immigration laws than to be enslaved in Mississippi, so elections matter a lot, even when your only option is to choose the least objectionable candidate.

Carlton Waterhouse is a professor of law and Deans Fellow at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on the campaign trail. Photo by Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.



A consulting firm hired by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to push for a tribal casino deal in Florida also was paid for potentially illegal work in Cuba, Newsweek reports.

Seven Arrows Investment and Development Corp. was paid $38,996.32 for the unsuccessful gaming effort, according to the report. Based on documents reviewed by the publication, the company's primary goal was to woo politicians, who for years refused to negotiate with the Seminole Tribe , an issue famously brought up by former governor Jeb Bush during a GOP debate last year

"You wanted it, and you didnt get it," Bush told Trump.

"I would have gotten it," Trump responded, after denying he was interested in a casino.

But a casino wasn't the only item on Trump's agenda. According to Newsweek, his hotel company reimbursed $68,551.88 to Seven Arrows for a "secret business trip" to Cuba even though doing business there remains illegal under a decades-old embargo.

As you knowand the people in this room know better than anyoneputting money and investing money in Cuba right now doesnt go to the people of Cuba, Trump later said in Florida in November 1999, months after his company had already reimbursed Seven Arrows for the trip, Newsweek reported.

It goes to Fidel Castro. Hes a murderer. Hes a killer," Trump added. "Hes a bad guy in every respect, and, frankly, the embargo must stand if for no other reason than, if it does stand, he will come down.

The Seminole Tribe finally got its gaming deal in 2010, after Jeb Bush left office, and has grown into an economic and political powerhouse. The tribe has shared more than $1 billion in revenues with the state.

Trump, though, has never acknowledged his past dealings with the tribe or his rocky history in Indian Country. He's questioned the legitimacy of tribes, accused tribes of being unable to police their own casinos, labeled tribal leaders as criminals and once tried to invalidate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act

Were extremely worried because if Donald Trump gets elected history already shows us that we probably wont be able to move forward, Mic Isham, the chairman of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe from Wisconsin, told BuzzFeed News. His comments about tribes, and his history with the tribes dont bode well for us.

Read More on the Story: How Donald Trumps Company Violated the United States Embargo Against Cuba (Newsweek 9/29) Trumps Decades Of Insults Against Native Americans Send Tribal Leaders Toward Clinton (BuzzFeed 9/29) Seminole Tribe chairman Billie ousted from office by unanimous vote (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 9/29) What does the Seminole Tribe's surprise ouster of James Billie mean for Florida gambling, Tampa's Hard Rock? (The Tampa Bay Times 9/29) Seminoles vote to oust Billie as chairman (The Miami Herald 8/28)

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The headquarters of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the parent agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Indianz.Com / Available for use under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License



Congress went on break for another six weeks without acting on funding for Indian Country.

Instead, lawmakers on Wednesday night gave final approval to a "continuing resolution" that keeps the federal government running through December 9. The move averts a shutdown and came ahead of a deadline of October 1, which marks the start of fiscal year 2017.

"I have said many times before, a continuing resolution is a last resort. But, it is what we must do to fulfill our congressional responsibility to keep the lights on in our government," Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Kentucky), the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee , said in a statement

Congress has failed to pass an appropriations bill for the Bureau of Indian Affairs , the Indian Health Service and other Indian programs since 2009. Lawmakers have instead negotiated "omnibus" packages that fail to include all of the increases that President Barack Obama and Democrats have sought for tribal needs.

Lawmakers are now scheduled to return to work after the November 8 presidential election. They are again planning to take up another "omnibus" appropriations measure before the end of the year.

"The continuing resolution ... extends current federal spending rates through December 9th, which is sufficient time for Congress to negotiate and enact an omnibus consisting of each of the remaining 11 appropriations bills," Rep. Nita Lowey (D-New York), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee , said in a stateement

The continuing resolution is H.R.5325 . It maintains funding for the BIA, the IHS and other Indian programs at current levels, meaning no increases are provided.

Despite the lack of progress, H.R.5325 includes a new provision regarding veterans care in Alaska. It authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with tribes and tribal organizations to "provide healthcare, including behavioral health and dental care, to veterans in rural Alaska."

"This bill is great news for Alaska, because the CR includes the full appropriations bill for military constructions and Veterans Affairs, which supports crucial defense projects in Alaska, creates thousands of new jobs, and takes care of our veterans," Murkowski said in a press release

The Senate approved H.R.5325 by a 72 to 26 vote on Wednesday afternoon. It cleared the House by a 352 to 85 vote later in the evening.

The bill awaits Obama's signature. A statement of administration policy from the White House Office of Management and Budget supported passage of H.R.5325.

FY2017 Interior Department Budget Documents:

FY2017 Indian Health Service Budget Documents:

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A Tale Of Two Warriors

By Jim KentLakota Country Times Columnist

Once upon a time there was a U.S. Army warrior. He wore a blue uniform and rode a horse.

He fought alongside Andrew Jackson. He fought in the war with Mexico. He fought in The Indian Wars." He fought in the Civil War. He retired after 45 years recognized for his long and distinguished career."

So respected for his service was he that people began naming geographic sites in his honor: a county in Oregon, a lake in Florida, a mountain in South Dakota. Eight locations in all. Truly an accomplishment for a man of humble beginnings.

But there was another side to his story. It is the dark chapters in William S. Harneys life that most people dont know.

The charges of whipping a female slave to death because shed lost a set of keys. At a time when white men werent penalized for crimes against blacks The Major walked free.

Theres the war he began with Britain over where the U.S./Canadian border was located  triggered by the shooting of a pig. Harney was recalled to Washington in disgraceand not for the first time.

Theres the fact that The Civil War General spent most of his time at a desk performing administrative duties, was ineptly captured by the Confederates - only released for his Southern ties (he was born in Tennessee) and had his loyalty to the Union questioned.

But most significant are the monikers Butcher and Woman Killer  given by the Lakota after the 1855 Massacre at Blue Water Creek when troops under Harneys command killed women and children during an attack on the Little Thunder camp. A New York Times correspondent referred to the incident as: The lamentable butcheries of Indianssimply a massacre.

And its for this last chapter in Harneys questionably stellar career that another warrior  a Lakota  demanded his name be removed from the geographic site in South Dakota. A place considered sacred by the Lakota in the already revered mountains called the Black Hills  He Sapa." That point called Harney Peak."

It was in the early morning hours as summer drew to a close that Basil Brave Heart, a Korean War veteran, rose and began reading. The Lakotas and the Black Hills by Jeffrey Ostler.

When Brave Heart turned to the section on the Blue Water Creek Massacre he was transported back in time  75 years  to his childhood and the day his grandparents told him that same story.

Time and lifes events had pushed the memory deep in his subconscious. Seeing some of the words first spoken to him as a boy Brave Heart put the book down and walked from the room. He found a quiet place and sat there. Then he cried.

In his sorrow something came to him. A spirit. Which? He doesnt know. But it offered a message. It told Brave Heart he must change the name. He must return the sacred spirit of that place named for The Butcher." He must begin the journey toward renewal.

Basil Brave Heart  the warrior who had never killed a slave, the warrior who had never massacred women and children, the warrior who had never started a war  did accept this new mission to take on the federal government.

And despite the naysayers, even among his own people, he moved forwardone small step at a time: never accepting no as an answer; never faltering on his road to success; never failing to spread the word or accept the support of those who offered.

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So it was that on a cool September morning at a place once called Harney Peak a Lakota warrior led a prayer to the Creator - offering thanks for one small adjustment in a history of unparalleled carnage.

Sharing the moment  and the victory  with the many who had helped he prayed this change for the Lakota would also be a new beginning. That the positive energy first brought to him by that unnamed spirit would spread across his nation to the other council fires and beyond. That the gift of renewal of spirit and of mountain would lay the groundwork for a return to the traditions of his people.

And that the divine intervention that had caused this seemingly impossible achievement would mark an awakening of the spirit in the hearts of all.

He hoped all this would be remembered each time people heard the name Black Elk Peak."

(Jim Kent is a freelance writer and radio producer who lives in Hot Springs. He is a contributing columnist to the Lakota Country Times and former editor of The New Lakota Times. He can be heard on South Dakota Public Radio, National Public Radio and National Native News Radio. Jim can be reached at kentvfte@gwtc.net)

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Esperanza, blindfolded to protect her identity, receives a hug.

More information La exguerrillera de las FARC que busca el perdon con abrazos

Just three days before the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the government of President Juan Manuel Santos signed the peace accords that aim to bring a definitive end to the countrys 50-year-old armed conflict, Esperanza, a former guerrilla, met with Antanas Mockus, ex-mayor of Bogota, to make a confession. I was recruited when I was 13 years old, I stayed for eight years and deserted when I was 21, she says. I need help to ask for forgiveness.

After its success on the internet, the video went viral at a crucial moment in Colombian history

The progressive politician and advocate for peace shared a video of her confession with his 800,000 Facebook followers. During a work meeting with Antanas and his wife we decided that we had to do something to explain to people why the war had to end, John Portela, Mockus press attache, told EL PAIS. The short video, directed by Portela, has already had more than 900,000 visits and more than 33,000 people have shared it with others since it was posted on September 23.

Portela met Esperanza through the Colombian Agency for Reintegration (ACR), an organization that has worked with many of the more than 57,000 rebel soldiers who demobilized between 2003 and 2016. She did know who she was going to talk to, what she was going to say to him and that we were going to tape that moment, Portela says. The former mayor knew that he was going meet with a former rebel soldier but he did not know her identity or story. It was surprising for me, Mockus says. The question that came out of me was: What was your happiest moment? And suddenly I saw her light up and she said: Having my son. Sentimental music cued up as Mockus and Esperanza, moved beyond words, touch foreheads.

Forgiveness through a hug.

I have focused on communication that is about not asking people what they did wrong or what their sins were as if one had the authority or right to forgive them, the politician says. Mockus was one of Bogotas most popular mayors because he encouraged tax-payers to take part in government, on one occasion bringing mime artists out on the streets to help people learn road rules. Mockus has not only helped Esperanza ask for forgiveness, he also warns her that her decision carries a great risk: Whoever asks for forgiveness must be prepared to hear no. There is no automatic forgiveness. It must be freely given.

Esperanza leans on Mockus arm as she descends the stairs of Universidad Javeriana de Bogota, one of the countrys most prestigious. Esperanza words can be read on a poster: I was recruited at 13 years old by the FARC, today I ask for forgiveness. Will you give me a hug?

There is no automatic forgiveness. It must be freely given Antanas Mockus, former mayor of Bogota

Over the last decade, this formula has been used in large demonstrations all over the world. But in this case, the woman asking for hugs, a former FARC soldier, covers her face with her one-year-old sons cloth diaper. We were going to evaluate whether she would show her face or not, Mockus says. She herself decided to cover up and it surprised me because a bandage hides but she chose the most innocent object to do it with.

Students soon recognize Mockus. We did not ask anyone to come, Portela says. The people who approach her, hug her and whisper in her ears did it because they wanted to.

Esperanza and Antanas Mockus in the video.

The black and white video switches to color when Esperanza receives the first hug from a young man. It was my personal decision, the director says. I decided to symbolize that her life was starting over. Portela has made similar emotional videos before but never one with this level of impact. We did not have money to make a seven-minute commercial, so we decided to use Antanas social media networks, which are very powerful.

After its success on the internet, traditional media picked up the video and it went viral at a crucial moment in Colombian history. The images explain the reality of the fratricide and the need for forgiveness in order to begin reconciliation. It has also become one of the most successful campaigns calling on Colombians to vote Yes on October 2 in the referendum that will determine whether to uphold or reject the peace deal the government has negotiated with FARC leaders.

English version by Dyane Jean-Francois.
How much do you know about the fifth largest continent in the world?

1. Antarctica has its own domain - .aq

Image Credit: telegraph

The .aq internet country code domain is administered by Peter Mott and Associates of Auckland, New Zealand. It is used for conducting work in the region.

2. The continent has no time zone

Image Credit: worldlynomads.com

People in Antarctica gauge time according to their country's time zones.

3. There are drinking bars in Antarctica

Image Credit: creative commons

Scientists who are the base drink to battle the cold. There are around three bars in McMurdo, which is the largest settlement on the continent.

4. July 21, 1983, was recorded as the coldest day ever in Antarctica

Image Credit: thecoldestjourney.org

It was -82.9 C.! I can't even imagine that!

5. Antarctica has 70% of all the fresh water on Earth

Image Credit: wallstreetotc.com

It comprises approximately 30 million cubic kilometers (6,810,622,337,000,000,000 gallons) of ice. Phew!

6. Roald Amundsen was the first human to reach Antarctica

Image Credit: wikipedia

Norwegian Roald Amundsen reached Antarctica on December 14, 1911, thus becoming the first human to set foot on the South Pole.

7. There are no permanent residents in Antarctica

Image Credit: splash.abc.net.au

Obviously, who would want to freeze here permanently? The only people who choose to visit Antarctica are visiting scientists and researchers.

8. Antarctica expands in the winter

Image Credit: blogs.esa.int

The continent's ice expands about 40,000 square miles per day during winter!

9. The Antarctic midge is the only insect found on the entire continent

Image Credit: Richard E/Sci-News.com

It is the largest purely terrestrial animal on the continent, as well as its only insect.

10. Antarctica belongs to nobody

Image Credit: classroom.antarctica.gov.au

Australia, Argentina, and the United Kingdom slyly tried to claim Antarctica as their own. However in 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was drafted, designating the land as "a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science."

11. You cannot work in Antarctica unless your wisdom teeth and appendix are removed

Image Credit: maltatoday

For health and safety reasons, doing this is advisable

12. Metallica became the first band to play in Antarctica

Image Credit: theimagesstory.com

US rock band Metallica was in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing in Antarctica. A crowd of 120 scientists and contest winners attended the concert.

13. Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharti are Indias research stations in Antarctica

Image Credit: gizmag

Out of these, Dakshin Gangotri was buried in ice 6 years after it was set up, forcing India to abandon it.

14. Summer in Antarctica falls during the months of October to February, while winter is in March to September

Image Credit: wikimedia

Its opposite! #SouthernHemisphere
When you think of Old Delhi, what immediately comes to mind is its melt-in-mouth delicacies and street food, unbeatable architecture and a history so rich that you have to pause for a second. This is a place that holds plenty of intrigue for photographers and travellers alike, not to mention the people who've called the place home for years now.

1. The first electric tram service was introduced to the city in 1908 and ran till as late as 1963.

Life Magazine Archives

Old Delhi, or the former city of Shahjahanabad, was once the headquarters of the Mughal Empire with its colourful bazaars and clean streets. Although, it has evolved a lot since then - what with traffic and an increase in the hustle bustle of life - it retains a certain charm even today that makes it one of Delhi's most frequented places.

2. The first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad visits Old Delhi in a horse-driven carriage.

Old Indian Images/Facebook

A trip to this part of Delhi makes for a wonderful lesson in the city's culture, food and rich history. According to some, you can't call yourself a true Delhiite if you've not been to this part of town. For those who haven't been, what's holding you back?

3. Chandni Chowk Town Hall, 1913.

Life Magazine Archives

PLACES TO SEE

1. The Red Fort

A.Savin/Wikimedia Commons/Free Art License 1.3

The imposing red stone fort, or Lal Qila, was built by Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656. One of the most visited spots in Old Delhi, the Red Fort shows traces of Mughal brilliance, and honours India's struggle for freedom. Architecture buffs will appreciate the fort's design that boasts a blend of Indian, Persian and European design sensibility, while photographers will be delighted to see how brilliantly the red stone translates to film.

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Pro tip: The entry will cost you Rs 10 and there's no charge for photography; understand that you're entering an area with large crowds; be careful of your belongings and carry your own water.

2. Khari Baoli

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The market on Khari Baoli road dates back to 17th century and the name itself refers to a step well which was used for various purposes. Only now Asia's biggest spice market stands here. The smells and colours are enough to leave your brain tickled for years. Don't be thrown off by the numbers either - for a market that crowded, it's known to run a pretty organised show.

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One of the best things about visiting here is the countless stories the shopkeepers are willing to trade if only you ask them, right down to the source of the spices you're buying. And there's plenty to choose from, like, chutneys, pickles, dry fruits, rice, herbs, pulses, unrefined pink salt, nuts, tea, you name it.

Pro tip: Grab some sweets while you're there; the place is known for different varieties of burfi and rasgulla.

3. Chandni Chowk

dailymail

This place deserves a separate mention on the list, and if for nothing else, visit here for the circus called life. One of the busiest markets in Delhi, Chandni Chowk at first look may intimidate a few; plenty of traffic, people, overpowering smells and noise is enough to make any man turn around. But once you get past that, the place can easily inspire a poet or two. That much life in one place creates its own magic.

livemint

It was established in 1639 by a Mughal emperor and after surviving a little more than three centuries, the market now sits lit up in neon at night. It is said that people travelled from as far as China, Turkey and even Holland to trade here. Be it shopping, eating or simply taking a stroll with you camera, there's something here for everyone and one trip here is a must.

Pro tip: there are plenty of Old Delhi walks and tours that you can opt for and tour this side of the city.

4. Jama Masjid

in.com

Right opposite the Red Fort lies a little slice of peace in the form of one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. This is yet another structure built by Shah Jahan around 1656 and can hold a whopping 25,000 people at one time. Interestingly, the structure's design is heavily influenced by both Hindu and Mughal architecture.

travelscopeindia

Each Friday sees proof of the architectural brilliance of a structure built to hold a whopping 25,000 people at one time; this is when Muslims turn up in large numbers for Namaz, and this is one of the reason why the Jama Masjid is also referred to as the Friday mosque.

Pro tip: time your visit; non-muslims can only attend the 7.45 am prayer session

LET'S TALK FOOD

You can't do justice to all the scrumptious food available here, but here's a start.

1. Natraj Dahi Bhalla

A photo posted by Sapna Bhattacharya (@thevagabonddream) on Nov 20, 2015 at 6:53am PST

Natraj Dahi Bhalla was established in 1940, and its dahi bhallas and allo tikkis, the only two dishes being served here, deserve a taste.

2. Lotan Chole Wala, Chawri Bazaar

A photo posted by Abhishek (@abhishekhanna) on Jun 12, 2016 at 1:35am PDT

A makeshift stall is all that Lotan Chole Wala needs to create some serious chole magic. They have a unique taste and that explains why they sell out by 12 noon.

3. Karim's

A photo posted by Aastha Gupta (@aasthag13) on Jan 24, 2015 at 6:04am PST

If you love non-veg food make a bee-line for Karims for their melt-in-mouth kebabs and mutton nahari.

4. The Jalebi wala of Chandni Chowk

A photo posted by TBF : Evaa + Nikhil (@thebangalorefoodies) on Mar 19, 2015 at 7:29am PDT

For fresh out of the stove, piping hot, extra sweet jalebis, this is the place to be.

5. Daulat ki Chaat

A photo posted by Anurag (@amarkande) on Jan 10, 2015 at 12:16am PST

6. Ghantewala sweets

hindustantimes

Serving sweetness since 1790 to royalty and common folk alike, the place is known for its sohan halwa, pista samosa, motichoor ladoo and Karachi halwa to name a few. If that isn't incentive enough to go, then what is?
1. The new track from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was released today and people are loving it.

Dharma Productions

Channa Mereya sung by Arijit Singh has a glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma's journey. After the title track and Bulleya, this is the third track from the film which might again become everyone's favorite song soon.

2. After Tannishtha Chatterjee's post got viral and Krushna called it a 'publicity stunt', he later ended up apologizing for the roast.

However, after channel apologized to Tannishtha, Krushna too apologized. He said, "When a show comes, 90 per cent people praise the show, but then 10 per cent say they didn't like it. So maybe she didn't like the format. When Varun Dhawan came for Dilwale, Varun himself came up to me and said that he is very excited and looking forward to the roast. Even Shah Rukh Khan chose to come to our show for Fan. I don't know what hurt Tannishtha, because I wasn't performing then. But I apologise if it has hurt her, though it wasn't a deliberate attempt."

Rock the Boat!  #LakeZurich #VisitZurich #inLOVEwithSWITZERLAND @myswitzerlandlive A photo posted by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Aug 17, 2016 at 11:24pm PDT

He said, "I m very fast, bright and colourful and unbearably loud. And if youre in Bombay you cant take me anywhere. Im the Lamborghini of men."

Nandita took to FB to comment on the controversy. She wrote, "I feel sad for those who stoop so low. It is time we speak up against any discrimination which is on the basis of colour, cast, class, creed and gender. This is not about #Tannishtha being "roasted", but it is about the kind of world we are creating and want to be part of."

5. Pakistani Artists were asked to condemn the Uri Attacks but the chose not to, claimed Rajya Sabha MP and Essel Group Chairman Subhash Chandra.

During the press conference, Chandra further added that they had called and requested artists like Fawad, Mahira, Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, Veena Malik, Imran Abbas and more to "simply condemn the terrorist attack on sleeping soldiers".
To be honest, I personally am really bored of this one question Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?Its been over an year and the waiting game is getting a tad bit annoying. Okay, maybe not! But why oh why did Kattappa do that?

Toi

All the Baahubali fans have had sleepless nights all this time wondering the answer to this question. In fact, many have come up with their own theories. Such is the obsession!

Unfortunately, the answer is still months away since Baahubali 2 is slated to release in 2017.

indiawest

Meanwhile, in a recent interview to Bollywood Life, Rana Daggubati who plays Bhallala Dev in the film, tried messing with our minds again. In fact, according to him the answer to this question is not even a secret. So much so, that every person whos associated with the film knows the answer to this question.

Rana Daggubati said, Everyone on our film set (Baahubali 2) knows, SS Rajamouli was very clear from the beginning, every single actor who has worked on this film, right from the smallest to the biggest will know the entire story of Baahubali very clearly. The two parts were narrated to us, five years ago. So it was a not quick creation that came out of nowhere. It was planned, thought of and executed.

In another interesting revelation, he said, Its not something that can be explained. Its a big grand visual treat that you will have to watch and it will be out on 28th of April 2017.

Its safe to say that this is more than what director S.S Rajamouli has revealed.

Baahubali movie stills

In a video shared by Dharma Productions, Baahubali director S S Rajamouli has been interviewed wherein he has clearly said that Kattappa killed Baahubali because, I asked him to do so.

While we give him this that its a funny answer, this is definitely not the answer that world is expecting it to be.

Guess well have to wait till April 2017 only, then.
The MNS outrage that followed the Uri attacks is being condemned by some but a few think that telling Pakistani artists to leave the country is a sensible move. While many celebrities took to their social media platforms to voice out their opinions on the same, Sidharth Malhotra too spoke at length about it.

According to a report in DNA, Sidharth Malhotra was asked to comment on the issue and particular about Fawad Khan, since he has worked with him in Karan Johar's Kapoor & Sons. According to the report, Sidharth said,

Twitter

"I feel that creativity or artists or any kind of creative field, be it a movie, has no connections with what happens politically in different countries. I don't personally feel it's going to make a difference to our situations. We're just soft targets and that's why they are commenting and trying to bring this issue up. So it's sad because I've worked with Fawad and we didn't cast somebody because of their nationality."

Amidst reports of threats and warnings issued to Pak artists to leave the country, Sidharth Malhotra made another brilliant point on the same as he pointed out how individuals and performers are hired and not "Pakistani artists".

Colors

"We Cast them as an individual and as performers, and there are so many other technicians who come from all around the world, in India, to work. Not only actors, there are cameramen, there are artists, there are makeup artists and people... So the world is becoming smaller and smaller and you can't say yes or no to one particular nationality."

Later he also clarified that Fawad didn't leave India because of the threats but he was already in Pakistani during the controversy. He also added that he has been in constant touch with Fawad Khan.
With the Indian Army confirming surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LOC) to avenge the killings of 18 soldiers in Uri, there might be some who would be imagining a full-scale war between the two nuclear powers. Such a situation, however, not only results in unrestrained bloodshed, it pushes the involved parties several decades back with incalculable destruction of resources and irreparable loss of life.

AFP

Be it the ongoing Syria conflict or the Afghan or the Iraq war, which dominated the first decade of 21st century, apart of monetary loss, a large number of people, including women and children have been killed so far. Not even a single day passes when we don't get the reports of killings.

Therefore, those who advocate war between two nuclear states need to understand that if war happens, it will be disatrous for the Indian subcontinent, which is a home of one-fifth of the world's population. According to a study done by researchers of three universities - Rutgers University, University of Colorado-Boulder and University of California (Los Angeles), If India and Pakistan fight a war detonating 100 nuclear warheads (around half of their combined arsenal), more than 21 million people will die directly.

About half the worlds protective ozone layer will be destroyed apart from other natural catastrophes including a nuclear winter, which will cripple the monsoons and agriculture worldwide. More than half of the refugees world over are children.

AFP

Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria are burning examples of why Pakistan and India shouldn't even think going for a full scale war.

Here are a few lessons for both India and Pakistan from the three theaters of conflicts

Children form majority out of 50 Million refugees uprooted by war

In the first one and a half decade of 21st century, three major wars have been fought or are being fought across the globe-first the Iraq war fought parallel to Afghan war and now the Syria war which is in its fifth year.

According to a UNCEF report titled 'Uprooted', globally, some 50 million children have either migrated to another country or been displaced internally by force. And out of these 50 million, more than 28 million children have been forced to leave their country due to prolonged conflicts.

According to the report, new and ongoing conflicts globally have forced the number of child refugees to jump by 75% to 8 million. This has also made these children vulnerable to human trafficking and other forms of abuse. Just two countries, Syria and Afghanistan, comprise half of the world's child refugees under protection by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Another gruesome fact: Roughly three quarters of the world's child refugees come from just 10 countries.

Unicef

According to the report, more than 50% of refugees living globally are under 18 years of age which also means that such a massive number of children across the globe have lost their childhood, their right to education, better health and other things which make a child a better adult.

Incalculable loss of human life

According to a report published in Reuters in October 2015, a total of 92,000 Afghans, both terrorist as well as innocent civilians have lost their lives since 2001 when the US invaded Afghanistan. The forces too have faced massive casualties as since 2001, a total of 2,364 Americans, 453 Brits and 678 soldiers of other nationalities fighting under NATO have died (source: casualties.org)

According to Brown Universitys Cost of War Project out of a total of 92,000 Afghans killed at least 26,000 were civilians.

AFP

According to iraqbodycount.org, Iraq war which started soon after the US invasion of Afghanistan has seen deaths over 2.51 lakh people including the soldiers. The civilian deaths accounts for somewhere between 1.64 to 1.83 lakh deaths ever since 2004 when the US forces invaded Iraq while accusing Iraq of having weapons of mass destruction.

AFP

Syria, another threatre of war, where major global powers have also jumped, has seen massive number of casualties. Ever since the start of civil war in Syria against the president Bashar-al-Assad, the war has seen over 4.5 lakh people dead which includes more than 50,000 children (source: iamsyria.org).

Number People died in Iraq (iraqbodycount.org)

According to the website, more than 21,000 people lost their lives in 2015 alone. If statistics for August 2016 are believed over 1,400 people which includes soldiers as well as civilians died in various conflicts.

Better use of money

According to the Costs of War project carried out at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, the US has spent a staggering USD 4.4 trillion as cost of war in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan in last 15 years. This USD 4.4 trillion amount does not include future interest costs on borrowing for the wars, which will add an estimated $8 trillion through 2054.

Congressional Research Service via Federation of American Scientists

Here 'war in Pakistan' refers to U.S. counter terrorism efforts there, such as drone strikes and other efforts against al Qaeda. Syria war too has been causing monetary losses to countries who are involved in different theaters of war in Syria.

Destroying is easier than rebuilding

Any amount of rebuilding is inadequate if a country sees more than one and half decade of war. whether it's Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria- rebuilding these countries as they were before the war is next to impossible. And even if it's, it take decades to make the state habitable.

AFP

According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) John Sopko, was quoted in a story of Reuters where he said that efforts at development in Afghanistan have now cost more than the Marshall Plan to reconstruct post-World War Two Europe. SIGAR estimates that the Afghan government costs $8 to $10 billion a year to run  but can raise no more than $2 billion itself in revenue. That leaves it more dependent on outside support than probably any other nation.
When you spend lakhs to get a home in a Mumbai housing society, the last thing you expect to see in broad daylight in a 'Prince Of Persia' like assassination attempt.

mid-day

Residents of Bhayandar's Planetaria Complex were treated to a Hollywood style revenge attack when a 20 year named Dhoni Gopal climbed up to the third floor house of a woman, armed with a sword. Yes, a real sword.

Last time we saw such athleticism it was in Bihar when parents climbed walls to help their kids cheat!!!

The reason? Gopal had found out that his mom was slappd by a neighbouring woman "following a petty quarrel", Mid-Day reported.

Thankfully, he couldn't enter her home - taking out his frustration on the apartment's glass windows. The crowds that gathered handed him over to the police.
"...teri wife aur daughter ka woh haal karenge ki sunne wale bhi kaanp jayenge...teri wife aur beti ko agar zinda laash nahin bana diya to main CBI ka DIG Sanjeev Gautam nahin hun. Tumhari aane wali pushten bhi Sanjeev Gautam ke naam se kanpengi. CBI ko yaad rakhegi...(We will do such things to you wife and daughter that it will send shivers down of those who hear of it. I will change my name If I do not turn your wife and daughter into living corpses. Your coming generation will also shiver after hearing my name. It will always remember the CBI).

This is how Sanjeev Gautam, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), allegedly threatened BK Bansal, director-general in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and forced him to commit suicide along with his only son Yogesh Bansal (25).

The 65-year-old bureaucrat  who was accused of seeking a Rs 50 lakh bribe from a Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company for not recommending a probe into charges that it had duped 24,000 investors  was found hanging along with his son in their flat in Neelkanth Apartments, Madhu Vihar, East Delhi, on September 26.

Bansal was about to retire from his service in October 2016.

The CBI probe into the graft charge wiped out Bansals entire family. His wife  Satya Bala Bansal (57)  and daughter Neha Bansal (27) too had committed suicide two months ago alleging that they were humiliated by the investigators.

He has named DIG Sanjeev Gautam, SP Amrita Kaur, Deputy SP Rekha Sangwan and a "bulky head constable", in the suicide note and demanded an inquiry against them.

PTI/ File

He also accused an unidentified head constable, who was part of the probing team and whom he has described as an extremely bulky man, of misbehaving and assaulting his wife and daughter.

mid-day.com

If I was guilty, why were my wife and daughters tortured and forced to commit suicide? he asked and said, It was simply a murder, not suicide.

Demanding an inquiry against the erring officials, he wrote in the suicide note, If the DIG, the two lady officers and the head constable are made to take lie detector test (polygraph test), the truth will come out.

Bansal claimed that the DIG would drop the name of BJP chief Amit Shah.

DIG ne kaha tha main Amit Shah ka aadmi hun, mera koi kya bigadega (The DIG said he is Amit Shahs man, who can harm him, he alleged in the note.

indiatoday

Bansals son Yogesh, made almost the same allegation against the investigators and said in his two-page suicide letter that he is taking the unwanted step because of the continuous mental and physical torture inflicted by the officers.

My mother was a simple, humble and religious lady and my sister was a gold medallist of the Delhi University. The five officers of the CBI  the DIG, an SP and Deputy SP, an investigating officer and an unidentified head constable  directly or indirectly tortured and harassed the two pious women to the extent that led them to commit suicide. My Neha (the sister) was dead against committing suicide, he wrote alleging that the suicides committed by his mother and sister are in fact murders carried out by the five investigators.

CBI Needs To Deliberate

The suicides raise serious questions about CBI officers with alleged vested interest in taking the case too far. If true, why the agencys officers, including the DIG, were adopting unlawful ways and on whose behest?

Only a day before (on Monday) the father-son duo took the extreme step, the Supreme Court had nudged the government over a petition that cited the tragedy of the Bansals and sought guidelines for such raids. The CBI raided Bansals flat several times after his arrest on July 17.

intoday.in

The trial court  while granting bail to Bansal to attend the funeral of his wife and daughter  too had questioned the need to arrest the graft accused. These are not conventional crimes like murder or rape. Earlier, the CBI used to not arrest accused in such cases. Most of the evidences are documentary in nature and the accused is a public servant. The agency needs to re-think whether it is necessary to make arrests in such cases, Special Judge Gurdeep Singh had said.

amazonaws.com

The apex court, two years ago, had also discouraged arrests in such cases which are punishable with up to seven years of imprisonment without proper investigation.

Arrest brings humiliation, curtails freedom and casts scars forever. Lawmakers know it, so also the police, the Supreme Court had said a ruling in July 2014.

Bansal was granted regular bail on August 30 by Patiala House Court.

Probe Ordered

Tarique Anwar/Indiatimes

The CBI on Wednesday set up an inquiry panel to probe into the allegations levelled against the agency by Bansal, his wife and son.

Today, we have received communication from the Delhi Police enclosing therewith the purported handwritten notes of Mr. Bansal and his son Yogesh. It contains allegations against certain CBI officials in connection with the ongoing bribery investigation against him and others, said CBI spokesperson RK Gaur.

In a purported five-page suicide note, dated September 26, 2016  accessed by Indiatimes  Bansal has accused the central agency of torturing and mental harassing him and his entire family.
As the Samjhauta Express pulled into the Old Delhi railway station at dawn on Tuesday, there was reason to forget that the passengers on-board were travelling between two neighbours caught in a fresh wave of hostilities fanned by terror and wartalk.

AFP

The bi-weekly train originates from Lahore, enters India via Punjab, and terminates at Delhi. There were 184 people on-board on Tuesday  84 Pakistanis, and the rest Indians. Yes, the number is smaller than before last week's Uri strike, but those continuing their journey seem relatively unfazed by the rising tensions.

Waiting for his cousin Shahzad Qureishi to arrive from Karachi, 28-year-old Meerut resident Mohammed Naushad said, "The conditions between the two countries may have deteriorated. Lekin TV mein sacchai kam aur afwahahein zyaada hoti hain (there's less truth and more rumours on TV)."

AFP

When Shahzad, 50, stepped out of the train, the two cousins hugged each other for the first time in their lives. Shahzad, visiting India after 36 years, has never met most of his maternal cousins. "I don't remember the last time I was here," he said.

The platform was soon crammed with luggage, and families scrambled to safeguard their possessions. One of them stood guard over a dozen huge cartons as they waited for more to arrive.

"Our relatives insisted that we take Pakistani specialities for everyone here. So, we've brought a lot of almonds, dates and Pakistani lawn suits," said 68-year-old Dariyagunj resident Mohammad Aqueel, a cloth merchant who was returning from a visit to his brother in Nazimabad, Karachi.

Aqueel, along with his niece and two sisters, managed to get their visa extended by 30 days despite the tensions. "Ordinary people do not want war. For us, Pakistan is like our own home, since our brother lives there," Aqueel added.

AFP

For the next hour or so, frenetic activity continued on the platform as several long-awaited reunions played out amid tight security.

Burqa-clad women sat on benches, sharing tea and coffee, passing around packets of chips, while the men helped porters with the luggage. Everyone spoke 'khariboli' - a mix of Hindi and Urdu spoken mostly in UP, parts of Rajasthan and Delhi.



The Samjhauta Express made its maiden trip in 1976 and has been discontinued only twice.

The longest suspension came after the 2001 Parliament attack. It was discontinued again in 2007 following former Pakistan PM Benazir Bhutto's assassination.

The train has been a target of terror as well.

In 2007, twin blasts killed 68 people. But, for the better part of the past 40 years, the train has been a bridge that straddles the shared history of two divided peoples.
Indian Army's strikes across the LoC isn't the end of it. After taking revenge for Uri attacks, India will now turn the screws on Pakistan. Indian Navy is now readying to undertake a major exercise in the Arabian Sea. The exercise will be called Defence of Gujarat Exercise (DGX) and will take place along Pakistan's sea trade route.

AFP

Three dozen warships of the Navy are expected to take part in the exercise, including frontline destroyers and frigates. Also taking part will be submarines as well as aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Apart from showing the navy's readiness, the exercise is also meant as a show of strength, as it will take place right in Pakistan's backyard.

AFP

Fighter, reconnaissance and patrol aircraft are part of such exercises. Indian Air Forces maritime role Jaguars and Su-30 MKIs, and navys reconnaissance and patrol aircraft, plus unmanned aerial vehicles, will be deployed.

Pakistan Army on high alert

India is reviewing intelligence reports that Pakistan has put three of its army corps along the Indian border on alert, and is deploying reconnaissance patrols and early warning elements.

Pakistan has to deploy a bulk of its forces on its western border with Afghanistan where it is fighting extremists of various shades, some of whom were previously backed by Pakistans security establishment.

AFP

But despite this, given Indias post-Uri stance, Pakistans 31Corps and 30 Corps are on high alert. They (Pakistan) fear a surprise, a senior member of Indias intelligence community said.
Vladimiro Montesinos in 2008. Martin Mejia (AP)

More information La justicia peruana condena a Vladimiro Montesinos a 22 anos de carcel

A Peruvian court has found Vladimiro Montesinos, the former head of Perus intelligence services, guilty of a crime against humanity in the case of the forced disappearance and murder of two students and a teacher in 1993.

The court sentenced Montesinos, a close confidant of former dictator Alberto Fujimori, to 22 years for the crime, in which the three victims were kidnapped and then tortured by the countrys military intelligence service. The students and teacher were killed and their bodies burned in an oven set up specially for the purpose, the court ruled.

Relatives said they now hoped a search for the remains of their loved ones would get the go ahead

Alongside Montesinos  already serving a lengthy sentence for crimes including corruption and arms and drug trafficking  the court also convicted Nicolas Hermoza Rios, the then-Commander General of the Peruvian Armed Forces to 15 years in prison. Former military security chief Jorge Nadal Paiva was found guilty in absentia.

In August of 1993, with Fujimori at the height of his powers, a unit of marines stormed the home of student Martin Roca in a bid to recover video footage of protest march. When they failed to turned up the footage, they tortured him and made death threats. In October, Roca disappeared.

Two months later, Keneth Anzualdo, a friend of Roca and also a student, went to provide testimony about the disappearance of his friend. However, the vehicle he was traveling on was intercepted by men claiming to be police. He was never seen again either.

In the case of the teacher Justiniano Najarro, he was detained after his landlord told police, with no evidence to back up the claim, that he was a member of the Shining Path terrorist group. Najarro then spent three years in prison before being found not guilty of any wrongdoing. After the murder of a former army officer near a bakery managed by the teacher, two soldiers raided his house. They found nothing, but dragged him into a car and drove him to an unknown destination.

The families of the victims had been seeking justice since 1993 and waited through a four-year-trial before finally hearing the verdict.

The victims were killed and their bodies burned in an oven in the basement of the security service headquarters

The courts ruling restored their confidence in the justice system, relatives told journalists on Tuesday, but added they still hoped to find the remains of their loved ones.

The sentence doesnt refer to the search for the remains, but when a human body is placed in an oven, it isnt completely destroyed. The remains must be buried somewhere close to the military intelligence offices. We will use a new law relating to the search for missing persons to ask for these proceedings to go ahead, said Gloria Cano, the lawyer for the victims families

Montesinos was set to be released in 2026, by which time he would be 81. However, Tuesdays ruling means he wont be a free man for some time after that.

English version by George Mills.
Even as the tension continues across the LoC since Uri terror attacks, Pakistani troops have once again violated the ceasefire agreement and targeted Indian positions with small firearms, in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

PTI/ File

"Pakistani troops resorted to firing by small arms along the LoC in Sabzian area of Poonch district this evening," a police officer said.

However there are no reports of any casualty on the Indian side.

Earlier, on September 20, just two days after the terror attack in Uri, Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire in the same area which India gave a befitting response.

PTI/ File

It also comes amid an increase in infiltration attempts from across the border. Indian troops had on September 20 gunned down at least ten terrorists in Lachipura area of Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector while they were trying to infiltrate.

PTI/ File

India has for long accused the ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops stationed along the LoC as a cover for terrorists from PoK to cross over to the Indian side of Kashmir.
Industrialist Ratan Tata has commended the government's decision to boycott the SAARC Summit in the wake of Uri terror attacks.

BCCL

"So proud of Indian govt's firm stand on bycot of SARC mtg & overwhelming support by member nations (sic)," Tata tweeted.

The tweet by Tata Group Chairman Emeritus received over 8,000 likes and was re-tweeted more than 5,000 times.

So proud of Indian govt's firm stand on bycot of SARC mtg & overwhelming support by member nations.  Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) September 28, 2016

BCCL

Amid heightened tension with Pakistan over Uri terror attack in which 18 jawans were killed, India had announced its decision of pulling out of the Summit late last night citing increased "cross-border" attacks.

Apart from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have also pulled out of the Saarc Summit in Islamabad in November, indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an environment which is not right for the successful holding of the meet, resulting in its collapse.
Islamabad is open to using tactical devices  a reference to tactical nuclear weapons that Pakistan is believed to possess  against India, if it feels its safety is threatened, Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said in an interview to Pakistani TV channel SAMAA.

BCCL

"Tactical weapons joh hain, joh hamne yeh progammes develop kiya hua hai, yeh apne hifazat ke liye develop kiya hua hai. Hamne devices jo hain just as showpieces toh nahin rakhe hue. Lekin agar hamare salamati ko khatra hua, toh hum nestanabhut kar denge unko (Tactical weapons, our programmes that we have developed, they have been developed for our protection.We haven't kept the devices that we have just as showpieces. But if our safety is threatened, we will annihilate them (India)," Asif said in the interview.

countdown/representational image

Earlier, in an interview with Geo TV, when asked if he thought there was a threat of war, Asif answered, "I don't think there is any such threat but as Allah has said in the Quran, `The horses must be prepared', so we should always be completely prepared.

Also Read: India Holds Major Air Defence Exercise, Airbases Along Western Front Put On High Alert

There is also a famous English proverb, 'The price of freedom is eternal vigilance'... We are always pressurised (sic) time and again... that we have more tactical weapons than we need. It is internationally recognised that we have a superiority , and if there is a threat to our security, or if anyone steps on our soil and if someone's designs are a threat to our security , we will not hesitate to use those weapons for our defence."

Asked if Pakistan could use atomic weapons in case of a war with India, he had replied, "This depends on the situation...but if our defence and survival is (sic) in danger, then we should use everything. What is there to fear?"

Also Read: Sushma Swaraj Ripped Apart Pakistan's UNGA Dreams In A 20-Minute Speech, And Indians Are Loving It!

Dawn

Asif 's latest salvo comes soon after the Indian Army's brigade headquarters in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir, was attacked by terrorists on September 18, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers.

Also Read: Indian Army Ready To Retaliate, Asks Government To Consider Cross-Border Strikes
The Indian Army has conducted an anti-terror operation across the LoC, on Wednesday night, the DGMO Lt General Ranbir Singh said on today in a press briefing.

"Significant casualties have been caused in these strikes," DGMO said adding, "the operation has now ended."

Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls an all-party meeting at 4 p.m.

Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif has condemned the attack, saying that his country is capable of handling any situation.

indiaaajkalnews.com

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to political leaders and chief ministers.

The Army went 3 kilometers into the LoC.

wikimedia

5 terror launchpads were identified and destroyed.

Army said that some paradrops were also made.

youtube.com

"Our 2 soldiers died and 9 got injured," Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said.

The Army says it has proof of the damage inflicted on the terror camps during the operation.

BSF has been put on high alert from Gujarat to Jammu. All seniors conducting regular patrol at the border.
Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont in the regional parliament on Wednesday.

Catalan premier Carles Puigdemonts plan for an independence referendum, which he announced on Wednesday, opens up a new possibility that even members of his own government have lately been skeptical about.

Speaking in the regional parliament, Puigdemont said he wanted to hold a referendum in September 2017. But after what seemed like an extended hand to his partners of the radical CUP party, the premier then warned that the latter must not prevent approval of the Catalan budget, or he will call early elections and put the independence process on hold.

When Crimea called a referendum to secede from Ukraine, the Venice Commission called it unconstitutional

Puigdemont also reached out to the central government, saying it would be best to agree on a negotiated referendum. But then he added that this proposal does not expire, but it does not paralyze us, either, suggesting that the vote will go ahead with or without Madrids support.

Up until a few weeks ago, members of the regional executive and leaders of the Catalan Democratic Party  formerly known as Convergencia  had doubted the wisdom of proposing a unilateral referendum.

Their misgivings were based on the results of an earlier popular consultation held on November 9, 2014. The premier at the time, Artur Mas, is under court investigation for alleged crimes of disobedience against the Spanish state, along with his deputy and two other top aides.

Although 1.8 million people voted in favor of independence at the time, representing over a third of all eligible voters, the informal ballot was considered invalid by most outside observers for a variety of reasons.

Catalonia held an informal independence vote on November 9, 2014. Alberto Estevez (EFE)

The non-binding consultation was not based on an official voter roll, nor did it have the necessary democratic guarantees. Most opponents of independence stayed home as a sign of protest.

Despite warnings from the Constitutional Court, the vote went ahead anyway, although regional officials delegated organizational duties on civil groups in a bid to deflect legal responsibility.

International legitimacy

Now, Puigdemont seems bent on holding a new vote  but one that international observers will grant legitimacy to.

To do that, the Catalan government must make sure that detractors of independence will also go to the polls. This is one of the basic conditions set out by the Council of Europes Venice Commission, which works on referendum-related issues and has participated in a similar process in Montenegro.

When Crimea called a referendum to secede from Ukraine, the Venice Commission said that it was unconstitutional.

In order to get the green light from this and other international groups, the Catalan government needs to guarantee a valid voter roll, create something like an election board, and ensure that government officials would be free from prosecution by the Spanish state. Additionally, it needs to release funds to finance the referendum, and this point would surely be contested by Madrid before the Constitutional Court.

Puigdemont himself has admitted that holding a new vote will be difficult, and that the best way to do so would be to strike a deal with the central government in Madrid.

But the Popular Party (PP), a staunch defender of national unity, is unlikely to change its views in the coming months. And if Spain holds a third national election in December, as seems increasingly likely, surveys indicate that the PP will win again, possibly by an even higher margin.

English version by Susana Urra.
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The announcement last week by the United States of the largest military aid package in its history  to Israel  was a win for both sides. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu could boast that his lobbying had boosted aid from $3.1 billion a year to $3.8bn  a 22 per cent increase  for a decade starting in 2019. Mr Netanyahu has presented this as a rebuff to those who accuse him of jeopardising Israeli security interests with his governments repeated affronts to the White House. In the past weeks alone, defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has compared last years nuclear deal between Washington and Iran with the 1938 Munich pact, which bolstered Hitler; and Mr Netanyahu has implied that US opposition to settlement expansion is the same as support for the ethnic cleansing of Jews. American president Barack Obama, meanwhile, hopes to stifle his own critics who insinuate that he is anti-Israel. The deal should serve as a fillip too for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic partys candidate to succeed Mr Obama in Novembers election. In reality, however, the Obama administration has quietly punished Mr Netanyahu for his misbehaviour. Israeli expectations of a $4.5bn-a-year deal were whittled down after Mr Netanyahu stalled negotiations last year as he sought to recruit Congress to his battle against the Iran deal. In fact, Israel already receives roughly $3.8bn  if Congresss assistance on developing missile defence programmes is factored in. Notably, Israel has been forced to promise not to approach Congress for extra funds. The deal takes into account neither inflation nor the dollars depreciation against the shekel. A bigger blow still is the White Houses demand to phase out a special exemption that allowed Israel to spend nearly 40 per cent of aid locally on weapon and fuel purchases. Israel will soon have to buy all its armaments from the US, ending what amounted to a subsidy to its own arms industry. Nonetheless, Washingtons renewed military largesse  in the face of almost continual insults  inevitably fuels claims that the Israeli tail is wagging the US dog. Even The New York Times has described the aid package as too big. Since the 1973 war, Israel has received at least $100bn in military aid, with more assistance hidden from view. Back in the 1970s, Washington paid half of Israels military budget. Today it still foots a fifth of the bill, despite Israels economic success. But the US expects a return on its massive investment. As the late Israeli politician-general Ariel Sharon once observed, Israel has been a US aircraft carrier in the Middle East, acting as the regional bully and carrying out operations that benefit Washington. Almost no one blames the US for Israeli attacks that wiped out Iraqs and Syrias nuclear programmes. A nuclear-armed Iraq or Syria would have deterred later US-backed moves at regime overthrow, as well as countering the strategic advantage Israel derives from its own nuclear arsenal. In addition, Israels US-sponsored military prowess is a triple boon to the US weapons industry, the countrys most powerful lobby. Public funds are siphoned off to let Israel buy goodies from American arms makers. That, in turn, serves as a shop window for other customers and spurs an endless and lucrative game of catch-up in the rest of the Middle East. The first F-35 fighter jets to arrive in Israel in December  their various components produced in 46 US states  will increase the clamour for the cutting-edge warplane. Israel is also a front-line laboratory, as former Israeli army negotiator Eival Gilady admitted at the weekend, that develops and field-tests new technology Washington can later use itself. The US is planning to buy back the missile interception system Iron Dome  which neutralises battlefield threats of retaliation  it largely paid for. Israel works closely too with the US in developing cyberwarfare, such as the Stuxnet worm that damaged Irans civilian nuclear programme. But the clearest message from Israels new aid package is one delivered to the Palestinians: Washington sees no pressing strategic interest in ending the occupation. It stood up to Mr Netanyahu over the Iran deal but will not risk a damaging clash over Palestinian statehood. Some believe that Mr Obama signed the aid package to win the credibility necessary to overcome his domestic Israel lobby and pull a rabbit from the hat: an initiative, unveiled shortly before he leaves office, that corners Mr Netanyahu into making peace. Hopes have been raised by an expected meeting at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday. But their first talks in 10 months are planned only to demonstrate unity to confound critics of the aid deal. If Mr Obama really wanted to pressure Mr Netanyahu, he would have used the aid agreement as leverage. Now Mr Netanyahu need not fear US financial retaliation, even as he intensifies effective annexation of the West Bank. Mr Netanyahu has drawn the right lesson from the aid deal  he can act against the Palestinians with continuing US impunity. - See more at: http://www.jonathan-cook.net/2016-09-19/palestinians-lose-in-us-military-aid-deal-with-israel/#sthash.fL4Eq28N.dpuf Lies, Distortions And Absurdities Donald Trump And Hillary Clinton First Presidential Debate



Video



Donald Trump is hitting back at Hillary Clinton after she reminded voters watching the first presidential debate that dozens of former Republican national security officials have endorsed her. Trump claims he has the backing of more than 200 former admirals and generals, including scores who have already Posted September 29, 2016 Watching Trump and Clinton debate was as predictable as it was absurd By Robert Fisk September 29, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " The Independent " - Watching them both yacking on about the Middle East as a pink dawn glowed from behind the Lebanese mountains above Beirut, I found the Trump-Clinton show a grimly instructive experience. In the few hundred miles east and south of Lebanon, hundreds are dying every week  in Syria, in Yemen, in Iraq  and yet there were the terrible twins playing I can beat Isis better than you can beat Isis. Was this what the Arab world really meant to the reality show participants at the unpronounceable university campus on Long Island? What was it Trump said to Clinton? Youve been fighting Isis your entire adult life! And what did Clinton say? Well at least I have a plan to fight Isis! After an hour, I was praying that the Lebanese slept on amid the mountains. Please God there would be electricity cuts in Aleppo and Baghdad and Sanaa  just for these 90 minutes, you understand  so that the people enduring the Middle East tragedy did not witness how the next US president was using their homelands as a movie back-lot. He has no plan to defeat Isis, quoth Madame Clinton. But does anyone? Its a pity, for example, that they didnt outline plans for justice, freedom and dignity in the Middle East and an end to the policy of bombing, bombing, bombing and more bombing that now seems to equal political initiative in the Arab world. But of course they did not, for all this was slotted into the last bit of the CNN show, the climax which was  wearingly and predictably  entitled American security. There was a very brief mention by Trump of Bibi Netanyahu that must have left many American viewers completely floored  save for those supporters of Israel to whom, of course, it was addressed  but that was all we heard about another small conflict in the Middle East. Cliche and banality rubbed up against each other. Clinton claimed that Obama had stopped those centrifuges that were whirling away in Iran  Im not sure that centrifuges do whirl, though Clinton may have been talking about the whirling dervishes who also live in the region. And then Trump came up with his apple pie throwaway. The Middle East is a total mess, and Iran would soon be a major power  as if Iran was not already a major power in the region, as it has been for around 3,000 years. But what particular mess was he talking about? The mess in the hospitals of eastern Aleppo? The mess of Egypts civil rights  though I do suspect that Brigadier-General-President al-Sissis version would rather appeal to Trump  or the mess left behind by the bombing of the Medecins Sans Frontieres hospital in Afghanistan? Or perhaps the mess of Palestine  another word that mercifully was not dwelt upon by the duo who both plan to rule America? Didnt Bibi mention that to Trump? Or the mess of Nato, whose killing of Serbs (and quite a few Kosovo Muslims) in 1999 was followed by the Alliances support for the Afghan war but which, according to Trump, does not focus on terror? We have to knock the hell out of Isis  and we have to do it fast, the great man told the world. Well, sure, but havent we all been knocking the hell out of Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, even Lebanon (a few years ago), and achieving the constant rebirth of ever more vicious warriors, of which Isis  heaven spare us the thought  may soon generate another, even worse progeny? Trump apparently believed that Isis would not exist if Obama had left 10,000 US troops in Iraq  a strategy Isis would surely have applauded  while Clinton moaned on about how the Iraqi government would not protect American troops. And there you have it, I suppose. It is the Arab worlds job, isnt it, to protect America in its various military occupations, or  at the very least  the task (yes, this old chestnut was indeed produced) of our friends in the Middle East. And who were they, I wondered? Those fantastic Saudis who gave us 15 of the 9/11 hijackers? About the only nonsense left unuttered by Trump and Clinton was that Isis was born outside the United States. There they would have been on safe ground. Or would they? For I suspect there may be a growing number of Arabs who believe that Isis is indeed a child born in America.
Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter The announcement last week by the United States of the largest military aid package in its history  to Israel  was a win for both sides. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu could boast that his lobbying had boosted aid from $3.1 billion a year to $3.8bn  a 22 per cent increase  for a decade starting in 2019. Mr Netanyahu has presented this as a rebuff to those who accuse him of jeopardising Israeli security interests with his governments repeated affronts to the White House. In the past weeks alone, defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has compared last years nuclear deal between Washington and Iran with the 1938 Munich pact, which bolstered Hitler; and Mr Netanyahu has implied that US opposition to settlement expansion is the same as support for the ethnic cleansing of Jews. American president Barack Obama, meanwhile, hopes to stifle his own critics who insinuate that he is anti-Israel. The deal should serve as a fillip too for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic partys candidate to succeed Mr Obama in Novembers election. In reality, however, the Obama administration has quietly punished Mr Netanyahu for his misbehaviour. Israeli expectations of a $4.5bn-a-year deal were whittled down after Mr Netanyahu stalled negotiations last year as he sought to recruit Congress to his battle against the Iran deal. In fact, Israel already receives roughly $3.8bn  if Congresss assistance on developing missile defence programmes is factored in. Notably, Israel has been forced to promise not to approach Congress for extra funds. The deal takes into account neither inflation nor the dollars depreciation against the shekel. A bigger blow still is the White Houses demand to phase out a special exemption that allowed Israel to spend nearly 40 per cent of aid locally on weapon and fuel purchases. Israel will soon have to buy all its armaments from the US, ending what amounted to a subsidy to its own arms industry. Nonetheless, Washingtons renewed military largesse  in the face of almost continual insults  inevitably fuels claims that the Israeli tail is wagging the US dog. Even The New York Times has described the aid package as too big. Since the 1973 war, Israel has received at least $100bn in military aid, with more assistance hidden from view. Back in the 1970s, Washington paid half of Israels military budget. Today it still foots a fifth of the bill, despite Israels economic success. But the US expects a return on its massive investment. As the late Israeli politician-general Ariel Sharon once observed, Israel has been a US aircraft carrier in the Middle East, acting as the regional bully and carrying out operations that benefit Washington. Almost no one blames the US for Israeli attacks that wiped out Iraqs and Syrias nuclear programmes. A nuclear-armed Iraq or Syria would have deterred later US-backed moves at regime overthrow, as well as countering the strategic advantage Israel derives from its own nuclear arsenal. In addition, Israels US-sponsored military prowess is a triple boon to the US weapons industry, the countrys most powerful lobby. Public funds are siphoned off to let Israel buy goodies from American arms makers. That, in turn, serves as a shop window for other customers and spurs an endless and lucrative game of catch-up in the rest of the Middle East. The first F-35 fighter jets to arrive in Israel in December  their various components produced in 46 US states  will increase the clamour for the cutting-edge warplane. Israel is also a front-line laboratory, as former Israeli army negotiator Eival Gilady admitted at the weekend, that develops and field-tests new technology Washington can later use itself. The US is planning to buy back the missile interception system Iron Dome  which neutralises battlefield threats of retaliation  it largely paid for. Israel works closely too with the US in developing cyberwarfare, such as the Stuxnet worm that damaged Irans civilian nuclear programme. But the clearest message from Israels new aid package is one delivered to the Palestinians: Washington sees no pressing strategic interest in ending the occupation. It stood up to Mr Netanyahu over the Iran deal but will not risk a damaging clash over Palestinian statehood. Some believe that Mr Obama signed the aid package to win the credibility necessary to overcome his domestic Israel lobby and pull a rabbit from the hat: an initiative, unveiled shortly before he leaves office, that corners Mr Netanyahu into making peace. Hopes have been raised by an expected meeting at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday. But their first talks in 10 months are planned only to demonstrate unity to confound critics of the aid deal. If Mr Obama really wanted to pressure Mr Netanyahu, he would have used the aid agreement as leverage. Now Mr Netanyahu need not fear US financial retaliation, even as he intensifies effective annexation of the West Bank. Mr Netanyahu has drawn the right lesson from the aid deal  he can act against the Palestinians with continuing US impunity. - See more at: http://www.jonathan-cook.net/2016-09-19/palestinians-lose-in-us-military-aid-deal-with-israel/#sthash.fL4Eq28N.dpuf Putin Ups the Ante: Ceasefire Sabotage Triggers Major Offensive in Aleppo By Mike Whitney Syria is the summation of all the errors of a dysfunctional empire collapsing upon itself. History forgotten. Science ignored. Facts denied. Propaganda cannot hide that West is supporting and killing Islamists at the same time in a World War that risks escalating into a nuclear holocaust. Vietnam Vet, comments-line, Sic Semper Tyrannis September 29, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Counterpunch " - The attack on Deir Ezzor was a flagrant act of betrayal. For the first time in the five year-long war, US warplanes targeted an SAA military outpost killing 62 Syrian regulars. The surprise attacks  which lasted for the better part of an hour and were followed by a coordinated ground assault by members of ISIS were intended to torpedo the fragile ceasefire agreement and send a message to Moscow that the US was prepared to achieve its strategic objectives in Syria whether it had to launch direct attacks on defenders of the regime or not. The attacksfor which the Pentagon eventually accepted responsibilitywere followed by a callous and thoroughly-unprofessional tirade by the administrations chief diplomat at the United Nations, Samantha Power. Power dispelled any doubt that either she or anyone else in the Obama administration cared at all about the people who lost their lives in the bombing raid. She also made it clear that she didnt care if the US had violated the terms of the ceasefire just two days before critical parts of the agreement were scheduled to be implemented. Naturally, Moscow was taken aback by Washingtons reaction, its blatant disregard for the soldiers they killed, and its obvious determination to sabotage the ceasefire. Having reflected on Obamas de facto rejection of the agreement, Putin pursued the only viable option left open to him; more war. As a result, he has intensified his efforts on the battlefield particularly around Aleppo where the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and crack-units from Hezbollah have launched a three-prong attack that will dispose of the US-backed jihadists that have destroyed much of Syria over the last half-decade and displaced over 7 million civilians. Bottom line: Having foreclosed the political option for reducing the violence, the Obama administration will now face the consequences for its rejection. Heres an excellent summary of developments on the ground around Aleppo from decorated veteran and retired senior officer of U.S. Military Intelligence and U.S. Army Special Forces (The Green Berets) Colonel W. Patrick Lang. The article was posted on September 24: As of today, forces have been massed at Aleppo for the purpose of eliminating the East Aleppo rebel pocket. This pocket has now been without re-supply for an extended period. This is true for both the jihadi rebels and the civilian population, many of whom are rebel supporters. IMO (In my opinion) the main effort by R+6 is taking place at the SE side of the East Aleppo pocket. That is now underway with massive CAS from Russian aerospace forces. At the same time Palestinian militia allies with CAS have attacked the fortified Handarat refugee camp at the NE corner of the pocket. IMO this is a secondary attack intended to prevent the rebels moving forces south to oppose the main R+6 effort. This is an excellent plan. At the same time there is an unconfirmed report from SOHR in London (pro-rebel) that a Russian force with 3,000 men has been positioned at al-Safir about 12 km. SE of the main attacks on the Aleppo pocket. If this report is correct this force is well positioned to reinforce the main attack or be used in a defensive move against a rebel effort elsewhere. It would be in the Russian operational tradition to pass a reinforcing wave or echelon of forces through the initial assault forces when they become exhausted by combat. The foreign policy establishment (Borg) in the West wants to believe that war is obsolete as a factor in the story of humanity. They believe that they have inherited the earth and that their cleverness will always prevail over mere force. We will now have a demonstration that this is not true. pl (Flash! Washpost discovers that Syria War may be winnable., Sic Semper Tyrannis) Obamas de facto rejection of the ceasefire has created the conditions for a decisive military defeat in Aleppo. The fate of the CIA-trained moderate terrorists hunkered down in East Aleppo is not that different from that of General George Armstrong Custer at the Little Bighorn who was surrounded by a superior military force and summarily slaughtered to the man. This is the option Pentagon warlord, Ash Carter chose when he decided to sabotage the joint military implementation agreement and go rogue. Carter opposed the ceasefire deal and in doing so signed the death warrant for hundreds of US-backed extremists who chances for survival are growing slimmer by the day. According to recent reports, pro-government forces are advancing on a number of fronts. At the same time, the Syrian and Russian air forces have intensified their bombing campaign reducing large swathes of the city to rubble and killing several hundred Sunni militants. While the jihadists have performed better than many had expected, their fate is no longer in doubt. The cauldron is encircled, their front lines are collapsing, their supply lines have been severed, and the end is in sight. Aleppo will fall and the US-backed effort to topple the Assad government using a proxy army of Islamic extremists will fail. A few things need to be said about the ceasefire to set the record straight. First, there was never any chance that the US was going to abide by the terms of the agreement. The US has no way of separating the moderates from the extremists which was one of the main requirements of the deal. That was never going to happen. But, more importantly, the Pentagon which opposed the agreement from the get-go had no intention of complying with its demands. Why? Well, for one thing, as Syrian President Bashar al Assad said himself: the United States doesnt have the will to work against al-Nusra or ISIS, because they believe that this is a card they can use for their own agenda. If they attack al-Nusra or ISIS, they will lose a very important card regarding the situation in Syria. So, I dont believe the United States will be ready to join Russia in fighting terrorists in Syria. Bingo. Assad is not suggesting that al-Nusra or ISIS are controlled by Langley. Hes merely saying that inasmuch as the goals of these groups coincide with US strategic objectives (which they certainly do in Syria) Washington will continue to support their activities. In other words, Obama would rather see a Salafist principality emerge in Syria then allow an independent, secular government to remain in place. Everyone who has followed events closely in Syria for the last five years, knows this is true. The other reason the Pentagon opposed the agreement was because they didnt want to comply with the military-to-military coordination plan. The western media has been particularly opaque on this issue. For example, according to the New York Times deal would be an extraordinary collaboration between the United States and Russia that calls for the American military to share information with Moscow on Islamic State targets in Syria. (Details of Syria Pact Widen Rift Between John Kerry and Pentagon, New York Times) Okay, but why is that a problem? Wouldnt that be the most effective way to defeat ISIS and Al Qaida? Of course, it would. So, whats the rub? Heres more from the NYT: Chief among Pentagon concerns is whether sharing targeting information with Russia could reveal how the United States uses intelligence to conduct airstrikes, not just in Syria but in other places, which Moscow could then use for its own advantage in the growing confrontations undersea and in the air around the Baltics and Europe.(NYT) This is complete baloney. The fact is the Pentagon doesnt want to have to get approval for its target-list (identify and verify) from the Russian military. Thats whats really going on. And the reason for this is obvious, the strategic objectives of the US are exact opposite of Moscows. Washington has no interest in defeating terrorism in Syria, in fact, as we pointed out earlier, Washington is just fine with terrorism as long it helps them move the ball closer to the goalpost. What the US wants is to topple the regime, replace Assad with a US-stooge, splinter the country into multiple parts, and control vital pipeline corridors. These goals cannot be achieved if the Pentagon has to get a green-light from Moscow every time they go on a bombing raid. How are they going to assist their jihadist assets on the ground if they have to follow that rule? They wont be able to, which is why its no surprise that SECDEF Ash Carter put the kibosh on the deal by bombing the SAA positions at Deir Ezzor. The massacre effectively ended all talk about coordination with the Russians. Mission accomplished. But even this does not completely explain why the Pentagon launched this unprecedented attack that killed 62 Syrian soldiers and moved the two superpowers closer to a direct confrontation. To grasp whats really going on behind the endless recriminations, we need to understand that the Obama administration has abandoned its original plan to oust Syrian President Bashar al Assad, and moved on to Plan B; partitioning the country in a way that establishes a separate Sunni state where US troops will be based and where vital pipelines will be built to transfer natural gas from Qatar to the EU. This ambitious plan is more than a redrawing of the Middle East and a pivot to Asia. It is a critical lifeline to a country (USA) whose economic prospects are progressively dimming, whose credit card is maxed out, and who is counting on a Hail Mary pass in Syria to save itself from cataclysmic economic collapse and ruination. Washington must succeed in Syria because, well, because it must, because the red ink has finally penetrated the pinewood hull and is fast filling the galley. A defeat in the Middle East could be the straw that broke the camels back, the tipping point in the agonizingly-protracted unipolar-new-world-order experiment. In other words, its Syria or bust. Heres a little background that will help to clarify whats going on: Washington has previously made it clear that if it cannot achieve its plan A; regime change, it will go for its plan B; to balkanize the country and help to create a Kurdish and/or Sunni state in eastern Syria Attacking the Syrian Army, and allowing ISIL to capture the city will make Deir Ezzor a probable target for the US-backed proxies to attack and annex. (The Ceasefire Failed; What happens now?, The Vineyard of the Saker) So, Washington wants to control Syrias eastern quadrant (where Deir Ezzor is located) for military bases, pipeline routes, and a Sunni homeland, which is more-or-less the pretext for continued military occupation. Heres more from an article by Christina Lin: Writing in Armed Forces Journal4, Major Rob Taylor joined numerous other pundits in observing that the Syrian civil war is actually a pipeline war over control of energy supply, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey needing to remove Assad so they can control Syria and run their own pipeline through Turkey.. if the Saudi/Qatar/Turkey backed Army of Conquest can control just enough land in Syria for a salafist statelet (akaSunnistan) to build the Qatar-Turkey pipeline, then these sunni states can finally realize their pipeline dream. Indeed, the 2012 Defense Intelligence Agency report6 corroborates their desire to carve out a salafist statelet in Syria east of Assad-controlled territory in order to put pressure on his regime. (Chinese stratagems and Syrian buffer zone for Turkey-Qatar pipeline, Christina Lin, Times of Israel) The idea of splintering Syria into numerous fragments (and controlling the eastern portion of the state) has been promoted by western elites across the board, from neocon John Bolton who said: Todays reality is that Iraq and Syria as we have known them are gone..Washington should recognize the new geopolitics. The best alternative to the Islamic State in northeastern Syria and western Iraq is a new, independent Sunni state. This Sunni-stan has economic potential as an oil producer.and could be a bulwark against both Mr. Assad and Iran-allied Baghdad. (To Defeat ISIS, Create a Sunni State, New York Times) Liberal interventionists at the Brookings Institute are pushing for the same balkanization remedy. Heres a clip from an article at Brookings titled Deconstructing Syria: A new strategy for Americas most hopeless war by chief military analyst, Michael O Hanlon: the only realistic path forward may be a plan that in effect deconstructs Syria.the international community should work to create pockets with more viable security and governance within Syria over time Creation of these sanctuaries would produce autonomous zones that would never again have to face the prospect of rule by either Assad or ISIL. (Deconstructing Syria: A new strategy for Americas most hopeless war, Michael E. OHanlon, Brookings Institute) So, there you have it; divide and conquer. Split up the country, install new leaders, and let the plundering begin. Sound familiar? But the Russians will have none of it, in fact, Putin has responded to Carters escalation by escalating himself. The circle around Aleppo has closed, supply lines have been cut, the airstrikes have intensified, and the three-pronged ground assault has already begun. So while Washington may have big plans for Syria, they appear to be failing where it counts most..on the battlefield. Mike Whitney lives in Washington state. He is a contributor to Hopeless: Barack Obama and the Politics of Illusion (AK Press). Hopeless is also available in a Kindle edition. He can be reached at fergiewhitney@msn.com. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter For Email Marketing you can trust Donate



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Showbiz mogul, Charly Boy, popularly known as Area Fada, has waded into the $15m scandal trailing the former First Lady, Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan.

Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, recently ordered the freezing of some bank accounts belonging to the former First Lady in the ongoing investigation of alleged laundering.

Also, the EFCC had picked up four domestic servants, including a driver and a house-boy, whose names were used to open bank accounts for Patience Jonathan.



It was reported that four companies accounts, which have since been frozen by the anti-graft agency, have a balance of about $15m, while another account, which bears Patience Jonathans name, has $5m.

Reacting to this, the outspoken media personality said the anti-graft agency is depriving Patience of her right to the money she worked for.

In an open letter, Area Fada wrote, Yes o, however you wan look am, she worked for that money!

Why are people suddenly upset? Isnt it the same Naija people who have been shouting, bring back our corruption, since the country slipped into recession? Since 1978 or so, we have been living on corruption money, and hailing the thieves. Haba Naija, I tire for una. Continue

Abegi make we hear word and make we read something useful on this social highway. Una dey provoke say dem see billions for Mama Peace account. And so?

When will we ever learn? Yes, a country deserves the kind of leadership it gets because those who rule us are from amongst us, they are not from Ghana or Togo. How many times will we let a thief into our house? The first time should be enough. The second time lets take that as one chance. The third time means we are stupid. If we, the followers are not like our leaders, why havent we done anything to stop the looting of our resources??

Countries that dont have brave youths, prosecutors, fearless judges, good policing and fearless citizens will instead, have plenty of thieves, many killers and even stupid leaders.

Since we have settled for people deceiving people and it has become our way of life lets roll over and die or accept everything we see that assaults our intelligence and impoverish us.

For if you suffer your people to be ill-educated, and their manners to be corrupted from their infancy, and then punish them for those crimes to which their first education disposed them, what else is to be concluded from this, but that you first make thieves and then punish them?

We have been living on corruption money long before now and we didnt care. I know that looters will be looted, while time and tide will make most of us mercenaries. For long, our leaders have used deception and misdirection as their tools. We dont believe in hard work, when a false face and a good line of bullshit can do so much more.

As for us the masses, we are all waiting for our turn to steal something from some place, Kai, our mumu is vexing me joor. So how can we effectively create this new dawn when most of us are all guilty? Now Baba has come to fight corruption, but I can swear that he is alone in this fight. Because most of the people in his kitchen are corrupt. Yes o.

Till there are grave consequences for people who break the law, people who steal public funds, known corrupt people who are till today in leadership positions, nothing will change. This too will come to pass and nothing go happen. Dem go settle, and back to business as usual.

Has anyone one been thrown into prison since this war on corruption started? My people, abegi, make we use our brain. I just pray that one day one day, there will be no hiding place for people who ruined this country. For those who took what they didnt earn, may judgement await them!

It is only from then that things will begin to truly change. The injustices stinktufiakwa!!! I don talk my own sha.

Source: Dailypost
Four men John Dodo, Mohammed Ndakupe, Sidiq Ibrahim and Abubakar Usman, have been sentenced to 2 years imprisonment each by an Abuja High Court on Wednesday, for allegedly defrauding the Abuja Environmental Protection Board of N288,000.

The convicts were tried and found guilty of a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and criminal misappropriation.

In her ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Adebuklola Banjoko, granted them bail of N500,000 each after they pleaded not to repeat the acts for which they are facing prosecution.

The counsel to the criminals, Mr Anthony Agbonlahor, prayed the court to be lenient and temper justice with mercy because his clients are first time offenders.

He added that they have been of god behaviour since the beginning of the trial.

EFCC counsel, Steve Odiase said this nine-year-old case was first filed on April 18, 2007.

There had been issues, trials and changing of counsel throughout the duration of the trial, he said.

He also disclosed that the voluntary statements of one convict and a witness was used to champion the case.
Edward Nalbandian delivers lecture at Stanford University (video)

On September 28, Edward Nalbandian, the Acting Foreign Minister of Armenia, delivered a lecture entitled Nagorno-KArabakh: Is Solution Visible at Stanford Universitys Institute for International Studies. Professors, fellows and students of the Stanford University attended the meeting. In his opening remarks Michael McFaul, the Director of the Institute, mentioned that is a profound honour to launch the series of lectures after the opening of the academic year by hosting the Foreign Minister of Armenia to get first-hand information on the current situation in the process of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. In his speech Edward Nalbandian, particularly, said: Ladies and Gentlemen, One year ago a well-known academic magazine Politique Internationale, published in Paris my article entitled Nagorno-Karabakh: Is a Solution Visible? I stressed in it that the conflict cannot be solved until Azerbaijan gets rid of its illusion that it can gain unilateral advantages through military means. It took only a year to witness the vivid demonstration of that reality. This April Azerbaijan unleashed a large scale preplanned aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh, with the use of offensive weaponry - aviation, heavy artillery, rocket systems, tanks - accompanied by gross violations of international humanitarian law, such as indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas, DEASH-style mutilation of bodies and beheadings. It goes without saying that these actions that resulted in hundreds of casualties from all sides, have seriously undermined the negotiation process. So, it is about a very complex situation that I am going to address you today and the April escalation is only the last act of the long conflict. In a few words I would like to present the essence of the conflict for those who are not much familiar with it and then I will try to address the main issue: what are the prospects of the settlement. Nagorno-Karabakh  historically one of the regions of Armenia and always having an overwhelming majority of Armenian population was arbitrarily annexed to Soviet Azerbaijan in 1921 by Joseph Stalin. 70 years passed, on the eve of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh voted at the referendum for an independent statehood in line with the then existing legislation and international norms. Years later on the Kosovo case the International Court of Justice would consider that general international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence. However, Azerbaijan in defiance of the international law, its norms and principles which first of all urge to refrain from use of force or threat of use of force, tried to suppress the aspirations of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh for self-determination through coercive measures. It started with Armenian massacres in late 80s - beginning of 90s in Azerbaijani cities of Sumgait, Kirovabad and capital Baku. Many were killed, hundreds of thousands were expelled from their homes. Nobel Peace Prize winner and famous human rights defender Andrei Sakharov on the pages of the New York Times called it a threat of a new genocide of the Armenian people. Azerbaijan continued with large scale military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh committing new atrocities. The May 1991 US Senate resolution condemned the attacks on innocent Armenian children, women, and men in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. Previously adopted US Congress resolution reads that the United States supports the fundamental rights and aspirations of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. A similar resolution was adopted by the European Parliament. During the war against Nagorno-Karabakh Azerbaijan used mercenaries from Afghanistan closely linked to notorious terrorist organizations. That was widely reported in the international media outlets, including the Washington Post. The heavy, indiscriminate use of force, massacres and ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population was yet another confirmation that the struggle of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh was existential and legitimate. The hot phase of the conflict ended in May 1994 when Azerbaijan was obliged to negotiate a truce due to its military loses and sign a cease fire agreement with Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. In July 1994 and February 1995 new trilateral agreements were signed on consolidation of the cease fire. The terms of these agreements do not expire and they are in force till now. The July 1994 document stipulates to maintain the ceasefire regime until signing of the big political agreement. However, as a rule Azerbaijan has been regularly violating those agreements. Baku instead of engaging seriously in the negotiation process has concentrated its efforts on military buildup having in mind the illusion of military option for conflict resolution. A clear case of negotiations at the barrel of a gun. Its military budget reached $4.8 billion in 2015, a 30-fold increase since 2003, when Ilham Aliyev succeeded his father as the Head of State. We warned - if there is a gun on the stage, it will fire. And that gun fired many times and most recently as I mentioned this April. Armenia together with the mediators, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - the USA, France and Russia exert efforts for exclusively peaceful settlement. Several times in this framework parties were close to the resolution, but at the very last moment Azerbaijan made a step back derailing the process. This was the case with Paris principles of 2001, negotiated with active involvement of the then French President Chirac, when President Heydar Aliyev backtracked. Another example was the round of negotiations with active mediation of the then Russian President Medvedev, when at the Kazan summit of 2011, the son Aliyev backtracked again. To mention just two examples. As you see there has never been a deficit of high-level international interest in solving the issue. Moreover, starting from 2009 the presidents of the U.S.A., Russia and France made five statements on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution. They proposed a package of basic principles, which constitute an integrated whole, as a foundation of future comprehensive agreement. Unlike Azerbaijan, Armenia accepted it as a basis for negotiations. The Presidents of the Co-Chair countries have proclaimed a rather civilized formula for the settlement  ballots instead of bullets. The proposal stipulates determination of the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh through a legally binding expression of will of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved yet, since one of the negotiating parties, namely Azerbaijan is not ready to go along with this proposal and by all means strives to undermine the peace process. The mentality that supports medieval barbarism, demonstrated again in April, can hardly accept the civilized approaches of the modern world. The leadership of Azerbaijan which adopted a xenophobic, aggressive anti-Armenian stance. Baku frequently uses the slogan - Armenians of the world are our enemies number one. History knows such cases of ethnic hatred, including in the recent past, isnt it? The eleventh year textbook of Azerbaijans school reads Armenians are the generic enemies of the Turkic peoples. It is the generation raised under such propaganda that committed despicable crimes during the 4 days aggression this April. It is this generation that witnessed the glorification of an Azerbaijani officer who killed by axe a sleeping Armenian officer in Budapest while both were at the NATO training course. Subsequently the murderer was handed over to Azerbaijan where he was proclaimed as a hero and example for youth. Most of Armenian historic, cultural and religious monuments have been destroyed in Azerbaijan, including a masterpiece of the medieval Armenian art - the cemetery of thousands of cross stones in Jugha. American Ambassadors to Azerbaijan were several times refused by Baku authorities to visit the site. A prominent Azerbaijani novelist was ostracized and persecuted for writing about the Armenian massacres in Azerbaijan and for the calls of reconciliation. All those civil society representatives who have been engaged in people to people contacts with the civil societies in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia were put behind the bars as Armenian spies. The leadership of Azerbaijan tries not only to mute the independent voices from within the country but from the outside world as well. More than hundred journalists have been included in the so called Azerbaijani black list just for visiting Nagorno-Karabakh and writing about it. Indeed, as the Washington Post wrote the Azerbaijani leadership not only crushes individual lives but tries to imprison the very concept of freedom itself. This doesnt come as a surprise for the state considered to be among the 10 most censored countries in the world. If there are any proven remedies for conflict settlements then the preparation of the public for peace and not war should stand in the center. This is what the Co-Chairs are continuously urging. Building trust and confidence is another important dimension again strongly encouraged by the international mediators, especially after the April escalation. To restore the trust in the process of the conflict resolution, measures should be taken to prevent use of force and create conditions conducive to the advancement of the peace process. This was the main aim of the two Summits on Nagorno-Karabakh held in Vienna in May organized by the U.S. Secretary of State and in St. Petersburg in June hosted by the Russian President. First of all, it is a necessity to implement what was particularly emphasized and agreed upon in the framework of these Summits - the full adherence to the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements, the creation of mechanism for investigation of ceasefire violations, which can serve also as a mechanism for prevention, the expansion of the capacity of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, which monitors the ceasefire. These proposals are not new, they have been reiterated by the Co-Chairs many times, Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia have accepted them, Azerbaijan rejected. It is interesting to note that House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel together with more than 80 other Congressmen have endorsed these and some other confidence building measures. They urged to publicly condemn specific acts of aggression along the line of contact. Indeed, the party which violates the ceasefire, which rejects the confidence building measure, which refuses the proposals of the mediators should stand accountable. Otherwise impunity will encourage to continue destructive policy. Baku criticizes the Co-Chairs, including the United States for islamophobia, and conspiracy against Azerbaijan, calling the mediators useless tourists. Ladies and gentlemen, By establishing the independent United States through the Declaration of Independence 240 years ago the founding fathers of this great country proved that nothing can deprive peoples of their right for independence. This is what the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have been aspiring for  the liberty to freely organize their life in a democratic manner, based on the principle of self-determination. This right is enshrined as the purpose of the United Nations Charter and in many other international documents. The visible solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict goes through ballots not bullets. Following the remarks Edward Nalbandian answered the numerous questions of the attendees.
The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, has said the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra is no longer feasible and called on its proponents to have a rethink and support President Muhammadu Buhari in constructing a prosperous and progressive Nigeria.

The VON boss pointed out that with the unwritten zoning convention for the rotation of political power in the country, a president of Igbo extraction is likely to take over from President Buhari in 2023.

Mr. Okechukwu spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a colloquium organized by the Federal Capital Territory Chapter of the Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The VON boss had made a similar call in June this year when he urged members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (the leading groups for actualization of Republic of Biafra) to drop their agitations and support the present administration.

An attempt to carve out Biafra Republic in Southern Nigeria, led to a civil war between 1967 and 1970.

Successive administrations in the country have always maintained that Nigerias unity is not negotiable but that has not stopped the agitation for actualization of Biafra, 40 years after the war ended.

According to Mr. Okechukwu, the greatest indication that Biafra was impossible to actualise, was the successive national conferences in the country where the five Igbo states voted against regionalism.

If we must tell ourselves the truth, the greatest obstacle to the actualisation of Biafra, was glaringly demonstrated by successive national conferences, the Abacha Conference and Jonathan Conference, in each of the two conferences, the issue of region was voted against by Enugu and Ebonyi states, he said.

The Jonathan Conference of 2014, for instance was made up of pro-Biafra elements whom a lot had assumed will support regionalism as a prelude to secession. Other states like Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River and majority of Northern States rejected regionalism. To cap it all the Jonathan Conference recommended the creation of over 50 states.

Mr. Okechukwu said Biafra agitators must sample the opinion of the people, both at home and abroad, especially the itinerant travelers if their agitation was for collective benefit.

He said, One is sure that most Ndigbo will call for ceasefire, especially when we are aware that the zoning convention of rotation of president between North and South offers the South East the greatest opportunity of producing Nigeria president of Igbo extraction.

This golden opportunity will end the issue of marginalization, will gazette the true republican nature of Ndigbo and return us to the mainstream of Nigeria.

The doubting Thomases will doubt this projection, but it is real and anchored on the truism that in the public domain is the law with its legal teeth and the convention with its moral weight, mostly unwritten. This thesis projects that in 2023 when President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, by Gods grace completes his two term tenure, it will be the turn of the South.

At this juncture, Ndigbo relying on equity and justice will make a good case, persuade and lobby Nigerians, in particular our South West and South-South brothers and sisters to support us, since they both had served eight and five years respectively in this 4th Republic. For no one ethnic group can win the presidency of this great country alone.

Mr. Okechukwu said the scenario he painted showed that if it was good for Nigeria, the Igbo ethnic nationality, which he described as the second largest in population after the original indigenes of Lagos, Kano, and 23 other states of the federation, would be one of the greatest beneficiaries.

He said, The agitation for Biafra sounds as a good music, much fun and furry as if it is the only route to Eldorado. This is false as some of us who lived in the defunct Biafra enclave can narrate.

The question one had always posed is can Biafra be achieved via democracy or by force? Most people one had discussed with had always told me it will be achieved via peaceful means, which in other words means democracy.

The VON DG said he recalled while on the entourage of Mr. Buhari to the World Igbo Congress (WIC) in the United States in 2004, papers were presented to the effect that the United Nations (UN) was processing the application of Ndigbo for an independent Biafra.

This is over a decade and the germane question remains at what stage is our application? Is their records in the UN which suites our case? If there is none, the option is home-made democratic process.

As stated earlier only very few are advocating force, and unfortunately, visible obstacles seem to taint the acclaimed democratic process.

Predicting that the Biafra agitators would denounce him for his position on the contentious issue, Mr. Okechukwu said at 61 years of age, it would be a disservice to his ancestors, Ndigbo and Nigeria for him not to say the truth.

He said, The agitators will vehemently disagree with me, call for my head and even query the existence of obstacles to the actualisation of Biafra under democracy or force.

However, at 61 years on earth, it will be a great disservice to our ancestors, Ndigbo and my dear countrymen, for me to swim in muddled waters and stand truth on its head, because one wants to be hailed and idolized.

China and India with over one billion people each have shown that our large population is not a disadvantage and United States of America has shown that our diversity is not a disadvantage. What are we talking about?
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at Ikpoba Hill, Edo State, in protest against official results of the governorship election so far released by the commission.

The electoral umpire before going on a short recess on Thursday to resume at 12 noon, announced the results of nine, out of the 18 local government areas where elections held on Wednesday.

The results officially released by INEC showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Godwin Obaseki, was leading in five LGAs with 142,424 votes while his PDP rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, won in four LGAs with 136,808 votes.

But the PDP supporters, who besieged the INEC office in their numbers ready for a showdown, accused Governor Adams Oshiomhole of rigging the results in favour of his party, the APC.

The supporters, who blocked the road leading to the INEC office, are demanding the cancellation of results so far announced by the commission.

The police has released canisters of teargas to disperse the crowd. It is not clear how far that would go to douse the mounting tension as #EdoDecides.

More later
There was confusion at Sycamore Junction, Ajara Topa area of Badagry, Lagos State, after some customs officers allegedly opened fire on some residents.

It was learnt that the officers, who were attached to the Federal Operations Unit, were chasing a smuggler who had fled into the community.

Among the four people hit by stray bullets were a motorcycle rider, Alayoade Arewayo and one John Sonayo.

While Arewayo survived and was rushed to a private hospital in Badagry, Sonayo was said to have died in transit from the Badagry General Hospital to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

The other two, whose names could not be ascertained as of press time, were reportedly taken to a hospital in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

PUNCH Metro gathered that immediately the incident happened, the customs officers fled the scene.

They were said to have got reinforcement from a military barracks in the area to forestall a mob attack.

Arewayo, who sustained a gunshot injury in the leg, said he was returning from a church programme around 7.30pm on Saturday when he was hit by a stray bullet.

He said, I had a crusade programme at Marina, Ebute area on that day. I had left the place for home when it started raining. I decided to call at a shop to buy noodles that I would take in the night.

I had hardly dropped off my motorcycle when I started hearing sporadic gunshots; people were running helter-skelter. I thought it was armed robbery. The people I wanted to buy noodles from had also taken to their heels.

As I fled for dear life, I was hit by a bullet in the leg. I fell and was assisted to a hospital by my friend that was with me. It was later I was told that four people were shot and one person later died.

It was learnt that the customs officers neither went to the community in their operational vehicle nor wore their uniforms.

They were reportedly led by one DSC Jude.

A resident of the community, Mr. David Taiwo, said he reported the incident at the Badagry Police Division around 8.30pm, adding that the Divisional Police Officer assigned a policeman to visit the scene of the shooting.

He said, We discovered that the customs officers were from the Federal Operations Unit in Ikeja; they were posted to Badagry. They were not in their operational vehicle and they didnt wear their uniform. They came in a private car. They pursued a smuggler, who loaded about eight bags of rice.

To effect arrest, they started shooting sporadically. Four innocent people were hit by bullets. One of them, John Sonayo, was taken to the Badagry General Hospital, but he was referred to LASUTH. It was on the way that he died. The family members of the other victims took them to Cotonou for treatments. The victims were not smugglers.

Taiwo said the customs officers ran to Ibereko Baracks to get reinforcement against members of the community that had gathered to attack them.

A community leader said no fewer than 10 residents had been allegedly killed in 2016 by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, adding that the officers usually harassed residents.

Sometimes, they move from house to house with the help of soldiers. They ransack houses and shops. People in Badagry now live in fear, he added.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed that there was a shooting incident in the area, adding that the police had written the customs authorities for details.

She said, We have written to the customs authorities to furnish us with relevant facts that will aid our investigations into the matter.

The spokesperson for the NCS, Mr. Jerry Attah, said he had yet to be briefed on the incident, adding that he would get back to our correspondent as soon as he was able to get across to the leader of the team.

But as a command, we dont condone indiscipline and we dont encourage our officers to shoot at harmless civilians. We will investigate the case, he said.

However, an official told PUNCH Metro that those shot were smugglers, adding that the customs service recovered two cars filled with smuggled rice.

He said, What happened that day was that some customs officers, attached to Iyafi checkpoint, apprehended two unregistered Passat Station Wagon loaded with smuggled rice along Sycamore Hotel Road. One of the vehicles was attacked by the smugglers en route to the customs office.

Some of the customs officers fired several shots to secure their safety, thereby injuring two persons, while the two cars were forcefully released by the smugglers. One of the injured persons was taken to the general hospital where he later died. The other person is responding to treatment in a hospital in Badagry.

Source: Punch
Actor David Oyelowo is now a citizen of the United States of America.

The multiple award-winning star was born in Oxford, England and is of Nigerian descent, but has been acting in America for several years and recently became a naturalised citizen.

Oyelowo let the news slip during an appearance on Good Morning America on Wednesday morning, as he talked about the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., which he attended.

It was absolutely amazing, I felt so privileged, the 40 year-old said on the breakfast show. As someone who is from elsewhere I just became a citizen I just feel like that museum is an incredible testament to some of the bad stuff that has gone on in this countrys history. We need to know what went wrong to get things right and thats what I feel that museum represents.

SEE ALSO: I May Join Nollywood  David Oyelowo
Collation of results for the governorship election in Edo State would commence today, Thursday, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Sam Olumekun, has said.

Olumekun made the disclosure last night in Benin, the Edo State capital after a closed-door meeting with a National Commissioner and two Resident Electoral Commissioners.

The collation of results from the 18 local government areas of Edo was supposed to commence last night but it was learnt that the late arrival of same, informed the RECs decision to shift the exercise to today.

At the INEC office in the state capital, security was water-tight even as party agents, reporters and election observers were seen milling around the area, eagerly awaiting the commencement of collation of results from the local government areas.
After going on a short recess, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has resumed official collation and announcement of results of the Edo governorship election.

Earlier, supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had stormed the collation center at Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, to express their grievances with the results so far announced by INEC. They called for a cancellation of the results, alleging manipulation by the State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

This is just as a KOWA party agent at the INEC venue where results are being announced, called for the total cancellation of the election, describing it as a sham.

The results as announced after the break are as follows:

LGA: Owan East

Total votes cast: 36,122

APC: 21, 233

PDP: 12,889

LGA: Ovia North East

APC: 17,561

PDP: 13,141

LGA: Esan Central

Valid votes: 20,211

Rejected votes: 1,153

Total votes cast: 21,364

APC: 9,781

PDP: 10,180

LGA: Etsako Central

Registered voters: 43,049

Accredited voters, 20,145

Valid votes: 19,358

Rejected votes: 549

Votes cast: 19,907

APC: 10,373

PDP: 8,827

With results of 13 out of 18 LGAs so far announced by INEC, the APC is leading in eight with 201,372 while PDPs trailing behind with 181,845 votes in five LGAs.
Indications emerged on Thursday that the 10,000 primary health care centres to be built by the Federal Government across all senatorial zones in the country, may no longer be feasible.

This indication was given by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who explained that the ambitious project was canceled on the advice of the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

According to the health minister, Mrs. Adeosun was of the opinion that the states may not be able to meet up with their contributions.

Adewole spoke during an audience with Under-Secretary-General and Executive-Director, United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin in Abuja

Absolving the finance minister of any blame, Adewole said the minister (Finance) had earlier pledged upon assumption of office that the primary health care centres s would be made available by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration within four years, and that the nations health systems would be driven through it.

But with the financial downturn in the country, she was concerned that the states may not be able to meet up with their contributions.

This, Adeosun said, will be a burden on the Federal Government.

The health minister, however, assured the country that government would harmonize various departments in the ministry for effective performance.

He said most of the health projects in the country are funded by sponsors, and that the best way to show seriousness as a government and appreciate such aids, is to expend the funds through a well-coordinated channel.

He said of the primary health care centres: Truly, we came up with the agenda of revitalizing one PHC per political ward, that would lead us to ensuring 10,000 PHCs are in place. But, then, there is a problem. Government set up an inter-ministerial committee. At our first meeting, it was obvious, the Minister of Finance said wait a minute, when you take this up, the local government and states will abandon its responsibility. And, when they abandon it for you, you are in trouble.

About 40 percent of the resources go into personnel cost. So, if you want to bear the responsibility of the resources, you want to bear responsibility for commodities, then, what exactly will the states be doing?

So, we are trying to repackage the concept. We are taking on one hundred and ten for pilot. We are going through the backdoor, using the Save-One-Million-Lives, which is actually $500 million facility from the World Bank. Weve given out to the states as grant, and what weve done is to advance them an advance payment at $1.5million. Use this, and then, in a years time, we would re-evaluate and match you with you. In other words, we compared, say Lagos State in 2015 with Lagos State in 2016. We then advance them with rewards based on improvements. And, Ive been talking to many of the state governors, saying use this to strengthen your primary health care system. I think many of them are listening. If they do not invest, there will be nothing for them next year, Adewole said.

He added that one of the core goals of the ministry under his leadership is promote family planning services as the best way for mothers to plan and live their lives meaningfully.

In his remark, Prof. Osotimehin, who was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, United Kingdoms Department for International Development, DfID, Mark Lowcock, expressed the concern of UNFPA and DfID over high maternal death rate in the country.

He, however, reiterated the support of international community for the country to reduce the incidence.

Osotimehin also pointed out that family planning would effectively reduce the deaths by 30 percent, and that it should be embraced by all people in the country.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State did not visit Edo State on Wednesday, his spokesman Samuel Aruwan, has said.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had shortly after casting his vote in the governorship election in Edo State yesterday, raised the alarm over the presence of Governors El-Rufai and Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in Benin.

The PDP candidate had claimed that the presence of the two All Progressives Congress, APC, governors in the state, at a time a restriction of movement of persons was in force as a result of the elections, was suspect.

While the Lagos Government denied that Ambode was in Edo and called Ize-Iyamu a liar, Mr. Aruwan described the claim by the PDP candidate that El-Rufai was in the state, as fiction.

He insisted that the governor was nowhere near the state.

This clarification is made only to affirm a material fact. But it is important to stress that the laws of this country do not prevent any citizen from being in any part of the country. While movement may be restricted on election days, that is not the same thing as construing the presence of any citizen in a state holding elections as illegal, unusual or irregular, Aruwan said in a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, A specious attempt, similar to that made by a candidate in Edo today, was made by chieftains of a political party during the last governorship election in Anambra State. During the Anambra elections, security agents tried to cast a Nigerian as alien simply for being in another state during an election. They restricted Mr. El-Rufai to his hotel room.

Mr. El-Rufai challenged this violation of his right in court. And a court ruled in his favour. Those who are seeking power should be careful not to be violating constitutional rights in that quest. And they should not say what they do not know to be true, the statement concluded.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday suspended its former Chairman, Appropriations Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, from the parliament for 180 legislative days (roughly one year).

He was also banned from holding any position of responsibility in the House for the rest of the 8th National Assembly.

In addition, he would tender a written apology to the House on resumption from suspension.

This followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges which investigated allegations of breach of privileges of the House and its members by Jibrin.

The suspended lawmaker had soon after his removal as chairman, Appropriations Committee, accused the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara; the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun; Whip, Alhassan Doguwa, and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, alongside some committee chairmen of budget fraud.

He also accused his colleagues of systemic corruption which he said he had a divine mandate to expose with a view to engineering reforms.

His public statements angered members of the House who were then observing their annual recess.

On resumption, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Emmanuel Orker-Jev, moved a motion citing a breach of the privilege of the House and its members against Jibrin.

The matter was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigations.

Presenting the report on the floor of the House during plenary on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Committee, Nicolas Ossai, said after a week-long investigation, his panel found Jibrin guilty on all counts.

Ossai said, Hon Orker-Jev underscored the gravity of the allegations (made by Jibrin) as a calculated campaign of calumny, denigration of the House and publication of false and scandalous statements with libellous, contemptuous and defamatory contents in various media platforms.

He said during its sitting the committee received oral evidence, electronic records and written documents from Orker-Jev and Channels Television.

As part of his testimony before the committee, Orker-Jev was quoted as quoting Jibrin as saying,

As it stands today, these corrupt elements have infested the House, making the institution a hub of systemic corruption.

I repeat, there is massive individual and systemic corruption in the House of Representatives. And all Nigerians have a responsibility to avail themselves of this rare opportunity to flush out corruption in the House.

He tendered copies of The PUNCH, and several other national and regional newspapers as well as discs containing visual and audio recordings of Jibrin making these comments on national television.

Ossai expressed regret at the respondents refusal to honour the committees invitation even when it agreed to make the hearing public.

The committee said from its findings, the fact that Jibrin made the statements credited to him was not in doubt.

It also said, The committee found that those statements were broad sweeping without proof; consequently the committee views those statements as injurious, scandalous and denigrating to the House as an institution.

That the committee considers that the actions of Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, taken as a whole, amount to an infraction of Sections 21 and 24 of the Legislative Houses (Power and Privileges) Act and the rules of the House.

The committee finds that Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin breached the practices, precedents and usages of the House of Representatives in that the House has established a procedure for expressing and redressing grievances which he didnt follow.

The committee then recommended that Abdulmumin Jibrin, should be reprimanded in accordance with Chapter 9(1) of the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Representatives.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Yusuf Lasun, who presided over the session, put the committees report and its recommendations to a voice vote and it was unanimously approved.

In his reaction to the development, Jibrin said the entire process leading to his suspension was flawed and as far as he was concerned, it is a non-issue and complete nonsense and it is not going to stand anywhere in the world.

As you are aware, the matter is a subject of litigation, I have instructed my lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, to file charges of contempt against Speaker Dogara and of course the House of Representatives and Im sure the matter will move over to the judiciary and decision will be taken. Im pretty sure it will be in my favour.

Falana, who berated Dogara over the suspension of Jibrin, said the suspension would not stand the test of time.

In a message sent to our correspondent via email, Falana said, It is the height of contempt. It is a primitive resort to self-help by the House of Representatives. Since the matter is in court, the House deliberately breached its rule of not interfering with pending judicial proceedings.

In his desperation to cover up the scandal the Speaker, Honourable Dogara, made himself the accuser, witness, prosecutor and judge at the same time and thereby breached the elementary rule of nemo judex in causa sua (thou shall not be a judge in your own cause).

Source: Punch
Africas biggest mobile network, MTN, has denied allegations by Senator Dino Melaye (APC/Kogi West) that it illegally repatriated the sum of $13.92billion out of Nigeria.

The senator had on Tuesday accused MTN Nigeria of repatriating the funds over a 10-year period (between 2006 and 2016). He also accused a serving minister, Okey Enelamah (Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment ) of assisting the telecommunications giant to illegally transfer the money out of Nigeria through four banks.

The banks are Citigroup, Standard Chartered, and Nigerian lenders Stanbic IBTC Holdings and Diamond Bank.

The Senate has directed its Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions to investigate the allegation against MTN.

Reacting to the allegation Wednesday, MTN Nigeria, in a statement by its CEO, Ferdi Moolman, said The allegations made against MTN are completely unfounded and without any merit.

This is just the latest controversy to hit MTN in Nigeria, its biggest market where it has around 50 million subscribers.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Communications Commission last year October, slammed a $3.9billion fine on MTN for failing to meet a deadline to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards.

The telecoms firm negotiated with the NCC and the Nigerian government and then came to a deal earlier this year to pay N330billion ($1billion) as part of a settlement.

MTN Nigeria also agreed to list the company on Nigerias stock exchange.

-Bloomberg
Arsinee Khanjian sends open letter to the Armenian Diaspora

Arsinee Khanjian sent an open letter to the Armenian Diaspora, where she calls everyone to make plans and commit to being in Armenia as volunteer observers during parliamentary elections next April and enroll as soon as possible by writing to [email protected] until a volunteer registration platform is built online. The letter runs as follows: I was detained by Armenian police, in the capital city of Yerevan on July 27, 2016, while photographing a rally for democratic rights and social and political reforms. This random, unjustifiable arrest made me realize that as an artist and human rights activist, it is my responsibility to speak out about issues essential to the stability, unity and perpetual sustainability of the Armenian homeland. I also realized we are overdue in re-examining the nature of the Armenian Diasporas engagement with its homeland. On this 25th anniversary of independence, there are huge social, political and economic obstacles deeply challenging and taxing the livelihood of the Republic of Armenia. The country has major internal problems due to systemic corruption, nepotism and an oligarchic economy, where power and wealth remains in the hands of a few. Absence of equitable rule of law and upward social mobility combined with the suppression of freedom of speech and thought as well as civil liberties and rights, have all further exacerbated an already intolerable situation in the Republic. There are other alarming factors fomenting Armenias domestic and foreign problems. Lack of natural resources, an economic blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan, geopolitics of superpowers in the region, adversarial neighbours, a no war no peace situation at its border with impending and continued international pressure in the peace negotiations for Nagorno Karabakh Republic, have all thwarted international interest in the twin Armenian republics. These circumstances have created an existential impasse where public mistrust, resentment and fear coupled with inadequate economic and social welfare, have resulted into desperate acts of defiance and outrage. This deadlocked situation and the sudden incursion of Azeri forces beginning of April, 2016, that caused the death of over one hundred soldiers along with the loss of some 800 hectares of land to Azerbaijan, led to a group of gunmen to take over a police station in Yerevan on July 17, 2016, as an act of last resort after exhausted attempts at promoting change through political movements. The subsequent _expression_ of public support for the groups extreme measures illustrated the level of the frustration that has been percolating in Armenian society in the face of governmental indifference and negligence towards the plight of the people. In short, the citizens of Armenia have widespread misgivings about their government and have ceased to believe that their children and grandchildren can have sustainable and dependable living conditions or a future in their ancestral homeland. Hundreds of thousands are leery about the ruling elite and the questionable, constitutional legitimacy of those in power. Over a million people or one third of the population, have opted quietly, for an exit strategy from the country causing massive depopulation and brain drain of the cream of the crop of our homeland . The preservation and the security of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh is alarmingly threatened as a consequence. Citizens and civil organizations who are fighting ongoing indignation or injustices on the ground are calling on the 8-millionstrong Armenian Diaspora and its institutions for attention, participation and support. For years now, citizens of the Republic and a spattering number of Armenians from the Diaspora have been demanding honest and fundamental reforms to the much-too-fragile social contract between the government and the people its supposed to represent. They are calling for these changes to remedy the countrys ills and misfortunes  all brought upon by systemic and abusive practices at all levels of state institutions. Time and again, I have been urged by our compatriots in Armenia that the Diaspora takes upon itself and share the responsibility to pay heed to these circumstances and positively contribute to their efforts in rehabilitating this untenable and explosive environment. So how can the Diaspora participate in a direct and impactful way toward positive social and political paradigm shifts in Armenia? Defending human rights, civil rights and rule of law is the prescient and effective way. A simple step will be for independent volunteers from across the Diaspora to go to Armenia in the spring of 2017 and man every polling station at the upcoming parliamentary elections. This on the ground engagement in support of our compatriots should be the priority of every Armenian and their institutions worldwide in order to promote and secure fair and free and transparent elections in the country. All deployed participants should be non-partisan observers, participating at their own expense and whose sole interest and responsibility is to oversee the election process from the dropping of ballots into boxes, to the counting votes at the closing of the polls. This is a direct and constructive involvement that can help eliminate electoral fraud or vote rigging. The role of the observers who will work with Armenian civil associations, non-governmental organizations, and anti-corruption bodies is vital and imperative to the process. These observers will be armies of democracy, joining local groups that have the knowledge, the experience and the acquired wisdom from past elections in carrying the work from the ground up. In the crucial months leading to the next parliamentary elections, voters throughout the country should be provided extended civic education programs about the importance of their participation in a transparent electoral process. They should be encouraged to learn about their privileges and options, and their power to influence with their votes the elections outcome. They should be brought to believe that this civic duty can and must be carried out without bribery and bullying in the full dignity of their rights. The protection of these basic human rights of inalienable freedom is closely linked to furthering long-term, sustainable development. It is an instrumental and first crucial step in attaining a true democracy in Armenia. Diasporan leaders, scholars and activists and specially those coming from Western democracies can help organize and secure training and expertise to implement fair and free elections. They can play a key role in translating the best practices from their adopted countries of residence to practices in Armenia that promote rule of law. The Central Electoral Commission on the other hand is one good place for those in power to begin implementing democratic safeguards as a gesture of good will. In doing so they will start to build confidence and trust within the electorate, that their vote will not be rigged and that their voice can in fact help secure much needed fundamental change to the existing system. The upcoming parliamentary elections in May of 2017 will give the Armenian government an ultimate opportunity to take the first and honest transformative steps to conduct transparent elections in the most expedient and effective manner. Those in power should and must refrain from manipulating or using non-democratic procedures that can lead to the falsification of election results. The Republic of Armenia is a signatory to many conventions and treaties, which stipulate compliance with democratic procedures. Thus, the Republic is obliged by international laws to hold fair and free elections. It is by engaging in this process as a facilitator that the Diaspora can and will help the Republic of Armenias newly elected government to earn respect and legitimacy with its citizens, and with the international community. On the other hand, a transparent election process will turn citizens into stakeholders and give them a sense of ownership of democratic practices. It will also provide them with hope for a better future and a compelling alternative from the dismal, hopeless prospects they now face. At this crucial juncture of so many challenges in the homeland, the Diaspora cannot plead ignorance. The Diaspora must not be an ambivalent bystander. Armenians around the world must not avoid or neglect the pleas from our compatriots. The Diaspora must no longer ignore the perils of inaction. We can never say we did not know. We can never say we were not offered a chance to participate in these formative years of our collective future. As I finish writing this letter, I come across a call from President Serzh Sarkisian in a recent statement published in Diaspora papers:  I believe, we must not limit ourselves to resources within our ranks and for the resolution of issues before us we must seek and find individuals and people who are able and willing to shoulder responsibilities for the difficult tasks, regardless what part of the world they are. I rest my case. I urge volunteers in the Diaspora to get in touch with Citizen Observer Initiative through Transparency International in Armenia, make plans and commit to being in Armenia as volunteer observers during parliamentary elections next April and enroll as soon as possible by writing to [email protected] until a volunteer registration platform is built online. All emails/registrations are also to be ccd to: [email protected] to help share interest in volunteering with other organizations working similarly on transparent election initiatives. In the name of our nation, we all have an opportunity to commit to the ideals of action and advocacy so that Diaspora and Armenia are brought closer  much closer than they are today. My Armenia deserves better. To Armenia with love, Arsinee Khanjian Toronto, Canada
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, yesterday said Nigeria was already pulling out of the economic recession following some positive measures the Federal Government had taken.

Mrs. Adeosun added that the recovery plan was to invest more in infrastructure and stop wastage in governance.

She made the assertion in an interview with reporters after the closing ceremony of the 2016 National Council of Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

According to her, the economic recovery process would be driven from the local, state and the Federal Government levels.

We are investing more in capital expenditure than we have ever invested. We are sorting out infrastructure; we are stopping wastage and so the sign of recovery is already there.

We are already getting out of recession because of the actions the Federal Government is taking. If you are in a problem, the day you start to step towards progression, you are already getting out of it; we are getting out of it.

Agriculture and solid minerals are already starting to grow and so they are responding to our policy initiative and we are expected to continue in that direction.

Nigeria is getting out of the trouble that we have found ourselves. We are turning things around and I believe everybody is united and everybody that was here (conference) represented the 36 states of Nigeria and this recovery will be driven from the state and local governments, the Finance Minister said.

Mrs. Adeosun also pointed out that diversification of the economy from oil to agriculture and solid minerals, is yielding positive results.

She, however, urged the Finance Commissioners from the 36 states and other stakeholders at the conference not to see economic recovery as the Federal Governments responsibility, but rather join hands to save the economy.

There are no Federal people; everybody lives in the states. So having everybody together working in the same direction is very important and I want everybody to be included, Adeosun said.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday broke his own tradition to congratulate the government and people of Edo State on the successful conclusion of the governorship election in the state.

He also congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Godwin Obaseki, for his victory at the polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, today, declared APC winner of the keenly fought contest with 319,483 votes to the Peoples Democratic Partys 253,173 votes.

In a telephone call to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, the president hailed the well-articulated campaign programme of the APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, governor-elect and party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance over the years and a promise of continuity.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the president said that the outcome of the election clearly reflected the mood of the people to sustain the pedigree of responsiveness, forthrightness and diligence that Governor Oshomole brought into the service of his people.

The victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and the people of Edo State, Buhari said.

President Buhari also said that the victory was well-deserved as the campaign train, which he joined, worked hard to sell its people-centered manifesto.

He applauded the conduct of INEC, security agencies, corps members and electorate in ensuring a peaceful election.
The Ogun State Government, on Wednesday, signed an agreement with a consortium of four private companies to build the second largest refinery in sub-Saharan Africa and the largest petroleum product depot in Nigeria.

The Chairman, Petrolex Group, Mr. Segun Adebutu who led other partners in the consortium to the office of the Ogun State Governor for the agreement signing ceremony, said the two projects, when completed would generate not less than 2000 employment opportunities for the citizens and greatly increase the socio-economic condition of the state.

He said the refinery is situated in the Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.



Speaking during the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, assured the consortium of his administrations commitment to fully support the project.

We have the political will and we would support the project fully. You can be rest assured that I will get involved, when necessary, in order to ensure that the project is a success, the governor said.

Governor Amosun added that, any government that will get it right indeed must be private sector driven.

In this respect, Governor Amosun said Ogun State does not just want any investment but that which will truly support the dreams, goals and economic drive of the present administration in the state.

The Governor disclosed that his administration will always support people of like minds who will in turn bring positive economic development to the state.

The firms involved in the consortium include Petrolex Oil and Gas, Hyundai, Ajayi Legal Partner and Wema Bank PLC.
Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has said his suspension for 180 legislative days was flawed and would not stand the test of time.

He said, It is a non-issue and complete nonsense and it is not going to stand anywhere in the world.

As you are aware, the matter is a subject of litigation, I have instructed my lawyer, Femi Falana SAN to file charges of contempt against Speaker Dogara and of course the House of Representatives and Im sure the matter will move over to the judiciary and decision will be taken. Im pretty sure it will be in my favour.

The House slammed the suspension on Mr. Jibrin after he was found guilty of violating ethics and privileges of lawmakers.

But the lawmaker remained defiant, saying he had done nothing wrong and, as such, those expecting an apology, will wait for eternity.

Let me say, I will never ever apologise to anybody in the House of Representatives, he said, adding that I did not commit any offence.

He insisted that he has lived above board since coming to the House even as he pointed out that allegations he raised against Speaker Dogara and other members of the body of Principal officers, were yet to be addressed.

Jibrin said, What is very important also is that now they have done their worst, they have suspended me, what has it changed? Has it changed the fact that the speaker conspired with other principal officers to divert N40 billion out of N100 billion meant for constituency projects?

Despite being placed on suspension that will see him barred from the premises of the National Assembly, his office sealed as well as salaries and allowances stopped for 180 days, the lawmaker chose to see the brighter side.

At this point, I must say they freed me up to concentrate on the matter in court, Mr. Jibrin said. I know the suspension is not going to stand, secondly, Im going into a massive alliance with civil society groups, NGOs and well-meaning Nigerian to continue to press ahead.
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, killed nine suspected terrorists at Bulabulin, Borno.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, said in a statement that the troops had also wounded several others in the fight, which lasted for about an hour.

The troops hand held radio was, however, badly damaged during the encounter, Mr. Usman, a colonel, said.

The Army spokesman said two AK-47 rifles, two hand grenades, one Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs), five jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit and nine motorcycles were recovered from the terrorists.

The troops would continue the clearance operation of the remnants of the Boko Haram in nooks and crannies of their areas of operation with renewed vigour and determination.

Meanwhile, troops with assistance of Civilian JTF arrested three suspected members of the Boko Haram sect in a cattle market.

The Army spokesman said the suspects include Abba Go Dallagio, Abba Fanned and Alhaji Nwariye.

The suspected terrorists, who confessed to being part of logistics elements of the Boko Haram sect during preliminary investigation, claimed that they entered into Maiduguri through Mafa with about 200 cows for sale at Maiduguri cattle market.

They further claimed that proceeds are remitted to the group to fund their nefarious activities.

So far, troops have identified and isolated 23 cows at the cattle market.

Col. Usman said one of their agent and spy at the market, Alhaji Ajid Umar, has also been arrested while 170 cows were isolated in connection with him.

The statement said all the suspects are undergoing preliminary investigation.
The premise of the University of Lagos, Akoka has been shut down as students of the institution are protesting the rustication of some members of its Student Union. The authorities of the school have therefore ordered the closure of the school gates.

SEE ALSO: UNILAG STUDENT RUSTICATED FOR PROTESTING

The students are also protesting an alleged victimization by lecturers. It will be recalled that the school rusticated some leaders of the student body who lead a protest in April over bad electricity and water supply as well as difficulty faced by the students that lived off campus. The executives of the Unilag Student Union(ULSU) had earlier in the month protested the unjust rustication of its union members. The students are now gathered at the schools senate building chanting war songs.
Among the key findings of an April 2016 survey by the OpenStack Foundation was the strong interest among OpenStack users in software-based networking on servers, or server-based networking. The factors driving this interest include SDN/NFV (mentioned by 52 percent of respondents), containers (mentioned by 70 percent), and bare-metal deployments (mentioned by 50 percent). This level of interest is reflected in practices of the largest datacenters in the world (for example, Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure), which use server-based networking for the networking flexibility and scalability it provides.

Enterprises are increasingly interested in how server-based networking can best be deployed. With growing bandwidth requirements and the adoption of 10GbE and higher-speed technologies across industries, it has become widely acknowledged that using general-purpose CPUs for server-based networking tasks is highly inefficient. Microsoft, for one, has expressed interest in using software-programmable network interface cards, aka SmartNICs, to scale its server-based networking infrastructure more efficiently. Netronome and Ericsson have demonstrated that SmartNICs can be used to offload and accelerate the server-based networking data path, demonstrating up to a sixfold improvement in TCO for some use cases.

[ The InfoWorld review: Chef 12 fires up devops. | Cut to the key news in technology trends and IT breakthroughs with the InfoWorld Daily newsletter, our summary of the top tech happenings. ]

OpenStack networking today

Two specific uses cases have led to improvements in OpenStack networking performance, but with compromises: single-root IO virtualization (SR-IOV) and Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK).

SR-IOV. One way to improve OpenStack network throughput is to use SR-IOV plugins with SR-IOV-capable server NICs. When this is implemented in OpenStack Neutron using traditional NICs, bandwidth delivered to virtual machines is improved significantly and latency for VM-to-VM traffic is reduced, as is the need to use CPUs for networking tasks. However, with such increased performance, the number of server-based networking features is severely limited, as shown in Figure 1a and 1b.

Figures 1a and 1b show the packet data path from a network port on the server to a VM. In Figure 1a, high bandwidth and low latency are available for a limited set of features, rendering the solution feasible for a narrow set of applications. When more advanced features not supported by SR-IOV (such as overlay tunneling or security groups) are required, one needs to run through a server-based data path as shown in Figure 1b, resulting in poor performance and high CPU usage.

Figure 1.

DPDK. Some of the above challenges can be addressed by moving the server-based networking functions such as Open vSwitch (OVS) or Contrail vRouter to user space and running them on top of DPDK to allow for more software optimization and less context switching between user space and kernel space. This approach, shown in Figure 2, delivers additional server-based networking features (compared to SR-IOV) and improved performance (compared to a kernel-based networking data path). However, DPDKs benefits come at the cost of high latency and high CPU usage. Further, with DPDK, a large number of flows in the networking data path (as needed in security, load balancing, and analytics) can severely degrade performance.

Yet another issue with DPDK: When the OVS data path is run in user space instead of kernel space, it is common for users to modify the code to improve performance and augment functionality. This results in a loss of synchronization with the mainstream version of OVS in the Linux kernel.

Figure 2.

Server-based networking with SmartNICs

A third approach is to use a SmartNIC to accelerate and offload the server-based networking functions. In this scenario, the SmartNIC can implement all of the required server-based networking functions directly, then deliver packets directly to VMs. One such configuration, shown in Figure 3, also encompasses the Linux Conntrack technologies to provide an extended set of features at high performance (high bandwidth and low latency) and high efficiency (low server CPU usage), freeing CPUs to handle more VMs.

Figure 3.

A SmartNIC like the Netronome Agilio intelligent server adapter can be used to enable the features that are needed in a broad array of workloads and deployment frameworks, while overcoming the performance and flexibility problems of DPDK and SR-IOV. In fact, the SmartNIC offers numerous benefits over these approaches, as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1.

Server-based networking using SmartNIC hardware is also well suited for bare-metal container deployments. Features such as networking virtualization, service chaining, load balancing, security, and analytics can be implemented and provisioned from outside the domain of the operating system running on the server. In this case, control plane orchestration using an SDN controller or OpenStack is implemented directly with the SmartNIC (Figure 4).

Figure 4.

There are various options for controlling the SmartNIC in this scenario. Control messages can be sent either in-band on the main network interface, out-of-band using a separate Ethernet interface for control, or out-of-band using another interface such as NC-SI or SMBus. A local control agent running on the SmartNIC will communicate with a centralized SDN controller using a protocol such as OVSDB or OpenFlow. The agent typically runs on some form of general-purpose processor, such as an ARM CPU, that is integrated into the SmartNIC. The agent responds to commands from the SDN controller to insert and delete rules to implement forwarding, security policies, and other actions.

The near future of OpenStack

For all of this to be a reality, the OpenStack networking plugin specification will have to be enhanced beyond the SR-IOV-based capabilities that exist today to take advantage of more advanced server-based networking capabilities and acceleration. Netronome is taking a leadership role in the development of these enhancements with industry leaders such as Mirantis, Ericsson, and Juniper Networks. A draft open specification covering these enhancements is expected in Q3 2016, and this will be contributed to the OpenStack community for further feedback and eventual acceptance for industrywide adoption.

Nick Tausanovitch, vice president of solutions architecture and silicon product management at Netronome, is responsible for cloud datacenter applications of Netronomes intelligent server adapter products.

New Tech Forum provides a venue to explore and discuss emerging enterprise technology in unprecedented depth and breadth. The selection is subjective, based on our pick of the technologies we believe to be important and of greatest interest to InfoWorld readers. InfoWorld does not accept marketing collateral for publication and reserves the right to edit all contributed content. Send all inquiries to newtechforum@infoworld.com.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has found more attempts to hack the voter registration systems of states, ahead of national elections.

The agency had reportedly found evidence in August that foreign hackers had breached state election databases in Illinois and Arizona, but it appears that there have been other attempts as well, besides frequent scanning activities, which the FBI describes as preludes for possible hacking attempts.

[ An InfoWorld exclusive: Go inside a security operations center. | Discover how to secure your systems with InfoWorld's Security newsletter. ]

"There have been a variety of scanning activities, which is a preamble for potential intrusion activities, as well as some attempted intrusions at voter registration databases beyond those we knew about in July and August," FBI Director James Comey told the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Comey said that the systems that could be at risk were the voter registration systems that are connected to the Internet. The vote system in the U.S., in contrast, is hard to hack into "because it's so clunky and dispersed," he added. He advised states to get the best information they can get from the Department of Homeland Security and ensure their systems are tight as there is "no doubt that some bad actors have been poking around."

"We are doing an awful lot of work through our counter-intelligence investigators to understand just what mischief is Russia up to in connection with our elections," Comey said. U.S. officials have hinted that they believe Russia is behind recent attacks on servers of the Democratic National Committee, which led to the leak of embarrassing emails through whistleblowing website, WikiLeaks. But the U.S. government has not directly attributed the attacks to Russia.

Security experts and Democratic party president candidate Hillary Clinton have blamed Russia for the attack, but Republican party candidate Donald Trump said nobody knows it was the Russians, adding that the hack could have come from Russia, China, or a 400-pound hacker working from his bed.

The U.S. government is not sure whether Russia, which is said to have interfered in U.S. elections since the 1960s, aims to influence the outcome of the election or try to sow seeds of doubt about the sanctity of the process, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper recently told The Washington Post in an interview.

Clapper said that "there's a tradition in Russia of interfering with elections, their own and others." To ensure that hackers don't get to the electoral system, the DHS is working with state election officials on best practices on security, specially where there is any dependence on the Internet, Clapper said.

So far 18 states have requested the assistance of the DHS, said Secretary Jeh Johnson, in testimony this week before a Senate committee.
Grains start off hot! Banghart Properties - 1 hour ago How strong will wheat finish the week out

Lean Hogs Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 5:03PM CDT The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 89.075, which will be followed by reaching support level 80.675 and if it keeps on moving down below that level,...

Feeder Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 5:02PM CDT The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 178.550, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 188.250.

Live Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 5:01PM CDT The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 151.775, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 156.475.

Soybean Oil Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 5:00PM CDT The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 73.75, which will be followed by reaching support level 68.16 and if it keeps on moving down below that level,...

Soybean Meal Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 4:59PM CDT The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 419.1, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 439.

Soybean Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 4:58PM CDT The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 1380.4, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 1423.2 and if it keeps on moving up above that level, we...

Corn Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 4:57PM CDT The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 689.6, which will be followed by reaching support level 661.4.

Wheat Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 4:55PM CDT An uptrend will start as soon, as the market rises above resistance level 872.4, which will be followed by moving up to resistance level 906.2 and 947.
The whole Byureghavan dies of hunger: action outside Government (video)

The citizens, who have been complaining of their problems for years, today have hopefully gathered outside the Government building. Numerous former employees of Byureghavans bottle factory have come here. 150 people havent been paid their 5 months salary. Almost half of the employees, who have AMD 500 000 salary debt, were paid their wages, but then the process stopped, says Hovik Borjyan. Another former employee Samvel Diloyan adds, We also demand to reopen the plant, the whole Byureghavan dies of hunger. They have turned both to the Government and Serzh Sargsyan for many times. The Governor of the 500-member factory says that they will pay off the debts, when they have money. But in front of our eyes, it must be highlighted and I want our voice to reach the Prime Minister that in front of our eyes our plant is robbed, destroyed and everything possible is sold, notes Hovik Borjyan. Former employees of Nairit plant have been in high spirits. The delegation of EU ASIA Business Finance Centre arrives in Armenia on October 6 with vital investment projects for Armenia. They will meet with PM Karen Karapetyan. The reopening on Nairit plant is also included in the investment project. We will carefully follow those negotiations. Today we want to meet with Prime Minister, with newly-appointed minister, we want to tell them that Nairit is the spine of Armenias economy and they shouldnt break the spine, says former employee of Nairit Anahit Manukyan. Former residents of Kond have also come here with their demands. We have given them our houses in Kentron and we arent able to buy houses in other districts. The proposed compensation is worth pennies, says Mher Karakhanyan. 26 refugee families living at Sebastia 3A and former pilots with disabilities have also gathered here. No Government representative approached them.
Inside Self-Storage (ISS) has released a slideshow focusing on key data from its 2016 Top-Operators List, an annual compilation ranking the industry's leading players by net rentable square feet. The 2016 Top-Operators List: Top-Heavy Growth and Portfolio Stabilization Dot the Self-Storage Landscape" offers an in-depth review of the numbers behind the ranking, including notable growth and decline in portfolio square footage, and number of facilities among this year's Top 100 participants.

This years Top 100 list includes additional data on owned vs. managed self-storage facilities for each company, with breakouts for number of facilities, units and square footage for each. The slideshow presentation takes a look at how this more detailed information affects the rankings.

The Top-Operators List appears on the ISS website and in the October 2016 print edition of ISS magazine. The list includes the portfolio sizes of self-storage real estate investment trusts, multi-facility operators and management companies. It also contains vital information and data on each of the 100 companies in the ranking.

Slideshows for several years of previous Top-Operators Lists are also available for free download under Slideshows, in the ISS Resource Center.

A package of premium 2016 Top-Operators content, including all of the collected data contained in an Excel spreadsheet as well as a PDF file with an analysis report and presentation of the Top 100 rankings in an easy-to-read format, is available for purchase from the ISS Store, an e-commerce website providing research and education products for industry professionals.

For more than 25 years, ISS has provided informational resources for the self-storage industry. Its educational offerings include ISS magazine, the annual ISS Expo, an extensive website, the ISS Store, and Self-Storage Talk, the industrys largest online community.
MyStore Self Storage hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony this past summer to celebrate the grand opening of its facility in Witney, Oxfordshire, England. David Cameron, former prime minister of the United Kingdom and a member of Parliament, cut the ribbon for the 350-unit property on Book End Industrial Estate during one of his last days of constituency business, according to a MyStore press release. The facility officially opened on Sept. 16.

MyStore was the vision of life-long friends Charlie Schmidt and Tom Skelton, owners of House & Carriage, a removals company based in Charlbury, England. The duo decided to enter the self-storage industry because the area lacked the service, the release stated. The towns of Burford, Carterton, Charlbury, Chipping, Eynsham, Norton and Witney didnt have a large-scale self-storage complex. Given the regions wealthy demographic and population of around 100,000, Schmidt and Skelton were convinced there was an opportunity. To help finance the project, another friend, Jim Clemence, signed on as an investor.

After the partners were unable to find an existing building suitable for redevelopment, they decided to build a new facility on a vacant lot. Construction took about 18 months, the release stated.

I am thrilled to say that after all the hard work we have put into this project, we are now seeing results, Schmidt said. In providing a much-needed facility for the community, we are not only helping local residents, we are also assisting the growth of local businesses. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved.

The partners are now looking for other self-storage development opportunities in the region, according to the release.
Stock N Lock Self Storage in Worcester, England, has been chosen as Best UK Facility and Operator for the second consecutive year by the Self Storage Association of the United Kingdom (SSA-UK). Company representatives Lizzie Calaghan, Ryan Kemili and Rob Tonks were present during the awards ceremony, which was held on Sept. 15 during a regional meeting of the SSA-UK in Manchester, England, the source reported.

"As a local Worcester bred boy through and through, it just makes my year to bring this prize back to my hometown, Kemili, business manager, told the source. I just cant believe weve done this two years running."

Stock N Lock will now be the U.K. representative during an awards dinner scheduled for Oct. 6, during a European self-storage conference and tradeshow in Barcelona, Spain. The event is jointly hosted by the SSA-UK and the Federation of European Self Storage Associations.

Stock N Lock is in the Venture Business Park off of Weir Lane. The facility comprises 44,000 square feet of storage space in 680 units, which are individually alarmed and monitored with closed-circuit television, according to the company website. Additional offerings include electricity in some units, forklift services, package acceptance and delivery, and WiFi. The facility also offers records storage and outdoor vehicle storage.

The SSA-UK is the trade association for the self-storage industry in the United Kingdom. Its mission is to support member operators and vendors, promote best business practices, and raise public awareness.
We write algorithms that take observational data from satellites, pixels, and turn them into real-time insights about our world. The applications for this technology extend from farming to government and, as you might expect, finance. Weve got hedge funds knocking on our door almost every day, but our ambitions will take us far beyond the business of investing.

We use artificial intelligence, via evolutionary algorithms, to explain and predict complex ecosystems, such as patient outcomes in health care. Our platform does a good job of predicting financial markets. Still, were not interested in being a financial services company in the long run. Were interested in explaining complexity and predicting successful outcomes in a range of domains.

We model trust among entities in a network by examining social connections, online interactions and backgrounds. Our ability to predict trust- and creditworthiness will have a huge impact on the peer-to-peer industry thats developing, such as in ride sharing or apartment renting. And, of course, itll also create a massive opportunity in financial services, but thats not our focus.

Will the financial services industry soon be challenged by technology entrepreneurs with little initial  or no exclusive  interest in the investment business? The three abridged and anonymized quotes above, from real people running real technology companies, would seem to suggest that, yes, thats increasingly probable. Which is not to say that companies arent emerging from Silicon Valley to target bloated segments of the financial services industry (that is, pretty much all of the financial services industry)  they definitely are. But weve noticed something rather more profound in the past year: The hot technologies being developed today will offer unparalleled insight into the complex world around us, and the applications to the entire domain of finance and investing are countless.

One example: The ascendance of nonbiological intelligence means computing systems will learn and process many types of inputs far faster than even the most-expert individuals. Once experts partner with the systems, these man-machine teams will become extremely competent at rules-based goal seeking. The days of using scarce computing resources to model complex systems  backcasting, calibrating, validating and eventually forecasting  are nearly over. Massive and scalable parallel systems are now available for rent by the second, and the implications of having access to almost limitless computing environments to attack the largest data sets imaginable augur a paradigm shift in the discovery and communication of relevant data patterns. Machine-learning science and technologies are increasingly agnostic to the internal mechanisms of models. Rather, the scale of data that can be evaluated and processed in real time on massive grid networks will allow systems to inform their operators as to what the key variables are, instead of being restricted by top-down architectures.

In short, a growing number of computing systems and technologies will empower people, organizations, networks and information in transformative ways. Service industries will be particularly affected, as they often require human, labor-intensive analytics and networking to scale. But if technologies can help people network and analyze faster and better, some of the companies in the industries that provide these very services will face an existential challenge. As with the rise of computing and the Internet, we expect new technologies in the coming decade to challenge service industries, such as finance, in ways that few people today appreciate.

What does all this mean for institutional investors? Well, it means that computer systems may soon do for them directly what asset managers have been doing as third parties. It means the private club of hedge funds, which you once happily paid 2 and 20 to join, wont be as exclusive as it used to be. It means the mythical black box that some asset managers use to drive outperformance  and reinforce their own market power  will be democratized. It means we will see a gradual emancipation of allocators from high-cost intermediaries and a dramatic move on the part of institutional investors toward much more flexible, and affordable, technology companies.

We think technology has reached a tipping point in finance. Up until now advances have served to empower private sector intermediaries, which traditionally have been relied upon to allocate capital to its highest use, at the expense of the big asset owners. Indeed, academic research shows quite clearly that smart financial intermediaries have used technology in the past few decades to obtain higher rents and reinforce their competitive advantage within uncompetitive markets. This undoubtedly results from the fact that technology often came with opacity and complexity, which was (and is) a recipe for high fees and compounding economies of scale flowing back to intermediaries. Indeed, to access the most-powerful technologies, institutional investors and others have had to work with the most-expensive gatekeepers.

At any rate, we believe Silicon Valley will help the community of institutional investors turn the tables. Ultimately, technology will help them streamline and strengthen operations, manage and distribute knowledge, access unique (and heretofore expensive) markets and level the playing field with the private financial services industry. As institutional investors adopt innovative technologies, we expect the very nature of financial intermediation to evolve. And that should be universally positive for our financial  and, indeed, our capitalist  system. For finance to function effectively, pensions, endowments, sovereign funds and other long-term institutional investors need to behave like highly sophisticated financial consumers. But to do that, they will need help from aligned intermediaries providing new and powerful technologies.

The authors of this article straddle the worlds of academia, technology and finance. Ashby is executive and research director at the Global Projects Center (GPC) at Stanford University and a senior adviser to the Office of the Chief Investment Officer of the Regents at the University of California. Daniel is CEO of Kensho Technologies, a Google Ventures and Goldman Sachs Groupbacked financial technology company that builds analytics platforms for the financial industry. Daniel also runs the financial technology research project at Stanfords GPC. We are both passionate about the role technology will play in financial services, and we have dedicated much of our professional lives to this topic. We are both entrepreneurs, investors, advisers, researchers and writers, which means that listing all our potential conflicts would more or less consume the remainder of this article. For that reason, weve decided not to use the names of any commercial entities from which we could hope to derive even a possibility of economic benefit. This will allow us to use insights from our own experiences without (we hope) being accused of talking our own book.

Our purpose in this article is not to sound an alarm on Wall Street about the threat technology presents to its business  even if thats a by-product of our writing it. Rather, we want institutional investors and Silicon Valley to better understand how they might work together in the years ahead. In short, this is not a story about the demise of global financial centers as much as its a story about the rise of a virtual financial center. And we believe this virtual financial center will be extremely powerful, providing institutional investors with an entirely new place to operate and achieve their objectives.

The job of an investor is to take money and turn it into more money. Put another way, the product that all institutional investors create is the same: They make returns. Thats all investors really do. And to achieve this, they all use, for the most part, the same inputs: To their initial stock of money they add a healthy amount of human capital, a dash of informational advantage and a dose of process. Persistent outperformance requires an investment organization to apply high-caliber people and efficient processes in creative ways to develop proprietary sources of information and, ultimately, knowledge. Its this knowledge that allows investors to generate outperformance.

In thinking about the future of institutional investment, especially how technology will change the way investors do business, its useful to revert to these three inputs  people, process and information  and how they can come together to create knowledge. Whatever your unique approach to investing may be, its component parts likely fall into one of these categories. People refers to the talented individuals who drive returns for investment organizations. Talent is critical in the investment business, which is why skilled investors have sufficient leverage to get paid more than skilled professionals in any other industry. Process refers to the decision-making inputs required by an organization to execute on its strategic plans and achieve its long-term objectives. Process also refers to governance, which is a critical factor for success, as the board has the ability to give the organization the resources it needs to achieve its objectives. Information refers to the insights and, ultimately, knowledge used by investors to make decisions. This may refer to the algorithms running in a black box, to a highly cultivated network of trusted individuals or to the theoretical models in a finance textbook. Its important to note that not all information is of equal importance, and informational advantages are crucial. Its for this reason that some investors are willing to push their information gathering to the boundaries of what is legal.

In our view, these three inputs and the way in which they are combined offer a framework for considering the key factors that drive success or failure among investors. These inputs are often of different qualities and combined in different ways to achieve similar return objectives. For example, the endowment model of institutional investment is based largely on informational advantages; the best endowments are adept at leveraging their networks to identify and access top managers to drive high performance. The Canadian model of institutional investment is based largely on process and human resources; institutions that follow it pay competitive salaries and manage assets internally, reducing fee overhang and improving their ability to think creatively about portfolio construction. The traditional model of institutional investment, which outsources all of the assets to external service providers, assumes that people and information are best procured outside the confines of an institutional investment organization.

As University of Oxford professor Gordon Clark suggests, the key differences among the varying investment models often stem from a simple decision on whether to make or buy the key inputs (or a subset of inputs) to produce investment returns. If you have a robust governance framework that values investments in data-processing and knowledge-acquisition infrastructure and has the ability to pay top talent, you may choose to make most of your money on your own. If not, you may choose to take a hybrid approach. Indeed, the question underpinning the different models of institutional investment is ultimately whether the processes, people or information should be developed within an organization or sourced on the market.

But what this question fails to consider  and what nearly all large institutional investors perhaps do not appreciate  is the extent to which technology will alter the way in which these three inputs interact. Indeed, what the existing analyses of present and future models for investment did not realize was how much people, process and information could be disrupted through technological innovation. In the sections that follow, we will review some of the technological disruptions looming in each of these categories.

People

The largest institutional investors in the world are in most cases public in nature and located in cities far from major financial centers. Although hiring talent can be a challenge in any location, it is made all the more difficult by the fact that these public funds are limited by both compensation and geography. Many investors need to fill public sector jobs in cities like Edmonton, Juneau and Sacramento with people who can compete in and with the private sector. This isnt easy, especially with yawning salary differentials.

The conventional finance wisdom, however, has it that the highest-paid investors are the best at their jobs. If an investment organization wants to get the best returns, this logic goes, it has to be willing to pay the highest salaries. This is why public pensions and sovereign funds, according to intermediaries, should outsource to intermediaries.

We bet we can find more hedge fund employees earning $500 million per year in the U.S. today than you can find pension fund employees earning $500,000 per year. You on? Actually, dont take that bet. Youll lose.

But this raises an important question: Are the hedge fund employees who set the stage for the 1,000-times differential in compensation 1,000 times smarter? Of course they arent. They arent superhumans. Many simply have supercomputers. The technologies that certain hedge funds have been using are, in fact, at least 1,000 times better. Indeed, some early hedge funds made significant investments in technology, and they continue to reap rewards from those investments today. The economies of scale those funds enjoyed served to reinforce their hegemony. This is still the situation on the ground today, for the most part, though more and more managers rely on or help shape financial services through communication and discovery technologies like social media.

Thanks to technologys ability to gather and analyze enormous amounts of data, investors that use technology are able to employ far fewer people to perform the same or better analytics. You can think of technology as an augmentation of capabilities or a brain extender; as with any other profession, the work flow an investor can accomplish is generally fixed by the limits of his or her experience, skill and intelligence. Discount what are for now unforeseeable events  chance and so forth  add a widely varying array of access to information (market indicators and economic data, however sophisticated or simple), and you have a basic outline of the capabilities of any individual financial analyst: one analyst, one brain, surrounded by the tools of the trade and possessed of differing abilities to use those tools.

But now imagine if that person were not just one person, if the hard limit that is a single brain was in fact a much softer limit than we thought. Imagine a dozen artificially intelligent versions of any analyst  say, of you  taking in information and parsing it, making sense of it exactly as you might do but on a massive scale. That information is sorted and then passed to you, the human investor, as a set of recommendations to act upon as you like.

The result is, essentially, the creation of digital clones of a good analyst or trader. The applications for machine learning and artificial intelligence will prove invaluable for institutional investing. Deriving real-time insight from the daily data deluge, scraping data from the web as well as compiling and analyzing more-conventional sources of financial information, could easily become an automated process.

These days its not difficult to imagine that bots might learn to make rapid, granular decisions about which stocks to buy, in keeping with any given investment style  that is, in keeping with your investment style. These bots could be trained through machine learning to identify the signals you would identify, independent of any too-stringent, rule-bound conditions. Bots can learn, simulate, replicate and amplify the reach of that idiosyncratic perspective.

An asset might exhibit certain traits and behavior that would be impossible to reduce to a logical set of conditions, but you might nevertheless find it appealing. You can only look at one chart or read one news story at a time to draw your personality-driven inferences; bots can look at millions simultaneously and eventually will be able to do so from a perspective they learned directly from you. Bots would not make investment decisions independently but would pass them on to traders as a set of near perfectly engineered recommendations derived by functional digital replicas, or avatars, of their own brains.

In sum, though quants have had their day in the sun, artificially intelligent bots may soon put them out of business. And as a result, the complete reliance on talented investment professionals, one of the scarcest resources in the investment business today, will give way to even-more-talented man-machine teams. The implications for a sovereign fund in Doha or a pension fund in Auckland are significant.

Information

We now take for granted the ability to zoom into a virtual map containing millions of data points with our fingertips and to have a system reveal to us relevant information in stages and layers as we tap and swipe phone numbers, photos, addresses and GPS coordinates. Voice-commanded real-time computation of dozens of alternative traffic routes, factoring in live satellite data on millions of vehicle movements, is just another part of everyday life in Silicon Valley  a new way of understanding and engaging with the world, pioneered by technology and since spread outward to just about every city in the world. Similarly, networking online to find old friends or new jobs has become commonplace. The simple act of saying swipe left or swipe right will have significant meaning for many people reading this. We think its fair to say that our day-to-day lives have been completely revolutionized by technology in the past decade.

By contrast, the world of finance is still, by and large, living in the past, reliant on calcified processes and technologies. Investors have neither the interface granularity nor the processing speed needed to properly model and compute big data. This limitation spawned the era of the quant and the data scientist, who still use complex programming languages for statistical modeling inside hedge funds and other intermediaries. But as noted earlier, the quants life span is running out as these processes move from Wall Street (or rather Connecticut) to Silicon Valley and Boston  or, in theory, to any other city with the right technology infrastructure. More companies are looking to sell access to data and insight platforms on a license model rather than offer asset management services using those platforms with a hefty fee. The quotes from corporate executives at the top of this article give some understanding of the kinds of partnerships that many investment organizations will be forging with technology companies in the years ahead.

Sourcing investment opportunities also remains antiquated. Remarkably, the kinds of matchmaking tools that can connect you with your future spouse have not yet changed the way you source and screen investment opportunities. But fear not  the big-data machine-learning platform that matches you with hot dates will soon be matching you with hot deals. In fact, we know of several existing companies, targeting different alternative-asset classes, that are working to match investors to investments based on hundreds of inputs. These companies, which are recruiting top engineers from social networking companies, are building matchmaking and correlation engines that will connect you with the best deals for you. They will assess your characteristics as an investor and your networks and match those opportunities that youve indicated you might be interested in (via predetermined signals) but that you can most rapidly de-risk (thanks to your unique qualities). One of these companies is even building technologies to construct optimized syndicates of different investor groups that will coinvest in a deal, maximizing the value brought to entrepreneurs by a community of different investors and increasing the likelihood of success.

But how many investment bankers realize this is happening? How many venture capitalists understand whats coming to their comfy niche? In our view, those companies and individuals that made their money in financial services because they sat at the intersection of networks (see brokers, bankers and some asset managers) should be nervous. A powerful matchmaking engine that can thoughtfully understand investors and entrepreneurs and can assess, using massive data sets and parallel processing, the potential for successful partnerships will give even the top venture capitalists a run for their money  especially because the fees charged by the technology platform will be a tiny fraction of what the venture capital firms charge.

In sum, we are close to a future in which institutional investors will no longer have to rely on third-party managers to assess the morass of signals and heaps of data to make informed investment decisions. The financial services companies in global money centers  many of which have accumulated talent and technology on a massive scale to inform their own investment decisions  will be challenged by technology companies that have unparalleled analytics capabilities to inform everybodys investment decisions. And these technology companies will form the basis of a virtual pool of resources that will bring most if not all of the professional capabilities of financial centers  sourcing, screening, conducting due diligence, structuring, syndicating, trading and monitoring, among other tasks  to the fingertips of investors around the world. All they will require is access to a connected device. And the technological systems that will make all this possible live in what we are calling the virtual financial center.

Process

We spend a lot of our time trying to help investors think creatively about how they do things. We do this for two key reasons. First, we believe that the best investors accept financial markets as constantly changing ecosystems in which good ideas are ephemeral and there are rewards for spotting new opportunities early and acting in an entrepreneurial manner. Second, we believe new approaches will be almost by definition less competitive than traditional approaches, meaning that creative investors can reduce the fees and costs associated with their investment execution. In short, we think it pays to constantly think creatively about the process of investing. Most investors dont seem to agree. In reality, institutional investment organizations are often allergic to innovation, enjoying monopoly control over their own asset bases. They prefer the company of a good herd, and the individuals in charge tend to focus on managing political and career risk instead of investment risks.

One of the main reasons for this behavior is that most investment organizations are flying blind. The theoretical models they use to build their portfolios, which are based on unrealistic assumptions like rational actors and efficient markets, are often powerless to explain  let alone predict  crises and often follow one another right into the middle of them. In fact, the majority of financial models derive from work done in the 1960s to the 80s, when pencil-paper tractability was prized precisely because of a lack of computational power. Worse, such investors recognize all too well that they live in a very dangerous world, but their business, risk and information technology systems are obsolete or lacking in critical functionality, redundancy and security. Boards of directors are told repeatedly by consultants and intermediaries that effective investment management in financial markets is enormously demanding in terms of talent and resourcing, that this is a business for professionals and that No disrespect, yall, but pension fund employees arent professionals.

In this context, its reasonable that institutional investors rush into the arms of costly intermediaries and the mainstream financial service providers. Its understandable that they spend their time constructing diversified portfolios of risks rather than digging into individual assessments of opportunities. Its understandable that they hug benchmarks and match peers; buy products, not assets; invest in managers, not companies; and manage according to expected returns, not risks. They optimize ratios rather than focusing on key variables, and they use diversification as a crutch rather than as a tool. And over time these mechanisms, which were meant to simplify investors lives, have become exactly the things that complicate them. The models and abstractions  the products and managers  are not substitutes for real-world understanding and investing.

Can technology help? No doubt. Boards and managers will soon have systems that can explain and predict markets. They will have the ability to slice and dice their own portfolios in real time. They will finally have powerful tools to plot a course that meets their own unique needs, recognizing who they are, where they are and where they can go in an idiosyncratic world of constraints and challenges. The era of big data will reduce our reliance on top-down models by allowing explanatory data to emerge into coherent explanations and predictions, without draining human resources or relying too heavily on external managers and consultants. Again, an asset might exhibit certain traits and behavior that would be impossible to reduce to a logical set of conditions, but data-mining tools will help make sense of it all.

Boards will finally have an effective risk management function based on real-world agents that will facilitate the development of an effective investment function. They will only empower managers and delegate authorities when they are confident that risk systems are functioning effectively. Investors need not be averse to complexity, but they need to be able to ensure that they fully appreciate the component risks of every investment and seek to diversify those risks at the total portfolio level. Technology will make this much easier than it is today.

Technology will also help overcome the limitations of existing governance models. It will provide a means of collaborating with peer organizations. It will help minimize errors and biases via checklists and diligence tools, all of which will increase efficiency: Investors will better understand their portfolios and be able to manage them more effectively. No longer will a pension fund have to beg for ten more people  technology will make a single individual capable of doing the work of ten people. The only losers in this world will be the highest-cost intermediaries, whose own dominance was likely a function of technology and informational asymmetry (not to mention the poor governance of the asset owners).

Many institutional investors today are focused on how they can grow. The prospect of working with misaligned intermediaries in global financial centers has made pension and sovereign funds search for ways to increase their head counts, their systems and even their global footprints  all in the name of reducing their reliance on the for-profit financial industry. We can think of five public investors with at least 700 bodies sitting in no less than four offices in global financial centers  and this strikes us as potentially wasteful. No doubt this approach offers a more aligned access point to financial markets than other investment models, but has the pendulum swung too far? Ten years from now, will the community of institutional investors need massive global organizations to reach their potential and achieve their objectives?

We think the next generation of institutional investors will take a different and likely smarter approach. Rather than developing massive teams and physical outposts in global financial centers, future investors will likely stake their claims to the resources available in the virtual financial center. Silicon Valley will develop offerings that empower people, streamline processes and rapidly convert data and information to actionable knowledge. The 700 people in those extra offices may have to go elsewhere, as a core team of highly talented and technologically networked individuals back at headquarters may be capable of doing the same job.

A more inclusive revolution is coming to finance, and with it we expect to see a new, lean model of institutional investment rooted in dynamic capabilities and technological sophistication. The tech model, as weve been describing it to friends, will offer a path for all institutional investors to find aligned access points in financial markets. We see it as ideal for those funds that are looking for aligned access to markets but are unwilling to build global empires (as in the Canadian model) or prostrate themselves to the very agents they should be disciplining (as in the endowment model).

We expect to see in the coming decade a generation of investors empowered by world-class technology, focused on creatively combining people, process and information in new ways, some of which weve touched upon and whose appearance we hope to herald with this article.

The Canadian models reliance on people and process will diminish if technology makes talent less expensive and an organization even more responsive and rich in information for its decisions. The endowment model will no longer best suit institutional investors that can think through big data on their own and break away from their dependence on managers. The best information will go to those with the best technology, and the best technology will live in Silicon Valley and other tech-driven regions and cities  a point so obvious its almost not worth making. It also seems likely that the shifts we outline will amplify one another as they interact, making the virtual financial center  the home of the tech model  a more powerful and empowering aggregation of services and knowledge than ever was empowered by world-class technology available in London, New York or Hong Kong.

To be sure, tech model investors will rely on technology to do the majority of their work and instead will focus their talents only on those areas where they can truly add value in the marketplace. These investors will use their own characteristics in a deliberate way to move into markets with minimal competition. (Recall that they will be working with extended brains  with smarter approaches to research and analysis especially; that is, they may be acting more deliberatively as well as more deliberately.) For example, being a long-term investor offers opportunities that short-term investors dont have. Also, being a local trusted partner to companies and project developers can create unique and proprietary opportunities. Last, a large investor may be constrained in its ability to access top managers, pushing it into alternative access points for similar risk exposures. These are unique characteristics that future investors will want to consider in their own portfolio construction.

But to develop unique and innovative capabilities that leverage competitive advantages, institutional investors will need to expand their partners to include technology companies. This isnt as crazy as it might seem. Were already seeing some institutional investors look to technology companies as key partners, filling the roles that used to be played by consultants and asset managers.

Among other benefits, placing their trust in the virtual financial center will help institutional investors access the promise of machine learning and data mining. Theyll also begin to overcome the geographical restrictions that have kept them from attracting top talent. (It isnt clear that top talent will continue to work at traditional firms, as technology companies continue to attract young professionals who might formerly have gone to Wall Street.) In short, everywhere one looks, technology has begun to revise a relatively conservative, slow-moving industry.

Over the past 30 years, advances in technology have served to empower financial intermediaries. Going forward, technology may threaten their existence. As we saw in the quotes that opened this article, the final aims of the most-exciting technology companies may lie elsewhere. In the meantime, a new  virtual  financial center is rising. 

Get more from authors Ashby Monk and Daniel Nadler in their blogs, Avenue of Giants and At the Digital Edge.
Over EUR 1 billion investment for vital programs of RA

The press office of Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe/FAAE/ informs that the delegation of investors of EU ASIA Business Finance Centre holding arrives in Armenia on October 6 to discuss the investment projects with Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan. The delegation also includes the important representatives of the Slovakian Government and National Council. Slovakia, as EU presiding country, has great interest in development of cooperation with Armenia, especially with the purpose to use the exclusive ties and opportunities of Armenia  Iran relations. Meetings have already been planned not only with PM but also with Ashot Manukyan, the RA Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; with Vahan Martirosyan, Minister of Transport and Communications, with Vardan Aramyan, Minister of Finance; with Suren Karayan, Minister of Economy as well as with David Harutyunyan, Minister-Chief of Government Staff. The holding, in association with the Government of the RA, wants to create a joint financial fund for Armenias economic recovery entitled Pan-Armenian EU-Asia fund, in which the holding investors are ready to invest more than EUR 1 billion for Armenias vital projects. The holdings first interest is Nairit plant, with the purpose to carry out reconstruction activities, Nairit-EU consortium has been organized within the holding. As a result of discussions over Nairit reconstruction issues with the Government, the Holding hopes to gain all the necessary conditions for the investment and quickly start the organizational activities. The holdings work programs with Armenia also include Armenias involvement in all possible international associations. Especially the creation of the new Silk Road with Iran-Armenia-Slovakia path presents great interest; the holding is ready to invest all the necessary amounts in Armenian sector for the construction of Iran-Armenia railway and the North-South Highway. Opportunities of delivering gas to Bulgaria-EU by Armenia-Iran gas pipeline, the possibility of building Iran-Georgia high-voltage electric wiring across Armenia, as well as the problems connected with the financing and realization of various energy projects. The FAAE thinks that if the bases of these projects are created successfully then Armenia will have an excellent precedent and will get an exclusive chance to involve large businessmen of Armenian Diaspora in newly established Pan-Armenian EU-Asia fund. The project will be organized by Ashot Grigoryan, President of FAAE and the Holding. According to Mr. Grigoryan, this program provides the best opportunities for Armenias current and future realistic development and the possibility of strengthening Armenias economy. It is realized based on the background of a new, depoliticized government and can serve as a base for the consolidation of the nation and strengthening of the country. According to Mr. Grigoryan, consolidation means cooperation with the fresh, uncorrupted and highly specialized individuals, which will give an opportunity to get free from ruling traditions in Armenia and to act in a modern way in line with European values. This is possible by uniting around the new political platform. Such kind of political force has been already formed in Armenia and our nation just needs to consolidate around that force. The FAAE is full of hopes that the Holding will reach its goals and will find the best ways of cooperation with the Government of RA.
Lucy HookThe insurance industry needs to better embrace diversity  that much we already know.But doing so is not just the right thing to do, or even beneficial to business, but is essential to facing the challenges that lie ahead for the industry, Inga Beale , CEO of Lloyds has said.The world is changing, and we know the economic power is going to be shifting to countries that we arent perhaps that familiar with dealing with, Beale said at a Dive-In festival event in London yesterday, of which Insurance Business is an official media partner.As customer demographics change, so too must the workforce: People are going to be buying insurance in a different way, and coming from different cultures, theyre going to want different people who reflect them more and more, Beale explained.The industry must adapt from its present state, which doesnt look like the future customers or economic powerhouses, she said.Brian Duperreault, CEO of Hamilton Insurance, agreed that the customer demographic is incredibly diverse and getting more so by the minute.Speaking at the Dive-In event, he said: If thats your customer, then you better figure it out. Its not just another world thats changed; your own world, where you live and breathe and make most of your money is changing rapidly.Putting your workforce together in a way that reflects the buyer is a strategic imperative right now, Duperreault said.On top of the challenges of globalisation, the industry needs to catch up with digital by hiring more millennials and digital natives, the executives agreed.Our business is data  we dont manufacture physical things and ship them around the world  its all about data and information, and were not very good at handling it, Beale said, admitting that there is a bit of a talent crisis in the industry.The industry needs tech-savvy people who can handle data, but they arent necessarily being drawn to insurance, she said: Were not appealing to them in some way, and they dont feel that theyre welcome or even perhaps needed.The more difficult question though, is how greater diversity can be achieved.Both Beale and Duperreault suggest that the best way to begin is simply by starting the conversation.If you ignore it, its the elephant in the room anyway, Duperreault said  but both admit there isnt a single solution to the complex issue.Whats clear is that the process needs to begin now in order to compete in the globalised and connected world. Duperreault warned: If you dont do something right now, youll be overtaken.The Dive-In festival is taking place in countries across the globe until 29th September. You can find more information and how to attend events here.
An Australia-based international law firm has announced the appointment of a leading accident compensation and self-insurance specialist as a partner, to be based in the Melbourne office.In a statement, MinterEllison said Mary Macleod has over 16 years of experience in private and public practice, with a broad client base that includes WorkSafe Victoria, Wesfarmers, Broadspectrum, Woolworths, insurers, and employers.Macleod holds degrees in Legal Studies and Law, and is frequently invited to present to key stakeholders on risk identification, effective risk management, and reducing future liabilities.Macleod was most recently a partner at Thomas Geer. She started her career as a defendant lawyer. She then worked for the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, where she managed Victorias public healthcare program in close coordination with legal service providers, corporate counsel from major metropolitan hospitals, and health and clinical risk professionals, before returning to private practice.Peter Coats, partner and national head of MinterEllisons insurance & corporate risk business unit, said Macleod brings to the firm unique expertise which will broaden its insurance offering to the market."Her appointment reflects our strategic focus of offering clients national market-leading insurance capabilities. As more and more large companies turn to self-insurance as an option to maintain costs and efficiencies, our ability to offer large national employers and the government sector experienced capability in this specialised area ensures MinterEllison's team remains the pinnacle full-service insurance practice in Australia."Macleod noted that top companies are increasingly considering self-insurance: "Of the 190+ companies holding a self-insurance licence in Australia, around 30 are ASX200 listed. This shift from the more traditional insurance compensable model relates to market forces, including high claims costs and significant premiums. As a self-insurer, an employer can exert a greater level of control over their claims management and costs as well as safety outcomes."
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly concerned about cyber risks and reputational damage; with impact of competition on margins and lack of consumer demand topping the list of SME concerns, a global insurer has found.Zurich Insurance Groups third annual global SME survey has revealed that concerns about cybercrime have tripled since 2013, from 4 per cent to 11 per cent; while concerns about reputational damage, have almost doubled, from 8 per cent to 14 per cent.Zurich said the two were the fastest growing perceived risks since the survey was first held in 2013.Meanwhile, 31 per cent of SMEs surveyed considered the impact of competition on margins as the greatest risk facing their business. Lack of consumer demand, on the other hand, remain the second-greatest risk at 30 per cent.Zurich said that risk awareness has improved globally, with over 90 per cent of SMEs now aware of risks their businesses face, and only 7 per cent of SMEs dont see any risks for their business in 2016.Zurich has also found that SMEs are more optimistic about growth, due to global economic recovery and growth. SMEs that saw no opportunities for growth dropped from 16 per cent in 2013 to only 8 per cent in 2016.Despite this optimism, Zurich noted that SMEs have become more focused on their home markets, reducing foreign expansion ambitions, from 14 per cent to 10 per cent. This year has also seen SMEs continuing to reduce their costs and expenses to fund growth, from 26 per cent to 33 per cent.In Asia Pacific, the number of SMEs that worry about fire, cybercrime, technological vulnerabilities, health and safety of customers or employees, and corruption have almost doubled. The fastest-growing concern in the region, however, was the threat of reputational damage, which rose from 2 per cent in 2013 to 12 per cent in 2016.SMEs in Asia Pacific are also found to be more optimistic about growth than in the past, with only 13 per cent that saw no growth opportunity in 2016 vs 29 per cent in 2013. SMEs have also gained more confidence, with many SMEs diversifying their offerings, at 29 per cent; new business technologies, 16 per cent; and acquisition of competitors, 14 per cent to drive growth.The survey was participated by 2,600 C-suite executives and managers at SMEs across 13 countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.
The owners of Caron Contracting, a Fall River, Mass., based contracting company, have been indicted on charges of workers compensation fraud over failure to disclose the true nature of their companys work, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced in a press release.

Authorities believe this move allowed the owners to avoid paying more than $71,000 in workers compensation premiums, the release stated.

We allege these defendants intentionally misrepresented the work performed by their company in order to avoid paying higher workers compensation costs, said Attorney General Healey in the press release. Our office is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in this type of fraud for their own benefit.

An investigation, initially referred to the Attorney Generals Office by the states Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), revealed that the Carons failed to disclose the true nature of the work their company performed between 2009 and 2014 in order to lower their workers compensation insurance premiums.

The Carons are believed to have defrauded two insurance companies under five separate insurance policies by describing their employees as carpenters during annual insurance audits. In fact, the investigation found that Caron Contracting is almost exclusively a roofing company.

This type of fraud creates an unfair advantage for business owners who artificially lower their premiums to gain an edge over their competitors, Anthony M. DiPaolo, chief of investigations at the IFB, said in the release.

Paul and Cynthia Caron were indicted by a statewide Grand Jury with five counts each of workers compensation fraud, while Cynthia Caron was also charged with five counts of larceny following the investigation.

That said, these charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The arraignment is scheduled for a later date in Bristol Superior Court.

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Geoffrey Wood of Attorney General Healeys Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Unit with assistance from Senior Investigator Philip Mantyla, also of Attorney General Healeys Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Unit, and investigators from the IFB.

Source: Attorney General Maura Healeys Office

Topics Workers' Compensation Fraud Massachusetts
A federal judge has ruled that an insurance company is obligated to defend the ex-wife of serial political candidate Richard Korn in a defamation lawsuit he filed against her.

Liberty Mutual argued that a homeowners policy it issued to Magda Korn does not cover her against the defamation and negligence claims Richard Korn filed in Delaware state court.

In a ruling Tuesday, the judge disagreed.

Korn was arrested in 2013 after his ex-wife told police he had child pornography on his computer. He was acquitted by a judge who said prosecutors had not proven that he knew about the images.

Korn, who has run unsuccessfully for state auditor, county executive and state legislature, later sued his ex-wife, claiming she falsely accused him to try to gain leverage in divorce proceedings.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Carriers
Business development managers at Chinese state-owned firms have been put on notice: mess up on M&A deals and you can be held personally liable  for life.

Under new rules unveiled by Chinas State Council, or cabinet, last month, managers will be held accountable if they fail to, or incorrectly, perform their duties with respect to deals that result in a loss of state assets.

A lack of specifics has prompted bankers and lawyers to say this is a draconian catch-all clause that is already slowing deal-making at Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Sanctions include pay cuts, disciplinary action or full judicial hearings  even years after managers have moved jobs or retired. In the United States and Europe, company executives are rarely held personally accountable, let alone criminally liable, for bad deals  provided they met their fiduciary duties. When strategic moves go bad, typically the CEO or chairman is urged to resign.

The move is part of President Xi Jinpings overhaul of Chinas bloated, debt-ridden SOEs, which have been on a buying binge in recent years. Sloppy deal-making has led to billions of dollars in writedowns.

Flush with state funds and a government mandate to go global, SOE managers have enjoyed a high degree of freedom to make often big, headline-grabbing outbound deals without fear of personal reprisal.

Rubber Stamped

In the rush to accumulate assets, business development teams werent always thorough in their due diligence or market analysis. And deals were typically rubber-stamped by boards that tended not to look too closely at the details or valuations, said bankers and lawyers who have worked on state sector deals.

State firms also paid less attention to integrating newly bought assets  often critical to delivering long-term value.

Theres growing concern around SOE investments, said Xiong Jin, international partner at law firm King & Wood Mallesons in Beijing. The government has realized that many SOE assets have been lost through poor investments overseas, and now theres a sense of urgency to impose better controls. This also comes in the broader context of SOE reform.

The new rules mean many SOE managers are now reluctant to take decisions, say bankers and lawyers, and can spend weeks tied up on email chains and meetings trying to get their bosses to take responsibility for transactions and have external legal counsel sign off on commercial aspects of deals.

The blanket reaction from senior company officials would be: be passive, making no suggestions or decisions on M&A opportunities, said a senior official at a state energy company involved in overseas investment.

The official, who didnt want to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, said managers would now more likely just report public information about investment opportunities to their bosses, without making any value-added proposals.

If you start looking through the lens of this document, an SOE manager will start to ask of every operational decision or small decision on every provision in a deal: could I be held accountable for this in 15 years time, said Andrew McGinty, partner at law firm Hogan Lovells in Shanghai.

They will either take the path of least personal risk, which may not be best for the business, or keep going up the chain of command to make sure they have covered their position. This is slowing down deals.

M&A Splurge

With Beijings blessing, state-owned firms led Chinas decade-long outbound M&A splurge, buying strategic assets from energy and food to technology. State-owned firms accounted for close to two-thirds of Chinas $677 billion in outbound deals over the past 10 years, Thomson Reuters data show.

It wasnt always money well spent.

For example, a tie-up between Chinas state-run TCL and Frances Thomson Electronics lost around half its value, and South Korean car maker Ssangyong Motor filed for bankruptcy within five years of being taken over by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.

And last years oil price collapse forced companies like China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. and CNOOC to take billions of dollars in writedowns. CNOOC took a 10.4 billion yuan ($1.56 billion) impairment charge in the first half of this fiscal year, which analysts say is largely related to its $15.1 billion buy of Canadas Nexen Inc in 2013

Bankers said Beijing became even more circumspect following China National Chemical Corp.s $43 billion bid for Syngenta in February  which came with an eye-popping $3 billion break fee, or 7 percent of the deal value compared to 1-2 percent typically.

Its this over-exuberant climate that has prompted the government to rein in the excess, said Howard Yu, professor at Swiss business school IMD. It all points to an urgent need for systematic reform to impose a sense of discipline when it comes to international expansion through M&A.

The State Council Information Office, the public relations arm of the central government, did not respond to requests for comment.

Chinas State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), which oversees SOEs, is also tightening its vetting process on outbound deals and intervening more, said M&A bankers in Hong Kong.

At some SOEs, internal committees representing the Communist Party have been given new powers to effectively supersede the board and approve major deals.

Sinochem International Corp. pulled out of a $3 billion acquisition of a German company last month after the SASAC questioned the valuation, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The SASAC did not respond to requests for comment. ($1 = 6.6707 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Denny Thomas and Michelle Price, with additional reporting by Aizhu Chen in BEIJING; Editing by Ian Geoghegan)

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions China
A New York state court judge warned Maurice Hank Greenberg, the 91-year-old former chairman of American International Group Inc., that his fraud trial might last a year unless he answered questions more fully.

The admonishment came during Greenbergs second day of testimony, following repeated claims by the former AIG boss that he didnt remember details of a 16-year-old business deal that prosecutors say was drummed up to hide the insurers financial condition from shareholders.

If you dont want this trial to last a year we will need direct answers, New York State Supreme Court Justice Charles Ramos, who is presiding over the case without a jury, told Greenberg.

Assistant Attorney General David Nachman spent most of the day questioning Greenberg about his relationship with Joseph Umansky, a former senior AIG senior vice president who cooperated with the government investigation. Greenberg and former AIG Chief Financial Officer Howard Smith are accused of concocting a scheme to shield more than $200 million of underwriting losses from a failed auto-warranty program and assigned Umansky to handle it.

Greenberg considered underwriting results to be the key measure of AIGs success and sought to disguise those losses in order to preserve the companys image, according to the lawsuit.

The concept of converting underwriting losses to investment losses was intriguing to me, Greenberg testified. He said any such move would have had to have been approved by accounting experts and lawyers.

It had to pass muster, he said. Until that happened, I was not interested.

During often-testy exchanges with Nachman, Greenberg denied dispatching Umansky to Switzerland to find investors for CAPCO Reinsurance Co. The Barbados-based company allegedly was used to offload the underwriting losses from the auto-warranty program.

Greenberg said Umansky didnt report directly to him and was seeking business for the company on the investment side.

I had just come back from Switzerland and I said, Why dont you get in touch with some Swiss banks?' Greenberg said when asked by Nachman if he helped move the project forward. That was the extent of me helping him.

The attorney general has argued that Greenberg was so upset at the failure of the auto-warranty program that he got involved personally and directed Umansky to the president of a private bank in Switzerland controlled by AIG to find three straw man investors for CAPCO.

What did you understand these investors were for? Nachman asked. What were they for? What was their purpose?

I have no idea, Greenberg said. The lawyers and accountants structured it.

The case is State of New York v. Greenberg, 401720-2005, New York state Supreme Court (Manhattan).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Auto New York Reinsurance
A Little Rock, Arkansas, woman has been sentenced to a three-year prison sentence after being convicted of felony insurance fraud in a case involving a reported car accident involving a U-Haul rental vehicle.

The Arkansas Insurance Department says that two others involved in the scheme are awaiting trial and two more thought to be participants are still being sought.

The AID reported that Chemer Beene, 35, was sentenced in Pulaski County Circuit Court for her participation in a 2015 scheme to collect insurance payouts from Repwest Insurance Co. from a purported vehicle crash.

According to AID, on Sept. 30, 2015, Schanise Allen, 37, of Little Rock rented a U-Haul vehicle, purchasing the Safe Move insurance plan offered through Repwest. Later that same day, Allen reported that she rear-ended a Dodge Challenger driven by Johnathan Summons, 32, of Little Rock on Scott Hamilton Drive in Little Rock.

Beene was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Summons, the AID reported. She was joined in the vehicle by Marquis Jones, 20, of Little Rock and Hilary Johnson, 19, of Little Rock.

All five individuals made medical claims against Repwest from the reported accident with Summons also submitting a claim for damage to the rear left bumper of his vehicle.

Eight days prior to the accident, Summons filed a separate claim for rear left bumper damage to his vehicle with a separate insurance company, submitting pictures documenting the same damage attributed to the September 30 wreck.

Allen told investigators she did not know any of the passengers in Summons vehicle while Johnson, Jones and Beene said they did not know Allen.

Investigators later determined that Allen and Beene lived across the street from each other and that Beene and Jones are Facebook friends with Allen. Warrants for felony insurance fraud were issued against all five individuals.

Jones was arrested on Sept. 17, 2016, in England and is awaiting trial in Pulaski County Circuit Court. Summons is being detained on an unrelated charge and is awaiting trial. Allen and Johnson remain at-large.

Source: Arkansas Insurance Department

Topics Auto Claims Fraud Arkansas
Lockton Dunning Benefits (LDB), based in Dallas, has promoted Steve Idoux from vice president to senior vice president.

Idoux has more than 14 years of experience with employer health and welfare plans. He joined Lockton Dunning Benefits in 2007 as a vice president. Since joining LDB, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, such as being named to Dallas Business Journals Top 40 under 40 list in 2015.

As a senior vice president with LDB, Idoux is responsible for new business development, client retention, associate development and strategic direction of the firm.

Idoux served for several years on the board of The Southern Dallas Development Corporation, served as a vice president of the Friends of the Dallas Police, helped bring Teach for America to Dallas area schools, and is a graduate of Leadership Dallas. He was the 2015 co-chair and Ambassador Family for the March for Babies, the March of Dimes largest fundraiser.

Source: Lockton Dunning Benefits
College students will be working to gauge the impact of climate change along the South Carolina coast, one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation.

The Sun News reports that Coastal Carolina University has received a $25,000 National Science Foundation grant to fund research involving undergraduates.

The money will be used for research to better understand the impact of climate change on coastal areas and improve climate forecasting. It will also be used for studies that will help the nation better prepare for climate change.

Michael Roberts, dean of Coastal Carolina Universitys college of science said the grants are generally awarded to institutions that do high-level research and involve undergraduate students in that research.

The grant requires that a majority of the students participating attend schools other than the host university. Coastal Carolina plans to recruit some students from historically black institutions both in South Carolina and neighboring states.

Historically, the fields of geoscience and computer science have been hampered by lack of diversity, said Sathish Kumar, a Coastal Carolina professor. Very few underrepresented minorities and women gravitate toward these areas of studies.

Coastal University has targeted a number of schools to recruit students for the program including Benedict College, Claflin University, Columbia College, South Carolina State, North Carolina Central and Roanoke College.

The grant will pay for eight 10-week undergraduate internships during each of the next three summers. Students will receive a $5,000 stipend along with meal allowances.

U.S. Census Bureau figures show that three of the 20 fastest-growing areas in the nation are along the South Carolina coast  the Beaufort area, the Charleston area and the Myrtle Beach area.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Climate Change Education Universities South Carolina
We arent able to restore mosaic of ancient bath (video)

Within the frames of Armenian-Italian cultural cooperation, Regional center for the restoration of monuments will be established in Armenia. It is planned to open in November, but currently some activities are underway. The representatives of the Italian side have already met with the newly appointed Minister of Culture Armen Amiryan and discussed issues relating to the establishment of the center. Today at the meeting with journalists they presented the details of the project. Answering the question by A1+ on which the gaps of monuments preservation and restoration are in Armenia, Rita Gonelli, architect, expert at Agency of Development Cooperation under Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: I have visited Armenia since 2008. I got acquainted with your culture long ago. Your cultural heritage is very broad; you have done much and still there is much to be done. Every time visiting Armenia, I can see better situation compared to the past years. Deputy Minister of Culture of Armenia Arev Samuelyan also touched upon the issue by noting that they plan to prepare specialists on preservation of monuments within the frames of the project. Specialists are always in demand, and one of the directions of this center will be the preparation of specialists. Let me bring an example; for already the third year the restoration activities have been underway in Artashat historical capital, where several years ago mosaic of ancient bath was found, which needs restoration, but Armenia doesnt have specialists on mosaic restoration, and we have planned to prepare specialists on mosaic restoration within the frames of this project with the help of specialists invited from Italy.
The Water Works and Sewer Board in Gadsden, Ala., has filed a lawsuit against more than 30 carpet and textile companies over pollution in the citys water supply.

Media outlets report that the lawsuit, filed Sept. 22, says the companies are responsible for two chemicals in the citys water supply, which has resulted in health advisories from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other groups.

The Alabama Department of Public Health recently told customers that exposure to elevated levels of two synthetic compounds, known as PFOS and PFOA, in the water can lead to health problems in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and infants.

The lawsuit alleges the companies are responsible for putting PFOS and PFOA into the water.

The plaintiffs attorneys say state agencies are working with the Water Works to monitor levels of the compounds.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Pollution Alabama
Florida Gov. Rick Scott has issued an emergency rule requiring public notification of pollution events within 24 hours, a move that comes after it took weeks to notify local residents about a fertilizer plant that leaked millions of gallons of contaminated water into a major aquifer.

In a news release Monday, Scott says a recent sewage spill in Pinellas County and the sinkhole incident revealed outdated state reporting laws.

The sinkhole was discovered by Mosaic Co. on Aug. 27 at its fertilizer plant in Polk County, and reported to the Department of Environmental Protection in 24 hours. But neither Mosaic nor the agency notified the public for weeks.

Scotts emergency rule will last 90 days, and the governor said he plans to propose legislation to make it permanent.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida Pollution
The U.S. Department of Labor has filed a lawsuit accusing a fast-growing Silicon Valley software company of systematically discriminating against Asian job applicants.

Palantir Technologies was co-founded by prominent tech financier Peter Thiel, with backing from an investment arm of the CIA, and was recently valued at $20 billion. The privately held company makes powerful data-analytics software used by U.S. military, intelligence and law-enforcement agencies, along with banks, insurance companies and other non-government clients.

The unusual lawsuit  which comes as Silicon Valley is grappling with broader criticism for a lack of diversity  claims Palantir routinely eliminated Asian job candidates during the resume-screening and telephone-interview stages of the companys hiring process. The claims are based on a statistical analysis conducted by federal officials responsible for making sure government contractors comply with anti-discrimination rules.

Palantir denied the allegations Monday and said it will contest the suit. It argued in a statement that the governments case relies on a narrow and flawed statistical analysis relating to three job descriptions from 2010 to 2011.

A spokeswoman didnt respond to questions about the ethnic makeup of Palantirs workforce. But the statement added: The results of our hiring practices speak for themselves. Palantir is based in Palo Alto, California, and employs more than 1,800 people.

The federal lawsuit comes as leading Silicon Valley tech companies are struggling to answer criticism about a lack of diversity in staffing. One legal expert said the federal lawsuit may reflect a broader aim by the government to shed more light and get more accountability from the tech industry.

Its the new economy, but we still want to make sure there arent new forms of discrimination in these industries, said Orly Lobel, a University of San Diego law professor whos studied Silicon Valley hiring patterns.

Another leading tech company recently agreed to pay $750,000 in back wages to settle discrimination claims brought by the Labor Department, without admitting wrongdoing. Those charges involved African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics who sought inside sales jobs at an Arkansas data-processing facility operated by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the government announced last week. In a statement, HPE said, we are confident in our hiring processes and we will continue to promote and build a diverse and inclusive workforce.

In recent years, Apple, Google, Facebook and other prominent Silicon Valley corporations have acknowledged they employ disproportionately low numbers of women, African Americans and Latinos, compared with the general population. Hiring figures released by those larger companies generally show that employees of South and East Asian descent are better represented.

The federal lawsuit against Palantir, however, focuses on Asian job candidates because they applied in relatively large numbers. Rose Darling, a senior trial attorney for the Labor Department, said the governments analysis showed a disproportionate number of Asian applicants were rejected for positions at the company.

For example, the suit alleges that Asians made up 77 percent of a pool of more than 730 qualified applicants for the job of quality assurance engineer at Palantir. The company hired one Asian and six non-Asians, according to the Labor Departments compliance office, which calculated the statistical likelihood of that result is one in 741.

For another position, described as an engineering intern, the lawsuit said theres a one in a billion chance that Palantirs hiring pattern occurred by chance.

While the analysis involved hiring statistics for 2010 and 2011, Darling said the company hasnt shown evidence that it has changed its practices since then.

Appellate courts have allowed the use of statistical analyses in discrimination claims because its rare to find more explicit evidence, like a memo that says Dont hire from a certain group, Lobel said.

You used to have smoking guns, but thats more rare these days, she said. So the courts are recognizing that you can prove discrimination by showing that the odds that this would be the result, without discrimination, are just so low.

The lawsuit is the first of its kind brought against a Silicon Valley company in recent years, Darling said. She declined to say if other investigations are pending.

The suit was filed with the Labor Departments Office of Administrative Law Judges, which is a quasi-judicial system within the department. The outcome of the case can be appealed to the regular federal court system.

Related:

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Topics Lawsuits Talent
Workers compensation insurer SAIF Corporation will implement Guidewire Software, Inc.s full suite of policy administration products, the company announced today.

SAIF selected Guidewire BillingCenter to manage payment operations and PolicyCenter for underwriting. As part of the agreement, SAIF will also adopt Guidewires rating, data management and business intelligence platforms. The Oregon-based company will convert customers to its new systems upon policy renewal.

We were attracted by Guidewires product maturity and the companys long-term commitment to its products, said Ken Collins, chief information officer, SAIF, in a statement.

PolicyCenter and BillingCenter will enable SAIF to increase speed to market, communicate more efficiently with agents and reduce overall costs, according to the companies.

Leveraging PolicyCenter and BillingCenter will enable us to focus on our core mission, freeing us from having to maintain a fleet of custom systems, said Bruce Hoffman, vice president, Underwriting Services, SAIF.
Nel terzo trimestre del 2016 il prodotto interno lordo, espresso in valori concatenati con anno di riferimento 2010, corretto per gli effetti di calendario e destagionalizzato, e aumentato dello 0,3% rispetto al trimestre precedente e dello 0,9% nei confronti del terzo trimestre del 2015. Lo sostiene lIstat.

La crescita congiunturale e la sintesi di un aumento del valore aggiunto nei comparti dellindustria e dei servizi e di una diminuzione nellagricoltura. Dal lato della domanda, vi e un contributo ampiamente positivo della componente nazionale (al lordo delle scorte), in parte compensato da un apporto negativo della componente estera netta.

Nello stesso periodo il Pil e aumentato in termini congiunturali dello 0,7% negli Stati Uniti, dello 0,5% nel Regno Unito e dello 0,2% in Francia. In termini tendenziali, si e registrato un aumento del 2,3% nel Regno Unito, dell1,5% negli Stati Uniti, dell1,1% in Francia. Nel complesso, il Pil dei paesi dellarea Euro e cresciuto dello 0,3% rispetto al trimestre precedente ed dell1,6% nel confronto con lo stesso trimestre del 2015.

I dati Istat sul Pil sono in linea con le stime del governo ha commentato il ministro dellEconomia, Pier Carlo Padoan, arrivando alla Camera per lincontro con il gruppo Pd sulla legge di Bilancio. ll titolare di via XX Settembre in un tweet, poco prima, aveva sottolineato come i dati Istat confermano che leconomia e sulla strada giusta e le stime di crescita sono affidabili. Ma occorre spingere per accelerare
Plan Level The Plan Pays You Pay Bronze 60% 40% Silver 70% 30% Gold 80% 20% Platinum 90% 10%

Bronze plans, for example, provide the lowest level of coverage (60%) but have the lowest monthly premiums. As the plan level increases, so do the coverage and your monthly premium.

Even within the same metallic level, you'll still be able to choose from several coverage options. These options affect both your premiums and out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Because the Marketplace allows various private insurers to offer plans, a plan from one company may cost more or less than the same plan offered by a different insurer.

For example, a Silver plan from one company may cost you more upfront for your monthly deductible, but your out-of-pocket expenses will be much lower. Conversely, a Silver plan from another insurer could cost less each month, but you'll pay more for healthcare expenses because of the higher deductible, copayment, and coinsurance amounts.

How to Reduce the Costs of Marketplace Insurance

Depending on your income (or, more precisely, your modified gross adjusted income (MAGI)) and your family size, you may be eligible for the advance premium tax credit or a cost-sharing reduction. Both of these programs will reduce the cost of your healthcare.

Cost-Sharing Reductions

A cost-sharing reduction is a discount available on Silver plans only. This reduction can help lower your out-of-pocket costs for:

Deductibles: the amount you owe for covered services before health insurance kicks in.

the amount you owe for covered services before health insurance kicks in. Copayments: a fixed amount you pay for covered healthcare services.

a fixed amount you pay for covered healthcare services. Coinsurance: your share of the costs of covered healthcare service.

your share of the costs of covered healthcare service. Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you'll pay in a year for covered health expenses.

For example, say you visit the doctor and are charged $100. With your particular Silver plan, you normally have a copay of $25. Because you qualify for cost-sharing reductions and you chose a Silver plan through the Marketplace, your copay may be as low as $5.

Similarly, if your plan has a $3,500 deductible, it may be lowered to $500 with cost-sharing reductions. Essentially, you pay for a Silver plan, but receive the increased coverage of a higher metallic level plan, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Cost-sharing reductions are available only to the following people:

People who don't qualify for public coverage such as Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

People who can't get qualified health insurance through an employer. If your employer offers healthcare insurance, you can't get a cost-sharing reduction.

People whose incomes fall between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level

The cost-sharing reduction and advance premium tax credit subsidies are not automatic: You must apply for them on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Advanced Premium Tax Credit

Many more people qualify for an advance premium tax credit, which lowers your monthly health insurance bill for coverage bought through the Marketplace. With this credit, you can choose any metallic level plan in the Marketplace.

To be eligible for the advance premium tax credit:

You must be ineligible for public coverage.

You must be unable to get qualified health insurance through your employer.

Your income usually must fall between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.

However, for 2021 and 2022, the American Rescue Plan Act now means that more people can access this credit. The act also increased the level of support for many who already qualified.

Premium tax credits are sent directly from the government to your health insurer to lower your monthly premium. If you qualify, you can decide how much of the credit to apply to your premium each month (up to 100%).

When you file your annual tax return, you'll "reconcile" the premium tax credits you received and the actual amount you qualify for based on your final income for that year. If you've taken more payments than you're eligible for, you may have to pay the money back when you file your return. If you should have taken more, however, you may get a refund.

HealthCare.gov has an online tool that shows the subsidy you might receive based on your income, the number of adults and children enrolling in coverage, and your state.

The American Rescue Plan Act and Advanced Premium Tax Credit

For 2021 and 2022, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 changed how the advance premium tax credit is applied. The law increases premium tax credits for all income brackets for these years.

Here's how it works. Previously, households with incomes that are more than 400% of the federal poverty level were not eligible for such tax credits. The new law allows families making more than 400% of the poverty level to claim premium tax credits.

There is still a limit to the program, but it works differently. Now, no family will pay more than 8.5% of their household income towards the cost of the benchmark plan or a less expensive plan. This means that many consumers will be eligible for higher tax credit amounts to help cover their Marketplace health plan premiums.

In practice, people across all household income levels will see lower premiums as a result of receiving more tax credits to reduce plan prices. Many low-income families and individuals will now have $0 premium plans (after tax credits) to choose from.

This extension was automatically applied to all plans available through HealthCare.gov starting on April 1, 2021. This means that new consumers and current enrollees who submit an application and select a plan on or after April 1 will receive the increased premium tax credits for 2021 Marketplace coverage.

Even if you already have a marketplace plan, it's worth checking if the new roles for premium tax credits can make your health insurance cheaper. People who enrolled in a plan before April 1, 2021, can go back to the marketplace they used, and update their application in order to get new eligibility results. You can then reselect your current plan in order for the changes to take effect to reduce your premiums for the remainder of the year.

However, be careful. Reselecting your plan will reset your deductible, so if you've already met it for the year you may have to pay more in copayments and coinsurance. Make sure you check this before you reselect your plan.



Choosing Catastrophic Coverage

When you fill out an application online, you might see catastrophic plans listed among your plan options. You may be eligible for a catastrophic plan if you're under 30 years old or if you qualify for a hardship exemption because you can't afford health coverage. This is determined during the application process and is based on your family size and income.

A catastrophic health plan covers three primary care visits per year before the deductible is met. It also covers preventive services at no cost to you. The premium you pay each month should be considerably lower than for other plans, but the out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance) are generally much higher.

If you qualify for and choose a catastrophic plan, you won't be eligible for cost-sharing reductions or premium tax credits. Catastrophic plans cannot be purchased with premium subsidies.

Qualifying for Medicaid

Depending on your income and family size, you may qualify for Medicaid, a program that provides health coverage for eligible people in the following categories:

Low-income individuals, families, and children

Pregnant women

Older people

People with disabilities

Each state has its own rules about who qualifies for Medicaid. Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid eligibility expanded in many states, and an increased number of people qualified for benefits. If you are eligible, you can get free or low-cost coverage, and you won't need to buy a Marketplace plan.

Many states also have a separate program, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides health insurance for uninsured children in low-income families who don't qualify for Medicaid but still cannot afford private coverage.

To find out if you are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP benefits, fill out an application on the Health Insurance Marketplace. You can also visit your state's Medicaid website to apply and find out if you qualify.

What Are State Healthcare Exchanges? State healthcare exchanges, also known as state healthcare marketplaces, allow individuals and small businesses to compare and purchase health insurance options. Though offered by private insurers, these policies follow the coverage guidelines and criteria outlined in the Affordable Care Act. In 17 states and the District of Columbia, residents seeking such policies go through these state exchanges. Americans in other states purchase health insurance through the federal government's marketplace.

Can I Refuse Health Insurance From My Employer and Get Obamacare? Yes. The Affordable Care Act ensures that almost all Americans can buy individual and family health insurance from its online Marketplace. Be careful, though. If you refuse health insurance from your employer, you most likely will not qualify for any subsidies, tax credits, or other financial assistance. The only way you might be eligible is if one of the following applies:

Your employer-sponsored health plan doesnt meet the minimum value standard of coverage required by the ACA. The cheapest plan through your employer costs more than a certain percentage of your household income. Even without the subsidy, though, a Marketplace plan may offer a more economical deal than your employer-based insurance, so always check the marketplace to make sure you're not missing out on a better deal.

What Is the Income Limit for Marketplace Insurance? Strictly speaking, there is no income limit for Marketplace insuranceanyone can purchase it. What is limited by income is the amount of the subsidy, or premium tax credit, you might qualify for to help pay for that insurance.

In 2021 and 2022, you qualify for subsidies if you pay more than 8.5% of your household income toward health insurance premiumsspecifically, the cost of the Silver benchmark plan (the second-lowest-cost plan on the exchange).

The Bottom Line

Most individuals and families will be able to compare and buy their 2022 health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

After you fill out an application online, you can see if you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, cost-sharing reductions, and/or premium tax credits. You will also find out if you are eligible for a catastrophic plan that charges lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.

To find additional information regarding the Health Insurance Marketplace and extra savings, as well as state-specific information and how to apply in your state:
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REE Stock News - Defense Metals (TSX-V: DEFN.V) (OTCQB: DFMTF) Drills 113 metres of 2.50% Total Rare Earth Oxide at Wicheeda

Vancouver, British Columbia - October 26, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock News - Defense Metals Corp. (TSX-V: DEFN / OTCQB: DFMTF/ FSE:35D) is pleased to announce high-grade Rare Earth Element ("REE") assay results from one additional core hole, totalling 383 metres (m), collared within the northern area of Defense Metals' 100% owned Wicheeda REE Deposit.

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Breaking EV Stock News: Pre-orders for Mullen (NASDAQ: MULN) FIVE Electric-SUV Crossover Exceed Expectations as the FIVE 'Strikingly Different' Tour Begins

BREA, Calif. - October 28, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today that the Mullen FIVE "Strikingly Different" EV Crossover Tour which began yesterday, in Pasadena, California, is off to a great start with first day reservations exceeding expectations and overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.

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Health and Wellness Stock News - Endexx (OTCBB: EDXC) Secures Third Order for Non-Nicotine Vape Product HYLA Worth Approximately $1.5M in Revenue for First two Fiscal Quarters of 2023

CAVE CREEK, Ariz. - October 27, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Endexx Corporation (OTCBB:EDXC), a provider of innovative, plant-derived, and sustainable health and skincare products, today announces it has secured three key significant orders for its newly acquired, non-nicotine plant-based vape product, HYLA.

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Breaking AI Stock News: FatBrain (OTCQB: LZGI) Acquires Confidential Computing Platform ZeroTrust to Protect Data Privacy and Accelerate Innovation for Millions of Growth Businesses

NEW YORK, NY - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, has acquired the confidential computing and privacy intellectual property (IP) plus software assets of Zero2A PTE LTD ("ZeroTrust Platform"), a software company based in Singapore.

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How to turn film industry into beneficial business: new Ministers proposal (video)

Today after the Government session newly appointed Minister of Culture Armen Amiryan talking to the journalists noted that they shouldnt wait; they should start working from the very first day correcting the problems during the process and move forward. The Publishing industry will be a priority for him; the sphere should be reviewed starting from opening of new type of bookstores, which will become a place for family rest, I am more than convinced that such kind of bookstores will promote business development of the Publishing industry starting from publishing houses, incomes of writers to consumption of literature. This experience must be implemented across the country. We will start the experience in Yerevan and later it may become an example for the whole republic. Modern technologies must be imported to Armenia; books should be digitized; the whole world now reads digital books, but, alas, there is lack of it in Armenia. Armen Amiryan says that his next priority will be the adoption of law on Film industry, It will give a chance to free foreign production centers and organizations, which will carry out shooting in Armenia, from some kinds of taxes. It will promote film industry in Armenia, as well as it may become the best way to present Armenia in the world. As well as, joint projects must be carried out with Russian, Chinese and Iranian markets. First of all I plan meetings with the Russian market. As for theatre, Armen Amiryan says that it is mostly a creative sphere, and the film industry is more like business, which needs investments, rights, opportunities, concessions and grants for development.
Ryanair flight to Dublin declared an emergency status today en route from Edinburgh. The plane later landed safely.

Flight FR-817 was operating between Edinburgh in Dublin when the crew declared an emergency over the Irish Sea at around 2.40pm.

There were 145 passengers and a crew of six on board the Boeing 737-800 jet which was east of Belfast when the issue arose.

The flight was descending towards Dublin when the crew reported a technical problem.

It is understood that the crew received an oil temperature indication.

Ryanair #FR817 Edinburgh-Dublin (737 EI-EPC) just into DUB squawking 7700 Gen. Emergency, w/ overheating tech problem. 151 SOB. (ATC) pic.twitter.com/FGkViiJ3tm  Airport Webcams (@AirportWebcams) September 28, 2016

Airport fire crews were alerted and standing by for the flight when it landed at 3.05pm.

The aircraft made a normal landing and was able to taxi to the terminal accompanied by emergency vehicles.

Engineers were also standing by to investigate the issue.

Update 5.30pm: Ryanair later issued a statement about the incident.

The crew of this flight from Edinburgh to Dublin today contacted local ATC (in line with procedures) after a cockpit warning light indicated a possible minor technical issue prior to landing," the company stated.

"The aircraft landed normally and customers disembarked.

"The aircraft is currently being inspected by Ryanair engineers and will be returned to service shortly."
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

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

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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

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

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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
ASA will analyse potential impacts of this proposed merger on soybean farmers to give comments to the companies and US regulatory authorities that must approve any merger, including Justice Department, said ASA president Richard Wilkins, a soybean farmer from Greenwood, Delaware.

Some US analysts say the merger of these two groups is not a major market concentration, noting Bayer is a pharma and health care firm while Monsanto deals in crop chemicals and seeds.
The power station, built in the 1930s and famous for its imposing quartet of art deco chimneys, stood derelict on the south bank of the River Thames for about three decades until the site was bought in 2012 by a Malaysian consortium.

A total of 42 acres is being developed with around half the area earmarked for shops, restaurants, and hotels and half for housing, including some apartments which are on sale for several million pounds.

The iPhone-maker will be housed in the former central boiler house and will become the largest office tenant at the site. Apple will move in 2021 and occupy around 500,000 sq ft across six floors, making the deal the largest office letting in the West End of London in 20 years, said the Battersea Power Station Development Company.

British finance minister Philip Hammond welcomed the move, which comes in the wake of concerns that global businesses may move or downsize their London offices after Britons voted to leave the EU on June 23.

Its another vote of confidence in the UK economy, sending a clear signal that companies are continuing to invest in Britains future, and that we are one of the most attractive investment destinations for the global technology industry, he said.

Apple, which operates its European headquarters from Cork, said 1,400 staff will move from its existing London offices to the new location.

Its a great opportunity to have our entire team working and collaborating in one location while supporting the renovation of a neighbourhood rich with history, a spokeswoman said.

Apple and other firms will share the site with over 4,000 homes, with the first residents due to move in the next few months and the first commercial tenants opening their businesses next year.

Meanwhile, US health insurer Aetna plans to offer some customers discounts on Apples smartwatch, marking the first deal made by the tech giant with an insurer for its devices. The deal could help Apple boost the appeal of its watchas it looks to target health and fitness-conscious users.
She will discuss the aid package with European Commissioner Phil Hogan during the EU Parliaments plenary session in Strasbourg next week.

She has urged the EU agricultural committee to direct the 11m aid package to tillage farmers in Ireland where persistent rain has made it impossible to harvest crops.

She says she was given assurances by Commissioner Hogan in July the aid package could be used for the tillage sector. However, recent analysis of EU regulations would seem to exclude tillage farmers from receiving this aid.

I will be seeking clarification this fund is available to the grain sector following publication recently of the regulations which appears to restrict aid to the livestock sector, said Ms McGuinness.

Fianna Fail Cork North West TD Aindrias Moyni han said tillage farmers need urgent State action.

They needs a support similar to that given to farmers hit by flooding last year, he said. Farmers also need the Government to open the tillage TAMS scheme immediately.

IFA dairy chairman Sean OLeary has urged Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to use the EUs 11m aid package to support dairy farmers. The IFA also wants the Government to match this EU funding with another 11m in state aid.

Mr OLeary said dairy farmers are facing badly stressed cash flows. Their margins are severely hit by the 27-month price slump prior to the recent recovery in milk prices.

He has urged co-ops to pass back every last cent to suppliers, and urged the Government to use all tools at its disposal to support dairy farmers.

Dairy markets are rallying. This is welcome. but farmers have received only 1.5 to 2.5c/l more for their milk in the last two months, which still leaves them well below production costs, he said.

When you analyse the margins, you realise dairy farmers were not able to remunerate their own labour for most of 2015.

Meanwhile, IFA hill farming chairman, Pat Dunne, has welcomed Minister Creeds assurances that commonage farmers will get their 2016 GLAS payment at the same time as all other GLAS farmers  within the next six weeks.

Mr Dunne criticised the delay in the online system for advisors to lodge commonage plans, but said the Ministers plan for interim arrangements should ease farmers concerns. In all, 10,000 commonage farmers are expected to apply for the next phase of GLAS.
It already has the credentials as a home for pioneering third level food science activities. Its geography contains some of the most progressive farmers in the country, and it is peppered with food processing co-ops and private companies.

It now needs to leverage that legacy by mapping cultural and business activities which establish it as a globally-recognised location of excellence for entrepreneurship and investment in the agrifood world. That status is not very evident at present.

Neither do I hear the international investors our company engages with weekly often reference Cork as a place of importance for the future of the food industry.

Dare I say there is a level of complacency around the Munster agrifood eco-system that is leaving the region below par relative to the potential existing in the sector.

The base camp for any place that has the ambition to be globally recognised as a source of top class food are eating establishments.

That offering should range from high-quality street food outlets all the way to premium restaurants. Such a network of top class food establishments is hard to plot out on a map of Cork city in particular, despite the county having a number of highly-regarded eateries.

Building an over-arching agrifood reputation for Cork requires a series of related events throughout the year.

Event creation of this type includes high profile international conferences on themes related to food; including food safety, tackling obesity, food ingredients and a long list of other linked subjects that should be organised, promoted and arranged each year.

Aside from stimulating visitors it would also help promote the branding of Cork as a centre for all things related to food.

Third level engagement in the food industry around Cork is strong, with universities and Teagasc centres all helping foster generations of new food science graduates.

What is sadly lacking are focused courses that link science-based agrifood academia with the knowledge and skills needed to build agrifood businesses.

The latter needs financial and business professors teaching about the strategic and business model elements required for anyone to evolve as a leader in the global food industry. Such programmes could also attract international students to study in Cork.

We have allowed Ireland to funnel its financial services cores around Dublin and even there it is hard to find any agrifood specialists.

How challenging is it to suggest a global or Irish bank should locate its agrifood experts servicing not just Irish but international customers in Cork? An opportunity exists for the city to seize this profile in an agrifood industry which is growing, globally, and which is a natural strength of our island economy.

Joe Gill is director of corporate broking at Goodbody Stockbrokers. His views are personal.
Deutsche is facing a $14bn (12.5bn) fine from the US Department of Justice and concerns over its funding pushed its shares to a record low on Tuesday.

Weekly Die Zeit had reported that the German government and financial authorities were working on possible steps to enable Deutsche to sell assets to other lenders at prices that would ease the strain on the lender.
Oil prices gained more than 6% as Saudi Arabia and Iran surprised traders who expected a continuation of the pump-at-will policy the group adopted in 2014.

The group agreed to drop production to a range of 32.5 to 33m barrels per day, said Irans Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, following a meeting in Algiers.

While some members of OPEC will have to cut output, Iran wont have to freeze production, he said.

Many of the details remain to be worked out and the group wont decide on targets for each country until its next meeting at the end of November.

The lower end of the production target equates to a nearly 750,000 barrels-a-day drop from what Opec said it pumped in August.

The deal will reverberate beyond the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. It will brighten the prospects for the energy industry, from giants like Exxon Mobil Corp. to small U.S. shale firms, and boost the economies of oil-rich countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia.

For consumers, however, it will mean higher prices at the pump.

The cut is clearly bullish, said Mike Wittner, head of oil-market research at Societe Generale SA in New York. Whats much more important is that the Saudis appear to be returning to a period of market management.

The agreement also signals a new phase in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have clashed on oil policy since 2014 and are backing opposite sides in civil wars in Syria and Yemen.

The deal indicates that Riyadh and Tehran, with the mediation of Russia, Algeria and Qatar, were able to overcome the differences that sunk another proposal to cap production earlier this year.

Brent crude surged as much as 6.5 percent to $48.96 a barrel in London. The shares of Exxon Mobil, the worlds largest publicly listed oil company, climbed 4.2%, the biggest one-day increase since February.

The stakes for Opec, which pumps 40% of the worlds oil, are high as the International Energy Agency has warned of a weak petroleum market next year. Ian Taylor, the head of Vitol Group BV, the worlds largest oil-trading house, said that the crude market could remain oversupplied until 2018.
PayPals Irish operating profits decreased from 11.9m to 5.8m while the accounts show that after corporation tax of 1.5m, profit for the year totalled 4.3m.

The diminished profit came in spite of revenues increasing by 10.5%, from 152m to 168m, in the 12 months to the end of December last.

Numbers employed at the firm continued to increase during the year, with staff levels going up from 2,184 to 2,320.

At the end of December last, the company had 42.7m in accumulated profits, 59.43m in shareholder funds, and a cash pile that totalled 62.9m.

PayPals drop in profits last year arose from the firms administrative expenses increasing from 152m to 168m. Staff costs increased by 11%, going from 91.8m to 102m. That figure included 5.3m in share-based payments and redundancy costs of 2.29m.

In the companys latest accounts, PayPal Irelands directors said they were satisfied with the performance, which was been broadly in line with expectations.

The companys three directors shared combined pay of 507,000 in 2015, up from 493,000 in the previous year.

PayPals European headquarters is based in Blanchardstown, Dublin, where it hosts customer services and financial services functions for the European market.

Led by Louise Phelan, the main growth at PayPals Irish operations has come at its Dundalk facility. However, the firm announced 100 new jobs at its Dublin facility in March of this year and has plans to employ 3,000 here by 2018.

It was recently announced that Ms Phelan will move soon to a wider role within the larger PayPal group, that of vice-president covering western, central, and eastern Europe, Ireland, the Middle East, and Africa.

She will be replaced as head of global operations for the EMEA region/head of PayPal Ireland by Maeve Dorman, who has been with the company for the past 10 years.

PayPal is now an independent, publicly traded company having been spun-out from eBay last year.

PayPal was purchased by eBay for $1.5bn in 2002, with PayPal Europe Services Ltd being incorporated in Ireland four years later.

The company operates an online internet marketplace where users buy and trade goods and services, the payments of which are managed and secured by PayPal.

EBay was founded in California in 1995 and has grown to become the leading Internet auction site.
The results of genomic evaluations carried out on tissue samples taken by beef farmers are now included in beef uro Star indexes.

Farmers can access the updated uro-Star indexes for their animals on the ICBF animal search facility, and their online HerdPlus profiles.

Participants in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) will receive an updated uro-Star report by post , which will assist them with their breeding strategy and their compliance with the scheme.

Genomic proofs are available for any animal that has been genotyped, including cows, bulls and young stock. However, animals that farmers genotype tagged in the summer may not yet have genomic indexes, because genomic data was not available in time for this evaluation run.

For farmers who received the first batch of 2016 genotype tags and returned them straight away, these animals may have a genomic proof.

ICBF say uro-Star reports will clearly show which animals have genomic proofs and which dont.

uro-Star indexes for animals genotyped in recent weeks, whose genomic proofs are not included in the current evaluation, will be updated following the December evaluation run.

ICBF sources say indexes will be more accurate on all genotyped animals, because genomic proofs have higher reliabilities. However, they point out that the increase in reliability will vary from animal to animal, depending on the amount of information known on the animal, and where its reliability was before genotyping.

An average figure is a 20% increase in reliability, but ICBF says this will vary.

While star rating cut-offs are likely to remain fairly similar to where they are at the moment, uro-Star Index values for some animals will rise, and others will fall.

Farmers need to assess how genomics has affected their own animals individually.

Launching the incorporation of the genomic evaluations into the breeding indices developed by ICBF, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said: Today marks a significant milestone for Irish cattle breeding and indeed for the progress in the 300m BDGP scheme.

I am delighted to launch these BDGP reports which will contain new genomic evaluations for those animals that have been genotyped as part of the BDGP scheme.

The new evaluations, and individual farm reports, will assist BDGP participant in reaching required targets to have a certain number of four and five star rated breeding animals on the farm by certain deadlines.

ICBF CEO Sean Coughlan, said: Genomic evaluations are another key tool which suckler farmers can use in order to maximise the profitability on their farms.
Just 60% are optimistic about the future, with over a quarter pessimistic about the future of farming.

We are reminded regularly that the need for food in increasing.

The world population has increased by over a billion people in the short time from the turn of the millennium, to stand at an estimated 7.1 billion in 2013.

Imagine 100 years ago, when the world population was about one quarter of what it is now.

Successive generations of farmers have put the shoulders to the wheel and taken on the responsibility of growing better crops, raising and caring for animals as best they can, adopting new technologies along the way from advances in machinery to crop spraying and fertiliser.

With such a massive increase in population, one would expect that farmers would (if you excuse the pun) be on the pigs back, with no cause for pessimism.

Instead, pessimism in farming is at a new low in 2016, compared to polls carried out each year since 2013.

With the dawning of a Brexit already under way, and reduced commodity prices for farmers across all main sectors, due to world surpluses, the reality on the ground is that this will most certainly go down as a poor year for farming.

So where has it all gone wrong?

With increasing world demand, why are farmers less well-off now than their counterparts a generation ago or more?

Those removed from farming may take the cynical view that farmers are millionaires (in terms of the value of their property).

But why did the number of farmers in the country decline by more than 220,000 holdings in the past 100 years?

Meanwhile, the majority of new generation farm families (those in the 35-44 year age category) have off-farm work to subsidise their households, because family farms no longer generate enough profits for farm families.

The technological advancement which has enabled the Irish farmer to expand production is the very rod to beat us. Internationally, as farmers collectively have brought on new technologies, from GM cropping, to more productive machinery, and crop-tailored fertiliser programmes, they have been able to produce more and more from the same land bank.

As western Europeans, we have perhaps adapted technologies quicker that others.

An example of this is borne out by figures produced by Enterprise Ireland, showing the average number of cows on Polands farms at an astonishingly low figure of five cows per farm.

By contrast, the average number of cows on Irish farms is about 70.

The golden era for Irish farmers was perhaps in the 1960s and 1970s with adoption of silage making, affordable fertilisers, large-scale mechanisation of farming, and accession to the EU market.

By contrast, much of Europes Eastern bloc remained starved of finance, and lacked the personal drive that capitalism and individual land ownership brings.

Us Irish farmers have now reached a sort of production plateau, growth now being at a relatively low incremental level.

Third world subsistence farmers have yet to bring on breeding, fertiliser or mechanisation advancements. Growth in food production will come predominantly from their direction, when increasing demand for food in countries with growing populations will create the economic environment to spur on production locally.

So where does this fit in with Irish agriculture and the state of the nation as captured in the Irish Examiner ICMSA polls?

Optimism and pessimism are highly correlated with the degree to which we think our farming profits will increase or decrease.

The vast majority of farmers will be presented with their annual accounts (and tax bill) over the coming few weeks.

In the words of Winston Churchill, Never let a good crisis go to waste.

Let your pessimism for the future cause you to take action now, rather than wait for the worst to happen.

Examine the profitability of your own farming enterprise. How do you compare with others in your sector?

Is there room to improve efficiency of production, or is there room to cut costs?

Should you change enterprise, either in the hope of driving profitability to freeing up time for alternative earnings?

Within our own farm gates, we need to be realistic about the ability of our farms to generate increased profit.

Hoping for a crisis elsewhere, so we can make a profit, doesnt count as a strategy. The cure for pessimism is an optimistic action plan.
And the National Ploughing Association welcomed the New Zealanders, by signing a memorandum of understanding with the National Fieldays Society, organisers of the biggest agricultural show in New Zealand.

Exchange visits, and other co-operative programmes will emerge from the twinning of Europes biggest outdoor rural exhibition  the Ploughing  and the largest agricultural trade show in the southern hemisphere.

Meanwhile, Irish farmers took the opportunity at Tullamore last week to see how farmers on the other side of the world go about their business, by inspecting the range of products from New Zealand companies being launched in Ireland.

On the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, they learned that New Zealand had the worlds first electric fencing for livestock, first refrigerated meat shipment, and first digital milk meter.

One of their exhibitors at Tullamore, LIC Automation, is one of the worlds largest farm automation and information companies.

Part of Livestock Improvement Corporation, a 100-year-old farmer co-op, they were in Ireland as part of their goal to expand globally towards 160 million in revenues.

They specialise in manufacturing integrated and innovative in-shed farm automation and sensor technology systems.

They say they are launching in Ireland to help dairy farmers here grow their herd size while remaining one-man operations.

Their Protrack farm automation, used on 1,700 New Zealand farms, is now available in Ireland under the Saber frand.

LIC Automation head of sales and marketing, Lester Deighton, revealed they will collaborate with Irish manufacturers, and they are already working with Carbery Plastics in Clonakilty, Co Cork, which is manufacturing the photo booth for the Saber heat detection system.

Cows walk through the in-race Saber photo booth set up in the farmyard, which takes a picture of the cows heat patch (LIC have their own patches, priced at 1.40 each), and evaluates the heat patch for signs of activation.

Cows deemed to have no activity can be drafted back to the paddock.

It is designed to reduce production losses through missed heats, while reducing the labour associated with manual heat detection.

If a patch is deemed activated or missing, the cow can be automatically drafted to a pen ready for the farmer to inspect her and put the cow aside for artificial insemination.

Cow heats can be automatically recorded on herd management computer systems.

In LIC tests, only one cow out of 56,000 was incorrectly drafted by the photo booth and automatic drafting.

According to Lester Deighton, it adds up to cost savings by enabling farmers to stop using bulls at the tail-end of the breeding season, and that could enable full return on investment in two or three years in a 150-cow herd.

Cows not coming in heat are also detected.

The special Ploughing price for this heat detection system with automatic drafting is 29,500, excluding VAT.

Saber has a range of farm automation modules.

They work best with the 3 EID ear buttons which more Irish farmers are now putting in their calves.

Also on sale here now is Saber drafting, automatically directing cows with EID through two-way or three-way gates, costing 11,000-13,000 (or remote controlled for cows without EID, costing 8,000-9,500).

One of the alerts available is missing cows.

They have automated drafting for all milking systems, working in the background, while the farmer gets on with milking.

Something more affordable for the dairy farmer is the Saber SCC Sensor, an in-line SCC test that provides a live SCC result within two minutes of starting milking the cow.

This mastitis early warning is priced at 1,250 per sensor, it can be connected to a flashing light alert if the SCC is high (120), or a traffic light system (200). Both of these suit a herd without cow EID.

Or a recording hub which connects to other Saber modules can be used (3,500).

By putting a sensor with every second milking unit, on average each cows SCC can be measured once a day.
They have applied to cut production by 74,225 tonnes in the next three months, compared to 2015  an average of 17 tonnes (16,425 litres) across 4,447 farms.

The scheme has been almost fully subscribed already, with applications from farmers across the EU offering to reduce production in the final quarter of 2016 by 1.06 million tonnes (of the 1.07 million tonnes available).

The largest number of participating dairy farmers are in France (13,000), Germany (10,000), Ireland (4,447), and Austria and the Netherlands (both 4,000).

In percentage participation rates, Ireland has a participation rate of 24 %, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands (both 22 %), France (19 %) and Portugal (17 %).

Total volume reductions applied for range from 286,000 tonnes in Germany, and over 100,000 tonnes in France and the UK, to less than 1,000 tonnes in Malta or Cyprus.

Commissioner Phil Hogan said, The scheme has proven to be both very attractive and successful. It fully meets our expectations.

"I am confident that this measure, allied to others included in the July and earlier packages, will contribute further to an already stabilising market situation in the European dairy market. I am particularly pleased at the level of participation among the main dairy producing Member States.

More than 52,000 dairy farmers in 27 Member States applied to participate in the scheme, by offering to reduce production in the final quarter of 2016, relative to the same period last year. The volume reductions average 20 tonnes per applicant.

At the end of December, farmers will have 45 days to provide proof that they reduced production and, therefore qualify for the aid payment of 14 per 100kg of reduction.

Because the overall volume offered was marginally less than that available, there will be a second round for the remaining 1.1 per cent (11,407 tonnes of milk) for the period November 2016 to January 2017.

This second round will be open only to those who did not apply for participation in the first round.

The deadline for receipt of complete applications by the EU for the second round is October 12, 2016 (national deadlines may vary).

The Milk Reduction Scheme was announced by Commissioner Hogan at the July Agriculture Council as part of a 500 million aid package for the dairy sector, which included an emergency support package worth 350 million with designated envelopes for each Member State, and a number of market measures.
The sharp change from a 1% increase in July supplies is likely to boost world dairy markets.

Meanwhile, a Dutch dairy co-op has added 10% to the EUs efforts to cut milk production.

This measure comes on top of the 150m EU incentive for reducing milk production, which has been fully subscribed.

Friesland Campina has made 15 million available for a six-month scheme to pay its its dairy farmer members to produce less milk.

From next Saturday, October 1, FrieslandCampina will pay 10 cents per kg of milk in a scheme designed to cut its supply by 150 million kg of milk in the period up to March 31, 2017.

The measure is intended to accelerate the reduction of phosphate pollution on Dutch members dairy farms, in anticipation of Government measures to cut farm phosphate production as much as 8%.

Dutch farms are likely to have to cull as many as 100,000 cows to meet EU soil phosphate targets.

The Netherlands led growth in 2015 EU milk production after EU milk quotas were scrapped in April 2015, but this brought phosphates 4-8% over allowed limits on Dutch dairy farms. (Although Ireland had the highest percentage growth at 16.3%, most of the extra milk came from the much bigger Dutch dairy sectors 10.5% increase).

From January 1 next, farmers will be issued with phosphate rights, based on the number of cows they had in July, 2015, and cannot produce more phosphate than the quantity for which they have rights. The dairy sector is also talking with the Dutch government about supplementary incentives aimed at reducing phosphates.

Because of shortages of the processing capacity, FrieslandCampina also implemented a bonus for limiting milk supply at the beginning of 2016.
Instead, livestock farmers will now find it harder to acquire good quality straw for feeding and bedding this winter, because wet weather may make it impossible to bale hundreds of thousands of acres of straw.

And some tillage farmers will be forced out of the business.

Even at this late stage, livestock farmers could still play a role in reducing the harvest ordeal, by taking on crops such as sprouted spring wheat, which still can be salvaged for feed, with acid treatment, or as wholecrop, for example.

Working closely with livestock farmers may be the only way forward for many of our tillage farmers, who are easily priced out of the mainstream grain market by cheap grain from countries such as the Ukraine, which the EU takes in without tariffs.

More and more of our tillage farmers will have to give up if they depend on the EUs open grain trading system, which has resulted in four years of low prices.

They are also vulnerable to the small weather window for harvesting in Ireland, which could be the last straw for many struggling grain growers this year,with week after week of wet weather.

They could be kept in business by livestock farmers who can reduce their winter concentrate feed costs by 50-80 per tonne, by buying wheat, barley or oats off the combine, and storing it with any of the available treatment methods, to make a high-energy, top quality feed for less than 190 per tonne.

The increased supply of quality Irish protein crops has even made it possible to produce complete rations exclusively made from ingredients such as wheat, oats, barley, peas and beans exclusively produced in Ireland.

And the cheapest option for livestock farmers is to buy off the combine harvester, if they have cash in hand and facilities for storing grain.

The quality of the locally grown grain is likely to be as least as good as a compound ration containing imported grain and by-products.

For grain growers, selling off the combine can underpin the grain market, and the early sale can reduce their interest payments.

There are many farm-to-farm grain trading options, from fermented whole-crop silage (no limit on the amount fed, if it is balanced properly for protein and minerals) to alkaline grain (various cereals, a wide harvest window, can be stored indoors or outdoors for up to 12 months, enhances grain protein 4-5%).

Many of these methods reduce or eliminate the expense involved in drying grain, or allow growers to cut crops early in the harvest weather window.

IFA has worked hard to encourage farm-to-farm grain trading.

Now could be a good time to renew those efforts, with growers saying their resilience of recent years is exhausted, forcing some of them to try to sell their machines on the UK second-hand market.

Farmers and politicians are calling for bail-outs for farmers hit by bad weather  and any resources available for this should be taken advantage of.

Mairead McGuinness MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament says she has received assurances from Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan that the 11m exceptional adjustment aid package from the EU could be used for the tillage sector.

But its a sector doomed to low prices unless the world grain crop fails, which needs a more secure long term footing.

With more than 11m cattle, sheep and pigs to feed in Ireland, surely its not beyond the capabilities of our goverment and farmers to organise farm-to-farm grain trading which will work for both our tillage and livestock farmers.

It may be the only hope for long-tern survival of our tillage sector.
County council engineers are to carry out a detailed structural assessment of the crossing over the River Bride at Bridesbridge/Castlelyons after being alerted to growths of Japanese knotweed underneath the bridge.

A meeting of the councils Fermoy/Charleville municipal district was informed by county council senior executive engineer Brendan OGorman that his staff would survey the bridge and report back to councillors.

He was replying to a query from Independent councillor June Murphy who said she was very concerned about the presence of the plant which has been known to demolish houses and other concrete structures.

She said any damage and closure of the bridge, for any period of time for repairs, could lead to 20km detours for people going to work, parents dropping children to school, and farmers visiting their local co-op.

The public would be forced to use other bridge crossings in the villages of Conna and Rathcormac.

Ms Murphy said she sincerely hoped a worst-case scenario did not materialise, but added she was very concerned about the spread of the plant and the serious effects it could have on property. She said she was also anxious about the risk of the species spreading downstream to plague other communities, as even a sliver of knotweed can regenerate itself into a plant within a matter of days.

In Britain, finance providers are refusing to give mortgages to people seeking to acquire houses in areas where Japanese knotweed was present.

Mr OGorman said council officials were presently mapping all areas in the entire county where the invasive plant had been reported.

Recently, senior officials in the local authority conceded they did not have the resources to combat the plants growing grip on Cork and would need financial help from central government to eradicate it.

When an appropriate funding stream from central government becomes available, a countywide response may be undertaken, said Mr OGorman, adding that all private landowners were duty-bound to prevent the spread of the plant.
A study of 8,000 Irish primary pupils also found those who spend more time with their friends performed poorest on the national assessments of reading in 2014.

The findings have led researchers to suggest parents limit time their children spend on all these activities.

Students who had TVs in their bedrooms and those with mobiles, scored significantly lower than others. However, test results for pupils with firm rules on behaviour at home and who completed their homework show they did significantly better than other children.

The Educational Research Centre (ERC) report of over 8,000 second-class and sixth-class pupils at 150 primary schools in 2014 shows that:

31% of 2nd-class pupils play computer games most days and score significantly lower at reading. They tested far lower in maths than even those who do so some days.

Pupils who go online occasionally are significantly better at reading and maths than those who use the internet every day. However, those who never go online at home did not score much higher than the most regular internet users.

The average reading score for sixth-class pupils who hardly ever read stories or novels was 239. It was 280 for those who do so every or most days.

The 47% of second-class pupils with a TV in their bedrooms got scores in maths and reading that were, on average, at least 30 below those who did not.

Nearly half of children read books for fun most days and are significantly better at reading than others.

The 10% of children who never play sports scored far lower at maths than the 52% who played most days.

Children finding maths homework hard may be more likely to seek online help or use a calculator.

The ERC authors suggest the need for a stronger role to be taken by parents in setting rules on behaviour and activities. They said that schools should have a role in empowering and guiding parents on things that can positively influence their ability in reading and maths.

The findings of this study show that there are many ways in which parents from all backgrounds can successfully support their childrens reading and maths achievement. Schools may have an important role to play in empowering parents to do so, said one of the authors, Lauren Kavanagh.

The links which have been highlighted by previous Irish research between reading scores and books at home are again identified in the ERCs report. There were direct associations between higher reading scores and parents who read more often for leisure or set aside time for their children to do so, pupils doing so more regularly than others, or those who were joined libraries.

But the type of material children are reading is also crucial, as children who regularly read magazines and comics had lower reading scores. One-in-five second-class pupils read magazines or comics in their own time most days, but have far lower reading scores than even the one-in-three who sometimes do so.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) had advised Cork County Council it would have to repair the damaged lower weir in Fermoy and create a new channel for salmon and trout to access a fish ladder, which would enable fish swim upstream to spawning grounds.

The council was expected to carry out the work last month but announced it was being postponed to October.

In the interim, the council realised it was obliged to apply for planning permission for both projects and would also have to acquire some land to create a new channel to the fish ladder.

Councillors on the Fermoy/Charleville municipal district authority were told that the planning and land acquisition could not be completed by next month and were further informed by the IFI that, as a result of the delays, work would not be allowed to start until May.

Works are prohibited by law as debris created by construction could destroy fish eggs laid in the area.

Local councillors Noel McCarthy and Deirdre OBrien said they were concerned and disappointed by yet another delay.

Council officials said the IFI had indicated it would have given a derogation to proceed with the works in the prohibitive season of October-May if it had not been for the planning issue.

The now abolished town council had agreed to pay for repairing the weir, the cost of which was not disclosed at this weeks meeting of the district council.

However, it emerged the former town council did not have the capability to finance the estimated 2.2m to construct the new fish channel. Council officials confirmed they would be seeking government funding.
Cian Walsh, aged 29, of 17 Mercier Park, Turners Cross, was arrested near Pairc Ui Rinn on Boreenmanna Road at around 1.50pm on Sunday, the scene of an alleged crash, and questioned about firearms offences at a house on Noonan Road, The Lough, in Cork earlier in the day.

Detective Garda Niall Hayes gave evidence of arrest charge and caution and told the court that Mr Walsh made no reply to either charge. Insp Ronan Kenneally said gardai were seeking a remand in custody.
Forecasters have warned that mercury levels will start falling significantly throughout November, leading to a shivering run-up to Christmas, and an even bitterer spell throughout January.

Meteorologists said the combination of unusually-high Siberian snow cover this month, recent solar activity levels and volcanic emission patterns in Iceland, all point to a harsh winter ahead, with the severest spells of cold likely to occur between December and January.

James Madden, forecaster with Exacta Weather, said December could be as bitter as four years ago, the coldest in over 100 years in Ireland, while January could turn out to out to be one of the worst winter months on record.

He said: As we progress throughout November, it is going to become gradually colder across many parts of Ireland, in particular from around the mid-month point when it is likely to become exceptionally cold at times.

This early start to what is likely to be a harsh winter is also likely to be accompanied by a number of potentially widespread snow events within this period and into the start of December.

The parts most at risk of experiencing snow within this period will be to the north and east of Ireland and some of this cold could prove to be quite significant at times, even across some much lower levels of the country. He continued: The worst-case and more plausible scenario could bring something on a similar par to the winter of 2009/2010, which was the coldest in 31 years, or an event close to 2010/2011, which experienced the coldest December in 100 years.

However, the alternative and slightly more unfavourable scenario could see a winter period on a similar par to 2012/2013 developing, which would still support a colder and snowier-than-average winter throughout 2014/2015.

If any month could prove to be very severe or potentially record-breaking in terms of the cold and snow episodes that are likely to develop, then January looks like being the main contributor for this on current indications.

He added: February and into spring may also not escape an extension of these waves of cold and widespread snow at times. However, there are some conflicting signals for December at present, which could introduce some milder and rather unsettled interludes of weather at times.
In addition to publishing the latest quarterly crime figures, the CSO also released its latest review of the quality of crime statistics, based on cases from 2015.

It was the second such review, the previous one having looked at data from 2011, and while the CSO said there had been improvements in virtually all areas, there were still some shortcomings.

For example, an estimated 17% of crime reported to gardai in 2015 via their Control And Dispatch (CAD) equipped divisions does not appear to be captured on the gardais Pulse system for recording crime. According to the CSO, these CAD divisions accounted for approximately 63% of all recorded crime in Ireland.

CSO statistician Tim Linehan said one simple explanation was confusion over the definition of certain types of crime, and he also stressed the more serious the offence the better recorded it is.

The CSO review also showed how 6.4% of all offences created on Pulse in 2015 were created more than a week after they were first reported, although in this case this was due to some crimes being reclassified.

Taking 1,000 randomly sampled Pulse incidents, there were only four cases of a narrative being changed without apparent justification, but the review also showed an estimated one-in-five non-CAD equipped stations did not keep paper records which could be used to estimate the non-recording of reported crime on Pulse.

Also, across seven major crime categories, including burglary and criminal damage, an estimated 3% of incidents were incorrectly classified to the wrong crime category while a further 2% of cases had insufficient information to determine the correct classification.

It also suggested the rate of detected crime may have been overestimated by as much as 10%, while 21% invalidated crimes lacked sufficient explanation as to why they were so classified.

In response, a spokes- person for the gardai said: We are currently examining the CSO report on Garda data. Data quality is an issue for all police services and we are determined to ensure we have the highest quality data. We have made some progress in this area, but we recognise we have more work to do.

Many of the recommendations in the CSO report will be addressed by our Modernisation and Renewal Programme which will see investment in technology that will automate the recording of crime compared to the largely manual process at moment.

In addition, our civilianisation programme will see more staff employed at the Garda Information Services Centre to deal with crime recording and also the appointment of a data quality manager.
The Garda Representative Association, which has 10,500 members, yesterday decided that action must take the form of unilateral industrial action by members on November 4, 11, 18, and 25.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, representing 2,500 supervisors, said it is also considering industrial action.

The GRAs decision puts its leaders and delegates in a legal minefield as it is a criminal offence  punishable by fines and possible imprisonment  to encourage or induce members to withhold their service or not to perform their duties.

Professor Dermot Walsh of Kent Law School told the Irish Examiner that delegates and leaders need to be careful about circulating petitions or statements or giving advice that could be interpreted as encouraging or recommending members to take industrial action.

He said: There is the fact that such action invites at least a disciplinary response from Garda management  but if very large numbers of gardai take industrial action then that risk is likely to be more theoretical than real.

Mass industrial action will require a political response. I feel there is a real need to raise both pay and performance  but each must go hand in hand.

Eddie Keane, a lecturer in employment law at University of Limerick, said the clarity and strength of the GRA statement could place it in a perilous position.

Section 59 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005 provides that a person can be prosecuted not just for inducing a garda to withdraw their services, but for any act calculated to induce, he said.

It could be argued that saying industrial action must be taken, along with detailing the specific dates for such action, is an act calculated to induce a member to withhold their services.

In its statement, the GRA said industrial action will happen unless we hear of substantial and significant progress towards real and tangible increases in pay  opening the door to talks.

A ballot showed 95% of members were willing to take industrial action.

Delegates at the GRA conference unanimously rejected a Department of Justice pay proposal.

Pat Ennis, general secretary of the GRA, told RTE: This is not a blue flu action  members will not be reporting for duty. Its a withdrawal of services.

He accepted it was unprecedented as the GRA does not have the legal right to withdraw labour, but he said that individual members had the right, if they choose to take it.

Dara Calleary, Fianna Fails public expenditure spokesman, said Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald needs to step up to the plate and take the concerns of GRA seriously.

Ms Fitzgerald said she was disappointed at the rejected pay deal and intention to take industrial action.

Resolution of any outstanding issues of concern to the GRA can only be addressed through engagement between the parties and my department continues to be available to discuss those issues. It would be most unfortunate if, rather than engaging further, action were to be contemplated.

The Garda commissioner said there are mechanisms for resolving matters and urged all to remain engaged.
Sources close to the Social Protection Minister have confirmed that a supplementary budget this year will to be needed to fund the Christmas bonus.

But the Department of Public Expenditure has instead suggested that the Christmas bonus could be provided through savings.

Mr Varadkar said earlier this year that he would seek approval to pay the bonus, equivalent to an extra weeks payment for pensioners or welfare recipients.

Some 10.9bn is allocated for welfare spending this year. This does not include the Christmas bonus. The cost of the bonus last year, done through a supplementary estimate, came to 200m.

Leo Varadkar

A Department of Public Expenditure spokesperson said: All Government expenditure for 2016, and beyond, will be facilitated in the context of meeting our EU obligations.

She added that end of year savings could be used to as a source of funding for measures such as the Christmas bonus.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dail yesterday no decision was made yet on the bonus. But he also said that it is not possible to have any further supplementary.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin noted that Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe told an Oireachtas committee last week there would be no supplementary spends this year.

Mr Howlin then queried if it would be paid and said welfare recipients needed to know.

Sources close to Mr Varadkar insist that a supplementary budget is needed to cover the bonus payment.

A spokesman said a mechanism for the bonus would be decided with Minister Donohoe.

Any decision to wrap the Christmas bonus cost into Mr Varadkars budget spend could affect pension increases or supports for the self employed being funded.

Separately, Finance Minister Michael Noonan will meet his Fianna Fail counterpart Michael McGrath today to go through tax measures in the budget. It is understood Fianna Fail are in broad agreement with tax changes including USC.

Michael Noonan

However, discussions are expected to be more difficult between Mr Donohoe and Fianna Fails Dara Calleary as major issues around education, health and social welfare payments will have to be hammered out.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny yesterday slapped down his jobs minister Mary Mitchell OConnor over her idea for a special 30% tax rate in the budget for returning emigrants.

The Irish Examiner has also learnt that government advisors were specifically warned at a weekly Monday meeting about what they leak to journalists, after the tax plan was reported.

The proposal, to lure highly skilled emigrants home, would involve a 30% tax rate aimed at those earning in excess of 75,000.

Describing the idea as bananas, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin told Mr Kenny in the Dail that the plan meant workers who remained here in the crash would still pay 50% tax.

Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone also moved to dismiss reports that she is at odds with Fine Gael over childcare proposals.

I dont know where these phantom sources are coming from.But it does not reflect at all whats going on, she said.

The negotiations have been amicable, firm. I think both of us sharing our own commitment to do something significant in relation to childcare, early years learning and so its ongoing.
Garda Keith Harrison first met with GSOC in August 2014 and was told a probe into his complaints of malpractice in the force would be immediately investigated.

Earlier this month, his solicitor wrote to GSOC chair Mary Ellen Ring, complaining that virtually no progress had been made.

In a response seen by the Irish Examiner, a GSOC investigator informed Garda Harrison and the solicitor that they are still awaiting compliance on a request for documents before it will be possible to advance the investigation.

The Irish Examiner understands members of GSOC have expressed frustration at the extent of the delay over the supply of information.

Garda Harrison had complained of malpractice in his previous posting in the Midlands, where he had prosecuted a fellow officer for drink driving, in a case that was ultimately dismissed in the District Court. He also complained that he had been subjected to harassment since he made his official complaint.

During that time, he has been subjected to a disciplinary inquiry, although the grounds for the inquiry are unclear. He was also told that he was to be the subject of a possible criminal investigation but that was halted after he brought judicial review proceedings.

Garda Harrison has been on sick leave since he made his complaint and is anxious to get back to work, but claims that any return has been blocked.

Our client is presently on sick leave and his employer have effectively done everything in their power to force him to resign as a member of An Garda Siochana. The failure of the commission to advance their investigation has seriously undermined and prejudiced our clients position in circumstances where he and his partner and their children are suffering ongoing victimisation and harassment, his solicitor wrote in the letter to Ms Ring.

The reply from GSOC indicated that the inordinate delay was attributable to the failure of gardai to supply information.

Last week, Ms Ring told an Oireachtas committee that GSOC had experienced delays in getting information from the gardai. She said it was an ongoing difficulty and GSOC lacked the powers required to impose a penalty if the information was not promptly provided.
However, Andrew Green, director of the National Centre for Medical Genetics, warned that the procedure, carried out in Mexico, was still new, untested, and unregulated.

He also said there was unlikely to be enough demand for doctors here to gain sufficient expertise in it, so couples may have to travel abroad to avail of it.

Its very early stages, said Prof Green. In humans, apart from the case in Mexico and proposals from the UK, as far as we can tell it hasnt really happened. So its still at research level and is not an established technology. That carries risks with it.

There was a flurry of excitement in the scientific world after details of the baby born five months ago were made public this week.

The boy was born to a Jordanian couple with the help of a US fertility clinic which carried out the procedure in Mexico where fertility activities are unregulated.

They had already lost their two daughters to Leigh syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease that is passed on through parental DNA.

Doctors replaced the defective mitochondria in one of the mothers eggs with mitochondria from a female donor before fertilising it with the fathers sperm and implanting it with a conventional IVF technique. So far, the child has tested negative for Leigh syndrome.

Fiona Rodgers from Donegal, who lost her two-year-old daughter to Leigh syndrome, said the breakthrough was welcome and she would like the chance to avail of it if she considered another pregnancy.

I know there is a lot of debate around it. Its very easy for people on the outside to have a high moral ground, she told RTE Radio.

But if you have lived with this or have lost a child and watched your child suffer, you ask is it ethical to bring more children into the world who are going to suffer in this way?

Prof Green said the technique was mislabeled when it was referred to as producing a three-parent baby.

Its not really accurate because it implies there are three equal contributions when really there isnt, he said. There are two contributions and a tiny part from a third party which probably hasnt any major significance in terms of the persons development.

He also said that, as it was carried out for medical rather than social reasons, it should not create a major ethical dilemma. However, he stressed, there was no law to govern such activities in Ireland, despite the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction, on which he sat, being established 16 years ago and publishing its report 11 years ago calling for legislation to be drawn up.

Around one in 5,000-10,000 babies are born with a mitochondrial condition so there may be only a few in Ireland every year and Prof Green said the technique would only work in a small number of the many varied conditions that appear.
Mr Lowry, whose support the Government relies on, said he meets the Government chief whip regularly and supports Mr Kennys administration to do what is right for his Tipperary constituency.

The issue of Mr Lowrys support for the Fine Gael-led government re-emerged during Dail questions yesterday.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin referred to Mr Lowrys recent suggestion of securing agreement for a patient hotel in Clonmel.

Mr Martin noted the Tipperary TD was getting far more than junior minister John Halligan, whose request for a cardiac lab in Waterford had been denied.

The special arrangement with Mr Lowry may be to his advantage electorally and politically in the constituency, said Mr Martin.

Mr Kenny denied there was any special understanding with Mr Lowry, saying he thought Health Minister Simon Harris might have met Mr Lowry and medical personnel.

Enda Kenny

He said: There are no understandings with any deputy on the part of Fine Gael or the Government.

Mr Lowry, when contacted by the Irish Examiner, contradicted Mr Kenny.

I get the legislative programme direct from the Government whip office. Im on their system for Dail votes. Im meeting the whip on a regular basis, said Mr Lowry.

I consider it to be an understanding. I put issues on merit [forward]. As far as I am concerned, there is an understanding... they know the issues of interest to me.

Asked whether this understanding benefits his constituency, he said:

I made that decision [to support the Government] to do what was right for the constituency and the country.
Mr Noonan outlined the position at the latest Fine Gael parliamentary party last night, during which he also definitively ruled out mooted tax plans to entice emigrants home.

In a short budget presentation to TDs, senators and councillors, Mr Noonan repeated the fact Government will have 1bn for tax cuts and spending rises next year.

While not giving exact details on how the money will be broken down, he confirmed USC cuts for the lowest two rates are likely.

Mr Noonan addressed criticism that a 0.5% cut to the lowest USC rate would result in some of the worst off people in society only receiving an extra 2 a week.

He said while the sum sounded small, it will take up a significant part of the 340m in tax cuts available, and added it is not unfair for people to still pay a small amount of USC.

Mr Noonan also clearly shot down Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell OConnors 30% tax rate for returning emigrants on 75,000 or more a year suggestion, mirroring similar Dail remarks from Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The position was widely backed by Fine TDs, with one joking afterwards it had been put on a plane and flown one way, and another simply saying: Its dead, its gone. Hallelujah, hallelujah.

The meeting did not see any questions over Mr Kennys leadership after two critical reports were released about Fine Gaels election performance.

Meanwhile, it emerged last night that despite tight budget spending restrictions, councillors are set to receive a 1,000 pay increase outside of the budget plans.

Local Government Minister Simon Coveney is believed to have told a meeting of senators the move is likely, which will see councillors pay increase to 17,565 in addition to their other employment.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said she was concerned by the rise in sex crime outlined and in the 4% increase in assault and related offences in the same period.

Ms Fitzgerald praised Garda efforts at cutting crime in other areas, citing figures which showed that the number of burglaries fell 26.3% in the 12 months to the end of June, with robbery down 11.1% and theft down 12.3% in the same period.

The figures were contained in the recorded crime statistics for the second quarter of the year, which also showed that there were 33 recorded murder and manslaughter offences in the year to the end of June, a decrease of six on the figure recorded for the 12-month period to June 2015.

The figures show that recorded dangerous or negligent acts offences increased by 188 to 7,342  up 2.6%  while kidnapping and related offences rose by 2.9%. There were also significant falls in the rate of recorded weapons and explosives offences and in fraud, deception, and related offences, with almost no year-on-year change in the rate of controlled drug offences.

Theft and related offences are still the most prevalent crimes around the country, with 69,254 recorded instances in the year to the end of June, but Ms Fitzgerald said Garda efforts had impacted on those conducting those offences, particularly through Operation Thor.

On the rise in sexual offences detailed in the figures, Ms Fitzgerald said: It is clear that we as a society cannot tolerate such crimes. More needs to be done and I am determined to meet this challenge head on.

She said the passing of the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Bill is a priority in this Dail session and that the national strategy on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence 2016-21, launched earlier this year, would also help challenge unacceptable behaviour and tackle sexual crimes as well as domestic violence.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Noeline Blackwell said there is a need for proper baseline data, ideally in the form of a new SAVI report  a 2002 study on sexual abuse and violence in Ireland, and which was sponsored by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

Ms Blackwell said current statistics do not indicate whether there was an increase in the rate of sexual offending or an increase in reporting.

If we do not do that, we cannot be sure that all the policy initiatives we are putting in place are working, she said.
A few handfuls of such gel can send up to 10,000 of the non-biodegradeable beads into the sea, where marine life mistake them for microplankton, eat them, think they are full and end up dying through lack of nutrition, while disturbing the sensitive and hugely important marine eco-system.

Minister for Climate Change Denis Naughten wants such products, being banned in the UK and US, to be prohibited here.

There is a role for the EU, but there is also a role to be played here in Ireland, so we can stop these microbeads getting into the water systems, he said.

Meanwhile, despite the ESB spending up to 25m on rolling out a network of charging points and the Government offering a 5,000 grant towards the purchase of electric vehicles (EV), along with a lower car tax rate, their uptake has not taken off.

Just 357 of the 129,000 new cars sold so far this year are electric-powered, yet transport accounts for almost one-fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Minister Naughten, in Brussels today for an OECD meeting, is to set up a task force examining how to support the development of these cars.

He will also consider allowing EVs to use bus lanes, as happens in parts of Scandinavia.

As part of his clampdown on emissions, he is also to ask the OECD to spearhead the development of technology that would allow NCT centres to read car microchips to record their emissions and service record. A microchip reading would dictate the rate of motor tax paid by the driver.

There is an opportunity to look at actual emissions from vehicles rather than emissions at the time of manufacture, to look at how the car is driven and maintained and... to allow such people to pay lower [car] tax, he said.

The minister also said Ireland, as a world player in food production, must play a role in tackling food waste.

Up to 1m of food is wasted each year, yet people are going hungry every day. We need to look at sensible approaches to drive down food waste and benefit disadvantaged communities.

Kate Ruddock, policy manager of Friends of the Earth, welcomed the ministers enthusiasm, but suggested he has far bigger decisions to make around emissions, including new feed-in tariffs for alternative energy, developing a solar energy programme and more community-based energy schemes.
Non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen could increase the risk of being admitted to hospital with the heart problem, a study found.

Previous studies have linked the drugs to abnormal heart rhythm, which can cause heart failure, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke if taken regularly.

The drugs, together with a sub-group of anti-inflammatories known as selective COX-2 inhibitors, are used to control pain and inflammation and are commonly taken by people with arthritis.

The new study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), used data for almost 10m NSAIDs users from the UK, Netherlands, Italy, and Germany, who started NSAID treatment between 2000 and 2010.

Overall, 92,163 hospital admissions for heart failure were identified among the group.

The study found people who had taken any NSAID in the previous 14 days had a 19% increased risk of hospital admission for heart failure compared with people who had used NSAIDs at any point in the past.

The risk of admission for heart failure increased for seven traditional NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac, naproxen, nimesulide, and piroxicam) and two COX 2 inhibitors (etoricoxib and rofecoxib).

The increased risk of hospital admission ranged from 16% for naproxen to 83% for ketorolac.

Researchers also found that the risk of heart failure doubled for diclofenac, etoricoxib, indomethacin, piroxicam, and rofecoxib used at very high doses, although they stressed this should be interpreted with caution.

Even medium doses of indomethacin and etoricoxib were associated with increased risk, the study said, but there was no evidence that celecoxib increased the risk of admission for heart failure at commonly-used doses.

The experts said the study offers further evidence that the most frequently used individual traditional NSAIDs and selective COX 2 inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of hospital admission for heart failure.

Moreover, the risk seems to vary between drugs and according to the dose.

In an accompanying editorial, two Danish health researchers said that owing to the widespread use of NSAIDs, even a small increase in cardiovascular risk is a concern for public health.

They said the fact they can be bought over the counter in supermarkets further fuels the common misconception that NSAIDs are harmless drugs that are safe for everyone.

Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: This large observational study reinforces previous research showing that some NSAIDs, a group of drugs commonly taken by patients with joint problems, increase the risk of developing heart failure.
Josephine Feehily said the authority identified this as a key issue at its first meeting in January and has had substantive engagement with Department of Justice officials.

She told the Oireachtas justice committee that the authority was ready to host the appointments process.

Depending on the regulations transferring the powers to them, Ms Feehily said the authority wants to:

Open up appointments to people outside the service;

Enable officers to leap-frog up the chain of command, such as sergeants jumping over the rank of inspector for the position of superintendent.

Ms Feehily welcomed a forthcoming evaluation by the Garda Inspectorate into opening up recruitment at all levels of the service.

She said she is keen that people apply from a number of levels, as in other police forces.

Ms Feehily told the committee this is one way of changing the culture of An Garda Siochana, which, she said, had been called for in so many reports and tribunals.

Questioned by Independent TD Clare Daly about appointments, Ms Feehily said: I suppose its fair to say were disappointed. That will not be a surprise to the department, the Tanaiste, or the commissioner.

She said that at the authoritys very first meeting, they identified the appointments issue and wrote to the department and have had substantive engagement with officials.

Ms Feehily did point out that, at the same time, the Garda commissioner was highlighting that her senior team was seriously diminished through retirements and other factors.

Under the Policing Act 2015, the authority has the power, once regulations are commenced, to appoint assistant commissioners, chief superintendents, and superintendents.

She said the latest she had heard was that the appointments regulations were due to be signed by the end of the year.

In response to Fianna Fail justice spokesman Jim OCallaghan, Ms Feehily said that its ambition is to open up recruitment down the chain of command, below the ranks of deputy commissioner and commissioner, where it is open.

We would like to bring it down to the next level, she said, adding that the authority will be constrained by the regulations signed off on by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

She welcomed an evaluation being conducted by the Garda Inspectorate into opening up recruitment at all levels in the service and that the authority will make a submission to that.

In addition to these reforms, she said the authority is also keen to allow people apply for positions for a number of levels.

She said this includes an ambitious junior garda being able to apply for inspector without having to be promoted to sergeant first.

Fine Gaels Colm Brophy said there is a serious risk in allowing people to jump quantum levels, that it could undermine the services command structure.

Ms Feehily said so many reports have called for a change in the culture in the gardai and that one way of influencing the culture is letting in some fresh thinking.
The accuseds partner was also charged with one count of threatening to kill the same complainant.

Detective Garda Ian Coughlan arrested Joanne Slattery, aged 36, of 1 Lower Bearforest, Mallow, Co Cork, and he brought three charges.

The charges state that on September 23, 2015, at the Washington St courthouse, she allegedly made a threat to a woman that she would kill her or cause her serious harm.

She is accused of similar offences in respect of March 29 and April 6 at an unspecified location this year.

Her partner, Zach Moloney, aged 45, of the same address is accused of threatening to kill the same woman at an unspecified location on March 29.

Det Garda Coughlan said there was no objection to bail being granted in both cases. However, bail conditions required both accused to have no contact, direct or indirect, with the complainant in this case. They must also keep a curfew to be home from 11pm every night and abstain from intoxicants.

Judge John Cheatle adjourned the cases until October 26 and October 5 for Slattery and Moloney respectively. The judge was told that Slattery was due to have a baby very soon.
One of the four women was present to face charges arising out of the case.

Vandana Munteanu of 50 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of modifying an article for the concealment of stolen property to be used in the course of theft.

The 20-year-old, who had previous theft convictions, also pleaded guilty to several charges of possessing stolen property on the same date.

Insp Ronan Kenneally said the crimes were detected on February 25 at Daunt Square, Cork. The inspector said four members of the Roma community were found in possession of property that had been stolen from several shops all around Cork city centre.

He said in Munteanus case, the particular item that had been modified for use in the course of theft was an apron worn under a number of skirts.

Defence solicitor, Dennis Healy, described the item in question as a pillowcase. She was given stuff by others and she is putting her hands up.

Judge John Cheatle said Munteanu was beginning to clock up convictions.

He fined her 90 and put her on a bond to keep the peace and commit no further offences for 10 months.
HRI has defended the reappointment of its chief executive Brian Kavanagh, which is in breach of limits on pay and time served.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed, who along with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, signed off on the posting, has also defended his role in the controversial re-appointment.

It is understood the board of HRI did not discuss Mr Kavanaghs reappointment before it was referred to the Government for approval.

Mr Creed told the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, that he was satisfied with the appointment, but admitted there had been an issue with the sequencing of events. He said the board had not had a discussion about the reappointment of the CEO before chairman Joe Keeling had contacted the two ministers for their approval.

I would have preferred if the sequencing of events was different and I think the chairman of HRI acknowledges that as well, Mr Creed told the committee.

However, Sinn Feins agriculture spokesman Martin Kenny said the ministers response shifted all responsibility for this very irregular appointment to the board of Horse Racing Ireland.

Under government guidelines, CEOs of semi-state bodies are only allowed serve a single seven-year term, but Mr Kavanagh has now been appointed for a third term. Mr Kavanagh currently earns close to 191,000, despite the specified salary range for a commercial State body being 25,000 lower than this.

Fianna Fails agriculture spokesman Charlie McConalogue said the appointment of a CEO for a third term was unprecedented.

He pointed out that when Mr Kavanagh was reappointed in 2009, after his first term, he had to reapply for the job and was interviewed.

However, when it came to the unprecedented approval by Ministers Creed and Donohoe in the past couple of months to approve him for a third time, the job was not advertised and he was not required to apply for it, Mr McConalogue told RTEs Morning Ireland, as he questioned the appropriateness of the Governments decision to sanction a third term.

The Agriculture Committee is to call HRI in to answer questions, with chairperson Pat Deering saying: While acknowledging the CEOs significant expertise, committee members expressed concern about the manner in which this reappointment was handled, and the disquiet it has caused in relation to a possible breach of government guidelines. Consequently, we will be writing to Horse Racing Ireland requesting that the chairman and board members come before the committee in order to further clarify the sequence of events.

In a statement, HRI said the board had given their chairman permission to advance outstanding matters regarding the resolution of the CEOs contract and any related matters.

They also said the chairmans actions reflected the views of the board regarding the CEOs contract.

It also recognised that a more collegiate approach would have improved the process, but were fully agreed that there was no intention to incorrectly inform the minister or that the boards views had been misrepresented.
Photo credit: Stills from the advert, which has now been pulled by Vodafone. The couple scales a gate before settling down to picnic, only to be confronted by a bull. The man uses his phone to search for how to calm a bull. He has no signal and his companion hands him her Vodafone network phone displaying a video of a barking dog and the bull walks away

A number of viewers took issue with the ad which shows a couple scaling a gate before settling down to picnic in a field, only to be confronted by a bull. The man takes command and uses his mobile phone to search for the answer to how to calm a bull. However, he has no signal and his companion hands him her Vodafone network phone displaying a video of a barking dog and the bull walks away.
The DCA Warriors, so named because of their efforts at securing the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) for their children, has also called for an ombudsman for education to be created to address their claims.

The group is also teaming up with a Dublin law firm to hold a conference on these issues this weekend.

The move comes ahead of the budget and after the ombudsman for children, Niall Muldoon, yesterday said the Government had too little oversight over schools.

The DCA Warriors are now calling on the Education Minister Richard Bruton to investigate issues within the school system, such as allegations over the improper use of resource hours designated to children who have a diagnosis of autism, but instead used elsewhere, such as for general management duties.

Information on the claims was passed more than a year ago to solicitor Gareth Noble of KOD Lyons. He will address the conference, to be held in Kilkenny this Saturday, alongside Penny Rogers, a clinical and educational psychologist, and the DCA Warriors.

Margaret Lennon, one of the founders of the DCA Warriors, said: There are vast sums being pumped into the special education section, we want to see that delivered directly to the children it was intended for. DCA Warriors are aware that school staff are taking resource hours from the most vulnerable children in the State for many other purposes that have nothing to do with special needs.

We have sent in submissions detailing clearly what our members need in place for their children. Still, no action is being taken.

Learning support hours are also being abused as there are no checks and balances in place whatever for such hours.

She claimed children and parents were being placed under huge stress as a result of practices in some schools.

Parents have had to remove children from such schools due to their childrens anxiety and stress at not having their needs met and professional reports ignored, said Ms Lennon. In some instances, the children develop suicidal ideology. Parents then have to leave the childs name on the school roll in order to apply for home tuition. This will often be refused with no valid reason given and in contradiction of supporting professional documentation.

The school who has driven the child out then continues to avail of large capitation grant, any SNA access that they were granted on foot of the parents often providing private and expensive professional reports and indeed the childs allocation of resource hours.
The hunt for ET really is hotting up. Just a few decades ago, the idea of alien life was primarily the realm of fiction. In reality, it seemed the universe was a cold, dead place bereft of life, save for what clings to the surface of planet Earth.

Then came the exoplanets. Super sensitive telescopes began recording slight dips in the starlight reaching us across the void, revealing orbiting planets many light years from our own solar system. Cosmologists were amazed by the discoveries, but not too surprised. After all, the notion of planets orbiting stars other than the sun was speculated upon by the Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno in the sixteenth century.

Early discoveries of exoplanets in the mid-1990s were of gas giants many times larger than Jupiter. Slowly, as the technology evolved, we began spotting smaller, rocky planets until they found Kepler-452b in July 2015 some 1,400 light years away. What made this rocky world different was that it orbited in its stars so-called Goldilocks zone, not too hot and not too cold, but just the right distance to allow water to remain in liquid form on its surface. Excited scientists labelled Kepler-452b Earths Cousin and Earth 2.0.

If ET really is out there, chances are it will be living on one of these second Earths. Currently, there are 3,501 of these known planets, all with the potential of harbouring anything from microorganisms to civilisations. On August 24 last, mankinds enduring quest to find out if we are alone in the universe took a giant leap. Our cosmic next-door neighbour  a mere 40 trillion kilometres away  possessed such a planet: Proxima b. Suddenly, the hunt for aliens was almost physically within reach. Last April, the Starshot project, funded by Russian billionaire Yuri Milner and backed by Prof Stephen Hawking, announced plans to send 1,000 nano-ships to the Alpha Centauri system in just 20 years by accelerating the tiny crafts to 15%-20% of light speed using lasers.

While we wait for technologies to improve, another project thats been decades in the making is counting down to its 2018 launch date. This is the successor to Hubble, our eye on the universe, and it is called the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Itll feature a mirror three times larger than Hubbles, as well as a device that was built by Irish scientists. The Mid-Infrared Instrument, or MIRI, was designed and tested by experts at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).

Prof Tom Ray, professor of cosmic physics at DIAS, says the James Webb telescope is so powerful that the light from Proxima bs parent star will drown out any attempts at getting a closer look at the rocky planet. However, the Irish-made instruments will give the hunt for alien life a massive boost.

MIRI has a device that will enable JW to see planets around stars, says Prof Ray. However, Proxima b is too close to its star. Well be looking at far more distant systems and will be able to see more planets  which will be just a pixel in size  but well be able to break down the information to tell us something about the planets atmosphere. We will be able to tell if there is a lot of carbon dioxide which could signal some kind of life.

Everything about the James Webb space telescope is big. A big device for big science. It comes with a $9 billion price tag (Hubble cost $2.5bn) and will orbit beyond the moon.

I like to tell people that if you could get in your car and drive directly upwards, you would reach Hubble in about four or five hours. However, JW will be placed in an orbit around the Earth that is beyond the moon. The reason for this is to get away from the heat of the Earth. If our instruments are trying to detect infrared waves then they must avoid local heat. Our instruments must operate at no more than seven degrees above absolute zero  thats about -267 centigrade. If you look at a picture of the JW youll see the sun shields, theyre so powerful that its the equivalent of putting on factor 10 million sunscreen.

Prof Ray is excited by JWST and you would too if you had the chance to play with a $9bn toy thatll be located a million miles away. As part of the deal his team will get guaranteed time to work with the telescope. They intend to point it at baby stars to learn how solar sytems, including our own, came to be.

We know that newborn stars are extremely luminous. When I say new stars I mean stars that are only about 100,000 years old. You have to remember that the sun is about 5,000 million years old. So when we look at the formation of these young stars well see the creation of basic elements. Its amazing to look at because they emit enormous jets of matter many light years in length, a bit like a Star Wars lightsaber, something we call a collimated jet. By looking at these jets we get to look back in time and witness what it was like in the early history of our own solar system. While the Dublin team prepare to zoom in on gigantic jets of light, other teams around the globe will use JWST to try to sniff out ET in the darkest corners of the universe. If the truth really is out there, then an Irish-made device could be on the brink of finding it.
Irish space experts are calling on all parents and guardians to use Space Week, October 3-8, as the perfect opportunity to escape to the great outdoors with the kids and experience the night sky.

Planetary science expert Leo Enright says you dont have to be able to recognise the constellations wheeling overhead to enjoy the heavens. All you need is a dark spot to watch it unfold.

What I would suggest to parents is to get out with their children away from streetlights. Most of us can get somewhere like this after a short drive. Just get away from any light. When you get there dont switch on a torch or check for messages on your phone. Give yourself about 10 minutes for your eyes to adjust, he says.

That may sound simple enough, but when you get over the glory of the Milky Way and any bright planets, is there one celestial site that warrants a closer view?

This time of the year, with autumn pressing in, there really is one thing that people should look at and that is Orion, the great and wonderful constellation, says Enright.

Leo Enright

It can be viewed looking to the west. Its well worth a web search, just to learn a few things about it so an excited child can be told that this one constellation contains many of the marvellous things to see in the sky.

For instance, even with the naked eye, you can make out a stellar nursery  a nebula  below the belt which looks like a haze.

Other gems offered up by the hunter of Greek mythology include two of the brightest stars in the sky. At the top left, Orions right shoulder, is Betelgeuse, a red supergiant 700 times bigger than our sun. At bottom right lies Rigel, a blue supergiant whose light takes 863 years to reach us.

Head of the Blackrock Castle Observatory, Dr Niall Smith, also name-checks Orion as a celebrity among the constellations. The moon is my favourite object in the night sky. I find it amazing to think that when we look at the moon we are looking at what used to be part of the Earth about 4.5bn years ago.

During winter, though, Orion appears. His belt is really easy to find even for amateur astronomers.

The observatory is co- ordinating many events during Space Week, from taking pictures of the moon and sending them to schools to a night-time bicycle tour called the Mooncycle.

Dr Smith isnt too fazed about the possibility of clouds spoiling the fun. If the Earths natural satellite remains hidden for the week, then he can call on colleagues in California or South Africa to take the snaps.

However, Dr Smith is encouraging everyone to get out at some stage and simply look up. General advice to people is that you dont need a telescope to enjoy the night skies. Its what I would have done as a kid and even when I set up astronomy clubs in Dublin. I always point out the Pole Star and tell people that its about 100 times bigger than the sun. It helps if you have little bits of knowledge. So, the Plough is great to spot at any time of the year.

My hope is that I never tire of looking up. Hopefully parents can get out there with their smallies and you never know, it might make a lasting impression. The key thing is to keep it simple. Plus, you can still see plenty of things from urban areas.

You cant get simpler than gawping at the night sky with the naked eye. You dont have to know your way around the heavens, but a little knowledge in this case is a good thing.

We shouldnt be embarrassed if we dont know our way around the night sky, says Enright. Our lives are much different to our ancestors. Most of us live in cities and towns now. We are a generation that dont pay much attention to the night sky, unlike our ancestors who did so for thousands of years. However, we do have the ability to use very clever apps such as sky maps. I myself use Sky Safari. You just point it at the sky and it tells you what youre looking at.

The app is available for all smartphones and costs less than 3. If youre a fan of free stuff, there are a whole host of events taking place during Space Week, most of them aimed at getting children interested in astronomy.

The catalyst for Enrights fascination with space was a historic event. Nowadays, space exploration involves more technical achievements, though not the same public reaction as there was almost half a century ago. I got interested in space through watching the moon landings, he says.

The equivalent for children today could be the European Space Agency landing on a comet. I was at a meeting recently where a European lunar base was discussed. So children living today, looking at the stars from Mayo or Athlone, could soon be walking on the surface of another world. In fact, the first men and women to walk on Mars are not only alive right now, they are probably in college. And who knows, they could be Irish.

So what does a space expert do during Space Week? Im not doing anything specific but I am launching the very first Dark Sky Park next month in Mayo. In Valentia, Co Kerry, they have a reserve, but Mayo will get an entire park. The Mayo Dark Sky Festival will be held on October 28-30. One of the most striking things about Ireland is that when its viewed at night from space, most of the west coast is in darkness. And this is a good thing.

Dr Smith is calling on us to marvel at the inky vault with its spray of stars, because it is ours. The important thing to come out of Space Week is that we all equally own the sky, so enjoy it. Every time you view it, it offers a unique experience. Only when we look up are we struck with awe and wonder at the beauty of it. You never know, you may be rewarded with a meteor or a satellite. Its a landscape that changes night after night.

REACH FOR THE STARS: KEY SPACE WEEK EVENTS

October 3: Every school in Ireland is invited to have their own unique picture of the moon taken by Blackrock Observatorys Tara telescope network, which will be sent to schools.

October 4: Free tour of the solar system by the Newport Astronomy Club, Co Mayo.

October 5: Images of Starlight, an exhibition of space images taken by Irish amateur astronomers at Trinity College, Dublin.

October 6: Ursuline Secondary School students will learn about the history and features of the moon before observing it during the daytime.

October 7: Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork, will host a free Mooncycle, to observe the quarter moon, international space station and a meteor shower from 6pm-midnight.

October 8: Kids can build their own rockets at a free event in Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre, Co Mayo.

For more, see http://spaceweek.ie/
Put up for sale is the Corbett-family developed Leeside Apartments, on Bachelors Quay near the Gate Cinema, North Gate Bridge, and MUH hospital campus, and is expected to attract the attention of multi-let investors, given the escalation in rents nationally, and in Cork where they rose 18% last year.

Current income at Leeside House (managed by Ziggurat) is 800,000, an initial yield of 7.63%, forecast to rise to close to 970,000 pa if fully let, and refurbishment.
WE must halt the massacre in Aleppo. Whatever the cost, we must stop the massive, random, indiscriminate bombings  and, worst of all, the discriminate ones aimed chiefly at civilians, humanitarian convoys, and hospitals  that the forces of Bashar al-Assad and Russia have resumed with a vengeance in and around what was once Syrias most populous city.

We must call a halt in the days (if not hours) ahead to the rain of steel, the cluster and phosphorus bombs, and the barrels of chlorine dropped from low-flying government helicopters on the last parts of Aleppo held by moderate rebels. The world, with the democracies out front, cannot fail to respond to the horrifying images, relayed by the few witnesses still there.

Those images are of childrens shriveled, vitrified bodies; of the wounded whose limbs, for lack of drugs, have been amputated by desperate doctors who are soon massacred themselves; of women mown down by rocket fire, as in Sarajevo 24 years ago, while waiting in line to buy yogurt or bread; of volunteers struck down while digging through the rubble in search of survivors; of human beings drained of strength, surviving in filth and waste, saying goodbye to life.

We must smother the columns of fire and smoke.

We must dispel the clouds of flaming gas streaming from the murderers unprecedentedly sophisticated weapons.

We must act because we can act.

And we can act because those who are responsible for this carnage, for these war crimes, for an urbicide in which probable crimes against humanity are compounded by the destruction of sites of memory and culture that counted among the worlds vital heritage, are not hiding. They are standing in plain sight as they destroy Syrias most cosmopolitan, wondrously alive city, doing nothing to hide their acts. We know who they are.

I mean, of course, the regime in Damascus, which years ago we should have begun to deal with as we dealt with Muammar el-Qaddafis regime.

I mean, too, the regimes Iranian and, above all, Russian sponsors. For five years, they have systematically blocked every attempt at a resolution emanating from the United Nations.

Russian planes have, in several well-documented instances, openly participated in Assads massive campaign against civilians. Indeed, the Kremlin appears increasingly determined to apply to Syria the policy practiced in Chechnya, namely to kick into the crapper those whom Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is again mendaciously labeling terrorists. Given these facts, there is no dilemma about whether it is necessary to act.

But, because the United States adopted the position it did three years ago, after President Barack Obama chose not to punish Assad for using chemical weapons (a red line that Obama himself had drawn), I fear that the responsibility falls chiefly, if not exclusively, on Europe.

Its our choice. We in Europe can draw our own red line, warning Russia that, if the line is crossed, we will increase sanctions against it as a state henceforth held to be responsible for the crimes of its Syrian vassal.

We can also immediately take the initiative to establish a forum for negotiation and pressure akin to the Normandy format that President Francois Hollande and Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully conceived two years ago to contain the war in Ukraine. In so acting, we can force the aggressor to come to terms.

Or we can do nothing and acquiesce in another Sarajevo, as Francois Delattre, Frances ambassador to the United Nations, put it; we can run the risk of an Arab Guernica, with Russian aircraft in the role of the German Condor Legion over the skies of Republican Spain in 1936.

In that case, we would not only reap dishonour, but also, to paraphrase Winston Churchill, raise to extreme levels all of our present dangers, starting with a dramatic increase in the tide of refugees, most of whom have fled Syria as a direct consequence of the worlds nonintervention.

This is where we stand: Aleppo, besieged and in ruins, exhausted and abandoned by the world, yet defiant  dying with its boots on  is our shame, our crime of omission, our self-abasement, our capitulation in the face of brute force, our acceptance of the worst in humanity.

Aleppo, which no longer cries out, is dying and cursing the West. And Europe, on the front line, risks its future and a part of its identity as the people it could not protect press at its borders, asking to be let in.

Will Europe surrender, in Aleppo, what remains of its soul, or will it pull itself together, hold up its head, and do what it must?

If Europe cant or wont answer that question, all of the other questions and crises it is facing may well become irrelevant.

Bernard-Henri Levy is one of the founders of the Nouveaux Philosophes (New Philosophers) movement. His books include Left in Dark Times: A Stand Against the New Barbarism, American Vertigo: Traveling America in the Footsteps of Tocqueville, and the forthcoming Spirit of Judaism. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2016.
IN 2006, a year before Shimon Peres was elected Israels president, Michael Bar-Zohar published the Hebrew edition of his Peres biography. It was aptly titled Like a Phoenix: by then, Peres had been active in Israeli politics and public life for 60 years.

Peres had great successes and humiliating failures  and went through several incarnations.

A pillar of Israels national security leadership, he subsequently became an ardent peacemaker, maintaining a love-hate relationship with an Israeli public that consistently declined to elect him prime minister, but which admired him when he did not have power.

Undeterred by adversity, Peres pushed forward, driven by ambition and a sense of mission, and aided by his talent and creativity. He was self-taught, a voracious reader and a prolific writer, a man moved and inspired every few years by a new idea: nanoscience, the human brain, Middle Eastern economic development.

He was also a visionary, sly politician, who never shook off his East European origins. When his quest for power, and for participation in policymaking, ended in 2007, he reached the pinnacle of his public career, serving as president until 2014.

He rehabilitated the presidency, succeeding an unworthy predecessor, and became popular at home, and admired abroad, as an informal elder on the international stage, a sought-after speaker, and a symbol of a peace-seeking Israel, in sharp contrast to its pugnacious prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu.

Peress rich and complex political career passed through five phases. He began as an activist in the Labour Party and its youth movement, in the early 1940s. By 1946, he was sent to Europe as part of the pre-state delegation to the first post-war Zionist Congress.

He then began to work with Israels leading founder, David Ben-Gurion, at the ministry of defence, mostly in procurement, during Israels Independence War, eventually becoming the ministrys director-general. That made him the architect of the young states defence doctrine. Running a sort of parallel foreign ministry, his main achievement was a close alliance and strong security cooperation  including with respect to nuclear technology  with France.

In 1959, Peres became a full-time politician, supporting Ben-Gurion in his conflict with Labours old guard. Later, he was elected to the Knesset, Israels parliament, and became deputy minister of defence and subsequently a full member of the cabinet.

His career entered a new phase in 1974, when prime minister, Golda Meir, was forced to resign after the October 1973 debacle, in which Anwar Sadats Egyptian forces successfully crossed the Suez Canal. Peres presented his candidacy, but narrowly lost to Yitzhak Rabin. As compensation, Rabin made Peres defence minister in his government. Nonetheless, their contest in 1974 marked the start of 21 years of fierce rivalry, mitigated by cooperation.

Twice, in 1977, after Rabin was forced to resign, and in 1995-1996, after Rabin was assassinated, Peres succeeded his rival. He was also prime minister (a very good one) in a national unity government in 1984-1986; but, despite trying for 30 years, he never won his own mandate from Israeli voters for the post he coveted the most.

In 1979, Peres transformed himself into the leader of Israels peace camp, focusing, in the 1980s, on Jordan.

But, though he came tantalisingly close to a peace deal in 1987, the London Agreement, which he signed with King Hussein, was stillborn. In 1992, the Labour Partys rank-and-file concluded that Peres could not win an election, and that only a centrist, like Rabin, could.

Rabin won and returned, after 15 years, to the premiership. This time, he kept the defence portfolio for himself and gave Peres the foreign ministry. Rabin was determined to manage the peace process and assigned to Peres a marginal role.

But Peres was offered by Rabins deputy an opportunity to champion a track-two negotiation with the PLO, in Oslo, and, with Rabins consent, took charge of the talks, bringing them to a successful conclusion in August, 1993.

Here was the prime example of the competition and collaboration that typified the Rabin-Peres relationship. It took Peress boldness and creativity to conclude the Oslo Accords; but without Rabins credibility and stature as a military man and security hawk, the Israeli public and political establishment would not have accepted it.

The grudging cooperation between Rabin and Peres continued until November 4, 1995, when Rabin was murdered by a right-wing extremist.

The assassin could have killed Peres, but decided that targeting Rabin was the more effective way to derail the peace process. Succeeding Rabin, Peres tried to negotiate a peace deal with Syria, on the heels of Oslo. He failed, called an early election, ran a bad campaign, and lost narrowly to Netanyahu in May, 1996.

The next 10 years were not happy for Peres. He lost the leadership of Labour to Ehud Barak, joined Ariel Sharons new Kadima party and his government, and was criticised by the Israeli right, who blamed him for the Oslo Accords.

Peres began to play down the Nobel Peace Prize that he had shared with Yasser Arafat and Rabin after Oslo. The discrepancy between his stature on the international stage and his position in Israeli politics was glaringly apparent, but disappeared when he became president, in 2007.

Peres was an experienced, gifted leader, an eloquent speaker, and a source of ideas. But perhaps, most important, he was an Israeli leader who had a vision and a message.

This was the secret of his international stature: people expect the leader of Israel, the man from Jerusalem, to be that visionary figure. When the countrys political leadership does not meet that expectation, a leader like Peres assumes the role  and gains the glory.

Itamar Rabinovich, Israels former ambassador to the United States, is president of The Israel Institute (DC and Tel Aviv) and is a senior scholar at Tel Aviv University, New York University, and the Brookings Institution. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2016.
Whats this latest breakthrough all about?

Its being dubbed the three-parent baby case as it uses genetic material, DNA, from three people to produce an embryo.

Why would you do that?

Because the DNA from one parent is defective and is likely to pass on a disease or disability to their baby, so if you can remove and replace it, the baby should be born healthy.

Whats the background to the current case?

Mom carried the genetic defect that causes Leigh syndrome, a mitochondrial condition from which her two daughters died. The mitochondria is the power pack in cells that enables them convert food into energy for growth and maintenance. It carries a relatively small number of genes, compared to the nucleus of the cell which carries the majority, but when it doesnt work properly, cells cant thrive or repair themselves and they malfunction and die, typically causing a whole range of neurological conditions.

What did doctors do?

They took a donor egg and removed its nucleus, replacing it with the nucleus of the moms egg, then fertilised that egg with her husbands sperm and implanted the embryo that resulted. She later had a baby boy, born free of Leigh syndrome.

So will this only work where mitochondrial conditions are involved?

So far, that seems to be the case. Research is at a very early stage, however.

How early exactly?

The UK is the only country to have licenced the technique and even there its still being fine-tuned so its not available yet. The doctors who carried out the procedure reported this week are based in New York but treatment took place in Mexico because there are no laws there to breach.

But if its successful, why is it controversial?

Because even though the mitochondria carries only a tiny proportion of the genetic material that goes into making a human, it still means this baby has DNA from three people. That hasnt been done before. The baby is five months old, too young to know if there will be long-term effects.

Does that mean fertility clinics here are unlikely to offer it any time soon?

It does.

But when it becomes the norm in other countries, presumably well be ready to offer it here too?

Theres no guarantee. If its still of limited application, the number of parents it would help here would be very small. Also, our fertility clinics operate without legislative guidance so they are cautious about adopting new techniques.

Q. No laws? Is this Mexico?

A. No, this is Ireland where the Government can promise to legislate 11 years ago and then say two weeks ago that theyll produce a general outline of proposed law next year, followed by a public consultation period, followed by more specific draft laws, followed by... you get the picture.

Have parents with suspected genetic conditions in their family line any other options to ensure they have healthy babies?

Two clinics here offer IVF that comes with preimplantation genetic screening so that embryos can be tested for genetic disorders before being implanted. But that means A, having IVF; and B, deciding to reject an embryo that tests positive. No easy choices there.
I can see their faces in my minds eye. I dont know any of their names but some of them know mine. They have been a constant in my life from the time I sat on the floor reading picture books to toddlers to today when I approach the poor blighters with half the title of a book I want immediately.

My librarians. I dont know where Id be without them. I dont know where Id be without the three libraries I frequent, triangulated from my house in south Dublin. For someone like me, who has no job and no work-place, the public library has been the way I have kept learning, kept trying new things.

The librarians have found me books which have changed my life. Dundrum Library unearthed Joseph Robins extraordinary account of children abandoned to charity in Ireland, The Lost Children. In Rathmines they found me Paradise Lost, 1922 by Giles Milton, a searing account of the expulsion of the Greeks from Ottoman Smyrna.

In the ILAC Centre Library they dug up the original Second Commission on the Status of Women report. Big ideas encountered on mundane shopping trips with the kids, books borrowed and thrown in with the rashers and washing powder.

And sometimes the library was just a refuge. Rathmines will always be my favourite, a huge cathedral of a Carnegie Library in the middle of the urban village, with a ring of couches in the middle where young and old read the newspapers or stare into space.

I used to put in time there with my kids between school and swimming. They did their homework, I dosed or wandered through the shelves and took down numbers from the notice board.

I dont think I ever walked away without thinking: Isnt this wonderful. The library seems like the only place left in Ireland where you can linger without being moved on, asked for money.

Except if you always forget to bring the books back on time.

And now its all changing. So-called staffless libraries have been piloted in Sligo and Offaly, whereby libraries open in the early morning, late at night and on Sundays but without staff.

Members of the public let themselves in using a pin number and can browse, borrow, return, use the wifi and photocopier, overseen only by a Radio Frequency Identification which knows when someone is in the building and can monitor behaviour.

The Local Government Management Agencys report on the pilot staffless scheme recommends its rollout nationally, and apparently it is being actively considered by 12 councils. SIPTU, which represents most librarians, is against the so-called Open Library scheme and has taken a decision in principle to take industrial action if it goes ahead. There were protests last Sunday in Dun Laoghaire, where the stupendous new DLR Lexicon was open and staffless.

But I dont think theres anything wrong with a staffless library if it is an extension of the existing service not a substitute. I waded into this debate to line up with the worthies who have been calling the Open Library idea the end of civilisation.

But Ive changed my mind. Technology has changed what we can do. We already borrow and return books automatically. An automatic locking system and a radio frequency identification system means it would be possible to keep the libraries open out of hours, from 8 am to 10 am, every day of the year.

National Library Dubiln

The idea has been trialled in Denmark and Finland and it has not resulted in any reduction in staffed hours. Instead, it has led to huge increases in use of libraries  up 23% and 59% to cite just two cases. A third of new users in Denmark are under 35. Particularly compelling is the image of the library lit up on dark mornings or late at night, like a lighthouse over a turbulent sea. Happy days if you love your family and your house is quiet. But Im thinking of all those Leaving Certificate students with nowhere decent to study.

Parents who need a break from crying babies. Spouses who need a break from each other. Me, I fancy the library on Christmas Day.

As the SIPTU spokesman suggested to me, much library use outside staffed hours is not about books at all and its true that some other societal solution could be found. But why not use the library?

I dont believe the librarians opposition is really to Open Libraries rather than to the 20% reduction in staff which the service has suffered since 2008.

Its true that automation will inevitably result in staff reduction. The library service is in constant evolution and the controlled open access to books we enjoy today was a novelty 100 years ago when most books were accessed by librarians.

But clearly the funding cuts are going far beyond that. The main library in Sligo town stands temporarily closed due to staffing shortages caused by the Governments demand for a 42% reduction in council staff.

Tubbercurry and Ballymote are both under imminent threat. The staffless library has become a symbol for librarians of how devalued their service is.

Theyre rightly worried that staffless hours will replace staff, and investment in technology will replace investment in books.

None of this is inevitable. We could use technology to keep our libraries burning bright from early morning to late at night but with the absolute proviso that staffed hours must be maintained or extended.

A library staffed by librarians is offering a completely different service to a staffless library. A clear distinction can be drawn between them. One should not cancel out the other.

The staffless option is only acceptable outside regular retail hours. I think libraries should be open and staffed on Sundays, the day most of us have most leisure. IMPACT would, it seems, oppose such a suggestion.

A spokesman called Saturday work anti-social and complained that it attracts a tiny premium. But these are, relatively speaking, details. Steel magnate and anti-imperialist Andrew Carnegie, in one of the greatest philanthropic gestures of all time, laid the foundation of the public library system in these islands, funding 80 libraries from Youghal to Rathkeale, from Millstreet to Listowel, from Cappoquin to Cahersiveen, from Tralee to Waterford.

When Corks Carnegie Library was burned down by British forces in 1920, City Librarian James Wilkinson would not rest until it was replaced.

We need to recover that zeal. The rare media focus which the staffless library protests have attracted must be harnessed quickly and wisely by those who love libraries to safe-guard their place at the centre of our society.

I dont think theres anything wrong with a staffless library if it is an extension of the existing service not a substitute
Paisley first said No in 1974 when he helped smash the fledgling Sunningdale agreement that promised power-sharing between unionists and moderate nationalists. He finally said Yes in 2007 by going into government with Sinn Fein, but now the current DUP leader and NI First Minister, Arlene Foster, is exhibiting shades of early Paisleyism by declaring an emphatic No to the notion of an all-island conference on Brexit.

At the start of the new Dail term on Wednesday, the Taoiseach said he was finalising plans to convene an all-Ireland conversation following the UKs vote to leave the European Union. What form this conversation will take is anyones guess but it will not include the DUP.

That is a pity for a number of reasons. The DUP is the biggest political party in Northern Ireland and, while many of its members hold entrenched views at what it perceives as interference by southern politicians into its affairs, it cannot ignore the fact that Brexit is bound to have an all-Ireland dimension. Ms Fosters attitude is understandable in one respect, given the Taoiseachs ham-fisted attempt in July to initiate Brexit talks while insisting that they would have to include discussion of a united Ireland. That was clearly designed to head off Sinn Fein on the subject but it backfired badly by alienating even moderate unionists, particularly as he had earlier suggested an all-island poll on unity in the immediate aftermath of the UK referendum in June.

Earlier this month, the Taoiseach told the annual meeting of the British-Irish Association in Oxford that Brexit is an all-island issue but he needs to get that message across to political leaders in Northern Ireland. He could do worse than follow the lead shown by Albert Reynolds whose role in the peace process is often not fully recognised. As a businessman familiar with the North, Mr Reynolds was able to reach out and communicate with fellow industrialists in Northern Ireland and persuade them that peace would be good for business.

Fast forward to 2016 and it is clear that Brexit will be bad for business, north and south of the border. Indeed, Ryanair chief Michael OLeary said as much last week when he said the UK Brexit vote has curtailed further route expansion plans from Belfast International Airport, citing the fall in the value of sterling and the expected slowdown of the British economy.

Instead of alienating unionists by making pronouncements about Brexit forums and conversations, the Taoiseach should use business leaders in the south to make the argument for an all-island dimension to their counterparts in Northern Ireland who, in turn, may be able to persuade the DUP to say Yes.
Burma Eulogy for an Everyday Hero, U Aung Htike

U Aung Htike is seen at a 2015 exhibition in Yangon by the artist Htein Lin. Titled A Show of Hands, it highlighted the experiences of political prisoners. / Minka Nijhuis

YANGON  In the early hours of Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, U Aung Htike passed away with peace and painless swiftness. On Sunday, Sept. 25 his funeral service was carried out under heavy rains and heavy hearts.

The passing of U Aung Htike is not only a painful loss for his dear family, but is also a loss for all of us, in Yangon and beyond.

As a bright young university student, he was on his steady path to a medical degree when the 1974 general elections, where General Ne Win further cemented his grip on power, forced a young Aung Htike to abandon his initial plans and join the opposition movement.

Arrested in July 1975 for his part in the student workers protests, he was sentenced to 8 years in the infamous Insein prison. During this time in Insein, he endured severe maltreatment and torture that would leave him with an eye problem that persisted for the rest of his life.

About three years later, he was released on the 10th of April, 1978. Beaten but not broken, U Aung Htike decided to pursue a more humble career in low-level business and opened a small pharmacy. In 1987, he would start what began as a small teashop in Myanigone, and which would later become one of Rangoons most established places.

For most readers, U Aung Htike was known as the cherished owner of Seit Tine Kya, which has become a veritable institution and highly-frequented locale for all who grew up in Rangoon.

People close to him will also remember him as an unwavering supporter of the NLD and as a Ye baw (a fellow compatriot) in the democratic struggle. To my family, he was a dear friend and a welcome compatriot during times of much need, and against the dark days of military oppression in Myanmars recent history.

During the long period of forced political silence throughout the country, Seit Tine Kya was not only successful in serving up one of the best local brews of tea, bean cake, sate soup and u-min, it was also a haven where all ideas and discussions were free, safe and welcomed.

At a time when certain words were made taboo by harsh dictatorship, and fear of military intelligence loomed over everyones shoulders, U Aung Htike was always openly unapologetic in his support to the NLD and the democratic movement of Myanmar. His presence in the teashop each morning was a warm welcome to patrons from all walks of life.

While new, trendy and pricier cafes have popped up around town, the teashop remains very old school and staunchly for the working-class to this day. Opening in the early dawn hours every day and almost never shutting its doors, little has changed in Seit Tine Kya despite economic ups and downs.

Most business owners would have been keen to ban other poorer vendors for being unsightly or harmful competition, but U Aung Htike instead allowed them all permanent stalls under his own roof. The vendors still sit there, right at the very entrance, to this day.

Frequent patrons to the original Seit Tine Kya in Myanigone will always associate the place with Daw Pyone, the newspaper vendor, U Min Han, the mohingar vendor, and last but certainly not the least, Ko Khin Maung Lwin, the man with just one leg, but a cheerful face full of smiles who was hired as a parking assistant and usher-in-chief.

U Aung Htikes generosity and sense of charity is second only to his steadfast leadership and personal devotion to his teashop, one which carried on until the last two days of his life. This dedication is also equaled by his impassioned commitment to positive political agendas.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, his teashop was also set up as a make-shift charity point in order to collect and redistribute funds to the affected communities. His small army of employees, too, are not just hard-working servers and cooks, but also volunteer as catering teams for various public donations and blood drives for the needy.

Throughout his successful and immensely rewarding business career, U Aung Htike remained a fervent and unwavering supporter of the democratic cause. He would be there each morning to personally welcome his patrons like no other business owner, listening with great patience to all their day-to-day struggles, and turning it all into his energy to further promote the fight for a democratic Myanmar.

U Aung Htike paid a hefty price for this and was arrested again in 2003 and 2008 for his continued financial support to the NLD party. He would also continue his financial assistance to the families of political prisoners, and to young bright medical students who he personally sponsored throughout their education. In 2005, he returned to his birthplace where he helped build a local hospital.

For his eulogy speech today U Ko Ko Gyi of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society described how the value of a persons life is not to be judged by death, but by actions and by how the person chose to live their life.

U Aung Htike was not a man of just singular acts of heroic altruism, but truly exemplifies an everyday hero in carrying more than his share of contribution to society, and in the small steps he took every day to make the world a better place than when he first arrived.

At 65 years of age, U Aung Htike did not have a short life in this world, rather it is us who are fortunate enough to have known just a little of him in our lives. He was truly an exemplary everyday hero who built his own success and who would inspire and help others throughout his life. He is succeeded only by his legacy, that lives on in the lives of so many other individuals he has helped throughout his journey.

As a man of such poise, dignity and a life well-spent in helping others, I have no doubt that U Aung Htike is now in a much better place.

This article originally appeared in Tea Circle, a forum hosted at Oxford University for emerging research and perspectives on Burma/Myanmar. It was updated and slightly amended on Oct.2.
Business Investment Law Approved in Lower House

Workers are transported via truck to the site of the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project on May 8, 2015. / Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters

RANGOON  Burmas Lower House of Parliament passed the long-awaited Myanmar Investment Law on Wednesday, and it now moves to the Upper House before the parliamentary session closes in early October.

The new Myanmar Investment Law combines the Burma Citizens Investment Law and the Foreign Investment Law. The Ministry of National Planning and Finance submitted it to Parliament last week following an announcement that the US planned to lift all remaining economic sanctions against Burma.

According to some lawmakers, the new bill favors citizen investors and despite calls to amend this point, the bill was approved without changes in the Lower House.

U Kyaw Soe Lin, a member of the Lower House Bill Committee, told The Irrawaddy that this is particularly true regarding land leases and technological assistance.

Big investors and technological giants will come in with foreign investment. Because they are stronger than us in every aspect, we want to favor our citizens somehow in order for them to have equal footing, said U Kyaw Soe Lin.

But Dr. Hla Moe of Aungmyaythazan Township says the new law provides ample economic incentives and tax exemptions to attract international investors.

This law is crucial for national development. It provides greater incentives than other [regional] countries in order to attract foreign investment, U Kyaw Soe Lin, a member of the bill committee, told Parliament.

U Chit Khine, chairman of the Eden Group of Companies, said local investors should not have a myopic view and should be in favor of laws that serve the interest of the entire country.

If foreign investors come in with huge capital, it can benefit locals. It will strengthen the banking sector, which in turn can support local businesses, he said.

He added that if the law does not entice foreign investors, it will delay the growth of the countrys financial sector.

Under the existing investment law, every investment must have the approval of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC). Under the draft law, there will be different guidelines needed for MIC approval.

The government will directly handle the investment proposals that are deemed strategically important, require a substantial amount of capital, or could potentially have social and environmental impacts, according to the planning and finance ministry.

The new bill includes more strategic tax incentives. If the government chooses to promote a certain business or sector, related investors will receive tax incentives, according to the Ministry.

The bill also incentivizes investment in less developed areas.

Economist Dr. Aung Ko Ko echoed U Chit Khine saying that local investors should consider the impact of the law on consumer rights.

Some local investors think that if foreign investors come in, they will lose big. But we have to think about consumers. As foreign investors enter the country, there will be more competition and consumers will have a greater variety of higher quality goods, he said.
Burma Kachin State IDPs Told to Obtain Permission for Aid Deliveries

Kachin internal displaced persons in Lung Tsut camp of Putao Township. / Maran Gam

RANGOON  Authorities in Putao Township, Kachin State, issued an order to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp saying agencies and groups need permission to deliver aid.

Nang Ram, a camp leader from Lung Tsut IDP camp in Putao, said that the ward administrator came to the camp on Sept. 19 and presented the statement.

He didnt explain anything; he just gave the letter and left, said Nang Ram. Hes never done that before. She added that no one has prevented aid being delivered to the camp.

The order statement declared that NGOs, international NGOs, religious groups, and civil society organizations (CSOs) who want to give donations to Lung Tsut IDP camp must first get permission from the Kachin State government.

The Irrawaddy asked an NLD-member and lawmaker from Putao, Moe Swe, about the statement. After speaking to the chief minister of Kachin State, Moe Swe said that the government did not issue the order.

However, the chief minister did tell Moe Swe that the government restricts foreign aid groups from traveling to conflict areas, and that international organizations should inform the state government if they want to travel to Putao for the purpose of delivering aid.

Dau Kha of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the political wing of the Kachin Independence Army, said the Burma Army had accused the KIO of using aid donated by international groups.

They [Burma Army] view everyone with a different view point from theirs as an enemy. But international aid groups will not devalue their name by giving aid to the KIO, Dau Kha said.

Dau Kha said his organization would not accept aid from civil society organizations, which, he added, is only for IDPs.

Restrictions on aid to IDP camps has occurred in other areas, according to Kachin rights groups. The Burma Army seized medicine from the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) in eastern Kachin State on Aug. 25 this year, they claim.

The medicine, which had a value of 10 million kyats (nearly US$8,000), was donated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and was supposed to be delivered to IDP camps in Pa Kahtawng, Zai Awng and Masat Shadaw, near the border with China. The Burma Army returned the medicine in early September.

We need to get permission, said Lama Yaw, communication officer of KBC. Our aid was seized last month because they said that we did not have permission.
Burma KNLA: Current Military Movement in Karen State Threatens Terms of NCA

KNLA soldiers on the Salween River, heading to frontline areas in northern Karen State. / Saw Yan Naing / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Military activity and tension at the site of the Hat Gyi dam in Karen State threatens a breakdown of Burmas nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) as concerns grow over potential clashes between the Burma Army and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

The KNLA is the largest ethnic Karen armed group and the military wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), which signed the NCA with the previous government in 2015.

If you cross the line [into our territory], there will be fighting, Gen. Saw Johnny, KNLA Commander-in-Chief was quoted as saying by Karen Rivers Watch, a network of ethnic Karen community-based organizations.

The KNLAs Brigade 5 partially controls the areas where the Hat Gyi dam will be built, and it has come out against the hydropower project, which has delayed construction.

Hsa Moo, a spokesperson for Karen Rivers Watch, told The Irrawaddy that local villagers who live near the dam site on the Salween River continue to flee their homes as they see signs of military activity, troop deployment, and tension that they fear will lead to confrontations between KNLA and the Burma Army, backed by the regions Border Guard Force (BGF).

Local concerns were exacerbated by a recent offensive in Myaing Gyi Ngu and Mae Tha Waw regions launched by the Burma Army and the BGF against a splinter group of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA). The outbreak of conflict displaced more than 4,000 villagers.

Hsa Moo said, Local villagers tell me that the Burma Army and the BGF had asked them to leave their villages. They were fleeing their homes because they were afraid of further fighting. They witnessed the Burma Army and the BGF moving toward the dam site. They are fleeing for their safety.

Gen. Baw Kyaw Heh, the KNLAs vice commander-in-chief, also said that the movement of the BGF and Burma Army troops to strengthen positions on the western bank of the Salween River would contradict the terms of the NCA, and would only escalate tensions and increase the risk of armed conflict.

He said he believes that the shift in military activity in the area is an attempt to secure the dam site as government forces must gain full control of the road and the surrounding areas in order to carry out construction of the project.

The rights group also claimed that the Burma Army is using the pretense of eliminating the DKBA splinter group to gain more control over the area surrounding the Hat Gyi dam site.

Meanwhile, KNLA sources say they see Burma Army deployment in the area as an indicator that they are seeking to expand and reinforce territorial control throughout Karen State.

The DKBA does not operate in the five areas in our Brigade 5 territory that were demanded by BGF, said Gen. Baw Kyaw Heh referring to KNLA bases which the BGF asked for full control over in early Septembera demand which the KNLA turned down.

The five areas are Toh TBah Wai, Klaw Tae Hta, PTae Hta, Yaw Ma Hta and Mae Lah villages; all are located around the Hat Gyi dam site.

The US$2.6 billion project is being planned by Chinas Sinohydro Corporation and Thailands Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The two entities reached a deal for the project with Burmas Ministry of Electric Power in 2006. The dam will produce up to 1,300 megawatts of electricity, much of it going to Thailand.
Burma Rangoon Govt Rep Clarifies Development Priorities

Daw Sandar Min, in Rangoon divisional parliament in September 2016. / Sandar Min / Facebook

RANGOON  The head of Rangoon Parliaments Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs Committee told the press on Thursday of the divisional governments priorities for the development of the commercial capital throughout the rest of the year.

Daw Sandar Min said that Rangoon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein informed committee members of 24 planned projects for Rangoon to be introduced throughout his term in governance term, which ends in 2020.

Currently, however, the focus will be on 11 issues: the management of city expansion, pursuit of a resolution to the problem of squatters, a relocation of the jetty on the Yangon River, an upgrade to the circle rail line, a reduction in traffic congestion, a renewal of the industrial zones, an upgrade to traffic lights, and a re-examination of the citys bus routes.

The Irrawaddy spoke to two regional lawmakers from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) on Thursday, U Thawda Aung and U Tin Maung Tun, and asked for verification of this project list. They refrained from commenting, saying that they had not been informed of the chief ministers development strategy.

The Rangoon divisional government has faced recent criticism from its constituents regarding its effectiveness in addressing the many issues in the region; the parliament just began its second session on Thursday after being closed for more than three months.

Daw Sandar Min explained some difficulties and challenges of the delay in providing the results for which constituents are waiting.

When we look at these big projects, they are impossible to fix within 30 days, especially, the massive case surrounding the issue of squatters. Two months is insufficient time in which to handle it, she said, a reference to the NLDs 100-day plan.

Some of the Rangoon governments current projects were inherited by the previous military-backed administration, including developments to expand the city. Former Rangoon chief ministerand now one of two Union Vice PresidentsU Myint Swe had reportedly selected three local firms to act as the primary developers for new city projects. U Phyo Min Thein reconsidered the choices and the projects once he entered into the role himself.

The developers are always thinking of their own profits when they build their designs. Thats why we were dissatisfied with the previous approach to city expansion, Daw Sandar Min said, speculating on why such changes were initiated by the NLD-led government.

She explained that the Rangoon government would propose their own conceptual plans and designs for development projectsto be first approved by parliament and then monitored in each phase.

Once the draft is submitted to the legislature, Daw Sandar Min said, lawmakers would be able to raise questions about how realistic the projects are, and debate their economic or political benefit to the public.

After earning parliamentary approval, the Rangoon divisional government would invite bidders to compete in an open tender to lead the implementation of the projects.
Burma Report Highlights Hardship and Family Planning Needs

The launch of the Thematic Report on Fertility and Nuptiality on Tuesday in Naypyidaw. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

Married women in Burma give birth to five children on average and detailed findings of the countrys 2014 census highlight the lack of education, need for family planning, and the continued hardship that many women within the country face.

The Thematic Report on Fertility and Nuptiality, published based on data from 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census, showed that Burmas fertility rate was 2.5 children per womanon par with Asean averagesbut that the number largely fluctuated on state and regional levels. Married women in Chin State, one of the poorest regions in Burma, gave birth to nine children on average, compared to four in the commercial capital Rangoon.

The report uncovers the hardship of parents who struggle to care for large families. It reveals the vulnerability of women who cannot access the contraceptives they want. Poor and uneducated women in remote areas carry the heaviest burden. The findings highlight the need for better family planning options, and for investment in girls secondary education, says Janet E. Jackson, UNFPA Representative for Myanmar.

Ethnic Chin human rights activist Cheery Zahau said that on the ground, the Chin State population seems to have remained the same since 1995, because despite having greater numbers of children, many of them die at a young age.

She said that traditionally, women gave birth to up to 10-12 children, in order to work on farms and help support families.

But that has changed now, Cheery Zahau said, because if women have that many children, they cannot send them to school.

Families now have fewer children, and fertility rates have dropped in the area since the early 1990s.

The UNFPA, which provided support to the ministry for the study, said fertility rates were strongly influenced by geographical and socioeconomic factors, including womens education levels.

The UN agency also highlighted that births by very young women were of concern, not least because they tended to have adverse health consequences for both mother and child.

The adolescent fertility rate was 33 births annually per 1,000 women aged 15-19, with regional highs in Shan and Chin states.

A UNFPA spokesperson told The Irrawaddy on Thursday, Young people in particular are vulnerable to unintended pregnancy but often face barriers related to taboos and stigma when it comes to accessing reproductive health information and contraceptives. They need knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexuality and health.

The UNFPA also supports the government in implementing a nationwide logistics system to help get family planning supplies to people who need them.

Despite the high fertility rate of married women, about 12 percent of women remain unmarried by the age of 50.

Burma has the second highest rate in the region of women who never marry, just behind Singapores 13 percent. Burmas figure is four times more than in Laos, and more than twice and high as in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Dr. Khine Khine Soe, the director of the Population Department under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, said at the launch of the report on Tuesday in Naypyidaw, We now face the question of how to address the issue of single women.

The Ministry said on Tuesday that the country was in need of a population policy, which would set a target nationwide population, in response to a decline in fertility rate and an increase in the number of unmarried women.

If the government wants to entice women to get married or have children, it needs to create incentives for working mothers, according to gender rights activists.

Cheery Zahau agreed and said that providing child care centers for working mothersusing Norway and Denmark as exampleswas necessary.

She added that it is not only Burma, but also Japan, Korea and Singapore, where the number of single adults is increasing, raising concern over future workforces in these countries.

Our country is different than other Asian countries where nuptials are falling because of economics or geography. Many women here choose to remain unmarried because of the social pressure regarding obliging family needs, she said.

Different approaches are needed to understand why these women choose not to get married or have children, she added.

Htet Naing Zaw contributed to this report.
Burma Tailor Shop Abuse Case Goes to Court

A police truck carrying the accused family members arrives at the western district court on Thursday. / J Paing / The Irrawaddy

RANGOONSix members of a family accused of human trafficking and child abuse at downtown Rangoons Ava Tailor Shop appeared at a hearing at the western district court on Thursday.

The six family members are facing several charges under the Anti-Human Trafficking Law, and the Child Law, Penal Code 325 and 326 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means, and 344 for wrongful confinement for ten or more days.

The six accused are: Daw Tin Thuzar (57), U Ko Latt (63), Ma Su Mon Latt (27), Ko Tin Min Latt (37), Ko Yar Zar Tun (25) and Ma Thiri Latt (34). The next hearing will be held on Oct. 6, according to the court.

The sixth accused member of the family named Ma Thiri Latt turned herself in to the Kyauktada Township police station on Wednesday, according to the police forces official Facebook page.

The two victims of the abuse case, San Kay Khaing aged 16 and and Tha Zin aged 17, suffered five years of physical abuse and confinement at the hands of owners of the tailor shop on 40th Street in the heart of the former capital.

The case was initially filed at the Kyauktada Township police station three months ago by U Swe Win, chief correspondent of Myanmar Now news agency, after a member of the family informed him about the abuse and asked for help in rescuing the girls. The whistleblower has not been identified by U Swe Win.

When the police failed to take action, U Swe Win contacted the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC).

Burmas Lower House approved an emergency proposal, calling for the dismissal of three Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) members for urging the families of the two underage domestic workers to settle the case with cash compensation instead of legal action.
Burma US Urges Burma to end North Korea Military Ties

Myanmars then foreign minister, U Nyan Win (second from right), makes an official visit to Pyongyang on Oct. 29, 2008. / Reuters

WASHINGTON  Pockets within the Burma military may still be cooperating with North Korea although the new civilian government and the military leadership oppose such ties, a senior US official said Wednesday.

During Burmas years of international isolation, its then-ruling junta bought defense equipment from North Korea. The US has been pressing Burma to cease those ties as a condition of normalized relations with Washington.

Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said President Barack Obama underscored to Burma leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, during a visit to Washington this month, the importance of rooting out any vestiges of cooperation that may have remained.

We think there are potentially a few residual pockets within the Burmese military, people who might still have some ongoing interactions (with North Korea) that are in effect leftovers from five-plus years ago in the era of the military dictatorship, Russel told a Senate hearing.

But we think as far as the government is concerned and the military leadership is concerned that they are fully on board and this is something they are working to prevent and eradicate, he said.

UN Security Council resolutions forbid arms trading with North Koreapart of the international effort to restrict sources of revenue for the isolated nations nuclear and missile programs. During junta rule, Burmas military was a key North Korean customer.

Obama, alongside the State Counselor during the Sept. 14 White House visit, announced that he plans to lift the remaining US economic sanctions and restore trade benefits to the former pariah state, following its transition to democratically elected civilian government after decades of military rule.

Republican Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado complained at Wednesdays hearing that Congress had not been consulted adequately before the decision was announced to lift the so-called national emergency with regard to Burmathe executive order used to authorize the current sanctions.

He said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who met with lawmakers during her visit, said she still supports sanctions on the military-controlled companies Burma Corporation and Burma Economic Holdings Ltd., two of the largest businesses in the country.

Russel responded that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had said that it was time to lift all the sanctionsa position she articulated in public.

Some human rights activists and congressional aides argue there are alternative legislative authorities the US could use to restrict dealings with those corporations, even after Obama lifts the emergency.
Our Favorite Trail Running Shoes

Check out our Best Trail Running Shoes article to learn about our current favorite trail running shoes!

Pearl Izumi Trail N3 Review

[Editors Note: Pearl Izumi recently announced that it would not be making running gear in 2017. Nevertheless, our tester was already wearing this shoe when the announcement was made and thinks this review could be helpful in the short term.]

Meet the gateway shoe to the maximalist realm of trail footwear. If youve been waffling about trying one of the highly cushioned shoes now securely holding court at the maximalist end of the spectrum, the Pearl Izumi Trail N3 ($135) might just be for you. While the stack height is 5mm taller in both the heel and forefoot than the previous iteration, the Trail N2, and 6mm taller overall than the Trail N1, the midsole has retained much of the firm ride for which the Pearl Izumis E:Motion series is known. This shoe is fairly lightweight for a maximum-cushioned shoe at 9.7 ounces (womens)/10.8 ounces (mens). It also features the Dynamic Offset, which is the hallmark of the E:Motion linea heel-toe drop that varies from 4mm at heel strike to 7.5mm at push off.

The excellent cushion without the boggy feel makes for a perfect shoe for those who need the enhanced protection for every day miles or long ultras with less-technical terrain. The N3 is also a great recovery-day shoe for those who typically prefer a lower-profile ride with more ground feel as it neutralizes the pounding of the run while still letting you feel fairly quick over the terrain. I have but one caveat to my glowing recommendation, which Ill discuss in the Midsole section of this review.

Im sad to see Pearl Izumi ending their Run department. With this shoe added to the E:Motion series, I feel like Pearl Izumi has done a great job of addressing the needs of a wide variety of runners with the N1, N2, and now N3 trail and road shoes.

Upper

The seamless upper of the Trail N3 retains the comfort and sock-like fit of the other shoes in the Trail series. The mesh drains effectively while still keeping dust and debris out of the shoe. I continue to use lightweight gaiters to enhance this as I do with all my trail shoes. I find these shoes to be one of the best in terms of breathability and heat management on hot summer runs. I havent had the fortune of testing these in temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit yet this year, but I assume as with the N2 I reviewed last year, theyll perform well as long as I make the correct sock choice.

As in other E:Motion models, the bonded overlays on the upper are unnoticeable even with thin socks. I found that they provide an added element of security through the midfoot as I rolled over rocks and ruts in the trail. The thinly padded tongue stays perfectly in place thanks to the lace locks that run along each side of the tongue. Though the tongue is not gusseted, no debris sneaks in because of the reinforcement of a suede-like material along the lace holes and the added layer of more tightly woven mesh along the tongue and around the perfectly padded ankle collar. Pearl Izumi continues to use my very favorite sausage laces on the market. These do not come untied whether you remembered your double knots or not.

The heel cup in the Trail N3 has a very firm structure, which is reinforced medially and laterally at the point where it joins with the posterior midsole. This provides a bit of added medial and lateral stability for your heel on the foot bed, which is helpful given the stack height of 31mm/23mm (heel/forefoot). I had no issues with my foot wanting to slide off the shoe on cambered trails. A large loop of webbing attaches at the rear of the shoe, which facilitates greater ease of donning the shoe. Its so large, however, that a big carabiner could easily fit through it to attach the shoes on the outside of your carry-on bag.

A flexible yet somewhat protective rand wraps around the entire front aspect of the roomy toe box and is reinforced by a one-inch piece of outsole that wraps up in the center of the toe of the shoe. I havent kicked too many rocks while wearing it, but the protection was adequate.

Overall, I didnt notice any significant changes in the upper as compared to the first and second versions of the Trail N and M series of shoes. This shoe continues the Pearl Izumi E:Motion lines tradition of well-designed uppers.

Midsole

Of the maximally cushioned shoes Ive tried, the Pearl Izumi N3 is my favorite out of the box. The relatively firm ride doesnt make me feel like Im losing energy vertically with every step. Though I dont feel any rocks or roots through the shoe, I still feel like I know where I am on the ground. Never once have I scuffed the sole of these shoes on a rock or root because of the size of the shoe underfoot compared to my usual trail shoes. I also havent experienced the near-ankle sprain that occurs in some maximal shoes as you tip off the side of a rock or rut. Technology-wise, Pearl Izumi again utilized the ESS Forefoot rock plate, which offers excellent protection while remaining very lightweight and flexible. This coupled with the 1:1 Energy Foam EVA midsole means that feet remain oblivious to all sorts of intrusions from trail debris and other parts of the kinetic chain enjoy the added shock absorption all day long.

I have but one complaint with this midsole, and unfortunately at 125 miles, its turning into a deal breaker for me. Though I have fairly rigid and neutral feet, the right shoe is showing distinct creases in the midsole on the posterior-medial heel region. I noticed a couple runs recently where I started to feel a bit of discomfort and strain near the tarsal tunnel on my medial ankle. Given that this is not an area I typically have any issues, I checked this shoe for increased wear. The creases were apparent, leading me to believe that somehow the midsole wasnt holding up in that region, thus increasing heel eversion on my right foot. No other shoe in my quiver displays this issue, and I dont have similar symptoms when wearing other shoes. This is a concern of mine with any truly maximalist shoe given the wide variety of gait patterns for each runner and even for one runner over the course of a long event. Whether its ones gait pattern or the durability of the shoe, its important to make sure your shoe choice facilitates pain-free running.

Outsole

The outsole of the Pearl Izumi Trail N3 is made of a new carbon-rubber compound with a similar multi-directional lug pattern found on the N2 version 3 model. Interestingly, when I compared the lugs to my N2 version 2 models (and the N2 version 3 models online), the overall size and length of the lugs appeared shorter and smaller. The lug height wasnt noticeably different. Performance-wise, I found the traction to be on par with the other Pearl Izumi E:Motion Trail models Ive worn. They provide adequate grip on most Colorado Front Range trailsespecially the buffed-out onesin normal conditions and would also excel on the slickrock trails in the Utah desert and anywhere a dirt jeep road can be found. The carbon rubber is nice and sticky for the rocks especially when not covered in wet sand or kitty-litter debris. In my experience, the N3 shoes are not deep-mud and snow shoes but that is consistent within the brand for me. One point of significant improvement from the Trail N2 version 2 model I tested late last fall is, after 125 miles in the shoes, the sole has no signs of significant wear. This was one of my primary complaints about the second version of the trail series, so props to Pearl Izumi for correcting the issue with the new carbon-rubber compound.

Overall Impressions

Truly, I think the Pearl Izumi Trail N3 is an excellent maximally cushioned shoe. I love the firm ride, the protection, and the fact I still feel aware of the ground under my feet. For 125 miles, it was my favorite recovery shoe to wear on singletrack and jeep-road runs where I was feeling a little banged up from mountain miles earlier in the week. I wish I had full faith that the midsole-durability issue I am seeing in the right shoe is just a one-time, quality-control issue, but its difficult to know. Let me know your experiences with the shoe!

Call for Comments (from Meghan)

Are you a Pearl Izumi Trail line wearer? Have you tried the Trail N3? How would you compare this version to previous versions?

What are the biggest pros and cons you have found in this shoe?

Are you experiencing any midsole-breakdown issues like our tester describes?

[Editors Note: If youre affiliated (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) with a shoe brand, please share your relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]
Increasing Enterprise Application Performance with Route Optimization

Earlier this month, I wrote a post about Stefan Weitz, a former Microsoft exec who left that company after 17 years to embark on a mission to help online retailers thrive, despite having the dominance of Amazon perpetually looming over them. In this follow-up post, I want to drill down on the vehicle he chose to accomplish that.

That vehicle is Radial, an omnichannel order management system provider in King of Prussia, Pa. Weitz serves as Radials chief product and strategy officer, and in my recent interview with him I raised the topic of a Forrester report, released in July, that included some findings that warranted a response from Radial. This follow-up post focuses on that response.

I kicked off this portion of the interview by noting that in its Forrester Wave Omnichannel Order Management report for Q3 2016, the research firm listed IBM and Manhattan Associates as the two omnichannel order management providers in its Leaders category, with Radial in a second-tier Strong Performers category that includes Oracle, SAP, and NetSuite. So I asked Weitz what Radial needs to do to break away from that pack and get into the Leaders category. He initially responded by distinguishing Radial from IBM and Manhattan:

With all respect to my friends at Forrester, who I know very well, that was done at a point in time when Im not sure we nailed the delivery. But heres the reality: For midmarket companies, say, $20 million to $500 million in online sales, there really arent many options. IBM and Manhattan are great if youre a very large corporation that wants to spend 18 months and several million dollars in [systems integration] fees to implement their software. Go knock yourself out. The reality is, our software is designed to be deployed by a midmarket company way faster. IBM will take 18 months; we will take weeks. IBM will charge you millions of dollars; our implementation fees are a teeny fraction of that.

Weitz then got into the crux of the matter:

So what we have to do, because we didnt really show up well technically in that [Forrester] evaluation, is bring together, in a better-looking interface, a lot of our functionality. Our systems are best-in-class, but they dont always look as though they operate together. So in the next couple of months, with the next turn of the crank on our systems, they will look and feel more cohesive; theyll have better centralized reporting, better user management  basically, its a feeds and speeds game at this point. The core technology that we pioneered around ship-to-store is still the best in class  no one can touch us there. Its all the ancillary pieces I think we can do better on, and thats what were working on right now.

According to the Forrester report, moreover, The [Radial] solution  excels in store fulfillment, offering best of breed for most capabilities. However, as part of the divestiture from eBay Enterprise, Radial lost the strong endless-aisle and clienteling capabilities found in the former Retail Associate platform. I asked Weitz for his thoughts there, and he acknowledged that its a tough space:

The good news there is we have just shipped out the new version of our mobile client, so we now have a spectacular mobile client for retail associates in stores. On the endless aisle and clienteling, thats a tough space right now. Magento took the Retail Associate platform with the divestiture. Magento, which was the front-end Web store side of the business, went off and did their own company. They took that Retail Associate platform with them. The reality is, I think they just recently shut it down, so Im glad we didnt have it.

Other companies out there who are doing it are having varying levels of success. We are in active conversations with a number of different partners to see how we can get something up and running there. But the reality is, its tough, and a lot of retailers havent made the leap yet to enable their associates to have those experiences with in-store customers. So I think the markets a little early at this point. That being said, I like to be ahead of the curve, and we are working aggressively on building it out. But certainly our mobile client, which just shipped out, takes us 80 percent of the way down that path.

The Forrester report also said, From a strategic perspective, Radial lags the Leaders in areas of focus, investment, and innovation, and lacks a strong network of key technology partners. I asked Weitz how he plans to address those issues in his capacity as chief strategy officer. His response:

I arrived on Feb. 1, and we had to go show Forrester all our stuff on Feb. 27. So since then, Id say Ive done my job, and we now have an extraordinarily strong strategic direction, and were building against that right now. So Im looking forward to talking to them again, when we can actually show them what weve got. But look, there was definitely a transitional time. GSI [was sold] to eBay, and then eBay wanted to sell the company and split it up. So there probably was not the greatest amount of focus on innovation during the time that we were understanding how to stand up a whole new company. It was still happening internally, a lot  Im not sure we did a great job of telling customers about it, to be really frank. And I think thats when some of our customers got that impression.

Now, I feel very good about what weve done from a strategic standpoint. Moving forward, I cant wait to show the world what weve got  especially in January, when we turn the crank on the next version of our products.

I asked Weitz what that turn of the crank is going to yield. He said it can be broken down into four main areas:

The first one is just making our system by far the easiest to deploy, easiest to configure, easiest to manage. Were looking at how to get time-to-market down, because a lot of these retailers are looking at what they want to do and say, Gosh, Id love to have omnichannel, but I just cant afford the up-front investment. I cant afford an 18-month deployment with IBM. I cant afford millions of dollars in systems integration fees. So we are looking heavily into how do we drive that down to weeks  single-digit weeks, in a worst-case scenario.

The second one is just much better business intelligence and streamlined reporting, to make sure that the retailer can look at his or her business holistically  look at all the customer data, all the orders, where theyre coming from, how to optimize their distribution networks. So having proactive, intelligent reporting is a key focus for us, as well.

The third one is just collapsing a bunch of features that weve traditionally had in separate products, into one  making it a modular, extensible system for retailers. In the old days we had a self-fulfillment product, an order-management product, a customer service product. We now have built a UI framework, and an application framework, that allows us to put all those things in the same place, and only show what people need to see, based on their role. So its just a modern software approach to the whole operation.

And the last, which is probably the most important, is enhancing our omnichannel routing capabilities  just being smarter about where to source orders from. We think we know, based on our experience and the experience of a lot of our customers, that that is the really key driver of profitability when it comes to e-commerce. Its knowing where to ship something from that minimizes cost, maximizes the customer experience, and really takes a lot of the risk out of doing e-commerce effectively. So that order-routing logic that we pioneered a long time ago, were adding a lot more intelligence to that, using the billions of data points that weve acquired over the last 10 years of operation to optimize this.

I turned back to the Forrester report, which also said, Client references noted their satisfaction with the OMS [Order Management System] itself, but felt that Radial approached the market as a solution provider, rather than as a full strategic partner. I asked Weitz what hes doing, in his role as chief strategy officer, to fix that. He said it was a fair critique, in some cases:

Weve got an amazing Client Success Team, but I think there was probably a time, maybe a few months during transition, when it was a bit rough. The good news is we brought in Steven Birdsall about a month ago from SAP as our new chief revenue officer. The Client Success Team reports up through him, and he and I are in lock-step now around how we have to go to market differently  how we have to go in as a solution provider, how we look at a customers e-commerce challenges and not sell them software. Because frankly, thats what everyones doing  everyones going in and selling more software. Retailers dont want more software. Theyve been burned  they have fatigue now around more stuff that they bought, thats not delivering the ROI that they care about.

So Steven and I are building the muscle, the technology, the service thats required to go talk with a customer and ask, Whats killing you right now? What parts of your e-commerce operation are losing you money? And Radial will fix those problems. The retailers dont care how we do it  they dont care if I have gnomes in a back room using abacuses, with fairies and unicorns flying around. All Im going to tell you is Im going to commit to delivering you zero fraud, for example  guaranteed, you have zero fraud in your business. I can do that for you. Whatever it is that you as a retailer actually want to achieve in your e-commerce operation, thats what were going to sign up to deliver. And its a combination of our software, our people, and our processes that allow us to do that effectively.

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.
5 Tips to Successfully Plan for IT Modernization

BlackBerry is apparently exiting hardware design. While this is a good decision with respect to where the company is today, it reflects on a recurring bad decision that has wiped out once dominant companies like Palm, Netscape and Commodore, and cost CEOs at IBM and Microsoft their jobs. What I think is interesting is that the lesson I see was first published (as far as I can tell) by Sun Tzu in 512 BC. Yes, we are talking about a lesson that is older than the Bible.

That lesson is simply that when attacking a larger force, you want to disrupt their battle plans; when being attacked by a smaller force, you want to dictate the form the battle will take. Whether we are talking IBM, Microsoft, Apple or BlackBerry, when each won, they won by following this battle plan. When each lost, they largely forgot it.

IBM Mainframe

Perhaps the first time I saw this lesson play out badly for IBM, the then dominant company, was with the mainframe. Now, IBM was making a number of mistakes at the time, but the biggest was to embrace the concept of distributed computing, referred to as client/server, as the new gold standard. That cratered mainframe sales rather than aggressively challenging the new model and adapting the mainframe to the new market requirements. Fortunately, the market didnt completely eliminate the platform, and this platform, now called System Z, remains one of the most powerful revenue and profit engines for the firm. But IBM dropped from dominating the segment to being a far smaller player. It is interesting to note that it took around five years before the challenging platform was even close to meeting the promises the vendors that built it had been making. Those were five years that IBM could have used to update the mainframe and create a better defense.

Zune vs. Surface

Conversely, when Microsoft initially went after the iPod with PlaysForSure, it started properly trying to use the model it was expert at to challenge Apple. But Microsoft executed badly. So it created Zune, its version of the iPod, and attempted to compete with that product using Apples approach. That resulted in an even more costly failure. With Surface, Microsoft had two initial offerings: one similar to the iPad that was ARM based and one more similar to the PC platform it dominated. The iPad-like effort failed in market and Surface was surprisingly successful. Granted, the entire tablet segment has weakened, but it largely stopped iPad intrusions into the PC market and now Apple is attempting to build a Surface-like tablet with the iPad Pro. It isnt particularly successful.

Palm/BlackBerry/Microsoft

What is interesting is that in both Palm and Microsoft, there were efforts that could have prevented the iPhones success. An internal team at Palm came up with an iPhone-like product substantially before Apple did, but Palm management concluded there was no place in the market for a consumer-focused phone and it was killed. Had they been successful, it is very likely we would still see Palm today.

Microsoft, when it was creating the Zune, had a team arguing that Microsoft needed to skip an iPod device and jump to an iPhone-like device instead, once again years before the iPhone. Steve Ballmer personally overrode them, feeling strongly that they needed to chase the iPod. In the first case, the firm didnt see what Steve Jobs saw  that the smartphone was going to kill the iPod. In the second, to be successful against Apple, it needed to go where the market was clearly going first but didnt.

For BlackBerry, instead of pushing back on the keyboard, which you could blind type on and which was far safer for those who are easily distracted (particularly kids), it tried to build an iPhone clone and effectively blessed the iPhone as a result. It could have defended with user safety, digital security, or even business-funded vs. individual-funded (these things arent cheap), but did none of the above, and that was not a winning strategy.

Embrace, Extend, Exterminate

Now there was a strategy that Microsoft developed that could actually work against a larger vendor. It was called Embrace, Extend, and Exterminate. This is what Apple did with Lotus 1-2-3 and very close to what Google did with Android against Apple, with the exception of the Exterminate step. Google is still working on that. But the Embrace step is critical. This means you do whatever it takes so that your product can seamlessly replace the other. For Microsoft, that meant allowing the Lotus 1-2-3 scripts and files to load in Office. For Android, it meant getting the same apps that Apple had to run on Android. Microsoft Office then showcased a more complete solution and this forced Lotus to respond with Symphony, which the market deemed inferior, and Lotus platform failed in market. Google embraced but never really extended and thus exists in line with Apple and hasnt been able to extinguish the platform, however, its coming blend of Android and Chrome, coupled with Apples move to emulate Surface, could result in a devastating outcome for Apple. Well see.

Wrapping Up: Sun Tzu

The translated quote from Sun Tzus The Art of War Im using is, The art of using troops when ten to the enemies one; surround him and if in all respects unequal be capable of eluding him. You dont chase a smaller enemy and you dont confront a more powerful one, yet those are the strategies more commonly used. Currently, BlackBerrys far more competent strategy is to elude Apple and partner with Google. It would likely partner with Apple if it could. While late, this showcases the right approach, which is to pick the right strategy for the specific condition. BlackBerry is now playing from its new unique strengths, management and security, and using it to enable industry standard smartphone designs for targeted business markets. Current leadership gets it but they wouldnt be in this position if past leadership had learned this lesson in a far more timely manner.

Use this event to consider that maybe Sun Tzu was pretty smart and well worth studying, or just consider that these are rules China has used very successfully. From time to time, you may want to remind your own executives of the lessons that BlackBerry and others learned the hard way so you dont have to. Trust me, learning this stuff the hard way isnt even close to being an enjoyable experience. Ask Ballmer (Microsoft ex-CEO).

I say this as Im reading rumors that Apple is creating an Amazon Echo clone and I think it will be the worlds next Zune. Ironically, this would likely make Ballmer really happy because the ghost of Sun Tzu will stop slapping him around and start focusing on Tim Cook.

Rob Enderle is President and Principal Analyst of the Enderle Group, a forward-looking emerging technology advisory firm. With over 30 years experience in emerging technologies, he has provided regional and global companies with guidance in how to better target customer needs; create new business opportunities; anticipate technology changes; select vendors and products; and present their products in the best possible light. Rob covers the technology industry broadly. Before founding the Enderle Group, Rob was the Senior Research Fellow for Forrester Research and the Giga Information Group, and held senior positions at IBM and ROLM. Follow Rob on Twitter @enderle, on Facebook and on Google+
With the recent release of Apple's new flagship device, the iPhone 7, several criticisms sprung up as a result of the absence of the much-loved headphone jack. However, thanks to the ever recurring need for human ingenuity, the man had once again tested out the limits in hopes of being able to plug a headphone into the iPhone 7 by drilling a hole on it.

Obviously, this is a big joke and that it really would just cause further damage. But on the other hand, a YouTube video proves that things can go the other way around as it uploaded a hoax video. The scary thing is that it may have convinced 10 million people that it really will work.

Tech tutorial and discussion videos are popular on YouTube, and every time Apple launches a new product or update, they grab the opportunity to do something cool with the new device.

Now, it is very evident that lots of people hate the new iPhone 7 because it doesn't have a headphone jack. Meanwhile, TechRax latches on the hype issue by making an obvious but literally nonsensical video tutorial. It drills a hole on the iPhone 7.

The narrator in the video stated that it is perfectly normal to see your brand new iPhone 7 flash out when drilling a hole on it.

"This means you're on your way to getting a brand new headphone jack," the uploader said,

The man then attempts to plug the headphone into the newly drilled hole. Surprisingly, music played out well although it is very obvious that the sounds came from the speakers itself and not from the headphones.

Taras Ukrainian who is also known as Taras Maksimuk is the one responsible for the video. He even stated that he is a master in "smashing technology for your pleasure".

With the release of Apple's new iPhone 7, things have turned out very differently as what is expected with the lack of a headphone jack. Whichever the case may be, never ever try this at home. You'll just end up wasting a whole lot of money.
A research team in Massachusetts Institute of Technology has created a device called EQ Radio, which will determine a person's emotional state using WiFi. The team, led by Prof. Dina Katabi of MIT's CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory), created the device as tool for detecting human emotions without the need for attaching body sensors.

A simple video explains how EQ Radio gathers heartbeat and breathing signals via Wi-Fi and enters the information into a machine learning algorithm. The algorithm interprets data and shows the emotional state of the person. The machine will know whether a person is happy, angry, excited, or sad and is said to have 87 percent accuracy.

The creators suggest real-life application of the device, such as audience reception of movies, detecting depression in the workplace, and the ability of home appliances like music and lights to adjust to its resident's emotional state. It can also be a helpful tool for police interrogations, court hearings, and doctor's patient evaluations.

While emotions can be detecting using the device, the team states that it can be used even for any situation where heartbeat and breathing patterns are needed.

"By recovering measurements of the heart valves actually opening and closing at a millisecond time-scale, this system can literally detect if someone's heart skips a beat," said Fadel Adib, a member of the research team. "This opens up the possibility of learning more about conditions like arrhythmia, and potentially exploring other medical applications that we haven't even thought of yet," he added.

In their research paper, a section compares EQ radio with ECG devices, and suggests that the former is more convenient for the subject as it requires no physical attachment.

EQ radio complies with the FCC regulations in terms of using signals, and only generates a range of 5.46 GHz to 7.25 GHz every 4 milliseconds. It runs on an Ubuntu 14.04 with an i7 processor and 32 GB of RAM.
Nvidia's upcoming Xavier supercomputer for self-driving cars will be based on the company's next 512-core Volta GPU. enterprises

Nvidia Xavier Self-Driving Supercomputer

Nvidia's Xavier chip will be based on the next year's Volta GPU architecture. According to PCWorld, Nvidia already unveiled the new Xavier supercomputer chip designed for self-driving cars in Amsterdam, on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the company's GPU Technology Conference.

Xavier aims to make self-driving safer. The supercomputer will allow cars to recognize images and take action based on the real-time analysis of on-road situations.

Xavier will provide unprecedented computing power. The supercomputer on a chip will power the successor of Nvidia's Drive PX 2, the current supercomputer for self-driving cars.

Xavier will feature a new computer vision accelerator and a custom eight-core CPU. According to Nvidia's blog post, with a processing power of 20 TOPS, Xavier is the most advanced chip ever built by the company. Most of the computation and processing on Xavier will be performed on an integrated 512-core Volta GPU.

Nvidia Volta GPU

The upcoming Xavier supercomputer chip hints at the graphics capabilities of the Volta GPU. The new architecture of the Nvidia graphics processing unit goes beyond 4K graphics by supporting dual 8K HDR video recording.

Nvidia explained previously that the Volta GPU will be much smaller than predecessors and will solve memory bandwidth problems. The Volta chip will also come with a speedier NVLink 2.0 interconnect that will communicate at 25 Gbps. In 2018, in the U.S. Department of Energy's Summit supercomputer, Volta will be paired with IBM's upcoming Power9 chips.

According to the website wccftech.com, details about Nvidia's Volta GPUs have been also shared by Baidu Forums. USG Ishimura, a Baidu forum member, posted information regarding the plans for Nvidia's next generation GPUs. According to him, the company will introduce Volta architecture at GTC 2017 but in the consumer section the GPU will launch in 2018.

The Volta consumer edition GPU will feature higher and faster capacity HBM2 and is rumored to support Micron/Samsung GDDR6 memory. The standard memory capacity on 256-bit cards will be 16 GB VRAM.
The United Nations made an announcement at the International Astronautical Congress. They will launch its first ever space mission in 2021. The intergovernmental organization is living up to its name and role. The said mission is a great cause for developing member nations.

The Space Mission's Goal

The said mission will be beneficial to developing nations without their own space programs. According to The Verge, the nations are given a chance to fly payloads in microgravity.

The United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Director Simonetta Di Pippo has given a statement about this. She said that they are promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space. Di Pippo shared that she's proud of dedicating an entire microgravity mission to UN member states.

She added that these nations do not have the infrastructure or financial backing. She explained that space should be more affordable to nations that don't have access to it. Di Pippo reiterated that it's the UN mission's ultimate goal. Any member can actually submit a proposal for a possible payload for the flight.

The Dream Chaser Spacecraft

The UNOOSA will be cooperating with the Sierra Nevada Cooperation (SNC). SNC's Dream Chaser spacecraft will be used in the two-week robotic mission to low-Earth orbit. According to Space, the 30-foot-long spacecraft is reusable.

Apparently, it launches vertically and lands horizontally on a runway. It a cargo-hauling craft that could also carry up to seven passengers.

An unmanned Dream Chaser has been selected recently by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It has to provide resupply and trash disposal services to the International Space Station.

The Fund For The Mission

The UNOOSA is currently looking for sponsors to fund the mission. The organization cleared that the missions are not completely pro bono to the countries. They will be asked to cover some of the costs, if they send payloads to space.
When the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus were released, rumors about the next Apple flagship started circulating. However, no information from the company has confirmed the device yet, at least not officially. As of recent news, an Apple employee has finally confirmed the existence of the iPhone 8.

iPhone 8 Leak

According to Business Insider, an Apple employee has mentioned the name of the iPhone 8 while talking about Apple's next products. Although this doesn't exactly prove anything regarding what the next iPhone will look like, this simply confirms the fact that the next flagship will be called iPhone 8 and not iPhone 7S or anything of that variant. This also indicates that the iPhone 8 is probably under development right now.

This leak was said to have come from Apple Israel. According to the report, Apple employees in Israel are responsible for the company's next new products. The leakster himself/herself is the one who solders components for Apple devices.

iPhone 8 Rumored Specs

According to a different source, Apple might be using an Edge display design and feature an all-glass look on the next iPhone. This means that the front camera, as well as the fingerprint scanner, will all be placed under the display. This isn't exactly far from what the unnamed Apple employee has described. According to the said representative, the iPhone 8 will be different from its predecessors and it would get an improvement in the camera department as well.

So fa,r the only thing that is confirmed is the next iPhone's name which will be the iPhone 8. This actually makes sense since the next device is expected to change its overall look, so a 7S label might not be appropriate. Nevertheless, the expected release date for the supposed iPhone 8 is still far ahead. So if the company decides to change its label, that wouldn't be impossible. If the company is to follow its iPhone release date tradition, then the iPhone 8 should be launched September of next year.
For the past few weeks, there has been no shortage of news regarding Google's upcoming devices. There has, however, been a disconnect between what these products actually are. From possible phones, to tablets and operating systems, the search engine giant seems to have its hands full. Nevertheless, if there is one similar factor in all the recent reports, it is that the company is hosting an unveiling event this October 4, which will clarify all rumors.

The Pixel And Pixel XL

According to Techno Buffalo, Google is definitely releasing a smartphone this year. However, it will not be the Nexus branding that the tech industry has gotten to know and grow accustomed to. Google will instead release a new brand: The Pixel.

Both the Pixel and the Pixel XL are expected to arrive with 4GB of RAM and a minimum storage space of 32GB. Furthermore, both variants will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821, which is arguably the most powerful processor in the current market. Each unit will also sport a 12 megapixel rear camera and an 8 megapixel front camera.

The only difference is that the Pixel will have a 5 inch full HD Display screen, while the Pixel XL will have a 5.5 inch QHD Display screen. The devices are also expected to sport different batteries, likely 2900 mAh and 3450 mAh batteries respectively.

The Pixel 3

As Trusted Reviews adds, however, there is likely to be another Google product that will be shown under the spotlight. Reportedly, the company is releasing a new laptop, which is expected to run on the Andromeda Operating System.

The Andromeda OS is a combination of the Android OS and Chrome OS platforms, which are both popular choices in the tech industry. As such, it is exciting to see just how Google is partnering up these two recognizable options.

However, it is unlikely that the Pixel 3 will be on sale this year. In fact, all indicators are pointing towards a 2017 release. This does not mean, however, that the public will not get to set their eyes on the unit next week.

Chromecast 4K

It was expected last year, but now might be the time that Google finally brings out an update to Chromecast that makes it 4K capable. Plenty of individuals believe that streaming Ultra HD Footage will soon be possible

Google Home

Another new product is Google Home, which was first announced at the Google I/O Developer Conference earlier this year. As such, it is also expected to make an appearance at the October 4 event.

Google Home is a voice-controlled speaker, which is poised to battle Amazon's popular Amazon Echo. Google Home will also feature the company's digital assistant, which will be capable of two-way conversation.

October 4 Google Event

There may be no confirmation regarding what will happen and what products will be unveiled at the October 4 Google event, but there is one thing for sure: Google has every possibility in its hands and the right opportunity to take it. At this point in time, Google's pending reveals are some of the remaining ones of the year, so all eyes are set on them.
According to the latest reports details have emerged about the AM4 chipsets for the upcoming AMD Zen CPUs.

AMD AM4 And SFF Chipsets

According to the website pcgamesn.com, the supporting chipsets for AMD's Zen CPUs will provide impressive overclocking support. For micro machine builds AMD will made available purpose-designed SFF chipsets.

The AM4 chipset that is set to work with all new AMD machines is code-named Promontory. The chipset has been released already in OEM form for manufacturers, like Lenovo and HP. For the normal consumer-oriented market, the AM4 chipset will not be available until the new year.

According to Planet3DNow, aside of AM4, X370, A320 and B350 chipsets that have already been mentioned, AMD will also release dedicated X300, B300 and A300 chipsets. They are specifically created for motherboards with small form factor.

AMD will create a specific line of SFF boards/chipsets, including a high-end X300 variant that is expected to contain all the features from the full ATX-scale X370 chipset,

The High-End AMD X370 Chipset

According to Guru3D, the X370 will be most high-end chipset in the line. The X in its name stands for Extreme.

The X370 chipset will support and SLI and Multi-GPU rendering Crossfire. It will feature two full x16 PCI Express slots (Gen 3.0). The high-end AMD chipset for Zen CPUs will also support overclocking.

The AMD B350 Chipset

The B in the naming of AMD B350 stands for Business. This is a mainstream more generalized chipset offering less PCI-Express lanes available and less tweaking options but yet full performance.

The leaked specs for B350 suggest the presence of 8x Gen 3 PCI-Express lanes, and additional 6 Gen 2 lanes added through the chipset. A wide variety of USB connectivity will be available. Motherboards based on the B350 chipset will offer 2 channel DDR4 memory likely working up to 2400 MHz.

The SSF/Budget AMD A320 Chipset

The A300 and A320 series cater to budget, value and small form factor products. These chipsets will provide 4 PCI-e Gen 2 lanes. A300 will be the chipset especially designed for SSF computers.
Pokemon GO Android radar ScanGO was recently updated. The app developer claims that the program is still safe from any threat of a Niantic ban.

What is ScanGO?

ScanGO is an Android third party app that scans for the mobile game Pokemon GO. Users of the app are notified of nearby Pokemon via push notifications. The app can also work in the backgrounds and informs the user if the Pokemon they want has been located.

ScanGO - Safe From Niantic Ban?

The ScanGO developer assures Pokemon GO users that their app is safe from the Niantic ban. Users of the app do not need to login and does make use Niantic's servers. The scanner can search and show Pokemon nearby in real-time. It does however, makes use of third party services. The developer also claimed the ScanGO is the only independent Pokemon GO scanner still remaining in the Android Playstore.

ScanGO Updates

Spawn points have been updated in light of the recent changes and migration implemented by Niantic. Users can save up to 1,000 spawn points in the app, simply click on the spawn point to find out the exact time in which the next Pokemon will appear.

The recent update made Despawn timers visible all the time. A Pokemon popup will also appear showing the expiration time and distance of the Pokemon. Unwanted ones can be removed from the map. The developer mentioned that app needs some work on its notification management. However, the developer has to take into account the feature's tendency to drain the phone's battery.

Problems with the phone's memory due to continued usage is still there but some improvements have been made. ScanGO users can also express their feelings to fellow users nearby using a new set of customized icons.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning against Samsung after news of some Samsung washing machines exploding.

ABC News reported that 21 people have complained to the CPSC about their machines exploding since last year. The agency said it is working along with Samsung on a possible solution to fix the issue affecting some top-loading machines made from March 2011 to April 2016.

A woman was standing next to the top-loading machine when it exploded in April 8, 2016, per the publication. She recalled the incident by saying, "It sounded like a bomb went off in my ear. There were wires, nuts, and the cover actually was lying on the floor."

A report from USA today also revealed another consumer relaying how "the whole house shook" after adding a small load to the machine.

CSPC Gives Advice How to Avoid Explosions

CPSC are advising consumers to use only the delicate cycle to wash bedding and bulky items, adding that a lower spin speed can lessen the risk of impact injuries of property damage. The company further iterated that there were no reported complaints with using the washing machine's gentler cycles.

"Affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items," Samsung said in a statement.

The lawyer representing the complainants revealed that the problem stemmed from a support rod in the top-loading machine not sufficiently holding the tub in place, allowing the rod to slide out and explode.

Samsung Faces Multiple Explosion Cases Across Their Products

Meanwhile, Samsung has recalled Galaxy 7 Note Phones after news that its batteries can overheat and explode while charging. The company has conducted a thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue. According to Time, Note 7 users can swap their existing devices for new phones regardless of the purchasing date.

As of the moment, there are 35 reported cases of Galaxy Note 7 faulty batteries and 21 complaints against exploding Samsung Washing machines. The company is currently working on solutions for affected consumers to ensure that no further incidents will happen again.

"We will provide updated information to the public as soon as possible."
Samsung Galaxy Note 7's tendency to explode may not come out as a surprise. Earlier this month, Samsung recalled 2.5 million phones to be replaced with safer units. However, this time Samsung lands in a bigger problem.

A Samsung Galaxy Note Owner in China, Hui Renjie says his newly purchased Note 7 exploded while charging. Renjie had suffered minor injuries including a burnt Macbook, Bloomberg reported.

Previous news revealed that Samsung's Chinese models of the phone were marked safe as they source their batteries from a different supplier than Note 7 models sold in other countries. This may not seem to be the case as some reports say that the recent explosion comes after another Chinese Note 7 reportedly exploded last week.

Samsung denied allegations and issued an official statement revealing that the battery technology is not responsible for the reports of previous phone explosions. Techweb obtained a statement from the tech giant saying that the previous phone was damaged because of external heating. ATL also reached a similar conclusion after investigations.

Samsung released a statement saying, "We are contacting the customer and will conduct a thorough investigation of the device once we receive it." Hui however, declined to return the device.

Samsung's fate may seem bleak for the next years to come. Canalys Research Director and an analyst said, "The issue is edging Samsung toward a 'trust crisis in China." More users have been reportedly put off because of Samsung's constant reoccurring problems. A survey conducted by iiMedia Research revealed that 51.9 percent of 12,000 users in China will definitely switch to other brands. 37 percent of them would opt for iPhone while 26 percent will choose Huwaei.

The company has been doing recalls for almost a month now saying it has recovered more than 60 percent of its Galaxy Note 7 in the US and South Korea, 57 percent from Europe. Despite explosion reports, the company will not be recalling Galaxy Note 7 in China.
Staff took up the challenge of National Breastfeeding Awareness from May 14 to May 21 by holding morning advice sessions in the antenatal clinic.

The father's role in encouraging new mums to stick with breast feeding was stressed, as the health benefits of breast milk for the baby include protecting from ear, chest and intestinal infections and diabetes.
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....
Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 51F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 51F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.

Tomorrow

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
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By TeleSur |  

Western media reports that the airstrikes were conducted by Syrian or Russian aircraft as part of an offensive launched by President Bashar al-Assad.

At least six people were killed in airstrikes on two hospitals in rebel-controlled [East] Aleppo, Reuters reported Wednesday, and the World Health Organization confirmed that both Syrian facilities are now out of service.

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned Wednesday that attacks on medical facilities constitute war crimes.

Western media has reported that the airstrikes were conducted by Syrian or Russian aircraft as part of a major offensive launched last week by President Bashar al-Assad. . . .

Via TeleSur

-

Related video added by Juan Cole:

Euronews: Aleppo is worse than a slaughterhouse  Ban Ki-moon
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

President Obama vetoed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, but Congress has for the first time in his presidency over-ridden his veto. This is a disastrous law with potentially ruinous effects on the US economy and US policy.

Individual tort suits against other countries had been forestalled by a doctrine of sovereign immunity, from which the United States and other countries also benefit. JASTA removes sovereign immunity for any state found to be practicing terrorism anywhere, apparently as defined by US court judges.

Saudi Arabia is extremely unpopular in the US, more especially on the Left, but also among right wing Islamophobes. But however appealing it is to let the 9/11 victim families sue Riyadh for the attacks, it is wrong-headed every which way from Sunday.

First of all, Saudi Arabia did not back Usama Bin Laden as of the Gulf War of 1990-1991, because King Fahd chose US troops to kick Saddams tanks out of Kuwait, and Bin Laden and al-Qaeda objected that bringing non-Muslim troops into the Arabian Peninsula was contrary to Islamic law. The Saudis therefore withdrew Bin Ladens passport and he went into exile in Sudan. Saudia put pressure on Sudan to expel him, so he returned to Afghanistan. The Saudi government was angry at and afraid of Bin Laden.

The Saudi government and most high officials are heavily invested in the US stock market and have other American investments. Anyone could have predicted that an attack like 9/11 would wipe out the value of those investments, and it did. The Saudi government was not behind them and did not know they were coming. If they had suddenly pulled a lot of money out of the market, the SEC would have known about it. People complain that George W. Bush let Saudis vacationing in Florida leave the US. But what blockhead would vacation in the US in September of 2001 if he or she knew what was about to happen? Bush was afraid there would be mob action against these innocent Saudis.

Bin Laden got his start fund-raising for the Reagan administrations jihadis (Mujahideen) in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The US was acting completely outside international law and an impartial court might well have considered the Reagan jihad against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan material support for terrorism.

Saudi Arabia will be sued, and it might well lose in court; our judges are not Middle East experts and most of them couldnt tell you the difference between a Sunni and a Shiite or a terrorist and a Salafi. A US court already found Shiite Iran complicit in al-Qaeda, which is like accusing the Unionists of Northern Ireland secretly supporting the Real IRA. American domestic institutions, including the FBI, and the courts, have often committed gross miscarriages of justice when it comes to the Middle East, out of a combination of ignorance and misplaced vindictiveness.

What country would be stupid enough to park almost a trillion dollars in the US if it thought that the courts might unfairly confiscate it? The Saudis have already said that they will take their investments elsewhere if JASTA passed.

Sovereign wealth funds are a big part of finance in todays world, and they are most at risk from this overturning of sovereign immunity.

A lot of foreign governments and concerns invest in the US or park their money here, which helps the US economy enormously. One study found that foreign multinational firms that invest in the United States are, alongside US-headquartered American multinationals, the most productive and highest-paying segment of the US economy. These firms conduct more research and development, provide more value added to US domestic inputs, and export more goods and services than other firms in the US economy.

But the vague wording of the law (one persons terrorist is another persons freedom fighter) will allow all kinds of people to sue all kinds of governments. Irish-Americans could sue the UK for injuries during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Palestinian-Americans will line up to sue Israel, and Jewish Americans will likely sue Palestine. Ukrainian-Americans will sue Russia. Old Pro-Gaddafi Libyan elites now in the US could sue France and Britain for supporting terrorist groups in Libya. Kenyan victims of the British colonial suppression of the Mau-Mau now in the US could sue Britain.

But why stop there? Why shouldnt Saudi Arabia now let Saudi citizens sue the US over US support for the Israeli squatter terrorists on the West Bank? Or what if Pakistan lets the US be sued for its unilateral drone strikes, which often kill civilians, on Pakistani soil? Or Greek courts could, on the model of JASTA, allow Pakistanis in Greece to sue the US over strikes on Waziristan.

Instilling this fear in governments (and in corporations that have any government connections) could cause a fall in Direct Foreign Investment around the world and provoke a downward spiral of the world economy.

The US benefits from having the worlds reserve currency, but those at risk of being sued may well not only take their money out of the US but denominate it in Euros or Renminbi.

And after the judgments against Saudi Arabia and the hard feelings they will create, the next time the US goes to Riyadh and says, we need your help to track down so-and-so in al-Qaeda, they might get the cold shoulder.

Bin Laden deliberately packed the 9/11 hijackers with Saudis (he had volunteers from lots of countries) in hopes of driving a wedge between the US and Saudi Arabia, to make both countries more vulnerable to terrorism. He had failed until the US Congress decided to help him succeed.

Congress has done a lot of stupid things. But this one takes the cake. Ordinary Americans will suffer for this unwise law.



Related video:

Euronews: Obama slams vote to override his veto of 9/11 legislation
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Maan News Agency |  

JERUSALEM (Maan)  Two Palestinian families in the occupied East Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina were forced to demolish their own homes for being built without licenses on Wednesday, in order to avoid the expensive demolition fines imposed by the Jerusalem municipality when its employees carry out the demolition themselves.

Between the two families, 15 Palestinians were displaced as a result of the demolitions.

Owner of one of the homes Imad Jaber told Maan he was forced to rent a bulldozer to demolish his house, after receiving an order from the municipality.

I built this house 10 years ago with my own hands, brick by brick, Jaber told Maan. I had no other choice but to demolish it myself, to avoid paying a fee of over 70,000 shekels ($18,000).

He said there was no way he could afford the fee, especially after he has paid 67,000 shekels ($17,885) in fines to the municipality over the last few years.

He said he lived with his wife and four children in the house, for which he has continuously tried to obtain a building license, but the municipality has continued to reject his application.

Meanwhile, owner of another Beit Hanina home Rami Allon was also forced to demolish his house in recent days following an Israeli court order.

He told Maan that he was injured during the demolition, when one of the houses support columns collapsed on him, causing three different fractures in one of his legs.

Allon said that he has been living in the two-storey, 340-square-meter house with his wife and seven children since 2013.

He added that the municipality ordered him to pay a 117,000 shekel ($31,098) fine when he first built the house in 2013.

He told Maan that he paid the fees in hopes that the municipality would not demolish the house, and also filed multiple appeals to the Israeli central and supreme courts against the demolition, but they rejected each appeal and ordered the demolition to be carried out anyway.

Allon noted that he owns three other houses in Beit Hanina for which he is trying to obtain building licences, and each of the houses have been incurring fines from the municipality.

In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for the Jerusalem municipality told Maan they could not confirm the case of the Jaber home due to lack of sufficient details.

However, in confirming the Allon familys case, the spokesperson said: Self demolitions occur when house owners heed legal notices and court rulings and remove building code violations independently. Specific instances of residents heeding these notices are not verified in real time, therefore we cannot comment on them.

Via Maan News Agency
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 29, 2016) - Rockcliff Copper Corporation ("Rockcliff" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:RCU) today announced that the Company has signed an option agreement dated September 20, 2016 to earn up to 100% interest in the Bur property from Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co., Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HudBay Minerals Inc. (Hudbay) (TSX:HBM)(NYSE:HBM). The Bur property hosts a high grade, zinc-rich Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposit and is strategically located nearby Hudbay's operations in the Snow Lake mining camp within the prolific Flin Flon-Snow Lake greenstone belt in Manitoba.

Rockcliff's President and CEO Ken Lapierre commented, "The Bur deposit is one of the highest grade unmined zinc-rich deposits in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake mining camp and fits perfectly with our goal of acquiring, discovering and advancing high grade metal-rich deposits in this prolific camp. Adding high grade zinc resources near our existing high grade copper resources adds excellent diversity in metals that are moving towards a world-wide shortage. Also, it is one of the most cost effective ways to achieve significant growth within a world class mining camp known for its exceptional metal grades, outstanding infrastructure and low cost electrical power. The addition of this high grade zinc deposit enhances our ability to make significant strides towards our ultimate goal of becoming the next mine finders in one of the best mining and exploration jurisdictions in the world."

The Bur property hosts the high grade zinc-rich Bur deposit, located 22km by road northeast of Hudbay's Snow Lake copper-zinc concentrator and 28km from the Town of Snow Lake, Manitoba. The property covers 86 mining claims, totalling 3,979 hectares. A report (see Bur Deposit Report below) was prepared for Hudbay in 2007. Rockcliff is treating the estimate of mineral resources in the Bur Deposit Report as a "historical estimate" under NI 43-101 and not as a current mineral resource.

Historical Resource, Bur Deposit, Snow Lake, Manitoba

Resource Tonnes Zn (%) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Indicated 1,050,000 8.6 1.9 12.1 0.05 Inferred 302,000 9.0 1.4 9.6 0.08

Notes:

CIM definitions were followed for the estimation of mineral resources. Mineral resources are estimated at a zinc equivalent cut-off of 5%. Cut-off grade was based on a zinc price of US$1.15 per pound and a copper price of US$2.35 per pound. Given the tonnage, grade and orientation of the deposit, AMEC considers the Bur Deposit to be reasonably amenable to extraction using underground mining methods. Specific Gravity measurements used to estimate the mineral resource tonnes ranged from 2.64 to 3.74 with an average of 3.16. A minimum mining width of 3m was used. Numbers may not add due to rounding Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The deposit was documented in a report dated October 1, 2007 and titled "Bur Project, Snow Lake Manitoba, Canada NI 43-101 Technical Report" (the "Bur Deposit Report"). The report was prepared for Hudbay by AMEC Americas Limited (AMEC) and was filed on Hudbay's SEDAR profile on January 31, 2008.

Historical estimates of grade and tonnage given in this Press Release are viewed as reliable and relevant based on the information and methods used at the time. They were prepared in compliance with resource definitions under NI 43-101 but must be considered only as historic resources as the Bur Deposit Report was prepared for Hudbay in 2007. Neither Rockcliff nor its Qualified Persons have done sufficient work to classify the historic estimate as a current mineral resource under current mineral resource or mineral reserve terminology and are not treating the historic estimate as a current mineral resource. The historic resource should not be relied upon. Additional work including surface geophysics, drilling and bore hole geophysics will need to be completed to upgrade the historical resource to current.

The Bur deposit is a stratiform, distal, massive sulphide deposit that occurs within a narrow turbidite assemblage of interbedded metagreywacke, metasiltstone and graphitic meta-argillite in a basinal area situated between a two granitic intrusions. The northeast striking deposit dips 60-70 degrees northwest, ranges from <0.3m up to 5m thick with a known lateral extent of approximately 4,500m. Drilling has encountered disseminated, semi-massive and massive sulphide mineralization below overburden to a vertical depth of 950m. Mineralization consists of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, galena and arsenopyrite. The Bur deposit contains up to 20% felsic or cherty nodules consisting of wall rock and late quartz fragments displaying a brecciated texture to the mineralization. The deposit remains open in all directions.

Rockcliff can earn a 100% interest in the Bur property from Hudbay by spending $3.0M in exploration over a four year period in increasing yearly expenditure requirements. The first and second year expenditure requirements are $400K and $600K, respectively. Once the 100% earn-in is complete, Rockcliff may exercise its option to own a 100% interest in the property. On exercise of the option, Hudbay will receive a 2% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty on the property. Hudbay will then have one year (the buy-back waiting period) to decide whether to buy back 70% of the property by paying Rockcliff a total of $3.0M cash over a three year period. Hudbay will also pay Rockcliff double the exploration expenditures incurred by Rockcliff during the buy-back waiting period, capped at $1.5M, if it elects to exercise its buy-back right. Upon Hudbay exercising its buy-back right, Hudbay's right to receive the 2% NSR royalty shall terminate. Hudbay and Rockcliff will then form a joint venture on a 70/30 (Hudbay/Rockcliff) basis and will be responsible for their respective pro rata share on further exploration of the property. Once a decision is made to construct a mine, Hudbay shall contribute on behalf of Rockcliff Rockcliff's proportionate share of the expenses in the form of a non-interest bearing loan, repayable in accordance with the terms of the joint venture agreement.

Ken Lapierre P.Geo., President and CEO of Rockcliff., a Qualified Person in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101, has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this press release.

About Rockcliff Copper Corporation

Rockcliff is a Canadian resource exploration company focused on the discovery, exploration and advancement of high grade metal deposits in the prolific Flin Flon - Snow Lake greenstone belt centered on Snow Lake, Canada. The Snow Lake Project, totalling in excess of 39,000 collective hectares is centered around the Snow Lake mining camp and hosts the highest grade unmined copper and zinc- rich VMS properties and a former high grade lode-gold producer. The properties include two high grade VMS NI 43-101 Resources (the Talbot deposit and the Rail deposit), two historic high grade VMS deposits (the Lon deposit and the Bur deposit), a Net Smelter Return Royalty (NSR) on the Tower property which includes the T-1 copper-rich VMS deposit and the highest grade former lode gold producer (Laguna) in the entire belt. Rockcliff also owns a zinc-silver rich NI 43-101 Resource (the Shihan deposit) in Ontario and a royalty on two gold properties in Colombia, South America.

Rockcliff is well funded with over $3.0M in its treasury and no debt.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although Rockcliff believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, exploration results, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 29, 2016) - Irving Resources Inc. (CSE:IRV) ("Irving" or the "Company") is pleased announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Irving Resources Japan GK, has secured a 62.18 sq km land position encompassing the past producing Omui Au-Ag mine and surrounding areas on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Irving recently announced the purchase of a 298 hectare (2.98 sq km) mining right, the Omui mining license (please see press release dated August 29, 2016 for further details). Provisional title transfer for this purchase has recently been received from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ("METI"), Hokkaido Bureau.

To augment its land position, Irving recently filed 17 prospecting licenses covering an additional 58.20 sq km of prospective ground in the vicinity of the Omui mine and including another past producing Au-Ag mine, Hokuryu, situated about seven km west of Omui. Applications for rights to alluvial materials were filed at the same time. Acceptance of all prospecting and alluvial applications was recently granted by METI, and a multi-step review now begins for final approval. Mitusi Mineral Development Engineering Co, Ltd ("MINDECO") is assisting the Company throughout the process.

"We are excited to acquire our second precious metals project in Japan," commented Akiko Levinson, President and CEO of Irving Resources Inc. "Our new Omui project encompasses two past producing mines, Omui and Hokuryu, each of which produced significant amounts of gold and silver in the early 1900s. Little work has been done here since. We look forward to commencing our first work program here in early October."

Irving's Omui project covers an area underlain by Tertiary aged volcanic and sedimentary rocks deposited in a rift setting situated near the north end of Hokkaido. Very young, Tertiary or perhaps Quaternary, hot spring activity locally deposited bonanza grade Au and Ag along a series of east-west trending epithermal veins. In places, high densities of sheeted, parallel veins are observed and may be related to doming caused by deep, late-stage rhyolite plugs. Such a setting is present at the world class Hishikari Au-Ag mine on the island of Kyushu, Japan.

Staff from Irving recently collected grab samples from a surface outcrop of the Omui main vein and another from a subordinate parallel vein situated immediately north. An assay of the main vein sample returned 192 gpt Au and 5,240 gpt Ag while one from the subordinate vein returned 6.9 gpt Au and 1,345 gpt Ag. Both samples display distinct bands of fine-grained silica alternating with electrum and sulfide minerals, a texture referred to as "ginguro", which is a product of fluid pulsing in a boiling hot spring environment. Vein material is also typically brecciated suggesting vigorous boiling and venting occurred at the time of its formation. Remnants of siliceous sinter terraces that formed in hot spring pools are scattered across the area suggesting very little erosion has occurred here since the time of hydrothermal activity.

Deposition of bonanza grade Au and Ag mineralization like that sampled at Omui is sometimes a product of processes associated with boiling in hot spring environments. Boiling profiles can extend to depths of over 200 m in such systems. Because of strong evidence of a vigorous boiling system, the presence of bonanza Au and Ag grades, and an apparent lack of significant erosion, Irving thinks that there is good potential for discovery of significant epithermal Au-Ag mineralization at depth at Omui and surrounding areas. To better understand this potential, Irving plans to undertake reconnaissance level prospecting and mapping across the Omui property in October.

"We are highly encouraged by bonanza grade gold and silver results recently returned from samples taken from Omui," commented Dr. Quinton Hennigh, director and technical advisor to Irving Resources Inc. "Coupled with compelling field evidence including the presence of siliceous sinter and extensive hydrothermal brecciation, we think we are at a high level in a hot spring system that experienced vigorous boiling and mineral deposition. Therefore, we think Omui has good potential for discovery of high grade epithermal Au-Ag veins."

The two grab samples discussed in this news release were submitted for assay to ALS Minerals Laboratory in Sparks, Nevada. Au and Ag were determined utilizing a 30 g charge subjected to fire assay with a gravimetric finish.

Quinton Hennigh (Ph.D., P.Geo.) is the Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Hennigh is a technical advisor and director of Irving Resources Inc.

About Irving Resources Inc.:

Irving is a junior exploration company searching for opportunities in certain countries, including Japan. Irving also holds, through a subsidiary, three Project Venture Agreements with JOGMEC for joint regional exploration programs in the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Malawi and the Republic of Madagascar. JOGMEC is a government organization established under the law of Japan, administrated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and is responsible for stable supply of various resources to Japan through the discovery of sizable economic deposits of base, precious and rare metals.

Additional information can be found on the Company's website: www.IRVresources.com.

Akiko Levinson, President & Director

Forward-looking information

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the mineral resource exploration industry as well as Irving having sufficient cash to fund any planned drilling and other exploration activities.

THE CSE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 29, 2016) - Galantas Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE:GAL) (AIM:GAL) (the Company) is, via a Northern Ireland subsidiary, a Notice Party to a Judicial Review of its planning consent for an underground mine on its property at Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

The Company has been notified of a likely extension of the time required for the hearing of the Judicial Review beyond the current 27th-29th September 2016 listing dates. It is now considered likely that, because more time may be required, the Court may look to list a continuance for early December 2016.

The Company understands that the Applicant's evidence may be heard by the end of the September listing dates. It is anticipated that the planning authorities, who, as Respondent, are defending the Judicial Review, are likely to have their defence heard at the listing in December. Pre-hearing materials have been filed with the Court and the Company stands ready to defend its planning permission, alongside the planning authorities, in a potential December listing.

Meanwhile, the Company, which holds a valid planning consent, will look to continue preparation activities on the site.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws, including amongst others, geological matters, development intentions and cash flow expectations, for the Omagh Gold project. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by Galantas in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that Galantas believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause Galantas' actual results, the performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements or strategy, including: gold price volatility; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and throughputs; mining operational risk, geological uncertainties; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; risks of sovereign involvement; speculative nature of gold exploration; dilution; competition; loss of or availability of key employees; additional funding requirements; uncertainties regarding planning and other permitting issues; and defective title to mineral claims or property. These factors and others that could affect Galantas's forward-looking statements are discussed in greater detail in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Galantas' Management Discussion & Analysis of the financial statements of Galantas and elsewhere in documents filed from time to time with the Canadian provincial securities regulators and other regulatory authorities. These factors should be considered carefully, and persons reviewing this press release should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Galantas has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this press release, except as required by law.

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.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 29, 2016) - IDM Mining Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:IDM) ("IDM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the 30-day public consultation period will commence shortly for the Red Mountain Underground Project (the "Project") draft Application Information Requirements (dAIR) document. The public comment period, managed by the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), will run from October 5, 2016, to November 4, 2016, with an EAO-led public open house in Stewart on October 12, 2016. IDM will host two additional open houses in the Nisga'a communities of Gitwinksihlkw on October 13, 2016, and Gitlaxt'aamiks October 19, 2016.

"Entering into the dAIR public consultation period is an important step in the environmental assessment of the Project," said Michael McPhie, Executive Chairman of IDM. "The EA process and regulatory review timeline remains on track for the Company, and we look forward to engaging with local and regional stakeholders in the coming weeks."

EAO has issued a formal notice of the public open house and opportunity to comment, and IDM has made this notice available to community members through publication in newspapers, as well as hardcopy and online distribution through community bulletin boards, websites, and social media.

Status of the Environmental Assessment and Engineering of Red Mountain

In addition to the Project's progress through the EA, the Company is in the process of completing more than two and a half years of environmental baseline studies that will form the foundation of the work that will be documented in the subsequent environmental assessment of the project by both BC and Canada. A Project Application report will be filed with both the BC EAO and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) in early 2017 that will meet all of the requirements of the BC and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act's.

The EA and permitting work at Red Mountain is being led by Falkirk Resource Consultants Ltd. and supported by a team of highly regarded consultants and specialists with specific knowledge and experience in all the key technical issues and environmental, socio-economic, health and cultural considerations associated with the project and the region.

Feasibility level engineering of the Project is also well underway, under the direction of JDS Energy and Mining Ltd. with support from several technical and specialist consulting engineering groups. This feasibility work includes all aspects of mine design, water and waste management, transportation, logistics, milling and processing, labor needs, scheduling, and financial analysis. A bankable level Feasibility Study (BFS) of the Project is scheduled for completion in early 2017. The BFS will also inform the content of the Application/EIS being prepared by IDM.

ABOUT IDM MINING LTD.

IDM Mining Ltd. is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The Company's current exploration and development activities are focused on precious metals in British Columbia and Yukon, with a primary focus on the high grade underground Red Mountain Underground Gold Project which has entered the BC and Canadian environmental assessment processes. Further information can be found on the Company's website at www.IDMmining.com and on the Project's website at www.RedMountainProject.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of IDM Mining Ltd.

Robert McLeod, President, CEO and Director

"Neither the 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."

Forward-Looking Statements: Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. These statements include, among others, statements with respect to the proposed exploration and development activities, and their timing, resource estimates and potential mineralization, completion of the EA Application and bankable level feasibility study. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others and in addition to those described elsewhere in this release, timing and success of future exploration and development activities, exploration and development risks, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals, permits or financing, the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade or recovery rates, of failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, of accidents, labor disputes, and unanticipated delays in completing other development activities, the risk that estimated costs will be higher than anticipated and the risk that the proposed mine plan and recoveries will not be achieved, equipment breakdowns and bad weather, the timing and success of future exploration and development activities, exploration and development risks, mineral resources are not as estimated, title matters, third party consents, operating hazards, metal prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors and general economic conditions. In making the forward-looking statements, the Company has applied several material assumptions including, but not limited to, the assumptions that: required regulatory approval, permits and financing will be obtained; the proposed exploration and development will proceed as planned; with respect to mineral resource estimates, the key assumptions and parameters on which such estimates are based; that the proposed mine plan and recoveries will be achieved, that capital costs and sustaining costs will be as estimated, and that no unforeseen accident, fire, ground instability, flooding, labor disruption, equipment failure, metallurgical, environmental or other events that could delay or increase the cost of development will occur, and market fundamentals will result in sustained metals and minerals prices. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.
VANCOUVER, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX: NDM; NYSE MKT: NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") reports that its 100%-owned US-based Pebble Limited Partnership ("Pebble Partnership" or "PLP"), owner of southwest Alaska's Pebble Project, has capped its legal fee exposure to conclude litigation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") under the Federal Advisory Committee Act ("FACA").

In September 2014, the Pebble Partnership initiated legal action in federal district court in Alaska charging that EPA violated FACA due to its close interactions with, and the undue influence of, anti-mining activists in developing the Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment ("BBWA") study and with respect to its unprecedented pre-emptive 404c regulatory action under the Clean Water Act. In November 2014, a US federal court judge granted the Pebble Partnership's request for a preliminary injunction in the case, forbidding EPA from taking any further steps to finalize its CWA 404c veto of the Pebble Project, and signalling that PLP has a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on the merits of its case.

Should PLP prevail in its FACA litigation, Northern Dynasty expects that EPA would be unable to proceed with any proposed veto of the Pebble Project that relies upon the BBWA as an administrative record.

"The significance of today's announcement is we now have certainty that Northern Dynasty will have the financial and professional resources necessary to pursue its legal case against EPA to a final conclusion," said Ron Thiessen, President and CEO.

"While it's never possible to guarantee legal outcomes, we have long held that the evidentiary basis for us to prevail in our litigation against EPA is well established. From the tens of thousands of pages of communication, memos and reports obtained under discovery and the Freedom of Information Act, and from the deposition of key government employees, it's now clear that EPA's frequent, intensive and ongoing engagement with ENGOs and anti-mining activists in planning and executing its BBWA study and CWA 404(c) strategy occurred in violation of federal laws intended to provide for open, honest and transparent decision-making."

In addition to running afoul of FACA, Thiessen said evidence compiled for the lawsuit makes it clear that EPA had determined to veto the Pebble Project before undertaking any scientific inquiry, and developed the BBWA solely for the purpose of justifying its pre-determined position.

"We have every confidence these facts will be validated at trial, and EPA's ability to use a severely flawed BBWA report to justify its pre-emptive regulatory action at Pebble will be stayed," Thiessen said

Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Partnership are represented by respected international law firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP ("Steptoe"), which for more than seven decades has been acknowledged as a leader in litigation and advocacy in Washington DC. Steptoe and PLP have agreed to cap legal fees related to the FACA suit and other ongoing legal matters at US $1 million to the point at which motions for summary judgment in the case have been fully argued to the court and are ripe for adjudication, expected to be January 2017.

Based on an agreement reached by the parties in August 2016, as well as previous agreements, Steptoe will be due a success fee payment upon prevailing in the FACA litigation or arising from other positive outcomes. Thiessen said the firm's willingness to cap its legal fees at $1 million reflects its confidence in Pebble's FACA case.

Notwithstanding the new fee arrangement, PLP remains interested in a resolution to its impasse with EPA that forestalls litigation.

"Either way, we have every confidence that we will prevail and Pebble will ultimately move forward to initiate the Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") process under the Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act unencumbered by any extraordinary development restrictions as proposed by EPA," he said.

About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset is the Pebble Project in southwest Alaska, USA, an initiative to develop one of the world's most important mineral resources.

Ronald W. Thiessen

President & CEO

Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of the ultimate size, quality or commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project or of the Company's future performance or the outcome of litigation. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward looking statements include the following: the Pebble Project will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and development of the Pebble Project will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. The likelihood of future mining at the Pebble Project is subject to a large number of risks and will require achievement of a number of technical, economic and legal objectives, including obtaining necessary mining and construction permits, approvals, licenses and title on a timely basis and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, the final outcome of any litigation, completion of prefeasibility and final feasibility studies, preparation of all necessary engineering for surface or underground mining and processing facilities as well as receipt of significant additional financing to fund these objectives as well as funding mine construction. Such funding may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms or on any terms at all. There is no known ore at the Pebble Project and there is no assurance that the mineralization at the Pebble Project will ever be classified as ore. The need for compliance with extensive environmental and socioeconomic rules and practices and the requirement for the Company to obtain government permitting can cause a delay or even abandonment of a mineral project. The Company is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
JURIST Guest Columnists Greg Barns of RMIT University Graduate School of Business and Law and Anna Talbot of Australian Lawyers Alliance discuss the need for improved policies regarding refugees in Australia

On Tuesday Australias Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, stood in front of world leaders and claimed his governments refugee policy was the best in the world. But many people in Australia will tell you that Mr. Turnbulls boasting was misplaced. Over the past decade Australia has pursued an expensive, inhumane policy that has inflicted suffering on thousands of desperate people who have been detained in hell holes in Australia and offshore.

In fact, our country has spent, and is continuing to spend billions of dollars detaining and further traumatizing refugees and asylum seekers for years once they show up on our doorstep. Asylum seekers dont come to Australia anymore. Boats carrying these vulnerable people are turned around in international waters, in direct contravention of international law. Increasing levels of governmental secrecy seek to distance our population from the inhumanity that we inflict.

Australias policy is based on deterrence, building on 15 straight years of fear mongering and demonization of the worlds most vulnerable by Australias political elite. In 2001, the children overboard affair ushered in a new era of lies, which would come to characterize policy around asylum seekers and refugees. The then-Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, accused asylum seekers of throwing their children off the boat they were on in an effort to manipulate Australian authorities into offering assistance. The asylum seekers were in fact trying to ensure that their children were safe. The boat was sinking beneath them. A few months prior to this disgraceful episode Mr. Howard had refused entry into Australian waters of a cargo vessel, the Tampa, which had rescued asylum seekers whose boat was sinking.

We have spent $A9.6 billion over the past three years on our refugee policy. It consists of an immigration detention system that includes two offshore detention centers on the impoverished Pacific Island nation of Nauru and on Manus Island, off the coast of Papua New Guinea, mandatory onshore immigration detention, and turning back asylum seeker boats (usually to countries where the occupants face persecution, torture and even death). UNICEF [PDF] estimates that Australia spends at least $A400,000 detaining each individual asylum seeker in offshore detention each year. It costs less than half that to detain a single prisoner. Then there is the disastrous deal with Cambodia, where the Australian government handed over $A40 million in aid to that nation in exchange for four, yes four, asylum seekers being resettled there.

What do Australians get for their money? On Nauru and Manus Island, it causes immeasurable damage. A cache of more than 2000 incident reports known as the Nauru Files was recently released by the Guardian newspaper. It details terrifying levels of despair. Threats of self-harm are reported on a near weekly basis. Actual self-harm, including suicide attempts, are reported nearly as regularly. Sexual assault of children is rife, with numerous reports of guards and others touching young girls. One child described how someone had cut me from under, pointing to the vagina area of a cut out doll to further clarify what had happened to her. Another child reported being handed a sexually-explicit note by a local guard. The note is reproduced [PDF] in the incident report. In child-like lettering, it invites the recipient to come and kiss my pins; come and gigey xxx; come and kiss my botm.

Asylum seekers also face threats in their host communities. A number of women on Nauru have been violently raped. Children have been sexually harassed by local children and guards. Men in Papua New Guinea have been brutally beaten. Some fear that if they report a crime against them, they will be targeted by perpetrators in the local community, or that it will affect their asylum application. So there may be many more incidents of abuse that are not recorded.

There have also been deaths. One man died in a riot on Manus Island in February 2014. The inquiry [PDF] that followed said that the events were eminently foreseeable. Locals entered the center and assaulted detainees. Non-essential staff fled. Asylum seekers and refugees were on their own, and a 23-year-old asylum seeker lost his life, beaten to death.

Another man detained on Manus Island died of septicemia in August 2014. A rash on his leg was allowed to fester, in the face of increasingly urgent demands from doctors that he be flown for essential treatment, first to Port Moresby and then to Australia. Resistance and delays on the part of the Department meant that, by the time he finally landed in Brisbane, he was probably already brain dead.

This year, Nauru saw two self-immolations. One of these people, a male refugee, died. Again, there were delays in evacuating him to Australia for medical treatment, which his wife believes caused his death.

Accounts of rape are terrifying. An epileptic woman was raped in the midst of a seizure on Nauru, becoming pregnant as a result. Rather than respond to such horror with compassion, the Minister for Immigration sought to fly the woman concerned to Papua New Guinea (where abortion is illegal) for the termination that was medically necessary, due to the womans mental state and epilepsy. Her advocates were required to get a court order earlier this year to stop the Minister from forcing her to undergo the procedure in a country completely unequipped to meet her medical needs.

The Australian Human Rights Commission last year released a report detailing the physical and psychological impact of this ongoing detention on children. The President of the Commission, Gillian Triggs, was complemented for the quality of the reports data when she was at the United Nations. No other country had produced such a compelling document on the impact of detention on children. Of course, no other country could. Australia is unique in the lengths it will go to in its worlds best asylum seeker deterrence policy.

Some health workers in these facilities have disclosed what they have seen in an attempt to stop the damage and mistreatment. Paul Stevenson specializes in helping people live after experiencing trauma. He has attended all major Australian disasters over the last four decades, including a massacre, a tsunami and a bombing. Confronting trauma every day for nearly half a century, however, Stevenson describes what he confronted in Nauru and Papua New Guinea as the worst he has seen. He lost his job after he came forward.

Dr. Peter Young, a former psychiatrist in detention facilities, has given evidence [PDF] to the Australian Human Rights Commission that detention causes mental illness. He revealed significant levels of mental illness among children in a report he provided to the Department. The Departments response, rather than seeking to make children safer, was to ask for the relevant figures to be withdrawn from the report. Dr. Young told the Commission that medical recommendations were being overridden by the Department at a concerning rate. His phone records were later reviewed by the Australian Federal Police due to suspicions he was sharing confidential information.

Australias policy of deterrence has focused on stifling these voices, rather than responding to their concerns. Last year, it became illegal under Australian law for any workers in immigration detention facilities to talk about what they had seen. The penalty is now two years in prison. Doctors have said they are concerned about the impact of this law on their ability to care for detainees. While the government has said it is not the intention to interfere with the work of medical staff, the law is clear.

This is just a selection of the inhumanity that this worlds best policy is inflicting. There is no end to the astonishingly cruel lengths Australia will go to, to deter requests for help.

Strong borders are not what is required for public acceptance. It is strong leadership that we need, and it has been sadly lacking on both sides of Australian politics for at least 15 years. Australia now has the dubious reputation of having exported the most inhumane refugee systems in the world. This is not something to boast about, Mr. Turnbull.

Australias is not a policy to replicate. It is a policy to condemn. The worlds asylum crisis will not be solved by inhumanity and cruelty. It requires kindness and generosity. Imagine the good that could be done if Australias budget for cruelty could be redirected to helping people in desperate need.

Greg Barns is a barrister and lecturer in Jurisprudence at RMIT University Graduate School of Business and Law in Melbourne Australia. He is also a former National President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, a leading human rights advocacy group.

Anna Talbot is Legal and Policy Adviser with the Australian Lawyers Alliance. She has previously worked as a solicitor and as an advocate at the United Nations for Amnesty International.

Suggested citation: Greg Barns & Anna Talbot, Australia Spends Billions Causing Untold Damage to Refugees, JURIST  Dateline, September 28, 2016, http://jurist.org/hotline/2016/09/Barns-Talbot-australia-refugees.php.

This article was prepared for publication by Alix Ware, an assistant Editor for JURIST Commentary. Please direct any questions or comments to her at commentary@jurist.org
California Governor Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed [press update] legislation [AB 2466 fact sheet, PDF] clarifying felons voting rights. The law now clarifies that those sentenced under the third category of Criminal Justice Realignment Act of 2011 [AB 109 and 117]a term in county jailare not stripped of their constitutional right to vote and confirms that only those serving a state-prison sentence or on parole and under California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [official website] supervision lose the right to vote. Bill sponsor Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) said the legislation is expected to ease the transition back to society and reduce recidivism.

Voting rights of convicted felons are a controversial issue. In June The Iowa Supreme Court upheld [JURIST report]] a state law forbidding convicted felons from voting, even after serving their sentences. Also in June Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit challenging an executive order by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe restoring the voting rights of certain felons [JURIST report]. In February the Maryland Senate overrode a veto by Governor Larry Hogan to pass a bill that will allow felons to vote [JURIST report] before they complete parole or probation.
[JURIST] The US Congress [official website] on Wednesday overrode US President Barrack Obamas [official website] veto of a bill that would allow the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia. Obama vetoed [JURIST report] the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) [text] last Friday, stating that such a bill violates international standards of foreign sovereign immunity and may set a dangerous precedent for allowing the US to be held liable by foreign private courts. Obama has stated [Guardian report] that, though voting against the bill may appear to be a vote against 9/11 families, the decision is necessary to uphold US national interests. Nevertheless Congress voted overwhelmingly against Obamas veto, with the Senate voting 97-1 and the House voting 348-77. Supporters of the bill have argued that such a bill gives terrorist victims their day in court and only holds sovereign nations liable should they have any responsibility for a terrorist attack inside US borders. This is the first veto overridden during Obamas presidency. Obama and White House representatives responded to the decision with disappointment.

The White House Press Secretary Paul Earnest announced earlier this month that Obama intended to veto the bill, shortly after the bill was approved [JURIST reports] by the US House of Representatives. The Act was approved [JURIST report] by the Senate in May. In 2012 a US District judge dismissed a motion [JURIST report] to reinstate Saudi Arabia as a defendant in a civil compensation lawsuit by victims against the perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The claim against Saudi Arabia was dismissed in 2008 by a US Appeals Court due to insufficient evidence that the Kingdoms princes has actual knowledge that their money was going to be used in the attacks. In 2005 Judge Richard Casey dismissed [JURIST report] Saudi Arabia, its defense minister and its ambassador to the UK as defendants in litigation stemming from the terrorist attacks, ruling that all had sovereign immunity [Cornell LII backgrounder].
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) [official website] on Thursday dismissed [decision; press release] the complaints of two individuals who were found liable for the 1998 Omagh bombing [BBC backgrounder]. The Belfast High Court had found that Liam Campbell and Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt were civilly liable for perpetuating the bombing. They appealed to the ECHR arguing that their trial was unfair because the court should have applied criminal, rather than civil standards of proof. At issue for the plaintiffs was their inability to cross examine FBI agents whose testimony was relayed to the court. The ECHR dismissed the complaint in a final, binding decision.

The fight to establish responsibility for the bombing has been ongoing. The Belfast High Court in 2008 heard arguments [JURIST report] in a civil lawsuit against five suspected Real IRA members accused of involvement in the deadly 1998 Omagh bombing, in which a car loaded with explosives killed 29 people and wounded 220 on a busy shopping street. In 2009 the Belfast High Court found [JURIST report] four men, including McKevitt and Campbell, and the Real IRA responsible for the Omagh bombing in a civil case brought by victims families. In 2010 the Irish Special Criminal Court dismissed [JURIST report the case against the only man criminally convicted for a role in the 1998 Omagh bombing, finding that the evidence against Colm Murphy was not strong enough to support the conviction
The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit [official website] ruled [opinion, PDF] Wednesday against a New Hampshire law banning electronic devices in the ballot booth, making way for individuals to take selfies when voting. The court held that New Hampshires HB 366 [materials], which prohibited individuals from making their marked ballots known to other individuals, is unconstitutional. The legislation later amended to state, This prohibition shall include taking a digital image or photograph of his or her marked ballot and distributing or sharing the image via social media or by any other means. As a result, individuals were guilty of violating the bill if they took selfies while voting. The state argued the provision was to uphold the election process to prevent election intimidation. The appeals court held:

Digital photography, the internet, and social media are not unknown quantitiesthey have been ubiquitous for several election cycles, without being shown to have the effect of furthering vote buying or voter intimidation. As the plaintiffs note, small cameras and digital photography have been in use for at least 15 years, and New Hampshire cannot identify a single complaint of vote buying or intimidation related to a voters publishing a photograph of a marked ballot during that period. Indeed, Secretary Gardner has admitted that New Hampshire has not received any complaints of vote buying or voter intimidation since at least 1976, nor has he pointed to any such incidents since the nineteenth century.

The First Circuits decision upholds a lower court ruling that had also struck down the ban on selfies.

As the election draws close, voting rights are becoming a contentious issue. A judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois granted [JURIST report] a motion on Tuesday blocking Illinois from allowing voter registration on dlection day in the states most populated counties. The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on Friday struck down [JURIST report] a procedure implemented by the Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted that effectively eliminated inactive voters from registration rolls if they failed to respond to letters requesting confirmation of their status and addresses. Advocacy groups last Thursday filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] challenging the redrawn boundaries for North Carolinas congressional seats.
[JURIST] The Supreme Court of India [official website] ruled Wednesday that an Italian marine under investigation for murdering two Indian fishermen may stay in Italy pending a determination of where jurisdiction lies in the matter. Salvatore Girone, another marine involved in the 2012 incident, was allowed by the court to return to Italy [JURIST report] in May under similar circumstances. Massimiliano Latorre, the marine involved in Wednesdays ruling, returned [NYT report] to Italy in 2014 seeking medical treatment following a stroke. The court has stated that the two marines must await a decision from the Permanent Court of Arbitration [official website], which will determine what court has jurisdiction over an event that technically occurred in international waters. Though tensions have grown between Italy and India over the ongoing matter, the Italian foreign ministry praised the courts recent decision.

The Enrica Lexie Incident took place in 2012 when two Italian marines, Girone and Latorre, shot and killed two Indian fishermen [DNA India report], Ajesh Binki and Valentine, believing them to be pirates. The killing sparked international controversy and also created questions regarding jurisdiction. Last year the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ordered India [order, PDF] to suspend the trial [JURIST report] of the two Italian marines. In July of last year the India Supreme Court heard [Reuters report] a plea from Italy challenging Indias jurisdiction. In 2012 Rome compensated the victims families with $190,000, and the families dropped their cases against the marines, but the state did not follow suit.
[JURIST] Israels Supreme Court [official website] on Wednesday unanimously rejected an appeal by former prime minister Ehud Olmert attempting to shorten his sentence for accepting bribes. The court, taking into account both the severity of the sentence and the conviction, upheld [Al-Monitor report] Olmerts sentence but also rejected an appeal from the prosecution appealing Olmerts acquittal in another matter as well as a call for a harsher sentence [JTA report]. The ruling means that Olmert will serve a total of 27 months in prison.

Earlier this year an Israeli court extended [JURIST report] Olmerts 18-month jail sentence by one month. Olmert was sentenced to serve five months for obstruction of justice concurrently with the sentence for bribery charges and one additional month consecutively [BBC report], totaling 27 months. Olmert was convicted in March 2014 and sentenced [JURIST report] to six years imprisonment on several charges dealing with bribery. His sentence was postponed [JURIST report] pending the appeal of his conviction. Olmert was accused of accepting money to promote a real-estate project in Jerusalem when he was mayor and the countrys trade minister. He was forced to resign in 2009 amid the bribery charges, but has always denied any wrongdoing on his part.
[JURIST] Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag [official official, in Turkish] said [NTV report] Wednesday that approximately 32,000 people have been arrested in relation to the recent coup attempt, and 70,000 have been questioned. Bozdag indicated the country will have to build more courts in order to try those accused in the coup attempt. Construction has already begun on a new courthouse [Reuters report] near Ankara. The Justice Minister also noted that the US is expected to cooperate with the extradition of Pennsylvania-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

The aftermath of the failed coup attempt continues as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed [JURIST report] that those involved in the coup would pay a heavy price. Last month a group of human rights experts for the UN called upon [JURIST report] Turkeys government to uphold its international human rights obligations, despite declared emergency following failed coup. Also last month an Istanbul court issued an arrest warrant [JURIST report] for Gullen on charges of orchestrating the attempted coup. Also last month Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjrn Jagland traveled [JURIST report] toTurkey to meet with a variety of Turkish officials to urge for respect for the rule of law. In July Amnesty International condemned [JURIST report] Turkeys decision to issue arrest warrants for 42 journalists. Also in July Erdogan ordered[JURIST report] the closure of thousands of private schools, charities and other institutions.
Lotus Bakeries, the Belgium-based snacks maker, has drawn up plans to build a factory in the US to produce its flagship Lotus Biscoff biscuits.

The company said it was considering setting up the facility in Mebane in North Carolina. Talks with local officials are at a well-advanced stage, Lotus Bakeries said today (29 September). Construction would start in the first half of next year, with the production scheduled to get up and running in 2019.

Lotus Bakeries said earlier this year sales of the caramelised biscuits were growing quickly in the US. In another move to meet growing demand, Lotus Bakeries has decided to build another production hall in Belgium.

CEO Jan Boone said the US factory would be the first time the company had produced Lotus Biscoff biscuits outside its home country. Having a Lotus Biscoff plant in the United States is a milestone for our company, Boone said.

Last month, Lotus Bakeries reported higher first-half sales and earnings, helped by organic growth and by its recent acquisition activity in the UK.

In December, the company bought UK business Urban Fresh Foods, the owner of the Bear and Urban Fruit brands.

Last August, Lotus Bakeries acquired a majority stake in Natural Balance Foods, the UK firm behind snack bar brands Nakd and Trek for GBP60m.
Boca Raton, FL, USA, 09/29/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/

There can be a lot of money at stake in a vehicle accident case so it pays to fully investigate the cause of the accident. Insurance companies aggressively defend personal injury cases and will try to find facts that will justify a denial of liability or a reduction in damages. Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne says that getting the total picture of an accident can be key to the success of a negligence lawsuit in a video available on YouTube.

One reason why you should not delay in contacting his car accident law firm after an accident is that critical evidence can be lost over time. An investigation is very important in a South Florida car accident case for many reasons, one is that some evidence can go away due to the passage of time, adds car accident injury attorney Osborne.

 His office obtains the police report to see if there were any witnesses, and then contacts them to talk to them and get their perspective on the accident. His staff tries to get their cooperation and get them to agree to complete an affidavit as soon as possible because memories fade over time.

 Whenever possible someone will go to the scene of the accident and take photos. As more time passes, road conditions may change and the road itself and the surroundings may change.

 When someone is on the scene an investigator will also look to see if there are any nearby closed circuit security cameras. As time passes its more likely that a video of the accident will be erased so acting quickly may be able to save what could be critical evidence. It could provide favorable, independent evidence of how a crash happened.

If there are no witnesses other than the parties involved,

 To help piece how the accident occurred Osborne says his car accident law firm looks to the police report, which should contain a diagram showing the point of impact on both vehicles.

 The damage done to the vehicles also tells a story. If a driver makes a turn across a clients straight path of travel and the damage is on the front of the other persons car that is direct physical evidence that they have just pulled out in front of the client. This would be a form of physical evidence that attorney Osborne could use in proving fault.

One type of case that requires investigation is an accident that occurs because a driver is traveling the wrong way. There could be many reasons why someone is driving into traffic. A driver could be,

 Distracted and in a hurry,

 Impaired by drugs, alcohol, a health condition or age, or

 Confused due to poor lighting, poor signage or weather conditions.

Though liability for the other driver in these situations should be clear cut, if an investigation finds he or she was intoxicated at the time there could be liability for a bar or restaurant who served the person drinks under Floridas dram shop laws.

If you or a family member have been injured in a vehicle accident in Miami-Dad, Broward or Palm Beach Counties and have any questions about accident law, contact Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne at (561) 800-4011 or fill out this online contact form. You can discuss your case, how the law may apply and your best legal options to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your injuries.

Press Contact:

Personal injury lawyer Joseph Osborne

561-800-4011

source: http://www.oa-lawfirm.com/investigations-make-break-lawsuit-says-boca-car-accident-lawyer-joe-osborne/

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COUNCIL BLUFFS  Donald Trump is back on offense.

The combative New Yorker, who found himself playing defense in much of his first presidential debate, came out swinging Wednesday in this Iowa city, accusing Hillary Clinton of being both corrupt and incompetent and questioning how she escaped criminal charges in her email controversy.

The Republican also rejected the idea that he lost Mondays debate, saying he won in a landslide. However, he cited several online Internet polls that others  including Fox News  consider questionable.

Finally, Trump said he had some of the smartest supporters in this election.

People dont know how smart you are. These are the smart people. These are the smart people. And  I never like to say it, but I say it  Im a smart person, Trump said. We have the smartest people. We have the smartest people. And they know it.

Trump appeared at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in tow. About 1,200 people gathered for the mid-afternoon rally that was announced a day earlier, after an Ottumwa, Iowa, event was scrapped.

It was Trumps second visit to Iowa this month. Iowa is considered a key battleground state, and numerous polls have consistently given Trump a single-digit lead in the state. However, Clinton is also contesting Iowas six electoral votes, and she was set to hold her own rally today in Des Moines.

Visits by Trump and Clinton to the Hawkeye State come as early voting gets underway in Iowa. It was a fact noted by Trump, who urged his supporters to vote. He argued that if he didnt win, their movement to take back this country would essentially be meaningless.

This movement will be a wonderful thing to read about some day, but otherwise (without a win) this wont mean a damn thing, Trump said.

Trump has embarked on a series of rallies since Mondays debate, which both polls and political pundits said Clinton won. The idea that he may have lost clearly rankled Trump, who brought it up a couple of times during his 45-minute speech.

He argued that several online polls showed him winning by a landslide. However, several media organizations have questioned those unscientific polls, which allow people to vote multiple times.

Even Fox News, which is considered friendly territory for Trump, cautioned its staff members on Wednesday against relying on those online polls to bolster Trumps argument.

Im winning by massive margins in some cases. One was 80 percent to 20 percent. And then you have to sit back and you have to hear how those polls dont mean anything, said Trump, who appeared to be upset at the Fox News directive.

A traditional poll conducted by CNN showed that 62 percent thought Clinton won.

A good chunk of Trumps speech in the Bluffs was aimed at Clinton. He criticized her on several fronts, arguing that she was the globalist candidate who would support international trade arguments that would end up costing jobs in America.

He also noted that she failed a bar exam in Washington, D.C., as a young attorney, citing that as proof of her incompetence.

And he repeatedly questioned how she never had to face criminal charges for using a personal email server in her basement while she was secretary of state and then deleting 33,000 emails.

Im so disappointed with the people in Washington for allowing her to get away with this, Trump said. Im so disappointed when they say there is nothing they can do.

A federal investigation was launched in connection with Clintons emails. However, FBI Director James Comey later announced that no charges would be filed, saying no reasonable prosecutor would bring a criminal case based upon the facts.

Clinton wasnt the only politician who was the target of Trumps ire. He also criticized Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Clinton.

Protests are mostly peaceful, though there are some harsh words, gestures

Sanders has endorsed Clinton, and he campaigned with her Wednesday. Trump suggested that many of Sanders supporters would instead support him in the Nov. 8 election. He also said Sanders decision to back Clinton would damage his legacy.

Bernie Sanders could have gone down as a great, great man. (But) when he made that deal, it was over, Trump said. If he had not made that deal, he would have been legendary.

The crowd at the event was enthusiastic. Rallygoers frequently broke into chants of lock her up, or yelled that they loved Trump.

Several said they liked that Trump speaks his mind. And for some, this was not their first Trump rally.

Wednesdays event was the third rally for Tracie DeNeui and Shawn Rorie of Council Bluffs, who are getting married next week. They said they had been hoping that Trump would run for president since the 2012 election.

Rorie, who owns BAT Logistics, a transportation company in Council Bluffs, said Trumps tax plan would allow him to hire five people or give much larger bonuses.

DeNeui questioned polls that say Trump isnt doing well with women. The women I know are for Trump ... no ones called us, she said.

Gary Hylen of Omaha likes Trump. Hes concerned about the costs of health care, particularly after Blue Cross Blue Shield pulled out of the Nebraska insurance marketplace.

He said Trumps ideas are Reaganesque in a lot of ways.

World-Herald staff writer Roseann Moring contributed to this report.
BlackBerry's headquarters in Waterloo, Ont. is shown on Wednesday June 22 , 2016. BlackBerry addicts are notoriously loyal, but even they will have a hard time sticking by their beloved device now that BlackBerry Ltd. is outsourcing production, say observers who admit to being diehard users themselves. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo Lima
Art Ruddock, 94, who served with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, Second Division, during the Second World War, has been awarded the Legion of Honour medal by the French government.
Members of the RCMP are seen outside the Western Forest Products mill in Nanaimo, B.C., on April 30, 2014. The wife and daughter of a man killed in a shooting at a Vancouver Island mill held each other and cried Wednesday as a jury found the man's attacker guilty on four charges. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Would you leave your bank account details along with your passwords on a slip of paper attached to the front door of your house? Hopefully not.

Most of us take security quite seriously. We all lock the doors and windows in our houses at night or when we go out. We put precious items somewhere safe, we set alarms, we even have dogs.

This is defined as multi-layered security. Yet, with all these precautions, we still dont take our security for granted. We are careful about letting strangers into our homes, we keep our handbags and wallets close to our person. We keep our keys safe and we are conscious of disclosing personal information. Why? Because we know these bad guys can find ways in to our homes and lives that we didnt think of. So, we put security systems in place and we watch our own behaviour.

Why then, does the same not apply to the security of our computers? For some of us, the information contained on our computers is very valuable indeed, our bank details, identity information, photos, documents, the list goes on. If you run a business on it, its value shoots up and up. Intellectual property, in addition to client and financial data is the lifeblood of any organisation. If that stuff gets stolen, goes missing or is exposed we are left financially vulnerable, possibly unable to work and potentially liable to prosecution. Whether your data is on hand-written notebooks or in the cloud, you need to keep it safe. So a little bit like our home, we lock the doors, set alarms, get a Doberman and behave in a responsible manner? No, the reality is, when it comes to our computers, we dont do any of that.

Any unsecured computer attached to the internet, is like a house left with the door wide open. Add an uninformed user, and you are broadcasting an open invitation to the bad guys.

Now, this might sound a bit sensationalist, but the truth is that were not just talking about viruss or a bit of malware that might slow your machine down. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of individuals and small businesses, in Kilkenny, that have fallen victim to cyber-crime in 2016. A study was done in the UK that estimated the number of small businesses that have been attacked is as high as 80%. And thats only whats been reported. Not a lot of businesses want you to know they were hacked. It would be naive of us to think our own numbers werent similar.

Gavin Dixon is the managing director of Business I.T. Solutions here in Kilkenny. BITS work closely with many businesses and individuals in Carlow, Kilkenny and beyond. Cyber-crime is becoming a daily factor in their line of work and he had this to say: Network security has always been important. However, since the beginning of this year, we are seeing an average of a client a week experiencing a direct attack on their business servers and computers. Whether access is by social profiling through email or on the phone, or direct attacks on the network, only with robust back-ups and security on the networks are we able to prevent or recover from these attacks. He further goes on to say that the numbers of home users coming to them, desperate for help as they realise they have unwittingly given a cyber-criminal access to their PC, laptop or tablet, has shot up. The profile of the victim is indiscriminate. They dont care who they are stealing from. The methods they use to get in to steal money or data, is constantly changing and evolving. Says Gavin. People need to take this seriously. Its not a new concept, the idea of hacking/attacking a computer, but the number of incidents are definitely on the rise and the seriousness of the crimes is also increasing. They will either steal money directly from your bank accounts, or they will hold you to ransom for your data. Either way its expensive, and seriously disruptive. There is a lot an individual can do to be safer but they need to be informed.

The reasons for this dramatic increase is two-fold. Firstly, it yields money  this type of crime paysand it pays big! Not only that, the criminal doesnt even have to leave his/her bedroom. The second reason is that the home-owners (just to stick with the analogy) only close the doors  not a dead bolt in sight. In addition, sometimes when the criminal talks nice at the door, we let him in and give him the keys to the safe. In short, its a soft and lucrative crime with detection rates on the floor!

Now this might all sound a bit simplistic but many reading this article will have had experience of being phoned and convinced by the person on the phone that they are from the phone company, or some software providers that you use, and convince you to open your pc. While you are busy clicking here and clicking there, they are having a wild time in the background. They might be stealing data right then and there, or they might be planting a piece of malware to allow them in later. Either way, it only requires a few seconds and you let them in yourself!

There are many entry points for these criminals into your computer. You can, and should, install security software. However, a little bit like the testing for doping in sport, the best we can hope for with these products is to be just one step behind the criminal rather than many steps behind. We can only test for what we know we are looking for. You think thats the bad news? Heres the really bad news. A shocking 80% of attackers have gained entry by the user (you) letting them in. No amount of firewalls will protect you if you allow the criminal in yourself!

This type of attack is called social profiling and we are all vulnerable to it. They can intercept email conversations and mask being a person you usually talk to via email. So you THINK you are sending your bank details to your client for payment, or your login details to your daughter so she can log in from abroad! They can even be sitting in the middle between you and your friend editing responses as you converse in real time, in order to buy time and hold you where they want you while you are on your computer. They can steal money out of your bank account while you are busy trying to clarify a point.

Now, most of us think we are reasonably careful. When it comes to computers, we all know not to click on attachments in emails. Incredibly, some people will still click the attachment, but they are probably the same people who wont put on a seat belt in a car. But even us conscientious people are making regular mistakes and doing things that can and do leave us quite vulnerable. Gavin and his team at BITS are spending more and more time educating their clients on the dos and donts of internet behaviour and have even gone so far as to develop a short presentation that they deliver as part of their client service in order to reduce the risks to the networks they take care of.

Even as IT professionals we are regularly surprised by the tactics and schemes employed by these criminals in their efforts to gain entry. We have to stay as up-to-date and as aware as we can ourselves. We do what we can on the network and hardware side, but the end-user needs to play their part too. We now feel an obligation to offer this information to our clients as a way for them to protect themselves and others from these types of crime. Its less work for us in the long run so definitely worth the time and effort.

Gavin gave us a few tips for us to employ but he did have this to say, if you think you have been hacked, disconnect from the internet straight away. Call your bank and check your balances and have your passwords changed. Bring your computer to us or another professional to fully scan your machine.

Dont ever give anyone remote control of your computer (unless its your contracted IT support), even if you think you are watching what they are doing and you can shut them off anytime.

Sometimes they will deliberately hold you on the phone and confuse you to create a distraction, while they are working on your computer.

Change your passwords regularly, make them complex and just deal with the fact that you have to remember them.

Be vigilant on your email. If you get an email looking for money, or bank details, even if it looks like its from your Mammy, give her a ring. Check everything.

Double check the email addresses you are communicating with. They should have proper domain names especially if you think you are dealing with a business.

Never click on a pop up window on a web-site.

If it feels wrongits wrong!

Run operating system updates.

Have advanced security software on your computer.

Remove software you dont need.

When youre not using your computer  log out/off.
HANOI, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0047 GMT.

Sept 29 Sept 28 USD/VND mid-point 21,940 21,940

USD/VND interbank 22,313/22,314 22,313/22,314 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.92/36.16 35.91/36.15

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank quotes are indicative bid/ask prices.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co, the gold manufacturer.

Interbank offered rates are indicative, quoted from market sources.

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
TAIPEI, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Taiwan's overnight interbank rate opened higher at 0.184 percent on Thursday, ahead of the central bank's quarterly policy review later in the day.

On Monday, when Taiwan financial markets last traded, the overnight interbank rate opened at 0.182 percent. The island's financial markets were shut Tuesday and Wednesday due to a typhoon.

The overnight interbank rate is closely watched by market participants because it is guided by the central bank and is seen as a signal of its monetary policy bias.

Taiwan's central bank is expected to refrain from cutting benchmark rates, for the first time in a year, when it meets later Thursday, according to a Reuters poll. (Reporting by J.R. Wu; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)
* Crude rise boost stocks, but Warsaw index eases

* Government change weighs on Polish stock market sentiment

* Czech central bank seen maintaining guidance on crown cap

By Sandor Peto and Jason Hovet

BUDAPEST/PRAGUE, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Warsaw's stock index eased on Thursday, bucking a rise in Central European equities driven by rising crude prices, after Poland's ruling party firmed its grip on economic policy with a government reshuffle announced late on Wednesday.

The finance ministry will come under the supervision of economy minister Mateusz Morawiecki, an ally of Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the president of the Law and Justice Party which has been ruling for 10 months.

The party has stood for more government influence and less foreign ownership in certain sectors including banks and more government spending to stimulate economic growth.

Warsaw's bluechip stock index shed a quarter of a percent by 0830 GMT, while Budapest gained 1.5 percent, Prague 1.1 percent and Bucharest 0.6 percent.

A global rise in crude prices after oil producers agreed to curb output drove gains in oil and energy utilities shares in the world and Central Europe.

The stocks of Polish state-run utilities joined the rise, regaining some ground after a plunge last week amid speculation over personnel changes in the government and the management of the companies and news about extra tax burdens. The stocks of the largest Polish utility PGE rose by 1.6 percent, but half the shares in the index including mBank fell, pushing the lower.

Elsewhere, Hungarian oil group MOL shares firmed by 2.7 percent.

Czech utility CEZ gained 3.4 percent even though longer-than-expected outages at its nuclear power plants have weighed on its shares in recent weeks and may even force it to lower its full-year guidance, J&T Banka analyst Bohumil Trampota said.

The Czech central bank is expected to reaffirm its pledge after its meeting on Thursday to maintain its cap, which keeps the crown weaker than 27 per euro at least until the middle of 2017.

Speculation that it may remove the cap earlier boosted the crown rate implied in six-month forwards to 26.784 three weeks ago. Trading at 26.897 it was well off that level on Thursday, steady from Wednesday.

"On the forward market, the rate could continue in additional gradual (crown) weakening," Komercni Banka analysts said in a note.

Czech 10-year bonds traded near record-low yields at 0.25 percent.

Polish, Hungarian and Romanian government bond yields rose a few basis points, pushed up by the crude price rise.

"Anyway, I expect good demand at today's (Hungarian) bond auction ," a Budapest-based fixed income trader said.

CEE SNAP AT 1030

MARKETS SHOT CET

CURRENCIES

Late Prev Dail Chan

st ious y ge

bid clos chan in

e ge 2016 Czech <EURCZK 27.0 27.0 +0. -0.0 crown => 230 230 00% 9% Hungary <EURHUF 308. 308. +0. 2.14 forint => 0400 3800 11% % Polish <EURPLN 4.29 4.29 +0. -0.9 zloty => 70 81 02% 1% Romanian <EURRON 4.45 4.45 -0.0 1.52 leu => 15 05 2% % Croatian <EURHRK 7.51 7.51 -0.0 1.60 kuna => 90 75 2% % Serbian <EURRSD 123. 123. +0. -1.3 dinar => 1400 2500 09% 6% Note: calcula prev clos 1800 daily ted ious e at CET change from

STOC

KS

Late Prev Dail Chan

st ious y ge

clos chan in

e ge 2016 Prague 876. 866. +1. -8.4

03 34 12% 0% Budapest 2788 2747 +1. +16

9.51 6.40 50% .59% Warsaw <.WIG20 1730 1734 -0.2 -6.9

> .46 .59 4% 2% Buchares 6991 6946 +0. -0.1 t .52 .93 64% 8% Ljubljan <.SBITO 736. 743. -0.9 +5. a P> 62 36 1% 81% Zagreb <.CRBEX 1942 1940 +0. +14

> .29 .03 12% .95% Belgrade <.BELEX 635. 633. +0. -1.3

15> 51 84 26% 3% Sofia <.SOFIX 519. 509. +1. +12

> 13 92 81% .63%

BOND

S

Yiel Yiel Spre Dail

d d ad y

(bid chan vs chan

) ge Bund ge

in Czech spre Republic ad 2-year <CZ2YT= -0.5 -0.0 +01 -3bp

RR> 58 21 3bps s 5-year <CZ5YT= -0.1 -0.0 +03 -2bp

RR> 95 06 9bps s

<CZ10YT 0.25 -0.0 +03 -3bp 10-year =RR> 01 7bps s Poland 2-year <PL2YT= #VAL 0.00 #VAL +0b

RR> UE! 7 UE! ps 5-year <PL5YT= #VAL 0.03 #VAL +1b

RR> UE! UE! ps

<PL10YT #VAL 0.02 #VAL -1bp 10-year =RR> UE! 3 UE! s

FORWARD RATE AGREEMENT

3x6 6x9 9x12 3M

inte

rban

k Czech <CZKFRA 0.28 0.24 0.21 0 Rep ><PRIBO

R=> Hungary <HUFFRA 0.72 0.71 0.7 0.88

><BUBOR

=> Poland <PLNFRA 1.72 1.69 1.68 1.71

><WIBOR

=> Note: are for FRA ask quotes prices ***************************************** ********************* (Reporting by Sandor Peto; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
By Maiya Keidan

LONDON/BENGALURU, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Johnston Press shareholder Crystal Amber Fund Ltd can help management avoid a poor debt restructuring deal, the hedge fund's chief executive officer told Reuters.

"We have a good track record of assisting companies," Richard Bernstein told Reuters on Tuesday, ahead of London-listed activist manager Crystal Amber disclosing it had raised its stake in Johnston Press to 6.74 percent from 5.42 percent.

The rise in shareholding came after a 11.5 percent slide in the stock on Sept. 14.

"Our experience is that good management teams welcome our involvement. We hope that management at Johnston Press will allow us to help," he said.

More than 93 percent has been wiped off the value of Johnston Press shares since a debt restructuring deal was approved in May 2014 at a general meeting. The company began a 360 million pound ($467.82 million) capital refinancing plan in 2014 through the issue of new shares, bonds and a 25-million-pound credit facility. Chief Executive Ashley Highfield received a 1.65 million pound pay package in 2014 after overseeing the restructuring, with 483,000 pounds awarded as a bonus, the annual report showed. His salary fell 65 percent to 581,000 pounds in 2015.

"Sadly, it appears that the only winners last time around were the team of advisers who got paid a shocking 19 million pounds," Bernstein told Reuters.

"Based on the outcome in 2014, we lack the visibility of how the result will be any different this time around. The omens are not good."

Johnston Press declined to comment. The company's debt stands at 137.7 million pounds, as on Aug. 4, according to the company's interim results report.

Publishers have been struggling to grow their revenue as Facebook , Alphabet's Google and mobile advertisements continue to bite into spending on advertising revenue for print media.

Johnston Press, which reported a 27 percent fall in first-half adjusted pretax profit is trying to realign its operations to grow its digital business amidst falling circulation. The newspaper publisher sold its Isle of Man Tindle Newspapers Ltd for 4.25 million pounds in July, as the company looks to cut debt after its i newspaper acquisition. Crystal Amber first disclosed a 3.29 percent stake in Johnston Press on Feb. 3, although Crystal Amber has held a small position in Johnston Press since before 2014.

($1 = 0.7695 pounds)

(Reporting by Maiya Keidan, Additional reporting by Sanjeeban Sarkar and Pranav Kiran; Editing by Sunil Nair)
By Chris Arsenault

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 29 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - One of the world's biggest gold mining firms has pledged to improve its dispute resolution practices following an 18-month investigation into a bitter, ongoing conflict over land between farmers and its Peruvian subsidiary.

Denver-based Newmont Mining Corporation said the company-financed independent investigation into conflicts around South America's largest gold mine had found no conclusive evidence of human rights abuses.

Rights groups had complained that private security forces backed by the firm assaulted protesting farmers. The company denies being involved in the attacks.

But Newmont said in a statement after the investigation was released on Wednesday that it had not properly followed its own standards for dialogue in resolving land disputes.

Land rights campaigners welcomed the report from Washington-based RESOLVE consulting firm, which said the mining firm "prioritized eviction and litigation over dialogue" with farmers.

The dispute over land in the Peruvian highlands underlines tensions that can arise between farmers and investors when property rights are not clearly demarcated.

Farmers and miners both say they are the rightful owners of the disputed territory which contains valuable gold deposits.

"The complex land dispute ... remains a concern for us," Newmont spokeswoman Elaine Dorward-King said in a statement.

Newmont, the majority owner of the Yanacocha mine, will use the report to "evaluate and improve" practices and "if possible, as a foundation for achieving a responsible solution", Dorward-King said.

One of the farmers at the centre of the dispute, Maxima Acuna de Chaupe, won the Goldman Environmental Prize in April due to her land rights activism.

A potato grower, Acuna said she had bought the disputed land in the Tragadero Grande region of Peru's Andean highlands from a relative in 1994.

The company maintains that it is the rightful owner of the land.

Both sides say the RESOLVE report backs their claims to the contested territory.

The standoff started in 2011, when Minera Yanacocha began trying to acquire the small tract of territory to build the new Conga gold mine, Acuna's supporters said.

"Minera Yanacocha treated Maxima like an invader," Mirtha Vasquez, the activist's Peru-based attorney, said in a statement. "This report should be supplemented by a thorough investigation into the violation of rights."

Newmont said it will intensify its dialogue with farmers to attempt to resolve the land dispute, conduct more monitoring and work to improve its performance in light of the report.

(Reporting By Chris Arsenault; Editing by Jo Griffin; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
Editor's Note: Updating earlier story with more details.

(Kitco News) -Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. (TSX: KLG) and Newmarket Gold Inc. (TSX: NMI) announced Thursday that they have entered into an agreement to merge in an all-stock deal valued at C$1.01 billion.

The combined Kirkland Lake Gold company will have a market capitalization of approximately C$2.4 billion and produce over 500,000 ounces of gold annually. Officials say cash costs in 2016 will be less than US$650, with all-in sustaining costs below US$1,015.

Existing Kirkland Lake Gold and Newmarket shareholders will own approximately 57% and 43% of the combined company, respectively, on a fully diluted in-the-money basis, officials said. Kirkland Lake already completed one merger this year, adding St Andrew Goldfields in January.

The Thursday announcement said the combination of Kirklands Macassa complex in Canada and Newmarkets Fosterville mine in Australia will form the backbone of a mid-tier gold producer. The combined company will operate seven mines and five mills in countries with low geopolitical risk, describing Canada and Australia as two of the top mining jurisdictions in the world.

Combined production in 2016 from Macassa, Fosterville and Kirklands Taylor mines alone will be over 330,000 ounces, with cash costs of under US$600/oz and AISC below US$800/oz, the companies said.

Under the transaction, existing shareholders of Newmarket will receive 0.475 of a post-consolidation share for every pre-consolidation share of Newmarket. The exchange ratio implies C$5.28 per Newmarket share based on the closing price of Kirkland Lake shares Wednesday. This represents a premium of 9.4% based on the closing share price of Newmarket Wednesday and a premium of 22.9% based on Newmarket's 20-day volume weighted average price, the companies said.

The potential that exists at Macassa as we continue to access higher-grade mineralization in the South Mine Complex at depth will be complemented by Fosterville, a high-grade operation with exceptional successful drilling results, said Tony Makuch, president and chief executive officer of Kirkland Lake Gold. We see several opportunities to grow this company within the expanded portfolio, where the combined teams will have the financial and technical capabilities to execute on our progressive growth strategy.

The merger statement said a growth strategy will be supported by a balance sheet with a combined cash balance of over C$275 million and free-cash flow generation that amounted to C$92 million, on a combined basis, in the first half of 2016.

Douglas Forster, president and CEO of Newmarket, said the deal accomplishes Newmarket's goal of becoming a low-cost producer with more than 500,000 ounces per year while providing shareholders with an immediate premium.

The combination of our two flagship mines, Fosterville and Macassa, will be the cornerstone of an exciting new mid-tier gold producer with an attractive growth profile and operations in two of the best mining jurisdictions in the world, he said.

For Kirkland Lake Gold, the transaction will require approval by two-thirds of the votes cast by its shareholders as well as approval of a simple majority of disinterested shareholders voting at a special meeting. The transaction will require the approval of a simple majority of the shareholders of Newmarket, as well as the approval of two-thirds of the votes cast by Newmarket shareholders for the name change and share consolidation.

Plans call for details to be mailed to shareholders in October, with both shareholder meetings and closing of the transaction expected in December.

The Kirkland Lake and Newmarket boards of directors both favor the merger, the companies said. They also said Luxor Capital Group, LP, which owns approximately 15.7 million shares of Newmarket as of Sept. 25, supports the transaction,

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Follow @KitcoNewsNOW
MEXICO CITY, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Protesters in northern Mexico said they have blocked access to the Penasquito mining complex operated by Goldcorp, threatening to interrupt production at the country's biggest gold deposit.

The protesters, which include landowners and truck drivers, began their blockade on Monday and are demanding payment for environmental damages, jobs, and water for their communities, Felipe Pinedo, one of the protest leaders, said on Wednesday.

In late August, Reuters reported on a long-running leak of contaminated water which had not been disclosed to the public. A source close to the company told Reuters that the blockade was illegal and risked interrupting production at the mine, which was operating below capacity.

"If the blockade is not lifted immediately, the company will not have material by Saturday," he said.

Last year the Penasquito mine produced 860.300 ounces of gold, a quarter of Goldcorps total production.

(Reporting by Noe Torres, writing by Natalie Schachar; Editing by Michael Perry)
HANOI, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0414 GMT.

Sept 29 Sept 28 USD/VND mid-point 21,940 21,940 USD/VND interbank 22,302/22,304 22,313/22,314 USD/VND unofficial 22,295/22,310 22,300/22,315 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.97/36.21 35.91/36.15

Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.4-0.8 0.3-0.8

1 week 0.3-0.8 0.4-0.9

1 month 1.6-2.2 1.6-2.2

3 months 3.3-4.2 3.2-4.2

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
TABLE-Hungary lifts bond sale, yields fall



BUDAPEST, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Hungary sold 67.5 billion forints ($245.94 million) worth of government bonds at an auction on Thursday, lifting its original offer of 45 billion, the Government Debt Management Agency (AKK) said . The agency will hold a top-up auction later on Thursday . Series: A191030C Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 29/09/2016 15/09/2016 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 61.58 71.90 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 27.0 26.70 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 1.22 1.35 Series: A211027B Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 29/09/2016 15/09/2016 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 70.06 46.30 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 22.5 22.50 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 1.79 1.96 Series: A271027A Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 15/09/2016 1501/09/2016 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 32.95 24.4 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 18.00 15.00 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 2.85 2.99

($1 = 274.4600 forints)

(Reporting by Sandor Peto)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

kitco news
Editor's Note:Updating earlier story with more details from report.

(Kitco News) - First-time weekly jobless claims in the U.S. rose 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 254,000 during the week to Saturday, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Consensus expectations compiled by various news organizations called for initial claims to be around 259,000 to 260,000. The government revised the prior weeks tally to 251,000 claims from the previously reported 252,000.

There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims, the Labor Department said.

The four-week moving average for new claims  often viewed as a more reliable measure of the labor market since it smoothens out week-to-week volatility  was down by 2,250 claims to 256,000.

Continuing jobless claims, the number of people already receiving benefits and reported with a one-week delay, decreased by 46,000 to a seasonally adjusted 2,062,000 during the week ending Sept. 17, the government said. This was reported to be the lowest level since July 1, 2000.

The four-week moving average for continuing claims fell by 23,750 to 2,115,250, which the Labor Department said was the lowest level since Nov. 4, 2000.

Traders monitor jobs data closely to gauge how aggressively the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee alters monetary policy.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Follow @KitcoNewsNOW
(Adds details, quote)

ABIDJAN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is likely to slip to 1.6 percent this year, its lowest level in two decades, due to continuing woes in the continent's largest economies South Africa and Nigeria, a World Bank report said on Thursday.

Africa has been one of the world's fastest growing region's over the past decade, but a commodities slump has hit its oil and mineral exporters hard, bringing growth down to 3 percent in 2015.

However, other countries, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania, have continued to record GDP growth above 6 percent, according to "Africa's Pulse", the Bank's twice-yearly analysis of economic trends.

The report, which was unveiled in Ivory Coast's commercial capital Abidjan, also singled out Ivory Coast and Senegal as top performers.

"Our analysis shows that the more resilient growth performers tend to have stronger macroeconomic policy frameworks, better business regulatory environment, more diverse structure of exports, and more effective institutions," said Albert Zeufack, World Bank Chief Economist for Africa.

Growth will pick up slightly to 2.9 percent next year, the report said, and Africa's economies are expected to expand by 3.6 percent in 2018.

(Reporting by Joe Bavier; Editing by Tim Cocks)
(Updates with context)

DAR ES SALAAM, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Tanzania's economy grew 7.9 percent in the second quarter of 2016, compared to 5.8 percent during the same time last year, the state-run National Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday.

"The growth of GDP in the second quarter was driven by mining, manufacturing and energy sectors," Albina Chuwa, the director general of the bureau, told a news conference.

"The increased production of natural gas has significantly boosted electricity generation in the country."

Tanzania's growth in the first quarter was 5.5 percent.

(Reporting by Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala; Editing by Katharine Houreld and Raissa Kasolowsky)
(Adds comments from company spokeswoman)

By Noe Torres and Susan Taylor

MEXICO CITY/TORONTO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Protesters in northern Mexico blocked access to the Penasquito mining complex operated by Goldcorp Inc on Thursday, but the company said operations were unaffected and the issue would be resolved quickly.

Vancouver-based Goldcorp said the blockade was illegal and caused by a trucking contractor concerned about losing business due to efficiency improvements at the mine.

"The blockade is not affecting operations. We have met with the contractor's representatives and expect this to be resolved shortly," spokeswoman Christine Marks said in an email.

The blockade, which includes landowners and truck drivers, began on Monday, Felipe Pinedo, one of the protest leaders, said in a telephone interview. Demands include payment for environmental damages, jobs, and water for their communities, he added.

In late August, Reuters reported on a long-running leak of contaminated water, which had not been disclosed to the public, at the mine, Mexico's biggest gold deposit. A source close to the company, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said the blockade risked interrupting production at the mine, which was operating below capacity. Last year, Penasquito produced 860,300 ounces of gold, a quarter of Goldcorp's total production.

"If the blockade is not lifted immediately, the company will not have material by Saturday," he said.

(Reporting by Noe Torres and Susan Taylor; Editing by Michael Perry and Richard Chang)
(Kitco News) - Global equities markets were mostly higher early Thursday, boosted in part by a rally in crude oil prices. Oil rallied sharply following the surprise news Wednesday afternoon that the OPEC oil cartel, at its meeting in Algiers, reached a preliminary agreement to reduce its collective oil production by a bit less than 1 million barrels a day. The deal will be finalized at OPEC's November meeting. Most energy market watchers did not believe OPEC would make any significant moves to reduce their crude oil output at this meeting.

Nymex crude oil futures prices initially spiked about $2.00 higher Wednesday afternoon on the news. Oil prices Thursday had backed off a bit, as some in the energy industry are still skeptical a final agreement will be reached in November, saying that Iran and Saudi Arabia will not work together to cut oil output. World stock markets have been extra-sensitive to crude oil's daily price movements recently.

U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly lower openings when the New York day session begins.

European financial stocks were lifted Thursday on a rebound in Germany's Deutsche Bank's shares, which had been under strong selling pressure recently. Still, there are deep concerns about the big German bank, including notions the European Union will have to bail it out to keep it from failing.

Bank of Japan Governor Kuroda gave a speech earlier Thursday and reiterated the BOJ can employ more stimulatory monetary policy measures if the Japanese economy remains moribund.

U.S. economic data due for release Thursday includes the weekly jobless claims report, the advance economic indicators report, the gross domestic product report for the second quarter, and pending home sales.

By Jim Wyckoff, contributing to Kitco News; jwyckoff@kitco.com

Follow Jim Wyckoff @jimwyckoff
By Nathan Pilling, nathan.pilling@kitsapsun.com

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND  The Bainbridge Island City Council heard extended input Tuesday night in opposition to a proposed utility tax extension on the island.

The proposal would see the city's utility tax extended from applying only to city-owned utilities to also apply to water and sewer utilities not owned by the city. Some on the council have called the extension a way to make the tax more equitable.

Kitsap County Sewer District 7 Commissioner Sarah Lee countered the idea, estimating that islanders who use septic systems wouldn't be affected by the tax. Islanders on well-water systems also would not be affected by the tax.

Niels Fallisgaard, president of the Meadowmeer Water Service Association, said that the change would require the association to change its "entire structure" to collect the tax and that it would add to the association's overhead costs.

If the council opts for the change, the tax would be extended to water and sewer utilities not owned by the city "for the purpose of providing sufficient revenue to carry on the normal activities of the city," according to a release from the city. Tax revenues would go to the city's general fund.

The city's utility tax rate of 6 percent would be extended Jan. 1 to all Group A water utilities with more than 50 active connections and to all sewer utilities, under the ordinance being considered by the council.

According to city spokeswoman Kellie Stickney, the change would affect 4,000 water connections and 500 sewer connections. Stickney estimated that the changes would bring in about $60,000 in additional revenue to the city in 2017 and $100,000 in 2018.

"Our citizens through the development of the (comprehensive) plan say to council, 'We want to get all this stuff done.' And we need money to do that," Councilman Kol Medina said. "This tax would be a way to raise some more revenue to get more of the good stuff done that we in the community want."

Lee told the council she was surprised and "a little (ticked) off" about hearing of the proposal through a newspaper article and angry constituents.

"What it looks like, that this is not about equity, and dare I say, it's more about opportunism," she said. "I think it's a bad idea."

In supporting the issue, Councilman Michael Scott said the proposal was about diversifying the city's revenues and making the tax more equitable.

Councilwoman Sarah Blossom opposed the tax. "The city wants more money," she said. "It's not about equity. It's not equitable. It's a regressive tax."

The council voted 6-1 to forward the issue to its next business meeting, which is Oct. 11.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has expressed appreciation to the United States for the decision on loan guarantees and invited U.S. companies to join the National Investment Council.

"The last decision on granting loan guarantees from the U.S. government is the recognition of our achievements, as well as the decision of the International Monetary Fund to issue the next tranche to us," Poroshenko said at a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and U.S. business representatives in Kyiv.

He also welcomes the plans of the leading U.S. Corporations such as Cargill, Bunge, General Electric to increase their investment in Ukraine and invited the U.S. companies to join the National Investment Council.

Pritzker, in turn, speaking about the third visit to Ukraine over two years, noted the great efforts and potential of Ukraine in carrying out reforms.

"Having started key economic reforms two years ago, your country has continued the implementation of the crucial IMF program for securing financial aid not only from the IMF, but also from the United States. You have created institutions to ensure the rule of law and struggle against corruption. You have improved public procurement and ensured transparent asset declaration of civil servants," she said.
By Ed Friedrich of the Kitsap Sun

SEATTLE  A new vendor will begin providing food and drinks Saturday on some ferries, but it could be the middle of October before the other boats' galleys  including most of those serving Kitsap County  reopen.

In March, Washington State Ferries selected Centerplate from eight contenders to provide onboard food service. The Connecticut-based firm is replacing Olympic Cascade Services, of Bremerton, on five routes and CDX Ferry Concessions, of Mukilteo, on two.

The switch was delayed for months when Olympic Cascade argued in court that the selection process wasn't conducted properly, but the courts found no reason to overturn the selection.

The 10-year contract takes effect Saturday, but Olympic and CDX have 10 days to move out. CDX, which serves the Mukilteo-Clinton and Southworth-Vashon Island-Fauntleroy routes, has been working with Centerplate to make the transition overnight. Service on the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferries, which Olympic Cascade abandoned, won't be interrupted, either.

Olympic will stop serving food Saturday, but it has until Oct. 10 to be off the Bremerton, Bainbridge, Kingston and San Juan Islands boats. It could take a few days after that for Centerplate to set up, WSF spokesman Ian Sterling said.

Food will be available only in vending machines between Saturday and whenever Centerplate gets up and running.

"In the meantime, we've got better food coming," he said. "That's what's really exciting."

Centerplate was chosen because of its promise to expand service, offer a variety of local food brands and improve reliability across all ferry routes. It talked about opening coffee and beer kiosks on some of the larger boats and offering fresh, healthful local brands such as Hempler's beef and ham, Uli's sausage, Beecher's cheese and Stimson Estate Cellars wine.
Stuff reports:

A new anti-separatism campaign fronted by former National Party leader Don Brash has been launched to pressure politicians into opposing preferential treatment of Maori.

The campaign group is running a number of newspaper ads calling for an end to separatism and race-based laws  and will consider donating to any parties willing to commit strongly to a colour-blind state

The campaign, Hobsons Pledge, is named after the first governor of New Zealand, Captain William Hobson, and his statement upon signing the Treaty of Waitangi that we are now one people.

The campaign says it wants to arrest a decline into irreversible separatism by ending race-based structures and co-governance models, but claims we are not in any sense anti-Maori.

Brash, anti-MMP campaigner Peter Shirtcliffe and Canterbury University law lecturer David Round are among the groups members.

Brash said the catalyst for the campaign was a number of government policies which would create a constitutional preference for those with a Maori ancestor, such as proposed changes to the Resource Management Act to require iwi involvement.

Im not trying to win another election  Im out of politics  but I want to avoid New Zealand drifting further into a racially-based society.

The Treaty of Waitangi was not based on some kind of ongoing partnership between two different races, but the idea of New Zealand as one people.
Stuff reports:

Lavery initially claimed that he had received a six-page report on the funding request written by my staff, before acknowledging that the report was actually written by Wellington Airport which had different interests to the council. The council commissioned no work of its own to review the airports claims, but could have, Lavery said. We could have done that, if wed felt uncomfortable with it. But we didnt, so we didnt. And thats not uncommon.

Here we get to the heart of the problem. The Council seems subservient to the airport company which it parts owns. The airport company proposes ratepayers hand over $8 million to Singapore Air to fly to Wellington, and our Council just says yes sir without any independent analysis.

One solution is that the Council should sell its share in the airport. Then it would treat the airport like any other company that comes to it wanting subsidies.

The key thing is that what is good for the airport is not necessarily good for Wellington and ratepayers. It may be, but the Council should independently assess this.

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Jarrod Gilbert writes:

The disproportionate amount of Maori in our criminal justice system is among the most serious problems facing New Zealand. In my April column I unpacked Maori imprisonment rates and if you read that and werent concerned by it then I dare say your moral compass requires recalibration. In recent times, however, a number of journalists and commentators have placed heavy emphasis on racism being the root cause of the problem, but on this point I think we need to be much more cautious than most have. A report by the Independent Police Complaints Authority (IPCA) released two weeks ago was held up as evidence for racism. The report looked at pre-charge warnings used by police. Pre-charge warnings are employed when a person has been arrested for a minor offence that requires police intervention but a public interest test indicates prosecution is not warranted. It is intended to give some account for the offence by recording the warning as part of a criminal history but it keeps people away from the justice system. Apart from saving taxpayers a truckload of money, the thinking behind such warnings is that for many people the shock of contact with the police and a formal caution will act as a wake-up that modifies future behaviour. The IPCA report found that Maori are significantly less likely to get pre charge warnings than non-Maori.

Which has led people to conclude it is racism.

The headlines from that point wrote themselves. It was concluded, quite naturally perhaps, that racism was at play. But the headline figures didnt tell the whole story. Far from it, in fact. The IPCA drew on an audit of those given pre charge warnings and that found 51 per cent of non-Maori had no previous convictions but only 26 per cent of Maori enjoyed a clean record. Among a number of disqualifying factors for pre-charge warnings, a persons form is certainly considered. This was near universally ignored in reporting and commentary around the report, even though the IPCA stated: The Authority has not come across any evidence that clearly demonstrates differential treatment on the basis of ethnicity. I have found not a single reference to that in the media.

The media report has been simplistic.

Just comparing between two ethnic groups is misleading. You need to control for other factors. This is basic science. You need to compare between people with the same criminal records (no previous offending), same type of charges faced, same age etc etc. What you want is to make sure every variable except ethnicity is accounted for, and then you can determine if ethnicity is the issue. Ive done a lot of work with criminals and inside prisons, and while Maori are overrepresented, the commonality that is most obvious between Maori and non-Maori offenders is deprivation and disadvantage  the foibles of those terrible pockets of lower socio-economic communities. And here we unquestionably stand on foundations altogether more solid. The Ministry of Health found that one in four prisoners reports a mental illness or psychological condition that makes everyday activities or socialising difficult, and one in five has difficulty learning, which is unsurprising given the Department of Corrections has found that 71 per cent of prisoners have difficulty reading and writing. This data, of course, point to the drivers of crime. Maori are over represented in communities in which such problems have fertile ground. The unemployment rate for Maori is double that of non-Maori, Maori have the highest rates of binge drinking and smoking and their morbidity data are across the board depressing. Maori die younger and suicide more often. Maori dominate gang numbers and they are also more likely to be the victims of crime. Tackling criminal justice bias, whatever that might be, will not solve these problems.

Exactly. One has to target the drivers of criminal offending.

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Liam Hehir writes:

In 1991, the Soviet Union unravelled.

Its empire had been lost, its constituent regions declared independence and its economy crumbled. After decades of failure, the will to preserve the Soviet state was exhausted.

Nineteenth-century America was bitterly divided by slavery. This eventually led that country to civil war in which more than one million people were killed. At times, the very existence of the country hung in the balance.

The 3rd-century Roman Empire found itself beleaguered on all fronts. With the assassination of the emperor in 235, the Romans were plunged into a half century of repeated barbarian invasions, rebellious provinces, civil wars, plague outbreaks and the economic turmoil caused by currency debasement, known today as quantitative easing.

In each case, the countries involved were facing critical challenges to their existing order. In other words, they each found themselves confronted with a crisis.

Some came through better than others. America survived her civil war and is better for it. Rome got lucky with some good emperors and managed to buy another century before its final collapse in the West. The Soviets crisis was too much for their rotten states to withstand.

Many of our opinion-makers seem to be of the view that New Zealand is in the grip of a great crisis. Looking back through the news this year, we have seen the proclamation of a manufacturing crisis, an agriculture crisis, a regional economy crisis, a trust in politicians crisis, a healthcare budget crisis, a mental health crisis, an income inequality crisis, a wealth inequality crisis, an obesity crisis, a teacher recruitment crisis, a log-supply crisis, a water crisis and a casual racism crisis.
Stuff reports:

University of Waikato vice-chancellor Professor Neil Quigley has been elected as chairman of the Reserve Bank, as Dr Rod Carr reveals he is quitting the board.

In a statement the Reserve Bank said Carr, the vice-chancellor at the University of Canterbury, had advised the board some months ago that he would not be seeking a further term on the board when the current term ends in July 2017.

In light of that decision he had decided to step down as chair, the Reserve Bank said.

Quigley became chairman on Thursday, the Reserve Bank said.

Finance Minister Bill English said Quigley has had a distinguished academic and consulting career.

Previously a professor at Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Western Ontario, Quigley is also a director of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. He was first appointed to the board of the Reserve Bank in 2010.
Kyiv's business court of appeals on September 21 decided against early termination of the certification of a subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank in Ukraine  public joint-stock company Sberbank  for the Sberbank trademark, Oschadbank has said in a press release.

"Oschadbank won the lower and appeal instances under one of the claims of Sberbank of Russia. It is related to the early termination of the certificate for the trademark. Thus, the decision of the court of lower instance took effect and Sberbank of Russia is not permitted to early terminate the certificate for the Sberbank trademark," the bank said.

During the court hearing representatives of Sberbank tried to convince judges that evidence presented by Oschadbank is not acceptable, and the use of the trademark was unfair. However, Oschadbank presented evidences confirming the use of the trademark in advertisement, commercial documents and Internet, and the appeal court backed the position of Oschadbank.

At present, several case regarding mutual claims of the subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank and Oschadbank regarding the trademark are being heard in business courts.

According to the report, the case under another claim of Sberbank against Oschadbank is being heard in the appeal court. On August 10, 216, the business court of Kyiv declared invalid the certificate for the Sberbank trademark, the holder of which is Oschadbank. The decision has not yet taken effect. The bank appealed the decision.

The press service of the subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank in Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine that the bank intends to appeal the decision.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 36F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 36F. Winds light and variable.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman believes the completion of ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union requires joint efforts from both sides.

"The completion of ratification of the Association Agreement with the European Union is also a very important issue for us that needs our collective attention and efforts," he said at a meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk in Kyiv.

The premier hopes the EU will find a solution to this problem. Groysman also noted he expects the EU to make the decision on granting Ukraine a visa-free regime in October.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has called on citizens of Ukraine never to forget the victims of the Babiy Yar tragedy.

"There were Jews, Roma people, Soviet prisoners of war and fighters of the Ukrainian liberation movement among those executed by firing squads. We remember each of them," the prime minister wrote on his Facebook account on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Babiy Yar massacre.

Groysman also cited Academician Ivan Dziuba, who said that the Babiy Yar executions were a tragedy for the whole of mankind, which, however, had happened on the Ukrainian land and, consequently, the Ukrainians, as well as the Jews, had no right to forget it.
Tennova Healthcare confirmed it will move 45 local jobs to a "centralized location," though some of those employees have been moved to other jobs within the hospital system. Tennova said earlier this month it is continuing to build a new hospital campus off Middlebrook Pike across from Dowell Springs, a replacement for aging flagship facility Physicians Regional Medical Center. ( J. MILES CARY/NEWS SENTINEL )

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By Holly Fletcher, USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee

Tennova Health will eliminate 45 jobs providing "prearrival services," such as registration, in its Knoxville-area hospitals.

The hospital system confirmed that as of mid-October, those jobs will move to a "centralized location to improve and expand the scheduling process for hospital-based services," said Jerry Askew, Tennova's vice president of external relations, who did not specify where the services will be located. "Business functions that require face-to-face interactions with patients will remain at the hospital. We are focused on carefully managing our operations so we can continue our commitment to serving the health-care needs of Knoxville and the surrounding communities."

Askew said a number of the 45 employees in those positions had been moved to other jobs within Tennova, though on Thursday he could not give an exact number. Tennova East hospitals employ about 4,100 people.

"Any employee who is not in another position by the time of the transition will be eligible for severance," Askew said.

Tennova's parent company, Franklin-based Community Health Systems, has been openly pondering its future corporate structure, trying to manage a heavy debt load while pivoting to a new business strategy.

CHS previously focused on its fleet of hospitals in rural communities, but has turned its attention to key metropolitan areas, such as Knoxville, Birmingham, Ala., and Fort Wayne, Ind., that also serve small towns.

The company has been pruning its portfolio, including a spinoff of 38 hospitals into Quorum Health Corp. On Thursday, it announced its subsidiaries had signed a definitive agreement to sell four rural hospitals and their assets to subsidiaries of Curae Health Inc. The sale, expected to close in the last quarter of 2016, includes Merit Health Gilmore Memorial in Amory, Miss.; Merit Health Batesville in Batesville, Miss.; Merit Health Northwest Mississippi in Clarksdale, Miss.; and Highlands Regional Medical Center in Sebring, Fla.

CHS continues to feel financial pressure from the January 2014 acquisition of HMA, which previously owned Tennova, and a $14.9 billion net debt load.

The company has publicly announced it's trying to sell a variety of assets and could look to sell other non-hospital assets, such as its home health holdings, as a way to raise capital to pay down debt.

It, along with its peers, are operating in a health-care environment characterized by the structural changes to who pays for bills and the promise of a move to a reimbursement system that puts value on efficiency and wellness rather than quantity of services.

On Sept. 19, CHS confirmed via a news release and a statement from chairman and CEO Wayne T. Smith that the firm is working with advisers to talk with private equity firms about its options.

The company said discussions are at a "very preliminary stage" and that it has neither determined a timeline nor concluded that the "exploration process" will result in a deal.

"Community Health Systems' primary focus continues to be on delivering high-quality health services in the communities where we operate," Smith said in a statement. "Our management team is completely committed to efforts that advance clinical excellence, operational and financial performance and growth strategies that will benefit our organization and the customers we serve."

CHS and its affiliates own, operate or lease 158 hospitals in 22 states with 123,000 employees overall.

But its situation is "not as dire of a situation as what people think," said Brian Tanquilut, equity analyst at Jefferies in Nashville.

Its stock jumped 15.8 percent on Sept. 16 as investors reacted to rumors the company was considering strategic options. Before that, the company's shares had fallen nearly 75 percent over the past year. RBC Capital Markets analyst Frank Morgan of Nashville told investors in a research note that a deal with private equity investors is more likely than a merger with a publicly traded peer.

The Quorum spin transaction was delayed by volatility in the capital markets early in the year  meaning CHS spent more time entangled in the deal than expected. Then given its ongoing struggles to integrate and upgrade the hospitals it acquired from HMA and missing some financial projections, it has hit several quarters of financial stress.

"As much as people are worried about the financial health of the company  they are still free cash flow positive so to the extent that they can reduce debt, sell some of the (non-core) assets, there is a way out of this," Tanquilut said. "They should be able to get themselves out of this, but in the meantime they need to do some strategic moves in order to give them some wiggle room."

Staff writer Kristi L. Nelson contributed to this story.
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By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel

The scope of a ban on a special sentencing break passed in the wake of a Knox County judicial scandal is again under the microscope  this time in the case of a former school supervisor who used his government credit card to gamble and buy booze.

Former Knox County Schools accounts payable supervisor Roger Lynn Underwood, 62, is seeking a special privilege known as judicial diversion after pleading guilty to felony theft for stealing $11,989 from taxpayers by using a government credit card for online gambling and a trip to a Mississippi casino that had nothing to do with his job. Underwood also double-dipped from county coffers by using the government credit card to pay for work-related trips for which he also sought reimbursement.

He has already pleaded guilty and agreed to a three-year sentence, but defense attorney Gregory P. Isaacs planned on Thursday to ask Knox County Criminal Court Judge Scott Green to grant Underwood diversion. A privilege granted first-time offenders for nonviolent crimes, diversion allows a defendant who behaves during a probationary period to have the conviction erased from his or her record.

But Green questioned whether a change to state law in the wake of outrage over the granting of diversion to former Knox County Judge Richard Baumgartner for buying painkillers from a felon on probation in his court would bar Underwood from getting the same break.

That section of law, labeled the "Baumgartner rule" in judicial circles, bars diversion for any "elected" or "appointed" official whose crimes were committed "in the person's official capacity or involved in the duties of the person's office."

"The court was looking at that statute," Green told Isaacs and prosecutor Bill Bright at Thursday's hearing. "I want the parties to (weigh in) on the amendment to the diversion statute (and whether) that disqualifies him for judicial diversion."

Underwood wasn't an elected official. But who exactly qualifies as an "appointed" official under the "Baumgartner rule" has not yet been addressed by a state appellate court. Last month, 8th Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton questioned whether jailers in Scott County who confessed official misconduct for having sex with inmates qualified as "appointed" officials because they were required to take an oath of office and their crimes involved their official duties. Sexton later ruled the "Baumgartner rule" should not apply to jailers.

Unlike the jailers, who had no supervisory roles within government, Underwood was a supervisor appointed to the post. The law change offers no clarity on what constitutes an appointed office.

Bright said the state opposes diversion in Underwood's case whether the rule applies or not. Both he and Issaacs were ordered by Green to research the issue and file briefs on their positions. If Sexton's experience is any indication, no case law in Tennessee defines the scope of the rule, so each judge to address it is potentially setting the stage for an official ruling on its reach.

Green set an Oct. 25 hearing.

A probe by the state Comptroller of the Treasury found that Underwood had been using his position to conceal his thievery since he approved credit card purchases for the school system. The probe revealed Underwood in 2014 used the credit card to daily gamble online, losing in a single day $1,800. He also bought pricey cocktails and food at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss., using the card.

He was fired in October 2014 and indicted in August 2015.
President of the European Council Donald Tusk is hopeful that the European Union's sanctions against Russia will be extended in December.

Speaking at a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman in Kyiv on Thursday, Tusk said he hopes in December the EU would be able to prolong its consistent policy that deals with the introduction and extension of sanctions.

This issue is not easy, but the EU ought to pursue a consistent approach, he said.
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By Don Jacobs of the Knoxville News Sentinel

About 30 Tennessee law enforcement officers and FBI agents spent the past weekend trying to rescue a 20-year-old Knox County woman who claimed she had been kidnapped and held for ransom.

But authorities allege Violetta Vasquez had fled to a new boyfriend's home in Hamblen County. From his residence and without his knowledge, Vasquez sent demanding texts  including pictures  to her mother and the man she lived with who cared for her two children, authorities allege.

"A picture was sent of her gagged and bound as well," said Knox County Sheriff's Office Maj. Michael MacLean. "It's the world of selfies."

The texts and phone calls promised Vasquez would be harmed if thousands of dollars weren't paid in ransom, MacLean said.

The episode began late Friday night when Vasquez' boyfriend got a strange phone call while he was in Texas. The boyfriend and Vasquez lived together in a trailer in Halls with the woman's two children, ages 4 months and 2 and one-half years.

The cryptic call prompted the boyfriend to call Vasquez' mother, who also lives in Halls, MacLean said. Vasquez on Friday had left her children with her mother.

MacLean said the boyfriend asked Vasquez' mother to check the couple's trailer. Vasquez was gone, but there were no signs of a struggle at the trailer.

The boyfriend left Texas for Tennessee, but didn't get home until Saturday.

"He's getting text messages about this before he gets back," MacLean. "She said she had been abducted from her trailer and was forced into a car. But we determined that absolutely did not occur."

On Saturday morning, the boyfriend reported the kidnapping to the Sheriff's Office.

"Her mother didn't speak any English, and the boyfriend speaks broken English," MacLean said.

Some of the phone calls from the purported kidnappers, MacLean said, were made by a voice disguised to sound like a man. On Sunday, the Sheriff's Office alerted the Knoxville field office of the FBI of the reported abduction.

"We were investigating these calls and found some of them were coming from Kentucky, which is why we called the FBI," MacLean said.

Even when investigators discovered the Kentucky link was erroneous, the FBI stayed on the probe.

MacLean said the local FBI's Safe Streets and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task forces were enlisted during the investigation. The HIDTA Task Force with the Johnson City office of the FBI also joined the probe, along with a Johnson City Police Department officer adept in Spanish.

Authorities tracked Vasquez, who was using her own cellphone, to a home on Brown Road outside Morristown, MacLean said. With the aid of the Hamblen County Sheriff's Office, officers moved in.

"We tactically approached the residence," MacLean said, and were quickly allowed entry by Vasquez' new boyfriend.

"He lived there with his brother, and they were both amazed at what was happening," MacLean said. "She was in a back bedroom doing all this stuff."

Vasquez was uncooperative, MacLean said. She was released from jail on $4,500 bond on charges of false reporting and harassing communications, he said.

"It was a long weekend, but it's what we do," MacLean said. "I'm glad she was all right."
Scott County General Sessions Judge James Cotton Jr. in his courtroom Wednesday, September 14, 2016. (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL)

By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel

HUNTSVILLE, Tenn.  A Scott County judge said Wednesday he has stopped using electronic monitoring devices in the wake of a News Sentinel investigation into the supplier and the judge's practices.

Scott County General Sessions Court Judge James L. Cotton Jr., said he ended the monitoring program after reading the newspaper's story, published Sept. 18, and informed the device supplier Howard Barnett his services were no longer needed.

"That night, I advised the (court) clerk, and I called Mr. Barnett," Cotton said during a break in what was his first day back on the bench for his regular Wednesday criminal docket since the story appeared.

Cotton said he had no financial stake in using Barnett's firm and instead had sought an alternative to bonds and jail for the poor. He expressed regret for any misuses or missteps and said he "self-reported" the findings of the newspaper to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct.

Shelby County Judge Christopher Craft, the board's chairman, said Wednesday he was barred by board rules from confirming that or discussing whether the board has launched an investigation.

The newspaper's investigation showed Cotton did not get governmental approval to use the devices, jailed people for falling behind in monitoring fees to Barnett, revoked bonds in some cases in which the defendant had appeared in court as ordered and then offered monitoring as a way to go free and did not make individual findings as required by law to justify the use of the devices.

The practice hit hardest defendants who were poor and facing minor charges.

Cotton said defendants who had been ordered to wear the devices are being called in to have them removed, and "no one is to be picked up for (outstanding) fees whatsoever."

The newspaper's reporting showed Barnett operated D-Trax Home Incarceration LLC out of his vehicle and from his home in Stearns, Ky. Cotton admitted he had vetted neither Barnett nor the firm before agreeing to do business with him.

There was no contract, nor was any approval sought from Scott County government leaders. Both men said they had never met before Barnett showed up one day late last fall to pitch use of his firm to Cotton.

Although Barnett denied ever asking defendants  most of them poor  be jailed for failing to pay his $10 daily fee and $130 installation charge, court records showed and the judge himself agreed Barnett made such requests and Cotton signed arrest orders.

The newspaper also documented instances in which defendants' bonds were revoked, even though they appeared in court as ordered and then offered chances at freedom if they agreed to wear Barnett's devices.

In a county with a population of 30,000 residents, Barnett's client list for Scott County numbered 73 people. Most were indigent and facing misdemeanor or low-level felony drug charges.

By comparison, Knox County  which is 15 times larger than Scott with a population of 451, 324  had only five people ordered to wear electronic ankle monitors  a slaying suspect, three child rape suspects and one domestic violence defendant.

The newspaper's review of records and observations in court showed no record of any hearings held to determine whether the monitoring in Cotton's court was legally justified. Attorneys, including the public defender and district attorney general for Scott County, questioned the constitutionality of the judge's blanket policy on the use of electronic monitoring.

Tennessee law is largely silent on electronic monitoring but makes clear any condition on a person's release pending trial must be legally justified based on a series of factors, including danger to the public, and any additional requirement beyond a posting of bond must be the "least onerous" means of ensuring a defendant shows up for court.

Cotton said he reconsidered after reading the various lawyers' statements in the News Sentinel's story and has since begun communicating with 8th Judicial District Public Defender Leif Jeffers about pretrial release issues.

"So many people that I respected had concerns that I felt like it deserved careful consideration," the judge said. "I thought I could take this tool and do better. I never had any ill motive. There's a real appropriate use for them. I want to get it right."

Cotton said he would not use electronic monitoring again until the state adopts regulations on such private firms and protocols for their use. He said he would like to see a judicial committee formed to establish protocols for judges to follow and might suggest as much to members of a statewide association of judges.

Barnett could not be reached for comment. His background remains murky. He told the News Sentinel he was an ex-lawman who worked for "four or five" different agencies in Kentucky before going into the ankle-monitoring business. He would not identify those agencies.

The newspaper has confirmed Barnett worked with the Clinton County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky in 2013 and that last year he was awarded a contract to provide electronic ankle monitoring for the jail in that county. But his installation fee is set at $50, and records showed he had only a handful of clients there.

No regulations or regulatory boards in Tennessee govern electronic monitoring or the firms that provide it.

The process to remove the ankle devices from Scott County defendants was ongoing Wednesday, Cotton said. Attorneys have been instructing their clients to report to the Scott County Sheriff's Office for removal and, if no bond had already been set, for such bail to be determined and posted.

Scott County Sheriff Ronnie Phillips did not return a call seeking comment on whether his agency was working with Barnett on the removal or if Barnett had pulled up stakes. Cotton said Barnett told him that he had hired a lawyer.
By Hayes Hickman of the Knoxville News Sentinel

A Knox County Sheriff's Office dog use report states a dog used to capture a Blount County robbery suspect last week bit the man in the buttocks and let go as soon as its handler gave the command.

A witness to the Sept. 21 arrest has claimed she awoke that night to the sound of a man screaming outside her West Knoxville apartment and looked to see a police dog attacking a man while he was handcuffed on the ground.

The dog, Argo, and its handler, KCSO Detective James Troutt, were called that night to assist the Blount County Sheriff's Office in the arrest of Albert Lee Reynolds, 32, who had been traced to the Elevation Knoxville Apartments off Papermill Drive.

Reynolds was wanted on outstanding warrants in what authorities described as a two-week crime spree and was believed to be armed, authorities said.

In the KCSO dog usage report  a copy of which was provided six days after the News Sentinel's public records request  Troutt states he deployed the dog when Reynolds ignored commands to surrender and appeared to reach toward his waistband.

"After officers restrained the suspect with wrist restraints I immediately recalled K-9 Argo," the report reads. "K-9 Argo released the suspect with only one command, and he immediately returned to my side."

Reynolds was treated by Rural/Metro personnel before he was taken to the Blount County jail.

Breasia Sams said she had never heard such "gut-wrenching" screams and looked out her window to see the scene unfolding in the parking lot.

"There's two police officers kneeling on his back and his shoulder," Sams said. "His hands are already cuffed behind his back and the dog's just tearing at him. And he's just screaming."

The 20-year-old local waitress reached for her iPhone and began shooting video of the episode from her window about 12:30 a.m.

No attack  or screaming  is apparent in the video Sams shared with the News Sentinel hours after the arrest.

The witness said she counted more than 20 officers at the scene. The suspect, Sams said, later was carried by several officers to a police cruiser.

KCSO spokeswoman Martha Dooley and BCSO spokeswoman Marian O'Briant said neither agency has video of the arrest.

This week, O'Briant provided in-cruiser camera footage of Reynolds' transport to jail. The video begins after Reynolds was taken into custody, as he was being loaded into a Sheriff's Office SUV.

In the video, authorities drive Reynolds to an office park across the street from the apartment complex to rendezvous with a Rural/Metro ambulance.

Officers can be heard repeatedly asking Reynolds to step out of the vehicle to be checked by medical personnel, while Reynolds claims he's afraid the dog will be allowed to bite him again.

"You wanna (expletive) see me get hurt by that dog," Reynolds says. "That's why you drive me over here to do whatever you want to me."

An officer, presumably Troutt, can be heard off-camera saying, "It came off the first time I told it to."

Reynolds responds, "No, it (expletive) didn't!"

According to Troutt's report, a medic cleaned the Reynolds' bite wounds and determined he did not need further treatment at a hospital.

Reynolds remained jailed Thursday in lieu of $200,000 bond on charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, auto theft, property theft, vandalism and two counts of vehicle burglary.

Most recently, Reynolds robbed a woman of her cash and her car at knifepoint in Maryville on Sept. 19, according to an incident report.

The next day, Reynolds burglarized a home in Friendsville and drove away with several stolen items in a Toyota pickup, which he also stole from the residence, a separate report states.

According to a BCSO news release, deputies later recovered the pickup and some of the stolen property, including two handguns, at the apartment where Reynolds was captured.

Sams initially assumed the officers outside her window were with the Knoxville Police Department, and she tagged the agency on Twitter in a series of tweets detailing what she witnessed. She spoke with a KPD Internal Affairs investigator before it was determined that no city officers were involved in the operation.

Sams said also called BCSO, having seen a Blount County Sheriff's Office vehicle at the scene, but O'Briant said Thursday the agency had no record of her call.

Sams said she has not had any further contact with authorities.
Harley Hopper

SHARE Kenneth Dylan Whitehead

By News Sentinel Staff

Authorities are searching Greene County for a 13-year-old girl and the 22-year-old man accused of kidnapping her in Missouri.

Kenneth Dylan Whitehead is wanted by the Dent County Sheriff's Office in Salem, Mo., on a kidnapping charge in the disappearance of Harley Hopper on Sept. 22, according to a news release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The pair were last seen on foot after abandoning a vehicle in the area of Lower Paint Creek of the Cherokee National Forest, according to the release.

An East Tennessee Endangered Child Alert has been issued for Hopper.

Authorities described Hopper as 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing about 220 pounds with red hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a red-and-black flannel shirt with long sleeves and dark pajama pants.

Authorities described Whitehead as 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes and was last seen wearing a light-colored khaki shirt. He is known to have a knife, according to the release.

More details as they develop online and in Thursday's News Sentinel.
A family's vehicle was shot traveling north on I-81 on Tuesday night, according to authorities. Investigators are seeking any information that will lead to the arrests of those responsible.

SHARE An armored vehicle traveling north on I-81 was shot "between mile markers 4 and 20," authorities said.

By News Sentinel Staff

East Tennessee authorities want to know who's shooting at drivers on Interstate 81 at night.

On Tuesday night around 9 p.m., a family was traveling north on I-81 at mile marker 10.5 when a bullet pierced the front windshield of their vehicle, according to a news release from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

On Sept. 18 around midnight, people inside a northbound armored vehicle on I-81 heard a loud noise between mile markers 4 and 20, the release states. They initially thought a tire had blown, but later discovered a bullet hole on the passenger side of the vehicle.

On Sept. 9 at 10:50 p.m., a northbound commercial vehicle passed a small car at mile marker 17 on I-81. The driver of the commercial vehicle saw a bright flash inside the car and thought it came from a gun, but neither the responding trooper nor the driver were able to locate a bullet hole, according to the release.

THP investigators are working with the Tennessee Fusion Center and the Hamblen County Sheriff's Office to identify the shooters.

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call the THP at 423-426-6571 or sheriff's office Detective Lt. David Stapleton at 423-586-3781.

More details as they develop online and in Friday's News Sentinel.
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Two free legal advice clinics will aid East Tennessee residents of all income levels seeking counsel.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee will host the first free clinic on Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Knox County Public Defender's Community Law office in Knoxville and on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Blount County Public Library in Maryville.

The clinics, part of the organization's Pro Bono Project, celebrate October as National Pro Bono Month, as Tennessee lawyers help clients by providing free legal assistance. Volunteer attorneys from the Knoxville Bar Association will join the staff attorneys to provide free advice on various legal matters.

"Legal help will be available on a first come, first served basis," said Kathryn Ellis, the Pro Bono Project director. "The public will be able to seek advice on topics such as adoption, child custody and support, criminal defense, divorce, elder law, foreclosure, identity theft, personal injury, VA benefits, wills, worker's comp and more."

A Spanish-language translator will be provided by Centro Hispano to aid those who have limited English language proficiency.

"The library is delighted to help make it possible for the free legal advice clinic," said Joan VanSickle Sloan, Blount County Public Library community outreach coordinator. "We know that it assists folks who might otherwise not gain access to needed assistance."

The clinic is open to the public, and appointments are encouraged but not required.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee at (865) 637-0484 or visit www.laet.org.
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., left, with former Israeli President Shimon Peres in 2007. (Submitted photo)

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By Michael Collins of the Knoxville News Sentinel

WASHINGTON  Rep. Steve Cohen will travel to Israel with President Barack Obama to attend the state funeral of former Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Cohen, a Memphis Democrat, is one of 15 members of Congress  and the only Tennessean  who will accompany Obama to the services. The delegation is scheduled to leave Thursday and return Saturday.

Cohen, who is Jewish, called it "a great honor" to be invited to join the U.S. delegation to Peres' funeral. He met Peres twice  once in 2007, when Cohen traveled to Israel with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and again a few years later when Peres visited Washington.

"He was one of the greatest diplomats I've ever met," Cohen said. "He was a great man who had great relations with the United States and tried to achieve peace."

Peres, 93, died in a Tel Aviv hospital on Wednesday, two weeks after suffering a stroke. A winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Peres also served twice as Israel's prime minister and was one of the country's most admired figures.

Former President Bill Clinton and a number of world leaders are expected to attend the services on Friday.

More details online as they develop and in Friday's News Sentinel.
Free Flu Shot Saturday is Oct. 1, 2016.

Free Flu Shot Saturday long has been a boon to Knoxville residents who wanted to protect themselves from the ravages of influenza, and it has been a reminder to the community that being vaccinated against the flu is something people should do.

That time has come again. This Saturday, an immunization program founded by primary-care physicians Charlie Barnett and Bob Montgomery will be back in action. The goal was to create what was known as "herd immunity" against the influenza virus. The idea is, if enough of the population could be vaccinated, influenza wouldn't run amok in the community.

Knox Countians over the years have responded well to the program, no doubt in part because it benefits others during the Christmas holidays. While the flu shot is free, those being vaccinated are asked to donate to the News Sentinel's Empty Stocking Fund, a program more than a century old that enables about 3,500 needy families in East Tennessee to have meals and allows their children to enjoy toys.

Those receiving the flu shots have been generous. Flu Shot Saturday is the main fundraiser for the ESF, and last year, for example, more than $20,000 was raised during Flu Shot Saturday, as physicians and others administered 4,702 shots.

Volunteers in the medical profession will provide the shots at six Knox County schools: Austin-East, Carter, Farragut, Halls and West high schools, and South-Doyle Middle School. Doors will open at 8 a.m., and the shots will be available until noon or as long as supplies last.

The vaccine will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone age 4 and older. Some sites typically run out of the vaccine before noon, so it is best to go early. At some sites, lines have formed before the school doors opened.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee provides a good part of the funding for Flu Shot Saturday. Summit Medical Group and the Knoxville-area Rotary Clubs also offer funding and other help, as do a number of volunteers. All of their help is vital to the program's success.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended this year's vaccine, which protects against an H1N1, an H3N2 and B/Victoria Lineage virus.

The date of the flu shot event  Oct. 1  coincides with the traditional start of flu season in East Tennessee, although the flu usually peaks from January to March. The flu shot takes effect in about two weeks.

The local event has a strong cheerleader in Don Samples, who lost his 46-year-old wife Leeann to the effects of influenza in 2014. Samples has started a social media campaign, "We can for Leeann," and posted a selfie and the hashtag #wecanforleeann.

During the early years of Free Flu Shot Saturday, the amount of flu vaccine was limited in the Knoxville area, and there were not as many sites offering flu shots. The rise in the number of places offering flu shots is a positive development for the overall health of the community.

Yet, even though flu shots are more widely available, the News Sentinel's Free Flu Shot Saturday remains a Knoxville tradition that helps provide a healthier and safer community  and a happier holiday for many.
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"I asked Allah to deliver America to Trump," a supporter of the Islamic state recently declared. Foreign Affairs Magazine quotes jihadists explaining that Donald Trump would end up helping extremist groups.

"Trump is a wise politician," a columnist wrote in a North Korean propaganda magazine OPRE today. The magazine approved of Trump's threats to withdraw U.S. military from South Korea.

Trump has praised Russia's dictator, Vladimir Putin, who has bombed Syria and invaded Crimea. Russia seems to be not only backing Trump, but it is releasing emails to hurt the Democrats.

"Chinese leaders would like to see a Trump victory," according to Cheng Lian, an expert on Chinese politics at Brookings Institution.

Many Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi leaders have also voiced their support.

Trump refuses to release any tax returns, which has been a practice of candidates for the presidency for the past 40 years. He recently said if you pay a lot of taxes, you are stupid.

James S. Glassman, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy in the George W. Bush administration says, "I have voted for every Republican nominee since 1980, but I will not this time. His appalling temperament renders him unfit to be president. If you want to stop Trump, vote for Mrs. Clinton. If you vote for Libertarian candidate, Gary Johnson, who once ran a marijuana business and who is an isolationist then you help elect Trump. I'll work to rebuild the party in hopes of running a strong and sensible nominee against Mrs. Clinton in 2020."

General Adam Clayton Powell, a Secretary of State under George W. Bush says "Trump is viewed as a pariah among leaders of the free world."

Irving Leeds, Knoxville
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has stressed there is no place for antisemitism in modern Ukraine.

"We are building a country where there is no place for anti-Semitism. Our unity is the key to our success, and overcoming obstacles to our future success," Poroshenko said during the presentation of a film about the tragedy in Babyn Yar in Kyiv.

The president also said the Holocaust Memorial at Babyn Yar in Kyiv should become a place of reverence and respect for all Ukrainians, regardless of the nationality of the tragedy.

"It is extremely important for humanity to remember the roots and the bloody facts of the Holocaust, and these memories should serve as a warning to our present and future generations about the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and intolerance," Poroshenko said.
Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Iryna Friz (the Bloc of Petro Poroshenko faction) has stated that NATO support requires efforts from Ukrainian authorities to reforming the security sector and clear signals of changes.

According to the press service of the Solidarnist Party, she stated this at a meeting of the joint Ukraine-NATO working group on the military reform at a high level in Brussels.

"In this context, the issues of reforming, improving the efficiency and transparency of the security sector pass through the development of parliamentary-democratic control. The issue of the accelerated development of parliamentary and democratic control in the security sector is one of the priorities," Friz said.

She noted Ukraine has legislation in the field of parliamentary and democratic control but it does not work.
The chief of the embattled South Korean retail giant Lotte avoided arrest Thursday as a Seoul court rejected a prosecutors' request for a warrant to formally arrest him over embezzlement and breach of trust charges.

The Seoul Central District Court turned down the request, saying it's difficult to recognize the need for arresting the 61-year-old chairman, Shin Dong-bin.

Prosecutors have accused Shin of orchestrating a series of shady deals at the group's affiliates, as well as giving large stipends to the owner's family for just being listed as board members of the conglomerate's Korean and Japanese branches.

Authorities suspect the amount of money transacted illegally under Shin's direction to hover around some 170 billion won ($154 million). (Yonhap)
By Nam Hyun-woo



The government is seeking corporate restructuring of the steelmaking and petrochemical industries, urging local companies to "voluntarily reorganize" their businesses.



However, the move has been drawing corporate opposition since Thursday that the demand is based on foreign research irrelevant to local market circumstances and will only deteriorate the companies' competitiveness.



Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Joo Hyung-hwan held a meeting with the heads of petrochemical firms. "The firms should preemptively streamline their businesses to cope with tough competition," he said at the meeting.



The remark came after local steelmaking and petrochemical associations commissioned consulting firms to come up with industry-wide restructuring plans. The firms, Bain & Company and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), pointed out the supply glut of petrochemical products, the decrease in steelmaking facilities and the crowded steel pipe sector.



Bain & Company, which conducted a study on the petrochemical industry, pointed out that companies should downsize production of terephthalic acid (TPA) and polystyrene, while additional increases in facilities making butadiene rubber and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) should be stopped.



Domestic firms' TPA exports reached $4.4 billion in 2011, but plunged to $1.4 billion last year, as China increased supply to meet its own demand. Polystyrene's profitability will likely decrease amid severe price competition, according to the consulting firm. The report also suggested companies upgrade their butadiene rubber and PVC facilities to ones making high value-added products.



However, industry insiders cast doubts on the report, saying cutting down the supply of specific products will aggravate the entire petrochemical industry because one product can be an ingredient to others.



"The move can affect short-term sentiment, but it seems to be difficult to bring a structural turnaround, because China is already experiencing an oversupply," said an analyst at Hana Financial Investment.



BCG, which researched the steelmaking industry, expressed its concern with the oversupply of thick steel plates because of the nosedive in shipbuilding orders. Also, the consulting firm recommended Korea decrease its number of steel pipe companies through mergers.



In an interim report, BCG recommended that Korea decrease the number of thick steel plate factories from seven to three, citing thick steel plate consumption will decline from 9.2 million tons last year to 7 million tons by 2020.



There are seven thick steel plate factories in Korea. POSCO has four, Hyundai Steel has two and Dongkuk Steel has one. The three companies can produce 7 million, 3.5 million and 1.5 million tons of thick steel plates, respectively.



On the heels of a global decrease in demand, POSCO and Hyundai Steel's operation rates of their thick steel plate manufacturing line reportedly dropped to 80 percent, down 15 percentage points from a year earlier.



However, criticism also stirred that the report does not reflect the business that takes places in the thick steel plate sector. According to industry sources, they produce the plates only after they receive orders, thus the concept of oversupply does not exist in their business. Also, given the massive costs for building the factories, maintaining them will cost them less than tearing them down for now and rebuilding them again when the industry faces an upturn.



"When we get rid of the factories and the thick steel plate sector faces an upturn, Chinese steelmakers will only benefit," said a steelmaking firm official asking not to be named.



The government will announce its schemes for restructuring the steelmaking and petrochemical industries on Friday and the consulting firms' opinions are anticipated to affect the government's plan heavily. Minister Joo mostly echoed the consulting firms' reports, saying "the thick steel plate sector needs to adjust its facilities."




By Jhoo Dong-chan



Union workers at Hyundai Motor have expressed strong opposition to the government's decision to review its plan to intervene in their labor strike.



Hyundai Motor Union leader Park Yoo-ki said during the workers' meeting, Thursday, that he and his fellow union members will "push their demands for a wage hike with the management at all costs."



In late August, the company's union and management tentatively reached a collective bargaining agreement, under which the company will increase the base monthly salary by 58,000 won, raise annual bonuses by 350 percent and offer a 3.3 million won one-time bonus, among other things.



But 78.05 percent of the union workers voted down the agreement, sending wage negotiations back to square one. Union leaders then asked the company for more concessions, which management refused.



The union workers then began an all-out strike for the first time in 12 years, paralyzing the nation's largest automaker's domestic production plants in Ulsan, Asan and Jeonju.



The government decided to review the plan to take an emergency arbitration measure as both sides showed no signs of finding middle ground through dialogue.



"Considering the impact this would have on the nation's economy, the government has decided to review all possible options to end the Hyundai Motor strike," Labor Minister Lee Ki-kwon said Wednesday.



"A series of the workers' walkouts have reportedly cost the automaker more than 2.7 trillion won ($2.46 billion), or 121,167 cars of reduced car production. Apart from Hyundai Motor's loss, a total of Hyundai Motor's 380 subcontractors, mostly small and medium-sized businesses, suffered an approximate 1.3 trillion won loss in sales. But Hyundai Motor workers only turned down the tentative agreement between management and their representatives because they want higher wages. It is just nonsense. They should come to the table, and settle the issue with dialogue. Or, we will take the necessary measures within the law and the system."



The mediation measure has been imposed four times so far to end walkouts staged by unions at Korea Shipbuilding Corp. in 1969, Hyundai Motor in 1993, and Asiana Airlines and Korean Air Lines pilots, respectively, in 2005.



The measure can be imposed by the labor minister to put an end to a strike if it is considered to have a direct impact on the daily lives of people or jeopardize the nation's economy. If the measure passes, union workers are ordered to suspend their strike for 30 days while the National Labor Relations Commission conducts arbitration.



In response, union workers at Hyundai Motor are expected to have a committee and general meeting this week to make a countermeasure to the government's move.



Park said that the workers' struggles will continue even if the government intervenes.



"We won't stop our struggles to carry through our demands until the end," Park said.




The New Investors bring Denmark's sunshine and beaches to Zandari Festa, playing Freebird Saturday 6 p.m.

/ Photo by Camilla Hylleberg



By Jon Dunbar

This three-day weekend, over 100 of Korea's greatest least-known musical acts will take part in the fifth annual Zandari Festa, the country's greatest showcase of its indie music scene.

First held in 2012, the music festival is named after a street running through the Hongdae area which means small bridge in Korean. "I hope people will experience the broader world through this small bridge," said festival founder Kong Yoon-young, better known as Dalse.

Over 160 bands playing rock, folk, surf, psychedelic and many more genres will perform 163 individual concerts at 12 venues throughout the Hongik University area in western Seoul, known as Hongdae, ground zero for Korean indie music culture. More than 100 Korean bands will joined by musicians from 18 countries, coming from as far away as the U.S., South Africa and Denmark, plus music industry delegates from around the world.





At Zandari Festa 2015, Japanese punk band Jungles!!! are joined by Korean punk band Crying Nut's keyboardist Kim Insoo at an unscheduled late-night performance at Strange Fruit. Crying

Nut perform Monday 9 p.m. at Yes24 Muv Hall. / Photo by Jon Dunbar



One of the many local festival highlights is 57, a rock duo founded in Jeonju. They play Saturday 7 p.m. at Club Steel Face.

"Zandari is different because when a band has finished their showcase, their festival experience isn't over yet as there're lots of other showcases to watch, people to meet and parties to attend," said 57's drummer Sur. "During Zandari, the vibe in Hongdae is different. It feels almost like a city of music."

Last year, a delegate invited 57 to play Liverpool Sound City Music Festival 2016, along with DTSQ, Patients, Laybricks and Dead Buttons, the latter which also signed with U.K. indie record label Bella Union for an album deal with worldwide distribution.



At Zandari Festa 2015, Japanese punk band TsuShiMaMiRe haul their gear out after performing at Salon Badabie. / Photo by JonDunbar

Since the beginning, invited delegates of the U.K. festival as well as Russia's V-ROX, the U.S.'s SXSW and numerous other tour bookers and record labels have been inviting bands to their own festivals, on tours and into recording studios.

"We're very thankful for that experience," said Sur. "We're hoping we can have more experiences and do business in other parts of the world."

The local bands also get to connect with their international musical peers. Of the 56 international bands, Japan is sending the most at 13, followed by the U.K. and Poland at nine each and France with seven. This year will introduce two special branded showcases, a British night Saturday 10:30 p.m. at Freebird and French night Sunday 10 p.m. at Yes24 Muv Hall.





Peruvian-French musician Djang San brings his electrified zhongruan to Zandari Festa.

/ Photo courtesy of Djang San



"The bands coming in from abroad are all very focused on the business side of things. Right from the get-go they want to know who is going to be there, what the options are for meeting them, etc.," said Patrick Connor, the overseas coordinator for Zandari and curator of the DoIndie showcase at Steel Face 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Monday.












A senior prosecutor was arrested Thursday on charges of receiving kickbacks in return for peddling his influence on an investigation, the latest in a series of corruption scandals in the country's legal sector.

The Seoul Central District Court issued a warrant to formally arrest Kim Hyung-joon, citing the possibility of the suspect destroying evidence.

Prosecutors accused the suspect of receiving some 50 million won ($45,700) from his high school friend, identified only by his surname Kim, in return for lobbying local prosecutors who were investigating the businessman on fraud and embezzlement charges.

The prosecutor Kim is also suspected of abetting his friend in the destruction of key evidence when the investigation into the two of them was launched.

The allegations came to the surface when the businessman Kim disclosed their connection to the local media after a Seoul court sought a warrant to formally arrest him late last month. He was arrested after attempting to flee.

Kim is the second incumbent prosecutor to be arrested this year, following Jin Kyung-joon, who is standing trial for receiving bribes from Kim Jung-joo, the founder of the country's leading online game maker Nexon Co. (Yonhap)
President Park Geun-hye attended a ceremony celebrating the establishment of a facility for a powerful light source in the southern port city of Pohang on Thursday, offering her encouragement to researchers and construction workers.

The fourth-generation "synchrotron radiation" facility in the city, some 360 kilometers southeast of Seoul, is expected to pave the way for enhanced research on medical treatments, new drugs, artificial synthesis and new materials among others, experts said.

Seoul officials said the new facility, which is set to begin full-fledged operations in March, will not only improve various research activities but also help nurture new industries and reinvigorate the local economy.

The landmark facility creates a high-energy light source, 100 million times brighter and 1,000 times faster than the third-generation one, enabling researchers to better analyze ultrafine particles in real time.

The construction of the facility began in April 2011 with a budget of 429.8 billion won ($393.4 million). Officials said 70 percent of the component parts were procured locally, which has helped save some 50 billion won in development costs.

With the construction completed, South Korea has become the third country after the United States and Japan to have such a state-of-the-art facility.

The Seoul government plans to provide 21.3 billion won next year to ensure the stable operations of the facility. (Yonhap)
A local professor was sentenced to two years in prison Thursday on charges of manipulating a report in favor of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, the first court ruling on the high-profile toxic humidifier disinfectant case.

The Seoul Central District Court found the professor at Seoul National University (SNU), identified only by his surname Cho, guilty of writing a report between 2011 and 2012 that said there was no clear causal relation between the substances in Oxy's products and lung damage.

The humidifier disinfectant case, one of the worst scandals involving a consumer product using chemicals, came to light after four pregnant women died of lung problems from unknown causes in 2011.

A government-led investigation confirmed a connection between people who died of lung problems and the chemicals used to clean household humidifiers.

The company asked the professor for the report in August 2011 to rebut the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in return for money.

"The suspect violated research ethics for money, when he holds social and moral responsibility as the country's highest authority in the field of toxicology," the court said.

It ordered the professor to pay a fine of 25 million won ($22,800) and forfeit another 12 million won.

The court's decision came a week after Rakesh Kapoor, the head of the Britain-based Reckitt Benckiser, apologized for the pain and deaths of the South Korean consumers.

A number of trials are currently underway for officials at the local unit of the British household goods maker. (Yonhap)
By Kang Seung-woo

South Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom will hold their first joint aerial combat exercise here in November, the Air Force said, Thursday.

It said South Korean, British and U.S. air forces are scheduled to carry out the "Invincible Shield" exercise from Nov. 4 to 10 from Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

The South Korean Air Force has often held joint drills with its U.S. counterpart  such as "Max Thunder" and "Red Flag"  but it is the first time British fighter jets will join a drill here.

Britain plans to send four Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets, a Voyager tanker aircraft and a C-17 Globemaster military transport plane to the trilateral exercise, while the South Korean Air Force's F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets and the U.S. Air Force's F-16 fighters will participate.

The operation comes as the North Korean regime continues to increase tension on the Korean Peninsula, following its fifth nuclear test on Sept. 9 and recent ballistic missile tests.

"The three-way exercise is aimed at improving the allies' capabilities of attacking an enemy's major military and leadership facilities, if provoked, but also at intercepting incoming aerial foes," an Air Force official said.

"Through the exercise, the three countries will be able to bolster the interoperability of their military arsenals and joint operational capabilities in the event of conflict breaking out on the Korean Peninsula."

Before the joint operation, the British Air Force plans to hold an exercise with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, in mid-October.

The South Korean Air Force said Britain's participation in "Invincible Shield" will send a message of its commitment to defending South Korea from Pyongyang's hostile acts as a member country of the United Nations Command during the Korean War.

"The three nation's air forces will continue to expand joint operations and strengthen their partnership," the Air Force said.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called on the Ukrainian and world community to financially support the creation of the Holocaust Memorial in Babyn Yar in Kyiv.

"I urge the Ukrainian and world community to join this initiative," he said during the presentation of the film about the tragedy in Babyn Yar.

According to him, the creation of the memorial will be part of the efforts of the mankind to study the historical truth and fight against speculation about the history of the tragedy.
Constitutional Court justices prepare to deliver a ruling on the constitutionality of a law abolishing the state-bar exam by 2017, at the Constitutional Court, central Seoul, Thursday. / Korea Times photo by Hong In-ki



By Lee Kyung-min

The Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that an old law banning public rallies that could compromise democratic principles is unconstitutional.

The unanimous 9-0 decision marks the first such determination made on the law.

The petition was filed in 2014 by Jeonju District Court on behalf of a man who was convicted of obstruction of justice and injuring police officers at a 1978 rally against the dictatorial regime of the time.

His guilty verdict was based on the now-abolished law under which the anti-government rally was categorically banned.












Family members of Baek Nam-ki, who died after being knocked over by a police water cannon during a rally last year, politicians, religious leaders, civic activists and lawyers take part in a rally , in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul, Thursday, demanding the authorities withdraw their request for an autopsy on the farmer.

/ Korea Times photo by Shin Sang-soon



By Kim Bo-eun

Conflict is escalating after a court approved the autopsy of the body of a farmer who died after being hit by a police water cannon during a rally last November.

The Seoul Central District Court issued a warrant, Wednesday night, enabling police to carry out the autopsy on Baek Nam-ki, 69, who died Sunday after spending 10 months in a coma after being hit by the water cannon.

Police and the prosecution initially requested a warrant for an autopsy the night Baek died, but the court denied the request on Monday and authorities re-applied for the warrant.

The court accepted the second request for a warrant, but added that the authorities should negotiate with bereaved family members on how to conduct the autopsy. It also issued guidelines for both parties to reach an agreement on the site and number of family members, doctors and lawyers representing them who could attend the examination.

Police said that while Baek's doctor declared he died from acute renal failure after a subdural hemorrhage, an autopsy is needed to determine the exact cause of his death.

Bereaved family members and civic groups say that injuries from the water cannon evidently caused Baek's death and that 10 months of medical records sufficiently prove this.

They say the police's intention of the autopsy is to divert the cause of Baek's death to other underlying conditions and not the use of the water cannon.

Following the court's approval of the warrant, family members and civic groups hosted a press conference declaring their opposition.

"I do not want my father's body to go back into the hands of authorities who caused his death," said Baek's daughter Doraji at Seoul National University Hospital.

Hundreds of supporters including politicians, religious leaders, lawyers, civic activists, labor union members, farmers and students gathered Thursday morning in front of the Sejong Center for Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul, condemning authorities' move to carry out the autopsy.

They called for the government to apologize for Baek's death, for an independent counsel to conduct investigations into his death and punish those accountable and put an end to state violence and the use of water cannons.

Police have until Oct. 25 to conduct the autopsy but it seems unlikely that it will be carried out by then due to strong opposition.

Meanwhile, a UN rights expert in a news release called for local authorities to respect the will of the family to not have an autopsy conducted on Baek's body.

"I call for a full and independent investigation into the police's use of water cannons during the rally that unambiguously led to Mr. Baek's death according to video footage available," Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai said in a news release issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

"The perpetrators should be held accountable and the family of Mr. Baek receive appropriate compensation. In addition, adequate measures must be taken to prevent a similar tragedy from happening in the future," he said.
Constitutional Court justices prepare to deliver a ruling on the constitutionality of a law abolishing the state-bar exam by 2017, at the Constitutional Court, central Seoul, Thursday. / Korea Times photo by Hong In-ki



By Lee Kyung-min

The Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that a law stipulating the state-administered bar exam be abolished by 2017 is constitutional.

A petition was filed in 2012 by a group of law students, claiming clauses in the law make entering a law school the only way to work in legal professions, which unduly burdens low-income students and therefore violates their constitutional right to the freedom to choose one's occupation and hold public office.

The group argued that tuition at the 25 law schools nationwide surpasses 20 million won ($18,100) a year, more than double that of regular university programs.

In a 5-4 decision, the justices said in a majority opinion that the law, which was enforced to improve legal services by increasing the number of competent lawyers, needs to be maintained to minimize social confusion.

"Since the law took effect in 2009, those who sought to become judges, prosecutors or lawyers chose to enter law school based on the firm belief that the bar exam would be abolished by 2017," the court said. "The eight-year grace period before the abolishment was sufficiently long."












Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union head Jo Sang-su, left, embraces his counterpart from the Federation of Korean Public Industry Trade Unions during a walkout by affiliates of the nation's two umbrella unions at Yeouido Hangang Park in southern Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap



Saenuri asks prosecution to investigate speaker



By Kim Hyo-jin

The ruling Saenuri Party filed a petition with the prosecution, Thursday, to demand a criminal investigation of National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, claiming he abused his authority.

This is the first time in South Korean history that a party has asked the prosecution to investigate an incumbent Assembly speaker.

The party claimed Chung, a former member of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), breached his political neutrality by helping opposition parties unilaterally pass a no-confidence motion against the sitting agriculture minister, Saturday.

On the same day, the ruling party filed a petition with the Constitutional Court, asking it to decide on whether the passage of the no-confidence motion was legal.

The moves were part of the ruling party's attempts to pressure Chung into resigning.

The Saenuri Party has insisted he should take responsibility for "skipping prior consultation with it" before deciding when to table the motion for a vote, thereby violating its lawmakers' right to deliberate and vote.

The opposition-backed motion was passed with 160 votes in favor in the 300-member Assembly after 129 Saenuri lawmakers walked out in protest.

The ruling party has also requested the Constitutional Court to rule on the breadth of the National Assembly speaker's jurisdiction.

The Saenuri Party continued to boycott the audit of government offices for a fourth consecutive day, showing no signs of breaking the political deadlock between the rival parties.

Floor leader Chung Jin-suk joined a hunger strike begun by Chairman Lee Jung-hyun, Monday. "We will use all means to protest the speaker's actions," he said.

Lee reiterated that he would not stop the protest until Speaker Chung steps down, and noted that the party will seek to revise the National Assembly Law to obligate the speaker to observe political neutrality.

The current law does not include specific rules on neutrality except that it does not allow the speaker to be a member of a party once assuming the post.



Ruling Saenuri Party floor leader Rep. Chung Jin-suk, third from right on front row, and other party members urge National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun to resign during a rally inside the Assembly, Thursday.

/ Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon



The ruling party has accused Chung of having sided with the opposition parties on critical issues and argued that the controversy over the no-confidence motion was one example.

Amid the worsening political impasse, the MPK gave up seeking negotiations with the Saenuri Party leadership, floor leader Woo Sang-ho said.

"It is virtually impossible to hold negotiations with the ruling party at this stage, not to mention for the Assembly speaker to clarify his position," Woo said. "We will have to just wait to see whether it decides to return to the audit sessions."

The minor opposition People's Party joined the criticism but showed a different view to the MPK on how to resolve the parliamentary gridlock.

"It is not difficult to think that the Saenuri Party is sabotaging the audit intentionally as sensitive issues like scandals involving Mir and the K-Sports Foundation or troubled presidential secretary Woo Byung-woo, are in the wings," said floor leader Park Jie-won.

"In order to normalize the audit, it would be better if Chung expresses his regrets over the situation."

Some party officials speculated that the Assembly could begin to operate normally sooner than others think.

They noted that Chung has postponed an official visit to New Zealand and Australia, scheduled for today, until Oct. 3. Although the speaker has remained adamant that there was no abuse of authority in tabling the motion for a vote, the officials expect that he may engage in backroom talks with the ruling party to find a breakthrough.

Also, a rift within the ruling party is another sign.

A day after the leadership urged its members to remain united in boycotting the audit, Saenuri Party Rep. Kim Young-woo, who chairs the National Assembly National Defense Committee, held an audit of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
WASHINGTON  A top U.S. diplomat for East Asia told the Senate foreign relations subcommittee that the Obama administration is seeking ways to enhance the efficacy of sanctions on North Korea.

Sanctions "have not yet caused the DPRK to change course" and come to denuclearization talks, although they were effective in creating "significant problems for the North Korean regime."

In a hearing held on the "Persistent Threat of North Korea," September 28, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Russel also testified that the administration has engaged China at the highest level for its cooperation on sanctions and "regularly urges China to do more to prevent the DPRK from using Chinese companies."

On September 24, the treasury department designated a Chinese trading company  Dandong Hongxiang  and four individuals for sanction targets in an aggressive U.S. effort to curb the North Korean nuclear and missile programs.

However, this company is not a bank, and the impact of the targeted sanction in this case will not be as great as sanctioning a bank or banks that are doing business with the DPRK. It would not be like the far-reaching impact of sanctions against the Banco Delta Asia in 2007.












Yoo Ki-pung / Courtesy of Twitter



By Lee Han-soo

The president of Seoul's prestigious Sogang University has quit because of conflict with the school's board of directors over a stalled new campus plan.

In an urgently arranged news briefing on Thursday, Yoo Ki-pung said: "I am shocked by the board's unwillingness to even talk about the plans to build a second campus." He said the resignation signifies his anger at the board.

The conflict stemmed from a plan to build a new campus in Namyangju City, northeast of Seoul, which the president has pushed since 2009 but faces being abandoned because of strong opposition from the directors. The board has refused to approve the plan over concerns it will only deepen the school's financial troubles.

Namyangju has threatened to sue the school if it cancels the plan.
Kim Eun-jung, design director of ObjetOgam, and Goh Hoon-a, creative director, stand for a photo in their workspace at the Seoul Women's Venture Plaza in southern Seoul, Sept. 22. / Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong



By Kim Se-jeong

Kim Eun-jung works as a design director at ObjetOgam, a small startup she and her colleague established to make and market jewelry and interior design items.

This is not the first time that she has been engaged in business. She had to fold her previous entrepreneurial venture in 2008 due to high rent and other hurdles she could not overcome alone.

"I couldn't handle bills that I had to pay every month, including rent," Kim said during a recent interview in her new workspace inside Dogok Subway Station in southern Seoul.

On top of the rent issue, Kim had other challenges  filing tax returns and meeting the right people to sell her products to.

"I was alone and I had too much to take care of."

She still has a lot to do now, but says her stress feels much lighter now because of the help from Seoul Women's Venture Plaza.

Located inside the subway station, the plaza, run by Seoul Metropolitan Government, is specifically designed for women who start handicraft businesses like Kim.

The extent of assistance is broad, ranging from affordable office rent to training sessions for filing tax returns and copyrights, and lectures on marketing and trade basics.

The photography session was particularly helpful, she said, because she had to take photos and edit them for online sales in China. The plaza also runs a small market inside the subway station every other Friday where she sells her products.

"I can save a lot by not paying so much for rent," Kim said. She pays 84,000 won monthly for the space of 21 square meters, plus utilities.

Kim is among 15 young entrepreneurs who are renting space at the plaza.

The help center was founded in 2013 in line with the city government's policy to encourage female city residents with handicraft skills to start their own businesses. The city runs 23 such places, with a similar range of services.

"What we found is that handicrafts are where women could excel and distinguish themselves from others," said Kwon Jin-young from the city's Women and Family Policy Affair Department. Also, there was strong support from Mayor Park Won-soon, said Kwon.

The city's support focuses on sustaining the new startups for three years. "The first three years are the toughest period in business, and our programs are particularly aimed at their survival during that time," Kwon said. Kim who rented the space early this year can also stay there three years.

Korea is a tough place to work for women. Maintaining a balance between career and family life is a daunting task. Many quit their jobs after having babies. Many never go back, and those who wish to do so are discouraged because of the hostility of the corporate environment for female employees with families.

A project like this is one of many efforts the central and local governments are using to improve the situation and to get women back into the workforce.

With the help of the city, Kim's business is making progress, slowly.

Since July, her jewelry has been selling on a Chinese luxury online shopping mall, called www.secoo.com. She managed to get her products onto a couple of other domestic online venues for handicraft items. "We're more hopeful that our brand gets its name out, and we will have good sales," Kim said.

There are other success stories.

Kim Mi-mi is also successfully running RUBLUM, a jewelry brand. She is supplying her products to Alibaba.com, a leading Chinese e-commerce site, prominent department stores and gift shops at the Korea National Museum and the National Assembly. As her business grew, Kim left the plaza at the end of last year and is expanding her business on her own.

The door for support is open for any woman, but competition is fierce. The first round of competition is the women venture handicraft contest which the city organizes every year. Only the winners of the annual contest can apply for the space and training sessions at the plaza.

This year's contest will take place in mid-October. Those who want to get more information about the city's support, visit https://wrd.seoulwomen.or.kr.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. / Courtesy of Twitter



By Lee Han-soo

Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2016, sponsored by Hanwha Group, one of Korea's largest conglomerates, is scheduled to light up the Yeouido sky on Oct. 8.

The festival, which marks its 16th anniversary, is Hanwha's social contribution project and has the slogan, "Sharing hope through flames."

Japan's Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks and Spain's Pirotecnia Igual also will participate.

Although the festival's opening ceremony is at 7 p.m., visitors can enjoy "Fireworks Village" that opens just for the day at 1 p.m. The village also features "fireworks road," which runs from Yeouinaru subway station to Wonhyo Bridge.












The United States is actively investigating additional Chinese companies over dealings with North Korea after imposing the first-ever sanctions on a Chinese firm earlier this week in connection with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, a senior State Department official said Wednesday.



"We're investigating. The Treasury and State are investigating a number of companies around the world," Daniel Fried, the department's coordinator for sanctions policy, said during a Senate hearing in response to a question whether additional Chinese firms are under investigation.



"There are no limits and there is no administration red line of exempt countries or companies. We go where the evidence takes us," he said before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, led by Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO).



Asked again if he meant more Chinese firms are under investigation, Fried said, "I wouldn't argue with you." Later in the hearing, Gardner asked again whether "we are actively investigating Chinese entities" and Fried said, "Yes."



On Monday, the Treasury Department blacklisted China's Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co. Ltd., its owner and three other company officials in a landmark move representing the first-ever sanctions on a Chinese entity over Pyongyang's weapons programs.



In addition to the Treasury Department sanctions that froze U.S.-based assets of the Chinese firm and the four officials, the Justice Department has also pressed criminal charges against them for "conspiring to evade U.S. economic sanctions" and "conspiracy to launder money instruments."



The sanctions could have powerful impacts on the North as they could scare other Chinese firms away from dealings with the North for fear that they could also be blacklisted by the U.S. Pyongyang has long used Chinese firms to skirt international sanctions.



Fried warned Chinese firms against dealings with the North.



"It will also be useful if Chinese banks and companies understood that increasingly dealing with North Korean companies, especially those that are sanctioned, is going to be risky, frankly not worth it," the official said.



"The best sanctions are those that do not have to be applied because the credible threat of sanctions acts as deterrent. The U.S. government's actions earlier this week demonstrate that we are in earnest and I can assure you that we are," he said.



Fried stressed that his warning against Chinese firms to avoid sanctionable activity is "not a phrase."



"Our actions on Monday indicate that Chinese companies ... are not off limits. That news will spread around the Chinese community. We can also use various means to get the word out to Chinese businesses and banks that we are serious," he said.



Fried also said the U.S. is "looking hard and actively" at North Korea's coal trade, saying that coal exports, which amount to about $1 billion a year, are "the largest single generator of foreign currency for North Korean economy."



The official also strongly suggested that the U.S. is investigating the North's state air carrier, Air Koryo.



"It is true that we and our allies have curtailed Air Koryo's activities and restricted its ability. Third governments have restricted its ability to land. I don't want to discuss in an open session particular investigations, but we are well aware of Air Koryo's role in the North Korean system," he said. (Yonhap)




China should do more to rein in North Korea out of concern that South Korea or Japan could seek their own nuclear weapons to cope with Pyongyang's threats, a senior State Department official said Wednesday.



"The Chinese are very mindful of the risk that either South Korea or Japan might distance itself from the U.S. nuclear umbrella and pursue their own capabilities, and that, I believe, ought to motivate China to redouble its efforts to push back on the North Koreans," Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said during a Senate hearing.



"That's only one of many examples of why we believe it is so in the best interest of China to tighten up on the North, to expand their cooperation with us, and to really abandon an old pattern of tolerating a significant amount of provocative and dangerous behavior of the DPRK," he said.



The North's fifth nuclear test earlier this month has given rise to greater calls in South Korea for the country's own nuclear armament, with not only lawmakers of the conservative ruling Saenuri Party, but also members of liberal opposition parties making the pro-nuclear weapons case.



The government of President Park Geun-hye has rejected such an idea as running against the principle of a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. Officials also say it would have negative effects on efforts to end the North's nuclear programs.



"The pressure in the mainstream political society in either the Republic of Korea or in Japan to contemplate the acquisition of nuclear weapons is directly commensurate with their faith in America's commitment as an ally to their defense and to the extended deterrence or the nuclear umbrella provided by their alliance with the United States," Russel said.



He said, however, that the U.S. commitment to South Korea's defense is strong enough for Seoul not to consider nuclear armament.



"We are giving enough confidence... that our deterrence, our nuclear umbrella, our willingness to utilize the full range of U.S. national security programs," Russel said.



Russel, however, did not specifically say whether the U.S. is willing to use nuclear weapons against the North, saying, "I'll leave it to the president to decide if and when the United States is going to use a nuclear weapon."



"The certainty on the part of the DPRK that the United States would either prevent their use of nuclear weapons or retaliate in a devastating manner is an effective deterrent," he said. (Yonhap)




One Ukrainian soldier killed, two injured in ATO zone over past 24 hours

One soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was killed and two were wounded in the ATO zone in Donbas over the past 24 hours, speaker of the Defense Ministry on ATO Oleksandr Motuzianyk has stated.

"One soldier was killed and two were wounded over the past 24 hours," he said at a briefing in Kyiv.

"One serviceman was killed and another was wounded when the adversary shelled Avdiyivka's industrial zone. Another was wounded in a strike in Donetsk region," Motuzianyk said in comments to Interfax-Ukraine.

Militant forces continue to shell Stanytsia Luhanska and Popasna district in Luhansk region, he said. Armored hardware weapons and small arms have been used. A total of nine shelling instances have been recorded in Luhansk region.

Eight strikes on Ukrainian army positions have been recorded in Donetsk region. Militant forces shelled the Novhorodske-Avdiyivka sector, Motuzianyk said. The militants fired armored hardware weapons in Novhorodske, and mortars were used in Avdiyivka.

Armed provocations were recorded in Maryinka, Starohnativka and at the Talakivka-Shyrokyne frontline sector near the city of Mariupol, he said.
A North Korean soldier on Thursday defected to South Korea after crossing the military demarcation line bisecting the two Koreas, Seoul's military said.

He crossed the border at around 10 a.m. and defected to the South, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"Our military is questioning the soldier to determine why he defected," it said. (Yonhap)
A young North Korean math whiz who is believed to have sought asylum at the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong has recently arrived in Seoul, a foreign media outlet reported Wednesday.

Citing a report of news agency Factwire, the South China Morning Post said that the 18-year-old student "left Hong Kong for South Korea over the weekend," ending a two-month stay there.

The North Korean teen who took part in the International Mathematical Olympiad in Hong Kong walked into the South Korean consulate in the special administrative district in July and sought asylum, Hong Kong media outlets earlier reported.

A source said that the North Korean teenager arrived in South Korea on Saturday through a third country after leaving Hong Kong the same day.

South Korea's unification ministry declined to confirm the latest report.












By Yi Whan-woo

The United States has asked the rest of the world to "downgrade or sever" their diplomatic and economic relations with North Korea, according to a senior U.S. official.

Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, said such a request was made in response to the Kim Jong-un regime's growing military threats, including its fourth and fifth nuclear tests this year.

"The threats have become more frequent and the rhetoric more alarming," he said during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing in Washington D.C., Wednesday.

"Mere days ago, North Korea's foreign minister delivered a defiant speech to the U.N. General Assembly, stating that the United States will face consequences beyond imagination' from North Korea.

"This month, we instructed our embassies around the world to ask host governments to condemn the test and take further additional actions to downgrade or sever diplomatic and economic ties."

The remarks came after South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se questioned North Korea's qualification as a U.N. member in a speech at the U.N. General Assembly, saying the North was "totally ridiculing" the U.N.'s authority.

The allies appear to be taking steps to evict Pyongyang from the global body.

Russel claimed that North Korea has viewed diplomatic meetings and visits as "important markers of its international legitimacy" amid its accelerated international isolation.

As of Sunday, 75 countries have issued statements condemning North Korea's nuclear tests, and cancelled or downgraded planned meetings or visits with Pyongyang officials, according to Russel.












By Tong Kim

WASHINGTON  Facing the increasing threat of North Korea's nuclear arsenal, many experts in Washington share the view that this issue should be an urgent priority for the next president of the United States.

"The next president should take bold action to ease North Korea's security concerns," J. Stapleton Roy, a former U.S. ambassador to China, told The Korea Times on September 23.

Roy, now a distinguished scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center, suggested that an intransigent U.S. policy, backed by sanctions and a show of force by mighty war assets and intensive exercises increases the security concerns of the scared North Koreans, and it is not helpful to the U.S. goal of denuclearization.

He said, if Hillary Clinton is elected, she is expected to make some decisions, reasonable to the foreign policy establishment, but if Donald Trump is elected, "all bets are on."

Roy thinks the Obama administration's foreign policy has failed on North Korea, the Middle East and the Russian border in Europe, but Obama's handling of China and his rebalances to Asia steered in the right direction, establishing a foundation for his successor to build on.












By Kyung Moon Hwang

Three weeks ago Barack Obama made the first visit by an American president to the Southeast Asian country of Laos. More important was what he said there: an expression of sympathy and understanding for the unrelenting bombing campaign from America's secret dirty war during the Vietnam conflict of the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of civilians victimized at the time, many have been killed and maimed subsequently by leftover bombs on the ground. Obama promised to assist the effort to clear these away through a major increase in American aid.

This is part of a pattern that Obama has long demonstrated, that of treating history in a more mature, dignified manner that acknowledges American wrongdoing and tries to make amends. Needless to say, this approach has angered many Americans who hold onto a belief that their country has always been a beacon of goodness and freedom. This is frankly a juvenile, absurd, and destructive view. But the pervasiveness of such delusion can be seen in the popularity of Donald Trump, a presidential candidate who embodies the self-centeredness, ignorance, and bigotry of this form of American exceptionalism.

Such contentiousness over history is fairly common around the world, including in South Korea, as I suggested in my previous column. At heart, it is a conflict between an understanding of the past as a complicated unfolding of human experience that can enlighten views of the present, and one that sees history as a clear-cut moral struggle, informed considerably by nationalist fervor, against an enemy.

A couple of weeks ago I went to see the film, "Operation Chromite," the code name for the famed "Incheon Landing" (the Korean title of the movie) of September 1950 that dramatically turned the tide of the Korean War three months after it began. Unfortunately, it became clear quickly that this film could have been made thirty or forty years ago, during the depths of the South Korean dictatorship. Given the development of the country and its cinema since democratization in 1987, one could have expected that such a simplistically skewed portrayal of the nation's history was a thing of the past.

The movie features, in the role of General Douglas MacArthur, the Hollywood star Liam Neeson, who hams it up in a way that seems to betray a slumming approach to the task. But the film's focus is on a secret South Korean commando unit, a reorientation of the familiar tale that is to be expected, since this is a Korean movie, after all. What is objectionable is the disturbingly outdated depiction of North Koreans as faceless devils, with multiple scenes showing dozens of them being callously mowed down by South Korean gunfire without so much as a hint of acknowledgement of their humanity. Contrast this with the heart-breaking melodrama, one by one, accompanying the deaths of the South Koreans, who are shown in scenes with their family members in order to accentuate the gravity of the loss. Apparently none of the North Korean soldiers could have had parents, wives, or children.

But this is just a movie; why make such a fuss? In response, I would say, first, it has become a very popular movie. Second, this film seems to be part of a trend of considering South Korean history in ways that harken back to the Cold War era, which in turn reflects broader political and social shifts, even academic divisions.

The triumphalist view of South Korean history, which this movie forwards, often comes across as a revival of the simplistic, official historical perspective from decades ago that tried to justify the politics of the anti-communist dictatorship. State actions surrounding the Korean War, South Korea's participation in the Vietnam War, and the long succession of authoritarian governments were all legitimated in such a way.

Historical perspectives that developed in opposition to this official view have also veered sometimes into caricature and fervent nationalism, but on the whole they have demanded greater integrity and honesty in addressing the past: introspection, reflection, and admission of wrongdoing, and a general acknowledgement of historical complexities. Such a more candid and mature attitude toward history is how most of us would want our children to approach life in general, and hence this historical debate speaks ultimately to competing visions of national identity.

Many South Korean political leaders have encouraged such frank reassessment of the nation's history. In the 2000s the government even formed a "truth and reconciliation" commission to uncover the gruesome historical realities of South Korea's foundation period, including the Korean War, in order to rectify the painful injustices of the past.

This commission came to an end with the arrival of the Lee Myung-bak administration in 2008, and the current Park government has furthered the effort to gloss over the negative aspects of the country's history in order to legitimate particular features of the present. President Park's efforts last year to reach an agreement over the "Comfort Women" issue with her Japanese counterpart was an example of this. The ongoing, predictable difficulties in implementing this accord shows how unrealistic it will be to expect such frank acknowledgement of history from the Japanese when so many Korean leaders themselves cannot treat faithfully their own nation's past.

Kyung Moon Hwang is a professor in the Departments of History and East Asian Languages and Cultures, University of Southern California. He is the author of "A History of Korea  An Episodic Narrative" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010). Check this and Prof. Hwang's other columns on http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/category/subsection_633.html.
South Korea and Uzbekistan discussed ways to expand bilateral economic cooperation in the investment, infrastructure and energy development sectors Wednesday, the trade ministry in Sejong said.

Led by South Korea's Trade Minister Joo Hyung-hwan and Uzbek Finance Minister Rustam Azimov, the two countries held the eighth round of economic and trade talks in Seoul to bolster trade and help more South Korean firms participate in infrastructure projects in the Central Asian country, according to the ministry.

Uzbekistan is working on a number of energy developing projects, including a US$4 billion project to build olefin facilities in the country and a $1 billion one to construct 100 megawatt solar power plants.

The two sides also agreed to set up a trade consulting desk to help their exporters do business in each other's country in an easier way.

Uzbekistan is South Korea's biggest trade partner in the Central Asian region, with trade reaching $1.3 billion last year, down from $2.1 billion a year earlier.(Yonhap)
South Korea said Wednesday it has handed out 84 percent of support funds earmarked for local firms that operated factories in the now-shuttered joint industrial park in North Korea to help cover their financial losses.

The government has offered 438.5 billion won ($399.8 million) out of about 500 billion won in state funds to South Korean companies that had factories at the Gaesong Industrial Complex, according to Seoul's unification ministry.

Seoul shut down the factory zone in the North's border city of Gaesong on Feb. 10 in response to North Korea's nuclear test in January and long-range rocket launch in the following month.

The shutdown of the complex may have caused 1.5 trillion won in losses, according to local firms, adding that the government's financial support measures are not sufficient.

The complex, which opened in 2004, had served as a major revenue source for the cash-strapped North.

A total of 124 South Korean companies operated in the zone, some 50 kilometers northwest of Seoul, employing more than 54,000 North Korean workers to produce labor-intensive goods, such as clothes and utensils. (Yonhap)
By Eugene Lee

On 28-31 of August in Astana, Kazakhstan one unique, if not historic, event has taken a place. Kazakhstan celebrated its 25th anniversary of denuclearization. With a big number of dignitaries and government officials from all over the world gathered in a very symbolically named building, the Palace of Independence, President of Kazakhstan Narsultan Nazarbayev spoke loudly against one worrying trend going against the values of the event  pervasiveness of nuclear arm saround the world. His worries reflect the reality of nuclear arms pervasiveness in politics and lack of political will between powers to address the issue.

The pinnacle of such tendency is a brewing conflict on the Korean Peninsula, that is worsening after the recent North Korea's successful SLBM submarine test which in return caused the current debate on THAAD (Theater High Altitude Area Defense missile system) deployment in South Korea to move towards a discourse on arms diversification through acquisition of nuclear submarines of various classes to counter ever increasing North Korea's nuclear threat. The squall of the events in past decade begins to affect not only for the two sides, North Korea and South Korea, but the region itself, if not further. The current stance is causing economic distancing and furthers alienation between China, South Korea and Japan. These developments go to a such extent that some analysts see the situation as regional arms race.

It is here I would like to turn our attention to Kazakhstan with its current unique position. Kazakhstan has been able to sustain a healthy economic growth in the face of economic difficulties, but most importantly being squeezed between two superpowers, preserve its sovereignty. How Kazakhstan managed to do it so far? It is all thanks to the country's skillful diplomacy and promotion of values of peace and denuclearization in its foreign policy. Rich with national resources and growing industrial base, Kazakhstan, located in the center of Eurasia, is at the crossroad of vital trade and transportation routes. As a part of it population, Kazakhstan also has a very large group of ethnic Koreans, who also have their historic roots in North Korea. Plus, with its term in the Security Council early next year, Kazakhstan is facing a choice how to multiply mentioned benefits.

In my opinion, Kazakhstan must activate its diplomacy. Despite the fact of earned international respect and legitimacy, Kazakhstan needs to take its diplomacy a notch higher. Creation of special teams, consisting of specialists and influential public figures, paired with various forms of diplomacy, such as mediation, parliamentary, a "shuttle" diplomacy paired with powerful informational illumination of the work, Kazakhstan, will be able to change many things. Breaking the mold of North Korea's thinking, for which the focal point of its discontent is the US policy, through various independent engagements would be a first step. There are other countries out of the region North Korea maintains relations with, for example Qatar, that are willing to, or can be persuaded, to start such engagement. Changing the tone of rhetoric, and eventually behavior is not easy, but possible task.

The problem of contemporary debate about nuclear arm is first of all in thinking, which is often transfixed on immediate threat or creation of such threat for your adversary. Kazakhstan has taken rights steps in denouncing nuclear arms, but turning them into a taboo and turning the denuclearization into an international norm, is a much higher, nobler, but much more difficult to achieve, goal. Deeply imbedded and promoted systemically in institutions, these norms and practices should be our goal. In other words, peace and good relations do not belong to one specific region, they are a common good with benefits for all.

And here I would like to add another word in regards to the current debate on security in South Korea. As it has stiffened in the face of constant North Korea's provocations and threats, the freedom of thinking about it has also shrunk greatly. And it is understandable. But, as the national security discourse is being shaped by "hawks" and military, the options for the conflict resolution have also dwindled to just few, drastic ones. Sometimes it even may seem that all achievements of previous policies, including the "Sunshine" policy, have gone to nothing, if not against South Korea's interests. I see the fault is in the approach at the core. Instead of focusing on greater values, concepts and convictions, policies focusing on immediate results are bound to go in vain. A broader encompassing intellectual approach to peace without nuclear arms can do exactly that. South Korea needs to promote good international norms, including denuclearization for all, not only remain cycled on power.

Here, it would be also the right place to encourage South Korea's diplomacy to take a much broader conceptual approach. There are many great diplomats and political figures in South Korea, but only few have left great legacy. Great institutions, like Kim Dae Jung's Peace Center and alike, can become a platform for that. It isn't easy, of course, to overcome your political attachments, but if it is the nation and its future is at stake, maybe it is the time to do so. Parallel your efforts with other countries, like Kazakhstan, and the results will come not a minute too late.

Eugene Lee is an adjunct professor at Department of Public Administration and Graduate School of Governance, Sungkyunkwan University. Write to mreulee@gmail.com.
By Park Myung-seok

As I grow older I feel a strong urge to do something good for others. This thought crosses my mind every day but I often can't put it into practice.

Recently, I ran into some beautiful words I had jotted in my notebook from my reading "Today's Thought" by Paul S. Osumi on "Do It Now." The part I copied reads as follows: "If you intend to speak a kind word, speak it now. If you intend to do a kind deed, do it now. If you intend to write a letter to your friend, write it today. If you intend to send flowers to your loved one, send them today. Tomorrow may be too late. You may not be here tomorrow. Your friend may not be here tomorrow."

Many of us these days are happy with longevity. It is still good to live long and enjoy good fortune. However, the longer we live, the more we should focus on cultivating our virtues by improving ourselves by doing good things for others. I believe God lets us live longer so we can have more opportunities for achieving this goal.

Even though we keep saying "Love your neighbors," it is no use unless we put it into action. I still remember the late Cardinal Sou-hwan Kim saying just before his death, "Love starts from our brain, passes through our heart, and comes down to our feet when it comes to an action." He said he realized this simple fact only after he had lived his whole life.

I recently established "Beautiful Community," a charitable organization to support underprivileged people not only domestically but also globally, for continued sharing activities.

As the world is becoming globalized and competitive, people and nations are in a mad scramble to pursue greater profits. With ever-intensifying competition in the global market, the drive for dominance forces us all to make ever-increasingly strenuous efforts, driving us almost to the point of insanity. Humanity at times seems to serve the needs of the market rather than the market serving the needs of humanity.

The powerful businesses are becoming more and more powerful and the rich are becoming richer and richer, whereas the small businesses and the middle class are becoming poorer and poorer. Today's hearty capitalism pursues the development which everyone is satisfied with by enhancing competitiveness and improving the living conditions of vulnerable social groups. However, it smells of greed for wealth.

We need more than ever organizations that give helping hands to the poor. And wealthy, advanced countries should be "beacons of hope" for under-developed, poor countries by carrying out global initiatives briskly. I think this is the way we get out of horrible terrors that run rampant throughout the world.

Domestically, our organization has engaged in support and aid for children, multicultural families, foreign workers and North Korean refugees. On the international stage, we are actively fostering a global campaign of love-sharing, by providing underdeveloped countries with medical appliances, medicines, daily necessities, and infrastructure facilities.

This organization systematically assists in the self-support of underdeveloped countries, thereby contributing to global co-prosperity with love for all mankind beyond nationality, race, religion and ideology.

I'd like to help people in need all around the world, especially poor and diseased children in Africa. Many people say there is no peace for humanity before tackling African poverty. Even now, at this moment, people in Africa are desperately searching for food and water. I myself experienced the Korean War and know very well what starvation is.

There is a famous play entitled, "You can't take it with you." It is foolish to devote all of our time and effort in accumulating money and things which we can't take with us when we die. But we can give ourselves to others. We can go out of this world with our hands laden with good deeds. William Blake says, "To live is to give." Andrew Carnegie, the late American steel tycoon and philanthropist, said: "The man who dies rich, dies disgraced."

Park Myung-seok is professor emeritus, Dankook University, and chairman, Beautiful Community INC. Association.
Whether to introduce a child allowance is emerging as a major policy issue ahead of next year's presidential election. That's because it is increasingly seen as an extraordinary measure to solve our low birthrate problem.



Rep. Park Kwang-on of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) proposed a child allowance bill Wednesday that envisions offering 100,000 won monthly per child aged 0-2, 200,000 won for a child aged 3-5 and 300,000 won for a child aged 6-12. According to the bill, the allowance must be offered in the form of vouchers so the program can help revive regional economies. The current free childcare program for children ages 5 or lower is to remain intact.



The minor opposition People's Party offered to provide parents with 300,000 won in cash for a child aged 15 or lower. The splinter party reportedly plans to expand the program so that parents with high school students up to the age 18 can benefit from it.



The ruling Saenuri Party is also considering adopting the child allowance system through its special committee on low birthrates and population aging, although it seems less eager than the opposition. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that the ruling party reacted positively to the seemingly populist welfare program.



There is no question that the nation's low birthrate problem is serious. The rate, or the average number of babies that a woman has during her lifetime, was 1.24 last year, the second lowest after Portugal among 34 OECD members, although the government has spent more than 150 trillion won over the past decade.



As the working-age population is expected to begin falling next year, extraordinary measures should be taken to put the brakes on the declining trend even now.



Adopting the child allowance system could boost the birthrate because many parents avoid having children owing to burdensome child rearing and education expenses. Among the 34 OECD countries, only four  Korea, the U.S., Mexico and Turkey  have yet to introduce an allowance.



The problem is how to finance the system. Rep. Park's proposal would cost 15 trillion won a year, and he offered to cover the cost by levying more taxes on interest and dividend incomes and luxury goods consumption. But the newly collected money would fall far short of the amount required.



No less worrisome is that the child allowance system might not help ease our low birthrate after being introduced.



So the matter must be discussed calmly, not swayed by the wind of politics. But if the system is judged to help boost the birthrate, ultimately we'll have to adopt it as soon as possible.




The results of the investigation conducted by the international investigation commission into the crash of the Malaysian Boeing in Donbas in July 2014 play an important role in determining those responsible for the tragedy, Vasyl Hrytsak, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), has said.

"The tentative conclusions drawn by the Joint Investigation Team on the Boeing downed by Russian aggressors were published yesterday [...]. All people can now judge whether Russia is an aggressor or not. Even tentative investigation data can serve as a sentence to the Russian side," Hrytsak told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday.

The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 Flight MH17 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down in the airspace over Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. All 298 people on board were killed.

The Joint Investigation Team (JIT), comprising prosecutors and representatives of other law enforcement agencies of Ukraine, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and Malaysia, and also representatives of Eurojust, was created on August 7, 2014.

The first results of the criminal investigation into the MH17 crash were presented in the Netherlands on September 28, 2016.

According to the Joint Investigation Team, the Boeing 777 Flight MH17 operated by Malaysia Airlines was downed by a 9M38 missile of a Buk anti-aircraft missile complex, launched from the Pervomaisk district in Donbas, six kilometers south of the Snizhne populated area which was controlled at the time by Donbas militants. Investigators noted that the missile complex had been brought to eastern Ukraine from Russia and later sent back to Russia.

Russian experts said on the day that they find it incorrect that there is no technical investigation into the presentation by the international investigative team on the Malaysian Boeing crash in Donbas. Mikhail Malyshevsky, adviser to the main constructor at Almaz-Antey, said the crash of the Malaysian Boeing in Donbas could have been caused by a missile of an old modification of a Buk system fired from an area controlled by the Ukrainian military.

Russian presidential press officer Dmitry Peskov, for his part, said the report by the international investigation group investigating the Boeing 777 crash in Ukraine on July 17, 2014 cannot be regarded as "the final truth."

Alexander Zakharchenko, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), told reporters on Thursday that the militants did not down the Malaysian Boeing.
By Lee Min-hyung

Samsung Electronics has teamed with German software giant SAP to run a research center for in-memory database technology, the Korean technology firm said Thursday.

Under the partnership, the companies agreed to work on next-generation in-memory platform development. The in-memory database refers to a database management system relying heavily on main memory for data storage, which allows faster data processing.

The collaboration comes about a year after Samsung's device solution (DS) division teamed with the German enterprise software provider in 2015 over co-developing core technologies for SAP HANA, the firm's in-memory database management system.

"Due to our achievement to mass-produce 10-nanometer-level dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips, we have been able to offer optimum systems for SAP's next in-memory systems," said Jeon Young-hyun, president at Samsung Electronics' DS unit. "We are going to lead the upcoming extra-large memory era by strengthening our technology capability."

The new research center will start operation on Saturday. Both firms also will focus on developing energy-efficient management solutions, Samsung Electronics said.

The companies celebrated the opening of the research center on Thursday at Samsung's Hwaseong campus in Gyeonggi Province.

Adaire Fox-Martin, president of SAP Asia Pacific Japan (APJ), said, "The partnership has allowed SAP to boost our comprehensive alliance with Samsung." She said this came as part of SAP's efforts to offer more innovative solutions for its clients in the digital era.
OSCE SMM ready to monitor conflict sides' disengagement in first districts of Donbas, but being hampered by mines

The Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE SMM) said it was ready and able to monitor the process of the conflicting sides' disengagement in Donbas, but mines were still present in the territory of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) were hampering it.

"#OSCE SMM is ready and able to monitor, but prevented: mines at 'LPR'-ctrl area near Pervomaisk-Zolote," the OSCE SMM said on Twitter on Thursday.

The mission also said that mines at the LPR-controlled checkpoint in the town of Schastia were hampering the monitoring process.

"SMM could not cross Schastia bridge from govt-ctrl side due to mines," it said.

It was reported that on September 21 members of the Trilateral Contact Group for Ukraine signed a framework document on disengagement of the Donbas conflict sides' forces and hardware in three sectors.

The document proposes the creation of three security areas on the Donbas contact line near the populated localities of Zolote, Petrovske and Stanytsia Luhanska, each on an area of at least four square kilometers. OSCE SMM observers should monitor the implementation of the agreements.

The disengagement process is set to begin on October 1. The OSCE SMM and the Joint Center for Control and Coordination will monitor it.
Avakov says several pages of Party of Regions 'black books' given to NABU

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is transferring several original pages from the so-called "black books" of the former Party of Regions of Ukraine to the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has said.

"Today we turn over to NABU several original pages of the so-called "black books" of the Party of Regions. It's important to squash and wipe away this dirt," Avakov wrote on his Twitter page, attaching photocopies of several of the handwritten pages.

Former First Deputy of Ukraine's Security Services (SBU) Viktor Trepak said he had turned over the documents confirming illegal payments made by the Part of Regions to a number of former and current high-ranking officials. He said then that the pages were the so-called black accounting books of the Party of Regions listing payments amounting to about $2 billion.

NABU launched an investigation based on Trepak's statement pursuant to Part 4 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (offering, promising or giving excessive profit to government officials).

According to the documents, the Party of Regions financed a number of political parties, including those represented in the Verkhovna Rada of the 8th Convocation, chief of Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office Yuriy Lutsenko said.
An international treaty  Administrative Arrangements on Protection of Classified Information  between the Ukrainian government and NATO was signed as part of a visit of a NATO delegation headed by Director of the NATO Office of Security Todd Brown

The press center of Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) reported on Wednesday that SBU Head Vasyl Hrytsak signed the document on behalf of the Ukrainian government.

The tool is aimed at specifying the procedure for mutual protection of the classified information set in the general agreement on security between Ukraine and NATO (1995) and bringing the national mechanisms in line with the NATO standards.

"Signing of the agreement is another step forward to deeper cooperation between Ukraine and NATO," Hrytsak said at the signing ceremony.

He added that the Alliances support for our security sector development is of vital importance. Today the Service undergoes an active reform process taking into consideration NATO best practices, he said.

The reform concept, which is currently being examined by the National Security and Defense Council, provides for transformation of the SBU into a real security service that is a guardian of the Ukrainian nation and complies with Euro-Atlantic standards.

The SBU National Academy held the opening ceremony for security services reform training courses initiated by the NATO International Secretariat.

"It is planned that by the end of the year foreign partners will share their national experience of improving the security and defense legislation, implementing reforms, communication with the public, and other things," the press center said.
A man from Springfield is charged with breaking into his ex-wifes home early in September after an argument with her. Police say Wendell Hopkins 15-year-old son shot his father after the break-in to prevent him from assaulting his mother.

Heres what Springfield police say happened on Sept. 5, according to the probable cause statement that is the basis of the burglary charge against Hopkins.

Hopkins was in argument with ex-wife on the telephone. Hopkins then went to her home in the 2700 block of East Meadowmere Street, approached the front door, and demanded she open it. The couples children were inside with her.

Hopkins ex-wife says she feared he would assault her, since he has done it in past, so she wouldnt open the door. Wendell then kicked in the door. Thats when their 15-year-old son shot Hopkins with a .22 rifle. The son told police that he thought his father was going to assault his mother, according to the probable cause statement.

Hopkins went to a knee, then stood back up and attempted to go after his ex-wife again. The son shot his father a second time. Hopkins went to his knee again and asked what his son shot him with, and his son told him.

Hopkins then got to his feet and started to approach his son. A few seconds later, Hopkins left the home. Police found him in his vehicle a few blocks away with two gunshot wounds in his lower torso.

Hopkins had a couple of surgeries at a hospital and was still in a hospital a week later. After his surgery, he refused to talk to a detective at the hospital and referred the detective to his lawyer. He may still be in the hospital; he hasnt been booked into the Greene County jail since the shooting. The mug shot is from a previous booking.

The detective who wrote the probable cause statement said his ex-wife has applied for and received multiple orders of protection in Missouri and Louisiana since 1998 against Hopkins but there was no active order of protection at the time of the shooting.

Hopkins, 35, is charged with first-degree burglary. If hes convicted, he could get a prison sentence up to 20 years. His son has not been charged with shooting his father.
States, which investigative agencies are involved in the inquiry of the tragedy of the Malaysian MH-17 aircraft crash, continue working on defining the mechanism for bringing perpetrators to justice in view of the impossibility of creating a tribunal, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine said.

"The investigation of specific suspects, subordination circuit and command transmission are underway now to ensure transferring the case to a court of an appropriate jurisdiction in the near future. No doubt, creating of an international tribunal under UN Security Council auspices would be the most effective," the Foreign Ministry statement says. The statement followed the announcement of the results of the investigation of the International joint investigation team (JIT) of the inquiry into the MH17 tragedy in Donbas.

"In spite of the widespread international support for this idea, Russia became the only country that vetoed the UN Security Council resolution on the establishment of such a tribunal. States, which investigative bodies are involved in the investigation, continue working on defining the mechanism to bring the perpetrators of this tragedy to justice," the foreign ministry said.

As reported, international Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in the course of the criminal investigation concluded that flight MH17 was shot down by a missile of the 9M38 series, launched by a BUK-TELAR. The BUK-TELAR was brought in from the territory of the Russian Federation and subsequently taken back to the Russian Federation.

According to the investigation team, the missile was launched from farmland in the vicinity of Pervomaiskiy (or: Pervomaisky), an area controlled at the time by pro-Russian fighters.

  
The Springfield School District says a student will be punished for taking an unloaded BB gun to York Elementary School on Wednesday. The district says it's prohibited by law from saying what that punishment is, although it can say what the range of punishment is.

The principal sent a letter home with students on Wednesday afternoon.

The letter says:

"Dear York parent:

I want to make you aware of an incident that occurred at school today and to assure you that we are responding with the appropriate degree of concern to protect all students in our care.

I received a tip this morning that a specific student in a specific classroom had a gun in a backpack. The student was located immediately and the backpack was confiscated. Upon investigation, a BB gun was discovered in the students backpack. It was not loaded and we have no indication of any threats made to the school or any individuals in the school.

Appropriate disciplinary procedures will be followed but since this situation involves a student and our investigation is ongoing, I am limited in the amount of information I can provide to you.

This is an important reminder that we allstudents, staff and parentsshare a responsibility for school safety and to report when we observe anything out of the ordinary or suspicious.

We consider any weapon at school a serious concern and I wanted you to know the actions that were taken to respond to this incident.

End of letter

A mother of a parent at the school sent a copy of the letter and this message to reporters by email:

"I still feel unsafe sending my children to that school until I know for a fact that the responsible parties and their parents have had appropriate measures taken against them. I fear for my children's safety now and I have never had to be concerned for them at York before."

Teresa Bledsoe, a district spokeswoman, was shown the message and replied: "The letter states that appropriate disciplinary procedures have been followed. Beyond that assurance, there is not any additional information that we can provide to parents about the offending student."

According to district policy, a BB gun is considered a Class III weapon. Punishment for possession of a Class III weapon on school property results in a suspension ranging from 10 school days to expulsion from school. This is outlined in the student handbook and also in
At the book presentation of Nigerian Women Pioneers and Icons written by Prof. Bolanle Awe, the first female lecturer in Nigeria, held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos today, Nigerias former President, Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed that it was time Nigeria had a first elected female governor to pilot the affairs of a state in the country.

This is the time for women to reap the labour of these great women of the past, he said, adding that women in Nigeria were doing extremely well and should be allowed greater involvement in the affairs of the nation. Obasanjo, who was represented by Dr. Femi Majekodunmi said apart from physical strength which men excelled the women, the female folks were seriously competing with men in other areas and that he believed that it was time the nation produced elected governors.

Women are patient, women persevered; they are now in many areas. Soon, we will be having elected women governors in Nigeria and soon, women will take over, he said.



Deputy Governor of Osun State, Grace Laoye-Tomori said many of the women chronicled in the book had done exploit in their chosen field and could be likened to what Hilary Clinton was doing in the United States.

This book should serve as reference point to our young girls. They have no reason not to do better than these women. This book must be in the school libraries an all state governments should have it, she said.

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The Ukrainian parliament on Thursday finished considering applications to dismiss judges for oath violations: deputies approved orders to dismiss 29 out of 33 judges in four and a half hours.

The extraordinary Verkhovna Rada session, which began at 10 a.m. on Thursday, considered the dismissal of a whole host of Ukrainian judges for violation of their oaths at the request of the Supreme Justice Council, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent said.
A Nigerian who was deported from Kenya twice for drug trafficking has been arrested in Nairobi again. Emmanuel Peter Inobemhe was arrested in Obama estate in Eastlands on Wednesday by police after a tip off. He has since been handed over to Anti-Terror Police Unit for interrogation following claims he had been in touch with elements on the police radar over terrorism activities.

Kayole police boss Ali Nuno said he had realized Inobemhe had been deported twice from Kenya over drug issues and wondered how he managed to sneak back. He says he used Namanga border on both occasions and that is what we want to know how and why. He had been deported in June 2013 before he sneaked back four months later, said Nuno.

Nuno said Inobemhe was again deported in November 2013 after he was charged in court with drug trafficking and possession. It is not clear when he sneaked back again for the second time.



In September 2013, four months after his first deportation, Inobemhe was arrested in Nairobis Donholm alongside Virginia Wakini Wangeci for allegedly possessing 425 sachets of heroin with a market value of Sh85,000.

He was then also charged with being in the country illegally. The suspect was produced in court Thursday where police asked for more time to investigate his activities.

Inobemhe was among a host of foreigners and specifically Nigerians who were deported from Kenya including Antony Chinedu over narcotics trafficking. The arrest came amid reports that a number of deportees had sneaked back into the country. An immigration official, Mr Edward Kabiu Njau was in September 2013 charged with allowing back prohibited immigrant Anaeke Chimenze, who was among the deportees.

Standard Media

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Saudi Arabia has arrested a teenage boy on charges of unethical behaviour after appearing in online video chats with an American vlogger.

Police claimed the videos shared on YouNow by Abu Sin and Christina Crockett, who lives in California, were enticing and invited negative attention from viewers around the world.

The videos were originally shown live on the social streaming site but have since been broadcast on YouTube, receiving hundreds of thousands of views.

The humorous clips show Abu Sin and Christina, 21, chatting from their homes in California and Saudi Arabia, battling language differences between English and Arabic and jokingly declaring their love for one another.



In one, Abu Sin  whose nickname translates as toothless  dons a traditional Saudi headdress and sings Christina a traditional song before asking her to marry him.

Police in Riyadh detained Abu Sin on Sunday while he was driving with two friends, with the arrest accidentally broadcast live on YouNow as he chatted with another user from Kuwait.

The footage showed police pulling up behind the car and the teenager approaching officers, before friends tell the camera police have an arrest warrant, according to a translation byFrance24.

Colonel Fawaz Al-Mayman, a spokesperson for Riyadh police, said Abu Sin was arrested for unethical behaviour.

His videos received many comments and many of the commenters of the general public demanded for him to be punished for his actions, he added, according to the Saudi Gazette.

The two of them [Abu Sin and Christina] composed enticing videos which received thousands of

followers and viewers from all over the world within a short period of time.

Most of the viewers were from the Arab world. Abu Sin, nicknamed for his projecting tooth, became famous and received negative attention.

A Saudi lawyer told the Okaz newspaper the videos breach the countrys interpretation of Sharia law and internet regulations, meaning Abu Sin could face up to three years in prison.

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The Trilateral Contact Group meeting in the videoconference format, with participation of representatives of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, is not going to happen on September 30, as planned previously, due to the refusal of the Donetsk representative, Darka Olifer, press secretary of Ukrainian representative to the Trilateral Contact Group, Second Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, said.

"As was mutually agreed by the participants in the Trilateral Contact Group, a Trilateral Contact Group meeting was planned to be held in the videoconference regime, with invitation of representatives of SADR and SALR [separate areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions], on September 30. The meeting's agenda was actual implementation of the Trilateral Contact Group's framework decision on the disengagement of forces and equipment. However, the Skype-meeting is not going to take place due to the refusal on the part of the SADR representative," Olifer wrote on her Facebook page on Thursday.
Are you wise to the ways of Wabi-Sabi? Its a Japanese concept of finding beauty in imperfection and appreciating all phases of the natural cycle  from growth to decay  in nature and art.

A pair of new exhibits at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library may well expand your aesthetic awareness, and broaden your thought processes, too.

Israeli-born, L.A.-based sculptor Galia Linn references wabi-sabi in her site-specific installation Inside, which is on display not just inside the main gallery but outside on the patio as well.

My sculptures ... are relics, objects that you might find in an excavation, she writes. Their purpose is at times clear and at times mysterious so you may find yourself creating your own narrative around their existence.

Further inside, in the Rotunda Gallery, is Thinking About Thought, a selection of drawings and artists books by New York-based artist/writer Roberta Allen. The Athenaeum holds the complete collection of Allens artists books, most created in the 1970s.

People dont realize how difficult it is to get a complete set, said executive director Erika Torri, who started collecting artists books in the late 1970s, and brought her passion to the Athenaeum. Sometimes the hunt takes 10 years, or more. And we do a publication for each conceptual artist whose collection we own. Ed Ruscha was the first, in 2010, and Roberta will be No. 6.

Roberta Allen, Torri explained, was a special case. In the mid-90s, some years after I came to the Athenaeum, a friend gave me his collection of 200 conceptual artists books. I saw Robertas name among them, but I couldnt track her down. I found someone on the Internet with the same name, but she was a short-story writer, and there was no easy way to get in touch.

Fast forward to 2013, when local sculptor Matt Hebert proposed creating an exhibit for the main gallery that would feature a large wooden carpet incorporating phrases from some of the Athenaeums more than 2,000 artists books.

He was only interested in books published in 1975, his birth year, and one of the excerpts he picked was Robertas, Torri continued. I said: There she is again! I have to follow up! By then, she had just had an exhibition in New York, and she had more presence on the net, and an e-mail address. And it turns out we are the only ones who have the complete set of her artists books, all seven of them. Weve had them almost 20 years, and didnt even know it!

Encouraged by Torris interest, Allen  who had made a career as an author  rekindled her desire to draw, create artists books, and exhibit her work. Some of her first ink drawings in decades will be on display in Thinking About Thought, along with the wooden excerpt that started it all, from Matt Heberts 2013 piece, Cover to Cover.

And theres more: Stop in the North Reading Room to see The Iannellis In California: Selected Works 1910-15, part of a multi-site exhibition honoring architect Irving Gill. Chicago-based designers Alfonso and Margaret Iannelli (he created the band shell for the Spreckels Organ Pavilion) collaborated with several SoCal architects of the early 20th century, including Gill. (See related story about Gill, page B1.)

IF YOU GO: Galia Linn: Inside and Roberta Allen: Thinking About Thought, will be on exhibit through Nov. 5 at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St.The library is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Closed Sunday and Monday. (858) 454-5872. ljathenaeum.org
To celebrate the first anniversary of the Kalabash School of Music and the Arts opening in Bird Rock, the music-makers will present a day of live performances, family art projects and the launch of its record label for teens, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at 5725 La Jolla Blvd.

Kalabash co-founder Natasha Kozaily said the performers will include teachers, students and the Songbird Circle, a group of teenagers who write, perform and record their own compositions. The Songbird Circle, like the school itself, has evolved over the last year, so launching the Songbird Label at the first anniversary seemed a perfect fit.

As a songwriter, I encourage my students to improvise music and compose their own music. Some of my students compose instrumentals and others are interested in writing lyrics and singing.  I had a group of teenagers that were so talented, so we started a free club called the Songbird Circle. (The club still meets 6 p.m. the first Friday of every month.) We get together, we eat pizza and write songs, she said.

Participant Wesley Preis said her time in the Circle has been an absolute dream and she looks forward to more experiences. I dont think I ever wouldve written a full song or learned to express myself musically if it werent for everybody involved here that taught me and showed me how. Songbird Circle Club has undoubtedly empowered me, inspired me and helped me make some awesome friends, she said.

Sister Shyah Preis added her participation in the group has influenced the way I write and construct music in a very genuine way. I find that now I open myself up more easily when I create art than I did prior to when I began sharing my ideas and original pieces with others, who possessed my dear and immense passion for the craft of songwriting.

Jack Rickard, who uses the stage name/recording name Jack Taylor, said his favorite part about the songwriting sessions are how free flowing they are. Not only do we get to develop our own ideas, but also bounce off each others. Its a wonderful opportunity to play around with our own creativity.

From the Songbird Circle Club, Kalabash started a songwriting-recording workshop throughout the year, and a summer camp.

With recording equipment already in the studio, those who participate in the Songbird Workshops and summer camp have the opportunity to record their works for digital download. On the kalabasharts.com website, there is a Songbirds tab that leads to more information and a Soundcloud page with some digital versions of releases that have already been recorded.

They are learning a lot of tools that will help them, because today you could make a record in your bedroom if you know how to use your computer and set up a microphone. They are learning great skills I wish I had been taught, to be honest, Kozaily explained. The students take turns editing, playing music, singing, recording, etc. So they are learning how the whole process works.

With the launch of the record label, the Songbird Label Workshop also concludes with participants recording their creations. At the end of this year, the students will produce a physical CD of their work. The Songbird Label workshop starts Sept. 26, and continues 6 p.m. Mondays. The 12-week course for students, ages 12-17, costs $300. Registration is open at kalabasharts.com

Year in Review

When Kalabash opened one year ago, the objective was to teach private music lessons and group art classes, and host workshops and special events throughout the year, with a community-minded vision. We didnt want this to be a place where people came, took a lesson and left. This was to be a place where people could learn from each other and where the teachers could share cultures and build a love of music and an appreciation of arts in the community, Kozaily said.

She added the space was previously a music school, but when the previous owners were ready to close up shop, they asked if she wanted to take over. I was a piano teacher here when it was the Prodigy School of the Arts, she said. It was a huge change in my life, but I loved the school and my students. Plus this is something Ive dreamed of doing since I was a teenager.

Kozaily grew up in the Cayman Islands and started playing music when she was 6 or 7 and said it has always been important in her life. When I went to university, I studied in Wales (United Kingdom) and started writing my own songs and music. That for me was the most educational experience in music making  I studied classical piano and that was cool and I loved that, but it wasnt until I started making my own music that I started to feel empowered and really creative, she said.

One day while in college, she came across the music of her would-be business partner Chad Farran. I reached out to him on myspace.com, believe it or not. We started talking and I wanted to make a record, but didnt know how, and he had a studio where he produced music. He thought I was in Cardiff by-the-Sea, but I was in Cardiff, Wales, so he said, you should come check it out this weekend. I couldnt just hop down, but I was excited about the possibility of collaborating with him. So after I graduated, I came out for a visit and met with him and made my first record with him. The twosome have made more records since, and partnered to run Kalabash. The Songbird Label is our latest collaboration, Kozaily said.

 Kalabash Arts is at 5725 La Jolla Blvd. (858) 456-2753. hello@kalabasharts.com or kalabasharts.com
Jeanne Jones is the author of 33 books and a highly sought-after menu consultant. Her column, Cook It Light, is syndicated and reaches 30 million readers throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean each week. Locally, she has served on many boards for both the arts and scientific research.

Jeanne has been the recipient of several awards, including the Salvation Army Woman of Dedication, the Living Legacy award, the Gold Star from the Performing Arts League, the Cool Woman from the Girl Scouts, and was honored by the American Heart and Stroke Association as a Legendary Woman of the Heart.

She has been, and still is, one of the Jewels supporting the ARC of San Diego, and has been a long-time supporter of the Timken Museum of Art. Jeanne is co-chairing (with Jessica Cline) the Timkens Orange & Black Ball, Saturday, Oct. 29

What brought you to La Jolla?

I was a living in Mexico City where I owned a weight-loss business, creating all of my own recipes. I wanted to turn them into a healthy cookbook. However, in order for it to be published, I was required to move back to the United States. I grew up in Newport Beach and had always loved coming to La Jolla. Since this was just an interim move for me, I decided to move to La Jolla before moving back to Mexico City. Instead I got married and stayed here and have never regretted it.

What might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

I would improve the roads and clean up all of the trash beside them.

Who or what inspires you?

Im inspired by Adelle Davis, Dr. Doris Howell and good health in general.

If you hosted a dinner party, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

Audrey and Ted Geisel, Escoffier Julia Child, President Teddy Roosevelt, author Vince Flynn, my husband Don Breitenberg, and myself.

What entertainment do you recommend?

The best movie Ive seen recently is Midnight in Paris. I am currently reading a Daniel Silva book.

What is it that you most dislike?

Dishonest people.

What do you do for fun?

Travel and go to plays and movies.

What would be your dream vacation?

London Theatre.

What clothing item in your closet will you never part with?

My mothers big, black raincoat.

What is your philosophy of life?

Live for today and hope for a great future.

Editors Note: There are two ticket options for the Orange & Black Ball Oct. 29: $500 for the full gala (6 p.m. to midnight), and $100 for the after party (8 p.m. to midnight). Guests are encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit and draw inspiration for their costumes from the Timkens collection. For more inspiration, guests can view the Neiman Marcus-inspired digital Look Book: bit.ly/2ce1Ue7

By enjoying the ball, guests will support the Timken programs, such as Creative Engagement (using art expression veterans process intense emotions and memories often too difficult to convey in words), ARTSonTour (art integration for schools in low-income communities), Creative Choice (creative art allows this at-risk population in Juvenile Hall a healthy vehicle to communicate their thoughts, ideas and feelings with others) and many more programs.

For tickets, call Julie Cappa at (619) 239-5548, ext. 100 or visit timkenmuseum.org/calendar
La Jolla resident Susan Allen Toth said she once started a conversation about death that she thought would be enlightening, over dinner. What do you think happens when you die? I asked, And there was a dead silence, and then somebody said, Youre just gone, youre dust, lets not talk about that anymore. So when she saw an advertisement for a Death Cafe meeting on Monday, Sept. 26 at La Jolla Riford Library, she decided to attend and get the conversation started.

Death Cafe is an international organization that arranges gatherings of people, often strangers, who talk about death, dying and end-of-life care over coffee and cake. The groups are offered on a not-for-profit basis and dont follow a specific agenda or line of thought. Theyre often free, but contributions to pay for the treats are accepted.

These meetings have been happening in San Diego for years now, but the Sept. 26 gathering at the library was the first time one took place in La Jolla. With an attendance of 12 people (different ages and backgrounds), cake, coffee and conversation were served by organizer May Bull, another La Jolla resident.

Bull expalined that she retired two years ago from San Diego hospice, and after a career that pivoted around death issues, became interested in the Death Cafe eight months ago. I knew that there had never been Death Cafe in La Jolla, so I thought, why not bring it into an area Im familiar with?

For years, Bull said, she watched people struggle with decisions at the end of their lives, or a loved ones life, and she wanted to do something about it. This is meaningful to me, its a continuation of the work I was doing. I knew when people where in hospice they had a hard time, they hadnt thought of the many things we talk about here.

After the participants introduced themselves, Bull explained the groups rules. I made sure people knew this isnt a bereavement group, were really talking about death, dying and end-of-life care. And its meant to be more about ones personal thoughts on the topic and what would you wish would be when it comes to the end of your life, she said, adding Death Cafe veterans have found every meeting is different because it changes with the people who attend.

Allen Toth, who is in her 70s, said she is confronting her own mortality from a perspective of isolation from her former community in Minneapolis. I wanted to spend this last part of my life living here (in La Jolla), away from the climate in Minnesota and on an ocean, but the down side is the lack of those deep connections, she explained. My daughter, who lives in New York, has two really young sons. How am I going to tell her, Leave everything and fly out here right now and negotiate my immediate medical care? 

During the meeting, Allen Toth said she learned that anyone can designate a patient advocate, a person whose mission is to make sure wishes are met when it comes to ones advance directive, the document used to make medical decisions when a patient no longer can. A patient advocate can be a relative, a friend or a professional hired for the purpose.

Shirley Ordway said she drove to La Jolla from downtown San Diego to attend a Death Cafe for the first time. Her elderly mother has developed pneumonia.

She says shes dying, so Im looking at myself and my concepts, and I want the idea of death to be more of an everyday thing, as opposed to something our society decides not to talk about, which seems completely ridiculous to me, Ordway said. She chose to attend a Death Cafe meeting rather than a bereavement group because that seemed a little clinical, or a little too intense, and I wanted it to be more of an open thing and have people come from all different venues with their insights and their different stories to see what I could contemplate on when it became time for my mother to pass.

Right now our society considers death to be scary and frightful, and I dont think it necessarily has to be that way ... in this kind of enlightened environment, its more open to any kind of interpretation.

During the first Death Cafe in La Jolla there was laughter, discussion and even heart-felt speeches, but not a lot of crying. Participants ranged from elderly people approaching their own deaths to young social worker interns trying to learn about dying to be better at their jobs.

Organizer Bull said she will put together more meetings in the future, or help others do so. Those interested can e-mail her at deathcafelj@gmail.com

 ON THE WEB: deathcafe.com
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This article appears in the September 30, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

VIRGINIA STATE SEN. RICHARD BLACK

Letter of Regret to Syria for U.S.

Bombing of Soldiers at Deir al-Zour

[PDF version of this article]

Sept. 19Virginia State Senator Richard Black sent the following letter of regret today to the Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations, Hon. Bashar Jaafari.

Courtesy of Sen. Black

I write to express my deepest regrets for the terrible tragedy at Deir al-Zor. The soldiers who were killed and those wounded were among the greatest heroes of the Syrian nation. For years, they defended the city, which was surrounded by ISIS terrorists allied with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. I join the Syrian people in mourning the loss of the soldiers, and I express my sincere condolences to their families.

While I cannot say whether this was a deliberate attack, the battle lines at Deir al-Zour have been relatively static for years, and the aircraft attacking their positions were equipped with GPS targeting devices. I am sickened by the possiblity that the attack may have been deliberately launched to support ISIS troops to overwhelm the valiant defenders of the city. I pray that this was not the case.

Normally, I would dismiss the attack as accidental. However, at times the State Department has found ISIS to be a useful tool in the covert U.S. war against Syria. For years, the administration deliberately permitted 2,000 ISIS oil tankers to conduct a massive trade with Turkey to fund the operations of ISIS. It was Russia that finally interdicted the unsavory oil trade with Turkey, forcing ISIS to cut its payroll in half.

Furthermore, my travels beyond Palmyra in April left no doubt that the U.S.-led Coalition deliberately allowed ISIS to cross 100 miles of open desert without dropping a single bomb. They could easily have interdicted the hundreds of tanks and other vehicles that ISIS assembled to seize the city. Clearly, the Coalition hoped that ISIS would fight its way beyond Palmyra and on to the capital of Damascus. They were quite willing to see ISIS impose its gruesome reign of terror on the entire Syrian people. I thank God for those who intervened to prevent this fate from befalling Syria.

I would like to personally apologize for the disgraceful behavior of UN Ambassador Samantha Power when she addressed the United Nations about the incident. I was embarrassed by her callous attitude toward the death and wounding of so many innocent men. Sadly, her attitude is all too characteristric of the bloodthirsty nature of some members of this administration.

I hope that the United States will soon turn the page on its sordid record of employing religious terror to achieve regime change in nations like Libya, Syria, and Yemen. Few Americans realize how deeply complicit our government has become in propagating the wave of terrorism that is engulfing the world today.

I speak for many Americans in asking that you convey my thoughts and prayers to Syria.
This article appears in the September 30, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

LAROUCHE PAC WEBCAST

Obamas Veto of JASTA

Must Be Crushed Now!

[PDF version of this article]

It is reprehensible that one man is standing between justice for the murder of 3,000 people and this legislation becoming law. Kristen Breitweiser

9/11 widow

Sept. 24On Friday afternoon, September 23, 2016, President Barack Obama vetoed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), legislation which had been passed unanimously by both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. As this issue of EIR goes to press, an intensive mobilization to override the Presidents veto is being carried out by LaRouche PAC, the survivors and victims of the 9/11 attacks, first-responders to those attacks, and many, many other concerned and patriotic Americans. The moment of truth has arrived as to whether justice will be given to the victims of 9/11 and whether those who were responsible will be held accountable.

More than seven years ago, on April 11, 2009, Lyndon LaRouche delivered a live historic webcast in which he diagnosed the mental unfitness of Barack Obama to hold the office of the Presidency. Mr. LaRouche presented a clinical profile of Obamas murderous narcissistic personality. Dismissed by many at the time, the validity of that warning by Mr. LaRouche has now been proven.

By the time this article appears, the question of a potential override of Obamas veto of JASTA may well have been settled, but regardless of the outcome, the urgency for the immediate removal of Obama from office will remain. We print here edited excerpts from the LaRouche PAC International Webcast of Sept. 23, 2016 that deal with these matters.

Matthew Ogden: Good afternoon! Its September 23rd, 2016. My name is Matthew Ogden, and I would like to welcome all of you to a special broadcast here from LaRouchepac.com on Friday afternoon. We are broadcasting our regularly scheduled webcast early this week at 4:00 Eastern Time because we are in the midst of a showdown in Washington, D.C., where every minute counts.

Im joined in the studio by Jeff Steinberg, from Executive Intelligence Review, and were joined via video by Elliot Greenspan, coordinator for LaRouche PAC activities in New York City.

All-Out Battle Behind the Scenes

As all of you know, were in the countdown to the moment of truth right now. As of 1:00-2:00 this afternoon, during the White House press briefing, it remains clear that President Obama is committed to vetoing the JASTA Bill (Senate Bill 2040). Were going to put, right now, the phone number on the screen for you to call in to Congress in order to contact the Senators and Representatives from your State, in order for you to be mobilized during the show. Dont even delay. Call in. Make sure that your voice is heard. Tell every single Member of Congress to remain strong in their commitment to override Obamas veto.

This Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (or JASTA), despite unbelievable pressure, threats, lies, money, and intimidation coming from the Saudi lobbying machine and from the White House directly, at last reading on Capitol Hill, Congress is still set to override this veto, delivering a very historic first veto override of Obamas entire Presidency.

Whats become clear from the coverage, is that this has been an all-out battle behind the scenes. Id like to read just the beginning of a New York Times article that came out on Wednesday, September 21st, which was headlined, Fight Between Saudis and 9/11 Families Escalates in Washington. I think this gives a dramatic overview of exactly what has gone down behind the scenes, and in public view, during the course of just the few days this week. It reads, in the beginning:

On Monday, a constellation of lobbyists for Saudi Arabia, which has spent more than $5 million this past year to buy influence in Washington, called a crisis meeting to try to stop legislation allowing the families of victims of the Sept. 11 attacks to sue the Saudi government for any role in the plot.

On Tuesday, the 9/11 families, represented in their multibillion-dollar lawsuits by lawyers including Jack Quinn, a former White House counsel with deep relationships in Washington, demonstrated outside the White House to pressure President Obama not to veto the legislation, as he has vowed to do.

On Wednesday, these two powerful forces, one operating in the shadows and the other more in the open, converged on Capitol Hill in the culmination of one of the biggest and most emotional lobbying fights of the year. The battle is a reflection of the enduring dominance in Washington of the 9/11 families and the diminishing clout here of Saudi Arabia, which once advanced its agenda unencumbered in the West Wing and the corridors of Congress.

LaRouches Marching Orders

Now I think its very clear that what has happened, is that the 9/11 familiesbut also other citizens, including those of you who are watching this broadcast here todayhave played a central role in fueling this showdown. And thats why were asking you, right now, if you havent called in to your Congressmen, to call right now202-224-3121to say Override Obamas threatened veto of JASTA.

We do have some video clips from the press conference that occurred on the Senate side of the Capitol on Tuesday afternoon, where Terry Strada, Kaitlyn Strada, Alison Crowtherall three members of the 9/11 familiesand also Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) absolutely demolished and debunked the lies that were coming out of the Obama Administration and the Saudi lobbying machine.

But before we get to that, Id like to ask Jeff Steinberg to say, in brief, what Mr. LaRouches marching orders for this moment are, in the face of Obamas upcoming threatened veto of the JASTA Bill. And then we will play this press conference clip. Jeff, Im going to let you just summarize what Mr. LaRouches comments were today.

Jeff Steinberg: Its pretty straightforward. He just simply said that if Obama goes ahead with this veto, then he should be immediately impeached. This is such an act of overt and witting treason against not just the 9/11 families, but against the United States as a whole.

One of the news accounts today said that if Obama goes ahead with his veto, then once again hes siding with the terrorists, against the interests of the United States.

In the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, one of the first responsibilities of the President is to defend the national security of the United States: to provide for the common defense and to promote the general Welfare, and if President Obama cannot see why it is in the urgent interests of all Americans, and of anyone around the world who wants to actually fight against this terrorist scourge emanating from Saudi Wahhabism and from the Saudi Royal Family, then he had better think about what the implications of this are.

Mr. LaRouches marching orders are very simple: Get the veto override. Mobilize your Senator, mobilize your Representative. But, on top of that, anyone who is unclear about the strategic implications of an Obama veto, should think long and hard and should join in the chorus that must immediately demand his impeachment from office. This is a deadly serious matter, and thats the step that must be taken.

9/11 Families Speak

Ogden: Great! Were going to elaborate a little bit more on the context of that a little bit later. But right now, I want to play a very short excerpt from the speeches of Terry Strada, Kaitlyn Strada, Alison Crowther, and Sen. Blumenthal, in which they debunk every single media propaganda line that youre going to hear coming from the White House and the Saudi lobbying machine on the subject of the JASTA Bill. Here is that excerpt:

LPAC/Jason Ross

Terry Strada: In our quest for the truth, accountability, and justice for the murder of my husband and the thousands of other innocent souls lost and injured, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly with Congress for over four years, advocating for the 9/11 families in support of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

I am frustrated, angry, and tired of the mis-truths being carelessly spewed about this legislation, and I am here today to set the record straight. The Presidents rationales to veto JASTA hold no weight. They are 100% wrong. The issues the White House is raising now ... have all been considered, repeatedly, and addressed.

This issue about the possibility of threats of reciprocal laws and lawsuits is a knee-jerk reaction, raised by all novices looking at the Bill, until they actually read the text and consider the policies. Then, only those who would favor Saudi interests seem to cling to the mis-truths. Those who favor sound, anti-terror-financing policies, support JASTA.

The most recent statement from the White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest, last Monday, when he told the White House press corps that there were concerns about judges all over the country designating terror organizations for U.S. sanctions, is nonsensical. No judge overseeing a civil jury trial for injuries would ever be imposing U.S. sanctions. That is simply outlandish.

Denying Us Justice Is Un-American

To be crystal clear: JASTA does not and cannot have anything to do with suing our diplomats. That issue is controlled by something entirely different from JASTAthe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. And if I know it, I suspect the White House knows this, too.

JASTA has nothing to do with whether a private citizen, or even a private company, can be sued for alleged wrong-doing. JASTA deals with the immunity of foreign states. So, the White Houses press comments that enacting JASTA will threaten suits against the United Stateswhich Mr. Earnest emphasized as a risk of JASTAare categorically untrue. I am sure the White House knows that, too.

And most importantly, our military is not at risk for being sued if JASTA is enacted. The narrow text of JASTA, like our legal history, specifically distinguishes between acts of war and acts of terrorism. The text of the Bill, for anyone who cares to read itand it is surprisingly shortspecifically excludes acts of war. Im sure the White House knows that, too.

No one who seriously opposes terrorism disagrees with a bill that at its core, accuses no one. All JASTA does, is simply ask those accused of sponsoring terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, to answer on the merits and to stand to account for those accusations.

For us, the 9/11 families and survivors, all were asking for is an opportunity to have our case heard in a courtroom. Denying us justice is un-American. In our case, the existing and still growing mountain of evidence against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, demands that they address those accusations, if for nothing else, to normalize our relations with a nation that claims to be our ally.

I would suggest, that if the Kingdom had no part in the horrific attacks of 9/11, they should welcome the opportunity to address the allegations head-on, and fix our relationship. Instead, they have hired dozens of highly paid lobbyists, who roam the halls of Congress, intimidating our Members of Congress and trying to strong-arm our legislative process. This, too, is un-American.

We, the 9/11 community, have suffered far too long at the hands of far too many that would prevent us from seeking accountability before a jury of our peers. Neither the President, nor Congress, nor the lobbyists for foreign kingdoms should be permitted to make us wait another day to pass JASTA.

LPAC/Jason Ross

Saudis Should Be Held Accountable

Sen. Richard Blumenthal: The basic objective here is to hold accountable wrong-doers and law-breakers and evil-doers. Because that is the rule of law. Behind that over-arching, seemingly abstract ideal, is a loop-hole in the law. And its a modest loop-hole. The loop-hole is that a foreign actor or agent can commit an atrocity in this country, but be immune from any kind of legal accountability if the aiding and abetting is done outside our boundaries. Thats basically what may well be shown in a court of law about the Saudi agents or operatives who aided and abetted the 9/11 terrorists. Theres a basic principle here. If a foreign agent or actor gives a bag of money or a ton of explosives to someone who then does harm in our country, and it happens outside the country, there still should be legal accountability . . .

Take an analogy: If another country launched a missile from within its borders, from its soil, that blew up an American citizen, nobody would say, Well, thats okay, because they did it within their own borders. And the same principle applies here. A foreign government that aids and abets an act of terror that does harm in our country, should be held accountable, even if those actions occurred outside our borders ...

If the Saudi Government is innocent, it has nothing to fear from a day in court. If it is culpable, it should be held accountable. And there is mounting evidence, revealed in the 28 pages, kept secret for so long, about potential Saudi complicity.

So, I am urging the President, as I did in a letter with my colleague Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) about ten days ago, to sign this measure, and I believe that there are now, and there will be, well more than the necessary votes to override this veto. It was unanimously passed, and I believe it will be overwhelmingly approved again, if need be.

LPAC/Jason Ross

Do Not Yield to Powerful Influences

Kaitlyn Strada: After hearing our cries for justice, our U.S. Senate and House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation called the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. This bill would give me and thousands of other children who lost their parents on 9/11, the opportunity to see some degree of accountability. JASTA does not determine whether the accused foreign state is actually responsible; the accused just wouldnt get a free pass on accountability. Under existing law, a foreign state alleged to be responsible for a car wreck has no free pass and must face the music; the same should be true for terrorist attacks that kill or cause injury to Americans on U.S. soil. It is the right thing.

So, I am imploring Congress to override the Presidents impending veto, and help my family and all the 9/11 families and survivors seek the justice we deserve. Fifteen years is far too long for us to have to wait already. The veto should be overridden at the first opportunity, and we should not be forced to wait a day longer. Please show that you, our elected officials, stand on our side, that of the American citizens. Do not yield to the pressure of powerful foreign influences looking to escape accountability. Its past time to enact JASTA.

LPAC/Jason Ross

An Epic Battle for the Soul of Humanity

Alison Crowther: Ive come here today along with many other 9/11 families and victims in support of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. The purpose of this act is to hold accountable individuals in nations that fund terrorist activities in our country. JASTA, if passed, will open pathways to choke off foreign sources of funding and bankrupt terrorism. We first and foremost exhort President Obama to approve JASTA. We are engaged in an insidious war of hearts and minds, an epic battle for the soul of humanity. To quote President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself. If we allow fear of potential consequences to rule over right action, the bad guys will win.

JASTA is a weapon in our nonviolent arsenal to fight against those who would intentionally target and perpetrate heinous crimes against innocent men, women, children, and the unborn. If President Obama decides to veto JASTA, we trust that the Senate and House, who represent the will of the 9/11 families and the citizens of our great country, will stand by their unanimous convictions and override a Presidential veto of JASTA without delay. Thank you very much.

Ogden: Now while you were watching that video, we received a breaking news announcement; I am going to let Jeff announce to you what has just developed.

Now the Onus Is on You

Steinberg: At 4:27 this afternoon, President Obama signed the veto of JASTA.

This now means that the onus is on all of you and on the members of the U.S. Senate and then the U.S. House of Representatives to deliver a unanimous rebuke to a President who puts his future business dealings with Saudi Arabia and his commitment to cover up the crimes of 9/11, ahead of the interests of the American people. This is a shameful moment for the institution of the Presidency; and I hope all of you will take that absolutely seriously and do your part as citizens. As Mr. LaRouche said, This is an unconscionable act by President Obama that deserves his immediate impeachment. But first and foremost, hes got to be delivered a brutal message by the Congress, by the Senate; but first by you, the American people, that this is thoroughly unacceptable. He will go down in infamy for this hideous act on his part.

I just want to amplify a little bit what the stakes are in this fight. We all know that 2,997 people perished on 9/11; but the death and destruction from that event continues to this day. I want to read to you a news item that I wrote earlier this afternoon, and I think youll understand why this is an appropriate thing to be reading to you right now:

On the weekend of the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks earlier this month, Newsweek magazine published an extensive report on the tens of thousands of New Yorkers and other first responders who are suffering severe medical conditions as the result of their heroics following the 9/11 attacks. The Newsweek story was graphically headlined, 9/11s Second Wave: Cancer and Other Diseases Linked to the 2001 Attacks Are Surging. While much of the article was devoted to heartbreaking case studies of the first responders who are now either dead or are suffering serious illnesses as the result of their efforts, the statistics provided in the article are harrowing, and reveal the extent to which the consequences of the 9/11 attacks continue to take lives.

The Body Count Is Continuing

This is a quote from Newsweek: Doctors with the World Trade Center Health Program, which the federal government created in the aftermath of the attacks, have linked nearly 70 types of cancer to Ground Zero. Many people have fallen victim to cancers their doctors say are rare, aggressive, and particularly hard to treat.

More than 411 emergency rescue workers died in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, and that number has reached 1,064 as of July 2016, according to data that Newsweek obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). But the full account is staggering: As many as 400,000 people are estimated to be affected by diseases such as cancers and mental illnesses linked to September 11th. Four hundred thousand! That figure includes those who lived and worked within a mile and a half of Ground Zero in Manhattan and Brooklyn, the vast majority of whom still dont know theyre at risk. Mark Farfel, director of the World Trade Center Health Registry, which tracks the health of more than 71,000 rescue workers and survivors, says, Many people dont connect the symptoms they have today to September 11th.

Dr. Michael Crane, director of a clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital which treats 22,000 rescue and recovery workers from 9/11, told Newsweek: Today, fifteen years after the attacks, doctors are starting to understand why people are still dying. When the towers came down, they released a massive plume of carcinogens, turning lower Manhattan into a cesspool of cancer and deadly disease.

A Natural Resources Defense Council report, issued soon after the 9/11 attacks, estimated that the North Tower alone released 400 tons of asbestos into the atmosphere, along with lead, mercury, volatile organic compounds, and deadly poisons. Among New York City firefighters, the cancer rate after 9/11 increased by between 19 and 30 percent over pre-9/11 rates.

So the body count is continuing, and therefore, the magnitude of the Presidents crime in failing to sign JASTA into law, is that much greater.

Ogden: I am going to hand over to Elliot right now in New York City. The activity on the ground is intense, both in terms of forcing an override on this JASTA veto, but also activity for ushering in a New Paradigm, a new international economic order, which is now on the table for discussion at the United Nations General Assembly meeting. Im going to let Elliot say a little more about the situation there.

Report from Manhattan

Elliot Greenspan: Thank you, Matt. Four concertsthis is now two weeks agofour concerts were performed as a living memorial to the 3,000 who perished on 9/11, to the first responders, to the survivors, to the families, and to the millions of victims in regime-change wars caused by the Bush and Obama administrations. A living memorial. We had upwards of 3,000 New Yorkers at these concerts; we had reached at least 100,000, probably hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in the run-up to this, for the purpose of focussing the city, the metropolitan area, and the nation, on 9/11, on the implication of the declassification of the 28 pages, and on the potential for a breakthrough with JASTA. So this goes back a couple of weeks. Then, we come to the UN General Assembly.

Among other events at the General Assembly, is the intervention by the Saudi government spokesman before the General Assemblythat is, before the worldsaying that JASTA was an affront to the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia. At the same time, the Wall Street Journal in New York is editorializing against JASTA; the New York Post has a Congressional op-ed supporting JASTA; and there were two major New York Times articles in the last two days. This situation is super-charged.

In that context, we releasedtwice this weekeditions five and six of the LaRouche newspaper, the Hamiltonian, which had headlines, Traitor Obama Stalls on JASTA, Impeachment is Nigh, and Obamas Doomsday: First JASTA, Next Glass-Steagall. Insofar as Obama has perpetuated the Bush-Cheney policy, the British-Saudi policy of regime-change war and of international terrorism, we took the gloves off in Manhattan over these last days, targeting Obama. We had banners at our rallies throughout especially the East Side near the United Nations, Midtown, and the Upper West Side: LaRouche: Cameron Is Out; Make Obama Next! and Good-bye Cameron: Take the Pig with You, which had a picture of a pig with Obamas face on the pig. Also, Duterte Was Right! Obama is a Son-of-a-B****, Obamas Legacy5 Wars, 60 Million Refugees, Obama Backs ISIS in Syria, and it goes on like this. We hammered away at this.

Chinese TV

A Transformation Is Building

Let me, however, locate this in the broader context of the UN General Assembly. There was a revolution to finish off the British Empire on the 4th and 5th of September at the Hangzhou summit of the Group of 20 (G-20), led by the Chinese under the direction of President Xi Jinping. There was the creation of a new financial architecture, and of an international governance agencythe G-20which is committed to a new economic order, the New Silk Road, and the World Land-Bridge, ideas which were put forward in 1975 by Lyndon LaRouche, and which were brought by LaRouches allies, in particular Guyanas Foreign Minister Fred Wills, to the United Nations General Assembly for the first time 40 years ago this week.

Without going through that history, those ideas, which weve organized for, day by day for over 40 years, have now created a new economic system based on scientific and technological progress and great projects of infrastructure. This occurs at a moment when Deutsche Bank, the Italian banks, and the London and Wall Street banks are facing their demisefar beyond the 2008 explosion.

swiss-image.ch/Michael Buholzer

In that context, we see the creation of this new system. The Chinese government, under Premier Li Keqiang, over the last several days, has brought this breakthrough, the commitment of the G-20 summit, to the United Nations General Assembly. He has put forward the conception of the UN Sustainable Development 2030 Agenda, which is a commitment adopted a year ago by the UN General Assembly to eliminate poverty by the year 2030. What the Chinese have done, is to emphasize the development part of sustainable development, and theyve enlisted the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in a first Memorandum of Understanding between the UNDP and the Chinese government.

There is a transformation building, as a result of the leadership of President Xi with President Putin and with the BRICS nations as a unit, which has become ever stronger through several summitsthe G-20 of early September, into the General Assembly, and from here into the BRICS summit in mid-October in India. A new economic potential is unfolding for humanity. The Chinese have standing on the matter. As President Xi put it at Hangzhou, they have eliminated poverty for 700 million Chinese; they will eliminate poverty for 57 million more by 2020. Theyre spreading this through the New Silk Road already to at least 70 nations, and soon 100.

Intervening into a Super-Charged Environment

The great question is, what is the United States doing in response? What is Western Europe doing? In a discussion with Mr. and Mrs. LaRouche this morning, Mrs. LaRouche emphasized that China is the stellar nation fighting for this perspective; but no such thing is coming from the United States or from Western Europe yet, and instead, one sees the treason of Obama in his aiding and abetting of ISIS, al-Qaeda, and al-Nusras international terrorism. What an irony that Obama convened a summit on the refugee crisis at the UN this week! Obama created the refugee crisis!

So in our work on the streets of Manhattan this week, there was a super-charged environment. There was a battleground there. There was, for example, a demonstration heavily funded by George Soros and the neocons attacking the Presidency of Rouhani of Iranabout 500 demonstrators attacking Rouhani. Joe Lieberman became the spokesman of that demonstration, and Joe Lieberman announced that its Iran that is responsiblehe saysfor the mass murder of Syrians. Daniel Burke, LaRouche PAC leading organizer in the city, happened upon this demonstration and he yelled out, Lieberman, youre lying! Obama and the Saudis are responsible for the mass murder in Syria! There was a brief dialogue, and Lieberman at some point seemed to agree with Daniel Burke.

Then there was a demonstration organized by the Syrian-American Forum, including large numbers of Syrian-Americans and others, and Lynne Speedleading LaRouche organizer in New Yorktook the microphone and outlined what we have done to create the potential for this transformation in Syria. One of the Syrians there asked, What about Senator Richard Black? And Lynne answered, Yes, he just spoke at a Schiller Institute conference which was addressed by Jeff Steinberg, by Helga LaRouche, by Ambassador Jaafari of Syria. And Lynne developed the potential to end this regime-change policy by virtue of the G-20 agenda, of the Chinese and Russian agenda. To crush terrorism militarily, and to develop and reconstruct that region.

Daniel was interviewed at the same time by ABC Television in New York, and was asked, Well, President Obama is giving his final UN address. What do you anticipate? And Daniel said, Its going to be treason; its going to be a disaster. Obama has created the refugee crisis, and he spelled out the alternative policy which is what we now have on the table.



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If More Americans Were Like You . . .

Let me conclude: The new Hamiltonianand I should emphasize that the lead report in the Hamiltonian and the banner headline is: Appeal to the UN General Assembly: A New Paradigm for the Common Aims of Mankind. Helga Zepp-LaRouche penned this appeal explicitly to build upon the G-20 breakthrough, the G-20 revolution, and that was the challenge that she posed to the governments of the world, many of whom are receiving this Hamiltonian; weve gotten out about 4,000 Hamiltonians in several days. We will intensify this over the weekend and into next week. The idea is the challenge to the governments of the world to join China and Russia and India and the BRICS; to join LaRouche under LaRouches leadership.

This morning, as we were distributing this and organizing, a Chinese businessman came to our table, and said, If the United States and China work together, we can solve all the problems of the world. Drugs, terrorism, war. But the United States doesnt want to do it. India and China are doing things; in the United States, its just talk and fighting. If you want to be rich, build a road. It makes everyone richer. If more Americans were like you, he said to our organizers, we could solve all problems. I think thats a useful microcosm. This is the LaRouche movement, the new Presidency which LaRouche is creating, centered in New York with the Hamiltonianour drive to work with China and the BRICS countries. Thats my report.

Ogden: Thank you very much, Elliot. As can be made no clearer, the lever of history is in our hands. Many members of the LaRouche PAC New York City chapter took the bus down to Washington, D.C. to be involved in these JASTA rallies. That made a huge difference in the White House rally and the Senate rally. These are people who have the physical means to do that. You, right now, can pick up the telephone and call Congress. We still have a few more minutes on the East Coast before Congress leaves for the weekend. Call them now! Thats why were recording at this early time. Were going to display again the phone number on the screen. This is the Capitol switchboard; you can call both of your Senators, and you can call your member in the House of Representatives, and tell them now is the time to override Obamas veto.

Financial Collapse and Glass-Steagall

Steinberg: I want to say two things. Number one, I think for those citizens out there whove not engaged in this kind of level of political mobilization, let me be very clear. If you walk into any office on Capitol Hill, the first thing you encounter are several young people, usually theyre new employeesfresh out of collegesometimes theyre even interns. Theyre there taking phone calls. And they are instructed by every member of Congress, to take detailed notes on every constituent call that comes in there. And of course, were two months away from elections in which every member of the House and one-third of the Senate are up for re-election. They want to know what issues are on their constituents minds.

When Congress was considering whether to give President Obama the authority to bomb Syria back in September of 2013, the switchboards were ringing off the hook on Capitol Hill. Every office received massive numbers of phone calls, emails, and letters; and they were running 100 to 1 against any kind of new wars in the Middle East involving the United States. So, you do make a difference.

I think the other thing that needs to be remembered in the context of what Elliot has just reported, is that one of the things that is going on, on both sides of the Atlantic, is that the entire financial system is crumbling at an accelerating rate. If anything, we are also at a moment where not only is it necessary to pass JASTA and to get this treacherous President out of officenot wait til January, not wait til the November electionsbut now! After what hes just done, it should be clear as day. But the other thing thats got to be done immediately, is Congress must take up the Glass-Steagall Act. There are bills in both Houses of Congress to reinstate Glass-Steagall, which means breaking up the too-big-to-fail banks.



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The FDIC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures your deposits in the Federal commercial banks across the United States, has issued a report in the last few days in which it reported in great detail and with great alarm, that the major banks of Europe and the United States have once again built up such a mountain of leveraged debt that they could blow at any moment . . . The leverage that these banks have built up criminally, is worse than where things stood at the time that Lehman Brothers blew out. The leverage of debt to reserves of Deutsche Bank is over 37 to 1; and all the other banks that were talking about here have leverage ratios of 25 to 1, or 30 to 1.

So this whole system is about to blow, and once again, the Obama administration, in the same way its opposed to JASTA, is opposed to reinstating Glass-Steagall. Congress has to really stand up, and youve got to be the spine that pushes that issue forward, as well as what weve been talking about in the first part of this showabout the urgency of a veto override of JASTA and moves to bring this President down all together.

Ogden: I could foresee Glass-Steagall being the second veto override of Obamas administration.

Steinberg: Right, exactly. And its got to happen in September. We cant wait til after November for this, its too risky.

New Presidency Without Hillary or Trump

Ogden: Absolutely. The appeal that Elliot referenced from Helga Zepp-LaRouche, which is now going into the hands of UN ambassadors and others as we speak, is critical. At the same time, I know that over the course of this weekend, everything will be dominated by this fight over the JASTA veto override. Congress will be in session at the beginning of next week. The district offices, high-profile appearances, op-eds, and calls into radio shows: everything that you can do over the next 24-48 hours, will determine what happens on Monday morning when Congress comes back into session.

So again, the number is on the screen202 224-3121so you can call into your Congressional office; you still have a few moments left to do so. Circulate this broadcast as widely as you can. That video excerpt that we showed you with Terry Strada, the other 9/11 families, and Senator Blumenthal is available on the LaRouche PAC website. You can circulate that, too. That debunks all of the lies that are coming from the Obama White House and the Saudi political lobbying machine; you can use that to inform your own activism over the course of this week.

Elliot, do you have any final words from New York to conclude this show?

EIRNS/Stephan Ossenkopp

Greenspan: Insofar as Lyndon LaRouches objective with the creation of the Hamiltonian newspaper was to launch a new Presidency of the United States, a new institution of the Presidency independent of these hated candidates and independent of Obama, this is a fascinating and decisive moment, in which Obama, for the first time in his entire Presidency, is about to be overidden. Where Obama can be brought down. Jeff emphasized LaRouches point about impeachment; we will now take the Hamiltonian onto the streets in a heightened way tomorrow morning and Sunday and into next week, to build both this process of veto-override, potential impeachment, Glass-Steagall, and the new Presidency.
PRESS RELEASE

Amidst Deepening Banking Crisis, Deutsche Bank Loudly Denies Reports of a Government Bailout

Sept. 28, 2016 (EIRNS)Over the past 36 hours, both top officers of Deutsche Bank and German government officials have loudly denied that a bailout or rescue plan for the bank is in the works reflecting growing fears that an impending "Lehman moment" for the bank is not far off.

"Whether or not Deutsche can survive without a bailout by the German government is the only topic most other European bankers want to discuss,"

wrote the Telegraphs business editor, James Quinn, today. RT reported, "Deutsche Bank woes stoking fears of 2008 financial crisis repeat." Wolf Street headlined its coverage, "EU Banking Mayhem, one bank at a time, and then all at once," pointing to Deutsche Banks and Commerzebanks troubles, warning that

"the banking crisis has the potential to transmogrify into a financial crisis. All it takes is for one of the big ones to suddenly topple."

On Sept. 27, Bild Zeitung interviewed Deutsche Banks CEO John Cryan, who emphatically denied having asked Chancellor Angela Merkel for a bailout, and declaring that "state aid is not an issue." Accepting government support is out of the question for us, Cryan insisted, asserting that the bank is not having a problem raising new capital. Overall, he said, it has fewer risks on the books than previously and is comfortably equipped with free liquidity. Free liquidity from whom?

Cryans remarks didnt put the issue to rest, however. This morning, the daily Die Zeit, citing unnamed officials in Berlin, Brussels, and Frankfurt, reported that the German government was crafting a rescue plan for the bank, prepared to buy up a 25% stake in the bank "in a worst-case scenario." The plan would reportedly be implemented should the bank require additional capital to resolve its legal disputes with the U.S. Department of Justice, which has fined it $14 billion for selling toxic mortgage-backed securities, and which, in any case, it cannot pay.

According to MarketWatch today, the government plan indicates the bank will be able to sell assets to other lenders, "possibly with a state guarantee." The latest asset selloff was of Abbey Life to the London-based insurance consolidator Phoenix for 935 million pounds.

In a press conference today, Finance Ministry spokesman Martin Jaeger stated that "the German government is not preparing a rescue plan, and there is no reason for such speculation." He wouldnt comment, however, on whether there had been any meetings to discuss the situation at Deutsche Bank.
PRESS RELEASE

Japanese Economist: How To Deal with the Collapse of Deutsche Bank and the Western Banking System

Sept. 28, 2016 (EIRNS)A prominent Japanese economist with experience in dealing with severe crises in the banking system, presented a plan to EIR on the necessary steps to deal with the onrushing collapse of Deutsche Bank and the huge contagion that collapse will bring to the rest of the advanced sector financial system. The plan is coherent with the proposal made by Lyndon LaRouche in July for a government intervention to keep the bank afloat as a necessary institution for the German economy, but to return to the competent banking policies of former Deutsche Bank CEO Alfred Herrhausen, who was assassinated in 1989.

First, the economist said, there is no option other than nationalization. Neither bailout nor bail-in can overcome the massive derivative bubble and other liabilities of the Bank.

To accomplish this, a date must be set upon which all derivatives must be settled. Those that can not be settled are declared void.

A Glass-Steagall-type policy must be imposed on Deutsche Bank, completely separating its commercial banking activities from its investment banking activities.

In preparation for these moves, the entire western banking system must be put on notice that the impact on the counter-parties of the massive derivative holdings of the Bank which will be declared voidmostly other U.S. and European banks will be profound, while the contagion impact on the markets will also be dramatic. Therefore all the major banks, and the governments involved, must prepare to implement similar policies upon those banks which are threatened with failure.

Finally, those responsible for the destruction of Deutsche Bank must go to jail for their crimes. This is necessary to convince the population that the policy is serious, among other reasons.

The economist noted that the implementation of Glass- Steagall by all the governments involved, before the crisis explodes, would dramatically lessen the danger of a panic and/or uncontrolled breakdown of the banking system, allowing an orderly reorganization of the entire banking system.
PRESS RELEASE

Override of Obamas JASTA Veto Opens Potential for Real Political Change

Sept. 28, 2016 (EIRNS)The stunning repudiation today of President Obamas decision to ally with Saudi Arabia against the efforts of the 9/11 families to get justice, not only confirms the Presidents weakness, but opens up the potential for real political change in the immediate weeks ahead. The most appropriate follow-up, remarked Lyndon and Helga LaRouche to associates, would be for Congress to immediately move ahead with passage of the Glass-Steagall legislation which is before both Houses of Congress.

There is, of course, the immediate danger that the Obama Administration, and the Saudis and their allies, will attempt some desperate action to recoup. Obamas distress was signalled almost immediately after the Senates 97-to-1 vote, by press spokesman Josh Earnest denouncing it as "embarrassing." The one sustaining vote came from Democratic minority leader Harry Reid, at the Presidents request. Not voting were Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

The House vote of 348 to 77 followed a few hours after the Senate.

The vote followed an extraordinary mobilization by the Saudis, the British, and their de facto agents, in the days running up to the vote. Threats were made by the Saudi Kingdom against U.S. companies and, according to Politico, the Saudis spent more than $250,000 a month in their lobbying effort.

But this was outweighed by the personal efforts of the 9/11 families, a handful of committed Congressmen (and former Sen. Bob Graham), and the LaRouche Political Action Committee, who carried out an intense campaign to expose the lies President Obama used to justify his veto, and to demand justice.

There is no doubt that the Saudis and their agents intend to try to reverse the law in some way, despite the massive repudiation of their view. An offensive against the British Empires financial power by passing Glass-Steagall is the most effective way to not only keep them off balance, but defeat the politics of empire once and for all.
PRESS RELEASE

Russia Tells U.S. To Stop Cozying Up to Terrorists

Sept. 28, 2016 (EIRNS)The Syrian offensive, backed by Russian air support and reinforced on the ground by Iran, is causing hysteria in Washington. In a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, this morning, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry warned that

"the United States is making preparations to suspend U.S.-Russia bilateral engagement on Syriaincluding on the establishment of the Joint Implementation Centerunless Russia takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo and restore the cessation of hostilities,"

according to the readout issued by State Department spokesman John Kirby.

The Russians replied to Kerrys outburst by advising the United States to stop supporting terrorists in Syria.

"Mr. Lavrov again emphasised that quite a few anti-government units that Washington calls moderate have not merely refused to carry out the September 9 Russian-US agreement on consolidating the truce and providing humanitarian access, but are merging with Jabhat al-Nusra and continue fighting against the Syrian army side by side with this al-Qaeda affiliate,"

reports the Russian Foreign Ministry account of the same phone call.

The phone call was preceded, yesterday, by the Russian Foreign Ministrys release of the Russian text of the Sept. 9 cease-fire agreement. The English-language statement released by the Foreign Ministry reports that throughout the process of attempting to find a political solution to the Syrian war since the June 2012 Geneva communique,

"Russia continuously emphasized the need to fully separate the units of the so-called moderate opposition from ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra as soon as possible.... We have never concealed that we consider destructive the American tactics of indiscriminately using any opponents of the legitimate Syrian Government in the struggle against it."

The statement notes that, last February, the United States promised to separate the US-backed groups from Al Nusra but that this promise was never fulfilled.

The statement later notes that Russia has always supported the publication of the U.S.-Russian agreement, but that the United States objected, "which raised doubts about their sincerity," yielding, in part, only after one of the documents was leaked by Associated Press. In publishing the texts in Russian,

"we are urging Washington to present to the public the entire package of agreements, including the JIC mandate whereby Russian and American military specialists undertake to identify targets and coordinate air attacks.... "In addition, we hope that the United States will eventually fullfil its long-standing commitment on separation because many formations of militants whom Washington calls moderate are fighting on the side of Jabhat al-Nusra and have essentially merged with it,"

the statement concludes. "To repeat, no good has ever come from cozying up to terrorists."
When Brit Bennett got the phone call that could change her career, she was sitting in a Coffee Bean in Encino, the neighborhood where the 26-year-old novelist now makes her home.

I got a phone call from an unknown New York number, Bennett recalled. Minutes later, she learned that shed been selected as one of the National Book Foundations 5 Under 35 honorees for her not-yet-published debut novel, The Mothers (it will hit shelves Oct. 11).

It was an unforgettable moment for Bennett, who started writing The Mothers when she was a high school student. And it was made sweeter by the fact that her book was selected for the honor by Jacqueline Woodson, an author who Bennett had long admired and once met briefly.

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[Woodson] said someone had interrupted her while she was reading [my book], and she was annoyed shed been interrupted, which is a pretty great thing to hear, Bennett said, laughing. I never in my wildest dreams imagined she would have nominated me for this type of award.

I was truly struck by Brits ability to tell such a compelling and thoughtful story about community, the complexities of friendship, marriage, choices, Woodson told The Times by email. The Mothers gives the world a glimpse into lives that are both everyday ordinary and, through Brits mastery, startlingly extraordinary.

The National Book Foundation, which presents the National Book Awards, launched its 5 Under 35 program in 2006 to highlight the work of young literary talents; this year each writer gets a $1,000 cash prize and will be invited to participate in public readings.

We ask acclaimed authors in the Foundations family to pay it forward by identifying young, debut fiction writers whose work shows the marks and promises of greatness, Benjamin Samuel, the director of the program, explained in an email. That family includes previous finalists and winners, such as Woodson, who received the National Book Award for Young Peoples Literature in 2014. Were able to champion both the rising stars as well as writers you might have otherwise missed.

Many past 5 Under 35 honorees have gone on to further acclaim. Nam Les short story collection The Boat won the international Dylan Thomas Prize; Tea Obrehts novel The Tigers Wife took the Orange Prize for fiction; and two honorees, Dinaw Mengestu and Karen Russell, were each later awarded MacArthur Fellowships.

But the point of the 5 Under 35 honor is to discover such talents in an extremely crowded field. A new crop of aspiring authors graduates each year from more than 500 creative writing programs across the country, a huge pack of writers all striving to find publishers and readers.

For Samuel, notifying the honorees  this Ed McMahon moment where I call the writers to tell them that theyve won  is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.

One of those writers this year is S. Li, who took up creative writing as a hobby when he was in medical school. The 31-year-old neurologists debut novel, Transoceanic Lights, was published by Harvard Square Editions, a small independent press.

I had sent the book to the National Book Foundation for consideration for the National Book Awards, fully knowing that my chances were zero, Li said from his home in Burlington, Mass. When he received the email informing him hed been chosen as an honoree, I thought it was a scam. And then I realized it wasnt. I had no idea this was even in the cards.

Lis novel, about a Chinese immigrant family, is based on his own childhood. He was 5 years old when his family moved from Guangzhou, China, to Boston.

I was sort of teaching myself the craft of writing, Li said of his years writing fiction while also learning medicine. And so it just made natural sense to go with material that comes easiest to you, and thats your childhood.

Li is one of two immigrants honored in this years program. Yaa Gyasi, author of the critically acclaimed novel Homegoing, was born in Ghana and moved with her family to the United States when she was 2.

Gyasi, 27, now lives in Oakland. She, like Bennett, was in a coffee shop when she found out she had been selected for the award  by author Ta-Nehisi Coates.

It was incredible to hear, and to know that Coates had chosen me, Gyasi said. Ive been reading his work since college. I wasnt really expecting it at all. A lot of writers that I respect have been chosen in the past, and so it feels like a very big honor.

Gyasi credits Lan Samantha Chang, her thesis advisor at the Iowa Writers Workshop, with giving her the confidence to finish her novel.

She was the first person to read the whole book and has been really supportive, Gyasi said.

For Greg Jackson, author of the short-story collection Prodigals, the phone call from the National Book Foundation came at an inopportune time, but that didnt stop him from being thrilled by the news.

I was encumbered with grocery bags, Jackson, 33, said in an email to The Times. I had to ask them to call me back because I didnt have enough hands for the phone, the bags, my excitement, and the door.

Jackson, who lives in Brooklyn (for lack of imagination), was selected as an honoree by Fates & Furies author Lauren Groff, who called the writer a stellar talent.

He has a sense of exuberance, but also humor, and hes really dark and wonderful and kind of morbid in surprising ways, Groff said. I felt like I can see the writer hes going to be, and hes going to be astonishing. Hes already a fully-fledged masterful talent, but I think hes going to write other amazing books as well.

Humor also marks many of the stories in Hall of Small Mammals, the short-story collection from 5 Under 35 honoree Thomas Pierce. Like Jackson, Pierce didnt initially envision a book when he started writing the stories that now comprise it.

The stories began to intersect in unexpected ways, and the characters all seemed to live in the same universe, Pierce, 33, explained by email.

Like the rest of his cohort  which will meet for the first time at the awards ceremony in New York on Nov. 14  Pierce was caught off guard when he first learned hed made this years list.

When the phone call came, I initially thought it was a telemarketer or a pollster since we dont get too many legitimate calls on the landline, said Pierce, who lives in rural Virginia with his family. Once I sorted out what was happening, however, I was equal parts thrilled, honored, and flustered. I still am, I suppose.

Schaub is a writer who lives in Texas.
In late September, the website of journalist and cybersecurity expert Brian Krebs was hit with a crippling hacker assault known as a distributed denial of service, or DDoS, which knocked him off the Internet for several days.

Krebs is one of the savviest security experts out there, yet at first he was rendered almost powerless to fight off the attack. More to the point, he was silenced. Thats a concern because Krebs believes the attack was launched in retaliation for a story he wrote exposing two Israeli hackers, who were arrested around the same time.

The economics of mitigating large-scale DDoS attacks do not bode well for protecting the individual user, to say nothing of independent journalists.  Security expert Brian Krebs

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The scariest elements of this episode are these: First, the weapons allowing cyberattackers to bring down websites and networks no longer belong exclusively to state actors such as governments, but are widely available in private hands. Second, these weapons are getting better every day. Finally, the cost of defending against such attacks can ruin their targets, vastly enhancing the attackers ability to silence them.

The economics of mitigating large-scale DDoS attacks do not bode well for protecting the individual user, to say nothing of independent journalists, Krebs says. He calls the result the democratization of censorship. One doesnt need a government censors blue pencil and scissors to muzzle an adversary; one can bludgeon him into silence.

The DDoS is perhaps the most common means of attacking a target website or network. Put simply, the attackers flood the target with incoming traffic in such volume and from so many different sources that the legitimate traffic cant get through.

Largely its a matter of bandwidth, security expert Bruce Schneier wrote in mid-September. If the attacker has a bigger fire hose of data than the defender, the attacker wins.

The Internet security firm Verisign says it observed that the number of DDoS attacks increased 75% in the first half of 2016 compared to a year earlier, while the peak attack size increased 214%, an indication of the greater difficulty of fending them off.

As Krebs and others observe, the two most important and disturbing developments in the field are the proliferation of Internet-connected devices that can be seized by hackers and exploited to participate in an attack as members of botnets  think of them as armies of automated attackers  and the spread of software allowing hackers to infect them and turn them to their own uses.

In the last few years weve seen widespread dissemination of information about how to exploit vulnerable systems, Krebs told me. Meanwhile, millions, or tens of millions, or billions of devices are out there that could be used. Were just now scratching the surface.

To a great extent, these devices are not computers. Theyre Internet-enabled webcams, cloud-connected data storage drives, digital video recorders and Internet routers whose manufacturers fail to equip with adequate security software and endow with weak passwords that buyers dont bother to change, and therefore are left vulnerable to cyber takeovers by remote control. Theyre elements of the highly touted Internet of things, or IoT, easily converted into threats to our privacy and security.

These vulnerabilities create an asymmetric battlefield  its cheap and easy to mount an attack, hugely expensive to repel one.

[Update: Krebs reported over the weekend that the source code for the botnet used in the attack on his website, which is dubbed Mirai, has been publicly released, sharply increasing the chances it can be used for malicious purposes.

[Mirai works by scanning the Web for Internet-connected devices with poor password protection, often default passwords installed by manufacturers. The botnet can quickly assemble very large IoT-based DDoS armies, Krebs wrote.

[The devices include home security cameras whose images can be accessed by owners via the Web, Internet routers and digital video recorders. Theyre often protected by default user name/password combinations such as admin/123456 or root/password and owned by consumers without the time or ability to change the access codes. This makes them easily accessible to scanning programs searching for default combinations so they can that then infect them with malware that converts them to slaves in a malicious army.]

The attack on Krebs, a former Washington Post reporter whose site has become a go-to destination for information on network security, shows how this works. Krebs website was serviced by Akamai Technologies, which provides hosting and security to some of the largest companies on the Web and handled his account at no charge.

Starting on the evening of Sept. 20, Krebs site became the target of the largest DDoS attack Akamai engineers had ever seen, nearly double the volume of anything in the past. Akamai fended off the first waves, but as the onslaught continued the cost of fighting it rose sharply, while it threatened to affect Akamais other customers. The company chose instead to uncouple Krebs site from its system and withdraw the free protection.

Krebs says he does not fault Akamai for cutting him loose as a pro-bono client, although it gave him only a few hours to find an alternative host. He was told that the 24/7 protection he was obtaining through Akamai would cost as much as $200,000 per year, but instead came under the wing of Googles Project Shield, a free service that supports independent news organizations with protection from DDoS attacks.

Attacks like these are certain to become more common, with firms of all kinds becoming targets. Over the last week, the French Internet hosting service OVH has been fighting a DDoS assault nearly twice the size of the Krebs attack, with traffic coming from as many as 145,000 webcams and DVRs at a time.

These attacks dont signify merely the determination of hackers, but the lax practices of Internet service providers and equipment manufacturers. Protocols and standards have existed for years to enable ISPs to block suspicious traffic from insecure sources. So, too, does software that device makers could build into their products to secure them against outside manipulation.

Thus far, these steps have seemed too costly or bothersome to take. Thats because the threat to the general public still seems trivial or abstract. But things could change in a flash.

I dont know what it will take to wake the larger Internet community out of its slumber to address this growing threat to free speech and eCommerce, Krebs wrote in the aftermath of his attack. My guess is it will take an attack that endangers human lives, shuts down critical national infrastructure systems, or disrupts national elections. By then it may be too late.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.

UPDATES:

Oct. 5, 11:18 a.m.: This post has been updated with information about the release of the source code for the botnet that attacked Krebs site.

This column was originally published Sept. 29.
Alaska Airlines, which is aiming to become the dominant carrier on the West Coast with its planned acquisition of Virgin America, will begin offering the only daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Havana starting Jan. 5.

Alaska was among several major carriers that applied for limited slots to fly into Cuba, following an agreement by the U.S. and Cuba to relax travel restrictions that have been in place for more than 50 years.

Alaska said in its application that flights from Los Angeles could serve an estimated 190,000 passengers per year from a U.S. city with one of the largest Cuban American populations outside of Florida.

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Alaska plans to fly a Boeing 737-900ER, a jet that can carry as many as 180 passengers, departing each day at 8:50 a.m. with a return flight at 5:55 p.m.

The U.S. government doesnt allow Americans to visit Cuba strictly for tourism. Instead, U.S. travelers must visit for one of 12 categories, including family visits or educational activities. But the U.S. government has streamlined the process to designate the purpose for each passengers visit.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
In a sign of growing interest in Los Angeles County as a major biomedical hub, the California Life Sciences Assn. has opened an office in Monrovia.

It also this week announced partnerships with two organizations in the L.A. region  LA BioMed, a nonprofit research institute in Torrance, and the biotech incubator Lab Launch, in Monrovia.

The association said its latest undertakings will help new biomedical businesses in greater Los Angeles organize their operations, assist companies in getting their products commercialized, boost political advocacy for the industry and provide professional resources for people looking to advance in the life sciences field.

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The moves follow an expansion by the San Diego-based life science trade group Biocom, which opened its L.A. office this summer.

But they also have sparked a rivalry with an established L.A. industry group.

The two entities are being criticized by the Los Angeles-based Southern California Biomedical Council. The councils president and chief executive, Ahmed Enany, said Biocom and the association are interlopers more interested in gaining turf than in helping the region.

Although the L.A. region has noted research universities and hospitals, it has long been overshadowed by the massive life science hubs in San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area.

For years, government and business leaders in greater Los Angeles have tried to increase biomedical activity there, and Biocom has joined such efforts. In addition, the University of Southern California has pushed a plan to create a biotechnology park near the campus.

Sara Radcliffe, president and CEO of the California Life Sciences Assn., said the expansion and partnerships in the Los Angeles region bring stronger direct assistance for local companies and greater advocacy in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere for policies that foster biomedical growth.

Both LA BioMed and Lab Launch are focused on helping advance exciting research, Radcliffe said. Thats something were really passionate about. We focus on making sure entrepreneurs have access to advice, informational resources, networking  experts to help them with every aspect of development of drugs, devices and diagnostics.

Services include legal advice, counseling on how to talk with investors, tips for building relationships with patient-support groups and insights on how to make sure projects indeed address unmet medical needs.

The associations new office increases the geographic overlap between it and Biocom. In addition to the Los Angeles region, both groups have offices in San Diego and the nations capital. The association also has offices in Sacramento and South San Francisco, while Biocom also has an office in Tokyo (it calls Japan the most important international partner).

Biocom promotes Southern California as a mega-region for life sciences. It champions Los Angeles as providing benefits that San Diego lacks, such as a more global profile and easier access to key centers around the world.

For its part, San Diego offers a geographically compact and highly organized biomedical community, Biocom said. Along with Orange County, it boasts a wide range of research and commercialization services.

Enany, the head of the Southern California Biomedical Council, said Biocom and the California Life Sciences Assn. are expanding out of self-interest.

In response to Biocom moving north, [the association is] coming south. Theres a competition between the two organizations on whos going to dominate Californias public policy and advocacy in the life science sector, he said.

The council will continue to focus on serving local entrepreneurs and remain above the fray as Biocom and the association vie for turf, Enany said.

bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com

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(Xinhua) 21:10, September 28, 2016

NAY PYI TAW, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- China and Myanmar have vowed to strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation.

The 5th meeting of Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation was held in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, co-chaired by visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun and Myanmar Minister of Home Affairs Kyaw Swe.

Stressing the importance of law enforcement and security cooperation in China-Myanmar neighborly and friendly cooperation, Guo pointed out that since the establishment of the mechanism of the two countries' law enforcement and security cooperation meeting in 2005, it has made rich achievement, pushing the all-sided pragmatic cooperation of the law enforcement departments between the two countries and added new connotation to the bilateral ties.

Guo said that strengthening the law enforcement cooperation conforms to the common interest of the two countries and the two peoples, calling on the two sides to maintain close link, enhance mutual trust and continuously push the cooperative innovation and implementation of the outcome, as well as to keep such cooperation vigorous.

He called for deepening pragmatic cooperation in various fields including anti-drug, anti-terrorism and border administration and security in major projects among others to safeguard the security and stability in the two countries and border areas.

He also urged for deepening patrolling in law enforcement in the Mekong River under multilateral framework for cooperation to jointly raise the capability of dealing with regional cross-border crimes and terrorism through enhancing bilateral exchange and training of security and police members.

Kyaw Swe expressed Myanmar's wishes to work with Chinese to improve the cooperation mechanism and communicate closely with each other on law enforcement and security issues, to strengthen and safeguard border stability and crack down on various crimes, bringing well-being to the two peoples.

Guo and Kyaw Swe signed the minutes of the meeting and witnessed the signing of relevant documents of cooperation. Enditem
Sen. Elizabeth Warren accused the Education Department on Thursday of moving forward with debt collection against nearly 80,000 former students of Corinthian Colleges, despite federal and state findings that the now-defunct for-profit chain defrauded students.

The Massachusetts Democrat sent a letter to Education Secretary John B. King Jr. reporting the findings of an investigation by members of her staff. It is unconscionable that instead of helping these borrowers, vast numbers of Corinthian victims are currently being hounded by the departments debt collectors, she said.

The seven-page letter described the departments approach as backward.

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In response, King said, Some of those students attended programs where there were findings of fraud. Others did not.

King said the department would keep making sure Corinthian borrowers know what their options are for student loan forgiveness. He was asked about Warrens letter during a briefing with reporters after a meeting at the White House with President Obama to discuss efforts to make college more affordable.

In her letter, Warren asked the department to immediately halt all collections on Corinthian students debt and discharge their federal loans.

Warren said the debt collection has resulted in many having their credit slammed, their tax refunds seized, their Social Security and earned income tax credit payments reduced, or their wages garnished  all to pay fraudulent debts that are likely eligible for discharge.

Her staffs investigation found that about 30,000 Corinthian borrowers are having their tax refunds, tax credits or other government benefits like Social Security seized in order to pay off their debts. Wages are being garnished for more than 4,000 of these borrowers, the letter said.

Corinthian Colleges, one of the largest chains of for-profit colleges, filed for bankruptcy protection last year, closing schools and leaving thousands of students with frustrated efforts to earn degrees and mountains of financial debt.

A whistleblower raised concerns about Corinthian in early 2011, alleging that employees of Corinthian fabricated employers to make it appear as though unemployed graduates had secured good jobs in their careers of study. Californias attorney general filed a lawsuit in 2013, alleging rampant lies to students about job placement.

In June 2015, the department appointed a special master to help guide and oversee the loan forgiveness process for Corinthian students.

According to the most recent report from the department, it has received more than 23,000 Corinthian claims for borrower defense relief, where students allege they were defrauded by the school. Of those, about 3,800 have been approved for discharge, totaling more than $73 million.

An additional 12,000 applications have been submitted because their Corinthian schools closed, with about 7,300 approved worth $97 million. Its all just a small fraction of the estimated $3.6 billion in federal loans given to Corinthian students.

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The Los Angeles city attorney has reached a $13.5-million settlement with U.S. Bank to resolve allegations that the nations fifth-largest bank operated as a slumlord and allowed hundreds of foreclosed properties to deteriorate, fostering crime and blight in L.A. neighborhoods slammed by the housing crisis.

The settlement, announced Thursday, requires the Minneapolis-based firm to maintain its foreclosed properties in accordance with all applicable laws and standards for two years. A full-time bank employee will work with city agencies to resolve code violations of foreclosed properties across Los Angeles, the city attorneys office said.

Banks must be accountable for the condition of the properties they hold, City Atty Mike Feuer said in a statement. This significant settlement underscores my commitment that all foreclosed and vacant properties be kept up to code, so they dont become sources of blight or magnets for crime.

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U.S. Bank spokesman Dana E. Ripley said the bank would be working with the city as well as loan servicers to ensure foreclosed properties are maintained.

We are committed to the strength and vitality of the communities where we serve and live, he said in a statement. This commitment extends to the care and upkeep of neighborhoods impacted by foreclosures.

The settlement caps an effort by former City Atty. Carmen Trutanich to hold banks accountable for foreclosed properties that became dens of squatters and drug addicts following the housing collapse. That problem was not unique to Los Angeles after the housing bubble popped and the economy tanked, forcing people from their homes when they couldnt make payments.

In 2011, Trutanich sued Deutsche Bank, seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties and restitution, as well as an injunction forcing it to clean up its foreclosed properties in the city. A year later, the city attorneys office sued U.S. Bank, lobbing similar accusations.

In its 2012 suit against U.S. Bank, the city alleged that after an 18-month investigation it found problems with 1,500 foreclosed homes, citing more than 150 that had fallen into disrepair.

The city alleged the bank was responsible for illegally evicting some tenants and forcing others to live in dangerous conditions. It demanded the bank improve conditions for families living in the homes and clean up vacant properties.

Deutsche Bank and U.S. Bank serve as trustees for pools of loans that were turned into securities and sold to investors. Both banks argued that the city sued the wrong parties, arguing the blame for decrepit properties rested with the loan servicers, companies contracted to manage the properties.

Still, in 2013, Deutsche Bank settled its case for $10 million, though that was far less than what Trutanich had sought. The bank agreed to ensure its foreclosed properties were properly maintained within the city.

At the time, Deutsche Bank said the settlement would be paid for by the servicers responsible for the Los Angeles properties at issue and by the securitization trusts that hold the properties.

Similarly, Ripley, of U.S. Bank, said that most of the latest settlement will be paid by the trusts and the servicers responsible for the properties at issue.

He added the bank owned only one of the properties and will thus pay its respective portion of the settlement.

Since the filing of both lawsuits, the foreclosure crisis has rapidly receded as the economy improved and home prices soared.

In January 2009, for example, a shocking 68% of all home sales in Southern California were either short sales or homes sold out of foreclosure, according to real estate firm CoreLogic. In August, that figure had dropped to 5.2%.

The U.S. Bank settlement still needs court approval, which if received would funnel $11.9 million to the Los Angeles city attorneys office and the L.A. County district attorneys office to fund consumer protections across multiple industries.

The remainder would go toward to the citys general fund to resolve municipal code violations. Feuer said he would lobby for that $1.6 million be used to hire additional building and safety inspectors, who can grapple with issues of nuisance and blight throughout the city of Los Angeles.

Other actions against banks over foreclosures and their impact are still pending.

In 2013 and 2014, Feuers office sued JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co. alleging that the financial institutions engaged in predatory mortgage lending that caused a wave of foreclosures that reduced property tax revenue and increased costs for city services.

The suit against Wells Fargo was dismissed by a federal judge last year, but the city appealed and the ruling was stayed.

City attorneys spokesman Frank T. Mateljan said all the cases are still in the works.

andrew.khouri@latimes.com

Follow me @khouriandrew on Twitter

UPDATES:

2:55 p.m.: This article was updated.

This article was originally published at 1 p.m.
Nearly 7 million workers for California companies will be automatically enrolled in a new state-run retirement program under a bill signed Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The law requires all California companies with at least five employees to enroll their workers in the new California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program if they do not offer their own retirement savings plan.

State Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), who wrote the bill, called it the largest expansion of retirement security since the New Deal.

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This bill is about personal responsibility, he said. The retirement insecurity crisis is looming on the near horizon.

Nearly all private workers will be eligible for the plan, but they arent likely to be able to start putting money into the system until 2018.

State officials said earlier this month that it could take months and possibly more than a year to work out the details before they could start enrollment.

At a news conference Thursday morning, Brown described the program as a step forward, especially in an age of spend now and worry about it later.

This is save now and prepare for later, he said.

The retirement program will be overseen by a state board, but most of the administrative work, including investing money for the program, will be outsourced to private companies. Those firms will need to be chosen before enrollment can begin.

Though structured as an individual retirement program, Secure Choice will operate much like a 401(k).

Workers without a workplace retirement account will automatically contribute 3% of their wages into Secure Choice, though that amount can be adjusted and workers can also opt out. The board can also implement automatic escalation of employee contributions, which will be no more than 1 percentage point annually with a ceiling of 8%, unless workers choose otherwise.

Employers are not required to contribute to the plan.

The programs funds will be used to invest in a diversified portfolio focused on long-term financial growth, according to the governors office. The retirement plan is not guaranteed by the state, meaning it is not responsible for any potential losses by retirement savers.

Auto-enrollment has become popular in private sector pensions because it allows an employee to start saving immediately without much of a delay, said Olivia Mitchell, director of the pension research council at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School.

The accounts will move with workers if they change jobs, and there will be a penalty if money is withdrawn before retirement.

California is one of a handful of states that have implemented state-sponsored retirement initiatives and about a dozen other states are studying such programs, said Geoff Sanzenbacher, research economist at the Boston College Center for Retirement Research.

California is an early mover, Mitchell said. There are many other states waiting to see, and cities waiting to see, what California adopts and how the implementation is going to work.

A major question is whether low-income workers, who are some of the plans main targets, will have the ability to save more, she said.

They may be auto-enrolled but if theyre living hand-to-mouth  then maybe it turns out to be much less successful than it has been for higher-wage workers, Mitchell said.

The bill was opposed by some investment industry organizations, such as the Investment Company Institute trade group, which sent a letter to Brown in August opposing the program.

The group has argued that state-run plans would compete against privately run ones and could amount to unfair competition for the trade groups members.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

For more business news, follow me @smasunaga

UPDATES:

2:10 p.m.: This article was updated with additional reporting.

This article was originally published at 10:20 a.m.
Lawmakers on Thursday intensified their calls for a wide-ranging probe into Wells Fargo & Co.  and into the practices of other banks  as political fallout from the San Francisco institutions creation of unauthorized accounts continues to grow.

During a vitriol-filled, four-hour hearing on Capitol Hill, members of the House Financial Services Committee lambasted Wells Fargo Chairman and Chief Executive John Stumpf, saying that his bank violated numerous federal laws and that its sins should lead to a broad review of industry practices.

Your colleagues should at least come forward, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Porter Ranch) told Stumpf, in calling for testimony from CEOs of other major banks. I dont think, Mr. Stumpf, that you should be alone in this joyous experience.

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Stumpf, 63, faced an unbroken barrage of criticism from members of the House panel just one week after experiencing similar outrage from the Senate Banking Committee. Beyond his opening statement, he didnt do much talking, with House members cutting him off as they expressed a mixture of outrage and disappointment.

I know right from wrong. I know we have a lot of wrongs to right here, Stumpf managed to say at one point.

Stumpf and the bank have been pummeled by lawmakers and hit with several civil lawsuits in the three weeks since Wells Fargo agreed to pay $185 million to federal regulators and the Los Angeles city attorneys office to settle investigations into the banks aggressive sales practices, first publicized by a 2013 Los Angeles Times investigation.

Regulators said a combination of unrealistic sales goals and badly structured incentives pushed thousands of the banks employees to open as many as 2 million unauthorized checking, savings and credit card accounts over the last five years. The bank has fired 5,300 workers over the practices.

House Democrats, in line with similar calls made last week by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), called for prosecutions, with Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) saying the bank should be charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, Act, a statute originally designed to prosecute mob bosses.

I do want to note that under the Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Act ... youve satisfied all the elements of that, Lynch told Stumpf. No. 1 is fraud, and there is no question about that  mail fraud, securities fraud, youve done it all. Youve covered basically every aspect of fraud in your bank over the last five years.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) told Stumpf she believes the bank is too big to manage and mentioned several fines and settlements the bank has paid, including one announced while the hearing was underway: a $24-million settlement with the Department of Justice over Wells Fargos improper repossession of cars owned by members of the armed forces.

I have come to the conclusion that Wells Fargo should be broken up, she said. It appears the company just cant make it through this congressional hearing without us learning more and more information about what is going on at Wells Fargo.

The top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, Waters told reporters later she would begin working on legislation to force the breakup of Wells Fargo and the rest of the nations largest banks. She provided no details.

Robert Hockett, a law professor at Cornell University who specializes in financial matters, said its a virtual certainty that sales practices at other banks will be investigated.

When an abusive practice is discovered at one institution, the assumption is it will be found to some degree at others, he said.

Republicans on the committee have been among the fiercest critics of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency established after the financial crisis that was among the regulators settling with Wells Fargo this month.

Republicans on Capitol Hill have chided the CFPB for not uncovering the problems at Wells Fargo earlier, but several GOP House committee members told Stumpf that problems at the bank make it more difficult for them to argue against what they see as overly restrictive financial regulation.

You just made it really hard for those of us who want to maintain the concept of a market economy, who want to continue to make sure that bankers, not some bureaucrat somewhere, are the arbitrageurs of capital, said Rep. Frank D. Lucas (R-Okla.).

Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) told Stumpf the damage done to Wells Fargo paled in comparison to the damage that you have done to the market, to your industry.

Yall were rotten, Mulvaney said.

Though Republicans and Democrats remain at loggerheads on the broader issue of financial regulation, Wells Fargo has become a common enemy, temporarily uniting political adversaries during an election year.

Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) said at the beginning of the hearing that Wells Fargo may have broken seven different federal laws.

Also on Thursday, three Democratic senators  Warren, Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Robert Menendez of New Jersey  asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Wells Fargo and its senior executives violated federal law by failing to disclose in filings that there were problems with unauthorized accounts.

The senators also want the SEC to determine if Wells Fargo violated whistleblower protection laws by firing employees who tried to report the problems.

Thursdays hearing stretched on as more than half of the 60-member committee attended  an unusually large turnout that speaks to the level of bipartisan outrage over the still-unfolding scandal.

Wells Fargo is under federal investigation in New York and San Francisco, as well as by state and local authorities, according to a regulatory filing.

In California, state Treasurer John Chiang on Wednesday announced he would temporarily sever some business ties with Wells Fargo to punish the bank.

State Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris also appears to be investigating the bank. Asked about the bank and sanctions against it issued by Chiang, Harris said, I cannot talk about any of our investigations.

Although lawmakers and regulators have been quick to react, the bank itself has been slower to act, though it has gradually made concessions aimed at quelling lawmakers ire.

On Thursday, Stumpf said the bank would eliminate sales goals in its retail banking division at the end of this week. When testifying before the Senate Banking Committee last week, he pledged sales goals would be eliminated in January.

On Tuesday, the bank announced it would claw back some of the compensation owed to Stumpf and to another executive, Carrie Tolstedt, who oversaw the banks retail operations while unauthorized accounts were being created.

Stumpf will lose about $41 million in stock awards and will not get a $4 million bonus this year; Tolstedt will give up $19 million in stock awards, and could also lose about $30 million in stock options pending the results of an internal investigation. The investigation, also announced Tuesday, could lead to other executives losing pay or otherwise being punished.

Wells Fargo shares have tumbled nearly 11% since the settlement was announced, closing Thursday at $44.37.

James Barth, a finance professor at Auburn University and a fellow at Santa Monicas Milken Institute, said lawmakers calls for an industrywide inquiry are a shot across the bow of banks.

Im sure every bank is internally checking, he said. Do you think another CEO would want to go through what the Wells Fargo CEO has?

james.koren@latimes.com

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com

UPDATES:

4:25 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details and quotes.

This article was originally published at 2 p.m.
The reputation of Wells Fargo & Co. took another blow Thursday when it agreed to pay $24 million for the improper repossession of cars owned by members of the U.S. military.

The bank agreed to pay $4.1 million to settle a Justice Department investigation into the repossession of 413 cars without the necessary court order from 2008 through the middle of last year in violation of a federal law designed to provide financial protections to active-duty military members. The bank also was fined $20 million by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for violations dating to 2006.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act requires a court order to repossess a vehicle if the service member took out the loan and made a payment before entering military service.

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We all have an obligation to ensure that the women and men who serve our country in the armed forces are afforded all of the rights they are due, said U.S. Atty. Eileen M. Decker of the Central District of California. Wells Fargo failed in that obligation.

News of the settlement and fine came as Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf was testifying at a House Financial Services Committee hearing about the scandal involving bank employees creating as many as 2 million accounts without customers authorization.

It appears the company just cant make it through this congressional hearing without us learning more and more information about what is going on at Wells Fargo, said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles).

The Justice Department settlement stems from Wells Fargos 2013 repossession of a 2011 Ford Escape from Army National Guardsman Dennis Singleton, who was living in Hendersonville, N.C., at the time.

Singleton was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan when the used car was repossessed without a court order, the Justice Department said. He served in Afghanistan from Nov. 17, 2013, to the end of August 2014.

After Singletons car was sold at auction, Wells Fargo tried to collect more than $10,000 from him to cover the difference between what was owed on the vehicle and what it had sold for.

As part of the Justice Department settlement, Wells Fargo agreed to pay $10,000 to each of the affected service members, along with any lost equity in the vehicle, plus interest. The bank sent the payments last month, the Justice Department said. The bank also will pay a $60,000 civil fine and try to locate additional victims.

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com

Follow @JimPuzzanghera on Twitter


Sept. 29, 2016, 11:26 a.m. Washington

Wells Fargo CEO hurries away after hours of blistering questions (European Pressphoto Agency) Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf quickly left the Rayburn House Office Building today after facing more than four hours of blistering questioning from lawmakers angry about the banks creation of millions of bogus accounts in customers names. Stumpf would not answer reporters questions after numerous members of the House Financial Services Committee criticized his handling of the controversy and questioned his ability to run the giant bank. Im amazed at what you dont know about your business. Ive heard more I dont knows from a CEO than I think I ever heard in my life, Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) told Stumpf. Ive got one simple question for you: When are you going to resign? Toward the end of the hearing, Rep. Maxine Waters (D- Los Angeles), the panels top Democrat, told Stumpf, Im concerned that maybe you dont have a handle on your management. I have come to the conclusion that Wells Fargo should be broken up, she said. Its too big to manage. Rep. Denny Heck (D-Wash.) said he was not impressed with Stumpfs testimony. After four hours, my takeaway, sir, is that you are in denial, Heck told the CEO. Frankly, I dont personally see how you survive.



Sept. 29, 2016, 10:52 a.m. About-face: Wells Fargos CEO volunteered to give up some pay after saying he wouldnt (European Pressphoto Agency) At last weeks Senate Banking Committee hearing, Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf repeatedly dodged questions over whether his pay or the pay of an executive at the heart of the fake-accounts scandal should be docked. He told senators several times that decisions about executive pay would be made by a committee within the banks board of directors, and that he would not make a recommendation one way or another. But today, before members of the House Financial Services Committee, Stumpf said that he recommended that the board dock his pay. The board announced Tuesday that Stumpf would give up about $45 million in compensation  a move Stumpf now says he volunteered to make. Answering questions from Rep. Frank Guinta (R-N.H.), Stumpf said he spoke with Wells Fargos lead independent director, former General Mills executive Stephen Sanger, over the weekend and said he wanted to give up some pay. Guinta was curious why Stumpf was so adamant last week about not getting involved in the board committees decision, and why he reversed course. I developed that thinking over the weekend, Stumpf said. Its what I thought was right for me to recommend to the board.



Sept. 29, 2016, 10:18 a.m. Wells Fargos focus on products is called out: You dont sell Veg-o-Matics Rep. Ed Perlmutter in Denver on Sept. 16. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press) In his questions for Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) focused on an issue not particular to that bank but exemplified by its practices and its in-house terminology: Banks are focused not simply on taking deposits and making loans, but on selling products. Most big banks have several products, from basic checking and savings accounts to debit cards, credit cards and retirement accounts. And most big banks want their customers to use several products -- an idea known as cross-selling. Wells Fargo is famous for its focus on sales and for years has reported the success of its cross-selling strategy, providing quarterly figures on the number of accounts used by the average customer -- something other banks generally dont do. In the second quarter, the bank reported that among its customers, the average retail banking household used 6.27 Wells Fargo products. That sales focus has rankled lawmakers and exposed a deeper unease about the business of modern banking. Ive heard terms today I dont really align with the banking business, Perlmutter said. Sales organization, retail sales, stores -- I never once in my life referred to my branch bank in Applewood, Colo., as a store. You dont sell Veg-o-Matics.  Why are you calling these things stores? Youre a bank. Perlmutter said the notion that banks are stores selling products lies at the root of Wells Fargos fake-accounts scandal. Youve got to stop, he said. That creates the wrong culture.

Sept. 29, 2016, 10:08 a.m. The damage you have done to the market, to your industry, far exceeds the damage to your own business. ... Yall were rotten. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) to Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf

Sept. 29, 2016, 10:04 a.m. Surely we should have realized earlier that product sales goals could elicit behavior thats inconsistent with our culture.  Its simply not worth it. Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf



Sept. 29, 2016, 9:57 a.m. Washington

Youre the CEO and you dont know this? Rep. Keith Ellison is shown in 2015. (Win McNamee / Getty Images) Wells Fargo chief executive John Stumpf said he didnt know many of the details about how the companys sales goals were implemented at the banks branches. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), who participated in a June forum with other lawmakers and about 40 workers from Wells Fargo and other banks, questioned Stumpf on Thursday on a variety of practices reported by those employees. Each banker was expected to make 100 calls a day to drum up new business, Ellison told Stumpf. Thats the first time Ive ever heard of that, Stumpf said. Ellison continued, Were there questions asked of workers about how will they sell more credit cards? I dont know that, Stumpf said. Were they given warnings? Ellison asked. Youre the CEO and you dont know this? Congressman, Stumpf replied, I dont know that level of detail.



Sept. 29, 2016, 9:48 a.m. Could Wells Fargo be prosecuted under a law built to fight mafia chiefs? (Win McNamee / Getty Images) Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) raised an unpleasant prospect for the bank: prosecution under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. More commonly known as the RICO Act, the law was enacted in 1970 to fight organized crime by allowing mafia chiefs to be prosecuted for crimes they ordered but did not personally carry out. It has been used to prosecute alleged financial crimes -- famously against junk bond king Michael Milken. It can be used in both criminal and civil cases and allows for damages to be tripled. I do want to note that under the Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Act ... youve satisfied all the elements of that, Lynch told Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf. No. 1 is fraud, and there is no question about that -- mail fraud, securities fraud, youve done it all. Youve covered basically every aspect of fraud in your bank over the last five years. Secondly, he said, in many cases these employees, these whistleblowers, were intimidated or fired. Later in the hearing, Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) noted that being fired in the federal government for [being] a whistleblower is a very serious matter. Hopefully youre taking it as seriously as anybody else would. Stumpf said that Wells Fargo took it very seriously and that the bank had a non-retaliatory policy. The Justice Department has already begun an investigation into the bank, which started after Wells Fargos $185-million settlement with regulators this month.



Sept. 29, 2016, 9:29 a.m. Wells Fargo CEO knew for years about problems with unauthorized accounts (Cliff Owen / Associated Press) Chief Executive John Stumpf said he was not surprised by the 2013 Los Angeles Times article that first shed light on Wells Fargo employees practice of opening accounts without customers authorization to meet sales goals. During testimony Thursday, he said he had always been aware it was an issue, but did not know it was becoming a bigger issue until the summer or fall of 2013. Stumpf said that he has always known that not everyone will do everything right every day and that employees needed to be monitored. In mid- or late 2013, he said he was notified there had been an acceleration of this activity in a certain marketplace. Thats when I first knew this was becoming a bigger issue, he said. I was not surprised by the L.A. story. That testimony probably will lead to further scrutiny from lawmakers, who have fixated on what Wells Fargo executives knew, when they knew about it and what they did to address the problems at the bank.



Sept. 29, 2016, 9:23 a.m. Wells Fargo CEO is getting only seconds to speak (Cliff Owen / Associated Press) Like the rest of the members of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.) had plenty of questions for Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf -- and like other members, he didnt seem particularly interested in giving Stumpf a chance to answer. Each member of the committee gets five minutes to question Stumpf, and a bit more if the committee chairman allows. During 5 minutes and 26 seconds of back and forth between Stumpf and Pearce, Stumpf spoke for just 36 seconds. Thats about par for the course at Thursdays hearing, with committee members taking as much of their time as possible to lambaste Stumpf for failing to stop bad practices sooner, for not informing investors about fraudulent accounts before the scandal broke and for not resigning once it did. Pearce said the revelation that Wells Fargo fired 5,300 employees for opening fake accounts and other ethical violations show either that the bank is too big to manage or that Stumpf and others overlooked problems to line their own pockets. I see size and complexity being a great problem when you cant see 5,300 being terminated, Pearce said. Maybe it was your stock compensation. Maybe it was your size and complexity. I, sir, think you ought to submit your resignation. Stumpfs 36 seconds of speaking did not come in a single stretch. Mostly he was only able to utter beginnings of sentences before Pearce interrupted him.



Sept. 29, 2016, 9:03 a.m. Washington

Lots of lawmakers want their 5 minutes of ripping into Wells Fargos CEO (Getty Images) More than half of the 60 members of the House Financial Services Committee are at the Wells Fargo hearing, an unusually high turnout given that other hearings are happening now too. Most if not all of the panel members are here to get their five minutes of ripping into Chief Executive John Stumpf. Many barely gave Stumpf a chance to respond. Lawmakers comments have included: Something is going wrong at this bank, and you are the head of it, said Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) If the buck stops with you  then you should be fired because it stops with you. Wells Fargo was making a lot of money off of what you were doing, and I think you were hoping you werent caught, said Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.). You have failed, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) said, telling Stumpf that he had broken longstanding law, defrauded his customers and neglected to meet his own companys ethics guidelines. How can you rebuild trust? Whatever ultimately legally comes out of this process, Rep. Frank D. Lucas (R-Okla.) said, you just made it really hard, really hard for those of us who want to maintain the concept of a market economy, who want to continue to make sure that bankers, not some bureaucrat somewhere, are the arbitrageurs of capital. I know right from wrong, Stumpf told Lucas. I know we have a lot of wrongs to right here.



Sept. 29, 2016, 8:47 a.m. The parable of the apologetic bank robber (Getty Images) An irate Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) barely let Wells Fargos John Stumpf get a word in, using his time at Thursdays House Financial Services Committee hearing to castigate the CEO for saying he took responsibility for the banks fake-accounts scandal while getting to keep his job. Meeks likened Stumpf to an apologetic bank robber. If somebody walked into Wells Fargo tomorrow and robbed your bank or defrauded your bank and then after they are caught they say, Well Im sorry, I am going to take full responsibility for robbing your bank ... so please dont prosecute me because I am sorry now that I robbed this bank, would you allow the person just to walk out after robbing your bank? Meeks asked. Stumpf acknowledged that the bank, like any big company, does not always do everything right, prompting a fiery response from Meeks. If youre not doing everything right, whos accountable for it? Who is paying for it? Dont come tell me youre sorry, Meeks said. Another member of the committee, Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.) followed a similar line of questioning, asking how Stumpf and his leadership team are different from a suspected bank robber, Robert Holmes, who was arrested last month for allegedly holding up a Wells Fargo branch in Lancaster, Pa. Whats the difference between you and Mr. Holmes? At his arraignment, he said he was sorry, Capuano said. Why shouldnt you be in jail? Stumpf responded, Being dishonest and breaking the law is something very different.



Sept. 29, 2016, 8:15 a.m. Wells Fargo CEO says he wont waive requirement that customers use arbitration instead of lawsuit Rep. Brad Sherman on Sept. 28. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Porter Ranch) pressed Wells Fargo chief John Stumpf on whether he would waive clauses for harmed customers that force them to have their disputes heard by arbitrators and prevent them from filing lawsuits. If they want their day in court, are you going to screw them out of that? Sherman asked. Stumpf said the bank was hiring mediators for such cases, but Sherman pressed him again: Will you let them go to court? Yes or no? No, but with an explanation, Stumpf said. But Sherman did not want to hear the explanation and moved on to more questions. Sherman also said he wants to call in chief executives of other big banks to ask about sales practices. I dont think you should be alone in this joyous experience, he told Stumpf. Your colleagues should at least come forward with some assurance.

Sept. 29, 2016, 7:59 a.m. People should not be fired, terminated for missing sales goals. Im not saying it didnt happen. Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf



Sept. 29, 2016, 7:57 a.m. Wells Fargos illegal sales practices go back to 2007, Rep. Maloney says (Associated Press) Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) pressed Wells Fargo chief John Stumpf on his sale of $13 million worth of the banks stock on Oct. 30, 2013, around the time he learned of the fake accounts scandal. Did you dump the stock after you found out about the fraudulent accounts? Because it seems like the timing is very, very suspicious and it raises serious questions, she said to Stumpf at a House Financial Services Committee hearing. After trying to deflect the question, Stumpf admitted he sold the shares but said it was without any view toward the scandal. Maloney also pushed Stumpf to review accounts from as early as 2007, pointing to a Montana lawsuit that alleged fraudulent sales practices going back to that year. Now we have evidence of illegal sales practices going back to 2007. Will you agree to extend the review period to 2007? Maloney asked. Stumpf would not commit to extending the review. He said that the bank would compensate consumers if theres evidence they had fake accounts created before 2009, but that the review would only go back to 2009.



Sept. 29, 2016, 7:50 a.m. Wells Fargo CEO defends the banks practice of cross-selling (Associated Press) In his opening statement before the House Financial Services Committee, Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf offered little new information about the banks response to the unfolding fake-accounts scandal and continued to say he plans to stay at the helm of the San Francisco institution. I am fully accountable, Stumpf said, echoing comments made last week before the Senate Banking Committee. We should have done more sooner. We will not stop until we get this right. He said that when he says he is accountable, he means in part that he is accountable for leading Wells Fargo as the company restores the trust of customers, team members and investors. The embattled CEO also stood up for the banks focus on cross-selling, the practice of trying to get customers to open and use many of the banks products and services, which some critics say led to a sales culture that incentivized employees to open unauthorized accounts. Some have suggested the problem was cross-selling, Stumpf said. At its core, cross-selling is about deepening customer relationships. If we take care of our customers, they will deepen their relationships with us. That is cross-selling done the right way. Stumpf offered previously announced details of steps the bank has taken to address the sales goals that led to the scandal and to find and compensate affected customers. The bank will end its sales goal system at the end of this week and is contacting customers who may have had unauthorized checking accounts, savings accounts or credit cards opened in their names. On the credit card front, which was of particular interest to senators, who wondered how the bank might compensate customers whose credit scores may have been affected by unwanted credit cards, Stumpf said the bank has spoken with more than 20,000 affected customers. Fewer than 25% have told us they either did not apply for the card or cannot recall whether or not they applied for the card, he said. For any customer who does not want their card, we are closing the account and informing the credit bureaus. And we are developing a process to deal with any other form of harm.



Sept. 29, 2016, 7:34 a.m. Washington

Todays hearing is just the beginning of our investigation Rep. Jeb Hensarling is shown Sept. 28. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Reps. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), its top Democrat, represent the far ends of the political spectrum and rarely agree on much as they sit side by side on the dais of one of the most powerful panels on Congress. But on Thursday, they joined in ripping into Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf for the scandal at the bank involving the creation of about 2 million accounts that customers didnt authorize. It was another bipartisan pounding of Stumpf, building off a hearing by similarly outraged senators last week. I regrettably have a mortgage with your bank. I wish I didnt, Hensarling told Stumpf at the start of a committee hearing on the scandal. If I were in a position to pay it off, I would. Hensarling said the committee had launched an in-depth investigation and was gathering thousands of pages of documents from Wells Fargo and federal regulators. Todays hearing is just the beginning of our investigation, he said. We will make sure those were betrayed by Wells Fargo are not forgotten. Waters was just as rough on Stumpf. Mr. Stumpf, the word games stop today, she said. Lets call it what it really is: some of the most egregious fraud weve seen since the foreclosure crisis.



Sept. 29, 2016, 6:56 a.m. L.A. city attorney knew early that Wells Fargo case was huge (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Ive been a legislator, and as a legislator, if I would get five or six dozen phone calls on an issue, that would be a very important issue. After we filed this case, we received more than 1,000 emails and phone calls. L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer Read more



Sept. 29, 2016, 6:38 a.m. Washington

Fireworks from the first Wells Fargo hearing Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) questions Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf during a Senate Banking Committee hearing. (Getty Images) Members of the Senate Banking Committee pilloried John Stumpf, CEO and chairman of the San Francisco banking giant, over revelations that thousands of bank workers opened as many as 2 million accounts for customers without their knowledge, all in the name of meeting sales quotas that regulators say encouraged bad behavior. Republicans and Democrats went after Stumpf in a rare display of bipartisan agreement that underscores the severity of the case against the bank. Some of the fiercest comments came from Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), known for her stinging criticism of Wall Street. You should resign, Warren said. You should give back the money you took while this scam was going on, and you should be criminally investigated by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Read more



Sept. 29, 2016, 6:29 a.m. ICYMI: Catch up on the Wells Fargo scandal The Los Angeles Times first uncovered a pervasive culture of aggressive sales goals that pushed thousands of workers to open as many as 2 million accounts that bank customers never wanted. Regulators have called it outrageous and a major breach of trust. That 2013 story caught the attention of Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer, who sued the bank in May 2015. The suit was settled this month. The bank did not admit any wrongdoing, but it apologized to customers and announced steps to change its sales practices. It will pay $100 million to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau  the largest fine the federal agency has ever imposed  as well as $50 million to the city and county of Los Angeles and $35 million to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. New details emerged as part of the settlement, including numbers that sparked outrage. The CFPB said 5,300 Wells Fargo workers have been fired for improper sales practices since 2011 and that as many as 2 million accounts were opened without customers authorization.
The first period of any school day can be boisterous, with bells ringing, friends catching up on gossip and late arrivals rushing madly through doors. But early on a Thursday morning, the students in teacher Jon Aguados history class at Animo Ralph Bunche High School in Los Angeles are respectful and silent.

The only sounds are the low hum of a ventilation system and the soft voice of guest speaker Gabriella Karin recounting her chilling experiences in Slovakia during World War II.

Born to Jewish parents who operated a delicatessen in the heart of Bratislava, she was 11 when she and her family were forced into hiding  much like Anne Frank  to avoid deportation to a Nazi concentration camp.

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In this small, one-bedroom apartment were hiding eight people, she tells the classroom, holding up a picture of the building in which her family hid as it looks today. Imagine for nine months sitting on a chair and not being able to move. I could not talk.

We were always hungry, adds Karin, who at 85 rocks a chic, asymmetrical bob. There was never enough.

The class is rapt.

Students at Animo Ralph Bunche High School listen as Gabriella Karin describes her childhood in Nazi-era Slovakia. (Irfan Kahn / Los Angeles Times )

My name was not my name. My birthday was not my birthday.  Gabriella Karin on living with false identity papers during World War II

When the presentation ends, with a few thoughtful questions from students and a round of applause, the kids, rather than delving into a deep discussion about the history of the Holocaust, reach for art supplies: markers and paint brushes and paper and stacks of Plexiglas discs that will serve as their canvas.

Karins talk  and the flurry of art-making that follows  is part of an innovative program established by the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust that uses art to teach public schoolchildren about the Holocaust.

For three years, the museum has partnered with three high schools and one junior high in underserved areas  Animo Ralph Bunche, Animo Watts High School and Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy, all in South Los Angeles neighborhoods, and Hawthornes Prairie Vista Middle School  arranging for L.A. schoolkids to visit the museum and for guest speakers from the museum to visit those schools in return.

These exchanges culminate in collaborative class art projects  paintings, installations, group quilts and massive mobiles made out of Plexiglas discs  that the museum then displays in its galleries. (Currently on view is the mobile inspired by Karins talk.)

Aguado, the energetic teacher who helped spearhead the program, says that artistic engagement can offer a more profound connection to the subject matter than a lecture alone.

For students, it can be hard to express their emotions and thoughts, he says. For these talks, we dont ask them to write an essay. In this way, they can express themselves more fully without fear of judgment.

In the process, his students get to learn about a dark chapter in history from those who lived it  and survived.

It helps me understand the importance of standing up for the right things.  Sophomore Ximena Reyes

Samara Hutman, executive director at the museum, says the program offers a vital point of contact between L.A. schoolchildren and the last generation of Holocaust and Jewish World War II survivors, many of whom are now in their 80s and 90s.

The art is so important because it really allows the kids to see something through other lenses, she says. Kids understand that these personal histories are valuable.

I feel like in a talk, you can miss out on the details, says 16-year-old sophomore Ximena Reyes, who would one day like to be a journalist. But with art, you can express the details, you can fill in the blanks.

For her painting, she created a cave to represent the Holocaust. Out of it, emerge flocks of birds  her symbol for survivors.

It helps me understand the importance of standing up for the right things, she adds. If everything stays quiet, nothing changes.

Gabriella Karin works with student Jason Orellana on an art project inspired by her life during World War II. (Irfan Kahn / Los Angeles Times)

Share Our Stories: Reflections Through Art, as the program is called, was born of a conversation between Aguado and Hutman in 2013. Aguado had attended a teachers program at the museum and was touched by something the director had remarked on.

Samara said that this generation of students will probably be the last generation to meet a survivor, he recalls. Those words always stuck with me. I always tell my students, You are special that you get to do this.

But regular field trips to the museum for his history students were out of the question for financial reasons: We just didnt have funding for a field trip.

Thats where the museum  and a grant from the Max H. Gluck Foundation  came in.

We said, if you cant come to the museum, Hutman explains, we will bring the museum to you.

The pilot program was led by Aguado at Animo Ralph Bunche, where his students collaborated on a quilt inspired by the life story of a Holocaust survivor. (A number of these now decorate his classroom.)

It was really about thinking, how do we break down the walls of the museum? explains Hutman.

Karin, who has been involved with the Museum of the Holocaust for roughly two decades as a docent, guest speaker and exhibiting artist (she is a sculptor), says she is pleased to see the ways that her story can inspire others.

Its uplifting, she says. Its seeing the kids create something that wasnt there before.

Teacher Laura Alvarez leads the students at Animo Ralph Bunch High in an art-making exercise following Gabriella Karins talk. (Irfan Kahn / Los Angeles Times)

On the day that she speaks to the students at Animo Rulph Bunche, she recounts the story of her youth  an idyllic upbringing brought to a halt by the Nazi occupation.

When Karin was prohibited from going to school because she was Jewish, her parents created false identity papers that listed her as Christian and sent her off to a Christian boarding school where she says she often cried herself to sleep.

My name was not my name, she recalls. My birthday was not my birthday.

Everything can be taken from you  even the clothes you wear. But no one can take away whats in your head, so put good things in there.  Gabriella Karin

By 1944, the entire family was forced into hiding  stowed away by a family friend, a lawyer named Karol Blanar, who hid them in a small apartment building in central Bratislava whose bylaws didnt allow Jews as residents. (Which means the Nazis were unlikely to search the place.)

To occupy herself during that period, Karin says she read everything she could lay her hands on  from Dostoevsky to Tolstoy.

Everything can be taken from you  even the clothes you wear, Karin tells the class. But no one can take away whats in your head, so put good things in there.

Sarai Espana works on her piece of the collaborative art project, made during the Museum of the Holocausts survivor outreach program. (Irfan Kahn / Los Angeles Times)

Her words resonate with the students, who write words such as faith and hope on the small plastic discs theyve been given. One young man stencils out the phrase, They cant take whats in your mind.

Since the pilot in 2013, the Share Our Stories art program has been staged on various occasions at the participating schools. One student, Robert Lara, now a senior at Animo Ralph Bunch, was so taken with what he learned during his session that he ended up working at the museum as a summer intern last year.

I got really into it, he says. It was just so interesting.

In addition to the history lesson, someone like Karin can be an important point of inspiration to students in low-income, underserved communities  some of whom are the children of Central American refugees or refugees themselves.

Students get their picture taken with Gabriella Karin as part of a program organized by the Museum of the Holocaust. (Irfan Kahn / Los Angeles Times)

Despite the grim reality of the war years, Karin was able to move with her husband in 1960 to Los Angeles, where she had a long and successful career in the fashion industry. These days she is focused on making art and her volunteer work with the museum.

Recounting her life story  the bad and the good  can make a world of difference, says Hutman: Its someone who can say, Im OK. Things started badly for me, but Im good now.

Aguado says that even after the sessions end, his students often continue to bring up their experiences from Share Our Stories. Some take their families to the museum to show off the collaborative artworks put on display.

They continue talking about it, he says. The memory, it continues.

+++

Art made by L.A. school children via Share Our Stories: Reflections Through Art

Where: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, 100 S. the Grove Drive, Fairfax District, Los Angeles

When: Through Oct. 31

Info: lamoth.org

Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter 

Find me on Twitter @cmonstah.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

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The art of a San Francisco group. Works inspired by a prominent L.A. sci-fi writer. And the powerful prints of a Cuban artist. Plus: photography that touches on the ambiguities of gender, surreal embroideries and paper puppet theaters. Here are 11 art events to check out in the coming week:

The Rat Bastard Protective Association, at the Landing. The Rat Bastard Protective Association was a close-knit group of now well-known California artists  including Bruce Conner, Jay DeFeo, Wallace Berman and Joan Brown  that worked together in a building dubbed Painterland in San Francisco. Anastasia Aukeman, who wrote a book on the group  Welcome to Painterland: Bruce Conner and the Rat Bastard Protective Association  has now organized a group exhibition that brings the groups works together for the first time since the late 1950s. Opens Saturday at 6 p.m. and runs through Jan. 7. 5118 W. Jefferson Blvd., West Adams, thelandinggallery.com.

Radio Imagination: Artists in the Archive of Octavia E. Butler, at the Armory Center for the Arts. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the death of sci-fi writer Octavia Butler. As part of this exhibition, which is organized by Clockshop, seven contemporary artists have created work inspired by the items in Butlers archive, held by the Huntington Library. The new pieces include drawings, a sound installation, sculpture and even a musical work, which will premiere at the exhibitions opening. Also on view will be an exhibition of sculptures and video by Harry Dodge  making this a most excellent two-fer. Opens Saturday at 6 p.m. and runs through Jan. 8. 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, armoryarts.org.

Nkame: A Retrospective of Cuban Printmaker Belkis Ayon, at the Fowler Museum. The Cuban visual artist was known for powerful pieces inspired by the visual iconography of the founding myths of Abakua, an Afro-Cuban fraternal society. Over her short life (she passed away at the age of 32 in 1999), she produced a voluminous number of prints and collages in shades of black and white that convey scenes that are both magical and enigmatic. Opens Sunday and runs through Feb. 12. UCLA, 308 Charles Young Dr. N., Westwood, Los Angeles, fowler.ucla.edu.

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He/She/They, at Rosegallery. A group exhibition gathers works by photographers whose subjects go beyond the simple gender binary of male and female. Included is a range of imagery  produced by a diverse group of artists that includes Diane Arbus, Antonio Caballero, Yasumasa Morimura and Jo Ann Callis  depicting the fluid nature of gender, from drag queens to female impersonators to androgyny of all kinds. Opens Saturday and runs through Nov. 12. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., G-5, Santa Monica, rosegallery.net.

Drawing: The Art of Change, at the Getty Museum. An exhibition of drawings from the Gettys permanent collection looks at the ways in which artists employ revision and change in their works. Opens Tuesday and runs through Jan. 1. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.

Michelle Kingdom, at bG Gallery. Kingdom takes embroidery and gives it a surreal twist, using it to create scenes  a floating figure hovering over a crowd of faceless women, for example  that are as strange as they are fantastical. Opens Saturday at 5 p.m. and runs through Oct. 29. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., G8A, Santa Monica, santamonica.bgartdealings.com.

Lewis Baltz, Docile Bodies, at Gallery Luisotti. In 1994, the renowned California photographer created a monumental photographic installation titled Docile Bodies, which combines images of surveillance with fragments of human bodies. The work has not been shown in the U.S. since 1998, when the Museum of Contemporary Art displayed it. Now Gallery Luisotti has reassembled it and placed it on view. Opens Saturday and runs through Nov. 12. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Building A2, Santa Monica, galleryluisotti.com.

Yulya Dukhovny, Fishermans Dream: The World in Miniature, at Grand Central Art Center. Inspired by the traditional paper theaters of 19th century Europe, the artist has created her own version of the form, but uses it to stage narratives with a contemporary twists. The installation includes sets and video  as well regular theatrical performances that feature unique musical compositions. Opens Saturday at 7 p.m. and runs through Dec. 11. 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, grandcentralartcenter.com.

California Wood Artists, at the Maloof Foundation. A group show gathers wooden objects created by nearly 40 California wood artists, from one-of-a-kind furnishing to elaborate marquetry inspired by Google searches. Opens Sunday and runs through Feb. 11. 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Loma, malooffoundation.org.

A launch party for LXAQ at Steve Turner Contemporary. The publishers behind the San Francisco Art Quarterly (SFAQ) and New York Art Quarterly (NYAQ) are now coming out with an L.A. version of their publication. They will kick things off this Saturday with a party at Steve Turner Contemporary that will involve beverages and ping-pong. This Saturday at 6 p.m. 6830 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, sfaq.us.

In Real Life: 100 Days of Film and Performance, at the Hammer Museum. This four-and-a-half-month program is bringing a series of screenings, performances, film and video to the museum while they remodel. Coming up this weekend will be a performances by the incomparable Dynasty Handbag (the alter-ego of artist Jibz Cameron) and by collaborators Jennifer Moon and laub that will take viewers on an adventure through the cosmos. Godspeed young art astronauts. Through Jan. 25. Check the schedule for events and times. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, hammer.ucla.edu.

ONGOING EXHIBITIONS

Karla Klarin: Subdividing the LAndscape, at CSUN Art Galleries. The San Fernando Valley-raised artist examines some of our citys more quotidian landscapes in a series of painted works that take sprawl and the suburban as points of inspiration. But dont expect the cookie cutter: Klarins works have a way of capturing grit. Through Oct. 8. A reception will be held Saturday at 4 p.m.; an artist talk will take place Monday at 10 a.m. Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, csun.edu.

Bosco Sodi, Malpais, in a pop-up exhibition at 143 N. Robertson. The Mexican artist is known for densely pigmented monochromes and geometric clay cubes (evocative of the work of Isamu Noguchi) that play with color and the visceral qualities of his earthy materials. This one-off show is presented by the New York-based Paul Kasmin Gallery with Brandon Davis Projects and Jose Mestre. Through Oct. 8. 143 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, brandondavisprojects.net.

Abraham Cruzvillegas, Autoconcancion, at Regen Projects. In his work, the Mexican artist has long riffed on the improvised nature of Latin American informal architecture  so-called autoconstrucciones. For his second show at Regen, Cruzvillegas is exploring similar territory, though on this occasion, he is employing the backseat of every car he has ever used (a nod to SoCal car culture). These will be affixed to planters bearing plantings from our the region. Through Oct. 11. 6750 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, regenprojects.com.

Tong Kunniao, Why Dont You Eat Stinky Tofu? at Nicodim Gallery. The Chinese-born artist features messy assemblages and kinetic sculptures crafted from detritus that includes Barbie dolls and religious souvenirs. Through Oct. 15. 571 S. Anderson St., Suite 2, Boyle Heights, nicodimgallery.com.

Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle and Tyler Matthew Oyer, Exploring The Nowannago: Kentifrican Modes of Resistance, at Grand Central Art Center. A combination of performance and video piece, Exploring the Nowannago is part of Hinkles long-running exploration of the ways in which black female bodies are commoditized and exoticized. Also on display is Jesse Kees sound installation featuring a series of pieces drawn from the artists experience working in Santa Ana. Through Oct. 16. 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, grandcentralartcenter.com.

James Richards, Hack the Analog, at Shoshana Wayne Gallery. A series of new paintings play with their structure in pieces that function partially as sculpture and partially as weaving. Through Oct. 22. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., B1, Santa Monica, shoshanawayne.com.

Edith Beaucage, Sequencer, Spectrum, Reverb, at Luis De Jesus Los Angeles. In loose, wild brush strokes, the L.A. artist captures figures in hallucinatory landscapes that evoke a painted rave. Also on view will be an exhibition of photographs and large-scale video by Bryan Zanisnik, a New York-based artist preoccupied by the architecture of monuments and theatrical sets. Through Oct. 22. 2685 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, luisdejesus.com.

Fran Siegel, Reconstruction, at ACME. The artist creates elaborate pieces that integrate drawing, cut-outs and collaging to capture the urban environment on a massive scale. In a new series of works going on view at the gallery, Siegel sets her sights on Los Angeles, capturing patterns of migration, settlement and evolution. A new way to see the city that surrounds us. Through Oct. 22. 6150 Wilshire Blvd., Carthay, Los Angeles, acemlosangeles.com.

Clint Woodside, Under Cover Cars, at These Days L.A. The artists first solo exhibitions gathers five years worth of images chronicling SoCal cars draped in all manner of plastics and tarps. Through Oct. 23. 118 Winston St., 2nd Floor, downtown Los Angeles, thesedaysla.com.

Hanne Darboven, at Spruth Magers. The first solo exhibition devoted to the German conceptualists work in half a dozen years contains three installations that riff on the nature of time and other concepts through monumental pieces laden with obsessively detailed charts and calendars. This includes work dating to the 1970s (Darboven passed away in 2009). Through Oct. 29. 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, spruethmagers.com.

Tom Knechtel, Astrolabe, at Marc Selwyn Fine Art. The artist, known for theatrical pieces that often border on the surreal (think: wrestlers in skirts and humans with bird heads) is unveiling three new paintings as well as a series of intimate new drawings consisting largely of portraiture and self-portraiture  areas that this master draftsman had not previously explored. Through Oct. 29. 9953 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, marcselwynfineart.com.

Mira Schor, War Frieze (1991  1994) and Power Frieze (2016), at CB1 Gallery. Schor, the New York-based feminist artist who first made her name in the 70s at CalArts is back in L.A. with a new selection of paintings that riff on politics, art world politics and the body. A separate space features her historic work, War Frieze, created between 1991 and 1994, a series of panels that, when presented together, runs more than 200 feet. Through Oct. 30. 1923 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown Los Angeles, cb1gallery.com.

Tom Knechtel, The Reader of His Own Self, at CB1 Gallery. The Los Angeles painter renowned for rendering fantastically detailed paintings that seem to channel William Blake and Hieronymus Bosch in equal parts is displaying a selection of prints and drawings produced throughout his career  including new works that riff on the personal, such as two new prints created especially for the show. The exhibition also serves as a prelude to a show of the artists paintings that will open at Marc Selwyn in Beverly Hills next week. Opens Saturday at 3 p.m. and runs through Oct. 30. 1923 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown Los Angeles, cb1gallery.com.

Henry Taylor, at Blum & Poe. The artists latest solo exhibition features a series of new paintings and sculptures displayed in three unique environments that tackle ideas of class  including a dirt lot and a grassy lawn. As part of the exhibition, he will also be screening a film by friend and collaborator Kahlil Joseph, who last year hypnotized with his installation, Double Conscience, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Los Angeles. The gallery will also be having a concurrent show of the early sign paintings of Mark Grotjahn. Through Nov. 5. 2727 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, blumandpoe.com.

Marnie Weber, Chapel of the Moon, at Gavlak Gallery. The Los Angeles artist has created a cast of mythical characters employed in her first feature film  a modern-day fairy tale titled The Day of Forevermore, which recently screened at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel  and these serve as the source of a new series of multimedia works at the gallery. Expect works that play with fantasy, reality and the mildly satanic. Through Nov. 5. 1034 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, gavlakgallery.com.

Wu Tsang, The Luscious Land of God Is Sinking, at 356 Mission. The L.A.-based filmmaker and performer is screening her recent film, Duilian, about a Chinese feminist revolutionary who was executed for attempting to foment revolution in the early 20th century. She will also be showing new sculptures, photographs and a limestone plaque that will be embedded in the sidewalk out front. Through Nov. 6. 356 S. Mission Road, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, 356mission.com.

Dissent: What They Fear Is the Light, at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions. A group show explores issues of privacy, control and surveillance, in our hyper-connected, always-logged-on digital world. Through Nov. 6. 6522 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, welcometolace.org.

Karon Davis, Pain Management, at Wilding Cran Gallery. Employing plaster casts and shredded medicine bills, the artist has re-created the hospital environment that her husband, artist Noah Davis, was forced to inhabit as the result of a fatal illness. (He passed away last summer.) These are used to create a series of figurative sculptures that conjure notions of preservation and mummification. Through Nov. 12. 939 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown Los Angeles, wildingcran.com.

London Calling, at the Getty Museum. Drawn primarily from the collection of the Tate in London, this exhibition brings together six of the leading British painters of the 20th century, figures who resisted trends toward abstraction to focus on the figure, revolutionizing the act of painting in the process. Through Nov. 13. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.

 WATCH: Writer-director Guillermo del Toro takes us on a tour through Bleak House, his suburban L.A. home where he has amassed a formidable collection of art, books, horror movie props and other oddities that serve as inspiration for the filmmaker.

Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The filmmakers work  which includes movies such as Pans Labyrinth, Hellboy and Pacific Rim  all play with notions of the fantastical. This exhibition looks at the directors artistic process, including plenty of drawings and maquettes, along with the objects that inspire him (including some truly odd and macabre works from LACMAs permanent collection). These are presented in a series of thematic rooms that explore magic, occultism, death and monsters. A totally wild ride. Through Nov. 27. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

Marcos Ramirez ERRE and David Taylor, Delimitations: A Survey of the 1821 United States-Mexico Border, at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. In 2014, Ramirez and Taylor set out on a more than 3,000-mile journey to mark the 1821 border between the U.S. and Mexico, which took them to unlikely places such as Medicine Bow, Wyo., and Dodge City, Kan. This exhibition presents photography and other documentation from that journey, one that looks at the fragile nature of political borders. Also on view will be the wild urban architecture-inspired sculptures of L.A. artist Ruben Ochoa  rising like monsters from the gallery floor. A pair of shows not to miss. Through Nov. 27. Jacobs Building, 1100 Kettner Blvd., downtown San Diego, mcasd.org.

Maggie Lee, Gigis Underground, at 356 Mission. Constructed out of the artists personal archive, this debut film consists of a portrait of the artist before and after her mothers sudden death. Through Nov. 27. 356 S. Mission Road, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, 356mission.com.

A Generosity of Spirit: Celebrating the Gift of Eugene Rogolsky, at the Fisher Museum. The Los Angeles patrons acquired an eclectic range of works over the course of his years as a patron, including photography and painting. One of the highlights: The significant number of works he acquired by the prominent Chicano painter Carlos Almaraz. Through Dec. 3. USC, 823 W. Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, Los Angeles, fisher.usc.edu.

American Mosaic: Picturing Modern Art Through the Eye of Duncan Phillips, at the Orange County Museum of Art. In the early 20th century, at a time when many U.S. moguls were focusing on amassing European masters, banking and steel scion Duncan Phillips focused his collecting efforts on American art, acquiring canvases by now venerated painters such as Thomas Eakins, Marsden Hartley, Winslow Homer, Georgia OKeeffe and Helen Frankenthaler. This exhibition brings together more than five dozen works from his collection. Through Dec. 4. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, ocma.net.

The Spun Universe: Wixarika (Huichol) Yarn Paintings, at the Fowler Museum. A new show at the Fowler gathers the brightly woven yarn paintings of Wixarika artist Ramon Medina Silva, known for his elaborate compositions depicting astral figures, holy plants and important ritual objects, all crafted with brilliant threads. Through Dec. 4. UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood, Los Angeles, fowler.ucla.edu.

Jud Fine and Barbara McCarren, AND/OR, at the University Art Museum. A survey exhibition includes works old and new by the L.A.-based art-making couple. This features a number of pieces related to such topics as offshore banking and the nature of currency, and a new installation, Continental Edge Dwellers (CED), that explores the coast  that blurry line between land and water. Its a good subject to marinate in at a time when Californias coast is subject to struggles over development. Through Dec. 11. Cal State Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, web.csulb.edu/org/uam.

Betye Saar, Black White, at Roberts & Tilton. The grand dame of L.A. assemblage art (who is about to open a one-woman show at the Prada Foundation in Milan) is showing four decades worth of sculptures and wall pieces in the gallerys project space  transformed to reflect both the colors and politics of black and white. Also on view will be the abstract paintings of Evan Nesbit. Through Dec. 17. 5801 Washington Blvd., Culver City, robertsandtilton.com.

Sleep, David Adamo: Untitled, and Devin Farrand: Heft, at Ibid Gallery. The gallery debuts its new space in Boyle Heights this weekend with several new exhibitions, including a group show that riffs on the idea of sleep, as well as a pair of solos devoted to the work of sculptor David Adamo and the abstractions of Devin Farrand. Through Oct. 29. Adamos exhibition and Sleep are on view through Dec. 17. 670 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights, ibidgallery.com.

Paul Sietsema, at Matthew Marks Gallery. The artists first solo exhibition in L.A. in more than a dozen years includes new paintings and drawings, as well as two recent films. The show is partly built around the color green, featuring one work of pure abstraction and another made with green euro banknotes. The film Abstract composition, in the meantime, animates phrases from online auction sites. Through Dec. 23. 1062 N. Orange Grove, West Hollywood, matthewmarks.com.

Maria Lassnig, A Painting Survey, 1950-2007, at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. This is the first Los Angeles solo exhibition for the late Austrian artist, known for her inventively weird figurative paintings. The show traces the artists journey over a nearly six-decade period, from her early abstractions to the mildly distorted, even cartoonish, paintings of people and settings that are more about capturing psychological states of being than rendering exact figures. Through Dec. 31. 901 E. 3rd St., downtown Los Angeles, hauserwirthschimmel.com.

MOLAA at Twenty: 1996-2016, at the Museum of Latin American Art. The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is celebrating two decades in existence with a show that draws from the museums permanent collection of more than 1,600 objects. These include works by renowned Modernists Joaqun Torres-Garca and Wifredo Lam, Argentine conceptualist Len Ferrari as well as contemporary figures such as Alexandre Arrechea and Patssi Valdez. Through Jan. 1. 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, molaa.org.

Ernesto Yerena Montejano, Espejismo/Cicatriz, at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes. A series of intensely detailed, layered collages by the Los Angeles-based artist explore issues of identity in the Latino community. Through Jan. 1. 501 N. Main St., downtown Los Angeles, lapca.org.

Senses of Time: Video and Film-Based Works of Africa, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For one of its long-term installations, the museum has gathered works of video or film by contemporary African artists that explore the body and the looping nature of time. This includes pieces by figures such as Yinka Shonibare, Sammy Baloji, Berni Searle, Moatax Nasr and Theo Eshetu. Through Jan. 2. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org.

 The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will present a survey exhibition of Gemini G.E.L. works from 1966 to 2014.

The Serial Impulse at Gemini G.E.L., at LACMA. Over the course of five decades, the innovative Los Angeles print studio has produced historic limited edition works for renowned artists such as Richard Serra, Claes Oldenburg, Vija Celmins, David Hockney and Robert Rauschenberg. Now the museum, in conjunction with the National Gallery of Art, brings together some of the most exquisite examples of work produced at the famed West Hollywood shop, including Rauschenbergs 1967 print, Booster, a 6-foot-tall print that in its day was the largest art print ever made. Do not miss Oldenburgs pieces, which ruminate on the nature of Los Angeles.Through Jan. 2. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

Kay Sekimachi, Simple Complexity, at the Craft & Folk Art Museum. The museum has gathered a lifetimes worth of work  from the 1960s to today  of this innovative Bay Area fiber artist. Through Jan. 8. 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, cafam.org.

Doug Aitken, Electric Earth, at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The L.A. artists first North American museum survey features an array of collage, photographic and video installation works from throughout his career  including the cinematic Song 1, from 2012, screening on a massive circular screen, and Electric Earth, the 1999 video installation that earned him the International Prize at the Venice Biennale.Through Jan. 15. Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., downtown Los Angeles, moca.org.

Beatriz Cortez, Nomad World, at the Vincent Price Art Museum. The L.A.-based artist and cultural critic has transformed the gallery space at the museum into an arcade that picks apart global capitalism. A fortune-telling booth, a pinball machine and a jukebox have been pulled apart and put back together, in ways that grapple with issues such as migration, economics and identity. Through Jan. 28. East Los Angeles College, 1301 Cesar Chavez Ave., Monterey Park, vincentpriceartmuseum.org.

In the Land of Sunshine: Imaging the California Coast World, at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Covering a period that begins in the mid-19th century and spans to today, this exhibition covers beach culture up and down our states more than 800-mile coast  from playful abstractions of the shoreline to expressive watercolors that will make you practically taste the salt air. Through Feb. 19. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena, pmcaonline.org.

Toba Khedoori, at the L.A. County Museum of Art. This is the first major museum survey of the L.A.-based artist, known for her painstaking draftsmanship and enigmatic drawings and paintings. Her works often feature architectural elements, landscape, smoke and flame in ways that play with negative space and toy with meaning. Through Mar. 19. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

Installations by Robert Gober and Kerry James Marshall touch on violence and death at the Underground Museum. (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times )

Non Fiction at the Underground Museum. An emotionally charged exhibition curated by the late Noah Davis, in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles brings together works that explore issues of race and violence. This includes important works from MOCAs permanent collection by artists such as Robert Gober, Kara Walker, Henry Taylor and David Hammons. Through March. 3508 W. Washington Blvd., Arlington Heights, Los Angeles, theunderground-museum.org.

Islamic Art Now: Part 2 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contemporary works from LACMAs permanent collection by 20 artists who live in or have roots in the Middle East look at questions of society, gender and identity. Runs indefinitely. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org.

Loris Greaud, Sculpt, at the L.A. County Museum of Art. The entire theater has been taken over by the European artist for a film that only screens to one person at a time. The nonlinear picture follows a man about whom we know very little, who seems to be constantly developing the concept of what experiencing beauty, thought, or obsession can be, according the write-up. Times critic Christopher Knight describes it as pretentious and uninvolving. A good hate-watch, maybe? On view through a yet to be determined date. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

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Did she or didnt she? That is the question Amanda Knox explores with laser-like precision. Different viewers will come to different conclusions, but without doubt this strong documentary sheds a powerful light on this particular case while emphasizing the ultimate unknowability of absolute truth.

As directed by Rod Blackhurst and Brian McGinn, Amanda Knox does without a subtitle and frankly doesnt need one. The case of the American college student twice convicted and twice acquitted of the murder of her roommate in Italy was such a tabloid and social-media sensation a Google search reveals more than 7 million results.

That factoid comes from Knox herself, who is interviewed extensively here, as are her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, the tenacious Italian prosecutor Giuliano Mignini who put them both behind bars, and the British tabloid journalist Nick Pisa who reported extensively on the case.

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One of the great virtues of Amanda Knox is that it allows all these key participants, and a handful of others, the chance to unburden themselves at length about their roles in a story, equal parts Alfred Hitchcock and Patricia Highsmith, that took eight years to play out.

Here, for instance, is Knox herself, articulate and self-possessed, thoughtfully summarizing her polarizing situation: If I am guilty, I am the ultimate figure to fear. If I am innocent, it means everyone is vulnerable, and thats everyones nightmare. Either I am a psychopath in sheeps clothing or I am you.

In addition to this wealth of interview material, directors Blackhurst and McGinn provide a large amount of court documents and archival footage, including a previously unseen video clip of the murder victim, 22-year-old Meredith Kercher, taken by Knox herself.

Just as disturbing is the visual evidence of the rabid way the case was covered by the media, with tabloid headlines screaming things like Orgy of Death and Amanda the Man-Eater on a daily basis.

TV newscasters were no better, with Diane Sawyer giving Knox an unapologetic hard time, and individuals such as CNNs Chris Cuomo pounding her with questions like Were you into deviant sex?

Seen today, Knox, not surprisingly given what she has been through, is a serious and somber individual, living alone in Seattle and intending to work as an advocate for those wrongfully convicted.

In her pre-Italy years, however, video shows Knox to be much livelier, someone quirky and ridiculous who admired Xena the Warrior Princess. Im my own person, is how she thought of herself, but Im going to find my place.

A student at the University of Washington, Knox decided to become an exchange student in Perugia, Italy, to get out of her comfort zone and ended up rooming with young British student Kercher.

Just a week before the murder, Knox and young Italian student Sollecito meet and fall in love. Despite all that has happened to them since, both light up at the memory of how happy they were for that week, spending every free minute in each others company.

Then Kercher (inevitably something of a cipher here) is murdered, and two new people become key in everyones lives. These include journalist Pisa, someone who delights in the buzz of the scoop and is perfectly happy to spread the most salacious stories and theories, and prosecutor Mignini.

Knox partisans looking for a convenient villain will not find one in Mignini, who comes off as decent and sincere, a fan of Sherlock Holmes who has a passion for investigating and connecting clues.

But what is also true of Mignini is that he is a practicing Catholic who believes God runs the world but man has free will, the father of four girls and a pillar of Perugias traditional society.

As such, you can feel in these interviews Migninis almost visceral dislike of and even antipathy toward Knox personally  he describes her at one point as inexplicable, irrational  and the world of youthful sexual license she seemed to represent.

Mignini and the Perugia police evolve the theory, spread by Pisa and others, that Kercher was killed in a drug-fueled sex game gone wrong and arrest Knox, Sollecito and a third man, Patrick Lumumba, in the crime.

Though both Knox and Sollecito initially protested that theyd been together all night in his apartment, under intense police questioning they temporarily changed their stories. Hearing both of them talk about the almost surreal pressure put on them inevitably brings to mind the coerced confessions that figure in Ken Burns The Central Park Five documentary.

If possible, things get even more complicated when Lumumba is released and yet another man, Rudy Guede, is arrested. DNA evidence is trumpeted in the trial as being conclusive and eventually seen as tainted (independent Italian experts are among those interviewed here).

It is all so complicated it took directors Blackhurst and McGinn and editor Matthew Hamachek a full year to fit all their material into the hour and a half on view here, but it was worth the effort. Hard as it is to say that anything is the last word in this most divisive of cases, Amanda Knox looks to be it.

===

No MPAA rating.

Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes.

Playing Laemmles Monica, Santa Monica.

Critics Choice. Amanda Knox. This strong documentary sheds a powerful light on the celebratred murder case while emphasizing the ultimate unknowability of absolute truth. - Kenneth Turan

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Wang Sicong, only son of China's richest man Wang Jianlin, stacked all the iPhone 7 he bought for his beloved pet dog and posted it online.

A hospital in Chongqing, Chinas central Sichuan province, has reportedly banned its employees from purchasing the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7plus. On Tuesday, a reader posted on public forums that their workplace, a hospital in the Fuling suburban district of Chongqing, implemented strange new rules restricting employees from purchasing Apples newest iPhone model.

The announcement of the hospital

In the post, the reader said anyone caught violating this rule would be let go from the hospital. An original copy of the notification sent to all employees reads, At a time when the Peoples Republic of China celebrates its 67th anniversary, this institution advocates prudence and diligence, wishing to put an end to luxurious and wasteful spending. The notification goes on to officially prohibit buying the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus models, warning that violators will be terminated.

An employee from the hospital told media that the rule is indeed true. However, the employee told reporters to reach out to the president of the hospital to find out a concrete reason for the rule.

Some people online believe the restriction is inappropriate. One user said, this type of rule is inhumane. How can you link together a personal purchase of a phone with work? Another user wrote, Lets not rule out the possibility this hospital is doing this for the publicity.
For a certain kind of film fan in Los Angeles, the last month or so has been difficult. As Twitter timelines and Internet headlines have been full of premieres and events at the Midnight Madness section in Toronto and Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, a local genre buff could begin to feel left out.

Beyond Fest is here to take care of that. Starting Friday and running through Oct. 11 at the American Cinematheque in Hollywood, the festival is full of many of those same new movies fans have been hearing about, including 23 West Coast premieres, alongside a program of older titles too.

Among the highlights of this years Beyond Fest are the local premieres of Ana Lily Amirpours tripped-out dystopian The Bad Batch, Julia Ducournaus visceral coming-of-age cannibal story Raw, Ti Wests rough-and-tumble western In a Valley of Violence and Paul Schraders outrageous crime tale Dog Eat Dog.

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Retrospective movies include a 35 mm screening of John Carpenters Big Trouble in Little China, a 35 mm screening of Alejandro Jodorowskys Holy Mountain, a 70 mm showing of 2001: A Space Odyssey and a 40th anniversary screening of Martin Scorseses Taxi Driver.

The festival has a basis in including live musical performances as part of its lineup, and this year is no exception. The Wu-Tang Clans RZA will perform a new live score for the martial arts classic The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, and Fabio Frizzi will perform with a seven-piece group during a screening of Lucio Fulcis The Beyond.

This is only the fourth year of Beyond Fest, and organizers are already trumpeting attendance as the highest of any genre festival in the country.

Beyond Fest is very much fan-focused, said festival co-founder Christian Parkes. Its really just, We are fans, and we just want to share films with as many people as possible. 

Beyond Fest began when Parkes approached the American Cinematheque about putting on a festival. Parkes had already put up his own money to bring the Italian band Goblin, famous for its music for horror films, for the acts first-ever live appearances in Los Angeles. Parkes said he still vividly remembers the moment when he hesitated, finger hovering over mouse, before clicking send on the wire transfer that booked the band.

To be truthful, the first year, we kind of made it up and we didnt have much of a plan, added Parkes. The basic premise was to really just screen films that we loved.

Parkes, with a background in international brand marketing, has for the last few years also been formally involved with Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, and its parent company, Alamo Drafthouse. But when he first walked into the Cinematheque looking to start what would become Beyond Fest, he was just a fan with an idea.

He was just a guy, Grant Moninger, a programmer at the American Cinematheque and Beyond Fest, said of when Parkes first approached them. Moninger added that it is not unusual for people to approach the organization with ideas, but that something about this was different.

Well, it might happen often, but it never happens, Moninger said of turning ideas into actual events. The impetus was Christian came in and he had Goblin for three days and I was like, Well, I want that. And he had a lot of energy and a lot of good ideas. We took a risk and mapped out three weeks on a calendar. Which is unheard of. And we ended up with some great guests that first year, even though we had to convince people we were even a thing. And then we had a festival that didnt exist before.

This year also includes a program of 13 free screenings in the Cinematheques smaller Spielberg Theatre. Titles showing for free include Andre vredals The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Bhin Banloerits The Dwarves Must Be Crazy, Bryan Bertinos Monster, Morgan Spurlocks Rats and Koji Shiraishis Sadako vs. Kayako. Retrospective screenings of George Romeros Martin and The Crazies will also be among the titles playing for free.

With its mix of genres newest cutting edge alongside a healthy respect and playful sense of reverence for the past, Beyond Fest captures much of what inspires such dedication from genre film fans around the globe. That feeling of letting audiences in on a collective secret while also creating a sense of community, continuity and evolution makes for an exciting alchemy.

To place the old and the new in a similar context and to take a film like Raw, this incredible debut from a female French director, to have that on the same slate as a Kubrick and a Scorsese, there is a really healthy relationship there, said Parkes.

Every year it gets harder and easier, added Parkes. We want to be bigger and bigger and really give the audience something they havent seen.

A few Beyond Fest highlights

Dog Eat Dog / Taxi Driver

Friday

Few filmmakers have carried out the sustained exploration of the dark side of masculinity as screenwriter and director Paul Schrader, involved with such films as Taxi Driver, America Gigolo and the wild new Dog Eat Dog. The film stars Nicolas Cage, Willem Dafoe and Christopher Matthew Cook as bumbling criminals who botch a kidnapping scheme. The film is a scathing depiction of the idiocy of violence.

Schrader will be one hand for the event, along with the recently added guest of Cage. There will also be a 40th anniversary screening of Taxi Driver. The Cinematheque will also be holding its own retrospective series on Schrader at the Aero Theatre.

Big Trouble In Little China

Oct. 5

In another of the marquee events of this years Beyond Fest, star Kurt Russell will appear after a 35 mm screening of 1986s Big Trouble in Little China, which will be moderated by Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn. Big Trouble, in which Russell plays a truck driver caught up in a world of sorcery and ancient curses, has become one of the most beloved titles from director John Carpenter

The Bad Batch

Oct. 7

Ana Lily Amirpour has fast emerged as one of the most original voices in contemporary genre filmmaking, with her impish attitude toward storytelling. Following up her debut, the vampire western A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, Amirpour has doubled-down on the weirdness with The Bad Batch. In a society where undesirables are ejected to a desert wasteland, a young woman (Suki Waterhouse) finds herself struggling to survive, caught between a clan of cannibals lead by the brawny Miami Man (Jason Momoa) and a utopian sex cult overseen by the skeevy the Dream (Keanu Reeves.) Amirpour is scheduled to appear in person

In a Valley of Violence

Oct. 6

Filmmaker Ti West became known for his horror excursions with The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers, and now turns to a traditional western with his new In a Valley of Violence. In the film, a drifter (Ethan Hawke) traveling with his dog runs afoul of a small town lawman (John Travolta). West is scheduled to appear along with cast members Karen Gillan, Taissa Farmiga, Toby Huss and James Ransone.

Raw

Oct. 8

After first premiering at the Cannes Film Festival earlier in the year, Raw really turned heads when it played the Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival. And turned a few stomachs too, with reports of multiple audience members passing out. The debut from French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, the film is a cannibal-themed female coming-of-age story that Variety referred to as  Suspiria meets Ginger Snaps,  a pair of comparisons to whet the appetite of any genre film fan.

RZA live from The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

Oct. 10

It is well known that RZA, founder of the influential hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, is a rabid fan and deep student of martial arts movies, and this event finds him rescoring the 1979 classic The 36th Chamber of Shaolin live. Whether you have seen the movie 36 times or are coming to it fresh, this is a unique treat for local hip-hip heads and martial arts cinema fans alike.

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Mark.Olsen@latimes.com

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Directed by Cynthia Wade and Cheryl Miller Houser, the documentary Generation Startup puts a human face on millennial startup culture. The film depicts the program Venture for America, which supports entrepreneurship in recent college graduates in cities around the United States by placing fellows in startup companies.

Generation Startup focuses on a diverse group of fellows in Detroit, a city that is a symbol of both Americas past, and its potential for growth and revitalization. Dextina is a black, female MIT grad in a predominantly white male industry; Labib, the son of Bangladeshi immigrants, struggles with his parents lack of support; Kate searches for female mentors in the tech sector. Brian and Avery of Banza, a chickpea pasta company, strive to make their product the best it can be; while the team behind Castle attempts to disrupt the real estate management business with their software tools.

In many ways, Generation Startup is both too narrow and too broad to truly capture the notion of the startup in the zeitgeist. Its a warm, uplifting portrait of the potentials to be found in startup culture, but feels blinkered by its specific focus.

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Generation Startup

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica

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Fans of stylish, dense drug-trade sagas like Netflixs Narcos will want to check out director Dante Lams Operation Mekong, a Hong Kong action-thriller about the real-life hunt for a murderous kingpin in the wilds of the Golden Triangle. Though more sensationalistic than serious, this film has a scale and an energy that rivals any Hollywood blockbuster.

Zhang Hanyu and Eddie Peng costar as experienced narcotics officers from different jurisdictions, thrown together to thwart notorious drug lord and pirate captain Naw Kham, whose operatives have been spreading violence and obstructing trade from Thailand to mainland China.

Operation Mekong was inspired by the 2011 Mekong River Massacre, and the international furor that followed. Dont expect docu-realistic detail of what happened, though. This film is framed more like a straightforward buddy cop picture, with flatly functional dialogue to set up the next chase scene.

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Lam packs the movie with white-knuckle action sequences, set in eye-catching locations, teeming with extras. Every penny of what must have been a substantial budget is evident in shots where hundreds of people and multiple helicopters are on-screen for just a few seconds.

Will viewers come away with a nuanced view of the moral compromises inherent in policing the opiate industry? Absolutely not. But for thrill-seekers who want to zip between opulent nightclubs and elaborate shootouts in stunning mountaintop forests, Operation Mekong has a strong kick, with minimal side effects.

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Operation Mekong

In Cantonese, Mandarin, and Thai with English subtitles

Not rated

Running time: 2 hours, 3 minutes.

Playing: AMC Atlantic Times Square 14, Monterey Park; AMC 30, Orange; AMC Tustin 14 at the District

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Deborah S. Esquenazis documentary Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four tells a miscarriage of justice tale that practically bursts with societal issues to address: homophobia, socioeconomic inequality, child abuse, trial misconduct, tabloid hysteria, junk science and innocence advocacy. For nearly half their lives, a quartet of Latina lesbians  Anna Vasquez, Elizabeth Ramirez, Cassandra Rivera and Kristie Mayhugh  have fought convictions for gang-raping two of Ramirezs nieces, aged 7 and 9 at the time of the alleged abuse in the late 1990s.

Though its chronological organization and issue management is rough around the edges, Esquenazis passionately argued film  built on interviews with the Texas women and footage of their post-parole-release efforts to exonerate themselves  easily convinces that the charges are impossible to believe, yet that a perfect storm of 90s panic surrounding gay intolerance, satanic ritual-abuse claims and iffy scientific evidence could turn a shaky case into a slam dunk.

We see one of the now-adult accusers recant her testimony, and the Innocence Project of Texas do wonders on behalf of the women, but the movie ends with their lives still in limbo. Seeing Ramirez, however, who earned the longest sentence  37 years  warmly greet her grown niece is emotionally powerful enough to make one think that the overarching theme of Southwest of Salem is the moving resilience of the wrongfully persecuted.

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Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four

Running time: 1 hour, 31 minutes

Not rated

Playing: Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hills

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Lots of documentaries these days will tell you to be afraid, to be very afraid, but few will scare you as coolly and as convincingly as Command and Control.

Directed by Robert Kenner, who co-wrote with book author Eric Schlosser (a key on-screen presence), Command and Control focuses on a Sept. 18, 1980, accident at a Titan II missile silo in Damascus, Ark., that came terrifyingly close to causing a nuclear explosion that would have devastated the entire East Coast.

But Kenner and Schlosser, who last collaborated on Kenners Oscar-nominated Food, Inc., are also telling a larger story about the inherent dangers nuclear weapons pose not just for our enemies but for ourselves. No weapons advocate ever thought one of these behemoths might detonate right here at home, but the inevitable conclusion on seeing this film is that one very well might.

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As Schlosser says quietly, harkening back to the first Trinity site nuclear test in New Mexico in 1945, from the beginning there was the sense of this immense power just being on the verge of slipping out of our control.

Though this kind of subject matter is by nature incendiary, Kenner and Schlosser have understood that handling the material as dispassionately as possible is the best way to make it completely unnerving.

Yet, paradoxically, the key people who lived through that 1980 event (almost all of whom are interviewed here) are, even nearly 40 years after the fact, nothing if not emotional about their memories, not surprising when you remember they thought a world-changing nuclear catastrophe was imminent.

Director Kenner has also been helped enormously by the existence, in Green Valley, Ariz., of the Titan Missile Museum, which is in essence an almost exact replica of the Titan missile silo in Arkansas where the accident and the drama took place.

The discreet re-creations of events Kenner and cinematographers Paul Goldsmith and Jay Redmond have filmed are essential in giving us an exact idea of how chilling the space in question was, how unnerving the looming presence of the enormous missile topped by a nine megaton thermonuclear warhead, three times as powerful as all the bombs detonated in World War II, nuclear weapons included.

Command and Control begins dramatically, with the deadly accident. It is 6:25 p.m. on that day, and a re-creation shows two members of the Air Forces Propellant Transfer System team, nearing the end of their 12-hour shift, suiting up to service the behemoth.

Youre counting on everything to work perfectly all the time, says Jeffrey L. Plumb, who was 19 at the time. And things just dont work perfectly all the time.

So it was that Plumbs coworker David Powell used a ratchet instead of a torque wrench to remove a gasket, only to watch in horror (so much so that he didnt tell his superiors the full story for half an hour) as the gasket fell and hit the side of the rocket, causing an immediate fuel leak that was a real threat to explode and perhaps detonate the warhead.

At this point Command and Control goes back and forth between the Air Forces attempts to deal with this crisis and other past nuclear weapons accidents. The Air Force says there have been 32 of these, which is scary enough, but the film claims there have been more than one thousand.

Most terrifying of all, and gone into in some detail, was a 1961 event when a B-52 bomber broke apart in flight over Goldsboro, N.C. The resulting centripetal force actually armed the hydrogen bomb on board and when the weapon hit the ground, only one tiny switch prevented it from going off.

Off-site, Air Force higher-ups soon took over command of the Arkansas situation, but that didnt stop the response from becoming chaotic and seat of the pants.

As related by the participants, the story became one of heroism and foolishness, of individual people who responded well and systems that did not. A nuclear explosion did not take place, but terrible things did happen, so embarrassing to the Air Force that even the people who acted heroically were shunned.

As terrifying as this particular event was, the back story is equally scary, including the realization that the United States and the Soviet Union at one time had between them close to 70,000 of these frightening weapons.

And it is very disturbing to hear the people who were in charge of using them, like Lt. Allan D. Childers, say that in the name of deterrence they were perfectly ready to push the launch button. I had to be prepared to destroy an entire civilization, he says, and I had no problem with that.

Most troubling of all, however, is the idea that nuclear weapons are machines, and every machine ever made has broken down at some point.

It will happen, says Sandia Laboratories engineer Bob Peurifoy, a former weapons builder. Maybe tomorrow, maybe a million years from now, but it will happen.

As I said, be very afraid.

Command and Control

Not rated.

Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes

Playing Landmarks Nuart, West Los Angeles

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Theres a certain subset of the population that may find Zach Galifianakis in a ridiculous hairdo the height of comedy. If you are in that segment, welcome, join us. Youll find much merriment in the lightweight and very silly comedy Masterminds, which is astonishingly based on the true story of one of the largest cash robberies in the United States.

Masterminds is a small, very strange film, and definitely doesnt enter the upper echelons of director Jared Hess oeuvre, which includes the wacky comedy classics Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, or even the best work of its stars. Nevertheless, the marriage of the insane 1997 true crime story and the murderers row of comic performers results in copious laughter.

Galifianakis plays aw-shucks naif David Ghantt, an employee of armored truck company Loomis Fargo, trapped in a loveless engagement with Jandice (an unblinking Kate McKinnon), and carrying a torch for his co-worker, sassy Kelly (Kristen Wiig). Kelly and her petty thief buddy Stephen (Owen Wilson) hatch a plan to rob the company vault, and ensnare lovelorn David as their inside man.

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Despite a complete lack of skill or common sense, David pulls off the robbery, though soon hes stranded on the lam in Mexico, while Stephen and his family are living high on the hog back in North Carolina, freely spending the millions David stole for them.

Hess approach is to give his comedic performers the time, space and permission to push the boundaries of their own bizarre tendencies. From Jack Blacks riffs in Nacho Libre to the deadpan ad libs of Jemaine Clement in Don Verdean, Hess creates openings for comic weirdness to percolate, and its the perfect showcase for a comedian like Galifianakis, who can elicit belly laughs from a well-deployed glance or intonation.

Masterminds offers plenty of opportunities for hilarious moments from the incredibly funny cast, which also includes Leslie Jones and Jason Sudeikis. Its a cast in which one can just turn the cameras on and watch the madness unfold  whether its Wiig crooning a wordless love ballad into a walkie-talkie, an inspired take on an engagement photo shoot featuring David and Jandice, or simply Galifianakis on roller blades.

But theres something about the slower, dry, Hessian tone working in concert with this high-octane heist story that doesnt quite jibe. Perhaps its that this is the first film that Hess has directed that he hasnt written (the script is by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Emily Spivey), but its as if there are too many characters, too many plot twists, too many broad, action-based story moments, which ultimately curb the opportunities to really let these weirdos loose.

The film devolves into a schlocky 90s unlikely-hero-saves-the-day routine. Theres also the unshakable feeling that at times cast and filmmakers might be laughing at their small-town subjects rather than with them. Yet Masterminds still has its riotously funny moments, thanks to the fearless, uninhibited actors and a director who lets them play.

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Masterminds

MPAA rating: PG-13, for crude and sexual humor, some language and violence

Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Playing: In general release

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Watchful, serious and failing university student Gonzalo (Alvaro Ogalla) has just the solution to his crisis of expectations: get his name stricken from the baptismal records of the Catholic Church. How can he be his secular, conscientious self and attack life on his terms if some controlling religious order stamped its brand on him as a defenseless infant?

In Spanish-Uruguayan director Federico Veirojs serenely inquisitive, mildly cheeky character study The Apostate, Gonzalos battle with a cagey bishop (Juan Calot) and a church he sees as a stifling bureaucracy is the one pressing issue he feels he can solve most explicitly. Elsewhere, he lusts for his emotionally turbulent cousin Pilar (Marta Larralde), argues with his family, flirts with the sexy single mother (Barbara Lennie) of a child hes tutoring and generally behaves like a scruffy, impetuous, immature soul.

Theres always the feeling that Veiroj  who likes offbeat music cues (tinny soundtracks from old propaganda newsreels, Prokofiev) and small flirtations with fancy (theres a nudist colony interlude)  is going to tip into full Bunuel. But a shot of nuns behind computers acting like file clerks is about as irreverent as it gets.

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Instead, with his casually intense, nonprofessional leading man (Ogalla is also a co-writer), Vieroj prefers a more ambling, unhurried tone of serio-comic, malcontented restlessness. Its a movie that ultimately may mean more to those raised in heavily Catholic cultures, but it has an engaging prickliness as a satiric peek into the life of a brooding idealist.

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The Apostate

In Spanish with English subtitles

Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Not rated

Playing: Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hills

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
There have been no shortage of gay coming-of-age films, but few have been as singular and dazzling as Closet Monster, Canadian writer-director Stephen Dunns semi-autobiographical fever dream of a feature debut. Its nothing less than an emotional exorcism.

The movie opens as 9-year-old Oscar (Jack Fulton) deals with the breakup of his parents (Aaron Abrams, Joanne Kelly) as well as with witnessing a ghastly hate crime against a local gay teen  two events that will shape and haunt Oscar.

Flash-forward eight years and Oscar (Connor Jessup of TVs American Crime) is now an art-college-bound, high school senior with a knowing gal pal (Sofia Banzhaf), a crush on an alluring male co-worker (Aliocha Schneider) and a talking pet hamster (voiced by, of all people, Isabella Rossellini). Meanwhile, Oscar alternates living with his jaunty jerk of a dad and me-first mom and her new family.

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How Oscar navigates his parents, his sexuality, past trauma and his inevitable exit from his native Newfoundland makes for a propulsive, often harrowing journey. Its one filled with such painfully real, profoundly felt moments and observations most anyone whos survived a rocky childhood  of any kind  should relate.

Dunn juggles the storys vital, at times fantastical narrative, eclectic imagery, and wellspring of human fears, flaws and desires with vision and confidence. But Jessups powerfully empathetic performance really seals the deal.

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Closet Monster

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Playing: Sundance Sunset Cinemas, West Hollywood; Laemmle Playhouse 7, Pasadena

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Note: Tori Amos new song Flicker was written for the documentary Audrie & Daisy, which Netflix released streaming and in theaters at the end of September. The film, directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, tells the stories of two girls, both victims of sexual assault and social media bullying.

In this first-person piece, Amos writes about her own experiences growing up and dealing with sexual violence, and what led her to write Flicker.

While on tour in 1994 I made a choice to perform every night the song Me and a Gun, which had been on my debut album Little Earthquakes. Its a potent a cappella song I composed after my own experience with sexual violence. It turned out to be an important keystone for my subsequent work as a songwriter, performer and advocate.

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It was not an easy decision. Its one thing to be singing a song like that in clubs in L.A. or London, but its quite another to share the personal horror depicted in that song with large crowds of fans along with journalists and even family. In the wake of my own ordeal, I chose to share my damage with the world through a song that I hoped would encourage other victims to find their own story and become survivors.

One night during that 1994 tour something awful happened  a girl fainted during the show. She was brought backstage. I could see she was young, underage even. After she came to, she said to me, If I go home tonight, my stepfather will rape me, just like he did last night and the night before.

Her fear, honesty and vulnerability shook me, especially when she said, Can I just come with you? Ill work in the kitchens. For a moment  without walking the thought through  I almost said OK. My team jolted me back to the reality of her situation: bringing her with us would constitute kidnapping. She had no advocate. Her situation was intolerable.

After confronting the shock of my inability to help this particular girl, some of the women at my record company put me in touch with Scott Berkowitz, one of the co-founders (now president) of the large anti-sexual violence organization RAINN. My partnership and work with them continues until this day. Besides their important policy advocacy, they also provide the public with resources on the front lines of dealing with sexual assaults throughout the country.

The damage  and responsibility  that ripples into the world with every incident of sexual violence is not properly reckoned, or dealt with, by outmoded ideas of evil perpetrators and hapless victims. For their part, survivors like myself, or the countless fans Ive spoken with over the years, live with that damage, carrying it into their futures.

But the sexual violence epidemic in American life, right now is not merely the result of bad apples. No, our society itself is implicated. The weaknesses of the justice system are implicated. Evil is not born; it is made.

Evil is not born; it is made.  Tori Amos

This has always been a tough conversation, and I fear that some aspects of it have gotten tougher to discuss, despite a perceived relaxation of sexual values and gender norms. While a new visibility has certainly been achieved throughout media regarding this issue, my own experience as a mother of a teenage daughter leaves me wondering how younger generations will effectively confront the role of the community and of society in this crisis.

In 1975, when I was just 12 years old, I had a transformative experience at school that fundamentally shaped my life. I had an English teacher, Ms. Fitz. The way she led her classroom was different from our other teachers. She had devised a way to instill in the entire class a sense of community, free of the shaming and bullying patterns prevalent around us.

As an adult, Ive often reflected on how skilled Ms. Fitz was at establishing absolute equality among us through transparent guidelines for how we behaved and through fostering a habit to, as she always put it, walk a thought through. With that motto, she meant for us to do the tough work of imagining consequences and potential harms of our actions, of taking care of one another by being careful, curious and respectful.

My personal sense is that, nowadays, latitude for such communal, moral and critical education, the lessons of which last a lifetime, is frequently withheld from our teachers who are kept on a tight leash by high-stakes testing and a lack of support and resources.

After I first watched Audrie & Daisy, I felt a deep shock and sadness. Flicker, the original song I wrote for the film, was inspired by not only the heroines in the film but also my conversations with the directors, Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk. Our discussions of innocence lost made me think again of Ms. Fitz and what my life was like when I was that 12-year-old student.

The film hit me to the core. I found myself walking a thought through, a thought I hadnt really given proper attention to, despite my motherhood and constant interaction with the community of sexual-assault survivors. By that I mean the filmmakers helped me confront what is happening to 12-, 13-, 14-year-olds by their peers and their communities. Its the same old mechanisms of shaming and bullying, but amplified by digital footage, social media and moral attrition.

I recalled once when Ms. Fitz caught me passing notes to a classmate  our preferred, if primitive, mode of texting. Amos  she always addressed us by our last names, no prefix like Mr. or Miss., no first names  those notes have the potential, at best, to allow all kinds of people to dissect your personal business. At worst, you could get hurt with a scar that will last.

That scene seems almost embarrassingly quaint now, especially since being shown what Audrie and Daisy experienced after their sexual assaults went viral. Devastatingly, Audrie perishes, while Daisy has thrived despite tremendous obstacles. These young womens stories, and the countless stories shared with me by survivors over these many years, are the reasons I continue to do this work.

People say watching this film is tough, just like they said listening to Me and a Gun was tough. But as we all are realizing, we have to have this conversation. The ubiquity of sexual violence persists. We have to walk this thought through.

calendar@latimes

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The death of Agnes Nixon on Wednesday prompted a look back on a career that spanned decades and gave dozens of actors who turned into Hollywood household names their start.

Through the creation of soap operas such as One Life to Live, All My Children and Loving, Nixon revolutionized daytime television and provided fertile ground for talented, up and coming actors to thrive.

Here are just a few of the stars that cut their teeth on Nixons shows through the years.

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All My Children

Actress Susan Lucci is best known for portraying Erica Kane on the ABC daytime drama All My Children. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Susan Lucci as Erica Kane (1970-2011)

The unrivaled queen of soap opera characters, Lucci joined All My Children in 1970 and appeared in the show for over 40 years.

Luccis character, Erica Kane, was an unrepentant villain with a taste for the finer things in life and willing to do whatever it took to get what she deserved.

Oscar winner Melissa Leo broke through with her Daytime Emmy-nominated work on All My Children. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times )

Melissa Leo as Linda Warner (1984-88)

Melissa Leo, who won the supporting actress Oscar for The Fighter in 2011, got her start on All My Children playing a meddling sister who attempts to break up her brothers relationship and winds up dead for her trouble. Though Leos stint on the show was relatively brief, she earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for outstanding younger actress in a drama series for her performance in 1985.

In this file photo, Kelly Ripa addresses the crowd during a ceremony in October 2015 honoring her with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP )

Kelly Ripa as Hayley Vaughan Santos (1990-2002, 2010)

Kelly Ripa may have started her television stint with appearances on dance shows, but it wasnt until she was cast as troubled party girl Hayley Vaughan on All My Children in 1990 that her career began in earnest.

Michael B. Jordan played Reggie Porter Montgomery for three years on All My Children. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Michael B. Jordan as Reggie Porter Montgomery (2003-2006)

Television aficionados most likely became aware of Creed and Friday Night Lights star Michael B. Jordan during his arc on HBOs The Wire in 2002. The rest of America met Jordan during his three-year stint on All My Children as Reggie Porter Montgomery, a reformed gang member who tries to start a new life in Pine Valley.

One Life to Live

Actor Tommy Lee Jones at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles in August 2012. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Tommy Lee Jones as Mark Toland (1971-1975)

As unlikely as it may seem, Oscar winner Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive) started out with an extensive run on One Life to Live playing Dr. Mark Toland, an eligible bachelor who soon finds himself unhappily married. Toland met an untimely end in 1975 in a case of mistaken identity, shortly after Jones informed producers hed be leaving the show.

Laurence Fishburne arrives at the 2015 Television Academy Honors at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills in May 2015. (Rich Fury / Invision/Associated Press )

Laurence Fishburne as Joshua Hall (1973-1976)

The long road to being nominated for an Academy Award and winning a Tony and an Emmy began for Laurence Fishburne on One Life to Live in 1973. Then just 12 years old, Fishburne played Joshua Hall, a troubled youth who was adopted by a childless couple. The actor left the series in 1976 to take a role in Francis Ford Coppolas Apocalypse Now.

Actress Judith Light, now starring on Amazons Transparent, started her career on One Life to Live. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

Judith Light as Karen Wolek (1977-1983)

Judith Light may not have originated the role of Karen Wolek, but she certainly made the character her own when she joined One Life to Live in 1977. The role of a bored housewife turned alcoholic prostitute earned Light two Daytime Emmy awards and was a far cry from the roles on Whos the Boss? and Transparent that would find her such acclaim in the future.

Loving

Bryan Cranston as Douglas Donovan (1983-1985)

A far cry from the the lovable doofus dad hed play on Malcolm in the Middle and even less like the scheming suburban drug lord hed embody on Breaking Bad, the Emmy winner got his start on television originating the role of Douglas Donovan on Loving. An academic, professor and playwright on the soap, Cranston would be replaced in 1985 by Victor Bevine.

Luke Perry as Ned Bates (1987-1988)

Luke Perry may have won his way into the hearts of teenage girls everywhere in the 1990s with his turn as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills 90210, but keen-eyed viewers could have spotted Perry years earlier when he played Ned Bates, a poor mechanic from Tennessee on Loving.

Michael Weatherly as Cooper Alden (1992-1995)

Before Michael Weatherly made himself a seemingly permanent fixture on CBS, with roles on NCIS and now Bull, he spent several early years of his career on ABCs Loving. Weatherly played Cooper Alden, a selfish rich kid who grew into a selfless romantic over the years.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

libby.hill@latimes.com

Twitter: @midwestspitfire

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Guo Chunmei is browsing the Internet.

Not long after she was born, Guo Chunmei was diagnosed with congenital progressive spinal muscular atrophy. Though she has never walked down a road or attended a day of class, this girl from Hebei province has taught herself drawing and poetry. Shes even started an online business and helped others find employment. Guo continuously looks for the brightness in life, saying, Although I can only move one finger, my world is still wide open.

Her illness makes something as simple as sitting in a chair impossible without physical support for her body. This kept Guo from being able to go out and attend school. As a kid, the limited characters she knew came from television. Once Li Xiuhong, Guos mother, began teaching Guos younger cousin pinyin (the phonetic system for Chinese pronunciation), Guo would sit by her side and follow them. She would write and read aloud as her mother and cousin practiced. Guo eventually learned more characters, opening up her horizon.

With the support and love of her family, Guo developed a cheerful, resilient personality. She loved reading history books and ancient poetry. She began using poetic prose to write down her own feelings.

I will be like a butterfly in Siberia. I will dance in the freezing winds and flutter in the teeth-clenching coldness, she wrote.

In 2003, Guos mother bought her a secondhand computer. Guo learned how to type, use the Internet, and make animation. She also studied in greater depth the style of ancient poetry, reaching out to online friends for advice. Her poems began to have a mold and style. Considering Guo taught herself to draw, its no wonder her friends call her the young talented girl.

The main manifestation of progressive spinal muscular atrophy is in the constant shrinking of the muscles. Thus, the level of weakness and movement varies. With age, Guos disease intensified. Despite keeping a sharp and lively brain, every limb lost movement, aside from one index finger on her right hand used for clicking the computers mouse. She used this little bit of power to earn money and financially help out the family.

Guo worked in customer service for an online clothing store. However, having never been to a mall and knowing next to nothing about fashion, her performance was lacking. Her boss got word of Guos situation and gave her dozens of fashion magazines and videos. Guo herself also registered for online classes and slowly went from beginner to master.

As she began to succeed in her profession, she thought about others like her that lack opportunities to make money. Although working in online customer service wont earn lots of money, for a handicapped person, it still provides a sense of worth. Guo reached out to her company and recommended several handicapped persons interested in employment. She has now successfully facilitated employment for eight disabled people across China.

Throughout her thirty years of life, Guo Chunmei has experienced and overcome so much adversity. But she has always told herself to stay strong, be tolerant, and treat others well. Guo told her mother that when its time for her to leave this world, she wishes to donate her organs. Give my eyes to a blind person and theyll take me to see the world. Your daughter can travel even further in this way!

(This article is translated by Luo Ensi from :
It takes only about 90 seconds for Marvels Luke Cage, the latest Netflix series set in the Marvel Comics universe, to address the idea of what it means to be a hero in the black community.

The drama opens at a barbershop in Harlem run by Pop (Frankie Faison), a kind of neighborhood patriarch. The lively conversation has turned to a sign on the wall listing the few highly accomplished, widely revered men -- Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Michael Jordan -- eligible for free haircuts at the establishment.

Little do most of them know that Luke Cage (Mike Colter), the quietly intense guy sweeping up hair in the corner, has the potential to join this hallowed club (that is, if there were any hair on his head to cut). Thanks to a medical experiment gone awry, Luke has been gifted with superhuman strength and bulletproof skin but would rather fly under the radar than harness his powers for good.

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His reticence is understandable. In mourning the death of his wife, Luke knows all too well that, the only way to hurt someone who is physically unstoppable is by hurting the people they love. Introduced onscreen in last years Jessica Jones, Luke has since relocated to Harlem from Hells Kitchen. In addition to working at Pops barber shop, he washes dishes at a swank nightclub run by a fearsome gangster named Cornell Cottonmouth Stokes (Mahershala Ali).

Luke lives quietly, spending his scarce free time with his nose in the New Yorker. He does his best to avoid romantic attention  though, looking as he does, thats almost impossible. But when a misstep by one of Cottonmouths goons results in tragedy, Luke is reluctantly drawn into the fight against crime.

Like Jessica Jones, Luke Cage is a show that puts the human in superhuman. Executive produced by Cheo Hodari Coker, a former staff writer for the Los Angeles Times who co-wrote the Notorious B.I.G. biopic Notorious, Luke Cage is a look at what it means to be a hero  and specifically a black one  in a place like Harlem.

Following Jessica Jones and Daredevil, Luke Cage is the third New York-set Marvel adaptation from Netflix. While a familiarity with Marvel mythology and Jessica Jones is helpful, particularly in the slower-going episodes before Lukes backstory is revealed, the series is also designed to be accessible and appealing to neophytes. Even those who are normally allergic to capes and spandex are likely to be intrigued, particularly by Colters simmering performance.

Fans of The Good Wife will recognize the actor from his recurring role as the ruthless but charismatic Chicago drug lord Lemond Bishop, and he brings the same velvety voice and suave intensity  plus about 30 extra pounds of muscle  to Luke Cage.

The supporting cast is equally enjoyable, particularly Alfre Woodard as Mariah Stokes, Cottonmouths cousin and a corrupt city councilwoman, and Simone Missick as Misty Knight, a streetwise detective and Lukes would-be love interest.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Luke Cage is directly linked to Jessica Jones, but strangely (and probably unintentionally) it also feels like a companion piece to The Get Down. Like that Netflix series, which chronicles the dawn of hip-hop in 1970s Bronx, Luke Cage features funky musical performances in nearly every episode. The character Luke Cage was introduced in Marvel Comics in 1972, and while the series is set in the present day, it draws from pop culture of the era, most obviously with its groovy, Shaft-inspired score. There are nods to hip-hop history throughout, including a portrait of the Notorious B.I.G. that looms over Cottonmouths lair, and a cameo appearance by Dapper Dan, the legendary Harlem tailor.

Whereas The Get Down shows how run-down neighborhoods became a cauldron for creativity, Luke Cage is concerned with what it means to preserve a historically black community that is rapidly being gentrified. Multiple characters talk about the importance of their legacy, and one of Cottonmouths henchmen drops references to infamous city planner Robert Moses and the policy of benign neglect.

The significance of a black hero who dresses in a hoodie and whose skin is impenetrable to bullets should be lost on no one. The references to the Black Lives Matter movement, both implicit and explicit, are there, but so are the allusions to Crispus Attucks, Jackie Robinson and Langston Hughes that place Luke Cage in a historical lineage of black heroes.

Likewise, there is something old-fashioned, perhaps even conservative in a small-c way, about Luke. He eschews profanity, admonishes others for using the N-word, and laments that in Harlem everyone has a gun, no one has a father. At one point, hes mocked for sounding like a Fox News commentator.

Luke Cage is not your grandfathers superhero  but then again, maybe he is.

Marvels Luke Cage

Where: Netflix

When: Anytime starting Friday

Rating: Not rated

Follow me @MeredithBlake
Vitalii Sediuk has struck again. The Ukrainian prankster, who attacked Gigi Hadid in Milan last week, on Wednesday went after Kim Kardashian West shortly after she visited Balmains headquarters in Paris during the French capitals fashion week.

Sediuk lunged at the reality television star as she was arriving at trendy restaurant LAvenue on Avenue Montaigne and tried to kiss her bottom. Kardashian Wests makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic caught the incident on a video that he posted to his Instagram account @makeupbymario:

Look but dont touch #Paris #kimkardashian #MakeupByMario. Of course @pascalduvier crushed him and @steph_shep too, he wrote, referring to Kardashians security guard Pascal Duvier and assistant Stephanie Sheppard.

Duvier rapidly mastered Sediuk, who had already made a grab for Kardashian West two years ago by throwing himself at her feet outside a Balmain show. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians personality, wearing a sheer black Sacai jacket and skirt, entered the restaurant and later tweeted: My security @PascalDuvier is a G.

Sediuk, who regularly justifies his pranks as protests, wrote a rambling note on Instagram alongside a picture of him bending down behind Kardashian West.

I was protesting Kim for using fake butt implants. I encourage her and the rest of Kardashian clan to popularise natural beauty among teenage girls who follow and defend them blindly, he said.

P.S. I was sitting there outside the posh restaurant to use free Wi-Fi and eating my ice cream. When all of a sudden, the pack of paparazzi came out and the car with Kim Kardashian. I swear I didnt know she was going to be there. So I had to come [up] with an idea very fast. Does it mean if I dont go to celebrities, they come to me? Lol, he wrote, concluding: Have a nice evening everybody! I have to finish my ice cream.

During Milan Fashion Week, Sediuk grabbed and lifted Hadid as she was leaving the Max Mara show venue. Hadid fought back, jabbing him with her elbow and forcing him to flee. She later spoke to Lena Dunham on her newsletter, Lenny, saying she felt in danger and had every right to defend herself.

Many publications and fashion personalities shared their support for Hadid on social media.
Police in northern Germany say that a Tesla driver is blaming the cars Autopilot after crashing into the rear of a bus on a highway.

But Tesla  which has been facing scrutiny after a spate of Autopilot-related incidents  says its semiautonomous driving feature was not at fault.

A Tesla spokeswoman said Thursday that the Autopilot system was on and functioned properly in the incident, based on conversations the company had with the driver and authorities. She said the system could not have prevented the crash because the bus swerved into the Tesla drivers lane while the Tesla was next to the bus.

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Ratzeburg police say that the crash happened Wednesday afternoon on a stretch of autobahn about 30 miles east of Hamburg. The Tesla driver was slightly injured.

Police said in a statement Thursday that the 50-year-old Tesla driver told officers he had used Autopilot. Calls to the Ratzeburg police precinct werent answered late Thursday.

Palo Alto-based Tesla updated the Autopilot software this month following a deadly crash in May. In that crash, a driver using the system was killed when his Model S sedan struck a tractor-trailer in Florida.
Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday rebuffed lawmakers efforts to subject Californias $64-billion bullet train project to increased financial scrutiny, vetoing a bill that had gained bipartisan support.

The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno), would have adopted into law two key recommendations from the Legislative Analysts Office: requiring the state rail authority to provide detailed cost, scope and schedule information about each segment of the project and to disclose how those segments would be paid for.

It was among the few pieces of legislation that attracted bipartisan support over the last five years, and the veto left Patterson furious.

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If this project keeps going forward without the necessary oversight, it will continue to collapse, Patterson, the former mayor of Fresno, said. It is already in the process of collapsing in front of our eyes. It is a make-believe project.

Brown said the bill, AB 2847, was unnecessary.

As with other projects of this magnitude, state law requires strict standards of accountability and transparency, and I have every expectation that the authority will meet these high standards, Brown said in his veto announcement.

On Wednesday, Brown also signed a bill that would help the state rail authority give $819 million to Caltrain to convert the Bay Area commuter rail system from diesel to electric power, which ultimately could be used by future bullet trains.

The authoritys legal standing to provide that money out of the $9-billion bond act for the rail system that voters approved in 2008 has been in question.

Assemblyman Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco) introduced the bill, calling it an attempt to clarify the intent of voters over the exact meaning of technical wording in the bond act.

The complex bill is likely headed for a legal challenge.

Stuart Flashman, an attorney representing a coalition of groups opposing the project, sent a letter to Department of Finance Director Michael Cohen last week, asserting that it would be illegal to modify the language of a bond act and that his group planned to file suit.

The letter said that Cohen would be named a defendant if he approves a plan to spend the bond money.

The two pieces of legislation make clear that the rail project remains a political firecracker, despite the start of construction of a series of bridges, viaducts and trenches in Fresno.

The Patterson bill was adopted by both the Assembly and Senate, facing no opposition. It may have presented the authority with a task that was impossible to meet, since its own business plan shows it does not have the funding for each segment of the project.

An initial operating segment from San Jose to Wasco would cost about $21 billion. The authority hopes to pay for that with a combination of bonds, federal grants and proceeds from greenhouse gas fees. But those greenhouse gas fees are coming up well short of expectations, and a quarter-billion-dollar gap has opened this year. Beyond the initial segment, there is a $43.5-billion shortfall in the amount of money identified as available to complete the system.

Rail authority chief Dan Richard has said repeatedly this year that it should not be necessary to specify where all of the money will come from, noting that backers of the project were surprised by some sources of the money now available. He said theres no reason to doubt that unanticipated sources will provide additional money.

The second bill for electrification of the Caltrain system also raised concerns that the high speed rail project may become a series of disconnected projects. After Caltrain lobbied for additional money from the rail authority, Southern California asked for more money to prepare for a future rail line.

And the Central Valley is adamant in protecting about $6 billion in construction for rail structures from Madera to Wasco, though so far there is no money to connect them to other parts of the rail system.

ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com

Twitter: @RVartabedian

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At 19, Maria Medrano of Echo Park is already halfway to earning her associates degree at Los Angeles City College.

Her sister, who is three years older, works during the day to support their family and takes classes at night. So even though she started community college earlier than her little sister, shell end up graduating later.

If I had to work, I wouldnt be as focused as I am right now, Medrano said as she sat hunched over an unfinished essay in LACCs student union. Id be struggling, as Im seeing my sister struggle.

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At Los Angeles nine community colleges, Medranos sisters experience is the norm. Many students are burdened by rent payments, textbook costs, and average tuition fees of $1,300 a year, and 73% go to school part time. Research shows that they are less likely than their full-time peers to complete a degree or transfer to a four-year college.

Thats one reason for a new plan promoted by Mayor Eric Garcetti to offer graduating high school students one year of free community college.

L.A. College Promise, first proposed during Garcettis State of the City address last spring, applies only to graduates of L.A. Unified high schools. And only full-time students who maintain a 2.0 grade point average can receive the aid.

The hope is to persuade students to quit their day jobs and focus on college.

Were going to solicit from every company in Los Angeles that has their name on a building downtown.  Scott Svonkin, president of the board of the Los Angeles Community College District

A lot of our students work and go to school and so were hoping that some of them will decide to go full time because of the extra help, said Scott Svonkin, president of the board of the Los Angeles Community College District. Were taking one barrier, one burden, away. And we know if they go full time, students succeed in astronomically higher numbers.

A financial aid program run by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors already allows most graduates of L.A. public schools to attend local community colleges for free. About 69% of these students have all of their tuition fees waived, according to a district official. Other qualifying students receive assistance for tuition and textbooks from the Cal Grant program, the largest source of state-funded college aid.

The mayors plan  which is expected to cost $3 million the first year  targets an estimated 2,100 students who will graduate from L.A. high schools in 2017 and whose families earnings probably will be too high to qualify them for a Board of Governors tuition waiver. Though families in this situation may make too much money to be eligible, they often still make too little to support their children through college.

L.A. College Promise resembles President Obamas proposal in his 2015 State of the Union address to offer two free years of community college to all U.S. students. It also includes proposals to help students fill out financial aid applications, which can be dauntingly complex, and to give them priority when registering for classes to ensure they arent locked out of the courses they need to graduate. Extending the tuition benefits to two years is the ultimate goal, Svonkin said.

When I look at the underlying thinking, Im fairly encouraged, said Thomas Bailey, a professor of economics and education at Teachers College at Columbia University and director of its Community College Research Center. The kind of reforms that surround L.A.s plan, reforms that deal with the problems students face, those are as important or probably more important than the tuition assistance itself.

The Promise proposal could lead to an increase in enrollment at community colleges, Bailey said. In states that have offered similar assistance, students who previously did not think they could afford college applied. Some discovered only then that they would have qualified for financial aid anyway.

To pay for the program, the Mayors Fund for Los Angeles has raised $1.8 million, said Garcetti spokeswoman Connie Llanos, including an $800,000 donation from the Karsh Family Foundation, $400,000 from the Broad Foundation and a $200,000 contribution from the L.A. Dodgers. The rest of the money is expected to come from the community college district, which so far has raised $30,000.

Were going to solicit from every company in Los Angeles that has their name on a building downtown, Svonkin said. If they can afford to put their name on a building, they can afford to donate to this.

Convincing students to attend community college full time, however, may take more than offering one free year.

Even with a tuition waiver, Medrano said she relies on her parents to help her pay for textbooks, which can cost her as much as $500 a semester.

Full-time student Katherine Castillo, 18, can rattle off a list of her expenses that arent entirely covered by her Cal Grant, which pays for most of her tuition. Theres the $200 a month toward an apartment in Koreatown that she shares with her mother, not to mention the textbooks, school supplies, and daily transportation to and from the City College campus.

Castillo has a discounted Metro TAP card offered to college and vocational students, and several campus programs distribute vouchers for books  but so far no one has volunteered to buy her groceries or write a check to her landlord.

I need to help my mom out and I need to pay for my own personal needs like clothing, food, etc., she said. So the initiative is going to be useful, but its not going to be useful for the students who actually do need the extra cash.

Castillo said she is pretty sure she will have to look for a job next semester. Once shes working, she plans to go to school part time.

anna.phillips@latimes.com

Twitter: @annamphillips

To read the article in Spanish, click here
A group of teachers and their supporters have begun calling openly for changes in senior management at El Camino Real Charter High School, which is facing allegations of serious financial wrongdoing  allegations that school leaders have denied.

About 60 teachers and others participated in a Wednesday protest, which took place early in the morning, before staff members signed in for the day at the Woodland Hills campus.

Many drivers, including parents dropping off students, honked their support as they passed. But others ignored the protesters or made critical remarks about the demonstration.

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The school community is divided over the best way to handle allegations that senior managers, especially Executive Director David Fehte, mishandled public education dollars.

A large group of us passionately spoke in defense of keeping our charter by imploring our board of directors to dismiss and terminate ... Dave Fehte and our chief business officer, Marshall Mayotte, for alleged criminal misconduct regarding our schools finances, said teacher Carlos Monroy.

We are sending a message that our voices have been silenced by the inaction of our board and it is jeopardizing our future as an independent charter.

Many of the demonstrators called for the immediate release of findings of an internal investigation, which have not been made public.

El Camino officials declined to comment about the protest, but they have insisted that the school has worked diligently and successfully to address shortcomings in its policies and practices.

Alleged problems cited by the Los Angeles Unified School District include possible inappropriate spending, poor accounting and oversight, and violations of public meeting rules. In coverage over the last several months, the Los Angeles Daily News reported on Fehtes spending for such things as wine, first-class air travel and expensive hotel rooms.

Fehte has denied wrongdoing and said he inadvertently charged about $6,100 in personal expenses on his school credit card. He said he reimbursed the school as soon as these charges were pointed out to him.

Charter schools are independently operated and exempt from some rules that govern traditional campuses. But the authorizing school district retains an oversight role and can revoke a charter or decline to renew it when there is significant misconduct, mismanagement or poor academic performance.

Last month, the L.A. Board of Education approved a formal notice of violations, the first step in a lengthy, multi-step process that could lead to the campus returning to district control.

The school responded to the notice of violations on Sept. 23, submitting a 42-page letter and nearly 400 pages of appendices.

The charter school strongly believes that it has cured all alleged violations, and also that it has put in place mechanisms to ensure that such items do not happen again, wrote Janelle A. Ruley, an attorney representing El Camino. The items identified in the [notice of violations] occurred in the past; the remedies implemented ensure that they will not be repeated.

The letter also alluded to undisclosed discipline against one or more employees  which, wrote Ruley, could be disclosed confidentially to L.A. Unified.

L.A. Unified is reviewing El Caminos submission.

El Camino has been considered a generally successful campus before and after 2011, when it converted to charter status under the leadership of Fehte. The school won the national Academic Decathlon in 2014.

howard.blume@latimes.com

Twitter: @howardblume

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This article was originally published at 6 a.m.
A group that was spawned from a controversial plan for rapid charter-school growth announced Wednesday that it would fund grants to incubate new campuses run by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Great Public Schools Now describes its mission as replicating successful schools in areas where Los Angeles students currently attend failing ones. The schools defined as failing invariably are operated by L.A. Unified. Nonetheless, L.A. Unified will be an early recipient of great schools grants  if the district can meet the specified conditions, said Myrna Castrejon, executive director of the locally based group.

The grants, totaling as much as $3.75 million, would help jump-start up to five L.A. Unified projects.

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We are excited to begin this collaboration with L.A. Unified schools, Castrejon said in a statement. Our goal is to increase the number of students enrolled in high-quality programs, and to do so quickly.

Her organization was born out of a confidentially circulated plan, obtained by The Times, that envisioned pulling half the students from the nations second-largest school system into charter schools. Charters operate independently of L.A. Unified and their growth to date  with about 16% of district enrollment  is one important factor contributing to the districts budget woes because education dollars follow the students.

Charters have proved popular with thousands of parents, and L.A. Unified has more of them within its boundaries than any other school system.

Critics of the original charter-growth plan said that it would bankrupt L.A. Unified and asserted that such an outcome was probably one of the goals.

That first plan was spearheaded last year by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, which holds a seat on Castrejons board. But the goals have evolved, and the group should not be viewed as anti-L.A. Unified, Castrejon said.

Emphasizing possible collaboration, the groups news release on Wednesday included a comment from L.A. schools Supt. Michelle King.

I am excited about the opportunities to increase the number of high-quality choices for our L.A. Unified families, King said. We have schools in every corner of the district where students are excelling. Investing in these campuses will allow more of our students to attain the knowledge and skills to be successful in college, careers and in life.

She added: I have encouraged our local district superintendents to identify our most successful models and to work with their teams to develop competitive and forward-thinking proposals, King said.

Wednesdays announcement marks the second installment of grants. Earlier, the group awarded funds to Teach for America, an enrichment program and a charter school.

The grants will be awarded to school leadership teams that have demonstrated success. At least half of their students must have met or exceeded proficiency in English or math on state standardized tests. Funding also could go to a team at a campus where test scores are much higher than surrounding ones with similar students.

Eligible schools also must enroll special education students and English language learners at rates comparable to district schools as a whole.

Christopher Downing, superintendent of L.A. Unifieds Local District South, oversees a region that includes failing campuses and is among areas targeted by Great Schools. Downing said he chooses to emphasize the upside of potential added resources.

We believe that we are the best option for the students currently attending our schools and that this opportunity will allow us to bring in additional revenue to help us toward our goal of high-quality instruction, Downing said.

Initiatives already under way, such as collaborations with local colleges and dual-language programs, would keep his local campuses competitive, he added.

Administrators can apply by Oct. 28 for planning grants. The deadline for complete applications is February.

Proposals will be vetted by an advisory committee. The final decision, for funding ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, will be made by the board of Great Public Schools Now.

School board President Steve Zimmer, a frequent charter-school critic, said he supports efforts that could improve programs for L.A. Unified students but said he continues to have concerns about Great Public Schools Now.

I am skeptical that opening dozens or hundreds of new schools is the answer, Zimmer said. Any effort at any large-scale expansion of charters schools within L.A. Unified is a signal that whoever is behind that expansion is purposely and intentionally trying to bring about the end of this district.

howard.blume@latimes.com

Twitter: @howardblume

To read the article in Spanish, click here

Editors note: Education Matters receives funding from a number of foundations, including one or more mentioned in this article. The California Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Los Angeles administer grants from the Baxter Family Foundation, the Broad Foundation, the California Endowment and the Wasserman Foundation. Under terms of the grants, The Times retains complete control over editorial content.

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She called police because her brother was not acting like himself.

30, He was walking in and out of traffic in the scorching afternoon sun. Three times, she said, she called 911, telling dispatchers he was sick and needed help.

El Cajon police were dispatched on a 5150 call, a request for an involuntary psychiatric hold. Officers spotted Alfred Okwera Olango, behind a downtown restaurant in a parking lot backed by low-slung apartment buildings. Moments later, police opened fire on the 38-year-old African American man, mortally wounding him.

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The shooting sparked protests in the San Diego suburb and became a new flashpoint in the long-running debate about deadly encounters between police and people with mental illnesses.

Law enforcement agencies have been focusing training in recent years on de-escalating confrontations between officers and the mentally ill as a way of reducing violence.

But the shooting Tuesday in El Cajon underscores both the challenges officers face when making split-second decisions and what critics say are inadequate policies and training on how to end these types of interactions without resorting to violence.

El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis said Olango ignored multiple orders from an officer and concealed his hand in his pants pockets. He paced back and forth as two officers talked to him, then rapidly drew an object from his front pants pockets, placed both hands together on it and extended it rapidly toward [one] officer, taking what appeared to be a shooting stance, the chief said.

That officer opened fire, while the other officer deployed his Taser gun. Davis declined to say the number of shots that were fired. No firearm was found at the scene, but police said they recovered a vape smoking device that officials believe he was holding in his hand.

The department did not release video of the incident, but did post a photo showing Olango point at an officers face as if he had a gun.

Davis said the object the man was holding had been recovered, but he declined to provide details because it was part of the investigation.

Police said the officers did not have body or dash cameras but recovered one cellphone video of the shooting from an eyewitness.

Bystanders posted video of his sister reacting to the shooting, at one point crying: You killed my brother!

Dont you guys have a crisis communication team to talk to somebody mentally sick? she asked an officer.

Some critics of the way police deal with the mentally ill joined calls from local community activists for the police to release the full videotape, saying it would held determine whether the officers acted properly.

Police departments are not doing enough with the mentally ill. They talk about training and training for officers. But what about accountability? said activist Ron Thomas, a former Orange County sheriffs deputy whose mentally ill son Kelly was killed by Fullerton police in 2011. Departments arent holding officers accountable when they harm the mentally ill.

A Facebook page for Alfred Olango identifies him as a head cook at a Hooters restaurant who is originally from Uganda. It says he went to San Diego High School and studied at San Diego Mesa College.

Within hours of the killing, protests erupted in the city, and they resumed on Wednesday.

At a news conference Wednesday morning, Agnes Hassan, a relative, said she and Olango had been in a refugee camp together before coming to the U.S. to make a better life for themselves and their children.

We suffered too much with the war in Africa we come here, to suffer again, she said.

Hassan said she was heartbroken.

What happened yesterday, it wasnt right, she said.

Some community activists said they were concerned that Olangos race  as well as his mental condition  played a role in the officers actions.

Bishop Cornelius Bowser, a gang interventionist at Pastor of Charity Apostolic Church, said residents dont trust the department, that relations between the black community and police have been ruined already.

We dont want to see a still picture, he said. We want to see the whole story.

El Cajon police said they have not released the whole video because San Diego law enforcement protocol states that officer-involved shooting video  whether from witnesses or police body-worn cameras  should not be released until the District Attorney has reviewed it. Its unclear when that will occur.

The citys mayor, Bill Wells, said Wednesday that the FBI had joined the investigation of the shooting, and he urged calm and understanding in the community.

I saw a man who was distraught, a man who was acting out like he was in great pain. I saw him get gunned down and killed. If it was my son, I would be devastated, he said. The most important thing to take away  today is a tragedy occurred In El Cajon yesterday. We lost a life. Nobody wants to see the loss of a life.

The El Cajon shooting comes amid ongoing national anguish over police shootings of blacks. Last week, Charlotte, N.C., was rocked by days of protests after police fatally shot 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott. Police say Scott was armed, but the video released of the killing does not clearly show his hands, doing little to quell the unrest.

Experts on police procedure said they needed more information to say whether the shooting was justified.

Ed Obayashi, a Plumas County, Calif., sheriffs deputy and legal advisor, said that even training officers to de-escalate interactions with the mentally ill may not have helped in this case.

When those hands come up in a shooting stance, the officer wouldnt have time to assess whether what is in the hands is a gun, Obayashi said. Almost immediately, the officer sees the hands flash up into a shooting stance, he must react. A second will be too late if its a firearm.

He said the situation appeared to unfold quickly, so there was no time to call for a mental health crisis team.

Former LAPD Capt. Greg Meyer, who oversaw mental health training and testifies in use-of-force trials, agreed, saying the officers didnt have time to see if the Taser alone would have subdued him.

These things happen in split seconds, he said.

The Los Angeles Police Department, among many other agencies, has been beefing up training for how officers deal with mentally ill people, after a series of controversial shootings.

Sam Cochran, a retired major with the Memphis police who pioneered mental-health policing in the U.S., said the key to dealing with the mentally ill is to calm the situation. The officers want to begin a conversation to reduce tensions, to de-escalate the situation. But he said a man with his hands in his pockets, refusing to cooperate, can be tough. Every situation is different.

A 2015 Police Executive Research Forum survey of 281 police agencies found the average young officer received 58 hours of firearms training and 49 hours of defensive tactical training but only eight hours of de-escalation training.

About 100 protesters gathered at the El Cajon Police headquarters on Wednesday morning, calling for an end to killings of unarmed black men across the country, evoking the names of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray.

Now, its finally hitting home, said JJ Balancier, 27.

Abu Djinko stood under the shade of a tree, just listening. This is nothing new to me, Djinko said.The 20-year-old student said his cousin was killed by police after fighting with another man last year.

Theres a clear fear of my people for some reason, Djinko said. This man was unarmed and mentally ill. What compels you to kill when youre supposed to serve and protect?

sarah.parvini@latimes.com

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

richard.winton@latimes.com

joe.mozingo@latimes.com

Parvini and Hernandez reported from El Cajon; Mozingo and Winton from Los Angeles. Times Staff Writer Veronica Rocha and Pauline Repard and Lyndsay Winkley of the San Diego Union Tribune contributed to this report.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials had twice tried to deport a Ugandan refugee because of drug and firearm convictions before he was shot and killed this week by El Cajon police, authorities said Thursday.

Alfred Olango, 38, of El Cajon was convicted of transporting and selling narcotics and ordered in 2002 by an immigration judge to be deported, according to an ICE statement.

Immigration officials said they tried unsuccessfully multiple times to obtain travel documents from the Ugandan government so he could be deported.

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Unable to send him back to his native country, ICE officials released Olango in 2003. He was placed under supervision due to a Supreme Court ruling that forbids the detention of foreign nationals with final deportation orders for more than six months if they cannot be deported within the reasonably foreseeable future.

This is often due to a foreign governments refusal to accept the repatriation of its nationals, ICE said.

The supervision order required that Olango report to immigration officials regularly.

Then in 2009, Olango returned to ICE custody after he was convicted and served time in prison for a firearms offense in Colorado.

Again, immigration officials tried to obtain travel documents from Uganda to deport Olango.

Once again the attempts were unsuccessful, leading to Mr. Olangos re-release from ICE custody on an order of supervision, ICE said.

Olango was reporting regularly to immigration officials until February 2015, when he failed to show up for an appointment, and immigration officials had not had contact with him since, ICE said.

According to ICE, Olango arrived in the U.S. in 1991 as a refugee.

Friends of Olango say he was struggling with a personal loss when an El Cajon police officer shot and killed him Tuesday.

Olango had been behaving in an erratic manner immediately before the shooting, and his sister told police he was mentally sick.

Friends and relatives say that at the time of the shooting, Olango was still reeling from the death of a close boyhood friend and fellow African refugee, 31-year-old Bereket Demsse.

He was just so depressed, said Vicky Ellis, Olangos former girlfriend, who spoke with Olango last weekend. Id never heard him so upset.

Demsse had died suddenly on Sept. 23 and was buried Wednesday afternoon  less than 24 hours after Olangos death.

1 / 23 Members of the community pray outside the El Cajon Police Department.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 23 El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis holds a vaping device similar to the one that victim Alfred Olango was holding in the video. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 23 El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis stands at the podium while he releases the video of the officer involved shooting. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 23 Photographers capture views of the police shooting video during a press conference at the El Cajon Police Department. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 23 Members of the community pray outside the El Cajon Police Department. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 23 Members of the community pray outside the El Cajon Police Department. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 23 Police arrest a protester who tried to stand his ground after an unlawful assembly was declared near the site where Alfred Olango had been shot by police in El Cajon. (David McNew / Getty Images) 8 / 23 A protester points a cellphone at a police officer after an unlawful assembly is declared near the site where Alfred Olango had been shot by police earlier this week in El Cajon. (David McNew / Getty Images) 9 / 23 A protester walks toward sheriffs deputies in an intersection after an unlawful assembly was declared near the site where Alfred Olango had been shot by police earlier this week in El Cajon. (David McNew / Getty Images) 10 / 23 A driver, left, argues with protesters blocking an intersection near the site where Alfred Olango had been shot by police earlier this week in El Cajon. (David McNew / Getty Images) 11 / 23 Protesters block a driver from entering an intersection near the site where Alfred Olango had been shot by police earlier this week in El Cajon. (David McNew / Getty Images) 12 / 23 Victoria Bonini offers a Buddhist prayer chant at a memorial for Alfred Olango, who was shot by police earlier this week in El Cajon. (David McNew / Getty Images) 13 / 23 Protesters peacefully sit on Broadway in El Cajon, stopping traffic in both directions overthe death of Alfred Olango. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 23 Khadijah Neely, left, and Sabrina Crawford hold a candle during avigil held in El Cajon for Alfred Olango. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 23 A police officer blocks the onramp to a freeway during the police-shooting protest in El Cajon. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) 16 / 23 Demonstrators yell at police in El Cajon at a rally against the shooting of Alfred Olango. (Julie Watson / Associated Press) 17 / 23 Taina Rozier, left, wife of victim Alfred Olango and daughter Chare Rozier listen during a news conference about the shooting. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 23 Protesters lock arms in front of a police line in El Cajon after the police shooting of Alfred Olango. (Bill Wechter / AFP/Getty Images) 19 / 23 Protesters face off with police in El Cajon after the shooting of Alfred Olango. (Bill Wechter / AFP/Getty Images) 20 / 23 A driver yells at demonstrators blocking a street in El Cajon. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) 21 / 23 People block streets in El Cajon as they protest the shooting ofAlfred Olango. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) 22 / 23 Ebonay Lee holds up her fist toward a line of Sheriffs deputies protesting Tuesdays police shooting. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 23 A man protests the shooting of Alfred Olango in El Cajon. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press)

Olango claimed to be 38, with a birthdate of July 17, 1978. Yet Ellis said those may have been estimates. Due to the chaotic conditions of his early life, she noted, he lacked a birth certificate.

He was born into a Uganda ruled by Idi Amin, whose bloody reign led to a period of guerrilla warfare.

Seeking a better life, the family fled their native land and endured privations and horrors in refugee camps, a relative said.

We saw dead bodies, atrocities, and it built character, one of Olangos brothers told the Rev. Shane Harris, a San Diego pastor who interviewed the sibling Wednesday. It made us want something better and acquire the American dream together.

One lasting souvenir of the camps: Olangos feet were scarred from years of walking across rugged terrain without shoes.

The family settled in San Diego more than 20 years ago, said Walter Lam, executive director of the Alliance for African Assistance, a City Heights nonprofit organization.

The children went to the Catholic school on 56th Street, Lam said, referring to Blessed Sacrament Parish School. Then the family moved to Golden Hill.

Soon, though, Alfreds life spun out of control. His juvenile record included several misdemeanor charges. He dropped out of San Diego High School. In 1999, he was convicted of receiving stolen property. A 336-day sentence was waived, thanks to time he had spent in jail awaiting trial.

Two years later, he was sentenced to 364 days in jail for peddling cocaine.

Olango moved to the Denver area, where his brushes with the law continued. He was driving through Aurora, Colo., on New Years Eve 2005 when police pulled him over. At his feet was a 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol.

As a felon found to be in possession of a firearm, Olango was sent to federal prison. He was released in August 2009, moving to La Mesa and spending the next three years on probation.

Over the next seven years, he racked up a few traffic tickets, appeared in a small claims case that was dismissed and was named in two civil cases.

Friends, though, say he had settled down. He was polishing his culinary skills as a chef for the Saddle Ranch Chophouse in Glendale, Ariz., and a series of Hooters restaurants in the Phoenix area and San Diego County.

His last Facebook post, June 17, shows the 5-foot-6 man on the beach in Coronado. The page identifies him as Former Gods Servant at Jesus Daily.

He was just so happy, said Ellis, the former girlfriend. They called him Little Kevin Hart because he was always making people laugh.

The Olangos are a tightknit family, said Ellis, who dated Alfred for five months. They were living together in Chula Vista when the couple underwent an amicable breakup in January.

He comes from a good family, she said. His mother was his queen. He loved her to death.

The father of two girls, Olango was good with children, said Anna Diaz, Ellis 24-year-old daughter.

I have two little ones of my own and he loved to be around kids, she said.

Ellis and Diaz insisted that Olango was not mentally unstable.

He was not mentally disabled, Ellis said. But one of his best friends had just died and he was going through a lot of pain with that.

Lam, who last saw Olango three months ago at a funeral for another refugee, agreed.

He was a healthy man, Lam said.

Olangos brother told told Harris online radio program, Get on Up, Alfred wanted to do right, wanted to do good. His ambitions included one day serving African specialties in his own restaurant.

The brother told Harris that he spoke with Alfred on his last day. Alfred, who had agreed to drive his brother to the airport, noted that he was short of gas money.

Soon after, spectators called police and reported a man walking in the middle of a street, behaving erratically. The ensuing confrontation ended when Olango assumed what police describe as a shooting position, pointing an object at one of the officers.

Both officers fired simultaneously, one with a firearm, the other a Taser. Olango died of his wounds.

This is one of the most brutal pains Ive ever had to deal with in my life, said the brother, who was never identified by name in the interview. I hope to God no one else has to go through it.

He added that the family encourages protesters to be peaceful, demanding police reforms and accountability.

The image of Olango that many saw this week is taken from a single frame from a video, showing a tense and ultimately tragic showdown with police. The dead mans brother cautioned against mistaking this snapshot for the complete picture.

They dont have the right paintbrush, he said. You cant paint the right painting without the right paintbrush. They havent spoken with anyone who knows him, anyone who knows his journeys.

Rowe writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Staff librarian Merrie Monteagudo and staff writers Kristina Davis, David Hernandez, John Wilkens and Lyndsay Winkley contributed to this report.

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Chongqing police have cracked down on multiple telecom frauds in the Yuzhong district, seizing over RMB6,000,000 ($900,000), as well as numerous other valuables.

Police authorities on Wednesday held a media conference, displaying multiple luxury items in connection to the fraud cases, including numerous luxury vehicles, computers, ATM cards, and cell phones.

The Ministry of Safety has established a special center within the city police division to fight fraud.
In terms of street robberies, they dont get much more fruitful than this: Police in Beverly Hills say a thief stole two watches worth more than $100,000 off the wrists of two men on Rodeo Drive last week.

Its a different world, said Beverly Hills Police Sgt. Max Subin.

The robber pulled a gun on the men as they walked in the citys business district about 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

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But along with great wealth comes great technology, and Beverly Hills has both.

Using the citys extensive video surveillance system, police tracked where the thief ran after the robbery and identified the vehicle he used in his escape. The car was spotted in Inglewood and within 18 hours 22-year-old Kenyon Donester of Altadena was arrested, Subin said.

Police served a search warrant and found one of the watches, valued at $40,000, Subin said. The second watch, a Breguet Classique Hora Mundi Menus Watch with a serial number of 5717BR/EU/9ZU, is still missing. The watch is valued online at $63,000 but its retail price can reach as high as $78,900.

Donester has been charged with two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of identity theft. He pleaded not guilty and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. Hes due back in court Oct. 12.

Joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
A black man and his roommates looked outside their Northridge house in January 2015 to see that a 5-by-6-foot cross had been burned on their lawn.

That April, four motorists of Armenian descent reported having their cars vandalized in North Hollywood. Two of their vehicles, which displayed the Armenian flag, had been spray-painted with the year 1915  the year of the Armenian genocide.

Two months later, a lesbian said she was walking to a store in Whittier when two men pulled up in a car. One screamed a gay slur, shouted, I should kill you! and pointed a gun at her before driving away. The next day, a swastika was painted at the entrance of a Hollywood school with the words Kill Jewish Boys.

The incidents are among 483 hate crimes reported in Los Angeles County last year, according to an annual report released Thursday by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. After generally trending downward for seven years, hate crimes rose sharply last year and were up 24% from 2014.

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The uptick came as the number of hate crimes statewide also increased by 10% in 2015, according to the report, and as the Los Angeles Police Department reported a 20% increase in violent crimes in the city.

Everyone should be concerned about the increase in hate crimes in our county, especially after it had been trending downward for several years, Robin Toma, executive director of the countys Commission on Human Relations, said in an email. The fact that the rise in hate crimes was across all the major categories  not just race, ethnicity, national origin, but also sexual orientation, religion and gender/transgender  means all of us are affected in some way by this.

The report, as it has in years past, came with a major caveat: The vast majority of hate crimes  those in which a victims race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability are substantial factors  are never reported or classified as hate crimes, authorities say.

In L.A. County, 84% of the 120 hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation last year were violent  marking the highest level of violence since 2003, according to the Commission on Human Relations. The total number of hate crimes based on sexual orientation was up 11% from 2014.

Hate crimes targeting gay men in particular made up the vast majority of those incidents and rose for the second year in a row from 92 to 104, the report states. Sexual orientation was the second-largest motivator for all L.A. County hate crimes, behind race.

Even in a progressive state like California with some of the strongest legal protections for LGBT people, and in a diverse county like Los Angeles, LGBT people  continue to be attacked, and frequently violently  simply because of our sexual orientation and gender identity, Roger Coggan, the Los Angeles LGBT Centers director of legal services, said in an email.

Coggan said the number of hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is believed to be much higher than reported and that there are often barriers to reporting them. Experts say it is difficult to determine the number of hate crimes against LGBT people because many of the victims do not want to out themselves by reporting them.

Half of all hate crimes reported in L.A. County last year were racially motivated. Though they made up less than 9% of the countys population, African Americans were grossly over-represented as victims of hate crimes, the commission report said.

Of the 241 racial hate crimes, 58% were directed against African Americans. A large number of those offenses were committed by Latino gang members, according to the report.

Latinos were targeted in a fourth of the racially based hate crimes, with anti-Latino crimes growing 69%, from 36 to 61, last year. Because Latinos comprise about half of L.A. County residents, this is still a surprisingly low number despite the sharp increase in 2015, the report states. Previously, anti-Latino crimes had been trending downward since 2008.

Some long-held patterns persisted: Blacks and Latinos targeted each other with disturbing consistency.

The great majority of African Americans and Latino/[Latin]as in Los Angeles County co-exist peacefully and are not involved in ongoing racial conflict, the report says. However, for many years this report has documented that most hate crimes targeting African Americans are committed by Latino/as and vice versa.

The pattern is particularly true in neighborhoods that have undergone rapid demographic shifts from being majority black to majority Latino, according to the report.

Hate crimes motivated by religion also rose last year, to 99 in 2015 from 72 the previous year,

The number of hate crimes in which the perpetrators blamed the victims for terrorism or ongoing conflicts in the Middle East jumped from 10 in 2014 to 19 last year. Of those, 14 were anti-Muslim, one was anti-Middle Easterner, two were both anti-Muslim and anti-Middle Easterner and two targeted Jewish people.

In one incident, a man received threatening calls from an anonymous man on three separate occasions. The suspect said, You are a Muslim, one of those ISIS, and I am going to burn your shop! The victim was a Christian.

In another, a Muslim woman was sitting in her car when a white man walked up to her and yelled, I have 300 friends that were killed by Muslims. Youre a  terrorist. The man then threatened to kill her if he ever saw her again.

Anti-Muslim crimes increased after the terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino. Four such crimes were reported after the Paris attacks on Nov. 13, and nine followed the Dec. 2 mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino.

hailey.branson@latimes.com

Twitter: @haileybranson

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A California agency overseeing judges discipline publicly admonished a Los Angeles County judge Thursday, concluding that he mistreated several prospective jurors who were being vetted for a murder trial.

The Commission on Judicial Performance issued a 34-page admonishment of Superior Court Judge Edmund W. Clarke Jr., who has been on the bench for seven years and works at the downtown criminal courthouse.

The misconduct demonstrates a pattern of discourteous and undignified treatment of jurors, the commission wrote.

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In a statement released by his attorney, Clarke noted that the commissions punishment went beyond the recommendation of a three-person evidentiary panel that heard his case. The panel said there was only misconduct involving one juror instead of four. Clarke plans to ask the state supreme court to review the commissions decision.

The decision chills the spontaneous and human interaction that is part of jury selection, Clarkes statement said.

The allegations stem from a single day in May 2014 when Clark was presiding over jury selection for the type of case that even by the commissions own account, typically proves difficult to seat a jury  a month-long, gang-related murder trial with four defendants. The commission said he belittled and mocked four jurors.

It started with the juror hardship form, which citizens can use to provide reasons why they cannot serve on a jury.

One woman wrote she was having severe anxiety!! and said she earned minimum wage as a waitress, had a wedding coming up and was experiencing anxiety while at the courthouse. When she complained to Clarke that his courtroom clerk was disrespectful, the judge cut her off and ordered her to wait outside until the end of the day.

When she returned, Clarke was condescending and criticized her for not approaching the clerk privately, the commission wrote. He told the woman, If you came here thinking that this was going to be Disneyland and you were getting an E Ticket and have a good time, Im afraid you have no sense of what is going on in this building.

In between these two conversations, Clarke mistreated three more jurors, the commission wrote.

One woman claimed she didnt speak or understand English well enough to be on a jury. Like the first juror, Clarke ordered her to wait outside until he was ready for her. He told her that he doubted her because her juror hardship form indicated that she spoke English, though the woman apparently changed it to show that she could not.

After more than an hour waiting, Clarke called her back in with a Spanish-language interpreter. Audibly sobbing in the courtroom, the woman told the judge she was ashamed that she didnt speak English after 25 years in the country and then offered the following explanation:

My father was German, may he rest in peace. And he had me naturalized as a citizen when I was 2 years old. And then he sent me to Mexico. And when I came back here, I was already a grownup.

Clarke apologized and excused her, but the damage was done, the commission said.

Judge Clarke has again violated his duty under the canons to be patient, dignified and courteous to those who appear before him by accusing [the juror] in open court of dishonesty in an intemperate and disparaging manner, the commission concluded.

That same afternoon, two more prospective jurors indicated they could not afford to sit on the jury because of financial strains. The jurors wrote how much money they had in the bank and each amount was less than $50.

Its an impressive and convincing figure, Clarke told one of the jurors, according to the commission.

Thank you for not sharing it, the juror replied.

Well, every one of these lawyers spent more than that on lunch today, he said.

Great, the juror sarcastically replied.

As soon as the juror exited the courtroom, the judge announced that she had listed her bank account balance as $25, an action that the commission found to be manifestly discourteous and undignified.

Clarke then needled a second juror who reported having $33 in the bank.

You are putting [the previous juror] in the shade with that big account, Clarke said, and then excused the juror. Good luck on getting paid and being able to bring that number up a little bit better.

The commission criticized Clarkes attempt at humor.

Public esteem for the judicial system is harmed when a judge mistreats and belittles jurors, uses humor at a jurors expense, and retaliates against a juror for complaining about his clerk.

This is the second time Clarke has been disciplined, the commission noted. In December 2013, he received an advisory letter for the way he spoke to a defendant.

The two incidents show that Judge Clarke has shown a very limited appreciation of the impropriety of his conduct, warranting the public admonition, the commission wrote.

Joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
Los Angeles police Wednesday shot and wounded a man who had escaped from custody during an examination at USCs sprawling medical campus in Boyle Heights, authorities said.

The shooting came after officers chased the man, who stole an SUV that crashed into a tree outside USCs School of Pharmacy, authorities said.

The man, identified as Freddy Bailon, 36, was hospitalized and undergoing medical treatment after the shooting, according to LAPD Det. Meghan Aguilar.

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Aguilar said the shooting was a very complicated scene, part of a broader investigation that unfolded Tuesday evening when the man was initially taken into police custody.

Officers were following up on a report about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday that led to an apartment in the 5200 block of Ithaca Avenue, Aguilar said. As they approached the apartment, officers saw a man in an apartment doorway who was holding a knife to the throat of a teenage girl.

The girl managed to escape from his grip, and officers began negotiating with the man, who ultimately surrendered. He was booked on suspicion of kidnapping, Aguilar said.

On Wednesday at about 3:30 p.m., uniformed officers and a detective escorted the man from jail to the medical center for an examination. At some point during the medical visit, he broke free from police and ran from the building, Aguilar said.

As officers chased the man, he commandeered a black SUV from a woman. At some point, one officer shot the man, Aguilar said.

The brief pursuit ended when the SUV smashed into a tree outside the building that houses USCs School of Pharmacy.

The woman whose SUV was stolen was not injured, and none of the officers involved in the incident were hurt.

The man had been handcuffed at one point during the medical visit, Aguilar said, but its unclear if he was handcuffed when he escaped.

The two uniformed officers were equipped with body cameras. The video has been collected but not yet viewed, Aguilar said.

Officers cordoned off the area around where the SUV had crashed but had not yet searched the vehicle, Aguilar said. Investigators were canvassing the area to determine whether surveillance cameras recorded the incident.

kate.mather@latimes.com

Twitter: @KateMather

Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

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For years, making many flight connections at Los Angeles International Airport has required a walk outside the terminal or a shuttle bus ride, as well as re-screening at a security checkpoint.

LAX officials say a new $148.5-million passenger facility that opened Thursday will end those inconveniences for many passengers.

The new Terminal 4 connector allows travelers to move between the recently expanded Tom Bradley International Terminal on the west side of the airport and the five terminals on the airports south-facing side, which is home to dozens of airlines including United, American, Delta and Alaska. About 52.3 million passengers  70% of the airports total  passed through those terminals last year, officials said.

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Travelers can now cross between these terminals without going outside or leaving secure areas  although anyone flying into the Bradley terminal will still be required to go through customs and immigration.

The key to successfully renovating the airport is building modern facilities that improve efficiency for the traveling public, said Sean O. Burton, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. The Terminal 4 connector does that by reducing the walking distance between terminals and making transfers easier for passengers with checked luggage.

The new multilevel facility includes moving walkways between the Bradley Terminal and Terminal 4 next door. From there passengers can proceed by tunnels and connecting corridors to Terminals 5, 6, 7, and 8, where they can reach shopping, restaurants, coffee shops and lounges.

The Terminal 4 connector also offers new amenities to passengers arriving at the airport, such as more convenient baggage transfer and luggage inspection stations as well as a faster-moving, four-lane TSA checkpoint that can screen 3,000 passengers or more a day. A public plaza with outdoor seating is located on the upper departures level.

Airport officials say completion of the project is a major step forward toward securely connecting all LAX terminals. Plans call for similar connectors to be built at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 on the airports north side.

Los Angeles World Airports, the operator of LAX, contributed about $114 million to the connector project, while American Airlines put in about $34.5 million. The federal Transportation Security Administration will reimburse American for some of its contribution.

Airport officials estimate that constructing the Terminal 4 connector generated about $230 million in benefits to the local economy and created 1,400 annual jobs with a total payroll of $85.2 million.

Its building and facilities are equipped with some of the most energy efficient lighting, cooling and heating systems available. Designers have also reserved space for the future installation of solar panels to generate electricity.

The connector is part of an $8.5-billion-dollar modernization and expansion of the nations third busiest airport, which is the primary international gateway to the western United States. The centerpiece of the work has been the $2-billion remodel of the Bradley terminal.

Among the other projects are improvements to domestic terminals, a proposed midfield concourse with additional passenger gates and plans for a centralized car rental facility, a people mover in the terminal area and a light-rail connection to the Crenshaw Line, which is now under construction.

dan.weikel@latimes.com
Hours after federal prosecutors filed charges against him, a Mexican national pleaded guilty Thursday to starting a wildfire that recently burned more than 45 square miles in the Sequoia National Forest.

A federal judge sentenced Angel Gilberto Garcia-Avalos, 29, to 13 months in prison and ordered him to pay $61 million in restitution for damage caused by the Cedar fire, according to the U.S. attorneys office.

Garcia-Avalos, a resident of Michoacan, Mexico, was driving off-road illegally Aug. 16 when his Nissan Maxima got stuck on a berm and his catalytic converter and muffler ignited dead grass.

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The fire swiftly spread and burned 29,322 acres in Kern and Tulare counties, according to Acting U.S. Atty. Phillip A. Talbert. Flames destroyed six homes and triggered mandatory evacuations of several communities in both counties.

Prosecutors charged Garcia-Avalos with one count of causing a fire to burn in the forest and two counts of giving false information to a forest officer.

At his first court appearance Thursday in Bakersfield, he entered the guilty plea and was sentenced. While imposing the penalty, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer L. Thurston commented that Garcia-Avalos exhibited significant negligence and made no effort to get help after the blaze erupted.

Prosecutors say Garcia-Avalos turned off a highway onto a rough dirt road in the forest and he got stuck as he tried to drive over the berm. When the car rolled back and hit a tree, the hot muffler and catalytic converter touched tall, dead grass and sparked the fast-moving blaze.

Ranchers spotted Garcia-Avalos carrying his 4-year-old son on his shoulders west of the Cedar Creek Campground area, where the fire had been reported, according to a U.S. District Court complaint. They suspected he started the fire and offered to help, but he said he was OK. Still, ranchers recorded the conversation with an iPhone.

Garcia-Avalos told the ranchers that his car had been stolen and that his son saw the man who took it, and that he was walking home to Delano, which is more than 42 miles away from the Cedar Creek area, according to an affidavit written by U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Brian Adams.

The ranchers were able to convince Garcia-Avalos to enter their home so that he could call someone for help. During the visit, they asked him several questions about the fire, and Garcia-Avalos denied responsibility, prosecutors say.

At the crash site, fire investigators found a burned vehicle and shoe prints belonging to a small child and an adult. The shoe prints led investigators from the car to Highway 155. Tire tracks found at the scene indicated that the driver tried several times to make it up a hill before the car hit the tree.

According to federal prosecutors, Garcia-Avalos lied to a Forest Service official about driving through the forest and having his car stolen.

Garcia-Avalos told the investigator that he and his son had gone to the mountains to watch the view and that he had gone to retrieve water when his son yelled out that a man with long hair was stealing the car, according to the affidavit. Garcia-Avalos agreed to have his and his sons shoes photographed and taken for evidence.

Garcia-Avalos reported Aug. 29 to his probation office and was detained for deportation proceedings. Garcia-Avalos has previously been convicted of burglary, stealing a car and traffic violations, according to court documents. He told investigators that he entered the U.S. illegally.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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A man driving a stolen South Pasadena police cruiser died in a crash Thursday on the 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles, police said.

An officer stopped his patrol car on the 110 at 3:30 a.m. after noticing an apparently disabled school bus in the center median, but the bus driver told the officer he had stopped because he had seen a downed motorcycle in lanes, according to the South Pasadena Police Department.

The bus driver told the officer that he had pulled the motorcycle out of the freeway lanes and unsuccessfully tried looking for the rider, police said.

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The officer also searched but found no one. As the officer talked to the bus driver to get more information, he noticed a man walking toward his patrol car, police said.

As the man climbed into police car through the passengers door, the officer ran toward the car to disable it, but a struggle erupted between the officer and man over control of the vehicle, police said.

The man was able to get control of the patrol car, dragging the officer briefly as he drove off.

He later crashed on the transition road from the northbound 110 to the southbound 101 Freeway.

When officers arrived at the crash scene, they found the man dead in the drivers seat. The officer was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

At this point in the investigation, we have no information regarding the motive of the suspect and if he was in fact the rider of the motorcycle that went down, police said in a statement.

The transition road was closed for several hours as police investigated the fatal crash.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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A federal judge Wednesday ruled that former Los Angeles County Undersheriff Paul Tanaka should not remain out of prison while he appeals his conviction on obstruction of justice charges.

Because Tanakas attorneys will now appeal the judges decision, plans that called for Tanaka, 58, to begin serving his five-year sentence next week will be postponed.

U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson, who presided over Tanakas trial in April, rejected claims by Tanakas attorneys that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is likely to overturn the conviction because of several mistakes during the original trial.

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Those mistakes, the attorneys argued, included an improper instruction Anderson gave to the jury and his decision to allow prosecutors to question Tanaka about his involvement in a controversial clique of deputies.

Anderson ruled Tanaka was not likely to prevail on any of the issues raised by his attorneys.

A jury found that Tanaka, once the second in command in the Sheriffs Department, played a leading role in a 2011 scheme by sheriffs officials to interfere with an FBI investigation into widespread inmate abuse by deputies in county jails.

H. Dean Steward, one of Tanakas attorneys, told Anderson he planned to file papers next week with the 9th Circuit, asking it to take up the question of whether Tanaka can remain free pending his appeal, which will probably last many months.

As soon as Steward does so, the Oct. 7 deadline Anderson set for Tanaka to turn himself in to prison officials will be set aside until the appeals court decides on allowing Tanaka to stay out of prison.

joel.rubin@latimes.com

Follow @joelrubin on Twitter

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Less than a day after Congress overrode President Obamas veto of a bill that would let 9/11 victims families sue Saudi Arabia, top GOP leaders said they might need to fix the new law to protect U.S. national security interests.

Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) both acknowledged Thursday that the bill, which narrows a foreign nations immunity from legal challenge, could backfire by exposing the United States to retaliatory lawsuits by foreign victims of terrorism.

There may be some work to be done, Ryan told reporters.

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The White House had warned as much in an unsuccessful last-minute barrage by the defense secretary, CIA director and other top national security officials to try to stop the override. All wrote weighty letters to Congress voicing their concerns about the potential harm, leading some lawmakers to publicly express reservations ahead of this weeks vote. But most went ahead and supported the override anyway.

Republicans in Congress were eager to deliver a rebuke to the White House with their first-ever win in a veto showdown against President Obama. The 9/11 bill also offered a popular piece of bipartisan legislation, despite heavy lobbying from the Saudi Arabian government, a key U.S. ally.

Ryan said lawmakers were focused on giving 9/11 families their day in court. However, now the speaker is worried that other countries will retaliate  as the White House had warned  by adjusting their own laws to target the United States and its military personnel with lawsuits.

I would like to think there may be some work to be done to protect our service members overseas from any kind of  any kind of legal ensnarements that could occur, Ryan said. Id like to think that theres a way we could fix so that our service members do not have legal problems overseas, while still protecting the rights of the 9/11 victims.

McConnell also suggested changes to the law are worth further discussing.

In a first, Congress rebukes Obama with veto override of 9/11 bill 

I told the president the other day this was an issue we should have talked about much earlier, McConnell said.

By the time everybody seemed to focus on some of the potential consequences of it, members had already taken a position, McConnell said. Everybody was aware of who the potential beneficiaries were, but nobody really had focused on the potential downside in terms of our international relationships. I think it was just a ball dropped.

The White House spared no criticism of Congress for failing to heed the warnings and do its homework before voting.

Whats true in elementary school is true in the United States Congress: Ignorance is not an excuse, particularly when it comes to our national security, said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest.

Earnest noted that Obama spoke about the legislation as far back as April, and he disputed claims from some Republicans, including Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, that the White House refused to engage in negotiations over the legislation in the last week. He noted that the legislation was modified this spring in response to White House concerns, but said the changes did not go far enough.

What it mostly is, is an abject embarrassment, Earnest said. Because I think the American people, and certainly our men and women in uniform  expect better service and leadership from the men and women that they elected to represent them.

The victims families had celebrated the long-fought outcome of Wednesdays vote, having pressed for a decade for the ability to bring their case to court.

While 15 of the 19 Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, the kingdom has not been expressly implicated in the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon and the downing of Flight 93 over Pennsylvania.

Few expected the legislation to pass. It was hastily approved by only voice votes  one just before the 15th anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

Obama swiftly vetoed it, setting up the showdown.

Saudi Arabia also unleashed top-flight lobbyists to warn lawmakers off the bill, but the kingdoms influence appeared to be waning and few lawmakers wanted to go against the 9/11 families in an election year.

Scope of Donald Trumps falsehoods unprecedented for presidential candidate 

What happens next remains uncertain. The bills main author, Democratic Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, said Thursday he was willing to consider changes, but nothing that would impede the families from proceeding with the legal action.

A bipartisan group of 28 senators had written to him ahead of the vote with their concerns.

I will look at anything, Schumer said. But it has to be something that doesnt weaken the bill and limit the right of these families to get their day in court and justice.

One suggestion has been to limit the scope of the law more narrowly, to just those victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But Schumer dismissed that idea because he said it would offer no recourse against future state sponsors of terrorism.

Congress has recessed now for an extensive period of campaigning ahead of the November election.

When lawmakers return Nov. 15, they will have a few weeks, excluding the Thanksgiving holiday, to legislate a long to-do list during the lame-duck session before the end of the year.

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

Twitter: @LisaMascaro

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Trump leads Clinton in marriages, 3 to 1. That may not stop him from attacking hers

(John Locher / Associated Press)

Will he bring up the blue dress? The thong? The cigar?

Donald Trump appears to be setting the stage to start attacking Hillary Clinton for her husbands marital infidelities, whose sordid details engrossed the nation during the end of Bill Clintons presidency.

At the debate this week, Trump held back -- out of respect for their daughter, Chelsea, he said.

But in an interview Thursday with NH1 in New Hampshire, Trump said that at the next debate he might not exercise such restraint.

Well see what happens, he said.

In recent days, Trumps advisors have said that when the candidates spar again on Oct. 9 in St. Louis, he might raise Bill Clintons famous affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Taking the low road would carry political risks for Trump. It could be seen as a move of desperation. It could earn Hillary Clinton sympathy from female voters.

And it could open a conversation about Trumps less-than-perfect marital history.

In 1991, after Trumps affair with actress Marla Maples became public, his wife, Ivana, divorced him. Trump married Maples two years later, then divorced her in 1999. He married his current wife, Melania, in 2005.

So if Trump raises Bill Clintons history, is it fair for Hillary Clinton to mention Trumps?

I guess, Trump said in the interview. I mean, they can, but its a lot different than his.

I have a very good history, he said.
Feng Shaofeng wins the Hundred Flowers Awards' best actor. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Acting awards are supposed to go to those who have demonstrated excellence in acting.

So, a strong sense of irony is bound to emerge if the least qualified end up nabbing such honors.

This was exactly what happened over the weekend at the Hundred Flowers Awards.

A collective response of shock followed the announcement on Saturday night of winners for three of the four acting categories. Not only did Feng Shaofeng in Wolf Totem win best actor, Li Yifeng in Mr Six win best supporting actor and Yang Ying in Mojin: The Lost Legend win best supporting actress, but they all trumped contenders whose performances were widely hailed as far superior.

Only if you judge a performance purely by the physical appeal of the actor would you come to the conclusions reached in this edition of the Hundred Flowers Awards.

Yes, Feng Shaofeng is better looking than Feng Xiaogang in Mr Six or Huang Bo in Dearest, but any other standardno matter what school of acting you choosewould not have supported this choice.

To make sense to those readers not familiar with the names, one would have to make up an equivalent because it does not exist elsewhere in the real world. For instance, Justin Bieber defeating both Johnny Depp and Robert DeNiro in nailing the acting kudos.

The result cannot be justified by the subjective nature of evaluation alone.

Li Yifeng and Yang Ying win the Hundred Flowers Awards' best supporting actor and actress. [Photo provided to China Daily]

It turns your world upside down.

Like the People's Choice Awards in the United States, the Hundred Flowers Awards are voted by the general public.

In its early years, it had a one-person one-vote mechanism, which was a pretty accurate gauge of popularity, for both the movies and the performers concerned.

But now, it has a convoluted three-step system, which renowned film critic Magasa deems "terrible".

"People say the internet has flattened the world, but in terms of film appreciation the gap has become wider, with movie-going concentrated in a select group of youngsters," he wrote.

Even if one takes into account the pop star appeal rather than acting ability that ordinary people would favor, the results hardly make sense.

For example, Huang Bo has a formidable fan base, possibly larger than that of Feng Shaofeng or Li Yifeng, but the latter have more rabid fans who are willing to go out of their way for their idols.

While most commentators view the result as detrimental to this award, which is on a long downward slide in credibility anyway, fans see it as encouragement.

"No film award can be completely fair," wrote Fei Luojun, a film critic.

"This award has sent a signal that China's film industry is entering a fan-controlled age of fanaticism. But will it be good for the industry?"
Trump keeps on criticizing the Venezuelan beauty queen he once called Miss Piggy

Miss Aruba Taryn Mansell looks on as Miss Venezuela Alicia Machado is named 1996 Miss Universe. (Eric Draper / Associated Press)

Donald Trump resumed his attack on a beauty pageant winner he had criticized for gaining weight, saying she had a lot of difficulties as Miss Universe and that now a lot of things are coming out about her.

Alicia Machado, who won the beauty contest in 1996, has emerged as a symbol of what critics of the Republican presidential nominee view as his misogyny. Trumps Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, rattled him in Mondays debate by reminding him that hed called Machado Miss Piggy and Miss Housekeeping.

In a Fox News interview Wednesday evening, Trump, who owned the pageant when Machado won, said she was an unsuccessful beauty queen.

She did not do well, Trump told anchor Bill OReilly. She had a lot of difficulties.

Managers of the Miss Universe pageant wanted to fire Machado for putting on what Trump described Tuesday as a massive amount of weight. Trump said he preferred to let her try and lose weight.

During the year she presided as Miss Universe, Trump turned Machados weight gain into a media spectacle, inviting news cameras to record her  against her will  working out at a gym.

On Tuesday, Trump said Machado, a Venezuelan immigrant, was no Mother Teresa. On Wednesday, he stepped up his attack on her character.

They say she threatened the life of a judge, he told Fox News.

According to PolitiFact, a Tampa Bay Times fact-checking site, a Venezuelan judge once said that Machado threatened his career and life over her boyfriends indictment for attempted murder. She denied it, and nothing came of the accusation, PolitiFact reported.

Machado was charged as an accomplice in the attempted murder for allegedly driving her boyfriend from the scene of the shooting, but the charges were dropped.

Machado, now an actress, has sharply criticized Trump this week in interviews, saying he humiliated her. She has also appeared in a Clinton campaign video attacking Trump for the way he treated her.
Now that more details have emerged about Mayor Eric Garcettis free-tuition promise for local high-school graduates, most of the plan appears smart and well considered. The mayor is offering one year of free community college to all graduates of L.A. Unified schools as well as charter schools within the district, and hopes to help students with textbook costs and perhaps free passes for mass transit.

Its by and large a helpful idea. But its hardly a revolution in providing no-cost higher education.

The reality is that 60% to 70% of the students within the Los Angeles Community College District already have their tuition covered, thanks to Californias generous tuition waivers, grants and scholarships for lower-income families. Many more of them qualify for free tuition, college officials say, but either dont know that they should apply or have been scared away by the intimidating application process.

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The bigger trick, then, is to help students through that process. If Garcetti provides experts to shepherd families through the system, thats great  but its not exactly a free tuition revolution. Besides, the offer is for just one years tuition; it typically takes two or more to finish community college.

Of course, since the state will cover the neediest students, the money Garcetti has raised for his proposal will likely go to the students who least need it. But there is magic in the word free: By guaranteeing a free first year, Garcettis program will encourage students who worry about costs to go to college  where many will find out that they were already qualified for a tuition waiver. That could be worth the cost of subsidizing the relative handful of students who could well afford the fees.

Garcettis Promise program will also take advantage of a new service the college district developed for its participants (but will offer to all incoming full-time students). Those who enter college under the mayors free-tuition pledge will go through a program of counseling and preparation meant to put them on track to graduate or transfer in two to four years. Theyll also have preferred enrollment in the courses they need, ahead of students who dont complete the counseling and preparation program.

That makes the financial aid a smarter investment, maximizing the chances that students will complete their studies. All of Californias community colleges should be doing the same.

Of course, its a long way from one year of free tuition (even if it comes with help for textbook and transportation costs) to successfully completing community college. The biggest financial hurdle faced by students isnt any of these costs; rather, its basic living expenses. Thats why its a shame that part-time students who make up half the districts enrollment, and who cant afford not to work, arent eligible for any of this assistance  not the tuition aid or first dibs on needed courses.

The program that Garcetti has worked out with the college district will almost certainly help thousands of local students. But it will be hard to call it a real success in educational access until it reaches out to the students who need it most.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh was sentenced to death for the murder of 168 people in 1997. He was executed less than four years later. McVeigh was not railroaded; his claims were fully considered. His case was reviewed on appeal by the federal court of appeals, again by the federal district court on post conviction review, and again by both of those courts on his motions for stay of execution. Capital cases do not get any more complex than his, and yet it didnt take decades to conduct a thorough and fair review and carry out his sentence.

Contrast this with the case of Harold Memro in California.He was convicted in 1987 of murdering three boys. The first two reviews of his case, which are standard in capital cases, took until 1995. That was bad enough, but nine years later his lawyers dumped on the California Supreme Court yet another massive petition, 521 pages long with 143 claims. The court eventually denied all the claims, finding them without merit and most of them patently so. It held that the petition exemplifies abusive writ practices that are all too common in California. The tactic bought Memro years of delay on his sentence, which still has not been carried out.

We often hear that Californias death penalty is broken. It would be more accurate to say it has been sabotaged. Defense lawyers intentionally gum up the works, courts can do little about it, and the California Legislature has time and again killed well-crafted legislation designed to fix the problems.

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The fear that California risks putting to death an innocent person is greatly overblown.

This year, needed death penalty reforms are on the ballot as Proposition 66, and the people can vote on them directly. The initiative would make review of the cases faster and more reliable, eliminate pointless obstructions and save money through reduced incarceration costs.

There are two ways to challenge a criminal judgment: direct appeal on the trial record, which considers issues such as admissibility of evidence and whether the jury was properly instructed, and habeas corpus petitions, which are based on facts outside the record, such as claims that the defense lawyer provided ineffective representation. Every capital case should be reviewed on appeal and one habeas corpus petition, but there is no need to hear second, third or fourth petitions in cases with no doubt of guilt.

Proposition 66 would reserve additional reviews solely for cases with substantial claims that the defendant did not commit the crime or is exempt from capital punishment (for example, by reason of being intellectually disabled). It would even make such reviews easier, compared with the current system. But because so few cases involve any substantial question of guilt, most of the time the process would end after the second review.

The fear that California risks putting to death an innocent person is greatly overblown. No one sentenced to death here since 1977, when capital punishment was reinstated after a U.S. Supreme Court moratorium, has ever been shown to be actually innocent of the crime. Three California cases are cited on the Death Penalty Information Centers innocence list. One is from the pre-1977 era and irrelevant to the present system. The other two are cases in which a conviction was overturned on procedural grounds many years after the crime, and the prosecution no longer had the evidence to get a new conviction.

The reforms Proposition 66 proposes for Californias death penalty review process are modeled on laws enacted by Congress and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court for federal capital punishment cases. Among other changes, the initiative would move habeas petitions out of the overloaded California Supreme Court into the court that conducted the original trial, to be heard by the original trial judge. That judge is already familiar with the case, and he or she can examine the facts more effectively, and more quickly than the state Supreme Court, while the case is still relatively fresh.

Proposition 66 also would eliminate bureaucratic barriers to carrying out executions, once cases have been fully reviewed. Because of a court decision in 2008, execution protocols have been subject to the state Administrative Procedure Act, a series of regulatory hoops that were established to restrain agencies that oversee businesses. Proposition 66 specifically exempts executions from an act that was never meant to apply to carrying out court sentences.

Finally, in recent years, opponents of capital punishment, citing the costs of death-row versus general-population incarceration, have pushed the claim that the death penalty is simply not worth the expense. But it is the decades and decades of appeals that increase its costs. If fair but limited reviews were in place, executions could go forward, death row incarceration times would decrease and so would the costs.

Justice is governments most important product. Californias death row contains murderers like Robert Rhoades, a serial murderer and sexual predator who raped and tortured an 8-year-old boy for 10 hours before killing him. It includes Lawrence Pliers Bittaker, who raped, tortured and murdered five teenage girls in the Los Angeles area in 1979. Life in prison is not an adequate punishment for such monsters.

California can afford justice for the victims of these horrible crimes, and Proposition 66 will provide it.

Kent S. Scheidegger is the legal director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation in Sacramento. He wrote the habeas petition reforms contained in Proposition 66.

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U .S. political leaders of both parties argue that destroying Islamic State is Americas top priority in the Middle East. In reality, thats not nearly as important as confronting the challenge posed by Iran. The nuclear deal that went into effect a year ago may have postponed the danger of an Iranian nuclear bomb, but the multifaceted threat of a militaristic, messianic Iran  80-million strong  is much more menacing to Western interests than the Sunni thugs and murderers of Raqqah and Mosul.

In negotiating the nuclear agreement, the P5+1 group of countries  the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany  registered several benefits. These include delaying the Iranian military nuclear project for 10 to 15 years, defusing political tensions with Iran, opening new markets there, and gaining Iranian cooperation in the fight against Islamic State. Only one of these  the delay in Irans nuclear program  comes at Irans expense, since both sides shared a desire to achieve the other objectives.

From Tehrans perspective, it gained much more than it gave up. In exchange for postponing its military nuclear project, it achieved the lifting of many economic sanctions, an end to its political isolation and the loosening of restrictions on its ballistic missile program.

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And out of the P5+1s exaggerated fear of taking any steps that might give the Iranians an excuse to scuttle the deal, Tehran won a lot more too. This includes wide latitude to advance its influence throughout the region as it no longer fears a U.S.-led military option.

The Iranian negotiators were brilliant. They played a weak hand superbly.

The evidence of Irans rogue behavior is overwhelming. It is the prime backer of the genocidal Syrian regime, providing President Bashar Assad with funds, weapons and the support of Shiite militias. It supplies weapons, money and training to Hezbollah, using it as a strategic tool to undermine the legitimate role of the Lebanese government. In Yemen, Iran fans conflict by sending arms to the Houthi rebels. Elsewhere in the Arabian peninsula, it uses proxies to undermine Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. In Israels neighborhood, Iran finances Palestinian Islamic Jihad and certain Hamas elements and provides them with the know-how to produce rockets, drones and other weapons. None of this has abated with the Iran nuclear deal; to the contrary, Iran has grown more aggressive on all fronts.

For an agreement that was supposed to be narrowly limited to finding a peaceful solution to Irans military nuclear program, the Iranian negotiators were brilliant. They played a weak hand superbly. And in 14 years, when critical restrictions will be lifted, the world may be in a worse position to prevent Irans nuclear project than ever before.

In history and international politics, 14 years is the blink of an eye. And there are many factors  such as the possibility of global events that distract international attention from Iranian violations  that could shrink that time frame significantly.

Concerned nations need to work together now to prevent Iran from exploiting the nuclear deal to redraw the political map of the Middle East in its favor and from capitalizing on the regions instability to prepare for an eventual nuclear breakout, either before or after the deals expiration.

Such steps would include ensuring strict inspection of Irans nuclear facilities  and not just by the International Atomic Energy Agency. After all, the vast majority of Irans nuclear violations were exposed by western intelligence agencies, not the IAEA. In addition, concerned nations need to pressure Iran on its ballistic missile program and support for terrorism. They must also work to enforce U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit Irans proliferation of weapons throughout the region. None of these steps, by the way, violates the terms of the nuclear deal.

It is not too late to repair the impression that the West  led by the United States  views Iran as part of the solution to the problems of the Middle East, rather than the chief source of the regions instability and radicalism. Of course, Iran fights Islamic State; the fact that the worlds leading radical Shiite government fights radical Sunnis should come as no surprise.

Those who believed that the nuclear agreement would lead to a more moderate, open, reformist Iran, at home and abroad, regrettably suffer from wishful thinking. So long as the ayatollahs regime governs Iran, there is no chance we will see a McDonalds in Tehran. Instead, we will see more executions, more repression, more tyranny.

This view of Iran is shared across the Middle East by countries that used to be antagonists. While the struggle between Israelis and Palestinians persists, any reference to the conflict between Israel and Sunni Arab states is, for now, obsolete. Today, Arabs and Israelis are in the same boat, facing Iranian-backed threats all around us; in terms of how to address these threats, we are also generally on the same page.

What we lack is leadership from our traditional allies in the West, especially our good friends in America. Should President Obama or his successor shift priorities and lead a campaign to pressure Iran to end its destabilizing policies  applying the same type of pressure that forced Iran to negotiate on its nuclear program  it will find willing partners among both Arabs and Israelis.

Moshe Yaalon, the Rosenblatt Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute, served until May 2016 as Israels minister of defense.

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Los Angeles County supervisorial candidate Steve Napolitano has sued his opponent, U.S. Rep. Janice Hahn, demanding that she return hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions deemed improper by county officials. The suit also seeks a court order prohibiting Hahn from spending the money.

Last month, the county registrars office determined that Hahn had accepted $439,619 in contributions from political action committees, far exceeding the $150,000 cap on PAC contributions set by county law.

Hahns campaign at first resisted making a refund, arguing that the contribution limit had been lifted because Napolitano, senior deputy to 4th District Supervisor Don Knabe, expressed his intention to spend an unlimited amount of his own money on the race.

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But in a Sept. 19 letter, the registrars office affirmed its original determination, adding that Hahns campaign could cure a violation by returning contributions from PACs in excess of the limit within 30 days. That amounts to almost $290,000.

Napolitanos suit disputes that figure. It alleges that the improper contributions stand at almost $375,000, based on a review by his attorney of campaign filings.

The registrars office did not respond Wednesday to the allegations contained in the lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday.

Having to make a six-figure refund could be a major blow to Hahns campaign account. The Hahn campaign had $259,000 in cash on hand as of June 30, the most recent campaign filing shows.

In a statement emailed to The Times, Hahn campaign consultant John Shallman called the lawsuit a political stunt and an attempt to distract the voters from the fact that Napolitano is a slumlord millionaire funding his campaign with taxpayer money he gets from owning low-income apartments.

The statement said Hahns campaign would return the excess contributions under the process laid out by the county, even though the county law is clearly unconstitutional and rigs the system in favor of millionaires who want to buy a seat on the board.

Napolitanos suit also takes issue with the countys time frame for returning contributions, alleging that the deadline given to Hahn to make a refund goes way beyond the time allowable under the law.

Whats the point of having these rules if theyre not going to be enforced? Were talking about the largest campaign contribution violation in the history of the county, Napolitano said in an interview.

Jessica Levinson, an L.A. city ethics commissioner and Loyola Law School professor, pointed out that theres an easy and legal loophole for donors looking to help county candidates with large contributions.

While there is a limit on how much PACs can give directly to a campaign, she said, PACs can make unlimited independent expenditures promoting a candidate as long as they do not coordinate with the candidate.

In a world in which money flows so freely, and there are so many ways that donors can exercise their 1st Amendment rights to give and spend, its rare that you see a knowing violation of contribution limits, Levinson said. That in my mind tends to indicate that this could be a mistaken belief on the part of Hahns campaign.

Napolitanos attorney, Stuart Leviton, said Napolitano would seek a temporary restraining order Thursday to stop Hahn from spending PAC contributions above the limit.

Adam.Elmahrek@latimes.com

Twitter: @adamelmahrek

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David Duke worked the Louisiana gun show like a preacher pursuing souls, cornering potential voters as they picked over firearms and ammo.

The robes are gone and the rhetoric is softer than during his grand wizard days. But Duke has not shed his relentless proselytizing for the white race, even though voters have repeatedly rejected the former Ku Klux Klan leaders attempts to regain public office.

Duke is undeterred. As he sees it, this is the moment. After last running for election in 1999, hes back with a long-shot bid for Louisianas open U.S. Senate seat.

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And his reason for optimism is clear: Donald Trump.

I love it, said Duke, 66, tearing into a chicken garlic pizza at a nearby restaurant later. The fact that Donald Trumps doing so well, it proves that Im winning. I am winning.

Trumps surprise rise to become the GOP presidential nominee, built largely on a willingness to openly criticize minority groups and tap into long-simmering racial divisions, has reenergized white supremacist groups and drawn them into mainstream American politics like nothing seen in decades.

White nationalist leaders who once shunned presidential races have endorsed Trump, marking the first time some have openly supported a candidate from one of the two main parties.

Members are showing up at his rallies, knocking on doors to get out the vote and organizing debate-watching parties.

White supremacists are active on social media and their websites report a sharp rise in traffic and visitors, particularly when posting stories and chat forums about the New York businessman.

Stormfront, already one of the oldest and largest white nationalist websites, reported a 600% increase in readership since President Obamas election, and now has more than one in five threads devoted to Trump. It reportedly had to upgrade its servers recently due to the increased traffic.

Before Trump, our identity ideas, national ideas, they had no place to go, said Richard Spencer, president of the National Policy Institute, a white nationalist think tank based in Arlington, Va.

Not since Southern segregationist George Wallaces failed presidential bids in 1968 and 1972 have white nationalists been so motivated to participate in a presidential election.

Andrew Anglin, editor of the Daily Stormer website and an emerging leader of a new generation of millennial extremists, said he had zero interest in the 2012 general election and viewed presidential politics as pointless. That is, until he heard Trump.

Trump had me at build a wall, Anglin said. Virtually every alt-right Nazi I know is volunteering for the Trump campaign.

One California white nationalist leader dug into his own pockets to give $12,000 to launch a pro-Trump super PAC that made robocalls in seven primary states  with more promised before the Nov. 8 election.

The idea that [Trump] is taking a wrecking ball to political correctness excites them, said Peter Montgomery, who has tracked far right groups as a senior fellow at People for the American Way, the Norman Lear-founded advocacy group. Theyve been marginalized in our discourse, but hes really made space for them. He has energized these folks politically in a way thats going to have damaging long-term consequences.

Trump has publicly rejected Duke and other white supremacists. We disavow any groups associated with a message of hate, said Trump campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks.

But Trumps positions, which reflect intense nationalism, suspicion of Muslims and a call for sharp reductions of legal immigration and expulsion of illegal immigrants, have provided greater legitimacy to ideas once viewed as too divisive for the mainstream. Many of Trumps statements have been interpreted as a kind of dog whistle to white nationalist groups.

We had no idea he would be engaging in this kind of footsie with them, said Heidi Beirich, who tracks hate groups for the Southern Poverty Law Center and now monitors Trumps statements as part of its campaign watch. These are some of the worst ideas in the history of our society. I dont know how you undo this.

Duke takes partial credit for paving the way for the Republican nominees rise, and says Trumps popularity proves that Americans are ready for a more overt and direct message about protecting the white race in America.

Hes talking about it in a visceral way, said Duke, who publicly broke with the Klan, but continues to rant against Jews and other minorities, and founded the National Assn. for the Advancement of White People. Donald Trump is talking implicitly. Im talking explicitly.

For decades white supremacist groups have largely boycotted the two major political parties, which likewise wanted nothing to do with them. But as Dukes candidacy shows, Trumps campaign  whether it intended to or not  has opened the door for white nationalist groups to come out of the shadows.

These are not just the doddering remnants of the Klan, though there are elements of that. Its also a younger generation of tech-savvy millennials who have rebranded themselves as the alt-right or alternative right movement, a loose collection of white nationalist, anti-establishment groups.

They see little reason to hide behind white hoods, violence or clandestine meetings, and prefer to defend their views openly and intellectually.

Breitbart News, a hard-right website, has tried to position itself as a forum for the alt-right crowd. Earlier this year Trump hired its chief executive, Stephen Bannon, as his campaign head.

What happens to these reignited groups after the election remains a subject of debate. Some expect an emboldened and unapologetic white nationalist movement will fight for a seat at the table in a Trump White House.

Even if Trump loses, they could remain fired up as an opposition force fighting for influence inside the deeply divided Republican Party, as the tea party has, or mobilizing against Democrats.

Studies show that racial resentment is deepening among the electorate, and that could give rise to the kind of nationalist movement seen in Europe, especially as Americas white population loses its majority status.

Trump comes in and just lights a match under that trend, said Michael Tesler, a political science professor at UC Irvine.

Others predict a Trump loss, particularly a decisive one, will drive white nationalists back to the periphery.

Nor surprisingly, Clinton has seized on the issue, unleashing a TV ad linking Trump to the KKK, accusing him of taking hate groups mainstream and most famously dubbing a large portion of his supporters as a basket of deplorables.

Of course theres always been a paranoid fringe in our politics, a lot of it rising from racial resentment. But its never had the nominee of a major party stoking it, encouraging it, and giving it a national megaphone, Clinton said in an August speech. Until now.

Trump turned Clintons deplorables remark into an ad portraying her as slamming ordinary Americans; many white nationalists embraced it as a badge of honor.

Ive been called deplorable for 35 years, said William Johnson, a Los Angeles attorney who was a Trump delegate in California until his role as head of the white nationalist American Freedom Party was publicized.

When Donald Trump comes out and says deplorables, it gives some vindication, said Johnson, who now runs the pro-Trump American National Super PAC, which is funding the robocalls.

Though Trumps campaign insists it does not want support from white supremacists, it stands to benefit from the restlessness among those white voters who feel uneasy about the countrys economic and demographic changes. And in backing Trump, the nationalists can enhance their profile by riding the Trump wave, even if they remain unsure whether he is fully aligned with their views.

Theres a connection -- it isnt always policy -- but a deep visceral, you could say emotional connection between the alt-right and his campaign, said Spencer of the white nationalist think tank.

I think he does recognize that he has this alt-right army behind him. I think he also realizes if he backs down, if he stops being combative, he is in danger of losing that.

In Louisiana, many campaign operatives shrug at Dukes return, dismissing him as a failed politician hitching himself to Trump. Polling shows Duke, who briefly served in the state Legislature before several failed runs for higher office, trailing in a wide field for the open Senate seat in a race that will most likely push to a December runoff.

Duke and Trump? Theres no correlation between those two guys at all, said Robert Molea, a retired Teamster, climbing into his truck after the gun show. He plans to vote for Trump, but not Duke.

Republican Party leaders have steered clear of Duke, leaving him to operate his campaign largely on his own, from his house in Mandeville, a New Orleans suburb.

Inside the older tract home, his living room and dining room are crammed with desks and bookshelves spilling over with his lifes work. An ink jet printer spits out thousands of campaign fliers Duke will be mailing to voters, seeking $50 contributions for a blue hat with the logo, Im for Duke & Trump!

But he bristles at the suggestion that hes jumping on the Trump train.

Trump happened because of us, Duke said, not the other way around.

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

Twitter: @LisaMascaro

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This Friday, something unusual will happen in the sky over Los Angeles. Unfortunately, you wont be able to see it.

Sept. 30 marks the emergence of the black moon  when a second new moon rises in one month. Like all new moons, you cannot see it with the naked eye, because the side of the moon thats lit by the sun is facing away from Earth.

A black moon is not in any way different from a regular new moon, except for the fact that it occurs in the same month of the calendar as a previous one. The last new moon rose on Sept. 1. The black moon will rise about 5 p.m. this Friday, the last day of the month.

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Many news outlets have reported this as a rare occurrence. A handful have suggested its a harbinger of the apocalypse. Ian ONeill, an astrophysicist and the senior producer for space at Discovery News and Seeker.com, says neither of those things are true.

He started investigating the black moon this week when a headline appeared in the British tabloid the Express suggesting the end of days was upon us.

I was very disappointed to find out black moon doesnt mean an awful lot, he said.

As to its rarity: It doesnt happen all the time, but its not particularly rare. The most recent one was in March 2014.

A black moon is the opposite of a blue moon, when there are two full moons in one month. The lunar cycle is 29-and-a-half days. Every month except February has 30 or 31 days. So if the new or full moon occurs on the first day of any of those months, there will be a second one before the month has ended.

Technically speaking, saying something happens once in a blue moon means it happens once every two to three years.

Black moon isnt even a scientific term. Its not recognized by NASA. The phrase black moon has also been used to describe months where there is no full moon, and to describe a third full moon in a season that has four of them.

The publics fascination with the black moon can be attributed to social media, ONeill said. The supermoon and the blood moon both garnered a lot of attention, so its not surprising that people are interested in this lunar event as well.

When you have anything thats the least bit foreboding in the night sky, the media jumps on it, he said. Social media has a huge part to play. These things go viral.

To underscore: This is an infrequent occurrence, but it doesnt mean the world is ending. Its just the moon doing its thing.

If anything, ONeill said, he finds the moon a bit boring.

Im more of a black hole kind of guy, he said.

jessica.roy@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @jessica_roy and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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It was conceived when Ronald Reagan was in the White House. It launched a few weeks after Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook in his Harvard dorm. It spent a full decade looping around the solar system. And when it finally caught up with its target, it deployed the first probe to land on a speeding comet and survive.

Now the long, dramatic journey of the Rosetta space orbiter is about to end. After logging 4.9 billion miles, the craft is set to commit operational suicide in the wee hours of Friday morning, deliberately falling to the surface of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the mountain-sized comet it has been following for the last two years.

But first it has just a bit more science to do.

During its final descent, Rosetta will gather close-range information about the comet and hastily beam data back to Earth before its main transmitter shuts off for good.

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Its kind of bittersweet, said Paul Weissman, a comet scientist at the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson who worked on Rosetta for 20 years. Youd like to keep going, but it is also very satisfying. Its been a tremendously successful mission.

 The European Space Agencys Rosetta orbiter will commit operational suicide early Friday morning, but first it has just a little bit more science to do.

The $1-billion mission has been full of suspense.

Its many plot twists began before the spacecraft left Earth, when a faulty rocket postponed the launch by two years and caused mission planners at the European Space Agency to abandon their original comet and select a different one instead.

The new comet, known as 67P, was four times larger than the initial target, and meeting up with it required a longer flight than originally planned. Between March 2004 and January of 2014, Rosetta made three Earth flybys and one close pass by Mars, using the plantets gravity to give it a boost.

Along the way, it imaged two asteroids and endured a hibernation of two years, seven months and 12 days.

Engineers programmed four alarm clocks to wake the spacecraft from its epic slumber. Everything hinged on its ability to boot back up, said Rosetta Flight Director Andrea Accomazzo.

Either we had a mission, or we had no mission at all, he said.

Accomazzo got the wake-up signal Jan. 20, 2014  40 nail-biting minutes late.

Scientists are fascinated by comets because they believe the mysterious bodies were formed in the earliest days of the solar system, and that frozen into their icy nuclei are the same primordial materials that make up the planets.

As Rosetta closed in on its target, researchers were dazzled by the strange and unexpected shape that gradually came into focus. The comet was roughly 2.5 miles across and had two distinct lobes that resembled a rubber duck with a head, thin neck and bulbous body. In time, Rosettas instruments revealed a dramatic world of towering cliffs, deep pits and massive boulders.

It was a big surprise, said Claire Vallat, a scientist at the agencys European Space Astronomy Center.

After officially entering 67Ps orbit on Aug. 6, 2014, Rosetta spent several months mapping the surface to find the best spot to send Philae, its 220-pound washing-machine-sized lander. The mission team ultimately selected what the late NASA scientist Claudia Alexander described as the least-worst option  a site that got enough sunlight to power Philaes solar panels, and that appeared to have shallower slopes and fewer boulders than other areas.

On Nov. 12, 2014, scientists were once again on the edge of their seats as Philae made a slow, seven-hour descent to the surface of 67P. It was humanitys first attempt to make a soft landing on a comet.

The unprecedented maneuver did not go exactly as planned. The landers harpoons failed to fire and Philae bounced twice before coming to rest in what remained an unknown location for nearly two years.

It soon became clear that Philaes solar panels would not receive enough sunlight to keep powering the onboard instruments, so it was able to conduct experiments for only 60 hours before shutting down. But mission scientists insist that Philae is no failure.

Philae sent back quite a bit of information for three days, Weissman said. We didnt learn everything we wanted to from the lander, but we did learn a lot.

In the meantime, Rosetta continued to orbit the comet as it made its closest approach to the sun in August 2015. From a safe distance of 186 miles, it watched as 67P became more active, with streams of dust and gas shooting off its surface. The comets display subsided as it flew further from the sun.

Rosetta had a major goal in mind, which was to rendezvous with a comet far from the sun and watch it wake up and then let it die down again said Laurence ORourke, a lander systems engineer at ESA. Overwhelmingly, we have met that goal.

But the drama was not over yet. Less than one month before the missions end, Rosettas cameras finally spotted Philae wedged into a dark crack on the comets surface. Two of its legs were sticking up in the air.

Finding Philae after all that time was like drinking a bottle of adrenaline, ORourke said. I couldnt sleep for the whole night.

Now Rosetta has reached the end of its journey. Comet 67P is on its way toward the orbit of Jupiter, and soon Rosettas 100-foot solar panels will be too far from the sun for the spacecraft to function.

Operating Rosetta beyond this point wouldnt be possible, Accomazzo said.

Experts say there is no chance the orbiter will survive its Friday morning collision with the comet.

Although the last few minutes of its life are difficult to predict, researchers expect it to hit 67P at a walking pace of slightly less than 3 feet per second. When it lands, it will tumble and bounce before settling into its final resting place on the small lobe of the comet. The impact will kick up a few clouds of dark, powdery dust. Then a preprogrammed computer command will turn off its transmitters forever.

But this final death dive will not be made in vain.

The lander will be pointed toward the Maat region, which is home to several pits about 320 feet across and 100 feet deep. When the comet was closer to the sun and more active, jets of dust came shooting out of these pits, making them an intriguing place for study.

In addition, researchers have spotted lumpy structures on the pit walls that might be cometessimals, the building blocks of the comet. Scientists are eager to get a closer look.

The plan is to go as low as possible and transmit as late as possible, Vallat said.

Here on Earth, hundreds of scientists and engineers will gather at the European Space Operations Center in Darmstadt, Germany, to watch for the flattening of the radio signal that will let them know Rosetta has gone offline forever.

To be honest, Im not sure how I feel, said Matt Taylor, project scientist for the mission. Im relieved to be losing some of the burden that is operations, but also sad that we wont have that aspect of new observations.

Already, data collected by Rosetta has led to the publication of hundreds of scientific papers. Measurements taken by the orbiters suite of instruments suggest that 67P has a higher dust-to-water ratio than expected, forcing scientists to change their view of comets as dirty snowballs and instead think of them as icy dust balls. High-resolution images of the comets surface have led to new theories about the processes that created the unexpected terrain.

Observations of nitrogen and different types of water in 67Ps atmosphere suggest the comet formed far from the sun, and because the molecular fingerprint of the water is different from what we find in Earths oceans, researchers have concluded that comets did not play a major role in delivering water to our planet, as some had thought.

One of the biggest surprises was the discovery of molecular oxygen on the comet. Although oxygen is abundant on Earth, it is quite rare in the universe and had never been seen on a comet. Computer models suggest that all of the molecular oxygen should have combined with hydrogen at the dawn of our solar system, so its presence on 67P is a puzzle scientists are still working out.

There were things we thought we knew about comets that were very well confirmed, and things that we thought we knew that were totally wrong, Weissman said.

deborah.netburn@latimes.com

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After a seven-month, nationwide search, Burbank has selected a new director to lead its library system  Elizabeth Goldman, a second-generation librarian who said her mother, a librarian in her hometown in New Mexico, was a good salesperson for the job and remains enthusiastic about the work.

What attracted Goldman, a former newspaper reporter, was the role libraries play in the democratic process of providing people of all ages and walks of life access to information.

She went into the family business, so to speak, knowing that I can go to work and be adding some good into the world, she said in an interview this week.

I think libraries are very, very powerful, she added. The need for access to information is universal and wont ever go away.

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The library services manager for the Pasadena Public Library and former chief executive and chief librarian of the Perth and District Union Public Library in Ontario, Canada, will step up to helm Burbanks libraries in the coming weeks. She doesnt have an official start date yet.

Goldman replaces Sharon Cohen, who retired in August.

The search for the head of the library department drew many strong candidates, outgoing City Manager Mark Scott said in a statement announcing Goldmans selection last week.

Elizabeth Goldman was the most impressive candidate among an outstanding field, Scott said. She is committed to the Burbank Public Librarys strong brand and will lead the team capably into the future.

She holds a masters of science in information from the University of Michigan and has more than a decade of library experience. She earned a bachelors in American History from Stanford University.

Goldman will oversee the Burbank systems three branches and a $6.4 million budget.

She said the system is just the right size for me, and a place where she will be able to have a more hands-on approach than in a larger library. She sees Burbank as a community that supports its library, which was an important consideration for her, and as a distinct city with a lot of potential.

One area of potential that attracted her, she said, was the opportunity to look at how libraries will need to evolve to continue to meet the publics need for information and civic engagement.

In particular, the opportunity to guide plans for a new Burbank central library to serve the communitys changing needs for the next 50 years as the library of the future.

Most libraries, including Burbanks, are designed around a model of storing books and providing quiet reading environments, she said, but modern libraries serve more diverse purposes, such as places for meetings and collaboration, access to technology and community-building.

Its been a lifelong dream to rebuild a central library, she said. Burbank officials have discussed the need for a new central library, but they face challenges such as finding an appropriate property and funding.

During a City Council discussion of its priorities in August, a few council members identified the new central library as an important project. However, Councilman David Gordon said, even in our best wishes and dreams  it would be a while before the project could be undertaken.

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Chad Garland, chad.garland@latimes.com

Twitter: @chadgarland
Granted, with last Sundays temps reaching toward the triple-digit mark, supporters of Family Promise of the Verdugos may have found it more apropos to have their bowls filled with ice cream rather than soup at their annual Empty Bowl fundraiser.

And yet, a caring cauldron of community love was on display as ladles of steaming goodness were dished out to raise funds for the local chapter of Family Promise, one of 190 affiliates nationwide, whose mission is to assist situationally homeless families.

This years event  which invited supporters to select a ceramic bowl handcrafted by a local artisan and use the vessel to enjoy a variety of soups provided by local eateries  took place at Albert Hall at St. Finbar Catholic Church.

Empty Bowl events, which began in Michigan in the early 1990s, have become an international, grassroots effort to fight hunger in America. The premise: local potters and arts associations create and donate the bowls for guests to purchase as their lunch receptacle.

They then take their bowl home to serve as an artistic symbol of the hunger and uncertainty homeless families face on a daily basis.

Established in 2010, the local chapter works with homeless families to help them achieve lasting independence. Partnering with a network of local interfaith congregations and volunteers, they also provide safe shelter, meals and support services such as counseling and job readiness for those in the Burbank, North Hollywood, Glendale and Eagle Rock areas.

Supporters at this years Empty Bowl, which included Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes and Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy, were welcomed by Albert Hernandez, the organizations executive director, Renee Johnson, board president, and Nancy Guillen, vice president.

Among those who made this years event a success included the groups board members Darrin Borders, Yvette Herrera, Sandra Thompson, Alex Bruno, Miryam Finkelberg, Robert Goetsch, Robert Hill, Carolyn Jackson, Barbara Lazar, Zizette Mullins, Lisa Patino and Geraldine Ramos-Alvarenga.

Others who played an instrumental role in staging the event were Family Promise staff members Raul Cruz, Melodee Sims, Vivian Simmons, Janice Casazza, Norma Serrano, Serge Shahinian, Aylin Cervantes and Krystal Flores, as well as members of the advisory board composed of Toni Beck-Espinoza, Michael Cusumano, Sam Jr. and Kathryn Engel, Laura Friedman, Jenny Smith Greene, Debbie Kukta, Lynn Kronzek, Elizabeth Manasserian, Ara Najarian, Pat and Laurie Patterson, Rev. Ross Purdy, Marsha Ramos, Sandy Talamantes, Joylene Wagner and Christine Walters.

This annual undertaking  which includes set up and soup preparation, assistance in the selection of bowls, serving and clean-up duties  could not happen without the help of numerous volunteers who this year included representatives from the local National Charity League chapter and YMCA as well as the Walt Disney Co.'s VoluntEARS.

For more information about Family Promise of the Verdugos, its upcoming events and volunteer and support opportunities, visit familypromiseverdugos.org.

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DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
For most musicians, winning a Grammy Award might be the crowning triumph of their careers. But for Charlie Colin, it was an opportunity to start a new one.

Colin, an original member of the band Train who was behind the groups 2001 Grammy Award-winning single Drops of Jupiter and 2003 Grammy-nominated hit Calling All Angels, formed a new band called Painbirds Collective, wrote songs and has since performed concerts throughout California and across the country.

Next up, he and the group are scheduled to perform at the Laguna Beach independent radio station KX 93.5s annual concert and fundraiser, dubbed KXClusive, for a special show Friday at Montage Laguna Beach.

The Newport Beach resident said Painbirds Collective is an offshoot of an earlier group he made called Painbirds, which includes Tom Luce of the San Francisco band Luce.

Joining Colin on the Painbirds Collective roster are Jeff Skunk Baxter, a guitarist known for his stints in rock bands Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and who was the bassist in Jimi Hendrix-led band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. Theres also Murphy Karges and Stan Frazier, who are both past members of Sugar Ray, and Danny Beissel, a touring rock and blues vocalist from the group Fosterchild.

The evening will feature more surprise guests, including brothers Scott and Joel Owen of PawnShop Kings. Also taking the stage is Laguna Beach-based 133, comprised of musicians Steve and Beth Wood, Jason Feddy and Nick Hernandez, among others.

The benefit will feature comedian and emcee Rita Rudner.

Music and helping his hometown O.C. are two major parts of his life, said Colin, a graduate of Newport Harbor High who attributes his success to supportive school friends like Jon Elliott, the schools former student body president.

I dont want to live forever. I want to make something that does, something that outlasts me and I felt like I was supposed to do that with this band, Colin said.

The events proceeds  which will contribute to the radio stations operating budget that highlights under-recognized bands, nonprofits and community interests  is about supporting local radio because it gives every musician a chance, said Frazier, who was the drummer and principal songwriter for Sugar Ray, which formed in Newport Beach.

We all look at each other and think this is the coolest thing ever, Frazier said of performing with Painbirds Collective. Its very fun to think about the future together because this is a new energy and its something special.

The music business has changed over the years, Frazier noted, and joining this new group is about pulling from each others artistry and making original music together. They plan on creating singles together for film and television projects.

Beissel agreed.

The great thing is with this circle of amazing musicians, we can do these gigs together, Beissel said. Now Orange County has this collective group that has a new sound.

Fridays event will include hits like Fly, Every Morning and Drops of Jupiter performed by the original songwriters alongside covers and new material from Painbirds latest album, Far Away Ships.

Its a group name, Colin said, that is about a bird breed that stands for friendship.

They cant migrate without each other, Colin said. Its about being buddies and that you cant navigate alone.

KXClusive starts at 5 p.m. Friday at Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 Coast Hwy.

Tickets are $200 to $375. For more information, visit kx935.com or painbirds.com.

--

Kathleen Luppi, kathleen.luppi@latimes.com

Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
Its not often that you go into one of those build-your-own-whatever places and the staff working the assembly line of trays for your bowl/burrito/pizza/whatever calls a part of your order back to the chef, apologizing that it will be a moment while they prepare a fresh portion of something just for you.

And yet, every time Ive been to Cross Roast  a new concept in Anaheim that aims to be the Chipotle of Cantonese barbecue  that is exactly what happens. Whether its for a side of brown rice, a bowl of tonkotsu ramen broth or a still-crackling batch of bone-in roasted duck, the extra minute or two of waiting at Cross Roast is always worth it.

Pre-cooked Chipotle nastiness this is not.

Though rooted in the same customization model as Chipotle, Cross Roast is a different kind of eatery, one that has kept me coming back at least once a week since I discovered it by chance right after its late July opening.

Maybe I return because the barbecued meats are Hong-Kong-street-food level good, with two kinds of skin-on roasted duck, two variations on roasted pork belly and a sweet char siu pork that couldve come straight out of a shop with marinated whole animals hanging in the window instead of a modern-looking fast-casual restaurant in a sleepy stretch of Magnolia Boulevard.

Or maybe I frequent Cross Roast because the half-dozen bases on which you can place its Cantonese-style meat are all kinds of multicultural. Theres something exciting about having shredded duck atop ginger-infused rice on one visit, then getting it on a French roll (essentially making it into a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich) the next. The fact that you can also get your roasted pork belly on corn or flour tortillas (three tacos per order, feel free to mix and match meats), on top of chips for nachos, in a bowl of porky Japanese ramen or on a bed of mixed greens means youll rarely have the same meal twice.

My draw to Cross Roast could also be owed to the effortlessly friendly staff, which every time Ive stopped by has handled my curiosity and indecisiveness with the utmost professionalism. They seem accustomed by now to guiding customers through the tangle of unfamiliar options, helping people choose which of their rich meats go best with which bases, which of the offerings from the toppings bar one should get and which of their six different sauces will do the job of tying it all together.

On a recent visit, I took the workers recommendation and topped a bowl of ramen with salt-and-pepper pork belly, as well as some usual suspects like green onions, seaweed, sesame seeds and traditional Japanese pickled bamboo. Another day, on the suggestion of the woman helping me, I got three hearty tacos, each loaded up with a different meat and topped with jalepenos, pickled slivers of carrots and daikon radish, a sweet corn relish and a chipotle cole slaw. I also seized the opportunity to test out three different sauces: the hoisin barbecue, the chili-de-arbol-like chili oil and the house Whatchamacall Sauce, made from fermented soybeans and mayo; each serves its own flavor purpose, from sweet to spicy to tangy.

The build-your-own rice bowls even tend to come out looking like ovular Chipotle masterpieces, except instead of piling everything on top of each other like a seven-layer dip, Cross Roast gently places your cabbage and slaw and pickled things in a circle around your meat (try the duck with the smoky plum sauce!), reminding you of what is really at the centerpiece of this young brand.

According to a recent interview with OC Weekly, Cross Roasts owner and chef James Leung grew up in Alhambra at a time when Chinese immigrants were first starting to arrive to the area. His family owned a popular dim sum restaurant called Casa de Oriente, and also served Cantonese-style dishes, including barbecued meats.

When it comes to Cantonese barbecue, the animals are usually cured whole or, for char siu, lacquered up with a mixture of honey, fermented bean paste, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce and spice powder before being either grilled, or for duck, chicken and other kinds of pork, slow roasted for hours in an industrial oven. The result is a crisp, golden brown skin that covers a bundle of moist, tender protein within.

Because of this labor-intensive process, its really hard to make good Cantonese-style barbecue at home, which explains why its become a staple at many fast-food and sit down Chinese restaurants, where it is most commonly served sliced atop a simple serving of rice (possibly with a side of steamed vegetable). It also explains why Leungs Cross Roast just might become the next big build-your-own-whatever chain, taking Cantonese barbecue mainstream.

By expanding on the simple, traditional serving style, but keeping his expertly prepared meats at the focus of each dish that goes out, Cross Roast lets you fill the rest of the plate up with flavors from Vietnam, Mexico, Japan and the U.S. to make something that is both new and familiar to anyone who walks in.

Though born in Orange County, Leung has said he wants to expand the concept soon. Staff have said on multiple visits that plans for a second location are already in the works, but no ones quite sure where it will be yet. Even for that, Im willing to wait.

SARAH BENNETT is a freelance journalist covering food, drink, music, culture and more. She is the former food editor at L.A. Weekly and a founding editor of Beer Paper L.A. Follow her on Twitter @thesarahbennett.
The Virgin of Guadalupe, for centuries one of the worlds most iconic religious images, is coming to Orange County in a new exhibition at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana that explores her religious, cultural and political influence during Mexicos colonial period, between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The exhibition, Virgin of Guadalupe: Images in Colonial Mexico, which opens Oct.8, includes more than 60 pieces  paintings, sculptures, silverwork, garments and processional banners  on loan from 14 Mexican churches, historic sites and private collections, plus the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.

The Virgin of Guadalupe is one of the most recognizable religious symbols, said Victoria Gerard, curator of collections and special exhibitions at the Bowers Museum. But this exhibition is really focused on Guadalupes significance in a growing nation, a colonial nation. Most people dont understand her historical usage in that way because we all assume shes just a religious figure.

According to religious history, the Virgin of Guadalupe  another name for the Virgin Mary  appeared to an indigenous man, Juan Diego, outside of Mexico City in 1531. Her image was then imprinted on his cloak, or tilma, in what believers say is a divine, not man-made painting.

The image, which was later enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, became an important object of religious devotion.

It was like a certification of the holiness or special divine consideration that the Virgin Mary selected Mexico to give the precious gift of her presence through her image, said Mayela Flores Enriquez, part of the exhibitions curatorial team in Mexico City and also an art historian at the Franz Mayer Museum.

The Virgin of Guadalupe later played an important role in spreading Catholicism across Latin America.

Prior to the apparition, missionaries had somewhat of a difficult time spreading the Christian message, said Msgr. Arthur Holquin, vicar for divine worship for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. And miraculously after that, hundreds of thousands converted to the faith.

One of the reasons for this, Holquin explained, is that the Virgin of Guadalupe created what scholars call an acculturation of Christianity into native culture.

The image does not present Mary as a Western or Middle Eastern person, but rather, she is an image of an indigenous Indian, he said. She spoke the native language that Juan Diego spoke, and the symbols surrounding the image are those that are readily known to the indigenous people.

Today, the Basilica hosts millions of pilgrims each year who come to visit the image, particularly on Dec.12, Our Lady of Guadalupes Feast Day, making the church the most-visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world.

The Virgin of Guadalupe also plays an important religious role in Orange County. According to Holquin, the 18th century priests who built the countys first Catholic church in San Juan Capistrano brought with them devotion to the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

That image had a prominent place in every single mission church, he said. So for the descendants of those early Christians, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was particularly significant.

So in 1976, when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange was established, the Virgin of Guadalupe was named the patroness of the diocese.

Today, the Virgin of Guadalupe continues to inspire many of the 1.2million Catholics living in Orange County, said Holquin, also pastor emeritus of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, particularly on her feast day.

When I was a pastor and had a mission in San Juan Capistrano, our Mass would be at 5 in the morning, and there would be 2,000 people, he said, maybe 1,500 in the church and another 500 outside. It was incredibly inspiring.

But as Gerard pointed out, the Virgin of Guadalupes image is not just a religious one, but a prominent cultural and political symbol in Mexican history.

What we can see in the art is that earlier on, she is, of course, used with more overt religious symbols, she said. But as you move closer to independence [in 1821], she also starts to be associated with different imageries of native people and symbols like the prickly pear cactus with an eagle on top of it, which was a symbol for a new Mexican republic.

Gerards favorite piece in the exhibition is Hail Queen of Latin America, a 1930 painting by Gonzalo Carrasco that depicts the Virgin of Guadalupe surrounded by 22 maidens holding flags to represent each of the post-colonial American republics that had adopted her image as Empress of the Americas.

It shows how Guadalupe became not only a political symbol, but also a very meaningful symbol for people in the entire region, not just in Mexico, she said.

Other notable pieces in the exhibition include the 1776 painting, Virgin of Guadalupe Touched by the Wonderful Original, which was touched by Juan Diegos tilma.

Its thought to possess some of the very sacred qualities that the image on the tilma has, Gerard said.

Another is the 1743, two-sided painting by Jose de Ibarra, Virgin of Guadalupe of the Pledge or of the Patronage, that depicts the Virgin and Juan Diego and also safeguards a piece of the tilma. This reliquary was created to celebrate the naming of the Virgin as the patron of the territory of New Spain.

But as Flores Enriquez stressed, the exhibition is for everybody  not just the faithful.

We hope that people can see that even though this is a religious object, it has so many aspects that require a non-religious view, Flores Enriquez said. It is an image that because of its history, its power and so many social concerns that are happening nowadays, it can make the public reflect about all these different matters  even if they arent Catholic or Mexican.

*

IF YOU GO

What: Virgin of Guadalupe: Images in Colonial Mexico

Where: Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana

When: Oct. 8 to Jan. 29; museum open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $25 for adults; $22 for students and seniors; free on Sundays to Santa Ana residents

Information: (714) 567-3600

caitlin.kandil@latimes.com
A 22-year-old Stockton man received a three-year sentence in state prison this week for pimping a woman in a Costa Mesa hotel.

Raymello Edward Brown pleaded guilty in Orange County Superior Court Tuesday to one felony count of pimping with a sentencing enhancement for being armed with a gun.

Three other felony charges related to pandering, being in possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as a sentencing enhancement for being armed with a gun in commission of a felony, were dismissed, according to court records.

Prosecutors allege that Brown traveled with an unidentified woman from Stockton to Costa Mesa so the woman could engage in prostitution.

He also posted sexually explicit advertisements of the woman on websites known for soliciting commercial sex, according to a news release from the Orange County district attorneys office.

On July 5, undercover officers with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force  a partnership of several Orange County police agencies, the FBI, the district attorneys office and nonprofits  arranged to meet with the woman at a hotel on Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa.

Brown was in a neighboring hotel room and attempted to contact the woman while she talked with authorities.

When officers arrested Brown at the hotel, he was in possession of more than $3,000 in cash, a loaded firearm and ammunition, according to the news release.

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Hannah Fry, hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
After a decade of financial trouble, on Nov.8 Fountain Valley voters will decide to support or deny a proposed 1% sales tax increase to boost city coffers.

After months of research by city Finance Director David Cain, many city officials have backed the measure, determining that the tax increase was determined to be the most feasible solution to the citys increasing deficit. The proposal comes after years of cuts at City Hall, particularly due to so-called state takeaways, as other costs simultaneously increase.

In 2002, the city decreased the number of its workforce from 257 to 221. City employees have also been required to contribute to their retirement funds.

Passing the citys latest 2016-17 budget, which included significant cuts, required city officials to take $1.7million from the citys general fund reserve to balance.

Advocates of Measure HH include Mayor Cheryl Brothers, Councilman Steve Nagel and businessman Matt Taylor, chairman of the Yes on HH Group. They say significant cuts have already been done and the city now needs to look for ways to create money.

Others, including council candidates Patrick Tucker and Kim Constantine, are calling the measure excessive and urge the city to stop its wasteful spending.

Measure HH

Title: City of Fountain Valley, Fountain Valley 911 Response Police - Fire/Essential City Services Measure

The measure would institute a new 1% sales tax, effective April1, 2017, for 20 years thats estimated to provide an extra $11.5million annually. The money will be used to maintain public safety, after-school programs, senior services, pension obligations, stormwater systems and other general city services. A citizens advisory committee would be established to review expenditures from the measures tax proceeds and provide semi-annual reports to the public and City Council.

Ballot argument for: Advocates say the revenue boost is needed because Sacramento has taken about $100million of Fountain Valleys money over the years, leading to reductions in city services. Fountain Valley public safety personnel  namely firefighters and police officers  need proper funding to keep fire stations open, increase neighborhood patrols and quickly respond to emergencies.

[Argument written by Fountain Valley residents Jynene Johnson, Ed Sussman, Susan Saurastri, Ed Arnold, Vince Bui.]

Ballot argument against: Critics say the tax increase is excessive, and that City Hall should stop its so-called wasteful spending. Orange County sales tax is already at 8%. Adding another percentage would make it a gigantic 9%. Those who stand to lose from the high tax burden are businesses, residents, those on a fixed income and big-ticket manufacturers.

[Argument written by David Pruyne, Rochelle Giuseffi, Gloria Pruyne, Raymond Silva.]
Chinese PresidentXi Jinping(C, rear) attends a symposium to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Liu Huaqing, former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for more efforts to promote the glorious tradition of revolutionary generation and learn from Liu Huaqing, the former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and CMC chairman, made the remarks at a symposium held in Beijing to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Liu, who died on Jan. 14, 2011 at age 95.

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also attended the symposium.

Xi spoke highly of Liu Huaqing's contribution to socialism with Chinese characteristics, saying Liu, as a member of the Party's third-generation central leadership, had been involved in major Party, state and military decisions.

Liu is an excellent representative of CPC members who have fought for the country's revolution, construction and reform drive, Xi said.

"His revolutionary spirit and strong morals are worth remembering," he added.

The president called on all Chinese to carry forward tradition, be true to the Party's mission, and uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.

"This is the best way to remember the revolutionary generation," Xi said.

Liu was a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

He joined the CPC in 1935 and was raised to major general in 1955 and general in 1988.

Xi urged Party members to follow and practise communist ideology, despite the changes of the times and conditions.

"We must strengthen the consciousness of the ideology and spare no effort to accomplish missions designated by the Party," Xi said.

Xi stressed that reform is the key to China's future. "We must resolutely advance reform, dare to tackle chronic problems, address vested interests and remove up the bondage of outdated thoughts," Xi noted.

"We must clean up obstacles hindering development and combat capacity, to satisfy the Party and the people," according to Xi.

Xi went on to say that the task to build China into a moderately prosperous nation and to register major progresses in national defense and military development by 2020 is arduous, and that it needs down-to-earth and industrious work in all sectors.

The president stressed that development of the military and combat preparedness would guarantee the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Noting that honesty and pragmatism are important characteristics of Party members, Xi called on CPC members to seek truth from practice and enrich Marxism with evolving practices. He urged Party members to face conflict head on.

Xi said that integrity is needed to ensure a clean political environment, and only by exercising self-discipline and staying away from corruption can officials have a good public image. "We must remember that power is bestowed upon us by the CPC and the people, and must be used to serve the people."

He asked officials to hold on to the correct values, lead by example and bring officials and the masses closer.

Officials from central agencies, the military, the police, Hubei province, and relatives, friends and co-workers of Liu, among others, attended the symposium.
A movement to place utility lines underground in Newport Heights, which has sparked tensions among neighbors for more than a year, has been extinguished.

Poles strung with electric, phone and cable lines have peppered the Newport Beach neighborhood for decades, bothering some homeowners who consider them unsightly and unsafe. Many longtime residents, however, said they were distressed by the price tag for what they believed to be an unnecessary project.

Had the underground effort been successful, each homeowner in District 114  bordered by Tustin and Irvine avenues, 15th Street and Cliff Drive  and District 114b  bounded by Riverside and Tustin avenues, 15th Street and Cliff Drive  would have been expected to pay $6,987 to $26,757, depending on the size of the property. The money would have been payable in installments.

Homeowners also would have been responsible for the variable costs of $1,000 to $4,000 to hook up each homes underground power lines to Southern California Edison.

For months, residents had been collecting petition signatures in an attempt to establish an assessment district to pay to place the lines out of sight. The move is the first step in what is often a years-long effort.

After months of back and forth between neighbors, the City Council in May gave homeowners a green light to move the district formation to a formal vote. A simple majority of homeowners would need to vote in favor for the project to move it forward.

Some council members said in May that they hoped a formal vote would put an end to the neighborhood tensions.

City staff collected and tallied 293 ballots Tuesday night, with 61.4% of homeowners in District 114 voting against forming an assessment district.

In District 114b, 50.3% voted in favor of undergrounding  the necessary threshold to move forward. However, city rules dictate that both districts, which contain about 300 properties, must have a majority approval for the process to continue.

Resident Simone Wilson opposed the effort to place the lines underground, in large part, because of the costs.

I just dont have spare money to spend on this, she said. I can respect peoples opinion who want this, but there are plenty of people who just cant afford it. Morally, its not OK to force them.

Proponents of placing the lines underground had argued that with a $4-million city sewer rehabilitation and alley reconstruction project upcoming in Newport Heights, homeowners should move forward with the undergrounding now to save money in the future.

Placing the utility lines underground at the same time while other improvements were underway would likely have saved homeowners money because they wouldnt have to tear up the alleys again and repave them for the undergrounding project, proponents and city staff have said.

Proponents have argued that placing the lines underground would eliminate the potential hazard of downed power lines and could improve property values.

Resident David Fults said while hes disappointed in the results of the vote, he thought the process was fair.

The opponents were hard to fight on this one, he said. We should have done a better job.

This isnt the first time undergrounding has been pursued in Newport Heights.

In June 2015, proponents in District 118  bounded by 15th Street, Tustin Avenue, Cliff Drive and Old Newport Boulevard  suspended their signature-collecting effort after a year for lack of support.

Proponents in District 114 also were collecting signatures at the time and continued after District 118 stopped.

District 114b was created as a smaller spinoff of District 118 to continue signature collection from 50 homes. The creation of another district was surprising to some residents who thought the issue was moot.

Homeowners in District 114 are barred from moving forward with another undergrounding effort for a year. However, because a majority of homeowners in District 114b voted in favor of placing the lines underground, they can begin collecting signatures again immediately if they choose.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
Recently, the movie Snowden came out in theaters, and I must say the topic hits pretty close to home, considering what I experienced in November with my personal digital footprint being hacked.

I filed police reports, and to protect myself from further privacy invasions, I deleted my social media profile. Is that an extreme? I didnt think so, given what occurred.

I recommend every citizen watch the movie and afterward please give some thought to where we are headed as a society. I agree with Snowdens motivation that our rights are important to stand up for and protect.

Over the last several years I have been attending City Council meetings, and I can confidently state that Im quite concerned with our current council majority. I am asking my neighbors to pay close attention.

In past council meetings, you may have seen me discussing good governance, transparency, rule of law, accountability, equality and inclusivity, effectiveness and efficiency, participation, consensus and responsiveness.

To lay a solid foundation for good governance begins with dissecting the truth.

Additionally, I encourage my neighbors to vote yes on measure Y and yes on AA and to vote for Councilwoman Sandra Genis for reelection and candidates Jay Humphrey and John Stephens for City Council in 2016.

I believe a change in the council majority is what is needed for good governance to return to Costa Mesa.

Laurene Keane

Costa Mesa

Great Park overruns

Yes, lets go ahead and compare New Yorks Central Park with our Great Park. They didnt have the benefit of wasting 200 million bucks.

Gary Simpson

Laguna Woods

That L.L. Bean look

So where do urban movers and shakers go on the weekend?

Someplace down home. Someplace human-sized. Someplace casual, natural and handmade. Someplace that is the opposite of the glitzy downtown where they work 12 hours a day. Elegant simplicity.

Thus is born weekend chic. You see it all over the country. Outside New York, its the Hamptons. Outside Boston its Kennebunkport, Maine, or Nantucket, Mass. Outside San Francisco, its Mill Valley, Bolinas and Carmel  beautiful, walkable, classic villages that seem lost in time, and thus are perfect places to relax, recreate and reconnect with your inner-hero.

Charming, wooden, painted, stucco, with flowers and trees and sidewalks in a homey old, small-town style that just makes you want to curl up in a bay window with a glass of wine and a copy of Walden Pond and watch the world go by.

But this charming, small-town, natural, architecturally sophisticated look doesnt seem to happen by itself. Carmel and Nantucket have design regulations that help maintain that classic, casual weekend chic look that everyone loves.

Newport Beach loves charm and good taste in cars and clothes. Is it time to develop a Newport look in architecture, an upscale beach chic? Something natural yet elegant and classic, sunny and free. Perfect for the O.C. weekend. Or any day.

Steve Davidson

Newport Beach
Brother Jean Martel Baptiste was my Mr. Keating, the iconic English teacher from the movie, Dead Poets Society. Brother Jean used literature to temper the souls of the boys from the inner city. Although he was rarely successful, the few who followed his paradigm will always remember him.

In 69, I went to war, and so did Brother Jean, but only in spirit. Throughout my tour, I felt his presence in the books hed send. They were typically classics; Brother said the classics were timeless.

My Marines anticipated his packages, but there were hardly enough books to go around. After reading a number of pages from the likes of Catcher in the Rye, Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird, they would tear out the pages they had read and then pass them to a Marine who eagerly awaited his turn. Within days thered be parts of books moving throughout the platoons.

Recently, I read When Books Went to War, by Molly Manning. Its a story of the Nazi book burnings during World War II when more than 100 million books were banned and burned. In America, outraged librarians spearheaded campaigns to collect and send more than 120 million books to soldiers fighting in Europe and the Pacific. Stamped Armed Service Editions, these volumes brought solace amid the unimaginable horrors of war. Manning cites accounts of soldiers whose lives were changed because of books like The Great Gatsby and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

I gave Mannings book to Meryl Eldridge, the research librarian at Flintridge Prep. Meryl explained that Sept. 25 through Oct. 1 is Banned Books Week, which brings together the entire book community of librarians, booksellers, publishers, writers, teachers and readers to celebrate expression. During Banned Books Week, Flintridge Prep celebrates our freedom to read and to seek and express ideas even though some are considered unorthodox or unpopular, she said.

Through the leadership of Ryan Huntley, the student chair of Banned Books Week, Flintridge Prep will proudly display the volumes that have been banned and challenged in certain communities throughout the United States. There should be no restrictions on what I can read. Ideas should not be censured. In our library, we are displaying these books, Ryan said.

Im incensed by those who would impose their values on others and promote their righteous and narrow views in attempts to curtail our right for freedom of expression. Their attempts at censorship have nothing to do with the clear-and-present danger doctrine of the Supreme Court.

Jennifer Tirrell, Preps head librarian, said, Fear and not understanding make one feel uncomfortable. Its the root of censorship. Conquerors always burn the library. Taking away a cultures heritage is the ultimate source of power. Ones heritage evolves from reading.

Ray Bradburys Fahrenheit 451 is a story of dystopian America where books are outlawed and burned. The novel speaks to suppressing dissenting ideas. However, regardless of censorship, an idea is eternal and theres a time for every season when a story finds new life. In Fahrenheit 451 the exiled book lovers memorize the burnt books and wait for the day when society is ready to rediscover them.

Its been 46 years but I still remember Brother Jeans gift to the Marines. Its ironic that many of the books he sent were at one time banned or challenged. Brother believed in preserving ideas; thus, I wonder if he had an ulterior motive for sending the books. Flintridge Preps gift to their students during Banned Books Week is somewhat similar to Brother Jeans. Its symbolic and venerates the sanctity of ideas. Ill end these thoughts with a heartfelt thought from Ms. Tirrell: A book is sacred. Im a story person. I imagine things.

--

JOE PUGLIA is a practicing counselor, a retired professor of education and a former officer in the Marines. Reach him at doctorjoe@ymail.com. Visit his website at doctorjoe.us.
Id never taken a tour on which the guide addressed the group as my tribe, but it felt perfectly natural aboard the Magic Bus, which calls itself a trip into San Franciscos 1960s-era hippie counterculture. My friend Adam (a politically conservative MBA with an unlikely interest in hippie counterculture) drove in from the burbs, and together we took the two-hour tour before exploring San Franciscos Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the movements rainbow-colored, tie-dyed epicenter. The tab: Magic Bus tour, $61 per person; brunch for two at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery, $62.

The bed

We thought wed made a seriously wrong turn when we entered to check out the Red Victorian (1665 Haight St.; [415] 864-1014. Hostel beds from $63, private rooms from $143) and walked in on a figure drawing class with nude models. But all was in order: The Red Vic, in the Haight since 1904, does quadruple duty as a B&B, hostel, commune and gathering place. Upstairs, it was easy to imagine bygone hippies in its wainscoted hallways and eclectically decorated private and shared rooms, most without private bath. Overnight guests (in artist-decorated rooms with names such as Redwood Forest) might sleep next door to permanent residents who organize house dinners, gallery openings and those art classes.

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The meal

Our tour guide pointed out a 60s-era pharmacy and lunch counter, which hippies had nicknamed the drogstore. Its now Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery (1398 Haight St.; [415] 864-7468), where Adam and I shared a dynamite post-tour brunch: a smoked pastrami sandwich with French onion soup for dipping, the Hangtown Fry (fried oysters alongside eggs scrambled with bacon, spinach and caramelized onion, topped with arugula) and house-brewed beers. The counter and much of the original woodwork have been handsomely preserved, and Adam noted that Jimi Hendrix might well have visited the same restroom.

The find

About the only conventional thing about the Magic Bus Tour ([855] 969-6244) is the boarding area amid the mainstream bus tours on Union Square. The bus, run by the local Antenna Theater Co., is painted flower-power style, and our guide, Serene Rain, was dressed in heart-shaped sunglasses and flowing hippie garb. Serene, who lovingly called us my tribe, passed out yellow marigolds (for our hair, naturally) and encouraged us to sing along to recordings of Joplin, Santana and the Lovin Spoonful. As she gave us the lowdown on Chinatown, the Financial District, Market Street, the Haight and Golden Gate Park in the 60s, she urged us to open the bus windows, wave, smile and flash peace signs at passersby. A unique feature: Blackout screens roll down over the windows and display clips of events and venues, then lift for the big reveal when you reach the sites.

The lesson learned

As the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love approaches next year, San Francisco is both looking back and considering its present, when gentrification is a constant topic. Amid the Haights paradoxical mix of head shops and hipster fashions, vintage clothing stores and Whole Foods, it was encouraging to find one-of-a-kinds such as Bound Together (1369 Haight St.; [415] 431-8355,), an anarchist collective bookstore selling the Heretics Guide to the Bible and other such titles; Loved to Death (1681 Haight St.; [415] 551-1036), purveyors of the macabre: taxidermy, rat paw earrings and rings made from human teeth; and the tie-dye clothing of Jammin on Haight (1400 Haight St.; [415] 817-1027). But perhaps no shop better embodies modern San Franciscos dual personality than Ben & Jerrys, effortlessly blending counterculture and corporate culture at the very corner of Haight and Ashbury.

travel@latimes.com
The Indian military said Thursday that it had carried out strikes against bases inside Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

The operation came in response to the Sept. 18 raid on an army base in the disputed Kashmir territory that killed 18 Indian soldiers, which India blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh, director of military operations, said the surgical strikes were carried out overnight against bases along the Line of Control, the boundary separating Indian- and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

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Singh said the Indian army received information that bases would be used by militants to stage attacks inside India.

The operations were focused on ensuring that terrorists do not succeed in their design to cause destruction and endanger the lives of our citizens, Singh said.

Pakistan said two of its soldiers were killed in unprovoked and naked aggression by India, but denied that the attacks were surgical strikes. Instead, it characterized them as routine arms fire that each nation accuses the other of carrying out across the heavily militarized border.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir, the Himalayan territory that both countries claim in its entirety.

Since the Sept. 18 raid on an army brigade headquarters, the deadliest attack against the Indian military in more than a decade, tensions between India and Pakistan have risen sharply. Pakistan denied involvement in the raid, while India and its allies withdrew from a regional summit planned for Islamabad in November, forcing the summit to be canceled.

Indian news media reported that villages along the Pakistani border in Jammu and Kashmir and the neighboring state of Punjab were evacuated as a precaution in case of retaliatory action from Pakistan.

India has carried out such cross-border attacks before but usually in secret. Thursdays announcement seemed designed to placate calls within India for a military response, and came as international opinion appeared to line up against Pakistan.

On Wednesday, the White House released a statement calling on Pakistan to take effective action to combat and delegitimize United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities. Those groups include Jaish-e-Muhammad, a Pakistan-based Islamist group that India blames for numerous attacks.

shashank.bengali@latimes.com

Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia

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They gather shortly after daybreak outside a minimarket, the tropical heat thickening, the dawn haze in lethargic retreat. They hug and catch up, purchase water and snacks for the upcoming ordeal. New volunteers are welcomed.

Youre not alone, Lucia Diaz, a leader of the group, assures a young woman on her inaugural outing. We are all sharing in this together.

They lug basics: shovels, machetes, hammers, a metal rod to test the earth, a portable canopy to block the broiling sun. Diaz and about 15 others head off in several pickups, passing a police guard and arriving at a mosquito-infested field where everyone sprays on repellent and dons masks and gloves for the grisly task ahead.

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Their objective: human remains, long buried, now emerging from the earth, providing clues to unspeakable fates.

Searchers on the northern fringes of Veracruz say they have uncovered at least 80 clandestine graves in the last eight weeks.

The men and women combing this inhospitable stretch are part of an extraordinary, nationwide movement  grieving relatives and friends who took up shovels and picks after exasperating rounds of visits to police stations, hospitals, shelters and morgues. They complain that police, often implicated in illegal abductions  sometimes in cahoots with criminal gangs  have mostly taken reports and done little more.

Mexicos decade-long, military-led crackdown on drug cartels has swelled the multitudes of desaparecidos  the disappeared who vanish without a trace. Their ranks include many with no known link to criminal gangs  kidnapped for ransom, robbery or revenge, or caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Led by a tip, brigades of volunteers with their rudimentary tools have combed the field adjacent to a residential district called Colinas de Santa Fe on an almost daily basis since Aug. 2.

Martha Gonzalez, 58, searches inside a suspected grave in Veracruz, Mexico. Her son, a municipal policeman, disappeared in 2013. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times )

If these arent our loved ones buried here, they are someone elses sons and daughters. Its like they are crying from the ground to be found.  Martha Gonzalez, mother of missing policeman

If these arent our loved ones buried here, they are someone elses sons and daughters, says Martha Gonzalez, who joined Diaz and other volunteer searchers this morning. She is determined to learn what happened to her son, Luis Alberto Valenzuela Gonzalez, a police officer who disappeared three years ago. Its like they are crying out from the ground to be found.

Killers routinely remove all traces of ID on their victims, and authorities have yet to link any of the missing to the bone fragments, skulls, teeth, hair and clothing unearthed here, often concealed in black plastic trash bags.

We know that in one grave we found 15 black bags, says volunteer Rufino Bustamante Rosique, whose son is among the missing. In another grave we found 15 skulls.

Mexico is one big cemetery, is the oft-repeated lament on social media missing persons forums.

Catalyzing the search movement was the disappearance on Sept. 26, 2014, of 43 students from the town of Ayotzinapa, in Guerrero state. The push by relatives to uncover the fate of the students  presumed slain in a case implicating local officials and police  inspired the improbable wave of widows, parents, siblings and friends of the disappeared assuming the role of amateur forensic anthropologists.

For years, many of us felt isolated, like we were the only ones going through this, recalls Diaz, who has been consumed by the search for her son, Luis Guillermo Lagunes Diaz, a popular disc jockey and events promoter in Veracruz who was last seen June 28, 2013. We have since found out there are hundreds, thousands of others going through the same emotions, the same pain. Now, we can share it.

Lagunes was 29 when he vanished, apparently abducted from his home by an armed gang.

A photo of Lagunes, smiling in black glasses, adorns a beach-side billboard asking, Have you seen him? The billboard, part of a nationwide initiative by the Mexican attorney generals office, offers a modest reward for information on Lagunes or others illegally deprived of their liberty.

Diaz helped found El Solecito Collective, the group making the grim discoveries in Colinas de Santa Fe. The collective grew from a WhatsApp chat group and has more than 50 members, mostly mothers and wives of the disappeared.

The collective has badgered state and federal authorities for help. They will not stop me! Diaz declared during a Mothers Day rally in May. Addressing her absent son, she said, God gave me the joy to have you. He will surely grant me the joy of finding you.

During the rally, young men distributed what appeared to be advertising fliers and quickly left. The women paid scant attention at first, but the papers turned out to be hand-drawn maps of the field in Colinas de Santa Fe, marked with crosses. The activists suspect that criminal elements turned over the blueprint in an act of compassion for the relatives of the disappeared.

Last year, authorities responding to a tip from an inmate had found scattered human remains in the field, but the case apparently was never pursued. The collective pressured authorities and finally received permission to enter the site in August. Forensic anthropologists provided training sessions on what to look for and how to proceed.

Providing experience on-site has been Guadalupe Contreras, whose fame has spread under the moniker El Ultimo Buscador  the final searcher.

His son, Antonio Ivan Contreras, an auto mechanic, disappeared four years ago, apparently while working in his shop in Guerrero. Contreras, 58, suspects he may have been killed for his new motorcycle, which, like his son, was never found. The stress of the sons disappearance contributed to the premature death of his wife, Contreras says.

The government always says nothing is there, says Contreras, referring to official incredulity of the reports of clandestine graves. But we have provided the proof.

Following the notorious Ayotzinapa case, Contreras joined the search movement and became expert at using a metal rod to probe the earth for possible remains. He focuses on subtle clues: signs of digging, trash, discarded clothing. He has been credited with finding dozens of graves in Guerrero.

Sometimes, after shoving his metal rod deep into the ground, he pulls it up and holds the tip to his nose, sniffing for the scent of decomposition.

He brought his singular expertise to Veracruz and this morning the activists begin digging in several spots. The volunteers take turns churning the earth, most using the shovel, though Gonzalez, her head wrapped in a camouflage-print bandanna, gets on her knees and piles handfuls of dirt onto shovel, which a volunteer lifts out of the hole.

Her son and seven other municipal policemen went missing on Jan. 11, 2013, from the nearby town of Ursulo Galvan. He was 24. Relatives suspect state police acting in tandem with traffickers.

Bustamante lost a son too. Cristo Bustamante, a beach-side trinket vendor, was 26 when he was detained by armed men two years ago on a busy Veracruz street.

The pain of seeking a disappeared son is very great, says Bustamante. Desperation has us looking for them in clandestine graves. But we proceed not knowing what we are going to find.

Rufino Bustamante Rosique moments after handing what appears to be a human bone to fellow volunteers looking for secret graves in Veracruz, Mexico. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times )

The burly Bustamante, a refrigerator repairman, carefully shovels the sandy earth to precise measurements. The searchers dig down to about 7 feet, and at the moment just his shoulders and head appear above ground level. His white Super Bowl XXXVIII sweatshirt quickly becomes spattered with mud and grime.

We are not trying to bring anyone to justice for what happened  that is the purview of the authorities and the judicial system, says Bustamante. We just want to find our sons and daughters.

Though their aims are finely focused, the searchers efforts have inevitably cast a harsh light on the pervasive culture of lawlessness that has long bedeviled Mexicos criminal justice system.

In one of the most publicized cases in Veracruz state, two top state police commanders, along with other police officials, were arrested in January and accused of complicity in the forced disappearance of five youths who were waylaid in the town of Tierra Blanca while returning by car from a birthday celebration in Veracruz city. Authorities suspect police handed the five over to members of a drug cartel.

In the last decade, spiraling violence has battered this tourist mecca that had long been among Mexicos safest and most carefree zones. Competing gangs, including the ultra-violent Zetas, square off for control of a strategic hub for drugs and migrants headed north to the United States.

Veracruz state officials put the number gone missing in the last decade at about 1,000  mostly boys and men between the ages of 17 and 29  though many say the figure is much higher, especially because some fearful relatives dont report cases. Nationwide, Mexican officials acknowledge about 28,000 disappeared, with some cases dating to the 1970s, though activists say that number also is probably an underestimate.

Bustamante continues digging and is breathing hard when he hauls up a black plastic bag. Later, something pokes through the dirt  teeth. Further digging reveals the jaw.

Gonzalez, now wearing a blue surgical mask, kneels by the hole, and Bustamante hands her what appears to be a long bone. She sets it down gently.

Diaz quietly murmurs, May God grant them peace.

Later, the searchers tally their finds: the jaw, a skull, leg bones, four black plastic bags.

Hair, says one volunteer, logging everything in a notebook. Rosalia Castro, a dentist whose only son vanished almost five years ago, tells him, Hair that appears dyed. She adds, Red.

Rosalia Castro, 61, whose son disappeared in 2011, is overcome with emotion while helping to excavate a clandestine grave. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times )

Authorities here have not commented publicly on the dig, beyond confirming that some human remains have turned up. The volunteers do the searching, but it is the responsibility of an on-site police forensic team to analyze evidence and remove it for DNA testing.

We are finding things that authorities never wanted to look for, Castro says. We are doing their work, because we want to find our children. Like some volunteers, she wears a T-shirt with the slogan: Searching With Dignity and Respect.

Her son, Roberto Carlos Casso Castro, was a teacher and owned a sporting goods store. He was 38 when he vanished, along with his girlfriend, on Dec. 24, 2011. They had been headed to Castros house for Christmas Eve dinner and never arrived. She suspects a case of mistaken identity tied to Veracruzs toxic alliance of drug traffickers and crooked politicians may have brought about her sons misfortune.

Castro, 61, also takes a turn shoveling earth. While standing in the pit, she breaks down in tears, covering her face with a forearm as others reach out to steady her.

We are in the governments sights, but we have no fear, Castro says, recounting threats that she and others from the collective have received. Because of the disappearance of my son, I am already dead in life. What more can I fear? We have a great responsibility. Now that we have begun, we have no intention of stopping.

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

Twitter: @mcdneville

Cecilia Sanchez of The Times Mexico City bureau and special correspondent Liliana Nieto del Rio in Veracruz contributed to this report.

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In sad ritual, families of Mexicos missing persons line up to give DNA samples
On a recent Sunday, scores of families showed up at the Catholic Church of Nuestra Senora de la Merced in a working-class neighborhood of this vibrant port city.

They came not to attend services, but for a distinct purpose: to give blood for possible DNA matches with human remains recently unearthed in a suspected dumping ground for murder victims on the northern fringes of Veracruz. Police technicians were taking the blood samples.

All of those at the church said they were keen to identify loved ones who are among Veracruzs legions of desaparecidos, or disappeared.

I would say 80% of the families in Veracruz have a relative who is missing, or know someone who is missing, said Sergio Garcia Vasquez, a taxi driver who was among those at the church.

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Led by a tip presumably supplied by drug cartel members who felt remorse, relatives and friends of missing people have been discovering secret graves in a field adjacent to a residential district called Colinas de Santa Fe. The excavations began Aug. 2 and at least 80 graves have been unearthed.

Nationwide, thousands of people have gone missing in recent yearssome victims of the nations drug wars, some innocent bystanders who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Officials say about 1,000 people  mostly men  have disappeared in Veracruz state in the last decade, though some Mexicans say the toll is higher because some families dont report the missing for fear of retribution.

Many of the family members who came to Nuestra Senora de la Merced said they were talking publicly about their cases for the first time. The growing prominence of the nationwide search movement for Mexicos thousands of missing has prompted many families of the disappeared to come forward.

The disappearance of 43 college students in the rural town of Ayotzinapa in Guerrero state has focused public attention on the missing. On Monday, the second anniversary of the students disappearance, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Mexico City demanding to know what happened to them.

People are no longer scared, says Elizabeth Montalvo, who was helping to organize the church DNA event and is also the mother of a missing sonJulio Cesar Martinez Montalvo, who disappeared on July 24, 2015. They are coming out to denounce what has happened to their loved ones. Some hold out hope they may still be alive, though it is difficult after all these years.

Garcia came to the church in hopes of learning the fate of his niece, Nidia Eobeidy Perez Montiel.

She was 19 when armed men abducted her, a cousin and an aunt from a Veracruz neighborhood, Colonia Astillero, on Aug. 5, 2011, he said. The three havent been seen since their abduction.

Commando-style kidnap operations, often by armed men in masks, are not uncommon here.

In May four armed assailants burst into Santa Rita Catholic Church in Veracruz during a confirmation service and abducted a hospital worker in attendance, as stunned worshipers looked on. Earlier this month, the bullet-riddled bodies of two Catholic priests were found on a roadside in Veracruz state, a day after the pair were kidnapped.

According to her relatives, Perez was a hard-working teenager from the countryside who came to the city to help earn some cash for her impoverished rural family.

She was a simple country girlshe came to Veracruz to work and wanted to save some money to help buy a refrigerator for her mother, said Garcia, showing a photo of a smiling young women with curly her. Now shes gone; no one knows what happened to her.

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

twitter: @mcdneville

Contributing were special correspondent Liliana Nieto del Rio and Cecilia Sanchez of the Times Mexico City bureau.

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Mexico is one big cemetery. The search for the secret graves of the disappeared

Its been two years since 43 Mexican students disappeared, and we still dont know exactly what happened to them

Protesters say a massacre took place in this Mexican town. Now its become a rallying cry against the government
One year ago, Russian planes started dropping bombs on war-torn Syria.

The airstrikes, which began Sept. 30, 2015, propped up Syrian President Bashar Assads collapsing government, which controlled an ever-shrinking area of the country after more than four years of civil war.

Dozens of warring groups opposed to Damascus  including moderates and jihadists such as Islamic State and the Al Qaeda-allied Nusra Front  were more concerned about fighting one another while government forces kept losing ground and morale. The area held by Assads forces had been reduced to territory along Syrias west and the Mediterranean coast, with several tentacle-like strategic corridors in the central and northern parts of the country.

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Russias involvement was a surprising game-changer. It reversed the momentum in the war and helped keep Assad in power. From the Russian perspective, it also put a spotlight on perceived American weakness  and certainly put the United States in an awkward position, since it shared the Russian goal of defeating Islamic State and Al Qaeda, but strongly opposed the larger goal of saving Assad.

One year in, however, the unanswered question is how long will Russia be bogged down in Syria  and whether it will achieve, at best, a hollow victory.

President Vladimir Putin explained Russias involvement in a nationally televised address the day after the strikes began.

The best way to fight international terrorists  is to act preemptively, to fight and eliminate militants in the areas they have already occupied without waiting for them to enter our home, he told his citizens.

Moscow deployed dozens of bombers and fighter jets and up to 4,000 military personnel. Within weeks, they were conducting up to 60 strikes a day, bombing Assads opponents of all stripes  and killing hundreds of civilians, human rights groups said.

A Syrian opposition monitoring group that tracks the countrys civil war said Russian airstrikes have killed 9,364 people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the total killed included 3,804 civilians, among them 906 children. Those killed also included 2,746 members of Islamic State and 2,814 people from other rebel and militant groups, including Al Qaedas affiliate in Syria.

Washington lambasted Russia for backing Assad and bombing ostensibly moderate U.S.-allied opposition groups. Turkey accused Moscow of killing Turkmen civilians and shot down a Russian plane for violating its airspace.

Of course, were not going to plunge into the conflict.  Russian President Vladimir Putin

But Moscow adamantly insisted the strikes targeted only Islamic State and other jihadists.

Almost daily, Russias Defense Ministry released black-and-white video footage of bombings taken by cameras on reconnaissance drones  and provided detailed accounts of how many enemy soldiers, training camps, depots and vehicles each strike purportedly destroyed.

The bombing was backed by visually stunning but militarily insignificant cruise missiles launched from Russian warships in the Caspian and Mediterranean seas.

Russia also supplied a range of sophisticated weaponry to Assads ground forces  including T-90 tanks that often withstood powerful tank-destroying missiles provided by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Of course, were not going to plunge into the conflict, Putin promised, adding that Russias involvement would be limited to airstrikes and that no Russian boot would touch Syrian ground.

He also said the strikes would be limited in time  and did withdraw some of the planes and pilots by mid-March. Just weeks earlier, a partial cease-fire that Washington helped broker had significantly reduced the level of violence in the country.

By that time, the Russian campaign had strengthened Assads grip on power and helped his troops regain major strategic areas, including the ancient city of Palmyra. At least 60% of Syrians who had not fled the country resided in government-controlled areas.

August 2015 was seen as the beginning of the final countdown for Assads government, Moscow-based defense analyst Maxim Shapovalenko said in an interview. A year later, we see theres going to be no final countdown.

Most important, the saving of Moscows last ally in the Middle East marked Russias political comeback to the region  and the world stage  as a power to be reckoned with. After the Soviet Unions disastrous 10-year war in Afghanistan, which ended acrimoniously in 1989, the Syrian campaign was Moscows first major military operation outside the former U.S.S.R.

For 15 years, people in Washington were telling themselves that Russia was weak, weak, weak, and thats why they could talk to Russia using force, using fists, former lawmaker and political analyst Sergei Markov said in an interview. It took a demonstration of Russias military might to return some hawks in Washington to reality.

But what Russia is facing now is more of a stalemate than a triumph.

A cease-fire brokered by Moscow and Washington on Sept. 9 collapsed after a U.S. airstrike that targeted Islamic State but killed dozens of government troops.

The U.S. is on the verge of ending talks and suspending military cooperation with Russia after weeks of relentless bombing of Aleppo, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said Wednesday.

Washington and human rights groups had for weeks accused Moscow and Damascus of using incendiary and bunker buster bombs that killed hundreds of civilians in the besieged city and destroyed hospitals, shelters and at least one convoy with humanitarian aid.

Russias Foreign Ministry retorted by saying that the U.S. was on the verge of hysteria.

This week, the White House said it had begun considering tougher measures against Assads government and forces  including military options. If the U.S. resorts to the military options, the victories Damascus has won with Moscows help could look Pyrrhic.

It is unclear what to do next, Moscow-based analyst Sergei Strokan said in an interview. Assad has been saved, but [the current situation] is not what we counted on.

Mirovalev is a special correspondent. Special correspondent Nabih Bulos in Beirut contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

9:40 a.m.: This article was updated with Times staff reporting on the number of people killed.

9/30, 4:10 a.m.: Updated with death tolls from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

This article was originally posted Sept. 29 at 3:15 p.m.
NEW DELHI  India passed into law Monday an ambitious program to provide nearly free food to some 800 million Indians. Supporters hailed it as a long-overdue fix for the nations rampant poverty, while critics slammed it as a shameless and electoral ploy the country cant afford that will encourage more waste and corruption.

The National Food Security Bill gives two-thirds of Indias population the right to buy 12 pounds of rice, wheat, millet or other cereals each month at no more than 3 cents per pound. It also provides food free to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under 6 years old.

The government put the price tag of supplying about 62 million tons annually at $18 billion, which would make it one of the worlds largest such programs. A Ministry of Agriculture study estimated the actual cost could be at least 30% higher.

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Sonia Gandhi, president of the ruling Congress Party, pushed hard to get the bill passed as her party prepares to run in general elections early next year on a legacy of policy drift, corruption scandals and economic setbacks.

We have a chance to create history with this bill, Gandhi told the lower house of parliament late last month. The question is not whether we can do it or not. We have to do it.

After passing the lower house, the bill received final approval from the upper house on a voice vote Monday following 10 hours of debate.

India has a long history of creating noble-sounding welfare programs, only to see them suffer from mismanagement, graft and neglect. Gandhis deceased husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, once famously said he felt lucky when 15% of government funds reached their intended recipient.

Critics applaud the goal of feeding the poor  India accounts for one-third of the worlds impoverished, according to a World Bank study -- but say it will further drain already wobbly government finances during an economic downturn, undercut farmers incomes and dent the overall economy.

Whats right for elections is wrong for the economy, said Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, managing director of Biocon India Ltd., a Bangalore-based biotechnology firm. This is nothing but a populist bribe.

Indias currency hit an all-time low of 68 rupees to the U.S. dollar last week before recovering slightly. The countrys economic growth has declined for several quarters and is currently around 5%. And the fiscal deficit, at 4.8% of gross domestic product, is considered worrisome.

Leaders of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday called the bill an electoral gimmick that repackaged many existing subsidy programs into something that sounds new. For four and a half years you never thought of this? said opposition lawmaker Venakaiah Naidu. Suddenly a few months before elections you are rushing through this bill.

Having passed both houses of parliament, the bill now goes to the president for his signature, considered a formality.

But supporters of the bill said it would not hurt the economy or raise the deficit significantly. Its not a cheap bill, but its an affordable bill, said Reetika Khera, a professor of development economics at the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi, adding that similar programs have worked in well-managed Indian states. Its not quite the disaster its made out to be.

By some accounts, up to 30% of food in India is lost between the farm and the consumer due to bad roads, poor refrigeration, improper storage, corruption and rats.

Backers of the food bill argue that it will plug leaks in Indias public food distribution system through vigilance committees, punishment clauses and by other measures that empower citizens to better protect their rights. Theres a road map on getting from a broken system to fixing it, Khera added.

Despite two decades of economic expansion, India hasnt done a very good job of elevating its people out of poverty, especially relative to China. India was ranked in the 2012 Global Hunger Index as one of 15 countries with the most severe hunger, faring worse than Pakistan, Nepal, Sudan and Mali, according to the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute.

According to the Indian governments own estimates, nearly half of all Indian children under five are chronically malnourished.

You might have a food security bill, but you still have to ensure that peoples needs are met, Shaw said. Poor people would benefit a lot more, and youd spend less, if you just plugged leaks in the existing system. But I dont think anyone listens to the voice of reason.

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mark.magnier@latimes.com

Tanvi Sharma in the New Delhi bureau contributed to this report.
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada (2nd L), Qatar's energy and industry minister and the OPEC's current president, Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo (2nd R) and Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Bouterfa (1st R) attend the informal meeting of OPEC's ministers in Algiers, Algeria, Sept. 28, 2016. An informal meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries (OPEC) members kicked off here on Wednesday in a hope to reach consensus in stabilizing the sinking oil market. (Xinhua)

ALGIERS, Sept. 28 -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Wednesday reached a "historical" agreement to ceil oil output from 33.24 million barrels a day to 32.5 or 33 million barrels a day.

President of OPEC Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada told a press conference after a six-hour extraordinary meeting that the cartel's members reached the agreement to cap the oil output.

The OPEC official hailed the efforts made by Algeria, "which offered such an opportunity to gather us and decide on a crucial issue related to oil market."

Al-Sada noted that the participants agreed to set up a committee to consider the output share of each member nation, and then file a report to the next OPEC meeting due in Vienna in November.

He further indicated that the committee is also meant to coordinate a collective agreement between the cartel's members in a bid to accelerate the process of rebalancing the oil market, saying both OPEC and non-OPEC producers (in reference to Russia) have to share the burden of adjusting the output.

When asked whether the Algiers meeting outcomes would push oil prices higher, he noted that market is the only factor that controls the prices.

Earlier on Wednesday, reports suggested that Algeria has proposed the members of OPEC to cut oil outputs by 796,000 barrels a day.

The North African nation proposed Saudi Arabia, one of major oil producers, to cap its supply to around 10.3 million barrels a day. It also proposed Iran to limit its supply to 3.7 million barrels a day.

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Tuesday met with Saudi Deputy Oil Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al-Saud and Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh.

Sellal attempted to approach divergent views between Iran and Saudi Arabia to facilitate the process of the informal OPEC meeting, which is seen as an opportunity to reach an agreement to either freeze or reduce outputs.

Algeria made considerable diplomatic efforts in the last few months to persuade OPEC and non-OPEC producers to gather "informally" in Algiers to revive the slumping oil market.

Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Bouterfa said earlier this week that oil price at 50 to 60 U.S. dollars per barrel would be favorable for both consumers and producers, as it would help maintain investments and therefore assure the availability of this key energy product in the long term.
Like gas to a car, most Americans need coffee to function every morning.

Fortunately for them, several major retailers will celebrate National Coffee Day on Thursday by offering free or discounted cups of joe. Check out the deals below, some of which are exclusive to the Sept. 29 holiday.

Caribou Coffee

The Minnesota-based chain serves its Amy's Blend roast every October in memory of Amy Erickson, one of the company's original roast masters. Customers who purchases 1lb of the signature roast between Sept. 26- Oct. 2 gets a complimentary medium brewed coffee. Proceeds from the sales will go to support CancerCare.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Non-franchised stores will hand free espresso shots to customers who download their mobile app. Those who already have it get double points.

Anyone in the market for a coffee or tea maker can buy the company's Lieto Machine online, which is accompanied by a free milk frother. Enter promo code "FROTHER" to take advantage.

Cumberland Farms

Customers who text "FREECOFFEE" to 64827 on Sept. 29 receives a digital coupon for a free Farmhouse Blend and Bold of any size, hot or cold. They are also bringing back Free Coffee Fridays beginning Oct. 7.

Dairy Queen

The soft-serve giant is getting in on National Coffee Day by offering $1 small iced coffees and unlimited frappe or fruit smoothies for $2 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The promotion runs through Friday.

Dunkin' Donuts

In honor of 66 years in business, Dunkin' Donuts is selling medium-sized 66-cent cups of java on Thursday. Snapchat users can also take advantage of a photo filter exclusive to National Coffee Day.

National Coffee Day is almost upon us! Only one day away -- 9/29! Enjoy a Medium Hot Coffee for $0.66! pic.twitter.com/lMKIgec1bb  Dunkin' Donuts (@DunkinDonuts) September 28, 2016

Keurig

Keurig is offering 20 percent off Green Mountain Coffee recyclable K-cup pods, along with other discounted blends at 15 percent off. The only way to take advantage is by using promo code "GREENSAVINGS" via their official website. Online users also get $2 off of an item with the code "GMCSAVE2."

Krispy Kreme

Nothing compliments coffee like a glazed donut, which is why Krispy Kreme is giving away both for free. Anyone who stops by on Sept. 29 gets a small cup and an Original Glazed donut.

One day until #NationalCoffeeDay! Slide in on 9/29 for a FREE small coffee & Original Glazed doughnut. (US/CAN - no coupon necessary) pic.twitter.com/VQqSPPgMmK  krispykreme (@krispykreme) September 28, 2016

McDonald's

Given that franchises are run independently, McDonald's will not recognized National Coffee Day nationwide. Residents in southeast Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, however, have the satisfaction of knowing all McCafe purchases will be donated to local nonprofits that serve homeless youths.

Peet's Coffee

Get a free medium cup of drip coffee with the purchase of any food item. They will also offer free shipping on non-subscription standard orders made on Peets.com.

Pilot Flying J

Truckers and road-trippers can stop by an Pilot Flying J for one free small coffee, cappuccino, or tea of their choice. All they have to do is either download or show the company's coupon off Facebook.

Quick Chek

Tri-State area residents get a free brew by downloading the retailer's mobile app.

Starbucks

For each cup of Mexico Chiapas sold on National Coffee Day, Starbucks will donate one rust-resistant coffee tree to Latin America farmers.

The charitable effort began last year after acknowledging that coffee rust, a fungus that attacks trees, makes it difficult to produce high-quality coffee. The goal is to donate 20 million trees by year's end.

Wawa

The northeastern chain offer free cups of any size at each of its locations. In Delaware, freebies are expected to attract 2 million customers.
The 12th Beijing-Tokyo Forum kicked off Tuesday in Tokyo, where officials and experts from both sides are seeking to deepen communication and revamp bilateral ties. The efforts reflect the goodwill of the two countries.

Beijing-Tokyo ties have lingered at a low ebb and could still worsen. The two countries are stuck in a state of "cold peace" and they must avoid sliding into a cold war.

On the diplomatic front, they have turned into overall competitors. Each side lists the other as the top unfriendly country, while public sentiment toward each other has increasingly become negative.

While there is no overarching military tension, undercurrents indicate that the two consider each other as an imagined enemy. As they get accustomed to disputes surrounding the Diaoyu Islands, fears of an inadvertent military incident are becoming a topic of open discussion. The two societies are seemingly building psychological readiness toward the possibility of a military clash.

Compared with the Sino-US relationship, which is accumulating tensions but still has many certainties, Sino-Japanese ties are clouded in high degree of uncertainty. Resentment brewed during recent years may prompt both sides to act impulsively, leading to crisis.

However, China and Japan have no fundamental conflicts that they need to pour all their strengths into. The issue is more or less a contention of will.

Disputes over the Diaoyu Islands are small in scale but have attracted much more attention and energy. In comparison, border disputes between China and India, while broader in area, are managed well.

The China-Japan geopolitical contest has become seriously derailed and this is due in large part to Japan's distorted psychology. There are still many US troops stationed in Japan, compromising the latter's sovereignty. While Japan sought comfort from its outstanding economic performance in the past, its declining economic status has destroyed its confidence. Tokyo is too bewildered to sort out strategic ideas.

Both countries should try their best to prevent armed conflicts. China and Japan should discipline themselves to not fire the first shot or break the bottom line. Otherwise, the Sino-Japan relationship may be irreversibly destroyed.

The extensive Beijing-Tokyo economic cooperation is a determining force to prevent the two countries from slipping into a cold war.

The governments should keep a close eye on the direction of economic cooperation and avoid spillover effects from political coldness. Large-scale exchanges in trade and personnel will help prevent the two countries' mentalities from being dominated by politics and military.

China's rapid growth in military and comprehensive strength is a fundamental variable of the bilateral relationship, while turning to the right in Japanese society and its hawkish China policy are the most challenging factors.

The Sino-Japanese friendship of the 1970s and 80s won't be seen again easily. Both sides should accept the reality, maintain the cold peace, and create favorable conditions to improve ties. China and Japan should have the wisdom and capability to prevent a cold war, as neither wants it.
Thirty-nine percent of this area is covered with wetland, water, reeds, and virgin forests. The Nature Reserve is the natural habitat for 293 kinds of precious birds, including six breeds of cranes. Both the idyllic prairie and the local Mongol folklore contribute to making this bird-watching place a fascinating scenic spot for nature lovers.
Xu Jiangming, 51, has spent the last five years taking care of his paralyzed wife in a village in Zhuji, Zhejiang province. When he goes to work, Xu brings his wife with him, carefully helping her into and out of the vehicle.

One afternoon five years ago, Xus wife announced that she had a headache. Soon after, she began to vomit and fell to the ground. Xus wife was diagnosed with a cerebral hemorrhage. After two months of treatment, the doctor told Xu that his wife would never fully recover.

From then on, Xu took over as his wife's caretaker, teaching himself how to do the domestic chores that his wife had always taken care of.

The couple originally planned to renovate their house in preparation for their sons marriage. However, the money for the renovation had to be spent on medical bills. Xu has also taken on a debt of 100,000 RMB.
(Photo/Baidu Baike)

Lake Hongjiannao, the largest freshwater lake in a desert in China, has been reduced in size by 50 percent since 1969, after years of development both up- and downstream.

Now occupying 32.8 square kilometers, the lake is located at the meeting point of Shaanxi province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Both the areas upstream and downstream of the lake now blame each other for the severe damage caused to the pearl of the desert.

The reduction of water in the lake has led to a hike in its pH level, which now reads 9.8. As a result, 17 kinds of freshwater fish in the region have died out, and the population of a local gull is also dwindling, according to Dang Yabo, head of Hongjiannao Tourism Resort in Shaanxis Shenmu County.

Dang said the shrinking lake is a result of decreased river inflow, which is caused by two dams operating in Inner Mongolias Ejin Horo Banner since 2006. He said the lakes evaporation capacity every year is 2,000 millimeters, but the annual rainfall is between 350 and 400 millimeters. The two rivers that flow into the lake used to be the main water supply for the lake, China National Radio (CNR) reported.

Xiao Zailin, a local villager near one of the two dams in Inner Mongolia, also pointed out that the river began to dry up starting in 2004 when dam construction was completed. The riverway has transformed into a sort of wetland in years with more rainfall, but it is nothing more than a dirt path in dry years.

However, authorities of Inner Mongolias Ordos have argued that the dams were constructed to guarantee water supply for local residents. The decrease in surface runoff is due to dry weather in recent years, said Jiang Yuan, deputy water bureau chief of Ordos.

Jiang argued that Ordos began to restore the local ecology in 2000 through the relocation of residents and more protective measures.

The plants root systems have made the soil porous, which makes it easier to absorb rainfall  Hongjiannao is a low-lying land. We can supply it with underground water, Jiang told CNR.

To improve the situation of Hongjiannao Lake, Shaanxi submitted an application in 2015 to make the lake a national wetland nature preserve, so as to coordinate the two provincial regions resources and strengthen protection at a national level. Meanwhile, Inner Mongolia has pledged to supply 1 million to 1.5 million cubic meters of water to the lake, according to CNR.
[File photo]

After years of intensive research and testing, China has manufactured its first sealing ring for reactor pressure vessels (RPV) on Sept. 26, marking the end of U.S. dominance in the component's production.

Chinas National Energy Administration dispatched a team of nuclear experts on Sept. 26 to test the countrys first domestically manufactured C-shaped sealing rings, which were employed in the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in eastern Chinas Zhejiang province. The component, which is a crucial part of the RPV, was proven to meet the standards for nuclear security, Thepaper.cn reported.

Due to technical difficulties in manufacturing C-shaped sealing rings, China had been importing the component from the U.S. As the only country capable of manufacturing RPV sealing components, the U.S. had a monopoly on the international market for RPV sealing rings, and was therefore able to run the price up. A set of sealing rings made in the U.S. costs 3 to 4 million RMB, while its Chinese counterpart costs just over 300,000 RMB, according to Thepaper.cn.

After we produced our own C-shaped sealing rings, an American company reduced the price of their products by 50 percent, which is an unprecedented move since they used to raise the price 15 percent annually, said Li Xinggen, director of Ningbo Tiansheng Sealing Pack, in an interview with China Nuclear Industry Magazine. Lis company has successfully manufactured the C-shaped sealing rings.
UPDATE: Traffic woes, cloudy water expected after Bethlehem breaks

Three Bethlehem homes have been condemned after a sinkhole was found Thursday morning on North New Street.

City fire Chief Robert Novatnack said crews will work through Thursday night and into Friday morning to repair utilities in the 700 block of North New Street, with most of the work on the block between North and Garrison streets.

"We're going to be here for the next couple days," Novatnack said.

Three homes -- 713, 715 and 717 -- on North New Street were condemned after being evaluated by engineers, and buildings on either side of the trio will need to be re-evaluated before they are cleared.

Homes at 713, 715 and 717 N. New St. were condemned by Bethlehem officials after a sinkhole was discovered under the street. (Sarah Cassi | lehighvalleylive.com)

"They're the worst ones," Novatnack said of the single family home and duplex.

The physical damage was most obvious outside 713 N. New St., with its sagging sidewalk and shifted bricks, but Novatnack said that was deceiving because the affected buildings had interior doors and walls off kilter.

The news followed a hectic morning that included the discovery of a water main break, gas leak and the sinkhole in the block.

Novatnack said crews were called at 6:51 a.m for a water main leak at North New and East North streets, and arriving personnel smelled natural gas. They then saw the road buckling and water in the street, the fire chief said.

As emergency personnel worked to get people out of the area, crews also had to remove cars from the street, and some were towed a few blocks away, Novatnack said.

By 2 p.m. Thursday, utility crews were working to repair the water main break and gas leak, as well as check other utility lines under the street, the fire chief said. After that, crews would address repairing the sinkhole.

Asked about the size of the sinkhole, Novatnack had described it as "cavernous," but said workers were still working to determine the size.

North New Street was still closed Thursday afternoon between Broad Street and East Union Boulevard. Officials said they anticipate it will remain that way for awhile, and advised drivers to avoid the area.

About 60 people were removed Thursday morning from the surrounding neighborhood, and about 17 went to the shelter set up by the Lehigh Valley-Bucks chapter of the American Red Cross.

By lunchtime, all of the people who went to the shelter in the morning were already back home, said Kara Mowbray, the chapter's director of emergency services.

The Red Cross still had the center open Thursday evening, and officials were waiting for people to get off of work in order to determine the total number of people affected.

Red Cross officials estimated they already assisted about 10 families displaced by the sinkhole, and that number could increase as more people came home after work.

In addition to the condemned buildings, Novatnack said people living in homes on the opposite side of North New Street would not be allowed to return because of safety concerns, as well as a lack of water to the block.

Crews were working to coordinate allowing affected residents to get their pets, the fire chief said.

Officials would need time to determine if the condemned homes will need to be torn down, and which came first, the sinkhole or the water main break.

#BethlehemPa fire chief Bob Novatnack on sinkhole in 700 block of North New Street. pic.twitter.com/9JGlgiKi97  Sarah Cassi (@SarahCassi) September 29, 2016

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Two Bethlehem men face drug charges after city police say they searched their homes and a barbershop where one of them works, seizing drugs and guns.

Michael Roman, left, and Antonio Santiago-Zayas (Courtesy photos | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Michael Roman, 23, of the 300 block of Crest Avenue off Route 412, and Antonio Santiago-Zayas, 34, of the 600 block of Sioux Street near Route 378, were both sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of bail.

The Bethlehem Police Department Vice Unit in June opened an investigation into drug-dealing complaints filed by residents about both men, police Chief Mark DiLuzio said in a news release.

Entailing both surveillance and supervised drug buys, the investigation began at Roman's home and progressed to Sioux Street after investigators determined the pair were working together, DiLuzio said.

"If you are involved in dealing any type of illegal drugs in Bethlehem, or any type of violent crime, you will be identified, investigated, arrested and prosecuted. Period," DiLuzio stated in announcing the arrests.

Police early Wednesday served search warrants at both men's homes, drawing on the resources of the department's Vice and Street Crimes units and the Bethlehem Housing Authority Street Crimes Unit, according to DiLuzio.

Seized from Roman's Crest Avenue home, according to police, were:

100 doses of Suboxone, with a street value of $2,000. Suboxone is a narcotic pain medication commonly used to treat opiate addiction. A prescription is needed to purchase this drug.

Drug paraphernalia consistent with the packaging and sale of drugs, including scales and packaging bags.

Seized at Santiago-Zayas' home on Sioux Street, according to police, were:

132 grams of Dibutylone, with a street value of $3,300. Dibutylone is commonly referred to as "Molly" and is a synthetically manufactured hallucinogen, with effects similar to those of ecstasy.

Half a gram of cocaine.

A Springfield Armory .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol.

A .32-caliber revolver.

Drug paraphernalia consistent with the packaging and sale of drugs, including scales and packaging bags.

Police on Wednesday arrested Roman in the 200 block of Crest Avenue and found on him an additional 50 doses of Suboxone, police said. Santiago-Zayas was taken into custody as he left work Wednesday on City Line Road.

Informed that Roman had been in possession of drugs at work at Kustom Kuts Barber Shop, 410 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem, police served a warrant there, as well, turning up an additional 46 grams of cocaine valued on the street at $2,300, along with a digital scale, according to DiLuzio.

Both were arraigned Wednesday afternoon before District Judge Nancy Matos Gonzalez. Roman faces two felony counts of drug possession with intent to deliver and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was sent to the prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.

Santiago-Zayas is charged with one felony county of drug possession with intent to deliver and misdemeanor counts of drug possession and paraphernalia possession.

The next step for both men is a preliminary hearing before Matos Gonzalez, where she will determine if there is sufficient evidence to send their cases to Northampton County Court. Both hearings are tentatively scheduled Oct. 6.

Police are continuing to investigate who owned the handguns, and additional charges are pending, DiLuzio said.

He went on to state:

"These arrests and the seizure of these unlawful firearms, is once again, the direct result of concerned citizens calling in information about suspicious activity to local law enforcement agency. It is another great example of the community and the police working together to solve crimes in their communities and to rid their communities of individuals that deal 'death' and make money on others' addictions.

"Drugs crimes, like drug dealing, which promotes gangs and violent crime, are tearing our inner cities and neighborhoods apart, and affect safety and quality of life issues in those neighborhoods and surrounding areas. This is another arrest in our continuous battle with opiate and designer drug usage and distribution in the City of Bethlehem.

"(City police) will continue to target all drug dealers in our communities and housing areas. We will utilize any and all resources available in our efforts to investigate all drug and criminal complaints, and to arrest any and all individuals that sell drugs, and/or possess or use illegal firearms or commit crimes of violence and other crimes."

Police invite anyone with information on drug activity or other crimes to call the department's tip line at 610-691-6660 or the Bethlehem police 911 center non-emergency line at 610-865-7187. Callers can remain anonymous.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: 3 Bethlehem homes condemned due to 'cavernous' sinkhole

A sinkhole was discovered near a gas leak Thursday in Bethlehem, and at least three buildings had structural damage in the 700 block of North New Street, Bethlehem Fire Chief Robert Novatnack said.

The sidewalk was cordoned off with caution tape from 713 to 719 N. New St., near the intersection with Garrison Street, and UGI workers told residents the sinkhole was discovered in front of the buildings.

The single family home at 713 N. New St., had visible damage to the brick exterior, with a portion of the brick having cracked and separated underneath a bay window.

The affected buildings and the neighboring buildings on North New Street were evacuated Thursday morning after the gas leak was discovered.

No one was injured, Novatnack said. Engineers were coming in to assess the damage to the buildings, and the Red Cross was assisting displaced residents, he added.

Gas, water and power had been shut off to the surrounding neighborhood, Novatnack said, and PPL crews were physically cutting power lines to the homes near the sinkhole in order to restore power to the rest of the neighborhood.

The fire chief said the sinkhole had undermined the street, and construction crews will be working on the street all day, and possibly into Thursday night.

"We're working to shrink the footprint" of the street closures, Novatnack said. "We still want people to avoid the area."

A news conference is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: Gov. Chris Christie just told MSNBC's Brian Williams that as of 1 p.m., only one fatality had been confirmed in the train wreck, an as-yet unidentified female.

TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie said he will return to New Jersey to visit the scene of the train crash that occurred at 8:45 a.m. Thursday in Hoboken that killed at least one woman and injured dozens.

"I am heading to Hoboken and will be there later on in the afternoon," the governor told CNN.

Brian Murray, a spokesman for the governor confirmed that Christie was traveling out of state, but would be holding a joint press conference at the emergency operations center near the PATH trains between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday along with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Christie told WCBS-TV shortly after noontime that the reason he was not yet on scene in Hoboken was "because I wanted to give those people the unfettered opportunity without having all the commotion that comes with having a governor being on site to do their work before I go there."

Murray declined to say where Christie, who heads Trump's transition planning effort, was or what business he was attending to out of state.

The governor also told WCBS-TV that the crash did not appear to be anything other than a "tragic accident," but he was reserving judgment until all the facts had been obtained by investigators.

The Office of the Attorney General was taking the lead on the investigation for the state, working alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Railroad Administration, according to Christie.

"We need to investigate all potential causes, but you can see from the level of destruction that this was a train that was traveling at a high rate of speed," Christie said, calling the devastation "head shaking."

The impact caused part of the roof of the Hoboken train station to collapse, and the governor said that concerns from civil engineers about the safety of the building would affect both the afternoon commute and possibly leave the station closed for the near future.

"We're not going to permit any trains or commuters into the [Hoboken] station unless we know that the structural integrity is intact," Christie said, adding that he was "skeptical that we'll see that station open today."

The governor praised what he termed "extraordinary efforts by law enforcement and EMS" personnel, and said that after the care of the injured, his primary concern was to determine how this occurred.

"NJ Transit has an exemplary safety record," said Christie. "So the first question you have as governor is to ask, 'How did this happen?' and try to make sure that this never happens again."

Claude Brodesser-Akner may be reached at cbrodesser@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClaudeBrodesser. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
A former Lehigh University professor and his wife have been sentenced to prison for defrauding NASA.

Lehigh engineering professor Yujie Ding and his wife, Yuliya Zotova, told NASA that their startup company would develop a sensor to track climate change. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

Yujie Ding and his wife, Yuliya Zotova, must also pay fines and restitution for the scheme targeting the space agency's Small Business Innovation Research Program.

U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III on Wednesday sentenced Ding to a year plus one day in prison, and ordered him to pay a $3,000 fine and $72,000 in restitution, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said in a news release.

Zotova was sentenced last week to three months in prison, in addition to a fine and restitution.

The pair in August 2009 and July 2010 submitted proposal to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration program seeking funding for scientific research, the federal prosecutor's office announced.

"The defendants' proposals claimed they would conduct the research at their business, ArkLight, and would subcontract some of the work to Lehigh University, where Ding was employed as a professor," the release states. "Instead, the defendants used ArkLight as a front to funnel federal grant money to themselves for research performed by students and others working under Ding's supervision at his university lab."

The fraud involved invoices sent via interstate electronic communication for research that a jury found ArkLight had not done.

The case was investigated by NASA's Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth F. Abrams and Gregory B. David.

Ding is no longer listed among the faculty at Lehigh in Bethlehem.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
This May, the Women-20 (W20) Meeting under the auspices of the G20 Summit was hosted by the All-China Women's Federation in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Under the slogan Equal Participation, Innovative Development, the meeting adopted the Women-20 Meeting Communique, proposing a series of suggestions on general equality and women empowerment.

That advice includes integrating gender mainstreaming into macroeconomic policies, eliminating the gender wage gap, increasing female labor force participation and enabling the digital economy to benefit women and young girls.

The G20 Hangzhou Summit, held early September, also gave emphasis to womens important role in boosting employment through innovation and entrepreneurship, hoping that on this basis, women can be more involved in technological innovation, manufacturing and related service industries.

Regarding agriculture, food security and nutrition, since women are more susceptible to climate change, the G20 will give special attention to the group while aiding farmers and grain systems to cope with present and potential challenges like climate change, and promoting sustainable development in agriculture.

The G20 Leaders' Communique from the Hangzhou Summit also pointed out that the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion is devoted to expanding the benefits brought by financial services, so that underserved groups, especially youth and women, can handle financial institutional challenges and legal uncertainty confronting small- and medium-sized enterprises in financing.

Meanwhile, the G20 promised to enact relevant measures to ensure that female and young entrepreneurs, female-led companies as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises can benefit from the global value chain.

The Hangzhou Summit at the same time gave importance to the implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, gender equality and rights of both children and women, among which the gender mainstreaming as well as women empowerment in both politics and economy were prioritized.

Increasing womens engagement in economic development and reducing gender inequality in entrepreneurship and employment not only are conducive to global economic growth, but exert profound significance in the sustainable development of gender equality and womens empowerment. The UN Women-20 is willing to join the G20 in creating an equal and harmonious world.

(The author is UN Women China Country Program Manager.)
The members of the Portlaoise Municipal District have thrown their weight behind the plan drawn up by local GPS for the Midlands Hospital, which was described as a matter of life and death that was the most important issue facing the county.

At County Hall recently, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley proposed a motion calling on the council to write to the Minister for Health Simon Harris, urging him to take on board the plan that has been set out by the Laois GPs and the senior medical staff for services at Portlaoise Hospital.

Its the most important issue facing us in Laois, 24 hour A+E needs to be retained, she said.

She described the plan, signed by 69 GPs, as being positive, practical and professional and said this was a matter of life and death.

Cllr Noel Tuohy said that the 69 signatories knew more about medicine than the Minister for Health and he called on Deputies Charlie Flanagan and Brian Stanley and Minister Charlie Flanagan to save the hospital.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said that the recent sending of prisoners to Tullamore for treatment was very worrying, as it appeared to be a deliberate attempt to remove numbers from the local hospital.

Cllr Jerry Lodge, who said hed had a vacation in Portlaoise hospital recently, described the services at the hospital as first class. However, he said what was happening in Portlaoise was very sinister, with no new consultants coming to the area as there was a question mark hanging over the hospital.

Theres an attempt at the higher level to undermine the hospital, said Cllr Lodge, adding that the future of the hospital would be a political one.

Cllr Willie Aird said that the local GPs obviously could see something coming down the tracks.

The person responsible is the Minister for Health, the buck stops with him, he said, adding that: We went through hell and back with the hospitals in Abbeyleix and Shaen.

It was agreed to issue a letter to the Minister on the subject.
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The Irish School of

Farriery based in Kildare Town held a graduation

ceremony this month for final year apprentices .

The ten graduating apprentices recently completed a seven phase QQI approved apprenticeship and the ceremony was an acknowledgment of that achievement.

Keith Rowe, Director of RACE who is involved with the School through its governing body the Irish Farriery Authority, opened proceedings by welcoming guests and congratulating the apprentices.

Brian Head of SOLAS also spoke to the assembled crowd and acknowledged the important role farriers play in the equine industry.

He commended the graduates on their efforts and their achievement in attaining the required QQI Level 6 standard to graduate with an Advanced Certificate in the Craft of Farriery.

Irish Master Farriers Association Chairman John Dooley echoed the sentiments of previous speakers and remarked that the future is bright for farriery in Ireland.

He added that the IMFA is eager to support these young graduate farriers in their chosen career and he particularly encouraged them to avail of continuous professional development as part of their career path.

Certificates and commemorative medals were presented to graduating SOLAS apprentices by Master Farrier Martin Leahy.

The graduates completed 40 weeks of instruction to hone their shoemaking skills and were given tutoring in Equine Anatomy and Physiology, Foot and Limb Conditions and Business Management.
Kildare County Council says it will take action if required against the owners of vehicles parking on the ring roads circling Naas.

KCC says it is assessing all options including issuing fines if there are cases of alleged illegal parking, littering or traffic offences.

This follows a number of comments by councillors made at a Naas Municipal District meeting criticising the presence of the caravans.

Cllr Seamie Moore said there are three temporary halting sites in Naas.

Nothing seems to be happening and there are a lot of people complaining. People are coming and going all the time and there could be three, four, seven or five caravans there.

Cllr Moore claimed that people sometimes have to walk on the other side of the road or feel they have to.

He also claimed that a footpath has been damaged.

Naas Mayor Fintan Brett said there are people moving between Sallins, the Curragh and the ring roads in Naas and its the taxpayer thats being loaded with this.

Cllr Darren Scully called for the laws to be enforced. If I parked on the footpath the warden would be down to me in five minutes, he said.
Up to 500 new jobs could be created with news that Kildare Village is planning to build a new extension

The Leader understands the company behind the shopping outlet is preparing plans for an extension of a similar size to the 50m one launched in November last year.

The plans, if approved, would see the development increase to three times its original size.

Value Retail, the company behind the Village, predicted the last extension would yield 190 full-time and 190 part-time jobs, as well as 120 construction posts.

If phase 3 gets the go ahead, it could bring a similar amount of employment.

The company said that phase 2 would also bring extra 5.5m into the economy in wages, so it would be reasonable to think the new project would bring in a similar amount.

The Leader understands the company is in pre-planning talks with Kildare County Council before it lodges the application.

Kildare Village was granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanala in August 2013 for phase 2.

It was initially granted permission by Kildare County Council in 2012, but the decision was appealed by Whitewater Shopping Centre. An oral hearing was subsequently held by the board.

Its not clear how many new stores would be included in phase 3 but phase 2 yielded 36 and two new restaurants and cafes.

First opened in July 2007, the Village is currently home to more than 96 stores.

When contacted by the Leinster Leader, a company spokesperson said: We will not be commenting on that on this occasion.

Phase 2 of the development earned Kildare County Council a once-off development levy payment of 650,000 as well as 240,000 in annual rates.

Development levies and rates will also have to be paid for phase 3, if approved.

Its understood the Village wants to build its extension in behind the current development.
Clane Wheelers look set to donate around 12,000 to the Little Way Cancer Support Centre following the Race Around Ireland.

They plan to hand over the cheque on October 6.

Spokesman, Leo Casey, said: We circumnavigated the country, circa 2,150km, in less than 3.5 days, pulling together a crew of eight riders, four driver and navigators, 12 hospitality crew members, four family-donated accommodation stops and donated vehicles."

This was a massive contribution by the club and the entire community, both morally and financially. Whats more is  we enjoyed every minute of it.

Leo said the group were soo grateful to friends and family connections who fed them around the country.

They began the journey in Trim on Sunday, August 28. Chief strategist Andy Redmond led out the charge. He was given a wonderful send off from some 20 club members who came out to wave the team off.

The eight riders split into two teams of four.

The sense of camaraderie felt cannot be believed. To our great delight, we came in third with a finishing time of 80 hrs 24 mins.
Play centres. I have a love/hate relationship with them. They are great for a rainy day when cabin fever strikes and outdoors isnt an option.

They are also a good place to meet fellow parents for a catch up because the adults can have a sit down, a chat and a coffee, while the little ones head off for a play.

However, so many of them leave a lot to be desired. Not all are overly clean, some arent even that practical, while the food and beverages served in some, well, is just downright vile.

Ive been to play centres in Meath, Galway, Dublin and Kildare and all have their own merits.

In Kildare weve visited Joeys, The Fun Factory and Jungle Den in Naas, weve been to Tricky Tricksters in Toughers Business Park and weve been to Playzone in Celbridge.

Other establishments weve been to close by include Energy in Rathcoole and the Playhouse Cafe, which is in Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club but cant really be classed as a play centre.

So, whats the lowdown, what are the good, the bad and the ugly? Well Im not in the habit of simply having a go for the sake of it so Im not going to target any of them individually because at the end of the day they all have good and bad points.

Im going to start with the good.

Top of the Kildare pile, by a mile, is Playzone in Celbridge.

Ive only been once but the place made a lasting impression.

My friend Laura, who is mammy to the gorgeous Matthew, lives in Swords so we picked Celbridge as a halfway meeting point.

Aside from the fact that theres toddler events every morning and its spotless, Playzone has a lovely cafe and when they say they offer a healthy option for childrens meals, they do.

Also, their baby soft play area is the best around.

Over twos arent allowed in, which is the case in a lot of places but the difference here is, they have a proper gate on it that, for the most part, can only be opened by adults.

One of my bugbears with other places is that there are always older and more boisterous kids in the baby area and its impossible to relax for fear of Sarah getting hurt.

I really wish the staff in these places would enforce this rule because I always feel bad ordering older kids out. They are not mine to discipline.

Getting back to the food served in play centres. Theres a real divide here. Some are okay, some are disgusting and some are

brilliant.

I visited one play centre for the first time recently, and while the place itself was brilliant for playing, the food was horrendous.

I ordered a panini and chips, Aidan had sausages and chips, while Sarah had lasagne, and holy cow, the amount of grease on the food had to be seen to be believed.

These days all Aidan eats is sausages and chips and even he turned up his nose at this fare.

Theres nothing more relaxing than sitting back with a cup of coffee or tea that has been served to you and while some of the local play centres serve up lovely hot beverages, others serve muck.

And do you know what annoys the hell out of me?

Maybe its commonplace but in one local play centre I ordered a herbal tea and they whipped out a packet of green tea bags from Aldi and brewed it up.

Now theres nothing at all wrong with the herbal tea range from Aldi but what is wrong is charging 1.50 for a cup of herbal tea when you could probably buy two whole packs of tea bags for that price in Aldi.

Now that Sarah is over one, shes actually knocking a bit of craic out of the soft play areas, but when she was younger I loved going to centres that had baby bouncers and sit-in activity centres.

Most are fine in this regard but theres one place that offered dirty, ancient and ripped bouncers and activity centres.

Is it too much to ask to keep them clean and replace them when they get a bit battered? Surely not.

Its not all bad though. Joeys in Naas is great as its much smaller than other places, meaning you can sit down with your coffee and still see the kids at all times. which is a great idea.

As I mentioned Playzone, is just super, while most of them have toddler activities such as arts and crafts and music classes mid-week.

But to the not so great ones, please, please sort out the food situation, clean up your act, and police the baby areas because I bet if you did youd have even more heads through your doors.

You can contact me on ruth.chambers@leinsterleader.ie;

Twitter - @ruthie_chambers;

Instagram - ruthie_chambers,

or youll find more of my musings at

www.itsjustaphase.ie.
Grass growing down the middle of local roads are tearing the bottom panels from cars, the council was informed this week.



Fianna Fail Cllr Caillian Ellis said there is a serious issue with grass growing up the middle of roads in the Ballinamore Area.

He said he has had a number of complaints from motorists who are dealing with long grass growing in the middle of roads. New cars are so low now, I know one car the grass pulled the bottom panel off the car.

He asked Leitrim County Council for a solution.



Senior Engineer Michael Flynn said when a road is resurfaced the grass can be pulled up by a council machine, but otherwise that action would damage the existing road.

He said the best process is to spray the grass with weed killer, but noted with a lot of new regulations in on spraying, the council will need to look at it.



Hedges

The discussion at the Ballinamore Municipal Meeting this month again returned to the issue of overhanging bushes and hedges onto roads obstructing motorists' view of the road.



Cllr Gerry Dolan brought up a motion to have hedges at Cornabroher, Aughnasheelin cut before a serious accident happens.

He was supported in his motion by the other councillors who had similar issues at other locations.



Cllr Ellis said parts of the R202 Dromod to Ballinamore road still has overhanging bushes.



Cllr Paddy ORourke said he is going to suggest a pilot scheme to the council, adjoined by a publicity campaign, to try and decrease the amount of overhanging hedges.

He once again noted 10 miles from here, across the border, you dont have bushes hitting your window.

He commented that a month of hedge cutting season is gone and there is only a small period of time left to get all works done. He asked if any public building uses wood burners in the county and suggested the cut bushes could be used in a positive way.



Council official, Vincent Dwyer said Aura has a wood burner but it only uses specialised chips.



Cllr Brendan Barry put forward that in Co Clare the council have a grant scheme for communities and farmers to encourage hedge cutting.




There is a busy Winter season ahead for Carrick Cineplex with something for every interest.

Carrick Film Society



Carrick Film Society and Carrick Cineplex present a new season of Art-house & World Film, every Thursday for screenings starting at 8.30pm from September 29 to December 8.

The first film is 'Love and Friendship' with 'Maggie's Plan' on October 6.

Film titles include the acclaimed Turkish film 'Mustang', the much talked about Irish-Cuban film 'Viva' and Ken Loach's new film 'I Daniel Blake' and the 2015 Palm D'Or 'Dheepan.'

There are no membership fees.

For further information on this season's programme please phone the cinema on (071) 9672000 - tickets for all shows can now be booked online on www.carrickcineplex.ie

Live Opera on the big screen

The 2016/17 Metropolitan Opera 'Live in HD' cinema season commences Saturday October 8 with Wagner's 'Tristian & Isolde' - full programme is now booking online.

The Siege of Jadotville

Carrick Cineplex will also be showing the new film with a lot of local links - 'The Seige of Jadotville' starting Jamie Doran about the Irish UN peacekeeping troops in the Congo in 1961, is opening for four nights from this Friday September 30, pre-booking is now available on the website www.carrickcineplex.ie

Why not arrive early and enjoy a glass of wine, gourmet coffee or Maud's Ice Cream in the comfortable surrounds of Cafe Paradiso.
This week the Leitrim Observer has a special in paper Wedding Guide feature for those hoping to tie the knot.

The feature includes details from hotels, wedding suppliers and a host of tips, guides and advice to help you plan your perfect day.

The guide will help couples to find the right venue, choose the perfect cake, pick accessories, tips for arranging photos, suits and dresses, the art of giving the perfect speech and some details on how to arrange a civil ceremony.

On top of that the paper is celebrating the fantastic Autumn/ Winter packages now available at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Dublin with a competition for a short break for two.

The competition offers the chance for you to win a two night break for two adults at the breathtaking Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co Dublin with full Irish breakfast and dinner at the Castle.

Pick up your copy of the Leitrim Observer this week to complete the form and be in with a chance of winning a much deserved break.
File Photo: Qiantang River seawalls

Many of the ancient seawalls of the Qiantang River, also known as the coastal Great Wall, have been damaged thanks to modern construction projects. As a result, several experts have proposed applying for world heritage status on behalf of the seawalls.

The seawalls are one of the "three great projects" in ancient China, together with the Great Wall and the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal. Although the Qiantang bore is a natural wonder that attracts many travelers every year, it also caused serious floods in ancient societies. In order to protect the plains surround the Qiantang River, seawalls were eventually erected.

Currently, the northern seawalls in Haining and Haiyan as well as the southern ones in Xiaoshan and Yuecheng are all intact. Other seawalls have either been demolished or buried, giving way to new facilities. Even though a small section of the ancient walls is listed as a protected cultural relic, the rest are still vulnerable. Huang Bin, deputy director of the Cultural Relics and Archeology Research Center in Zhejiang province, described this problematic state in a detailed article.

Early in the Tang and Song Dynasties, seawalls gradually formed along the coasts of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. In the Qing Dynasty, the engineering techniques for ancient seawalls reached their peak, as represented by the fish-scale seawalls in Haining, Zhejiang province.

During the 2016 Hangzhou Literature and History Forum, Ye Ming, chairman of Hangzhou People's Political Consultative Conference, explained the importance of protecting the ancient seawalls. He voiced his hope that the relic would receive world heritage protection as soon as possible.
The Refugee Crisis is especially severe when we look at the fate of those who are young and alone. The United Kingdom is pledged to accommodate those most in need. The Dubs amendment originally called for 3,000 to be allowed into the United Kingdom. This was defeated and I sat on the bench in the Lords as 200 Tories marched through the Not Content lobby. These fathers, mothers and grandparents were trampling on the hopes of thousands of other children. Eventually an amendment was approved obliging the government to accept an unspecified number of children. We are told that throughout Europe there are 88,000 unaccompanied asylum seekers.



Human Rights Watch says that alarming numbers of migrant children in Greece are being detained in deplorable and depraved conditions. Unaccompanied minors  some as young as 14  are being held in substandard and chaotic detention centres across the country in flagrant violation of international and Greek law, the group said in a report on Friday.

Children are being detained for weeks and months, and are being made to live in filthy, bug-and-vermin-infested cells, sometimes without mattresses or access to showers, said Rebecca Riddell, who authored the report.

In Camps at Calais and Dunkirk, in Island camps,and many other places it was a similar story and in the Jungle youngsters faced another winter. However the French President proposes that the Refugee camps at Calais and Dunkirk are to be demolished by October 31. There are more than a thousand young unaccompanied refugees in these camps The Immigration Act 2016, Dubs amendment, gives HM government an obligation to admit unaccompanied child refugees  at the most 30 have been accepted since act became law on May 10 this year.

The closure date of October 31 makes this a most urgent issue and parliament is in recess until a week on Monday! Im urging as many as possible to to write at once to the Prime Minister to demand that UK fulfills its obligation. A mass of letters from young UK folk could help stir the government!

Meriel has a question on our first day back on October 10. Mine is, at the moment, later in the month -What steps is Her Majestys Government taking to fulfill the obligation under the 2016 Immigration Act to accept unaccompanied child refugees before the camps at Calais and Dunkirk are demolished, according to the French President, on October 31

* Lord Roberts of Llandudno is a Liberal Democrat Member of the House of Lords
A 14-year-old boy recently drowned in the deep water area of a reservoir in Jiangsu province, but the tragedy wasnt discovered until one of the boy's friends posted about the incident on social media.

On the afternoon of Sept. 24, the teen, Cao Xiaodong (a pseudonym), went to the reservoir with five friends to swim. Unfortunately, Cao drowned in the deep water while paddling with his friends. Though the other boys searched for Cao and waited at the scene, none of them called for help or contacted the police. It was reported that the boys had had a physical conflict earlier in the day, prior to the accident.

Later the same night, one of Cao's companions posted on WeChat that Cao might still be in the water. Upon learning the information, another student's parent immediately contacted the police. However, Cao had already drowned by the time his body was found the next day.

According to the police, Cao's father is demanding 20,000 RMB each from the other five families involved. So far the families have refused to pay the compensation. The case is currently under investigation by local government and police.
SINN Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan has given a guarded welcome to comments from Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell OConnor that the stalled Limerick to Cork motorway needs to be examined.

The Fine Gael minister made the comments during a meeting of the Oireachtas committee on jobs, enterprise and innovation.

Having previously been shelved by the Fine Gael-Labour coalition, the Department of Transport earlier this year confirmed the 1bn proposal to link Irelands second and third cities is back on the table.

The transport minister, Shane Ross, said the project would be considered in the mid-term capital plan spending review.

Mr Quinlivan, who shadows Ms Mitchell-OConnors brief in opposition, said: Decent infrastructure is crucial for sustainable economic development. Minister Mitchell OConnor is on the record as saying investors like airports and good roads, and that infrastructure needs to worked on in the counties. I am conscious that the Limerick to Cork road needs to be looked at.

And he pledged to lobby the councils in Cork and Limerick, as well those with responsibility for roadways in government to ensure this project is prioritised.

I will be reminding the Minister of her commitment to deal with this issue and holding her to account. The Limerick to Cork road is a crucial infrastructure project that urgently needs to be up graded if we are to be serious contenders in attracting Foreign Direct Investment to the region, he said.

The people in the south west deserve jobs and investment - anything else will be just another broken promise from this government, Mr Quinlivan concluded.

There has been a groundswell of support for the link to get under way, with Ibec making many calls in this regard.

And in its pre-budget submission to the government, the Limerick Chamber has urged progress both on this project, and the N60 Foynes to Limerick road upgrade (see story below).

If built, the motorway would shave at least half an hour off the drive time between Limerick City and Cork City.

However, experts say it will be 2030 before the motorway is built, unless the planning process is restarted soon.
MAKING a Murderers Dean Strang was in Limerick on Monday to discuss miscarriages of justice and the case that made him famous.

The Wisconsin lawyer, who co-defended Steven Avery in the hit Netflix series, revealed in UL that the outcome of the famous case could have been very different if not for one tiny detail.

We missed, by one hour, the opportunity for Jerry Buting to represent Brendan Dassey, he said, of his colleague Mr Buting and Steven Averys nephew Brendan.

Steven Avery was charged with the 2005 murder of photographer Teresa Halbach, and was sentenced to life in prison. Brendan was also convicted and jailed after confessing to helping his uncle commit the crime.

But many viewers of the documentary believe it was a false confession, given the techniques used by the police along with Brendans vulnerable state as a minor with learning difficulties.

He also did not have a lawyer present during questioning.

Dean Strang, who was invited to UCH by the UL Law Society, was the first lawyer hired by the Averys; shortly afterwards, lawyer Jerry Buting was called in to help with Stevens case.

We sat down and we were about an hour into the conversation, me sharing with him the information I had about Stevens case, said Mr Strang.

While we were in that meeting, the phone rang, and it was the Avery family saying Brendans been arrested and the police are claiming that he has confessed - what do we do?

Mr Strang said that they had tried to find a way for Mr Buting to represent Brendan in his hour of need.

We couldnt, because I had disclosed all kinds of confidential information about Stevens case to Jerry over the last 60 minutes.

Youre already conflicted, you already have a duty to Steven Avery, after being given confidential information about his case. And we both said that ethically, under the professional code of conduct of the US, that there was no way that he could just go and represent an accused accomplice.

If Mr Avery is innocent, he will have spent almost 30 years behind bars for crimes he did not commit. He was falsely convicted of another crime in the 1980s, for which he spent 18 years in prison.

Making a Murderer led many viewers to believe that Steven Avery had been framed once again, as the documentary highlighted several inconsistencies in the case against him.

Professor Shane Kilcommins, who chaired the discussion, compared the case with several high-profile Irish miscarriages of justice.

Dean Strang also defended the filmmakers during the talk, amid claims that the series was biased in favour of Steven Avery in its treatment of the case.

The filmmakers had full access to the Avery and Dassey families, and their cooperation, but did not have full access to the prosecutors or the police. The prosecutors refused to cooperate; and the police actually were interviewed, a couple of them, but they wouldnt sign their waivers in the end.

The Halbachs, perfectly understandably, did not participate, he said.

The discussion touched on the issue of media coverage during trials, and concluded with questions from Law Society Auditor Katie Whyte.
AT HOME on the couch. Feet curled up. Cups of tea planted on laps. Or glasses of wine. And ranting at the TV.

Whod have thought people would like to watch a programme about other people watching programmes? Its a disarmingly simple format that has many viewers hooked.

But is is now a huge success, after its inaugural Irish viewing last week, having run in the UK for the past three years.

This Thursday nights second episode, narrated by comedian Deirdre OKane, is again expected to be another major draw with viewers.

A Limerick family are among the stars of the Gogglebox Ireland series, which first aired last Thursday night, after casting began last June when the producers sought genuine characters who dont even realise theyre characters.

You have got to cast people with a huge understanding of what makes your country tick, and people who viewers at home will think: I recognise them, explained producer Tania Alexander.

And there certainly are a few characters in the Irish show, with twin brothers from Cavan being hailed as the new ODonovan brothers with their natural wit, as well as a few withering put-downs.

The show also features Monaleen family, single mum Aoife Ryan, with sons James and Alex, both of whom are studying computer science in Limerick Institute of Technology, amongst other groups of friends and family in the show.

Professor Eoin Devereux, co-founder/director of the Popular Music and Popular Culture Research Cluster at the University of Limerick, said that part of its appeal is that the experience of watching television in families or in other social groups is often as much about what is said in the room as is being said on screen.

Googlebox works because we can identify with it so easily. That said, the various couples, families and individuals are really well-chosen. It's early days for the Irish version, but it clearly has the potential to do the very same thing. The mix of social class groups is an essential ingredient and makes Googlebox all the more interesting. In the British series we hear about important social and political issues like immigration and Brexit from a wide range of perspectives.

Depending on your politics, these can be either frustrating or entertaining.

The award-winning British reality show has been a mainstay on Channel 4 since March 2013. Last weeks first Irish episode was an instant hit with viewers with a total of 392,000 all tuning in to watch households from all over Ireland watch telly.

It was particularly popular with the 15-44 age group, commanding a 19% viewing share. TV3 introduced viewers to a total of ten households, including new Twitter sensations The Tully twins, Neal and Fergal from Cavan; Cabra pals Jamie, Lindsay, Ashley and Grainne, Castleknock ladies Angela and Eileen and Liberties duo Tracie and Anita.

#GoggleboxIRL was the top trend on Twitter that night with several comedy gold moments. It airs every Thursday at 9.30pm on TV3.
Sep 29, 2016, 1 PM

The 1947 Sarawak set of 15 Sir Charles Vyner Brooke stamps overprinted with a crown and GR monograph is a good buy in mint never-hinged condition or used condition at 2016 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 values.

By Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

The history of Sarawak reads like it might have been written by G.A. Henry or H. Rider Haggard as assisted by Richard Halliburton. Presently one of the federated states of Malaysia, Sarawak shares the island of Borneo with the Kingdom of Brunei, the Malaysian state of Sabah, the Malaysian federal territory of Labuan, and Kalimantaan (Indonesian Borneo).

In the 19th century, Sarawak was claimed by the Sultan of Brunei. Unable to establish control of the area, the sultan sent his uncle to enforce his rule. In 1841, the sultans uncle induced Sir James Brooke, an English explorer and adventurer, to become the governor of the territory and to pacify it.

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Brooke battled pirates and headhunters to establish control of the territory. In 1846, at the death of the sultans uncle, Brooke became the Rajah of Sarawak, founding the White Rajah dynasty. The dynasty remained in power until 1946, when the territory became a British crown colony.

On April 16, 1947, a set of 15 Sir Charles Vyner Brooke stamps were overprinted with a crown and the GR monograph of King George VI of England (Scott 159-173) to mark the territorys new status as a British crown colony. The 2016 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 values the set in mint never-hinged condition at $22.40. A used set is valued at $18.30.

This long, inexpensive set is popular with collectors of classic stamps, British Empire collectors, and magpie collectors (generalists who collect whatever happens to catch their eye and tickle their fancy). It is a good buy at Scott catalog value.
Yang Sulian, a 72-year-old former Chinese teacher in Chengdu, Sichuan province, has chosen an unusual retirement project: teaching herself middle school mathematics. All her efforts are for the sake of her adopted granddaughter, Qianqian.

Yang still vividly remembers the day she found Qianqian, still a baby swaddled in a blanket. It was July 2003, and Yang was catching up with an old acquaintance. An elderly woman asked her to take care of the baby girl in her arms while she went to use the nearby public restroom, but the woman never returned.

Two notes from two different people were later found tucked in the baby's blanket. It turned out that the baby was first abandoned by her mother, a young, fresh college graduate who was not ready for her motherhood. Then the baby was given up a second time by the older woman.

The reason the baby was abandoned a second time is that she was in poor health. Yang and her husband, though not well off, nevertheless chose to seek treatment for the baby girl, racking up medical bills of 11,000 RMB. At the same time, they made a plea through local media for help finding the baby's family. When the plea failed to yield any leads, Yang finally decided to adopt the girl and name her Qianqian.

Last year, Qianqian was admitted to a good school in Chengdu. Yang paid for Qianqian to attend a cram school in preparation for the entrance exam, and also tutored Qianqian herself, after first teaching herself the material.

It wasn't an easy job, and Yang usually spends two to three hours studying every day. Regardless, Yang said that her biggest dream is to accompany her granddaughter until she finishes senior middle school.
A couple have created a 'giant toy box' of a home for themselves and their three children complete with secret dens, 'Scooby Doo' revolving doors and fireman's poles.

Matt and Sophie White, who work in London, decided to escape the capital to raise their two daughters and a son and bought a Grade II listed gamekeeper's lodge with surrounding land in Horsham, Sussex, for 750,000.

Architect Matt then designed a giant steel-framed, timber-clad barn to attach to the original property which they have filled with quirky elements to create a 'family house of fun'.

Matt said that was their aim.

'The important thing was to create a great family house,' he said.

Kevin said of what they have achieved: 'This house wasn't designed by an architect, it was designed by an architect, his wife and his kids.

'None of us go to our graves remembering all the great emails we sent but as we get older we look back with fond remembrance on good times.

'This place isn't just a house of fun, it is a machine for making those kind of memories in.'
(Xinhua) 20:49, September 29, 2016

WELLINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese film executives have met with some of Hollywood's leading movers and New Zealand leaders in discussions about stepping up collaborations, New Zealand Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry told Xinhua Thursday.

A five-member delegation from the China Film Group Corporation (CFGC) met with Barry, Prime Minister John Key and Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce in Wellington on Tuesday.

Also present were "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies director Peter Jackson, and James Cameron and John Landau, respectively the director and producer of "Avatar" and "Titanic," as well as "other key players in the New Zealand and Chinese film sector," said Barry.

"We discussed some of the future projects that New Zealand and China might become involved in," Barry said in an exclusive interview during an official engagement in the North Island city of New Plymouth.

"There was a real feeling of optimism that the relationship between China and New Zealand films was only growing from strength to strength," said Barry. "There were some real gains made."

The CFGC delegation was also travelling to the biggest city of Auckland and to the South Island ski resort town of Queenstown, looking at locations and discussing projects underway.

One of the productions underway in Auckland was the shark thriller "Meg" starring Chinese actress Li Bingbing, New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis and an international cast including British action star Jason Statham.

A number of projects were in the pipeline under the China-New Zealand Film Co-production Agreement, which was signed in 2010, and the China-New Zealand Television Co-production Agreement signed in 2014.

Barry was responding to a question on the success of two documentaries - "Glamorous New Zealand" and "Glamorous China" - co-produced by China Central Television (CCTV) and New Zealand documentary producer NZNH.

"Glamorous New Zealand," which was launched in May, had been "very well received" when it was aired in China and prompted many approaches from the Chinese screen sector, she said.

"I think the ties that bind us are very strong," said Barry.

"There's a mutual recognition of the need to develop further projects together for the New Zealand access to more than 1 billion people and for the Chinese access to a land that has landscapes and stories to tell that excites an interest for Chinese. It's all good for tourism, for trade and of course for the film sectors of both our countries," she said.
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The first "test tube baby" of Tibet Autonomous Region is born on Sept.24. (Photo/vtibet.com)

At 3 p.m. on Sept. 24, the first "test tube baby" of Tibet Autonomous Region was born in Fukang Women's and Children's Hospital in Lhasa. The milestone signifies a major breakthrough for assisted reproductive technology in high-altitude environments, China News Service reported.

On July 25, 1978, the world's first test tube baby was born in the UK. Thirty-eight years later, Tibet has realized that accomplishment for itself. According to the hospital, the baby is male, weighing 2.69 kilograms. Both the baby and mother are doing well.

Wu Dong, an expert from Chengdu who provides technical support to the hospital, explained that due to factors such as decreased oxygen and lower air pressure, it has always been a challenge to apply the assisted reproduction techniques successful in other areas to women in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Wang Bin, founder of Fukang Women's and Children's Hospital, said that three years ago, the PLA Tibet Command General Hospital carried out excellent research on the application of assisted reproductive technology in high-altitude environments, which built a foundation for this most recent success. Fukang Women's and Children's Hospital is now the only hospital in Tibet with an assisted reproductive technology center.

"Many couples in Tibet want to have children through assisted reproductive technology. In the past, they had to travel a long distance to inland cities, facing economic and cultural pressure," Wang said. "Now that we have seen the first successful birth of a test tube baby in Tibet, Tibetan couples will have more choices in the future."
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

Poland is interested in deepening the relations with Azerbaijan both at the governmental level and in the sphere of entrepreneurship, said Radoslaw Domagalski-Labedzki, undersecretary of state in the Polish Economic Development Ministry.

Domagalski-Labedzki made the remarks during his meeting with Azerbaijans Deputy Energy Minister Gulmammad Javadov in Baku, said Azerbaijans Energy Ministry Sept. 29.

The Polish official said Azerbaijan is an important partner for Poland in terms of development of economic relations and Polish companies are interested in investing in various sectors of the economy and implementing joint projects.

He also outlined the importance of reaching an early agreement on the cooperation proposals made on the eve of the 7th session of the Poland-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, to be held in December 2016.

Projects in transportation were among concrete proposals made at the meeting in the Energy Ministry.

In particular, there are such projects as the construction of East-West and North-South transportation corridors, the establishment of logistics centers in the Caspian region, as well as the reconstruction of railways.

Pharmaceutics is also one of the promising areas of cooperation.

Currently, 3 percent of medicines, registered in the country, are imported from Poland.

Ninety-nine percent of Azerbaijans need in drugs is met by imports. Four countries have proposed to create ventures to produce medicines in Azerbaijan in order to solve this problem. Poland can also participate in this and help increase the number of pharmaceutical companies operating in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan, in turn, is interested in using of Polands experience in health insurance.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

Armenias military exercises in the occupied Azerbaijani territories are a huge blow to peace process, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told reporters Sept. 29 in Baku.

Mammadyarov said that the Azerbaijani side has already informed the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs about it and demanded from the co-chairs to get connected with the Armenian side and avoid such provocations.

If we talk about the restoration of peace and demand the withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories, Armenias conducting military exercises in the occupied Agdam is a provocation, said the minister.

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will visit the region in October, added the minister.

The co-chairs think that the work on the conflicts settlement must be continued and they are going to visit the region in the second half of October, he noted.

The co-chairs plan to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia and perhaps, then they will determine which proposals will be put up for a possible meeting of the two states presidents, said Mammadyarov.

The minister said also that he discussed this issue with Russian foreign minister.

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, Sept.29

Trend:

Azerbaijan has always paid great attention to humanitarian cooperation, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev during the fifth Baku International Humanitarian Forum Sept.29.

But I would like the guests to know that our country itself has faced a humanitarian disaster. Twenty percent of our lands have been occupied as a result of the armed aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan in early 1990s. More than a million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs on their native lands as a result of this occupation and ethic cleansing, said the president. Our historic and native land Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts have been occupied by Armenia.

Innocent people were killed and a military crime  Khojaly genocide was committed against our people, he said, adding that 613 civilians, including 106 women and 63 children were killed in the city of Khojaly as a result of the genocide.

All these atrocities committed by Armenians have been documented. There are video and photo materials and witness testimonies, said President Aliyev.

The president pointed out that ten countries have recognized the Khojaly genocide.

Our historical, religious monuments have been destroyed by Armenians on the occupied lands and there are facts to back it up. In connection with this, the OSCE has sent a fact-finding mission to the occupied territories twice and this is openly indicated in their reports, he added.

The entire infrastructure, the cities have been destroyed and graves have been razed to the ground. They have destroyed our graves with bulldozers. Our mosques have been destroyed, said President Aliyev.

There is an Armenian church in the center of Baku and we have restored that church. Currently, more than 5,000 books in Armenian language are kept in this church, he said. This is while they raze our mosques to the ground. This is the difference.

Armenian fascism has caused a big disaster and innocent people still suffer from the Armenian policy, said the president.

All international organizations unequivocally support our position. In particular, the UN General Assembly, which is the first and highest international body in the world, has repeatedly adopted resolutions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions demanding the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied lands, said President Aliyev.

Regretfully, Armenia ignores these resolutions and there is no mechanism for fulfilling the resolutions, said the president, adding that this is a great injustice.

We consider this as a policy of double standards, because in some cases, the resolutions of the UN Security Council are fulfilled in several days and perhaps, in several hours and the aggressor is punished, he said. But when it comes to us, although more than 20 years have passed since the adoption of the resolutions, they are not fulfilled. Those who have adopted these resolutions do not demand their fulfillment.

President Aliyev added that other international organizations, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, European Parliament, Non-Aligned Movement and OSCE have also adopted decisions on this issue.

Thats to say, all international organizations support our position. Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral, historical part of Azerbaijan. At the same time, Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan in accordance with the international law, said the president.

The territorial integrity of our country should be restored. Our countrys territorial integrity is not less important than that of any other country. The international law should be ensured, added President Aliyev. Despite this problem, our country is developing confidently and we are growing stronger.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria Margarita Popova Sept. 28.

Hailing the successful development of Azerbaijan-Bulgaria bilateral relations, the president underlined that cooperation between the two countries was based on friendship.

President Aliyev noted that Popova's visit to Azerbaijan created opportunities for discussing bilateral ties between the two countries, and hailed the importance of her participation in the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

Praising the successful development of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, President Aliyev underlined the significance of the event which was recently organized with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's support in the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo.

The president expressed his gratitude to the Bulgarian government, prime minister and other state and government officials for their high hospitality. The president described the event as the manifestation of close ties and eagerness to continue partnership between the two countries.

Popova thanked President Aliyev for inviting her to the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum which was organized by the government of Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Aliyev. She expressed hope that her visit will be successful.

Popova underlined the importance of Azerbaijan's holding such an event amid global tension.

Saying the international events as the World Intercultural Dialogue Forum and the International Humanitarian Forum organized by Azerbaijan were of crucial importance, Bulgaria's vice-president emphasized the increasing political significance of these events.
This story was updated Sept. 29 at 12:25 p.m. EDT.

A person in Florida has caught a locally transmitted case of dengue fever, news sources reported Wednesday. The case is the first in which a person caught dengue from a mosquito bite within Miami-Dade County in 2016.

The person diagnosed with the viral infection has received treatment and is expected to fully recover, CBS Miami reported. The case is also Florida's second local dengue case of 2016, according to CBS Miami. In 2015, the state reported one locally transmitted case of dengue, and in 2014 it had six known locally acquiered cases of the disease, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Dengue (pronounced den' gee) is a disease caused by four closely related viruses: DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3 and DENV 4, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's spread when infected mosquitoes  usually the species Aedes aegypti, but sometimes the species A. albopictus  bite humans. [7 Devastating Infectious Diseases]

The virus cannot be spread directly from person to person; it must be carried by a mosquito, according to the CDC.

There are an estimated 100 million cases of dengue worldwide yearly, according to the CDC. Symptoms of the infection include high fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, and rash, the CDC said. Symptoms usually begin within 14 days after a person is bitten, and can last up to one week, CBS Miami reported.

There isn't a specific treatment for dengue, but people with the disease can take pain relievers, such as Tylenol, that contain acetaminophen; drink plenty of fluids; and consult with a physician, according to the CDC. If the person develops severe symptoms, such as vomiting or severe abdominal pain, he or she might have dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially fatal disease that can be treated if caught early, according to the CDC.

Officials in Miami-Dade County are working to reduce mosquito populations, and "aggressive mosquito control is being conducted in this county already to address Zika," said Mara Gambineri, the communications director at the Florida Department of Health. In general, to prevent the dengue virus from spreading, people can get rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed, and use window screens and air conditioners to stop the insects from getting inside, according to the CDC. (Mosquitos prefer humidity, and air conditioners make the air inside drier.)

People can also wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and insect repellant to avoid mosquito bites, according to the CDC.

Florida isn't the only state to experience dengue. Hawaii had dengue outbreaks in 2001, 2011 and 2015, and Brownsville, Texas, had an outbreak in 2005. An outbreak in Key West, Florida, stretched from 2009 to 2011, Jonathan Day, a professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida, told Live Science in 2015.

However, there are no animals other than mosquitoes in the United States that can carry dengue, and so effective mosquito control can play a big part in getting rid of the disease, once the human outbreak ends, Day said.

Editor's Note: This story was updated to include more information from the Florida Department of Health.

Original article on Live Science.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump faced off in the first 2016 presidential debate at Hofstra University in New York on Sept. 26, 2016.

Many watchers of Monday night's presidential debate noted that Donald Trump kept sniffling. The presidential candidate later said that he didn't have a cold, so what else might have caused the sniffling?

During the debate, Trump's frequent sniffling was a widely discussed topic on social media, giving rise to the hashtag #Trumpsniffle on Twitter. In a TV interview with "Fox and Friends" the following morning, Trump denied being sick, saying "No, no sniffles, no cold," according to Reuters.

While we don't know the reason behind Trump's frequent sniffling, a number of things can cause the symptom.

"It could be almost anything," said Dr. Alan Mensch, a pulmonologist and senior vice president of medical affairs at Northwell Healths Plainview and Syosset Hospitals in New York, who is not involved in Trump's medical care. [7 Absolutely Horrible Head Infections]

Anytime the mucous membranes in the nose react to something by swelling, it can cause people to sniffle, Mensch said.

This swelling can be triggered by allergies (such as hay fever), irritants in the air (such as cigarette smoke, perfume or dust), and a viral infection (even before you have full-blown symptoms).

People can also experience constant sniffling if they use a nasal spray to treat their allergies or cold symptoms. When the effect of the nasal spray wears off, people can sometimes experience a "rebound effect" in which their symptoms are even worse than before they used the medication, Mensch said.

Although not applicable to Trump, Mensch said that being pregnant can also lead to an increase in sniffling. During pregnancy, mucous membranes swell throughout the body, including in the nose, he said.

Even cold weather can cause us to sniffle. This happens because our noses typically add moisture to the air we breathe, but if the air is cold and dry, the nose may increase fluid production, leading to a runny nose and sniffling, according to NPR.

When asked about his sniffling, Trump brought up a technical issue rather than a medical one. "The mike was very bad, but maybe it was good enough to hear breathing, he told "Fox and Friends."

Original article on Live Science.
Hillary Clinton's plan for improving U.S. health care is outlined in a leading medical journal today, and in her plan the candidate describes her goals to reduce prescription drug costs and spur more basic research into diseases.

"As President, I will fight for every American to have access to affordable, quality health care  regardless of their ZIP Code, income, or medical history," the Democratic presidential nominee wrote today (Sept. 28) in the New England Journal of Medicine. [Democratic Party Platform: We Fact-Checked the Science]

The journal published the commentary as an opinion piece. Editors at the journal invited both Clinton and her opponent, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, to answer questions about their plans to improve U.S. health care, but only Clinton responded, the editors said. [Republican Party Platform: We Fact-Checked the Science]

In the commentary, Clinton says she has four big goals for U.S. health care. These include:

Improving the Affordable Care Act (ACA): Although Clinton praised the ACA for helping to increase the number of Americans who have health insurance, she also wrote that she will "build on the progress" of the law. She said work is needed to increase the coverage of Medicaid in the 19 states that have so far refused to expand their Medicaid coverage, which leaves 3 million Americans without insurance.

She also said there should be a "public option" in the ACA, meaning a government-run insurance plan. Clinton wants this option made available in every state, and she said it would compete in the insurance marketplace alongside private plans to give Americans more insurance choices.

Making health care more affordable: Citing rising out-of-pocket drug costs for Americans, Clinton said she will work to lower costs. One way to do this, she said, is to allow for more competition in the market "by streamlining approval of high-quality biosimilar and generic drugs." Clinton also said she plans to create a new team "charged with identifying excessive price spikes in long-standing, life-saving treatments, and give them effective new tools to respond."

Although Clinton did not mention it directly, she could have been referring to a recent rise in the price of the EpiPen, which treats life-threatening allergic reactions. The company that makes EpiPens garnered controversy recently when it was reported that the price of the drug rose dramatically in recent years.

Making health care less fragmented: Clinton advocated for a health care system that "treats the whole patient" and "reaches every American community." She said there should be efforts to form partnerships between public health departments, health care systems and community-based organizations. She stressed that mental health care should be incorporated with all other aspects of patient care, and that efforts should be made to "ensure that mental health care is not siloed."

Investing in basic research: Clinton said she will increase funding for biomedical research for all diseases, and that she will make specific investments for researchers to study diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and HIV/AIDS. "Encouraging the next generation of health innovation and entrepreneurship will help Americans lead longer, healthier lives," she said.

This isn't the first time an article by Clinton has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In 2006, she co-wrote an opinion piece with then-Sen. Barack Obama, on improving patient safety.

President Obama made headlines earlier this year when he published a complete academic paper in the journal JAMA.

Original article on Live Science.
212 million years ago in what is today New Mexico, a Drepanosaurus used its massive claw and powerful arm to rip away tree bark and expose the insects within.

About 200 million years ago, a reptile resembling a chameleon wielded a digit on each of its front legs with a massive claw, and used that claw as a digging tool in a manner similar to that of modern anteaters.

However, the oversize claws weren't even the weirdest part of this animal's forelimbs, according to a new study describing fossils of the unusual appendages.

The front limbs of most tetrapods  four-limbed animals with backbones  share certain similarities in bone arrangement and shape. But this unusual reptile's forelimb structure diverged dramatically, suggesting that early tetrapod limbs may have been more diverse than previously suspected. [Image Gallery: 25 Amazing Ancient Beasts]

The first fossil of this ancient, chameleon-like reptile  known as Drepanosaurus and measuring about 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) in length  was found in Italy in the 1970s and was described in 1980, according to study author Adam Pritchard, a postdoctoral fellow with the Department of Geology at Yale University.

But the fossil, though mostly preserved, was badly crushed, Pritchard told Live Science.

Scientists managed to isolate individual bones just enough to suggest the creature had odd front limbs. But to reconstruct the limbs to see what they actually looked like would take more, uncrushed, fossil material.

That material didn't emerge until decades later.

Armed and dangerous

In 2010, Pritchard began investigating fossils excavated by the study's other co-authors, in Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. He and his colleagues identified three Drepanosaurus specimens that were preserved in 3D, providing a first glimpse of the forelimbs that had intrigued scientists 30 years earlier.

One of these forelimbs is not like the others. Forelimbs in living and extinct reptiles follow certain anatomical patterns, but not the forelimbs of ancient reptile Drepanosaurus. (Image credit: Adam Pritchard et al.)

Pritchard explained that tetrapod forelimbs follow a basic plan: a single bone, the humerus, attaches to the shoulder. Attached to the humerus are two elongated parallel bones, the radius and ulna, which meet a series of shorter wrist bones at the base of the hand.

Drepanosaurus, however, had two differently shaped bones extending from the humerus that were not parallel. One was shaped like a crescent moon, Pritchard said. Attached to this crescent-moon bone were two long and slender wrist bones that were much longer than the other wrist bones.

"The idea we confirmed with the new fossils was that the crescent moon bone was, in fact, the ulna," Pritchard said. "Drepanosaurus maintains the traditional bones that make up the forelimb, but they're radically altered."

Can you dig it?

The fossils were so well-preserved that the study authors were able to see where the forelimb bones would have met one another, so they could determine the animal's range of motion. The scientists determined that Drepanosaurus was capable of powerfully moving its forelimb forward and pulling it back, but probably couldn't raise or lower the limb much.

Illustration of the Drepanosaurus forelimb. Individual Drepanosaurus fossils recovered from the Ghost Ranch digs are pictured on the edges, with indicator lines showing which forelimb bones the fossils represent. (Image credit: Adam Pritchard et al.)

Since the forelimbs were tipped with giant claws, this suggested that Drepanosaurus used its arms for digging, in a method employed by modern anteaters called "hook and pull," the researchers said.

"It involves hooking the claw powerfully into substrate and pulling the entire forelimb back, using the entire musculature of the arm to rip open whatever it's attacking at the time," Pritchard explained.

And the mechanics of Drepanosaurus' unusual forelimb are just the beginning of what scientists are poised to discover about this mysterious group of animals, Pritchard said.

"We have a lot more 3D-preserved fossils that are going to be able to answer questions about what the rest of the skeleton looked like  like the head and the claw at the end of the tail," he said.

The findings were published online today (Sept. 29) in the journal Current Biology.

Original article on Live Science.
Americans will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8, to decide whether Republican candidate Donald Trump or Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton will become the next president of the United States. (Of course, there are "third-party" candidates as well: Jill Stein and Gary Johnson).

But how exactly did the world's most powerful democracy decide on the rules for electing the highest office in the land? It turns out that while the practice of electing American political representatives may be older than George Washington, the trappings and rituals of current election days are much more modern.

Below is a look at the what, where, when and how of Election Day, including details on its history, some common myths, as well as interesting facts about the venerable tradition.

Related Coverage

Why do Americans vote on Tuesdays?

Though Americans have been voting in presidential elections since George Washington was chosen as the first president, in 1788, Tuesday didn't become the official election day until Jan. 23, 1845, when the 28th Congress voted for a uniform election day for president. [7 Great Dramas in Congressional History]

The law doesn't specify the first Tuesday in the month, but rather, the Tuesday after the first Monday.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the electors of president and vice president shall be appointed in each state on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in the month of November of the year in which they are to be appointed," the law states.

As for why the representatives chose a Tuesday rather than a weekend, it helps to remember that the United States was a very different place back then. Many Americans were farmers and thought Friday, Saturday and Sunday were for worship, honoring the Sabbath and spending time with family, not for binge-watching Netflix and running errands. Because traveling on horse (the main mode of transportation at the time) to the county seat to vote could take a day, the election needed to be on a day that allowed people one day to travel, another one to vote and a third to head back before the Sabbath, according to WhyTuesday.org, a nonprofit organization that is seeking to change election day to a weekend.

The midweek election day became enshrined as Election Day in 1875 and 1914, when Congress voted to make congressional and senate elections, respectively, occur on the same Tuesday, according to WhyTuesday.org.

Why isn't Election Day a holiday?

This Nov. 8, arguably the world's most powerful person will be elected to the highest office in the land; but for most Americans, the day is rather humdrum, with people rushing off to work and school. [5 Influential Leaders Who Transformed the World]

So why isn't this important day a federal holiday?

It turns out, various people have pushed for a so-called "Voting Day" or "Democracy Day" over the years. For instance, in 2005, Rep. John Conyers of Michigan put forward a bill to make the election day a national holiday. The bill didn't pass, which is why Americans still head to the polls before rushing off to work.

The impetus behind voting-holiday measures is to increase voter turnout. The U.S. has one of the lowest voter turnouts of developed democracies in the world, with only 53.6 percent of the eligible voting population coming out for the presidential election in 2012, as compared with 87.6 percent in Belgium and 84.3 percent in Turkey, according to the Pew Research Center. Those stats make Americans seem like political slackers, but the numbers are somewhat misleading, because both Belgium and Turkey have compulsory voting, Pew said. Yet even countries where voting is voluntary often have higher turnout than the United States, depending on the issue or election. For instance, the Brexit Referendum on whether the United Kingdom should leave the European Union drew 72 percent of eligible voters, according to Pew.

However, it's not clear that switching voting day to a weekend or a holiday would boost participation, said a 2009 working paper by Henry Farber, a researcher at Princeton University in New Jersey. By studying the impact on voter turnout of state policies that grant paid voting holidays, the study found that a national paid holiday for voting would not significantly boost voter turnout, and could have downsides.

"The economic cost of such a holiday is substantial, particularly understanding that the act of voting is 1) generally not very time-consuming (at least compared with the length of a workday) and 2) that the polls are generally open from early morning until late evening," Farber wrote in the paper.

How long are the polls open?

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 23: A woman votes early at the Downtown Early Vote Center on September 23, 2016 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minnesota residents can vote in the general election every day until Election Day on November 8. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) (Image credit: Stephen Maturen / Stringer)

The polls tend to open early in the morning and stay open late to accommodate people's work schedules, but the exact hours vary by state and county. People who want to make sure they do their civic duty should check their state election websites for details.

(The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has an online resource with links to state election websites where you can register and get more details on voting in your state.)

Early birds can reach the polls as early as 5 a.m. ET in some parts of Vermont and 6 a.m. MT in Arizona, while some polling places in New Hampshire won't open until 11 a.m. ET this year. In general, most polling places will be open by 7 a.m., according to Ballotpedia.

Polls close at 6 p.m. in Indiana and at 9 p.m. in Iowa, though most states close the stations and start the vote count somewhere between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The polls may also close at different times in the same state. For instance, in Tennessee, polls using the Central Standard Time (CST) zone close at 7 p.m., while those in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone close at 8 p.m., according to Ballotpedia. (Daylight saving time ends this year on Sunday, Nov. 6.) And voters in Oregon or Washington who are looking to drop their votes in a ballot box may be disappointed: Those two states rely completely on mail-in votes and have no polling hours, though people who wish to vote in person can go to a local municipal clerk's office in Oregon, according to Ballotpedia.

Find your polling place by state: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington, D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

How are votes tallied?

Soon after you've touched an electronic screen, ticked off the boxes and mailed in your vote or dropped the envelop in the ballot box, the results from individual precincts start coming in. But how exactly are the votes tallied?

PROVO-UT - MARCH 22: A record number of paper ballots are turned in at the Democratic Caucuses at Farrer Junior High in Provo, Utah on March 22, 2016. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) (Image credit: George Frey/Getty Images)

It turns out, there are no official federal guidelines for vote tallying, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Instead, a patchwork of state and local laws dictate the process.

No matter what, however, local election officials are in charge of the count. As soon as the polls close, some combination of permanent election officials, poll workers hired to work on Election Day and election office staff who are part-time get to work.

For paper ballots, workers will typically record how many spoiled or unused ballots are present. They then look at the voter rolls, or a list of registered voters, and count how many people said they voted, before opening the ballot boxes to make sure the numbers match.

The workers then sort the ballots into piles for each candidate or party and count the ballots, according to the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network. Finally, contested votes (for instance, ones in which the vote is unclear or someone has voted twice) are set aside. As long as election officials can determine the voter's intent, the ballot is counted, but if not, it is sent up the food chain for a higher official to take a look.

Once the vote count is finished, a final reconciliation of the vote is performed, in whichofficials go back over their count. Next, a certificate, which records the tallies, is signed and sent to a local office for secure storage in case a recount is called.

When mail-in ballots are added to the mix, things can get even more complicated. Mail-ins can fuel a flurry of provisional ballots, in which there is some uncertainty about who is voting and where the individual's polling place is. That requires election officials to look at the voter's record and compare the ballot's signer with a database of voters to make sure the same person didn't cast a ballot somewhere else, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The process  checking the address on file with the one on the envelope, inspecting signatures on the mail-in envelope and making sure a person voted in the right precinct  can take up to a half-hour per ballot, said the Los Angeles Times. When one factors in that there can be tens of thousands of these provisional ballots, it becomes clear why recalls, in which recounts are needed, take so long.

Myths and interesting facts

When the United States came into existence, the federal government did not spell out who was allowed to vote. In 1789, only 6 percent of the population  a group that consisted mostly of white, male property-owners  voted in the election to make George Washington the first president, according to the government archives. Only in 1870 did former male slaves gain the right to vote, with women entering the voter ranks in 1920 after passage of the 19th amendment. American Indians got the right to vote only after Congress passed a law in 1924, according to the archives.

Painted by Gilbert Stuart and Rembrandt Peale Housed at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Mass.

In his first campaign, in the 1750s, George Washington lost to his opponent for a spot in the Virginia House of Burgesses, a loss that he attributed to not providing enough alcohol to his constituents. To remedy the situation, he spent his entire campaign budget in 1758 on more than 100 gallons of booze, according to "Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition" (Scribner, 2011) by Daniel Okrent. Washington won that second election. Though technically illegal, plying constituents with alcohol was widespread practice in the early days of the republic, Okrent wrote.

While the secret ballot is enshrined in the voting process today, in the earliest days of the republic, public shouts of "yea" or "nay" sufficed to count as a person's vote. The secret ballot, also called the Australian ballot, was introduced in the country only in 1884. As late as 1950, Georgia held onto the public ballot.

Laws that disenfranchise criminals have roots going back to ancient Greece. In Britain, people convicted of being outlaws could be stripped of their voting rights. And at the time of the United States' founding, 29 states legally prohibited convicts from voting, according to a 2004 article in the Fordham Urban Law Journal. Many of these early disenfranchisement laws had to do with "morality" crimes like drunkenness. After the Civil War, felon disenfranchisement expanded dramatically, particularly in Southern states.

"Some Southern states passed laws disenfranchising those convicted of what were considered to be 'black' crimes, while those convicted of 'white' crimes did not lose their right to vote. For example, South Carolina disenfranchised criminals convicted of 'thievery, adultery, arson, wife beating, housebreaking and attempted rape,' but not those convicted of murder or fighting," the article said.

Mechanical-lever voting machines were introduced in the 1890s, and as recently as 1996, 20 percent of Americans voted in that way. Nowadays, however, no one in the U.S. votes using mechanical-lever voting devices, according to VerifiedVoting.org. Punch-card voting machines, responsible for the "hanging chad" controversy that led to a recall in the 2000 presidential election, are almost extinct as well, with just a few counties in the country using them. Most people use either optical scan paper ballots or electronic ballots, while those with impairments may be given specialized ballot-marking devices.

Being in a far-off land is no disqualification for voting. Not only can people who live abroad vote, but astronauts living on the International Space Station can vote as well. Mission control sends a digital version of the ballet to the space-dwellers, and the astronauts return the filled-out ballot using the same method. "The first American to vote in a presidential election from space was Leroy Chiao, who did it while commanding the International Space Station's Expedition 10 mission in 2004," Space.com reported.

Until 1804, the runner-up in the presidential election automatically became vice president. However, once people realized what it meant to have two opponents working together (Clinton/Trump ticket anyone?), Congress ratified the 12th Amendment, which lays out how the electoral college elects the president and vice president today.

Editor's Note: This story was updated to note that former male slaves gained the right to vote in 1870.

Original article on Live Science.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Seymur Aliyev  Trend:

The V Baku International Humanitarian Forum has received global recognition for a relatively short time, according to the letter of Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed to the participants of the forum.

Baku receives distinguished guests, representatives of science and creative intellectuals, Russias Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets read out the letter to the forums participants. You are to exchange valuable experience, discuss prospects in the sphere of culture, science and the environment. I am sure that your discussions will be fruitful.

The V Baku International Humanitarian Forum has kicked off on Sept. 29 in the Heydar Aliyev center in Baku.



President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva are taking part in the opening ceremony of the forum.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Baku International Humanitarian Forum, initiated by the Azerbaijani government, will promote objectives of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), said UNESCO Deputy Director General Getachew Engida addressing the forums opening Sept. 29.

The V Baku International Humanitarian Forum has kicked off on Sept. 29 in the Heydar Aliyev center in Baku.

We live in a period of globalization, which brings new threats to peace with destructive social transformations and dramatic movements of peoples, said Engida.

He noted that the world is facing the most significant refugee crisis over the recent period, and this is a direct consequence of frequent conflicts that are fueled by rise of radicalization and extremism and as a result, cause suffering to millions of people, and especially young people.

Engida said also that the UN agenda in the area of sustainable development for the period until 2030 envisages a commitment to global action, in spite of the current challenges.

In particular, it is necessary to ensure the education of children and young people affected by war and crises, and to prevent the spread of extremism in the sphere of education, he added.

UNESCOs strategy for the protection of culture and promotion of cultural pluralism is also extremely important, especially in the periods of armed conflicts, said the deputy director general.

This becomes particularly important in a world, where people from different cultures and religions are becoming closer to each other, he added.

He said also that the UNESCO strives for this by creating stable platforms giving new opportunities for dialogue, intercultural meetings and cultural literacy.

The formation of such mechanisms helps to achieve the UNESCOs main goal  to promote the ideas of intercultural peace and interreligious dialogue, noted Engida.

He added that new transboundary actions, cooperation between governments, civil society and private sector are important for the implementation of these goals.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Releases

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Three men, one of whom is a minor, who appeared at last weeks sitting of Longford District Court charged under the Criminal Justice Act were sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Longford Circuit Court.

Jamie Brady (20), 102 Teffia Park, Longford appeared before Judge Seamus Hughes charged with committing violent disorder at Fee Court, Longford on September 6, 2015.

He was also further charged with assault causing harm at Fee Court, Longford on the same date.

Meanwhile Danny McLoughlin (18), 2 Railway Court, Newtownforbes, Co Longford also appeared before the Judge charged in connection with the incident.

Mr McLoughlin is charged too with assault and committing violent disorder at Fee Court, Longford on September 6, 2015.

The minor who cannot be named was also charged in connection with the matter.

Solicitor Mark Connellan told the court that the books of evidence in the case had been served on all defendants earlier and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed that they be sent forward for trial on indictment in respect of the matter to the next sittings of Longford Circuit Court.

He subsequently requested that they be returned for trial to Longford Circuit Court on November 1 next.

Judge Hughes then issued the defendants with the Alibi warning and ordered them to appear back at court on November 1, 2016.
Details added, first version posted at 10:05

Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

The V Baku International Humanitarian Forum has kicked off on Sept. 29 in the Heydar Aliyev center in Baku. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva are taking part in the opening ceremony of the forum.

President Aliyev has delivered a speech at the opening of the event.

The fifth Baku International Humanitarian Forum is beginning. I sincerely greet all the guests who have come to our country to take part in this forum. Welcome to Azerbaijan, said President Aliyev.

The president noted that more than 400 representatives from around 80 countries are participating in this forum and this itself is an indicator.

The forum has gained great respect on the international arena in recent years and it holds a special place among international events, said President Aliyev, adding that Azerbaijan has always paid great attention to international humanitarian cooperation.

We believe that positive tendencies should be strengthened in the world, he noted.

International cooperation plays a special role in developing interstate relations. For this purpose, we have held a number of international events in our country in recent years. The International Humanitarian Forum holds a special place among them, said the president.

Our country holds the Forum on Intercultural Dialogue every two years. Baku hosted the Summit of World Religious Leaders several years ago and the 7th Global Forum of UN Alliance of Civilizations was held this year, added President Aliyev.

Wide discussions were held and the international humanitarian cooperation, multiculturalism and other important issues were discussed during all those international events, according to the president.

The president noted that in 2016 alone, Baku hosted Formula 1 and World Chess Olympiad for the first time.

Last year, Baku hosted the First European Games for the first time in the history. This is an indicator, because the First European Games were held in a Muslim country and this can be assessed as Azerbaijans contribution to the interreligious and intercultural dialogue, said President Aliyev.



Next year, Baku will host the fourth Islamic Solidarity Games. Thats to say, in just two years, the city has hosted the European Games and will host the Islamic Solidarity Games, said the president.

Todays Azerbaijan is moving on this path. There are many purposes of holding these international events in our country. First of all, this is necessary for our country, because, Azerbaijan is a multiconfessional, multinational country. Representatives of all religions, nations live in Azerbaijan as one family. They should even more closely combine their efforts," he said.

In his speech, the president of Azerbaijan said that the country's history is built on multiculturalism.

Despite that this word is new, in Azerbaijan multiculturalism is a tradition, which lives on, said Ilham Aliyev.

He said that representatives of all nationalities and peoples live in peace and friendship in Azerbaijan. This is our big treasure, said the president.

The president also noted that it's no coincidence that this year was proclaimed the Year of Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan.

Unfortunately, some say that the policy of multiculturalism has failed and that this is a dangerous phenomenon, said the president.

Regretfully, currently, unpleasant tendencies prevail in the world. There are bloody clashes, wars in various regions and bloodshed occurs on religious and national grounds, said President Aliyev. The intensification of international humanitarian cooperation can, to some extent, prevent those negative tendencies and strengthen the positive trends.

Further, the president noted that Azerbaijan is a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the country plays an active role in both of these organizations.

At Azerbaijans initiative, both of these organizations have adopted very fair resolutions in line with the international law on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is the most painful problem for us. Armenia has been indicated as an occupier in those resolutions, said President Aliyev.

We successfully continue our activities in these two organizations, said the president, adding that the Council of Europe and OIC bring together more than one hundred states.

The president pointed out that currently, Azerbaijan as an independent state makes contribution to the development of multiculturalism.

Such events and the policy pursued in Azerbaijan in everyday life strengthen these positive tendencies, he added.

I would also like to note that representatives of all nations and religions live as one family, in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere in Azerbaijan. There has never been a confrontation or a disagreement on religious and national grounds in our country. This is our great wealth, said President Aliyev.

History of all religions, the religious monuments are protected by the state. At the same time, the state ensures the restoration of those monuments with its own funds, said the president. Mosques, churches, synagogues are built and repaired in Azerbaijan. We celebrate all our religious holidays together.

We are proud of our history and our culture. Today, one of the oldest mosques of the world is situated in Azerbaijan. The Mosque of Shamakhi in the city of Shamakhi was built in 743 and currently, operates after restoration. At the same time, such a historical monument as the Church of Caucasian Albania, which is one of the oldest churches in Caucasus, is situated near the city of Shaki. Currently, that historical monument also operates after restoration and attracts many tourists, said the president.

The old monument of Zoroastrianism, the monument, the temple of fire worship near Baku is preserved today. This is our history, said President Aliyev.

The president added that representatives of various religions and cultures have lived in Azerbaijan throughout history. Perhaps, it is not accidental that namely Azerbaijan was chosen for living together, because, these tendencies have always prevailed in our country, in our land. This is a state policy today as well and we will further pursue this policy, he said.

This state policy is gaining great sympathy in the country. Meanwhile, this is the societys mood, because, the state policy can be pursued successfully when the society positively reacts to this and vice-versa, the positive mood in the society and the tendencies related to multiculturalism even more strengthen our state policy, added the president.
A man who was arrested after an incident outside a pub was fined 250 at a recent sitting of Granard District Court.

Ian Wenman, 22 St Patricks Terrace, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and public intoxication at Caseys Pub, Carrickboy, Co Longford on January 1, 2016.

It was revealed that at approximately 2:45am on the date in question, gardai were called to the licenced premises where they met Mr Wenman, who was leaning against the door, intoxicated and aggressive. He had become aggressive inside the bar and had to be locked outside.

Mr Wenmans aggression further continued while speaking to the Gardai and when arrested, he twice tried to headbutt the window of the patrol car.

Speaking on behalf of his client, Mr Frank Gearty explained that Mr Wenman had had a row with his brother in the pub but that all the issues had since been resolved and Mr Wenman has remained of good behaviour.

After hearing that the father-of-one had compensated the pub owners for damage done to the door, Judge Hughes fined Mr Wenman 250 for threatening and abusive behaviour, before striking out the charge of public intoxication.
Students in Mean Scoil Mhuire Longford are in with a chance of winning the trip of a lifetime on the Camino de Santiago, after entering the EduCamino competition.

The first ever EduCamino, specially designed for schools and students, was launched in 2013. It brings students on the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago to Santiago Cathedral and the tomb of the Apostle St James.

An amazing, spiritual journey for all ages, undertaking the Camino will see the students become immersed in a new culture. They will also feel a great sense of accomplishment and confidence upon completion.

One school in Ireland will get the chance to win a one-week class trip (20 students plus two teachers) on the Camino de Santiago. Everything from accommodation and to breakfast, dinner and lunch is included.

The competing schools submitted a photograph to the competition, and the winning school will be the one who gets the most likes, comments and shares.

To like, comment on, or share the Mean Scoil Mhuire photograph, just log onto Facebook and search for 'Follow the Camino'.

Click on the 'Photo' tab and find the Mean Scoil Mhuire photograph. Then, like, share and comment as much as possible to help the girls win a dream week away in one of the world's most popular tourist attractions.

For more information on the competition, visit https://www.followthecamino.com/educamino
This is the huge pothole that is threatening to take over a rural roadway in south Longford.

Local resident Bernard Kenny showed the extent of the problem along the Askey road outside Newtowncashel last week in a picture which was obtained by the Leader.

As our image shows Bernard's entire lower right leg was submerged, fuelling concerns from local politicians.

Cllr Gerald Farrell, who submitted the photo, said the road at the locally named Flanagan's Turn to Buggan Cross has been the bane of much distress for motorists and locals for some time.

It's been like that for the last week or so, said Cllr Farrell.

The problem is it's lying across a bog road and is sinking into the ground.

To make matters worse, the Fine Gael councillor revealed three sink holes have recently surfaced, making life even more difficult for road users.

Cllr Farrell said the problem is so grave, council officials are now contemplating closing the road in order for essential repairs to be carried out.

There is a fear that a section of that road could fall away completely, remarked Cllr Farrell.

To be honest though, closing the road is just what we don't want as it is used a lot by residents.

Bord Na Mona have a depot on that road too and workers would use it on a regular basis.

By way of a compromise, Cllr Farrell said the general consensus among local homeowners was for remedial work to be executed in an attempt to prevent any closure taking place.

Meanwhile, the Lanesboro publican has rounded on the large amounts of taxpayers' money that has been spent in drafting flood risk management plans across the south Longford area.

In reference to ongoing fears surrounding a turlough at Cashelbeg/Fortwilliam along the Rathcline-Newtowncashel border, Cllr Farrell said the time had come for better use to be made of public monies.

We all saw the rain that fell last weekend and residents down there are fearful that they could be marooned again, he said.

Local residents want to get a digger in to do some work and maybe look to see if a swallow hole could be opened up to see if there is anything causing an obstruction.

I am annoyed at the amount of money that has been p***** away on surveys, reports and consultations in this country. It's a complete joke.
A judge has appointed a mediator to resolve a dispute between members of the muslim community in Longford following a row at a mosque last year.

Judge Seamus Hughes made the order at a special district court sitting today following an incident which occurred at the Longford Community Islamic Centre, Townspark Industrial Estate, Longford on August 21 last year.

Six men, a father and his two sons together with three brothers, were all charged with assault and public order offences following the incident.

Mohammad Tariq, 19 Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown, Longford and Muhammad Abid Hussain, 7 Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown, Longford were charged with assaulting Muhammad Asim contrary to Section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Muhammad Khalid, 11 Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown, Longford was also charged with assault and with two further Section 6 and Section 8 public order offences.

Ghulam Rasool, 4 Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown, Longford was similarly charged with assaulting Mr Asim while his two sons, Ahsan Rasool and Quasim Rasool, both of the same address were also charged with assault.

The case was adjourned until January 10 next year.

For more on this story, see next weeks Longford Leader.
Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: September 29 2016

Under this new law, landline, cell phone, television, internet, energy and water service providers are prohibited from charging contract termination or early cancellation fees.

Albany, NY - September 27, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation that prevents telecommunications companies and utility providers from charging a contract termination or early cancellation fee in the event of a customer's death.



"This was a heartless and inappropriate policy that is mostly borne by grieving New Yorkers grappling with the loss of a loved one," Governor Cuomo said. "Ending these fees is the right thing to do and will spare those in mourning from this annoying burden."



Many companies use early termination fees to ensure that a customer continues to use a service through the full contract period. Under this new law, (A.8630A /S.6485-A), landline, cell phone, television, internet, energy and water service providers are prohibited from charging contract termination or early cancellation fees if a customer dies before the end of an agreement. In addition, a civil penalty of up to $1,000 will be placed on providers that violate this law. This measure takes effect immediately.



Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther said, "This law was written in memory of my mother Therese Malone. After she passed away, a utility company tried to charge her account an early termination fee. I wondered, if this was happening to my family, how many others have been taken advantage of. I thank the Governor for signing this bill into law and joining me in protecting families across New York State. My mother was a generous, caring woman who was guided by her faith. She would be pleased that, even after her passing, she was able to help others."



Senator John Bonacic said, "I'm pleased that Governor Cuomo has signed this common-sense, pro-consumer legislation into law. It is wrong for companies to charge early termination, or cancellation fees to deceased individuals, and I am proud to have sponsored the legislation that will prohibit this practice."
Nature & Weather, Local News, Home & Garden, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: September 29 2016

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of Long Islands 35,000th residential solar project, marking a 320 percent growth in solar over the last four years.

Long Island, NY - Septembre 28, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of Long Islands 35,000th residential solar project, marking a 320 percent growth in solar over the last four years. Long Island is the states largest residential solar market, nearly twice as large as the next region, and supports the Governors Clean Energy Standard to supply 50 percent of the states electricity from renewable energy resources by 2030.



"Clean energy is our future, and Long Island is leading the state in growing our clean tech economy and achieving our climate change goals," Governor Cuomo said. "The continued success of the solar market is fueled by the economic and environmental benefits of clean energy as we reduce emissions, help residents save on their energy bills, and drive local job growth across the state."



As part of NY-Sun, the $1 billion initiative launched by Governor Cuomo to advance the solar industry and create jobs, Long Island has led the state in residential solar projects and now saves 200,000 tons of carbon emissions per year  the equivalent of removing 38,000 cars from the road. New York's statewide solar industry now employs nearly 10,000 workers.



Energy & Finance for New York Chairman Richard Kauffman said, Im thrilled to see Long Island demonstrate what is possible through Governor Cuomos Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to democratize the production of power and make clean, resilient energy affordable for all New Yorkers. The growth of solar on Long Island is a testament to the role of New York State in building a self-sustaining solar industry to support job growth and protect the environment.



In 2015, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority more than doubled the proposed allocation for the Long Island region, from $28 million to $60 million, increased the maximum size of the PV system eligible for incentives from 50 kW to 200 kW, and partnered with PSEG Long Island to implement the NY-Sun initiative throughout the region. NYSERDA is the statewide administrator of NY-Sun, and PSEG Long Island is the local administrator for its customers on Long Island and in the Rockaways.



NYSERDA President and CEO John B. Rhodes said, Solar growth is surging across the State, and the robust market on Long Island continues to lead the way. Long Island is the first region in New York where residential solar is now self-sustaining, continuing to grow without State subsidies, and we expect other regions will follow their excellent example.



PSEG Long Island President and COO David Daly said, PSEG Long Islands commitment to renewable energy is allowing customers all across Long Island and the Rockaways to save money on their energy bills. Achieving a milestone of this magnitude is due in large part to our customers and the continued innovation in the solar industry.



Senator Joseph Griffo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications said, I am pleased to celebrate the completion of 35,000 solar installations on Long Island. Solar is a significant component of a diversified clean energy portfolio in New York State, and this is an important milestone.



Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Energy said, Long Island continues to be a leader in solar, as evidenced by the impressive 320 percent growth in solar installations in only four short years. The emissions reductions and renewable energy achieved as a result goes a long way towards meeting New Yorks goals, and can serve as a model for the rest of the State.



Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, Thirty five thousand residential solar installs on Long Island is certainly something to celebrate and highlight. Not only are we reducing our carbon foot print with this renewable energy source but we are creating jobs and supporting a continually emerging industry.



Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano said, y"The States Clean Energy initiatives have succeeded in establishing environmental and economic benefits for all Long Island. The use of solar energy projects are a significant factor in making life on Long Island safer, cleaner and more financially viable for the future.



Renewable Energy Long Island Executive Director Gordian Raacke said, Solar energy has been a huge success story on Long Island and, given the tremendous solar potential here, this is just the beginning. Governor Cuomos bold vision on energy and climate issues has accelerated the transition to renewable energy sources and positioned New York as a national leader on renewable energy.



Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said, The Governor has made a clear commitment in New York to advance renewable energyand its working. Long Islanders understand the devastating effects of climate change and are taking action by investing in rooftop solar. We are changing our energy future one rooftop at a time. As technology and public education advances and government commitment continues, our future looks brighter and more sustainable.



About Reforming the Energy Vision

Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency, in support of the recently adopted Clean Energy Standard, which requires that 50 percent of the state's electricity needs be generated from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven 600 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit here.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events

By Allison Gayne Published: September 29 2016

Proceeds from event will benefit LIAFs Memory Fitness Center and LIAF's mission to improve quality of life for individuals living with memory disorders.

Making Memories: Cocktails & Casino Night at Carlyle On The Green in Farmingdale, NY on Wednesday, October 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Port Washington, NY - September 28, 2016 - Long Island Alzheimers Foundation (LIAF) headquartered in Port Washington for more than 25 years, will host its Making Memories: Cocktails & Casino Night at Carlyle On The Green in Farmingdale, NY on Wednesday, October 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit LIAFs Memory Fitness Center as well as its mission in improving the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimers disease and related memory disorders along with their caregivers.

Cocktails, hors doeuvres, open bar, buffet dinner, casino, an awards program, electronic journal and silent auction/raffle will offer a fantastic night for attendees.

LIAF proudly recognizes Gary L. Bernardini, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Neurology, Chairman, Department of Neurology, New York-Presbyterian/Queens and Vice-Chair, Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, with the Outstanding Physician Award. In addition, LIAFs Outstanding Philanthropic Achievement Award will be presented to Peter J. Klein, CFA, HighTower Advisors and President of The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation.

Alzheimers Disease is having a devastating impact on families across Long Island. The programs that LIAF offers improve quality of life and provide caregivers a much needed respite. We are proud to recognize Dr. Bernardini and Mr. Klein for exemplifying the importance of excellence of care and the need for philanthropic support, said LIAF Executive Director Tori Cohen.

Over the past 25 years, LIAF, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has provided supportive community-based services to Alzheimers families on Long Island. The Foundation has been a pioneering leader in the development of innovative and effective services that foster the independence, dignity, well-being and safety of individuals with Alzheimers, thus aiding in the prevention of premature nursing home placement. Its programs offer help and hope for families grappling with Alzheimers disease while providing support for their caregivers.

Tickets are $150 per person and sponsorships are available. For information about LIAF programs and services visit www.liaf.org. For Cocktails & Casino Night reservations or sponsorship opportunities contact via email or (516) 993-4056.
Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: September 29 2016

We will not allow companies and businesses to evade our tax laws in order to boost their bottom line," said Attorney General Schneiderman.

Gas station operator charged with allegedly failing to remit over $1 million in sales tax collected at his three gas stations in Nassau County.

Long Island, NY - September 28, 2016 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Nonie Manion announced today the indictment of Kulbir Singh, 53, his son Ladpreet Singh, 24, and gas stations Dashmesh Petroleum, Inc., Gobind Petroleum, Inc. and Karam Mart Inc. on eleven felony charges stemming from the alleged theft of over $1 million in sales tax collected for gasoline sales. \

Kulbir Singh operated three BP gas stations in Nassau County, located at 2 Hempstead Avenue, West Hempstead NY (Gobind Petroleum, Inc.), 385 Merrick Road, Valley Stream, NY (Dashmesh Petroleum, Inc.), and 653 Hempstead Avenue, Elmont NY (Karam Mart, Inc.). His son, Ladpreet Singh, also operated Karam Mart. According to the prosecution, the Singhs gas stations collected but failed to remit to New York State a total of over $1,000,000 in sales taxes from September 2011 through December 2014.

Failing to pay legally owed taxes puts the burden on hardworking New Yorkers who play by the rules, while also straining our states resources, said Attorney General Schneiderman. We will not allow companies and businesses to evade our tax laws in order to boost their bottom line.

According to statements made by the prosecutor at arraignment, Kulbir Singhs businesses were previously convicted of felony charges for failing to pay sales tax. In October 2012, in Queens County Supreme Court, Kulbir Singh admitted to controlling four gasoline stations that had stolen more than $500,000 in sales taxes. The corporations pleaded guilty to felony tax fraud charges and agreed to pay more than $1,000,000 in restitution, interest and penalties to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. However, the corporations ultimately paid only $500,000 of the restitution owed. It was during the investigation of the failure to pay the remaining monies that the Department of Taxation and Finance uncovered evidence that Singh allegedly continued to steal sales tax proceeds at gasoline stations he controlled, resulting in the current indictment.

If convicted, defendant Kulbir Singh faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison; his son Ladpreet Singh faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison.

The defendants were arraigned today before Honorable Terence P. Murphy in Nassau County Supreme Court. Bail was set at $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond for defendant Kulbir Singh and at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond for defendant Ladpreet Singh. The charges against the defendants are merely allegations and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the Department of Taxation and Finances Criminal Investigations Division and then referred to the Attorney Generals office for further investigation and prosecution.

Investigator Ryan Fannon of the Attorney Generals Investigations Bureau assisted in the investigation. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Hugh L. McLean of the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau of the Attorney Generals Office, assisted by Legal Analyst Isabela Pena Gonzalez. The Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Gary T. Fishman and Deputy Bureau Chief Stephanie Swenton. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.
Local News, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: September 29 2016

Governor Cuomo announced that the MTA has released alternate routes and updated train schedules to assist commuters this evening following the train accident in Hoboken.

New York, NY - September 29, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the MTA has released alternate routes and updated train schedules to assist commuters this evening following the train accident in Hoboken. PATH service is fully operational in and out of Hoboken on its normal weekday rush hour schedule. Earlier today, Governor Cuomo directed deployment of staff and resources from New York State Police, MTA, Metro North, Port Authority Police Department, Department of Health and emergency officials from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to aid in the recovery and restoration of train service. The National Transportation Safety Board has also dispatched a team of investigators to assess the damage, and has launched an investigation into the surrounding circumstances that led to the train crash.

"As we continue to investigate this morning's tragic event in Hoboken, New York State has worked rapidly to take measures that will minimize the impact of this morning's crash on commuters tonight, tomorrow and through the weekend," Governor Cuomo said. "This region has displayed tremendous unity and New York stands ready to help our neighbors in New Jersey in any way we can. As we continue to learn more about the cause of this crash, I ask that everyone joins in extending our thoughts and prayers to the injured, and deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased."





Photo by: Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, via Flickr.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

Azerbaijani first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva has today met with State Secretary of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdykalikova, who attends the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

The first lady said the issues on the agenda of the Forum are of global importance.

Mehriban Aliyeva hailed the relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, noting that the two nations are bound together by fraternal ties.

Kazakh State Secretary Gulshara Abdykalikova described the results of the referendum on amendments to the Constitution in Azerbaijan as a big triumph.

The Kazakh State Secretary praised relations between the two countries. She noted that Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan cooperate and support each other within international organizations.
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Columnists Press Releases
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

Azerbaijani first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva has today met with a delegation led by second vice president of the Chamber of Deputies of Argentine National Congress, Patricia Gimenez, who visited Azerbaijan to attend the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

Mehriban Aliyeva said the forum, which aims to give a peaceful message, created good opportunities for its guests to get closely familiarized with Azerbaijan.

She hailed friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Argentina, adding there was a huge potential for wider cooperation.

Mehriban Aliyeva expressed confidence that Azerbaijan and Argentina will strengthen their relations in political, economic, cultural and other fields.

The first lady said Azerbaijan has always strived for unity among different religions and nations. Mehriban Aliyeva expressed readiness of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to support joint projects to be implemented by the two countries.

Second Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of Argentine National Congress Patricia Gimenez said it was their first visit to Baku. She praised the importance of the forum as an international platform which brings together representatives of many countries as well as Nobel Prize laureates.

Patricia Gimenez said there were good opportunities for expansion of Azerbaijan-Argentina ties.

She provided an insight into preparations for an Azerbaijan-Argentina mugham and tango festival, saying it will contribute to the bilateral cooperation.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

Azerbaijani first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva has today met with a delegation led by head of Azerbaijan-Italy friendship group at the Italian Senate Mauro Maria Marino, who visited the country to attend the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

The first lady pointed to tolerance and multiculturalism in Azerbaijan. She said Pope Francis will visit the country in a few days.

Mehriban Aliyeva said representatives of all religions join holiday celebrations in Azerbaijan and praised this as a message against some stereotypes.

She hailed Azerbaijan-Italy relations, saying the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is closely involved in restoration and preservation of cultural monuments in Italy.

Members of the Italian delegation hailed the Foundations assistance, noting that such projects contribute to strengthening the bilateral relations.

They put forward an initiative to establish a sister city relationship between Azerbaijans Icherisheher and Italian Matera, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Mehriban Aliyeva hailed the initiative, saying such measures created good opportunities for establishing inter-regional ties.
Children as seen in the video

The Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria (TIP), an al Qaeda-linked Uighur jihadist group, has released a new video showing celebrations for the Muslim holiday Eid al Adha. Part of the video is dedicated to what it refers to as little jihadists, or children members of the group.

Most of the video includes small clips and photos from the Eid al Adha celebrations, combat footage from recent battles, and some of its killed fighters. Around halfway through the video, children are shown posing with AK-47 assault rifles, pistols, and attending Sharia classes. Many of the children are boys, but some girls are also seen with weapons in the video. It was a release similar to a video from last September, but that video also showed the children partaking in weapons training. (See LWJ report, Uighur jihadist group in Syria advertises little jihadists.)

Last July, the group first publicized a training camp in Idlib. Earlier this year, TIP-affiliated Twitter accounts published photos showing children attending a military training camp somewhere in northwestern Syria.

While the TIP has been active in Syria, the organizations core leadership is based in Afghanistan and Pakistan and operates in those countries as well as in China. The TIP has also advertised camps for children in the Afghan-Pakistan region.

In a video released in 2013, the jihadist group promoted a camp for children in Pakistan, some of whom appear to be no older than six. The children were shown firing handguns, AK-47 assault rifles, and a PKM machine-gun from various positions. As the children fired their weapons, the black flag of the Taliban and a light blue banner used by the Turkistan Islamic Party could be seen flying in the background.

The TIP is not the only foreign al Qaeda ally in Syria known to train children. In December, the Imam Bukhari Jamaat (also known as Katibat Imam Bukhari), an Uzbek group in Syria loyal to the Taliban, released an 18-minute video showing the group training dozens of children. The children, who range from under 10 to mid-teens, are seen taking part in physical exercises and lessons on how to handle and fire weapons. (See LWJ report, Uzbek group in Syria trains children for jihad.)

The popular Saudi cleric Abdullah al Muhaysinis Jihad Callers Center also released a video last September showing native Syrian children training at a camp ran by the group. Muhaysini is closely tied to al Qaeda and the Al Nusrah Front. Additionally, the Chechen-led Junud al Sham, led by US-designated terrorist Muslim Shishani, is known to have ran training camps for children in the past. The Islamic State, which garners the most media attention, is infamous for its training camps for children.

Screenshots from the video:

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov has met vice-speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the National Congress of Argentina Patricia Gimenez.

The sides exchanged views on the further development of bilateral relations in various fields between Azerbaijan and Argentina. They expressed their determination for the further expansion of cooperation in areas such as politics, economy, culture and humanitarian affairs.

Patricia Gimenez emphasized that having rich traditions of cooperation and harmony among different cultures and civilizations, Azerbaijan is an ideal place to host the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

Elmar Mammadyarov talked about the importance of the Baku International Humanitarian Forum as a prestigious academic-political platform where the most important issues related to solving the contemporary challenging problems through joint efforts and humanitarian cooperation are discussed.

He noted that Azerbaijan is a vivid example for all the world regarding the issues such as peaceful coexistence among various civilizations, cultures and confessions, development of traditions of multiculturalism and tolerance which are mostly addressed in the Forum.
Hey, kids! Who likes validating pre-conceived ideas?! Everyone, right?!

Well, writing for Computerworld, Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols squares his personal circle on the Apple AirPods.

AirPods: Just as bad as you thought theyd be. (Tip o the antlers to Steve Young, Joe Mazzanti and Shawn King.)

Apparently we were all supposed to think they were bad. In case you didnt get the memo. Youd probably remember the memo if you got it. It was written on ham.

Thanks to a friend who worships at the church of Apple

Its a church. Where people worship. Thats not a lazy jab at people who like Apple products, its a real thing.

Also Hey, can I borrow those $159 headphones? Oh, and Im gonna make fun of you in the article Im writing about them? A+ FRIENDING.

Ive gotten my first look at Apples AirPods. Theyre just as annoying as Id expected.

Vaughan-Nichols appears to have actually tried the new Apple headphones, but dont expect any insights on the pairing process or device switching or fit and finish. Other than to claim that the sound quality is worse than that of the previous Apple headphones, Vaughan-Nichols doesnt provide anything other than the latest in AirPod conventional thinking (youll lose them!) and diatribes against Apples greed in selling wireless headphones. Which it clearly is instead of having anything to do with removing annoying wires or making the iPhone more water-resistant or adding features that just wouldnt work with wired headphones.

Also, Apple is a church, in case you didnt catch the ham memo. Even though it always seems like the people who complain about the company are the ones spilling a truckload of dogma all over the information superhighway.

According to Apples senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller, it was so Apple could make an even skinnier phone and/or add new technology. Because, dont you know, what the world needs now is an even thinner iPhone.

And new technology? Not for me! This Sony Ericsson T610 works just fine, thank you very much Mr. Future Space Man!

The real reason, of course, is that Apple wants to shear more money from its sheep.

Sheep dont have religion, Steven. Can you please just pick a ridiculous, overused Apple trope and stick with it?

All those pricey Apple Beats earpods and headphones youve bought recently? Theyre all old junk on their way to obsolescence, if you believe Apple.

Of course, they all still work and how technology progresses is by obsoleting old things in favor of new ones but you cant write a rant without making bombastic statements.

Apparently.

Instead, youll need $159 AirPods. They dont come with your pricey new iPhone 7. Apple really does want to squeeze out every last dollar from its customers.

Other than giving you a pair of Lightning headphones and an adapter in the box and selling the adapter for a measly $9. Other than going out of their way to make it cheap and convenient, then, yes, squeezing out every last dollar.

Oh, and guess what. Youre going to lose those AirPods. That isnt a threat. Thats a promise.

You cant promise things that are simply projections of your personal careless behavior on the personal behavior of others. Thats not how this works.

Its all I can do to keep track of my Era by Jawbone Bluetooth headset, and its seldom off my head during a business day.

WHERE ARE MY MITTENS? SOMEONE STOLE MY MIT-OH THEYRE ON MY HANDS.

THEY WERE ON MY HANDS.

You can, of course, use regularnot to mention cheaperBluetooth headsets. But youll lose, in Apples own words, the magic. What magic?

Well, you wont know it from reading Vaughan-Nichols piece because he doesnt discuss any of this, but one-tap setup, double-tapping to use Siri and being able to switch between devices you know, you could just read the AirPods product page for crying out loud. Or you could keep ranting.

Guess which one he does.

(Its ranting.)

Its a shame that no other wireless headphones work with the iPhone 7 and everyone will have to buy the AirPods as required by the tithing of the Church of Apple.

The Macalope hasnt used the AirPods yet. Maybe they are white-hot garbage. But hell wait to try them or read an actual review to form an opinion.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

The issues discussed at the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum are quite relevant, Adam Marszalek, head of the board of Marszalek Holding publishing house, told Trend Sept. 29.

Marszalek, who is among the participants of the event, said the forum provides an opportunity to show various viewpoints and discuss different attitudes to the current difficult situation in the world.

Everything that occurs not only in Europe, but also in the Middle East, has a negative impact on the seemingly deep-seated order, he said.

It has turned out that relatively calm Europe also has problems related to living standards, war and security, he added.

Marszalek said he talked to different people at the event venue and found out that everyone liked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs speech.

Marszalek said he believes that many will agree with President Aliyevs remarks and will accept his opinion as their own.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Orkhan Guluzade  Trend:

The Turkish Stream project will be discussed during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Turkey to take part in the 23rd World Energy Congress, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey Berat Albayrak said.

The minister said that Turkey and Russia pursue a close dialogue regarding the gas project and it is expected to make important decisions during Putin's visit.

Albayrak also noted that removal of the visa regime for Turkish citizens will be put on the agenda, as well as prospects of economic cooperation between the two states will be discussed during the visit.

The 23rd World Energy Congress will be held October 9-13 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkish Stream project, which involves the construction of a gas pipeline from Russia to Turkey through the Black Sea, was frozen after the relations between Moscow and Ankara deteriorated in November 2015.



During a meeting on Aug. 9, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to resume the implementation of the Turkish Stream project.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
Tove Graulund Tove Graulund

After a chance meeting at university, Tove Graulund entered the IP profession. She went on to become chair of the European trade mark association MARQUES, and last week stepped down from the Council after 22 years of service. Today, European trade mark and design attorney Graulund devotes her IP expertise to her role as a business development consultant for IP law firms. While studying English and French at university, Graulund took up a summer job as an assistant to an IP lawyer, typing up patent descriptions from a dictation machine. After her degree Graulund started working full time at the Danish IP firm.

Opportunities

In my class, there was a girl who said her dad needed help in the summer holiday at his law firm. I was young and I felt that it was a test of my patience, she says. The patent descriptions were quite long, especially on a typewriter!

During her time as an assistant, Graulunds patience grew along with her confidence: I was writing for the main partners on the trade mark team. I learned a lot by just listening to what he said.

Graulund recalls a particularly important visit from a colleague: One afternoon, one of the attorneys came into my office and closed the door. She told me that one of her clients had an opening and asked if I would be interested. I went to the interview and I got the job. This was for the dairy company which eventually became Arla Foods.

She spent almost 20 years at the company, working as an IP counsel. At the time, Graulund found that many of her peers, fellow female professionals, exchanged their jobs for new ones after two to three years: All my friends were taking job after job and I thought to myself: Why am I not changing like everybody else? It was because I was enjoying my role.

Graulund eventually became head of the IP department at Arla. During her time there, she was able to enjoy valuable time with her husband and three young children: The company I worked for was quite good with that. In Denmark, the situation is generally very good.

Gender equality in Denmark

Denmark is praised around the world for free education, work-life balance, social and economic progress. Earlier this year, U.S. News named Denmark the best country for women to live in. Denmark is among a majority of EU member states who have implemented the Equal Treatment Act in employment and working conditions, the Equal Pay Act and the Gender Equality Act which applies to the promotion of gender equality and the prohibition of sex discrimination in all areas of society that are not covered by more specific legislation.

Other provisions toward gender equality in Denmark include protection against dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave and prohibition of harassment in employment.

Last year, the European Commission announced its strategic engagement plan for gender equality, defining five key areas of action in member states between 2016 and 2019: equal economic independence for women and men; equal pay for work of equal value; equality in decision-making; dignity, integrity and ending gender-based violence; and promoting gender equality beyond the EU.

Working conditions

When I listen to women in other countries, I feel so lucky. At the Womens Power Breakfast at INTAs annual meeting, I remember hearing the term 'glass ceiling'. I thought: What are they talking about? I had never heard of it.

While working as IP counsel at Arla, Graulund took classes towards a law degree in the evening: "The boss I had at the time was a man. He told me: 'Go to work and do a course in the evening.' I had three kids running around my ankles!" In part, Graulund says that her achievements can be attributed to the boss she had at the time and the nature of her job: I was given the opportunity to develop. I was encouraged.

As a woman in the legal profession, Graulund says that her experience has been mostly positive and empowering. However, she has always been aware that women in similar positions were experiencing much harsher working conditions in other jurisdictions: When I listen to women in other countries, I feel so lucky. At the Womens Power Breakfast at INTAs annual meeting, I remember hearing the term 'glass ceiling'. I thought: What are they talking about? I had never heard of it.

I did not realise how bad it is and how angry they get. American women I meet at conferences seem so confident and liberated, so I did not imagine that they were going through such challenges. I tell my children all the time: We are really privileged and you have to remember to appreciate that.

Progress for women in Denmark

Law firms seem to be last when it comes to keeping up with social changes. They have old-fashioned ways of doing things.

Graulund is a member of the INTA Trademark Administrators Committee and chaired the MARQUES EU Trademark Reform Task Force from 2010 to 2016, having previously chaired the association for several years. She says: I was the first female chair of MARQUES - I never thought about it like that. Why should I? I would be angry if I got a job because I was a woman. I would want it to be because I was the best for the job.

Little by little, Graulund says that changes towards gender equality are being implemented in Denmark: Women have begun to work much more than they used to. Higher education enables them to have the same high paid jobs as men. The female lawyers are coming up strong.

With regard to equality in the legal profession, Graulund believes that there is progress yet to be made saying that law firms seem to be last when it comes to keeping up with social changes. They have old-fashioned ways of doing things.

In 2014, a study by the CCBE (The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) reported that women accounted for 31.9% of lawyers admitted to the Bar in Denmark.

Moving on

Graulund on a panel at this year's MARQUES conference Graulund on a panel at this year's MARQUES conference

At the end of 2006, Graulund decided to leave her role as in-house counsel and move to private practice. This coincided with her resignation as MARQUESs Chair. She recalls: It was like leaving home and knowing you couldn't just come back in half a year. Initially, Graulund had been anxious about what she was going to do next. In hindsight, she says leaving her in-house position was the right decision, offering some words of advice for those considering a career change: If you're not happy, switch. It's not as easy as it sounds. At this point in my professional life, I'm really living off my experience, knowledge and the people I know. Never burn your bridges, never carry a grudge and make friends.

The trade mark community is great for that.

Once again, her networking abilities proved useful at an INTA leadership meeting in 2010. Graulund met with Robin Rolfe, long-time executive director of INTA and founder of a law practice management consultancy agency, at which point, something clicked. Today, Graulund and Rolfe collaborate on a number of business development assignments on behalf of IP firms all over the world.

Now six years into her career as a business development consultant, Graulund professes to love her job, describing it as fun and interesting: I would have never guessed that I would be doing what I am doing now. It just sort of happened. If it wasnt for the boss I had at the time and eventually friends and contacts, I would not have succeeded as a woman.

Graulunds career has lent her opportunities to try new things, expand her knowledge base and occupy positions of leadership. These experiences have left Graulund with a lasting lesson: You have to stand up for yourself and take action. But, you have to be in the right place at the right time and know the right people.
An applicant filed a trade mark application for Halloween in respect of goods in classes 4, 9, 16, 21, 24-26 and 28 (see picture).

The examiner in the patent office rejected the application, then the applicant appealed the decision of the examiner at the appellate board and again lost. The rejection was based on a number of considerations.

Halloween is one of the oldest holidays in the world. It is a mixture of Celtic and Christian traditions to worship their saints. The origin of Halloween dates back thousands of years. There is a Celtic festival named Samhain which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the darker half of the year. It may also be associated with Pomona, a goddess of fruitful abundance in ancient Roman religion. Ireland is considered to be the home country of Halloween though it is the United States where the traditional Halloween is celebrated on a large scale.

It came to Russia in the 1990s and remains exotic and ambiguous. It imbibed some of the traditions and is a holiday in a jocular and chilling style with specific paraphernalia, such as fancy dresses, masks, toys and souvenirs associated with specific subjects such as monsters, devilry, witchery and death. Though the holiday is not yet very popular, shops in many Russian cities and online stores offer a vast array of goods related to Halloween.

The collegium of the patent office concluded that the word Halloween is not distinctive and cannot represent its main function  individualize the goods in classes 4, 9, 16, 21, 24-26 and 28 (these goods are attributes of holiday fancy dresses, masks, knick knackery, glasses, post cards and other souvenir products). The word needs an unrestricted use and giving exclusive right to that word will deprive other persons from using it.

Besides, even though the claimed designation features a word element  "Halloween" which denotes a holiday  it also includes a symbol of death, a skeleton. According to the collegium of the patent office one cannot deny the fact that the image of skeleton symbolises a mummy, parched up body and eventually death. All this creates a negative connotation of the designation.

In this way, the patent office saved Halloween from being usurped by one person and allowed it for use by anybody who likes devilry.

Vladimir Biriulin

Gorodissky & PartnersRussia 129010, MoscowB. Spasskaya Str25, stroenie 3Tel: +7 495 937 6116 / 6109Fax: +7 495 937 6104 / 6123pat@gorodissky.ruwww.gorodissky.com
Cameroon has made it clear that it takes the infringement of IP rights very seriously.

A new law that amends Cameroon's Penal Code, Law No 2016/007 of July 12 2016, brings IP infringement firmly into the realm of criminal law. It does this by creating a large number of new criminal offences. Cameroon is a member of the OAPI regional registration system, so the IP rights referred to in the new law are OAPI registrations.

There are now criminal offences relating to trade marks, patents, designs and copyright. Given that counterfeiting tends to affect trade mark rights the most, it is no surprise that trade marks get special attention.

It is now an offence to forge a registered trade mark. It is also an offence to conceal, sell, export, import or use any object that constitutes an infringement of a registered trade mark. The penalties for these offences are severe and include fines and prison terms of up to two years.

With patents, it is an offence to "unknowingly" use a patent, as well as to conceal, sell, export or use any object that constitutes an infringement of a patent. As for designs, it is an offence to "unduly exploit" a registered design. The authorities will only prosecute offences relating to patents and designs if the owner of the registration lodges a complaint.

Offences relating to patents and designs are punishable with fines, although a prison term of up to six months can also be imposed in the case of a repeat offence. If the alleged offender raises an issue regarding the validity or ownership of the patent or design, the court is required to rule on that issue.

It is with copyright where the most offences are created. The new offences cover a whole range of actions including reproduction, sale, importation, infringement of moral rights, failure to pay licensing fees, disabling of technical measures designed to protect works from infringement, and removal of electronic information that helps identify the work or the conditions of use. Penalties are particularly severe  prison terms of up to 10 years.

In respect of all IP offences a court has wide ancillary powers. It can, for example, order confiscation and delivery-up of infringing goods and equipment used in infringement. It can insist that its judgment is published in any media that it deems appropriate, and this publication will be at the expense of the offender. It can even disqualify the offender from membership of a Chamber of Commerce for a period of 10 years.

As the country that houses the OAPI office, Cameroon is a big player in OAPI. It will be interesting to see whether other OAPI member countries, or indeed other African countries, follow suit.

Wayne Meiring

Spoor & Fisher JerseyAfrica House, Castle StreetSt Helier, Jersey JE4 9TWChannel IslandsTel: +44 1534 838000Fax: +44 1534 838001info@spoor.co.ukwww.spoor.com
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DLA Piper (Canada) and Dimock Stratton combine, and other Americas people moves

Oracle denied retrial

Judge William Alsup of the Northern District of California has refused Oracles request for a retrial of its long-running copyright dispute with Google over Java software, reports Techdirt.

Oracle argued that Google withheld information about planning to expand the Android operating system to laptop and desktop computers.

Alsup said: Oracles purported game changer would not have changed anything at all, because the scope of the game was smartphones and tablets, postponing new and later uses to a later contest. ARC++ was not yet on trial. Thus, any failure to produce such evidence could not have substantially interfered with Oracles preparation for our trial. On the contrary, it clearly and convincingly would have been inconsequential.

This followed Alsup last week ruling that Oracles attorney would not be held in contempt or sanctioned because that would be heavy handed. However, as Ars Technica reports, Alsup did criticise Oracles lawyer, Orricks Annette Hurst, for revealing that Google paid Apple $1 billion in 2014 to include Google search on iPhones.

He told Hursts lawyer Melinda Haag: "I think you're afraid to come out and admit that [Hurst] screwed up and she never should have done what she did. If the shoe was on the other foot, you would be jumping up and down."

The judge added that he "hopes" that "someone raises this" when Orrick lawyers ask for confidential information in other cases.

Fight over set-top box copyright

The Hill has run two opposing views on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considering rules that would free cable and satellite television subscribers from the set-top box.

In an op-ed called Dont let copyright box us in, professor Mark Lemley of Stanford Law School (left) says the Motion Picture Association of America has told the FCC that it cant allow copyrighted movies to be displayed without a set-top box, because doing so would amount to a compulsory copyright license.

He added: The MPAAs argument that studios have the right to control the device on which you view your content reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of copyright law. Copyright gives its owner the right to control the making of copies and public performances of a work. But it does not give them control over any use of a work. Thats no accident. Once the copyright owner has been paid once for a particular copy, its control over that copy ends. Thats why I can lend a book to friends, or sell my used record collection outright.

He said the cable companies have paid the MPAA for the right to deliver their movie into a home, and the MPAA loses control over how the viewer choose to watch their movie in the privacy of their own home.

The MPAA is, reasonably, worried about piracy. But allowing personal viewing of a show on an iPhone doesnt promote piracy any more than allowing a DVR does, concluded Lemley.

Keith Kupferschmid, CEO for the Copyright Alliance, said Lemley was using old-fashioned scare tactics in support of FCC's set-top box proposal.

The FCCs proposed set-top box mandate wouldnt open that door for the FCC to bring the cable and satellite industries along as Lemley says. That door has already been opened and professional creators are walking right through it and into a bright future. Rather, placing the FCC in a position to dictate licensing terms would threaten that very promising future by creating a de facto compulsory licensing regime that requires creators to allow their work to be shared across multiple platforms without compensation and without regard to the creators rights to determine the methods of distribution, said Kupferschmid.

IP-intensive industries value estimated

The US Department of Commerce has released a report finding that IP-intensive industries support at least 45 million US jobs and contribute more than $6 trillion dollars to US GDP, or 38.2%. The report is a joint product of the USPTO and the Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA).

The report identifies 81 industries that use patent, copyright, or trade mark protections most extensively.

Among the reports findings are:

- Trade mark-intensive industries are the largest in number and contribute the most employment with 23.7 million jobs in 2014 (up from 22.6 million in 2010). Copyright-intensive industries supplied 5.6 million jobs (compared to 5.1 million in 2010) followed by patent-intensive industries with 3.9 million jobs (3.8 million in 2010).

- While jobs in IP-intensive industries increased between 2010 and 2014, non-IP-intensive jobs grew at a slightly faster pace. Consequently, the proportion of total employment in IP-intensive industries declined slightly to 18.2% (from 18.8% in 2010).

- In contrast, the value added by IP-intensive industries increased substantially in both total amount and GDP share between 2010 and 2014. IP-intensive industries accounted for $6.6 trillion in value added in 2014, up more than $1.5 trillion (30%) from $5.06 trillion in 2010. Accordingly, the share of total U.S. GDP attributable to IP-intensive industries increased from 34.8% in 2010 to 38.2% in 2014.

- Revenue specific to the licensing of IP rights totalled $115.2 billion in 2012, with 28 industries deriving revenues from licensing.

- Total merchandise exports of IP-intensive industries increased to $842 billion in 2014 from $775 billion in 2010.

The full report can be viewed here.

Amgens Humira biosimilar approved

The FDA has approved Amjevita, Amgens biosimilar to AbbVies Humira, reports Patent Docs. This is the fourth biosimilar approved by the FDA.

Amjevita is approved for all indications requested by Amgen: moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis; active psoriatic arthritis; active ankylosing spondylitis; moderately to severely active Crohn's disease; moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis; and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Notwithstanding the approval, it is unlikely that Amgen will begin marketing Amjevita anytime soon, noted Patent Docs. The reason is AbbVie has filed suit against Amgen in the District of Delaware pursuant to the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act.

As we previously reported, the suit is the first filed under the BPCIA in which two parties have disagreed upon which patents should be in dispute, and raises a question about the efficacy of the "patent dance" process established by the BPCIA.

Top IPR petitioners ever

Source: Patexia Source: Patexia

Patexia has revealed the 25 most active IPR petitioners. From September 2012 through to the end of June 2016, the top 25 were responsible for 28% of IPRs filed. More than 1,100 different petitioners filed 4,705 IPRs in that time. Apple filed 213 IPRs or 5% of all challenges.

Communication was the area with the most petitions, with almost 20% of cases.

Scotch whisky registered in Taiwan

Scotch whisky has been registered as a certification trade mark in Taiwan. The Scotch Whisky Association described the news as a major legal breakthrough.

Taiwan is the fourth biggest market for Scotch by value, with exports worth 75 million in the first six months of the year

The Scotch Whisky Association, which applied for the trade mark, says the existence of the UK Customs' Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme, which was introduced in 2014, was an important factor in meeting the requirements necessary to secure protection.
Oct16 cover_200Read the full issue - including all the features, country updates and our monthly diary Utynam's Heirs - online now (subscription or free trial required). Print subscribers will receive their copies in the next week or so.

PTAB 4 years on

It may be hard to believe but it was five years ago that President Obama signed into law the America Invents Act. One of its biggest reforms was the creation of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board in 2012.

Once criticised as a death squad for patents, the PTAB is now an essential part of patent litigation strategy in the US.

In our cover story, Americas editor Michael Loney looks at 10 emerging issues at the PTAB, and presents data on the statistical trends, biggest users and most active law firms. He also interviews Chief Judge David Ruschke. In a related piece, Americas reporter Natalie Rahhal spoke to IBM's Manny Schecter about how the company's IP strategy has evolved.

You can also read all our latest PTAB coverage on our dedicated topic page managingip.com/PTAB.

The PTAB is often contrasted with opposition systems elsewhere so to accompany this special feature we asked practitioners in Australia, Europe, Japan and Korea to address some practical questions about challenging patents (and defending challenges) in those jurisdictions.

China, CJEU and FTC

Also in this issue we have an article on a topic that I know vexes many litigants in China: how to present evidence in litigation without falling foul of the country's strict procedural rules. (As a speaker at one of our conferences once said, being a notary in China may be one of the best jobs in the world.)

From Europe we have an article looking at the recent CJEU decision in Genentech on royalties for unpatented technology, and an analysis of colour combination trade marks in the EU in the light of the recent and pending GSK and Red Bull cases (pictured left).

Back in the US, the Federal Trade Commission is clamping down on native advertising and endorsements in social media, and we have the latest lessons for brand owners.

And more ...

Our diarist Utynam reports from the recent MARQUES Annual Conference in sunny Villaitana, Spain (right) while our sponsored country updates this month include 25 contributions from Africa to Vietnam.

Don't forget you can read all our news, analysis and interviews first on managingip.com or on the Managing IP app, available on the App Store, and browse all issues dating back to 1999 in our archive. There is no need to wait for the post to be delivered!

If you are unsure of your login details or want to find out about subscribing, please contact my colleague Dan Bloomer who will be happy to help.

Our next paper issue will be our bumper end-of-year special, which will include a special focus on new frontiers in IP.
Intellectual property is the core competency of any companies seeking development and innovation in China, Yuehong Liu, deputy director general of Hunan Provincial Intellectual Property Office (IP Office), said in his opening speech to kick off the 2016 China Top 500 Enterprise Summit.

This is the 16th year of the annual summit, which took place in Changsha, Hunan Province in August this year.

During the summit, Hunan IP Office announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with WTOIP, a Chinese IP trading platform. WTOIP will assist the local IP Office to build the IP online trading platform and offer local enterprises services including IPR verification, freedom-to-operate searches and IP transactions.

China is adjusting to a sharing economy, which implies individuals are able to share assets owned by someone else. Yuehong Liu said the sharing economy is driven by the booming development of internet and technology.

He also observed that cutting-edge technologies bring new opportunities and challenges to IP protection in China, which echoes to the theme of the summit: How will enterprises promote invention and innovation under IP law and sharing economics?

Panel discussion

Representatives from WIPO and leading Chinese companies also shared their experiences of protecting IP in China.

Hongbing Chen, Director of WIPOs office in China, explained the key to protecting innovation and invention is to build a healthy ecosystem that requires an established judicial system, business environment, education, investment in R&D, and infrastructures. Chen said intellectual property is a benchmark for input and output for invention. The stronger IP protection is, the higher input-output ratio will be, and thus more companies are motivated to invent new technology, he said.

What is the key to IP protection? Its the legal awareness, said Yuanbao Zheng, chairman of People Electric Appliance Group. This means train the employees and board members, said Zheng.

Xuhui Xie, chairman and president of WTOIP, said the means of IP protection and utilization changed under sharing economics: Companies have to be ready for this trend - invest in and plan IP strategy as early as possible.

To wrap up the summit, Jiming Wang of China Enterprise Confederation announced the winners of the 2016 Top 500 Chinese corporations of the year. The evaluation is based on companys gross revenue in a year.

Top 10 Chinese companies include State Grid Corporation of China, China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation, ICBC, China Construction Bank, China State Construction Engineering, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Ping An Insurance and China Mobile.
Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on Wednesday night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC). We can't allow terrorists to operate across the LoC, there has been a surge in infiltration, said Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh while

addressing media. Gen Singh said India shared with Pak army details of the surgical strikes which followed "very specific information" that terrorists were positioning themselves in the launch pads along the LoC.

Details of duration of the surgical strikes or when it was conducted or the place was not immediately given. Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC)," Singh said, adding India was ready for any kind of contingency.

Gen Singh said the operation to neutralise terrorists has since ceased and "we don't have any plans for any further operation as of now" but added the armed forces will not allow terrorists to carry out any attacks in J and K or any major Indian cities.

He said the strikes were launched after getting "very specific and credible" intelligence input that the infiltrators were being pushed to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and in some major Indian cities. India has shared with Pak army details of surgical strikes and expect them to cooperate in the fight against terror, he said. Heavy damages have been caused to terrorists, many of them have been killed.

PTI
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

Azerbaijans sole reinsurance company AzRe Reinsurance OJSC plans to increase its authorized capital by 25 percent, to 50 million manats (AZN), the message of Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Body said Sept. 29.

The official exchange rate on September 29 is 1.6252 AZN/USD.

The supervisory body registered the issue of ordinary nominal book-entry shares of the reinsurance company at face value of 25,000 manats in 2000. The issue placement will be carried out through converting these shares into the same amount of shares at face value of 20,000 manats each.

Fuad Guliyev, chairman of the companys Management Board, earlier told Trend that a part of the profit made in 2015 will be directed to increase the capital.

This step is necessary for the restoration after two devaluations, Guliyev said. The year was difficult, there were losses, but despite this we completed 2015 with a profit of 14 million manats versus 11 million manats in 2014.

He went on to add that the companys assets increased to 70 million manats.

AzRe Reinsurance began to operate in 2007. The companys total capital is 69.51 million manats.
After weeks of will-they-or-won't-they speculation, the 14 OPEC nations released an announcement Wednesday from Algiers, Algeria stating they'd reached an agreement "cutting" oil production. Slightly. Or maybe not even noticeably. Possibly not at all when you consider a broader perspective. But they reached an agreement, and that was better than investors anticipated, resulting in Energy stocks and oil prices leaping higher on the day. Now, if you are someone who's been paying attention to oversupplied energy markets, you might see this as quite bullish news. But there are a huge number of caveats, asterisks and reasons to doubt the lasting impact of this news. In our view, this isn't nearly a significant enough development to change our view that Energy prices likely remain weak for the foreseeable future-weighing on Energy firms' profits and returns.

Since August 8's announcement of a September OPEC powwow, nary a day has passed without some sort of OPEC meeting-related rumor or article hitting the wires. Recently, the flip-flopping has been intense. On September 18, OPEC head Mohammed Barkindo said no deal would be reached in Algiers. The same day, Venezuelan thug Nicolas Maduro claimed a deal to freeze (not cut) production was at hand. The next day, OPEC was said to delay the meeting by a day, and confirmed it was a meeting to discuss a potential meeting at which they may pare back production.[i] Every morning since, there has been a sort of do-si-do in which certain OPEC members claim a deal is at hand, others reject it and the media throws their collective hands up and wonders what it all means. Meanwhile, Energy stocks floundered-lagging the MSCI World in the last three months by about 5 percentage points.[ii]

All this back and forth after months of similar speculation-that proved fruitless-left the punditry and investors skeptical OPEC would do anything at all. No freeze. No cut. Nothing. But Wednesday, they actually did hold that meeting, and in the resulting press release, they announced a production target range of between 32.5 and 33.0 million barrels per day. That's down from the 33.2 million barrels per day OPEC is estimated to have pumped in August.[iii] A cut! Of between 200,000 and 700,000 barrels per day. The market reaction, in the incredibly, ridiculously, almost comically short-term of Wednesday afternoon was that Brent crude oil rose 5.9% and the MSCI World Energy sector jumped 3.2% for the day.[iv]

But this move isn't a statement of what's to come, in our view. It's all about the mismatch between expectations (maybe a freeze, more likely nothing) and reality (a small cut) in the same comically short-term period.

The "cut" brings OPEC production back down to levels last seen ... before the summer. In May. You see, Saudi Arabia usually ramps production up during the summer months-did so this year-and this cut likely results from them agreeing to curtail production in a manner consistent with typical behavior. Moreover, Russia announced the same day it had pumped 11.1 million barrels per day in September-a post-Soviet record, and a rise of 400,000 barrels per day from August. Unsurprisingly, talk of non-OPEC cooperation Wednesday was muted. In case you're keeping score, that's a big chunk of OPEC's projected "cut."

But also, that's all these cuts are: projected. OPEC's targets have often been breached in recent months because the member nations simply can't get on the same page. Venezuela (and others similarly desperate for cash) pump as much as possible. Saudi Arabia, historically the "swing producer"-the OPEC country that would dial up or down production to near overall targets-has eschewed the role since 2014, opting to battle for market share regardless of prices. In this latest deal, who cuts and by how much hasn't even been decided-won't be until November. Who cuts has been the crux of the cartel's issues over the past two years. If they haven't gotten along and followed guidelines thus far, why believe they'll do so now?

None of this even touches on the US, where production gains since 2009 have massively increased supply. While oil prices' steep decline certainly hit the industry hard, firms have been very slow to materially reduce production. In June 2016 (the latest data available), the Energy Information Administration estimates US oil firms pumped 8.7 million barrels per day. (Exhibit 1) That's down from April 2015's shale-era peak of 9.6 million. But that is only a 9.6% reduction, putting US production where it was in June 2014. Ironically, June 2014 is the month the steep, more than 50% oil-price decline began. Point being: US output reduction hasn't been sufficient to offset the big increases elsewhere. And, now, oil prices rallying from the mid-$20s per barrel in January are spurring renewed activity in US shale fields. The Baker Hughes rig count has been rising for months now, as producers aim for some revenue. (Exhibit 2)

Exhibit 1: US Oil Production, Millions of Barrels Per Day

Source: Energy Information Administration, as of 9/28/2016. June 2009 - June 2016.

Exhibit 2: Baker Hughes Rig Count - Oil Only

Source: Baker Hughes, Inc., as of 9/28/2016. June 26, 2009 - September 23, 2016. Data are weekly.

If OPEC and non-OPEC producers want higher prices, there will need to be lower production than this agreement provides for, assuming producers even adhere to it. Now, it's possible this is merely an OPEC overture to Russia, an olive branch declaring an end to Saudi Arabia's effort to maintain market share at oil prices' expense. Maybe it's the tip of the iceberg, and the Saudi budget's oil-related stress has them seeking higher prices from here, too. All possible. But right now, the fundamental factors are aligned against a sustained rise in oil prices and Energy sector outperformance. We see little in Wednesday's announcement to suggest the change is so major.

CORRECTION: This article originally stated that US oil production peaked in April 2016. This was a typographical error; the peak was in April 2015. Hat Tip: CL.
SPX is at the 80% retracement. Will it turn here?

Good Morning,



Thus far the SPX has made an 80% retracement. Normally this would be a dubious distinction, since the odds grow of making a new high beyond the 78.6% retracement. However, this seems to be standard operating procedure for this top, so well have to monitor it as it develops. Being the end of the quarter doesnt help the bearish cause, but a lot of big name stocks are not making new highs, which is a first.

The Premarket is flat as I write.

ZeroHedge sends out this missive,

With Saudi devaluation bets soaring, Chinese money-market rates popping, 2 debates and an election looming, and the most systemically dangerous bank in the world flashes the reddest of red warning signs, HSBC's Murray Gunn's conclusion bears paying attention to. Between wave-trending signals and disturbing technical trading patterns, Gunn warns of "ominous shades of 1987" for the markets.

I agree. The SPX has a similar formation and it may open the floodgates.

Regards,

Tony



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Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Azad Hasanli - Trend:

Azerbaijan calls Bulgarian companies for establishing joint ventures to export the products to third countries, Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijani deputy minister of economy, said.

Babayev made remarks at the Azerbaijani-Bulgarian business forum in Baku Sept. 29.

He added that the favorable business and investment conditions have been created in the country.

Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have established a solid legal base, he said. More than 20 documents were signed only in the economic sphere. A joint statement on strategic cooperation signed in 2015 plays a special role in expanding cooperation."

Babayev added that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria in January-August 2016 was twofold more than in the same period of 2015. Currently, nine companies with Bulgarian capital operate in Azerbaijan.

While speaking about the countrys recent measures in the areas of improving the business sphere and the promotion of investments, Babayev called Bulgarian companies for investing in different spheres of Azerbaijani economy, as well as in the industrial and agricultural parks.

Almost 120 companies operating in the fields of ICT, oil and gas, insurance, logistics, agricultural insurance, transport, construction, trade, etc. attended the Azerbaijani-Bulgarian business forum.
FIELDALE - A local company committed this month toward helping with the restoration of Fieldale. The Eastman Foundation announced its donating $125,000 to the cause.

Eastman officials presented a $125,000 check to the Smith River Small Towns Collaborative at the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) offices.

The money will go toward streetscape improvements, facade and/or grounds work at the Fieldale Recreation Center and any other needed areas within the Fieldale business district, according to Mary Ann Mason, grant administrator for Henry County.

The Smith River Small Towns Business District Revitalization Project targets buildings, streetscapes and other features along an area called Fifteen Magical Miles in Fieldale, Bassett, Stanleytown and Koehler. Those miles follow the roads and the Smith River where the furniture and textile industries once thrived.

Some of those businesses have left, but peoples creativity, resiliency and other strengths remain, according to Henry County administrator Tim Hall. There is something magical about that stretch which the collaborative seeks to tap, Hall said.

Hill Studio has completed survey and conceptual work in Bassett and Fieldale, Hall said. Work also is being done on the former Bassett Historic Train Depot.

In the end, it will look like it never did before, Hall added. The Eastman money allows us to continue that progress throughout the whole project.

Eastman employs more than 700 people at its sites in Henry County. The plants manufacture high performance film used in automotive and architecture.

For Eastman, investing in the project is a matter of being part of the area where it has an advanced film manufacturing plant, the release said.

This isnt just where we work  its where we live and play, said Eastmans Fieldale plant site manager Pat Caldarera. We want to be part of this areas revitalization and growth.

We work to positively impact the lives of those around us every day, but when we are an active part of an effort that focuses public and private resources on a common goal, we believe thats when constructive changes start to happen, said David A. Golden, president of the Eastman Foundation and senior vice president, chief legal & sustainability officer, and corporate secretary at Eastman. To work with others to create new opportunities for a community and its citizens is at the heart of Eastmans corporate responsibility focus. We are excited to be a part of this effort.

Tanya Smith Foreman, education initiatives manager for Eastman and a native of Henry County, knows the areas history firsthand. Her parents worked in Fieldale and many of her relatives worked at DuPont. I remember watching companies leave to move their operations outside the United States and the job losses as they closed their local plants, Foreman said.

In addition to economic development, Eastman has also made investments in Henry Countys secondary and post-secondary education institutions.

It is the right thing to do because whenever we are in a community, we want to be an active contributing part of that community, Foreman said.

The first phase of the Smith River Small Towns Business District Revitalization Project is estimated to cost $3.2 million. In all, it is projected to include facade improvements to eight buildings in Bassett and eight buildings in Fieldale; the creation of town squares in both communities; renovations to the Fieldale Recreation Center; renovations to the Bassett train depot; and streetscape improvements in both communities, among other items.

Jeb Bassett, the Bassett co-chairman of the collaborative, said Phase 1 work in Bassett will include work to the Reed Stone Street block, the depot and a former service station at the corner of Fairystone Park Highway and Bullock Road. The service stations interior has been renovated using money from Bassett Furniture Industries, Bassett said. Smith River Outfitters has leased the building for its operations and also applied for facade funds from the collaborative, he added. Funds for facade improvements also are scheduled to be used for this renovation.

Interior work on buildings in the Reed Stone block is being done by different building owners, and the depots roof was replaced in early spring, Bassett said. He praised Eastmans donation and the work it will cover in Fieldale. From the inception, the idea was to create two town centers bound by the Smith River and trails, he added.

Henry County received a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant to partially fund the first phase of the project, and the Appalachian Regional Commission awarded a $500,000 grant to renovate the Bassett Historic Train Depot. Funding commitments also have come from The Harvest Foundation, $780,000; Bassett Furniture Industries, $150,000; and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC), $200,000.

Future phases of the Smith River Small Towns Business District Revitalization Project will include more streetscape and facade improvements, trail links, the creation of venues to attract tourists in Bassett and Fieldale and signage in Stanleytown and Koehler.
MARTINSVILLE  City Councilman Gene Teague said Tuesday he thinks that to save money, the city will need to take another look at reverting to town status.

Under a reversion, Martinsville, an independent city, would legally become part of surrounding Henry County. The county then would become responsible for providing certain services  such as courts, constitutional offices and, perhaps, schools  to Martinsville, enabling the city to reduce its expenses.

City officials have examined reversion several times in recent years yet never pursued it.

But financially, Teague told others on the council, I think were going to be at the point where well need to have those discussions again next year.

He did not elaborate, and there was no discussion of city financial matters.

Teague made his remark during a discussion of comments prepared by City Manager Leon Towarnicki and City Attorney Eric Monday concerning Virginia cities inability to expand their boundaries. Basically, the more land in a city, the more property tax revenue that it receives.

Cities statewide have been prohibited from annexing areas in adjacent counties since the 1970s. In exchange, they get an annual lump sum of funding for their law-enforcement agencies.

Towns can pursue annexations.

This year, the General Assembly extended the annexation moratorium on cities until 2024.

However, the states Commission on Local Government was directed to examine annexation issues and prepare a report to present to lawmakers by the end of 2018. The report is to evaluate how the annexation ban has affected localities and look at possible alternatives to the ban, among other things, according to a state website.

Councilwoman Sharon Brooks Hodge said she understands that the commission aims to complete the report by the end of next year.

The local government commissions Annexation Study Stakeholder Group is taking written comments from localities about annexation issues through the end of the month. Towarnickis and Mondays comments will be submitted to the group.

Towarnicki read the comments to council members for their endorsement.

The moratorium was designed to stop bickering between cities and counties over efforts by localities to expand their territories, but it was intended to be a temporary until Virginias local government structure could be reformed, according to Towarnicki.

That has not happened, and the annexation ban has locked local governments in the 1980s, Towarnicki said, although they have since undergone changes in population and other demographics, along with economic changes such as losses of tax-paying industries.

There are several independent cities in other states, but Virginia is the only state in which all of its localities that legally are cities are independent of surrounding counties.

Virginia should adopt comprehensive reform in its system of local government and conform to the structure of the rest of America, Towarnicki said, reading from the comments.

By not being able to annex, cities are landlocked and, as their industrial bases have been depleted and changes in technology have occurred, many cities are experiencing financial stress as costs for providing services rise and there is little or no growth in revenues to cover the increased costs, he said.

Cities are forced to continually raise taxes and fees, or cut services, or examine reversion scenarios to survive, he continued.

In revamping the local government structure, Towarnicki said, the state should consider how matters such as education and economic development affect localities and quit playing shell games with taxpayers money.

Council members indicated they agree with the comments.

Hodge said, though, she thinks a statement communicating a sense of urgency should be added to them to try and get the state to move expeditiously to repeal the annexation moratorium.

Teague said he thinks the comments should propose potential solutions to the annexation issue. One that he mentioned is the state also allowing dependent cities  ones that are part of counties  to exist.

Thats what the rest of the country is using, he said.

Towarnicki said Hodges and Teagues thoughts will be incorporated into the comments submitted to the local government commissions study group.

Still, Teague predicted that the state ultimately will decide to continue the moratorium.

So if the council ever decides that Martinsville should pursue an annexation, the city probably will have to revert, and thats going to be a  lengthy, expensive process for us, he said.

Also Tuesday, the council proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Martinsville.

The resolution states that one out of three American women will experience domestic violence at some point in her life, and children from violent homes are more likely to engage in violent criminal activity in the future than their non-abused peers. It also notes that such violence occurs across all socioeconomic and racial boundaries.

Warren Rogers, executive director of the Southside Survivor Response Center (formerly Citizens Against Family Violence), accepted the proclamation, which also mentions special activities that will occur in October to help make people aware of the domestic violence problem.

Among them will be Survivors Voices, a panel discussion to be held Oct. 27 among victims who survived violent situations.

Mickey Powell reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at mickey.powell@martinsvillebulletin.com.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Azerbaijan appreciates Bulgarias constructive stance regarding prevention of any unlawful acts, including attraction of the Bulgarian capital and resources to Azerbaijans occupied territories, the countrys Minister of Transport Ziya Mammadov said.

He made the remarks during the Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Baku.

This year, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan has submitted a report on the illegal economic and other activities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan to the international community, the minister said.

In accordance with the evidence presented, Armenia illegally exports natural resources from the occupied territories, he added. Armenia plays the role of a transit point, from where products manufactured in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, as well as mineral resources are exported to international markets.

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.

Regarding economic cooperation, Mammadov said that Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have the necessary legal basis for mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

For 5 years the trade turnover between the countries amounted to about $1 billion, the minister said. In 2015, the trade turnover amounted to $15 million, which is below the existing potential.

Mammadov noted the need to carry out work in order to improve this indicator. He said that currently Azerbaijan actively cooperates with Bulgaria at different levels. The further expansion of cooperation will serve the interests of both countries, he added.

Azerbaijan is currently the most dynamically developing country in the region, in particular Azerbaijans GDP has tripled for 3 years, according to the minister.

Azerbaijan is actively involved in ensuring the energy security of Europe, he said.
Big Y grand re-opening in Springfield

9/2/16-Springfield-The Big Y at 300 Cooley Street in Springfield held a grand re-opening on Friday after a $4.1 million renovation to the store. (Dave Roback / The Republican)

SPRINGFIELD -- Big Y Foods, Inc. is hiring to fill more than 100 part-time and full-time positions available at its newWorld Class Market in Shelton, Connecticut.

The hiring site for this new market is at 350 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton. The hiring site will be open will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. to 5: .m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. form Oct. 4 though Oct. 29, accordign to a news release.

The hiring site will be closed on Sunday and Monday. All interested applicants should apply at www.bigy.com.

According to Store Director, Bob Rainville, full and part-time job opportunities include management and support positions in every department, including cashiers, service clerks, porters, deli clerks, sandwich shop clerks, bakers, cake decorators, meat clerks, produce clerks, seafood clerks, grocery clerks, night crew, health and beauty care clerks, frozen food and dairy clerks, and floral clerks. Big Y is also always looking for qualified management applicants for existing locations.

Big Y offers flexible shifts and many scheduling options. "Big Y is the perfect working environment for students, retirees, and others seeking flexible shifts and excellent benefits," says Samantha Knapp, Employee Services Specialist for Big Y. Big Y's employee benefits include competitive wages, paid holidays, bonus time, paid vacations, medical insurance, disability and life insurance, tuition assistance, scholarships, a 401(k) plan, and a work/life care program.

Training for new store employees begins with a three-hour orientation filled with integrative discussion and videos about customer relations, and Big Y policies and procedures. Then, new employees participate in comprehensive customer service training, safety and food sanitation training, and finally, the technical training required for their position. This training is enhanced with a state-of-the-art, computer-based learning management system, Big Y's Learning Hub.
SPRINGFIELD -- Smith & Wesson and its partner, defense giant General Dynamics, will not be selected to manufacture the Army's new M9 standard-issue handgun.

Smith & Wesson announced last week in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that the Army has already notified both companies that Smith & Wesson's M&P division -- the initials stand for "military and police" -- will not win the years-long competition.

Smith & Wesson had partnered with General Dynamics in an effort to win the contract to replace the 9-mm Beretta M9 pistol, which was adopted by the U.S. armed forces in 1985. The contract, which has yet to be awarded, is worth up to $580 million and would carry with it significant bragging rights within the industry.

Smith & Wesson was proposing a handgun in a larger caliber, probably a .45-caliber like the Army handguns issued through most of the 20th century and in both world wars.

According to the filing, Smith & Wesson said:

"The (Army handgun) program has never been included in our financial guidance. We are assessing our options in response to the notification and remain focused on achieving our long-term strategy of organically and inorganically expanding our product offerings in the consumer market for shooting, hunting and rugged outdoor enthusiasts."

In a blog post on a National Rifle Association website, author Mark Keefe wrote that Smith & Wesson competitors SIG Sauer and Glock are rumored to be front-runners for the award.

Army brass are already expressing frustration at the drawn-out process, with Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley famously asking for $17 million to buy guns from sporting goods outfitter Cabela's.

He was widely quoted as saying:

"We're not figuring out the next lunar landing. This is a pistol. Two years to test? At $17 million? You give me $17 million on a credit card, and I'll call Cabela's tonight, and I'll outfit every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine with a pistol for $17 million. And I'll get a discount on a bulk buy."

Smith & Wesson has 1,758 full-time employees, most of them at its factory and headquarters on Roosevelt Avenue in Springfield.

Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson founded the company in 1852. Over the following decades in Springfield, Smith & Wesson made itself famous by making handguns for everyone from the Imperial Army of the Russian Tsar and the Allies in both world wars to Clint Eastwood, who used a Model 29 revolver in "Dirty Harry."

Smith & Wesson's stock, SWHC on the NASDQ, fell 2.8 percent on the announcement. On Thursday it was $25.85, down 15 cents or 0.5 percent on the day.
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Paul DiGrigoli (left), president and CEO of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, has adopted Memorial Elementary School through the nonprofit Link to Libraries program, which donates books to local school libraries. DiGrigoli recently made a $2,000 donation through the program, which will net the school about 1,200 new or gently used books over the next three years.

(Submitted Photo)

WEST SPRINGFIELD  Paul DiGrigoli, president and CEO of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield, has adopted Memorial Elementary School.

Not literally.

But DiGrigoli is sponsoring the city school through Link to Libraries, a nonprofit program that gets new or gently used books into the hands of children through their local elementary school libraries.

DiGrigoli has helped get hundreds of books into the hands of local schoolkids through the LTL program.

His recent $2,000 donation will net Memorial around 1,200 books over the next three years, according to Sue Landry, director of LTL's Business Book Link program, which links local businesses to specific schools for a 3-year period.

The new donation is in addition to the estimated 1,000 books DiGrigoli has already donated to Memorial in past years, Landry said.

"Link to Libraries is made up of sincere, honest, respectable individuals who truly care about the well-being of the kids in our school system today," DiGrigoli said.

Local businessman Paul DiGrigoli dances with students at Memorial Elementary School in West Springfield. (Submitted Photo)

To show their appreciation, LTL and the school recently presented DiGrigoli with a plaque.

Afterward, DiGrigoli addressed the entire student body in the school's auditorium, getting them up on their feet to clap and dance to upbeat music.

"His positive messages about kindness, passion, energy and good habits had the entire student body and staff completely engaged," said Donna Calabrese, principal of Memorial Elementary School.

Link to Libraries was co-founded in 2008 by Susan Jaye-Kaplan and Janet M. Crimmins. Since then, the program has distributed more than 500,000 books to elementary schools in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

DiGrigoli's salon and school are located at 1578 Riverdale St. in West Springfield.
HOLYOKE -- It's been a difficult year for Charles Sullivan. His wife Donna, his partner for half a century, passed this July following a long struggle with cancer.

"We met in fifth grade," Sullivan said, of his late wife. Born and raised in Holyoke, they met while enrolled in H.B. Lawrence Elementary School. The pair dated as teenagers and married in their 20s, shortly before Sullivan was drafted to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War.

After two years of service, Sullivan returned home. The couple purchased a house in the late 1970s, a cozy home where they raised their son and daughter.

Sullivan, now 69, retired several years ago from AM Litho to care for his wife. She battled lung cancer for the better part of a decade and, closer to her death, was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors.

While caring for his wife, Sullivan put off many home improvement projects around the house. He bought new tile for the kitchen floor that sat, gathering dust. He wanted to beautify his front yard but never found the time.

But on Wednesday, a group of several dozen volunteers helped Sullivan check off his years-long to-do list.

Revitalize CDC partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to complete the project.



A busload of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts employees - about 35 in total - spent Wednesday morning and afternoon working on Sullivan's home. They were a small portion of the 3,200 Blue Cross employees volunteering across the state Wednesday as a way to give back to their communities, said Marcia E. McFarland, Blue Cross' site director for this project.

Not only were the tiles installed on the kitchen floor but the room now features a fresh coat of paint, new countertops and a replaced kitchen sink. Volunteers built a new back porch, replaced windows and doors and painted a backyard shed. The front of the home now features new shrubbery and a flagpole on which a flag was raised by an Honor Guard.

"He served our country and now it's our chance to serve him," Revitalize CDC President and CEO Colleen Loveless said.

"My house looks incredible. I almost can't believe it," Sullivan said, after the renovations were finished Wednesday.

Revitalize CDC has completed close to 600 home projects since the organization was founded in 1992. Some efforts are focused on helping veterans. Others are prioritized by need for low-income families.

Loveless said they've completed home rehabilitations for families whose homes did not have adequate heat, for elderly citizen and people with special needs.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Bulgaria is interested in exporting a wide range of products to Azerbaijan, Bojidar Lukarsky, Bulgarian minister of economy, said.

Lukarsky made remarks at the Azerbaijani-Bulgarian business forum in Baku Sept. 29.

He added that the issue is pharmaceutical products and medical equipment, clothing, food and other agricultural products, building constructions, as well as the construction of mini-plants for vegetable and fruit processing, etc.

"Bulgaria is greatly interested in the Azerbaijani economy and expanding ties, the minister said. Both countries have great opportunities for cooperation in various fields."

Lukarsky stressed that the trade turnover between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan does not correspond to the existing potential.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria amounted to $17.13 million in January-August 2016 and mainly accounted for the import of Bulgarian products. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria increased twofold compared to January-August 2015.

Almost 120 companies operating in the fields of ICT, oil and gas, insurance, logistics, agricultural insurance, transport, construction, trade, etc. attended the Azerbaijani-Bulgarian business forum.
agawam police HQs via FB.jpg

Three Agawam police officers have been suspended for allegedly assaulting a person at police headquarters, but city officials have declined to name the officers or release details related to the June 19 incident. "The matter has been referred to the Hampden County district attorney's office for review and investigation," Mayor Richard A. Cohen said.

(Agawam Police Department / Facebook)

AGAWAM  Three police officers have been suspended for allegedly assaulting a person at the Agawam Police Department, but city officials have declined to name the officers or release details related to the June 19 incident.

"The matter has been referred to the Hampden County district attorney's office for review and investigation," Mayor Richard A. Cohen told The Republican on Thursday, adding that an internal affairs investigation was conducted.

"As the mayor, due process has been and will continue to be followed as required," Cohen said. "I take these allegations very seriously."

Sources have told The Republican that the incident involved a disorderly-conduct suspect who was assaulted in the booking area of police headquarters. City officials would not verify that information Thursday.

Agawam Police Chief Eric P. Gillis confirmed that the officers were involved in a "use of force incident" at police headquarters in June. The ensuing investigation, which included reviewing video footage from the department's in-house camera system, resulted in all three officers being placed on paid administrative leave, according to Gillis.

"I also notified Mayor Richard Cohen of what I had observed in the video footage, my concerns related thereto, and my placement of the officers on leave," Gillis said in a statement. "This action was undertaken pursuant to departmental policy and past practice."

After consulting with District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni's office, Gillis said, an outside investigation was conducted by APD Management, a Tewksbury firm specializing in confidential investigations for municipal governments, particularly police departments.

The private APD investigation concluded last week, at which time the company submitted its final report and formal findings to Gillis. The chief said he reviewed the report and forwarded all findings and his recommendations to the mayor. The materials have also been turned over to Gulluni's office, according to Gillis.

A spokesman for the district attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

One of the officers involved in the incident was a sergeant, a source told The Republican.

"This is an ongoing personnel matter, and as such I am not able to identify the officers involved or discuss the recommendations that I have made to Mayor Cohen," Gillis said, emphasizing his commitment to "equal protection under the law"  including for the officers under investigation.

"I stand committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, and have undertaken all actions to date in support of that commitment," Gillis said, vowing to investigate allegations against officers as "swiftly and expeditiously as possible."

More details will be released after the matter is "fully adjudicated," Gillis said.
NORTHAMPTON -- The jury had the day off Thursday in the murder trial of Cara Rintala, but sparks flew in the courtroom as a defense lawyer and prosecutor verbally squared off.

"This has turned in now to a card game," defense lawyer David Hoose told Hampshire Superior Court Judge Mary-Lou Rup in a motion hearing. Hoose accused Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne of keeping evidence from the jury.

Gagne said he would like to say Hoose's comments were not worth his response. But, he said, since Hoose made his charge in a public courtroom, he would respond.

The source of the discussion was the fact that the prosecution didn't call to the witness stand state Trooper Jamie Magarian, the lead investigator in the killing of Annamarie Cochrane Rintala, Cara Rintala's wife, in Granby in 2010.

Magarian testified extensively in Rintala's first and second trials, both of which ended with hung juries. Hoose said it wasn't until partway through this trial -- Rintala's third -- that it became clear the prosecution would not call Magarian as a witness. The prosecution rested its case Tuesday.

State Police Trooper Jamie Magarian testifies in Cara Rintala's first murder trial in 2013.

Gagne said the prosecution made a valid and legal "strategic decision" not to call Magarian, and that there was "nothing underhanded" about that choice.

Hoose said, "We're talking about this case like any other random case." He said it is not like other cases in part because witnesses have testified at two other trials and there is no surprise as to what they would say.

"There's no question in my mind why he didn't call him (Magarian)," Hoose said, although he did not elaborate.

Rup said "it's a new jury, a new trial" and Gagne has done nothing untoward. She said the defense and prosecution both had the right to present new evidence at this trial, as well as not present evidence that was used in the previous trials.

In an earlier discussion with Rup -- without the jury in the room -- defense lawyer Luke Ryan offered an example of Magarian's testimony that would be helpful to the defendant.

Magarian told jurors at Rintala's second trial, in 2014, that Rintala had carried a paint bucket found in the basement into the house sometime before the killing. Ryan said that would explain why a prosecution witness said Rintala's palm print was on the paint lid.

The prosecution contends Rintala poured paint over the crime scene to contaminate it.

The defense lawyers said other prosecution witnesses were allowed to testify to what Magarian reportedly said or did in the case, but Magarian couldn't be questioned about those issues because he didn't take the witness stand.

Hoose was looking for guidelines Thursday as to what would happen if the defense decided to call Magarian.

He said Magarian should be deemed a "hostile witness" for the defense. Rup did not deem Magarian a hostile witness. Gagne said previously Magarian should not be classified as a hostile witness if called by the defense.

The prosecutor said he has subpoenaed "five or six troopers" to be on hand Friday at Hoose's request in case the defense wants to call them. Magarian is one of those subpoenaed.

Gagne suggested if the defense doesn't call Magarian, the prosecution might want to call him as a rebuttal witness. Hoose said it was "mind-boggling" that the prosecution could be allowed to do so.

Hoose also said if the defense calls Magarian, the prosecution should only be allowed to question him on issues the defense raised during direct examination. Gagne bristled at what he called a suggestion "we should have our hands tied behind our back."

In this state, the first round of cross-examination is not limited to issues raised on direct examination, Rup said. She said she would not limit the prosecution's questioning of Magarian. She will permit the prosecution some ability to ask leading questions regarding issues raised by the defense.

The jury will be back Friday for more of the defense case. So far nearly 30 witnesses have been called over nine days of testimony.
Missing Boaters

Nathan Carman, center, disembarks from a small boat at the US Coast Guard station in Boston, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. Carman spent a week at sea in a life raft before being rescued by a passing freighter.

(Associated Press/Michael Dwyer)

Nathan Carman, the 22-year-old who survived eight days on a lifeboat after his fishing vessel sank, possibly killing his mother, is telling authorities he had no idea the boat was in jeopardy.

"My understanding when we went out was that the boat was seaworthy," Carman said, according to a report in The Boston Globe. "Clearly something happened, but I don't know what, and I don't know how it could have been prevented."

Carman said he didn't realize the boat was in danger "until it sank," The Globe reports. There was no time to radio for help as he swam for the safety of the life raft, which inflated automatically, and he never saw his mother, though he tried to signal for her.

The young man also told reporters he was "trying to come to terms with what seems like a fact: that my mom really is gone."

But, according to The Globe, authorities have learned that Carman took the vessel out much farther than his mother, Linda, expected -- a total of 80 miles. They're also investigating any repairs Carman could have made to the 31-foot-boat, Chicken Pox, that might have made it unsafe.

A multi-state police investigation into the circumstances began after a Chinese freighter called Lucky Orient rescued Carman on Sunday. Connecticut police say they are "monitoring the situation" and Rhode Island police also want information. The Carmans had left on a purported Block Canyon fishing trip from Point Judith, R.I.

It was revealed that Carman was suspect in the 2013 gun murder of his wealthy grandfather in Connecticut and that Vermont State Police executed a search warrant on his Vernon home looking for plans related to he and his mother's fated boating trip.

Carman denied any involvement in his grandfather's death and told The Globe "it doesn't feel good to be bringing up everything that I went through with the loss of my grandfather now at the same time that I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that my mom is really gone."

Meanwhile, neighbors in the area of Carman's Vernon, Vt., farmhouse reported his behaviors and character to Globe reporters. Carman had apparently bought the house two years ago and undertaken a renovation project.

"I'd hear him pounding nails from daylight to dark," Maynard Rounds, who lives across the street, told The Globe.

"He was not one to carry on a conversation," Rounds said. "He kept his head down and said very little."
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Judge Robert S. Murphy Jr.

SPRINGFIELD - Dozens of defendants plead guilty to felonies each week in Springfield District Court, so Michael Soltren figured he could, too.

He was wrong.

"I'm unwilling ... to make you a felon today," Judge Robert Murphy told him Friday.

Soltren, 20, looked perplexed, but seemed determined to plead guilty anyhow.

Handcuffed and shackled, he stood in the defendant's dock, his tank top ripped

from a struggle the night before with police outside the Big E in West Springfield.

The trouble started with a report broadcast on the police radio that a bicyclist matching Soltren's description had just tried to punch a motorist outside the main gate. Minutes later, an officer stationed at another gate spotted Soltren riding a BMX-style bike and stopped him for questioning, according to the arrest report.

"I asked him to take a seat (on the curb) multiple times," the officer wrote.



Instead, the suspect began berating him in front of Big E customers, some of whom had young children in tow, the report said.

Moments later, he jumped back on his bike and took off, with the officer chasing and eventually pulling him to the ground; jumping up, Soltren took off again, this time running into the front of a passing car before being caught and arrested by another officer, the report said.

Charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and malicious damage to a motor vehicle, Soltren was held overnight for court on Friday. The hearing had barely begun when Soltren announced that was pleading guilty to all three charges.

When Murphy asked if the charges were true, Soltren said he never swung at the motorist and never used foul language in front of the Big E customers.

"Yes, I was disorderly," he said, explaining he mistakenly believed citizens were not required to identify themselves to police.

"Yes, I did resist arrest," he added.

Following more questions, Murphy expressed doubts that Soltren met the legal criteria for guilt on the malicious damage charge, which was filed after he broke two mirrors while running into the passing vehicle.

"It's a felony," the judge said, adding a felony conviction could have dire implications for Soltren's future job and educational prospects.



The judge agreed to accept guilty pleas for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, but continued the malicious damage charge without a finding; if Soltren pays for the two broken mirrors and stays out of trouble for a year, the charge will be dropped, Murphy said.

He also issued a stern warning, telling Soltren that getting arrested outside the Big E suggested a lack of sound judgement and self control.

As for Soltren's misunderstanding of his constitutional rights, Murphy had a suggestion.

"Maybe getting a GED would help you on that," the judge said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Some $48.9 million were sold to 14 Azerbaijani banks through an auction held by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Sept. 29, CBA said in a message Sept. 29.

As much as $100 million was put up for the auction.

SOFAZ will continue selling foreign currency through auctions in 2016. The foreign currency is sold as part of SOFAZs transfers to Azerbaijani state budget, which are envisaged to stand at 7.615 billion Azerbaijani manats in 2016.
Details added (first version posted at 12:15)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Bulgaria is interested in exporting a wide range of products to Azerbaijan, Bojidar Lukarsky, Bulgarian minister of economy, said.

Lukarsky made remarks at the Azerbaijani-Bulgarian business forum in Baku Sept. 29.

He added that the issue is pharmaceutical products and medical equipment, clothing, food and other agricultural products, building constructions, as well as the construction of mini-plants for vegetable and fruit processing, etc.

"Bulgaria is greatly interested in the Azerbaijani economy and expanding ties, the minister said. Both countries have great opportunities for cooperation in various fields."

Lukarsky stressed that the trade turnover between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan does not correspond to the existing potential.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria amounted to $17.13 million in January-August 2016 and mainly accounted for the import of Bulgarian products. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria increased twofold compared to January-August 2015.

Almost 120 companies operating in the fields of ICT, oil and gas, insurance, logistics, agricultural insurance, transport, construction, trade, etc. attended the Azerbaijani-Bulgarian business forum.
Workforce industry experts tell us the labor force locally, statewide, nationally and globally is not growing as it was in the past.

BillingsWorks http://www.billingsworks.org/ Director Brittney Souza tells us employers are challenged when it comes to recruiting qualified workers into our state. BillingsWorks partners with Big Sky Economic Development.

Souza says businesses are competing for the same labor pool, not just locally and statewide, but regionally as well, with Denver and Salt Lake City. Souza says right now in Yellowstone County, 30% of the workforce is over the age of 56.

By KULR-8 News Staff

Full Story: http://www.abcfoxmontana.com/story/33274635/recruiting-workers-to-montana
Citing Wells Fargos "venal abuse of its customers," the California treasurer took the unusual step on Wednesday of suspending many of its ties with the San Francisco bank as it continues to reel from the scandal over the creation of as many as two million unauthorized bank and credit card accounts.

By MICHAEL CORKERY and STACY COWLEY

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/29/business/dealbook/california-wells-fargo-john-stumpf.html?hpw&rref=business&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-regionion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of a new private investment fund with the potential to inject $100 million into growth-oriented, small businesses across rural America.

The McLarty Capital Partners (MCP) Rural Investment Fund will be the fifth Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) that USDA has helped to initiate launch since 2014. The initiative is part of USDAs ongoing efforts to attract private sector capital to investment opportunities in rural America to help drive more economic growth in rural communities.

"Innovative small businesses throughout rural America need the same access to capital as their urban business counterparts," said Vilsack. "McLarty Capital Partners is an important ally in USDAs efforts to reenergize the rural economy, help small businesses grow and strengthen local communities."

"We are pleased to partner with USDA in this innovative public-private partnership to propel and sustain small business growth in rural America," said McLarty Capital Partners co-founder, Franklin McLarty. "With roots in Americas heartland, McLarty Capital Partners is committed to ensuring that small and medium sized enterprises have the means necessary to achieve their business goals, and this endeavor only furthers that mission."

McLarty Capital Partners, founded in 2012 by co-presidents Franklin McLarty and Christopher Smith, provides flexible financing solutions to small and medium sized enterprises in the United States. McLarty Capital Partners is uniquely positioned to support the long-term business objectives of rural American partners across the country. MCP Rural Investment Fund will invest in this vital sector of the U.S. economy with the goal of ensuring that businesses located in smaller communities throughout the nation have access to the capital needed to realize their goals.

The new fund announced today was formed under the USDAs Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP). USDA is utilizing RBIP to license funds to invest in enterprises that will create growth and job opportunities in rural areas, with an emphasis on smaller enterprises. In 2014, Advantage Capital was granted a license for their $154 million Advantage Capital AgriBusiness fund. The fund is making private equity investments in innovative agriculture-related businesses that support USDAs strategy for economic growth, including bio-manufacturing, next-generation energy production, local and regional food systems, advanced farming technologies and other cutting-edge fields. Since its inception in 2014, the fund has made a total of 11 investments, totaling $39 million. In April 2015, Secretary Vilsack announced the conditional approval of three other RBICs: first, Innova and Meritus Kirchner Capital in April 2015, and in April 2016, Open Prairie received conditional approval for the Open Prairie Rural Opportunities Fund. Additional funds are currently under review.

These efforts are part of the Made in Rural America initiative, which was created by President Obama to help rural businesses and leaders take advantage of new investment opportunities and access new markets abroad.

USDA works to strengthen and support American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 American jobs, provides American consumers with more than 80 percent of the food we consume, ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most people in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials. Since 2009, USDA has provided $5.6 billion in disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; expanded risk management tools with products like Whole Farm Revenue Protection; and helped farm businesses grow with $36 billion in farm credit. The Department has engaged its resources to support a strong next generation of farmers and ranchers by improving access to land and capital; building new markets and market opportunities; and extending new conservation opportunities. USDA has developed new markets for rural-made products, including more than 2,500 biobased products through USDAs BioPreferred program; and invested $64 billion in infrastructure and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit http://www.usda.gov/results.

John E. Walsh

State Director | Montana State Office

Rural Development

United States Department of Agriculture

2229 Boot Hill Court; Bozeman, MT 59715

Phone: (406) 585-2580 | Fax: 855-576-2674

http://www.rd.usda.gov/mt | "Committed to the future of rural communities"
The Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation (MICDC) is introducing its new HomeNow Down Payment Gift Program across Montana, providing eligible borrowers 3.5% or 5% of their total mortgage loan amount to fund down payment, closing costs and prepaid items. Borrowers are not required to repay HomeNow Down Payment Gifts. The program is currently available in Missoula and eventually will be expanded statewide.

One of the biggest challenges potential homeowners face isnt making monthly mortgage payments  many already pay as much or more in rent  but saving for the down payment and closing costs. Considering that a recent survey showed 62% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, and a minimum down payment on a $200,000 home is $7,000, most Montanans cant afford to become homeowners.

The HomeNow Down Payment Gift Program is designed to help borrowers overcome that challenge by providing a gift to fund up to 100% of the cash requirement to close, including down payment and closing costs. No additional paperwork or information is required to qualify for a HomeNow Gift; the funds are provided at close with a participating lender with just one additional signature.

"The HomeNow Down Payment Gift Program is cash for eligible borrowers to put toward a down payment and closing costs," said MICDC President Dave Glaser. "The HomeNow Program is available in about 30 other states, but this is the first time it will be available in Montana. As housing prices have risen across the state, we decided to introduce the program here  and are looking forward to awarding our very first Montana gift right here in Missoula."

To be eligible for a HomeNow Down Payment Gift, borrowers must:

* Qualify for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage through FHA, VA, HUD Section 184 or Rural Development.

* Have income within established limits.

* Have a minimum 640 credit score.

* Occupy the property as a primary residence.

The HomeNow Down Payment Gift Program is not limited to first-time homebuyers, and can be used for housing purchases or rate/term refinances. Homebuyer education courses are recommended, but not required.

Potential homebuyers should contact a participating mortgage lender to find out if they qualify for the program. Currently, First Security Bank of Missoula and Mann Mortgage of Missoula are participating, but MICDC is working to have every lender in Montana participate.

Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation

The Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation (MICDC) provides consulting services and financing to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Montana and Idaho, as well as affordable housing solutions in Montana. MICDC was one of the first Community Development Finance Institutions in the country to be certified by the U.S. Treasury, and its powerful New Markets Tax Credit Program brought hundreds of millions of dollars to Montana and Idaho and created thousands of jobs. Since its start in 1986, the nonprofit MICDC has grown to over $400 million in loans under management, with offices in Missoula, Bozeman and Boise. Learn more at http://mtcdc.org/.
The Supervisor of Electric Operations is responsible for the efficient scheduling and supervision of electric utility and contract crews and service crews engaged in the construction and maintenance of the electric transmission and distribution systems.

Full Position Announcement: https://northwesternenergy.applicantpro.com/jobs/463935-70525.html
Bauhinia est le titre du tout nouveau livre lance a la Librairie Petrusmok du Hennessy Park Hotel en debut de la soiree du 26 octobre 2022.

Salle comble pour Joelle Lagesse qui sest dit heureuse de la sortie de son deuxieme ouvrage qui raconte la vie dune jeune mauricienne, ses rencontres a Hong Kong avant la retrocession pendant des anneex.

Evoluant dans le monde de la mode, il en est question dans Bauhinia dans un pays ou la peur du changement a venir a fait que les entrepreneurs ont delocalise pour venir a Maurice dans le secteur du textile.

Lors de la soiree, plusieurs extraits du roman ont ete lus par les invites.

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Avec lentree en operation de la Centralised Digital Land Bank of State and Private Agricultural Land, ce 2 fevrier 2021, les Mauriciens ont desormais la possibilite de louer des terrains de differentes superficies exclusivement pour la production alimentaire.

La premiere phase de ce projet demarre avec 350 arpents de terre mis a la disposition de Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd par le Ministere de lAgro-industrie et de la Securite alimentaire. Dici fin mars, 100 autres arpents seront disponibles aux planteurs.

Les agriculteurs souhaitant louer ces terres peuvent identifier et choisir les lopins qui les interessent a travers le site web de la Centralised Digital Land Bank. Concu et gere par Landscope (Mauritius), ce nouvel outil permet a ceux desirant cultiver la terre didentifier des terrains non-utilises ou demarrer leurs projets.

La creation de cette plateforme, developpee dans le cadre du National Agri-Food Development Programme, avait ete annoncee dans le discours du budget 2020/2021. La Centralised Digital Land Bank sinscrit ainsi dans la volonte du gouvernement de faire se rejoindre loffre de terres cultivables non-utilisees avec la demande pour la location de celles-ci.

Dans le cadre de cette initiative et afin daugmenter la superficie de terres disponibles aux cultivateurs, Landscope (Mauritius) a obtenu le mandat dacquerir des terrains agricoles appartenant egalement a des proprietaires prives. Cela, avec le soutien de la State Investment Corporation (SIC). Lors de la deuxieme phase du projet, Landscope (Mauritius) lancera egalement un appel a manifestation dinteret a lintention de promoteurs prives disposes a louer leurs terres cultivables pour une duree minimale de 10 ans. Ces parcelles integreront alors la Centralised Digital Land Bank et seront mises a la disposition des planteurs interesses.

 Dans le contexte economique actuel, cette initiative permet de revitaliser notre secteur agricole et notre economie. Elle favorise notamment les projets de culture vivriere a grande echelle, permettant ainsi la creation demplois. Plus globalement, la Centralised Digital Land Bank participe aussi a la consolidation de la securite alimentaire de Maurice en reduisant limportation de fruits et legumes , souligne Naila Hanoomanjee, Chief Executive Officer de Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd.

Les lopins de terre mis a la disposition des planteurs a travers la Centralised Digital Land Bank seront loues/sous-loues selon un cahier des charges precis que les cultivateurs seront tenus de respecter. Ces conditions et objectifs sont definis dans lElectronic Data Management System (EDMS), concu exclusivement pour ce programme.

EDMS

LElectronic Data Management System concu pour la Centralised Digital Land Bank affiche les details de chaque lot : Numero didentification, sa disponibilite, ses caracteristiques cles (le type de terre, pluviometrie, topographie etc.)

Le public peut acceder a lEDMS sur le site web de Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd ou il peut aussi remplir une demande pour la location/sous-location de lopins de terres agricoles. Les personnes souhaitant se faire aider pour remplir leur demande en ligne peuvent sadresser au Farmers Service Centre le plus proche de leur lieu de residence.

Les activites agricoles autorisees dans laccord de sous-location sont les suivantes :

 Agriculture generale

 Agriculture protegee

 Production de plantes et de semences

 Elevage* (*Lelevage ne sera pas autorise durant la premiere phase du projet.)

Aucune location ne pourra exceder une periode de 10 ans. Le cout de la location durant la premiere phase du projet est fixe a Rs 5 000 par arpent par an.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29



By Aygun Badalova  Trend



While the agreement has been reached by OPEC members to cut the oil output, there is still much work ahead in fulfilling the deal.



The group at the informal meeting on Wednesday agreed to cut down the oil output to 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd) from current production of 33.24 million bpd.



How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal meeting of OPEC in November.



Cyril Widdershoven, Middle East geopolitical specialist and energy analyst, partner at Dutch risk consultancy VEROCY and SVP MEA-Risk, believes that based on the current geopolitical and economic situation in OPEC member countries, the only way to regain part of revenues is to put in stone the agreement.



We will need to take into account that there will be some hard nuts to crack, such as production caps for Iran, production cuts for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain, removing around 1-1.5 million bpd by the end of 2016, Widdershoven told Trend.



He also noted that hardline stand of Iran is not having the same support anymore from former pro-Iranian hardliners, such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Gabon and Algeria. All these countries, he said, have openly asked for production cuts as their economies are in shambles, while production is also under pressure.



The expert believes the main issue to look at present is the geopolitical issues between the Arab OPEC members, led by Saudi Arabia, and Iran-supporters (Iraq).



The growing influence of Iran in the Arab world, especially Iraq, Yemen and Syria, is not supporting a more flexible approach by Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain. However, all economies have been hit hard, stability in the market is needed, as the old strategy of squeezing out shale oil and Russia is taking longer than anybody expected, Widdershoven.



Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Tuesday that Iran, Nigeria and Libya would be allowed to produce "at maximum levels that make sense" as part of any output limits which could be set as early as the next OPEC meeting in November, Reuters reported.



With regard to the possibility of other large oil producers to join reached agreement, Widdershoven said he does not expect full support of non-OPEC producers in the short term.



Russia and the US are not currently looking for production cuts, even that both are feeling the heat of low prices. Russia is totally in shambles, but based on the current Putin approach, they can survive for a longer period of time, he said.



Shale oil US is the current swingproducer, according to the expert.



When prices are lower than $48-50 per barrel no additional production could come on stream quickly. However, if prices are going above $50 per barrel new production could come onstream if financing is there (this is a major unknown, as former financials in the US will not be straight away enticed to return into the market in full). It is however to be expected that Saudi Arabia and Iran have been talking behind closed doors with Russia and Brazil, Canada, Widdershoven said.



Touching upon the effect the agreement will have on oil prices, Widdershoven noted that when looking at current market fundamentals, it is still a bullish market.



Optimism about Libya and Nigeria is built on loose sand. Libya is again heading towards implosion, as the current UN/US-EU backed government is again in shambles and General Haftar is gaining ground. Nigeria's Niger Delta is still critical, new fighting to be expected. At same time, Norway strikes are imminent in the oil sector, cutting production for a possible long time. In South America, large cuts in capital spending of Petrobras Brazil will have its negative effect, while US inventories are also heading towards lower level, Widdershoven said.



EIAs optimism about production improvements and higher production still depend on the willingness to finance projects. Chinas oil production is much lower than anticipated, while Venezuela is heading for a total shutdown. India also announced to increase its overall strategic petroleum reserves in the next months, he added.



He noted that prices are to be expected to increase, hopefully slowly but steadily.



Possible end 2016 could be based on current situation around $50-55 per barrel, but taking instability in major producing regions, this could be even higher. Upwards potential is still to above $60, but will depend on financials shale oil US, Widdershoven said.
Leading Pan African Digital Rights and Inclusion organization, Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is celebrating 15 years of impacting the lives of more than 5,000 under-served African youth with improved livelihoods through digital opportunities and the protection of their online rights.

PIN has for more than eight years played an instrumental role in advancing internet freedom, proposing policy solutions and monitoring legal and policy framework around Information Communication Technology (ICTs) on the continent to ensure citizen rights. This contribution has been strengthened by the organizations competencies in ICT capacity building, research and reports.

The organization has also trained a considerable number of non-profit organizations and educational institutions on usage of ICTs for digital security, online and social media advocacy through its annual digital rights reports which have been converted into short films to speak more to the younger audience.

This milestone is being commemorated through a raft of activities which started with a dinner and awards ceremony which was held on Saturday in Lagos, Nigeria. At the dinner event, PIN honored individuals, stakeholders and partner organizations that have contributed to the success of its mission. The event further provided a platform to hold open discussion about PINs journey and testimonials.

PIN, which has regional offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe is also organizing a debate competition which will allow young Africans to either support or oppose the topic, Are the Social and cultural norms in Africa impeding the realization of digital rights and inclusion? From a pool of 321 entries (249 English and 72 French), eight contestants from Benin, Cote dIvoire, Cameroon, Eswatini, Malawi and Nigeria were shortlisted to compete for the semi-finals (second round). The final winner (both French and English category) will be announced during the PIN Festival which will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe between October 10th and 14th, 2022.

The festival is a celebration of the collective effort that has gone on behind the scenes to advance digital rights and inclusion in Africa over the years. During the festival in Harare, PIN will highlight its work and the impact the organization has achieved through collaborations.

PIN Executive Director, Mr. Gbenga Sesan reaffirmed the organizations commitment towards digital inclusion and digital skills upscaling, adding that program beneficiaries are currently enjoying better quality lives and have more internet freedom with increased awareness of their online rights.

This has mainly been achieved through the organizations flagship program- Digital Inclusion which include Life Skills, ICTs, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship training (LIFE), Digital Readiness Program for Girls and a software engineering school, Dufuna which targets high potential young Africans who are tech-driven.

The Digital Inclusion program has grown in leaps and bounds, having started in a community in Ajegunle, Lagos State, South Western Region of Nigeria. Today, the LIFE program is being implemented in Senegal and three regions in Nigeria namely South-West, South-East and North-West Region.

Working in partnership with organizations such as Mentor an Africa Child Initiative, Startup Kebbi, and Youth and Women Empowerment Centre (YOWEC), the LIFE program has since expanded into Ogun, Kebbi and Rivers States.

The program has also been rolled out in secondary schools under the auspices of [email protected] Clubs. Under the technology club, students are trained weekly using the same curriculum as the LIFE program in the process upscaling their digital skills.

At the advent of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) in 2020, PIN introduced virtual version of the LIFE training program which has enabled the organization to train young people in 12 African countries namely; Cameroon, Cote dIvoire, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

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Apres avoir travaille tres dure pendant de longues annees, notre 6e gagnant pourra profiter de sa retraite paisiblement. Il se partage le gros lot de la Loterie vert dapprox. Rs 13 millions avec un autre joueur.

Le detenteur du ticket valant Rs 6,4 millions sest presente au siege social de Lottotech ce matin, afin de recuperer son gain. Il sagit dun habitant des Plaines-Wilhems, age dune soixante-dizaine dannees.

Notre gagnant est au rendez-vous tous les semaines pour valider ses sept numeros et une couleur pour les tirages de la Loterie Vert. Il devient multimillionaire grace a la bonne combinaison quil a jouee Chez Andrex de Rose-Hill.

 Cest mon epouse qui a verifie les resultats dans les journaux. Bonne nouvelle! Nos numeros choisis au hasard nous ont porte chance! ajoute notre interlocuteur.

Ce pere de famille na pu contenir sa joie en recevant ce cheque qui represente pour lui la concretisation dun des reves: Je vais enfin pouvoir aider mon fils financierement pour quil puisse construire sa maison. dit-il.

Son message aux joueurs: Telechargez lapplication de Lottotech si vous ne lavez pas deja fait car cest vraiment convenient davoir tous les resultats instantanement sur la meme plateforme.

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For years, debates in the OPEC conference room were dominated by clashes between top producer Saudi Arabia and arch-rival Iran, Reuters reported.

But as the two managed to find a rare compromise on Wednesday - with Riyadh softening its stance towards Tehran - a third OPEC superpower emerged.

Iraq overtook Iran as the group's second-largest producer several years ago but kept its OPEC agenda fairly low-profile. On Wednesday, Baghdad finally made its presence felt.

What it did, however, pleased neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran.

Iraq's new oil minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi told his Saudi and Iranian counterparts, Khalid al-Falih and Bijan Zanganeh, in a closed-door gathering in Algiers that "it was an OPEC meeting for all ministers", a source briefed on the talks said.

Luaibi also said he didn't like the idea of re-establishing OPEC's output ceiling at 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd), according to sources in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Reviving a ceiling, abandoned a year ago because of a Saudi-Iranian clash, was seen by some members as crucial in helping OPEC manage a vastly oversupplied market and prop up prices that stand well below the budget needs of most producers.

But Luaibi told the meeting the new ceiling was no good for Baghdad as OPEC had underestimated Iraq's production, which has soared in recent years.

Confusion followed, according to sources, and after a debate OPEC chose to impose a ceiling in the range of 32.5-33.0 million bpd - a decision dismissed by many analysts as weak and non-binding. OPEC's current output stands at 33.24 million bpd.

As ministers including Falih and Zanganeh emerged smiling from the room and praised OPEC's first output-limiting deal since 2008, Luaibi called a separate briefing to complain about OPEC's estimates of Iraqi output.

"These figures do not represent our actual production," he told reporters. If by November estimates do not change, "then we say we cannot accept this, and we will ask for alternatives".

Luaibi went even further and asked a reporter from Argus Media - whose data OPEC uses among other sources to compile estimates of countries' production - to disclose from where Argus' estimates were coming.

"Your sources are not acceptable. And if there is deviation from the government, then Argus will not work in Iraq," Luaibi told the Argus reporter.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 29

By Demir Azizov Trend:

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, acting president and prime minister of Uzbekistan, visited the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region, the Uzbek national news agency (UzA) reported.

According to the message, Mirziyoyev visited the Takhiatash thermal power plant (TPP) in Karakalpakstan, where a large investment project for the construction of two combined cycle power units with a capacity of 230-280 MW is being implemented.

Takhiatash TPP, consisting of five power units with a total capacity of 730 MW, is the main source of power supply for consumers of the northern region.

According to the message, the project is being implemented in accordance with the decree of the countrys first President Islam Karimov. Mirziyoyev also reviewed the general plan of developing Nukus city - the administrative center of Karakalpakstan.

The Uzbek acting president and the local authorities discussed the issues related to the construction of modern residential buildings, places of recreation, artificial lakes, the message said.

According to the message, Mirziyoyev also visited Khorezm region, where he reviewed the projects of high-rise buildings, which are planned to be built in Urgench city in the coming years.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 28

By Dalga Khatinoglu  Trend:

Iran and Iraq have agreed to connect their oil pipelines, Fars reported Sept. 28.

According to the report, the agreement was achieved between Irans Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh and his Iraqi counterpart Adil Abdul-Mahdi on the sidelines of the 15th International Energy Forum in Algeria.

Fars says a part of Iraqi oil is expected to reach Persian Gulf through Iran.

Earlier Ali Kardor, the Islamic Republics deputy oil minister, said Aug. 30 that Iran is still studying export of Iraqs oil through its territory.

Kardor, who heads the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), said Iran should study the conditions to define whether the project will be in its favour or not.

Earlier Reuters quoted Iraqs Deputy Oil Minister Fayadh al-Nema as saying that the Iraqi government would consider selling crude through Iran if talks with the Kurdish autonomous region on an oil revenue sharing agreement fails.

Iran has problems in export of oil from some of its central regions.

Abdol-Rasoul Mirzaei, the manager director of Raham Refinery, said Sept. 23 that Iran is preparing to refine 100,000 barrels per day (b/d) of the Kurdistan Regional Governments (KRG) crude oil at the Tabriz Refinery.

Both Tabriz and Raham refineries are in Irans South Azerbaijan Province.

Earlier Raham refinerys first phase was inaugurated with an aim to produce 300,000 tons of bitumen per year. The second phase, worth $450 million, is projected to refine 50,000 b/d of crude oil.

Mirzaei said Raham refinerys crude oil feedstock is similar to that of Tabriz refinerys, and KRGs crude oil could be processed there in future as well.

Both Iran and KRG officials have announced the continuation of oil transit and swap.

There are several options for selling KRGs oil through Iran, but the only optimal way is swap operations, Mohsen Ghamsari, director of the International Affairs Department at National Iranian Oil Company, told SHANA Sept. 5.

He said KRG has requested Iran to help export its oil, but a deal hasn't been reached yet and negotiations continue.

Currently, KRG exports its 500,000 b/d of oil through Turkey.

For several years, Iraqs KRG and Iran have been in talks to construct a pipeline that would transport the northern Iraqi oil to Iran for swapping the region's crude in the Persian Gulf.

However, negotiations have lagged so far as the regional administration in northern Iraq instead focused on developing an oil export route through Turkey.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sep. 28

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Iran postponed issuing tenders on oil and gas fields based on newly designed contract model (Iran Petroleum Contract, or IPC) for 10 days.

Ali Kardr, the head of National Iranian Oil Company told ISNA Sep.28 that Iran has asked foreign companies to submit their profiles and information, needed to take part in tenders, but some of them have delayed their submissions.

Iran requested from international oil companies (IOC) as well as exploration and production (E&P) companies to submit their information and needed technical documents for participating in the upstream tenders.

The Oil Ministry would evaluate the documents and choose the companies which are capable to participate in tenders related to the development projects, based on IPC.

Irans government introduced IPCs last December which proposes 49 oil and gas projects for foreigners to participate in.

It is expected that three agreements are to be signed with foreign companies by March 2017.

The country will issue the first tender on the Azadegan oil field. Iran expects to attract some $80 billion worth of foreign investment, or 80 percent of total needed investments for upstream projects, by 2021.
A chain reaction has reached McDowell County, one that has travelled all across the nation and around the globe before finally coming to the mountains of western North Carolina.

This is a movement of care and compassion that joins McDowell High School in the newly formed Friends of Rachel Club.

What was once the tragedy of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting is now, with the words of Rachel Scott and the work of her father Darrell, a mission for tolerance, kindness and humanity.

Darrell Scott formed the Rachels Challenge organization to honor his daughter and what she believed in. He has travelled the world speaking to students, including students in McDowell, about his daughters belief in kindness, and how they can join in on Rachels mission to start a chain reaction.

That mission takes action in many forms, and at McDowell High, this new club aims to lower high school dropout rates and to get students and their families involved in the community. This will be achieved with public speakers, community gatherings, fundraisers and in-school activities.

In addition to a stronger community and fewer dropouts, the club seeks to rejuvenate the spirit of McDowell High by promoting a more cordial environment for education.

Pat Gross is Friends of Rachel adviser and McDowells family and community GEAR UP coordinator.

The club wants to improve the atmosphere of the school and to have all students feel welcome and important, Gross said.

Club members will strive to spread kindness and support among the student population through kind acts, mentoring and PSAs.

We want to see everybody involved, said Carlos Enriquez, a 16-year-old junior who helped form the club. The main goal is involvement. We want people to know they can do things.

Much of the organization and fundraising was done over the summer by students like Carlos who are members of the McDowell Believe and Achieve team, a group of students, teachers and community members who work behind the scenes in order to provide McDowell with the ideas and plans needed to deal with arising issues.

With over 100 students signed up, involvement doesn't look like it will be an issue. And new members are always welcome to join, so if you have a child at the high school you would like to get involved with the Friends of Rachel, meetings are every Tuesday morning at 7:45 in the auxiliary gym. For more information on Rachels story and her chain reaction, go to rachelschallenge.org.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran may take serious steps if the US continues to obstruct implementation of the nuclear deal, signed between Tehran and the world powers last year, Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said.

If the US continues to disrupt and hamper even minor issues like purchase of passenger planes, Iran will make more serious decisions to restore its rights, Shamkhani said, Tasnim news agency reported Sept. 29.

He further said that various experience in nuclear talks and regional issues have proven that the US is not trust-worthy in the issue of ceasefire in Syria and in removing economic sanctions against Iran.

The P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the UK, the US as well as Germany) reached a historic deal with Iran last year to curb the Islamic Republics nuclear program in return for lifting the nuclear related sanctions. The deal came into force in January.

Despite the partial removal of sanctions, many Iranian entities complain that a major part of the US imposed sanctions against the Islamic Republic are still in place making it difficult for them to reintegrate into the world.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Irans Navy plans to dispatch a flotilla to the Atlantic Ocean, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said.

Sayyari said the Iranian Navy will dispatch its fleet to South Africa and from there to Atlantic Ocean in the near future, Tasnim news agency reported Sept. 29.

We sail in the high seas in accordance with international maritime law, he said, adding Iranian warships have already sailed to the Strait of Gibraltar and the Pacific Ocean up to the maritime borders of China.

He further said the Islamic Republics Navy is closely monitoring the movement of foreigners in Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman.

Iran will not permit them to approach near its borders and if they try that, the Iranian Navy will confront them as it did in the past, Sayyari said.

The Islamic Republic dispatched its warships to the Atlantic Ocean for the first time in 2014. It was planed that Irans fleet will approach the US maritime borders in response to the US Navys presence in the Persian Gulf. However, Tehran cancelled the plan later.

In recent years, Iran's Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.
Medgadget previously reported on Health Canadas approval of the wound care imaging device, MolecuLight i:X. Canadian fluorescence image-guidance technology company MolecuLight Inc continues to reach milestones for both the company and the field of wound care. MolecuLight has now been granted CE Mark approval for the MolecuLight i:X Imaging Device, which enables the commercial distribution of this technology in the European Union. The news has been eagerly received by EU clinicians, with the product currently being debuted at the World Union of Healing Societies World Congress being held in Italy between September 25th-29th. Although the device is not currently available in the United States, US FDA de novo approval is pending.

MolecuLight i:X is a point-of-care device that provides real-time fluorescence visualization of infection-causing bacteria without the requirement for contrast agent use. The device has undergone extensive pre-clinical and clinical testing and has demonstrated safety and efficacy as a tool for wound assessment, diagnosis, and treatment guidance at the bedside. Through its research, development, and commercialization efforts, the company hopes to enable the widespread use of the device as a standard tool for wound care worldwide.

Heres a promo video showing off the MolecuLight i:X:

Flashback: Health Canada Approval for MolecuLight i:X Marks Significant Clinical Advancement in Wound Care Diagnosis

Product page: MolecuLights i:X

Via: MolecuLight
by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, September 28, 2016

The Federal Trade Commission is urging lawmakers to empower the agency to hold Internet service providers accountable for duping consumers.

Currently, the agency is tasked with protecting consumers from deceptive business practices generally, but isn't authorized to bring cases against common carriers like Verizon and AT&T.

That carve-out "no longer makes sense in todays deregulated environment where the lines between telecommunications and other services are increasingly becoming blurred," the FTC said in comments submitted to the Senate Commerce Committee, which held an oversight hearing this week.

Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen expanded on that idea in her testimony to lawmakers. She told a Senate panel yesterday that common carriers shouldn't get a pass when it comes to consumer protection laws.

"Although the FTC has nearly a century of experience protecting consumers across many industries, the exemption from our jurisdiction for common carriers frustrates effective consumer protection with respect to a wide array of activities, including fraud and billing practices in the crucially important telecommunications and Internet industries," she said.

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Ohlhausen argued that repeal is especially critical given a recent and much criticized decision that appears to block the FTC from suing common carriers for a host of questionable practices. She says the agency could now have a harder time taking action regarding practices like cramming, deceptive marketing and violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, thanks to that decision.

Ohlhausen was referring to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in favor of AT&T in a matter centering on its former data-throttling practices. From 2011 until last year, AT&T allegedly offered consumers the opportunity to purchase "unlimited" data plans, but throttled them after they exceeded an arbitrary cap.

The FTC filed a complaint against AT&T in 2014, alleging that the telecom duped consumers by advertising its plans as unlimited. Last month, the 9th Circuit threw out the FTC's case, ruling that the agency can't sue common carriers.

The court said in a broadly worded opinion that the FTC lacks authority to bring cases against AT&T for any activity -- not just common carrier activity, like transmitting phone calls or providing broadband service.

FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said the agency intends to ask the 9th Circuit to reconsider that decision. For now, though, the decision appears to curb the FTC's ability to take action against broadband carriers.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, September 29, 2016

Five tech titans -- Amazon, DeepMind/Google, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft -- have formed a coalition to educate advertisers and consumers on the ongoing development of artificial intelligence.

Microsoft Research chief Eric Horvitz and DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman will co-chair the coalition in the interim, called Partnership on AI and announced Wednesday. Reports suggest that Apple is still considering joining the organization, but no announcement has been made.

A board, which will guide the activities of the partnership, has not yet been fully appointed. "Day-to-day operations will be overseen by an executive director who will work closely with the board of directors," according to the Web site. "Conferences, meetings, panels, projects, and working groups will be commissioned by the board and conducted by the executive staff."

Two of those executive staff members also include Ralf Herbrich, director of machine learning at Amazon, and Greg Corrado, senior scientist at Google Research and co-founder of the Google Brain team.

The coalition aims to advance the public's understanding and awareness of AI and its potential benefits and costs. Communication through a structured platform will educate the public on relevant issues as well as support research and make recommendations around ethics, fairness, and inclusivity; transparency and interoperability; privacy; collaboration between people and AI systems; and of the trustworthiness, reliability, and technology.

Companies are using the technology in everything from predictive analytics to search and beyond. One report suggests that Microsoft is using reprogrammable computer chips in Azure data centers across 15 countries to process the data generated by its AI activities. Even Google's messaging app Allo uses AI.

Recent investments in AI-focused startups seem to reflect the interest in using the technology for all sorts of projects. CB Insights estimates that equity funding reached an all-time high last quarter of more than $1 billion. The July 2016 blog post notes that nearly 70% of the deals went to startups in the United States during the second quarter. Since 2011, these startups have received more than $7.5 billion, with more than $4 billion since 2015.

"More than 30 private companies working to advance artificial intelligence technologies have been acquired in the last 5 years by corporate giants competing in the space, including Google, IBM, Yahoo, Intel, and, more recently, Apple and Salesforce," with five major acquisitions in the first half of 2016, per CB Insights.
Arstechnica, Thursday, September 29, 2016 9:09 AM

A federal appeals court has struck down a New Hampshire ban on ballot selfies, ruling that the law violated the First Amendment. "Digital photography, the internet, and social media are not unknown quantities  they have been ubiquitous for several election cycles, without being shown to have the effect of furthering vote buying or voter intimidation," a panel of the First Circuit Court of Appeals wrote.

Read the whole story at Arstechnica 
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by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, September 29, 2016

Social media is now more or less ubiquitous, but hand-in-hand with this surging popularity has come mounting concern over the risks it poses to children, including the potential for exposure to inappropriate content as well as grooming by sexual predators or other malevolent adults. One obvious solution is to create alternative, kids-only online spaces closed to any adults beside parents.

Thats the idea behind Jet.me, a new mobile social network and chat service that launched this week. Created by Jet Networks, a startup based in Boston, Jet.me is intended solely for children under the age of 13, and features multiple security measures (including a heavy dose of adult supervision) in order to comply with all the provisions of the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act rule. The app costs $0.99 on the iOS app store.

Like social platforms targeting adults, Jet.me enables kids to connect with their friends and share content including texts, photos, videos, and stickers. However there are some key differences: not only do kids need a parents approval to join the network in the first place, it also requires parental approval for each new friend they want to add (and both kids parents have to approve the connection). Users cant send messages or share content until they have made a parent-approved connection.

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Parents get their own account on a companion app, Jet Parent, to approve connections and monitor their kids activity online, and they can unilaterally end a connection if they think things are headed in a bad direction for any reason. Further, profiles arent visible to anyone who isnt a member, and the network doesnt reveal any users real name, or any other content like photos, in public. Jet.me doesnt have any feature that automatically suggests connections, and users have to know the full name of a friend to connect with them.

This isnt to say that Jet.me is completely closed to anyone besides kids and their parents. Other parties, including brands and celebrities, can join the network and connect with young fans after they have been reviewed and approved by the networks administrators; again, their profiles and any content they share are also visible to parents.

Jet.me has some competition from an established player in kids media: in August Disney launched Disney Mix, a chat app for kids and tweens.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

At least 12 people have been killed in an accident in southeastern Iran, near the border city of Saravan, Moradbakhsh Hemmati, a local health official said.

The deadly accident took place 90 kilometers into the Saravan-Khash road Sept. 29 morning, when a pickup smuggling diesel collided with another pickup carrying Afghan citizens, who illegally entered the country, Tasnim news agency reported Sept. 29.

The two cars caught fire following the crash, which led to the death of two Iranians and 10 Afghan nationals.

At least 11 people were also injured in the crash, according to the report.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 29, 2016

Ad company Turn is urging a federal appellate court to leave in place an order sending a lawsuit over mobile tracking to arbitration.

The legal dispute dates to last year, when Verizon Wireless subscribers Anthony Henson and William Cintron alleged in a class-action complaint that Turn violated a consumer protection law prohibiting deceptive practices.

Henson and Cintron alleged that Turn wrongly used a controversial technology that enabled it to track consumers for online ad purposes, even when people deleted their cookies. The allegations centered on Verizon's "supercookies" -- headers, called UIDHs, that Verizon previously injected into all unencrypted mobile traffic.

Those headers -- 50-character alphanumeric strings -- enabled ad companies to compile profiles of users and serve them targeted ads. The UIDHs also are known as zombie cookies, or "supercookies" because they allow ad companies to recreate cookies that users delete.

In March, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey White in the Northern District of California sent the matter to arbitration. White said at the time that he agreed with Turn that the consumers' allegations were closely connected to their subscriber agreements with Verizon -- which call for arbitration of all disputes.

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Henson and Cintron recently asked the 9th Circuit to reverse that ruling, arguing that their arbitration agreements were with Verizon, not Turn.

Turn opposes that request, arguing that the allegations are based on "interdependent and concerted conduct" by itself and Verizon.

"Verizon cooperated in Turns use of the UIDH for the express purpose of delivering tailored advertisements to its subscribers," Turn argues in papers filed Wednesday with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. "Indeed, Turn would never have used the UIDH had it not partnered with Verizon to deliver tailored Internet ads to petitioners as part and parcel of petitioners Verizon mobile Internet service."

Turn also asserts that Verizon Wireless consumers agreed to the company's ad-targeting program by accepting the subscriber agreements. "Petitioners subscriber agreements expressly provided for delivery of tailored advertising programs by third parties like Turn, and that Verizon vetted how its data would be incorporated into Turns platform for use in its advertising programs," the company writes.

Verizon, while not a defendant in the case, is also asking the 9th Circuit to leave the arbitration order in place.

"If this litigation persists in federal court, Verizon necessarily will be forced to participate, and the meaning of its terms of service with petitioners will be squarely at issue," the company argued in a friend-of-the-court brief filed Wednesday. "Litigation will thus subject Verizon to precisely the burdens that it contracted with petitioners to avoid."

Verizon used the controversial headers for ad targeting since 2012, but didn't disclose their existence in its privacy policy until last year.

The company has always allowed people to opt out of receiving targeted ads powered by its own ad programs, but didn't initially allow them to avoid header insertions. Last year, Verizon changed its policies to allow people to opt out of the header injections. In October, Verizon again narrowed the program by deciding to only send the header to Verizon companies, including AOL.

Verizon initially said that ad networks weren't likely to draw on the headers in order to compile profiles of Web users. But in January of 2015, researcher Jonathan Mayer -- who is now with the FCC -- reported that the ad network Turn drew on Verizon's headers to collect data and send targeted ads to mobile users who delete their cookies.

When news about Turn's use of the headers first emerged, the company acknowledged drawing on the headers for ad targeting and defended the practice on the grounds that it uses the most stable identifier possible.

But several days later, Turn said it had re-evaluated and would stop using Verizon's headers to target ads.

Turn also said it honors the industry's self-regulatory code and doesn't serve targeted ads to users if their cookies reveal that they opted out via links at sites operated by the self-regulatory groups Network Advertising Initiative or Digital Advertising Alliance. But when privacy-conscious users clear their cookies, they also delete the opt-out cookies installed by the DAA and NAI.

The ad company also said it doesn't serve targeted ads to people who opt out via its own link, or Verizon's opt-out mechanism. (Verizon's mechanism can persist even when users delete their cookies, according to Turn.)

Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission fined Verizon $1.35 million to settle an investigation surrounding the headers. That investigation focused on whether Verizon violated the Communications Act's privacy provisions -- which require carriers to protect customers' "proprietary information" -- and whether the company violated a 2010 net neutrality rule requiring disclosure of broadband management practices.
by Larissa Faw , September 29, 2016

"We need data -- but there is a difference between Big Data and a big idea," says DDB's Keith Reinhard. DDB doubles down on creative work. Connecting with emotion is more effective than persuading with facts or figures, says Reinhard.

"We are facing one of the most dramatic changes in the industry," he says. "Can't tell you how often I hear that. But it is also good to think about what doesn't change. Human nature is timeless. The drive to survive and succeed, to be loved and belong -- those things are timeless," he says. "What else is timeless is creativity and ideas." He mentions one iconic creative that asks how does the snowplow man drive to the snowplow? He takes a Volkswagen. Those emotionally connected messages resonate long after the :30-second spot.

Reinhard joined DDB North America's Wendy Clark for a frank discussion about the current state of advertising and its own organization during Advertising Week 2016.

Clark has been one of the leading voices encouraging diversity within the the industry. All of her employees will complete unconscious bias training by the end of the year.

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"We value how people work as much as what they do," says Clark. For too long, we tolerated bad behavior. They are talented but don't like to play with others." These mavericks have no place at DDB. The agency needs to move with speed and efficiency and those individuals aren't collaborative. They don't work well with others. "That will inhibit our abilities to meet the needs of the marketplace."

"Diversity is important-- it is the right thing to do, the right thing to do for business," says Clark. When DDB is only recruiting a narrow segment, "there is a lot of talent and potential we are missing."

DDB is pioneering a new "agency of the present" with new client McDonald's. Data and intelligence will be at the core, with supporting units including a "micro-editorial" team and "mega" team to deliver the big campaign platform. These will serve as the front-end to the intelligence center, she says.

While this bespoke business may only be for the restaurant chain, it represents a new direction for the agency. DDB wants to bring all of its capabilities and talent based on their business. "And go from there," says Clark.

Clark has only been at the helm for nine months and she says she is most proud of the latest State Farm work. The insurance company stands as an important client working with the agency since 1939. "The press isn't interested in those long relationships," says Reinhard. He worked with Barry Manilow to originally create the State Farm jingle.

Potential employers may want to read up on the "Art of War." Clark channels the five tenets from Sun Tsu when it comes to her leadership decisions asking whether she is brave, caring, disciplined, smart and trustworthy, she says.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, September 29, 2016

Walmart has consolidated its $900 million U.S. media assignment with Minneapolis-based Haworth Marketing + Media, according to sources.

The two firms had been in talks since April, shortly after the agency relinquished the Target account, which was taken over by GroupM (which acquired a 49% stake in Haworth two years ago).

In June, GroupM announced the formation of a Target-dedicated agency called Team Arrow Partners to handle the Target business out of Minneapolis.

It wasnt immediately clear whether Walmart conducted a formal review or talked informally to other agencies about its U.S. media assignment. It did confirm in April its ongoing talks with Haworth, stating: We have had conversations with Haworth Marketing and Media. They are a great agency with unique capabilities that could be an interesting partner in the future.

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The Walmart-Haworth talks began after the big-box retailer confirmed that it was parting ways with MediaVest, part of Publicis Groupe, its North American media agency of record for nine years.

Haworth declined to comment on its selection by Walmart, and the big-box giant did not return a query about the selection.
Scientists are surprised to find that ultrasmall, fluorescent nanoparticles  originally developed to light up tumors for surgery  can also kill cancer cells by triggering a type of cell death that is not commonly observed.

Share on Pinterest The ultrasmall particles kill cancer cells by taking iron from their environment and delivering it into them. The process  called ferroptosis  ruptures the cells membrane.

They report the discovery  and how they tested the nanoparticles in cell cultures and mice  in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

One of the lead investigators, Ulrich Wiesner, a professor of engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, says:

If you had to design a nanoparticle for killing cancer, this would be exactly the way you would do it.

Nanoparticles are tiny particles with at least one dimension no bigger than 100 nanometers. They have unusual properties compared with the same material on a larger scale, and scientists and engineers are applying them in many fields, including electronics and biomedicine.

The nanoparticles at the center of the new study  called Cornell dots, or C dots  are ultrasmall, fluorescent silica particles, with a diameter of 5 nanometers.

They were originally developed by Prof. Wiesner over 10 years ago as a tool for cancer surgery. They attach to cancer cells and light them up so surgeons can see where to cut.

The particles were also intended to be used for targeted drug delivery and environmental sensing.
Like menopause itself, most symptoms are direct or indirect results of the natural changes occurring in a womans body. Not all women will experience the same menopausal symptoms or to the same degree, however.

When a woman is in the early stages of or fully enters into menopause, its normal for her to experience a variety of symptoms. Headaches are among the symptoms some women report during this stage of life.

Briefly defined, menopause is the time when a woman stops menstruating. As her ovaries will stop producing new eggs, a woman will experience hormonal changes that can lead to other symptoms as the body adjusts. Menopause also marks the time in a womans life when she can no longer get pregnant.

Share on Pinterest Symptoms of menopause will vary to a degree.

Most women go through menopause between the ages of 40 and 58. The average age a woman has her last menstrual period can vary depending on a number of factors. In developed countries, the average age a woman stops menstruating is 51.4.

Factors like a womans race or ethnicity, health history, and lifestyle also play a role.

A 2011 article published in Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinics of North America notes that some studies show that African-American and Latina women experience natural menopause about 2 years earlier than white women. Asian women tend to go through menopause at similar ages to Caucasian women.

The same article also mentions that social and economic factors can affect when a woman enters menopause. Numerous studies have found that lower social class is linked to an earlier age for natural menopause.

One common mistake people make about menopause is that it happens as one clearly defined event. Menopause usually happens in three transitional periods, usually over multiple years. These stages and what to expect during them are as follows:

1. Perimenopause

This is the stage of menopause when a woman first begins to experience changes. Perimenopause can begin 8 to 10 years before a womans last menstrual period. It will last for about 4 years, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Perimenopause usually begins when a woman is in her 40s. Menstruation is still ongoing but may become irregular. Its important to remember that women can still get pregnant during perimenopause.

During this time, the bodys production of estrogen and progesterone begins to change, which can lead to experiencing menopausal symptoms, such as:

Breast tenderness

Worsening of premenstrual syndrome

Heavier or lighter than usual periods

Headaches

2. Menopause

This is the stage when a woman completely stops menstruating. The ovaries are no longer producing eggs, and the body is producing less estrogen and progesterone.

This is the stage most often associated with menopause. Its common to experience a number of symptoms, such as:

Share on Pinterest Women have often reported headaches during menopause.

Hot flashes

Night sweats

Cold flashes

Vaginal dryness

Pain or discomfort during sex

Difficulty sleeping

The need to urinate more frequently or urgently and urine leakage

Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

Joint aches and pains

Headaches

Skin flushing

Weight gain or loss

3. Postmenopause

This is the stage after a woman has stopped having her period for at least 1 year and can no longer get pregnant. The years after are called postmenopause.

Some symptoms, like hot flashes, should get better during this time. This is also when a womans risk for health issues like brittle bones and heart disease increases because of the lower amounts of estrogen in her body.

Medication or lifestyle changes can help to reduce this risk, so its important to speak to a doctor.
Brown adipose tissue - main organ generating heat in the body- is also an endocrine organ that secretes signaling factors that activate the fat and carbohydrates metabolism.

This is the main conclusion of an article published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology, signed by the professors Francesc Villarroya, Ruben Cereijo, Joan Villarroya and Marta Giralt, from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the University of Barcelona and CIBER of Physiopathology in Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn) of the Institute of Health Carlos III.

Brown adipose tissue: more than burning calories in the body

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) helps "burning more calories" and making body heat out of fat. According to the new study, this special kind of fat - the motor of thermogenesis - has an endocrine function able to activate the lipid and glucidic metabolism in the body, which has a profile for a future therapeutic target to treat pathologies like obesity.

"Traditionally, brown adipose tissue was just seen as an organ to burn calories, but we have seen it has an endocrine biological role", said Professor Francesc Villarroya, member of the Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB) and head of the Research Group in Genetics and Molecular Biology of Mitochondrial Proteins and Associated Diseases.

New perspectives in the physiology of brown adipose tissue

This new vision on the brown adipose tissue means a revolution similar to the one from years ago with white adipose tissue (WAT), the most known fat. "Until the eighties - says Villarroya - people believed WAT was a mere fat storage. From the nineties on, after discovering leptin as a hormonal factor released by WAT, other adipokines were found (active factors synthesized by this organ)". Therefore, WAT is now understood as an endocrine organ and now, with BAT, the same process is going on.

According to the experts, when there is a situation of BAT activation and there is a high oxidation in metabolism products to generate heat, this organ would also send a series of biochemical signals to the entire organism to activate the global oxidizing metabolism. Identifying the released factors - called batokines - is the main challenge of the researchers, apart from discovering how the target organs act, or if there are other secretory tissues, etc.

The most known factors are FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21), neuregulin 4 and IL-6, among other compounds that are the focus of an intense research activity. "White adipose tissue, liver, heart, and probably pancreas and brain (counting the regulation points of feelings of hunger and thirst) are some of the target organs of the batokines", says Villarroya. "We also know that some of the factors released by WAT, such as FGF21, are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and act on brain areas" he said.

From basic research to human physiology

BAT secretory function as an endocrine organ has been studied through laboratory animal models and in vitro cell culture. In studies with animal models, there were improvements in the diabetes course - and even obesity - in mice transferred with small samples of brown adipose tissue. According to the experts, the transferred BAT would release factors that promote glucose consume and sensitivity to insulin (in general, a healthier metabolic profile).

"In human physiology - says Villarroya - it is essential to define if all batokines that are identified in animal models are also present in human BAT and behave the same way. In a future, these batokines could be considered as potential candidates in drug design to treat these diseases. In the case of obese patients with few active BAT - and probably less released batokines - a first therapeutic strategy could be to give them these molecules as drugs".

However, moving this basic research to the clinical field is a hard challenge, for several reasons but also for the hard availability of samples through human biopsies. For this reason, among other strategies, the team of Dr. Villarroya is developing in vitro human cells of brown adipose humans in population that allow verifying in human physiology the obtained results in mice.
The results of a randomized controlled trial, published in the September/October edition of the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology, support the efficacy of the ThinkRx one-on-one cognitive training program in improving cognitive skills and IQ scores in students ages 8 to 14 years. The study showed statistically significant generalized improvements in six cognitive skills - associative memory, working memory, long-term memory, visual and auditory processing, logic and reasoning, and processing speed - as well as a 21 point mean increase in overall General Intelligence Ability (GIA) testing scores, an established measure of IQ.

The study is the first of its kind to evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive, one-on-one cognitive training program targeting multiple cognitive abilities, offering an important contribution to the knowledge base on cognitive training effects in children. It was led by Dick M. Carpenter II, PhD, University of Colorado Springs; Christina Ledbetter, PhD, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; and Amy Lawson Moore, PhD, Gibson Institute of Cognitive Research. Their findings also support the use of the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory of intelligence in the design of cognitive training programs to ensure multiple cognitive skills are targeted by training exercises. "Not all brain training programs are alike. This wasn't a 'brain games' app. This was a comprehensive therapeutic intervention delivered by a human being sitting across the table from the client," says educational psychologist and co-investigator Dr. Moore. "The dynamic between the client and the cognitive trainer was a critical piece in the cognitive training protocol."

The study evaluated the effects of ThinkRx, a program that targets seven cognitive skills through 60 hours of one-on-one cognitive training. In this trial, 39 students aged 8 to 14 years were randomly assigned to a control group or an experimental group that underwent training with ThinkRx. Pre- and post-testing assessed individual cognitive skills and GIA, a standardized measure of IQ from the Woodcock Johnson III - Tests of Cognitive Abilities, to determine improvements. Analysis of pretesting and post-testing scores showed participants in the treatment group consistently achieved a greater difference as compared to the control group on all measures, with the greatest gap between groups demonstrated on logic and reasoning (28.31 point difference) and GIA (26.11 point difference), with the exception of attention as measured by the NIH Cognition Toolbox. Treatment group students typically experienced growth two to three times greater than those in the control group, with the greatest growth in the treatment group demonstrated in test scores for long-term memory (27 points), associative memory (23 points), and logic and reasoning (20 points). The results are part of a larger, year-long study which will collect follow-up cognitive testing and academic achievement data to evaluate the longer-term effects of brain training.

"While most brain training research looks at improvements in working memory, this randomized controlled trial builds on existing literature that documents how brain training can improve individual cognitive skills and helps validate how comprehensive brain training for multiple core cognitive skills measurably improves cognitive performance," said Dr. Moore. "The findings have profound implications for brain training and its benefits."

This study adds to recent findings presented by clinical neuroscientist and co-author Dr. Ledbetter, which found functional brain changes on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans of the brain after students completed brain training with LearningRx. "I'm excited about what the changes in GIA score and other cognitive skills could mean in terms of brain connectivity, network efficiency, and overall cognitive processing," said Dr. Ledbetter. Dr. Ledbetter's earlier fMRI findings on functional brain changes after brain training are available in LearningRx's 48-page 2016 edition of "Client Outcomes and Research Results" and will be presented along with the most recent RCT data at the upcoming Neuroscience 2016 conference in November, hosted annually by the Society for Neuroscience.
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Mercury exposure from dental fillings is not a new concern, but previous studies were inconsistent and limited, according to Xiaozhong "John" Yu, assistant professor of environmental health science and co-author of the study."This study is trying to provide the most accurate levels of exposure, which will form the scientific basis to make future risk assessment," Yu said, adding that the study was the first to also control for age, education, ethnicity, race, gender, smoking and seafood consumption, which is a known contributor to mercury levels in the body.The researchers further analyzed exposure by specific types of mercury and found a significant increase in methyl mercury, the most toxic form of mercury, related to dental fillings. Yu said this result suggests the human gut microbiota, a collection of microorganisms living in the intestines, may transform different types of mercury.Dental amalgam has been the go-to dental filling material for more than 150 years, because it's affordable and durable. However, about half of the compound contains mercury, a heavy metal known to be toxic at high levels, causing brain, heart, kidney, lung and immune system damage. New research suggests that methyl mercury may cause damage even at low levels."As toxicologists, we know that mercury is poison, but it all depends on the dose. So, if you have one dental filling, maybe it's OK. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher," Yu said. People with numerous dental fillings who are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, are most at risk.The results show that individuals with more than eight fillings had about 150% more mercury in their blood than those with none. The average American has three dental fillings, while 25% of the population has 11 or more fillings.According to its website, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults, but says, "pregnant women and parents with children under six who are concerned about the absence of clinical data as to long-term health outcomes should talk to their dentist."The study also looked at dental composite resins, a mercury-free alternative for dental fillings that can release small amounts of bisphenol A, or BPA, which may cause developmental or reproductive damage. The results found no association between dental fillings and urinary BPA, but further research is needed to understand BPA exposure from resin-based materials."It's important for doctors and patients to be informed in their selections," said Lei Yin, a scientist in the department of environmental health science and the study's lead author. "We now have an excellent starting point to evaluate the potential risk of dental material on human health."Xiao Song from the department of epidemiology and biostatistics in the UGA College of Public Health, and Simon Lin from the University of Washington's Center for Pediatric Dentistry also contributed to the study.Source: Newswise
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

Trend:

Around a third of Armenias population lives below the poverty line and the price of everyday items is often too high for many people, according to the film broadcast by Arabic TV channel Al Jazeera.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of Armenians have emigrated in search of work and a decent living, the film says. There is tension between Armenia and Turkey and the border with Turkey has been closed since 1993. But this doesnt stop many Armenians, often women, making the journey via Georgia, either to live long-term or making regular trips, buying cheaper goods in Turkey to sell back home.

This film tells the poignant story of two Armenian women unable to survive at home and who leave their families to join the many economic migrants, hoping to find jobs to enable them to support themselves and their dependents.
Bolstering angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) - a protective protein in blood vessels helps the body protect itself against cerebral malaria. 



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"We want to change the paradigm. Our primary goal should be about improving survival and preventing brain injury, rather than a strict preoccupation with antimicrobial drugs to kill bugs. Our findings have broad implications for other life-threatening infections such as sepsis, toxic shock, for which we currently have no specific treatments."



The research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Research Chair (to Dr. Kevin Kain), and donations from Kim Kertland and the Tesari Foundation.



Source: Newswise "Our approach is about modifying 'us' rather than solely focusing on drugs to kill microbes, and for life-threatening infections like cerebral malaria, this strategy may improve outcome while decreasing drug resistance," he says."We want to change the paradigm. Our primary goal should be about improving survival and preventing brain injury, rather than a strict preoccupation with antimicrobial drugs to kill bugs. Our findings have broad implications for other life-threatening infections such as sepsis, toxic shock, for which we currently have no specific treatments."The research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Research Chair (to Dr. Kevin Kain), and donations from Kim Kertland and the Tesari Foundation.Source: Newswise

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Over 400,000 lives are lost each year to severe and cerebral malaria, mainly among children in sub-Saharan Africa. For children surviving cerebral malaria, up to one-third may develop long-term neurological injury including epilepsy, behavioural disorders and/or motor, sensory or language deficits.Led by Dr. Sarah Higgins, now a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Dr. Kevin Kain, Science Director, Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, the researchers demonstrate how giving mice angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), a key protein which protects the lining in blood vessels in humans and mice, when combined with the best antimalarial drug artesunate, results in 100 per cent of mice surviving severe malaria, compared to about 60% of the mice infected with malaria who received artesunate alone.Equally important, the research also showed that Ang-1 preserves the blood-brain barrier, a critical network of blood vessels that allows nutrients to cross over into the brain, while keeping out foreign substances that may harm it. An infection such as severe malaria causes changes in blood vessels, resulting in a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and brain injury."To protect against this injury, we recreated what the body produces," explains Dr. Higgins, "Ang-1 enables blood vessels to maintain normal function and serves as a protective barrier for the brain." Dr. Higgins, who did the research while a graduate student in the lab of Dr. Kevin Kain, is the first author in the research paper entitled, "Dysregulation of angiopoietin-1 plays a critical mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria."In a series of elegantly designed experiments, the team first tested 180 children aged one to 10 years old, with severe cerebral malaria in Uganda, along with children who had no or mild malaria. They found that those with severe and cerebral malaria had significantly lower amounts of Ang-1.The team then went on to test mice with malaria and found that, similar to humans, Ang-1 drops significantly in these mice. They also "knocked out" the gene for Ang-1 in mice, and found that its protective effects disappeared. In the final experiment, when the ill mice were injected with Ang-1, in addition to the antimalarial medication, they survived and had no brain injury.The development of cerebral malaria is not well understood, but research has shown that how an individual responds to the illness is important in determining its severity and outcome. Strategies which target only the parasite are not enough to prevent complications and deaths in individuals with severe infection."Patients often die from their response to the infection, rather than directly from their infections," points out Dr. Kain, who is also the Director, SA Rotman Laboratories at the Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health and Senior Scientist at TGRI.


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In Jordan's September 20, 2016 elections for its 130-member House of Representatives - the lower house of parliament[1] - 20 women were elected, comprising approximately 15% of seats.[2] Additionally, Palestinian Authority (PA) municipal elections were to take place held on October 8, 2016, but the Palestinian high court ordered them postponed until further notice, following an appeal for the disqualification of five candidate lists.[3]

One of the main issues in the public debate on the elections in both the Jordanian and Palestinian media was the marginalization of women in public life, and, particularly, in political life. Both countries' presses featured articles and editorials criticizing the discrimination and cultural obstacles faced by women who wish to run for office; this criticism was also voiced by women candidates in both Jordan and in the PA.

It should be noted in this context that both Jordan and the PA have quotas for women in parliament and municipal councils. Jordan sets aside 12% of its parliamentary seats for women, while the PA reserves 20%. However, according to both writers and women candidates, the quotas have proven ineffective in changing women's status in politics.

This report will review several articles and editorials on this issue.

In Run-Up To Jordanian House Of Representatives Elections, Criticism Of Limitations Women Face In Politics

Editor Of Jordanian Daily: Gender Gap Reveals Extent Of Marginalization Of Women

The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, published in late 2015, ranked Jordan 140th of the 145 countries reviewed; the previous year it had been ranked 134th of 142 countries.[4] In light of Jordan's poor showing, Jumana Ghanimat, editor-in-chief of the Jordanian daily Al-Ghad wrote on July 28, 2016: "Thus, the flaws and [gender] gaps, or more accurately, exposed, in all their shame, on both the political and economic levels are revealed, [showing that] women's empowerment in politics remains limited. Even the quota for women in elected bodies, in place for two decades, could neither change the stereotype of women nor bring about greater women's representation, particularly in parliamentary activity. [Women's] participation in government still remains relatively discretionary, and can change from one prime minister to the next... According to the statistics in the Global Gender Gap Report, for every 100 men in parliament, there are only 14 women, and for every 100 male ministers, there are only 13 women [ministers]."[5]

Former Minister: Marginalizing Women In Public Arena Makes Elections A "Show Of Masculinity"

In a September 2, 2016 article titled "No Women Allowed," former Jordanian culture minister Sabri Al-Rbeihat addressed the marginalization of women in the public arena that hampers them in running for office: "Over four decades ago, the Jordanian woman gained the right to vote. This was a turning point in the social perception regarding her roles and status, and the start of the journey to remove the obstacles to her [full] participation in public life and the creation of a future...

"[However,] today women still hesitate to enter the public arena or to reach out to [male] voters without stressing that she is not their rival. Many social gatherings and activities... lack the presence of women, who are banned from attending them. Extensive attempts to motivate women to run for office and to increase women's representation in parliament have done little to change their role or how they are viewed in local communities. The dozens of women running in the parliamentary elections encounter immense difficulties, when their photos are published or when they attempt to reach out to men in their local communities to explain their ideas, views, and platforms. In some locations and voting districts, election rallies have no female presence [at all], making the elections a kind of show of masculinity, with women in a supporting role according to male dictates."[6]

Jordanian Writer: The Dominant Culture Considers Women Inferior; Some Women Are More Qualified Than Men - But This Does Them Little Good

Senior Al-Ghad writer Fahd Al-Khitan also discussed the sociocultural obstacles women face when they run for office: "Two hundred and fifty-two of the 1,269 candidates in the elections... are women. As you know, they have a permanent quota in parliament, and have been allocated 15 of the 130 seats...

"The dominant culture accords women lower status than men. Except for a very few cases, women cannot break through the culture of prejudice and discrimination... Among the candidates are women many times more qualified than the male candidates. But this does them little good due to cultural factors. Even women voters rarely support them; when they go to vote, they follow the widespread view [that men are better suited], either because they believe it, or under the influence of men.

"Another factor that lessens women's chances of being elected is the small number of charismatic women - what we call 'stars' - in both in the political and social arenas. Only three or four candidates in the current elections meet this definition... The problem is that these 'stars' are all candidates in the same area, 'Amman. While one of them will receive a seat allocated to women [under the quota], the others must actually be elected. This will undoubtedly be difficult, considering the power and influence of the male candidates and the number of voters in the capital's electoral districts...

"We should give Jordanian women credit for their lively participation in the election [process] despite all the social and cultural difficulties that they face. The state should reward them and expand the quota [of women in parliament], even at the expense of men. Only the Jordanian state can smash this outdated culture and give justice to women."[7]

Woman Candidate: Jordanian Leadership Aims To Empower Women - But Is Thwarted By Negative Societal Attitudes

In an August 14, 2016 article in the Al-Rai daily, Rehab Al-Qaddoumi, who was a candidate from the Jordanian National Front Party, wrote about the gap between the official establishment position encouraging women to enter the public sphere and political life and society's attitudes about this: "King Abdullah's power of appointment to the government stressed the need for supporting women's advancement and for tackling the challenges they face in their path to the status that they deserve, in order to further [Jordan's] development... Despite the significant progress in women's participation in public life in various fields, which have seen in recent years, [this progress] has not yet reached [the level] to which we aspire... If women are no longer perceived negatively, and there are no more questions about their ability to participate in political life, to work, to contribute, and to excel, then they can play a role that complements, or [even] competes with, that of men in developing and advancing society. [Then] they will also participate in political life, in [all] three branches [of government]. This is one of the steps Jordan has begun to take as part of the reform - particularly because political decision[-makers] and the Hashemite leadership are always calling for empowering women."[8]



Rehad Al-Qaddoumi at a campaign rally in 'Amman (Albaladnews.net, September 8, 2016)

In Palestinian Municipal Elections, Women Candidates' Names, Photos Are Not Included In Lists

Councilwoman Seeking Reelection: The Dominant Culture In Our Society Does Not Encourage Women To Run For Office

In the Palestinian Authority as well, the issue of the limitations women face when running for election and of the traditionalist society's discouragement of women participating in the public sphere is a topic of discussion.

Dr. Rula Al-Sha'er, councilwoman for the Arrabeh municipality, told the Al-Hayat Al-Jadida daily about the difficulties she faces in her reelection campaign, saying that not many women are running for office and that women have no opportunities for true partnership: "I was very enthusiastic when I entered the city council. As a doctor at a university, I asked to serve as deputy mayor. [But] my request was denied, and I was marginalized. When I asked why, I was told that talent and capabilities are not the only criteria for the [upcoming] election, and I was placed eighth on my party's list." She added: "Unfortunately, [Palestinian] society has not yet attained an awareness of or a desire for a female presence in the political arena."

Dr. Al-Sha'er stated that Palestinian clans are at odds with the municipal authorities, as the latter promote women's participation in political life while the former oppose it. She added that she has often heard people say that a particular woman who is involved public life is not representative of her family - "this," she said, "stems from the dominant culture in our traditionalist society, which believes that women do not represent men, even if they have a doctorate degree."

She also noted that she expects no significant change in the coming elections; stating: "Many women candidates are, at best, in fifth place in their party lists... and as a result, without a political decision or a party's support, women will not be able to reach a leadership role."[9]

Women Candidates' Names, Photos Are Not Included In Lists

Another major issue that was a focus of Palestinian media was the use of terms such as "sister," "the sister of," or "the wife of" for women candidates in lists, instead of their names - that is, identifying them in relation to a male family member. Their photos also are often not published, and other images are sometimes used to represent them - for example, below, Palestinian writer Manar Faraj, refers to an image of a "bouquet." Many Palestinian writers condemned this.

Asked about this practice, Palestinian Central Election Commission spokesman Farid Ta'amallah argued that it had nothing to do with the commission. He said that while women candidates used their full names and photo I.D. cards to register, as required by law, some lists referred to all their women candidates as "sister" or "the wife of so-and-so" instead of by name. The commission had no legal authority to prevent this, he said, or to prevent lists from replacing women candidates' photos with another image, as happened in previous election campaigns.[10]



Fatah list for the town of Tammun. In fifth and eighth places is the designation "sister" (Alhadath.ps, August 28, 2016)



Corrected Fatah candidate list for Tammun posted several days later, showing names of Samah Nouri Bani Odeh and Ikhlas 'Ali Muhammad Bani Odeh (Facebook.com/1422968777915010, August 29, 2016)

General Union Of Palestinian Women Official: Erasing The Identity Of Women Candidates Is Due To Traditionalist Elements' Fear Of Change

In a September 4, 2016 article titled "Leave Your Name At Home And Run [In The Elections]," in the Al-Ayyam daily, Rima Nazzal, member of the secretariat of the General Union of Palestinian Women, wrote that erasing the identity of women candidates reflects the position of traditionalist elements that reject the idea of women in public life: "A woman aspiring to run in the municipal elections should leave her name at home - this is amazing and strange. Documenting a woman's full name in the marriage contract and [then] erasing it from the marriage license is ugly, shameful, and harms the family's feelings. The woman belongs to the man: [she is] his wife, his daughter, or his mother, until he dies. Her lineage returns only when he is buried...

"Concealing the names of some candidates in the election list is merely a sign of a deeper and graver matter, and expresses the view of those who oppose women's participation in public life... These opponents are not backing down, and so they seek to use all legitimate and illegitimate means to gut the quota [system] and limit its ability to bring about change.

"Denying women's names, or the sense of shame regarding women's names among traditionalist forces and social elements - who have again reared their heads to impose their reactionary plan that includes all types of social and human backwardness and reeks of discrimination against women - reflects [these elements'] understanding that that factors promoting change and progress in society are no longer relevant. This is a warning bell signaling the need to awaken and unite as part of a national social progressive coalition [that will adopt] a comprehensive enlightened plan in line with national and international sources of authority - a plan based on and emanating from [a situation of] equal rights and equal obligations for all citizens, with no euphemism."[11]

Eradicating Women's Identify Is Like The Pre-Islamic Practice Of Burying Girls Alive

Dr. Walid Al-Qatati, a Rafah-based journalist and educator, compared the removal of women's names from election lists to the pre-Islamic practice of burying girls alive: "The increasing ideological terrorism being carried out by one of the Islamic sects that has emerged from the depths of the barren desert in Arab and Muslim society is also spreading the culture of prohibitions and takfir - and, with these, the culture that views all aspects of a woman as shameful nudity, including her image, her form, her face, and her name...

"The newest element of this culture in Palestine is the publication of lists of candidates for local elections in the West Bank and Gaza that are missing the women [candidates'] names, using terms like 'the sister' or 'the mother of so-and-so' or other technical means to hide them.

"This is like a new way of burying girls alive. During the jahiliyya [pre-Islamic period], girls were buried alive beneath the ground. Today, they are burying them alive above ground, by burying their identity as human beings. A woman is an independent entity, and her first name is a central part of her unique identity. It is not right for a woman to denigrate it or relinquish it. Furthermore, it is not right for a man to revoke a woman's name and obscure her with an ambiguous identity, especially because this contradicts the essence and spirit of Islam, under which everybody, including women, has their own identity, and their own name to be known and called by."[12]

Palestinian Writer: I Thought A Woman President Could End The Occupation

Palestinian writer Manar Faraj wrote how as a child in 1996, she yearned for Palestinian politician Samiha Khalil to win the PA presidential election, because she was a woman and as such could bring in new agendas and end the occupation. Referring also to today's situation, in which women's names and faces are obscured, she wrote: "Allow me to go back in time to my childhood in 1996... The prevailing discourse [back then] was [about the election] of a woman to head Palestine. Some comments were mocking, others focused on what the results [of such a move] would be... I fantasized about this, pondering the image of the woman [Ms. Khalil] who ran in this election. I was very happy, not because I supported or opposed the late president Yasser Arafat, but because I saw this woman as a combination of strength and tenderness, and believed she would bring about the end of the occupation, because she reminded me of my mother, who [always] succeeded in stopping anything bad...

"I am now grown, but I still wonder what it would be like [today] in Palestine had this woman won the election. I am not being critical or downplaying anyone, but just wondering whether this woman would have brought other agendas with her..."

Also in her article, Faraj wrote about the refusal to publish women candidates' names and photos in election lists: "I write to you, oh brave [candidate], oh 'bouquet,' sister, or wife. I do not know you, but I will present for you all the excuses [for your situation]: Perhaps it is our oriental Arab society, with its practices and traditions; perhaps you were forced to do this, as you are forced to do other things daily; perhaps you do not seek publicity or fame and settle for silent activity and achievements; perhaps we present women in our society as idealized figures who must always remain the ideal wife, daughter, and mother, with all the burdens involved, while we have neither ideal men, nor ideal societies, or even an ideal homeland.

"I am addressing you: Are you not enraged [at your situation]? Because we women all want your presence. We want to act, to participate, and to exist. Samiha Khalil was present in the fullest sense of the word, but today her presence is greatly missed...

"The mistake is not about showing or hiding the name [of the candidate] or showing or hiding her photo. The mistake is in the roots - in what the woman learns, and what we learn about the woman, from childhood. I pity her, and I pity you.[13]

Endnotes:
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Orkhan Guluzade  Trend:

Extension of the state of emergency in Turkey for three months is in the interests of the country, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sept. 29, TRT Haber reported.

On Sept. 28, the Turkish National Security Council suggested the government to extend the state of emergency at the meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A three-month state of emergency in Turkey was declared on July 20 following a military coup attempt.

Erdogan said that speculations are disseminated regarding the state of emergency introduced in Turkey, however, it should be noted that the shake-up of the state bodies should be continued, and the preservation of the state of emergency highly facilitates this process.

Erdogan also said that the Decree having force of law, which can be adopted by the Turkish government in the state of emergency, will be aimed exclusively at the fight against terrorism.

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.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded.
The United States should work with other countries, including China and Russia, in tackling the problem of North Koreas nuclear program, US Secretary of State John Kerry stated on Wednesday, Sputnik reported.

Kerry explained that the dangers posed by North Koreas nuclear tests and the development of long-range ballistic missiles are a genuine threat to the United States and to [its] allies in the region.

It is essential that we work closely in every way about all of our values and interests from a position of strength with our partners South Korea and Japan, as well as work with China, Russia and others who have stakes in the outcome of this challenge with the DPRK, Kerry said, referring to North Korea.

On Monday, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against Chinese company Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development and four executives allegedly tied to North Koreas weapons programs.

In addition, the US Justice Department charged the Chinese company and some of its executives with money laundering and conspiracy to evade sanctions.

North Korea has been under pressure from the international community since a nuclear test and the launch of a long-range rocket early this year. In March, the United Nations adopted a resolution that tightened sanctions against Pyongyang.

On September 9, North Korea carried out its fifth and most powerful nuclear test.
President Barack Obama has signed a short-term resolution to fund the US government from October 1 through December 9, the White House announced on Thursday, Sputnik reported.

The US Senate, in a floor vote on Wednesday, approved the short-term-funding legislation, following similar action in the House of Representatives.

"The President signed into law H.R. 5325, an Act making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2017, and for other purposes," the White House statement read. The package will finance federal operations at 2016 levels for the next three months, thus averting a possible shutdown of the government by Republicans until after US elections in November.
Turkish jets destroyed eight PKK targets in southeastern Hakkari province on Wednesday, the countrys military has said, Anadolu reported.

Shelters, observation posts and Dochka anti-aircraft gun positions were hit between 1.15 p.m. to 1.40 p.m. local time (GMT 1015-1040) in the Buzuldagi region, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement.

Turkish jets also conducted an air operation in northern Iraq, destroying a PKK shelter, the statement added. That operation took place in the Gara region around noon, local time.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU and resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state in July 2015.

Since then, PKK terrorist attacks have martyred more than 600 security personnel and also claimed the lives of many civilians, including women and children, while more than 7,000 PKK terrorists have been killed in army operations.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.29

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

The cleansing against the Gulen movement continues, as Turkish police arrested 65 people during a special operation in Antalya, Sabah newspaper reported.

The operation was aimed to identify the supporters of the Gulen movement. Fethullah Gulen is accused of being involved in a military coup attempt in Turkey.

During the operation, police found and seized books and documents confirming the detainees involvement in the Gulen movement.

Earlier, the Turkish Ministry of Justice officially requested the US for Fethullah Gulens arrest.

In addition, the Turkish authorities sent two requests to the US for extradition of Gulen. Prior to that, the Istanbul Court released an order for Gulen's arrest.

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.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yannis Amanatidis, today, Wednesday 28 September 2016, met, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the outgoing Ambassador of Turkey to Greece, Mr. Kerim Uras.



The Deputy Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation towards Ambassador Uras for his personal contribution to progress made in Greek-Turkish relations. Furthermore, Deputy Minister Amanatidis stressed the need to further enhance the current dynamics of bilateral relations, especially in sectors relevant to his scope of responsibilities, a remark that the Turkish Ambassador agreed with.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 29

By Orkhan Guluzade  Trend:

As a result of a special operation, Istanbul police detained one of the main activists of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group, the Turkish Sabah newspaper reported Sept. 29.

The detainee was responsible for manufacturing of improvised explosive devices, according to the report.

The report also said that explosive materials were found in the detainees flat during the search.

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 25 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
We extend our sincere condolences to the Israeli people on the passing of Shimon Peres, a charismatic statesperson who served his country with a vision and extended major efforts for peace in the Middle East.

The political heritage of the deceased identified itself with the modern history of his country and was characterized by his profound belief in the need to advance peaceful coexistence between the Israeli and the Palestinian people. This particular feature became, after all, also apparent in the framework of the negotiations that led to the Oslo Accords, which constitute a landmark in the course of the peace process.

Memorable is, lastly, the personal contribution of Shimon Peres to the strengthening of Greek-Israeli friendship and cooperation. He was attached to Greece, after all, through personal ties, since during WWII his father was here to fight the Nazis and survived thanks to the valuable assistance of the Greeks.
Turkey is ready to cooperate with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria, Ankaras foreign minister said Thursday, Anadolu reported.

If Russia sincerely wants to cooperate with us [on Syria] for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, we are all for it, Mevlut Cavusoglu said. He spoke in the Turkish capital at a joint news conference with his Latvian counterpart, Edgars Rinkevics.

Cavusoglu said Turkey was evaluating these issues with the Russian authorities after the normalization of relations between Ankara and Moscow earlier this summer.

Recalling Russian statements about possible joint action with Turkey on Syria, Cavusoglu said Ankara supported all decisions toward a political solution in the war-torn country.

However, Cavusoglu went on to say the Syrian regime and its supporters were behind recent violations of the U.S./Russia-brokered ceasefire plus obstacles preventing the flow of humanitarian aid.

He accused the Damascus regime and its supporters of continuously using chemical weapons and barrel bombs against the Syrian people over the last five years.

We need to continue our efforts for a political solution and ceasefire since the last agreement failed to be implemented, Cavusoglu said.

Speaking about Turkeys defeated July 15 coup plot, Cavusoglu said the Turkish people had rebutted a move which would have had implications not only in Turkey but in a broader geography, including Europe.

He thanked Latvia for the solidarity shown during and after the failed coup. During this period Latvia showed it is a real friend and ally, Cavusoglu said.

Cavusoglu said Turkey and Latvia were in close cooperation in the fight against terror and in this framework he had informed his counterpart about the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) in Latvia.

Rinkevics expressed Latvias support for the democratically elected Turkish government and its president.

We have received information from the Turkish embassy and we passed them to the relevant authorities in Riga. We received additional information today, Rinkevics said.

He said Latvia would take necessary measures against the FETO once evidence of its wrongdoings and violations of Latvian law were examined.
It was former deputy Prime Minister Zhu Rongji who pushed the investigation on Mou Qizhong. (Photo : Getty Images)

Mou Qizhong, a well-known business tycoon, was freed from Hongshan Prison in Hubei province on Tuesday, according to Mou's lawyer, Xia Zongwei.



Before being charged by the court, Mou was one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in the country. He was "charming" and could get ready credits from banks.



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He was even toasted in the World Economic Forum in Switzerland as one of China's most notable businessmen.



It was in 1998 when the government started to call for austerity led by then deputy Prime Minister Zhu Rongji. They started looking into Mou's extravagant lifestyle and saw the real picture of his finances.



Mou was jailed in 2000 for charges of bank fraud. The Wuhan court found Mou of defrauding the Bank of China by getting $75 million. He signed a promissory note and stated that the credit was to pay for computer equipment imported from Australia.



The real reason why Mou borrowed such an amount was to fund satellite investments. His capital did not generate any profit.



It was found out that his debts exceeded his assets by about $40 million. He was initially sentenced to life but was further reduced due to good behavior in prison.



After spending 16 years in jail, Mou is now 75 years old.



His lawyer said, "While serving the sentence, Mou did not give up thinking about development paths for the Chinese economy, including improvements in the Three Gorges Dam area."



While in prison, he occupied himself with making plans for the country's economic development and improving several cultural areas as well.



Xia said, "While reading the newspaper, he made notes. He also learned about the law and public policy in the prison library."


Xiamen Airlines Launches First Flight to the US, Touches Down in Seattle

Seattle will be more accessible from Xiamen via the new non-stop flight from Xiamen Air. (Photo : Getty Images)

For the first time, Xiamen Airlines flew to the U.S. and begins its nonstop route to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.



The airline's first flight touched down at Sea-Tac Airport on Monday from Shenzhen. Xiamen Air is now flying to Seattle from Shenzhen three times a week using the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.



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The new leg is the 15th international destination that can be reached from Sea-Tac Airport.



"The service marks the first U.S. nonstop destination for Xiamen. Today's announcement marks Sea-Tac Airport's 15th new international destination in the past 10 years," according to the website.



The new China to U.S. route is expected to continue the growing passenger visits to Seattle. The Sea-Tac airport has been the fastest growing American hub for the past two years.



Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman said, "Sea-Tac Airport is one of the most connected gateways to Asia and it is an honor that Xiamen chose Seattle to launch its U.S. service."



He added, "Shenzhen is known as the 'Silicon Valley' of China and this new destination will be a tremendous opportunity for both business and leisure travelers to experience our shared values. We commend Xiamen for using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787, which furthers the Port of Seattle's goals of being the greenest and most energy efficient port while advancing our region as a business and tourism hub."



Xiamen Airlines chairman and general manager Che Shanglun expressed excitement over the new venture of the airline.



He said, "The launch of the Xiamen-Shenzhen-Seattle service is an important reflection of the results of the meeting between Chinese and American leaders. On the heels of these events, a Fuzhou-New York and a Xiamen-LA service will also be initiated, making air travel, and, by consequence, exchanges between the two countries much easier."


Deputy Governor of the PBOC Hu Xiaolian and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England John Cunliffe shake hands after signing the MoU on renminbi clearing and settlement in London in March 2014. (Photo : Getty Images)

Despite concerns over Brexit, the activities of offshore yuan in London remain strong and active as latest figures from China's Central Bank showed.



China Daily reported that new figures from the bank showed that the use of renminbi in business transactions have increased by 60 percent in August compared to July figures, which indicated the growing business confidence between the two countries and the rising international use of the Chinese currency.



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Jin Mei, the People's Bank of China's chief representative in Europe, made the announcement of the new data during a celebration hosted by China Construction Bank (CCB), London's renminbi clearing bank.



According to the report, the clearing bank had just celebrated the clearing of 10 trillion yuan ($1.5 trillion) of transactions, considered an important milestone for the bank since the time it was assigned by PBOC to be the official renminbi clearing bank in London, from June 2014 to August 2016.



The official clearing bank helps in clearing offshore renminbi transactions, in coordination with the central bank.



London became the world's second-largest offshore renminbi center, next to Hong Kong, after it surpassed Singapore in April.



According to Wang Zuji, president of CCB Corp, CCB London was able to achieve its goal to provide "fair, efficient, accurate and professional clearing services", and helped develop Sino-British economic ties as well as contributed to transform London to become an important offshore renminbi center.



Yuan clearing services are provided by CCB London from 1 a.m. to 9 p.m. London Time to be able to cover the trading hour difference between North American and Asian markets.



Although it provides clearing inquiry services for 24 hours, about 95 percent of yuan clearing services in London are completed automatically by its clearing systems.



CCB London serves about 67 financial institutions, 24 of these are Chinese organizations, which it said ia part of its international clients.



Some of its prominent clients are international banks which include HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank and Bank of America, and other financial institutions such as the London Stock Exchange, London Metals Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange.



The increasing use of the renminbi as an international currency in trade and investment comes as London's offshore yuan activities grow, which will be marked by the inclusion of the yuan in the International Monetary Fund's basket of special drawing rights (SDR) currencies in October.



The SDR inclusion will provide yuan with new opportunities in the London offshore RMB market and the internationalization of the currency, with the support of the PBOC, Jin said.


Citigroup Inc. is one of the worlds largest financial institutions. It is the 13th largest bank globally by assets and 8th by market cap with operations in consumer and institutional banking. In the US, Citigroup is the 3rd largest bank by assets and one of the Big Four deemed systemically important and too big to fail.

Citigroup Inc. was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York. The bank was run by Samuel Osgood who led the company with success for many years, even throughout the War of 1812. The bank was later renamed the National City Bank of New York in 1865 and by 1895 is the largest bank in the US. In 1913 it was the first contributor to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a few years later it began to expand into overseas territories.

The bank became the First National City Bank of New York after another merger in 1955 and then later, the New York part was dropped off as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration. By 1974 the company is known as Citicorp which is still the operational branch of the business and a global banking powerhouse. A merger with Travelers insurance group in 1998 resulted in the name Citigroup but the joint venture did not last. By 2002 Travelers was publicly traded once again but Citigroup retained the new name.

Today, the company is headquartered in New York, New York but boasts more than 200 million customer accounts in 160 countries worldwide. As of mid-2022, it operated 2,649 branches in the United States, Mexico, and Asia. The company reports nearly 725 branches in the US and 1499 in Mexico with the rest scattered throughout its territory. Total annual revenue topped $75 billion in 2022.

Citigroup is a diversified financial services holding company that owns Citicorp among other assets. The companys mission is to serve as a trusted partner providing responsible financial solutions to its clients. Citigroup provides financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions. The company operates in two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG).

The GCB segment offers traditional banking services including deposit and saving accounts, credit cards, personal loans, home loans, and investment services. This segment operates through local branches and digital means. The ICG segment offers wholesale banking products and services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients.
Trendy restaurants are slowly introducing the value of tipping. (Photo : Getty Images)

Young food enthusiasts, for the past couple of decades, have been seen frequently in an all-night restaurant in Beijing.



This particular restaurant is called A Very Long Time Ago. Customers go here to eat food in skewers and are roasted on coal. The dining experience is not extraordinary.



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However, every few minutes, a recorded message reminds customers that they can tip their service staff through scanning QR codes with their smartphones. The codes are seen on pins attached to the staff's sleeve.



One scan will pay for a tip equivalent to 4.56 yuan. Customers can scan as often as they want.



According to the restaurant owner, Song Ji, this type of technology is a first in China. "To customers, that's like just a game," he said.



Song added, "Where the average bill is $30 per person, I recommend a tip of no more than 70 cents."



The restaurant owner just came back from the U.S. He said that in America, tipping has become a burden to customers.



He said, "No matter how bad the service gets, you still have to give a 15 percent tip. That's no good!"



In the restaurant's tipping system, the owner can see how much tips were given and who received it. Song owns 36 restaurants in 3 cities.



One customer said that the tipping system makes the service better, and matters most in an eatery where grilling is involved.



"Especially when you're grilling meat, you don't know if it's cooked through or not," he explained. "The waiter or waitress can show up at the right time to tell you when it's ready."



Tipping in China is slowly being reintroduced and remains a practice in China's high-tier cities.



Feng Enyuan, deputy director of the Chinese Culinary Association, advised restaurant owners to be cautious when asking customers to give tips.



He said, "Don't ruin a good thing. Whatever you do, don't make things difficult for customers or make them feel uncertain about what to do."


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.
NextEra Energy, Inc. is the largest electric utility holding company in the US. It operates a network of power generation and distribution facilities that include fossil-fuel-generated and green energy. As of mid-2022, the company was capable of generating 58 GW of electricity with nearly 60% of the load produced by green sources including wind and solar. In their view, going green isnt an option, its the solution. NextEra Energy has been recognized multiple times as a leader in clean energy and ESG practices and was ranked the #1 electric and gas utility on the Forbes list of Most Admired Companies.

The company is the result of several mergers that begin with FPL Group. FPL Group is now a subsidiary of NextEra Energy and the third-largest provider of electricity in the US servicing nearly half of Florida. FPL and its affiliates are the single largest provider of renewable energy generated from wind and sun. The group changed its name in 2010 following a decision to shift focus onto renewable energy sources.

Today, NextEra Energy, Inc through its subsidiary FPL serves about 12 million people in eastern and southwestern Florida. The company employs nearly 14,900 people who service 5.8 million accounts. The company is in business to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to retail and wholesale clients. Electricity is generated through wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal-fired facilities.

The company is also engaged in the construction and operation of new facilities, specifically renewable power generation, storage, and delivery facilities, and can offer custom solutions tailored to any need. Offerings include tailored services to assist businesses with their transition to clean energy.

NextEra Energy also owns and operates 7 nuclear power stations in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin generating power for the wholesale market.

Unlike other companies that are targeting net-zero emissions, NextEra Energy has a plan to reach real zero and is investing heavily to reach that goal by 2045. The company had invested nearly $50 billion in green energy infrastructure and initiatives by mid-2022. The plan is to first work on reducing its own emissions and then take its knowledge and expertise to the world.
Share of Gay Men in New HIV Infections in China Jumps to 27% in 2015 from 1% in 2005

A nurse prepares to collect blood from a donor during a volunteer blood donation campaign to mark World AIDS Day. (Photo : Getty Images/ China Photos)

Within the last decade, the share of new HIV infections in China among men who have sex with men has jumped at an alarming rate from 1 percent in 2005 to 27 percent in 2015. Prior to this, most of the HIV cases were among prostitutes, drug users and Henan farmers who sold blood to unlicensed blood banks.



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The growth of HIV infection rates is even more alarming in Nanchang City which logged a 43 percent rise in the last five years among students of the citys colleges. More than 80 percent were among males who had same-sex encounters, reported Wall Street Journal.



Health authorities are worried about the trend, while observers said this development is the result of official response to homosexuality which classified it as a mental disease until 2001. Fifteen years after the official delisting, there are still reports of families forcing gay men to be confined in the mental hospital because of sexual preference disorder.



Public discussions of gay issues or rights are quashed, like what happened to a court hearing on a lawsuit filed by a gay student against the Ministry of Education for not updating college textbooks on homosexuality having been removed from the list 15 years ago. But authorities instead gagged the journalists who covered the court hearing.



National HIV figures are even bigger red flags because while the number of people living with HIV in the Asian giant is estimated at 575,000, about 100,000 are added yearly. In contrast only 40,000 are added to the 1.2 million HIV patients in the U.S. American health authorities explain the new infections going flat because of effective prevention and aggressive testing efforts.



Although China started to provide free antiretroviral drugs to people who test positive for HIV, homosexuality and sexually transmitted diseases are almost taboo topics in the country until now.






Bank of America has a rich history dating back to 1800 and even earlier. It was begun by immigrants as a group of separate and unrelated banks that, over the years, merged and grew together. One such is the Bank of Italy which was founded in 1904 by Amadeo Giannini to serve Italian immigrants that were facing discrimination. He later buys out the Banca de America e de Italia (Bank of America and Italy) which was also located in San Francisco. Over the years additional mergers and changes in Federal banking legislation, as well as the boom brought on by WWI and then WWII, helped boost the bank to national prominence.

Things turned sour, however, in 1998 with a major bond default that led to yet another merger, this time with Charlotte, NC-based Nations Bank to officially become the Bank of America that exists today. At the time, the merger was the largest bank merger in history and the company has only grown in the time since.

Other additions to the new Bank of America include MBNA (a major credit card operator), Fleet Boston (then the US 7th largest and one of its oldest banks), and Merril Lynch, now Merril, which was added to the group in 2008 to provide an investment banking branch. Together the company dominates as one of the Big Four Banks in America. Bank of America lays claim to nearly 11% of all US deposits which ranks in line with its peer group and Bank of America Securities is listed as the worlds 3rd largest investment bank.

Today, Bank of America Corporation provides banking and financial services for individuals, small businesses, institutions, corporations, and governments worldwide. The bank operates in three segments Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, and Global Banking bringing in a combined revenue greater than $90 billion in 2022.

As of 2022, Bank of America serves approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers. The bank also operates more than 16,000 ATMs and digital banking platforms with approximately 41 million active users.

Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional banking and investment products for retail clients. These range from deposit accounts to savings, credit cards, consumer loans, and IRAs. The Global Wealth & Investment Management segment offers investment and wealth management solutions including, brokerage, banking, and trust and retirement products. The Global Banking segment provides lending products and services, including commercial loans and leases for businesses of all varieties. The Global Markets segment offers market-making, clearing, settlement, and custody services, as well as risk management, derivatives, and FX exchange services.
Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides title insurance and real estate transaction related services. The company operates in two segments, Title, and Ancillary Services and Corporate. The Title segment is involved in searching, examining, closing, and insuring the condition of the title to real property. This segment also offers home and personal insurance services; services for tax-deferred exchanges; and digital customer engagement platform services. The Ancillary Services and Corporate segment provides appraisal management, online notarization and closing, credit and real estate information, and search and valuation services to the mortgage industry. The company offers its products and services through its directly owned policy-issuing offices, network of independent agencies, and other businesses within the company. It serves homebuyers and sellers, residential and commercial real estate professionals, title agencies, real estate attorneys and investors, and home builders, as well as mortgage lenders, servicers, brokers, and investors. The company operates in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Stewart Information Services Corporation was founded in 1893 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The U.S. Army on Thursday named a new commander for the 1st Infantry Division just days after firing Maj. Gen. Wayne Grigsby as the leader of the Big Red One.

Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin will assume command of the 1st Infantry Division, headquartered at Fort Riley, Kansas, according to Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith.

Grigsby was relieved of command due to loss of confidence in his ability to lead, according to Army spokesman Col. Patrick R. Seiber. Grigsby had been suspended on Friday, but senior Army officials took the additional step of firing him Monday, as more information was gathered.

In an unusual step, Army officials have declined to disclose the nature of the investigation or provide information on what type of incident or violation it involves.

One senior Army official said Monday the matter is being investigated by the service and does not involve other law enforcement agencies. The official was not authorized to discuss the case publicly, so spoke on condition of anonymity.

About 17,000 troops are stationed at Fort Riley. Grigsby assumed command of the base in August 2015, after 31 years of military service that included a stint as commander of the Combined Joint Task Force in East Africa.

Grigsby was last in the news in June when Fort Riley rescinded an invitation for a retired senior military officer to speak at a prayer breakfast at the base. Retired Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin was disinvited after complaints about his views on transgender bathrooms and Muslims.

The invitation was rescinded after Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, protested to Grigsby, who was base commander at the time.

Boykin's invitation drew complaints because of comments he has made claiming Islam doesn't deserve First Amendment protection and remarks about transgender people that were perceived as threats.

There were no suggestions that Grigsby's current problems were related to the Boykin matter.

Martin, a 1986 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, most recently served as commanding general of the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California.

Prior to that assignment, he served as the deputy commanding general for maneuver of the 1st Cavalry Division. He earlier commanded the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, at Riley and deployed with that command to serve in northwest Baghdad, according to Smith.

Martin assumes command of the Big Red One as it prepares to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Martin will be succeeded at the National Training Center by Brig. Gen. Jeffery D. Broadwater. Broadwater is currently serving as the director, CJ-35, for Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan and has had two previous tours of duty at the training center.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
Samsung recalled units of the Galaxy Note 7. (Photo : Getty Images)

A recently purchased Galaxy Note 7 burst into flames in China. The incident is another report following a series of units that have been reported defective.



The defective smartphone was purchased by Hui Renjie, a 25-year-old tech worker, who ordered his Samsung device on Sunday from JD.com. He then charged his phone that night and at early morning the next day, saw the unit emitting black smoke.



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Moments later, Hui said that the phone was in flames.



The tech worker posted photos of his phone and the defective unit online. He contacted Samsung and he was promised a replacement, but the buyer refused as he was doubtful if the manufacturer would keep its commitment.



In a statement, Samsung said, "We are currently contacting the customer and will conduct a thorough examination of the device in question once we receive it."



The Korean manufacturer also said that the company "remains committed to researching and designing products and services that meet Chinese customers' demands, thus providing the best product experience for Chinese consumers."



Samsung also said that a recall was not necessary for China because the units sent to the country came from a different supplier. This is the fourth unit reported to have burst into flames.



The head of Samsung's mobile business Koh Dong-jin said the recall would "cost us so much it makes my heart ache."



However, 2.5 million units of the Note 7 was recalled when the incident reports poured in. According to the company, this is only a small amount of distributed phones globally.



Samsung claims that "customer's safety always comes first". A new batch of units was distributed but reports of defective units still surface.



Aviation authorities have banned the device in flight for fear of causing a fire.


Social media reports of clowns terrorizing children on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, are false, a base official said Thursday.

"The MPs responded, as they always do, and found no evidence of clowns anywhere," said Robert Jenkins, a Fort Campbell spokesman. "We've had people say they've seen them. There has been no evidence of a clown invasion of Fort Campbell."

Reports of clown sightings on the installation began appearing on Facebook pages around Sept. 22. One woman reported a clown jumped over a fence and started pushing her child on a swing. Another said she saw a clown wandering outside her house.

A clown warning was issued via Twitter on Sept. 24 by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland, according to news reports. The tweet, which has since been deleted, warned residents to "watch for clowns in your area. They could be child predators seeking kids."

Fort Campbell sits on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Threatening clown sightings have been reported in at least 10 states, with some reported to be true. A man identified as Jonathan Martin was arrested while dressed as a clown Sept. 23 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, about 300 miles away from Fort Campbell, on charges of disorderly conduct and two warrants, according to news reports.

Jenkins speculated that the clown costumes have been inspired by new horror films linked to the upcoming Halloween holiday. He said Fort Campbell residents who want to dress as clowns as a prank should first consider the possible ramifications.

"People might think it's funny to dress up, but I can tell you that if someone is doing that and they are found by the MPs  that person could be charged with upsetting the good order and discipline of the installation."

-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com.
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.
President Barack Obama was confronted Wednesday by two military widows and a Gold Star mother on the scandals at the Department of Veterans Affairs, suicides in the ranks, and his refusal to use the term "radical Islamic terrorism."

Clutching the flag that draped her husband's coffin, Donna Coates pleaded with Obama to end the wait lists at VA hospitals. She said her husband, Barry, waited more than a year for a colonoscopy that finally revealed he had metastasizing cancer.

"So when are we going to actually start holding these contracted doctors and the VA employees accountable? For it's a difference between life and death," Coates said at a CNN presidential town hall meeting with service members, veterans and military families at Fort Lee, Virginia.

"And families like mine, they're tired of waiting. We've heard a lot about reform. And the only true change that's come since we began talking was that I am now a widow. And my family -- we will never be the same."

"My heart goes out to you," Obama told Coates, "because we can't bring your husband back. I don't in any way want to sugarcoat the fact of significant problems in the VA. You have a system of bureaucracy that's overwhelmed."

"We're beginning to fix it, but we're not there yet," Obama said. He said that no other president has poured as much money into the VA, but "it's not enough to just put money" into what he called an "antiquated system."

The problem of "inexcusable wait times" remained, he said. One of the solutions was to allow vets facing a backed-up local VA hospital to seek private care, he said.

"In taking appointments, we were using old systems where somebody would answer the phone, they'd write down, try to schedule it, then they'd hand it off to somebody who then would input it into some old, rickety computer," Obama said.

He said that "part of what we've done, working with Congress, was also making sure that if somebody is in a situation where, for example, they live far away from a facility, that they now have recourse to go to a private doctor" who would be reimbursed by the government. "So across the board, we're working on these issues," he said.

Obama also had no easy answers for Amanda Souza, whose combat veteran husband succumbed to suicide, or for Gold Star mother Tina Houchins, who asked why he would not use the term "radical Islamic terrorism."

The president told Houchins that he had to take care to avoid lumping together terrorist killers with the millions of followers of Islam, including many in the U.S. who have served with honor in the military.

"The truth of the matter is that this is an issue that has been sort of manufactured, because there is no doubt, and I've said repeatedly that where we see terrorist organizations like al-Qaida or ISIL, they have perverted and distorted and tried to claim the mantle of Islam for an excuse, for basically barbarism and death," Obama said.

"These are people who kill children, kill Muslims, take sex slaves -- there's no religious rationale that would justify in any way any of the things that they do," he said.

"I'll just be honest with you: The dangers where we get loose in this language, particularly when a president or people aspiring to become president get loose with this language, you can see in some of the language that we use, in talking about Muslim-Americans here and the notion that somehow we'd start having religious tests in who can come in the country and who's investigated and whether the Bill of Rights applies to them in the same way," Obama said.

Moderator Jake Tapper interjected to question Obama on the apparent allusion to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. "You were clearly talking about the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, just then," Tapper said.

Obama initially denied that he was referring to Trump and then added: "No, but it's not unique to the Republican nominee. And again, I'm trying to be careful. We're on a military base. I don't want to insert partisan politics into this. I think that there have been a number of public figures where you start hearing commentary that is dangerous because what it starts doing is it starts dividing us up as Americans."

In the most heart-rending exchange of the more than one-hour town hall, Souza asked for Obama's help in removing the stigma that prevents too many service members and vets from seeking mental health treatment for post-traumatic stress.

In a halting voice, Souza told Obama that her Marine husband had multiple overseas tours and "on his last deployment they came under attack. Not everyone made it. He had to live with that when he came home" and his anguish led to suicide.

"He was diagnosed with PTSD, but unfortunately, like many of our servicemen and women, this was his career, this was his livelihood and he was too scared to go get help because he did not want to risk being labeled as unstable or weak," Souza said.

"Unfortunately, he did not get the help that he needed," she said. "My question to you is how can we ensure that our military men and women understand that it's OK to get the help that they need and that they're not going to risk their careers, that they are not going to be labeled?"

"This is something we just have to talk about," Obama said. "Sometimes, the weight of battle comes home" and leaves veterans "feeling wounded inside. We see this all across our veterans' population."

"If you break your leg, you're going to go to a doctor to get that leg healed. If, as a consequence of the extraordinary stress and pain that you are witnessing, typically, in a battlefield, something inside you feels like it's wounded, it's just like a physical injury," Obama said. "You've got to go get help, and there's nothing weak about that. That's strong."

Obama said he's told the Joint Chiefs that "they have a responsibility to de-stigmatize mental health issues -- explain there's nothing weak about asking for help." He said he's boosted funding to provide more mental health professionals for service members and veterans, but the estimated 20 veterans who commit suicide daily was evidence that "we've got to do more."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
President Barack Obama said Wednesday that he'd tell his daughters to sign up if they asked his advice on joining the military.

"I'd say 'Go for it," Obama told a CNN town hall meeting of troops, veterans and military families at Fort Lee, Virginia. "So if Malia and Sasha decided that was an avenue they wanted to take, I'd be proud of them," Obama said, while admitting that he'd be "nervous."

"I cannot tell you how incredibly proud I am of our military as an institution," Obama said. "The reason is the quality of the people who are serving now" in the all-volunteer force, he said. They take on responsibilities "that their peers who are still going to keg parties can't imagine," he said.

Earlier, in separate remarks to troops at Fort Lee, Obama said that in his two terms as president there has been "no greater privilege, no greater honor than serving as commander-in-chief of the finest fighting force in the history of the world. We've got the strongest military because we've got the best people. You've earned your place among the greatest of generations," he told the troops.

Obama said that he and First Lady Michelle Obama would maintain their commitment to serving troops veterans and military families when they leave office.

Obama cited the "Joining Forces" initiative begun by Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, which involves corporations in expanding job opportunities for veterans and ensuring that "you and your families are getting the education and benefits you've earned. I pledge to continue that even after we leave office," he said.

--Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
The U.S. support mission for the battle of Mosul is not likely to require additional troops beyond the 600 just authorized by President Barack Obama, a military spokesman in Baghdad said Thursday.

The military can't guarantee how the offensive will develop, "but I can tell you we believe we have all the forces we need to help the Iraqis liberate Mosul," Air Force Col. John Dorrian, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a video briefing to the Pentagon.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced Wednesday that 600 more troops would be sent to Iraq to provide logistics and maintenance support, as well as the training and enabling function, for the Iraqi Security Forces now massing at the Qayyarah West airfield about 40 miles southeast of Mosul.

The 600 service members will bring the total number of U.S. troops in Iraq to slightly more than 5,000.

In his briefing, Dorrian said the U.S. is stepping up air and artillery strikes in the "shaping operations" to prepare for the attack on Mosul, a city of two million before the forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, swept into Iraq in 2014 against little resistance by the Iraqi army.

He said that U.S. and coalition airstrikes in the last 30 days have killed 18 ISIS leaders -- 13 of them in Mosul. "By taking these individuals off the battlefield, it creates some really disruptive effects to enemy command and control" for the coming battle, Dorrian said.

The airstrikes have largely stopped the group from attempting to bring in reinforcements by convoy, but some fighters are still able to trickle into Mosul individually or in small groups, he said.

ISIS is estimated to have 3,000 to 4,500 fighters in Mosul, Dorrian said.

Iraqi Security Forces will have eight to 12 brigades, or up to 30,000 troops, for the offensive, plus Kurdish Peshmerga forces arrayed to the east, north and west of the city, Dorrian said. The offensive is expected to come up the Tigris River Valley from the south.

A major concern for the U.S. is how the Iraqis will handle what is expected to be a massive flow of Mosul residents -- known as internally displaced persons -- fleeing the city once the attack begins.

In the retaking of Fallujah in Anbar province earlier this year, human rights groups and the United Nations charged that Shia Popular Mobilization Units, allied with Iraqi Security Forces, committed atrocities in the "vetting" of refugees to weed out ISIS fighters.

Dorrian said as many as 800,000 displaced persons might come out of Mosul, and the U.S. is working with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to ensure their safety. Abadi "has been very clear about that," Dorrian said.

Abadi has also cautioned the Kurds against seeking to expand their territory beyond the generally recognized Kurdish autonomous region in the fighting for Mosul.

Abadi said after a meeting in Baghdad on Thursday with Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, "The aim of the battle should not be territorial conflicts but to free the citizens from the persecution" of ISIS.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
The U.S. Army called the Republican presidential candidate a liar in an errant tweet.

The service issued an apology after accidentally tweeting, "Trump Lies Once Every 3 Minutes, 15 Seconds." The message linked to an article on a website called www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com, founded to advance civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The tweet was swiftly taken down from the Army's Twitter page, but had already circulated on social media, including on a Facebook page called "U.S Army W.T.F! Moments," whose curator on Tuesday chided the service for the mistake.

"Here at USAWTFM, we treat our page and our Twitter account very seriously," states a message above a screen grab of the tweet. "Our admins have clearances, great levels of responsibility, and some of us could be professionally ruined for being involved with this page. As many of you may know, we're also IDIOTS. With that said, you don't see us 'accidentally' posting links to partisan political viewpoints on our online presences."

The Facebook post collected 780 reactions, 109 shares and 199 comments as of 9 p.m. Wednesday East Coast time.

One commenter called for the Army official who mistakenly posted the tweet to be fired. Another asked how often Trump's Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton lies.

Yet another wrote, "Someone obviously posted as the US Army page instead of their personal account. I'd do a little double checking if my post was potentially going out to over 4 million people."

In a statement to Military.com, the service said an employee "mistakenly posted a political article to the Army's Twitter page that was intended for her personal account." Her access to the service's social media account has been suspended, according to the statement. "The post is not the official position of the US Army," it said. "We apologize for any confusion this may have caused our followers."

The statement didn't specify whether the employee was a civilian or service member.

A Defense Department directive, identified as 1344.10 and enforceable under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, prohibits service members from attending or speaking at political events in uniform. It also blocks them from using their rank, branch of service or Defense Department emblems in connection with political events or causes.

Trump and Clinton discussed a number of national-security issues during the first presidential debate on Monday night. They are scheduled to participate in two more such forums before the Nov. 8 presidential election.

-- Editor's note: This story was updated to clarify where the Pentagon details prohibitions on service members participating in political activities in the 11th paragraph.

--Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Brendan_McGarry.
Chinese tourists buy Taiwan flags from a vendor in Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall on April 15, 2013, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo : Getty Images)

Taiwan is expecting fewer tourists from mainland China during the upcoming National Day holiday, as relations between the two nations remain chilly.



Bookings for trips to Taiwan during the holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, locally known as the Golden Week, fell by 20-30 percent from last year, according to the China Youth Travel Service, one of China's biggest tour operators.



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"The decline is mainly from group tourists, up to a 30 to 40 percent drop," Li Zhi, general manager of the Taiwan center of China Youth Travel Service, told the China Daily newspaper in a report published on Wednesday.



Li added that more tourists are traveling independently, but the rate of increased has slowed down compared to previous years.



Approximately 1,000 tourists booked through the service for the Golden Week holiday, including group trips, hotels and document processing, China Daily reported.



After Taiwan opened its doors to mainland Chinese travelers, the number of independent tourists rose by at least 15 to 20 percent. But this year, the increase is only around 10 to 15 percent, Li said.



He added that seats were usually sold out before September, but this year several seats remained vacant.



Ctrip, another major online travel services provider, also reported a drop of reservations to Taiwan and predicted that the island nation's tourism-dependent businesses may experience their "coldest" Golden Week this year.



"Previously, customers during Golden Week in October booked six to eight weeks in advance, but now they can book four weeks before," said Sun Yu, head of the Taiwan region for Ctrip.



Taiwan's China Times newspaper reported this month that 30,771 mainland visitors arrived in the country during the National Day holiday in 2014 and 35,891 visitors last year. However, industry analysts are predicting the number may drop below 20,000 this year, which is a steep drop of 44.3 percent compared to the previous year.



Mainland China's tourism industry officials blamed the decline to difficult cross-Straits relations and a number of negative incidents in recent months, including a fatal bus fire in July and the accidental launch of an anti-ship missile that hit a Chinese fishing vessel the same month, killing the captain and leaving three crewmembers injured.



"Group tourists who are mainly above 40 years old are affected mostly. They are more sensitive to politics. Comparatively, young travelers are less keen on politics, but the negative information in some ways also affects them," Li from the China Youth Travel Service said.



Analysts also attributed to the decline in tourists to the election of Tsai Ing-wen as Taiwan's president in May. Taiwan authorities reported a decline of about 30 percent year-on-year in the period from May through July.



Liu Xiangping, head of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Nanjing University, said the Taiwan's current administration has contributed to the public percent that mainland Chinese tourists are ill-behaved.



"The attitude makes mainland travelers feel unwelcome and lose interest in Taiwan," he said.



Li cited an example the bus fire in July which killed 24 tourists from the mainland. President Tsai sent condolences to Cheng Kun-wen, the Taiwanese tour guide killed in the incident, but failed to do so for the mainland tourists,



Tsai treated the victims from Taiwan and the mainland differently, which hurt mainlanders' feelings," he said.



The drop in mainland visitors did not go unnoticed within Taiwan's tourism industry. In mid-September, more than 15,000 Taiwanese hospitality and tourism employees launched a protest in downtown Taipei to urge authorities to take action against the slump.



"The government has refused to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus [regarding the "One China" policy] since taking office in May. This has damaged all the hard work toward peaceful relations across the Taiwan Straits," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office. "Whoever started the trouble should end it."


The torrential rains are expected to last throughout the week. (Photo : Getty Images)

At least five people were killed and 600 injured as Typhoon Megi battered eastern China and Taiwan, where authorities remain on alert for potential landslides.



Megi caused more than $10 million in damages as it swept across Taiwan on Tuesday before weakening into a tropical rainstorm after making landfall near the coastal city of Quanzhou in Fujian province early Wednesday morning, Taiwan's weather service report. At its peak, the typhoon packed winds of up to 188 kph (74 mph), China's National Meteorological Center said.



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Despite weakening, Megi is expected to continue to pose risks to residents in eastern China through flooding downpours through the end of the week.



"While the risk of damaging winds has diminished, flooding rain will remain a concern. Mudslides can be triggered in the higher terrain," Eric Leister, a meteorologist with AccuWeather, reported on Wednesday.



One person died after several structures in Quanzhou, according to local media reports. Chinese state television showed people walking through knee-deep waters, while rescue workers were seen pulling stranded residents through the streets on inflatable boats.



In Taiwan, nearly 4 million homes were left without power and 10 provincial highways remained closed as of Wednesday. More than 4,800 people remained in emergency shelters Wednesday afternoon, Taiwan's official Central News Agency reported.



Taiwan's Central Emergency Operations Center reported three people suffered fatal falls while another died in a truck crash.



Many of the reported injuries were from falling and windblown objects. Among those injured were three state utility workers were hurt when their truck tumbled into a valley while they were trying to restore power in a mountainous area, the Central News Agency reported.



A spokesman for the center said Wednesday that emergency officials are closely monitoring Taiwan's mountainous regions for potential landslides, as well as to restore power and water in affected areas.


Bill Ford Jr

Bill Ford Jr.

(AP File Photo)

ROMULUS, Mich. - The great-grandson of Henry Ford said Thursday that a U.S. presidential candidate's criticism of Ford Motor Co. shifting some production to Mexico is misguided.

Though company Chairman Bill Ford Jr. did not mention him by name, he was referring to reality television star and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has frequently criticized Ford on the campaign trail for its outsourcing.

Trump has reportedly said Ford plans to fire all its U.S. employees as it shifts production to Mexico, though the Dearborn automaker has repeatedly denied this claim.

Ford is building a $1.6 billion factory in Mexico and shifting all of its small car production there, but company officials have insisted that lost production of cars at places such as Michigan Assembly in Wayne will be replaced by new products.

In any case, Bill Ford said Thursday that the company still has its focus on the U.S.

"We are everything that should be celebrated about this country," Ford told reporters after speaking at the World Mobility Leadership Forum at the Detroit airport.

Ford said the company has "pulled ourselves up with our bootstraps," paid back its borrowings, and has been adding jobs in the U.S. It's also the largest manufacturer of cars and trucks in the country, he said.

"But he knows all that," Ford said of Trump, adding he has a relationship with Trump, but can't control what he says.

"Beyond that, I can't explain it," Ford said. "I think the basic premise is wrong. We ought to be celebrated in America for what we've done. We are about as American as you can get."

Ford also said the company has been in markets outside of the U.S. for decades, including in places such as Mexico and China.

Mexico is Ford's fourth largest country for manufacturing, after the U.S., China and Germany. Vehicles produced by Ford in Mexico are sold in the U.S., Canada, several South American countries and South Korea.

The company has had operations in Mexico for 91 years.
DETROIT - Honda Motor Co. has released photos of a prototype of the soon-to-be-released Civic Type R.

The Honda Civic Type R makes its North American debut at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas this November.

The production version hits U.S. shores next year, marking the arrival of the first-ever Honda-badged Type R in the U.S. The Type R designation had been previously seen Honda's Acura-branded cars in the country.

Calling it a prototype, Honda said the Type R Civic, first revealed at the Paris auto show this week, offers styling insight to what the production model will look like.

Honda has already released several other forms of the sporty 10th-generation Civic, including the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic Hatchback. Along with the Type R, a Civic Si variant is also expected to launch next year.

The 10th-gen Civic Type R was developed by Honda R&D teams inn Europe and Japan. It will be produced at Honda's UK plant in Swindown.

"We promised the most ambitious, sportiest Civic lineup ever and we're delivering on that promise with each new Civic," Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division of American Honda Motor Co., said in a release. "For the first time ever in America, Honda fans and enthusiasts will have access to the ultimate in Civic performance in the form of the new Type R."
ROMULUS, Mich. - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Ram brand revealed a 575-horsepower, Rebel TRX pickup concept Thursday at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.



The truck has a supercharged, 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine under its hood, making the Rebel TRX concept the most powerful factory-engineered half-ton pickup to date, according to Ram.

The engine is mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The concept truck sits on 37-inch tires.

"With 575 supercharged horsepower and a suspension system built to withstand an all-day hammering, the Rebel TRX concept can devour the roughest terrain at more than 100 miles per hour and never look back," Mike Manley, head of the Ram brand for FCA, said in a release.
ROMULUS, Mich. - As Tesla Motors ramps up production ahead of the launch of its Model 3 electric car, states where it is banned from selling and servicing its vehicles directly to consumers will not be candidates for production sites.

That's according to Diarmuid O'Connell, Tesla's vice president of business development, who spoke Thursday at the World Mobility Leadership Forum at the Detroit Airport Westin.

"Yes, it's absolutely true that we'll need to expand our manufacturing footprint, and it would be logical to do it in places like Michigan, because of the historical industry here," O'Connell told reporters. He added that places such as Texas and China and Europe would also be candidates, for trucks and for foreign volume sales, respectively.

"But it's also true that a state that doesn't allow us to engage in our core business, which is selling and servicing vehicles, is a very poor candidate for manufacturing operations in the long term, or even near term," O'Connell said.

Tesla has sued three of Michigan's top government officials, alleging the state's ban on its direct-to-consumer sales model is unconstitutional. The automaker is requesting a jury trial.

In 2014, Gov. Rick Snyder, who along with Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is named as a defendant in Tesla's lawsuit, signed legislation that strengthened Michigan's existing ban on direct-to-consumer sales by vehicle manufacturers.

Earlier this month, the state rejected Tesla's application for dealership licenses. Michigan joins Utah, Connecticut and Texas in denying Tesla such licenses, though Tesla is permitted to - and does - operate service centers and galleries in those states.

In wide-ranging remarks Thursday, O'Connell told attendees that he understands why some states set up franchise dealer laws to protect franchisees against franchisers, but said it's irrational that manufacturers can't sell directly to consumers.

"This is a model - selling direct - that's not controversial in communist China, in socialist France," O'Connell said. "Why should government be dictating the business model by which a manufacturer accesses the market?"

O'Connell said he had not yet received a response from the state of Michigan in terms of the lawsuit. He said he had read remarks in the news that Snyder said he was willing to work with the company on selling its wares in the state.

"That's a wonderful and empty gesture," O'Connell said. "What would have been very helpful is if he allowed us to explore the model that I think led ... in some respects to his own success."

O'Connell was referring to Gateway, a computer company where Snyder had been an executive.

Snyder said in an interview with Automotive News Wednesday that Tesla has not made a viable argument for selling cars directly to consumers in the state.

He also acknowledged the success of Gateway's direct-selling set-up.

"I've sold a lot of computers, I know that model pretty well," Snyder told the publication.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Two of Grand Rapids' most popular educational destinations - the John Ball Zoo and Grand Rapids Public Museum -- are asking Kent County voters for long-term help this November in running their operations.

The two institutions are asking voters to approve a 10-year property tax increase that would add .44 mills to annual property tax bills.

The tax would add $3.12 a month, or $37.40 a year, for the owner of a $170,000 house, according to supporters of the tax request.

In a separate question on the Nov. 8 ballot, Kent County voters also will be asked to support an additional 70-cent surcharge for an enhanced 911 public safety dispatch system.

Here's how much 911 surcharge may go up

The proposed zoo and museum tax would generate about $8.9 million a year for the two publicly owned institutions. Proceeds from the tax would be split evenly between the zoo and the museum, which continue to be managed by separate boards.

If the millage passes, Kent County voters would get discounted zoo admission for seniors, and school groups could get in free. At the museum, Kent County children age 17 and younger would get free admission and Kent County adults would get discounted $5 admission - $3 for seniors - and free parking.

The millage is intended to establish a stable funding base for the zoo and museum after both have struggled over the past decade to establish business plans that have relied on dwindling support from local and state government and private fundraising.

The campaign behind the millage has drawn the support of Kent County Commissioner Harold Voorhees, a fiscal conservative and Republican who says he supports the request because it places the choice in the hands of voters.

"This is the greatest opportunity for the people of the county to decide how and where they want their money to go," said Voorhees, a former state legislator and Wyoming mayor.

"We are in a growing economic area and we need to continue to invest in the fertilizer that's bringing that business. A big part of it is culture," said Voorhees. "When businesses are looking where to locate, in the top five are the cultural activities of a community."

The 125-year-old zoo, which Kent County purchased from the city of Grand Rapids for $1 in 1989, currently relies on a $2.5 million county appropriation every year. If the millage passes, that funding would end.

Zoo officials say the millage would fund zoo operations and allow for the repair of its aging infrastructure and exhibits. It would also allow the zoo to implement the next phase of their master plan, which includes renovations to the Children's Zoo, new exhibits and expanded educational programs.

Founded in 1854, the Grand Rapids Museum is the state's oldest and second-largest museum. It has been owned by the city for most of its history. Its existence is enshrined in the city charter.

The museum's holdings include an estimated 250,000 artifacts held in the Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St. NW, the Community Archives and Research Center, 223 Washington St. SE, and the Voigt House Victorian Museum, 115 College Ave. SE.

The city stopped paying into the museum from its general fund in 2007 as it struggled to make ends meet in the face of dwindling state revenue sharing funds and a declining local tax dollars. In recent years, the city has sent the museum $400,000 a year from its Transformation Fund to help it keep the doors open.

A private non-profit museum group also has built up a $38 million endowment to help support operations. Museum Director Dale Robertson says the endowment needs to be over $100 million to fully sustain the museum.

Leaders of both institutions say the millage proceeds would give them the opportunity to expand their educational programs while freeing them from the need to raise entrance fees - a move that has reduced their attendance and participation in the past.

The two institutions decided to work together on a single millage rather than compete against each other and other nonprofit causes for support from the community.

While the zoo and museum have benefited from private foundations that have allowed them to expand their brick-and-mortar facilities and add new features, the millage backers say foundations are reluctant to donate for day-to-day operations.
The Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association will present the Savvy Caregiver, an educational program for persons caring for a loved one with dementia living at home.

The class meets once per week for six weeks at Mercy Health Southwest, 2373 64th St. SW in Byron Center. The course will help caregivers appreciate the scope and impact of caregiving, increase important dementia caregiving skills, and offer strategies and knowledge to help improve the quality of life for both the person with dementia and the caregiver.

The class will be held 2-4 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Oct. 18 and 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22.

There is a suggested donation of $10 per family, per session. To RSVP, call 800-272-3900.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Yet another major development is proposed in the South U area in Ann Arbor, making it the fourth one this year.

Oakland County developer Ron Hughes has unveiled plans for a 13-story, 85,000-square-foot, student apartment high-rise at 1209-1213 S. University Ave.

If approved by the city, it will replace smaller buildings that once housed the now-closed Safe Sex Store, the now-closed Middle Earth gift shop and Mo Mo Tea.

Middle Earth, one of Ann Arbor's most quirky and popular shops, closed after 47 years in 2014. The Safe Sex Store closed in 2015, though it still sells items online.

The proposed development is being called The Collegian East, following suit with another recently proposed Hughes development called The Collegian North.

The Collegian North, which hasn't been approved yet, would be a 10-story high-rise with ground-floor commercial spaces and 40 apartments above geared toward University of Michigan students, with 184 bedrooms altogether.

The former Middle Earth gift shop storefront on South University Avenue on June 8, 2016. For many years, it was a popular shopping destination in Ann Arbor.

The newly proposed The Collegian East would include another 44 apartments with 132 bedrooms geared toward students, and ground-floor commercial space.

The Collegian East is proposed on the north side South U, in the middle of the next block east from The Collegian North.

Irene Zhang, a manager at Mo Mo Tea, said he hadn't yet heard anything from her landlord about the development plans being unveiled. She said if the business is forced to move, it will find another location in Ann Arbor.

Hughes couldn't be reached for comment.

Hughes is proposing the latest development through a newly created company based in Bingham Farms called South University - North East LLC.

It awaits review by the city's Design Review Board on Oct. 19 before a site plan is submitted for Planning Commission and City Council consideration.

Hughes has indicated he plans to redevelop much of South U in phases over time, including properties along the south side of the street.

Brett Lenart, the city's planning manager, said he doesn't have a formal plan for the order of development that might play out along South U, but his understanding is that Hughes has discussed generally working on the first two pieces that have been proposed before the parcels on the south, which could follow in a few years.

Hughes was the co-developer of the 14-story Landmark apartment high-rise that opened further east on South U in September 2012 with 600-plus bedrooms.

He also worked with Colliers International Ann Arbor in recent years to redevelop the former Borders bookstore building on East Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor, turning it into a hub for stores, restaurants and offices.

In addition to The Collegian East and The Collegian North, the city recently received plans from another developer for a four-story mixed-used development on South U, proposing to fill in the vacant lot just to the east of The Collegian East site where the former Pinball Pete's building was destroyed in a fire in 2009.

The City Council also voted last month to approve another developer's plans for another 13-story high-rise in the South U area. The mid-block development is expected to take shape immediately north of the Zaragon and ArborBLU apartment high-rises, spanning from East University Avenue to Church Street, directly behind properties on South U that Hughes eventually plans to redevelop.

The design concept for The Collegian East is to provide a "contextually modern" building for South U, the plans state.

The west side of the first floor would consist of a ground-level residential entry lobby with mail, trash, elevators and an office for the building operations. The east side of the first floor would consist of space for a commercial tenant.

The north side of the first floor would include covered parking for the residents. The plans indicate 13 parking spaces are proposed.

Floors 2-12 would include four apartments each, with two four-bedroom units, one three-bedroom unit and a single one-bedroom unit. That amounts to 12 bedrooms per floor, or 132 bedrooms altogether.

The 13th floor would be a partial floor and provide amenity space for the residents, as well as a rooftop deck.

There also would be a basement with mechanical and electrical support spaces, as well as space for resident bicycle storage.

An exterior bicycle rack also is shown in the plans.

The project team says the building has been designed to minimize the impact to adjacent neighbors, transitioning from the 18- and 14-story buildings to the east and south to smaller structures, stepping back at the upper levels to give relief to the street. The project team says the design provides an interesting pedestrian experience with a ground-floor canopy and large windows at ground level.

Ryan Stanton covers the city beat for The Ann Arbor News. Reach him at ryanstanton@mlive.com.
9/11 (Photo : Getty Images)

Both houses of the United States Congress overwhelmingly rejected President Barack Obama's veto of what's called the "9/11 bill" allowing relatives of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2011 attacks in the U.S. to sue Saudi Arabia, making this the first exception to the principle of sovereign immunity.



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The veto override was also the first for Obama's presidency and will be the last since Obama has only four months left in office and Congress is now in recess.



The override means the "Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act" or JASTA will become law. The bill grants families of 9/11 victims the right to sue Saudi Arabia, a major U.S. ally, for any role the monarchy might have played in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. that killed 2,996 Americans in New York, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon.



The rejection of Obama's veto was a rare bipartisan piece of legislation in a Congress divided along party lines. Congress is widely reviled by Americans as a "do nothing Congress" because of the gridlock caused by its intense political polarization.



The Senate rejected Obama's veto 97-1 with the House of Representatives voting 348-77 against the veto later. Only Democratic Senator Harry Reid voted against the override in the Senate.



Political analysts said the override was a blow to Obama and Saudi Arabia, long the linchpin of U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East. They also said members of Congress from both parties were protecting their backs by distancing themselves from Obama ahead of the Nov. 8 national elections.



"Overriding a presidential veto is something we don't take lightly, but it was important in this case that the families of the victims of 9/11 be allowed to pursue justice, even if that pursuit causes some diplomatic discomforts," said Democratic Senator Charles Schumer, the third-ranking Democrat in the Senate.



The last president to have only one veto overridden was President George H.W. Bush, who served one term. Bill Clinton's vetoes were overridden twice and while Congress rejected George W. Bush's vetoes four times.



Saudi Arabia has always denied allegations it was behind the 9/11 attacks. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens.



Obama contends the law might expose U.S. companies, troops and officials to lawsuits, and alienate important allies.


Defectors protest North Korea's nuclear arms program. (Photo : Getty Images)

According to the U.S. government, it has found a basis to connect a Chinese company to the nuclear weapons production in North Korea. Beijing recently protested the action and said that there was no connection.



The Foreign Ministry said China objects to actions that exercise jurisdiction over a Chinese entity or individual, especially if charges are based on domestic laws.



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Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co, the company being investigated by the public security authority, is a cross-border trading company registered near the China-South Korea border.



The company is being accused of "violating U.S. laws against supporting weapons of mass destruction proliferators." Four executives are facing charges.



The local government of Liaoning confirmed that that company is engaged in committing "serious economic crimes."



Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "Any enterprise or individual found in breach of the regulations will be treated seriously. In this process, if necessary, we would like to embark on cooperation with the relevant country on the basis of mutual respect and equality."



The foreign minister said that China is against North Korea's moves to develop nuclear weapons.



Geng said, "However, I want to stress that we oppose any country enacting so-called long-arm jurisdiction, using its own domestic laws against a Chinese entity or individual. We have already communicated this position to the U.S. side."



Analysts believe that the U.S. is using this issue so China will pressure North Korea to stop its weapons production.



Zhang Liangui, an expert on Korean studies at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said, "The U.S., in the meantime, knows clearly that the existing sanctions against the D.P.R.K. will not be a success without China's cooperation, so it is navigating the case issue cautiously to avoid angering Beijing."



However, another analyst thinks that the U.S. cannot rely on China.



"The United States cannot rely on China for North Korea," said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing. "China is closer to North Korea than the United States."


Shanghai is expected to see many visitors during National Day. (Photo : Getty Images)

A week-log holiday, National Day festivities in China marks a high peak season for China's tourism. Many establishments are preparing for the influx of visitors starting Oct. 1.



A China Tourism Academy report published in September stated, "Roughly 590 million Chinese will tour during the vacation, up 12 percent over last year. Tourism revenue is projected to grow 13.5 percent to reach 478.2 billion or $71.7 billion."



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Ctrip's publicity director, Peng Liang, said, "Most domestic and outbound routes' prices have stayed steady. Some even dropped."



The most famous tourist spots that are expected to be busy are the Yangtze River Delta Area, including Zhejiang's provincial capital, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.



Many will be going to the new Disneyland recently opened in Shanghai as well as Hangzhou which recently hosted the G20 Summit.



Hainan Province's Sanya, Sichuan Province's Jiuzhaigou Valley and Yunnan Province's Lijiang, are traditional tourist spots and are seen to be busy during the week-long holiday.



China's domestic tourism market will enjoy the rise in consumer's spending power during the holiday.



Chinese residents are expected to spend 500 billion yuan, up 15 percent from last year.



"China has now become a country where people put a lot of importance to their pursuit of a better quality of life. This fact will be definitely true on the upcoming National Day holiday. It may also boost China's sluggish economy," Guwei, CEO at Aojia Travel Agency, said.



"It's true that the number of Chinese tourists to South Korea reduced slightly in the months of July and August. However, things have improved in September. The atmosphere will heat up even more during the National Day holiday," said Sui Lan, director of Beichen Travel Agency.


An all-glass and bezel-free render of the iPhone 8 with OLED curved display and wireless charging that Apple is expected to release 2H 2017 (Photo : YouTube/iCrackUriDevice)

Will the next iPhone come out of Israel and China? A new report claimed that the iPhone 8 is now a work in progress, partly being developed by Apple with help from Israeli tech experts prior to the mass production phase where the tech giant's Chinese partners will come in.



Business Insider reported that the sequel to the iPhone 7 will be called iPhone 8, the labelling to dispel the notion that the 2017 model is but a minor jump. The report confirmed too that Apple will skip the S phase next year in marking the iPhone's 10th anniversary.



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The publication pointed to Apple employees in Herzliya, Israel as source of its information.



In recent years, Apple has acquired Israel-based tech firms that specialize on flash memory, 3D sensor and high-end camera, and the latter will be among the killer feature upgrades that the next iPhone will come packed with. And as revealed by the Apple staff, the iPhone 8 will represent a major redesign of the flagship iOS device.



While the report withheld the juicy details on the matter, the next iPhone is rumored as a huge departure from the last three models. There will be radical changes and among the new things to expect is an edge-to-edge front display that will eliminate the top and bottom bezels, MacRumors said.



"Touch ID and the camera may be built directly into the display," the report said, adding that the control keys (the Home button including) and sensors will be integrated with the display panel that according to speculations will make use of OLED technology. It will be an all-glass iPhone using a single sheet of glass as envisioned by Apple design chief Jony Ive, MacRumors said.



Apple patents also appear to hint too that instead of aluminum, the iPhone 8 casing will be made of ceramic for increased durability. In the final build, the curved OLED panel will sandwich the iPhone casing that will hold the inside components in order to create the unibody build that was seen with the iPhone 4/4S and 5/5S.



And powering the iPhone 8 (and iPhone 8 Plus) on release date is a 10-nanometer A11 processing chip that is expected to deliver more power and speed, and improved efficiency to the upcoming device. Also with the new chip, MacRumors is predicting that next iPhone users will finally enjoy wireless charging and iris scanning features.


The lower house of parliament approved the Myanmar Investment Law yesterday, taking the long-awaited draft a step closer to becoming law.





The legislation, which combines into one document the Myanmar Citizens Investment Law and the Foreign Investment Law, now moves to the upper house for consideration.

The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) began working on a draft of the law back in 2014 with help from the International Finance Corporation. U Tun Tun Hein, chair of the lower house bill committee, said that having two separate investment laws was discriminatory.

Government officials said the law will simplify the process of investing in Myanmar, whittling down the number of projects that require permission from the MIC. The legislation will also allow the government to be more judicious in its application of tax breaks for investment projects, which will only be given in sectors that the government thinks are important to Myanmars economic growth.

The duration of tax exemptions will also be tailored under the new law, according to U Aung Naing Oo of the Directorate for Investment and Company Administration (DICA).

This article has been corrected to reflect that the Myanmar Investment law was drafted with assistance from the International Finance Corporation, not the Asian Development Bank. The Myanmar Times regrets the error.
Budget airline HK Express will review restarting flights to Mandalay after resolving issues that local aviation officials said concerned fuel quality. But the firm that supplies the countrys airports said there are no doubts about the standard of fuel it provides.





The Hong Kong carrier began flights to Yangon and Mandalay in the first week of September, but will stop the Mandalay service on October 28 because of operational issues about which the firm would not elaborate.

Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) officials told The Myanmar Times that same week that the carrier had cited problems with fuel quality at Mandalay airport as the reason for stopping flights.

DCA deputy director general U Ye Htut Aung also said HK Express had been allowed to fly to Yangon on the understanding it also provides flights to Mandalay  a destination the DCA is keen to promote.

HK Express has not made any official complaint about fuel quality and has not raised the problem since, DCA director of air transport U Ne Win said on September 27. But the carrier has also not applied for Mandalay flights in the winter schedule  beginning at the end of October  although it will operate a twice weekly service to Yangon, he said.

HK Express did not cite fuel issues in its reason for not offering winter flights to Mandalay, but blamed a lack of slots at its home airport of Hong Kong, U Ne Win said. It was possible that HK Express might restart the Mandalay flights in the future, he added.

An HK Express spokesperson told The Myanmar Times that the airline is working with the airport authorities in Mandalay to resolve the operation issues and will review reinstating services between Hong Kong and Mandalay once these issues are closed.





The carrier would not comment on its winter flight schedule and again declined to comment on the nature of the operational issues.

David Holden, managing director of National Energy Puma Aviation Services (NEPAS)  the sole supplier of jet fuel to the countrys regional airports  said there were no fuel quality issues to resolve.

There should be no question about the quality of the fuel at Mandalay or any other airport in Myanmar, he said. Nepas would not wish to comment on the plans of individual customers but can assure that all airlines currently flying into Mandalay have conducted their own audits and have not found any issues.

NEPAS is a joint venture between Puma Energy and the state-owned Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise (MPPE), and took over from MPPE as sole jet fuel supplier in July.

Officials at local airlines said there have been problems with fuel quality in the past. But Mr Holden said that NEPAS has started a very significant upgrade of equipment and training since taking over as sole supplier, which should help assure customers that the fuel is of international standard.

In the meantime, although the DCA is keen for HK Express to offer flights to Mandalay, U Ne Win said the airline is under no strict obligation to do so. As part of the air service agreement between Myanmar and Hong Kong, HK Express is allowed to operate seven flights a week regardless of destination, he said.
India says it Launched Surgical Strikes Against Militants Inside Pakistan; Pakistan Says it Didnt

Line of Control (Photo : State Department)

The Indian Army said it launched surgical strikes inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir against Muslim militants with its special forces and heavy artillery fire, and Pakistan responded to this news with a firm denial there was any surgical strike at all.



Pakistan said what occurred was the normal exchange of fire with India along the Line of Control but did admit the loss of two of its soldiers during these firefights.



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Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations of the Indian Army, said the army "conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads" and that "significant casualties have been caused (to the terrorists)."



"Based on very specific and credible information which we received yesterday, that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control, with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launchpads," said Gen. Singh.



"The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of the citizens of our country."



Indian media quoted anonymous army officers as saying seven "terror launchpads" were destroyed by army special forces that were "para-dropped" across the LoC. They said multiple terror groups were targeted.



Gen. Singh also said "significant casualties have been suffered by terrorists" during the operations.



He noted there have been at least 20 infiltration attempts from the Pakistan side along the LoC despite India's "persistent urging" to stop its territory from being used by militant groups.



"If India tries to do this again, we will respond forcefully," said Pakistani defense minister Khawaja Asif. "India is doing this only to please their media and public."



The Pakistan Army, however, issued a statement about the Indian Army attacks, saying:



"There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon. As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops.



"The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by Indian to create false effects. This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth. Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded."



Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the strikes, saying Pakistan "can thwart any evil design to undermine" its sovereignty.



The surgical strikes, real or not, followed a Sept. 18 attack by Kashmiri Muslim militants on an Indian Army base at the town of Uri in India-administered Kashmir. The early morning attack killed 18 Indian soldiers. All four Kashmiri attackers were also killed. India blamed Pakistan for this attack.


Yangon City Development Committee is hoping to impose order on the thousands of street sellers strewn across Myanmars commercial capital. The committee has started a city-wide effort to record the names and locations of vendors, who will be issued with registration cards and could be forced to relocate.





Local city planning experts estimate there are around 5500 roadside sellers on the streets of Yangon. At present, vendors are more or less free to pitch up where they like, which is contributing to traffic issues on the citys already congested thoroughfares.

YCDC executive board committee member Daw Than Myint Aung said the new initiative will designate set places and times for roadside sellers to operate, and is designed to help Yangon become a cleaner city.

Vendors will be issued with registration cards, and some will be able to retain their existing spot, she said. If some are based in places crowded with people and cars we will fix [a new place] for them.

For vendors who will have to leave their current location, suitable places with access to water and mobile toilet facilities should be found, she added.

YCDC started recording venders names and locations from September 22, which involves taking pictures of both the seller and their stall, said Daw Than Myint Aung.

Downtown townships are being given first priority, as there is a lack of discipline among downtown vendors who work on busy roads, she said. Sellers who work on roads and streets must not contribute to traffic problems.





Were preparing a clean and healthy city, she said. There needs to be a system for fixing places [for roadside stalls].

A YCDC official involved in the initiative, who asked to remain anonymous, said the first lists are being made for Lanmadaw, Latha , Pabedan, Kyauktada, Pazundaung and Botahtaung townships.

Roadside sellers in those townships told The Myanmar Times that YCDC had come to take their picture, but had not given instructions on whether they would have to move.

They took photos with a board that had a number, said Daw Thuzar, who sells betel nut on Bogyoke Aung San Road. I asked them what they are going to do, but they said they werent exactly sure. But we heard that we will be move to Strand Road.

The YCDC official said that once the lists are complete it will be up to the committee to assess which vendors could continue operation and which may have relocate.

City planning experts said that locations for roadside sellers should be set according to fixed regulations to avoid causing problems on roads and train platforms. Police Captain Win Lwin also told The Myanmar Times that sellers operating on roads were an issue.

Roadside sellers are [one factor] in traffic jams, he said. We need to solve the issue systematically.
The Monsoon Arts Festival shifts its attention from the visual arts to music this week with a concert by the Orchestra for Myanmar tonight at the Yangon Gallery.





The orchestra was founded in 2014 by British violinist and conductor Sebastian See-Schierenberg, who had moved to Myanmar when his wife was posted to work at the British Council in Yangon.

I was thinking there was not going to be anything for me to do here as a classical violinist, but I was very wrong because theres a huge string-playing tradition [in Myanmar], I think started by the missionaries. The Karen and the Kachin play in church every week, See-Schierenberg told The Myanmar Times earlier this week.

I started volunteering as a teacher trying to raise the standard and contribute some kind of training, and after that I got the idea of trying to start an orchestra training program called the Orchestra for Myanmar.

The aim was to bring together different groups of musicians who had previously played separately, including those from government-run institutions and non-government institutions who had long harboured mutual suspicions of one another.

It was the right moment to start a training program open to all institutions, to bring everyone together, with music as a symbol of peace, and to start practical, international-level training, which was not available for a long time because the country was quite closed, Sebastian See-Schierenberg said.





The orchestra was formed with 20 core members aged 18 to 28, representing the most advanced players from various universities, schools and non-government entities in Myanmar. After months of rehearsals, the group held its first concert at the National Theatre in Yangon in January 2015.

Surprisingly, we got phenomenal interest. We got an audience of 2000 people, and we got a media reach of 7 million. That really brought home the fact that there was a lot of interest in young people in Myanmar, in cultural development, and in the way we were trying to develop Western music and also Myanmar music, bringing it all together, Sebastian See-Schierenberg said.

Shortly after the concert, the Orchestra for Myanmar was offered a 10-year sponsorship by the Marga Youth Foundation based in Hong Kong.

Ten years is a really good span to develop the young musicians of Myanmar  [and ] getting them to a standard where maybe they can be cultural ambassadors for Myanmar one day, he said, adding that in addition to training its 20 core members, the orchestra also invites other organisations to send musicians they feel can benefit from the program.

He said the orchestra is also attracting interest from international musicians keen to volunteer their time and expertise to help with the training.

Next April, we have a team from the BBC symphony orchestra coming, who have volunteered to mentor the orchestra and perform with them. So our mentors keep getting more and more high-profile. Im very happy about how its developing, he said.

Tonights performance at the Yangon Gallery features guest soloists from the Taipei Maestro Orchestra in Taiwan, including conductor I-Chun Hsieh, pianist I-Chun Huang, violinist Hsiang-Yu Liu, violist Pei Hsing Hsu and cellist Wei-Yu Huang. They will be joined by accordionist Rodger French from the United States.

The repertoire will include tango music by Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla, as well as classical music composed by Joseph Haydn, Antonin Dvorak and Ludwig van Beethoven.

We like to give a bit of variety to the audience, Sebastian See-Schierenberg said. We dont like to force Western classical down anyones throats. We want it to be a nice variety that everyone is going to enjoy.

The Orchestra for Myanmar Powered by Marga Youth Foundation performs at the Yangon Gallery today at 5pm and 7pm. The gallery is located in Peoples Park near the Planetarium Museum off Ahlone Road.
Is Myanmar about to break into the cool world of break dancing? That train has left the station and is steaming along fast, says the organiser of the first international break dancing battle. Yangon BBoy City will be held by Myanmar Street Dance (MSD) on November 12 at Mahabandoola Park. And then well see.





This is not going to be like First Jam, a nationwide dance competition held in 2012, insists organiser Jimmy Ko Ko, 24.

Unlike First Jam, Yangon BBoy City will be international. The winner will compete in the Taipei Bboy City battle, and could go on to dance in the Undisputed 2016 World Final in the Czech Republic, dancing for his country. Myanmar expects every Bboy to do his best, he said.

Not that First Jam has been forgotten. An anniversary contest will held on December 17 at Hledan Centre.

Pioneer break dancers Bojin (Taiwan), C little (Laos) and G1 (Thailand) will perform before the judges in the break dancing event.

Other countries have been on track for a while now. But Myanmars train is just leaving the station. Its time to catch up, said Jimmy.

Break dancer Lance, a veteran of the scene, said, Weve got a great chance to find our level and catch up with Taipei Bboy City, where the best dancers in the world will be. So I will compete.

And yes, there are Bgirls too. I was shy the first time I practised. I still need to improve my skills before I compete because I want to show everyone what a Bgirl can do, said Emily Fishbein, who came to Myanmar from the United States a year ago.





Practice here is open to all, and anyone can watch. In the US, we have to do it in the church basement. I also have my team here, B CREW, and we practise together in the studio. But I also come and dance under the bridge, she said.

About 10 break dancers have been regularly practising two or three times a week under the flyover since the First Jam competition.

At first, we danced under Hledan flyover. Then we moved to Myaynigone flyover last year. Most of us are Bboy dancers  the others just practise in the studio. Anyone can join and we can share skills, said Lance.

Lynn Thura, who had come to watch, said, Whenever I come back from work, I check out the break dancers under the bridge. Their music doesnt annoy the neighbours and they are really cool. Im glad to learn they will be competing internationally.

Lance said, All the boys who started dancing with me in 2008 have dropped out. It needs strength, stamina and persistence to do acrobatic feats like spinning on the floor on your head, he said.

Admission to Yangon Bboy City will be free of charge, and registration for performers costs K3000 each.

Myanmar Street Dance was established in 2009 with former members Poppin Mouse, Lance Gao and Jimmy Ko Ko, who came together to organise First Jam in late 2012. Last year they held the Jam Down event in Yangon.
By the time she moved to Yangon at the age of seven, Soe Yu Nwe had already called three places home. Soe Yu Nwe spent the first two years of her life in Lashio in northern Shan State  her mother's family in Shan-Chinese, her father's Kokang  before moving to the Thai-Myanmar border they made a living weaving.





She describes her childhood as a flurry of movements and intermingling of languages  Chinese, Myanmar, a little Thai she picked up on the border.

Now an emerging ceramic artist, the 27-year-old draws inspiration from these formative experiences. Upon her return from studying art in the US, she feared she would be alone in her craft; ceramics is seldom practiced in Myanmar outside of traditional pottery. However, as perhaps one of the only conceptual ceramic artists in Myanmar, Soe Yu Nwe is accustomed to being a stranger.

After spending the past seven years studying at Albion College and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the US, and completing a tour of residences, she has returned to Myanmar eager to establish herself and open a studio.

Though she is now well versed in the language of a trained artist, Soe Yu Nwe didnt always consider herself one.

Being an artist was not something I wanted to do when I was young. I like to draw, I doodled, I kept sketch books all the time, she said, recalling that she was seldom encouraged to be creative as a child. Rather, her mother had sent her and her siblings to language schools, and often dismissed the arts for more practical vocations.

At Albion College, Soe Yu Nwe intended to pursue a more practical field, trying her hand at biology and accounting courses before falling in love with art and an unlikely medium  clay.





I think being in a foreign place is something that was very alienating to me, she said. Art sort of helped me overcome that ... I thought that if I wanted to give my full energy, I should major in the arts.

What started as an undergraduate project soon developed into a body of work entitled The Self Reconfigured, which she submitted for her masters degree in Fine Arts in Ceramics at RISD, and spoke about at Myanm/art in Yangon on September 24.

Once you are removed from where you came from and put it in a new place, you start being hyperaware of your identity. Like how are you different from others? What creates that distance? Soe Yu Nwe said, recalling the beginning of her self-discovery in the US.

I started taking things apart and rearranging them, she said, referring to her pieces that use a snake as a symbol. She explains the process of taking apart the snake, looking at it anatomically and then metaphorically. It helped me understand myself and give me a way to look at who I am and what I am struggling with.

While at RISD, Soe Yu Nwe studied under American artists Chitra Ganesh, Simone Leigh and Katy Schimert, known for their socially engaged work which centres on themes of alienation and space, language and femininity  much like Soe Yu Nwes own work.

Though her work exhibits feminist and political resonances, and in some ways captures a tension between traditional Myanmar life and an uncertain future, Soe Yu Nwe insists that her work defies any definition.

I dont think my work is specifically Burmese, it isnt traditional Burmese at all and I dont think I should limit my work or approach to just that category, she said.

Much of the content of her work seeks to explore the unanswered questions that have haunted her since childhood.

Animism was one of the elements I didnt understand in my culture  I started looking up imagery and was drawn to it. I started using the imagery and making work inspired by it, she said with hopes of doing more research on Southeast Asian animist and folk religions.

Other questions about Myanmar culture only came to her when she worked alongside her mostly American classmates. Throughout her fine arts program, she says she was too shy to draw a full body, especially nudes.

Id depict the body in parts but never a whole person. I thought it might be safer  When you are from another culture, you are always self-censoring, she said, noting Myanmars more conservative culture in comparison to the relaxed attitudes of her college.

Being a woman in Burma is a bit restraining ... You are not supposed to go out at night if you are a woman. You have to look at what you wear  So I think some of the anxieties in my work represent this social anxiety, personal anxiety, sexual anxiety, said Soe Yu Nwe.

Working and studying abroad greatly influenced Soe Yu Nwes growth as an artist, though, at times, it made it difficult for her to reconnect with the aspects of her life she had left behind.

The way I work, I work better if I have enough distance from the subject. If youre too close, youre afraid to take things apart  so I think being away and having the chance to explore was a good thing, she said.

And despite the physical distance from Myanmar, the internet provided her with access to a wealth of digital archives and a way to network with artists around the world.

I dont even know if ceramics is relevant here in the arts scene. A lot of contemporary work right now is in oil painting and a little bit of sculpture. Ceramics is a niche thing, she said, laughing. Im still figuring out what I am in the context of the arts in Myanmar  Im just waiting to see how it will be received.
You may have seen it on Facebook, where it has shot to popularity  nearly 9000 likes  during its first three weeks in business. The day we went, most of the customers looked like they were there for the first time.





You should know two things before you go in. Firstly, the food and drinks are Western. A classic, oily Myanmar curry isnt in their line-up, and their idea of a salad wont look anything like the traditional Myanmar idea of a salad. If you want to see it before you order, the waiter can show you a picture on her tablet.

Secondly, The background music is Bon Jovi. Youve been warned.

Opening at 9am, the restaurant offers breakfast, featuring various kinds of toast and garlic bread, oatmeal, poached eggs and fruit, with prices ranging from K1200 to K2500. As it was past noon, I skipped ahead to the lunch menu, where I found the Best Omega-3 salad (K5900).

Listed as containing salmon, lettuce, tofu, olives, walnuts, chickpeas, pumpkin, cherry tomato and a spring sauce, the Best Omega-3 sounded like a real mouthful. It stood out to me for its health effects: The oil in the salmon keeps skin and hair healthy. It also had eight different dressing choices available, plenty of flavour to make a healthy meal perhaps a little less so.

My colleague ordered garlic chicken pasta (K4500) with garlic-infused sliced chicken, carrots, red peppers and pasta. The dish is one of five different pastas and salads, a theme that Healthy Me continues with five kinds of protein rice bowls and meat dishes.

To drink, they offered a variety of coffees, hot chocolates, teas, smoothies, juice and soft drinks as well as their own Healthy Me Cafe. You can also get a detox/cleanse at K2500 a cup or K3900 a jar. I ordered Flu Fighter juice (K3200), which came with carrots, oranges and ginger. My colleague chose the latte (K2000), and then we settled in to wait.





And wait.

My Flu Fighter, when it eventually came, was worth the wait for the freshness of the ingredients and a refreshing hint of sourness. I dont know what my flu germs thought of it, but I liked it.

The salad seemed fresh and tasted delicious, if a little dry. (I added some salt.) My companion also found her pasta a bit dry, though I suppose thats to be expected when searching for healthy foods.

As we were finishing lunch, we realised her latte had yet to arrive. In the end, we had to ask them to give it to us in a to-go cup.

We even had to wait an unusually long time for the bill. You dont expect that, even in Myanmar.

The latte, at least, was delicious, or so my companion said (it did, finally, arrive with the bill).

The whole meal cost K15,900, but for this month the restaurant is rounding down, and dispensing with tax and service charges, which brought the total down to K15,000.

Still, for all the delays  I put it down to teething troubles  there is room for a restaurant like Healthy Me in Yangon. Im sure Im not the only one who eats too much unhealthy food every day. Its a little pricey, but not overly so.

Healthy Me is at 86 Bogyoke Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt township, and its hours are 9am to 9pm. Theyll be waiting for you.

Which is the way it should be.
Four months after US President Barack Obama plonked down on a plastic stool at Bun Cha Huong Lien for a bowl of Hanois signature pork noodles, the restaurant is cashing in on customers eager to taste what all the fuss is about.





Previously a mainstay among a mostly local customer base, hungry foreigners are now coming in droves to the restaurant dubbed Obama bun cha for the Hanoi lunch staple: grilled pork patty and bacon in a sweet broth with rice noodles.

People come here because they are curious about why Obama chose my restaurant, said owner Nguyen Thi Lien, who has been running the eatery for 23 years.

Eager to tap the star power of her recent VIP diner, Lien has introduced a US$4 Combo Obama lunch special of noodles, a side of deep-fried spring rolls and a Hanoi beer  but swears she has kept her prices the same.

So many have come and we cannot serve them all, she said at the two-storey restaurant, which is now plastered with photos of Obama and his dinner guest, globetrotting US chef Anthony Bourdain.

The pair stopped by during Obamas May trip to Vietnam  the third by a sitting president since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975  to film a scene for Bourdains CNN show Parts Unknown.

In a teaser for the episode, Bourdain lauded the US leader for his chopstick skills as he expertly scooped up a mouth of noodles during an evening off from his diplomatic





Obama seemed impressed with the local

This is killer, this is outstanding, he

The pork pit stop has seen the number of customers double, according to Lien, and the restaurant appears set to become a fixture on Hanois tourist trail.

I saw that Obama had been here, saw that Anthony Bourdain had been here, and I generally follow their advice, figured theyd have good taste, came here and found it to be true, American tourist Andrew Lala said.
To walk the halls of Hiroshimas Peace Memorial Museum is to trace humanity at its very worst and its very best.





In this place of human shadows etched onto stone are too many reminders of the too many victims of the worlds first nuclear bomb used in war. A lock of hair. Ripped school uniforms. A death certificate for a 10-month-old baby  her only legacy because she died too young to leave a photo behind.

These are just some of the stories of those 70,000 to 80,000 who immediately died after the United States hurled Little Boy on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945  as well as those who somehow survived the blast and firestorm that followed, and lived to tell the tale.

Telling the stories of these survivors, hibakusha in Japanese, is becoming more important  they are ageing, and their memories are fading. For many, only now have they been able to confront the past.

Increasingly it is up to story tellers like Michiko Yamaoka to ensure that the memories of the A-bomb victims live on well after they die. Her mother, Kiyoko, then a 20-year-old, survived. Kiyokos 13-year-old sister, Atsuko, did not.

My mother is 91 now, she says, and cant really talk any more.

Yet, to this day she cries when she recalls how, when looking for her sister, she didnt give water to other survivors who were begging for one small drop. She will never forget the look on their faces as they begged.





At the time, they thought that survivors would die from drinking water.

Yamaokas mother believes that only those who lived through the bomb can truly know what it was like. Nonetheless, her daughter is committed to making sure her tale is told.

Yamaoka is an official memory keeper  a title given to those entrusted to ensure that Hiroshima and the rest of the world never forget what happened on that day 71 years ago.

In Hiroshima today, there are 70 such story tellers working in Japanese, and five working in English. Of these, three, including Michiko Yamaoka, are second-generation survivors, directly related to bomb victims.

Her stories leave scars. There are the recollections of bloated, bloodied bodies floating up and down Hiroshimas rivers, drifting in and out on the tides. She speaks of people, so parched and burnt, getting sick with radiation after drinking the black rain that followed the blast.

Then there is her auntie. After searching for two days, Kiyoko found Atsuko in a makeshift camp for survivors.

Atsuko! Atsuko! she called.

Im here, came the weak reply.

So disfigured was Atsukos face that Kiyoko only recognised her younger sister from her voice. But, as she lay and suffered, it was Atsuko who asked Kiyoko if she was okay. She died soon after.

Yamaokas stories also offer some healing and some hope. There are miraculous escapes. She tells us how, in only a few months, new buds sprouted in a wasteland where people said nothing would grow for 75 years.

And as devastating as the bomb was, it would have been far worse if all 64 kilograms (141 pounds) of the enriched uranium packed inside underwent nuclear fission instead of just 800 grams (1.7 pounds)  if that is even possible to imagine.

But Yamaoka is quick to explain that, even though they are still waiting for an apology, the victims have forgiven the United States, and hope for a world where everyone can live in peace.

It is here that we see the best and worst of ourselves. A world hell-bent on hellish destruction. A human spirit re-forged in the fires of hell and unbending in its commitment to peace. And a world without nuclear weapons.

In another small corner of the museum is a set of photos from the Suzuki family. It shows the Suzukis eldest son, Hideaki, and their eldest daughter, Kimiko, laughing as their kitten plays with a small cloth tied to a fan. Their joyous smiles bring radiant colour to black and white.

Four years later both children were gone forever.

When the bomb and all its devastation came, Hideaki and Kimiko were at school. Although seriously injured, the 12-year-old boy carried his nine-year-old sister on his back to a relief station, where he left her. She was never seen again. He died, bleeding profusely, in the care of relatives several weeks later.

The childrens father, as well as their baby brother and sister  aged three and one  were also taken by the blast. The younger childrens bones were later discovered in the smouldering ruins of the familys barber shop. Their mother, hearing of her husband and four childrens deaths, lost her mind and threw herself down a well.

Of this family, their hopes and fears, highs and lows, these black and white photos taken by a proud father and amateur photographer are all that remain: a small part of their story immortalised in a series of candid shots of everyday life too painful to look at, too important to look away from.

Stories not only tell us who we are, but also what we want to be. It is for this reason that they have been integral to the human condition for all of our history.

The stories of Hiroshima need to be told; they need to be committed to memory, never forgotten  not only for todays world but the sake of tomorrow.

Otherwise, nothing will remain.

James Giggacher is an associate lecturer in the Australia National University Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. He is currently co-convening a two-week ANU study tour, Media and Politics in Japan, with Ritsumeikan University under the Australian governments New Colombo Plan.
Activists yesterday released a 30-minute documentary as part of a campaign against a mega-dam in central Shan State.





The documentary, called Drowning a Thousand Islands, includes local people from the remote Kunhing area voicing their concerns that the proposed Mong Ton hydropower project will irrevocably damage the Salween River.

Last month, the government announced they would continue with hydropower projects along the Salween, sparking fierce opposition from Shan political parties and armed groups.

We need to preserve the Pang River, a hidden gem of the Salween. This tributary is home to unique aquatic ecosystems. The Mong Ton project will destroy this wonderful natural heritage area, said Sai Khur Hseng, an environmental activist.

According to Action for Shan State Rivers, the film took six months to make.

The Kunhing area of central Shan has been off-limits for years due to ethnic conflicts. From 1996-1998, the Tatmadaw engaged in a scorched earth campaign in the region, displacing over 300,000 people in central Shan and killing hundreds in Kunhing.

Many refugees who fled to Thailand during this time have still not returned.

Though the fighting has ceased, the local villagers of the Thousand Islands area are still threatened, now by the construction of a dam which would submerge the entire area.





Kunhing township MP Daw Nang Khin Saw said, I have raised concerns about the Mong Tom dam and its effects to the [regional] parliament but they replied that we need to raise our concerns with the national government.

We, the SNLD [Shan Nationalities League for Democracy] politicians, are trying to stop the dam on behalf of the locals, she added.

Daw Nang Khin Saw as well as Shan, Mon And Karen activists say that the project carries risks of property destruction and death caused by flooding and earthquakes.

It is estimated that 50,000 locals from 137 villages would be displaced by the project.

If built, the Mong Ton hydropower dam will be the largest hydropower project in Southeast Asia. It will produce over 34.7 billion kWh of power annually, 90 percent of which will be exported to China and Thailand.

In addition to the Yangon screening, the film was also launched at public screenings in Taunggyi and Chiang Mai, as well as on Thai Public Broadcasting Service TV.

The documentary can also be viewed on Shan State Rivers Facebook page.
The brief period of Rakhine ethnic political unity appears to be over. Despite  or perhaps in part because of  its relative electoral success in last Novembers election, the Arakan National Party now faces a formal split along the factional lines of the two co-founding ethnic parties.





With their former colleagues sounding a rallying call for the establishment of a new party, the only three members of the former ALD faction to have netted seats in the last election are firmly staying put, loyal to the ANP.

Forged two years ago from a merger between the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) and the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), the ANP has since struggled to maintain cohesion, especially due to the widespread perception that the RNDP acts as the senior partner.

In the November 2015 election, the ANP won 22 of the 34 seats in the Rakhine State parliament, the only ethnic party to make much headway against the National League for Democracy juggernaut in the rest of the country. The ANP promptly demanded the right to control the state cabinet appointments, a demand that was ignored as an NLD member, U Nyi Pu, was established as chief minister of Rakhine State.

The ALD faction within the party, historically closer to the NLD, refused to toe the party line of opposing the new ruling party at the state and national level.

The cracks within the ANP have deepened since, said Pyithu Hluttaw MP U Pe Than (ANP; Myebon), a former member of the ALD central committee. Six months ago, the ANP expelled six senior officials for holding an unauthorised press conference.

On September 11, members of the former ALD faction assembled in Yangon to discuss a separation plan. Their former allies are not sorry to see them go.

U Pe Than, one of the three former ALD members to have won a seat, said it was better for the ousted members to form a new party than to continue the wrangling within the ANP. I dont think a second party will be strong enough to challenge the ANP, he said. As his former ALD colleagues depart, U Pe Than will hold rank and retain his seat.





U Khine Kaung San, founder of the Sittwe-based Wan-Lark Development Foundation, said the split should not be considered a secession from the ANP, as the former ALD members had already been expelled.

I think there is wrong on both sides. The ALD faction should not have broken party rules, and the RNDP side should not have been so quick to expel them, he said.

U Myo Kyaw, a senior ALD member, said the two camps were not seeing eye to eye on policy any more and the ALD would meet to choose a leader within the next month.

ANP secretary U Tun Aung Kyaw said the party would retain its name, which had been approved by the election commission. He saw no objection to the new party calling itself the ALD again. Some MPs might wish to change their party affiliation, though that might not go down well with their constituents, he said.

Daw Htu May, an Amyotha Hluttaw lawmaker and also a former ALD member, told The Myanmar Times that she did not want to give any comment about the party spilt, except to say that she will remain a member of the ANP.

According to the election commission, any application to change the partys name would have to be considered in light of the electoral law. We have received no such application, and so cannot comment further, said a commission spokesperson.

ANP chair U Aye Maung said the dissent had given the impression to the Rakhine public of a divided party. We have to take a consistent stand, he said.
During her recent trip to the United States, Myanmars de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi highlighted the importance of amending the 2008 constitution, calling it a barrier to building a truly democratic country. Her rhetoric abroad, however, has yet to be matched by concrete action at home since her government took power in late March.





The National League for Democracy, led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, won a large majority in last years historic election, but she was unable to become president herself under the military-drafted charter. Ever resourceful, the Nobel laureate would not be denied the chance to lead the country, and set about creating a new position for her in government, state counsellor, that her party then wrote into law and rammed through parliament in early April, despite military MPs strenuous objections.

One week earlier, Daw Aung San Suu Kyis proxy president, U Htin Kyaw, had delivered a speech to parliament in which constitutional change was stated as one of the primary goals of his administration. No one in the chamber, or anywhere in Myanmar, really had any doubt that his words were in fact hers.

Nearly six months later, however, in practice the state counsellor remains wedged between a military unwilling to relinquish power and the sky-high expectations of her supporters. Her administration and the NLD-dominated parliament have slowly embarked on reforms to the structure of government and Myanmars legal framework, but if a grand bargain on constitutional reform has been struck between her and the Tatmadaw, so far mums been the word beyond the halls of power.

When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered an address last week at the Asia Society in New York on her countrys political changes, she insisted that Myanmar was still democratically deficient, with her government forced to share power with the military and unable to yet undo the constitutionally enshrined role in politics that the Tatmadaw retains.

Explaining to an audience of Americans, many probably perplexed by the concept, that 25 percent of all legislatures seats are appointed by military Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, she put constitutional reform at the centre of a more democratic future for Myanmar.

To amend the vital parts of the constitution, which would make it a truly democratic country, we need to have more than 75pc of the agreement of the members of the legislature  That means even if all elected representatives from various parties agreed on an important amendment, at least one brave soldier would have to stand with them and say, I agreed that it should be amended, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said.





Im sure soldiers are very brave on the battlefield, but when it comes to the legislature they vote as they are ordered to vote, she added.

The NLD has in the past attempted to harness public support to force through constitutional amendments. In 2014, the party launched a petition calling for changes to section 436, which gives the military a veto over constitutional change.

More than 5 million signatures were subsequently gathered and submitted to parliament. Military MPs were unmoved.

Last year, the NLD also proposed changes through a constitutional amendment committee set up by former parliamentary Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann. Two amendment bills later put forward were both blocked by the military.

New era, stubborn politics

Despite the NLD securing nearly 80pc of elected seats in the Union legislature last year, there has been no renewed push for constitutional change.

In fact, the partys commitment to amend the charter has, if anything, been called into question since the November vote: It faced strong criticism during the transition period from ethnic parties that argued the NLD was using the same provisions of the constitution that it had repeatedly described as undemocratic to deny state and regional legislatures the opportunity to appoint their own chief minister.

This is a right afforded to the president in the charter, but ethnic parties argued that the NLD should devolve this privilege to the state and region level, where in two legislatures the ruling party had failed to win a majority.

Although the NLDs distaste for sections 436 and 59(f)  the latter clause barring Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from the presidency  is well-documented, less is known about the partys vision for other aspects of the constitution that are more central to ethnic minorities agenda, such as decentralisation of power and resource-sharing arrangements.

What most can agree on is that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi faces a daunting constitutional conundrum that could taint her legacy as a beacon of Myanmars pro-democracy struggle.

During the US trip, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi told of her efforts in the countrys democratisation, but it cannot be said that we are on the path toward a truly democratic country unless the constitution is changed, said political analyst U Yan Myo Thein.

Effective changes on every issue  like the peace process, economy and rule of law  cannot be realised with the current constitution, which is the main obstacle to be removed first. But the NLD government is busy with other things, he added.

While the NLD appears to be putting charter change on the backburner for now, political analysts point to three possible paths to reform: to compromise with the military and set a timeline for constitutional amendments; to find common ground through the nationwide political dialogue  a crucial upcoming phase in the nations peace process; or to propose, in parliament, holding a national referendum on drafting a new constitution.

Many are sceptical that the first option would produce any other result than turning over the terms of the debate to the Tatmadaw entirely, given that Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing is often quoted as saying the constitution will be amended at an appropriate time, and only in accordance with section 436. That, going back to Daw Aung San Suu Kyis speech in New York, will require at least one brave soldier.

While the unlikelihood of a timely outcome may bedevil option one, the second strategy is arguably no better: If the governments initial grand foray into the peace process  the 21st-century Panglong Conference  was marred by contention over inclusivity and even what courtesy titles should go on name cards, prospects look dim for speedy agreement on thorny issues like power distribution and allocation of the countrys resource wealth.

From my personnel point of view, the best way to overcome the constitutional barrier is submitting a proposal in the Union parliament to hold a referendum. In accordance with parliamentary law, the proposal can be passed with a majority vote and does not require over 75pc agreement to approve it, said U Yan Myo Thein.

But among NLD lawmakers, there appears to be little appetite for such a manoeuvre in the near term.

We [NLD] dont need to give time to prepare or to discuss constitutional changes because we already proposed to [the previous] parliament 168 points [in the charter requiring amendment] and publicly announced these points, said U Tun Tun Hein, an NLD parliamentarian representing Nawngcho township who is also chair of the lower house Bill Committee.

He added that although those 168 points were in the NLDs crosshairs, the party would need to take into account the input of other political stakeholders in accordance with its pledge to fulfill the desires of the people. His remarks would seem to indicate that the NLD is looking to option two as its best bet for constitutional reform.

Currently, peace is the most important issue. All have the right to discuss their point of view at the political dialogue, U Tun Tun Hein said.

All quiet on the MP front

The parliamentary Commission for the Assessment of Legal Affairs and Special Cases, led by Thura U Shwe Mann, has the right to propose changes to both legislation and the constitution, but its members told The Myanmar Times that constitutional reform has not been discussed since the new parliament was sworn in.

We have reviewed many laws but not constitutional changes, said U Ko Ko Naing, deputy chair of the commission.

U Ko Ko Naing said although no instruction to review the charter has been issued by the NLD-led parliament, such an order was likely to come sooner or later because President U Htin Kyaw promised in his first speech to change the constitution.

The NLD has a duty to follow through, added U Ko Ko Naing, a lower house MP from the Union Solidarity and Development Party.

But right now the NLD has to focus on making a strong cabinet instead of changing the constitution, he said.

But given the partys willingness to use its sizeable majority in the Union parliament to make legislative changes despite objections from the USDP and military appointees, opponents of the current charter might wonder why NLD lawmakers have not made a similar bid on constitutional reform a central plank of its election campaign.

According to another political analyst, U Than Soe Naing, the partys mantra of national reconciliation and a desire to build trust with the still-powerful military are the main reasons for the NLD hesitancy.

Sources said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is concerned about relations with the military and does not want to establish an overly confrontational dynamic early in her administrations term.

There have already been some dust-ups: Military MPs accused the NLD of democratically bullying when parliament approved the State Counsellor Law; they argued that the party was manipulating the constitution when the NLD used its provisions to argue for a bill against unwarranted state surveillance earlier this month; and a successful but contentious decision to remove a guest registration clause from the Ward and Village Tract Administration Law again put the two sides at odds.

Whatever the political realities holding the state counsellor back at home, beyond her countrys borders she felt no reluctance professing a commitment to change the charter.

Military commanders should have no role to play in the civilian governance of a democratic country. And what we want is a truly democratic country, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said in her speech at the Asia Society.

But when asked to predict when legislatures might be entirely elected, paving the way for a constitutional overhaul, the state counsellor avoided speculation, saying that she  unlike many in Myanmar  does not believe in astrology.

I cant say this is going to happen in five years or 10 years. Neither can he [Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing], I dont think. In the end, it will be up to the people, she said.

She added, We have to convince the people of the need for change. And by the people, I mean members of the military as well, because they are part of our country. They are also our citizens. And we want to make them understand, we want to convince them that this change is necessary for the whole country, including members of the military. A professional army that is loved and respected by the people is worth far, far more than an army that has political powers not in line with the aspirations of the people.

In multiple instances since taking power, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has struck a positive tone when asked about the pace of Myanmars democratisation and her governments ability to see that process through to completion.

Others are less sanguine.

I have no hope to make effective changes to the constitution until 2020. We had experience in the previous parliament  the military rejected all proposed points when Speaker U Shwe Mann tried to change some points, even though he was a former general and also the USDP leader, said Daw Khin Saw Wai, a lower house MP from the Arakan National Party.

Perhaps tellingly, Thura U Shwe Mann was subsequently unseated as USDP chair in a move many agree was orchestrated by then-president U Thein Sein, with Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaings tacit approval or even at the commander-in-chiefs behest. Thura U Shwe Manns role in pushing for constitutional change at the time is widely cited as contributing to his fall from grace within the military-backed party.

So how will the NLD try to get the militarys agreement? Daw Khin Saw Wai added.
Orndorffs experimental writing began when he discovered a way to take his reading automaticity (effectively used for over thirty years of grading senior students many expository essays and research papers) and use the automaticity in his writing. The errors produced add to his sense of humility that I find refreshing. He preached the rules of General Manuscript Specifications his whole career and now finds he cant live up to them himself. He may not see the humor in this, but his many former students and colleagues might sense a secret delight in his lightly buried misery of my conditional. I would not be here but for his determination and humility to see this experimental and self-imposed writing project through. Humanity is my standard in orndorff's writing, not GMS perfection.  Amorella
After the Ayeyarwady River spilled over its banks and inundated the countrys second-biggest city earlier this year, region authorities are getting to work to stave off a similar fate next year.





More than K3.4 billion will be spent in the 2016-17 financial year on preventing riverbank erosion in Mandalay Region, according to the regions Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems.

Erosion prevention works, which are expected to be complete by April 2017, will be carried out in six of the regions townships: Myingyan, Taungtha, Singaing, Madaya, Patheingyi and Singu.

We have to prioritise villages which are urgently in need of preventative action against annual riverbank erosion. We are planning to do anti-erosion works in 16 villages in the six townships, said U Toe Aung Lin, head of the Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems in Mandalay.

Initial preparations are expected to begin in mid-October, and will be followed by a call for tenders once plans have been finalised, he added.

Our department will draw up designs for the repairs and then we will call for tenders for the project. Repair works are expected to start at the end of December. All works are expected to be completed by the end of April next year, U Toe Aung Lin said.

Singu township, which is situated alongside the Ayeyarwady River, will receive the bulk of the funding, K1.8 billion.





In Mandalay, riverbank erosion often happens in Singu and Nyaung-U townships. Villages in these two townships are located on sandbanks so it is hard to do maintenance, said U Toe Aung Lin.

Between May and August this year, more than K76 million was spent on emergency preventive measures against riverbank erosion in 11 villages in Mandalay Region. In August, the river breached danger levels at Mandalay water stations, and burst its banks in historic Amarapura township, forcing more than 1200 households to relocate to higher ground.

Translation by Zar Zar Soe
Mandalay Citys municipal authority is staring at a long development to-do list, and a lack of funds to do it with, the mayor told regional lawmakers last week.





Improving Myanmars second-biggest city will depend on finances, U Ye Lwin, mayor and head of Mandalay City Development Committee, said at the fourth day of the third parliamentary session. But without boosting tax revenue, the local administration has its hands tied, he added.

His remarks were made in response to a projected Master Plan for Mandalay.

According to the current budget allocation, we would have to prioritise work mainly for one township or one ward, but we cannot operate like that, he said. If we follow the Master Plan, we are talking about repairing electric lines, water pipes, installing a dam system and other projects for the whole city. To do this, we have to fix tax collection.

However, in March, Mandalay Region reported exceeding tax collection targets for the second year running. The regional finance department said its biggest earner for the past year was income tax.

Tax for the 28 townships in Mandalay Region, not including Nay Pyi Taw, for the 2015-16 financial year exceeded K123 billion, surpassing the Internal Revenue Departments K115 billion target.

Vice President Henry Van Thio said nearly K1700 billion is estimated to be shared with all 14 states and regions from the Union budget. The Ministry of Planning and Finance has pledged to start differentiating budget allocations based on regional needs in the 2017-18 fiscal year.

Translation by Khine Thazin Han
Police are investigating banknote forgeries after the discovery of 14 fake K10,000 notes in Mandalays Maha Aung Myay township on September 27.





Police were alerted to the forgeries by a game shop owner, U Kway Kwin, who suspected he had been paid with phony currency.

After an analysis, police confirmed that the notes were indeed counterfeit.

Police said the fraudulent notes were made with duller paper and are both 1 millimetre longer and 1 millimetre narrower than their genuine counterparts. Additionally, the holographic strip on the counterfeit currency did not change colour from magenta to green.

Police believe that the counterfeits are being smuggled into the country from Thailand. The fake banknotes found in Maha Aung Myay township share the serial number of other forged notes found in Bagan, Hlaing Tharyar, East Dagon, Minbu, Ponnagyun and Thandwe townships.

Last week, police arrested four suspects circulating counterfeit K10,000 notes in Ponnagyun township. Earlier this month, fake K10,000 notes were found Myanma Economic Banks Thandwe branch.

In investigating the currency forgeries, local police in Mandalay are cooperating with Police Major Soe Naings team from the Criminal Investigation Department.

Translation by Zar Zar Soe
Protesters of Thabeikkyin township gold mines, who have not shied away from guerrilla tactics in the past, said they feel their complaints have finally been heard, following a meeting with a regional minister this week.





The meeting was secured after an unauthorised demonstration outside the Mandalay Region governments office on September 27. When police confronted them, the Yehtwet villagers refused to stand down and continued to demand a meeting that day with the chief minister.

Instead, they were received by U Myo Thit, Mandalay Region minister for natural resources and forestry.

He said he will do for us what he can, said U Htay Kyaw, a resident of Yehtwet village.

While the dispute is still far from resolved, the villagers said they returned home encouraged.

The dispute revolves around rampant gold mining the locals say has strayed on to village property. Forty-nine official mining companies and about 100 illegal mining enterprises operate in Thabeikkyin township.

The Ministry of Home Affairs demarcated a specific area as the official boundaries of Yehtwet village since 2011. The relevant departments together demarcated the land with measuring devices. The natural markers are still there. But the gold miners are encroaching on village land. The overlap is now over 70 acres, and 45 houses have cropped up for workers digging gold, said U Htay Kyaw. Our complaint is that we want our village land back.





One of the main sites in contention was granted to military-owned Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings by No 2 Mining Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines for micro gold-mining on January 28 last year. The military conglomerate then signed a contract with Myanmar Sithu Company to operate the project on March 25, 2015.

In July last year, around 100 villagers decided to occupy the UMEHL-owned mines in a demonstration that escalated to setting company property and vehicles ablaze. One protester was hospitalised with a gunshot wound.

Region minister U Myo Thit said the issue will need to be discussed with Union-level officials, and criticised the villagers for their unorthodox tactics.

If they had wanted to hold a demonstration, they should have done so according to the law. Appearing in front of a government office and demanding things is not acceptable. We are not available to meet on a whim, he said.

He added that he would nevertheless try to help resolve the villagers problem.

We will have to attend a hluttaw session and raise the issue there, he said.

Translation by San Layy
The Dutch national who unplugged an amplifier broadcasting a Buddhist dhamma sermon in Mandalay last week  leading to a religious insult criminal charge  made a lawyer-less and remorseful initial appearance at the Maha Aung Myay Township Court yesterday.





During yesterdays hearing, judge U Win Naing questioned U Thaung Dan, head of the Maha Aung Myay township Labour, Immigration and Population Department, about additional immigration charges being brought against the defendant.

If someone applies for a visa to enter Myanmar, they have to follow the rules and regulations laid out in the visa, U Thaung Dan said. Section 4[2] says, I shall follow the existing laws of Myanmar. It also says, I will follow the customs of Myanmar. He is charged under section 13[1] because he breached section 4[2].

Klaas Haytema, the defendant, is accused of disconnecting the amplifier at about 10pm on September 23 outside his hotel near Thusarita Dhammaryone, a Buddhist community hall in Maha Aung Myay township.

Soldiers were subsequently summoned to protect the 30-year-old tourist from an angry crowd that had surrounded his hotel and demanded that he be handed over to them, with the mob only dispersing after authorities promised legal action against him.

Mr Haytema appeared without legal counsel yesterday and answered questions from the judge through an interpreter.

I was too tired on that day, he said when asked to explain his conduct. I wanted sleep desperately. I couldnt stand the noise and checked outside the hotel. I saw that children were playing. I thought that they were playing it [the sermon] and I disconnected the amplifier. I did not notice that it was a religious building. I am really sorry and I really apologise.





The complainant who filed a charge under section 295 of the penal code  covering intentional insult to religious feelings or beliefs  was not able to attend yesterdays hearing. His testimony, as the giver of the sermon, is scheduled to be heard today.

Mr Haytema did not respond to reporters questions about his case following the hearing yesterday.

Translation by Thiri Min Htun
Tent-dwellers along the Yangon-Mandalay Highway have been granted a reprieve, apparently to avoid making them homeless in the rain, officials say. The bulldozers have been put on hold until further notice, though no eviction date has been set.





More than 4000 tents and shanties line the highway on either side. Their residents insist they have nowhere else to go, and that if their modest homes are destroyed they will simply come back and rebuild them.

U Yu Khaing, director of the Department of Urban and Housing Development, told The Myanmar Times on September 23 that an initial order to clear the shantytown had not been followed up.

Im worried that the trespassers would have problems if they were evicted during the rainy season, and were still waiting for specific instructions. So the order is suspended, he said.

The DUHD, which is part of the construction ministry, and Hlegu townships General Administrative Department had already issued eviction notices with respect to the shantytown, which is located between the 3 mile 2 furlong and 5 mile 2 furlong posts in Hlegu township. The settlement covers an area of about 1454 acres (581 hectares), which had been originally earmarked by the agriculture department for the planting of lemongrass. The DUHD took over the land last March for housing.

Reasonably priced housing will be built on that land, with international-standard schools and hospitals, U Yu Khaing said.

The eviction notices issued on September 5 said the operation would take place on September 17, but the date passed and nothing happened.

The Ministry of Construction will remove the trespassers. But I think the eviction was postponed because of problems relating to the rainy season, said Hlegu township administrator U Aung Kyaw Oo on September 26.





Trespassers on the same stretch of land were removed by the former government last December. The current residents, many of whom returned after the previous eviction plan, have renamed their dwellings Aung Yadanar, Yadanar Aung and Gantgaw Kyun villages. Many of them come from Kayin and Kachin states and Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions, Ko Win Ko, a resident of the self-styled Aung Yadanar village, told The Myanmar Times on September 26.

After they sent in the bulldozers, a lot of strangers came to take advantage of the confusion, he said.

The government should be able to tell who has a real housing problem and help them. They could pay in monthly installments of K20,000 or K30,000, he added.

We wrote to Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein asking him to find them somewhere else to live, said a local villager, U Pyone Cho. Unless the government finds them alternative accommodation, theyll just come back.

Translation by San Layy
When the central character in the 1998 movie Enemy of the State feigns ignorance about whats happening, his good-guy sidekick explodes and shouts, Youre either very smart  or incredibly stupid.





Its a line that resonates these days when seeking to understand many of the worlds political leaders and especially those in this region.

First, it encapsulate the rather perverse fact that trying to distinguish between smartness and stupidity can be strangely difficult, even when assessing figures who are in the public eye every day.

That has been made clear by the rise of Donald Trump, who, despite a wobbly debate performance on September 26, is now within an inch of becoming the most powerful man in the world.

Ask a dozen people if Trump is smart or stupid and the answers will balance out more or less equally, although sometimes more people will say he is stupid than say he is smart.

But it does not seem to matter either way, for the fact is that in a little over a months time, he may be elected president of the United States.

It is a prospect that unnerves many people in this region who fear that Trumps actions may roil Southeast Asias relative stability and strategic balance. and may even precipitate global chaos.





When a slew of foreign ambassadors based in Washington were surveyed about this, they responded in a most undiplomatic manner; indeed, one might say they spoke in Trumpist language.

He is a clown, said one ambassador. Hes nuts, said another. None appears to have said he is very smart.

The survey also revealed that if they were able to vote, only 7 percent of these plenipotentiaries would vote for Trump over his rival Hillary Clinton.

But then these are guys who speak French and stand up when a lady enters a room, so perhaps they are among the few who can distinguish between smart and stupid.

As for the struggling masses who clean their own shoes, they are biding their time, both about Trump and his startling equivalents in this region.

No prizes for guessing who they are: President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, General Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand, and Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia.

Are these guys very smart or incredibly stupid? It is often hard to say.

Aside from Prayut, who seized power in a coup and is an exception, the others have all won elections, perhaps questionably at times, but they thus far have retained power.

That said, most independent observers would not be surprised in the least if any one of them, or even all of them, were to be kicked out tomorrow.

For they all behave, often repeatedly, in ways that makes common folk stop as if struck by a thunderbolt and wonder: Is our leader totally bonkers? Or some kind of weird genius? Or is it raining meatballs?

Lets get specific and look at Duterte, the wackiest member the elected trio, whose penchant for crude comments about everyone from Pope Francis to US President Barack Obama defies all logic.

After all, Catholics form a huge majority in his country  more than 80pc, and America is a longstanding treaty ally that provides the Philippines with a security umbrella.

Yet Duterte mocks both  just as he mocks the United Nations and anyone else who criticises him.

His crass pomposity and bragadaccio have briefly made him more popular at home, but there is a tide in the affairs of men and recent signs indicate that it may be starting to go out for Duterte.

Last week, social media in the Philippines was awash with talk of a possible military coup by officers upset by the presidents insults against allies and his support for the mass murder of alleged drug dealers on the streets.

Some analysts have already surmised that like Joseph Estrada, one of his recent predecessors, who was turfed out after completing less than half his term, Duterte will not last long in the presidential palace.

A similar fate is possible for Cambodias Hun Sen and Malaysias Najib, who have both survived recent batterings, and, in Hun Sens case, reacted with language Duterte and Trump would endorse.

Indeed, in almost vigilante style, the Cambodian leader vowed last week to eliminate his political opponents if they proceed with a planned demonstration against his government.

Rival legislators have already been beaten up by Hun Sens security forces, while the judiciary, widely viewed as politically biased, has routinely imprisoned oppositionists on trumped-up charges.

The crackdown is seen as part of an early preparation for the next general election due in 2018, when many predict that the Cambodian opposition has a decent chance of building on its near victory in the previous polls.

Hun Sen will no more allow that to happen than his Malaysian counterpart Najib will countenance being forced out over a multi-billion-dollar scandal at 1MDB, a state wealth fund for which, as chair, he was responsible.

Najib, an urbane, British-educated Malay, let his stepson exploit 1MDB, let his top advisor seduce a Mongolian model who was later murdered, and lets his brash shopaholic wife run riot in designer stores.

Yet for now, like Duterte and Hun Sen, he survives. So perhaps these guys really are very smart  or the voters are incredibly stupid.

Either way, solace may be sought in the Bibles Psalm 146, verse 3: Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

In other words, please dont get suckered in by crude tough guys, because when push comes to shove theyll only look after number one.
Recently I attended a talk by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at a major cultural institution in New York City. People filed in early to be sure of their seats in what became a packed auditorium. Once seated, guests tittered, tweeted, texted, talked. But precious few silently took in an incredible gift floating out from the loudspeakers: Burmese hsaing waing (gong-drum ensemble), hne (circular breathing double reed oboe), tayaw (violin) and slide guitar  impossibly intricate yet able to nearly intoxicate a listener tuned with a puzzling, assertively curious ear.





For the incurious, these wafting sounds were just an exotic background buzz, forgotten immediately in the trill of a tweet, or talk of more important matters. Recorded as consecutive instrumental solos, the loop of musical numbers repeated several times before Daw Aung San Suu Kyi entered on the stage and the program began. Even disinterested listeners had ample time before the event to wonder about these tunes.

This magical music  Kyaw Kyaw Naings hsaing, U Ba Htays hne, U Tin Yis tayaw and Myanmar slide guitarist Man Yar Pyae U Tin  carried clues to understanding the particular, the un-global latitude and longitude of Burmese character and art.

Not only in New York but also among so many in Myanmar are these particulars dismissed as irrelevant in the current rush to catch up with neighbours and to globalise musical culture. Elderly and even younger musicians languish, their genius unrecognised and ignored, abandoned for new cultural loops. You know this story. The world repeats it in each new generation that later suffers regret for irretrievable cultural loss, a collective sentiment unable to value living traditions as also a way to move forward.

In Yangon, English and now some Myanmar language event listings seldom announce gatherings and concerts where traditional musicians may be heard, nor do they note pagoda festivals of zat pwe where musicians and dancers can be experienced. Is it really too hard to undertake ear travel with particular tones and time, especially as with the internet we have more access than ever before to all kinds of music?

In her talk, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi invited those Americans engaging with Myanmar to cultivate particular understandings. That means listening to individual ethnic voices in Myanmar, supporting this governments priority of a lasting peace agreement. In investment it means developing appropriate jobs and skills to specific sectors of the country in addition to estimating profit; being sensitive to a geo-infrastructure that suffers from heavy monsoons that wash away bridges and roads each year; and appreciating that democratic practice is an evolution, needing support for efforts to amend the constitution ensuring that all representatives to parliament are elected, not one-quarter appointed. In foreign policy, it means respecting that Myanmar will maintain a balanced relationship with all countries, not a favoured few.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi encouraged the study of Myanmars specific needs rather than settling for a generalised, global overview or drawing incorrect, facile comparisons with its Southeast Asian neighbours.

Deep listening acknowledges another voice, not the echo of our own, and navigating other languages of movement between sound and silence. The particulars of another music not only enrich experience but also encourage an integrated way to listen to culture as a whole.





As we put in earbuds to hear Burmese society and its traditional performing arts  aspects of both being lively hidden worlds to the outsider  we need to adjust the volume on the borrowed saying from environmental awareness: Listen locally, act globally.

Kit Young aka Sandaya Khin Khin Lei is a musician and a co-founder of Gitameit Music Center. She has researched and performed sandaya  the piano adapted to Burmese musical practice  since 1987.
Veteran actor Kofi Adu, aka Agya Koo, has fired back at the National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams, after the latter claimed he did not know him.

The popular actor says he is not surprised by Kofi Adams comment because for more than three years, Ghanaians had been living in the dark and so most TVs were off.

Mr Adams was quoted to have said he did not know who Agya Koo was and when talking about movie stars and celebrities, it is the likes of John Dumelo he can recognise.

If Kofi Adams says he doesnt know me, I am not surprised because his TV was off because of dumsor which his government inflicted on Ghanaians, Agya Koo stated in an interview with HELLO FM in Kumasi.

Agya Koo emphatically stated that not even 100 NDC ministers under the current administration can match his popularity.

I dont like bragging but I can tell you for a fact that not even NDC ministers can match my popularity. They can sit there and deceive themselves but we are focused on what we are doing because we know what Ghanaians want and that is change,  he said.

Agya Koo also confirmed rumours about how some top ranking personalities tried to talk him out of declaring his support for Nana Akufo-Addo.

Few hours to the press conference to officially announce his endorsement, reports indicated that the celebrated actor received a call from the Presidency, asking him to rescind his decision but he insisted, contending that his decision was not borne out of his personal interest but that of the entire Ghanaian populace.

-peacefmonline
Rapper Ko-Jo Cue has joined the list of celebrated Ghanaian musicians with verified Twitter accounts.

A blue verified badge on Twitter accounts let people know that an account of public interest is authentic and it is a big deal on Twitter.

E.L, Sarkodie, Samini, Pappy Kojo, Joey B, Efya, Shatta Wale, Becca, Irene Logan and Chase are among top Ghanaian musicians who have had their accounts verified.

The BBnZ Live artiste, born Linford Kennedy Amankwaa, recently thrilled hip-hop fans at his 'Ko-Jo Cue For President' concert at Alliance Francaise in Accra.

He currently has over 23,000 followers and comes across as a very active person on the social platform. He basically uses the platform to promote his career.

By Francis Addo (Twitter: @fdee50 Email: [email protected])
Popular hip life artiste, Kwaw Kese, alias Abodam has thrown off the tag of a sympathizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and strongly affirmed his neutrality in Ghanaian politics.

Obviously angry at attempts to portray him as a member or sympathizer of the NPP, Abodam took to social media to proclaim that he is not a member of any political party.

He is the fourth popular Ghanaian personality to have done so in only about five weeks.

Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, Highlife Superstar Amakye Dede and music icon Kwabena Kwabena preceded him.

Although Kwabena Kwabena admits that he has composed and played songs for Nana Akufo Addo, the presidential candidate of the NPP, he insists that he is not a member or sympathizer of the party.

He also claims that he was not contracted by the party to sing for it and he has not received any payments for what he did.

Amakye Dede on the other hand says that his relationship with the NPP is purely a professional one and that he will play for any party which is prepared to pay for his services.

Asamoah Gyan denies any relationship with the NPP and is emphatic that he has not provided financial assistance to the party.

Abodam wants to be seen as a musician who performs for the delight of all Ghanaians.

His fans cut across the political divide.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts says it considers accessibility for all as the centrepiece of its sustainable tourism policies and plans.

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, said accessible tourism for all was about the creation of the best environment that could cater for the needs of everyone.

She said this during the National Celebration of the World Tourism Day held on the theme: 'Tourism For All, Promoting Universal Accessibility', at Kintampo in the Brong-Ahafo Region on Tuesday.

The World Tourism Day is to foster awareness on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

The event seeks to address global challenges outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these goals.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the theme provides Ghanaians with the opportunity to reflect on the urgent need to ensure accessibility to the country's tourist attractions.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation data, she mentioned, 15 percent of the world's population is estimated to be living with some form of disability.

The tourism minister expressed the hope that the ageing population in Ghana would benefit from the universal accessibility in tourism.

She said with this year's event, the ministry was partnering with the Savannah Development Authority (SADA) to organise the 2016 World Tourism Day dubbed 'World Tourism Day SADAFEST 2016'.

The minister said the idea behind the partnership is to use the celebration to focus on unearthing the tourism and economic potential of the SADA Zone, with the ultimate goal of directing tourist traffic to the zone as well as showcasing the zone's investment opportunities.

She urged all stakeholders, especially tour operators and hospitality service providers, to offer special attractive packages for Ghanaians to patronise tourist sites and hospitality facilities across the country.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Celebrated hiplife/hip hop Ghanaian artist ,Guru has indicated that Ray moni is not his official manager.

Guru , on September 26 released a song titled Are You Aware? featuring Benji.After releasing the song,Social media sensation Divine Diamond who is known for her viral video which is also dubbed Are You Aware had accused the award-winning rapper Guru of stealing her intellectual property.

According to Devine, the term Are You Aware? and the rhythm was her intellectual property so she demands compensation from Gurus management

However, in response to this allegation, Gurus manager, Ray Moni, admitted that Divine owns the intellectual property,Yes, Guru took her song. Even though the original song has been in existence for some time now, we admit that she made it popular,Ray moni opined.

But speaking on Am Pluzz,Guru surprisingly refuted those claims by reiterating that he never contracted Ray Moni to speak on his behalf because Ray moni is not his official manager.

According to Guru,ever since he abrogated his contract with ex-manager Frank Agyekum,he has never had an official manager.

The original song is titled Yesu Ni Wangu by South African children group Watoto Childrens Choir but has been reproduced in different versions over the years including the latest vulgar version by Divine Diamond
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Gabon President elected Ali Bongo Ondimba addresses his guests during the swearing in ceremony in Libreville on September 27, 2016. By Steve Jordan (AFP/File)

29.09.2016 LISTEN

Libreville (AFP) - Gabon's opposition leader on Thursday called for sanctions against regime members he accused of electoral fraud and scorned any idea cooperating with re-elected head of state Ali Bongo.

Jean Ping, a former foreign minister who according to official results lost narrowly to Bongo in the August 27 vote, said Gabon had been the victim of a "military-electoral coup d'etat."

He called for "targeted sanctions against those responsible," including a freeze on assets held abroad and a ban on foreign travel.

Bongo was installed on Tuesday for his second term as president, three days after the Constitutional Court rejected Ping's demand for a recount.

Ali Bongo re-elected president of Gabon

In his first act after the court's announcement, Bongo had called for "all political leaders" to engage in a "dialogue" to steer the country out of crisis.

His new prime minister, Emmanuel Ngondet, also tended an apparent olive branch on Thursday, saying negotiations were still under way for forming an "inclusive government" that would be unveiled on Sunday.

But Ping, speaking at a press conference, angrily slapped down any notion of cooperation.

'Imposter'

He reiterated he did not recognise Bongo as president, lashing him as "an imposter calling for dialogue."

"What dialogue?" he asked.

"This is someone who has been disavowed by the people and defeated at the ballot box, who is asking the person from whom he stole the election to come and dialogue with him... We won't go to any dialogue staged by this imposter."

He announced that October 6 would be set as a "national day of remembrance" for those killed in the post-election violence.

A former French colony in central-western Africa, Gabon has vast assets in oil, minerals and timber, and has a per-capita national income that is far above the average for sub-Saharan Africa.

A former French colony in central-western Africa, Gabon has vast assets in oil, minerals and timber, and has a per-capita national income that is far above the average for sub-Saharan Africa

But a third of the population of 1.8 million still live below the poverty line, the result, say specialists, of chronic inequality and corruption.

Critics lay much of the blame at the door of the Bongo family, which has ruled the country for decades.

Ali Bongo, 57, took over from his father Omar Bongo, who ruled for 41 years until his death in 2009.

Violence erupted on August 31 after Bongo was declared the winner by a wafer-thin margin, prompting Ping, 75, to allege fraud and declare himself "president-elect."

Demonstrators set parliament ablaze and clashed with police, who made a thousand arrests.

Opposition figures say more than 50 people were killed. The government has given a toll of three dead.

Fears of bloodshed surged once more after the Constitutional Court last Saturday rejected Ping's demand for a recount and instead boosted Bongo's margin of victory from 6,000 to 11,000 votes.

'Open an investigation'

In The Hague, the International Criminal Court said Thursday it had opened a "preliminary examination" of the post-poll violence to determine if there was enough evidence for a probe into possible crimes against humanity.

Chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said the Gabonese government had referred the violence to her office on September 21, asking it "to open an investigation without delay."

Ali Bongo's declared victory has received a cool reception from the African Union and the United Nations, while the European Union said there had been voting "anomalies" which had not been rectified by the court

A letter of referral signed by Gabonese Justice Minister Denise Mekamne Edzidzie accuses Ping and his supporters of incitement to genocide and crimes against humanity.

It highlights a speech which Ping gave during his electoral campaign, in which he allegedly called on his supporters to "get rid of the cockroaches."

Bensouda cautioned that a "preliminary examination is not an investigation but a process of examining the information" to see if there was enough evidence for a full inquiry.

Ping, for his part, called on the ICC and Amnesty International "to shed all possible light on the murders, disappearances and breaches of human rights."

Bongo's declared victory has received a cool reception from the African Union and the United Nations, while the European Union said there had been voting "anomalies" which had not been rectified by the court.
Lagos (AFP) - Amnesty International on Thursday accused Nigeria's security forces of killing at least 150 pro-Biafra protesters and injuring hundreds since August 2015.

The army denied the charge.

"This deadly repression of pro-Biafra activists is further stoking tensions in the southeast of Nigeria," Amnesty warned in its report.

"This reckless and trigger-happy approach to crowd control has caused at least 150 deaths and we fear the actual total might be far higher," said Makmid Kamara, interim director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

The watchdog said its report was based on analysis of 87 videos, 122 photographs and 146 eyewitness accounts relating to demonstrations and other gatherings of Biafran activists between August 2015 and August 2016.

The protesters were asking for a separate state for the Igbo people of southeast Nigeria.

Amnesty said the military used live ammunition with little or no warning to disperse the protesters.

In May 2016, it said, at least 60 people were shot dead and 70 injured in two days of events to mark Biafra Remembrance Day.

Amnesty called for an inquiry.

"The Nigerian government's decision to send in the military to respond to pro-Biafra events seems to be in large part to blame for this excessive bloodshed," it said.

"The authorities must immediately launch an impartial investigation and bring the perpetrators to book."

Nigerian army spokesman Sani Usman dismissed the allegation.

"We wish to debunk the insinuation that our troops perpetrated the killing of defenceless agitators. This is an outright attempt to tarnish the reputation of the security forces," Usman said in a statement.

He said the activists had in fact killed five policeman at a protest in May and attacked military and police vehicles.

"(...) The military and other security agencies exercised maximum restraints despite the flurry of provocative and unjustifiable violence," he added.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has staged series of demonstrations across the southeast since the arrest in October last year of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been charged with treason and still in detention.

Kanu, who is also head of the banned Radio Biafra, is accused of calling for a separate republic of Biafra, nearly 50 years after a previous declaration of independence sparked a civil war.

The 1967-70 conflict left more than a million people dead, most of them from starvation and disease, as the Igbo nation was blockaded into submission.

Amnesty and other human rights groups have previously highlighted similar claims against the military in December last year, when at least 350 Shiite Muslim protesters were killed in the northern city of Zaria.

The military has also been accused of a catalogue of abuses against civilians during Boko Haram's Islamist insurgency in the northeast.
South Africas proposal to transfer the Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra) from Appendix I to Appendix II has been adopted at the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) currently underway in Johannesburg.

The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Dr Edna Molewa, delivered an intervention at CITES COP17 which notes that the Cape Mountain Zebra subspecies is endemic to South Africa and "no longer meets the biological criteria for an Appendix I listing.

South Africa's conservation of this species has been extraordinary - from less than 100 individual animals in the 1990's to well over 5 000 in 2016.

The Cape Mountain Zebra is well protected in state-owned protected areas. The two original subpopulations in Mountain Zebra National Park and the Karoo National Park have doubled since 2004.

The national population has increased steadily since the early 1990s, with the annual rate of increase from 2009 to 2015 measured at just over 9%, says Minister Molewa.

In August 2015, the population of Cape Mountain Zebra comprised a minimum of around 4 800 individuals in no less than 75 subpopulations that are well distributed over the historical range of the subspecies.

As a result, the Cape Mountain Zebra is no longer threatened with extinction, having recently been assessed as Least Concern in accordance with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

The transfer of Cape Mountain Zebra to Appendix II supports the management and conservation of this subspecies, as it opens up additional economic opportunities that can support the expansion of available habitat and better management of subpopulations on private land. Private ranchers currently play an important role in conserving almost a third of the national population and the aim is to strengthen their involvement in the meta-population management of the Cape Mountain Zebra, said Minister Molewa.

South Africa has already undertaken some analyses and modelling to determine conditions for adaptive management of Cape Mountain Zebra and the setting of offtake quotas.

Minister Molewa acknowledged and thanked the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and Cape Nature for their collaboration and scientific research in ensuring that a well-informed policy decision is taken relating to the appropriate CITES listing of Cape Mountain Zebra in South Africa.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

At the resumed hearing of the on-going trial of Nigerias former Head of Service, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye before Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Wednesday, counsels to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the defendant had a heated argument over the admissibility of documents presented by the EFCC.

Leading a witness, Bello Hammadhama in evidence, Prosecution Counsel, I.O. Uket had tendered four statements allegedly made by the accused while in EFCC custody, urging the Court to admit them in evidence.

Relying on section 52 of the Evidence Act, he argued that the leader of the EFCC investigating team, who had earlier appeared in Court as Prosecution Witness (1) administered the word of caution on the defendant before extracting the statements from him.

It is in evidence that the statements sought to be tendered were made by the defendant himself. The four statements were made on: 25/8/2015; 27/8/2015; 3/9/2015 and 29/2/2016. The defendant signed these statements as the maker, while PW 1 signed clearly as a witness. 

Objecting to the admissibility of the documents, leader of the defence team, A.I. Ola (SAN) urged the Court to reject the document, adding that Prosecution Witness (6) was not the proper person to present same to the Court. He cited section 83, sub-sections 1, 2 and 4 of the Evidence Act, among other authorities, in support of his argument.

The defendant is prejudiced. PW 6 cannot be giving witness for PW 1. The Statement was recorded by the PW 1. She has been before this Court to testify. The opportunity was there for her to tender the documents. The defence counsel did not cross-examine her on this document because it was not tendered. Now, the prosecution is trying to present it through the back door. Prosecution deliberately denied us the opportunity of cross-examining the PW 1. I urge your lordship to reject the document.

In her ruling, the presiding Judge, O.O. Goodluck held that: the documents sought to be tendered are statements of the defendant while in custody. This Court has exhaustively looked at the arguments from both the defence and prosecution counsels and is of the opinion that the documents could be admitted. However, caution must be applied in attaching value to its contents.

The case was adjourned to 29th September, 2016 for continuation of hearing and cross-examination of the PW 6 by the defence Counsel.

It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in March, 2016, dragged Nigerias former Head of Service, Stephen Oronsaye before Justice Goodluck of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja on charges bothering on alleged breach of trust while in office as Chairman, Presidential Committee on the Financial Action Taskforce.

BY Destiny Ugorji
28.09.2016 LISTEN

By Josephine Nyarkoh, GNA

Kumasi, Sept 28, GNA - The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), an NGO, committed to the welfare of women and children, has called for journalists to avoid doing anything unethical likely to throw the country into confusion.

Mrs. Edna Kuma, the Executive Director, said it was important they exercised good professional judgement and circumspection in the performance of their duties, to hold the people together.

This, she indicated, was even more critical, as the nation inched closer to the presidential and parliamentary elections.

She was speaking at a day's workshop organized for the media in Kumasi with support from STAR Ghana, a multi-donor funding mechanism.

The goal was to aid the journalists not only to have better understanding of the electoral laws but to play their expected role well, for the successful conduct of the general election.

It provided the platform to discuss election reportage, ethical guidelines for election administration, civil and political rights, the national laws on elections and the role of the interparty advisory committee (IPAC) in the election process.

Mrs. Kuma asked that news reports should be based on verifiable facts - must be balanced and should not be based on mischief, rumors and gossip.

'A news story that includes different points of view is always going to be a stronger and more balanced one', she added.

She underlined the need for them to be guided by the national interest in whatever they did.

GNA
By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA

Cape Coast, Sept. 28, GNA - A senior civic education officer of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has said vote buying contributes to the high incidence of spoiled and rejected ballots in the national elections.

Mrs Florence Sackey said people intentionally spoilt ballot papers by voting for two or more candidates because they had collected money or gifts from the candidates to vote for them.

She has, therefore, urged politicians contesting in the upcoming general election to refrain from inducing the electorate with money and other essential gifts to influence their votes.

She said the practice was inappropriate and it could derail the efficiency in the country's political system and it was also a dent on the country's young democracy.

Mrs Sackey was speaking at a civic engagement forum with the Oguaa Branch of the Tailors and Dress Makers Association of Ghana, in Cape Coast. It was organised by the Commission with support from the European Union (EU).

It formed part of activities by the NCCE to intensify voter education, among the registered voters, and to deepen the interest of the electorate and encourage high voter turnout in the elections.

She also urged the electorate to desist from demanding or accepting money and essential gifts from politicians, adding that, voting for a candidate in an election was an independent decision that needed not to be influenced.

Mrs Sackey mentioned money, pieces of cloths, mobile phones, sewing machines and basins as some of the items often used by politicians to influence the electorates.

She said if the trend continued, it would get to a time when only rich people could contest for election at all levels in the country.

In 1992, rejected ballots accounted for 3.6 per cent of the total valid votes cast as against 1.53 per cent in 1996.

The first round of the 2000 Election also saw rejected ballots, accounting for 1.8 per cent of the total votes cast, while in 2014, it constituted 2.2 per cent of the total valid votes cast.

In 2008, rejected ballots went up, recording an overall 2.4 per cent of the valid votes cast, while in the 2012 elections, the number of rejected ballots stood at 2.3 per cent.

Mrs Sackey noted that a lot of people said they were reluctant to participate in the impending elections because they had not benefited from previous voting exercises.

She, however, urged them to participate actively in the elections as it was their civic responsibility.

She advised them not to wear any political party paraphernalia to the voting centres on the day of voting to ensure peace.

She called on political parties to complement the efforts of the NCCE by educating its followers on how to vote properly, adding that, voter education was a collective responsibility.

Some of the participants who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) commended the NCCE for the education and said it should not be limited to election periods but it must be a continuous exercise.

GNA
One thousand security personnel would be deployed to maintain law and order at the Christ For All Nations (CFAN) crusade, to be hosted in the Sunyani in the Brong-Ahafo regional capital.

The crusade is expected to be attended by 400,000 people.

The security officers would be selected from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service and Ghana Prisons Service.

According to Apostle Mark Andoh, the Chairman of the planning committee, about 20,000 ushers are expected to support the security agencies in their work.

The Greater Peace Gospel Crusade, which is expected to usher in the spirit of peace and tranquility during and beyond Election 2016, would host German International Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke.

Reinhard Bonnke

Addressing a meeting of pastors, church leaders and workers on preparations toward the four-day crusade scheduled for November 3 to November 6, Apostle Andoh said preparations for the great gathering of the believers and unbelievers are steadily progressing.

He explained that out-patient and in-patient department set-ups would be mounted at the crusade grounds to attend to emergency cases. There would be also two standby ambulances.

Apostle Andoh said temporal structures would be put up for the various denominations and very soon giant billboards would be erected at vantage points, while the national flag would also be hoisted in the Sunyani Municipality.

He said arrangements had been made for special mobile toilets and urinals, whilst vehicles would also be provided to convey participants to and fro.

Apostle Andoh expressed optimism that the crusade would bring salvation, spiritual peace and progress to Ghana and consolidate the democratic gains.
The community Rotaract Club of Ho has donated academic materials to the Adaklu Dzakpo D/A Primary School.

Items donated include exercise books, pens, pencils and rulers.

Taking turns to advice the children, the Rotaractors advised the pupils to resolve to work hard towards a bright future.

President of the Ho community Rotaract Club, Simon Fafali Awumey, said the club, which is a subsidiary of the Rotary Club, is committed to helpingthe less privileged in the society.

We love to put smile on the faces of those people that need it most" he said.

Addressing a gathering of parents at the school during the donation, the leadership of the club advised them to be involved in the development of their wards stating that they should see their childrens education as a life-long investment.

The Rotractors expressed disappointment at the poor participation of fathers in the education of the children as was evidenced by few numbers of fathers at the event.

Some of the pupils said the donation will spur them to work assiduously to become good citizens.
ECONOMY MAKES LIFE UNBEARABLE

Majority of workers in Ghana are impoverished as their real incomes continue to shrink under the countrys economic crisis, the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) has lamented.

BoG THOUGH ON RECAPITALISATION OF BANKS

Business Finder has gathered that the motive behind the Bank of Ghana minimum capital requirement of banks in Ghana is to force mergers and acquisitions.

DOING BUSINESS SURVEY: BAD NEWS FOR GHANA

Ghanas ranking for starting a business has fallen from 97th in the world in 2015 to 102nd in 2016, the World Banks Doing Business ranking has revealed.

TROUBLE HITS EC: GH50,000 FILING FEE IN LIMBO

The Electoral Commission has come under heavy criticism for some of the demands it is making from the presidential and the parliamentary candidates for the December general elections.

123 COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOLS MISSING

It is becoming evident that the ruling NDC is struggling to locate most of the 123 Community Day Senior High Schools that it claims to have built.

PRAYE BACKS NANA ADDO WITH SONG

Praye Tintin and Praye Tiatia on Wednesday declared support for the Nana Akufo-Addo and called on their fans to vote for the party during the December 7 general elections.

TERMINAL HANDLING CHARGES BROUHAHA RAGES AS SHIPPING LINES IGNORE DIRECTIVES

The leadership of key business association that constitute a critical mass of the shipping industry have called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, put to order some recalcitrantshipping lines/agents that have ignored the directive to scrap terminal handling charges imposed on shippers in the country.

GDP GROWTH SLUMPS TO 2.5%

The countrys GDP for the second quarter has plummeted to 2.5% from the 4.8% recorded in the first quarter of 2016, on the back of technical challenges on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah which decelerated oil production, the Statistical Service has said.

TILAPIA, CASHEW DRAW VIETNAMESE INVESTORS

Vietnamese investors currently on a one-week working visit to Ghana are seeking to establish joint ventures with Ghanaian partners in the production of tilapia, cashew, and rice.

PROCEEDS FROM GOLD HIT $2.43 BILLION

Proceeds from the countrys gold production in the first half of the year rose to $2.43 billion compared with $1.75 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
A civil society group, 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (G- ROC), is calling on government to consider using renewable energies such as wind, solar and biogas to augment the country's current energy capacity rather than coal-fueled plants.

According to them, coal has severe negative environmental, health, and social impact on humans.

The group raised the concern following a publication by Volta River Authority (VRA) in January this year, announcing government's intention to collaborate with the Shenzhen Energy Group Co., Ltd. of China (SEC) to develop a 2350MW super-critical coal-fired generating units including affiliated coal handling terminal, at Ekumfi in the Central Region.

The plant is estimated to cost about US$1.5 billion dollars to be financed by the Chinese-Africa Development (CAD) Fund. But speaking to Citi News, Coordinator for 350 G-ROC, Chibeze Ezekiel, said Ghana must take a cue from other countries that have suffered serious negative effects using coal power.

In India, one hundred and fifteen thousand people die every year as a result of coal which is costing the government $4.6million; a lot of death because there is a component in coal emission that's mercury. We think that the devastating effect of coal is not appropriate for our country he said.

He added that; This is why countries like United States and China are shying away from coal. Our demands are that there are better alternatives which are more efficient and can promise jobs such as renewable energies, we have enough sunlight, wind, biogas which are available and natural that we can use to harness energy. We are calling on government to stop the coal dream and focus on renewable energies.

'Coal plant project to commence in 2017'

The Volta River Authority (VRA), says the 1.5 billion dollars coal power plant scheduled to be built would commerce in April 2017 . The Authority said, a total of about two million tonnes of coal would be imported from Colombia and South Africa every year; more than the 25-year lifespan of the project and the construction of the plant would also include a new coal port to receive the coal.

Mr Jacob Brown Yawson, Manager of Technical Services, VRA at Aboadze, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said in December 2015, VRA and Shenzhen released a pre-feasibility environmental and social impact assessment for phase I: 2x350MW supercritical coal plant, including an affiliated coal handling terminal, while Phase II would be a 4X350MW or 2X600MW supercritical coal plant.

He said the key risk in the energy sector is fuel supply and that there is the need to diversify the energy sources since the country could not rely on one traditional source.



By: Philip Nii Lartey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Some angry residents in the Ashaiman constituency are pointing accusing fingers at the Returning officer of the Electoral Commission in the area for deliberately denying them the opportunity to transfer their votes.

The angry residents on Wednesday afternoon expressed their anger at the Ashaiman main office of the commission over the conduct of the Returning officer.

The residents, numbering over 50, had to verbally assault the EC officials for slowing the process.

At the time Citi News got to the scene around 2:00pm, some of the aggrieved residents were gearing up to engage the EC officials in a brawl.

It took the timely intervention of a police patrol team to calm the situation.

Speaking to Citi News, some of the residents who had gone to get the EC office at Ashaiman Lebanon to get their votes transferred said they had to literally beg the officers on duty to take them through the process successfully.

According to some of them, they have had to go to the Electoral Commission office on daily basis since Monday until Wednesday, but they have not been able to transfer their votes.

Since Monday, I have been frequenting this office just to get my votes transferred but nothing is being done for me. Each time the EC official keeps giving excuses that I should bring this document or the other and if I bring it, he still finds fault and I have been going up and down and my transfer has not been effected An angry old lady fumed.

Another angry resident noted that When the EC officials come; they only issue out a few forms to the people and deliberately delay the process. As we speak, not more than 20 people have been served today yet they are already complaining of shortage of transfer forms.

They accused the Returning officer, one Mr. Reynolds, for deliberately sabotaging the process to disenfranchise them in December.

This is a clear sabotage; Mr Reynolds is sabotaging us so that we would not be able to vote for our preferred party in December. This morning when he came; he only signed 30 transfer forms and left and this has been his lifestyle since the beginning of the exercise. The earliest he is called to order the better they cautioned.

According to sources, the Ashaiman EC office has since the beginning of the process only managed to complete up to 500 transfers in the constituency.

When contacted, an official of the EC, who failed to give his name, confirmed that the exercise has been slow but denied that it was deliberate.

My Returning officer is gone for training at Amasaman so before leaving in the morning, he signed a few forms to be used; but unfortunately we are almost short of forms so we would have to reschedule the people for tomorrow [Thursday].

He also confirmed that, so far about 500 people are those whose transfers have been processed successfully.

Votes Transfer challenges

In other parts of the country, the exercise to transfer votes has been marred by violence largely by followers of the two main parties, the NDC and the NPP.

Both parties have in those instances, accused each other of scheming the process. At Kukuom in Asunafo South Constituency of the Brong Ahafo Region for instance, the EC has suspended the exercise.

Follow the hashtag #GhElections on Social Media for election related stories.



By: Elvis Washington/citifmonline.com/Ghana
A former Commissioner for the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Justice Emile Short has backed calls by judges for an upward review of their remunerations and conditions of service.

Supreme Court judge, William Atuguba, who spoke on behalf of the Judges at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana on Wednesday, demanded that judges be given some extra allowances to compensate them for their efforts at ensuring justice in the country.

Justice Atuguba

These demands came days after over 150 lower court judges threatened to abandon the courts if their demands for a 10 percent salary increase was not adhered to.

Salaries and conditions of service inadequate

Justice Short admitted that such calls were unusual but still warranted given the enormous responsibility that judges have as he maintained that their salaries and conditions of service are quite inadequate.

He explained that the need for such a review becomes more apparent when judges retire as they now have to pay for you own medical bills, you don't have any security, and you don't have any other facility.

Thus he said, I think these allowances which they are calling for are in the right direction and they should be consolidated.

I agree that it is unusual for a judge of his standing to make this call in public but I don't think it is improper. I think if the judges feel they are not adequately paid, they have the right to make that call in public, he added.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Abidjan (AFP) - In a bustling market in Abidjan, women browse through a bewildering array of intricately patterned wax-print fabrics, each of which has a unique and sometimes quirky name.

"Eye of my rival" is one which has an eye-like motif, while another is known as "capable husband".

Another bale of this brightly coloured fabric is labelled "jealousy".

Each print has a name and comes in different colours, so you could have a "capable husband" in red, green or a white and the same for 'Eye of my rival".

Others have longer, more conversational names: "If you leave, so will I" or "If you divorce, I won't eat sand".

Known as a "pagne", this strip of printed cotton cloth can be worn in a number of different ways, tailored into a garment or used to make any type of fashion accessory or household item.

The name often reflects a key element in the pattern and those attached to the most popular styles often spread quickly as rumours and jokes around Adjame market in Ivory Coast's economic capital.

"We don't know where they come from," chuckles Didi Sangare, a market trader who has been selling fabric for 15 years.

"From saleswomen, from the clients, people give them names... and sometimes they stick," she says.

"They come and they go. When there's a successful soap opera or some political event, the pagne that appears at the same time might get its name."

'We can do everything!'

One African pagne printed with cars is named "Renato's car" after a heartthrob in a Latin American soap, while other bales of fabric have been named after heroines of popular television series.

The name of a cloth often reflects a key element in the pattern and those attached to the most popular styles often spread quickly as rumours and jokes around Adjame market in Ivory Coast's economic capital

Others reflect political events, with one named "Guei's Broom" for the general who briefly headed a military junta after leading a coup in December 1999.

Similar to Indonesia's celebrated batiks, these textiles are printed with motifs which reflect African themes.

"Pagne is beautiful, pagne is good," says Korotoum Ouattara, a 28-year-old trader.

"Shirts, trousers, dresses -- clothes, but also bags, shoes, curtains, sheets, tablecloths," she says.

"We can do everything!"

Despite her enthusiasm, the fabric is not fireproof with regulations advising against its use for anything other than clothes.

And the rule is even wryly reflected in the name of one of the cheaper bolts of fabric: "Watch Out for Fire."

Dutch origins

Once a luxury item imported from The Netherlands, this wax-printed fabric today varies hugely in quality and the finesse of its designs.

Progress in African manufacturing and printing methods has sparked a cloth production boom, spawning a broader range of themes and pushing down prices for customers

Progress in African manufacturing and printing methods has sparked a production boom, spawning a broader range of themes, pushing down prices for customers -- and making some pagnes readily affordable.

Since the turn of the century, there has been strong competition from Asia. At Adjame market, as elsewhere in Africa, cloth imported from China and Thailand is on sale.

For the poorest customers, foreign products which cost between 2,000 and 6,000 CFA francs ($3.40-$10/3-9 euros) for six metres (yards) of fabric are more attainable than cloth from major local brands, which often sell for more than $25.

"Our main competitors are counterfeiting and fraud," says Jean-Louis Menudier, who heads Uniwax, the Ivorian subsidiary of Dutch group Vlisco and a top west African manufacturer of print fabrics.

"The products of our rivals are made in Asia, mostly in China.

"They almost exclusively reach the African continent through fraud -- contraband and tax evasion -- and much of the material is forgery using our designs."

'A strategy of creativity'

Menudier estimates that more than 90 percent of fabrics on the market are counterfeit or entered the country fraudulently.

The Uniwax factory in Abidjan is thriving with 750 employees and a net profit of $7 million in 2015 -- a profit margin of 11 percent -- on revenues of $62 million

"This posed an enormous threat to our activity between 2004 and 2006. We adopted a strategy of creativity, marketing, distribution and production that enables us to fight these phenomena effectively," he says.

"We create faster than imitators can copy," he adds, inspired perhaps by a print called "I run faster than my rival".

The strategy has paid off.

Uniwax is thriving with 750 employees and a net profit of $7 million in 2015 -- a profit margin of 11 percent -- on revenues of $62 million.

At the start of September, the company announced plans to raise $17 million on the stock market to finance an investment scheme that should enable it to increase production by 70 percent over five years.

Though the firm sells 45 percent of its wares in Ivory Coast, it is benefiting from an expanding international market that is slowly opening the gates to Europe and even the United States.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Ghanaian-American author Yaa Gyasi joined The Stream on Al Jazeera on Tuesday to speak about her seven-figure book deal, Africas complicity in the slave trade, and the tensions between Africans and African-Americans in the USA.

Gyasi sold her debut novel, Homegoing, for over a million dollars. I dont know if anyone could ever see something like that coming, she told The Streams hosts, Femi Oke and Malika Bilal. This business is so uncertain. I think a lot of writers, a lot of artists would agree that when they decide they want to do this for a living they kind of sign away the idea of making any money, so it really did shock me and blow me away. On the other hand, Ive wanted to be a writer my whole life, so its also been magical and beautiful that Ive not only been able to do it but be able to do it in such a way that Ive been able to reach so many people.

The bestseller follows the family tree of two half-sisters born in 18th century Ghana, one sold into slavery and the other married off to a British soldier at the Cape Coast Castle.

One of the themes of the novel is Ghanas complicity in the slave trade. Everyone was responsible. We all were we all are, she writes in Homegoing.

Her thoughts on slavery were partly shaped by a tour of the Cape Coast Castle in 2009  a very important centre both of colonialism and the slave trade It was established as a trading centre generally but the main trade was the slave trade."

She says she only visited the castle because I was with a friend and needed touristy-type things to do The castle, even though it stands only 52 miles away from my mothers hometown, is not really a part of Ghanaian identity, Ghanaian experience. I had asked my parents if they had learned this kind of thing in school and they said no.

Another major theme of the book is what it means to be black in the USA. On The Stream, Gyasi discussed the shared experience of being black in America, but also the tensions between African immigrants and African-Americans, with their different histories and lived experiences.

The American dream is still very much denied African-Americans, she says. You still can have access to whole worlds as a black immigrant that you dont get as African-American. Ive certainly heard about how when percentages are given about how many black students are in a college, for example, typically there are large percentages of Ghanaians or Nigerians, or Haitians or Jamaicans or whatever, who also make up that group. Does that mean its denying African-Americans access to these same spaces? Thats a larger part of this conversation: what do we have access to and what dont we have access to and what privileges are afforded African immigrants that arent afforded [African-Americans].

She says she wrote the book primarily for herself. I try not to write with an audience in mind. Its easier before you sell your first book because you can imagine that no one is going to read it. For me, this book was very much a personal project. I wrote it because I was having so many questions about identity: ethnic identity, racial identity, what it means to be black in America. So if I was to give this book an audience it would be me in middle school, when I had all these kinds of questions.

Watch the full interview her : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbwRR7Ttrxg.

For more information, visit http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201609272332-0025289 or follow the social media conversation at #ajstream.
A team of Commissioners from the National Media Commission (NMC) yesterday visited Western Publications Limited (WPL), publishers of DAILY GUIDE, to familiarize themselves with the running of Ghana's most read private newspaper.

The commission commended the newspaper for its quality and the changes it has undergone over the years, urging the managers to continue to keep their eyes on the ball in their quest to achieve more laurels.

The team was led by Dr. Doris Yaa Dartey, a seasoned journalist, and they took time to explain the mandate of the NMC as well as solicit views on how media houses could help the commission to bring sanity onto the media scene.

Dr. Dartey said the NMC had set up a Media Monitoring Unit with funds from the European Union and that the unit was preparing Consolidated state of the media reports which would help to improve media standards in the country.

She said the commission had also set up what she called Regional Media Advisory Committees in a number of regions to monitor the media landscape on its behalf; but bemoaned the lack of funds for the commission to execute its mandate.

We have not been able to cover the whole country due to lack of funds. If the NMC continues to remain an Accra entity you cannot expect it to be strong to monitor a fast expanding media landscape.

She said worriedly, People volunteer to work for the NMC in the regions.

During the meeting, interesting topics such as the manner in which the commission handles complaints, the commission's relationship with media houses, among others, came up and the commissioners, including Nana Addo Gyau Akabisa II, William Orleans Oduro and Kakra Essamuah, took turns to explain issues.

Editor of DAILY GUIDE, Fortune Alimi for instance, sought to know what the commission was doing to correct public perception that it is only 'targeting' a few media houses for sanctions whilst many errant newspapers continue to operate with impunity.

The need for the commission to enhance its public presence also came up strongly and the thorny issue of newspaper reviews by radio stations was also discussed.

Kwame Blay, Business Development Director of WPL, said DAILY GUIDE would continue to collaborate with the NMC to help bring sanity to the medial landscape.

There is no malice in what we do. We attach professionalism to everything we put out and issues are discussed dispassionately before we come out with our final product, he underscored.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has come under heavy criticism for some of the demands it is making from the presidential and the parliamentary candidates for the December general election.

First was its demand that individuals who seek to contest for the position of president pay an amount of GH50,000 each while those contesting for parliamentary seats pay GH10,000 each.

But the decision to charge high filing fees appears to have caught fire as some of the political parties have gone to court to place an injunction on the process.

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom's Progressive People's Party (PPP) and Akwasi Addai Odike's United Progressive Party (UPP) are contesting the filing fees in court, having filed separate cases against the arbitrary increases by the EC.



Injunction

The two other political parties  the PPP and the UPP  have both filed interlocutory injunction against the EC's decision to charge GH50,000 and GH10,000 for presidential and parliamentary aspirants which they think was virtually monetizing the position.

As at press time yesterday, the PPP was said to have succeeded in serving the EC's lawyer, Thaddeus Sory, with the writ, even though when DAILY GUIDE contacted him, he said he could not confirm or deny it.

Fresh Trouble

But even before the dust could settle on the increase in the filing fees, the EC surfaced with yet another demand Tuesday evening, asking presidential and parliamentary aspirants to declare their assets.

Failure to do so, the EC said could lead to a possible disqualification of the aspirant.

That decision came only three days to the close of the filing of nominations on Friday, September 30.

Some have therefore, expressed misgivings about the move, with others speculating that it is part of the EC's plans to deliberately disqualify some people from contesting in the upcoming general election  be them presidential or parliamentary aspirants.

In an interview with Accra-based Joy FM, EC Director of Communications, Eric Kofi Dzakpasu, said the commission would not compromise on the demand because there are legal requirements for going through to become a candidate. To the extent that you dont meet all the legal requirements your guess is as good as mine. You have not fulfilled the legal requirement so you may not go through.



Legal Challenge

However, some lawyers have questioned the basis of EC's demands since it has no legal backing.

In an interview with DAILY GUIDE, Edudzi Kudzo Tamakloe, a lawyer and Deputy Youth Organiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra Region, said The Constitution has set Article 94 on Eligibility and Qualification; what it speaks to is to furnish the Commission with your tax clearance, nothing more, nothing less.

According to him, The question of Asset declaration comes only in Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution and it speaks of persons who have been appointed and it lists the category of officers who have to fulfill the Assets declaration forms; it does not speak of persons who aspire to be Members of Parliament or President. This is very clear; it does not even make room for any ambiguity at all.

For him, What it means is that the EC cannot disqualify you on the basis of not having itbecause for the Asset declaration, the purpose is that you are now a public servant or a public official whose salary is drawn from the Consolidated Fund; what it also means is that the state or the people must know whether you are not gaining or making any inappropriate gains anywhere and that is why if you look at the form it is before and after, so that that they can check whether or not you used your office to amass wealth inappropriately.

Mr Tamakloe therefore, had a serious difficulty why the EC is bringing up the issue at this time with only a few days to the close of nominations.

Parties' Objection

It is for this reason that Acting General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has questioned the EC's decision and the motive behind the demand when it is not backed by the Constitution.

For him, what the EC is doing was causing unnecessary apprehension.

That, he said, was because Over the years it is an eligibility criteria but it hasnt been that people who are filing must do so before they file, especially when they are not Members of Parliament. MPs, when they go to parliament, do so and when they are exiting parliament also file to update their asset position and not new entrants, he said.

I think the EC should clarify the position. I think it is important that we dont create needless apprehension amongst the populace.

Interestingly, Eric Dzakpasu shied away from talking about the issue when DAILY GUIDE caught up with him for clarification saying, moving forward, the Returning Office [referring to the EC boss, Charlotte Osei] has to respond to the issue.

Nana Files Today

However, barring any unforeseen situation, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP presidential candidate, will today submit his nomination forms, reports I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr. from Kumasi.

The NPP leader will personally storm the EC office in Accra to file his forms to contest for the presidency if the court processes did not stop the commission.

Nana Akufo-Addo's decision to personally submit his nomination forms is in response to a passionate appeal by a larger section of the NPP members.

John Boadu made the disclosure yesterday afternoon.

He stated categorically that the NPP flag bearer had met all the requirements, including the staggering GH50,000 filing fee, so he was ready to file.

According to him, the leadership of the party and a cross-section of the NPP members would accompany their flag bearer to submit his forms.



Manifesto In Accra

John Boadu announced that the NPP would officially launch its manifesto for the impending elections in Accra on October 9.

According to him, the party originally decided to launch the manifesto at the Northern Regional capital of Tamale on October 8.

He said the original date for the manifesto launch at Tamale clashes with a Black Stars match, hence the party's decision to move the event to Accra.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) must do more to win the confidence of Ghanaians, especially with Elections 2016 nearly here.

Until he succeeds in this direction, which we strongly doubt he can, most of his compatriots, including law enforcement officers under him do not think he has the moral strength to discharge his duties professionally and without bias.

It sounds prankish therefore when he issues warnings about not going to tolerate biased cops during the elections.

Such warnings are nothing but headline-seeking ploys lacking sincerity in their entirety.

What happened to the cop from Bole who was displaying his NDC allegiance, a story which appeared in DAILY GUIDE?

What action did the IGP take when a Superintendent aided the movement of registration equipment to a Togolese village, details of which were put out in the media, including telltale pictures?

He did nothing because such inaction inures to the interest of the NDC. There are many others.

Although brusque and lacking diplomacy, we think that in matters as grave as the enforcement of the law, in the true sense of the word, not being so, is not an option of a responsible media establishment.

We would be failing in our responsibility, as the IGP is doing, if we do not highlight the law enforcement challenge scaring at us, as a nation.

The issue is not about cops who are not ready to discharge their duties as professionally as they can: there are as many good cops as are politically-biased ones who are ready to do the bidding of the ruling party for favours of contracts or extension of service.

The nature of law enforcement in Ghana is such that the police are always on the side of the government; a worrying anomaly which is robbing us of internationally-acclaimed best practices.

Visiting police formations across the country and grabbing arranged headlines won't reverse the negative impression we have about the Police under the current leadership.

There is only one means of winning the lost confidence of the people: deal decisively with mischief-makers regardless of whose ox is gored.

He should be able to stand up to politicians who use their positions to scuttle the cases brought against trouble-makers.

A few incidents have been noted in the past few weeks and true to the words of observers, nothing has come out of them because their originators are activists of the ruling party.

Let the IGP know that there are many retired top cops and other ranks who understand the shenanigans of politicized policing.

They can smell it when it is present as it is today.

The IGP should also know that Ghanaians in general are very awake and cannot be taken for granted: such remarks from the Chief Constable are too cheap to be able to make any impact.

The confidence level of Ghanaians in the Police to ensure the security of the forthcoming elections is very low.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Accra Sept. 28, GNA - Justice J.C Amonoo Monney, a Retired Court of Appeal Judge, has called on lawyers who grant interviews on matter before the court to desist from such behaviours.

He said accused persons who are involved in cases could rather grant such interviews.

Justice Amonoo Monney said lawyers who normally grant interviews do not talk about the law but tend to do politics saying, 'Let us learn how to talk about law and not politics.'

The Retired Court of Appeal Judge was speaking at this year's Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana Conference in Accra on the theme: 'Restoring the Image of the Judiciary.'

He said it was not a good practice to ask parties in cases to file their addresses at the same time, adding that it is proper that one party file and the other does so on another date.

He said it is proper to continue to nurture advocacy when counsels are allowed to address the court.

He said in criminal matters where addresses often filed, the jury may sometimes not read them and urged the court to not to kill advocacy in court.

Justice Amonoo Monney admonished judges and magistrates to hold onto their Code of Ethics adding the greatest Code of Ethics was the Bible.

Mrs Justice Rose Owusu, a retired Supreme Court Judge, asked the judges and magistrates to be careful with bribes and gifts, saying gifts normally come with hidden agenda.

Justice Owusu told the judges that people who come with gifts would later come to them to seek favours stressing that 'once you receive those gifts, it would be difficult to ward them off'.

"When you accept the gift you also lose your respect and it is tedious to restore that,' she said and urged them to adhere to their Code of Conduct as that was enough to put them on guard.

Mr Benson Nutsukpi, the President of the Ghana Bar Association, said mutual respect between the bench and the bar was declining.

He said there is the need to do away with issues that tend to bring about the disrespect and pledged the GBA's commitment to do all it could to protect the independence of the judiciary.

GNA
29.09.2016 LISTEN

By Christabel Addo/Rhema Bansah, GNA

Accra, Sept. 28, GNA - Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana (UG) has called for the active engagement of the private sector in science and research development.

He said the infectious diseases, whether they affect humans, animals or crops continues to be a fundamental impediment to both economic development and human health in Ghana and in the entire sub-region.

Prof Owusu made the call at the opening of the three-day Second Biennial Scientific Conference of the University of Ghana's College of Health Sciences in Accra on Wednesday.

The conference was on the theme: 'New Threats and Old Challenges in Communicable Epidemic', and brings to the fore the rising disease burden in the sub-region.

The theme of the Conference also situates very well the role that the health sector could play in the quest to control numerous communicable diseases in the country and the sub-region.

The country, Prof Owusu said was doomed to face worse times both economically and health-wise if it fails to change the way things were done.

He said this could impact the field of science and research, under which agriculture and health plays a critical role in ensuring the achievement of the holistic national development anticipated under the Sustainable Development Goals.

He also expressed disappointment at the negative behaviour of the private sector towards investment in science and research which presents a very gloomy future for achieving any meaningful innovation for solving the numerous challenges of the country.

Prof Owusu called for renewed commitments from both government and the private sector for sustainable solutions to the current health, environmental and economic challenges facing the country and the sub-region.

'Until this challenge is met the development of the continent will continue to be severely retarded, and this brings to the fore the significant and the indispensable role the College of Health Sciences plays in ensuring the continuous improvement of the health of all Ghanaians', he said.

He said ensuring improved private sector funding for science and research development would ensure innovative ways of improving health care delivery, holistic human development, as well as the transformation in businesses through improved products and service derived from quality research outcomes.

The UG through the College of Health Sciences apart from its core mandate of providing education, also monitors, detects and investigates into health problems, suggest prevention strategies to enhance prevention as well as promote healthy behaviour, foster safe and healthy environments among others in the country.

The University, he said, was investing heavily in procuring science equipment to benefit its faculties and students, and the College has the potential and capacity to help the UG to quickly realise its objective of attaining a world-class research intensive status as well as becoming financially self-reliant.

'There is therefore the need for proper collaboration to ensure that maximum benefits are derived out of this conference', he said.

Prof. Andrew Anthony Adjei, the Director of the University of Ghana and Chairman of the Second Biennial Scientific Conference, said the programme though was opened to the public, targets research institutions both in Ghana and in the sub-region as well as the private sector for strengthened partnerships.

He said the conference would discuss health challenges including malaria, cancers, liver diseases, diabetes as well as the Ebola Virus Disease, after which a communique would be issued and distributed to the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, development partners and other healthcare-based institutions across the country.

He said recommendations made at the conference would also be published in recognised health journals for public consumption.

GNA
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 28, GNA - Mr Alex Josiah Adzew has been appointed by the Board of Directors of the Ghana Oil Company Limited, (GOIL), the foremost indigenous oil marketing company, as its Chief Operating Officer.

His appointment which was announced at the 427th meeting of the Board takes effect from 1st of October, 2016, a statement to the Ghana News Agency said.

The statement said until his appointment, Mr Adzew was the company's Fuel Marketing Manager.

As the new and first Chief Operating Officer of GOIL, Mr Adzew will be directly responsible for the general operations of the company and will report to the Group Chief Executive.

Mr Adzew brings to his new position, the advantage of hands- on field knowledge and distinct managerial competence needed to drive GOIL to the next phase of its business.

Mr Alex Josiah Adzew, a Mechanical Engineer by profession, has a wealth of work practice and experience in the petroleum industry having joined Ghana Oil Company in 1992 initially as Sales Engineer from the Tractor and Equipment (Division of Unilever) where he was the Inventory Control Manager.

Since joining GOIL, Mr Adzew has served in various capacities as Sales Engineer in the Takoradi Zonal Office and Senior Sales Engineer / Special Assistant to the Area Manager for the Western Region.

He was later transferred to the Head Office as Lubricants Marketing Manager with additional responsibilities for L.P.Gas, Bunkering and Aviation business.

Through hard-work he became the Head of Department of Technical and Special Products with a special mandate to spear-head the entry of GOIL into the Aviation Industry as well as the Bunkering Business.

In January 2013, he was appointed the Fuels Marketing Manager of the Company, a position he has held to date and has been an integral part of GOIL's successful rebranding campaign and retail network expansion programme.

Over the period, Alex Josiah Adzew has had a wealth of practical field experience under his belt, having attended various courses, seminars and undertaken business trips to support the company in the areas of Lubricants, Bunkering, Aviation, Marketing, Finance, Project Management and Retail Network development.

In March 2016, he participated in International Oil Trading Course in Princeton-Oxford in the U.K to get the company prepared to take its leadership role in the petroleum downstream sector following the deregulation of petroleum prices.

His interest in career excellence motivated him to participate in some local and international courses including Leadership skills for managers, Positioning Companies for Export Competitiveness, Health Safety and Environmental Training for Marketing Staff, Effective Credit Control as well as in Banking.

Mr Adzew holds a First Class BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (1990); Executive Master of Business Administration (Money and Banking) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

GNA
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 29, GNA - The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is holding a-four-day training in export marketing fundamentals for exporters and banking officials across the country.

The workshop is to support the export community to acquire managerial, technical and trade capacity as well as understand the current global export trends to give Ghana a competitive edge.

Mr Maxwell Osei-Kusi, the Director of Research speaking at the opening session, said the Authority would scale up marketing training programmes for exporters to enhance capacity and ensure they met required standards in the global market.

He said the Ghana Export School's objective was to support the export community to acquire managerial, technical and trade capacity which would make them globally competitive.

He said courses offered are constantly reviewed and revised in light of international developments and changing requirements of Ghanaian export companies.

He said GEPA is ready to develop training modules to meet the needs of product associations and identified groups of persons.

Giving a gist of the performance of the Non Traditional Exports (NTEs) sector, Mr Osei-Kusi said exports grew steadily at an annual average rate of about 14.79 per cent from $777.59 million in 2005 to $2.514 billion in 2014.

However, in 2012 the total earnings saw a decline in earnings to $2.364 billion from $2.423 billion in 2011.

In 2013, earnings from the sector went up by 3.05 per cent to $2.436 billion.

He expressed the hope that the training would provide the opportunity to contribute towards a much stronger sector.

Mrs Agnes Gifty Adjei-Sam, the Deputy Director Trade Research and Information GEPA, said building the skills and capacities of exporters was very critical if the country's goal of increasing export returns was to be achieved.

She said exporters needed to be schooled on recent trends and changes in the export market in order to remain competitive and also help the country to grow its export base.

Mrs Adjei-Sam said GEPA is also working to mainstream the services sector into the NTES Portfolio.

'GEPA is positioned in the national export system as a coordinating pivot for the various public and private sector trade agencies involved in trade development and facilitation,' she said.

Currently, there are over 500 different non-traditional export products categorized into Agricultural, Processed/Semi Processed and Handicrafts.

Among the topics being treated are Export Marketing Research, Product Planning and Product Adaptation, Legal Contracts and Negotiations, Sanitary and Photosanitary Specification and Export Procedures and Documentation.

The Ghana Export School was set up by GEPA, the National Export Trade Support Institution of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) responsible for the facilitation, development and promotion of Ghanaian exports in 1987, to address the training needs of the export community.

In an interview some of the participants said the training would help them to understand the new trends in the export market and that the exposure and the new knowledge acquired would go a long way to help grow the businesses.

A banker said understanding the peculiar needs of exporters would help her department to know how to deal with the exporters.

GNA
---Gordon Offin-Amaniampong examines the political jigsaw: Or what the writer calls the Trump Three-Tier-Trap.

I get this question a lot. The latest was yesterday: I hear people saying that experts predict Trump win. How likely is it, your opinion? A political observer based in Accra, Ghana Mr. Kwamina Dadzie posed the question.

What do they say? When America sneezes the whole world catches cold.

That suggests, not only people here in the states that are worried about Mr. Trumps presidency or want to know the outcome of the US presidential election, but even those who live beyond our borders.

Indeed it dates back last year September during the Republican primaries. At the time as a political beast I thought former Florida Governor Jebb Bush was going to be the Grand Old Partys (GOP) nominee.

I got it wrong. My prediction failed. And one by one the controversial businessman now turned politician pistol-whipped all the republican candidates that took part in the gladiator politics---be them the Establishment, the Political Apprentices, the Conservative liberals, the Libertarians or the Tea Partiers--Mr. Trump trounced them all.

On the democratic side I betted on former secretary of state and First lady Hilary Clinton and I got it right. I anticipated a final matchup between her and Jebb Bush but as earlier pointed out it was a long shot. The rest is what were dealing with now

Its now the Clash of the Ignominious Two a title journalist Ike Idan Biney formerly of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), said it would have been more apt than what u opted for. He was making reference to the title- the Clash of the Titans for the first 2016 presidential debate between Clinton and Trump, which came off on Monday September 26.

Fact is not many people gave Mr. Trump a dog chance from the onset. Not many people considered the business mogul as someone whod or has the political mettle to jostle with the heavyweights. His celebrity status cast doubt about his ability to contest and debate the likes of Chris Christie, Kasich or neuro surgeon Ben Carson or Rand Paul.

Trumps story reminds me of the birth of the Carpenters son in biblical Israel.

Can anything good come from Nazareth?

That question came from Nathaniel who would later become one of Jesus followers.

Philip simply answered him: Come and see.

Today, hes proved many political pundits wrong-- Donald John Trump is here.

And the $99 billion-question is: Can he win the 2016 presidential poll?

It appears what he says is what the critical mass wants to hear. If his support is pivoted in the Republican base, I dare say that cannot move carry to the White House. In contrast if that Trump mania is rooted in the general populace then those experts predictions can pass.

Thing is the republican candidate has made some weirdest and most wacky statements since he began his bid to the White House. Trumps campaign earth-moving remarks range from his decision to ban all Moslems from entering the US, accusing Mexicans of being rapists and criminals to calling blacks as lazy folks. But Trump is still here.

Not only that, he ridiculed the infirmity, attacked women in the media and corporate world plus he doubted or challenged the heroism of Arizona Senator John McCain. Still Trump is here!

Trumps journey here has been fueled by what I describe as the Three-Tier-Trap.

The traps consist of Fear, Lies and his signature message---making America Great Again.

This philosophy mirrors McCarthyism which during the cold war period in the 1950s then Republican U.S Senator from the state of Wisconsin Joseph Raymond Joe McCarthy made some subversive claims that oiled cold war tensions at the time. He averred that there were large numbers of communists, Soviet spies and sympathisers inside the United States.

Evidently, his failure to validate his claims caused him to be censured by the United States senate. Following that false claim similar anti-communist activities that reared their heads in the fifties were labeled McCarthyism---a term which was coined as a result of McCarthys unsubstantiated comment.

After his 1950 speech, Mr. McCarthy was reported to have made additional accusations of communist infiltration into certain state institutions, viz the state department, the administration of the President Harry S. Truman, the Voice of America, and United States Army.

Roughly a decade later, another republican candidate and a businessman, Barry Morris Goldwater, who was a five-term United States senator from the state of Arizona and nominee for president in the 1964 election, grabbed the headlines.

Mr. Goldwater is credited to have ignited the resurgence of the American conservative political movement in the 1960s.

At the time the GOP had built what came to be known as the legacy of the New Deal. But the firebrand politician bulldozed his conservative ideology through--- sidestepping the New Deal Coalition. He managed to win then republican primaries per his ability to mobilise a large conservative constituency.

In the final analysis, Goldwater lost the 1964 presidential election to incumbent Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson by one of the largest landslides in Americas political history.

Does that remind you of Mr. Trumps campaign style?

Americans like their leaders or presidents to be tough. Candidates that seem to have this character trait are more likely to be elected than their opponents who played the underdog role.

This was seen during the 1976 debate between incumbent Gerald Ford and then low-key Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter. Ford famously remarked: There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe. The moderator Max Frankel of the New York Times responded sceptically, Im sorry what? ...did I understand you to say, sir, that the Russians are not using Europe as their own sphere of influence in occupying most of the countries there and making sure with their troops that its a communist zone?

Did Ford back down his statement? No, he doubled down. Perhaps he made it worse.

According the Times Mr. Ford refused to back down his original assertion insisting that Poland, Romania and Yugoslavia are free from Soviet interference.

That answer would become Fords nemesis and troubled him for the rest of the campaigns and arguably cost him the election.

Talking about toughness, Ronald Reagan possibly won his bid to the White House at the expense of then 51-year-old incumbent democratic Jimmy Carter. Reagan was seen by many as a tougher candidate compared to Carter.

Throughout the republican primaries and debates Mr. Trump made Immigration, ISIS, Iran, Iraq, China and Russia as his tramp card. Hes been strong critic of the NAFTA trade agreement which Mrs. Clinton is believed to have been a signatory.

And during one of the Republican primary debates the candidate was asked about how he would end the war on ISIS. Here is what he said: I would just bomb those suckers.  The way to go is to launch a bombing campaign on ISIS. According to him he would blow up the pipes. Id blow up the refineries, every single inch there would be nothing left.

Peddling lies

Alas birtherism has gone to bed. This was one of the traps Trump employed to denigrate the presidency and the person of the 44th president of AmericaBarack Obama. Until recently following his tacit admission the GOP nominee had maintained that the president was born in Kenya, his fathers home country.

Also he lied during the first presidential debate about receiving endorsement from the ICE authority. That statement turned out to be false. Nobody at the department has ever endorsed him. Still Trump is here. He lied about meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin that is also a lie. And the list goes on

In spite of all that his support base has been growing significantly. After the GOP convention hed a five-point lead over Clinton. But that lead was beclouded by nearly 16 points in national polls after the democratic convention in Pennsylvania last July.

Surprisingly, the chameleon has bounced back. Most polls across the nation showed the two are head to head. However, RealClearPolitics latest poll conducted on Wednesday September 28 put Clinton at 42-- four points lead over Trumps 38.

Is Trump a Real Deal?

At the Trump Tower in New York City a big banner carried the slogan: Make America Great Again. This was Donald J. Trump when he announced his candidacy for president of the United States election for the 2016, on June 16, 2015.

Since then he has cast himself as an entrepreneur and one outside the establishment ---and that appear to be working. At least the numbers show for now and barring any serious political blunders in the few months ahead, many pundits would begin to rewrite their reports.

But I still maintain that Hillary would be the eventual winner. That I think has already started. One debate is down two more to go. Is not clear whether Trump will avail himself to mock exercises for the subsequent debates, which he earlier shunned. He blamed his poor performance at the last debate on his microphone.

Trump has also failed to win the establishment to his side and not being able to smoke peace pipe with Senator Ted Cruz, who he called the Lying Ted.

His arch rival Hillary had done the opposite. Shed successfully won Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to her side. And the two campaigned together yesterday. This attempt is to win the hearts and minds of Sanders supporters. And its seen by many political strategists as a prudent idea. What probably count most in this election is for candidates making sure they stay focused, avoiding blunders and broadening base. The deciding votes are Independents, women and Immigration.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Although I wanted Real Madrid to win Borussia Dortmund yesterday evening, 27th September 2016, in the ongoing UEFA Champions League competition, my situation was made worse by what I discovered when I opened my newly bought and well caped Cadbury bournvita to take tea. I discovered that it was virtually half-filled in quantity. What? Why? These were some of the instant questions that razed through my mind.

Immediately too, I took out my powdered Peak milk I bought together with the said bournvita. I opened it and it was three-quarter filled. I was angrier. I recalled that the reason I stopped buying the sachet Peak milk was because it is always half-filled. In all of these half-filled products, I believe the price I paid for them was for full not the half I got. So I began to reminiscent on such cases I had over looked in Nigeria over the years.

Electricity bill in Nigeria is based on estimates and some flat components. This was what a then Power Holding Company Nigeria (PHCN) staff told me way back in 2012 when I asked why my bill should be so high despite very poor electricity supply during February-March period that year. I vividly remember the inconveniences we faced during then: heat and sweating, a lot of heat rashes on my kids, regular warming of all cooked foods, buying more gas than usual for cooking, spending more on fuel for my small electricity generator, spending more on cloth laundry, etc. That was before the privatization of PHCN and the handover of the electricity companies (gencos and discos) to core investors in November 2013.

I was wrong to have thought that the practice of manual or printed electricity bills will stop and meters will be made available to all electricity consumers in Nigeria after privatization of PHCN. Till today, despite my efforts to ensure that the meter installed in my flat works, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) still send to me printed estimated electricity bills. In fact their frustrating attitude has discouraged me from insisting that the meter works. They make sure the meter does not work so that they continue making money through fictitious bills that enable the investors smile to the bank, while Nigerians are cheated for paying bills they never consumed.

Telecommunication is another area Nigerians are cheated. For example, with my MTN number, I observed that if I send a text message of less than three lines, sometimes I am charged N2 and most other times I am charged N4. I do not borrow from MTN to use my phone or sim. I recharge as at when due. Neither Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) nor MTN has thought it necessary to explain to Nigerians why we should be charged different rates for same service.

MTN has been cheating Nigerians through numerous registration and re-registration of sim cards. They do not care what we lose to have our sims re-registered: we pay transport fare to registration points, we abandon all works and programmes for that day, we suffer the whole inconveniences of queuing up on a very long lines for hours etc. They wont even volunteer an appreciation of what we pass through to have are sim cards re-registered many times. For example I suffered so much early this year when I woke up one early morning at Covenant University Ota (where I am doing my postgraduate studies) in February and found over fifteen messages from MTN warning me to quickly go to any nearby MTN shop to register my sim, else my sim will be blocked. It so jolted me that I became angry knowing the costs and frustration involved in going to re-register my sim card. The most painful will be that I will miss my classes that day. So I went to Sango Ota, MTNs yellow office at about 7.30 am. I joined a very long queue and was given a number. By 6 pm, we were told to come back early morning tomorrow and I missed all my classes that day. The next morning the number of the warning messages from MTN had doubled, yet I could not reply to say I was there yesterday and could not register because of the unbelievable number of affected subscribers. Meanwhile, I recall that when I bought this sim card in February 2002 at Ikoyi, then I lived in Lagos, it was registered and I had been using this number since then. Again between 2009 and 2013, I had re-registered this sim several times at MTN yellow office at Maitama, Abuja (where I now reside). Okay, no more introspection, the next morning I arrived the MTN yellow office at Sango Ota exactly 6.05 am and joined the queue. Finally, in anger and frustration, my sim was re-registered at exactly 2.13 pm and I left. My question is: is this how MTN suffer its customers in South Africa and all other places it operates?

The banks are also cheating Nigerians. The charges are just too many to be true: account maintenance charge, alert charge, interbank transfer charge, charge for using ATM card in another bank, VAT on all charges, COT charge, administrative charge for loan, handling charge, etc. It is astonishing to find out how much banks in Nigeria charge their customers per month and indeed per year. I am sure I pay my bank a minimum of N70, 000 annually for operating a salary account with them. So how much will a bank with over five million customers like me realize in a year? This is a whopping N350 billion per year. Yet the banks will report their own income and profits they want to disclose and pay dividends they want to pay. Thus the banks cheat the customers, cheat the shareholders and cheat the state.

How can these cheatings be checked and reduced? I ask further: in a capitalist economy, should government be interested only in quality of the products and services rendered to the people and not the quantity and price? What about the agonizing sufferings Nigerians go through despite the cheating? For the manufacturers of beverages, the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and all other relevant regulatory and monitoring agencies should go beyond quality checks to also ensure that the quantity is as labelled. For example, I am not sure that the quantity of the bournvita in question here before me could weigh 500g as labelled. This must be verified before the product hits the market. If the law establishing these agencies did not include quantity verification, the agencies should notify the consumer protection groups who could escalate the matter to the national assembly. It is evil for me to pay for a supposedly full bournvita and receive half.

For fictitious electricity bills, why should government not be interested in seeing that electricity consumption is fully metered and all paper bills banned? There should be a law stopping Nigerians from paying paper electricity bills. Nigerians should pay for meter-based direct consumption bills: pay as you use, just like the GSM cards. NERC and all relevant regulatory authorities should ensure that the meter policy is implemented immediately. Recession times abhor cheating of Nigerians in any form.

The banks must do business with conscience. All these multiple charges should be checked. The CBNs monitoring directorate should employ more hands and make them capable for effective surveillance works on the banks. Nigerian banks have developed so much tough skins that they appear to be above the law. It is simply CBNs failure. Also the consumer rights protection groups and audit committees of banks should take up this issue of excessive multiple charges by Nigerian banks. But I am afraid if the audit committees are not compromised. The morality of business is to make decent profit, but cheating your customers is not good business and cannot earn decent profit as it is against true corporate social responsibility of banks.

If MTN may not be charging different rates for same service in South Africa, why do so in Nigeria? NERC should find out how MTN bill its customers in South Africa and other places where it operates and compare with what it does in Nigeria. The war against indiscipline (WAI) should be of effect in the operations of telecom companies. Best practices should be the guiding principle in the provision of services in the sector. Charging different rates for same service is unwholesome and should be stopped.

It may be easy and profitable to continually cheat gullible Nigerians, but because it cannot stand the morality of business, such huge profits are contrived gains that can destroy the gainers. Away from morality, Nigerian laws regarding consumer rights, products and services should be strengthened.

Okachikwu Dibia

Abuja.
The Northern Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party, (NPP) Daniel Bugri Naabu has assured electorates in the Mion Constituency of the Northern Region that the NPP will provide them with a district hospital and a yam factory to facilitate their yam business if Nana Akufo-Addo wins power in the upcoming general elections.

According to him, the NPP will construct a yam factory for the area as part of his one district, one factory policy adding that a modern market will be constructed to aid yam business in the area.

He made this known during the party's tour to the Mion Constituency on Sunday, September 25, 2016.

Chairman Bugri told DAILY GUIDE that the Kufuor led NPP Administration provided the area with electricity and potable water and that the Akufo-Addo government will construct the major roads within the constituency and improve upon all infrastructural developments of the area.

The NPP led by chairman Bugri paid a courtesy call on the paramount Chief of Mion, Naa Alhassan Ziblim. He was accompanied by former Parliamentary Candidate of the party, former and current constituency executives, parliamentary candidates, some constituency executives of Yendi, first vice-chairperson, regional finance officer and other dignitaries.

The Mion NPP parliamentary candidate, Mohammed Hashim Abdallah thanked the people for turning out in their numbers.

He indicated that it was time for the New Patriotic Party to win the Mion constituency seat to ensure the area's development adding that the people in the area have always voted for the NDC and yet have not benefited anything from the government; admonishing them to vote for change.

Mr. Hashim Abdallah assured the electorate in Mion constituency of his commitment to his promise to establish a rural bank in the constituency saying the bank when established will support farmers and traders with loan facilities to enhance their business.

He said the NDC parliamentary candidate was campaigning against this promise because he did not have the people at heart and charged the people to vote for the party to fulfill its promises.

FROM Eric Kombat, Mion
THE WHEREABOUTS of scraps that were generated after the demolition of the old Kejetia Bus Terminal has sparked a hullabaloo.

The Assemblyman for Asokwa New Town, Riches Oscar and Yakubu Adams, a known NDC boy, were at each other's throat over the issue.

Oscar aka 'Ghana Beyeyie' accused Adams aka 'Yakubu Tony Aidoo' of selling the scraps to enrich himself at the detriment of the assembly.

He has consequently charged the leadership of the assembly to quickly probe what led to the scraps landing in the hands of the NDC boy.

Oscar said Kojo Bonsu, the immediate past KMA Boss, gave the scraps, which are expensive and property of the KMA, to the NDC boy freely.

Speaking on Asempa FM, he stated that Yakubu Tony Aidoo ought to be ordered to vomit the money that he had generated from the sale of the scraps.

Response

Yakubu Tony Aidoo, in his response, said he owns a registered company by name 'SOC 65' based in Kumasi, which deals in scraps.

According to him, the KMA contracted his company to move all the scraps at Kejetia to a refuse dump site so that a new market could be built.

He stated that anyone who doubts that his company moved the scraps from Kejetia to a dump site should visit the site and verify.

Probe

Riches Oscar, who was not pleased with the NDC boy's explanation, said so far as he was concerned, the KMA has not given any contract to SOC 65 Company.

He therefore reiterated his appeal that circumstances that led to SOC 65 Company to move the scraps from Kejetia should be investigated.

According to the assemblyman, he suspected a fishy deal in the whole issue; therefore the matter ought to be probed for possible offenders to be punished.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi
The Electoral Commission (EC) seems to be breaking the rules of engagements on proxy voting in Ghana ahead of the December 7 polls.

This is because the EC has rather written to the missions to 'shop' for proxy voters instead of waiting on government ministries and missions abroad to ask it for proxy voting opportunities for their officers.

EC recently wrote a letter to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) dated September 27, 2016 seeking for assistance to enable Ghanaian registered voters on official duties outside the country to vote by proxy in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

According to the EC, This category of persons includes voters who are in government employment at Ghanaian missions abroad or serving in peacekeeping missions.

The letter, signed by chairperson of the EC, Charlotte Osei, urged the Defence Ministry to furnish the Commission with the list of peacekeepers who wish to vote by proxy in the 2016 polls.

EC, in the letter, announced that the proxy forms are ready for collection at the Commission's head office for onward transmission to the various peacekeeping missions and must be completed and returned by October 5, 2016.

Some people have argued that proxy voting could be used to rig this year's elections.

On August 17, this year, the EC started a 40-day exercise to accept applications for proxy voting during general elections on December 7.

The 40-day exercise, according to pundits, is too long for the exercise, and it could be subjected to abuse and manipulation.

Ideally, government employees serving with the missions abroad and peace keepers or officials on trips overseas, who are interested in voting by proxy, are the ones who are supposed to contact the Commission through their missions.

By first writing to the missions, the EC is somewhat creating the situation whereby persons in Ghana who are not serving with foreign missions could go in to apply for proxy voting on behalf of their relatives abroad without the knowledge of such government employees.

Meanwhile, the letter to the CDS sighted by DAILY GUIDE said the appointed proxies of applicants resident outside Ghana are required to go the District Offices of the Electoral Commission where their polling stations are located not later than 7th October, 2016 to be processed for proxy voting.

By Melvin Tarlue
The African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) has indicated that the greatest challenge facing Ghana is rising youth unemployment.

Chief Economist at ACET, Dr. Yaw Ansu made this known at a national dialogue on youth employment in Ghana on Wednesday in Accra, calling on the various political parties contesting in the December 7 polls to make youth employment a top priority when elected into power.

The dialogue was held under the theme: 'National Policy Dialogue On Youth Employment Challenges in Ghana: What do the policy makers and politicians have to say?

It offered the various political parties contesting in the 2016 elections the opportunity to state their positions on how to tackle unemployment among the youth through the modernization of agriculture, skills training and how growth in the economy can translate into increased employment opportunities for the youth.

According to statistics, about 48 percent of youth in the country are unemployed.

Dr. Ansu said the persistent high youth unemployment in Ghana could pose serious security challenges to the country in the near future if it's not addressed effectively.

When about three-quarters of your people are without jobs, you're not safe. It's a time-bomb, he told representatives of the various political parties.

Parties that took part in the dialogue included the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), Convention People's Party (CPP), People's National Convention (PNC), Progressive People's Party (PPP).

The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) was absent.

Dr. Ansu said more than a half of graduates, who come out of the various tertiary institutions annually, are without jobs.

Senior Research Fellow, ACET, Dr. William Baah-Boateng, in a presentation, said that Ghana's economic growth over the years has not been sufficient for generating jobs for the youth.

He called for the modernization of agriculture, saying there are high job creation potentials in the agriculture subsector but that the sector is less attractive to the youth.

A member of the NPP Communication Team, Richard Asante Yeboah, in a submission said youth unemployment ought to be dealt with effectively.

National Chairman of the PPP, Brew Hammond, said many Ghanaian youth are disillusioned about the unemployment situation.

By Melvin Tarlue
A 120-YEAR-OLD man, Kofi Akrong, was Tuesday dawn found dead in his room at Wuruyie, a farming community near New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region; and it's alleged that he committed suicide.

The old hunter purportedly shot himself with a single-barrel gun at the upper part of his stomach at about 1:30 am while sitting on his bed.

New Edubiase District Police Commander, ASP Martin Assenso, while confirming the horrific incident, told DAILY GUIDE that the victim left no suicide note behind.

Opanin Kofi Akrong, the commander said, was only wearing a pair of trousers and bare-chested when he allegedly perpetrated the dastardly act, which has left the family devastated.

Mr. Assenso said the hunter's body was found on the bed in a supine position with the gun lying close by him when police detectives arrived at the scene, and indicated that what really triggered the act was a subject of police investigation.

The police chief indicated that the victim's wife, Ama Ahema, 80, told law enforcers that she heard a loud gunshot in a dream, which woke her up.

The woman reportedly stated that the centenarian husband, about five days before, began to exhibit a strange behaviour and purportedly claimed that some people were after him.

Opanin Kofi Akrong then shaped a piece of stick two days later without showing any sign of anguish and used the stick to press the trigger of his gun, killing himself at mid-night.

The police commander said Madam Ama Ahema told detectives that she earlier woke up to discover that her husband was not in their room that has two beds  one of which was being occupied by Opanin Akrong.

According to him, the old lady claimed she found her husband at the courtyard of the house at about 10:30 pm on the day of the incident and managed to convince him to follow her to the room.

She fell asleep and did not know what happened until she was awakened by the sound of the gunshot and found the man in a pool of blood, the police boss disclosed.

He concluded that the mortal remains of the deceased were deposited at the New Edubiase Government Hospital, whiles investigations continue.

From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi
The technical team with Elie Badr (3rd left) and some staff of the company

A technical team of experts from Volkswagen, a leading car manufacturing company in Germany, are in Ghana to examine the performance of their cars.

They are in the country to undertake a thorough inspection of their products under the current conditions in Ghana and Africa as a whole, among others.

About 80 cars of VW customers were inspected daily by the four-member technical team to ascertain the cars' performance.

Elie Badr, Group General Manager in-charge of After Sales, Universal Motors, authorized dealers of Volksvagen products in Ghana, said the teams visit will boost the confidence of the customers.

The visit is also important for VW because the company will assess the performance of the products in Africa and for that matter Ghana.

This will give confidence to our customers because they know that the manufacturers of the cars do follow ups to see how their products are performing in Ghana to find out how they can improve the quality, Mr Badr said.

He said, If the team finds out that some products are not good for the market in Ghana and Africa, they will make improvement in their next manufacturing to meet the conditions here. It's a win-win situation for customers, dealers and VW as well.

When asked why the team visited Ghana, Mr Badir said we have been consistently working with Germany for three years and we have been able to apply the standard in Germany in Ghana.

We do whatever they request to match the standards in Europe, such as customer relations, diagnosing and after sales service. We are at par with European standard in terms of dealership in Ghana, Mr Badr said.

Touching on the performance of VW cars and products on the market, he said their customers are satisfied with the services they render to them.

The VW brand is very strong and it has an excellent future in Ghana with the new cars we are introducing on the market.

One of the members of the team, who spoke to BUISNESS GUIDE, gave good testimony about their dealers in Ghana, stating I have been visiting the company for the past three years now and the level of expertise has improved a lot.

We are doing long-term quality checks to see how VW products are doing in the conditions here and from the results, Germany could make future improvement to suit this country, he said.

Cephas Larbi

[email protected]
How will sub-Saharan Africa achieve its Millennium Development Goals without the required 2.5 million new engineers and technicians as estimated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)? In the developing world, far more young minds need to be attracted to engineering and in particular women, who are under-represented in many fields, must be part of the solution.

Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon is helping to address Africas problem of under-representation of women, which is particularly prevalent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers and Entrepreneurship. The company recently hosted 25 female Grade 10 and 11 learners from schools in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe at its Tshwane office as part of a STEM promotion programme. The fast-paced 7-day programme is run by Taungana, a movement that seeks to empower rural African high school girls by providing them with the opportunity to access and explore STEM careers. This year marks Aurecons third successive year of supporting the movement.

Aurecon is committed to becoming a more innovative organisation that provides unique solutions to our clients challenges, says Sonja Jansen van Rensburg, a member of Aurecons Africa leadership team. This is being achieved by creating a work environment where everyone, regardless of gender, colour or culture, feels valued and is willing to contribute. Similarly, to positively shape Africas future, we have to change the composition of its leaders to become more gender equitable and that change starts today.

One of the key aims of the week-long programme is to help the girls identify potential entrepreneurial projects in their communities and to develop these ideas into a business case. To support this, Aurecon took the girls through a design thinking session, a human-centred methodology that necessitates innovation and creativity to solve critical problems.

The learners were required to ideate; a process that encourages the exploration of different possibilities and solutions for the challenges they encounter in their respective communities  specifically in the spheres of agriculture, health, public transport and education. Building on Aurecons theme for this years programme, #digitalinmylife, they then explored how technology and digital solutions could alleviate some of these day-to-day challenges.

Giving the girls exposure to the process of design thinking and using it to build a solid business case for the projects they identified has been an interesting and educational process for both the girls and our participating employees, adds van Rensburg. The young minds are bright and inquisitive and there will undoubtedly be some future leaders from this years group.

Charlotte Mpenyana, Quality, Environmental and Sustainability Regional Manager at Aurecon and this years Aurecon Champion stresses the importance of such initiatives, saying, Working with Taungana during Womens Month was a great experience. We are helping to empower a generation of African girls to change their lives and contribute significantly to sustainable development on the continent through exposure to STEM careers. The partnership with Taungana supports both Aurecons diversity initiative and its focus on empowering more women in our industry.

Aurecons strategic direction for Africa is centred on our ambition of Being an Inspiration to Africa. This relates to everything we do as a business and includes taking up the responsibility of enabling social transformation. Supporting the Taungana movement is but one of several examples of how Aurecon is facilitating access for girls to STEM careers and, in so doing, empowering them to transform their lives and continent for the better. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting the girls  I hope to see many of them in STEM careers and possibly Aurecons own corridors in the future, concludes Mpenyana.
The Electoral Commission (EC) refused to accept the filing fee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo when he submitted his forms today [Thursday].

The EC says this is temporary following a court injunction secured by the Progressive People's Party (PPP) over the hike in the filling fees.

The EC however accepted the nomination forms of the NPP Flagbearer.

The PPP filed a suit at the High Court in on September 19 seeking an interrogatory injunction to prevent the EC from receiving the nominations.

The PPP, among other things, is seeking a declaration that the filing fee is arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable. It is also seeking a declaration that Regulation 45 of C.I. 94 is discriminatory, arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable.

The EC opened nominations earlier in September and pegged the filing fees for presidential hopefuls at GHc 50,000 and that of parliamentary nominees at GHc 10,000.

Some aggrieved parties subsequently asked the EC to review the amount describing it as exorbitant.

The Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom led PPP followed its concerns with a suit seeking the interrogatory injunction to prevent the EC from receiving the nominations.

Nana Akufo-Addo was the first presidential nominee at the EC headquarters to file his nomination forms.

Citi News Sixtus Dong Ullo reported that the NPP Flagbearer was flanked by his Campaign Manager; Peter Mac Manu, Acing Party Chairman; Freddy Blay and the Acting General Secretary; John Boadu.

Also present in support were the Former Finance Minister; John Osafo Marfo, the partys National Womens Organiser, Otiko Djaba and the Chairman of the NPP Council of Elders; C.K. Tedam.

The next major step in Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP's bid to win power will be on Sunday, October 9 at the Trade Fair Center in Accra where the opposition will be launching its manifesto.

Other controversy ahead of filing

Just two days to the deadline for the submission of nomination forms on Friday, September 30, the EC came out remind presidential and parliamentary nominees they will not be eligible to contest the elections if they did not declare their assets with the Auditor General.

The EC in a statement said the candidates are to take note of the requirement to declare their assets to the Auditor-General in order to meet the eligibility criteria.

With two days to the deadline, only the Flagbearer of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has come out publicly to confirm the declaration of his assets to the Auditor General.

The NPP did not receive this warmly as it said the criteria was only binding persons already holding public office, and not those seeking to be office. It however said its candidate will readily declare his assets.



Photo credit: Godwin Allotey

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.om/Ghana
The U.S. Mission to South Africa hosted a HIV/AIDS Community Grants Program Awards Ceremony, culminating a multi-day workshop for 23 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Gauteng, Free State and North West, on September 28. Through this community grants program, PEPFAR (the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDs Relief) will contribute $800,000 to projects led by 23 organizations seeking to combat HIV/AIDS in their communities. They are delivering a range of essential services, such as care and support for orphans and vulnerable children, education and prevention campaigns, HIV testing and counseling mobilization, voluntary male medical circumcision mobilization, and early childhood development.

Speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Embassy Pretoria Charge dAffaires Jessica Lapenn said to NGO leaders, your work is helping us reach communities and touch lives. Through our partnerships with you, we trust PEPFAR funding is having an impact on individuals and families. You are crucial partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

To prepare the organizations receiving PEPFAR-funded grants, the U.S. Mission led a capacity building workshop on September 26-28 for representatives from each NGO. Members of the U.S. Missions Community Grants team reviewed PEPFAR procedures for recipients and explained both grant and reporting requirements. Additionally, outside facilitators conducted sessions focused on topics such as sustainability and marketing.

PEPFAR is a cornerstone of the U.S. Mission in South Africa with almost $5 billion invested in South Africa over the course of the last 12 years. The United States commitment to AIDS relief remains strong; not only is PEFPAR funding continuing, but it has been strengthened with an additional $67 million for DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe women), an ambitious $385 million partnership to reduce HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. PEPFAR funding, in partnership with the South African government, is helping the country achieve remarkable milestones. For instance, more than three million people now have access to ARV treatment, and more than 68 million people have received HIV testing and counseling services. The HIV and AIDS Community Grants Program is a critical component of PEPFAR that helps achieve these milestones. It reaches local communities, builds the capacity of community-based and community-driven organizations, and directly impacts the lives of those funded.
The Government has appointed Mr Jai Sohan Singh as Singapores Ambassador to the State of Qatar and Mr Anthony Ang Meng Huat as Singapores Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia.

Mr Jai Sohan Singh will assume post as Ambassador to the State of Qatar on 23 October 2016. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June 1985 and last served as Singapores Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany from August 2012 to September 2016. While in the Ministrys Headquarters, he served in various portfolios including as the Director-General of the ASEAN Directorate and the Director of the Consular Directorate. Mr Sohan also served overseas in Bonn, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and as Singapores Consul-General in San Francisco from July 2003 to June 2007.

Mr Sohan graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) from the National University of Singapore in 1985. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 2001 and the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2011 by the Singapore Government.

Mr Anthony Ang Meng Huat is the Executive Director and Board Member of ARA Asset Management (Fortune) Limited. He started his career in the public service and had served in the Singapore Economic Development Board and the National Science and Technology Board. Thereafter, he held various senior appointments in the private sector including as Group General Manager and Executive Director of Armstrong Industrial Corporation Limited, Senior Vice President of Vertex Management Pte Ltd and Executive Vice President of GIC Real Estate Pte Ltd.

Mr Ang graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) (First Class Honours) from the Imperial College, London, in 1979. He also obtained a Master of Business Administration from INSEAD in 1982.
The United States strongly condemns the September 27 assassination of Somali journalist Abdiaziz Mohamed Ali in Mogadishu. Mr. Ali worked for Radio Shabelle and Shabelle Media Network. The United States extends sincere condolences to Mr. Alis family, friends and colleagues and salutes the courage of Somali journalists, who continue to struggle daily and risk their lives in defense of this inalienable right of freedom of expression on behalf of the Somali people.

The United States urges the Federal Government of Somalia to investigate and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. We also urge an end the culture of impunity and violence that continues to threaten the lives of journalists and activists and curtail the universally recognized right to freedom of expression.
2016 marked another challenging year for SAs mining industry in the wake of subdued commodity prices, an increase in short-term volatility, increased pressure on operating models and regulatory uncertainty.

These are some of the highlights from PwCs (www.PwC.com) eighth edition of SA Mine, a series of publications that highlights trends in the South African mining industry, released by PwC today. Despite flat revenues, increased costs continued to erode the margin and with record impairments resulted in the first aggregated loss since inception of this publication.

Michal Kotze, Mining Industry Leader for PwC Africa, says: Companies had no choice but to cut back on new developments, re-focus on profitable production rather than maximum production and to save costs.

The long-term nature of mining investments translates into a significant lag in the supply response to price changes. This lag contributes to the cyclical nature of the mining industry. Although there is no consensus, we have probably reached the bottom of the cycle, but may stay here for some time.

Market capitalisation

The 2016 financial year saw an increase in market capitalisation mainly as a result of the notable increase in the market capital of gold mining companies and a small increase in the market capital of platinum mining companies. The market capitalisation of the 31 companies analysed in this report increased to R560 billion, or by 45% as at 30 June 2016 (compared to R386 billion as at 30 June 2015). Market capitalisation grew further to R578 billion as at 31 August 2016, resulting in an aggregate increase of R192 billion, which is 50% more than as at30 June 2015.

Contribution by commodity

Coal maintained its strong position as the highest earning commodity in South Africa. Although the share of revenue decreased marginally to 29% from 2015 to 2016, total coal mining revenue increased by R1.3 billion from a high base of R104.4 billion in 2015. Platinum group metals (PGMs) share of mining revenue grew from 25% to 27%. This is an R8.6 billion increase from R87 billion in 2015. Golds share of revenue increased significantly from 15% in 2015 to 20% in 2016, primarily on the back of stronger gold prices and the weakening rand. In contrast, iron ores share of mining revenue continued its downward trend from 14% in 2015 to 10% in 2016.

Financial performance

Last year reflected the worst free cash flow position since the financial crisis in 2008. This year shows an improvement largely due to cash management practices, says Andries Rossouw, PwC Assurance Partner.

Revenue increased by a mere 2% (R7 billion) from the prior year. The platinum companies revenue increased by 11% (R12 billion), as a result of higher production after the strike impacted prior year. Gold also showed an increase on the back of higher gold rand prices while other commodities reflect a decrease mainly as a result of lower iron ore prices.

Operating expenses increased by R12 billion, which is a 5% increase from the prior year. Excluding the impact of higher platinum production and associated costs, it in essence stayed flat. This low increase is substantially lower than the 14% increase in the prior year and well below the 10% increase experienced over recent years.

The low increase in operating cost is testimony to the various savings initiatives implemented by management, including reduction in marginal production, renegotiation of supply agreements and a reduction in overhead structures, adds Rossouw.

Labour costs still remain the biggest cost component in the local mining industry. The share of labour costs increased by 5.2%. However, excluding the impact of platinum it actually reflected a 2% decrease as the impact of staff reductions start to show.

The continuance in low commodity prices has resulted in another record year for impairments in the industry, with a total of R60 billion in impairment provisions. R157 billion was impaired over the last five years, almost wiping out the last three years of capital expenditure in the mining industry.

This is the first year since the start of this publication in 2009 that an aggregated net loss of R46 billion was reported by the industry. The EBITDA margin of 20% is 2% lower than in the previous year. This low EBITDA percentage is not sustainable.

A large number of companies have made an effort to restructure their balance sheets, preserve cash and contain costs. Liquidity is still a major concern, as reflected in a number of integrated reports, where strategies to address the matter have been shared. Successful capital raisings and debt restructurings are providing hope that investors still have faith in the industry.

Integrating risk into business strategy

Given the current economic uncertainty and slump in commodity prices, the mining industry is faced with a number of challenges and risks that need to be effectively addressed to ensure the survival of the companies and the industry. In the current period, companies are increasingly focusing more on their risks mainly due to the impact of the changing environment forcing management to make tough operational and financial decisions to ensure sustainability.

There were limited changes in the risks recognised and compared to the prior year, when the highest-ranking risks included labour relations; sustainable business plans or budgets; the volatility of metal prices and exchange rates; infrastructure access and capacity; the regulatory, political and legal environments; higher input costs; and skills availability.

In the current year, most companies top exposures also include liquidity and capital management; renewed focus on the cost of mining; water scarcity; and climate change.

Safety in mines

According to safety statistics, the level of safety is improving significantly in the industry. Fatalities are showing a declining trend over the last five years and are substantially better than they were 20 years ago.

Improving value to stakeholders

Despite the challenges it faces, the mining industry continues to be a significant contributor of value. The monetary benefit received by each stakeholder in the industry is usually summarised in mining companies value added statements.

Shareholder dividends represented 3% of total value created (2015:9%). This is a significant decrease from prior years, as companies follow through on their cash preservation strategies in reaction to lower commodity prices.

The state received 15% (2015:20%) of total value created, which consists of direct taxes, employee taxes and mining royalties. This decrease reflects the challenge faced by a number of resource dependent economies as tax revenues decreases.

It goes without saying that to increase more value for all shareholders it will be necessary to increase the size of the pie. This will be a challenge given the current landscape of ever-increasing costs, reducing margins and increased volatility. Creating an environment with adequate infrastructure, less rigorous policy, and a skilled yet flexible workforce will provide substantially more resources for mining to spend in and attract investment, as well as benefitting all stakeholders, concludes Kotze.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Chalwe Lombe has commended United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) for the mobilization of international support and resources for the benefit of the LLDCs.

Speaking on behalf of LLDCs Group at the 15th anniversary of the UN-OHRLLS, Mr. Lombe expressed gratitude to Under-Secretary-General Mr. Gyan Chandra Acharya and his staff for the tireless efforts in raising awareness and advocacy to ensure that the issues that are cardinal to the LLDCs Group were reflected in the international arena.

On behalf of the LLDC Group, I wish to congratulate you on this day that marks 15 years of OHRLLS since its establishment in 2001. The United Nations-Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN OHRLLS) has been a key advocate for the special needs and challenges of the LLDCs ever since its inception, Mr. Lombe said. UN-OHRLLS has been coordinating and mobilizing support from the UN system and other international and regional organizations to our group. This has been instrumental to ensuring effective and coordinated implementation, follow-up and review of the two important Programmes for the LLDCs, namely the Vienna Programme of Action of 2014 to 2024 and its predecessor, the Almaty Programme of Action from 2003-2013.

Mr. Lombe said over the past 15 years, there had been increased visibility and international recognition of the challenges and special needs of the LLDCs and consequently those issues were now firmly integrated into the international development agenda.

He said the international community came together to revitalize the commitment to address the needs and challenges of the LLDCs during the Second UN Conference on LLDC in Vienna in November 2014 which culminated in the adoption of the more comprehensive and holistic Vienna Programme of Action.

He said the recognition of the special situation of LLDCs in the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, as well as the acknowledgment that the Vienna Programme of Action is integral to the 2030 Agenda, was among the major important milestones.

He said the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction made reference to the specific challenges of the LLDCs and stresses the need for special attention and support to augment domestic resources and capabilities.

The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement aims at expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit and thereby significantly cutting the costs of trade in order to address the key concerns of the LLDCs, said Mr. Lombe. This increased international awareness and recognition of LLDCs and our issues could not have been possible without the support of UN-OHRLLS to the LLDC Group.
The Executive Board of the International Monetary fund has approved the third tranche of 116.2 million dollars under Ghanas three year programme with the fund. It follows the final review of Ghanas economic performance by the Board under the programme yesterday.

This brings the amount disbursed so far under the programme to 464.6 million dollars. The approval of the third tranche which was supposed to be approved in July had to delay because of some key requirements such as the passage of the Bank of Ghana Amendement Bill and Public Financial Management Bill.

The IMF in April 3, 2015 approved a three year programme for Ghana to help put the economy back on track. The latest approval of the third tranche comes barely three after rating Agency Moodys B3 rating of the economy signaling stability from the earlier negative outlook.

According to the agency, the latest rating was driven by Significant fiscal deficit reduction and institutional reform implementation over the past year under the umbrella of the 3-year IMF programme. Economic Analyst with Databank Courage Kingsley Martey tells Starr Business the latest development is a good news for Ghana.
Therefore, if any man is dangerous to the community and is subverting it by some sin, the treatment to be commended is his execution in order to preserve the common good therefore, to kill a man who retains his natural worthiness is intrinsically evil, although it may be justifiable to kill a sinner just as it is to kill a beast, for, as Aristotle points out, an evil man is worse than a beast and more harmful.

Thomas Aquinas: Summa Theologica

TEARS HAVE WELLED IN MY EYES as I write this piece. The story is weird, incredible and obscene; the act is unconscionable, vicious, outrageous, impious and sinister. Some of us cannot stand the sight of Lucas Agboyie's ogre-like picture in the Daily Graphic of Friday, 23rd September, 2016. It is abominable, reading: I killed girl, 7 and had sex with body; Man, 22, confesses. He was like Grendel in 'Beowulf', like the Beast in 'Beauty and the Beast', like Polyphemus, like the Cyclops in 'Homer's Odyssey', like the Cyclops in 'Sinbad the Sailor', and like the Giant Despair in John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress'.

I may be pardoned for not writing as a sociologist or for not writing as a criminologist or for not writing as a lawyer  but writing as a parent, as grand  parent of that little girl whose mother had sent her on an errand only to be lured by Agboyie who asked her to bring his towel hanging behind his house. What were there on the girl to attract Agboyieher face, her legs, her boobs?

And Agboyie confesses: On her return I told her I wanted to sleep with her but she refused. I held her hand and she began struggling with me. She begged and told me to let her go and started screaming. So I strangled her. I then took her to my room and slept with the body. Afterwards, I took the GH20 she had in her possession and used it to buy ganja. Haba  apologies to I.K. Gyasi.

The incident which occurred on April 19, 2015 with the accused arraigned before the court on April 23, 2015, had the docket sent to the Attorney General's Department for advice in June 2015. Naturally, the judge at the Accra Central District Magistrate's Court, Worlanyo Kotoku, Esq. could only be alarmed, and he expressed this in very few words: I don't know why the case is still delaying. The accused person's story has been consistent since the first day he was brought to court. These are committal proceedings and not the actual trial. Kudos to the lawyer who volunteered to follow up to the Attorney-General's Departmentin the absence of the Prosecutor. Some of us lawyers are, likewise, going to follow the case which we hear has been adjourned to October 4, 2016.

At the trial, we are likely to be told that Section 46 of the Criminal Offences Act spells out: A person who commits murder is liable to suffer death, and Section 47 says: A person who intentionally causes the death of another person by an unlawful harm commits murder Section 304(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code states: Every sentence of death shall direct that the person condemned shall suffer death in accordance with the provisions of this section  Section 304 (3). The execution may be either by hanging or shooting by firing squad.

During the full trial the accused person may have to be represented by a lawyer who could plead insanity, intoxication, ignorance of fact or the law. No argument here, for the accused has the right to be represented. Even where he declares that he has no money to engage a lawyer, the State will have to obtain one for him, my friends at 'Legal Aid' may have to prepare themselves for a good battle of wits.

Already, Sociologists and Psychologists have jumped into the fray. When Sigmund Freud propounded his theory of the 'Id', 'Ego' and 'Superego', he explained that the 'id' contains a person's 'libido'  which is the primary source of instinctual force that is unresponsive to the demands of reality. The 'id' knows no judgments of value: no good, no evil, no morality it is compelled by the 'Oedipus Complex' or dictatorial: Thou Shalt. Libido, is colloquially known as 'sex  drive' the overall sexual desire for sexual activity. Did the 'ganja' the accused smoked drive him into hyper  sexuality? Should we allow lust, sadism or masochism to disturb the social order? Social order refers to the way in which a society is organized along with certain sets of social structures, practices and institutions that maintain and set methods for relating and behaving. Bruce Fein thinks communities would be plunged into anarchy, if people were allowed to go scot  free after committing crimes. The Good Book tells us in Exodus 22:18, thus: Wrongdoers you shall not suffer to live and the question is how many people are we to allow to be murdered while we wait for the wrongdoer to repent of his sins?

The accused confesses to smoking 'ganja'. Perhaps he is talking about 'weed', 'pot' or 'crack'. He may attribute his action to the hallucinating effect of the drug. The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can cause a ruckus in one's brain's orbital frontal cortexand one can easily be turned into a zombiemindless, unthinking henchman. This is the kind of stuff people are asking to be de-criminalised. Of course, free speech should be permittedwe can learn vital lessons when people are allowed to speak their minds, but if a legislation would harm the social order, we need to re-think the proposal.

The respected Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa thinks: To take a life when a life has been lost is revenge, it is not justice. But there is an argument that the social order should be respected, and retribution has a role to play here. We should not confuse retribution with revenge. People fear nothing more than death. Even a sniff of death can see the living trying to live upright lives. Take the death sentence away, remove it from or statute books, and you can see the effect. There is a very old saying: The wages of sin is death.

Some people argue against the Death Penalty. They call it barbaric, antiquated, regressive, cruel, undemocratic, totalitarian, uncivilized, and inhuman. They have their merits, and many countries have abolished or trying to abolish the Death Penalty. Their arguments are bolstered by Amnesty International, which posits: The death penalty legitimizes an irreversible act of violence by the state and will inevitably claim innocent victims. As long as human justice remains fallible, the risk of executing the innocent can never be eliminated. Thomas Aquinas has noted: To one who has faith no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. What more does one need to add?

Africanus Owusu-Ansah

[email protected]
Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the Press, Government of Ghana has expressed intentions to collaborate with the Shenzhen Energy Group Co., Ltd. of China (SEC) to develop a 2350MW supercritical coal-fired generating units, at Ekumfi in the Central Region of Ghana.

While 350 Ghana Reducing our Carbon (G-ROC) and members of the CSOs Anti-Coal Campaigners in Ghana jointly agree theres an urgency to provide sufficient energy to meet increasing demand, we believe power generation through coal is strongly contested. Implementing this would be suicidal to the future of Ghana.

If Ghana takes this route, it will violate the countrys obligation under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which enforces countries to take step that ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The recent Paris climate change agreement states that all Parties should strive to formulate and communicate long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, we wish to state that Volta River Authority (VRA) has not responded to key issues raised in their Scoping report. For example, we have requested for:

Detailed information of names and contacts of fishermen group, women and youth groups as well as the NGOs engaged as claimed by VRA. Information on accurate and up-to-date biodiversity data on the animals and species at the project site to be affected. Records of consultations with other stakeholders as communicated in the scoping report aside government agencies and Shenzhen Energy based on the principle of transparency and accountability. VRAs response to EPA regarding the need to consider other types of coal-fired plants such as the Subcritical, Supercritical, Ultra-Supercritical, Advanced Ultra-Supercritical and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC). Similarly, there are four types of coal namely Peat, Lignite, Black coal and Anthracite. We are not told which of these coal types is to be imported. The specific kind of job opportunities to be created as claimed by VRA. What kinds of skills are required; how many people are to be employed temporarily and permanently.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, we embarked on a community visit in Ekumfi to engage with the community members and we hereby present a summary of our findings:

Community members are curious about the project as they had some reservations about the project. A queenmother at Etubedu mentioned a case of the negative impact of Takoradi stonemills on the life of the people so they are not fully sure what this coal plant has in store for them. The queen mother at Kokodo community, Oheemah Nana Fosuaa shared her experience on how rainwater which people of Obuasi formerly harvested for drinking and bathing are no longer safe. People have been affected with strange skin diseases believed to be as a result of dangerous emissions affecting rainwater. Such rainwater is only best for scrubbing the floor. The community leaders generally acknowledged that the welfare of the youth and unborn generations must be taken into consideration when making decisions, in this case something that bothers on the environment. The elders in Aboano in particular raised deep concerns about the possible effect on rainwater which they depend on for drinking, bathing, washing etc. For them such concerns have not been adequately addressed for their understanding. Dennis Aidoo  Spiritual leader of Aboano Community refuted the claim that VRA discussed compensation with them. The youth are in high anticipation of the jobs promised but have no idea of the kinds or types of jobs to be offered them and even whether those jobs will be temporary or permanent. Shenzhen Energy Group is enjoined by Article 20 of Chinas Guidelines for Environmental Protection in Foreign Investment and Cooperation which states that Chinese enterprises take the initiative to strengthen their contacts and communications with their communities and relevant social groups, and take opinions and suggestions with respect to environmental impacts of their construction projects and operation activities through forums and hearings. Our findings show that such due diligence was not adhered to by the Chinese firm.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, we wish to state categorically that:

Clean coal is a myth. There is no technology like that and we challenge VRA to show us examples of such technology.

Coal has severe negative environmental, health, and social impacts which are well documented. For example, as many as 115,000 people die in India each year from coal-fired power plant pollution, costing the country about $4.6 billion, according to a groundbreaking new study. The findings are stunning. In addition to more than 100,000 premature deaths, it links millions of cases of asthma and respiratory ailments to coal exposure. It counts 10,000 children under the age of 5 as fatal victims in a particular year. Opting for coal will lead to Ghana deviating from the Paris Climate Agreement. Nana Amuah Afenyi VI, Chief of Ekumfi Otuam and Mankrado of Ekumfi Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana has expressed her disappointment and shock at plans by the VRA to construct a coal-fired power plant. President Mahama must honour his commitment at COP21 in Paris when said that Ghana is determined to achieve ambitious cuts in greenhouse gases. Chinas President Xi promised to strengthen green and low-carbon policies and regulations with a view to strictly controlling public investment flowing into projects with high pollution and carbon emissions both domestically and internationally. This project would be a direct violation of the Chinese Presidents commitment.

Our demand:

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, we believe there is a far better alternative to coal which is Renewable energies such as wind, solar and biogas because:

Clean energy industries employ far more people than the coal industry. The U.S. solar industry alone is beginning to overtake the coal mining sector with higher employment figures, according to 2014 data released by the Solar Foundation. If Rwanda (a war-torn nation) is excelling in the use of renewable energies to generate electricity, what then is the excuse of Ghana? Ghana must stop the coal dream and aggressively pursue Renewables as seen occurring in countries. How many hours a day does Ghana receive direct sunlight that goes untapped?

Thank you.
London (AFP) - An oil price rally fuelled by OPEC's deal to cut crude output ran out of steam Thursday with analysts doubting the cartel's ability to seriously tackle a supply glut.

Following a meeting that included Russia, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries stunned markets Wednesday by saying it planned to trim total production by some 750,000 barrels per day.

This followed talks in Algiers as world oil producers seek ways to prop up prices that have plunged from $100 in 2014 to near 13-year lows below $30 at the start of 2016, mainly owing to excess supplies.

"We are confident that OPEC countries will not stick to the agreement," commented Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch.

But even if they do, exemptions from cuts granted to Iran, Nigeria and Libya mean that "the problem of surplus will not be solved if these countries take full advantage of their capacities again", Fritsch said.

Exact details of the deal remain to be agreed and analysts said markets will now wait to see whether non-OPEC producers such as Russia, the United States and Canada will make cuts of their own.

In a reaction Thursday, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that his country intends to keep oil production at current levels.

Wednesday's deal came after OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia allowed bitter rival Iran to be exempted from the cutbacks, as the Islamic republic recovers from years of sanctions on its oil exports.

The cartel's announcement of a first official reduction in eight years at first sent crude prices surging six percent Wednesday, while energy firms across the globe have seen their share prices soar.

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih attends an informal meeting between members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in the Algerian capital Algiers, on September 28, 2016

But early Thursday the oil price slipped lower again, before showing slight gains by the late European afternoon.

The US benchmark oil contract, West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November, was up 27 cents at $47.32 a barrel.

Brent North Sea crude for November rose 19 cents to $48.88 a barrel compared with Wednesday's close.

Saudi 'blinks first'

"OPEC's commitment to cut output by between one-half and three-quarters of a million barrels a day has done more for oil-sensitive stocks and currencies, as well as overnight risk sentiment, than for oil prices themselves," Societe Generale said in a note to clients.

"Time will tell whether oil prices will trend higher (after a knee-jerk rally), and the market will first wait to see how the cuts are divvied up between members, which will be decided at the November OPEC meeting."

At the end of six hours of negotiations and weeks of horse trading, OPEC said it would cut production to 32.5-33 million barrels per day from around 33.5 million in August.

"It is Saudi Arabia who has clearly blinked first, allowing Iran, its main rival, to ramp up production," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at Oanda trading group.

"We shouldn't underestimate the major shift by Saudi Arabia," he told AFP. "These two don't see eye to eye on anything so this is a huge concession by Saudi Arabia to 'lubricate' the process."

At the end of six hours of negotiations and weeks of horse trading, OPEC announced the plan to cut production

Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Middle East's foremost Shiite and Sunni Muslim powers, are at odds over an array of issues including the wars in Syria and Yemen.

The Paris-based International Energy Agency called the agreement "an important development for the oil market", but it also cautioned that it was too early to tell how it would actually affect market balances.

"The IEA continues to believe that oil prices should be determined by market fundamentals," it said.

'Tipping point'

The cartel's richer members, particularly the Gulf states, have preferred to battle it out with non-OPEC producers such as the United States for global market share by keeping production high.

"Saudi Arabia have perhaps reassessed their dumping oil strategy to put US shale out of business as the pressure on their budgets has clearly reached a tipping point as well," Halley added.

The plunge in oil revenues has left Saudi Arabia with a record deficit last year, prompting the country to cut the salaries of cabinet ministers and freeze the wages of lower-ranking civil servants.
A panel of five Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL) team members will present a paper on significant innovations supported by T-TEL, at the second Annual International Conference on Education Research for Development in Africa (ICERDA 2016) billed to take place at the Alisa Hotel, Accra from the 3rd-5th October, 2016. The conference will be attended by international scholars and researchers with a strong interest and commitment to education for development in Africa that is led by Africa.

The theme of the 2nd ICERDA conference is: Towards a Vision of Education for Sustainable Development in Africa. The goal of this years conference is to promote meaningful and equitable progress in education for sustainable development, informed by the experience of Education for All and responsive to the aspirations of the next generation of learners. The conference will reflect on stories of education development and progress in Africa since 2000 and provide an African arena to review the past and present practices and plan the future of educational investment.

This theme resonates powerfully with Ghanas vision for education, which is fully captured by

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all. At a National Stakeholder Forum in March 2016, the Minister of Education confirmed that if this vision is to become a reality we must dramatically improve the effectiveness of our teaching so that more young people can play their part in Ghanas progress. Ghanas policy framework, the Pre-Tertiary Teacher Professional Development and Management Policy- provides the conditions for teacher education institutions to work together to improve teaching in Ghana. T-TEL is the Government of Ghana programme, supported by UKAID, set up to support the implementation of this policy.

T-TELs Theory of Change is based on evidence from Ghana and West Africa that transforming learning outcomes for pupils in schools and for student teachers in Colleges of Education requires that change happens simultaneously at all levels of the system. Consequently, T-TEL supports innovations taking place at the policy level, within its national institutions, in Colleges, in partner schools, and district offices of education. Our team of presenters at ICERDA; led by T-TEL National Programme Manager, Akwasi Addae-Boahene will discuss innovations that T-TEL is supporting within the National Policy Reform agenda, in the area of institutional leadership, in Tutor Professional Development in Colleges, and through the introduction of funding mechanisms to support innovation.

The paper, will share on early evidence of impact on educational practices within Colleges of Education, and discuss their potential for sustaining an improved quality of education for children in Ghana.

About ICERDA

In 2015, an academic research partnership was established between the University of Sussex, UK and the University of Ghana, Accra. The goal was to create a unique space for new and established education researchers to meet regularly to disseminate research that addresses and develops critical discourses on education for development in Africa.

ICERDA responds to the need for an independent forum where African voices, and scholars who work with African colleagues, can share evidence based insights into educating the next generation of young Africans. We seek to promote a new balance between the stakeholders that shape public policy which privileges evidence and rational dialogue.

As the Sustainable Development Goals are adopted, it is more important than ever that the locus of control of development and the ideas that make theories of change a reality are driven by African public intellectuals who can speak truth to power.

About T-TEL

Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL) is a four year Government of Ghana programme to transform teaching and learning in Ghana, supported by UK aid. T-TEL aims to ensure that Ghanas future teachers are equipped to deliver high quality teaching and learning in schools across the country. The Ministry of Education recognises that improving learning outcomes is the greatest challenge facing the education system; this cannot be addressed without effective teachers.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Mr Joseph Yere, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Coordinator of Mental Health, has appealed to the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to assist and confine patients with mental illness roaming the streets of Sunyani, the regional capital.

Mr Yere said a recent census showed that 687 patients with various forms of mental health conditions have strayed on the streets of the Sunyani municipality.

Speaking at a workshop on mental health at Abesim, near Sunyani, the mental health coordinator, said though many of the patients looked calm, they could be aggressive at anytime, hence the need to take them off the streets.

The workshop was organised by two health centered Non-Governmental Organisations  MIHOSO International and Basic Needs Ghana with support from the Department for International Development (DFID).

It was attended by District and Municipal Coordinating Directors, Planning Officers and other key stakeholders of the assembly and aimed at sensitizing and updating the participants on maternal mental health situation in region.

Mr Yere said the local government service is regarded a key stakeholder in the mental health Act 846, 2012 but expressed worry that it had neglected its responsibility toward the mentally challenged.

He said depression, uncontrolled drug abuse and alcoholism as some of the immediate causes of mental illness.

Mr Yere said when mental health patients strictly adhered to their medications, it facilitated their treatment and healing process and appealed to families, relatives, friends and the entire society to assist patients to take their drugs as prescribed.

He commended MIHOSO and its partner agencies for the support in helping to address mental health challenges in the region.

Dr Gabriel Gbiel Benarkuu, the Chief Executive Officer of MIHOSO, said over the past seven years, the two NGOs had been implementing various mental health intervention programmes in the region.

The main aim of the intervention is to support government to build a national mental health system that effectively and efficiently responds to the mental health needs of the population.

Dr Benarkuu said although faced with fierce resistance and stigma, the programme has achieved several successes and impacted positively on the conditions of mental health patients.

He called for a collaboration between regional mental health units, NGOs, and the Municipal and District health directorate toward the integration of mental health into the mainstream of healthcare delivery.


Health minister Alex Segbefia says the GH50,000 filing fees demanded from presidential aspirants by the Electoral Commission is not excessive and may weed out parties that are not electorally viable.

He didn't think complaints that the amount is excessive are properly placed because There is a certain caveat...if you reach a certain percentage of votes, the money is refunded, he said on Joy FMs Super Morning Show Thursday.

The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), a third-force party, has challenged the filing fee at an Accra High court. The deadline for the submission of forms ends by the close of work Thursday.

The PPP filed a motion for interlocutory injunction yesterday praying the court to restrain the EC their respective agents, assigns, privies, servants or workmen from collecting or receiving the filing fees for the conduct of the 2016 elections, pending the final determination of the substantive matter.

The PPP, backed by the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), maintain that the five-fold increase from GH10,000 in 2012 to GH50,000 is discriminatory, arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable.

The PPP believes the fee will work against a citizen's political right to vote and be voted for as guaranteed by the 1992 constitution.

In a discussion on Joy FMs Super Morning Show, however, the minister with the governing NDC rejected the claim that the fee is exploitative.

According to the minister, the fee looks exorbitant to those who want to contest the presidential elections just for the sake of it.

The charge is a test for tough-talking and overly optimistic candidates in the presidential elections to put their money where their mouth is, he said.

Per the directive issued by the EC, a presidential candidate who secures 25 per cent of the presidential votes and a parliamentary candidate also secures 12.5 per cent of votes in a constituency will get a refund.

If you believe you have the vote of the masses then you have nothing to fear, Alex Segbefia threw a challenge.

He said the fee should not necessarily be borne by the presidential candidate because political parties are supposed to collect dues from their members.

"Why does everybody think that anyone is asking one person to pay? It is a political party. We collect dues....the idea of all-inclusiveness means everybody comes together to ensure that filing fees are paid.

He said although the constitution guarantees the right to be voted for, it could be stretched to "a point of absurdity" if an avalanche of several candidates file to contest the presidency.

It would mean the ballot could be a very long and incovenient voting material, he suggested.

"Every single candidate ....creates an extra administrative cost for the EC and for the taxpayer so if you want to take it to a point of absurdity you could simply say my right is such that it should be free".

The filing fee notwithstanding, at least 23 persons have picked presidential nomination forms.

This includes the two favourites, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates.

Dark horses, the PPP and the PNC have also picked forms while serveral parties deemed also-rans, have also picked up nomination forms.

They include the NDP, the United Development System Party (UDSP) and the United Love Party (ULP).

Others are the Independent Peoples Party (IPP), the United Progressive Party (UPP), the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), the United Front Party (UFP), the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), the APC, the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) and the Reform Patriotic Democrats (RPD).

The independent candidates are Mr Jacob Osei-Yeboah, Mr Kwaku Antwi Owusu, Mr Lawrence Yamil Nketia, Mr Kwame Asiedu Walker, Chief Dr Yaw Kumi, John Alex Hamah and Major Ibrahim Rida (retd).

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|Edwin Appiah|[email protected]
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Editors of aL-hAJJ Newspaper have released a statement to counter allegations leveled against them by Fadi Dabbousi, a Lebanese-Ghanaian who was arrested by The Bureau of National investigations (BNI)for publishing false and defamatory stories about President John Dramani Mahama.

According to Fadi , he saw the stories he wrote from publications from aL-hAJJ newspaper and Catalyst newspaper, therefore The Bureau of National investigations (BNI)should be arresting the editors of those newspapers he sourced his information from rather than him.

In a statement released by the al-hajj newspaper signed by the News Editor (Amos Blessing Amorse) and copied to GhanaPoliticsonline.com,the paper cautioned the General public to Ignore allegations leveled against them by Fadi Daboussi

Below is the full statement

The aL-hAJJ Denies Fadi Dabbousis Claim

...........................................................................

Fadi Dabbousi must not attempt to find cover in The aL-hAJJ newspaper for his reckless comments leading to his arrest and detention by the Bureau of National Investigation.

If a journalist of his standing could hold on to not only an unverifiable and spurious but also malicious story on the internet as gospel truth after same was debunked by The aL-hAJJ newspaper, and apologies rendered to the paper and President Mahama by online news outlets that published the story, then Fadi Dabbousi is an epitome of what his comment has exposed him to be.

The aL-hAJJ newspaper has NEVER published any story about President Mahama or the First Family depicting what Fadi Dabbousi said formed the basis for his comment. He must not attempt to use The aL-hAJJ as smoke screen for his irresponsible comment which has brought so much shame to him and his family.

Having realized his folly, one would have thought that Fadi Dabbousi would be guided by the truth, but it appears he and his Lawyer are yet to learn lessons so while he (Fadi Dabbousi) told another lie about The aL-hAJJ on Peace Fm, his Lawyer also made same erroneous allusions on other media networks.

We demand that Fadi Dabbousi and lawyer produce a copy of our newspaper in which we published the supposed story he and his lawyer claimed formed the basis for his reckless comment within one week beginning today, September 27, 2016. Failure to do this on the specified date would force as to instruct our lawyers to take steps to clear our name. We do not take attempts by Fadi Dabbousi and his lawyer to dent the image of the newspaper lightly.

Amos Blessing Amorse

News Editor

The aL-hAJJ
Former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and his wife Nana Konadu have described the late Dr Mrs Mary Grant as a formidable woman who never turned away from hard work.

They said Dr Grant would really be missed because she had great ideas on the development of Ghana and touched many lives.

Speaking on behalf of the Rawlings family Tuesday during a courtesy call on the family of Dr Grant, who passed away on September 18, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, said Dr Grants impatience and strong desire to get things done was the major motivating factor.

This she said encouraged President Rawlings to want to work with her.

The former First Lady said Dr Grant had interests in health, sanitation and drainage issues and was always pushing to get such projects implemented.

We mourn her today but we know that her good works will live after her, said Nana Konadu who later signed a book of condolence in memory of Dr. Grant.

The Ebusuapanyin of the Grant family, Ebo Cramer Sam expressed the familys gratitude to President Rawlings and his wife for making time to call on them and recalled the personal bond between them and their departed mother and sister.

She has been a mother to all. She cared about everybody, she loved people but unfortunately, there comes a time when life must come to an end. When it does come it is the legacy we leave behind that matters.

Dr. Grant was guided by the spirit of sharing and giving, in her relationship with people. It is that loss we mourn," Mr Cramer Sam said.

Another family member, William Essilfie, spoke about the role Dr Grant played in the establishment of the Korle Bu Cardiothoracic and Burns units and thanked President Rawlings for giving her the opportunity to serve her country in several capacities.

We are happy that Ghanaians are mourning with us. We want all Ghanaians to know that the separation is only physical. In terms of deeds we are not separated; in terms of love we are not separated. Her memory will live on in our hearts, Mr Essilfie said.

Dr Grant who was a member of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) under Chairman Rawlings and later served as a Minister in the NDC under President Rawlings will be buried on Friday, October 21.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com
The Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has said the president breached the country's gift policy in accepting the controversial Ford gift given by a Burkinabe contractor Djibril Kanazoe.

However, the Commission in its preliminary investigations concluded the president's action did not breach the bribery, corruption or conflict of interest laws of the country.

The findings were contained in a 78-paged report released by CHRAJ, Thursday.

The Commission received three petitions, two from political parties, the Progressive People's Party and the Convention People's Party Youth League and one from a private citizen, Nana Addo Ofori.

The petitions followed a Joy News investigative piece by Manasseh Azure Awuni which revealed how the Burkinabe contractor struck a friendly cord with the presidency, gave a Ford gift to then Vice president John Mahama, now president and how the contractor was given three separate contracts by the government.

The president admitted receiving the gift but said he handed it over to the state to be added to the pool of vehicles at the presidency. He however vehemently rejected any allegation of bribery, corruption or a breach of the Procurement laws in the award of the three contracts to the Burkinabe contractor.

Not happy with the admission by the president, the petitioners proceeded to CHRAJ, demanding, among other things, a thorough investigation into the matter, ascertain whether or not the president breached the conflict of interest provisions in the constitution and whether or not the president's conduct amounted to bribery.

Forinstance Article 284 provides that:

A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of his office. The petitioners have cause to believe that by receiving the Ford gift the president put himself in a conflict of interest position especially after it emerged that the same contractor who donated the Ford vehicle subsequently received contracts, some of which the Auditor General found problematic.

In accordance with provisions of Article 287 of the 1992 Constitution, the Commission wrote to the president requesting him to comment on the allegations made against him.

The president, through his lawyer, Tony Lithur, responded to the allegations in a letter dated July 18 2016 and denied claims of bribery, corruption and conflict of interest.

The Commission therefore begun an independent preliminary investigation into the matter to ascertain whether the claims made by all parties had basis.

The investigation saw the Commission speaking to key players in the scandal, including ministers of state, Manasseh Azure Awuni, as well as evaluating essential documents including A declaration that Quedrago Cheik Mohammed, the alleged importer of the said Ford Expedition 2010 model with engine No. E173A1905101 and Chassis No. IFMJUIJ58AEB748 was an instrument of fraud in the hands of the sitting President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.

CHRAJ concluded its investigations and found as follows;

On whether the president breached the guidelines spelt out in the gift policy, the Commission on the evidence of the document and admissions, found the president guilty.

On the issue of whether the acceptance of the gift placed the president in a conflict of interest situation, the commission observed that the acceptance of prohibited gift, did not in itself constitute conflict of interest. However, it is the failure to declare the gift to the appropriate institutions; and failing to take oneself away from any transaction involving the giver of the gift is what constitutes conflict of interest. The Commission said because the president declared the gift, surrendered it to the state's vehicle pool and did not use his public office for private benefit he could not have been found to have breached the conflict of interest procedures.

Please click here to read the Commission's decision.
Since the transition of the 38th Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, there has been great anticipation for the coronation of the next in line, His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Ehenede Erediauwa, Edaiken NUselu. However, while the traditional processes that precede the ceremony since commenced and there have been clashes with the Edo state gubernatorial elections, the Benin Traditional Council only recently announced October 20, as the date for the coronation.

Considering the Benin Royal house is one of the most acclaimed royal dynasties on the African continent and the Coronation of the 39th Oba of Benin is a prestigious once-in-a-lifetime event, we at Jumia Travel are excited and cannot wait to experience the ostentatious celebration of culture and royalty. Here are some of the things we expect to see:

Exquisite display of culture and royalty

A ceremony that is steeped in tradition and dates back to the 13th century, the coronation consists of series of rituals, ceremonies and symbolic depictions of historical events which are of significance to the people. From the stop at a historical palm tree named Udin amamieson aimiuwa to the ceremonial crossing of a bridge and a mock battle with Ogiamien, the ceremony which lasts for about 10 days will feature an elaborate display of culture and royalty.

The new oba in complete regalia

On the main day of the coronation ceremony, when the Oba is crowned publicly by the Oliha and the Isekhure (chief priest) after which he proceeds to the palace for the very first time as Oba, the new Oba is usually garbed in full regalia, which includes a coral garment and headpiece/crown. It is not every day you get to see the Oba of Benin, especially dressed in full regalia. The coronation will give all and sundry the opportunity to observe this rarity.

The President of Nigeria

Before the postponement of the Benin royal coronation from September 26th, 2016 to October 20th, 2016, The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, during a courtesy visit to the Crown Prince of Benin, prior to the APC mega rally at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City, expressed his love for the Benin Kingdom and assured the Crown Prince of Benin, Prince Ehenede Erediauwa that he will be attending the coronation. Hopefully, he will not be perturbed by the change of date and the south-south will witness his presence once again.

High profile dignitaries and tourists from around the world

The Coronation is not a common event and seeing as the Benin Royal dynasty is one of the oldest and most recognized in Africa, a number of high profile dignitaries from around the world including the Zulu king of South Africa; King of Lesotho; King Mswati of Swaziland; King Kabaka of Uganda e.t.c will be in attendance. Also, tourists including researchers, historians and media houses from various parts of the world will be trooping into the country to witness and record, first-hand, the events of the day.

Sartorial splendor

Fashion is an integral part of royalty and culture. However, aside from the colorful and vibrant traditional attires that will be garbed on by the natives of the Benin Kingdom, we expect to see lots of bright, patterned items you could usually only expect to see in avant-garde fashion shows.

The Benin Royal Family

This is an obvious one but the coronation will accord everyone in attendance to see the Benin Royal family in its entirety. It is would be most exciting for locals within the kingdom who revere the position and authority of the royals in their community.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 29 September 2016,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- SAP announced today the receipt of the Judges' Choice Award in the Corporate Initiative Category for the MIT Inclusive Innovation Competition. In recognition of its impactful digital skills development programme, Africa Code Week (ACW), SAP was selected from more than 240 applicant organisations as recipient of the Judge's Choice Award in the corporate category, for its fast-track and creative approach to driving economic opportunity in the digital age, rated as best-in-class.





"We are honoured to have received this acknowledgement," says Claire Gillissen-Duval, SAP ACW Global Project Lead. "ACW is very close to our hearts and it was easy for the judging panel to see why". Founded in 2015, the initiative is Africa's largest literacy event which aims to simplify the face of software coding for Africa's youth. "ACW has the power to change Africa, acting as the driving force for digital literacy across the continent and shape tomorrow's skilled workforce." states Gillissen-Duval.





The goal of the IIC is to identify organisations that are harnessing digital innovations to create shared prosperity, creating a more inclusive, productive, and sustainable future for all. Award candidates were chosen based on their innovative support of people who earn middle- and base-level incomes.





According to United Nations, a total of 11 million African youth will seek employment every single year, until 2020. With a shortage of education resources across the continent, the future of Africa's youth is dire. ACW presents an opportunity to change this. "A McKinsey Global Survey states that at least 45 million medium skilled positions will be in demand globally by the year 2020 -many of them in Africa," commented Gillissen-Duval. "Coding is a new language that every child deserves to be fluent in. By empowering Africa's youth through the provision of digital skills, ACW has the potential to change the face of the continent."





Spearheaded by SAP, world leader in enterprise software, and with the support of hundreds of international and African partners, ACW's inaugural year saw approximately 90,000 youth, across 17 African countries, introduced to coding within a mere ten days - four times the initial goal. Taking place from 15-23 October, this year will see that extended to 150,000 youth across 30 countries. "Our goal is to reach 5 million students over the next ten years - providing them all with job relevant coding skills", said Gillissen-Duval.





In recognition of its leadership and to further support its efforts, SAP received a $25,000 award during the IIC Awards Celebration held at MIT, and will donate the monetary award directly to the Cape Town Science Centre - a key ACW partner, to further develop the programme and take it to new heights.





In addition to its involvement in ACW, The Cape Town Science Centre partners with numerous parties to promote the importance of the Science Centre as a platform for the delivery of science and technology learning, and the importance of collaboration for the greater good. "Our involvement with ACW speaks directly to our core belief - to encourage and promote the importance of science and technology in today's world," said Julie Cleverdon of the Cape Town Science Centre, in attendance at today's award ceremony. "We are proud to be involved in this popular initiative that has the ability to leverage far reaching change, and we are extremely thankful to SAP for its continuing commitment and support."





For further information visit the SAP News Center or watch ACW video footage http://africacodeweek.org/media/videos/ Follow SAP on Twitter @sapafrica
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejura-Sekyedumasi in the Ashanti Region has donated a brand new ambulance to the Ejura -Sekyedumasi Health Directorate.

Mohammed Salisu Bamba made the donation at a grand durbar of the second edition of the "Bra fie" festival of the chiefs and people of Sekyedumasi on Saturday.

Speaking at the durbar, the MP said he remains committed to his promise to stop pregnant women and sick people from being carried on motorbikes and other discomforting means to their referral centres.

Mr Salisu Bamba has also promised to upgrade the Sekyedumasi health centre to a full hospital when he and Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.

After the presentation, the Omanhene of Sekyedumasi Traditional Council, who received the ambulance on behalf of the Health Directorate crowned the MP as "Oy3 ade3 yie" to wit a destiny changer.

Nana Antwi Bosiako I added that the ambulance comes as a big relief to the health centre since it will reduce the difficulties the health authorities encounter in referring patients to the referral centres.

The Omanhene said, although chiefs don't do open politics, he is urging all the people of Sekyedumasi and its surrounding to retain Mr Salisu Bamba as MP.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com
A face-off between Abraham Amaliba, a foremost member of the legal and communications teams of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Isaac Adongo, a renowned financial analyst and NDC parliamentary candidate for Bolgatanga Central, has taken a twist for the worse.

This is because Mr. Amaliba has levelled strong allegations that he has been expelled from the partys campaign team in the constituency on a recommendation allegedly made by the parliamentary candidate.

I can confirm that the PC (parliamentary candidate), Isaac Adongo, has actually asked that I be excluded from the campaign team. I was informed by the constituency secretary that I was to be the coordinator for the campaign. I gladly accepted the challenge, knowing that I have a good number of people following me.

So, I accepted the challenge. But two days ago, I was informed by the constituency secretary again that Isaac Adongo [had] said that my name be removed. For whatever reason, I dont know. But that is the information I have now, Lawyer Amaliba told newsmen in Bolgatanga.

The divided camps

A showdown between the two giants began in the buildup to the partys primaries conducted late in 2015 ahead of the 2016 general elections.

They were among four aspirants who took part in a red-hot contest that saw their camps ceaselessly hurl unspeakable words at one another before and after the internal elections.

Mr. Adongo grabbed the parliamentary ticket with 4,290 votes. Abraham Amaliba fell behind with 3,052 votes. Incumbent Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Akolbire Opam-Brown, and George Gamson, a senior revenue officer, placed third and fourth with 2,956 and 906 votes respectively.

With the conquered camps licking the wounds sustained in the buildup and openly declaring their plans to vote against the parliamentary candidate at the main elections in December, this year, the party cracked wide apart with a frightening sound that sparked unrestrained jubilations at rivals camps throughout the constituency.

I thought Adongo could have called me- Amaliba

The latest revelation from Mr. Amaliba comes at a time many had assumed that the iron curtains between the camps of the two titans already had given way for a reunion. That assumption came about after Mr. Amalibas camp, shortly after the primaries, launched a group branded Lawyer Amaliba Fan Club and subsequently invited Mr. Adongo to one of their gatherings to forge unity.

I thought that after our elections, I mean the primaries, we had all agreed to bury our differences. Indeed, I was the first among all the [aspirants] to have called for my supporters to support Adongo at the Catering Rest House. I did that on two occasions. I also gathered my supporters and asked Adongo to come and meet them at the Catering Rest House for the third time, and Adongo was there to meet them.

So, I had thought that we had buried the hatchet, but I didnt know the PC still had something against me. But nonetheless, I will still contribute my quota to the campaign. I feel that probably he was misinformed. But I also thought that he could have called me to find out whether I would be ready and prepared to do the work. He didnt do that and went ahead to recommend my removal from the campaign team, Mr. Amaliba stated.

Secretary claims he was misread

When contacted, the constituency secretary, Abdallah Salifu, dismissed Mr. Amalibas statement as contrary to what he claimed Mr. Adongo said.

He explained to Starr News that when time was due for a party committee to constitute a campaign team, Mr. Amaliba came up as a good material for the campaign coordinator not only because of his notable stature in the partys structure but also because his choice tactically would help forge the unity needed to retain the seat.

He said, to avoid any embarrassment, he had to consult Mr. Amaliba first to be sure of his readiness to serve in that capacity. The legal practitioner, according to him, welcomed the proposal. But when the committee finally met, three names reportedly were proposed for the position of a campaign coordinator. They included: Donald Adabere, former Ghana Ambassador to Mali; Edward Ayagle, former Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga and Abraham Amaliba.

The parliamentary candidate, according to the secretary, observed that the NDC was already dawdling behind the other parties in the constituency with regard to campaign activities. So, he recommended that someone resident in the constituency should be considered as a coordinator for the purposes of thorough delivery towards the polls.

When we met with our council of elders to fine-tune the list, we looked for the most experienced among them. With Mr. Adabere, he has been an election campaign chairman for several elections. So, we decided that we should make him the coordinator. The other names were dropped- both Amaliba and the former MCE. Nonetheless, we went ahead to form other eight committees which are going to be chaired by other prominent members including all those who contested the last primaries. We have brought them on board. This is yet to be announced, the secretary told Starr News.

Mr. Salifu did not point out that he relayed the said final decision taken by the committee to Mr. Amaliba. But it appears he did so because he also said: The parliamentary candidate did not specifically say we should remove Mr. A or Mr. B. Its always good, when communication goes out and there are a bit of changes, you send the communication out again so that nobody comes expecting and he doesnt get and it becomes an issue. I dont know why Amaliba has taken this thing too personal.

Isaac Adongo denies removal statement

Meanwhile, the parliamentary candidate has denied the statement attributed to him on Amalibas alleged exclusion from the campaign squad, saying he does not have the power to recommend such.

As we speak, the campaign team has not been fully constituted. Once the campaign team has been fully constituted and formed, an official communication to that effect will be issued to the members of the campaign team. And I am not aware if Amaliba was issued a letter by the party confirming to him that he [was] the campaign coordinator.

It does not really lie in my power to appoint or remove campaign coordinator or campaign members. I do believe that Amaliba knows that I dont have that power. It is a committee made up of party elders and the constituency executives including the parliamentary candidate that take that collective decision, Mr. Adongo said.

NDCs performances as against opponents since 2008

The Bolgatanga Central Constituency, as shown by statistics, is safe for NDC supporters to pride themselves on as a stronghold.

The NDCs Emmanuel Akolbire Opam-Brown in 2008 (before the Bolgatanga Constituency was divided between the central and the east) won the seat with 28,656 (57.7%) votes. Mercy Alima Musah of the NPP got 10,063 (20.2%) votes. David Apasera attracted 10,009 (20.1%) votes with CPPs Evelyn Lamisi Anabila polling 640 (1.3%) ballots. Anyema Robert Abiiro of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) gathered 229 (0.5%) and Solomon Atiah Awuni of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) gained 97 (0.2%) votes.

The 2012 polls saw the NDCs Emmanuel Akolbire Opam-Brown acquire 28, 144 (59.12%) votes. Dr. Gheysika Agambila of the NPP obtained 13, 464 (28.28%) votes whilst the PPPs Robert Analmoga garnered 3,523 (7.40%). The PNCs Lawyer Rockson Akugre attracted 2,260 (4.75%) and Saeed Jafar Mohammed of the National Democratic Party (NDP) got 216 (0.45%) votes.
Two of the political parties behind the petitions that triggered investigations by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) into a Ford Expedition gift given President John Mahama say they have been vindicated by the Commissions report, released Thursday.

Policy Advisor for the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Kofi Asamoah Siaw says although the party is yet to determine the next action based on the conclusion of the Commission's report, they were right the president erred by receiving the gift.

National Youth Organiser of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Ernesto Yeboah was unimpressed with what he says was a speedy investigation by CHRAJ, nonetheless the party's Youth League has been proven right.

CHRAJ has released a 78-page report from its four months investigation into a gift President Mahama received from a Burkinabe contractor Oumarou Djibril Kanazoe while serving as President of Ghana.

The matter became public following an investigation conducted by Joy News Manasseh Awuni Azure after the contractor who has executed two government contracts. He was due for a third contract when news about the Ford gift gained currency forcing him to pull out of the contract.

President John Mahama

Mr Kanazoe constructed the $650,000 Ghana Embassy wall in Burkina Faso which Parliaments Public Accounts Committee (PAC) flagged and the Dodo-Pepeso section of what has largely been described as the most expensive road project in Ghana  the Eastern Corridor Road Network.

A statement by the Communications Minister, Dr Edward Omane-Boamah admitted the President received the gift but said the vehicle has been added to the fleet of cars at the presidency.

Anti-corruption advocates condemned the president for contradicting his own Code of Conducts for Public Servants and CHRAJ directive on gifts. They demanded President Mahama is investigated for conflict of interest situation.

The Youth League of CPP took issue with the gift and petitioned CHRAJ to investigate the issue on June 21. This was followed by two other petitions from PPP and a private individual Nana Ofori Addo on June 23.

Barely a month into the investigation, CHRAJ wrote to the petitioners demanding hardcore evidence before it could carry out the investigation. The petitioners responded by submitting both audio and video evidence on the matter.

Making its report public 68 days to the presidential and parliamentary elections, CHRAJ says although President Mahama breached the policy on gifts, his act by no means amounts to a conflict of interest.

At the end of the Preliminary Investigation, the Commission has come to the conclusion, based on the extensive evidence assembled, that the allegations that the Respondent [President Mahama] has contravened Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution by putting himself in situations of conflict of interest has not been substantiated, the report said.

Based on its investigation, the Commission says there is no need for full or further investigations into the allegations and went ahead to dismiss the case.

Mr Yeboah who has not failed to point out that President Mahama has brought dishonor to the highest office of the land described CHRAJs work as a compilation of what we all know.

We are not happy with the outcome from CHRAJ. What happens to a President who violates a gift policy? he asked, adding it appeared the Commission was in a hurry to help the president contest this years election.

Dwelling on the Commissions conclusion that President Mahama breached the gift policy, Mr Siaw wondered the punitive measures that would be meted to him.

The President violated the gift law. I dont know the consequences of that [but] if there is a law unless there is no sanction prescribed but this confirms that the President has erred.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected]
From Sebastian R. Freiku, Dunkwa-on-Offin

Nana Obeng Nuakoh III, Chief Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, is set to observe the 10th Anniversary of his installation, alongside the 'Bragro Festival' of the people of Dunkwa.

The weeklong anniversary activities, which started last Monday, September 26, and coincided with the birthday of the Chief, ends on Sunday October 2, 2016, under the theme: Developing the nation through Good leadership.

The 'Bragro festival' comes off on Friday September 30, 2016, followed by a grand durbar on Saturday October 1, 2016, and a Church Service on Sunday October 2, to round off the anniversary.
From Naabenyin Joojo Amissah, Cape Coast

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Cape Coast South Constituency, Lawyer Michael Arthur-Dadzie, has hinted that a New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will lay a solid foundation and build strong pillars that could sustain free Senior High School (SHS) education in Ghana.

He noted that Ghana, as a country, could tap and develop the inherent potentials of the citizenry, through quality education that has a sound foundation and could withstand the test of time at all levels, as Nana Addo and the NPP want for all Ghanaians.

Arthur Dadzie, who stated this at the launch of his campaign for the forthcoming general elections, called on all Ghanaians to vote the NPP into power for change that would transform their lives.

I always believe, and it is a factual thing, that every individual is endowed with inherent potential, and when you put in place the proper structures and proper environment, you will be able to unearth them for their personal development, he added.

Touching on the fishing industry, Lawyer Dadzie observed that a more vigorous fight against pair trawling, a non-traditional fishing practice, was required, to be able to save the fishes from further depletion.

He added that the activities of pair trawling have not only impeded the work of the ordinary fishermen, but have also plunged the fishermen into all forms of debts, including premix fuel, nets and other fishing inputs.

He bemoaned the situation whereby 'pair trawlers' carry out their expeditions with much impunity, and destroy the nets and canoes of fishermen, without any punishment being meted out to them.

We need to put in place proper structures to ensure that what is a canker and an impediment is removed, he asserted, and pointed out that an NPP administration, under Nana Addo, would put in place stringent measures that would restore the fishing industry to it past glory.
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani vowed on Tuesday that his country would continue to back Syria in its fight against "terrorism", the semi-official news agency Tasnim reported.

"Iran will continue helping Syria in the fight against terrorism and towards establishing security in the region," Rouhani told the visiting Syrian parliament speaker Hadiyeh al-Abbas, the agency said.

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From Michael Boateng, Sunyani

The Brong-Ahafo Regional Secretariat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed grave concern over the atrocities and barbaric behaviour of some National Democratic Congress (NDC) activists, allegedly aided by some leading members of the party, who are expected to know better.

At a press conference held in Sunyani, the Chairman of the Brong-Ahafo Electoral Committee of the party, Paul Oko, alleged that top NDC ministers from the region were behind the atrocities and barbaric behaviour of party thugs.

According to Mr. Paul Oko, the unwanted and unprovoked atrocities being meted out to NPP sympathisers by some NDC people, who are encouraged by the aforementioned leaders of the party, cannot be explained, except that those ministers and their ruthless inhumane supporters have pledged to deliver all the Ahafo parliamentary seats to the NDC, by fair or foul means.

He continued that since it had become clear and difficult for the NDC to achieve this aim through the normal electoral process, due to the fact that the wind of change has permeated the whole of Ghana, especially in the Brong-Ahafo Region, the NDC had resorted to threats, intimidations, brutalities, lies and other unreasonable acts of violence.

More so, because they have realised that the monies and inducement gifts cannot change the will of the electorates, he added.

Mr. Paul Oko, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, indicated that violence and intimidation were not the preserve of any individual, and the NDC should recognise that there is a limit to everybody's sense of endurance.

He said the fact that the NPP has been repeating the issue of violence and atrocities to the public demonstrates that the party wishes for a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the elections.

These things are being brought to the notice of the general public for [the] authorities to sit up and find ways of ensuring peace, Mr. Oko said.

The NPP recounted some of the alleged unspeakable and inhumane brutalities meted to NPP supporters, indicating that the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Joseph Daha, for no apparent reason, was beaten and had his neck bruised, and had to be admitted at the hospital.

Mr. Obeng Appiah, Asutifi South NPP Chairman, was severely beaten at Nkaseim and was admitted at hospital; at Goaso/Mim, NPP supporters have been brutalised, while an NDC top minister's machomen kidnapped and stripped some young people naked, who were campaigning for the NPP, including a young lady at Techimantia in the Tano South Constituency.

The NPP further stated that during the limited registration exercise, some people who had come to register at Kenyasi from Asutifi South and were going back home, realised they were being trailed by a pick-up, being allegedly driven by a brother of Alhaji Collins Dauda and his macho men, but for their vigilance, they would have been waylaid and brutalised.

When they detected they were being trailed, they had to make a quick u-turn to the Kenyasi police, who escorted them to their destinations, under armed police guard.

According to the NPP, while the Ahafo area of Brong-Ahafo is boiling, clouds and thunder are gathering in the Dormaa area, where on Tuesday September 20, 2016, several NPP supporters were allegedly beaten up mercilessly by soldiers from the 3BN of Sunyani, on the orders of an MCE.

They explained that the NPP supporters were performing their civic and electoral duties, as observers at the District Electoral Office, to ensure that only legally qualified and eligible registered voters would be allowed to transfer their votes.

Page 2

NPP will lay foundation for free SHS -Arthur Dadzie

From Naabenyin Joojo Amissah, Cape Coast

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Cape Coast South Constituency, Lawyer Michael Arthur-Dadzie, has hinted that a New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will lay a solid foundation and build strong pillars that could sustain free Senior High School (SHS) education in Ghana.

He noted that Ghana, as a country, could tap and develop the inherent potentials of the citizenry, through quality education that has a sound foundation and could withstand the test of time at all levels, as Nana Addo and the NPP want for all Ghanaians.

Arthur Dadzie, who stated this at the launch of his campaign for the forthcoming general elections, called on all Ghanaians to vote the NPP into power for change that would transform their lives.

I always believe, and it is a factual thing, that every individual is endowed with inherent potential, and when you put in place the proper structures and proper environment, you will be able to unearth them for their personal development, he added.

Touching on the fishing industry, Lawyer Dadzie observed that a more vigorous fight against pair trawling, a non-traditional fishing practice, was required, to be able to save the fishes from further depletion.

He added that the activities of pair trawling have not only impeded the work of the ordinary fishermen, but have also plunged the fishermen into all forms of debts, including premix fuel, nets and other fishing inputs.

He bemoaned the situation whereby 'pair trawlers' carry out their expeditions with much impunity, and destroy the nets and canoes of fishermen, without any punishment being meted out to them.

We need to put in place proper structures to ensure that what is a canker and an impediment is removed, he asserted, and pointed out that an NPP administration, under Nana Addo, would put in place stringent measures that would restore the fishing industry to it past glory.

Page 2

Dunkwahene marks 10th Anniversary

From Sebastian R. Freiku, Dunkwa-on-Offin

Nana Obeng Nuakoh III, Chief Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, is set to observe the 10th Anniversary of his installation, alongside the 'Bragro Festival' of the people of Dunkwa.

The weeklong anniversary activities, which started last Monday, September 26, and coincided with the birthday of the Chief, ends on Sunday October 2, 2016, under the theme: Developing the nation through Good leadership.

The 'Bragro festival' comes off on Friday September 30, 2016, followed by a grand durbar on Saturday October 1, 2016, and a Church Service on Sunday October 2, to round off the anniversary.

Nana Obeng Nuakoh appealed to his colleague chiefs and queenmothers to promote peace in their areas of jurisdiction.

He also appealed to Ghanaians and political leaders to advise their followers against intolerance, abuses, and insults, to ensure peaceful elections in December.

Pix: Nana ObengNuakoh III, Chief, Dunkwa-on-Offin


From Alfred Adams, Takoradi

The conduct of primary in the Kwesimintsim constituency by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which was eventually won by Mr Joseph Mensah, was not without drama.

The primary was put on hold following the dispute over the eligibility of Joe Mensah to contest. Whilst the eligibility contest was being looked at by the courts, news started making rounds that the new parliamentary candidate for Kwesimintsim was NDC spy that has been planted in the midst of NPP members in the constituency and that, a vote for him would be tantamount to endorsing NDC.

When the court finally gave the order for the conduct of the primary, a letter bearing the logo of the ruling national Democratic Congress (NDC) and purportedly signed by the deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho, went viral on social media. The said letter endorsed the candidature of Joe Mensah.

The letter dated 23rd September, 2016, reads: 'Following the decision of the High Court last Friday, the account of the NDC in the Western Region office has been credited with an amount of GH2,000.

This is to support Mr Joseph Mensah's operation at Kwesimintsim constituency. You are kindly reminded that the NDC has already invested heavily to distract the activities of the NPP at Kwesimintsim Constituency Parliamentary Seat and, therefore, you ought to work assiduously to ensure that we succeed.

Our ally, Joseph Mensah, has shown great commitment and cannot be blamed if the incumbent wins the primary as stated in the agreement made with him.

Our agreement with him binds him not to file as a parliamentary candidate when he wins the primaries so that our parliamentary candidate can sail through.

Knowing the rationale behind the propaganda letter, Joe Mensah's team quickly came out to deny links with the NDC.

Mr Julius Homenu, Joe Mensah's spokesman, asked Journalists to treat the letter with the highest contempt it deserves.

To him, the letter was a plot designed by his opponents to throw dust into the eyes of the delegates that his boss was an NDC man.

Another text message purportedly sent by the campaign Director of the NPP, Peter Mac Manu, endorsing the candidature of Joseph Baidoe Ansah was also circulating on social media and generated heated debate among the supporters of the two contestants.

Despite all these twists and turns, Joe Mensah still won the primary to the consternation of his opponents.
From Alfred Adams, Takoradi

While ports across the world and governments are doing everything possible to prevent the incidents of people stowing-away into their countries, Solomon Nkansah, Communications Director of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is encouraging the youth in Sekondi-Takoradi, who are interested in embarking on such trips to look for greener pastures abroad to do so.

According to him, the NDC as a party would not arrest or prosecute anybody for attempting to stowaway to other countries in search of greener pastures.

This unfortunate statement, coming from no less a personality than the NDC National Communications Director did not only shock the packed to capacity party crowd, but it practically marred the occasion.

The statement from Mr. Nkansah, who had been invited to speak at the campaign launch of Alfred Ekow Gyan, the party's Parliamentary Candidate for the Takoradi Constituency on Tuesday, attracted thunderous applause from the supporters of the party.

Speaking in the local Fanti language, Solomon Nkansah told the party supporters at New-Takoradi that the days where a government barricaded the Takoradi Port to prevent the youth from stowing-away are long gone, especially not at this time that the NDC government is expanding the port.

Though Solomon Nkansah did not mention the name of any particular government, many people within the crowd and beyond were pointing accusing fingers at the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Stating that the act of stowing-away has its own positive social impact on the lives of the individuals and their families, the NDC Communications Director said the practice has helped to shape the lives of many youth who have traveled outside, worked and return to build houses for their families.

His statement has, however, ignited controversy on radio stations in Takoradi, with two Members of Parliament (MPs) condemning the NDC Chief Linguist for promoting what they referred to as 'illegal' trips.

The Member of Parliament for the Takoradi Constituency, Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah condemned in no uncertain terms the loose talk of the NDC top official.

Speaking on Sky Power FM, a local radio station in Takoradi, Mr. Darko-Mensah told listeners that the loose talk coming from no other person than the Communication Director of the NDC was unfortunate, stressing that it should be condemned by all.

According to the MP, the statement from Mr. Nkansah was an indication that the party is desperate to retain power, adding if that was not the case, the Communications Director would not have made such a declaration at a campaign launch.

On his part, MP for the Effia constituency, Joseph Cudjoe, slammed Solomon Nkansah for what he described as an irresponsible statement.

Later, when the host of the programme on the radio station called Solomon Nkansah on phone to react to the statement, the NDC Communications Director shocked listeners of the station by mounting a heavy defense to why he felt it was a good thing to do.

According to him, the act of stowing-away has some very positive impact on the lives of the families of the beneficiaries, as it helps to cushion them.

When asked whether he knew stow-away was a crime under the 1992 constitution, Mr. Nkansah refused to answer, blaming the host of the programme for picking and selecting which aspect of his statement made at the launch he wanted to comment on.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, according to graphiconeline.com, failed to elect a Presiding Member (PM) for the fifth time, despite the Assembly Member for Suame, Nana Kofi Senya, standing alone.

Nana Senya and the Adumhene, Nana Baffour Agyei Kesse, who is a government appointee, have contested for the past four times, but none of them was able to secure the two-thirds majority vote.

At Tuesdays meeting, the report continued, the Adumhene stepped down for Nana Senya, but the members had to still vote YES or NO to either confirm him or not.

In a brief speech before the votes were cast, Nana Kesse explained that he was stepping down in the interest of peace, and to ensure development in Kumasi, which has been stalled for almost a year.

Despite this concession, Nana Senya could still not get the constitutionally required two-thirds majority. He secured 62 'yes' votes, with 65 voting against him.

The Chronicle is worried over the development going on in the Kumasi Assembly, and calls on the Overlord of the land, Otumfuo Osei Tutu Ababio, to intervene.

The local government concept was fashioned out to help in the rapid development of the local communities. It is, therefore, the duty of every assembly to come out with policies that would help it raise taxes to execute developmental projects.

But the assembly can only meet to take this decision, after its members have been summoned by the Presiding Member.

Local Government Act-1993 (Act 462) states: The Presiding Member shall convene and preside over the meetings of the Assembly, and perform such other functions as may be prescribed by law.

This means that the assembly members cannot meet to take any decision until they have been summoned by the Presiding Member, as we earlier alluded to.

With this unending battle over who should preside over the assembly, how can any decision be taken to fast track the development of the Kumasi Metropolis?

It is being alleged that politics is playing a back role in the whole drama over the election of the PM.

Nana Kofi Senya, it is being alleged, has sympathy towards the New Patriotic Party (NPP) whilst Nana Baffour Agyei Kesse, the Adumhene supports the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

As a result, votes are cast purely on partisan lines without looking at the overall interest of the assembly.

Meanwhile, per the Local Government Act, business of the assembly is to be conducted on non-partisan basis.

Nana Senya had already made a series of allegations against the administration of the former mayor, Kojo Bonsu, which if true, could have been avoided, had members of the assembly decided to do away with partisanship and voted to elect a Presiding Member.

As it stands now, it is only Otumfuo who can call the assembly members to order, and that is why The Chronicle is appealing to the Ashanti King to immediately intervene and resolve the stalemate.

Whilst appealing to Otumfuo to resolve the issue, The Chronicle thinks the time has come for the government and Parliament to consider the possibility of amending the Local Government Act to make the election of Presiding Members and District Chief Executives by a simple majority. This law has been in existence since 1993, and has, therefore, reached its maturity state.

Looking at the partisan nature of the various assemblies, it is no more advisable for this law to continue to operate  it is like a square peg in a round hole.

The assemblies should be allowed to vote and elect their DCEs and PMs by simple majority and eliminate the current restrictions.

At the moment, this is what the country needs, if we are to ensure the rapid development of all corners.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

A GNA feature by Mildred Siabi-Mensah

Nzema Akropong (W/R), Sept. 29, GNA - Nana Adu-Kwao II, Chief of Nzema Akropong in the Western Region, is worth celebrating for making a significant mark in the lives of the people he rules over.

He had the dream to build a community health and planning services centre (CHPS) for his community members, who had to travel from 10 to 15 kilometers to access quality healthcare service.

'Seeing a seven year- old boy die in my hands because he had mistakenly chewed millipede whilst in the farm with the mother due to lack of transportation to the nearest facility was a big blow to me as a chief.

'In fact, I had to go into my closet and cry whilst I questioned why my people,' he told the Ghana News Agency,' in an interview.

Nana Adu-Kwao said he travelled to the District Assembly on numerous occasions for a health post in the area had not yielded any positive results over the years.

'One day, I went to the district office to follow up on my quest for a health centre for my people and I was told that the Supportive Technical Assistance to Revitalise (STAR) CHPS project had been launched by the Jubilee Partners in collaboration with Jhpiego and the Ghana Health Service, to increase access to high quality basic healthcare.

'But the project was not prepared to put up any infrastructure to house health personnel,' he said.

The STAR CHPS project has provided enormous technical support to strengthen and revitalise 62 CHPS zones through the use of Jhpiego-developed quality improvement tool known as Standards-based management and Recognition (SBM-R) to improve performance and quality health care services.

The five- year project, which officially rounds up in October, provided basic training and use of special designed tools, to enhance efficient and standardised management of clinical procedures in the project facilities.

Nana Adu-Kwao said common diseases together with teenage pregnancies are the order of the day in the Akropong area of Nzemaland.

He said he is prepared to save the lives of the people entrusted into his hands and so he committed GHE30,000.00 from the savings he together with his wife had made from their farming business to put up a five- room facility as contribution for healthy lifestyle in his community.

Some community members began spreading rumours that Nana was building stores while others thought he was putting up apartments for rental purposes.

He said: 'As a chief, I am responsible for checking the habits in every family and so I concentrated on the vision to build a CHPS compound to serve the health needs of my people without given a hoot about all the rumours. Actually, it rather spurred me on to accomplish the vision.'

In no time, the five- room facility was ready and well-furnished for take-off.

'I had to disburse GHE5000.00 to help in recruiting health professionals to my area, house and even sponsor part of their feeding all in the name of quality health care.'

Nana Adu-Kwao efforts were crowned with success as the community now enjoys good primary health care.

He said he earnestly followed up on the action plan to ensure that the community is achieving good results in all the health indicators.

'My investment in the health of my people has really brought me some joy. My teenage girls have learnt family planning and are staying in school much longer than before and rampant sickness and diseases are a thing of the past.'

The jubilee partners and Jhpiego together with the Ghana Health Service made a commitment to improve the health well-being of people in the six coastal districts of Ghana.

The project covered 395,583 people from 430 communities in the six districts of the Region with an integrated and holistic system, which seeks to improve quality health care services in the area of malaria control, antenatal care, family planning, immunisation, growth monitoring and basic outpatient care.

Major Regina Akai-Nettey (Rtd), Senior Technical Advisor to the STAR CHPS project said the project revitalised 62 CHPS zones, built the capacity of 321 community health officers, 401 volunteers and 413 management committee to enable them to carry out activities in the community to improve high quality health delivery.

She said 59 of the CHPS zones were assisted to be on National Health Insurance Scheme as well as providing home visiting bags containing medicine stock to help in community outreach.

Major Akai-Nettey celebrated the key partners for ensuring the success of the project, which had recorded significant improvement in community health.

Motorbikes, certificates and plaques were awarded to individuals, facilities and some traditional leaders for their contributions towards the project.

GNA
By Stephen Asante, GNA

Kumasi, Sept 29, GNA - The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has stepped up the collaboration with traditional leaders to develop cultural tourist sites to boost their attraction.

Mr. Ekow Sampson, the Ashanti Regional Manager, indicated that the tall list of heritage and cultural sites spread across the region held enormous potential to grow the local economies.

He made reference to the Manhyia Palace Museum, which over the past four years, had seen 199,044 arrivals, raking in GHE458,000.00.

He said the Okomfo Anokye Sword site, Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and other heritage sites alongside cultural-related events would be well-packaged to enhance their appeal.

Mr. Sampson, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, after visits to some heritage sites to mark this year's World Tourism Day, said cultural tourism had become the global trend.

Many developing countries were turning to this as they moved to diversify their economies.

'Tourism for all, universal accessibility', was the theme chosen for this year's event and areas visited included the Ghana Armed Forces Museum, Centre for National Culture, Manhyia Palace and Prempeh II Museum.

Members of selected tourist clubs, pupils and students participated and they were given useful insights into the establishment of the Asante Kingdom, cultural, religious and socio-economic lives of the Asantes.

Mr. Sampson said with the right investment in tourism infrastructure development, the sector could create more jobs and wealth for the people.

He gave the assurance that the GTA would continue to work with zeal to ensure that operators in the hospitality industry conformed to best international practices.

GNA
Accra, Sept. 29, GNA - Mr Gideon Lamptey, General Manager of Chiropractic and Wellness Centres, has called on Ghanaians to regularly check their spine to ensure the safety of their health.

He said the lifestyle of people which include sitting, walking and sleeping could in the long run undermine their health.

Mr Lamptey made the call at the 15th anniversary celebration and a Health Walk, of the Centre at East Legon in Accra.

The 10-kilometre walk, which started from the premises of the Centre, through some principal streets of the capital, ended at the starting point.

Mr Lamptey said the demands of modern business necessitates long working hours, short deadlines with fewer resources and this had resulted in an increase of obesity, unmanaged stress and stress-related within the work place.

This, he said had resulted in many people in Ghana increasingly facing the challenge of maintaining a healthy balance between the degree of wellness and disease status, while maintaining a good quality life at home and the work place.

Madam Rosemond Abrah, Member of Parliament for Weija- Gbawe, who had benefitted from the facility over the years, said it as a good idea that the chiropractic and wellness centres are rebranding wellness programmes to use work place as a platform to lead Ghana to greater wellness.

She commended Dr Marcus Manns, Founder of Chiropractic and Wellness Centres in the country, for his foresight and vision to bring about a 'wellness revolution' to Ghana.

The occasion was also marked with the opening of the facility which had modern equipment to treat chiropractic ailments as well as free medical screening.

GNA
By Hafsa Obeng/ Benjamin Hallo, GNA

Accra, Sept. 29, GNA - Jumia Travel - Ghana has urged the private and public sector operators in the tourism to work closely to foster the common goals of the industry towards national prosperity.

Mr Bennet Otoo, the Public Relations Manager of Jumia, who made the suggestion, said with a common front they could resolve the limited understanding of the industry, inadequate investments, lack of professionalism and infrastructural, and the high cost of tourism destinations, which were some of the challenges.

Mr Otoo was speaking at event, organised by Jumia Travel, an online hotel booking company, to mark the World Tourism Day, on Wednesday, in Accra.

Dubbed: 'Jumia Day', the event was also to announce the great successes chalked by the company in its quest to give travelers and tourists to and within Ghana, a wide range of affordable but comfortable accommodation options.

Mr Otoo noted that the tourism and hospitality industry were growing very fast and the more attractive Ghana made its tourist sites and hotel services, the more foreign investors would get down and the greater the potential for growth.

The tourism sector, he said, contributed to the economic growth of the nation, explaining that the tourism assets of Ghana included national attractions, historical heritage and cultural heritage.

Ghana was ranked as the third most peaceful country in Africa and ranked the 11th friendliest country in the world. It is also the eight best African country in doing business, and the third in hotel development in the Sub Saharan Africa, he said.

He said the celebration of the World Tourism Day was conceived by the United Nations to celebrate one of the world's most important industry.

Madam Claire Stall, the Managing Director, Jumia (Ghana) said to celebrate the World Tourism Day, Jumia Travel, was announcing the activation of 1000 hotels, guesthouses and apartments on their portal in Ghana.

She said the landmark achievement offered travellers and tourists, to and within Ghana, a wide range of affordable but comfortable accommodation options, saying the expansion had been engineered to also better serve the local needs of Ghanaian travelers around the country.

'Reaching the 1000 mark reiterates our stand as Africa's leading online hotel booking website with the largest inventory of Hotels,' she said. 'With hotels in all 10 regions of the country at very affordable rates, the headache of not finding a suitable accommodation is eliminated.'

She said although hotel booking was the heart of business of the online portal, the company had also established itself as a travel expert with the addition of travel packages including flights, weekend trips and holiday packages.

'The move is part of the company's initiative to promote domestic tourism in Africa, as we approach the peak season,' she said.

GNA
Little did we know that the President and Congress will cause the rebirth of private tax collection agencies (PCAs) to partner the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in collecting tax bills from delinquent debtors. Congress passed the $305 billion, 5 Year Infrastructure Spending Bill now the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) on December 3, 2015, and signed by President Obama on December 4. Therein a provision which requires IRS to contract the services of private tax collection agencies in raising tax revenues. Whats going on? Just wait a minute, and I will find out!

A Private Collection Agency is a company that specializes in the collection of delinquent debts through surfing mountains of database and physical locations to find and contact their clients by employing techniques such as making telephone calls, sending letters, and proposing payment options to debtors.

The US Congress has gone back to the use of private tax collection agencies for collecting tax revenues from delinquent tax payers after two previously failed attempts between 1996 -1997 and between 2006-2009.The results from the pilot program were far from stellar leading to the annulment. That notwithstanding, the Internal Revenue Service will used them in early part of 2017 to complement their efforts in assessing, collecting and accounting for tax revenues which are inactive , aged, and outstanding with deviant tax payers.

US Congress believes that the use of PCAs will assist the IRS to rake in additional tax revenues from delinquent tax payers that the IRS cant find or difficult to collect. Other supporters of this initiative explained that the use of PCAs will rope in new taxpayers into tax brackets who were hitherto outside the tax net. My Cousin, an optimist, has his say on this subject and posits that PCAs will help improve tax compliance and tax collection. He also convinced me to appreciate the essence of PCAs in helping the IRS to bridge the budget deficit and hand over jobs to private individuals.

Critics are of the view that Congress has just created a door for scammers to exploit innocent tax payers by acting as private tax collection agencies and bugging them with unpaid tax bills.

Advocates of information secrecy and privacy postulate that the use of PCAs will require the IRS to share tax payers information and this could give rise privacy concerns if not handled professionally.

If there is any country to tap into the lessons from the US Congress, then, Ghana is among those countries. Ghana could pass the necessary legislation instructing the Ghana Revenue Authority to contract private tax collection agencies to augment their efforts in assessing and collecting tax revenues in the hands of delinquent tax payers. There is no better time for the use of PCAs than now, especially at the time where the public purse is overstretched, and the country having hit with a rocky economic fist from plummeted global commodity prices, a sluggish global economic activity and reduction in donor support.

The government will have to cause the amendment of the current tax regime to accommodate the use of PCAs by GRA.

Opponents argue that the use of PCAs may cause the GRA to relent in their mandate to collect taxes owed to the state. Others submit that the use of PCAs will only add more to the cost of administration than to the tax revenue basket.

Whatever it is, every coin has two sides and the GRA should undertake a cost benefit analysis about the use of PCAs in tax collection and advise government to marry it if there is indeed a business case.
President John Mahama has filed his nomination forms to contest the 2016 election, another step that officially re-ignites another fierce contest with the main opposition candidate, Akufo-Addo.

Vice-President Kwesi Amissah Arthur who is President Mahama's running mate presented the nomination forms at the head office of the Electoral Commission in Accra

It was received by the Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei at about 3pm Thursday afternoon.

The President only returned from UN General Assembly meeting in the United States Thursday morning.

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Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Air traffic between Russia and Egypt may resume in October, the Russian news agency TASS said on Wednesday, days after talks in Cairo between officials of both countries over the matter.

Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday that Russia is "ready to resume air communication with Egypt in October, if the Egyptian airports confirm the required level of safety," TASS quoted a source close to the ministry as saying.

Russias Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich will hold a meeting next week to discuss the resumption of flights with Cairo at that time, the source added.

Moscow grounded all civilian passenger flights to Egypt last year over security concerns after a Russian A321 airbus crashed in Sinai shortly after taking off from Sharm El-Sheikh.

All 224 people on board were killed in the crash, which was claimed by Islamist militants.

Sokolov said during his meeting with President El-Sisi on Tuesday that discussions between the two countries on the resumption of flights "have gone a long way."

Egypt's Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathi held talks in Moscow last week with Russias Deputy Transport Minister Nikolay Zakhryapin, where the two officials noted "significant progress" in cooperation in civil aviation security between the two countries.

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has said that up to 500 monthly charter flights could be run by Russian airlines to Egyptian resorts if charter services are resumed, according to Russian state news agency Sputnik.

Cairo says investigations into the crash are still underway and that a delegation of Russian investigators is currently cooperating with Egypts general prosecution, which will issue a final report on the cause of the crash.

The downing of the Russian flight has dealt a blow to Egypt's tourism industry, with tourist numbers dropping by some 50 percent in the first half of 2016 year on year.

Russians make up the largest single tourist group in Egypt, contributing to about a fifth of foreign vacationers in the country as of 2015, according to official data.



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Sudans government has been accused of killing scores of civilians this year in at least 30 suspected chemical weapons attacks in a remote area of the countrys Darfur region.

In a report released on Thursday, Amnesty International estimated that up to 250 people, including many children, may have died as a result of exposure to the chemical weapons agents in the Jebel Marra areasince January.

The UK-based rights group, which said that its investigation was based on satellite imagery and more than 200 interviews, alleged that the most recent attack occurred on September 9.

There have been relentless attacks, there have been crimes against humanity, and now this level of viciousness with the use of suspected chemical weapons, Tirana Hassan, Amnestys director of Crisis Research, told Al Jazeera.

The use of chemical weapons is a war crime. The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution, said Hassan.

Amnesty said it had presented its findings to two independent chemical weapons experts.

Both concluded that the evidence strongly suggested exposure to vesicants, or blister agents, such as the chemical warfare agents sulfur mustard, Lewisite or nitrogen mustard, the watchdog said in a statement.

But Sudanese officials strongly denied that the Sudanese government forces had ever used chemical warfare.

We dont use chemical weapons against our citizens, Ibrahim Ghandour, Sudans foreign minister, told Al Jazeera. We havent used it; if that has ever happened, it is very easy to tell.

Sudanese UN Ambassador Omer Dahab Fadl Mohamed said in a statement that the Amnesty report was utterly unfounded and that Sudan does not possess any type of chemical weapons.

The allegations of use of chemical weapons by Sudanese Armed Forces is baseless and fabricated. The ultimate objective of such wild accusation, is to steer confusion in the on-going processes aimed at deepening peace and stability and enhancing economic development and social cohesion in Sudan, he said.

Sudan joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1999 under which members agree to never use toxic arms.

A joint African Union and United Nations force, known as UNAMID, has been stationed in Darfur since 2007. Security remains fragile in Darfur, where mainly non-Arab tribes have been fighting the Arab-led government in Khartoum, and the government is struggling to control rural areas.

Darfur has been racked by conflict since 2003 when ethnic groups rebelled against the government.

According to the UN, at least 300,000 people have been killed since the fighting began, while 4.4 million people need aid and more than 2.5 million have been displaced.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in 2009 and 2010 on charges of war crimes and genocide in his drive to crush the Darfur revolt.

The post Sudan accused of chemical weapons attacks in Darfur appeared first on African Media Agency.
Chefs from African Chefs United as part of activities for this years Hospitality All African Peoples Imbizo in Ghana partnered Food for All Africa programme to volunteer and feed inmates of Accra psychiatric hospital in the capital of Ghana. The feeding program was use as an opportunity to sensitize Africans on the need to work towards reducing food wastage along Africas supply chain and the leadership of African Chefs United signed 14 years memorandum of understanding with Food for All Africa programme to work together in reducing food wastage along the hospitality chain across the continent.

Speaking at the program, President of African Chefs United, Chef Citrum Khumalo indicated that population of Africa is increasing at a very fast pace and there is the need to ensure efficiency within Africas food supply chain to be able to adequately feed all Africans.Our ancestors use food as the basis of unity and at the food table every individual has an equal right.This is the time for us to work together as chefs across the continent to reduce food wastage within our hotels and restaurants.

We are very delighted to have over 150 chefs participating in HAAPI 2016 from 18 African countries today signing the African Chefs Will Feed Africa 2030 agreement with Food for All Africa. This will strengthen our Chefs in green cooking program across the continent. Chef Citrum added.

Miss Henrietta Adjetey, Country Director of Food for All Africa programme expressed her delight at the resolution by African chefs to work together in creating efficiency within Africas supply chain.Our founder as a chef got inspiration from a mentally challenged to start Food for All from his restaurant kitchen and today we are very grateful to African Chefs United for us to ensure food is efficiently use on our continent. Food for All is a shared responsibility.

2016-09-29 154711
A Political Scientist and Former Governance Adviser to the United Nations, Prof. Baffour Agyeman Duah, is questioning the relevance of the Electoral Commission's directive for presidential and parliamentary aspirants in the December elections to declare their assets before being deemed eligible to contest.

According to him, even though it is in the public interest for aspirants to declare their assets as a measure of accountability, it must not be a strict requirement. Some political parties notably the NPP, have said they will defy the asset declaration criteria saying it is unconstitutional.

Prof. Agyeman Duah told Citi News that there are serious questions that need to be raised by this particular requirement by the Electoral Commission. Anyone who wants to run for a political office will not be a public officer till the person has won and is installed in public office. Therefore, to be asked to comply with that requirement in the constitution may be a little bit stretching of the constitutional requirement.

He added that, although the directive will help put forward desirable presidential hopefuls, it must be applied without punitive intentions.

If the idea is to find a way to make sure that those who want to be public figures are clean, we should find the right way but we cannot hide behind what is certainly not legal to make it legal for them to comply, he added.

Declare assets or lose your candidature

Ahead of the deadline for the submission of nomination forms, on Friday 30th September, the Electoral Commission said cautioned presidential and parliamentary nominees they will not be eligible to contest the elections if they do not declare their assets with the Auditor General.

EC Chair, Charlotte Osei

The EC in a statement said the candidates are to take note of the requirement to declare their assets to the Auditor-General in order to meet the eligibility criteria.

AssetS declaration illegal  NPP

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), kicked against the demand by the EC, saying it is unconstitutional.

John Boadu, acting General Secretary, NPP.

The General Secretary of the NPP, John Boadu on Eyewithness News, said although the NPP's candidate will readily declare his assets, the law as it stands, only binds those already holding public office, and not those seeking to be office.

Dr. Nduom declares asset



Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom.

So far, only the Flagbearer of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has come out publicly to confirm the declaration of his assets to the Auditor General.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Residents of the Ekumfi Constituency of the Central Region, the home constituency of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, have lashed out at President John Mahama and the National democratic Congress (NDC) administration for neglecting the people of the area, despite the sacrifices and loyalty of the people and their son (Prof. Mills) to the NDC since the onset of the 4th Republic.

The people expressed these concerns when Dr Mahamudu Bawumia visited the Ekumfi Constituency on the second day of his Central Regional tour.

Speaking at Narkwa in the constituency, Seidu Adams, a staunch and leading member of the NDC in the constituency who recently defected to join the New Patriotic Party (NPP) campaign, lamented on the plight of Ekumfi, and how the NDC had shown total disregard for the people of the area, despite the fact that the constituency had voted for the NDC since 1992.

The NDC has not shown good faith to the people of the Ekumfi Constituency. It is as if they don't realise that Prof. Mills was from here. Let me tell you a bit about myself, I began my activism for the NDC in the Gomoa East Constituency, which has today been split into two constituencies. I was a Polling Station Chairman; I was a Communication Officer; a Constituency Communication Officer amongst others. In 2004, I was named as part of the National Organisation Committee, which was chaired by Samuel Ofosu Ampofo. We worked hard in 2004, but didn't win, and eventually won in 2008.

I will focus on Ekumfi. For the last 24 years, Ekumfi has only voted for the NDC, we have stuck with the NDC, and so my brothers and sisters, if we all admit that things are hard in Ekumfi, and that we have not received our fair share of development, can't we blame anyone but the NDC? It is clear that the NDC has failed the people of Ekumfi, Adams added.

Continuing, Adams disclosed that he could no longer be part of a party that continues to neglect his people, and one where the top brass enrich themselves, while the masses who support them continue to suffer.

As I speak, I am a Regional Communications Team member for the NDC; I am also part of the Regional Organisation Committee and a Regional Zongo Caucus Communications Officer and I am telling you that the NDC has failed us. I told Allotey Jacobs that I will no longer be part of a team that has disappointed my people so much, and made it clear to him that I will not only support the NPP parliamentary candidate, Ato Cudjoe, but that I will be at the forefront of the campaign to vote out the NDC, he stated to loud applause from the crowd of hundreds gathered.

Coastal Development Authority to oversee development of coastal areas

Dr. Bawumia, on his part, noted that it was unfortunate that many areas across the country continue to be plagued with basic developmental challenges and stark poverty, despite the enormous resources that had accrued to the country in recent years, and the hard work of the Ghanaian people.

He disclosed that the NPP's vision for the country was aimed at fixing the basic developmental issues that affect millions of Ghanaians, especially, in the rural communities, and said that the Coastal Development Authority, to be established by a Nana Akufo-Addo government, will be resourced and tasked to tackle head-on, the basic development needs of constituencies along the coast, like Ekumfi.

God willing, when the NPP is elected into office, the Coastal Development Authority, to be established, and which will oversee the $1 million per constituency allocations from the Capital Expenditure, with regards to Coastal Constituencies, will ensure that many of your issues can directly be tackled, so your lives can improve.

With an equivalent of $1 million, or GH4 million for the Ekumfi Constituency every year will lead to a major transformation in your lives. Moreover, the Coastal Development Authority will also ensure that our fishing becomes more worthwhile, with facilities and the needed support for fishing, he said.
Libreville (AFP) - Gabon's new Prime Minister Emmanuel Ngondet pledged Thursday to unveil his "inclusive government" at the weekend while criticising defeated presidential candidate Jean Ping for refusing to concede defeat.

"It is an inclusive government, largely open to the nation's active movements... the negotiations are ongoing to this end," said Ngondet at a press conference a day after being nominated by recently re-elected President Ali Bongo.

Bongo's wafer-thin victory in the August 27 vote sparked deadly unrest and opposition accusations of voter fraud in the oil-rich country.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague said Thursday it has opened a "preliminary examination" of the post-poll violence to determine if there is enough evidence for a probe of possible crimes against humanity.

Bongo was installed for a second time as president on Tuesday, three days after the Constitutional Court dismissed Ping's demand for a recount.

"The makeup of the new government will be made public on Sunday, October 2," said Ngondet.

He also mocked Ping for refusing to concede defeat following the Constitutional Court's ruling.

"He is leader of which party?... Do you think that the only factor we take into account when we decide what to give to different political figures is whether they participated in the presidential campaign?" he said.

"There are traditional political figures, we should consider these figures."

Ping said Wednesday that the appointment of a new prime minister and talk of an inclusive government "changes nothing" and that (Bongo) "must go", according to his campaign manager John Nambo.

Ngondet, a former foreign minister, was appointed Wednesday, replacing Daniel Ona Ondo.
Residents in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, are worried about the assembly's failure to elect assembly members on eight different occasions.

They describe their current leaders as selfish, a situation that is hindering development in the area.

Kumasi has been without a Metropolitan Chief Executive and Presiding Member for several months, and efforts to elect a new Presiding Member has failed.

Earlier this year, the mayor, Kojo Bonsu, resigned after he was alleged to have disrespected the Kumasi Traditional Council.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), is expected to go to the polls for the ninth time this Friday, to elect a presiding member for the assembly.

But residents have expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the elections.

The residents who spoke to Citi News ahead of the election, cautioned the assembly members to decide on a Presiding Member to enable development take place.

KMA fails to elect Presiding Member after 8th try

The KMA on Tuesday failed to elect a Presiding Member after eight separate elections. The unopposed candidate for the Presiding Member position, Mr. Senya, was not elected by members of Assembly. The election ended with 65 assembly members voting NO against Nana Kofi Senya, whilst 62 people voted YES.

Adumhene, Nana Baffour Adjei Kesse, stepped down earlier on Tuesday, to allow Mr. Senya contest for the Presiding Member slot unopposed. He however lost, rendering the assembly without a Presiding Member after five sittings on Tuesday.

Blows at election of Presiding Member

Earlier on on that day, an Assembly member of the KMA, Abdullah Muaza, traded blows with a National Democratic Congress (NDC) serial caller, during proceedings to elect a Presiding Member for the assembly.

In May this year, a brawl broke out when the assembly was convened to elect a new Presiding Member. That brawl was believed to have been caused by disagreements over some last-minute rule changes instituted by the Assembly's Electoral Commission.

Although assembly elections are non-partisan as stipulated in the constitution, it is believed that political parties are largely involved in the elections behind the scenes.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
This months Africa Debate will ask: should street vendors be regulated? Recorded in Kampala, Uganda, the discussion will be presented by David Amanor and Nancy Kacungira in front of a local audience. The panel will include Dr Fred Muhumuza,school of economics lecturer at Makerere University and former advisor to the ministry of finance; Waturi Matu, Director of Business Environment TradeMark East Africa; Moses Kibirige, World Bank  Uganda; Peter Kaujju, Kampala Council city authority and Erias Lukwago, the Lord Mayor of Kampala.

Regulation of street vendors prompts strong views across the continent. A recent report by the African Development Bank said that 55% of Africas GDPcomes from the informal sector  and employs about 80% of the labour force. Street vendors sell everything from snacks like samosas to electronics like mobile phone chargers. But do these businesses do more harm than good? Should the informal sector be regulated and taxed? Or should governments encourage people to create employment for themselves by allowing them to operate freely?

The debate will hear from a range of views including from local street traders themselves.

BBC Africa Debate can be heard on the World Service on Friday, 30 September at 1900GMT and online at bbcafrica.com, listeners from around the continent can also join in with the discussion by using the hashtag #BBCAfricaDebate on social media.

This week, Focus on Africa radio has been bringing further stories of street vendors from across the continent. Throughout the week, they have presented first- hand accounts from street vendors in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, and a look into whether Kenyas efforts to move small traders to formal designated areas are working. Episodes can be listened to again here:http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00gbjvb/episodes/player

Further content can be found online at BBCAfrica.com, and on the @bbcafrica social media pages.
By KwaminaTandoh

Reverend Eastwood Anaba, the President of the Eastwood Anaba Ministries has urged Christians to use their resources to save lives, as demonstrated in the story of the 'Good Samaritan', as told by Jesus Christ.

He said it was ungodly for any Christian or church to accumulate wealth and live in opulence, while people were committing suicide, dying from curable diseases, dropping out of school, going to bed hungry or committing sins because of poverty.

Rev Anaba was delivering a sermon on the theme: The Supreme Jesus; The Love Revolution, at the Trinity Baptist Church, in Accra, to mark the end of the Church's Integrity Conference.

The five-day conference is marked annually for Christians to reaffirm their commitment to serve God and mankind with integrity.

Rev. Anaba said the expression of love through good works must characterise Christianity, hence Jesus' summary of the 10 Commandments into loving God absolutely and loving one's neighbour as one self; explaining that both principles were placed on an equal pedestal.

However, he said, it was evident in today's society that the fellow-feeling of the early Christians had virtually eroded, while self-centeredness and wickedness were taking root in Christendom.

Christians today neglect the sufferings and the misery of the people around them and boast of their riches fat bank accounts, he said.

How can you push away those who need you and turn around to raise those hands to praise God?

If your riches are not in action for good works, then you are actually poor because you are not solving the problems that Christians are mandated to address.

Rev Anaba said attending to the needs of fellow being was more important than attending to God's because while human beings needed one another to thrive; God didn't need anyone to survive.

That was why, he said, in the parable of Sheep and Goats, which relates to the Judgement Day, Jesus explained that showing compassion for the sick, the hungry and the prisoner was akin to attending to His needs.

He urged Christians to, therefore, be industrious so that they could have the wherewithal to engage in compassionate activities.

The Integrity Conference was also addressed by Pastor AguIrukwu, the Senior Pastor of the Jesus House, United Kingdom, Pastor Kingsley Appiagyei, the founding Pastor of TBC and Dr Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church.GNA
(pix: Professor Jane NaanaOpoku-Agyeman)

From Sebastian R. Freiku, Agogo. A/A

Life on the campus of the Agogo Presbyterian College of Education has returned to normalcy as third year students last Monday began their academic and professional training (Orientation), prior to their out programme (teaching practice) in a few weeks time. It follows the resumption of work by striking teachers earlier in the month.

The impasse between the College Authorities and students over the signing of bond forms and payment of fees in full, seem to be resolved.

The Chronicle is informed that Paul Kingsley Averu, District Chief Executive of Asante Akyem North, last Monday engaged College Council chairman and management of the College in a meeting to resolve the issue. The Principal, Rev. Mrs. Esther Agbodeka was absent at this meeting.

DCE Averu confided in The Chronicle that he acted on information that the students were being prevented from entering halls of residence because they owed fees which had to be reimbursed with feeding fees provided by the government as agreed.

He said he was informed that the students had about GHc1,120 to their credit as feeding fees provided by the government and that it had to be reimbursed as the students pre-financed their feeding last semester, when it had not been released. It meant, therefore, that students only had to top it up to cover the fees.

Based on this, the DCE thought the top up of between GHc177 and GHc300 was negligible and, therefore, improper and unfair for the College Authorities to treat the students in such a manner, hence his intervention.

He suggested that the college's authority should adjust and adapt to the situation and contain the students to allow academic work to go on as scheduled for the semester.

The students have commended the DCE for his timely intervention to save the situation.

Centre 4th


By Maxwell Ofori

[email protected]

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu has advised government to make Science education a priority, as it plays a vital role in the development of a nation.

He described as sad, how that sector has experienced less attention, citing that everything around us has to do with Science, therefore, the country should not throw it away but rather invest in it to boost the development of the country.

Speaking at the official launch, the 2015 report of 'The State of the Ghanaian Economy by the Institute of Statistical Social & Economic Research (ISSER) yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor, who also studied Science, noted that the country has an option of making sure that Science education gained ground.

He continued that: The problem is, as a nation, we don't regard Science and Engineering. We have to make science education a priority.

According to him, some countries like America and the United Kingdom got to the level they are today, because they made Science education the backbone of their countries.

He added that some benefits should be given to students who study the Sciences, in the form of free accommodation, especially at the tertiary level.

The report (The State of the Ghanaian Economy Report, 2015) stated that Ghana's real GDP without oil was better than with oil in the year 2015.

Ghana's GDP grew by 3.9% in 2015, down from 4.0% in 2014, thus continuing the trend since 2011.

In 2015, non-oil GDP growth was 4.1% while overall GDP growth was 3.9% indicating that for the first time since 2011, non-oil GDP growth has outpaced total GDP growth, the reported indicated.

In his closing remark, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu said it is 'refreshing' the meaning of the above quotation from the entire report tells government that the country cannot depend on oil only.

For me, it is refreshing that real GDP without oil outpaced real GDP with oil. What does it tell the country? he quizzed.

The Vice-Chancellor, who successfully completed his Masters (in Agricultural Chemistry) in 1992 and was awarded a scholarship (MONBUSHO) to pursue a PhD in Entomology, advised the country to take its agricultural sector seriously, as it serves as the backbone of the economy.

Presenting the report, whose optional chapter looked at the state of Ghana's Education sector since independence, the Director of ISSER & Co-ordinator of SGER (State of the Ghanaian Economy) 2015, said government's expenditure on education is about 25% of total expenditure and 6% of GDP, yet there shortfalls in funding of education.

Public sources of funding education come from the government and development partners. Funding of education has steadily increased from GHc1,854.70m in 2009 to GHc5,427.71m in 2013 and averaged GHc3,762.04million.

Development Partners increased their support from GHc95.07m in 2009 to GHc268.87m in 2013. In 2013, government funding for the sector accounted for 79% of total funding.

On the average (between 2009-2013), government expenditure on education is about 25% of total expenditure and 6% of GDP, yet there are shortfalls in funding of education, he asserted

In the report, secondary school enrolments increased by 58% from 2005%2006 to 804,974 in 2014/2015. It added that, secondary teacher numbers increased by 167% from 15,000 in 2005/2006 to about 40,000 in 2014/2015.

However, students' performance in the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) particularly in mathematics and science has been on the decline since 2012 when it peaked.

Very large disparity between the high performing well-endowed and poor performing deprived schools. In 2009, the top 20% schools produced over 70% of the total qualified candidates for the tertiary education and bottom 20%, produced 1%.

This disparity in student performance is a major concern which needs addressing in order to increase equity in education, captured in the report.

According to the report, the Early Grade Reading Assessments (EGRA) and Early Grade Mathematics Assessments (EGMA) administered in 2013 indicate that after primary 2, majority of the pupils sampled were unable to read.

The EGMA showed, as indicated in the report that, by the end of primary 2, pupils were doing reasonably well on number identification and addition level 1 but unable to answer most subtraction level items correctly.

It said, pupils in rural areas were more likely to score lower marks than their urban counterparts, adding that, higher performing pupils were more likely to attend a private school with a high proportion of trained teachers, where there were facilities such as electricity, water, and washrooms, and where administrative registers were up to date (MOE, 2014).

Ranks of faculty in public and private tertiary institutions, the report noted that, quality of teaching in the public tertiary institutions tend to be better since students are exposed to more senior faculty than those in private tertiary institutions.

On achievements in the education sector, the report said the main achievement of the education sector is improved access at all levels as a result of both private and public participation. At the basic level, the school feeding programme, for example, has improved enrolment significantly.

There has also been significant reduction in the number of untrained teachers at the primary level.

At the secondary level, Ghanaian students have done relatively well in the WASSCE as compared to students in the four other West African countries (Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia). It also said private participation in the delivery of education at the tertiary level is also a plus.

Meanwhile, challenges at the education sector have to do with the erosion in the quality of education at all levels as a result of increased access not matched by increased funding.

A secondary education system where the top 20% schools graduate 70% of the candidates for tertiary education is problematic.

Enrolment in science and mathematics programme is significantly lower, steaming from low performance at the SHS level, the report added.
The Egyptian foreign ministry is following carefully the new bill that would allow relatives of 9/11 victims to sue countries that 'sponsor terrorism'

Egypt is following with interest the consequences of Congress' decision to override President Barack Obama's veto of legislation allowing relatives of the victims of the September 11 attacks to sue Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian foreign ministry announced on Thursday.

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said that Egypt was carefully following the consequences of the legislation for the course of international relations.

On Wednesday, the US Senate approved overwhelming a vote overriding Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

The bill authorises US courts to hear cases involving claims against a foreign state for injuries, death, or damages that occur inside the United States as a result of an act of terrorism, committed anywhere by a foreign state or official. Legal experts say the bill could allow the families of those killed on September 11 to sue the Saudi Arabian government, as 15 of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia.

Previously, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated that Obama's veto of the legislation upheld international law as it supported the principles of sovereign equality and state immunity by avoiding the imposition of domestic laws on other countries.

Mohamed Atta, one of the hijackers in the 9/11 attacks, was an Egyptian national, although it is unclear if Egypt could potentially be sued under the new legislation.

Several hashtags in Arabic, #JASTA_law and #11_September, were trending on Thursday morning in Egypt and in Saudi Arabia, with social media users debating the possible consequences of the new law.



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(pix: zip file)

From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi

AN UNCOMPLETED hostel facility being constructed under the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for the Agogo Presbyterian College of Education (APCE) has been commissioned.

The huge edifice, which has not yet been completed, was allegedly dedicated last August 30, 2016, by the outgoing Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey.

A plague fixed on the building, still under construction, indicated that the building was dedicated by the former Moderator of the Church.

He was said to have been assisted by Presbytery Chairman Rev. Twum Barima, the Council Chairman, Rev. Samuel K. Mensah and the Principal of the College, Rev. Mrs. Esther Agbodeka.

Students of the College, who brought this development to the notice of The Chronicle, wondered what might have occasioned the dedication and commissioning of the project which is ongoing. They were stunned that the said dedication was done without the students' involvement and at a time they were on holidays.

While some students argued that somebody wanted to take credit for the project, but feared he or she might now be around at the time the building is due for real commissioning, others said somebody was trying to play mischief with the name of the former Presbyterian head, on the premise that he (Prof. Martey) would not condone this act of dishonesty.

Last Friday when The Chronicle called Prof. Martey on phone, he could not respond because he was in a meeting. Two other calls had since gone unanswered.

An SMS message, seeking to know whether Prof. Martey had actually been to Agogo in the Asante Akyim North district to dedicate the building in its present state or not, had also not been reacted to.

The Principal of the College, Mrs. Agbodeka has also declined to speak to the issue raised in an electronic mail of September 19, 2016.
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Lead defence counsel in the on-going trial of Nigerias former Head of Service, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, before Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Kanu Agabi (SAN), Thursday, took on the 6th Prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission -EFCC, Bello Hammadhama in cross-examination.

Agabi, who raised questions from the Witness earlier testimony in the Court hopes to continue with the cross examination on the next adjourned date, after asking about thirteen questions.

Responding to one of the questions, the 6th Prosecution Witness denied knowledge of any suspicious transactions by the Presidential Committee on the Financial Action Task Force, chaired by Mr. Oronsaye, prior to a Petition sent to a Commission. He however said the accused was not given any copy of the petition against him.

We only showed him a copy of the Petition. It is not a standard practise to release a copy to suspects. Documents in our case files are not given to defendants. EFCC, ICPC and the Police were represented on the FATF Committee. I am not aware of any suspicion, prior to a Petition sent to us, which we investigated. I am not privy to the intelligence report submitted to the EFCC.

Responding to a question on the official account of the FATF Committee, he said:

I never said the Committee had two accounts. It is our case that the defendant maintained one account as sole signatory. The account approved by the Accountant General of the Federation is that of Zenith Bank. The Access Bank account is not a normal one.

When questioned on why he described the Access Bank account as not normal, he argued that the Zenith Bank Account got the nod of the Accountant General of the Federation, while that of Access did not. He however did not provide any evidence to substantiate his claims.

When asked whether it is a rule of the government that all accounts must be authorized by the Accountant General of the Federation, he declined to answer, but preferred to refer the Court to a letter from the Accountant Generals office, where they claimed knowledge of the Zenith Bank account of the FATF Committee.

The case was adjourned to the 15th and 16th of November, 2016.

It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in March, 2016, dragged Nigerias former Head of Service, Stephen Oronsaye before Justice O.O. Goodluck of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja on charges bothering on alleged breach of trust while in office as Chairman, Presidential Committee on the Financial Action Taskforce.

Destiny Ugorji
LA GOULETTE (Tunisia) (AFP) - A celebratory band played Thursday as a cruise liner docked in the port of Tunis for the first time since a March 2015 jihadist attack killed 21 tourists in the capital.

The German-operated MS Europa motored into La Goulette with 350 passengers on board for a one-day stopover.

The tourists, cameras at the ready, were greeted by a band of soldiers playing trumpets and drums, as well as camels and North African dancing, while the local tourist shops garlanded them with jasmine necklaces as they disembarked.

Tunisian authorities, who have ordered high security for the visit, are hoping to lure back the big cruise operators who have abandoned the country for the past year and a half since the gun attack on the capital's Bardo National Museum.

"The arrival of the liner Europa does not in itself signal the resumption of cruise liner activities in Tunisia," said Malek Ghanemi, head of La Goulette's cruise liner terminal.

"But it's very important because it sends out a positive and reassuring message," he told AFP.

Gabriella, a tourist from Berlin, was all smiles as she headed off for Tunis medina, or old city, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. "I'm not scared at all," she said.

Tourism Minister Selma Rekik Elloumi was to attend a special ceremony later Thursday underlining the significance of the ship's stopover for a key sector of the Tunisian economy.

Tunisian authorities, who have ordered high security for the visit, are hoping to lure back the big cruise operators who have abandoned the country for the past year and a half

Many of the tourists who died in the March 18, 2015 attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group that also killed a policeman were on cruise stopovers.

Tunisia's tourism sector has been in crisis ever since the revolution of 2011 which led to the overthrow of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The industry used to contribute around seven percent of GDP and supported 400,000 jobs.

Dozens of hotels were forced to close last winter following the Bardo attack and another in June 2015 around a beach hotel in Sousse that left 38 foreign holidaymakers dead.
Ecobank Capital Advisors Ltd., a subsidiary of Ecobank, in collaboration with MTN Mobile Money , has introduced the Ecobank TBill4All.

The Ecobank TBill4All is a self-service, digital product that allows Ghanaians to invest in 91 day and 182 day Treasury bills using the mobile money platform.

The launch, which took place at the Accra Movenpick Hotel on Thursday 29th of September in Accra, brought together potential beneficiaries and key stakeholders involved in investment and wealth creation in Ghana.

The main guest speaker for the occasion Dr. Adu Anane Antwi, the Director General of the Ghana Securities and Exchange Commission, spoke on the immense benefits of the product to Ghanas economic growth.

The Ecobank TBill4All service is the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa; the service is designed to increase savings and investments as well as mass participation in the Securities and Capital markets by all Ghanaians.

Using their phones, individuals can now invest in Government of Ghana Treasury bills anytime anywhere and with as little as five Ghana Cedi.

Ecobank TBill4All has the added benefit of providing financial inclusion and convenience. The product will also remove the perception that Treasury Bills is an elitist product and position it as an investment vehicle for all.

As a self-service platform, subscribers have absolute control of their transactions.

It is, therefore, an excellent means for encouraging the culture of savings and wealth creation in Ghana and indeed has the potential of becoming a key catalyst of socio-economic growth through sustained interest and participation by all Ghanaians in the savings drive.

Speaking at the launch, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Millison Narh also commended Ecobank and congratulated them for staying close to their customers and coming up with such an innovation.

Ecobank has been at the forefront of digitally driven initiatives for financial service. The development of Tbill4all is a testament to Ecobanks commitment to levelling the playing field in the investment sector.

He applauded Ecobank for its efforts in this direction, and for once again, taking the lead, and setting the pace for a new investment agenda.

Executive Director at Ecobank Ghana and Head of Consumer Banking for Ecobank Ghana and Anglophone West Africa, George Mensah Asante, spoke on behalf of the Group Executive for Consumer Banking, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan.

He indicated Ecobanks delight in being at the forefront of encouraging an all-inclusive savings and investments culture within Ghana.

He added that Ecobank was interested in the promotion of financial services through technological enhancement and that this service forms part of a series of technologically enabled platforms that would transform banking and financial services in Ghana.

The service will also be available on Ecobank internet banking, Ecobank Mobile App and eventually on all networks of the group to ensure greater financial inclusion across the continent.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Joy Business
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has stated that President John Mahama breached the gift policy, when he accepted a gift of a Ford Expedition vehicle from a Burkinabe contractor, as Vice President in 2012.

The 78-page document, which contains the outcome of CHRAJs investigation into the matter, covered the time from when the saga happened, to when the story broke as well as its in-depth investigations.

The Commission however stated that, the Presidents action does not constitute conflict of interest, bribery or fraud, as the petitioners, the youth wing of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), and the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), had claimed.

CHRAJ said the gift in question formed part of gifts prohibited under the Gift Policy under the Code of Conduct, and that although the evidence shows that President Mahama subsequently surrendered the gift to the State, the action nonetheless contravened the gift policy.

Whilst the Respondent contravened the Gift Policy by accepting the Ford vehicle, his actions after the gift was made clearly cured any conflict of interest that could have been occasioned. In the circumstances, the Commission is satisfied that the Respondent's conduct did not violate Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Click on link below for the full report

CHRAJs full report on Mahamas Ford gift saga



By: citifmonline.com/Ghana
President John Mahama's lawyer, Mr. Tony Lithur, has welcomed the report of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice exonerating the president over the Ford Gift Saga.

Mr. Lithur said whilst he was "always confident of my client's innocence, the report throws more light on the circumstances surrounding the subject of the complaints, and demonstrates clearly to the people of Ghana that the accusations of conflict of interest and corruption variously made against my clients by different people and entities in various fora, were wrong, without basis and unsupported by the facts."

The President's lawyer said the thoroughness of the investigations "conducted by CHRAJ and the manner in which it has tackled all the issues arising from the complaints are commendable."

CHRAJ has released a 78-page report from its four months investigation into a gift President Mahama received from a Burkinabe contractor Oumarou Djibril Kanazoe who is also his friend.

The issue gained public attention following findings of an investigation conducted by Joy News Manasseh Awuni Azure which uncovered that the Burkinabe contractor was awarded two government contracts after donating the Ford Expedition vehicle to the President. The vehicle was valued at $10,000.

Mr Kanazoe was due for a third contract but he pulled out of the bidding process when the news became public. He was the contractor behind the $650,000 Ghana Embassy wall in Burkina Faso which Parliaments Public Accounts Committee (PAC) flagged and the Dodo-Pepeso section of what has largely been described as the most expensive road project in Ghana  the Eastern Corridor Road Network.

A statement by the Communications Minister, Dr Edward Omane-Boamah admitted the President received the gift but said the vehicle has been added to the fleet of cars at the presidency.

Anti-corruption advocates condemned the president for breaching his own Code of Conducts for Public Servants and CHRAJ directive on gifts. They demanded President Mahama is investigated for conflict of interest situation.

The Youth League of CPP rode on the back of the issue and petitioned CHRAJ to investigate the issue on June 21. This was followed by two other petitions from PPP and a private individual Nana Ofori Addo on June 23.

Barely a month into the investigation, CHRAJ wrote to the petitioners demanding hardcore evidence before it could carry out the investigation. The petitioners responded by submitting both audio and video evidence on the matter.

Making its report public 68 days to the presidential and parliamentary elections, CHRAJ says although President Mahama breached the policy on gifts, his act by no means amounts to bribery and conflict of interest.

At the end of the Preliminary Investigation, the Commission has come to the conclusion, based on the extensive evidence assembled, that the allegations that the Respondent [President Mahama] has contravened Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution by putting himself in situations of conflict of interest has not been substantiated, the report said.

Based on its investigation, the Commission says there is no need for full or further investigations into the allegations and went ahead to dismiss the case.

Two of the political parties that petitioned CHRAJ on the issue have registered their dissatisfaction with the conclusion of the report. They said what the Commission did was to reproduce what is already common knowledge to Ghanaians.

But President Mahama's lawyer has welcomed the report describing it as a good news.

Tony Lithur said CHRAJ has only corroborated the fact that President Mahama is incorruptible.
Algiers (AFP) - Five armed Islamists were killed in an army operation in a mountainous region of southeast Algeria on Thursday, the defence ministry said.

An army unit shot dead the "five terrorists" in Jebel Ouslati near the Batna region, around 450 kilometres (280 miles) from the capital Algiers, said the ministry.

It said arms and "a large quantity" of munitions were seized.

Algerian authorities use the term "terrorists" for armed Islamists who have been active in the North African state since a devastating civil war in the 1990s.

This year, at least 106 suspected Islamists have been killed in army operations in the east and south of the country, according to an AFP count compiled from official statements.
Lawyer for President John Mahama, Tony Lithur, has welcomed the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justices (CHRAJ) ruling that the Presidents decision to accept a Ford gift, did not constitute fraud, bribery, or conflict of interest.

The Commission however said President Mahama broke the policy on gift giving, by accepting a gift of that magnitude, from a Burkinabe contractor, as Vice President in 2012.

Tony Lithur

Tony Lithur in a statement said he always remained confident in his client's innocence and that the report demonstrates clearly to the people of Ghana that the accusation of conflict of the interest and corruption, variously made against my client by different people and entities in various fora, were wrong, without basis and unsupported by the facts.

He further commended CHRAJ for discharging its constitutional mandate with dispatch, and hoped that the clarity and completeness of its determination of all the issue, will finally lay this matter to rest once for all.

Mr. Lithurs statement however failed to comment on the Presidents breach of the code of conduct on gift-giving.

What CHRAJ said

CHRAJ said the gift in question formed part of gifts prohibited under the Gift Policy under the Code of Conduct, and that although the evidence shows that President Mahama subsequently surrendered the gift to the State, the action nonetheless contravened the gift policy.

Whilst the Respondent contravened the Gift Policy by accepting the Ford vehicle, his actions after the gift was made clearly cured any conflict of interest that could have been occasioned. In the circumstances, the Commission is satisfied that the Respondent's conduct did not violate Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

The Commission said although the President violated the policy, the action did not amount to accepting a bribe because upon evidence, the President submitted the Ford Expedition gift to the state.

CHRAJ also established that, the President was not culpable of conflict of interest, bribery or fraud in relation to the manner in which the vehicle was given to him.

At the end of the preliminary investigation the Commission has come to the conclusion, based on the extensive evidence assembled, that the allegations that the Respondent has contravened Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution by putting himself in situations of conflict of interest has not been substantiated. Consequently, the Commission holds that full or further investigations into the allegations are not warranted. The allegations therefore, are hereby dismissed.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
New York (AFP) - Hedge fund Och-Ziff Capital Management Group will pay $413 million to settle charges it bribed officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya and other African countries, officials said Thursday.

Och-Ziff paid bribes to officials to secure mining rights and to win investment from Libya in the company, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced.

The firm will pay nearly $200 million in disgorgement of profits and interest to the SEC, but neither admitted to nor denied the allegations.

The fund is also settling criminal charges with the US Justice Department in a parallel case for $213 million.

"Och-Ziff engaged in complicated, far-reaching schemes to get special access and secure significant deals and profits through corruption," Andrew Ceresney, the SEC's head of the enforcement, said in a statement.

Two executives, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Och and Chief Financial Officer Joel Frank, also agreed to settle civil charges brought by the SEC, which accused the men of ignoring red flags and permitting illegal transactions to proceed.

Under 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, it is illegal for US companies and citizens to pay bribes to foreign officials to win business.
Journalist Mahmoud El-Sakka was accused of spreading false news, inciting the public and plotting to overthrow the regime for publishing articles against the Red Sea islands deal between Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Related Egyptian journalist Amr Badr to be released on bail in Red Sea islands case

A Qalioubiya criminal court ordered the release of journalist Mahmoud El-Sakka on EGP 5,000 bail pending investigation on Thursday, lawyer Khaled Ali announced.

The prosecution has appealed against the court's order.

Two other political activists were released on EGP 5,000 bail each with El-Sakka on Thursday.

El-Sakka is accused of spreading false news, inciting the public, and plotting to overthrow the regime for publishing articles in "Yanair" news website against the Egyptian government's April deal with Saudi Arabia to redraw maritime borders.

The deal transfers the authority of two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir from Egypt to Saudi Arabia caused a lot of controversy in Egypt as hundreds of protests and activists were arrest from different governorate in relation to protests against the deal.

Both El-Sakka and "Yanair" news website's Editor-in-chief Amr Badr were arrested at the Headquarter of Egypt's journalists syndicate in Cairo in late April while holding a sit-in against their arrest warrants and storming their homes by security forces.

Journalist Amr Badr was released also on bail pending investigation in August.

The arrest of Badr and El-Sakka caused a huge controversy as the journalists syndicate's board accused the police of storming the syndicate without a permit. The police, on the other hand, stated that it did not break the law and actually had the right to arrest Badr and El-Sakka from inside the syndicate.

Three board members of the syndicate including its head Yahia Qallash were accused officially by Prosecution of sheltering fugitives. The three were referred to misdemeanor court.

Their trial will be resumed in October.

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By Julius K. Satsi, GNA

Accra, Sept. 29, GNA - Mr Zadok Kwame Gyasi, President of the Ghana Writers Awards, has said Ghanaian writers including unpublished ones will be honoured at the association's maiden awards ceremony.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Gyasi said the awards ceremony, to be held on October 29, was instituted "to promote Ghanaian literary arts and also to create opportunities for young unpublished writers ".

He said the theme for the occasion would be: "Preserving the Ghanaian culture through creative writing: the role of writers."

Mr Gyasi said more than 200 entries were received, in various categories including short story, poetry and flash fiction, and 12 have been shortlisted for the honours.

He said the event, which would be characterized by drama and poetry recitals, will also see the presentation of awards to deserving personalities and organisations in the creative arts industry.

GNA
By Prosper K. Kuorsoh, GNA

Lawra (U/W), Sept. 29, GNA - Adjoining communities along the Nadowli-Babile-Lawra Road have been commended for resisting the temptation to construct unapproved speed ramps on the newly tarred road.

Mr Paschal Baylon Dere, the Lawra District Chief Executive (DCE), said this during the second ordinary meeting of the Lawra District Assembly held on Tuesday.

He said unapproved speed controls in other districts have rather claimed several innocent lives and destroyed newly constructed roads.

The DCE used the opportunity to appeal to the Ghana Highways Authority to include the construction of speed ramps in the original package of road contracts.

'This would help reverse the construction of unapproved speed controls with their attendant negative effects by some community members along major roads', he said.

Mr Dere said an election taskforce had been constituted under the Chairmanship of the District Police Commander and urged all to support the taskforce to help maintain the peace of the country.

He said many of the insecticide treated nets, part of the18 bales received by the Ghana Health Service, have been distributed and appealed to the people to use the nets for its stated purpose.

Mr Dere said seven students were supported under the needy but brilliant students' component of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF); and 17 students under the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) component of the fund; and 31 students were supported under the Member of Parliament's share of the fund.

He said the Ghana National Household Registry exercise commenced August 15, 2016 in the district and that so far about 3,056 people have been registered covering 15 communities.

Mr Dere said a total of 3,740 out of the over 4,000 people registered under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) have been declared eligible for enrolment unto the programme.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to save and invest in productive assets that would lift them out of poverty.

Mr Stephen Kpen, the Presiding Member (PM), said the ban on the acquisition of motor bikes for assembly members by the Minister of Local Government has been lifted and the National Association of Local Authorities Ghana (NALAG) was currently on the procurement process.

GNA
By Maxwell Awumah, GNA

Hohoe, Sept. 29, GNA - Ghana has received approval for US$24 million for the first-of-a-kind Private-Public Partnership project to restore degraded forest reserves and double a sustainable forest plantation.

This project is backed by a US $10-million concessional loan from the Climate Investment Funds' Forest Investment Program (CIF FIP) approved on July 1, and supplemented by US $14 million in co-financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The approval came days after Ghana ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change at the UN in New York, signaling its full commitment to linking its climate action and development path, said a release.

Ghana's efforts at restoring its forest sector will play an important role in meeting its commitments under the Agreement.

Ghana's forests, which once covered a third of its 24-million-hectare landmass, have been degraded at an alarming rate by excessive and often illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, mining and quarrying, and fuel wood collection.

The newly approved project is targeted to help reverse the trend by restoring and expanding an existing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified 5,000 hectares forest plantation to nearly 12,000 hectares sustainable commercial forest plantation made up of 10 percent indigenous tree species and 90 percent teak.

Importantly, the program will conform to both FSC and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) certification standards.

Developed under the CIF's competitive set-aside program to engage the private sector, the project is a partnership with Form Ghana.

Gareth Philips, AfDB's CIF FIP Coordinator, said 'this is an exciting and significant investment in a key sector for Africa and one which provides multiple benefits to the continent.'

'The FSC certification has been key in getting this project approved, as it provides investors with the confidence that the project is sustainable and at the same time brings authentic long-term benefits to the communities and environment.'

The project is designed to have a significant transformational impact on the Ghana forest plantation sector by supporting a new business model that will serve as an example to other investors, producing wood products which have the quality and sustainability stamp that will help meet increasing market demand while avoiding pressure on natural reserve forests.

In line with CIF and AfDB standards, the project has been structured through extensive engagement with all stakeholders throughout the country.

It's expected outcomes include: net greenhouse gas sequestration potential of around 2.8 million tonnes CO2 over 40 years (a long-term average of 70,103 tCO2 per year); 11,700 hectares of sustainably managed forest plantation with FSC and VCS certification; and 400 direct full-time jobs and 600 direct seasonal jobs.

The project includes a goal of ensuring that, in this heavily male-dominated industry, 40 percent of the jobs generated through the project will be held by women.

'AfDB has chosen to support this project because its goals are consistent with our institution's reaffirmed commitment to help African countries like Ghana meet their climate change and sustainable development goals,' said Richard Fusi, Task Team Leader.

'We hope that this project becomes a replicable model for attracting private sector finance to this particular sector and that Ghana, through this project, will help lead the way for further investment in sustainable forest management in African countries.'

The project will help meet the country's overarching FIP goals by addressing the underlying drivers of deforestation and catalyzing transformational change through up-front investment to support the country's strategy on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancing forest carbon stocks (REDD+).

CIF was established in 2008, as one of the largest fast-tracked climate financing instruments in the world, with $8.3-billion funding to provide developing countries with grants, concessional loans, risk mitigation instruments, and equity that leverage significant financing from the private sector, Multinational Development Bank's (MDBs) and other sources.

The five MDBs, African Development Bank (AfDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and World Bank Group (WBG) - implement CIF-funded projects and programs.

GNA
29.09.2016 LISTEN

BY D.I. Laary/Theophania Dzadza, GNA

Accra, Sept 29, GNA - The introduction of Japanese 'Kaizen' concept and methodology into workplace operations of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), in parts of the country has dramatically cut down inefficiencies and raised output and business profits.

Transportation time is said to have been dropped by around 74 per cent while factory spaces maximised to about 75 per cent with quality of product and profits margins jumping considerably among SME beneficiaries of Kaizen training.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) launched the ''national Kaizen project,'' for SMEs in 2012 to help businesses reorganise their operations in simple and efficient way while keeping to their culture of doing things.

A pilot scheme was commenced in Ashanti Region in 2015 after the launch, recording optimised output and then expanded to Northern Region.

JICA Chief Representative to Ghana, Mr Koji Makino told reporters that the Kaizen principle is a Japanese word that means ''improvement'' and is used in industry settings.

'It is an important methodology for production, it is the secret of Japanese carmaker - Toyota.

'It was introduced in early stage of the company history, that is, they applied Kaizen when they were much smaller company.'

The word is interpreted as Kai, meaning 'change' and Zen, 'better' which means ''change for the better.'

It is a philosophy, a key and applied technique, for SMEs, which touch on their cultural and management style, that leads to high benefits and expanded growth of businesses.

When the principle is applied in a continuous manner, Makino said: 'it enabled enterprises to cut down production cost drastically and increased productivity and quality as well as pushed up sales and profits margins significantly.

The Chief Executive of Shekinah Glory Bakeries, Mrs Esenam Ofori, who is a beneficiary of Kaizen training in Tamale said: 'it is very beneficial and has helped to grow and change my business, it has reduced time and everything now runs smoothly.'

The company has been able to visualise its objectives and operates in a tidier environment while motivation for workers to idle during operational hours eliminated, she said.

Mr Eric Affram, the Northern Regional Manager of NBSSI, in a presentation chronicling successes of beneficiary enterprises of the Kaizen training said a team of Japanese experts observed business during the application process.

The team evaluation of Shekinah Glory Bakeries during operations showed movement time shortened by 74 per cent while cooling space was maximised by 75 per cent, he said.

Movement of workers within factory ambience, he added, was also noted to have been dropped from 35 minutes to nine minutes as workers carried products from one joint to another - implying 26 minutes of wasted time saved.

The methodology does not require big investment and could be applied in public and private spheres of Ghana's economy to reduce office inefficiencies and raise productivity, Kaizen experts said.

The Executive Director of NBSSI, Mr Lukeman Abdul-Rahim said the organisation is considering establishing a human resource development centre to provide knowledge on Kaizen practice to trainees.

He was of the view that government would provide adequate support to NBSSI to make Kaizen an integral part of all business support services provided to the private sector.

The project has been expanded to Brong Ahafo, Central and Greater Accra regions where recipients would obtain basic training while those in Ashanti and Northern regions would receive advance tutorial.

'I am very confident that this national Kaizen project will certainly contribute to a steady development of SMEs in Ghana,' Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Kaoru Yoshimura said.

He said the principle has been proven to enhance productivity and decrease defective goods through initiatives and ingenuity of local workers.

Yoshimura expressed hope that 'with diligent implementation of the JICA Kaizen project, Ghana would be one of the most successful countries.'

GNA
Tema, Sept. 29, GNA - The Global Peace Association of Ghana (GLoPAG) has launched a campaign to disseminate peace messages to Ghanaians to help ensure a violence-free election in December.

The campaign is on the theme: 'Promoting and Sustaining the Peace Process in Ghana - The Role of GLoPAG and other civil society peace networks.'

The Association is a non-profit and non-partisan civil society movement which aims at sharing and building comprehensive and collaborative models for sustainable community and national development.

Mr Josepeh Donkor, the Director of GLoPAG, who launched the campaign at a seminar at Tema Community '11' in the Greater Accra Region, said the Association's objective is to fulfill the material wellbeing of all persons.

Mr Donkor said the Eastern Region branch of the Association, as part of the campaign, would hold a peace talk seminar at Akim Oda in October.

Dr Kwame Asiedu Kisi, the guest speaker, appealed to political leaders and their followers to avoid unpleasant speeches and work towards the sustenance of the current peace in the country while calling on the citizenry to build upon their inter-personal relationships.

Mr Tony Afenyo, the former National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary aspirant for Ashaiman, urged Ghanaians to protect the peace and the democracy of the country so as to improve upon the socio-economic gains.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Asiamah Agyei, the Community '11' District Police Commander, said the personnel of the Police Service were mentally and physically prepared and determined to make the coming elections peaceful and successful.

Present at the function were chief imams, pastors, members of political groupings and members of the GLoPAG.

GNA
29.09.2016 LISTEN

By Hafsa Obeng, GNA

Accra, Sept. 29, GNA - An Accra Circuit Court on Thursday remanded two persons for conspiring and robbing Mr Isaiah Harrison of his mobile phone worth GHE350.00.

Robert Nii Ayitey Ator, a trader, and Augustine Boateng, a barber, are said to have conspired with and robbed their victim on September 16, at the Anyaa School Junction.

Presenting the facts of the case, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Patience Mario told the court that the complainant, Isaiah is an electric welder at Anyaa market, while the accused persons also work at the same market.

She said on September 16, at about 2130 hours the complainant was going home after work and on reaching a section of the road at the Anyaa School junction the two accused persons emerged from the side of the road to attack him.

DSP Mario said they then ordered him to surrender his Samsung mobile phone, which he did.

She said the complainant quickly went to inform a witness in the case, and they both traced Robert to a nearby drinking spot and demanded for the phone, but he failed to return it.

DSP Mario said the next day the witness and some neighbours organised to arrest Robert and handed him over to the police together with the complainants stolen phone.

She said during investigations, Augustine was also arrested.

GNA
29.09.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 29, GNA - Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho on Thursday reaffirmed the commitment of Ghana to continue to partner with the Islamic Republic of Iran for the mutual interest and benefits to the people of the two nations.

He praised the Persian nation for hosting President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur and himself (the Speaker) at different times, as they two nations forged ahead in their bilateral ties.

Speaker Adjaho made the commendation when Mr Mohammed Soleymani, the out-going Iran Ambassador to Ghana, paid a courtesy call on him in his office in Accra.

Speaker Adjaho said the lifting of sanctions by the United Nations was welcomed news.

He also recalled that he had underlined the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, and stressed that all countries should share an equal right to develop a civilian nuclear technology.

Mr Speaker Adjaho appealed to outgoing Ambassador to continue to be an Ambassador for Africa and advocate for the continent.

Mr Soleymani expressed gratitude to the Government and People of Ghana for the warm reception and working exercise in Ghana adding that he had enjoyed his stay in Ghana.

He noted the visits Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the Prime Minister during his duty tour and stressed the need for Accra and Tehran to deepen their bilateral ties.

He was in Ghana for five years and five months.

GNA
By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, Sept 29, GNA - Regulatory reforms and the ease of doing business matter for long term economic growth and prosperity in Ghana, Mr Jim McAlpine, the Country Director of the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DfID) - Ghana has said.

Speaking in Accra to mark the maiden Better Regulatory Forum and Ghana Business enabling environment programme annual review, he said Ghana has so much to gain going for the reforms.

This is because Ghana's ranking for starting a business has fallen from 97th in 2015 to 102nd in 2016 in the World Bank's world 'Doing Business' rankings," he said.

"With the exception of construction permits, every other key indicator in the Doing Business survey has stayed the same or worsened.

"This is bad news for Ghana because a country's business environment matters, not just for the entrepreneurs, but also for the people who have jobs in their businesses, and the families that depend on these incomes.

"It's also bad news for economic growth and poverty reduction, for all Ghanaian's today and for future generations," he stated.

Citing the UK's Engine programme held in September, for 108 companies whose business ideas had been selected to receive support, Mr McAlpine said the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Ghana's young women and men abound for all to see for themselves.

He stated that it is high time the young people are assisted to deliver for themselves and for Ghana in the face of the challenges of doing business.

The Country Director said the business environment is an important part of the broader investment climate and refers to the quality and efficiency of business laws and regulations, which together with the rule of law, political stability, issues around corruption, land tenure, the macro-economic framework and infrastructure constitutes the investment climate.

He said taken together, the factors help to determine the cost and risk involved in doing business in a country and could affect the opportunities that firms have to expand.

Mr McAlpine explained that they often represent severe constraints to both domestic small and medium-size enterprises, and foreign direct investors.

He said for UK companies looking to invest in finance, insurance, energy (both conventional and renewable), real estate, hospitals, and agriculture, issues around the investment climate make them think twice, particularly if there are other markets in the region that they consider to be easier.

"Underneath this gloomy news, there is no doubt that Ghana is making progress in rethinking approaches to the business environment," he stated.

He recounted that the World Bank, funded by the DfID presented research on how government, donors and the private sector could learn from the experiences of Ghana's two previous Private Sector Development Strategies.

He noted that this renewed sense of the need to come to together to effect a Public Private Dialogue that really delivers across sectors must work within the framework of the 40-year Long Term Development Plan for Ghana currently being finalised by the National Development Planning Commission.

He said the Plan would guide the medium term planning process and provides an important framework for action that can guide this dialogue.

"Ghana's peers in Sub-Saharan Africa are reforming faster and going further. For example, Kenya has improved its Doing Business ranking from 129 to 108 in the last year alone.

"Ghana faces competition from other countries that have cottoned on to the importance of institutional reforms and cutting red tape, initiatives that allow businesses to thrive, create jobs and pay taxes," he said.

He said many countries are redoubling their efforts in reforms and in some cases are cutting substantially the regulatory burden and thereby easing the cost of compliance.

He said in some jurisdictions businesses could be registered in a day.

He said in Sub-Saharan Africa the best performers for starting a business are Burundi four days and Liberia four and a half days

Mr McAlpine said: "In Ghana it takes on average 14 days to register a business, and the cost of starting a business rose by 70 per cent in 2012 alone.

"This means Ghana has competition for investment, and needs to do more to attract it."

The two-day Better Regulation Forum in Accra brought together 70 participants from the public sector, the business community, policy think tanks and civil society to look at best practices and new approaches to reducing the regulatory burdens.

Guest speakers came from countries such as Bangladesh, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya to share their experiences of reform and the tools they have used.

The Better Regulation Forum was organised by the Business Enabling Environment Programme (BEEP), a 10 million business environment reform initiative by the Government of Ghana and DfID.

BEEP facilitates policy dialogue between government agencies and the firms that have to comply and implement regulation, and supports government to enact reforms that make it easier and cheaper for agencies to regulate and firms to comply.

GNA
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current-affairs-trends India strikes terror camps on Line of Control The operations took place on Wednesday night and is now over, Director General of Military Operations Lt General Ranbir Singh told media in New Delhi. He said he had also informed his Pakistani counterpart that India had carried out surgical strikes on Wednesday night.
The Court for Urgent Matters accepted an appeal against the verdict to void the Egypt-Saudi island deal

A Cairo Court for Urgent Matters accepted on Thursday a challenge against the Administrative Court verdict issued in June that asserted Egyptian sovereignty over the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir.

According to Thursday's rulling, the Administrative Court's verdict will be suspended.

Ashraf Farahat is one of the lawyers who challenged the June ruling that nullified the maritime deal between Egypt and Saudi Arabia over the two islands, claiming that the agreement is one of the country's sovereignty matters, which falls outside the Administrative Court's jurisdiction.

The government agreed in April to place both islands under Saudi Arabian sovereignty, arguing that they had always belonged to the oil-rich Arab country and Egypt was merely administering them on behalf of the Saudis since the 1950s.

A number of lawyers, including prominent rights lawyer Khaled Ali, had filed a lawsuit with Egypt's Administrative Court at the State Council arguing that Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and parliamentary speaker Ali Abdel-Al had wrongfully waivered Egyptian sovereignty over the two islands.

Egypt's State Lawsuits Authority  the body that represents the government in legal cases  also appealed the Administrative Court verdict before the Supreme Constitutional Court, which is yet to issue a ruling.

Article 190 from Egypt's current constitution stipulates that the state council is exclusively competent to adjudicate in administrative disputes, disciplinary cases and appeals, and disputes pertaining to its decisions. The administrative court is part of Egypt's state council. In late August, the High Administrative Court accepted a recusal request of the panel reviewing a government appeal presented by lawyers opposed to the deal. Ali, who filed the recusal request, cited alleged interference of the executive authority with the judiciary.

On Thursday afternoon, lawyer Khaled Ali and his team announced that they would challenge the urgent matters court ruling on Saturday, stating that it was not from its jurisdiction to have a word in cases related to the administrative court and state council.

"We will take all the legal procedures to cancel the urgent matters court's ruling which violated article 190 from the constitution," Ali wrote on his official Facebook page.

The maritime border demarcation agreement, signed during Saudi King Salman's historic visit to Egypt in April, is yet to be presented to parliament.

In a long interview with state-owned newspapers in late August, President El-Sisi talked about the controversy over the agreement, saying that he was dealing with the issue "with complete respect for the state's institutions and the independence of its judiciary and its verdicts."

El-Sisi stressed that parliament will have a chance to look into the agreement.

The decision to transfer the two strategic islands at the southern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba to Saudi Arabia sparked widespread public outcry in the country, with many public figures arguing the islands were rightfully Egyptian territory.

Dozens of people were arrested and put on trial for protesting the deal, but many of them have been already released after paying hefty fines.

*This story has been corrected after initially referring to the challenge filed by lawyers as a governmental appeal

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current-affairs-trends India to hit back depending on Pak response: ex-Foreign Secy Journalist Shekhar Gupta said there is definitely going to be a response from the Pakistan army and said this move definitely counts as escalation. But the escalation will be limited As long as the retaliation remains confined to LoC.
current-affairs-trends Indian Army avenges Uri with surgical strikes, Pakistan denies The operation took place on Wednesday past midnight and is now over, Director General of Military Operations Lt General Ranbir Singh told mediapersons in New Delhi. He said he had also informed his Pakistani counterpart of the surgical strikes.
The markets can be funny.

Sometimes, you cant predict what will move the market.

You think the market will move due to one thing, only for it to move due to something else.

But whod have thought that one man, not a central banker, not a president or prime minister, and not even an influential investor, could move one market so wildly.

But thats what happened this week. Its an interesting tale

No prizes for guessing who were talking about. Thats right, Donald Trump.

As for his influence on the market, it may not be as obvious as you think. Were not talking about influencing real estate prices, or stock market indices or valuations.

Trumps influence is much bigger than that. Hes having an influence on the fortunes of an entire economy. And not the US either. Instead, its Mexico.

Heres why

A bigger influence than the current president

Youre probably familiar with the story.

If Donald Trump becomes US president, he says hell build a wall along the US and Mexican border. The aim is to keep out the tens of thousands of illegal immigrants who flood across the border each year.

Of course, theres no guarantee Trump will build the wall if he wins. But thats not important.

Of more importance is the effect Trumps plan is having on Mexicos economy, in an unexpected way.

Check out these charts. First, is a chart showing the relative opinion polling of each candidate. The blue line is for Hillary Clinton, the red line is for Donald Trump:



Source: Bloomberg

Click to enlarge

The next chart is of the Mexican peso against the US dollar:



Source: Bloomberg

Click to enlarge

You can see a clear and relevant correlation. As Donald Trumps poll numbers have improved (red line in top chart), the value of the Mexican peso has fallen.

In July 2015, one Mexican peso would get you 6.4 US cents. Today, one Mexican peso will get you just 5.1 cents. Thats a fall of 16.3%.

It may not seem such a big deal, but it is. And ironically, its helping Mexico in a way that is sure to infuriate Mr Trump.

Best of friends?

Not only is Mr Trump angry about illegal immigrants, hes angry about Mexicos cheap labour and the jobs US companies are sending south of the border.

Yet, the markets reaction to Trumps plans is making it even more favourable for companies to offshore jobs, and making it even cheaper for consumers to buy products from Mexico.

As we say, its funny how the market works. The markets see Trump as an enemy of Mexico. But as it turns out, in terms of Mexicos exports, Mr Trump may turn out to be the best friend Mexico has right now.

That could of course all change in November. Well keep our eye on this. Its all set up for an interesting few weeks.

Cheers,

Kris
Shoukry will be representing the Egyptian government at the funeral on Friday

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is set to fly to Israel to attend the funeral of the late former Israeli President Shimon Peres, a statement by Egypt's foreign ministry reads.

According to Egypt's foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid, Shoukry, who will be representing the Egyptian government, will leave Cairo on Thursday night in a private jet to attend the early Friday funeral and return on the same day.

Egypt and Jordan were among the first Arab countries to announce that a representative would be attending the funeral of Peres, with media reports saying that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also expected to attend the funeral following the approval of Israeli authorities.

Peres died in Tel Aviv on Wednesday aged 93. He was hospitalised following a stroke two weeks ago and had made some progress before a sudden deterioration in his condition on Tuesday.

Friday's funeral is expected to gather world leaders, with Israeli security forces raising high alert by closing off key roads and deploying thousands of security officers.

According to AFP, US President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck and Britain's Prince Charles are among those attending.

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I think anything past a double D is starting to get out of control it feels like all you are is boobs.
A New Cairo car explosion on Thursday evening was targeting the country's top prosecutor's assistant, Egypt's interior ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the car bomb exploded as the top prosecutor-general's deputy Zakaria Abd El-Aziz was passing in a convoy in the First Settlement area of New Cairo.

The ministry added that Abd El-Aziz and his guards were not injured, though that a citizen in the area was injured and transferred to hospital.

Security forces were shortly dispatched to the scene, closing off the road and combing the area to arrest the assailants.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

In June 2015, Egypt's top prosecutor Hisham Barakat was assassinated in a Cairo bomb attack.

Barakat, 64, was killed when a car bomb struck his convoy in the upscale eastern Cairo district of Heliopolis last year.

Sixty-seven people were referred to the criminal court over the assassination of Barakat, where the general-prosecution accused the defendants of being members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood who "conspired" with militants of the Gaza-based Islamist Palestinian group Hamas to kill the Egypt's top attorney

Hamas denied any involvement in the assassination.

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There has been an increasing disconnect between US initiatives in the Middle East and the wishes of the Arab states

The gap has been growing between the US and the Arab countries over how to handle the crises in the Arab region, whether in Syria, Libya or Yemen.

With regard to Syria, the US has not involved the Arabs in the details of the US-Russian agreement on a truce in the country, as if the question were restricted to those two parties alone. In Yemen, two wars are proceeding simultaneously  the Arab Coalitions war against the Houthi-Saleh alliance and the USs ongoing war against Al-Qaeda  and it appears that there is no coordination or linkage between the two.

In Libya, the US, together with some European governments, has been putting pressure on Khalifa Haftar's control of the petroleum crescent in the east of the country. There has been no co-ordination with Arab parties, particularly Egypt in this case as it is the most immediately affected by the situation in Libya.

The gap between the US and the Arab countries is likely only to increase as the current administration in Washington draws to its end.

In Jeddah late last month there was a Saudi-US summit at the foreign minister level between Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir and US secretary of state John Kerry. The main topic on the agenda was Yemen, and it was clear that Riyadh and Washington did not see eye-to-eye on a roadmap for resolving the Yemeni crisis.

The US insisted on approaching the conflict as though it were a dispute between two parties of equal status, whereas Riyadh sees it as a conflict between a legitimate government led by Yemeni president Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi and an insurgent group of the Houthi-Saleh alliance.

There have been many criticisms levelled by the US administration against the way the Saudis have been managing the Yemeni question. Shortly before the Kerry-Jubeir summit, it was announced that Washington had reduced its military advisors to the Saudi-led coalition from 45 to only five.

Fewer than five US service personnel are now assigned full-time to the Joint Combined Planning Cell (JCPC) established last year to coordinate US support including air-to-air refuelling of Coalition jets and limited intelligence-sharing, Ian McConnaughey, a US Navy spokesman in Bahrain, said in a statement.

Chris Sherwood, a Pentagon spokesman, stressed that the shift does not diminish the US commitment to supporting Saudi-led military operations. The JCPC forward team that was in Saudi Arabia is now in Bahrain, he said, adding that US aerial tankers were continuing to refuel Saudi aircraft.

One source close to former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh told the Weekly from Sanaa that the US had had communications with Salehs delegation to the Kuwait talks on the future of the country.

He said that the US had sent over one of its deputy secretaries of state with instructions to try to alter the course of the negotiations to conform with the plan that Kerry had submitted to Riyadh. The source noted that no progress had been made in this regard, due to the differences between Riyadh and Washington over the details of the plan and also because the other parties had not been presented with a written draft.

On the war against Al-Qaeda, Yemeni forces loyal to the Hadi government have fought several battles against Al-Qaeda forces in the province of Abyan. As Yemeni prime minister Ahmed Obeid Bin Daghr told the Weekly in an interview a month ago, Yemen is fighting a war on two fronts. But the US believes that the main war is against Al-Qaeda, while it sees the other battles between the legitimate government and the Houthi-Saleh alliance as a local dispute.

In Syria, the situation is not much different. The details were never clear regarding the US-Russian agreement on the tactical truce in Syria that failed to hold. It was said that the agreement would serve as a new avenue that would support the course of a settlement. However, the Arab and regional parties concerned said they had never seen the details of the project until it was leaked following its collapse in the aftermath of the attack against a UN humanitarian aid convoy in Syria last week.

Bassam al-Malak, a member of the Syrian National Coalition for Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, told Al-Ahram Weekly that a statement circulated following the Russian-US agreement to the effect that Russia had informed the Syrian regime of its substance but that the US had not notified its allies.

I imagine that there are two components: one military and security, which was the subject of controversy in the US itself, and the other political. The French foreign minister was not given the details [of the agreement] even though Paris asked Washington for them, he said.

Al-Malak said that through such colleagues as Riad Hijab and Asaad al-Zoghbi we contacted Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir to ask him about the contents of the agreement. He responded by saying that he had not seen it and knew nothing of its contents.

We then called for a session of the UN Security Council in order to strengthen the agreement and of course to see it. However, the session was cancelled a quarter of an hour before it was scheduled to take place. We were not informed why, but gathered from leaks, the veracity of which we have been unable to confirm, that there were issues related to the Palestinians of the diaspora and other issues related to Hamas and Hezbollah in the agreement.

We learned that the agreement was discussed in all its aspects and that in the end all that remained was for Kerry to have an office in Russia and coordinate with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. We thus learned nothing of substance, al-Malak said.

The focus now is turning to the next occupant of the White House. According to experts, the present period in the life of the current administration does not count for much, though some think certain other factors also need to be taken into account.

Washington has its sights set on the battle for Mosul in Iraq, and there are also other issues on the American agenda. But there are other experts who say that Iraq no longer enters into US equations with regard to its relations with the Arab world and that it is now subject to coordination with other parties, most notably Iran.

*This story was first published at Al-Ahram Weekly.

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Turkish authorities have stopped broadcasts of 10 mostly Kurdish language television channels under state of emergency rules imposed in the wake of the July 15 coup bid, a local official said Thursday.

The channels including Zarok TV -- the first Kurdish children's channel -- stopped broadcasting on Wednesday night and they have been removed from the TURKSAT satellite, the official in the Kurdish-majority southeastern city of Diyarbakir told AFP.

Four of the channels were entirely in the Kurdish language, three more were partly in Kurdish and the three others were in Turkish but considered pro-Kurd, said the official, who asked not to be identified.

He said the authorities also shut down two radio stations broadcasting in Kurdish and Turkish.

The Turkish government imposed a three-month state of emergency after the botched coup seeking to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and blamed on supporters of a group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey's top national security body, chaired by Erdogan, said late Wednesday the state of emergency should be extended when it expires in October.

The measure laid the ground for the government's vast crackdown aimed at removing Gulen's influence, a move which has raised alarm among Ankara's Western allies.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Wednesday that so far 32,000 suspects had been remanded in custody for alleged links to Gulen.

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Two Canadian banks have taken the first step in addressing red-hot housing activity in Vancouver and Toronto by implementing tighter requirements on mortgage applications.The regulatory changes came amid increasing concerns over the alleged effect of non-resident home buyers on Canadian residential real estate prices, The Globe and Mail reported.Bank of Nova Scotia recently terminated its pilot program that allowed clients who have made large down payments to skip income verification procedures.Meanwhile, effective immediately, the Bank of Montreal will be requiring all mortgage applicants to present documents that validate their level of wealth and their source of income.Stricter bank rules have long been discussed as a possible moderating influence on Canadian home price growth, which many quarters have blamed on overseas investors. In B.C. alone, data from provincial authorities showed that more than $1 billion has been poured by foreign nationals on real estate investment (mainly in Vancouver) from June 10 to July 14.Exemptions from mortgage application requirements should solely cover financially struggling buyers, according to a real estate attorney.It really should be for a true benefit for new immigrants who really can't afford it, not for those who are taking the advantage to buy a more expensive home and simply leverage their money, White Rock lawyer Tejinder Dhillon said.
A sterling credit record in another country does not translate to being able to use equity to buy a home in Canada, according to an advisor.In her column for MoneySense, senior editor and licensed agent Romana King outlined the case study of a hopeful home buyer from Mexico who sought her advice on purchasing a Canadian property.I own a home in southern Mexico with no mortgage and no outstanding debt. Now, Id like to take the equity from this home and use it to buy a place in British Columbia. I am a Canadian citizen and, up until now, Ive been renting a place during the months that I live in Canada, the would-be buyers message read.Now, with a few grandchildren around, I want to have a more permanent place in my home country. What do I need to know to make this happen?King emphasized the difficulty of cross-border property purchases.[Its] a limitation just about any landed immigrant has to face when settling in our country. Despite what could be a long history of acting like a responsible consumer, [credit] history means little as soon as you cross into our Canadian borders, she explained. Truth be told, many countries dont even have a concept of credit history (the FICO rating system was only adopted in North America in the late 1980s).A credit report generated in Canada and outlining a string of transactions within Canada would go a long way towards getting a loan or mortgage, King stated.[However,] just because you are a Canadian citizen, doesnt mean you have a Canadian credit record. If you dont pay bills in Canada, own and use a Canadian credit card, or make other debt payments to a Canadian institution than you wont have that much-needed domestic credit history. That means any mortgage you can get will take more and cost more.For those who still want to push through with buying, King advised taking exchange rates to heart.Not only will you need to convert Mexican pesos into Canadian dollarsto buy that homebut you also need to factor in the current exchange fee you pay to convert Canadian investment funds and retirement pension into Mexican pesos. If you do end up taking out a Mexican loan, youll have to pay that loan back in pesos, which means ongoing exchange fees to make those payments.
Rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused Sudanese government forces of killing scores of civilians, including many children, in suspected chemical weapons attacks in a mountainous area of war-torn Darfur.

More than 30 such attacks are believed to have been carried out on several villages as part of a massive military campaign against rebels in Darfur's Jebel Marra between January and September, Amnesty said in a report.

The group said its investigation "has gathered horrific evidence of the repeated use of what are believed to be chemical weapons against civilians, including very young children, by Sudanese government forces in one of the most remote regions of Darfur over the past eight months".

"Between 200 and 250 people may have died as a result of exposure to the chemical weapons agents, with many or most being children," the report said.

Amnesty said government forces also carried out "indiscriminate bombing of civilians... unlawful killing of men, women and children and the abduction and rape of women" in Jebel Marra, home to Darfur's most fertile land.

The nearly 100-page report contains gruesome photographs of children suffering from apparent chemical burns, satellite images of destroyed villages and displaced people, interviews with more than 200 survivors, and analysis by chemical weapons experts.

Amnesty said the attacks were part of a military operation against the rebel Sudan Liberation Army - Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) group, which Khartoum accuses of ambushing military convoys and attacking civilians.

Sudan's military rejected the allegations.

"Amnesty's report is incorrect because the situation on the ground does not need intensive bombing as there is no real presence of rebels anymore," army spokesman Brigadier Ahmed Khalifa a-Shami told AFP.

"There is also a clear order to our troops not to target rebels if they happen to be in villages or in areas inhabited by civilians."

Amnesty's crisis research director Tirana Hassan said tens of thousands of people had been driven from their homes since the air and ground campaign began in January in Jebel Marra -- the homeland of the ethnic Fur tribe.

"The evidence we have gathered is credible and portrays a regime that is intent on directing attacks against the civilian population in Darfur without any fear of international retribution," she said in a statement.

Amnesty said the attacks amount to "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity".

Sudan, which was slapped with US trade sanctions in 1997, is a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Darfur has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since 2003 when ethnic minority groups took up arms against President Omar al-Bashir's Arab-dominated government, which launched a brutal counter-insurgency.

At least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced, the United Nations says.

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes and genocide charges related to Darfur, which he denies.

In recent months Sudan has insisted that the conflict in Darfur has ended, and it wants UN peacekeepers who have been deployed in the region the size of France since 2007 to leave.

Amnesty said there was "credible evidence" that at least 32 villages in Jebel Marra were attacked with bombs and rockets containing chemicals.

"Many photos show young children covered in lesions and blisters. Some were unable to breath and vomiting blood," Hassan said.

She added that there had been "horrific burns and skin reactions to the agents... and some of the first responders and caregivers have told us that even when they touch the skin, it actually falls off in large chunks."

The rights group said experts had concluded the victims were exposed to vesicants, or blister agents, such as sulfur mustard, lewisite or nitrogen mustard.

"When (the bomb) fell there were some flames and then dark smoke," a woman who survived an attack with her baby was quoted as saying in the report.

She said the bombing had caused vomiting, dizziness, skin problems and headaches.

"The baby is not recovering... he is swollen... he has blisters and wounds."

Amnesty urged Sudan to allow humanitarian workers and UN forces immediate access to Jebel Marra.

Darfur "has been stuck in a catastrophic cycle of violence for more than 13 years. Nothing has changed except that the world has stopped watching," Hassan said.

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Distressed Sales Increased in Only 8 States

Sales of distressed homes, both lender-owned properties (REO) and short-sales continue to decline but are still at levels nearly four times what is considered "normal." CoreLogic reported on Thursday that distressed sales accounted for 7.8 percent of all home sales in June with sales of REO making up 4.9 percent of the total and short sales 2.9 percent.

The June numbers were down 0.8 percentage points from May and 2.2 points compared to a year earlier. The REO share was the lowest for any month since September 2007 and has declined from a 27.9 percent share at the peak of market distress in June 2009. At that time REO and short-sales together had a 32.4 percent market share.

CoreLogic notes that there will always be some level of distress in the housing market, and by comparison, the pre-crisis share of distressed sales was traditionally about 2 percent. If the current year-over-year decrease in the distressed sales share continues, it will reach that "normal" 2-percent mark in mid-2019.

Only eight states recorded increases in their distressed sales shares in June 2016 compared with a year earlier and none were the closely watched oil producing states. Maryland had the largest share of distressed sales of any state at 19.4 percent in June 2016, followed by Connecticut (18.4 percent), Michigan (17.6 percent), Illinois (15.8 percent) and New Jersey (15.3 percent).

The oil states continued to see year-over-year declines in their distressed sales shares with Texas down 1.2 percentage points, Oklahoma with a 0.5 percent decrease and North Dakota a 0.1 drown. Florida had a 5.8 percentage point drop in its distressed sales share from a year earlier, the largest decline of any state.
Freddie and Fannie in The News: Reform, Risk Sharing, and MI; Investor Updates

How is it that we only have two days left in September, and that it is National Coffee Day already? Maybe youll receive a free or discounted cup at Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, or Peets. Free is definitely a great price, especially with all those bills out there. Speaking of which, heres a story worth a gander by personal finance reporter Daniel Goldstein titled, Women are Better at Paying Bills - So Why is it so Hard for Them to Get a Mortgage?"

Before going on, yesterday the commentary had some rural updates. Ditech's, instead of saying "The Guarantee Fee is reducing from 2.75% to 1% and Guarantee Fee is reducing from 2.75% to 1%" should have read, "The Guarantee Fee is reducing from 2.75% to 1% and the Annual Fee is reducing from .5% to .35%." I apologize for any confusion.

There is a steady of stream of news, posturing, developments, and concern about what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both overseen by the FHFA, are doing. Given the current, and foreseeable, market share that conforming conventional loans have, it is understandable. And this is happening in both the primary markets, directly impacting consumers, and in the secondary markets, impacting the demand for agency MBS.

Certainly vendors are tuned in to developments. For example, FormFree's founder and CEO Brent Chandler writes, "Industry demand for our AccountChek automated asset verification tool has grown dramatically since the Ability-to-Repay (ATR) rule went into effect in early 2014. Demand continues to grow as TRID is contributing to dramatic increases in the average time to close and lenders search for ways to become more efficient. AccountChek reduces the time needed to analyze borrower assets to a matter of minutes, and it decreases the time Quality Control needs to review a loan. Our customers see the tremendous value in paperless, automated asset verification that is GSE-approved. We think this is an idea whose time has finally come, and we anticipate continued and significant growth in Q4. (Inquiries should be directed to Chris Martin.)

The Community Mortgage Lenders of America (CMLA), in a joint letter with civil rights organizations, affordable housing groups and business groups, urged Congress to avoid piecemeal reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac through riders to year end funding bills or other must-pass legislation. The joint letter cautioned Congress specifically against legislative riders dealing with the Common Securitization Platform (CSP) and risk sharing, pointing out that FHFA is currently addressing both issues in a detailed manner and seeking public input."

The CMLA's letter stated, "...arbitrary Congressional changes in these two areas could negatively affect borrowers and other stakeholders by interfering with affordable housing objectives and with fair secondary market access by small and mid-sized mortgage loan originators." In addition to the CMLA, the letter was signed by the Community Home Lenders Association, Corporation for Enterprise Development, Leading Builders of America, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.

Switching gears from the government's role to that of the private sector, private mortgage insurance is in the news. MI covers 10-20% of the loans being originated, depending on who you ask (MI companies as of the end of last year took on about $184.5 billion in credit risk from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on $724.5 billion of mortgages, according to the FHFA, but there's no MI on non-QM or jumbo loans, for example). We're talking the transfer of mortgage credit risk to the private market through a pilot program of a specific deal structure by Freddie Mac. Remember that both Fannie and Freddie are under government conservatorship (something that is scheduled to end in a couple years) and that, when all is said and done, the taxpayer shoulders the risk for loans done through them.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with lawmakers, has been encouraged to become more prominent players in the companies' efforts to transfer mortgage-credit risk to the private market. Four mortgage insurers are participating in the pilot with Freddie. Freddie, from its perspective, will start the pilot program to increase the amount of risk it shares with private mortgage insurers. The program will apply to loans meeting certain criteria and acquired by Freddie from Sept. 1 through Feb. 28, and will transfer more than $100 million of backing to the private insurers, on almost $4 billion of loans.

All of this could mean more gross revenue for the MI companies, but what if a mortgage insurance company goes belly up? Are they reliable counterparties for the major league capital being discussed? The insurers may balk at the deals' structures, which require them to post extra collateral and give Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae the power to decide which insurers can participate. Perhaps F&F already have exposure to too much risk if one or more mortgage insurers were to bankrupt in a downturn, as some insurers did during the last eight years. Pick your poison: credit risk or counter-party risk.

With the expected mortgage volume of $4 billion, this would lead Freddie Mac to transfer a little more than $100 million-worth of risk to certain MI companies. Freddie will require them to put up cash or cash equivalents as collateral based on how risky they view a particular mortgage insurer to be. With traditional mortgage insurance, lenders choose which insurers to use, which in turn will influence the rates borrowers pay.

This "deep MI pilot program" from one or both the GSEs was expected and most believe that it could be an important step towards increasing the role of the MIs in the GSE risk-sharing market. Many, including the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), have been pushing for the FHFA to develop a front-end risk-sharing program with the MI industry. Generally, lenders should see it as positive that deep MI pilot programs are being tested by both GSEs, rolled out by Freddie, and this could be an important step towards increasing the role of the MIs in the GES risk-sharing market - which may help borrowers.

The USMI weighed in immediately. (USMI's members include Radian, Essent, Arch, Genworth, MGIC, and National MI; noticeably absent is UG, in the process of being purchased by Arch.) Lindsey Johnson, President and Executive Director of U.S. Mortgage Insurers (USMI), sent out a note saying, "...Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have been experimenting with a number of structures to shift risk away from the GSEs to the private markets. The program announced for an offering with affiliates of private mortgage insurers is the latest addition to this effort. While it is good to see the GSEs continue to explore ways to reduce the government's mortgage credit risk exposure, this new offering is effectively a form of credit insurance that Freddie Mac stated builds on its Agency Credit Insurance Structure (ACIS), which is a back-end credit insurance program. While some mortgage insurers are exploring and may ultimately participate in this new credit insurance program, we believe it is important to note that this new structure should not to be confused with the deep cover, true mortgage insurance front-end credit risk transfer proposal that we and others have been advocating for."



Conventional conforming program changes by lenders and investors continue non-stop. For example...

Plaza has been doing some program guideline updates. Fannie Mae Multiple Financed Properties: The following Programs have been updated to reflect Fannie Mae's changes for multiple financed properties as announced in SEL-2016-03: Conforming Fixed, Conforming ARM, Fannie Mae Retained, High Balance Fixed, High Balance ARM and HomeStyle. Also, DU Refi Plus and Freddie Mac Relief Refinance: Section 1: Extend program end date to September 30, 2017. Section 18: Co-ops are now an eligible property type for DU Refi Plus loans.

PennyMac continues to see transactions where student loan payments are not calculated correctly. Click here to view the instructions on how to calculate student loan payments for Fannie Mae loans.

AmeriHome announced publication of the redesigned Conventional Agency Overlay Matrix and Government Overlay Matrix. At less than 3 pages, each matrix still provides the detailed information needed when selling loans to AmeriHome.

Fifth Third Mortgage has added Arch MI and National MI companies as options for borrower paid monthly and upfront lender paid mortgage insurance. Also, a Home Possible reminder that Borrower(s) must NOT have individual or joint ownership in any other residential property as of the Note date.

In the financial markets Wells Fargo's woes continue. California, Wells' home state, levied a set of sanctions against the bank. State Treasurer John Chiang is suspending investments by Treasurer's office in all WFC securities. The state is suspending using WFC as broker-dealer for purchasing investments, and suspending WFC as managing underwriter on negotiated sales of Calif. state bonds (where the Treasurer appoints the underwriter). These sanctions take effect immediately, will remain in place for the next 12 months. WFC may face tougher sanctions "up to and including complete and permanent severance of all ties" with Treasurer's Office if WFC fails to demonstrate compliance with consent orders or "evidence surfaces" has engaged in same behavior. California will work with Calpers & Calstrs to pursue governance reforms ensuring "this type of behavior and systemic corruption" doesn't reoccur. Ouch!

In the capital markets, bond prices worsened slightly Wednesday, with "slightly" being the operative word. Things barely budged in spite of comments from the Fed Chair Yellen, ECB's Draghi, volatile oil prices, news from Deutsche Bank & Wells Fargo (see above) and a sloppy 7-year T-Note treasury auction. The 10-year note closed .125 worse in price to yield 1.57% whereas the 5-year T-note and agency MBS prices were worse a smidge.

For titillating thrills today we've had Initial Jobless Claims (254k), final Q2 GDP (+1.4%), and advanced goods trade (including updates on advanced inventories, -.1%). Coming up at 10AM ET is August's Pending Home Sales Index. After the initial numbers we find the 10-year resting around 1.59% with agency MBS prices worse a few ticks.



Jobs and Announcements

In wholesale & correspondent news, Banc Home Loans TPO Division is "excited to roll out BOLT, our new, robust TPO web portal. It is designed with the user in mind and features a wide array of capabilities, vital to making it simple to do business with Banc Home Loans, including a single sign-on for all three channels so multi-channel clients can access their entire pipeline (Wholesale or Correspondent) all on one site. For wholesale brokers, our pricing engine will include their compensation in the net price. Clients can easily manage their pipeline and locks from the Pipeline View and those clients with large pipelines can archive loans as needed. All BHL forms, program guidelines tools can be easily accessed from the site without needing to log in, and clients can view all documents that have been uploaded in the Documents view. We are planning to introduce this exciting new site on Tuesday, October 11, and have planned preview sessions for our clients starting on Wednesday, October 5. Please contact your BHL Account Executivefor more details."

TruWest Credit Union is growing and is searching for someone to develop and maintain third party Mortgage origination in the Austin, TX market. "We are looking for an experienced wholesale or retail loan officer who can aggressively expand our third party origination with mortgage brokers, builders, and Realtors. TruWest offers members unique, customizable products like jumbo loans and second mortgages that are in high demand. Our pledge is to cultivate the best relationships, deliver the best products and work towards the best future for our community. We have been proudly helping our members reach their financial goals for more than 60 years. If you are wanting to work for a company with a great culture, commitment to its members, employees and products, please contact Nikki Badje or visit our career page at www.truwest.org."

A strong, privately held financial organization, international in scope, is looking to identify a Mortgage Warehouse Lending Leader for its entry into the residential mortgage warehouse lending business. This is a unique opportunity for the right individual to create and grow a new business line from the ground up, with the support of a well- capitalized organization. The successful candidate will have 10+ years of executive experience in warehouse lending, with particular emphasis on credit risk analysis and underwriting, including knowledge of secondary market loan underwriting guidelines. The candidate should have excellent communication and team building skills. Confidential resumes should be sent to me; please specify opportunity. Remote candidates accepted.
In 1670, coffee seeds were smuggled out of the Middle East by Baba Budan, as he strapped seven coffee seeds onto his chest. The first plants grown from these smuggled seeds were planted in Mysore. It was then that coffee spread to Italy, to the rest of Europe, to Indonesia and the Americas.

Brazil produces more coffee in the world than any other country followed by Colombia. More than 50 countries around the world grow coffee, providing a delicious variety for the indulgence of steamy cups of the black drink for connoisseurs to consume.

If caffeine is the music in your ears, the spring in your step, the very blood in your veins, well, tomorrow is your big day: National Coffee Day is Sept. 29. To help you celebrate weve compiled a list of coffee discounts and deals around town:

Boston Stoker: We decided to celebrate by giving back to our customers! For one day only well have all beverages marked down by $1. Stop in and help celebrate this holiday with us!

Dairy Queen: From 2 to 5pm Sept. 29, participating Dairy Queen locations will have $1 small flavored ice coffees and $2 Ultimate Frappes
We all take coffee for granted as just part of the daily routine. Wake up, brew or buy a cup of coffee, then get to doing something productive with your day. Before it was grown, roasted, boiled, and consumed, first it had to be discovered. The story is that a shepherd in Mocha saw his flock frolicking about after eating berries from a certain shrub. He took the berries, then to make them palatable roasted them then boiled them. He found the drink gave him vast amounts of energy, and the technology spread through the Middle East and Africa. It had to fight various bans for its mind altering effects, as scholars debated on whether or not it counted as being intoxicated when you were hopped up on caffeine. It passed the test with Muslim imams and eventually the Catholic church. According to the story, Pope Clement VIII was charged by his followers with banning the drink of the Muslims. He tasted it before the ban and chose to allow the drink to spread, stating it should be baptized as Catholic to get it from Muslim hands. This is all around 1600.

Coffee has always warmed us up and given a little jolt of energy. It also encourages conversation and the spreading of ideas. From the coffee houses of Shakespeares time to Starbucks, people who were looking to connect with others came together under one roof. The chef at an airport bar in Ireland concocted the drink for passengers coming off a plane looking cold and miserable. He offered hem some coffee with a little shot of Irish Whiskey in it. The passengers loved it, and it became a menu item on at the bar in question. One of the travelers that eventually enjoyed the cocktail was Stanton Delaplane, who brought the drink to San Francisco with him and championed it to the city. It was first served at the Buena Vista Cafe in 1952, and embraced by the city. It has been served there, and anywhere else that had coffee and Irish whiskey, ever since.

Irish Coffee

1.5 oz./ 45 mL Irish whiskey

2 tsp. brown sugar

4-6 oz./ 120  180 mL hot coffee

Glass: Irish Whiskey

Garnish: Whipped cream

Ice: None

Prepare the glass by warming it with hot water. Empty the glass when warmed, then add the coffee and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then add the Irish whiskey. Stir again. Evenly spread the whipped cream over the top of the coffee and serve.

I love this drink. It is delightful any time, day or night. It is just warm and inviting, the bite and sweetness of the whiskey just peeking through the coffee flavor. You may be tempted to stir the whip cream in, but dont. The layer of cream on top gives you a little with each sip, and acts as a delicious insulator for the coffee. If you are looking for some caffeine to add to your liquor, I suggest this over vodka and Red Bull any day. And you get whipped cream!

This is day 27 of a series, #100DaysOfCocktails, being done by Smart Guy In A Tie Cocktails. You can follow along daily on my Instagram page on Facebook, and on Twitter.
The UN envoy for Syria said Thursday there was little prospect of an imminent restart of negotiations to try to end the raging conflict.

"At the moment, when bombs are falling all over, it is very difficult to justify resuming talks," Staffan de Mistura told AFP after he met Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Russia said Wednesday it was ready to relaunch talks in Geneva with the United States following the collapse of a ceasefire.

But Washington threatened to suspend its engagement with Russia following escalating bombardments on rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo.

De Mistura said he welcomed Francis's willingness to speak out over the attacks, after the pontiff warned on Wednesday that God would hold those responsible for the Aleppo bombing to account.

"We are in a very critical moment, that's why it is so essentially urgent to have the voice of people with the moral authority of the pope about the fact that there is no military solution," de Mistura said.

"You can't bomb your way to peace in Syria."

The Swedish official said he had not given up all hope of re-establishing a ceasefire.

"I do recognise that sometimes in war you can talk and have the war going on," he said. "At this moment it is the breakdown of an agreement which was the beginning of a new phase.

"I'm very worried and concerned that all this may lead to just a militarisation of the conflict but I m not pessimistic because I know there is no alternative (to talks)."

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As oil and natural gas prices stabilize at levels higher than early in the year and more drilling rigs have gone back to work, Texas is very well-positioned to benefit from a stronger oil and gas industry.

That was the key message Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick offered as she opened the West Texas Geological Societys annual fall symposium Wednesday at the Horseshoe Arena.

The Midland native said there is cause for long-term optimism. She acknowledged, however, that in the short term there are concerns. Those concerns include commodity prices that have retreated in recent weeks and production levels that continue to flow into an already oversupplied market.

I think it will be a bumpy recovery, she said. I think it will be a slow recovery.

Helping pave the road to long-term success are the technological advances that companies have developed to improve efficiency and proficiency in producing oil and gas. She expects these improvements to continue even after commodity prices begin to rise.

Also helping pave that road will be the rest of the world, Craddick said. She cites the renewed ability of U.S. oil companies to export their crude anywhere in the world and the growing infrastructure to export liquefied natural gas. Craddick said that the terminals required to prepare natural gas for export  two now open in Texas, two under construction and at least six proposed  bring in billions in investment and create jobs.

Mexico will also help by serving as an increasingly important development partner, she said. Craddick told the audience she and fellow commissioners Ryan Sitton and David Porter, along with other association staff, recently spent several hours with Mexican regulators.

They see whats happening on this side of the border and want to replicate that in developing their resources, she said.

Our neighbors in Mexico are good partners that we need to cultivate, she said.

The industry is facing challenges as it heads toward a return to growth; among the challenges is the labor force. Coming out of the Great Recession, the oil and gas industry was the only one to create jobs, and it created millions, she said. But the industry must replace the skilled workers lost as companies shed jobs during the downturn. Finding good, quality people will be a challenge and will be critical as the industry ramps up in recovery, she said. That applies to the commission as well, she said.

The most critical challenge will be regulatory burdens, particularly on the federal level, Craddick said. She cited Environmental Protection Agencys new rules pertaining to carbon dioxide and methane emissions as an example that could essentially shut down the industry.

We comment every time we get a chance to comment on proposed rules, she said.

Craddick addressed several issues confronting the Railroad Commission, among them the number of abandoned wells that have to be plugged. She said that 97 percent of the states wells are plugged by the industry, so in reality we have a very small portfolio of wells to be plugged. Companies contribute to an abandoned well fund through the fees they pay the commission, and Craddick said that eliminates the need to enact a bond program or tax.

She told the audience that she opposes changing the agencys name, in part because she thinks the $435,000 it would cost can be better spent elsewhere. She also expressed concern that a new name would eliminate the authority the commission is given by federal agencies to oversee oil and gas operations within the state.

Craddick recently launched an initiative to review and update the commissions regulations in order to ensure the industry isnt overburdened during the downturn. But she said that the review is also important to ensure the commission and its staff are also more efficient and effective.

In fact, the staff just brought in another form change, she said. I think this is what we ought to be doing; we need to be efficient, too.

With disposal wells being increasingly cited as the cause of earthquake activity, the commission hired a staff seismologist and updated some regulations to require companies seeking disposal well permits to research and provide information on earthquake activity around the proposed site.

The state has also increased the number of seismometers deployed around the state and acquired 30 portable seismometers that can be sent to areas experiencing a sudden upswing in activity.

Its a long-term project. Were getting data and, based on that science, will make adjustments, Craddick said. We dont know what we dont know. But whats important as regulators today is to look at the science and the facts before we rush to judgment.
If being fooled twice puts the shame on me, what does it mean for oil traders to be fooled infinitely by OPEC?

For the second time this year, OPEC oil ministers played oil markets like a fiddle. When oil prices dropped to $43.81 for Brent crude due to excess production and weak demand on July 25, the oil ministers started yammering about a deal to freeze production that would be sealed in Algiers, Algeria, this week.

The more they talked, the higher prices rose, and Brent, the international benchmark, eventually hit $51.04 on Aug. 15, dragging West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, along with it to $49.67. But alas, it was not to be.

I dont expect that an agreement will come out of the consultations tomorrow, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told reporters Tuesday in Algiers.

Completely predictably, Saudi Arabia and Iran failed to agree on what levels to freeze production, sending the price of oil back to reality. Brent closed at $45.94 on Tuesday, and WTI ended the day at $44.67.

Look for more losses in the days and weeks to come.

Thats bad news for Houston-based energy companies hoping that a freeze would have pushed prices closer to the U.S. break-even point of $60 a barrel. While some wells are profitable for less than that, a recent survey by financial services firm Deloitte found that most oil company executives say $60 or more is necessary to spur new exploration and production in the U.S.

Many observers will try to blame Iran for the failure to freeze. But Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has made it clear for months that his country is committed to producing 4 million barrels aday now that international sanctions are lifted. Every OPEC member knew that going into Algiers.

The real culprit here is Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has been breaking records for oil production ever since the price collapsed in mid-2014, reaching 10.6 million barrels per day in August, according to official data. Saudi Arabias break-even price is about $10 a barrel, though it needs $60 a barrel to cover the cost of social programs. Before the price collapse, Saudi produced 9.6 million barrels per day.

Saudi officials allowed the oil price to drop after the kingdom began losing market share to higher-cost producers, and U.S. companies took advantage of $100-a-barrel prices to finance the high cost of horizontal drilling and hydraulically fracturing shale rock.

Former Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said in 2014 that OPEC would allow the global market to set oil prices, with the lowest-cost producers selling all that they want ahead of high-cost producers. Price slid to $29 abarrel in February.

King Salmans new administration reversed decades of internal policy and boosted oil production as prices dropped, forcing other nations to make cuts. Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has rolled out plans to move the Saudi economy away from reliance on oil profits, and the oil ministry is selling oil as fast it can pump to raise capital to make the necessary investments.

Saudis escalation coincided with Irans return to the oil markets following nine years of declining production under international sanctions. Saudi kings have long considered Iran a regional rival, and keeping prices low by pumping more oil denies Iran the foreign income and market share it so desperately wants, and demands.

Saudi Arabia, a majority Sunni country, is angry with Iran over moral support for Shiite rebels in Yemen and efforts to increase influence in Iraq. Flooding the world with oil is war by another means.

On Monday, Saudi officials said they would cut production if Iran agreed to a cap at its current output of 3.6 million barrels per day, far short of Irans goals. Zanganeh told Bloomberg News on Tuesday that aproduction freeze was not on our agenda.

No freeze means the world will produce about 400,000 barrels more oil than it needs every day in the last three months of 2016, according to a Goldman Sachs analysis first reported Tuesday by the Wall Street Journal. The investment bank also predicted that increased efficiency in U.S. oil fields will lead to an additional 600,000 barrels of oil produced a day in 2017.

Goldmans end-of-year price target for Brent crude is now $43, down from $50.

The oil market is so volatile that I think an immediate balance is unlikely and would only be short-lived  maybe a few months  even if OPEC freezes production, said Ed Baddour, president at Argo Consulting. For now, I expect prices to stay at the current level for a while or even go down again in the near future, partly due to the weaker dollar.

That major intervention is not forthcoming, no matter how many prayers Texas oil men and women offer. The Saudi-Iranian competition shows no signs of ending, and until it does end, there will be no deal.

The next time a Venezuelan, Algerian or Nigerian energy minister promises that a deal is just around the corner, thats just desperate government officials trying to talk up the market.
Propane is now the second-largest U.S. petroleum product export, surpassing motor gasoline, the Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday.

U.S. propane exports increased from 562,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2015 to 793,000 bpd in the first half 2016. Exports to Asia and Oceania accounted for 94 percent of this growth. Japan imported the most U.S. propane at 159,000 bpd in the first half of 2016, an increase of 111,000 bpd from 48,000 bpd in the first half 2015. Exports to Panama, however, fell from 41,000 bpd in the first half 2015 to 7,000 bpd in the first half 2016, according to the report.

The EIA said the large increases in exports to Japan and the significant drop to Panama might be explained by reduced ship-to-ship transfer activity.

Transfers on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Panama Canal likely involve moving cargo from a ship too large to transit the canal onto a slightly smaller ship that can make the passage, according to an EIA report released in April. Once through the canal, the smaller ship will either continue on to Asia or transfer the cargo back to a larger ship to complete the journey.

As a result, some data represent delivery to the transfer site  such as Panama, Aruba and the Dominican Republic  and not the final destination, which can skew the actual final destination numbers. A Panama Canal construction project to accommodate larger vessels recently was finished, and there have been fewer propane transfers.

Demand for propane in Asia is driven largely by an expanding petrochemical industry that uses propane as a feedstock, as well as other industrial and consumer heating and cooking demand, according to the April report.

Wednesdays report also said Mexico (775,000 bpd), Canada (579,000 bpd) and the Netherlands (271,000 bpd) received the significant volumes of U.S. petroleum products in the first half of 2016.

Gasoline exports increased 138,000 bpd in the first half of 2016 compared with the first half of 2015. Mexico represents the largest single recipient of U.S. gasoline exports at 363,000 bpd, up from 283,000 bpd in the first half of 2015, the EIA said.
Lee High students gathered Wednesday in front of the school for the annual See You at the Pole student-led prayer. See You at the Pole is a global day of student prayer that began in early 1990 as a grassroots movement with 10 students praying at their school in Burleson. The students who were involved shared their prayer experience with other youth at a conference in June of that year. The first See You at the Pole was in September 1990 when more that 56,000 students at 1,200 schools in Texas and three other states gathered to pray, according to the movement's website. This year's theme is "We cry out -- a generation seeking him." (Psalm 24:3-6)
Russia on Thursday said it would press on with a bombing campaign in Syria, ignoring US threats, as the United Nations pleaded for medical evacuations from the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.

Speaking at the UN Security Council, aid chief Stephen O'Brien said that Aleppo had now descended into a "merciless abyss of humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed in Syria."

Moscow is backing up a ferocious assault by the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to seize the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo, which has sparked accusations over possible war crimes.

The United States has threatened to pull the plug on any more talks with Russia if it does not halt the attack on Aleppo as acrimony seethes between the two powers after the collapse of a truce deal.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted that despite "unconstructive" rhetoric from Washington, Moscow was still interested in seeing the tattered deal, meant to see the US and Russia eventually coordinate strikes on Islamist militants, work out.

He blamed the surge in violence on Washington's failure to control rebel groups fighting in Aleppo and insisted that Syrian forces were battling "terrorists".

"Moscow is continuing its air operation to support the anti-terrorist actions of the Syrian armed forces," he said.

But Moscow -- which has been flying a bombing campaign in support of Assad for a year -- was facing fresh calls to help halt the bloodshed in Syria that has claimed some 300,000 lives since 2011.

Assad opponents German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after speaking by phone that Russia has a "special responsibility to calm violence and give a political process a chance" in Syria.

"The latest offensive by the Syrian regime against Aleppo -- supported by Russia -- has made the suffering of the civilian population yet worse," the two leaders agreed, according to a statement released by Merkel's office.

The UN envoy for Syria meanwhile said there was little prospect of an imminent restart of any negotiations to try to end the raging conflict as the violence continues.

"At the moment, when bombs are falling all over, it is very difficult to justify resuming talks," Staffan de Mistura told AFP after he met Pope Francis at the Vatican.

In a sign of how desperate the situation is on the ground inside besieged eastern Aleppo, the United Nations warned Thursday that "probably hundreds" of people needed medical evacuation.

"Utmost on our mind is the need to address the very concerning medical situation" in the east of Aleppo, UN deputy envoy for Syria, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, told reporters in Geneva.

"The bombing must stop. Civilians must be protected. And the cessation of hostilities must be restored," Ramzy insisted.

His comments came a day after two of the largest hospitals in the city's east were bombed, prompting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to describe that attack as a war crime.

Dozens of civilians have been killed, residential buildings have been reduced to rubble and residents of east Aleppo are facing severe shortages.

The UN children's agency UNICEF said at least 96 children have been killed and 223 wounded since Friday in eastern Aleppo.

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If there were only a Highway 420 running between Colorado and Texas, a group of alleged marijuana growers could have made good use of it.

Federal prosecutors earlier this month joined Colorado's attorney general in going after an alleged ring. They described it as a group of 30 people accused of engaging in organized crime, tax evasion, money laundering and racketeering.

At the center: a group of Texans who allegedly used Colorado's lax marijuana laws (see the full report here).

READ MORE: Wreck in Texas Panhandle leads to $2.2 million in marijuana

The case is believed to mark the first time such charges have been filed alleging a Texas conspiracy since Colorado two years ago further relaxed its laws to allow the legal sale of pot to anyone 21 or older.

Marijuana has been found in bulk aboard outbound trains, planes, cars, trucks and often in the mail, as was the case over and over again with the ring tied to Houston.

The feds say packages of pot were headed from the Rocky Mountains to the Rio Grande on a regular basis.

RELATED: Texas agents seize more than $6 million in marijuana plants

The three packages shipped to the fictitious person were just a slice of business that was allegedly producing about 100 pounds of finished product a month and ran as many as 20 grow houses.

The investigation reaches back to February 2015.

Bank records, drug shipments and other elements in the case were traced from Colorado to Houston, Pearland, Katy and other places, according to court documents.

The cases of more than 20 people are now pending in court.
US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Thursday that Washington was on the brink of ending its talks with Russia on the Syrian conflict over the assault on Aleppo.

"I think we are on the verge of suspending the discussion because, you know, it's irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there, trying to take things seriously," Kerry said.

"There is no notion or indication of seriousness of purpose with what is taking place right now," he told a conference in the US capital, a day after warning his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov he would end talks unless Moscow halts the assault on Aleppo.

Kerry said the United States would pursue other alternatives, "barring some clear indication by the warring parties that they are prepared to consider how to approach this more effectively."

A Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Moscow would press on with its bombing campaign in Syria, where forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad are waging a furious assault on Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector.

A top UN aid official called the situation in Aleppo a "merciless abyss of humanitarian catastrophe," in the latest appeal for a halt to fighting.

Kerry's efforts to broker a ceasefire have come under fire from Republicans who have called for tougher action against Moscow and the Syrian regime.

"It's easy to be critical of diplomatic efforts because it's difficult, but what is the alternative?" said Kerry.

He said United States would defeat the Islamic State (IS) militants operating in Syria and Iraq, "but that is different and distinct from involving ourselves directly into the civil war which is the war against Assad."

His comments echoed those of President Barack Obama who insisted on Wednesday that "there is not a scenario in which, absent us deploying large numbers of troops, we can stop a civil war in which both sides are deeply dug in."

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The Saudi-led coalition killed eight civilians in two separate air strikes on rebel-controlled areas of northern Yemen on Thursday, a government official said.

Warplanes from the coalition, which supports forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, hit "by mistake" a vehicle at Razah in Saada province, killing five civilians, said the official.

Another air strike killed three civilians travelling in a vehicle in Shadeh, a village also located in Saada, said the same source.

Saada province is a stronghold of the Iran-backed Shia Houthi rebels who overran the capital Sanaa in September 2014 before going on to seize other provinces.

Human rights groups accuse the coalition, which has stepped up its strikes against rebel positions especially in northern Yemen, of a string of such attacks that have killed civilians.

On September 22, at least 20 civilians died in coalition air strikes on rebel-held Hodeida, in western Yemen, in what a government official said was a possible "error".

The conflict between Yemen's government and the Houthi rebels escalated in March last year with the intervention of the Arab coalition in support of Hadi's government.

More than 6,600 people are estimated to have been killed since then, most of them civilians, according to the United Nations.

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We won't be seeing the Dance of the Dragons for quite a while. After that epic season one finale, HBO is making sure viewers don't expect a sequel to House of the Dragon in the new year. "Don't expect it in 23, but I think sometime in
Britain must not expect to end up with more rights than other countries outside the EU following Brexit negotiations, Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi warned in an interview Thursday.

Renzi also told the BBC that he blamed Britain's former premier David Cameron for June's vote to leave the European Union.

His comments are the latest from a European leader to highlight the tough stance Britain is likely to face in Brexit negotiations when it triggers Article 50, the two-year process for leaving.

"It will be impossible to give to British people more rights than other people out of the EU," Renzi said, speaking in English.

"When David Cameron decided to use the referendum to solve some internal problem in the Conservative party, this was the problem," he added.

Cameron was seen as having called the referendum to try and placate eurosceptics in his party and stem the rise of the anti-EU UK Independence Party.

Renzi added that the vote to leave the EU was "a bad decision" but the result should be respected.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Government think-tank warned that planning for Brexit could cost Britain's government 65 million (75 million euros, $85 million) a year in a new report out Thursday.

It also urged Prime Minister Theresa May to make clear when she plans to activate Article 50.

"In the absence of a clear plan, 'Kremlinology' and off-the-cuff remarks are filling the void," it said.

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A packed commuter train ploughed into a station in New Jersey during the morning rush hour Thursday, killing at least one person and injuring over 100, many of them critically.

The train failed to stop as it sped into Hoboken station, went up over the bumper blocks at the end of the track and rammed into a wall, a New Jersey transit official told AFP at the scene.

Michael Larson, another transit employee, told reporters he heard a "bomb-like explosion" as the train hit the bumpers with such force that it went airborne -- hitting the station's roof and causing it to partly collapse.

"It was going considerably faster than it should have normally been at the terminal," he said. "It went up and over the bumper block, through the depot... and came to rest at the wall by the waiting room."

Video and photos on social media showed major damage to the transit hub just over the Hudson river from Manhattan, with the train tangled in wires and debris from what appeared to be caved in portions of the roof.

Passengers described the train -- which was carrying around 250 people -- ramming at full speed into the bumper at the end of the track.

"We never slowed down," Jim Finan, a commuter from New Jersey, told Fox News. "We ploughed, I mean, right through the bumper."

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie confirmed to CNN one fatality from the early morning accident. US media earlier reported that three people had died. No official toll was immediately available.

State transit spokeswoman Jennifer Nelson told reporters at the scene that more than 100 people were injured, with "multiple critical injuries."

All the victims have been evacuated to two local hospitals.

Kenneth Garay, chief medical officer at Jersey City medical center, said its surgeons were "all hands on deck" as they treat patients suffering from orthopedic injuries, internal injuries and lacerations.

"None at this point are life-threatening. They're critical and stable and being carefully monitored," he told CNN.

Garay said that another 40 people were transported from the train station by bus to be treated for "walking types of injuries."

Governor Christie told CNN there was no longer anyone trapped on board the train, and that the train engineer was among those being treated in hospital for unspecified injuries.

Nelson told reporters it was not known how fast the train was travelling as it entered the station.

"We have to investigate all potential causes of the derailment," Governor Christie said, "but you can see from the level of destruction at the station that this was obviously a train that was traveling at a high rate of speed."

Train #1614 was arriving from Spring Valley when it struck the Hoboken terminal building at around 8:45 am (1245 GMT), New Jersey Transit said in a statement, adding that all services were currently suspended in and out of the station.

Finan, the passenger interviewed by CNN, said it was an unusually crowded morning.

"Everyone who was standing kind of went flying," he said. "I saw a lot of head injuries and kind of people with cuts."

"Afterwards there was some panic. People were trying to smash some windows out."

Emergency vehicles converged on the scene in response to the crash.

Pancho Bernasconi, Getty's director of photography for news who arrived just after the crash, told AFP he saw people running for shelter, several of them injured.

Passengers described a scene of chaos with dazed and bloodied people making their way to safety.

"We crashed, and the lights went out. A few people screamed," Leon Offengenden told CNN.

"It was pretty chaotic. And people just in shock and everybody has photos and cameras out and iPads. It was pretty intense," he said.

The last major train crash in the United States was in May 2015, when an Amtrak train linking Washington to New York derailed in Philadelphia, leaving eight dead and 200 injured.

In December 2013 in New York a suburban train derailed in the Bronx while travelling at several times the speed limit, leaving four people dead and more than 60 injured.

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Catalan regional lawmakers on Thursday approved regional President Carles Puigdemont's plan to call a referendum next year on independence from Spain, which has been without a fully functioning government since December.

Puigdemont called the vote of confidence in his government and its plans after his pro-independence coalition that rules Catalonia broke down in June when its most radical component -- the far-left CUP party -- refused to back the government budget for 2016.

The CUP had since said it would help bring the coalition back together again and vote for Puigdemont, but only in exchange for a Scotland-style referendum next year.

In an address to the Catalan regional parliament on Wednesday ahead of the vote, Puigdemont said he would hold an independence referendum in September 2017 whether or not the central government in Madrid agrees to one.

The promise of the referendum allowed him to regain an absolute majority in 135-seat Catalan parliament as he won the confidence vote with 72 votes in favour and ten against.

He was backed by the CUP's ten lawmakers as well as all 72 lawmakers from his "Junts Per Si", or "Together for Yes", coalition.

Opposition lawmakers on Thursday argued that the referendum would be illegal and would not be recognised.

"You are on a stationary bicycle, you peddle but you are going nowhere," said Ines Arrimadas, the leader of the anti-independence Ciudadanos party which voted against Puigdemont in the confidence vote

Catalan separatists have for years tried -- in vain -- to win approval from Spain's central government to hold an independence referendum like Britain's Scottish referendum in 2014 which resulted in a "no" vote.

Puigdemont's predecessor Artur Mas had already tried to hold such a vote.

But when it was banned by Spain's Constitutional Court, he held a symbolic independence vote in November 2014.

Over 80 percent cast their ballot in favour of independence then -- although just 2.3 million people out of a total of 6.3 million eligible voters took part.

Unlike British former counterpart David Cameron with Scotland, which did get a vote in 2014, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has always categorically refused a referendum.

But as Spain remains mired in nine months of political stalemate after two inconclusive elections, it is not certain that Rajoy will still be in power next year.

Catalans have nurtured a separate identity for centuries, but an independence movement surged recently as many became disillusioned with limitations on the autonomy they gained since the late 1970s after the Francisco Franco dictatorship, which had suppressed Catalan nationalism.

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Sacramento, CA  The legislation will require doctors to check a database of prescription narcotics before writing prescriptions for addictive drugs.

Governor Jerry Brown signed SB482, which hopes to put an end to doctor shopping, amid reports prescription drug abuse has hit epidemic levels in the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that nationwide more than 165,000 people died from prescription opioid overdoses from 1999 to 2014, including 4,500 Californians who died in the last year of available data.

California has maintained records of narcotic prescription histories for years, first on paper and then on computers. However, using the system has been optional for physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners and others who write prescriptions. Under the new law doctors and nurses must check the database for signs of abuse when initially prescribing narcotic painkillers like OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet, as well as steroids, sleep aids and psychiatric medications. It also requires them to check the database every four months for as long as the drug regimen is continued for a patient.
Sacramento, CA  Governor Jerry Brown penned into law a bill that would allow state agency staff to opt out of travel to states that have laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

California has joined the list of states taking action against North Carolina for its law that limits LGBT protections against discrimination. Californias law bans state-funded travel to North Carolina. It also applies to the University of California and the California State University system, which could limit travel for conferences and training.

North Carolinas law blocks municipalities from expanding protections against sexual discrimination in public accommodations for those in the LGBT community. Additionally, it requires public schools and universities to ensure that students use restrooms corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates.
Update at 6 p.m.: The Marshes Fire that broke out Monday near Moccasin is now reported by CAL Fire officials as remaining right at about one-thousand acres with containment bumped up to 60 percent through the overnight.

CAL Fire Incident Commander Jeff Sanders says he does not expect the fire to grow. In fact, he states, We hope to hold it within its current containment lines. We also envision the cooler temperatures and rising relative humidity to be a real aid to the firefighters out there on the line.

Sanders shares that, as of Thursday night, 1,040 people are assigned to the blaze, with about a third of them on the fire line and that firefighting costs for the incident are right now running at around $3 million.

Although he was not able to comment on whether or not a citation would be issued to the driver who pulled over and parked a car in the brush to the side of Marshes Flat Road, igniting the blaze, Sanders warns motorists that it is up to the traveling public to make good decisions whether they are off or on the road.

Sanders further comments, Even though we are almost into October, our fire season in California has extended longer and longer each year with the environmental conditions we are faced with  and the drought, as long as it has been  and the condition our fuels are in. One cloudy day does not take us out of a heightened awareness.

As of 7 p.m. Highway 49 will re-open with no traffic controls or a pilot car in place, so Sanders asks those passing through to be diligent. Sending a cautionary request Sanders adds, Remember that we do have firefighters out there working on and around the road system and we will have until mid next week, and so I would say to be careful, watch and keep your speeds down there in that location.

Update at 11:45 a.m.: The Marshes Fire is 45 percent contained while remaining at 1,000 acres. Crews continue to make progress on the blaze as some of the ground and air resources have been released from the scene including an air attack, six air tankers, six engines, 18 bulldozers. However, the number of fire personnel has increased from 940 to 1,232.

Cal Fire spokesperson Lindy Shoff reports that the flames as still threating the structures which hold 230 KV power lines from the Moccasin Powerhouse (See picture in the upper left-hand image box). Shoff adds, Much of the fire area has not burned in over thirty years, resulting in a major buildup of dead vegetation. Firefighters must also continuously watch for rattlesnakes and yellow jackets which survived the flames in underground burrows, and are now out and moving through the burn. Shoff also notes that the weather continues to be hot and dry, with higher winds expected over the area today, which could create problems for firefighters.

Additionally, Marshes Flat Road remains open residents only. For details on the partial reopening of Highway 49 see below.

Update at 8:45 a.m.: Caltrans reports that Highway 49 has reopened from Marshes Flat Road to Coulterville. However, CHP officers are directing one-way traffic control on that stretch. Cal Fire spokesperson Lindy Shoff reports a pilot car will be escorting vehicles so motorists should expect delays.

Original post at 8 a.m.: Moccasin, CA  Firefighters make progress overnight on the Marshes Fire despite the rough and steep terrain.

Cal Fire reports that the containment has grown to 45 percent and the acreage remains at 1,000. A traffic note, Cal Fire had projected that Highway 49 would reopen to one-way traffic control from Moccasin to Coulterville at 8 this morning, but there is no confirmation that the roadway has yet reopened. Cal Fire spokesperson Nancy Longmore reports on what firefighters faced overnight, stating, Steep, rocky terrain and limited access is creating on-going difficulties with the construction of over 12 miles of fire line. Rolling material, such as rocks and burning logs are making for unstable footing and hazardous work conditions at all times, but especially during nighttime darkness.

As first reported here, Cal Fire has determined what sparked the blaze. The number of personnel on the scene has jumped to 940 with resources totaling 105 engines, 27 bulldozers, 17 water tenders, 36 fire crews. In the air are two air attacks, six tanker and four helicopters.
Five armed Islamists were killed in an army operation in a mountainous region of southeast Algeria on Thursday, the defence ministry said.

An army unit shot dead the "five terrorists" in Jebel Ouslati near the Batna region, around 450 kilometres (280 miles) from the capital Algiers, said the ministry.

It said arms and "a large quantity" of munitions were seized.

Algerian authorities use the term "terrorists" for armed Islamists who have been active in the North African state since a devastating civil war in the 1990s.

This year, at least 106 suspected Islamists have been killed in army operations in the east and south of the country, according to an AFP count compiled from official statements.

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The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo accused the United States in a statement on Thursday of sowing "chaos", after Washington placed two top allies of President Joseph Kabila on its sanctions blacklist.

The US Treasury on Wednesday said both the men it blacklisted were involved in violently putting down opposition to Kabila and undermining democratic forces in the country.

"It is clear, if we look back at history, that this pattern is similar to the one that led to chaos in nations like Libya and South Sudan, which now face extinction," Lambert Mende, the spokesman of the Democratic Republic of Congo's government, said in a statement.

The US Treasury said Wednesday that Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba, a commander of the armed forces, led units that have violently repressed political demonstrations in several provinces including Kinshasha.

Also hit with sanctions was General John Numbi, a former national inspector in the police and a close advisor of Kabila.

"In light of these shameless initiatives... regarding these officers, the government wonders about the US authorities' logic and motivations," Mende added.

The sanctions, which ban US individuals and businesses from dealings with the two men, came days after dozens of demonstrators were killed in anti-government protests.

Under a new constitutional regime in 2006, Kabila was elected to the position with a two-term limit, which should expire in December.

However, the government has not yet scheduled new elections, giving rise to fears that he will not step down.

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Four years after early voting lines stretched on for hours in some of Florida's most populous counties, Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign is taking issue with decisions by all but 10 counties to offer less than the maximum number of early voting hours prescribed by the state.

10 counties will offer early voting for 12 hours a day

57 counties are not taking advantage of it

Early voting period runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 6

FLORIDA DECIDES COVERAGE: Latest headlines | How to vote in Florida

How to register to vote in Florida



The campaign's Florida voter protection arm argues that counties offering fewer than the 12 hours of early voting per day spread across two weeks beginning Oct. 24 are effectively restricting access to the voting booth, a charge that could foreshadow possible legal action.

Democrats have traditionally outperformed Republicans during Florida's early voting period, racking up significant margins that can prove critical to the party's chances of prevailing in close statewide contests.

"I sure hope you will get out and vote as though your future depended on it, because I think it does," Clinton told a national audience during Monday's presidential debate.

After being criticized for cutting early voting in half in 2012, Gov. Rick Scott and the Republican Legislature reversed course in 2013. It granted counties flexibility to offer up to 168 hours of early voting. Ten of the biggest counties will offer the full 12 hours per day, concluding on the Sunday before Election Day.They are:

Broward

Charlotte

Duval

Hillsborough

Miami-Dade

Orange

Osceola

Palm Beach

Pinellas

Seminole

Election officials in the 57 counties that aren't maximizing early voting contend they have good reasons for limiting hours, chief among them the number of residents who are registered to vote. Supply and demand, they say, determines how long the polls should be open.

"I think the supervisors of elections ultimately like flexibility," said Leon County Assistant Supervisor of Elections Chris Moore. "They do like being able to craft whatever kind of schedules based on their budgets or the size of their county and how many locations they have. Flexibility's a good thing."

Under state law, Gov. Rick Scott has the authority to issue an executive order extending early voting statewide or in certain counties, an option former Gov. Charlie Crist exercised in 2008 amid hours-long early voting lines.

"After a period of time of watching that, witnessing it, seeing it, you know, my heart goes out to those people," Crist said at the time.
Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein appealed to millennials Thursday night in Orlando, urging young people to get out and vote for the alternative to the two major parties: herself.

"Our campaign and the Green Party, alone, is standing up for the real solutions we can have right now," Stein said. "And the name of the game, the weak link in the chain here, is having the courage of our convictions to actually stand up."

Stein kicked off with a call for a living wage, followed by her "Green New Deal," which is meant to be a drastic plan to reverse course on climate change and create more clean energy jobs.

Stein then turned to student debt, saying the government needs to come up with a program to forgive student loans.

"Forty-three million people locked in debt, it turns out, is enough to win a three-way presidential election," Stein said. "There's only one place those votes can go, and you're looking at it, right now."

"It's not just the right thing to do, it's the practical thing to do," Stein said. "Somehow we came up with $17 trillion, some people say it's much more, to bail out the crooks on Wall Street who crashed the economy through their waste, fraud and abuse. If we could bail out the crooks, isn't it time to bail out the victims, the students trapped in student loan debt?"

Stein says it's time for millennials to come out and take over this election.

Stein: I'm the alternative to Trump, Clinton

This was Stein's third campaign stop in Florida.



On Wednesday night, she addressed a crowd of more than 150 supporters in Ybor City.

Stein said she's sick of politics as usual and said it was unfair that she was left out of Monday night's presidential debate.

"This is the highest level of dislike and distrust for the two major party candidates ever in our history," she said.

Local supporters said they view her as another option.

"I'm here," said Marge Sands, who attended the rally. "I don't get out and do a lot so you've got to know this is really important to me."

Stein's platform calls for a green restructuring of the economy.

She wants to wean America off of fossil fuels by 2030, and said that will create new jobs in the clean energy field.

"For Florida more than any other state, this is a life or death question," Stein said. "We have to err on the safe side and ensure that this magnificent state and its ecosystem and people not only have a great economy that is alive, but needs to be thriving."

Stein is trying to appeal to former Bernie Sanders supporters and millennials by saying she'd like to see a student loan bailout that would wipe out their student debt.

"We came up with $16 trillion to bail out the crooks on Wall Street who crashed the economy. It's about time we bail out the students who are on the way forward, the engine for the new economy for the 21st century," she said.

Stein also visited Sarasota on Thursday afternoon.

Stein will also be in Miami on Friday.

To RSVP to Thursday's events, head to Stein's campaign website.

2016 presidential candidates visit the I-4 Corridor

We are tracking all of the presidential candidates as they make campaign stops in along the I-4 Corridor. Red icons are for Donald Trump, Blue icons are for Hillary Clinton, Yellow icons are for Gary Johnson and Green icons are for Jill Stein.
SunRail service is coming to Saturdays.

Saturday service will be temporarily

Testing made possible through donations

Officials want to see if service is viable

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other officials made the announcement Thursday morning. SunRail will run on select Saturdays, from Oct. 8 to Feb. 11  a four-month test period. Hours will be 2 to 11 p.m., but they could change depending on the event.

Dyer said city and transportation officials are hoping to test Saturday service to find out if it's viable. There is hope to make the Saturday service permanent, officials said.

The mayor has been soliciting contributions from businesses and private donors, collecting enough money to support the Saturday tests. So far, more than 30 businesses and organizations have pitched in to help raise about $250,000 for the service.

Dyer said SunRail targeted to start the tests Saturday, Oct. 8, because downtown Orlando is hosting both the Come Out with Pride parade and the Garth Brooks Concert at the Amway Center.

"There will be 100,000 people in our downtown, so if you have SunRail service from noon until midnight, you know there's going to be a lot of people using that service," Dyer said.

It costs $20,000 to operate SunRail on a Saturday. SunRail will still collect fares on Saturdays, officials said.
Egypt wants to receive the second tranches of World Bank and African Development Bank (ADB) loans before the end of this year, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail told Reuters on Thursday.

Egypt received $1 billion earlier this month, the first tranche of a $3 billion three-year loan from the World Bank aimed at supporting the government's economic reform program.

It also received $500 million from the ADB, the first tranche of a $1.5 billion package. It is due to receive the second $500 million tranche by the end of the year.

Asked if the second tranches would be received before the end of the year, "we are seeking for it to (arrive) before then," Ismail said.

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America's most famous reality family has arrived in France.

Sisters Kim and Kourtney Kardashian sat side-by-side along with their mom, Kris Jenner, and her boyfriend, Cory Gamble, at the Balmain Spring/Summer 2017 launch.

To hardly no one's surprise, Kim Kardashian wore a holey gown and her hair, stick straight.

She, however, received a big surprise Wednesday upon her Parisian arrival. Prankster Vitalii Sediuk attempted to attack Kim K but the plot was foiled by her trusty bodyguard, Pascal Duvier.

Sediuk, a 27-year-old perpetual celebrity ambusher, was apparently aiming for Kardashian's rear end. The attacker seems to be on a roll. Just six days before, Sediuk grabbed model Gigi Hadid from behind and lifted her off the ground.

Keep clicking to view other celebs spotted at Paris Fashion Week.
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The Dressmaker was clearly intended to be a ravishing creation, but its patched together from such a ragbag of scraps, it cant be called a success. Despite highly enjoyable moments and the welcome presence of Kate Winslet, even sympathetic viewers will be put off by the movies bewildering variety of genres and tones.

The film sets us up to expect the darkest sort of black comedy  Its the 1950s, and a gorgeously attired Tilly (Winslet) arrives in a backwater Australian village, with the stony-faced announcement, Im back, you bastards. Shes a supremely talented fashion designer, intent on wielding her sewing machine to right some serious wrongs from the distant past.

The residents of this miserable burg are narrow-minded, dowdy and dumb  caricatured hicks meant to be disparaged, a point the film beats into the ground. These grotesques would seem to be no match for revenge-minded Tilly, with her red lipstick, cigarettes and haute couture, the likes of which the local harridans have only goggled at in magazines.

Tilly moves into a dismal shack inhabited by a seeming madwoman, who turns out to be her mother, played by Judy Davis, in an unbridled performance that steals the film. Both Mom and daughter have serious memory issues, but its clear that something horrible happened when Tilly was a child, which drove her to flee.

The film, based on Rosalie Hams 2000 novel, turns on the promising idea that high fashion can be used as weapon, esnaring the repulsive townswomen and underlining their ugly natures. In a series of highly striking images, these creatures prance around the dusty streets in Tillys creations, which are parodies of 50s Paris fashions.

Director Jocelyn Moorhouse includes a cinematic quotation from Sunset Boulevard, and The Dressmaker does have its noirish side, a brooding sense of the past and a satirical vision of the present. If only the mood was consistent. Instead, the film weaves in threads of melodrama and romance  the later involving a rugby-playing stud (Liam Hemsworth) whose sleek body the film all but drools over when he is fitted for a suit by Tilly.

More Information The Dressmaker ** Quick take: Too much plot stuffed into one film See More Collapse

Theres more: A mystery is waiting to be solved involving a boys death, and much ado is made over the cross-dressing (and other risque behavior) of the towns single police officer. It all adds up to an awfully busy two hours.

Davis performance is probably the best thing in the film, as she shows us a proud and vital woman emerging from the damaged hag we saw initially. In one of the movies most entertaining scenes, she attends a showing of Sunset Boulevard and treats both the movie and her fellow viewers to hoots and catcalls. Her deepening interactions with Tilly are the closest the movie approaches to substance.

But tonal inconsistencies sink The Dressmaker, and the same applies to Winslets character. The actress does her best with what shes given, but the film never seems to get a handle on the character  her hard edge comes and goes in a bewildering way.

The Dressmakers incessant bludgeoning of the villagers invites us to feel a too-easy sense of superiority. After several false endings, the film has genuinely worn out its welcome.

What a shame, because Tillys surreal, extravagant handiwork is really something to see.

Running time: 118 minutes

MPAA rating: R (profanity, violence)
Fox Searchlight Pictures / Fox Searchlight Pictures

The Birth of a Nation: Despite sharing its title with D.W. Griffiths landmark 1915 film, Nate Parkers film couldnt be more different. The 1915 film glorified the Ku Klux Klan; the new film tells the story of literate slave Nat Turner (played by Parker), who led a bloody slave revolt in 1831 that was brutally crushed. The film received a rousing reception at Sundance in January, leading to a lucrative distribution deal, but the publicity also brought to light a 1999 rape charge against Parker while he was at Penn State (he was acquitted in 2001).

The Girl on the Train: Emily Blunt stars as Rachel Watson, whose disintegrating marriage has turned her into an alcoholic, in this adaptation of Paula Hawkins best-selling thriller. Rachels daily train ride into London takes her past her ex-husbands house, and by a seemingly happy couple (Haley Bennett and Luke Evans) a few houses down. Then she thinks she sees something shocking and gets caught up in the mystery that ensues.
Deepwater Horizon is a dramatic feature about the oil-rig explosion of April 2010 that created an ecological calamity in the Gulf of Mexico. The film doesnt deal with the 87 days it took to finally plug the hole in the sea floor, nor with the colossal damage to wildlife, property and local economies.

Its focus is very specific  the events leading up to the explosion, the explosion itself, and the struggle of people aboard the rig to survive.

So the movie is an opportunity to dig in and concentrate on 24 tense and perilous hours. The watery setting, the page from recent history and the compressed time frame might lead audiences to expect something like Captain Phillips. But unlike that film, Deepwater Horizon doesnt engage the emotions in an urgent way. It has scale, spectacle and a cast of good actors who seem to believe in what theyre doing. But the movie springs to life only in spurts.

Its as if director Peter Berg made the movie for a specific minority of viewers who already know absolutely everything about the Deepwater Horizon disaster. If youre one of those people, this movie can serve as an illustration of events and sights youve previously only imagined.

Berg takes the audience into the thick of it, so that the oil is gushing and flames are shooting up right there in close-up. Theres little sense of the grand scheme, but there is a very good sense of what it must have been like to be in the midst of the horror, and sometimes thats effective.

Most of the time, however, its not. Instead, were often left wondering what exactly is exploding and why its exploding. We see lots of action, but the hand-held camera, quick cutting and reliance on close-ups make it difficult to see how the action relates to the overall picture. And action divorced from context, in which its often not clear what is happening or who its happening to, isnt exciting or meaningful. Its just commotion.

More Information Deepwater Horizon ** Quick take: Too close to this disaster See More Collapse

Deepwater Horizon was an oil rig that floated on the water and was available for lease by oil companies. The heroes of the film are the men who work the rig and have respect for the natural forces theyre trying to tap and contain. Most of their story is told through the eyes of Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg), the rigs chief electronics technician, who is shown on the morning of the disaster canoodling with his wife (Kate Hudson) and helping his daughter with her homework.

The villains are the BP (British Petroleum) executives who think they can cut costs and save time by scrimping on safety procedures, either because they dont care about their workers or really dont understand the risks. Or maybe a little of both. The corporate culture of BP is embodied by an appropriately smug and impassive John Malkovich, who keeps smiling and telling the boss of the Deepwater Horizon (Kurt Russell) not to worry, that everything is fine.

But the characters dont really come through. The film is too programmatic and obvious. Theres the opening designed to make us care about Williams and his family. Theres the little-do-they-know intro, in which the hints that something might go wrong are obvious only in hindsight. And then theres the disaster, which starts slow and gets worse and worse until its utter madness and horror.

Its only that last part  the mechanics of the disaster itself  that captures Bergs interest, and there he captures ours, too. Its as if the earth were exploding upwards, so that there are flames, and oil gushes and something else you might not expect, flying projectiles shooting everywhere, unmoored pieces of concrete and metal. So in addition to the explosions and the fires, being on that rig was like being on the wrong side of a rifle range. The movie conveys this, not just through visuals, but through a sound design that roars and clangs and unsettles.

Yet even then, the depiction is so close-up and shaky, so quick and undefined, that its hard to feel involved. Bergs whole strategy may have been to throw us deep into the action, but the irony is, he ends up creating distance. He keeps us on the outside.

Running time: 99 minutes

MPAA rating: PG-13 (disaster violence, profanity)
Over the weekend, more than 700 people picked up almost 15 tons of trash from 35 miles of Southeast Texas beaches during the Texas General Land Office's fall Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup.

The biannual event calls on Texas residents to dedicate their morning to picking up trash off beaches along the Gulf Coast. Texas GLO hosted volunteers in Chambers County, the Bolivar Peninsula, McFaddin Beach and Sea Rim State Park.
Again and for the umpteenth time I tell myself not to give Western media any undeserved attention and to ignore those who intentionally belittle from our efforts and tarnish what we hold dear and precious. And yet no matter how hard I try, sometimes I get so indignant that I must rebuttal, first to abate my anger, and second to illuminate those who care for the truth.

The Washington Posts article on President El-Sisis meeting with US presidential candidates Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly is todays angst. The Stark Difference Between Trumps and Clintons Meeting with a Dictator at first glance compares Trump to Clinton, but it also bears an incomprehensible but not very subliminal aversion to President El-Sisi.

After referencing President El-Sisi as the Dictator, intentionally not naming him in the headline, the article refers to the president as the general who led the military coup against Egypts elected government in 2013 and has since overseen the harshest repression the country has known in a half-century.

Ignorance is a bliss but overlooking facts or neglecting to mention them is an offence. Just a reminder, Washington Post Editorial Board, the military coup came as a response to the demands of Egyptians when a third of the countrys population went to the streets to seek change; the army had to intervene or else Egypt wouldve remained at a never-ending impasse.

The revolution, a more apt name for it, was not sprung upon them; the revolution was their own making.

As for the repressions, again the Washington Post ignores facts. Egypts plight against terrorism forces it to detain anyone connected to terrorism, or is gearing the country to further unrest. And amidst the chaos surrounding Egypt and despite all the powers that would prefer otherwise, Egypt is in a good place.

When you consider Guantanamo Bay, you may think twice before alluding to Egypts repressions. Those detained in Guantanamo have not been charged, are often abused, and may never see freedom again. And the reason? The probability of their partaking in actions against the US. This, while I guarantee that those detained in Egypt will see freedom before those in Guantanamo.

The candidates face time with him [President El-Sisi] was unmerited and ill-advised  I beg to differ. El-Sisi is the leader of the most powerful state in the Middle East. Egypt carries weight and plays a pivotal role in the stability of the region and against terrorism. If not to favour the president of one of the few influential countries in the region, then the meetings with El-Sisi seek genuine comprehension of where the Middle East is heading, and would ultimately lead to further relations between the US and the region when one candidate or the other is chosen.

So many crucial issues would have been discussed: neighbouring, torn Syria, Libya, and Sudan; fragile cease fires and arm sale embargoes; terrorism in the region and at large; and the ramifications of meddling in other countries affairs. And who would know better than President El-Sisi on all such matters?

But it goes on, considering that Mr. Sissi [sic], in addition to overseeing the extrajudicial killing or disappearance of thousands of Egyptians and the imprisonment of tens of thousands, has directed a vicious campaign against U.S. influence in his country.

Extrajudicial killing or disappearance of thousands of Egyptians? Seriously, Washington Post? Does the Washington Post believe that thousands of Egyptians were killed, and Egyptians are quiet about it and approving of it? Thousands translates to at least one Egyptian murdered or kidnapped every day for at least three years!

And thousands are indeed imprisoned for participating in or shielding terrorism in Egypt, but not one single person on death row has thus far been executed.

As for directing a vicious campaign against the USs influence in Egypt, I want the Washington Posts Editorial Board to come up with one speech, one speech where El-Sisi named the US as an offender or incited Egyptians against the Americans or any other country for that matter. It is not in the presidents nature to provoke hatred or ignite antagonism.

Im afraid, Egyptians are coming up with this conclusion on their own from the cold shoulder their president and their revolution received, from Western medias vicious attack on Egypt, and from the USs turning a blind eye to the hardships that Egypt faces.

More importantly, members from the Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt named as a terrorist group, received a warm welcome at the White House where they were pictured holding up the Rabaa sign under the US flag.

The article also says that Mr. Trump on his post-meeting statement heaped uncritical praise on El-Sisi. Mr. Trump, according to the Washington Post, thanked President El-Sisi and the Egyptian people for what they have done in defence of their country while promising to invite the coup-maker for an official visit to Washington.

Clearly, the author is critical of Trump, but to criticise Trump by slandering President El-Sisi is repulsive. Coup maker is extremely offensive.

And it is true, despite it coming from Mr. Trump, Egypt and its men, soldiers, officers and civilians have paid dearly in defence of Egypt.

Ms. Clinton, according to her statement on the meeting, while paying tribute to US/Egyptian cooperation on counterterrorism, emphasized the importance of respect for rule of law and human right to Egypts future progress.

Clearly the author is for Ms. Clinton, but when exactly has there been cooperation on counterterrorism between the two countries? When the US cancelled the training exercise with the Egyptian army or when the delivery of the F-16 fighters was cancelled after the June 30th revolution?

This, while I dont doubt that respect for the rule of law is being followed in Egypt. And I do agree that respect for human rights is fundamental to Egypts future, but Egypts national security far outweighs anything else.

In other words, while Mr. Trump handed a pass to this deeply problematic U.S. ally, Ms. Clinton put him on notice that his abuses will not be ignored if she becomes president. Lets be clear, Ms. Clinton, abuses across the world should never be ignored and should never go unnoticed.

The article lacks depth, ignores pressing issues, skims over truths, while its main goal is to slander President El-Sisi. And with this I take offence.

I can see only one reason for all this: someone way up on the hierarchy ladder is manipulating these media outlets against Egypt, so, Egypt, beware. The strife between you and western media continues.

The writer is author of Cairo Rewind: The First Two Years of Egypt's Revolution.

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If life with tacos wasn't scrumptiously spectacular enough, a Tex-Mex joint in Corpus Christi challenges customers to eat a nearly 4-pound bundle of homemade tortilla, beans, cheese, carne guisada, egg, potatoes and bacon.

Chachos Tacos, at 3700Ayers St., propositions its bravest foodies to tackle the All-Mighty Chacho's Taco Challenge in 10 minutes. The chomp champ wins a T-shirt, spot on the hall-of-fame, bragging rights and probably some feelings of self-loathing and lethargy. Of course, they also don't have to pay for the $9.99 taco.
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Instagram will soon be blessed with San Antonio's latest piece of photo opportunity art, a mural of  and by  Spurs Jesus, on the exterior wall of Tito's Mexican Restaurant.

The holiest Silver and Black superfan, who has a local discipleship of his own, is the subject and co-artist of the "Spurs Jesus for President" mural, at 955 Alamo St.

RELATED: The newest Spurs-inspired wall in San Antonio is up and you're going to want to Instagram it

Spurs Jesus told mySA.com he and local artist, Carlos Cantu, finished the mural, designed by Ray Scarborough, late Tuesday night.

Like the "I love tacos so much" wall, by Luis Munoz, there is a higher purpose for the Spurs Jesus piece.

RELATED: San Antonio gets own version of Austin's 'I love you so much' wall with a taco twist

He told mySA.com the installation is sponsored by the St. Anthony Hotel and Alamo Brewery. The two businesses will donate $1 for each photo taken of the wall and posted to social media with the hashtag "#SpursJesus4President." The challenge lasts until Election Day, Nov. 8, and will benefit The Paseo del Rio Association, dedicated to preserving and protecting the San Antonio River Walk.

The mural is also part of Spurs Jesus movement to "keep San Antonio great" and "puro."

RELATED: Wall paying tribute to San Antonio Spurs Coyote defaced with penises, 'OKC'

"I'm excited to bring another fun piece of art to San Antonio," Spurs Jesus said, adding he hopes the mural becomes a "fun way to lighten up" the U.S. Presidential race.

Sharing a mural photo is also good for your appetite. Spurs Jesus said Tito's will give a 10 percent discount to customers who show proof of their social media posts.

Surely, a Spur Jesus presidency would have room for taco trucks on every corner

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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The Albany County Sheriff's Office is planning to build an outdoor shooting range for deputies to qualify and practice with firearms.

Sheriff Craig Apple said the new facility could be opened to the public for safety training courses.

"Today we have a lot of reality based training," Apple said. "I want officers to be able to pull in and be able to shoot often."

He said he believes officers who practice using their weapon make smarter choices when deciding whether to use lethal force in the field.

Construction is slated to begin at the Coeymans site this fall and the range could open as soon as late spring, Apple said.

After various site proposals fell through due to neighborhood complaints about noise, the county is working with a municipality on a $1 long-term lease, Apple said.

Land needs to be cleared, berms built and excavation completed once the agreement is finalized, he said. Apple declined to give the exact location until the papers are signed but he described the plot as a secure location that will muffle the sound of gunfire.

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The range will serve as a practice and qualification site for county deputies on weekdays. "Our agency qualifies more than 400 people a year," Apple said.

The range will be open to the public on weekends, with an instructor on site for gun safety courses.

Pistol permit applications are at an all time high across the Capitol Region, as gun sales soar nationwide.

All pistol permit applicants in New York must attend a private safety course before being processed, but Apple said the county could do more.

"At that Saturday class, you're going to sit in a classroom and hear about gun safety but you're not going to shoot a gun, you're not going to hold a gun," he said. "My fear is that people will get their permit and not know how to shoot their gun or handle it properly."
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A Stamford lawyer has filed a class-action lawsuit against Griffin Hospital in Derby on behalf of more than 3,100 former patients who may face HIV or other blood-borne diseases as a result of hospital employees using the same insulin injection pens on patient after patient.

More than 3,100 people are now going through emotional distress after being notified that not only could they have a potentially deadly disease, but could be passing it to a spouse, said Ernest Teitell, who filed the suit  the largest of its kind  in state Superior Court in Waterbury.

In accordance with our hospital policy, we respectfully decline to comment on ongoing litigation, said Christian Meagher, spokesman for the hospital.

While a figure was not available, legal experts say lawsuits like this can end up costing millions of dollars.

On May 16, 2014, Griffin Hospital CEO Patrick Charmel sent a letter to 3,149 former patients stating: It has identified the possibility that insulin pens ordered for patients hospitalized between Sept. 1, 2008, and May 7, 2014, may have been misused.

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Insulin pens are injector devices that contain a multi-dose vial of insulin. The pens are intended for single-person use only and are designed to allow for the delivery of multiple doses.

The single-use, retractable needle that attaches to the insulin pen is removable, allowing reuse of the pen-like injector with a new sterile safety needle for each use.

However, even when using a new needle, the possibility exists that a pens insulin cartridge can be contaminated through the backwash of blood or skin cells from one patient, and thus could potentially transmit an infection, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV if used on another patient.

The hospital offered free testing, encouraging former patients to come in.

Any patient testing positive for one of the three blood-borne diseases who had not been known to be positive prior to their potential exposure at Griffin would be provided with information about treatment options and offered the appropriate treatment (as determined by the patient and their physician) at the hospitals expense, the hospital stated.

Hospital officials later said five nurses had been linked to the misuse of the pens and would be re-educated.

But the lawsuit claims as many as 11 hospital employees were involved in using the same insulin pens on patients. It states in some cases employees improperly removed the patient identification labels affixed to the pens, then administered the same pen to other patients.

We brought this case in order to hold Griffin Hospital accountable for the clearly systematic unsafe practices that occurred for a more than five-and-a-half-year period, Teitell said.

Teitell would not comment on whether any of the more than 3,100 patients have come down with any diseases as a result of the multi-use of the pens.

The suit states in one case, Anthony Diaz, of Ansonia, who was admitted to the hospital in 2009, 2012 and February 2014 for a diabetic disorder, was each time injected insulin with a multi-dose pen.
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ALBANY  A reputed international drug dealer on trial in Albany boasted of connections to Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and threatened the family of a future witness in the church of the Albany County jail, an inmate testified Wednesday.

The defendant, Manuel Luna, 50, of the Bronx, allegedly uttered the threat to business associate Geraldo "Bejo" Torres, who was in the jail charged in the same case, after hearing that Torres might take a plea deal and testify against him.

"Mr. Luna said, 'You know if you testify you know what's going to happen. And if I can't get you, I'll get your family,'" testified Felix Cruz-Lara, a jail inmate at the same time as Luna on unrelated federal drug charges.

Luna, a Dominican native accused of moving heroin and cocaine from New York City to Buffalo, referenced "El Chapo"  the notorious boss of the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico  under questioning by Assistant District Attorney Jasper Mills, who is prosecuting the case.

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"Did you ever have any conversations with Mr. Luna in regard to his source of supply, where he was getting his heroin from?" Mills asked.

"Supposedly he was receiving some type of material  I don't know what kind of drug it was  from Ecuador and his sources had something to do with the family of El Chapo Guzman," Cruz-Lara testified.

The case began with the July 2013 arrest of Miguel Hermenegildo on the Thruway in Bethlehem. He had a kilo of heroin in his car as he trekked to Buffalo to move drugs. Investigators worked the ladder and charged eight defendants in an April 2015 indictment. Prosecutors described Luna as a high-level dealer in a ring moving drugs from the Mexican cartel to West Palm Beach, Fla. to Corona, Queens and eventually the Buffalo area.

Luna faces 25 years to life if convicted of operating as a major trafficker under state law. A jury will hear closing arguments Thursday before state Supreme Court Justice Richard Mott. Prosecutors allege Luna sold more than $6 million in heroin and cocaine to Torres between 2013 and 2015. Torres has since pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy, a felon carrying up to 25 years in prison.

Cruz-Lara testified that four months ago, he was in the church of the jail when he heard Luna talking to a codefendant, Mayobanex "Company," Rodriquez, about drug shipments from Ecuador hidden in fiberglass plantains that were shipped with real plantains. According to Cruz-Lara, Luna said 2,000 plantains were arriving in each shipment containing 250 grams of drugs in them.

On several occasions, Mott questioned the witness. After Cruz-Lara testified about the alleged threat Luna made to Torres, the judge asked the witness, "When was the first time you told another human being about this conversation?"

Cruz-Lara said he told his lawyer about it two weeks ago.

The witness acknowledged his cooperation against Luna could earn him a more lenient sentence in federal court, but said he did it after seeing the problems caused by heroin in the jail.

"I was in Albany County (jail) for 25 months and I saw how many different people  kids  were coming through Albany County with the problem of heroin and other drugs," he said. "I just disliked the idea of how other people weren't taking responsibility for their own mistakes and that's why I offered to my lawyer, 'I sad, listen, I have this information. Is there anything I can do with this information to help out with that case?' That's the reason,"

The judge, appearing skeptical, then asked the witness, "So you did it for altruistic reasons?"

"Yes," the witness said.

"
GREENWICH  Two alumni of Washington University in St. Louis with ties to Greenwich have donated $10 million to their alma mater.

Andrew and Jane Bursky are pledging the funds to research the immune system, developing strategies to fight cancer and auto-immune diseases. The Washington University School of Medicine will name the Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs after them.

Immunology and immunological therapies are just entering a golden age of discovery and development, the result of decades of scientific progress that has elucidated the structure and operations of the immunologic machinery at the cellular and genomic level, Andrew Bursky said.

The Bursky Center brings together world renowned immunologists, pathologists, surgeons, bioinformaticists and genomics experts to enable discovery facilitated by the collaboration of multi-disciplinary experts which can then be rapidly translated into treatments  in months rather than years, he said.

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Andrew Bursky said that discoveries from the newly named center already are being used in treating a range of cancers and immune disorders.

Our hope is that our gift will further accelerate the pace of discovery as well as the scope at which efficacious, personalized treatments can be implemented, he said. Further, we hope that our gift will encourage others to contribute to this most important and impactful undertaking.

Andrew Bursky is co-founder and chief executive officer of Atlas Holdings, an industrial holding company based in Greenwich. Both he and his wife attended Wash U. and maintained strong ties to the highly ranked academic institution.

An entrepreneur at an early age, Andrew Bursky started a lawn-cutting business at the age of 11, taking a large market share of the mowing business in the north Indianapolis neighborhood where he grew up, according to the Wash U. alumni magazine.

He earned three diplomas at the school and later went to Harvard Business School. Jane Bursky was a French major at the college, and one of their daughters is also an alumna.

We have had a lifelong relationship with the University and I have served as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board for many years, Andrew Bursky said.

Equally importantly, the Washington University medical complex is recognized as one of the finest and most advanced in the world, both in regard to its research and clinical practices, he said. The collaborative ethos that is at the core of the Bursky Centers ability to rapidly translate discovery into human treatment modalities is a unique element of Washington Universitys culture.

Beside his business interests and philanthropic projects, Andrew Bursky has been active with No Labels, a bipartisan political effort to focus on key issues facing the nation in a non-dogmatic manner.

The Bursky donation will help find ways to fight cancer, and the research will also help shed light on other ailments like diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

The breadth of disease states that are caused by immunodeficiency as well as auto-immunity is staggering, Andrew Bursky said. One of our researchers is a world leader in mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Importantly, the discoveries that may lead to a personalized cancer vaccine, for example, may also provide insight that leads to treatments of auto-immune diseases and infectious diseases.
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BRIDGEPORT - A fugitive being sought in connection with a 2000 murder in Los Angeles was arrested hiding out in a rooming house here.

Samuel Calvario, also known as Felix Gonzalez, 46, was arrested Thursday morning at a rooming house on Poplar Street by members of the U.S. Marshal Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force, Hartford police, Los Angeles police and local police.

He was charged with being a fugitive from justice and was being held in lieu of $1 million bond pending an extradition hearing.

Police said LAPD recently got a tip that Calvario, who had been sought on charges of murder, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon, was living in Connecticut. They contacted Hartford police who in turn contacted the marshals task force.

Task force members traced Calvario to a rooming house on Poplar Street based on a report he had filed with local police in August reporting his car had been stolen, police said.

Thursday morning task force members along with local police, Hartford police and Los Angeles police detectives surrounded the rooming house and Calvario surrendered without incident, police said.

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The crime took place on Nov. 9, 2000, at about 9 p.m., when 31-year-old Daniel Felix saw Calvario and his girlfriend arguing inside a white truck, police said.

Felix intervened in the dispute and Calvario became angry, pulled out a gun and shot him, Alcaraz said.

After the shooting, police had found marijuana in the white truck, which had been abandoned by Calvario.
TROY  One man pleaded guilty and two men in unrelated cases were sentenced Thursday in Rensselaer County Court, District Attorney Joel Abelove announced.

Terence L. Kindlon, 44, of Ghent pleaded guilty before Columbia County Court Judge Jonathan Nichols to attempted second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument as part of a plea agreement. Kindlon admitted forging a stamp of the Appellate Division, Third Department, to his employer in Rensselaer.
Republican Christopher Shays is taking his loathing of Donald Trump to a whole new level, one that will almost certainly draw scorn from fellow party members who have already branded him as an apologist for the Clintons.

The former longtime Fairfield County congressman told a room full of political elites Wednesday night Trump is the last person who should be bringing up the marital infidelities of former President Bill Clinton, Hearst Connecticut Media has learned.

The setting? During the question-and-answer portion of a Greenwich fundraiser for Hillary Clinton featuring President Barack Obamas 2008 campaign manager, David Plouffe.

Shays was the token Republican at the $1,000-minimum per person reception, where he said he was happy to be in attendance when introduced by the events co-host, Democrat Ned Lamont.

Shays frequently interjected during Plouffes remarks, from saying Trump is totally unfit to be president to saying Clinton should not dismiss the 2012 Benghazi siege that killed four Americans while she was secretary of state.

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Trumps campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks, who is from Greenwich, responded Clintons campaign was resorting to distractions.

Unlike the Clinton campaign, Mr. Trump is talking directly to the voters about the issues they actually care about: economic development, job creation and national security to name a few, Hicks said Wednesday night.

Much to the chagrin of Republicans, Shays endorsed Clinton in August after many months of denouncing Trumps candidacy. His break with the GOP nominee harkened back to Shays 1998 vote against the impeachment of President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Some in the GOP went as far as to call for Shays to be stripped of the state partys highest honor, the Prescott Bush Award, which is named for the late Bush family patriarch and senator from Greenwich.

Plouffe was joined by state Attorney General George Jepsen,of Ridgefield; former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, state Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, outgoing House Speaker Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, and Greenwich Selectman Drew Marzullo at the fundraiser. Some of the proceeds from the event will go to the Democratic National Committee.

Co-hosts, which included Lamont and his wife, Annie, were required to give $5,000. In 2006, riding a wave of opposition to the war in Iraq, Lamont upset incumbent U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman in the Democratic Senate primary. Lieberman prevailed in the general election as an independent over Lamont, who lost the 2010 Democratic primary for governor to Dannel P. Malloy.
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Albany

A reputed heroin trafficker tied to Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman offered to pay fellow inmates at the Albany County jail to assassinate two former associates who testified against him, Sheriff Craig Apple said Thursday.

Manuel Luna, 50, of the Bronx, who is on trial in Albany facing state charges that could send him to prison for 25 years to life, uttered the threats while in a booking cell about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the sheriff said.

Luna, a native of the Dominican Republic, faces allegations he sold upward of $6 million in heroin and cocaine to a drug customer  Geraldo "Bejo" Torres  between 2013 and 2015, when Luna was indicted along with Torres and six others in a case brought by District Attorney David Soares' office.

Torres testified in County Court against Luna, as did Jose Beltran, known as "Moreno," who also had been charged with being a major drug trafficker.

"Basically, what he was trying to do was incite other inmates to participate in harming inmates Beltran and Torres for a fee," the sheriff said, calling it a "hit."

More for you Greg Casar gets major boost from political superstar

Luna went to trial last week before state Supreme Court Justice Richard Mott. Attorneys offered closing arguments Thursday. Jurors, who began deliberating, were to return to court and continue deliberations Friday morning.

Apple said Luna was moved to a special housing area away from Torres and Beltran. Luna could face charges for the alleged threat.

"We have a very large facility and I can hide and protect inmates from exact situations like this," Apple said.

Earlier Wednesday, a former inmate, Felix Cruz-Lara, testified at the trial that he heard Luna make threats to Torres and his family while in the church of the jail several months ago.

Cruz-Lara was in the jail with Luna and his reputed associates on federal cocaine trafficking charges unrelated to Luna's case.

"Mr. Luna said, 'You know if you testify you know what's going to happen. And if I can't get you, I'll get your family,'" Cruz-Lara testified.

When asked by the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Jasper Mills, where Luna received his drugs from, Cruz-Lara testified, "Supposedly he was receiving some type of material  I don't know what kind of drug it was  from Ecuador and his sources had something to do with the family of El Chapo Guzman."

Guzman is the reputed boss of the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico. According to prosecutors, Luna was a high level dealer in a ring that peddled drugs from the Mexican cartel to West Palm Beach, Fla., to Corona, Queens, and eventually the Buffalo area.

Cruz-Lara testified that four months ago he was in the church of the jail when he heard Luna tell another co-defendant, Mayobanex "Company" Rodriquez, that drugs arrived from Ecuador hidden in fiberglass plantains that had been shipped with real plantains.

Prosecutors began their case after the July 2013 arrest of Miguel Hermenegildo on the Thruway in Bethlehem. Hermenegildo had a kilo of heroin while heading to Buffalo to move drugs.

Sam Braverman, the attorney for Luna, said Cruz-Lara was not credible and told outright lies.

"There isn't a part of that guy that isn't the definition of the unreliable person," the attorney said.

rgavin@timesunion.com  518-434-2403  @RobertGavinTU
(Beijing)  Apple plans to build its first China research and development facility in Beijing to help secure its market share in the world's second-largest economy as iPhone sales fall and the company faces stiff competition from domestic brands.

Apple plans to invest 300 million yuan ($45 million) in the Chinese R&D center, which will have 500 employees, Zhongguancun Science Park said Tuesday on its official WeChat account.

Apple's R&D center will be in Chaoyang Park, one of the Zhongguancun subparks in Beijing created by the central government to provide facilities for technology enterprises, according to the post.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed the plan to open the company's first Asia-Pacific R&D facility in China during his visit to Beijing in August.

The announcement comes after global sales of the company's flagship iPhone slowed for the past two quarters. Sales in China, once touted as Apple's next growth opportunity, decreased by a third according to its most recent quarterly results, after having more than doubled a year earlier.

Apple dropped to fifth place in Chinese smartphone shipments in May, losing ground to domestic companies Huawei, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi, according to the Counterpoint Technology Market Research.

Contact reporter Chen Na (nachen@caixin.com); editor Ken Howe (kennethhowe@caixin.com)
TROY  A Troy man faces up to 15 years in prison after he was convicted Wednesday of criminal possession of a firearm, Rensselaer County prosecutors said Wednesday.

Xavier T. Hilton, 22, was approached by a Troy police officer on April 7 after the officer recognized Hilton from a law enforcement advisory, District Attorney Joel Abelove's office said.
STAMFORD  The wheelchair bandit who rolled into a mall jewelry store and ran out with a $37,000 Rolex watch pleaded guilty Wednesday.

Making his 18th appearance at the Stamford courthouse since he was extradited from New York on first-degree robbery, larceny and assault charges in May 2015, Larry Johnson, 36, agreed to spend six years in jail for his offenses.

Johnson, of Waterbury, wheeled himself into the Sidney Thomas jewelry store on the fifth-floor of the Stamford Town Center on Aug. 2, 2014, and asked an employee to see a Rolex watch, police said. Once he had a Rolex Daytona in his hand, he jumped out of the wheelchair and maced the employee and a security guard, who he knocked to the ground while running out the store, police said.

Johnson escaped, but Stamford Police Officer Cory Caserta closely examined the wheelchair and managed to find Johnsons fingerprint on one of the wheels.

Store employees identified Johnson in a photo lineup.

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Stamford police said at the time of his arrest Johnson was also a suspect in a similar wheelchair robbery of a jewelry store in White Plains, N.Y. However, Johnsons attorney, Richard Silverstein, said Wednesday his client had no pending charges there.

Judge Richard Comerford asked Johnson during a brief court appearance on Wednesday if the states facts of the case were substantially correct, and he replied, Yes.

The six-year sentence, which will be followed by eight years of special parole, was a disposition offered by the court. Senior Assistant States Attorney Paul Ferencek declined comment on the case while it remains pending.

Johnson, who has 20 criminal convictions in New York for various crimes, will be sentenced Dec. 7.

jnickerson@scni.com
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Like many tech businesses, Automattic, the company that operates WordPress, the world's most popular blogging software, is headquartered in San Francisco. But the company's founder and creator, 32-year-old Matt Mullenweg, calls Houston home.

Mullenweg spent about eight years in California, where he turned WordPress, which he co-created at the age of 19, into a content management system now used by more than 60 million websites. Then he returned to the city where he was born and raised. Houston is now home base, though he often makes trips to San Francisco and New York City - he estimates that he traveled roughly 400,000 miles last year alone.

"I found I could get a lot of the benefits of San Francisco being there a few times a year, and I didn't feel like I needed to be there every day," Mullenweg said. "I missed my family and my friends and everything in Houston."

Mullenweg graduated from the Houston Independent School District's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in 2002. There, he studied music and jazz saxophone. In his teen years, he also began building websites. He decided to combine his love of music and tech skills.

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"Some of the first money I made was building websites for musicians around town," he said. Mullenweg said local jazz musicians such as David Caceres, Warren Sneed, Woody Witt and Kelly Dean were a few of his first clients.

Caceres also was one of Mullenweg's music teachers. He describes him as a "wunderkind" who always knew about the latest technology and always wore a smile on his face.

More Information Timeline 2003 Matt Mullenweg creates WordPress with Mike Little. 2004 Mullenweg is offered a job with CNet and leaves school to take the job in San Francisco. 2005 Mullenweg leaves CNet and founds Automattic, the company behind WordPress. 2007 PC World lists Mullenweg as 16th of the 50 most important people on the web. 2011 Business Insider names Mullenweg one of the top 10 most influential people online for changing the face of the internet. See More Collapse

When Caceres said his computer started getting older, Mullenweg suggested that instead of purchasing a new one, he could help him build one.

Now, millions of musicians all over the world use WordPress to publish their own websites.

"And that's really cool, especially when it's folks who also went to (HS)PVA, like Robert Glasper, who's now won a couple of Grammys," Mullenweg said.

After graduating high school, Mullenweg attended the University of Houston, but his stint there was short. During his freshman year, he co-created WordPress with Mike Little. The two met online as they sought to improve upon an older blogging tool they both used. By the following year, Mullenweg was offered a job at CNet in San Francisco. He accepted and left school.

His father, a computer scientist, and mother, a stay-at-home mom, were a bit skeptical of the decision, wanting him to finish his education, but they were supportive, he said.

"I think that support is actually part of what has allowed me to take more risks in my life because I can sort of know I have that backstop," he said.

In 2005, a year after moving to San Francisco, Mullenweg left CNet to concentrate on WordPress full time. The same year, he founded Automattic, the development company behind WordPress and other web software.

"We have an office that's technically the headquarters in San Francisco, and there's about five to 10 people in the office on any given week, and the other 490 employees are all over the world and typically work from home," he said.

Since creating WordPress more than a decade ago, Mullenweg has been recognized often as an innovator. By 2007, PC World listed him 16th out of the 50 most important people on the web, and in 2011, Business Insider named him one of the top 10 most influential people online for changing the face of the internet.

To Mullenweg, innovation is the combination of two things that existed previously, but perhaps not together.

"The vast majority of what impacts our whole life is taking something and making it better or taking two things that didn't work together before and putting them together, like peanut butter and chocolate," he said. It's this view that helped him create WordPress. "I was taking many things that were out there before like open-source, publishing, blogging, everything, and putting them together."

The key to innovation is "relentless improvement," he said.

"It requires incredible dedication and perseverance and hard work and elbow grease to making innovations actually matter in the world," he said. "Otherwise, it's just an idea, and ideas are a dime a dozen."

When Mullenweg left Houston, he wasn't even old enough to get into a bar. Living here again, Mullenweg said he's enjoying experiencing the city as an adult, whether it's getting a cocktail at Julep or a meal at MF Sushi.

He said he'd like to be a benefactor to the arts and the culinary scene but has no ambitions or desires to open a restaurant.

"But if I could support someone who was, that would be great," he laughed.

Mullenweg, now a multimillionaire, credits his hometown with influencing his technological and creative endeavors.

"When you think of what open source is, it's a community coming together to create something and then giving it away to the rest of the community," he said. "Growing up, I saw so much of that in Houston."

Mullenweg is now giving back, making several contributions to nonprofit organizations, from the Alaska Wilderness League to The Innocence Project, according to his blog.

Another influence he drew from Houston was its diversity, a quality Mullenweg said he missed when he lived in San Francisco.

"I think that power and creativity comes from diversity," he said. "So having friends from all different walks of life who were at HSPVA, being surrounded by people who were passionate about things, all of that combined. The melting pot or the gumbo of Houston, I couldn't imagine growing up in a better place, and that's one of the things I love returning to."

Mullenweg noted that growing up in Houston, he attended all public schools, an experience for which he is grateful. He expressed his appreciation, too, for the city's police, firefighters - his best friend is a Houston firefighter - and teachers.

Caceres, who still sees Mullenweg, said that he's the same positive and humble guy he's always been.

"All the success hasn't seemed to have affected him at all," Caceres said. "You might just see him driving a fancier car."
Sig Christenson

Sig Christenson is a senior writer with the San Antonio Express-News and has covered veterans and the military and here since 1997.

The job has included eight reporting tours in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, and embedded with a 3rd Infantry Division close-air support team during the 2003 invasion.

Over the years, he has chronicled the impact of multiple war-zone tours on soldiers and their families, covered the beginning and end of the Iraq surge, and wrote two projects stemming from the conflict in Iraq. The first, "Witness to War," recounted the invasion and early occupation of Iraq. "The Only Retreat" was a three-part series that detailed a disastrous AH-64D Apache Longbow deep attack on the fifth night of the invasion.

He's written extensively about the Air Force instructor scandal at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, covering most of the 31 trials stemming from the case, and reported on the Nidal Hasan shooting at Fort Hood and his subsequent capital murder trial.

A University of Houston graduate, he's also covered the Branch Davidian siege, the 1994 Pensacola abortion clinic shooting, the 2003 space shuttle breakup, and tropical storms, floods and hurricanes since 1986, the latest Rita and Katrina.

He received Hearst Newspapers' highest award, the Eagle, in 2009, was named Express-News' "Reporter of the Year" by his peers in 2004, and co-founded Military Reporters & Editors  MRE. The group helps journalists better cover the military, and advocates for their access to the troops at home and in the war zone.

Christenson can be reached at sigc@express-news.net, on Facebook or on Twitter.

To review his past work, visit his Express-News author page or his personal website.

Martin Kuz

Martin Kuz is a projects reporter focusing on the military, veterans and criminal justice, with an emphasis on mental health.

Before joining the Express-News in 2015, he covered the war in Afghanistan as a staff writer for Stars and Stripes, and later served as the paper's national correspondent based in Washington, D.C.

He has worked as a reporter and editor at various publications during his career, including the Los Angeles Daily News, Las Vegas Sun, San Francisco Weekly and Sactown Magazine.

Kuz can be reached at MKuz@express-news.net or on Twitter.

To read his stories for the Express-News, visit his author page.

J.p. Lawrence

Military City, USA editor J.p. Lawrence is a journalist, Army vet and Filipino immigrant.

Before the San Antonio Express-News, he worked the crime beat at the Albany Times Union and interned at the New York Times, the Associated Press bureau in East Africa and ABC News. His freelance work has been published in The Guardian, The Intercept, Vice, The Christian Science Monitor, Salon and others. His wire story was published in the New York Times and other national papers.

Lawrence is a graduate of Columbia University and Bard College. At Columbia, he studied magazine writing, politics and immigration. His article on Ugandan contractors injured on American bases in Iraq and suing for benefits won the award for best thesis. At Bard, he studied anthropology and was editor of the school newspaper and captain of the cross country team.

He deployed in 2009 to Basra, Iraq with the 34th Infantry Division and won an Emmy Award for his work as a public affairs soldier. He joined the National Guard when he was 17. He is currently a sergeant with service in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Germany and Australia, and in New York City during Hurricane Sandy recovery.

He was born in the Philippines and arrived in Minnesota with his mom when he was 3 years old. He grew up in Morton, Minn., a rural prairie town with 400 people, where the local hangout was either the one bar at the highway crossroads, or the Wal-Mart in the next town over.

Lawrence can be reached at JLawrence@express-news.net, on Facebook or on Twitter.

For a list of his stories for the Express-News, visit his author page.
Contributed photo / Contributed photo

NORWALK  A suspect in the Sept. 9 armed robbery of Gold Rush jewelers was arrested by federal authorities in North Carolina on Thursday morning and will be extradited to Connecticut to face charges.

Police said that the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested 28-year-old Donald Outlaw of Hartford in High Point. N.C., on a warrant following an investigation by Norwalk police detectives into the robbery.
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Pat Evans has lived at the dead end of East Lane, where Willow Marsh Bayou passes under a small bridge, for almost four decades.

Evans, 67, said he learned to fish on the bayou with his son Michael, and that when the conditions are right, spots around East Lane are some of the bayou's best-kept secrets.

After a spill on Friday at the nearby General Electric: Betz Water and Process Technologies facility dumped 1,000 gallons of toxic chemicals into the bayou, Evans and his neighbors are encouraging anglers to keep their lines out of the water until a couple of good rains can flush the bayou.

State environmental officials confirmed multiple species of freshwater fish and at least two broad-banded water snakes and a bullfrog were killed as a result of the spill of Uniarom TX 150 IF, a solvent stored at the GE water processing facility.

On Wednesday, state officials were still awaiting lab analysis of air and water samples taken along Willow Marsh, an 11-mile bayou that starts northwest of the Beaumont Municipal Airport and continues down to the Hillebrandt Bayou south of the city.

Renee Twardzik, a spokeswoman for General Electric, said the spill is still under investigation but declined to comment about its cause.

"The safety of our employees and the community is our top priority," she said. "We're going to do what we can to find out how this happened and to make sure (it) doesn't happen again."

The Beaumont facility has 53 full-time employees, Twardzik said.

Residents living in more than 100 nearby homes were ordered to shelter in place after the Friday morning spill was reported.

The Uniarom solvent can have fatal consequences if swallowed or inhaled, according to safety disclaimers provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Handheld air monitoring devices have not detected "elevated readings" for Uniarom, the agency's Brian McGovern said Wednesday.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Steve Lightfoot said investigators still do not have a firm number of how many fish, snakes and frogs were killed.

A private remediation company finished cleaning the spill Monday, pulling dozens of dead fish and wildlife from the bayou.

Cleanup crews and biologists are still monitoring containers placed around the bayou to collect residual chemicals, Twardzik said.

Large vacuum trucks will be brought out to empty those containers, she said.

A dirt dam also was built across the bayou south of Brooks Road to prevent any remaining chemicals from spreading.

Evans said he has seen fish moving about in the bayou since the spill. He also said he watched as two puppies drank from the bayou on Monday, apparently with no adverse effects.

"I'm glad they're cleaning it up," he said.

BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/BrandonKScott
(Beijing)  China is considering bigger cuts to what grid companies pay generators of solar, wind and other renewable forms of energy than what was previously planned, as production costs dwindle.

"Studies on details have just started," an official from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planner, told Caixin on Wednesday on conditions of anonymity. The extent of the price cuts haven't been decided yet, he added.

Lin Boqiang, director of the Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, said the NDRC was considering further cuts to on-grid tariffs at a time when China's power industry is suffering from rising overcapacity.

To avoid a market shock, the tariff cut will not exceed 10 percent, Lin said.

However, Bloomberg on Wednesday quoted unnamed sources on Wednesday as saying that the NDRC may reduce on-grid tariffs for solar farms in certain regions by as much as 13 percent to 0.85 yuan (13 U.S. cents) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2017 from the 2016 level. That would be much steeper than an earlier planned 2 percent cut on solar power tariffs, Bloomberg said.

NDRC announced last year a plan to gradually reduce prices of power produced by wind and solar farms. Solar power tariffs were reduced slightly earlier this year, between 0.02 yuan to 0.1 yuan per kWh from 2015 levels, based on supply levels in different provinces.

A major cause for the price cuts may be the dwindling cost of generating solar energy as both equipment prices and solar farm construction costs continue to decline, Lin said.

But China is also trying to curb a production glut. According to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, the country produced 27 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic modules, equipment used to generate solar energy sold both at home and abroad, in the first half of this year. China also installed solar panels that can generate 20 GW of electricity in the first six months and plans to add another 10 GW to it by the end of the year, increasing the country's solar generation capacity by nearly 70 percent compared with last year.

China's solar power production capacity by the end of 2015 was 43 GW, the highest in the world. But an increasing amount of electricity generated using renewable sources was being wasted, as grid companies preferred to buy cheaper power generated using fossil fuels. According to the National Energy Administration, in the first quarter this year, 19 billion kWh of solar power was wasted nationwide. In Xinjiang province, the biggest solar power producer, about 52 percent of solar farms were left to idle due to low demand.

In the first half this year, solar power accounted for only 0.6 percent of China's total power consumption, according to the National Statistics Bureau.

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com); editor Poornima Weerasekara (poornima@caixin.com)
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The broad stroke of Market Street, long home to grand plans and thwarted dreams, is the focus of a $12 million arts concept that  if it comes to pass  could blend life above and below the pavement.

The idea would be for two strands of multicolored LED lights to stretch from the Embarcadero to Van Ness Avenue and pulse in sync with the movement of BART and Muni trains in the subway. The promoter is the nonprofit responsible for Bay Lights, which uses similar lights to cloak the cables of one side of the west span of the Bay Bridge.

This is as important as Bay Lights, or maybe more important, said Ben Davis, founder of Illuminate the Arts and instigator of Bay Lights, which debuted in 2013 and became permanent this January. We want this to be a provocation to people to continue down Market Street from the Ferry Building toward Twin Peaks.

Davis spoke at a small media gathering Wednesday evening with two purposes: to display a 70-foot-long hint of what would be a 2-mile installation, and to announce the start of an effort to raise $10 million in private funds to complete an arts project that already has City Halls blessing.

More for you Greg Casar gets major boost from political superstar

Reduced to basics, the arts installation, called LightRail, would add a pair of lithe cables to the wired clutter already in place above Market Street. The new strands would parallel the lines that bring electricity to Muni buses and be 18 feet above the roadway.

The artists are George Zisiadis and Stefano Corazza, who mentioned the concept to Davis back when Bay Lights was still a novelty. But where Bay Lights essentially is a mammoth computer-programmed light show, LightRail would be cued to real life.

When a BART train passed below, an illuminated wave of LEDs would signal the fact. Same for Muni. When both systems had trains in motion  well, thats one of the details being worked out.

We dont want to just blast a bar of lights, Zisiadis said. The crux of the piece is the correlation between setting and movement  something that allows the kinetic perception of whats already there.

The concept is powerful, almost as powerful as the way Market divides central San Francisco on a map into dueling street grids on the north and south sides of the broad artery. But it must win believers at a time when Market Streets future, as ever, is in flux.

The approval from the Board of Supervisors for such an installation came in 2014, when the long-troubled mid-Market district finally seemed to have unstoppable momentum. Twitter had moved into the onetime San Francisco Merchandise Mart between Ninth and 10th streets. Housing towers were going up, with more being proposed as tech companies leased blocs of space and pulled restaurateurs and housing developers in their wake.

Since then, Twitter has gone from being a phenomenon to a company with a low stock price and rumors of possible acquisition by larger suitors. Several of the more ballyhooed restaurants have already closed. A six-story retail mall on Market between Fifth and Sixth is nearly complete but does not yet have any tenants.

Davis mostly accentuated the positive Wednesday evening, saying any delays so far in LightRail were the result of his nonprofits focus during 2015 on making Bay Lights permanent. But he did suggest that one hindrance to Markets still-bumpy turnaround is the continued presence of harsh 1970s-era lighting in the boulevards historic lampposts. They were installed as part of the makeover of Market Street with wide brick sidewalks, done in tandem with BARTs construction.

Market Street has been in stasis since BART came in, Davis said. The yellow lights are a scar  they make faces look sallow and are unflattering to the built environment.

Part of the project, in fact, would replace the current bulbs with low-energy LED lighting. Those lights in the lampposts  which extend past Van Ness to the Castro  would operate independently of the installation.

The setting for the news conference was the second floor of the Hall, a former billiard parlor near Sixth and Market streets that now holds pop-up food vendors while the owners seek city approval to build a 13-story residential building.

That project was unveiled in 2014, with talk of breaking ground by 2016. Instead, a draft environmental impact report was released only this month, and approvals are unlikely before next summer.

John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
Challenging times call for us to rise to meet them with new thinking. With innovation. With vision.

The European Union has to foster our internal growth and the well-being of our citizens. And we have to cooperate with our neighboring countries to support their own growth, stability and well-being. This challenge we can only meet with a choral work, involving the public and the private sectors, the financial institutions and civil society.

As the EU, we are now setting an example. At a time of growing needs and shrinking resources, the European Union has had to come up with new ways to make public funding stretch further. We have done so again this week. We presented an overall review of the EU budget that frees up an additional 6.3 billion euros ($7.1 billion) in financing for priority areas by 2020, makes the use of the budget more flexible and cuts red tape for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-governmental organizations. Most importantly, we have extended one guarantee fund for job-creating investments in Europe, and we are launching a new one to foster growth and stability in our neighborhood and in Africa.

The Investment Plan for Europe  or the Juncker Plan, as it is often known  and its European Fund for Strategic Investments, launched last year, have been a turning point in our collective response to the economic crisis. Faced with tough financial constraints, public funding was not going to be enough to boost the economy and create jobs for our people. There was no shortage of private cash available, but it needed to be released. Together with international financial institutions, the new fund has provided a guarantee to private investments in key sectors and directly supports our SMEs.

We had used financial instruments before, but it had been more like dipping a toe in the water. This was jumping in at the deep end: a 16 billion euro guarantee from the European Union's budget, complemented by 5 billion euros from the European Investment Bank's capital in turn, to trigger more than 315 billion euros' worth of investment in Europe.

The plan has proved to be a success story. In just one year, it is expected to reach over 200,000 SMEs. Because it is a smart way of investing our funds, we are now committed to doubling the size and lifespan of the European Fund for Strategic Investment inside Europe. For now, we are proposing to deliver at least half a trillion euros in mobilized investments in five years with a bigger focus on sustainable investments and cross-border projects. And we can reach the goal of doubling the fund to 630 billion euros even faster if EU member states chip in.

Just as importantly, we are applying the same principle outside our continent, launching a new External Investment Plan.

If we look at Europe's neighborhood, we can see regions with huge potential that are being held back by war, poverty, lack of infrastructure and weak governance. Millions of young people are looking for better opportunities. In their quest to realize them, many risk their lives making perilous journeys to get to Europe. Others become easy targets for propaganda by terrorist groups.

The European Union can disrupt these negative trends by stimulating growth and creating jobs in our wider region. European firms employ hundreds of thousands of people around the world, provide many with an opportunity to succeed in their home country, and contribute to addressing one of the root causes of migration.

These investments are sound foreign policy. But for private firms to move to a new country or expand an existing activity, they need security and protection from financial and legal risks, as well as from instability.

This is where the External Investment Plan comes in. Based on a 1.4 billion euro guarantee from the EU budget, it aims to leverage more than 40 billion euros in investment in our neighborhood. That is more than what the European Union currently invests in aid worldwide every year. And it could be doubled if our member states match the EU budget contribution.

The European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) will guarantee private investors against the risk they face when they start a business in developing countries. This guarantee will not only promote single projects but also larger "investment windows" in strategic regions or sectors.

A "one-stop shop" will encourage private and institutional investors, from both Europe and our partner countries, to channel their proposals and to gather information on the incentives. The External Investment Plan will provide technical assistance to enhance the quality, the number and the sustainability of projects. The European Commission, the European Investment Bank and other international financial institutions  with the specialist advice of private operators  will work hand in hand to deliver a swift and business-oriented screening of projects.

Implementation on the ground will come with strong backing from the EU and its partners. The European Union can provide global assistance and work to improve the overall business environment in each specific country. Investment will be accompanied by policy dialogues and capacity-building activities. Our action will be coordinated and joined-up in the spirit of our global strategy for foreign and security policy.

The External Investment Plan takes our aid policies to the next level. As we step up our financial commitment to sustainable development, we need the private sector to get on board. We already agreed to do this when we helped broker the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Together with our partners in Africa and in our neighborhood, we can help young people achieve their potential while creating new opportunities for European firms. A new chapter in European development policy has just begun as part of a wider drive to make best use of EU funds, at home and abroad.

Federica Mogherini is the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy/vice president of the European Commission; Kristalina Georgieva is vice-president of the European Commission; and Jyrki Katainen is vice president of the European Commission.
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An assistant professor at UC Berkeley accused by at least three students of sexual harassment filed a complaint Wednesday against the University of California Board of Regents claiming harassment, discrimination and retaliation as the school system handled the accusations.

Blake Wentworth filed the suit in Alameda County Superior Court after filing a defamation suit Sept. 22 against two of his accusers, doctoral students Erin Bennett and Kathleen Gutierrez. He filed a separate defamation suit against another accuser, Nicole Hemenway, on Sept. 20.

The legal action against the university seeks an unspecified amount in damages, claiming UC harassed Wentworth and imposed punishments such as punitive leave and suspension based on disability, because he suffers from depression and bipolar disorder.

The suit denies any inappropriate interaction between Wentworth, who works in the South and Southeast Asian Studies department, and his accusers.

Ron Arena, one of Wentworths attorneys, declined to comment via email.

Professor Jeffrey Hadler was accused of initially dismissing Bennetts harassment claims in December 2014 and telling Wentworth theres nothing there before changing his mind and reporting the harassment months later when Wentworth suffered a major psychological episode, according to the complaint.

The suit states Hadler referred the sexual harassment allegations to the UC Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination on Feb. 7, 2015, two days after hearing Wentworth was hospitalized with intense emotional distress stemming from a family tragedy.

Doctoral students Bennett and Gutierrez filed a complaint with the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing in April because Wentworth had been allowed to teach after they reported he touched them inappropriately and repeatedly spoke about sex to them in 2014 and 2015.

Gutierrez said he talked about sex, strip clubs and drugs, and that he touched her head and said he was attracted to her. He ignored her demands that he stop, she said. Campus investigators found on Oct. 2, 2015, that Wentworth violated the sexual harassment policy in Gutierrezs case, according to documents obtained by The Chronicle in a previous report.

Officials found he did not violate campus sexual harassment policy in Bennetts case.

Dianne Klein, a spokeswoman for the UC Regents said officials did not have enough information on the suit to comment.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @JennaJourno
Tom Reel /Staff photographer

A grounded United Airlines pilot was sentenced Wednesday to 41 months in federal prison for posting online nude photos and videos of an ex-girlfriend from San Antonio.

Mark Joseph Uhlenbrock, 62, of suburban St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of stalking in March. His lawyers argued that Uhlenbrock has a sexual addiction, but has been getting treatment.
The head of Yosemite National Park has resigned, a week after a heated congressional oversight hearing into allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and other misconduct at Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and other national parks.

Superintendent Don Neubacher, who had led Yosemite for seven years, said Wednesday that he would step down in the wake of allegations from 20 employees. Yosemite officials revealed the move Thursday while offering little explanation.

I regret leaving at this time, but want to do whats best for Yosemite National Park, Neubacher, whose resignation is effective Nov. 1, said in a statement. It is an iconic area that is world renowned and deserves special attention.

Park Service spokesman Andrew Munoz said investigators looking into the staff allegations at Yosemite persuaded the Park Service that it did need to make a change in leadership at the park.

Last week, after taking testimony on the situation at Yosemite and the other parks, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform called for a change at Yosemite.

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Of the 21 people the investigators interviewed, every single one of them, with one exception, described Yosemite as a hostile work environment as a result of the behavior and conduct of the parks superintendent, said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah. Why isnt there immediate relief?

Chaffetz said ignoring complaints from women seemed to be a long-standing pattern at the park.

During the hearing, the chief of fire management at the park, Kelly Martin, told the committee that she and others had been subjected to hostility and discrimination against women  and that she had been the victim of a Peeping Tom incident by a park ranger while working at Grand Canyon National Park in 1987.

She said the Park Service discouraged female park rangers and other employees from coming forward with complaints.

In Yosemite National Park today, dozens of people  the majority of whom are women  are being bullied, belittled, disenfranchised and marginalized from their roles as dedicated professionals, Martin testified. You are likely to find accounts of women (and men) being publicly humiliated by the superintendent, intimidated in front of colleagues, and having their professional credibility and integrity minimized or questioned.

The committee heard similar complaints from rangers and staff at Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.

After the hearing, Neubacher sent an apology email to park employes, referring to serious staff concerns related to Yosemites workplace environment.

Spokesman Munoz said Park Service staff began looking into complaints at Yosemite in July. A month later, the investigation was turned over to the inspector general of the Department of the Interior.

Neubacher, 63, a native of Vallejo, served as superintendent at Point Reyes National Seashore from 1995 until his appointment to the Yosemite post in 2010. At Point Reyes, he was known for his opposition to a renewal of the lease for an oyster farm on Drakes Bay and for his program to control non-native deer.

He will be on paid leave until his official departure Nov. 1, Munoz said. The current superintendent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Woody Smeck, will serve as temporary superintendent at Yosemite for four months.

Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com
A lawyer who wore a German World War II uniform complete with Nazi emblems earlier this week when he went on a shooting rampage outside his southwest Houston condominium was once in a college fraternity founded by Jews.

Nathan DeSai was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu chapter at the University of Houston from 1990 to 1993, the fraternity's national office confirmed Wednesday.

"Since his graduation more than 23 years ago, we have no record of (DeSai) having any involvement with our organization," Andy Huston, the fraternity's executive director, said in a statement.

Police still have not identified a motive for DeSai's actions, Houston Police Capt. Dwayne Ready said. Preliminary autopsy reports show DeSai was struck by six bullets, he said.

RELATED: Several questions remain after mass shooting in SW Houston

Five guns in total were recovered, two from the scene - along with 2,600 rounds of ammunition - and three at DeSai's home, including two handguns and a rifle and an unknown number of rounds. Also recovered at his home were body armor, a gas mask and other items, Ready said.

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Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city and its nine citizens who were wounded in Monday's shooting were "very, very fortunate" to avoid any loss of life.

According to their website, Sigma Alpha Mu was established in 1909 at the City College of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. But, it is now open to non-Jewish men as well.

"Some of us were Jewish and some of us weren't. It was a very diverse group of people," said Houston restaurateur Ian Rosenberg, a fraternity member with DeSai.

DeSai helped restart the Sigma Alpha Mu chapter at UH that had been closed since World War II sent so many college-age men into the military.

"Our group was able to convince the national chapter and remaining alumni to give us the money that was left in the fraternity's account," Rosenberg said.

Although it has been decades since their college years together, Rosenberg said he remembered DeSai - whom he knew as Niren - as being "incredibly outgoing."

"Our little group of misfits," Rosenberg recalled. "We got involved in the university and achieved success in fraternity competitions."

Collected memorabilia

Rosenberg did not know anything about the Nazi items DeSai allegedly had at the time of the shooting that injured nine people. He heard DeSai had been collecting military memorabilia, including that of the World War II era, for several years. He said the focus shouldn't be on whether DeSai was a Nazi sympathizer but on his shooting victims.

"Those peoples' lives have been impacted. It's a terrible thing that happened," Rosenberg said.

Huston said Sigma Alpha Mu no longer has a chapter at the University of Houston.

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Monday's tragic events in Houston and their families. We condemn this senseless act of violence," he said.

Turner said he had been assured by family members of the two most severely wounded victims that they were expected to recover. "Nine people were injured, but no one has lost their lives."

In discussing the shooting, the mayor pivoted to the same topic he discussed at length a week ago: The need for sufficient resources for public safety. He had discussed the issue when City Council cut its tax rate for the third year in a row to comply with the voter-approved revenue cap, which limits the annual growth of Houston's property tax collections.

"No city is immune and we are not immune from things that may happen in New York or Baltimore or anyplace else," Turner said. "We were fortunate here, but I'm going to say the same thing again: That we still need to make sure that we have the assets we need in order to confront any sort of incident of any kind."

The mayor has said he plans to ask voters to lift the revenue cap in November 2017. The cap, over the last three years, has saved the owner of a $200,000 home about $34 a year, and has prevented the city from collecting $220 million.

Police review actions

Interim police chief Martha Montalvo said she is preparing a detailed report showing what the department could have done better in responding to Monday's incident, but on Wednesday she did not identify anything her department would have done differently if it had more resources.

"I think the officers responded quickly, they responded efficiently and they contained it," she said.

Still, the mayor said Monday proved Houston is not immune to such active-shooter incidents, calling DeSai's fatigues and arsenal of weaponry and ammunition "disturbing."

"We shouldn't have to wait until, for example, some incident occurs and police officers lose their lives or other individuals lose their lives and then we are saying, 'But if we had had more,' " Turner said. "I am saying we need it now.

"You can't keep lowering the property tax rate because of this revenue cap and expect the city to be fully equipped with all the assets that are needed. Let's use this as a warning call to get better prepared. We've been fortunate, but let's not be naive."
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The jig is up for a panhandling couple who has allegedly scammed money from people in multiple Texas cities using a poster with a photo purported as a deceased "father of 3," but was actually a stock image found on Google by a South Texas resident turned amateur detective.

Corpus Christi Police Department's spokesman Travis Pace told MySA.com authorities have been alerted by citizens via Facebook of the situation involving an unnamed woman on Staples Street and South Padre Island Drive, asking for donations using a fake family photo.

RELATED: 'If you can't get a job, make one': Teen selling candy apples on South Side has the right idea

Lianna Mercado spotted the couple on Tuesday and thought the image of the supposedly deceased dad and his young daughter seemed suspect.

"The picture looked way too nice and professional," Mercado told mySA.com.

Her instincts lead her to investigate, finding that the photo originated from a 2011 blog discussing "What fathers should know about eating disorders."

She outed the people in a Facebook post that spread throughout the state by more than 4,000 shares as of Thursday morning.

RELATED: Texas woman paints on unconvincing black eyes, claims to be 'jumped by 3 African American' men

Pace said the couple has also been reported in Calallen, about a 20 minute west of Corpus Christi, and Mercado said people have reached out to her, claiming they saw the duo in Beaumont.

"When I realized they were lying, panic and anger set in. I had seen so many people giving them money, wanting to help his family -- his three children who did not even exist," Mercado said. "I knew I immediately had to get the word out and make people aware of the scam."

Pace called the story a "victim-less scam" because "people are willingly giving them money."

"People are throwing money at them, because the best way to do it is to tug at their heartstrings," he continued.

RELATED: Pregnant woman rescued from hotel balcony in Corpus, man barricaded inside

He added that there are city ordinances which restrict panhandling in the downtown business district, the North Beach area, 50 feet from restaurants and ATM machines and bus stops.

The woman in the photos violated an ordinance which prohibits panhandlers from stepping into the streets, which would've warranted a citation. Officers were dispatched to the area, but the alleged scammers had already left, Pace said.

"I was angry because in one way or another, almost everyone has been affected by cancer [...] and they preyed upon empathetic people who wanted to do good for the family and children than they believed this man had left behind," Mercado said.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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The City Council on Wednesday reviewed for the first time publicly the proposed list of 158 projects in the $850 million bond program thats slated for the May ballot, but its the smallest of the propositions that could cause the biggest stir among voters.

The city plans to spend $20 million, about 3 percent of the proposal, in a neighborhood improvements category  a proposition not seen before in San Antonios municipal bond programs. Its thrust would be to create affordable housing in San Antonio.

Unlike the other categories that are expected to go before voters  streets, bridges and sidewalks; drainage and flood control; parks and recreation; and facilities  which include lists of proposed projects, the neighborhood improvements category comprises a dozen geographic areas noteworthy for their distressed properties. No specific projects will be enumerated by the May 6 election.

City officials had to jump through some hoops to arrive at Wednesdays proposal. In 1997, voters here made the city charter more restrictive, amending the citys guiding document to say that the city could sell bonds only for public-works projects for public purposes. The charter was most recently amended in May 2015, and Texas cities can only amend their charters once every two years. Because the upcoming election falls just days short of the two-year period since the charter was last amended, changing the document at the next election appears improbable.

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So theyve devised a work-around that officials say meets legal muster. In an interview, City Manager Sheryl Sculley said shes unsure whether there could be a legal challenge to the citys proposal for urban renewal and that she believes that voters will be OK with the plan.

Times change, she said. Our community has evolved.

The other 97 percent of the bond proposal includes $450 million for 59 streets, bridges and sidewalks projects, $144 million for 18 drainage and flood control projects, $116 million for 59 parks and recreation projects and $120 million for 21 facilities projects.

Mike Frisbie, the director of the citys Transportation and Capital Improvements Department, told council members that this bond program will leverage more non-city funds than previous programs. A third of the bond  about $284 million  will be combined with $386 million of non-city funds across 37 projects, he said. Councilman Ron Nirenberg applauded that leveraging, and inquired about how much of the $386 million was from private sources as opposed to non-city taxpayer dollars. Frisbie said that information wasnt readily available but would be calculated.

Now, citizen oversight committees will begin meeting to discuss the proposal and make their own recommendations to the council in December. In February, the council will call the 2017 bond election, setting ballot language for the May election.

For more on this story, visit www.expressnews.com or read the Thursday edition of the San Antonio Express-News.
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The City Council has given final approval for San Antonios Convention and Visitors Bureau to convert from a city department to the nonprofit Visit San Antonio beginning Jan. 1.

Proponents of the deal say the organization, charged with selling San Antonio to the world, will enable to organization to be more nimble and able to market San Antonio. But opponents, including Councilman Rey Saldana voiced concerns during the Thursday council meeting that the city is giving up too much oversight.

He displayed on monitors in City Council chambers an image that a Austin advertising agency had created under its contract with the city. The image, which was spiked after outcries from Saldana and then-Councilman Diego Bernal, portrayed San Antonio in an old-fashioned way, Saldana said.

The image, which would have been part of an ad campaign to attract visitors to San Antonio, included an aging Latina woman with a basket of flowers strapped to her back, a woman holding a bowl of chili and a traditional, wooden whisk used for blending Mexican hot chocolate, and two white women fawning over a colorful poblano dress.

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Councilman Roberto Trevino, Bernals successor, said that he was offended by the image as well.

Saldana said hes concerned that the city is forfeiting too much power to keep a check on how San Antonio will be portrayed.

Mayor Ivy Taylor said that while she too is concerned that San Antonios image is portrayed correctly, the shift from public to private for the CVB will benefit San Antonio.

We have gone through a long and thoughtful process to develop a structure that will help to assist the industry and move us into a very important phase, Taylor said just before the 7-2 vote to approve. Its time for us to step up our game, so to speak.
One man sustained life-threatening injuries after the vehicle he was in struck a concrete barrier and hit another car Wednesday evening on a Northeast Side highway.

San Antonio Police Department officer A. Trevino said a Pontiac G6 was heading northbound on Northeast Loop 410, just before Interstate 35, in the far right lane when when it crossed over all the lanes to the left and bounced off the concrete retaining wall.
The public is invited to learn about SAISDs Nov. 8 Bond 2016 and Tax Ratification proposals at a series of community meetings to be held on campuses throughout the district.

Information will be presented by Superintendent Pedro Martinez and the school board member who represents the host sites trustee district.

The community meetings are a chance for voters to ask questions about the proposed $450 million bond that would fund renovations at 13 schools and technology enhancements in classrooms throughout the district.

Upcoming community meetings include:

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m. Brackenridge High School, 400 Eagleland Drive

Monday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Highland Hills Elementary School, 734 Glamis Ave. (in conjunction with Highland Hills Neighborhood Association)

Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m., Lanier High School, 1514 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6 p.m., Jefferson High School, 723 Donaldson Ave. (in conjunction with Jefferson Educational Leadership Council meeting)

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Thursday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m., Burbank High School, 1002 Edwards St.

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m., Fox Tech High School, 637 N. Main Ave.

San Antonio

Award honors service

to veterans, military

The Bexar County Veterans Service Office is accepting nominations for the 2016 LeRoy V. Greene Jr. Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by Bexar County residents to veterans, military service members and their families. The LeRoy V. Greene Jr. Memorial Award recipient is announced at the Commissioners Court meeting prior to Veterans Day each year.

Nominations are accepted from individuals who can vouch for the accomplishments of the person they are recommending for recognition. Nominations from spouses, siblings or children of nominees will not be accepted.

To be eligible, nominees must have lived in Bexar County for at least two years at the date of nomination; performed noteworthy actions over a period of time as a volunteer; exhibited leadership skills, teamwork, dedication and unselfishness.

For a nomination form, email vets@bexar.org with LRVG AWARD in the subject line. Completed nomination forms may be returned to the same email address; by fax to 210-335-3632; or by mail to Bexar County Veterans Service Office, 233 N. Pecos, Suite 320, San Antonio, TX 78207.

The nomination deadline is Friday, Oct. 7.

Deadline nears for new Fiesta poster contest

The Fiesta Commission is asking area artists to participate in a new poster contest to provide an edgier, more urban feel while incorporating the spirit and theme of love and unity for Fiesta Fiesta, the official kickoff to the Party with a Purpose.

The My Fiesta Poster Contest is meant to attract artists who can show a fresh take on Fiesta and illustrate beloved traditions in a way that screams, Its my Fiesta, too!

The design and elements will be used in official Fiesta merchandise and be adapted to an Official Fiesta Fiesta Medal and T-shirt.

Deadline for submission is noon Friday, Sept. 30. Entries must be submitted before the deadline to the Fiesta Commission Office, 2611 Broadway. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

The winning artist will receive $2,000 and 5 percent of net profit on merchandise inspired by the poster.

For more information, call 210-227-5191, ext. 101, or email mari@fiesta-sa.org.

MLK artwork contest still accepting entries

The city of San Antonio Martin Luther King Jr. Commission has announced its second annual citywide contest for the selection of the official artwork for the 2017 city of San Antonio Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration.

The selected artwork by a local artist will be used with the events 2017 theme: Kings Legacy for Peace Is Justice for All. Remember! Celebrate! Act! The deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30.

The artwork contest is open to Bexar County residents. Student artists are encouraged to submit entries. Guidelines on how to submit entries are available at www.sanantonio.gov/mlk.

Compiled by Melissa Renteria
SAN ANTONIO  Crime Stoppers is looking for a man who broke into a Valero Gas Station on the South Side earlier this month.

The initial incident occurred at about 3 a.m. on Sept. 4, when a man broke a window to enter the Valero gas station at 9209 S. Zarzamora St. The suspect stole several packs of cigarettes and fled the location.
SAN ANTONIO  The Bexar Medical Examiners Office has released the names of the men involved in a triple homicide on the North Side on Tuesday.

Anthoney Craig Rodrigues, 24, Pedro Garcia Jr., 21, and Matthew Travis Martinez, 22, were found dead at an apartment unit at the La Paloma Apartments in the 100 block of West Rampart Drive.
A federal judge denied motions by congressional candidate Ro Khannas campaign that a court hearing on South Bay Rep. Mike Hondas cybertheft charges against his opponent be delayed until after the Nov. 8 election.

The request for a continuance by Khanna, a Fremont attorney running against Honda, argued that The Honda campaign is hiding behind the litigation privilege to tell lies for political ends and that the court need only defer this matter by less than a month to prevent such abuse.

Edward J. Davila, a judge with United States District Court for the Northern District, denied the request for a continuance, and a hearing on the case is now scheduled for Oct. 11 in a San Jose federal court.

The request for a continuance was little more than an effort by Khanna to avoid answering the charges against him, said Vedant Patel, a spokesman for the Honda campaign.

Khanna and his campaign shamelessly seek to distract the court with red herrings and innuendo, Hondas legal team said in a legal response to Khannas motion. Time is of the essence.

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Last week, Hondas campaign charged in a civil suit that Khannas campaign manager illegally broke into the private computer system of his former employer and downloaded the personal information of more than 10,000 of Hondas donors.

Khanna and his campaign manager, Brian Parvizshahi, conspired to intentionally access Mike Honda for Congress confidential, proprietary information that contained trade secret data regarding past, current and potential donors, according to the suits, which were filed under the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Economic Espionage Act.

The information was used by Khanna to solicit Hondas supporters and provide them with information suggesting they shift their support to Khanna, the Honda campaign said.

Parvizshahi resigned at his own request a few hours after the suits were announced.

Theres no argument that Honda, a San Jose resident who has held the congressional seat since 2000, is using the suits, and the nations growing concern about high-tech cybercrime, to attack Khannas credibility as someone who will represent the Silicon Valley.

Khanna is unfit to represent this district, Honda said in a statement released Tuesday.

Silicon Valley is the epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the tech community, the congressman said. Mr. Khannas illegal activity sends a chilling message to all businesses, innovators and residents across this country who cherish their privacy.

Honda, who narrowly defeated Khanna in 2014 and finished second to his challenger in Junes primary election, is widely seen as trailing in his re-election bid. A high-profile court case in the days before the election could be a boost for his campaign.

The request for a continuance sought to delay this litigation  by gravely prejudicing Mike Honda for Congress right to a prompt, pre-election hearing, Hondas attorney, Gautam Dutta, said in the response to Khannas request. Their motion must be swiftly denied.

The motion by Khanna argued that his legal team needs more information before it can respond directly to Hondas charges. It also complains that Honda found out about the computer breach on May 31 and then sat on that information until he could use it as a pre-election bombshell.

You cant credibly argue that this isnt political, said Hari Sevugan, a spokesman for the Khanna campaign. It took (Honda) 41/2 months to file the damn thing.

The time was needed to investigate the situation and determine exactly what had been taken and how the campaign had been affected, Patel said.

The motion Khanna filed Wednesday also was plenty political.

Honda makes flimsy accusations that he was harmed by the data breach and his contentions that his reputation was affected is a hollow claim, noting that only now, as Honda is facing defeat in the general election, did the Honda campaign file this suit.

But the continuance request also said that the suits should be moot because Parvizshahi has resigned and the campaign is creating a new email contact list only from sources it can immediately verify and will only use that new contact list for the remainder of the campaign.

Thats wasnt enough for Honda.

Khanna and his campaign team are talking out of both sides of their mouths, Patel said. How can they say that there is no problem and at the same time that theyre working to solve the problem?

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
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SACRAMENTO  Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Wednesday that eliminates the 10-year statute of limitations on rape  a concern that emerged last year as dozens of women stepped forward to accuse actor Bill Cosby of rape but were unable to pursue criminal charges.

The new law will not help the women in the Cosby case, however, because it applies to rapes and sexual assaults committed after the legislation takes effect Jan. 1.

Victims groups praised Brown for signing the bill, which they said will ensure that those who need more time to report their crimes are still able to seek justice.

California is telling victims of rape we stand behind you and there is no timeline for justice, said state Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino (San Bernardino County), who authored the bill, SB813.

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents dozens of the women accusing Cosby, pushed for the legislation to end what she called an arbitrary timeline to report sexual assaults.

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There is no statute of limitations on the devastating effects I have endured for two decades, said one of Cosbys accusers, Casey, who joined her attorney, Allred, at a hearing in April at the state Capitol. She did not give her real name.

Allred said she hopes other states will follow California in eliminating their statute of limitations.

The passage of this new law means that the courthouse doors will no longer be slammed shut in the face of rape victims, Allred said in a statement Wednesday. It puts sexual predators on notice that the passage of time may no longer protect them from serious criminal consequences for their acts of sexual violence.

But opponents of the bill, including law professors, public defenders and the American Civil Liberties Union, warned that the change threatens a justice system that ensures that people accused of crimes have the ability to defend themselves.

The statute of limitations on the prosecution of criminal charges has been a bedrock protection in our legal system since the founding of our nation  and for good reason, a group of 62 current and former criminal law professors wrote to the governor to ask him to veto the bill.

The professors, including Ty Alper, associate dean at the UC Berkeley School of Law, wrote that eliminating the statute of limitations could lead to wrongful convictions or slow the prosecution of sex crimes by removing an incentive for law enforcement and prosecutors to act quickly.

Criminal statutes of limitations date back to colonial times, the professors wrote, to ensure people accused of crimes have the ability to mount a defense by collecting evidence and finding alibis.

Natasha Minsker, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Sacramento office, said state law already allowed for extending the statute of limitation in cases where DNA evidence became available. She said she worries prosecutors will pursue cases based on a witness memory in a decades-old case.

We know memories change over time, Minsker said. Thats how people are wrongfully convicted.

Supporters, like San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, said the bill does not change the burden of proof needed for a conviction, but instead allows prosecutors to pursue cases they can prove. The state Senate and Assembly unanimously approved the bill last month.

We think this will aid in allowing sexual assault survivors to come forward and report their crimes to police, said Christine Ward, executive director of Crime Victims Action Alliance in Sacramento. There are so many reasons a victim of sexual assault doesnt come forward at the time or soon after. This allows for justice to prevail.

Brown signed the bill ahead of Fridays deadline to act on legislation. Brown also signed a bill by state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, that creates a new standard of proof for proving a wrongful conviction, which supporters said will help those seeking a new trial to prove their innocence.

Other bills signed Wednesday allow people who are serving sentences in county jails for low-level felonies to vote and require ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to do comprehensive background checks on their drivers.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
SACRAMENTO  Nearly 7 million Californians who work jobs without retirement benefits will automatically be enrolled in a savings plan under a bill Gov. Jerry Brown signed Thursday.

The new law requires employers who do not provide pensions or retirement savings plans for their workers to enroll employees in the state plan  putting 3 percent of their wages into an account  unless the employee opts out.

The California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Trust would invest those contributions in low-risk and long-term investments on behalf of the workers, who could increase or decrease how much they set aside at any time. The bill says the state and employers are not liable if savings plans lose money in a bad market or due to a poor investment.

The new law seeks to help Californians prepare for their senior years. A Pew Charitable Trusts report this year found nearly half of private-sector employees in California do not have a retirement plan through their employer. In major cities like Los Angeles, 58 percent of full-time workers do not have a work-sponsored retirement plan, while 44 percent of workers in San Francisco do not have a retirement plan.

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This is a step forward, and its also something very important in todays age of spend now and worry about it later, Brown said before signing the bill at the Capitol. This is save now and prepare for later.

The Secure Choice board is expected to adopt a final plan next year and workers could begin seeing payroll deductions in 2018. Once enrolled, contributions would automatically increase by one percentage point each year until reaching an 8 percent cap  unless changed by the employee.

When the employee retires, they could take all of their money out of the plan or convert it into monthly income.

The bills author, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, said too many workers are forced to retire only after they can no longer physically work.

This bill is about personal responsibility, de Leon said. Its about offering retirement savings opportunities to hardworking Californians so they can build savings over their lifetimes and retire with dignity.

Opponents of the bill questioned whether the state should take on another retirement obligation when California already has billions in unfunded pension liabilities for state workers and teachers.

The financial services industry lobbied against the bill, saying a state-run plan would hurt companies that offer retirement savings accounts to people who dont have them through their employer.

Although the law shields the state from bailing out the fund, critics in the financial industry said the state could face political pressure to shore up the new retirement savings plan if investments take a hit.

One critic, Paul Schott Stevens, president of the trade group Investment Company Institute, wrote in a letter to Brown that there is a very high likelihood taxpayers and workers will bear substantial unforeseen costs from the program. All investments are subject to market fluctuations and potential losses and during those losses the state will be faced with whether to reduce workers account balances or bail out the program, Stevens wrote.

In other words, California taxpayers may well need to come to the rescue of the program, Stevens wrote.

Critics also questioned whether low-wage workers can afford to set aside 3 percent of their paycheck when they already are struggling to pay for food and housing.

Supporters said the plan will help low- and middle-income workers who risk living in poverty once they retire. The plans would follow workers if they change jobs so that they can continue to build their retirement savings.

The state treasurers office estimates it will cost the state up to $134 million over the next several years to run the plan. Treasurer John Chiang, who is a member of the Secure Choice board, said the plan will be a model for taking care of workers.

This will have a substantial impact on the opportunities of younger generations, Chiang said. This is the most significant development since the enactment of Social Security.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
A KWEKWE businessman died from wounds sustained after he was attacked by unknown assailants during a robbery.

Dan Chikowo (70) of Mbizo 16, was allegedly attacked by armed robbers as he entered his homestead last Saturday.

Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that Chikowo whose business interests included a popular drinking spot, Chitubu, was found lying in a pool of blood and was rushed to hospital.

Police in Kwekwe are investigating the murder of a 70-year-old man who was admitted to Kwekwe Hospital with a deep cut at the back of his head and later died, said Insp Mahoko.

He said the now deceased was found lying unconscious near his house in Mbizo 16 and was rushed to hospital where he later died.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the accused to contact any nearest police station.

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Zanu PF legislators have reached out to Zimbabweans in South Africa telling them that they were welcome back home should they fail to meet the requirements by authorities in Pretoria for them to remain in that country.

The legislators led by the ruling partys Chief Whip, Cde Pupurai Togarepi told them that the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa was spearheading many developmental projects meant to benefit everyone including returning residents consistent with the thrust not to leave anyone or place behind.

This follows South Africas decision not to renew holders of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits which are set to expire this year.

Cde Togarepi and Nkayi South MP Cde Stars Mathe who are attending a Pan African Parliament committee meetings took time to meet Zimbabweans residing in South Africa where they heard their challenges before advising them that they were welcome back home.

In an interview, soon after meeting a sizeable number of Zimbabweans in South Africa Cde Togarepi said their engagement was fruitful.

First things first. All Zimbabweans are welcome home anytime. They are free to come back to their country, where they are loved, where opportunities are there, and where they will live in peace. We cannot fight the laws of other countries, its good that our people are working here, earning incomes, and sending money back to their families. But if the laws of this land say Zimbabweans or foreigners should go back to their countries, we welcome them, said Cde Togarepi.

There are programmes and opportunities by the Second Republic. The skills they got here can be very important for the efforts we are putting on the ground to develop Zimbabwe. So if any Zimbabweans in South Africa are told to leave, they should go home knowing they are welcome and leave happily for their motherland. We are looking forward to receiving them and giving them support.

He urged those living in South Africa unlawfully to regularise themselves saying failure to do so will draw adverse consequences.

He expressed optimism that arrangements for safe return will be made at points of entry and exits at the Government to Government level.

Cde Mathe said issues that came up during engagements with Zimbabweans in South Africa had to do with safe return without hassles at points of entry.

They raised issues of their safe return saying in some instances they have been asked to pay bribes, said Cde Mathe.

A representative of the Zimbabweans in South Africa, Ms Hilda Masuku said they were ready to return home.

We had frank discussions with our MPs. We were told of several developments the Government is pursuing, said Ms Masuku who comes from Nkayi, Matabeleland North province.

Another Zimbabwean said they had acquired several skills during their stay that they could now use in Zimbabwe.

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By David Llewellyn-Smith, founding publisher and former editor-in-chief of The Diplomat magazine, now the Asia Pacifics leading geo-politics website. Originally posted at MacroBusiness

From CLSA:

At the conclusion of the Algeria meeting, Reuters is reporting OPEC has agreed to limit production

The agreement would be finalized at the next OPEC meeting on November 30, 2016

OPEC is supposedly limiting its output to 32.5 mmbpd , which is effectively where OPEC was in January 2016.

, which is effectively where OPEC was in January 2016. But in August, output reached 33.47 mmbpd, which implies a 1 mmbpd cut.

The delta from August output levels is contributing to the market jolt

But remember, Saudi Arabia oil output spikes in the summer due to cooling demand

What is unclear is Iran and Libya

Iran is at 3.6 mmbpd with a target of 4.2 mmbpdand a staunch resistance to freezing until reaching 4.2 mmbpd

Libya is at 0.3 mmbpd with a target to recover to 1.0 mmbpd by year-end (aggressive)

Saudi Arabia oil output

All-in, if the 32.5 mmbpd number is accurate, then OPEC is rolling back to January levels, which is effectively what it had previously suggested it might due. The market response is not surprising, but probably not sustainable either. The devil is in the details and we still do not know how Iran and Libya fit into the equation, or if this is just another proposal that will be dismissed by Iran.

Shale oil economics are an increasingly convincing and credible source of supply growth. Initial production rates have jumped 50  100% just in the span of a few years. Spud-to-pipe times have also dropped to 135 days for a pad of three wells, down 13% from 2015. Oil prices sustained in the low $50s is the level that seduces more capital in shalethus Saudi better be careful what it wishes for. We already expect supplies to flatten out in the US in early 2017 with limited increases in rig activity. A rebirth of activity could prompt a rapid rise in US oil output within 6-months, offsetting OPECs efforts once again.

Note  possibly negating the some of the potential impact of this news. Russia, the worlds largest energy exporter, is reportedly on course to pump a post-Soviet record amount of oil in September, adding as much as 400,000 barrels a day to the countrys production.
Mechanical behavior of tiny structures is affected by atomic defects (Nanowerk News) An international team of scientists with participation from the University of Gottingen, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Pennsylvania State University, and Wright State University has measured the mechanics of tiny crystalline ceramics. Materials are made of atoms, and if they are arranged periodically, they are called crystalline structures. If the size of these crystalline structures is 1,000 times smaller than a single human hair diameter, then they are called nano-structures such as nano-rods, nano-wires, nano-ribbons, nano-belts etc.

In some cases, special atomic arrangements enable them to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. These materials are called piezoelectric materials. They are useful for energy harvesting as well as a variety of electro-mechanical gadgets to enhance the quality of life. Hence, it is important to have a grip on these nano-structures and measure their mechanical responses. Until now, it was unknown that mechanical behavior of piezoelectric nano-crystals containing atomic defects is different than pure. This recent study is reported in the journal Nano Letters ("Atomic Defects Influenced Mechanics of IIVI Nanocrystals").

The atomic arrangements of Zinc Oxide visible under a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. Here, Zn (green) represents Zinc and O (blue) represents Oxygen. The red lines showing the defect in the periodicity of atomic arrangements. The zig zag periodicity is Zinc Oxide's original periodicity called wurtzite and the straight line is the region with defect where the original zig zag periodicity is lost. The defected region plays a significant role in the study. (Image: University of Gottingen)

In nature, crystals are never 100 percent perfect, and they have various kinds of structural defects. One such defect type is a stacking-fault. This is considered a structural defect. In a stacking fault, a stack of periodic arrangements of atoms in crystals gets added or missing. Dr. Kasra Momeni, Director of Advanced Hierarchical Materials by Design Laboratory and faculty member of Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana Tech University, elaborates that the presence of structural defects including stacking faults can significantly alter the stress distribution. This is due to the complex interaction between stress fields from stacking faults and the ones from free boundaries of the nano-rods, which can alter the failure mechanism of nanorods with stacking faults compared to the perfect ones.

"Since energy harvesting is one of the key requirements in today's age, converting mechanical forces into a useful form of energy, i.e. electrical output, is an alternative to other energy transduction modes as well as an efficient approach. There are several crystalline ceramics which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. We introduced a new concept that mechanics of these tiny crystalline ceramic structures are dependent on atomic defects. For example, they can collapse and their mechanical properties are not as expected. Consideration of these facts will enable us to design energy harvesting devices out of such tiny structures," explains Dr. Moumita Ghosh, leading scientist of this research from the University of Gottingen and former doctoral research scholar of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Correlated magnets made out of single atoms (Nanowerk News) Solid state physics offers a rich variety of intriguing phenomena, several of which are not yet fully understood. Experiments with fermionic atoms in optical lattices get very close to imitating the behaviour of electrons in solid state crystals, thus forming a well-controlled quantum simulator for these systems.

Now a team of scientists around Professor Immanuel Bloch and Dr. Christian Gro at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics have observed the emergence of antiferromagnetic order over a correlation length of several lattice sites in a chain of fermionic atoms. Contrary to the ferromagnetism we experience in everyday life, these antiferromagnets are characterized by an alternating alignment of the elementary magnetic moment associated with each electron or atom.

Combining their quantum gas microscope with advanced local manipulation techniques, the scientists were able to simultaneously observe the spin and the density distribution with single-site resolution and single atom sensitivity.

By approaching the conditions prevailing in macroscopic crystals with fermionic quantum many-body systems, one hopes to achieve a better understanding of phenomena such as the so-called high-temperature superconductivity. (Science, "Spin- and density-resolved microscopy of antiferromagnetic correlations in Fermi-Hubbard chains").

In (a) an originally obtained picture of a one-dimensional atomic chain is shown. The thick horizontal lines illustrate the barrier between different chains. In each chain, an atom appearing on the upper side of the thin dashed horizontal line has upward pointing magnetic moment (red) and vice versa as shown in the reconstructed image (b). In some cases, doubly occupied sites or holes (empty sites) are detected. (Image: Martin Boll, Quantum Many-Body Systems Division, MPQ) (click on image to enlarge)

The experiment started with cooling a cloud of fermionic lithium-6 atoms down to extremely low temperatures, a millionth of a Kelvin above absolute zero. These ultracold fermions were then trapped by light fields and forced into a single plane, which in turn was further split in several one-dimensional tubes. Finally, an optical lattice was applied along the tubes mimicking the periodic potential that electrons see in a real material.

On average, the one-dimensional optical lattices were completely filled, meaning that each lattice site was occupied with exactly one atom. Two internal quantum states of the lithium atoms mimic the magnetic moment of the electrons, which can point either upwards or downwards. As long as the temperature of the system is high compared to the magnetic interaction between these spins, only the density distribution of the system shows a regular pattern dictated by the optical lattice. However, below a certain temperature the magnetic moments of neighbouring atoms are expected to anti-align, leading to antiferromagenic correlations.

These correlations arise because the system aims to lower its energy, Martin Boll, doctoral student at the experiment, explains. The underlying mechanism is called superexchange which means that the magnetic moments of neighbouring atoms exchange their directions.

The team around Christian Gro and Immanuel Bloch had to tackle two main challenges: First, it was necessary to measure the particle density with high resolution to unambiguously identify single particles and holes on their individual lattice sites. This was achieved with the quantum gas microscope where a high resolution objective images the atoms all at once, such that a series of photographic snapshots of the atomic gas can be taken.

The second really big challenge was the separation of atoms based on their magnetic orientations, says Martin Boll. To this end, we combined an optical superlattice with a magnetic gradient that shifted the potential minima depending on the orientation of the magnetic moment. As a consequence, opposite magnetic moments were separated into two different sites of the local double well potential created by the superlattice. In a series of measurements we have tuned this method to such a degree that we obtained a splitting fidelity of nearly 100 percent.

Having all these tools at hand, the team succeeded to observe the emergence of antiferromagnetic correlations that extended over three sites, well beyond nearest-neighbours (see above figure).
A New Zealand engineering company has set up a European base in Dundrum to provide an automated processing system for the biggest cheese plant on the planet in New Mexico.

Tamaki Control, Industrial Automation Engineering, established a European hub in Dundrum three months ago.

The arrival of the company in Tipperary came about through the Connect Tipperary pilot scheme launched last November by entrepreneur Terry Clune.

The Tamaki jobs are the first to be created in Tipperary as a result of the project .

The connector who kick st arted this success story was John Lewis of Tipperary Co-op who was aware Tamaki was interested in setting up a European base.

I was involved with Tamaki for about twelve months previously through Tipp Co-Op. I attended the Connect Tipperary launch and a few months later I had a meeting with Derek and because I was aware he was looking for a European base in Ireland I suggested Tipperary and it went from there, said Mr. Lewis.

The location was hand picked by the founder of Tamaki Derek Turnbull who recruited a team of a half a dozen software engineers to work from Dundrum.

The team was assembled to oversee the design, simulation and operation of a processing system for a $140 million expansion of Southwest Cheese in Clovis, New Mexico.

The investment was announced by Glanbia, together with their joint venture partners in Southwest Cheese.

It already was the biggest cheese plant on the planet and now they are expanding it by 30% said David Turnbull.

Tamaki was established in New Zealand by Mr. Turnbull in 1988, and among their clients over the years were Glanbia,

Richard O'Keeffe, business consultant who is sponsored by Tipperary Co-Op to work on the Connect Tipperary project, said he was following up a number of contacts made that could lead to similar success stories.

The Tamaki jobs in Tipperary , which could reach up to fifteen in time, were the first to be created by Connect Tipperary and we are hoping that is just a start he said.

See also Page 2
BB&T Corp. has agreed to an $83 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over mortgages with quality control problems that were insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

The settlement will not have a negative effect on BB&T's financials as the bank had previously set aside $85 million because of the government investigation, it said in a press release. BB&T is also seeking potential recovery of $70 million related to this matter. The bank's press release did not disclose who it is seeking the recovery from and it has not yet responded to a request for comment.

"BB&T fully cooperated with all agencies involved in this matter. The inquiry was settled for $83 million without any admission of liability to avoid the cost and uncertainty of potential litigation," the bank's press release said.

However, BB&T admitted that between Jan. 1, 2006 and Sept. 30, 2014, it certified mortgages for FHA insurance that did not meet underwriting guidelines, the DOJ press release said.

"While profiting from the FHA program, BB&T exposed the taxpayers to losses by failing to comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines, and then took the additional step of falsely certifying that it had complied with such guidelines. This settlement recovers substantial losses caused by BB&T's decision to place its own profits above its commitment to adhere to HUD underwriting and quality control requirements," said U.S. Attorney John Horn of the Northern District of Georgia in a DOJ press release.

Between 2007 and 2011, the percentage of loans originated by BB&T that ended up getting FHA insurance which were not eligible because of serious quality control defects always exceeded 30%, and exceeded as much as 50% in 2010 and 2011, according to DOJ. BB&T failed to self-report these material underwriting defects to HUD until 2013.
Deutsche Bank isn't the only lender wrestling with the U.S. to resolve an investigation into toxic mortgage bonds: Credit Suisse Group and Barclays are also each in settlement talks with the Justice Department, according to people familiar with the matter.

A Credit Suisse deal could be announced within several weeks, one of the people said. The people all asked not to be named because the negotiations are confidential.

The talks bring to at least three the number of banks in active discussions to settle investigations into mortgage-backed securities dealings that sparked the 2008 financial crisis. The negotiations are taking place as one top official expressed exasperation, in a speech this week, over lack of cooperation from some lenders in the long-running civil investigation.

With about four months remaining before a new administration takes over, officials are eager to wrap up the pending cases, one of the people said. It's possible the talks could drag out or fall apart, sending the cases to civil trial. The figures under discussion with each bank couldn't immediately be learned.

Credit Suisse, Barclays and the Justice Department declined to comment.

The government already has secured $46 billion in penalties, compensation and consumer relief from six firms related to the marketing of mortgage-backed securities.

Credit Suisse, based in Zurich, has set aside 1.76 billion francs ($1.62 billion) to cover litigation expenses as of the end of the second quarter, according to quarterly filings. In addition to the mortgage-securities claims, the bank also faces allegations of rigging financial benchmarks and criminal complaints in Switzerland by clients. London-based Barclays has set aside 2.5 billion pounds ($3.3 billion) for investigations and litigation in the two years ended in June and hasn't specified a provision for a U.S. mortgage settlement.

In addition to the Justice Department claims, Credit Suisse is also fighting related lawsuits brought by the New York and New Jersey attorneys general that accuse the Swiss lender of misleading investors.

On Tuesday, Bill Baer, the Justice Department's No. 3 official, blamed banks that have already reached government settlements for not cooperating earlier and in more substantial ways, causing delays that led to higher penalties and legal fees. While Baer didn't discuss ongoing investigations or name specific banks, he put the onus on the financial institutions for the "cloud of uncertainty" that hung over their operations as a result.

Baer said banks can still help their cases by acknowledging responsibility and offering to help victims.

Investors were rattled by news this month that the U.S. asked Deutsche Bank for $14 billion to settle the allegations against it  about three times as much as several analysts estimated the bank would end up paying. The offer, which was likely an opening bid rather than a final number, spooked investors worried about whether Deutsche Bank has set aside enough money for legal costs. The bank's shares hit an all-time low this week.

Deutsche Bank said it had "no intent" to agree to the Justice Department's $14 billion proposal.

The government's investigations into mortgage-bond dealings stem from a working group of prosecutors and other officials that President Obama created in 2012 to punish Wall Street for fueling the financial crisis by selling bonds linked to souring mortgages. The Justice Department had been criticized for years for not having brought significant cases against banks and their executives tied to the crisis.

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp., Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. have all settled residential mortgage-backed securities cases with the U.S., as has ratings company Standard & Poor's, a unit of McGraw Hill Financial Inc.

In addition to Credit Suisse, Barclays and Deutsche Bank, banks that have disclosed U.S. investigations related to their mortgage securities businesses include UBS Group, Royal Bank of Scotland Group, HSBC Holdings and Wells Fargo & Co.

Goldman Sachs has said it fully cooperated with the Justice Department's investigation. Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, RBS and Wells Fargo declined to comment. JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, HSBC and UBS didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mortgage rates fell as investors purchased more 10-year Treasury bonds after the Federal Open Market Committee decided to leave short-term rates unchanged, according to Freddie Mac.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.42% for the week ending Sept. 29, down from last week when it averaged 3.48%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.85%.

"Investors flocked to the safety of government bonds causing the 10-year Treasury yield to continue its descent following the FOMC's decision to leave rates unchanged. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage responded by dropping 6 basis points  a 10-week low," said Sean Becketti, chief economist at Freddie Mac.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.72%, down from last week when it averaged 2.76%. A year ago at this time, it averaged 3.07%.

The five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 2.81%, up from last week when it averaged 2.8%, while a year ago it averaged 2.91%.

"The course of the economy is uncertain, yet consumers continue to be a bright spot. The September consumer confidence index is up 3% to 104.1, exceeding forecasts and reaching a new cycle high," Becketti added.
The Rural Housing Service has quietly launched a new construction loan program designed to increase the availability of new homes in rural areas.

The program was launched in March, but many industry representatives weren't aware of it until last week when it was discussed at a recent conference hosted by Ginnie Mae.

Under the program, construction-to-permanent financing for low- and moderate-income families can be securitized and sold to Ginnie investors. The RHS loan guarantee goes into effect right after the first closing.

"We don't wait until construction is completed or until the certificate for occupancy is issued. We don't wait for that," said Joaquin Tremols, the single-family director for the RHS, at the conference.

The maximum loan-to-value ratio is 100% and a down payment is not required.

"We are encouraging new construction in rural areas," Tremols said.

He said the program could help revitalize housing stock, which in many rural areas is very old. Additionally, new construction will stimulate business activity and development in rural areas. RHS is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development division.

The single-close program has several features that should be attractive to lenders and builders, according to officials with the National Association of Home Builders.

First, the RHS construction loan is made to the homebuyer, not the builder. As a result, the builder doesn't have to secure financing or a line of credit for the construction phase.

"That is a definite plus in terms of picking up business," said Curtis Milton, the director of single-family finance for NAHB, in an interview. "Essentially, by making the construction loan to the homebuyer, RHS is assisting builders who may not be able to get construction financing on their own."

Secondly, 90% of the continental U.S is deemed rural enough to qualify for RHS single-family loans and some areas are close to suburban communities.

"We have gotten some interest from our members," said Chellie Hamecs, NAHB vice president for housing finance. "They want to be more involved in the RHS program."

In terms of RHS income limits, once a borrower qualifies for the program, they are not required to submit additional pay stubs or other information that might disqualify them when the loan converts from the construction loan to a permanent mortgage.

The RHS construction loan program provides for an interest reserve account which can cover the borrower's loan payments during the construction phase. It makes it "more affordable for rural households," Tremols said.

The single-close loan program also provides for a 10% contingency reserve to cover the costs of upgrades or change orders during the construction phase. Untapped contingency reserves must be rolled in the loan amount at the final closing.

To participate in the RHS program, lenders are required to have two or more years of experience in single-family construction lending. Builders are required to have at least two years of construction experience along with a state or local contractor's license and at least $500,000 in general commercial liability insurance.

RHS initially planned to limit the number of construction loans a lender could make at 25 loans per year. But the final program launched March 9 does not have a set limit.

The agency "reserves the right to limit the number or amount of loans guaranteed based on market conditions and other factors," such as loan performance, according to RHS regulations.

To get the program rolling, the RHS needs banks and other mortgage lenders to originate the loans.

So far, the new program hasn't stirred a lot of interest from lenders. When asked about the new RHS home construction program, spokespersons for two major banking groups said they haven't received much feedback about it from their members.

Flagstar Bank, based in Troy, Mich., has taken a look at the new RHS program.

"We did look at it, but to date we have focused on other construction-related product projects that have taken priority," a Flagstar spokesperson said.
ST. LOUIS  Small banks are showing renewed interest in consumer lending, but they have been admittedly slow in embracing new technology that could help them reach even more borrowers.

Some bankers are also worried that regulators  concerned about smaller institutions' exposure to commercial real estate  could impose new rules that might force them to scale back their lending.

Those were the key findings in an annual survey of community bankers released Thursday at a conference co-hosted by the Federal Reserve and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. The survey, distributed in April, polled 557 bankers, most representing institutions with assets of $100 million to $1 billion.

Mortgage lending is becoming more popular product for community banks, with three-fourths of survey participants saying they offer fixed-rate products and 60% offering adjustable-rate loans. Nearly 75% of respondents are making home equity loans. Those percentages were all lower in last year's survey.

Among other consumer categories, 90% of respondents said their banks' are offering auto loans and nearly half had credit card products.

Despite their efforts, though, community banks are struggling to increase market share and in some cases may even be losing ground, bankers said

Online lenders are poaching consumers and business customers, and competition is intense for auto loans, Richard Sanborn, president and chief executive of the $515 million-asset Seacoast Commerce Bank in San Diego said during a panel discussion at the conference. Seacoast focuses exclusively on real estate lending tied to the Small Business Administration.

"The space is getting smaller as to what community banks can do," Sanborn said.

Bankers surveyed are worried that small institutions are moving to slowly in adopting new technologies. While 81% of the banks surveyed provide mobile banking services, only a third offer online loan applications, for example.

"The stalled level of online lending activity may reflect technological constraints," the report said. The results suggest "that community bankers do not necessarily see technology as an ever more encompassing solution to operational problems."

Darrin Williams, the CEO of the $1.2 billion-asset Southern Bancorp in Arkadelphia, Ark., said during the panel discussion that small banks need to think "beyond mobile."

"Fintech disruptors are very good at using distribution channels so we need to partner with that or do it ourselves," he said.

The cost of regulation remains a concern for community bankers, as new research showed that compliance accounts for more than 40% of accounting and consulting expenses, about a fifth of all data-processing and legal costs and 11% of personnel expense. Nearly two-thirds of bankers flagged new mortgage disclosure regulations as particularly burdensome, arguing that so-called know-before-you-owe rules are significantly delaying closings.

Research unveiled at the conference estimated that the aggregated compliance cost across all banks with less than $10 billion in assets is $4.6 billion annually. Still, the banker survey observed that the relative costs of compliance "were stable" compared with a year earlier.

A bigger issue is the threat of the intended  and unintended  consequences of future regulatory changes. They worry, for example, that regulators might impose new capital requirements or stricter underwriting guidelines in an effort to reduce small banks' CRE exposure.

"Regulatory uncertainty  can wreck your business model," Sanborn said. "It can paralyze you. That is difficult for community banks in any environment."

"As community bankers, we're going to find a way to serve our customers," Williams added. "But compliance costs permeate the institution."

That message resonated with a number of the state banking commissioners in attendance.

"The survey helps us understand how certain new regulations, or their applications, have slowed growth in mortgage lending and made other business segments less attractive," said Charles Cooper, the banking commissioner in Texas and chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors.

"These findings  underscore the need for careful consideration of unintended consequences and the application of rightsized regulation," Cooper added.
Eight years after high-risk, deceptive lending practices precipitated a near-meltdown of the global economy, we learned that at least 5,300 Wells Fargo employees created 2 million sham accounts that its customers apparently did not want, need or understand. Those unwitting Wells customers paid at least $1.5 million in fees.

But if only the bad-news stories about big banks ended there, and if only policymakers weren't threatening to help big banks boost their profits even more. Observers should take note of recent proposals to revamp the housing finance system into a more bank-centric model, which could benefit the largest institutions to the detriment of other mortgage market participants.

At Wells, employees were incentivized by sales goals to open as many accounts as possible. The executive who oversaw this operation, Carrie Tolstedt, has recently retired with a reported $124.6 million package. But what about the thousands of customers her team defrauded?

And yet, the Wells episode is just one example of the biggest banks' inability to stay out of the news. The scandal came on the heels of Bank of America's agreement in June to pay $430 million for misusing customers' cash. About a week after the Wells story broke, it was also reported that the Department of Justice was seeking $14 billion from Deutsche Bank to settle claims about the bank's sale of mortgage-backed security. In the meantime, Deutsche Bank is also mired in a scandal involving $10 billion of suspicious trades out of its Russian unit that resemble money-laundering.

How can this still be happening? In the eight years since the financial crisis, there have been dozens of congressional hearings, thousands of news stories, a host of best-selling books and a blue-ribbon commission promised to help us understand what went wrong and how to prevent a recurrence. The Dodd-Frank Act was heralded as a means of "constrain[ing] the growth of the largest financial firms" and ensuring that the "irresponsible lending" that led to the financial crisis "never happens again." But since then, the nations "too big to fail" banks have only gotten bigger, and, as this newest Wells Fargo episode demonstrates, old habits die hard.

Rather than preventing "too big to fail," we've doubled down. In fact, since President Obama signed the deeply flawed Dodd-Frank in 2010, the banks regarded as too big have grown by 30%. The six largest banks now control assets of approximately $10 trillion, equal to almost 60% of our country's GDP (compared with 17% in 1995). In contrast, small community-focused lenders are being squeezed out of existence. There are at least 1,500 fewer banks with assets under $1 billion than prior to the financial crisis.

Now, against this backdrop of stratospheric growth, the big banks could be closer to having more control over America's colossal mortgage markets and their traditional stewards: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Like every major American financial firm, private mortgage companies Fannie and Freddie faced acute financial distress during the crisis of 2007-8. Although the two companies were never deemed insolvent, Congress injected billions into the two private companies and placed them into a conservatorship under the supervision of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

The Wells scandal should be a wakeup call to policymakers working on housing finance reform.

Already the largest nonagency player in mortgage origination, Wells Fargo spent more than $20 million lobbying Congress on housing finance issues since 2013. Wells Fargo was a proponent of failed legislation written by Sens. Tim Johnson and Mike Crapo, who followed a model favored by Sens. Bob Corker and Mark Warner, which would have replaced mortgage giants Fannie and Freddie with a more bank-centric model. And more recently, Wells has been advocating for the FHFA's implementation of the Common Securitization Platform, which would allow big banks to sell "agency" mortgage-backed securities.

Some applaud such a move because they view Fannie and Freddie as emblematic of big government cronyism. Others say the two mortgage giants have been historically successful in assisting millions of people in securing homes over three generations, and they should be reformed and recapitalized rather than eliminated. Regardless, no one has come up with an acceptable alternative to Fannie and Freddie for keeping the nations mortgage market liquid and stable enough so that qualified buyers can obtain loans to buy homes.

To date, Fannie and Freddie have repaid the full $187 billion advanced to them by the Treasury Department plus another $60 billion in dividend payments. Compare that with the over $200 billion the big banks have paid to the Treasury as penalties and fines for their misconduct. Despite these facts, Wells Fargo and peer banks are pushing for the government to line their pockets with the mortgage companies revenue streams  rather than permit Fannie and Freddie to retain earnings and rebuild their capital base in order protect taxpayers against future bailouts.

Wells Fargo and other big banks are now lobbying Washington to hand over Fannie and Freddie's business to them. If recent history is any indication, that would be a disastrous mistake.

Logan Beirne is an Information Society Project fellow and lecturer at Yale Law School. He is also the chief executive of Matterhorn Transactions Inc., a legal information services company.
Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump might not want to release his tax returns, but a popular business magazine claims to know the real estate mogul's wealth.

Forbes magazine says the reality television star is currently worth $3.7 billion. That's $800 million less than a year ago, the magazine said, adding that in the 34 years of covering Trump's fortune, his wealth has gone both up and down.

The magazine said the reason for this year's decline was "a softening of New York City's real estate market, particularly in retail and office."


Why kratom is a better option than prescription heroin for addicts

(NaturalNews) Just in time for the addition of the kratom plant to the federal government's list of prohibited Schedule I substances with no accepted medical use, the government of Canada is quickly ushering in its Big Pharma replacement : a pharmaceutical-grade heroin drug in the morphine family that doctors can now legally prescribe to their opiate-addicted patients for supposed recovery.According to reports, the drug, known as diacetylmorphine, has been granted priority legal status through a federal "Special Access Program" that basically exempts it from prohibition under Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Former Health Minister Rona Ambrose removed diacetylmorphine from the Special Access Program in 2013, prior to which time it had been legal under federal guidelines, and it is now being reinstated to the program.Only in extreme cases will doctors be allowed to prescribe the drug to patients who are already suffering from heroin addiction, even though natural alternatives like kratom can safely do the job without causing adverse effects or possibly worsening a patient's addiction. But since kratom can't be patented to generate multi-billion dollar profits  and stands to compete with pharmaceuticals that can  it had to go the way of the dodo bird. Kratom will soon be illegal , despite a solid track record of botanical use that dates back centuries. But diacetylmorphine, which is basically just heroin in a fancy package, comes with all of the same risks of abuse, addiction and possible death.Even so, Canada now regards diacetylmorphine as safe and beneficial "A number of countries have allowed doctors to use diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment to support the small percentage of patients with opioid dependence who have not responded to other treatment options," the new Canadian regulation states. "There is also a significant body of scientific evidence supporting its use."While the loosening of prohibition on prescription heroin might seem like a positive move for individual liberty, the legalization of diacetylmorphine, in this case, doesn't exactly fit the bill when it comes at the same time as the unjustified banning of kratom Kratom, in case you didn't know, is a herb native to Southeast Asia that's been safely used for thousands of years as a tonic for both energy and relaxation. It's also a powerful pain reliever that's easily consumed in the form of brewed tea. Many people use it as such to not only better the quality of their lives, but also to cut out legitimate but harmful "crutch" substances like opiates and alcohol.There's never been a single documented case of death associated with the use of kratom , but there have been thousands of deaths attributed to the use of heroin and its various prescription forms. A number of peer-reviewed studies supporting the use of kratom as a safe alternative for opioids are available at the Natural News Science archive The biggest problem with heroin, prescription or otherwise, is its lethality. Overdosing on heroin is much easier than people think, even when administered as morphine, for instance, in a hospital emergency room setting. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says opioid-related deaths are on the rise , having jumped from 7.9 people per 100,000 in 2013, to 9 per 100,000 in 2014  this includes both "street" heroin and prescribed heroin in the form of methadone (fentanyl) and diacetylmorphine."It's easy to overdose on heroin , because heroin is a very potent compound, and there's very little regulation over that compound," says Dr. Scott Krakower, a psychiatrist at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York. "So when you're taking heroin, you're not 100 percent sure what you're getting."
GM agriculture often decreases overall regional crop yields

India's organic rice revolution

(NaturalNews) One of the biggest  but most easily debunked  lies we've been told about GM agriculture is that the technology is necessary to feed a steadily increasing world population.Monsanto and other GM agriculture companies would like for us to believe that their methods increase crop yields and are therefore essential in fighting world hunger, but it simply isn't true.Many people who might otherwise be skeptical about GMOs have been led to accept the idea that the supposed increase in yields justifies the widespread planting of GM crops, so they tend to overlook the dangers associated with the technology.But there has been no real increase in crop yields due to GM agriculture  in fact, the opposite is often true, when all factors are taken into consideration. Not only are the yields from GM crops typically only marginally larger than those from conventional farming methods, but the technology actually damages nearby crops, therebyregional yields.The use of the herbicide glyphosate  a key component in GM agriculture and a, to boot  is a threat to non-glyphosate-resistant crops, so in many cases the technology causes a negative overall effect on potential crop yields in a given area.From"Even the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is often dominated by agrochemical interests, released a report that showed there was no increase in yield potentials for GM crops over the past 15 years. In addition, the majority of GMOs grown aren't even used to feed hungry people."From the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS):"Contrary to myths about the superiority of GE crop yields , most yield gains in recent years are due to traditional breeding or improvement of other agricultural practices ... genetic engineering has failed to significantly increase U.S. crop yields."And contrary to GM agriculture, the key to increased yields may actually lie in the refinement oftechniques, as Indian rice farmers are now proving in that country's rice fields.In India, where GM agriculture has proven to be a huge disaster, driving many farmers to suicide over debts to GM seed companies after the technology failed to deliver the promised yields, many farmers are turning to organic methods  and with astonishing results:"In Bihar, India , farmers are breaking world records for rice production without agrochemicals or GMOs. In 2013, Sumant Kumar and his family produced an astounding 22.4 tons of rice on only one hectare of land, much more than anything achieved by GM seed companies and their expensive herbicides,"noted.The secret to Kumar and other Indian rice farmers' success is a new organic rice growing method called the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). This breakthrough approach uses different techniques than those of conventional rice farming, including the wide spacing of young rice plants in a square pattern, and avoidance of the traditional method of flooding rice fields.With the SRI approach, the rice fields are kept moist rather than being flooded, and are fertilized naturally instead of with expensive chemical fertilizers. Rotary weeding is also used, and the end result is greater yields through an approach that also allows farmers to adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.The success of the SRI method is proof that organic farming, when properly managed, can produce far greater yields than GM agriculture, and at a lower cost  both in terms of moneydamage to the environment  not to mention human health.The GM agriculture industry is based on lies and greed. If we truly want to feed an increasing world population without endangering ourselves and the environment, organic farming offers the only real solution.
Countless ambassadorships and top government positions sold under Obama

Obama and Clinton have dismantled the republic upon which the U.S. was founded



(NaturalNews) Meet Matthew Barzun, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Sweden. Barzun bought his ambassadorship, paying more than $3.5 million to the DNC and Obama's Organizing for Action nonprofit from 8-21-2009 to the present. This is how the government has been operating under Obama; globalists are paying large sums to take up roles in the U.S. government in order to carry out their own agendas. The same sort of corruption occurred through the Clinton Foundation. After Hillary was appointed secretary of state, foreign donors gave to the foundation only to gain favors in return.Matthew Barzun isn't the only one buying his way into the government. In fact, a new leak by WikiLeaks reveals that at least 24 top government positions were appointed based on donor status. Over 55 pledgers to Obama scrambled to donate large sums of money to buy positions within the government. Tony West paid over a million dollars to be appointed deputy attorney general on March 9, 2012, the very same day his money was recorded in the DNC's ledger. Charlie Rivkin pledged over 2.5 million to Obama's "nonprofit" in exchange for swiftly becoming assistant secretary of state and ambassador to France. Robert Roche pledged over 1 million to Obama, and was quickly put on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy.The Wiki leak reveals that most ambassadors to foreign nations were purchased. Other countries take advantage of this and can easily purchase ambassadorships within the U.S. government so that they can negotiate insider deals with their respective countries. This is how the U.S. people have been ripped off. The U.S. citizen just gets taxed more so other countries can run off with the money . The U.S. people are left with nothing but the change, crumbling infrastructure, and sadly, the poor are hurt the most. If the democratic party wants to talk about income inequality, let's start with how the rich bought their way into the government and took more money from everyone else, auctioning off our future.This Wiki leak makes clear to the U.S. people why Obama's foreign policy and trade deals were brazenly incompetent and against the interests of the United States. It's all because the Obama administration gave favors to foreign countries and sold away top positions and ambassadorships within the government. As a matter of history, Obama and Clinton will always be remembered for shipping weapons and money to the Middle East, and will always be responsible in some way for strengthening the insurgency of ISIS and radical Islam ideology around the world.A government that was originally founded as a republic, bound by the rule of law, has become an intricate network of wealthy power seekers who think that they are above the law, because they have bought their way into power positions in the government. As the republic has dismantled, so has democracy. The voice of the people is shut out and gagged, as the top payers get what they want.Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. government has become a nation of, by, and for whomever can pay the most to play leadership roles. Under President Barack Obama, the Democratic Party has become more like a globalist oligarchy, auctioning off top positions to whomever can pay for them.These globalists who buy ambassadorships into the U.S. government have little concern for the freedoms of the individual. They are more concerned with pledging allegiance to globalist agendas that have the greatest financial incentives. The sovereignty of the United States does not matter to them.
Most of the Universe is missing. The motion of the stars and galaxies allows astronomers to weigh it, and when they do, they see a major discrepancy in cosmological accounting. For every gram of ordinary matter that emits and absorbs light, the Universe contains around five grams of matter that responds to gravity, but is invisible to light. Physicists call this stuff dark matter, and as the search to identify it is now in its fourth decade, things are starting to get a little desperate. The structure used to hold the photomultiplier tubes that detect flashes of light from particle collisions in the LUX dark-matter experiment Credit: C. Faham, Brown Astroparticle Physics Group

In late January, physicists at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, sat down to discuss the rumours that the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), a pair of ground-based, 4-kilometre-long instruments, had spotted the merger of two black holes of around 30 solar masses. These rumours were later confirmed as the first detection of gravitational waves, a phenomenon predicted by Albert Einstein that had escaped detection for 100 years (see page S200). But their lunchtime chat quickly turned to a different mystery  dark matter. Because the collapse of a single star normally can't make such heavy black holes, they wondered if the merging objects might be leftovers from the Big Bang. If so, could the very early Universe have produced lots of similarly sized primordial black holes? And could these black holes be the dark matter that holds galaxies together?

Part of Nature Outlook: Dark Universe When you don't know what something is, you have to consider everything, says Simeon Bird, one of the physicists at Johns Hopkins. The numbers looked good. The mass of the black holes was within a range that earlier searches for dark matter had not ruled out, and the time it took LIGO to spot the event was compatible with the merger rate that scientists had predicted. In May, Bird and his colleagues turned their discussion into a paper1, and the theory sparked a frenzy of media coverage around the world.

The idea soon received a boost. In June, it was suggested that primordial black holes could also explain the uneven distribution of infrared light in the cosmic background2. By August, a team led by astrophysicist Misao Sasaki of Kyoto University in Japan largely corroborated Bird's theory, but suggested that such black holes might account for only a fraction of dark matter3.

Astrophysicist Timothy Brandt thinks that he has found a fatal flaw with Bird's theory. Brandt, who is at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, looked at the motion of stars within ten well-studied dwarf galaxies close to the Milky Way4. The movements of the few stars that are visible reveal the presence of around 100 times more matter than can be seen. But when Brandt looked closer, he found that the stars are moving too slowly, and are concentrated too tightly, for the invisible mass to be in the form of 30-solar-mass black holes. Stars in a galaxy exchange energy as they pass each other; massive stars or black holes transfer energy to smaller stars, speeding their orbits and spreading the stars out. But in these galaxies, that wasn't happening. Either they aren't sharing energy, or there aren't these massive black holes hanging around, Brandt says.

It looks unlikely that primordial black holes are the mysterious dark matter. And as time passes without a confirmed detection, even the most heavily backed theories are beginning to look less likely. A series of experiments have systematically searched for, and failed to find, the theoretical candidates for dark matter  one by one, the possibilities are being reduced. A raft of experiments designed to finally detect, or refute, the remaining candidates are now underway, each with vastly different approaches to the problem. As more options are crossed off the list, physicists may have to explore new ideas and reconsider alternative theories such as Bird's  or accept that nature may have hidden dark matter just out of our reach.

Dark-matter mystery

The idea of dark matter dates back to the 1930s, when Swiss astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky came to the conclusion that there was too little visible matter in the Coma cluster to account for the motion of the 1,000 or so galaxies within it. Astronomers shrugged off Zwicky's theory for decades, but in 1970, US astronomer Vera Rubin began to publish exhaustive measurements of galactic spectra that showed that the cosmos was in effect keeping two sets of books  a substantial amount of mass was missing. By 1980, Rubin and others had shown that the electromagnetic spectrum revealed about one-sixth of the matter that shaped galaxies by its gravitational force5. But what was everything else?

Decades of research have narrowed down the possibilities. Early favourites included not only black holes, but also other massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) made of ordinary matter. A series of studies, however, gradually ruled out most of the possibilities. For example, researchers determined that black holes between about one-thousand billionth and one-billionth the mass of the Sun would destroy neutron stars. The presence of neutron stars in ancient globular clusters therefore suggests that primordial black holes of this size are extremely rare and could not account for all the dark matter in the Universe. Bird's theory was based on the fact that no one had yet ruled out larger black holes. But in the view of theoretical physicist John Ellis of King's College London, MACHOs are dead.

Although MACHOs have fallen by the wayside, another candidate has hung around. A decade ago, physicists were largely convinced that dark matter was made up of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). These are subatomic particles that have mass, but lack a charge (so they respond to gravity, but not to light or electromagnetism). WIMPs are predicted by a theory called supersymmetry. This is an extension of the standard model of particle physics devised to fix some inconsistencies with observed physics. It posits that symmetry between two fundamental classes of particle  bosons, such as photons and the Higgs boson, and fermions, such as protons and electrons  produces 'superpartners' in the other class that differ in mass, but are otherwise similar.

WIMPs remain the leading candidate for dark matter. Supersymmetry is beautiful mathematically, says physicist Oliver Buchmueller of Imperial College London. With just one weakly interacting particle, we can explain all the dark matter we see in the Universe. Indeed, so well does the lightest of these hypothetical particles fit the bill for dark matter that it has been called the WIMP miracle, says physicist Leslie Rosenberg of the University of Washington in Seattle.

With a mass of about one trillion electronvolts, the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) is thought to be about eight times more massive than the Higgs particle. LSPs are also anticipated to be their own antiparticle, meaning that if two LSPs meet they will annihilate each other, releasing a burst of photons that may offer a way to spot them in the Universe.

But supersymmetrical particles have proved maddeningly elusive. Physicists at CERN, Europe's particle-physics laboratory, are searching for WIMPs with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) by smashing protons or atomic nuclei together to recreate the conditions of the early Universe. Elsewhere, researchers are looking for signs of the particles bumping into sensitive detectors or affecting astronomical objects. The longer the puzzle goes unsolved, the more twitchy the scientific community will become. People are a little nervous, says Rosenberg.

Collision course

The LHC's brute-force approach to the WIMP search recreates the high-energy Universe as far back as a few trillionths of a second after the Big Bang. It's a bit of time travel, says Buchmueller. These experiments require extreme precision and perseverance. After recent upgrades, the LHC typically spends 3 to 5 hours loading the machine with particles and accelerating them to very high energies, and then the next 24 hours smashing them into each other. This cycle repeats for months, and the trillions of collisions are recorded and analysed in the hope that one hit will be just right to create the missing particle.

It's an approach that has chalked up one enormous success: the capture of the Higgs boson was reported in 2012 after a half-century quest. If dark matter is a particle, the LHC should produce it, says Buchmueller. The question is, can we dig it out?

Researchers won't see dark matter directly. Instead, they look for signs that energy and momentum in collisions have gone missing when they should have been conserved. Ellis compares searching for evidence of dark matter to watching billiard balls roll away after the cue ball hits them on the break shot. If the balls on one side of the group were invisible, and only the balls rolling away on the opposite side could be seen, the path and nature of the unseen balls can still be deduced, he says. Physicists are using the paths of the particles they can see to identify the paths of the dark matter that they can't.

But as yet, they haven't found any. In 2015, LHC experiments produced hints of a 750-gigaelectronvolt (GeV) boson, about six times the mass of the Higgs particle, but, in August, these were revealed to be nothing more than a statistical fluctuation. There has been no sign of supersymmetric particles or dark matter at masses up to 1,600 GeV, where physicists had expected to find them. Ellis says that the ongoing 2016 run should yield much more data and give a better indication of whether the expected dark-matter particles really exist. So far, none have been reported.

Dark matter lacks a charge, and so doesn't respond to electromagnetic force. The only way to directly detect the particles is if they bump into atoms of ordinary matter. But because dark matter seems to be very tiny, and the atoms that make up the world are mainly empty space, most of it zips through unscathed.

A detection like this seems like a long shot, then. But so much dark matter exists that, every once in a while, a particle should hit an atomic nucleus head-on and cause a detectable reaction. Several groups have built instruments to spot these bumps, which transfer just kiloelectronvolts (keV) of energy from dark matter to an atomic nucleus. That's the kinetic energy of a particle travelling at only about 0.1% of the speed of light. But such collisions are incredibly rare events, says Ellis. Credit: Source: DM Tools

Physicists picked the most sensitive target materials that they could find, those with nuclei most likely to react in a detectable way to a dark-matter collision. These targets, such as xenon and sodium iodide, are cooled to close to absolute zero to make it easier to spot the small amounts of energy transferred from dark to ordinary matter. Detectors were initially small (grams monitored for a day) to test their feasibility, but were scaled up (a tonne observed for a year) to increase sensitivity. Burying the detectors deep underground helped to keep potential interference, from cosmic rays and nuclear decay, for example, from overwhelming dark-matter signals (see 'Dark-matter detection'). But time and again, searches found nothing except background noise. Each experiment excluded a range of possible masses and collisional cross-sections. They showed no trace of the LSP predicted by the simple versions of supersymmetry that had seemed so promising as the WIMP miracle (see 'Hide and seek').

In July, researchers working with the world's most sensitive dark-matter instrument reported that it, too, had come up dry in its final run. The LUX (Large Underground Xenon) experiment ran for 20 months, monitoring 370 kilograms of liquid xenon cooled to millikelvin temperatures at the 1.5-km-deep Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota. It found not a single WIMP. But the LUX group aren't giving up. There's more space left for WIMPs than you might think, says Simon Fiorucci, a physicist at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in California who works on LUX. The latest run improved LUX's sensitivity by a factor of four, helping to rule out more possible masses for dark matter.

To explore the remaining range of masses that are accessible to experiments, the LUX team is assembling an upgrade: LUXZEPLIN. The experiment, which uses seven tonnes of liquid xenon, should be taking data by 2020. Fiorucci is optimistic about the quest. I see WIMPs as quite viable, he says. But others are not as confident, and that includes project sponsors at funding agencies, Rosenberg notes.

Hard evidence

The wild card in the search for dark matter is a project based in Italy called DAMA (for DArk MAtter). The team has claimed to have detected dark matter consistently since the late 1990s. They're seeing something, says Fiorucci, but the big question is what. Like many others, he is not convinced that it's dark matter.

DAMA has taken a unique approach. Instead of trying to eliminate background noise so that it can record individual collisions, the observatory counts everything and looks for annual variations in the signal level from highly purified sodium iodide crystals located 1.5 km beneath Italy's Gran Sasso mountain. The team's hypothesis is that, when Earth's orbit lines up with that of the Sun, Earth sweeps through a larger volume of space per second than when it moves in the opposite direction. The observatory, therefore, should encounter more dark matter when the orbits line up than it does half a year later. DAMA has recorded this annual peak at the same time through 14 annual cycles, says physicist Rita Bernabei of the University of Rome.

But the champagne corks are yet to pop. DAMA's results are inconsistent with those of instruments that have used other elements, such as xenon. And a perceived sense of secrecy around the project has added to the difficulty of replication. Most researchers think that DAMA is detecting something other than dark matter, although Bernabei says that no one has offered an alternative for the pattern.

To resolve the discrepancy, Frank Calaprice, a physicist at Princeton University in New Jersey, is putting the DAMA results to the acid test. I take their signal very seriously, he says. His project, called Sodium-iodide with Active Background Rejection (SABRE), will use a sodium-iodide detector similar to DAMA's. But by improving sodium-iodide purity and using an external radiation detector to reject background events unrelated to dark matter, Calaprice hopes to reduce noise to one-tenth of that of the DAMA experiment. The system, also at Gran Sasso, will start taking data in 2017 with a pair of 5-kg crystals, and scale up to 50 kg of sodium iodide over time. To test whether the annual DAMA signal is due to dark matter, a second, 50-kg SABRE array is being built in a new underground lab in a gold mine in Victoria, Australia. If dark matter is responsible for the annual signal, it will appear at the same time in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. If the annual variation differs between the two labs, it would indicate another cause, such as atmospheric effects. I'm open-minded, not trying to prove them wrong or right, Calaprice says. I'm just trying to do a good experiment.

Calaprice isn't alone in his efforts. As part of an experiment called COSINE-100, researchers are planning to conduct a similar test using 100 kg of highly purified sodium iodide. The project is a collaboration between the Korea Invisible Mass Search (KIMS) and DM-Ice groups. KIMS installed the detectors 700 metres underground at the Yangyang laboratory in South Korea this summer. Operation will start in the autumn, and will allow researchers to make a pretty strong statement about DAMA, says Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin, principle investigator for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory (see page S198). IceCube's South Pole base is also home to the DM-Ice group, which is currently waiting to install 250 kg of sodium iodide detectors of its own. The experiment doesn't cost much, but it relies on drilling new holes in the ice, says Halzen. A date for the drilling has yet to be confirmed.

Wider possibilities

Although WIMPs are still the leading candidates for dark matter, explanations that are more of a long shot are being dusted off. The lightest 'wrap' particles in KaluzaKlein theories, for instance, could be dark-matter candidates, if they are stable. Proposed in the 1920s, the theories posit that higher-order dimensions curve around themselves to look tiny. Such theories are given less attention than the lightest supersymmetric particle, but are definitely out there, says Ellis.

One of the strongest alternative explanations is that dark matter is a class of theoretical particle called axions. Like WIMPs, these were proposed to solve a problem with the standard model. The theory suggests that fundamental particles called quarks have a hidden axial symmetry. Like supersymmetry, axions would, in Rosenberg's words, solve the flaws in the standard model, not too badly wrong, that keep theorists up at night.

Rosenberg views low-mass axions as ideal dark-matter candidates. Extremely long-lived, very cold and highly unlikely to bump into other matter, their lack of charge would make them nearly invisible to normal matter and radiation. Fiorucci says that they are the only other explanation for dark matter that is consistent with what is well understood about particle and nuclear physics.

But like supersymmetric particles, axions have yet to be found. Experiments so far have limited axion masses to between 1 and 100 microelectronvolts  around 16 orders of magnitude less than the Higgs mass. As part of the Axion Dark Matter Experiment, Rosenberg is attempting to detect axions by trapping them inside a cavity that oscillates at microwave frequencies and contains an intense magnetic field. The experiment's US$1.5-million annual funding is mostly provided by the US Department of Energy. After four years of preparation, construction and preliminary testing, the experiment is set to begin operation in July 2017. It will run until 2021, which should cover most of the mass range that has yet to be searched. But even if axions are not detected, that wouldn't prove that they don't exist, only that we can't see them.

The Universe may be unkind. It may be that dark matter is very light or very heavy.

The concern that dark matter may simply be undetectable is a genuine one. The Universe could be unkind, says Fiorucci. It may well be that dark matter is either very light or very heavy, or its density is too low where the Earth is. It might be hidden by noise or overlooked for another reason, much like dwarf galaxies were until recently. We are never guaranteed a positive result, he says.

But Buchmueller recommends patience. After 20 years working on WIMPs, supersymmetry and dark matter, he has no doubts about the course of research. The Higgs boson was postulated in 1964 and discovered in 2012, he says. I am not really surprised it has taken us 30 years and we haven't seen anything yet. It may take another 20. Right now, it would be premature to give up.

Credit: B. Wankerl/MPP View from a Lindau Young Scientist

We're excluding so much parameter space that I sometimes feel dark-matter detection must be right around the corner. I'm trying to test models of sterile neutrinos as dark matter. Sterile neutrinos would be the heavier, right-handed counterparts to the active neutrinos we have detected. There have been some hints of them in X-ray satellite data, but the situation is as yet unclear.

Maximilian Totzauer, PhD student at the Max Planck Institute for Physics in Munich, Germany attended the 66th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.
Water reservoirs are favorite venues for tourism, but a new review reveals the dark side of these dams. According to the paper to be published in BioScience next week, water reservoirs actually produce a large amount of greenhouse gases.

Popular Science reports that man-made reservoirs are responsible for releasing one gigaton of greenhouse gas, particularly methane, per year. To put this into perspective, one gigaton of greenhouse gas is more or less equal to one-sixth of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Also, the said amount is just below Brazil, the 7th biggest greenhouse gas emitter in the world.

To add to the problem, methane emitted from water reservoirs are in the form has a short yet big impact to the environment because the said gas has a short lifespan but strong warming effect.

The researchers came up to this conclusion by analyzing more than 200 studies regarding the effects and relationships of man-made reservoirs to greenhouse gas emissions.

Washington Post notes that there have been a significant decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, methane emissions is still causing a problem. Methane, which could be emitted from a variety of sources, accounts for 79 percent of emissions from reservoirs.

"Natural systems do produce methane, but studies have consistently found that reservoirs produce methane more rapidly than other systems do for a number of reasons," John Harrison, a co-author of the paper, told Popular Science.

Harrison further explained that the soil in reservoirs contain organic matter, which in turn, can be converted into methane and carbon dioxide. Also, because water reservoirs are designed to be connected to a water source such as a river, these manmade dams receive high amounts of organic matter and sediment; thus, the continuing production of methane.

One sign of methane production, according to Harrison, are the bubbles forming on the suface of water reservoirs. These bubbles form because methane is less soluble than other greenhouse gases.

"We synthesized all known estimates from reservoirs globally, for hydropower and other functions, like flood control and irrigation," said Bridget Deemer, the studys first author and a researcher with Washington State University. And we found that the estimates of methane emissions per area of reservoir are about 25 percent higher than previously thought, which we think is significant given the global boom in dam construction, which is currently underway."

The researchers says that methane emissions from reservoirs are expected to be on the rise with the current global boom in reservoir construction.
The United Nations is set to launch its first-ever space mission in 2021.

The organization's two-week robotic mission will fly on board Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) Dream Chaser spacecraft. Details of the mission were announced during the International Astronautical Congress held in Guadalajara, Mexico on Sept. 27.

According to SNC, the Dream Chaser mission aims to provide developing nations the opportunity to fly payloads for an extended duration in orbit. Other member states of the UN could also propose payloads for the mission. The countries that will be chosen to provide payloads will pay a portion of the mission's total cost. Developing nations are likely to get a reasonable price break. The organizations are also seeking sponsors that will help finance the mission.

"One of UNOOSA's core responsibilities is to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space," Simonetta Di Pippo, director of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) said in a news release.

"I am proud to say that one of the ways UNOOSA will achieve this, in cooperation with our partner SNC, is by dedicating an entire microgravity mission to United Nations Member States, many of which do not have the infrastructure or financial backing to have a standalone space program."

UNOOSA will also offer technical support to countries that lack expertise or experience in developing microgravity payloads. The organizations will start selecting payloads in early 2018 to allow ample time for development and integration into the Dream Chaser spacecraft.

The Dream Chaser spacecraft is capable of carrying both crewed vehicles and cargo. It measures about 30 feet (9 meters) and looks like a smaller version of the NASA space shuttle. The spacecraft is reusable, launches vertically, and lands horizontally on commercial airports or spaceports. NASA has recently selected the uncrewed transport version of the spacecraft for a resupply mission to the International Space Station.
NASA caused quite a stir when news of the space agency changing the 12 zodiac signs, adding a 13th sign called Ophiuchus, surfaced online. However, NASA has denied such claims and said that with or without the change in zodiac signs, astrology is still fake.

The ruckus was caused when Cosmopolitan posted an article, saying that NASA has decided to change the astrological signs for the first time in 2,000 years. The article says that the change was caused by the stars and Earth's axis being different today than it was in the past.

However, in a recent post of NASA on Tumblr, the space agency clarified that they did not change the zodiac signs but just clarified the facts and calculation. NASA further said that there is a big difference between astrology and astronomy, the latter being the scientific study of everything in space.

"Astrology is something else. Its not science. No one has shown that astrology can be used to predict the future or describe what people are like based on their birth dates," NASA emphasized.

The supposed 13th zodiac sign called Ophiuchus is known to be the "snake bearer" in astrology. It is located between the Aquila, Serpens and Hercules constellations, Inverse reports. There are in fact 13 zodiac signs, but the Babylonians divided the zodiac signs to 12 to fit to their calendar.

"The Space Place feature that sparked this is about how astrology is not astronomy, how it was a relic of ancient history, and pointed out the science and math that come from observations of the night sky," Laurie Cantillo of the Planetary Exploration, Heliophysics told BBC Trending.

However, for those curious to know what their new zodiac signs would be if NASA did change the zodiacs, here's a calendar including the 13th sign Ophiuchus:

Capricorn: Jan. 20 - Feb. 16

Aquarius: Feb. 16 - March 11

Pisces: March 11 - April 18

Aries: April 18 - May 13

Taurus: May 13 - June 21

Gemini: June 21- July 20

Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10

Leo: Aug. 10 - Sept. 16

Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30

Libra: Oct. 30 - Nov. 23

Scorpio: Nov. 23 - 29

Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 - Dec. 17

Sagittarius: Dec. 17 - Jan. 20
The Supreme Court confirmed the 12-year jail sentence for Kim Ki-jong, who attacked U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert with a knife last year.

In a ruling, the Supreme Court stated, "Kim clearly intended to murder Ambassador Lippert, given the size of the weapon, the way he repeatedly stabbed the envoy's face and neck, the part of the face he attacked and the injuries he inflicted."

The Supreme Court, however, found Kim not guilty of violating the National Security Law by praising North Korea.

Kim attacked Lippert with a 24 cm-long knife at a forum at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul on Mar. 5 last year while shouting "Stop joint South Korea-U.S. military drills."


The legendary Skyros ponies, who have been running wild in Skyros, Greece for 2,000 years and was even believed to have pulled Achilles' chariot, is nearing extinction. The rare creature's numbers have dwindled to 200 remaining individuals left on the planet.

According to a report from National Geographic, some of the reasons for the dying population of the Skyros pony include the overgrazing of sheep, the loss of their natural habitat and interbreeding with donkeys. Now, there are only 200 roaming the planet, most of which are in Greece and roughly 40 under the Skyros Island Horse Trust.

This trust works to raise awareness about this rare breed of horse, monitors its population, and houses sick, injured or aging individuals. Their multifaceted approach includes tracking the bloodlines to ensure diversity in the new generation and finding homes for the horses.

The challenges are daunting in their conservation work though, chief of which is funding. Amanda Simpson, who runs the Skyros Island Horse Trust, described the work as "very difficult within Greece's economic situation."

"Even though it's a rare breed and there's status, there [are] no kinds of funding in terms of government resources," she added.

John Halley, associate professor of conservation at the University of Ioannina in Greece, chimed in saying that finesse is needed to get conservation issues noticed in Mediterranean countries.

"Some of the politicians are actually conservation biologists," Halley said. "But like any other country, there are so many other problems that need attention, that maybe the case of the Skyros pony is not being heard."

There are many reasons to save the Skyros pony from extinction, one of which is its place in history and Greek mythology. Not only is this tiny horse believed to have carried Achilles, they are also featured in a frieze in the Parthenon.

"These are sort of living museums," Simpson pointed out. "You actually have a living breathing piece of history. It would seem criminal to see them go into extinction."

Its size and mild temperament also make the ideal animal for therapy and introducing small children to horseback riding.
Good news! The world's most heavily trafficked (and weirdest) mammal on Earth, pangolins, could be saved from extinction as the UN wildlife conference on Wednesday has approved a worldwide ban on pangolins.

According to a report from the Associated Press, about 180 countries participating at the meeting of CITES showed support for the ban. Of the participants, only Indonesia objected while China, Oman, Japan, Namibia and Madagascar abstained. A decision is expected to push through at the upcoming plenary session to be held next week.

This is a huge win and rare piece of good news for some of the worlds most trafficked and endangered animals. This eliminates any question about legality of trade, making it harder for criminals to traffic them and increasing the consequences for those who do," said Ginette Hemley, head of the WWF delegation to CITES via The Guardian.

Covered in scales and are relatively small in size, pangolins are nocturnal mammals that feed on ants for food. These animals could curl its armored body into a small spiral but has a tongue that's longer than its body length, Smithsonian reports.

Pangolin poaching is prevalent as these animals have been used for traditional Asian medicine. Their highly coveted scales are believed to be a cancer cure and weight loss remedy.

The IUCN reports that this critically endangered animals' population has declined by about 80 percent in the last 21 years and is expected to continue to decline by 80 percent in the next 21 years. AP notes that about a million pangolins have been killed due to poaching in the last decade.

This decision will help give pangolins a fighting chance. The world is standing up for the little guy with this pivotal decision. These species need extra protection and now they will get it," said Dr. Susan Lieberman from the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Korea came 26th out of 138 nations in global competitiveness rankings published by the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.

Korea rose to 11th place in 2007 but dropped to 26th in 2014 and seems marooned there. The main reason was a low labor competitiveness. Korea ranked 77th in terms of labor market efficiency, with the labor-management relations at near bottom in 135th.

Frequent strikes ended up tarnishing Korea's image. The only countries that ranked lower than Korea in terms of labor relations were Uruguay, Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa.

Neighboring rivals all did much better with Japan seventh, Hong Kong 14th, Taiwan 16th and China 47th.

Meanwhile, public transport union workers began striking on Tuesday, while the health workers union downed syringes on Wednesday.

The Korea Metal Workers Union, which includes Hyundai Motor assembly line workers, went on a partial strike starting Wednesday.

Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho accused striking workers of being "selfish" and warned that their actions would hurt Korea's competitiveness.


Halloween Haunt at California's Great America has canceled its planned tech-savvy attraction for fears that it would prompt a wave of backlash because its content could be offensive to some.

The virtual reality ride, called FearVR, straps riders into a chair before transporting them to a mental hospital, where they follow a possessed girl running rampant through the halls.

It opened last week, but has now closed.

Before the FearVR opening in Santa Clara, mental health advocates were already voicing displeasure and claiming that the ride was "hurtful, dehumanizing, discriminatory, prejudicial, insensitive, offensive and stigmatizing of mental illness," according to Voice of OC.

Cedar Fair, the parent company that oversees the Santa Clara amusement park and Knott's Berry Farm in Southern California, which already unveiled the attraction, said the attraction never "intended to portray mental illness."

"As it is impossible to address both concerns and misconceptions in the Halloween time frame, at this time, we have decided to close the attraction," Cedar Fair said in a statement.

Great America fans say the park did the right thing.

"I mean, that's a pretty good reason to shut down a ride," one visitor said. "They're thinking of other people, not just making money."
Drunk driving offenders in California will be required to install an ignition interlock on their vehicles that connects to a breathalyzer under a new law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday.

The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2019, is designed to prevent DUI offenders from being able to start their cars if they're drunk.

State Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), who authored the bill, says most people with suspended licenses drive anyway, and the interlock is a proven life-saver in the four California counties, including Alameda County, where it has been tested.

"The number of non-starts because of those devices: over 1 million times in five years," Hill said. "In the 25 states where it has been in place for a number of years, the death rate from DUIs was reduced by 40 percent."

The law will require convicted drunk drivers to pass a breathalyzer test connected to their vehicles, and if they fail, the vehicle won't start. A Bay Area woman behind the bill saw her son killed by a drunk driver.

Fifteen years ago, while Matt Klotzbach was on leave from the Naval Academy, he was killed in Los Gatos by a drunk driver with a suspended license. Klotzbach's parents, Tom and Mary Klotzbach, were in the car with him.

"My motivation was that nobody would endure the pain that my family has endured with the loss of Matt," Mary Klotzbach said.

It was a enough motivation for Mary to battle for the statewide mandatory ignition interlock program. She even went as far as installing one of the devices in her own vehicle eight years ago, even though she doesnt drink alcohol.

"I put it on my car because the legislators told me it was draconian to do this," Mary said. "I said this is not draconian; it is using technology to save lives."

Hill said California has 35,000 of the devices, and there are more than 310,000 people with three or more DUIs driving on the highways.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is sponsoring an event at Lake Merced in San Francisco at 9 a.m. Sunday. It's dedicated to the memory of Matt Klotzbach.
As an impressionable kid, Lisa Tatola-Joachim knew her life could have gone differently.

She credits community members support for getting her through school and on the right path.

Now, as an adult, shes been recognized by San Mateo County for her countless hours spent giving back that same support to her community.

Tatola-Joachim has been involved with the Tongan Interfaith Council, an organization created to respond to gang violence among youth in San Mateo and San Bruno, and now works for the San Mateo Police Activities League after volunteering for various community initiatives.

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On a day-to-day, she can be found advocating for various efforts of the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, working on an annual violence prevention conference, or contributing to other programs and associations that support San Mateo County's high school and college students.

She says she likes to see people in the community, whether doctors, teachers or police officers, asking questions about why people do certain things and try to facilitate an understanding between one another.

An Unsung Hero

A quiet evening outside, but an undeniable energy inside, a room inside the Mills-Peninsula Medical Center was absolutely brimming with music, laughter and applause on Sept. 22 for the countys first annual "Heroes of San Mateo County" award to recognize members of the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

With every seat filled and many standing in the back and near the lobby, the crowd gave a resounding applause to Tatola-Joachim when she stood up.

As an active volunteer and advocate for churches, councils and ground level organizations, Tatola-Joachim was recognized by her community as a valuable leader.

"It makes it easier to give when you're doing something that you enjoy," Tatola-Joachim said. I wanted to give those opportunities that I had back to the kids that I work with.

The awards were sponsored by the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center and the Office of San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom.
Dozens of suspicious fires set in the East Bay have investigators afraid that its only a matter of time before some of the homes nearby go up in flames.

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District's Fire Investigation Unit said on Facebook that they are currently examining around 33 blazes that sparked in Pleasanton and pockmarked Concord's Iron Horse Trail.

The most recent one was set Tuesday night.

Ron Johnsen said his backyard lit up around dusk Tuesday.

"It was just woosh,'" he said. "I thought, 'Holy christ, its a fire.'"

Johnsen said the flames were coming from the trail, which runs between Concord and Dublin and is a frequent haunt for walkers, runners and bicyclists.

He speculated that the arsonist maybe sprayed "some lighter fluid or something", "lit" it and "then took off running."

In July, flames shot up a tree and hoevered dangerously close to electrical poles.

Johnsen insisted that the fires have been "intentionally set." But Captain George Laing with the county's Fire Protection District said only that the fires are believed to be arson. So far noone has been hurt, but Laing is worried that could change.

"I cant speculate on the motivation," he said. "We just know we want it to stop."

So does Johnsen, who is even now afraid to venture far from his house.

"It scares me about my house burning or something," he said. "My wife has [Multiple Sclerosis]. She cant walk."

Specific details about the fires and a potential suspect are unavailable at this time, according to authorities, who asked people who live along the trail to remove any flammable fuel from their properties.

People with information are asked to call the Fire Investigation Unit at 925-942-9140, the arson tip line at 1-866-502-7766 or report it to the police.

NBC Bay Area's Brendan Weber contributed to this report.
Demonstrators protesting the shooting death of an unarmed black man said to be "mentally perturbed" gathered in El Cajun for a second night of mostly peaceful protests, chanting slogans and holding signs.

Several hundred people took to the streets of the San Diego suburb, marching from the shooting scene to City Hall and back, shouting Alfred Okwera Olango's name, taunting police and periodically blocking traffic.

The 28-year-old refugee from the Uganda was fatally shot by police after allegedly taking a "shooting stance" while holding an object during a confrontation with officers in shopping center's parking lot, El Cajon police said. Police later confirmed Olango was holding a vape smoking device.

The crowd staged a boisterous but peaceful rally near the site of Olango's death at the Broadway Plaza Shopping Center on Broadway, chanting "No justice, no peace," and holding "Black Lives Matter" signs.

News chopper video of protesters marching the streets of El Cajon on Sept. 28, 2016, one day after the deadly police shooting of an unarmed black man, Alfred Alongo.

A tense situation unfolded earlier Wednesday evening after some sort of scuffle prompted the crowd to scatter, and forced police to call in back up.

Officers in riot gear could be seen forming lines and blocking off streets, but mostly kept their distance. Demonstrators milled about the streets, but the mood grew more relaxed and the crowds gradually diminished.

Aerial footage showed A crowd of people angry over the shooting death of an unarmed black man in El Cajon swarmed the streets near the site of the shooting.

Protests against the police shooting began earlier in the day, when crowds gathered and walked in between cars traveling in the opposite direction along Broadway.

Some protesters cursed as they marched while others screamed, "No violence! No violence!"

A dozen San Diego County Sheriff's deputies stood in a line across Broadway between Ballantyne Street and Mollison Avenue, in an apparent attempt to block protesters from getting on to State Route 67.

One woman, who was protesting with her son, told NBC 7 that she worries about him because he's black and she's white.

"It's just to bring attention to what's going on," Sara Bennett said. "I worry about him every day because of what's going on and how is it, they see me as a white woman and him as a black man. Its not fair, we need to be together."

Her son, Josiah, said he was out in the streets because he was tired of his mom worrying about him whenever he left the house.

"I shouldn't have to worry if I'm white, brown, black, purple, green," he said. "Doesn't matter. I want to feel safe and hang out and do what I want without police looking at me because I'm a certain color."

Protesters also held a candlelight memorial for Olango at the shooting scene on Broadway. They said his name multiple times and held a moment of silence before heading to the street for a sit-in.

Parkway Plaza in El Cajon, on the 400 block of Fletcher Parkway off Interstate 8, temporarily closed their doors Wednesday because of the protesters.

"By request of local authorities and out of an abundance of caution, Parkway Plaza will be temporarily closed due to demonstrations in the area. We will let you know when we are scheduled to reopen," the Plaza said in a statement on their Facebook page.

El Cajon Police said the mall chose to close on its own.

On Tuesday, officers with the El Cajon Police Department (ECPD) shot and killed Alfred Olango, a Ugandan refugee, during an encounter in the parking lot of a shopping center in the 800 block of Broadway. Police said Olango was reported to be "acting erratically" and did not follow orders to remove his hands from the pockets of his pants.

Police said at one point he pulled an object from his pants and pointed it at officers in a "shooting stance." Authorities later revealed the object was a vaping device.

The killing of Olango sparked outrage in the community amid racial tensions nationwide stemming from deadly police shootings of unarmed black men.

An NBC 7 news crew captured one confrontation between a protester and a sheriff's deputy.

As one man confronted law enforcement during a march in El Cajon Wednesday, calling them pigs, one woman stood up for authorities, telling them she understood that they were just trying to do their jobs.

Pigs! Be scared! [Youre all] in riot gear because youre all f---ing cowards! the protester said.

Suddenly a woman nearby chimed in, directing her comment to the deputy, No, you guys arent. You guys are doing your jobs."

"You may not be part of it, but your buddies are," another man shouted at law enforcement officers. "It's time to expose everybody."

A man wearing a shirt with the words #BlackLives tried to walk across the line formed by law enforcement but was quickly stopped by a deputy.

The man shouted that he was trying to get to his son on the other side of the line.

Stop! Go back! the deputy told the man.

Are you kidding me? the man asked the deputy. You wonder why we gotta problem with you all? Are you serious?

"Is not following police orders a justification for killing? This is Murder," said Christopher Rice-Wilson, the Associate Director at Alliance San Diego who was one of the protesters.

Olango emigrated to the U.S. in 1991 when he was 12 years old.

[G] Police Shoot 'Erratic' Man in El Cajon Parking Lot

The suspects sister described the moments leading up to a fatal El Cajon police shooting that killed her brother.

Protesters marched the streets of El Cajon Wednesday, at one point gathering near a freeway underpass.

Mallory Webb of the NAACPs Youth & College Division talks about her fear of walking in public and her fear of violence directed at her loved ones. The rally was held following the shooting death of Alfred Olango during a confrontation with El Cajon Police officers.

One of the speakers at a rally held the morning after a deadly shooting in El Cajon, California explained that witnesses and people who know the man killed are afraid of coming forward.
Comptroller Leslie Munger released a campaign ad Wednesday focusing on her proposed No Budget, No Pay policy that would require a balanced budget to be passed in order for state lawmakers to be paid.

The 30-second spot stresses Mungers business background and looks to establish the comptroller as an outsider in Illinois politics.

When the politicians down in Springfield couldnt pass a budget she told them no budget, no pay, the ads narrator says.

The narrator goes on to call Mungers bid for re-election a campaign that puts the politicians in line with the rest of us."

Munger, who was appointed comptroller by Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2015, announced in April that lawmakers would have to wait in line to receive paychecks with other state vendors.

Theyre hurting Illinois, so why should they get paid, Munger asks in the ad.

The Republican is facing a tough bid for re-election against Democratic challenger and Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, as well as added competition from Libertarian Party candidate Claire Ball and Green Party candidate Tim Curtin.

Last week, Munger received a $260,000 donation from her husband, exceeding the $250,000 self-funding threshold and removing fundraising limits for the race. The contribution is technically a loan that could be immediately repaid. Nevertheless, campaign finance limits would still be off for Munger and her three opponents in the race.
Hours after a shooting on the westbound Eisenhower Expressway left a man dead and a woman wounded, another person has been killed in a shooting on the eastbound lanes of the expressway.

Illinois State Police said the shooting happened just after noon Thursday on Interstate 290 in the eastbound lanes near the exit ramp to Central Avenue.

A passenger was shot in a vehicle and transported by the driver to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Family members, through tears, identified the victim as 22-year-old Devon Almon. They said he had just left court with a friend, who was driving, when they were followed and someone shot into their car.

The female driver was not injured, police said.

The eastbound exit ramp at Central Avenue was shut down for roughly two hours as police investigated.

Earlier Thursday morning, a Chicago rapper was killed and a woman injured, in a shooting that shut down the Eisenhower Expressway for hours near Chicago's East Garfield Park neighborhood.

Just before 6 a.m., ISP officers responded to reports of shots being fired in the westbound lanes of I-290 near Laramie Avenue, officials said.

Police confirm: at least one person shot near I-290, WB at Laramie, PD on frontage road #NBCSky5 @nbcc@KyeMartinNBC pic.twitter.com/WcQLaI2mFX  Kye Martin (@KyeMartinNBC) September 29, 2016

Two people, a man and a woman, riding in a white SUV were shot, according to police. The victims were found by police at Flournoy Street and Lockwood Avenue in Chicago and both were transported to Stroger Hospital.

The man was pronounced dead and the woman was listed in critical condition.

Family members identified the man as 22-year-old Johnathon Ortiz, a rapper who goes by the name of John Doe. Ortiz is known for his performances at venues that include the House of Blues and was on his way home after getting food with his girlfriend Alexis Garcia when someone opened fire, his family said.

All westbound I-290 lanes from California to Central were shut down as state police searched for shell casings and investigated the shooting. The lanes were expected to remain closed for several hours during the morning rush.

Police said there have been seven shootings on I-290 since January 1, including the two shootings from Thursday. In total, there have been 41 shootings on Chicago-area expressways so far this year. That's compared to 39 total shootings on expressways in 2015.

The Illinois Department of Transporation said about 200,000 people use the Eisenhower Expressway each day.

Check back for details on this developing story.
Police are asking for help to identify human remains, including a severed head, that were discovered Friday morning in a lagoon in McKinley Park on Chicago's Southwest Side, police said in a community alert Wednesday night.

Police included sketches in the alert asking for assistance from the public in identifying the remains.

Police said the victim is black and between 15 and 25 years old. The gender was not immediately known, police said.



Workers draining the lagoon for maintenance found a bag floating in the water around 10 a.m. last Friday, police said. One of the workers opened it up and found the head.



A death investigation is underway, Supt. Eddie Johnson said at the time. The head, Johnson said, is likely to be that of a black man.



The head and other body parts were found in the lagoon, Johnson said, noting the other parts have been sent to the Medical Examiner's Office.



"It is still an ongoing investigation," Johnson said Friday.

Nancy Taylor and her grandkids spend a lot of time at the lagoon.

"We used to come over here and feed the ducks and fish," she said. "It's scary."

Some residents say they doubt the person died in the park.

"I'm still going to come, I don't think they killed the people in the park," said Samantha McLain. "I think they brought them here to dump them."

The remains were taken to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Area South detectives were investigating.
A Chicago man has received one of the largest individual payouts for a wrongful conviction in the country, his attorney says.

Rodell Sanders was awarded $15 million from the city of Chicago Heights after he spent nearly 20 years in prison fighting to prove his innocence. Now the father of three continues to fight to prove the innocence of others.

Ive lost years with my family, Ive lost years with my children, many, many things I lost that I can never get back, Sanders said.

Sanders was wrongfully convicted of a 1993 murder. He and his attorneys claim Chicago Heights police doctored a photo lineup and used a paid informant to tie Sanders to the crime.

In 1993, 1994, the Chicago Heights Police Department had a string of police officers who were corrupt, attorney Russell Ainsworth said. Seven of them were indicted and convicted by federal law enforcement officers.

On Wednesday, the mayor of Chicago Heights, David A. Gonzalez, released a statement that says the settlement, in which no wrongdoing has been assigned to the city of Chicago Heights Police Department, seeks to protect the interests of tax payers and to forge community unity in our diverse city.

Sanders now works at Loevy and Loevy Law Firmthe same firm that represented him in the federal lawsuit that landed the hefty sum.

We actually hired him as a law clerk, Ainsworth said of Sanders.

Sanders and his attorneys say they hope the case is a lesson.

Rodell Sanders conviction was a sad product of a system that didn't hold its police officers accountable, Ainsworth said.

Sanders says he plans on taking a vacation to Jamaica.

Ive lived a happy life these two years, Sanders said. Im happy.
Ishmael Henry thought he was sexting a 13-year-old girl he met on Facebook.

And for awhile the 20-year-old man was, Cook County prosecutors said.

But then the teenagers father discovered the text messages and took over the conversations, pretending he was his daughter, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.

The man texted Henry about a possible meeting on Monday and Henry agreed, believing he was talking to the girl, Assistant States Attorney Holly Grosshans said.

Henry went to the corner of Homan and Harrison that night, Grosshans said. But when he was confronted the girls father and another person, Henry ran, Grosshans said.

The girls father flagged down police and Henry was arrested shortly after.

Police recovered sexually explicit text messages between the girl and Henry, who met the teen on Facebook in April and continued to exchange messages with her there, on Snapchat and the TextMe app, Grosshans said.

The girl had told Henry she was 13 and he told police he knew she was a minor, Grosshans said.

Henry allegedly admitted to the text messages and said he maybe intended to touch the girl a little but denied planning to do anything sexual at the public place meeting place.

Judge James Brown ordered Henry, of the 3700 block of West Lexington, held on $50,000 bail Wednesday for indecent solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor.
A north suburban woman was charged Thursday with sending a granular substance to the Illinois State Tollway Authority in an envelope addressed to the Illinois Tollway B-----s, according to the DuPage County States Attorneys Office.

Cassandra Shepard, 28, of the 1400 block of Howard Street in Evanston, was charged with felony disorderly conduct and false bomb or deadly substance threat. She was ordered held in lieu of $5,000.

After receiving the letter, Illinois State Tollway Authority employees noticed a granular substance in the envelope and alerted authorities, the states attorneys office said in a news release. The FBI, the Illinois State Police, Downers Grove Fire Department and Naperville Fire Department Specialized Hazmat Unit all responded to the facility and determined the substance was not hazardous and did not pose an immediate threat to employees, the news release said.

The release did not specify what the substance was. Calls and emails to the state's attorney's office were not immediately returned.

Shepard was taken into custody Thursday without incident in relation to the alleged envelope, prosecutors said.

Regardless of what was in the envelope or what Ms. Shepards intentions were when she allegedly mailed it, government employees have the right to feel safe at work and any threats to that safety will be taken very seriously, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Shepard is due back in court on Oct. 6.
A woman who witnessed the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald said in a federal lawsuit against the city of Chicago that she was detained by police after the shooting and pressured to change her story, which she had earlier told a freelance photojournalist on video obtained by NBC Chicago.

Alma Benitez filed suit this week, claiming she was illegally detained at a police station shortly after the shooting, her phone confiscated as she was told by officers that her account of what happened in the October 2014 shooting was wrong.

Dashcam video of the 17-year-old's shooting was released last November, prompting nationwide protests, a probe by the US Justice Department and the possible firing of numerous police officers, including Chicagos police superintendent at the time. Officer Jason Van Dyke, who shot McDonald 16 times as he appeared to walk away from police, has been charged with first-degree murder.

Questions have surrounded the handling of the case since the shooting first happened.

Benitez was interviewed by a freelance photojournalist moments after the incident in 2014, where she recounted what she saw.

I was in the drive-thru. I was going to place my order when I seen a squad car chasing a guy, an African-American guy, she said. There was three squad cars at the moment, but the guy wasn't running fast at all. He was running really slow, and he was trying to pull his pants up. He was holding his pants, but as he was running, he was trying to pull his pants up. After that, I just saw him when, he just stood there. The next thing you know they shot at him.

Benitez said in the interview she heard several shots before seeing McDonald on the ground. She also noted that she didnt hear police officers say anything to McDonald before the shooting, though police officers have claimed they made numerous demands telling McDonald to drop the knife.

Dashcam video of the shooting had no audio.

"It was super exaggerated, Benitez said. You didn't need that many cops to begin with, and second of all, they didn't need to shoot him, they didn't. They basically had him face-to-face. There was no purpose why they had to shoot him."

In her nine-page complaint, Benitez said she tried to take photos and video on her cellphone of what she witnessed. But when police learned of what she was doing, officers demanded that [Benitez] surrender her phone at the scene of the shooting.

Later, she was transported to a police station, where she claims she and other witnesses were detained for several hours.

[Benitez] described to the officers what she saw when she witnessed a Chicago police officer shoot and kill a civilian, the complaint reads. Chicago police officers told [Benitez] that her account of what she witnessed was not what really happened or words to that effect. Chicago police officers told [Benitez] they had video of the shooting that contradicted her account of what she witnessed.

The complaint claims video did not contradict Benitez's account and officers later wrote false reports of their interviews with witnesses. It also alleges police "pressured other witnesses being held at Area Central, in a similar manner, to retract their accounts of the shooting."

The complaint cites a longstanding code of silence in the police department, alleging officers were attempting to cover up what really happened that night.

It demands a jury trial and seeks an undisclosed amount of compensatory damages.
A Chicago Public Schools teacher filed an emergency petition to preserve evidence against another teacher who is accused of videotaping people in a Gold Coast schools bathroom.

The teacher, identified as Jane Doe, filed the motion to preserve evidence Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court.

The teacher alleges she was illegally recorded in a bathroom of Ogden International School, 24 W. Walton, by a camera set up by Elliot Nott, who taught kindergarten through 5th grade.

The camera was discovered and turned over to Chicago Police on Sept. 7. On Sept. 23, Nott  a CPS employee since 2009  was charged with one count of child pornography and seven counts of unauthorized videotaping. He was ordered held on $75,000 bail.

An 8-year-old student at Ogden was among those videotaped by Nott, the filing stated.

Nott was hired by CPS despite a known criminal history, including peeping and prowling, according to the filing.

Along with the preservation of evidence, the filing also seeks copies of Notts CPS employment file, along with any related hiring documents possessed by CPS.

In an emailed statement Wednesday evening, CPS spokesman Michael Passman said several checks were conducted prior to Notts hiring.

CPS requires all employees to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a fingerprinting, state and federal criminal database review, tuberculosis test, and drug test, Passman said. The Districts background checks are guided by Illinois School Code standards and are done to ensure all employees meet our high standards for personal and professional conduct.

CPS is examining Notts hiring to make sure the process was carried out correctly and is open to making changes, should there be areas needing improvement, Passman said.
President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend a fundraiser for Rep. Tammy Duckworths Senate campaign on Chicagos South Side next month, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Duckworth is currently locked in one of the nation's tightest Senate races with Republican incumbent Mark Kirk.

Vice President Joe Biden was in town Wednesday for a separate Duckworth fundraiser. Both Obama and Biden endorsed Duckworths candidacy in April.

Im proud to support Tammy Duckworth for the seat I once held in the United States Senate, Obama said in a statement. Few people fight as passionately for our veterans as Tammy.

Tammy Duckworth is already a champion for her fellow veterans, the president added. And in the United States Senate, Tammy will continue to be a champion for her fellow working families from Illinois.

According to the Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet, the event will be on Oct. 9 and hosts include Obama Foundation chair Martin Nesbitt and his wife, physician Anita Blanchard, as well as artist Theater Gates, a professor in the Department of Visual Art and Director of Arts and Public Life at the University of Chicago. Gates also serves on the Obama Foundations design advisory committee. Democratic activist John Atkinson and his wife, Bonnie, are also slated to host.

The fundraiser will be held at the Stony Island Arts Bank, which was founded by Gates, the Sun-Times reports. Tickets range from $1,000 for an individual donation to $12,7000 in a pledged contribution or a promise to raise that much money from others. Top donors and fundraisers will also receive a VIP reception and a photo.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Illinois Coordinated Victory Fund 2016, a joint fundraising committee with the Democratic Party of Illinois and Tammy for Illinois, according to the report.
A Minnesota family is trying to understand how two sisters wound up dead while on what was supposed to be a dream vacation at a paradise island in the Indian Ocean.

Robin Korkki, who was living in Chicago at the time, and her sister Annie Korkki checked into their villa at Maia Luxury Resort and Spa in the Seychelles around noon Thursday, Sept. 15.

Their bodies were found one week later.

"It's all very surreal," said their brother, Chris Korkki, who lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis where the sisters grew up. "We don't know very much. Our family is still very much in shock. We're devastated."

Chris Korkki said his sisters were healthy and adventurous women who definitely wanted to experience life to the fullest.

The two had rented a $2,000-a-night beachside villa in the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands more than 800 miles off Africas east coast known for its idyllic beaches and high-end luxury resorts.

Annie Korkki, 37, worked as a senior administrative assistant at JPMorgan Chase in Denver, NBC News reports. Robin Korkki was a successful trader working in Chicago's Loop.

Both documented the first week of their trip on social media, sharing photos showing them soaking up the sun on the ledge of a picturesque infinite pool, drinking local wine, seeing exotic animals and goofing around.

BEST PLACE EVER!!!!! Annie Korkki captioned one of her photos.

It was around 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 22, two days before their scheduled departure, that the hotels butler arrived to find the sliding door of their villa locked, the same way he said it had been left the night before, according to local newspaper Seychelles Nation.

As the hours passed by with no movement coming from the typically boisterous womens room, he alerted hotel management, Seychelles Nation reports.

Authorities found the sisters unresponsive, lying in the same bed. They were pronounced dead by medical staff a short time after, police said.

Police said there were no signs of obvious trauma or violence found on their bodies

"There were no marks on them whatsoever," Seychelles Tourism Minister Alain St Ange told NBC News. "They had a good time in the day and then they went to their room."

Seychelles Police spokesperson Jean Toussaint said the women had been consuming alcohol throughout the day, according to Seychelles Nation.

The last time they were seen drinking alcohol was at around quarter to seven and they were helped to their bedroom by hotel personnel at around 8.15 pm, Toussaint said.

That was the last time they were seen alive.

Chris Korkki and his mother have since traveled to the island to press officials for answers and said the family is trying to find the cause. He says they haven't been told anything by the local authorities. His mother has also been talking with the U.S. Embassy.

"At this point, the only details we know are the articles flying around online," he told The Star-Tribune.

A GiveForward page has been started to help the family with expenses, NBC 5 affiliate KARE reports.

"Robin and Annie were loving sisters and best friends. They were loved by many," wrote the page creator, Kim Haller. "Their mother (Sue) and brother (Mike) are currently in Seychelles making arrangements for Robin and Annie to make the journey back to the USA so their family can be whole again. They could really use our help and support so they can focus on what's important. Please consider donating so they can begin the healing process as a family. Thank You!"

Local media reported autopsies are scheduled for later this week.
Two honeymooners who were married earlier this month say their dream trip to Punta Cana turned into a nightmare.

Britany and Edgar Nevarez said on their way home from their honeymoon on a Southwest Airlines flight Sunday, the pilot told them their plane needed to be fixed and it would take 24.

The couple and dozens of other passengers were shuttled off the plane to a nearby resort about 30 minutes away.

The white towels were yellow, Britany said. It was disgusting.

Edgar said there were no elevators or anyone to assist the travelers with their luggage.

So the newlyweds went to a different hotel and then returned on Monday for another attempt at flying homebut that flight was also canceled due to mechanical issues.

Now, having to stay at a second hotel, the bills began piling up to about $500 in hotel and transport alone, they said.

Southwest Airlines said in a statement that it offered a gesture of goodwill to each customer in the amount of two $200 vouchers to use as travel credit for future travel, arranged hotel accommodations for two nights in Punta Cana, and are in the process of offering a one-way refund.

I think it should be more than that, Edgar said. A lot more.

Southwest Airlines also said in its statement that it apologizes for any inconsistent communications with its customers.

The newlyweds say they dont plan to fly with the airline again.
Just one day after a man wrongfully convicted in the murder of a 6-year-old boy was freed from prison, authorities have charged a new suspect in the brutal slaying more than 20 years later.

Osborne Wade, 42, was charged Wednesday with first degree murder in the August 1992 killing of 6-year-old Lindsey Murdock on Chicago's Far South Side, according to a release from the Cook County State's Attorney's office.

Lindsey's body was found in an abandoned garage in the 107th block of South State Street on August 30, 1992, one day after his family reported him missing, authorities said.

He had suffered injuries all over his body, officials said, including 13 stab wounds to the back of the head, as well as a collapsed lung and traumatic wounds indicating sexual assault.

During their investigation, police learned that Lindsey was seen at a liquor store nearby with a 31-year-old man, later identfied as Mark Maxson.

Maxson, now 55, confessed to the murder and had been in prison for more than 20 years until he was exonerated based on DNA evidence that cleared his name, and implicated Wade in the gruesome crime.

Ordered in June 2015, DNA testing of blood stains on the victim's clothing did not match the victim or Maxson's profiles, authorities said. It was later determined that the results revealed an association with Wade, who was previously sentenced to 22 years in prison in 1997 for the 1994 stabbing murder of a family member.

Maxson said Tuesday upon his release that he had been coerced into confessing to the murder by detectives working under notorious then-Chicago Police Commander John Burge, who was later sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison on obstruction of justice and perjury charges in 2011.

I probably wouldve done anything to get out of that position, Maxson said.

Elliot Zinger, Maxsons attorney, said there was always something wrong with the case.

There was someone elses blood on the child, there was someone elses pubic hair on the child, that doesnt happen by accident Zinger said.

But even after all hes been through, Maxson says he still thinks its a persons responsibility to report what they see to the authorities.

I cant change what happened, he said. But, my fight is, is to stop it from happening again."

Tuesday night, Maxson celebrated his first hours of freedom with dinner at Lawrys The Prime Rib with Zinger and well-known former Chicago convict Wallace Gator Bradley, who said hes convinced Maxson will successfully restart his live.

No doubt in my mind, 'cause Im going to be working with him, Bradley said.

"On behalf of the Cook County criminal justice system, we offer apologies to Mark Maxson and his family for this horrific ordeal as well as sympathies to the family members of Lindsey Murdock who have endured an exceptionally difficult and painful journey towards justice in the senseless and heinous murder of their beloved child," Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez said in a statement.

"This case reminds us in a very painful way that we must continue to put our best proactive efforts toward the investigation of wrongful convictions and do everything that we possibly can to correct the mistakes of the past," she added.

The Cook County States Attorneys Conviction Integrity Unit, which has been operating for 3 years, has vacated 15 wrongful convictions so far, police say.
Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson went on the offensive over foreign policy Wednesday night, but not before drawing a blank on the names of just about every foreign leader alive today.

Even Johnson had to admit he was making a gaffe as he tried and failed to answer Chris Matthews' question on who his favorite foreign leader is, holding his head in his hand for seconds on a live episode of MSNBC's "Hardball," filmed at a town hall in the University of New Hampshire.

"I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment on the former president of Mexico," he said.

Johnson, the former governor of New Mexico, was referring to a blunder he made a few weeks ago on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," when he was asked what he would do about the situation in war-torn Aleppo in Syria.

"What is Aleppo?" he asked. Johnson later expressed frustration with himself and said, "I have to get smarter."

In Wednesday's gaffe, Johnson managed to identify "the former president of Mexico" as his favorite leader, but couldn't name which one. His running mate, ex-Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, chimed in with the name Vicente Fox, which Johnson said was correct.

Later in the Q&A, Johnson took a big swing at Hillary Clinton, saying he doesn't have confidence in her when it comes to nuclear weapons restraint.

Johnson insisted "she's gonna shoot" when Matthews asked if he thinks Clinton has a "happy trigger," going on to say he thought she would not want to be perceived as weak.

"Confronted with that 10 minutes, she's gonna be hawkish," he said.

Johnson is polling at 10 percent among likely voters, according to the latest NBC News/SurveyMonkey poll. He told Matthews he needs to start polling higher so that he'd be able to participate in the final two debates and have a shot at winning the presidency.
U.S. marshals have detained a man in North Carolina who is suspected in an armed robbery at a Norwalk pawn shop earlier this month.

Donald Outlaw, 28, of Hartford, has been charged in the armed robbery at Gold Rush Pawn Shop on Sept. 9.

Police responded to the shop at 495 Connecticut Ave. at 11:10 a.m. to investigate after two men robbed the shop and have been investigating since.

They said Outlaw is suspected of committing the armed robbery, as well as being a conspirator. When he is brought back to Connecticut, he will be charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree larceny and conspiracy.

The warrant has a court-set bond of $250,000.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Norwalk Police Department at (203) 854-3034.
Centerplan Construction, the original general contractor and developer of Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford, is looking to put the brakes on future construction at the stadium, according to documents obtained by NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters.

The construction company is asking a Superior Court judge to file a motion to preserve the stadium work site in its current condition in an effort to preserve evidence in its lawsuit against the City of Hartford.

The motion comes after Arch Insurance, the surety that guarantees completion of the project, hired Whiting-Turner Construction as the new general contractor. Arch tells the troubleshooters that work at the ballpark will begin next week.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin has said the city has an agreement in principal with Arch Insurance to complete Dunkin Donuts Park in time for the start of the Hartford Yard Goats' season in April 2017.

The park was supposed to be finished to for the Yard Goats inaugural season this past spring, but several construction delays and missed deadlines caused the City to fired Centerplan in June.

In July, Centerplan filed a lawsuit against the City of Hartford and the owner of the Yard Goats.

Centerplan said it is looking for an injunction against the city because it did not use the proper dispute resolution channels laid out in their joint agreement before the city fired them, the complaint claims.
Hamden Police Chief Thomas Wydra sent a letter Wednesday to the states Department of Consumer Protection urging the liquor commission not to extend the permit for the Slyce Pizza Bar on Arch Street.

More than 200 residents who signed a petition and community leaders are protesting violence they say is connected to the restaurant.

But the owner, Fazlay Rabbi, told NBC Connecticut making his business suffer is not the solution.

Odell Cooper lost her 25-year-old son, Jonathan Cooper, in a shooting she said was perpetrated by a patron of the Slyce Pizza Bar in April.

My sons dream is gone, she said. I will not have the opportunity of having his dream live, but I have a death certificate.

Cooper joined other leaders from Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut (CONECT), Hamden Mayor Curt Leng and Chief Wydra for a demonstration Wednesday afternoon outside the pizza bar.

Were not talking about an anomaly, Wydra said. We are talking about many, many incidents. More than at least five shootings, other assaults, robberies.

Hamden police said the three shootings they responded to this year took place after 11:30 p.m. when there was a crowd outside the bar.

Were tired of the noise. Were tired of the sirens, Hamden resident Darlene Butler said. Were tired of the violence.

The owner said his restaurant is not responsible for criminal activity in the area.

Its nothing happened in my business, Rabbi said. The shooting happened the other side in the parking lot.

Rabbi said his business, which offers a $5 pizza deal, would not be viable without a license to serve.

I cannot afford my business without sell the liquor because my food Im selling very cheap, he said.

Mike Smith, a regular customer, said hed rather see an increased police presence in the neighborhood.

This is the spot, Smith said. I know people getting shot, killed, but lets be real, people get shot, killed everywhere. How are you going to blame it on the pizza spot?

Rabbi told NBC Connecticut he has never had liquor license violations and he already employs a security guard for late nights. The current liquor license expires next month.
The state Department of Transportation is changing the hours at several rest areas across the state.

Beginning Sept. 30, the rest areas will no longer be open 24 hours a day. The new hours will be:

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Interstate 84 Willington

Interstate 84 Southington

Interstate 91 Wallingford

Interstate 91 Middletown

Interstate 95 North Stonington

7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Interstate 84 Danbury

Drivers will still be allowed to park in rest areas, but the buildings with restrooms inside will be locked. A porta potty at the rest area is Southington will still be available for use.

DOT officials said they will save $2 million per year because they will no longer have to staff the buildings around the clock.

Some drivers were unhappy about the change.

I think its going to be very inconvenient. Personally, I dont want to use the porta potty, said Julie, a Morristown, New Jersey resident who frequently travels to Maine.

Its pretty hard for us as drivers to pull into these places and not be able to use the restrooms, said Ruly Castaneda, a truck driver from El Paso, Texas.

Castaneda, who was delivering pumpkins from New Mexico to a church in Connecticut, said finding ample parking at other rest areas or gas stations is difficult.

I tried parking over at the TA and I was unable to because theres not enough space, said Castaneda.
One of the five former Wesleyan University students arrested in connection with a slew of party drug overdoses last year has been sentenced to serve time in prison.

Eric Lonergan, 23, of Washington, D.C., will spend one year and a day in prision, followed by three years of supervised release, the state's U.S. attorney's office said.

Last November, the expelled Wesleyan student pleaded guilty to federal charges, after his former fellow student Zachary Kramer, of Bethesda, Maryland also pleaded guilty on Nov. 12.

Lonergan and Kramer are accused of distributing the controlled substances that caused the overdoses.

Police launched an investigation in February 2015 after 11 people, including 10 Wesleyan students, were hospitalized after taking what they thought was the euphoria-inducing stimulant MDMA, or "Molly," authorities said. One of the affected students went into cardiac arrest and almost died, having to be revived when his heart stopped beating, according to police.

Soon after the students sought medical attention, Middletown police suspected they might have ingested a bad batch of Molly and began investigating the drug's origins.

After the February overdoses, one student presented Middletown police with a capsule she had bought from Lonergan in September. Test results showed it did not contain "Molly" and instead contained "Spice" or "K2," a brand of synthetic marijuana, according to the U.S. Attorneys office.

In November 2013, Lonergan started buying Molly and selling it to students from his dorm for around $200 per gram between 5 and 9 p.m. most evenings, and counseling students on how to use it, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. He even handed out pamplets to inform students how to use psychedelic drugs in response to a campus-wide notification from administrators in 2014 "warning of the dangers of ingesting controlled substances like Molly," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

In September 2014, Lonergan provided a bulk amount of what he called MDMA to students planning a "rolling" party at Wesleyan, a gathering where guests ingest Molly, according the U.S. Attorney's Office. Several students got sick at the party and some grew seriously ill after taking the drugs he provided, prosecutors said. Two students were hospitalized. After the overdoses, Loergan emailed several students to assure them that he did give them MDMA.

One of the students who got ill saved one of the capsules and turned it over to Middletown police in February 2015.

This defendant trafficked in a drug that caused multiple overdoses and nearly took the life of one Wesleyan student, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly said in a statement. As evidenced by this investigation and prosecution, Molly and other synthetic drugs are clearly not innocuous party drugs. Students who use synthetic drugs can never be certain what they are ingesting. Wesleyan students who bought these drugs from this dorm-room chemist literally risked their lives by relying on his purported expertise. We thank the DEA, the Middlesex States Attorneys Office and the Middletown Police Department for their collaboration and diligent work in this investigation.

Kramer is accused of beginning to buy Molly from Lonergan and selling it to students at Wesleyan in 2014.

Then he took over for Lonergan and became the drug's primary supplier in 2015, distributing what he claimed to be "Molly" and sold it to friends to sell, according to Daly.

Witnesses told police they thought Kramer had bought the recent batch in Washington, D.C., and brought the drugs to campus. Police found several drugs in Kramer's dorm room, according to the warrant.

While Kramer and some of his distributers destroyed the drug he was selling identified as Molly, one of them didn't and police seized it to be tested in a lab, according to Daly. The substance tested positive for having AB Fubinaca in it, she said.

Lonergan, a former neuroscience student expelled from Wesleyan, was one of five students arrested on state charges amid the investigation. The state has since suspended its cases against him and Kramer.

Lonergan was also arrested in April 2015 on charges of trespassing to attend a festival at Wesleyan despite being expelled.

Kramer and Lonergan were then charged federally with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute MDMA and AB Fubinaca. They are also charged with attempting to distribute MDMA and distributing AB Fubinaca, as well as distributing MDMA near a private college. They have both pleaded guilty.
Police searched the Middletown, Connecticut, home of a woman who is presumed dead after disappearing during a fishing trip with her son, a source close to the investigation said.

NBC Connecticut was at the home on Thursday night when police were at the scene for about an hour and officers took items in brown paper bags from the house. Officials said on Friday that police were given consent to go into the home.

There is a joint investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 54-year-old Linda Carman, according to police in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and it includes federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state law enforcement in Connecticut, Vermont and Massachusetts.

Linda Carman has not been seen since she and her 22-year-old son, Nathan, went fishing on Sept. 17.

The mother and son failed to return from a fishing trip in their boat, the Chicken Pox, from the waters off Point Judith in Rhode Island.

For the next six days, the Coast Guard searched a span of 62,000 miles, from Block Island to New Jersey, but called off the search when nothing turned up.

Two days later, the crew on the Chinese freighter spotted a life raft 100 miles from Martha's Vineyard and discovered Nathan Carman in it. He had a supply of emergency food and water, but there was no sign of his mother.

Nathan later told the Coast Guard that he heard a "funny noise" coming from the boat's engine compartment when they were at sea. When he went to go look, it was filling up with water. Then he got into the life raft and called for his mother, but could not find her.

"I got to the life raft after I got my bearings and I was whistling and calling and looking around and I didn't see (my mom)," Carman told the Coast Guard.

Nathan Carman now lives in Vermont and officials have searched his home there as part of the investigation. The search warrant affidavit says police "believe that evidence relating to the crime of RIGL 46-22-9.3 {Operating so as to endanger, resulting in the death} will be located inside Nathan's residence located at 3034 Fort Bridgemon Road in Vernon, Vermont."

A friend of the family told investigators that Linda Carman said the pair was going fishing at Striper Rock, which is located approximately 20 miles off of the Block Island shoreline, according to the affidavit.

However, another witness told police that Nathan Carman said they were going fishing at the Canyons, which is approximately 100 miles off the Block Island shore, the affidavit reads.

When Carman was rescued about 100 miles off shore of Martha's Vineyard, he told investigators he and his mother were fishing on the Block Canyon for tuna, the affidavit said.

Sources close to the investigation also said that Nathan Carman is a person of interest into his wealthy grandfather's homicide in 2013.

The 22-year old told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he had nothing to do with his grandfather's unsolved slaying and didn't harm his missing mother.

While the investigation into what happened to Linda Carman is ongoing, Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicole Groll said during a news conference on Monday that the chances of Linda Carman's survival are minimal.
State officials have announced the first Connecticut case of Zika acquired within the United States and officials from the state Department of Public Health said the patient had recently traveled to Florida.

This was the first case of Zika reported in the state that was acquired within the Untied States. Other cases reported in Connecticut were residents who became sick after traveling outside the country.

But Summer McGee, of the University of New Haven, said there is no reason to panic.

"The likelihood of acquiring Zika for Connecticut residents is approximately the same as dying by a lightning strike," McGee said.

The people with the most reason for concern are pregnant women because of the birth defects associated with the virus, but it is not likely to contract the virus in Connecticut.

"While the risk is real and serious, it's also very remote," McGee said.

To date, 85 patients have tested positive for the Zika virus in Connecticut, five of whom who were pregnant.

If mosquitoes carrying Zika did make their way into Connecticut, it should not raise too much of a concern, officials said.

"Winter is coming, so mosquitoes are not going to be living as long and spreading around the country," McGee said.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3,358 cases of Zika have been reported in the United States.
A former manager for a Connecticut-based non-profit that helps the elderly, as well as people with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, is accused of embezzling more than $400,000 from the organization.

Michelle Labrec, 52, of Ronkonkoma, New York, was the manager of accounts payable at Allied Community Resources in East Windsor and police said she embezzled funds the State Department of Social Services allocated to the non-profit, according to police.

Coventry police arrested Labrec Wednesday after a 10-month investigation and charged her with first-degree larceny, first-degree identity theft and 114 counts of second-degree forgery. They said she was a Coventry resident at the time of the alleged crime.

Labrec was released from custody on a non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Court on Oct. 6.

Police said the case was referred to the state Department of Revenue Services to investigate further.

Allied Community Resources provides financial management services for several state funded programs, as well as those funded through Medicaid waiver.
A Connecticut man who pretended he needed a wheelchair so he could steal a $37,000 watch from a jewelry store is heading to prison.

The Connecticut Post reports that 36-year-old Larry Johnson, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty Wednesday to robbery, larceny and assault.

Johnson is accused of stealing a $27,000 Rolex watch from a jewelry store at the mall in May 2015, pepper-spraying an employee and security guard on his way out the door, according to police.

Surveillance video from Sidney Thomas Jewelry shows a man sitting in a wheelchair approach a glass case and ask a jeweler for help. She shows him a couple different watches, which she hands over for him to try on.

After examining two watches and settling on a third, the man abruptly pushes back his wheelchair, knocking into another employee, then stands and bolts to the door, surveillance video shows.

Stamford police spokesman Lt. Diedrich Hohn said the employee and security guards were taken to the hospital and were later released in good condition.

Hohn said the first two watches were more expensive than the one stolen, valued at around $85,000 apiece.

Johnson left a black fedora-type hat and wheelchair at the scene and investigators collected fingerprints from the wheelchair and sent the hat for DNA testing, officials said. He was tied to the theft by a fingerprint left on the wheelchair.

He faces a sentence of six years in prison when he's sentenced Dec. 7.
Nathan Carman.

The name of the 23-year-old Vermont resident, who is originally from Middletown, Connecticut, has been on the tips of everyone's tongues since he was found safe on a life raft without his mother a week after the pair went missing during a fishing trip in September 2016.

A new lawsuit by the man's aunts alleges that he should be named the prime suspect in his mother's presumed death and the fatal shooting of his grandfather, real estate mogul John Chakalos in 2013.

Nathan denies that he killed his grandfather or harmed his mother during their fishing trip.

Here's everything we know about Nathan Carman so far:

2017

On April 21, a Middlesex superior court judge denied Nathan Carman's motion to seal a nearly 3-year-old warrant connected to Chakalo's shooting death. Carman's attorney Trent LaLima argued the public document would damage his client's future at such a young age but the judge sided with the state.

On July 17, Carman's aunt's, Linda Carman's sisters, filed a lawsuit accusing him of killing his mother  their sister  and his grandfather in order to collect millions of the real estate mogul's inheritance. An attorney told NBC Connecticut that Chakalo left behind a $43 million estate to his daughters.

2016

On Sept. 18, Nathan Carman, 22, and his mother Linda Carman, 54, were reported missing after heading out on a fishing trip with the boat named Chicken Pox and failing to return from the waters off Point Judith in Rhode Island.

On Sept. 24, the U.S. Coast Guard suspends the search for the mother and son after six days. The Coast Guard searched an area near Block Island, a search that expanded through 62,000 square miles. The search expanded from the coast of Rhode Island to New York and as far as New Jersey.

On Sept. 25, Nathan Carman was found alive on a life raft by a Chinese freighter called Orient Lucky about 115 nautical miles off Martha's Vineyard. The man was wearing a life vest and had an emergency bag of food and water. There was no sign of his mother, Linda Carman.

He is interviewed by the U.S. Coast Guard via telelphone.

On Sept. 26, Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicole Groll said during a news conference that the chances of Linda Carman surviving are minimal.

On Sept. 27, Nathan Carman arrived in Boston after he was missing at sea for a week. He said he heard a "funny noise" coming from the boat's engine compartment and when he went to go look, it was filling up with water.

"I got to the life raft after I got my bearings and I was whistling and calling and looking around and I didn't see (my mom)," Carman told the Coast Guard.

On the same day, a search warrant was issued for Nathan Carman's Vermont home.

On Sept. 28, police release the search warrant affidavit into Nathan Carman's home. The search warrant affidavit reads that police "believe that evidence relating to the crime of RIGL 46-22-9.3 {Operating so as to endanger, resulting in the death} will be located inside Nathan's residence located at 3034 Fort Bridgemon Road in Vernon, Vermont."

A friend of the family told investigators that Linda Carman said the pair was going fishing at Striper Rock, which is located approximately 20 miles off of the Block Island shoreline, according to the affidavit.

However, another witness told police that Nathan Carman said they were going fishing at the Canyons, which is approximately 100 miles off the Block Island shore, the affidavit reads.

When Carman was rescued about 100 miles off shore of Martha's Vineyard, he told investigators he and his mother were fishing on the Block Canyon for tuna, the affidavit said.

Sources close to the investigation also said that Nathan Carman was a person of interest in his wealthy grandfather's homicide in 2013.

The 23-year old told the Associated Press on Wednesday that he had nothing to do with his grandfather's 2013 unsolved slaying and didn't harm his missing mother.

2014

A 2014 search warrant said that Carman was the last person known to have seen Chakalos alive; that Carman had bought a rifle consistent with the one used in the crime; and that he discarded his hard drive and GPS unit used around the time of the shooting, the Associated Press reported.

Carman was never charged. According to court papers, police submitted an arrest warrant to a prosecutor, but it was returned unsigned with a request for more information.

2013

On Dec. 20, Nathan Carman's grandfather, John Chakalos, 87 was found fatally shot inside his Windsor home by a family member just before 8:30 a.m.

The homicide was never solved.

According to court documents, Carman came under suspicion in the slaying three years ago of his maternal grandfather, who left an estate worth more than $42 million to his four adult daughters, including Carman's mother.

A $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Chakolo's murder could be seen on a billboard on I-91 North and South near Jennings Road in Hartford. On the billboard is Chakalo's face.

2011

Nathan Carman, 17 at the time, was found nearly 500 miles away in Virginia after he went missing from his hometown of Middletown for five days. His father Clark Carman begged for his son with Asperger's Syndrome to come home.

Police believe Nathan was missing his closest friend, a horse, who had died sometime before the disappearance.
A New Britain woman has been charged with attempted murder after she slit a mans throat, according to New Britain police.

Police said they responded to a domestic disturbance around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and found a man outside with a towel around his bleeding neck. He told police that he and Raynebow Adams got into an argument while she was washing dishes and she turned around and slit his throat with a knife, police said.

The victims injuries are potentially life-threatening and he was brought to trauma center, according police.

Adams, 33, has been charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

She told authorities she slit the mans throat by mistake, police said.

Police have not released the victims name or information about his relationship with Adams.

She was arraigned in New Britain yesterday and is being held on $250,000 bond, according to online court records.

She is being represented by a public defender and is due back in court on Oct. 14.
John Chakalos was a real estate mogul who left behind tens of millions of dollars in assets.

His four daughters, including Linda Carman of Middletown, are named as beneficiaries, along with a trust.

Unlike the will, the details of that trust can remain private.

NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters asked Hartford attorney John Gale to review Chakalos' will and estate. Gale is in no way connected to these records or Chakalos' heirs.

"I can see from what has been filed here, indeed the executor found what appears to be about $43 million worth of assets," Gale said.

NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters requested the paperwork from probate court in Keene, New Hampshire.

The 87-year old who was hard of hearing was shot to death at his modest Connecticut home, but he was born in New Hampshire and kept his multimillion dollar home there.

It appears the property was likely transferred to the trust, because it's not included in the list of inventory in probate papers.

"Early on the family would have gone in and divided up personal property. That's all will says divide up as you agree, from what I can tell they all agree," Gale said.

Documents show Chakalos' youngest daughter, who lives in West Hartford, is the executor.

After taxes and debts are paid, "theres a number of 20 million federal estate tax. Paid over $100,000 for the funeral, mostly for a monument, $500,000.00 was given to a church in Hartford on Fairfield Avenue."

Gale said records show the remainder, just under $20 million, is slated to go to the trust, but has not been distributed yet.

The terms of the trust are private. Thats one of the advantages of a living trust," Gale added.

Only this certificate of trust exists on file, in New Hampshire probate court.

"The trust probably continues in existence for his four children," he said. "And it's likely that if any one of his daughters were to pass away, that the trust would continue in existence for the benefit of any children the daughters had."

A search warrant executed on the Vernon, Vermont, home of Nathan Carman by the Windham County Sheriffs Department at the request of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, police around 7:30 p.m. Monday, appears to show authorities there believe Nathan Carman is connected to his mothers disappearance. She is now presumed dead, according to officials.

Additionally, a source close to the Chakalos murder investigation in Connecticut confirms Carman is a person of interest in his grandfather's unsolved homicide.

Windsor police and the States Attorneys Office Cold Case unit are investigating.

Nathan Carmen told the Associated Press on Wednesday that he had nothing to do with the grandfathers murder or his mothers presumed death.

His father, Clark Carman, told NBC Connecticut, "The past is the past. And what I wasnt to say about that is I wish the press would leave it alone because he was not involved with his grandfather, with his mother it was a pure accident. And he would never do anything like that. Hes a good kid. He loved his grandfather and nothing to that effect and its all being drudged up and I really hate to see that because theres no substance to it."

"To speculate, it wouldn't be uncommon for grandchildren to inherit if their parent has predeceased them," Gale said about Nathan Carman possibly getting anything from his grandfather's will or trust.
Beauty school Regency Beauty Institute announced the immediate closure of all its campuses Wednesday, sending students scrambling.

Regency had 79 schools across the country, including five in North Texas  Plano, Dallas, Mesquite, Arlington and Lewisville.

Students were given two hours Thursday to come collect their belongings. They will have one more chance between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday before the buildings are permanently closed.

"A lot of people are really angry, a lot of people are upset. I know for a fact that I was devastated," said student Katt Burk. "I just started in August and we just paid for October. And now, it's gone."



Students like 20-year-old Imogen Mosley are now trying to figure out how to get their money back  and get back on track.

Mosley said she took out $19,000 in student loans to attend Regency's program and Thursday was supposed to be her fourth day.

"They sent me a text message. They didn't even send me an e-mail," Mosley said.

Regency officials did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

"This is incredibly difficult news for everyone affected: especially our students, teachers, and staff," Regency officials stated on their website. "We are truly sorry for the abrupt nature of this information."

Regency officials blamed the closures on a lack of funds due to a shortage of cosmetology students and political circumstances for for-profit schools. The company has been in business for 50 years.

Regency posted a page on their website with information and instructions for current students.

Online: Regency Beauty Institute

Several beauty colleges in North Texas, including the Aveda Institute and Toni & Guy, have said they will try to work with students to continue their education.
Prosecutors said a former United Airlines pilot must serve 41 months in federal prison for posting online nude photos of a Texas woman he once dated.

Mark Joseph Uhlenbrock of Chesterfield, Missouri, was sentenced Wednesday in San Antonio after earlier pleading guilty to internet stalking.

Investigators said the 62-year-old Uhlenbrock posted photos of the San Antonio woman online without her permission. Prosecutors said the stalking happened after the pair broke up and the victim had obtained restraining orders against Uhlenbrock.

Uhlenbrock was arrested in August 2015 following a search of his home and the seizure of two computers with bookmarks to social media sites where the photos were posted.
Coffee lovers - it's time to get perky. Thursday, Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day, so let's boil down the best deals to keep you caffeinated.

1. Krispy Kreme: Get a free 12 oz cup of coffee, and a free Original Glazed Donut.

2. Dunkin' Donuts: Buy a medium cup of coffee for 66 cents.

National Coffee Day is almost upon us! Only one day away -- 9/29! Enjoy a Medium Hot Coffee for $0.66!  pic.twitter.com/lMKIgec1bb  Dunkin' (@dunkindonuts) September 28, 2016

3. Pilot Flying J: Hitting the wide open road? Show a coupon, which is available online, to get a free small Pilot Coffee or small cappuccino. If you're not a coffee fan, use the coupon for a free hot tea.

4. Keurig: Get 20 percent off certain Green Mountain Coffee pods when you use the code "GREENSAVINGS" at checkout. That code will also get you 15 percent off certain other flavor pods. The deal runs through Oct. 2.

Coffee loves doughnuts. This #NationalCoffeeDay on 9/29, come in for a FREE coffee AND an Original Glazed doughnut. (US/CAN) pic.twitter.com/uVWLdeOFMz  Krispy Kreme (@krispykreme) September 24, 2016

5. Starbucks: Don't expect any freebies. Instead, Starbucks is donating a coffee tree on behalf of each customer who buys a Mexico Chiapas coffee.

Have you spotted other deals? Send a picture to iSee@nbcdfw.com.
Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon is bringing her star power and her fashion sense to North Texas.

Witherspoon chose Highland Park Village as the site of her second Draper James lifestyle and fashion store, and she visited this week to help open the doors.

"I love the friendliness. I've already had the next-door neighbors come over and say, 'Hi.' It's just a real family community," Witherspoon said.

Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon spoke with NBC 5s Deborah Ferguson about the grand opening of her Draper James store in Highland Park Village Thursday.

The Draper James brand showcases southern sayings like "y'all" on tote bags and Witherspoon's new tailgate line.

Her style is proudly inspired by her Southern roots. The name Draper James honors her maternal grandparents, but there's a big Texas connection in her family tree, too.

"Actually, my family is from Midlothian, Texas. My grandfather grew up there, lots of Witherspoons there, and we would come in the summers and visit, and it was just a rally special place. I have a lot of relatives here, and it's meant a lot to me to have our second store in Dallas," she said.

Witherspoon said her fashion line is meant to make women's lives easier.

"I think women want to feel put together and they want to feel confident about the way they look, so that they don't have to have that on their mind: Am I under-dressed? Am I overdressed?" she said.

She hopes the dresses and other clothes in her collection take the worry out of what to wear.

"I try to design for people's lives, and particularly making women's lives easier  cute dresses that you can just throw on with a pair of heels and you can be done," Witherspoon said.

Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon combined her star power and fashion sense to create her store, Draper James, which is opening its second location in Highland Park Village.

Witherspoon launched her Draper James brand online. She opened her first store in Nashville and always planned to bring her second store to Dallas.

"I'd heard so much about Highland Park Village from all of my friends who grew up in Dallas, so I called the owners of the shopping center and asked if they have space for me. And they happened to have space, so it was so exciting for us to have our second store here," she said.
Southwest Airlines apologized Wednesday after a flight to Atlanta from the Dominican Republic turned into a three-day ordeal for passengers.

The flight from Punta Cana Sunday was canceled because of a mechanical issue, the airline said.

Passengers, including several workers at a Plano dentists office, said they waited on the Tarmac on a hot plane for 90 minutes.

The airline arranged for a hotel so passengers could spend the night.

"We said, 'OK great, they are going to put us up, said Jo Puckett, of McKinney.

It wasn't so great after that, added her co-worker, Denise Blasz, of Parker.

They said the hotel was filthy and infested with roaches.

"It was very, very dirty. There was stuff on the walls, bugs in the sheets, hair in the sheets, Blasz said.

They ended up moving to another hotel at their own expense.

On Monday, they headed back to the airport, ready to finally come home  or so they thought.

"So they board us but the minute we got on we knew something was wrong because it was hot on the plane, Puckett said. I mean it was hot."

Passengers complained about their ordeal on a Facebook page they created, called "Stranded in Punta Cana."

"Hello you guys, this is Day Two, traveling Southwest to Atlanta, and this is the flight, one woman said in a video. It's hot. We've been on here for an hour.

Then, the captain announced the plane had another mechanical issue.

Passengers said they waited for two hours and ran out of ice and water before that flight also was canceled.

They spent another night in Punta Cana and returned to the airport for a third day.

There was yet another delay.

The crew couldnt fly because they had already flown the maximum number of hours allowed.

It took a few more hours for the airline to bring in another crew.

Finally, they were off.

"People clapped when it took off," Puckett said.

She added it never felt so good to get back home.

I hugged my boss, she said. I'm like, 'I've never been so happy to be at work.'"

Southwest said it is giving the passengers $400 in vouchers for future tickets and refunding the cost of their one-way trip home.

But the airline will not pay other expenses, including food, taxis and hotels the passengers booked themselves.
The Dallas City Council adopted tougher housing codes Wednesday in an effort to crack down on slumlords.

Dallas tenants have complained for years about foul conditions and landlords who refuse to fix them but still insist that rent be paid on time.

Councilman Adam McGough who led months of negotiations to re-write the Dallas housing laws worked in the past as an assistant Dallas city attorney, prosecuting code violators. He said the old rules left too many loopholes.

"We want to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, and some of that deals with folks that are living in blighted conditions," McGough said. "And so this gives hopefully our code officers a stronger tool and more clarity for enforcement."

One last-minute fight came over a provision to require air-conditioning that cools to at least 85 degrees on the hottest days.

Councilman Mark Clayton complained a tougher 82 degrees should have been adopted.

"We're missing it on this one," said Clayton. "Do what you think is best, but I think, this is a terrible, terrible mistake."

McGough made the motion approved by a 12-to-1 vote to switch the rule to 85 from 82 degrees.

"This is the strongest AC regulation in the state, and hopefully that will improve the conditions people are living in. And if it doesn't, we have the right come back and address this," McGough said.

Tenants who fought for the changes cheered after the City Council vote.

"Now, I feel proud that it happened," said tenant Patricia Vega. "It's not but perfect, but we have something to work with."

Vega said air-conditioning in her apartment is unpredictable.

"In Dallas, every time the weather changes, you never know. Sometimes high, sometimes low," she said.

Vega said mold, bad plumbing and decrepit kitchens are common in the complex where she lives with her four children. Three of the four have asthma and Vega said she has moved several times in the seven years she's lived in Dallas.

"Every time we move we think it's much better. It's not. So we still find problem, carpet bugs, rats, mice," she said.

The city's largest organization of responsible landlords supported the new rules.

Kathy Carlton, with the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, said bad landlords hurt everyone.

"When we have poorly operated properties and slum landlords, they bring down the reputation of the entire industry," Carlton said.

The new rules also apply to single-family rental homes and rental condominiums. They will now receive city inspection and owners must register so the city can find them for enforcement.

"We should be sending arrest warrants for some of these slumlords," said Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold. "They should have been in jail, a long time ago."

The new city budget included more code inspectors to enforce the new rules.
A woman walking along the Katy Trail was struck on the head and robbed earlier this month by two young men, police say.

According to Dallas police, the woman was on the trail near the 3300 block of Knox Street at about 10:30 p.m. Sept. 16 when she was hit on the back of the head with an unknown object.

The woman fell to the ground as two men grabbed her purse and ran away.

Dallas police said two people were recorded on surveillance video using the woman's credit card about an hour later at more than one Dallas-area 7-Eleven store.

The two recorded on surveillance video were driving a white pickup truck with a large storage compartment shell in the bed.

Dallas police asks if anyone recognizes the two men or has information regarding this offense they can call the Dallas Police Robbery Unit at 214-671-3584 or Crime Stoppers at 214-373-TIPS (8477).
As investigators explore the cause of the Hoboken Terminal train crash that killed at least one passenger and injured more than 100 others, some industry analysts are pointing to the need for an already approved safety measure, Positive Train Control (PTC), which they say would prevent many train accidents.

NBC News reported that the commuter train that crashed into New Jersey Transits Hoboken terminal Thursday morning was not equipped with PTC technology. Additionally, no single New Jersey Transit employee been trained how to use the technology, according to the most recent U.S. Department of Transportation progress report, which is dated Sept. 13.

During a briefing a representative from the National Transportation Safety Board said they would "absolutely" be looking into if PTC could have prevented the crash. The engineer was among the survivors, according to a law enforcement official. He was being treated at a local hospital for serious injuries, but N.J. Gov. Chris Christie said the engineer was cooperating with authorities.

When asked about PTC at a presser and if it could have prevented the accident, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said it was too early to make that determination.

"We don't know what the exact circumstances were that caused the train to continue into the station at that high rate of speed," he said. "It could have been any number of reasons. So before we start to prescribe solutions, we have to find out what the problem was."

Preliminary reports suggest the crash was either accidental or caused by operator error, according to law enforcement officials.

Richard Beal, a certified locomotive engineer with over 30 years of railroad operating experience, said while specific details of the Hoboken crash were still incoming, he has no doubt PTC needs to be instituted industry-wide on a faster scale.

"Theyve got to get positive train control implemented," he said. "Theyve been talking about for over a year. If they had that in place then the computers would take over if the engineer doesnt react the way hes supposed to do in an emergency situation. The Amtrak accident in Philadelphia kicked them in the rear end to get them talking about positive train control. But It just hasnt actually kicked into play yet."

Eight people were killed and more than 200 passengers injured aboard Amtrak #188, which was traveling on May 12, 2015, from Washington, D.C., through Philadelphia en route to New York City at the time of the crash.

According to Metrolink, PTC is GPS-based safety technology capable of preventing train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, unauthorized incursion into work zones and train movement through switches left in the wrong position. PTC monitors and, if necessary, controls train movement in the event of human error. PTC may also bring trains to a safe stop in the event of a natural disaster.

PTC sends up-to-date visual and audible information to train crew members about areas where the train needs to be slowed or stopped. This information includes the status of approaching signals, the position of approaching switches, speed limits at approaching curves and other reduced-speed locations, speed restrictions at approaching crossings and speed restrictions at areas where work is being performed on or near the tracks," according to the Metrolink website. "PTC communicates with the trains onboard computer, allowing it to audibly warn the engineer and display the trains safe braking distance based on the trains speed, length, width, weight, and the grade and curvature of the track. If the engineer does not respond to the ample audible warning and screen display, the onboard computer will activate the brakes and safely stop the train."

According to the Association of American Railroads, PTC when properly implemented would prevent train-to-train collisions, derailments caused by excessive speed, unauthorized incursions by trains onto sections of track where maintenance activities are taking place and movement of a train through a track switch left in the wrong positions.

PTC would not however prevent accidents caused as a result of track equipment failure, improper vehicular movement through a grade crossing, trespassing on railroad tracks or some types of train operator error, the group says on its website.

In 2008, Congress passed "The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008" (RSIA 08) mandating all Class I freight railroads implement PTC on main lines with regularly scheduled passenger service.

Railroads advised Congress repeatedly that they would not be able to meet the initial deadlines as the work gone more slowly than expected. The deadline has been repeatedly extended and is now Dec. 31, 2018.

Bob Chipkevich, who formerly headed the National Transportation Safety Board's train crash investigations section, told The Associated Press the agency will be looking at whether the train was exceeding speed limits, both when it was approaching the station and when it entered the station area.

Last month, the Federal Railroad Administration said New Jersey Transit had a lot of work yet to do on installing the necessary equipment. New Jersey Transit responded that the report didn't reflect the work it had accomplished.

Dr. Allan M. Zarembski, a professor of civil & environmental engineering at the University of Delaware, is also a railway civil engineering and safety consultant who heads the university's railway engineering program. Zarembski said there was no doubt that if excessive speed was the cause of the accident, PTC would have likely prevented it.

"It's not a universal solution, but if the accident occurred from what I've heard it would have prevented this incident," Zarembski said.

According to Zarembski, PTC works with a "speed map" which is programmed into the train along its given route. PTC ensures that the train is not exceeding its maximum rate of speed at any point along the given route. If it is, the system kicks in and automatically applies the brakes.

Zarembski said that in general trains should not be traveling at speeds in excess of five miles per hour when approaching a station.

As for the delays in implementing the technology across the board, it simply comes down to cost, Zarembski said.

"It's a very expensive technology and it's non-funded," Zarembski said. "So each railway has to come up with the cost themselves. Those costs that can reach upward to $10 billion."

And since they have to pay for the technology themselves, Zarembski says many railways often argue diverting money from new equipment or track maintenance in turn could lead to additional accidents.

Beal, who has held positions including switchman, trainman, conductor and engineer, is also concerned with what he believed were severe cost-cutting measures in place by many railways.

"Many of the major railroads have gone for years without two men in the front of the train cab and thats vital in the case of a medical event or in the case of fatigue or even if the man hits his head," Beal said. "If any of that happens, theres no one else there to react. They go on the cheap and look to save money by not having a second person in the cab. When things like this happen they say you have x amount of trains traveling versus this one accident. But the thing this is one incident that could have been avoided."

Beal, who now serves as a consultant for railroad experts.com, said that in his 30 years of experience hes found human error has more often been the cause for major railroad accidents over mechanical malfunction.

"Most of the time youre looking at fatigue or the engineer having some sort of distraction, said Beal, who is also concerned about the lack of experience among many newer engineers.

"Theyre getting too many newbies who are not well-trained or well-versed in the industry and to put them out there alone is just wrong," Beal said.

It was not immediately clear who was operating the train in the Hoboken crash.

As the investigation into the crash begins in earnest, Beal said investigators will go straight to the black boxes to paint a picture of what went wrong.

"Some of these trains have cab videos and in some cases they have inward facing cameras so well be able to get a good look and see exactly what was going on with the engineer," he said. "Theyll investigate the history of the train and determine if its had any issues with brakes in the past and what the mechanical breakdown of the train is."

--The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney is trying to avoid a life prison sentence with a plea bargain in a kidnapping so elaborate and bizarre that police in California initially dismissed it as a hoax.

Matthew Muller pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Sacramento, acknowledging he used computer-generated voices, blackened swim goggles, liquid sleeping medication and numerous props in the abduction of Denise Huskins last year from the Vallejo home she shared with boyfriend Aaron Quinn.

Under the plea deal, federal prosecutors agreed to seek no more than 40 years in prison, but Muller's attorney, Thomas Johnson, said he fears U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley will impose a life term when Muller is sentenced on Jan. 19.

"We're trying to find a way to get Mr. Muller to be rehabilitated and allow him to return and lead a productive life," Johnson said in an interview outside the courtroom. "I think that Mr. Muller has tremendous potential. ... There was another side of Mr. Muller that was the side that allowed him to commit these crimes."

Johnson said the 39-year-old Muller has been diagnosed as manic and depressive.

During the kidnapping Muller put blackened swim goggles over the eyes of Huskins and Quinn and headphones over their ears to play a recorded warning that Huskins' face would be cut or she would be hurt with an electric shock if they didn't comply, according to court documents.

In addition, authorities found that Muller had made a computer recording designed to simulate people whispering in an apparent attempt to make it seem as though he had accomplices.

Huskins and Quinn remain convinced that there were other people involved, Quinn's mother, Marianne Quinn, said outside court.

She also criticized Vallejo police for botching the initial investigation and said Muller's mental illness isn't an excuse for what happened.

"He also is a psychopath," she said.

The kidnapping drew comparisons to the movie "Gone Girl," in which a woman goes missing and then lies about being kidnapped when she reappears.

Investigators dropped their theory that it was a hoax when Muller was later arrested in an attempted robbery at another San Francisco Bay Area home. Authorities said they found a cellphone that they traced to Muller, and a subsequent search of a car and home turned up evidence, including a computer Muller stole from Quinn, that linked him to the abduction.

Muller held Huskins in South Lake Tahoe and sent an email to a newspaper reporter with an audio file of her voice as proof she was alive, prosecutors said. Another email contained pictures of items used in the kidnapping, including a black spray-painted water pistol with a flashlight and laser pen attached.

Federal prosecutors said Thursday that Muller sought $8,500 from two separate accounts, for a total of just $17,000 that was never paid.

Huskins turned up safe two days later and 400 miles away in her hometown of Huntington Beach, where she says she was dropped off.

Muller told a reporter in a jailhouse interview after his arrest that Huskins' kidnapping was not random, according to his plea agreement. The agreement did not elaborate, and Johnson and prosecutors did not disclose a possible motive.

"Muller committed a serious and violent crime that terrorized the victims in this case," Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said in a statement after Muller's guilty plea.

Huskins and Quinn appeared later Thursday at a news conference in San Francisco. One of their attorneys, Douglas Rappaport, said his clients were happy that they didn't have to "publicly relive the humiliation and shame they went through" by testifying at a trial.

Rappaport also called on Nunley to sentence Muller to life behind bars.

"This is not a man whose fancy law degree or background should give him a pass," he said.

Muller was admitted to practice law in California in 2011, and his state bar profile says he attended Harvard Law School.

He lost his law license last year over allegations that he took a $1,250 advance from a client then failed to file a green card application for the person's son.
A man shot and killed Tuesday in a confrontation with police in Southern California was a Ugandan refugee who friends say came to the U.S. at the age of 12 in search of protection from a regime seeking to kill his entire family.

Alfred Olango, 38, was not acting like himself Tuesday afternoon when his sister called 911 for help. Olango was standing in the parking lot of a shopping center in El Cajon, a community approximately 30 miles east of downtown San Diego. By the police departments account, officers approached him and demanded he remove a hand from his pocket. Olango was shot several times and died later at a nearby hospital.

Images: Alfred Olango

The shooting is under investigation.

Like many police shootings, there is phone video from a nearby drive-through restaurant employee that captured the entire incident. El Cajon Police have released a still from the video. The entire video will be released in the future, according to Chief of Police Jeff Davis.

El Cajon Police Department

Lucy Peterson, who identified herself as Alfreds sister, said she called police three times because her brother was mentally perturbed and he needed help.

She said her brother was running around and crossing the street.

He almost got hit by the car, she told NBC 7.

She said she was tailgating him with her car and wanted the police to get her brother help and possibly take him to the hospital.

The suspects sister described the moments leading up to a fatal El Cajon police shooting that killed her brother.

I did not call the officers so they could kill my brother in front of me, Peterson said.

A friend of the family describes Olango as a caring, easy-going individual who often helped others.

Steven Oloya was in a refugee camp with Olango in the 1990s when Olango was about 12. Both families were part of the Acholi tribe from Northern Uganda.

Olango was born in Kampala, Uganda, according to a California report from 2001. He was one of nine children; records show he and his family came to the U.S. because Olango's father, who worked for the former Ugandan president and current president, sought to kill him and the entire family. They came to New York as refugees in 1991.

The family eventually moved to San Diego. As Oloya describes it, Olango often stayed with Oloya's brother in a home along University Avenue in San Diego. He said Olango cared for his brother, cooked for him and took care of him before his death.

In San Diego, Olango's mother worked at Grossmont College in 2010. Olango dropped out of San Diego High School and later obtained a GED. He worked at Toro manufacturing and McDonald's.

Reverend Shane Harris spoke with Olango's brother, who was not named, on his National Radio show Wednesday afternoon. Olango's brother said what people need to know about his brother is what a great father, son and brother he was to those he loved.

Someone with a heart - a lions heart," his brother said. "He loved too much, you know.

In 2001, Olango got married and had one child with his wife, documents show. The couple separated two years ago.

He said his brother was a family man with two daughters; he said Olango was the glue in the family. Olango loved cooking, he said, and worked as a lead cook in restaurants.

He said Olango aspired to open his own restuarant one day.

We love each other very much and now we have to live without a key member," he said on Harris' radio show.

Olango had no known history of mental or emotional problems, according to Federal Court documents. However, he has an extensive criminal history.

Most recently, in 2011, he was charged with driving under the influence in 2011. In 2005, Olango was pulled over for a traffic stop while driving a 1990 Chevrolet Caprice. Colorado police said he was uncooperative when they tried to arrest him for carrying a loaded, 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

The same year, he was also charged with driving with a fictitious plate, driving with a license under restraint and driving an unregistered car. Inside the car, Colorado police found 185 grams of marijuana, two Ecstasy pills, a scale, Ziploc bags, $948 in cash and a folding knife.

Those were not Olango's only run-ins with the law.

In 1996, court records show Olango was convicted for taking a person's car without consent, a charge that federal prosecutors added a gang enhancement to once officers found a replica silver automatic handgun on the 17-year-old, along with a pair of fur-lined black gloves and keys to the stolen vehicle.

In 1998, records show Olango was convicted for burglarizing a friend's home; he took audio equipment, CDs and a water bong.

Olango was charged with two DUIs in 1999 and 2000.

In 2001, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge selling crack cocaine.

A lieutenant with the El Cajon Police Department says officers were not at all aware of Olango's criminal history when they arrived on scene.

NBC 7s Dave Summer is at the scene where employees of the restaurant are sharing there account of what happened.

El Cajon Chief of Police Jeff Davis describes the events of the officer-involved shooting that happened outside of a restaurant in El Cajon Tuesday afternoon.
A Halloween attraction at two California amusement parks has been closed amid accusations that it was offensive to the mentally ill.

The virtual reality attraction at Knott's Berry Farm, dubbed Knott's Scary Farm around Halloween, and California Great America was originally called FearVR: 5150. The 5150 refers to California's state code for an involuntary psychiatric hold, and the story line of the attraction focused on a patient in a hospital.

On opening day, the parks dropped "5150" from the attraction's title following the response it recieved from members of the mental health community, the Orange County Register reported.

KTVU-TV reports National Alliance on Mental Illness-San Francisco Executive Director Anne Fischer called the attraction "incredibly damaging" for reinforcing a stereotype.

Among others criticizing the ride was pastor Rick Warren, who said it "stereotyped & stigmatized" mental illness.

His wife, Kay Warren, told the OC Register the name of the attraction "struck a nerve because her late son was 'held on a 5150' several times when he posed a danger to himself."

The Warrens became mental health advocates "after their youngest son, Matthew, committed suicide at age 27 on April 5, 2013," the OC Register reported. He had a "long struggle with chronic depression."

Park owner Cedar Fair says the attraction wasn't meant to offend and has been pulled from its California parks and one in Canada.

"I'm so grateful (Knott's and Cedar Fair) listened to the voices of the mental health community," Kay told the OC Register.

Another mental health advocate, John Leyerle, president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Orange County told the OC Register he was happy with how the park responded.

"I feel good about what happened here," Leyerle said. "Thankfully, this attraction will no longer further mental health stigma."
An Ohio woman accused of assaulting a McDonalds worker for not moving fast enough was all smiles in her mug shot  but that likely didnt last long when she was sentenced to prison for violating probation.

Mary Jordan -- along with two other women Ashley England and Sammie Whaley -- were arrested after they were accused of beating up a McDonald's worker while their children were present.

The issue began June 8 when the worker was apparently moving too slowly for the three, according to the Bellevue, Ohio Police Department's Facebook page.

Police said the assault was caught on camera in the parking lot.

England was arrested on suspicion of assault, theft and child endangerment.

Jordan was arrested on assault and child endangerment, and Whaley was arrested on suspicion of assault, police said.

Jordan was sentenced to 20 months in prison, according to NBC affiliate WCSH.
Throw on a movie from the '30s or 1940s and you're apt to see a few telling elements. Someone'll likely be wearing a fedora, there will be some rat-a-tat dialogue, and a person will unpocket a couple of coins for coffee down at the local luncheonette.

And while fedoras never really went away, and rat-a-tat dialogue still shows up in the occasional romcom, paying for a cup of coffee with a handful of nickels and dimes is an act the mists of time have now nearly full consumed.

Except on Sept. 29, which is National Coffee Day. This isn't a holiday about the tallest whipped cream swirls, the most mega combo of syrup flavors, nor the most unusually spiced sips (though, of course, that's up to the individual coffee shop, if that's they're pleasure).

It's about discounts, and deals, flat-out. So jingle some change in your trouser pocket and make for...

Peet's Coffee & Tea: You may already be hearing rumor of the Bay Area's finest and its Holiday Blends, but that's still on the horizon. What's happening on Sept. 29 is this: Buy an edible goodie at a Peet's and score a "free medium cup of drip coffee." What's your pleasure? A cookie, a muffin...

Dunkin' Donuts: The Massachusetts-based company is beloved for its coffee throughout New England. Get a medium cup for 66 cents on Thursday, Sept. 29 (there's also a special Snapchat Geofilter created just for the day, so inquire when you order). The "66" bit? It's in honor of Dunkin' Donuts 66th year.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf: This is an update, and one that comes with some espresso kick: Download the chain's latest mobile app and receive a gratis espresso shot. And if you make for the Coffee Bean at Sunset and Hayward you could score "free coffee for life" (one guest will win, so good luck).

Krispy Kreme: If you can't keep your eyes off this shop's iconic conveyor belt, best try and pick out which Original Glazed Donut will be yours. Krispy Kreme is giving away a gratis cup of small coffee and one of its famous donuts on Sept. 29. Is it true that you can hold up an Original Glazed and it will catch the sunlight? Fun to play with, fun to eat.

Starbucks: Go the giveback route when you a cup of Mexico Chiapas coffee on Sept. 29. The Seattle phenom will "donate a coffee tree" to "help a farmer's future" for every cup purchased. That's right, a tree, which means your National Coffee Day enjoyment will continue on in spirit for a good long time to come.

Cups of coffee aren't a couple of dimes nowadays, but the notion of dimes and coffee does make us wish for one thing: We wish we had a dime every time a co-worker or a friend stated "but every day is National Coffee Day!" on Sept. 29.

The coins would rack up pretty darn fast, as there is more than an iota of truth to that sentiment.
If a friend has ever asked you to help with an apartment move, the first question you probably asked, after "are you buying pizza?," is "are there any stairs?"

It's a fair query, but you're still likely to do the good-of-heart thing and lend some box-hauling support to your bud.

But it turns out facing the stairs at your pal's new digs isn't the only good-of-heart way to take on upward elevation in the name of helping someone out. The annual Stair Climb for Los Angeles, an annual early-autumn fundraiser, is all about taking on many, many, MANY stairs in order to lend support to an excellent community stalwart, the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA.

If the "Downtown" part of the YMCA's name makes you ponder if the Stair Climb for Los Angeles happens in one of our city's skyscrapers, you're pondering is right on the money. If you ponder further and wonder if happens in the U.S. Bank Tower, the second tallest building west of the Mississippi, again, you'd be so incredibly correct.

And you'd be correct if you guess you can still join the Friday, Sept. 30 to-the-top event. So here are the pre-deets you'll need: It's a 75-story climb, or some 1,664 stairs in all, and the ten-hour event, which kicks off at 11 a.m., means anyone who wants to swing by and give it a go can probably carve out the time to do so.

Though whether you'll surpass Lucas Matison, the 2015 champ, remains to be seen. Mr. Matison bested the 75 stories of the U.S. Bank Tower in an impressive eight minutes, 56 seconds.

Consider also that many of our region's first responders participate, and sometimes in full gear. So you might see a firefighter or two, in helmets and uniform, heading up the stairwell.

Want to join? Act now, at the in-person registration. Want to cheer climbers on? There's a Hope Street Block Party. And will you have access to the OUE Skyspace if you register? You will, you will, though Skyslide tickets are an additional eight bucks.

Look up, start climbing, and think of all the good doings going on in the city below, at the Block Party as well as the place everyone is out to support, the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA, which hosts a bevy of positive programs that create a strong community.
A Miramar man is behind bars after allegedly breaking into nearly a dozen homes across Broward County that were being fumigated at the time.

Derek Bell, 28, was arrested by Hollywood Police in connection with the crimes. Officials say Bell would target the homes early in the morning that were being tented for bugs.

More than $300,000 worth of items were found inside Bells Miramar home as well as several storage units, police said. In total, 23 different victims have come forward  including several in Pembroke Pines, Miramar and Fort Lauderdale.

Bell, who is being held on 35 charges in the case, has prior arrests for robbery and burglary and is currently on probation. He also had two outstanding warrants in Broward County.
Investigators in Miami are searching for answers in what led to the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy who was found unconscious inside a daycare van.

The Vision for Life Day Care Center is no longer operating, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Children and Family, the agency that regulates day care centers. The center was not authorized to transport children. DCF has opened a death investigation and is assisting law enforcement.

At the Vision For Life Day Care Center Thursday parents came to fill out paperwork to take their kids out of the center after 2-year-old Angel Gabriel Matute-Chavez died after he was discovered in a van Wednesday.

"How can you forget a whole child in a car, a whole baby in a car?" parent Jessica Lewis said. "It's children you go to pick up so how can you just not remember who you brought with you?"

Lewis was at the school Thursday withdrawing her kids.

"Absolutely, yes, they are not staying in this school at, they are not coming back to this school," she said. "Even if it does open back up which I don't think that it should."

Justin Beckham, an attorney for one of the owners of the daycare, Karen Julissa Aviles, said she is "completely devastated" by the news.

"She has dedicated the last 13 years of her life to the care of children, and she is in shock," Beckham said in a statement. "We have reached out the City of Miami Police department in order to cooperate fully with their investigation. She wishes to specifically express her deepest condolences to the childs family."

At the women's shelter where the boy was staying with his mother, other women described the horror the boy's mother is going through.

"Her reaction was when she got home, she fell to the ground, she was crying and her mother had to help her up and put her back inside the car because who can handle that," Charlene Lafleur said. "Believe me, I am a mother and I almost went to tears."

Police say the call came for help when the toddler was found in the van. He was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital but later died.

"We are devastated by the loss of Angel Gabriel Matute-Chavez and grieve with all those who loved him," DCF said in a statement. "The child had no previous interaction with the child welfare system."

"The center had no major, class one child care violations. The center was not authorized to transport children," the DCF statement read. "DCF child care licensing staff will continue to closely monitor the center."

Lafleur says other moms almost put their kids in the van.

"We considered using it but they stepped in and couldn't accept no more kids," she said.

The county also has an ordinance requiring child care center vans be equipped with an alarm to drivers to check any vehicle with kids. But one parent whose child rode in the van told NBC 6 she never saw anything like that.

The county said they do inspect for those alarms to alert drivers. The county department that oversees those inspections say they went to the center in August 2014 to inform them of the requirement.
One of the world's hottest destination is about to get even hotter.

On Tuesday, Miami Beach City Commissioners approved a 10-point proposal to improve Ocean Drive.

"It's time to clean up the Ocean Drive experience for the consumers and to get the residents back to Ocean Drive and really deliver a better experience for everybody," said Mike Palma, Ocean Drive Business Owners Association.

The ten points of improvement includes lighting and reducing noise pollution.

"It was dark actually yeah, the restaurants themselves were quite well lit but outside of that area it was quite dark," said Thelma Jones, who's visiting from Australian.

The plan will also make it easier to navigate the strip for drivers and pedestrians.

You'll also see more police officers, better customer service and less chain restaurants.

City commissioners also considered passing a 2 a.m. curfew on serving alcohol, but that didn't pass.

Right now, you can drink until 5 in the morning.

"I don't believe it was an end all be all. It was a way to push people to see what could be taken away if we didn't clean things up," explained Palma.

Commissioner Ricky Arriola crafted the new plan to improve these 10-blocks on Ocean Drive.

The changes could start almost immediately.
If you are one of those who needs at least one cup of coffee each day, Thursday is going to be your lucky day. Businesses across the country are giving discounted and even free cups of the beverage as part of National Coffee Day.

Some of the special deals include:

- Krispy Kreme will be giving out not just a free cup of coffee, but also one glazed doughnut to celebrate the day with no purchase necessary.

- Dunkin Donuts is combining the day with their 66th year in operation, selling medium sized hot coffees for 66 cents.

- Starbucks isnt giving out free beverages, but will donate a coffee tree for each cup of Mexico Chiapas coffee purchased.

- Einstein Bros. Bagles will be giving a free medium coffee with every purchase.

-McDonald's is giving away a free small coffee with any purchase.
The mayor of North Miami is asking the White House to reverse a policy that blocks Haitian migrants from entering the U.S. at the border between Southern California and Mexico.

Mayor Smith Joseph held a news conference Wednesday announcing that the city council approved a resolution urging President Barack Obama to allow Haitian migrants to cross the border.

Last week, The Obama administration authorized the deportation of Haitians trying to cross the border near San Diego.

After the massive 2010 earthquake, the U.S. had been welcoming Haitian migrants based on the poor conditions on the island nation.

The White House now says the conditions have improved, prompting the crackdown on migrants crossing the border.

Leaders in the South Florida Haitian community are outraged.

"This is wrong. You cannot target a particular ethnic group and decide you are not going to let them in when thousands of ethnic people from other countries are arriving to this country and we are welcoming them with open arms," said Mayor Joseph.

The mayor says the conditions in Haiti are still awful and that migrants should be allowed into the U.S.

A copy of the resolution is being sent to the White House.
The President of the Dade County Police Benevolent Association says there's a record-breaking shortage of Miami-Dade police officers.

In a statement released Wednesday, PBA President John Rivera pointed the finger at Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

"We are, at best, 390 officers short since Carlos Gimenez took over," said Rivera.

This week, 140 police officer trainees graduated, but the PBA says the new addition will do little to offset the shortage at the department.

"During his time in office, Mayor Carlos Gimenez has severely depleted manpower, slashed departmental resources and cut important community programs," added Rivera.

The PBA head also said the mayor's policies have had deleterious effects on the department.

NBC 6 reached out to the mayor's office for comment.

County officials said the department has added a record number of police officers, calling Rivera's comments "half-truths" and "distortions".

"Mayor Gimenez will continue to support adding police officers, equipping them with body-worn cameras and encouraging community-oriented policing. Mr. Rivera will continuing issuing press releases," said Mike Hernandez, Director of Communications at the mayor's office.
A two-year-old boy was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital after he was found unconscious inside a hot van in Miami Wednesday, police said.

Detectives said several people including the driver of the van were being questioned.

Miami Fire Captain Ignatius Carroll said the call came in as a child in cardiac arrest around 3:45 p.m.

The incident happpened at Vision for Life Academy located at Northwest 41st Street and 7th Avenue. The van has signage that reads "Reaching Children For Christ Ministry."

Police said the boy, identified as Angel Gabriel Matute-Chavez, was found in the rear compartment of the van. Officials did not say how long he was left in the van. It's unclear if the child was properly restrained.

"When you see someone so young and helpless, and fragile that isn't able to tell you what's happening, what's going on, then that's when you start fearing the worst and a whole lot of things go through your mind," said Capt. Ignatius Carroll, Miami Fire Rescue.

According to investigators, the driver dropped off other children then sometime later another driver spotted the toddler in the van.

Emergency crews rushed the toddler boy to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center where police said he died upon arrival.

The child's identity has not been released.

NBC 6 checked out the facility's record from July which shows the academy is in good standing. However, records show the center doesn't provide transportation.

The day care center has not responded to a request for comment.
IRS scam callers targeting New Yorkers have drained the life savings of a legally blind and disabled man from Long Island by convincing him to buy $12,100 in Target gift cards.

"I'm very depressed," said Howard, a Freeport resident who lives alone despite his vision problems and cognitive disabilities. He doesn't want his last name used for fear he'll be targeted again.

Howard's ordeal, which stretched over five days in early September, began when a person called saying he owed more than $3,000 to the IRS. This wasnt the first time IRS scam callers had dialed Howard, the man said.

Most of the phone calls in the past were like (were going to take) legal action, Howard said. But this one was quite threatening.

This time, the caller said the sheriff's department would get involved if Howard didn't pay his debt in Target gift cards.

Scared, Howard immediately walked to his bank, withdrew cash from his account and took two buses to the Target store in Levittown, where he purchased $3,650 in Target gift cards. Once he got home, he read the numbers on the card to the caller. The numbers are all anyone needs to access the cards and anonymously spend the money.

I was hoping it would be over then, Howard said, his voice trailing off. But the caller was just getting started.

The (next day) they asked for even more money - $8,450, Howard told NBC 4 New York. And again, he complied. Over three days, he withdrew cash from his bank and made three trips to the same Target store in Levittown and one in Westbury, purchasing a total of $12,100 in gift cards.

At no time during this process did he ever tell anybody, any relatives. He didnt call me to say this was going on, said Howards brother Curt, who has power of attorney over his accounts and only realized something was wrong when he noticed the massive withdrawals.

Once he realized what happened, Curt called the Freeport police department and confronted employees at Target in Levittown.

How in the world when you see my brother going in there  you can tell that he has some cognitive problems and hes disabled. Why wouldnt anybody question him looking to buy thousands of dollars of gift cards, Curt told NBC 4 New York. You would think that was raising a lot of red flags. It should have been, but no.

When contacted by NBC 4 New York, Target would not answer direct questions about Howards case. Its also unclear if the company has a policy concerning the purchase of gift cards as it failed to answer repeated requests for a policy and none could be found online.

We take a multi-layered, comprehensive approach to preventing theft and fraud that includes innovative programs and partnerships with local law enforcement, technology and team member training, Target said in a statement. We are aware of scams like these and are actively working with law enforcement.

The National Consumers League (NCL), a non-profit advocacy group, believes retailers need to step up efforts to protect people like Howard because scammers are getting more sophisticated.

If a front line employee is trained to spot that and question that, that could be a good way to address this quickly, said John Breyault, NCLs vice president, adding that many merchants limit the amount of money that can be loaded onto any one card or limit the number of cards that can be purchased by an individual at one time. He also suggests retailers could put a hold on gift cards so they cannot be spent immediately, and track who is using a card.

Federal authorities tell NBC 4 New York the use of gift cards in IRS scam calls is urgent.

The impersonation scheme is the largest investigation in the history of our agency, said William Kalb, special agent in charge of the New York office of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), which investigates scam cases. Kalb said as much as 80 percent of the money being paid by victims is in the form of gift cards.

According to TIGTA, the tri-state area is a hot target for IRS impersonation scammers. New York ranks second in the U.S. for the number of victims. New Jersey is fifth and Connecticut is seventh.

While TIGTA and local authorities are working to stop the scammers, there is little they can do once someone like Howard becomes a victim. Both he and his brother are resigned to that now. Said Curt, Its pretty sad that someone would scam him out of his life savings in a few days.

==

If you receive an IRS impersonation scam phone call, the feds want to hear from you. Their advice: hang up immediately and report the call at www.treasury.gov/tigta
What to Know David Wildstein has pleaded guilty in the scheme to tie up traffic at the bridge

Ex-Christie staffers Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni face fraud, conspiracy and civil rights charges in the case

Christie has repeatedly denied knowing anything about the scheme until long after it was carried out

As testimony in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial continues past its first week, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie faces a new problem: a citizen's criminal complaint filed against him in Fort Lee Municipal Court.

Bergen County activist Bill Brennan told NBC 4 New York that he filed the complaint of official misconduct in the second degree on Wednesday. A court official confirmed the filing.

Brennan said the case has cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars and added of the main players in the case: "When listening to the nonchalant manner in which these people are discussing, the magnitude of the pettiness, is just absurd."

Brennan said his criminal complaint of the governor was over the government's star witness David Wildstein's accusation that the governor knew by midweek about the lane shutdowns for political retaliation against Fort Lee's mayor, as well as the governor's subsequent failure to seek criminal prosecution of his staffers once he found out.

The governor is on record repeatedly, and as late as Tuesday, denying he was told about the closures the week of the shutdown.

The citizen's complaint was sent to the Superior Court in Hackensack, per state law, according to the court official in Fort Lee.

According to a legal expert, if a superior court judge determines a probable cause, the case would go to a county prosecutor, and then if that office moves forward, to a grand jury.
The deadly train crash at Hoboken Terminal that killed at least one person, injured more than 100 others and caused significant structural damage to one of New Jersey's busiest railroad stations could have a devastating effect on transportation in the region in the coming days.

Several train lines, light rails and ferry services were suspended to and from the Hoboken Terminal Thursday, impacting the commute of more than 50,000 people who use the major transit hub daily.

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Some service was expected to resume for Thursday's evening commute: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said the PATH train service and ferry service to New York City would both be operational for rush hour. But Christie could not provide a timetable for restoration of service for the NJ Transit commuter lines.

That could cause problems for the thousands of commuters who take the trains to Hoboken, and then the PATH or ferry to Manhattan.

"If the Hoboken train station is impacted for any significant period of time, the impact on travel on that area would be huge," said Richard C. Beall from Railroadexperts.com. "It will depend on how many tracks have been affected and if the building itself is still structurally sound. They might have to bus people from the Hoboken station to the next station, but either way the impact is going to be enormous."

At about 8:45 a.m. Thursday morning, a Pascack Valley Line train appeared to have gone through a bumper stop and crashed into the station at the height of morning rush. It eventually stopped between that station's indoor waiting area and the platform.

Photos of the crash scene showed significant structural damage to the station. At least one of the NJ Transit cars appeared to be partially inside the station and the roof over the tracks had partially collapsed.

None of NJ Transit's trains are fully equipped with positive train control, a safety system designed to prevent accidents by automatically slowing or stopping trains that are going too fast. The industry is under government orders to install PTC, but the deadline has been repeatedly extended by regulators at the request of the railroads. The deadline is now the end of 2018.

[NATL-NY] Dramatic Images: NJ Transit Train Crashes in Hoboken

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), who toured the crash site Thursday, says he's been pushing for better rail security.

"We are a rail-dependent region here in New Jersey," Booker said on MSNBC. "We should be focusing a lot on safety technology. We have a lot more to do on that in this country."

Situated just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, NJ Transit's fifth-busiest station is the final stop for several train lines and a transfer point for many commuters on their way to New York City. Many passengers get off at Hoboken and take ferries or a Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH) commuter train to New York.

Also known as the Lackawanna Terminal, Hoboken's major transit hub is served by nine NJ Transit commuter rail lines, one Metro-North Railroad line, various NJ Transit buses and private bus lines, the HudsonBergen Light Rail, the PATH transit system and NY Waterway-operated ferries.

For many New Jersey residents who work in lower Manhattan, taking a train to Hoboken and then connecting to the PATH to the World Trade Center or Christopher Street is more convenient than NJ Transit trains to midtown's Penn Station.

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A crash at the same station on a different train line injured more than 30 people on Mother's Day in 2011. A PATH commuter train crashed into bumpers at the end of the tracks, The Associated Press reported. None of the injuries were life-threatening. The National Transportation Safety Board said in a report that PATH estimated the total damages were $352,617.

The site of the terminal has been used as a ferry landing since the colonial era. The Hoboken Terminal that stands today was built in 1907, a construction that was a result of a blaze during 1905 which had destroyed the original structure due to a ferry catching fire while docked, according to "Railroad Stations" author Brian Solomon.

The site of the terminal has been used as a ferry landing since the colonial era. The Hoboken Terminal that stands today was built in 1907, a construction that was a result of a blaze during 1905 which had destroyed the original structure due to a ferry catching fire while docked, according to "Railroad Stations" author Brian Solomon.

The Beaux-Arts style terminal, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed by architect Kenneth M. Murchison.

The 109-year-old building has undergone waves of restoration, including a major project launched by NJ Transit in April 2004 that largely restored the building to its original condition. The station underwent more renovations after it was extensively damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Many "firsts" can be attributed to the Hoboken Terminal, according to the Hoboken Historical Museum. The first electrified train, operated by Thomas Edison, departed Hoboken in 1930 and traveled to Montclair, N.J. One of the first central air-conditioning units in a major building was installed at Hoboken Terminal. The first wireless phone, operating between Hoboken and Manhattan, was first used inside the terminal.
What to Know A criminal complaint revealed horrific details in the case

The boyfriend of the dead child's mother allegedly attacked the 6-year-old after he defecated in their living room

Both he and the boy's mother have been arrested

The 6-year-old boy who died after being rushed from his New York City apartment Tuesday had been hit repeatedly with a wooden broomstick and hung from his shirt on the back of a bathroom door by his mother's boyfriend, authorities say.

The man, 42-year-old Rysheim Smith, became enraged when he saw that the boy, Zymere Perkins, had defecated in the living room of their Hamilton Heights apartment on West 135th Street, according to a criminal complaint detailing the horrific abuse.

Smith began hitting the boy across the head and body with his hands and a wooden broomstick, in plain sight of the boy's mother, 26-year-old Geraldine Perkins, according to the complaint.

Perkins told police that Smith continued to beat the boy even after he went limp.

Smith then carried the boy to the bathroom and hung him by his shirt on the back of the door, then left the apartment, according to the complaint. The mother went to take Zymere off the door and put him on the bed, leaving him unconscious.

She told police she went to rest and read the Bible, and when she went to check on the boy later in the afternoon, he would not wake up, the complaint states.

That's when she dressed the boy and carried him to the street, hailing a taxi to the hospital. Neighbors told NBC 4 New York that Perkins came running out of the home with the boy's limp body in her arms, saying he fell in the bathtub and wasn't breathing.

"The body was lifeless," said Chauncey Brown. "The arms were dangling, stuff like that."



Witnesses said the boy was covered in bruises and scratches and had what they described as "welts" on his stomach; they said they hadn't seen the marks prior to Monday.

Police were seen Tuesday examining a broken broomstick in a crime van.

It wasn't the first time the boy was abused by the man and his mother, authorities said. The complaint stated that Perkins admitted to police that she'd watched her boyfriend beat, punch and hit her son over the course of "many months," including with his hands, fists and broomsticks and other weapons.

She also watched him lift her son by his neck on "multiple occasions," the complaint stated.

The abuse started before Perkins and her son moved into Smith's apartment over the summer. The apartment was described in the complaint as filthy, with no electricity, rotting food in the fridge, roaches everywhere, and filled with mold, rust and mildew in the bathroom.

The mother also admitted to hitting her son herself numerous times, the complaint said.

An autopsy on Zymere revealed bruises on his torso, bruises and finger marks on his neck, multiple old fractured ribs and other injuries.

Several people had reported their concerns about Zymere to police and child protective workers at the city's Administration for Children's Services, sources told NBC 4 New York Wednesday. They included staff members at the homeless shelter where Perkins and her son lived for about a year and a half beginning in 2014, according to sources familiar with the case. The two left the shelter in July.

At one point in April, Zymere ended up at the Manhattan Child Advocacy Center, where children are evaluated for signs of abuse. He was interviewed and observed by a doctor, an ACS staffer and a representative from the Manhattan district attorney's office, sources said. The child denied his mother hit him, and no physical signs of abuse were apparent so prosecutors did not move forward with the case.

Meanwhile, Department of Education sources also confirmed that Zymere's school had initiated an investigation into his attendance and tried to contact the family after the child failed to show up to school this fall.

Mayor Bill de Blasio promised a thorough investigation into Zymere's death.

"I want to know what happened here," he said Wednesday. "It's unacceptable that this young man was lost."

Under this administration and Children's Services Commissioner Gladys Carrion, there has been added emphasis on keeping families together and on collaboration with families accused of abuse, as opposed to investigation of the families.

One person familiar with Zymere's case told NBC 4 that the family was receiving preventive services, but ACS has not confirmed that, citing confidentiality rules.

In New York currently, fewer children are being removed from parents and placed in foster care -- which is a good thing, experts say, as long as those children are not being left in risky situations.

Neighbors say Perkins was a sweet boy. They say his parents asked for money frequently, and that they never saw the couple with groceries.

Smith and Perkins were arrested on charges of child endangerment Wednesday. Sources say Smith has been arrested 13 times this year, including on weapons and drug charges.

Their attorneys could not immediately be reached Wednesday night. The two are next scheduled to appear in court Oct. 3.
UPDATE: After Train Crash, NJ Transit Plans for Friday Rush Hour

Some commuters will be riding buses to get home in the wake of a deadly train crash at the Hoboken Terminal that killed one woman, hurt more than 100 people and demolished part of the century-old station.

PATH trains, which hadn't been running between Hoboken and Manhattan since the crash Thursday morning, got running again at 3 p.m., and NJ Transit announced contingency plans for the evening and morning commutes following the crash at the popular transfer point for thousands of commuters.

Still, getting home Thursday night won't be easy. The terminal is NJ Transit's fifth busiest station, and the laundry list of changes is likely to cause headaches for the next couple commutes.

All rides taken from the #Hoboken train station since the accident will also be refunded. https://t.co/XE6Pd16OmZ  Uber New Jersey (@Uber_NJ) September 29, 2016

Below are options for commuters who normally travel through Hoboken Terminal:



BUSES

 NJ Transit will increase service on the 126 line between Hoboken and Port Authority. Commuters will be notified on where to get service.

 Shuttle buses will run between Hoboken and Secaucus on a load-and-go basis.

 A bus shuttle will operate from Hoboken at the alternative bus service on Observer Highway to the Newport-Pavonia Station

 All Eighth Street to Hoboken service terminates at Newport Station

RAIL

Beginning at 4 p.m., the following service changes will be in effect:

 Main, Bergen, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines will operate on a modified weekend schedule originating and terminating in Secaucus. Buses will shuttle commuters from Hoboken to Secaucus Junction on a load and go basis.

 Riders who need to access Secaucus are urged to take trains from New York Penn Station.

 Morris & Essex Line, Gladstone Branch and Montclair-Boonton Line will be limited service for points west of Montclair State University and west of Dover.

 Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line (New York service only), Raritan Valley, Midtown direct and Atlantic City rail lines will all operate on normal weekday schedules. Midtown direct service will make additional stops east of Summit.

LIGHT RAIL

 All Hudson Bergen Light Rail service was suspended into and out of Hoboken but it will resume full service by Friday morning.

METRO NORTH

For Pascack Valley Line (PVL) and Suffern, Sloatsburg, Tuxedo & Harriman commuters:

 Take the Hudson Line Train Service to Tarrytown Station for connecting bus service to all PVL stations and Suffern, Sloatsburg, Tuxedo & Harriman stations. Buses will meet trains departing Grand Central Terminal between 3:43 p.m. and 8:33 p.m.

 For Port Jervis Line commuters between Harriman and Port Jervis Stations:

 Take the Hudson Line Train Service to Beacon Station for connecting bus service to all stations between Harriman and Port Jervis stations. Buses will meet trains departing Grand Central Terminal between 3:48 PM and 8:29 PM.

CROSS-HONORING

 NJ Transit buses and private carriers will honor NJ Transit rail tickets and passes.

 Uber will refund rides taken from the Hoboken train station since the accident.

 Metro-North will honor all Pascack Valley Line and Port Jervis Line rail tickets until further notice

 Commuters should expect congestion and delays.
September 29 is National Coffee Day and these full-bodied deals available at locations across the tri-state will definitely perk you up.

Dunkin Donuts is offering medium-sized hot coffee for 66 cents in celebration of its 66-year anniversary.

Krispy Kreme is handing out a free small coffee and free original glazed doughnut.

McDonalds is giving a free small hot or iced McCafe coffee to users of its app.

Starbucks will donate a coffee tree to a farmer in need for every brewed cup of Mexico Chiapas coffee purchased.

Doughnut Plant has a buy one, get one free deal on all coffee drinks.

Birch Coffee has free drip coffee from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

New York Hilton Midtown is giving away free lattes made by a coffee artist Michael Breach from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breach will take guests' requests as he creates his latte art. Herb N' Kitchen will also celebrate by offering a free biscotti or canella with the purchase of a medium or large Illy coffee.

Eataly Downtown is offering a complimentary espresso or drip coffee with a purchase of any pastry, pasticcini or Kossars breakfast bagel.

Peets Coffee is giving out a free medium cup of drip coffee with the purchase of a fresh food item.

Gloria Jeans Coffees is handing out a free eight-ounce White Chocolate Cookie Chiller or small cup of coffee of the day from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What to Know A man was reunited with the NYPD officer he saved at a Staten Island hospital last month when she was overpowered by a prisoner

The man was a patient at the hospital when he was able to convince the prisoner to put down a gun he had aimed at the subdued officer

The Staten Island precinct where the officer works honored the man at a ceremony on Wednesday

A hospital patient who saved the life of a rookie NYPD officer when she was overpowered by a prisoner with a gun in a hospital room was honored by a Staten Island precinct.

Rafael Muniz received plaques from the captain of the 120th precinct on Wednesday for the bravery he showed when he was a patient Richmond University Medical Center last month. During the ceremony, he was also reunited with the woman he saved.

Muniz was in his hospital room in August when he heard the NYPD officer screaming in the next room. She was screaming, Please help me! He has my gun! I dont want to die!

Muniz ran out of his room to help her.

There was no way I wasnt going to react, Muniz said. It was life and death to her and I heard it in her screams.

When Muniz got to the room he found the suspect on top of the officer. He had taken her gun and had the weapon pointed at her. His finger was on the trigger.

Muniz said: You dont have to do this.

When he finally heard me and looked at me. He said, My finger is on the trigger. I said, Brother, all you have to do is take your finger off the trigger. Thats all you have to do.

Munizs appeal worked and the suspect put down the gun. He says he wasnt afraid during the heat of the moment.

I was thinking about her life, it was all about her. She was in a real bad situation. Im just glad I was able to help.
Miles of tire tracks left behind by someone out for a joyride mark the latest act of vandalism in California's Death Valley National Park.

The tracks in the hottest, driest place on earth extend for about 10 miles, including looping patterns likely created by doughnuts from the sport utility vehicle's tires, on the fragile surface of the park's "Racetrack Playa." The scars will likely remain on the surface for years because exposed loose silt can be blown away by strong winds, causing a depression in the dry soil.

The remote dry lake is known for unusual tracks, but not the man-made kind.

In 2014, scientists unraveled the mystery behind the Playa's "moving rocks," which appeared to leave jagged trails in the surface. The researchers found that large sheets of ice were pushed by winds into the rocks, acting as a sail that moved the rocks across the lake bed.

But there was no mystery behind the SUV tire tracks, discovered in August by a park ranger. A GPS rendering of the route shows the SUV driver traveled erratically back and forth along the lake bed, made several sharp turns and turned a few doughnuts.

"We are hopeful that someone will be charged in this case," Abby Wines, a park spokeswoman, told the Los Angeles Times, adding that investigators have a "strong lead."

Federal investigators told the Times they have identified a suspect believed responsible for the vandalism.

Authorities did not release the suspect's name.

The destructive driving case comes after three men were charged in May in connection with damage to a Death Valley National Park rock tub. A federally endangered Devil's Hole Pupfish was found dead at the site.

The suspects in that case were identified through DNA left at the crime scene. The park service also released surveillance video of the shotgun-wielding men as they broke into Devil's Hole.

In June, a San Diego woman pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of defiling rocks formations at Death Valley and other national parks.
A bodybuilder from California whose biceps were bigger than Arnold Schwarzenegger's has been found dead along a creek in Pennsylvania.

Police tell PennLive.com that the body of 69-year-old William Pettis was spotted along Spring Creek by a passer-by in Swatara Township on Tuesday. The Venice, California, resident had grown up in the Harrisburg area.

Police say Pettis' family had bought him a bus ticket to come to town for a family function. Police said Pettis, who suffered from dementia and other health issues, arrived in Harrisburg on Sunday and had wandered away.
A Delaware woman was arrested after she allegedly stole from a Philadelphia nonprofit that serves children.

Sonja McQuillar, 50, of New Castle, is charged with theft and embezzlement.

McQuillar was the director of Health and Management at Northern Childrens Services (NCS), a nonprofit organization that provides mental and behavioral health treatment services for children. As director, McQuillar verified the accuracy of consultants invoices and submitted them for payment.

McQuillar is accused of preparing consulting invoices for relatives and friends who were never consultants for NCS. She also allegedly prepared invoices for people who were consultants for NCS but for work they never performed. She then allegedly forged the names of the recipients to cash the checks.

Officials say McQuillar stole approximately $607,067 from NCS between December of 2002 and April of 2014.

Every nonprofit that receives taxpayer funding accepts a responsibility to give charitably with integrity. These funds were designated to help some of Philadelphias children who are most in need, said Inspector General Amy L. Kurland. I'm grateful for our federal law enforcement partners for their close cooperation in this investigation.




A western Pennsylvania police officer who was fired for a social media post that included a racial slur is apologizing.

Melissa Adamson tells WTAE-TV she's not a racist and is sorry to everyone she offended. She says it was a "stupid mistake."

She's referring to a post that appeared Tuesday afternoon on social media that showed the now-former part-time McKeesport officer in uniform with a caption reading "I'm the law today" and ending with the derogatory term for blacks.

She says someone trying to "ruin her career" posted the photo.

The photo was apparently taken while she worked at the nearby Pitcairn police department. She says she left that job to take the McKeesport position on Sept. 20.

McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said Adamson was fired for showing "absolutely unacceptable" conduct.[[395317151, C]]

The Pitcairn Police Department also responded to the post, in which Adamson appears to be wearing a Pitcairn police uniform. According to the departments Facebook post, she is a former officer in the Pitcairn police force.

Pitcairn Police Chief Scott Farally told Channel 11 News on Wednesday that Adamson apologized to him Tuesday night, admitting that she was on duty when she took the selfie.

To my knowledge, it was taken while she was on duty inside one of the patrol cars, Farally said. I am actually saddened on that. We have more integrity than that in this department.
A former Navy chaplain and Catholic priest who sexually assaulted a Naval Academy midshipman years ago is facing sentencing on federal child pornography charges.

Sentencing for John Thomas Matthew Lee of Millsboro, Delaware, which has been postponed several times, is now set for next Wednesday.

Lee, who faces up to 50 years in prison, pleaded guilty last November to production and distribution of child pornography.

Lee was court-martialed in 2007 on charges including forcible sodomy and failing to tell a sex partner he was HIV-positive, and he served time in prison.

Lee, who registered as a sex offender in Delaware in 2013, was arrested in 2014 after a multistate investigation.

Authorities say Lee uploaded child pornography to social networking sites and persuaded several juveniles to send him pornographic images of themselves.
The attorney for a former New Jersey school nurse who accused her bosses of discrimination based on her disability says his client has reached a $2 million settlement with a board of education.

Rose Martinez's attorney tells NJ.com the settlement comes as she has been testifying about her attempts to seek help prior to her retirement on disability.

Martinez had been a tenured nurse at Livingston Elementary School in New Brunswick. She says she has a vision condition and began experiencing health issues, including dizziness and headaches, after the district moved to electronic pupil records.

Her lawsuit says several years of accommodation requests were denied.

A representative for New Brunswick Public Schools says the tentative settlement must still be approved by the board of education.
Christopher Sowell was at home with his children when he suddenly snapped and went on a stabbing spree in Philadelphia's Cobbs Creek section Wednesday night, the city's police commissioner said Thursday.

The 32-year-old seriously hurt five people, including his kids, before being shot and killed by police.

His daughter, 12, told officers her father began choking her just before 7 p.m. Wednesday inside their home along the 6200 block of Hazel Avenue.

"All of a sudden his eyes were wide as could be. And then he just starts to choke her for no reason whatsoever," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross told NBC10.

Sowell then grabbed a switchblade knife and stabbed his 8-year-old son and the boy's 13-year-old friend multiple times in the neck and chest, police said.

The boys were rushed to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where they remain in critical condition. Detectives are working piece together what led Sowell to carry out the stabbings and assaults. His daughter told police it appeared he was high on narcotics.

"He just was a bubbly little kid, and I'm just praying that he pulls through," one neighbor who did not give her name told NBC10 Thursday of Sowell's son.

Sowell then walked around the corner to the 700 block of Cobbs Creek Parkway and entered into a neighbor's home, where he asked for food.

Detectives said Sowell once again turned violent, grabbing a steak knife and cutting the throat of the 70-year-old woman who lives there.

He also punched a 41-year-old woman multiple times in the face while in the home.

The elderly woman was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where she remains in critical condition. The other woman was taken to Mercy Hospital in stable condition.

A swarm of officers surrounded the area after the initial call for help. They found Sowell on the street outside the woman's home. Nine officers opened fire on him after he pulled what they believed to be a handgun from his pocket, officials said.

Sowell was taken to Penn Presbyterian for treatment, but died from his injuries a short time later.

A gun was not found on or around the man's body, but a cell phone was. The knives police believe were used in the stabbings were found in the homes where the assaults took place, officials said.

Philadelphia Police Internal Affairs division is also investigating as is protocol when an officer discharges their weapon.
A suspected drunken driver slammed into a Philadelphia Police officers sport utility vehicle as that officer secured a scene of a deadly police shooting overnight.

The pickup truck driver struck the side of the officers SUV as the yet-to-be-identified officer blocked traffic along Cobbs Creek Parkway near Christian Street around 2 a.m. Thursday.

The officer, who was sitting in the patrol vehicle at the time, suffered bumps and bruises but didnt break any bones, said police. Doctors at Penn Presbyterian Hospital treated him for the injuries.

The uninjured DUI suspect was arrested and is expected to be charged.

The officer was on the scene after officers shot and killed a man who injured five people, including his son and daughter, during a stabbing spree.
Sky-watchers have seen a harvest moon, the rare super blood moon total eclipse and now a new lunar event is on the horizon.

On Sept. 30, the black moon will rise in the sky, but catching a glimpse of it might prove impossible. It's invisible.

Though the term "black moon" isn't recognized by NASA, according to Joe Rao of Space.com, it's an astronomical phenomenon where, every couple of years, the moon is completely blanketed in darkness twice in one month.

The last new moon was on Sept. 1 and the "black moon" will rise on Friday at 8:11 p.m. ET. All new moons can't be seen with the naked eye because the side of the moon thats lit by the sun is facing away from Earth. It will take a few days for slivers of silver to peek out again.

It doesnt happen all the time, but its not particularly rare," Ian ONeill, an astrophysicist and the senior producer for space at Discovery News and Seeker.com told The Los Angeles Times.

It also doesn't spell the end of the world, experts say. It's just how the moon works.

Conspiracy theorists claim the episode will "bring with it worldwide destruction and the second coming of Jesus Christ," the Express paper in England reported.

The most recent "black moon" was in March 2014 and about 32 months before that.

According to National Geographic, the black moon does not predict our demise, but instead, a fresh start.

"If anything, this black moon is a harbinger of new beginnings and festivities: On the evening of October 2, the barely visible waxing crescent moon will shine on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year," the magazine explained. "And on October 3, the growing crescent will mark the beginning of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar."

O'Neill pegged all the hubbub to online frenzy.

When you have anything that's the least bit foreboding in the night sky, the media jumps on it, he said. Social media has a huge part to play. These things go viral.
A bill requiring doctors to check the states narcotics database before they prescribe controlled substances for new patients was signed into law this week.

California Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill Tuesday that would also require doctors to annually check the state database, called CURES, if the course of narcotic treatment continues for the patient.

CURES is the Californias Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System.

Supporters of the new law include two San Diegans who were featured in an NBC 7 Investigates story about prescription drug overdoses. They testified in April at the state Capitol on behalf of the legislation and were joined at that hearing by Clark Smith, M.D., a San Diego psychiatrist and addiction expert who also supports the mandatory use of the CURES database.

Supporters of the bill also said the measure could help crack down on doctor shopping, when a patient obtains controlled substances from multiple providers without those providers knowing about the other prescriptions.

More than 1,000 Californians die every year from accidental or purposeful abuse of controlled substances. Those victims include Kristin Greene, a Lakeside resident who killed herself in November, 2013, with a toxic cocktail of painkillers and sedatives.

Documents obtained by NBC 7 Investigates reveal that Kristin had obtained more than 60 prescriptions from nine medical professionals and several pharmacies in the five years before her death.

Kristins sister, Lisa Bond, said Kristin might still be alive if doctors were required to check CURES.

I think if CURES were used on a regular basis, we would see tremendous progress in cutting back prescription drug dependence, Smith told NBC 7 Investigates.
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter delivered a speech on board the air craft carrier USS Carl Vinson Thursday morning.

He spoke about the U.S. shift in priorities in Asia-Pacific and the various security challenges affecting the area, calling the region the "single most consequential region for America's future."

Carter explained the plan to strengthen stability in the Asia-Pacific, starting with strategic investments.

First by continuing to qualitatively upgrade and invest in our regional force posture, with sustained and strategic investments," said Carter.

Second by catalyzing the Asia Pacifics principle to inclusive security network even more," said Carter. "In this next phase, the United States will continue to sharpen its military edge so we remain the most powerful military in the region and the security partner of choice.

In his speech, Carter emphasized the importance of U.S. alliances with various countries such as Japan, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines, to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. He called the relationship between the U.S. and Philippines "ironclad."

This remark was made despite the efforts of the new Filipino President, Rodrigo Duterte, to distance his government from the U.S. Duterte recently announced the Philippines plan to cancel all future military exercises within the U.S. and demanded the withdrawal of U.S. special forces from the Philippines.

Carter said the U.S. military will continue to invest more in Virginia-class submarines and undersea drones. The military will also make the submarines more lethal by tripling their tomahawk cruise missile strike capacity.

After the speech, Secretary Carter headed to Honolulu to meet with the defense ministers of Asian and Pacific countries.
U.S. authorities tried twice to deport the unarmed black man fatally shot by police in El Cajon, California, but his native Uganda refused to take him.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday in a statement to The Associated Press that Alfred Olango stopped reporting to officers in February 2015. Spokeswoman Virginia Kice didn't know if officers tried to find him after that.

ICE spokesperson Lauren Mack confirmed to NBC 7 San Diego that Department of Homeland Security databases show Olango arrived in the U.S. in 1991 as a refugee.

Mack said an immigration judge ordered Olangos deportation in 2002 following a conviction for transporting and selling drugs. ICE then tried to obtain a travel document from the government in Olangos native Uganda to carry out the deportation. Mack said those multiple requests for documents were unsuccessful.

Olango was released from ICE custody in 2003, under an order of supervision due to the Supreme Courts ruling in Zadvydas v. Davis, Mack said. That ruling bars detention of foreign nationals if deportation is unlikely.

Immigration authorities took Olango into custody in 2009 after he served a prison term for a firearms conviction in Colorado, Mack said, but were again unable to obtain travel documents.

The 38-year-old was fatally shot Tuesday by El Cajon police after a confrontation with officers in a shopping center parking lot. According to police in the San Diego suburb, Olango allegedly took a "shooting stance" while holding an object in his hand, which officials later said was a vape smoking device.

Police said Olango refused multiple instructions to remove his hand from in his pocket. The manager of a nearby fast-food restaurant where a drive-through employee recorded the only video believed to have captured the entire incident confirmed the police account.

Olango's death sparked protests in the city of about 100,000 people, located approximately 30 miles east of downtown San Diego.

Police have released a still image of the encounter, but not video. And at a news conference Thursday, an activist standing with Olango's family argued that the video needs to be released to tell the full story of what happened.

We only can get a photo  but the country is begging for a video  of him pointing his hands without a gun in his hands, said Rev. Shane Harris, president of the San Diego Chapter of the National Action Network.

Olango's mother, Pamela Benge, said at the news conference the 38-year-old was "a good, loving young man" who had no gun when police engaged with him and hadn't done anything wrong.
The object held by a black man shot and killed by El Cajon police officers Tuesday was a type of vaping device, two police sources have confirmed to NBC7.

Alfred Olango, a 38-year-old Ugandan refugee who friends say came to the U.S. over 20 years ago, was killed following a confrontation with police officers in the middle of the day in a public parking lot along a busy street.

El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis, whose officers are not outfitted with body-worn cameras, released a still image from video captured by a witness while promising transparency and asking the community to be patient as the investigation unfolds.

Members of the community held a rally early Wednesday to call for a federal investigation. Several hundred protesters took to the streets later in the evening, with many chanting "no justice, no peace."

Olango pulled an object from his pants and held it out like he would be firing a gun, El Cajon police said. The object was a vaping smoking device with an all-silver cylinder measuring approximately 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches long. The vape had a box attached; it was collected as evidence on scene.

"The two officers that were involved, the one that deployed the Taser and the one that fired his weapon, both have over 21 years of service as police officers," Davis said Tuesday night.

El Cajon police said the dispatch receiving calls beginning at 1 p.m. of a man who was not acting like himself.

Chief Davis said it took approximately 50 minutes for his officers to arrive at the scene. The shooting happened one to two minutes after officers arrived on scene, police told NBC 7.

El Cajon Police Department

Witnesses offered conflicting accounts as to what happened. Some told NBC 7 Olango had his arms stretched out to his side. Some said he refused to raise his arms.

According to police, Olango refused multiple instructions to remove his hand from in his pocket. This was confirmed by the manager of a nearby fast-food restaurant where a drive-through employee recorded the only video believed to have captured the entire incident.

At the time, there was a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) clinician with a police officer in the area, but they were responding to another call of a reported man darting in and out of traffic. They were not available.

The community of El Cajon, California is approximately 30 miles east of downtown San Diego.
The Maryland school bus driver who saved 20 children after her bus burst into flames received a huge thank-you on Wednesday -- hundreds of students cheered for her and waved signs expressing their gratitude.

Reneita Smith jumped into action when she saw flames on the bus she was driving in College Park, Maryland, the afternoon of Sept. 12.

"I opened my door, took off my seat belt, and I got my babies off that bus," she told News4 the next day.

Flames engulfed the Prince George's County Public Schools bus, but Smith ran back on board to make sure every child was accounted for.

A Prince Georges County school bus driver rescued 20 elementary school students when her bus burst into flames. I got my babies off that bus, she told News4.

And for that, the children of Glenarden Woods Elementary School thanked her. The school declared Wednesday to be Reneita Smith Day and threw the bus driver a party.

Smith's jaw dropped as she walked into the school auditorium. The room was a sea of black-and-white signs printed with "THANK YOU!" The students cheered as the DuVal High School Marching Tigers band paraded into the room.

Smith clapped her hand to her mouth and began to cry.

NBC Washington

The school choir serenaded Smith and each of the children she saved presented her with a long-stemmed rose.

"I think it was extremely heroic and it was very amazing," one little girl who was on board Smith's bus said. "If she didn't do that, I don't know what would have happened."

NBC Washington

"I'm just glad that nobody got hurt and nobody died and we're all still here today," a little boy said.

School district CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell presented Smith with a plaque.

"I saw the smoke and the flames, and she showed her unthinking, unflinching courage," he said.

And then Smith herself stood at a podium and said a few words.

"I promise, I didn't do it for this. I did it because that's what I'm supposed to do," she said. "I'm a mommy. And mommy watches out for her babies."

With that, Smith, the mother of a 4-year-old, said "thank you" for the last time of many and stepped off stage.
The unarmed black motorcyclist shot and killed by a D.C. police officer this month posed no threat to the life of the officer, an attorney for the man's family said Thursday as he called for officials to release more information on the circumstances of the shooting.

Many unanswered questions remain about the death of Terrence Sterling, 31, lawyer Jason Downs said at a news conference.

Sterling, of Fort Washington, Maryland, did not collide with a police car with any great force. Police have said an officer shot Sterling on Sept. 11 after he intentionally rammed the passenger-side door of a police car while trying to flee a traffic stop.

Witnesses have disputed the police department's account of the incident and said the crash was unavoidable.

The officer who shot Sterling, 27-year-old Brian Trainer, a four-year veteran of the department, was wearing a body camera, but he did not turn it on until after the shooting, police said. Police have not disclosed the officer's race. Downs said his understanding is that the officer is white.

"From witness accounts, Mr. Sterling wasn't doing anything to present a threat to this particular officer and in fact, this officer is violating a general order by trying to block Mr. Sterling in," Downs said. "It appears that Officer Trainer fired his weapon from the safety of his police vehicle when Mr. Sterling did not pose any threat to him whatsoever."

Downs spoke to reporters alongside Sterling's parents, sister and aunt, all of whom said they were not ready to speak publicly. Downs said they were still grieving and stunned by the body-camera footage they viewed Wednesday of Sterling bleeding on the sidewalk from a gunshot wound to the neck as an officer performed CPR.

Sterling died of wounds to the neck and back, according to the city's chief medical examiner, who did not detail how many times Sterling was shot.

The family was allowed to see an additional 60 to 90 seconds of body-camera footage that was not made available to the public, Downs said. That footage shows a police union representative arriving to assist the officer who shot Sterling and advising him to turn his camera off, Downs said.

The hasty arrival of the union representative, within 6 minutes of when the officer fired, raises questions about whether police officers called the union before they called an ambulance for Sterling, he said.

"Who did these officers call first? Did they call an ambulance to protect an innocent civilian, or did they call a police union representative to help Officer Trainer get his story straight?" Downs asked.

The chairman of the D.C. Police Union declined to comment. Sources within the union told News4 that a union representative responded to the scene after she heard an officer had been involved in a shooting. When the officer saw that the scene was secure, she advised the officer.

According to a time line released by city officials, gunshots were heard just before 4:30 a.m. and two ambulances were dispatched at 4:30 a.m., arriving within minutes.

D.C. officials acknowledged on Thursday that they have additional footage. They said it is their policy to release body camera footage only up to the point when paramedics arrive. The same policy has been applied to two body-camera videos the District previously released.

The additional footage has been given to the U.S. Attorney, D.C. Attorney General and Office of Police Complaints, the office of Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

The Office of the D.C. City Administrator previously told News4: "As far as we are aware, there is no additional camera footage."

There was a misunderstanding, the office said on Thursday.

Downs also said it is likely that additional footage exists of the shooting, either from surveillance cameras in the area or from high-resolution satellite cameras that monitor the nation's capital, and he called on city officials to release any such footage as soon as possible.

Sterling had worked as a heating and air conditioning technician for 12 years, Downs said. He refused to release additional details about Sterling's personal life.

It is not clear what Sterling was doing in Washington in the early-morning hours of Sept. 11 when he was shot. Police said officers stopped Sterling after they received a report of a motorcyclist driving erratically, but Downs said it is not clear that Sterling was the same motorcyclist who prompted the initial report.

His death has led to protests from activists affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement.

"The family is hopeful that any protests moving forward remain peaceful," Downs said, "but peace is only possible if this investigation is completely transparent."

Officers must learn to use body cameras, Downs said.

"We must require our officers to learn how to use a camera before allowing them to use a gun," he said.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump held a rally in New Hampshire on Thursday afternoon at the New Hampshire Sportsplex in Bedford, where he also spoke one-on-one with necn's Alison King.

A day after Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson couldn't name a single foreign leader at an MSNBC town hall, Trump was asked to name a world leader he admired and would like to emulate. He chose German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"Well, I think Merkel is a really great world leader, but I was very disappointed [in] this move with the whole immigration thing," he said. "I think it's a big problem."

He explained that he respected her but strongly disagreed with her view.

"I was always a Merkel person," he said. "But I think she made a very tragic mistake a year and a half ago."

But Trump's praise for the German chancellor comes only nine months after he tweeted that Merkel was "ruining Germany."

I told you @TIME Magazine would never pick me as person of the year despite being the big favorite They picked person who is ruining Germany  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2015

In his interview with necn, Trump also reiterated his claim that every single web poll called him the winner of Monday's debate with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

"All of the online polls said that I won the debate," he said.

Trump won a series of unscientific flash polls conducted immediately after the debate, but an NBC News|Surveymonkey poll released yesterday gave Clinton the win by a wide margin.

Trump's visit came one day after Clinton and Bernie Sanders were at the University of New Hampshire in Durham talking about college affordability.

At his rally, Trump referred to the Clinton-Sanders event, telling the crowd that the two Democrats "had very few people at their rally yesterday." He said Sanders "sold out to the devil" by working with Clinton to develop a higher education plan.

[NATL] Highlights From the 2016 Campaign Trail

Sanders "should have just gone away" after losing the party nomination to Clinton, Trump said.

The GOP candidate also continued to connect his plan for U.S.-Mexico border security and the heroin epidemic that's devastating many parts of the country, including New Hampshire.

"We're going to build that wall, and we're going to stop that heroin from coming in," he said. "Stop the poison from coming in and destroying our youth and plenty of other people."

Trump sought to link Clinton to her husband's scandal-marked presidency, telling the crowd to "remember" that the House in 1998 impeached then-President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. Bill Clinton was acquitted by the Senate.

Trump has made several visits to the Granite State since locking up his party's nomination. New Hampshire is seen as a key swing state in this year's presidential election.

His running mate, Mike Pence, was just in New Hampshire on Monday.
Dun dunnn!

Vice President Joe Biden is set to make his debut appearance on "Law & Order: SVU" Wednesday.

The White House released a statement about the episode that Biden will be featured in, which will focus on "the rape kit backlog and efforts to end violence against women."

Joe is in the Building.... SVU. pic.twitter.com/ZAd4CyWFb1  ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) July 29, 2016

SVU actress Marika Hargitay and Vice President Biden have addressed this issue off-screen as well. Biden has been part of the PSAs for Hargitay's "Joyful Heart Foundation" and the "No More" campaign to end sexual assault and domestic violence. Hargitay also recently presented Biden with the Finnegan Award at her charity's gala and lent her voice to introduce him at the Democratic National Convention.

Despite the fact this is Bidens first appearance on the 18-season show, he is no stranger to the camera. He made several guest appearances as himself on NBC's "Parks and Recreation."

Biden will also make an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" Thursday night.
A teenager who killed his father at their home Wednesday was stopped by a volunteer firefighter as he opened fire outside a South Carolina elementary school, wounding two students and a teacher, authorities said.

The teen was apprehended within minutes of the shooting in this rural town about 110 miles northeast of Atlanta. One student was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, Capt. Garland Major with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office said. Both students were male. The female teacher was hit in the shoulder.

"We are heartbroken about this senseless act of violence," said Joanne Avery, superintendent of Anderson County School District 4. She canceled classes at the school for the rest of the week.

Authorities said the shootings began at the teen's house about two miles from the school, where he gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne. Authorities have not released the suspect's name or age beyond saying that he's a teen.

Crying and upset, the teen called his grandmother's cellphone at 1:44 p.m., Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said. The grandparents couldn't understand what was going on, so they went to his home just 100 yards away. When they got there, they found Osborne had been shot and their grandson was gone.

About one minute later, authorities received a 911 call from Townville Elementary School.

Sheriff John Skipper said the shooter drove a vehicle into the school parking lot and immediately started firing a handgun as he got out and moved toward the school. He did not know who the vehicle was registered to, and he declined to say how many shots were fired.

The shooter never entered the school building, though, and was apprehended by firefighter Jamie Brock, a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department

Television images showed officers swarming the school after the report of an active shooter. Some were on top of the roof while others were walking around the building. Students were driven away on buses accompanied by police officers.

Skipper didn't have specifics on how Brock stopped the teen: "I think he just took him down."

He said the fire station is close to the school and Brock arrived before other emergency responders.

"Firefighter Brock is absolutely a hero," said Scott Stoller with Anderson County Emergency Management. But he says Brock "wants to remain humble and quiet about it" as he believes "he did nothing any of the other volunteer firefighters wouldn't have done."

Authorities did not release a motive for the shooting and said they weren't sure if the students and teacher were targeted. The sheriff said the teen had been homeschooled.

"There are no racial undertones there. There's no terrorism involved," Major said. "We're confident we have the sole shooter and no one else is involved."

Skipper said the teen's mother was at work at the time of the shooting.

One of the students and the teacher were released from the hospital, AnMed Health spokeswoman Juana Slade said. Greenville Health System spokeswoman Sandy Dees said the other student, Jacob Hall, remained in critical condition Wednesday evening.

The students were bused to a nearby church where they hugged and kissed their parents as they reunited.

The rural school surrounded by working farms has about 300 students in its pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade classrooms.

"This is the country," Brandi Pierce, the mother of a sixth-grader, told The Associated Press as she began to cry. "You don't have this in the country. It just don't exist out here."

Jamie Meredith, a student's mother, said some of the children went into a bathroom during the shooting.

"I don't know how they knew to go in the bathroom, but I know her teacher was shaken up. I know all the kids were scared. There was a bunch of kids crying. She didn't talk for about 5 minutes when I got her," she told WYFF.

Gov. Nikki Haley released a statement shortly after the shooting.

"As we work together with law enforcement to make sure they have the support they need to investigate what happened in Townville, Michael and I ask that everyone across South Carolina join us in praying for the entire Townville Elementary School family and those touched by today's tragedy."

The town is situated along Interstate 85 near the Georgia-South Carolina state line.
The father of the 22-year-old Connecticut native who was lost at sea for a week said hes thankful his son is doing OK and said he now needs some time alone.

Nathan Carman left Rhode Island on Sept. 18 with his 54-year-old mother, Linda, to go fishing, but something happened along that trip and a Chinese freighter found Nathan a week later, floating in a life raft.

However, there has been no sign of his mother and officials from the Coast Guard said she is presumed dead.

Nathan Carman told authorities that he looked for his mother and called for her after getting to the life raft, but could not find her.

"I would just like to thank the public for their prayers and for their concern for both my mother and for myself and I would lke to thank the crew of the ship that rescued me," Nathan Carman told Boston-based WHDH in an interview.

The 22-year-old is also a person of interst in his wealthy grandfather's death from 2013. He told the Associated Press on Wednesday that he had nothing to do with his grandfather's unsolved slaying and didn't harm his missing mother.

Nathans father, Clark Carman, who now lives in California, made the trip to Middletown this week and said he was thrilled to get the news that his son is OK.

I was thrilled to death when I got the news, he said. Oh yes, after seven days at sea, I dont know how anybody made it.

But, he added that this is a difficult situation.

None of us really know what he went through and Im sure it was traumatic and so we have to bear with that. Hes been debriefed by the Coast Guard, police, Clark Carman said.

Nathan told WHDH that he feels healthy, but has been though a huge amount emotionally.

My request is just to be allowed to mourn naturally, he said.

Outside the Middletown house Linda Carman called home, there are signs saying Never give up and Please pray.

Nathan Carman now lives in Vermont and authorities have searched his home there for evidence connected to the fishing trip he went on with his mother and seized a modem with cable, SIM card and a letter written by Carman, according to police documents.

The search warrant affidavit reads that police "believe that evidence relating to the crime of RIGL 46-22-9.3 {Operating so as to endanger, resulting in the death} will be located inside Nathan's residence located at 3034 Fort Bridgemon Road in Vernon, Vermont."

Nathans father said his son was not involved with his grandfathers death and what happened to his mother was a pure accident.

They were the two most important people in his life, Clark Harman said.
Waking up will be a little easier for coffee lovers Thursday.

Several coffee shops and chains around the city are offering free cups of joe or special deals on Sept. 29 to celebrate #NationalCoffeeDay.

Heres where you can get your fix:

Dunkin Donuts: Get any medium cup of coffee for just 66 cents in celebration of the chain's 66th anniversary, which falls on the coffee-themed holiday.

Krispy Kreme: Free coffee and an original glazed donut at any Krispy Kreme location.

McDonald's: Free small hot or iced McCafe coffee if you download the app.

Keurig.com: Time to stock up on K-Cups. Get 20 percent off select brands of K-Cup pods bought by using the code GREENSAVINGS at checkout.

Stans Donuts: Free glazed donut with the purchase of a Stumptown Nitro Cold Brew.

Peets Coffee & Tea: Free medium drip coffee with any food purchase.

Target: Free tall hot brewed coffee at Target stores.

Caribou Coffee: Every time someone purchases a coffee at Caribou Coffee on National Coffee Day, the company will donate a free cup of coffee to caregivers and family members at cancer facilities and hospitals across the nation.

Bruegger's Bagels: Anyone who snaps a selfie with a Brueggers coffee cup and posts it with the hashtag #BrueggersMugShot and #Contest the chance to win unlimited free coffee for an entire year.

Starbucks: For every brewed cup of Mexico Chiapas coffee purchased, Starbuck's will donate a coffee tree to a farmer in need.
A Massachusetts native, who is a survivor of the Orlando nightclub massacre, was in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to drum up support for new gun reform.

Angel Colon, who is originally from Framingham, says after what happened to him inside Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, he can't let another family go through that.

Colon was shot six times during the June massacre and now walks with a crutch and leg brace.

"I think having a voice and joining other people who have the same ideas, I think it helps prevent all the things that are going on around the world right now," Colon said.

While he's still in pain and just started walking a month ago, Colon is in Washington with New York Sen. Charles Schumer and Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey trying to lobby for legislation that would set new standards for who would be able to buy a gun or have access to one.

Colon said he will never forget that night after being on the floor and having other club goers running on top of him trying to escape.

"We need to save lives, we need to make sure that we're safe that not another family goes through what my family and what a hundred other families went through that night," he said. "It's something that I would never wish upon anyone in this world."

In June, Sen. Casey introduced the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

It's a bill that would keep guns out of the hands of anyone convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime.

"Gun violence is not just an issue it's a reality it's part of people's," Casey said on Wednesday.

Gun advocates have opposed some gun control bills, saying they violate their Second Amendment rights. Democrats and Republicans have also blocked bills sponsored by each other over recent month.

"The more people we can get to have people join the campaign, the more results I think we can get," said Colon.
Police are investigating a sexual assault that happened early Thursday morning in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

A victim told police she was on Gay Head Street shortly after 1:30 a.m. when a man showed a gun, demanded her cell phone and forced her to walk into a backyard, where he sexually assaulted her.

The man is described as having light-colored eyes. He had a mask pulled up over his nose, and he was wearing black jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt with a white logo.

The suspect ran off down Arklow Street toward Walden Street, according to the victim.

Neighbors on Gay Head Street say they typically feel very safe in the area and are shocked that this happened.

"It makes me feel on edge," said Sherry Ragbir. "Very unsafe."

This is the second such attack in the neighborhood in a week  last Thursday, a woman was indecently assaulted while walking by Jamaica Pond.

The two crimes are not believed to be connected, but no arrests have been made in either.

Anyone with information is asked to call (617) 343-4400.
Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorney's Office are investigating an apparent accidental death at the Mirra Co. Inc., 6 Norino Way, Georgetown.

A male employee was fatally injured while backing a large construction vehicle (excavator) out of a garage.

Georgetown Fire and Police responded to a 911 call at 4:28 this afternoon. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The matter remains under investigation and OSHA has been notified.
Each Thursday we receive an update to the "Drought Monitor" - the updated status of ongoing drought areas across the nation, as determined by a University/Government consortium. Though we received some rain earlier this week - and it was taken into account for this week's Drought Monitor update - the fraction of an inch simply wasn't enough to make a noticeable difference. In fact, extreme drought has expanded noticeably farther northeast through Maine in this week's update.

So, how does this stack up in history? First, in nearly all areas this pales in comparison to the drought of 1961-69, the worst in New England's recorded history and the result of dry summers and winters, back-to-back. Having said that, our current situation in New England is surely still noteworthy, ranking among the worst in the 16 year history of the Drought Monitor, which began in 2000.

More specifically, Massachusetts holds at 52-percent of the Commonwealth in extreme drought this week - continues as the worst in 16 year drought monitor database. With 19.3-percent of the Granite State in extreme drought, New Hampshire also is at the worst extent of this drought status in 16-year drought monitor database. Interestingly, even dramatic expansion of extreme drought in Maine means about eight-percent of the state in extreme drought, ranking #16 since 2000. Worth noting, these "rankings" are out of the "weekly" status updates since 2000, not individual drought "events". Grouped by event, Maine currently ranks second in the 16 year database, only behind the drought of '01-'02, and of course, this doesn't include the drought of the 60s, mentioned above.

Bottom line: we are still, as a region, in desperate need of rain. Though the upcoming weekend will deliver some rain, highest amounts will focus on Southern New England, and may nearly pass over parts of the North Countrygood news for leaf peepers but not for the drought status. We're watching Tropical Storm Matthew in the Tropical Atlantic, but the storm's eventual path is quite unclear - at this point, we estimate here at necn there is a 40% chance of seeing any impact, including rain, from Matthew next Thursday in the exclusive 10-day forecast.
Students at Newton North High School in Newton, Massachusetts, were seen waving a confederate flag in the school parking lot.

The video, taken by a student, shows students driving a car around the parking lot and waving the flag outside the car window.

According to the Boston Globe, both Newton Police and the school are investigating the incident.

The school sent a letter to parents on Wednesday and called the incident "deeply troubling."

At this point the school has identified the students who were involved but has not released their names publicly.

Mayor Setti Warren issued the following statement today:

Waving the Confederate flag on Tuesday at Newton North High School was absolutely unacceptable. We need to acknowledge that the Confederate flag is a hurtful symbol to many in our schools and our community.

While we have initiated work with faculty, administrators, students and with members of the community based on events of the last year to make Newton a more welcoming and inclusive city, it is clear to me that we have a lot more work to do.

Today, I had the opportunity to speak with students as well as visit Newton North. Next week I am going back to the school to meet with students, so that we can work together to promote empathy and understanding.
A state law that prohibits voters from posting photos of their ballots online suppresses a large swath of political speech and is unconstitutional, a federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday.

The law, which took effect in September 2014, made posting a photo of a completed ballot a violation punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. It was struck down a year ago, but the state appealed to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, which heard arguments this month and issued a decision Wednesday upholding the earlier ruling.

Lawyers for New Hampshire contended the ban would prevent vote buying and voter coercion. They used a hypothetical example of a boss telling an employee to vote a certain way or face losing his job and then demanding a photo as proof.

But the appeals court, in its ruling, said that while voter coercion is a compelling interest, the state failed to tailor its solution to the potential problem.

"New Hampshire may not impose such a broad restriction on speech by banning ballot selfies in order to combat an unsubstantiated and hypothetical danger," the court wrote. "We repeat the old adage: 'a picture is worth a thousand words.'"

The court noted that digital photography and social media have been ubiquitous for several election cycles, without resulting in increased vote buying or voter intimidation. In fact, New Hampshire officials acknowledged that they had not received any complaints since at least 1976.

The court also said the state could outlaw coercion or the buying of votes without such a prohibition on photos.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of three voters, including a man who voted for his dead dog because he didn't approve of the candidates and posted a photo of the ballot online.

"Today's decision is a victory for the First Amendment," said ACLU-New Hampshire legal director Gilles Bissonnette. "The First Circuit correctly recognized that political speech is essential to a functioning democracy. The First Amendment does not allow the State to, as it was doing here, broadly ban innocent political speech with the hope that such a sweeping ban will address underlying criminal conduct."

Bissonnette said the best way to combat vote buying and voter coercion is to investigate and prosecute such cases.


Kathy and Allister are church mission enablers

Over 20 years ago, Allister and Kathleen Versfeld felt an unmistakable calling on their lives to full-time ministry. They have led churches in East Anglia since then and have recently moved to Norwich to work with Salvation Army churches and centres throughout the region. Helen Baldry reports



Allister and Kathleens new role is as mission enablers, whereby they work alongside local leaders and their teams in the East Anglia region to help them reach people with the good news of Jesus. (They have 31 churches and 3 centres)



Kathleen and Allister are from Cape Town in South Africa. In 1994 they moved to the UK for Kathleens job as a Chartered Accountant in London. Their intention was to stay for two years and then return to be near to their families in South Africa.



However, they discovered that God had other plans. They describe their calling into full time ministry like a bolt out of the blue.



Allister returned to South Africa to be with his mother who was dying of cancer. During this time he resolved to make the most of the rest of his life. He and Kathleen committed to pray about their future. Kathleen said, I needed to make sure I was living my life as God wanted me to.



The decision to enter full time ministry was made while the couple were 10,000 kilometres apart. Allister was with his mother during the final days of her life, and Kathleen still in London. Allister had a spiritual experience of God that he described as intense heat and at the same time Kathleen was sure that God was prompting her into ministry in the church. She said, God brought us both to that point.



Already members of the Salvation Army, the Versfelds went to training college and were commissioned in 2000. They had previously lived in London and Cape Town and were posted to Fakenham  their response was where is Fakenham?! The small rural town was considerably different from the hubbub of the city and the experience showed them what a close-knit community feels like.



The family then moved to Felixstowe, where they oversaw a growing church where many lives were transformed. Prior to their move to Norfolk this summer, the couple led a local church and worked on a busy community programme in Peterborough for four years. They live with their three daughters in Dussindale and are delighted to return to Norfolk where they have established firm connections in the church.



Allister and Kathleen regularly preach at the many churches they work with across Norfolk and Suffolk. Their job involves getting alongside the leaders of the churches and centres to guide and equip them to work in the best ways for their particular communities. They recognise that a one size fits all approach doesnt work with transformational mission because each setting is different. Kathleen said, Our passion is to share the love of Jesus.



The Salvation Army is well known for practical works in the community, such as the soup run, charity shops and work with homeless people. The slogan heart to God, hand to man sums up the motivation of Christian outreach and something the Versfelds wholeheartedly believe. Allister said, Our relationship with Jesus prompts us. Its all about the cross. They are keen to partner with other agencies and work together for the glory of the kingdom.
Our increasingly connected world gives hackers even more ways to exploit technology for malicious purposes. Were now entering a period when cyber attacks could cause major physical damage. To protect people from these combined cyber and physical threats, information security experts and law enforcement, which traditionally handles physical security, will have to share strategies.

After all, the boundaries between cyber and physical attacks are already blurring. In March, the U.S. Department of Justice claimed seven Iranians hacked the control systems of a small dam in New York state in 2013. The dam was offline for repair, preventing the hackers from controlling the flow of water. However, the incident demonstrated that hackers could take over infrastructure that was controlled by computers.

And, of course, there was the Stuxnet computer virus that stymied Irans nuclear program by targeting the centrifuges that enriched uranium. Stuxnet is considered the first program that showed how malware could cause physical damage.

With IoT, hacks gets physical

Now with more items gaining web connectivity as part of the Internet of Things (IoT) movement, the need to protect physical devices from hackers will only increase. Information security professionals will be called upon to make sure attackers cant tamper with the brakes on our autonomous cars or hack our smart thermostats and turn off the heat in our home during the winter.

Like Ive said in previous columns, talking about these flaws, which researchers have already discovered, isnt meant to spread fear. Raising these topics will hopefully result in security being included in a products development instead of being treated as an afterthought.

Fortunately, the key steps companies can follow to defend physical assetsproper planning, thorough testing and extensive collaborationcan also help defend against cyber attacks.

Plan for what could happen

The best plans are built around scenarios that could potentially happen. Police officers use this tactic to prepare for potential security incidents. While on patrol, officers will think about how they would deal with an incident at one of the buildings on their beat. Theyll consider what could occur, such as a perpetrator escaping through the roof.

Companies need to follow this process when responding to an information security incident. Quickly remediating a threat isnt enough. Security teams need to consider what else could have happened. Attacks often contain components that are intentionally easy to detect, leading security teams to falsely believe they have fully stopped an attack. In reality, elements remain that allow the attack to persist. Just detecting the smallest sign of atypical behavior can allow security analysts to discover the entire attack. For example, a computer thats running slow could be infected with malware, which could mean a company was the target of a phishing attack and an employee clicked on a malicious link.

Proper planning also means developing an incident response plan that includes the input of key people in every department. Often times only a companys IT and security personnel are involved with planning because theyre the ones who handle a breach. But dealing with the fallout from a security incident requires the efforts of the whole company. Hospitals, for example, may want to include their public relations staff in the plan, since the company maybe legally required to publicly disclose a data breach.

Improve your plan with testing

Conducting a full-scale simulation is the best way to test how your security plan would hold up in a real-world incident. Holding drills will expose any of the plans weaknesses, providing companies with an opportunity to improve it before a real incident occurs.

Red team-blue team exercises offer an opportunity to merge physical testing and cybersecurity testing and determine how physical systems can protect online systems and vice versa. In many organizations, protecting gigabit Ethernet is a priority for people handling physical security, since being online is essential for all businesses. Knock out a business web connection and that takes down its email, IP phones and employee access to servers. From an IoT perspective, conducting penetration testing on a product will expose vulnerabilities, allowing a company to fix them before the item goes on sale.

And dont forget to allow employees to weigh in on the security plan. Often workers have the best advice on what additional details would improve it.

Stronger together

When either a physical or cybersecurity incident occurs, a company will undoubtedly need help from people outside the organization to resolve the situation.

For example, the chief security officer of a large company may want to reach out to the local fire and police departments and discuss how first responders would handle a situation at the organization. On the cybersecurity side, companies may need to have an incident response firm on standby to remediate a threat if they suffer a data breach. Or law and public relations firms maybe needed to handle the fallout from an attack.

Too often, though, businesses are reluctant to collaborate with third parties, fearing that corporate secrets will accidentally get exposed. In reality, these people are essential to helping your business return to normal as quickly as possible after an incident. Companies need to develop relationships with these entities long before an emergency. Waiting until a situation arises to collaborate with outside organizations is too late. Companies will be far too busy handling the incident to explain how your business works and form a substantial relationship.

Organizations can no longer afford to handle physical security and cybersecurity separately. Attackers arent distinguishing between the two, and companies cant either if they hope to stay protected.
A Washington, D.C. think tank on Wednesday hosted the first event to feature representatives from both sides of the LTE-U debate since a contentious agreed testing framework was created several weeks ago.

The panelists included representatives from Broadcom, Verizon, Comcast, T-Mobile and consumer advocate Public Knowledge. The event was moderated by the director of the wireless future project at New Americas Open Technology Institute, Michael Calabrese, and kicked off with presentations from Josh Breitbart, a senior adviser for broadband to New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio, and Kevin Robinson, vice president of marketing for the Wi-Fi Alliance.

+ALSO ON NETWORK WORLD: Nutanix CEO skewers box-based hyperconvergence rivals +

The main takeaway from the event is that there is broad, if not enthusiastic, agreement that the Wi-Fi Alliances testing protocol will serve as a de facto industry standard in the future  and that the FCCs light-touch approach to potential conflicts between Wi-Fi and LTE-U is the right one.

We now have a final test plan that really does represent the very best outcome that industry could have reached, said Robinson. Is it perfect? No.

Wireless telcos like Verizon and T-Mobile have been among the most vocal proponents of LTE-U technology, a system that uses the same unlicensed frequencies as Wi-Fi to provide mobile broadband to subscribers. Various other parties  including city governments like New York, consumer advocates like Public Knowledge, and large swathes of the technology sector that depend on the smooth functioning of Wi-Fi  have reacted with alarm to the possibility that LTE-U could interfere with existing Wi-Fi.

The debate has been heated, over the past year or so, as both sides traded blows over the proposed framework for the testing that will ultimately determine whether LTE-U is sufficiently polite to share spectrum with Wi-Fi.

Conspicuously absent from the stage was Qualcomm, the silicon manufacturer originally responsible for the technologys design. The company last month issued a stinging denunciation of the testing framework, saying that it is deeply biased against LTE-U and doesnt allow for meaningful coexistence testing.

Yet the finalization of the testing protocol appears to have damped the fires somewhat, as all parties seemed to agree that the process was flawed, but accepted its results.

Still, both sides traded polite blows on several issues  David Don, of Comcast, accused the wireless companies of introducing the concept of LTE-U in a high-handed and counterproductive way.

What we had in this situation was this private technology development  the unilateral release by a subgroup of telecom players to declare how they intend to use these bands, he said. Perhaps fully compliant with the regulations, but no longer really compliant with the customs and norms of not just the U.S. policy, but global policy.

For his part, T-Mobile vice president of engineering and technology policy Steve Sharkey argued that, despite all the angst over interference from LTE-U, Wi-Fi proponents might find a more serious threat somewhat closer to home.

The biggest interferer out there is Wi-Fi, he said.

Harold Feld, of Public Knowledge, put the issue into broader perspective by highlighting the fact that the industry is far different than it was even five years ago.

This is not a unique problem  we have four or five FCC proceedings right now that are all coming out of the same general problem, which is that the nature of wireless has changed, he said. Its a very crowded world. So how do we make sure that nothing crashes and burns, and at the same time how do we allow innovation moving forward?
Car discovered on fire in bushes following two-car collision

FIREFIGHTERS tackled a vehicle fire in Old Burghlcere last night (Wed) following a collision involving two cars and which forced a road closure.

One fire engine from Newbury plus two more from Hampshire were called at around 10pm to the Sydmonton Road, following a collision involving a Hyundai and VW Polo.

Three occupants of the vehicles had got out and were thought to have sustained minor injuries, according to firefighters.

One of the cars was off the road and another was found on fire in bushes.

One firefighter wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze using a hosereel.

The road was closed throughout the incident following the collision which the firefighters described as "heavy".

Police and ambulance services were also at the scene and all three occupants of the cars were taken to hospital.

Firefighters left after about an hour.
China launches fund for SOE restructuring

From:Agencies | 2016-09-27 11:02

China has launched a 350 billion yuan (US$52.5 billion) state enterprise restructuring fund to advance its supply-side reforms as the worlds second-largest economy undergoes its most significant transformation in two decades.



China has made reform of its lumbering and uncompetitive state-owned enterprises a priority as weak global demand drags on economic growth and excess capacity and idle workers bleed what precious resources companies have at their disposal.

Earlier this year, China said it was planning to allocate 100 billion yuan to help local authorities and SOEs finance layoffs in its struggling coal and steel industries. Up to 1.8 million people in the sectors could lose their jobs, official estimates showed.

The capital raised by the China State-owned Enterprises Restructuring Fund will focus on boosting the competitiveness of some SOEs and their international operations, including overseas acquisitions, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, which will manage the fund, said in a document.

Among SOEs controlled by the central government, some have excess capacity while others are suffering from a severe lack of capacity, state radio cited Xiao Yaqing, head of SASAC, as saying yesterday.

The new fund will help concentrate state capital on strategic and forward-looking industries.

The fund will have an initial registered capital of 131 billion yuan provided by 10 SOEs.

The 10 firms investing in the fund include China Mobile, China Railway Rolling Stock Corp and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.

Key investment areas of the fund include assets pertaining to national security and those of economic importance such as strategic reserves of natural resources, oil-and-gas pipelines, power grids and telecommunication infrastructure, the SASAC document said.

The fund will also focus on restructuring SOEs.

For some sectors like coal and steel, restructuring has meant closures of mines and plants, and layoffs. For others, it has meant high-profile marriages to create national champions with the heft to compete globally.

Last year, Beijing ordered the merger of top train manufacturers China CNR Corp and China CSR Corp.

This fund aims to facilitate the destocking and deleveraging process, said Zhou Hao, senior emerging markets economist at Commerzbank.

Chinas state sector employed around 37 million people in 2013, and accounts for about 40 percent of the countrys industrial output.

The retrenchments are Chinas most significant layoffs since the restructuring of SOEs from 1998 to 2003. That round of reforms led to around 28 million redundancies and cost the government about 73.1 billion yuan in resettlement funds.

China is not the first country to create a fund to support ailing state firms. The South Korean government has approved a US$9.5 billion fund to help recapitalize state-run banks exposed to the countrys troubled shipping sector.
St Michael Fights the Dragon, from the Livre dheures dEtienne Chevalier, by Jean Fouquet, 1452-60

The Archangels Raphael, Michael and Gabriel by Michele Tosini; from the choir of the Abbey of St Michael in Passignano, Italy, ca. 1550.

The church keeps the feast of the Angels for two reasons. The first is that they minister to us, for they are all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them, who shall receive the inheritance of salvation. (Hebr. 1, 14) The second is that they fight for us against the wicked angels, and do not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. (cf. 1 Cor. 10, 13). Of this battle it is said in the Apocalypse, There was a war in heaven. (12, 7) This war will be especially in the time of the Antichrist, but it has also been and is always in the death of the martyrs. And the dragon was cast out, that is, the devil was cast out of heaven, which is to say, out of heavenly men, and down into the hearts of evil men.The leader of this war is the most blessed Michael, and therefore the feast is kept for him, although he is of the last hierarchy, of a lower order. For there are nine orders of Angels, and although they are all sent (by God to various tasks), they are sent but rarely,  but the prince of those who are sent is Michael, But since this is the common feast of all the Angels, why is it specially named the feast of Michael, rather than of Gabriel or Raphael? I answer that it was Michael who was sent into Egypt, and wrought the famous plagues, who divided the Red Sea, who lead the people out through the desert and into the promised land. He is set in charge of Paradise, and the guardian thereof; he receives souls into it, and is the Prince of the Church, and therefore we ought to reverence him more.  (Another) reason is that men by venerating the Angels may come into their fellowship, and for this reason on Sundays and solemn feasts, nine psalms, nine readings and nine responsories are sung, that by singing these things we may come to the company of the Angels, whose proper role is to sing to God. (William Durandus, Rationale 7, 12)
What if one blood test could screen for more than 50 types of cancer?
Columnist

Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Foggy early. Then periods of showers late. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Foggy early. Then periods of showers late. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
A video supplied by Champaign Police Department shows the area near Third and Green streets in Campustown as gunfire breaks out early on the morning of Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016.
A woman's perception that she is experiencing a high number of nighttime hot flashes can trigger mild symptoms of depression during menopause, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing estrogen and other hormones, and her menstrual periods stop, according to the Hormone Health Network. The transition takes place gradually, usually over four or five years. Among American women, the average age for menopause to occur is 51 years old. The Hormone Health Network's interactive Menopause Map helps women learn more about the stages of menopause and where they are in the journey.

Using a medication to simulate the decline in a woman's estrogen levels during menopause, the researchers found both interruption of sleep and greater frequency of perceived nighttime hot flashes were associated with mood disturbance.

"When women were awake long enough to later recall nighttime hot flashes, that perception contributed to mood disturbance in women whose estrogen levels had fallen," said the study's first author, Hadine Joffe, MD, MSc, of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. "The association was independent of sleep disruption that the women experienced."

Twenty-nine healthy, premenopausal women between the ages of 18 and 45 took part in the study. The women took a medication to suppress estrogen production in the ovaries for a four-week period, a treatment that mimics menopause and induces menopausal symptoms to varying degrees of intensity. Before and after the four-week timeframe, researchers monitored the participants' sleep and hormone levels. The participants completed mental health questionnaires at the beginning and end of the study.

The study found that women who reported experiencing frequent nighttime hot flashes were more likely to experience mild symptoms of depression than those who reported fewer or no nighttime hot flashes. Although researchers also monitored the women for physiologic signs of nighttime hot flashes during the sleep study, they found only the women's perception of hot flash frequencynot the measured number of hot flasheswas linked to changes in mood.

Women who experienced sleep interruption also were more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression than women who got more sleep. Daytime hot flashes had no effect on the participants' mood.

"The results of our research suggest menopausal women who report experiencing nighttime hot flashes and sleep disruption should be screened for mood disturbances," Joffe said. "Any treatment of mood symptoms in this population also should incorporate efforts to address sleep and nighttime hot flashes."

Source: Endocrine Society
Imran Noorani MD, MRCS, of Cambridge, England, received the Brainlab Community Neurosurgery Abstract Award at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting in San Diego. Each year, merit-based awards are granted to acknowledge the achievements of residents, fellows, and attending neurosurgeons in various categories. Dr. Noorani's study uses genetics to understand the biology of brain tumors. The paper, Genome-wide CRISPR/cas9 Knockout Screens in Human Glioblastoma Identify Genetic Vulnerabilities, uses the functional role of genes to develop future meaningful therapeutic drug targets.

Glioblastoma (GBL) is the most common type of brain tumor and also one of the deadliest. At the current time there is no cure for GBL, with the average lifespan following diagnosis at only 14 months. Cancer is a genetic disease; changes in genes (typically mutations) can cause cells to grow uncontrollably and start invading nearby tissues. At this time, the genetic vulnerabilities of glioblastoma are poorly understood.

Identifying the genetic vulnerabilities of cancer is a novel method for discovering new therapeutic targets. The genetic sequencing of glioblastomas has recently been invaluable in teaching about the pattern of mutation in patient tumors. However, it is difficult to establish which genetic changes are important for the survival of the cancer and may potentially represent drug targets from sequencing studies alone.

Over the last few years, the CRISPR/cas9 system has emerged as a highly efficient and targeted approach for genetic knockout. The CRISPR guide is short sequence of RNA that the cas9 enzyme uses to direct itself to the corresponding location in the host genome to create a knockout of a specific gene. This can be used to help elucidate the role of individual genes. It's comprised of two components: the cas9 enzyme that cuts DNA and then uses a CRISPR genetic sequence to guide it to a precise location in the genome.

Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

This study researched using novel genetic engineering technologies in order to help determine which of the known genetic changes in glioblastomas would represent viable therapeutic targets. In a preliminary study, the CRISPR/cas9 genetic engineering system was used to systematically knock out all genes in patient-derived glioblastoma cells. Hopefully some of them will stop and slow down tumor growth.

The system uses lentiviruses to carry genetic material into the cancer cells and induce a knockout at the specified gene. A small proportion of genes are essential for survival of the cancer cells, so knocking out these genes leads to slowed growth (or death) of the cancer cells in vitro. This study provides an initial understanding of how glioblastomas may be susceptible to genetic targeting as a form of therapy and is the first step in an ongoing series of studies which are using similar genetic engineering techniques in a mouse model of this cancer. These studies will provide an understanding of which genes drive this cancer forward in vivo and are likely to represent future therapeutic targets. By combining what is known from the genetic changes in patients' tumors with a developing knowledge of genetic susceptibilities and drivers in model systems, a deeper understanding of how to reliably treat these tumors in patients will be developed.

Source: Congress of Neurological Surgeons
The first Zika virus-related death in the continental U.S. occurred in June of this year, but even now, months later, two aspects of this case continue to puzzle health experts. First, why did this patient die? It is quite rare for a Zika infection to cause severe illness in adults, much less death. Second, how did another individual, who visited the first while in the hospital, become ill from Zika? This second patient did not do anything that was known at the time to put people at risk for contracting the virus.

Researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine and ARUP Laboratories in Salt Lake City begin to unravel the mystery in a correspondence published online on Sept. 28 in The New England Journal of Medicine. Details from the two cases point to an unusually high concentration of virus in the first patient's blood as being responsible for his death. The phenomenon may also explain how the second patient may have contracted the virus through casual contact with the primary patient, the first such documented case.

"This rare case is helping us to understand the full spectrum of the disease, and the precautions we may need to take to avoid passing the virus from one person to another in specific situations," says corresponding author Sankar Swaminathan, M.D., Chief of Infectious Disease and Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He collaborated with coauthors Robert Schlaberg, M.D., M.P.H., Marc Couturier, Ph.D., and Kimberly Hanson, M.D., M.H.S. from ARUP Laboratories, and Julia Lewis, D.O. from the University of Utah School of Medicine. "This type of information could help us improve treatments for Zika as the virus continues to spread across the world and within our country."

From the letter in NEJM, a story unfolds. Last May, Patient 1, a 73-year-old man, traveled to southwest Mexico, a Zika-infected area. Eight days after returning, he started having abdominal pain and fever, and by the time he was admitted to the University of Utah hospital he also had inflamed, watery eyes, low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate. Despite the medical staff's best efforts to stabilize him, his condition declined rapidly. During this time, Patient 2 came to visit and reported wiping away Patient 1's tears and helping to reposition him in the hospital bed. It wasn't long before Patient 1 slipped into septic shock, and his kidneys, lungs and other organs started to shut down. He died shortly thereafter.

Even though it's well known that Zika can cause severe brain damage in unborn babies, symptoms are typically mild in adults. Only nine other Zika-related deaths have been reported worldwide, says Swaminathan. Despite the odds, tests performed after Patient 1's death revealed that he had Zika. Patient 1 was initially identified as being potentially infected with Zika virus during validation of a real time PCR test for Zika virus that is currently under development at ARUP Laboratories, and was subsequently confirmed as positive by both the Utah Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Further investigation using Taxonomer, a tool developed by scientists at University of Utah and ARUP Laboratories that rapidly analyzes all genetic material from infectious agents in a patient's sample, showed there were no other infections that explained his illness. It also found that the Zika virus that infected the patient was 99.8 percent identical to that carried by a mosquito collected from southwest Mexico, the same region that Patient 1 had visited a few weeks prior.

Seven days after Patient 1's death, Patient 2 was meeting with Swaminathan to talk about what had happened when the doctor noticed that his visitor had red, watery eyes, a common Zika symptom. Tests confirmed his suspicion, but in contrast to Patient 1 this patient only had mild symptoms that resolved within the following week.

Like Patient 1's death, Patient 2's diagnosis was unexpected. The species of mosquito that carries Zika had not been found in Utah and Patient 2 had not traveled to a Zika-infected area. A reconstruction of events ruled out other known means of catching the virus.

"This case expands our appreciation for how Zika virus can potentially spread from an infected patient to a non-infected patient without sexual contact or a mosquito vector," says Couturier. "This and any future cases will force the medical community to critically re-evaluate established triage processes for determining which patients receive Zika testing and which do not."

The authors believe that the reason behind the unusual nature of the case lies in yet another anomaly. Patient 1's blood had a very high concentration of virus, at 200 million particles per milliliter. "I couldn't believe it," says Swaminathan. "The viral load was 100,000 times higher than what had been reported in other Zika cases, and was an unusually high amount for any infection." The observation opens up the possibility that the extraordinary amount of virus overwhelmed the patient's system, and made him extremely infectious.

Still, what led to the unusually severe infection in the first place remains unknown. Was there something about Patient 1's biology or health history that made him particularly susceptible? There were small differences in the virus' genetic material compared to other samples of Zika virus, did they cause the virus to be exceptionally aggressive?

"We may never see another case like this one," says Swaminathan. "But one thing this case shows us is that we still have a lot to learn about Zika."
A large, new study shows no evidence that exercise may reduce a woman's risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The research is published in the September 28, 2016, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Previous small studies had shown conflicting results.

"We wanted to find out if exercise lowered the risk of developing MS in women," said study author Kassandra Munger, ScD, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Mass. "Our study did not provide evidence to support it."

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Researchers evaluated data on more than 193,000 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study and Nurses' Health Study II and were followed for up to 20 years. The women completed regular questionnaires about their physical activity and also about their activity as teens and young adults. During the study, 341 women developed MS.

Researchers calculated the total hours of physical activity per week, took into account the type of exercise for each woman and adjusted for age, ethnicity, smoking, supplemental vitamin D, place of residence at age 15 and body mass index at age 18.

"Overall, there was no consistent association of exercise at any age and MS," Munger said. "Exercise has been shown to be beneficial to people with the disease, but it seems unlikely that exercise protects against the risk of developing MS."
Researchers at the University of Southern California will demonstrate how using wearable technology and smartphones can improve cancer treatment at a White House event on Oct. 3.

"South by South Lawn: A White House Festival of Ideas, Art and Action" (SXSL) is a gathering inspired by South by Southwest, the annual gathering of film, interactive media and conferences in Texas. It brings together creators, innovators and organizers who work to improve the lives of their fellow Americans and people around the world.

The USC project will be one of the participants in the Cancer Moonshot exhibit championed by Vice President Joe Biden. Researchers aim to provide doctors with real-time patient data from wearable technology and patient-reported experiences so that physicians can base their treatment decisions on objective measures rather than just subjective and episodic observations. The project is called Analytical Technologies to Objectively Measure Human Performance (ATOM-HP).

Jorge Nieva, ATOM-HP's co-lead researcher and an associate professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, said this approach will create a safety net for patients who have the hardest time with cancer treatments.

"Using technology to observe the experiences of our cancer patients while they are at home humanizes the impact of the therapy by making it visible in analytic form to the doctor," Nieva said. "At a glance, we can see the days spent in bed, the impact of treatment on lifestyle and, in some cases, see those moments when we wish we had intervened before things got worse."

Current cancer treatment is based on episodic encounters. Even during chemotherapy, patients generally see their physician for maybe eight to 10 minutes every three weeks, said Peter Kuhn, ATOM-HP's co-lead researcher and a professor of medicine, biomedical engineering, and aerospace and mechanical engineering at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

"The more than 30,000 minutes between visits are a missed opportunity," Kuhn said. "Technology can be leveraged to fill this gap and provide a comprehensive picture. The collected data can lead to better treatment decisions, better survival rates, and better understanding between physician and patient."

ATOM-HP is a convergent science initiative bringing together collaborators from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Keck School of Medicine, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, USC Dornsife and the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy.

"As a university, we are making headway on multiple fronts to address the cancer crisis," USC Provost Michael Quick said. "We have faculty, researchers and students across disciplines who are working collaboratively to fast track the detection of cancer and, ultimately, to find a cure for this disease. We strongly support this type of convergent science at USC, and we know we will have an impact on this widespread and devastating disease."

The real-time data ATOM-HP provides likely will fast-track cancer research.

"One of the great barriers to solving the complicated cancer puzzle is a lack of timely information," Kuhn said. "Analyses of cancer data usually become available years after the information was first collected. Having access to real-time data will be invaluable for scientists."

Source: University of Southern California (USC)
Genix Healthcare Ltd celebrated the 10th anniversary of its first dental practice with a special visit by Alec Shelbrooke, the Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell.

Left to right: Mustafa Mohammed, Alec Shelbrooke and a practice nurse.

Genix opened in Garforth, Leeds in 2006. The company is now a nationwide dental corporate with 25 practices from the South West of England to Scotland.

The Garforth practice provides general dentistry for adults and children and a combination of private and NHS treatment.

Genix has invested significantly in the premises to create a modern, comfortable and relaxing environment for patients. It is equipped with the latest dental technology.

The practice features the companys signature Hollywood-themed interior decoration with iconic photographs of film stars from classic cinema.

Genix founder and managing director Mustafa Mohammed hosted the anniversary celebration for staff, patients and members of the local civic and business community.

Mr Mohammed said:

We founded our business in Garforth ten years ago in response to the shortage of NHS dentists. Our aim was, and still is, to make dental care accessible to all and to give both NHS and private patients an excellent standard of care. From its roots in the North of England, Genix has grown into a national business. We are investing in the future of dental industry by training the next generation of dentists and technicians and providing apprenticeships for young people who want to have successful and rewarding careers. We are creating and maintaining the best quality premises for dental practices to help support dental hygiene in Great Britain.

As part of its commitment to the communities in which it operates, Genix Healthcare has been a long-standing supporter of Garforth Town AFC and sponsored its stadium from 2006 to 2012.

Mr Shelbrooke MP paid tribute to the business and its sustainable model for providing dental care to NHS patients.

He said: As Genix Healthcare celebrates the 10th anniversary of its practice on Garforth Main Street, its ongoing success is testament to the hard work of committed professionals working with the NHS and in private practice to deliver good quality dental care to the residents of Garforth.

I wish the team every success for the future as they continue to improve the service they provide for their patients.

The Garforth practice has eight chairs, a treatment consultation room and recovery suite. It provides routine dental services, minor oral surgery with sedation and all cosmetic dentistry, including implants, veneers and orthodontics.
Every 20 minutes, someone in the United States receives a cancer diagnosis related to human papillomavirus. HPV causes cancer of the cervix, anus and throat. The HPV vaccine can prevent infections causing most of these kinds of cancer if people receive it before being exposed to the virus. But fewer than half the girls and boys in the United States get the vaccine. Now, new research published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Oncology, may spur parents, policy makers and medical professionals to think more about the importance of HPV vaccinations. The research shows the HPV vaccine is efficacious in reducing cervical pre-cancers among young women throughout a population.

Cosette Wheeler, PhD, at The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, led the research team and the efforts of the New Mexico Human Papillomavirus Pap Registry, the data source used in the study. The New Mexico HPV Pap Registry is the only statewide surveillance program in the United States that includes complete cervical screening, diagnosis and treatment information since the HPV vaccine was introduced in 2007. The researchers studied the state's data for young women who received Pap and HPV screening tests and diagnostic and treatment biopsies between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2014.

The researchers found that among women who were 15 to 19 years old at the time of a diagnostic cervical biopsy, the incidence rate of cervical abnormalities, including those that were classified as precancerous lesions, decreased between 2007 and 2014. Among women 20 to 24 years old, the incidence rate of moderate-grade pre-cancerous lesions also decreased. The researchers found all of these changes to be statistically significant.

In 2007, New Mexico began offering the HPV vaccine to females shortly after the United States Food and Drug Administration approved it. In 2008, 48 percent of girls 13 to 17 years old in New Mexico had received at least one HPV vaccine dose and 17 percent received all three doses. By 2014 that percentage increased to 59 percent of girls receiving at least one HPV vaccine dose and 40 percent receiving all three doses. Women aged 11 to 14 in 2007 would have been 18 to 21 in 2014.

In line with previous reports, the researchers suggest several factors likely contributed to the reduced cervical pre-cancer rates. One factor is cross protection, which is the vaccine's ability to protect against additional HPV types that it does not directly target. Another factor is the efficacy of 1, 2 and 3 doses of HPV vaccine. Finally, the third factor is herd immunity, in which those not vaccinated face a lower infection risk because a large portion of the population has been vaccinated. HPV vaccines were licensed for males in 2009 and male vaccination can contribute to herd immunity. New Mexico continues statewide efforts to increase HPV vaccination for males and females.

"These data showing significant reductions in cervical pre-cancers represent the results from the overall population of young females which includes those that are vaccinated and unvaccinated. The data suggests that the age at which we begin cervical screening in the United States might be raised soon to age 25 as is already done in a number of other countries. Raising the age at which we begin cervical screening would be one of the first steps in integrating cervical screening and HPV vaccination, an important step in using healthcare dollars more effectively," says Wheeler. "When cervical cancer screening guidelines are revisited soon, these results from New Mexico may be considered in the review process."
One Medicine: how human and veterinary medicine can benefit each other

Professor Roberto La Ragione

News-Medical speaks to Professor Roberto La Ragione, Chair of Trustees at Humanimal Trust, about the concept of One Medicine and how human and veterinary medicine can collaborate, share knowledge, and initiate research for the benefit of both humans and animals.
New Delhi: Markets took a nosedive minutes after the director general of military operations announced on Thursday afternoon that the Indian army had conducted surgical strike at terror launch pads in response to the September 18 militant attack in Uri town of Kashmir.



Benchmark Sensex tanked by 573 points, or 2.02 percent, to 27,719.92, with all sectoral indices led by realty, healthcare, power and metal slumping by up to 5.05 percent.



On similar lines, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty dropped by 186.90 points, or 2.13 percent, to 8,558.25.



Most of the 30-Sensex constituents led by Adani Ports, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Lupin, Tata Motors, Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, GAIL, SBI, NTPC, Dr Reddy's, Larsen and Toubro and Asian Paints were trading in the negative terrain, falling by up to 4.75 per cent.



The DGMOs announcement came at a press conference on Thursday noon following a high-level security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



The Indian government has launched a diplomatic offensive on Pakistan following the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed when Jaish-e-Mohammad militants attacked an army base in Uri.



New Delhis efforts got a boost when Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan joined it in refusing to attend the SAARC Summit in Islamabad.



Modi will next week chair a meeting to take a call on whether to withdraw the Most Favoured Nation status India unilaterally granted to Pakistan in 1996. The government is also reviewing the World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.



(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: The surgical strikes made by the Army on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) is Indias sharpest response yet to the killing of 18 soldiers in a militant attack in Uri town of Kashmir on September 18.



New Delhi has blamed the attack on terrorist groups based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a charge Islamabad continues to deny.



Heres a look at 10 steps taken by India in the aftermath of the Uri attack:



1. Surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC to prevent further infiltration



2. A diplomatic offensive to isolate Pakistan on the international stage by exposing it globally. Efforts were successful with quick condemnation from world leaders



3. Withdrawing from the 19th SAARC Summit in Pakistan  a move replicated by Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan



4. Dropping the Indus Waters Treaty bomb, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying blood and water can't flow together



5. Exposing in the European Union Pakistans safe havens for terror groups



6. Highlighting human rights violations in Balochistan, following which the European Parliament warned Pakistan of imposing sanctions if the situation continued



7. Summoning Pakistan envoy Abdul Basit twice to present and confront him with proofs of "cross-border origins" of the terror strike



8. Sushma Swarajs speech at the United Nations in which she called Pakistan the global hub of terror and pressed for its international isolation



9. Decision to review India's unilateral grant of Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan



10. Plans of a big naval exercise in the Arabian Sea, Pakistans only sea trade route






New Delhi: Ahead of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is going all out to woo minorities.



The Modi government is set to hold 'progress panchayats' with Muslim and Dalit citizens across the nation.



The first panchayat will be held in the Mewat area of Haryana and will be chaired by minorities affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.



The aim of the panchayats is to dispel myths of the BJP being an upper caste party with an anti-minority agenda.



The BJP has said that Naqvi will travel to other states over the next three to four months to conduct the panchayats.







Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal has dismissed the strategy as pure vote bank politics.



Asadduddin owaisi, President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, too has slammed the BJP saying that the party has been supressing Muslims for years.



They are trying to make panchayats in the name of empowerment. Then why aren't they giving Muslims in Mumbai reservation for education despite the Bombay High Court's order? asked Owaisi.



Owaisi also called BJPs behaviour hypocritical.



Earlier, Rahul Gandhi went on a tour of Uttar Pradesh holding khat sabhas.
Beijing: China on Wednesday called on Pakistan and India to solve their differences over Kashmir, as tensions mount between the nuclear-armed neighbours after an attack killed 18 Indian soldiers in the Himalayan region.



India has long accused Pakistan of backing militant groups operating in disputed Kashmir, as well as of sending fighters to other parts of the country to carry out acts of violence.



China "hopes that Pakistan and India will strengthen channels for dialogue, appropriately handle any differences, improve bilateral relations and together protect the region's piece and stability", a deputy foreign minister told Pakistan's special envoys to China for Kashmir, according to the foreign ministry website.



The deputy minister, Liu Zhenmin, also told the envoys that China values Pakistan's position on Kashmir.



China has long been a strong diplomatic, military and economic supporter of Pakistan, and the two call each other "all-weather friends". Their ties have been underpinned by wariness of their common neighbour, India, with which China fought a brief but bloody border war in 1962.



Tensions between India and Pakistan rose on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled a visit to a regional summit and Islamabad warned it would treat it as "an act of war" if India revoked a water treaty.
New Delhi: Taking a break from his Uttar Pradesh tour, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday made his way to a magistrate's court in Kamrup in Assam that has summoned him in a defamation case filed by a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS)volunteer.



According to party leaders, Rahul Gandhi did not seek an exemption from making personal appearance in court, and will use the opportunity to launch another attack on the RSS.



The Congress Vice President is also expected to address a meeting of party workers before returning to New Delhi the same evening.



An RSS volunteer had filed a defamation suit against Gandhi last year and the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kamrup after examining different witnesses asked Gandhi to appear before the court on September 29.



The case is regarding Gandhi's visit to the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery on December 12 last year. He was supposed to enter the Satra before taking part in a road show, organised nearby, but did not do so and instead hit the road show directly.



Later in New Delhi, he told media persons that some RSS workers prevented him from entering the Satra. He also alleged that the RSS incited the local women to prevent him from entering the Satra.







An RSS volunteer filed the defamation suit against Gandhi not only denying the role of RSS into the incident but also alleging that Gandhi's statement to media in New Delhi had tarnished the image of Satra.


Ace Indian special force commandos have carried out surgical strikes crossing the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, inflicting significant damage to the terrorist infrastructure across the border.The operation took place on Wednesday past midnight and is now over, Director General of Military Operations Lt General Ranbir Singh told mediapersons in New Delhi. He said he had also informed his Pakistani counterpart of the surgical strikes.Pakistan has "strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces along the Line of Control", even as its Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) denied there were any surgical strikes.Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in a statement his country could thwart any evil design to undermine its sovereignty. Sharif paid rich tributes to jawans "who have been martyred during unprovoked firing by Indian forces ."But ISPR, the Pakistan Army mouthpiece, toed a line of denial."There have been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon. The notion of surgical strikes linked to alleged terrorist bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects. This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by re-branding cross-border fire as surgical strike is a fabrication of truth. Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded," the ISPR release said.ISPR also said the Indian "offensive" was carried out in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel & Lipa sectors, in PoK.In his press conference, Lt General Singh said the raid was conducted after India received credible intelligence of a massive infiltration bid from across the LoC to target Kashmir Valley as well as other Indian cities. Indian forces destroyed the terror launchpads and inflicted heavy casualties, he said."Significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those trying to shield them. We don't have a plan to further conduct such strikes. India has spoken to Pakistan," he said.Multiple platoons of Indian Army Special forces fanned out in an arc stretching almost 250 km across Kupwara, Baramulla and Poonch to hit terror launch pads in surgical strikes that took place early Thursday.The operation that began at the early hours of the day were being monitored minute-to-minute by military and civilian leadership at War Rooms set up in New Delhi and Udhampur, the headquarters of Armys Northern Command. Top security sources told CNN-News18 that whole operation was videographed by unmanned aerial vehicles and helmet cameras used by special forces.At many places ground forces positioned near the Line of Control (LoC) opened artillery fire to divert the attention of Pakistani positions as SF squads and Ghatak platoons crossed over and hit camps that ranged from 500 metres to 3 km inside PoK.The platoons, air dropped by Dhruv helicopters inside LoC, crossed over by foot into their targets that were well scooped out after almost a week of human and satellite surveillance.The sources said five launch pads used for infiltrating fidayeen squads into India were razed by precision laser bombs and that Pakistani casualties were in double digits. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed and nine injured while a bulk of those dead apart from the terrorists were their handlers and guides.Two Indian SF soldiers suffered injuries while negotiating mines near the target terror camps. The troops crossed over at 12.30 at night, the ops started at 3 AM, and everything was over by 4.30 AM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was informed at 9.30 AM.The DGMO was flanked by MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup in a rare press conference that took place after a surprise meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, which was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was attended by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.A crucial meeting to review the Most Favoured Nation Status granted by India to Pakistan in 1996 was postponed to next week.Neither Singh nor Swarup took any questions from the media.CNN-News18 has learned that President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, former PM Manmohan Singh, J&K Governor NN Vohra and J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti had been briefed on the surgical strikes by the Indian Army.
The Indian Army has conducted surgical strikes crossing the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan Occupied Kashmir inflicting significant damage to the terrorist infrastructure across the border.

The operation took place on Wednesday night and is now over, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Ranbir Singh told media in New Delhi.

The operation was undertaken after Indian Army received credible intelligence that a group of terrorists were waiting along LoC to cross over to India to launch terror attacks in Kashmir and other major Indian cities.

The surgical strikes destroyed the launch pads used for infiltration and has resulted in significant casualties.

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New Delhi: The meeting scheduled to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan has been postponed and will now take place next week, according to sources.



After the Uri attack, India has stepped up the diplomatic offensive against Pakistan.



The review of MFN status is part of that diplomatic offensive.



The term 'Most Favoured Nation' doesn't mean any kind of special treatment to goods imported from Pakistan. It only means that there will not be any discriminatory tariffs on any product imported from Pakistan as compared to that same product being imported from any other country.



The MFN status was accorded to Pakistan in 1996 when India joined the WTO and signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Under GATT, India has to extend MFN status to each of its trading partners in WTO, not just Pakistan. As a WTO member Pakistan is also bound by these same obligations.



India has a definitive legal case because Pakistan has not granted reciprocal MFN status to India for the last 20 years.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday hailed the surgical operation conducted by the Army across the Line of Control to destroy terror camps.



"We are proud of our Indian Army and we salute and appreciate their bravery and valour," Kumar said in a release issued by the government.



"We sincerely congratulate the Central government and our brave armed forces for the decisive action taken against terrorism," Kumar, who is the JD(U) national president, said in a tweet.



Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up the Chief Minister regarding the Army's surgical operations in the intervening night.



Kumar had recently said he would back the Centre's steps to reply to Pakistan sponsored terror attack at the Uri Army camp, which left 19 soldiers dead.



The Army's successful military operation across the LoC was also hailed by other political leaders of the state.



Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said the operation was the reflection of NDA government's resolute determination.



"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated what he had promised in dealing with the misdemeanour of Pakistan," he said.
New Delhi: India has gone into a high alert mode to prevent any retaliation from Pakistan to Thursdays surgical strikes by special forces and CNN-News18 has learned that the Western Command of Indian Army has cancelled all leaves of its personnel.



In Punjab, which shares a long border with Pakistan, all villages within 10 km of the International Border are being evacuated.



The Punjab government has issued instructions through video conferencing to all deputy commissioners of border districts and has sanctioned Rs 1 crore each to set up camps for evacuees in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Tarntaran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts.







The famous Beating the Retreat ceremony at the Wagah border near Amritsar and the ceremony at the Hussainiwala border in Ferozepur stand cancelled keeping escalating tensions in mind.



According to reports from Srinagar, villagers living near the LoC are moving to safer places anticipating more cross-border firing.



Union Home minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on October 7 to review the border situation in the Thar desert.



Meanwhile, a PTI report said, "cross-LoC trade continued in Uri despite the tension. On Thursday, 26 trucks from India crossed over, while 10 from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir came in."



In Punjab, the state government has opened up flood relief centres and identified schools in bigger villages 10 km away to accommode the evacuees in case of any military action from Pakistan.



Farmers who were working across the fencing at the border have already been evacuated after the alert by civil administration and Border Security Force (BSF).



The government has also asked people to construct bomb shelters and bunkers. They have been told to be cautious and take shelter in bunkers in case of an attack. Emergency wards in all civil hospitals near the border have also been kept ready to face any crisis.



India and Pakistan share a 3,323 km-long border, including the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir.



On Thursday afternoon, the MEA called in envoys of 22 major nations for a briefing by Foreign Secretary S Jayashankar on the situation at the LoC.


Moscow: Russian officials accused the US on Thursday of siding with "terrorists" in Syria, in a sign of escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington amid the battle for Aleppo.



US State Department spokesman John Kirby's warning that the collapse of US-Russian cooperation in Syria could lead to a rise in extremism and potential attacks against Russia drew Moscow's anger.



The Russian Foreign and Defense Ministries both cast it as US encouragement of terror attacks on Russia.



"We can't assess those statements as anything else but a call, a directive for action," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.



Defense Ministry spokeswoman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Kirby's statement amounted to "the most frank confession by the US side so far that the whole 'opposition' ostensibly fighting a 'civil war' in Syria is a US-controlled international terrorist alliance."



"What makes Kirby's statement particularly shocking is that the scale of direct US influence on terrorists' activity is global and reaches as far as Russia."



The remarks by Russian officials have shown a degree of mistrust and strain between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of the US-Russia-brokered truce and the Syrian army onslaught on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes.



The growing friction makes it increasingly unlikely that the cease-fire could be revived.



US Secretary of State John Kerry threatened yesterday to cut all cooperation with Moscow on Syria unless an onslaught on Aleppo ends.



Kirby, asked what the consequences would be for Russia if cooperation with the US in Syria collapsed, said "that extremists and extremists groups will continue to exploit the vacuums that are there ... which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities, and Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags."



Konashenkov interpreted Kirby's statement as a direct threat to the Russian military in Syria. He said that Russia remains open for dialogue with Washington on Syria, but added that the US needs to "exclude even a hint at threatening our military and Russian citizens."
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on appeals challenging the grant of bail by Patna High Court to controversial RJD leader Shahabuddin in a murder case. The court will deliver the verdict on Friday.



A bench comprising justices PC Ghose and Amitava Roy reserved the order after lawyers representing Shahabuddin and others wrapped up their arguments in the case.



Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Shahabuddin, opposed the appeals challenging the grant of bail and said right to life and liberty should not be curtailed in normal circumstances.



The apex court had on Wednesday come down heavily on Bihar government for not placing facts before the Patna High Court which granted bail to Shahabuddin in a murder case and asking the state "were you in slumber till he got bail?"



The counsel for Nitish Kumar government, which has RJD as its coalition partner, faced searching questions in the Apex Court, which rebuked it for not being serious in pursuing the case against Shahabuddin.



Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Siwan-based Chandrakeshwar Prasad whose three sons have been killed in two separate incidents, has sought cancellation of Shahabuddin's bail and said enlarging him on bail was "travesty of justice".



Naphade had said his client has been suffering from media trial and said the state government has to be fair and cannot play with the liberty of an individual.




New Delhi: The Indian Army on Thursday said that one of its soldiers from 37 Rashtriya Rifles with weapon had inadvertently crossed over to the other side of Line of Control and termed as "completely false and baseless" reports in Pakistani media that eight of its soldiers had been killed.



An army release issued by the Defence Ministry said Pakistan had been informed on the hotline by the Director General Military Operations Lt Gen Ranbir Singh about the soldier crossing over the Line of Control.



It said that such inadvertent crossing by Army and civilians was not unusual on either side and they are returned through existing mechanisms.



"One soldier from 37 RR with weapon has inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control. Pakistan has been informed by the DGMO on the hotline. Such inadvertent crossing by Army and civilians are not unusual on either side. They are returned through existing mechanisms," the release said.



"As regard report of killing of eight Indian Army personnel reported in sections of Pakistan media, the report is completely false and baseless," the release added.



Dawn had quoted security sources as saying that Pakistan military had said it had captured an Indian soldier and killed eight others. Dawn later withdrew the story, replacing it with another that did not specify the number of Indian soldiers killed.



Dawn identified the soldier who crossed over as Chandu Babulal Chohan, 22, from Maharashtra. Dawn said he had been shifted to an undisclosed location.



It said the soldier was caught after the Indian military fired across the Line of Control (LoC).



Dawn said the bodies of the dead Indian soldiers lay unattended at the Line of Control (LoC), which divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.



India on Thursday said that it had carried out "surgical strikes" on terrorist launch pads across the LoC, inflicting massive casualties. Pakistan has denied the surgical strikes ever took place.




Washington: An influential American lawmaker today slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for using the UN platform last week to praise a "militant".



"Disappointed to see the Pakistan PM use the UN to praise a militant group that uses violence to promote its cause," Congressman Ted Poe said in a tweet.



In his address to the UN General Assembly on September 21, Sharif described Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a "young leader".



Poe is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee on Terrorism, Non-proliferation, and Trade last week introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to designate Pakistan as a State sponsor of terrorism.



Co-sponsored by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, the bill has been sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for necessary action.



Motivated by his bill, Indian-Americans have launched an online 'We the People' petition on the White House website urging the Obama administration to designate Pakistan a State Sponsor of Terrorism.



By late Wednesday night more than 265,000 people had signed the petition, making it the most popular active petition on the White House website.



As per the guidelines of the - We the People petition - , the Obama administration responds within 60 days after the petitions is signed by a minimum of 100,000 people.



The petition created by one RG, the person who decided to identify with this initial, on September 21 had reached the 100,000 signatures in less than a week. In addition to Indian



American groups, several other communities including Balochs, Afghans, those from Gilgit Baltistan, Sindhi and other Americans too have been sending emails and campaigning on the social media to encourage people to sign the petition.








New Delhi: India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists, India announced on Thursday.



Pakistan, however, dubbed the announcement a fabrication of truth.



Heres what we know so far about the Indian Armys strike, which comes a fortnight after the killing of 18 soldiers in a militant attack in Kashmirs Uri:



1. Indian Army Special Forces were used for the operation. Air assets were on standby



2. The raid began at midnight and ended at 4.30 am. Two Army aviation helicopters were used



3. Troops were dropped off in choppers on the Indian side of the LoC, so no violation of Pakistans air space



4. Five launch pads that were used by infiltrators and their Pakistan Army handlers were destroyed. The launch pads were located 3 km from the LoC in PoK



5. The launch pads belonged to various tanzeems or outfits, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen and the Jaishe-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Uri attack



6. All the launch pads were under surveillance for the last seven days



7. The operation was planned after specific intelligence on sighting of terrorists in these areas



8. It was delayed after local press got the wind of it and was finally executed in the early hours of Thursday



9. Pakistan Army says the offensive happened at Bhimber, Hostpring Kel and Lipa Sectors



10. It said two of its soldiers were martyred, while India confirmed heavy casualties on the Pakistani side




After the Uri attack, India is pulling out all diplomatic stops to send out a clear message to Pakistan. That it cannot continue to inflict terror upon India without having to pay a price.



Short of war, India is saying everything is fair game. Even a 56 year old water treaty that has survived 3 wars and 25 years of asymmetric warfare. One of the real possibilities under consideration is revoking the Most Favoured Nation status that India has given to Pakistan but Islamabad has not reciprocated.



First of all 'Most Favoured' doesn't mean any kind of special treatment to goods imported from Pakistan. It only means that there will not be any discriminatory tariffs on any product imported from Pakistan as compared to that same product being imported from any other country.



So for example, if India were to import cloth from Pakistan, then it should not discriminate against that material any more than it would against cloth imported from Bangladesh or Sri Lanka or China. Most Favoured simply means no discrimination.



MFN status was accorded to Pakistan in 1996 when India joined the WTO and signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Under GATT, India has to extend MFN status to each of its trading partners in WTO, not just Pakistan. As a WTO member Pakistan is also bound by these same obligations.



India has a definitive legal case because Pakistan has not granted reciprocal MFN status to India for the last 20 years. The easiest and strongest option would be for India to challenge this in the WTO.



The other, riskier option is to invoke a lesser known clause in GATT. Article 21 b (iii) allows "contracting parties (India is one) to take any action which they consider necessary for the protection of essential security interests." India can argue that after Uri its "essential security" has been compromised. But this clause has been very rarely invoked by member states. Back in 1949 there was a dispute between the then Czechoslovakia and the United States.



In the 1980s there was another one between the US and Nicaragua. As bad as things have been recently between China and some of its neighbouring countries due to the South and East China Sea disputes, there has been no talk in Beijing about revoking MFN status to Japan or Philippines because the Chinese understand the benefits of free trade and the cost to pay while creating artificial barriers to restrict the free movement of goods.



But China and Japan trade upwards of 350 billion USD every year. They are the world's second and third largest economy respectively. India and Pakistan on the other hand barely trade 2.6 to 2.7 billion USD. Trade with Pakistan is less than 0.5% of all of India's trade.



Suspending this trade with Pakistan would be like dusting mud off India's back. ASSOCHAM has argued that much of India's imports from Pakistan are raw materials while India's exports are finished products. If India were to turn the trade tap off, it would hurt Pakistan badly. As the old adage goes, everything's fair in love and war. And in trade.




The Indian decision to conduct a strike against terrorist bases across the Line of Control (LoC) has important implications for nuclear deterrence and Pakistan's so-called nuclear 'red lines'.



Though full details of the strike are still awaited, the fact that India publicly announced it and stated that the Indian Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) had informed his Pakistani counterpart about the attack reinforces India's decision to challenge these nuclear red lines. Irrespective of whether Pakistan responds or even how it responds, the nuclear deterrence game between India and Pakistan has changed.



Even before this operation, Pakistan's leaders had begun talking of the possibility of nuclear escalation and have threatened to attack India with nuclear weapons if India goes to war in response to the Uri attack.



This was to be expected and it tracks well with previous Pakistani behaviour: in the case of both Kargil and during the Operation Parakram crisis, too, Pakistan was the first to suggest the possibility of nuclear war.



Pakistan's threats are perfectly understandable and in keeping with its deterrence strategy. But, though these threats are logical, there is little logic to Pakistan actually using nuclear weapons. The Indian cross-LoC strike exposes a basic contradiction between the logic of Pakistan's nuclear threats and the illogic of actually carrying out such threats.



The logic of Pakistan's nuclear threats is understandable. As a state that believes it is conventionally weaker than India, Pakistan sees nuclear weapons as off-setting the relative inferiority of its conventional military power vis-a-vis India.



But, while nuclear weapons are the perfect means to ensure national survival of states that worry that their survival itself is at stake, expanding their use beyond simply ensuring national survival is problematic. This is what Pakistan has been attempting to do for the last two decades.



Pakistan has been attempting to use nuclear weapons to shield itself from any retaliation so that it could use terrorists to attack India. It has done this by claiming that any Indian military action will result in a nuclear escalation.



Unfortunately, successive Indian governments, starting with the Vajpayee government, reinforced this logic by refusing to respond to clear and blatant Pakistani support for terrorists attacking India.



It did not have to be so. Immediately after the Kargil war, the then Defence Minister George Fernandes as well as Army Chief General VP Malik proposed that there was sufficient space between a sub-conventional war and a nuclear escalation for India to consider conventional war options to respond to Pakistan's provocations.



What they were saying was simple and logical: Pakistan was unlikely to use nuclear weapons unless any Indian military operation went so far as to threaten the survival of Pakistan itself.



This meant that Pakistan's leaders would not contemplate nuclear escalation for Indian military actions that stayed well below such objectives. Indeed, no Indian leader has considered threatening the survival of Pakistan.



Thus, as long as Indian objectives and action stayed well below the threshold of threatening Pakistan's survival, India could engage in military action, including across the LoC or the international border.



Their proposal exposed the contradiction of Pakistan attempting to use nuclear weapons to shield Pakistan's support for terrorism against India. If their proposal had been followed up, Pakistan's nuclear shield would have been stripped, at least in so far as using that shield to support terrorism was concerned.



Unfortunately, neither the Vajpayee government nor the Manmohan Singh government followed up on the suggestion that India did not have to worry about Pakistan's nuclear escalation in considering a military response to Pakistan's terrorist attacks.



By not responding, they implicitly reinforced Pakistan's exaggerated nuclear red lines, which over time straddled the LoC and the border. And Pakistan's rhetoric successfully further reinforced the red line, as did Pakistan's moves to build 'Tactical Nuclear Weapons' (TNWs).



Pakistan's TNW gambit further illustrates the illogic of Pakistan actually carrying out the implied threat of nuclear escalation. Pakistan's TNWs, based on a short-range missile called the Nasr, are supposed to be used to prevent Indian armoured columns from penetrating deep into Pakistan or capturing Pakistani territory.



But the illogic is in assuming that Pakistan would actually carry out such an action, considering that any Pakistani nuclear attack, even on Indian forces that had penetrated some distance into Pakistani territory, would be met with some kind of nuclear response by India.



India's massive retaliation strategy suffers from its own credibility problem, of course: we are supposed to believe that the Indian leadership has the stomach to launch a full-scale nuclear attack that would kill tens of millions of Pakistani civilians and put at risk tens of millions more Indian civilians in a certain Pakistani retaliation, in response to a limited Pakistani nuclear attack on Indian forces in Pakistani territory.



But even given the illogic of India's massive retaliation doctrine, it would be foolish of any Pakistani commander to assume that there will be no nuclear response from India. And if there is going to be a nuclear response from India to a limited nuclear first use by Pakistan, the damage to both sides will be tremendous.



We are expected to believe that Pakistani commanders will calculate that they would be better off after such an outcome than to suffer a temporary conventional military defeat and loss of limited amount of territory for a limited amount of time (since India will not hold on to captured territory for any length of time).



This basic illogic was what the Fernandes/Malik proposal sought to exploit. And that is exactly what the Indian strike on Wednesday seeks to do also: to demonstrate to Pakistan that its exaggerated nuclear bluff will no longer go unchallenged.



It will be difficult to argue now, by either the Pakistani military or by well-meaning outsiders who fear a nuclear escalation and so counsel 'strategic restraint', that Pakistan's maximalist nuclear red lines have any credibility.



In doing so, it also opens up a whole new set of future military options for India to consider in dealing with Pakistan's nuclear terrorism.



Disclaimer: The author Dr Rajesh Rajagopalan is a Professor of International Politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University. The views expressed here are his own and not that of Network18
Mumbai: The MNS on Wednesday demanded the replacement of Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan from their respective Bollywood projects Raees and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.



At a press conference here, Amey Khopkar, President of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's film wing, said: "The day Pakistan will stop attacking our country, we will extend the hand of friendship. We do not have anything against art but the artistes who are employed in India, but remained mum on the terror attack in Uri.



"We gave them an ultimatum of 48 hours to leave India. You can rest assured that they have left, but if we find any Pakistani artiste, we won't spare (them)."



On Tuesday, MNS workers protested outside filmmaker Karan Johar's Dharma Productions office for casting Fawad in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.



Talking about Karan, Khopkar said: "Karan Johar isn't bigger than the government. If Karan Johar and 'Raees' makers don't replace the actors, we will not allow Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees to release."



Raees marks Mahira's entry into Bollywood and features superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, while Ae Dil Hai Mushkil stars Fawad with Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Sharma.



The party's General Secretary Shalini Thackeray said: "Fawad Khan is not the only target. We are against every Pakistani actor. We will not allow any Pakistani actor to work in Mumbai."



The MNS directive came following the September attack in Jammu and Kashmir which killed 18 soldiers. It's ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India, left Bollywood split, with some celebrities speaking in favour of it and some wondering how it would help in solving the issue of terrorism.



Even Indian channel Zindagi has announced plans to stop beaming syndicated Pakistani shows - which has been its USP since its launch in 2014. Essel Group's chairman Subhash Chandra said they made the move as "love can't be one-sided".




New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday said a "strong message" has been sent with the surgical strikes by Army against terror bases across the Line of Control (LoC) and insisted that Pakistan bears a "great responsibility" in the continuing cross-border attacks in India.



Offering the party's support to the government in the battle against terror, Gandhi said in a statement that "this is a strong message that conveys our country's resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people".



With the Uri terror attack apparently weighing heavily on her mind, Gandhi asked Pakistan to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism that "it has supported and ensure that its territory and the territory under its control is not used for terrorist purposes against India".



"The party hopes that Pakistan will recognise that it bears a great responsibility in the continuing cross-border terrorist attacks against India," she said.



Congratulating the armed forces on the success of the operation, she said the party stands by the government in its actions today to protect the country's security and deal with the menace of terrorism from across the border.



India conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads last night across the Line of Control (LoC) and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damage.



The announcement of the sudden action by the army to target terrorists was made by DGMO Lt Gen Ranveer Singh at a hurriedly called news conference during which External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.



Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also hailed the surgical strikes.



"The Congress Party and I salute the Indian Army and our jawans for acting valiantly to defend our country & our people. Jai Hind," he posted on microblogging website Twitter.



"All of us stand firmly united against terrorism & those who support & sponsor it," he tweeted.
Philadelphia: Michelle Obama told supporters in Philadelphia on Wednesday that candidates don't change once they become president and that America "needs an adult in the White House."



The first lady never mentioned Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during the rally at LaSalle University. But there was no question that she was warning voters that President Trump would be the same as candidate Trump.



"The presidency doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are," she told the cheering crowd.



She referred to several comments Trump made during and after Monday's debate, including his apparent acknowledgment that he's paid no taxes some years. Trump said that makes him "smart."



"If a candidate is erratic and threatening, if a candidate traffics in prejudice, fear and lies on the campaign trail, if a candidate thinks not paying taxes makes you smart, or that it's good business when people lose their homes; if a candidate regularly and flippantly makes cruel and insulting comments about women, about how we look, how we act  well, sadly, that's who that candidate really is," she said. "That is the kind of president they will be."



She said the country needs a leader who is steady and measured because when making war-or-peace decisions, "the president can't just pop off or lash out irrationally. No, we need an adult in the White House, I guarantee you."



Later Wednesday, she appeared at a rally for the Democratic presidential nominee at the University of Pittsburgh, where she changed the wording to "grown-up."



She cast Clinton as a tough, compassionate fighter who doesn't back down and who loves her country.



"Experience matters, preparation matters, temperament matters," she said. "Hillary Clinton has it all. She's the real deal."



She told the crowd in Pittsburgh she understands some voters are uninspired this year, but this election is too important not to vote.



"Either Hillary Clinton or her opponent will be the next president this year. The stakes are too high to take that chance" by not voting or casting a protest vote for someone else, she said. "It isn't about voting for the perfect candidate. There's no such thing."



Trump's campaign reacted to Obama's speech with a statement saying Clinton is in "panic mode" in Pennsylvania because polls show the Republican presidential nominee surging in the battleground state.




New Delhi: Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops across the Line of Control (LoC) in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa Sectors in the Kashmir Valley, Pakistan Army claimed on Thursday.



A Pakistani soldier has also been injured in the exchange of fire that began at 2:30am, according to an official statement by Pakistan Army.



The morning saw several severe ceasefire violations with Pakistani troops targeting Indian positions with small firearms along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.



Earlier on September 20, two days after the terror attack in Uri, Pakistani troops violated the border ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian Army positions with small firearms.



On September 6, Pakistani Army pounded Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the LoC in Poonch district.



On September 2, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district.




Up until recently, the musicians from New Orleans-based band the Revivalists  all seven of them would stuff themselves and their instruments (plus a couple crew members) into a van.

For obvious reasons, they have now switched to a bigger vehicle.

It's been pretty good on the bus, says guitarist Zack Feinberg during an interview from the road. We kind of just made that jump, so its more personal space, better sleep. You can imagine having nine coworkers that youre in close quarters with all the time; it could just be a little suffocating at times.

Still, Feinberg says, they get along really well for spending so much time virtually on top of each other in everyones personal space.

Were like brothers and friends, so its a hell of an experience, he says. As one can imagine.

The Revivalists came together in 2007 after an event now referred to as the bike incident. As the story goes, frontman David Shaw was singing on his front porch when Feinberg rode by on his bike. He heard the song, stopped pedaling and came over to talk to Shaw about it.

Shaw, who had just moved to New Orleans, needed new people to jam with, so Feinberg brought a friend, who brought a friend, who brought a friend, and soon enough, the band grew to the full seven-piece unit that will headline Devils Backbone Brewing Companys first Hoopla festival this weekend with the band Old 97s.

Their kind of sound and vibe and energy are right in line with Devils Backbone, says Hayes Humphreys, the brewerys chief operating officer. Theyve just got a depth to them, and theyre a little bit different.

With a sound that mixes jam band sensibilities with the jazz of New Orleans and the alternative touch of indie soul, the Revivalists have found success across musical borders, earning praise from NPR, a spot on Rolling Stones March 2016 10 New Artists You Need to Know and an Artist of the Month Slot on NBCs Today.

In fact, Humphreys says, theyre a little bit like Devils Backbones Vienna Lager.

Theyre easy to get into. You can just hear a Revivalist song and be like, I like that, thats good, he says. But, if you have an appreciation and understanding for music, what theyre doing is really complex and really deep. Thats kind of the way we talk about our Vienna Lager  its a beer you can just pick up, sip on and enjoy, and thats great if thats all you pick up. If you know a lot about making beer, you know that making a beer like Vienna Lager is really hard and really complex.

Before the performance Saturday night, Feinberg talked with The Burg about New Orleans sound, live tracking and the future of the Revivalists.

None of you are originally from New Orleans, so how much would you say the city has influenced your music?

It definitely has an influence on the sound. I think any of us was drawn to New Orleans because we like that style of syncopation and funk music or [have] an appreciation for jazz and live music.  I think it has an effect on the type of performance, type of show we put on. Well boogie, well groove. Well have the crowd involvement thing, going into the crowd thing  its definitely a New Orleans performance style, I think. It feels like New Orleans. We value the song above everything else, so theres certainly influences that arent typically New Orleans. But I think that syncopated swagger is a New Orleans influence.

How do you stay true to each member's musical roots when you have seven different influences?

We have a respect for whatever everybody's going to bring to the table and we all appreciate a wide variety of music. Especially [in] this day and age, it seems like the barriers between genres don't really exist anymore.  In terms of the wealth and material that we have with seven people, thats pretty great that we can pick all killer stuff to make the cut.

You recorded your last record, Men Amongst Mountains, with live tracking, which seems to be the new thing in music. Why do you think that is?

Honestly, it's kind of easier. Thats how you're used to playing. Youre going to get a better performance that way. Its less sterile. Youll get the correct feeling as opposed to starting with just drums and bass. You can get great records the other way too. None of it is orthodoxy. The way we recorded Men Amongst Mountains is we started with everybody playing live, and we were actually all listening to the same mix, hearing the same levels between everybody, to make sure we were playing together really well  listening to each other. Its easy when you're making your own mix to neglect listening to things that you should be hearing.

What is the story behind "Men Amongst Mountains?"

We were staying in Boulder, Colorado. David drew inspiration from the environment and the metaphor of being. There's so many giants in life and being an individual can be daunting.  I guess you could say that Men Amongst Mountains is also a statement [to] keep going. Its a hopeful thing, but it also recognizes the challenge of life. Its about being our best and keeping at it.

Next year is the band's 10-year anniversary. What can we expect?

Another record, hopefully. We're beginning the process of looking for a producer, getting that all planned out. We have some of the songs in the bank  that are written. Theres a couple weve learned to flesh out as a band. Were moving along in that process.
Try a taste of every flavour around the world at Kochi's ABOE Restocafe
Home News Sports Social Obituaries Events Letters Looking Back Health Jewels Stitch in Time Idaho auctions first 'Good Neighbor' timber sale September 29, 2016 The State of Idaho auctioned a U.S. Forest Service timber sale for the first time Tuesday as part of a state-federal partnership to increase management activities on federal lands in Idaho.



The Wapiti Timber Sale on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is the first project developed under Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), a federal law that enables the Forest Service to partner with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) to achieve restoration and resilient landscape objectives across ownership boundaries in Idaho. A second GNA agreement signed earlier this month will authorize IDL to conduct timber sale layout and administration activities on the Payette National Forest in west-central Idaho.



Good Neighbor Authority makes it possible for the State of Idaho to leverage our support and land management expertise with the Forest Service to augment management activities happening on federal lands in Idaho, Governor C.L. Butch Otter said. These projects will reduce fuels on federally managed forests and reduce threats to communities and watersheds from catastrophic wildfires, improving forest health and creating jobs and economic benefits for our citizens.



McFarland Cascade submitted the winning bid to purchase the Wapiti Timber Sale, a plan to harvest 4.44 million board feet of timber across 216 acres on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Approximately 110 mature trees per acre will be left in the harvest area after completion of the timber sale. The company paid a net amount of $1,418,675 for the timber. There were multiple bidders, resulting in the final net bid amount coming in more than $620,000 over the appraised price.



The timber sale already has been evaluated and approved through the National Environmental Policy Act public process.



Tuesdays timber sale auction and other projects planned for the Payette and Idaho Panhandle National Forests are the result of more than two years of work between the State of Idaho, Forest Service, timber companies, and other partners. GNA will help to increase the pace and scale of forest and watershed restoration activities on national forests in Idaho.



The 2014 Farm Bill expanded GNA to all states. The Farm Bill also authorized Governor Otter to identify national forest system lands in Idaho in greatest need of treatment due to high risk of insect and disease mortality. Governor Otter submitted 1.8 million acres of designations to Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, and the designations were accepted in May 2014. Going forward, some GNA projects will be focused on treating the acres identified through this process. IDL hired a contractor in 2014 to facilitate GNA efforts between IDL and the Forest Service.



In 2015, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 126 aimed at increasing management activities on federal lands in Idaho. And in 2016 Governor Otter and the Idaho Legislature approved the hiring of three positions within IDL and contracts with professional foresters to prepare and administer GNA timber sales in Idaho.



The Idaho Department of Lands forestry professionals are well equipped to support efforts to increase management on federal forests in Idaho because of their extensive knowledge of timber sale preparation and administration and their familiarity with the federal lands in need of treatment, IDL Director Tom Schultz said. Hats off to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests for working with Idaho to put up the first Good Neighbor Authority timber sale in the state.



We recognize the need and benefits of resource and vegetation management on all lands, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Supervisor Cheryl Probert said. I am very proud of the foresight and collaboration of employees on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and Idaho Department of Lands Maggie Creek Area as they forged the way for other collaborative efforts across the state. A long list of restoration projects has been identified to be completed as a result of the revenue generated from the sale, and benefits will be realized far beyond this initial effort.



The Wapiti Timber Sale will put 88 people to work, produce more than $2.9 million in wages and salaries, and generate more than $16.9 million in the sale of goods and services. The figures are derived from a 2016 study by the universities of Idaho and Montana on the Idaho forest products industry that states, today each million board feet of timber harvested and processed in the state provides approximately 20 jobs (12 in the forest products industry plus eight indirect or induced jobs in supporting industries), $667,000 in wages and salaries, and generates $3.85 million in sales of goods and services. Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail!
Budgetary expectations for fiscal 2016 - 2017

The 2017 budget should include a short term  one year and a longer term three to five year projections on what the government expects based on revenue collections. The finance minister should indicate how he proposes to close the gap if he believes the situation would continue as it is today. He should also indicate the sectors that government will support to drive earning new foreign exchange and also creating new employment opportunities. Enill was responding to Business Days questions about what he thought should be included in the next fiscal package, the second to be presented by Imbert since the Dr Keith Rowley administration came into power in September 2015.

Enill also sates he expects to see some of the recommendations from the Economic Development Advisory Board, who have been working on policies to bring the expenditure profile into balance. Measures to ensure more effective tax collection was the focus of Dr Ronald Ramkissoons response to the same question by Business Day.

The economist says doing so would require the effective use of existing tax legislation to collect revenue from the various sources who must pay taxes to the State.

Ramkissoon adds expenditure reduction to meet lower revenues must be a priority. However, apart from absolutely necessary adjustment measures, initiatives in respect of the capital expenditure programme, and initiatives for growth, must be outlined. Business Day also asked the economist if he thought Imbert would include measures such as a further reduction in the fuel subsidy but at lower than recommended percentages.

While not directly commenting on the fuel subsidy; something which many business groups have been calling for a significant reduction of/end to for several years, Ramkissoon notes that necessary adjustment measures to bring this economy closer to balance will not be popular. This is never good news to any government in office. This is partly because of how our version of democracy has operated for decades. However, to do otherwise is to court the IMF (International Monetary Fund) or worse. In any case, our history has demonstrated that supposedly popular measures did not lead the incumbent party to victory at the polls, Ramkissoon states.

Business Day also spoke to former Minister in the Finance Ministry, Mariano Browne about tomorrows budget presentation.

Although he expects nothing much, other than more of the same, Browne says the budget speech would still be important, if only because there needs to be a strong action plan to manage expenditures and to provide a clear direction to the country on the priorities. Browne argues that with Imbert unable to meet all of the expenditure demands, the Finance Minister must refuse most and institute cuts. Looking at the revenue side of things, Browne says Imbert must consider the following: 1. The introduction of Property Tax, as It would be virtually impossible to return to land and building taxes as suggested by the Prime Minister (Dr Keith Rowley) in his speech. Even if that were to be done, what of all the current valuations? Is the revenue department expected to forget that? 2. Increases in indirect taxes; 3. Vat to return to 15 percent (up from the current 12.5 percent); 4. Removal of the subsidy on diesel; 5. Increases in the price of utilities; and 6. An increase in the health surcharge.

However, even if Imbert did all of the above, Browne warns that, in his view, none of this will offset the decline in revenue. As signaled by bptt, the renegotiation of gas contracts have to be managed carefully over the next two years and a new direction articulated. I dont think that this can be done in the budget statement, Browne argues, other than to make some reference to it. More careful reasoned analysis and negotiation is required. This cannot be done in the full glare of the public and political limelight. So expenditures will have to be cut and there will need to be some redirection of transfer payments. On the Financing side, I expect that there will be additional borrowing from all sources and that the HSF (Heritage and Stabilisation) Fund will be tapped once again. Regarding the Development budget, Browne says, since there has been no clear articulation of a policy direction, with the exceptio n of TTBizLink, I expect some waffling. Taking a more specific look at budget wish lists for fiscal 2016 - 2017, Business Day spoke with General Manager of the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), Ronald Forde.

A total of 26 projects was submitted by the PTSC for funding under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) for 2017.

Given the current economic reality, Forde says you have to temper your expectations. As such, his priority list includes TT $3.9 million for the installation of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) at all PTSC facilities and an estimated TT $15 million for a new, two-storied, depot in Sangsters Hill, Scarborough, which would be able to load four buses at once, compared to one at a time at the old facility.

A proper repair hub in Arima is also of importance. Forde explains that our Arima Depot doesnt have mechanical engineering facilities, so to repair a bus, you have to take it to Port-of-Spain.

What we want to do is put down a little mechanical garage that could take two buses at a time.

We estimated it would cost about TT $2 million to build the facility. It remains to be seen how much of what was discussed here will be reflected in Imberts 2016 - 2017 budget presentation.
Tourism Sector untapped fortune Proper Marketing needed

Cudjoe felt, nonetheless, that the sector would merely have to make do with whatever funds they get. She admitted that like any other ministry, the Tourism Ministry has things it would like to get done; but the reality is, the resources are insufficient.

Said Cudjoe, ...Its about putting the right resources in the right places, getting the right strategy as it relates to marketing and so on. So for me, its not so much about the allocation, but the strategies to implement the development plan. Over much of this fiscal year, we spent working on road maps and engaging the different stakeholders for it. Its about doing the best you can with the allocation that you were granted.

As it relates to cleaner streets, much of what we have to do in the Ministry of Tourism is based on collaboration with other ministries. For instance, you know, we dont actually go out there and clean up streets. That would be something that falls under the remit of the Ministry of Works. Its about engaging the different stakeholders. And tourism, playing a major role in development or should I say the diversification of Trinidad and Tobago, all ministries try to take tourism as a priority, Cudjoe said.

As it relates to getting value for money, we have been able to look at and review our different policies relating to granting sponsorship to certain events.

In other words, the ministry has been unable to financially sponsor certain events (Cudjoe did not specify) recently, events that it normally sponsors, because of financial restraints.

She added that the ministry has also had to reduce its travel abroad to promote Trinidad and Tobago, saying that better use of technology  sites likes Expedia and other travel agencies  would have to be made to advertise the country.

For James, a response like that is insufficient, because the Tourism Sector, in his view, holds tremendous possibility as a main sector for diversification. In fact, he expressed his displeasure and frustration at the dwindling tourism industry in Tobago, and the failure of the Government to pay general concern to the sector.

The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association has for many years stated that tourism should be one of the main diversification industries in Trinidad and Tobago, and especially in Tobago as tourism is our main private sector driver. International arrivals to Tobago have fallen dramatically over the last ten years, due to lack of destination marketing, which has resulted in reduced airlift and we have also because of various reasons been unable to attract investment both local and foreign.

The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association is pleased that the government has increased its interest in the tourism industry and await the budget to see if the support needed is forthcoming.

Trinidad and Tobago have never spent enough on destination marketing. Having just returned from Grenada, who received 133,000 international arrivals in 2015 compared to Tobagos 23,000 and to be told that now in September hotels have occupancy in the range of 80 percent whilst we in Tobago have only single figure occupancy, is alarming and just shows that with government support, marketing, incentives to invest, just what can be achieved.

James continued that Tobagos tourism industry should be sustainable all year around, where tourists from Trinidad pick up the slack for the traditionally slow months of July and August when the number of international guests dwindle. However, there has also been a reduction in travel from Trinidad, and that has hampered the sector in Tobago, which for years has depended on that buffer.

Furthermore, he said that the association has continuously called for increased funds for destination marketing, better incentives for investors and increased airlift. Additionally, it is aiming to reduce its dependence on a single country and to have at least five originating destinations.

The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association understands that money is tight but what has to be understood is that tourism can create jobs, bring in foreign exchange and open many more opportunities for potential economic activity, the money invested has a true return and when we can get everyone to understand the true value of tourism we will have no problem (getting) government to support the tourism industry.

Similarly, Welch stated unequivocally that the budget for tourism has never been enough. Moreover, in direct contravention to Cudjoes claims that the resources have been used efficiently, Welch affirmed that financial resources have never been used efficiently or effectively. In fact, he said that there are things that need to be done, but are being ignored.

...Our approaches in the past to marketing, I dont think were doing the best in marketing; and I dont think that weve been doing enough at product development. Ill give you a simple example: every year, steel bands go abroad. No one, from a tourism perspective, goes with any of these big bands that are opening all kinds of doors all around the world; no one goes to say, hey, this is Trinidad and Tobago or to do the marketing side of it...

I remember some years ago, Andrew Zimmern from the Travel Channel came and he boasted that bake and shark was the best fish sandwich he ever had in his life. I also dealt with another TV producer who came to Trinidad on his recommendation. And she said he told her, it was one of the top five things hes ever put in his mouth. However, we have not followed up to capitalise on that...That was about a few billion dollars in advertising we got for free...My point is, were not using what we have efficiently.

He reiterated that money that has been budgeted in the past has never been enough, and there are islands, which while traditionally thought of as having no money, have spent large sums on marketing.

Thus, the general consensus is that the Government has continuously neglected the tourism sector, and it is a question of how much money is given to that sector.
A combined effort is needed to fight crime

The Chamber is not immune to the national mood of ever-deepening concern with the failure to make significant inroads with the detection, arrest and prosecution of murderers. With just three months to the end of 2016, there have been 333 murders up to the time of writing, compared to 321 (according to news reports) for the same period last year. It would seem that not much progress is being made in decreasing the incidence of murder from year to year.

But it is not just the quantity of murders. There have been more and more incidents of hitherto hidden crimes coming to the surface - fearful abuse of children, human trafficking and even torture of animals grabbing headlines some months ago. These are all symptomatic of a society that has become not only willing, but unafraid to prey on the most vulnerable.

The sophistication of crimes has also been on the increase over years. The Chamber recalls the 2013 robbery involving a security transport van in Macoya and the 100-million dollar shipment of cocaine contained in locally manufactured juice cans in 2014 as well as the high-profile murder of Dana Seetahal. As far as we know, no arrests were ever made in these crimes.

It can be expected that in tomorrows budget presentation, National Security will once again receive a major chunk of the ministerial allocations, and those funds will need to be carefully administered to ensure the best value for money.

As far back as 2004, this Chamber, along with 21 private sector organisations, submitted to the then leadership 44 crime fighting initiatives. Although most of the proposals contained therein deliberately required no legislative changes in order to allow for speedy implementation, there has been only inconsistent efforts to implement and sustain the majority of recommendations.

Some of the measures the Chamber had suggested to Government include a programme for rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, improved crime management tools and addition of necessary modern day technologies used elsewhere as a routine part of crime reduction management to bring our law enforcement into the 21st century.

The basic infrastructure necessary for a properly functioning system of law and order simply must be put into place, such as the timely appointment of a permanent commissioner of police, increased and more sophisticated monitoring of our borders to stem the illegal trade in arms, drugs and persons, and elimination of delays in the trial and appeals process.

The perpetrators of homicides are no respecters of person or office, and citizens of TT deserve to feel safe in their communities, schools, places of work and homes.

We acknowledge that the authorities cannot do it all alone, something that has been stated repeatedly. To be sure, citizens at all strata have a significant role to play if we wish to create a better society. To quote philosopher, Edmund Burke: Evil can only triumph if good people do nothing. Action is required.
My word!

The spokespersons role is to present themselves as the face and voice of the organisation, or structure that they may represent.

The role of a Government spokesperson is typically to convey the political position of government leaders to the public as well as to discuss the governments involvement with or reactions to happenings. The spokesperson is advised to provide the official position of the Government, affording the office holders the opportunity and time to further develop upon the stated positions. In essence, the spokesperson provides the office holder the space for the final word.

Though this structure is common in many territories, it certainly does differ in others.

In Trinidad and Tobago, we are yet to afford persons with such titles to operate effectively in their particular roles. We have seen the role of Press Secretary being developed, however the actual function of such a position is yet to be fully grasped. If we were to look at comparative roles, the White House Press Secretary is a highly visible role to conduct press briefings at the White House, elaborating on the Governments policy positions, many times sharing the Presidents thoughts and positions on issues of National significance. Of course if the White House Press Secretary were to err in a stated position, he will be afforded the opportunity to gracefully apologise by default, still leaving room for the information gap to be filled by a United States Secretary, or the President himself.

By comparison, if we were to look at our circumstances, our Head of State, is directly challenged, with questions that should ideally be responded to by either a Comptroller of Household to deal with issues of accounting, an Aide de Camp for matters relating to security, administration and logistics, particularly outside of Presidents house, and finally, a communications based spokesperson that is suitably trained to respond to general matters pertaining to the officeholder. The President of the Republic should be afforded the final word, without having to respond to singular matters, the same applies to Prime Ministers, and other senior office holders.

This being stated, it is an obligation of office holders to find methods of ensuring that matters pertaining to public record, particularly matters of public funds, must be acknowledged and regarded  but within the framework of a structure. The OFFICE must not be brought into disrepute. Hence the rationale for the development of a robust communications structure that provides the officeholder, regardless of affiliation or independence, with a solid underpinning to support the daily functions of the office.

In similar vein, within the corporate world, the corporate spokesperson should ideally present themselves with what I term the five Cs of solid spokesman ship. The ideal spokesperson should be able to deliver the message in a clear manner. They should bring clarity to the message that leaves the target with a clear understanding and appreciation of the message and the intent. Just think back, how many times have you looked at a media conference or statement and at the end of same, asked yourself, what did he/she just say? The ideal spokesperson should be concise. The messengers role is to express the message utilising effective speech that does not overload the listener. It is important to understand that our linguistics has to include character bites that can fit into a 120-word tweet and still consist of message efficacy.

The spokesperson should be clever. The messenger must be au courant with his/her message and the rationale for the delivery of the message, with a keen idea of the various angles that may emanate from the message being shared. It is very important to ensure that the messenger is captivating. This does not solely refer to aesthetics, but also includes pitch and tone of voice, professional outlook, and general affect. The spokesperson must have the ability to draw you in, and not tune you out. And very important, the spokesperson should be able to present a conciliatory approach when required. This means that all efforts should be made to ensure goodwill if and when necessary, as the messenger is speaking on behalf of the principal, who is ultimately afforded the final word.

Griffith can be contacted at 221-0199 or ndgccmarketing@outlook.com.
blink | bmobile wins big at the local advertising awards

Evaluated by a panel of foreign judges, blink | bmobile s ads collected a total of 13 of the much-coveted awards at the ceremony, which is held every two years and showcases work from the leading advertising agencies in Trinidad and Tobago.

One of the biggest and most competitive categories is telecommunications and blink | bmobile s ads beat other competing telecoms brands by winning gold in almost every category. In addition, of the several winning blink | bmobile ads, its Giraffe TV ad emerged as the most dominant by picking up wins across different categories in the AAATT competition, including the overall Best of Show TV and Campaign in Multiple Media awards. The ads also picked up awards in regional and international competitions earlier this year.

Noting that blink | bmobile has consistently won numerous awards at this prestigious event where the best of local advertising is judged and recognized, Camille Campbell, TSTTs Chief Marketing Officer shared that the company was very pleased with the results which show that its ads resonated not only with the judges, but with blink | bmobile s customers.

This huge win of our ads for yet another year, shows that blink | bmobile is a company that listens to its customers and responds to their feedback. Campbell continued, The ads are a collaboration between two local companies which aim to consistently excel at what we do and remain at the top of our competition. As the only local full-service telecommunications service provider, we will continue to delight and serve our customers, while connecting with them at all levels.

Stressing that the winning ads were a team effort, Marvin Imamshah, Chief Creative Officer at McCann Port-of-Spain, the advertising company which produced the ads, was in high praise of blink | bmobile for its vision to create ads which speak to its customers in memorable ways.

In a world with a lot of shouting and huge hard sell headlines, its great to show how a simple everyday story can truly capture a brands inner passion of playing a meaningful role in the lives of customers. This in essence is what blink | bmobile does for their customers through the power of technology. blink | bmobile is a local brand succeeding with world class technology and winning local and international awards for their ads prove that local talent can shine just as brightly, he said.

Imamshah noted McCann was especially pleased with the performance of the Giraffe TV ad which was also entered in regional and international competitions.

The blink | bmobile Giraffe ad was entered in the Caribbean Advertising ADDY Awards earlier this year, where it also won Best TV and Overall Best of Show and the Florida 4th District ADDY Awards, where they gained Silver and a special Mosaic award for the most diversity in production and concept.

The Giraffe TV ad was developed by the McCann team: Marvin Imamshah Director; Stephen Look Tong (Director, Integrated Brand Communications) and Gabriel Francis (Associate Creative Director) and was shot by local filmmakers Ryan Khan and Oliver Milne.

Thanking blink | bmobile again for believing that a local creative team can produce ads at international standards, Imamshah remarked, TSTT truly believed in the potential of this idea and we were lucky to work them, the great local production team and the Emperor Valley Zoo to make this project a reality.

The categories in which blink | bmobile won the gold awards at the 2016 AAATT Awards are:

Retail Products and Services - Digital: blink | bmobile - Hottest Hook Up Horoscope;

Competitions, Short-Term promotions - Press: blink | bmobile - Game of Phones; and

Radio: blink | bmobile - Merry Merry Money;

Corporate/Institutional Campaign in Multiple Media: blink | bmobile  Giraffe TV;

Telecommunications and Associated Digital Services - Press: blink | bmobile - Bikini Roaming,

Digital: blink | bmobile - What U Wanna Be; and

TV: blink | bmobile  Giraffe TV

Campaign in a Single Medium: blink | bmobile - No Words TV;

Campaign in Multiple Media: blink | bmobile - No Words TV;

Stand-Alone Categories - Radio: blink | bmobile - No Words; and

TV/Cinema/Podcast: blink | bmobile  Giraffe TV;

Best of Show - TV: blink | bmobile  Giraffe TV; and

Campaign in Multiple Media: blink | bmobile  Giraffe TV
Dr Hosein suggests 5-year plan Manage economy at US$35 for oil, gas at US$2

He continued, There has to be a formula that keeps costs free at the point of consumption, but that involves students repaying their full tuition fees at a later date, having gained suitable employment. He also reiterated that government should reconsider its subsidisation of the Communitybased Environment Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP), a suggestion, he said, which had been repeatedly made over the last ten years. He said the State will have to consider shifting some of the workers employed in CEPEP into the agricultural sector, to boost domestic agriculture production and in so doing create more meaningful employment whilst simultaneously reducing the demand for foreign exchange for imported agricultural foodstuff and also spur an improvement in worker productivity.

Dr Hosein said the Government needs to find a way to manage the economy closer to a price of US$35 a barrel for crude oil and US$2 per million metric British thermal units (mmbtu) for natural gas for the next five years. He said, The state has to find a formula to cut back expenses closer to TT$50 billion per annum and to pull government revenues closer to that level. In the process we need to be careful about persistently increasing the stock of debt. In this regard, in this fiscal year it seems possible that we may see a freeze in wages at some point in time and perhaps even an increase in income tax, and various utility rates as the State tries to correct imbalances built up over the last 17 years of the resource curse. Critically, he added, these rates may be the true rates at which the economy should have been operating at in the past and the lower rates which currently exists, as a gift from the state courtesy of the natural gas rents.

He said, the State will have to find a solution to get the E-teck Parks going as manufacturing sector activity has enormous capacity to produce sustainable employment and even more to generate foreign exchange.

According to Dr Hosein, Government will have to consider taking a closer look at the Guyanese economy which has been experiencing very buoyant economic growth in the last few years and with its pending oil boom is ripe for investment from the TT economy. The Ministry of Energy has signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Ministry of Energy in Guyana. This is a step in the right direction. He added that the crime situation seems to getting worst with murders seemingly on the rise; a kidnapping has popped up; breaking and entering seems to be on the increase and the perception can be greater than reality. The state in its attempt to promote domestic private sector investment has to take a more aggressive look at the crime situation and provide interventions to halt its increase. Meanwhile, senior economist at The UWI, Dr Anthony Birchwood, said he expected that the government will try to be conservative in spending in the upcoming fiscal year and will not go on a wild spending spree. In light of warnings by the trade union movement against any harsh new taxes which will negatively affect the standard of living of the poor man, Dr Birchwood said the country tended to treat labour as a soft target. He said the labour movement had a point because each time the country found itself in a difficult place economically we tend to attack labour and make all the adjustments through labour, turning to the taxation medicine which seemed to be inevitably administered to the working class whenever the country found itself in trouble.

In the meantime, Dr Birchwood said the class of people who had money to invest and could make a major difference in investing to bring in foreign exchange were not investing in the right projects to bring benefit to the country.

He said that instead of investing in productive industries which might earn foreign exchange for the country, the wealthy classes chose instead to invest their wealth in foreign franchises which might make them richer but saw the country paying out millions of dollars in foreign exchange in fees to the franchise holders in the US and other metropolitan countries.

And while the Government has been looking toward the manufacturing sector to pick up some of the slack from the falloff in the energy sector, Dr Birchwood questioned whether that sector had the capacity to do so. He pointed to the arrangement between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela under which Venezuela had provided a revolving facility of US$50 million to purchase goods from this country which were desperately needed in Venezuela. Dr Birchwood said the reality was that Trinidad and Tobagos manufacturing sector could not meet Venezuelas demands. And while the sector has been talking about increasing its capacity to fulfill the South American Republics need, Dr Birchwood said they will probably be working to doing that, but that takes time. So its not like they could just wave a wand and miraculously they could make up the shortfall for oil.

However, Dr Birchwood said the performance of the manufacturing sector was good news for the country because it helped Trinidad and Tobago diversify and Venezuela provided a ready demand for our manufactured products. Dr Birchwood compared the countrys current situation to the scenario which greeted the government of the National Alliance for Reconstruction headed by ANR Robinson when it came into power and faced conditionalities imposed upon the country by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He recalled that then finance minister Selby Wilson was required to write to the IMF outlining how the country planned to adjust in preparation for the structural adjustment programme which was to be imposed by the fund. He observed that in those days the philosophy of the IMF was one of austerity, demanding that errant economies cut, cut, cut and raise taxes in the hope that the economy would grow. He said that the IMF had been softening its harsh prescriptions since geopolitics had taken over. However, he said there had now been the rise of the rating agencies which could have nearly the same effect as the IMF by downgrading a countrys economy, as it did recently in the case of Barbados.

He said if this country does not practice fiscal discipline it will be spending faster than it could actually be comfortable with. He noted that because Trinidad and Tobago still had its oil revenues it was able to survive by financing the exchange rate through a managed float of the Trinidad and Tobago dollar. He added that although those oil revenues are at a reduced level the country is still fortunate in that it still has its oil income, but if we do not reflect fiscal discipline we could be in trouble, he said.
TT, EU tackle climate change

In the aftermath of the Paris Agreement and TT commitments under the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) the European Union (EU) is working with TT, through a 8 million grant to the Government, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

It was in that context that the EU, in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Development and the Tobago House of Assembly, initiated a two-year technical assistance programme designed to assess TTs climate change vulnerabilities and help the country to prepare and become more resilient to its negative impacts.

The technical assistance programme will be spearheaded by a consortium contracted by the EU, Particip GmbH.

It will include vulnerability assessments of a range of key sectors such as, agriculture, water resources, human health, coastal resources, human settlements and infrastructure and biodiversity in order to pinpoint areas/sectors of concern.

This data will then be used to inform decision-making about climate change and the fiveyear INDC plans, and to allow for better management and holistic mainstreaming of climate change risks across those sectors, the EU said.

In addition, a demarcation of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago, the countrys largest and most important carbon sink will be conducted.

Such a demarcation is critical for the protection of this green space, which is so vital to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, local environmental experts in the public and private sectors, including civil society organisations will benefit from enhancement of their knowledge and skill to carry out future risk, vulnerability and capacity assessments through a programme of training and capacity building.

This technical assistance programme places TT one step closer to a robust National Climate Plan, which would include TT s own ratification of the Paris Agreement and the development of a strong policy and legislative framework to reduce greenhouse emissions, setting this country on a low carbon development path for its own future preservation.

Trinidad and Tobagos commitment to combat climate change has been strongly reinforced by the Minister of Planning and Development, Camille Robinson-Regis.

Speaking on the occasion of UNDPs National Dialogue on Climate Resilience at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in June, she stated: The pursuit of climate-resilient development requires co-ordination and harmonisation of policy across all government sectors, given the cross-cutting nature of climate change itself.

To this end, an analysis of the sectoral policy and legislative landscape has been undertaken with the identification of gaps and recommendations for addressing these gaps.

Implementation of these recommendations will result in an alignment of climate-resilient development across all sectors.

It is therefore expected that the amendment or development of policies and legislation will begin soon to realise this important first step. Preventing the damaging effects of climate change is a key priority for the EU, the EU said in a media release.

For this reason, Europe is working tirelessly to not only develop the laws of the region to reach the ambitious targets it set for 2030 and ratify the Paris Agreement, but also to assist other nations and regions around the world to do likewise, particularly vulnerable countries like TT .
Baby with microcephaly due for tests

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh yesterday said he had made arrangements with PAHO/WHO since the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) did not have the capability to do that confirmatory test. The tests would be conducted in Washington DC.

Deyalsingh said he could not comment on the condition of the mother, as she had private prenatal care, but said the baby was now being looked after at the San Fernando General Hospital. One source said the child was in the intensive care unit. (ICU). I cant comment on whether her doctor had her tested for Zika. I just spoke to Dr Bernadette Theodore-Gandi (PAHO/ WHO country representative) and they are sending me protocol for blood collection from the baby, and how the blood is to be stored and transported to Washington.

I have no information on how the mother is doing. My concern and that of the ministry, now that the baby is in the public sector, we are seeing about the baby. The mother was never in the public sector, so I cant comment on her condition because I simply dont know.

We have about 12 micropcephaly babies born per year so until we know definitely via the test that would be done, we cannot assume any cause at this point in time, the minister said.

Babies recently born with microcephaly have been tested to determine whether it was caused by the Aedes Egypti mosquito-borne virus, Zika. Microcephaly has been associated with the Zika virus in Brazil. Microcephaly is a rare neurological condition. When comparing an infant with microcephaly to a normal infant of the same age and gender, the circumference of the head is significantly below average.

This condition could be present at birth, when the brain did not develop properly in the womb, or appeared when the child was a few years old. In the latter instance, the brain stops growing normally.

In general, children with microcephaly have reduced life expectancies and poor brain function, though in 15 percent of cases children grow normally with normal intelligence.

Most often, this condition was caused by genetic abnormalities that interfered with the growth of the cerebral cortex during the first few months of pregnancy.

However, babies may also be born with microcephaly if their mother abused drugs or alcohol or became infected with a cytomegalovirus, rubella (German measles), varicella (chicken pox) virus, or Zika virus during pregnancy. It was also possible for the condition to occur if the mother was exposed to certain toxic chemicals or had untreated phenylketonuria (a harmful buildup of the amino acid phenylalanine in the blood) during pregnancy.

When contracted through a virus, such as the Zika virus, there was often widespread tissue and cell death that leads the brain to shrink further beyond the size of an impaired, microcephalic brain.

In a brief telephone interview yesterday, hospital officials declined comment on the babys health except to confirm that the baby had been warded at the hospital.
Concerns over fathers incarceration

Henry is charged under the Childrens Act for leaving Josiah and his seven-year-old sister Christine Gray unattended, to go to work.

Yesterday, Henrys sister Joanne Henry, was assured of assistance to free her brother on bail by social activist Harvey Borris, chairman of the Centre for Justice and the Black Caucus Movement, at his office at Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain. Borris told Newsday that prison officers told him of the deep anguish that Henry is going through in jail on top of the pain of losing a child, whose funeral Henry was not been allowed to attend, by the authorities.

Joanne said the court had placed her brother on $75,000 bail or an alternative 15,000 cash bail. However securing of bail has been delayed by the court, allegedly issuing a document slightly different to the warrant possessed by the prison authorities.

Because of the mix-up they had us back and forth for a week (between court and jail). On top of this, she alleged that the court declined to accept a valuation document proffered for her aunts property.

All this had led Joanne herself trying to raise the cash alternative bail by holding a bar-b-que.

Borris told Newsday, We cant just leave the gentleman to languish and suffer in prison. I have decided to help him and I will get it done. Borris contacted Newsday last night to say he expects to raise the cash bail by today. He also revealed that attorney Keith Scotland has agreed to represent Henry pro bono (no fee) and appointed his co-counsel Sheriza Khan, to the matter. Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds has criticised Henrys arrest and his being denied the opportunity to attend his own sons funeral as being highly insensitive.
New Director at Childrens Authority

Daily explained that Noel has more than ten years in senior management experience in the public, and private sectors and has been a part of the Authoritys leadership team. She further indicated that Noel has also worked extensively with children, particularly in vulnerable groups.

Additionally, the release stated, Former Director of the Authority Sharifa Ali-Abdullah will provide support to Noel over the next few weeks, to facilitate a smooth transition.
JSCs meet after Budget

Imbert will present his second budget when the House sits tomorrow at Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre from 1.30 pm.

According to the Parliaments website, the Committee on Foreign Affairs will meet in camera on October 5 at 2.30 pm in the Arnold Thomasos Meeting Room (West) of Tower D. This JSC is chaired by Port-of-Spain South MP Marlene McDonald.

The Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee meets in camera at 9.30 am on November 2 in the Arnold Thomasos Room (East) and then in the J Hamilton Maurice Room at 10 am, for a public hearing.

For tomorrows sitting, as established by convention, all other matters before the House are deferred until after the Budget debate which begins with the presentation of the Budget.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar will reply to the Budget on October 6 and is entitled to the same length of time as Imbert. The Budget must be passed by both the House and Senate by October 31. The Tax Information Exchange Bill 2016, which is essential to ensuring this country is compliant with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, remains the first piece of legislation to be dealt with by the House after the Budget.
Boy scared to be alone after tragic crash

Anything you ask him, he answering - I go dead? I going to dead? said Kevin Mohammed as he described the state of Nyeem Mohammed, Carolyns second son.

According to Kevin, Nyeem was sleeping in the back seat of his mothers beige coloured Nissan Almera when it collided with a Southern Food Basket truck along the Taskar Road. Carolyn died on the spot, and Nyeem suffered fractures to his spine and pelvis and was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH).

That impact fling he about like a dummy in the back there, said Kevin.

Nyeem is still warded at the SFGH, and according to family, though he is not in critical condition, he is distraught, scared, and cannot be left alone.

Nyeem, his brother, mother and father shared their No. 5 Sankar Trace home with Kevin, his wife and two children, and their grandmother. According to Kevin, Nyeem was especially close to Carolyn, as he shared a room with her.

He cannot sleep without the mother, said Kevin, if you take him to sleep somewhere else, he does wake up in the night and bawl - where meh mother? Where meh mother? Nyeem has been instructed to not move too much while his fractured spine heals to prevent further damage.

Asked whether Nyeem was under any threat of being paralyzed, Kevin said that Nyeem had feeling in his all of his limbs.

Kevins daughter Karrisa, 15, however, has been burdened by survivors guilt ever since the accident.

According to her, her aunt Carolyn asked her to accompany her to pick up her sons from school. I would usually sit in the front seat, she said, thinking about the images of the crushed Almera, its dashboard crumpled into the passenger seat where she would have sat. I told her I couldnt go because I was cleaning my room.

I was shocked when I heard what happened and I cried. Talim Mohammed, 33, Carolyns youngest brother, reminisced with his brother Kevin on times spent with their big sister. Meh only sister, boy, meh one and only sister, said Talim. I cry when she get married and I cry again when she died. The close knit family all grew up in that same house on Sankar Trace, but according to family, Carolyn and her husband recently bought their own house on Point Coco Road, on the way to Granville. They would spend the work week in Princes Town and the weekend in Point Coco.

She recently furnished the house and was going to move in permanently just now, said Kevin, but look what happen. Kevin said Carolyn also planned to visit the United States with her husband next year.
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(Newser)  Normally, an elementary school adding an after-school program isn't cause for national headlines. Things are little different when the program is called the After School Satan Club. The Portland chapter of the Satanic Temple has just been approved to establish the club at Sacramento Elementary School in Portland, the Oregonian reports. Despite the name, CBS clarifies that the Satanic Temple's focus is on teaching science and critical reasoning, not devil-worship, the idea being to counter Christian after-school groups springing up around the nation. The After School Satan Club will run once monthly, on Wednesdays, at the same time the Evangelical Christian Good News Club meets at the school.

The Satanic Temple itself isn't quite what its name suggests, explained the Washington Post in a previous story. It "doesnt espouse a belief in the existence of a supernatural being that other religions identify solemnly as Satan, or Lucifer, or Beelzebub," but it's fond of offering "tongue-in-cheek" support of the devil to make a point about the separation of church and state. The temple has been expanding into after-school programming specifically to counter the increasing influence of religious after-school programs like the Good News Club, which were given the go-ahead by the Supreme Court in 2001. The After School Satan Club ultimately hopes to establish a chapter in every school where the Good News Club has a presence, Fox News reports. (Read more Satan stories.)
(Newser)  A southwest Florida man has been charged with raping and killing an 11-year-old girl and her babysitter 26 years ago, the AP reports. The Cape Coral Daily Breeze reported Wednesday that Cape Police Chief David Newlan says detectives learned last week that a recent arrestee at the Lee County Jail matched DNA from the old crime scene. State officials confirmed the evidence matches 54-year-old Joseph Zieler. Authorities say the bodies of 11-year-old Robin Cornell and 32-year-old Lisa Story were found in a Cape Coral apartment in May 1990. Robin's mother had been out for the night and discovered the suffocated bodies when she returned the next morning. Investigators didn't immediately know of any prior connection between Zieler and the victims.

The victims had both been sexually assaulted, authorities say. The little girl was found, naked, on her bedroom floor; her babysitter was found in bed. The case has been featured on America's Most Wanted more than once. Zieler has been charged with murder, sexual assault, and other crimes. (Read more murder stories.)
(Newser)  Gary Johnson had what he called another "Aleppo moment" Wednesday night when he was flummoxed by the question, "Who's your favorite foreign leader?" The Libertarian presidential candidate, speaking at a televised town hall event at the University of New Hampshire, didn't have a ready answer but got more time to think when running mate Bill Weld said his was Shimon Peres, only to be told by MNSBC host Chris Matthews that it had to be somebody living, ABC News reports. "You got to do this. Anywhere. Any continent, Matthews told Johnson. "Canada, Mexico, Europe, over there. Asia. South America. Africa. Name a foreign leader that you respect."

"I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment ... the former president of Mexico," said Johnson who wondered, "What is Aleppo?"or possibly "What is a Leppo?"when asked about the Syrian city earlier this month. CBS reports that when Matthews asked which former president of Mexico he was talking about, Johnson said he had a "brain freeze" and Weld eventually helped out, saying "Fox," for Vicente Fox. "Fox! Thank you," said Johnson. "He was a terrific leader." After getting Johnson off the hook, Weld went on to name German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the living leader he most admires. (Johnson says the Libertarian ticket is the only one "that offers Americans a chance to find common ground.")
(Newser)  If you live in New Hampshire and want to take a picture of your Election Day ballot to post on Facebook so your friends can argue over your judgment, that's your call. So says a federal appeals court that overturned a ban on ballot selfies, ruling that the 2014 decision nixing them was unconstitutional, WMUR reports. The decision notes "core political speech," as represented by such a pic, is "highly protected" by the First Amendment, and that banning the selfies "is like burning down the house to roast the pig," per NBC News. "Ballot selfies have taken on a special communicative value" in which voters can show who they're throwing their support behind, the ruling adds. Flouting the ban could have led to a fine of up to $1,000. The state had argued the selfies can lead to voter intimidation, but the court disagreed, calling that fear "an unsubstantiated and hypothetical danger."

Not that everyone followed the original ruling, which was challenged by the ACLU's state chapter. One of those selfie rebels: state Rep. Leon Rideout, who has posted his ballot pic on social media. "To me, [the ban] was just another incremental infringement on our constitutional rights," he says. Even Snapchat weighed in with a friend-of-the-court brief, per Ars Technica, noting selfies encourage "younger voters [to] participate in the political process." The ACLU's legal director applauds the court's decision, saying more focus should go toward legit cases of vote buying and coercion rather than toward "innocent political speech." The court's conclusion? "A picture is worth a thousand words." Other places covered by the ruling: Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico. (NBC and the Huffington Post detail which states allow ballot selfies, though some laws are murky).
(Newser)  Violence comes naturally to humans, but we are far less murderous than we used to be, a new study shows. Scientists in Spain who examined the tendency among more than 1,000 mammal species to kill their own found that humans have been "particularly violent" throughout our history, reports the AP. Early humans killed each other at a rate of about 20 in 1,000, but got more violent during the Middle Ages when the rate shot up to 120 in 1,000. After studying 600 human populations from the Stone Age to the present day, the researchers concluded that "lethal violence is part of our evolutionary history but not carved in stone in our genes, lead author Jose Maria Gomez tells the Guardian. Levels of violence are influenced by societal pressures and have "decreased significantly in the contemporary age," says Gomez.

Still, the study published in the journal Nature found modern humans to be pretty dangerous, killing each other at a rate of about 13 in 1,000. At least we're not the worst. That title goes to, surprise, the meerkat. "Almost one in five meerkats, mostly youngsters, lose their lives at the paws and jaws of their peers," Ed Yong writes in the Atlantic. The meerkats were followed by two types of monkeys and assorted lemurs. The New Zealand sea lion, long-tailed marmot, lion, branded mongoose, and grey wolf round out the top 11. Not surprisingly, violence was more common among mammals who share territory than among loners like bats and whales. "Our study suggests that the level of lethal violence is reversible and can increase or decrease as a consequence of some ecological, social, or cultural factors," says Gomez. (A study found early humans may have killed off real-life hobbits.)
(Newser)  Two former nuns were joined in a civil union in Italy on Wednesday in a ceremony coming only four months after the heavily Catholic country approved same-sex partnerships. Identified only as Isabel and Federica, they met three years ago doing charitable work with drug addicts and gradually fell in love, reports the Guardian. Already "wed" to the church, there was only one option: the Franciscan nuns renounced their vocation so they could be together. Since then, they have spoken out against the church's anti-gay stance. "God wants people happy, to live the love in the light of the sun, Isabel told the newspaper La Stampa, per the Guardian. The pair tied the knot in a civil ceremony at town hall in Pinerolo on the edge of the Alps.

After the legal ceremony, the ex-nuns' union was blessed by the Don Franco Barbero, a former priest and longtime supporter of gay marriage who was excommunicated in 2003, reports the Irish Times. Isabel and Federica are " two lovely people, of intense faith and with serious studies behind them," Barbero said. "They prayed a lot about this and ... in the end, they took their decision knowing that not many would approve." The nuns weren't the first to leave the church to be together. Last year, Vatican official Krzysztof Charamsa was defrocked after he left the church, declaring he was gay and wanted to be with the man he loved, per the Guardian. (Pope Francis has urged followers to ease up on anti-gay sentiment.)
(Newser)  South Korea's military said Thursday that a North Korean soldier had crossed the border between the rivals to defect. South Korea's Joint Chief of Staff said military officials were investigating the North Korean soldier, who defected across the central-east portion of the military demarcation line, which is inside the 2.5-mile-wide Demilitarized Zone that separates the countries, the AP reports. The military provided no other details.

The Koreas have shared the world's most heavily fortified border since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. Despite the heavy military presence at the border, North Korean soldiers occasionally find room to sneak into the South. Another North Korean soldier defected in June last year after crossing the military demarcation line. In 2012, a North Korean soldier managed to walk south of barbed-wire fences without being caught by guards, which led to criticism on how South Korean soldiers were guarding the border. (In July, a high-ranking official defected from North Korea's London embassy.)
(Newser)  A soldier who intentionally drowned his 8-month-old puppy must carry a photo of the dog in his wallet for two years, a North Carolina judge ruled Tuesday. The Army Times reports 24-year-old John Burrow, stationed at Fort Bragg, used military parachute cord to tie his dog Riley's feet to his snout then threw him into a pond in 2014. Riley kept running away from home and Burrow couldn't afford the vet bill after the puppy hurt itself, according to WTVD. "I did love that dog," the Fayetteville Observer quotes Burrow as saying in court Tuesday. "I have no excuse." Burrow's lawyer described him as a "good young man" who made a "bad decision."

"I don't want this to be the ruination of your life, but I hope Riley's legacy will bring awareness to animal abuse," judge Jim Ammons told Burrow, who pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty. Ammons sentenced Burrow to 30 days in jail and 100 hours of community service. He also has to carry a picture of Riley in his wallet for two years and can't own a pet for five. Burrow's wife, Kelsey Burrow, is facing charges, as well. She allegedly lied on Facebook, claiming Riley died during surgery for a broken leg in order to solicit donations on GoFundMe. John Burrow may face additional military discipline in the case. (Read more animal cruelty stories.)
(Newser)  The black man fatally shot by police on Tuesday after adopting what police called a "shooting stance" was holding a 3-inch-long vaping device, not a gun, police have confirmed. Protesters gathered for a second day in El Cajon, Calif., on Wednesday to demand answers in the death of Alfred Olango, CNN reports. Mayor Bill Wells said he had seen video of the incident and he understands protesters' anger. "I saw a man who was distraught, a man who was acting in ways that looked like he was in great pain, and I saw him get gunned down and killed and it broke my heart," he said. "If it was my son, I would be devastated." He says the FBI has joined the investigation.

Olango was shot by officers responding to a call about somebody behaving erratically. Video of the aftermath shows Olango's sister, who says she told cops he was unarmed and "mentally sick" and needed a "crisis communications team," reports the Los Angeles Times. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Olango, head cook at a Hooters restaurant, was a 38-year-old whose family came to the US after enduring horrific conditions as refugees in Uganda. He had numerous brushes with the law and served time in prison on drugs and weapons charges, though friends say he was getting his life back on track until the death of a close friend on Friday sent him into a deep depression. (Read more San Diego stories.)
(Newser)  Mystery solved? An elderly Utah man who harbored exceedingly high levels of the Zika virus before he died in June, making his the first death in the continental US linked to the disease, may have passed it onto his son through his sweat and tears. That means the illness can potentially be spread in ways other than mosquito bites and rare cases of sexual transmission or a mother passing the virus to her fetus, the AP and Guardian report. A study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine details that the 73-year-old had traveled to southwest Mexico, from which he emigrated in 2003, for a three-week visit and that he and other family members were bitten by mosquitoes and contracted the virus. Eight days after getting back to the States, he was admitted to a Salt Lake City hospital, where his 38-year-old son visited him.

Five days after his visit, the son fell ill, though he recovered. He told doctors he'd had contact with his dad's sweat and tears, touching his father's skin and wiping his eyes without gloves, says their doctor, Sankar Swaminathan, per the Washington Post. Medical staff who treated the father didn't become sick. What's still unclear is why the deceased man had such elevated virus levels, said to be 100,000 times more than the usual levels found in infected patients. Although Swaminathan says radiation and other therapies the otherwise healthy man was receiving for a recent bout with prostate cancer may have made it easier for the virus to reproduce, it wouldn't totally account for the extremely high virus count. The father had also once contracted dengue, which animal research suggests may exacerbate Zika down the road. (Where Zika is prevalent, paralysis cases are on the rise.)
(Newser)  It's Banned Books Week, literature's annual celebration of the books that have challenged social order and standards over the years. When you think of banned books, you probably think of school reading lists, but book censorship can be even worse in prison. Texas' penitentiary system, the largest in the US, prohibits prisoners from reading more than 15,000 separate books, the Observer reports. The policy is supposed to prevent prisoners from reading books containing information on how to commit crimes or manufacture controlled substances, any information on prison riots, or certain sexually explicit material, the Washington Post reports.

On the banned list? Friday Night Lights, Jon Stewart's America (the Book), the poetry of Langston Hughes, even some Shakespearean sonnets. But Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler's infamous screed, is allowed. The reason for the odd bans? Prison mailroom workers must review every book sent to the prison, and they're encouraged to "quickly identify a reason to censor a book to avoid reading the rest of the book." This can be as little as a single usage of a racial slur (which is what got Friday Night Lights banned), regardless of context; for example, a depiction of rape gets the classic The Color Purple on the banned list. (Read more books stories.)
(Newser)  Two sisters from Minnesota described by their brother as "experienced foreign travelers" were found dead last week while on vacation in the Seychelles, an archipelago off the east coast of Africaand no one yet knows why, CBS Minnesota reports. Workers at the Maia Luxury Resort on the island of Mahe say they spotted Robin Korkki, 42, and Annie Korkki, said to be 37 or 38, kicking back with drinks throughout the day on either Sept. 21 or 22 (reports differ) and that they were assisted to their room around 8:15pm, the Seychelles Nation reports, via People. The next day, the sisters were found "unresponsive" in their beds by staff, with no obvious signs of trauma. "There were no marks on them whatsoever," the Seychelles tourism minister tells NBC News.

Medication was found in the women's villa, though police haven't said what kind. Autopsies are scheduled for this week, the Nation notes. "At this point, the only details we know are the articles flying around online," their brother, Chris Korkki, tells the Star Tribune, describing his sisters as adventurers who "definitely wanted to experience life to the fullest." The sisters were a week into their trip at the $2,000-per-night luxury resort when they were found dead; they were due to depart for home on Sept. 24, the Seychelles News Agency reports. CBS notes that both local authorities and the US Embassy are involved in trying to figure out what happened. Meanwhile, more than $25,000 has been raised so far on a crowdfunding page for the sisters' family. (Read more Seychelles stories.)
(Newser)  It's a well-known fact that the Backstreet Boys hit "I Want It That Way" makes no sense, and now, 17 years after it was released, the boy band is finally explaining ... sort of. It's long been known that Max Martin, who wrote the song, is Swedish and didn't understand English all that well. (He's also responsible for Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby One More Time," a title that came about because he thought "hit" meant "call.") But the Huffington Post recently asked the band why, exactly, the song was released with such bizarre lyrics as "Am I your fire? Your one desire? Yes I know it's too late, but I want it that way." And the Boys had an illuminating response.

"Well its funny, we actually were OK with the lyrics when we heard it first," Nick Carter says, but officials at the label wanted to change the lyrics "to make the song make more sense," says Kevin Richardson. The band actually hired producers to redo the song, but when they listened to the new version, they decided to go with the originaleven though AJ McLean now acknowledges the new version was "the one that made sense" in terms of lyrics. But, says Richardson, "I think the newer version or the second version that we did that was more of a literal context didnt ... it was the rhyming scheme that didnt feel right. Yeah, it just didnt feel as good, so sometimes you just got to go with what feels right." All three members agree that the song probably wouldn't have been as big of a hit had they gone with the second version, and they say fans have told them the song makes perfect sense to them because, as Richardson notes, "everyone interprets lyrics differently and every song moves people differently." (Read more Backstreet Boys stories.)
(Newser)  The so-called "Ferguson Effect" says homicides go up after high-profile police-on-citizen violence because police become too worried about being investigated for use of force. But the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports a new study published Thursday has another explanation. Researchers found that 911 calls related to crime dropped 20% in Milwaukee following the horrific beating of unarmed black man Frank Jude by off-duty cops in 2004. The effect lasted for more than a year, totaling more than 22,000 fewer crime-related 911 calls, according to the Atlantic. And 56% of the decrease occurred in black neighborhoods, despite black neighborhoods making up only 31% of Milwaukee. Researchers are calling it the "Jude effect."

Researchers found similar declines after police killed Sean Bell in 2006 in New York City and assaulted Danyall Simpson in 2007 in Milwaukee. Police violence "de-legitimizes the criminal justice system in the eyes of the African-American community," researcher Matthew Desmond tells the Journal Sentinel. The study concludes that incidents of police violence "make the city as a whole...less safe," the Christian Science Monitor reports. Jude's beating was followed by a 32% increase in murders in Milwaukee. The spike in homicides can potentially be attributed to the drop in 911 calls, which are used by police for all sorts of crime fighting. "No act of police violence is an isolated incident, in both cause and consequence." the Atlantic quotes researcher Andrew Papachristos as saying. (Man dies three days after calling police for help.)
(Newser)  A middle-school counselor in Tennessee is being called a hero after talking a teenager into handing over a loaded handgun, the AP reports. Media outlets report that a 14-year-old boy went to Sycamore Middle School Wednesday asking to speak with counselor Molly Hudgens. Authorities say he told her he was having problems and was going to kill teachers and a police officer, but no students; he told her she was the only one who could talk him out of it. And so she did. Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove said Thursday that after they talked for 45 minutes in her office, the boy agreed to hand over the loaded semi-automatic handgun he had hidden under his clothing.

"She was an amazingly brave person to be in there that long with this young man," Breedlove said. "She did something even the most experienced law enforcement officer might not do. She's a hero in our community." The boy was taken into custody without injury, and has not been identified. He is being held in Williamson County Jail on charges of possessing a weapon on school property and threatening school employees. The sheriff did not say how the student got the gun or what problems prompted the threats. (Read more uplifting news stories.)
Science fiction movies had been featuring world destruction through asteroids. While these are mostly seen in movies, this can actually be possible in real life and may cause the end of the world.

Many conspiracy theorists refer to asteroid attack as a way to destruct the Earth. This claim is being supported by scientists.

Catholic Online reported that the space research organization is aware of the threat that asteroids may bring to the planet. With that, different researches and academic projects were done in order to save Earth in case an asteroid will be on its way.

According to NASA, asteroid attack is very possible and our planet is vulnerable. Experts have thought of blowing up the asteroid while it is still in space or changing its orbit.

But it is obvious that the solutions the scientists have in mind are hard to execute and may take a long time before it could turn into reality.

In a recent report, Zhao Haibin, an astronomer with the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing, China, revealed that a 2009ES asteroid would be hitting the planet. He used his largest telescope to spot said 10 miles wide asteroid.

Its current path reveals that it is within 18.8 lunar distances, or the distance for the Earths centre to Moons centre, International Business Times reported. But according to astronomers, the exact date of its journey and when it would hit us is not yet determined.

Said giant asteroid is equivalent to the destructive force of 3 billion nuclear bombs. Apparently, if this will hit the planet, it will indeed result into massive killing and destruction.

Is end of the world really coming?
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New Delhi:

Government will offload 7 per cent of its stake in Hindustan Copper Ltd from Thursday, through which it aims to raise about Rs 400 crore. The President of India (acting through and represented by the Mines Ministry), promoter of Hindustan Copper, submitted a copy of notice of offer for sale of up to 6,47,65,260 equity shares of the company, the firm said in a regulatory filing.

Government holds 89.95 per cent stake in Hindustan Copper. The firm has invited non-retail investors for the share sale on September 29, 2016. On September 30, retail investors can participate in the share sale, it added. The shares represent 7 per cent of the total paid up equity share capital of Hindustan Copper, it said.

The floor price for the offer shall be Rs 62 per equity share, it added. SBICAP Securities, ICICI Securities, Edelweiss Securities and Deutsche Equities India are acting as brokers for the sale.

The sale is part of governments disinvestment plan, wherein it aims to raise Rs 56,500 crore in 2016-17. It is also being done to meet the guidelines for having minimum 25 per cent public shareholding in listed state-owned firms.
New Delhi:

As India and other South Asian countries boycott what was set to be a historic regional summit in Islamabad, SAARC, the United States asks India not to escalate the situation with Pakistan.

According to Indian Express, the US Secretary of State John Kerry has had two conversations over the last two days with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the same.

If sources are to be believed, after Uri attack, this is the first time that the US has spoken to the Indian leadership at a senior political level.

The conversations between Kerry and Swaraj took place in the backdrop of the intense atmosphere going on between India and Pakistan.

Soon after reviewing the implementation of Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that has survived their subsequent conflicts, India decided to pull out of the SAARC summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also chair a meeting to review the Most Favored Nation Status to Pakistan on Thursday.

Also on Wednesday, the Wall Street had praised the Indian side for its restraint and resilience in dealing with Pakistan when it comes to bilateral, strategic relations.

Earlier, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner also said Weve seen some progress; we want to see more, and I think moving forward well just continue to work closely and try to encourage greater counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan but also within the region.

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New Delhi:

A 50-year-old man was killed on Wednesday when a portion of a building in central Delhi's GB Road area, which was being demolished, collapsed, police said.

The building was being demolished as it had been illegally constructed, they said. "Aftari, a rickshaw-puller, was passing by the road when a portion of the terrace collapsed on him," said a senior police officer.

Two fire tenders immediately reached the spot and Aftari was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead. "A case under section 304 (A)(causing death due to negligence) has been registered against unknown persons and the matter is being investigated," the police officer said.

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New Delhi:

Launching a scathing attack on BJP president Amit Shah and CBI, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal says links with Shah should be investigated in the former DG of corporate affairs, A BK Bansalas suicide case.

Bansal was arrested by CBI in July for alleged corruption, committed suicide earlier this week along with his son. Kejriwal slammed Shah in his tweets saying that links with Amit Shah should be investigated.

In his suicide note, Bansal has blamed CBI for torturing and harassing him and his family. Soon after the allegations surfaced up, the CBI constituted an internal inquiry to look into them.

Bansal in his suicide note, alleged that the women officers slapped his wife even as the DIG abused her over phone and threatened to torture Bansal who was then in CBI custody.

Whole country knows criminal background of Amit Shah. Can India be mute spectator to CBI being turned into an agency of his henchmen? a Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 28, 2016

Read Bansal's suicide note. Unable to sleep. Sanjiv Gautam (CBI) etc shud be immediately arrested. Their links wid Amit shah investigated a Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 28, 2016

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New Delhi:

US air strike against Islamic State militants in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday had at least 18 people killed including some civilians as per reports on the incident. There are conflicting claims about the number of civilian deaths.

The attack happened in Achin district, a hotbed of IS insurgents in Nangarhar province near the border with Pakistan, as local residents gathered to welcome a tribal elder who had recently returned from the hajj pilgrimage.

"Three civilians lost their lives in this strike," Achin police chief Mohammad Ali told AFP, adding that 15 militants were also killed.

But Esmatullah Shinwari, a Nangarhar MP, said the strike killed 13 civilian relatives of the local elder. Six IS fighters were also killed, he added. The American military said it conducted a "counter-terrorism airstrike in Achin" on Wednesday, adding it was aware of claims of civilian casualties.

"We... are currently reviewing all materials related to this strike," US military spokesman Charles Cleveland said in a statement.

"US Forces-Afghanistan takes all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously."

There was no information on whether it was an attack by a drone or a piloted aircraft.

Islamic State first emerged in Afghanistan in late 2014 and has since violently challenged the much larger Afghan Taliban movement in parts of the country's east.

But the fighters have steadily lost territory in recent months because of stepped-up US airstrikes and a ground campaign by Afghan forces in Nangarhar.

They are confined to two or three districts including Achin, according to Afghanand US officials.

A US air strike killed eight Afghan policemen earlier this month in the southern province of Uruzgan in the first apparent "friendly fire" incident since American forces were given greater powers to strike at insurgents in June.

The new authority gave the US-led NATO troops greater latitude to order air strikes in support of Afghan troops.

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New Delhi:

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday threatened to snap ties with Russia on the Syria negotiations in response to Russia's week long aerial assault on the besieged city of Aleppo.

Russia and the United States attempted to bring peace to the West Asian country by agreeing on a cease-fire in the region, but the negotiations fell apart on account of the most persistent attacks carried out by the Russian and Syrian regime alliance in the five-year civil war.

According to a readout of phone conversation between Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this morning, provided by the State Department, Kerry expressed "grave concern" over the continued Russian-backed assault  including attacks on hospitals, water supplies and the use of devastating bunker buster bombs.

Kerry told Lavrov that "the United States is making preparations to suspend U.S.-Russia bilateral engagement on Syria  including on the establishment of the Joint Implementation Center  unless Russia takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo and restore the cessation of hostilities," according to State Department spokesman John Kirby.

The Joint Implementation Center was to be established as a base for the U.S. and Russian military to coordinate strikes against extremist forces in Syria. But moving forward with the facility has always been contingent on a cessation of hostilities between the regime and the opposition forces.Instead of achieving peace and a military partnership, the cease-fire collapsed, leading to some of the worst violence seen in years.

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Jammu:

In yet another ceasefire violation after the Uri terror attack, Pakistani troops Thursday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. At least two Pak soldiers were killed in the retaliatory firing by Indian troops.

Pakistani troops resorted to firing by small arms along the LoC in Sabzian area of Poonch district this evening, a police officer said.

Earlier on September 20, two days after the terror attack in Uri, Pakistani troops violated the border ceasefire in the same sector of Kashmir, targeting Indian army positions with small firearms.

On September 6, Pakistani Army pounded Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the LoC in Poonch district. On September 2, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district.

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New Delhi:

India's Narendra Modi government has asked the country's Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) to execute covert strikes against Pakistan, according to the report in Pakistani website The News International.

The Pakistans intelligence establishment has got the information that RAW will target offices of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) or Milityary Intelligence (MI) offices, The News International says in its report.

Read More | Indian Army conducted surgical strike on Pakistan's side of LoC; many terrorists killed, massive damages caused

The report further says that the Indian agency has 'received the orders' from Modi Government to speed up execution of its plans to kill Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar.

The News International report quotes a senior Pak security official source as saying, "After the Indian military command advised PM Modi against any surgical strike or going for war with Pakistan, the option of covert strike against Pakistan has been approved."

The RAW has been asked to execute a covert strike as an Indian response to Uri attack in Kashmir, the report adds further. Earlier on Sept 22, the same news website had reported that India, under it 'Cold Start Doctrine', moved the units of Indian Army and Indian Air Force to forward air bases near Line of Control (LoC) to launch surgical strikes as part of India's three-phased strategy.

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours are running high following the terrorist attack on an amry camp at Uri Sector in Kashmir and it caused speculations of Indian retaliation on social and mainstream media in Pakistan.

In its sharpest attack on Pakistan, India has called it a "terrorist state" which carries out "war crimes" by using terrorism as an "instrument of state policy", after Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif glorified Hizbul commander Burhan Wani at the United Nations.

India also strongly rejected Sharif's call for "a serious and sustained" bilateral dialogue "without any conditions", saying that Pakistan, which "seems to be run by a war machine rather than a government", wants talks with a "gun in its hand".

India also decided not to take part in the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November this year. Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh also decided to not atend the SAARC summit after India's decision to boycott SAARC meeting in Pakistan. India on Wednesday said the SAARC Summit in Islamabad has to be postponed as it and three other countries have pulled out of the meet.

Read More | Who is India's NSA Ajit Doval and what is the 'Doval Doctrine'?

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New Delhi:

The meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan has been postponed till next week. The meeting regarding MFN and related logistics scheduled for Thursday is postponed to next week, official sources said here.

The decision to review the MFN, which was granted by India unilaterally in 1996, was taken in the wake of the Uri attack over which India is weighing options to respond.

The MFN status was accorded in 1996 under WTOs General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Both India and Pakistan are signatories to this which means they have to treat each other and rest of WTO member countries as favoured trading partners.

According to Assocham, out of Indias total merchandise trade of USD 641 billion in 2015-16, Pakistan accounted for a meagre USD 2.67 billion.

Indias exports to the neighbouring country worked out to USD 2.17 billion, or 0.83 per cent, of the total Indian outward shipments while imports were less than USD 500 million, or 0.13 per cent, of the total inward shipments.

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New Delhi:

Amidst heightened tension with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the situation along the LoC.

The meeting is understood to have discussed various options related to the Line of Control (LoC) in the wake of the Uri attack. The meeting is also understood to have taken stock of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.

Four terrorists had stormed an army camp in Uri on September 18 and killed 18 soldiers.

Pakistani troops have also twice violated the ceasefire along the LoC since yesterday. Pakistani troops today violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Naugam sector of Kashmir by opening indiscriminate fire towards Indian Army posts. Pakistani troops had yesterday targeted Indian positions with small firearms along the LoC in Poonch district.

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New Delhi:

Indian Army launched surgical strike in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday night and inflicted significant casualties and heavy damages, said Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh in a joint press conference with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokerperson Vikas Swarup in New Delhi on Thursday.

Live updates on Indian Army's surgical strike across LoC:

UP: Tribute being paid during Ganga aarti in Varanasi hailing #SurgicalStrike by Indian Army. pic.twitter.com/POoeY7iptX  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 29, 2016

WATCH: District Reserve Group Jawans celebrate in Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh) after #SurgicalStrike by Indian Army. pic.twitter.com/hy6etwnwcy  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

Chhattisgarh: District Reserve Group Jawans celebrate in Jagdalpur after #SurgicalStrike by Indian Army. pic.twitter.com/nbXvBkoCFr  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

#The way surgical strikes have been conducted we are feeling a sense of pride, we are not a weak nation: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis



#We are really proud of our army and whole nation supports them: MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on #SurgicalStrike conducted by Indian Army



# Encounter underway between Security forces and terrorists in Mendhar sector of Poonch(J&K)



# Congratulate our Army for giving befitting reply to Pakistan,we welcome this: Sayed Zainul Abedin, Ajmer Dargah Dewan

# I am sure amidst prevailing gloomy scenario in the region,hope for peaceful means of resolving the issues will again stand the ground: J&K CM

# Confrontation could lead to disaster of epic proportions if urgent steps not taken to bring down heightened tensions in the region: J&K CM

Also Read | RAW asked to plan and execute covert strikes in Pakistan, assassination of Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar: Pak website

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Surgical Strike-



# Congratulations to the Indian Army on successful counter terrorism operations against terror groups and their launching pads.



# We are proud of our armed forces. They have once again exhibited exemplary courage and valour by destroying the anti India designs.



# I also congratulate the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on taking a bold decision and showing true grit and mettle in crucial times.



# If Pakistan continues to deny the surgical strikes by India, then videography of the operation could be released: Sources

Read Also In Hindi

All-Party meet ended

# Govt briefed us about the Surgical Strike, we congratulated the forces for being successful in the operation, says Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.



# Only that amount of force was used which was called for, to take down terrorists and those who supported them: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.



# The surgical strike targeted 5-6 places across LoC along Kupwara and Poonch. No casualty on Indian side, says Venkaiah Naidu.



# There is no opposition today. India is One. Let Indian army create history and entire Nation stands behind them firmly, says Kapil Mishra (AAP)



# Sushma Swaraj meets Congress president Sonia Gandhi to brief about army's surgical strikes.



# Ambassadors of 22 countries called for a briefing on Loc.

# Leaves of security forces deployed along the Line of Control cancelled.



Villages in border areas being evacuated

# All schools within 10 kms of India-Pak border to be closed till further orders, says District Education Officer, Ferozepur(Punjab).



# Congress President Sonia Gandhi says "we stand with the Govt in its actions to protect countrys security".



# Party hopes Pak will recognise that it bears a great responsibility in continuing cross-border terrorist attacks against India.



# 38 terrorists and 2 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Indian Army surgical strikes, no Indian casualties. Those killed included terrorists, their guides and handlers: Reports



# All border villages in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab are being evacuated as a precautionary measure to avoid escalation in firing from Pakistan



# High level meeting of top civil, military officers in #Uri to discuss evacuation plans in case Pakistan ends ceasefire, resorts to shelling.



# BSF cancels beating retreat ceremony at Wagah border for today.



# Villages in Punjab which are 10KM from International Border with Pakistan are being evacuated, additional BSF troops move in.

# Any step taken by India against terrorism, is right: Mazdak Dilshad Baloch, Baloch leader on surgical strikes by Indian army.

# We support such strikes and want Indian Army to conduct surgical strikes in Balochistan as well: Mazdak Dilshad Baloch

Read More | India's surgical strike detailed hour by hour



Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister on surgical strikes by Indian Army across LoC -

# At least now Pakistan will stop terrorism against India.



# Country is safe in hands of PM Modi & Army, thats why people in diff parts of world are appreciating steps taken to counter terror.



# Army operation was a part of their responsibility in defending unity, safety and security of the country.



# PM Modi said that befitting measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the country.



# After the Uri terror attack, people of India were outraged. PM has reassured nation that such acts will not be tolerated.



# Our positive gestures were only reciprocated with further encouragement to terrorists (by Pakistan).



# India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan that its territory should not be allowed for terror activities.



# These ops are a part of the mandate of the Indian Army to foil any attempts of infiltration into our soil.



# Operation was a combination of heliborne and ground forces: sources.

# Seven terror launch pads were targeted in the strike.



# Operation started after midnight and ended around 4:30 AM today.



# Pak was behaving like terrorist state, befitting reply was needed.These strikes boosted Indian army's morale: Nirmal Singh.



# Mission of this nature cannot be arranged overnight. This must have planned for a long time in great detail: Gen Shankar Roychowdhury (Retd).

# The nation is with the Indian Army: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

# This is a lesson for all terrorists; we have the right of self-defence: BJP's Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on the surgical strikes by Indian Army.

# Government calls an all party meeting at 4pm today after Indian Army conducts surgical strikes in Pak territory.



# Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations says Indian offensive carried out in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel and Lipa sectors on Pakistan's side of LoC.

# Sensex falls by over 500 points, Nifty down by 120 points after India announces surgical strikes.

# President, Vice President, Former PM Manmohan Singh, J&K Governor, CM J&K briefed on the surgical strikes by the Indian Army.



# We are ready for the safety and defence of our country, says Pak PM Nawaz Sharif.



# We condemn this attack, our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness, says Pak PM Nawaz Sharif.

# Pak defence expert: "A routine cease fire violation is being reported as a "surgical strike" by Indian Army."

Read More | What is Surgical Strike



Highlights of DGMO-MEA Press conference-

# Indian armed forces ready for any contingency, no plans as of now for further operations.



# Heavy damages have been caused to terrorists, many of them have been killed.



# India shares with Pak army details of surgical strikes, expects them to cooperate in the fight against terror.



# We can't allow terrorists to operate across the LoC, there has been a surge in infiltration.



# Indian Army conducted surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC).



# I spoke to the Pak DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night.



# Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC, significant casualties have been caused.



# Despite our persistent urging to Pak to not allow territory under its control to not be used for terrorist activities nothing was done.

# Indian Army says for the first time that it conducted surgical strikes to take down terror launch pads across LoC last night.



# Expect Pak Army to cooperate with us to erase terror.



# India has finished surgical strikes in PoK, have no plans to continue them. Have informed Pak about our action.



# India conducted surgical strikes in PoK last night. Significant casualties to terrorists and those supporting them: DGMO



# Based on very specific info that some terror teams were at launch pads aiming to infiltrate, Army conducted surgical strikes.



# No let up in infiltration and terror attacks in India despite Pak commitment in 2004.



# India has proof of Pak terrorists in attacks in JK.



# A matter of serious concern that there has been continuing infiltration on LoC. Almost 20 attempts foiled this year.

Read More: Full text of Army's statement



Read More |India prepares to launch surgical strike in PoK under its Cold Start Doctrine: Pakistani media

#WATCH: DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh says "Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC last night" pic.twitter.com/UXjVEvyLwF  ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

10 Big Developments on Surgical strike: In Video







Reports in Pakistani media



At least two army men were killed in the 'massive' retaliation by the Indian Army to the unprovked firing by Pakistani troops over the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.

The exchange of fire took place in the Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors, and lasted about six hours early on Thursday, the Pakistani military's press wing said in a statement.

"Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors," the ISPR statement said.



India, Pak tension escalates after Uri attack

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours are running high following the terrorist attack on an amry camp at Uri Sector in Kashmir and it caused speculations of Indian retaliation on social and mainstream media in Pakistan.

The brutal terror attack on army base camp at Uri, Kashmir which left 18 soldiers killed and many more injured has left the country seething with anger and anguish. There is a strong sentiment against neighbours Pakistan who have been severely lambasted for sponsoring terrorism in the Kashmir Valley. The recent spate of attacks in Pathankot, Punch and Uri have led to a complete change in Indias foreign policy towards Pakistan.

India also decided not to take part in the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November this year. Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh also decided to not atend the SAARC summit after India's decision to boycott SAARC meetging in Pakistan. India on Wednesday said the SAARC Summit in Islamabad has to be postponed as it and three other countries have pulled out of the meet. (Read here the report in Hindi also)

Read More | Who is India's NSA Ajit Doval and what is the 'Doval Doctrine'?

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New Delhi:

A surgical strike is a military attack which results in or is claimed to have resulted in only damage to the intended legitimate military target, and no or minimal collateral damage to surrounding structures, vehicles, buildings, or the general public infrastructure and utilities.

Precision bombing is an apt example of a surgical strike carried out by fighter aircraft's. Its aim is different from carpet bombing as the latter results in high collateral damage and a wide range of destruction over an affected area which may or may not include high civilian casualties.

Surgical strikes by the US Air force were used to great effect in bombing of Baghdad during the initial stages of the 2003 Iraq War.

Also Read: (Live Updates: Indian Army conducted surgical strike on Pakistan's side of LoC; many terrorists killed, massive damages caused)

A well-used combat doctrine in recent times has been the Shock and Awe tactic, which is an example of a coordinated surgical strike.

In Shock and Awe tactic, government buildings and military targets were systematically attacked by US aircraft in an attempt to cripple the Ba'athist controlled Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein.

Also Read: (Pak PM Nawaz Sharif condemns Indian aggression along LoC)

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Islamabad:

Strongly condemning unprovoked and naked aggression by India along the LoC, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said Pakistans armed forces are fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Sharif also warned that Pakistans intent for peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness, Radio Pakistan reported. He said Pakistan can thwart any evil design to undermine its sovereignty.

Also Read: (Surgical Strike: What does this combat doctrine mean)

He strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces along the Line of Control. Meanwhile the Pakistan military said two of its soldiers were killed in ceasefire violation by India along the LoC today. Sharif paid rich tributes to jawans who have been killed in the firing.

Also Read: (Live Updates: Indian Army conducted surgical strike on Pakistan's side of LoC; many terrorists killed, massive damages caused)

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New Delhi:

Seven terror launch pads were targeted across the LoC by special forces of the Indian Army during the 'surgical strike' overnight in which heliborne and ground forces were used, reports said on Thursday.

According to the reports in media, the operation began at around mid-night last night and ended at around 4:30 AM this morning. The terror launch pads targeted were in the range of 2 to 3km from the Line of Control (LoC).

Here's are the insights into how did the 4-and-half hours long special operation of the Indian Army unfold-

# The Indian army commenced its special operation at midnight on Sept 28.



# 12.30 am is reported to be the exact time of commencing the operation.



# Special Forces of the Indian army; namely the Paratroopers were used for the special operation.



# The strikes were a perfect blend of on ground and airborne operations



# Indian army used choppers to airdrop the para commandos at the LoC, from where they crossed over to the Pakistani side.



# Indian commandos entered three kilometres inside the Line of Control on the Pakistani side.



# Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel & Lipa sectors, on Pak's side of LoC, were identified as the targets to carry out clinical strikes.



# The selected camps were located 500 meters to 2 Km across LoC



# There were reports that each of the terror camps had around 8 to 10 terrorist.



# The surgical strikes destroyed 7 terror launch pads. 38 terrorists and 2 Pakistani soldiers have been reported killed in the strikes.



# The Indian army commandos carried out their operation to clinical perfection and ended the operations at 4:30 am.

In one of its kind of meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Defence ministry called for a joint meeting which was attended by the DGMO and top brass of the Indian army on Thursday.

Live Updates: 38 terrorists, 2 Pak soldiers killed in Indian Army's surgical strikes in PoK, attack video captured by drone camera

The Indian Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh announced that Pakistan had been informed about the strikes and that India has no intention of continuing the operations but is ready for any reaction from the Pak side.

Pakistan rejected India's claim of surgical strikes across LoC and called it a mere cease fire violation by the Indian armed forces.

What does a Surgical Strike mean

A surgical strike is a military attack which results in or is claimed to have resulted in only damage to the intended legitimate military target, and no or minimal collateral damage to surrounding structures, vehicles, buildings, or the general public infrastructure and utilities.

Precision bombing is an apt example of a surgical strike carried out by fighter aircraft's. Its aim is different from carpet bombing as the latter results in high collateral damage and a wide range of destruction over an affected area which may or may not include high civilian casualties.

ALSO READ: Here's what Indian Army said in press conference



(All details listed out below as per media reports)

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New Delhi:

In a befitting reply to Pakistan after the deadly terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmirs Uri that left 18 soldiers martyred, India on Wednesday night carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC). The DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh made a sudden announcement of the action taken by the Indian army on Thursday, 11 days after the Uri attacks.

After the Uri attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in strong words that the attackers will not go unpunished and that that the sacrifice of 18 martyrs wont go in vain. However, Pakistan had denied the claims of surgical strike and has called it a cross-border fire.

Here is how the Pakistani media covered Indias surgical strike:

Live Updates: 38 terrorists, 2 Pak soldiers killed in Indian Army's surgical strikes in PoK, attack video recorded by drone camera

The EXPRESS TRIBUNE:

Two Pakistani soldiers killed as India violates ceasefire along LoC

Two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed on Thursday as Indian forces resorted to unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (Loc) in Bhimber, Kel and Lipa sectors, ISPR said.



The exchange of fire took place in the Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors, and lasted about six hours early on Thursday, the Pakistani militarys press wing said in a statement. Pakistani troops mounted a fitting response to unprovoked Indian firing.

Indian Army's surgical strike detailed hour by hour: Here is how brave soldiers avenged Uri attack



PM Nawaz condemns Indian naked aggression in Kashmir

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the naked aggression of Indian forces Thursday after two Pakistani soldiers were killed in firing along the LoC.

A statement from PM Nawazs office said he strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces and vowed the military was capable of thwarting any evil design to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan.

India's surgical strike in PoK: Here's what Indian Army said in press conference

The DAWN:

Army rubbishes Indian 'surgical strikes' claim as two Pakistani soldiers killed at LoC



At least two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed as Indian troops fired across the Line of Control in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday. The Pakistani military confirmed the deaths of its soldiers yet dismissed the Indian claim of 'surgical strikes.'

"There had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is [an] existential phenomenon," said an ISPR statement released shortly after the Indian Director General of Military Operations held a press conference making claims about surgical strikes.

Pakistan army denies Indian claims of 'surgical strikes'

Pakistan Army denied claims by Indian army of conducting 'surgical strikes' across Line of Control (LoC) and said there had been cross-border fire which was befittingly responded.

Director General Military Operations India, claimed to have carried out "surgical strikes" along the de facto border with Pakistan. "Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the Line of Control," he alleged.

"The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects," the ISPR said in a statement.

GEO TV

Pakistan dismisses Indian claims of 'surgical strikes' as two soldiers embrace martyrdom at LoC

The ISPR on Thursday denied claims made by the Indian Army of carrying out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in which two Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom.

There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon, the ISPR said.

Two Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom when Indian forces resorted to unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC) on Thursday morning, the ISPR confirmed.

Unprovoked firing at the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel, and Lipa sectors began at 2:30 AM and continued till 8:00 AM, ISPR said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lauded the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army. In a statement issued on Thursday he said, "Our wish for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. Pakistan Army is fully capable of defending its borders."

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New Delhi:

Indian Army launched surgical strike in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) on Wednesday night and inflicted . Seven terror launch pads were targeted across the LoC by special forces of the Indian Army during the 'surgical strike' overnight in which heliborne and ground forces were used, reports said on Thursday.

India reacts on the surgical strike launched by armed forces in Pok-

Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Railways: Congratulations to #IndianArmy for carrying out #SurgicalStrikes. Our Government is committed to counter the menace of terrorism:

Rajeev Pratap Rudy, Union Minister of State Skill Development & Entrepreneurship: aaaaaaaa aaaa aaa aaaaaaaa aa aaaaaaa aaaa aaaa aaaaa aaaaaa aaaa aa aaa aaaaa aa aaaaaaa aaaa! aa aaaaa! #ModipunishesPak #SurgicalStrikes

Read More: Indian Army's surgical strike detailed hour by hour

Anurag Thakur, BCCI President: India hs responded at 'time & place of our choosing'.Make no mistake abt our capabilities & resolve to protect our citizens.#SurgicalStrikes

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister: The entire country stands behind the armed forces.

Ahmed Patel, Political secretary to Congress president: "We congratulate the Indian Army for undertaking strikes on terror launch pads, We stand behind our Armed forces"

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala: "The Congress wholeheartedly supports the surgical strike on terror (launch) pads in PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) by Indian Army. Salute the valour of our armed forces,"

Live Updates: 38 terrorists, 2 Pak soldiers killed in Indian Army's surgical strikes in PoK

Sonia Gandhi, Congress President: "We stand with the Govt in its actions to protect country's security" #SurgicalStrike

Raj Babbar, UP Congress President: If our army has taken a decision, the whole nation will support them:

AK Antony, Former Defence Minister: I salute bravery of Indian forces, this is a befitting reply to Pak. We support the Govt:

Maneka Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development: We salute the Indian Army for protecting our national security with a befitting reply to the terrorists. #SurgicalStrikes

Surgical Strike: What does this combat doctrine mean?

Ashok Gehlot , Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Salute to all the brave soldiers, who are in fore front to defend our borders!#SurgicalStrikes #IndianArmy

Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhatisgarh: This decisive action amply demonstrates PM Modi's iron will & commitment to safeguard India

Vinod Bhatia, Ex DGMO: This is a loud & clear message to Pakistan, that they will pay cost of carrying out terrorism in our nation

Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister: Army operation was a part of their responsibility in defending unity, safety and security of the country

Dr Nirmal Singh, J&K Deputy CM: Pak was behaving like a terrorist state;befitting reply was needed.These strikes boosted morale of our army

Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister of MP: Surgical strikes by Army on terror launchpads demonstrates India's strong will to fight terrorism under the leadership of PM

N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: Congratulations to the Indian Army for #SurgicalStrikes to safeguard our nation. We should strongly condemn any act of terror.

India's surgical strike in PoK: Here's what Indian Army said in press conference

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Beijing :

China said on Thursday that it is in touch with India and Pakistan through different channels to bring down tensions, asking them to properly deal with their differences and work jointly to maintain peace and security in the region.

"As for the tension between Pakistan and India, recently Chinese side has been in communication with both sides through different channels," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media briefing.

"We hope that Indian and Pakistan can enhance communication and properly deal with difference and work jointly to maintain peace and security of the region," he said replying to questions whether the current tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in the aftermath of Uri attack figured in the first anti-terrorism dialogue held between China and India here earlier this week.

Asked at what level China is in touch with both countries, Geng said China maintains frequent engagement at different levels with both India and Pakistan.

"China is friendly neighbour to India and Pakistan. China hopes that both the countries could properly deal with their differences dialogue and consultant and improve their bilateral relationship, strengthen cooperation in different fields and work jointly for regional peace and development and stability," he said.

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New Delhi:

Terming the surgical strikes carried out by the army a "pre-emptive action" aimed against terrorists, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore on Thursday said no territorial violations have been committed during the operations since PoK is very much a part of India.

He said the surgical strikes were not a military operation but anti-terrorist excercise "and LoC will not prevent us from carrying out an anti-terror operation". He said India is "not fond" of going into such offensives and acts with great restraint but will take action to protect its citizens. "If you force us, we will.

To protect our nation, we will stand together and carry out pre-emptive strikes. Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is very much part of India. Therefore, we have not committed any territorial violations," he said.

Speaking about the army's action across the LoC, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made efforts to create an ambiance of friendship "but this should not be treated as weakness".

"If our citizens are threatened, we will attack," he said, adding it was a counter-terrorist operation. "The terrorists were about to infiltrate into India and cause havoc and kill innocents. So it's a pre-emptive strike that has been carried out in forward camps very close to the Line of Control," Rathore added.

The Minister, himself a retired Colonel, said it's important for Pakistan to realise that these terrorists are a threat to the entire humanity including that country. "They call them non-state actors, so if they cannot prevent such attacks, India will protect itself.

I think it is very critical to understand that this is an act of extreme restraint," Rathore said. Speaking about the operation, he said it seems there was intelligence about the terrorists grouping together after which military took action for protecting the country. He expressed hope that Pakistan would realise that terrorists are threat to them as well and would rein them in.

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New Delhi:

India has "all legal and globally accepted right" to respond to any attack on her sovereignty and territory, Bangladesh said on Thursday, after Indian Army carried out surgical strikes against terror bases across the LoC but called for "restraint" from all sides.

"India has got all legal, internationally accepted right to make a response to any attack on her sovereignty and her soil," Iqbal Chowdhury, Advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said.

Commenting on the Kashmir issue, he said it is a "bilateral dispute" and there has been a "violation from the other side". "It (Kashmir issue) has been a long, continued dispute and there has been a... violation from the other side and

Bangladesh always believes that any aggression or attack on the sovereignty of the independence and legal right of a country is not acceptable and Bangladesh always feels that any country must honour and respect the sovereignty of a third country," he said.

Chowdhury said after Bangladesh premier Hasina came to power, she had asserted that Bangladeshi soil will not be allowed to house any terrorist group and to plan or organise any attack or activity on the Indian side, and has been "very committed on this point that (there is) zero tolerance to any (such) type of activity." "...I think that the Indian government and the people have all the right to rebuff and to combat any type of aggression from any quarter whether it is from a neighbouring country," he told an Indian TV channel over phone.

He, however, appealed for "restraint" from all sides for a peaceful neighbourhood. "Bangladesh always feels that in these type of things, there should be restraint from all sides because we believe that in the SAARC countries, we need to live in a peaceful environment, honouring the sovereign rights of each member country," he added.

His comments came after India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those who are trying to support them.

Also Read: India's surgical strike in PoK: China in contact with India, Pakistan to bring down tensions



China said on Thursday that it is in contact with India and Pakistan through different channels to bring down tensions, asking them to properly deal with their differences and work jointly to maintain peace and security in the region.

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New Delhi:

Celebrations broke out in India on Thursday after it was announced that the Indian Army launched surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC. People at various parts of the country, including Patna and Bhopal, were seen dancing, lighting fire crackers, hugging and congratulating each other after the announcement of the surgical strike in PoK.



The Army on Thursday its special forces inflicted asignificant casualtiesa on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK).



Defence sources said seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control(LoC) were destroyed by special forces of the Indian Army on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 in a nearly five-hour-long operation during which heliborne and ground forces were deployed.



The announcement of the sudden action by the army to prevent fresh terror attacks was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go aunpunisheda and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.

Bihar: People celebrate in Patna after Indian Army conducts surgical strikes in Pakistan territory. #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/OHaNcz0bp1 a ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016

aBased on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads,a Gen Singh told a news conference during which External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.



Pakistan, however, dismissed as afabrication of trutha Indiaas claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC to target terrorist launching pads, terming it as a aquesta by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike.



aThere has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon,a Pakistan army said in a statement in Islamabad.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Delhi:

Putting aside their differences, political parties on Thursday came together to hail the anti-terror surgical strikes carried out by Army across the LoC, with BJP saying it signals the "rise of new India" and Congress terming it as a "strong message" to Pakistan to stop aiding terrorism.

However, BJP ally and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti struck a note of caution as she voiced concern over escalation of situation along the borders and warned that confrontation could lead to a "disaster of epic proportions" for the state.

Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi said a "strong message" has been sent with the surgical strikes by Army and insisted that Pakistan bears a "great responsibility" in the continuing cross-border attacks in India.

Offering her party's support to the government in the battle against terror, she said in a statement that "this is a strong message that conveys our country's resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people".

Her son and party's Vice President Rahul Gandhi said that all stand firmly united against terrorism and those who support and sponsor it. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah said every Indian today feels safe in the fight against terrorism under his leadership.

"Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the Government doesn't get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists," Shah said.

BJP ally Shiv Sena, which has often taunted the central government over its alleged lack of action against Pakistan- based terrorists, congratulated the Prime Minister and said armed forces have the capacity "to unfurl the tricolour in Lahore and Karachi".

Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "We congratulate the armed forces and government over this action. We should not step back and go ahead as India and armed forces have the capacity to unfurl the tricolour in Lahore and Karachi.

We congratulate the Prime Minister." NCP President and former Defence Minister Sharad Pawar also lauded the army while JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav said the whole country is one in support of the defence forces and the government. "Bravo Brave hearts! Feel proud of Jawans for Surgical Strike on terrorist camps in PoK," Pawar tweeted.

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New Delhi:

After years of Pakistan-sponsored terror strikes, the Indian Army finally retaliated with surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 in an operation that lasted for about four and a half hours. 38 terrorists and 2 Pakistani soldiers were killed, while seven terror camps were destroyed in the surgical strike by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC). Heliborne as well as ground forces were deployed during the operation.

According to sources, the launch pads in PoK were in the range of 2 to 3km from the LoC and were under surveillance for over one week. Union minister Venkaiah Naidu said the strikes targeted 5-6 places across the LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. There was no casualty on the Indian side, he said.

ALSO READ | India's surgical strike across LoC - all you need to know



The announcement of the sudden action by the Army to prevent fresh terror attacks was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh , 11 days after the strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain.



Here is how India is now preparing to face any retaliation from Pakistan following the Army's surgical strikes across the LoC:



BSF puts all border units along international border on high alert



The BSF has put all its units along the international border (IB) on "high alert" in the wake of the surgical strikes by India on terror launch pads across the LoC last night.



Officials said the Border Security Force (BSF) has issued orders to all its units along IB in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat to step up vigil and bolster their numbers at the posts by bringing in all personnel who are in the reserve. The ceremonial beating retreat ceremony at Attari border has also been closed for public on Thursday, officials said.

Watch video | Nation celebrates Indian Army's surgical strike in PoK



Border villagers in J&K, Punjab asked to shift to safer places



People living within 10km of the border with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have been asked to shift to safer places and schools ordered to be shut till further notice in the wake of surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC).



"We have asked border villagers living along IB and LoC to shift to safer area as a precautionery measure," deputy commissioner, Jammu, Simrandeep Singh said.



All people living within 7 to 8km of India-Pakistan border have been asked to move to safer areas and schools in 10km area to be ordered to close down till further notice, he said.



These directions have been passed on to people living along IB in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts and along LOC in Rajouri and Poonch, officials said. In some areas of R S Pura, the movement of the border residents to safer places has already begun.



"We have passed directions to them to move to safer places and some of them have started to move to the houses of their relatives in safer places," a Police officer said.



Army has started evacuating people living in the adjoining areas in Noushera belt of Rajouri anticipation of a possible retaliation by Pakistani troops, officials said.

ALSO READ: How was Indian Army's surgical strike carried out in PoK? Here's what happened in those 4-1/2 hours



In Punjab too, people residing in villages within 10 km of the International Border were asked to shift to safer places. Six districts of the state share border with Pakistan. The schools in the border areas have also been asked to remain shut until further orders, they said.



Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has put the entire government and political machinery in an emergency mode, an official spokesman said in Chandigarh.



Union home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Badal over telephone today to request him to immediately start the process of evacuation of the people residing in the villages falling within 10km of the international border in view of the escalating situation, the spokesman said.



Badal has directed the chief secretary and DGP to ask the concerned deputy commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to oversee the entire evacuation process in the border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.



BSF puts all border units along IB on high alert

The BSF has put all its units along the International Border on high alert in the wake of the surgical strikes by India on terror launch pads across the LoC last night.

ALSO READ | India's surgical strike in Pok: Here's how India reacted



Officials said the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters here has issued orders to all its units along IB in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat to step up vigil and bolster their numbers at the posts by bringing in all personnel who are in the reserve.

India takes other nations onboard



Stepping up India's diplomatic offensive, foreign secretary S Jaishankar on Thursday met envoys of 22 countries, including five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council He briefed them about Army's surgical strikes. In order to mount international pressure on Pakistan, India has already opted out of the Islamabad SAARC summit. After India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also decided to skip, which led to the postponement of SAARC summit.



Rajnath chairs all-party meet



Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday briefed leaders of major political parties+ on the situation in the wake of Army's surgical strike targeting terror launch pads across the Line of Control.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Mumbai:

Indian Motion Pictures Association (IMPA) in Mumbai has banned all Pakistani actors, artists, and technicians from working in Indian movies till 'normalcy returns', reports said on Thursday. The move comes hours after the Indian Army launched surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) on the intervening night of September 28 and September 29.

Indian Motion Picture Producers Association(IMPPA) passes resolution banning Pakistani Actors & technicians in India till normalcy returns

Last week, amid tension in the wake of Uri terror attack, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS had asked Pakistani artistes like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan to leave India immediately, failing which the shooting of their movies will be stalled.



The party wrote an open letter to Bollywood producers and production houses, asking them why they need to rope in actors from the neighbouring country when enough talent is available in India.Actors like Mahira Khan (featuring in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil star Fawad are hijacking the opportunities of Indian artistes, MNS General Secretary Shalini Thackeray had said.



In Karan Johars Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, slated to release next month, Fawad is in a supporting role, while Mahira essays the lead role opposite SRK in Raees, which will mark her Bollywood debut.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Elli Avram Sets The Internet On Fire With Her Bold And Sizzling Hot Pictures In A Towel; Check Here
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DANBURY  The Salvation Army thrift store, a Main Street fixture for decades, is closing at the end of business Friday.

Stores in Torrington, West Hartford and New London are also closing, the Army said. But the array of social services offered through Army branches will continue, including in Danbury.

While some Family Thrift Stores will close, The Salvation Army community centers in Torrington, Danbury, Hartford, and New London will remain open, Maj. Jorge Marzan, who oversees the organizations Southern New England Division, said in a statement. These communities will continue to receive much-needed services including food pantries, social services, holiday assistance and spiritual counseling.

Proceeds of thrift store sales helped pay for rehabilitation programs offered at no cost to people in need, but current circumstances have made supporting these programs through these store locations impossible, the statement said.

One customer in the Danbury store, learning of the coming closure on Thursday, said through a translator that she was sad to hear the news. The store helped many people, she said, especially those who dont have a lot of money.

A lot of customers are upset, added David Hurley, assistant manager at the Danbury store. They dont understand why we are closing.

The organization is trying to help employees at the four locations find open positions at other Salvation Army centers. Hurley said three of the 13 employees at the Danbury store already have taken jobs at other centers, and he himself is transferring to the Hamden store.

The store had been meeting its revenue goals, Hurley said, but because available parking around the building decreased over the last few months, it became increasingly difficult to attract customers.

The store grossed $90,000 to $100,000 a month when it opened more than two decades ago, but in recent years the figure has dropped below $30,000, he said.

The store also worked with The Salvation Armys social services offices to provide clothing, furniture and other goods to families through a voucher system.

The decision to close the stores was not made lightly, Capt. Leo Lloyd, who oversees The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Hartford, said in a statement. But after much review, it seems to be the most responsible choice.
/

Redding Police Department is hoping to connect with the community in an informal setting.

The department will host Coffee with a Cop from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 8 at Uncle Leos on Main Street in Georgetown.
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GREENWICH  Congressional candidate John Shaban made a surprise visit to Greenwich High Schools Young Republicans after-school meeting Thursday.

Shaban, a state representative from Redding and a Greenwich environmental attorney, is challenging Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Himes in Novembers election. Himes is seeking his fifth term in office representing the 4th District.

The visit was not school sponsored. The school takes no political stand, administrators said.

Shaban spent about an hour talking with 11 members of the club  none of whom are old enough to vote this election season  on topics ranging from youth involvement to being a Republican at a time of political polarization.

Government should be limited and local, Shaban said. The more government that we have that is local, the better. It shouldnt be one size fits all. Thats what I believe. Thats why I call myself a Republican.

In Hartford, he said, the politicians agree on 85 to 90 percent of the issues, although where they differ they differ significantly. He said that partisan splits are more severe in Washington.

Ideas, he said, are more important than labels.

Its not good versus evil, Shaban said. Its choosing one path versus another path. A bad day in the United States is still better than a good day in the Ukraine.

But stuff happens here, he said. Were wasting way too much money and there are choices being made on international issues that I disagree with. But the United States government in the last 200 years has done more to lift people out of poverty and into a better life than all of the other governments combined over the last 2,000 years.

Shabans discussion ranged from his take on economic policies to gay marriage  which he supports  and abortion. He wants less money going to Washington and more power in the hands of local government.

Government should stay out of the boardroom and out of the bedroom, Shaban said. Government should leave business alone and people alone. Thats the reason why I am a Republican.

As for his opponent in November, Shaban called Himes a nice guy ... a smart guy.

I just disagree with how he approaches policy, he said. They feel if we have a big central authority like government when we have issues or problems, well, dont worry, because the government will figure it out. But thats a system that worked very well in the 1930s and into the 1940s. Its old and outdated now.

In response, Rowan Kane, Himes deputy campaign director, said Congressman Himes is not in favor of big government or small government, just effective, efficient government. ... The most prominent difference between him and John Shaban on this front is that John Shaban thinks Donald Trump should lead our country and Jim doesnt.

GHS student Arian Milani, leader of the Young Republicans, said he invited Shaban to speak to the students after having volunteered for him.

I want everyone to understand that there is someone running against Jim Himes and running against the Democrats in this state, Milani said. I want to get other students more involved and show how they can help.

Shaban encouraged the students to pay attention and not take things for granted.

You can support anyone you want to, Shaban said. The important thing is that you dont just sit on the sidelines.

kborsuk@scni.com
BETHEL  Two residents were arrested recently after police said they were seen stealing packages from mailboxes in their neighborhood.

According to a statement issued by police, both Dilsa Collado, 43, and Steven Sautner, 27, were charged with sixth-degree larceny after their arrests on Sept. 22. Police said both Collado and Sautner, who live along Nasvhille Road, were seen walking along the north end of the downtown roadway taking packages from mailboxes.
India and Nigeria should harness the complementarities in attracting investments for a positive economic growth: Hamid Ansari

New Delhi, Wed, 28 Sep 2016 NI Wire

Addresses India-Nigeria Business Forum

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that India and Nigeria should harness their complementarities in attracting investments which is a key factor for positive economic growth, as they make an attempt to broad base their economy. He was addressing the India-Nigeria Business Forum in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday. The Vice President of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Osinbajo and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that as Nigeria embarks with renewed vigour and determination in realizing greater prosperity for its people, India stands ready to join as a partner. The overall engagement between India and Nigeria remains vibrant and full of vitality and India has been the largest trading partner of Nigeria, and Nigeria is the largest trading partner of India in Africa, he pointed out. Nigeria is an important partner for our energy security requirement and there is significant potential for diversifying our engagement in oil and gas sector by enhancing our cooperation in both upstream and downstream domains, he added.

The Vice President said that over 100 Indian companies have made Nigeria their base and their investments have exceeded 10 billion US Dollars so far, and another 5 billion US dollars are committed in diverse sectors such as communications, power, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, automotive sector and oil, he pointed out. Decades of economic growth have strengthened Indias private sector and it is keen to expand its global operations, he pointed out.

The Vice President said that the innovative spirit of Indian industry, backed by strong government research and development push and a network of quality education institutions, make India and the Indian companies the most promising business partners yesterday. He further said that there was considerable potential for expanding trade in the areas of automotive components, automobiles, engineering products, IT, pharmaceuticals, bio-technology and healthcare sectors. India and Nigeria count on their business leaders to be the architects of this important change, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President's address:

"I thank you for your warm words of welcome. I wish to convey my deep appreciation to the Honble Vice President of Nigeria for his encouraging presence here yesterday.

I am very happy to be here yesterday at this gathering of captains of trade and industry from Nigeria and India, two of the most dynamic emerging economies of the world. I see from your agenda that you would be holding intensive deliberations on expanding our existing commercial relations as well as for identifying new sectors of economic cooperation.

I thank the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Nigerian National Chamber of Commerce together with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and ASSOCHAM India-Nigeria Business Council for partnering in holding this important Business Meet.

We are extremely happy to see the initiatives which Nigeria has launched under the sagacious leadership of His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari. As Nigeria embarks with renewed vigour and determination in realizing greater prosperity for its people, India stands ready to join as a partner.

The overall engagement between India and Nigeria remains vibrant and full of vitality. Economic and commercial cooperation occupies prominent position in our bilateral matrix. In my meetings with the Nigerian leadership, I found a strong desire to expand our commercial engagement.

It is a matter of satisfaction that for the last few years, India has been the largest trading partner of Nigeria, and Nigeria is the largest trading partner of India in Africa. Our bilateral trade has been growing steadily for the last one decade and touched US$16 billion in 2014-15. It is only because of the global decline in oil prices that our trade has slowed down in the past one year.

Nigeria is an important partner for our energy security requirement. About 12% of our crude requirement comes from Nigeria. Given India's current and expanding energy requirements, there is significant potential for diversifying our engagement in oil and gas sector by enhancing our cooperation in both upstream and downstream domains.

Over 100 Indian companies have made Nigeria their base to operation in West Africa, employing the largest number of Nigerians after the Federal Government, and covering diverse sectors of the economy. It is estimated that the Indian investments have exceeded 10 billion US Dollars so far, and another 5 billion US dollars are committed. Indian investments are in diverse sectors such as communications, power, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, automotive sector and oil, among others.

The market liberalization of India in the nineties followed by calibrated economic reforms in the past decade has led to sustainable economic growth and socio-economic development. India's economy registered a growth of 7% in the last quarter which is one of the highest rates globally. The fast rate of urbanization and the growth of a large, aspirational middle class in India, coupled with a youthful population makes India one of the most attractive markets in the world yesterday.

The last two decades of economic growth have also strengthened Indias private sector and it is keen to expand its global operations. The innovative spirit of Indian industry, backed by a strong government research and development push and a network of quality education institutions, make India and the Indian companies the most promising business partners yesterday.

As such, we need to synergize our efforts in the areas of economy and business. The vast consumer market, youthful and skilled human resources and expertise in the field of information technology of India coupled with Nigeria's natural resources, youthful population and strategic location would provide a platform for enhanced economic engagement.

As both India and Nigeria make an attempt to broad base their economy, they should harness the complementarities in attracting investments which is a key factor for a positive economic growth.

There is a considerable potential for expanding trade in the areas of automotive components, automobiles, engineering products, IT, pharmaceuticals, bio-technology and healthcare sectors.

Infrastructure development and energy security are key areas for cooperation for emerging economies like India and Nigeria. These sectors allow for both our countries to collaborate and benefit from each other's expertise. Infrastructure stimulation programmes launched by the Government of India, like the mission to develop 100 Smart Cities, upgrade infrastructure development in urban and rural areas and enhance nationwide connectivity through the 'Digital India' programme, have created massive opportunities for foreign partners in the Indian economy.

Our societies are still largely agrarian. Therefore, agricultural industry, food processing and related small and medium enterprises offer opportunities for trade and investment which could be explored by our business houses with the support from the governments. The Green Alternative Plan - a roadmap to make Nigeria not only self-sufficient in agriculture but also a major exporter of quality agricultural products, launched last month offers an opportunity for sharing of India's experience in agro-industry sector.

India's expertise and proven capabilities in production of pharmaceuticals, especially generic medicines at affordable cost, advancement in healthcare sectors and science & technology, high quality education at reasonable cost could also be potential areas of investments by both sides.

Indian private sector is keen to further engage with their Nigerian counterparts in diverse sectors of the economy. In June this year, ASSOCHAM established its Abuja Chapter. This is in addition to the existing Nigeria-India Chamber of Commerce & Industries (NICCI) that is based in Lagos.

We have the institutional mechanism to review progress made in the bilateral engagement including in trade and investments sectors. The next Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) will take stock of the ongoing cooperation in trade and investments.

In the backdrop of the current international economic and financial situation, there is an even greater need for us to join hands and synergise our growth strategies. India and Nigeria are well placed to convert this challenge into an opportunity. We count on you, the business leaders from Nigeria and India, to be the architects of this important change.

I wish the Business Meet great success in its deliberations yesterday.

Source: PIB
New arrangement increases opportunities for Canadian organic producers and processors

OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian organic producers and processors will benefit from new trade opportunities following the signing of an expanded organic arrangement between the governments of Canada and Switzerland. Effective October 1, 2016, the expanded arrangement will now allow all Canadian organic multi-ingredient processed products to be exported to Switzerland. The arrangement will also recognize Canadian and Swiss organic wine standards as being equivalent.

Quick Facts



In December 2012 , Canada and Switzerland reached an arrangement that deemed their respective certification systems equivalent for organic agricultural products.

, and reached an arrangement that deemed their respective certification systems equivalent for organic agricultural products. Switzerland's organic market is the eighth largest organic market in the world valued at CAD $2.66 billion in 2014, representing 7.5% growth over 2013.

Quotes

"In today's global trade environment, this arrangement is great news for Canadian organic processors and producers who will particularly benefit from Switzerland's processed food and beverage market. Creating opportunities for Canadian businesses is important to maintaining a healthy economy and growing the middle class."

- Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Associated Links

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

For further information: Media Relations, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 613-773-6600; Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, The Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059
MONTREAL, Sept. 28, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Today marked the launch of the Dictee P.G.L. for Canada 150Les escales de l'histoire : Dicte, dicton, dictee ! As one of the government of Canada's countrywide Signature projects to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, this major project from the Fondation Paul Gerin-Lajoie, which will be presented from January to May 2017, is made possible by the invaluable collaboration of VIA Rail and the Ligue Nationale d'Improvisation (LNI).

"As part of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Fondation Paul Gerin-Lajoie will challenge young Canadians to juggle with words. The winners will be invited to take part in improv matches offered by the Ligue Nationale d'Improvisation. Let's make the most of 2017 to celebrate our cultural diversity and highlight the outstanding contributions of the Canadian Francophonie. Together, let's write the next chapter in our storyone that won't get summed up in just one word!"

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

The Dictee P.G.L. 150 is a series of activities for Canadian high school students that is intended to be an inclusive, festive and participatory experience. Participants will first have an opportunity to put their French-language skills to the test as they learn about their history through writing and dictation contests in different regions of the country. The festivities will continue with the Ligue nationale d'improvisation (LNI), which will present improv workshops for young people, in addition to putting on a show at five VIA Rail stations (or nearby) across Canada (Halifax, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal) in spring 2017. It will wrap up with a huge show in Ottawa honouring the big winners in the contest.

High schools across the country are invited to sign up for the Dictee P.G.L. 150, until December 15, 2016, by completing the online form at: http://fondationpgl.ca/accueil/en/ladicteepgl/150e-p-g-l-dictee/.

ABOUT THE DICTEE P.G.L. AND THE FONDATION PAUL GERIN-LAJOIE



The Dictee P.G.L. is a major educational initiative that takes place in schools in Quebec and across Canada. For the past 25 years, more than six million students both at home and abroad have taken part in the dictation. The Fondation Paul Gerin-Lajoie is a non-profit organization that, for the past 40 years, has had a mission to contribute to basic education, literacy and vocational training for youth in developing countries. In Canada, the Foundation presents activities to raise awareness of international cooperation and solidarity. www.fondationpgl.ca

SOURCE Fondation Paul Gerin-Lajoie

For further information: Caroline Cantin, Project Manager, La Dictee P.G.L., 514-288-3888, ext. 240 / [email protected]
TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - College faculty members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) will join Contract Faculty Forward at events across the province today to call for better working conditions for their contract colleagues at Ontario colleges.

Contract faculty comprise a growing majority of teaching staff at Ontario colleges, currently representing 70 per cent of all faculty. "These workers have no job security, they are paid far less than their work is worth, and many have no access to benefits or sick days," said RM Kennedy, Chair of OPSEU's College Academic Division.

"The full-time members I represent know the importance of the work these faculty members do  after all, it's essentially the exact same work," said Kennedy. "Sadly, colleges are more concerned with their bottom lines than providing decent work for all of their employees, or fostering student success  which is suffering in a system that forces professors to seek other jobs just to make ends meet."

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas noted that these workers are not alone in facing the challenges of precarious work.

"Ontario is creeping closer and closer to a crisis in labour," said Thomas. "Good, full-time jobs are being replaced by precarious jobs at an alarming rate, and this trend is spreading across the entire labour market.

"We stand in solidarity with contract faculty," he said. "We join them in demanding equal pay for equal work, benefits, and recognition of the critically important work they're doing.

"The role of educating the next generation of workers certainly deserves that."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Image with caption: "A Humber College student shows his support for contract faculty at an event on September 27. (CNW Group/Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160928_C3646_PHOTO_EN_783861.jpg

For further information: Roz Gunn, A/Communications Officer, OPSEU, 416-708-7390
President of IDB delivers keynote address at the CCPPP National Conference in Toronto

November 14, 2016

TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships is pleased to announce Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will present a keynote address at the CCPPP's 24th annual national conference  Innovating Our Future.

The worldwide infrastructure deficit is measured in trillions of dollars which means there will be no shortage of investment opportunities in large complex projects in the coming years and public-private partnerships (P3s) are likely to play a significant role in addressing that deficit.

The IDB has done extensive research into financing models and the role of the public and private sector in addressing the infrastructure needs of Latin America and the Caribbean. Mr. Moreno will share his views on the obstacles, challenges and the P3 opportunities in these emerging markets.

"Canadian firms are among the most knowledgeable and experienced in the P3 space. This will be an opportunity for them to better understand the unique opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean," says Mark Romoff, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships. "In fact, all those attending the 24th annual CCPPP national conference will benefit from Mr. Moreno's insights."

Luis Moreno will deliver his luncheon keynote address on Monday, November 14, 2016 in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Centre Hotel in downtown Toronto.

To register for the conference or media accreditation visit http://www.p3-2016.ca/Register-Now

Luis Alberto Moreno assumed the presidency of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in October 2005. As President of the Bank, Moreno also chairs the Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) and the Donors' Committee of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF).

Among the principal achievements under President Moreno's leadership of the IDB is the Ninth General Capital Increase in 2010, which represented an expansion of financing and technical assistance to the region, and allowed for a historical financial program to Haiti of more than US$2 billion. This higher level of contribution to Latin American and the Caribbean economies was accompanied by an improved framework for the monitoring and evaluation of development effectiveness, the establishment of the first Environmental Safeguards Unit in a multilateral development bank, and the implementation of an operational policy for gender equality.

During his tenure, the IDB has undergone a profound transformation of its organization, a significant generational change, and a record increase of women in leadership positions at the institution, along with a reinforcement of its transparency and accountability systems.

Moreno holds a degree in Business Administration and Economics from Florida Atlantic University in 1975 and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 1977

He was reelected on September 14, 2015 for a third term as President of the IDB.

About the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships: Established in 1993, CCPPP is a national, non-partisan, member-based organization with broad representation from across the public and private sectors. Its mission is to promote smart, innovative and modern approaches to infrastructure development and service delivery through public-private partnerships with all levels of government. The Council is a proponent of evidence-based public policy in support of P3s, facilitates the adoption of international best practices, and educates stakeholders and the community on the economic and social benefits of public-private partnerships.

SOURCE Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships

Image with caption: "Luis Alberto Moreno (CNW Group/Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160929_C5401_PHOTO_EN_784906.jpg

Image with caption: "Conference Presenting Sponsor (CNW Group/Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160929_C5401_PHOTO_EN_784910.jpg

For further information: For media enquiries contact: Dave Trafford, Director, Communications & Media Relations, [email protected], 416-861-0605 ext. 210
MONTREAL, Sept. 28, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Intergenerational dialogue starts at school, as the "Breakfast with the Kids!" initiative kicks off on October 27th. The project marks the start of a three-year partnership between Reseau Selection and the Breakfast Club of Canada. This partnership is aimed at boosting self-esteem and pride in the young members of the Club, while valuing the place of seniors and generational interaction in society.

"Breakfast with the Kids!"

Initially, the project will involve retirees volunteering to prepare and serve breakfast to the little ones as part of an exchange based on themes like family, nature, communication and dreams. The opportunities to share knowledge and viewpoints are intended to illustrate generational differences and help both sides get to know the other better.

Lights, Camera, Action!

The entire process will be documented by videographers for the purpose of developing Web and television content. Starting in January 2017, the children and the seniors will take part in a cinematic adventure resulting in a four-episode documentary series slated for broadcast in April 2017. The series will be a legacy for the young members of the Club, highlighting their contribution to the project and giving them the chance to be involved in a television production.

"The Breakfast Club is jumping feet first into this inclusive project, which we believe will help nurture not just young people's bodies, but also their souls and their self-esteem. It will also give them the opportunity to play an active role in a rewarding project they can be proud of," said Daniel Germain, President and Founder of the Breakfast Club of Canada.

For a sustainable life together

Quebec has the second-fastest rate of ageing in the world behind Japan. The 65+ population is growing faster here than anywhere  by 2031, that segment will grow from 17% to 26% of the overall population.

"We must absolutely create a movement by introducing initiatives designed to prevent a generational gap. We're doing this by promoting collaboration among different age groups in our population to encourage what we call a 'sustainable life together'," said Reseau Selection President and CEO Real Bouclin. A survey by SOM revealed that 80% of Quebecers and 87% of baby-boomers say they want to live in a neighbourhood that is home to people of different generations. "This project falls right in line with that dynamic, by looking at community life in a different way, with the sharing of each generation's wealth of experience and knowledge," said Bouclin.

Residents of Le Selection-Laval retirement community will help out with the first phase of the project, by serving breakfast to the children at St. Paul de Laval primary school. At the same time, Reseau Selection wants to bring together a large number of retirees to lend a hand with ad hoc Club activities, including collecting donations and helping raise public awareness of the importance of generational interaction for a "sustainable life together." To that end, five public forums open to all retirees in Quebec will be held in October and November in Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres, Laval and Vaudreuil. For more information about the schedule and to sign up, go to Breakfast with the Kids.

About the Breakfast Club

For over 20 years, the Breakfast Club has been nourishing children's potential by making sure as many of them as possible have access to a healthy morning meal before school, in an environment that allows their self-esteem to grow and flourish. But the Club is much more than a breakfast program: we take a broader approach that promotes the core values of engagement, enrichment and empowerment and we team up with communities and local partners to develop solutions adapted to their specific needs. Every morning, throughout the school year, the Club welcomes 17,162 children at 283 schools across Quebec.

About Reseau Selection

Reseau-Selection has been developing and managingretirement home communities for over 25 years. As the leading private-sector player in its line of business in Canada, the company now has 35 residences in operation or under construction across Quebec. With a structure unique in Canada, Reseau Selection has close to 3,000 employees serving the needs of some 8,500 residents and delivering a referral rate of 96%. In addition to creating an active and rewarding retirement for its residents, Reseau Selection has also developed healthyIDtm, a lifestyle program focusing on health prevention and awareness for adopting healthy daily living habits so that residents "live better, longer."

SOURCE Reseau Selection

Image with caption: "Breakfast with the kids (CNW Group/Reseau Selection)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160928_C8021_PHOTO_EN_783802.jpg

Image with caption: "Reseau Selection Logo (CNW Group/Reseau Selection)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160928_C8021_PHOTO_EN_783800.jpg

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For further information: France Gaignard, T.: 514 616-7705, [email protected]
CALGARY, Sept. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Stuart Olson Inc. (TSX: SOX, SOX.DB.A) ("Stuart Olson" or the "Company") today announced that it will release its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 on Thursday, November 3, 2016 after the close of the Canadian capital markets.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its 2016 third quarter results on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. MT (9:30 a.m. ET).

The conference call will include prepared remarks from David LeMay, President and CEO, and Daryl Sands, Executive Vice President and CFO. After the prepared remarks, Stuart Olson will accept questions from analysts and institutional investors.

Date: Friday, November 4, 2016 Time: 7:30 a.m. MT (9:30 a.m. ET) Call: 1-888-390-0546 (Canada and USA) or 1-587-880-2171 (outside Canada and USA)

Participants are asked to call at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. For those unable to participate on the live call, a replay will be made available until Friday, November 18, 2016, by dialing 1-888-390-0541 (Canada and USA) or 1-416-764-8677 (outside Canada and USA), pin 432093. The public is invited to listen to the live conference call or the replay.

Webcast

A presentation and webcast link will be posted on Stuart Olson's website prior to the call under the "Investor Relations" tab, within the Presentations and Events section. To listen to and view the live webcast, visit Stuart Olson's website at least 10 minutes early to register and download and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to listen during the live webcast, a replay will be available on Stuart Olson's website shortly after the conclusion of the conference call for a period of 90 days.

About Stuart Olson Inc.

Stuart Olson Inc. provides general contracting and electrical building systems contracting in the public and private construction markets as well as electrical, mechanical and specialty trades, such as insulation, cladding and asbestos abatement, in the industrial construction and services market. The Company operates office locations throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Stuart Olson's common shares and convertible debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols "SOX" and "SOX.DB.A", respectively. www.stuartolson.com

SOURCE Stuart Olson Inc.

For further information: Daryl Sands, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Stuart Olson Inc., (403) 685-7777, Email: [email protected]
MY ANALYSIS OF THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE



By Chuck Baldwin

September 29, 2016

NewsWithViews.com

[ NOTE: The opinion in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of NewsWithViews.com, it's employees, representatives, or other contributing writers.]

I am one of these libertarian/constitutionalists who is still undecided as to who I will vote for for President this November. Obviously, I would NEVER vote for Hillary Clinton. She is a career criminal politician of the highest order. Putting another Clinton in the White House just might put the final nail in the coffin of America. She is a disgusting, despicable, deplorable degenerate. Hillary and Bill are no better than Bonnie and Clyde. Let me take that back. They are FAR WORSE than Bonnie and Clyde.

Hillary is a Neocons Neocon; she is a globalists globalist; she is rabidly anti-Second Amendment; she is a radical pro-homosexual, pro-abortion, pro-transgender, pro-war, corporatist crony. Hillary represents ALL OF THE WORST in Washington, D.C.

That being said, it is my personal conviction to never vote for the lesser of two evils if both candidates are guilty of violating the core principles that I have determined to never compromise.

I havent voted for a major party presidential candidate in the general election since Ronald Reagan. I did cast enthusiastic votes in the GOP primaries for Pat Buchanan and Ron Paul. Normally, the GOP nominates big-government Neocons like Bush I, Bush II, McCain, and Romney--and I refuse to vote for such candidates. Absent a principled Republican presidential candidate to vote for in the general election, I usually vote for the Constitution Party candidate. This years CP candidate is Darrell Castle: a very good man and a committed constitutionalist--a man I could easily vote for.

The confusion this year is that the GOP presidential candidate, Donald Trump, does not have a legislative track record. His personal rhetoric and contributions in the political arena are all over the board. One could just as easily put him in either the Democrat or the Republican camp (not that there is normally that much difference between the two major parties in Washington, D.C., anyway). At times, he has talked and acted like a liberal, while at other times he has talked and acted like a conservative. However, without a definitive voting record, the REAL Donald Trump is extremely difficult to nail down.

Trump is campaigning as a nationalist/populist conservative. He claims to be pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, pro-less taxes, pro-less government regulation, anti-illegal immigration, anti-globalism, anti-establishment, pro-law and order, and pro-freedom. If that was all there was to it, I could easily support him. But that is NOT all there is to it.

There have always been several things about Donald Trump that Ive been uneasy with. I have said that repeatedly, as faithful readers of this column know. Ive said I think Trump might be a really good President or a really bad President. And, quite frankly, it appears to me as if it could just as easily be one as the other.

Therefore, I watched the first presidential debate this week between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton with much interest. Truthfully, I was looking for Donald Trump to assuage my reservations about him. He didnt. He only exacerbated them.

Let me begin with an objective and critical analysis of the debate: on the whole, I thought Donald Trump did poorly. He seemed ill-prepared and was not very good at thinking on his feet, albeit he did amazingly better in the polls afterward than I expected he would. This is a VERY BAD omen for Hillary Clinton. Trumps performance was less than spectacular, yet the American people (a record 84 million watched the debate) gave him the post-debate nod. Hopefully, all of the scandals and criminality of the Clintons are finally starting to catch up with them in this election. Because of Hillarys poor poll results following what was probably her best on-camera performance ever, it might even be safe to predict a Trump landslide victory in November. But I digress.

As Trump and Clinton went into the debate, Trump had all of the momentum. If he had had a strong performance Monday evening, he might have been able to seal a victory in November that night. Democrats were holding their collective breath hoping and praying that Hillary would not fall down during the 90-minute debate. Two-thirds of the American people now believe that Hillary is not physically capable of being President (another bad omen for her). That she stayed on her feet made it seem like a good night for her (and indeed it was). Trump entered the ring against a very weak and very unpopular opponent. But his mediocre showing allows Hillarys candidacy to remain competitive. It could have been a knockout night for Trump; instead, he left his opponent standing to fight another day.

Donald scored well when he talked about Hillarys email scandal, but he didnt drive it home. He let her slip out of it. He scored well when he talked about NATO countries not paying up for their own defense. He scored well when he said America is not the policeman of the world. He scored well when he said we should have never invaded Iraq. He scored well when he talked about stopping the hemorrhage of Americas manufacturing jobs going overseas. He scored well when he forced Hillary to defend NAFTA. He scored well when he talked about reducing taxes and government regulation. He almost scored well when he tried to talk about Hillary and the career politicians in D.C. helping to create ISIS, but, again, he didnt know how to drive it home. That had to be due to either a lack of preparation or a lack of understanding about the nuts and bolts of it all.

With the help of her debate assistant, moderator NBC news anchor Lester Holt, Hillary had Donald on the ropes much of the debate talking about his lack of paying taxes and his several bankruptcies. Trumps lack of debating experience showed up when he fell into the trap of letting them put him on the defensive with those accusations.

Hillary Clinton is the quintessential corrupt politician. The way she sold access to foreign donors (especially the Chinese) via her crooked Clinton Foundation when she was Secretary of State and when Bill was President is infamous. Trump could have easily turned the tables on her by shifting the spotlight to the obvious financial improprieties of her criminal foundation, but he didnt even bring it up.

The financial corruption of the Clinton Foundation makes Trumps legal wrangling that allowed him to pay no taxes and business bankruptcies look like childs play in comparison. But Trump let himself stay on the ropes by trying to defend himself instead of attacking the political bribes associated with the Clinton Foundation. That alone might have been a knockout punch for Trump. But he never threw it. That could be because he is reported to have donated to the Clinton Foundation in the past. If so, that sadly left him vulnerable on what would otherwise be a winning issue for him.

Trump also missed a huge opportunity to drive home Hillarys corruption when the subject of cyber security came up. Clintons email scandal is the perfect example of how she willingly compromised our national cyber security as our Secretary of State.

Then there is Benghazi. Trump never broached it. Maybe he is waiting for later debates. But this is an issue he simply cannot ignore in prime time debates. He can bet that the pro-Clinton media moderators will never broach the subject, so he will have to.

But I thought the worst mistake of the night was Trumps failure to highlight Hillarys radical anti-Second Amendment agenda. He had a wide-open door, a golden opportunity to drive home the point that he was truly the only pro-Second Amendment candidate on the stage, and he blew it. BIG TIME.

The only thing Trump did to separate himself from Clintons radical gun-control agenda was to tout his endorsement by the NRA. How lame!

Not only did Trump NOT drive home his support for the Second Amendment, he spent quite a bit of time AGREEING with Clinton about getting guns away from criminals. At this point, Donald Trump sounded downright scary.

Trump went on and on talking about all of the shootings in Chicago. But he said NOTHING about the fact that Chicago is one of the most gun-controlled cities in the country. He could have used the shootings in Chicago as an example of how gun-control laws do not work and how gun-control laws make life more dangerous for law-abiding people. He had a golden opportunity to drive home the fact that gun-control laws do NOT keep criminals from having guns, that they will ALWAYS have guns (because they dont care about obeying the law), and that it is the law-abiding folks who are at risk because they are disarmed and, hence, unable to defend themselves. But, again, he said nothing of the sort.

Thats when Trump got scary.

Instead of promoting lawful self-defense, Donald starting promoting Police-State-style stop and frisk laws. This was exactly what I DIDNT want to hear from Donald Trump. It was very obvious at this point that Trump is quite ignorant of the Constitution. When he started talking about stop and frisk, he made Hillary look GOOD when she retorted that such laws are unconstitutional. THEY ARE INDEED UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Geez! Did we have to have Hillary Clinton tell us that? UGH!

Police have NO authority to stop and frisk people without cause. America is not a Police State (at least not completely). This is one of my nagging questions about Trump: Does he even realize the constitutional constraints on government--including the executive branch of government? Should his stop and frisk policies become law, America will have pretty much officially crossed the Rubicon into a Police State. I have to tell you, this one scares me silly, because it portends MUCH MORE in the way of police abuse--and we already have WAY TOO MUCH of that.

And I dont know if Trump was trying to draw in the Ted Cruz supporters (Ted having just recently endorsed Donald) or what, but he seemed to go out of his way to talk about his friendship with Israels Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That didnt set well with me either.

Zionist Israel is NOT Americas friend and is certainly no friend to world peace. For all intents and purposes, the Zionist agenda in Tel Aviv and the Neocon agenda in Washington D.C., and New York City are one and the same: war and the financial profits that come from war.

One of the attractions to Trumps campaign is his outsider status. The people of America are mostly fed up with the status quo in Washington. They are tired of endless wars of aggression; they are tired of war for profit; they are tired of American globalism; they are tired of our State Department and CIA meddling in the private affairs of foreign nations; and they are tired of Americas coercive, bullying foreign policies--including nation building and forced regime changes.

Donald Trump is 2016s anti-establishment, anti-Neocon, anti-globalist candidate. But by identifying himself with the Zionist Netanyahu, Trump lumped himself in with the whole Neocon, Warfare State machine. I guess the question is: Does he realize it, or is he truly ignorant of who these people really are and merely trying to entice the Ted Cruz Israel-First Christians into voting for him? Thats another unanswered, nagging question I have about Trump. And all he did Monday night was, again, exacerbate my reservations.

And though it didnt come up in this first debate, I am truly not certain where Donald Trump comes down on the whole wars of aggression issue. When he talks about it being wrong to have invaded Iraq, he sounds really good. But he has also talked before about nuking nations in the Middle East. Then he turns around and says in this first debate that nuclear weapons are the biggest problem in the world. So, again, which Donald Trump would occupy the White House if he were elected? More nagging questions.

The good news for Trump is, again, post-debate polls indicate that despite a mediocre performance, he still seemed to come out ahead of Hillary in the minds of the general public. However, Im sure there are many libertarian/constitutionalists like me who came away with more questions than answers about Trump. And just to go on record, I will follow Ron Pauls example and NOT endorse Gary Johnson, who is more liberal than he is libertarian--and his running mate even more so.

The other good news for Trump is that there are yet two more debates in which he will have an opportunity to try and assuage my reservations about him. Like the Zen master said, Well see.

[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]

 2016 Chuck Baldwin - All Rights Reserved





Chuck Baldwin is a syndicated columnist, radio broadcaster, author, and pastor dedicated to preserving the historic principles upon which America was founded. He was the 2008 Presidential candidate for the Constitution Party. He and his wife, Connie, have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Chuck and his family reside in the Flathead Valley of Montana. See Chuck's complete bio here.



E-mail: chuck@chuckbaldwinlive.com

Website: ChuckBaldwinLive.com
Chinas Broad Group presented at the Offsite Construction Expo Sept. 21 to 22 in Washington, DC.

The expo was an effort to draw more attention to permanent modular construction, the Modular Building Institute, National Institute of Building Sciences and other industry groups.

Despite the promises of a higher quality product in a shorter timeframe and growing chatter around the alternative method, permanent modular construction still faces the obstacles of an industry averse to change and concerns regarding the altered timeline of traditional construction.

Although they expect wider implementation of offsite, experts cite concerns of a change in the traditional project workflow  from the need to bring in modular builders earlier in the process to questions regarding building codes standards for prefab units.

The biggest change is decisions need to be made earlier so the project can go to fabrication and production.

Builders considering modular construction to do their research well in advance of starting the project, as they need to consider where permanent modular construction companies are located and what regions they cover, decide whether the buildings design is suitable to modular construction, and ensure that all team members come together early to collaborate in the process.

Design-build is recommended as the contract type most suitable for modular projects, as it allows architects and contractors to come on board at the early stages and decide on details together, rather than the traditionally separated design-bid-build process.

During the most buzzed-about session of the expo, a representative from China-based prefab buildings maker the Broad Group explained the details behind the popular YouTube videos of a 30-story hotel in Chinas Hunan Province being constructed in 15 days.

Broad Group USA general manager Sunny Wang said that 93% of the T30 Broad Sustainable Building was built with prefab components.

They have built 30 Broad Sustainable Buildings, with the majority in China and one in Mexico. They use a 2.5 million-square-foot factory with 4,000 employees to create the mainboards that are then assembled on-site.

Broad has its sights set on the North American market, as it envisions the building components being manufactured in the China facility and shipped to the U.S. I hope in another two years well see the first in the U.S., Wang said. Offsite construction is the future of the world.



The company uses steel materials with anti-corrosion technology to ensure a longer building life cycle, which can withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake, according to Wang. The company also emphasizes the energy-efficiency of its structures, with 6 to 12 inches of thermal insulation, glazing, external solar shading, fresh air recovery and LED lighting.

Wang said the building method allows the company to standardize design, make project management more efficient, lower costs, reduce waste and lower the likelihood of industry corruption or development hold-ups.
China is working on a second prototype of its FC31 (aka J31) fighter. It is a smaller jet than the Chinas J20. China should have 12 of the J20s built by 2017. The FC31 could begin deployment around 2022.

The FC-31 Gyrfalcon is a twin-engine, mid-size fifth-generation jet fighter currently under development by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.

New scaled models displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow revealed several planned differences from the first 31001 flying prototype. The differences include a stealthier cockpit, a next-generation helmet mounted sight, holographic cockpit displays, EOTS, aerodynamic revisions and more powerful engines.

The 01 prototype powered by two indigenous WS-13E turbofan engines flew for the first time on July 1, 2016.

The National Interest has an analysis of the F35 vs the J-31

Recently revealed details concerning Chinas Shenyang FC-31 fighter suggest that the aircraft not only looks like the Pentagons Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), but it also offers comparable aerodynamic performance. But the real question is how far along Beijing has come in the development of subsystems like radars and engines. Moreover, there is the question of how well Chinese industry can integrate all of those disparate technologies into an operational aircraft.

The Chinese FC31 jet was based on stolen JSF (F35) technologyand could eventually be more or less a match for the American jet. I think theyll eventually be on par with our fifth-gen jetsas they should be, because industrial espionage is alive and well, a senior U.S. military aviator said.

The F-22 might be able to generate a kill ratio of thirty-to-one today against the Chinese J-11 Flanker, but the U.S. Air Force has only 120 combat coded Raptors. The Raptor might only generate a three-to-one kill ratio against the J-31 or J-20, which means attrition will take a serious toll on U.S. forces.

The J-31 is likely to fall short is on avionicsthe aircrafts radar, infrared search and track, data-links and especially sensor fusion. This has been hard for the USA as well.

Stealth aircraft are built to very tight tolerancesone ten-thousandth of an inch was the standard for the F-22 and the F-35 has tighter requirements still. The Chinese have never demonstrated the ability to build to those kinds of tolerances.

Even if the J-31 doesnt quite match the F-35 technologically, one area the Chinese are currently investing in is a new long-range missile called the PL-15. It appears to be very similar to the European Meteor beyond visual range missile. Like the Meteor, the Chinese weapon is a ramjet powered missile, which should give it very long range and much better terminal phase performance than the venerable AIM-120 AMRAAM. The AMRAAMs rocket motor burns for a few seconds and it coasts the rest of the way to the targetlike most air-to-air weapons. Further, the AMRAAM is highly vulnerable to digital radio frequency memory jamming and needs to be replaced.

Russia and China are not likely to attempt to develop an all fifth-generation fighter fleetinstead, for the foreseeable future, the derivatives of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker air superiority fighter will make up the bulk of their tactical air arsenals. The most potent Flanker derivative is the Su-35, which is a much-improved version with vastly improved avionics, engines and airframe. In the years ahead, this latest Flanker-E is likely to proliferate around the world.

Unlike a Raptor, which was designed from the outset as an air-to-air killer par excellencethe F-35 was not. The Raptor combines a very stealthy airframe with a high altitude ceiling and supersonic cruise speeds in excess of Mach 1.8. Compared to that, the F-35 can just barely touch Mach 1.6 in full afterburner. Further, the F-22 possesses excellent maneuverability for close-in visual-range dogfightsit crushes the competition in terms of turn rate, radius, angle-of-attack and energy addition at all altitudes.

Whereas a four-ship flight of Raptors cruising at high supersonic speeds in the rarified atmosphere above 50,000 feet can effectively choose when and where to fight, a flight of slower, lower-flying F-35s might find themselves forced to react to better-performing enemy planes if they are not careful.

SOURCES  Wikipedia, National Interest, chinese-military-aviation
Bell Helicopter is designing a new tiltrotor drone about the size of the Air Forces armed MQ-9 Reaper, with similar capabilities, that it hopes the Marines will buy.

They call it the V-247 Vigilant, so named because Bell promises that two of the sea-based drones could provide Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) over a given area 24/7.

The V-247 is designed to meet the as-yet general Marine Corps requirement known as MUX, an acronym within an acronym standing for Marine Air Ground Task Force Multimission Unmanned Expeditionary. Under MUX, the Marines want their own ship-based, armed ISR drone so they wont have to depend on land-based Air Force MQ-9 Reapers to support their operations.

the V-247s wingspan would be 65 feet  one foot shorter than the Reapers  and hold two 30-foot-diameter tilting rotors  each eight feet smaller in diameter than the V-22s. The V-247 fuselage will be 37 feet long, Tobin said, and hold a single engine able to generate 5,000 to 6,000 shaft horsepower. The V-22 uses two Rolls-Royce AE-1107 C Liberty engines that generate 6,000 shaft horsepower each. The V-247 would cruise at 250 knots, he said, the same as a V-22, allowing the Vigilant to serve as an armed V-22 escort.

Two V-247s would fit inside the hold of a C-17 cargo aircraft, Tobin said. Despite its relatively small size, though, the V-247s maximum takeoff weight is expected to be about 30,000 lbs  roughly three times the Reapers maximum takeoff weight. The aircraft would carry up to about 13,000 lbs. of fuel, armament and sensors, he said. It would have a mission radius of as much as 450 nautical miles, the same as a V-22, with 11 to 15 hours on station, or fly as much as 1,400 nautical miles on a tank of gas, depending on the mission. The V-247 also could refuel in midair, a Bell handout said.

The V-247 will be sized to fit on the deck of a guided missile destroyer, Tobin said. By folding its rotor blades and stowing its wing by swiveling it across the top of the fuselage lengthwise, it could fit inside a DDGs helicopter hangar. On a stand to Tobins left as he spoke stood a big 1/8th scale model of the V-247  far larger than the one we saw on Lt. Gen. Daviss desk last month  automated to fold its rotor blades and stow its wing to demonstrate shipboard storage. Bell is expected to display the model at the Sept. 27-30 Modern Day Marine exposition at Quantico Marine Base, and at the Association of the United States Armys annual meetings Oct. 3-5 in Washington.

Tobin said Bell could start building the V-247 as soon as 2023.
PAtrick Tucker of Defense One reports that in the Ukraine-Russia war the Russian-backed infantry and artillery units have used more than 16 types of drones to identify enemy positions and deliver fire, often within minutes.

The US Army has the Maneuver Fires Integration Experiment at Fort Sill in Oklahoma to speed next-generation anti-drone technology to soldiers.

The Army wants to press the attack with its own small drones. They are developing a whole family of unmanned systems from the very low squad level.

vertical-takeoff-and-push capability

drones that can fly autonomously

drones that can resist complex electromagnetic attacks (aka cyber hacking and EMP)

drones that can be deployed from a vehicle and hover over a vehicle

The 18-gram PD-100 Black Hornet from Prox Dynamics is an autonomous tactical drone being rapidly deployed to special operations units and Marines.

$50,000 to $60,000 PD100 drone

By the end of 2017, the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, wants every Marine squad downrange to carry an unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance and surveillance.

At the end of next year, my goal is that every deployed Marine infantry squad had got their own quadcopter, he said. Theyre like 1,000 bucks.

The MIX-16 exercise also employed a small number of pocket-sized PD-100 drone systems, made by Proxdynamics. But while these systems are lightweight and easy to operate, they dont meet the $1,000 price point that Neller mentioned. The systems cost $50-$60,000 apiece, with additional costs for accessories.

One future solution Neller proposed is 3-D printing, a new technology being aggressively explored by the Marine Corps logistics community.

Maybe we can just buy the design [for a quadcopter] and print our own, Neller said. Im not joking.

An unfinished draft of the U.S. Army Robotic and Autonomous Systems Strategy describes how the Army will use drones in the near term (2016-20) the mid-term (2020-30), and the far term (2030-40).

The DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter is well reviewed as a camera drone on Amazon and costs about $1100

Auto takeoff and auto return home with GPS technology, makes controlling easy. App enables monitoring/camera operation easy

Capture 4K ultra HD video at 30 fps, supported resolutions include: 12.0MP (4000 x 3000) photos. The f/2.8 lens with a broad field of view delivers crisp, clear images

Gimbal stabilization technology, along with a hover function allows you to capture smooth, clean footage while the camera is in the air

Use DJI director software with a built-in video editor to add music, text, and more to your videos

With extra batteries and waterproof case it is just short of $1400.

The DJI Phantom 4 is the smartest flying camera DJI has ever created. Able to fly intelligently with a tap, automatically create seamless tracking shots, fly intelligently over or around obstacles and much more. Flying has never been this easy or as much fun. SENSE AND AVOID Obstacle sensors enable the Phantom 4 to sense and react to its environment. FLY WITH TAP Simply tap on the screen to fly the Phantom 4 in the direction you want. It will avoid obstacles in its path. VISUAL TRACKING Lock on to your subject and track them as they move, let Phantom 4 take care of everything. INTELLIGENT FLIGHT SUPPORT SYSTEMS A dual satellite positioning system and an enhanced Vision Positioning System provides the Phantom 4 with a safer, more reliable flight experience both outdoors and indoors. POWERFUL CAMERA DESIGNED FOR THE SKY Capable of capturing 4K video at 30 frames per second and slow motion 1080p at 120 frames per second, creating impressive footage has never been so easy. ACTIVE CAMERA STABILIZATION A 3-axis u-frame camera stabilization system cancels out unwanted camera movements during flight. EXTENDED FLIGHT TIMES Fly with confidence for 28 minutes. INTEGRATED LONG RANGE TRANSMISSION See what the camera sees in 720p HD from up to 3.1 miles (5km) away with the Phantom 4s integrated HD video downlink. Frame up your shot from far away with perfect precision. BUILT-IN REDUNDANCIES A dual compass module and dual Inertial Measurement Unit (IMUs) greatly increases reliability. ADVANCED AERODYNAMICS AND STABILITY Sleek, streamlined aerodynamics help the Phantom 4 slip more smoothly through the air. HIGH-SPEED FLIGHT Fly at up to 45mph with satellite and Vision Positioning support with the new Sport Mode on Phantom 4.
A bill seeking gender equality has passed second reading at the senate.

A bill seeking gender equality has passed second reading at the senate.Abiodun Olujimi, a senator from Ekiti south, reintroduced the bill after it was rejected in October 2015, when some members opposed it on the grounds that it was in conflict with their religious and cultural beliefs.Speaking on the bill on Thursday, Olujimi explained that the bill did not seek to undermine the beliefs of the Nigerians but it was to create equal opportunities for women.It seeks to promote equality and development of all persons in Nigeria, she said.To guarantee effectiveness, the bill adopts special measures on discrimination against persons. It provides that all appropriate measures be taken to eliminate discrimination against women in private and public life.It also prohibits all forms of violence against women, whether political, domestic or cultural. It prohibits all forms of trafficking in women.Speaking on the bill, Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, said that some sections of the bill were already in the constitution.And he suggested that those sections be looked into at the committee stage.However, Olusola Adeyeye, senate chief whip, disagreed with him, saying that affirmative laws were needed to address the problem of gender inequality.Also speaking, Remi Tinubu, a senator from Lagos central, urged her colleagues to support the bill.I rise to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. We cannot undermine the role of women in society, she said.Some think I dont shake men here maybe because of religious or cultural reasons. But I dont shake men because I feel intimidated.After a brief debate on the bill, Senate President Bukola Saraki called a voice vote, and the senate voted overwhelmingly for it to pass second reading.Thereafter, Saraki referred the bill to the committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters for more legislative treatment.
The Federal Government yesterday denied the claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is taming Nigerians with the Change begins with me ca...

The Federal Government yesterday denied the claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is taming Nigerians with the Change begins with me campaign.British newspaper The Economist in a report at the weekend entitled: Nigerias war against indiscipline, Behave or be whipped wrote that President Buhari wanted to tame Nigerians with the Change Begins With Me campaign.But in a statement yesterday, Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Lai Mohamed, said the word tame suggested that Nigerians were some kind of wild animals that must be domesticated.This is not true. In his speech at the launch of the campaign on September 8, the President, a globally-acknowledged leader, who believes strongly in the rule of law, left no one in doubt that moral suasion, the very antithesis of force, will be employed to achieve attitudinal change among Nigerians.In that speech, the President said I am therefore appealing to all Nigerians to be part of this campaign. To the best of our knowledge and, surely the knowledge of those who own the language, the words appeal and enforce are not synonymous.In its rush to discredit the Change Begins With Me campaign, The Economist, a widely respected newspaper, fell below its own standards by choosing to be economical with the truth. Enforcement is not part of the strategies to be employed under the Campaign, and nowhere has it been said that the moral polic will be unleashed, as reported by the newspaper.In writing the story, the paper did not even deem it necessary to speak with any official of the government, thus breaching one of the codes of journalism, which is fairness. It chose instead to quote a critic of Mr. President in a perfunctory manner.The statement also accused the magazine of making the same mistake that most critics of the Change Begins With Me campaign have been making.He said that the details of the programme were yet to be unveiled. The campaign, which the President said will help restore our value system and rekindle our nationalistic fervor, is not designed to shift any responsibility to Nigerians, as many have erroneously said.It is an all-inclusive campaign that was designed to start with the leadership. That much was explained by the President when he said the government would drive the campaign and that it must be strongly supported by all concerned individually. Change Begins With Me was designed to start from the President, then trickle down to the Vice President, ministers, other top government officials and to all citizens. What is the campaign asking Nigerians to do? Be the change they want to see in the society. In other words, if we all want an orderly society, for example, the motorists among us must obey traffic rules, our aggrieved youth must stop destroying public property, patent medicine sellers must stop selling fake drugs, commercial vehicle drivers must stop taking alcoholic beverages before driving etc.There is nothing extraordinary or over-burdening in all these. We are the fundamental units of the society. If we are not willing to change our ways for the better, we cannot expect a better society.
Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor-elect of Edo State, Thursday described his election as a historic victory for Edo people and for the APC...

Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor-elect of Edo State, Thursday described his election as a historic victory for Edo people and for the APC.He stated this on Thursday in Benin while giving his acceptance speech, following his declaration as winner of the September 28 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).Obaseki who said he accepted his election with great humility and abiding faith in God Almighty, added that it was a historic victory for all Edo citizens and the APC, and that it underscores clearly your preference for the continuity and consolidation of our programmes.While promising not to disappoint those who voted him as governor, Obaseki said his election is a responsibility that he and his running mate, Philip Shaibu, will not take lightly.Our promise to build a state anchored on a productive economy that will transform and empower our citizens is sincere. We promised jobs. We promised empowerment of our citizens. We promised improved social welfare services, and a more secured state. We will strive to deliver on all of these promises. As we travelled all over our great state selling our programmes, we also took note of your concerns and problems, and I want to assure you that we will do everything in our power to address them, he said.While expressing joy that the elections were generally peaceful with no loss of lives; Obaseki commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as the security agencies, for their role in maintaining peace and order during the elections.He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, for his commitment to a new order in Nigeria, just as he acknowledged and appreciated the support received from all the APC governors and the leadership of APC.The elections are over; it is time to bury the hatchet and close ranks for the good of our dear state. Our state is superior to all other interests and we must, as individuals, subordinate our personal ambitions to that of the collective. Let me say that a new future beckons. I pledge to work tirelessly for the good of all Edo people, irrespective of gender, social status, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, Obaseki pledged.
We thank you for joining NigerianEye live update on the Edo gubernatorial polls, hope to see you in Ondo State polls.... --------------...

INEC DECLARES APC CANDIDATE, GODWIN OBASEKI, WINNER OF EDO STATE 2016 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION





OFFICIAL RESULTS DECLARED SO FAR ACCORDING TO INEC

TOTAL ACCREDITED VOTERS - 622,039

PDP agent refuses to sign result sheets over alleged irregularities and malpractices

2:55 PM: Policemen in a show of force march ahead of the final declaration of results.

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2:50 PM: Official results for 17 Local Governments

Owan West

APC: 12,862

PDP: 10,132





Egor

APC: 26,177

PDP: 19,514





Esan North East

APC: 9,130

PDP: 16,220





Igueben

APC: 7,802

PDP: 7,560



Uhunmwode

APC: 10,911

PDP: 8,667



6 Esan South East

APC: 9,554

PDP: 11,466

Oredo

APC: 37,612

PDP: 30,492



Orhionmwon

APC: 15,262

PDP: 16,446



Esan West

APC 13,114

PDP 16,311





Owan East

APC: 21, 233

PDP: 12,889



Ovia North East

APC: 17,561

PDP: 13,141



Esan Central

APC: 9,781

PDP: 10,180





Etsako East

APC: 18,078

PDP: 12,552





Etsako Central

APC: 10,373

PDP: 8,827





Etsako West

APC: 29,199

PDP: 10,843





Ikpoba-Okha

APC: 33,469

PDP: 26,096





Akoko-Edo

APC: 24,545

PDP: 13,027

One local government is yet to be announced.

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2:40: Ali Modu Sheriff calls for restraint over Edo election result

Speaking on behalf of Sheriff, Deputy National Chairman of his faction of the party, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, said that the PDP will await the final announcement of the result, consult widely before making our decision public.

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2:30 pm: PDP members are bad losers - Edo APC chairman

Anselm Ojezua, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, has described the Peoples Democratic Party as bad losers for rejecting the results of the governorship election in the state.

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1:35 pm: Some minutes break

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1:29 Ovia North LGA

APC 17,561

PDP 13,141

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1:26 Akoko-Edo LG

APC 25,545

PDP 13,027

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1:12pm: Ikpoba-Okha LGA RESULTS

TOTAL REG VOTERS - 260,965

ACCREDITED VOTERS - 65,348





AA - 38

ACD - 175

ACPN - 401

APC - 33,469 (Winner)

APGA - 148

CPP - 52

ID - 09

KOWA - 15

LP - 54

NPPP - 17

NCP - 63

NNPP - 19

PDC - 181

PDP - 2,696

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1:00 pm: Etsako West LGA

ACCREDITED VOTERS - 45,620



AA - 05

ACD - 76

ACDN - 257

APC - 29,999 (Winner)

APGA - 50

CPP - 10

ID - 08

KOWA - 03

LP - 05

NPPP - 05

NCP - 15

NNPP - 04

PDC - 54

PDP - 10,843

Total Valid Votes: 40,611

Total Votes Cast: 42,728

Rej Votes: 2,127

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12:57

One Michael Enahoro, who was wounded during the protest, complaining that police beat him up for demanding his right.

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12:51 Protesters have successfully been dispersed and calm has returned to the INEC Office

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12:41 ETSAKO EAST LGA RESULTS

TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS - 66,277





AA - 02

ACP - 30

APC - 18,078 (Winner)

KOWA - 02

LP - 02

NPPP - 02

NCP - 07

NNPP - 03

PDP - 12,552

Total Votes Cast: 31,914

Rejected Votes: 1,056

---------------------------------

12:39

"I feel dehumanized and disenfranchised.INEC is giving Nigeria a bad name.They are cancelling results at the units where the PDP won to arrive at a predetermined end," says Senator Matthew Urhoghide,representing Edo-South senatorial district,who led PDP supporters to protest at the INEC office.

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12:35 KOWA agent wants elections cancelled and a fresh poll conducted

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12:32 Edo PDP distances self from INEC result

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state has distanced itself from the results being announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).



It was gathered that the party described the results so far announced as a predetermined fabrication, accusing the INEC and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of electoral fraud as well as militarisation.

12:28 Esan Central LGA RESULTS ACCREDIED VOTERS - 21,400



AA - 72

ACD - 36

ACPN - 99

APC - 9,781

KOWA - 02

LP - 03

NPPP - 01

NCP - 02

PDC - 37

PDP - 10,180 (Winner)

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12:23 Etsako Central LGA RESULTS

AA - 01

ACP - 24

ACPN - 60

APC - 10,373 (Winner)

APGA - 05

CPP - 03

ID - 01

KOWA - 01

LP - 0

NPP - 02

NCP - 02

PDC - 27

PDP - 8,827

--------------------------------

12:19 Ovia North East LGA RESULT

APC 17561



PDP 13,141

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12:17 OWAN EAST LGA RESULTS

REGISTERED VOTERS -76,455

ACCREDITED VOTERS - 36,271





AA - 07

ACD - 73

ACPN - 213

APC - 21,233 (Winner)

APGA - 35

ID - 04

KOWA - 01

NPPP - 07

NCP - 12

NNPP - 07

PDC -

PDP - 12,889

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12:09 Collation of results resumes one again

----------------------------------

11:55 - Angry protesters in front of INEC office in Benin City

Video credit: Channels Tv

11:50 - The protest has led to increased tension in the area.

----------------------------

11:45 11:39

The police shot into the air and fired tear gas cannisters at the protesters, who are supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party.

----------------------------

11:40

The protesters had demanded that INEC suspends the collation of results from Esan North and Esan West and some other local governments.

----------------------------------

11:16 PDP agents and supporters are protesting results declared so far

-------------------------------

11:08

Collation to resume by 12pm.

--------------------------

11:02 There is a protest going on outside the collation center

---------------------------

11:00 We are half-way through as 9 LGAs results officially announced out of a total 18 LGAs in the state. There will be a break, party agents and INEC officials are moving out right now.

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10:52 ESAN WEST LGA RESULTS

TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS - 87,867

TOTAL ACCREDITED VOTERS - 31,866

AA - 04

ACD - 65

ACPN - 172

APC - 13,114

APGA - 36

CPP - 13

ID - 12

KOWA - 01

LP - 05

NPPP - 27

NCP - 13

NNPP - 06

PDC - 79

PDP - 16,311 (Winner)

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10:41 Orhionmwon LGA RESULTS

REGISTERED VOTERS - 102,921

ACCREDITED VOTERS - 34,270





AA - 7

ACG - 85

ACPN - 149

APC - 15,262

APGA - 37

CPP - 13

IG - 04

KOWA - 07

LP - 08

NPPP - 05

NCP - 14

NNPP - 09

PDC - 58

PDP - 16,446 (Winner)

PPA - 68

PPN - 05

SDP - 08

UPP - 21

YGP - 07





VALID VOTES - 32,213

REJECTED VOTES - 1,788

TOTAL VOTES CAST - 34,001

-----------------------------

10:34 The PDP agent wants the result from Oredo LG recounted, arguing that there are some disparities in the results.

---------------------------------

10:31 The dispute is over the result for Oredo Local Government

----------------------------------

10:28 collation center gets rowdy

--------------------------------

10:24 Owan East LGA Results

APC - 12,862



PDP - 10,132



APGA - 21

------------------------------------

10:15 OREDO LGA RESULTS

REGISTERED VOTERS - 273,614

ACCREDITED VOTERS - 74,076





AA - 16

ACD - 156

ACPN - 420

APC - 37,612 (Winner)

APGA - 162

CPP - 23

LP - 45

KOWA - 08

NPPP - 09

NCP - 42

NNPP - 09

PDC - 226

PDP - 30,492

---------------------------------------

10:05 Esan South-East LGA RESULTS

REGISTERED VOTERS - 66,698

ACCREDITED VOTERS - 22,522





AA -01

ACP - 27

ACPN - 84

APC - 9,554

APGA - 17

CPP - 9

IP - 04

KOWA - 03

LP - 05

NPP - 01

NCP - 08

NNPP - 03

PDC - 38

PDP - 11,466 (Winner)

PPA - 18

PPN - 04

SDP - 03

UPP - 01

YDP - 04





TOTAL VALID VOTES - 21,250

REJECTED VOTES - 806

TOTAL VOTE CASTS - 22,056





PDP WINS IT WITH A MARGIN OF 1,912 VOTES

------------------------------------------------

09:41 IGUEBEN LGA RESULTS

REGISTERED VOTERS - 42,655

ACCREDITED VOTERS - 16,482



AA -01

ACD - 31

ACPN - 45

APC - 7,802 (Winner)

APGA - 06

PDC - 26

PDP - 7,560



------------------------------------------------------

9:20 am: EGOR LGA RESULTS

TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS - 184,296





REGISTRATION AREA - 10

ACCREDITED VOTER - 49,802

AA -18

ACD - 184

APC -26,177

ACPN - 351

APGA - 112

TPP - 16

KOWA -05

LP - 17

NPPP - 10

NCP - 23

NNPP - 15

PDC - 122

PDP - 19,514

APC WINS EGOR LGA WITH A MARGIN OF 6,663

-----------------------------------

9:11am: OWAN WEST LGA RESULTS

Registered voters: 54,406

AA - 04

ACD -3838

ACPN - 106

APC - 12,862 (Winner)

APGA - 21

PPP- 03

PDP - 10,132

TOTAL VOTE CAST - 24,292

----------------------------------------------------------------





- Heavy rain in Edo as INEC declares APC's Godwin Obaseki winnerAA - 155ACD - 1,350ACPN - 3,184APGA - 876ID - 99KOWA - 75LP - 182NPPP - 125NCP - 294NNPP - 118PDC - 1,289PDP's agent, Chris Agbonwanegbe, refuses to sign the result sheet, which he said was "rehearsed and produced".Party agents are signing the resultsINEC RESUMES COLLATION OF RESULTSHold PDP responsible for any violence after announcement" - Godwin Obaseki Campaign Team tells Police--------------------------The result for Ovia South-West is yet to be collated, no reason given for the delay.Meanwhile, battle-ready policemen were seen by our correspondents all over the state.---------------------------The All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the Edo governorship election, Mr., currently ahead of his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),, with 62, 306 votes.The APC has polled 306,663 votes, while the PDP garnered 244,363 in all the local government areas where results have been officially announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).Results of 17 out of 18 LGAs in Edo State have been announced by INEC.The APC won in 12 LGAs, while PDP triumphed in five.Ovia South West which has 79, 989 registered voters is the only local government whose results have not been declared.
Although collation is still ongoing at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (P...

Although collation is still ongoing at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the result of the Edo state governorship election.Addressing reporters at his Benin residence, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the PDP, described the results being announced by INEC as a rape of democracy.Ize-Iyamu said his party monitored the the election through its agents across the state.Contrary to claim that PDP brought in 8,000 militants, the election showed that PDP is law-abiding and did not involve in illegality. The delays in announcing official result by INEC was in order to announce predetermined fabricated results, he said.The Figures being announced by INEC do not represent the massive turnout. We have told our agents to bring all the results issued at the polling units. We do not want to rely on the messages they sent.In the next three or four days, will have complete record. From findings, it is clear a lot of manipulation has taken place.Dan Orbih, chairman of the PDP in Edo, alleged that INEC conspired with the APC government to truncate the wish of the people.Like Ize-Iyamu, Orbih said the results announced were at a complete variance with what the party got from it agents and independent observers.He alleged that the two-week extension of the poll by the electoral body was to allow for more time to perfect the manipulation of the process.You will recall that our state publicity secretary had briefed the press less than 48 hours to the elections on what is playing out now, he said.If you go by the results that were announced at the polling units and wards across the state, it shows that PDP would have won by over 30,000 votes.What INEC is announcing is clearly different from what we got from our agents and independent observers in the 192 wards and over 2,000 units across the state.We are rejecting these results as they were being announced by INEC and we are coming out early enough to make this known.He said the cancellation of some results on the basis of failed card reader was part of a deliberate plan to also manipulate the poll.Orbih alleged that the areas were results were canceled were stronghold of the PDP.I wonder what the Incident Form is for. Voters should not be made to suffer unduly for the inefficiency of card readers, he said.
Federal Government may have put off its earlier plan to build 10,000 primary health care centres across all senatorial zones across the ...

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole

Federal Government may have put off its earlier plan to build 10,000 primary health care centres across all senatorial zones across the country, NE learnt on Thursday.Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said the decision to cancel the project was on the advice of Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who felt that the states may not be able to meet up with their contributions.Adewole spoke during an audience with Under-Secretary-General and Executive-Director, United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin in AbujaAbsolving the Finance minister of any blame, Adewole said the minister (Finance) had earlier pledged upon assumption of office that the PHCs would be made available by President Buhari-led administration within four years, and that the nations health systems would be driven through it.But with the turn of event in the country, she was concerned that the states may not be able to meet up with their contributions. This, Adeosun said will be a burden on the Federal Government.Minister of Health had on Tuesday assured the country that government would harmonize various departments in the ministry for effective performance. He said most of the health projects in the country are funded by sponsors, and that the best way to show seriousness as a government, and appreciate such aids is to expend the funds through a well-coordinated channel.He said of the PHCs: Truly, we came up with the agenda of revitalizing one PHC per political ward, that would lead us to ensuring 1000 PHCs are in place. But, then, there is a problem. Government set up an inter-ministerial committee. At our first meeting, it was obvious, the Minister of Finance said wait a minute, when you take this up, the local government and states will abandon its responsibility. And, when they abandon it for you, you are in trouble.About 40 percent of the resources go into personnel cost. So, if you want to bear the responsibility of the resources, you want to bear responsibility for commodities, then, what exactly will the states be doing?So, we are trying to repackage the concept. We are taking on one hundred and ten for pilot. We are going through the backdoor, using the Save-One-Million-Lives, which is actually $500 million facility from the World Bank. Weve given out to the states as grant, and what weve done is to advance them and advance payment at $1.5million. Use this, and then, in a years time, we would re-evaluate and match you with you. In other words, we compared, say Lagos State in 2015 with Lagos State in 2016. We then advance them with rewards based on improvements. And, Ive been talking to many of the state governors, saying use this to strengthen your primary health care system. I think many of them are listening. If they do not invest, there will be nothing for them next year.He added that one of the core goals of the ministry under his leadership is promote family planning services as the best way for mothers to plan and live their lives meaningfully.In his remark, Prof. Osotimehin, who was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, United Kingdoms Department for International Development, DfID, Mark Lowcock, expressed the concern of UNFPA and DfID over high maternal death rate in the country.He however reiterated the support of international community for the country to reduce the incidence. He however informed that family planning would effectively reduce the deaths by 30 percent, and that it should be embraced by all people in the country.
The Edo State governorship election, held on Wednesday, appeared to be a tight race between the candidate of the All Progressives Congres...

The Edo State governorship election, held on Wednesday, appeared to be a tight race between the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.Early results from some wards in the state, which had not been authenticated by the Independent National Electoral Commission, indicated that the two candidates were running neck and neck in the poll.The two main parties, however, claimed to have gained comfortable lead in the election while accusing each other of planning to rig the poll.While unconfirmed results showed that the PDP won seven out of the eight units in Ward 3, Uromi in the Esan North-East Local Government Area, where a former chairman of the BoT of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, hails from, the APC won one unit.Also, the APC lost in the polling unit of the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where the PDP emerged victorious.The APC, on its own, won in Ward 7 in the Oredo Local Government Area of the state.The APC scored 4,412 votes while the PDP got 4,047 votes.The governorship candidate of the PDP in the 2012 election in the state, Maj. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd.), who is now a stalwart of the APC, led the ruling party to beat the PDP in Unit 18, 19, 20 and 21 of Ward one in the Oredo LGA.In Unit 18, PDP got 158 while the APC got 259. In Unit 19, APC scored 146 and PDP polled 85.In Unit 20, the APC got 259 votes while the PDP polled 208 votes and in Unit 21, the APC scored 128 votes leaving the PDP with 98 votes.In Oredo Ward 12, out of the accredited 4,399 voters, the PDP took the lead with 2,066, leaving the APC with 2,041.In Oredo Ward 4, out of the total accredited voters of 4,911, the APC scored 3,058 while the PDP polled 1,541.The national leadership of the PDP alleged on Wednesday night that the APC was planning to overturn its alleged victory in the Edo State governorship election.The party said the results it received from its agents in the state indicated that it was leading the APC with a wide merging in the election.Spokesperson for the party and member of its National Caretaker Committee, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye, stated this in a statement in Abuja.Adeyeye said, Having received results from our agents at approximately 1,800 of the 2,627 polling units spread across the 192 wards in the 18 local government areas of Edo State, we can confirm that our party has attained a near unassailable lead in the Edo State governorship election.The results so far confirmed to us that our candidate has garnered approximately 55 per cent of the total votes cast by voters.He alleged that the PDP was aware of the alleged connivance between the state government and a national commissioner at INEC to rig the election in favour of the ruling party in the state.Adeyeye, a former minister of state for works, added, We will like to reiterate our earlier note of warning: The Edo people and our party will resist any attempt to subvert the collective will of the people as expressed by their votes today.He urged members and supporters of the party in the state to continue guarding their votes at the ward collation centres and the local government collation centres.Eternal vigilance is the price we all have to pay for victory, he added.Also in a statement, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, said it was surprised that INEC had delayed the announcement of the results from wards.He said, Voting stopped at 2pm and votes were counted immediately at the unit levels. From results made available to us, we are in a very comfortable lead.We are, however, shocked that up until now, no ward result has been declared.We are aware that the APC and INEC plan to change the results at the collation centres and we wish to want that any change of the results will be met with stiff resistance.But reacting to claims by the PDP, the APC said the opposition party was being mischievous as usual.The APC National Vice-Chairman (South), Mr. Segun Oni, said, The PDP is simply being mischievous.From the results I have seen from the field, from where we are monitoring the elections here in Abuja, the APC is in a comfortable lead.Out of a hundred, the PDP has not won five, even in units they claim to have won. We are investigating because the number of voters exceeds the number of registered voters per unit.Also, the state Chairman of the APC, Anselm Ojezua, dismissed the allegation, describing it as mischievous, since only INEC had the constitutional power to determine the winner of the election.Ojezua said, The fact that they are actually making those claims already tells me that there is mischief in the air because it is traditional that even when you know what the situation is, you have to wait for INEC to announce the results.If you see the fantastic results that are being posted from certain locations, you know that they could not have been credible. Therefore, I think that what they are doing is just to create more confusion.He, however, expressed concern on the announcement of results from the Ovia North-East Local Government Area on the Internet.Ojezua added, We are concerned about the figure being circulated on the Internet about the Ovia North-East. Certainly, we are collating the results and we will officially respond.Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Isaac Eke, described the election as very peaceful.Speaking through the Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 5, Emeka Iheanacho, in an interview with one of our correspondents, Eke said the election was peaceful.He said, The process has been peaceful; there was no hindrance to voters to exercise their franchise.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday suspended its former Chairman, Appropriations Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, from the parliamen...

The House of Representatives on Wednesday suspended its former Chairman, Appropriations Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, from the parliament for 180 legislative days .He was also banned from holding any position of responsibility in the House for the rest of the 8th National Assembly.In addition, he would tender a written apology to the House on resumption from suspension.This followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges which investigated allegations of breach of privileges of the House and its members by Jibrin.The suspended lawmaker had soon after his removal as chairman, Appropriations Committee, accused the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara; the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun; Whip, Alhassan Doguwa, and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, alongside some committee chairmen of budget fraud.He also accused his colleagues of systemic corruption which he said he had a divine mandate to expose with a view to engineering reforms.His public statements angered members of the House who were then observing their annual recess.On resumption, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Emmanuel Orker-Jev, moved a motion citing a breach of the privilege of the House and its members against Jibrin.The matter was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigations.Presenting the report on the floor of the House during plenary on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Committee, Nicolas Ossai, said after a week-long investigations, his panel found Jibrin guilty on all counts.Ossai said, Hon Orker-Jev underscored the gravity of the allegations (made by Jibrin) as a calculated campaign of calumny, denigration of the House and publication of false and scandalous statements with libellous, contemptuous and defamatory contents in various media platforms.He said during its sitting the committee received oral evidences, electronic records and written documents from Orker-Jev and Channels Television.As part of his testimony before the committee, Orker-Jev was quoted as quoting Jibrin as saying,As it stands today, these corrupt elements have infested the House, making the institution a hub of systemic corruption.I repeat, there is massive individual and systemic corruption in the House of Representatives. And all Nigerians have a responsibility to avail themselves of this rare opportunity to flush out corruption in the House.He tendered copies of several national and regional newspapers as well as discs containing visual and audio recordings of Jibrin making these comments on national television.Ossai expressed regret at the respondents refusal to honour the committees invitation even when it agreed to make the hearing public.The committee said from its findings, the fact that Jibrin made the statements credited to him was not in doubt.It also said, The committee found that those statements were broad sweeping without proof; consequently the committee views those statements as injurious, scandalous and denigrating to the House as an institution.That the committee considers that the actions of Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, taken as a whole, amount to an infraction of Sections 21 and 24 of the Legislative Houses (Power and Privileges) Act and the rules of the House.The committee finds that Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin breached the practices, precedents and usages of the House of Representatives in that the House has established procedure for expressing and redressing grievances which he didnt follow.The committee then recommended that Abdulmumin Jibrin, should be reprimanded in accordance with Chapter 9(1) of the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Representatives.Deputy Speaker of the House, Yusuf Lasun, who presided over the session, put the committees report and its recommendations to a voice vote and it was unanimously approved.In his reaction to the development, Jibrin said the entire process leading to his suspension was flawed and as far as he was concerned, it is a non-issue and complete nonsense and it is not going to stand anywhere in the world.As you are aware, the matter is a subject of litigation, I have instructed my lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, to file charges of contempt against Speaker Dogara and of course the House of Representatives and Im sure the matter will move over to the judiciary and decision will be taken. Im pretty sure it will be in my favour.Falana, who berated Dogara over the suspension of Jibrin, said the suspension would not stand the test of time.In a message sent to our correspondent via email, Falana said, It is the height of contempt. It is a primitive resort to self-help by the House of Representatives. Since the matter is in court, the House deliberately breached its rule of not interfering with pending judicial proceedings.In his desperation to cover up the scandal the Speaker, Honourable Dogara, made himself the accuser, witness, prosecutor and judge at the same time and thereby breached the elementary rule of nemo judex in causa sua (thou shall not be a judge in your own cause).
MTN on Wednesday denied allegations that it illegally repatriated $13.92bn from Nigeria.

MTN on Wednesday denied allegations that it illegally repatriated $13.92bn from Nigeria.Its denial came on the heels of allegations made on the floor of the Senate by Dino Melaye on Tuesday that MTN illegally transferred the funds out of the country over a period of 10 years in collusion with some banks.The allegations made against MTN are completely unfounded and without any merit, the MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman, said in a statement on Wednesday.MTN shares fell more than three per cent on Tuesday and slipped by another 0.4 per cent on Wednesday.The Senate had resolved on Tuesday to investigate whether the telecommunications company illegally transferred the money between 2006 and 2016.The Senate motion accused Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank and Diamond Bank of involvement in the alleged illegal transfers, while the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, was listed among people used by MTN to help repatriate the funds.According to Reuters, Citi Bank and Diamond Bank declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Stanbic was unavailable, and Standard Chartered said it would cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.A spokesperson for Enelamah did not respond to requests for comment.
Dr Trinh Hong Son and Pham Sy Long

While Italian neurosurgeon Dr Sergio Canavero says a human head transplant surgery may be carried out next year in Vietnam, Vietnamese agencies say they have not been informed about this.



The Independent on September 20 quoted Dr Sergio Canavero from Turin University as reporting that the procedure could be possible as early as next year and that a hospital in Vietnam says it is willing to host the surgery.According to the Italian surgeon, his research has shown that it is possible to connect the spinal cord  the biggest problem in attaching a new body to a human head.Sergio Canavero and his team from South Korea conducted surgery with a small dog which was paralyzed after a neck injury and severe impact to the spine. After two weeks, the dog could move two of its legs and walk after three weeks.Meanwhile, two Vietnamese agencies allowed by the Ministry of Health to take registrations for organ tissue donation said they had not been informed about the first human head transplant.The agencies include the Division on Coordinating the Human Organ Transplantation at Cho Ray Hospital and the National Coordination Center for Human Organ Transplantation in Hanoi, put under the management of the Ministry of Health (MOH).Trinh Hong Son, director of the National Coordination Center for Human Organ Transplantation, affirmed that he has not received any information about the first transplant operation from either the hospitals in Vietnam or the Italian surgeon.I once made scientific reports on human head transplant, but this was just research, he said.Meanwhile, Du Thi Ngoc Thu, head of the Division on Coordinating the Human Organ Transplantation at Cho Ray Hospital, commented that it is beyond capacity to organize a human head transplant operation and there has been no such a plan.This is quite a complicated procedure, and Cho Ray Hospital has not carried out any plans related to this kind of operation. I have not heard anything about this, she said.In August 2016, Pham Sy Long, 28, from Nghi Xuan district in Ha Tinh province, registered to have his head to be transplanted with another body.Long was paralyzed after falling and had a spinal cord injury in 2003. At that time, he was 15 years old and a ninth grader.Long once dreamed of becoming a cook or a soldier. However, the accident has tied his life to a wheelchair and hospital bed.Since then, he has been practicing writing and drawing pictures with his mouth. He is optimistic and now nurtures a hope of becoming healthy thanks to the head transplant technique.If the surgery fails, Long is willing to donate his body.

Dat Viet
Long Pond Ironworks in Passaic County, Which Made Iron for U.S. Troops, to Host Civil War Living History Weekend October 1-2

HISTORIC SITE WILL OFFER TOURS, MILITARY DEMONSTRATIONS, TALKS AND MORE

(16/P92) TRENTON  Life during wartime as seen through the eyes of Union soldiers will be the focus of the annual Civil War Living History Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, at Long Pond Ironworks State Park in West Milford, Passaic County, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced.



The event, co-hosted by the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks and 6th New Hampshire Volunteers re-enactors, will provide hourly camp life and military demonstrations by Union Army re-enactors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, and from 10 a. m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2. A donation of $5 per adult and $1 per child is requested. Proceeds will benefit restoration and interpretation at Long Pond Ironworks. The property is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Seeing how soldiers lived during wartime is an important window through which we can learn more about our history, particularly at Long Pond Ironworks, which produced iron for the Continental Army in the American Revolution and for the Union Army in the Civil War, said Mark Texel, DEPs Director of Parks and Forestry. Long Pond Ironworks is just as important today with its focus on educating visitors about New Jerseys place in military history.

In addition to appreciating the rich history of this historic site, visitors to Long Pond Ironworks State Park can see how the park has transformed over the years to a beautiful property filled with forests and a river that cascades over ancient rock formations, Texel added.

The 6th New Hampshire Volunteers was one of the only regiments to fight in all theaters of the Civil War and return with their original regimental colors. During the weekend event, the Union camp will be open for visitors to tour. Re-enactors will offer demonstrations on military drills, a day in the life of a soldier, and give talks on various aspects of the war and being a soldier.



"Visitors will want to come to Long Pond Ironworks because the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers bring the Historic District to life for the weekend, with educational activities and demonstrations of camp life during the U.S. Civil War, said Susan Deeks, a member of the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks Board of Directors. Though no battles were actually fought as far north as Passaic County, West Milford still played a crucial role in giving the North its munitions advantage over the South. Visitors who come to the annual Civil War Weekend can see firsthand the iron blast furnace where the very first American gunmetal was made by Cooper, Hewitt & Company."

At 8 p.m. Saturday, the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks will offer a guided Candlelight Tour through the 175-acre Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, which is an example of the ironworks plantations established in the American Colonies prior to the nation gaining its independence. The village and furnaces at Long Pond produced iron for the Continental Army, for the American forces in the War of 1812, and for the Union Army during the Civil War. The tour will provide a glimpse of village life and Civil War military camps at night. Musicians with the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers will perform 19th Century music as a highlight of the tour.

Advance registration for the Candlelight Tour is required and space is limited. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child. Children under 12 years of age will not be admitted. To make a reservation, call (973) 657-1688 and leave a message with your name, tour time, number of tickets, and telephone number in order for your reservation to be confirmed.

This project is funded, in part, by the Passaic County Cultural and Heritage Council of Passaic County Community College, made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.

The 175-acre Long Pond Ironworks was founded in 1766 and operated continually until 1882, making iron for a wide range of purposes. The ironworks is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, the ruins of three furnaces and other unique structures remain within Long Pond Ironworks State Park.

The Friends of Long Pond Ironworks, Inc. is a nonprofit volunteer organization working in cooperation with the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry to preserve, restore, and interpret the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District. For information, call the Friends group at (973) 657-1688, email info@LongPondIronworks.org or visit www.LongPondIronworks.org

For more information about the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers, email wallyda@optonline.net or visit www.6nhv.org

PHOTO PAGE 1/6th New Hampshire Volunteers

PHOTO PAGE 2/Beth Salvatori
Shimon Peres Nobel Lecture

Shimon Peres delivering his Nobel Prize lecture.  Knudsens fotosenter/Dextra Photo, Norsk Teknisk Museum.

Your Majesties,

Members of the Nobel Committee,

Prime Minister Brundtland,

Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin,

Chairman Arafat,

Members of the Norwegian Government,

Distinguished Guests,

I thank the Nobel Prize Committee for its decision to name me among the laureates of the Peace Prize this year.

I am pleased to be receiving this Prize together with Yitzhak Rabin, with whom I have labored for long years for the defence of our country and with whom I now labor together in the cause of peace in our region.

I believe it is fitting that the Prize has been awarded to Yasser Arafat. His abandonment of the path of confrontation in favor of the path of dialogue, has opened the way to peace between ourselves and the Palestinian people.

We are leaving behind us the era of belligerency and are striding together toward peace. It all began here in Oslo under the wise auspices and goodwill of the Norwegian people.

From my earliest youth, I have known that while one is obliged to plan with care the stages of ones journey, one is entitled to dream, and keep dreaming, of its destination. A man may feel as old as his years, yet as young as his dreams. The laws of biology do not apply to sanguine aspiration.

I was born in a small Jewish town in White Russia. Nothing Jewish now remains of it. From my youngest childhood I related to my place of birth as a mere way station. My familys dream, and my own, was to live in Israel, and our eventual voyage to the port of Jaffa was like making a dream come true. Had it not been for this dream and this voyage, I would probably have perished in the flames, as did so many of my people, among them most of my own family.

I went to school at an agricultural youth village in the heart of Israel. The village and its fields were enclosed by barbed wire which separated their greenness from the bleakness of the enmity all around. In the morning, we would go out to the fields with scythes on our backs to harvest the crop. In the evening, we went out with rifles on our shoulders to defend our village. On Sabbaths we would go out to visit our Arab neighbors. On Sabbaths, we would talk with them of peace, though the rest of the week we traded rifle fire across the darkness.

From the Ben Shemen youth village, my comrades and I went to Kibbutz Alumot in the Lower Galilee. We had no houses, no electricity, no running water. But we had magnificent views and a lofty dream: to build a new, egalitarian society that would ennoble each of its members.

Not all of it came true, but not all of it went to waste. The part that came true created a new landscape. The part that did not come true resides in our hearts.

For two decades, at the Ministry of Defence, I was privileged to work closely with a man who was and remains, to my mind, the greatest Jew of our time. From him I learned that the vision of the future should shape the agenda for the present; that one can overcome obstacles by dint of faith; that one may feel disappointment  but never despair. And above all, I learned that the wisest consideration is the moral one. David Ben-Gurion has passed away, yet his vision continues to flourish: to be a singular people, to live at peace with our neighbors.

The wars we fought were forced upon us. Thanks to the Israel Defence Forces, we won them all, but we did not win the greatest victory that we aspired to: release from the need to win victories.

We proved that the aggressors do not necessarily emerge as the victors, but we learned that the victors do not necessarily win peace.

It is no wonder that war, as a means of conducting human affairs, is in its death throes and that the time has come to bury it.

The sword, as the Bible teaches us, consumes flesh but it cannot provide sustenance. It is not rifles but people who triumph, and the conclusion from all the wars is that we need better people, not better rifles  to win wars, and mainly to avoid them.

There was a time when war was fought for lack of choice. Today it is peace that is the no-choice option. The reasons of this are profound and incontrovertible. The sources of material wealth and political power have changed. No longer are they determined by the size of territory obtained by war. Today they are a consequence of intellectual potential, obtained principally by education.

Israel, essentially a desert country, has achieved remarkable agricultural yields by applying science to its fields, without expanding its territory or its water resources.

Science must be learned; it cannot be conquered. An army that can occupy knowledge has yet to be built. And that is why armies of occupation are a thing of the past. Indeed, even for defensive purposes, a country cannot rely on its army alone. Territorial frontiers are no obstacle to ballistic missiles, and no weapon can shield from a nuclear device. Today, therefore the battle for survival must be based on political wisdom and moral vision no less than on military might.

Science, technology, and information are  for better or worse  universal. They are universally available. Their availability is not contingent on the color of skin or the place of birth. Past distinctions between West and East, North and South, have lost their importance in the face of a new distinction: between those who move ahead in pace with the new opportunities and those who lag behind.

Countries used to divide the world into their friends and foes. No longer. The foes now are universal  poverty, famine, religious radicalization, desertification, drugs, profileration of nuclear weapons, ecological devastation. They threaten all nations, just as science and information are the potential friends of all nations.

Classical diplomacy and strategy were aimed at identifying enemies and confronting them. Now they have to identify dangers, global or local, and tackle them before they become disasters.

As we part a world of enemies, we enter a world of dangers. And if future wars break out, they will probably be wars of protest, of the weak against the strong, and not wars of occupation, of the strong against the weak.

The Middle East must never lose pride in having been the cradle of civilization. But though living in the cradle, we cannot remain infants forever.

Today as in my youth, I carry dreams. I would mention two: the future of the Jewish people and the future of the Middle East.

In history, Judaism has been far more successful than the Jews themselves. The Jewish people remained small but the spirit of Jerusalem went from strength to strength. The Bible is to be found in hundreds of millions of homes. The moral majesty of the Book of Books has been undefeated by the vicissitudes of history.

Moreover, time and again, history has succumbed to the Bibles immortal ideas. The message that the one, invisible God created Man in His image, and hence there are no higher and lower orders of man, has fused with the realization that morality is the highest form of wisdom and, perhaps, of beauty and courage too.

Slings, arrows and gas chambers can annihilate man, but cannot destroy human values, dignity, and freedom.

Jewish history presents an encouraging lesson for mankind. For nearly four thousand years, a small nation carried a great message. Initially, the nation dwelt in its own land; later, it wandered in exile. This small nation swam against the tide and was repeatedly persecuted, banished, and down-trodden. There is no other example in all of history, neither among the great empires nor among their colonies and dependencies  of a nation, after so long a saga of tragedy and misfortune, rising up again, shaking itself free, gathering together its dispersed remnants, and setting out anew on its national adventure. Defeating doubters within and enemies without. Reviving its land and its language. Rebuilding its identity, and reaching toward new heights of distinction and excellence.

The message of the Jewish people to mankind is that faith and moral vision can triumph over all adversity.

The conflicts shaping up as our century nears its close will be over the content of civilizations, not over territory. Jewish culture has lived over many centuries; now it has taken root again on its own soil. For the first time in our history, some five million people speak Hebrew as their native language. That is both a lot and a little: a lot, because there have never been so many Hebrew speakers; but a little, because a culture based on five million people can hardly withstand the pervasive, corrosive effect of the global television culture.

In the five decades of Israels existence, our efforts have focused on reestablishing our territorial center. In the future, we shall have to devote our main effort to strengthen our spiritual center. Judaism  or Jewishness  is a fusion of belief, history, land, and language. Being Jewish means belonging to a people that is both unique and universal. My greatest hope is that our children, like our forefathers, will not make do with the transient and the sham, but will continue to plow the historical Jewish furrow in the field of the human spirit; that Israel will become the center of our heritage, not merely a homeland for our people; that the Jewish people will be inspired by others but at the same be to them a source of inspiration.

In the Middle East most adults are impoverished and wretched. A new scale of priorities is needed, with weapons on the bottom rung and a regional market economy at the top. Most inhabitants of the region  more than sixty percent  are under the age of eighteen. A new future can be offered to them. Israel has computerized its education and has achieved excellent results. Education can be computerized throughout the Middle East, allowing young people to progress not just from grade to grade, but from generation to generation.

Israels role in the Middle East should be to contribute to a great, sustained regional revival. A Middle East without wars, without enemies, without ballistic missiles, without nuclear warheads.

A Middle East in which men, goods and services can move freely without the need for customs clearance and police licenses.

A Middle East in which every believer will be free to pray in his own language  Arabic, Hebrew, Latin, or whatever language he chooses  and in which the prayers will reach their destination without censorship, without interference, and without offending anyone.

A Middle East in which nations strive for economic equality and encourage cultural pluralism.

A Middle East where every young woman and man can attain university education.

A Middle East where living standards are in no way inferior to those in the worlds most advanced countries.

A Middle East where waters flow to slake thirst, to make crops grow and deserts bloom, in which no hostile borders bring death, hunger, and despair.

A Middle East of competition, not of domination. A Middle East in which men are each others hosts, not hostages.

A Middle East that is not a killing field but a field of creativity and growth.

A Middle East that honors its history so deeply that it strives to add to it new noble chapters.

A Middle East which will serve as a spiritual and cultural focal point for the entire world.

While thanking for the Prize, I remain committed to the process. We have reached the age where dialogue is the only option for our world.

From Nobel Lectures, Peace 1991-1995, Editor Irwin Abrams, World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore, 1999

Copyright  The Nobel Foundation 1994

To cite this section

MLA style: Shimon Peres  Nobel Lecture. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Mon. 31 Oct 2022. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1994/peres/lecture/>
In Orleans murder-for-hire case: 'I was going to put a bullet in her'
New Orleans East widow 'an evil lady' who lied about husband's death, witness says
Murder-for-hire case goes to New Orleans jury on Friday as widow stays silent
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)  Survivors of Hurricane Ian face a long emotional road to recover from one of the most damaging storms to hit the U.S. mainland. For those who lost everything to disaster, the anguish can be crushing to return home to find so much gone. Grief can run the gamut from frequent tears to utter despair. The Lee County medical examiner says two men in their 70s even took their own lives a day apart after viewing their losses. Experts say suicides climb after disasters and more funding for mental health should be provided as climate change makes storms and fires more frequent and devastating.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House Jan. 6 committee plans to unveil "surprising" details at its next public hearing about the 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol. The session Thursday afternoon is likely to be the last public hearing before midterm elections next month. The panel is expected to include new evidence from the U.S. Secret Service about its actions with Donald Trump that day. Ahead of a report later this year, the panel is summing up its findings. The committee says Trump, after he lost the 2020 presidential election, launched an unprecedented attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory. They say the result was the deadly mob siege of the Capitol.
Did you know people are STILL trying to ban books? When someone (usually a parent) requests that a book is taken off the shelf or out of the hands of readers that is called a challenge and is the first step to banning. Every year the American Library Association releases lists of the most challenged books from the year before. In 2015 the third most challenged book is a book I have shared multiple times here on the blog.

This post contains affiliate links.

I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings. This picture book is about a transgender girl Jazz and her and her familys journey of acceptance and understanding of what it means to be transgender. The overall theme is about acceptance of yourself and others, something we all need to hear.

When I saw that this book that I think is so important was on the most challenged list I contacted the author Jessica Herthel and asked if she had the time to answer a few questions, her passion is infectious and she reached out to me when I experienced a backlash to my LGBTQ book list in the spring. I was overjoyed that she took the time to share her insightful thoughts because there have been much bigger outlets like The Guardian asking for her time as well.

Your book I am Jazz is number three on the ALAs top ten most challenged books of 2015. According to their data, most challengers are parents. As a parent do you feel as though you would ever request a book be removed and made inaccessible to students?

Ms. Herthel: If I am being totally honest, I can indeed imagine a scenario in which I might make a knee-jerk decision to contact my childrens school or library and ask them to remove a book. If, for example, the book dealt with a subject matter that I thought my child was too young to know about, or that I wanted to shield her from because I thought it might be upsetting, then sure, I could see having an initial instinct to do that. I hope, however, that after a little bit of time and reflection, I would realize that the solution to this perceived problem is never to outright censor the idea. I hope I would recognize that my instinct to censor comes from a place of fear: namely, a fear that my child would be saddened or confused by something. But of course, when ignorance or fear is allowed to fester, it often results in harmful or hateful prejudices. I hope that I would reconsider my request, and seize upon the opportunity to start a conversation with my child that we might not have otherwise had. I hope that I would take the time to educate myself, and examine my own fears and prejudices, such that my child and I could have an age-appropriate dialogue about what must be an important topic.

Do you have any advice for teachers or librarians who want to expand their class or school libraries to include your book but are afraid of possible backlash?

Ms.Herthel: My advice is this: Act first, apologize later. One thing we learned from a protest of our book in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin (which ended up becoming a national news story!) is that asking permission to read I Am Jazz sometimes backfires. In Mount Horeb, some people reacted negatively to the book without even having read it; they just heard about the subject matter and decided that it wasnt appropriate for six-year-olds. This, when their kids were already going to school with an openly transgender six-year-old! People fear what they dont understand, so I encourage anyone who is going to include I Am Jazz in their library or classroom to also make it available to the parents and the community at large, along with some educational resources like Transgender FAQ which is available on GLAADs website. Fact-based information (as opposed to fear-based judgment) is often the cure for anxiety and discomfort.

What would you say to a parent who feels strongly that your book should be removed from their school library?

Ms.Herthel: One thing I have learned from the past few years of doing LGBT youth advocacy is that, in order to be effective, you have to meet people where they are. This can be difficult, to say the least! But all people want to feel heard and seen, and that their opinions are being taken seriously. So to that parent I would say, I understand your concern; I, too, want to avoid my children being exposed to ideas that are too sophisticated or too confusing for their age level. That said, have you read the book? Do you recognize that its overarching message is one of accepting differences, and how to be a good friend? Can you see why a transgender child might feel unsafe and unloved, and how important it is that that child, too, seen and heard and valued? Dont you want your child to learn how to respect and get along with people who dont look or feel like they do? In our diverse world, this is a priceless skill that a person is never too young to learn.

Picture books that include transgender and homosexual characters, or in your case a biography of a transgender child are over-represented on challenged book lists every year. They are also met with opposition from adults saying that the books are exposing young children to grown up issues. As a graduate student studying child development, I can say that research simply doesnt support this. Early childhood is the prime time to expose children to diversity, to accepting themselves and others. When you were in the process of writing, I Am Jazz did you expect a backlash? What was the drive to write and publish the book if you knew that you would be faced with such opposition?

Ms. Herthel: When we were writing I Am Jazz back in 2012, we did not yet have Laverne Cox, we did not yet have Caitlyn Jenner. What we did have were a couple of kids like Jazz Jennings, brave kids who were willing to step out of the shadows and unapologetically tell the whole world who they were. I knew that some people werent going to like or understand the book, but I also knew that for children out there who were struggling to understand where they fit in, reading Jazzs story could give them a glimmer of hope. And I believed that for every adult who found the book to be offensive, there would be one child who found comfort in the words on those pages. We wrote the book for those kids. The rest was just background noise.

Of the top ten most challenged books of 2015, nine included diverse content. The ALA defines diverse content as:

non-white main and/or secondary characters; LGBT main and/or secondary characters; disabled main and/or secondary characters; issues about race or racism; LGBT issues; issues about religion, which encompass in this situation the Holocaust and terrorism; issues about disability and/or mental illness; non-Western settings, in which the West is North America and Europe.

I find this trend very troubling and am curious to hear your thoughts on the connection between diverse content and the frequency of a book being challenged.

Ms. Herthel: It doesnt surprise me that the majority of complaints are on the basis of so-called diversity: I am guessing that white, Christian, non-LGBT people could potentially feel that these books threaten what they perceive to be an encroachment on their culture and their values (I put these words in quotation marks because I disagree with the notion that all white people, or all Christian people, or all straight people, are of one mind; but I get that some people think otherwise). The reality, however, is that American culture is evolving, and becoming more inclusive, and its only fitting that books and art and music represent that evolution. People may try to censor ideas that seem foreign to them, but they are waging a losing battle. As underrepresented groups find their voice, they are only going to speak more loudly as time goes on. Fortunately, theres room for all of us in the conversation.

What is next for you? Are there more books on the horizon?

Ms. Herthel: After the success of I Am Jazz, I absolutely considered writing another childrens book. But with bathroom bills and the confusion over school guidelines making national news headlines on a weekly basis, I realized that my advocacy on behalf of transgender youth has only just begun. All of the author proceeds from the book go directly to Jazzs charitable foundation, the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation, and I am going to personally focus on traveling the country and speaking about the book to as many people as will listen. Schools, churches, community centers, medical conferences, political action groups: I hope that I Am Jazz can reach all of these audiences and more. Only once the book has become completely irrelevant will my work on these issues be done.

__________________________________________________

You can read more about banned books on The American Library Associations Banned Books Week site, Scholastic Parents, and read why I read banned books to my kids here . I am eager to hear your thoughts on banned books as well. Do you think we should be restricting access to books like I Am Jazz? Tell me your thoughts here in comments or over on No Time For Flash Cards Facebook Page. As you know, I encourage thoughtful discussions and never expect all of us to agree.
TOWNVILLE, S.C. (AP)  The Latest on a teenager who is accused of killing his father before shooting three people at a school in South Carolina (all times local):

12:20 p.m.

First responders are holding a news conference to discuss a shooting at a South Carolina elementary school where three people were wounded.

Fire officials said on a voicemail message they planned to speak with reporters at 1 p.m. at the Townville Fire Department.

Authorities have said a volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at Townville Elementary School.

A teacher and one student were treated and released from a hospital. A second child is in critical condition Thursday.

A spokeswoman for the Anderson County Sheriff's Department said that agency had no news conferences planned and that its investigation is ongoing.

___

12:15 p.m.

The aunt of a teen suspected of killing his father, then wounding three people in a South Carolina elementary school shooting, says she wishes she could "turn back time."

Mitzi Clark Richards says in a statement provided to WHNS-TV (http://bit.ly/2dumk5i) that she has "no words to express the heartbreak" she feels after the shooting at Townville Elementary School. Richards also said the family planned to release another statement at a news conference later Thursday afternoon.

Richards' nephew is suspected of killing his father, then going several miles to the school, where he opened fire. A student and teacher were treated and released from the hospital. Another student remained in critical condition Thursday.

___

12 p.m.

The teacher who was wounded in a school shooting is in her 13th year of teaching.

Townville Elementary School's website says Meghan Hollingsworth has taught first grade since 2007.

Authorities say Hollingsworth was shot in the shoulder Wednesday by a teenager who killed his father before driving to the school and opening fire. A 6-year-old boy was wounded in the shooting and is in critical condition at a hospital. Hollingsworth and another boy who was wounded were treated and released from a hospital.

Hollingsworth has asked people coming to her home to respect her family's privacy. A note on her door says she's not interested in giving any interviews.

According to the school's website, she graduated from the College of Charleston in 2003 and earned her master's in 2007. Her husband is an engineering teacher at the career center for two nearby school districts. They have two children.

___

11:10 a.m.

A website set up to raise money for the care of a South Carolina boy hospitalized after being shot at his school has raised more than $13,000.

A GoFundMe page created by friends of Jacob Hall's family posted that amount as of Thursday morning. Organizers said they hoped to raise $50,000 to help pay for the boy's medical expenses.

Jacob remained in critical condition late Thursday morning at a hospital. Hospital officials plan to update his status again Thursday afternoon.

A teacher and another student were treated for gunshot wounds and released.

Officials say a teenager shot the students and the teacher outside the school after killing his father at their home.

___

11 a.m.

Authorities are not releasing 911 calls made after they say a teenager killed his father and opened fire at a South Carolina elementary school.

Anderson County Sheriff's Sgt. Laura Johnson said Thursday no audio is being released because it's an ongoing investigation. She did not know when the calls might be made public.

Authorities have said a Townville Elementary teacher called 911 as a teenager began shooting outside the school Wednesday afternoon. The teen was arrested within minutes.

One student remains in critical condition at a Greeneville hospital. Another student and a teacher were treated and released Wednesday from a hospital in Anderson.

Coroner Greg Shore said the teen's grandparents called 911 after finding their son, 47-year-old Jeffrey Osborne, dead in his home. They went to the home after receiving a call from the teen.

___

10:40 a.m.

Officials from the South Carolina school where two students and one teacher were wounded in a shooting are praising the "fearless" response of its teachers and staff.

Townville Elementary School also lauded first responders and community members who came to the aid of the school and its children during Wednesday's attack.

Anderson County sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole says officers and forensic specialists were going back to the school Thursday morning to resume their investigation. Officials say a teenager shot the students and the teacher outside the school after killing his father at their home.

The statement said the school's staff and teachers have practiced drills to prepare for many different events, but it took "quick thinking and common sense to act once an actual event presents on campus."

___

10 a.m.

The mother of a teen accused of killing his father and wounding two students and a teacher at a South Carolina elementary school says his family is "shocked and saddened."

In a statement Pastor James South provided to local media outlets, Tiffney Osborne says the family "cannot express the devastation we feel at the loss of our beloved Jeff."

Authorities said the shooting began Wednesday afternoon at the teen's house about 2 miles from the school, where he gunned down his 47-year-old father, Jeffrey Osborne.

Authorities have not released the suspect's name or age beyond saying he's a teen. South says Tiffney Osborne found out about the shooting through media reports.

A volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after the school shooting. A teacher and one student were treated and released from an Anderson hospital. A second child was in critical condition at a hospital in Greenville.

___

9:45 a.m.

The South Carolina teacher wounded in a school shooting says she does not want to talk to the media right now.

A note on the door of Townville Elementary School teacher Meghan Hollingsworth's home Thursday morning says her family appreciates people's concern. But she asks those coming to her home to respect their privacy. The note says she's not interested in giving any interviews.

Anderson County sheriff's officials say the teacher and two students were shot Wednesday afternoon by a teenager after he killed his father at their home. She and one of the students were treated and released from a hospital. The second student was in critical condition in Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A volunteer fighter responding to a dispatch call tackled the teen who deputies think did the shooting.

___

9:15 a.m.

Anderson County sheriff's deputies are returning to an elementary school where they say a teenager shot two students and a teacher after killing his father at their home.

Sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole said officers and forensic specialists are going back to Townville Elementary School on Thursday morning to resume their investigation.

A volunteer firefighter tackled the teen suspect after the shooting Wednesday afternoon. A teacher and one student were treated and released from an Anderson hospital. A second child was in critical condition at a hospital in Greenville.

Investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting.

Authorities believe the teen shot and killed his father before going to the school. Officials said the teen had called his grandparents just before going to the school. The grandparents went to the house and found the boy's father dead.

___

2:50 a.m.

Authorities say a volunteer firefighter stopped a teenager who shot two students and a teacher outside a South Carolina elementary school after killing his father at home.

Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper says the shooter wounded the students and the teacher Wednesday afternoon outside rural Townville Elementary but was apprehended before he could get inside the building.

Skipper says firefighter Jamie Brock "just took him down." Brock is a 30-year veteran of the Townville Volunteer Fire Department just down the road from the school and arrived before other officers responding to a 911 call from the school.

Deputies arrived minutes later.

Authorities say they don't yet know a motive for the shooting and they weren't sure if the students and teacher were targeted.
When Kaitlyn Hendricks chose to do student teaching in Ireland, she immersed herself in local culture unaware it would prove to be a turning point that would propel her into craft brewing and a state-level leadership role.

"If you want to experience Irish culture, go to the local pub and order a pint. The pint is usually a fresh beer from a local brewery," Hendricks, 27, said.

"People start pulling out instruments, making music and, generally, the other patrons in the pub start singing along. That's when I really felt the heart of how beer brings people together."

Today, Hendricks is the sensory analyst at 3 Floyds Brewing Co., Munster; that is, she daily tastes the beers for quality control purposes.

At least, that is her job description.

Beyond that, the always-enthusiastic Hendricks is busy coordinating, compiling and beating the drum on behalf of fresh beer and its brewers.

"My motto is, even if it's not your job title, if you have an idea, run with it. Get things done you see need to get done," Hendricks said.

She said there are so many tasks in the craft beer business separate from the product. "You need a lot of personalities in a brewery. Everyone is so busy," she said.

Heather Becerra of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, said Hendricks, a Leroy native, has enthusiastically dived into working with the community of 21 Northwest Indiana breweries and the SSCVA.

"Once she got on the committee, things started happening," she said of Hendricks.

Hendricks said, "You want to create a network, a brewing family." She said 3 Floyds has been around for two decades, but many Northwest Indiana microbreweries are newer. All can benefit from collaboration, she said.

When the group decided to develop an app, it was Hendricks who "stayed on top of it," Becerra said, with great results and 3,200 downloads to date.

Tristan Schmid, of the Brewers of Indiana Guild, said, "Kaitlyn has been dedicated to moving Indiana craft beer forward since I first met her. She helped lead ... in initiatives such as the South Shore Brewery Trail app, a platform which the Brewers of Indiana Guild adopted for statewide promotion of Indiana beer soon after."

Hendricks said the group sponsored the 100th poster of the South Shore Poster series, a project of which she's proud, and the 21 member breweries are collectively developing a special beer.

"She's also well versed in marketing and helped establish 3 Floyds' role as the host brewery in the first-ever collaborative IN Beer Brigade beer," Schmid said. It will be available through the Guild's new enthusiast program.

Hendricks has the distinction of being the first female member of the board of directors of the Brewers of Indiana Guild, Schmid said.

That's a role she happily accepts, but Hendricks, who has a degree in elementary education from Indiana University, admits she is most pleased to be returning to education  teaching and promoting sensory analysis in the industry.

"There's nothing to replace the human palate," Hendricks said. Her work days begin with no coffee or food so as to enter the 3 Floyds lab with a clear palate. She works with a taste panel as well.

Eschewing the notion of any special gift for beer tasting, Hendricks said sensory analysis for the purpose of quality control is all about training.

Hendricks wants to bring those standards to others across the state. She said she and colleagues are working to get universities to adopt curricula on fermentation science. She recently was invited to guest lecture a beverage management class at Purdue University, West Lafayette.
A South Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau award ceremony for front-line hospitality industry workers Wednesday night featured a shout-out to Radisson at Star Plaza employees who attended their last one as Radisson employees.

The SSCVA and its leader Speros Batistatos recognized 15 longtime employees from the hotel for their years of service, which will end in January when the hotel is closed and then demolished to make way for a new hotel under another brand name.

It will be a sad day when it closes, said Radisson banquet supervisor Mary Angotti. shortly before the festivities kicked off. Its like were losing a family. But people that are close will stay close.

Angotti and the other Radisson employees were guests of honor at the 10th annual Recognition of Service Excellence, or ROSE, awards and Recognition of Industry Success and Excellence, or RISE, awards being held at the hotel this year, just as they were 10 years ago when the awards were initiated.

The winners were chosen from among 40 finalists, who were all guests at the dinner and for an earlier spa treatment at State of Mind Salon & Day Spa, in Crown Point. A dozen of the finalists were selected for the ROSE award and three for the RISE award.

The ROSE awards were created to honor front-line employees throughout Northwest Indiana who go above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis, according to Batistatos. The RISE awards recognize managers and past ROSE winners.

In the afternoon at the State of Mind Salon and Day Spa, a number of the ROSE and RISE finalists talked about their surprise last week when notified by people bearing roses at their workplaces.

Alice Medstad, who works at the Ross Township Historical Society and Natalie Garza, of Bellaboos, were two nominees relaxing on the spas comfortable sofa awaiting their turn in the salon chairs.

Medstad recalled the moment shed learned she was chosen: I was quite surprised. And shocked. I said, who, me? Medstad said the key to good customer service is simple: Do what you say youll do, and do it on time.

Garza said she was so shocked at being chosen, I cried. The selection was such an honor for her, she said. I love my job, I love what I do, but still the fact that she was honored for doing that job well is a great feeling. The key to doing her job well is being patient and (offering) sunshine every day, she said.

Radisson events manager Nicole Angotti, a RISE winner, said part of her job is caring about her customers, which is easy when you enjoy what you do for a living and I enjoy what I do.

She and her fellow employees are getting help from Radisson management on finding new jobs, she said. The fact owner White Lodging will be building a new hotel on the site also is a making people feel some good will come out of it all.

We are just staying positive, she said. Everything happens for a reason.
HAMMOND  The Marriage and Family Therapy masters degree program at Purdue University Northwest is a hidden gem in the Region, attracting students from across the nation.

It takes three years to earn the degree, and it only accepts nine students each year. It has a total of 28 students at the first-, second- and third-year.

Alexandra Kutsor, 23, came from Orange County, California, more than a year ago to enroll in the program.

I wanted to challenge myself, said the second-year student who now is a Chicago resident.

I wanted to move away from home and get out of the bubble. I earned my undergraduate degree in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University in California, she said.

I am getting everything I expected and more. The clinical part is the best, and its what I want to do with my career. I love being able to see clients and talk to them and be involved in that change process. Eventually, I want to have my own private practice.

Second-year student Elisa McAfee, 23, of Munster, and originally from Iowa, said she attended a national conference recently with professors and other students, and was surprised at the number of people who were aware of Purdues program at the Hammond campus.

I received a lot of respect and recognition when I said I was attending the masters program at Purdue Northwest, she said.

The specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy at Purdue University Northwest is accredited by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Purdues masters program stresses a three-pronged approach to marriage and family therapy training that highlights theory, research and practice. Clinical training consists of one continuous year of practicum experience and a one-year internship.

Students are expected to accrue 500 hours of face-to-face contact with couples, families and individuals. Students receive a minimum of three hours of clinical supervision per week comprised of videotape and audiotape review, case discussion and live observation in the on-site Couple and Family Center.

Megan Murphy, the director of the Purdue Northwest Marriage and Family Therapy program and an associate professor, said the student therapists take a systematic approach to therapy looking at the relationship that a client has to family members, colleagues, siblings and friends.

We also consider larger socio-cultural factors that impact peoples lives, she said. Some people talk about the election and how it impacts them emotionally. We always look at things in the context of how people relate to each other.

Professor Lorna Hecker, the Couple and Family Therapy Center director, said the program is 28 years old. The center sees about 200 people per year, mostly from the surrounding community. It offers services on a sliding fee scale.

The therapists are the masters degree students. They provide the services, and the supervisors provide feedback. We go over their treatment of clients and make sure there is a good standard of care. People hear about our services through word of mouth, Google, fliers and Facebook, she said.

Hecker said all of the faculty are well known in the field, and have published more than 20 books among them. The students and faculty also have won numerous state and national awards.

McAfee said the masters program is rigorous. We wear a lot of hats as students. We take a full course load. Were in the clinic seeing clients. We also have assistantships. I work two of them for the extra financial support. Its a prestigious program, she said.

All the graduate students hope to work for an agency to complete their licensure after graduation before going on to a doctorate or opening up a private practice.

Brogan Crosby, 24, of Munster, and formerly of Kendallville, Indiana, said she currently sees families and individuals in her work at PNW, and hopes to be in private practice or a shared practice with others.
When most people hear how bad things are, they usually respond with either disbelief or that age-old question, Why?
Writer and Times of Northwest Indiana correspondent Jane Ammeson will sign her books at a downtown Highland bookstore Friday.

The East Chicago native will appear between 4 and 7 p.m. Friday at Miles Books, 2819 Jewett Ave. in Highland.

Ammeson, who's also written books about Miller Beach and Brown County, will sign copies of "East Chicago" and "A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana". "East Chicago" is part of Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series and showcases historic black-and-white photos of the city.

"A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana" is a true crime book that tells the Roaring Twenties story of how bootlegger Harry Diamond seduced, wed and murdered the wealthy window Nettie Herskovitz. Reviewers on Amazon describe it as a "compelling, fascinating read," "a well researched and edited book" and "an absolutely fascinating true crime story that is brought alive by excerpts from newspapers and photos of the day."

Anyone who can't make it but still would like a signed copy can call 219.838.8700 to reserve one.
A monumental musical event is planned Friday in the Region.

"Celebrate 75!,"a 75th anniversary concert and gala, will be performed by Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra's big event marks seven decades of the organization bringing stellar musical compositions and quality performances to the Region. The show is also the opening of the symphony's new season.

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra had its beginnings in Gary. The first concert performed by the orchestra was on Dec. 7, 1941, coinciding with the dawn of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Kirk Muspratt, music director and conductor for the symphony said he wants to make this performance a special one.

"I want to have a party atmosphere. It's a birthday party so it should have a party atmosphere," said Muspratt, about the monumental 75th anniversary.

"I want people to come and say we had a great time together," he said.

What Muspratt and the orchestra have planned for the grand evening is an impressive look back through the decades the orchestra has been in existence and entertaining NWI audiences.

"We'll be looking at the music of the 1940s, '50s, '60s (and more), " Muspratt said, as they roll through "the music and culture that we encountered."

In addition to the orchestra with its more than 70 professional members, also on the roster will be guest vocalists Richard Ollarsaba and Justin Ruff. The Symphony Chorus will also perform.

The maestro said he and the symphony will present a mix of interesting compositions including classical, rock, pop, Americana and more. Video clips, narrated segments from Muspratt, photos and other surprises are in store for audience members.

Besides the concert, event attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a gala dinner and program. Tickets for the gala event are sold out as of press time.

Among highlights of the show will be a performance of "Live and Let Die," composed by Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley's "In the Ghetto," and music from Gary native and King of Pop Michael Jackson. In the mix will also be a tune from "Carmina Burana."

Guest vocalist Ruff is also scheduled to perform "When A Man Loves A Woman." Other musical inclusions will be compositions by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Danny Elfman, John Williams, Eric Clapton and more.

Muspratt said he finds it a rewarding but also a "huge responsibility" to be at the helm of the stellar orchestra at this time in its history.

"I want to do what I can to (continue) to see it flourish," he said.

FYI: "Celebrate 75!" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday at Star Plaza Theatre, Interstate 65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville. Tickets for the concert are $29 to $69 each. Tickets for the gala are sold out. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Symphony's music and education programs. For more information, call (219) 836-0525 or visit NISOrchestra.org.
Bruce Springsteen's life is now officially an open book.

The autobiography "Born to Run" takes readers on a riveting ride through the everyman rock star's deeply lived existence.

Springsteen, who scrawled his story in longhand over seven years, begins with an exquisitely detailed child's-eye view of his 1950s working-class neighborhood. He weaves an American Land tapestry populated with his colorful Irish-Italian family. Then come the musical musings:

 Young Bruce, "on fire" after seeing Elvis on TV, quickly chafed at "stupendously boring" music lessons. "I still can't read music to this day."

 Once, in his early band, the Castiles , "we were being spit on, literally, way before it was a punk badge of honor."

 Mature Bruce worked to capitalize on his strengths while compensating for imperfect vocal tone.

 Among the bucket moments: realizing a "teenage daydream" while playing with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

Springsteen's California phase yielded picture-perfect landscape descriptions, though readers will spend more time hanging out in  no surprise  a different state.

Gauzy, dreamlike photos inside the covers depict a vanished era in Asbury Park, New Jersey, the hugely symbolic seaside city of Springsteen's formative musical years. In one, a Ferris wheel stands proud behind the historic Palace Amusements building.

Readers may need to buckle up for parts of this 508-page spin. He contemplates some deeply personal topics as a way of providing context for his art.

Springsteen, 67  who had an integrated band back when that wasn't always popular  reveals what he wishes he'd said after the beloved Big Man was subjected to a sickening racial slur. He also shares the heart-wrenching hospital scene when Clarence Clemons drew his last breath.

Then he candidly discusses his own harrowing health battles.

After scary surgery, he defied doctors' orders and crowd-surfed in Australia.

Quitting his longtime antidepressants prompted crying jags: "'Bambi' tears. ... 'Old Yeller' tears. 'Fried Green Tomatoes' tears ... 'I can't find my keys'" tears. He broke down at the beach and was comforted by "a kindly elderly woman walking her dog."

"It would've been funny, except it wasn't."

His wife and new medication pulled him out of the mental abyss that his father had also known all too well.

The salted wounds are soothed with sweetness: snapshots of his Growin' Up family, and the one he created with the musician Patti Scialfa .

With Scialfa's guidance, he learned to reconnect amid the musician's life: padding into the kitchen overnight to get milk for their littlest one, then tucking him in with a story; learning to make pancakes for their brood.

Over time, he realized that "a song will always be there for me."

But "your children," he says, "are here and gone."
CROWN POINT  Lake County Circuit Court Judge George Paras is resigning Oct. 15 after six years on the bench.

Paras, 68, who lost his re-election bid last spring to Highland attorney Marissa McDermott, said Thursday he is leaving office 40 days before his term expires to attend to personal matters he didnt wish to disclose. I need the full time to do it. I dont want it to interfere with my job, Paras said early Thursday.

I want to thank the people of Lake County for allowing me to serve them. I have been very proud to do so. Its been an honor I will cherish the rest of my life. Id like to wish my successor all the best.

The Indiana Supreme Court Wednesday published an order naming Senior Judge Thomas W. Webber Sr. to preside over the Circuit Court until voters fill the vacancy in the Nov. 8 general election with either McDermott, the Democratic candidate, or Douglas M. Grimes, of Gary, the Republican.

The winner is set to take office Jan. 1, 2017.

Webber temporarily filled vacancies in the Lake Juvenile Court in 2013 and Lake Superior Court Civil Division in 2014.

The race for circuit court dominated the political landscape last spring.

Factions of the Democratic party had to choose between Paras, who had the support of Sheriff John Buncich, the countys party chairman, or McDermott, the wife of Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. The mayor said it was a struggle between the partys younger and older wings.

Paras received his law degree from Valparaiso University in 1980 and was in private practice for 30 years.

He served as a Gary City Court referee, a circuit courts probate commissioner and became Merrillvilles first town judge in 1995, where he remained until his election to circuit court judge in 2010.

The circuit court, which presides over thousands of civil disputes ranging from constitutional matters and elections, to domestic law, is the only countywide judicial office that remains in partisan politics, separate from the Lake Superior Court, where merit selection of judges reigns.
EAST CHICAGO  A Calumet City man was charged Monday with several counts alleging he elbowed Patrolman Timothy Leimbach in the face during a strip search in the city jail, court records show.

Shermaine L. Sargent, 29, was arrested Friday on a warrant for a robbery that occurred Sept. 12 outside a McDonalds in the 4700 block of Indianapolis Boulevard in East Chicago, according to Lake Criminal Court records.

Sargent is accused of taking a mans wallet from his pants Police identified Sargent as a suspect after he dropped an ID while fleeing, court records said.

As police booked Sargent into the East Chicago City Jail on Friday, Officer Gerardo Garza found small plastic bags on him, a probable cause affidavit said. Such bags are commonly associated with drugs, so Garza decided to strip search Sargent.

Garza took Sargent to a shower room in the jail and instructed him to remove his clothing. Leimbach heard Sargent getting loud and defensive and refusing to remove his underwear, the affidavit said.

Leimbach, now in the shower area, asked Garza to handcuff Sargent with his hands behind his back. Sargent was handcuffed, and both officers attempted to remove his underwear, the affidavit said.

Sargent attempted to pull away, and the officers held him up against a wall with his face to the wall and again attempted to remove his underwear, court records said.

Sargent turned, lifted his right arm and used his elbow to strike Leimbach in the face before officers tackled him, according to the affidavit.

Leimbach also received an elbow to his right rib area during the struggle. He went to St. Catherine Hospital for bruising and pain to his face and rib area.

Sargent is facing felony counts of robbery, felony battery resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer, battery against a public safety official and resisting law enforcement.

Sargents public defender, attorney Adam Tavitas, said Sargent remained in custody Wednesday.

This is the second time this year that Leimbach has been at the center of a resisting law enforcement case.

Leimbach accused Kierra Hollingsworth, of East Chicago, in a court filing in May of punching him in the face just before he took her down and held her on the ground . Court records said the incident began when Leimbach told Hollingsworth he planned to write her tickets and have her car towed following a multiple-vehicle crash. A video of the incident surfaced shortly afterward.

Hollingsworths attorney has said she denies punching Leimbach. She was charged with felony battery and misdemeanor counts of resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct. Her next court date is scheduled for Feb. 3.
MICHIGAN CITY  The murder of a used car lot owner was about as cold blooded as it gets, and a sentence to try and keep the convicted killer from never getting out of prison will be sought, according to LaPorte County Prosecutor John Espar.

Drops of blood from the victim were found on the shoes and pants belonging to the defendant, Espar said.

David Morris, 45, is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 27.

A jury in LaPorte Superior Court 1 found him guilty Wednesday of murder, robbery, burglary and theft in connection with the April stabbing death of Hufracio Arteaga.

Arteaga, 65, quickly bled to death after his carotid artery was severed when he was stabbed nine times in the neck inside Easy Drive Auto Sales, 117 W. 11th St., Michigan City.

His body was discovered four days later by the the car lots co-owner.

Espar said Morris ran errands and did other odd jobs at the car lot for a couple of years.

Within a few hours after the killing, Morris was captured on surveillance video using the victims credit card for a fast food order and doing it in a very cavalier, almost giddy manner. He displayed a level of detachment that would disturb even the most experienced homicide investigator, said Espar.

Other purchases were made by Morris and other individuals he had given the card to.

Espar said Morris also stole two cars from the lot and was captured by surveillance video going in and out of the business on several occasions before the body was found.

A murder weapon very similar to a steak knife was found under the hood of one of the vehicles Morris stole from the lot, authorities said, and pictures from inside the office, taken during the time frame the murder occurred, were recovered from the defendants cell phone.

The defense claimed there was a lack of physical evidence to prove the case against Morris.

There was so much circumstantial evidence, no one piece that would have, perhaps, been enough to prove the case in its entirety. But it was a wealth of circumstantial evidence that made this case a very strong case, said Espar.

Morris could receive well over 100 years in prison, but exactly how much he could face varies because of some legal factors that will be decided prior to sentencing.

I can assure you the state will be seeking a term of imprisonment that I suspect will keep the citizens of LaPorte County safe from the likes of David Morris for the rest of his natural life, said Espar.
MERRILLVILLE  A recent survey of Northwest Indiana public employees found complaints of bullying, sexual harassment and drinking in the public workplace.

The Shared Ethics Advisory Commission quizzed nearly 1,500 local government employees in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties last year about the impact of ethics training the commission offers them to recognize and report unethical public behavior.

Calvin Bellamy, commission president, said Thursday some of those taking the survey volunteered comments about unethical behavior they believe they have observed, some of which could be illegal.

Bellamy stated that more than one third of the employees expressed concern that public resources are being misused, as well as citing favoritism and other conflicts of interest.

Three complained of ghost employment  individuals drawing a public salary, but not showing up for work.

Several complained of double dipping and nepotism, including elected officials and department heads hiring family members, and individuals or families holding more than one payroll spot.

One reported apparent bribery, and four complained about improper gifts and gratuities.

There were 19 complaints of bullying and harassment by supervisors and co-workers and in one case by unidentified council members. Some felt disrespected, and one reported racial discrimination.

Six complained about lax supervision of unproductive workers. Five mentioned problems with hiring practices, enforcement of work and the processing of time cards.

Others reported the operation of an old boy network, and complained about office politics. Seven mentioned sexual harassment or misconduct, two reported drinking in the workplace, and three complained of a lack of confidentiality.

One unidentified respondent reported council pressure to misuse public resources by trimming trees not on the public right-of-way and provide lawn sod for friends or family members. One reported an unidentified public department was overstaffed.

Bellamy said the comments were given on the understanding that they would remain anonymous, so they are being shared with everyone without any information to identify who or where the complaints are directed at.

He said there are fewer such complaints than in past surveys and employees who have undergone the commissions training and took the survey show a greater awareness of ethical values member communities have agreed to uphold and a better understanding of what behaviors constitute violations.

Overall, we believe the survey shows growing support for ethics and ethics training in Northwest Indianas public employment sector, he said.

Tom Dabertin, a human resources consultant for Lake County government and other region communities, said the survey shows local employees would need additional training in specific areas of concern.

Some of the people who took the survey need to realize the ethics training is only a whetting of the appetite with general basics about treating property and individual employees with respect. It doesnt give a lot of specific examples, Dabertin said.

I do training for the county and a number of communities on sexual harassment, employees under the influence, diversity in the workplace focusing on different types of discrimination and Americans with Disabilities Act, which is about respecting individuals for themselves.

Sexual harassment training is more detailed in focusing on the how and why sexual harassment is illegal and unwanted, he said.

The Shared Ethics Advisory Commission has been providing ethics training since 2005.

Its members now include Lake, Porter, and LaPorte county government employees and municipal employees for: Crown Point, East Chicago, Gary, Hobart, Lake Station, Valparaiso, and Whiting, Towns: Burns Harbor, Cedar Lake, Chesterton, Dyer, Hebron, Highland, Lowell, Merrillville, Munster, Ogden Dunes, Schererville and Westville.
EAST CHICAGO  Indianas education leader Glenda Ritz said East Chicago school officials have done a remarkable job in a short time period transforming the West Side Middle School building into the new Carrie Gosch Elementary School.

Carrie Gosch Elementary School was closed a week before school was scheduled to start this fall as a result of lead problems in the West Calumet area. School City of East Chicago Superintendent Paige McNulty said it has created havoc with finances and enrollment.

McNulty closed the building, which is sitting on contaminated soil, and transferred those students to the former West Side Middle School building, which has since been renamed Carrie Gosch. The Indiana Department of Education allowed the school district to use the same identification number for the new building.

McNulty wants the state to hold the district harmless regarding enrollment, which will require legislative action. That means she would like the district to receive state funding as though Carrie Gosch were operating at full enrollment.

On Wednesday, Ritz walked around the building with McNulty, Carrie Gosch Principal Erica Glenn, School Board President Joel Rodriguez, Department of Education outreach coordinator Linda Randolph and several others to peek into classrooms and look at the renovation work to accommodate younger children.

Ritz said the department provided a $3 million loan for the renovation work, and is working with the school district to maximize its use of federal Title 1 funds.

Were talking about language at the legislative level that would hold the district harmless. We have to make sure we are moving forward in that direction, Ritz said.

Im sure that forgiving the loan will be part of the conversation. We are working on legislative fixes to mitigate the situation. Weve talked about outreach support, instructional and special education support, identifying those children who are homeless, assistance with transportation and a myriad of other things.

McNulty said she has talked to numerous local and state leaders regarding the issues affecting the district.

I am getting a wonderful support from the DOE. I need that legislation to come through, she said.

Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, was very much in support of holding us harmless. He talked about a special finance committee meeting and trying to get the language passed through quickly, early next year in January or February.

Glenn said current enrollment is 375, still short more than 200 students.

The enrollment is constantly changing, the schools principal said. Parents come in and withdraw students; sometimes they tell us they have moved. Then we get students enrolling. Its just constantly changing.

Overall, McNulty said the district is still down about 300 students, including those not enrolled at other schools in East Chicago.

Carrie Gosch fifth-grader Shaheed Anderson, 10, said he is still getting used to the new building.

Its kind of different. Im not used to it yet. I started at Carrie Gosch in preschool, he said. I miss the old building.
LANSING  Trustee Patty Eidam will head the Village Voice Party as its candidate for village president in the April election.

I stand with the Village Voice Party and promise you the following: We will listen with curiosity, speak with honesty and act with integrity, Eidam said.

Trustee Mike Manno, Brian Hardy and Jerry Zeldenrust are the partys candidates for the Village Board. Megan Roe is running for clerk.

The Village Voice Party name was carefully chosen to tell all of you that we want each of you to voice your opinions, Eidam said. It is our way of letting you know that you, our neighbors, our employees and all of our residents have a voice and we will listen.

Current Village President Norm Abbotts tenure will end in May. Lansings term limits disallow Abbott from running for re-election.

Eidam won election for trustee in April 2015 and served eight years on the board from 2001 to 2009. She was also village clerk from 2009 until 2013.

Eidam was a Lansing police officer and paramedic from 1979 until 1999. Her speech Tuesday attacked the current village governments handling of the Police Department, including not allowing the officers to speak to media directly. Fabian Newman, village communications director, addresses the press.

With my background, it is extremely difficult for me to watch the recent criticism and lack of support for our law enforcement community on the national, state and Chicagoland level, Eidam said. Thankfully, our village as a whole seems to realize the value of our well-trained and dedicated first responders.

Eidam lost her 2013 re-election bid for the clerks position to Clerk Donna Kooyenga.

She and her husband, Bud, own Lamp Shade House and Antiques in Munster.

The party gears much of its platform toward advocating for police. Manno and Zeldenrust are also retired Lansing cops. Zeldenrust and Eidam were sworn in on the same day in 1979.

As I learned during my years at the Police Department, what may initially appear to be a police issue or a school issue or even a village government issue almost always requires the talent and resources of many parts of the village to come together to help to address it, Zeldenrust said. Our citizens have concerns that need to be heard.

Roe works for Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansing. She previously worked as a 911 dispatcher in Midlothian and for the University of Chicago police.

Hardy twice ran unsuccessfully for a trustees seat, including on the United Party ticket in 1997. Hes on the Planning and Zoning Board and was with the Lansing Chamber of Commerce from 1996 to 1999.

Even though I did not win, I believe you must continue to pursue what you have a passion for, Hardy said.

Hes the owner of Chicagos Finest Ironworks, on Chicago Avenue in Lansing.
CROWN POINT  Chicago resident Clear Huddleston III pleaded guilty Wednesday to the armed robbery of a St. John store in October 2015 before Lake Criminal Court Judge Samuel L. Cappas.

The plea agreement worked out between defense attorney Matthew LaTulip and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Infinity Baulos calls for Huddleston, 26, to serve seven years in the Indiana Department of Correction on the level 3 felony charge.

Cappas set sentencing for Nov. 16. Huddlestons March 13 trial was vacated, and he will remain in Lake County Jail.

Huddleston and co-defendant Robert Sanderson, 24, of Chicago, were arrested on Oct. 12, 2015, outside the store. According to court records, one man walked into the store at 7:30 p.m. and asked a female employee about the new iPhone. Another man armed with a gun then walked into the store and demanded to know where the safe was.

After pointing the gun at the worker and threatening to kill her, the men left with $6,700 worth of electronics ranging from an iPad to a Samsung Galaxy S6 phone, the affidavit said. One of the stores employees ran out and sought help from a police officer.

Sanderson was arrested after he jumped into the bed of a pickup truck. Huddleston was found hiding behind a dumpster, court records indicate. Police recovered some of the electronics and a handgun.

Sanderson, who is free on bond, has a jury trial date of April 10.
Today in The Times and at nwi.com, you'll find commentary offering views from a couple of di
HAMMOND  U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky will be among the community leaders honored Tuesday at the South Shore Leadership Centers fifth annual Leaders as Heroes Event.

The center will honor several Region residents who have been nominated by their peers for the impact they have had on their respective communities. The 2016 South Shore Leadership Awards are given annually to recognize residents of the Region who have made positive strides in the community havent previously been recognized for their efforts.

The award winners will be announced at the event.

Visclosky will be honored with the Crest Award, which is given annually to someone in the Region whose reputation as a leader is second to none.

The contributions of Crest Award winners to the understanding and practice of effective leadership skills are significant and have resulted in extraordinary regional impact, a news release said. They also serve as inspiring role models to those looking to affect positive change in their communities, and they have embraced innovation and creativity and inspired multiple generations to do the same.

Visclosky was chosen to receive the award for the standard he has set for other leaders while representing Indianas 1st District.

The Gary native and Andrean High School alumnus earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University Northwest, his Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School and a Master of Laws in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University Law Center.

He has served as congressman since 1985, representing Lake, Porter, and portions of LaPorte counties. In that time, he has served in leadership roles with the House Appropriations Committee, the subcommittee on defense, the subcommittee on energy and water development and related agencies, and the subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

As vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, Visclosky has led efforts to support steelworkers and steel companies in Northwest Indiana. He also has advocated for economic development initiatives, including regional bus services, Gary/Chicago International Airport projects, the Marquette Plan and expansion of the South Shore Rail Line.

Previous Crest Award winners include Michael Griffin in 2014 and Dan Lowery in 2015.

The center also will introduce its new president and CEO, Harry J. Vande Velde III, at the event.

The Leaders As Heroes event is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority Welcome Center in Hammond. Tickets are $40 per person, or $350 for 10, and can be purchased online by visiting bit.ly/LaH2016 or calling (219) 465-6818, ext. 104.
Early voting begins for November election

CHICAGO  Illinois voters may begin casting their ballots for the Nov. 8 election.

Early, in-person voting starts Thursday in Illinois and runs through Nov. 7.

In many of Illinois' most populous counties, election officials will be operating multiple early voting centers. Some will be open on Saturdays.

In rural areas voters will cast ballots at their county clerk's office.

Voters can find an early voting location by visiting the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Steven Sandvoss is executive director of the state board.

He says early voting has proven to be a popular option in Illinois because of the convenience.

In November 2012, more than 1 million voters cast ballots early. That was about 22 percent of the total ballots cast.

Early voting in Indiana begins Oct. 12 and will continue through Nov. 7.
ELKHART, Ind.  A northern Indiana woman accused of abducting her two young children told police she smothered them with her hands after taking them to a park and a restaurant, a court document filed Wednesday said.

A probable cause affidavit states Amber Pasztor, 29, of Fort Wayne, flagged down an Elkhart police officer about 5:30 p.m. Monday and told him her children were dead in the back seat of the car she was driving.

When another officer asked Pasztor what had happened, Amber replied that she had smothered them, the affidavit said.

Pasztor is being held without bond on two preliminary counts of murder in the deaths of 7-year-old Liliana Hernandez and 6-year-old Rene Pasztor. She didnt have legal custody of the children, who were living with her parents in Fort Wayne. Their abduction led authorities to issue an Amber Alert for them earlier Monday.

Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill Jr. told a news conference Tuesday that he expected to file murder charges against Pasztor this week. An autopsy Tuesday found the children were asphyxiated.

After her arrest, Pasztor told a detective that she kicked in the door of her fathers home and took the children several places, including a restaurant and park, and at some point covered both of their faces and nose with her hands until they both died, the affidavit said.

Pasztor was driving a car belonging to a neighbor, 65-year-old Frank Macomber, who was found shot to death and likely died before the children were abducted, Allen County Prosecutor Karen Richards said Tuesday. No charges have been filed in connection with his death, which, like the childrens, has been ruled a homicide. All three deaths remain under investigation.

Pasztor is being held in the Elkhart County Jail.

The (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette reported that, separately, a probable cause affidavit was filed Monday in Allen County alleging Pasztor violated protective orders Sept. 14 issued on behalf of her surviving son, Juelz Santos Aguirre, 3, and her stepmother, Emily Green.

Her father, Ricky Green, told authorities that Pasztor had threatened through calls and text messages to take the children away.

In filing for the protective orders, which were granted in March 2015, Emily Green alleged that Pasztor had harassed and threatened to harm her and break into her house. In the summer of 2014, Green said, Pasztor repeatedly left Juelz alone all night and would blast the stereo so neighbors couldnt hear him cry.

WANE-TV reported the Whitley County Sheriffs Office confirmed the childrens father, Rene Hernandez, died in 2010. Investigators in the county west of Fort Wayne found Hernandezs body in a wooded area, cut in two. The crime was never solved.
ELKHART, Ind.  A court hearing is scheduled for a northern Indiana woman accused in the deaths of her two young children.

Prosecutors in Elkhart County say the probable cause hearing is expected to be Wednesday for 29-year-old Amber Pasztor of Fort Wayne. Siblings 7-year-old Liliana Hernandez and 6-year-old Rene Pasztor were found asphyxiated Monday afternoon in a car in Elkhart after an Amber Alert was issued saying they were in "extreme danger."

Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill said Amber Pasztor faces two preliminary murder counts. He said formal charges were to be filed later this week.

Pasztor did not have custody of her children. She was being held in the Elkhart County Jail. It wasn't immediately clear whether she had an attorney who could comment on her behalf.
INDIANAPOLIS  A class-action lawsuit is set to go to trial accusing the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles of overcharging license and title fees.

The Wednesday bench trial in Marion County court comes almost three years after the agency settled another class-action lawsuit for $30 million that dealt with driver's licenses. The current lawsuit involves fees for motor vehicle and semitrailer registration and personalized license plates.

The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/2djHKAp ) the Marion Superior Judge John Hanley will hear the case. It is expected to take one day.

Those suing the BMV argue it owes Indiana drivers tens of millions of dollars. The agency argued the number isn't that high and that in some cases it undercharged.

___

Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com
Amid her campaign's concern she's lacking support from young voters, Hillary Clinton turned to two popular surrogates Wednesday. Meanwhile, Donald Trump also turned to a top ally, whose message seemed to differ from the Republican nominee on a key issue. Josh Robin filed the following report.

Bernie Sanders again stumped for his former rival Wednesday.

"I will work with President Clinton," he said.

So did the wife of another former Clinton opponent. In an ad, and in Pennsylvania, Michelle Obama sharply blasted Donald Trump.

"And let me say, hurtful, deceitful questions deliberately designed to undermine his presidency, questions that cannot be blamed on others or swept under the rug by an insincere sentence uttered at a press conference," she said.

In Iowa, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was vouching for his nominee.

In an earlier appearance, Giuliani also softened Trump's previous position on Russia and NATO.

"He'll defend the NATO treaty. It's a solemn obligation of the United States," Giuliani said. "Yes, he's going to push some of the people that aren't paying their fare share to pay more. But that doesn't mean he doesn't understand a solemn obligation."

That's not quite what Trump has said. In July, he told the New York Times that as president, he would base military support of NATO allies on a review of their financial commitments to the organization.

Asked about observing the current treaty, Trump asked, "Have they fulfilled their obligations to us? If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes."

In his own appearances, Trump continued the attacks.

"You see all the days off that Hillary takes?" he said. "And then she can't even make it to her car."

He also made a play for Sanders supporters.

"Bernie Sanders could have gone down in the record books as being a great, great man," Trump said.

If Sanders has regrets, he isn't saying.

"And let's get out and vote and make sure that this is the next president of the United States," Sanders said.

Considering her deficit among the voters who flocked to Sanders, Clinton seems grateful.

"Isn't this one of the strangest elections you've ever seen?" she said.
Investigators have identified the two men who they say took a suitcase concealing a pressure cooker bomb left behind by the suspected Chelsea bomber.

The FBI released photos of the two men last week.

They were seen in security footage removing the bomb from inside the travel bag on a 27th Street sidewalk.

They say the men walked away with the luggage, leaving the device behind.

A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that the men were Egyptian tourists who since returned home.

Investigators notified Egyptian officials they want to question both men, but don't believe they were involved in the attack.

Meanwhile, bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami remains in a New Jersey hospital after being injured in a shootout with police last week.

He's facing federal charges but has yet to appear in court.
The mother of a 6-year old boy and her boyfriend were arraigned Wednesday on charges in connection with the boy's death.

Geraldine Perkins, 26, and 42-year old Rysheim Smith are charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Their bail was set at $50,000 bond.

Officials say Perkins brought her son Zymere to the hospital after finding him unconscious at the family's Harlem apartment.

Investigators say he had multiple bruises on his body and suffered a head injury.

Prosecutors say Perkins told authorities Smith beat the boy with a broomstick, then hung him by his shirt on a bathroom door hook.

She also said Smith had repeatedly beaten Zymere in the past.

"I want to know what happened here. It is unacceptable that this young man was lost," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "And it's not right to pre-judge. There is a very thorough investigation that has already begun."

The medical examiner is looking into the exact cause of death.

Police say once autopsy results are in, the charges are expected to be upgraded to homicide.

The Department of Investigation says it's looking into how the Administration for Children's Services handled the matter.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story included a photo that incorrectly identified Rysheim Smith. The image was not of Mr. Smith and NY1 apologizes for the error.
Police officials confirmed Thursday that a leak in an illegal gas connection caused Tuesday's deadly house explosion in the Bronx, and that the home was being used to grow marijuana illegally. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.

Investigators spent a third full day at the site of Tuesday's explosion in the Bronx, but they have reached some initial conclusions about what happened.

"A home in the Bronx used as a marijuana grow farm that exploded this week after an illegal gas hookup leaked and then sparked, killing a highly decorated fire department chief," said Police Commissioner James O'Neill.

FDNY Battalion Chief Michael Fahy was killed by flying debris from the explosion. The city posthumously promoted him to deputy chief Thursday as fellow firefighters and relatives prepared to attend his wake.

The explosion occurred after firefirghters responded to reports of a strong gas smell coming from the home on West 234th Street in Kingsbridge. The house was already under investigation by police as a possible "grow house" for marijuana.

"So far as for the crime scene, it is active as of right now. We have recovered an enormous amount of material, pipes and meters that will be taken to Maryland under the ATF and examined for tampering," said NYPD Chief of Department Robert Boyce. "Right now, we are not there with any charges as far as manslaughter. "

Two men allegedly associated with the house have been taken into custody. Garibaldi Castillo is charged with felony marijuana possession, meaning he had more than 10 pounds of the drug. And a 34-year-old, Julio Salcedo, is expected to be hit with felony marijuana possession as well.

It's still not clear whether they altered the gas line to assist with growing marijuana, but gas is used to run heaters and other equipment to grow marijuana indoors.

"Dean, there is a structured environment that goes with a grow house that you have to create a high-intensity environment," Boyce said.

Law enforcement sources tell NY1 that tampering with the gas line would enable a grower to avoid suspicion that a lot of gas is being used and avoid paying a high gas bill.

Detectives are still trying to determine what equipment was in the house.
Season 1, Episode 2: The First Day

Last week, the crisis was a bomb that blew up the United States Capitol. This week, its  viral videos.

Episode 2 of Designated Survivor jumps into Tom Kirkmans first full day as the president. Hes already averted one confrontation in the Middle East and tried to calm a fearful nation with his first news conference. But its nearly impossible to control anything when most citizens have access to their own cameras and screens. The episode keeps the action moving while persuasively addressing racial and technological issues that have spurred so much recent conflict.

Indeed, race plays a significant role in the episode. As the speechwriter Seth Wright, played by Kal Penn, makes his way to his second day at the office with his new boss, hes stopped by police. His offense? Walking While Brown. It would be easy to write off the sneering, predatory policemen who stop him as one-dimensional characters if this sort of exchange didnt happen in America every day. (Coincidentally, Wednesday nights episode of Empire featured a similar  if more violent and resonant  confrontation.)

Mr. Penn, for his part, still hasnt quite settled into the show; hes a bitter comic actor working within a solemn network drama formula, and some of his facial expressions suggest hed rather end lines with his own quippy wisecracks than with a platitude. But his presence is still welcome, especially here  his unease is a reminder that these messy racial issues cant just be addressed and then smoothed over.
Season 3, Episode 2: Sin That Amends

The pop, the pulp and the politics of Empire are often so explosive they might be expected to send the show flying in a million different directions. Episodes like this weeks, however, go a long way toward explaining why thats never happened: Quiet scenes involving the three Lyon sons, like the scotch-fueled exchange that appears near the end of the hour, frequently serve as the invisible thread that holds the whole thing together.

In the exchange, equal parts rueful and playful, Hakeem, Jamal and Andre all face serious burdens. Jamal has finally accepted that he has PTSD, and that its preventing him from performing. Andre is mourning the death of his wife, Rhonda, and battling the bipolar disorder he fears he cant successfully treat without her help. Hakeem has a newborn daughter, but the familys byzantine interpersonal politics and his own reluctance to settle down have stopped him from stepping up as her father.

With Andres smiling but steely encouragement behind them  a far cry from his wild-eyed, hallucinatory antics earlier in the episode, and a better fit for actor Trai Byerss natural Gary Cooper demeanor  the three young men agree to face their demons head-on. Together, they toast to Hakeems daughter, but not before cracking wise about their seemingly never-ending bad-luck streak.

Man, everybody messed up, Hakeem says, attempting to offer big-picture perspective.

Aint nobody messed up as the Lyon brothers, Im sorry, Jamal jokes in response.
MANCHESTER, England  Akram Khans eagerly awaited new Giselle for English National Ballet was a courageous, expensive gamble for the companys director, Tamara Rojo. It was also a creative leap and a risk for Mr. Khan, who had never created a full-length work for a ballet company, and whose distinctive fusion of contemporary dance and Indian kathak did not seem especially suited to a classical ensemble. To add to the high stakes, Mr. Khan decided to commission a score rather than use the ballets traditional music by Adolphe Adam, then parted ways with his composer, Ben Frost, a month before the premiere, replacing him with Vincenzo Lamagna.

After the premiere of Giselle, which opened at the Palace Theater here on Tuesday, everyone must have exhaled with relief. The ballet is a beautiful and intelligent remaking of the beloved 1841 classic, and probably  and improbably  the best work Mr. Khan has created.

It has an imaginative and compelling physicality, an atmospheric set (a huge rotating wall) and costumes by Tim Yip, and painterly lighting by Mark Henderson. Mr. Lamagnas score draws heavily, with acknowledgment, on the Adam music, providing fascinating adaptations of its rhythms and melodies into a percussive, folk-inspired accompaniment and also deploying electronic buzz, hum and voices. And in Alina Cojocaru, who danced the title role at the premiere, Mr. Khan has found an interpreter who so fully inhabits the choreography that it seems to breathe through her body.

An important caveat: This Giselle stumbles in its narrative flow. In the original ballet, a young peasant girl, Giselle, is seduced by an aristocrat, Count Albrecht, who is pretending to be a humble countryman. When Hilarion, a young peasant in love with Giselle, reveals the deception, the shock causes her to go mad and die, joining the ranks of the wilis  the unhappy spirits of young girls who have been jilted and who take their revenge by killing any man who crosses their paths.
The export of nationally important artworks was subject to a state veto before the law was passed. But it was applied sparingly. The law brings the export of any modestly priced work under government discretion, drawing complaints on several grounds.

Judging cultural importance on financial, rather than exclusively curatorial, criteria shows a lack of understanding of what makes a work part of a countrys heritage, art experts say. It also betrays what many see as the real reason behind the law: a desire to allow German museums to buy good merchandise cheap.

Theyre saying they dont want it to leave the country, Mr. Schultz said, but they dont want to pay the price to keep it here.

Representatives of the German Culture Ministry could not be reached for comment, but in a 2015 interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the culture minister, Monika Grutters, played down the criticism and controversy over the law. The current commotion is totally exaggerated and deplorable, she said, adding that Germany had an obligation to maintain an ethos of collecting and preserving cultural property.

If that is an intention of the law, it may backfire, said Friederike Grafin von Bruhl, a partner in Berlin for the law firm K&L Gates who focuses on art issues. German tax rules confer benefits on collectors who lend their works to public institutions, but the raised profile that comes from public exhibition has made some clients reluctant to lend their art, regardless of the breaks, Ms. von Bruhl said. I hear from collectors that they dont want to put works on display because they will become known and be considered part of the national heritage, she said.

The law may seem like an un-European restriction on the free movement of property, but Ms. McAndrew noted that art is singled out in the European Unions founding document. In the Treaty of Rome, one derogation allows member states to put whatever controls they like on something called national treasures, she said. Its the one exception to free trade. Many countries have cultural property laws of varying severity. Italy and Spain call everything a national treasure, Ms. McAndrew said. Britains law is less restrictive. Its most important feature is a market mechanism; if a buyer is found for a work that comes under the law, the government has a year to match the price offered or let it go. The law is somewhere in the middle, Ms. McAndrew said, but she called the law quite an invasion of peoples private property rights. But in Germany, private property confers responsibilities, not just rights, Ms. von Bruhl said. The constitution includes a notion of noblesse oblige: an obligation for those who have  art in this case  to share it with those who do not.
In a market full of crowded trades, few have become as fashionable as the bet that Deutsche Banks stock price will keep on falling.

Hedge funds, large and small, are shorting the stock. Long-term institutional investors are dumping their positions. And Wall Streets secretive but influential community of independent research providers has been proclaiming for months that Germanys largest bank does not have enough cash to survive.

Even Tidjane Thiam, the chief executive of Credit Suisse, which itself has been the target of hedge funds, said at a conference on Wednesday that Europes banks were not really investable.

This echo chamber of doom  fed in recent days by a cycle of reports in Germany that the government might step in, only to be followed by denials by Berlin  brings to mind some of the fears over Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers before those institutions suddenly lost the trust of investors and clients alike in the dark days leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.
OPECs 14 oil producing nations agreed on Wednesday to modestly cut their collective oil output later this year in an effort to bolster sagging prices, according to a cartel official. The decision sent global oil prices soaring by more than 5 percent.

Under the agreement, reached in Algiers, cartel members would decide at the groups next formal meeting, on Nov. 30 in Vienna, on details of trimming production by up to 700,000 barrels a day, from a current level of just over 33 million barrels a day.

But that cut would represent less than 1 percent of total global production from all sources, barely reducing an oil glut that has driven down prices. The agreement at this stage does not set production target levels for each country  potentially giving leeway to Saudi Arabia and other producers that have spare well capacity, energy experts say.

Despite the deals limitations, the news buoyed markets. This is the first time the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has decided to cut production since the last oil price slump during the financial crisis eight years ago. The current price collapse, now two years old, has been more persistent. And it was largely spurred by an OPEC decision in November 2014 not to cut production in response to the global glut.
Ronald P. Stanton, a refugee from Nazi Germany who made a fortune in petrochemicals and then gave or pledged more than $300 million to various charities, most of them in New York, died on Monday at his home in Manhattan. He was 88.

Fred Lowenfels, the general counsel emeritus of Mr. Stantons company, Trammo Inc., confirmed the death.

Mr. Stanton founded Trammo as Transammonia Inc. in 1965. By 2009 it was one of the largest privately owned companies in New York. Trammo markets, trades, distributes and transports ammonia, fertilizers, liquefied petroleum gases, petrochemicals, coal, sulfuric acid and sulfur.

I structured Transammonia so that individual traders create their own businesses, using their own talent and creativity and personal business philosophies, Mr. Stanton wrote in an autobiography in 2010.
Glasses will be raised next month in the Hudson Valley to toast the harvest, a chef and an anniversary. On Oct. 8, the chef Terrance Brennan will prepare a three-course lunch as part of Celebrate Our Love of the Hudson Valley, an event to benefit the FarmOn! Foundation, which supports educational programs and local family farms. The meal will include local cheeses and charcuterie, pumpkin bisque, chicken grilled over wine vines and an array of apple desserts. The wine pairing will feature vintages from Clinton Vineyards, which is hosting the event and celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Mr. Brennans lunch amounts to a kickoff for his restaurant, Roundhouse by Terrance Brennan (in the Roundhouse Hotel in Beacon, N.Y.), which is scheduled to officially open Oct. 20. Mr. Brennan closed Picholine, his Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant, about a year ago and has relocated in the Hudson Valley: Celebrate Our Love of the Hudson Valley, Oct. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m., Clinton Vineyards, 450 Schultzville Road, Clinton Corners, N.Y., $125 from clintonvineyards.com, 845-266-5372.
: a spear with three prongs

_________

The word trident has appeared in 44 New York Times articles in the past year, including on Aug. 22 in Exit the Dragon? Kung Fu, Once Central to Hong Kong Life, Is Waning by Charlotte Yang:

HONG KONG  Bruce Lee was 14 years old, and on the losing end of several street fights with local gang members, when he took up kung fu.

It was 1955, and Hong Kong was bustling with schools teaching a range of kung fu styles, including close-combat techniques and a method using a daunting weapon known as the nine-dragon trident.
This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive more briefings and a guide to the section daily in your inbox.

Climate change has already melted ice caps, increased coastal flooding and worsened droughts. And the damage is getting more severe. The seven hottest years have all occurred since 2005  and 2016 is on pace to be the third straight record-setting year.

Donald Trump, however, has called climate change a hoax concocted by the Chinese to damage American manufacturing.

At Mondays debate, he denied having said so, despite the inconvenient evidence of a tweet showing otherwise. Sam Stein, a Huffington Post writer, had the clever idea of pulling out his phone in the spin room after the debate, locating Trumps old tweet and asking for a response from Trumps allies.
The report continues:

In summary, the immigration surplus stems from the increase in the return to capital that results from the increased supply of labor and the subsequent fall in wages. Natives who own more capital will receive more income from the immigration surplus than natives who own less capital, who can consequently be adversely affected.

While acknowledging these conflicts, the academy comes down decisively on the pro-immigration side of the debate:

Immigration is integral to the nations economic growth. The inflow of labor supply has helped the United States avoid the problems facing other economies that have stagnated as a result of unfavorable demographics, particularly the effects of an aging work force and reduced consumption by older residents. In addition, the infusion of human capital by high-skilled immigrants has boosted the nations capacity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological change.

The academys report provides ammunition to both sides in the contentious debate over whether immigrants raise state and local tax burdens for education, health care and other welfare benefits or whether those costs are more than compensated for through taxes paid by immigrants:

For the 2011-2013 period, the net cost to state and local budgets of first generation adults is, on average, about $1,600 each. In contrast, second and third-plus generation adults create a net positive of about $1,700 and $1,300 each, respectively, to state and local budgets. These estimates imply that the total annual fiscal impact of first generation adults and their dependents, averaged across 2011-13, is a cost of $57.4 billion, while second and third-plus generation adults create a benefit of $30.5 billion and $223.8 billion, respectively.

In its analysis, the liberal group Americas Voice cited the academys statement almost verbatim. The conservative Center for Immigration Studies, on the other hand, interpreted the data to mean that

immigrants do not pay enough in taxes to cover their consumption of public services at the present time.

This ideological schism has shaped the current presidential election as well as ongoing congressional debates. Democrats have become increasingly pro-immigration while Republican voters and many members of Congress generally stand in opposition. It is this split that lies at the core of the contest between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Clinton described the principles underlying her position on immigration in a speech she gave in North Las Vegas last year:

If we claim we are for family, then we have to pull together and resolve the outstanding issues around our broken immigration system. The American people support comprehensive immigration reform not just because its the right thing to do  and it is  but because they know it strengthens families, strengthens our economy, and strengthens our country.

The principles underlying Trumps position are diametrically opposed to those of Clinton. On his website, Trump declares:

When politicians talk about immigration reform they mean: amnesty, cheap labor and open borders. The Schumer-Rubio immigration bill was nothing more than a giveaway to the corporate patrons who run both parties. Real immigration reform puts the needs of working people first  not wealthy globetrotting donors. We are the only country in the world whose immigration system puts the needs of other nations ahead of our own.

Trump supporters, who are 87 percent white, are substantially more hostile to immigrants than the general public. A Pew study in August found that two thirds of Trump loyalists describe immigration as a very big problem. Half of Trump voters believe immigrants are more likely than American citizens to commit serious crimes, a figure that rises to 59 percent among his strongest supporters. In terms of work, 35 percent of Trump voters say immigrants take jobs from Americans, compared with 24 percent of all voters.

A March 2016 Pew poll found that a majority of all voters, 57 percent, said immigrants strengthen the country through hard work, compared with 20 percent of Trump voters. Thirty-five percent of all voters said immigrants burden the country by taking jobs, housing and health care, compared with 69 percent of Trump supporters.

The accompanying chart from the book Polarized America by the political scientists Nolan McCarty, Keith T. Poole and Howard Rosenthal illustrates the linkage between immigration and political polarization. The chart shows that over the period from 1879 to 2013, divisions between House Democrats and Republicans rose when the level of immigration was high and dropped when the level fell.
When the Supreme Court denies a stay, justices who may have disagreed dont usually reveal the courts internal dissension by announcing themselves, as the four dissenters did in this case. Why did they do it? To express their frustration with their project left uncompleted? To underscore the significance of the missing fifth vote? Would it be unseemly to suggest that only Justice Scalias death has preserved democracy in North Carolina?

There, I just did.

Justice Scalias absence is already having an impact on the new term in intriguing ways. Before his death in February, one of his final votes was in favor of hearing an important religion case, Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley. The case, granted on Jan. 15, is a challenge based on the First Amendments religion clauses to the Missouri State Constitutions prohibition on providing direct financial support to churches.

The church that brought the case operates a day care center and seeks inclusion in a state program that makes scrap tires available for playground surfaces. The church argues that its exclusion from the tire program violates the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion and amounts to discrimination against religion, in violation of the First Amendments Establishment Clause. Missouri replies that there is no impairment of the churchs ability to pursue its religious mission, and that the Supreme Court has never found a constitutional requirement for a direct public subsidy to a church.

The state argues that the case is governed by a 2004 Supreme Court decision, Locke v. Davey, which rejected a students claim that he was entitled as a matter of free exercise to use a state scholarship to pursue a theology degree. Writing for the court, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist said that the state has merely chosen not to fund a distinct category of instruction. Not every state action that might be permitted under the Establishment Clause was required under the Free Exercise Clause, he wrote, adding that it was important to maintain play in the joints between the two religion clauses.

Justice Scalia dissented. What next? he asked. Will we deny priests and nuns their prescription-drug benefits on the ground that taxpayers freedom of conscience forbids medicating the clergy at public expense?

The issue in the Trinity Lutheran case is one of deep constitutional structure and current political salience. (As an aside, Justice Scalias dissenting opinion in the 2004 case now reads as an eerie flip of todays controversy, where priests and nuns are seeking to deny contraception benefits to others, based on their own conscience claims.) Three dozen friend-of-the-court briefs attest to its importance. Its safe to say that when the church, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a group that litigates many religious right causes before the courts, filed its Supreme Court appeal last November, it had reason to expect it was on a path to victory.
Donald Trump displayed an excellent version of the stern squint in the presidential debate. Many of us men are familiar with this expression, because we practice it at age 13 in the hope that it will impress girls. It doesnt, and we grow out of it  most of us, anyway.

Hillary Clinton wears a patient smile, the expression of every woman who has calmly suppressed irritation while being harangued by a boor on topics he knows nothing about. Sadly, women never have the opportunity to retire this expression because it is constantly needed, or so my wife tells me.

What is thrilling is that Trumps boorishness may be catching up to him.

Trump has advocated policies that are confused or senseless  deporting 11 million undocumented immigrants en masse, banning Muslims from entering the country, undermining NATO, slashing taxes on billionaires while raising them on single parents, capitulating to Russia on Crimea  yet these dont get him into deep political trouble. Instead, his vulnerability seems to be something more elemental: Hes a jerk.
No one with an open mind and sound reason who witnessed the sniffing, sipping, scowling, raging, interrupting display of petulance and agitation that was Donald Trumps debate performance on Monday could possibly argue that he won that debate or that he is the kind of person to whom we should entrust the presidency.

It appears that Trump thought it wise to wing it.

Katie Pavlich wrote Monday on the conservative site Townhall, Trump didnt take the conventional road of preparing for the debate and skipped mock debate practice altogether.

Pavlich quoted the senior Trump campaign adviser Sarah Huckabee Sanders as saying:

Donald Trump does what works best for him, and I think that is discussing the issues, studying the issues and frankly being himself. Hes not a poll-tested, scripted robot like Hillary Clinton. Thats a great contrast to have and one I think we are certainly excited to see tonight.

Well, the robot won. And she did so because she had the discipline and forethought to properly prepare.
President Vladimir Putin is fast turning Russia into an outlaw nation. As one of five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, his country shares a special responsibility to uphold international law. Yet, his behavior in Ukraine and Syria violates not only the rules intended to promote peace instead of conflict, but also common human decency.

This bitter truth was driven home twice on Wednesday. An investigative team led by the Netherlands concluded that the surface-to-air missile system that shot down a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine in July 2014, killing 298 on board, was sent from Russia to Russian-backed separatists and returned to Russia the same night. Meanwhile, in Syria, Russian and Syrian warplanes knocked out two hospitals in the rebel-held sector of Aleppo as part of an assault that threatens the lives of 250,000 more people in a war that has already claimed some 500,000 Syrian lives.

Russia has tried hard to pin the blame for the airline crash on Ukraine. But the new report, produced by prosecutors from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and Ukraine, confirms earlier findings. It uses strict standards of evidence and meticulously documents not only the deployment of the Russian missile system that caused the disaster but also Moscows continuing cover-up.
FRONT PAGE

Because of an editing error, an obituary in some editions on Wednesday about Shimon Peres, the former prime minister and president of Israel, misstated the year that a Franco-Israeli alliance led to Israels capture of Sinai. It was 1956, not 1967.



Because of an editing error, an article on Aug. 29 about the Kremlins reliance on disinformation to sow doubt, fear and discord in Europe and the United States referred incorrectly to coverage of the Democratic National Convention by a Russian television outfit, RT. It devoted little time to the speeches, focusing instead on scattered demonstrations, on the day President Obama spoke  not throughout the entire convention.



The Isle of Mull Journal on Aug. 31, about Duart Castle, a 600-year-old monument on an island off the western coast of Scotland that is in constant need of repair, misspelled part of the title of the Scottish lord who owns it. He is Sir Lachlan Hector Charles Maclean of Duart and Morvern (not Morven).

INTERNATIONAL

Because of an editing error, an article on Aug. 29 about a crackdown by Israels culture ministry on immodest dress at government-sponsored musical events misidentified the strain of Judaism that is holding more influence in the current Israeli government. It is Orthodox Judaism, not Conservative Judaism.
This is my reality, declares his Instagram biography. And, unreal as the whole Kardashian circus may seem to outside eyes, it is real for Rousteing. When we met, he already had three camera crews buzzing around him: one for Kardashian, one for a French television documentary and the third for the house of Balmain. He seemed blase about the whole thing.

At just 30, Rousteing is difficult to distinguish from his models: sharp of cheekbone, pouty of lip. Even in the immediate run-up to his show  the most stressful period of a designers calendar  he seemed calm and collected. Im pretty much a control freak with my world, so I dont want to be too late, he said, in heavily accented English (Rousteing is French through and through, having grown up in Bordeaux and studied in Paris). So we make sure that we are not late when we work. Whatever my collection is, like mens wear, resort or whatever, Im never late. I dont like to work super late at night, to modify the pieces. Because it looks too last-minute, it doesnt look right. He shrugged. Rousteing was wearing his uniform of filmy tank and skinny black jeans; as he raised his shoulders, a nipple broke free. I really try to be in advance, and I got to keep my healthy life going. Rousteing goes to bed each night at around 11 p.m.; hes up, in the gym, at 8.

The model Grace Bol, who bears more than a passing resemblance to Grace Jones, prowled the room in a column dress of chain mail, in vibrant Miami Sound Machine shades of purple, emerald green and gold. Theres a lot of chain mail in the collection, Rousteing said, which is not easy, because chain mail is nothing more about naturally or stitching, its about mounting. It takes hours and hours. When you stitch with a machine, it goes faster. With a chain mail, its all about connecting.

Rousteing is interested in connecting  connecting his clothes to the eagerly observed universe of the hyper-famous, which has catapulted Balmain to worldwide fame. Under his predecessor (and former boss) Christophe Decarnin, Balmain kick-started an 80s revival of tight dresses and sharp shoulders, appealing to a cultish cadre of French stylists and industry insiders. Rousteing took Balmain to the masses  literally, in last years collaboration with H&M. This June, a deal was finalized with Mayhoola, an investment vehicle supported by the emir of Qatar that also owns Valentino, to purchase Balmain for around $560 million. (The brands repositioning under Rousteing is thought to have much to do with the companys higher-than-anticipated price.)

Balmain is expensive  the company, and the clothes. Rousteings atelier is sewing together slithers of python, rhinestone-embellished minidresses and gold knitwear. That knit now makes up 30 percent of the collection, Rousteing says, so we see a lot of it on the runway. We see a lot of everything, actually: Rousteings collection is 80 looks, one of the largest on show during Paris fashion week. He isnt a designer who does things by halves.
Scandinavian bling is how the Danish jewelry designer Sophie Bille Brahe jokingly describes her new spring/summer 2017 collection, which will be presented in Paris tonight.

Though she is best known for designing elegant single earrings most notably a crescent-shaped style with a row of white diamonds  this season, for the first time, she will offer them in pairs. One such style, the Kelly Boucle hoops, are cast in gold and capped at each end with either Japanese Akoya pearls or diamonds. Named for the rapper Chris Kelly, one-half of the 90s hip-hop duo Kris Kross, they can be worn back to front  just like the drop-crotch reversible pants he made famous. In true Scandi style, Sophie, who trained as a goldsmith and works exclusively with gold, has kept the bling tastefully light, employing only a minimal amount.

To bring the collection to life, the 36-year-old designer approached her younger brother, Frederik Bille Brahe, chef and owner of the hip restaurants Caf Atelier September and Restaurant Havfruen in Copenhagen. Together, theyve conceived the idea for an intimate, candlelit dinner for 30 people, where food and jewelry will appear side-by-side. Inspired by Sophies opulent new collection, Frederik, who has flown in to Paris for just 48 hours, has sourced ingredients for a decadent yet simple menu. There will be boiled eggs with caviar to start, followed by risotto lavished with gold leaf and shaved black truffle  I bought half a kilo from Italy, he says, his eyes lighting up. Like Sophies designs, each of Fredriks creations centers on one precious ingredient. The whole essence of what I do is high-quality produce, cooked as it should be cooked, he says. There is always one hero product  it might be a beautiful tomato marinated in honey and served with herbs, but the tomato is the centerpiece.
Granted, he has been known upon occasion to cut his destined-to-self-destruct characters some slack, most notably in the Tony-nominated reasons to be pretty (on Broadway in 2009) and last years morning-after rom-com The Way We Get By. But nary a glimmer of mercy is accorded Mrs. Johnson (Ms. Light), a high school English teacher who is clearly going to suffer, suffer, suffer until she dies for a single  albeit very big  mistake.

All the Ways to Say I Love You, whose Hallmark-card title glowers with bitter irony, is a throwback to a favorite form of Mr. LaButes earlier days: the one-act monologue in which an ostensibly sunny soul strips down to dark shadows. Mr. LaBute plied the genre to devastating effect in bash: latter-day plays (1999), the work that made his name in theater, a three-part bill of fare about less than saintly Mormons.

But with Wrecks (2006), his play about a contemporary American businessman (an excellent Ed Harris) visited by a fate from Greek tragedy, came the faint whiff of a magician on autopilot practicing a set list of tricks. That sense is even more evident in All the Ways, which asks in its opening moments, What is the weight of a lie? And because this is a play by Mr. LaBute, who doesnt believe in riddles without punch lines, the question will be answered with exact literal-mindedness.

As a teacher, Mrs. Johnson is in the business of filling in the blanks that follow question marks. Discoursing to us from the perch of her well-worn institutional office (Rachel Hauck did the comfortably uncomfortable set), she tells us that its always important to have an answer, even if it isnt the correct one. If its wrong, she says, then together we will discover that and work it out as a team.

And there we have the template for whats to follow. Mrs. Johnson is to be our Socratic guide in the investigation of Mrs. Johnson, as she answers to an internal inquisition that never, it seems, goes silent. She keeps building up chipper towers of rationalization only to see them crumble.
The change in calls is unusual because the relationship between crime and calls to the police is typically strong. If crime is going up in Milwaukee, calls should also be going up, Mr. Papachristos said.

The advantage of using 911 data is that its somewhat of a hybrid between survey and administrative data. With surveys, the best a researcher can do is ask what a person might do in a given situation; its not clear whether what people say in a survey will match with what theyll actually do in real life. The record of 911 calls, by contrast, is data created by residents in their moment of need.

This is derived from what people are doing  it wont be as biased as crime reports, Mr. Papachristos said. This is the first time that weve seen a result in citizen activity.

Its not as if people are silent when a crime takes place. Quite the opposite: News spreads fast from house to house.

Residents are very willing to tell you about whats happening in their neighborhood, said Adrian Spencer, who at one point lived in a predominately black neighborhood in central Milwaukee across the street from a tavern that had become a magnet for fights, drag races and shootings. But its much more difficult to get them to talk directly to the police. Or come to a hearing.

To Ms. Spencers surprise, she and her mother seemed to be the only ones calling 911 to report crime connected with the tavern. When she asked other people in the neighborhood, some of whom had lived there longer than she had, the usual response was: What were the police going to do?
Margot: I think the public option seems like a weird match with the market structure of the Affordable Care Act. Imagine this scenario: The public option can get every doctor and hospital to accept Medicare prices, and its able to achieve really low administrative costs. In that case, its an insurance plan with a lot of structural advantages over the competition. The existing insurance companies, mostly, are already losing money in this market, and several of them are already leaving or going under. Why would they stick around longer if they cant get many customers, and they cant make money on the ones they keep? In another version, the public option doesnt have any special advantages, and is just another insurance plan in the marketplace. In that case, do you think the government will do a better job of running an insurance company than the insurance industry? Were learning that this is a hard business. I guess, in that case, it would operate as another choice.

Reed: This is where the advocates point to Medicare as an example of the governments ability to run an insurance program, and they also like to point to Medicare Advantage as proof that you can have it both ways  people have a choice of the government-run program or a choice of a private plan.

But it seems to me the real debate is whether the only way to make care affordable is for the government essentially to dictate prices. The hospitals and doctors are none too happy about that prospect.

Margot: Maybe. There is, of course, some sort of utopian health insurance plan that is able to be affordable because it manages care so well and keeps people really healthy without requiring a lot of medical services. But the government Medicare program is not really like that. It gets most of its cost advantages through price controls. Of course, Medicare is changing a lot. The Obama administration has been experimenting with new ways to pay doctors and hospitals, designed to improve quality and squeeze out wasteful care. But, so far, those experiments arent making a big difference to the bottom line. Realistically, I think the best chance for a public option plan to compete with insurers right away is probably just to pay doctors and hospitals less  and maybe spend less on overhead and profits. That could change over time.

Reed: Another idea, floated by Donald Trump  who would do away with the exchanges in any event  is to induce competition by allowing insurers to sell across state lines. But, as youve written, that may not work any better to give people a wider choice of plans at better prices. If Hillary Clinton wins, what do you think the political odds are for adopting something like the public option? Do you think Congress would go along? Would state legislatures?

Margot: Maybe state legislatures in some states, but then were not talking a Medicare-like program. Remember there are states  Vermont, Colorado, California  where there is an active and somewhat mainstream movement to get to a single-payer health care system. This is not exactly that, but it is a way of socializing more of health care, and I could see political support for the idea, especially if things get worse in the marketplaces. Of course, ironically, the most receptive states tend to be the ones with the most stable exchanges. If I were a legislator in California, I might think twice about voting for something with the potential to destabilize a functional market.
In the final minutes of Monday nights debate, Hillary Clinton told the story of a 1996 Miss Universe winner and how Donald J. Trump had called her names because she had gained weight. Donald, she has a name, Mrs. Clinton said.

Now her campaign is making certain that her name, Alicia Machado, is becoming ubiquitous.

With the Clinton campaigns help, Ms. Machado has gone on a publicity blitz since Mrs. Clinton told her story on the debate stage at Hofstra University. This explosion of interest is the combination of a political attack that resonates with two key constituencies for Mrs. Clinton  suburban women and Hispanics  and a made-for-television battle between the Republican nominee for president and a beauty queen.

In 48 hours, Ms. Machado has been written about in more than 150 print news articles, referred to on TV more than 6,023 times and mentioned on Twitter nearly 200,000 times. She appeared on NBCs Today show, ABCs Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Univision and Telemundo.

It was a golden opportunity for the Clinton campaign, said Katie Packer, a Republican strategist who does not support Mr. Trump. Its every womans worst nightmare, but it also speaks beyond just women, to Latinos.
+++SOME SOTS SEPARATED BLACK FRAMES+++ 1. Various of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders walking to stage 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sen. Bernie Sanders, (I) Vermont: I went all over this country during the campaign and I talked to to too many young people and people who were not so young who were paying off student debts of 30, 50, 100,000 dollars and in some cases it was taking them decades to pay off those debts. 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Sen. Bernie Sanders, (I) Vermont: At a time when we have massive levels and wealth inequality, it is absurd, it is disgraceful for Donald Trump and his friends to be talking about 100s of billions of dollars in tax breaks for the top one percent. AP TELEVISION - AP CLIENTS ONLY Durham, New Hampshire - 28 September 2016 4. Wide of Clinton approaching podium POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY Durham, New Hampshire - 28 September 2016 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Hillary Clinton, (D) Presidential Nominee: The next 40 days will determine the next 40 years. So Im going to close my campaign the way I started my public service and my career, fighting for kids and families, thats been the cause of my life and it will be the mission of my presidency. AP TELEVISION - AP CLIENTS ONLY Durham, New Hampshire - 28 September 2016 6. Wide of rally POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY Durham, New Hampshire - 28 September 2016 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Hillary Clinton, (D) Presidential Nominee: As a student I met here in New Hampshire said, going to college should be hard but paying for college shouldnt be so hard that it prevents you from getting your education. Indeed here in New Hampshire, weve got so many young people graduating with debt who arent able to get started in their careers, arent able to do the jobs like I could do because they have to get a job that pays as much as possible to begin paying their debt down. So we should and we will make public colleges tuition free for families earning less than 125,000 dollars a year. 8. Wide of Clinton, Sanders sitting down on stage for talk about education 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Hillary Clinton, (D) Presidential Nominee: I think we made a mistake taking what used to be called vocational education, I call it technical education, taking it out of our high schools. We took it out and that really sent a signal to a lot of our young people that hey, what theyre interested in, what theyre good at, how they learn, is just no longer available to them. Id like to bring technical education into high schools. I would like to do more to connect our high schools to community colleges so that while youre still in high school, you could even go to community colleges, you could get credentials, you can get credit for going to college. 10. Wide of Sanders and Clinton waving
WAUKESHA, Wisc.  While seeking to publicize his success in unscientific online polls after the presidential debate on Monday, Donald J. Trump on Wednesday promoted an unsubstantiated and debunked conspiracy theory about Google suppressing negative news in search results about his opponent.

The Google poll has us leading Hillary Clinton by two points nationwide, and thats despite the fact that Google search engine was suppressing the bad news about Hillary Clinton, Mr. Trump told a crowd here, referring to an Independent Journal Review-Google Consumer Surveys poll. How about that?

The conspiracy theory began with a video from the online outlet SourceFed that went viral this year, and quickly garnered headlines on conservative news sites like Breitbart and Infowars.

The video featured someone selectively testing Googles autocorrect feature, claiming that it was not showing results like Hillary Clinton criminal when Hillary Clinton cr, was typed in, while other search engines, like Bing, returned different results.
UNITED NATIONS  Amnesty International said on Thursday that Sudanese government forces had laid waste to dozens of villages in the restive region of Darfur, bombing them from the air, burning homes, looting livestock and raping women  while preventing United Nations peacekeepers from going there to protect civilians.

In a report published Thursday, Amnesty released satellite images to show what the human rights group called the scorched earth tactics deployed by Sudanese forces this year in the volcanic mountain zone known as Jebel Marra. Those tactics have been deployed in other parts of Darfur since the conflict erupted there in 2003.

The group also said civilians fleeing the attacks testified about what they described as poisonous smoke that could have been chemical weapons. The group said it could not collect soil or blood samples as evidence, because access to Jebel Mara is severely restricted.

Sudans foreign minister, Ibrahim Ghandour, in a meeting with The New York Times editorial board on Tuesday, dismissed the allegations as nonsense.
PHOENIX  Donald! cried a woman in the front row at the Arizona Republican Party headquarters on Monday night. On the large TV screen before her, Donald J. Trump strode out to do battle with Hillary Clinton. Among the 84 million people tuned in to the first presidential debate of the general election, the crowd in Phoenix was primed for a gladiatorial contest.

They played their role with gusto: hissing, guffawing or cackling when Mrs. Clinton spoke; whooping and air-punching for Mr. Trump. Ronald Reagan, the patron saint of modern Republicanism, grinned from a framed portrait in the corner. Pizza was served.

It seemed as good of a place as any to ask a question that has baffled so many observers outside the United States: Why do so many Americans support Mr. Trump?

Readers emailing from abroad are surprised by the campaigns bluster, insults and prevarications. They dont understand how a race for the American presidency can be dominated by arguments over missing emails, birtherism and beauty queens.
MADRID  The leader of Spains main opposition Socialist Party on Wednesday narrowly escaped an attempt by senior members of his own party to oust him, after a string of electoral defeats and amid a lengthy stalemate in Spanish politics.

But the future of the Socialists leader, Pedro Sanchez, still hangs in the balance, after 17 of the current 35 members of the partys executive committee unexpectedly announced on Wednesday that they would resign as a protest against Mr. Sanchez for prolonging the deadlock.

In response to the rebellion, however, Mr. Sanchez indicated that he would go ahead with his plan to hold primary elections in which party members will vote on his leadership, rather than allow only members of the executive committee to decide his fate. Such primary elections, however, have been tentatively scheduled for next month, probably about a week before an Oct. 31 deadline to form a new government and avoid a third election.

The internal revolt against Mr. Sanchez and the battle over the Socialist Party leadership are the first unexpected moves that could shift Spanish politics since inconclusive national elections last December. Whatever the outcome, the turmoil within the Socialist Party is likely to reinforce the position of Mariano Rajoy, the caretaker conservative prime minister, who is now facing a Socialist opponent fighting for his own political survival.
JERUSALEM  They were an international odd couple with seemingly little in common, a 40-something African-American born in Hawaii and an octogenarian Zionist born in a shtetl in Poland. But somehow Barack Obama and Shimon Peres hit it off.

When they met, Mr. Obama was still a junior senator on the rise, and Mr. Peres was in the twilight years of a storied career that spanned the lifetime of his nation. Mr. Obama asked for advice. Mr. Peres urged him to disregard the notion that the future was for the young. Leave the future to me, Mr. Peres said. I have time.

Mr. Peress time ran out on Wednesday as he died at 93, two weeks after a stroke. Mr. Obama finds his own time running short, at least his time in the worlds most powerful office, and he is contemplating a second act, always a specialty of Mr. Peress. In the end, they had more in common than might have been imagined, two Nobel Peace laureates who found peace maddeningly out of reach.

Mr. Obamas response to Mr. Peress death on Wednesday was striking. He issued a statement that was unusually long and personal, and he called Mr. Peress children with condolences even before they had announced their fathers death to the world. Mr. Obama made plans to attend the funeral on Friday, only the second time in nearly eight years in office he has traveled overseas to say farewell to a foreign leader. (The other was Nelson Mandela.)
MADRID  Portugals government has decided to keep a collection of works by the artist Joan Miro, more than two years after the pieces set off a national debate over whether such cultural patrimony could be sold to help improve the countrys finances.

Antonio Costa, Portugals prime minister, said at a news conference this week that the works would stay in the city of Porto. For now the collection will be on display in a museum exhibition that opens there Saturday and will run until late January.

The fate of the Miro collection turned into a national controversy in early 2014 after the government at the time announced the sale of the collection through Christies in London. The government said that it hoped to raise at least $50 million from the sale of more than 80 works as part of a program to divest state assets to help clean Portugals balance sheet and meet the terms of a bailout agreed to with international creditors.

But the auction was canceled amid legal action and fierce protests led by opposition politicians. Museum directors and other culture officials also argued that such a collection formed part of the nations artistic heritage and could not be sold overseas.
Other colorful gouaches Dubuffet painted before the Liberation  of a jazz club, a Paris street scene or cyclists in the countryside  dont rise to the weird standard of his metro paintings, and their simplified, obdurate forms may put you more in mind of a Sunday painter than a man contesting hierarchies of style. To see what Dubuffet was really up to, stick with the black-and-white works on paper, which the artist frequently scratched and abraded. A bare-breasted, shellshocked woman emerges from a field of scruffy black; the painting is called Coiffure Pour Dame, identifying the setting as the worlds most depressing beauty salon. A majestically uncanny scene of four smiling men is done on sandpaper: Dubuffet painted the figures in white, then incised their big eyes and buck teeth with an unknown sharp object.

He also employed sgraffito  scratching through a layer of paint to reveal what lies beneath  for a series of portraits, done just after the war, whose dark humanism rhymes with the existentialist philosophy then in fashion in the cafes of Saint-Germain. The poet Henri Michaux is pictured with pinched lips and jug ears within a torrent of white scratches. Paul Leautaud, a vituperative theater critic, wears a dead-simple crescent frown and has his limbs extended in an X shape, as if crucified while doing jumping jacks. Some of these portraits may remind you of the troubled humanoids of Alberto Giacometti, though other colleagues in Paris were also using rough surfaces and repetitive mark-making to evoke postwar trauma, among them Jean Fautrier (18981964) and the German emigre known as Wols (1913-1951).
ERIC REED QUARTET (Friday through Sunday) Mr. Reed has a precise interface with the piano, and roughly the same inclinations as both an improviser and a bandleader: He favors syncopation and poise, spontaneity and control. Those are qualities well suited to his longtime quartet, with the alto saxophonist Tim Green, the bassist Dezron Douglas and the drummer Billy Drummond. At 7, 9 and 10:30 p.m., Smoke, 2751 Broadway, at 106th Street, 212-864-6662, smokejazz.com. (Chinen)

PHAROAH SANDERS QUARTET (Tuesday through Oct. 8) This spring the tenor saxophonist Pharoah Sanders was recognized as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master. He inhabits that stature with an ecstatic, gruffly spiritual style that coalesced in the 1960s, took full flight in the 70s and still bears relevance on the current scene. At 8:30 and 11 p.m., 315 West 44th Street, Clinton, 212-581-3080, birdlandjazz.com. (Chinen)

 JOHN SCOFIELD: COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (through Sunday) The jazz guitarist John Scofield has a longstanding relationship with country music, though he hasnt ever displayed it as proudly as he does on his new album, Country for Old Men. A personal reinterpretation of classic fare like Mama Tried and Im So Lonesome I Could Cry  the albums title is both a puckish disclaimer and a planted flag  it finds Mr. Scofield smartly jabbering with the keyboardist Larry Goldings, the bass guitarist Steve Swallow and the drummer Bill Stewart, who all rejoin him here. At 8 and 10:30 p.m., Blue Note, 131 West Third Street, Greenwich Village, 212-475-8592, bluenote.net. (Chinen)

 CHES SMITH AT THE STONE (Tuesday through Oct. 2) Mr. Smith, a drummer equally capable of gangly fury or brittle restraint, convenes a handful of his favorite collaborators at the Stone this week. At 8 and 10 p.m., Avenue C and Second Street, thestonenyc.com. (Chinen)

LEW TABACKIN TRIO (Tuesday and Wednesday) As a tenor saxophonist, Lew Tabackin combines gut instincts with a broad command of jazz styles; as a flutist, he favors Eastern timbres and scales. He appears with a pair of guests in this brief run: first the trumpeter Randy Brecker, a longtime collaborator (Tuesday), and then his wife, Toshiko Akiyoshi, a celebrated pianist, composer and bandleader. At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th Street and Broadway, 212-258-9595, jazz.org/dizzys. (Chinen)

 HENRY THREADGILLS ZOOID (through Sunday) Mr. Threadgill recently won a well-deserved Pulitzer Prize for music, on the strength of his assuredly spiky 2015 album, In for a Penny, In for a Pound. Hell be at the Village Vanguard next week with the same band featured on the album: Zooid, a blazingly intuitive chamber-improv unit with Liberty Ellman on guitar, Jose Davila on tuba, Christopher Hoffman on cello and Elliot Kavee on drums. At 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Avenue South, at 11th Street, West Village, 212-255-4037, villagevanguard.com. (Chinen)
A selected guide to concerts in the New York City area.

For full reviews of recent concerts: nytimes.com/music. A searchable guide to these and other shows is at nytimes.com/events.

AGAINST ME! (Monday and Tuesday) Earlier this year, Laura Jane Grace, the guitarist and vocalist who helms the punchy punk band Against Me!, burned her birth certificate onstage in North Carolina, protesting the states HB2 law, which says people must use the bathrooms corresponding with the sex on their birth certificates. Ms. Grace, who is transgender, has been thrust into the spokeswoman spotlight since the bands transformative 2014 album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues. On their latest, Shape Shift With Me, Ms. Grace wrote punkified love songs and charted a wide range of emotions. With Bad Religion and Dave Hause. At 6:30 p.m., Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place, at 15th Street, Manhattan, 212-777-6800, irvingplaza.com. (Paula Mejia)

BOB MOSES (Friday) Robert Moses, the city planner responsible for molding much of New York and its environs, is a towering (albeit polarizing) figure in 20th-century history. And while the Brooklyn duo Bob Moses, composed of the Vancouver high school pals Jimmy Vallance and Tom Howie, drew their name from Moses, they did away with blueprints altogether, shedding traditional house-music standards and rebuilding the foundations. On Days Gone By, their 2015 album, the group places equal importance on electronic production and psychedelic rock guitars. With No Regular Play and Weval. At 9 p.m., Terminal 5, 610 West 56th Street, Clinton, 800-745-3000, terminal5nyc.com. (Mejia)

ALESSIA CARA (Tuesday) The Velvet Underground reflected beauty back to the beholder in their 1967 song Ill Be Your Mirror: I find it hard to believe you dont know the beauty that you are, but if you dont, let me be your eyes, Nico crooned. Beauty standards unfortunately havent changed that much since then, so it still feels radical when major pop artists, like Alessia Cara, reflect beauty back to the individual. On her hit number Scars to Your Beautiful, Cara lashes out against traditional beauty standards, instead offering to let me be your mirror, help you see a little bit clearer the light that shines within. At Radio City Music Hall, shell be bringing others up with her socially conscious songs, encouraging words and lilting pipes. With Ruth B and Nathan Sykes. At 7:30 p.m., 866-858-0008, radiocity.com. (Mejia)
For starters, and assuming that any tax avoidance on his part is legal, we would know exactly what loopholes in the tax code enable someone as wealthy as Mr. Trump claims to be to pay little or no federal tax.

Mr. Trump has attacked loopholes that benefit others, and has called for eliminating the tax treatment of so-called carried interest, which benefits many hedge fund and private equity managers. But has he called for changing any of the provisions that benefit him?

If, as Ive suggested, he and other real estate developers benefit from their ability to deduct paper losses against ordinary income and to defer capital gains taxes indefinitely through so-called like-kind exchanges, he has proposed nothing that would probably increase his own taxes.

At the very least, he has yet to explain why these loopholes for real estate developers should be retained and how they benefit the public.

Its also impossible to evaluate Mr. Trumps broader tax proposals without knowing how they would affect him. Mr. Trump has called for taxing so-called pass through income, such as that generated by limited liability companies and partnerships, at a new low 15 percent rate  far lower than the top 33 percent rate he has proposed for individuals. We know from his financial disclosure statements that most of Mr. Trumps assets are held in the form of L.L.C.s and partnerships. So is this just another self-dealing benefit for Mr. Trump, or is it motivated by the public interest?

Theres no way to tell without seeing his tax returns.

Mr. Trumps returns would also shed light on how aggressive his accounting has been and how close to the line of legality he has been willing to walk. As Steven M. Rosenthal, a tax lawyer and senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, recently put it, Did Trump lower his taxes through legal tax avoidance, or illegal tax evasion?

Mr. Trump has never been charged with any wrongdoing, but theres a large gap between illegal behavior that can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt and what most people would consider appropriate conduct by a candidate for president. What Mr. Trump considers smart might be seen by others as evasive. Candidate Trump should follow the precedent set by every major party presidential candidate  and president  since Nixon and release his tax returns, Mr. Rosenthal said.
LONDON  A former BlackRock fund manager has been charged with insider trading, British authorities said on Thursday.

The British Financial Conduct Authority said the fund manager, Mark Lyttleton, had been charged with three counts of insider dealing, the equivalent of insider trading in Britain. It carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison.

The regulator did not provide much detail about the accusations on Thursday, only saying that the charges were related to trading in equities and a call option, a leveraged bet that an asset will rise, between Oct. 2, 2011, and Dec. 16, 2011.

Mr. Lyttleton, 45, appeared in Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday, but he did not enter a plea or give an indication of how he planned to plea. He oversaw the BlackRock UK Dynamic and BlackRock UK Absolute Alpha funds before he left the firm in March 2013.
Capco, Justice Ramos said, was not going to bring back losses. It was not going to correct the mistakes that were made in the auto warranty business. Why would A.I.G. go through the Capco transaction in the first place, what is the motivation for that?

Mr. Greenberg replied that he believed the folks running the domestic property-casualty business would be stuck with the runoff of the auto warranty business, referring to losses expected to continue for several years. He added, They were arguing they shouldnt be held accountable for the runoff in an intense competitive environment. That was the only reason.

To which Mr. Nachman retorted, If the shareholders are deceived, thats their problem!

The trial, being heard without a jury, is the culmination of years of legal wrangling between Mr. Greenberg and the state, which first filed the case in 2005 under Eliot Spitzer, the former New York attorney general. Mr. Greenberg has fought the charges as he tries to preserve his legacy as the man who built A.I.G. into a global insurance force.

His testimony is set to resume next week, when the state is expected to quiz him about the other disputed transactions in the case, two reinsurance deals with General Reinsurance Corp. that boosted A.I.G.s reserves by $500 million. Mr. Greenberg is on trial with another defendant, Howard I. Smith, a former A.I.G. chief financial officer. Defense lawyers have said their clients intended to comply with accounting rules.

In a half-day of testimony on Thursday, Mr. Greenberg parried Mr. Nachmans questions about the creation of Capco, saying he had not sought any special legal or accounting advice about the structure of the reinsurer, which absorbed the auto losses after it was created in mid-2000 with outside investors.
Michael L. Cohen, who led Och-Ziffs investments in Africa, is referred to in court filings without his name being used. Mr. Cohen left the firm in 2013. He was also an officer in Africa Management Ltd., a joint venture set up by Och-Ziff to secure African resource contracts. Mr. Cohen worked closely at Och-Ziff with a former associate, Vanja Baros, who is also referred to in court filings from prosecutors but is not named.

A representative for Mr. Baros declined to comment on Thursday. Ronald G. White, Mr. Cohens lawyer, said his client had an unblemished reputation built over the course of a career spent creating value for Och-Ziffs investors, adding that he had done nothing wrong.

Mr. Frank also declined to comment.

The settlement focuses attention on one of the biggest and best-known hedge funds and one of the few publicly traded firms in the opaque $3 trillion hedge fund universe.

This has been a deeply disappointing episode, Mr. Och said in an emailed statement, adding: This conduct is inconsistent with our core values and not representative of our hundreds of employees worldwide, who are dedicated to serving our clients with the utmost integrity. We have learned from this experience and taken significant steps to strengthen Och-Ziff.

Between 2007 and 2011, Och-Ziff pushed ahead with deals even though some within the firm raised questions about whom it was dealing with in Africa, according to the government.

The S.E.C., for instance, said in its administrative order that Mr. Och and Mr. Frank were aware of corruption accusations against one partner it was working with in Congo. But the S.E.C. added that neither Mr. Och nor Mr. Frank knew that bribes would be paid.

In another instance, an unidentified employee at Och-Ziff emailed Mr. Och to describe an important meeting with Libyan officials, including one of Qaddafis sons, in Vienna in 2007.
WASHINGTON  He is forfeiting at least $41 million in pay. He vows that his bank will drop its sales incentive program  blamed for prompting bankers to set up illegal and unauthorized bank and credit card accounts to meet their sales goals  by the end of the week, not in January, as he had previously promised.

But at a hearing Thursday before the House Financial Services Committee, nobody was impressed. If anything, the House lawmakers who interrogated John G. Stumpf, the chief executive of Wells Fargo, were even angrier and more hostile than their Senate counterparts who questioned him last week, before either of those steps had been taken.

One by one, Democrats and Republicans alike took turns ripping apart Mr. Stumpf and what took place at the bank he leads. They denounced the actions as theft, a criminal enterprise, identity fraud, an outrage and a devastating blow to the entire banking industry.

But that was not all of Wells Fargos bad news for the day.

Also on Thursday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency fined Wells Fargo $20 million for violating rules on lending to members of the military, including a rate cap on how much interest can be charged to service members on active duty.
Proponents argue that the benefit can have large social consequences.

It seems such a minor, sideline type of measure, but it does strike at the core of whether a job is workable within the context of family life, said Lisa Guide, associate director of the Rockefeller Family Fund, which has financed research and advocacy on this subject. At issue, she said, is whether a person will be able to take care of their kids and also hold down a job at the same time and pay their bills.

Paola Angel was working as a security guard in New York City when its paid sick leave law went into effect. Before the law, she typically had to leave one of her two school-age sons at home when they got sick because she could not afford to forgo a day of pay or to put her job at risk.

I had them take some medicine before I left the house and crossed my fingers that they dont get worse, she said. You feel horrible.

Others have argued that the impact of paid sick leave extends well beyond the direct beneficiaries by limiting the spread of disease. There is evidence, for example, that a substantial number of the private-sector workers who became ill during the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 were infected by co-workers.

Opponents of the new rule say that paid sick leave is often a desirable policy in principle, but that the cost of the mandate will be a hardship for many employers, particularly smaller businesses. Among those who will be affected by the rule are franchisees and concessionaires selling food on federal property.

There are franchise operations in a wide array of locations, said Marc D. Freedman, executive director of labor law policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. If someone isnt providing this benefit, theres a reason. It isnt because theyre bad people, evil employers.

Studies of the economic impact of existing laws sponsored by groups across the ideological spectrum have found that while the costs to employers of paid sick leave mandates tend to be low on average, they tend to be more significant in certain industries, like food services, where paid sick leave is less common and workers typically are younger.
HOUSTON  I was on a highway headed to West Texas the other day. A grocery-store chains eighteen-wheeler sped by and I studied the side of the truck. It was plastered with a juicy close-up of a steak on a grill. The meat was shaped like the state of Texas.

I was still processing this information, dwelling on what it said about Texass love for Texas (and for trucks and steak), when I noticed something staring back at me on my windshield. The state-issued vehicle registration sticker on the windshields bottom corner had a mini-logo in the center: a Texas flag in the shape of Texas. Then I thought about the cashier at that hair salon in Houston: She had a tattoo of the shape of Texas on her hand, with a star marking East Texas, where she is from. And I thought about the Texas-shaped cheeseburgers at the late Arnold Burgers in Amarillo. And the map in that state report from 2013.